InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Gods and Monsters ❯ Chapter 26: When it Rains, it Pours ( Chapter 26 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

This chapter has been brought to you (for real, this time) by the letter "M" (for Merith), "K" (for Kat) and "E" (for Everstar).  Ladies, you have no idea all the thanks you deserve. And, of course, ice cream.  With sprinkles.  And cherries.  And little peanut butter cups lodged in the ice cream.  And... well, you get the idea.

 

Chapter 26:  When it Rains, it Pours

What a difference it made, adding such a small handful of people to such a large, empty space.  The morning after Inuyasha and his friends had arrived at the den, what had been a quiet, vacant space was suddenly brought to life as Shippou and Rin chased each other through the halls, filling the den with delighted cries.  Sango and Kagome cleared away the remnants of breakfast, shooing Teles when she offered to help, while Inuyasha wandered off to further familiarize himself with the childhood home he was only just beginning to remember.  Miroku watched Inuyasha meander off, a faint frown forming at his forehead as he recalled his friend's strange behavior from the previous night.

That frown deepened when Inuyasha's words slipped through his mind again. 

'How come you don't smell like strange human women anymore?'

He suppressed a sigh and stood up suddenly.  When Kagome, Sango, and Teles all looked up at him, somewhat surprised at the quick movement, he shot all three of them a charming smile.  "Just stretching my legs, ladies."  He strolled slowly up through the halls to the mouth of the den before standing for a moment on the threshold, staring outside.  The sky was blue, but there was a small gathering of clouds on the horizon; rain would be coming soon.  He stepped out and inhaled deeply.  The air was cool and sweet, and the lands were quiet.  Idly, Miroku wondered about the stillness of the western lands.

Why leave to patrol if there is nothing that requires attention?  His eyebrows twitched together in thought.  And why lie?  Miroku knew it as well as the others did -- youkai had no "burst of activity" before the winter months. 

So, why was there nothing to patrol?  Were the western lands completely relieved of their youkai population? 

Shaking his head, Miroku closed his eyes and took several steps, the soft jingle of his shakujou keeping his thoughts company.  As his steps took him further from the den, his mind sifted through not only his conversation with Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru's strange absence from the den, but a variety of other things as well.  With any luck, this opportunity to get away from the illusions he'd constructed would leave him with a clearer mind.  The gods knew he needed the break.

***

Inuyasha walked slowly through the halls, gossamer tendrils of memory reaching out and teasing at him, urging him to remember what had stayed forgotten for so long.  His brother's scent clung to the den and every room in it, having long overshadowed his father's scent.  Inuyasha exhaled a silent breath; the Tetsusaiga was all he had of his father -- his scent, even his memory was nonexistent.  He'd known the old man was gone, he just hadn't known how gone.

He paused at the entrance to a room, the rice paper door slid open halfway.  Frowning, he peered inside.  The room was dark, but the torchlight from the corridor lent Inuyasha enough light to see that the room was a library of sorts.  There was a long, low table in the center of the room, several scrolls on top of it.  Most of them were wrapped, but one was open, an inkpot weighing it down.  Dark eyebrows twitching together, Inuyasha walked slowly into the room, glancing around.  The walls were filled with shelves, and those shelves were heavy with scrolls.

He suddenly remembered the many times he'd seen Teles reading during her recuperation.  He'd always wondered where she'd gotten the scrolls, but had never asked.  More to the point, he'd always wondered what in the hell was so damned interesting, but hadn't asked. 

Walking along the perimeter of the room, Inuyasha let his fingertips trail lightly along the wrapped scrolls before choosing one, sliding it carefully off of the shelf.  He released the tie holding the scroll and opened it, his eyes slowly following the text.

...admittedly, my experiences among humans are few; however, I cannot ignore the similarities between Naoko's pregnancy and Tsukiko's.  Naoko is alarmingly irritable, often forgetting that I am a youkai lord.  She is nearly as fierce as a female inuyoukai in this state.  I cannot help but be amused at this, though I dare not tell her such a thing.  I have never, in my very many years, been scolded by one small woman so frequently.

 As the written words sunk into Inuyasha's mind, he slowly lowered himself to the floor, coming to rest in a cross-legged position, the scroll resting lightly in his lap.  A tiny glimmer of a smirk lit his lips as he continued to read, an expression one of recognition rather than derision.

Yeah, Dad.  I guess some things just don't change.

***

Teles leaned back, resting against the wall as she watched Sango lift Shippou up into the air, tossing him gently before catching him.  Kagome sat on the floor, coloring with Rin until Rin, distracted by Shippou's gleeful shrieks, scrambled to her feet and ran to Sango's side. 

"Me next!  Me next, Sango-sama!"

Laughing, Sango set Shippou down, despite the young kitsune's protests, and lifted Rin into the air, giving her a gentle toss as well.  After giving Rin several turns, Shippou began to complain.

"Sango!  It's my turn now!  Pick me up!  I want a turn!"

Shaking her head with a fond smile, Kagome got to her feet and scooped Shippou up.  The fox-child made a short, surprised noise, but once she sent him into the air, Shippou's thrilled laughter mingled with Rin's.  Just then, in mid air, Shippou transformed his body into a pink bubble and floated towards Rin, who was securely in Sango's arms.  Dark eyes widening at the sight of the pink-balloon Shippou, Rin let out a delighted squeal and wriggled down from Sango's arms, running around the den as Shippou floated bouncingly behind her.

Laughing, and slightly out of breath, Kagome and Sango sat down on cushions.  Sango brushed her bangs away from her face, still chuckling as she shook her head.  All three of them watched Shippou chase Rin in one direction and then the next, each of the young women marveling at the energy that came with youth.

"They're exhausting," Teles remarked, shaking her head in amazement.  "I've never seen Rin so..."

"I know," Kagome replied, pulling her hair off of her neck.  "Believe me, I know."

After a moment, Teles sighed softly and began to push herself to her feet.  Sango stood up first, offering the pregnant woman her hand, while Kagome followed suit.

"Are you all right?"  Sango asked.

Kagome's question came on the heels of Sango's.  "Is the pup bothering you?"

Teles looked up at the two young women, blinking in silence.  After several beat of silence, she started to laugh.

Kagome and Sango exchanged a quick glance.  "I think we just overreacted, Kagome-chan," Sango muttered, blushing lightly.

Kagome rubbed the back of her neck.  "I think you might be right."

"At any rate," Teles said, reaching up and grasping Sango's hand, "I am not so proud that I will shun assistance.  It's much easier to stand up with help than without."  Sango gently pulled Teles to her feet and the former goddess smiles gratefully at her. 

"Is everything all right, Teles-sama?" Sango asked.

