Disclaimer: I do not own RK. Credit goes to Nobuhiro Watsuki for this masterpiece.
~o~o~o~
He was back at the office in full force. After he settled matters of his personal life, Kenshin was back to being the second topmost executive of their company – and this meant he was working non-stop to address the many pressing concerns of their operations. His schedule was fully booked that morning, and one more long meeting with his overseas counterparts was scheduled after lunch.
"The Kuzu Ryu Sen – it is a legacy project of the Hiten group of companies. It's a combination of the industry's best practices and a product of many years of scientific research. With this methodology, we are guaranteed to achieve a return of investment in less than 2 years. And with everyone's cooperation, we will strive to improve on the existing processes and streamline the redundant ones so we can all be more efficient."
He just finished his presentation, which turned out to be productive after he received the nods of the foreign investors for his new proposal. He was busy finishing up the draft of the project details when someone entered his private office. Kenshin immediately stood from his chair upon seeing who his guest was.
"What is this lady doing in my office?" He remarked playfully. He was of course referring to Kaoru – his fiancé, to call it officially. She was wearing her university shirt and from the looks of it, she just came straight from Tenken. "What can I do for you?"
Kaoru was a bit shy being there in the first place. But she had a real purpose so she had to get to it. "Hi – can I.. can I ask for a favour?"
Seeing the serious look on her face, Kenshin walked towards her and asked her to settle down first. "Anything. Here, have a seat."
"Sorry to bother you.. I just need your help with this." Kaoru took something from her backpack and handed a thick folder to him.
"It's a research paper for my thesis. The topic I have chosen is on psychological behavior affecting children with emotional impairment. I've done the study for the past months and this is what I've came up with."
Kenshin flipped over the pages and quickly scanned the outline of its contents. He heard her speak again. "I need your help to critique the paper for me. I know you've reviewed lots of paperworks before. You're the best person who can help me." Kaoru continued her explanation.
"Please Kenshin."
The redhead stared at her expressive eyes, instantly understanding the urgency of her request. "When is your defense?"
"This coming Friday. You can be totally honest with me and let me know what I wrote wrong. Pretend that you're this strict, hard-to-impress college professor that I have."
Kenshin was appalled by this. He used to be exactly that – strict and hard-to-impress. He used to be a living embodiment of terror. And for Kaoru to actually tell him to "pretend" instead, he must have changed drastically. Kenshin had not given full thought about it until now, and he can't help but feel quite proud about himself.
"Alright – but would you give me some time to read everything first?" His voice was levelled and calm.
"It's okay.. I will wait here until you finish reviewing it."
Kenshin did not want to rush through the review. After all, the paper was comprehensive and required time to analyze. And he also had a lot of pending tasks for the day, so he said to her: "I can give you my inputs and inform you after I'm done here."
But Kaoru was not moving a bit. She was intent on staying until she receives his verdict.
Looking into those pleading yet commanding eyes of hers, Kenshin knew right away who his real boss was. And when she asks to review the paper, it has to be done right away. "Okay – ", he conceded.
Kenshin started reading her research paper from page one, taking longer minutes on some when the details seemed to be complicated. "It looks well-researched.. you've included graphs and illustrations to support your hypothesis.. your citations are also in place.. overall, I say it's a good material."
Kaoru was not convinced, thinking Kenshin was not taking it seriously. "You see – my future lies in this paper. Whether I graduate or not, is up to this."
Kenshin was visually amused. "I already told you.. your thesis paper has passed my standards."
Given the definition of the infamous Kenshin Himura "standard", Kaoru must have nailed the entire research process for him to say that.
Still not quite buying it, she fidgeted her fingers and expressed her concern. "But I feel like I've missed something or my sample cases are not enough. I just couldn't put a finger on it. Can you browse over it again?"
Kenshin was honest with her when he said that the paper passed his standards. He could not think of anything else to add.
"Hmm - missed something, you say?" He then paused, went back to the first page, and noticed something.
"I think I've spotted one detail that needs to be corrected." He got his pen and wrote something on the paper. "There - now we're good!"
Throwing a tease of a smile at her, Kenshin handed back the research paper. "Here you go. I guess my job's done. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
Kaoru looked at the paper and gasped after seeing that her surname 'Kamiya' was erased and replaced with 'Himura'.
