InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Proposition ❯ Back Down the Rabbit Hole: Sexual Frustration ( Chapter 7 )

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

*peeks our from around the corner* Um...sorry about the horrendeously long delay...*dodges in-coming fruit* All I can say to defend myself is that I had to focus all of my attention on other short stories which were due for my fiction writing course. They're worth 65% of my grade and they had to be original plot (which I suck at) so I had to spend a lot of time on them. Plus, I got the flu for the first time in more than a decade! I actually ran a fever of 104!
So...sorry for the long delay and sorry if this chapter isn't up to my normal quality of writing. I tried to get this out as fast as I could and, on the bright side, the next chapter is half way done.

So...enjoy...my assignments are finished so the next chapter should be better.



Back Down the Rabbit Hole: Sexual Frustration



Within the confines of a small hut Kagome sat before her bag packing up her meager medical supplies. They had grown dangerously low necessitating a trip back home. Shippo sat anxiously watching her methodical movements chewing on his lower lip. Kagome pulled out some of her schoolbooks trying to make everything fit better. She looked up catching Shippo's sad little face.
"What's the matter?"
"I miss you when you leave."
"I miss you too, but it's only for a little while."
"Couldn't I come with you, just this once?"
"I don't think that you can pass through the well Shippo." Kagome shoved her books back in her bag.
"Maybe if I hold your hand or something?" Kagome paused in her packing to smile down at the young kitsune.
"I think that the village will need you more than I do."
"Why?"
"They'll need the help of a strong demon to protect them in case they are attacked." His tail drooped, a little pout pushing his lower lip out. Kagome kneeled down in front of him smiling imploringly,
"I'll be back in a few days. I promise to bring you back some good treats, okay?"
"Like chocolate?" His tail perked up a little but his voice lacked enthusiasm.
"Sure."
"Oh, okay. Promise to come back real soon, okay?" His downcast eyes gleamed suspiciously.
"I promise, I'll be back in no time!" She hugged him tightly.

"Kagome." Old Kaede's voice wafted in through the screen.
"I'll be right back." She jumped up and left the hut. Shippo sighed, his eyes roving over to the open bag. He starred at it for a long moment, a small smile slowly spreading across his childish face.


*

Kagome and Inu Yasha silently walked through the ancient woods. An occasional bird chirp or the hushed movement of wind through the leaves was the only sounds accompanying them. Kagome kept her eyes cast to the ground worrying her lip.
"What is it?" Inu Yasha asked.
"I'm worried about Shippo, he looked so sad today."
"He'll live."
"I wonder if there's a way I can take him with me when I go home? I hate to see him this way."
"He has Miroku, Kaede, Sango, Kirara, and the whole village to keep him company. He'll be fine."
"Yea, I guess you're right." They broke through the tree line reaching the small clearing. In the center was the little well snugly burrowed into the earth lined with worn wood. "But still..."
"Hey, no buts. The kid's got to grow up some time. You can't always be there for him and you're not doing him any favors by always coming to the rescue." Kagome swung her legs over the rim looking down into the inky blackness. Inu Yasha hopped up next to her placing a hand on the small of her back. "Ready?" Kagome nodded and down they went.



