InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Apple Of My Eye ❯ Can't Take My Eyes Off You ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: Maybe if I spend my entire life savings I'll be able to buy Inuyasha's pinky. Or…a couple strands of his hair. *sigh*…lol!

 

 

 

 

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“How many stars do you think are in the sky?”

 

“Keh, how am I supposed to know wench?”

 

“I bet you could count them.”

 

“Why the hell would I want to count the stars in the sky?”

 

“Because I want to know how many there are…”

 

“…no one could count the stars. That's impossible.”

 

“It might be, but I know if anyone were to count the stars, it would be you.”

 

“Keh…”

 

“You can do anything Inuyasha, I know you can.”

 

“…go to sleep wench.”

 

 

Kagome snuggled further into the soft folds of Inuyasha's haori and closed her tired eyes. It had been a long day after yet another false lead to a non-existent shard. Three years since the start of their journey, Inuyasha and Kagome found themselves nearing the completion of the infamous shikon no tama. Naraku had been defeated a year ago in a bloody showdown that earned them nearly three-quarters of the jewel. Life wasn't quite as hectic without the threat of great evil looming over them, but the tama was still three shards, five including Kouga's, shy of being completed. Naraku had managed to get a hold of a small sliver of the jewel, crush it in his grip, and throw it to the heavens. The magic of the shards and the wind worked together to send them flying into oblivion once again.

 

 

Inuyasha sighed quietly to himself and absent-mindedly played with the ends of Kagome's inky hair. He pulled the girl resting in his arms closer to his chest and rested his cheek on top of her head. His bright eyes scanned the clearing once more for potential danger before allowing himself to relax. Up high on the thick branch of an ancient tree, the air seemed cleaner and crisper then usual, the hum of the forest quieter. Inuyasha took in the methodical breathing of his companions on the ground below.

 

Sango was cuddled into Miroku's embrace, and the monk had his hand cupped on her bottom. A satisfied grin pulled on the houshi's lips. `Keh. Even in your sleep…damn pervert.' Inuyasha smiled despite himself. Kirara and Shippou were curled together near the dying fire, their small shadows flickering with the low flames.

 

 

The hanyou's gaze focused on the barely visible crescent of the moon. His stomach clenched in unease at the sight. Tomorrow. It would be the new moon again tomorrow. His night of weakness, when his senses dulled and his youki retreated. It left him feeling muffled and vulnerable, inadequate since he couldn't properly protect his pack. The nights weren't nearly as bad as they used to be. Gone was the gripping fear and loneliness, and in its place was a perverted monk and child kitsune who used their humor to distract him.

 

 

Inuyasha grinned again. Sango threatened to light Miroku's butt on fire last month when they posed for a picture, and the monk changed the position of his hands a second before the camera clicked. Kagome had brought the mysterious machine with her to the past. It had the ability to capture a moment in time with remarkable clarity and precision. It was nothing like the portraits in the feudal era that took days to complete. The miko's “instant camera” had brought on hours of joyful laughter and amusement. After the others had fallen asleep, Kagome had forced him to take pictures with her, just the two of them. He had to admit, the moodiness of his scowl was softened by the bright smile of the girl beside him in the photos.

 

 

Inuyasha gently spooned Kagome's legs into his arms and cradled her back. Her head continued its peaceful rest against his chest while the murmur of his heart hypnotized her. Sleep had quickly taken over the miko and Inuyasha was more than happy to hold her the entire night. His own fatigue forced him to gently jump down from the heights of the tree and come to rest on the earthy ground. He settled his back against the thick trunk and shifted her form in his lap. Kagome unconsciously wrapped her arms around his torso and inhaled his natural, woodsy scent. Inuyasha smiled and softly kissed her temple. He was about to close his eyes for a light slumber, but the quiet shifting of clothing caught his attention.

 

 

 

Shippou groggily blinked his eyes awake and sat up. Kirara stirred next to him, jolted awake from the kitsune's movement. She gave him an annoyed mew and put her head down again on her paws. Shippou slowly stood up and stretched, a small shiver running down his spine. He pulled Kirara into his arms and turned from the fire, his sleepy green eyes searching for that missing something. He spotted Sango and Miroku a few feet away, peacefully resting side by side. His gaze searched further until it landed on the red cloth that sharply contrasted the green backdrop of the woods. Shippou found what he was missing at the base of the tree, ten feet away.

