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"Then be a man and tell her that! Gods Kenshin, you're so selfish! You don't care about how she feels!" Kenshin could do nothing but bow his head low and let Misao's truthful words get stabbed all over his body and make him feel numb. His hair covering every inch of his face above his nose, Kenshin was crying on the inside but would not cry on the outside for he was weak enough.

"Many people could still be after me. Kaoru is my weakness. I don't want to lose her like what happened to Tomoe before…that's why I'm trying to ignore my love for her. I'm not as strong as before. I-" Kenshin cut himself, swallowing hard admitting to himself what he was about to say next would endanger both of their lives. "I can't protect her anymore." Misao clicked her heels and did a half-turn, almost at the door seeing herself out. Raising her left arm that all females did while trying to prove a point, she continued her train of thought.

"But can you stand the pain if she falls in love with someone else?" Not yet looking at Kenshin, Misao heard nothing and continued. "If you keep acting like that you might lost her forever. Hmm…That's possible."

Kenshin's eyes widened in realization as his mouth opened slightly, and a gasp barely audible enough for Kenshin himself to hear escaped his mouth.

'I will…Lose her…Forever?' Misao then turned around and winked seriously and Kenshin.

"I hope my little speech got you motivated. I'm leaving, now, be a man and tell her what she needs to know." Misao looked at Kenshin with a smile as the red haired man smiled warmly and with eyes that held so much love that she felt a small pang in her heart, wishing that her Aoshi-sama could look at her like that.

"You're the first person I'll invite for our wedding day… Thank you, Misao-dono." And with that Misao and her gravity defying hair flounced off, leaving Kenshin to return back to the stove.

"OH MY! IT'S BURNING!" Kenshin waved his arms around madly in panic as billows of smoke emanated from Kaoru's unfinished cooking –or rather, overdone cooking.

…

.o0O0o. With Kaoru .o0O0o.

A sobbing raven haired girl known as Kaoru rushed into the back of the Akabeko and sought out her friend and loyal companion, needing a shoulder to cry on.

Once spotted, Kaoru rushed up to Tae and was immediately greeted with a big hug as Kaoru cried into Tae's chest. Ushering Kaoru to sit down so that she could hear the story better, Tae took her younger friend to a secluded part of the restaurant where the two of them could be alone.

"Kaoru-chan, don't cry. I know Kenshin loves you, too. He cares about you," Tae tried to coax Kaoru. Kaoru sniffed as more tears continued to run down her cheeks.

"But he said…" Kaoru chocked on her own words, "he just sees me as his little sister. He doesn't love me the way I do."

"That's a lie!" Tae practically yelled, outraged that Kenshin could tell such a lie. "No one would believe what he said. We all know how much he loves you! I can see it in the way his eyes…the way he looks at you, it's different. And what he felt when he thought you were dead, that's not just for losing a friend! He looked like he lost his Everything!" Kaoru's eyes flung open, ignoring the tears that were still threatening to break loose and flow down her soft skin.

"………" Kaoru's face fell solemn. "You really…you really think so Tae-san?"

Tae gave a positively warm smile that was very certain and loving as she answered.

"Yes. Of course." Tae took Kaoru's hand and helped her up onto her feet. Kaoru gave a smile of understanding and hope as she finally let the words sink in.

"I think I have to go back to the Dojo now. Um…thanks for being there for me Tae-san." Kaoru held her head high and walked out of the Akabeko with eyes almost wide with happiness and love. A small little blush still remained on her cheeks as she thought of what Kenshin's reaction would be like when she told him that she loved him.

'Everybody believes that Kenshin loves me,' Kaoru coaxed herself and fought away the evil demons of doubt inside of her.

The sound of a heavy wooden object was heard being used almost like a walking stick as a man dressed in orange-red with a dark blue cape spotted Kaoru. Though she did not notice the mysterious man with heavily tinted sunglasses, Kaoru did feel like she was being watched.

"There you are," the man addressed Kaoru, snapping her out of her giddy little happy world where she and Kenshin were together.

"Huh!" Kaoru looked up and then started to sweat. "It's…you…"

"Yes. It's me, Yukishiro Enishi," the stranger with silver/grey hair flashed Kaoru a devilishly handsome and debonair grin. Kaoru was completely taken back before she could collect her words and almost stumbled when she spoke.

"What do you need from Kenshin? Why? What brought you back? Are you still planning to kill Kenshin?" Kaoru's words growing stronger with fury and protection. "Why don't you just leave him alone! I……I won't let you harm Kenshin!"

"Ha ha ha ha ha." Enishi laughed, his eyes closed and his face still devilishly handsome with his sunglasses just barely hiding his eyes now.

"What's funny?" Kaoru started to get mad and clench her fists together as her face became flush with anger and her now-chibi body was practically holding he breath.

"Please come with me," Enishi stated more then asked in a sultry tone that would have made almost any girl fall head over heels. "I need to tell you something." Enishi waited for a response. When Kaoru took a step forward, Enishi walked out of the little marketplace where he and Kaoru could talk privately.

