InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness in the Hearts of Light ❯ Cruel Fate ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Felan Silverchild 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Post-apocalyptic / Hentai | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.22.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 181 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Post-apocalyptic / Hentai | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.22.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 181 | Status: Completed
Chapter Four - Cruel Fate
Kioshi sat on the edge of Kagome’s bed and gently touched her cheek as she stirred in her sleep.
“You fancy her a bit don’t you, Kioshi?” The old man was standing in the open doorway, leaning against the frame with a sly smile etched over his wrinkled lips. It was his favorite expression.
Startled, Kioshi stood abruptly. “N..no, I was just checking on her.”
“You can’t fool an old man like me you know.”
“She was having nightmares. I was just worried is all,” Kioshi sighed and brushed passed him as he walked outside.
“Poor boy,” the old man shook his head. His gaze fell on Kagome as she stirred in her sleep again. “I wonder if she’ll make it.” He lingered in the doorway for a moment then turned and walked outside to join Kioshi.
The boy was sitting beside their fire, stirring the stew boiling over it.
“What was she dreaming about?”
“A white haired demon.. and a strange shadow that chased her.” Kioshi paused and looked up at the old man with eyes wide when he realized what he was saying.
“And did she tell you this or did you take a peak? Hmm?”
“I’m sorry, Grandfather. I couldn’t help it.”
“I suppose I understand, but you should mind what you do more carefully. What if you had hurt her?”
“I would never do that! I just wanted to comfort her.” Kioshi looked a little sullen.
“I know you wouldn’t intentionally, but still, it’s not something you should really do, not without her permission anyway.” He paused and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “A white haired demon, huh?” The old man sat beside him. “Do you suppose that was who attacked her? We never did get a good look at him.”
“No. I don’t think so. When she saw him in her dream, it felt like she knew him.. in a good way.” Kioshi’s sullen expression grew a little deeper.
“I see. Do you suppose he’s the one she keeps calling for then?”
“I have a pretty good feeling it’s him.” A white wolf came up beside the young man and nuzzled her face against Kioshi’s arm.
“I think Ran is jealous!” The old man laughed.
Kioshi settled his hand on her thick pelt and stroked his fingers back through her fur. She was all but purring with enjoyment, especially when his fingers worked their magic around her ears.
“Well then, if it’s done then shall we wake her and see if she has the strength to eat?” The old man groaned as he leaned forward and stirred the simmering stew before stealing a hot bite for himself.
Kioshi took up a ceramic bowl in his hand and poured some of the stew into it. The thick broth steamed in the cooling evening air as he handed it to the old man.
“You do it, I think I’ll stay out here.”
“You won’t win her over that way, Kioshi,” the old man grinned wryly and handed the stew back to him. He was getting a little tired of playing these games with Kioshi.
“I won’t win her over at all, Grandfather! She already has feelings for that demon Inuyasha.” He handed the stew back to the old man, who pretended not to notice.
“Ahh, but he’s not here with her now, is he? You are. You saved her and chased her attacker away. You carried her here. What’s to say it couldn’t happen? If the white haired demon were involved with her in that way, why isn’t he here with her now instead of us? Maybe it’s an unrequited love? Maybe fate is on your side? Hmm?” He motioned his head towards the small shack. “Go on.”
Ran whined.
“It’s alright old girl. You worry too much.” The old man patted her roughly behind the shoulders as he scooted himself over beside her despite the sour expression she gave him. “What’s say we have some stew ourselves, hmm?”
Kioshi watched as his grandfather ignored him and poured two bowls of stew and set one of the bowls in front of Ran. She lapped at it vigorously as the old man laughed at her eagerness and ate his own.
Sighing, Kioshi turned and walked into their temporary shelter. Kagome wasn’t struggling in her sleep like she had been before, but her breathing was becoming a little rougher. He sat on the floor beside her and gently touched her uninjured arm.
“Kagome?” She coughed and stirred awake slowly. “I have some food here. If you feel up to it you should really eat some. You lost a lot of blood earlier and you really need to get your strength back if you’re going to heal properly.”
