Fireflies. That was the last thing Kaoru remembered after Kenshin left...and right before she became terribly depressed. Their lights shone on them as Kenshin said his goodbye, floating around and between the two, the only visible light that the couple could see each other with besides the moonlight that peered through the sakura trees.

Kaoru looked up from her position outside of the Shirobeko, marveling at the beautiful moon. I wonder if you can see the fireflies here in Kyoto... She thought, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. Fireflies...maybe if they were out tonight, she could watch them with Kenshin!

The shihondai nodded to herself and went inside, quickly kicking off her sandals and heading up the stairs. As she approached Kenshin’s room Megumi was just stepping out, a happy expression on her face. “Megumi-san, Konbanwa.” Kaoru greeted. “Good evening, Kaoru-chan.” The onna-sensei replied, walking past her.

Kaoru watched her decend the stairs, raising an eyebrow. What was she so happy about? Well, she was alone with Kenshin and--WAIT! What if something happened between them?! Oooo...that slimy woman! How dare she! Kaoru screamed mentally, her once-beautiful smile turning into a glare that could even make Aoshi scared.

Kaoru slid open the shouji to find Kenshin still out on the porch. She started to head towards him, but noticed his head was bent over slightly, and that his breaths were heavy and even. He’s sleeping.

Kaoru sat next to him, smiling. Indeed, the rurouni was sleeping, his body slightly leaned forward and his head resting against his chest. The young woman looked down to the courtyard that was just below Kenshin’s room, a small gasp escaping her mouth.

Floating in and around the bushes below were fireflies, their greenish-yellow lights reflecting off the small man-made pond and giving it a eerie-yet beautiful look. A few drifted upwards and began to circle around the couple, and memories of that fateful night in Tokyo entered Kaoru’s mind.

Arrigatou...and Sayonara.

Even now his words pierced her heart. She remembered him telling her that one day he would wander off again, but she could never bring herself to believe it. He had become a resident of the Kamiya Dojo, part of her growing family...and for him to leave and risk his life like that....

Kaoru felt tears rolling down her face and covered them lightly with her hands, wiping them away with the sleeves of her kimono. Why was she crying? Kenshin was right next to her, safe and recovering. He had risked his life and survived...but why did she continue to cry? It’s because of the fireflies...they bring memories of that day... She answered herself.

Kaoru bit back a sob and wiped the rest of her tears away, bringing her attention back to the small courtyard. There were more of them now, all circling around the pond in some sort of dance. Even though she still was upset by them, she couldn’t stop from admiring them. “They’re beautiful...” She whispered.

“Aa, they are.”

Kaoru looked up to find Kenshin looking at her, a sleepy smile on his face. Kaoru nodded and turned away, trying to hide her face. She didn’t want him to see her crying...he would only blame himself.

“They remind Sessha of that night in Tokyo...” Kenshin explained, settling his gaze on the beautiful lights below.

“When I left the fireflies were circling just like this...”

“H-Hai.” Kaoru replied, trying to supress the tears that were threatening to fall. “We were supposed to watch them that night, if I remember correctly..” Kenshin continued, turning back to her. “Mmm, with Suzume-chan and Ayame-chan.” Kaoru replied, biting her lip. Kenshin frowned and reached up to wipe away a stray tear that had escaped her eye. Kaoru lowered her head until her bangs blocked her eyes.

“Sessha never did keep that promise, de gozaru yo.” The rurouni said, trying to smile to lighten the mood; it didn’t do much.

“You couldn’t have...you were planning on leaving for Kyoto anyway...” Kaoru whispered, feeling more tears stream down her face.

Kenshin frowned and gently clasped her chin, raising her head to look at him. His heart pained at the sight of her tears, and he cursed himself mentally for ever leaving her. And she was crying, just like that night in Tokyo...

“I’m sorry Kaoru-dono...Sessha...I didn’t want to leave, de gozaru.”

“I understand, Kenshin. You really didn’t have a choice.” Kaoru replied quietly, almost too soft for Kenshin to hear.

Kenshin looked back down to the fireflies, surprised to find more circling the pond and now the courtyard, lighting the area with their eerie light. A thought came to Kenshin’s mind, and he returned his gaze once again to Kaoru, who was trying to stop crying.

“Would you like to go down there and watch them now?” The rurouni asked. Kaoru couldn’t help but smile. “I would, but it’s better to watch them from here...for some reason, watching them from up here makes them even more beautiful.”

Kenshin nodded in agreement. A few more fireflies made their way upwards, and soon not only were they circling the pond and courtyard, but they were circling Kenshin and Kaoru as well. Kaoru giggled when one landed on her lap. “Kirei...”

Kenshin leaned over and grasped Kaoru’s hand, causing her to gasp. When she looked up into his violet eyes, for once she could see no pain there, but instead something Kaoru had rarely ever seen; happyness.

“When we return to Tokyo, Sessha promises we can go watch the fireflies, de gozaru yo.” Kenshin said, smiling.

“I’d like that.” Kaoru replied, squeezing his hand lovingly.

They watched each other for a few more minutes before returning to the fireflies. And through the entire light show, Kenshin’s hand never let go of Kaoru’s.

It was late when the last fireflies disappeared. Kenshin smiled and turned to Kaoru, his smile growing when he found her asleep. Slowly he stood up and picked the young woman up. He carried her over to his futon, ignoring the pains in his side and shoulders, and laid her next to it, then covered her with his blanket.

Kenshin sat down next to her and simply watched her, admiring the way she looked so innocent when she slept. After a bit he leaned over and lightly kissed her on the forehead before laying down on his futon, covering himself up with one of the extra blankets. “Oyasumi, Kaoru.”