Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this auspicious beginning... especially for the one who's trying. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Through the Storm
Kohaku remained home with his sister while their father made the rounds, visiting family and friends on New Year's Day. Sango warmly greeted those who braved the foul weather to bring well wishes to the headman's house, and Kohaku nodded and smiled as old-timers slurped tea and rambled on about past years... and past storms. With a wry smile, he wondered how many of them he'd be carrying to their houses later.
A sharp rap sounded at the door, but Sango was on her way to the kitchen to refill trays of food. "Get that?"
"Sure," he called back, already moving towards the unmistakable blaze of youki on their front step. Kohaku blinked in surprise at the strange kitsune, but quickly ushered him in out of the storm, asking, "Where did you come from?"
"Tokyo!" he cheerfully replied. "I have a letter for one Kohaku Yamauchi."
"That's me," the teen said, accepting the fat envelope with a baffled expression.
While the redheaded courier accepted a place in the circle around the fire, Kohaku retreated to an out-of-the-way corner. The letter was from Kagome, and his hands trembled as he broke the seal. She's never written. Could something be wrong? Brown eyes quickly skimmed the first few lines, then slowed as a smile bloomed on his face.
The letter carried a long ramble of news—exams were grueling, she'd given up her club activities in order to have more time to study, and she'd found an excellent tutor lurking in the tree outside her window. 'Shippo says hello.' Kagome wrapped up saying, 'I wanted you to be the first person I wrote to this year. I'm trying. I promise.'
Kohaku's smile wobbled, so enormous was his relief. Not only had Kagome reached out to him even after he'd been stern with her, she'd taken his request to heart. The year was off to a promising start.
End Note: This drabble was originally written for the Live Journal community iyissekiwa and their theme for Contest #139—Fowl/Foul. My contest entry was necessarily pruned to 250, but this version stands at 314 words. Originally posted on November 24, 2011.