“Inu.. Yasha?” She felt groggy and disoriented as she looked over into the face that reminded her so much of the hanyou.
“No, it’s Kioshi. Remember?” His smile was fading a little as she carefully tried to sit up a bit.
Finally, her eyes met his. He could see the confusion in them as she tried to re-associate with her surroundings. It was as she sat up that Kagome noticed his eyes and was startled by the color of them. She wondered how she hadn’t noticed before. They were such a beautiful blue with amber rings circling the black irises.
“You’re eyes..” she tried to talk but doubled over from coughing. Kioshi rubbed her back gently as she calmed down. The old shirt they had given her hung around her disproportionately, falling loosely off of her good shoulder. Her skin looked so soft and pale beneath it. Kioshi turned away for a moment, his cheeks felt like they were on fire.
“Here, try some of this. I made it myself.” He changed the subject as she took the bowl from him into her right hand and sniffed its contents. He still found it hard to look at her though. “Go ahead.” Kagome thought he sounded a little nervous.
She tipped the bowl to her lips and sipped slowly. The taste was a bit salty but hot and good. She devoured it as quickly as she could once she realized how hungry she was.
“Thank you.” She was practically licking the bowl as Kioshi sat and watched.
“I’m glad to see you’re eating so soon. I was a little worried, but this is a good sign.”
She sighed with a satisfied smile despite her aching body and handed the bowl back to him.
“Would you like more?” Kioshi’s brow furrowed a bit as he took the bowl and stood.
She shook her head.
“Thank you.. for taking care of me.” He could tell she was having a hard time speaking.
“Don’t try to talk too much,” his smile was quickly returning. “And don’t worry, you’re safe here.. with me.” He coughed and stammered. “I mean with us.” He blushed furiously again and quickly tucked the covers back around her shoulders as he helped her get comfortable again. “I’ll let you rest some more. If you need anything I’ll be back shortly.”
“Kioshi,” her eyes teared up a little.
“What’s wrong?” He sat beside her on the bed again.
“I’m scared! I don’t want to die.” Her voice was weak but clearer than usual. She was so far from home and felt so unbearably alone.
“It’s alright,” he opened his arms to her and she gratefully leaned into him and cried. Her body ached and her lungs burned and choked her but she couldn’t hold her tears in anymore. He stroked her back gently, careful not to hurt her. “Really, it will be alright. We’ll get you all healed up and we’ll even take you back to your village when you’re ready.” He wiped tenderly at the stream of tears that ran down her cheek and brushed the hair back from her forehead. It was glistening with a thin layer of sweat.
“You feel a bit warm,” his voice carried a little of his distress with it. “Grandfather! Come in here!”
The old man was at the door faster than any man his age should move.
“Why is she crying?” He approached the bed hesitantly.
“Never mind that, she’s burning up. The tea didn’t work.” Kioshi had fear in his eyes.
“It takes time, but all the same, let me feel her forehead,” he leaned down and pressed his palm to her skin. “Don’t worry too much just yet. This is natural after such a severe wound. As with many things, it will probably get worse before it gets better, you know. Just be patient and keep hope up. I’m sure she will be just fine.” His sigh spoke volumes more than his words. It certainly didn’t make Kioshi feel any better no matter what his Grandfather said.
“What can we do?” He cradled Kagome gently. Her crying had slowed as she fell wearily asleep in his arms.
“We wait. That’s all we can do. Her body must be having a hard time with all of her blood loss. The tea should help her fight infection though so try not to worry too much. We’ll do whatever we can for her while we can. The rest will be up to her and she certainly seems like a strong willed child.” The old man rested his hand on Kioshi’s shoulder with a reassuring smile before walking towards the doorway again.
“We’ll mix another tea with stronger herbs. They may be able to help more, but lets wait till she gains a little more strength first. Don’t let your worry overcome you, Kioshi. It won’t help her if you focus on the negative.” He disappeared through the door and into the cool night air.
Kioshi leaned over Kagome and slid her back into the bed as carefully as he could and drew the sheets up around her tightly.
“I don’t know who you are, Kagome, but I know there’s something special about you.”
