#inukag ficlet

[mamabearcatfanart]

"Inuyasha, I'm cold."

"I'm not fuckin' surprised", he snarled, trying to move her closer to his body. Any closer and she'd actually be sitting in his lap, which normally he'd be feeling some mighty strong feelings about, but right now his strong feelings weren't the happy kind. He'd already removed her sodden shoes and socks, but before she could get changed into some drier clothes they needed the fire going.

Shippo and Kirara were doing their best with damp kindling and an even damper cave, while Sango sorted through Kagome's backpack for dry clothes and medical supplies. Thankfully, no one else had been injured during their battle against the boar youkai.

Just Kagome.

For once, Miroku was keeping his trap shut, understanding that now was not the time for teasing. After one glare from Inuyasha as he had pulled the shivering Kagome close to his body, he had busied himself by walking further down into the cave to make sure it contained no more unwanted surprises with pointed teeth and a large appetite for shikon shards. Thank goodness for small mercies.

"You're angry at me, aren't you", Kagome whispered. It didn't sound like a question.

"Whatever gave you that idea?" he muttered, rubbing her back gently as she shivered against him.

"Oh, I don't know. The growling maybe. Your shoulders feel like rocks you're so tense."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

"I'm not angry at you, I'm angry near you. There's a difference."

"It doesn't feel like a difference", she said in a small voice. "Why won't look at me?"

Inuyasha pointedly kept his face turned aside and she sighed, tugging on his sleeve.

"Hey. I didn't know that bit of hill was going to give way."

That earned another growl. He almost looked at her, then turned his face away again.

"Why do you think I put you and Shippou over near the trees Kagome! You're the one who's meant to be smart with all that reading you do. Even you should have been able to tell it was unstable with all this rain!"

She tugged on his sleeve again.

"I couldn't get a good shot from where I was, so I moved to a better spot. And I took him out too! Before I fell I mean. But I helped! And we got another shikon shard!"

"For fuck's sake Kagome, you could of been really hurt!"

"But I wasn't."

"You've taken half the skin off your face! And your leg and your arm!"

"It'll grow back. Sango'll help bandage it up and it'll be good as new in a week or two - you won't even be able to tell it was there at all. And because I ended up in the river, it's washed all the dirt away, see? I'm just a bit cold, but I'll warm up. Inuyasha? Please? I don't know why you're so upset."

He growled again; she could see him biting the inside of his cheek as he stared out into the heavy rain outside the cave.

"Inuyasha, look at me. Please?"

Grudgingly he turned his head. She could see the concern in his eyes, the worry, the self blame, even though none of her injuries were remotely his fault. She tried to smile, but had another attack of the shivers.

He sighed, rubbing her back again. He tucked a long dripping lock of her hair behind her ear.

"You look like a sad wet cat."

"I kinda feel like one", she smiled, and then hissed, because smiling actually hurt quite a lot right now.

"A sad wet stupid cat with mush for brains", he sighed again, using his palm to turn her head gently so her uninjured cheek rested on his chest. "What am I gonna do with you?"

"Help keep me warm?" she shivered, wrapping her cold arms tight around his chest.

He rested his cheek on the top of her head, and she smiled, even though it hurt, and then giggled. She could feel his grumbles rumbling against her body as he pressed her even tighter against him.

"I guess I can do that. But you're grounded."

"What? How do you even know what that means?"

"I know plenty. And you're grounded. No more stupid heroics from you, or I'm taking away your keeping warm privileges."

"You wouldn't!"

"Watch me."

[petri808]

25 for inukag 😉, but it's okay if you don't wanna do it. This is a purely random suggestion from me haha

“Sharing an umbrella at a bus stop as it snows.” Here’s a silly short Inukag ficlet :)

Inuyasha peers around the corner of the bookshelf, checking to see if anyone is paying attention to him. When he sees no one is, he strolls over to a certain section of the shoujo mangas acting all nonchalant, taking his time as if not there for anything in particular. He scans the titles gingerly, and when another shopper turns their back, he makes a move, quickly reaching out without looking at the one he wants. But instead of the hard spine of a book, his hand hits something warm. Eh? His head immediately turns to look and there standing next to him is a young woman around his age, also with her hand on the last volume.

Instantly, he retracts his hand and ears turn back. “Sorry, I um… it’s not for me, it’s for a friend who um loves this series… f-for her birthday.”

“Oh,” the woman responds as she finishes pulling the book from the shelf. She takes a look at it, then hands it to him. “Here, I can wait for them to restock.”

Inuyasha’s head tips slightly in confusion. “Are you sure?” Isn’t this woman going to say anything else or tease?

“Yeah,” she smiles again. “Don’t worry, it’s fine.”

Figuring he should just accept it. “T-thanks,” he mumbles, then rushes to the cashier, leaving behind the bewildered woman.

As soon as he gets out of the store, Inuyasha rushes away with the bag clutched to his chest. Oh, why the hell did he have to get involved with this stupid story! It’s all Miroku’s fault for making him read it! Okay, it was Miroku’s fault at first, but now all he has is himself to blame. But it’s a good story! He’s always thought these shoujo stories are sappy romance crap for women, but who knew they could be interesting. Like take this one. It’s about a princess, yes, but she’s no shrinking violet. When her father is killed, she runs away along with her bodyguard and they set out in search of help to take back the kingdom. There’s dragons and battles, adventures and more battles! Sure, there’s a love story woven in, but the fighting is badass! So, every two months or so when a new volume is released, Inuyasha battles the shoujo manga aisles to grab a copy, always making sure not to get caught by anyone— until now.

And it’s just his luck, that when he arrives at the bookstore two months later for the new volume, guess who he spies in the aisle? It’s her! This becomes the new routine for the next several months! Why all of a sudden is he running into her? Sometimes she gets there before him and he has to wait, and sometimes he gets there first only to see her walking in as he’s leaving. Of course, he pretends not to see her, but he’s sure, based on the funny looks she’s shot his way that he’s been busted. Kami must be playing a prank on him for sure. He’s thought about going to another bookstore, but the closest is two more stops away on the train and not worth the additional 20 minutes.

