InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ Decisions Decisions ( Chapter 29 )

Chapter 29 Decisions Decisions

 

 

(Tibade's POV)

 

Earlier I felt a shift of power come from the monk and I watched as the aura that surrounded them grew smaller, yet stronger. I didn't know what the young man did but I prayed it would last until Pup returned. It was now broad daylight and I did not hold out much hope for the two young men in front of me. I was just about to give in to despair when I felt Pup's aura near the palace. Then more rapidly than even I thought possible, he was in the room with me staring at the two on the futon.

 

“What in all hells has happened Tibade?” he asked.

“I will tell you all of the details later. You need to reestablish your connection with Inuyasha now or he will die. He would have been dead already if it were not for the young man at his side.”

 

Without so much as a nod I felt him start to reach out to Inuyasha and when he did the room filled with so much raw emotion and a mixture of his power and the monk's that it was almost overwhelming. I knew it had been a success when I felt a pulse of demonic energy off of Lord Inuyasha. The poor monk was not faring as well because he swayed and would have fallen to the floor if I had not caught him and placed him beside Inuyasha on the futon.

 

I could feel Pup's eyes following my every move, but I was going to say nothing until I knew that the two before me were going to pull through. I gave each of them a thorough examination before I turned my attention to Pup. I knew he had questions and was looking to me for answers. So with an exhausted sigh I beckoned him to follow me out into the hall. I knew the ones I sent looking for him would be returning soon. I did not want Inuyasha or the Monk disturbed by their return, so it was best we waited outside the room.

 

Once we got out in the hall, he turned that icy glare on me and for the first time in centuries, it sends a chill up my spine. I did not wait for him to ask, I just started telling the story form the point in time I ran into Inuyasha. I tried to skim over the part where the Houshi came into play but Pup was having none of it and stopped me mid-sentence.

 

“How was this ningen monk able to establish a connection like this?” he asked and I could tell he already had his suspicions.

“I am sure we will all find out more once they awaken.”

“There is something you are not telling me, Tibade. Why is that?” he asked voice so low and cool it was obvious he was using quite a bit of restraint.

“I will say nothing that is not my place to give voice,” I respond. He narrowed his eyes at me, but said nothing.

 

I was very relieved when the others returned and the focus shifted. I filled them in on the good news and told them all, including Pup, to go get some food, rest and a change of clothing. I made it clear that nothing and no one was to disturb the two in the room behind us. The Slayer and Wolf Prince left without question; the eldest Lord remained and proceeded to stare at the closed door.

 

He took a step toward the door and when I spoke up, I was praying that the gods would smile on me this one time and heed my call. “I have never steered you wrong before, Pup and I do not plan to start. I know you want answers, but this situation is complicated enough as it is without you making it any worse.”

 

That cool glare leveled back in my direction, but it had lost some of its previous bite so I continued. “Those boys will be exhausted, confused and possibly in need of further healing when they wake. The last thing either of them need is intense questioning and threatening looks.”

 

He took another step forward but looked at me before he proceeded any further. I guess I felt extremely lucky because what I said to him next was daring indeed. “I would suggest you use this time to figure out how you are going to explain your earlier actions. Yes he has been ill but I am sure the young Lord has not forgotten.”

 

As soon as I finished speaking and without making a sound, the eldest Lord turned and left.

 

The sigh of relief almost left me before Pup got out of earshot. My prayers had been answered on so many things this evenings I had no desire to push my luck. When I re-entered the room I noticed that the monk had regained enough of his composure to sit up and Inuyasha was trying to do the same. I stood in the shadows of doorway and just observed the two.

 

“By the gods I feel like I've fought the Shinchinintai and had ten bottles of sake,” The Monk declared as he gave his friend a tug to help him sit up.

“Well we may feel like crap but we're alive,” Was Inuyasha's response. At that, the two stared awkwardly at each other for a moment before Inuyasha reached out and embraced his friend with all his might. They stayed like this even after Inuyasha broke the silence.

 

“Thank you Miroku …I … I don't even know how to tell you how grateful I am.”

“You don't need to worry about that. It was my pleasure,” The Monk replied as a weak grin spread across his face.

“Don't forget I was there, Houshi, you may have saved my ass willingly but it was far from a pleasure.”

“Well, I admit it's not a trip I want to make again anytime soon, but I would do it again in a heartbeat if necessary,” He responded as he pulled back far enough to allow them to be face-to-face.

 

The Monk reached out and brushed a lock of Inuyasha's hair out of his eyes. When he did, that awkward silence returned. I watched as the two drew closer together and when their eyes closed and Inuyasha's head slowly tilted to the side I felt I needed to make my presence known.

