InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Broken Fates ❯ There Will Always Be Some Pain ( Chapter 32 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: kanna37 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Psychological / Hentai / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.29.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 763 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Psychological / Hentai / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.29.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 763 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 32: There Will Always be Some Pain
Sesshoumaru listened quietly to his daughter's report about Kagome's state of mind, and sighed. Of course, there was not much that she could legally say, Doctor-patient confidentiality being what it was, but it was enough for her to tell him that she was doing well, and that she and Yasha were now considered engaged.
Things were coming to an end - everything that had started five hundred years ago with her advent into the Sengoku Jidai, was finally arriving full-circle, and he was actually relieved, in a way. It left him with one more responsibility, and then he could move on for himself.
For centuries, he'd had feelings for the young miko, and though he'd done his duty and mated an inuyoukai female, providing heirs for his lands, now that she was gone, and his self-imposed duties to Kagome were almost done, it was time to decide what he wanted for his own life.
At one point, he'd even considered letting himself go - after all, his son was old enough to take over, and certainly powerful enough and well-trained for his duties. But something that he had not expected had happened - interest in another woman had roused his beast, and now, he was thinking that he could take his freedom, and pursue that interest.
Aiko Higurashi.
So much like the little miko he'd been fascinated by, and yet - different. More maturity in some ways, which was to be expected, of course, but also, a little less temperamental. She was attractive physically, with a short, neatly kept pixie hair style that emphasized the neatness of her bone structure, deep, dark eyes, and full lips that had a tendency to smile more than anything else, and a fit, tone body that was deceptively young.
Yes... he was definitely interested, and he felt relief, inside, that his interest in the miko was changing to one of pack, rather than one of affection for a mate - he'd had enough of heartache over the last five hundred years.
That didn't mean that he didn't still care about her, because he did, and always would. And if he ever caught wind of his nephew harming her, there would be blood spilled - but he was positive that would not be necessary. No, Yasha was a lost cause for any other woman - he would never stray.
His mind wandered back to that one last responsibility to Kagome, and he sighed again, knowing that now was the time. He wasn't sure how she would take what he had to say, but once it was done, he could begin to pursue his interest in her mother, and so, looking forward to something for the first time in centuries, he lifted his phone and made the call.
It didn't take long to garner her agreement to meet him for coffee, although she was a bit leery of his instructions that Yasha was to be left at home - she insisted that the boy would not listen to her in such matters, and he agreed to call his nephew and give him those orders himself.
He called Yasha, giving him those same orders, and she was right, he was very angry, but finally agreed, though it was clear that it was the last time he would back down to anyone when it came to Kagome - from there on out, she would be his responsibility, and no one would be able to pry him from her side.
That was okay with Sesshoumaru, he only needed this one private talk to relay the words that his brother had left in his care. He didn't really like what was to be said, but he had given his word, and wouldn't break it now.
It was one last moment between Kagome and Inuyasha, and his brother had not wanted the message to be tainted by coming from his reincarnation.
Once it was said, the hanyou could sleep peacefully inside Yasha once again, and the past would have finally been laid to rest.
-cCc-
"Sesshoumaru."
He tilted his head in acknowledgment, standing and pulling out her seat, he waited for her to sit down, then took his own seat. He'd watched her walk through the little coffee shop towards him with a bittersweet feeling in his heart; for so long, he'd cared more than anyone had ever known for this young woman, and though those feelings were finally changing a bit, allowing him to show interest in another at long last, there would always be a part of him that would be tied to her.
He would always care.
"Kagome. I know you weren't happy with me asking to meet you without Yasha, but there is a reason for that request," he said, noting her uncomfortable expression. He looked up as the waiter approached, then back at her. "Would you like some coffee?"
She shook her head. "If you don't mind, I'd rather have an italian soda - raspberry," she said, smiling politely up at the waiter.
He bowed his head to her, and winked flirtatiously. "Sure thing." He turned to look at Sesshoumaru. "And for you, sir?"
"Arabica roast, black, two sugars."
"Very good, I'll return shortly with your drinks." He smiled once more at them, then turned and made his way back to the kitchen area and disappeared.
