InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Elemental: A Feudal Soap Opera ❯ Chapter Sixteen ( Chapter 16 )

Inuyasha was one step closer to understanding the term `basketcase' by the time Mrs. Higurashi was finished being helpful. Not to mention that his back was about to break under the weight of the large green duffel bag that Kagome's mother had insisted that he take with him. Gotta remember to never ask a woman the definition of `mood' again.

 

She was still defining the word, even as Inuyasha trudged toward the well. If it hadn't been for the fact that he felt that her information might be useful--after all, her daughter is just as confusing as she is--he might have already made a run for it.

 

“Don't worry about the candles, dear,” she said, patting Inuyasha on the arm and ignoring his remarkable imitation of a tomato. “I made sure that I only packed the unscented ones. Kagome told me about your sensitive nose.”

 

Inuyasha mumbled something unintelligible, keeping his burning face averted. He didn't want to think about candles right now. The vague sense of panic he had experienced earlier had returned, and was growing stronger the close he got to the well and the girl he was about to take as a mate. His breathing felt tight, and he actually thought he might be sick. The thought mortified him, and he could not stifle a self-deprecating curse before it left his lips.

 

Some of what he felt must have shown, for Kagome's mother stopped him when they reached the well house. “Inuyasha,” she said softly.

 

He turned to face her.

 

Her gaze was steady, and a gentle smile was upon her face. “Everything will be fine, Inuyasha,” she said. “You remember what I told you when you asked how to make my daughter happy, don't you?”

 

Inuyasha did remember. “Love her, Inuyasha. It's all she ever wanted.” He nodded.

 

Mrs. Higurashi's eyes crinkled at the corners as her smile grew wider. “Just make sure that she knows how you feel, alright?”

 

Inuyasha nodded again, and she hugged him lightly, much to his surprise, and turned to go. He stared after her for a moment, bemused, then squared his shoulders and entered the well house. He had to get a move on if he wanted to finish preparing everything in time.

 

***

 

“I don't know about this, Sango,” Kagome said, wincing a little as the other girl pulled at her hair a bit too roughly.

 

“Hold still,” Sango mumbled around the decorative comb she held between her teeth. She gave Kagome's hair one last twist, then used the comb to fasten it in place.

 

Finally. “Are you finished?”

 

Sango stepped back, eyeing Kagome's hair critically. “Almost.” She reached out, using her fingertips to pull a few tendrils of hair loose on either side of her face. She looked at her agian, lips pursed, then finally broke out into a warm smile. “Finished.”

 

“I feel silly,” Kagome grumbled, tentatively touching the knot of hair that Sango had fashioned on the back of her head.

 

Sango slapped her hand away. “Hush. You look beautiful. Now stop messing with it or I'll have to do it again.”

 

Kagome grimaced, but lowered her hand. “Ha! If you do it again, I'll wind up bald.”

 

“Don't be such a baby,” Sango admonished, but her stern tone was ruined by a giggle. She retrieved Kagome's backback from the corner and handed it to her. “Here. Don't you have a mirror in that thing?”

 

Kagome nodded.

 

“Well?” Sango motioned toward the yellow pack. “What are you waiting for?”

 

Kagome made a face at her, then rummaged around in the bag until she found her small hand mirror. She lifted it to her face and peered at herself. Wow. Who would have thought Sango would be so good with hair? She turned her head slightly, trying to see from as many angles as possible.

 

Sango had pulled her hair into a simple upsweep that resembled a modified French twist, held in place by a lovely comb made of bone that had belonged to Sango's mother. The tendrils of hair she had pulled down framed her face perfectly, accentuating her cheekbones and making her appear slightly older. She was wearing one of Sango's outfits, as well; a simple, pale rose-colored yukata that peeked out from the hem of a forest green overskirt that hung nearly to her ankles. I hardly recognize myself. Wordlessly, she turned shining eyes to the other girl, who was nearly bouncing in her excitement.

 

“Well,” Sango prodded. “What do you think?”

 

“I think,” Kagome said, slowly standing and walking over to the other girl before enfolding her in a tight hug. “That you are the best friend ever.”

 

Sango returned the hug before pushing her away. “Enough of that, now. You'll ruin your hair,” she said with a grin. “I take it, then, that you like it?”

 

Kagome nodded emphatically, returning her smile. “I love it.”

