Author's Note: Hi Everyone! I know it has been a long time since I posted on fanfiction. In addition to our current worldwide situation, I had some personal things come my way that needed more attention. As such, fanfiction writing took a back seat. I have gotten some renewed energy though and decided to make a return. Stories I have delayed will be completed or at some point finished, and new ones added, so be on the lookout. I will also be venturing into Archive of Our Own at some point this summer too.
Author's Note 2: With the new Rurouni Kenshin live action films coming out, I felt renewed in returning to the story and fanfiction. Before Rurouni Kenshin: The Final debuts on Netflix this Friday, I decided to make a quick return with this short story installment that came to mind. Just some feel good fluff.
Author's Note 3: Aside from The Final differing from the original Manga (to be expected due to time lengths), I am excited to see what the film will bring with this specific part of the arc that never got properly adapted. Also looking forward to seeing what they have done with The Beginning.
Author's Note 4: I hope everyone has done okay during these past 18 months of a worldwide crisis and that you are all happy and healthy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Kenshin Himura could not stop staring at the blanket wrapped bundle he held carefully in his arms. One month ago, he could never imagine how much joy he could feel in this moment at the baby sleeping peacefully without much worry or care.
'He's perfect.' Kenshin smiled as he observed his son.
When Kenji was born a month ago, he had screamed a wail loud enough to wake a whole block in Tokyo. Kenshin had been waiting anxiously outside the clinic when he heard the scream of a baby, a new life brought into the world. It was a strange feeling for Kenshin, knowing that he and Kaoru created this new life nine months before. When he came into the room to see Kaoru holding their son, his anxiety was gone and all he felt was warmth.
The first few nights were a challenge to Kenshin as a new father. As good as he was with children, a newborn was a different story. Kenji would cry, eat, and need frequent changes. Yet there were moments of beauty and wonder. When Kenji would sleep peacefully with a smile or look at the world with awe. He had a small patch of red hair and his mother's beautiful sapphire blue eyes, and looked at you as if you were the best thing that could ever happen.
'If only that were true.'
Kenshin closed his eyes for a moment and felt a slight sadness inside himself. Even though it had been years, his past still held some nightmares and pain. As did the memories of Jinchuu. Kenshin leaned his back against the post on the porch and listened as the wind chimes clattered. He heard Kenji stir and looked down to see the infant yawn then go back to sleep. Kenshin's eyes softened at the sight.
'I have had many happy memories though. Since coming to Kamiya Dojo, there have been so many. So much laughter. So why do I keep thinking of the past?'
Kenshin watched as his son slept, completely comfortable in his father's arms on a sunny September day. Looking at Kenji, Kenshin felt warmth fill him and knew in his heart that his son would grow up happier than he did. Happier in a more peaceful era without bloodshed, worry, or fear.
'I'll be the best father to you Kenji. Protecting and teaching you. Giving you a happy life just as your mother has given me.'
Kenshin smiled down at his son who continued his peaceful sleep. He then felt Kaoru's presence come towards them as she carried the mail. They had been receiving many gifts and cards lately to celebrate Kenji's arrival. Kaoru had come up to them with a smile, three cards, and a package.
"I don't know what we will do with these gifts. Let's open the package first."
Kaoru sat down on the porch beside Kenshin and Kenji, and began to open the package. She pulled out a green blanket perfect for a baby. "There's a note attached."
Kaoru opened the note and turned to Kenshin. "It's from your master."
"Oro?"
"It says 'Congratulations to you two idiots.' What a charm." Kenshin smiled nervously at Kaoru's agitated face.
"Now, now…."
"I know, I know. It was thoughtful for him to send this to us. Winter will be here soon."
"That it will."
Kenshin watched as Kaoru opened the other letters and stared back at Kenji who remained sleeping. Kenshin simply smiled, looking at his son with all the joy and warmth he felt inside. Kenji was joy wrapped in a bundle for Kenshin. A joy for him and Kaoru to love unconditionally in a happy home and a peaceful era.
End
I hope you enjoyed this short installment. Aside from the short story collection I did involving a majority of RK characters, I am mostly Kenshin/Kaoru stories in the RK world. It was nice to make a bit of a change and focus on the happiness Kenshin would feel when he starts a family. I imagine there would be worries and anxieties over this, especially given Kenshin's past. I believe as time goes on though he will start to be more confident in his role as husband and father while moving towards his future each day, living a peaceful life with those he holds dear.
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