Teles nodded.  "Everything is fine, I assure you.  I only wanted to venture outside for a short while."  She smiled apologetically.  "Forgive me if it seems rude.  I only wanted some fresh air, and since Rin and Shippou are clearly entertaining themselves..."

Kagome grinned.  "You thought maybe you'd try and escape the deafening noise?"

The former goddess had the grace to blush. "I realize that silence will be a thing of the past before much longer.  I only wish to savor it while I can."  She took a few steps towards the den's entrance.  "I won't be too long.  Only a few hours."

Kagome made a little shooing gesture.  "Go.  Get fresh air.  But if you need any help standing up, yell for one of us.  Okay?"

Teles nodded, smiling.  "I most certainly will."  She turned and, feeling a sense of relief she hadn't felt in weeks, padded outside into the waning sunshine.  She waded through the grass, taking her usual spot by the stream and, with a deep sigh, lowered herself to the ground, stretching her legs out in front of her, and leaning back, bracing her weight with her arms.  The breeze was cool and wet, and the sweet scent of rain hung heavily in the air, intensifying as the wind blew through her clothes and hair.  Sighing deeply, she tilted her head upwards, waiting patiently for the first few raindrops to splash against her face.

***

Nearly an hour later, a light, cool drizzle roused Miroku out of his meditative trance.  He blinked a few times and rolled his neck before getting smoothly to his feet.  It was refreshing being out here away from everything else.  It was particularly refreshing to know that he had no use for the masks he'd adopted in the past weeks.  He didn't have to try and continue behaving a certain way -- and what was even better was that he didn't have to lie quite so overtly to his friends.  A mirthless smile twitched at his lips -- lying to those closest to him wasn't the way to go about being a better servant to Buddha; however, Miroku was fairly sure that his circumstances could be considered extenuating.

He started off, winding his way back toward the den, hurrying his steps as he went; Miroku was sure he was going to be wet by the time he returned, he just didn't want to get too wet.

As Miroku came out of a particularly dense copse of trees, the sight before him brought him to a complete, sudden stop.

Sesshoumaru's mate was sitting in the grass by the bank of the stream, apparently oblivious of the gentle rain that was dampening her face, hair, and clothes.  Miroku frowned as a particularly cool breeze rustled through his robes.  It is only a matter of time before Inuyasha comes rushing out, overreacting.  The young houshi decided it might be better if he warned the former goddess himself. 

Striding through the grass, Miroku stopped several arms' lengths away from the youkai lord's mate.  He cleared his throat softly in an attempt to avoid startling her.  "Teles-sama...?"

One green eye opened lazily, regarding him.  "Yes, little monk?"

Miroku opened his mouth to speak, hesitating only a moment before pressing on. 

"Not to imply that you're incapable of taking care of yourself, but... are you sure it's wise for you to be sitting out here in the rain?

There was a brief moment of silence as the former goddess contemplated her answer.  Closing her eyes again, she said, "With all due respect, little monk, I have a hard time believing that water in any form could be hazardous to either my health, or that of my child."

Nodding once, the young monk's face softened a bit.  "Ah.  Yes, I imagine that does seem... blasphemous."  He stood watching for a moment, waiting for the former goddess to get up, or at least look like she was considering it.  When she didn't, he nodded internally and loosened his kesa, draping it over her.

"Besides..." she inhaled deeply, smiling at the scent of rain.  "It's been so long since I've been able to--" Teles stopped suddenly as the warm material settled over her shoulders.  Looking up at the houshi for a moment, she offered a small half-smile.  "Thank you, houshi-sama."

Shrugging, Miroku set his shakujou down and sat down next to the pregnant woman.  "If you're going to stay out here, you should have something keeping you warm."  They sat in silence for a few seconds before a puzzled frown formed at Miroku's brow.  "So long since you've been able to....?" he asked, prompting her to continue.

Teles hesitated for a fraction of a second before turning her attention back to the stream.  "...Since I've been able to sit without anyone hovering over me."

Nodding once, the young monk turned his own face up to the rain, feeling the droplets wash over his face.  "It's a trait he shares with Inuyasha. In abundance.  I sometimes marvel at Kagome-sama's patience."  He paused a beat.  "I frequently marvel at Kagome-sama's patience."

Privately doubting that Inuyasha's behavior even remotely resembled Sesshoumaru's, Teles nodded.  "She does seem to have a lot of it."

"The number of times Inuyasha has told her to stay behind, or to not get involved..." he said sanguinely, his words trailing off.  "As if she has no conception of her own limitations."

Teles was quiet for a moment, almost lost in the raindrops splashing against her forehead, nose, and chin.  "Mmm.  Yes, I can see that in them."

Miroku chuckled softly.  "Anybody who spends any length of time around them can see it in them."

At that, both the monk and the former goddess lapsed into silence, both of them glad that the other didn't seem to mind.  Miroku exhaled a silent breath, the sense of relaxation that had started settling over him only growing.  It's such a relief to be around someone who doesn't expect me to behave the way I used to....

After several minutes, Teles' voice broke the silence. "You know, houshi-sama," she murmured drowsily, such was her contentment, "you never finished your tale."

Miroku arched an internal eyebrow at the honorific.  "So formal, Teles-sama."  He paused a beat.  "And, yes, I remember."

Teles shrugged, a tiny, almost imperceptible motion.  "That's what the rest of them call you -- well, except for Inuyasha... But I did notice -- houshi-sama or Miroku-sama."  She bit her bottom lip lightly.  "It occurred to me that perhaps I should... reconsider what I call you."

Miroku thought about this for a moment before responding.  "Kagome-sama and I... well. I believe it's more a term of affection than respect at this point."  After a second, his mouth quirked.  "With Inuyasha, I consider myself lucky that he doesn't refer to me simply as 'bouzu' constantly."  He saw Teles nod slowly, a faint smile quirking her lips.  "All things considered, I rather like 'little monk.'"

Turning her head and opening her eyes to look at him with a rather puzzled expression, Teles said, " You do not consider it ... condescending? Insulting?"

"It's a relief to be called something that isn't respectful," he replied dryly.  After a moment, he added, "By someone who isn't Inuyasha."

Teles' smile was faint, but genuine. "Very well.  'Little monk' it shall remain... little monk."

A grin quirked at Miroku's lips.  "I can't think of anything I'd like better.  At any rate, where did I leave off?"

"I believe, if my memory serves -- and I think it does -- that Inuyasha had just killed a hundred demons in one stroke while protecting you, which I'm sure caused you no little amount of surprise at the time."

"Ah, yes," Miroku said, nodding slowly.

"And you were just about to tell me how he mastered the... what was it called?"

"Kaze no Kizu," he supplied.

Teles nodded once.  "Yes, that's it."

A small frown marring his brow, the young houshi nodded once to himself.  "...Ah. Yes."  He was quiet for several seconds, chewing lightly on the inside of his cheek.  "Teles-sama..."