Truthfully, that’s all a lie. It’s not about the time, but it’s because Inuyasha’s become intrigued with the woman. The times she beats him to the aisle, he hides around the corner and watches. Sometimes she’s with a friend or chatting on the phone and he can hear some of the conversations. That’s how he’s learned her name is Kagome or that she’s from the nearby Higurashi shrine, and that she also goes to the local university. She’s got this pretty jet black hair that has a bit of wave to it instead of completely straight, and brown, almond-shaped eyes. Fair white skin with rarely any blemishes despite not wearing makeup on a toned figure. A beauty like is her is probably taken if that mousy brown-haired nerd that’s sometimes around her is any indication. Inuyasha’s never seen anything to suggest they’re in a relationship, well, in her eyes they’re not based on the distance she keeps from him, but he’s definitely hopeful.

It’s a new year as January has brought along a wintery white blanket over Tokyo. They rarely get so much snow in the city, but today is an exception. As a hanyo, Inuyasha luckily doesn’t get cold as quickly as humans so he thought it would be fine to just head out in a coat. Run out, grab the new volume and get back home. To bad for him, he didn’t expect that she would brave this weather too. He manages to slip in and out with his purchase before she sees him, then heads to the bus stop.

He looks at his watch. “Damn, it is cold,” Inuyasha mumbles as he pulls the coat closer around his neck. Where is the bus? Is it late because of the snow? Ugh, they really should put a covered bus stop here for times like this! If anymore snow coats his long white hair it’s going to become a mess when it starts to defrost. Suddenly, a shadow falls over Inuyasha and a voice that prickles the hair on his nape.

“Oh, hello again!” Kagome greets while holding her umbrella over their heads. “Stopped in for the new release?”

“Tch, no! I told you, that was just once for a gift!” Inuyasha retorts. “Why would I buy a girly manga?”

“Because you buy one every two months,” she quips back with a teasing tone.

“I said it’s not for me, it’s for a friend.” Inuyasha states plainly trying not to let her rile him up.

“Mmhmm,” Kagome hums. “The same friend or do you have different friends each month with a birthday?”

“Tch!” he’s totally busted! “Fine! Okay, so I like this story.” Inuyasha crosses his arms and turns away. “Is it so bad for a guy to like this stuff sometimes?”

“Nope,” she replies. “I think it’s cute.”

The chill around Inuyasha has quickly grown warm as blood floods his cheeks.

“By the way,” she continues, “my name is Kagome. What’s yours?”

“Inuyasha,” he mumbles. “And I know. You’re with the Higurashi shrine.”

Kagome pokes him. “Eh, are you stalking me?”

“Stalking you! You must be stalking me by the way we always meet here!”

She shrugs, “maybe a little.”

Inuyasha gasps and steps out from under the umbrella ready to run if necessary. “What??”

“I’m kidding!” Kagome laughs and pulls his arm to drag him back. “Relax and get back under here idiot. The snows getting heavier, so, let’s start over, hmm? We at least have the manga in common, so how about we go wait in that cafe,” she points as she talks, “and grab something warm to drink since the bus is so late.”

Inuyasha considers it… something warm to drink does sound nice… “yeah, sure.” He responds and takes the umbrella from her to hold. Hell if he’s not gonna be a gentleman even if his grumpy tone says otherwise. “I’ll treat since you’re sharing your umbrella with me.”

Kagome smiles and weaves her arm through the crook of his to stay close underneath as they walk. “I’ll be the princess and you can be my bodyguard.”

That makes Inuyasha snort a laugh. “And what kingdom are we taking back?”

“Mm,” she taps her chin, “How about just going on a new adventure?”

[i-belong-in-a-retirement-home]

First Rut

A little ficlet from the a/b/o inukag fic I am writing!! This particular portion was written at 1 am while I was hyped up on caffine. Enjoy, because I barely remember writing it.

The story lays out a little backstory, about InuYasha and his first rut. It is just under 400 words

CONTENT WARNING: strong language, and references to sex

He remembered that day well. Back during freshman year, Koga had managed to get on his nerves. Though, it was one of the first times they fought. That was another first too.

As Koga sat on top of InuYasha, throwing punch after punch. It didn't matter, he could just get Koga back on another day. But the fight was interrupted, not by a teacher, or admin, but another student, a young lady.

InuYasha hadn't known her then. Kagome had been furious with Koga. She dragged him off InuYasha and shouted at him for the fight. Even in her fury, Kagome had looked glorious. And that was the first. That was the day he had experienced her scent, her pheromones.

The first time the cherries and honey overwhelmed his mind, intoxicating him. A sudden shock blew through him and left him breathless. He felt a terrible yearning in his center. An arousal he hadn't felt before. All he could think of, was, well, fucking. His hips bucked uncontrollably, as his body begged for another. Ashamed of how he was behaving, InuYasha had struggled to his feet and ran away. He fumbled to hide himself as his body refused to listen to him.

A bathroom stall had been his hideaway. He was found sweaty, breathless, and deeply afraid. There was very little he remembered aout the situation. Even to this day, InuYasha didn't know how he had gotten home.

But once he had managed through his first rut, he was given a very awkward lecture from his parents. They informed him that this one would be the worst of them all. It hit him so hard because his brain wasn't used to the hormones brought on by rut. He would learn to control himself.

And even as he did control his body, his mind refused to behave. As he phased back into school, he was mostly fine. But there was still one little issue, Kagome. Everytime he passed her in the hall, or managed to find himself next to her, he lost his shit.

Her scent wreaked havoc, just like it did the first time. He couldn't really move, he couldn't focus. Hell, he could hardly even think.

Is it really that bad? Even as I think about it now… I want to be upset at her.. But she has no control over the situation.

[mustardyellowsunshine]

I’m in person at my work’s staff development day, but it’s a hybrid event, so there are cameras everywhere to film/livestream for remote workers to participate. Camera people keep circling the main auditorium and popping up randomly at the break out sessions.

And there is a camera guy walking around who is so incredibly hot it’s actually kind of annoying, because I am trying to zone out in peace. Like sir, have some r e s p e c t.

[xoxopandapanda]

Inukag Week 2023: Day 2: Possession

@inukag-week

Day 1  Day 2  Day 3  Day 4  Day 5  Day 6  Day 7

AO3

Fanfiction

It wasn’t until Kagome had met and spent a lot of time with Inuyasha that she realized how lucky she was growing up. Sure, she had known she had a good homelife, a loving family, and a future to look forward to.

Inuyasha had nothing but the clothes on his back and the chips on his shoulder.

The first time Inuyasha curled up and fell asleep on her bed, Kagome wanted to let him stay there forever. He seemed to just melt into the soft comforter, his face relaxing off the harshness that normally sat there. He seemed to just be a normal teenage boy in that moment, rather than the harsh and difficult half-demon he was when he was awake.

