InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Broken ❯ Chapter 24 ( Chapter 24 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the supporting characters.

A/N: Thanks so much for continuing to read!

Broken

Chapter 24

Inuyasha was wide awake just staring at the beautiful woman in his arms. Her raven hair fanning around her face, her mouth slightly parted as small puffs of air exhale onto his skin, her arm wrapped around him as if trying to keep him as close as possible, even in sleep.

He moved a strand of hair from her face to behind her ear as he continued to watch her sleep. They have been through so much together in the short time they've known each other. Fighting battle after battle, kidnappings and jealousy and arguments. Then small kisses and hugs and the 'I love yous'...

He sighed as a small smile twitched the corners of his mouth. Kagome is his. His future wife. His mate. The future mother of his pups. The woman of his dreams. The most beautiful and pure hearted woman to have ever lived. How he got so lucky, he will never know. What he does know, is that nothing will ever take her away from him.

Now that Naraku is dead, they can finally move on. They can finish on their hut and be a couple without worrying when the next attack might be.

Sure, living in the Sengoku Jidai isn't all safe all the time, but he will always protect her, just as she will always protect him.

And that thought is the most surprising to him. Not that she would protect him, because he knows she would no matter what. It's the thought that he is okay with it, that surprises him. The fact that he is okay with Kagome standing up for him and fighting for him, as long as she doesn't put herself in the line of fire for him, he is okay with her protection. As long as she lives, he is okay with anything and everything pertaining to a future with her.

As if the woman in question could read his thoughts, she raised her hand and lightly stroked his ear as her mind began to turn back on from sleep.

Inuyasha cupped her cheek and watched as her beautiful brown eyes fluttered open and her lips turned up in a smile. He leaned forward to kiss her softly before pulling back and staring into those amazing chocolate eyes.

"How'd you sleep?" He knows she slept well, going by his ear and her scent, but he always asks to be absolutely certain he didn't miss anything.

Kagome's smile widened as she nuzzled her face into his hand still cupping her cheek, sighing happily. "Better than I have in a long time."

Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her and cuddled his face into the crook of her neck as she held him as close as she possibly could.

They stayed like that for a long while, just enjoying the peace and quiet they have to spend with each other before their lives must continue on. 

Another twenty minutes go by and they heard Mrs. Higurashi speak through the door that breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Kagome gave her answer that they will be down, and then heard the footsteps of her mother walking away.

Kagome kissed Inuyasha softly and slowly, wanting just to have another moment alone with the man who stole her heart. She sighed against his mouth and smiled as she heard the small purr emit from his chest. She raised her right hand back to his ear to stroke the soft hairs inside as she melded her lips lovingly to his.

When she pulled back, she stared into his honey eyes and gave him a small kiss on the nose before sitting up and stretching out her limbs. "We better get ready for the day."

"Keh." Inuyasha stood up as Kagome walked over to the clothes drawer to pull some outfits out for the day. 

Kagome grabbed a pair of boxers, men's jeans, and a red shirt out before handing it to Inuyasha, and then she pulled out a pair of underwear and a bra, before heading to her closet to grab a long sleeve green shirt and a pair of jeans for herself.

They got dressed in the same room together, no reason in doing so separately, but not without lingering touches and chaste kisses.

When they made it downstairs, breakfast was set at the table with Mrs. Higurashi drinking some hot tea. Grampa Higurashi was already out working in the shrine and Souta was at school.

Kagome began to eat her eggs as she caught her hanyou fiancé sneaking a piece of bacon under the table. She gave him a side glare and shook her head.

"Are you really feeding bacon to the cat?"

He did his best to look innocent as he put a big piece of bacon in his mouth, speaking around the food. "No..."

Kagome sighed. "Buyo is fat enough without you feeding him table scraps."

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders as he accidentally dropped some food on the floor, where a happy fat cat crunched on it before bathing himself happily. 

