InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Noble House ❯ chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Alijandrah 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.24.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.0K | Visits: 380 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.24.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.0K | Visits: 380 | Status: Completed
A satisfied smile graced Kagome's lips as she held the hanyou above her. His breathing, while still ragged, was slowly returning to normal. His chest, slicked with sweat, rose and fell with each breath, causing it to graze across her sensitized breasts. She noticed his erection had not waned, and still lay hot and throbbing between her thighs. Kagome knew he needed more, but was trying to calm himself for her sake. She had exhausted herself from her run through the woods before they started, and now she was having difficulty staying awake. Her obgyn and several specialists imposed rather strict instructions for this pregnancy; relax, try not to over-exert herself, no sex, a controlled diet.... the list went on and on.
and a half months..... this was the furthest she had ever made it before... and this time, they weren't taking any chances.
Inu Yasha had managed to calm his body, he shifted away from his sleepy wife. He cursed profusely when he realized his seed had spilled onto his haori and not the ground. Figuring it needed washed anyways, he used one of his voluminous sleeves to clean Kagome of her sweat and their fluids before carefully dressing her. Inu Yasha chuckled when he put her shoes back on her feet, noting that she was wearing miss-matched socks for the third day in a row. He was unable to resist a little light-hearted teasing at this point. "Oi, Kagome... you really need to stop getting dressed in the dark." he gibed, tugging lightly at the material of one brightly colored sock.
"Oh, shut up Inu Yasha" she murmured sleepily, "Lets see how put together you look when your belly blocks everything from view." She yawned and stood leaning against Goshinboku, waiting for him to get dressed.
Yasha sniggered, knowing she was tired and content enough for him to get a few more jokes in at her expense without getting 'sat'. He donned his yukata and fire-rat hakama before leaning to her ear to whisper "Is that why you stopped shaving down there". He accentuated the word "there" by cupping her womanhood with his hand and squeezing gently. "And here I thought you were just getting lazy. Come on, koishi, it's like a forest down there."
gasped and smacked him on the shoulder, glaring at him in feigned annoyance. She knew his preferences, but knew full well he was kidding. Inu Yasha embraced his wife, kissing her tenderly on the forehead as an apology. He balled his soiled haori in one hand, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Lifting her into his arms effortlessly, Inu Yasha carried his wife home.
lay on her futon, staring out into the darkness of her room. 'Marry him?' she pondered, her mind still reeling with shock. When Kaede retrieved Inu Yasha from her room, Sango had awoken. Rather than deal with repeated questions as to her well-being, the taijia instead pretended to sleep until the others were heard in the common room. She started to drift off again, but was startled to alertness by Inu Yasha's yelling. He was screaming at Myoga it seemed, and Sango found herself overcome by her curiosity. Sango moved stealthily out into the corridor where she heard Myoga and Kaede discussing something. Despite her better judgment, the taijia crouched against a wall and eavesdropped on the conversation.
"Do ye really think it was such a good idea to say that to Kagome-sama and Inu Yasha? Ye seemed to have upset them both greatly."
"Well, Kaede-sama, it's not MY fault they are both so unreasonable. Really, it was a perfectly valid option for Sango."
"Inu Yasha taking Sango as second wife to restore her honor. How is that a valid option?" Kaede inquired. Sango gasped in surprise, quickly covering her mouth with her hand when she realized the sound had escaped her lips. If the occupants in the next room noticed her presence, they gave no indication. Confident that the others had not heard her, Sango continued to listen in.
she were to marry Inu Yasha-sama, Sango and the child would be able to remain in this village, where they will be tolerated, if not welcomed. However, she is still an unwed mother, and while this village is accepting of hanyou, unwed mothers are still outcasts." Kaede nodded in agreement with Myoga's statement. She had witnessed this many times in her long life.
Sesshomaru learns that there will be a child, he will come and take Sango-sama to his stronghold. She and the child would be held there, regardless of Sango's wishes. She would be treated with dignity and respect, but it is highly unlikely he will allow her OR the child any degree of freedom."
I take it ye think Inu Yasha would allow her that freedom, while acting as provider for her and the child?"
must Inu Yasha do this, and not another man? Why not Miroku-sama, or the daimyo Kagome-sama mentioned?"
