InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Her Choice ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

AN: Yet again, I'm touched by the immense response to this story. Thank you to everyone who reviewed! It's nice to know you're all enjoying the story as much as I am. :-)

 

Warning: Immense fluff! Way too sweet! You've been warned!

 

 

Chapter 5

 

Kagome growled at the sunlight creeping over her face, hoping to scare it away.

 

“Five more minutes…” she mumbled.

 

A soft rumbling beneath her cause her to force her eyes open. She was greeted with the smiling face of Sesshoumaru. She blushed slightly, leaning up a bit.

 

“Sleep well, Kagome?” he asked quietly.

 

She nodded and yawned. “Best sleep I ever had, actually. I wonder what time it is…”

 

She looked down and saw the children sleeping peacefully against her. She smiled softly at them, before gazing up at Sesshoumaru. He offered a small smile to the demon in his arm.

 

“You watched over us all night, didn't you?” she asked quietly, blushing and looking back at the children.

 

“Of course. I do not know what dangers your time does and does not have,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

Kagome stretched a bit, leaning up against Sesshoumaru. Her movement caused the children to stir.

 

“I'm hungry…” Shippou moaned sleepily.

 

“I'm sure mom's making something yummy right now,” Kagome assured the little kitsune.

 

Shippou nodded sleepily through a yawn.

 

“I need to go to the bathroom,” Rin said awkwardly, not yet used to the strange device in said room.

 

“Alright Rin,” Kagome said, standing.

 

She led the sleepy girl from her room. Shippou stretched and sat up, turning his head to gaze at the inu-youkai. He blushed and looked down, biting his lip.

 

“I… I wanted to thank you. For saving Kagome…” He said quietly. “And for letting me come along.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded. “You're welcome. I knew of your father. He was a powerful demon, as I am sure you aspire to be,” he stated.

 

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “Don't tell Kagome I said this, but I'm glad she ditched Inu-Yasha. He always hurt her. You haven't hurt her at all.”

 

“Even when she was human, I respected her strength. She never feared me, and thus I have never truly despised her. I believe I understand many things now that my father once tried to teach me,” he answered quietly.

 

“I understand. There's something about Kagome… that changes everything,” Shippou replied thoughtfully.

 

“Indeed,” the inu-youkai gazed at the kitsune across from him on Kagome's bed.

 

Kagome peaked her head in the room, grinning.

 

“Hurry up, guys! Breakfast is ready!” Kagome chirped happily.

 

“Yay!” Shippou dived off the bed and onto Kagome's shoulder as she headed for the stars.

 

Sesshoumaru shook his head lightly, with a tiny smile. “Inu-Yasha was truly a fool for not loving this era…”

 

And with that, he followed Kagome to breakfast.

 

 

 

Sesshoumaru, Shippou, Jaken, and Rin watched curiously as Kagome freaked out.

 

“I can't believe how much I missed! I'll never catch up! I'm never going to die for a month AGAIN!” she cried, looking at the huge stack of papers on her desk.

 

“It's alright dear, just do what you can,” Kagome's mother said soothingly.

 

“I'm going to fail! Two years of struggling through school while fighting Naraku, and now I'll never catch up again! It's not fair!” Kagome cried, burying her head in her arms.

 

“That's not true, Kagome. You're a bright girl. I'm sure you'll be all right. Besides, didn't you say you won't need to sleep much since you're a youkai now?” Kagome's mom lightly rubbed Kagome's back.

 

“That's right! I can probably read and write faster now too! Oh mom, you're a genius!” Kagome cried before picking up a book and forgetting the rest of the world existed.

 

Kagome's mom smiled at the group staring at Kagome like a giant 3 headed dragon. “Don't mind her. She just takes her schoolwork a bit too seriously sometimes…”

 

“Schoolwork?” Shippou and Rin echoed.

 

“Oh my, I forgot, you don't go to school in the time you're from. In this time, children have to remain in school until they're 18. They also have to take many different tests to place them in the best possible schools. The better the schools you attend, the better the job you get. The better the job you get, the more money you make, and the better your life is,” Kagome's mom said, smiling sweetly, as she headed towards the stairs.