She arched an eyebrow at him.  "Teles-sama, eh?"

He blinked.  "Do you mind the honorific?"

Swallowing once and turning her eyes on the stream, she murmured, "It hardly seems appropriate anymore."  She gave a small shake of her head.  "I am no longer a divinity; I should not be treated like one."

"You are still a lady though -- the mate of a great youkai lord."  He shrugged.  "But, if I may use your name, then you may use mine, when you're not calling me 'little monk,'" he said, smiling gently at her.

Teles looked over at the young houshi, flooded with relief to see such genuine friendship reflected in his eyes.  For a moment, her chest tightened and she could almost feel her eyes burn with tears, but she willed back the sensation, clearing her throat.  "Very well, little monk," she said, offering a smile that reached her eyes, warming them.

Miroku's smile widened a bit before he turned his mind back on the story he'd been telling her the last time.  The smile faded a bit.  "...I don't know exactly how much you know about what Inuyasha's relationship with Sesshoumaru used to be like."

Eyes drifting shut as her face tilted skyward again, Teles was quiet for several seconds.  "I know that he attempted to kill Inuyasha on more than one occasion, I know that he," she paused, gritting her teeth for a second "--blasted hypocrite that he is -- despised Inuyasha for his human blood. I know a little of his desire for Inuyasha's sword, and the injury that Inuyasha inflicted with that sword. I have no illusions, little monk. Please, don't think you need to shield me from unseemly tales of bloodshed. I've seen enough of it during the course of my existence."

Pursing his lips, Miroku shrugged fluidly.  "I merely don't wish to make you think ill of your mate."  When Teles' response came in the form of a short, dry huff of laughter, he arched his eyebrows.  When she didn't offer any explanation for that response, he nodded to himself, recollecting the story once more.  "Let's see...  Inuyasha had begun trying to teach himself how he'd done the Kaze no Kizu, but wasn't having any success. Then one day, we were traveling along when a strange old man fell from the sky -- it was Toutousai-sama, the sword-smith who'd made both Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga," Miroku explained, his voice taking on the low, soothing sound that came when he told his tales.  "It turned out that Sesshoumaru was pursuing Toutousai-sama trying to get him to make a sword that killed. Toutousai-sama ended up... ah, using our group as a shield, and Inuyasha ended up dueling Sesshoumaru."

Losing herself in the story, Teles closed her eyes.  As she listened to the monk's voice relaying the events, she grew drowsy, and shifted, leaning lightly against him.  "Dueling him?"

Stiffening slightly at the warm presence leaning against his arm, Miroku cleared his throat, shifting a bit as he reminded himself both that he was trying to behave, and that this was a pregnant woman. And, not least of all, Sesshoumaru's mate.  "Yes," he replied. "Now... as far as I understand, the Kaze no Kizu is performed by Inuyasha finding the spot where his youki meets the youki of his opponent, and then cutting that spot."  He paused for a moment, chuckling softly.  "It may sound like I know what I'm talking about, but this is only what I've heard.  I imagine actually doing it is something else altogether.  Anyway, Sesshoumaru had a powerful left arm for this fight -- a dragon's arm."

"Ah, yes," Teles murmured softly.  "He used to get replacements."

"That's right." Miroku nodded, then frowned.  "Wait -- used to?"

"Yes," she answered quietly, pausing for a moment.  "Apparently, while he was in my homeland, he... met my mother, who... provided him with something of a gift."

Curiosity piqued, Miroku looked down at the woman leaning against him.  "Your mother?"  He thought about this for a few seconds.  "Another goddess, of course." Miroku hadn't noticed the youkai lord returning with a new arm, but then, the last time they were all at the den, Sesshoumaru's arm was the last thing on any of their minds.

"Yes. Aphrodite -- the Greek goddess of love, actually."  She swallowed hard against the bile in her mouth as she looked back at the stream.  I suppose I should marvel at the irony.  Expelling a soft breath, she continued.  "She gave him an arm so that he could protect me, as well as the life of his child."

The young houshi looked at the former goddess for a long moment, noting the downward pull of her mouth as well as the cast of her eyes.  "That hardly seems like something that should sadden you, Teles-sa... Teles."

At his words, Teles quickly shook herself free of the melancholy that was threatening to overwhelm her.  She pushed a smile to her lips and shook her head briskly.  "Don't be absurd, Miroku.  It does not sadden me."

Miroku's brows drew together skeptically.  After a moment, he decided not to pursue what was beginning to bother him.  It is nothing.  She merely misses her mate.  "At any rate. Sesshoumaru turned his attacks on Tetsusaiga. He wanted the sword to show him its power.  It transpired that Sesshoumaru could see the spot that Inuyasha could not."

"The... spot where the youki meet?"

"Exactly," Miroku answered, nodding.  "While he was attacking the sword, Sesshoumaru used his youki in such a way as to blind Inuyasha with a poison mist."

The former goddess exhaled a faint, almost sad chuckle.  "Yes... I remember the talent he has for that."

"And, somehow, Inuyasha's physical eyes being blinded allowed him to see the spot where the youki met."

"Ahh," Teles replied, nodding.  "Which then allowed him to wield the sword in the way it was meant. Fascinating."

Miroku smiled a bit at that.  "He never lost the knack for it.  It's actually become easier for him to wield it.  But that, I'm afraid, is another story altogether."

A lazy smile curved at Teles' lips.  "You know, little monk, I appreciate that you tell me these tales. Usually, whenever I asked one of your compatriots, I always got the same response: 'It's a long story.'  And I realize that, yes, it is indeed a long story, but I thank you for taking the time to share it."

Miroku's response was a soft huff of laughter.  "I don't actually spend that much time telling our long stories."

"Yes, well..." she shrugged, "it is a pleasant diversion."

His mouth quirked. "True."  Although I find myself tiring of pleasant diversions these days.

"It's nice to just... talk to someone."  Teles ran her fingers through her wet hair, closing her eyes, completely relaxed.   "It's a nice change," she said, before adding, almost half to herself, "He's gone so frequently these days."

Miroku was very still for several seconds after she spoke those words.  Two dark, bushy eyebrows came together as he blinked, not entirely sure he heard her correctly.  "...He's gone?" he echoed softly.  Frowning when he felt the youkai's mate stiffen slightly, he glanced down at her.  "Teles?" he asked quietly.

The former goddess felt something cold settle in her gut when she realized not only what she had said, but that the little monk had heard it.  Damn it, damn it, damn it!  There was a short pause as she hesitated before answering.  "Yes?"