Kaede, haven't you listened to a word I've said? As Sesshomaru's only living relative, it falls to Inu Yasha to restore Sango's honor and assure the child's place in youkai society. Until the child is born, Inu Yasha is heir to the Western Lands, and only he can pass that title to the child when it is of age. There are also rites that Inu Yasha-sama can perform that will nullify any claim Sesshomaru has on the child. If it were any other man, Sesshomaru would simply kill him, and take Sango and their child." Myoga huffed in annoyance at having to repeat himself so many times in one night, and hopped into a dark corner to rest for the night.
say Sango was in shock was an understatement. She silently rose from her position and crept back into her room, sliding the shoji shut behind her. She lay down on her futon, drawing the blankets tightly around her body. Her mind and soul felt numb, her heart ached to think that she only had three real choices for her future. She could either raise a hanyou child alone with no father, allow herself to be taken away by the very youkai who had violated her, or be taken into a loveless marriage with a dear friend who already had a family of his own. At this point, none of her options appealed to her. All she could do was lay under her covers, stare out into the darkness of her room, and pray that she would awake in the morning to find this had all been a terrible nightmare.
Inu Yasha returned carrying his sleeping wife in his arms, he found Kaede waiting for them. She sat patiently by the fire, sipping what smelled like a cup of Kagome's hot coco. Her gaze never strayed from the fire as he walked into the room, but as he passed, she said something that made his blood run cold.
knows as well." 27 reviews and almost a 1000 hits!! I'm really happy! So many people reading and liking this product of my fucked up little mind! *cackles maniacally* Faychan, as always thank you for your support. hehe, I didn't tell you too much though, just some little snippets. there will be lots of surprises yet, especially since I'm still not sure of everything that will happen... my outline for the fic only goes up to this chapter... *eh hehe... don't worry.. there will be much much more of the story, but updates may come every other day instead of every day.* Tom, you are right, she does deserve freedom. ^_^
Yasha froze on the spot. He glanced over at the elder miko, thanking the gods his wife was currently asleep. Kagome didn't need to deal with this just yet; she was still too emotionally drained to cope with this latest development. He debated for a moment talking to Kaede now, but decided against it. Inu Yasha moved down the hallway that led to their room, pausing for a moment to shift Kagome's weight in his arms so he could open the shoji. He carried her inside, sliding the screen shut behind him with a bare foot. Inu Yasha carefully undressed his wife, maneuvering and lifting her body so gently that she did not awaken during the process. Once she was tucked snugly into their blankets, Inu Yasha returned to the main room to speak with Kaede.
he re-entered the room, Kaede turned towards him, and motioned for him to sit beside her. He plopped down on the floor beside her, starting expectantly at her for a few moments as she sipped her beverage. Patience, however, never was a virtue the hanyou possessed in abundance.
Baba, how does she know?" he asked, his voice weary and tinged with annoyance.
overheard part of a conversation Myoga and I shared. I suspected she was there, but was not certain until I heard her door slide shut." Kaede replied as she finished off the last of her drink. She stood slowly, her left hand supporting her lower back. Inu Yasha quickly took her right, and assisted her. Kaede's physical condition had declined severely in the last year, and while she was still in relatively good health, she had trouble standing and walking as of late. The elderly miko collected her things, preparing to leave.
don't you stay the night, Baba. It's late, and we have plenty of room." he offered. Not that he would admit it to anyone, but Inu Yasha had been worried for her health as of late. There were so few people who genuinely liked or tolerated him, and the obnoxious old woman had been like a grandmother to him the past couple of years. She chuckled and shook her head and continued her way out the door. Inu Yasha took a couple of quick, long strides so that he could catch up with her. "Feh! At least let me give you a ride on my back. You're so blind and old, you'll probably fall and hurt yourself."
chuckled at his feeble attempt to cover up his concern. "I will be fine, Inu Yasha. It is only a short walk, and you have more... pressing matters to attend to." He stood in the doorway and watched her leave, scenting the night air to make certain there were no threats to the miko in the area. When he was satisfied that she would be relatively safe, he returned to the common room, closing the door behind him. 'She's right' he thought, 'I have other things to worry about, don't I?' Inu Yasha summoned his courage, and strode down the hallway leading to Sango's room.
