InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Entrapment: A 21st Century Adventure ❯ Together ( Epilogue )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha or any of the publicly known characters, plot, etc. I’m just renting them from Rumiko Takahashi, Viz, etc. I do own the plot of this story and any original characters I’ve created. I will make no money from this fic; I write for my own enjoyment and the enjoyment of my readers.
Together (Epilogue)
Ito Hachirou checked his watch, impatiently glancing around the crowded café. It was three minutes after one o’clock in the afternoon; his former boss was late. Out of habit he reached under his shirt and felt the scar on his abdomen, now almost fully healed. He shook his head, marveling at how fragile life was. He had nearly died because of a tiny piece of metal embedded in his flesh. He would never look at a bullet the same way again. Frowning, he checked his watch for the fourth time in as many minutes.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m know I’m late,” a familiar voice declared. Miyake Izumi grinned as she took a seat at the table. “You forget that I don’t have to live on a schedule anymore.”
Ito snorted, shooting her an appraising look. This was the first time he had seen her since her last visit to the hospital. She was dressed modestly as always, though he did notice a certain heightened femininity about her. Perhaps a little extra makeup, or a more daring cut to her clothing. Or maybe it was just that carefree smile.
“What’s the matter?” she asked. “Don’t tell me you’re not enjoying your new position, Mr. Deputy Chief.”
Ito groaned. “Everybody looks to me now! I can’t goof around like I used to. And my new assistant won’t leave me alone for five minutes.”
“Oh, quit your whining. You know you love it.”
He sighed, but couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. “Yeah, I suppose I do. So how’s retirement?” he inquired, changing the subject.
Miyake took a moment before responding; it was a complicated question. On the one hand, she missed her job, constantly being in the thick of things, and having an important purpose in life. But on the other, life away from all that had proven to be more fulfilling than she could have imagined. She was finally getting a chance to do all the things that she’d never found the time for: traveling the world, discovering hobbies, going out and having fun. Money was not an issue; years of modest living and a generous pension saw to that. One thing she’d realized since being dismissed—she’d been getting old. And she was glad for the opportunity to really live before she aged too much.
“It’s…different,” she answered simply.
“Oh, come on. You have to give me more than that. What, have you been sitting around all day playing Sudoku?”
“No! I traveled down to Kyushu for some sightseeing, and I picked up painting again—hadn’t done that since I was a teenager. Oh, and I’ve started dating.”
Ito blanched at this. “Sorry, but I just can’t picture you chatting up some guy over dinner.”
Miyake smirked. “You’d be surprised. And so are they; I’m definitely not what they expect.”
It was true; all of the handful of men she’d seen were widowers or divorcees looking for a new wife, and expecting to meet a woman with similar experiences and goals. They didn’t seem to know what to do with a strong, independent woman who was just looking for fun and companionship. Not one had called again for a second date. But that was fine with Miyake; eventually, the right man would come along. And if not, then she would enjoy the game anyway.
“So,” Ito hedged, “do you regret it?”
Miyake smiled sadly. She hadn’t particularly enjoyed it when the Chief and then the Prime Minister had both tried to tear her a new one. Or when they unceremoniously booted her from the agency. But did she regret letting Inuyasha go? Did she regret staying true to her principles and going out on what she would consider a high note?
“No,” she replied honestly. “I just hope those two are making good use of the chance I gave them.”
It had been quite the challenge to keep their newfound relationship a secret. Kagome caught herself several times doing things she wouldn’t normally do, like holding Inuyasha’s hand for no apparent reason or absently running her fingers through his hair. Fortunately, no one had observed her minor indiscretions. Or at least she didn’t think so. She was beginning to feel that Kaede was too wise for her own good, but fortunately the old miko hadn’t said anything.
They didn’t get more than a moment alone all day; someone was always there to ruin their chances for the private conversation they desperately needed. Kagome had been getting somewhat frustrated, until soon after dinner, she suddenly noticed that the hut and surrounding area were deserted save for the two of them. Their friends had apparently gone off to do their own thing, leaving Inuyasha the opportunity he had been secretly waiting for all day. And he did not have conversation on his mind.
As he carried her into the forest, her mind still somewhat dazed from being kissed senseless, Kagome could only reflect that his injuries were no longer affecting him.
