Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Home ( Chapter 13 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Another update! This chapter explores the time Kenshin and Tomoe spend together while in their little farmhouse per Scarred Sword Heart's request. I also gave a few diary entries per Katherine's request. I hope it is enjoyed. (I will work on what you would like to see, joyb5321, next chapter, I promise.)

Word list:

ono- hatchet or axe

tasuki- straps that hold back the sleeves of a kimono

Chapter 13-Home

First year of the Genji Era Early September, 1864 Outside of Otsu

Kenshin lifted the small ono then sliced downward in a quick and powerful stroke, splitting a piece of wood in two, repeating the process over and over until a pile formed. The repetitive chore was soothing for some reason and the hitokiri found he quite like doing manual labor. He rose from his crouched position, tossing the ono with controlled force down onto the chopping block, the tip sinking firmly into the wood. The red head stacked the firewood into neat rows, turning around at the sound of Tomoe's voice,

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Kenshin reached up to the tasuki wrapped under his armpits and untied the white fabric, freeing the sleeves of his blue kimono. "That's quite alright. I managed to make a small stack of wood that should dry out in the warm sun," He replied, favoring her with a soft smile. "Shall we go?"

The slight change in his demeanor did not go unnoticed by Tomoe. Two weeks since we've been away from Kyoto and his madness of battle is already starting to fade away. "Hai, I brought the coin purse along for our purchases today." She said with a nod, holding up the small red bag in her hands.

"Then we are ready to head into town." Kenshin said, straightening his kimono before turning from the girl, leading her along the dirt path that led into Otsu. The warmth of the afternoon sun felt soothing to the hitokiri and he cast his gaze side to side on occasion, marveling at the sights and sounds of nature. How long had it been since he last felt content in his surroundings? How long since he could breathe and sleep without fear of attack? Too long. He answered himself. The hitokiri shifted his gaze over to Tomoe, blinking when she wasn't near him and he stopped, turning around, finding the girl standing before a marker and he walked back to her. "Are you alright, Tomoe?"

The girl kept her gaze on the rocky path, voice soft. "I am fine... I just... I would like to take this path up to the temple to pray, if that is allowed."

Kenshin's brow furrowed. "Why would it not be allowed?"

Tomoe was surprised at such an innocent response from a killer of men. But he is not a monster... he's... different... different from any man I've met before. "I do not know... I don't want to be... controlling of you or your decisions... that is why I asked if it was allowed."

She's asking my permission for this? He thought in confusion as he spoke. "Tomoe... I love and care about you... I do not want to lord over you... If there is something you want to do, you do not need my permission to do it... especially over something as pure as prayer."

His words made her lower her gaze to hide the guilt and the shame she felt for continuing with her mission. He had been nothing but sweet, caring, and honest with her since their departure from Kyoto. This was the boy's true nature and she felt wicked for earning his trust even as she plotted her betrayal. "Then you do not mind if we head up this path then?"

He smiled softly at her. "No... Wherever you go, I will follow. If you wish to pray then we will go pray." Kenshin walked slowly past her, testing the rocky path, making sure it was safe before reaching out to help Tomoe traverse the incline. With great care they made it to the end of the trail, a small statue of Buddha greeting them and the hitokiri stood to the girl's left, waiting patiently as she prayed. They returned to the main path some time later, following the trail as it wrapped around the shoreline of Lake Biwako, heading into town.

The pair stopped, purchasing a few items for their dinner before heading back to their isolated home on the outskirts of the village. Night came and the two of them prepared dinner then ate in companionable silence. Kenshin helped Tomoe clean up what little dishes they had before he ventured outside. He tilted his head back, staring up at the stars, admiring the pinpoints of light that illuminated the darkness. A light breeze swept through, tugging at the boughs of the nearby trees, the leaves singing a rustling sound, harmonizing with the wind and the hitokiri felt great peace in this moment. This is how I want to live. Just like this. With Tomoe at my side. He reached up, resting his right hand against his own chest, feeling the fluttery beat. His body reacted to thoughts of spending his days with the girl... and the red head knew what it was. Love. He loved Tomoe and wanted to keep her safe. I will never let her be harmed. No matter what my orders may be... or when such demands of my blade will come... I will defend and protect her to my dying breath.

