InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Surreptitious Love Affair ❯ A Stronger Bond ( Chapter 8 )

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7:A Stronger Bond

 

 

Kaede watched silently as the Inu hanyou raced towards her ward's bedroom. She often wondered how much they really needed each other and it turned out that Kagome needed Inuyasha just as much as Inuyasha needed her. This was a forbidden relationship and it could be shattered in an instant if they weren't careful.

 

She walked carefully through the house, making certain that everything was perfect and prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Higurashi's return. While inspecting the different rooms and instructing the demon employees before allowing them to retire for the night, Kaede kept wandering back through different memories, most of them involving Kagome and her parents.

 

When she was born almost 17 years ago, Masako Higurashi almost immediately refused her. When she was handed her daughter, Kaede saw the disappointment and careless attitude. Her father Yoshiro gave a similar expression. The nurse remembered as she helped deliver little Kagome into the world and thought she was a marvelous creature, looking innocent and winsome as any newborn. Obviously her parents didn't think so. They expected a son, so that he would take his father's place one day and they only wanted one heir, but Kagome came first and their dreams were immediately smashed. They gave the new baby girl to her and appointed her as her personal nurse, unknowingly asking her to care as her own, not theirs.

After only raising and watching little Kagome for the first five years, she was shipped off to the mainland, to Tokyo Shiritsu, to be educated in the harshest, yet best way they knew. Nearly a year after 5 year old Kagome departed, Kaede found that Masako was indeed pregnant again, this time knowing it was a boy. Unlike his older sister, Souta was treated much better, with Masako and Yoshiro giving him love and attention. She also watched over her little master. As much as she loved the new addition, she missed Kagome and loved her more with each passing day. When the five years passed and seeing her little care 10 years old, wiser, taller, yet still the bright ray of sunshine when she left, she gathered her up, giving her a bear hug, going on and on saying that she was missed terribly.

She saw Kagome's shocked and confused face when she heard the news of her little brother. She was not aware that she had a younger sibling but was more puzzled when she thought why she wasn't told. Kaede explained that her parents simply wanted another child, another heir to the Higurashi fortune. What she did not tell her was that Souta was given more attention than they ever gave her. Kaede figured it would perplex, even seem more painful to tell her the truth that Souta was treasured more than she was.

Over the course of the next few years, even though she didn't figure out exactly why Souta was born in the first place, Kagome paid attention to him whenever she could. She loved him like any other older sibling would and took on the role of older, caring sister. The old nurse saw she was happy, delighted that Souta was here and if she ever found out the truth, which she eventually did after some signs and explanations from her parents, it was indeed painful to realize that she wasn't what they wanted in the first place. They called her: a mistake; something that shouldn't be here at all. After that, she never loved Souta any less, in fact, she cherished her little brother even more.

 

 

Watching Kagome as well as young Souta, Kaede continued to watch happily over them, but when she saw Kagome get beaten for the first time, that's when everything went downhill. Before that she was either ignored by her parents or only spoken to for one reason or another. It was shortly after Inuyasha arrived, in fact. After she bolted off the living room floor, she followed at her own pace, calling out to the frightened child, but receiving only screams and painful sobs. When she finally did find the poor child, she stopped in her tracks as she saw 13 year old Inuyasha approach her. She watched quietly behind the garden gate as she saw their first meeting. Kaede was surprised when she saw Kagome literally leap into the hanyou's arms. Not expecting that, she continued to watch secretly and after seeing that she was safe in the young demon's arms, she quietly made her way into the house. She had a suspecting feeling that those two were going to be inseparable after that and as she watched their countless meetings through the years, she smiled more and more, knowing that little Kagome had a comfort zone and someone she could run to, talk to, cry into. Kaede knew that nothing, if not ever, could tear these two lovers apart and she was willing to hold on to their secret until the day she died.