 

 

Wasting no time, the small orphaned fox struggled his way over to his unofficial parents. Inuyasha rolled his eyes at him, but the small grin on his lips cancelled the effect. Kirara jumped out of Shippou's arms and rested herself comfortably on Inuyasha's shoulder. She mewed him a goodnight, and he patted her head in response. Shippou hopped on Inuyasha's knee, his eyes blinking rapidly to keep from falling asleep. The hanyou gathered him in his free arm and placed him on Kagome's lap. Shippou buried himself in Inuyasha's firerat and inhaled his comforting scent. His baka protector was much nicer at night when the others were asleep.

 

 

A few minutes passed before everyone in his embrace was fully lost to the world. When they all fell victim to the recesses of their minds, Inuyasha yawned silently and squeezed the blurry tears from his eyes. The flowing material of his fire rat sleeves enveloped his precious cargo in a secure cocoon of safety and warmth. With one arm holding Kagome close, and the other securing Shippou in, Inuyasha let his heavy eyelids close. His dark lashes fanned out on his boyishly handsome face as his body succumbed to a light slumber.

 

 

The last of the fire died and orange embers burned in its place. The crickets stopped their chirps and left the forest air silent. The hardworking group of jewel shard hunters slept together in tranquil serenity.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

 

“There's a rumor about two days travel from here. The villagers have reported a bear youkai that's stronger than usual.” Miroku informed during breakfast the next day.

 

“You think it has a shard?” Sango inquired.

 

“It's possible. We've been hitting dead ends for the past two months, we should seize anything we can at this point.” he continued.

 

“I guess Miroku is right…” Kagome started. Sango sensed her hesitation,

 

“But…” she asked,

 

“We're only half a day's travel from Kaede's village…and,” Kagome glanced at Inuyasha, “tonight's the new moon.”

 

 

Inuyasha snorted from his position beside Kagome and ignored Sango's “oh!” from across the fire. Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully before taking a bite out of the leftover rabbit from the night before. The group sat in tense contemplation for a minute before Inuyasha snapped.

 

 

“We can go you know! I'm not a fucking weakling! I can handle myself on the new moon!” he huffed snippily. Kagome put her hand on his arm, but he jerked away, annoyed.

 

“You know that's not what we mean Inuyasha…” Kagome soothed.

 

“Keh!” was his reply.

 

“A day won't make much of a difference, and we have been traveling for well over two weeks. A day's break would be welcome.” Miroku added.

 

“Agreed.” chimed in Sango.

 

“And I can get my other crayons! I left them with Kaede for safe keeping. My red one is almost gone!” Shippou showed the group the stub of his red crayon to emphasize his point.

 

“I could go home to get more supplies and let Mama know I'm okay. What do you say Inuyasha? We'll go back for the day and start out tomorrow?” Kagome asked carefully.

 

 

Inuyasha wore a scowl on his face and flicked the dirt beside him in irritation. He refused to look back at any of their faces and chose instead to stare down the innocent leaves of the tree in his line of vision. Spring was in full bloom and greenery was sprouting from every available branch. The raw smell of pine and wood tempered his agitation to the point where he was able to produce an audible,

 

“Keh.”

 

 

Kagome smiled brightly beside her hot-headed hanyou and gave him a quick hug, to which he did not respond. She pulled back with a playful gleam in her eyes and tugged the ear plastered to his head free. Inuyasha turned towards her and growled out a warning that held no real threat. Kagome simply bit her lip to keep in the laugh that wanted to break through. He was just too adorable for his own good.

 

 

“Kagome,” Shippou tugged on her blouse, “Keh means we're going home right?”

 

“That's right Shippou-chan.” she laughed.

 

 

Kagome pulled the growing fox cub into her arms and cuddled him close. Inuyasha gave a discreet glare to Shippou, to which he responded with sticking his tongue out. Across the small fire, Sango slapped Miroku's hand away when he attempted to affectionately feed her a piece of his barbequed rabbit. The miko smiled at her adoptive family and pulled Inuyasha's hand into her own. His remained lax for a moment before she gave it a tight squeeze, and he squeezed back. Kagome leaned her head on his broad shoulder and asked the group,

 

“When do you suppose we started considering Kaede's village home?”