Inside the house

Tomoe sat near the low table, the flickering candle to her right lighting the pages of her diary as she wrote:

We went into town today and it was a pleasant enough experience. I do not know for certain if it's the country air or my presence but Himura had become more relaxed and gentle since our arrival in Otsu. I feel that I am truly beginning to understand him better. That makes what I am doing very difficult to follow through. I find myself... comforted and warmed in Battosai's presence. That he loves me is certain. That he would die for me is also certain. What isn't certain is my own feelings in regards to the hitokiri. I still love Akira and I miss him. Yet my heart... has softened towards the boy. Can I forgive him for killing Akira? Am I strong enough to keep the memory of my betrothed without seeking vengeance? Can I truly... love Kenshin... the way I loved Akira?

Tomoe closed the diary then rose, heading outside, coming to stand next to the hitokiri as she whispered. "The stars are beautiful tonight."

"They are," Kenshin replied, his eyes transfixed on the cluster of light in the heavens above. "When I was a child, I would often lay out in the fields to look at the stars," He paused, a wistful expression on his face. "The light was always so bright and wondrous. I remember reaching up to try and capture that light with my hand. "

Tomoe studied the redhead in surprise. "I... I do that... sometimes..."

Kenshin looked over at the girl. "You do?"

"Hai... it is... silly... I know."

"It is not silly to me... I think it's wonderful..." The hitokiri replied. "The stars warm the night sky... chasing away the darkness in our hearts... reminding us of the beauty of the world and our place in it. Why would we not try to capture that purity of light, even if it's a fleeting dream?"

His words echoed the sentiment within her own heart and mind in relation to evening and she could not help but feel... drawn to him in that moment. "You say it well... did you learn that from your master?"

Kenshin looked back up to the night sky. "Hai... I learned many things from my shishou. When he took me in to become a swordsman, he would often tell me such things and I found them... comforting... even if he was stern with me most of the time."

"Did your family send you to learn from him?"

The redhead's features turned pained. "No... I was a farmer's son... We weren't allowed to learn the art of kenjutsu."

He's not even a samurai... little more than peasant stock. That was what the informant had told her long ago. Then his name... Himura... must have been given to him by Katsura-san when he joined the Ishin Shishi. "What happened to your family, Kenshin?"

"They... grew sick... and died... my mother... my father... my brothers... I was the only one left... I had no where to go... When the feudal lord came, he reclaimed the land and sold me into slavery," Kenshin answered. "I was traveling with the slave caravan when it was attacked by bandits... they slaughtered everyone.. and would have killed me if shishou hadn't passed by. He took me in as his apprentice and taught me the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu."

The redhead's voice softened, becoming distant as he relived the memories of his past. "It was... difficult growing up under his tutelage. The man never smiled... or seemed to care about what was going on in the world around him. Always pushing me to my limits... harsh and rough in his training. It's a wonder I managed to survive... But I know... I know he was proud of me... at one point of time... and I know... that he cared about me... in his own way..." Kenshin's shoulder's dropped, his gaze lowering to his hands, turning them to study the palms, voice so soft Tomoe had to strain her ears to hear the words. "What I have become... what these hands have done... he would not be proud of."

Tomoe felt sorrow for the lost little boy inside the hitokiri's broken heart and she wanted to comfort him, despite her conflicted feelings. "You've done things you're not proud of, Kenshin," spoke in a soft manner, drawing the redhead's attention over to him. "But you are here now... far away from the battlefield... there is no need to let the past continue to hurt your future."

"My future..." He murmured, studying the girl with warm and tender eyes as he reached out, gently enveloping her smaller hand into his larger one. "My future is with you, Tomoe."

