A/n This is for a contest for the Muse Bunny forum. This is a last minute entry. (the contest ends tomorrow, egads) The prompt word was 'Silence'
I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Best if read at 3/4 page view; or whatever is more comfortable for you.

His farewell hung awkwardly between them in the dark

His farewell hung awkwardly between them in the dark. Kaoru made no move to respond and Kenshin squeezed his eyes shut as his arms wrapped tighter around her. 'Please don't let her be too upset', he begged. Crickets chirped and he could see the fireflies blinking lazily behind his eyelids. Why didn't she say anything? Why wasn't he saying anything? Kenshin had already said his goodbye, but he couldn't bring himself to let her go just yet. However, he couldn't find the words in him to say anymore.

Kaoru had been so kind to him. Knowing who he was, what he was; she still didn't care. She took him in, gave him a roof over his head…no, more than that, she gave him a home. And even though it was sometimes horrible, she fed him as well. Kaoru had given him things he never really had before.

A family.

Kenshin didn't want to give that up. He had finally started to settle in a way where he thought he would never pull up his roots and wander again. This past week had been difficult for him. He acted as if nothing was amiss for the sake of Kaoru and Yahiko. But inside he was a jumble of thoughts and emotions.

Battousai frightened him. His fight with Saitou brought him out more than Kenshin expected. He hated the look of stark fear on Kaoru's face during that fight. He could only imagine how she felt knowing that the rurouni was gone; replaced by an amber eyed killer.

But the truth was, Kenshin would never leave his new family if it wasn't for the fact that Shishio frightened him more. The destruction and war that he would bring…he didn't want Kaoru to experience that terror.

He was leaving for her.

He could feel her shaking in his arms. Kenshin knew she was struggling not to cry, but she was failing. And that was alright with him. Moisture burned in his eyes, tears that wanted to fall for her. But he had to be strong for Japan…for Kaoru.

Suddenly he felt her stiffen, felt her arms push slightly against his. She wanted to hug him back. Kenshin knew that if she embraced him, he would crumble. He could never leave, wouldn't want to leave if she held on to him so desperately. No, it would be better to not give her the chance. He let her go and quickly turned on his heal and calmly walked away.

'Don't look back.' He chanted in his head. Kenshin wouldn't be able to stand the sight of her tears. Was she letting them fall freely? Was her face angry, hurt...disappointed? Was she reaching out for him? He didn't want to know. He couldn't look back. He lowered his head, letting his hair fall to cover the anguish on his face and he forced himself to keep a calm pace as he slowly walking into the darkness.

And out of her life.

I Hope my readers liked the little oneshot. Oneshots are rare for me but I may start posting some of them more often. Anyways, feel free to review! and as always, thanks for reading.