"What do you mean, 'he's gone so frequently'?  I thought...."  He looked evenly at her, even though she would not meet his gaze.  Instead, she seemed to be paying close attention to the way the grass moved with the wind blowing through the clearing.  Slowly, an embarrassed flush crept up her neck, and she closed her eyes.  In fact, Miroku was almost fairly sure he could see her mind working furiously to explain what she'd just said.  Chewing lightly on the inside of his lip, he asked quietly, "Will you tell me?"

When she finally opened her eyes and looked up at the young monk, regarding him for several seconds, the ache in her eyes was obvious.  "I..." she bit her bottom lip hard.  "I'm not sure I should..."

There was a trace of a sad smile at his lips.  "I'm a good listener."

At that, Teles looked down, swallowing hard.  "You mustn't tell the others.  Especially Inuyasha," she said softly, looking up at him again.  "Please..." she said, a hint of desperation coloring her words.  "I would rather Inuyasha not know."

Miroku's frown was instantaneous.  Nothing about her posture, her tone of voice, or the sheer fact that she was so reluctant to discuss the matter settled well with the young houshi.  He swallowed.  "I have to ask you something first, and... you must be honest."  When she nodded, he put a hand over hers gently.  "Are you or the child in danger? From Sesshoumaru?

"Danger?" she echoed.  After a moment, Teles shook her head slowly.  "No. No, he wouldn't... endanger me. Or our child."  She stopped, a small frown lighting on her brow. "At least, I don't think he would."

The houshi's concerned expression only darkened further.  "Teles. I want you to feel that you can tell me what you need to.  But you have to understand that I have my other loyalties too.  Inuyasha promised to take care of the child, and if I know something that he needs to...." Miroku trailed off as green eyes closed, moisture collecting on her lashes before the tears trailed slowly down her face.  "Oh, hell," he muttered, raking a hand through his bangs in frustration.

Teles muttered an invective as she swiped hastily at her cheeks.  To her utter mortification, she found that she couldn't speak -- her throat was too tight.  After a few moments, she inhaled deeply, and began slowly.  "I don't think he..."  The words choked off and Teles swallowed hard in an attempt to compose herself.  She could feel Miroku watching her, waiting patiently for her to continue.  Speak, damn it.  Don't just sit here like a blubbering idiot rendered incapable of speech.  When she started speaking again, the words came slowly, and were spoken softly.  "I think he regrets our ... liaison."  Teles bit down hard on her lip, noting with detached fascination the taste of blood on her tongue.  "He's been very... changed since my transformation."

"Ah," he said, nearly cringing at the word's inadequacy.

Teles' gaze dropping to her hand, still covered by the monk's.  Yes.  I can tell him this.  "His behavior has rendered him almost unrecognizable to my eyes.  I'm seldom permitted outside any more, he's frequently gone on patrol -- almost constantly -- and... he's been so..." she paused as she searched for one word to describe her mate's behavior, but so many were coming to mind.  "Cold, domineering, autocratic..."

Miroku nodded slowly.  "More like the Sesshoumaru of old."

Looking up at him, Teles shook her head in astonishment.  "He never treated me like that... before.  And now, he's taken to bringing Rin with him on his journeys, leaving me alone with that rotten little imp of his, who, apparently, gets perverse pleasure out of the fact that I can no longer drown him with a thought."

"Ugh," the monk replied.  His eyes glimmering with gentle humor, he said, "Perhaps I should have asked whether you were in danger from the toad."  He saw that she very nearly smiled at the joke, but instead closed her eyes, leaving tears clinging to dark lashes.  Sighing, Miroku put a fraternal arm around her shoulders.  "I'm sorry, Teles."  And he was.  But Sesshoumaru's absence was completely explained now.  And it has nothing at all to do with Inuyasha.  And yet, Miroku could not tell his friend that.  I'm not entirely sure Inuyasha would find any solace in that knowledge.  Damn it.

At the light touch around her shoulders, Teles nearly bristled.  She had at one time been quite unused to casual contact -- Rin changed that.  But now... now her chin nearly trembled at the display of friendship.  Everything that had been building up during the weeks since her transformation finally broke loose.  She was no longer what she was -- she was now something completely different.  Her mate now had no use for her, going so far as to avoid her completely for days at a time.  For a moment -- a bare moment -- Teles nearly wished she'd never set eyes on the youkai.  Turning slightly, the former goddess pressed her face against Miroku's shoulder, her own shoulders shaking with sobs.  For his part, Miroku sat quietly, simply letting her cry.  Words, at that point, would have been not only inappropriate, but also insulting.

As her tears further dampened the already-wet shoulder of Miroku's robes, Teles murmured brokenly, "I can't make him happy. No matter what I do, no matter what I say, it displeases him."  Her body tightened and she smothered a sob before continuing.  "I despise this form -- this... this pathetic, weak, slow, human body.  I hate what I've become.  I hate that he's come to loathe me so."

"I see," he replied softly.  He opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated.  "I... don't know what I can do.  I'd like to be able to help you."

Pulling away, Teles wiped at her eyes as she shook her head slowly.  "I'm not sure there's anything that can be done."

Sighing in frustration, Miroku ran his hand through his bangs again.  "You... could come with us."  His wince was internal, but immediate.  Sesshoumaru would not react well to such a plan.  Even if he does regret his mating, he would consider such a move a huge blow to his pride.

At that, Teles made a sound that was a half-laugh, half-sob.  Sniffling, she wiped again at her face.  "Yes, a fantastic idea, little monk. Because, as you can see, I'm so very mobile."  She looked at him, noting the sad half-smile he gave at her attempt at levity.  "I suspect he is doing the honorable thing, no matter how much my presence annoys or disgusts him."

Giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze, Miroku looked down at her.  "I find it hard to believe your presence could annoy or disgust anybody," he said gently.  Slowly, he pulled her arm from around her shoulders, letting his hands come to rest in his lap.

"This comes from someone who harbors no hate for humankind," she replied tiredly.  "From what I remember, my mate's beliefs run somewhat to the contrary."

Miroku sighed deeply.  "You're not making me feel better about my promise, Teles."

Looking up at him with a rueful expression, she lowered her eyes again.  "I apologize, Miroku."  Rubbing at her forehead for a moment, Teles sighed before running a hand through her hair.  "I think he is doing what he believes he's 'supposed' to do, if you understand my meaning. He also promised my mother that he would protect me."  There was a beat of silence as she stared thoughtfully into the middle distance.  "Perhaps he's just keeping his promise."

Looking down at his right hand, Miroku murmured quietly, "We're all bound by our promises, I guess."  Even ones we didn't intend to make.

Teles was quiet for a moment before following his gaze, reaching down, and brushing the prayer beads lightly with her fingertips.  "Indeed."

Silence settled on the two, who were by this point almost completely soaked from the rainfall.  Miroku stared down at his hands for a moment before closing the right one into a fist.  "...I've made a decision," he said quietly.

"Oh?" Teles replied, her eyebrows coming together. 

