Anniversary Drabbles
Over a month ago, I started collecting drabble requests to commemorate my one-year anniversary as a fanfic writer, and now I can finally post them!
I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, whether you requested a drabble or not.
These drabbles were a wonderful challenge. I got to write several pairings and fandoms I hadn't written before. I hope you enjoy them!
---------
For: littleduchess
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sango/Miroku
Theme: Pride
Words: 147
Stronger Than Pride
Miroku’s playful behavior confounded Sango from the moment they met.
She had never encountered such a lecherous, manipulative man in all her life, and she’d be damned if she was going to let herself fall victim to his charms.
He’d swindle people for food-and she’d bop him on the head.
He’d make passes at other women-and she’d bop him on the head.
He’d try to caress her bottom-and she’d bop him on the head, although perhaps with a bit less ferocity.
And still she’d repeat to herself, “Like hell I’m going to fall for that stupid, lecherous monk!”
But when he risked his life to save hers, and asked her to live together with him, Sango did the hardest thing she’d ever have to do. She swallowed her pride, and said yes. Because there was one thing stronger than pride, and that was love.
-----------------------
For: haro
Fandom: Mermaid Saga
Pairing: Mana/Yuta
Theme: Kindred
Words: 318
Just Like Us
There was one thing Yuta had learned from being immortal: No matter how long you live, you can never learn everything. No matter how many books, magazines, and newspapers he had gotten his hands on (usually by sifting through people’s trash), there were always new discoveries and advances to learn about. Society and its views of the world were constantly changing, and Yuta was humbled over the 500 years he’d lived to witness it.
But the world was an even bigger mystery to Mana, who made it painfully obvious just how new everything was to her.
“What’s that animal, Yuta?” she asked one day, pointing at a billboard that advertised a popular brand of soft drink as they were walking down the street,
Yuta glanced up, surprised. “That’s a polar bear. It lives in the Arctic. See, it has white fur so it blends in with the snow.”
“Oh,” Mana said. There was a short pause. “What’s the Arctic?”
-
When he saved up enough money, Yuta decided for Mana’s benefit and enjoyment (she did seem to love animals so) to take her to the aquarium so she could learn about these things firsthand.
Yuta had never seen Mana so happy as she looked in wonder at all the animals, but no exhibit captured her attention more than the orca tank. Mana had never seen anything like it.
“Look, Yuta! Giant fish!”
“Not fish, Mana. Orcas are mammals just like us; they breathe air just like us, they’re warm-blooded just like us…” He continued talking while Mana watched the orcas swim, spellbound. “You know, the amazing thing about orcas is they share a strong bond with their family. They spend their entire lives with the ones they care about-”
“Just like us!” Mana smiled.
Yuta was speechless. Two orcas swam by in the background of the tank.
“Yes,” he finally murmured, his voice light. “Just like us.”
-----------------------
For: Tomoe
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sess/Rin
Theme: Indulgence
Words: 117
A Simple Wish
Rin had been traveling with Sesshomaru for many years, and whether because of her frugal upbringing or unassuming nature, she never once requested anything of him.
But one day they passed a field of the most extravagant pink flowers, and he saw her eyes pine for the wildflowers of her youth, and her silent reluctance as they went on their way.
It was such a simple wish, but she did not voice it all the same. Sesshomaru’s brow made the slightest crinkle.
The next day when Rin awoke, the room was full of the blush-colored blossoms. A bouquet was dropped into her hands. She looked up and marveled.
Sesshomaru smiled. He could indulge Rin just this once.
-----------------------
For: prpl_pen
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Kagura/Kagome
Theme: Oracle
Words: 310
The Oracle
It hadn’t been long since Naraku first created her, but already Kagura tired of his control. She longed for her freedom, but knew that it would be a slow, precarious journey to gain it.
One day she encountered a strange, old woman whose shoulders appeared perpetually hunched over. “Care to have your fortune told, Missy?”
“Tch,” Kagura continued on past her, “I don’t believe in such nonsense.”
But the old woman’s ragged voice called out. “I see in your eyes that you wish to be free.”
Kagura stopped in mid-step. She turned to the old woman, and scowled. “What do you think I am, a fool? You could say that to any person and it’d hold a bit of truth.” But Kagura felt herself moving closer to the oracle.
“Your heart…” the old woman murmured. “I see it…. It belongs to someone else.”
Kagura gasped. How could she have known that? Maybe this wasn’t a load of crock…
The oracle continued. “But the person who holds your heart… She is hoping for you.”
Kagura’s face fell. She? Who the hell was ‘she’ supposed to be?
Leaving the oracle behind in the dust, Kagura flew away, disgusted. To think that she’d actually started believing that foolishness. Naraku held her heart, not a woman. And there was certainly no one hoping for her…
“You will be free one day!” the oracle called after her. But Kagura didn’t hear it.
-
Much, much later, Kagome asked Kagura to join them. “You’ll be safer…”
And Kagura saw it. That look in Kagome’s eyes. It was… hope.
Kagura’s body jerked in realization. So, she mused, that’s who the old bat was talking about. There was a twinge of regret in her heart as she flew away, declining the offer of companionship.
It was too late for that…
Kagome watched her go with an aching heart.
-----------------------
For: rashiea
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Inuyasha/Kagome
Theme: Something to Protect
Words: 156
His Heart
Inuyasha’s back was leaned against the tree, his arms crossed, tense. The night of the new moon was never a pleasant one for him.
Kagome sat down next to him and pushed a strand of black hair out of his face. “Aren’t you going to get any sleep?”
“Keh,” he scowled, “You know I can’t.”
“But we’re all together. We’ll be safe.”
Inuyasha turned his face away from her. “You just don’t understand.”
Kagome placed a hand on his shoulder. “What do you mean?”
“It’s different now. Before I only had to worry about myself. But now if I let my guard down, it’s not just my life I’m risking, it’s… yours, too.”
“Inuyasha…”
“Kagome, you don’t understand what it feels like to have… something to protect.”
Kagome reached out and turned his cheek to her, and looked into his eyes. She knew exactly what he meant. For she too had something to protect: His heart.