had heard the brief conversation between Kaede and the hanyou, and now stiffened with fear as she heard his quiet footfalls heading towards her room. He paused outside her door, and Sango felt her heart hammer in her chest. She was not ready to face him, not so soon after learning that they might have to marry for her protection. Sango attempted to feign sleep as she had earlier, knowing that he would not try and wake her to discuss the situation. did not want to have to marry anyone right now, let alone a good friend who was already happily married. Besides, Kagome deserved to have him to herself... she had suffered so much when his attentions were divided because of Kikyo. It would be like betraying their friendship to take the safe way out and marry the hanyou.
heard the screen slide open, and then shut again a minute later. When she didn't hear him in the room, Sango was confident that he had left. "You can't fool me, Sango. I know you're awake." he stated. Startled, the young woman turned to look in the direction of his voice. A brief burst of light filled her vision, and when her eyes adjusted she could see he had lit a small lantern with one of "matches" from Kagome's time. He sat in a corner, his back leaned up against the wall. His hair and eyes faintly reflected the dim light, giving him an almost ethereal quality. weary face reminded her of days past when the threat of Naraku still hung over their heads. She knew that he had lit the candle for her benefit, as talking to a disembodied voice would do nothing to calm her already ragged nerves.
golden eyes seemed to radiate sadness, and were locked squarely on her own. He was silent for several minutes, and Sango began to feel nervous under his gaze. She sat and turned so she faced away from him, hoping that it would be easier to have this discussion if she didn't have to look at him. She did not hear him move from his position, but that proved to mean very little. After all, she had not heard him enter.
"Sango, what Myoga was talking about.... it was just one option. One of many. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. That includes getting married. Just know this.... whatever you decide, I'll stand by you." The taijia was surprised by how very tired he sounded. He fell silent again, waiting to see what her response would be.
"Why, Inu Yasha... Will you support me because you have to? Is it only out of obligation, because your bastard of a brother that did this to me?" she spat. She was incensed at the thought of him only helping her because he had to. She was even angrier that someone would marry her our of a sense of duty, and not out of love.
heard him stand and stomp over to her bedside, and watched as he sat down in front of her. "You are not a stupid woman Sango, so stop acting like one!" he snapped. He sounded positively incensed, and she knew she had pushed her luck too far with that last statement. "You know damn well that I'm helping you because we are friends. You can be as angry as you want about everything that's happened, but don't fucking take it out on me! I'm the one trying to help you, remember?"
at his harsh words, she drew her hand back and slapped him across the face. She put enough force into the blow that his head rocked to the side. He stayed that way for a few seconds, his eyes wide with surprise and his jaw slack. Sango regretted her actions as soon as her palm connected with his cheek. She was worried he would retaliate, but was made even more afraid when his eyes met hers. They became cold and distant, something she had not seen since she had first met him and tried to kill him. When he stood and turned to leave, she knew she had gone too far and hurt him deeply. She had done nothing but push him away since he had found her at the spring. Before he could get too far, she snaked an arm out and grabbed the fabric of his hakama beneath his knee.
"Matte....." she whispered. He stopped his retreat from the room, but did not turn to face her. "Inu Yasha... gomen nasai... I... I didn't mean..." came her apology. He could smell the salt of her tears, and felt her hand trembling as it clung to his clothing. He sighed and shook his head, returning to a seated position in front of her. He was downright shocked when she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders and burying her face against his neck. He hesitantly returned the embrace, worried what her next mood swing might be. He felt her hot tears drip onto the skin of his neck as she cried, and pulled her closer. She continued to weep while she apologized over and over again, clinging to him like a lifeline.
"Just.. don't do it again Sango." She nodded her head in agreement with his request, and she was rewarded by being pulled even deeper into his warm embrace. She felt him rest his chin on the top on her head while one of his hands rubbed lazy circles on her back. "Go to sleep. We can talk more after we've both had some rest." When she nodded in agreement again, he released his hold on her. She lay back onto her futon, and blushed when he pulled the blankets up around her body. Her blush deepened when he smiled down at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze with one of his own. He rose and crossed the room, snuffing the light. Sango heard the shoji slide open and closed, and heard his footsteps echo down the hall towards his room.
was again left alone to stare out into the dark of her room and ponder her fate. She knew her options were more limited than Inu Yasha had seemed to imply. She did not purposely abort the child, as she would be taking an innocent life. She would not want to raise a child on her own in any situation, let alone a child of mixed heritage. 'Marry him?' she asked herself again. Her mind conjured the image of her friend, slightly leaned over her as she lay on the futon while he squeezed her hand. His smile had been tender, and his eyes and hair had shone in the dim light. She had known in that instant, that if she chose to spend her future with him, her married life would be anything but unpleasant.
and a half months..... this was the furthest she had ever made it before... and this time, they weren't taking any chances.