 

 

Everyone looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. The group quietly studied each other's serene faces in quiet contemplation. The humans all broke out in bright smiles and Inuyasha even allowed a small grin. From his spot in Kagome's lap, Shippou voiced what was communicated through silent looks.

 

 

“When we all became a family.” The kitsune answered simply with childlike innocence. “Right Inuyasha?”

 

 

Shippou looked to his secret idol for reassurance. Green locked with gold in a rare tender moment between the male youkai in the group. Inuyasha reached his clawed hand across and patted the boy on the head.

 

 

“Right squirt.”

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

 

“We're only an hour away from the village and it's still mid-day!” Kagome exclaimed gleefully.

 

“What's got you so happy wench?” Inuyasha asked roughly.

 

“Lighten up Inuyasha!” Miroku added, “We usually go back to spend the night and head out again in the morning. It'll be nice to lounge around in the sun for a change!”

 

“Keh.”

 

“Have you ever thought of expanding your vocabulary Inuyasha?” Sango teased.

 

 

The group broke out in quiet laughter at the hanyou's expense, and he just growled at them. The sun was shining down in bright rays on the dirt path they all walked together, side by side. Miroku and Sango walked hand in hand with Inuyasha in step beside the monk. Kagome adjusted her arms on Inuyasha's neck for a better hold and he gripped her legs tighter. Shippou ran off ahead with Kirara, the two chasing each other for simple amusement.

 

 

“Oi!” Inuyasha called, “Keep in sight brat!”

 

“I can see you!” Shippou hollered back.

 

“Damn kid is going to get himself eaten by a youkai out there.” Inuyasha muttered to himself. “And why am I still carrying you?!”

 

Kagome snuggled her head on his neck and sighed in contentment. The hanyou rolled his eyes but continued walking all the same.

 

“Because I like being carried by you.” she answered.

 

“What if I don't like carrying you?” he countered.

 

“But you do.”

 

“What if I didn't?”

 

“Then I'd have to find someone else to carry me.” she teased, her breath puffing warmly on his neck.

 

“What the fuck-”

 

“I'm joking!” she laughed along with Miroku's sniggers, “I like feeling this close to you, you baka.” Kagome whispered quietly. Inuyasha's cheeks dusted with pink.

 

“Whatever, wench…”

 

 

 

Miroku nudged Inuyasha on the side with his elbow. The hanyou turned his attention to the monk with a feeling of exasperation. Miroku gave him the `thumbs up' and a lecherous grin, followed by the empty action of his hand cupping air to convey his meaning. Inuyasha unlocked one of his arms from Kagome's legs and lightly thumped Miroku on the head. The unorthodox monk rubbed the new sore spot with happiness and grinned back doubly happy. Inuyasha shook his head and quickened his pace to rid himself of the hentai pest. Miroku watched the pair speed up and take the lead alongside Shippou and Kirara.

 

 

“You know…” Miroku started, “I'd be more than willing to carry you, my beautiful Sango.” Sango gave a sidelong glance and shifted further away.

 

“I can walk.”

 

“But I'd love to carry you my lady.”

 

“I like walking.”

 

“And I like carrying you…” he purred.

 

“Miroku.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I'm walking.”

 

“But-”

 

“Not happening.”

 

 

Miroku gave a long-suffering sigh and looked towards the sky. `Why does Inuyasha always win? He doesn't get slapped or hit in the head…but then I suppose he doesn't grab those wonderful curves on a woman's body either… Oh well, can't win `em all.' He grinned happily to himself.

 

 

Miroku tightened his hold on Sango's hand and pulled her forward. He quickly snuck a kiss from the slayer and tugged her ahead. The two ran to catch up to their other companions.

 

They all ended up getting to the village in less than twenty minutes with Miroku's ingenious tactics. The monk learned that pinching a hanyou's bottom for fun is less than amusing to the afflicted victim. Many profanities later, the group reappeared in the village they called home.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

 

A pink and orange glow splattered across the sky and hid behind the tall mountains off to the east. The sun was quickly setting and casting the world in darkness once again. A few stars peaked out of the dark blue and began to twinkle in the heavens, signaling the time for peaceful rest. Leaves rustled in the light breeze coming in from the west and chilled the temperate April weather.

 

 

Miroku and Inuyasha continued their companionable silence under the shadows of a tall tree, the earlier bottom-pinching incident forgotten. The two males stretched out on the soft grass and cushioned their heads on their arms. On their backs, they watched as diamond like glimmers appeared in the darkening sky while listening to the soothing laughter of their respective female companions.