-----------------------
For: belledaynight
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Koga/Kagome
Theme: Goodbye
Words: 121
Final Farewell
Koga’s greatest show of bravery, Kagome thought, was his decision to back down from the fight. With his Shikon shards gone, he knew there was nothing more he could do to help the cause.
As he gave Kagome their last embrace, she wondered, ‘Will I ever see him again?’
And then he was gone, running back to his home, Ginta and Hakkaku trailing behind him.
But indeed, that was not meant to be the end for Kagome and Koga. Their final farewell would be centuries later, long after Kagome turned around at the sound of a heart-stopping, familiar voice belonging to a man that had braved the cruel loneliness of time for her. The beginning of the end started with…
“Hello.”
-----------------------
For: stoicstella
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Sango, Kirara
Theme: Trust
Words: 200
Trust
Kirara had trusted Midoriko. She was the only person Kirara allowed to ride her. With her mistress’s untimely death, Kirara wandered about aimlessly, forlorn. She growled at anyone who came near her, and shook off those foolish enough to try to tame her.
After a long time, she found herself back at the demon slayer village. A young girl was playing with an even smaller boy, practicing with some weapon.
“Hey, Kohaku, look!” the little girl pointed. “A demon cat!”
The little boy fell back. “Don’t go near it, Sango. It looks scary!”
“She’s not scary, Kohaku,” Sango smiled, “She’s beautiful.”
Kirara looked into Sango’s shining face. This girl was full of warmth, and kindness, and… strength. Kirara had not detected such inner-strength in a human since the fall of Midoriko.
“Ahh, sis, it’s coming closer!” Kohaku inched backward.
Kirara went up to Sango and nuzzled her hand. She seemed to be saying, “It’s okay…”
Sango’s eyes widened. Was this creature asking her to ride her?
-
Kirara flew through the air with Sango on her back. She hadn’t felt so fulfilled in a long, long time. And that was how the bond of trust grew between Sango and Kirara.
-----------------------
For: ypaladinofchaos
Fandom: Ranma 1/2
Pairing: Ukyo/Ryoga
Theme: Fluff
Words: 418
Homecoming
There was a din of noise in the restaurant as happy customers ate and chatted, and okonomiyaki sizzled on the grill. But Ryoga heard none of it.
“I’m going out,” he gestured, picking up his pack and umbrella. “Back in a few minutes.”
Ukyo looked up from her cooking. “Ryoga, wait. Where are you going?”
“Just around the corner.” And with that, he slipped out the door and was gone.
Ukyo bit her lip. ‘Just around the corner’ could mean anywhere from Hokkaido to Okinawa for Ryoga. Her eyes were frozen on the door as an okonomiyaki started to burn under her spatula.
-
Ryoga hadn’t expected his trip to the gift shop to take him two weeks. But then, he did have a really bad sense of direction.
‘Have to make it back in time,’ he repeated over and over. There was no way he was going to let Ukyo spend her birthday alone.
As he made his way down the mountain-how the mountain had gotten there on the way to the store, he didn’t know-he tripped over a root and tumbled downward until a jagged boulder stopped him short.
‘Dammit!’ He stood up, rubbing his head and brushing himself off. ‘Have to keep going. Have to hurry!’ And he stormed off, not noticing that the tiny jewelry box with the red bow had fallen out of his backpack, coming to rest in the shadow of the rock.
-
Ryoga sniffed the air and caught the scent of fresh okonomiyaki cooking. He smiled. He was home.
When he entered the shop, Ukyo was sitting with shoulders slumped behind the empty counter, back turned to him.
“Ukyo! I made it in time. It’s a miracle! Happy birthd-” he reached into his backpack for the locket he’d gone through hell to get for her, and blanched when it was nowhere to be found.
Ukyo turned around with an unreadable expression on her face, staring up at Ryoga.
“Oh no,” he whispered, starting to sweat. “Ukyo, I’m sorry. I went to get you a present, but I must have lost it. Everything’s ruined-”
Suddenly his words were cut off by her lips and he was caught in her embrace. When she let him go, her eyes were wet and her face was shining. “You didn’t ruin my birthday, Ryoga. You’ve given me the best gift of all.”
Ryoga was still blushing. “I did? But wh-“
And again he was cut off with a squeeze.
“You.”
-----------------------
For: empath_eia
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Kikyo/Kagome
Theme: Envy
Words: 134
Spoiler Warning: manga ch 465
One
Kagome had never seen Kikyo smile before-truly smile, not with bitterness, anger, or envy. Just the simple turning up of lips that falls peacefully upon the face. But that was the smile Kikyo graced Kagome with now, as she was dying of all times, and the sight of it made Kagome cry.
She had failed to save her, yet Kikyo was smiling, and for the first time, Kagome saw herself in her, saw Kikyo as the young woman she once was and never got to be. She was just a girl with a duty that spread across lifetimes, and now Kagome must fulfill it for her.
The rivalry was over, Kagome realized, as Kikyo’s body turned into light. They were one now, and she would see that Kikyo had not died in vain.
-----------------------
For: ruriruri
Fandom: Death Note
Characters: Mello, Matt
Words: 379
Death By Chocolate
Matt began unloading the month’s supply of groceries, starting with the 24 crates full of chocolate that Mello had requested.
Afterward, he went to have a chat with Mello who, as usual, was nursing a candy bar in one hand.
“Uh, Mello?”
“Wha?”
“You ever think, um, maybe you should cool it on the chocolate for a while?”
Mello bit into his candy bar, and chewed loudly, un-amused. “Why?”
“Well, it’s just…” Matt scratched the back of his head. “You eat an awful lot of those things and… it can’t be healthy.”
Mello stood up, showing off his slender physique. “Matt. Do I look unhealthy to you? I’m skinny as a twig.”
“I know.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“All right.”
Mello licked the chocolate off his fingers. “Now hand me another candy bar.”
-
“Mr. Mello, you have diabetes.”
“What?” Mello couldn’t believe the doctor’s diagnosis. “But-how?”
“Well, at this point we can’t be exactly sure. There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of diabetes but… My guess is probably from consuming those 52 candy bars a day.”
“…Oh.”
