Disclaimer: Nobuhiro Watsuki is the owner of Rurouni Kenshin and all of its characters.
A/N: Hello, minna-san! I'm just so thankful to all of you who stuck with me in reading this entire story, and reviewed every step of the way! Because of you, I was finally able to finish my first, COMPLETED fic! Thanks so, so, so much for everything you've done for me!! Hope you enjoy this very last bit of 'Close at Heart'!! HAPPY READING!!
BUT WAIT!
Just a teensy little note! I WILL be writing another RK KxK pairing romance fic, so...just to let you know. -_^
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Kaoru, it HAS to be this one!!"
"Are you kidding? What's THAT one compared to THIS?"
Kaoru watched her friends warily as they argued over which dress was utter perfection for her upcoming wedding. But she still couldn't believe it. Everybody was so happy at the news. It was decided that Kaoru remain in Tae's house, since her stuff was still there, and Kenshin took Enishi's previous room for the temporary. Tae decided to let them stay, until the wedding was over and they found themselves a place to settle. Even her BOSS consented, and gave her a few weeks off for this whole ordeal. Well, she was a really caring person in any case. She could see why she let her go, especially the case being a wedding...
"Kaoru, what do YOU think?"
Kaoru looked up from the row of dresses and thought. Misao was fingering one that had a glittery effect all around the top. It looked like a spaghetti strap, and with a milky white material that encircled her bare shoulders neatly. The bottom was pretty much laid out simple, but either way it was lovely. But she liked Megumi's too, being that it had medieval style sleeves made of lace, and decorated with the same pattern all the way down to the lace train that dragged behind.
"Oh dear...they're both so pretty... What do you think, Tsubame-chan?"
Tsubame cocked her head and smiled.
"I think Kaoru-san would look pretty in both of them."
Kaoru chuckled and continued to look.
"I don't know guys, this is taking an awfully long-"
She suddenly stopped. Misao and Megumi looked over Kaoru's shoulder to see what she was examining. She looked at the dress in awe.
"-time."
Kaoru was speechless. The dress had a top that had a little thicker straps then a spaghetti strap, and were thick at the shoulders and grew thinner as they attached to the top itself. It slimmed itself down to the waist, and had a separate length of similar milky white material that was meant to hang loosely around her arms at the elbows, like Misao's choice. The bottom had embroidery on it towards the bottom, with beautiful white lilies blooming with pearl centers. The train in the back was simple and long, just as she'd liked it. The rest of them looked on in shock at Kaoru's discovery.
"I can't believe it..."
"Kaoru...it's..."
"Gorgeous."
All three of them said in unison as Kaoru held it out in front of her.
"I...I think I like this one..."
In the end, they had the dress rented out for the occasion (it being too expensive to purchase), and Kaoru walked home, happy and finally feeling like she was prepared for her future.
* * *
"-and Shishou, it's going to be on...Shishou, are you listening to me?"
Kenshin was replied with a grunt on the other end of the phone. He sighed.
"The wedding is going to take place, here in France. Kaoru-dono has requested that you be invited."
"Baka-deshi, have you no shame...having your WIFE be the one request me at your wedding. You have no honor."
Kenshin twitched.
"Of course, I'm the one who came up with the idea in any case. She just requested it."
Hiko Seijyuurou grunted.
"Heh, whatever."
"Alright Shishou, so might I have the permission to say that you are officially going to be joining us in the ceremony?"
Kenshin pulled out the guest list and a pen. Hiko sighed.
"You do that, baka-deshi. Just if you forget the liquor, I'm outta that church building in a bang, with you bound to my heels, got it?"
Kenshin sighed.
"Sure, Shishou, whatever you say..."
"Oi, and baka-deshi?"
"Hai?" (yes?)
Kenshin sensed a smirk on the other end of the line.
"Congrats."
He smiled.
"Thanks, Shishou."
* * *
Tae-san must have been the most energetic about the whole ordeal out of everyone who was invited. She had been looking forward to a traditional Japanese style wedding, however, she was nonetheless equally excited when she was informed it was to be a modern one, in the city of Paris. She smiled to herself happily as she sat at her kitchen table that day, sketching out a design for the wedding cake, and not to mention the feast. She'd planned to leave her little shop in the hands of her employers for a few weeks so she could sort everything out in order properly, just so she could give her all in this special assignment. She hummed a tune as she sketched in white lilies made of frosting on the top of the properly drawn cake. She found herself interrupted by a knock on the door, and she stood to receive it. Kaoru's smiling face greeted her as she opened the green door.
