Saving Grace By: P.P.V.V.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin or any of the characters. This is a Standard Disclaim.

Summary: [CANON Post-inter-series/manga] He always manages to get lost. She always manages to find him.

AN: Hullo all! This is an attempt at another piece that will consist of short vignettes that center around Kaoru and Kenshin. This time around, I'm staying canon-compliant. Once again, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and trying a different aspect of writing. There will be few – if at all – Japanese words that needs to be translated. That said, please enjoy.

Chapter 1

- Contact -

Because everyone needs a hand to hold onto.

He sees smoke.

It rises into the air, curling and reaching and, eventually, tapering off into nothingness.

It's black and gray and white all at the same time.

He can smell it, now, too. Burning...

Burning wood. Burning flesh. Burning hair.

The village…

The village is on fire!

Suddenly, he feels the need for comfort. He wishes with everything in his heart that someone – his parents – will come and comfort him; he wishes they will take his hand once again, in that reassuring way, the way that always makes him feel safe.

But no, they are not coming. They are inside the house that has just gone up into flames.

He stares at the cloud of gray, heart constricting in his chest as the feeling of loss washes over him. His vision is swimming –

"– Kenshin?"

The voice startles him and he blinks back tears, eyes focusing on the smoke as reality slams into him.

There is no burning village.

There is no burning house.

It is merely the steam coming from the bath house he has been waiting outside of.

He turns his gaze to the source of the voice.

Kaoru stands at the door, clad in a loose-fitting robe cinched at the waist by a swath of ribbon. She lets her hair fall loose from the constraints of the towel it is wrapped in to keep it dry. Her blue eyes are tinged with confusion and concern at seeing him, standing there, staring blankly.

He feels a smile spread across his face, relief flooding him. He closes the distance between them with a few steps.

"Kenshin? What's wrong?" Kaoru asks, tilting her head slightly.

He finds his voice. "Nothing, love." But he can tell she's not convinced. In a moment of pure weakness, he asks her, "Can I…can I hold your hand?"

Without question, she offers it to him. It is still cool and damp from her soak.

Kenshin eagerly takes it, feeling her warmth replace the overwhelming sorrow he is feeling.

It is a mark of their relationship that allows him to tear down the walls he's built over the years. He knows she won't pry, but he also knows that he will tell her in his own time.

For now, he will bask in the reassurance of her touch.

Hands linked, they make their way back into the house.

Beta'd by: Jae

Word count: 393

AN: Reviews are appreciated, as always. If I've managed to confuse you, I apologize. Here's to hoping I see you again ^^'

Thanks for reading,

-P.P.V.V.