Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin and all characters therein belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki.

A/N: Set in the same line as "High Maintenance," but really… just a tiny little thing. Brought on by infectious talks of sugar and cotton-candy behavior with Jane Drew.

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Solace

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Kenshin sighed heavily as he pushed the front door open as quietly as possible, just in case. Almost mechanically, he closed and locked it behind him before letting his keys drop back into their place on the foyer table. Rolling his shoulders to relieve the pressure along his spine, he shrugged his heavy wool overcoat down his arms, and turned to listen for any sounds that would indicate Kaoru was already home.

At the unmistakable hum of rushing water from deeper in the house, Kenshin closed his eyes and let out a breath he hadn't even been aware of holding. Hanging his coat on its hook, he stepped out of work shoes, and up to the hallway with a little more energy than he'd felt a moment ago.

Raking a hand through his hair to smooth it back as he stepped into his house shoes, Kenshin idly debated the pros and cons of sneaking into the bathroom and answering the unvoiced invitation of hot water and wet skin. Soon enough his thoughts took a decidedly carnal turn and Kenshin let out a quiet, self-deprecating chuckle before he decisively turned into the kitchen. With as long and stressful as his day had been, it stood to reason Kaoru's had been just as exhausting. The best thing for them both was likely going to be nothing more adventurous than a nice bottle of wine, a quiet dinner, and an early bedtime.

Kenshin loosened his tie as he passed the sink, lifting it over his head, and tossing it carelessly toward the table to get it out of the way. Struggling to work up enough motivation to put something together for them, he rolled up his sleeves and unfastened the top buttons of his shirt in an effort to relax and clear his head. They had plenty of food, plenty even that would take no more than minimal preparation. It shouldn't be all that difficult to go through the shelves and have something ready and waiting for Kaoru when she inevitably made her way down to the kitchen.

However, when ten minutes later saw him still staring indecisively at the fridge while the merlot breathed on the counter, Kenshin reached up to rub his temples in weary aggravation.

The warm, familiar body pressing against his back jolted him back to his senses, and his eyes automatically slipped closed at the feel of soft lips grazing the nape of his neck. When her arms wrapped around his shoulders, he couldn't stop himself from reaching up to cover her clasped hands with one of his.

Kaoru smiled at the way Kenshin swayed back into her, content to do nothing more than stand there and silently soak in the heat and feel of him. Resting her chin lightly on his shoulder, she patiently waited for his breathing to slow and his heartbeat to settle into a more sedate pace before shifting up on her toes. Balancing easily, she kissed behind his jaw and murmured softly, "How about tonight you play a tired businessman coming home after a long, hard day of work to curl up on the couch while his fiancée orders takeout and brings him wine?"

Kenshin's hand squeezed hers tight, and he took a deep, bracing breath to ease the sudden tightening in his throat. He turned his head, brushing his lips across hers as an adoring smile softened the stress out of his expression. "I think I can handle that."