InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Just The Way You Are ❯ Weird Glances and Strange Noises ( Chapter 9 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Inuyasha woke up the next morning and let out a huge yawn before looking over to the bed and smiling. Kagome was still sound asleep, her arm thrown off the bed as she snored. He’d been tempted to crawl in next to her all night, but he wasn’t Miroku. Not that he’d planned on doing anything perverted; he just wasn’t that bold. Being in her time made him a little more hesitant as well. There was nothing to focus on but Kagome here. No Naraku, or Sesshomaru, or jewel shards, or searching for a place to sleep. Not that he minded. He knew they were going back as soon as Kagome was ready. She’d told him before bed that she needed to go pick up a few things to take back with him, and there was the whole thing with letting her mother know what was going on. Why did they have to tell anyone? Couldn’t they just let them figure it out for themselves? He didn’t even want to think about what Shippou would say about all this. Or Kaede… Or Miroku… Sighing helplessly, he hung his head.
When Kagome opened her eyes, she saw Inuyasha looked quite depressed. “What’s the matter?” she mumbled, causing him to jump.
“It’s nothing,” he assured her, trying to smile. It wasn’t too hard, considering Kagome’s hair looked like it had just been attacked by Kagura’s winds.
“Well, okay. I’m going to get ready.” Oblivious of Inuyasha’s amusement, she got up, slowly getting something to wear together before yawning her way to the bathroom. Inuyasha went down to the kitchen, hoping breakfast was done. Whatever it was, it smelled great.
After Inuyasha had devoured all the food Mrs. Higurashi would allow him, Kagome came into the kitchen, her hair still wet as she sat down to join them. By that time, her grandfather had finished, ordering Souta to hurry up so they could go attend to the shrine. Souta managed to steal another slice of omelet before hurrying out the door. “So, Kagome, the two of you are going back today?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Make sure you don’t miss the dance. That dress was pretty expensive.”
Kagome put her chopsticks down. “Uh, Mama, about that…”
Mrs. Higurashi looked up from her bowl. “Yes, Kagome?”
“Um… I’m not really going to the dance anymore. It turned out that Seiji’s still trying to get his ex-girlfriend to go with him. But I’ll pay you back for the dress.”
“But why don’t you just return it?”
“Well… I still sort of need it.” Mrs. Higurashi looked confused. Inuyasha didn’t blame her; Kagome sure was beating around the bush. Not that he was willing to jump in and do better.
“It’s like this… Seiji lied to me. Big time. So… we sort of have this plan…”
*
Inuyasha’s face was still burning as he and Kagome left the house. Mrs. Higurashi hadn’t really approved of their plan to get back at Seiji, but once Kagome had told her that she was now with him, the older woman had smiled just like she’d known it would happen all along. Arrogant is what she was. Keh.
“So, where are we going, anyway?” he asked, desperate to get his mind on something else.
“A few places. Shippou needs some more crayons and paper, and I’m running low on sweets. Also, I have to stock my medical kit, and we have to get some food, and--”
“How do you get all this stuff?” he wondered.
“My allowance.”
“Allowance?”
“Well, I don’t really have time for any sort of job, so my mom gives me money every week.”
“And you spend it all on everyone else?”
She smiled, shrugging. “It’s not like I have the time to do things other girls my age do here.”
“What do they do?”
“Go to the movies, listen to music, talk about boys… Actually, most of it seems pretty boring to me after spending so much time with you and the others.”
“Still, you should get something for yourself,” he told her.
“What would I need in the feudal era besides food and medicines?”
Inuyasha could see he wasn’t getting anywhere with this, and dropped it. Kagome was so damn nice, she didn’t even realize how much she sacrificed for him and their friends.
They went to a small market first, where Kagome was able to buy the candy, some ramen, and other food they’d take with them. Then, they walked across the street and down a few blocks to the drugstore, where she was able to buy everything else. Once they were outside, she found a bench to set her backpack on, and began stuffing the items inside. When she was finished, Inuyasha picked it up before she could, slinging it on. She smiled a little, wondering how long it would take her to get used to Inuyasha’s open show of affection. Not like he’d never carried her stuff before, but it was different now. “Well, I guess we’re ready now,” she said cheerfully. Inuyasha gave her a knowing look. She was just as uneasy as he was about their new relationship. He’d held himself back from her for so long; he didn’t know just how to act now. Did she feel the same? Or was it something else that made her so bashful?