 

Sango's grin grew wider. “I can't wait to see the look on Inuyasha's face when he sees you.”

 

Kagome's smile faded a little, and she bit her bottom lip in worry. “Do you think he'll like it?”

 

“Kagome, you are beautiful,” Sango said in a voice that made it clear that she would not listen to any arguments. “If he doesn't think so, too, then he is either blind or stupid.”

 

Kagome's smile returned at Sango's fierce defense of her. I hope she's right. It would be nice to have Inuyasha look at me and see something besides his plain little shard detector for a change.

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by Sango grabbing her hand. “Come on, the demon exterminator said, beginning to drag Kagome toward the door of the hut.

 

Kagome struggled to keep up withe her. “Where are we going?”

 

“To show the others. You need reassurance, and I'm going to give it to you.” She slowed, leaning closer to whisper conspirationally, “I'll bet you that you have Miroku drooling on himself within one minute of seeing you like this.”

 

Kagome blushed, trying hard to stifle another giggle. “I'm not sure that's a good thing, Sango.”

 

The grin Sango gave her this time was positively evil. “Don't worry, I'll keep him in line,” she said, cracking her knuckles. “Now, come on.”

 

Kagome reluctantly allowed herself to be drawn outside into the midmorning sunlight. Squinting slightly, she spotted Miroku sitting with Shippou not too far away. She stopped again, embarrassed. “I don't know, Sango. Maybe we should wait...”

 

“Nope, don't hear you,” Sango said, still tugging on her hand.

 

With a sigh, Kagome followed her until they were standing right behind the monk.

 

“Miroku,” Sango said. “We need a man's opinion, but you'll have to do. How does Kagome look?”

 

Miroku jumped, startled, and turned around. His eyes traveled up the forms of the two girls, resting momentarily on their faces, before his attention snapped to Kagome. He rose smoothly to his feet, mouth hanging slightly open. “Kagome?”

 

Kagome blushed hotly.

 

Recovering himself quickly, Miroku reached out to clasp her hand in his. “My lady,” he said. “You are lovely.”

 

Kagome tried to take her hand back, but he would not release it. Beside her, she heard Sango smother a laugh. Oh no, here we go again.

 

Miroku moved a step closer to her. “Inuyasha does not deserve such beauty. It is wasted on him. Rather, would you do me the honor of...” The monk was suddenly yanked backwards away from Kagome.

 

“That'll do, monk,” Sango said firmly, but her face was alight with merriment. She pushed Miroku back down to the ground and turned to Kagome, raising an eyebrow as if to say, “See? What did I tell you?”

 

Kagome began to turn to hide her smile, only to feel something pulling on her skirt. She looked down to see Shippou staring up at her with wide eyes. “Kagome,” he said.

 

She nodded. He jumped into her arms, looking carefully at her. “You look really pretty, Kagome.”

 

“Thank you, Shippou,” she said, hugging him to her.

 

He tilted his head to the side. “Did you do this for Inuyasha?”

 

She nodded, blush growing brighter. Shippou grinned at her, then leaned closer so he could whisper in her ear. “Don't worry, Kagome. Inuyasha-papa will think you look pretty, too.”

 

Kagome drew back in surprise. “Inuyasha-papa?” She repeated faintly.

 

“Yup.” The kitsune nodded emphatically.

 

She glanced at Miroku, who was nearly choking on his laughter, then to Sango, who looked just as puzzled as she was. O-kay. I'm not sure I want to know.

 

***

 

When Inuyasha finally climbed from the well into the feudal ere, it was already mid-morning. Glancing at the sun, which was climbing steadily highter in the sky, Inuyasha frowned unhappily. He had told Kagome that he would be back by morning, yet it was almost noon. He still had to prepare the place he had chosen as their temporary `den'. Kagome's going to be pissed. He grimaced at the thought. But it wasn't my fault. It was her mother's. He hoisted the heavy duffel bag that Mrs. Higurashi had insisted on filling with supplies, most of which he had insisted right back that he didn't need. She had been adamant, however. “Damned woman is as stubborn as her daughter,” he muttered, setting off through the trees at a dead run.

 

He wasn't actually angry with Kagome's mother. She had been understanding about the strange situation Inuyasha and Kagome found themselves in, and seemed to readily accept the hanyou into her family. She had even gone so far as to offer him advice, and, thankfully, it had been nowhere near as embarrassing as his talk with Sesshoumaru had been.