 

I cleared my throat loudly and the two stopped but made no move to really separate. They almost looked as if they were both still trapped in a daze. Inuyasha sniffed several times before he turned in my direction.

 

“Tibade is that you?” he asked his voice thick with uncertainty and weariness.

“Yes Lord Inuyasha, it is,” I answered as I stepped out of the shadows.

 

I see his acute senses have yet to return and I absently wonder if that is a result of what just occurred or the kensei henkou. Shaking that thought from my head I turn to the two seated before me and sigh. It is often hard to get important things of a delicate nature across to the young. For their sakes, I pray they heed my words and I hope I chose those words well.

 

“I want you two to listen closely to what I am about to say.” They both met my stern gaze, and I know I have their full attention. “I have no idea what happened between the two of you over the course of the last day or so. Whatever it is it needs to be handled honestly, but with discretion.”

 

I turn my gaze so it has fallen solely on Inuyasha, “And it appears you, my young Lord have a decision to make and some explaining to do. I do not advise rushing your decision but I do suggest that you explain what is going on to Lord Sesshoumaru as swiftly as possible.”

 

His ears drooped at what I said but he nods his head in affirmation. I feel somewhat guilty at being the bearer of bad news, so I try to lighten the mood a little bit with what I say next.

 

“The young Monk went through an awful lot of trouble to keep you here. And you fought just as hard to stay. It would be a shame to have either of you beheaded now because of indecision and a lack of communication. Is this understood my Lord?”

“Yes Tibade and thank you.”

“Not a problem,” I said as I smiled at him, “you also might want to watch what you do. Lord Sesshoumaru is quite sensitive and aware of what goes on with you. I would talk to him first before I got …too involved with anything.” I watched with amusement as a rather bright flush spread across both their faces. When I realized the awkward silence had returned I decided is was time for me to let them have their privacy.

 

I turned and left the room closing the door behind me.

 

Once I got out into the hallway yet another heavy sigh escapes me. I now know that my upcoming conversation with my elder Lord is going to be anything but pleasant. It would appear that he has serious competition for little happy faces affection and if he does not chose his actions and words carefully he may find himself without a mate.

 

I have no desire to be the one that tells him what is going on so I think I will keep my current knowledge under wraps and let them take care of this. I will advise if need be but ultimately this rests in the hands of the three involved and I will not have my opinions or anyone else's interfere.

 

As I approach Pup's chambers, trepidation washes over my being and I hesitate before I knock. When he grants me entrance, I report to him about Inuyasha's condition and bow, fully intent on leaving and engaging in no further conversation. In mid bow he asks me a question.

 

“How is the ningen monk fairing?”

“He is doing well considering. I think a couple weeks of rest will find his health and spiritual powers back to normal,” I state, wary of the fact he has yet to turn and face me since I entered his study. He stood just outside the terrace silently gazing out into the horizon. I have served these lands and the people who posses them long enough to know when I am being held from dismissal. Realizing this I wait and when he finally does speak again I find myself shocked at what he says.

 

“We were talking on this balcony when he kissed me for the first time. That moment has played relentlessly in my mind since I returned.”

 

Floored at this sudden openness and show of emotion from him I find my mouth agape but nothing to say.

 

“I have also continually seen the look he had on his face when he left my chambers shortly before he came across you. I realize I caused all of this over nothing and now I am at a loss as to how to atone for it.”

“I understand my Lord but what does this…” I began.

“This ningen shall not have him,” he growled out low but firm.

“I don't think that…”

“Do not presume that your silence has kept me in the dark healer. I may not be aware of all that you know but I do know that there has to be a bit more than friendship between them. If not that link they were sharing could not have existed,” He said and with each word I could tell his anger and frustration at the situation was rising. “Do you deny this Tibade?”

 

Great. Wonderful. I think to myself, I was hoping to remove myself from his presence before any direct questions could be thrown my way. So much for not speaking on this and keeping my knowledge to myself. I shake my head as a string of ancient curses flow through my mind before I respond with, “No I do not my Lord.”

“You have been my confidant for centuries why is it now that you seek to keep something from my awareness?”

“Politics and devious plots are one thing Pup. Affairs of the heart are a different matter all together. Please understand, I try not to get involved in such matters.”

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

We sat in silence once Tibade left the room. It took a long time for the heat to leave my face and I could tell that Miroku was just as embarrassed. As I sat there contemplating as well as trying to control my embarrassment something dawned on me.

 

I was about to kiss Miroku.

 

That thought brought a whole host of feelings and questions to the forefront of my mind. Did I have actual romantic feelings for Miroku? If not what else could explain what almost happened? I am positive it would have happened if Tibade had not interrupted. The confusing thing was I'm not so sure that I am grateful that he did. I know I should be but the uncertainty still remains.