If Kagome could have given him that peace for the rest of his life, she would have in a heartbeat.

But as with everything, it came to an end that he was sleeping peacefully and quietly on that bed and the real world came knocking and demanded they return to the quest that engulfed their every moment.

The desire to give him everything didn’t disappear with the morning sun, however.

At some point, Inuyasha had become very comfortable with seizing anything and everything of hers and using to his own means. Sleeping bag? Now his for sitting on when camping outside until she made him get off for her to sleep. Books? A source of entertainment (sometimes kindling) for when he wanted to annoy her. Clothes? Those worked great for drying off or wiping sweat off his face, even if they were still on her body and he was just flat out rubbing his forehead on her. Shoes? Ah, perfect for throwing at the crows that gathered on Kaede’s roof. Fifty-fifty if he got them down without her having to ask him.

Kagome found herself specifically looking for things they could share. He had a favorite pair of chopsticks that once were hers, so she got another set. His long hair required softer elastic band on hair ties, so she got scrunchies and clips for them to use when bathing. He preferred open-mouth water bottles to straws, so she got rid of her original one to get a big one they could share.

There was a time when she would have been mortified at the thought of sharing every single thing in her life, but just like how Inuyasha had melded into her bed that night, they blended together.

What was hers was his, and vice versa.

It was so natural after a while, that not even having it pointed out to them would cause them to blush or deny it.

“Less to carry if we share more.” Kagome had said once to Kaede as Inuyasha chugged the entirety of the very large water jug. “It just makes sense.”

Shippo had all of his own things, so it perhaps didn’t actually make sense. She carried a special water bottle, utensils, pillow, soap, crayons, and just about anything else for the little boy. It was the same for Miroku and Sango, who each had their own designated items in her pack.

It was just Inuyasha that she shared everything with.

Soon physical possessions weren’t just the only thing the two teens shared. Inuyasha started to share her successes at school and joined in on studying with her, despite not finding much use for it. It helped her a lot to have another person to talk to, even if it was just grunting red clad boy who knew nothing about theoretical math.

Miroku had tried to help her study, and he was great for history and religious topics, however laying on her stomach next to a lounging half-demon seemed to be the best way for her to work through math equations.

Tapping his shoulder, Kagome commanded his attention to her homework. “Is that a three or eight?” The dim lighting from the fire prevented her from being able to fully make it out. She could if she scooted closer, but it was more convenient to take advantage of Inuyasha’s better eyesight. He drew an eight in the air with his finger.

“To the power of eight?!” Kagome collapsed onto her arm in exasperation. “How am I supposed to figure that out?”

“Write it out.” Inuyasha had no idea what a power of eight was, but he knew what he was supposed to say when the numbers came out. Mama Higurashi had taught him.

Sighing loudly, Kagome rearranged herself onto her elbows and started writing out the equation. Inuyasha felt a surge of pride at being helpful to her, even if he had no idea how it all worked. He didn’t quite get why she was so certain she needed school, but if it was important to her, it was important to him to.

After all, they shared everything.

Including hopes and dreams, he realized one day when in a heated spat with Miroku over Kagome. He had pressed about their future together, insinuating that they should just hurry up and get married. He and Sango had to wait after all, until the curse was lifted, but no such restrictions were on Kagome and Inuyasha.

Inuyasha had huffed and snarled out, “She wants to go to high school. It’s important to her to graduate.”

Miroku had a blank look cross his face. “What does that mean, exactly?” the monk asked.

Inuyasha felt a sense of embarrassment overcome him. He didn’t know exactly what it meant to graduate. “It means…” he scrambled for words. “…she’s finished her school.”

“What’s next for her?”

Inuyasha wanted to strangle the man walking alongside him to fetch water for Kaede. “She wants to finish school and…” his jaw worked hard as he processed if he wanted to tell Miroku what he knew or what. For some reason, the thought that it might deter further questions. “Have a career and raise dogs. Maybe get married but that’s not important to her.”

Miroku nodded as if he understood. Clearly, he did not. “What is a career?”

“Something you do until you’re old.” Souta’s basic explanation was all he knew of the topic.

“Like being a priestess?” Miroku’s eyes wandered over to look at Inuyasha’s profile. It was bright red.

Inuyasha huffed loudly. Miroku took that as a yes, so he continued to prod. “What’s this about dogs?”

“Dogs are her favorite animal and she wants to have a bunch when she’s older.” Inuyasha answered without thinking. “It’s not common to have a lot of dogs, but with the shrine grounds, she can, so she wants to rescue them from living on the street or bad homes.”

Miroku paused for a moment, calculating his next question. “Like how she rescued you?”

Inuyasha stopped walking suddenly, causing the monk to get just a few paces ahead. Miroku tried to gauge if he had gone a step too far. Inuyasha seemed frozen eyes straight ahead for what felt like forever, and Miroku was just about to tell Inuyasha to forget his comment and change topics when Inuyasha spoke.

“Yeah.”

Miroku finally turned his body to look at his friend and see a softness cross his features. He started walking again forward, quietly whispering, “Except this time, we’re going to do the rescuing together.”

Because, after all, they shared far more than just possessions.

[arisukingdom]

Kagome hummed a melody, enjoying the warmth from the evening summer sun as she sorted through the remainder of her herbs. I wonder where Inuyasha has been all day? He's been acting so weird lately. As if her thoughts summoned him, she stared as he stomped his way towards her, his left hand clutching a bouquet of wildflowers. She patiently waited until he stopped in front of her, knowing she wouldn't have to wait long with her hanyou.

"Kagome." He gruffed, his tone held no heat.

"Yes, Inuyasha?" She blinked up at him, surprised to find his cheeks flushed and had to hold back her amusing smile.

"You've been back for two seasons now and we're practically together."

"Yes, I would assume so since we share a hut together."

"Will you, I mean, could we.... never mind, this is stupid." Oh my, is he embarrassed?

"Inuyasha," She giggled, "Take a breath, then tell me whatever it is you wanted to tell me." She watched as he did just that, his clench on the flowers growing tighter. Taking one final breath, she saw her hanyou square his shoulders, look her straight in the eyes and say two words she did not expect to hear.

"Marry me."

Gaping, Kagome knew her cheeks rivaled his own now. Seconds ticked by and she realized he was waiting for her answer, one she knew in heart from the day she returned to the feudal era. I would marry this man in a million lifetimes.

"Okay."

"Really?" He questioned, almost as if his hanyou hearing didn't catch her words.

