A/N: Written for the LiveJournal Community, fanfic_bakeoff. A wee bit o' fluff for St. Valentine's Day and dedicated to my own little man, who isn't as little as he used to be.
Summary: Kenji tells his mother how much he loves her.
Warnings: Lots of saccharine sweetness.
Love You Always
"I love you, Momma."
Kaoru smiled and tightened her arms around her son as he snuggled deeper into her embrace as they enjoyed the autumn sunshine. "I love you, too, Kenji."
"Momma?"
"Yes, Kenji?"
"I love you lots."
"Mmmm," Kaoru hummed contentedly, pressing her lips against the silk of Kenji's auburn hair. "And I love you lots," she replied.
"When I grow up, I'm gonna marry you, Momma."
Kaoru giggled. "Oh really?"
"Uh huh."
"Silly boy," she said, tickling the four-year-old on his neck. Kenji giggled and squirmed, but didn't try to escape the circle of his mother's arms. "Why would you want to do that?"
"So I can be with you forever."
Kaoru couldn't help the swell of love at the declaration. "But what about Daddy?"
Kenji sat up and looked over to where Kenshin was hanging the family's laundry. The boy cocked his head to one side thoughtfully before replying. "He can stay, too."
"You're sure?" Kaoru teased.
"Yes," Kenji nodded emphatically. "We need a cook."
Kaoru's laughter filled the yard, causing Kenshin to look up from his work. "What's so funny over there?" he called to his family.
Kaoru wiped tears from her eyes as she waved him off. Hugging Kenji tightly, she whispered conspiratorially in his ear. "That we do, my little man, but don't ever tell Daddy I said so, 'kay?"
"Okay, Momma. I love you."
"I love you more…"
"I love you most."
AN: This drabble, at 243 words, was written for the prompt, Escape. An extra point was offered for working a child into the drabble, which worked perfectly for this collection. Originally posted February 13, 2011.