"Kenshin?"
"Better get used to your new name." He gave her a smirk.
"You're unbelievable! Now I have to print the cover page again."
"I'm not saying sorry for that."
Her cheeks were tinted red and she was just controlling her giggle inside. "But still - thank you", she said with an embarrassed pout.
"Just so you know - my services aren't free of charge." Said the redhead mischievously.
"How should I pay you then?", she asked while fighting the tendency to melt in front of this handsome man.
Kenshin pulled his chair closer to her as he inched his face closer to her blushing face. "Let's see...", he smirked at her flustered expression. Kaoru was too transparent with showing her emotion and Kenshin just loved to cruelly play along with it.
'Sir, sorry to interrupt. But the stakeholders from New York would like to have an urgent call with you.' The intercom beeped out.
Talk about perfect timing! Kenshin exhaled disappointedly and replied back to his secretary: "Okay, tell them I will dial-in in fifteen minutes."
"I should get going now, Kenshin." Kaoru informed as she gathered her stuff up.
"I'll drop by Tenken later. We're going somewhere." He said as he stood from the chair as well.
"Sure.. but may I know where this 'somewhere' is?"
Smiling sincerely at her, Kenshin announced: "We're going to visit someone who misses you a lot."
~o~o~o~
It was the first graders' turn to showcase their stories to the whole school. Stories particularly pertaining to what they want to be when they grow up. Their soft-spoken teacher assembled the group of almost thirty pupils in a single line. Each of the kids wearing the outfits of their grown-up versions. Kenji looked around as he followed his teacher's instructions. His close playmate was wearing a lab gown with matching goggles, assuming the appearance of a scientist. Another classmate donned a formal dress to look like a teacher. Kenji was excited to be on that stage to recite his piece. They will all be surprised to hear what he wants to be when he grows up.
The school auditorium was amply decorated with signage stating that it was the first graders' show-and-tell session. Parents and guardians all seated on their designated seats in the audience. After the welcoming remark by the class adviser, the lights slowly dimmed and a spotlight focused on the mini podium – where the first pupil began reciting.
"Good afternoon! I am Keiko Yukina and I want to be a teacher when I grow up. A teacher is someone who teaches us kids the lessons at school. She is someone who takes care of little children just like my papa and mama. My favourite teacher is Tokio-sensei because she is always kind to me."
"My name is Yutaro Kojin and I want to be a pilot someday. Pilots fly different kinds of airplanes. My favourite plane is the one that brings me to Hokkaido because I get to see my grandparents there. I love to fly! I love to see the clouds. I want to be a pilot because it is so cool!"
"I am Rin Amakusa and I want to become a doctor. When I am sick, the doctor heals me. When I have wounds, the doctor patches them up so they also heal. Doctors help big and small people with their sickness. Doctors give medicines. They use a te-to-scope to hear your heartbeat. If you are not well, the doctors will hear it from here."
Twenty of the pupils were soon finished with their speech. Next up was the proud little boy wearing a crisp grey suit, a navy blue necktie, and based on the shape and size of the item – a small briefcase.
"Hello everyone! My name is Kenji Himura and I am 7 years old.
When I grow up, I want to be a big boss like my daddy. He goes to office every day and he always carries a rectangle bag and some papers too. He never forgets to kiss or hug me before he leaves. I feel sad when he goes to office sometimes.
He works in a very tall building. And there are lots of people inside. My daddy says that he works for all of them and he wants them all to be happy. I want to be a boss like him because I also want to make people happy.
Even if I have to go home late at night, and even if my brows crinkle a lot like my daddy.. I still want to be a big boss when I grow up.
I thank you!"
The audience was left speechless at how touching and unique this little kid's dream was. It showed how much the kid values his father – how much he looks up to him.
In the middle of the audience, the mentioned big boss was trying to hold his emotions together. This journey with Kenji and everything that he and his son went through all came flashing back in Kenshin's mind. Just a few months ago, he thought he'd lost his precious son for good. He thought that he was being a bad father to him. But no – there his son was – proudly standing on that stage, declaring how proud he was of him. And to think that Kenji really wanted to be like him. It filled Kenshin's heart with overwhelming happiness. His precious son – and the one sitting next to him. They were two of the most important to him right now.
