InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Soul Affinity ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

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

A/N – This story is now under revision.  This story contains spoilers of the manga for those of you who care about such things. The time frame is roughly right after manga 218, the part with Shiori, her father, and grandfather. If you only watch the anime, I believe it starts with episode 73. Please enjoy this meager offering into my take on Rumiko Takahashi's brilliant creation.
Rated for mild swearing and tame Miroku-isms. Rating will go up in later chapters.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi. I do not make any money from the writing and posting of this story.
Chapter One
"Whatever…I guess we can go, but we ain't gonna get comfortable." Inuyasha groused from the front of their little procession.

"I need to do some repairs on my weapon and that can take some time, Inuyasha." Sango bit out testily.

"Keh! You humans are just lazy!"

With graceful delivery and perfect timing, Miroku halted the downward swing of Hiraikotsu upon the back of the dog demon's head with his Shakujo and he cleared his throat, earning him a glare from the huntress. "Be that as it may, Inuyasha, I'm afraid I must agree with Sango on this. I know you are anxious to test out Tetsusaiga's new ability on Naraku's barrier, but we must be cautious. Part of being cautious is taking the time to recuperate and rest up."

Sango could practically feel Miroku's salacious leer and her shoulders reflexively tensed. Sure enough, he couldn't leave well enough alone, waggling his eyebrows as he looked sideways at her. "There are many forms of rest and relaxation, wouldn't you agree, Sango?"

The youkai huntress's expression became pinched, her hand tightening upon the strap of her weapon. Kirara mewed at the houshi from Sango's shoulder. It sounded suspiciously as though the tiny neko were laughing at him.

"Have a care, monk." Sango's voice had an edge of danger to it.

And of course, the houshi was only further entranced with the way her eyes flashed. Kagome shook her head in wonder as she watched the hand connect with Sango's posterior, squeezing greedily before the usual deprivation of consciousness at the hands of the huntress. At least she usually knocked him out…maybe she would go easy on him today.

*SLAP*

"PERVERT!"

Yep, this time he just got the smack to the face so he got to remain upright.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes in disgust at the sounds. He looked behind him, seeing the familiar hand print on the lecher's face. Sango was growling like an angry bear, trying unsuccessfully to regain her rumpled dignity in the wake of being groped. What had the hanyou shaking his head in disbelief was the serene smile upon the monk's face as he reeled from the slayer's wrath.

Inuyasha scoffed derisively. "You fucking idiot…one of these days she won't hold back…and she'll knock your head off for real."

"Worth the pain, my dear friend, worth the pain," Miroku slurred comically.

Sango snorted, though she did cast a couple of sneaky glances at the hentai directly after delivering his punishment. She was beet red from embarrassment but there was a hint of a sparkle in her eyes that she just couldn't hide. She was irritated that Miroku seemed unwilling to do anything beyond his attempts at groping. If that was his idea of wooing her, well, he was facing an uphill battle. She 'harumphed' uncharitably and continued on with her head held high, pretending to ignore the one man who had the uncanny ability to ruffle her feathers and make her heart pound with excitement.

The unusually quiet priestess had been observing them all and she smiled in amusement at the bizarre courtship that took place between her two friends. If Miroku could get through it without sustaining permanent brain damage, he may just get Sango to bear him those coveted children one day.

Kagome snickered as Miroku appeared to be shaking the cobwebs loose in his head. After all, Sango clocked him pretty good this time. Remarkably, Shippo had managed to sleep through the entire groping session and subsequent beating. She elbowed Sango, her eyes glinting merrily.

"Miroku…"

"Yes, Kagome-sama?" his red cheek made her snort even more with amusement as he worked his jaw to assure it wasn't broken. Even Sango couldn't resist an faint smirk.

"Do you realize that Shippo didn't even wake up when Sango beat you up for your hentai ways?" she pointed to the kitsune curled up on his shoulder. Sango cast the monk a baleful stare.

Miroku glanced at the sleeping fox and shrugged. "I imagine he is simply exhausted from our journeying. After all, the lack of any sufficient break in our quest is bound to wear him out." His voice sounded overly loud…as if he were trying to hint rather pointedly at something that should be obvious to a certain half demon.

