Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Trust
Inuyasha shifted from foot to foot, his ears half-flattened. "I can't go."
Miroku sighed. "Inuyasha, I understand why you don't want leave Kagome and Aimiko yet. But, you heard the messenger. I don't like the sound of this job—I need you along. Besides," he lowered his voice, "first, we both need the money, and second, you could use something that will make the daimyo less annoyed with you."
Inuyasha's ears flattened further. "I can't leave Aimiko. I have to protect her. I have to protect Kagome."
"When was the last time you chased off a bandit, or even a minor youkai?" Miroku asked, exasperated. "Kagome can take care of herself, and she's got the entire village, and Sango and Kaede to help, as well!"
But, Inuyasha was shaking his head. "I can't risk it," he said. "I have to protect them. I have to."
"Oi, what about me? I can help keep her safe, too!"
Inuyasha turned and glared at the kitsune who'd been listening in. "you're just a kid."
Tail bristling, Shippo stepped closer, not quite standing on tiptoe. Thanks to a growth spurt over the last year, he now came to a bit past Inuyasha's waist, rather than his knees. "I am not! Who's been practicing disguises; who went up two levels at the last exam? Who saved everyone's lives with his foxfire during the shard hunt, huh? And I can do a lot more with my foxfire now, or have you forgotten who got to that youkai first, last winter?"
Inuyasha went silent, his hands clenching and unclenching, his ears shivering, and his eyes dark with apprehension. Glancing around, Miroku took the hanyo's arm and led him around the corner of a hut, out of immediate view, then slung his arm around the red-clad shoulders. "I know it's hard to leave the kids behind. But, I can do it, because I know I can trust my wife, my neighbors, and my friends, to help protect them. Trust them, Inuyasha. Trust Shippo, and Sango, and Kagome."
"Nothing gets past me to little sister," said Shippo. "My word on it."
Inuyasha turned towards Miroku, ducking his head slightly, in an unspoken plea. Miroku hugged him again. Inuyasha breathed deep, and glanced at Shippo. "I trust you," he whispered. His gaze went back to Miroku. "Let's make it fast?"
Chuckling, Miroku slapped him on the back. "You know I always count the days 'till I'm back in Sango's arms, my friend."
Author's Note: A shorter version of this piece was posted to the LiveJournal community FirstTweak, for the prompt "Foxfire." It was originally posted on June 15, 2011. It placed second.