Kaoru was moved by Kenji's speech too. She looked up to the man beside her and saw how her fiancé's expression turned soft. She pressed Kenshin's hand to tell him she understood and it was alright to show his emotions. Kenshin pressed her hand in return and showed her an almost teary smile.
The program soon ended and it was time to meet the star of the show. Kenji excitedly ran up to his parents, his eyes never left Kaoru. He missed her so much.
"Mommy Kaoru - you're here!" He gave her the tightest hug ever. Not being able to see his mommy felt so long for Kenji.
"You did wonderful back there. And that was a great speech." Kenshin ruffled his son's hair to show his appreciation.
"You sure made your daddy proud." Kaoru added. "But I thought you wanted to be a scientist or an astronaut?"
"Yeah – I like them also." Kenji played with his fingers as he explained. "But I want to be a boss too. I think it's cool!"
"Even if you'll look grumpy like your dad?" Kaoru teased, eyes looking sideward at Kenshin.
Kenji nodded his head in agreement. "Uh-huh!"
"And since you are here, big boss Kenji.. I want to apply for a job." She kneeled to the kid's level and asked sincerely. "Can I be your second mother?"
Kenji looked at the two of them in utter confusion. Wasn't his mommy Kaoru already his second mom? What were they talking about?
"Your mommy Kaoru and I.. we are getting married." Kenshin stated briefly. That was all it took for Kenji to almost jump in joy. It was, after all, what he wanted all along – for the three of them to finally become a family.
"R-really?" His smile was ear-to-ear.
"Really, really." Kenshin and Kaoru told him in unison.
~o~o~o~
The three of them enjoyed a hearty dinner at the restaurant after attending the school's activities. Kenji was still ecstatic at the fact that the three of them were now together. They shared a meal as a family, and now they were riding his daddy Kenshin's car with his parents up front. This was a perfect day for the little kid, except that the road they were taking did not look like the way to their mansion.
"Daddy, why are we going this way?" Kenji stood behind the driver's seat and asked his dad. He saw some unfamiliar structures and houses along the road.
"We will drop your mommy Kaoru at her place. She lives in this area." Kenshin informed him through the rear-view mirror.
This had worried the little redhead. "What do you mean? I thought the three of us are going to live together?"
"Not yet, baby. After the wedding, that's when I can move in to your house." Kaoru calmly explained.
This garnered a simultaneous look from the two redheads. "I mean.. at our house.", she corrected.
Kenji's worry had dissipated upon hearing this. He thought he'd be separated from his mommy again – but it was only temporary so it was okay. "Daddy, can I stay at mommy Kaoru's place tonight? Please, please, please... I want to see what it looks like."
Kenshin continued to drive, but was considering his son's request. "Let's ask your mommy Kaoru if it's alright with her."
"I don't see any problem with it." She said cheerfully, blinking at Kenji.
"Yey!" Kenji sat back again. When he saw the car being pulled up on the side of the road, he knew it was time to leave. "See you tomorrow daddy.. bye bye!"
Kenshin watched as his son eagerly got out of the car to enjoy the view of Kaoru's place from outside. His fiancee also followed suit and now all three of them were standing outside the gate. Kaoru searched her bag for the keys, and when she unlocked it – Kenji hurried inside.
Seemingly unsure at a sudden thought on his mind, Kenshin asked Kaoru: "Hey.. can I also stay with you tonight?"
Kaoru was surprised, but she was quick to turn him down. "You know you can't.. not yet." She offered him a smile and gave him a kiss to the left side of his cheeks as a parting gift. As much as they wanted to be together, they cannot sleep together in one place yet.
"Thanks for today. I'll see you tomorrow when you fetch Kenji. Be careful on your way home, okay?"
As Kenshin waved back at Kaoru and Kenji and prepared to head out, a realisation was affirmed on his mind: that these two are the most precious to him now. Wherever Kaoru and Kenji are – is the place he will be calling home.
~o~o~o~
He closed their gate tightly after waving his team mate goodbye. He was glad he got a free ride home courtesy of his new basketball friend. He rarely made friends at the university, but Yahiko was certain that Hikoichi was a pal for keeps. They both love the game and they were both interested on its virtual version – specifically that new Playstation game on his bag. Yahiko was excited to drop everything and turn on that console - when he saw someone else occupying his throne on the living room.
