Author's Note: I'm very sorry for the long delay. I had two deaths in the immediate family and decided to take a break for a while. I'm hoping to update more over the summer. Also, I should be finished with this story soon since there will only be about 3 or 4 chapters left to do. So, please read and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Don't own Rurouni Kenshin

Chapter 14: The Proposal

Saturday had finally arrived. Kaoru told her parents that she was going to a graduation party that was being thrown by Sano at his house. She headed over to Kenshin's apartment wearing a blue skirt and blue silk blouse. She knocked on the door and it opened to reveal Kenshin in a black silk shirt and khaki pants.

"Wow, Kaoru you look beautiful."

"Thanks and you look very handsome."

"Thanks. Come on in" he said as he motioned her to come in.

When she came in, he took her jacket and placed it neatly on the couch.

"I made cajun chicken" he said as he put his arm around her waist.

"Perfect. My favorite."

"Well, it's a special night."

The two kissed and went to eat their food.

"The dinner was delicious Kenshin" Kaoru said as she was helping him clean the dishes.

"Anything for you babe" he said kissing the top of her head "You don't have to clean the dishes."

"I know but I want to" she smiled brightly and Kenshin smiled back "So, what movie are we watching today?"

"We have three choices to pick from. Along Came Polly, The Godfather, or Psycho."

"I never saw Psycho. Let's watch that."

"Are you sure Kaoru? It might be pretty scary."

"As long as it's not anything like The Exorcist. I'll be fine."

"Well it's a good thing I didn't rent that then."

The two were sitting on the couch cuddling and eating their buttery popcorn. Kaoru had just turned her head in fright when Janet Leigh's character got stabbed in the shower and the spooky music had played. Kensin held her tight and took in her scent of jasmine and lilacs, it had intoxicated him so much.

When Kaoru's head turned, he kissed her passionately as she kissed back. When they stopped Kenshin breathlessly said, "Marry me?"

Kaoru's eyes widened, "What did you say?"

Kenshin stared at her for a moment, soaking in what he said, "I love you. Marry me?"

Kaoru stared at him not believing what he had just said, "I…I…I…No."

Kenshin's eyes widened, "No?"

"I love you, but no. I won't marry you."

Kenshin moved away from her and stopped the tape; he looked down at the floor.

Kaoru looked at him sadly, "Kenshin?"

Kenshin looked up at her, disappointment in his eyes, "Why? Why won't you?"

"Kenshin…"

"Don't you love me?"

"I do love you. More than anything."

"Then why won't you marry me?"

"Because…"

"Because what?"

"Because it's too soon" Kaoru said. She watched as Kenshin's eyes fell downward, "I love you Kenshin but it's too soon. We've only been together for four months. We haven't even thought of marriage and we haven't met each other's parents."

"Don't you know why I can't meet your parents?"

"Yes, but it'd be wrong to get married when none of this has been discussed" she looked at Kenshin whose eyes were hidden by bangs, "Kenshin, say something."

"What do you want me to say? It's okay Kaoru, I don't care. I love you. I've given my heart and my soul. And I ask you, the woman I love, to marry me and you say no. Do you know how that makes me feel? Upset and crushed."

Kaoru placed a hand on his shoulder, "Kenshin…"

"Let's just finish watching the movie," he said angrily as he moved her hand off his shoulder. He turned the movie back on and Kaoru sat back on the couch and became sad at Kenshin's hurt and angry face.

End of chapter 14

Continue on…