The monk's words, when they were spoken, came quietly, but with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.  "If I can't -- if we can't -- defeat Naraku.... Then the curse of the Kazaana ends with me."  He saw her out of the corner of his eye, blinking as the enormity of what he'd told her sunk in.  Setting his jaw, he lifted his gaze to meet hers.  "And you cannot tell them."

Pursing her lips in thought for a moment, Teles shook her head slowly, not comprehending.  "Why would you want to keep such a thing from your friends?"

He huffed out a short laugh.  "For one thing, they won't believe you."  When he noticed the blank look on the former goddess' face, he sighed a bit, tugging the tie out of his hair, shaking the excess wetness out before retying it.  "The, ah, custom of my father and grandfather," he began, almost sheepishly,  "was to ask the eligible young women of every village to bear them an heir."  His mouth twitched into a fleeting, ironic grin.  "It was a custom I also practiced. Until recently.  The others tend to view me as..." he hesitated slightly, "as a bit of a playboy."  He closed his eyes, shaking his head.  "Who am I kidding? A playboy."

"I see," she replied softly.  "So, please, let me know if I'm overlooking anything... the curse is passed from father to son. You were required to... produce an heir, in the event that you did not defeat this Naraku, yes?"  When Miroku nodded, she continued.  "However, you've now decided that you will ... cease all attempts to produce an heir."

Again, Miroku nodded.  "And if we do not defeat Naraku soon...  Then the curse will kill me as it killed my father and grandfather."  He spoke these words the same as he always had -- in a calm, matter-of-fact tone, his shoulders lifting in a small shrug.  There was no getting around it, aside from defeating Naraku -- there'd never been any other way around it, and Miroku had long resigned himself to that fact.

Teles sighed deeply, noting his shrug as she did so.  "And you don't plan on telling your friends this because... they won't believe you capable of such a change?"

"Well, no," he answered wryly.  "I've pursued women in every village with such, uh, enthusiasm, that there's no reason why they should believe me."

"Ahh... Yes, I see the problem now," she said softly.

Miroku blew out a breath.  He couldn't deny that there came a small wave of relief with finally getting all of this out.  His attempts to maintain a properly lecherous facade had started to wear on him.  "So... either we defeat Naraku, or...."

"Or you die," she said softly.  "And your line dies with you."

"Well," he began, his tone reflexively light, "technically speaking I could die tomorrow."

Teles' eyes widened instantly as she swatted him in the chest.  "Don't say such things!"

"Sorry," he replied, smiling ruefully. "Habit."

After a moment, Teles inhaled deeply, expelling the breath in a thoughtful sigh.  Little monk? I... I'm afraid I don't entirely understand... You won't tell your closest friends, those who've journeyed with you, those with whom you've experienced life or death situations, those who... know you. But... you're telling... me?"  She looked at him, puzzlement writ large on her features.  "Why?"

The silence that followed was short, but thoughtful.  Miroku's lips pressed into a line and after a few seconds, he stood and offered her a hand.  "Shall we walk?"

Teles reached up and took Miroku's rain-soaked hand in her own and pulled herself to her feet with a soft grunt.  "...Ugh. Too big. Too damned big."

Chuckling, the monk stooped down, picking up his shakujou.  "From what I understand, it won't last."  He straightened and glanced at her to make sure his kesa was still draped over her shoulders.  "Are you warm enough?"

Nodding, Teles smiled gratefully.  "Yes, thank you."  She frowned at him, quiet for a second.  "Are you all right?"

His shrug was a small, graceful movement.  "I've been worse."  They walked slowly in silence for several steps.  "Why am I telling you?" he said in a musing tone.  "Well, despite what my compatriots think, you're, ah, quite safe from me."  He shot her a wry smile.  "And you were, even before."  His wry smile became less wry as she pulled the kesa more tightly around her.  "And I rather like you," he said, adding teasingly, "You're one of the few I've met in my travels who gives much thought to questions of the divine."

"I can't possibly think why that might be," Teles replied, her smirk belying the humor in her dry tone.

"Nor can I," he replied, chuckling.  "Anyway," Miroku continued, "I've decided to make the most of what time I have -- assuming, for the sake of prudence, that it's not as long as it might be -- by trying to be a better person."

Nodding thoughtfully, Teles said, "I see. A worthwhile venture, little monk."

There was a beat of silence before he continued, somewhat sheepishly.  "Although I hate to admit part of me misses the con."  When Sesshoumaru's mate covered her smile with her hand, he only grinned ruefully at her.  "I'm not a good person.  I'm a bad person with good intentions."  He noted the way her eyebrows furrowed as she nodded, and he was grateful for the fact that she did not voice her disagreement.  Sighing, he looked off into the distance as they continued to walk, Sango's words still echoing through his mind.

'When I saw him with her, Kagome, I feel like I got a look at the man he could be.'

Silence reigned yet again.  What kind of man could he be?  He still didn't know.  Ah, Sango, I almost wish I could see myself through your eyes so I might know what you meant by that.

"Little monk?" Teles asked, her voice soft.

He glanced over at her, jerked from his reverie.  "Hmmm?"

She was quiet for a moment before continuing.  "...I have a question."

"I'll try to answer it."

She tilted her head thoughtfully as she walked, holding the kesa around her shoulders with one hand while resting the other against her large belly.  "You seem to be quite... reconciled to what will happen if you fail to defeat Naraku."  She paused for a moment.  "But... what if you don't fail?"

Miroku didn't answer right away.  "You know, I'm not sure any of us have thought that far ahead.  Inuyasha wishes to become full youkai using the power of the jewel. Kagome, I suppose, will return to her own country.  Sango.... will rebuild her village, I guess." 

Teles was nodding slowly as he spoke.  "...And you?"

"Maybe I'll return to the wandering life," he replied with a shrug.  "I haven't had much experience with any other kind."  Even as he said the words, Miroku felt a sharp, unpleasant twinge at the thought of walking away from the group.  Particularly certain demon exterminators...

"I see," she said, noting the shadow that had passed over his eyes.  She pursed her lips in thought, grinding her teeth lightly.  "If I may be so bold, little monk..."

He chuckled a bit, causing that shadow to dissipate slightly. "I believe you are so bold, Teles-sama."

She huffed a dry laugh at that.  "It sounds as if the life you might lead if you are able to defeat this demon will be about as interesting as it might be if you didn't defeat him."

Wincing exaggeratedly, the monk replied with an amiable, "Ouch," before adding, "But I've never had a boring life, so it might be a nice change."  When the former goddess stopped and looked at him, one eyebrow arched imperially, he could not help but chuckle.

"What, exactly, is so humorous, little monk?"

"Forgive me, Lady Teles.  I was merely thinking that the ones who did this to you could only strip you of your power and immortality, but not your..." he paused, gesturing vaguely with his hands, "dignity."

