InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter of Trust ❯ Fesitve Silence ( Chapter 9 )

A Matter of Trust

By: TuxedoUranus89/InitialA

Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha. I don't even have a keychain of him, but I do have Shippou and Sesshy!

LiveJournal Community: http://community.livejournal.com/tu89_ia_fanfics/

Helpful Hints: Lots of reviews and threats towards my general well-being keeps me motivated!

Author's Notes: Hmmm, apologies that I'm not pumping out chapters this weekend, I'm a bit emotionally drained and it's affecting my writing. Since I didn't want to give you guys shit, I'm spacing it out a bit. Anyway… PREPARE FOR EXPLOSIONS!!! (you can interpret that any way you want to)

 

Had he not been listening to her ticking off what the ingredients for dinner, yakisoba that night, and wondering aloud if they had enough to feed everyone, they might have avoided the unpleasantness that was soon to follow. Since he was carrying the grocery bags, she went in first. He had just closed the door when she shrieked. “What? What's—”

He stopped and could only stare blankly as she fled into his room; he heard two doors slam, one to his bedroom, and the other to the bathroom. Shippou and Itazura were blushing, faces as red as their hair, and covered themselves with a blanket. Scowling, InuYasha deposited the bags on the table. “Working on litter twenty?” He asked, his voice dangerously casual.

Itazura blushed further. Neither said anything as InuYasha went on. “Mind telling me why the couch was better than the bed?”

Shippou was mumbling, but he caught every word. “It's… it's Kagome's bed, it didn't seem right… And no one was home, we didn't think you'd be back for a while…”

InuYasha rolled his eyes. “Right. So you can't wait until everyone else in the house is asleep, like normal folks do. Try the bed next time, it's only been hers for a week, and warn me so I can sleep with earplugs.” He instructed, and went into the bedroom to see what was up with his mate; he heard the two kitsune scurry for clothes and disappear into the spare bedroom.

He knocked on the bathroom door. “Can I come in?” He asked softly. She made a noise, and he cautiously opened the door.

She was leaning against the wall, her face pale. He started to move towards her, and was assaulted by the scent of her arousal. Backing up, he tried to get a hold of both his own arousal, triggered by hers, and his demon blood, churning to ease his bitch's inner turmoil. “You alright? He asked gruffly, fighting his own inner conflict.

She looked at him, wide-eyed. “I… I think it just hit me fully… He's not a kid anymore…” She said softly.

He frowned. “Nineteen broods, a mate, and five hundred years under his belt didn't tip you off earlier?”

She shook her head. “Not like that… He still acts child-like, so bouncy and cheerful… I guess I was still thinking he was a child with a close friend, just a bit bigger…”

The scent was fading; lingering, but lessening in its strength. He thumbed his nose, trying not to notice it so much. She blushed when she saw it, remembering his sense of smell, and hurried past him without another word.

Dinner that night was very quiet. Shippou and Itazura seemed shamed to silence, Kagome was mortified by her reaction to the scene earlier, and InuYasha was fighting with his emotions. When they finished, he wandered into his home office to distract himself. Kagome politely refused help with washing the dishes, saying she needed to clear her head with busywork. She did hand Itazura a box of microwavable popcorn and told her to make some for herself and Shippou, and find a movie to watch; she'd join them when the dinner dishes were done. The other woman nodded, and Kagome got to work. Scrubbing, she wondered what had gotten into her, to be aroused by such a sight. And one that included Shippou at that! Assaulting the pan more furiously than she should have, she felt ashamed at herself for thinking such things, especially towards someone she'd considered family, almost her own child. She also strengthened her resolve to stay out of InuYasha's bed for tonight, knowing it might take him a few hours before he'd cool off from her initial arousal; she also knew that unless she bathed tonight, he'd just get worked up again, and she was almost certain she wasn't ready for that yet, nor would it have been easy to do in the first place.

Several hours later, she was dozing on the couch as the two kitsune tramped off to their own bed. Shifting to find a better position, she sighed with content and was just starting to fall asleep when she felt him start to pick her up. “Leave me here, Inu… Yasha…” She said groggily.

He grunted. “I think not, you'll sleep in a proper bed.”

Wakening further, she shoved at him. “Put me down, I'm fine out here.”

Not wanting her to hurt herself, he lay her back down, but argued, “You'll be more fine in the bedroom.”