He wiped a stray tear from her cheek and stood.
“I’ll check on you again in a little while,” he whispered even though he knew she probably couldn’t hear him. Although, Kioshi could have sworn that he saw a small smile, but no, it was probably just his wishful thinking. His heart fluttered all the same.
It was finally the beginning of the second day since she left and he was already getting agitated. The wait for her to come back was driving him crazy. He stopped mid-step and looked back in the direction of the well. Man was it tempting.
“Just one more day, that’s all you get, Kagome,” he growled. It felt like forever. He might not admit it to anyone else but he was really beginning to miss her.
On a whim, he turned and walked towards the well that connected their two times.
The morning air was cool on his skin and the forest was only just beginning to stir. Inuyasha tilted his head back and took in a deep breath of the fragrant air. Kagome’s smell was all through the forest here as well and it made his chest ache just a little as he thought about her.
It didn’t take long before the clearing surrounding the well came into view. Something was sitting on the wooden lip of it, curled up into a small reddish orange ball.
“Shippo.” Inuyasha cursed and shook his head as he walked over to the sleeping Kitsune. A sly grin spilled over his lips as he fought the temptation to push the little youkai into the well.
Instead, a sigh slipped out of him and he turned to walk away but paused. He muttered angrily to himself and went back to the well.
~What do I think I’m doing? ~ It went against his grain but Inuyasha slipped Shippo gently into his arms and carried him back through the forest towards the village. ~Doesn’t the little brat know he shouldn’t be out here by himself. He’s too useless to fend off anything real~
When the village finally appeared through the last of the trees, Inuyasha immediately headed for Kaede’s house where the Kitsune usually slept. The sooner he could get rid of him the better, and thankfully the village seemed to still be sleeping as he picked his way through it.
~Good, no one’s up yet. How embarrassing if anyone saw me~ He groaned and looked at the little face in his arms. ~Little bastard~ Inuyasha couldn’t help the small grin that forced its way over his lips.
Kaede’s house was mercifully still quiet as well. He could smell the old woman inside along with Sango and Kirara. They must have made it back sometime in the night. He had to be careful. This was the last thing he wanted anyone to see him doing.
The floorboards creaked only barely under his weight as he slipped Shippo into his bedding. Inuyasha took a quick peak around before he tucked the blanket over the little fox.
With a cautious leap, he was at the edge of the doorway and through it.
~Made it~ He stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders back. The birds were beginning to grow louder as more woke to the morning light.
“That was a nice thing you just did. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
“E-EHH!” Inuyasha jumped at the sound of the monk’s voice. “Miroku!” He growled. “Kisama!” The hanyou drew his hand into a claw and snapped his knuckles. “I’m gonna kill you for this.”
“Whoa! Wait a minute!” He put his hands up defensively. “It was just a compliment.” His smile was a little on the dark side.
“If you tell anyone.. I’ll..”
“I won’t, I won’t.”
“Promise?” Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and cracked his claw again.
“Yes! Don’t you trust me?”
Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
“Don’t answer then,” Miroku seemed a little dejected.
The hanyou snorted and walked passed the monk back into the forest towards the well.
It wasn’t long before the monk was following him.
“Did you want something?” Inuyasha came to an abrupt stop, turning on his heel to confront him.
“Just going for a walk. You don’t mind do you?” Miroku smiled his usual charming smile.
“Do what you fucking want.” Inuyasha snorted and went on his way again, muttering darkly under his breath.
Miroku kept close on his heels as they walked knowing full well that Inuyasha probably wanted nothing more than to get away from him before the monk had a chance to say what he wanted to say.
“You know, you’ve changed a lot since I first met you.”
“No I haven’t.” Inuyasha snapped.
“I’ve seen a sparkle in your eye growing for sometime now. Could it be for..” he smiled teasingly. “Kagome?”
Inuyasha came to a sudden stop; his face flustered red and was growing redder by the moment.
“What are you talking about?” He was growling defensively.
“I think I hit a soft spot.” Miroku snickered. “Is that why you snapped at her the other night? Are you afraid she’ll find out?”
