InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Halves ❯ Uncomplicated ( Chapter 19 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Halves

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I do not make money from writing this story.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

“Kagome-san, Inuyasha-san,” the Healer greeted them with genuine contentment, smiling widely and inspecting the couple and their two healthy babies. “How are the little ones?” It seemed forever since he had last seen them.

Inuyasha wanted to growl, seeing his lover receive so much attention from a male, but he reminded himself that this man was the main reason for her survival. He owed him more than his life, because being able to have Kagome by his side always was his deepest, most powerful wish. Just the thought of her gone someday…

`I must be damn crazy if I'm thinking like this.'

“Suikotsu-san,” Kagome intoned happily. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She was visibly ecstatic. Her savior seemed quite modest, but she really wanted to cover him in happiness and whatnot. Maybe Inuyasha would do something about it.

“Naturally,” her lover said, as if reading her mind, “you will be rewarded. I'm not sure if my father did anything, but I am about to give you a clan of your own.”

The physician froze, a quiet look of shock enveloping his face coldly. Kagome started getting worried that perhaps Inuyasha had said the wrong thing, but she couldn't realize how it could be so. Wouldn't Suikotsu be happy if he received a clan, therefore a title and the right to do almost everything he wanted?

Maybe he really was modest.

Inuyasha was thinking along the same lines, Kagome realized, because he immediately explained himself, “I'm only trying to properly thank you for what you've done. I owe you Kagome's life, and therefore, my happiness.” It wasn't the time for Kagome to feel happy and excited at hearing Inuyasha's words, because the Healer had yet to say something.

Suddenly, Inuyasha stiffened.

He had really wished to delay this moment.

To their left, followed by a column of women and guards, was Kikyou, his ex wife. She stopped as well, surprise shining in her orbs. She had known Kagome was alive, of course, but the shock wasn't any smaller. The former princess searched inside herself and found some bitter resentment, but it was only normal. Still, now the only thing she wanted was Zhang Suikotsu, and that was next to impossible.

“Inuyasha,” the woman whispered and continued her walk towards them.

“Kikyou,” he acknowledged, nodding tensely. He didn't know what to say, didn't know how Kagome would react. Discreetly, he looked at his lover from the corner of his eye. Surprisingly, she was smiling.

“Kikyou-sama,” Kagome said with a small bow, and the strain that had held the former princess was now noticeably diminished. She smiled back, even though it was a hard feat to accomplish.

“Kagome-san, are you feeling fine? Is your illness gone?”

Kikyou did her best not to look at the tiny babies the couple was holding. It still hurt.

“It is entirely gone, thanks to Suikotsu-san,” Kagome said happily, turning to look at the man in question, who was still obviously unable to grasp the idea of being given a title. A clan. A possibility to marry Kikyou-Hime. Al of a sudden, his gaze collided with that of his secret intended and he smiled warmly. A bit puzzled, Kikyou smiled as well.

Inuyasha didn't miss the exchange, and even though it disturbed him slightly, he was happy for Kikyou. His affection for her would always persist, but it was greatly overshadowed by the insane passion and love he felt for Kagome. She was the woman he wanted to spend eternity with.

The hanyou felt compelled to say something, ask her how she was, but he remained frozen to the spot. Instead, Kikyou did the talking.

“We were all worried about the both of you. The Emperor will be so happy to see you safe, even though we have known of your safety ever since Zhang-san has come.”

Zhang-san.

And suddenly, it all dawned on Inuyasha. She was so formal, yet the flicker of affection shone clearly in her eyes. The missing pieces of the mystery were placed together and he understood the physician's look of open astonishment.

Kikyou-Hime would never marry him while he wasn't noble; her father had made her promise him this ridiculous thing.

Kikyou loved her father.

For a few lingering seconds, the sky kept watching them curiously while the sun showed them mercy.

Inuyasha smiled.

“We are both indebted to Zhang-san, are we not?” he asked rhetorically. “That's why I decided to give him a clan of his own. He will have a title, and we shall have the first clan of Chinese name - Zhang-shi. Zhang Suikotsu will be a man of importance. That is, if he wants it.”