A mirthless smile curved her lips as Teles' expression grew melancholy for a moment.  "Dignified," she said with a wry snort.  "You've not seen me lately. But, anyway... you were saying?"

"Yes," he replied dryly, "I believe I was trying to justify my choice of a boring life."

"That's not the case at all, little monk," she riposted, a bit impatiently.  "It just seems to me that if you're going to be fighting for your life -- quite literally, I might add -- then you might want to consider having a life that's worth fighting for."

"A life worth fighting for," he repeated softly.  Miroku's steps slowed.  "The life I want most..." he said softly.

"Yes," Teles replied.  "The life you want most."

After a moment of silence, he shook his head slowly.  "She has her own duties," he said, his voice barely audible, his eyes once again shadowed. "Her own oaths."

Frowning at his expression, Teles' thought quickly.  She?  Not Kagome, obviously...  The former goddess hesitated before speaking.  "The taiji-ya? Sango?"  When the monk's gaze dropped to the ground, Teles winced internally in sympathy.  "Ah.  I see."

"Lovely, dangerous, clever, honorable," he said ruefully before sighing deeply.  "Yes."  When Teles exhaled a deep, thoughtful breath, a small, wry smile quirked his lips.  "So, now you know the real reason you were always safe from me."

Chuckling softly, she looked up at him.  "I actually would have thought that my ma--" Teles bit the word back almost painfully, having had forgotten for a bare moment about her own troubles.  After a moment's hesitation, she continued.  "But it would be a life worth fighting for. One that you want. And, Miroku, if you've got something to look forward to, a life you don't want to give up or leave behind, you may be more likely to succeed in your endeavors."

He was still for a moment, looking back down to the ground.  "...She may not think me capable of it."

"Then," Teles said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she ducked her head to meet Miroku's eyes, "you must exercise your powers of persuasion to convince her otherwise."

The young houshi looked at the pregnant woman soberly.  "I want this to be the one thing I don't win through charm, or guile, or cleverness."

Her smile grew warmer.  "But, little monk, you are charming and clever. You can change that no easier than Inuyasha can change his temper."

He laughed suddenly, a full, rich sound.  "Now, now, Teles-sama, you can't turn my head with flattery.  As lovely as you are, I'm too afraid of your mate," the young monk said with a wink.

She looked down, smiling, but her smile was somewhat sad.  "Yes, well, part of me thinks he might relish the opportunity to be rid of such a burden."  After a moment, she shook her head briefly as if to rid it of the unhappy thoughts.  When she looked back up at Miroku, her gaze was level.  "I am quite sincere, Miroku. It is not idle flattery. If she cares for you, then those things that are a part of your personality -- cleverness, for instance -- will be something she loves as well.  You cannot only love parts of a person, little monk," she added pointedly.

He returned her smile with one of his own, just as sad.  "No. You can't."  Taking her hand and giving it a light squeeze, he said, "Which is part of what causes you such grief."

Returning the squeeze, Teles nodded.  "Quite."  After a moment, during which she looked down at the grass beneath her feet, she stated simply, "I love him. I love him completely, like I've never loved anything -- or anyone -- before."

"I understand," he said softly, nodding.  They began walking again, taking no notice of the fact that they were both completely soaked by the rains.  After several minutes of companionable silence, Miroku spoke.  "...Teles?"

She sent him a sidelong glance.  "Yes?"

His eyebrows twitched into a frown as he contemplated his words.  "It is, perhaps, unrealistic of me, but..."  The young monk was quiet for a moment before continuing.  "You believe he loved you in the same way, don't you?"

"I do," she answered, feeling a sharp twinge in her chest. "He did."

"Then I believe he loves you still," he replied in a low, steady voice.

"I wish I could believe as you do."  Teles tightened her jaw as burning moisture pricked at her eyes again.  Damn these tears. 

Reaching down again, he gave her hand another light squeeze.  "Well, I'll believe for both of us. After all, I'm a man of faith."  He felt a faint rush of relief when a small fraction of the sadness in her eyes evaporated as she smiled at him.  Looking around suddenly, a rueful grin quirking his lips, he said, "Now, I hate to say it..."  It was beyond time for them to be returning to the den.  Surely Inuyasha has noticed the rain as well as both of our absences by now.  Given our discussion last night, I wouldn't be surprised if he'd already started tearing the western lands apart to find us.

Teles stopped suddenly, facing him.  "Miroku," she said, interrupting the young monk.  Yes, it was time to return -- she knew that.  She was also beginning to feel the chill as the rain soaked further through the kesa and her own clothes -- another indicator that it was time to return.

"Yes?" he replied, looking down at her.

"Please, consider it. A life worth fighting for is far more appealing than one you simply muddle through. If you care for the taiji-ya... do not let too much time pass, because that's something you won't get back. Once it's gone, it's gone."  She gave a tiny shrug of her shoulders.  "I know of what I speak."  She was all too aware of the weeks lost with Sesshoumaru -- weeks they would never be able to reclaim.  It was time spent in sadness and loneliness, and it was wasted.

Miroku absorbed this for several moments, and after that time, he found he could only nod.  Frowning in thought, he turned and began walking again, slowly leading them back to the den.  "I don't suppose you have advice on how I can go about that.  Because while I have a fair idea of what doesn't work, I confess I'm at a loss for what would."

Teles chuckled suddenly.  "Well, considering that Sesshoumaru's first words to me were to threaten my life, I'm afraid I have scarce little experience with what might work on human women in matters of courtship."  She tilted her head in thought.  "That said, I think... honesty and sincerity are things that will never fail you.  It has been my experience that those two things often hold mortals in good stead."

Miroku considered her words, looking slightly alarmed at his options.  Honesty?  Sincerity?  Gods...  "I'm screwed."

Her head jerked sharply to the side as she looked at him, puzzlement in her eyes.  "I beg your pardon?  Screwed?"

He huffed a soft laugh.  "It is an expression I've heard Kagome-sama use on occasion.  It means, as far as I can tell from context, 'I'm at a loss' or 'things are beyond my ability to fix.'"  He shrugged.  "It's a nice little pithy phrase."

"Indeed."  Teles chewed on the inside of her lip for several moments.  "Perhaps, then, you shouldn't overwhelm her with your entire stock of sincerity and honesty all at once."

Miroku gave a quick snort.  "What, all six handfuls of it?" he riposted.  Putting up a hand when he noticed the former goddess' exasperated expression, he quickly added, "I'm joking."

"Tell me, little monk, do you have any trouble being sincere around me?"

"No," he answered truthfully.

"And what of honesty?

He nodded once before grinning at her.  "Honesty is not a problem.  But, then again, you don't have anything I want."

