I stumbled upon this cute tumblr post about ten ways to say that I love you and saw all of the promise this showed for KenKao and their story. Finalizing my other story Coming Home to You on a monthly update schedule, this one will be more frequent, two weeks (or sooner when inspiration strikes!) If you've read that story, you might have realized I love filling romantic plot holes. This first one shot is no different. Ten one shots coming your way before the new year!

Disclaimer: RK isn't mine. Just taking some creative liberties and filling some plot holes!

Ten Ways to Say I Love You

Prompt 1: Straightforward. Soft and heavy, like morning before the coffee's started brewing. Like that's all there is to say.

"I love you."

She said it lightly yet confidently. Her voice enamored and musical, floated across the empty courtyard. Reverberating against the walls in the property, resting heavily in his chest. Still early morning, no one else but the birds were around to hear her words; none of the Kenshin-gumi awake to ruin the moment.

Kenshin, who'd been reaching for the tofu bucket, froze in his tracks, whipping himself around. His scarf almost fell off with the motion. It was almost comical to see the man capable of so much grace with such wide eyes, clearly flustered. The master of the Kamiya Kasshin style sat on the engawa, legs crossed and sipping tea. Her eyes, locked on his, complemented the sunrise breaking out behind the dojo. A smile lay on her lips as she sipped before gently leaning her head against the support beam to her right. Kenshin's throat, on the other hand, was dry. Her gaze remained on him.

The Kenshin-gumi had returned from Kyoto just over a month ago, and all were adjusting back to their new normal. Everything was quieter now that they were back in Tokyo, away from the Oniwabanshu, Okina's endless celebrations, and Misao's endless planning. Yahiko, having defeated a member of the Juppongatana on his own was determined to train. Determined to continue to grow and be useful. Sano was healing, rather attempting, while engaging in a street fight here and there. Megumi had Aizu on her mind and was adjusting to the finality of the fact that Kenshin would not be her future. Not in the way that she wanted.

And Kenshin and Kaoru had been dancing around Kyoto. What it meant when Kenshin said goodbye only to her. Her depression when he left. The eyes she had only for him when they were reunited. How he fought to stay alive for her. How she welcomed him home in Kyoto after the battle, every time he awoke the month he was healing, and here in Tokyo, being willing to accept him once again in the very same spot he had planned to leave her behind. For good.

And while they were closer now- they prepared meals together (Kaoru preparing while Kenshin cooked, of course), had begun taking walks together, and often shared cups of tea on the engawa- it appeared Kaoru was tired of dancing around matters.

"Kaoru-dono, you love… me?" Usually quite adept, her confession had caught him off guard, causing him to abandon the traditional "this one" he used regularly to describe himself while speaking. If one looked closely a faint blush could be seen on his cheeks; Kaoru was looking closely.

Having put her tea down while Kenshin was processing, she stood, collecting the tray with both kettle and cup. She glanced back at Kenshin over her shoulder. Smiling warmly, her eyes crinkled genuinely as she rested the tray against the curve of her hip. Kenshin swallowed.

"Yes, Kenshin. You. I love you."

Wordlessly, maybe fearlessly Kenshin decided, Kaoru made her way back inside her home. 'Their home?' he wondered, eyes following her every movement. His reverie was broken as the shoji slid shut. He was alone. 'Was it this warm earlier?' The spring air had been so cool before. His scarf felt clammy around his neck. Shaking his head, he reached for the tofu bucket and continued to the dojo gates, hesitating just before his fingers grasped the wood barring the doors. 'What am I doing?' After a few moments hesitation, the swordsman twisted gracefully on his feet. He set the bucket down, mind made up.

'Breakfast could wait,' he decided, glancing upwards quickly as the yellows, pinks, and oranges began to paint themselves across the sky. Birds chirping accompanied his quiet footsteps back to the dojo. The shoji slid open easily. He loosened the scarf around his neck. 'It seems Kaoru and I have some things we should discuss.'

The door slid shut.

A cute little thing I hope! #hotnerdfall has me on a creative streak, and I've been teeming with creative energy. This means lots of fun projects for y'all. I'm always taking suggestions on scenarios and am excited to see what y'all want to see. This story is currently unbetad, but I'll always look into offers. Til next time!

-BABN