Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this snippet... especially for the one who can see in the dark. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

This drabble was originally posted to Live Journal on September 14, 2009.


Mid-January...

Snag

"Wearing an illusion and maintaining that illusion are two different things." Inuyasha was pretty sure it was some kind of kitsune motto, because Shippo's grandfather had drilled it into them back when they first come up with their 'crazy' plan to live among humans. The old fox was right, though. Even with a kitsune-generated disguise firmly in place, there were dozens of ways to give away the fact that you were... well... different.

Blending in meant planning ahead, keeping your wits about you, and avoiding trouble areas. He and Shippo had developed rules for surviving as humans. Some were common sense, some were inside jokes, but all of them became second nature because Inuyasha's freedom depended on keeping their secret. Rule #1 was, 'Never leave the house without checking your hair color.' Rule #14 was, 'Use light switches.' The List was taped inside their medicine cabinet, and they added new items whenever they came up. Like now. "Oh, shit... I mean crap... sorry, Kagome. I'm, uh... caught."

Coffee break conversation stalled, and the principal looked over her shoulder as Inuyasha muttered expletives and tried to hide the fact that his claw was thoroughly snagged in her top. Shippo grinned and said, "Yep... you've been caught!"

"Red-handed!" Gert chuckled.

Inuyasha's arm had been casually draped around the back of Kagome's chair, and he'd thoughtlessly indulged an impulse. As the janitor carefully disentangled himself, he composed #52 for The List. 'Never, but never, give in to the temptation of a cashmere sweater'.


End Note: This drabble was written for the Live Journal community iyfic(underscore)contest and their prompt for Week #195—Fingernails. 250 words.