“I mean, did it ever occur to you that maybe you shouldn’t eat so much chocolate all the time? That maybe you should explore the other food groups every once and a while?”
Mello shrugged. “Well, I’m so skinny, I thought it wasn’t affecting my health-“
“Fifty-two candy bars a day, Mr. Mello! Fifty-two! That’s madness!” The doctor turned around to jot some notes down on his chart. “From now on, I want you off chocolate. No more chocolate.”
He turned back to Mello. “If you eat one more piece of candy, it could-Hey, are you eating a chocolate bar right now?!”
Mello blinked, mouth frozen in half-bite. “Just a little one.”
“I mean it, Mr. Mello. I forbid you to eat chocolate. Doctor’s orders. Is that clear?”
Mello’s eyes narrowed, and he swallowed the dark chocolate in his mouth. His voice lowered dangerously. “Crystal.”
-
On the way out, Mello made sure to memorize the doctor’s name. Guess the Death Note would come in handy tonight.
He took a bite of his candy bar, smacking his lips. “Hmph. It’ll serve that bitch right telling me I can’t have my chocolate.”
-----------------------
For: sexyblack
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Inuyasha, Sesshomaru
Theme: Jealousy
Words: 143
Brotherly Grudge
Inuyasha scowled. His latest attempt to steal the Shikon Jewel from Kikyo had failed. Damn that wench for getting in his way.
He must get his hands on that jewel and become a full demon. He must!
He could still see his brother’s gloating face in his mind from all those years ago. Damn Sesshomaru. He was born with all the benefits of being a full demon. Inuyasha would have to go through ten kinds of hell to attain that status.
His face burned with jealousy as he recalled the first time he met his brother, the first time he saw the obvious superiorities Sesshomaru possessed.
“It’s unfair!” he screamed. “Why does Sesshomaru get everything so easy!”
Falling to his knees, his fists dug into the dirt as he vowed to become a full demon.
“Someday… Someday I’ll have a fluffy mokomoko-sama too!”
-----------------------
For: obscurezenith
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Sessmom, Inuyasha
Theme: Surprise
Words: 141
Surprise in the Skies
Inuyasha had followed his brother’s scent to the strange, ethereal castle in the sky. He and his friends walked up the long, steep steps lined by impressive guardsmen, reaching the structure at the top.
They were greeted by the sight of a tall, slender figure dressed in the finest women’s robes resting on a throne.
The white hair… the crescent mark on the forehead… the regal, dignified air… It was a dog demon!
Inuyasha started to sweat uncomfortably, eyes widened in surprise. Could this really be who he thought it was…?
He finally got up the courage to speak. Clearing his throat with a cough, he took a deep breath.
“I had no idea you were a cross-dresser, Sesshomaru.”
Sesshomaru’s mother frowned, staring down at her son’s half-brother. Obviously Inuyasha had gotten his intellect from his mother’s side of the family.
-----------------------
For: lucindathemaid
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Sessmom, Izayoi
Theme: War
Words: 136
It’s On!
Sesshomaru’s mother stared in disbelief at her husband’s human consort. It was a long time since they had come into contact with one another, and this latest development was outrageous.
“Izayoi, you bitch… When you charmed my husband with your feminine wiles, that I could tolerate, but this… This is unacceptable!”
Izayoi smirked, unable to help enjoy seeing her get so worked up over something so trivial. “Honestly, I didn’t think it was that big a deal…”
“Not a big deal?!” Sesshomaru’s mother raged, her face turning purple. “We’re wearing the same dress, you whore!”
“Now, now, there’s no reason to get so upset.” Izayoi remained calm, smiling sweetly under lowered lashes. “Besides, it looks better on me, anyway.”
The veins in Sesshomaru’s mother’s forehead snapped. “Oh that’s it, bitch! It’s on now. This means WAR!”
-----------------------
For: alterfano
Fandom: Ranma 1/2
Pairing: Kasumi/Dr. Tofu
Theme: Marriage
Words: 220
The Proposal
“K-Kasumi,” Dr. Tofu stuttered, “I-I-I have s-something to ask y-you…” He wiped his brow, lifting a glass to take a drink of water-and ended up pouring it all over his head.
‘Oh my,’ Kasumi wondered. ‘Dr. Tofu’s acting stranger than usual.’
“Kasumi!” Dr. Tofu went to clasp her hand, and grabbed his lab skeleton’s hand instead.
His assistant-Genma Saotome in panda form-watched the proceedings, shaking his furry head. He held up a sign with an arrow pointing in Kasumi’s direction that read, Over there, Idiot!
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Panda,” Dr. Tofu uttered.
Kasumi cocked her head. “Dr. Tofu, are you feeling all right? You seem awfully nervous.”
Dr. Tofu bit his lip. She was right. He was never going to be able to work up the nerve to do it, not with her beautiful face staring at him. Unless…
Dr. Tofu took his glasses off and Kasumi turned into an ambiguous blur. Smiling with a sigh of relief, he took her hand and dropped to his knees.
“Kasumi Tendo… Will you marry me?”
“Dr. Tofu!” Kasumi’s face went red. “I didn’t realize… Yes!”
The happy couple hugged and Dr. Tofu put his glasses back on. He never needed to take them off again. Hearing those words from Kasumi’s lips gave him courage to last a lifetime.
-----------------------
For: fluffyfledgling
Fandom: Inuyasha
Character: Kikyo
Theme: Charm
Words: 118
The Charm
Kikyo felt her body brace itself as though a tremendous weight had just been dropped upon it as she closed her hand around the bauble.
Her eyes opened wide. “What is this charm?”
The demon slayer looked at her with the utmost seriousness. “It is no charm. The Shikon Jewel holds enormous power that can be used for both good and evil. Only one such as yourself has the ability to purify it and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.”
Kikyo glanced down at the tiny, shimmering orb on her palm. Never had something so innocuous looking felt so heavy to her heart. Perhaps, she wondered, the smallest of objects can hold the deadliest of consequences.
-----------------------
For: evilillusions
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Jaken, Rin
Theme: Difference
Words: 191
Small Differences
One day while waiting for Sesshomaru to return from one of his excursions, Rin turned to Jaken, whose arms were crossed in impatience.