********



"Hi, I'm back." Kagome called from the front door as she slid off her shoes. Her mother met them in the hallway laden with a laundry basket.
"Welcome back Kagome, Inu Yasha. How are things going?"
"They're okay. We managed to get another jewel shard."
"That's good. You look a little tired, why don't you rest for a little. It will be a few hours before dinner is ready."
"Sure, thanks Mom." Kagome offered her a weary smile. Her mother tilted her head critically,
"How about I draw you a bath? That's always the best way to relax after a long trip."
"That would be great! You always seem to know what I need." Kagome clasped her hands together. Her mother lifted her chin, her smile taking on an expert tilt,
"Of course I do, I'm your mother!" She grinned, then continued her journey to the stairs. "I have a few chores I need to do but feel free to help yourself if you need anything." She said pausing to point her bright smile at Inu Yasha, then took her laundry basket upstairs.
"She sure is cheery." Inu Yasha said.
"That's the way Mom's always been."
"It's nice." Inu Yasha walked away before Kagome had a chance to question him on that statement. She watched him leave trying to decide if she would rather pester him about what he meant or go indulge in the bath. The random spring or pond wasn't nearly enough to keep all of the traveling dust off and the thought of a hot bath with real soap and everything was incredibly enticing.
"I'll bug him later about it." She decided turning around to go up the stairs.
"Back again I see." Kagome nearly jumped out of her skin as she came face to face with her grandfather.
"GRANDPA!" She screeched backing up. "Don't do that! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Calm down, there's no need to shout." He rubbed his ears.
"Then don't sneak up on me like that."
"I wasn't sneaking. You should have better senses what with all the gallivanting around you do in the feudal era."
"I shouldn't have to be on red alert in my own home."
"Now don't get snippy with me, young lady." He put his fisted hands on his hips.
"Sorry Grandpa, you just scared me."
"So, where's that demon friend of yours?" He leaned forward with his hands tucked behind his back and eyebrows raised like a patient interrogator.
"I don't know." She inched back.
"He sure has been coming here a lot lately."
"Uh huh." Kagome's eyes desperately darted around the room.
"Strange how he always comes with you now. He rarely did in the past."
"Yea." She took another surreptitious step back.
"I wonder what has changed his disposition." His eyes narrowed.
"Perhaps hanging around with humans so much."
"But it was so sudden."
"Not really."
"It just started one day." He got closer.
"So, what's the matter with that?"
"I'm just saying that it's awfully strange."
"You're right, I'll have to ask him about that." Kagome grabbed her bag and scurried up the stairs before he could object.

*

Kagome went into her room heaving a sigh of relief when she heard no sounds of pursuit. She found Inu Yasha lying on her bed with his hands clasped behind his head staring absently up at the ceiling. Kagome put her bag down by her desk then walked over to the bed. She put her hands on her hips as she looked down at him,
"Comfortable?"
"It'll do." A grin toyed at the corner of his lips.
"It'll do? What could be more comfortable than a real bed?" She leaned over trying to read his expression. Inu Yasha's eyes slid over to her, the grin widened. He reached up and grabbed her wrist then, with a strong tug, he had her toppling over to land heavily on top of him. He then expertly flipped them over so that she was lying beneath him caged within his arms. Startled, Kagome looked up at him wide eyed with anticipation. Inu Yasha slid his arms underneath her shoulder blades to hold her closer; his eyes were inches from her own.
"Now this is comfortable."
"What am I, a human pillow?" Inu Yasha brushed his lips against hers then lowered his head to rest on the soft swell of her breasts.
"Yes."
"Jerk." Her fingers moved to slide through the silky hair splayed down his back and spilling over their sides. She took some time to massage the base of his ears adding a scratch every now and then. Kagome smiled as Inu Yasha snuggled further into her embrace feeling a soundless vibration emanating from his throat. Over the last few visits Grandpa and been finding more and more excuses to barge in on her. To make matters worse, his excuses for being there were just as lame as his excuses for her school absences. Last time, Grandpa had bribed Souta to stay the night in her room claiming to be afraid from a nightmare. Their time alone was severely curtailed making any prolonged romantic advances too risky to attempt. Not that Inu Yasha didn't try, though. Kagome blushed; she was beginning to wonder if he had an exhibitionist streak in him. In Inu Yasha's mind, any place would do for trysting no matter how public.

