A/N: For the 'Scarlet' theme on Dokuga's LJ comm - 400 words, no more no less. Originally posted on January 10, 2011.
A 'tomato can' is a fighter that is used by better fighters to boost their overall record. The term comes from the tendency for a tomato can to spill "tomato juice", i.e. blood.
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Tomato Can
Kagome frowned at the wolf as they stood outside of the captain's office. "You're a real creep."
"That's harsh," Koga said with a grin.
"And true. You stalked me, took photos of me and sent me threatening messages with my real name on them!"
The wolf shook his head. "It was a warning, Detective. Sesshoumaru Taisho is dangerous, even apart from Naraku's business. You were already jeopardizing yourself and your cover with him. I'm surprised he hasn't sniffed you out yet. His merciless reactions to betrayal are legendary."
She narrowed her eyes. "'Legendary'? Do you know him from the past?"
"Not personally. I've only spoken to him once, but I heard many tales from my father, and they weren't exactly bedtime stories." He stepped closer, and his grin returned. "You had to have known what we demons are capable of, and you still went out with him. I think you have a thing for danger, Higurashi."
"My life would be a lot less dangerous if other cops weren't snooping around in my life," Kagome countered.
He waved away her anger. "I was following Taisho, and that's easier to do when he's distracted. I have to say that that dress you were wearing made things a lot more pleasant for me, too."
She flushed scarlet at the innuendo. "You used me."
"Well, yeah. You would have done the same," he said with a shrug.
Kagome swallowed the caustic remark that came to mind. "Why him? He's not guilty of anything, except supremely bad luck. I would know if he was working for Naraku. They've only met once."
"I'm sure you think so," Koga said. "Sometimes, you're working for Naraku without even realizing it, and Taisho is far too powerful for the spider to ignore for any amount of time."
"If he isn't even aware..." She trailed off and sighed. "I might not know everything about Sesshoumaru, but I know what Naraku's capable of. With the both of us there, we'll find the evidence to take him down."
"It's not that simple, Higurashi."
Kagome scowled. "He's scum. I'm pretty sure we can scrape something together. I could write a report about his illegal gambling joints right now to send him to jail for five years."
Koga's expression turned grave. "I think," he said, "that you need to see the full file. You'll see what this is goes way beyond illegal cage fighting."
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