Samurai Champloo: Mugen/Jin - Commitment
Title: Journey's End
Author: shayheyred
Fandom: Samurai Champloo
Pairing: Mugen/Jin
Theme: Commitment
Warnings: none
Author's Notes: These two are a joy to write. I hope you've enjoyed their journey.
Sometimes he hears the familiar voice, the guttural Ryukuan consonants harsh in his ear. But when he turns to look, he realizes it's merely his imagination at work…and perhaps his traitorous heart.
Once he is accosted by a band of thieves, hears their rough accents and thinks for a moment Mugen is among them. After the fight, he keeps one alive, asks if he knows a bushy-haired ruffian by that name. The man shrugs painfully and says no; he would have admitted it, Jin knows, to spare himself further agony.
Jin lets him live.
Two years after they part he finds Fuu again, running an inn with a young husband. Mugen, too, has passed this way, she says. She is fat and happy, and blushes as she whispers, embracing Jin, that she is with child, but not her husband's. Jin quirks an eyebrow at her, but says nothing. He wonders if it is Mugen's, but will not ask; perhaps he fears the answer. When he leaves, Fuu forces food on him and wishes him happiness. He does not turn at the crest of the hill, but imagines her still waving.
For a time he accepts a position; it is good and honest work protecting an honorable family. It becomes clear the old man wants Jin to marry his youngest daughter, who, despite a club foot, is comely and rich enough to be a good match, but he does not feel worthy of the honor. Besides, his heart, unfettered by desire for wealth, is nonetheless not free.
Obligation recalls him to the temple to find Shino, but he finds her gone. So much for Shino's steadfastness of character, Jin reflects with mild disappointment. Still, she has freed him of this bond, at least. He cannot deny his relief.
He travels with but one purpose now.
The wind is colder; he has reached the north. In the ruins of a farmhouse, he takes shelter against the wind. On each harsh gust he hears the echo of that voice again, the familiar arrogance --I'm Mugen, I'm the one who'll kill you-- "Oi!"
Damn this taunting wind. In despair Jin pulls his clothing more tightly about him. He touches the scar across his chest, remembering Mugen's oddly gentle touch binding it. Remembering--
"Oi!"
Jin's eyes fly open.
"Shit, it is you!"
No.
"Wake the fuck up, you four-eyed mother--"
Yes. Yes.
Same voice, same smirk, seemingly same rags. Same insolent grin, mere inches away.
"Ain't ya gonna say hello?"
But Jin's never been generous with words, and has none now. Hands and arms clutch, limbs tangle, cloth tears; fingers thread through hair. They topple jarringly, and at last skin meets skin, and warmth blossoms, as body battles body in a familiar race to completion. And after, there are no ghostly words left to imagine, only whispers in his ear, looked for you and missed ya and in return, unvoiced, his solemn vow, Mugen and finally and always.
Author: shayheyred
Fandom: Samurai Champloo
Pairing: Mugen/Jin
Theme: Commitment
Warnings: none
Author's Notes: These two are a joy to write. I hope you've enjoyed their journey.
Sometimes he hears the familiar voice, the guttural Ryukuan consonants harsh in his ear. But when he turns to look, he realizes it's merely his imagination at work…and perhaps his traitorous heart.
Once he is accosted by a band of thieves, hears their rough accents and thinks for a moment Mugen is among them. After the fight, he keeps one alive, asks if he knows a bushy-haired ruffian by that name. The man shrugs painfully and says no; he would have admitted it, Jin knows, to spare himself further agony.
Jin lets him live.
Two years after they part he finds Fuu again, running an inn with a young husband. Mugen, too, has passed this way, she says. She is fat and happy, and blushes as she whispers, embracing Jin, that she is with child, but not her husband's. Jin quirks an eyebrow at her, but says nothing. He wonders if it is Mugen's, but will not ask; perhaps he fears the answer. When he leaves, Fuu forces food on him and wishes him happiness. He does not turn at the crest of the hill, but imagines her still waving.
For a time he accepts a position; it is good and honest work protecting an honorable family. It becomes clear the old man wants Jin to marry his youngest daughter, who, despite a club foot, is comely and rich enough to be a good match, but he does not feel worthy of the honor. Besides, his heart, unfettered by desire for wealth, is nonetheless not free.
Obligation recalls him to the temple to find Shino, but he finds her gone. So much for Shino's steadfastness of character, Jin reflects with mild disappointment. Still, she has freed him of this bond, at least. He cannot deny his relief.
He travels with but one purpose now.
The wind is colder; he has reached the north. In the ruins of a farmhouse, he takes shelter against the wind. On each harsh gust he hears the echo of that voice again, the familiar arrogance --I'm Mugen, I'm the one who'll kill you-- "Oi!"
Damn this taunting wind. In despair Jin pulls his clothing more tightly about him. He touches the scar across his chest, remembering Mugen's oddly gentle touch binding it. Remembering--
"Oi!"
Jin's eyes fly open.
"Shit, it is you!"
No.
"Wake the fuck up, you four-eyed mother--"
Yes. Yes.
Same voice, same smirk, seemingly same rags. Same insolent grin, mere inches away.
"Ain't ya gonna say hello?"
But Jin's never been generous with words, and has none now. Hands and arms clutch, limbs tangle, cloth tears; fingers thread through hair. They topple jarringly, and at last skin meets skin, and warmth blossoms, as body battles body in a familiar race to completion. And after, there are no ghostly words left to imagine, only whispers in his ear, looked for you and missed ya and in return, unvoiced, his solemn vow, Mugen and finally and always.