"Mama! Mama; c'mon, let's go see Yahiko."

Michiko looked down at the smiling face of her small son. Yoshi was jumping up and down with excitement, his hair bouncing over his forehead. He tugged on her hand, trying to drag her out the door. She looked over her shoulder at Sanosuke, uncertain as to whether or not he was to come along.

"Go ahead." He grinned, "Have fun with the kid. You deserve it."

"You sure you don't want to come?"

"Nah...I've got some things to do."

She frowned. It was her birthday -she was seventeen- and he didn't want to be with her. He knew; he'd told her happy birthday in the morning. But he had other things to do. She felt slightly hurt.

"Hey, don't look so down. I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

"Okay."

"You'd better get going before he rips that arm off too."

She smiled slightly, looking down at her right arm. Still loosely bandaged, it hung limply at her side. Megumi was right. She'd never use that arm again.

Yahiko was down by the river, practicing the skills and techniques Kaoru had taught him. Yoshi ran down the slight incline, throwing himself at the older boy. "Yahiko!"

Yahiko dropped his wooden sword and caught the toddler up in his arms. "Hi Yoshi! What's going on?"

"I's Mama's birthday!"

"Oh, is it?" He looked over his shoulder at Michiko, who nodded. "Happy birthday, Michiko."

"Thank you." She sank down to the ground, running her fingers over the cool grass. She closed her eyes, thinking about Sanosuke. His arms around her, the feel of his hug, that night his lips had met hers...What was that? Yahiko was still talking to her. She blushed, her eyes blinking open. "I'm sorry; what?"

"I said _how's your arm'?" He swung his sword aimlessly a few times.

Another blush. "It's okay, I guess. I can't really feel it or anything." She flopped down on the grass. Yoshi climbed up onto her stomach, settling himself comfortably there. He grinned at his mother, placing his small hands gently on her face. "Love ya, Ma."

She smiled back at him. "I know. And I love you too, My Yoshi."

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Baby."

He kissed her forehead, then sat up, straddling her belly. He watched Yahiko practicing, picking absently at the grass. In his two-year-old mind, nothing could be better than being with his mother and his sensei.

Yahiko stopped and looked at the two of them for a moment, trying to imagine Michiko two years ago on her fifteenth birthday; when Yoshi was only a baby. It was so strange for him to think about her being his mother. He wondered if she resented Yoshi, if she wished he was never born. He sat down in the grass, wiping sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. "Michi?"

"Yeah?"

"Y'ever wish it didn't happen; all the bad stuff?"

"Of course. Then I would still have my family. My mama and papa, Naoko, Akemi and Hachi would still be alive. My arm would still work. But then, in another light, I wouldn't have my Yoshi. I wouldn't know you -any of you- and Sanosuke and I would not be together."

"You like him a lot, huh?"

"Oh, yes. He saved my life. And he doesn't care about my past." She smiled softly, "He likes me."

" _Course he likes you. You're really pretty."

"You think he likes me because I'm pretty, Yahiko?"

"Well, that does help. But I guess it's not the only thing. I mean, Kenshin likes Kaoru."

"Miss Kaoru is a beautiful person."

"Are you kidding? She's an ugly raccoon."

"True beauty," She gazed up at the sky, seeming to search for something in the clouds, "Comes from within. There is something inside which makes a person beautiful. What's on the outside doesn't matter. Miss Kaoru has a beautiful soul. Therefore, she is a beautiful person."

Yahiko glanced up at the sky, trying to follow her gaze. He wondered what she saw up there that captured her attention so. Her mind worked in such a strange way. It was hard for him to tell what she was thinking.

"Gohei liked me because I was pretty."

Silence for a moment. Yahiko wasn't sure what to say. She'd never talked about Gohei with him before. He knew what had happened, but she'd never mentioned a word about it to him.

"But he thought I was beautiful because I hated him." She continued, "He made me hate him. And his wicked heart made him see me as beautiful when I was consumed by shadow. Hate is an ugly thing, unless you are a hateful person. Then it is wonderful." She smiled sadly, "Hatred only brings more hatred, Yahiko. He made me hate him. My hatred manifested itself in my son. Sanosuke was drawn into the web of hate because he loved me. You must never allow yourself to hate."

"Who hates who now?" Came a voice from above.

