Operation: Search for a Master [G]

Lifting a weight 1006 times. That was just the beginning. Of course things would only get tougher from here. Kenshin's body would have definitely started groaning loudly if it could. More exercise, more pain and exhaustion. But Kenshin himself? The boy was looking forward to some more training. He had a long way to go before he was satisfied with his swordless combat capabilities.

Fortunately, now would not be the time for more exercises. Now was time to rest! As G tossed a soda to Kenshin, the boy fumbled and almost dropped it, but was thankfully able to prevent it from slipping out of his grasp. "Thank you!" Opening the soda, the boy began to drink. The cold soda felt so freaking refreshing! Now Kenshin was no health nut, but he avoided drinking soda too frequently. Still, there was no problem with the occasional treat, and with how thirsty the boy was, soda was more than fine.

G then asked Kenshin how life was, and if he had seen the other vigilantes. "Eh, life's the same as always. School is boring, but at least my grades are high. Sword practice is as fun as it's always been, whether I'm practicing with my mother or at Shien's Dojo. And I've been trying to get back into playing my bass more often, maybe even start making song covers on uTube. So basically not much happening."

Kenshin paused to take another sip of soda. "Sadly, no. I would like to hang out with Sun and Lightning whenever they're not busy, though. It doesn't even have to be kicking criminal ass, though I have no complaints there. Perhaps it might be fun to do something more casual for a change?"

The boy was a bit surprised by how much he had changed. In the past, Kenshin, while not totally against the idea of working with others, was more of a lone wolf type of vigilante, one who would rather get things done himself instead of relying on comrades or allies. In fact, the only reason he even considered joining the rest of the Storm Knights was to see if the idea of multiple warriors of justice joining forces to fight crime would even work at all, let alone work in any way that could be considered effective. But now, Kenshin was happy to be a part of the group. It felt like a family of sorts.

Suddenly, his phone began to vibrate. Checking it, Kenshin saw that it was just G posting in chat, suggesting that the Storm Knights should all hang out. Kenshin smiled. He was thinking the exact same thing! The boy impulsively began to text back.

RedEdge: I wouldn't mind. I don't really get to hang out much with Lightning or Sun, so it sounds good to me.

He then facepalmed when he realized that G was right there and he could have just spoken to the guy. "Sorry. I was talking more to the others than you, but I just couldn't help it. I was thinking the same thing! It's great that we band together to stop crime and all, but I was thinking that I'd love to get together with you and the others for more than just criminal asskicking. I don't know, I guess I'm getting fond to you all and am hoping we all could become friends? Maybe?"

Where was this coming from? Kenshin mentally laughed at himself for sounding ridiculous in front of G, then sighed aloud. "You know what, forget I said anything. I sound like a naive dumbass right now, don't I? The exhaustion is probably getting to my brain." Kenshin shook his head. Toma had brought the other vigilantes together to make a group to combat the rise of villainy, not to make a social gathering. Their relationship was strictly professional, just business and nothing else. The boy needed to remember that he was here to aid the others, not to make friends with them....

...So why was it that he wanted their friendship that badly? Was he getting that attached to them?

Word count: 680

Notes: Aww, he does care!

Damn it! Kenshin began mentally bashing himself. I messed up again, didn't I? Great, I just had to spout a bunch of sappy crap, and now G probably thinks I'm going soft on him. I can understand if he doesn't want to train me anymore.

Kenshin's thoughts were interrupted by G when he spoke. The boy, expecting either scolding or ridicule for going soft, was instead surprised upon hearing G's words. "Eh?" The confused look became a look of excitement when G said it would be cool for the Storm Knights to hang out.

"Yeah, definitely! We ought to go do something together. Maybe go out and watch something, go grab something good to eat, or maybe just chill at HQ. I could bring my bass and play for you all. Sounds like a fun time!"

Kenshin sighed in relief. What was he doing, getting all concerned for nothing. His mother was right. He took things far too seriously. Far more so than she did, and she was the most serious person Kenshin knew! Even though he was a swordsman and warrior of justice, Kenshin does tend to forget at times that at the end of the day, he's still a kid. And there's nothing wrong with that. It was okay for him to want to have fun and socialize like a normal teen would. Seeing as he was the youngest of the Storm Knights, the teen in a group of young adults, Kenshin always felt like he needed to prove himself to the others, to show that he wasn't a baby, that he was just as serious at getting the job done as the rest of them. He failed to realize that it was unnecessary to do so.

Heh, I really am overly hard on myself, aren't I?

Finishing his soda, Kenshin threw away the empty container, putting it with the rest of the trash. He began to wonder if he rested up long enough, or if his break was not over yet. He really wanted to get back to training, but did not dare ask G aloud so as not to rush the man.

Word count: 356

Notes: It's not like being an adult is that great anyway