 

“Kagome is still a child?” Jaken asked, extremely confused.

 

“Yes, but once a girl turns 16 she's old enough to marry. But boys must be at least 18 to get married,” she explained.

 

“Youkai often wait about a century before mating. However, some youkai, usually the dragons, have waited millennia for a mate. Kagome is still extremely young according to demons, even though she took the body of a mature demon,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

“What is required in taking a mate? Is there a ceremony?” Kagome's mother questioned, stepping into the kitchen.

 

“No, when two youkai become mates, they are bound by blood. They become extremely sensitive to the existence of their mate. Once the mates are bonded, the arrangement is for life,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

“What if a male bonds a female who doesn't wish to mate?” she questioned.

 

“Normally, she either kills the male or dies trying. It is highly unlikely for youkai, especially the more powerful youkai to take an unwilling mate,” he explained.

 

“I still think marriage is a good idea in this era. There's a lot of financial and social reasons. I would assume Kagome would have a bit of a hard time explaining a `mate' to her friends and coworkers instead of a husband,” she smiled as she began mixing some ingredients in a bowl.

 

“There are youkai who have married in addition to mating. There would be nothing stopping Kagome from marrying if she desired to,” Sesshoumaru assured her.

 

“That's good to know. I remember when she was little; she used to tell me how she wanted a beautiful wedding with all her closest friends and family. I know she'd be sad if she never got that wedding,” she laughed softly at the memory.

 

“What is involved in human weddings?” Sesshoumaru questioned.

 

“Well, it takes a few months to plan. It's normally a very beautiful ceremony, with a large celebration afterwards. There are different types of ceremonies, like the Western Christian ceremonies, or the traditional Shinto ceremony. The celebration is pretty much a big feast with lots of music and fun. Then, of course, is the honeymoon,” she added with a giggle.

 

“Honeymoon?” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow.

 

“The bride and groom often go on a long, romantic trip together. Sometimes they take a month or more for a honeymoon,” she winked at him. His eyes widened slightly.

 

“It is no wonder why humans are so numerous,” he said quietly.

 

Kagome's mother laughed. “And many couples who are happily married take second honeymoons.”

 

Sesshoumaru shook his head. “Humans are far stranger then I had originally believed.”

 

And with that, he left the kitchen.

 

 

 

“Ah! I finally finished! It only took two days non-stop…” Kagome said, stretching.

 

“Indeed. You certainly can apply yourself when you need too,” Sesshoumaru commented lightly from the corner of her bed. Rin and Shippou were sleeping peacefully curled up against him.

 

“Of course. If I don't do well in school, I won't get a good job. And you need a good job to take care of yourself. Though most girls only get jobs to meet men with good jobs who could take care of them,” Kagome said, leaning back in her chair.

 

“And you do not wish to have someone provide for you?” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow.

 

“I would rather marry someone for love then money. I just want to make sure money is never an issue,” she smiled at the thought.

 

“I have been puzzling over the issue of human marriages. Is there a reason for so much preparation for joining a couple?” the tai-youkai asked.

 

“Of course! Just like with holidays, it's a time to celebrate the joy of love, and new beginnings. Marriage is extremely important to many people these days. Whether it be for money, family, or love,” she said.

 

“Is not a lifetime together enough celebration?” he asked, his eyes shining with the light of the moon.

 

“I never knew you were such a romantic, Sesshoumaru,” she said coyly, turning her head, hoping to hide her blush.

 

“I simply do not understand why one day must be made so significant, when it is something that effects every day,” he countered, turning his gaze out her window.

 

Kagome studied his face for a moment before answering.

 

“Love is something that needs to be celebrated everyday, but the world moves so fast that many things get forgotten, but having one day a year be celebrated so much, it makes people remember to take time for their loved ones. Some people just can't give their all into love each and every day, so they put everything in to one day,” she explained.

 

She stood, and stretched before coming over to Sesshoumaru. He glanced at her briefly, before turning back to the stars.

 

“Do you wish to sleep tonight?” he asked softly.