 

When she thought everything was satisfactory, she gave everyone the word that it was time to retire for the night. A mere 15 minutes afterwards, she waked up the stairs, through the hall and pass Miss Kagome's bedroom. Her room was situated a few doors from hers and always had to check in before she retired but she would not dare tonight, due to the fact that Demon Inuyasha was most likely claiming her. Grinning knowingly to herself, she prepared herself for the 8 hour sleep she would need before everything returned to normal when the owners returned

 

 

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The clocks announcing the 7 o'clock hour was what awoke Inuyasha, mind still a bit frazzled from last night's activities. He was hanyou again, having been since the sun rose around an hour before. He immediately took notice of the still sleeping girl right next to him, in her bed, both completely nude. Even though he completely transformed last night, he still knew what went on, although he couldn't control himself.

 

Inuyasha gazed at his new mate, still in the confines of his arms. She looked comfortable, peaceful and completely relaxed. He would not wake her because of the all the stress and strain that was put on her during mating. Then to help ease her a bit more, he began rubbing softly and gently on her arm which got the result he intended. She snuggled further into him, wanting the calming gestures to continue. While doing the ministrations on her arm, Inuyasha started to place equally soothing kisses from her neck to her shoulder.

 

Kagome started to awake slowly due to the attention she was receiving. She didn't want to; thinking that last night was a mere fantasy and never did occur. However, when she moved her legs slightly, it was followed by a soreness that was never there before. She slightly groaned in the new pain and making the pleasurable sensations on her body to cease.

 

She turned around slowly, noticing the arm around her body and looking into the golden eyes she knew too well, she inwardly rejoiced that last night wasn't a dream. She cupped his cheek and leaned forward to gently kiss him, silently saying good morning.

 

`Whenever I look into his eyes, it's like I will always be safe. I feel warm and…comforted, and…oh just so happy. Whenever he looks at me, I know that nothing can happen in this little world in which only me and him are in. I can have a bad day and he's always there for me, and…will always be there. I still wonder though…how people can treat him, as well as any other demon in a cruel and inhuman way. Why can't they see what's underneath what they call “scum”? It just pains me to see any being, especially a demon, get mistreated. And now I have an obligation to protect Inuyasha and I will be dammed if they take him away from me!'

 

She pulled away after a few minutes and just continued to gaze into his golden orbs. Inuyasha then gently kissed her forehead, savoring the moments alone with her, without the fear of being nagged or beaten. He decided then that he would try and get as much time with her as possible and he would value every peaceful moment with his love.

 

“Kagome, are you alright? How do you feel?” He asked. He could sense her discomfort and worried instantly.

 

She continued to stroke his cheek while remaining where she was, trying to ignore the pain between her legs.

“I'm alright, just sore from last night, nothing to worry about, promise.” She reassured him.

 

“Still, I shouldn't have been so rough. Even if I transform, I'm still aware of what's happening and I can't stop myself.”

 

“Inuyasha…” She snuggled into his broad chest, taking in his scent, and placed her hand that was on his cheek to his shoulder.

“Don't accuse yourself of hurting me. I expected it to be rough but…to tell the truth, I really enjoyed it. It was one the most incredible feelings I've ever felt and…I would do it with no one else.”

 

With Kagome so close, Inuyasha gently embraced her, noticing how she became more relaxed the longer she was in his comforting hold. He thought about her words. `She would do it with no one else…but me. I was surprised that she wasn't angry when she woke up, I thought she would repulse, scream at me or something but she didn't. She's so understanding, so tranquil. And I will do whatever it takes to see this Kagome, rather than the frightened, weeping one I see every, single day. Oh, damn I forgot! I still need to tell her about the completion of the mating ritual!'

 

“Kagome, there's…something that I still need to do.”

 

She looked up, curiosity glowing in her orbs. “What is it?”

 

Inuyasha sat up, the blanket only exposing his upper body. Kagome then sat up shortly after, bringing the blanket to cover her chest. Even though he already saw her naked, she still was a little modest.