Inuyasha was clearly a man on some sort of mission. It hadn’t taken her too long to gather his intent; his devoted actions and the determination in his expression were clue enough. Whatever shortcomings he thought he had displayed as a lover during their first encounter, he was more than making up for them now.
She had lost track of the number of orgasms which had wracked her body. It could probably still be displayed on one hand, but the part of her brain responsible for remembering how to count to five was no longer functioning. It was an endemic problem; her mind had simply been overwhelmed, as her body was pleasured first by his hands and lips, then his tongue. Now he was lying behind her, spooning her, his arm holding her leg up and his cock plunging deep inside her. His insistent nibbling on her neck was just another droplet in the cascade of sensation pouring over her. Her body was tightening again, approaching that peak once more…
Suddenly Inuyasha stiffened, and warm liquid flooded inside her. Kagome lay still as he softened and slipped from her, panting as she came down the wrong way from her nearly-reached high. Still, considering the rest of the evening, she was more than satisfied.
Then she was moving, pulled upright onto her knees to straddle Inuyasha’s lap. She gazed dazedly into his eyes, given a mischievous edge by the smirk pulling at his lips. Feeling something brush against her stomach, she looked down to see his member, hard once more, teasing her skin. As she watched, Inuyasha pulled her to him, sheathing himself fully inside her once more. And as her hips began to gyrate of their own accord, and his lips crashed over hers, his fingers finding the small nub that gave her the most pleasure, it all became too much. Her eyes rolled back, and she exploded with all-consuming fervor.
The first thing she’d asked was to hear more about Kikyou’s change of heart and subsequent departure from the land of the living. She felt that she needed the full story or closure would forever elude her. Inuyasha had complied rather reluctantly, but he never refused to engage her in any topic even if it made him uncomfortable. The conversation drifted into how their relationship had to be while Naraku was still at large, precautions against pregnancy, and when or even if to tell their friends. Lastly, they had spoken of the future awaiting them after the dark hanyou was destroyed. On a purely emotional level, this was the most enjoyable part of Kagome’s evening, as Inuyasha formally made the proposal he had promised to Kikyou and her grandfather. When their mission was over, he would marry her in the human fashion and they would start a family together. Kagome loved the quiet amazement in his eyes whenever he spoke of such things. She would never let him forget that she loved him for what he was, not in spite of it.
The bathing had also served as a good excuse for why the two of them had left the village. Kagome brushed of her flushed appearance and somewhat absent demeanor as products of fatigue. She pretended not to hear Sango’s comment that she was ‘practically glowing’ and went straight to bed. Nobody viewed Inuyasha’s reticence as anything unusual, though the contentment emanating from him earned a few confused looks.
Kagome glanced over at him and caught a glimpse of a dark pupil before his amber orb snapped forward once again. He looked back after a few moments, smiling sheepishly, not truly embarrassed at being caught admiring her. If their friends wondered why he wasn’t alone in his usual position at the head of the column, they were keeping their questions to themselves. But that wouldn’t last much longer, nor should it. Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and Kirara had a right to know about their changed circumstances, and now Kagome felt truly ready to inform them.
“We’ll tell them at lunch,” she whispered so only Inuyasha could hear.
He grimaced, not entirely enamored by the idea. But Kagome had convinced him last night that it was better that it come from their own lips than someone else’s. And it would come out inevitably, whether by an outburst from Kouga or a snide remark from Sesshoumaru. Even Shippou must surely have noticed the way their scents intermingled, though thankfully the kit seemed to be mature enough to know when to keep his mouth shut. It was not as though he truly desired to keep their relationship a secret from their friends. But he had ignored or kept his feelings bottled up for so long that the thought of opening up was kind of frightening. And he dreaded the embarrassment the reactions would induce.
“You tell them,” he retorted, “and I’ll try not to slug the monk when he starts making hentai comments.”
Kagome chuckled nervously, understanding his concern. “Deal.”
But whatever teasing they had to endure would be in good humor, she was sure. Everyone would be genuinely happy for them. And who knew? Maybe the revelation would push the Inu-gang’s other pseudo-couple together. It was going to be interesting, that was for sure. Kagome would definitely wait until everyone was sitting down. They would need to be off their feet to handle the three bombshells she was going to drop on them at once. Not only were she and Inuyasha officially together, but Kikyou was gone and the well was permanently sealed.
