Warmth

Rurouni Kenshin doesn't belong to me. All disclaimers apply. Set a few days after the Tanabata episode 66 of the RK series. That episode was so funny but I've always wondered how things would be like if we take the humor out of the story.

It has been a few nights since that day.

When that gem on her calloused finger mirrored the amused glint in her eyes.

How cold that shiny silver was.

Offering happiness as the sun rose.

Only to leave it shattered by dusk.

I clumsily walked about the dark dojo, lost in my daily dose of anxious musings. Death and happy endings danced lazily on my mind. A common quandary.

I broke her heart that night.

I had to.

I found her sitting on the porch again in her yukata, staring at the moon with half lidded eyes. This is becoming her ritual before bedtime.

" Kaoru-dono . ."

She stifled a gasp as I stepped out of the corner. The mask she's been wearing since that day faced me. "Kenshin"

Her voice was just above whisper. I shuddered.

"It's late, you should be in bed . ."

"Ah . . I was just about to . . . " She smiled again, her long lashes dropped instantly, shielding her. "you should rest, too . . ne . . good night, Kenshin."

She stood up and moved towards her bedroom.

It was then that I saw. Mere seconds before she turned.

Those troubled shadows ghosting on her blue orbs. So much pain hidden behind her smiles.

Something seized me at that moment. Something stronger than the lingering worries that haunted me for years.

Before she could even comprehend what was happening, I shut her shoji door behind me and pulled both of us under the covers. She lay on her side stiffly, her back pressed against my chest. My arms found themselves around her, my shaking hand gently taking hers.

" Forgive me . . " I buried my face on her silky black hair and murmured.

" for sessha knows only this."

Her body began to relax and for the first time since that day, sleep came to both of us.

~ End