Chapter 2: Spring Cleaning

He was running there was no tomorrow. Why? He didn't know. He just wanted to flee from the place that reminded of Kagome. Thought of what happened a few ago. Kagome's words have pierced his heart like daggers. He didn't want Kagome to leave but didn't know how to tell her to stay. He was too proud to beg. He was simply trying to stop her in his own way.

He was so frustrated over the fortnight living alone and he had been waiting near the well for past two days eagerly for Kagome to return. He was overjoyed when her saw coming out the well. He was a free spirit and sitting idle was not his forte so with Kagome's return he was expecting to be on the roads again. WITH HER. However his internal festivities were cut short with Kagome's announcement of going back. It angered him to no end however he never meant to be rude. He thought maybe he acted selfishly today but that was just like him. He didn't know how else to act. Years of scornful gazes and curses from the human and murdering attempts from the demon that made him rude and selfish. How else could he survive?

'Doesn't Kagome understand. Does she think I am worthless to even be a friend? And what was that about Kouga?' suddenly his self-pity turned to extreme anger at thought of his rival. This was his only weapon against the harshness of the world. It had saved him from being killed and to kill him in these years.

"That rude arrogant bastard is supposed to be better than me. HAH. All that wimpy wolf does is run around waving his tail. I wish I could yank that tail off his back whenever he waves it? Loving and caring. FEH. How I hate that idiot." Waves of jealously ran down his spine.

However he was all this running was exhausting him. He stopped and decided to rest up. He was out breath; the summer heat was making him sweat profusely and needed to cool off. Stopping he looked around he found himself deep in the forest. He sniffed the air and Smells told him of a spring nearby and he bound towards it jumping from tree to tree.

Upon reaching the spot he found a nice spring amidst a small clearing surrounded by huge trees with a thick canopy shading the area from sunlight. Occasional gaps where present in the canopy through which sunrays sipped in bathing the place with light in heavenly way. The soft grass swayed from the gentle breeze and flower covered the forest floor expect the place covered by large boulders. The place was quiet expect for a few sounds of the insects. The spring had a beautiful waterfall on one side with water splashing on the few large boulders sitting near the shallow part of the spring.

The scenery and the quiet environment seemed to lessened the pain in his heart and a calm washed over him. He quickly undressed and moved towards the spring. However a thought hit him and he returned to his clothes searching for something. Quickly he found the small bottle Kagome had given him a few days ago. She told him to use it while bathing and he had put it away without a second thought.

With the bottle and ran to the spring and dunk into the water. The cool water and the pleasing sight seemed to have relaxing effect on him. He swam to the boulder and he stood on them letting the water from the falls wash off the dirt and grime from his body. He opened the bottle and took the small amount of gooey stuff and began washing his hair and body of the dirt.

Unknown to him his so-called rival had just arrived to 'his' area. Yes his bathing area. Kouga had been coming to this place since he was a kid. Know else knew of it. And he had accidentally discovered the area when he was out hunting. The beauty of the place amazed and he found it an excellent place to relax after a tiring days of work.

However as he reached the place a strange scent hit his nose. He recognised the scent as the one he had smelled on Kagome. 'What's Kagome doing in here. And where is the rest of the gang. Why don't I smell them. I guess I have to find out for myself ne?' and ran into the area with his height beating in excitement.

However the sight that greeted him was quite unexpected. On the boulder below the fall sat the last person he would like to meet with his head thrown back, letting the water form the fall on his body. The wolf stood there for a moment gazing at the naked hanyou before him. Inuyasha was slightly turned so he did not notice the wolf watching him; moreover the overpowering scent of the soapy liquid had even affected his sense of smell so he couldn't even smell him. The wolf watched the Inu washing himself. His eyes travelled down the smooth silky skin of the hanyou. He was thin but well muscled. The eyes travelled form the hanyou's well-formed abs down to his flat stomach and to the narrow hips with perfectly pale round cheeks. White silver lock cascading down his back, wet from the water and sticking to body and his face. Unconsciously he licked his lips.