The lady lowered her gaze as she studied their hands, guilt creeping into her consciousness though she dare not voice it. "I am... happy to live in that future with you, Kenshin."

The redhead smiled, turning his attention slowly out towards the empty field. "The soil here seems good for planting a few crops," He said softly as he changed the subject. "I bet I could get something to grow."

"You think so?" Tomoe asked, lifting her head, following the hitokiri's gaze, surveying the landscape surrounding them.

"I'm sure we can," Kenshin replied with a nod. "Will you help me, Tomoe?"

The sincerity and warmth in his voice affected her more than she cared to admit. "Hai... I will help you, Kenshin."

The redhead felt joy in her answer, shifting back towards the house, still holding Tomoe's hand. "We should get some rest."

Tomoe nodded, letting him lead her inside. They changed into their night attire, the girl settling down on the futon while Kenshin sat down near the shoji door, resting his sheathed katana against his right shoulder and the pair fell into a quiet slumber as night kept its hold on the sky.

Late September 1864, outside of Otsu

Kenshin lifted the hoe, slamming it down, the blade sinking into the soil, breaking it apart as he worked methodically to till the ground. There was a joy he found in doing manual labor that eluded him in his life as a hitokiri. His strength and his hands... which had been used to kill many... now had a pure and simple purpose... helping to grow life rather than destroying it. The red head paused his work, straightening his small frame, reaching up to wipe the sweat from his brow as he lifted his gaze, shifting his focus over to Tomoe, checking her progress with seeding the upper field to his right.

The girl was dressed in a red kimono and brown hakama pants, her hair tied back and covered with a scarf and he couldn't help but admire the concentration he could see in her beautiful features. She was trying hard to help him with this endeavor. We make a good team, don't we, Tomoe?

For a moment, Kenshin forgot about the war and his place in it. He was just a simple farmer, living with his wife, working the land, trying to bring life to the soil. But just how long would they be allowed to live this peaceful life until war pressed him back into service?

"Hey there!"

Kenshin turned his attention over to the dirt path that lead away from the small farm, spying the approaching form of I'izuka carrying what looked like a apothecary's pack on his back. The red head lowered the hoe to the ground, watching silently as his Ishin Shishi compatriot walked up and came to a stop before him.

The mustached man took in the scene before him, casting a look at the rising form of Tomoe, grinning as he spoke. "You two sure are good at playing the domestic role, aren't you? If I didn't know better, I'd think you two were actually married," He paused, looking back to the hitokiri, voice and features more serious. "Shall we go inside?"

Kenshin peered over at Tomoe, silently asking her with his eyes if she wanted to join them.

"I'll stay out here and continue to plant the seedlings." Tomoe answered, crouching back down to carefully place the seedlings in neat and measured steps.

Kenshin smiled and nodded at her response, happy at how in sync they were then shifted, turning away from the field, sliding off his zori before walking onto the deck, reaching out to open the shoji door, entering inside before allowing I'izuka to follow. The red head closed the door behind the older man then settled down, watching as his compatriot took a seat opposite of him.

I'izuka slid the straps of the apothecary pack off his shoulders, laying the box to his right. "Man this thing gets heavy after awhile." The older man complained lightly as he rolled his shoulders.

Kenshin studied his guest, voice short and clipped. "So what news do you bring?"

"Straight to the point as always, Himura," I'izuka quipped as he sighed. "The news has gone from bad to worse, I'm afraid. The conservative faction in Choushu has forced many members of the Ishin Shishi to perform seppuku on the streets of Hagi. This action seems to have appeased the shogunate but we know it's only a matter of time before Tokugawa's lackeys sweep into Choushuu and conduct another purge of Shishi supporters."

Kenshin frowned. "Another purge?"

"Yeah... and with Shinsaku captured and imprisoned, it makes it difficult for the Ishin Shishi to regroup. But if we can get him out of jail, Shinsaku should be able to muster up the Kiheitai back into fighting form and we can push back against the shogunate."