"Yes, I'll marry you." She laughed, holding her hands up and in he immediately swept her in his arms. He twirled around, both of their laughter filling the field where the Goshinboku sat.

"So," she spoke after a breathless moment, "Are those flowers for me?"

"Like I would give anybody else flowers, cheeky wench." He chuckled, bringing her close and capturing her lips with his own as the sun disappeared from the sky.

A huge shout out to @heavenin--hell with this amazing art work of my fav OTP. I about squealed when I saw the finished piece. Ain't they so freaking talented?💕

[feudalconnection]

Term 2 2024 Winners!!

As always, us mods here at FeudalConnection want to give a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Second Term 2024 Inuyasha Fandom Awards! Your participation and support for this fandom is simply incredible!

As a reminder, the winners have evolved into First, Second, and Third place awards. We are allowing ties for first place winners, rather than go into a run off period.

- For categories with up to four nominations, a First place banner will be awarded to the winner.

- For categories which received five to six nominations, First and Second place banners will be awarded to the winners.

- For categories which received up to seven to ten nominations, First, Second, and Third place banners will be awarded to the winners.

And now, without further delay, here we are!

Winners for Term 2 2024 Inuyasha Fandom Awards, hosted by FeudalConnection!

Best Action/Adventure Fiction

First Place: "How Does Your Garden Grow?" by @dawnrider Second Place: "Spring will come" by @mitsiepitsie-blog / Mitsje (AO3)

Best Alternate Universe/Reality Fiction

First Place: "Behind the Silk Screen" by @eien-no-basho / Eiennobasho (AO3) Second Place: "Intensive Care" by @elkonigin Third Place: "Uninvited" by @sagemcmae

Best Canon Universe Fiction

First Place: "Ad Astra Per Aspera" by UnderwaterOphelia (AO3) Second Place: "I Can Hear You" by @ladydanitar

Best Angst Fiction

First Place: "Hate Me" by @theladymagnolia & @ruddcatha Second Place: "Petals Painted With Blood" by @alannada

Best Dark Fiction

First Place: "Lethe" by @elkonigin Second Place: "Legacy" by @fandomobsessions016 Third Place: "Gilded Cage" by @k9plus1 / Wickedsnonprofitwhoreganization (AO3)

Best Drama Fiction

First Place: "How Does Your Garden Grow?" by @dawnrider Second Place (tie): "Front Piece" by @inuyashamybeloved / InuScarlett (AO3) Second Place (tie): "Dear Sesshomaru" by @ladydanitar

Best Humor/Parody Fiction

First Place: "Intensive Care" by @elkonigin Second Place: "A Wolf in Dog's Clothing" by @sereia1313 / Sereia13 (AO3) Third Place: "A Most Beneficial Arrangement" by @neutronstarchild / NeutrInu (AO3)

Best NSFW Fiction

First Place (tie): "Of Ice and Butt Paste" by @jeremymarsh First Place (tie): "Hate Me" by @theladymagnolia & @ruddcatha Second Place: "The Fifth Wheel" by @inuyashamybeloved / InuScarlett (AO3)

Best Oneshot

First Place: "Truly Home" by @ruddcatha Second Place: "The Fifth Wheel" by @inuyashamybeloved / InuScarlett (AO3) Third Place: "Could we be more?" by @cat-zchen / Catzchen (AO3)

Best Character Portrayal Fiction

First Place: "Lethe" (Inuyasha) by @elkonigin Second Place: "Legacy" (Inuyasha) by @fandomobsessions016

Best InuKag Romance Fiction

First Place: "Cross the Tracks" by @mrfeenysmustache / AshMish111 (AO3) Second Place: "Here With You" by @somekndofnature

Best SessKag Romance Fiction

First Place: "Only If For A Night" by @mynightshining

Best Inuparents Romance Fiction

First Place: "Unchain My Heart" by @dawnrider

Best Romance Fiction

First Place: "Clandestine" by @skyelara & @violetasteria Second Place (tie): "What do you remember about your mother?" by @sereia1313 / Sereia13 (AO3) Second Place (tie): "Connect the Dots" by @mrfeenysmustache / AshMish111 (AO3)

Best Fluff Fiction

First Place: "Like Salt to Sugar" by Chiaztolite (AO3) Second Place: "Here With You" by @somekndofnature Third Place: "The Cat Came Back" by @fawn-eyed-girl

Best Serial Fiction

First Place: "IKIGAI" by @anyara

Best Ficlet

First Place: "Reach for Me" by @shinidamachu Second Place: "Joys of Music" by @classysassy9791 / ClassySassy (AO3)

Best Rising Author

First Place: "Front Piece" by @inuyashamybeloved / InuScarlett (AO3) Second Place: "KOTODAMA" by @anyara Third Place: "What Happens in Vegas" by @rainandyarn

Best Completed Fiction

First Place: "A Most Beneficial Arrangement" by @neutronstarchild / NeutrInu (AO3) Second Place: "Hack" by @timetravellingpaperbag

Best Action/Adventure Fanart

First Place: "The OG enemies to lovers" by @istehlurvz

Best Alternate Universe/Reality Fanart

First Place: "Double Nature" by LenBarboza (X) Second Place: "Weeds & Wildflowers" by @valuvi

Best Canon Fanart

First Place: "Safe" by @katballesteros Second Place: "Chibi SessKag" by @valuvi

Best Angst Fanart

First Place (tie): "Untitled" by @brain-rot-hour First Place (tie): "If only" by @ririie

Best Dark Fanart

First Place: "Taming" by @xtaisanax / _taisana_ (X)

Best Humor/Parody Fanart

First Place: "Untitled" by @clearwillow / BrigidTheFae (AO3) Second Place: "Drunk Inu jumps after butterflies" by @angel-kagomex

Best Kiss Fanart

First Place: "Kiss in the Rain" by @xtaisanax / _taisana_ (X) Second Place: "Beast in the Basement, Ch. 14" by @kalcia

Best Character Fanart

First Place: "Kagome Higurashi: the girl who overcame time.." by @dulcealuf Second Place: "Untitled" by @kalcia Third Place: "Inuyasha" by @alasxeart / alasxegalei (X)

Best Duo/Pairing Fanart

First Place: "~ますように。" by LenBarboza (X) Second Place: "'Tired already?'" by @katballesteros Third Place: "what is baby lookin at?" by @erakubi

Best Doujinshi

First Place: "AKR (After Kagome's Return)" by HulloYokai (X) Second Place: "Moonlight Lovers" by @julytheartist