Kagome smiled at Inuyasha's words. This man, this healer that had decided to return to his homeland had been her salvation. She owed him her life.

“Please accept, Suikotsu-san. Please,” she pleaded. If he didn't, Kagome would feel very disappointed.

“I will,” he said with a smile, holding Kikyou's gaze. “I will, thank you.”

Looking briefly at her lover who had a look of recognition on his face, Kagome suddenly understood. Kikyou-Hime now had a chance to have a life like she'd only dreamed. It was obvious, it was written on her face. And she was smiling like Inuyasha had never seen her smile.

“What do you think, Kikyou-sama?” the younger miko coaxed slyly, “Do you think it is a fitting payment for his actions?”

“I do,” she answered happily.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

Kagome sighed happily. When had she been this content? This free? The futon was really warm and comfortable, a real bliss compared to what she had left behind on Mount Hakurei. She never wanted to think about those times. She had everything she wanted now - Inuyasha, the babies, and a whole new life.

She would sleep and then they'd go meet the Emperor and all the others. But for now, she was really, really tired.

A few minutes passed after her eyes closed blissfully when a silver-haired hanyou entered the bedroom, closing the door behind him. He told the servants to `scatter' so they could have some peace. He didn't like smelling them so close when he was trying to enjoy some `alone time' with a sleeping Kagome.

She was so beautiful she stole his breath away.

His eyes were glued on her lovely, peaceful face, and while he wanted to bury the past, he couldn't help but think of times when those cheeks had been stained with blood tears because of him. He had been so selfish; there were so many things he had to make up for.

But she was with his, and that was all that mattered.

She was mumbling things in her sleep, her head moving from side to side, just like a confused puppy.

`She's so cute.'

A genuine smile crossed his lips when he thought she was all his. Every little thing about her mesmerized him.

“Inuyasha?”

Looking down at the futon he realized she'd woken up while he'd contemplated the changes in his life. He had a woman that would become his wife now, and this woman was the mother of his children. There was nothing more he could possible ask for.

“Aren't you going to join me?” she said, sitting up and furrowing her brows in confusion. “Is something wrong?” Her head cocked to the side and he felt the impulsive urge to kiss her for being so adorable.

“No, nothing.”

He sat next to her and relished the way her breath caught when he started combing her silky tresses. Something blocked her air paths as he moved her head to the side to bury his in the crook of her neck. His warm breath caressed her smooth skin and she shivered, every nerve in her body going haywire.

Kagome meant to say something, but she couldn't find the words. She wanted to know where her babies were, though she figured they were in good hands. She wanted to know what he was doing, but that was pretty obvious.

His lips touched her neck tentatively and she shivered in his arms, unconsciously tilting her head to provide better access. She made no move when she felt him smile against her skin, because her body was tingling and her mind was hazy.

When he pushed her garments aside however, she froze. Unexplainable apprehension tugged at her insides. It was something she couldn't really grasp, but it made sense somehow. Would he push things?

Still, Inuyasha seemed to ignore her discomfort, lowering her clothes down her shoulders to reveal milky skin. His eyes looked at her bare chest longingly, realizing how close she'd been to death. Without self-permission, his hand reached out to touch the skin around her nipples lightly, carefully, and he reveled in the whimpers that escaped her rosy lips.

He lowered his head to let his tongue trail the path his hand had followed and smelt her increasing distress.

“I won't do anything you don't want me to, Kagome; trust me,” he told her, looking upwards to hold her gaze. Understanding crossed her features and he was glad for it. “Besides, you still have to heal.”

She didn't know what to make of his statement, but it soon left her mind as he finally closed his lips around her neglected nipple, twirling it with his tongue. Sensual tingles crawled their way through her body, leaving her breathless and craving for more. Kagome wanted him to cleanse her insecurities and sad past; she wanted him to love her without asking anything in return. Maybe it was selfish of her, but she wanted him to give and her to take. Just this once.