 

I looked over at Miroku and I can tell that I am not the only one in a state of confusion. I want to say something to break this tension that has surrounded us but I have no idea where to start. Luckily, for me I didn't have to, because Miroku did it for me.

 

“Well that was interesting,” he said as he continued to study the circular rug as if it was the most fascinating item in the world.

“Yeah … interesting. Uh… I… SHIT! I'm no good at this sort of thing and it's made even worse by beating around the bush. I have an idea.”

“I'm glad you do because I'm fresh out,” he replied as he finally decided to look at me.

“How about we just say what's going through our minds and ask what we wanna ask and go wherever that takes us?” I knew that was not the most structured way to go about things but it beat the hell out of sitting here avoiding it all.

“Sounds like a plan to me my friend,” he answered as he pulled his legs back up on the futon, crossed them and turned to face me. “And as the creator of such a grand idea I feel it would be only proper that you get to speak first.”

“Thanks for nothing, Houshi.”

“Just being polite,” he said as that lopsided grin slid across his lips.

 

I could not help but give him a smile of my own in return. I wonder if he has any clue, as to how truly grateful I am to him for what he has done. I feel like a mere thank you is not nearly enough.

 

“No grand show is needed your thanks is indeed enough,” Miroku replied without prompting.

 

Shocked I looked at him with wide eyes and asked why he said that.

 

“Because you were just saying how you felt that your thanks would not be enough and I thought I would put your mind at ease by…”

“No you don't understand Miroku. I didn't say anything to you.”

“Are you sure you're feeling well my friend? I am sure I heard you as clear as day.”

“Well I am sure I said nothing.”

 

Man he must still be reeling from all of this. I wonder if this whole thing has stressed him out to much.

 

“I assure you I am not stressed if anything I am relieved.”

 

When he said this, I jumped from my position on the futon, clear across the room. It is almost as if he's reading my mind!

 

“Stop spouting such nonsense! I am hearing nothing that you didn't say aloud.”

“Think about it Miroku did you even see my lips move?”

“Um well… I am sure they did.”

“Well I'm telling you they did not! I know we have just been through hell and back and my senses are still not back to normal, but I have a clear enough head to know when I'm talking and when I'm not!”

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

At this loud declaration from my Hanyou friend I had to stop and think for a moment. True one would generally know when they have actually spoken aloud. I would have relented in my insistence that he was shouting nonsense if he didn't look so damn alluring when he got all riled up.

 

“So you mean to tell me you've been arguing with me just because you like the way I look when I'm all bent out of shape? Now who's spouting gibberish?”

“GAH!!” I shouted as I sprang to my feet and pointed an accusing finger at him. “How did you know what I was thinking? I said nothing to you. NOTHING!”

“Now you know how I felt just a moment ago. What in all the hells is going on Houshi?”

“I am not sure my friend but I have an idea,” I replied.

 

I proceeded to tell him that I thought we were, for whatever reason, privy to the others thoughts. I also said I could only speculate at the cause but I felt we should test it a few times just to make sure. I told him to think of something simple and I would try to tell him what he was thinking. We did this back and forth for more than an hour before we stopped.

 

There was no denying it now and the idea of us being able to read each others thoughts was a little frightening. I think we need to find the healer Tibade as soon as possible.

 

“Yeah I'm kinda unnerved by it all too. I agree that Tibade is a good place to start looking for answers.”

 

I sighed as I nodded my head in the affirmative. This was indeed going to take a lot of getting use to. When we left the sanctuary of our little room, a weird tension crept over my being. Despite having on layers of clothing, I had never felt more naked and exposed in my life. It was in the middle of this train of thought that I heard Inuyasha's voice inside my mind as clear as a day. <I guess this feeling is payback for you being such a hentai all these years.>

 

I stopped in my tracks and just looked at him and he nodded and flashed me a fanged smile that melted away any possible ire I could have felt at his jibe. So I figured if he wanted to hold a conversation this way I was willing to go along with it. Maybe playing around with this will give us some insight on how to control it a bit better. <That's what I was figuring as well.> was Inuyasha's response. <Let's jump back to our earlier conversation. How long have you felt this way about me Miroku?>

 

Instead of trying to fumble for the right words I just let my mind drift back over all of the times I felt my heart race while in his presence. Then I drifted on to more recent memories and I found myself kind of blushing at some of the things going through his mind as well. <Damn you think highly of me Monk. I am truly flattered. I had often wondered why you made yourself scarce after some of the times Kagome `sat' me. I just thought you were sparing me the agony of watching you laugh in my face. I had no idea you were trying your best not to claw the wench's eyes out.>

 

At this I laughed out loud and went on to say/think how I figured slapping her soundly across the face probably would have been a bit hard to explain. I have never in my life wanted to strike a woman as much I did her at some points in time. <I can understand… she could be infuriating like that at times. >

 

I nodded in agreement, more out of habit then out of an actual need to do so. I was fighting the urge to reach out and run my hands through that silver mane of his. I was so scared for his life only hours ago and now it's almost as if I cannot get enough of his presence and he will not seem alive and well to me until … I'm not sure what it will take.

