Mainly Spring


He watches Aoshi dismiss her. Her shoulders sagging but her eyes remaining determined. Kenshin likes that about Misao, her pragmatism in the face of, well, Aoshi.

Later, when Misao has walked off, Kenshin follows her, curious and bemused for her struggle of independence. He knows that youth is fleeting, and his was barely emerging when he joined the Revolution.

Misao has known sorrow and fighting, but others have always protected her innocence and naivety. She's unaware of the true horrors of the world, and Kenshin cannot help feel glad. Like Kaoru, and Kenshin smiles as he thinks her name, she's brave and strong.

She's sitting down, crouched on the ground, her long braid trailing over her shoulder. Kenshin approaches quietly, eyes always steady on Misao. The wind changes.

Raising her head, Misao stares out in the darkness. Standing up, she takes a defensive position. Feeling rather sheepish for hiding, Kenshin steps forward, apologising in a gentle and polite tone.

She smiles. Her eyes brighten. She doesn't light up as when she smiles at Aoshi. Then her whole being is infused with energy and purpose and love. But Kenshin appreciates her smile all the same. Misao nods at him, looking uncertain about what she should say. They are similar in age, Kaoru and Misao, yet Misao still has more youthful features and attitude.

"Kenshin," she says, and he notices a new quantity to her voice. Perhaps, she heard it too, because she seemed startled at her own voice. Richer and fuller. "Goodnight."

Walking past him, Misao nearly pauses as she passes him before shaking her head and returning home. Kenshin notices a new feeling upon the air. It's sweet and light, and hinting of promise and a bountiful future.