 

“I was actually hoping… Never mind, it's silly…” she shook her head before turning towards her chair. She was stopped by Sesshoumaru's hand grasping her wrist.

 

“It is not silly to you if you fear rejection. I promised to take care of you, I would not hurt you so callously,” his eyes burned with determined fire, challenging her.

 

She blushed at the intensity of his gaze.

 

“I just wanted you to hold me, till they woke up,” she said quietly, looking down.

 

She waited a moment before looking up at him. He smiled softly at her. “You fear me more at this moment then when I said I would kill you and those dearest to you. Fear does not suit one such as you.”

 

Her eyes widened, as she stared at him in surprise. “I don't fear you… I fear what I am feeling…”

 

“Do not fear. You have faced demons many times stronger then you and come out with your life,” he told her, pulling lightly on her arm.

 

Kagome sat down on the bed, scooting back till her back rested against the inu-youkai's chest. She smiled as she leaned back; his arm wrapped around her lightly. She sighed happily and relaxed against him.

 

“This is comfy,” she murmured.

 

Sesshoumaru leaned his head down, to rest on top of hers. “Indeed,” he whispered. He lightly nuzzled against her neck.

 

“Sesshoumaru… What am I to you?” Kagome asked quietly, leaning towards him.

 

“You are Kagome to me,” he said, running his hand through strands of her hair. “You are the only one I have ever called friend.”

 

Kagome closed her eyes to fight back tears. She turned herself to rest her ear on his heart.

 

“Have I upset you in some way?” he asked quietly.

 

“No, not at all. What you said… It's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you,” she replied, her shining eyes seeking out his brilliant ones.

 

He lifted his hand to her cheek and gently wiped away a tear. His eyes darkened a bit, as he leaned towards her.

 

“Achoo!” Shippou sneezed lightly in his sleepy state. He rubbed his eyes a bit, and looked up at the two older demons. He smiled a bit, when he noticed Sesshoumaru holding Kagome close. “Morning!”

 

Next to him, Rin yawned and stretched.

 

“Good morning guys,” Kagome said happily, a light blush on her cheeks.

 

“I'm hungry!” Shippou said sitting up.

 

“I better get ready if I'm gonna make it to school on time. You guys head on down without me. I'm sure mom is making something good, and could use some help,” Kagome said, stretching and standing. She began rummaging through her closet for her school uniform.

 

“Alright Kagome!” the children chorused before diving out of her room.

 

She smiled and shook her head as she heard the door close. “They really are good kids,” she said quietly.

 

“Indeed. You are a good mother to them,” Sesshoumaru said quietly. Kagome whirled to see he was standing

 

“Hey, I need to get dressed!” she said blushing, clutching her uniform to her chest.

 

His eyes sparkled with amusement before her turned around, his back to her. Kagome giggled.

 

“Alright, no peaking you!” she mock-scolded. The tai-youkai snorted, a small grin on his face.

 

“I wished to speak with you of the unsettling development in my time. I am not aware of anyone with enough power to amass an attack on my home,” Sesshoumaru said calmly.

 

“Well, we know they're human, and have to be influential,” Kagome suggested, pulling her pajamas off.

 

“Indeed. Most likely a monk or priestess, with considerable spiritual powers,” Sesshoumaru added.

 

“Sesshoumaru… Do you think this is why demons don't exist in my time?” Kagome asked quietly.

 

“Most likely. It is most convenient being able to reside 500 years in the future. I doubt our enemy could find us here. However, there is a chance that both our enemy, and other demons exist in your time, but in hiding,” Sesshoumaru mused.

 

“I'm dressed,” she said. Sesshoumaru turned around, and gazed at her familiar school uniform.

 

“I have trouble believing the boys at your school would wear such an outfit,” Sesshoumaru commented.

 

Kagome giggled at the thought. “No, no! Guys have a different uniform. This is only for the girls.”

 

“You should place illusions on all of us, before you leave, if you believe you could maintain it,” he suggested.

 

“I think so, it only requires a lot of concentration in the beginning. It should be easy enough to do,” Kagome said thoughtfully.

