Kenshin was taking his usually nightly stroll, mentally talking to himself. He looked up at the ominous clouds moving to block the moon from sight. Shrugging, he ventured further on his walk until he felt the first drop of rain. He slipped his hand into the silk lined mens' pea coat he was wear. He pulled out a small black umbrella and fiddled with it until it decided to open.

"Damn thing," he mumbled. "Sometimes I think the rain and the umbrella are conspiring together. I mean..."

I high pitched screamed brought him from his silent argument. He turned to what he assumed was a group of teenagers. One of them was on the grass attempting to crawl away as if life depended on it. There were two others standing over the one on the ground saying something.

He walked over with the intention of stopping the rough-housing. When he was in earshot, he could finally hear what they were saying.

"Where's my money Kaoru? I'm tired of waiting."

She shakily turned on her back and stared up at the guy with defiance. "Are you deaf or just stupid? What part of no money do you not get?"

The second guy that had just stood back and watched finally made a move. He walked up and firmly placed his foot on the side of her head, holding it steady between the sidewalk and the bottom of his shoe. She weakly grabbed at his ankle in a failed attempt to dislodge it from the side of her head.

"Move your disgusting foot you ape," she groaned.

The first teen kicked her in the rib, sending her into a coughing fit.

"Stop it or I will call the cops for disturbing the peace," Kenshin said tightly.

The teenagers finally looked up acknowledging his presence. The two that were standing slowly backed up before turning and making their way home. Kenshin watched them disappear from sight before turning his attention to the girl struggling to sit up. He put his hand out for her to grab it, but she refused to take it.

He slowly pulled his hand back and took this time to take in her appearance. She had a purple ring around her sapphire blue eyes, and busted lip, and a considerable amount of blood pouring down from her head. When she finally stood, she had this drunken/dizzy stagger. He put his hand out to steady her, but she swatted his hand away.

"Thank you," she said curtly

He gently grabbed her bruised arm and slowly turned her toward him.

"I think you should let me take you to a hospital. You're bleeding. A lot."

She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, making her flinch slightly before looking down. "No thanks," she mumbled. "My parents will take me when I get home."

"At least let me drive you home then. You're not really dressed for the weather and I don't want you passing out somewhere."

The small sprinkle had turned into a downpour and she was soaked down to her underwear. It was also pretty chilly to be walking around in the outfit she was wearing. The worn t-shirt she had on and pair of sweats did little to protect her from the winter weather.

She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling his eyes roam over her body. "No thanks, but thank you for helping me."

"... Okay. Be safe," he hesitantly said before turning and walking back home.

Kenshin shook his umbrella dry outside the door of his loft apartment before placing it into the umbrella stand. He flipped on the switch and was startled to see Sano sitting on his sofa.

"What are you doing here? How did you even get inside?"

Sano gave him a smug grin. "I'll pay for that window."

Kenshin sighed before making his way upstairs to his room.

"It has been a long night."