*
Inuyasha was feeling increasingly nervous as he and Kagome approached the village. They were going to give him shit until the end of time. “So, um… how are we doing this?”
Kagome smiled. “Well, I thought we’d just leave them wondering for awhile. They’ve gone out of their way to embarrass us for so long; why not return the favor?”
Inuyasha grinned helplessly. He loved this woman.
Entering Kaede’s hut, Kagome was given her usual greeting from Shippou as Inuyasha set her backpack in the corner, nodding slightly to Miroku. “Nice to finally see you, Inuyasha,” the monk greeted him. “I trust you’ve enjoyed your rest?”
“I don’t think so, monk. We’re leaving.”
Miroku sighed. As much as he wanted to find the jewel shards, and defeat Naraku, the time off had been wonderful.
“Where’s Sango?” Kagome asked.
“Helping Kaede in the garden,” Miroku replied. “I believe your absence has had some effect on her amount of patience with me.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” Inuyasha replied sarcastically.
“I’m going to go help them,” Kagome said, letting Shippou rest on her shoulder.
“Fine,” Inuyasha replied compliantly, watching her depart.
“Fine?” Miroku echoed. “I thought we were leaving.”
Shit. “Well, the work will be done faster if there’s more of them doing it, right?” he asked, annoyed.
“I suppose you’re right,” the monk agreed, but when Inuyasha turned his back to look out into the garden, Miroku wondered. Had the time spent in Kagome’s era calmed Inuyasha somewhat?
*
It was just over an hour later that the group left the village. Kagome actually felt excited that they were on their way. Her shoulder was healed, her and Inuyasha were playing a great joke on their friends, and… she was with him. It seemed concrete now that they were in his time, a place that had become her home somehow. Maybe because he was in it, a part of it. “So, have you guys heard anything to tell us where we’re going?” Inuyasha asked of Sango and Miroku.
“Actually, we’ve heard nothing,” Miroku replied. “While you were gone, there was some disturbance to a village in the south, but the demon was easily slain.”
“By me,” Sango pointed out, causing Miroku to glance sideways at her. “It couldn’t have possessed a shard; it was too weak.”
“Then, I guess we’ll walk,” Inuyasha said, somewhat disappointed. He wanted to run. Really, he wanted Kagome on his back, her scent mingling with the clean air of his own time as he raced through the trees. He loved having her here, with him. Maybe, now that they were truly together, she would choose to make this her home one day. He could only hope.
All that day, the six of them walked, Shippou and Kirara chasing each other through the long grass that bordered the path. Sango thought it strange that Inuyasha didn’t gripe about the fox demon’s shrieks as Kirara made him her prey, darting for him as he raced back and forth across the path. Even when he’d tripped over the kitsune, he’d only growled before looking to Kagome, who’d simply smiled. What was going on?
“Unsettling, isn’t it?” Miroku asked under his breath.
“Very,” Sango agreed.
*
That evening, the group set up camp when Kagome suggested they stop for the night. There had been no argument from the hanyou, and soon there was a fire going, and ramen for everyone.
“Ugh, I’m full,” Kagome groaned, setting her container on the ground.
Inuyasha looked over the plastic bowl, scowling. “You barely touched it.”
“I ate over half of it!”
“Keh.”
Sango stood, brushing the dirt from her bottom. “I’m going to the stream, Kagome. Want to go?”
“Sure!” Kagome said brightly. She really could use a bath after walking all day. Gathering their things, the girls left camp, with Shippou not far behind.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Sango sighed as they walked away from camp.
“Don’t tell me. You nearly killed Miroku.”
Sango laughed. “You guessed it.”
“I think he means well,” Kagome told her. “Most of the time.”
“I think he’s a pervert,” Shippou piped up, running ahead of them and splashing in the water.