 

“There are no threats at this school?” Sesshoumaru asked, eyes narrowing.

 

“No, of course not. Schools are designed to be a safe place for children. Parents would send young children off to them alone if there was any danger,” Kagome pointed out, smiling patiently at the inu-youkai.

 

“When will you return?” He asked, still leaning against the door.

 

“I'm not sure. I haven't seen my friends in almost 2 months. I might go grab a bite to eat after school, but I should return by 5,” Kagome said, thinking.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, and stood straight. He reached out and brushed a piece of her hair back.

 

“This is still much to discuss of your change. We should speak tonight,” he said, his hand lingering in her silky black hair.

 

Kagome blushed and nodded, leaning towards his hand. She stepped closer, and rested her head on his chest.

 

“It's strange, I feel a rush of power and raw emotion like never before, yet I also feel so calm within it…” she said quietly, pulling away from him and looking into his dark golden eyes.

 

“We must speak tonight,” he said, emotion spilling lightly onto his voice. “For now, you must eat, or you'll be late.”

 

She nodded, blushing lightly. She was smiling brightly as she headed down to have breakfast.

 

 

 

“Come on Kagome! You have to tell us what's been going on. Did you ever get that angry boy?” Ayumi asked, curiously.

 

“Guys! It doesn't matter!” she said, blushing.

 

“Yes it does! We've all been worried about you, the least you could do is tell us what happened!” Yuka scolded.

 

“Alright, alright!” Kagome held her hands up in defeat. She smiled and sipped her milkshake. “He said he wanted to be with me, he wanted to make me his wife and start a family rather young. I wasn't ok with that. It turns out he still loved the other girl, but she couldn't have children. I ended up helping them out so they could be together. But I ended up alone, and rather heart broken…”

 

“That's horrible! You shouldn't have done so much for them Kagome!” Ayumi interrupted.

 

“Let me finish, there's more… Well, his older brother showed up, and was watching over me. He's actually the reason I'm here right now. He's been watching over me ever since,” Kagome said quietly.

 

“Is he angry too?” Eri asked quietly.

 

“No, not really. He seems rather cold and distant on the outside. I'd describe him more as serious, I suppose. But he's actually an incredible guy. He's really nice to those few who get close to him,” she mused, looking down at her drink blushing.

 

“So, you going out with him? Or just secretly pining after him?” Yuka giggled.

 

“I'm not sure. It's kinda in a gray zone right now… It's like we're on the edge of something more. He wanted to talk to me tonight about something…” she said quietly.

 

“So tell us more about him! Is he rich? Smart? Tall? Handsome? Details, and lots of `em!” Eri insisted, grinning madly.

 

Kagome laughed at her friend's antics before blushing a bit. “He's very powerful, and strong. He's extremely intelligent. He's rather tall, and hands down the most handsome male that walks this earth,” she answered honestly, blushing lightly.

 

“He's that handsome?” the girls chorused.

 

Kagome nodded, blushing furiously. “Yes, he is. Especially when he laughs. I've only seen him laugh; really laugh once. It was breathtaking.”

 

“Your mother informed me she was making your favorite meal. It will be finished shortly. If you are finished here…?” He offered his hand to the girl. Her trio of friends gawked in amazement of the handsome man in their presence.

 

Kagome blushed. “How long have you been there?” She squeaked quietly.

 

He simply smirked at her as she accepted his hand. She gulped, blushing deeper as she stood. Shaking her head lightly, she turned her head back to her friends.

 

“Sorry guys, gotta run. Can't miss mom's Oden!” She called hastily, trying to fight her blush.

 

“Yeah, sure Kagome. You sure did better this time!” her friend called, giggling. Her blush returned with a vengeance.

 

They grinned at each other when suddenly Ayumi's eyes suddenly widened.

 

“Did you notice he said? Does that mean he's staying with her?” Ayumi asked, shocked.

 

“You don't think…? We definitely have to ask her tomorrow!” Eri said excitedly, grinning at the thought of getting a juicy story out of Kagome.

 

 

 

“Your friends in this era are rather curious, aren't they?” Sesshoumaru questioned.

