InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Minoue ❯ A Long Day's End ( Chapter 9 )

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

Disclaimers: I do not own InuYasha or any of the manga/anime characters. They belong to the wonderful genius Rumiko Takahashi. Any original characters do belong to me.

AN: Thank you very much to inufan625 for acting as my beta once again. An additional thank you goes to Knittingknots for her help as well. I greatly appreciate the time they've taken to help make me a better writer and this a better story. You will find both of their fics here at MediaMiner. You should check them out if you haven't already.

For responses to your reviews, please check my LiveJournal at http://doggieearlover.livejournal.com/152191.html .

Also, thank you very much to Quirkyslayer for the first piece of fanart based on Minoue. While it was uploaded with this story with credit to her, you can visit the original in her deviantART Gallery at http://quirkyslayer.deviantart.com/art/Minoue-63508818 .

Minoue

Chapter 9: A Long Day's End

Even though it wasn't late, Sango was exhausted and glad to be home. Her workout at the dojo may have been fairly short, but it was extremely strenuous. “Hey, Kirara. How've you been today?”

The cat had run to meet her at the door, twin tails twitching, while Sango kicked off her shoes and put her purse and backpack down. She picked Kirara up and held her against her chest as she went to the kitchen to check her bowls. Setting the feline on the floor, she said, “Hang on a minute. I'll get you some more food and fresh water.”

Kirara mewed as she rubbed back and forth on Sango's leg. Sango refilled the two bowls and then picked up the phone. First, she called the masseuse as she had promised herself she would and made an appointment for her to come over after classes were over on Wednesday. Next, too tired to fix anything for herself for dinner, she called the restaurant down the street to have takeout delivered. That done, she flipped on the television before flopping down on the couch. Kirara jumped on the arm of the sofa and then up again to walk along the back of the couch while looking down at Sango and purring loudly. Sango plucked her from her perch and set her on her stomach. The cat continued to purr as Sango rubbed her head and body.

The next thing Sango knew, she found herself telling Kirara all about her workout and the beautiful property behind the dojo. “You know, Ryota told me that you liked to roam outdoors some. I wonder if InuYasha would mind if I brought you with me when I go to train, as long as I'm outside. You wouldn't run off and get lost, would you?”

Kirara meowed and rubbed her face on Sango's chest, rumbling contentedly.

“So you think I should ask him?”

This time the cat sat back on her stomach and just meowed.

“You think I should just take you and ask when I get there?”

If she'd thought about it, Sango would probably question her sanity, carrying on a conversation with a cat.

In response, she would have sworn Kirara actually nodded before rubbing her face against her chest again.

“What happens if he says `no' and sends me home?”

Kirara yowled in answer.

“You want to go, and you don't think he'll care.”

The cat purred and rubbed her chest again.

“What about the fact he's half dog-demon? What do you think about that?”

Kirara was still rubbing her face against her chest and rumbling loudly.

“Okay then. We'll see how it goes. I'll come home and get you after class. I'll have to get you a carrier for the train though. I don't think they'll let you ride loose.” Sango smiled as she continued scratch the cat's ears and then run her tails through her fingers. “I wonder what he'll think about you?”

However, Sango didn't get an answer because Kirara jumped down about the time the doorbell rang. Sango picked up the money she had set out off of the table and went to the door, expecting her food. She wasn't disappointed.

Thanking the delivery boy and paying him, she closed and locked the door, and then carried her dinner to the kitchen to fix herself a plate. She'd eat and then look over her assignments from her classes that day. Suddenly, she was very glad her schedule was not any heavier than it was. She would have to thank Kaede for her wisdom the next time she saw her. She also had not realized how hungry she was until the food arrived and the wonderful scents of fried noodles, vegetables, ginger, and chicken hit her nose. Sighing, she dug into her Yakisoba.

~ ^~^ ~

“So did you learn anything new?” Miroku asked in a hushed tone as he entered InuYasha's office. He had to admit that those kids had worn him out. It felt good to sit down for a minute.

InuYasha studied his friend. He had been thinking about that as well, considering he'd been able to verify what Kagome told him earlier. The simple touch to Sango's back had revealed the massive scar underneath her black spandex outfit. In fact, once she started sweating, the outline of the worst part of it showed through.

The hanyou finally responded, “You have her in your college class. You can't get any information there?”

