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Kagome paced from the stove to the window peeking out from behind the cold glass. Fiddling with the yellowed, timeworn curtain she whined in annoyance. He definitely takes his time. Letting the lace drop, she trotted back to the stove and stirred the bubbling vegetable's mass. The wafting aroma suggested the stew was ready. Scooping a mouthful, she puffed at the steaming portion before nipping at it. Swallowing the rest she dropped the wooden spoon to the counter, putting the heavy, black pot away from the fire. Satisfied, she plodded to the door but changed direction midway veering to the window.
Huffing with annoyance, she snickered at the sudden thought. Even in this they were completely different. While the newcomer, possibly… certainly Steve, she amended following a gut feeling, roamed back and forth at the outskirts of her land like a cat along a puddle wanting to sink its paws in the water but too afraid to do so, Yurei – kun first visit was unexpected, explosive affair that gave her no time to prepare.
Eyes shining, she reminisced, a fond twitch appearing on the lips before a dark shade crossed her face and snuffed out the smile. It wasn't funny when it happened.
He entered her life in late December 1991, during a calm, cold and very boring winter day. She cannot recall what she was doing then, reading maybe or listening to music but she still vividly remembers when she became aware of him. Her eyes widened in alarm and she jumped out of the armchair, running outside. She hasn't felt a demon in more than a century.
The youki was a veritable tornado. Twisted, tangled, messy and yet it was speared heading towards her sanctuary. And the speed! He zipped as if hundred devils chased on his tail.
There wasn't time for a decision. He neared quickly. Soon he would hit the barrier.
Pressing her balled hands, she didn't even feel the nails leaving crescent marks, too stunned to care. Roaring blood drowned other noises and even in her panicked state she knew she would have only once chance at it.
Let him pass or not?
She could invite him to her private safety, opening barriers wide so he wouldn't even feel he crossed a border from a real world to a loosely anchored, half – mystical realm. She could also do nothing and allow him to be tangled in the shifting maze of lush and greenery that would release its clutches only if he turned back.
The tip of the youki dangerously close to the edge, she shook undecided.
Then it clashed, sparks lighting in her mind and an excruciating pain invaded her soul. It was bone liquefying and mind crippling. Floating pieces sharply cutting into her, tearing, ripping, destroying.
Drenched in sweat she curled screaming, willing it to stop, to cease, to let go of her.
And then it ended as swiftly and unexpectedly as it started and on trembling legs she stood up.
Before she could gather her bearings, swiftly approaching silhouette loomed on the horizon.
The demon was coming.
Wiping forehead with the back of the hand, she patted herself, shaking off the non – existing dust, too nervous to stand still.
Stopping in a healthy distance from the house he lifted up, leather creaking. Wide chest clothed in black, face masked and eyes covered, he was a personification of menace.
Stumbling forward, she stopped few paces away blinded by the flare of light reflected by the silver, metal hand. He slipped from the bike, removing the goggles. Blue looked into blue.
She wasn't entirely sure why she allowed him to pass but in that moment seeing the dark rings and empty gaze while feeling the chaotic youki whipping around, she knew he was one of hers. Extending an open palm she kindly whispered "Come."
If it was a fairytale, she would effortlessly soothe his aching soul and fix wrecked mind but life was never that generous, she dropped her head sadly. They have spent some weeks together before in a fit of panic that she caused, he run away. Jaw clenched, she cursed at her own stupidity. If only… Swallowing, she straightened her spine. It wasn't a good time for wallowing in self – pity. Despite this disaster, no matter how damaged, he found her time and time again, lured by the purity and a vague impression of familiarity that couldn't be even call a memory. He always knew how to find her.
Steve on the other hand… It's almost like he didn't want to come here.
Sending a brief flare of miko – ki, she hoped it will be enough to catch his attention.
A/N – The characters are stubborn. It seems they do not want to meet. I hope you liked this short glimpse into Kagome and Bucky first meeting :)
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