Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Ayame's Argument
Kouga increased his speed as the smell grew stronger, then had to slide to a stop as he rounded a rocky spire and almost ran into them. Casting quick looks, he snapped, "Where's Ayame?"
Leaves swirled. A chuckle and arms came around from behind. "I knew you'd catch up."
Irritated, the wolf chief turned, and glared down. "You're going back to the caves—now."
"No."
"Yes."
She smiled, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll go..."
Relief. He didn't need an argument in front of the others. "Good. Sentashi—"
"...As soon as we find the boy and his cat, and invite them back to the caves."
Kouga glared. "I'm not—"
"Afraid that a mortal and nekomata would be too much for our poor, traumatized people to cope with, after everything that happened this last turn."
His mouth—already open—stayed open. Ayame's smiled widened, her hands tickling the skin above his armor. "An alliance with a taijiya, with someone who could give insight into the human world," she murmured. "Think about it ... he wants something from us ... we could make a bargain. A good bargain..."
Her fingers were not helping him think. Grabbing her wrists, he held them away. "Our people aren't 'poor' or 'traumatized'."
Her smile slid away, her eyes darkening. "You are not worried about them?"
He froze, heart chilling, his grip unconsciously easing. He could not say 'no'.
She stretched up and kissed him lightly. "The boy will be good for them," she breathed. "I know this."
Kouga surrendered.
Author's Notes: This was written for the prompt "Yes & No" for the Issekiwa community on LiveJournal. It was originally posted on March 28th, 2013. (12/3/2013)