"W-who are you?", the teenager stuttered as he walked closer to the sofa. He was tempted to shoo this intruder violently, if only he wasn't afraid to be charged with physical abuse of a minor – a toddler to be exact.
Kenji was holding the controller of the Playstation, with his feet playfully swinging back and forth as he pressed a button to make the computer character jump up. The little kid did not notice the brown-haired boy standing in front of him.
Yahiko grabbed the controller from the redhead, causing little Kenji to look up at him, shocked. "Who are you? And what do you think you're doing with my console?!"
At the tone of his voice, which he interpreted as the bigger boy not liking him, Kenji bit his lip to prevent a sob from coming out. Why was he mad at him? Where's his mommy Kaoru? He looked around but only saw an empty living room and kitchen.
"Mommy!" Kenji cried aloud. He knew a big boy like him shouldn't cry, but he was growing afraid of the intimidating figure in front of him.
Said mommy Kaoru came rushing at the child's call. "Baby – ", she kneeled down and wiped Kenji's tears away. "Tell me what happened to you."
She need not hear his explanation though. Upon seeing Yahiko, and him clutching on the controller tightly – Kaoru understood the situation. "Give that back to him, Yahiko.", she commanded sternly.
"No way!" Yahiko visibly looked away to express his protest. Who was this kid to play with his precious Playstation anyway?
"I don't need to repeat myself. You will give that back to him or I will make you do it."
At the tone of his sister's voice, Yahiko had no choice but face her. "And why would I do that? Who's this brat? And who told him he can play with this? It's out of bounds, little kiddo. O-kay?"
Kenji only cried louder. And his ugly sister only looked scarier. For some reason, Yahiko felt a chill down his spine at the way Kaoru was throwing daggers at his direction.
Come to think of it – this kid looked kind of familiar. He has not seen this boy before but he sure knew this wasn't the first time he encountered someone like him. Someone who looked exactly like him.
Red hair – check! A little angular face – check! Eyes and nose – double check! Who else in the world would this little kid look like? No other than his would-be-brother-in-law himself – Kenshin Himura. So this was his kid?
At this point, Kenji was running out of energy and he stifled a few more sobs before his emotions subsided. His mommy Kaoru continued to calm him by massaging his hair and telling him that they will just read some story books instead.
"But – ", Kenji wanted to finish the game so badly. "I still want to play Super Mario, mommy."
Yahiko watched at how the little redhead stared at the controller he was holding. He suddenly felt bad for making him cry for no apparent reason. The kid surely did not mean any harm – and Yahiko soon realised he kind of overreacted.
"Here..", he offered the controller back.
Kenji's eyes lit up at the said offer and his frown instantly turned into a grin. He could not speak any word but only a hurried grip on the controller.
Kaoru stood up and exhaled in relief. Think about it – her brother can be considerate at times. There's still hope for him after all.
As soon as the elder sister left the two of them alone, Yahiko sat beside Kenji on the sofa. He felt he needed to do more to make up for that unnecessary threat earlier. He searched his bag for the new game he was supposed to play and showed it to Kenji.
"Do you know basketball?" He asked quite hesitantly. Yahiko was not sure if he was any good with the youngsters.
"A little bit." Kenji answered him innocently. "Can you teach me?"
Yahiko felt encouraged, he didn't notice a smile on his own lips. "Sure thing! You know what – I love basketball. And this game here is the newest release. I'll show you some of the basics and show you how this is played."
After moments of practice and game basics, the two commenced on their very first game together. Yahiko did not expect to enjoy the game with the little fella. Kenji, on the other hand, was in total delight. It was his first time playing this basketball game and it was so much fun!
"Uhm – ", Kenji paused and looked sideways at Yahiko. "What is your name?", he asked wondering.
The younger Kamiya was surprised. He has not introduced himself indeed. "It's Yahiko. Yahiko Kamiya. You can call me..."
"You are mommy Kaoru's brother." Kenji nodded knowingly. His mommy already told him about having a younger brother. He was glad he finally got to meet him. "I'll call you uncle Yahiko then."
Uncle? Yahiko almost blushed at how mature-sounding that term was. It surely did not suit him, but the kid's got to call him something right?
