Move Along

Chapter 029

Standing outside the mechanic shop with her hand on the doorknob, Kagome took a deep breath. She braced herself as she pushed the door open.

Kouga's reaction was immediate, just like it always was. He was just as bad as Shippo.

"If it isn't my favorite lil' cross dresser," Kouga laughed as he slung his arm around Kagome's shoulders. He drew the miko closer to him, and started to drag her to his garage.

"Does everyone know about the stupid bet," Kagome groaned as she let herself be dragged. It was easier not to fight it anymore. And at least he stopped trying to claim her as his woman.

"Of course," he bragged. "And a certain someone even let it slip that you had joined a host club. Knew you hung around dog breath too much, but it seemed like the monk was a bad influence as well."

Kagome swallowed thickly at the mention of InuYasha and Miroku. The others may have had centuries to deal with their death, but Kagome had only had a year. And it hadn't gotten any easier to deal with.

He could smell her tears and Kouga could have punched himself. It was practically a taboo to mention the others in front of her.

"C'mon, your bikes is running better than ever," he proudly boasted, attempting to get her mind off the past. He led her to the garage where her bike was parked, ready to go. "Hakkaku even changed out your tires."

"Thanks Kouga," Kagome mumbled, as she grabbed the keys and her helmet off a nearby table. She promptly pulled the helmet on and hopped onto her bike.

"Hey, you sure you don't want to stick around for a bit," he awkwardly asked. He didn't want her on the roads when she was feeling so vulnerable, but neither did he feel it was his place to call her out on it.

"Yeah, I'll see you later," she quietly replied before revving off, much faster than Kouga was comfortable with.

When they had reunited a year ago, he had thought the bike would be a nice gift. She had been eager to learn and it helped take her mind off what had just happened. Shippo had pitched one hell of a fit afterwards that he hadn't paid any mind to.

But now, he regretted giving her that damn thing.