Inu Yasha had managed to calm his body, he shifted away from his sleepy wife. He cursed profusely when he realized his seed had spilled onto his haori and not the ground. Figuring it needed washed anyways, he used one of his voluminous sleeves to clean Kagome of her sweat and their fluids before carefully dressing her. Inu Yasha chuckled when he put her shoes back on her feet, noting that she was wearing miss-matched socks for the third day in a row. He was unable to resist a little light-hearted teasing at this point. "Oi, Kagome... you really need to stop getting dressed in the dark." he gibed, tugging lightly at the material of one brightly colored sock.
"Oh, shut up Inu Yasha" she murmured sleepily, "Lets see how put together you look when your belly blocks everything from view." She yawned and stood leaning against Goshinboku, waiting for him to get dressed.
Yasha sniggered, knowing she was tired and content enough for him to get a few more jokes in at her expense without getting 'sat'. He donned his yukata and fire-rat hakama before leaning to her ear to whisper "Is that why you stopped shaving down there". He accentuated the word "there" by cupping her womanhood with his hand and squeezing gently. "And here I thought you were just getting lazy. Come on, koishi, it's like a forest down there."
gasped and smacked him on the shoulder, glaring at him in feigned annoyance. She knew his preferences, but knew full well he was kidding. Inu Yasha embraced his wife, kissing her tenderly on the forehead as an apology. He balled his soiled haori in one hand, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Lifting her into his arms effortlessly, Inu Yasha carried his wife home.
lay on her futon, staring out into the darkness of her room. 'Marry him?' she pondered, her mind still reeling with shock. When Kaede retrieved Inu Yasha from her room, Sango had awoken. Rather than deal with repeated questions as to her well-being, the taijia instead pretended to sleep until the others were heard in the common room. She started to drift off again, but was startled to alertness by Inu Yasha's yelling. He was screaming at Myoga it seemed, and Sango found herself overcome by her curiosity. Sango moved stealthily out into the corridor where she heard Myoga and Kaede discussing something. Despite her better judgment, the taijia crouched against a wall and eavesdropped on the conversation.
"Do ye really think it was such a good idea to say that to Kagome-sama and Inu Yasha? Ye seemed to have upset them both greatly."
"Well, Kaede-sama, it's not MY fault they are both so unreasonable. Really, it was a perfectly valid option for Sango."
"Inu Yasha taking Sango as second wife to restore her honor. How is that a valid option?" Kaede inquired. Sango gasped in surprise, quickly covering her mouth with her hand when she realized the sound had escaped her lips. If the occupants in the next room noticed her presence, they gave no indication. Confident that the others had not heard her, Sango continued to listen in.
she were to marry Inu Yasha-sama, Sango and the child would be able to remain in this village, where they will be tolerated, if not welcomed. However, she is still an unwed mother, and while this village is accepting of hanyou, unwed mothers are still outcasts." Kaede nodded in agreement with Myoga's statement. She had witnessed this many times in her long life.
Sesshomaru learns that there will be a child, he will come and take Sango-sama to his stronghold. She and the child would be held there, regardless of Sango's wishes. She would be treated with dignity and respect, but it is highly unlikely he will allow her OR the child any degree of freedom."
I take it ye think Inu Yasha would allow her that freedom, while acting as provider for her and the child?"
must Inu Yasha do this, and not another man? Why not Miroku-sama, or the daimyo Kagome-sama mentioned?"