“Master Jaken, you remind Rin of one of her brothers before he died.”
“What?” Jaken raised his beaklike snout in the air, insulted. “How can I, a fearsome and powerful demon, bear any resemblance to a lowly human?”
“Well,” Rin poked her fingers in the dirt. “Because my brother was always scolding me and saying I caused a lot of trouble… But he always looked out for me and protected me, just like you….” Rin smiled and added, “Also, he was short.”
“Ridiculous!” Jaken squawked. “I am not short! And if your brother and I both said you cause trouble, it’s not because we’re alike-it’s because you do!”
Rin didn’t seem to be paying any attention to him. “And you also remind Rin of her brother…” she murmured, playing with a flower poking through the grass, “Because Rin looked up to him very much.”
Jaken got very quiet then. ‘What a foolish, sentimental human,’ he thought. But a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth anyway.
-----------------------
For: nelson_bannaba
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Jaken, Sessmom
Theme: Nature of love
Words: 307
Spoiler Warning: manga ch 471
Nature of Love
Jaken bowed down over and over again to the gracious dog demon standing before him. He had been proven wrong about Sesshomaru’s mother’s seeming indifference, and now he owed her his happiness for saving Rin’s life.
Suddenly a beautiful, yet haughty, voice told him to stop prostrating himself. “Little youkai,” Sesshomaru’s mother continued.
Jaken looked up at the dog demon who towered over him. “Honorable Mother, my name is Jaken-”
“Little youkai,” she repeated nonetheless. “What is your opinion of that little human girl?”
“Rin?” Jaken stuttered, glancing back at the girl who was skipping down the steps behind Lord Sesshomaru. “Well, she can be very noisy… and stubborn, and difficult…” Jaken paused to think. “And I always have to look after her and keep her out of trouble.” He began to knit his brow. “She’s a never-ending headache, and yet somehow Lord Sesshomaru still favors her greatly over me, his loyal servant-”
“So,” Sesshomaru’s mother interrupted, “If this girl bothers you that much, then why did you shed tears for her?”
Jaken’s voice caught in his throat. He coughed, thinking of Rin’s dead figure, and fresh tears came to his eyes. He began to mumble toward his feet…
“What?” Sesshomaru’s mother commanded. “Speak up, little youkai.”
“I guess I cried because,” Jaken turned his face to his lord’s mother, “That’s just the mysterious nature of love.”
A coy smile crept to the lady’s face, and she nodded, glancing at her son as he made his way down the steps below him. He, too, was a difficult child who never ceased to be a source of frustration and trouble. “I understand, little youkai. You may be on your way.”
With one final bow, Jaken left Sesshomaru’s mother, and she watched him as he made his way down the stairs with a gleam in her eyes.
-----------------------
For: tarrin4ever
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sango/Miroku
Theme: Honesty
Words: 166
The Best Policy
The key to a healthy relationship was complete and total honesty, Sango decided. Or, at least, that was the excuse she told herself when cornering Miroku and forcing him to fess up to her.
“How many girls have you been with before me?”
Miroku started to sweat, and tried to laugh nonchalantly. “Now, now, Sango, does it really matter? All that’s in the past. You know you’re the only woman for me.”
“I’m not going to get mad, Miroku. I just want us to have a healthy, honest relationship.” Sango calmly looked him in the eyes.
“You really won’t be upset?”
“Of course not,” Sango laughed. “I mean, it couldn’t possibly be that many, right?”
Miroku let out a half-hearted chuckle. “Well…”
“Monk,” Sango threatened. “Tell me.”
And with a gulp, Miroku gave her the truth, closed his eyes, and waited for the inevitable clonk on the head. Complete and total honesty might be healthy for their relationship-but it certainly wasn’t healthy for his skull.
-----------------------
For: carrie2004
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Inu no Taisho/Sessmom
Theme: Love
Words: 120
Narcissism
The Inu no Taisho was unusual in many ways, but perhaps none was stranger than the long passage of years he spent without taking a wife.
“You’re too much of a narcissist,” Myoga said one day to his master. “That’s why you haven’t found a woman who’ll meet your high standards.”
“Oh, it’s true,” the Inu no Taisho wailed, admiring his perfect features in the reflection of a nearby stream. “Who could possibly live up to such unmatchable beauty?”
But finally, one day, the Inu no Taisho met the ideal woman and knew she was the one. Her silky, white hair, delicate features, graceful air… How could he not fall in love with her when she looked exactly like him?
-----------------------
For: Blizzaris
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sango/Miroku
Theme: Humor/Romance
Words: 177
Name Games
When she finally married Miroku, Sango knew that there would be obstacles in trying to raise a large family, but she’d never expected this.
“Your turn,” Sango turned an exhausted face to Miroku, and handed their latest newborn to him.
Miroku tucked the baby boy, only a few hours old, in the crook of his arm, and sighed. “Sango dearest, I’m at a loss for ideas.”
Who’d have thought that after a dozen babies, they would run out of names? Already they had children called Kohaku, Mushin, Inuyasha, Shippo, Hachi, Kagome, Kaede, Totosai, Myoga, Kikyo, Kagura, Rin…
Sango groaned and rubbed her head. “Well… Who else do we know?”
“I don’t know.”
“How about ‘Sesshomaru’?”
Miroku blanched. “What, are you kidding? I’d like my son to grow up masculine, thank you very much. He must be a man among men, someone who knows how to appreciate a lady…”
Suddenly Miroku stopped and caught Sango’s eye. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking…?”
Sango raised an eyebrow at her husband…
And that was how Miroku, Jr. got his name.
-----------------------
For: Shalinilahiri
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Tom Riddle/Lily Potter
Theme: Eternity
Words: 108
Haunted
Voldemort believed that killing Harry once and for all would erase the memory… drive away those powerful green eyes that pierced him so. Their gaze followed him everywhere, making him feel exposed, naked. There was an enigma lying within them, something foreign and painful to his heart, like sand in a wound. It was the look Lily Potter cursed him with, the emotion in her eyes as she protected her infant son from his own Unforgivable assault. The part inside of him that was once just a boy called Tom Riddle longed to decipher it, but he would never understand, and Lily’s eyes haunted him for all eternity.
