InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ It Happened in a Warm Breeze ( Chapter 19 )

Revised Beta'd Version

Beta: The absolutely wonderful and awe-inspiring Shigure-san!

 

Chapter 19

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

I was running trough the gardens when I got the feeling I was being watched, I glanced up just in time to see Ru walk back into the palace. Shrugging my shoulders I continued following my nose to Miroku and apparently Kouga. When I arrived, it felt like I had interrupted something, but when I inquired about it Miroku went ashen and looked at Kouga who said it was just idle babble and he proceeded to question me about my fight with Mitsuru.

 

I decided to bite the bullet and let them in on what I had just finished telling Sesshoumaru. When I was done I also apologized for keeping them in the dark about it so long. They took it in stride and we all decided to go raid the kitchen, seeing as how they had all but finished off the sake and fish before I got there.

 

“This place is gigantic!” stated Miroku as he stretched his arms out for emphasis.

“Yeah that it is.” I replied

“It'll take us quite a while to walk there from this side of the grounds.” Kouga said.

“Not if we take the short-cut it won't.” I said grinning at the two of them.

“What shortcut?” the Houshi asked

“Oh just up the eastern wall, across the main corridor roof tops and that drops you down right in front of the servants' entrance.”

“Oh that's fine for the two of you, but it will take me longer to do all of that than it would for me to just walk.”

“Not if I carry you,” I said as I knelt down like I use to for Kagome…damn thinking of her still hurts. Slightly shaking my head I remained kneeling waiting of Miroku to climb on. “Come on Miroku we want to get there sometime tonight, what are you waiting on, the red carpet to roll out?”

“Maybe he's scared you'll drop him, that eastern wall is pretty steep.” Kouga snickered.

“Oh, for crying out loud!” I shouted as I stood, snatched the monk up bridal style, and headed for the eastern wall. I could hear Kouga's snorts of laughter behind me as I ran.

“For the love of Buddha Inuyasha, put me down!”

“Oh quit your bellyaching Miroku, are you actually worried I'm going to drop you or something?”

“No of course not it's just…”

“It's just what? If you'd just look up you'd see we're already here.”

 

Just as I touched down in front of the servants' entrance the door swung open and out walked Sango and Rin each carrying a plate of fruit.

“Good evening Lord Inuyasha.” Rin chimed.

“Good evening ladies, I see you two had the same idea we had.”

“Yeah the food was just too good to leave sitting.” the young girl replied.

“And besides, peeled fruit is no good once you let it sit overnight.”

“True, very true.” agreed Kouga.

 

Our banter continued on like that for a few minutes before I realized I had yet to put Miroku down, so I shifted his weight to one side then sat him on his feet.

“Sorry about that Miroku. Why didn't you remind me to put you down?”

At that moment several things happened all at once and none of it made any sense; Sango looked distraught and sympathetic, the wolf looked like he had just realized his tail was on fire, Rin looked around at everyone as confused as I felt and Miroku just started rubbing the back of his neck as his face went red and said he didn't want to interrupt the flow of conversation.

 

Shaking my head as I walked toward the door, I asked Rin if I could borrow Sango for a moment I had something I needed to tell her; I figured I might as well go ahead and bring her into the loop as well. Rin, being the respectful and obedient child I have always seen her be bowed to us and continued on her way. Sango and I walked into the small hallway that would take us to the kitchen and I gave her the highpoints in a nutshell. She was a little shocked at first, but being the good friend she is, she smiled and forgave me for my secrecy, but not without asking a question.

 

“May I ask you something Inu-kun?”

“Go for it.”

“Did your decision not to tell us this have anything to do with how you thought Kagome-chan would react to that knowledge?”

I felt my ears droop at her question; I was prepared for a lot of possible questions but not that one.

“Gomen, Inu-san I did not mean for my question to cause you pain.”

“No need to apologize Sango, it only causes me pain because I know you are right in your assumption. And that that means I have also known for a while, at least to some degree, that Kagome was not really that accepting of my heritage. I guess it's still hard to admit, even to myself, that in some way's I saw it coming.”

“We all hide from bitter truths at times; I am guilty of that as well.”