Miroku shook his head. “Her personal records are sealed. I went to her advisor, and all she would tell me was that she would neither confirm nor deny my suspicions. My class is actually pretty large, so I can't really give her much personal attention there, or it will be noticed. You were working one-on-one with her. You didn't discover anything?”

“You're only asking in her best interests, correct?” InuYasha answered. “You are not going to use what you discover to begin pursuing her.”

He shook his head again. “She's in my class, and she's almost like a scared rabbit. I only want to help her and not harm her in any way. I'm certain she's dealing alone with something major.”

“You may be right,” the hanyou agreed. “Kagome actually saw it and came to tell me about it but feeling and seeing it for myself was something of a shock.”

“What?” Miroku exclaimed. “You what?”

“Miroku,” InuYasha said in a firm tone that made it clear the discussion was over if he didn't settle down. “How well do you know me?”

“I'm sorry, InuYasha. You're right. I… I… I have no excuse. But what do you mean?” he answered in an apologetic voice.

“You've seen the outfit she trains in.”

Miroku nodded confirmation.

The hanyou continued, “At one point, I needed to show her the muscles in addition to her arm that I wanted her to use and work. I simply traced the outline over her shoulder blade. She has a scar that takes up fully one quarter of her back. As she worked, the fabric from her uniform began to cling to it. She must have survived some kind of savage attack because there's a chunk missing from the worst part of the scar. She admitted she's been trying to recover from her injury for over a year. Miroku, you can't let on you know any of this. I'm only telling you as another instructor at this dojo so that you know she must be handled with care. She is not to spar with anyone until she completes her program. If for some reason I am not here, it is up to you to help make certain that she doesn't over do it. She's stubborn and determined. I have no doubt that as she becomes more confident, she will push herself to the limit. You must help me insure that she doesn't go overboard. Keh?”

Miroku sank in his chair. “That bad?”

“I've haven't seen anything like it in a very long time,” InuYasha confirmed.

“All right, InuYasha. I want to do what's best. Anything special I should know about for tomorrow?”

The hanyou shook his head. “Just the usual, plus the adult class tomorrow night.”

“Okay then. I guess I'd better head home,” Miroku responded as he stood.

“Kagome?” InuYasha said as the girl appeared in the doorway. “What are you still doing here?”

The girl sighed. “I can't find Souta. I thought he was in the men's dressing room, but he doesn't answer when I call.”

“I'm sorry, Kagome. We were so busy with the kids that I forgot to tell you he said he had a lot of homework and was going to a friend's house to work on it with him,” Miroku told her. “It's late. You really shouldn't walk home by yourself.”

“I'll walk you home,” InuYasha volunteered as he stood.

“You don't have to do that,” Kagome said softly, her cheeks turning the most interesting shade of red.

“The monk's right; you shouldn't walk by yourself this late,” the hanyou offered.

“And Mama might have something for dinner?” she added with a giggle.

“That, too,” he confirmed.

“Miroku, do you mind locking up?” InuYasha asked, his cheeks also pinker than usual.

“Of course, my friend. It was my fault, after all. Kagome could have left some time ago if I hadn't forgotten,” he answered.

“Thanks. Are you ready, Kagome?”

“I'll go get my stuff and meet you at the door,” she responded. “Goodnight, Miroku.”

“Goodnight, Kagome. I'll see you tomorrow,” he said.

Nodding, she disappeared in the direction of the ladies' dressing room.

For once, Miroku decided to keep his mouth shut and not say anything to InuYasha. Maybe if he didn't embarrass him before he left the building, he might do something to act on his love for the girl in question. Instead, all he said was, “Goodnight, InuYasha. I have one class I'm taking tomorrow, so I should be in fairly early. I'll see you then.”

“Thanks, Monk. Tomorrow, then,” InuYasha replied before going to meet Kagome at the dojo entrance.

Miroku waited for the two of them to be completely clear of the building before he began to walk around the dojo, making certain everything was in place, and the lights turned out. Of course, since Kagome had been there for so long waiting on her brother, she had already returned everything to where it belonged and left on only enough lights for InuYasha to double-check the doors before he went home. Following the same routine, Miroku checked every door and turned out all but the two lights that were always left burning. Once he confirmed that everything was as it should be, he returned to the entrance, put on his shoes and threw his bag over his shoulder, and went out. Locking the door behind him, he walked to his car.