Melancholy invaded her heart at that last thought. The idea that she would never see her family again would probably bring her to the brink of tears for some time, and she would never shake the sadness. Somehow, the knowledge that they were alive and well was not quite enough.
A crimson-clad arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her into a warm body. Inuyasha gazed solemnly down at her, willing to share her grief or do anything else she needed of him. Kagome giggled despite herself. She would love to have eyes in the back of her head right now; the faces their friends must be making would be absolutely priceless. She wrapped her arm around Inuyasha’s back, accepting his comfort, and this time she swore she heard a shocked gasp or two. She grinned wryly. We might not be able to wait until lunch after all.
Inuyasha, her rock. They had been through so much in such a short time. It had strengthened them beyond measure, both individually and as a couple. If they could take on an evil like Yoshida and a hostile modern world, and come out alive, what challenge couldn’t they overcome? What chance did doubt or uncertainty have of breaking them apart now? What dream couldn’t they reach if they worked together to accomplish it?
Naraku wouldn’t know what hit him. And after his evil was finally vanquished, the future awaited. They would strive toward that dream with everything they had.
Together.
The End
A/N – Well, it feels good to finish a story in under a year! It ended up being slightly longer than anticipated, but I’m happy with the length. Unlike with Metamorphosis, I don’t intend to go back and do editing, at least not immediately. The story’s not perfect, but it’s good enough. I’ll probably take a break as I brainstorm for my next project. Not really sure what that will be yet. Thanks to all the readers and reviewers. If you like my work, stay tuned.
King Baka
Converting /tmp/phpE6qJKo to /dev/stdout
Together (Epilogue)
Ito Hachirou checked his watch, impatiently glancing around the crowded café. It was three minutes after one o’clock in the afternoon; his former boss was late. Out of habit he reached under his shirt and felt the scar on his abdomen, now almost fully healed. He shook his head, marveling at how fragile life was. He had nearly died because of a tiny piece of metal embedded in his flesh. He would never look at a bullet the same way again. Frowning, he checked his watch for the fourth time in as many minutes.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m know I’m late,” a familiar voice declared. Miyake Izumi grinned as she took a seat at the table. “You forget that I don’t have to live on a schedule anymore.”
Ito snorted, shooting her an appraising look. This was the first time he had seen her since her last visit to the hospital. She was dressed modestly as always, though he did notice a certain heightened femininity about her. Perhaps a little extra makeup, or a more daring cut to her clothing. Or maybe it was just that carefree smile.
“What’s the matter?” she asked. “Don’t tell me you’re not enjoying your new position, Mr. Deputy Chief.”
Ito groaned. “Everybody looks to me now! I can’t goof around like I used to. And my new assistant won’t leave me alone for five minutes.”
“Oh, quit your whining. You know you love it.”
He sighed, but couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. “Yeah, I suppose I do. So how’s retirement?” he inquired, changing the subject.
Miyake took a moment before responding; it was a complicated question. On the one hand, she missed her job, constantly being in the thick of things, and having an important purpose in life. But on the other, life away from all that had proven to be more fulfilling than she could have imagined. She was finally getting a chance to do all the things that she’d never found the time for: traveling the world, discovering hobbies, going out and having fun. Money was not an issue; years of modest living and a generous pension saw to that. One thing she’d realized since being dismissed—she’d been getting old. And she was glad for the opportunity to really live before she aged too much.
“It’s…different,” she answered simply.
“Oh, come on. You have to give me more than that. What, have you been sitting around all day playing Sudoku?”
“No! I traveled down to Kyushu for some sightseeing, and I picked up painting again—hadn’t done that since I was a teenager. Oh, and I’ve started dating.”
Ito blanched at this. “Sorry, but I just can’t picture you chatting up some guy over dinner.”
Miyake smirked. “You’d be surprised. And so are they; I’m definitely not what they expect.”
It was true; all of the handful of men she’d seen were widowers or divorcees looking for a new wife, and expecting to meet a woman with similar experiences and goals. They didn’t seem to know what to do with a strong, independent woman who was just looking for fun and companionship. Not one had called again for a second date. But that was fine with Miyake; eventually, the right man would come along. And if not, then she would enjoy the game anyway.
“So,” Ito hedged, “do you regret it?”
