SUMMARY: PG. Kagome and Inuyasha, in the beginning of the anime. No spoilers.
Genre: General.
Word Count: 250
Note: Thank you for the reviews, brakken. They were lovely. As for that confusing vignette at the start of this compilation, well... I can only say it was one of my first ventures into the fandom, so I myself was confused by their interaction.

Written for iyissekiwa. Green challenge.

A MOMENT TO BREATHE
by Leni

Only when a large shadow blocks the sunlight, does Kagome register the sound of bare footsteps against the grass. He's a hunter, she reminds herself, silent and cautious even when she's not the prey.

"It's lunch time!"

He sounds grouchy, reluctantly aware that human girls need more rest – especially after this morning.

"What are you doing?"

She doesn't need to open her eyes to know that his brow will be knit together, golden eyes caught between curiosity and exasperation.

"Kagome?"

He must think she's asleep; he'd never sound so gentle otherwise. Inuyasha orders her around. He threatens. He yells – the loudest when she one-sidedly decides to face enraged youkai and needs to be rescued.

This new sound, she likes. Pushing herself up on one elbow, Kagome reaches up to catch a sleeve – and pulls. (Has she ever initiated some contact that wasn't born in anger or fear?) Inuyasha is confused enough to comply (No.) and sits beside her docilely.

"Isn't it nice? No field at home can be this green." She plucks out a grass blade and brushes his cheek with it. "You must love it here."

It's the wrong thing to say. She doesn't understand why it's wrong and he won't tell her; but the moment is broken. Inuyasha is already jumping to his feet, grabbing her by the wrist. "Enough nonsense," he scowls as he stalks away, pulling her along. "I'm hungry."

Kagome digs in her heels.

"Don't dare…."

"Osuwari!"

"Ka-go-me!"

She sighs. They're back to the yelling.

The End
29/03/08