A little while later, when Enishi stopped moving and faced Kaoru, the raven haired beauty finally got the courage to ask:

"So what do you want to talk about?" But no sooner had the words escaped her lips, Enishi's lips came crashing down on her own, catching her off guard completely with one of the most passionate kisses that she had ever had. Enishi's left hand moved to Kaoru's jawline, slowly caressing it while his other hand was securely on Kaoru's back, pulling the two of them together.

"What are you doing!" Kaoru yelled once she broke free of Enishi's kiss. Trying to slap him the best she could, but Enishi caught Kaoru's hands as they were about chest high and brought them to his face.

"What else? I just kissed you," he explained full of passion as he kissed Kaoru's knuckles, feeling how soft they were. "I love you Kaoru. That is why I came back." His voice tender and his eyes as soft as those of a four year old, Enishi's face was just unrealistically full of caring, devotion and what seemed to be love.

Making his way down upon Kaoru's lips again, his left hand holding both of her delicate little hands, his right hand still bringing the two of them together

Almost groaning with pleasure once Kaoru's thighs brushed past his erection, Enishi started to kiss harder and faster, ignoring Kaoru's attempts to pull away. Loving how soft Kaoru's lips felt and tasted he just couldn't get enough of her sweetness that smelled so much of Jasmine.

"NO! STOP!" Kaoru cried once she finally broke free of Enishi's brutal kisses that were almost killing her. "I DON'T LOVE YOU! LET GO OF ME! I LOVE KENSHIN NOT YOU!"

Enishi then immediately let go of Kaoru's hands and took a step back, resuming his normal and too-serious stance. His hands now back at his sides. A slight wind blew by, rustling the trees nearby and Enishi's earing.

"I know. I know everything." Enishi stared Kaoru straight in the eyes with those light turquoise eyes that most girls would simply melt in had he stared at them for too long.

"Huh?" Kaoru was yet again caught off guard by Enishi's sudden and without-warning actions. Straightening his back, he then continued.

"Yes. And I know Kenshin's physical condition right now. I know he can't use so much power anymore. I could kill him anytime I want to." Enishi then blinked, watching Kaoru for a reaction. When he saw none other than despair, he continued. "If you want Kenshin to live, come here alone tonight. Come with me and marry me or else you know what will happen."

"No…oh no…my…Kenshin…" Kaoru's tears were then caught in the wind and started to flow in with her hair. The wind picked p slightly and caused Kaoru's hair ribbon to start to untie itself. Enishi then turned around and started to walk off. Just as he was about to disappear, he bid Kaoru a satisfied farewell.

"See you tonight." And with that he disappeared through the forest and was gone, leaving Kaoru alone.

'No…not Kenshin…not my Kenshin.' Kaoru fell to her knees and sobbed, hiding her eyes partially with her eyes as the wind swept up her tears and caused leaves to fall by her sides.

There in the middle of the forest did Kaoru remain, crying uncontrollably imagining only the worst possible things that Enishi could do to her Kenshin.

…
.o0O0o. At the Dojo .o0O0o.

Sitting down on the steps just outside of Kaoru's room, Kenshin stared off at the gate, waiting patiently for Kaoru to come home. His face was serious and unemotional, knowing how vulnerable he could be if he showed any emotions to anyone.

'It's getting late. I don't know why but…I'm really worried. Maybe I should look for her myself.' The wind blew Kenshin's hair in front of his face and threatened to pull out his elastic that was keeping his royal and blood-stained red hair tied back in the ponytail.

"I'm home!" Kaoru exclaimed, her face the usual sunny and happiness mixture. As soon as Kenshin heard the sweet sound of Kaoru's voice, he gave a very large smile that could have easily lit a pitch black room.

With his usual swiftness, Kenshin entered his room and lay down, waiting for unconsciousness to arrive and take him to his dreams. His head perfectly comfortable and his reverse blade sword behind where his head lay, Kenshin remained silent and slowly drifted off…

The sound of the paper door that led to Kaoru's room was then heard being slid open and then closed. A few muffled footsteps walking across the room were also audible but then stopped at the door entering Kenshin's room. With a brave smile and determination hiding in her eyes, Kaoru slid open the door to find a sleeping Kenshin underneath the covers.

Tiptoeing over to where Kenshin lay, Kaoru reluctantly slid down onto her knees. Feeling pin pricks behind her eyes as Kaoru knew what she had to say, Kaoru slowly opened her mouth and brought her hand to her chest, figuring out how she was going to say this to the man she loved more than anything in the world.

"Kenshin…

"I'm sorry. I hope you'll understand. I…I must leave. Enishi is waiting for me.

"You've saved my life many times. Now it's time for me to…save you," Kaoru choked on her words as the she let the tears fall freely, knowing there was no way she could ever keep them back, even if she wanted to. "I hope you'll not get mad at me for leaving you. If I don't do this, Enishi will kill you.