"Kaoru-chan! Oh my, is that your dress? Come now, Misao-chan, Megumi-san, please come in! Tsubame-chan, will you please prepare some tea once you hang your coat?"
She bustled them inside and quickly hid her cake sketch, after all it was a surprise. She gave Kaoru a sly smile.
"Ah, now, Kaoru-chan are you going to show your good friend Tae your gorgeous dress?"
Kaoru stuck her tongue out and smiled.
"Oh no, Tae-san, if there's no wedding cake sketch that you have to show me, then this dress is going to be out of your reach!"
The women giggled, then turned to the door as another knock issued.
"I'll get it!"
Kaoru handed Tsubame her dress and asked her to place it up in her room. She quickly trotted to the door and opened it, and immediately Kenshin came forth and hugged her, laughing.
"Aaah, Kenshin!"
She laughed as she hugged him back. He pecked her cheek and released her as she helped him removed his coat. Tae poked her head out from the kitchen door.
"Ara, Himura-san! Please come in, we're about to start tea!"
He gladly accepted the offer and seated himself at the table as Misao and Megumi said their greetings. The five of them chatted gaily as the sun began to set.
* * *
And several weeks later...
Kaoru poked her head out into the night air from her window, her bathrobe keeping her warm. She sighed as she placed a hand on her heart, beating slightly jerkily.
'Tomorrow...Why am I so nervous...this is what I wanted, isn't it?'
She let herself think until she felt a pair of lips against her neck. A familiar pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind as he nuzzled her.
"Kenshin..."
She slightly turned herself so she could see him. He smiled.
"Can you sleep?"
She shook her head, and rested it against his chest.
"Neither can I."
She smiled and hugged him.
"I guess we only have each other, then."
And after a few moments of silent breathing, Kaoru dozed off, melting into her fiancé's arms and to await the big day coming forth.
* * *
She seemed to be made of delicate petals of white that day, her fragrance of kindness raising the chapel sanctuary as she made her way down the isle, alone. Kaoru had no parents, nor did she accept Hiko's offer of his escort down the red carpet. And yet the empty space to her right was already filled with memories, a shadow of a smiling face that secretly linked his arm with hers in the heavens above.
'Otou-san, Okaa-san...thank you for all your blessings that you've showered on me. I know it was all you, planning all this.'
She smiled as she looked down at her bouquet of lilies, then up at the face framed with flaming red hair, like a blossom around the violet eyes watching her every step of the way.
'All your planning shows on his face. He's a gift like no other.'
Megumi sat with Sano as they watched the couple be wed. Megumi leaned over.
"See? I told you the love dust was there."
Sano smirked.
"I didn't say I didn't agree with you."
Aoshi had his hand clasped with Misao's as she wiped her eyes frantically. The joy couldn't be expressed as Misao watched Himura's face smile to its full extent for the first time.
Tae and Hiko acted as parental roles, and were seated at the front. Hiko couldn't help but smirk at least once to see his baka-deshi in a tuxedo, furthermore actually getting married. Tae continued to marvel at Kaoru and her splendid dress, a beauty of the lily.
And as Kenshin pulled over the veil above Kaoru's face, he let a gloved hand bring a tip of his finger to her lips, moving it slightly so that they curved upwards. She blushed, smiling and feeling relaxed at the release of tension.
Their love was sealed with a kiss, and their guests stood in applause as newly-wed Himura Kenshin and Kaoru linked hand in hand as they grinned, making their way back down the isle.
* * *
The party afterwards was a blast, so they said. Misao and Megumi presented Kaoru with a shocking bright-red Chinese style dress, with a slit along the sides and embroideries of golden dragons at the edges. Delighted, she immediately used the bride's powder room to change before dinner.
Tae's feast turned out an utter success, with an entire banquet table filled with traditional Japanese food, all the way to fancy French pastries and delicacies. The cake was wheeled out on a large cart, and was specially hand-made by Tsubame. The 14 year old had shyly come up to Kaoru with a hug, and whispered.