Kagome cleared her throat a little uncomfortably, wondering once again what he could possibly have wanted to say to her that couldn't be said in front of Yasha. "So... you said you had something important to talk to me about?" she prompted.
He cocked a brow. "Two things - one important, the other not so much, though it must be said, since I gave my word."
She frowned. "Well...?"
He sighed, and glancing around, made sure that no other patrons were within hearing. This wasn't a story for anyone else; he'd only suggested such a public place to appease Yasha. Glad that there weren't many customers at all, and most were at the front of the establishment, he turned back and looked at Kagome.
"Not long before his death, my brother came to me with a certain request. I was... taken aback, to say the least, but I heard him out, and eventually, reluctantly agreed to do as he asked." He hadn't missed her stiffening posture - she wasn't happy with the subject, he could tell.
"So why couldn't Yasha be here, then? If this is something about your brother, he'd already know about it, right?"
A head shake was her answer. "No. After he asked me to pass on this message, he had me erase it from his memory - he wanted this to be a sort of final contact between he and you, with no interference from his reincarnation."
Kagome looked away uneasily, not sure she wanted to hear what he'd had to say. But then again... maybe I need this to close the door entirely on that part of my life. One final moment of contact between us... though I have the feeling this is going to hurt.
Straightening, she nodded. "Alright, I guess I can accept that." She sighed. "Let me have it, then. What did he need to say that was so important that he would go to these lengths?"
Sesshoumaru gazed upon her with approval. There is that same courage that I always so admired in her. It is good to see it back again. She won't ever be the same as she once was, but... despite being so broken, she has healed well beyond what I thought she would.
With an inward sigh, he was finally able to admit to himself with no reservations - Yasha is good for her. He will take care of her...
"Inuyasha had never planned to choose Kikyou. He had already made his choice - and it was you." He met her shocked, disbelieving gaze firmly. "The only reason he changed his mind was because he was confronted by one of the kami themselves the night before you left the village for the final battle. He was told that if he kept you with him, both your lives would be shortened, and your souls would be separated forever. The kami, you see, had things planned the way they wanted, and would not tolerate either of you changing it. So... reluctantly, he let you go, and accepted the directive of the kami concerning Kikyou."
Kagome slumped back into her chair, so stunned that she couldn't even feel any of the pain she knew was coming. "But... but why would the kami do that?" she wailed softly. "Did they really enjoy making me suffer so much?"
"It was not that, Kagome. But you were meant to be with Yasha. Knowing how you feel now, about him, can you not see that the kami were right? As much as you loved Inuyasha, you are already getting much closer to Yasha than you were to him. You fit together better in ways you never would have with my brother."
She blinked, then shook her head to clear it as the waiter came towards them with their drinks. With politely murmured thanks, she dismissed his presence, and continued to run Sesshoumaru's words through her mind. She just couldn't believe...
All this time... "But then, why was he so apologetic to me the times he's awakened from Yasha's sub-conscious?" she asked.
"Because he does not remember this, Kagome - as I mentioned before, after he shared the memory of the visit by the kami, and his feelings for you, he asked me to remove them - he didn't want this to come from Yasha. It was his way of gaining a last little bit of privacy between you."
She nodded absently as she sipped on her drink, lost in thought; she had never expected to hear something like this, but it shed new light on some of the things that had happened in the past. Trust Inuyasha to make things difficult, she thought sadly.
It hurt, knowing the truth, now, but it also freed her, in some ways. And though she knew that those particular memories would always hurt, it was in a tired, distant sort of way - no longer immediate, and distracting. She could live with it.
She supposed she could see Inuyasha's desire to keep this memory from Yasha - he couldn't have known how his reincarnation would act. It was very possible that Yasha, out of mis-placed jealousy, would not have passed on that message - better if he didn't know there was anything to pass on.
Her brow furrowed. "So he also wanted to forget about the visit by the kami, as well?" she asked skeptically. "Because Yasha hasn't ever mentioned anything like this..." she trailed off.
