A.N : I have always planned to make an ending for this story I just haven't had the inspiration or the time to do it but fortunately, here it is! Thank you very much to everyone who reviewed the past chapters. It feels like I accomplished something good. I've had trouble letting other people read my stories before but because of you guys I was able to post chapters. THANK YOU VERY MUCH and I hope you'll enjoy this last chapter. - iza

Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. The idea for the plot of this story came from Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley "Evil Twin".

Evil Twin

Chapter 10: Moving on

Kaoru leaned on the beam as she stared at the gate waiting for the red haired rurouni. On their way back to the dojo Kenshin and Aoshi decided to go to the police station to report what happened to Kiana. Kaoru still shudder at the thought that someone almost literally stole her life. Kaede went with Kenshin and Aoshi to report his part on Kiana's death. He said that it didn't matter if the police want to put him in jail. He was ready for the consequences of his actions. She felt her eyes sting as she thought about the life Kiana gave to Kaede. Will he ever be freed from Kiana's shadow? Even in death, would she still continue to make his life hell? Kaoru prayed that Kaede would somehow find a new life and move on.

It was lucky Kaede's connection in Kyoto were the Oniwabanshuu. It was lucky for her that Misao and Aoshi came in time to tell her family about Kiana before the wedding. Sano was given the task to see the rest of the Kenshin-gumi back to the dojo. Misao had told her everything that had happened on their way and when she noticed that Kaoru was tired of the day's events, she took it upon herself to take charge and put them all into their rooms for much needed rest. Kaoru smiled as the young ninja was quite bossy when she ordered everyone to go to sleep after dinner. She was grateful for Misao taking charge as her mind and body was still battered from what happened. But when Kaoru felt that everyone was settled in their designated room she went out to wait for Kenshin. She wanted to be with him to take away the memories of Kiana taking everything she held dear away from her. Being with him would be the solid proof that everything was fine again and he was not stolen from her.

Kaoru heard the gate opened and Aoshi and Kenshin entered. She frowned anxiously when she noticed that Kaede was not with them. They noticed her watching them. Kenshin whispered something to Aoshi and with a glance on her, he headed on his way to the kitchen, most probably have his dinner. Kenshin went on the opposite direction, straight to where she was sitting. She was staring at him while he sat beside her.

"Kaede's not going to be in jail. The police thought that he had a right for his revenged. He just did their job for them." He didn't mentioned that they had required the help of a certain mibu wolf and Kenshin's police connection to make sure that Kaede would have a chance to bring back his life. "He's staying at the nearby inn. I tried to invite him to stay here but he said that he needed to be alone for the evening and would be leaving tomorrow in the morning. He promised to drop by here before going."

Kaoru nodded. There was a long silence between them, both too engrossed in their own thoughts and feelings.

"I failed you." Kenshin started. "I can't even tell that you were not the girl we've been living with these past few days. You almost got killed."

"But I'm not. I'm still alive and here, Kenshin." Kaoru said, almost pleadingly. She knew what he was thinking.

"No Kaoru. Every time I think of what could have happened to you I feel sick. I know I said I love you but now I wonder if I'm signing your death contract because of my selfishness to have you. What happened with Kiana shows me that even I can fail to protect you and that scares me a lot Kaoru. I would rather live alone knowing that you could have a shot at a peaceful life." Kenshin looked at Kaoru's bowed head. He was hurting because he knows that he and Kaoru had been waiting for each other to acknowledge their love only to be separated. He knew that Kaoru would protest but he would keep his promise to keep her safe even if it meant leaving the Kamiya dojo and becoming a rurouni once again. He would not be moved by her tears… He would…

WHACK!

"Oroooooo…."

A bokken suddenly materialized out of nowhere and hit Kenshin in the head where a large bump was starting to grow.

"KENSHIN NO BAKA!" Kaoru yelled. "Are we going to go through this every time my life is in danger?"

Astonished Kenshin stared at Kaoru's angry scowl. His heart ached when he noticed the hurt and sadness in her eyes disguised by the anger of her voice.

Kaoru bowed down so Kenshin wouldn't see what she felt but she could not seem to keep her feeling from her voice.

"I can go through all these dangers and problems as long as you're with me. I'm not afraid because I know you're here to protect me. If you go, Kenshin… I won't even make it through the day…." She realized the truth in what she said remembering the time Kenshin left to fight Shishio. "I love you. You give me strength I'll face a hundred assassins as long as you're with me. Than be safe without you."

Kaoru waited for Kenshin's answer. Of his countless reasons as to why they can't be together. She knew that he loves her. She could see it in everything he does for her and with that she has no doubts but Kenshin's issue of self worth and his search for atonement for his sins are going to tear them apart. These thoughts were turning into Kaoru's mind when Kenshin suddenly hauled her to him and hug her tight.

"Kaoru, I may not be worthy of you but I will never let anyone else have you. You're mine now. I promise that I will never let you go."

He kissed her with all the passion and love he feels. Kaoru felt tears escape her eyes as she kissed Kenshin back. He pulled back a bit and whispered against her lips.

"Marry me."

END

Finally an ending!!! What do you think? Leave a review minna-san! Thanks!