InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Elemental: A Feudal Soap Opera ❯ Chapter Fifteen ( Chapter 15 )

Mrs. Higurashi made her way to the kitchen, careful to not wake her father or Souta. There would be time enough to do that after she had drank her first cup of tea for the day, before she started breakfast. It was Saturday, and Souta didn't have school to go to, so she was in no hurry.

 

She loved her early morning solitude. The world was just waking up, and the air always seemed so crisp with possibilities. Everything would be hushed, the normal cacophony of life subdued and sleepy, as if the earth were holding its breath, just waiting to see what would happen. Her husband had never understood her desire to be up at the crack of dawn, but when she had tried to explain it to him, he had simply smiled at her, telling her that he didn't mind. Sometimes he would even get up with her. He had said that he loved to see the light on her face, her eyes still sleep-bright. She gave a wistful sigh. He had been gone for so long now, it seemed.

 

She opened the curtains in the living room as she passed the window, letting the sunlight spill into the house, chasing away the chill and the remaining shadows. Her smile turned more cheerful, and she continued on to the kitchen, heading straight to the enameled canister that held her favorite bancha blend. The toasted tea leaves helped clear her mind so that she could focus on the many tasks of the day.

 

She deposited a spoonful of the fragrant tea into the pretty porcelain teacup that Souta had given her for Christmas the year before, and filled her teakettle with cold water before sitting it on the stove. She had a few minutes before the water would begin steaming, so she turned to leave the kitchen, planning to retrieve the morning paper. She was brought up short by her daughter's dog-eared friend from the feudal era.

 

Goodness gracious, that boy is quiet.

 

“Inuyasha,” she said, voice a bit high-pitched from her surprise. “I didn't hear you come in.”

 

He looked sheepish, but didn't respond, and she had to smother a laugh. Bashful, too.

 

She peered around him, looking for her daughter, but didn't see her. “Where is Kagome? Did she go to her room and leave you down here alone?” She turned her eyes to the boy, and felt her heart nearly turn over at the expression on his face. He looked uncomfortable, anxious, and afraid, all at once.

 

Her hand flew to her throat. “Inuyasha,” she began, “Did something happen? Is Kagome all right?”

 

Inuyasha lowered his head, hiding his eyes from her, and she noticed him clenching and unclenching his fists. Oh no...oh no...don't tell me she's...

 

“Mrs. Higurashi,” he said, finally, but then fell silent again. She shoved aside the memory of the police officer saying her name in that same tone years ago, the night she had been informed of her husband's death.

 

Oh gods. It must be very bad. He can't even get the words out. She had to stop herself from running to the well house to find her baby, and her voice was harsher than she had intended it to be when she said, “Inuyasha, tell me! What's going on? Where is my daughter?”

 

Inuyasha visibly flinched, then raised his face to hers to look her directly in the eye. “Mrs. Higurashi,” he said again, gruff voice at odds with the blush spreading across his features. Hands trembling, she clasped them in front of her, and steeled herself for whatever he would say next.

 

He stood up straighter, features hardening into a look of determination. “I'm keeping Kagome.”

 

Oh no...oh...what?

 

***

 

Shippou clutched at Miroku's robes in fear as another fit of giggles sounded from the hut before them. He and the monk had been ordered out by Sango and Kagome moments after the kit had woke up. And they didn't even fix me breakfast. His stomach gave a low rumble as if to emphasize the thought, followed by another peal of girlish laughter from the hut. What are they doing in there, anyway? He released the monk's robes, peering up at him. “What's going on?”

 

Miroku turned bemused eyes in his direction. “Apparently, from what I could tell from their chatter, Kagome and Inuyasha will be mated today.”

 

Shippou's jaw dropped. “But...but...Kagome's still sick...isn't she?”

 

Miroku didn't have a chance to reply, for Kaede exited the hut at that moment, a bowl in each hand.

 

Ooh...breakfast. Questions momentarily overridden by the demands of his growling stomach, Shippou scampered over to Kaede, gratefully taking the bowl of stew she offered him. He slurped his soup messily enough to make even Inuyasha proud, before redirecting his question to Kaede. “Grandma Kaede, why are Inuyasha and Kagome becoming mates when she's so sick?” A horrible thought struck him as soon as the words were out of his mouth. “She's...she's not going to die, is she?” Food forgotten, he waited anxiously for the old woman's answer.

