Lupin The Third: The Gunslinger's Lament

Chapter 10

The next morning Ruby awoke in bed alone. Her wound was freshly dressed; clearly, Lupin's work. But the pain-numbing effects of whatever alcoholic beverage Lupin had given her last night had long worn off. Ruby tried not to show how much she was struggling during breakfast with Jigen and Goemon, but she was almost certain they noticed.

How could they trust her to perform in this upcoming event, Ruby wondered. She feared letting them down. And worse, she feared they suspected that she would let them down. She had to prove herself capable. Once Lupin returned with proper pain meds, she could begin planning and practicing her routine for the exhibition.

Indeed, no matter how much Ruby wished to hide her poor state from her companions, it was impossible. Jigen and Goemon could both tell just how off she was. In fact, breakfast in general was just off. Even though Jigen made breakfast for the three of them, conversation was practically nonexistent – at least, this was Goemon's observation.

The samurai was more than perfectly fine with silence, but he knew just how unusual it was for Ruby. As for Jigen, he was just as likely to engage in conversation with the girl as Lupin was. But now Jigen seemed, simply put, distracted. This left Goemon concerned for both of his friends.

As breakfast neared its end, Goemon finally spoke. And whatever the reason, perhaps because it had been so silent up till then, or perhaps because it was Goemon who broke the silence; whatever the reason, Ruby gave a little jump when he addressed her, even though his tone was as soft as always.

"Ruby... Is it very bad? Your wound. Does it hurt?"

"O-Oh. Um, well..." She shouldn't lie. Goemon would be able to tell; she just knew it. In this case, honesty seemed the best policy. "Well, yeah. It does. But it's nothing I can't handle, especially once Lupin brings me the pain meds he promised. Then, I'm sure I'll be right as rain."

Ruby gave Goemon a reassuring smile, but her eyes flicked briefly in Jigen's direction, looking at him for truly the first time since yesterday, as he shoveled food into his mouth, looking wistful and distracted. Ruby thought they should all be more worried about Jigen, but she also knew that to voice it would offend Jigen, so she said nothing.

Goemon furrowed his brow. Ruby's response, while honest, was brief. It really seemed like she simply wanted to reassure them that she would be alright for what lay ahead. Goemon wondered just how true that was. Then, there was something else...

Jigen.

Ruby kept glancing at Jigen in a rather peculiar manner. Goemon's eyes shifted between the girl and the gunman, his brows knitting. Just what was this about? And... just how long was Ruby going to stare at the disinterested gunslinger? Goemon lowered his gaze and distracted himself with breakfast.

Ruby didn't really notice how long she'd been staring at Jigen – and in particular, at his lips – until he looked her way, at which point she quickly averted her gaze, cheeks burning. 'Why, all of a sudden? Yeah, so that whole thing happened yesterday, but...'

Even in her own mind, Ruby dared not refer to the kiss by name. That was just a weird moment for Jigen. He was feeling vulnerable after dealing with the Riccis and having Sofia on his mind. That's all.

'He was probably thinking of Sofia when he kissed me anyway. It's nothing to get worked up about, Ruby.'

The last thing Ruby wanted was for things to get awkward between her and Jigen of all people. After all, he'd been her rock this entire time; the person she went to when Lupin became too much and Goemon was too biased. How could she vent and lament to the gunslinger about the other two if she was feeling funny about Jigen, too?