The hitokiri listened intently, voice worried as he asked, "What of Katsura-san?"

"Gone into hiding the nearest I can tell," I'izuka answered. "Some of the men have been saying that he's tucked his tail and run off like a coward."

"Katsura-san would never abandon his men or the Ishin Shishi." Kenshin countered sharply, feeling defensive of the man who had looked after him since his recruitment.

I'izuka shrugged. "Who knows... the truth could be somewhere in between..." The mustached man opened up the apothecary side slot, pulling out a small package then tossed it over to the boy.

Kenshin snatched it out of the air, lowering the package into his lap, inspecting it as he asked, "What is this?"

"Money... and this..." I'izuka paused, reaching out to tap the box beside him. "Is your cover."

"My cover?"

The older man blinked. "You didn't think you could simply be a young couple in a new home without a source of income did you? By selling salves and herbal remedies, you can maintain your cover until the war has need of you again."

"I see..." Kenshin murmured, feeling a bit of disappointment rise within him. I had hoped to live life as a simple farmer for a while longer but I can't let down Katsura-san. If this will allow me to continue to stay here in the house with Tomoe for a longer period of time, then I will become an apothecary. "So the Ishin Shishi have no need of me then?"

"Not at the moment," I'izuka replied then smirked. "Why? Tomoe wearing you out already?"

Kenshin's gentle features morphed instantly into barely contained anger. "What my wife does or doesn't do is no concern of yours."

The change of demeanor and expression was chilling to witness. The facade the boy wore may have hid the darkness within the hitokiri but Battosai still lingered and despite his temporary retirement from the battle field, Kenshin was no one to be trifled with. "Sorry..." I'izuka replied quickly, swallowing the lump in his throat as he rose. "I should be going now... I'll make sure to check up on you and Tomoe next month and I'll bring more supplies for your business as well."

Kenshin rose with the older male to escort him out. He slid on his zori, following behind I'izuka, watching as the mustached man traveled back the way he came. The redhead turned around after a moment to walk up the small hill where Tomoe continued her work. He came to a stop a few feet from her, assessing his wife's progress, voice soft as he called out, "You've done really well planting the seedlings, Tomoe."

The girl kept her gaze lowered, feeling a bit of heat on her cheeks at his praise. "I've planted flowers and trees before but never crops. It's harder work but I find that I like it just the same," Tomoe shifted her attention over to the retreating form of I'izuka. "You don't have to go back to fighting now, do you?"

Kenshin followed her gaze, murmuring. "No... The Ishin Shishi has not called for my return... I am to remain here with you until such time they have need of me."

Tomoe lifted her head, studying the boy. "You do not sound excited at the prospect of returning to battle, Kenshin."

Because I don't want to go back to the way I was. Kenshin answered silently. He liked being a farmer... he liked living with Tomoe. But to keep this peace, I will have to return at some point... to guarantee we can live as we wish, without our different classes holding us back.. "I am not excited about it, but I will not abandon the cause, even though I... enjoy being here with you, Tomoe..." He paused, looking back at the house. "And the apothecary pack I'izuka brought will provide a source of income to cover us during our stay here."

"You're going to be an apothecary?" Tomoe whispered, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

"Well... I do know a few basics of medicine... so I should do alright at selling herbs and salves," He replied, turning his attention back to her, his ears picking up the tone in her words. "You don't mind being an apothecary's wife do you?"

"No... it sounds... like a good cover for us..." Tomoe admitted, focusing her attention back to tilled soil as she continued to plant seedlings. "But how long do you think we will remain here?"

"It is hard to say. From what I'izuka said, the revolution is on the ropes. If Shinsaku gets out of jail, he can gather the Kiheitai, then the Choushuu faction can rally and push back against the Shogunate. So until that happens, we will stay in the countryside, far from battle. Don't worry, Tomoe. Even when I'm called back into service, I will make sure you remain safe."

And what of your own safety? Tomoe wondered, keeping her head down to hide the concern that tugged at her heart over a man she was beginning to care for. "I am sure you will, Kenshin."

