Right as Rain

InuYasha stared after his brother, stunned.  Out of nowhere Sessoumaru had waltzed in, started a fight and waltzed right back out.  Kouga walked up behind him, mouth hanging open.  Sango, Miroku, Shippou and Kirara came rushing toward them asking if everyone was alright, looking around for any signs of the retreating daiyoukai.  InuYasha left Kouga to answer their questions while he went back to the tree he had left Kagome in.  Once there he jumped up in the branch next to Kagome and looked at her.

"Kagome, why did you zap me?" InuYasha asked in a hurt voice.

"InuYasha, it wasn't meant the way you took it.  I wasn't trying to hurt you.  I was tired, wet and in no mood for the usual nonsense you and Kouga go through every time we are all together.  I did the only think I could think of to stop you both and let you both know I had had enough for one day." Kagome explained, hoping InuYasha would understand.

"Why didn't you sit me?" InuYasha was still confused.

"Why would I do that when it doesn't stop you from fighting with Kouga?  I've learned two things from this situation.  First, Kouga is still able to pick a fight when you're subdued and second, once the spell wears off you go right back at it.  I didn't want just you to stop arguing, I wanted Kouga to stop, too.  I had to do something that would get both of your attention.  I'm sorry, InuYasha.  I didn't mean to hurt you."  Kagome's expression showed genuine sadness as she apologized to InuYasha.

"Keh.  Felling you zap me reminded me of how it felt for my chest to be pierced with Kikyou's arrow." He put his hand over the old wound.  "I was afraid you had changed your mind about me.  I was afraid you were trying to purify me."  InuYasha's ears flattened to his head and he hung his head, hiding behind his bangs.

Kagome reached for him, placing her hand on his cheek.  InuYasha gasped in surprise at her unexpected touch and looked up at her from the corner of his eye.

"InuYasha, you need to understand I am not Kikyou.  And before you say you know that I want to tell you something.  Sometimes I think you forget.  I don't blame you but I wish you would learn that I won't hurt you.  Especially not like she did."  Kagome took a deep breath and sighed.  She wished InuYasha could see inside her heart.

"Keh.  Do you want to get down now?" InuYasha offered.

Kagome leaned toward InuYasha and wrapped her arms around his neck.  He put his arms around her waist, pulling her close to make the short leap down.  It still hadn't stopped raining and he noticed she was soaked through again.  Once on the ground he let her go and they walked back to the cave, side by side.  As they came in through the cave entrance they discovered their group was already back inside, huddled around the fire to dry out.  Once inside Kagome went to her backpack and pulled out two towels: one for Sango and Miroku to share and one for her and InuYasha.  Things seemed to be returning to normal as the group settled in to wait out the remainder of the storm.

Kouga watched the group retreat for the cover of the cave and smiled to himself.  Now it was time to find Hakaku and Ginta.  He spun away, slinging mud as he went.