Mrs. Higurashi was chuckling behind her hand as Kagome rolled her eyes but smiled at the look of pure innocence in Inuyasha's eyes, along with the very happy cat bathing after his morning snack. She couldn't help but feel her heart swell even more as she continued to eat her breakfast.

°•°•°

Soon, they were at Kagome's psychiatry appointment. Mrs. Higurashi parked the car and they all got out to walk to the door. Kagome held Inuyasha's hand as they got closer; this time it wasn't out of fear or nervousness, but just to be close to him. Since Naraku's demise about a week ago, she has been healing in more ways than one. Her heart feels lighter, her mind feels freer, and she all around feels happier.

She isn't so ignorant as to assume she doesn't need this medication though. She doesn't want to risk falling back into the dark place where she wanted nothing more than to just stop living. No. She knows the medication is a big part of her healing and the longer she is on it, the more it helps. 

But she also knows that her mate, her friends, her family... they are a huge part of how well she is fairing. Without them, she can't even imagine how she would be doing right now.

She still wakes up from nightmares sometimes, but the night before was the most peaceful she has felt sleeping in a long while. She can't wait until she and Inuyasha are in their own little hut, creating a family of their own, cuddling every night for the rest of their lives.

Giving Shippo a little brother or sister.

That thought had her smile as they checked into the front desk and took their seats to wait to be called. She rested her head on Inuyasha's shoulder and sighed happily. 

How long has it been since she felt like this? Since she felt like herself again? How long has it been since she felt truly happy?

Sure, there have been those moments of happiness the past two months after her initial attack. Due to her close friends and mostly Inuyasha, she was able to smile and feel some form of contentment.

But this is different. This is true happiness. The weight that was Naraku possibly coming back for her is gone, replaced by a promised future with the love of her life.

She knows she won't ever forget what that horrible man did to her. The weeks she was under his control and the time she was taken again. The way she was forced into the most heinous things, makes her stomach churn... but at least she can feel herself getting more and more stable. Her mind isn't racing as often. Her thoughts aren't being torn into dangerous territory nearly as much. Her life is moving forward while his has ended. His soul is forever banished to Hell where it belongs and will never be allowed to reincarnate. 

Kagome is free of his torture. Free of his laughter. Free of his touch. Free of everything that is Naraku.

She can move on and be herself with Inuyasha. With Shippo and Sango and Miroku. Her mother, grandfather and little brother.

She is free to just be, Kagome.

Kagome was brought of her reverie by her name being called for her appointment. She gave her mother a half hug as she pulled Inuyasha up by his hand to walk over to the woman at the door. She gave a small smile as Sana said hello and lead them down the hall and to her small office.

Kagome and Inuyasha sat down on the couch and watched as Sana sat at her desk, signing into her computer and pulling up some documents. She typed a few things on the computer before turning and giving Kagome her full attention.

"So, Kagome. How have you been doing since I saw you last?"

Kagome took a deep breath in as she held onto Inuyasha's hand. "I have been feeling a lot better this last week."

Sana gave a genuine smile as she wrote something in her notes. "That is wonderful to hear. Now that you have been taking your medication for about six weeks, I want to revisit that. Are you having any negative side effects? These could be anything from stomach upset to not being able to feel anything. Sort of like your numb on the inside."

Kagome shook her head. "N-no, nothing like that."

Sana nodded as she typed a few things out on her computer. "Alright, that is also really good news, Kagome. Another thing I would like to ask, do you feel that you may need to go up in your doses? I have you on the lower side of things. If you feel that going up on the Lexapro may help, we could increase from ten milligrams to fifteen, but if you think everything is working out, we can stay on this regimen. It's all up to you; you know your body better than I do, so the choice is yours."

Kagome nodded slowly as she looked up into Inuyasha's eyes. She could see his confusion, not really understanding everything that was said, but knowing not to say anything that could be seen as abnormal. She looked down into her lap as she held onto his hand with her right and fiddled with the ring on her left. She thought about how she has been feeling and if she may need an increase in dose or not. She is very thankful that this doctor is giving her the choice in the matter; she took a deep breath in and looked back into the older woman's eyes before answering.

