I'm glad you remember it. Yea I know the last chapter was short but it was either that or nothing until Thanksgiving week and then I couldn't promise anything. So I gave you that and have an idea for this chapter so it all works out. Lol

I managed to get all my h/w done for the rest of next week before break and would you believe that I even manage to get through this chapter.

Enjoy

Chapter Seventeen

February 1872

The snow finally stopped and glittered on trees and houses as the sun shined brightly in the February sky. The roads were muddy but business travelled through as best as it could.

"Well looks like all is well now." The doctor said.

Lina and Iwao smiled at one another.

"I'm glad to see that you made it through the winter." The midwife, the doctor's wife, hugs Lina.

"I am too."

"When do you think the baby will come?" Iwao asked, paying the doctor.

"Hm I'd say late March, early April."

The midwife squeezed Lina's hand. "How perfect. That'll be just in time for the *hanami festival."

Iwao helped Lina to her feet. "Yes it will be. This child will be born in a world of beauty, right Iwao?"

"Yes but we'll have to delay our travels and watch the blooming from here."

"Oh I can't wait." The midwife exclaimed as she left with her husband. She loved children, having six.

Iwao grinned, watching Lina, as he got to working on lunch. She was holding her stomach with one hand, the other on her back, looking out at the snow. She seemed happy enough, even after her failed assignment several years back. "Hm."

She turned to face him. Her hair was longer now, having not cut it since living with him. "What is it, Iwao?"

"I was just thinking back some years ago. How much you've changed."

"Have I? Do you think so?" She teased. "I don't know. I think I could still fight an Imperial army." She winked. Her violet eyes sparkled a bit.

He laughed. "I have no doubt to that." But still while they lived happily he couldn't help but see the sadness and pain in her eyes. /It's just something we'll both have to get over together./ He thought.

present day (1878)

Kenshin stopped what he was doing.

"Kenshin?" Kaoru questioned. "Something wrong?"

"It seems we have a guest." Sano stepped in.

Yahiko stood. "I'm ready."

It wasn't the guest, particularly, that had came to Kenshin but rather the smell that flowed with the presence. The smell of white plums.

Lina moved along the dojo's outside wall, staying within the shadows. She heard a door squeak. She paused, listening.

"What a dark night. But the sky has cleared." Iwao's voice was soft.

She tiptoed along the wall. She was coming around a cornor and into the court yard when Iwao starled her.

"You're not seriously breaking in, are you?"

She fell backward. "I..Iwao. What'd you do that for? I nearly died, you coming out of nowhere."

"I wouldn't have to come out of nowhere if you didn't sneak around." He helped her up. They looked at one another. Iwao gave a small smile and wrapped his arms around her the best his wounds would allow. "I'm so glad to see that you are okay, Lina." He whispered her name.

For once since leaving the village her hard exterior fell away. Her body fell into his. She took in the warmth of his embrace. A sob entered her chest, she held it back from rising.

"We're being watched." He whispered.

"That's fine." She mumbled. After a few seconds she said, "I wouldn't mind if he decided to kill me right now. I'd die one of the happiest women."

Iwao laughed. At first it was soft but it turned into a heartfelt laugh.

"Oh my." Kaoru was blushing. "I don't think we should be watching this." She covered Yahiko's eyes.

"Hey." He protested.

"Well Kenshin, what do you want to do?"

Kenshin turned away. "I think it'll be fine, that I do." /Besides, she's the only one who can answer my questions./

Kaoru smiled. "In that case I should welcome her and see if she needs anything."

sanosuke scoffed. He knew that Kenshin would stay on guard even if he did believe his life wasn't in danger but that still didn't ease Sano's mind. He didn't trust Phoenix, or Lina; who ever she was.

Kaoru stepped into the courtyard. "Excuse me. I'm sorry I don't mean to intrude."

Iwao released Lina from his grip. Lina met Kaoru halfway, kneeling. "Miss Kaoru, please forgive me. I've brought my battle to your doorstep and involved your household. Allow to myself to repay you for your hospitality."

Kaoru glanced around in embarassment. "Oh no no no. Don't worry about it. With Kenshin and Sano around we get plenty of involvements. Oh not saying that this is bad, I mean," She calmed and cleared her throat. "I'm glad to see that you are well Miss Lina. Why don't you come on in and rest, ok?"

"Yes, thank you." She stood. "Iwao, how are the children?"

"They're fine, though Shinta's a little upset with that stunt you pulled the other day." They walked on to the porch. Lina and Kenshin glanced at one another. Sano was ready to attack if Lina decided to change her mind but was surprised by her actions instead. "Kenshin." She was going to say more but his voice stopped her.

"Welcome back Lina. It's good to see that you are well."

She gasped, shocked. Then again she shouldn't be. He was Kenshin now, not the manslayer.

*hanami festival - a celebration of the cherry blossom trees that start blooming in lower Japan in January and works upward through Kyoto, Tokyo, and finally Hokkaido by mid-April to early May.