"Alright! It's Uncle Yahiko, little Kenji."
"Uncle Yahiko?"
"Hmm?"
"You are kind to me. And I think you are cool. I like you."
Yahiko soon found himself blushing at the remark.
~o~o~o~
The Kamiya household was soon embraced by the cold dark of the night. He could already hear the household's main anthem, courtesy of the loud snoring of their resident roosterhead. Which only meant that he was already in such a deep sleep and it was already late in the night. But for some reason, Yahiko couldn't find it in himself to rest his mind. He was staring at a particular picture on their display cabinet – the one his ugly sister kept a long time ago. In this picture, she was smiling widely wearing a weird-looking hairband that mimicked mouse ears. And beside her, was that little kid and his adult counterpart. They also wore the same hair accessories. The three of them looked really happy, the smile on their faces resonating such sincerity that Yahiko wished his sister would always smile like that.
Kaoru noticed that her brother has not gone to bed yet and followed the trail of light in the living room. She's been observing him silently and could read what's going on his mind. They never really talked about her engagement and impending marriage as siblings. She guessed it was the right time.
"Why the long face? Weren't you the one who connived with him with your so-called 'Sociology field trip'?", she joked with emphasis on the prank pulled by her sibling. Kaoru just wanted to break the ice.
She took the picture frame from him and put it back on the shelf. "Just tell me what you want… I can still back out, if you want me to."
"Tch! Don't make me look like the villain here. I'm not even saying anything." The spiky-haired boy answered in protest.
Kaoru exhaled and smiled as she stared at the picture they took at Disneyland. She had fond memories of that place. She confessed to her brother: "You know what – I feel lucky to be marrying him. He has shown me many times that he loves me, even if I feel like I'm not worthy."
"Don't say that." Yahiko said a bit irritably.
"You may be a nagger and you're short-tempered. Plus the fact that you suck in the kitchen big-time." He informed his sister in case she didn't know yet.
"But he's the one lucky – he'll have a wonderful, caring, unselfish woman as his wife. That is worth more than anything."
Kaoru was taken aback by those kind words. She rarely heard a compliment from him - correction, she 'never' heard a compliment from him. And for Yahiko to say these things about her now, a part of her heart was pinched tight.
Half-jokingly, she placed a palm against Yahiko's forehead. "I'm just checking if you are just sick or something. But whoever you are occupying Yahiko's body, please do not leave. I don't want my old brother back."
Yahiko shooed her hand away as if it was contagious. "Chhh! Get it off!"
"I was just kidding." Kaoru laughed. She really was a master at ticking her brother off. "Thank you Yahiko. It means so much to me."
"It will be quieter in this house when you're not around. Not that I'm complaining." He turned somber again.
"That's not a problem. You can visit me anytime and I'll visit you often until you get tired of me."
"Nah – it's not necessary. You'll have your husband and that young boy to take care of. Besides, I can manage on my own."
Kaoru acknowledged his claim and answered him. "I know you can." She gently patted his shoulder in agreement.
"Can you come here for a second?" She coaxed him to move towards her. "Closer – closer to your beautiful sister, please." Afterwards, she gave him the tightest hug to date.
"I'm gonna miss this. I'm gonna miss you Yahiko."
Speaking in a muffled voice as his whole face was pressed buried on his sister's shoulder, Yahiko answered: "Don't expect the feeling to be mutual, ugly."
"Whatever."
~o~o~o~
After weeks of preparation, the day has finally arrived. The couple wanted a simple and intimate ceremony for their union – so the venue they chose was a small chapel where the bride's parents also got married. They only had a few people on their guest list – mostly their close family members and select friends. Every one residing in the mansion was there too.
The soon-to-be married pair stayed on separate rooms at the nearby hotel. Inside the groom's suite room, Kenshin was preparing for yet the biggest rendezvous of his life. He was putting on his outfit for that special day – a navy blue tuxedo with matching bow on the neck.
"Daddy Kenshin – you're funny!" His son, who also wore a similar attire, commented. Kenji was closely observing his dad and his actions.
"What makes you say that?" Kenshin's attention was diverted from looking at his reflection in the mirror to his giggling son.