He was still thinking about what he had learned that evening about Sango. The more he tried to find out about her, the more he became convinced that she was not using her real name. Now that he had a somewhat loose time frame as to when she might have been injured, and surmising that she was more likely to change her surname than her given name, Miroku had a mission in mind by the time he reached his home. He didn't care how long it took, but he would start using at least some of his free time to search the internet to see if he could find out more about her. He couldn't believe an attack that left a scar such as InuYasha had described would go unreported. Somewhere there must be something about it. He was smiling as he rode the elevator up to his floor. Finally, he had something to work with.

~ ^~^ ~

It was the first time he ever remembered the silence between them being the least bit awkward. It hung like heavy tendrils in the air, wrapping around them, trying to suffocate them. Finally, unable to stand it any more, InuYasha broke the deafening quiet. “Thank you for telling me about Sango. That is a terrible injury she has had to contend with.”

Kagome had stopped and turned to face him. The salt from her tears suddenly hit his nose as they begin to wash down her cheeks. It was if a floodgate had burst, but he didn't have the damndest notion as to why.

“Kagome, what's wrong?” He stood frozen, not certain if he should wrap his arms around her or run. But he couldn't run away; he'd promised to see her safely home.

“You hate me, don't you? For what I did. You're walking me home to tell me not to come back anymore,” her hoarse voice croaked as her purse fell to the ground. She sounded as if she'd been crying for hours.

Having no doubts now as to what he should do, InuYasha lowered her backpack to the ground and stepped forward, folding her into his arms. “What on earth gave you that idea, Kagome? I could never hate you, not ever. What in the world do you think you did?”

For a while there was nothing but sobs. Still puzzled over what she was so upset about, he held her and rubbed her back. Finally, not knowing what else to do to calm her, he rested his chin on her head and began to growl, deep in his chest. He continued moving one hand in circles over her back while the other clutched her closely to him. Eventually, he felt her start to relax and her arms snake around his body to tightly embrace him. He had no idea how much time passed as they stood that way, holding on to each other as if their very lives depended upon it.

When he heard no more sobs, and it sounded like her breathing had evened out somewhat, he asked again, very gently, “Kagome, tell me. What do you think you did?”

She pulled back enough to look up and study his face with her now red and puffy eyes. However, she didn't completely let go of him. Her hands were still firmly planted at his sides, desperately gripping the t-shirt he'd changed into after classes were over.

“Yesterday morning. I shouldn't have kissed you. I'm sorry,” she whispered.

“I'm not,” InuYasha answered, and then his mouth found hers.

The kiss started off gentle. Both were unsure of themselves, neither having had much experience. Their lips slipped and slid around each other until they found themselves locked together in a comfortable position, one they seemed made to fit into. The kiss moved from gentle to more needy, with Kagome wrapping her hands in his silver mane, holding him to her as her mouth opened a little wider, and she reached out with her tongue.

It met his because he intended to taste her, explore her. He wanted to memorize everything about the beautiful girl from the shrine. His arms more tightly encircled her, and it felt as though they were contacting and touching each other's very soul. Their tongues brushed over and around each other as they took turns delving into the other's mouth. InuYasha should not have been surprised to find her tongue plundering his mouth; he should have known she wouldn't mind his fangs. He could feel and taste her as she delicately followed the line of his teeth and traced each of the reminders of his demon heritage in turn. He should have expected her to be as curious about his fangs as she was about his ears. His heart was busy doing somersaults as he allowed her to continue her gentle assault.

When their brains were screaming that they both needed oxygen, they reluctantly released their kiss. However, they could not bear to separate, having finally found the determination to show each other how they truly felt. InuYasha experienced a twinge of disappointment as Kagome untangled her hands from his hair, but it was only so she could slide them down and wrap them around him at the waist again. The hanyou still held her in his powerful arms though now he was gently nuzzling the side of her face with his. He didn't ever want to let her go.

It seemed as though the world had stopped time for them. Neither could believe that it had happened, and neither wanted to be the first to let go. It was as if they turned loose of one another, the moment would dissolve, and they wouldn't be able to capture it again. Neither wanted things to go back to the way they were. Neither wanted this to escape their grasp.

InuYasha was the first to find his voice, though barely. “Kagome, can we… we… I need to explain.”

He felt her clutch him more tightly and barely heard her muffled voice as she spoke into his chest, “If you're going to say you shouldn't have done it, I don't want to hear it. I can't bear to hear it.”

