bloodsong1 | This scene proved difficult. (Reply)

"As you wish," Reiki turned away. Shippo stayed on her heels and opened the door for her. She kept giving him bemused looks and he kept grinning back. He still wasn't sure what about Reiki attracted him so much. Sure, she smelled delicious, and she was brave, and she was strong, and her smile, sad though it may be, had a bewitching power all its own. Maybe that was it. They reached her door, only a few steps away, and she turned to face him.

"We won't be sharing a futon in Kyoto," She said abruptly. Shippo nodded and stuffed his hands into his pockets. He was doing that a lot.

"I know. Just let me know if you change your mind," He said softly. Her eyes turned sharp and almost cold.

"You won't try to MAKE me change my mind, RIGHT?" She snapped. Shippo took a tiny step back. Her posture and tone suggested potential violence.

"I couldn't mind control you even if I wanted to," He said softly, head bowing and shoulders slumping in submission. "Your faith is too strong. Besides, I'm not that kind of kitsune. Inuyasha and Kagome raised me. One of the things Inuyasha beat into my head was respect and honor to females of all species, unless they're actively trying to kill me." He looked up at her through his bangs. She studied him thoughtfully and eventually nodded.

"Thank you, Shippo. I really appreciate you telling me this." Daring much, Shippo reached out and took one of her hands in both of his.

"You have my word, on my honor and the House of the West, that I will do everything I can to help you," He said, the words infused with the power of a kitsune promise. Reiki's eyes widened, then she smiled. It was even more bewitching then her normal smile.

"I know. Thank you." She tugged her hands free and threw her arms around his neck. He hugged her, hard, trying not to squish the air out of her lungs. She let go first and he reluctantly drew back. He bent his head for a nuzzle and she stopped him with a finger on his nose.

"Good night, Shippo."

"Good night, Reiki," He sighed, backing away. She unlocked her door and went inside, shutting it firmly behind her. Shippo stared at the door a few minutes, then went back to his apartment, wrestling with his instincts.