This is (will be) a collection of short, unrelated, pieces. I want to become a better writer, and that means writing more. I'm attempting to try various writing exercises/drabble challenges. Most of these pieces will be from challenges posted on the writers blog, Smoke and Mirrors (See community. livejournal. com / triumvirata /). I plan to spend about 20 minutes writing each piece (not counting a spell check and final proof reading).

This first piece is not that exciting, I'm mainly posting it because I promised myself I'd post all the pieces I wrote for these challenges. However, the second piece "Dyeing Eggs" I feel is much better.

I'm not expecting any reviews, but feedback is always appreciated.

This piece took me about 25 minutes to write. A bit more than I was aiming for, and I probably would have extended it with more time. With practice, I hope to be able to write more quickly. The exercise was to use "retrospect, it was all the fault of the cherry trees" as an opening sentence.

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, etc. This applies this and all stories in this collection.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

In retrospect, it was all the fault of the cherry trees. With the sun shinning brightly and the gentle spring breeze flowing through the dojo, it was an ideal spring day. So ideal, that it seemed natural to go out and watch the cherry trees, or so she told Kenshin.

The damn cherry trees.

While Kenshin made a picnic lunch, Kaoru changed into a new kimono and planned ways to "encourage Yahiko to take himself elsewhere. Hmm.. telling him that we'll watch the blossoms and recite haikus, should do it...

With the threat of poetry looming, Yaiko indeed remembered that he was supposed to work for Tae that afternoon, leaving them alone for their picnic.

Alone together? Check. New Kimono and hair ribbon? Check. Romantic setting? Check. Willing Kenshin? ... That is the question, Kaoru isn't it? Now's your chance to get him to make a move.

Actually the picnic had been going well. Kenshin had found a nice spot in the shade with a lovely view of the trees. Lunch was tasty, the conversation was pleasant. He had even sat close to her and recited a few haikus. Things were looking up. True the gentle breeze had picked up and gotten a bit cold, but when Kenshin saw her goose bumps he had put an arm around her and pulled her close to keep her warm. Looking into his eyes as he leaned in, almost touching noses, everything seem perfect. He was finally going to kiss her, thank god! And then….

ACHOOO!

Damn cherry trees….