The redhead smiled softly. "You are my wife, Tomoe. If a man cannot protect his loved ones, then he's no man at all."

The girl felt heat bloom across her face at the tender way he whispered her name, unable to stifle her heart's fluttering. This feeling... it's... it's not unlike what I felt when Akira would talk to me. She heard him shift, lifting her gaze enough to watch the boy turn away from her and head down to the lower level where the second field of soil lay. She studied Kenshin as he set to work once more, tilling up the soil and she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to truly be the hitokiri's wife. Shaking her head, the lady drew her attention back to the seedlings, planting each one with great care until the sun set low in the sky.

After cleaning up and having dinner, Kenshin settled down in his usual spot, falling into a steady sleep with his katana resting against his small frame. Tomoe remained sitting in front of the low table, her diary open, the flickering flames of the nearby candle providing enough light for her to work and she wrote down her thoughts on the day and her rising emotions in regards to the hitokiri:

Today we finished planting the daikon seedlings and I enjoyed the simple labor. I always thought that a farmer's life was full of toil and misery. However, I found our work today long but not without merit or enjoyment. I can see that Kenshin truly feels at home working with his hands. It doesn't matter if it's tilling soil or cleaning laundry, the boy is rather good at whatever he sets his mind to doing. I've come to admire his strength and his persistence in this regard. I only wish we could stay like this forever... without threats of death... and my own... mission... So I was a bit leery when I'izuka came to visit us today.

Part of me feared Himura would be pressed into service but the man simply came to drop off medicinal supplies and share news of the battlefront with Kenshin, including the boy's cover as an apothecary. And I am to remain his wife. I only hope that he can handle the guise of an apothecary without our cover being blown. But given his will and determination, I rightly believe Kenshin will be able to win over any villagers that might question him as to who he is and where he comes from.

Who he is and where he comes from. She repeated mentally as she opened the drawer that held her personal items. The lady pulled out a black handled mirror, staring down at her reflection with curious eyes. Reaching up, Tomoe drew a finger down her right cheek, the image reversed so that it was her left she was studying, the image of Kenshin's face flashing in her mind. The scar the Battosai carried marked him as Akira's killer. Visible proof that damned him to die in retaliation for the death of her happiness. But her happiness with Akira... was being replaced with a new kind of happiness. One she was beginning to feel with Kenshin. I do not know if I love him... as I do Akira... but I cannot hate him as I did. I... I care about him... more than I should.

The lady looked over at the redhead, hearing the steady breathing. There was no murmuring and no crying in his sleep as he had done in Kyoto. Was the boy on his way to recovery from his role as a hitokiri? Had being with her really sheathed the madness of killing in Kenshin's heart? Tomoe lowered the mirror, returning it back to the drawer, her diary soon following. Shutting the drawer, the lady blew out the candle, then rose, sliding under the blankets atop her futon and closed her eyes, her tired body welcoming the quiet of night as she fell into the arms of a untroubled sleep.

Late October, 1864 Kenshin and Tomoe's Home

Kenshin stood outside, content brown eyes surveying the landscape surrounding the small farm. The colors of the season were nearing their peak, vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues dotted the many trees within his line of vision. He drew in a breath, feeling the crisp fall air invade his lungs, exhaling slowly, a smile tugging at his lips. Fall was his favorite season, the cooler air giving relief from the oppressive heat of the summer, allowing him to sleep more fitfully. Or was it because of the girl that his nightmares began to fade?

Tomoe. He thought tenderly. He loved spending time with her, finding her presence soothing and he wanted to have a home with her someday. But for now this was their home... Tomoe was his home and one he did not want to ever leave.

The door to the farmhouse slid open and Kenshin turned, finding the demure form of his wife walking towards him. "Are you ready to go, Tomoe?"

The lady gave a nod, coming to a stop before the hitokiri. "I believe so, yes."