 

She chuckled, patting him on the head. “No, Shippou. It seems that Inuyasha has discovered that taking Kagome as his mate will cure her,” she said with a smile. “It is a happy occasion.”

 

More laughter came from the hut, and Shippou felt relief fill him. So that's why Kagome sounds so happy. Finally, dog boy did something right. He grinned up at Kaede, but the grin soon disappeared. But if Kagome and Inuyasha are mated...

 

The old miko must have noticed the worry on his face. “What is troubling you now, young one?”

 

Shippou dug his toe lightly into the dirt, not looking at her. He felt selfish for even bringing it up, but he couldn't help the worry that filled him. “What will happen to me?” He asked in a small voice. Inuyasha doesn't even like me. Once Kagome is his mate, he'll probably make me leave.

 

Kaede chuckled. “Do not worry, Shippou. Kagome loves you, and I believe that Inuyasha cares for you more than he will admit, even to himself.”

 

Shippou snorted. Yeah, right.

 

Kaede made a disapproving noise. “You do Inuyasha a disservice, little one. Has the hanyou not protected you from danger these last few years?”

 

Shippou thought of the many times that Inuyasha had rescued him from dangerous situations, quite a few which had been the result of Shippou's own carelessness. He frowned. “Yeah, but...”

 

Kaede didn't let him finish. “And has he not provided for you and the others when needed?”

 

He grudgingly recalled the last time Inuyasha had brought down a boar. He had made sure that Shippou had eaten a healthy portion, even though he had insulted the kitsune as he did so, calling him a useless runt. His brow knit in confusion. “Yes.”

 

Kaede crouched carefully in front of him, joints popping audibly. “Shippou,” she began, voice kind. “You are member of Inuyasha's pack, and that will not change.”

 

His...pack? I suppose we are like a pack, now that she mentions it. He lifted hopeful eyes to her, but then nearly jumped out of his skin when Miroku's voice came from close behind him. He swung around to glare at him.

 

“Yes, Shippou,” Miroku said with a grin, reaching around him to take the other bowl of stew from Kaede's hand. “You aren't going to lose Kagome. She will still be your second mother.” The monk's grin grew wider. “In fact, you will only gain from this.” He tweaked Shippou's nose.

 

Shippou swatted his hand away in annoyance. “What do you mean?” He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He didn't like that grin the monk wore one bit.

 

“I thought you would have realized by now, Shippou,” he said in high good humor. “Once Kagome is his mate, Inuyasha will be your new papa.”

 

Inuyasha? My papa? “Good gods,” he muttered, just before falling over, the sound of the monk's snickers still ringing in his ears.

 

***

 

“I'm keeping Kagome.”

 

Kagome's mother swayed slightly, and Inuyasha steadied her with a hand on her elbow, quickly pulling away once he was sure she would not fall. He mentally kicked himself. He never could say anything the way he wanted to say it, and this usually served to land him in trouble. He stood stiffly, waiting for Mrs. Higurashi's questions, and, undoubtedly, anger.

 

She had been looking rather pale, but now her color was coming back. She focused her eyes on his face, expression unreadable. Inuyasha set his jaw and looked away.

 

“I beg your pardon?”

 

Well, at least she doesn't sound angry...yet. She did sound shocked, though. He rubbed a hand over his face, then motioned toward the table. “Maybe we should...”

 

She made a nervous sound and nodded. “I'm sorry, Inuyasha. Of course. Please sit down.”

 

He did as she bade him, but she didn't sit down herself. Instead, she cocked her head to the side, giving him a worried look.

 

Remembering her initial questions, Inuyasha swore under his breath. I'm an idiot. “Kagome is safe.” For the moment, anyway. “But I need to talk to you.”

 

Kagome's mother sat down hesitantly across from him. “Inuyasha, dear,” she began, causing him to flush lightly. He had a feeling he'd be doing that a lot before this conversation was over. “Would you mind telling me what you meant when you said that you were keeping Kagome?”