"Tae-san taught me. I just hope I didn't do anything wrong to poison it."
Tae had laughed at the comment, and praised the girl with how the frosting lily decorations came out splendidly.
Kenshin and Kaoru were seated at the head of the table as they all raised their champagne glasses for a toast. Sano lamely did the honors while Megumi whispered lines across the table. The guests drank their fill and they reached out for their tableware to begin. Tsubame had to order for another napkin after using both hers and Yahiko's to wipe his mouth.
And in the end, Hiko got so sick of everybody tapping their spoons against their champagne glasses, ordering the newly wed couple to kiss every time they did so, so he was finally obliged to chuck his own spoon at his baka-deshi and barely missed by an inch. No one dared tap his or her spoons after that, for the sake of the groom's safety.
* * *
"Kaoru, it's your turn."
Kenshin came out of the shower with a towel over his head, rubbing his hair dry. His wife smiled back at him as she removed her coat.
"Arigatou, Kenshin."
She bustled herself into the bath, then several minutes later came out wearing her white bathrobe. Kenshin looked back at her from the balcony of their hotel room, wearing a casual t-shirt, a pair of flannel pants, and a towel around his shoulders. He smiled and motioned her to come out with him. Kaoru pouted playfully and sat down on the bed.
"I'm all nice and warm after my shower, so I think I'll just stay here and not expose myself to cold air."
Smiling, he stepped back inside and closed the door partially behind him, just enough to at least let in a small flow of air. The sun had set long past, and the city below them glimmered like an undiscovered mine full of gems illuminated by the moonlight. Kenshin sat down beside Kaoru, and let his fingers wind themselves through her long hair, cascading down her back. He then reached down and took one of her creamy white hands and brought it to his lips. She slightly giggled from the ticklish sensation of his mouth. Soon enough he gave a small tug on her arm, and she came falling forward into him as he set his lips upon hers. And as time passed, the kiss grew more passionate. Kenshin had his arms encircling her body, and both of her hands had themselves gripping onto his shoulders. The slightest touch of his tongue set the world on fire, and they both tumbled over onto the bed amidst the blankets.
The wind slowly drew the curtains to a close as the night proceeded for the young lovers.
* * *
Several years later...
"Chizuru, hurry up or we'll be late!"
The young girl in her twenties fixed the navy blue ribbon in her hair as she brushed off her uniform with her gloved hands. She gave herself one last look into the mirror.
"Coming!!"
She immediately scampered out the door and locked it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard flight 677 to Paris, France. We'd like to ask now that you securely fasten your seatbelts as we will be taking off shortly."
Chizuru hummed a tune as she got several cups in a row to fill with coffee for a requested passenger. To her right, a calling signal went off for seat number 17. She called over to her co-workers as she made her way down the isle.
"Mieko, could you bring those coffee cups to the passengers at seat 26? There's someone calling."
Her heels lightly thunked against the carpeted isle as her eyes scanned over the numbers over the seats. Her chocolate brown eyes finally set themselves on 17. She looked below the luggage compartment to see a waft of flaming red hair, messily bundled into a ponytail above the head. She neared the seat and bent over to speak.
"Sir, may I help you?"
The face turned to her to reveal shockingly blue, sapphire eyes. Strands of red fell over his face, the facial features neatly framed with a pointed, masculine chin. He requested for his lunch that he had slept through, and later on spoke to her yet again near the lavatories. Oddly enough, Chizuru couldn't help snatching glances at the strange man with mystical features.
The plain finally landed 13 hours later, and Chizuru positioned herself right next to the door to see off their passengers. Right then, her eyes met sapphire blue, and the two people stood staring at each other for some time. The man was the first to snap out of the trance, and he unexpectedly stuck out a hand to her. Not sure what to do, she looked down at it curiously, then back up at his face. He gave her a shy smile.
"I hope I'll get another opportunity to see you again. I'm glad I took this flight."
She blushed immensely, but nonetheless shyly returned the handshake and smiled.
"So am I. Please come back."
He gave a small salute and began making his way out the door.
"Wait-" She started.
He stopped and looked back at her. Her mouth seemed to speak without her control.
"M-May I know your name?"
He smiled, and then reached into his coat pocket. With a skillful flick of the wrist, he set a small card flying at her, and she hastily caught it. She looked down and read its contents.
