( FATE; )
A short series of little blurbs that lead up to conclusion of the relationship between Kouga and Kagome.

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Three:

Lingering Affection

Startled, Kagome backs up, her arms lifting to keep the dirt from flying up. But, before she could allow herself her own protection, her hands are engulfed in familiar warmth. His name slips out without any interference—"K-kouga-kun…!"

"Hey, Kagome. I caught your scent and came here immediately." A half truth. But, saying 'I chased after you' seemed far to cliché, had it not? Face it. Actively searching for someone seemed desperate, maybe even creepy, while "dropping in" seemed far more neutral and appropriate to his character and position. Even he could have tact sometimes.

But, he digresses.

"A-ah, I see…" her voice trails off, uneasiness laced in her voice as she expectantly took a glance in Inuyasha's general direction, as if anticipating some sort of intervention. And almost as quickly as she wished it, she had it.

"Why you, scrawny wolf!" Inuyasha lashed out immediately, hand swiftly reaching out in a large encircling motion. But unfortunately for him, Kouga evaded it easily - his arms moving to scoop Kagome up from the gritty, grainy texture of the gravel. Kagome winced immediately, as if bracing herself for the brunt of damage (being caught between two feuding demons was never an easy thing), but when she sees her feet dangle freely in the air and the sensation of his robust arms around her, she easily eases into it. A bit of relief washing over her.

At least she was spared from being in the center or some petty argument.

Pursing her lips, she quietly peers at Kouga's face, though it was a fleeting motion, she couldn't help but to smile a little. He's changed significantly from when they've first met, whether he acknowledged it himself or not. And truth be told, that in itself, was quite flattering.

A sigh, if only Inuyasha could follow suit.

"Feh, as expected of you. Always running away when push comes to shove." Inuyasha crossed his arms in an indignant motion, hoping to at least garner Kagome's remorse. Not that it had been her fault, but the situation was a delicate one and all that was left for him to do is complain, really.

Ignoring him completely, Kouga loosens the grip around Kagome, placing her back onto the ground before re-seizing her hands in his in his usual position. "You have it hard, don't you? Always dealing with that mutt-face. But, rest assured, I'm here for you now.

"Kagome…" he says her name softly, eyes expectant.

"Kouga-kun…"

"Yes, Kago—" Only instead of receiving the sweet sentiments he had come to anticipate, he was met with Inuyasha's fist. "Y-you stupid dog! What do you think you're doing?"

"Hands off of Kagome! Can't you see she doesn't—"

"Guys, please stop fighting," Kagome interrupted, her eyes trailing off to stare at Sango and Miroku, whom at this point, had successfully averted their gaze.

"Shut up and let me handle this myself, stupid," Inuyasha readied himself, hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga. "Get ready, scr—"

"Sit boy…!" Her words were soon followed by a familiar thud of face against soil. "Hmph, that'll teach you to learn some manners before you speak to me like that." The nerve of him calling her stupid. Really?

Amused, Kouga's eyes momentarily trailed off to the half-demon before shrugging it off completely. "Looks like you got the bad end of the deal. But, before I forget—" Rummaging around, he pulls out a simple collection of flowers from the back of his fur pelt. "These are for you, Kagome. I saw these and couldn't help but to think of you."

Catching sight of the small assorted flowers, she couldn't help but muster up a smile; her visage brightening despite the chaos that had just occurred. "They're beautiful, Kouga.

"I don't know what to say or—"

"Then don't say anything." He hushes her with the tip of his finger against her lips, but before she could even bat an eyelash the contact is quickly broken off. With Inuyasha hot at his tail, he hops backwards in one instantaneous motion.

"See you next time, Kagome! I'll be back so, take care of her, dog breath!" And with that, he left, Inuyasha huffing and mumbling small curses as he retreated back towards the group.

But, regardless of Inuyasha's adamant complaints, she takes a moment to admire the flowers she had just received. Exhaling quietly, she held them up towards her face, taking in the scent. It tickled her nose a little, but she stuck with it, allowing the sweet smell to engulf her senses. The tip of a petal touches her lips and, briefly, she's reminded of the fleeting warmth of his finger.

And she smiles. Genuinely. Turning her back towards the direction Kouga had left in, she chuckles a little apologetically in Inuyasha's direction. Just for today, she decides, her favor is won – not by Inuyasha – but by a certain wolf demon she kind of knows.