“I know, but I still feel bad for keeping this from the people that are standing beside me during one of the most stressful times of my life, all for what? Nothing.”

“Love should never be considered as nothing Inu-san.”

“Not that love has ever really gotten me anywhere.”

“Love is a rocky road for everyone.”

“Yeah, but do you know anyone else that gotten slighted twice by the same soul? Maybe I should count my blessings that Kagome is a poor shot, or else I might have been pinned to who knows what, for only Kami knows how long.” I said smiling at the slayer.

“Nice to see you smile again, and to have a bit of your old sarcastic self back.”

“Thanks…uh where did Kouga and Miroku wander off to?”

“Who knows, lets go get some more food, I've eaten all my fruit along the way.”

 

(Back outside while Inuyasha and Sango were having their conversation)

 

Miroku turned to follow Inuyasha and Sango when he was stopped by a clawed hand on his wrist.

“Just hold on a minute Houshi, I have a few questions for you.”

“Can it wait until we get some food?”

“No, I don't think it can.”

 

Bowing his head and looking defeated Miroku stood there and waited for the Ookami to speak. He had a pretty good idea what was coming but he was going to see if there was any means of escape before he gave in.

 

“Well first off my holy friend, I would like you to answer the question Inuyasha asked with a little something closer to the truth this time.”

“Huh!?”

“Oh don't play dumb with someone whose nose can pick up a lie from a hundred yards away.”

Miroku's shoulders slumped and he let out a rather exasperated sigh, “What do you want out of me Kouga?”

“An explanation, as well as an answer to some rather confusing theories and questions I have running through my head.”

 

Miroku stiffened and anger washed over his features and defiance flashed in his eyes as he said, “I would much rather keep my business my own, now if you would excuse me I have a snack to retrieve.” with that said he turned on his heels and marched toward the door.

 

“Funny thing you weren't hungry just a few minutes ago.”

 

Miroku just kept walking.

 

“I know you were upset to the point of crying earlier.”

 

He paused for a moment but quickly resumed his march.

Kouga knew he was going to be dancing with the devil by what he was to say next but he wanted answers and he wanted them now.

 

“I had just assumed it was because you were stressed out and I had upset you, not because you were pinning after Mutt-face.”

 

Miroku stooped dead in his tracks, whirled around and shouted, “He has a name you know, try using it! And while you're at it keep your theories to your self!”

 

“Well that answers that.” mumbled Kouga

 

The Houshi sat down in the middle of the walkway with anger and distress coming off of him in waves. Kouga felt bad for doing this but the Monk didn't want to do this the easy way. He let out a barely audible sigh and walked over to take a seat beside the Houshi.

 

“If you still here to gloat you're wasting your time…you couldn't possibly make me feel any worse than I do.”

“I'm sorry for going about things the way I did and I know it is really none of my business but to be truthful, the confusion of it all was really starting to drive me nuts.”

“You should try being me it's not exactly the easiest thing to discover, and then come to terms with, all while keeping it hidden.”

“Why haven't you told him, it would probably make you feel a whole lot better?”

“Now you sound like Sango.”

“Oh so she does know.”

“Indeed she does.” sighed Miroku.

“Why could you tell her but not the one you care for?”

“Sango found out by accident the last time I sucked some of those blasted bees of Naraku's into my wind tunnel. She had come to Kaede's hut to care for me when the elderly Miko got called away to aid some ailing villager. Apparently in my delirium I said more than enough for her to put things together; because a few days after I was deemed fully recovered and we were back on our quest she caught me alone and just flat out asked me how long I had held feelings for Inuyasha.”

“Oh I see. How did she take it?”

“She said she started having suspicions that something was up when I stopped asking women to bare my child and she said what backed her suspicion was my sudden ability to keep my hands to myself.”

“Well, what do you plan on doing now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly, what I said.”

“I'm not saying anything to him if that's what you're getting at. This is not something worth ruining a friendship over.”

“But what if you're missing out on something a lot deeper than friendship?”

“I just somehow don't think I'm his type if you know what I mean.”

“You might be wrong, until fifteen minutes ago I thought you were still after the slayer.”