 

Inuyasha struggled against the urge to run for the well as fast as his hanyou speed would let him. Instead, he fixed his sight on the table, and said quietly, “I...I am taking Kagome as my mate.” Okay, that wasn't so hard. His voice grew a bit stronger. “She'll be staying with me.” He held his breath, eyes not leaving the tabletop.

 

“I see,” she said. An uncomfortable silence filled the tiny kitchen. Finally, she spoke again. “Has Kagome agreed to this?”

 

“Yes,” Inuyasha said, voice nearly too low to hear. Clearing his throat, he repeated it. “Yes, she has.” He stole a glance at Mrs. Higurashi from beneath his hair. She didn't look angry, only thoughtful and mildly relieved. Inuyasha began to relax minutely, returning to his perusal of the table.

 

He felt her eyes on him. “And do you intend to prevent her from visiting her family again?”

 

Inuyasha's head flew up, and he drew back, insulted. “Of course not.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi looked him directly in the eye. “Then why isn't she here now, Inuyasha?” Her voice was patient, but he knew she required an explanation.

 

Inuyasha felt his face flame. He had been hoping that he wouldn't have to go into too much detail about his and Kagome's circumstances, but he really couldn't see any way around it. Damn it, this day just gets worse and worse. He ignored the little voice telling him that it would get better, very soon...as soon as he could be with Kagome. Gah...I'm getting as bad as Miroku. “She can't go through the well right now,” he said, determinedly shoving a few interesting images from his mind. Good fucking grief. Her mother is right there. This is Sesshoumaru's fault, with his stupid talk.

 

Mrs. Higurashi wasn't going to let him off the hook so easily. “Why ever not?” Her voice was calm, but Inuyasha could tell by her eyes that she was still troubled.

 

“Fuck,” he murmured, causing her to start slightly. He was beginning to wish that he hadn't come here. “You aren't going to let me get by with, `it's a long story,' are you?”

 

Smiling, she shook her head at him.

 

“I didn't think so,” he grumbled, giving a frustrated sigh.

 

She eyed him a moment before asking, “Would you like a cup of tea?” The change of topic confused him, and it must have shown on his face. She smiled at him again. “You look like you could use one,” she said, not unkindly.

 

Wordlessly, he nodded. He didn't particularly like tea, but he was grateful for the temporary reprieve. He needed time to formulate his words properly.

 

She didn't say anything else, simply rose and walked to the counter to prepare two cups of tea, her movements brisk and efficient. All too soon, she was placing a steaming cup in front of him. He stared at it as she took her own cup and sat back down.

 

“Drink it,” she said gently, sipping her own tea. “It's good for you.”

 

Nodding, he obediently lifted the cup and drained it, burning his tongue in the process. He barely noticed, however.

 

She gave him an amused look, then took the cup to the sink before returning to her seat.

 

“Now, why don't you tell me what's going on? Start from the beginning,” she instructed.

 

Inuyasha nodded again, and began to tell her the events of late, beginning with the night of his fever. He didn't give her the more personal details, but he didn't try to hide anything from her, either.

 

She did not interrupt him during the tale. She merely made encouraging motions for him to continue whenever he began to falter over his words. He was grateful for her silence, and managed to finish the account without too much trouble, although he was wishing desperately for the floor to open up and swallow him whole before it was all over. Finally, there was nothing left to say. Inuyasha lowered his head, swallowing hard, and awaited her anger.

 

It never came.

 

Instead, he heard the sound of her chair scooting back, followed by her hand on top of his head, just before she pulled him against her in a motherly embrace.

 

Inuyasha froze in shock and embarrassment. What...what the hell?

 

She continued to pet his hair, occasionally tweaking one of his ears. Inuyasha twitched, but he didn't move away, afraid he had pushed her over the edge. “Um...Mrs. Higurashi?” Confusion was clear in his voice.

 

Kagome's mother pulled back from him, giving him a fond look. He leaned away from her so that he could see her face. Has she lost it? Why isn't she yelling at me?

 

“Stop looking at me like I'm going to bite you, Inuyasha,” she said with a chuckle. “I'm not angry.”

