Suitopi – Japanese for the flower, sweet pea. It symbolizes "Good bye."
Higanbana – Japanese for the flower, red spider lily. It symbolizes "Never to meet again"
Afterword:
The soft zephyrs rolled through the hills as if playing a childish game of tag. Kenshin and Kaoru's hair swayed with their engagement as the couple strolled through the tall grass. In Kaoru's arms were a bundle of suitopis and higanbanas. Slowly, they entered a small clearing and in the clearing was a small, makeshift headstone. Kaoru choked on her own breath, her hands shaking while tears threatened to fall from her eyes. Kenshin wrapped an arm around her quivering frame and gently whispered, "Kaoru-dono, you don't have to…"
He was stopped when she placed her hand over his. "I know Kenshin. But as a friend, I need to do this. There's no one else who would." Kaoru broke away from Kenshin and slowly walked up to the grave. Bending down, she placed the bundle of flowers in front of the headstone and clasped her hands together. "Nobuo," she began, "I'm probably the last person you want to see, but I just want you to know that I still consider you a friend. Your hatred towards the Kamiya name isn't your fault, but because of it, you died an untimely death. I'll grieve for you. Even though for the past several weeks you've done misdeeds that might not be pardoned by God, I'll forgive you. I'll forgive you for everything you've done, except putting my love ones in danger… I guess that's not much forgiveness then." Kaoru sighed and tried again. "You were a good childhood friend. Remember we'd always climb the trees in my backyard and spar to pass time? My mother would make everyone rice cakes and it'd always be us who fought over the last one. Eventually we would split it in half and laugh about the silly quarrel. I'll remember that Nobuo. You'll always be alive in my memories." Kaoru paused to catch the stray tears.
"I don't have much else to say so I'll stop by again. I hope you've found peace in wherever you are. Good bye, Nobuo."
Kaoru turned and walked towards Kenshin. "Let's go home, Kenshin." She found his hand and together, they walked towards home.
Hey there! Wow… I've let this sit for so long on my computer and didn't even bother to upload it. I'm very sorry for not ending this properly ~ Well anyway, my first fanfic is officially finish! And apparently, I have another one saved up which I plan to upload as soon as I find time within my busy schedule. It'll be a Rurouni Kenshin one again and it'll be kind of dark, mysterious, and thrilling (I hope). So I hope you'll stay with me! And um… if you are interested in knowing when it'll come out, it'll probably be in November/December. I'm a senior in high school so between now and October, I'll be bombarded with college essays and trips. So I hope you're still interested by then! Thank you for reading my story and thank you for those who have followed, commented, and favorite-d my stories! Have a nice day/night everyone! ^^