He looked at the cloudy sky. The sunlight shone warmly and the wind blew gently around him. Kenshin had followed Tomoe to the mansion. The silent between them during the walk was uncomfortable but nostalgic. Tomoe always preferred the quiet, peaceful moments. While she was teaching the children from the neighbourhood, he waited for her outside the door of the mansion.

She lived. Kenshin smiled at the thought. She was back with him. His sheath. However, Tomoe's reaction and words earlier troubled him. Does she really mean it? He was at a loss; he did not want to lose her again. She helped him to find his conviction on helping the weak and abstain from killing. She brought calm and serenity to him. She was the one who changed him.

"Excuse me, are you waiting for someone, young man?" asked the owner of the mansion, Inada Tasuma. He noticed that the young man had been standing outside the mansion door for almost half a day. He did not chase him away for the young man did not appear to be aggressive nor causing any troubles.

"Yes," answered Kenshin.
"I am Inada Tasuma, the owner of the mansion," said Inada.

"I am Himura Kenshin."

"Himura? Are you related to Tomoe sensei?" asked Inada.
"Why did you ask?"

"Himura Tomoe san has been a teacher five years ago when they moved here. Her younger brother would come around in the late afternoon to walk her home. Her father was Yukishiro Toshiro. Though I never ask her personally, I heard she was married but I have never seen her husband."

She kept his name. She had not forgotten about him. There was still hope. Without the owner of the mansion asking, Kenshin answered, "Tomoe is my wife, we were married before the war ended."

"I see," said Inada, "That explains it. It is really nice to meet you."

"My pleasure meeting you too."

….

The coughing sound resonated the room.

"Megumi dono, how is he?"
"It is common cold. After he takes the medicine, he will be fine."

"Thank you so much, Megumi sensei," said Tomoe as she brought in the newly brewed medicine syrup for her father.

"You are welcome," Megumi said as she stood up and prepared to live.

"I will escort you home," Kenshin offered.

"Alright, Ken san."

As they walked on the streets, Megumi asked, "So she is your wife?"

"Yes," answered Kenshin. "I have a favour to ask, Megumi dono."

"What is it?"

"I would like to move out of the dojo for a while, could you help me inform Kaoru dono?" Kenshin said hesitantly.

"Hn.I understand, Ken san."

"Thank you very much."

"But you ought to come by the dojo someday. We will miss you."

"Yes, of course."

….

When he returned to the house, Tomoe greeted him at the corridor, "Father is asleep. He said he was feeling better. Thank you so much for your help."

"He is also my father, Tomoe."

"Kenshin, that-"

Kenshin cut her off, "Tomoe, we took the vows. I want to be with you. I promised I would protect your happiness. That I will. "

He refused to believe that she felt nothing for him. It was not a lie. She had comforted him and cared for him. Those kindness and happiness she gave him was not a show. Those days they spent together were not just memories.

"That is so not going to happen, Battousai," said a low voice behind him.

"Welcome home, Enishi," said Tomoe with a slight smile.

"I am home, Sister," Enishi greeted. "How is father? You are not in the mansion when I end work. Inada sama told me father is sick."

"Aa. Father is feeling better now. Thanks to Kenshin, he brought a skilled doctor."

Suddenly, Enishi drew his katana and pointed it at Kenshin's neck, "What are your intentions?" he said coldly.

Kenshin glanced calmly back at Enishi, the katana was only a few inches away from his throat. He was surprised at Enishi's speed though he did see the katana coming.

"Enishi, keep your sword!" Tomoe commanded sharply.

"Keh!" Enishi did as he was told and Tomoe looked to her brother with annoyance and he looked back at her as if he had done nothing wrong.

"Enishi, why did you do that?" Tomoe probed.

"He's in our home, sister."

"He is a guest," chided Tomoe.

"No he is not. He is the man who stole away your happiness. He is a hitokiri."

"This one vows never to kill again," said Kenshin.

"Liar," said Enishi as his hand grabbed his katana again.

"Enishi, don't do anything harsh, father is sleeping," said Tomoe as she held onto her brother's arm to prevent him from pulling the katana.

"It is alright, Tomoe."

Every turned to look at the old man who had gotten out of bed, wearing his thin nightwear.

"Father, you should be resting in bed," Tomoe said as she ran up to Toshiro's side.

"Ay, don't worry," said Toshiro, giving Tomoe a warm smile. Then he turned to look at Kenshin, "Let Kenshin stay if he likes. After all he is my son-in-law."

"But father…" retorted Enishi, his eyes widened in disbelief of what his father suggested.

"No arguments."

…

"So Kenshin is leaving the dojo. He did not say good bye," said Kaoru.

"Silly girl, he is coming back. He just can't leave his wife."

"He never told us he is married," said Yahiko.

"We cannot blame him, we never ask either."

"How is Tomoe san like?" asked Kaoru. She had vaguely formed a picture of the wife of Kenshin.

"She will take care of Ken san. That she will," said Megumi reassured.

….

"Here is the futon," she laid the futon on the tatami mat of the living room.

"Thank you, Tomoe."

"Good night," Tomoe said and retired to her room.

"Do not try anything, Battousai," said Enishi as he stared coldly at Kenshin. He could not understand why his father had allowed an assassin to stay in their home.

"This one will not."