Not for tomoe haters. i don't own.

"You're dead," whispered Kenshin.

Kaoru didn't ask who the woman in the door way was. Kenshin kept pictures of her.

Tomoe, his wife. She had been killed by a drunk driver, her car falling into the river. They had never found a body. But she was alive. Kaoru was numb. Someone who was supposed to be dead, whose brother had tried to kill her, and Kenshin's wife, was here.

Tomoe smiled gently at Kenshin and crossed the room. She held up her hand.

"Touch me, I'm alive."

He did so, gently touching his hand to hers. Then he pressed harder. When his hand didn't pass through her, he pulled her into his arms.

"You're alive," he whispered.

Kaoru watched from the table as Kenshin held his wife. She has first dibs, she told herself. I'm going to have to leave, not her.

But Kenshin pulled away and looked at Kaoru. "Kaoru, this is Tomoe. Tomoe, this is Kaoru."

"Hello, Kaoru. Are you his girlfriend?"

Kaoru felt numb. It kept her from panicking. "His fiancée actually. But I guess that's off."

"Let's finish eating," Kenshin said. "Then we can finish talking."

They did so in silence after they had gotten a plate for Tomoe. Kaoru for once wasn't her usual spitfire self. Kenshin had no idea what there was to say. And Tomoe seemed to be studying them while lost in thought. When she caught Kaoru's eye she smiled.

Once they were done, Tomoe shoo Kenshin off.

"Go see some friends. Kaoru and I need to talk."

Kenshin just nodded mutely. Kaoru brought the dishes out to the kitchen and Tomoe helped.

"Does Kenshin usually cook?"

"The last time I tried cooking anything besides ramen I set the stove on fire," Kaoru sighed. Tomoe laughed. Once the dished were done, the two women settled in the TV room.

Kaoru was looking out the window. "I guess you'll want me to leave."

Tomoe answered softly, "Actually, no." Kaoru stared at the older woman. She looked older then Kenshin. Kaoru did some quick math. Kenshin was 28 to her 23. Tomoe had been three years older then him, putting her at 31. She looked older, more worn, then that. Tomoe took Kaoru's hand.

"I've been gone for almost five years. It wouldn't be right for me to push someone out of Kenshin's life now, even after that. I hope we can be friends Kaoru, but Kenshin and I can get the divorce papers signed, so you two can be married."

"But- but," this wasn't what Kaoru had expected at all. "He's your husband!"

"And eh found someone else," Tomoe said softly. "He's happy enough with you that he wants to get married- I won't stand in his way."

"But I can't take your man! Even if I don't know you I can't!" Kaoru had been cheated on before, and didn't like it. She wouldn't hurt anyone else.

Tomoe smiled. "He's your's now." The smile turned almost wicked. "Besides, there is a hot doctor who gave me his number."

When Kenshin returned, the two were laughed. Tomoe explained the situation. Before she and Kenshin left, Kaoru said, "Tomoe, you have to invite us over sometime to meet your new friend."

"Oro?" said Kenshin, looking confused.

"Ask Kaoru about it later."