 

“Well, even though we already mated, we only completed the body connection. There's still the matter of the soul and the mind.” He was looking directly at her, nothing but seriousness and determination to get this all out.

 

“I don't understand.”

 

He sighed apprehensively and began. “In the demon world, when a male chooses a female and the female accepts him, there's this…process of a complete bond. If they're already joined by the body, they have to connect the mind and the soul. Then and only then can they are completely mates. But the thing is…the female makes the decision if she thinks the male can provide for her and then the male can mark her.”

 

She nodded and grunted as he explained. She was astounded at how Inuyasha sounded. She always knew he was intelligent but she never heard him sound so knowledgeable before.

 

“So, this completion of the bond has to be done by the male but the female has to make the decision?” Kagome asked, wanting to make sure she understood.

 

Inuyasha only nodded.

 

She looked down to stare at nothing particular for a moment. Was she willing enough for him to mark her, binding them together for life? Oh hell yeah! She would want nothing more and with this, she was certainly positive that no one could tear her and Inuyasha apart. After what happened last night, Kagome knew that she had made one of the smartest decisions of her life, without any help from her pathetic excuse for parents. Sure it sounded harsh but they never really cared for her in the first place.

 

Kagome realized that Inuyasha was waiting, rather nervously, for her answer. She looked back at him and saw the agitation and hopefulness on his face. She listlessly grabbed his clawed hand, causing the blanket covering her to fall, exposing her again.

 

Entwining her fingers with his, she gave her answer. “You know Inuyasha, I was indeed a little nervous, not to mention unsure of what exactly was going on, but I have no doubt about us. I…want to be bonded with you. I wasn't disappointed last night because I knew you could never, ever hurt me. So, you can mark me, make me yours, forever.”

 

She looked straight into his eyes and saw the many emotions running across his features. First she saw doubt, then hope and finally a combination of shock and relief. Drawing a small smile on her lips, she lifted his hand which was still connected to hers and kissed his palm, silently telling that she wasn't going back on this bond.

 

Inuyasha to say the least was amazed, no make that ecstatic, inside. He didn't know what she would do. He always could sense what she was feeling and he never did detect a trace of fear, disgust, displeasure, or any sign that she didn't want to be with him. Whenever they were together for whatever reason, he could tell she was happy. Usually humans looked at demons with hatred and revolt, but not Kagome. To him, she had a rare kindness that she showed not only to him, but to any and all demons she came across. He should have known that if she didn't like him, Kagome would have abandoned him long ago.

 

Realizing that he was still speechless, Kagome took that silence as a yes. She dropped his hand and recovered herself again. That apparently got his attention and gave a curious glance.

 

“So…this completion of the bond, how does it work?” She asked, intrigued to know more.

 

Shifting comfortably, Inuyasha shook his head to get back into the here and now and told her.

“Well, as far as I know, all demon species have their own way of marking. Neko scratch the female's hip, the Ookami bite the shoulder, and for us, the Inu, we slash the forearm and then the male drinks blood from the female and we in turn pour our blood into the mark and it seals, eventually producing the sign of the male. In this case, it would be a fang.”

 

Kagome just nodded and it just continued to stun her that Inuyasha knew so much, that she decided to ask,

“How do you know so much about mating?”

 

He shrugged his shoulders

“I don't know. I guess it's something that all male demons are born with, natural instincts. I've seen a few mating marks and I could tell who the claimer was. So I guess it comes naturally.”

 

Taking a slow breath to ease her nerves, Kagome lifted her right arm, presenting the forearm, the future place of his mark.

“Well, if that's what you have to do then do it.”

 

“Are you completely sure? I don't want to cause any more pain when you already have so much.” He knew she wanted this, but hesitated because she was put through so much already. However, Kagome looked like she was going to argue.