And he seemed to have no qualms about that.

Slowly, delicately, Inuyasha lowered her until he was hovering above her, his breath tickling her collarbone. This time there was nothing that could stop them. This time he would take things slowly, he would let her decide.

In a way, this was their real first time together. They were not Halves anymore; they were not husband and wife. There was no official connection between them, just that of their hearts, and somehow, it was more than enough. In a way they didn't want to be united by something so permanent again - they thought it brought bad luck; but people would not receive Kagome in their hearts with as much respect as when she'd become a Hime.

Though… Kagome wasn't noble.

“I love you,” Inuyasha whispered, his fingers touching her skin in a silky caress, showing Kagome just what Nirvana meant. “I love you.”

Kagome just couldn't get enough of hearing him confess his feelings. She felt the same, naturally, but it was best if she didn't say it now. Her voice would break, her mind would close, her heart…

Her heart would choke. Such happiness was almost unbearable.

He swallowed her whimpers with his own mouth, wreaking havoc on her fragile nerves that were slowly and deliciously shattering under the pressure of his words of reassurance. A slow, building process ensured their rebirth.

“I love you.”

There was a lingering uncertainty regarding who spoke and who was silent, but it didn't matter to them anymore. They'd let their lips part and air flow through them; they'd even gulp down each other's fears and pasts. It wasn't about themselves; it was about them. It would always be about them.

Their lips met yet again while their worlds healed bit by bit.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

It was a devastatingly beautiful morning when Kagome felt anxiousness grip her lungs and squeeze painfully. She honestly didn't know why she was so nervous - no one was going to do anything to her.

Hopefully.

She was only reuniting with her family, and the Emperor, and Kaede, and the other priestesses, and Miroku, and… oh, it was wearing her down and how she wished she could skip this and spend a whole day in bed with Inuyasha and their kids. But they couldn't; it wouldn't be appropriate. They had had their healing, `alone time'. Now it was time to face the music.

Still, nothing could have prepared her for it.

Superb, calm music with a hint of triumph carried across the courtyard and when they entered the Imperial Hall Room, ten beautifully dressed women were singing wonderful tunes that almost made Kagome cry. Her kimono was hard to drag around, because she felt small and delicate in such a big, imposing palace. The knowledge that she could become a princess was almost too much for her.

From priestess to princess…

Warm smiles greeted her everywhere, and she could see most people were happy and relieved that she was alive and their prince was safe, as well. However, the center of attention was the twins that were carried by two careful women walking right behind them. For some reason, Kagome had been dressed almost as if she was already the princess married to Prince Inuyasha. It warmed her to know everyone accepted this awkward relationship. Did they know they had been Halves, too?

In Kagome's ears, the whispers and music were so loud that she couldn't hear her own thoughts, but perhaps it was better like that. She nervously passed her mother, flashing her a warm, affectionate smile, and proceeded to approach the Emperor and the Empress. She had never seen Masami-Hime before. The woman was certainly imposing and looked like a true Empress of these lands.

“Inu no Taishou-sama,” Kagome said with a bow as she nervously watched her lover do the same.

The Emperor's smile was bright and unexpected. “Welcome back, Higurashi-san. We are glad you are okay. This is a happy day, indeed.”

The Empress said nothing, but there was a hint of recognition and admiration in her eyes that Kagome simply couldn't shake off. Perhaps it was best if she didn't stare at the gorgeously clad beauty sitting next to the Emperor. Besides, she didn't have much time to think about it actually, because a startling announcement was made.

Not even Inuyasha had predicted it.

It wasn't too soon, and it was fully deserved.

“I, Emperor Inu no Taishou, name you, Higurashi Kagome, Higurashi Kagome-Hime, Princess and Protector Miko of the Shikon no Tama that guards and offers vital energy as well as immeasurable power. Since your abilities and talents exceed normal understanding, you shall no longer be called a human, but neither a youkai. The simple term `miko' is surpassed by your value, so you shall be named an outstanding creature.” Well, the term was not glamorous in Kagome's mind, but she was deeply grateful to the Emperor for changing so much in her life and for the high praise.

