A/N- Hi again, I just wanna warn you all ahead of time that this is one of my shorter chapters. Don't worry; the others will be longer like the first ones. So proceed and enjoy.

Chapter 4- Back Home

"Are you sure about this, Aoshi?" Kenshin asked.

Aoshi didn't look up from where he sat on the steps, feeding Genichi with a bottle. Kaoru was more than willing to lend him the nourishment the infant would need, and had even offered to feed him herself, but Aoshi was quick to refuse. It was his and Misao's son and he wanted to be the one taking care of things.

As Genichi hungrily sucked at the bottle, Aoshi responded. "I am. I wish to take my son back to the Aoiya right away."

"But what about." Kenshin hesitated as he finished his cooking. "What about Misao?"

The man flinched, clearly stung by being reminded. But Aoshi continued the task at hand. "I will arrange for a horse and wagon to bring her back with me." Came the reply.

Kenshin nodded, saying nothing more.

"Himura."

"Hn?"

Aoshi got to his feet, cradling Genichi in his arms. His ice blue eyes met Kenshin's purple ones. "Thank you."

He walked past, not waiting for a reply.

.......

By the next morning, the Kenshin-gumi was out by the road to see off Aoshi, who swung up onto a borrowed horse.

Tsubame came forward with Genichi. "Here you are, sir."

He reached down from the saddle and took the infant up into his arms.

"Are you going to be alright carrying him and riding at the same time?" Kaoru asked, holding her own son while stepping forward.

Aoshi flicked his trench coat off and placed Genichi inside to form a bundle. Then he placed it in his lap and held it there with one hand. "We will be fine." Secretly, he couldn't picture guiding the horse from the wagon. No, not with Misao's casket stowed there beneath a blanket. Besides, he was an experienced rider who could manipulate a horse as easily as a sword.

He heard them yell their goodbyes as he nudged the horse forward, the saddle squeaking rhythmically all the while. As usual, however, Aoshi pretended not to hear them and stared at the pathway ahead. He was on his way back to Kyoto, back home.