"You're buttoning it the wrong way… look!" Kenji pointed at the uneven inner clothing that he put on. Kenshin exhaled a sigh of defeat and undid that article of clothing altogether.
"I know daddy… you're nervous." Kenji remarked straightforwardly. He never saw his dad stumble like that.
"Am I too obvious?" Kenshin smiled subduedly at him. Maybe he was just overthinking things. Maybe he was nervous and excited at the same time.
"Are you excited to see mommy Kaoru too?" He asked the little kid in admission. In reality, he just can't wait to see her.
Kenji's wide smile was the confirmation to his daddy's question. Indeed, this day was also a very special day to him.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Kenshin's mobile phone rang a third time and upon reading the caller's name on the screen, a small smile escaped from his lips. A voice he has not heard for a while was heard from the other line.
"I received your invitation. But you know that I cannot be there right now."
"I understand."
"Kenshin – I know that things have been a little rough before. I mean, between me and her."
"Don't worry about it, dad. It's all in the past now. And Kaoru's not the type to hold grudges against anyone."
"Then don't treat her the way I treated your mother. Be good to her."
"I will."
"And Kenshin?"
"Yes dad?"
"I'm happy for you, son."
Kenshin put the phone down, but there was suddenly a lump on his throat and he could not speak clearly. He bit his lip to try to control it but he still trembled.
"Are you crying daddy?" Kenji looked up to inquire. He saw tears forming on his daddy's eyes.
"A little." Kenshin sniffed before settling his emotions. "Your grandpa just told me something that made me happy."
"Ohh right! Tae-san told me they are called happy tears."
"Yeah, happy tears."
Now, father and son duo were prepared to leave. Kenshin held his son's hand and with one heavy exhale, he asked: "Ready?"
"Aye aye captain!"
~o~o~o~
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, staring into those glossy, teary blue eyes and disregarding the commotion all around. She promised not to let her emotions get the better of her, at least before she reached the venue, but it was really hard for her to contain what was throbbing heavily inside her chest. This is the day – the day when her life will change forever. She will marry the man responsible for eliciting all the overwhelming emotions she was having right now. Those emotions of love, of anticipation, of happiness. Kaoru knew that the decision to marry Kenshin was the best thing she had ever done. Now, if she could just hold herself together and walk out that door decently – that would be really great.
Kaoru inhaled deeply and checked on her reflection on the mirror one last time. What she saw was a woman wearing the perfect white gown for that perfect occasion - a simple strapless gown sparsely embellished with sequins and crystals on the upper part, and a short train on the bottom. Her hair was clasped in a high bun with a floral band holding it in place. She wore just the right amount of make up on her face. On her left ring finger laid the white gold ring that Kenshin had given her, and on her right arm was a bracelet that her father had given as a birthday present. How she wished her parents were still alive to witness that day.
"Father, mother... I am going to get married today. Please be with me." She recited a silent prayer as she clutched the bridal bouquet with both hands.
She heard Yahiko pounding on the door calling out her name. He wondered what was keeping his sister occupied for too long. They have to reach the venue at the stipulated time that morning. Surely, his sister wouldn't want to be late for her very own wedding.
"Coming..." Kaoru announced as she headed towards the said door. As soon as it opened, it's as if an invisible gust of wind blew and all the commotion stopped for a moment. Everyone in the waiting area paused to appreciate the beauty that was Kaoru Kamiya. She looked ethereal in all aspects. The gown fit perfectly on her as it accentuated the curves of her figure. Her eyes were sparkling and her face looked radiant – not because of the make up that complemented her beauty, but because of the smile she was wearing. She was glowing.
Yahiko gazed at his sister and pursed a small curve of a smile. He had never seen Kaoru look this beautiful - and this happy. He then offered one arm for Kaoru to clutch on. That morning, he will be the bride's personal escort. No one else was allowed to be one.
"All I want is to hold you forever…"
Kaoru hummed a familiar song in her head just to get the wedding jitters out of the way. She and Yahiko walked closer and closer to the small chapel at the end of the walkway. That's the designated place. And that's where she will meet with Kenshin.
"And all I need is you more every day…"
As the doors of the chapel came nearer, she suddenly felt a strong burst of butterflies in her stomach. Was this how her mother felt when she married her father? Kaoru hoped she had gotten advice from her.
