DISCLAIMER: Everything in the RK universe belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki. Please don't sue.
The night was already starting to grow deep. The crisp, chilly wind of the autumn evening that gently breathed through the Akabeko's entrance bore proof of that. Most of the shop's local patrons were on their way home and only a handful chose to linger behind. The little restaurant hummed with light chatter and laughter floated in the air once in a while. Some couples here, occasional lone figures here and there, a few groups of elderly men and women or those of more youthful years clustered together, their countenances bathed in the soft glow of lanterns that gracefully hung from the low ceiling. Fir the townspeople, the relaxed and calming atmosphere of the place is found ideal and so delightfully inviting to be in especially after a tiring day on the busy streets of Tokyo. This is why this shop remains open quite later than the accustomed closing time.
Two inconspicuous figures sat in a dimmer. more secluded area farther off into the room. Tea sat cold and forgotten on the smooth, worn wooden table as two souls gazed deep into each other. His features reflected a quietness of spirit and content -- completely entranced at what he held in his arms. Eyes of ocean and sky looked up into his. He silently marveled at how it could be possible for these bright orbs to be filled with so much beauty, innocence, trust and life. A thought crossed his mind and he smiled knowingly.
Oblivious of the world around them, they don't notice a woman who looked longingly at them as she slowly made her way around the clutter of tables and chairs on her way out.
Tenderly he whispers sweet nothings in her ear. She giggles softly in reply. Her fingers playfully curl and uncurl at silken locks spilling over his shoulder.
A small group of men made their way towards the exit. Passing by the pair, one of them starts at spotting them from the corner of his eye. Taking a second look at the booth's direction, an unreadable expression crosses his face before he looks away from the decidedly intimate picture the two made.
They sat in comfortable silence for some time -- his fingertips tracing soothing circles on the supple skin of her arm. Glancing down he realized that she had fallen asleep, her body fitting snugly against his. He gently ran the back of his hand across her forehead, smoothing out fine hair as dark as the feathery lashes resting on warm, pink cheeks. "Kirei...", he breathed. A small sigh escapes her mouth before her lips form a little smile as she buried her head deeper into the familiar fabric of his gi.
An elderly woman hobbled past them, muttering something under her breath about mothers these days who don't keep a watchful eys over their youngsters. Her head was still shaking disapprovingly as she stepped out the door.
Somewhere along a distant wall, peeking from beneath the thick blue cloth hanging over the kitchen's entrance was three pairs of eyes discreetly watching the duo. They have been obderving the two with mute fascination for quiet some time now.
"Tae-donno, do you think Yahiko-chan would ever grow up to be like him?", the shortest of the three wistfully wonders out loud.
"Well, we'll just never know till then, won't we, Tsubame-chan", said the second woman, laughing as she ruffled the hair of their youngest companion. Looking sideways at the third woman she asks, "Don't you feel even just the teeniest bit jealous?"
With her gaze fixed on the unlikely couple Kaoru simply replied, "My daughter couldn't have a better father," Fondly, she looked on as Kenshin cradled their little girl.