Miyake smiled sadly. She hadn’t particularly enjoyed it when the Chief and then the Prime Minister had both tried to tear her a new one. Or when they unceremoniously booted her from the agency. But did she regret letting Inuyasha go? Did she regret staying true to her principles and going out on what she would consider a high note?
“No,” she replied honestly. “I just hope those two are making good use of the chance I gave them.”
* * *
Kagome tilted her head back to the beautiful blue sky, breathing in the fresh air. The Inu-gang was on the road again. It was mid-morning on her second full day back to the feudal era. Inuyasha had wanted to set out yesterday, but she’d put her foot down and confined him to Kaede’s hut to rest his injured body. She had told their friends about the battle, but had left out pretty much everything else. When asked why she had returned to her time in the first place, Kagome had vaguely responded that ‘it seemed like the best thing to do at the time.’ Why be elusive? Well, it just hadn’t felt right to reveal everything at once; Kagome reasoned that she and Inuyasha needed some time to really come to terms with a few things themselves. Their friends knew better than to press things where Kikyou was involved, if even Kagome was reluctant to divulge details. Or perhaps they had simply seen how well the two of them seemed to be getting along when they returned, and decided that whatever had happened couldn’t have been too bad. It had been quite the challenge to keep their newfound relationship a secret. Kagome caught herself several times doing things she wouldn’t normally do, like holding Inuyasha’s hand for no apparent reason or absently running her fingers through his hair. Fortunately, no one had observed her minor indiscretions. Or at least she didn’t think so. She was beginning to feel that Kaede was too wise for her own good, but fortunately the old miko hadn’t said anything.
They didn’t get more than a moment alone all day; someone was always there to ruin their chances for the private conversation they desperately needed. Kagome had been getting somewhat frustrated, until soon after dinner, she suddenly noticed that the hut and surrounding area were deserted save for the two of them. Their friends had apparently gone off to do their own thing, leaving Inuyasha the opportunity he had been secretly waiting for all day. And he did not have conversation on his mind.
As he carried her into the forest, her mind still somewhat dazed from being kissed senseless, Kagome could only reflect that his injuries were no longer affecting him.
* * *
Kagome groaned, digging her nails into Inuyasha’s forearm as she hung on for the ride. She felt like she was flying, borne aloft by waves of passion. Quite simply, she had never known her body was capable of such heights. Inuyasha was clearly a man on some sort of mission. It hadn’t taken her too long to gather his intent; his devoted actions and the determination in his expression were clue enough. Whatever shortcomings he thought he had displayed as a lover during their first encounter, he was more than making up for them now.
She had lost track of the number of orgasms which had wracked her body. It could probably still be displayed on one hand, but the part of her brain responsible for remembering how to count to five was no longer functioning. It was an endemic problem; her mind had simply been overwhelmed, as her body was pleasured first by his hands and lips, then his tongue. Now he was lying behind her, spooning her, his arm holding her leg up and his cock plunging deep inside her. His insistent nibbling on her neck was just another droplet in the cascade of sensation pouring over her. Her body was tightening again, approaching that peak once more…
Suddenly Inuyasha stiffened, and warm liquid flooded inside her. Kagome lay still as he softened and slipped from her, panting as she came down the wrong way from her nearly-reached high. Still, considering the rest of the evening, she was more than satisfied.
Then she was moving, pulled upright onto her knees to straddle Inuyasha’s lap. She gazed dazedly into his eyes, given a mischievous edge by the smirk pulling at his lips. Feeling something brush against her stomach, she looked down to see his member, hard once more, teasing her skin. As she watched, Inuyasha pulled her to him, sheathing himself fully inside her once more. And as her hips began to gyrate of their own accord, and his lips crashed over hers, his fingers finding the small nub that gave her the most pleasure, it all became too much. Her eyes rolled back, and she exploded with all-consuming fervor.