“Of course,” Inu no Taishou added, “your family will no longer be a normal one so they have you to thank for such a privilege.” And it was a privilege indeed.

“Your generosity humbles me, Inu no Taishou-sama. I only pray to Kami that they bless you with infinite health and happiness,” the overwhelmed woman intoned with a bow. “Arigatou gozaimasu.”

The Emperor didn't reply. Instead, he looked at his son for the first time and smiled with fatherly affection. “Welcome home son.”

“Thank you,” Inuyasha said, “Father.”

“I see you brought me grandchildren.” After a flick of his hand, the two women brought him the babies that remained unusually silent. Perhaps it had been the barrier that had disturbed them. Inu no Taishou looked at them proudly and not even Masami-Hime was cold enough not to smile at the two lovely beings.

“They will become strong children. Boys, am I right?”

“You are,” Inuyasha replied loudly, his heart soaring whenever he thought of the two babies that were his. His sons. His and Kagome's.

“What are their names?”

Everyone turned their heads toward the Empress, who refused to become flushed at receiving so much attention. It was so unusual to hear her speak these days that no one had predicted her question, but Kagome smiled nonetheless.

“Ken and Takehiko.”

“Fitting names,” Masami-Hime replied. “Congratulations.”

“Arigatou gozaimasu.” Tears threatened to moist Kagome's cheeks - she was just so grateful. Nothing could go wrong anymore, nothing could stand in their way to happiness.

Behind her, her whole family awaited anxiously for their turn to come so they could hug their no longer lost daughter, sister, and granddaughter.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

To say that the Emperor was surprised was clearly an understatement.

“Anata, who is this?” the Empress asked, her brows furrowing at feeling the raw purity exuding off this simple-dressed man.

“Normally, I do not do this,” the monk started, bowing only slightly, “but I have come to warn you.”

The Emperor stiffened momentarily before regaining his composure. Luckily, his son was not here anymore. They were probably all reuniting with Kagome's family, happy and content to be home. If something had Seikai coming all over to the palace, leaving his personal haven, it was decidedly not good.

“Warn us? Of what?” Of course, Inu no Taishou never showed his apprehension, but in a situation as this one such a tone was needed. What more could possible go wrong? Certainly, the Emperor could think of a few worst-case scenarios, but he refused to let them plague his mind.

“I have an advice, Inu no Taishou-sama.”

“Tell me.”

The monk smiled knowingly, bringing his hands together in front of his body. “You should not be so relieved and calm. It has been brought to my attention…” He paused, undoubtedly searching for the most appropriate way to phrase his thoughts. “Lately, the stars' alignment has become hazy. Not only that, but there are increasingly distinctive signs of something truly chaotic on the verge of happening. I have read into it more attentively, and I am afraid I am bringing bad news.” The Emperor had feared those words.

A swift flick of the wrist left the room entirely empty, except for the three figures. The woman had yet to participate in the discussion, but she was clearly interested. Anything ominous on the way of happening was as much her business as it was her husband's.

“Of course, I will not go into detail,” the monk felt compelled to say, “but you already know that.”

“Tell us what you saw,” Masami-Hime told him rather harshly, unnerved by his overwhelming purity. It was suffocating.

“There is no need to be so… curt, Masami-Hime-sama,” the monk chastised softly with a sly bow, “All in due time.” His smile grew wider as the Empress grew more uncomfortable. The words he said haunted her. “All in due time.”

It was as if Seikai needed nothing else but to breathe and live. He seemed that detached from the material world.

“Something terrible will happen to these lands. An evil we have never known will be your biggest worry. Remember, life is not a constant. Life is a variable.”

All four ears were trained on the sole man that seemed to be speaking out of poetry books rather than facts.

“Even if it may seem like there are some impossible things, some limitations that one really cannot transcend, it is wrong. There is nothing you cannot do, and because of that, dreadful things will be expecting us when the time comes.”

Dreadful things expecting them…

Evil greater than former knowledge.

