Author's Note: Hello all! I'm planning to make this into a series of one-shots, randomly scattered over the original timeline and centered around the constantly changing relationship between Inuyasha and Kagome. Lots of fluff ahead. Some of you might recognize this chapter, since it was posted a long time ago under a different pen name. I've changed accounts and names since then, but it's still me!
Enjoy! Reviews are always appreciated.
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Kagome wasn't much of a camper.
Her definition of camping included plenty of food, a pre-made fire pit, an out-house, and nothing more dangerous than the occasional stray raccoon. Needless to say, life in the Feudal Era was not like that.
On their first night after traveling together, the half-demon had simply set her down and leaped into the branches of the nearest tree without a word, as Kagome, homesick and struggling to adapt to her new life, tried to make a campfire from scratch. It was hopeless without the modern matches she was used to—the pile of firewood just sat there, mocking her, until she finally gave up and pulled a granola bar out of her backpack instead of the warm meal she had hoped for.
It was then that she realized how cold the nights could be. In her haste, she hadn't brought anything truly warm to sleep in, and a single sweater just wasn't going to cut it. Shivering miserably, she made a mental note to bring a sleeping bag next time… but who knew when she'd be able to go back through the well to get it?
After an hour of restless shuffling in a poor attempt to keep out the chill, Kagome suddenly felt the weight of a blanket fall over her. Crawling out from under it, she took a good look and realized it wasn't a blanket at all—it was the top of Inuyasha's fire-rat robe… he must have tossed it from his position in the branches of the tree. The fabric still held some of his body heat, and was large enough to cover her entire form if she curled up. She snuggled gratefully into its warmth, calling timidly up to her companion.
"Inuyasha?"
"Go to sleep, woman."
"Won't you be cold without this?"
"Keh."
She couldn't actually see him with the tree branches and the darkness obscuring her view, and he seemed to have no interest in conversation, but… "Thank you," she offered quietly.
No answer.
Still, it was a start—something that wasn't a life-or-death situation, something that he had actually initiated. Though she would have preferred her sleeping bag, the robe was actually very comfortable, and she felt safe with its weight wrapped around her…
The need for sleep finally started to take over, and her eyes drooped wearily as she pondered her next question: what could she do for him in return? There were all sorts of things from her modern world that weren't available in the Feudal Era, but with the lifestyle Inuyasha had, she doubted he would want them. Maybe he would like some modern food? She hadn't brought much… mostly just ramen noodles. It was pathetic, really—he would probably scoff at it—but she wanted to do something, some kind of gesture to let him know she appreciated the help.
Her last thought, as sleep overcame her, was a hopeful one. Maybe we really can get along after all...
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