I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, whether you requested a drabble or not.
These drabbles were a wonderful challenge. I got to write several pairings and fandoms I hadn't written before. I hope you enjoy them!
---------
For: littleduchess
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sango/Miroku
Theme: Pride
Words: 147
Stronger Than Pride
Miroku’s playful behavior confounded Sango from the moment they met.
She had never encountered such a lecherous, manipulative man in all her life, and she’d be damned if she was going to let herself fall victim to his charms.
He’d swindle people for food-and she’d bop him on the head.
He’d make passes at other women-and she’d bop him on the head.
He’d try to caress her bottom-and she’d bop him on the head, although perhaps with a bit less ferocity.
And still she’d repeat to herself, “Like hell I’m going to fall for that stupid, lecherous monk!”
But when he risked his life to save hers, and asked her to live together with him, Sango did the hardest thing she’d ever have to do. She swallowed her pride, and said yes. Because there was one thing stronger than pride, and that was love.
-----------------------
For: haro
Fandom: Mermaid Saga
Pairing: Mana/Yuta
Theme: Kindred
Words: 318
Just Like Us
There was one thing Yuta had learned from being immortal: No matter how long you live, you can never learn everything. No matter how many books, magazines, and newspapers he had gotten his hands on (usually by sifting through people’s trash), there were always new discoveries and advances to learn about. Society and its views of the world were constantly changing, and Yuta was humbled over the 500 years he’d lived to witness it.
But the world was an even bigger mystery to Mana, who made it painfully obvious just how new everything was to her.
“What’s that animal, Yuta?” she asked one day, pointing at a billboard that advertised a popular brand of soft drink as they were walking down the street,
Yuta glanced up, surprised. “That’s a polar bear. It lives in the Arctic. See, it has white fur so it blends in with the snow.”
“Oh,” Mana said. There was a short pause. “What’s the Arctic?”
-
When he saved up enough money, Yuta decided for Mana’s benefit and enjoyment (she did seem to love animals so) to take her to the aquarium so she could learn about these things firsthand.
Yuta had never seen Mana so happy as she looked in wonder at all the animals, but no exhibit captured her attention more than the orca tank. Mana had never seen anything like it.
“Look, Yuta! Giant fish!”
“Not fish, Mana. Orcas are mammals just like us; they breathe air just like us, they’re warm-blooded just like us…” He continued talking while Mana watched the orcas swim, spellbound. “You know, the amazing thing about orcas is they share a strong bond with their family. They spend their entire lives with the ones they care about-”
“Just like us!” Mana smiled.
Yuta was speechless. Two orcas swam by in the background of the tank.
“Yes,” he finally murmured, his voice light. “Just like us.”
-----------------------
For: Tomoe
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sess/Rin
Theme: Indulgence
Words: 117
A Simple Wish
Rin had been traveling with Sesshomaru for many years, and whether because of her frugal upbringing or unassuming nature, she never once requested anything of him.
But one day they passed a field of the most extravagant pink flowers, and he saw her eyes pine for the wildflowers of her youth, and her silent reluctance as they went on their way.
It was such a simple wish, but she did not voice it all the same. Sesshomaru’s brow made the slightest crinkle.
The next day when Rin awoke, the room was full of the blush-colored blossoms. A bouquet was dropped into her hands. She looked up and marveled.
Sesshomaru smiled. He could indulge Rin just this once.
-----------------------
For: prpl_pen
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Kagura/Kagome
Theme: Oracle
Words: 310
The Oracle
It hadn’t been long since Naraku first created her, but already Kagura tired of his control. She longed for her freedom, but knew that it would be a slow, precarious journey to gain it.
One day she encountered a strange, old woman whose shoulders appeared perpetually hunched over. “Care to have your fortune told, Missy?”
“Tch,” Kagura continued on past her, “I don’t believe in such nonsense.”
But the old woman’s ragged voice called out. “I see in your eyes that you wish to be free.”
Kagura stopped in mid-step. She turned to the old woman, and scowled. “What do you think I am, a fool? You could say that to any person and it’d hold a bit of truth.” But Kagura felt herself moving closer to the oracle.
“Your heart…” the old woman murmured. “I see it…. It belongs to someone else.”
Kagura gasped. How could she have known that? Maybe this wasn’t a load of crock…
The oracle continued. “But the person who holds your heart… She is hoping for you.”
Kagura’s face fell. She? Who the hell was ‘she’ supposed to be?
Leaving the oracle behind in the dust, Kagura flew away, disgusted. To think that she’d actually started believing that foolishness. Naraku held her heart, not a woman. And there was certainly no one hoping for her…
“You will be free one day!” the oracle called after her. But Kagura didn’t hear it.
-
Much, much later, Kagome asked Kagura to join them. “You’ll be safer…”
And Kagura saw it. That look in Kagome’s eyes. It was… hope.
Kagura’s body jerked in realization. So, she mused, that’s who the old bat was talking about. There was a twinge of regret in her heart as she flew away, declining the offer of companionship.
It was too late for that…
Kagome watched her go with an aching heart.
-----------------------
For: rashiea
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Inuyasha/Kagome
Theme: Something to Protect
Words: 156
His Heart
Inuyasha’s back was leaned against the tree, his arms crossed, tense. The night of the new moon was never a pleasant one for him.
Kagome sat down next to him and pushed a strand of black hair out of his face. “Aren’t you going to get any sleep?”
“Keh,” he scowled, “You know I can’t.”
“But we’re all together. We’ll be safe.”
Inuyasha turned his face away from her. “You just don’t understand.”
Kagome placed a hand on his shoulder. “What do you mean?”
“It’s different now. Before I only had to worry about myself. But now if I let my guard down, it’s not just my life I’m risking, it’s… yours, too.”
“Inuyasha…”
“Kagome, you don’t understand what it feels like to have… something to protect.”
Kagome reached out and turned his cheek to her, and looked into his eyes. She knew exactly what he meant. For she too had something to protect: His heart.
-----------------------
For: belledaynight
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Koga/Kagome
Theme: Goodbye
Words: 121
Final Farewell
Koga’s greatest show of bravery, Kagome thought, was his decision to back down from the fight. With his Shikon shards gone, he knew there was nothing more he could do to help the cause.