Kaede, haven't you listened to a word I've said? As Sesshomaru's only living relative, it falls to Inu Yasha to restore Sango's honor and assure the child's place in youkai society. Until the child is born, Inu Yasha is heir to the Western Lands, and only he can pass that title to the child when it is of age. There are also rites that Inu Yasha-sama can perform that will nullify any claim Sesshomaru has on the child. If it were any other man, Sesshomaru would simply kill him, and take Sango and their child." Myoga huffed in annoyance at having to repeat himself so many times in one night, and hopped into a dark corner to rest for the night.
say Sango was in shock was an understatement. She silently rose from her position and crept back into her room, sliding the shoji shut behind her. She lay down on her futon, drawing the blankets tightly around her body. Her mind and soul felt numb, her heart ached to think that she only had three real choices for her future. She could either raise a hanyou child alone with no father, allow herself to be taken away by the very youkai who had violated her, or be taken into a loveless marriage with a dear friend who already had a family of his own. At this point, none of her options appealed to her. All she could do was lay under her covers, stare out into the darkness of her room, and pray that she would awake in the morning to find this had all been a terrible nightmare.
Inu Yasha returned carrying his sleeping wife in his arms, he found Kaede waiting for them. She sat patiently by the fire, sipping what smelled like a cup of Kagome's hot coco. Her gaze never strayed from the fire as he walked into the room, but as he passed, she said something that made his blood run cold.
knows as well." 27 reviews and almost a 1000 hits!! I'm really happy! So many people reading and liking this product of my fucked up little mind! *cackles maniacally* Faychan, as always thank you for your support. hehe, I didn't tell you too much though, just some little snippets. there will be lots of surprises yet, especially since I'm still not sure of everything that will happen... my outline for the fic only goes up to this chapter... *eh hehe... don't worry.. there will be much much more of the story, but updates may come every other day instead of every day.* Tom, you are right, she does deserve freedom. ^_^
Yasha froze on the spot. He glanced over at the elder miko, thanking the gods his wife was currently asleep. Kagome didn't need to deal with this just yet; she was still too emotionally drained to cope with this latest development. He debated for a moment talking to Kaede now, but decided against it. Inu Yasha moved down the hallway that led to their room, pausing for a moment to shift Kagome's weight in his arms so he could open the shoji. He carried her inside, sliding the screen shut behind him with a bare foot. Inu Yasha carefully undressed his wife, maneuvering and lifting her body so gently that she did not awaken during the process. Once she was tucked snugly into their blankets, Inu Yasha returned to the main room to speak with Kaede.
he re-entered the room, Kaede turned towards him, and motioned for him to sit beside her. He plopped down on the floor beside her, starting expectantly at her for a few moments as she sipped her beverage. Patience, however, never was a virtue the hanyou possessed in abundance.
Baba, how does she know?" he asked, his voice weary and tinged with annoyance.
overheard part of a conversation Myoga and I shared. I suspected she was there, but was not certain until I heard her door slide shut." Kaede replied as she finished off the last of her drink. She stood slowly, her left hand supporting her lower back. Inu Yasha quickly took her right, and assisted her. Kaede's physical condition had declined severely in the last year, and while she was still in relatively good health, she had trouble standing and walking as of late. The elderly miko collected her things, preparing to leave.
don't you stay the night, Baba. It's late, and we have plenty of room." he offered. Not that he would admit it to anyone, but Inu Yasha had been worried for her health as of late. There were so few people who genuinely liked or tolerated him, and the obnoxious old woman had been like a grandmother to him the past couple of years. She chuckled and shook her head and continued her way out the door. Inu Yasha took a couple of quick, long strides so that he could catch up with her. "Feh! At least let me give you a ride on my back. You're so blind and old, you'll probably fall and hurt yourself."
chuckled at his feeble attempt to cover up his concern. "I will be fine, Inu Yasha. It is only a short walk, and you have more... pressing matters to attend to." He stood in the doorway and watched her leave, scenting the night air to make certain there were no threats to the miko in the area. When he was satisfied that she would be relatively safe, he returned to the common room, closing the door behind him. 'She's right' he thought, 'I have other things to worry about, don't I?' Inu Yasha summoned his courage, and strode down the hallway leading to Sango's room.
had heard the brief conversation between Kaede and the hanyou, and now stiffened with fear as she heard his quiet footfalls heading towards her room. He paused outside her door, and Sango felt her heart hammer in her chest. She was not ready to face him, not so soon after learning that they might have to marry for her protection. Sango attempted to feign sleep as she had earlier, knowing that he would not try and wake her to discuss the situation. did not want to have to marry anyone right now, let alone a good friend who was already happily married. Besides, Kagome deserved to have him to herself... she had suffered so much when his attentions were divided because of Kikyo. It would be like betraying their friendship to take the safe way out and marry the hanyou.