After a contemplative sip of his coffee, he said, "Yes. He asked that those memories be taken from him - the memory of the visit by the kami, and admitting his feelings for you. He will never remember any of that - which in turn means that neither will Yasha. The truth is now known only by you and I. I believe it should stay that way."
Kagome sighed, then nodded. "I agree. This... it's a lot to take in, though. I don't know how I feel about it, but I suppose in the end it doesn't matter. Inuyasha's dead, and my life is different now. It's not like I can go back. I don't even want to, anymore. While I understand better now why he made the choice he made, I still have anger about how he went about getting me to leave. I'll eventually get over it-" she waved off his suddenly concerned look, "-and it's not like it's eating me up inside even now, or anything. Don't worry about it."
He eyed her dubiously for a moment, then nodded. "If you are certain...?"
"Oh, hai, I am." She took another drink of her soda. "So... now for the important thing you wanted to talk to me about? Since you didn't consider that important..." she chuckled dryly.
Looking away, Sesshoumaru considered his words carefully before he spoke. It was important to him that she not take what he had to say negatively.
"I wish to court your mother, Kagome," he said softly. "Would you be alright with such a thing? I do not wish to cause upset."
She blinked, her expression stunned. "Uh... come again?"
He chuckled a little amused at her reaction. "You heard my words, miko, I do not need to repeat them."
Almost falling back against the seat, she shook her head, bemused. "Wow. You... and my mom? I would never have thought of that," she said. Her brow furrowed. "She's human, Sesshoumaru, and we both know you aren't all that fond of us as a race. Why mom?"
"I am not overly fond of humans as a race; taken as a lump sum that way, the bad very easily outweighs the good. Taken individually, however, there are those that are worthy - your mother is one of them." He shot her a questioning look. "And I ask, why not her? She is attractive, intelligent, and caring - is that not enough reason?"
Kagome waved a hand dismissively. "Don't get all bent out of shape, you don't have to tell me how wonderful my mother is, I already know. Have you spoken to her about any of this?" she asked, curious.
He shook his head. "No. I wanted to speak to you first. It is a... respect thing, I suppose you could say."
With a deep flush, Kagome smiled at him. This has been such a strange day... first I find out about all that with Inuyasha, her heart skipped a saddened beat, and now Sesshoumaru telling me he respects me and wants to basically date my mother. Is this like one of those Candid Camera things, or something? Shaking those thoughts out of her head, she sighed.
"I don't have any problem with it at all, Sesshoumaru. I always want the best for my mom, and let's face it, you are the best, ne?" she chuckled.
Inclining his head, he smirked just slightly. "I am glad you see it my way, Kagome," he joked, his smirk widening just a bit when she laughed. It wasn't a long laugh, but it was still there, and with things the way they had been, any mirth from her was to be cherished.
She rolled her eyes, a wry expression on her face as she finished her soda, and set her cup back down. "Oh, with an ego that has had so many centuries to develop, I just don't feel the need to fight it," she teased. Sobering, then, she met his amused gaze with a serious light in hers. "All I ask is that you treat her well, Sesshoumaru. Don't hurt her."
He nodded, not bothered by her words; it was normal for family, for pack, to defend each other. "You have my word that I will never deliberately hurt her, Kagome."
She eyed him for one more moment, then nodded acceptingly. "Good. So... shall we go, then? I don't know about you," she glanced down at her cell phone, which was vibrating almost angrily with Yasha's number prominently displayed, "but I have a certain someone that's bugging the hell out of my phone, and if I don't get back to him, he might dismantle the whole area looking for me."
"Hn. My nephew is a most possessive puppy, is he not?"
Kagome couldn't help the snickers that burst forth at that. Puppy?
Still chuckling, she waved goodbye as they stepped from the shop and turned to go their separate ways.
Puppy... somehow, I don't think Yasha would quite qualify as a puppy - at least not anymore. But maybe I can convince his mother to show me some pictures of when he was chibi?
That thought kept her comforted all the way home... she would think on the things she had learned today at another time - she wasn't ready yet, and that was okay.
She had plenty of time, after all, to deal with the painful subjects in life.