 

She had also sent Inuyasha with a large amount of ramen, two extra sleeping bags which could be zipped together, a half dozen unscented candles, and a small container of Kagome's favorite bathing supplies. These things he planned to leave in the den until he could fetch Kagome. Mrs. Higurashi had also given him three other, very important items, and those he would be taking back to the village with him, along with the box he had retrieved from Sesshoumaru.

 

After he had arrived at the cave he had often hidden in as a child, he hurriedly unpacked the bag, sparing a moment to look around while sniffing the air carefully. Looks like nothing's found this place yet. Inuyasha was pleased. This place was actually pretty nice. It had a small, hidden arch that opened up into a larger chamber. Inside, there was a decent sized hot spring bubbling up in one corner, and the walls were made of some sort of phospherescent lime that would magnify the light from the candles. This place had saved his life many times when he was small. He had never told anyone else about the place, and suspected that he might be the only person to know of its existence. For now, anyway. He had considered very carefully where he had wanted to take Kagome. It needed to be a perfectly safe place, for the two of them would be at their most vulnerable. He had thought, at first, that they would have to remain in the village, with Miroku and Sango to protect them. Inuyasha hated that idea, though. He knew that the two humans would give them their privacy--well, Sango would, at least--but he didn't want any of them near when he took Kagome.

 

...take...Kagome.

 

He noticed his hand trembling as he was zipping the two overstuffed sleeping bags together. He forced the trembling away as best he could, smoothing the makeshift bed in the corner of the cave. He stared at it for a moment, mouth gone dry. Unbidden, an image of Kagome lying naked atop the pallet, beckoning to him, appeared before his mind's eye. He felt his heart speed up uncomfortably in his chest, sending a surge of blood quickly elsewhere in his body. “Shit,” he murmured, scrambling to his feet.

 

He turned his back to the doubled sleeping bag, resolutely unpacking the rest of the supplies. He was going to get this over with. He was not going to let his mind wander. He was not going to think of Kagome. He was definitely not going to think of Kagome naked.

 

He was also not going to think of doing things to a naked Kagome--things with his lips and tongue and hands. Nor was he going to think of Kagome doing those things right back to his equally naked self...

 

“Fuck!” You shouldn't be thinking shit like that, idiot. Inuyasha shook his head as if trying to clear it, and resumed stacking the ramen by the wall. His hand suddenly tightened on one of the foam cups, nearly crushing it.

 

Why shouldn't I be thinking it? He set the cup down slowly. I'm going to be doing it, aren't I?

 

It's my right. Kagome is mine. She's going to be my mate. My wife.

 

Inuyasha sat, staring wide eyed at nothing in particular for a long moment. I...I am going to be doing things to Kagome. We're going to be doing those things to each other. And it's not going to be wrong. I'll have the right to touch her. I think...I think she actually wants me to touch her. And it isn't wrong.

 

Not anymore.

 

Inuyasha felt his face grow hot, but couldn't stifle a small smile. He climbed slowly to his feet, letting them take him to the mouth of the cave where the bright sunlight was streaming in.

 

It's time to claim my mate.

 

***

 

A half an hour later most of Inuyasha's confidence had fled, but it was too late to try to collect himself again. The nervous hanyou had already entered the village. He waved off Miroku, who had spotted him the minute he had crested the hill. Nervous or not, he intended to see Kagome. Now. He walked by the grinning monk--what's that idiot's problem?--and headed directly to the old woman's home.

 

Inuyasha entered Kaede's hut, immediately spying Kagome seated beside Sango. Her eyes met his, and she slowly stood. Inuyasha remained frozen, eyes taking her in. He felt a strange mixture of relief at finding her still safe, and trepidation at what was soon to take place. She had changed clothes and wore her hair up, similar to the way brides of the time were wont to do. Brides...my bride...my mate. Kagome...my gods, she's going to be mine. He knew that he was staring like a fool, but he couldn't seem to help himself.

 

“Inuyasha,” Kagome called, the uncertainty in her voice finally goading Inuyasha into motion.

 

He strode to where she stood, pausing to glare meaningfully at Sango. The demon exterminator gave Kagome a reassuring nod, then left the hut. He returned his attention to Kagome. Her cheeks were flushed, and she was staring at him with worry filled eyes. He felt some of his own nervousness slide away. He stepped even closer to her, inhaling her scent deeply. His mind was still struggling with the knowledge that he actually had the right to do so. It was a heady feeling.