A small voice in Kouga's head told him 'Damn the dog turd is sexy…. Why haven't I noticed him before? Does he realise how beautiful he his is? BEAUTIFUL? Gods Kouga you're really going nuts. all these council work must he getting to you. He is your rival remember. But I have to admit he is quite a beauty. The water running down his tight little body make me wanna jump….. Oh Kami! Now I'm really drooling over the mutt. Calm yourself Kouga or you're in big trouble.'

However another voice in this head reasoned 'So what if he is your rival. You can always have some fun with the puppy, can't you and since Kagome and the others are nowhere in sight….' 'Well my little doggy you're in big trouble'. Smiling evilly he quietly crept to the spring and swam through the water to reach the boulder. ' poor doggy doesn't even notice my presence. Well good for me. Now for some fun' He crept behind the unsuspecting hanyou standing directly behind the doggy and said, "Well what do have here,"

Inuyasha jumped from the sudden voice. His sense of smell being affected by the soap prevented him to smell the intruder and the since his ears were lay flat on his body to prevent water from entering e did not hear anyone. His action caused him to slip and fell in the water with a splash. He resurfaced coughing and splattering cursing himself for being caught so unaware. He stood to face the person who caused him to jump and give him a piece of mind and probably beat the crap out of him. However when he finally turned the person he found that it the person he wanted to face now.

"WHAT THE BIG IDEA YOU JERK? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO CREEP LIKE THAT BEHIND ME YOU IDEA? HAVE YOU NO OTHER QORK, CREEP!"

Kouga stood on the one of the boulders now near the shore of the spring shaking himself to get rid of the water. He looked up lazily and said "it's not my fault your senses are dull, you couldn't even smell me, I am truly amazed at your stupidity doggy. Besides this s my territory and I can do what I want"

Inuyasha gritted his teeth "who told you this your territory. This place is far from your den and as this forest is nobody's territory, much yours, you arrogant bastard"

'I have been coming here since I was a child, mutt-face and have marked it as my territory, this place is MINER and anyone who comes here without my permission must pay the price" he smirked looking at the Inu lazily however his mind was racing with hentai thoughts of what he was going to do the puppy.

Inuyasha looked at him face red with anger, however he was still moping and didn't want to fight today. He was not feeling like it. "Oh yeah, cut your rap, I have nothing to pay to you and I am leaving. I don't have time to waste on you wimpy wolf" he got out of the sprig and went to put on his clothes which were surprisingly missing form the spot where had kept them.

'Damn it where did al my clothes and Tetsusaiga' a sudden fear gripped him. 'What if somebody stole it?'

he growled at himself for being so careless and cursed under his breath. As if he didn't' have enough trouble.

Kouga watched Inuyasha with amusement in his eyes.

Flashback

Kouga crept to the place where Inuyasha had left his left and sword. Since he could not touch the sword he picked the clothes around the sword lifting the sword without touching and hid his clothes behind a bush where he was sure Inuyasha will ever find.

End Flashback

"What's the matter puppy looking for something?" he asked with amusement playing across his eyes.

"Yeah, my clothes and my sword you dim wit"

Kouga jumped off the boulder (getting rid of the wet clothes in a flash) slowly walking towards the doggy as if stalking his prey "When I told you that you're going to pay for invading my territory I meant I puppy"

The said prey was now curiously watching the wolf. "What's the matter with you, wimp? Why are you acting strangely? Have finally snapped you idiot?"

'What does he want? Is he stalking me? I should get out of here as soon as possible if I don't wish to fight. As it is I'm tired from running so much. Darn it! Where are the stupid clothes?' Inuyasha began to grow nervous every second.

As if reading his mind Kouga smiled "Well… you wouldn't find them anywhere puppy."

Sensing the puppy's apprehension he cheered himself mentally 'I've got you right where I wanted pup. There's no escape now. Today you will learn who is stronger. Now for some fun"