"Sanosuke..." She smiled as his shadow fell over her, "I don't hate any one. Even though Gohei ruined my life, I do not hate him any longer. I wouldn't have you or My Yoshi or any of my friends if it weren't for him."

He settled himself beside her and she sat up, pulling Yoshi onto her lap. Yahiko watched as they interacted. Sanosuke picked some grass out of her hair and she blushed, ducking her head. The boy laughed to himself. Michiko was even shier about being in love than Kaoru was.

Sanosuke braced himself for Yoshi clamoring into his lap, but for once the toddler was perfectly content on his mother's lap. He sat there poking her arm -which she of course didn't notice- and humming to himself.

Yahiko stood up, stretched, picked up his wooden sword. "I gotta get going. C'mon Yoshi."

" 'Kay!" The little boy jumped up, his face lit with excitement. Then he turned to Michiko. "Mama, I go?"

She nodded, smiling softly. "You may go, My Yoshi."

"Arigato!" He kissed her, then scampered off after Yahiko.

Sanosuke looked at her, a grin on his face. "Alone at last."

"Sano..." She blushed furiously.

"Oh, come on. We haven't been alone together in a long time. And it's your birthday..."

"I can't."

He flopped down on the grass. "You can't or you won't?"

"I can't. What Gohei did...I just can't. I'm sorry. You must hate me." She peered at him from under her bangs, her eyelashes wet with tears.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You think that's all I want from you? I'm not like him. I just thought it might be nice." He pulled her down beside him and she rested her head on his chest. He brushed back her hair, caressing her cheek, "I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable."

She rolled over on her stomach, studying his face. "Sano, why do you love me?"

"You're kind. You're giving. You're the most beautiful girl I know. I fell in love with you because I saw how selfless you were. And I fall in love with you all over every time I look at you." He smiled, "You're wonderful."

She looked at him a moment longer, her onyx eyes pooled with tears. Then she laid her head back down. "No one's ever told me anything like that before. Did you know? It was your light that shown, leading my heart to find the place where I belong."

"All I did was love you."

"All you did. All you did! You did something no one's done in six years."

"Yoshi?"

"Yoshi," She kissed him, "Doesn't count."

He wrapped his arms around her. They were laying in the grass, she was settled upon him much the way Yoshi had been on her; lying stomach to stomach. She rested her forehead on his, drew his hand out, her fingers laced in his. Their eyes met, onyx and brandy, and he grinned. "I love you, Michi." He said, "I love you so much."

"And I," She smiled shyly, "Love you."

Their lips brushed together in a kiss that may as well have been the first. It was a time-stopping, heart-pounding kiss; a moment that would last forever. She wanted to stay right there and never move, safe in his arms. The softness of his eyes; the warmth of his smile; everything seemed to welcome her in. "I had never lived," She whispered, "Until there was you. You're the home my heart searched for so long." A pause, "I'd be lost without you."

"I won't go unless you want me to. I promise. You can stay with me forever. Or until tomorrow. Or as long as you want."

"Forever sounds nice." She snuggled up to him, her head once again on his bare chest.

They lay there for a long time as morning slid into afternoon and the sun rose high into the sky. It was a warm day and Michiko soon fell asleep on Sanosuke. He fingered a lock of her hair. It was so shiny and soft. He began to daydream about her in the future, her hair grown long and hanging loose. She'd still be with him -he couldn't imagine her anywhere else- and they would be happy. He didn't care if she ever got over what Gohei did to her or not or if they ever had any kids of their own. Just being with her was enough. She made him feel like-

"Sano!" A voice hissed, disrupting his thoughts.

He glanced up lazily. "Hey there, Missy."

Kaoru looked scandalized. "What is this? Where's Yahiko? And Yoshi? You didn't...did you? Not here out in the open..."

"No!" He sat up, gently rearranging Michiko on his lap, "We didn't. We never have. She can't bring herself to anyway. Gohei's ghost still haunts her."

"So what is this then? You're looking pretty comfy with one another."

"So? You're just jealous."

"And what is that supposed to mean, Sanosuke?"

"Oh, come off it. You know you wish it were you and Kenshin here together." He smiled slyly, "You're insanely jealous."

"I am not!" Her face flushed bright red.

"Shush. You'll wake her."

Kaoru settled beside him on the grass. "What is it, Sano, about her? How did you fall in love with the scared, sad shadow of a girl who only called you by your last name?"

