A/N: Hello all! I decided to abruptly change the tense of this fic, and for that, I apologize. Present tense is a lot harder to work with, in my opinion. Ah, well... I'm new. It happens. This chapter came out kind of abstract. :/

Let me know if you have any issues with/comments on the story so far. Thanks for reading!

To Mr. Kenshin Himura:

This is a letter requesting your presence to the emperor at 423-12 Harashinodai in Kyoto-fu. A high ranking position is being offered to you at headquarters; notably high salary and more than suitable housing arrangements.

Report at your earliest convenience.

Signed: Hajime Saito

July 5th 1879

Kaoru rubbed the paper between her fingers at dusk by the gate, reading each word to herself once more, a small lump forming in her throat.

It had been three months since Kenshin agreed to help repair the damages to the dojo caused by Shuuji's intrusion. Together they worked nearly every day, weather permitting, carrying wood and supplies mid-morning from town and working indoors until sunset. He helped out earnestly with chores and cooking in order to offset the cost of staying at the dojo rent-free.

Kaoru had grown accustomed to his presence and peacefully looked forward to every coming day.

He was a fascinating dichotomy. Strong, yet affectionate. Calm and collected, but with unyielding compassion. These things she knew, but many she did not.

In those months, Kaoru hadn't pressed the issue of Kenshin's personal details, but she sensed the trouble in his past. He usually changed the direction of conversation or didn't reply at all whenever the subject was brought up. In fact, Kenshin was usually just listening quietly as she talked away about this and that; memories of her father, her favorite sword techniques... her hopes... wistful dreams. And yet she felt no fear or mistrust. Thinking back, the only thing she could pull from her memories of Kenshin was… kindness…honesty…warmth. His face flashed in her mind like a surreal painting.

Standing in the dojo near dusk.

The sunset casting an orange glow on his feminine frame.

Smiling confidently.

Her vision began to blur with tears at the thought of a soon empty dojo.

In the next moment Kenshin clumsily opened the door to the front gate, balancing the bucket of tofu around his shoulders.

"Ah...Kenshin! You're back!" She stammered, choking back hot tears.

Kenshin tilted his head to the side, perplexed at her saddened expression. His eyes lowered to the paper clenched tightly in her hands.

"Oh, this! It's... It's for you, okay?" She gripped the letter nervously and thrust it out towards him, lowering her face to avoid his gaze.

He held out his only free hand and took the letter as she turned abruptly and walked to the bathhouse, her pace quickening as the tears fell uncontrollably.

How could I ask him to stay?

He has nothing here with me.

She closed the door to the bathhouse and sobbed, sinking to the cold, damp floor, feeling useless and alone.

Kenshin read the contents of the letter. He suddenly understood Kaoru's pained expression and decided to go to her when a man appeared behind him at the front gate.

"Battousai." The words came out in a cool, collected manner.

"I don't answer to that name, anymore. I'm just a penniless wanderer, that I am."

The man let out a curt laugh and grinned. "I've been sent here by the official court of the emperor himself. Your presence is requested."

"I won't use this sword for killing." Kenshin's hand lowered to the reverse edge sword on his waist. "The man I was is no more." he said sternly.

"So I had heard... " He began to smirk like a wolf. "Unfortunately, this dojo and its inhabitants may become... enemies of the court, if you will. You surely wouldn't want any harm to befall anyone here..."

Kenshin knew the position he was in. His eyes drifted to the bathhouse, where he presumed Kaoru was now crying. He let out a frustrated sigh and glared harshly at Hajime's middleman standing in front of him.

Finally, after what seemed like minutes, Kenshin spoke coldly. "Expect my arrival... in the coming week." He said through clenched teeth.

And with that, just as quickly as he appeared, the man was gone.

Kenshin's eyes shown a deeper, colder shade of violet as he walked to the bathhouse and stood against it—his back to the door; Kaoru's exasperated sobs ringing in his ears, mingling against the sound of summer insects and the breeze…rushing softly…bringing night.

Thanks for reading and see you in chapter 4!