She shook her head. “No. I don't want to rush things.”

He flushed slightly. “Wench, I'm not going to rush things. Why the hell do you keep insisting on this `giving space', `not rushing' thing? We're mates, we live in the same apartment, yet you insist on keeping us separate!”

She frowned. “You insisted on that for months.”

He looked confused. “I did not, I told you—”

She sat upright. “Don't you give me that. You had to notice things were similar, almost the same! If you didn't, I swear you're more dense than I thought! Why didn't you come to the shrine at least? Or the school? Scented me out?!”

His hands clenched into fists. “I told you, I didn't know, I was too wrapped up in—”

“In what, work? Yourself, and keeping your misery?? Did you never think the well closed on its own and want to find out for yourself?”

He could hear the tears coming. “I swear—”

She cut him off. “No, don't swear, because I KNOW it isn't the truth, InuYasha. Did you or did you not want me anymore? Did you really not know, or didn't you care to know anymore?”

He came at her, temper flaring, but was thrown back by an invisible force. Snarling as he righted the coffee table, she glared daggers at him from under a moon-pale barrier. “Don't talk until you have a truthful answer. I'm tired of smiling and accepting your story. Maybe I did accept it at first, but this past week or so has made me wonder… I want the truth, and you can forget about coming near me until you give me it.” With that, she lay down again, her back towards him. Furious and feeling his claws drawing blood in his palms, he stalked off to his room, failing to hear her quiet sobs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning, Shippou was out first, and made a good show of pretending he hadn't heard the fight when Kagome woke and greeted him tiredly. She rubbed her eyes, and noticed he was standing well away from her, outside the barrier's limits. She sighed and let it down. “I'm amazed I can still do that in my sleep…” She said, more to herself.

He grinned. “If you put enough will in it, I'm sure it can last for a few days without tiring you.”

She gave a half-smile. “I might need it… I don't know how long it'll be before he finally fesses up…”

He raised an eyebrow. “Now here I am, trying to be nice and not talk about it, and you have to go and ruin my plans.”

She laughed, and her mood lifted a bit. “Thank you, Shippou. I'd rather talk a little, it'll bleed off the hurt and I'll feel better.”

He shrugged, and followed her to the kitchen. “I take it you want to hear it from him directly, instead of listening to Itazura and me?”

She nodded, and asked if he wanted coffee. He nodded as she started it. “I'd feel better if he told me… No offense, but with you two not here so much, I wonder how much is still true, and if he really does still care…”

He fetched a glass for her as she got juice. “He does, in his way. Maybe you've been apart too long, and forgot.”

She paused, her hand hovering over the lid. Had she forgotten so easily? After three years together, did she really forget him so easily after seven months? “I don't know, Shippou… I hope not…”

They were quiet for a while, Kagome completely forgetting the usual morning routine as she started a batch of pancakes. Shippou surprised her by helping, and surprised her further by showing her how to flip them in the air with the skillet. He tried to teach her, but mostly they went everywhere but back in the pan. She was laughing too hard to care much. He finally banned her from flipping anything more than a nearly-done pancake, to save the trouble of scrubbing the floors later. “Another of your talents, Mr. Artist?” She asked when she caught her breath.

He his grin widened. “Kitsune tricks, more than talent. You'll get it with practice.”

A yawning voice drifted into the room. “Don't let him fool you, he was just as bad two centuries ago.” Itazura smirked at her mate.

He stuck his tongue out. “If you want to eat, you'll keep your remarks to yourself.” He told her, and flipped another pancake.

A string of curses came from the other room, and the three looked at each other. “InuYasha.” It was nearing six, past what the hanyou had grown used to over the past several days, and they heard thumps as he rushed around, attempting to get ready.

As they were setting the table, he stalked out of the bedroom, scowling and looking as though he hadn't slept more than an hour the night before. Kagome ignored his glares, and acted like he wasn't even there. Shippou, feeling rather content from this familiar `I'm ignoring you-no, I'm ignoring you' routine, wasn't fazed, though his mate looked worried. InuYasha drowned his pancakes in syrup before shoveling them down his throat, and stood. “I'll be back early today, that bastard's party is tonight and Rin would faint if I showed up looking like I hadn't spent more than an hour on my appearance… Keep that in mind later.” He grunted to whoever would listen.