Best Redraw Fanart

First Place: "~ますように。" by LenBarboza (X) Second Place: "Another Manga Redraw" by @julytheartist

Best NSFW Fanart

First Place: "Double Nature" by LenBarboza (X) Second Place: "The Way to Her Heart" by @otaku-108 / Otaku108 (X)

Best InuKag Romance Fanart

First Place: "Kiss in the Rain" by @xtaisanax / _taisana_ (X) Second Place: "happy with you. always." by @sarahblueskyyyy

Best SessKag Romance Fanart

First Place: "Untitled" by @clearwillow / BrigidTheFae (AO3)

Best Inuparents Romance Fanart

First Place: "Unchain My Heart" by @heavenin--hell / @ad-melioraart

Best Romance Fanart

First Place: "Reunion" by @eliza-faust-diary

Best Group Depiction

First Place: "Untitled" by @hycopank Second Place: "New Redraw" by HulloYokai (X)

Best Underappreciated Fanart

First Place: "It's All Downhill From Here" by @eliza-faust-diary Second Place: "más vale tarde que nunca” by NanaEspin (FB) Third Place (tie): "Untitled" by @rhies Third Place (tie): "Sesshomaru and Kagome as children" by @iviid

Best Overall Fanart

First Place: "Reflection on the Jewel" by @nartistadigital Second Place: "Inuyasha & Kagome" by @pachworldx-1

Congratulations to all the winners! Your awards will be ready soon, so please send one of the mods or this blog your preferred email address so we can send them to you!

Please note, the winner ban only applies to the first place winner(s) in each division; second and third place winners will be eligible to be nominated again in the next term.

As this term comes to a close, FeudalConnection will be taking a short hiatus. This time is always spent reviewing the process and seeing what can be revamped for next term.

An immense thank you to everyone who voted on next term's roulette categories!

Roulette Fanfiction Category for Term 3 2024 will be Best Friendship Portrayal. This is defined as: A story that has a primary relationship between two characters that have qualities of trust and intimacy. Revolves around a strong bond and mutual affection.

Roulette Fanart Category for Term 3 2024 will be Best Improved Artist. This is defined as: Two illustrations of the same artwork that showcase the improvement an artist has made. The most recent image of the set should be posted within the last three years, and it must be a redraw of one of the artist's older works.

Roulette Romance Category for Term 3 2024 will be Best MirSan Romance. This will be a category for both Fanart and Fanfiction.

For Fanfiction, it will be defined as: Stories that have developed a believable romance between Miroku and Sango. "Believable" is subjective, and it is up to those nominating/voting to draw their own line on that quantifier and vote their "Best". This includes canon universe and AU/AR settings.

For Fanart, it will be defined as: Any romantic depiction of Miroku and Sango.

Due to low participation, we will be removing the Best SessKag Romance categories for both Fanfiction and Fanart moving forward. However, SessKag will be introduced into the Romance Roulette category for future terms. The original Best Romance categories will remain, so all non-InuKag pairings, including LGBTQ+, can be nominated into that category. All other pairings will be up for voting again next term.

We will officially be back in full swing September 1st! We will still be around in case you have questions or concerns, but feel free to take this time to read new fanfiction and find new fanart. We strongly encourage everyone to review/comment/reblog so to spread the love of this fandom around. 

Want to stay immersed in the Inuyasha fandom? Head on over and join our Discord server! Or follow @inuyasha-events​ to stay up-to-date on all the current and upcoming fandom events!

We also want to give the biggest thank you to the beautiful and wonderful @elevenharbor for gifting us her time and talent with creating banners for the fandom over these last 6 terms. We have adored each piece she has created and were always blown away with what she came up with next. However, she's stepping down for now, and in her place we are welcoming a new banner creator for next term. Please give Eleven a big thank you for her many creations over the years and send her off with lots of love!

As the day gets closer to the start of the third term of 2024, we will be keeping everyone in the loop when it comes to changes and updates. Thank you all again for making this such a wonderful experience! See you soon!

- FeudalConnection

[justafewsmallsteps]

Another quick art and ficlet for @kagomes-hanakotobamatsuri ! This one focused on Week 3, Fertility and I used the Yellow Rose (new beginnings) as my inspiration flower. I started writing this while I was pregnant 2 years ago, but didn’t get around to finishing it until now.

Title: Potatoes Word Count: 1113 Rating: T Pairing: Inukag Warnings: Pregnancy

Try as she might, Kagome couldn’t help the uncontrollable (and unreasonable) flood of negative emotions that came with her unfulfilled pregnancy craving.

Wacdonald’s, of all things. Of course she was craving one of the most unobtainable foods possible in Sengoku and one of the easiest to find in her modern Tokyo. 

She didn’t really feel regret at leaving the modern world behind, not with Inuyasha and a life of friends and nature to surround her, and yet… 

Kagome found herself seething in angry tears. Angry at her body, angry at her attitude, angry at life. While she was always an emotional person, this hormone-induced storm was driving her crazy. She felt everything stronger, and no amount of logic or sleep was pulling her out of it because when she really really thought about it, it was all so unfair. She was raging at the world for making her choose between one family and another. The past was her future, and the future was now her past. But why did she have to choose? Why couldn’t she have a child with the love of her life and introduce her baby to her mother and grandfather and brother? Her righteous sorrow and her selfish cravings swirled into an indistinguishable mass of feelings. One second there was joy, another pain, the next irrepressible annoyance. She was guilty that she felt this way, upset as a tantruming toddler over a greasy burger and salty fried potatoes. 

And ultimately she was sad to be so far from her mother. 

Her thoughts turned to her poor husband. 

Inuyasha had been very sweet since she’d gotten back, and her pregnancy ramped up his doting completely. From warming her bath, to fetching her the ripest fruits, to building her the most comfortable approximation of a mattress possible, she felt spoiled and grateful. But her pregnancy-addled brain and hormonal body had her feeling so at odds with her heart. She loved being here. She loved her friends and the family they found in each other. She loved Inuyasha. 

Yet she longed for the crepes at the Shinjuku station mall, ice cream from a stand, steak from the grocery store cooked at home… her mouth was practically a waterfall at the thought. But by far the biggest craving was a Wacdonald’s cheeseburger with extra cheese and a side of fries dipped in ketchup. Make that two sides of fries. She could cry thinking about it, which she knew was stupid. 

