Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this gentle adventure... especially for the one who's acting on instincts. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess where InuYasha is concerned. All due respect is also offered to Yoshihiro Togashi, whose fervid imagination is responsible for YuYu Hakusho.
An Affinity for Plants
- 10 -
Signs of Mischief
Kagome's mother relaxed and smiled warmly at Shuuichi. "Why don't you bring your guest to the house, and I'll make tea?" she suggested. Both young people recognized the invitation for what it was—a very polite order.
"Do you mind?" Kagome whispered, at once hesitant and hopeful.
Kurama shook his head. "It would be kindest to set your mother's mind at ease where I'm concerned."
"Thank you," she replied with a nervous smile. However, her concerns were quickly banished; Shuuichi was the perfect guest—polite, articulate, and entertaining. He easily he won over her mother, and by the time an hour had passed, he'd outlined a private tutoring schedule that would have him back in the Higurashi's home three days a week.
When the redhead helpfully followed her into the kitchen with tea tray in hand, Kagome exclaimed, "You knew just what to say!"
"I have a mother, too," he reminded her.
Kagome nodded thoughtfully. Minamino-kun isn't like anyone I've ever met. Though she'd compared him to Inuyasha, she realized that there was a marked difference. Minamino-kun isn't half-and-half, he's both! His youki was carefully contained, yet she could sense the unmistakable presence of a kitsune within the human.
While her back was turned, that very distinctive youki spiked, and she whirled in surprise. Shuuichi was right where he'd been a moment ago, leaning casually against the wall, but she didn't buy his innocent act. The sparkle in his green eyes was pure kitsune, and she wasn't sure if he was testing her... or teasing her... or both. He has a fox's soul, and he's up to a fox's tricks!
Much later that evening, when Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed over the wild tangle of herbs on the windowsill, Kagome realized what he must have been up to. What a way to thank Mama!
- 11 -
Gentleman Tutor
Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi were disappointed when Kagome dropped out of Minamino-sempai's weekend cram sessions, especially since graduation was coming up and the third-years would be university-bound. She confessed to having a private tutor, and Yuka sighed, "I suppose that's best."
"It's a shame!" Eri pouted. "He was interested!"
"He'll still see her in the Gardening Club," Ayumi pointed out reasonably, and to Kagome's relief, the matter dropped.
With tests looming, Kagome spent all her time buried under textbooks. It was hard to explain why she was so driven, because she wasn't really interested in further education. But this had become her battleground.
One particular evening, she scowled at her notes, blinking to bring the words into focus... only to have the notebook plucked from her hands. "That's enough for today," chided Kurama. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
"But... I'm not ready for exams!" she protested, holding out a hand insistently.
The redhead shook his head. "As much as I admire your determination, you need your rest."
Neither sulking nor puppy dog eyes dissuaded him, and it occurred to Kagome that Shuuichi was just as stubborn as Inuyasha. He's just quieter about it.
Grandpa ambled into the room, newspaper under his arm. The old man obliquely approved of Shuuichi, calmly ignoring her insistence that he was her tutor... not her suitor. After the way Gramps tangled with Inuyasha, I shudder to think what he'd do if he knew Minamino-kun's true nature.
Kurama finished confiscating her textbooks and pointedly placed the stack out of her reach. "I need to go," he announced apologetically.
She saw him to the door, quietly asking, "Are you... erm... working tonight?"
"Yes," he smiled. With a small flick of his hand, he produced a red rose and offered it to her with the parting admonition, "Rest."
- 12 -
Damage Control
"Rose Whip!" Vines slashed through the darkness, and a demon squealed in agony when razor-sharp thorns bit and tore into flesh. A quick tug ended his life, but there were more than enough opponents clamoring to take his place. "They were expecting us," Kurama panted.
"You think?" snapped Hiei sarcastically. "Is it still here?"
"They're fools if it is," grimly replied the redhead as he clutched the wound in his side. Another wave of masked fighters swarmed forward, and Kurama unleashed a storm of rose petals; the effort cost him dearly, and he staggered to one knee.
"You're bleeding," Hiei grumbled.
"I'm fine," the redhead rasped.
"You're in the way," muttered the youkai, untangling curse bindings from his right arm.
"You don't need to...."
"Tch." Hiei cast a scornful glance over his shoulder and said, "Take care of that before it kills you." Then, he launched himself into the fray. "Black Dragon!"
Kurama swore under his breath but took advantage of the opening. He crashed through the nearest window, falling towards the relative safety of the ground below. Tucking, rolling, and swaying to his feet, he shuffled into the shadows and fumbled for a precious flask. Desperate times.... Blood loss threatened his human body, so he needed to induce a reversion. Taking a slow sip of the juice of the time-ebb flower, he counted backwards, waiting for it to take effect. Gradually, Shuuichi Minamino's consciousness receded, giving control to Youko Kurama.
Glass tinkled, and soles scuffed against concrete, causing fox ears to prick and swivel. Followers? Well, then... the chase is on! With the flash of a silver tail, the wounded kitsune fled, and as he ran, he coolly calculated his chances. I need a safe place for Shuuichi to recover... someplace those demon lowlifes won't follow. Ah... of course.
End Note: These three drabbles were written for the Live Journal community fanfic(underscore)bakeoff and their Secret Ingredient for March 2010—Tangle. The drabbles are 300, 300, and 300 words respectively. Posted on March 27, 2010.