A/N: For the 'Perk' theme on Dokuga's LJ comm - 300 words, no more no less. Originally posted on March 21, 2011. This tied for first place! :D

'Covering' is a sort of hasty defense where, instead of blocking a strike or slipping by it, you take it by covering the part about to be hit with something less vital. (Usually, you cover your head by wrapping your arm up and over the ear and temple.)

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Covering

"Tell me why I shouldn't toss you out of my house and onto your ass."

"Inuyasha, be nice," Kikyo said as she maneuvered herself into a chair. "Sesshoumaru called, and I invited him over. You can, at least, return that civility."

The hanyou scowled at his brother. "Fine. Why the hell are you here? It better not have to do with Tetsusaiga."

Sesshoumaru cast a cool glance back at his sibling. "I relinquished my claim on Father's sword long ago, as you well know," he replied before forcing himself to lower his eyes. "I have come to make a request of you, little brother. I have met a woman."

Inuyasha's ears perked up at that. "What? You like someone? And she likes you?"

Kikyo reached over to poke her husband in the ribs as she said, "That's wonderful, Sesshoumaru. Did you want to have a big, family dinner together or something? We would love to meet her."

"Unfortunately, the situation is complex," Sesshoumaru said.

Inuyasha sat up. "Complex and dangerous, you mean," he muttered. "Who the hell is this woman? How bad is it?"

"It is worse than the Panther Tribe," the taiyoukai replied, pausing just long enough to watch his brother's eyes widen in remembrance. "However, Kagome is not the source of the trouble. I am the one endangering her and all those under my protection."

"Which includes us," whispered Kikyo, smoothing her shirt over her pregnant front.

Inuyasha took his wife's hand. "You want us to get out of town. You're actually protecting us?"

"It is my duty," said Sesshoumaru. "I have not forgotten it."

"And what about this woman? 'Kagome', was it?" asked Kikyo. "Is she leaving?"

"She cannot and would not."

Kikyo smiled softly. "Peas in a pod then. You'll just have to protect each other."

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