It didn’t help that so many things made her feel nauseous. She’d helped out with pregnant mothers before, giving them herbs to help, learning from Kaede the rough timeline. She’d given reassurances and her best empathy, but in the throes of morning sickness Kagome wished to strangle her past naivety—and as much as she adored Kaede, the woman never actually had to go through pregnancy. 

Sango helped the most, understanding her anger, giving practical advice to give her the slightest relief. After all, carrying the twins had been an ordeal.

But Kagome was tired of ginger root and plain rice. 

She was tired in general. It has been such a joy to find out she was pregnant, and the first few weeks were a breeze. Then the morning sickness kicked in and subsequently kicked her ass. Morning sickness. God, it was unending sickness. Any time of the day sickness! She huddled under her blanket, willing the fatigue and nausea away. 

Then Inuyasha emerged from the door with her requested pile of potatoes. His look was apprehensive. He wanted to help her in any way he could, knowing that his wife often repressed cries for her mother. 

“I scrubbed ‘em already, and the pan’s good to go.” 

“Thank you, Inuyasha.” 

“I’ll cut ‘em too. It’s supposed to be like sticks, right?” 

She nodded. “Not too thin though.” Her husband was really good with a knife. She might be envious of his skills if he wasn’t such a good partner. 

Before he could start chopping, she stopped him. “Wait! Maybe cubes are better. They’ll move around the pan more easily.” 

“‘Kay,” he replied easily. 

Kagome stifled a groan as she slowly got up. Inuyasha had set the pan to heat already, so all she had to do was add the oil. 

“This look alright?” Inuyasha asked, checking in with her about the size. 

“Those look good.” 

Something about the sound of him chopping away triggered something. Everything triggered some emotion or another—but the domestic simplicity of their lives came at her full force as she heard the rhythmic sounds of their knife hitting their wooden chopping block. 

“It’s wonderful,” she whimpered, tears gathering in her eyes. 

“Woah, woah!” The hanyou turned around in concern, his hand immediately at her back to try to comfort her.  “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” she lifted her head and sobbed, unable to hold it back. “It’s just the hormones, but I do think you’re wonderful. I’m so lucky to have you!” she wailed. 

His entire being was on high alert since she got pregnant, and even though he knew emotional outbursts were bound to happen, he still went into overdrive trying to make sense of it and fix whatever he could. “T-thanks.” 

“Thank you for getting me potatoes so we could try making fries. I’m sorry I’m probably going to hate it or throw it up but it’s the closest thing I have to Wacdonald’s.” She wiped her face with her sleeve and sniffled. 

“I told you, woman, I’ll do anything I can. I’m sorry we don’t got wako’s or whatever here.” 

“I’m being unreasonable.”

“It’s normal. You know it is. I know it is. You shoulda seen Miroku while Sango was having her cravings. Damn near swindled every ingredient from every vendor in every town just to find something she couldn’t remember the name of.” 

Kagome gave a watery laugh. “That makes me feel better.” 

“We’ll make something good, and if you hate it and retch I’ll make you two something else.” 

‘Us two,’ Kagome thought in awe, placing her hand on her belly. “We appreciate you.” She sent him a smile and got on her tiptoes to kiss his jaw. 

“Yeah, yeah. If you’re done, I’m going to go finish cutting now,” he brushed off, trying to hide his blush as he turned around. 

“Okay, but we’re following you,” Kagome declared. As her husband resumed chopping the rest of the potatoes, she wrapped her arms around his middle and rested her cheek against his back. 

“I’m gonna be done in five seconds, you know.” 

“Go slower.” 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but the quick beat of the chopping slowed to a different, sweeter ballad, and Kagome hummed contentedly along.

[soliska]

Chapter 51 - Vulnerable

Bugs were crawling under his skin. At least that's what it felt like. 

Moonless nights always made him feel like a stranger in his own skin, but for some reason this go around was so much worse. 

CONTINUE

P.S. Hi! Sorry it's been years. I find it super hard to match the calibre of the previous ficlets in the collection. This newest one I'm still borderline on, but I figured I should perhaps not discard every new thing I write for Firsts...

Tags! @alerialblu @hopidoodle @redflamesofpassion @lavendertwilight89 @zelink-inukag @superpixie42 @four-letter-girl @anisaanisa @amethystablaze @lordofthechips @kawaiichan67 @born-for-eachother @dawnrider @holi-holy

Message if you want on/off the tag wall :)

[cannibalsforbreakfast]

FIC MASTERLIST

WIP Series - Stranger Things

Cruel Summer (AO3) The Eddie Munson speedway AU no one asked for. Enemies to friends to lovers. No Upside Down, no use of Y/N. Fast cars, fast times.

Tumblr Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Completed Series - Inuyasha

The Fifth Flavor Grumpy-sunshine photographer Inu, chef Kagome. Enemies to lovers. Ramen is made.

Entitled to You MirSan two-shot featuring books, misunderstandings, fake-dating. Disabled Miroku and wingman Jakotsu.

Just Another Day in the Life of Superheroes *group fic* Inu Gang, but it's the Incredibles. I wrote Chapter Four.

WIP Series - Inuyasha

I Love the Flaws You Try to Hide *WIP, hope to update soon* When Kagome Higurashi wakes up on the morning of her 21st birthday to find that she doesn't have a soulmate mark, she doesn't know what to do.

Kotodama *WIP, hope to update soon* A modern InuKag friends-to-lovers, high school AU with powers, gangsters, words that mean more than words, and a cross-class romance.

I Can Quit Anything, But I Can't Quit You *on hold* Inuyasha is a professional "quitting consultant" and Kagome can't find the perfect job.

One-shots - Inuyasha

Sing, My Little Bird An Inuyasha homage to Angela Carter's "The Erl-King."

Skeins and Schemes Kagome wants to make Inuyasha an extra special Christmas gift. Canon-compliant, sweet, sweet fluff.

You've Got a Read on Me InuKag coffee shop meet-cute with tarot cards.

Tasting Spoons Part of the TFF universe. A sweet-spicy one-shot complement, featuring licking and chocolate.

In My Pulse, There Is Only You Reverse Bang 2021 for Art Inu-spiration with @kirrtash. Mind control, angst, pining, ambiguous ending. My fav.

Constellation Consolations Since she's returned to the Feudal Era, Inuyasha notices that Kagome's always sleepy. A sweet little post-marriage InuKag story.

I Don't Need Perfection Friends to lovers InuKag. There's only one bed.

Lae's IY Ficlets *ongoing one-shots* Inuyasha drips and drabs.