“Maybe,” he murmured under his breath.
Miroku stopped and crossed his arms grinning like a fool. When Inuyasha noticed, he turned and glared at the monk with burning cheeks.
“I knew it. You are in love with her, but you just can’t admit it can you?” Inuyasha began to stammer and growl all at once in his search for excuses, but couldn’t find one. “There’s nothing wrong with it, you know.” Miroku walked up to him and patted the back of his shoulder in a half teasing manner.
“If you tell anyone. I’ll make sure you die painfully.” He was cracking his claw threateningly again.
“Really now, your secret’s safe with me. But why not tell her how you feel?”
Inuyasha turned and walked on to the well again. He suddenly wanted to get away from Miroku as fast as he could; somewhere in the back of his mind though, he knew it was impossible.
“You know, I believe she feels the same about you, Inuyasha.”
The hanyou gritted his teeth but kept his silence until they reached the well. He leaned heavily over its edge and peered into it as he had so many times before. Miroku, in turn, sat on its wooden lip and watched him quietly.
“I can’t do it. I can’t be happy until Kikyo is avenged and I can’t let Kagome in like that. I’m not sure I ever can. How would it end, Miroku? How could I ever make her happy?” He sighed as he sagged down and rested his chin on his forearms. Miroku could barely believe Inuyasha was confiding in him so honestly. He felt certain it was a relief for the hanyou to finally bring it out into the open. “I’d rather she never knew so she could return home when all is said and done and Naraku’s dead.”
“What about her feelings? Shouldn’t you let her have some part in a decision like this?”
Inuyasha’s head drooped a little more. “It would make it that much harder on her. And I don’t know how I could ever tell her to begin with.”
“My friend, women are never easy. But when you find one that is as special as she is, maybe you shouldn’t let her get away without a fight, hmm?”
Inuyasha turned and sunk to the foot of the well. Miroku moved to join him in the long silence that followed.
“You really should talk to her, Inuyasha.” Miroku eventually broke the quiet as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
“What would I tell her?” he sighed.
“That you want her to bare your children?” Miroku couldn’t help himself as he peaked out of the corner of his eye at the hanyou, smiling teasingly.
“NANI?!” Inuyasha’s eyes went wide at the thought.
“It was just a joke you know. Although it’s interesting if you’re taking me seriously,” he snickered and canted his head in the hanyou’s direction.
“Inuyasha?” The boy was pale and looked like he was hyperventilating. “You ok?” Miroku slapped him across the cheek. “Snap out of it. It was just a joke.”
Snarling, Inuyasha faced him with his fist clenched.
“Don’t hit me! And that wasn’t very funny you know!” The hanyou slumped back into his previous posture. “I was being serious. What would I say to her.. if I said .. something?”
“Try the truth.”
“I think I need to go.” Inuyasha stood.
“Through the well?” Miroku sounded a little too hopeful as his eyes followed him up.
“No. I’m sure she’s still angry with me anyway.” There was another long pause. “I’m so confused, Miroku.”
“Confused?” the monk held up his hands with a teasing look in his eye. “I should tell you, I don’t go that way.” His grin was from ear to ear.
“Not like that you bastard!” Inuyasha snarled and turned his nose up at him. “Why do I bother?” he huffed and started to walk off.
“You know, I think you confuse her just as much as she does you. Maybe more. It’s probably because you don’t talk about the things you should be talking about the most? I hope I’m not being too subtle here.” Miroku’s voice was gentle. “Just remember that your heart carries you where it wants to go, not you it.”
“Don’t tell her about this, Miroku.”
“If that’s what you want, but you know how I feel about it. Fate brought you two together, across time, for a reason.”
“Fate’s cruel. You know it probably better than any of us.” Inuyasha turned a glance to the monk’s hand before he leapt into the air and disappeared into the thick forest canopy some distance off.
“I only hope you make the right decision when the time comes, Inuyasha. I don’t want to see Kagome hurt.” Miroku clenched his fist in and out feeling the curse wrapped beneath his prayer beads until at last the monk stood and dusted his garments off. “I can see this is going to be a long wait for Kagome to come back.”