* * *
Kagome sighed blissfully. That hadn’t been her last orgasm of the evening, either. There were definitely perks to having a hanyou lover. She had never considered it before, but a man who could run for miles at speeds only birds could match would naturally be resilient in other physical activities as well. She was a little sore this morning, but it was a glorious kind of ache that she wouldn’t mind feeling every day for the rest of her life. The cool soak in the river after their escapades had helped, and had also provided an ideal setting for that discussion she wanted. The first thing she’d asked was to hear more about Kikyou’s change of heart and subsequent departure from the land of the living. She felt that she needed the full story or closure would forever elude her. Inuyasha had complied rather reluctantly, but he never refused to engage her in any topic even if it made him uncomfortable. The conversation drifted into how their relationship had to be while Naraku was still at large, precautions against pregnancy, and when or even if to tell their friends. Lastly, they had spoken of the future awaiting them after the dark hanyou was destroyed. On a purely emotional level, this was the most enjoyable part of Kagome’s evening, as Inuyasha formally made the proposal he had promised to Kikyou and her grandfather. When their mission was over, he would marry her in the human fashion and they would start a family together. Kagome loved the quiet amazement in his eyes whenever he spoke of such things. She would never let him forget that she loved him for what he was, not in spite of it.
The bathing had also served as a good excuse for why the two of them had left the village. Kagome brushed of her flushed appearance and somewhat absent demeanor as products of fatigue. She pretended not to hear Sango’s comment that she was ‘practically glowing’ and went straight to bed. Nobody viewed Inuyasha’s reticence as anything unusual, though the contentment emanating from him earned a few confused looks.
Kagome glanced over at him and caught a glimpse of a dark pupil before his amber orb snapped forward once again. He looked back after a few moments, smiling sheepishly, not truly embarrassed at being caught admiring her. If their friends wondered why he wasn’t alone in his usual position at the head of the column, they were keeping their questions to themselves. But that wouldn’t last much longer, nor should it. Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and Kirara had a right to know about their changed circumstances, and now Kagome felt truly ready to inform them.
“We’ll tell them at lunch,” she whispered so only Inuyasha could hear.
He grimaced, not entirely enamored by the idea. But Kagome had convinced him last night that it was better that it come from their own lips than someone else’s. And it would come out inevitably, whether by an outburst from Kouga or a snide remark from Sesshoumaru. Even Shippou must surely have noticed the way their scents intermingled, though thankfully the kit seemed to be mature enough to know when to keep his mouth shut. It was not as though he truly desired to keep their relationship a secret from their friends. But he had ignored or kept his feelings bottled up for so long that the thought of opening up was kind of frightening. And he dreaded the embarrassment the reactions would induce.
“You tell them,” he retorted, “and I’ll try not to slug the monk when he starts making hentai comments.”
Kagome chuckled nervously, understanding his concern. “Deal.”
But whatever teasing they had to endure would be in good humor, she was sure. Everyone would be genuinely happy for them. And who knew? Maybe the revelation would push the Inu-gang’s other pseudo-couple together. It was going to be interesting, that was for sure. Kagome would definitely wait until everyone was sitting down. They would need to be off their feet to handle the three bombshells she was going to drop on them at once. Not only were she and Inuyasha officially together, but Kikyou was gone and the well was permanently sealed.
Melancholy invaded her heart at that last thought. The idea that she would never see her family again would probably bring her to the brink of tears for some time, and she would never shake the sadness. Somehow, the knowledge that they were alive and well was not quite enough.
A crimson-clad arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her into a warm body. Inuyasha gazed solemnly down at her, willing to share her grief or do anything else she needed of him. Kagome giggled despite herself. She would love to have eyes in the back of her head right now; the faces their friends must be making would be absolutely priceless. She wrapped her arm around Inuyasha’s back, accepting his comfort, and this time she swore she heard a shocked gasp or two. She grinned wryly. We might not be able to wait until lunch after all.
Inuyasha, her rock. They had been through so much in such a short time. It had strengthened them beyond measure, both individually and as a couple. If they could take on an evil like Yoshida and a hostile modern world, and come out alive, what challenge couldn’t they overcome? What chance did doubt or uncertainty have of breaking them apart now? What dream couldn’t they reach if they worked together to accomplish it?
Naraku wouldn’t know what hit him. And after his evil was finally vanquished, the future awaited. They would strive toward that dream with everything they had.
Together.
The End
A/N – Well, it feels good to finish a story in under a year! It ended up being slightly longer than anticipated, but I’m happy with the length. Unlike with Metamorphosis, I don’t intend to go back and do editing, at least not immediately. The story’s not perfect, but it’s good enough. I’ll probably take a break as I brainstorm for my next project. Not really sure what that will be yet. Thanks to all the readers and reviewers. If you like my work, stay tuned.
King Baka
Converting /tmp/phpE6qJKo to /dev/stdout