"You gave your love away… and I'm thankful every day… for the gift…"
And now, the doors were now in front of her. On the other side, all their loved ones were waiting. Yahiko let go of her hand and looked at her with such certainty. The siblings exchanged one last look with each other before the doors finally opened.
~o~o~o~
The chapel was amply decorated with all things white. White tulips, carnations, and jasmines aligned the aisle. Everything turning into slow-mo, Kaoru took a step closer and closer to the altar. A short distance ahead, her dashing groom looked on at her, fists clenched closed in anticipation. Kaoru felt all eyes were on her – but those violet eyes of his pierced her heart the most.
Kenshin watched on as she took her time to meet with him. She was wearing the perfect white gown and she was really beautiful – there was no other word to describe her. He was one lucky man indeed.
They finally met at the altar. Kenshin, despite his own nervousness, offered his arm for Kaoru – and soon, they settled on the seats in front. The priest presiding the ceremony started the union with a solemn prayer.
When it was time for the wedding vows, the chapel went silent. That moment was reserved for the groom and bride - to share what their promise to each other were. Kenshin took a piece of paper from his pocket and recited his vow to her.
"Kaoru, you know how much I wanted to be in this place with you. So thank you.. Thank you for realising my dream. For forgiving and accepting me. And for giving me another chance at experiencing happiness.
When I first shared my past with you, I was worried. But you never judged me and instead assured me that everything was alright. You assured me that I was a good father to my son, and that I was a 'nice' person after all. I was happy when you said that. You embraced my whole being, scars and all.
My life used to be quiet, but it became a lot louder when you came around. It became a lot louder and.. livelier.
You are sometimes hard-headed. And you can be difficult to understand at times. But you are insistent, and kind, and loving. You are a person who's easy to love. But maybe the one I love most about you is your heart - for you have accepted this lonely and unworthy man to be a part of your life.
I am far from perfect but I promise to always uphold your happiness. I don't promise that I won't be difficult though, so please bear with me. I will try my best to control my temper. And I will try my best to come home as early as I can, every day. With you, Kenji and the family that we will start together, I will be looking forward to saying "I'm home" every single day.
So now, in front of the most important people in our lives, especially those who have entrusted you to me.. I say this again: I love you and I'll never get tired saying it along with your new name, Mrs. Kaoru Himura."
It was time for Kaoru to recite her vows. She took a small piece of paper and began reading her message.
"Mr. Kenshin Himura... first of all, thank you. Thank you for letting me be part of your world. For letting me take care of the most precious things in your life. Thank you for making me feel important and for making me feel loved.
I remember when I was applying for a job under you, I knew I was in for something challenging. Little did I know that I was also in for something that would change my life. Meeting you, working for you, getting to know you - the real you - the real Kenshin Himura.. was one of the best things that happened to me. I say "one of the best" because I have the rest of my life to experience only the best things.. with you.
I am not perfect too but I'll give my best to be your right hand, your best friend, your partner in everything. I promise to learn cooking seriously - so that you won't have to eat those terrible rice balls and marinated tofu again. I promise to always show up whenever you want to see me - and even if you don't want to see me, I'll still show up.
I promise to be a good mother to Kenji, and to give him everything I can offer as his second mother. I promise to always make you smile, even if I have to force you, because I don't want to see a grumpy Kenshin ever again. And, from this day forward, I promise to surrender to you.. I will not run away nor go anywhere. From this day on, you won't be alone again. I will always stay by your side.
I've never said this upright.. but please know this: Mr. Kenshin Himura, the handsome but totally crazy man who dared to ask an even crazier woman to be his wife.. I don't always say I love you but when I do, I really mean it! So, I love you... and I'm so happy to be calling you mine."
There were tears all around. It was a beautiful exchange of promises and a declaration of love. Kenshin and Kaoru capped off the ceremony with a kiss – a long, emotional kiss which was accompanied by a round of applause from the happy audience.
Marriage was something very sacred – and Kaoru and Kenshin were both determined to uphold it and make it work.
~o~o~o~
A/N: Hello guys! I am back for the last installment of Kenshin and Kaoru's story. It took me more than a year to follow up on the proposal. I hope I made the wait worth it. By the way, this is a two-part upload of the last 2 chapters. So I hope you all enjoy the coming chapter as well =)