She was upset, of course she was. (Like that other time) But he couldn't stay here. He would only attract unwanted attention and she would only be hurt again. He couldn't allow that. He wished he could make her understand why this had to be. He opened his mouth to explain and then closed it, wondering if she would come to the realization on her own. Her strained breathing seemed to fill the room. (All you can do is break her heart)

Maybe she did understand then, or at least, was letting him go. No matter how much it had to hurt. But she wasn't alone and she wouldn't be. He knew she wouldn't. Somehow out there, she would find herself. (Or at least that's what you tell yourself, isn't it? Trying to justify everything, aren't you?Coward.)

Maybe he was, but he would not lure her enemies to her. He would not see her die again. He would not see her taken. He would not see her suffer. Not if he could somehow prevent it. Kenshin pulled on his hoody and smiled at her, as gently as he could.

"Aa, Springtime at the latest, but you can always call me, that you can. There will be other times to meet. This is not the last." He fixed his messenger bag across his shoulder, taking a brief glance to see if everything was in there, and then strapped Kitetsu to his back.

It didn't feel right, somehow, just walking out. (Too much like that other time. Like...that other time...) Kenshin took two quick steps forward and hugged her tightly.

"It will be all right," he murmured. "That it will."

And he let her go and turned, out the door and a hit in his arm let him run, let his feet fly. He hit the edge of the roof and jumped, between street and stars, bounding off the edge of one roof before scrambling up the side of another, as fast as he could, aware of Megumi getting further and further away.

Keep safe, Megumi-dono he thought, and jumped again, falling in a graceful arc until he hit the lower roof at a run.