Kagome and Sango began removing their clothes, laying them upon the ground, and Kagome retrieved her bath items from the bag she kept them in that she’d taken from her backpack. Slowly, the girls submerged themselves in the chilly water. “What I wouldn’t give for a hot spring right now!” Kagome whined in the high tones that can only be brought on by great discomfort.
Sango wasn’t as effected, but still shivered before wetting her hair. “I’d still like to try the device you have in your time. I can’t imagine.”
“It’s nice,” Kagome admitted. “Especially now that I don’t take it for granted anymore.”
“So, how are things between you and your boyfriend?” Sango asked. Kagome blushed deeply before realizing that Sango was speaking of Seiji. She didn’t know anything that had happened since she’d last been in the Sengoku Jidai. “Um, not so great.”
“Oh, really? I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. He’s a jerk.”
“Was he the cause of you being ‘grounded?’”
Kagome shook her head. “Not really. That was my fault. But that’s all over now. I’m not going to see him anymore.”
Sango tried to hide her relief. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re not upset about it.”
“Thanks.” Kagome stared at the moonlit surface of the water, smiling softly.
“Kagome?”
“Hmm?”
“Is something on your mind?”
Kagome met her friend’s eyes. She wanted to tell her so badly. It was really Miroku who had made her feel awkward so many times. Shippou had done his part, but he was just a kit. “Well… can you keep a secret?”
Sango’s eyes brightened. “Of course!”
“Hey, what about me?” Shippou asked, paddling over to where they stood.
“You keep quiet, too.” Her eyes returned to Sango. “Inuyasha told me he loved me.”
Sango’s eyes widened in disbelief, but before Kagome could explain, she heard a loud thump, followed by a rustle of bushes and a familiar jingle. Looking over, she saw Inuyasha had fallen from his hiding spot in a nearby tree, and had landed directly on top of Miroku, causing him to drop his staff. Fuming, Kagome and Sango both covered themselves, going into deeper water.
“Ow,” Miroku grunted, trying to throw Inuyasha from his bruised back.
“Serves you right!” Inuyasha shouted, standing up.
“You were right above me!” Miroku argued.
“I was making sure they didn’t get attacked!”
“What do you think I was doing?”
Shippou sighed, rolling his eyes. “Idiots…”
*
After the fiasco was over with, Sango, Shippou, and Kagome returned to camp, and two very disgruntled young men. To smooth things over, Kagome joined Inuyasha next to the fire, taking his hand. At first, habit took over, and he looked at her in shock before realizing that their secret was out. Reddening, he looked down at their intertwined fingers.
“I surely do believe in miracles now,” Miroku stated, and was soundly slapped by Sango. She knew the young couple had been embarrassed enough.
“I think it’s time we went to sleep,” she ordered, and Miroku nodded, not wanting to invoke her wrath. Shippou curled up next to Kirara, closing his eyes. Kirara purred soundly.
Inuyasha looked to Kagome, and up to a nearby tree, silently asking if she’d join him. Nodding, she let herself be taken into the air, nestling against him once they’d landed. “You know,” Inuyasha said softly. “If I ever thought it’d be this easy…”
“Don’t,” she said, smiling, though he couldn’t see it. “I wouldn’t have it any different.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“Well, maybe if we hadn’t wasted so much time, we wouldn’t appreciate this so much.”
He mulled it over, nodding. “Maybe.” His hand rubbed soft circles across her back. He wanted to ask her if she would stay with him, once the Sacred Jewel was restored, but he’d bared his soul enough for the time being. That question would have to wait, and she was already falling asleep.
*******
hanyou swimmer
Thanks so much! I try to put as much humor as possible in my stories, especially since I can't seem to write one without a bunch of angst in it somewhere.
InusDemoness
Thanks for the comments. I'm pretty new to the Inu world, but I was getting a little tired of writing Buffy fic. I plan on my fics becoming better as I read more of the manga and watch more of the shows, which is why I started with something a little easier. Some of my Buffy fics were in series that were 20 chapters long, and I was looking to get away from that for awhile. Also, you can do a lot more with the Inuyasha characters. But I'll try once again to get rid of the grammatical errors, and such. Thanks again!