 

“Did you,” Kagome said, voice cracking. “Did you see Sesshoumaru?”

 

Inuyasha inhaled again, ignoring the still present sickly smell to her aura to focus on the underlying sweetness that was her own unique fragrance. She's nervous, too. “I saw him.”

 

Kagome peered at him from beneath her hair. “Were you able to get...whatever it was?”

 

Inuyasha nodded, reaching into his haori to pull out the larger of two boxes. “Here,” he said, holding it out to her so she could look at it.

 

She took the box gingerly, glancing at him before flipping the latch and lifting the lid. Silent, she stared into the box for a moment before lifting puzzled eyes to his. “What are they?”

 

Inuyasha blushed, but he did not look away. He knew he had to get used to dealing with Kagome this way. He had to speak plainly to her; she was going to be his mate. “The largest one is a collar. The others are wrist and ankle cuffs.”

 

Kagome's eyes were as wide as he'd ever seen them, but she said nothing, simply turned her attention back to the box.

 

Inuyasha cleared his throat. “They'll keep you from purifying yourself when we...we...” He ground to a halt, unsure of a way to put what they would be doing without offending her.

 

She gave him a weak smile. “I understand.”

 

Inuyasha eyed her intently. She looked as if she might cry. That's not how he wanted her right now, especially not since he'd decided that this mating was a good thing. “Are you afraid?” He asked gently.

 

She looked down. “Yes.”

 

Inuyasha ignored the pain her admission caused him. “Because I'm hanyou?”

 

Kagome made a small sound, head flying up. “No!”

 

Inuyasha felt relieved. She had told him before that his mixed blood didn't bother her, but he couldn't help but worry. It bothered everyone else. Even him. “Then why?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “I don't know. I just am.”

 

Inuyasha blinked. I'll never understand her. Still, he didn't want her afraid of him, for any reason. A sudden realization hit him, and he cringed. “I hurt you the first time. Didn't I?”

 

She bit her lip, nodding, but then hurried to speak at his stricken expression. “It's alright, Inuyasha. It wasn't your fault. It always hurts the first time.”

 

Inuyasha barely heard her. He had been clumsy and hurt her, even if he had been out of his head at the time, and now she was afraid of him. “I won't hurt you again, Kagome,” he said, voice pained but fervent. “I swear.” And he wouldn't. He planned to take every care with her.

 

“I know,” she said, voice quiet. “I trust you. I'm just afraid, I think, that you won't like me...after.”

 

He drew back, surprised. How could she think that? “Kagome,” he said, voice husky, reaching out to grasp her upper arm with one clawed hand. “I'll always like you.”

 

She stared at him for a moment, eyes shimmering. Finally, she spoke, sounding anguished. “But you're trapped. This wasn't really your choice. What if you grow to hate me for it?”

 

This again. “Kagome,” he said, voice firm. “I could never hate you. Never.” He reached out to brush her cheek, trying to reassure her. “Stop worrying so much. I want this.”

 

She turned her head away, eyes filled with tears, but she released none of them. “You're just saying that.”

 

Inuyasha growled softly in frustration. “I don't `just say' anything, Kagome. I want this.” He used his hand to turn her face back to him, making sure she was paying attention. “I want this,” he said, voice fierce. “Understand?”

 

She searched his face and seemed to find what she was looking for there, for her eyes softened. She nodded, one tear escaping her lashes to track down her cheek. He tenderly wiped it away. “Just tell me that you meant it.”

 

“Meant what?” She asked quietly.

 

He used the hand on her arm to pull her closer. She didn't resist. “When you said that you were mine. I need for you to tell me that you meant it, Kagome.”

 

She nodded slowly, eyes never leaving his. “I meant it.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

 

He searched her face for a moment more before settling on the chocolate depths of her eyes. His breath caught in his throat.

 

Looking into her eyes, he knew. He knew that she loved him, knew that she belonged to him. He could see it. Hell, he could actually feel it, standing here in the warmth of her gaze. He couldn't deny it any longer, and there was no longer any need to. Mine. She's mine. The sheer force of the answering emotion that swept through him nearly brought him to his knees. He closed his eyes against it with a soft groan, right before he brought his mouth crashing down on hers.

