Thanks to the incredible reviwers who are the reason I continue to update: Scarred Sword Heart, Emi Violet, Jasmine blossom625, SeaSaltChocolate, Chi no Kaori, SRAS9, geckohawaii, Rihannon, caseyedith, and Crau-san.
I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Foudroyant
-adjective
Definition: sudden and overwhelming in effect.
They had originally planned on a simple ceremony, her mother's kimono in scarlet for her and her father's old haori for him, a little big but more serviceable than the rest of his travel-worn things. A quick trip to the local shrine, and vows spoken before a priest would suffice.
Then Megumi finds out.
Like a whirlwind she decides that the carmine kimono is perfect for purposes of tradition, but the obi needs an update, and Kenshin spends a miserable few hours at the tailor's choosing exactly the right shade and pattern of silk; the Oniwabanshu are invited and Kenshin's shishou summoned on pain of death. Practically everyone they know in Tokyo is coming: Uramura and his family, Saito and his venerated wife, Dr. Gensai, all of Kaoru's students and their families, and a half dozen others who were friends of Kaoru's family before Kenshin knew her.
It drives bride and groom, both minimalists at heart, nearly to distraction.
Then the promised day finally arrives, and Kenshin is waiting in a knot of allies, friends and family; Yahiko is beaming, and even Shishou's scowl is softened.
Then Kaoru comes through the open shouji, and every thought in Kenshin's head evaporates.
She is absolutely radiant. Ribbons and tiny birds have been woven into her hair, the golden sparkle matching the subtle threads woven into her maroon obi, dragons rampant and passant. Her face is in a proper solemn mien, and Kenshin is grateful she has foregone the traditional white makeup so he can see the sparkle of joy in her eyes.
Never, Kenshin thinks, has a man been so blessed.