AerynsPistol
I tried. Don't ever expect it again! Heh, just kidding.
shadowwolf_02
Write, write! Hee, hee. I know it's not that easy.
Lunar Ice Dancer
Yeah. Grins.
Inubutterfly
Thankies.
A/N: Okay, the next chapter is the epilogue! Mwahahaha. This is when the "evil" plan comes into play. It's not really that evil, except in the world of high school kids, I suppose. Then, I start on my next fic, which will not be so kawaii. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
When Kagome opened her eyes, she saw Inuyasha looked quite depressed. “What’s the matter?” she mumbled, causing him to jump.
“It’s nothing,” he assured her, trying to smile. It wasn’t too hard, considering Kagome’s hair looked like it had just been attacked by Kagura’s winds.
“Well, okay. I’m going to get ready.” Oblivious of Inuyasha’s amusement, she got up, slowly getting something to wear together before yawning her way to the bathroom. Inuyasha went down to the kitchen, hoping breakfast was done. Whatever it was, it smelled great.
After Inuyasha had devoured all the food Mrs. Higurashi would allow him, Kagome came into the kitchen, her hair still wet as she sat down to join them. By that time, her grandfather had finished, ordering Souta to hurry up so they could go attend to the shrine. Souta managed to steal another slice of omelet before hurrying out the door. “So, Kagome, the two of you are going back today?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Make sure you don’t miss the dance. That dress was pretty expensive.”
Kagome put her chopsticks down. “Uh, Mama, about that…”
Mrs. Higurashi looked up from her bowl. “Yes, Kagome?”
“Um… I’m not really going to the dance anymore. It turned out that Seiji’s still trying to get his ex-girlfriend to go with him. But I’ll pay you back for the dress.”
“But why don’t you just return it?”
“Well… I still sort of need it.” Mrs. Higurashi looked confused. Inuyasha didn’t blame her; Kagome sure was beating around the bush. Not that he was willing to jump in and do better.
“It’s like this… Seiji lied to me. Big time. So… we sort of have this plan…”
*
Inuyasha’s face was still burning as he and Kagome left the house. Mrs. Higurashi hadn’t really approved of their plan to get back at Seiji, but once Kagome had told her that she was now with him, the older woman had smiled just like she’d known it would happen all along. Arrogant is what she was. Keh.
“So, where are we going, anyway?” he asked, desperate to get his mind on something else.
“A few places. Shippou needs some more crayons and paper, and I’m running low on sweets. Also, I have to stock my medical kit, and we have to get some food, and--”
“How do you get all this stuff?” he wondered.
“My allowance.”
“Allowance?”
“Well, I don’t really have time for any sort of job, so my mom gives me money every week.”
“And you spend it all on everyone else?”
She smiled, shrugging. “It’s not like I have the time to do things other girls my age do here.”
“What do they do?”
“Go to the movies, listen to music, talk about boys… Actually, most of it seems pretty boring to me after spending so much time with you and the others.”
“Still, you should get something for yourself,” he told her.
“What would I need in the feudal era besides food and medicines?”
Inuyasha could see he wasn’t getting anywhere with this, and dropped it. Kagome was so damn nice, she didn’t even realize how much she sacrificed for him and their friends.
They went to a small market first, where Kagome was able to buy the candy, some ramen, and other food they’d take with them. Then, they walked across the street and down a few blocks to the drugstore, where she was able to buy everything else. Once they were outside, she found a bench to set her backpack on, and began stuffing the items inside. When she was finished, Inuyasha picked it up before she could, slinging it on. She smiled a little, wondering how long it would take her to get used to Inuyasha’s open show of affection. Not like he’d never carried her stuff before, but it was different now. “Well, I guess we’re ready now,” she said cheerfully. Inuyasha gave her a knowing look. She was just as uneasy as he was about their new relationship. He’d held himself back from her for so long; he didn’t know just how to act now. Did she feel the same? Or was it something else that made her so bashful?
*
Inuyasha was feeling increasingly nervous as he and Kagome approached the village. They were going to give him shit until the end of time. “So, um… how are we doing this?”