He didn't answer right away. Instead he gazed down at Michiko where she lay sleeping in his arms. A smile crossed his face. "I don't know, Kaoru." He paused, "I guess it's because I understand her. We both lost the people important to us when we were kids. And neither of us should have. I guess it's easy to identify with her."

"When I look at her," He continued, "I think of all the things I wish I wasn't. She's so tough. It wasn't easy for her to trust me. I admire that in her, her hesitance to just let any one regardless of who they are into her life. And the courage it must've taken her to run, it must've been enormous. Gohei is at least five times bigger than she is. She's scared to death of him. But she ran away to save Yoshi. Not for herself. She's selfless like that. In spite of all the dark things in her life, Michiko has never done a mean thing to another person."

"You think very highly of her."

"I love her. She needs me."

"She may not always need you. Then what?"

"I would let her go. I love her that much. I know this might not always last. I'd be sorry if she left, but I wouldn't force her to stay. I'd be no better than Gohei if I tried to do that."

"She's lucky to have you." Kaoru smiled cheerfully, "You going to bring her by the dojo later?"

"She'll probably want to see Kenshin for her birthday. But I was thinking of going to the Akabeko with her. I actually have some money for once."

"You ever wonder what her other birthdays were like? Especially her fifteenth...That was right after Yoshi had been born."

"She's brave. She put up with it all without a complaint. She doesn't resent Yoshi at all. She doesn't hate him because he is part of Gohei. He's her reason for living. But I do know what you mean."

"It's strange to think of her as his mother. She's so young. I can't imagine how terrified she must've been. I can't even imagine doing that with some one I don't love. I feel so bad for her."

"Don't pity her, Missy." Sanosuke looked down at Michiko.

She was frowning in her sleep, her forehead creased. Her left hand clenched, clutching his sleeve. "No..." She mumbled, "No...No; don't...No!" She jerked awake, looking wildly around. Then she realized where she was. "Sano...I had a nightmare..." Her eyes welled with tears, "He was trying to...He was trying..."

"Hey," He hugged her close, "It's okay. You're safe here. I won't let anything happen to you."

"I was so scared...I couldn't...I couldn't do anything..." Her face was pressed against his chest; he could feel her tears against his bare skin.

"Shh...Don't cry. Nothing will ever hurt you again. As long as you're here, you'll be safe."

She sniffled, wiping her eyes.

He brushed back her hair. "Cheer up. You're the birthday girl, after all."

A slight smile crossed her face. Then she looked up. "Oh! Hello, Miss Kaoru."

"Happy birthday, Michiko." Kaoru grinned.

"Thank you." A shy smile crossed the young woman's face. She wasn't used to all the attention she'd been getting.

"Where's Yoshi?"

"He left with Yahiko. We stayed..." She said slowly, "I fell asleep." Her dark gaze rested on Sanosuke, "How long have we been here?"

"A few hours. But that's okay. It was kind of nice to just relax. Plus, you're cute when you're sleeping."

"Sano!" She blushed. It wasn't that she cared that he'd seen her sleeping. Far from it. She simply felt that it was a private thing, not to be shared with others, the way they had been so comfortable there.

"Don't be so shy about it. Kaoru's seen you asleep before. It's no big deal." He kissed her cheek, buried his face in her hair, "Besides, you're cute no matter what you do."

Her face -if possible- turned even redder.

"Stop embarrassing her, Sanosuke!" Kaoru griped, "Look at her! She's bright red!!"

He hugged her. "Sorry. Didn't mean to embarrass you."

"It's okay." She snuggled into his hug, "I don't really mind." She paused, "I'm hungry."

"Let's go get something to eat then."

"Why don't you stop by the dojo and get Yoshi first?" Kaoru suggested, "I'm sure he'd want to go with you."

Michiko nodded, climbing out of Sanosuke's lap. "Come on, Sano."

He sat there a moment longer, just looking up at her. Then he rose to his feet, put his arm around her shoulders. "Let's go get the kid."

***
"Michi! Michi! Happy birthday!" Aiyami and Suzume came running out to greet them at the dojo.

"Mama!" Yoshi followed close behind them, wriggling like an excited puppy. He wrapped his arms around her legs.

She ran her fingers through his silky hair. "Hello, MY Yoshi." Then she smiled down at the two little girls, "Thank you, Girls. I am having a very nice birthday." She paused, "It smells good here."

