HM: I do believe this is the final chapter. I know that you all enjoyed it, and I want to send a HUGE shout out to all of my reviewers. I LOVE YOU ALL! Oh, and to Universal Fighter, you made a point about watching anime and getting teased. I do too, I get junk from my brothers. But I don't care, I watch anime anyway! -grins-

Chapter 8

(Kaoru)

I didn't want to wake up at all, but against my will I became aware. The first thing I noticed was how warm it was, and I snuggled further into the blankets. I became aware of two warm strong arms around me next, and I snuggled into the body lying next to mine. It was then I opened my eyes.

I found myself looking into Kenshin's red hair, which flowed loose over his shoulder and chest. One of my hands was splayed over his muscular chest, his arms around my waist. I was pressed full against him, my legs entangled with his. I pulled back slightly to look up into his face.

He was still sleeping, face relaxed and peaceful in rest. His breath was light and even, coming from his slightly parted lips, tickling my forehead. I smiled, reaching up to touch his face gently.

Last night had been amazing. I had never known that I could feel this deeply for anyone, and Kenshin had given himself to me as I had given myself to him. I felt as though Kenshin was the one for me, and I knew in my heart that I could never love anybody more than I did my redhead.

At that moment his eyes fluttered open, and I saw him smile as he looked at me with loving lavender eyes. "Good morning beautiful," he whispered, unlacing one hand from my waist to stroke my cheek.

I kissed his fingers gently, smiling back at him. "And good morning to you too handsome."

He blushed, he still felt a little self-conscious about that. I giggled and leaned up to kiss him fully on the lips, leaning myself closer to him and wrapping my arms around his neck.

He pulled back from me, a blush still on his cheekbones. I giggled and kissed his scarred cheek. "You're too embarrassed about this anata." He smiled slightly at my name for him.

"I can't help it koishii." I grinned brightly when he said this. "You're just so beautiful, I don't know if I'm worthy of you."

I frowned. "How many times do I have to tell you Kenshin? I don't care who you are, or about Him. I love you, and nothing is going to change that."

He kissed me again, lingering on my lips. I sighed into his lips, happy to be there with him in this time. When he pulled back he leaned his forehead against mine, his breath tickling my lips. "Kaoru…" he whispered, slowly opening eyes that sparkled with lavender, amethyst and gold. His voice was a strange mixture of Shinta, Him, and himself, and I looked at him with big eyes.

"You given us another reason to live, and this time all of us love you more than we ever thought we were capable of. Will you marry us?"

My jaw dropped and I just stared at him. I could hear all of them, and their tones were genuine. I smiled. "Hai. I will."

He sealed it with a passionate kiss, both the hot hardness of Him and the gentle softness of Kenshin. I smiled inwardly. They had both shoved Shinta back as he was much too young for this. His tongue slipped into my mouth, twining with my own tongue. I broke away as a knock came to the door.

I heard a soft growl from him as our time together was interrupted. I grinned and shushed him, rising and pulling my bathrobe on. He gave a soft wolf whistle when I stood and I glared back into his coyly smiling face, golden eyes eyeing my body. I shook a finger in his direction. "Naughty naughty Kenshin…"

He chuckled as I went to the door, peeking out of the crack. I saw Sano standing out there, nothing but curiosity on his features. "Is everything okay in there? I heard a growl…"

I laughed, opening the door further. "Ohayou Sano, come on in. Don't worry about it, I had a talk with Him and He trusts me now. He's under control."

Kenshin had risen while I opened the door and wrapped himself in his own bathrobe, and was sitting cross-legged on his futon. He smiled and stood when Sano came in. "Hello Sano. It's lovely to see you again."

Sano stared suspiciously at both of us. He suddenly grinned wickedly. "You slept together didn't you." It was no question, and I nodded confidently. He laughed triumphantly. "I knew you two would get together!" He looked at Kenshin. "Didja ask her to marry you yet?"
Kenshin grinned. "Hai."

Sano strode over him and pounded his back in a friendly manner, nearly causing Kenshin to fall face first into the futon. "Good for you Kenshin!"

Kenshin smiled shyly. "Arigatou Sano."

Megumi opened the door just then. "Did I hear that someone's getting hitched?"

I smiled and hugged my long time friend. "Kenshin asked me to marry him Megumi!"

She hugged me back, happiness sparkling in her eyes. "Congratulations you two! I agree with Sano, I was just waiting for this to happen."

I laughed and sat beside Kenshin on the futon, leaning against him. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to him. I was happy, Kenshin was happy, and I had finally found the man of my dreams. And better yet, Kenshin had found a reason to live. Life couldn't get any better.

HM: That's the end. Hope you liked it!