"Save your whining for someone who cares, bouzu…only reason the runt is still asleep is because Sango beating the living shit out of you is pretty much an hourly occurrence...he's used to it." Inuyasha glanced back with a mocking tilt to one brow.

The girls giggled as Inuyasha's assessment was right on target.

Miroku cleared his throat and smoothed the front of his robes, casting sideways glances at Sango. "Inuyasha, I am positive you are exaggerating." He winked at her, thrilling on the inside with how her cheeks pinked in a pretty blush.

Inuyasha snorted rudely. "You know…happens so often, it's just one of those things we tune out after a while…."The dog demon pantomimed the monk's groping and slapped himself across the face, his expression one of exaggerated pain, causing Kagome to squeal a delighted laugh at his unexpected show of humor. He tossed back a quick crooked grin at her as they laughed at Miroku's expense and the monk pretended to sputter indignantly. As quickly as it had come, however, the hanyou's light humor was gone again. Kagome's heart was still beating a mile a minute in the wake of Inuyasha's unheard of display of humor and levity and that smile he'd just flashed her. Gods…it's insane what he does to me…even with just a smile…maybe it's because…a genuine smile from him is so rare… She filed it away to chew on at a later time, though it was easier said than done. He was devastating to her senses when he surprised her with looks like that.  And the fact that he’d been doing it more often lately was even more distracting.

Although Miroku's antics never ceased to entertain her, Kagome had been watching Inuyasha closely ever since they'd left the decimated village where the little half demon Shiori and her mother resided. She could not get the whole encounter out of her mind…especially the way Inuyasha seemed more serious and reserved than normal since then. Not that he would ever admit anything if asked…but Kagome noticed. The little girl Shiori had also made an impression on Inuyasha…not just because she was hanyou like him, but Kagome sensed also she had spoken to his human side….the side of himself he tried so hard to ignore. She wanted to make his life easier and she didn't know how to do that. She chewed on her lip thoughtfully as she watched the dog demon.

"Feh! The sooner we get there the quicker we can leave and get back to the business of hunting Naraku!" Inuyasha growled, scanning the distant tree line. Sniffing the air for a second, he turned to look at the others, all traces of the previous light heartedness gone. "I'm going to scout ahead and make sure there aren't any squatters…and if there are, I'll take care of them." And with that he bounded off ahead, leaving the rest to catch up. Kagome sighed, knowing he would only dispatch rogue youkai if he found them, and not humans…she just hoped there weren't any humans there. She did not worry about any humans' safety if Inuyasha were to come upon them…she worried about him. She knew he could hold his own against prejudiced humans…but a part of her cried out against him even having to. She wanted to protect him from that indignity ever happening. Mobs could be so cruel…the memory of the little hanyou girl's mother being beaten by her fellow villagers made her stomach turn. She fell into step beside Sango as she readjusted the strap of her backpack, which at this point was noticeably empty, as she was almost completely out of all of her supplies.

"I'm rather taken aback with Inuyasha's mannerisms today. Not sure if I've ever seen him to crack a joke in all the time I've known him." Miroku remarked mildly, still smarting from the dog demon's accurate assessment of his…ailment.

Kagome sighed as she took her pack off of her shoulder, still walking but looking inside mournfully. "He's just…" she trailed off as she rifled through her meager belongings.

Miroku and Sango looked at her expectantly though they kept walking. Sango prompted, "He's just what, Kagome?"

The priestess sighed and tossed her lightened pack over her shoulder again, having found a bottle of water, tossing the pain reliever back with a swig. She'd had a persistent headache for the past week now, but she assumed it was just because she hadn't slept very well. She wordlessly offered the water bottle to her friends. Sango took a grateful drink before passing it to Miroku. "I don't know how to explain it…it's like…he seems different ever since…" she frowned, as if unsure if she sounded crazy, "ever since he got the Red Tetsusaiga."

Miroku took a drink and pondered this, twirling the cap back on the bottle, handing it back to Kagome. "The Red Tetsusaiga? Does this have to do with that little half demon child?"