Kagome smiled. “Well, I thought we’d just leave them wondering for awhile. They’ve gone out of their way to embarrass us for so long; why not return the favor?”
Inuyasha grinned helplessly. He loved this woman.
Entering Kaede’s hut, Kagome was given her usual greeting from Shippou as Inuyasha set her backpack in the corner, nodding slightly to Miroku. “Nice to finally see you, Inuyasha,” the monk greeted him. “I trust you’ve enjoyed your rest?”
“I don’t think so, monk. We’re leaving.”
Miroku sighed. As much as he wanted to find the jewel shards, and defeat Naraku, the time off had been wonderful.
“Where’s Sango?” Kagome asked.
“Helping Kaede in the garden,” Miroku replied. “I believe your absence has had some effect on her amount of patience with me.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” Inuyasha replied sarcastically.
“I’m going to go help them,” Kagome said, letting Shippou rest on her shoulder.
“Fine,” Inuyasha replied compliantly, watching her depart.
“Fine?” Miroku echoed. “I thought we were leaving.”
Shit. “Well, the work will be done faster if there’s more of them doing it, right?” he asked, annoyed.
“I suppose you’re right,” the monk agreed, but when Inuyasha turned his back to look out into the garden, Miroku wondered. Had the time spent in Kagome’s era calmed Inuyasha somewhat?
*
It was just over an hour later that the group left the village. Kagome actually felt excited that they were on their way. Her shoulder was healed, her and Inuyasha were playing a great joke on their friends, and… she was with him. It seemed concrete now that they were in his time, a place that had become her home somehow. Maybe because he was in it, a part of it. “So, have you guys heard anything to tell us where we’re going?” Inuyasha asked of Sango and Miroku.
“Actually, we’ve heard nothing,” Miroku replied. “While you were gone, there was some disturbance to a village in the south, but the demon was easily slain.”
“By me,” Sango pointed out, causing Miroku to glance sideways at her. “It couldn’t have possessed a shard; it was too weak.”
“Then, I guess we’ll walk,” Inuyasha said, somewhat disappointed. He wanted to run. Really, he wanted Kagome on his back, her scent mingling with the clean air of his own time as he raced through the trees. He loved having her here, with him. Maybe, now that they were truly together, she would choose to make this her home one day. He could only hope.
All that day, the six of them walked, Shippou and Kirara chasing each other through the long grass that bordered the path. Sango thought it strange that Inuyasha didn’t gripe about the fox demon’s shrieks as Kirara made him her prey, darting for him as he raced back and forth across the path. Even when he’d tripped over the kitsune, he’d only growled before looking to Kagome, who’d simply smiled. What was going on?
“Unsettling, isn’t it?” Miroku asked under his breath.
“Very,” Sango agreed.
*
That evening, the group set up camp when Kagome suggested they stop for the night. There had been no argument from the hanyou, and soon there was a fire going, and ramen for everyone.
“Ugh, I’m full,” Kagome groaned, setting her container on the ground.
Inuyasha looked over the plastic bowl, scowling. “You barely touched it.”
“I ate over half of it!”
“Keh.”
Sango stood, brushing the dirt from her bottom. “I’m going to the stream, Kagome. Want to go?”
“Sure!” Kagome said brightly. She really could use a bath after walking all day. Gathering their things, the girls left camp, with Shippou not far behind.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Sango sighed as they walked away from camp.
“Don’t tell me. You nearly killed Miroku.”
Sango laughed. “You guessed it.”
“I think he means well,” Kagome told her. “Most of the time.”
“I think he’s a pervert,” Shippou piped up, running ahead of them and splashing in the water.
Kagome and Sango began removing their clothes, laying them upon the ground, and Kagome retrieved her bath items from the bag she kept them in that she’d taken from her backpack. Slowly, the girls submerged themselves in the chilly water. “What I wouldn’t give for a hot spring right now!” Kagome whined in the high tones that can only be brought on by great discomfort.
Sango wasn’t as effected, but still shivered before wetting her hair. “I’d still like to try the device you have in your time. I can’t imagine.”
“It’s nice,” Kagome admitted. “Especially now that I don’t take it for granted anymore.”