-cCc-
It was a good thing Kagome was expecting to be pounced when she got home, because she'd been able to come up with a good way to keep Yasha from finding out about Inuyasha's last words to her - by telling the truth.
Or, at least, part of the truth. After all, the best lies are based in the truth, and Kagome quite happily subscribed to that theory, telling Yasha that Sesshoumaru had wanted to see her to ask her about courting her mother.
Yasha wasn't really that surprised when she told him, and ended up having to explain some of the things he'd seen while she was in the hospital - namely, his uncle's interest in her mother. He did, however, find it funny that the older youkai male had actually felt the need to ask Kagome about her feelings on the subject - at least until Kagome smacked him for thinking it amusing that Sesshoumaru cared about her thoughts on the subject.
He ended up spending the rest of the day trying to get back in her good graces - which kept him from trying to delve any deeper into her meeting with his uncle. And that was just as she wanted it.
She also made him swear not to mention anything about Sesshoumaru and her mother to anyone. It was, after all, not his business - and she had promised to keep the secret herself.
If Yasha ever suspected that there had been more to that meeting than she admitted to, he never spoke of it, and things from that day settled into a comfortable routine that both were very happy with. He understood, sometimes, when he would notice her gaze going far away, and sadness enter her scent, and simply offered her comfort, proving that he understood her better than his predecessor ever had...
The kami really had known what they were doing when they insisted that Kagome return to her time to be with Yasha - he healed her and loved her and held her together in ways that Inuyasha would never have been capable of.
And Kagome was content with that.
-cCc-
A/N: No, it's not quite the end, but there's only another couple of chapters left in this little tale.
I know that many are probably thinking "Ewww, Sess and Kagome's mom? But I say why not? I just couldn't leave Sess alone to be unhappy, so I had to do something, and Kagome's mom never gets any love, so why not put them together in this story?
Anyway, I just wanted to share the awesome news - Broken Fates placed second for Best Original Character for Yasha at the IYFG this term! I was so excited - I've never been nominated for an OC before, so it was really awesome! Thank you to psyco_chick32 for the nomination, and caitriona for the second - I'm so honored that you thought I did a good enough job to be considered award-worthy. Also, congrats to all the others nominated, and to those who won, as well!
Amber
Sesshoumaru listened quietly to his daughter's report about Kagome's state of mind, and sighed. Of course, there was not much that she could legally say, Doctor-patient confidentiality being what it was, but it was enough for her to tell him that she was doing well, and that she and Yasha were now considered engaged.
Things were coming to an end - everything that had started five hundred years ago with her advent into the Sengoku Jidai, was finally arriving full-circle, and he was actually relieved, in a way. It left him with one more responsibility, and then he could move on for himself.
For centuries, he'd had feelings for the young miko, and though he'd done his duty and mated an inuyoukai female, providing heirs for his lands, now that she was gone, and his self-imposed duties to Kagome were almost done, it was time to decide what he wanted for his own life.
At one point, he'd even considered letting himself go - after all, his son was old enough to take over, and certainly powerful enough and well-trained for his duties. But something that he had not expected had happened - interest in another woman had roused his beast, and now, he was thinking that he could take his freedom, and pursue that interest.
Aiko Higurashi.
So much like the little miko he'd been fascinated by, and yet - different. More maturity in some ways, which was to be expected, of course, but also, a little less temperamental. She was attractive physically, with a short, neatly kept pixie hair style that emphasized the neatness of her bone structure, deep, dark eyes, and full lips that had a tendency to smile more than anything else, and a fit, tone body that was deceptively young.
Yes... he was definitely interested, and he felt relief, inside, that his interest in the miko was changing to one of pack, rather than one of affection for a mate - he'd had enough of heartache over the last five hundred years.
That didn't mean that he didn't still care about her, because he did, and always would. And if he ever caught wind of his nephew harming her, there would be blood spilled - but he was positive that would not be necessary. No, Yasha was a lost cause for any other woman - he would never stray.
His mind wandered back to that one last responsibility to Kagome, and he sighed again, knowing that now was the time. He wasn't sure how she would take what he had to say, but once it was done, he could begin to pursue his interest in her mother, and so, looking forward to something for the first time in centuries, he lifted his phone and made the call.
