The den was abuzz with activity as preparations for the summer festival were in full swing. Kagome was walking through the bustling hallways when she was suddenly surrounded by a group of eager wolf pups, their eyes shining with anticipation.
"Kagome, Kagome! Can we make something for the festival?" an older pup asked, tugging
gently at her sleeve.
Kagome smiled warmly at them. "Of course! What would you like to make?"
The pups exchanged excited glances, and another older pup piped up, "How about flower crowns? We want to look special for the festival!"
"That's a wonderful idea," Kagome agreed. "Let's go to the field and gather some flowers and herbs."
With a chorus of happy cheers, the pups followed Kagome out to a sunny clearing just outside the den. The field was a riot of colors, filled with blooming flowers and fragrant herbs. Kagome knelt down and began to gather the materials they would need, showing the pups how to select the best flowers and twigs.
"Alright, everyone," she said, settling down on a large, flat rock with the pups gathered around her. "We're going to make flower crowns. These will make you look like little forest spirits."
The pups giggled and clapped their hands, eager to get started. Kagome showed them how to select the right twigs, flexible yet sturdy enough to form the base of the crown. She demonstrated how to weave the twigs into a circular shape, securing the ends with small, delicate knots.
"Next, we add the flowers and herbs," Kagome continued, her fingers deftly weaving bright daisies, fragrant lavender, and delicate sprigs of rosemary into the twig base. "You want to mix the colors and textures to make it look beautiful."
As they worked, Kouga came upon the scene. He paused, leaning against a tree and watching with a soft smile as Kagome patiently guided the pups. His heart swelled with admiration as he observed her gentle, nurturing nature. He couldn't help but imagine her surrounded by their own pups someday, teaching them with the same love and care.
"Why do we use these particular flowers and herbs, Kagome?" one of the older pups asked, her crown already half-finished and looking quite beautiful.
"Each flower and herb has its own meaning," Kagome explained. "Daisies symbolize innocence and purity, lavender represents calm and peace, and rosemary stands for remembrance. By wearing these crowns, we're celebrating those qualities and bringing them into the festival."
Kouga's smile widened as he listened. Kagome was not only beautiful but wise and kind-hearted. He stepped closer, finally making his presence known.
"Looks like you've got quite the group of helpers here," he said, his voice warm.
Kagome looked up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "Kouga! We're making flower crowns for the festival."
The pups, noticing Kouga, immediately swarmed him, insisting he join them. With a chuckle, he sat down beside Kagome. One particularly cheeky pup placed a half-finished flower crown on his head.
"You look great, Kouga!" Kagome teased, adjusting the crown.
"Not as great as you, Kagome," he replied, his eyes sparkling with affection.
The pups, sensing the playful banter, quickly made another crown and placed it on Kagome's head. "Now you both match!" they exclaimed, pushing them closer together.
Kagome laughed, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Kouga, feeling a rare moment of shyness, scratched the back of his head. "They've got a point," he said softly, his gaze locking with hers.
Encouraged by the pups' excited cheers, Kagome leaned in, her heart pounding in her chest. Kouga met her halfway, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in that perfect moment.
The pups erupted into giggles and cheers, clapping their hands and dancing around them. When they finally pulled away, both Kouga and Kagome were smiling, their faces flushed with happiness.
"Looks like we've got the pups' approval," Kagome said softly, her eyes twinkling.
Kouga grinned, his heart full. "Then that's all the approval I need."
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the clearing, they continued crafting crowns, surrounded by the laughter and joy of the wolf pups. For Kagome and Kouga, it was a moment of pure happiness, a glimpse of the future they both hoped to share.