Author's Note: In one review, someone asked if these are in order. No, they aren't. I plan on jumping back and forth. If anyone gets confused, tell me, and I'll make sure to try and fix that.
This particular drabble is a jump back in time from the last. Kenshin isn't yet at college here. It's the summer before.
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
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Impending Departure
Words: 235
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Over the flickering light of the fire, Kaoru studied Kenshin's features. She watched as the red and orange flame mixed and intertwined, throwing shadows over his face. She held a stick with a marshmallow stuck on the end. Leaning forward, Kaoru moved the white blob into the flame. She sighed.
Looking up, Kenshin felt a small smile curl his lips. "I'm not going away forever, you know."
"You might as well be," she muttered in response.
"It's only a few hours away. I'll back home as often as possible."
Kaoru looked up from her smoldering marshmallow. Frowning, she said quietly, "If the local college had had your major, would you have stayed?"
He didn't speak for a moment, studying her familiar face, watching as she stared back at him, pure vulnerability and indecision swimming in her eyes.
"Yes."
Kaoru nodded to herself, and then reached out to pull her gooey mess from the stick.
"This isn't supposed to be a solemn vacation, Kaoru. We went camping for fun. Remember?"
"It just won't be the same with you gone."
"And it won't be the same with you not dodging my every step," he replied. Kaoru threw the stick at his head.
She grinned suddenly and stood. "I have the answer."
"What," he asked warily.
"Change your major!"
Kenshin held back his snort of laughter. "And what would you have me do?"
"Women's Studies?" she suggested innocently.