It didn't take long to garner her agreement to meet him for coffee, although she was a bit leery of his instructions that Yasha was to be left at home - she insisted that the boy would not listen to her in such matters, and he agreed to call his nephew and give him those orders himself.
He called Yasha, giving him those same orders, and she was right, he was very angry, but finally agreed, though it was clear that it was the last time he would back down to anyone when it came to Kagome - from there on out, she would be his responsibility, and no one would be able to pry him from her side.
That was okay with Sesshoumaru, he only needed this one private talk to relay the words that his brother had left in his care. He didn't really like what was to be said, but he had given his word, and wouldn't break it now.
It was one last moment between Kagome and Inuyasha, and his brother had not wanted the message to be tainted by coming from his reincarnation.
Once it was said, the hanyou could sleep peacefully inside Yasha once again, and the past would have finally been laid to rest.
-cCc-
"Sesshoumaru."
He tilted his head in acknowledgment, standing and pulling out her seat, he waited for her to sit down, then took his own seat. He'd watched her walk through the little coffee shop towards him with a bittersweet feeling in his heart; for so long, he'd cared more than anyone had ever known for this young woman, and though those feelings were finally changing a bit, allowing him to show interest in another at long last, there would always be a part of him that would be tied to her.
He would always care.
"Kagome. I know you weren't happy with me asking to meet you without Yasha, but there is a reason for that request," he said, noting her uncomfortable expression. He looked up as the waiter approached, then back at her. "Would you like some coffee?"
She shook her head. "If you don't mind, I'd rather have an italian soda - raspberry," she said, smiling politely up at the waiter.
He bowed his head to her, and winked flirtatiously. "Sure thing." He turned to look at Sesshoumaru. "And for you, sir?"
"Arabica roast, black, two sugars."
"Very good, I'll return shortly with your drinks." He smiled once more at them, then turned and made his way back to the kitchen area and disappeared.
Kagome cleared her throat a little uncomfortably, wondering once again what he could possibly have wanted to say to her that couldn't be said in front of Yasha. "So... you said you had something important to talk to me about?" she prompted.
He cocked a brow. "Two things - one important, the other not so much, though it must be said, since I gave my word."
She frowned. "Well...?"
He sighed, and glancing around, made sure that no other patrons were within hearing. This wasn't a story for anyone else; he'd only suggested such a public place to appease Yasha. Glad that there weren't many customers at all, and most were at the front of the establishment, he turned back and looked at Kagome.
"Not long before his death, my brother came to me with a certain request. I was... taken aback, to say the least, but I heard him out, and eventually, reluctantly agreed to do as he asked." He hadn't missed her stiffening posture - she wasn't happy with the subject, he could tell.
"So why couldn't Yasha be here, then? If this is something about your brother, he'd already know about it, right?"
A head shake was her answer. "No. After he asked me to pass on this message, he had me erase it from his memory - he wanted this to be a sort of final contact between he and you, with no interference from his reincarnation."
Kagome looked away uneasily, not sure she wanted to hear what he'd had to say. But then again... maybe I need this to close the door entirely on that part of my life. One final moment of contact between us... though I have the feeling this is going to hurt.
Straightening, she nodded. "Alright, I guess I can accept that." She sighed. "Let me have it, then. What did he need to say that was so important that he would go to these lengths?"
Sesshoumaru gazed upon her with approval. There is that same courage that I always so admired in her. It is good to see it back again. She won't ever be the same as she once was, but... despite being so broken, she has healed well beyond what I thought she would.
With an inward sigh, he was finally able to admit to himself with no reservations - Yasha is good for her. He will take care of her...
"Inuyasha had never planned to choose Kikyou. He had already made his choice - and it was you." He met her shocked, disbelieving gaze firmly. "The only reason he changed his mind was because he was confronted by one of the kami themselves the night before you left the village for the final battle. He was told that if he kept you with him, both your lives would be shortened, and your souls would be separated forever. The kami, you see, had things planned the way they wanted, and would not tolerate either of you changing it. So... reluctantly, he let you go, and accepted the directive of the kami concerning Kikyou."