"Then, if you can behave in such a manner around me, little monk," she replied reasonably, "you can behave in such a manner around her."

"I suppose," he sighed.  Tucking his tongue in his cheek, he glanced at Teles.  "I suppose that means I shouldn't grope her anymore, either."

"Dear gods, monk!" she exclaimed.  "Anymore?"  At his grin, she closed her eyes, sighing aggrievedly, and shook her head.  At the monk's laughter, she opened her mouth to say something else, but a sudden rough movement from the pup intervened.  As if sensing its father's absence and the melancholy its mother was experiencing, the unborn hanyou shifted restlessly, seeming to struggle against the walls surrounding it, sending sharp waves of pain through its mother.  Her steps coming to a sudden stop, Teles clenched her eyes tightly shut as she reached out and grabbed Miroku's arm reflexively, her fingers scything into his bicep. 

Dropping his staff, he turned to face the pregnant woman, reaching out to grab her other arm firmly, steadying her.  "What's wrong?"

Teles shook her head, gritting out a slew of invectives through clenched teeth.  Without relinquishing her grip on the monk's arm, she placed her other hand at the base of her abdomen; the child moved sharply both within her and beneath her palm.  She willed him to stop, but he would not.  Finally, when Teles was able to inhale a ragged breath intended to steady both herself and the pup, she managed, "H-he's... moving."

The young monk's frown was instant and he swore silently when he felt her wince.  "He was moving the last time I was here, and it didn't cause you nearly this much distress." 

She shook her head, gripping his arm tightly as she lowered herself to her knees.  "He's... bigger now."  When she got to her knees, she focused her efforts on breathing deeply and evenly, rubbing the base of her abdomen slowly. 

The houshi crouched down and watched her, concerned. "I suppose I'm not allowed to mention this, either."

Teles looked up at him through the fall of her wet hair.  Sweat had broken out on her brow, but it was largely unnoticeable in the rain.  Panting, she said weakly, "Mention that my child feels as if he's trying to fight his way out of my womb?"  She clenched her eyes shut as another wave passed.

"Basically," he said, watching worriedly.  Although his experiences with pregnant women were limited to blessings delivery and labor (and the complications arising therein), and his experiences with women pregnant with hanyou pups were nearly non-existent (save for this instance), the severity of the unborn child's movements bothered him.  He thought for a moment about returning to the den and fetching Inuyasha, but balked at the idea of leaving her when she was very clearly in a great deal of pain.

"I don't think it's something I'll be able to keep to myself for very long. His movements are getting... more frequent."  Teles winced again, swearing.  "And more painful."

"I hate to say this.... but we should probably head back to the den."

"I hate to say it, but I think that you are right, little monk."

"When you feel like you can move," he said gently.  Feeling largely useless as he watched Teles struggle with the pup, Miroku reached out, rubbing her shoulder gently. 

Inhaling deeply, Teles closed her eyes again as she massaged her stomach.  Turning all of her concentration on the pup, she murmured, half to herself, "Shh... little one... that's it... that's my little warrior..."  After several long minutes, the pup's movements finally slowed before ceasing almost completely and Teles' shoulders slouched as she finally relaxed.  Swallowing, she whispered, "That was the worst one yet."

Pushing a damp lock of the woman's hair back behind her ear, Miroku asked, "Does Sesshoumaru know?"

"He knows the child moves.  He knows it occasionally causes me discomfort."  She shook her head.  "He's not been around to see some of the pup's most active moments."

"I see," he replied quietly.  After Teles had had a few moments to collect herself, the young houshi stood, offering her a hand up.  He noticed that the feminine hand in his own gripped him a bit weakly, and he nodded internally at her slower, more deliberate movements.  Right.  It's past time to get back. "I don't suppose you'll let me redirect Inuyasha's wrath onto me," he said, walking back to the den, letting her lean on him.

Teles frowned faintly.  "Wrath?"

Clearing his throat, Miroku began, in what was a fairly accurate impression of the hanyou's voice, "'Goddammit, what the FUCK were you thinkin', spendin' all that time out there? Don't you know it's fuckin' rainin'? Are you tryin' to make yourself sick?'"  He looked down at her with a grin, and was relieved when he heard her weak chuckle.  "Whereas, if you'll let me intervene, that will be directed towards me."

After considering this for a moment, she shook her head.  "A true goddess would never let anyone else take responsibility for her actions," she said solemnly.

"Hmm.  Very well.  But remember, I did offer."

"Duly noted.  Besides, the child moves whether I'm walking or not, whether I'm inside or out. It doesn't matter."  After a moment, she sighed wearily.  "The little whelp's going to need a name. At least that way, when Inuyasha has an apoplectic fit, I can tell him to take it up with the child, who clearly has an agenda all his own."

Miroku chuckled gently.  "I thank the gods for Kagome-sama. If it weren't for her, his fits would go nearly unchallenged."

"Indeed," she replied, sighing as the den came into sight.  It was both a sigh of relief, since she wanted nothing more than to sit by the fire, and a sigh of resignation as they returned to the place where she had once been so content with her mate.

Noting her sigh, the young monk glanced down at Teles.  "I promise we'll go walking again before we go."

Smiling gratefully, she looked up at him.  "Thank you."

"...And when we do, you can tell me how poorly I'm doing with being sincere."

"I'll be sure to pay close attention," she said, taking the kesa from around her shoulders.  "I fear this is soaked through. If we set it by the fire it should dry out some." Looking at him, she tilted her head thoughtfully.  "Then again, you're completely soaked through."

With a wry grin, Miroku shrugged, taking the kesa back and folding it over the shoulder she wasn't leaning against.  "I've been wet before.  You wouldn't believe what village women will give a young, wandering, pathetic-looking monk."  He thought for a moment.  "...But then again, you probably would."

Rubbing her forehead as she shook her head at the monk's words, she muttered, "Yes, I think I would."

"Now, now," he continued, his grin widening, "it's not like I ever deliberately hung around outside a village and let myself get soaked."  Giving an exaggerated pause, he tilted his head and scratched his chin thoughtfully.  "Oh, wait."  He smiled a bit at the sound of her laughter. 

"You are utterly incorrigible. You know that, do you not?"

"I tried to tell you," he countered, internally relieved that she was responding to his banter.  Hopefully it would help keep her mind off of the pup's movements.

She sighed.  "I thought you were being overly modest."

"No, I really am this crooked."

Teles shook her head slowly.  "Well, perhaps there's still hope for you."

Sobering suddenly, Miroku nodded once.  "Perhaps."  Gods willing.

Teles patted his arm reassuringly as they both walked into the den.  She could hear the happy, contented chatter coming from the main hall as well as both Rin and Shippou's enthusiastic laughter.  Giving a bit of thought to what the little monk had said regarding Inuyasha's inevitable outburst, Teles found herself mentally bracing for it.  The strange thing was that, on the whole, the prospect of the hanyou overreacting was far easier to deal with than Sesshoumaru's chilling, autocratic demeanor.