As he gave Kagome their last embrace, she wondered, ‘Will I ever see him again?’
And then he was gone, running back to his home, Ginta and Hakkaku trailing behind him.
But indeed, that was not meant to be the end for Kagome and Koga. Their final farewell would be centuries later, long after Kagome turned around at the sound of a heart-stopping, familiar voice belonging to a man that had braved the cruel loneliness of time for her. The beginning of the end started with…
“Hello.”
-----------------------
For: stoicstella
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Sango, Kirara
Theme: Trust
Words: 200
Trust
Kirara had trusted Midoriko. She was the only person Kirara allowed to ride her. With her mistress’s untimely death, Kirara wandered about aimlessly, forlorn. She growled at anyone who came near her, and shook off those foolish enough to try to tame her.
After a long time, she found herself back at the demon slayer village. A young girl was playing with an even smaller boy, practicing with some weapon.
“Hey, Kohaku, look!” the little girl pointed. “A demon cat!”
The little boy fell back. “Don’t go near it, Sango. It looks scary!”
“She’s not scary, Kohaku,” Sango smiled, “She’s beautiful.”
Kirara looked into Sango’s shining face. This girl was full of warmth, and kindness, and… strength. Kirara had not detected such inner-strength in a human since the fall of Midoriko.
“Ahh, sis, it’s coming closer!” Kohaku inched backward.
Kirara went up to Sango and nuzzled her hand. She seemed to be saying, “It’s okay…”
Sango’s eyes widened. Was this creature asking her to ride her?
-
Kirara flew through the air with Sango on her back. She hadn’t felt so fulfilled in a long, long time. And that was how the bond of trust grew between Sango and Kirara.
-----------------------
For: ypaladinofchaos
Fandom: Ranma 1/2
Pairing: Ukyo/Ryoga
Theme: Fluff
Words: 418
Homecoming
There was a din of noise in the restaurant as happy customers ate and chatted, and okonomiyaki sizzled on the grill. But Ryoga heard none of it.
“I’m going out,” he gestured, picking up his pack and umbrella. “Back in a few minutes.”
Ukyo looked up from her cooking. “Ryoga, wait. Where are you going?”
“Just around the corner.” And with that, he slipped out the door and was gone.
Ukyo bit her lip. ‘Just around the corner’ could mean anywhere from Hokkaido to Okinawa for Ryoga. Her eyes were frozen on the door as an okonomiyaki started to burn under her spatula.
-
Ryoga hadn’t expected his trip to the gift shop to take him two weeks. But then, he did have a really bad sense of direction.
‘Have to make it back in time,’ he repeated over and over. There was no way he was going to let Ukyo spend her birthday alone.
As he made his way down the mountain-how the mountain had gotten there on the way to the store, he didn’t know-he tripped over a root and tumbled downward until a jagged boulder stopped him short.
‘Dammit!’ He stood up, rubbing his head and brushing himself off. ‘Have to keep going. Have to hurry!’ And he stormed off, not noticing that the tiny jewelry box with the red bow had fallen out of his backpack, coming to rest in the shadow of the rock.
-
Ryoga sniffed the air and caught the scent of fresh okonomiyaki cooking. He smiled. He was home.
When he entered the shop, Ukyo was sitting with shoulders slumped behind the empty counter, back turned to him.
“Ukyo! I made it in time. It’s a miracle! Happy birthd-” he reached into his backpack for the locket he’d gone through hell to get for her, and blanched when it was nowhere to be found.
Ukyo turned around with an unreadable expression on her face, staring up at Ryoga.
“Oh no,” he whispered, starting to sweat. “Ukyo, I’m sorry. I went to get you a present, but I must have lost it. Everything’s ruined-”
Suddenly his words were cut off by her lips and he was caught in her embrace. When she let him go, her eyes were wet and her face was shining. “You didn’t ruin my birthday, Ryoga. You’ve given me the best gift of all.”
Ryoga was still blushing. “I did? But wh-“
And again he was cut off with a squeeze.
“You.”
-----------------------
For: empath_eia
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Kikyo/Kagome
Theme: Envy
Words: 134
Spoiler Warning: manga ch 465
One
Kagome had never seen Kikyo smile before-truly smile, not with bitterness, anger, or envy. Just the simple turning up of lips that falls peacefully upon the face. But that was the smile Kikyo graced Kagome with now, as she was dying of all times, and the sight of it made Kagome cry.
She had failed to save her, yet Kikyo was smiling, and for the first time, Kagome saw herself in her, saw Kikyo as the young woman she once was and never got to be. She was just a girl with a duty that spread across lifetimes, and now Kagome must fulfill it for her.
The rivalry was over, Kagome realized, as Kikyo’s body turned into light. They were one now, and she would see that Kikyo had not died in vain.
-----------------------
For: ruriruri
Fandom: Death Note
Characters: Mello, Matt
Words: 379
Death By Chocolate
Matt began unloading the month’s supply of groceries, starting with the 24 crates full of chocolate that Mello had requested.
Afterward, he went to have a chat with Mello who, as usual, was nursing a candy bar in one hand.
“Uh, Mello?”
“Wha?”
“You ever think, um, maybe you should cool it on the chocolate for a while?”
Mello bit into his candy bar, and chewed loudly, un-amused. “Why?”
“Well, it’s just…” Matt scratched the back of his head. “You eat an awful lot of those things and… it can’t be healthy.”
Mello stood up, showing off his slender physique. “Matt. Do I look unhealthy to you? I’m skinny as a twig.”
“I know.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“All right.”
Mello licked the chocolate off his fingers. “Now hand me another candy bar.”
-
“Mr. Mello, you have diabetes.”
“What?” Mello couldn’t believe the doctor’s diagnosis. “But-how?”
“Well, at this point we can’t be exactly sure. There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of diabetes but… My guess is probably from consuming those 52 candy bars a day.”
“…Oh.”
“I mean, did it ever occur to you that maybe you shouldn’t eat so much chocolate all the time? That maybe you should explore the other food groups every once and a while?”