"I uhm... I think I would rather stay with how things are right now. I feel like I'm more myself every day and I don't want to change anything. At least right this second."

Sana nodded her head in understanding as she wrote a few more notes in her computer and gave her her full attention once again. "Well Kagome, from my perspective, you definitely seem to be fairing a lot better. You are brighter and you aren't exhibing outwards signs of anxiety. And if you say you are feeling better on the inside, then we can start seeing each other less. Instead of once every two weeks, how would once a month sound?"

Kagome squeezed Inuyasha's hand and nodded her head. "That would be good."

Sana smiled warmly before typing into her computer about the new changes in schedule before logging off and facing them once again. "Don't forget Kagome, if there is ever a time where you need to see me sooner, you can always give me a call. However, if it is an emergency; such as, if you feel the need to want to hurt yourself or others, then please seek immediate attention."

Kagome nodded in understanding as the three of them stood up to leave.

Sana spoke once more before opening the door for them. "Before you go, are there any other question either of you have for me?"

Kagome looked at Inuyasha and saw his small shake of the head before she turned back to the psychiatrist. "No. Thank you, Sana-san."

The older woman gave her a smile as she led them out the door, down the hallway, and out into the waiting room once again. "I'll see you in about a month, Kagome. I am so happy you are doing much better."

Kagome nodded with a smile before she and Inuyasha walked back to her mother.

The three of them left the doctor's office and climbed into the car to head to their next destination.

Kagome smiled as she turned to Inuyasha, he cocked an eyebrow at her as she is practically bouncing in her seat. In this moment, she is reminding him of her little brother when he gets overly excited.

"What are you bouncin' for wench?"

Kagome giggled as she held onto his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. "This will be your first time seeing Halloween stuff! We're going to the store that is only open for three months out of the year. They have so many cool stuff!"

Inuyasha couldn't help the chuckle at the childish nature his fiancé is exuding. He loves seeing this part of her. The innocence he hasn't seen in so long. He nuzzled the side of her face with his cheek and let out a soft purr, making her giggle once again.

Mrs. Higurashi smiled as she looked in the rear view mirror at her daughter and son-in-law. "We are going to be making a stop at Souta's school. I'm sure he would love to come along."

Kagome nodded as she sighed and closed her eyes for a few minutes of rest. Car rides have always been a stress reducer for her.

Inuyasha looked down at the girl at his side and couldn't stop smiling at her. They have been through so much in such a short amount of time. Kagome having to deal with more than most humans in their lifetime, even in his time period. She is just so strong and amazing in every way. He can't stop the goofy grin as he watches her close her eyes and sigh as if nothing is wrong in the world.

Mrs. Higurashi glanced at the back seat as she drove towards her youngest child's school. Her children are growing up so fast, and as much as she wants her babies to stay babies as long as possible, she is happy to see her daughter fall in love and make something of herself. The young girl who used to play dress up with her friends and who her father would take on car rides to help fall asleep when she had nightmares, is now getting married and fighting things beyond her own comprehension in a time only people know about from history books.

She smiles to herself; this isn't the most conventional way of doing things, but she is happy nonetheless. She trusts this boy from a different world to take care of her daughter for the rest of their lives.

°•°•°

Souta walked out of school to head home and saw his mother's car right away. He was a little confused, but when he saw the silver hair with the red baseball cap, he smiled widely and ran up to them as fast as his little legs could. 

He opened the backdoor to slide in next to his sister and started bouncing up and down just as Kagome was doing not that long before.

"Inu-no-niichan! What are we doing?"

Inuyasha reached around Kagome's shoulders and ruffled the boy's hair. "Ya like this Halloween stuff?"

Souta buckled himself in and nodded excitedly. "Yeah! I get free candy and get to dress up. Guess what I'm gonna be this year?"

Mrs. Higurashi smiled as she pulled out of the school parking lot and listened to her children and son-in-law speak about the upcoming holidays.

