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By: RedHairRurouniFan
Author's Notes: My fic in honor of May 14th. I've written two already (not posted), but I've chosen this one to be dedicated to this very special date. The other two weren't very good… I had a sudden inspiration, not sure why, but enjoy! (Kaoru's POV)
Disclaimer: No, I do not own RK
Upon coming into view of the dojo, I saw Tae, Tsubame, and Genzai-sensei at the gate eagerly awaiting our return. It was beyond wonderful to see their faces again. Just to have lived through the nightmare of Kyoto was a miracle. Then I noticed Kenshin pause behind me. His nearly inaudible footsteps I'd found to be a great comfort all the way we walked, had come to a halt. I knew I was supposed to be there for him and comfort him, but instead it was the other way around. His mere presence assuaged my fears and set my heart at ease. A feeling of restlessness sets into the pit of my stomach every time he is away from me.
I turned to face the rurouni worriedly, trying to discern his emotions. I saw that his long blood-red bangs shadowed his face, hiding his eyes from my sight. I asked if there was something wrong, in concern. I was afraid he still carried the burden and guilt of leaving. I never blamed him for doing what he did, but he clearly did. Without looking up at me, he informed me of his feelings.
Kenshin said, "It's just… fearing the Battousai within… and not wanting to drag others into danger… this one abandoned his rurouni identity three months ago. And yet somehow, here we are again, as though meant to be."
I felt as though he were speaking to me and only me, even as the logical part of my brain told me others were watching with curiosity and growing concern. He thought that he would never be able to enjoy such peace again, but yet here we were again. Truly meant to be.
His words brought me back to three months prior, the day of May 14th. That awful goodbye wrenched at my heart even now. I recall seeing him smile at me sadly, for the first time not bothering to conceal his emotions. I saw his warring heart clearly displayed on his face for the world, -- no, just me, -- to see. I heard his voice and saw his determination clearly etched into those features I'd memorized as though it all happened yesterday. After our conversation of his declaration and explanation of his departure, he thanked me and told me one word that shattered my heart.
"Sayonara…"
I could only watch him leave, tears streaming down my cheeks relentlessly. I called out, he didn't turn back. I was afraid I'd never see his face again. That one word of "Sayonara," clearly presented to me his feelings about the upcoming battle. He plunged in recklessly, preparing for death, the final demise of the legendary Hitokiri Battousai. That one word rang clearly through my mind; it was all I could hear. The word of "Sayonara" rang with a note of finality I wasn't yet willing to accept.
But, we've survived that horrendous battle together and now instead, each other's presence provides a sanctuary of serenity we both desperately crave. I knew I had to show him that this was his home and it always would be. I would never push him away, he always had a place to return to, always a sanctuary of peace waiting with open arms for him.
My eyes shining with forgiveness and love, I murmured sincerely, "Kenshin… welcome home."
His eyes snapped up to mine, raw surprise reflected in those violet orbs. Then, his face relaxed into a gentle smile, genuinely, he slowly replied, "It's good to be home."
And then, he walked towards me, his footsteps sure and confident.
Yes, it is good to be home.
End Notes: How was it? At least I know it fits the date I'm dedicating this fic to, but I keep thinking I should revise it more… I hope you review! Tell me what you thought! Ja ne!