Kagome slumped back into her chair, so stunned that she couldn't even feel any of the pain she knew was coming. "But... but why would the kami do that?" she wailed softly. "Did they really enjoy making me suffer so much?"
"It was not that, Kagome. But you were meant to be with Yasha. Knowing how you feel now, about him, can you not see that the kami were right? As much as you loved Inuyasha, you are already getting much closer to Yasha than you were to him. You fit together better in ways you never would have with my brother."
She blinked, then shook her head to clear it as the waiter came towards them with their drinks. With politely murmured thanks, she dismissed his presence, and continued to run Sesshoumaru's words through her mind. She just couldn't believe...
All this time... "But then, why was he so apologetic to me the times he's awakened from Yasha's sub-conscious?" she asked.
"Because he does not remember this, Kagome - as I mentioned before, after he shared the memory of the visit by the kami, and his feelings for you, he asked me to remove them - he didn't want this to come from Yasha. It was his way of gaining a last little bit of privacy between you."
She nodded absently as she sipped on her drink, lost in thought; she had never expected to hear something like this, but it shed new light on some of the things that had happened in the past. Trust Inuyasha to make things difficult, she thought sadly.
It hurt, knowing the truth, now, but it also freed her, in some ways. And though she knew that those particular memories would always hurt, it was in a tired, distant sort of way - no longer immediate, and distracting. She could live with it.
She supposed she could see Inuyasha's desire to keep this memory from Yasha - he couldn't have known how his reincarnation would act. It was very possible that Yasha, out of mis-placed jealousy, would not have passed on that message - better if he didn't know there was anything to pass on.
Her brow furrowed. "So he also wanted to forget about the visit by the kami, as well?" she asked skeptically. "Because Yasha hasn't ever mentioned anything like this..." she trailed off.
After a contemplative sip of his coffee, he said, "Yes. He asked that those memories be taken from him - the memory of the visit by the kami, and admitting his feelings for you. He will never remember any of that - which in turn means that neither will Yasha. The truth is now known only by you and I. I believe it should stay that way."
Kagome sighed, then nodded. "I agree. This... it's a lot to take in, though. I don't know how I feel about it, but I suppose in the end it doesn't matter. Inuyasha's dead, and my life is different now. It's not like I can go back. I don't even want to, anymore. While I understand better now why he made the choice he made, I still have anger about how he went about getting me to leave. I'll eventually get over it-" she waved off his suddenly concerned look, "-and it's not like it's eating me up inside even now, or anything. Don't worry about it."
He eyed her dubiously for a moment, then nodded. "If you are certain...?"
"Oh, hai, I am." She took another drink of her soda. "So... now for the important thing you wanted to talk to me about? Since you didn't consider that important..." she chuckled dryly.
Looking away, Sesshoumaru considered his words carefully before he spoke. It was important to him that she not take what he had to say negatively.
"I wish to court your mother, Kagome," he said softly. "Would you be alright with such a thing? I do not wish to cause upset."
She blinked, her expression stunned. "Uh... come again?"
He chuckled a little amused at her reaction. "You heard my words, miko, I do not need to repeat them."
Almost falling back against the seat, she shook her head, bemused. "Wow. You... and my mom? I would never have thought of that," she said. Her brow furrowed. "She's human, Sesshoumaru, and we both know you aren't all that fond of us as a race. Why mom?"
"I am not overly fond of humans as a race; taken as a lump sum that way, the bad very easily outweighs the good. Taken individually, however, there are those that are worthy - your mother is one of them." He shot her a questioning look. "And I ask, why not her? She is attractive, intelligent, and caring - is that not enough reason?"
Kagome waved a hand dismissively. "Don't get all bent out of shape, you don't have to tell me how wonderful my mother is, I already know. Have you spoken to her about any of this?" she asked, curious.
He shook his head. "No. I wanted to speak to you first. It is a... respect thing, I suppose you could say."