"Himura Kenji. Former apprentice of Hiko Seijyuurou.
Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu."
She looked up again to speak, but before she could even utter a word, he had already disappeared from sight.
* * *
5 years later...
Chizuru walked along in a lavender summer dress, with the sun piercing down on the hot concrete that day. To her right, she walked hand in hand with her little daughter, 6-year old Sachie, who happily skipped with her fully-grown raven-black hair tied into two pigtails. And beyond her little girl, walked her husband. He held little Sachie's other hand, and laughed as she gurgled in delight every time he hoisted her up single-handed. Chizuru thanked whatever spirit it was that brought her to such a wonderful family.
The three of them finally stopped at the temple, and Chizuru handed Sachie a tiny bouquet of lilies. They entered the cemetery, passed row upon row of gravestones, and her husband finally stopped to face one in particular. As she watched him, she sensed a small sorrow building up, welling through him as he stood, his eyes transfixed to the grave. But it was then that he looked over, and curiously watched as his little girl stepped up to the stone. She put her hands together and bowed her head in greeting, then gently placed the lilies on its step. She backed down and clutched her father's hand as she looked up at him with her pair of equally shocking, blue eyes.
It was then that Himura Kenji felt relieved, satisfied, and fully confident that probably by now the man and woman whom he didn't know well enough was happy with him. He looked up to the sky as the gray, heavy aura of sadness made way for joy as he held her tiny hand in his grasp. Chizuru watched from the side, reassured by Kenji's contented expression. He turned back to the gravestone and let his heart go forth to the people who he'd never see again.
"Otou-san...Okaa-san...I'm home."
He hastily wiped away a tear and gave a small roar, then playfully chased Sachie out of the cemetery. Chizuru, however, turned back to the grave for she didn't know to whom it belonged to. She bent over to read the inscription, then secretly smiled to herself as she likewise put her hands together and bowed.
"Himura-san, thank you so much...for showering your blessings upon your son and myself."
Chizuru left the place without a sound, running after her husband.
'Himura Kenshin and Kaoru
Left earth to heaven in glory in Paris.
Close at Heart forever and eternity.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*~The End~*
A/N: Hello, minna-san! I'm just so thankful to all of you who stuck with me in reading this entire story, and reviewed every step of the way! Because of you, I was finally able to finish my first, COMPLETED fic! Thanks so, so, so much for everything you've done for me!! Hope you enjoy this very last bit of 'Close at Heart'!! HAPPY READING!!
BUT WAIT!
Just a teensy little note! I WILL be writing another RK KxK pairing romance fic, so...just to let you know. -_^
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Kaoru, it HAS to be this one!!"
"Are you kidding? What's THAT one compared to THIS?"
Kaoru watched her friends warily as they argued over which dress was utter perfection for her upcoming wedding. But she still couldn't believe it. Everybody was so happy at the news. It was decided that Kaoru remain in Tae's house, since her stuff was still there, and Kenshin took Enishi's previous room for the temporary. Tae decided to let them stay, until the wedding was over and they found themselves a place to settle. Even her BOSS consented, and gave her a few weeks off for this whole ordeal. Well, she was a really caring person in any case. She could see why she let her go, especially the case being a wedding...
"Kaoru, what do YOU think?"
Kaoru looked up from the row of dresses and thought. Misao was fingering one that had a glittery effect all around the top. It looked like a spaghetti strap, and with a milky white material that encircled her bare shoulders neatly. The bottom was pretty much laid out simple, but either way it was lovely. But she liked Megumi's too, being that it had medieval style sleeves made of lace, and decorated with the same pattern all the way down to the lace train that dragged behind.
"Oh dear...they're both so pretty... What do you think, Tsubame-chan?"
Tsubame cocked her head and smiled.
"I think Kaoru-san would look pretty in both of them."
Kaoru chuckled and continued to look.
"I don't know guys, this is taking an awfully long-"
She suddenly stopped. Misao and Megumi looked over Kaoru's shoulder to see what she was examining. She looked at the dress in awe.
"-time."