Inu Yasha stilled her thoughts when he buried his fingers in her hair bringing his lips up to meet hers. He inhaled deeply from his nose as his mouth moved sensually against hers then abruptly stopped. He broke the kiss; his brow furrowing and his eyes roved the room.
"What is it?"
"That scent..." Inu Yasha sat up scenting the air, his ears twitching. Frowning, he got out of the bed and shifted around the room with his nose in the air turning this way and that. Kagome sat up as well, "What is it?" She asked again frustrated when he seemed un-inclined to reply. He eventually ended up crouching by her bag, his ears trained forward. Inu Yasha pulled open the bag and thrust his arm in rifling around through its contents. Kagome was about to ask for a third time but received her answer from a sharp squeak followed by a muffled protest. Inu Yasha withdrew his arm taking with it a bushy tail. Attached to the tail was a kitsune squirming madly to free himself.
"Shippo!" Kagome left the bed and hurried over to them.
"Let me go you big bully!"
"What do you think you're doing here, shrimp?"
"I came to be with Kagome! What else would I be doing?"
"Inu Yasha let him go." Kagome said. Shippo sent a baleful glance at her as he tried to pry his abused tail from Inu Yasha's grasp. Inu Yasha tossed Kagome an annoyed expression but released him all the same by simply opening his hand. Shippo landed heavily head first on top of Kagome's bag. He sat there for a few moments stunned but quickly regained his bearings.
"You jerk!" Shippo scowled at him then fled to Kagome's arms when Inu Yasha raised a fisted hand.
"Big words from someone who has to hide behind a woman."
"I wonder how he got here?" Kagome mused absently rubbing Shippo's back as he clung to her.
"How else? He hid in the bag."
"No, I mean how did he pass through the well. I thought that we were the only ones who could." Inu Yasha shrugged,
"Beats me. Maybe all it takes is to be in contact with you. How else could you get all that stuff here?" Kagome tapped her chin,
"Good point."
"Great! This means that I can come with you all the time now." Shippo smiled up at her.
"No, you can't." Inu Yasha crossed his arms.
"Why not?" Shippo said.
"Because we're not here to have fun."
"Then why are you here?"
"Um...to...protect Kagome."
"Is it really that dangerous here?" Shippo asked peering up at Kagome.
"I guess it could be," Kagome shrugged.
"Well then you really do need me here to help."
"What can you do to help? You always just get in the way."
"I do plenty and you know it!"


"What's all the ruckus in here?" Grandpa entered the room, his eyes darting around suspiciously. When they fell upon Shippo his hand automatically reached into his gi.
"Wait! Wait! This is Shippo! Remember, I told you about him?"
"Hmmm." With his hand still tucked in his shirt, he paced over to Shippo looking him up and down. "He certainly looks harmless but one can never be sure with demons."
"Hah, harmless is right!" Inu Yasha snickered.
"I am not harmless!" Shippo shot back.
"Guys!" All of the males turned their attention to her. Kagome rubbed the bridge of her nose where a dull ache had begun. "Grandpa, Shippo is my friend…"

"I'm trying to study, what's all the shouting about?" Souta wandered into the room frowning.
"It's nothing, Souta just-"
"Wow cool! Who's that?" Souta's countenance brightened considerably as he fully entered the room to get a better look at the kitsune. "What a cool tail, can I pet it?"
"Souta, this is-"

"Kagome your bath is ready." Her mother joined the rapidly filling room. "Oh," she tilted her head as her eyes fell upon Shippo, "who's your friend?" Kagome took a deep relaxing breath, her chest was constricting as her little room became more and more crowded and noisy. A quick glance at Inu Yasha's flattened ears told her that the increasing volume of the room was bothering him as well.
"This is Shippo. He's the little fox demon that I told you about." Kagome gestured to Shippo who was clinging to her shoulder watching everything with wide eyes. Shippo peered out from her shoulder smiling tentatively.
"He's just as cute as you've described Kagome!" Her mother beamed at the little kitsune clasping her hands together.
"Really?" Shippo's eyes brightened.
"And look at that adorable tail!" She reached out and petted the soft fur earning a purr from Shippo.
"Spare me." Inu Yasha grumbled under his breath rolling his eyes.
"Give him a break," Kagome nudged his side, "he doesn't get a lot of motherly attention. This will be good for him."
"How wonderful for him. At least they're leaving my ears alone." Inu Yasha muttered.
"You don't seem to mind it when I scratch your ears," she said softly, grinning slyly up at him.
"That's different." Inu Yasha quietly left the room, his ears still firmly flattened against his scalp. Kagome sighed rubbing her temples; she definitely needed some quiet time and a bottle of aspirin. Shippo had left her shoulder and was standing on her desk chattering away.
"I'm going to go take my bath now, okay?" No one responded; they seemed too absorbed with Shippo to notice her proclamation. Shaking her head, Kagome fled the room to seek comfort and silence in the bath waters.