Kenshin smiled, adjusting the straps of apothecary pack as he turned towards the road. "Let's go then." He led the way into Otsu, his wife close behind. Once there, the red head set up shop. Tomoe helped him to sell the usual items to the usual buyers, salves for wounds, herbal teas for ailments, ointments for sore muscles, until the pair were out of stock.

"We did good today, Tomoe." Kenshin commented as he walked with her further into the village.

"Hai, we did." Tomoe replied, turning her gaze over to the inn and she came to a stop.

The redhead mimicked her, brow furrowed as he asked, "Is something wrong?"

"No... I just thought... we could buy some sake... to celebrate selling all of our medicinal supplies in one day."

It had been a while since the boy had last drank rice wine, still recalling the bitterness of the taste. Back then... everything tasted like blood. But now... now I think it will be different. "Alright. I'll wait here for you."

Tomoe gave a nod and entered the inn, returning a moment later with a jug of sake and the pair set off towards home. They reached the edge of the village when the hitokiri's ears picked up an unusual sound.

"Do you hear that?" Kenshin murmured, coming to a stop as he turned his head side to side. "It sounds like a child is crying."

"Do you think they are hurt?" Tomoe asked, following her husband as he veered left and headed towards a patch of trees.

The crying grew louder and he raced forward, skidding to a stop as he found a small girl standing under a large tree, her back turned to him. Kenshin approached slowly, calling out in a gentle voice, "Are you alright?"

The girl jumped, whirling around, watery brown eyes looking up at the hitokiri as she sniffled and pointed up. "Chiharu ran up the tree and won't come down! I tried and tried to reach the branches but I am too small.. I can't save her!"

Kenshin followed her motion as she pointed, craning his neck back, catching sight of a flash of black and white within the red leaves of the tree, a faint mew of distress audible and he turned his gaze to the left as Tomoe caught up then came to a stop beside him.

"What is wrong, Kenshin?" She asked, looking over at the red head then down at the small girl who began to cry again.

"Chiharu ran up the tree and won't come down." Kenshin answered, sliding off the straps of his apothecary pack before sitting it carefully on the ground.

"Chiharu?" Tomoe repeated, blinking as she watched the hitokiri stroll up to the girl and crouch down, voice as soft as the smile on his face.

"What is your name, little one?"

The girl sniffled and murmured. "Yuko..."

"Yuko-chan... That's a pretty name." Kenshin replied gently. "I'm going to get Chiharu for you... just be a brave girl and wait here with my wife, Tomoe... can you do that for me?"

The child rubbed her eyes, wiping at her tear streaked cheeks. "Okay... but... but you will save her, right?"

Kenshin rose, gently patting her head. "Hai... I will save Chiharu, and bring her right to you. I promise," He looked over to his wife. "I'll be only be a moment."

"Be careful." Tomoe whispered, surprised when Yuko came up to her, reaching out to take hold of her hand. The child's hand was tiny and cold and the lady frowned at the young one's shivering.Poor girl must have been out here for a while, trying to save her pet. With her free hand, Tomoe removed her shawl, wrapping it around the girl's shoulders.

Yuko's looked down at the shawl wrapped around her then up at the beautiful lady, whispering. "T... thank you..."

Tomoe gently squeezed Yuko's hand. "You are welcome."

"Will... will he be able to reach Chiharu?" The girl asked.

Tomoe shifted her gaze, watching as Kenshin deftly reached out and swung up on the bottom branch of the tree. "Hai... Once Kenshin sets his mind to something he will never stop until he succeeds."

The redhead pulled himself to his feet, balancing upon the first branch, sizing up the best route to get to the stranded kitten then began to climb up at a slow and steady pace until he reached the top of the tree, a few feet from the mewling feline. "There you are, Chiharu." He called out in a gentle and soothing voice.

The black and white kitten stared at the hitokiri, its mewling growing louder as a cold wind whipped through, nearly pushing the frightened creature off the branch.

