AN: Feeling particularly melancholic tonight, which has derailed my studies. I care not to spill forth details openly on the internet, but this was written to soothe troubled thoughts.

Amber & Jasmine

6. Lilies

XX

The sun was out today. It always made the walk a little less heavy, like she had an invisible friend to accompany her. The basket in her arms was filled to the brim, its contents vibrant in their display. She knew the path by heart—third section, ninth row down, and twelve across. The wind ruffled her loose blouse and made the long braid of black hair bounce against her back in a merry sort of plop. Her pace did not change, a steady tread across the well-manicured grasses, until she came to a stop in front of smooth granite, carved with words and dates she knew by heart.

Smiling, she tucked some errant hairs behind her ear and dropped down to her knees, her jeans protecting her from the ground. Placing the basket down beside her, Kaoru began to sort through the contents, organizing the fresh-cut flowers by color and size. Her hands were practiced in their movements, and a slight, well-contained smile graced her features.

"Hey, Daddy." She spoke softly, her voice steady but lacking the strength and conviction she was known for amongst her peers.

The conversation got easier each time.

"I hope you are faring well today. Things are getting better here..." Her words were almost automatic, for she always practiced them on the way over. What she would say, as if by chance he might actually be listening. Pausing, she took the wilted flowers out of the vase, setting them aside, and began the careful selection of her next arrangement.

She spoke of her work and her life, of her friends and peers. She told him what her cousins were doing, and how she wished he could see the newest addition to her extended family. As she continued her one-sided conversation, the arrangement in her hands came to life as a bold collection of lilies. Gently, she placed the flowers in the vase, adjusting them to how she saw fit. Once she was satisfied, she glanced down at her remaining flowers when a flash of color out of the corner of her eye caught her attention.

She had seen him before, recognizing him because his red hair stood out so strongly when the sun shown down on it. His back was to her, with long, well-kept hair tied at the base of his neck. His hands were in his pockets as he stared down at the grave in front of him. She shifted her weight, rocking up onto her knees to get a better look. Her eyes fell to the headstone, and she glanced back down at her remaining flowers.

"Daddy, please excuse me early today," She dropped her gaze down to the headstone, bringing her fingers up over the letters. "I think there is another stone in need of decorating. I'll talk to you soon, okay? I love you."

With a sad sort of fondness, she let her fingers fall from the stone and stood with her basket in her arms. Dusting her jeans off, she walked further down through the markers, making sure the grass crunched under her shoes to announce her presence.

She could tell he heard her coming, but did not look up from the stone. Her eyes fell to the name—Tomoe Himura, and she smiled, coming to a stop beside him. Without much preamble, she asked, "Does she like flowers?"

The red-haired man lifted his head up, looking over at her in surprise. She offered him a warm, understanding smile, shifting her basket in her arms. His eyes fell to the lilies, and realization passed over his features. "Oh..." His voice was soft, and he glanced back down at the gravestone. "Yes... she did—does."

Kaoru nodded, dropping down to her knees. Once again, she began to sort through her flowers, picking out pieces to make an arrangement. She could feel his eyes on her as she worked, but she did not look up at him as she spoke. "What colors does she prefer?"

There was a moment of pause, before his soft voice reached her ears again. "She was fond of violet."

"A beautiful color," Kaoru agreed, adjusting her selections to violet hues. She worked quickly and with practice until she had used up most of her remaining flowers that would match the color theme. Smiling, she pulled a small piece of twine out from the basket, securing the bouquet with a knot. Turning to him, she offered him the flowers. "I think they would mean more coming from you than they would from me."

He stared down at her, his expression unreadable. She waited with patience she had learned from others who had been there for her. Eventually, his hands came up and took the flowers from hers, a mumbled thanks escaping his lips. She watched quietly as he turned his attention to the headstone before he knelt and placed the flowers in front of them.

Closing his eyes, he stayed there for what may have been a good two minutes, and Kaoru placed her hands in her lap, turning her attention away from him. It seemed rude to simply get up and leave, but she did not wish to intrude, either. Finally, she heard him shift, and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

His attention was on her again, and she lifted her head up, that understanding smile gracing her face again. To her surprise, he smiled back. "Thank you, Miss."

She shrugged, gathering up the remaining items into her basket. "Everyone should have flowers on their grave. I always end up bringing more than I should for Daddy. He never knew moderation when it came to little things like that, and I guess he has somehow rubbed off on me from the afterlife. But... you're welcome."

He tilted his head, regarding her. "May I ask how long it has been since he passed?"

Kaoru nodded, standing. "A few months short of a year." She went quiet, staring out over the rows and rows of markers. "It gets easier each day, and yet it is still so hard."

"I know."

She smiled briefly. "Sorry, I sound like I'm lecturing."

"No." He shook his head. "It's appreciated."

Kaoru chuckled ruefully, glancing down at her feet. "Well, I do not wish to intrude any more than I have, so I should be off. I wish you the best, Sir."

"Kenshin," He offered, holding out his hand. "Kenshin Himura."

Kaoru adjusted the basket, taking his hand and shaking it. "Kaoru Kamiya. I hope Mrs. Himura enjoys her flowers."

He smiled sadly, closing his eyes. "She would have loved them."

"Good. Next time, you should bring them. Because she'll love them even more then. The corner of 3rd and Western has an excellent selection of flowers, if I might suggest." Putting on a bright smile, she nodded to him. "Take care, Kenshin. I'll see you around, I'm sure."

He bade her goodbye almost automatically, watching her walk away as he pondered her words, and the strange encounter that had preceded them. Once she was out of view, he shook his head and smiled, glancing down at the headstone. "Tomoe, are you smiling right now? Somehow... I feel like you are."

The sun felt warm on his back.

End.

XX

AN: I know, not my most exciting piece of work, and probably lacking all around in quality and content. If you did read make it through to the end, then thank you. I'll return to my multi-chapter stories, soon. Promise. -Rain