Endlessly
Chapter 2 – Rain
Staralure

Spring was late that year.

Kaoru sniffled and rolled over in her futon, trying to breathe through her nose. The bitter taste of the medicine lingered in her mouth. Gensai-sensei had gently admonished her for staying out in the cold last night (apparently the three layers that she had worn were not enough) and forced her to rest, and she had grudgingly agreed to stay in bed for the day if that means she will be better tomorrow.

After all, tomorrow is Tsubame-chan's birthday celebration and she wouldn't dream of missing the party.

She distinctly saw Kenshin and Yahiko worried expressions by the door, trying to take a peek before Gensai-sensei shooed them away. Through the paper thin door, she heard him lower his voice, softly informing them that Kaoru needs her sleep. Kaoru imagined the two boys doing her portion of the chores and giggled, secretly glad to escape the busy routine for just that one day.

She snuggled deeper into the blankets and closed her eyes, lulled to sleep by the soft clattering and voices around the house.

The next morning, she woke up with a cleared nose and high spirits. The medicine had been effective – apart from a redder nose, she hardly looked sick, and the previously pale pallor of her skin has been replaced by a light flush. She tied an indigo ribbon around her hair, and picked out her favourite kimono, feeling her spirits lift as she spun around her room giddily, holding the kimono against her body.

After bundling up in several layers, she went out into the courtyard, shivering slightly when the wind blew. She sneaked over to where Yahiko was standing and poked the flat package he was holding, amused when he jumped and frantically hid the package behind his back.

"So Yahiko, what did you get for Tsubame-chan?" Kaoru raised her eyebrows with a knowing grin. Sano looked on with feigned disinterest, hands placed behind his head as he leaned against the pillar.

Kaoru nudged Yahiko's head with her elbow, sending him spluttering to the other side of the courtyard as he regained his balance

"It's the set of magazines she likes isn't it!"

"Now that you've mentioned it Jo-chan, Yahiko has been asking me what present to get for someone's birthday." Sano drawled. Kaoru laughed when she saw the tip of Yahiko's ears redden.

"Sh-shut up!"

Sano rolled his eyes and followed Kaoru to the door. Yahiko sulked and walked behind Kenshin, who was trying his best to hold in his laughter and failing miserably.

They were nearing Akabeko when the skies tore open and rain started pouring.

Kaoru yelped midway through her conversation with Kenshin, startled by the frigid cold water droplet that landed on her nose. The wind howled, rattling bare tree branches and sending the precious few budding leaves flying. She shivered despite the thick layers she donned and squinted, trying open her eyes in the sharp biting wind and mess of flying hair.

She vaguely heard Sano shout but his words were lost in the wind.

A familiar and steady hand grabbed hold of her wrist and she staggered blindly as Kenshin drew her close behind him, effectively blocking her from the worst of the wind and pelting rain. She barely noticed something heavy settled onto her head and clutched onto the back of his clothes with her free hand, trying to keep pace with his long striding steps without losing her shoes.

Within seconds, the tiny drizzle morphed into a downpour

Noticing her struggle, Kenshin slowed his steps down and steered her to his side, adjusting the dark blue jacket he had flung over her to keep out the worst of the rain. His lighter inner kimono was slowly getting soaked and sticking to his skin uncomfortably. Goose bumps appeared on his arms when the chilly wind gusted down the street and he shivered.

He examined Kaoru, sighing with relief when apart from the hem of her kimono, she appeared to be relatively dry. His thicker winter jacket would keep the rain out, but not for long. Gazing at the sky, he noted that the rain has again lightened to a drizzle. The heavy and sudden but short lasting spring rains reminded him of Kaoru's temper, and Kenshin chuckled, before catching himself and turning it into a cough. He cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed, and looked up to find Sano waving his arms like a madman and gesturing for them to catch up.

"Sano and the others are up in front, we should make haste and join them."

Safe under the jacket, Kaoru felt Kenshin's hand press lightly into her back as he guided her down the path. Even through all the layers, she could feel the warmth emanating from his presence. Kaoru relaxed, the sense of security a soft cocoon as she walked beside the strong and gentle man.

Peeking out from the folds of the jacket flung over her, Kaoru felt a stab of guilt at the sight of Kenshin soaked in the rain, maroon hair plastered to his forehead and neck. Catching sight of her expression, Kenshin was momentarily confused, before he caught on and smiled tenderly. He tugged the jacket down, protecting her face from the drizzle. Kaoru found herself staring at the inside of his jacket as he shifted his arm to her shoulders and pulled her in to avoid a puddle.

"Don't worry about it. You're recovering from a cold and shouldn't be caught out in the rain."

With that, the two made their way around the puddles to rejoin the larger group.

As the pair neared them, Sano catcalled gleefully and Megumi winked at Kenshin, trademark smirk in place at the endearing sight of Kaoru wrapped up in Kenshin's jacket and the latter totally soaked. Kenshin laughed it off, waving his free hand about and proclaiming that 'Kaoru-dono shouldn't get soaked when she is still unwell'.

Kaoru was glad for the cover of the jacket that hid her flaming cheeks, and felt a twinge of disappointment when Kenshin retracted his arm and went to walk beside Sano.

Slowing down and letting the two men walk up in front, Megumi tilted her head and peered at Kaoru, catching sight of her flushed face. She waggled her pinky finger, ready to comment, when something white was flung onto her head unceremoniously.

Stunned mid step, she straightened up and using her thumb and index finger, she pulled off the familiar white jacket that was blocking her view. Megumi wrinkled her nose at the offending object.

"There you go, I can be gallant too ya know."

Megumi looked at the back view of the man striding down the street and back at the jacket, before throwing the jacket back at his head with a slightly nauseated expression. Sano yelped, seizing it before it landed on the wet ground.

"That is so unhygienic, you haven't washed it for weeks. Don't throw that rag at me again unless you want it burned!"

The two continued to bicker as they made haste to Akabeko. Kenshin and Kaoru caught each other's eye and shared a knowing smile.

The youngest member of the group remained unusually quiet, eyes tight and nervous. With all his heart, Yahiko prayed that the package he had stuffed deep into his kimono would be welcomed by Tsubame-chan's usual bright smile.

A/N: So I just finished reading the Jinchuu Arc. My heart shattered. It's just so maddeningly sad. )':

I was fully planning on just having Endlessly as a personal side project, but I have this feeling that this lil' baby is going to become something way bigger than I've planned. Damn?

And thank you for the reviews! (:

I took the liberty of assuming that Kenshin would be wearing something much warmer during the winter/early spring seasons. The history and subtleties of kimonos is amazing, definitely got learn more about it when I have the time.

Uwagi (上衣) – kimono-like jacket; the top half of the kimono that Kenshin/Sano usually wears
Juban (襦袢) – under kimono; garment similar to undershirt

Comments are much appreciated and thank you for reading! (:

EDIT: Many thanks to Scarred Sword Heart who informed me that the jacket Kenshin gives Kaoru is called a hanten (袢纏; also 半纏, 半天, 袢天). It's a traditional short winter coat worn by both males and females.