Even though the feline was a simple animal, the hitokiri knew a cry for help when he heard it. Do not worry, little one, I will save you and bring you back to your friend. Bracing himself with his right hand, Kenshin reached out and carefully scooped the kitten off the branch. The feline shook violently against the hitokiri's chest, still mewing and the redhead shifted, making sure his footing was firm before he gently petted Chiharu's head. The kitten began to calm down, purrs replacing the mewing, no longer shivering as it nuzzled against the fabric of his kimono. Kenshin smiled, studying the kitten, finding it rather cute and he felt joy in his heart at holding the small creature.

"Are you alright, Kenshin?!"

Kenshin lifted his head at the sound of Tomoe's voice. "Hai, I will be right down!" Returning his focus to the kitten, the hitokiri whispered. "Time to go, Chiharu," Still smiling, he kept the feline tucked against his chest, careful not to fall as he slowly descended down the tree until at last his feet were upon the ground. Walking over to his wife and the girl, he crouched down, gently shifting Chiharu, holding her out for the child to take. "Here you are, Yuko-chan."

Yuko's features brightened, relief filling her as she took her kitten and hugged the still purring animal to her chest. "Chiharu! You're okay! I was so scared!"

"You do not have to be scared any longer, Yuko-chan. But you should head for home. It is getting late and your parents must be worried about you." Kenshin said in a light tone, blinking in surprise when the girl leaned in to hug the hitokiri.

"Thank you so much! Chiharu would have been lost without you to save her!"

Kenshin's features softened and he returned her hug briefly then rose, gently patting her head. "You are welcome, Yuko-chan."

The girl turned to Tomoe, removing the shawl with great care, handing it back to the lady. "Thank you, again, Tomoe-san."

The dark haired woman gave a nod, voice soft though she found it hard to smile. "You are welcome, Yuko-chan," She watched with kind eyes as the girl turned and headed back towards the village, murmuring words of comfort to Chiharu along the way. "That was brave of you to climb up that tree for a cat, Kenshin."

"It was no trouble, really." Kenshin replied, crouching down to pick up his apothecary pack.

"But you could have been hurt." Tomoe countered, her gaze on the hitokiri as she watched him slide on the pack then straighten his blue kimono.

"True," Kenshin conceded. "But I find myself wanting to help people. It doesn't matter how young or how old they are, if someone needs my help, I am willing to lend my strength to them. Besides," He paused, turning to study his wife, a bright smile upon his face and a happy tone in his voice. "I quite like cats. That I do."

Tomoe blinked at his words, stunned at the change in his demeanor and manner of speaking. He was being open with her in a way she'd never witnessed before and she saw the light of his true self. He was caring... gentle... helpful...determined... protective. He found joy in simple things and his eyes came alive when he helped someone. This is the man you should be, Kenshin... the man you are now... the man I... have come to care about. "Perhaps we should get a cat of our own then... they would help with any pests that could eat our crops."

Kenshin quite liked the idea. "If the Ishin Shishi do not call for my return soon, perhaps we could adopt a kitten of our own."

A violent gust of wind roared around them suddenly and Tomoe clenched her eyes shut, lifting her hand to fend off the assault of leaves that swirled around and battered her form. A warmth enveloped her then, protecting her from the offending cold and leaves, her eyelids fluttering open to find Kenshin studying her with tender eyes. "Kenshin... I... it was just the wind... you didn't have to..." She started then stopped, blinking when the hitokiri whispered lovingly,

"No matter if it's the wind or the war, I want to protect you, Tomoe."

The lady felt heat flare across her face. She had never been held before like this. Never been touched as he had touched her and she found herself reacting, leaning into his lean but solid form, taking in the warmth of his body, letting him continue to hold her until the wind died down and the leaves floated harmlessly to the ground.

Kenshin found her form was soft and supple against his solid frame, the contact awakening something within him that was both exciting and frightening and he was unsure how to respond to the sudden demands of his body. I do not want to frighten her... and I admit I do not know if I am... ready to do what husbands and wives... do together. Reluctantly, the hitokiri lowered his arms, clearing his throat as he drew back. "We should... head for home... it's getting rather late..."