Unpublished WIPs - Titles

These will some day make it out of my brain.

Werewolf

Iscariot

Rural Shenanigans

Hello, Harbinger

[inukag-on-ao3]

Bonds Across Time

by StarlingChild4

UPDATE! CHAPTER 38 NOW AVAILABLE HERE!

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M, Gen

Fandoms: InuYasha - A Feudal Fairy Tale

Relationships: Higurashi Kagome/InuYasha, Miroku/Sango (InuYasha), Ayame/Kouga (InuYasha)

Characters: InuYasha (InuYasha), Higurashi Kagome, Kouga (InuYasha), Ayame (InuYasha), Miroku (InuYasha), plus 3 more

Additional Tags: Friendship, Friendship/Love, Fluff and Angst, Potentially OOC, Oneshot collection, plus 1 more

Summary: An archive of my older Inuyasha oneshots and ficlets, mostly from 2017-2018. Lots of InuKag and Gen Fics, plus several other ships. 90% canon-verse or post-canon, plus a handful of AUs. All standalone works per chapter. Rating varies; mostly clean, but a few nsfw are sprinkled in here.Originally posted on ff.net and Tumblr

Words: 25,483 | Chapters: 38/? | Language: English | Private: No

[mamabearcatfanart]

"Am I forgiven yet?"

Her voice was soft and timid, and as much as he hated hearing that tone from her, he also felt vindicated. She knew. She knew she was in the wrong.

"I don't know, are you?", he huffed, glancing up at her. Her eyes were red and puffy, she smelt of salt and regret. But he was still too angry to soften his expression. "Don't seem to matter what I say Kagome, you'll just do what you want anyway."

Inuyasha returned his gaze to the long grass, angrily pulling up clumps of it by the roots. He stiffened as she sat down beside him, her small shoulder leaning into his, a soft hand moving down his sleeve to tentatively slide through his own. Her fingers squeezed his gently.

"I just wanted to help."

There was a brittle edge to her voice, and as much as he wanted to hold on to his anger, he knew he would have to let it go now, before it did more harm than good.

"Just, stay where I tell you next time, got it?"

"I'm sorry I frightened you, Inuyasha."

"Tch. Who said I was frightened, wench."

"I did. And you were. So was I."

Kagome snuggled in against him, and he gave a deep sigh, letting the stiffness in his shoulders drop. He felt a little better. But one of these days this girl was gonna make his heart stop.

[julyzaa]

💛 and 💀!

Going with Inuyasha for this one

💛: What is a popular ship you just can't get behind, and why?

Sessrin, but also sesskag.

Sessrin because its poorly executed in yashahime and the manga and also cheapens sesshomaru's development by adding a romantic element to his bond with rin who as rumiko takahashi has confirmed was a father/daughter bond.

Sesskag, because i just don't want to break up inukag, even in my sango/kagome ficlet i couldn't break them up lol

💀: If you had to choose one major character to die, who would you choose?

Kaede, srry ma'am but you should've died at some point.

But also Jaken because he was super annoying

[i-belong-in-a-retirement-home]

"I have already picked groups for your project."

HEY LOOK, I DECIDED TO ACTUALLY WRITE!!!

This is going to be the actual beginning for my omegaverse InuKag fic. I'm gonna call it "Just One Kiss" for future reference. Anything I post under this will be tagged as both "an a/b/o inuyasha fanfic" and "Just One Kiss Fanfic" Other ficlets I previously posted are already under the former tag! :)

This little ficlet sneak peak is roughly 450 words. Just some characterization and premise stuff. This scene is from InuYasha's perspective. Some mild language, idk

Class was too early for InuYasha to care. He had been up late dealing with his on and off girlfriend Kikyo. He had missed out on several hours of sleep, so he laid his head down to try and get a nap in before class started. Instead of sleeping though, his head spun around Kikyo.

I don't even know why she called me… could have been a broken nail, given all the dumb crap she apparently needs to tell me. I need to stop answering her late night calls.

Groaning to himself, InuYasha picked his head up off the desk as the bell rung. The teacher started with introductions, explained the goals of the class and such. About ten minutes in though, two girls came stumbling through the door.

"Oh! Sorry miss! The bell was broken! We didn't know where the class was!" they fumbled. The woman held up a hand to pause them and gestured to the empty desks.

The teacher said something about her late policy, but InuYasha heard none of it. Right next to him sat the prettiest girl he had ever seen, Kagome Higurashi. There was no getting close to her though, thanks to her jackass boyfriend Koga. The fool hated InuYasha, admittedly, InuYasha hated him too. But it had been so long that neither of them could even remember why. Since, Koga fought him on sight, InuYasha had watched from a far for close to four years.

She was the closest he had ever come to a goddess. The gentle curve of her lips, the flutter of her warm, caramel eyes, enthralled him. Worse of all though, her scent.

While it was slightly suffocated by Koga’s disgusting scent, it still ebbed off her like a tsunami. A mix of honey, and cherries, and a something he could never quite put a finger on. It was intoxicating, drowning him in the sweetness.

And now she's sitting next to me. How the hell am I supposed to focus?

He could already feel a knot building in his stomach. It begged him to shove his face into her for even more of her glorious scent. So instead of acting on the ridiculous thought, InuYasha tried to casually cover his nose and turn back to the teacher.

"The majority of you grade in the class will rely on a group project that you will work on throughout the semester. As this is a Government class, we will run a mock election. You will have to put forth a candidate from each group and run a mock campaign," she stated. "As I don't want to waste any time, I have already assigned groups. Once you are in your groups, the rest of the class period will be spent getting to know your group."

[mamabearcat]

Salty and Sweet

(uncropped pic under the cut because it contains a nice ripe peach)

"I'm ho-oome."

"I'm in the kitchen!"

"Wow."

"What?"

"Why are you all dolled up sittin' pretty on the kitchen counter? Wait, today's not somethin' special and I've forgotten is it?"

"You mean the skirt? No, we just had that bake sale at school today to raise money, and I decided to look the part. I've had this forever, I just don't think you've ever seen me wear it."

"You look cute in it. You wanna go out for dinner while you're lookin' extra beautiful?"

"Oooh, can we try that new Korean chicken place!?"

"Sure, I'll just have a shower and then we'll go."

"Kiss first!"

"Oh my god woman, so demanding. Just one. *smooch* You taste sweet, pretty girl, what you been eating?"

"A peach. You taste a little salty."

