I can't believe this! Two one-shots in a day!

Just reading old drawerfics. Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

Placed before Enishi? Likely.

Non-beta'd. All errors are my own. And please be aware that English is not my first language.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin nor its characters.

I hear her singing as she gathers and folds the clothes that have been hanging during the day, and my heart wells up full of all sorts of emotions.

It doesn't surprise me anymore. I've been aware of my feelings for her for quite a while now. There is no point in recalling when it happened, really. It is a fact and that is it.

I know it and yet I have never felt like this. I had been in love before, just once, but it had been completely different. However, I am a different man. She is such a different woman. Everything is different, yet it feels equally true. And real.

That first time I was like a fire, eager and careless. Rushed. Void. That first time she was quiet and questioning, icy and soft. Rebellious. Hurt.

Now she is the fire. She is loud and waits for my telling. Warm and calloused. Now I'm the one who's quiet. Silent. Even icy. — But who cannot melt before such a bonfire?

"Are you OK? Do you need something? I can prepare some tea...", she tells me from above.

I open my eyes and put an arm on my forehead so that the sun doesn't blind my sight. 'She's beautiful', I acknowledge for the thousandth time today. I get up from the floor and offer my help instead of replying.

"Can I help you with that? It must be heavy."

"NO!... I mean, no, thank you. Please, keep lying on the porch and rest. It's nothing."

"Sure? I can..."

"No, please."

I can see that she's a bit disappointed as she turns back to the house.

"I would love some tea... If there's no inconvenience", I say aloud.

She spins around like a tornado, all gleaming blue eyes and bright smiles.

"Of course not. Just a minute".

My heart races and my stomach churns, eager for her company.