 

I was so lost in my own thoughts that I had forgotten that he was aware of them. I was brought out of my reverie when I felt a clawed hand encircle my wrist. I looked over into amber eyes and froze. He was staring at me with such intensity my words caught in my throat and I looked away, choosing to study the hall floor instead. He brought both hands up, effectively cupping my face and tilted my head up so I was once again looking him in the eyes.

Then for the first time since we left the room he said something aloud.

 

“I am fine Miroku. I'm here and nothings going to change that,” his thumbs absently caressing my cheeks as he spoke. “Thanks to you, I've pulled through probably the worst near-death experience I've ever had to face.”

The look on his face turned gentle and the depth of his gratitude shone through in his eyes. When the tension I had faded from my body, he continued speaking. “I know this has been a lot for you and to tell you the truth I'm overwhelmed myself. But before we take one more step down this hall I want to make something absolutely clear.” Somewhat confused I narrowed my eyes at him in question but remained silent. “You were by no means taking advantage of the situation. I was going to kiss you because I wanted to, not because I felt obligated to or as some sort of twisted reward to you for saving my life. Understood?”

 

When I replied with a yes it came out as a choked whisper and I could feel my emotional state start to come unhinged. I wanted so much to believe what he was saying but I found it hard to despite the fact that I know Inuyasha would never lie about such things. I felt myself starting to tremble. Him being this close and touching me so intimately was wearing on me. This is what I wanted but it was killing me just the same. Suddenly a look of guilt crossed his features and he backed away apologizing. Confused I just stood there with my mouth open staring at him.

 

Then it hit me (again) he could hear what was going on in my boggled little mind. If I could slow my brain down for a moment, I would be able to hear what was going on in his. I took a deep breath and swallowed the lump in my throat and smiled at him.

 

“I am sorry I made you uncomfortable. It is hard to control what goes on in one's mind.” I said trying my best to find the words that will remove that look from his face.

“Shouldn't that be my line, Houshi? I shouldn't have done that without asking or something.”

“Not a problem my friend, in a way, I enjoyed every minute of it.”

“Thanks…I think. Let's get moving again and find Tibade,” He said as he started walking again.

 

When we arrived at the healer's chambers and explained to him our situation. He was stunned to say the least. He gave us the once over and told us that beyond that he could really be of no assistance. Hearing that dampened our spirits quite a bit. I suggested that we spend some time recovering then make a trip to see Kaede and Tibade agreed. He felt that this had more to do with my spiritual powers than anything else. We thanked him for his time and advice and made to leave his quarters. We hadn't taken two steps when he requested that Inuyasha stay behind.

 

I bowed to the healer and made my way to the door.

 

(Tibade's POV)

 

I looked at my young Lord and I could easily see how heavily this was all laying on his heart and mind. He moved silently around the room and did everything he could to avoid eye contact with me. I knew he had something he wished to say but it surprised nonetheless when he said it.

“How long before I start to feel like my old self again?” he asked.

“I cannot say for certain but I would guess a few days to a week.”

“And Miroku?”

“It should take him no longer than a couple of weeks to regain his strength,” I answered, knowing this was all working up to something greater and he was just getting the necessities out of the while he gathered his nerve.

He walked across the room until he was standing directly in front of me. He leaned against the self I kept my herbs on and asked the real question.

 

“Ru's pissed isn't he?”

“Yes he is my Lord. That is precisely what I wanted to talk to you about. Might I ask how you knew?”

“I can kind of feel things concerning him buzzing in the back of my brain from time to time. You have any idea why he's upset?”

“He is aware of what the requirements are for a bond or link, such as the one shared between you and you friend, to occur. He is not pleased in the slightest to have competition for your affections,” I said as I watched several emotions play across his face then he dropped his head and I could feel the dread rolling off of him in waves.

“I guess I need to go talk to him but I have no idea where to start. Everything that has happened in the last two days has my head spinning.”

“I can only imagine, My Lord.”

“Any advice?”

“I will say that I would be honest with them both at all times. Remember whatever decision you make is one you will have to live with for a very long time.”

“I will keep that in mind Tibade. Thank you.”

 

I gave him a smile and a nod and with nothing further, he turned and left my chambers.