*

As promised, the tub was filled with steaming water that permeated the air with promising warmth. Kagome made quick work of her clothes and wrapped her hair up with practiced ease. After carefully checking the temperature of the water with her fingertips, she sank into the tub with a blissful sigh letting her eyes fall shut. Her muscles went lax as the hot water penetrated her fatigue-tightened skin easing the strain from abused muscles. She slid further down until the water lapped at her throat soaking the finer hairs at the base of her neck, submerging as much of her body as she could. The steam filled the room with its fingerlike white tendrils caressing the ceiling. The steam gave the room the illusion of complete isolation, as if it was submerged in a hot fog. Its thickness made the silence all the more profound pierced only by the faint sounds of dripping water that echoed loudly. Kagome let out a long sigh feeling the weeks of traveling ease from her worn body. Her mind relaxed as well letting the daily tensions fall away and float absently amongst the random thoughts. Even her headache thankfully began to ease its grip.

"Koishii." A quiet voice purred. She was too relaxed to be startled by her sudden intruder. Gentle fingers reached from behind to caress her temples; a whisper of sensation as fabric brushed across her cheeks.
"Inu Yasha." She breathed not opening her eyes. Her hands emerged from the water to curl around his exposed forearms. His fingers flowed down her cheekbones drawing inward until they met just underneath her chin. Kagome's eyes opened just enough for a sliver of brown to be seen as he gently urged her head back until her eyes met his, upside down, peering down at her. His face was partially obscured by the drifting steam adding to his mystery. He smiled, and then slowly brought his lips down to kiss her forehead lightly. Kagome's hands trailed up his arms dampening his sleeves. Inu Yasha leaned forward to capture her lips, kissing her with an unhurried heat that was as light and warm as the steam that surrounded them. His hands left her chin to slide down her throat and rest on her collarbone where he languidly traced it with his claws. Kagome's hands left off their exploration of his arms to awkwardly cup his cheeks, she arched her back to make access easier.

"Hey Kagome! How much longer are you going to be in there? I really need to use the bathroom!" Souta's voice broke through the mist. Kagome's eyes opened all the way as she disengaged the kiss.
"I'll be out in a minute." She called back, Inu Yasha sighed loudly turning slightly to glare at the door. Kagome slowly eased herself out of the water shaking some stray droplets of water from her fingertips. Her eyes wandered the bathroom looking for her towel and finally found it resting in Inu Yasha's hand. Kagome stepped out of the tub reaching for the towel but instead of handing it to her, he stepped forward with it stretched between his hands. He placed the towel just above her breasts then slowly dragged it down her smooth stomach following the flair of her hips. He paused freeing one hand to gently brush against her right breast just above the nipple. Inu Yasha smiled to himself as his thumb stroked the delicate scar. Kagome captured his hand and brought it to her lips, kissing his fingertips.

"Kagome, your friend's on the phone." Grandpa called. Inu Yasha's eyebrow twitched, his ears flattening back on his head and a soft growl rumbling from his throat. Kagome took the towel from him to securely wrap it around her torso sending him a sympathetic smile. She kissed him lightly mouthing the word 'later.' She pulled away but he caught her wrist pulling her close to kiss her ardently. When he finally released her, his eyes glinted with a half smile tipping up the corner of his mouth; an unspoken promise.
A little more flushed than the steam could be held accountable for, she left her island of stream to get ready for dinner.

*

Dinner proceeded as usual with Grandpa shooting suspicious glares at their demon guests and her mother tactfully intervening. Souta and Shippo seemed to be fast friends for the little demon didn't seem to tire of the many questions Souta had for him and visa versa. Inu Yasha plied himself to the meal with his usual vigor and Kagome just watched it all spellbound at her growing number of houseguests. She uneasily wondered how many more of her friends would end up on her side of the well.