With a deep flush, Kagome smiled at him. This has been such a strange day... first I find out about all that with Inuyasha, her heart skipped a saddened beat, and now Sesshoumaru telling me he respects me and wants to basically date my mother. Is this like one of those Candid Camera things, or something? Shaking those thoughts out of her head, she sighed.
"I don't have any problem with it at all, Sesshoumaru. I always want the best for my mom, and let's face it, you are the best, ne?" she chuckled.
Inclining his head, he smirked just slightly. "I am glad you see it my way, Kagome," he joked, his smirk widening just a bit when she laughed. It wasn't a long laugh, but it was still there, and with things the way they had been, any mirth from her was to be cherished.
She rolled her eyes, a wry expression on her face as she finished her soda, and set her cup back down. "Oh, with an ego that has had so many centuries to develop, I just don't feel the need to fight it," she teased. Sobering, then, she met his amused gaze with a serious light in hers. "All I ask is that you treat her well, Sesshoumaru. Don't hurt her."
He nodded, not bothered by her words; it was normal for family, for pack, to defend each other. "You have my word that I will never deliberately hurt her, Kagome."
She eyed him for one more moment, then nodded acceptingly. "Good. So... shall we go, then? I don't know about you," she glanced down at her cell phone, which was vibrating almost angrily with Yasha's number prominently displayed, "but I have a certain someone that's bugging the hell out of my phone, and if I don't get back to him, he might dismantle the whole area looking for me."
"Hn. My nephew is a most possessive puppy, is he not?"
Kagome couldn't help the snickers that burst forth at that. Puppy?
Still chuckling, she waved goodbye as they stepped from the shop and turned to go their separate ways.
Puppy... somehow, I don't think Yasha would quite qualify as a puppy - at least not anymore. But maybe I can convince his mother to show me some pictures of when he was chibi?
That thought kept her comforted all the way home... she would think on the things she had learned today at another time - she wasn't ready yet, and that was okay.
She had plenty of time, after all, to deal with the painful subjects in life.
-cCc-
It was a good thing Kagome was expecting to be pounced when she got home, because she'd been able to come up with a good way to keep Yasha from finding out about Inuyasha's last words to her - by telling the truth.
Or, at least, part of the truth. After all, the best lies are based in the truth, and Kagome quite happily subscribed to that theory, telling Yasha that Sesshoumaru had wanted to see her to ask her about courting her mother.
Yasha wasn't really that surprised when she told him, and ended up having to explain some of the things he'd seen while she was in the hospital - namely, his uncle's interest in her mother. He did, however, find it funny that the older youkai male had actually felt the need to ask Kagome about her feelings on the subject - at least until Kagome smacked him for thinking it amusing that Sesshoumaru cared about her thoughts on the subject.
He ended up spending the rest of the day trying to get back in her good graces - which kept him from trying to delve any deeper into her meeting with his uncle. And that was just as she wanted it.
She also made him swear not to mention anything about Sesshoumaru and her mother to anyone. It was, after all, not his business - and she had promised to keep the secret herself.
If Yasha ever suspected that there had been more to that meeting than she admitted to, he never spoke of it, and things from that day settled into a comfortable routine that both were very happy with. He understood, sometimes, when he would notice her gaze going far away, and sadness enter her scent, and simply offered her comfort, proving that he understood her better than his predecessor ever had...
The kami really had known what they were doing when they insisted that Kagome return to her time to be with Yasha - he healed her and loved her and held her together in ways that Inuyasha would never have been capable of.
And Kagome was content with that.
-cCc-
A/N: No, it's not quite the end, but there's only another couple of chapters left in this little tale.
I know that many are probably thinking "Ewww, Sess and Kagome's mom? But I say why not? I just couldn't leave Sess alone to be unhappy, so I had to do something, and Kagome's mom never gets any love, so why not put them together in this story?
Anyway, I just wanted to share the awesome news - Broken Fates placed second for Best Original Character for Yasha at the IYFG this term! I was so excited - I've never been nominated for an OC before, so it was really awesome! Thank you to psyco_chick32 for the nomination, and caitriona for the second - I'm so honored that you thought I did a good enough job to be considered award-worthy. Also, congrats to all the others nominated, and to those who won, as well!
Amber