Inuyasha cocked a brow as he held Kagome close and rubbed small circles on her arm. "What, some sorta superhero ya always talk 'bout?"

Souta smiled mischievously, making Kagome laugh as she looked into Inuyasha's golden eyes. Souta nodded happily as he spoke. "The best superhero ever! But you'll have to wait and see until we go trick or treating. You're coming right?"

Inuyasha looked down into Kagome's amused eyes and shrugged his shoulders. "You're takin' him, right?" When Kagome nodded, he looked back at the excited boy and answered. "Keh. I ain't leavin' Kagome without protection to be doin' this dangerous holiday of yours."

Souta and Kagome both rolled their eyes simultaneously, looking more like siblings than ever. Kagome shook her head as she leaned back into his embrace. "It isn't really dangerous, Inuyasha. It's just for fun, you'll see. You'll get to try all sorts of new treats too!" She looked back into his eyes when a thought occured to her. "Oh, are you able to eat chocolate?"

Inuyasha cocked a brow at her before sighing as he caught her meaning. "Feh. Never tried it. I was on my own since I was just a pup, so I didn't have the money for it and didn't wanna get killed for stealin' somethin' so stupid."

Kagome nodded in understanding as she thought about it. "Would it be dangerous to try it? You aren't an actual dog, so it might not affect you at all."

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders. "Is it good?"

Souta spoke up before Kagome even had a chance. "It's the best! Mama has to hide my Halloween candy every year or I'll eat all the chocolate in one night." He pouted at the thought.

Kagome laughed as she turned to her brother. "If she doesn't hide it, you make yourself sick! You're worse with candy than Inuyasha is with his Ramen!"

Inuyasha let out a small growl. "Hey! There ain't nothin' wrong with eating Ramen!"

Kagome rolled her eyes as she turned back to her mate. "Maybe not, but eating a months supply in a week means you have a problem."

Inuyasha growled louder. "I ain't the one with a problem, wench! You're the one takin' my damn Ramen." His ears lowered from beneath the cap, causing Kagome to look up as she saw the slight movement.

Kagome giggled as she reached up underneath his hat and stroked the ear, making it perk back up. She leaned forward and gave a chaste kiss on his cheek before leaning back into him. "Whatever you say, dog boy. Just don't make yourself sick with candy at the party tomorrow, okay?"

"Feh. I ain't a weak human. I'll be fine."

Souta was now staring out the window, excited to go Halloween shopping, assuming that's exactly what they're doing since Halloween is what Inuyasha started talking about, and he knew they were due for it.

°•°•°

As soon as they parked in the parking lot to the Halloween store, Souta was getting out and about to dart towards the store, completely ignoring his mother about not running ahead, when Inuyasha's demon speed came into play. The hanyou jumped out and caught the third grader from around the waist and swung him around and onto his back.

"Ya gotta listen to your mother, kid. No runnin' off."

Souta put his hands around Inuyasha's neck and smiled widely. "Okay! Hey, Inu-no-niichan, could you take me on a run sometime? Nee-chan says you run together like this all the time in your time."

Inuyasha looked over at Kagome who had just grabbed his hand to walk next to him, smirking at her small blush before responding. "Sure kid. We'll see about that before we go back to work on our hut."

Souta made a fist bump in the air as he looked at the large building they were walking towards. "Awesome!"

Mrs. Higurashi smiled warmly at the kids as she locked the car, grabbed her purse, and followed them to the store.

Kagome couldn't stop staring up at him. He is going to be an amazing father, and she just knows she is the luckiest woman in the world to be the one to bare his future children. She gave his hand a squeeze as he opened the front door for her and her mother and followed behind them.

Inuyasha let Souta slide off of his back, watching as the kid ran around like a headless chicken. He chuckled at the scene, and then looked at Kagome when she pulled him towards the costume section.

When they made it to the appropriate isle, Kagome looked through everything to see if they had what she was looking for. 