Mello shrugged. “Well, I’m so skinny, I thought it wasn’t affecting my health-“
“Fifty-two candy bars a day, Mr. Mello! Fifty-two! That’s madness!” The doctor turned around to jot some notes down on his chart. “From now on, I want you off chocolate. No more chocolate.”
He turned back to Mello. “If you eat one more piece of candy, it could-Hey, are you eating a chocolate bar right now?!”
Mello blinked, mouth frozen in half-bite. “Just a little one.”
“I mean it, Mr. Mello. I forbid you to eat chocolate. Doctor’s orders. Is that clear?”
Mello’s eyes narrowed, and he swallowed the dark chocolate in his mouth. His voice lowered dangerously. “Crystal.”
-
On the way out, Mello made sure to memorize the doctor’s name. Guess the Death Note would come in handy tonight.
He took a bite of his candy bar, smacking his lips. “Hmph. It’ll serve that bitch right telling me I can’t have my chocolate.”
-----------------------
For: sexyblack
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Inuyasha, Sesshomaru
Theme: Jealousy
Words: 143
Brotherly Grudge
Inuyasha scowled. His latest attempt to steal the Shikon Jewel from Kikyo had failed. Damn that wench for getting in his way.
He must get his hands on that jewel and become a full demon. He must!
He could still see his brother’s gloating face in his mind from all those years ago. Damn Sesshomaru. He was born with all the benefits of being a full demon. Inuyasha would have to go through ten kinds of hell to attain that status.
His face burned with jealousy as he recalled the first time he met his brother, the first time he saw the obvious superiorities Sesshomaru possessed.
“It’s unfair!” he screamed. “Why does Sesshomaru get everything so easy!”
Falling to his knees, his fists dug into the dirt as he vowed to become a full demon.
“Someday… Someday I’ll have a fluffy mokomoko-sama too!”
-----------------------
For: obscurezenith
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Sessmom, Inuyasha
Theme: Surprise
Words: 141
Surprise in the Skies
Inuyasha had followed his brother’s scent to the strange, ethereal castle in the sky. He and his friends walked up the long, steep steps lined by impressive guardsmen, reaching the structure at the top.
They were greeted by the sight of a tall, slender figure dressed in the finest women’s robes resting on a throne.
The white hair… the crescent mark on the forehead… the regal, dignified air… It was a dog demon!
Inuyasha started to sweat uncomfortably, eyes widened in surprise. Could this really be who he thought it was…?
He finally got up the courage to speak. Clearing his throat with a cough, he took a deep breath.
“I had no idea you were a cross-dresser, Sesshomaru.”
Sesshomaru’s mother frowned, staring down at her son’s half-brother. Obviously Inuyasha had gotten his intellect from his mother’s side of the family.
-----------------------
For: lucindathemaid
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Sessmom, Izayoi
Theme: War
Words: 136
It’s On!
Sesshomaru’s mother stared in disbelief at her husband’s human consort. It was a long time since they had come into contact with one another, and this latest development was outrageous.
“Izayoi, you bitch… When you charmed my husband with your feminine wiles, that I could tolerate, but this… This is unacceptable!”
Izayoi smirked, unable to help enjoy seeing her get so worked up over something so trivial. “Honestly, I didn’t think it was that big a deal…”
“Not a big deal?!” Sesshomaru’s mother raged, her face turning purple. “We’re wearing the same dress, you whore!”
“Now, now, there’s no reason to get so upset.” Izayoi remained calm, smiling sweetly under lowered lashes. “Besides, it looks better on me, anyway.”
The veins in Sesshomaru’s mother’s forehead snapped. “Oh that’s it, bitch! It’s on now. This means WAR!”
-----------------------
For: alterfano
Fandom: Ranma 1/2
Pairing: Kasumi/Dr. Tofu
Theme: Marriage
Words: 220
The Proposal
“K-Kasumi,” Dr. Tofu stuttered, “I-I-I have s-something to ask y-you…” He wiped his brow, lifting a glass to take a drink of water-and ended up pouring it all over his head.
‘Oh my,’ Kasumi wondered. ‘Dr. Tofu’s acting stranger than usual.’
“Kasumi!” Dr. Tofu went to clasp her hand, and grabbed his lab skeleton’s hand instead.
His assistant-Genma Saotome in panda form-watched the proceedings, shaking his furry head. He held up a sign with an arrow pointing in Kasumi’s direction that read, Over there, Idiot!
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Panda,” Dr. Tofu uttered.
Kasumi cocked her head. “Dr. Tofu, are you feeling all right? You seem awfully nervous.”
Dr. Tofu bit his lip. She was right. He was never going to be able to work up the nerve to do it, not with her beautiful face staring at him. Unless…
Dr. Tofu took his glasses off and Kasumi turned into an ambiguous blur. Smiling with a sigh of relief, he took her hand and dropped to his knees.
“Kasumi Tendo… Will you marry me?”
“Dr. Tofu!” Kasumi’s face went red. “I didn’t realize… Yes!”
The happy couple hugged and Dr. Tofu put his glasses back on. He never needed to take them off again. Hearing those words from Kasumi’s lips gave him courage to last a lifetime.
-----------------------
For: fluffyfledgling
Fandom: Inuyasha
Character: Kikyo
Theme: Charm
Words: 118
The Charm
Kikyo felt her body brace itself as though a tremendous weight had just been dropped upon it as she closed her hand around the bauble.
Her eyes opened wide. “What is this charm?”
The demon slayer looked at her with the utmost seriousness. “It is no charm. The Shikon Jewel holds enormous power that can be used for both good and evil. Only one such as yourself has the ability to purify it and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.”
Kikyo glanced down at the tiny, shimmering orb on her palm. Never had something so innocuous looking felt so heavy to her heart. Perhaps, she wondered, the smallest of objects can hold the deadliest of consequences.
-----------------------
For: evilillusions
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Jaken, Rin
Theme: Difference
Words: 191
Small Differences
One day while waiting for Sesshomaru to return from one of his excursions, Rin turned to Jaken, whose arms were crossed in impatience.
“Master Jaken, you remind Rin of one of her brothers before he died.”