After dinner, Shippo happily helped to gather the dishes and even offered to help wash them.
"What a polite little boy." Her mother said and Shippo beamed. Kagome tried to help but she was finally cornered by Grandpa and was forced to endure his interrogation about Inu Yasha's sudden and regular attendance. As usual, Inu Yasha himself had disappeared and Souta had returned to his room to continue studying for his big test.
So, it was just Shippo and Mrs. Higurashi alone in the kitchen in front of a sink full of suds. Shippo stood on the counter drying the dishes as she handed them to him. He watched with wide eyes as she turned on the faucet and rinsed the sudsy dish.
"There are so many marvels in this era, I see why Kagome always wants to be here." Shippo's tail drooped.
"That's not the reason." She handed him the dish. "Kagome comes here because this is where her family is." Shippo slowly dried the dish with the cloth, his brows drawn into a frown.
"What's wrong?"
"Sometimes I'm afraid that Kagome will stay here and never come back to us. It's so wonderful here, I can't see why she would ever want to leave." She closed her eyes and smiled,
"She'll always go back because she has people that she cares about there."
"I know that she cares about us, but is it enough?" She opened her eyes handing him another dish.
"Yes," she smiled into his worried eyes, "it's more than enough. Kagome would never abandon you."
"Are you sure?"
"No one knows Kagome better than me, I am her mother. She will always be there for you no matter what, I guarantee it." Shippo vigorously rubbed the dish dry then stacked it with the others.
"Thank you Shippo, you're very sweet for helping." She handed him the last dish. He applied himself vigorously to the task and the plate fairly gleamed when he finally put it in the cupboard with the rest.
"Do..." he twisted the towel fitfully in his little hands, "do you think that maybe I could come here again some time?" Her smile was gentle as she patted his head,
"I would love to have you here again." Shippo's tail began to swish side to side, his smile was as bright as his eyes.


********


It took Kagome over an hour to free herself from her grandfather's tactless questions and escape to her room. She trudged up the stairs with vague plans of getting some studying done. Her mind far away trying to decide which subject to concentrate on first, she entered the room and shut the door without consciously noticing its contents. She strolled past her desk with vague plans for brushing up on her history and paused to stare out the window. Thus, she let out an undignified squeak with she was grabbed from behind. Inu Yasha pulled her tightly up against him and nuzzled her neck.
"You've got to stop doing that," she held a hand to her heart.
"Mmm hmm." He mumbled nibbling her skin; his free hand massaged her stomach.
"You won't be so cavalier about it when I die of a heart-attack."
"Mmm..."
"Inu Yasha..." she half protested, her hand locking on his rogue fingers stirring her dangerously. With Shippo there, any late night romance was out of the question. His fingers stilled but his lips continued their wet trail up her neck.

"Hey, what are you guys up to?" Came Shippo's bright, eager voice right on cue. Inu Yasha let out a growl as Kagome disentangled herself from his embrace hastily running a hand through her hair.
"Hi Shippo." Shippo enthusiastically bounded up her shoulder.
"Souta asked me to bring you your homework." He held up a manila folder brimming with paper.
"Oh, okay. Thanks Shippo." She took the folder from him and flipped through its contents trying to hide her guilty flush beneath her bangs.
"Don't you have something better to do?" Inu Yasha grumbled stuffing his hands into his sleeves.
"What's your problem?"
"You are, you little twerp. Haven't you ever heard of privacy before?"
"Why? Are you guys up to some hanky panky in here?"
"What do you mean?" Kagome's lungs constricted squeezing all the air out.
"I don't know. That's just what your grandpa keeps saying. He says that we shouldn't leave you alone because of it." Kagome turned an interesting shade of red.
"He said that?"
"Yep."
"Has he said it in front of my mother and Souta and everyone?!" Her coloring shifted to purple.
"Sure. Souta keeps laughing when he says it but I'm not sure why. Kagome, are you all right? You look kind of funny." Shippo tugged at her cheek.
"Kagome," Inu Yasha looked torn between concern and laughter, "breathe." Kagome took a big gasping breath and managed to paste a strained smile on her face.
"Okay, thanks for bringing me my homework Shippo. Will you go tell Souta thank you for getting it for me?"
"Um...sure." Still casting her worried looks, Shippo leapt from her shoulder and left the room.
"What's the big deal?" Inu Yasha asked.
"I can't believe that Grandpa is saying those things in front of everybody!"
"So?"
"So they'll think that...that..."
"It's true though." His voice was quiet. "I don't see why you try to hide it from your family...are you ashamed of me?" Inu Yasha averted his gaze to the floor.
"No, of course not." Kagome sighed, tossing the folder on her desk. "It's just that I'm worried that Mom and Grandpa won't let me travel through the well anymore if they thought that...well..."
"That wouldn't stop me from coming here."
"I know." She smiled wryly. Inu Yasha still had his gaze pinned to the floor looking troubled. "Inu Yasha," she brushed her fingertips along his temples, "I will tell them." He looked up, his eyes intent. "Actually, I think Mom may already know." Her thoughts drifted back to a time not so long ago when her mother had consoled her broken heart in the shade of the ancient tree. Inu Yasha lightly grasped her wrists,
"And obviously your grandfather all ready knows." He arched an eyebrow.
"And Souta definitely knows since he caught us once."
"So, who exactly are we keeping this secret from?" He pulled her closer.
"I guess everyone knows." She sighed.
"And they don't seem to have a problem with it." His fingers trailed languidly up her arms.
"Grandpa sure does. He must have cut down an entire forest by now to make all of those wards."
"I'm not worried about him." His fingers followed the curve of her shoulders then dipped down to trace her collarbone.
"You should, he is family." His fingertips met over her heart.
"Family..." He pressed one palm flat over her chest where he felt the steady vibration of her heartbeat. Kagome cupped his cheeks then brought her forehead to rest against his.
"Yes, family. You have one now, you know?" Moisture softened his amber pools making his gaze shimmer.