“So, how are things between you and your boyfriend?” Sango asked. Kagome blushed deeply before realizing that Sango was speaking of Seiji. She didn’t know anything that had happened since she’d last been in the Sengoku Jidai. “Um, not so great.”
“Oh, really? I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. He’s a jerk.”
“Was he the cause of you being ‘grounded?’”
Kagome shook her head. “Not really. That was my fault. But that’s all over now. I’m not going to see him anymore.”
Sango tried to hide her relief. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re not upset about it.”
“Thanks.” Kagome stared at the moonlit surface of the water, smiling softly.
“Kagome?”
“Hmm?”
“Is something on your mind?”
Kagome met her friend’s eyes. She wanted to tell her so badly. It was really Miroku who had made her feel awkward so many times. Shippou had done his part, but he was just a kit. “Well… can you keep a secret?”
Sango’s eyes brightened. “Of course!”
“Hey, what about me?” Shippou asked, paddling over to where they stood.
“You keep quiet, too.” Her eyes returned to Sango. “Inuyasha told me he loved me.”
Sango’s eyes widened in disbelief, but before Kagome could explain, she heard a loud thump, followed by a rustle of bushes and a familiar jingle. Looking over, she saw Inuyasha had fallen from his hiding spot in a nearby tree, and had landed directly on top of Miroku, causing him to drop his staff. Fuming, Kagome and Sango both covered themselves, going into deeper water.
“Ow,” Miroku grunted, trying to throw Inuyasha from his bruised back.
“Serves you right!” Inuyasha shouted, standing up.
“You were right above me!” Miroku argued.
“I was making sure they didn’t get attacked!”
“What do you think I was doing?”
Shippou sighed, rolling his eyes. “Idiots…”
*
After the fiasco was over with, Sango, Shippou, and Kagome returned to camp, and two very disgruntled young men. To smooth things over, Kagome joined Inuyasha next to the fire, taking his hand. At first, habit took over, and he looked at her in shock before realizing that their secret was out. Reddening, he looked down at their intertwined fingers.
“I surely do believe in miracles now,” Miroku stated, and was soundly slapped by Sango. She knew the young couple had been embarrassed enough.
“I think it’s time we went to sleep,” she ordered, and Miroku nodded, not wanting to invoke her wrath. Shippou curled up next to Kirara, closing his eyes. Kirara purred soundly.
Inuyasha looked to Kagome, and up to a nearby tree, silently asking if she’d join him. Nodding, she let herself be taken into the air, nestling against him once they’d landed. “You know,” Inuyasha said softly. “If I ever thought it’d be this easy…”
“Don’t,” she said, smiling, though he couldn’t see it. “I wouldn’t have it any different.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“Well, maybe if we hadn’t wasted so much time, we wouldn’t appreciate this so much.”
He mulled it over, nodding. “Maybe.” His hand rubbed soft circles across her back. He wanted to ask her if she would stay with him, once the Sacred Jewel was restored, but he’d bared his soul enough for the time being. That question would have to wait, and she was already falling asleep.
*******
hanyou swimmer
Thanks so much! I try to put as much humor as possible in my stories, especially since I can't seem to write one without a bunch of angst in it somewhere.
InusDemoness
Thanks for the comments. I'm pretty new to the Inu world, but I was getting a little tired of writing Buffy fic. I plan on my fics becoming better as I read more of the manga and watch more of the shows, which is why I started with something a little easier. Some of my Buffy fics were in series that were 20 chapters long, and I was looking to get away from that for awhile. Also, you can do a lot more with the Inuyasha characters. But I'll try once again to get rid of the grammatical errors, and such. Thanks again!
AerynsPistol
I tried. Don't ever expect it again! Heh, just kidding.
shadowwolf_02
Write, write! Hee, hee. I know it's not that easy.
Lunar Ice Dancer
Yeah. Grins.
Inubutterfly
Thankies.
A/N: Okay, the next chapter is the epilogue! Mwahahaha. This is when the "evil" plan comes into play. It's not really that evil, except in the world of high school kids, I suppose. Then, I start on my next fic, which will not be so kawaii. Thanks for reading and reviewing!