Kagome acted as if she hadn't heard him, but the other two nodded. He fumed at being ignored, but left without another word. Itazura looked at Kagome as the door slammed behind him. “Is it wise to feed his temper like that?”

The raven-haired woman shrugged, cutting another piece. “It might not be wise, but it makes me feel better…”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He arrived home early, like he'd said he was going to, and found the place too quiet for his liking. He sensed Kagome's presence nearby, but neither of the kitsune were around. Shrugging it off as leaving early, he dusted off his tuxedo, and began the painstaking process of putting himself up to Rin's standards. Every time one of her events rolled around, he couldn't help but think back to that scrawny little peasant twerp who'd worshipped the ground his brother had walked on, and how inconceivable it would have been to think she'd grow up to be one of Tokyo's most talked-about socialites. Most talked about because she didn't turn around and get divorced for all her husband's money every three or four months, but instead how devoted to her husband and his affairs that she was. Even he couldn't disagree with anyone saying what an interestingly matched, yet much in love, couple his brother and his mate were.

He didn't do much more to his hair than tie it back in a low horsetail, thanking the gods that it wasn't fashionable for men to wear a bow in them anymore, but he had his ways of making it look sleek and tamed. No need to shave, in all his seven hundred years; he took off his ring for a few minutes, making sure his claws were clean and presentable, and checked that last night's punctures were healed and gone. After brushing his teeth and making sure his mints were in his coat pocket as usual, (yet another thing Rin insisted upon; some of the breeds of lizard-youkai at these events could get rather bad breath), he wandered back to his bedroom in search of his cufflinks. He heard Kagome moving around the living room, and thought how uncomfortable the ride was going to be, and if she'd let him talk to her or if she'd ignore him. He seriously doubted she'd forgotten last night, and wondered if he should tell her before or after the party. Glancing at the clock, he decided after would be better; she'd probably get all emotional again if he told her now, and make them late—another no-no in Rin's book.

He stopped in the doorway, and swallowed hard; tuxedo pants were no good for erections. She'd swept up her hair, folded and pinned it in place, with some feathery ends sticking out of the top. It left her neck bare, to show off her necklace, and kept it away from her ears, leaving the hoops clearly visible. She'd tamed her bangs as well, letting them sweep away from her face. The dress still fit her perfectly, and left her with plenty of room to not worry about falling over the hem. Seeing her gave him the urge to bite at her neck, like some sort of vampire; not in a suck-your-blood kind of way, more of a I-want-to-make-you-scream-my-name kind of way. He fought down his urges, and cleared his throat to get her attention; she looked at him, and was vaguely amused to see him straining not to talk to him. So he took it seriously… He pointed to his watch, and she nodded, sweeping past him without a sound. He sighed, resisting the urge to rake his fingers through his hair. This is going to be a very long evening…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It had been the most unpleasant car ride of his life, but if only he'd picked up on the hints of exactly how miserable this night was going to be, he would have stayed home and risked his sister-in-law's wrath. There were even more people here than he'd expected, and he'd practically thrown together the whole damn party. It was apparent, too, that Rin had spread the word not to ask about his companion, since most people he talked to merely asked her name and nothing further. He was also getting looks for leaving his concealment ring on, but if Kagome was going to be stubborn and continue with this cold-shoulder act, then he could reciprocate: he caught those longing glances towards the ring, and scented her desire to see him as he truly was. If she'd deny him, he'd deny her.

“InuYasha-niichan!” A familiar voice rang out. Rin swooped down on him and kissed his cheek. “I was worried I'd have to come and drag you out kicking and screaming!”

She beamed at him. He sighed, and gave in, smiling back. “No, Rin, I know how important these damn things are to you.”

Yet another thing to add to the list of things Rin amazed him on was how damn cheerful she was. She could be unwaveringly strict when it came to social functions, demeaning to those who disrespected her or her family, but despite all that, she had no social rivals, only her dearest circle of friends, and constantly dazzled everyone with how cheery she could be when facing both the press and her guests. She'd grown up to be a beauty, taming her wild hair into elegant curls, with a spark of childish mischief in her warm, honey-colored eyes. Her figure left nothing for wanting, though she still stood only to the middle of her husband's chest—something she'd always joked about: “At least he's tall enough to reach the top shelves!” Tonight she was dressed in pale blue, a strapless dress that hugged her curves and had a long slit up the sides, with a matching, sheer scarf around her neck; her accessories were silver, with sapphires.

