Thanks to all my fantabulous reviewers! They are: Jasmine blossom625, Althea M, caseyedith, SRAS9, donhisiewen, SeaSaltChocolate, geckohawaii, Scarred Sword Heart, Emi Violet, and kokoronagomu.
I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Rue
-verb
To wish that (something) had never been done, taken place, etc.
To feel sorrow over; repent of; regret bitterly
It is Yahiko's nineteenth birthday, and Kenshin has taken him out to one of the nicer of Tokyo's quiet bars for an evening. Were Sano here it would be a raucous affair, complete with a trip to the police station, but Sano is in Kyoto on an errand for Megumi. Six months spent with Kenshin's master last year have taught Yahiko an appreciation for good sake, and so they are able to enjoy it in companionable silence.
Something has been bothering Yahiko lately, Kenshin knows. Tonight is a rare opportunity for the two of them to talk in private, away from the well-meaning ears of their family.
"I don't know how you stand it," Yahiko says finally, looking down into his drink. In profile he looks much older than his years, and tired.
"Stand what?" Kenshin asks. He has an inkling….
"I killed someone," Yahiko's voice is a bare whisper of itself. "It was an accident. There was this guy, and he was bothering a kid… this little girl. He was trying to—" Yahiko shakes his head, throat working. "We fought, and I tripped. The sakabatou hit his temple, and he… Megumi said it was a stroke."
"When did this happen?" Kenshin is caught between horror and compassion for the boy who is son and brother to him.
"A week ago," Yahiko says. "I've been dreaming about it."
Kenshin knows those dreams. He knows them all too well.
"Saitou says it was justifiable homicide," Yahiko snorts. "Like he's anyone to judge!"
Kenshin puts a gentle hand on Yahiko's shoulder. "It is… sometimes it seems unbearable." Oh, there are nights when he'd give anything to be able to take back the deaths on his conscience! "But you must remember that there are those who love you. Those whose happiness would be lost if you are unhappy." He thinks of a soft-spoken young woman who has been haunting the dojo. "You've been avoiding Tsubame-chan, haven't you?"
Yahiko shrugs one shoulder. "Been busy, that's all."
"Go see her," Kenshin says, speaking from long experience. He gives Yahiko a gentle shove off his seat. "Go on!"
"It's almost midnight—"
"She won't mind," Kenshin says, knowing Tsubame will be grateful that Yahiko is seeing her again. "Go."
Watching Yahiko step out the front door, Kenshin drops change on the counter to cover their drinks, suddenly heavy of heart. He grieves for two young men, both with such pure intentions and fragile hearts.
And turns home for his own Kaoru.