Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

Installment One: Flow

"Kenshin…" Kaoru said uncertainly. She held her hands together in front of her, and shyly cast her gaze at Kenshin. The red headed man had been her husband for almost a year, and while she was happier with him than she ever was before, she still blushed red every morning, when she woke by his side.

"Yes Kaoru-dono?" He still addressed her formally, whether it was out of habit or some other reason, she'd no idea. Marriage had brought changes to their relationship, and yet they'd stayed the same. She still tried her best not to speak of his past unless he brought it up, still pretended like she hadn't the slightest idea that he had something difficult for him to tell her to make it easier for him, and still said insensitive things to him from time to time, and still hated herself for it later.

To her amazement and joy, she could still bring a peaceful smile to his face, comfort him without really trying to. But now, with their spoken intimacy on a new level, she could hesitantly seek comfort in his arms, without thinking her problems would be too burdensome for him.

He smiled at her good-naturedly, his tender expression mirrored in his eyes. He was still the polite gentleman she'd met on the Tokyo streets that night, still had a kind smile with a hint of sadness, still seemed to be oblivious of her stronger affections; she wasn't sure if she preferred if he really was unknowing or just pretended to be.

They were visiting Tomoe's grave. They'd both finished their prayers, when Kaoru couldn't stop herself from saying it. She felt a hint of a blush come onto her cheeks. She said nothing for a while, until finally blurting out her words. "You know that Tomoe-san only wants you to be happy, right?"

"Oro?" Kenshin was genuinely surprised. She almost giggled at the sight of him, her always composed, always mature husband, with his mouth slightly agape, his eyes wide, and his eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.

Catching him unawares strengthened her resolve. She smiled widely and continued. "You yourself said Tomoe-san was kinder than anyone. She's watching over Enishi right now, now that she is convinced that you have finally forgiven yourself…and perhaps her as well."

Kenshin's look of confusion changed to a look of strange understanding. He closed his eyes and smiled. The two of them had been in close proximity ever since they'd arrived in Kyoto (another thing that had changed between the two of them; close contact outside their home was something the both of them had subconsciously made into a habit), so it was easy for Kenshin to ease his arm around his wife. "Is that so?" he prodded. "How long have you been thinking about this?"

Kaoru leaned into his touch. She nodded and said, "Ever since you told me about her. I never said anything because I was too embar—" She blushed even harder and cut off her words.

Kenshin looked at Kaoru knowingly. "Go on. This unworthy one has become curious." Kaoru's blush didn't recede.

"I have a feeling if she could have stopped it, she would have never let that dagger cut into your cheek." Kaoru fingered Kenshin's scar. "Knowing that it would be a constant reminder of what happened…"

Kenshin covered her hand with his. "Yes. She wouldn't have wished that upon me. However…" His hand was larger than hers. He gripped her hand gently. "Even if this weren't here, my mind is filled with haunting memories. I suppose my scar is a physical manifestation of those memories, given to me by the two people that began my journey."

Kaoru's eyes saddened. She knew very well that his memories were much more gruesome and bloody than his now slightly fading scar. "Are they fading as well?"

Kenshin shook his head. "They will always remain, but lately, it has become less painful to think of them, and I dream of them less and less often." He released her hand, but she kept it on his scar, as if afraid something would happen to it if she let go. "Lately, my dreams and thought have been filled with happier times." He smiled again.

Kaoru let her hand drop. She could never stop that fulfilling sense whenever Kenshin opened up to her and dropped his formal speech pattern. She smiled back. "Mine have as well." She looked down the path to the exit of the graveyard. "Shall we go home?"

Now it was her turn to be surprised. "Not yet. This unworthy one still has one more prayer to offer." He kneeled down on Tomoe's grave, taking Kaoru's previous position. He closed his eyes and prayed aloud.

"Kaoru-dono is a truly wise woman, as are you. You must have known what was waiting for me in Tokyo. You led me to my truth, my answer, as well as the people that gave me the will to find it, to live. I have always regretted not protecting your happiness, and so you gave me others to protect, as well as those who have protected me.

"It is there where I have found a place where family was waiting. Now you have someone else to watch over, to guide. You left me because I no longer needed to see you, but also because you have found someone who needed you much more. And I have found someone as well, someone whom I need, and someone who needs me. We will watch over each other fiercely, like dragon and dragoness."

Kaoru blushed, and she saw Kenshin was smiling a bit more wickedly than he normally did.

"I know you are forever smiling in heaven, with your happiness. Good bye." Kenshin bowed his head low, and stood up, facing his wife. "All right then… This unworthy one is ready to go home." He held his hand out to her, and she gratefully took it.

The couple walked out of the temple and made their way to the Aoi-ya. The shadows were beginning to lengthen; yet the streets were as busy as ever. "Wow," Kaoru said. "It's getting late, and even children are still out."

"Hmm." Kenshin glanced around the streets. "The shops have extended their hours. The flow of time stays the same, but the people will flow to their own currents…"

Kaoru smiled. "You always manage to say something poetic Kenshin."

Kenshin smiled back. "Say, Shirobeko isn't too far from here. Are you hungry?"

Kenshin stopped walking, and Kaoru found herself in front of the restaurant. "Ah…" Kaoru looked suspiciously at Kenshin, who cocked his head to the side. "Sure." He gripped her hand.

"Let's go then…"

End

A few notes:

1) This is based entirely on the manga. I know that in the OAV, Tomoe purposely cuts Kenshin's cheek (Why, I've no idea…), but in the manga, the dagger falls and accidentally cuts him.

2) Tomoe's happiness is Akira.

3) Kaoru is about three to five months pregnant.

4) Updating this fic will be irregular. I'm really only writing for my own enjoyment, as selfish as that may seem.

Thank you for reading, and I'd love to know what you think. Constructive criticism is very much appreciated, as well as encouragement.