 

“Look Inuyasha, I know you're concerned about me and my health, but at this point, I really don't care anymore. I will endure whatever discomfort comes, because after, I will be your life-long mate, right? I know you won't cause intentional harm. It's just part of the bonding. So just go ahead and mark me. I'll be okay.”

 

He was wavering inside but he reached over and tenderly grasped her forearm. Inuyasha stared at the spot where he would mark her, for all eternity. For the next few minutes, he struggled with himself, contemplating on if he should do it. Gulping down the bile that was caught in his throat, he held her arm with his left hand, while gently running the pads of his fingers over her skin.

Would you stop acting so cowardice?! She said it was okay and you yourself know that you want her with you, right? She's told you that she wants to remain with you and you've known that since the day you first held her in your arms. So suck it up and mark her as your own!'

 

 

Without a second thought, he firmly held her forearm and using his forefinger, quickly slashing the skin, deep but enough where it couldn't do damage. He felt her try to jerk away but he held her. Inuyasha could sense her pain but he knew that she knew that this was temporary. Looking briefly into her eyes, he immediately then went to the bleeding forearm, tiny streams of blood running down from the wound. Inuyasha bent forward and quickly swallowing any other substance in his mouth, and sank his two inch fangs into the gash and began to drink some of her blood.

 

Kagome felt immense pain from when he slashed and felt even worse when she felt his sharp fangs in her injury. She could actually feel her blood being sucked. She stared at him, watching the painful process of the marking. She started to shiver from the slight draft coming from her window outside of her covered bed and felt her arm going numb.

 

Inuyasha knew that Kagome was starting to get affected and pulled his teeth from her. Wiping the excess blood from his mouth, he then ripped his own arm with his own fangs, making a fair amount of blood appear. Clearing his throat, he gazed at Kagome once more.

 

“Now this part, this is where I pour my blood into your body and then I would seal the wound, thus making it where my mark would appear. It would take a few days for it to fully appear. Are you okay?” He asked, gazing at her faint shivering. He knew he should finish this as soon as possible so she could then fully rest.

 

“Yes, I'm fine, just a little cold in here. One question, is my arm supposed to feel numb?”

 

“Yes, because of the blood that I drank from you. But when my blood enters your bloodstream, it will help replenish what you lost. My blood can also heal you very quickly because of my demon half.”

 

“Of course, Demons have remarkable healing powers which enable them to survive and outlive us humans- “. She paused, realizing what she just said. Blinking, she also knew that if she had his blood, she would live for as long as he would.

 

“-And by bonding you will live as long as I will.” Inuyasha finished.

 

She silently nodded. Inuyasha then took his bleeding forearm and making his slash clash with hers. He hissed the moment they connected. He could tolerate it but Kagome was trying to hold back the yelling and tears that were gathering at the corners of her eyes. He was starting to feel her blood through him and suddenly felt a foreign sensation, a new strange type of feeling that wasn't there before. He heard her gasp, most likely feeling it too. After a while of connecting, he pulled his arm back and went right to sealing her slash and completing the connection.

 

 

When Kagome felt the stinging sensation from the wounds touching, it felt like her skin was burning, like tiny needles poking into her skin and she desperately tried not to pull back but instead she stayed put and held back the tears pricking her eyes. When she felt his blood moving through her she felt strange, like the pain in her arm was lessening. She managed a small gasp. She then saw him pull back and pull her arm to his mouth again to seal her new mark.

 

They both sat in silence for a while, just breathing in and out, feeling the new tingling and impression of something new. Inuyasha knew that Kagome was perplexed and somewhat shaken. What just happened was effortless to him but to Kagome, she was still grasping on what was exactly done.

 

 

 

Inuyasha was about to ask how she was feeling but he felt an oncoming presence and would soon arrive at Kagome's door. Sitting up straight caught Kagome's attention.

 

“Inuyasha, what's wrong?”

 

He didn't reply but all his senses were on radar mode, then came a loud knocking on the wooden doors, answering her previous question.