“So, what's your point?”

“That it just goes to show you never truly know something until you ask, else wise it's just all guesswork.”

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

After I finished raiding the kitchen with Sango I had given up on Kouga and Miroku showing themselves and went for a late night stroll marveling at the fact that after long last I. Am. Home.

 

I decided to practice with the Tetsusaiga in the courtyard; I couldn't sleep so I figured I might as well be productive with my time. I was out there for some time when I felt his Youkai, I couldn't even smell him yet but I could feel his presence, and it amazed me - apparently while on the palace ground he freely lets his youkai flow and to feel that and the awesome power that comes with it, one can't help but feel somewhat shaken by it. It also made me realize how much control he has over that sort of thing because when he is anywhere else he can walk right up on a body before you know he is there - and I guess in a way I'm envious because I know no matter how skilled I become with father's fang I can never allow myself to hope to be as powerful as Ru. No matter what I do, in comparison to him I will always be a lesser demon. I continue practicing my sword play until I became somewhat winded, and very bored.

 

I was on one knee with Tetsusaiga planted in the ground in front of me when I felt his eyes upon me, when I looked up he said nothing, but he drew Tenseiga, performing a three point move, though simply continuing to stare at me. Confused I tilted my head to the side and stared back at him. Soundlessly he repeated the move and once again he stood there quietly staring at me. This time I got the message and imitated what he had done with Tenseiga using Tetsusaiga. This went on for quite a while, with each move becoming a bit more complex than the one before.

 

When it was all said and done Ru bowed to me, then I to him and he turned and began to walk away as quietly as he appeared. I felt somewhat saddened by the fact our little training session was done. Over the past few months of traveling with him I have discovered that I actually like hanging out with him.

 

Not wanting to appear clingy or needy, I'd rather slice off my own foot than do that, I watched his retreating form in silence.

 

“Inuyasha I was going to do a little sightseeing before I turned in for the night. Would you care to join me?”

 

I felt my ears perk up at that and I could feel the smile on my face.

 

“From the shift in your demeanor, I'll gather that your answer is a yes.”

“Well it's not like I have anything else to do.” I say defensively not liking the fact that he was aware of my mood swing when he went to leave.

“You are a Lord now Inuyasha you can do whatever you wish to.”

“I've always done that Ru. How is now any different?”

“Now people have to like it.”

 

When he said that a small smile crept to the corners of his mouth and I realized he was making somewhat of a joke. So I did the only thing I could think of, I laughed.

 

When I finally got a hold of myself he motioned for me to come forward and when I did that all too familiar cloud appeared below us and in a moments time we were airborne.

 

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

Things continued in this nature over the months that followed. If I were not seeking him out he was seeking me. We had come to an unspoken agreement to enjoy each other's company without actually admitting it vocally. And I was fine with that and apparently so was he.

 

Things had really started to come together for all of us: A treaty and alliance of sorts was discussed and finalized between the Western Lands and Kouga's pack, he remained here as captain of the palace guards and his pack became border guards. Miroku, although he continued to be a bit strange at times in his actions and what not, accepted the position of court sorcerer and holy man, and Sango had begun to train some of the women on the grounds basic to advanced fighting techniques, as well as traveling on Kilala to get Shippou and Kaede for visits and much to my delight the runt finally became trustful of Ru, the kitsune and Rin had become inseparable.

 

I thought about Kagome less and less and all of the new things going on in my life more. Ru had been insistent about me traveling with him when certain political issues came up so I would learn who was who in each territory. All in all things were looking up.

 

(Sesshomaru's POV)

 

I was leisurely walking down one of the numerous halls of the palace on the way to the library when I saw Inuyasha, Kouga, and Miroku walking toward me and I couldn't help but marvel at how close they were as friends. One would have to admit it was not everyday that a body would see a Youkai, a Hanyou and a ningen Monk walking along laughing as if it were as common an occurrence as the sun rising.

 

I would have continued on my way and not thought anymore of it if my brother had not chosen to fixate his eyes on me as we neared each other. There was something about the look in his eyes, the smile on his face, and the air he was giving off that slowed my stride. I suddenly felt an odd sense of bliss mixed with unease. Unable to figure it out or move my eyes from him I did the only thing I seemed able to; I continued to follow his gaze.

