Fleeting

Memories, like feelings, are fleeting. In the moment they are all that matter, yet as time goes by they wane and are replaced with new ones. Even so those moments and feelings were real at one point and that's all that matters. No matter how short or fleeting they existed and someone somewhere still recalls them fondly. These are merely some of the many fleeting moments and feelings Kagome Higurashi has experienced in her life.

AN: So, as you can tell my writing has changed a lot since my first fanfic on here. That being said I was looking through some of my old drabbles and what not and decided to try breathing life into them once more. So please do enjoy!

Male: Xellos

Series: Slayers

Kagome leaned against the weathered trunk of an ancient tree, her bow resting loosely in her hands. The twilight cast long shadows over the forest, but she felt no fear. She had long grown accustomed to the company of strange and dangerous beings—her life was practically a magnet for them. Yet none were quite as enigmatic as the Mazoku who now sat perched on a low-hanging branch above her, his purple hair gleaming faintly in the dim light.

"You're staring again, little miko," Xellos teased, his ever-present smile curling at the edges. "Falling for my dashing good looks?"

Kagome rolled her eyes but didn't look away. "You're the one who's always hanging around. You're the one who insists on following me everywhere. What's your excuse, Xellos?"

He chuckled, his golden eyes glinting as they opened just enough to meet her gaze. "That, my dear, is a secret."

She huffed, turning her attention back to the forest. Despite his infuriating habit of dodging every question, Kagome had grown used to his presence. More than that, she had come to rely on it. He had a knack for showing up when she needed him most, his sly words and cunning strategies often saving her from dire situations. Yet, for all his help, she knew better than to trust him completely. Xellos was, after all, a Mazoku—a being of pure chaos and selfishness.

And yet…

Kagome sighed, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She couldn't help it. There was something about him that drew her in, something that made her heart race despite her better judgment. She loved him, as foolish as it seemed. She loved his sharp wit, his mischievous grin, and even his infuriating tendency to keep her at arm's length.

"You're awfully quiet," Xellos remarked, dropping gracefully from the branch to land beside her. He tilted his head, studying her with a curiosity that made her feel exposed. "What's on your mind, little miko?"

Kagome hesitated, her fingers tightening around her bow. She could feel his gaze on her, piercing and unrelenting, as if he could see straight into her soul. She took a deep breath and turned to face him.

"Why do you keep coming back?" she asked, her voice soft but steady. "Why do you stay with me, Xellos? You're a Mazoku. You don't care about anyone but yourself. So why?"

For a moment, he said nothing. Then, to her surprise, his smile softened. It wasn't his usual smirk or playful grin but something quieter, almost genuine.

"You're right," he admitted, his voice low. "I am selfish. I am scheming, and I'm not above double-crossing anyone if it suits my goals. But you…" He reached out, his gloved fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're different. You see through all of that, and yet you still… care for me. Why, I can't begin to fathom. But I've decided not to question it."

Kagome's breath caught in her throat. His touch was light, almost hesitant, as if he were afraid she might pull away. But she didn't. Instead, she leaned into his hand, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Maybe I'm just as foolish as you think humans are," she said with a small laugh. "But I don't care. I love you, Xellos. All of you. Even the parts that drive me crazy."

For the first time, Xellos looked genuinely startled. His eyes widened, and for a fleeting moment, the mask he wore so well slipped away. Then, slowly, his smile returned. But this time, it wasn't a mask. It was real.

"You are a strange one, little miko," he said, his voice filled with something she couldn't quite place. "But perhaps that's why I find myself drawn to you."

He leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers. "I don't know if I can ever love the way you do. But if anyone could teach me, it would be you."

Kagome's eyes fluttered shut as his words washed over her. She felt his lips brush against hers, light and fleeting, like the whisper of a promise. When he pulled away, his smile was back, but it was softer now, less guarded.

"In due time," he said, his tone playful once more, "you might even make me your mate. But you're going to have to work hard for it, little miko."

Kagome laughed, her cheeks flushed but her heart full. "Oh, I'm up for the challenge," she replied, her eyes shining with determination.

Xellos chuckled, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. "That's what I like to hear."

As the last light of day faded from the sky, they stood together beneath the ancient tree, their fates intertwined in a way neither could have predicted. For all his schemes and secrets, Xellos knew one thing for certain: he would never let her go.