She waved her hands, dismissing it, not wanting to say anything else. She didn't want to bring up Shiori…something told her that the mention of that little half demon girl would hit a bit too close to home for Inuyasha and she didn't want Miroku and Sango to bring it up to him because of her needless and really, if she thought hard about it, NAMELESS worry. What was this, anyway? Why is he so heavy on my heart? It's like…I ache for him…in a way I never have. Could it be I am somehow…could it be only because he seems to…notice me more? She shook her head, arguing with herself. Nah…I am worrying over nothing.

She smiled brightly at the two. "I really don't know, Miroku. I wish I did." She replied honestly. "I just know something is different." She furrowed her brow and fiddled with a strap on her backpack, hating how lame that sounded. She looked back up, noticing Shippo was stirring. Miroku steadied the little guy so he wouldn't fall. She continued with a sigh.

"All I know is Inuyasha does seem like he is preoccupied…." She said almost to herself.

They all walked on, relieved that the empty exterminator village was less than half an hour away. Shippo yawned hugely and muttered with a snort, "And always in a bad mood…"

Kagome shot him a reproachful look. "Shippo, he is not…and anyway, you don't even know what we were talking about."

The kitsune looked at Kagome with a wounded expression, not accustomed to her directing her ire at him. He sniffed petulantly, "He's always in a bad mood with me!"

Kagome huffed in exasperation, not in the mood for the hanyou and kitsune to get into one of their childish little fights once they arrived at the exterminator village. A voice in the back of her head pointed out that Shippo would likely not have near as much trouble with Inuyasha if the kit would just use common sense. The possibility occurred to her in a flash of insight that the kit only acted that way when she was around to 'protect' him from the hanyou, not that Inuyasha would actually hurt him. She pressed her fingertips to her temples, the headache radiating across her forehead insistently. She blew a sigh through her bangs, her gaze settling on the same trees that the hanyou had just been looking toward. Something was bothering Inuyasha, and some part of her wanted to protect him from further irritation.

"That may be, Shippo, but it takes two to carry on the way you guys do…"

Obstinately, the fox refused to take responsibility for starting any of the scuffles. "He's far bigger than me. He should know better!" He sat up straight on Miroku's shoulder and crossed his little arms.

Kagome winced to have her own words parroted back at her, annoyed with Shippo and feeling guilty for BEING annoyed with him. He was only a child, after all. Ah, that is why he's always getting away with so much, isn't it? I am always making excuses for him, letting him behave like a little terror because he's small. Perhaps I have been wrong to do that. She turned to face the little fox, still perched on the shoulder of the monk. Walking backwards, she pointed at Shippo with a motherly grin.

"You know better, too, don't you Shippo?" she challenged him, half teasing, half serious.

Miroku snorted. "Of course he does! But it is difficult to resist poking at Inuyasha when he makes it so effortlessly easy." Shippo guffawed, but Miroku was watching him closely, as if thinking on something.

"He does walk right into it...like he practically begs for Kagome to SIT him!" the kit hooted, nearly falling off of Miroku's shoulder giggling. A fierce gleam lit the kit's eyes. "Inuyasha really does have a problem with his temper. He should work on that." Shippo gave a sage nod, appearing a bit too smug for her comfort level. The houshi cocked an eyebrow, a knowing expression passing his features as he eyed Shippo speculatively. Kagome did not miss that flash of irony that lit his eyes.

Kagome frowned at them both, huffing and looking away as she walked a bit ahead. She did not like the way they spoke so casually about Inuyasha's anger management issues. Why was it bothering her so much now? It was true! He did act unhinged a lot of the time! Sometimes he reacted like a cornered, irate, unreasonable, enraged…dog demon. She groaned. So why was she so bothered by this?  Why was she suddenly feeling like coming to his defense?