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Kioshi sat on the edge of Kagome’s bed and gently touched her cheek as she stirred in her sleep.
“You fancy her a bit don’t you, Kioshi?” The old man was standing in the open doorway, leaning against the frame with a sly smile etched over his wrinkled lips. It was his favorite expression.
Startled, Kioshi stood abruptly. “N..no, I was just checking on her.”
“You can’t fool an old man like me you know.”
“She was having nightmares. I was just worried is all,” Kioshi sighed and brushed passed him as he walked outside.
“Poor boy,” the old man shook his head. His gaze fell on Kagome as she stirred in her sleep again. “I wonder if she’ll make it.” He lingered in the doorway for a moment then turned and walked outside to join Kioshi.
The boy was sitting beside their fire, stirring the stew boiling over it.
“What was she dreaming about?”
“A white haired demon.. and a strange shadow that chased her.” Kioshi paused and looked up at the old man with eyes wide when he realized what he was saying.
“And did she tell you this or did you take a peak? Hmm?”
“I’m sorry, Grandfather. I couldn’t help it.”
“I suppose I understand, but you should mind what you do more carefully. What if you had hurt her?”
“I would never do that! I just wanted to comfort her.” Kioshi looked a little sullen.
“I know you wouldn’t intentionally, but still, it’s not something you should really do, not without her permission anyway.” He paused and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “A white haired demon, huh?” The old man sat beside him. “Do you suppose that was who attacked her? We never did get a good look at him.”
“No. I don’t think so. When she saw him in her dream, it felt like she knew him.. in a good way.” Kioshi’s sullen expression grew a little deeper.
“I see. Do you suppose he’s the one she keeps calling for then?”
“I have a pretty good feeling it’s him.” A white wolf came up beside the young man and nuzzled her face against Kioshi’s arm.
“I think Ran is jealous!” The old man laughed.
Kioshi settled his hand on her thick pelt and stroked his fingers back through her fur. She was all but purring with enjoyment, especially when his fingers worked their magic around her ears.
“Well then, if it’s done then shall we wake her and see if she has the strength to eat?” The old man groaned as he leaned forward and stirred the simmering stew before stealing a hot bite for himself.
Kioshi took up a ceramic bowl in his hand and poured some of the stew into it. The thick broth steamed in the cooling evening air as he handed it to the old man.
“You do it, I think I’ll stay out here.”
“You won’t win her over that way, Kioshi,” the old man grinned wryly and handed the stew back to him. He was getting a little tired of playing these games with Kioshi.
“I won’t win her over at all, Grandfather! She already has feelings for that demon Inuyasha.” He handed the stew back to the old man, who pretended not to notice.
“Ahh, but he’s not here with her now, is he? You are. You saved her and chased her attacker away. You carried her here. What’s to say it couldn’t happen? If the white haired demon were involved with her in that way, why isn’t he here with her now instead of us? Maybe it’s an unrequited love? Maybe fate is on your side? Hmm?” He motioned his head towards the small shack. “Go on.”
Ran whined.
“It’s alright old girl. You worry too much.” The old man patted her roughly behind the shoulders as he scooted himself over beside her despite the sour expression she gave him. “What’s say we have some stew ourselves, hmm?”
Kioshi watched as his grandfather ignored him and poured two bowls of stew and set one of the bowls in front of Ran. She lapped at it vigorously as the old man laughed at her eagerness and ate his own.
Sighing, Kioshi turned and walked into their temporary shelter. Kagome wasn’t struggling in her sleep like she had been before, but her breathing was becoming a little rougher. He sat on the floor beside her and gently touched her uninjured arm.
“Kagome?” She coughed and stirred awake slowly. “I have some food here. If you feel up to it you should really eat some. You lost a lot of blood earlier and you really need to get your strength back if you’re going to heal properly.”
“Inu.. Yasha?” She felt groggy and disoriented as she looked over into the face that reminded her so much of the hanyou.
“No, it’s Kioshi. Remember?” His smile was fading a little as she carefully tried to sit up a bit.