heard the screen slide open, and then shut again a minute later. When she didn't hear him in the room, Sango was confident that he had left. "You can't fool me, Sango. I know you're awake." he stated. Startled, the young woman turned to look in the direction of his voice. A brief burst of light filled her vision, and when her eyes adjusted she could see he had lit a small lantern with one of "matches" from Kagome's time. He sat in a corner, his back leaned up against the wall. His hair and eyes faintly reflected the dim light, giving him an almost ethereal quality. weary face reminded her of days past when the threat of Naraku still hung over their heads. She knew that he had lit the candle for her benefit, as talking to a disembodied voice would do nothing to calm her already ragged nerves.
golden eyes seemed to radiate sadness, and were locked squarely on her own. He was silent for several minutes, and Sango began to feel nervous under his gaze. She sat and turned so she faced away from him, hoping that it would be easier to have this discussion if she didn't have to look at him. She did not hear him move from his position, but that proved to mean very little. After all, she had not heard him enter.
"Sango, what Myoga was talking about.... it was just one option. One of many. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. That includes getting married. Just know this.... whatever you decide, I'll stand by you." The taijia was surprised by how very tired he sounded. He fell silent again, waiting to see what her response would be.
"Why, Inu Yasha... Will you support me because you have to? Is it only out of obligation, because your bastard of a brother that did this to me?" she spat. She was incensed at the thought of him only helping her because he had to. She was even angrier that someone would marry her our of a sense of duty, and not out of love.
heard him stand and stomp over to her bedside, and watched as he sat down in front of her. "You are not a stupid woman Sango, so stop acting like one!" he snapped. He sounded positively incensed, and she knew she had pushed her luck too far with that last statement. "You know damn well that I'm helping you because we are friends. You can be as angry as you want about everything that's happened, but don't fucking take it out on me! I'm the one trying to help you, remember?"
at his harsh words, she drew her hand back and slapped him across the face. She put enough force into the blow that his head rocked to the side. He stayed that way for a few seconds, his eyes wide with surprise and his jaw slack. Sango regretted her actions as soon as her palm connected with his cheek. She was worried he would retaliate, but was made even more afraid when his eyes met hers. They became cold and distant, something she had not seen since she had first met him and tried to kill him. When he stood and turned to leave, she knew she had gone too far and hurt him deeply. She had done nothing but push him away since he had found her at the spring. Before he could get too far, she snaked an arm out and grabbed the fabric of his hakama beneath his knee.
"Matte....." she whispered. He stopped his retreat from the room, but did not turn to face her. "Inu Yasha... gomen nasai... I... I didn't mean..." came her apology. He could smell the salt of her tears, and felt her hand trembling as it clung to his clothing. He sighed and shook his head, returning to a seated position in front of her. He was downright shocked when she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders and burying her face against his neck. He hesitantly returned the embrace, worried what her next mood swing might be. He felt her hot tears drip onto the skin of his neck as she cried, and pulled her closer. She continued to weep while she apologized over and over again, clinging to him like a lifeline.
"Just.. don't do it again Sango." She nodded her head in agreement with his request, and she was rewarded by being pulled even deeper into his warm embrace. She felt him rest his chin on the top on her head while one of his hands rubbed lazy circles on her back. "Go to sleep. We can talk more after we've both had some rest." When she nodded in agreement again, he released his hold on her. She lay back onto her futon, and blushed when he pulled the blankets up around her body. Her blush deepened when he smiled down at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze with one of his own. He rose and crossed the room, snuffing the light. Sango heard the shoji slide open and closed, and heard his footsteps echo down the hall towards his room.
was again left alone to stare out into the dark of her room and ponder her fate. She knew her options were more limited than Inu Yasha had seemed to imply. She did not purposely abort the child, as she would be taking an innocent life. She would not want to raise a child on her own in any situation, let alone a child of mixed heritage. 'Marry him?' she asked herself again. Her mind conjured the image of her friend, slightly leaned over her as she lay on the futon while he squeezed her hand. His smile had been tender, and his eyes and hair had shone in the dim light. She had known in that instant, that if she chose to spend her future with him, her married life would be anything but unpleasant.