She was the one who osuwari’d him so much. She shook her head, pushing aside that uncomfortable bit of truth that had been nagging her conscience as of late.  And besides!  She’d really REALLY cut back on the number of osuwaris she said, hadn’t she? She would think about that later. Biting her lip, she surprised herself with a low growl. Who is anyone else to judge Inuyasha for how he reacts to things? His intentions are honorable! ….wait a minute…where did THAT come from? Kagome sighed at the tumult her thoughts had become. Hopefully she would be able to make better sense of her worry over Inuyasha tomorrow. Her mind kept going back to her conversation with Shiori…but she shook her head, trying to clear her mind….it was all so confusing.   She could not get the face of that sweet child out of her mind…

*flashback*

Even though the heirloom of the bats had been broken, Kagome sat on the beach with the small girl, shrouded in a barrier of perfect peace and protection. Kagome let her eyes drop closed. She felt light and free of any cares and was only vaguely aware that her friends awaited her some distance away with Shiori's mother. She'd been perplexed when the child had lead her away from the others without explanation but she saw no reason not to comply. She distantly wondered how the shimmering aura blanketing them was even possible. Hadn't the Blood Jewel that had contained the youki of all the past protectors been broken? How was it that Shiori's aura still hummed with so much power?

"Shiori…will you and your mom be ok?" the question immediately sounded stupid to her own ears; she didn't know what else to say the silence was awkward to her. The little girl smiled at her, her face radiating a joy that was not there before.

"He left me his gift. I am strong."

Kagome frowned, not understanding. Her thoughts were still lingering on the horror of the Hyakki Bat Tribe they had faced earlier that day. "Who? What gift?"

The little hanyou gazed into Kagome's eyes. She breathed deeply and looked at the hanyou with wide eyes. Shiori murmured:

"As Inuyasha has always protected you, so you shall also protect him."

*end flashback*

Kagome sucked in a breath as the details of that moment came back to her in a rush. Protect him? How? She was befuddled, not sure how she could possibly provide Inuyasha with protection of any kind.  And it wasn’t like he’d even want her to! She was a clumsy human that more often than not got herself into trouble, only compounded by the fact that she carried Shikon shards that inexplicably attracted power hungry youkai, eager to rip her to shreds for the power of the jewel. Her archery skills were mediocre at best and the idea of her wielding a close combat weapon such as a sword was laughable. How could she possibly protect HIM when she could barely take care of herself? She scoffed at that notion. The child's words to her on that day had rang out in her soul, but intellectually, they made no sense to her and now that she was thinking about it, she was even more troubled. She smiled faintly at the remembrance of Shiori, so innocent and untainted by the ugliness of the world, even after enduring the prejudice of her evil kin.

Had Inuyasha been that way as a child? Had he ever been idealistic, trusting? Someplace in a tender breakable part of herself, she knew in great detail that he had.

She tried to imagine what Shiori would be like as an adult if life continued the way it is bound to for her. Images of that angelic, innocent face kept filtering through her mind, time passing, and before she could halt the images, she saw Shiori as a hardened, embittered individual, lonely and jaded…and all because she had to be that way, to protect herself from those who would tear her apart; all because of her heritage. It was shameful and the thought of it made Kagome's heart break. Her fists balled up and rage coursed through her as she thought of Taigokumaru's hateful and disgraceful treatment of his granddaughter. He'd killed his own son just because he'd loved a human woman! Why were youkai so dreadful to their family? She thought of Sesshomaru and her heart constricted. He rejected Inuyasha for being half human, when he should have EMBRACED him for being his brother. The horrible reality of it hit her like a thunderclap and the weight of the sorrow nearly drove her to her knees.

They aren't all like that! Look at Shiori's father, Tsukuyomaru! Inuyasha's father! They were compassionate to humans…wanted to protect them…died protecting them…

She stifled a choked sob and covered her face.

Inuyasha…

Sango and Miroku stopped short next to her, the slayer placing a hand on her shoulder. "Kagome? What is wrong?" Her face was etched with worry and Shippo leaped from Miroku's shoulder to cling to Kagome.

The priestess fanned her face with one hand while the other held the kitsune close, taking comfort in his familiar warmth. What is wrong with me? I can't tell them all of this crashing through my mind! I have no idea what the deal is with me! I need to pull myself together before I seriously lose it! She smiled lamely and let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm sorry guys…I must be short on sleep or something. It's making me feel like I'm losing my mind. Nothing a good snooze won't fix!" She assured them with fake cheeriness.

They looked at each other and back at the priestess, dubious that she was really alright.