Fights swirled inside the Emperor's mind. Takemaru, Ryukotsusei, all those previous enemies that had been hard to defeat. And now they were facing an unknown evil greater than any others and that they had no name for, and they were supposed to try and win? It seemed impossible even for him, the Emperor.

A sudden desire to speak to his older son struck him, but he realized it could be years until Sesshomaru returned. The man was too much of a nomad for the Emperor's tastes, but he left him be. Mostly because the boy hadn't found his Half when he'd first started traveling, even though now the things had changed. Still, Inu no Taishou was confident that the things were indeed improving.

“So all I ask of you is not to let your guard down,” Seikai continued.

Another, lifetime, another serious face. Words, caresses, thousands of laughing faces; happy faces.

"Remember, anata," she warned, "being too cautious could never hurt, so you must not let anyone fool you."

He had to be cautious. They had to be cautious, because only that way would they be able to fend off the enemy.

“You must never rely on the fact that everything will be fine, because it won't.”

And then the monk was gone.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

It was too early in their fresh relationship, but Inu no Taishou decided to tell them anyway. But for this he wanted to be on safer grounds. His Hall Room or quarters were full of watchers and listeners, and all he wanted was privacy. The couple didn't deserve to be gossiped about, because they had endured so much.

So he opted for visiting them himself.

Kagome had already fed the babies, he'd been told, so there was no problem if he entered now. He waited for the servants to announce his presence and entered the room. Though… something was not right.

Inquisitive golden eyes inspected the room thoroughly before settling on the content woman on the bed that was holding her two precious bundles.

“Where is Inuyasha?”

The Emperor's powerful voice almost startled her, despite the fact that she'd been announced of his arrival. Her gaze held his when she told him that her lover was outside, training. Inuyasha had been feeling restless, so the only way to release some stress was to practice. Of course, Inu no Taishou understood. Things had to be hard for his son - he'd been through so much…

“What brings you here, Inu no Taishou-sama?” the woman asked with raised eyebrows, silently taking Ken and holding him out for his grandfather to take. The Emperor understood the gesture and was grateful that he didn't have to ask for her to hand over his grandson. With unusual care, he rocked the baby with a lazy smile, enjoying the way his little puffy lids twitched every so often.

“Which one is this?” He ignored her question.

Kagome caught on and even though she frowned, she told him his grandson's name. Of course, it meant that the one she was holding was Takehiko.

“How did you manage?” the great demon asked after Kagome encouraged him to sit on a nearby chair.

“Doing what?”

“Surviving. Giving birth to there two wonders. How did you make it?” Amazement coated his voice and she was astounded to hear the Emperor so impressed.

“I wanted to live,” she replied simply. It truly conveyed everything she'd felt during those excruciatingly long months and she could honestly feel the relief choking her at times. Kagome was genuinely grateful to the Kami that had protected her.

“I'm glad,” the Emperor replied. And he was. He'd wanted her for Inuyasha from the start. While it had been mainly because she had been his Half, he had also been impressed by her abilities and had recognized her as a good match for a prince, despite her humble origins.

“You are going to marry my son,” he declared without a second thought, his voice unclear, as he watched in amazement how his grandson gradually opened his beautiful eyes. His heart warmed when he saw the resemblance to the boy's father. Closing his eyes for just an instant to reminisce times when he had been a father, the new grandfather held out a clawed finger for his grandson to take and play with, mindful of his claws.

“I am?” Kagome was clearly surprised.

“You aren't?” He didn't understand her confusion, but maybe he had to reassure her. “You shall be part of the family. Inuyasha's wife,” he decided, throwing a knowing grin her way.

Kagome didn't know what to make of this prospect, so she said nothing. She nodded, and the Emperor seemed to understand.

Just before he got out of the room, his eyes landed on his two grandchildren once again. No, he hadn't had the will to tell Kagome about Seikai's warning. He'd tell them some other time.

Tomorrow or… just some other day.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

“Will you do me the honor of walking with me?”

