6) Days get better

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Kenshin opened his eyes a little. He felt no pain surging through his body anymore, but could feel a numb coldness flooding his body down to his fingertips. He had warmth in his left hand though.

"You let me sour in the sky, this blue bird as spread her wings. You've opened my sky to feel the wind beneath my wings." She caressed his hand with her thumb, "All, I need to begin my journey away from the world below is you." Kaoru didn't know Kenshin was awake yet but she stayed with him all night. While softly stroking his hand to feel his pulse, she began humming a small melody she'd head from her grandmother. It pained her to see Kenshin sitting on his bed bandaged up and having shallow breathing. She instantly sat by his side and took his hand. What would so do... what COULD she do?

She look down, her head bent over slightly. What could she do for someone who'd finally given her what she'd want the most? Her freedom... she bit her lip softly when she felt his hand curl around her small one. She was startled.

"Kaoru I-"

"No, Kenshin, lie back, don't get up yet." He lied back and smiled. He gathered her hands and held them to his chest while leaning his head to the side, his eyes half way closed.

"How is your uncle?"

"Oh, he's okay I guess. He is injured and still unconscious. I don't really care though. He got what he deserved. I mean, what a way to let the truth come out about hating us." She tossed her head to the bed beside Kenshin, her eyes softening at the two who had been taken over by slumber. "They fell asleep but didn't want to leave your side. Your sister made you soup though, for when you get up."

Kenshin looked over to see Misao and Aoshi sleeping in the small twin sized bed. Aoshi had his hands wrapped around her waist and she was wrapped in a blanket, resting her head on his shoulder. He turned back to Kaoru and put her hand to his cheek, feeling her trembling hands on his skin. His eyes squinted slightly.

"Why are you trembling?"

Kaoru felt her breathing almost stop. "I... I'm so happy you are alive, Kenshin. I don't know what I'd do if you'd... die."

"Aoshi is still here. He would take care of you."

"It...it's not the same way I care for you though." She whispered back. "It's... different." There was a comfortable silence as Kenshin took a deep breath and put Kaoru's hand down, resting it on the plush sheets with his hand inches away from hers.

He smiled whole heartedly even though he could barely see her outline in the dark room, only illuminated by the soft moonlight casting through the blinds. "I'm so happy to be with you. That fight was worth everything right now that it certainly was." He whispered.

She shook her head chuckling. "Why do you talk like that, you silly thing? But you really need sleep, Kenshin. Close your eyes now." She gently brushed his eyes closed and laid her head on his stomach. She stroked his hair until he fell asleep. She gave a content sigh and fell fast asleep listening to the soft rumble of his stomach.

"Do you think I should, you know, wake them up? I mean, Kenshin might feel weird when he wakes up feeling Kaoru that 'close', you know? Hehe, they look so funny, Aoshi!" Misao whispered.

Kenshin woke up immediately and felt a warm person over his body. He looked over to Misao who was bright red and Aoshi who had a faint smirk on his lips. Kenshin looked over at Kaoru. She looked so peaceful sleeping, and then felt warmth where it shouldn't be. Her right hand was tucked under her head, while the other was on top of Kenshin's personal. He turned a deep shade of red, almost like his hair and his eyes popped out.

"Oro...Miss K-Kaoru, wa-wake up please, that you REALLY should." He shook her.

"No...You can't take him... please..." She muttered as she tightened her hand on the 'sheets'. Kenshin turned even redder. Then, Aoshi and Misao broke out in hysterical laughter.

Aoshi laughed, "Hey Kaoru! Wake up, there's time for 'that' some other time." Her eyes fluttered open and felt 'something' under her hand. She looked at Aoshi and Misao laughing and Kenshin staring at her bright red.

"Wh-what?" She saw her hand and quickly got up and turned even redder than Kenshin. (A/N: if that's possible) "I'm so sorry, Kenshin! I wasn't- I didn't mean to! My hand wasn't! Oh, how embarrassing..." She stuttered.

"C-come on Aoshi, let's go get breakfast and leave them to finish up." Misao winked and dragged Aoshi out of the room. Kaoru blushed and changed subject.

"Ah-ah, feeling better?" She began.

"Much." He smiled.