Kaoru was speechless. The dress had a top that had a little thicker straps then a spaghetti strap, and were thick at the shoulders and grew thinner as they attached to the top itself. It slimmed itself down to the waist, and had a separate length of similar milky white material that was meant to hang loosely around her arms at the elbows, like Misao's choice. The bottom had embroidery on it towards the bottom, with beautiful white lilies blooming with pearl centers. The train in the back was simple and long, just as she'd liked it. The rest of them looked on in shock at Kaoru's discovery.
"I can't believe it..."
"Kaoru...it's..."
"Gorgeous."
All three of them said in unison as Kaoru held it out in front of her.
"I...I think I like this one..."
In the end, they had the dress rented out for the occasion (it being too expensive to purchase), and Kaoru walked home, happy and finally feeling like she was prepared for her future.
* * *
"-and Shishou, it's going to be on...Shishou, are you listening to me?"
Kenshin was replied with a grunt on the other end of the phone. He sighed.
"The wedding is going to take place, here in France. Kaoru-dono has requested that you be invited."
"Baka-deshi, have you no shame...having your WIFE be the one request me at your wedding. You have no honor."
Kenshin twitched.
"Of course, I'm the one who came up with the idea in any case. She just requested it."
Hiko Seijyuurou grunted.
"Heh, whatever."
"Alright Shishou, so might I have the permission to say that you are officially going to be joining us in the ceremony?"
Kenshin pulled out the guest list and a pen. Hiko sighed.
"You do that, baka-deshi. Just if you forget the liquor, I'm outta that church building in a bang, with you bound to my heels, got it?"
Kenshin sighed.
"Sure, Shishou, whatever you say..."
"Oi, and baka-deshi?"
"Hai?" (yes?)
Kenshin sensed a smirk on the other end of the line.
"Congrats."
He smiled.
"Thanks, Shishou."
* * *
Tae-san must have been the most energetic about the whole ordeal out of everyone who was invited. She had been looking forward to a traditional Japanese style wedding, however, she was nonetheless equally excited when she was informed it was to be a modern one, in the city of Paris. She smiled to herself happily as she sat at her kitchen table that day, sketching out a design for the wedding cake, and not to mention the feast. She'd planned to leave her little shop in the hands of her employers for a few weeks so she could sort everything out in order properly, just so she could give her all in this special assignment. She hummed a tune as she sketched in white lilies made of frosting on the top of the properly drawn cake. She found herself interrupted by a knock on the door, and she stood to receive it. Kaoru's smiling face greeted her as she opened the green door.
"Kaoru-chan! Oh my, is that your dress? Come now, Misao-chan, Megumi-san, please come in! Tsubame-chan, will you please prepare some tea once you hang your coat?"
She bustled them inside and quickly hid her cake sketch, after all it was a surprise. She gave Kaoru a sly smile.
"Ah, now, Kaoru-chan are you going to show your good friend Tae your gorgeous dress?"
Kaoru stuck her tongue out and smiled.
"Oh no, Tae-san, if there's no wedding cake sketch that you have to show me, then this dress is going to be out of your reach!"
The women giggled, then turned to the door as another knock issued.
"I'll get it!"
Kaoru handed Tsubame her dress and asked her to place it up in her room. She quickly trotted to the door and opened it, and immediately Kenshin came forth and hugged her, laughing.
"Aaah, Kenshin!"
She laughed as she hugged him back. He pecked her cheek and released her as she helped him removed his coat. Tae poked her head out from the kitchen door.
"Ara, Himura-san! Please come in, we're about to start tea!"
He gladly accepted the offer and seated himself at the table as Misao and Megumi said their greetings. The five of them chatted gaily as the sun began to set.
* * *
And several weeks later...
Kaoru poked her head out into the night air from her window, her bathrobe keeping her warm. She sighed as she placed a hand on her heart, beating slightly jerkily.
'Tomorrow...Why am I so nervous...this is what I wanted, isn't it?'
She let herself think until she felt a pair of lips against her neck. A familiar pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind as he nuzzled her.
"Kenshin..."
She slightly turned herself so she could see him. He smiled.
"Can you sleep?"
She shook her head, and rested it against his chest.
"Neither can I."
She smiled and hugged him.
"I guess we only have each other, then."
And after a few moments of silent breathing, Kaoru dozed off, melting into her fiancé's arms and to await the big day coming forth.