Kagome held out a hand to him to remain silent and answered quite timidly,

 

“Who is it?”

 

“Miss Kagome, it's only me. I have breakfast for you.” The muffled voice of Kaede spoke.

 

Both visibly relaxed but Kagome was still a bit concerned about letting her in, even with her bed drapes completely closed.

 

Kaede seemed to read her thoughts because she replied a second later.

“Don't worry, Miss Kagome, I know exactly what went on last night. In fact, I know that he's in there.”

 

Kagome blushed a little bit but answered. “Come in Kaede.”

 

Kaede's entrance was swift as the sound of metal upon metal was heard and soft footsteps on the carpet. Before she was out of the room, Kaede spoke once more, this time to the still silent hanyou.

“Inuyasha, be sure to be out by at least 9 o'clock. That should give you plenty of time to be ready when the Higurashis' arrive at 10.”

 

When the door closed, she let out a breath of relief. `I should have known Kaede was the one who sent him up here. I have to remember to thank her later…'

 

She heard rustling sounds and turned to see Inuyasha fully clothed, minus his outer haori. She was about to question him but he spoke first.

 

“You still need to rest. I know that you're still tired from last night plus the bonding drained some more of you energy. I will take care of you until I have to leave. I won't let you overexert yourself.”

He sounded so concerned but determined to see that she would recover, that Kagome just smiled warmheartedly.

 

The bed drapes were pulled back and Inuyasha went straight to the serving mini-table and picked up her tray. She decided that he was right. Last night did wear her out and the bonding did drain her more, so she was almost completely worn out. She then looked down and realized she was still naked. If she was going to relax she might as well have some cover. She would have removed herself from the bed but two things stopped her: one, her legs refused to move more than two inches and two, Inuyasha saw her attempt and she took one look at him and decided against it. It would not do to upset him or go against his wishes.

 

Once he got to her bedside, he placed the silver tray on her dresser and sat across from her. He looked at her and saw her obvious distress.

 

“Um…” she began, “I wanted to at least get something on but I can't exactly move. Would you-“

Her sentence wasn't even done when she looked up to see him with her white robe. Her face revealed astonishment and surprise. She took it and put it on, tying the sashes that held it together. It would never cease to amaze her that Inuyasha was full of surprises.

 

 

For the next few hours, he continued to care for her, making sure she was comfortable and had plenty to eat. As a newly mated pair, Inuyasha would stop at nothing to see that she was okay. Males usually look after their bitches after such tiring events. Even afterwards, males became extremely protective and dangerously aggressive when something or someone threatens their female. Inu studs are perhaps one of the few species of canine demons that will go to such lengths to make their mates feel safe and content and would die protecting them. Inuyasha was no exception. He had always cared for Kagome and consoled her during the bad times but now that she was bonded to him, well let's just say that if anyone ever hurts her, there will be hell to pay, no matter who it was, and that included her father.

Kagome just lay on her bed and watched Inuyasha. She knew he was always caring and protective around her but the mating made that stronger. Their bonding made that feeling of caution and loving even more powerful and she would make sure that nothing would ever break or even attempt to sever the bond. She still worried about her father though, as well as her mother and everyone that she knew that loathed demons. The only ones who knew about her secret relationship were Kaede, Sango and Miroku. Kagome could always count on them when she was in trouble, but now that they were bonded in the demon world, Kagome was going to have to keep her guard up even more. No matter how much she was sure she was going to endure now, Kagome would never falter. She would stand up for what she knew was important and for whom she loved. In the end, she prayed to the Kamis above that there would be a happy ending.

 

 

*Sorry it took so long. I have a lot on my plate right now and it just seems never ending! But I would still like to thank my loyal readers (you know who you are), for their support! This chapter was hard to write and I had difficulty trying to piece it together, but the next chapters should be more exciting, because my own character that I created is coming up! Any way, again sorry for the long wait.*

~romancefreak~