Finally, her eyes met his. He could see the confusion in them as she tried to re-associate with her surroundings. It was as she sat up that Kagome noticed his eyes and was startled by the color of them. She wondered how she hadn’t noticed before. They were such a beautiful blue with amber rings circling the black irises.
“You’re eyes..” she tried to talk but doubled over from coughing. Kioshi rubbed her back gently as she calmed down. The old shirt they had given her hung around her disproportionately, falling loosely off of her good shoulder. Her skin looked so soft and pale beneath it. Kioshi turned away for a moment, his cheeks felt like they were on fire.
“Here, try some of this. I made it myself.” He changed the subject as she took the bowl from him into her right hand and sniffed its contents. He still found it hard to look at her though. “Go ahead.” Kagome thought he sounded a little nervous.
She tipped the bowl to her lips and sipped slowly. The taste was a bit salty but hot and good. She devoured it as quickly as she could once she realized how hungry she was.
“Thank you.” She was practically licking the bowl as Kioshi sat and watched.
“I’m glad to see you’re eating so soon. I was a little worried, but this is a good sign.”
She sighed with a satisfied smile despite her aching body and handed the bowl back to him.
“Would you like more?” Kioshi’s brow furrowed a bit as he took the bowl and stood.
She shook her head.
“Thank you.. for taking care of me.” He could tell she was having a hard time speaking.
“Don’t try to talk too much,” his smile was quickly returning. “And don’t worry, you’re safe here.. with me.” He coughed and stammered. “I mean with us.” He blushed furiously again and quickly tucked the covers back around her shoulders as he helped her get comfortable again. “I’ll let you rest some more. If you need anything I’ll be back shortly.”
“Kioshi,” her eyes teared up a little.
“What’s wrong?” He sat beside her on the bed again.
“I’m scared! I don’t want to die.” Her voice was weak but clearer than usual. She was so far from home and felt so unbearably alone.
“It’s alright,” he opened his arms to her and she gratefully leaned into him and cried. Her body ached and her lungs burned and choked her but she couldn’t hold her tears in anymore. He stroked her back gently, careful not to hurt her. “Really, it will be alright. We’ll get you all healed up and we’ll even take you back to your village when you’re ready.” He wiped tenderly at the stream of tears that ran down her cheek and brushed the hair back from her forehead. It was glistening with a thin layer of sweat.
“You feel a bit warm,” his voice carried a little of his distress with it. “Grandfather! Come in here!”
The old man was at the door faster than any man his age should move.
“Why is she crying?” He approached the bed hesitantly.
“Never mind that, she’s burning up. The tea didn’t work.” Kioshi had fear in his eyes.
“It takes time, but all the same, let me feel her forehead,” he leaned down and pressed his palm to her skin. “Don’t worry too much just yet. This is natural after such a severe wound. As with many things, it will probably get worse before it gets better, you know. Just be patient and keep hope up. I’m sure she will be just fine.” His sigh spoke volumes more than his words. It certainly didn’t make Kioshi feel any better no matter what his Grandfather said.
“What can we do?” He cradled Kagome gently. Her crying had slowed as she fell wearily asleep in his arms.
“We wait. That’s all we can do. Her body must be having a hard time with all of her blood loss. The tea should help her fight infection though so try not to worry too much. We’ll do whatever we can for her while we can. The rest will be up to her and she certainly seems like a strong willed child.” The old man rested his hand on Kioshi’s shoulder with a reassuring smile before walking towards the doorway again.
“We’ll mix another tea with stronger herbs. They may be able to help more, but lets wait till she gains a little more strength first. Don’t let your worry overcome you, Kioshi. It won’t help her if you focus on the negative.” He disappeared through the door and into the cool night air.
Kioshi leaned over Kagome and slid her back into the bed as carefully as he could and drew the sheets up around her tightly.
“I don’t know who you are, Kagome, but I know there’s something special about you.”
He wiped a stray tear from her cheek and stood.
“I’ll check on you again in a little while,” he whispered even though he knew she probably couldn’t hear him. Although, Kioshi could have sworn that he saw a small smile, but no, it was probably just his wishful thinking. His heart fluttered all the same.
