Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha - all credit to Rumiko Takahashi, etc.
A/N: This drabble was written for forthrightly's 3rd Annual Halloween Drabble Challenge over at LJ. This idea is soon to sprout a new InuyashaxKagome oneshot/drabble series, so watch this space!
Characters: InuyashaxKagome. Word count, 499.
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Monsters in the Dark
Kagome huffed, breath clouding in the cold air. The stairs to the loft of her apartment building were steep, old and creaky - this unfortunate combination left her clinging to the rail as she hauled herself towards her goal: the broken boiler, hidden away in the eaves. A swift kick or two, and her apartment would once again have functioning heating. It would morph back into the warm, welcoming home that it was. Usually. Whenever the boiler was working.
Of course, her landlord wouldn't pay for a new one.
Her grumblings turned into a full blown rant as she stubbed her toe against a step.
"Let me correct myself! He has enough money to buy a new boiler. His hand just has trouble making the journey to his wallet, which may as well be up his- Ha!"
The stairs finally ended and Kagome stepped triumphantly into the roof-space - which was shrouded in total darkness.
The loft was scary.
It was bad during the day, but much, much worse at night. Tonight wasn't just any old night, either - it had to be Halloween when the boiler decided to kick the bucket. She tried her best to ignore the shiver creeping up her spine. Her mind helpfully provided images of what could be lurking in the darkness. Just because youkai lived alongside humans didn't mean they were all friendly, after all.
Steeling herself, she walked purposefully over to the boiler (avoiding the weak spots in the floor) and bent over to examine it.
Thud. Thud.
Kagome froze, heart pounding. Thoughts of murderous youkai on Halloween made her breath catch.
"H-Hello…?"
A figure loomed out of the shadows. She was about to scream for help when-
"What you doin' up here on your own?"
She sagged, boneless, at the sight of a familiar face.
"Inuyasha?"
Her long-time neighbour and friend snorted, raising an eyebrow.
"Who else would it be, wench? A monster?"
She scowled, crossing her arms. Amusement glittered in his eyes, and he reached out a hand to pull her to her feet.
"What are you doing up here? I thought Sango told you I was going to fix the heating before she went out with Miroku?"
He looked past her at the boiler.
"Only just got back from work. Went to find you, and none of the others knew where you were."
Kagome smiled, teasing.
"You thought the monsters had eaten me, hm?"
He huffed, ears flat against his hair as a faint blush spread across his cheeks.
"… keh! Come on, you'll get cold. The boiler's working. Let's go."
Surprised, Kagome turned, and the pilot light was blazing away happily. Inuyasha pulled on her hand, leading her towards the stairs.
"I bought some ramen on the way home. My kettle isn't working. That's why I came to find you. Not because I was worried. I wasn't."
She squeezed his hand. "All right Inuyasha. And you can use my kettle if you want. As long as you share!"
"Keh!"
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Reviews and criticism appreciated. :)