"Hey Kagome." Souta's voice came from the hallway.
"Speaking of family," she released her hold and pulled away, "sometimes you have to take the good with the bad...like losing your privacy." Inu Yasha sighed heavily but a thoughtful expression settled over his features.
Souta entered the room with Shippo on his shoulder.
"The living room's already for you, Inu Yasha." Inu Yasha grit his teeth and nodded.
"I'll see you in the morning." Inu Yasha cast her an intent glance then left. She could swear she heard him grumbling under his breath.
"What's his problem?" Souta watched Inu Yasha's abrupt exit.
"He's always like that." Shippo said crossing his arms over his chest: the ultimate authority.
"Weird. Well, I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Kagome. Goodnight Shippo." Shippo hopped off his shoulder,
"Goodnight. So tomorrow you'll teach me how to play the base of ball, right?"
"It's baseball," he laughed. "I'll show you everything, I promise!" Souta gave him a thumbs up before leaving. Grinning ear to ear, Shippo jumped onto Kagome's bed bouncing a little with enthusiasm.
"I really like it here! I can see why you always want to go home." Kagome smiled as she pulled out her pajamas.
"I'm glad you think so."
"Your family's so nice but your grandpa's a little scary." She laughed at that disappearing into her closet to change. "Kagome?"
"Yes?" The semi-closed door muffled her voice.
"Can I come here with you all the time?" Kagome re-emerged fastening the last few buttons.
"I don't know…"
"Please? Your mom said that I could." Kagome sat down next to him,
"We'll see. Let's just take things one-step at a time. I don't know how everyone would feel if I kept bringing a bunch of demons home with me."
"Souta and I get along great and your mom seems to like me."
"You really like it here, don't you?" She ruffled his hair.
"I'm having a lot of fun, everyone's so nice."
"Okay, I'll talk to mom about it. I guess it wouldn't hurt for you to come with me if everyone else is okay with it."
"Yay! Thank you, Kagome!" He snuggled into her pillow. "The beds of your era are so soft and comfortable." Kagome switched off the lights then went to the bed and pulled the covers back. With a sleepy yawn, she climbed in as well whole-heartedly agreeing.