 

“Yeah, I always told them some stuff about my adventures. They don't know about demons or traveling through time or anything. But they know of Inu-Yasha and the others,” she answered.

 

“Angry boy? I think it suits him,” he commented, fighting back a smirk.

 

Kagome blushed deeply and gulped. “So you heard everything…”

 

“You should be more aware of your surroundings,” he commented.

 

“I couldn't help it! Those three always try to grill me for details… It's all I can do to not slip up when I talk to them!” Kagome defended weakly.

 

“Apparently,” he smirked at her.

 

“You-! Oh, you're terrible!” Kagome huffed.

 

“I thought I was `incredible,'” he commented, his mask back in place.

 

Kagome instantly turned red. “That's no fair! I can't listen in on you talking to anyone about me!”

 

“Indeed,” he said, carefully keeping his mask in place.

 

“Awwww, come on, Sesshoumaru! Give me something!” she pouted.

 

“I believe your mother is waiting for us,” he stated, changing the subject.

 

“She makes the best Oden…” she said, almost drooling in anticipation. “I'm so hungry, come on Sesshoumaru! I'll race ya up the steps!”

 

And with that, she took off using her demonic speed. Sesshoumaru shook his head, running after her.

 

 

 

Kagome stretched and relaxed high in the branches of Goshinboku. “This is actually rather nice…”

 

“Indeed,” he said, leaping onto the branch.

 

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Kagome asked, glancing at the tai-youkai.

 

“You remember how you described feeling this morning? Those feelings are the beginning of your black blood accepting a mate,” he stated simply.

 

Kagome blinked in shock, unable to say anything.

 

“Youkai do not simply look for things in common. When they become close or intimate with another youkai their blood starts to call to each other, forming a powerful bond. It is possible for youkai to couple without mating occurring, but it is not common among the more powerful and intelligent youkai. The bond can be broken in the early stages. However, once the bond is fully formed, it is for life,” he explained. “When the blood accepts another youkai as a mate, that mate's life force is bonded to their core.”

 

“Wow…” Kagome said quietly.

 

“That is why I could not kiss you. You are not the only one who feels the pull. However, you were not aware of the consequences of such actions. It is up to you whether to accept or break the bond,” he said quietly.

 

“But… This isn't just about me. It's about you too. You'd be bound to me forever too…” she said quietly.

 

“I am already bound to you forever. I gave you my word that I'd protect you. So long as I live, I shall protect you. I shall always be near, whether we are mates or not,” he explained.

 

“Wow… This is a lot to take in…” she said quietly.

 

“I have come to understand that marriage is an important in all aspects of your world. I have spoken at lengths with your mother to better understand it. Should you accept our bond, I would further that by honoring your human custom of marriage,” he stated simply, looking up towards the stars.

 

Kagome looked up at him, completely shocked. She blinked, shaking her head a bit, trying to understand everything in the whirl of emotion.

 

“I… don't know what to say…” she said quietly.

 

“I do not expect an answer immediately. As things are, the bond would not fully form for some time. At least a month. It is also possible, if you are still unsure at that point to break the bond and let it form again in the future,” the tai-youkai explained.

 

“You really want me in your life forever? No matter what?” her voice was barely a whisper.

 

“I have come to enjoy your presence. I do not doubt that being your mate would prove an enjoyable experience,” he smirked at the girl. “Even if I am forced to feel things I swore never to feel.”

 

“What do you mean?” she asked hesitantly, quietly.

 

“I wish to remain with you, as your mate, more then I've wished for anything, even power. And yet I am kept from pushing you into giving me that which I desire. I do not wish to see you hurt. These feelings are most unsettling,” he stated.

 

Kagome closed her eyes. “So much… I care about you Sesshoumaru, more then I'd ever imagined I could. I'm so confused right now.”

 

“It is a lot to take in. I've asked you to make a choice that will forever change your life. Something you cannot take back. As I said, I do not expect you to make a decision immediately,” he said, sitting down on the branch next to her.

 

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. He slowly wrapped his arm around her, and held her close.