* * *
She seemed to be made of delicate petals of white that day, her fragrance of kindness raising the chapel sanctuary as she made her way down the isle, alone. Kaoru had no parents, nor did she accept Hiko's offer of his escort down the red carpet. And yet the empty space to her right was already filled with memories, a shadow of a smiling face that secretly linked his arm with hers in the heavens above.
'Otou-san, Okaa-san...thank you for all your blessings that you've showered on me. I know it was all you, planning all this.'
She smiled as she looked down at her bouquet of lilies, then up at the face framed with flaming red hair, like a blossom around the violet eyes watching her every step of the way.
'All your planning shows on his face. He's a gift like no other.'
Megumi sat with Sano as they watched the couple be wed. Megumi leaned over.
"See? I told you the love dust was there."
Sano smirked.
"I didn't say I didn't agree with you."
Aoshi had his hand clasped with Misao's as she wiped her eyes frantically. The joy couldn't be expressed as Misao watched Himura's face smile to its full extent for the first time.
Tae and Hiko acted as parental roles, and were seated at the front. Hiko couldn't help but smirk at least once to see his baka-deshi in a tuxedo, furthermore actually getting married. Tae continued to marvel at Kaoru and her splendid dress, a beauty of the lily.
And as Kenshin pulled over the veil above Kaoru's face, he let a gloved hand bring a tip of his finger to her lips, moving it slightly so that they curved upwards. She blushed, smiling and feeling relaxed at the release of tension.
Their love was sealed with a kiss, and their guests stood in applause as newly-wed Himura Kenshin and Kaoru linked hand in hand as they grinned, making their way back down the isle.
* * *
The party afterwards was a blast, so they said. Misao and Megumi presented Kaoru with a shocking bright-red Chinese style dress, with a slit along the sides and embroideries of golden dragons at the edges. Delighted, she immediately used the bride's powder room to change before dinner.
Tae's feast turned out an utter success, with an entire banquet table filled with traditional Japanese food, all the way to fancy French pastries and delicacies. The cake was wheeled out on a large cart, and was specially hand-made by Tsubame. The 14 year old had shyly come up to Kaoru with a hug, and whispered.
"Tae-san taught me. I just hope I didn't do anything wrong to poison it."
Tae had laughed at the comment, and praised the girl with how the frosting lily decorations came out splendidly.
Kenshin and Kaoru were seated at the head of the table as they all raised their champagne glasses for a toast. Sano lamely did the honors while Megumi whispered lines across the table. The guests drank their fill and they reached out for their tableware to begin. Tsubame had to order for another napkin after using both hers and Yahiko's to wipe his mouth.
And in the end, Hiko got so sick of everybody tapping their spoons against their champagne glasses, ordering the newly wed couple to kiss every time they did so, so he was finally obliged to chuck his own spoon at his baka-deshi and barely missed by an inch. No one dared tap his or her spoons after that, for the sake of the groom's safety.
* * *
"Kaoru, it's your turn."
Kenshin came out of the shower with a towel over his head, rubbing his hair dry. His wife smiled back at him as she removed her coat.
"Arigatou, Kenshin."
She bustled herself into the bath, then several minutes later came out wearing her white bathrobe. Kenshin looked back at her from the balcony of their hotel room, wearing a casual t-shirt, a pair of flannel pants, and a towel around his shoulders. He smiled and motioned her to come out with him. Kaoru pouted playfully and sat down on the bed.
"I'm all nice and warm after my shower, so I think I'll just stay here and not expose myself to cold air."
Smiling, he stepped back inside and closed the door partially behind him, just enough to at least let in a small flow of air. The sun had set long past, and the city below them glimmered like an undiscovered mine full of gems illuminated by the moonlight. Kenshin sat down beside Kaoru, and let his fingers wind themselves through her long hair, cascading down her back. He then reached down and took one of her creamy white hands and brought it to his lips. She slightly giggled from the ticklish sensation of his mouth. Soon enough he gave a small tug on her arm, and she came falling forward into him as he set his lips upon hers. And as time passed, the kiss grew more passionate. Kenshin had his arms encircling her body, and both of her hands had themselves gripping onto his shoulders. The slightest touch of his tongue set the world on fire, and they both tumbled over onto the bed amidst the blankets.
The wind slowly drew the curtains to a close as the night proceeded for the young lovers.