********


"They're really getting along." Kagome watched Souta chatting with Shippo underneath the ancient tree. The ground at their feet was littered with random baseball gear.
"He sometimes gets a little lonely without you here." Her mother joined her at the window. "We all do."
"I'm sorry Mom." She lowered her head.
"Oh don't worry. We all know that what you're doing is very important." She smiled gently at Kagome patting her shoulder.
An excited shout drew their attention back to the window. Shippo was demonstrating his foxfire for Souta. Her mother laughed,
"I'm glad you brought Shippo along this time. He really is sweet."
"Yea, it just goes to show you that not all demons are scary or evil." A faint smile touched her lips as Shippo bowed grandly. "I've been worried about him lately. He always gets so sad when I leave, but now he's just as cheerful as ever." Souta took up the glove and ball and gestured toward the bat.
"It doesn't matter whether it's a demon or a human, all children need a parental figure to make them feel safe and loved. Being orphaned at such a young age, he must feel so insecure and alone." A faint crack announced that Shippo had managed to hit the ball. It went soaring in the air and they both watched its flight.
"I wish there was something I could do to make him feel better." Kagome said.
"You already are, he looks to you to fill that void in his life, Kagome."
"But is it enough?"
"You're doing a wonderful job, dear. All you have to do is love him unconditionally and the rest will take care of itself."
"Is that what you do?"
"Of course."
"Even when we drive you crazy?" Kagome grinned wryly.
"Even then. That's how unconditional love works." A flash of red in a distant tree caught her attention, an amber glow flashing at her from the foliage. Kagome looked at her mother, now was the time to confess. She bit her lip and clasped her hands together to keep them from fidgeting.
"Um Mom?"
"Yes dear?"
"Inu Yasha...I...um...we're..." Her mother's soft laughter stopped her jumbled words. She faced her daughter, her eyes shinning,
"I know dear."
"Really?" Kagome looked down, her face was feeling hot. "Is it really that obvious?"
"Of course. When someone is in love it really shows especially when that love is returned." Kagome chanced a look up at her mother's face. "Inu Yasha has been coming here a lot, hasn't he?" Her gaze moved to the window. Even at a distance she could tell he was watching her. Kagome nodded slowly, she could feel his amber gaze like a caress.
"He may be a bit rough around the edges, but I can tell that he loves you with all his heart."
"How can you tell?" Kagome was having a hard time pulling her gaze from the distant demon.
"It's the way he looks at you."
"The way he looks at me?"
"Yes, especially when he thinks that no one's watching him. And that's what matters most. So long as he truly loves you, I'm content." Kagome ripped her eyes from Inu Yasha.
"Really?"
"Of course, your happiness is what matters most!" She pulled Kagome into a tight hug. "I can remember those times I would catch you crying underneath that tree. I could tell that your heart was breaking but there was nothing I could do to help you." She released Kagome but still held her shoulders. "You have no idea how hard it is for a mother to see her child in pain and be helpless to make it better."
"So then you don't mind that we're together?"
"You're a very smart girl, I trust your judgment. So long as you're happy, I'm happy."
"Thanks Mom, you're the best." They hugged again.
"Just promise me that you won't let him whisk you away forever. We still need you here, you know."
"I promise." Her mother took her hand,
"Now we need to have a very important and long overdue mother-daughter talk." She led Kagome away with a brisk efficiency that would take no refusal.

*

A half-hour later, Kagome emerged from the house glowing like a tomato but feeling slightly relieved all the same. She walked around the grounds for a little bit until her blushes had cooled. That's when she found Inu Yasha lounging underneath a tree starring off into the distance. One arm was propped up by his bent knee and Tetsaiga was resting against his shoulder.
"Hey." Kagome sat down next to him.
"You sure look peaceful." Inu Yasha's eyes slid over to her.
"I am. I told Mom." His ears perked up. "And she's not only okay with it, but she's happy for me. Actually, I was right; she did know all along." The corners of his mouth tipped up.
"And your Grandfather?"
"He'll just have to live with it. So long as I have Mom on my side he won't do anything too drastic but I'd watch out if I were you; that won't stop him from trying."
"Feh let that old geezer do his worst." Inu Yasha pulled her into his arms, his hand pressing her head to rest against his chest. "I'm glad." He whispered. Kagome wrapped her arms around him.
"You know, it will be harder to…ah…'be' together now that everyone knows. Grandpa will come up with even more reasons to make sure that I'm not alone."
"Shippo's doing a good enough job of that on his own." Kagome chuckled giving him a squeeze,
"Getting frustrated?"
"You have no idea."
"It's only been a few nights."
"You really have no idea."
"Are all demons as sex crazed as you?"
"I'm not sexed crazed."
"It's only been a few nights," she repeated.
"It's your fault, you know."
"How's that?" She raised her head to look up into his eyes.
"You've gotten me addicted." He hooked his index finger underneath her chin. "I was doing just fine on my own and then you showed up and..." he leaned forward until his lips were just touching hers, "...now I just can't help myself." he drew her bottom lip into his mouth suckling it lightly. A tremor ran up her spine; no matter how many times she kissed him, it never lost the electric thrill of the first time.

