Epilogue

Yahiko lay on his futon, staring at the ceiling, unblinking. He had lain here long like this for the past two weeks, allowing his body to heal. And his spirit.

He had much to think about as he healed, quietly, slowly, and alone. At first, fever and the withdrawal from alcohol had so consumed him, he had lived in a daze for nearly nine torturous days, struggling to hang on to reality as he shook and vomited, with Megumi always helping him patiently, speaking words of comfort and encouragement.

But then his body had finally settled, going into a steady rhythm of healing. His thoughts were often towards what his future could possibly be. He would not have the strength to wander again any time soon, and he didn't feel that that would be the right thing to do. There was still much conversation, much healing to go on between himself and Kenshin. To go and wander would be cowardly, and would only serve as a further breach in their relationship.

He let out a long breath, wincing at the fresh ache that rose from his wounded shoulder. No, he wouldn't be going anywhere any time soon.

There was a soft timid knock on his door. Too quiet for Kenshin, and Kaoru…well, she never knocked.

"Come in," he called, puzzled.

The door slid open slightly. "Yahiko-kun?"

"Tsubame!" Yahiko began to heft himself up on his elbows as she came in, but the pain was too great, making him suddenly dizzy. Swallowing his pride, he contented himself on lying still, raising his hand slightly in greeting.

He had seen her only briefly that night when he had come to the Akabeko, looking for help, and he had been stunned then by how pretty she was. Now, in the afternoon light shining from his window, his breath caught in his throat at the sight of her, making a blush creep up his cheeks as she sat beside him, tucking her legs underneath her kimono.

"Kaoru-san said that you were awake…or if you weren't that you should be." She smiled at him, making her dark eyes sparkle.

He laughed ruefully. "Some things never change."

She was quiet, her brow thoughtful as she studied her hands clasped delicately in her lap. "I…I missed you, Yahiko," she whispered.

Yahiko hardly knew what to say. He searched his mind for something clever, something witty, or at least polite. But all he could speak was his honesty. He reached out and lightly put his hand over her folded ones.

"I missed you, too," he whispered back.

He dared to look up, to try and catch her gaze. She met his eyes boldly, surprising him with her lack of wariness. She took his hand over hers into her own, gripping it tightly.

"Promise me," she said, searching his face. "Promise me…you won't leave me again?"

Yahiko stared at her for a moment, again at a loss for words. Then, his mouth breaking into a grin, he squeezed her fingers. "I promise."

As she smiled back, light laughter bubbling from her lips, Yahiko suddenly knew exactly what his future held in store for him.

And he couldn't ask for anything more.