 

 

Sango and Kagome ran around the middle of the clearing with Shippou and Kirara, engaging in a small game of tag for fun. The kitsune pounced on Sango and tackled her to the ground then stood up with a fist in the air in triumph. The taijiya giggled at his display and sent Kirara to take him down a peg. Minutes later, and out of breath, the girls took their seats under the shady tree as well.

 

 

Kagome propped Inuyasha's head in her lap and began a lazy rub on his ears. He closed his eyes and fought to keep the rumble in his chest from spilling out and embarrassing himself in front of the others. A year ago he would have snapped at Kagome and pushed her away. But after a gradual introduction of affection from the miko, Inuyasha found he didn't nearly care as much as he used to. He was still uncomfortable with blatant displays of affection, and Kagome understood. She never went beyond his limits, but took advantage of everything he allowed.

 

 

Sango followed her friend's example and soothingly ran her hands through Miroku's bangs. The monk shifted closer to her thighs before being pinched on the cheek in warning. He grinned sheepishly at her before resuming a safer position closer to her knees. Sango smiled down at him with a shake of her head.

 

 

Inuyasha felt his blood stirring and the familiar unwelcome tingle in his body. The sun completely disappeared from sight, and in its place was a black sky full of stars without a moon in sight. Kagome watched transfixed as the hanyou in her lap melted into the form of a human boy. Silver hair bled black from the roots, claws thinned and retracted to human nails, and the bumps under his lips disappeared with his fangs. The ears in her fingers vanished and in its place, human ones grew from the side of his head. Kagome smiled down at him, waiting for him to open his eyes.

 

 

Inuyasha kept his eyelids sealed tightly together as the transformation took place. His senses dulled immediately. The sounds of the forest muffled and dulled, the scents of his companions disappeared, and the bumpiness of the ground evened out. Nothing was sharp and clear anymore, and everything seemed to slow down in speed. With a grimace, Inuyasha blinked his eyes open. The first sight he saw was nothing short of perfection. Kagome's concerned gaze looked down on him, her brow knotted together in worry, but the everlasting smile still in place. Her face was smooth and pale, her lips tantalizingly pouty, and most alluring of all were her soulful blue eyes. Inuyasha gave her a soft smile and reached a hand up to cup hers. He pulled them down to rest her hand on his beating chest, his larger one covering hers.

 

 

Kagome sighed as she locked eyes with violet orbs. She knew he hated these nights, and didn't know how to make them any easier for him. Inuyasha told her all he needed was her to be near, but she still felt like she had to do something more. Her thoughts were interrupted when a hyper kitsune jumped on Inuyasha. The human gave a grunt in surprise and flicked Shippou on the head in retaliation. Shippou grinned and sat himself down on Inuyasha's stomach, his tiny back facing the Inuyasha's legs.

 

 

“It's okay Inuyasha,” Shippou broke the silence, “I'm a full youkai! I'll protect you!”

 

“Yes, let us weak humans have a chance to protect you for once you baka.” Sango added with a grin.

 

“Why does everyone call me a `baka' like it's a second name?!” Inuyasha fumed as he sat up, propping himself on his elbows. Miroku followed suit and stretched out his sleeping limbs.

 

“Because,” he yawned, “You are a baka Inuyasha.”

 

“I agree with Miroku.” Kagome giggled.

 

“You're all horrible, horrible people.” Inuyasha concluded.

 

“Hai, hai.” Kagome soothed.

 

“Keh.”

 

“Again, have you thought of expanding-” Sango started with a barely contained laugh.

 

“Screw you guys!”

 

 

 

 

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I hope you guys liked the first chapter! Nice and fluffy, lol. I didn't want to do a boring introduction chapter filled with information about where they were and all that. Info will be given as it's required to avoid those boring, lifeless chapters. I'm not deserting my other story! I just have so many ideas running rampant in my head that I needed another outlet for them all. Feedback is totally welcome and encouraged! You guys have been so wonderful to me with `Just A Break'…so…lets continue that awesomness! Lol! Reviews really make me smile all day =)

 

-- I just made some tiny, tiny little changes. I think I found one `s' that shouldn't have been there. So I wouldn't worry about re-reading if you were going to. =)