Inuyasha looked at her like she was crazy as she was mumbling to herself and making her thinking face that he finds to be so adorable. When she finally found what she was looking for, she made a "ah-ha!" sound and turned around to face him.

He quirked an eyebrow at her as she held up the costumes package and he nearly fainted. "What the fuck is that?"

Kagome giggled as a small blush rose on the tip of her nose. "I'm gonna be a cat, since your a dog."

Inuyasha growled, further proving the dog comment. "I ain't a dog, bitch!"

Kagome wasn't even phased by the whole 'bitch' comment as she responded happily. "No, you're an Inu hanyou, and tomorrow you are going to go to the party exactly as you are."

His jaw dropped open as he looked at her in shock. "Eh?" He shook his head of his stupor so he could form a larger vocabulary. "What the hell are ya goin' on about? You said no one here can know!"

Kagome smiled widely as she rocked back and forth on the heels of her feet. "But it's Halloween! It's the one time a year people go around dressed as monsters and demons and princesses and superheroes. You can go to the party with no hat on and in your normal fire rat and no one would know you are a real hanyou."

Inuyasha couldn't contain the grin the broke free. He didn't have to pretend to be human for a night. He could openly say he is a hanyou and no one would bat an eye. Maybe these weird traditions aren't so weird after all.

He crossed his arms. "Keh. So ya gonna be a cat hanyou then?"

Kagome's smile widened. "Yup!"

He pulled her into a hug as he breathed in her wonderful scent. "Ya really don't care to go around saying you're a hanyou instead of a full demon or full human?"

Kagome giggled into his chest as she shook her head. "Nope! We'll go and be a couple of hanyou together."

Inuyasha chuckled as he kissed the top of her head and backed away so they can look around the store some more with Kagome's hand in his. "You're somethin' else, Kagome."

Kagome smiled up at him as they found her brother playing with a plastic sword, her mother taking pictures of it from afar. She shook her head at his antics before looking back at Inuyasha.

"You would want this some day? A kid of our own?"

Inuyasha's grip on her tightened. "I would want it now, Kagome. I want everything with you."

Kagome held back her tears as she leaned against his arm and sighed. "I want everything with you too, koi."

Inuyasha smiled as he continued to watch Souta swing around a fake sword, yelling out 'Wind Scar!' over and over. He chuckled at the boy's antics and breathed in Kagome's calming scent as she unabashedly hugged him out where anyone could see. This woman really doesn't care what others say about being seen with him. She has taught him so much in the six months he has known her. He can't imagine what his life would be like without this wonderful woman.

°•°•°

After another hour of Souta and Kagome dragging Inuyasha around the store to look at different Halloween decorations, Mrs. Higurashi said it was time to go. The kids were disappointed having had a fun time making Inuyasha wear funny hats and other things, along with Souta tricking him into having a pretend sword fight. Inuyasha scoffed about how flimsy the little weapons were, but acquiesced the kid anyway. It was amusing to watch the child jump around and wack a fake sword at him, thinking he had any chance.

Kagome was watching and laughing as she watched her little brother coerce her big bad hanyou into playing with him. She couldn't help but think how much he has grown in just a half a year. He isn't as afraid to show his feelings now a days and it makes her heart flutter in her chest as she watches him. 

All in all, they had a good time and walked out with costumes along with a bunch of Halloween decorations to put around the shrine. Kagome and her brother were gossiping about it the whole way home, making Inuyasha's heart feel so much lighter than before. He never got to have such a close relationship with his own brother, and he is glad to see how Kagome and her little brother are. Sure, they argue and tease each other, but it is clear as day how much they care for one another.

When they made it home, Inuyasha grabbed all of the bags and helped carry them inside like it was no big deal, his hanyou strength allowing him to lift it all with ease.

Kagome couldn't stop her traitorous eyes from roaming his body as he walks up the shrine steps in front of her, her brother and mother walking behind her. She watches as his muscles flex in the red shirt he is wearing and how this jeans accentuate his ass deliciously.

