Chapter 7: Infatuation

The group made their way from the town. Inu-Yasha continued to wonder about how Kiva had transformed without a catalyst. Kiame needed one; course, she was a weaker demon. But Kiame did have her strengths even if she didn't have his power.

"Inu-Yasha…Can we stop? I'm tired."

Inu-Yasha froze. He turned around casually. "If we continue to stop we'll never reach the next town."

Kiva stared at him with large pleading eyes.

Miroku defended the tired demon. "We have been traveling hard for awhile, Inu-Yasha. Besides, I think we could all use a day or two to relax."

"Keh"

That was when he locked eyes on Kagome. Kagome had her arms wrapped around the small kitsune and her head drooped to the side with disappointment.

"Hump…Alright." Inu-Yasha stated staring at Kagome.

Kagome's head snapped up. Her eyes met his. Then he broke eye contact to leap into a nearby tree.

Miroku and Sango scattered to find wood for the nightly fire. Kagome and Shippo worked on unpacking Kagome's pack, while Kirara curled up in a small ball and Kiva leapt onto a low branch.

Kiva landed near Inu-Yasha. She knew he was already in a foul mood for asking to rest so she approached him slowly.

"Why are you friends with such destructive and traitorous humans?"

Inu-Yasha relaxed a little more on his branch while staring at the sunset thinking about the others.

She cocked her head to the side with reinforced curiousity.

"They're not so bad. Besides we watch each other's backs."

"…But they attacked you." She objected.

"They didn't do it intentionally. They thought you were destroying the village."

Kiva shrunk back at his comment. If he hadn't been there, she might not have made it.

Rain started to sprinkle down from the clear sky.

Inu-Yasha gradually leaned his head back against the trunk of the tree. He allowed the droplets to catch in his shining moonlit mane. Every now and then his ears flicked the droplets free.

"Inu-Yasha. It's raining." Kagome called.

He looked down at Kagome. His eyes shone as a smile crossed his face. He let out a short, self-contained giggle before resuming his lounging position.

Kiva was captivated by the look of the rain resounding off his perfect form. She had always hated the rain. It only drenched her fur. No matter how hard she tried she could never get the water off. It had always been so horrible to be wet, but somehow now she didn't even realize that she was getting wet.