Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. All rights go to Nobuhiro Watsuki.

--warning: a few spoilers. Not that many, though.--

* This starts in the Jinchuu arc when Enishi has just kidnapped Kaoru. It is my interpretation of what probably would have gone on if Kaoru really had died.

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Jinchuu and Tenchuu

.white plum.

The fog swirled around Kenshin. He followed the scent of white plum perfume- the scent of Tomoe- that lingered in the air. For a moment, it felt as if he had been transported into the past-on the day that Tomoe, his beloved wife, had died by his hand.

As Kenshin stumbled into a clearing, the fog started to lift. Enishi was in view, holding Kamiya Kaoru in one of his arms, the other holding his raised sword, pointed directly at Kaoru's heart...

"Battousai, suffer like I did when Tomoe died! Tomoe! You will smile for me now! I know you will, for I have finally avenged you! Suffer, Battousai. Live in the living hell I lived in when my sister had died. Suffer, Battousai, Suffer!!!"

With that, Enishi plunged his sword into Kaoru's chest, dropped her to the ground, and ran, all while laughing his maniacal laugh.

Kenshin looked on horrified, and when Kaoru-dono dropped to the ground, her warm blood flying out of her body as she fell, he rushed over to catch her. Kneeling on the ground, with Kaoru in his arms, he choked out a sob.

Fighting back the pain and the impending doom, Kaoru turned towards Kenshin and said, " Kenshin... I've never told you this... but... since it's the end... I'm going to tell you...this... before its too late . . . . ..."

"Don't worry, Kaoru-dono. We'll get you to a doctor. You'll be fine. Megumi will help you...I know she will. You're going to live...", he said all the while choking out sobs of complete anguish. He had already lost his first love. Was his second to go, too?

The remainder of the Kenshin-gumi had caught up with him. They stood on silently while watching the scene, Yahiko vainly trying to hold back his tears to appear more manly, and Megumi silently sobbing into Sanosuke's shoulder.

"Kenshin... I love you." With those last words, Kaoru's eyes began to close. Kenshin moaned aloud, while repeating the words "I love you, too, Kaoru" softly while cradling Kaoru in his arms. Those close enough could see shining droplets of tears running down Kenshin's face, falling on Kaoru's closed eyes.

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*gag* I think I used the words "I love you" too much in this fic...

So... what do you think? Please review.