~~~~~~***~~~~~~
Inuyasha sat high in a tree over-looking the village. The view was beautiful as the sun rose, casting an array of hues through the sky. He leapt to the ground and began trekking back into the village.It was finally the beginning of the second day since she left and he was already getting agitated. The wait for her to come back was driving him crazy. He stopped mid-step and looked back in the direction of the well. Man was it tempting.
“Just one more day, that’s all you get, Kagome,” he growled. It felt like forever. He might not admit it to anyone else but he was really beginning to miss her.
On a whim, he turned and walked towards the well that connected their two times.
The morning air was cool on his skin and the forest was only just beginning to stir. Inuyasha tilted his head back and took in a deep breath of the fragrant air. Kagome’s smell was all through the forest here as well and it made his chest ache just a little as he thought about her.
It didn’t take long before the clearing surrounding the well came into view. Something was sitting on the wooden lip of it, curled up into a small reddish orange ball.
“Shippo.” Inuyasha cursed and shook his head as he walked over to the sleeping Kitsune. A sly grin spilled over his lips as he fought the temptation to push the little youkai into the well.
Instead, a sigh slipped out of him and he turned to walk away but paused. He muttered angrily to himself and went back to the well.
~What do I think I’m doing? ~ It went against his grain but Inuyasha slipped Shippo gently into his arms and carried him back through the forest towards the village. ~Doesn’t the little brat know he shouldn’t be out here by himself. He’s too useless to fend off anything real~
When the village finally appeared through the last of the trees, Inuyasha immediately headed for Kaede’s house where the Kitsune usually slept. The sooner he could get rid of him the better, and thankfully the village seemed to still be sleeping as he picked his way through it.
~Good, no one’s up yet. How embarrassing if anyone saw me~ He groaned and looked at the little face in his arms. ~Little bastard~ Inuyasha couldn’t help the small grin that forced its way over his lips.
Kaede’s house was mercifully still quiet as well. He could smell the old woman inside along with Sango and Kirara. They must have made it back sometime in the night. He had to be careful. This was the last thing he wanted anyone to see him doing.
The floorboards creaked only barely under his weight as he slipped Shippo into his bedding. Inuyasha took a quick peak around before he tucked the blanket over the little fox.
With a cautious leap, he was at the edge of the doorway and through it.
~Made it~ He stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders back. The birds were beginning to grow louder as more woke to the morning light.
“That was a nice thing you just did. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
“E-EHH!” Inuyasha jumped at the sound of the monk’s voice. “Miroku!” He growled. “Kisama!” The hanyou drew his hand into a claw and snapped his knuckles. “I’m gonna kill you for this.”
“Whoa! Wait a minute!” He put his hands up defensively. “It was just a compliment.” His smile was a little on the dark side.
“If you tell anyone.. I’ll..”
“I won’t, I won’t.”
“Promise?” Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and cracked his claw again.
“Yes! Don’t you trust me?”
Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
“Don’t answer then,” Miroku seemed a little dejected.
The hanyou snorted and walked passed the monk back into the forest towards the well.
It wasn’t long before the monk was following him.
“Did you want something?” Inuyasha came to an abrupt stop, turning on his heel to confront him.
“Just going for a walk. You don’t mind do you?” Miroku smiled his usual charming smile.
“Do what you fucking want.” Inuyasha snorted and went on his way again, muttering darkly under his breath.
Miroku kept close on his heels as they walked knowing full well that Inuyasha probably wanted nothing more than to get away from him before the monk had a chance to say what he wanted to say.
“You know, you’ve changed a lot since I first met you.”
“No I haven’t.” Inuyasha snapped.
“I’ve seen a sparkle in your eye growing for sometime now. Could it be for..” he smiled teasingly. “Kagome?”
Inuyasha came to a sudden stop; his face flustered red and was growing redder by the moment.
“What are you talking about?” He was growling defensively.
“I think I hit a soft spot.” Miroku snickered. “Is that why you snapped at her the other night? Are you afraid she’ll find out?”
“Maybe,” he murmured under his breath.