 

He swallowed her startled cry and, careful not to pierce her with his fangs, began kissing her in earnest. It was nothing like the kiss he had given her the day before. This kiss was pure possession. He wanted to taste her, to draw her into himself, and keep her safely there where he could examine this feeling that was burgeoning inside him. He wanted...needed to convey to her the absolute gratitude he felt, along with his lingering fear that this was just too good to be true. That something horrible would happen because they dared to do this. However, her taste and scent were filling his senses, and soon the feel of her sweet mouth moving under his, responding to him, drove the fear from his mind. He gentled his movements against her. He had dreamed of this for so long, it seemed. He wanted to savor the sensation. This was Kagome, and she was his.

 

He nipped lightly at her lower lip, and she opened her mouth to him. He heard her whimper at the first glide of his tongue against hers, and he repeated the motion, repressing a shiver when she responded enthusiastically, twining her own tongue about his. Soon he was acting purely out of instinct. Her taste was becoming intoxicating to him, and this, combined with the scent of her rising arousal, prompted him to chase after her flavor with abandon. He explored the heated recesses of her mouth with lips and tongue, and she pressed against him, rising on her tiptoes to meet him fully. Her hands were clutching convulsively at the front of his haori, and she seemed nearly mindless in her desire to get closer to him. He slid a hand to the small of her back to steady her, and slanted his mouth across hers over and over again, ears attuned to every breathless whimper that she emitted. He prayed that no one would be stupid enough to interrupt them. He didn't know if he would stop if they did. And if I did stop, I just might kill them. He drew her more tightly to him. My gods...Kagome.

 

Finally, needing air, he pulled his mouth from hers, possessive satisfaction filling him at the sight of her lips, moist and swollen. He raised his eyes to hers and smirked weakly. She looked as dazed as he felt, and, better yet, she was panting lightly, her palms still pressed against his chest as she stared at his mouth with passion glazed eyes. His smirk grew wider. Heh. I did that.

 

After a moment, she seemed to snap out of the spell she was under. Her eyes climbed slowly to his. “Inuyasha?” Her voice was tremulous. “Why...”

 

Inuyasha's expression grew more tender, and he remembered Mrs. Higurashi's parting shot. She's unsure of me. He lifted his free hand to her face, brushing his thumb over her lips, narrowing his eyes in fascination when they parted slightly. He wanted to claim those lips again, but she needed to be reassured first, he could see. He caressed her mouth with his fingertips once more before turning his hand to run the backs of his knuckles along her jawline. He saw her relax slightly, and her eyes began to clear as she focused on him. “Kagome,” he said, nearly in awe. The air around them fairly crackled with something unnamable. It made the hanyou feel as if he might shatter if he did not try and tell her how he felt. “Kagome,” he said again, needing her to answer him, to let him know that she was listening to him. Really listening.

 

“Yes, Inuyasha?” She sounded breathless.

 

He bowed his head back down to hers, sliding the hand on her back to the nape of her neck. His lips did not quite touch hers, simply hovered before them, close enough to feel every little puff of her breath on his face. He gathered his courage, finding it in the warmth of her eyes and the speed of her heartbeat thrumming in his ears. “Can I,” he began softly, hoping that she would understand what he was trying to tell her. “I want to belong to you, too.”

 

She blinked at him.

 

He stared at her through his lashes, but she just looked confused. He sighed, and reached inside the front of his haori, drawing out the small box that her mother had given to him. He thrust it at her. “Here.”

 

She looked at the box, then back up at him. He noticed that her hand trembled as she held it. “Is this...is this something else you got from Sesshoumaru?” She asked, voice hesitant.

 

He shook his head. “I'll explain in a minute,” he said with a rueful half-smile. “Open it.”

 

Still, she hesitated for a moment, and Inuyasha got the feeling that she was fearful, but before he could take it back and open it for her, she was prying the lid from the top of the little box. Inuyasha watched her face carefully.

 

She gasped softly, then lifted stunned eyes to his. Inuyasha fidgeted for a moment while she remained silent, and then she was closing the last bit of distance between them, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing her mouth to his. He smiled into the kiss, a relief he wasn't expecting filling him, and hugged her tightly to him. It was a chaste, albeit enthusiastic, kiss, and after just a moment, she pulled back and gave him a shy smile.

 

He gave her a toothy grin in return. “I guess I can take that as a yes, right?”

 

***

 

-to be continued-