I am extremely sorry for not updating sooner! *bows apologetically* School is literally kicking my butt back into next Tuesday, and the problems I'm dealing with family and friends is causing a great deal of inspiration loss on my part. Luckily, though, my imagination tanks have not failed me yet! THANK YOU MY DEAR FRIEND QUEENPOTATOS FOR BEING MY COMPANION IN THIS TROUBLESOME TIME! My gratitude is expressed through this next drabble I've drawn from the back of my brain that has been itching to be written for a while now. Enjoy.

An Innocent Question

by This Writer's Essence

Darkness slowly settled into the evening sky by the time Kenshin and Kaoru departed from the marketplace. The high chime of summer crickets filled the empty silence hanging between them on their journey back home. For a while, not a word passed among the two until the first sight of a lone firefly emerged out of the blackness, faintly blinking against the night's thickening shadows.

"Thank you," Kaoru whispered.

Kenshin raised an eyebrow. "Oro?"

". . .For coming to the market with me, I mean."

A smile.

"Sessha enjoyed spending time with Kaoru-dono today, de gozaru," Kenshin replied. "It was well worth the time to be with you."

Kaoru dipped her head briskly in agreement, returning her attention to the millions of glowing insects beginning to file into the open atmosphere. The absence of the redhead's subtle footsteps was caught shortly after she had paced a few steps ahead. She turned around, seeing Kenshin's still form standing amid the soft flickering of the fireflies. He held her gaze for long moments, his calm gentle smile turning to a thin indecisive line.

"Kaoru-do—" He paused, correcting himself in a quieter tone, "Kaoru?"

Her breath hitched in her throat. She blinked rapidly, overcoming her initial shock for a fracture of a second to ask, "What is it?"

In addition to the shock, Kaoru watched in dismay as a light blush colored his cheeks. Whatever it was ailing the suddenly shy rurouni worried her to no end. She moved to stand beside him, pressing the back of her hand firmly to his forehead. "Kenshin, are you okay? You're not coming down with a cold, are you?"

Kenshin shook his head, grasping her wrist to remove her hand but finding himself unable to do so.

"Ken. . .shin?"

"Kaoru, I have something to ask of you."

He swallowed hard and summoned the last ounce of courage he had. Then, he murmured, "Would you mind . . . holding my hand for a bit?"

Preparing himself for the worst, he waited for the awkward silence to escalate. The pounding of his own nervous heartbeat vibrated through his ears. He wondered mentally if he had said too much. However, as Kaoru held his gaze with wide unblinking eyes, he saw no trace of horror or denial in her deep sapphire pools.

Finally, her pale trembling hand clasped over his, lowering their arms down. She pried his fingers off of her wrist one by one. Her wrist came free, but her hand slid into his open palm, filling the empty spaces between his fingers with her own.

Kenshin gaped, his senses electrified by the feeling of Kaoru's touch.

Her eyes shut, lips curved into a smile. She said, "As long as you don't mind it, I won't refuse."

Not sure why, but I'm kind of satisfied with how this one turned out. Maybe it's just the Sprite talking, but all this sweetness is rotting me to the core. Hehe. Well, that wouldn't be the first time I got a cavity or two from sweets. . . Reviews as always are highly welcomed! I appreciate every single one I receive and am happier with each one I see. The request for Kenshin/Kaoru drabbles is still on for anyone who's interested! Let me know what you'd like to see through your review or PM me if you'd like and I'll see what I can come up with. As promised before, the drabble will be solely dedicated to you if you so choose to challenge me. So, go on ahead and give me your best shot!

TTFN! Thanks for stopping by!