Kikyou was still unsure why she had accepted the offer, but the one thing she did know was that this walk was proving to be very awkward. Zhang Suikotsu was the most predictable, yet interesting man she had ever known. His generosity and kindness knew no limits, and he was more intelligent than most noblemen.

But his hesitance puzzled her.

Why would he want her to walk with him if they weren't going to say a word? Blatantly, she didn't want to start the conversation. Besides, she simply could not find a worthwhile topic.

Had he come to speak about their departure later that night?

“As you know, I will become noble,” Suikotsu suddenly announced. A short, uncomfortable silence settled between them. “Does that bother you?”

Kikyou was perplexed. “No, why should it?” If anything, it makes me happy.

“I was just asking.”

They kept walking.

“You know, I have to confess I was impressed by your beauty and your strong personality from the beginning,” the healer declared all of a sudden, leaving the former princess breathless. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she struggled not to stutter.

“T-thank you, Zhang-san. You flatter me.”

But he ignored her obvious embarrassment. “In the beginning, I didn't stand a chance to be something to you, but now I believe I could court you without any hindrances.” He stopped and turned to look into her startled eyes. “I like you,” he said simply. “I want you to allow me to court you.”

He was asking? She had never felt this surge of incredible power, as if her entire destiny lay in her capable hands. And she knew exactly what to make of it. Kikyou-Hime was not a woman to be intimidated.

“Tonight we will leave and go cure those people,” she replied, “and when we're back I'll give you my answer.”

But the warm smile on her lips made him feel already victorious.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

“Do you have to spoil them rotten?” Inuyasha complained, running a frustrated palm down his face, his frown more than visible under his rich, silver bangs. His lover wasn't at all impressed - he had been demanding attention for a while now, but honestly, Kagome's heart was all for the twins' taking right now, so the grumpy father had to stay in line and wait for her to focus on him.

“Sorry, sweetheart, you're going to have to wait.” A heartfelt grin stole her lips, showing off her pearly-white teeth as her eyes were glued to the two babies squirming around. “These two little treasures are so adorable I can't let them be.” She brought her hands' to the little half demons' tummies, tickling them gently, enjoying their gurgling laughter. They were growing at an incredible pace, but Inuyasha had already explained the process. Both were going to grow up faster than a human child, but when they reached puberty, the process would slow down. They would have to deal with two teenagers longer than any human.

But that didn't disturb her. They were their children and she loved them.

And right now she couldn't get enough of them.

Her breath caught in her throat though when she felt her clothes tugged down her shoulder. She tried to focus on the two giggling babies, swallowing thickly when she felt a damp breath tickle her sensitive nerves. A seductive swipe of the tongue followed closely, weakening her resolve. She could feel her palms sweating as she tried to keep up her smile for the sake of her children. Still, their father was relentless and wouldn't give up until he made sure to have her squirming in raw pleasure.

Whimpers escaped her lips when she felt his hardness poke her back, but she still acted stubbornly. Deep inside, the `outstanding creature' knew she was just delaying the inevitable, but this reluctance was proving too delicious for her to miss.

Abruptly, her finger stilled on Takehiko's puffy cheek when Inuyasha managed to slip his hand through her clothing and brush his knuckles against her moist core. Carelessly, her eyes closed on their own accord as her head tilted back to rest on his shoulder, enjoying the way he was torturing her heated flesh. Growling lowly, Inuyasha turned his head at an odd angle to bite her earlobe in an unrefined proof of his blinding desire.

And his hands felt empty when Kagome suddenly pushed away from him.

He would have felt hurt by her retreat had he not witnessed what his lover was desperately trying to get him to watch.

In front of them, their two babies were standing on their own chubby feet, laughing silently and touching one another. Paternal pride filled Inuyasha's chest and painted a genuinely content smile on his face as he ignored his painful desire in favor of wrapping his arms around his lover from behind and enjoying the show the now lightly fighting twins were providing.

They would surely become inseparable.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

---------------------------------------

A/N: Thank you for reading and for all the wonderful reviews I've received so far.

Don't forget to review again :D