Clash of Alphas by sarhea

Riku Ryuu's Prompt - Kitten

AN: For those of you who left reviews wanting Sesshoumaru to call Kagome ‘kitten’.

~ooO Kitten Ooo~

Ever since they had left the village with their replenished supplies Kagome had been very aware of Miroku eyeing the red ribbon around her throat. Finally unable to tolerate his speculative look she turned and glared at him.

“What are you looking at?”

He blinked mildly at her but the mischief in purple eyes was unmistakable. “I’m just surprised,” he finally said with a grin.

“Of what?” she asked suspiciously.

“That you didn’t make more of a fuss. About being collared like a pampered prized pet.”

He was surprised when the young miko did not explode as expected. She heaved a deep sigh and confessed, “I did think of it but decided not to.” Then she smiled. “I’m only glad it doesn’t have a bell.”

“A what?”

She laughed. “It’s a saying in my time, you bell a cat to avoid being sneaked up on by it. With Sesshoumaru being a daiyoukai, I need every advantage dealing with him.”

He snorted involuntarily at the image, of a neko-Kagome wearing a red collar with bells. Then he coughed. “He is inu and will not appreciate his mate being compared to a cat,” he told her repressively though his eyes flashed merrily.

It was Kagome’s turn to snort. “As long as he doesn’t call me kitten I don’t care.” Her expression turned pensive. “Would others know what the ribbon means?”

Miroku examined the band of red silk with his spiritual senses. “Those with power will know you have been marked, mated, claimed. Most humans will only see a bright adornment worn by a pretty woman who cannot afford expensive jewellery.”

The miko sighed. “I only hope this deters any youkai trying to kidnap me,” she murmured.

Miroku smiled encouragingly at her. “I am sure it will. Sesshoumaru-sama is powerful and those with self-preservation instincts and brains will avoid antagonizing him.”

Kagome laughed. “That explains why InuYasha’s always picking fights with Sesshoumaru. ‘Cause he’s definitely lacking in both those traits.”

Miroku laughed and moved to join Sango. This left a space beside Kagome that was quickly filled by one of the subjects of their conversation.

“This one must confess you do resemble a kitten… affectionate, gentle, playful… but ready to spit and snarl at an enemy or threat to what you claim,” Sesshoumaru murmured softly.

Kagome blushed bright red and stammered incoherently before speeding ahead, ignoring his ensuing chuckles and the inquiring looks from her friends. Sesshoumaru had just called her Kitten!

TBC...