"And I…I won't let you die because I love you so much. Kenshin…you told me you won't leave me. But…now I'm the one leaving you now. I'm so sorry. Please take care of this dojo for me…" A single tear fell upon one of Kenshin's cheeks as it rolled down Kaoru's. Trying not to let her voice waver at all, Kaoru finished what she was trying to say.

"I'm sorry I don't have the guts to tell you this while you're awake…Goodbye." Kaoru caressed the side of Kenshin's face, feeling the softness and tracing her fingers over his scar, memorizing his feel if she never saw him again. Going in for a slow kiss on the cheek, Kaoru let a few of her tears fall onto Kenshin's beautiful and unmarred face.

A large hand then lifted and grabbed the back of Kaoru's head, pulling her face down. Kaoru's eyes widened as it turned out that Kenshin was in fact awake and was caressing her face while hungrily kissing her with such a fire and passion that made her gasp slightly, giving Kenshin the perfect opportunity to slip his tongue into Kaoru's mouth and taste every inch of her mouth.

Finally pulling away from the assistant master of the Dojo, Kenshin kept Kaoru in his arms tightly and sat up, embracing her with such a grip yet such kindness and loving that was clearly indicating I'll never let you go

"No. I wont' let you go. I won't give you to Enishi" Kenshin murmured slowly in Kaoru's ear while gently rubbing circles on her back and kissing the top of her head. Kaoru's eyes started to well up with tears.

"No! He'll kill you if I don't go! I must go or you'll die!" Kaoru exclaimed; reliving the truth in her mind as she knew Enishi would definitely kill Kenshin. "Goodbye. G-good-bye."

"Kaoru!" Kenshin protested as his Kaoru turned around, tears filling her eyes and a sob escaping her lips as she tried to run as fast as she could away from Kenshin, knowing that the longer she was near him the harder it would be to leave him.

Eyes widening suddenly, Kaoru stopped dead in her tracks, completely stopped by a force unknown to her at that moment. Turning her eyes downwards, Kaoru found herself being embraced from the back by Kenshin, his arm across her breasts and holding onto her shoulder and his other arm holding her securely around her tiny little waist.

"Kaoru. I'll die if you leave me. … I need you…want you." Lowering his lips down by her ears, Kenshin closed his eyes and then said affectionately into Kaoru's ear, gripping her tighter with each word: "I love you. Don't leave me. Please."

"Kenshin," Kaoru started to tear up even more. Immediately turning around, Kaoru crashed her lips upon Kenshin's, gladly accepting the warm embrace that followed as Kenshin's hands gripped Kaoru's kimono tight as she desperately kissed this redhead, seeking comfort.

Parting from the kiss, Kaoru and Kenshin's eyes locked with those of Kaoru's even though the young couple's eyes were no more than half open. Kaoru was the first to speak, tears forming yet again in her eyes and trailing down her cheeks.

"Please Kenshin, give me a reason to stay…I…I don't want you to die but if I stay Enishi will kill you!" Kaoru sobbed, making her words as strong as she possible could, her voice unwavering.

"Kaoru, even if you go right now, I'll still follow you and get you from him. So what's the use of leaving?" Kenshin's face was sincere and seriously loving. His eyes being as emotional as they could appear and his voice completely sure of himself. "…Kaoru, I'll fight him if he wants. I'll be stronger as long as you're with me."

Wrapping his arms around Kaoru, Kenshin pulled her delicate little fraim against him, just enjoying the feel of her body against his and how perfectly the two seemed to fit together; like two pieces of a puzzle finally linking together. Looking up, Kaoru saw how Kenshin's eyes shined with love for her and she knew that she could never be with anyone else.

Kenshin bent his face down rather rushed but slowly brought his lips to hers and their lips finally met after what seemed like ages since it had last happened. Starting out soft and gentle, Kenshin brushed his lips against her, leaving a slight peck on her lips before pulling away. Smiling up at the redheaded man she reached up to deepen the kiss, this one much more passionate and loving, using the kiss to express all of the built-up feelings they had for one another.

"Kenshin," Kaoru whispered as they pulled away.

Leaning against him for support because the kiss had left her weak in the knees she felt her heart heal after the 'little sister' heartbreak.

"Kaoru," Kenshin softly replied "I love you."

And those words had never sounded so good to Kaoru in her life as she really smiled for the first time.

"Will you be my bride tonight?" Kenshin asked softly, caressing the face of the beauty in front of him and smiling, eyes full of devotion.

"Yes. Of course. It's a nice reason for me to stay," Kaoru let a few tears of happiness slip down her cheeks as she knew that Kenshin really did love her. He loved her as much as she could ever possibly love him and more.

"I'll do everything…Just don't leave…Tonight, I'll make you happy."

"K-k-Ken…Kenshin…Kenshin…Kenshin" Kaoru repeated the voice that sounded so wonderful coming from her mouth as Kenshin, true to his word, made sweet love to his new bride.

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A/N: WOW! Took me long enough eh? Oh well. Here's the last chapter of all. Since we all know how Kenshin and Kaoru end up, this was just what I thought seemed a perfect last little story for the two love birds. I guess you could say my version of a lost episode.

Thanks to all who reviewed!

R&r!