A/N: I'm the worst updater in the world, I know. Two days missed, I think? I'm making it up to you with three consecutive updates for the two days I missed and today. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who is reading, and especially reviewing! The feedback helps me grow as a writer, and keeps me going.
Shameless Groveling: So if anyone is Harry Potter fan, all I'm saying is that I've got an ongoing HP fic set in the Marauder's era. You should read it. Tell me what you think about it. Please? :)
Also, this chapter is dedicated to amie689, whose wonderful fanart inspired this chapter. :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Kenshin sleeps a bare few hours before taking to the streets again. Kaoru doesn't ask what he is doing, and he doesn't offer the information.
It seems Soba senses Kaoru's melancholy, and draws her out onto the street.
They go to the cematary.
"I had to do a bit of questioning, but I believe this is the grave you're looking for." Soba hands Kaoru flowers and incense, taking a few steps back. "I'll give you privacy."
Standing before the grave of Tomoe-san, Kaoru feels...oh, so many things. Shame, for not taking Kenshin wholly away from the life and duties he so resents, when Tomoe gave her life in the hope he would find a better way of living. Sadness that this young woman was cut down so early, put in such an intolerable position. And finally, as she lights the incense and lays flowers on the dirt, kneeling down with a lowered head - something washes over Kaoru.
Perhaps it is her imagination, but the wind curls strangely along her hands, like the grasp of a woman who is passing on love and blessings from the spirit world.