The monk and former goddess stood in the hall, one wringing out his kesa while the other squeezed the excess water from her hair, when Inuyasha -- much like Miroku had predicted -- came storming up, golden eyes flashing.  "Where the FUCK have you been?" 

Green eyes and violet ones exchanged a quick look.

Regarding them -- and the glance -- Inuyasha felt his hands curl into fists.  How the hell long was I reading the old man's scrolls, anyway?  And how the hell didn't I notice that it was raining?  Gods, was I that distracted?  His irritation with himself only compounding his annoyance, he growled deeply.  "Dontcha see it's fuckin' rainin' out? The hell's the matter with you, anyway? You tryin' to get yourself sick or somethin'?

Pulling the tie out of his hair, Miroku tried to smother his smile.  Teles, on the other hand, only stared blankly at Inuyasha.

"...Raining?"  She glanced behind her out of the mouth of the cave.  "Ah.  So it is.  Imagine that."

Running his hand through his hair and shaking the wetness from it before retying it, Miroku shrugged.  "We didn't notice."

Nodding as she padded past Inuyasha towards the main hall, Teles added, with a small grin, "The little monk is quite right, Inuyasha -- we didn't notice."

Inuyasha watched as she walked past him, his expression one of dumbfounded disbelief.  After she had rounded a corner, he turned back to Miroku, his expression changing like quicksilver to annoyance.  He narrowed his golden eyes at the monk, who was looking back at him blandly, arms swathed in black robes crossed over his chest.

"What're you lookin' at?" Inuyasha asked with a faint growl.

"I'm merely waiting to see if you were going to lecture me or if we were finished," the monk replied, giving Inuyasha a level look.

"No, we ain't finished!" the hanyou exclaimed, taking a step closer to Miroku.  "I wanna know what the fuck is wrong with you, thinkin' it was okay for her to be out there in the gods-damned rain like that!"  Upon considering the implications of his words, his eyes narrowed further.

Noting Inuyasha's expression, Miroku inclined his head and closed his eyes.  "First of all, I did make an attempt to persuade her to return inside.  She wished to remain outside.  I chose to respect those wishes, particularly given the fact that she was a water goddess."  Inuyasha opened his mouth to speak, but Miroku held one hand up, stopping him.   "Secondly, I assure you, Inuyasha, were I to lay even one unwelcome finger on Sesshoumaru's mate, the entire western lands would even now still be ringing with the sound of the slap."

***

Several hours later, long after they'd all eaten, Kagome had gone to sit with Shippou and Rin, telling them stories.  Sango had taken Kirara up to the mouth of the den to watch the rain fall in a slow, steady drizzle.  Miroku -- finally dry -- had chosen to sit quietly before the fire, watching the flames intently.  In this midst of such peace, Inuyasha slowly approached his brother's chambers.  The rice paper door was open slightly, which allowed Inuyasha to see his brother's mate resting on her side, a sheet of paper spread out on the futon.  She held one of Kagome's writing utensils -- a 'pencil' -- in her hand, and she was scratching at the paper intently. 

He watched her for a second before clearing his throat softly.  "Hey."

Teles looked up immediately and, upon seeing that it was Inuyasha, smiled wryly.  "Hello, little hanyou.  I suppose you've come to yell at me once more?"

His response was a glare only because she seemed to expect it; there was no heat behind the look.  "It was stupid of you to be out there in the rain, Teles.  I blame that fuckin' bouzu, too."

Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to the sheet of paper.  "Inuyasha, you will never convince me that water could ever pose a threat to me."

He sighed, crossing the room and standing next to the futon, dropping down into a cross-legged position, arms hidden in his sleeves.  "But it ain't just the water.  Dontcha see that?  It's... it's the cold and the wet together that makes humans sick."  His brows twitched together worriedly.  "And, yeah, that hanyou pup is stronger than a human kid, but if you got sick while he's inside of you..."

The pencil slowly came to a stop as she closed her eyes.  "Ah, yes."  After a moment she opened her eyes and regarded Inuyasha.  "I suppose I still have a great deal to learn about being human."

"Yeah, well, first rule should be to keep warm and dry instead of cold and wet," he said gruffly.

Sighing, she nodded once and dropped her eyes again to the sheet.  The pencil started moving again.  "Very well, Inuyasha.  I will pay more attention to my surroundings."

A beat of silence passed before the hanyou shifted uncomfortably.  "That ain't the only reason I came in here."

The former goddess looked up slowly, arching an eyebrow.  "No?"  Putting down the pencil, she gave the hanyou her full attention.  "Then what was the other reason?"

Exhaling a breath, Inuyasha looked down and muttered something that was unintelligible.

"I'm sorry, Inuyasha?  Could you perhaps repeat that?"

Taking a deep breath, he tried again.  "I wanted t'feel the pup move." Miroku had suggested he spend more time "getting to know" the pup.  This seemed as good a place as any to begin doing just that.

She looked at him for a moment, a small smile curving her lips.  "I think that is something we can arrange for the child's esteemed uncle."  Shifting her weight slightly, she pushed herself into a sitting position.  Though the child was no longer moving quite as insistently as before, his movements hadn't completely stopped.  Teles was almost astounded at how very tired it left her.  Once she had sat up, she held her hands out. 

Without a word, Inuyasha pushed himself to his knees and placed his hands in those of his brother's mate.  She pressed his palms against the rounded surface of her abdomen.  Swallowing nervously, Inuyasha found that all he could do was wait for the pup to move.  Much to his surprise, the child shifted almost immediately.  He glanced up at Teles to see if she'd felt the movement as well when he felt a pang of annoyance with himself -- of course she had.

Inuyasha sat there for nearly a full minute, feeling the life of his unborn nephew twitch under his hands.  "He moves more than he did last time," he said softly.

Teles nodded.  "Yes, I've noticed."

After a moment's hesitation, he leaned down until his nose nearly touched the pregnant woman's stomach.  "Oi, runt," he muttered.  "Quit givin' your ma such a hard time, eh?  You'll be out soon enough.  Ain't gotta rush it."

Teles chuckled when several seconds passed during which the pup was still.  "Very good, Inuyasha -- apparently my child listens to you more than he listens to me."  She smiled wryly.  "This does not bode well, I fear."

He grinned at her for a moment before standing up.  "I'll help keep him in line for ya," he said, glancing again at the swollen belly.  "That kid's gonna have plenty of people watchin' out for him.  I don't think you got anythin' to worry about."

Teles smiled up at her mate's younger brother, finding a measure of reassurance in his gaze.  "Perhaps you're right, Inuyasha.  Maybe I don't."