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

Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaim applies…

AN: Self-challenge: 1000-word limit vignettes in present-tense = complete! As sad as I am to see this end, I am content knowing that the work is done. Here is the last chapter. Please enjoy.

Chapter 9

- Lost and Found –

When one door closes, another opens.

It is wet.

It clings to his clothes, his hair, his face…

His eyes can't focus and he's having trouble breathing. Maybe it's a nightmare and he'll wake up.

But no…

It stays, and it is very uncomfortable indeed.

Apprehensively, Kenshin touches the wetness on his cheeks with his left hand, feeling the fading scar beneath the pads of his fingers.

Blood.

It's raining blood.

He's afraid to look.

He's about to raise his eyes heavenward when he hears a shout.

"There you are!" Kaoru runs toward him, ever ready (however unintentionally) to distract him from his dark thoughts. "Kenshin,what are you doing just standing there, staring? You'll catch a cold!"

A few townspeople have turned to look at them, and he feels his muscles uncoil when he realizes that the droplets on his hands are not blood after all.

It's just water.

Plain rainwater.

It hasn't rained blood for more than 20 years.

She continues to berate him, moving toward him with her umbrella, clucking at his soaking state. "Honestly," she huffs, "I was looking for you everywhere. You'd have thought you would wander a little more responsibly."

Now Kenshin blushes, rightly chastised and more than ashamed. He knows how Kaoru hates it when he disappears without telling her where he's going. It's a fear he's instilled in her and he regrets that more than any dirty deed he's ever committed in his life.

She's fussing over him now, in that loving way she has, trying to swipe away any excess water. She comments on his clothing, her fingers smoothing out the folds to his shirt with a twinkle in her eye. "It's not like you to be so absent-minded. You're like a little lost puppy."

Kenshin searches for a way to tell her of his fears, of the memories that come time and again to drag him away, but Kaoru beats him to it.

She knows.

She always knows.

"It's okay," she whispers, gently, her fingers now moving to clasp his hand. "I've found you."

And he's comforted by the thought that if he gets lost – in his memories or elsewhere – she'll always manage to bring him back home.

END

Word Count: 362

AN: Thank you for indulging me with your presence. Your reviews, thoughts and comments were helpful and so very encouraging! To describe my happiness is impossible. So let me just say…you inspire me! For this chapter's effort, please review and see you in future endeavours!

-P.P.V.V.