"Uncle Kenny's been cooking. He made ya a special birthday lunch!" Aiyami exclaimed.

"Ya, Uncle Kenny's been cooking!" Suzume added.

"He cooked for me?" Michiko asked in disbelief.

Eager nods. "Yup!"

Kenshin was indeed cooking. He'd cooked up a storm, preparing a real feast. "I heard it was your birthday, Miss Michiko," He explained, "And a birthday can't go uncelebrated, that it cannot."

"It's going to be a real party." Yahiko piped up.

Michiko smiled shyly. "I've never had a birthday party before." Her face lit with joy.

Kenshin grinned. "You deserve it."

She blushed, ducking her head. She felt that they didn't have to do anything for her; that she was nothing more than a burden to them all, the helpless girl with one arm who couldn't take care of herself. She didn't deserve any of what they'd done for her; she'd done nothing but cause them grief. And Sanosuke was always taking care of her as if she couldn't survive alone. Sometimes she felt as if she couldn't.

"And guess what else!" Yahiko -as grown up and mature as he seemed- was still just an excitable kid.

She smiled at his excitement. "What?"

"We got you a present!"

"For me? A present?" Disbelief filled her voice. No one had ever given her a present before. Her parents had been too poor and Gohei...Well, his idea of a gift was something she'd rather not recall.

"Yahiko!" Kaoru groaned, "You weren't supposed to tell her yet!"

"I couldn't keep it a secret any more! I had to tell. I knew it'd make her happy and I love when Michiko's happy." The boy explained, "No one should ever be sad or scared. Only happy."

"Oh, Yahiko..." A soft smile crossed Michiko's face, "I am happy. You have all made me very happy."

Sanosuke was watching her as she spoke. There was a "but" in her voice, a bittersweet tone. Something was bothering her and he couldn't quite figure out what. That annoyed him to no end, knowing that she still didn't trust him enough to tell him what was on her mind. He thought they were beyond keeping secrets.

"Sano?"

Yoshi's voice startled him back to reality and he pushed the dark thoughts out of his mind. "What's up, Kiddo?"

"I gotta pee." The small boy's voice was full of urgent seriousness.

Sano regarded him for a moment, then broke into a grin. "Come on." He offered Yoshi a hand.

Kenshin was also watching Michiko. He understood what Sanosuke did not and it left him very dismayed. He watched closely as she ate, as she exclaimed happily over the beautiful kimono they had given her, as she played with the children. He was certain that what he saw in her would only lead to much more heartache. She was going to leave. Not because she didn't like it there; far from it. He knew she loved the girls and Yahiko and she thought the world of Sanosuke, but she needed to go. He understood that she needed to know that she could take care of herself before she'd allow Sano to continue to take care of her. This saddened him. He would miss her.

"What's wrong, Kenshin? You look troubled."

The Battôsai was sitting on the porch, Kaoru at his side. Michiko and Sanosuke were playing tag with the four children -running through the yard- and all was well.

He looked up at her from under his flaming hair, a sad, small, smile on his face. "Miss Michiko will be leaving us, Kaoru."

"What? Why?" She looked alarmed, "She loves Sanosuke and he's taking good care of her."

"She needs to know that she can take good care of herself; that she does. She needs to know she can make it on her own."

Kaoru looked over at the six of them in the yard. Michiko was running in mock terror, Sanosuke lumbering after her. The children trailed behind, laughing. He caught her up in his arms, sweeping her off her feet. "Gotcha!" He exclaimed. She laughed, her good arm around his neck, the other dangling limply at her side. Bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, they were a picture of perfection. Both looked so happy and so terribly in love.

"Poor Sano will be heartbroken." Kaoru said softly.

"Don't you think he will go after her, Miss Kaoru?"

"I don't know. He said he would let her go if he had to, but he's crazy about her. It's not easy to let some one you love leave you."

"That it is." Kenshin smiled softly, "It is very hard to leave some one you love. But true love will always find a way. And if it's not true love...Well, then this too shall pass."

Kaoru looked at her feet, feeling very sorry for the ex-fighter-for-hire and a little sorry for herself too. She knew what it was like to have the fear that the person she loved would leave at any time. Michiko was like Kenshin. She was also a wandering soul, looking for the place where she would belong.