Inuyasha's ear twitched before glancing behind his shoulder and giving her a knowing grin. Kagome flushed as she looked away to pretend she wasn't just ogling his ass right then. He only chuckled as he made it to the door and opened it, walking into the living room where Grampa Higurashi was snoozing on the couch, and setting all the Halloween stuff on the floor.

Mrs. Higurashi went into the kitchen to start on dinner while Souta began to pull all the decorations out of the bags. Kagome walked to Inuyasha's side and put her right hand into his back jeans pocket in order to discreetly squeeze his butt. Inuyasha side eyed her, giving her a small glare and a growl, but she only giggled before kissing him on the cheek and bending down to help Souta with the bags.

She turned to look at him over her shoulder and smiled. "Come on dog boy, help us decorate."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes but did as she asked. He would fly to the moon and bring it down for her if she wanted it of him. He smiled as he crouched down to pull all the little fake spiders and webs and other weird shit out of the bags, and then followed their instructions on what to do with them.

Inuyasha was surprised to find how much he is enjoying this. Spending time with the Higurashi's like a real family. Well, they are his real family now. And that thought made him happier than he ever thought possible. He has a family. A family that makes meals and sits down together with him. A family to have real conversations with, to spend these celebrations with, to just be with without judgement or criticism. He has a mate, who will one day become his wife and the mother of his pups. He has everything he ever wanted, but thought was impossible due to being born a hanyou.

A home. A place to belong. 

As Kagome and Inuyasha were just laying down to go to sleep, Inuyasha couldn't stop himself from kissing her with as much fervor as he had. He may not always be good with words, but he has been able to prove to her his love time and time again by his actions.

Kagome gasped as he grabbed her cheeks as soon as they layed side by side and smashed his lips to hers. She immediately reciprocated by wrapping her arms around his middle and pressing her body against his. 

Their lips moved together methodically, his intention clear; he is putting all of his love and adoration in this kiss and Kagome couldn't be more happy. She knows he is finally beginning to understand. Inuyasha isn't a burdon, he isn't just a hanyou who came into her family's life. He is her one and only love and her family accepts him just as she does. She can tell from the way his lips are molding with hers and how his soft purr is vibrating against her chest, that he feels it too. 

A place to belong. Home. Just as he is her home, she is his.

She pulled back from his kiss to take in some air as she rested to forehead against his. "I love you, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha couldn't stop the emotions. His human night isn't even close, yet his human emotions are getting away from him. Just spending this very real family time with the love of his life is making his heart swell with even more adoration for Kagome and those who raised her to be the most wonderful woman in the world.

Kagome gasped when she pulled back and saw a single tear fall from his pinched shut eyes. She cupped his cheeks and wiped the drop of liquid away with the pad of her thumb, before giving him a simple kiss and hugging him tight. She sighed happily as he cuddled his face into her neck, not saying anything, but he doesn't have to. Because she feels it too. She knows he isn't used to all of this acceptance and she knows he isn't used to showing these strong emotions, so she isn't going to bring it up or say anything that might make him more embarrassed.

So she spends the next hour hugging him and kissing him and just being herself with him. Inuyasha was very grateful for the way she took care of the situation, not calling him weak or stupid for losing control of his emotions like that. He never expected someone like her to be so cruel, but it was ingrained in him not to cry and not to show your weakness.

Yet, he feels like he is allowed to do those things now. At least in the company of his mate, he won't have to worry about letting down all his walls. So that's what he plans to do. When he and Kagome are alone, he won't keep his true emotions hidden within himself. As long as it's with Kagome, he can do anything.

With that thought in mind, he pulled her close so her head is resting on his chest, and began to stroke her raven hair with his claws. He kissed the top of her head and smiled contently.

"Thank you."

Kagome smiled tiredly as she snuggled into him harder, loving the smell of him so close, the warmth of his body against hers, the sound of his soft purr and even breathing. She couldn't stop her eyes from drifting shut as she spoke quietly before sleep overtook her.

"Always."

°•°•°

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! If you are enjoying my fiction, please leave an honest review!