I've never thought my first story for RK, not to mention a romance, but since I've lost first three chapters of Naruto story and I got in the mood to write this one, there it is:D

Just to be clear, this story starts right after Sano's departure (easy to figure) and contains both manga and anime themes since both have their advantages and I kinda like mixing thinks:) I hate Seisouhen since it doesn't even go with Kenshin's character at the end of manga series, hell, even before, with Shishio's arc and I'm not entirely satisfied with certain themes in the last manga chapters, not to mention I truly wish there was a continuation. Well, enough of the small talk.

Hope you enjoy!

Also please spare a minute to review, it will be much appreciated. And if I mess up some serious facts or keep making the same grammar mistakes, do mention.

I do not own Rurouni Kenshin nor anything related.

They were strolling alongside the pier, Yahiko in front of them. The sounds of police's ruckus were heard, louder again.

'Guess they had found out they've been misled' Yahiko stated 'I wonder if he makes it.'

'Don't worry, Sano is pretty good at avoiding police forces, that he is' Kenshin smiled assuringly.

'No, that's not what I meant. I wonder if he's really gonna cross the ocean. And I guess I'm a little jealous. You know, all the places he's gonna see…' Yahiko drifted.

'I'm sure he'll be allright' Kaoru said 'It'll be a little lonely without him, without all our friends, but I guess that's the way it should be. I only hope we'll get to meet sometimes.'

'Yeah…' Yahiko was already daydreaming. Kenshin chuckled.

'Kaoru-dono, I think we should hurry, it's going to rain soon' Kaoru looked at the sky.

'You're right, Yahiko hurry up, will you!'

'Hey, it's you, who's staying behind!'

'Little brat, you dare to talk back to your senssei?!' And so they went.

'It sure will be lonely here. No matter what Megumi-san said, I'm really gonna miss them, I can't help it. They've become my friends, family even and now they're gone…No, no, stop this foolish thinking! You can meet them any time you want, Kyoto is not so far and Aizu is even closer! And Sanosuke is sure to get himself in another trouble soon, so he'll be back in no time. And what was he thinking, saying all this stuff about children and Yahiko leaving! He's not even eleven yet! And it's not like he'd actually be a bother.' She suddenly saddened 'Kenshin…'.

She got up and went outside. Though it was late fall it wasn't that cold at all. She sat on the porch outside of her room and looked up at the starry sky. 'Stars are brighter in winter' she thought 'just like they were trying to compensate for the sakura petals in summer. And yet, despite it's fall, many sakura petals are floating in the air. And the stars are shining so bright. I wonder, what kind of sky is there now in Kyoto, or in Aizu for that matter. What kind of sky does Sano see?' She heard a fait squeaking of the wooden floor. 'Huh?' she turned 'Yahiko, what are you doing up so late?' He was still in his clothes.

'Kaoru, couldn't sleep?'

'Not really. I just think, it will be very quiet without you and Sanosuke fighting all the time.'

'Hey, I can still fight you whenever you want!' Yahiko chuckled, but got no response. 'Kaoru, about what Sanosuke said back then…'

'I don't want you to leave!' She said decidedly 'You're definitely too young to be living alone and you've got a lot to learn of the Kasshin style. There's no way I'm gonna let you off.'

'Kaoru…'

'Besides, only you left if you walk away too…' She looked so defeated now. She couldn't take loosing another friend. It's not like they're never gonna see each other again, but still. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

'Kaoru' Yahiko settled his forhead against her temples 'I will never ever leave you. Ever. Believe it. You're like a true family to me. After my father died…and even before…I've never had anything like that before. I know I sometimes drive you nuts, but after the Feng Shui ordeal and even more during the whole revenge thing with Enishi, when we thought you were gone…' Shit, he wasn't supposed to tell her this, they all agreed It would be better if she didn't know. The whole thing was hard enough for her, she didn't need more to add to the pile. 'I mean, we didn't know were you were and it was so distressing. I slowly grew to understand how important you are to me, how important is this place and those people. So don't you ever think I will leave you. You are far too important person to me to leave you just like that.' He ended.

'Yahiko…' She was looking at him with slight disbelief, his eyes were so full of emotions. 'This boy really grew up and I almost missed it' She thought. She remembered their first meeting, that cocky loudmouth he was back then. And now he was being there for her. He grew up not only physically, which was nothing strange with all the training he received, but even more-mentally. While she was looking at him like that, she could really say she was proud of Yahiko. He was going to become a fine man in the future. 'Yahiko, thank you' She smiled warmly at her young apprentice, earning a sheepish smile in return.

'Hehe, don't look at me like that, it's like you're going to cry any second' He mused. He was glad for lifting up her mood, even a little bit, but it was strange though. He thought she would be happy with only Kenshin and herself in the house. It seemed like that simultaneous leaving of their friends had a strong effect on her. Well, he still thought it would be better if he moved out, but for now it was better to let her be. She had to talk about it with Kenshin though."Well, I guess I'll finally go to sleep. Night, Kaoru' He bade her goodnight.

'Sleep well, Yahiko' She'd better return to her room too or else she would be in a mess tomorrow. When she ducked inside warm covers of her bed, her last thought was, that she didn't really get to know, why Yahiko was up so late at night, before she finally fell asleep.

So yeah, first chapter is up! Sorry for the shortness, but I got the feeling to stop in that exact moment:) Personally I definitely prefer longer chapters so you can prepare yourselves for such:)