I don't own any InuYasha characters.

"No!"

Kagome blinked. And blinked again as she saw Kouga taking a step back, holding a hand to his chest. He too was blinking, somewhat surprised.

Oh. She had pushed him.

"Hah!" Kagome jumped slightly as Kouga began laughing. "I knew there was something about you that had gotten dog-turd's panties in a twist! Good to know that you know how to say no." He winked at her dumbfounded expression.

What the…

"What do you mean? What did you do that for?" she demanded, feeling embarrassed and ticked off as the boy continued to laugh.

"Have to know you won't break little doggie's achy breaky heart, no?" Kouga was still grinning, but he had a serious glint in his eye.

Kagome watched him oddly, eyebrow raised and stomach fluttering. "Why… would I break his heart?" It sounded stupid saying it out loud, just like that, but she wanted to hear a reason, wanted to hear something.

Kouga smiled kindly and walked closer to her again. She flinched and ducked her head, but all he did was patting her head lightly.

"Yes – why would you?" Kagome glanced up, uncertain at his suddenly soft and sad tone. Kouga's face had lost all previous amusement and simply bore a gentle – pained – smile.

Her heart ached and Kagome found it hard not to ask what was wrong.

Kouga tilted his head, as though listening to something. A sharp tooth – fang – flashed as he smirked. "Looks like my time is up. Nice meeting you, Kagome."

Two quick steps and he leaped out of her window, leaving her confused, shocked and a little angry.

'What's with all these boys jumping out of windows all the time?' Kagome thought irritatedly as she stomped over to the window, intent on shutting it and locking it. Perhaps even placing several books on the windowsill – somehow she didn't put it past Kouga to sneak a peek if he could.

Before she could even lay her hands on the cold glass, a clawed hand shoot through, gripping the window's side...

Well, look at that! I'm still not quite dead. It's just my muse, twotiming me. That brittle little thing is funky enough to play around with me!

Hmph. Whatever. She will see what happens when she plays around with me...