Author's Note: Last of my older "Alphabet Drabbles" collection being archived here.

Originally posted: Sept. 10, 2017

Posted here: Nov. 7, 2021

Setting: "Canon"-verse?

Characters: Souta, InuKag

Words: 594

Rated: K

Genre: Fluff 'n' Feels

X-Men

Souta had a love for American media. From cartoons to comic books, from sports to random memorabilia, he had a fascination for almost anything from the US of A. Though he barely recalled his father, his mother often talked about his trips to America and the souvenirs he brought back.

One old relic was a dusty comic book, titled "X-Men" which Souta loved above all else. Mr. Higurashi spoke fluent English, thanks to studying in America when he was in high school and college, and took it upon himself to translate the old comic book into kanji (using white out and a special pen so it wouldn't bleed or fade), so that his children may it enjoy it someday. Sadly, he passed away after his son's fourth birthday, so Souta never had the chance to thank him. The American superheroes gave him courage and excitement that even anime couldn't give him sometimes.

One day, while Kagome was back home, Souta was sitting on his bed, reading this comic when Inuyasha came inside his room.

"Yo, kid," he said casually.

Souta's eyes lit up. "Hey, Inuyasha! Why aren't you hanging out with Kagome?"

"She said she's too busy studying or something stupid," Inuyasha said, making himself at home by settling on the edge of Souta's bed. "Eh? Whatcha looking at?"

"Hmmm? Oh, this is an American comic book," the boy said eagerly. "It's my favorite! Thanks to my father, who brought it back on one of his travels, and gave it to me, though I barely remember."

"Oh?" The half-demon's eyes shone for a moment, but Souta must have imagined it, because soon he was holding the comic book upside down and frowning curiously. "What's it about? I assume it's a story or something? It reminds me of Shippou's drawings."

Souta beamed, delighted that his real-life hero was asking about his fantasy heroes, and eagerly told him all about Professor Xavier, Wolverine, Rogue, and Cyclops, about these unique people born as "mutants," who were shunned by society but still strived to save humanity over and over. Inuyasha drank it all up, eventually even sitting with Souta, who held the comic book open, and read the dialogue and narrative out loud, and patiently explained certain plot points.

Later, Kagome came to fetch them for dinner, and was surprised to find them bonding and geeking out over her father's old comic book.

"I didn't realize you'd like that sort of thing, Inuyasha," she said to her companion, as they descended the stairs (Souta had bounded ahead of them, to gush to Mrs. Higurashi over this latest development).

"I just kind of relate," Inuyasha said. Kagome looked at him quizzically. He sighed. "I understand what it's like to be shunned just because of how you were born. Because of your weird features and powers."

Kagome froze. Inuyasha was almost at the bottom of the stairs when he noticed she wasn't by his side. He glanced up and was astonished to see there were tears in her eyes!

"K-Kagome?! D-did I say something wrong?"

"No! No, no, not at all, Inuyasha," Kagome said tenderly, wiping her tears away. "I'm just so sad for you... and happy, too, that you found something you can connect with."

Embarrassed, the half-demon turned away, scratching the back of his head. Then, he said something quietly.

"Hmm? What was that?"

"I asked if there's more of these comic books," Inuyasha said, a bit hotly, his face flushed.

Kagome smiled. "Yes, but they're mostly produced in America."

"We should go there, then."

"... Yeah, maybe someday..."