Miroku stopped and crossed his arms grinning like a fool. When Inuyasha noticed, he turned and glared at the monk with burning cheeks.
“I knew it. You are in love with her, but you just can’t admit it can you?” Inuyasha began to stammer and growl all at once in his search for excuses, but couldn’t find one. “There’s nothing wrong with it, you know.” Miroku walked up to him and patted the back of his shoulder in a half teasing manner.
“If you tell anyone. I’ll make sure you die painfully.” He was cracking his claw threateningly again.
“Really now, your secret’s safe with me. But why not tell her how you feel?”
Inuyasha turned and walked on to the well again. He suddenly wanted to get away from Miroku as fast as he could; somewhere in the back of his mind though, he knew it was impossible.
“You know, I believe she feels the same about you, Inuyasha.”
The hanyou gritted his teeth but kept his silence until they reached the well. He leaned heavily over its edge and peered into it as he had so many times before. Miroku, in turn, sat on its wooden lip and watched him quietly.
“I can’t do it. I can’t be happy until Kikyo is avenged and I can’t let Kagome in like that. I’m not sure I ever can. How would it end, Miroku? How could I ever make her happy?” He sighed as he sagged down and rested his chin on his forearms. Miroku could barely believe Inuyasha was confiding in him so honestly. He felt certain it was a relief for the hanyou to finally bring it out into the open. “I’d rather she never knew so she could return home when all is said and done and Naraku’s dead.”
“What about her feelings? Shouldn’t you let her have some part in a decision like this?”
Inuyasha’s head drooped a little more. “It would make it that much harder on her. And I don’t know how I could ever tell her to begin with.”
“My friend, women are never easy. But when you find one that is as special as she is, maybe you shouldn’t let her get away without a fight, hmm?”
Inuyasha turned and sunk to the foot of the well. Miroku moved to join him in the long silence that followed.
“You really should talk to her, Inuyasha.” Miroku eventually broke the quiet as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
“What would I tell her?” he sighed.
“That you want her to bare your children?” Miroku couldn’t help himself as he peaked out of the corner of his eye at the hanyou, smiling teasingly.
“NANI?!” Inuyasha’s eyes went wide at the thought.
“It was just a joke you know. Although it’s interesting if you’re taking me seriously,” he snickered and canted his head in the hanyou’s direction.
“Inuyasha?” The boy was pale and looked like he was hyperventilating. “You ok?” Miroku slapped him across the cheek. “Snap out of it. It was just a joke.”
Snarling, Inuyasha faced him with his fist clenched.
“Don’t hit me! And that wasn’t very funny you know!” The hanyou slumped back into his previous posture. “I was being serious. What would I say to her.. if I said .. something?”
“Try the truth.”
“I think I need to go.” Inuyasha stood.
“Through the well?” Miroku sounded a little too hopeful as his eyes followed him up.
“No. I’m sure she’s still angry with me anyway.” There was another long pause. “I’m so confused, Miroku.”
“Confused?” the monk held up his hands with a teasing look in his eye. “I should tell you, I don’t go that way.” His grin was from ear to ear.
“Not like that you bastard!” Inuyasha snarled and turned his nose up at him. “Why do I bother?” he huffed and started to walk off.
“You know, I think you confuse her just as much as she does you. Maybe more. It’s probably because you don’t talk about the things you should be talking about the most? I hope I’m not being too subtle here.” Miroku’s voice was gentle. “Just remember that your heart carries you where it wants to go, not you it.”
“Don’t tell her about this, Miroku.”
“If that’s what you want, but you know how I feel about it. Fate brought you two together, across time, for a reason.”
“Fate’s cruel. You know it probably better than any of us.” Inuyasha turned a glance to the monk’s hand before he leapt into the air and disappeared into the thick forest canopy some distance off.
“I only hope you make the right decision when the time comes, Inuyasha. I don’t want to see Kagome hurt.” Miroku clenched his fist in and out feeling the curse wrapped beneath his prayer beads until at last the monk stood and dusted his garments off. “I can see this is going to be a long wait for Kagome to come back.”
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