 

His companions were so wrapped up in there conversation they didn't seem to notice when he dropped back from them and craned his neck all the way around in order to keep eye contact with me as long as possible. Unfortunately his friends were not the only ones unaware of things. I was not aware of Rin, the Fox child and the Slayer's presence until my ward was tugging on my robes.

 

I watched as the Slayer's curiosity got the better of her and she followed my line of sight to see what had caused me to be caught so unaware. And she turned just in time to see Inuyasha send a look and smirk in my direction that made me want to follow him and ask him what in all the hells was that look for and about. Not that I was offended, confused was more like it, but I would die and rot before I admitted that openly.

 

I was brought out of my trance when I heard the girl send the children off to play in the garden. When I looked at her she was looking in the direction the trio had gone with something akin to trepidation on her face.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru, might I ask what that was all about?”

“I know not of what you speak.” I respond in my usual manner.

She furrows her brow at me and says, “It's not everyday I ningen and two babbling children can walk right up to a Youkai Lord unnoticed.”

“And just what are you implying, Woman?” I ground out through clenched teeth.

“I just find it odd that something held your attention to the point of you being caught in a daze.”

“Am I not allowed to be lost in my own thoughts, within my own home?” I ask, more than a little irritated.

“You are permitted to do as you wish my Lord, I was just not aware of the fact that your thoughts were amber colored and that your home was dressed in red.”

I was so shocked at her statement I could feel it showing on my face. Quickly I gathered my composure and exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

When I glared at the Taijiya she did no more than smile at me before continuing on her way.

 

That incident plagued me off and on for the remainder of the day. By the time dinner was over and done with, I had given up on the idea that it would just leave me in peace and decided to seek out the one who could answer the questions running through my mind. I had no sooner stood to leave my chambers when an almost inaudible sound reached my ears. I turned to see my brother perched on the rail of my balcony.

 

“What's up Ru?”

 

I started to ask him the same question, but changed my mind the moment I saw how happy he seemed to be at the moment and decided to leave the questions until tomorrow.

He climbed off the rail and leaned in the doorway, then proceeded to tell me what mischief the three of them managed to get into today. It was apparently everything from stealing a cooling pie from the cook's windowsill to playing a joke and scaring the fur off of Shippou.

 

I found that every time I tried to look him in the eye those questions returned so I abandoned the effort in favor of staring out at the grandeur that was the palace grounds.

We ceased talking for quite a while and simply stood in appreciation of the warm breeze that was blowing. It was indeed a beautiful night and the entire palace was probably sleep by now and the peace that came with the clear night's sky and crescent moon was enough to even put one such as myself in a serene mind set.

 

I turned to look at him only to find he was already looking at me, and as soon as our eyes met that feeling from earlier returned so I turn and shifted my gaze back to the horizon. We stood like that for just a moment before he broke the silence.

 

“Is something wrong?”

“No.”

“Then why won't you look at me?”

 

I sigh thinking that maybe I won't leave the questions for tomorrow, I turn only to find him a lot closer to me than he was just a moment ago.

 

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

 

I finally got him to own up to the fact that he was avoiding eye contact with me like it would give him a plague. He let out a long sigh and turned to face me.

 

I hadn't realized in our silence that I had moved that close to him but when he turned to face me it became obvious. When he did look me in the eye the air around us seemed to grow thicker and my mind went somewhere I couldn't pull it back from. Then without so much as a warning, my instincts caused my body to do something I'll never forget.

 

I stood on my toes, leaned forward and pressed my lips to his.

 

The entire scene unfolded like on out of a fairytale, the wind picked up and swirled around us until you could no longer separate his silver locks from my own. My senses blocked out everything that didn't concern him, and took in everything from his scent to the feel of his lips upon mine. All was well and good until my mind slammed back into place, returning logic and forcing me back to reality. When I step back I believe his face looks as shocked as I felt. Not knowing what else to do I swallowed the lump in my throat, threw myself over the rail of the balcony and disappeared into the night.