 

Inuyasha's jaw dropped. “You...you're not?”

 

She shook her head. “No. I wish it had happened in a more traditional manner, but what's done is done. Besides, I was expecting this.”

 

Inuyasha began to wonder if there hadn't been some sort of hallucinogenic in his tea. “You were?”

 

“Yes,” she said, and patted his shoulder before returning to her seat. “Oh, not this soon, of course, but I was certain that it would happen eventually.”

 

Inuyasha's throat worked, but he could think of nothing to say.

 

Mrs. Higurashi sighed softly. “Inuyasha, it is obvious that my daughter loves you, just as it is obvious that you love her.”

 

“Obvious,” he managed, voice sounding odd in his ears.

 

“Yes, young man. Obvious.”

 

Inuyasha looked away, jaw clenched. He was relieved at her response, but he didn't like the thought that his feelings were so easy to read. He wasn't given much time to work himself into a snit about it, though, for her voice was demanding his attention again. “What did you say?” He asked, having only caught the last portion of her question.

 

“I asked you if you planned to wed my daughter, as well.”

 

Inuyasha blinked at her. “Wed?”

 

“Yes, wed. Marry her. Give her your name, and promise to care for her forever. Make her your family.”

 

Family. That's right, Kagome will be my family. The thought made him smile faintly, until what Mrs. Higurashi was saying sank in completely. His smile turned into a frown. Just what the hell does she think mating is? “Mating is forever. She will be my family. Why would I need to marry her, too?”

 

“I know that, Inuyasha,” she said, still wearing her gentle smile. “But for human women, it is a symbol of respect and esteem. Other humans would not understand youkai mating, especially in this time, and they might treat Kagome unkindly if they knew that she was with you, unmarried.”

 

Inuyasha growled at that. They'll treat her unkindly, anyway. His growl grew a bit louder. And I'll kill them if they touch her. Hell, I'll kill them if they make her cry. But still, maybe it would be better, at least in this time. Belatedly realizing that the woman was looking at him with that amused expression on her face again, he tried to rid himself of his anger. He took a deep breath and expelled it. “If I wed her...people will really treat her better?”

 

Mrs. Higurashi nodded. “For the most part, I believe so, yes.”

 

Inuyasha's features hardened. “Then I will wed her.”

 

The other woman clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling at him. “That will make her very happy, Inuyasha,” she said. “Thank you.”

 

“Feh,” he said, uncomfortable with her gratitude when he felt that, by all rights, she should be flaming pissed at him. Is she for real? He peered at her in wonder. Maybe...maybe she will help me after all. “Mrs. Higurashi,” he began, hesitantly, only to be cut off.

 

“Enough of that, now, Inuyasha. You are going to be my son. Call me Mama,” she said.

 

Her son? Inuyasha felt something warm bloom in his chest; it was almost painful. He stared at her hard, but her expression was sincere. She really...accepts me. He closed his eyes, then blinked them open, feeling the last of his tension sliding away. He offered her a tentative smile. “Mama,” he said, stumbling a little over the word, but wanting badly to try it out. Felt...nice.

 

She beamed at him, and he continued. “That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Kagome being happy, I mean.”

 

“Go on.”

 

His smile slipped a bit, before fading away entirely. “I don't know,” he said, voice trailing off, then began again. “I want...” he said, but shook his head. I already told her the worst of it. Why the hell is this so much harder? He bit back a curse. “How do I...?”

 

She took pity on him. “How do you make my daughter happy?”

 

He nodded, absently using a claw to trace lines in the water ring left on the table by his teacup.

 

She reached across the table and covered his hand with hers. “Love her, Inuyasha,” she said simply. “That's all she's ever wanted.”

 

His eyes snapped to hers. “But...”

 

She chuckled. “But you want specifics, right?”

 

How does she do that? The hanyou was beginning to believe that Kagome's mother was a mind reader. He nodded at her wordlessly.

 

She released his hand and rose briskly from the table. “Very well, Inuyasha. I believe that I can help you. Come with me.”

 

The dog demon padded silently behind her, feeling the first faint glimmerings of hope. Maybe...maybe this will work out, after all.

 

***

 

-to be continued-