“No, Kagome, that's not it. I've wanted to do that for a long time.” He kissed her on top of the head.

She finally released her grip just enough to look up at him again. “You mean it?”

He nodded and leaned over to give her another soft kiss. When he pulled away, he said, “I was trying to wait until Sunday.”

“My birthday…” Kagome whispered.

“Yeah,” he answered.

“I guess we had better talk, as long as you promise you won't run from me,” Kagome said. “We're not far from home. We can use the bench under Goshinboku. I don't think anyone will bother us out there.”

“Keh,” the hanyou agreed, and unwillingly turned her loose.

He retrieved her bag from where he'd dropped it, and Kagome picked up her purse. They continued in the direction of the shrine when InuYasha felt Kagome gently take his hand in hers. He wrapped his fingers around hers in return, and tenderly squeezed. By the time they reached the enormous staircase, their fingers were intertwined together. InuYasha would have picked her up and carried her; he could take the entire case in a single bound. However, he didn't want to give up a single moment of their precious time together. And so, one step at a time, they walked upwards side by side.

Kagome led InuYasha towards the great tree. Setting her purse down next to the leg of the stone bench, InuYasha did the same with her backpack as they sat down together. Kagome leaned against his shoulder, and he couldn't help but to wrap his arm around her. He did not miss her sigh of contentment as she snuggled against him.

“Kagome?” InuYasha eventually said, not sure exactly what he should say.

“Yeah, InuYasha?” she responded, reaching over for his other hand and clasping it between her own.

He hesitated before he finally spoke, “Sunday, your mom… well… your mom… she's supposed to send you over to see me. Will you just act surprised and come?”

“Mama? Mama knows you wanted to kiss me?” Kagome sounded surprised.

That made the hanyou chuckle. “Your mother knows a lot more than she lets on. But no, that wasn't exactly it.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

InuYasha pulled her closer, not wanting her to get the wrong idea and run before he was finished. “You know how I feel about relationships between teachers and students.”

He was right; he felt her trying to pull away. “Wait, Kagome. Don't go. What are you thinking?”

Kagome was trying to hold back her tears again. “You don't want me as your student any more, do you? I can't come to the dojo any more, can I? I mean if we have any kind of relationship.”

The hanyou sighed. “Yes and no. I mean… well… what I mean is… I don't think it's necessarily bad for two instructors to have a relationship. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?”

“Wait… you mean…” Kagome squealed and threw her arms around him. “You want me to teach, like Miroku?”

“It was supposed to be a surprise. You'll be of age on Sunday. I wanted to ask your mother's permission before I asked you though,” he said with relief.

“I'm sure she'll say yes,” Kagome offered.

“She already has. Remember? She's supposed to make up an excuse and send you to see me on your birthday. Will you just go along with it? And for the rest of this week, we need to try and act somewhat normal around each other, at least at the dojo.

“That's all I've been trying to do since yesterday morning. You didn't do anything wrong; you just made me see the light. I so badly wanted to kiss you when you came in to tell me about Sango this evening, but I couldn't. At the dojo, we still must act properly around each other even once you're an instructor. I'm sure by now you understand the need for correct decorum. But Sunday, I wanted to ask you officially to teach with me and then take you out if you wanted to go. So between now and then, think about what you'd like to do. I don't get out very much,” InuYasha concluded.

“Thank you, InuYasha. It's the best birthday gift I've ever been given. And I do understand that we can't do even this in front of any of the others.” Kagome squeezed him a little more tightly. “For the last four years, when I've blown out my birthday candles, all I've wished for is you.”

She looked up at him expectantly, and he lowered his mouth to hers. His heart swelled with the realization that he didn't have to be alone any more. Feelings he had no idea he possessed raced through his entire body, igniting it with his love for her. He now understood that what he felt for Kikyou all those years ago was the need for companionship, not love. This fever that was consuming his whole being - this was love. And suddenly, he realized that he was also happy. He could not even remember the last time he'd truly felt that.

He heard a rather loud growl from her stomach and felt her giggle into his mouth. It was hard to be serious with a hungry miko, and he pulled away and grinned. “Come on. We'd better see if you mother has anything to eat. I think we're both hungry.”

“Yeah,” Kagome answered as she reluctantly separated from him. “Let's go in and see what's left.”

InuYasha actually smiled at her as he picked up her backpack and followed her to the house. This day had turned out much better than he ever expected.

To be continued…