Her hand lingered on his back. He felt the warmth of her palm.
"You can't keep doing this."
She leaned forward and rested her forehead on his back.
"There will come a time when I won't be able to fix you," she whispered.
She gently encircled his waist and pressed her cheek against him. He tensed.
Outside, the crickets and the frogs sang. A bell rang in the distance. Kenshin took Megumi's hands off his body and shifted around to face her. She avoided his gaze, her hair a curtain of black silk hiding her pain. Her hands rested upturned in her lap.
"I'm sorry," he said, unsure of what he was apologising for.
He pushed her hair aside, she turned her head further, avoiding his eyes.
"I have been selfish."
She nodded.
"Yes, you have."
She finally found the strength to face him. Her heart hurt at the sight of his split lip and scratched forehead. A faint patchy red stubbled covered his face, his injuries preventing him from shaving. Unconsciously, she extended her hand and cupped his scarred cheek. Against his better judgement, he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.
Her lips were against his, gentle but hungry. Before he knew what he was doing, he'd grabbed the back of her head and kissed back. His other hand reach for her back and pulled her in closer. She replied in kind, crushing her body against his. He gasped in pain. They pulled apart. Reality descended on them like a sudden cold rainshower.
"I'm sorry. I… This was out of line," she said as she focused on readjusting bandages that needed no adjustments.
He took her busy hands in his. She looked at him, cheeks burning, heart racing. Despite his efforts to restore his composure, he couldn't hide the flush of his face, the shortness of his breath.
"Megumi-dono," he said quietly.
She stared at him intently. She could tell he was trying to find the right words. She needn't wait to know this was a foregone conclusion.
"Please don't say it," she murmured as she felt her heart shatter.
"I have to," he replied, a wistful look of regret on his face.
She stifled a sob.
"I have known how you feel for a long time. It just can't be."
Tears escaped her eyes.
"I shouldn't have kissed you back."
She freed her hands and covered her ears.
"Don't. Don't say this. Please," she begged. "Please let me at least have this moment."
He gently took her hands off her ears and rested them back on her lap. He looked down at them;tears fell in her palms.
"We've been through so much, you and I. Our lights are but a flicker that can be blown out with ease."
She nodded. The truth sharpened the pain in her chest.
"I can never provide you with what you need, what you truly deserve. I can only pull you further into darkness."
He gingerly pulled up the upper part of his yukata and slid it back on. He fought the desire to pull her close, to comfort her and tell her that it was all going to be alright. But things were far from alright. There was a small chance he might die in the next few days. And even if he did survive, he could never reciprocate her feelings.
"Please forgive me, Megumi-dono."
He got up and made for the door. She grabbed the hem of his yukata, stopping him in his tracks.
"At least promise." She paused. "Promise that you'll be careful."
He clenched his fist around his saya.
"I promise," he murmured without looking back.
Her hand fell to the floor. He walked away.