“What?” Jaken raised his beaklike snout in the air, insulted. “How can I, a fearsome and powerful demon, bear any resemblance to a lowly human?”
“Well,” Rin poked her fingers in the dirt. “Because my brother was always scolding me and saying I caused a lot of trouble… But he always looked out for me and protected me, just like you….” Rin smiled and added, “Also, he was short.”
“Ridiculous!” Jaken squawked. “I am not short! And if your brother and I both said you cause trouble, it’s not because we’re alike-it’s because you do!”
Rin didn’t seem to be paying any attention to him. “And you also remind Rin of her brother…” she murmured, playing with a flower poking through the grass, “Because Rin looked up to him very much.”
Jaken got very quiet then. ‘What a foolish, sentimental human,’ he thought. But a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth anyway.
-----------------------
For: nelson_bannaba
Fandom: Inuyasha
Characters: Jaken, Sessmom
Theme: Nature of love
Words: 307
Spoiler Warning: manga ch 471
Nature of Love
Jaken bowed down over and over again to the gracious dog demon standing before him. He had been proven wrong about Sesshomaru’s mother’s seeming indifference, and now he owed her his happiness for saving Rin’s life.
Suddenly a beautiful, yet haughty, voice told him to stop prostrating himself. “Little youkai,” Sesshomaru’s mother continued.
Jaken looked up at the dog demon who towered over him. “Honorable Mother, my name is Jaken-”
“Little youkai,” she repeated nonetheless. “What is your opinion of that little human girl?”
“Rin?” Jaken stuttered, glancing back at the girl who was skipping down the steps behind Lord Sesshomaru. “Well, she can be very noisy… and stubborn, and difficult…” Jaken paused to think. “And I always have to look after her and keep her out of trouble.” He began to knit his brow. “She’s a never-ending headache, and yet somehow Lord Sesshomaru still favors her greatly over me, his loyal servant-”
“So,” Sesshomaru’s mother interrupted, “If this girl bothers you that much, then why did you shed tears for her?”
Jaken’s voice caught in his throat. He coughed, thinking of Rin’s dead figure, and fresh tears came to his eyes. He began to mumble toward his feet…
“What?” Sesshomaru’s mother commanded. “Speak up, little youkai.”
“I guess I cried because,” Jaken turned his face to his lord’s mother, “That’s just the mysterious nature of love.”
A coy smile crept to the lady’s face, and she nodded, glancing at her son as he made his way down the steps below him. He, too, was a difficult child who never ceased to be a source of frustration and trouble. “I understand, little youkai. You may be on your way.”
With one final bow, Jaken left Sesshomaru’s mother, and she watched him as he made his way down the stairs with a gleam in her eyes.
-----------------------
For: tarrin4ever
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sango/Miroku
Theme: Honesty
Words: 166
The Best Policy
The key to a healthy relationship was complete and total honesty, Sango decided. Or, at least, that was the excuse she told herself when cornering Miroku and forcing him to fess up to her.
“How many girls have you been with before me?”
Miroku started to sweat, and tried to laugh nonchalantly. “Now, now, Sango, does it really matter? All that’s in the past. You know you’re the only woman for me.”
“I’m not going to get mad, Miroku. I just want us to have a healthy, honest relationship.” Sango calmly looked him in the eyes.
“You really won’t be upset?”
“Of course not,” Sango laughed. “I mean, it couldn’t possibly be that many, right?”
Miroku let out a half-hearted chuckle. “Well…”
“Monk,” Sango threatened. “Tell me.”
And with a gulp, Miroku gave her the truth, closed his eyes, and waited for the inevitable clonk on the head. Complete and total honesty might be healthy for their relationship-but it certainly wasn’t healthy for his skull.
-----------------------
For: carrie2004
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Inu no Taisho/Sessmom
Theme: Love
Words: 120
Narcissism
The Inu no Taisho was unusual in many ways, but perhaps none was stranger than the long passage of years he spent without taking a wife.
“You’re too much of a narcissist,” Myoga said one day to his master. “That’s why you haven’t found a woman who’ll meet your high standards.”
“Oh, it’s true,” the Inu no Taisho wailed, admiring his perfect features in the reflection of a nearby stream. “Who could possibly live up to such unmatchable beauty?”
But finally, one day, the Inu no Taisho met the ideal woman and knew she was the one. Her silky, white hair, delicate features, graceful air… How could he not fall in love with her when she looked exactly like him?
-----------------------
For: Blizzaris
Fandom: Inuyasha
Pairing: Sango/Miroku
Theme: Humor/Romance
Words: 177
Name Games
When she finally married Miroku, Sango knew that there would be obstacles in trying to raise a large family, but she’d never expected this.
“Your turn,” Sango turned an exhausted face to Miroku, and handed their latest newborn to him.
Miroku tucked the baby boy, only a few hours old, in the crook of his arm, and sighed. “Sango dearest, I’m at a loss for ideas.”
Who’d have thought that after a dozen babies, they would run out of names? Already they had children called Kohaku, Mushin, Inuyasha, Shippo, Hachi, Kagome, Kaede, Totosai, Myoga, Kikyo, Kagura, Rin…
Sango groaned and rubbed her head. “Well… Who else do we know?”
“I don’t know.”
“How about ‘Sesshomaru’?”
Miroku blanched. “What, are you kidding? I’d like my son to grow up masculine, thank you very much. He must be a man among men, someone who knows how to appreciate a lady…”
Suddenly Miroku stopped and caught Sango’s eye. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking…?”
Sango raised an eyebrow at her husband…
And that was how Miroku, Jr. got his name.
-----------------------
For: Shalinilahiri
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Tom Riddle/Lily Potter
Theme: Eternity
Words: 108
Haunted
Voldemort believed that killing Harry once and for all would erase the memory… drive away those powerful green eyes that pierced him so. Their gaze followed him everywhere, making him feel exposed, naked. There was an enigma lying within them, something foreign and painful to his heart, like sand in a wound. It was the look Lily Potter cursed him with, the emotion in her eyes as she protected her infant son from his own Unforgivable assault. The part inside of him that was once just a boy called Tom Riddle longed to decipher it, but he would never understand, and Lily’s eyes haunted him for all eternity.