Crack. A small white ball hit a near by tree with a thud then rolled a few feet toward them. Kagome pulled back an inch, already youthful voices could be heard advancing on them.
"Just a few more nights," she whispered. Inu Yasha groaned.


********

Exactly twenty hours, fifty-six minutes, and twenty-three seconds later; Kagome, with Shippo on her shoulder, heaved herself out of the well. Inu Yasha was already out scanning the area, his ears swiveling on his head.
"Anything wrong?" Kagome stood next to him.
"Shippo, go back to village and wait for us there."
"Why, is there something wrong? You might need my help."
"Just go!" He held up a fisted hand and glared at the little fox.
"Fine, fine, I'm going. You don't have to be so mean about it!" Shippo pouted.
"I'm sure it's nothing Shippo, let Sango and Miroku know that we're okay and we should be back soon." Kagome smiled at him.
"Okay, Kagome." He stuck his tongue out at Inu Yasha then plodded off hugging the little goodie-laden satchel her mother had given to him. Without preamble, Inu Yasha grabbed Kagome's wrist and half dragged her in the opposite direction.
"What's going on? Is there a demon nearby or something?"
"No." He altered his course slightly taking them even deeper into the forest. The foliage became thicker and more entwined leaving little room to walk.
"Then why are we out here?" Kagome tugged her arm a little to get him to slow down. Inu Yasha didn't respond keeping up his swift space.
"If you don't answer me then I'll s-word you." She threatened tugging harder against his hold. Inu Yasha stopped so abruptly that Kagome nearly fell over. She felt far from victorious, however, because his stop seemed to be planned rather than in reaction to her threat. His face an impassive mask, he scanned the area carefully for long moments. "I'm not kidding, tell me what's going on!" She stamped her foot. Inu Yasha's eyes finally shifted over to her and a slow, lupine grin spread over his face. "Inu Yasha?" He shifted his hold so that he was gripping her shoulders and slowly eased her backwards until she was pressed up against a tree.
"You really have no idea." His lips descended on hers with a fierce passion. There, in the shelter of the trees where no one could hear them, he proceeded to educate her.


********


Shippo entered the village humming to himself swinging the small satchel. He found Sango and Miroku lounging at a fence chatting quietly. Kirara was the first to spot him greeting him by chirping softly.
"Shippo, where have you been? We were getting worried." Sango said.
"I went with Kagome." He hopped up on the fence.
"You can pass through the well?" Miroku turned his attention from the slew of comely village maidens passing by.
"Yea, I just hid in her backpack."
"That's very interesting. I wonder if she can take anything back with her." He rubbed his chin.
"Getting ideas?" Sango put a hand on her hip.
"Not really. Why? Afraid that I will abandon you?" He grabbed her hand, "Fear not, I would never leave the side of such a beautiful maiden." Sango snatched back her hand and smacked his head.
"Knock it off will you? So where are Kagome and Inu Yasha?"
"They went off in the forest somewhere. Inu Yasha wouldn't tell me what was going on."
"Should we go look for them?" Sango turned toward Miroku.
"I think that they just needed time to themselves." He rubbed his head casting Sango an injured look.
"Ah... Well, come on Shippo, why don't you tell Kaede and I about your trip?" Leaving Miroku to nurse the growing bump on his head, they walked away.


________________________________________________________________________

*sigh* I was really trying for humor in this chapter but that damn drama slipped in again! I guess I'm just not that funny. Humor recommendations would be good along with the usual stuff! ;p
This chapter is courtesy of Kenkaya who suggested the idea of a better focus on Souta and Kagome's family relations, and another reviewer who suggested more attention on the cutest demon in all of Japan, Shippo. (sorry, I couldn't find your name on the review section! write me and I'll see that credit is given in the next chapter!) See, I do listen to you guys! Thanks as always for the great reviews and suggestions. The next chapter is on its way chock full of that drama that we love!