* * *
Several years later...
"Chizuru, hurry up or we'll be late!"
The young girl in her twenties fixed the navy blue ribbon in her hair as she brushed off her uniform with her gloved hands. She gave herself one last look into the mirror.
"Coming!!"
She immediately scampered out the door and locked it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard flight 677 to Paris, France. We'd like to ask now that you securely fasten your seatbelts as we will be taking off shortly."
Chizuru hummed a tune as she got several cups in a row to fill with coffee for a requested passenger. To her right, a calling signal went off for seat number 17. She called over to her co-workers as she made her way down the isle.
"Mieko, could you bring those coffee cups to the passengers at seat 26? There's someone calling."
Her heels lightly thunked against the carpeted isle as her eyes scanned over the numbers over the seats. Her chocolate brown eyes finally set themselves on 17. She looked below the luggage compartment to see a waft of flaming red hair, messily bundled into a ponytail above the head. She neared the seat and bent over to speak.
"Sir, may I help you?"
The face turned to her to reveal shockingly blue, sapphire eyes. Strands of red fell over his face, the facial features neatly framed with a pointed, masculine chin. He requested for his lunch that he had slept through, and later on spoke to her yet again near the lavatories. Oddly enough, Chizuru couldn't help snatching glances at the strange man with mystical features.
The plain finally landed 13 hours later, and Chizuru positioned herself right next to the door to see off their passengers. Right then, her eyes met sapphire blue, and the two people stood staring at each other for some time. The man was the first to snap out of the trance, and he unexpectedly stuck out a hand to her. Not sure what to do, she looked down at it curiously, then back up at his face. He gave her a shy smile.
"I hope I'll get another opportunity to see you again. I'm glad I took this flight."
She blushed immensely, but nonetheless shyly returned the handshake and smiled.
"So am I. Please come back."
He gave a small salute and began making his way out the door.
"Wait-" She started.
He stopped and looked back at her. Her mouth seemed to speak without her control.
"M-May I know your name?"
He smiled, and then reached into his coat pocket. With a skillful flick of the wrist, he set a small card flying at her, and she hastily caught it. She looked down and read its contents.
"Himura Kenji. Former apprentice of Hiko Seijyuurou.
Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu."
She looked up again to speak, but before she could even utter a word, he had already disappeared from sight.
* * *
5 years later...
Chizuru walked along in a lavender summer dress, with the sun piercing down on the hot concrete that day. To her right, she walked hand in hand with her little daughter, 6-year old Sachie, who happily skipped with her fully-grown raven-black hair tied into two pigtails. And beyond her little girl, walked her husband. He held little Sachie's other hand, and laughed as she gurgled in delight every time he hoisted her up single-handed. Chizuru thanked whatever spirit it was that brought her to such a wonderful family.
The three of them finally stopped at the temple, and Chizuru handed Sachie a tiny bouquet of lilies. They entered the cemetery, passed row upon row of gravestones, and her husband finally stopped to face one in particular. As she watched him, she sensed a small sorrow building up, welling through him as he stood, his eyes transfixed to the grave. But it was then that he looked over, and curiously watched as his little girl stepped up to the stone. She put her hands together and bowed her head in greeting, then gently placed the lilies on its step. She backed down and clutched her father's hand as she looked up at him with her pair of equally shocking, blue eyes.
It was then that Himura Kenji felt relieved, satisfied, and fully confident that probably by now the man and woman whom he didn't know well enough was happy with him. He looked up to the sky as the gray, heavy aura of sadness made way for joy as he held her tiny hand in his grasp. Chizuru watched from the side, reassured by Kenji's contented expression. He turned back to the gravestone and let his heart go forth to the people who he'd never see again.
"Otou-san...Okaa-san...I'm home."
He hastily wiped away a tear and gave a small roar, then playfully chased Sachie out of the cemetery. Chizuru, however, turned back to the grave for she didn't know to whom it belonged to. She bent over to read the inscription, then secretly smiled to herself as she likewise put her hands together and bowed.
"Himura-san, thank you so much...for showering your blessings upon your son and myself."
Chizuru left the place without a sound, running after her husband.
'Himura Kenshin and Kaoru
Left earth to heaven in glory in Paris.
Close at Heart forever and eternity.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*~The End~*