"Yeah, sorry 'bout that. I was choosin' some hardwood in the lumber yard this afternoon. It got pretty hot and my face got all sweaty. I'll go get clean, and-"

"No, stay, I like it."

"Kagome, I reek and I'm all dusty! I'll get your nice clothes all dirty." *wrapping legs around him* "Mmmm, maybe I feel like getting dirty too. *licking his neck* "Inuyasha, I don't think I'm craving chicken anymore. More like salt and another nice firm peach."

"HEY! Watch those toes Kagome, they're cold!" *snickering* "Fuckin' hell, you're insatiable."

"Oh yeah *sigh* there it is. The juiciest peach in the house."

[xoxopandapanda]

InuKag Week 2023: Day 1: Love Language(s)

@inukag-week

Day 1  Day 2  Day 3  Day 4  Day 5  Day 6  Day 7

AO3 

Fanfiction

He hadn’t really dealt with other people in any other capacity than a hostile one for most of his life, so Inuyasha didn’t always know how to read another person in the way someone socialized when young could. He struggled with always feeling as if the people around him were just waiting on baited breath to show him their hostility, and often believed others to be a threat to him when they were perhaps tying to do the right thing by him.

He was quick to snarl and snap at anyone who presented even a mild inconvenience to him, his mind always looking for threats that were not always there.

Kagome had squeezed into his life (starting with being squeezed to him by the madame caterpillar), and was never actually put off by his behavior. He would cut her off, insult her left and right, accuse her of things she didn’t do, and yet she still stuck around.

“Jerk.” His quip about her having slow legs was apparently louder than he intended. “You’re just abnormally fast.” She tossed him a look over her shoulder. “Not everyone is as athletic as you.”

Intended as an insult most likely, her words hit him differently. She thought he was athletic. Not a freak, not an abomination.

Athletic. The word bounced around in his head for the rest of the day.

Souta had told him once that women liked athletic men. He hadn’t really understood what that word was (and honestly still didn’t), but Kagome had used it to describe him.

Did that mean Kagome liked him? Like liked him?

Inuyasha used whatever excuse he could to go see Souta and ask more about what it meant to be athletic, much to Kagome’s dismay.

The two of them had huffed loudly at each other for a few minutes before she ran off to ‘study’ with some friends that Inuyasha had a vague notion existed. He knew they knew he was important to Kagome and that was all that mattered. He had established himself as a part of Kagome’s life and they were friendly to him mostly.

“Souta.” He announced, sitting down next to the boy as he played on the ‘television’. Bright lights and bouncing shapes filled his peripheral, but his focus was on Kagome’s brother.

Souta didn’t look at him. “What’s up?”

“What is an athletic man?”

Souta froze. The bouncing shapes stopped and a descending noise of disappointment left the TV. Inuyasha knew that meant Souta had lost (although what he lost was still a mystery). “What do you mean?” Souta looked at him with the same bewildered look Kagome had given him hundreds of times.

Inuyasha huffed and leaned back, crossing his arms across his chest. “You told me women like athletic men. What is an athletic man?”

Souta’s face relaxed as he leaned back on his hands and shrugged. “It’s a guy who is good at sports.”

“Sports?” Inuyasha furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“Yeah, like running, jumping, hitting balls.” Inuyasha’s lean in and further crinkled face told Souta that his explanation was not working. “Using arrows to hit things? Swinging swords? Punching?”

“Fighting?”

Souta pondered for a second before saying, “Yeah, fighting without the killing part.”

Inuyasha nodded fiercely. “I’m good at that.”

Souta wondered if he meant fighting or not killing, but figured he didn’t really want an answer. “Athletic men have muscles and are good at sports.”

“I have muscles. And I’m good at sports.” Inuyasha’s chest puffed out as he sat ramrod straight. “I’m an athletic man.”

Inuyasha stood up abruptly and announced, fist pumping in the air. “I’m an athletic man, and Kagome must LIKE ME.”

Souta didn’t have time to react properly before Inuyasha had vanished from the house. Grandpa walked into the room, confusion drenched across his features. “What was that?” He asked his grandson.

Souta locked eyes with the older man. “I don’t know but I don’t know if it’s a good thing. Something tells me Kagome’s not going to be pleased with it.”

Kagome probably would not have been pleased with Inuyasha’s newly form conclusion that she was all but professing her love by calling him athletic. Instead, she was left in the dark as she, and by proxy the rest of the Inugumi, dealt with Inuyasha’s new found confidence and boldness.

Miroku had to leave Kaede’s hut when Kagome came back from her break in the future as to not insult his friend by accident.

Inuyasha had waited, not patiently but not anxiously either, for Kagome to walk in the door and loudly announce. “Kagome! You are athletic!”

Not expecting any sort of announcement of the kind from her half-demon friend, especially not a nice one, Kagome balked and rolled onto her heels from startlement. “Excuse me?”

“You are athletic!” Inuyasha repeated himself, his face becoming slightly flushed. “Am I athletic?” His voice dropped a bit with this question.

Miroku slunk past the priestess in training, covering his face and clenching his jaw. Whatever was going on was wild at best, and inappropriate at worst. Best to leave before it got worse and he had to mediate a solution.

Kagome moved to the side to the let the monk pass her in the door frame, her eyes still locked on Inuyasha, mind racing to figure out what was going on. If it was anyone else, she would have thought this was a prank happening. But Inuyasha was the most sincere and honest person she had ever met, so what was doing?

Kagome’s mouth opened and closed once, before she agreed. “Yeah, you’re athletic.”

“And that’s good, right?” Inuyasha’s voice was even smaller.

Kagome nodded, slipping her loafers off and stepping into the room. “Of course. It’s a great thing to be athletic.” She avoided making eye contact with anyone as she placed her backpack down and got settled in for the night. Whatever had sparked this outburst was not something she wanted to engage with, and she secretly hoped that by playing along with whatever had just happened would encourage Inuyasha to drop the fixation on being athletic.

Inuyasha let out a loud and pleased huff, squatting down to go through her backpack looking for snacks. Kagome took a chance to look over at Sango, who was sitting down, mouth agape, staring at Inuyasha’s back. At mentally connecting with Kagome, Sango shook her head and Kaede let out an audible snicker, causing Shippo to loudly ask, “What’s athletic?”

No one answered the child’s question, as no one wanted the experience to continue and he was easily distracted by candy.

Kagome would later learn what exactly was going on when Inuyasha told Koga off by shouting “Kagome likes me because I’m athletic! LIKE LIKES ME!”

Apparently, she had found a new love language with him.