Tomoe missed the warmth of his body when he pulled away from her but nodded. "Hai... we should..."

Kenshin smiled softly, holding out his hand for her to take. "Let's go home then, Tomoe."

The lady studied his hand for a few seconds before clasping his hand in hers, allowing him to gently lead her back to the path and the pair made their way back to the farmhouse they shared.

Later that evening at the farmhouse

The pair sat by the fire, full from dinner, each basking in the warmth of the flame that crackled in the center of the room.

"Shall we open the bottle of sake now?" Tomoe asked.

Kenshin nodded. "That sounds good, Tomoe." He replied, watching as his wife pulled the stopper from the small dull brown jug, pouring the sake with grace, accepting the small white cup she now held out for him, his eyes studying the clear liquid for a few seconds. It had been months since he last drank sake and part of him worried he would taste nothing but blood. He felt her expectant gaze and he brought the cup to his lips, taking a small sip, relief filling him at the pleasant taste.

Tomoe observed the hitokiri's hesitation then his sudden look of joy and she asked, "It is good then?"

"Hai," Kenshin replied with a happy smile. "It is the best sake I've had in a long, long time."

"I am glad." She said softly, drinking the rice wine out of her own cup.

The redhead savored the beverage, happy that the sickness inside of him was gone for good, replaced with a love and tenderness for the one who had healed him. "Thank you, Tomoe." He murmured.

The lady studied her husband with curious eyes. "For what, Kenshin?"

"For helping me... for being the sheath to my madness... for being my wife... for being you..."

Her heart hurt more than she wanted to admit in that moment, her love with Akira blending with her growing love for Kenshin and she felt torn for having healed her enemy. But the truth was he wasn't her enemy. Not anymore. "You are welcome, Kenshin..." She said in a gentle tone.

He smiled at her fondly, nodding when she offered to pour him another cup of sake and the pair relaxed, both content in this moment of time. So they remained until it was time for sleep. Kenshin took his usual place, sitting upright, falling into a steady sleep.

But Tomoe felt restless. Turning her head to the left, she spied the hitokiri still asleep, his body shivering a bit and she rose, pulling the blanket up and over her husband. Sighing, she walked into the other room, sitting down before the low table as she drew out her diary from the drawer and opened it. Tomoe lifted her head at sound of rain that began to tap, tap, tap on the rooftop of the house in a steady rhythm. The lady found the sound rather soothing though she shivered at the damp and chilly air. Pulling the yukata tighter around her shoulders, she opened up her diary, beginning to write, the brush strokes fluid and graceful as she relayed the days events, ink giving voice to the thoughts she could not share with anyone:

Today we went into Otsu, selling our medicinal supplies to the villagers. We sold everything we had and I bought some sake to celebrate the occasion. We were delayed heading home by the cry of a little girl named Yuko. Her kitten was stuck in a tree and Kenshin climbed up and rescued it. His behavior and his joy made me... happy for him... He was kind and gentle to the child and the animal, so much so one would never suspect him to be the deadly Battosai. I confess being around him has made me feel alive again. When he held me in his arms, I could feel his love for me. He wants to keep me safe... to stay with me always and I find myself wanting the same thing. But my heart also hurts over the loss of my first love. I don't want to forget Akira... I still love him... I will always love him... And Kenshin took Akira away from me... Death was the first gift the Battosai ever gave.. but this new gift... this love and affection that Kenshin offers... I want to accept it... But can I? Can I really walk away from my mission? Oh, Akira, what do I do?

Tomoe broke down, weeping openly as images of her lost love flashed in her mind, torn asunder emotionally by her loyalty to Akira's memory and her growing love for the one who had killed him.

Another chapter done. Not exciting but we are about to reach the end of remembrance and jump into the present. I am feeling rather brain dead lately which kills my creativity. Hopefully this wasn't too boring. If you liked it do leave a few lines. It is always nice to hear from people who enjoy the story.