Remembering manners, he returned her kiss on the cheek. “Stunning as always, another custom?”

She beamed again. “Naturally. I didn't go for a big-name this time, I found a charming little shop that was just starting out, lovely dresses, I couldn't resist. And all the compliments I got on this one, I might have to keep going back. Imagine if they'd ask me to be their spokeswoman!”

He rolled his eyes. “Your dream, right? Aside from the other twelve or thirteen companies you speak for?”

She swatted at his arm, and grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. “Oh, you know with the girls grown I need more to occupy myself.” She said, handing him a glass.

InuYasha had watched in amusement over the years as all of Sesshou-maru's children, four of them, had been female. Rin had gone barren eventually, leaving him high and dry for hopes of a male heir, and instead started training his eldest, Sanae, to be his heir. He took the glass, trying not to sniff the faint alcohol fumes from it. “You know I can't hold this shit well.” He told her as they tapped their glasses together.

After taking a sip, she raised an eyebrow at him. “Then only drink that one.” She retorted. “There's water and punch as well for those who can't drink. Speaking of which, where's your mate?”

He fought the urge to choke on his small sip. Clearing his throat, he jabbed a thumb over at the tables. “Her feet were hurting, or so I'm guessing, so she sat down for a while. It's not like she knows many of these people, or cares to talk to those she does…” He added darkly.

Rin gave him a look. “What did you do?”

He glared at her. “I didn't do a damn thing. She got up on her high horse and accused me of wanting to sleep with her, which is apparently an awful thing for mates to do, and pulled some horse shit with a miko barrier.”

He was fuming, but she was calm, taking another sip. “And why was there a need for a barrier? Pregnancy hormones aren't that bad.”

He growled. “Something about me not wanting her anymore…”

Suddenly, he felt a bit ashamed, and it was possible that his sister-in-law's look had something to do with it. “So, she figured out your little lie?”

“It's not a lie. It's just… me being a dumbass and not being able to explain things…” He mumbled, but he knew she'd heard.

She sniffed. “Hmph. Well, at least you figured that out. Now come on, at least come greet Sesshy, before you two start barking at each other over work on Monday.”

InuYasha, being dragged by a woman half his height, wondered exactly what god he'd pissed off and when, to get a both a mate and a sister-in-law who knew exactly how to humble him and then rub dirt in the wounds after.

 

((The party's not over yet folks, but it's a good time to break. That and my caffeine kick is starting to run out and I'm twitchy. *twitch* Longer chapter to make up for things, and next chapter should be just as interesting… I hope. ^^;; Here's some reviewer replies!

CatLover260~ Thinking a bit ahead! I'm not sure when that will happen, if at all; they're already married in demon-terms. Maybe I'll just have him buy her a ring, and they'll do a down-in-city-hall wedding. XD We'll see, I haven't even thought about it yet. =3

Kokoronagomu~ It must be… I can barely remember what day it is, or how much time has elapsed since an event. XD My memory is horrible. I think I failed a job interview last week, or maybe it was the week before… I'm… glad I brought back interesting memories? I think? XD I'll keep the massage in mind, seeing how things are cold between them again!

Unistar~ Nooooooooooooooononononononono!! Hojo will NOT be making an appearance in this story. I hate his character. XD Nice guy, but seriously an idiot. Only purpose is to cause conflict and make there be a storyline in her time.

DARKENED_DEMONESS~ I have interesting plans for how the birth will go, so you'll just have to wait and see how he reacts. =3

Emmy~ Well, considering all four of his children are hanyous, I'm expecting his attitude has changed. That and he's in business with his half-demon brother. =3 Not that it's perfect, but where family is concerned…

L0VER~ Mmm, that'll be explained a bit later, probably end of next chapter? Ish? I'm leading into it in this chapter, all will be explained in the end.

Xagzan~ My boyfriend is my beta, and he said something similar. “This proves it. You women will do anything to get a guy to dance!” XD

Anon/Patty~ Thank you for reading!! I tend to do the same, if the summary doesn't catch my eye, but most of those end up being my favorite stories! =) I hope you continue to read it!

Please leave a review, it really does keep me motivated!! (even when it's at totally inappropriate times… like when it's 2:45am and I realize `crap, I haven't made my bed yet from doing laundry earlier' because I've been writing for five hours. =D) Thank you!!))