"OH PERVERT!" She screamed giving him a playful slap.

"Oro!!!"

A week passed after the turn of events. Kaoru and Aoshi immediately moved out of their uncle's house. Aoshi got a job as the local law enforcer, and Kaoru worked at the dojo. Her and Misao took a group of girls and taught them while Kenshin worked with the boys. They all lived fairly close to each other and visited everyday. They all lived happily and content.

Months passed by. Aoshi was done for the day and went to the dojo to see what's up. Misao, Kaoru and Kenshin were cleaning the place up. Kenshin was sweeping and humming. Misao was listening to her headset and the latest songs. Kaoru was picking up boards while arguing with one of Kenshin's students. This kid's parents seemed to pick him up late a lot.

"Yahiko! If you keep calling me 'ugly' and telling me I'm a stupid woman, I'll knock your head in, hear me?!" She yelled.

"Yeah, yeah ugly." He smirked. She fanned her fan out and tried to hit him on the head, but felt a hand on her arm.

"Kaoru, you can't hit him, that you can't. It's not necessary because you're not ugly; you're very pretty. Yahiko will change his mind on girls when he get older, that he will." Kenshin smiled. Kaoru practically melted.

"Oh, Kenshin, stop playing." And she kissed him on the cheek. He pulled her in and kissed her on the lips.

"What kind of class do you teach here?! Yahiko, lets go." Yahiko's mom, Megumi called. His father, Sano, leaned on the wall and gave the thumbs up sign. Kenshin reddened and a sweat drop formed.

"Oro...." Kaoru giggled and spoke low.

"I think you teach a really good class." She stroked his red hair. Then Aoshi entered. He saw Kenshin, who waved as Kaoru pulled him in to kiss.

He saw Misao twirling towards him with her eyes closed, singing along to her music as her long braid followed her dance:

atashi-tachi tte doushite umareta no,

hanbun da yo ne

hitori de kangaete mo miru kedo

yappa hetappi na no sa

Why were "we" born?

We're 1/2 of each other, right?

I try thinking by myself, but

as I expected I'm not very good at it.

She abruptly stopped when she ran into the man. "Oh! Aoshi! Hi!" She said pulling the earphones off. She blushed, "I know I'm a terrible singer, sorry." Aoshi shook his head and picked her up as she squealed.

"No, I think your voice is beautiful like always." She blushed. "Hey Kaoru, Kenshin, let's go out to eat." He said not breaking his glance at Misao. Kaoru and Kenshin broke apart. She fixed her hair and Kenshin nodded innocently.

After dinner, Aoshi kissed Misao deeply. She looked surprised. As he got up, Kenshin and Kaoru stopped talking and watch him. He was very nervous.

"M-Misao, you are very special so me and you make me feel, so complete," He paused and took out a small box, "I'd feel honored if you would marry me."

Misao gasped and turned to Kenshin. He just smiled. She turned back to Aoshi, yes; he's never made her feel so complete either. She cried and leaped into his arms just as she did all those months ago when they first met. "YES! Of course Aoshi! I love you with my all." He hugged and kissed her again.

Kenshin grabbed Karou's hand and squeezed it. Kaoru kissed her husband and smiled. Their lives were finally souring above the sky, starting their endless journey through life.

END

By: Ochako107

Author's Note: Hey, it was short and sweet. It's supposed to be. Oh, and what of our poor Saitou?  I guess you can say he went on living on his own and didn't drown himself in misery because that's just NOT what he does.  After Aoshi and Misao got married, at the wedding he made amends with his nephew and niece, what a happy family!  Not close (especially with poor Kenshin)  but still, he was around and Kaoru admitted he was still a good father figure... just overly protective.  They lived comfortably and kept in touch.  During holidays, Saitou brings the ocasionaly can of cranberries for Thanksgiving.  Until all that smoking did him in and he was left with some lung cancer.(Kidding... you're supposed to laugh, but if it isn't funny...  Yeah, just dont.)

Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed or at least half enjoyed this story. I know you probably didn't like it... I did try to fix it up though. So anyway, thanks to everyone who stayed around for the end! All your comments are appreciated and I read every single lone of em'! Catch y'all later.

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!