Second place winnerfor the "Pack" Competition on Inuyasha Issekiwa, a Live Journal community for the writing and posting of Inuyasha drabbles. May 2006. 200 words, General/Light Romance, Rating: G. Special thanks to alterfano and ouatic 7 for BETA reading this drabble.

Hearts and Clubs

Kagome peeled the wrapper off a pack of cards.

"Are they sutras?" inquired Miroku.

The air had been crackling around Sango since Miroku had propositioned an attractive fisherwoman. Something had to be done.

"They're cards. You two are going to play a game."

"What's that funny shape?" asked Shippou, peering from her shoulder.

"Those are clubs."

"Like Hiraikotsu?" the kitsune snickered.

"That's not helpful," Kagome said primly. She dealt the deck and thought of easy games. "I can teach Go Fish, War–"

"WAR," chose Sango. She glowered at the wincing monk.

Kagome sighed. "Lay down your top card..."

They awkwardly followed her instructions.

"Ace trumps seven," Kagome announced. "Miroku wins!"

"Wouldn't seven have the advantage in combat?" Sango asked uncertainly, as Miroku retrieved his card and collected hers.

"That's not how it works. Go on, try again!" Kagome encouraged.

They did. Both glanced at their cards, each other, then away—flustered.

Kagome pointed to Sango's queen of clubs and opened her mouth to speak.

"Sango wins," Miroku interrupted. Eyes modestly averted, he plucked the king of hearts between his thumb and forefinger, and presented it to Sango.

"What were you saying, Kagome-chan?" asked Sango, blushing.

"Oh, nothing," she answered.