Kagome pretended to yawn and stretch as she pointed to the village off in the distance. "Look we are almost there! Knowing Inuyasha, he'll probably already be lounging in a tree." The tone of her voice made it clear that she didn't wish to elaborate any further on her weird outburst of crying. The others shrugged and continued on.

Sango rubbed the back of her neck, trying to loosen stiff muscles. It was clear she was tense about coming to her old home which held so many horror filled memories. "Almost there…" she muttered, recognizing her surroundings. Kirara mewed from her shoulder, nudging her cheek.

Kagome turned and smiled at the slayer encouragingly, thankful for the quick subject change. "We are all here with you Sango, you never have to be alone again." she murmured. Sango relaxed a bit and smiled back at her friend, appreciative of the miko's words.

"Thank you Kagome…I suppose it will always be painful to an extent. It's so good to have you all with me." She surreptitiously wiped a tear and turned her head in an attempt to hide the inevitable emotion.

Miroku sidled up to her and rubbed his chin, glancing sideways at the woman who inhabited his every dream and waking fantasy. "Kagome speaks the truth, my dear….you are not alone." He frowned as he noticed her tears and remarkably, his cursed hand halted its trajectory for her backside. Somehow, he sensed now was not the time to let his proclivities overcome his better judgment. His cheek still stung from earlier, but that was not and had never been a deterrent to his wandering hand. Indeed, if he were to be completely honest with himself, he would admit that he shuddered in awed admiration at her sparking fury. He smiled benignly down at her and she looked up at him, surprise evident on her face. Miroku mused as he rubbed his chin, Well, if anything, she's been diverted from her melancholy for a moment, if her inquisitive countenance is any indication. All in all, worthwhile.

"Who are you, and what have you done with houshi-sama?" she asked, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she walked, looking straight ahead. She hurriedly dashed her hand under her eye, wiping the stray tears of sadness. She was inwardly shocked that he had restrained himself from groping her this time. His restraint makes me want him to do it now. She scowled momentarily as she hurriedly amended her wayward thoughts, blushing furiously. His restraint ALMOST makes me want him to do it.

Shippo sighed. "Yeah really…it's been well over ten minutes since you've had to smack him, Sango…I think something is off with the hentai houshi." Kagome snorted, temporarily distracted from her thoughts. Mirokus's jaw dropped in abject effrontery. He was also taken aback whenever the kitsune would up and spout off something so…adult. He glared at Shippo, wondering just how old he really was. The kit looked wide-eyed and innocent.

"My dear Sango…I assure you, I am still the same wise and indispensible man of the cloth that you all know and love." He replied, knowing full well why she asked. She snorted rudely, but the sparkle was back in her eyes.

"Riiiight…" Sango drawled, catching Kagome's eye as the miko looked back at them, giggling. She too had been expecting Sango's palm to connect with Miroku's cheek when she noticed him sidling up beside her. The fact that it did not happen was certainly an oddity, though judging by the look on Sango's face, she could not say it was a bad thing at all. Grinning to herself she hastened her steps when she caught sight of a flash of red and silver near the exterminator village.

The fire had died down a bit and they were all drowsy and full from the dinner Inuyasha had provided. He'd hunted down a large stag once he'd scouted the deserted village, determining the area safe for them to stay for the time being. After they had skinned, drained, quartered, and cooked a shoulder it was well past nightfall. Sango and Kagome prepared the remainder of the meat to smoke into jerky. That way the kill would serve them for many days to come; a good thing too, as Kagome's supplies were completely depleted. They chatted about this and that, enjoying each other's company. Kagome would occasionally look at Inuyasha behind her and offer a shy smile. He'd blush and look away, his contemplative scowl deepening.

Miroku sat against the wall of the hut they occupied, his eyes closed as if meditating. Inuyasha sat against the opposite wall, Tetsusaiga leaning against his shoulder. Once Kagome turned back to her task, his topaz gaze would once again go back to taking in the way the light from the fire highlighted her onyx hair. Shippo was fidgeting, eyeing Kagome's near empty backpack, as if willing it to produce the bounty he desired. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the kit.

"Kagome, I want some pocky!" his childish voice rang out above the soft chatter of the women. Kagome looked down at Shippo and smiled indulgently, leaning down to nuzzle the top of his head, since her hands were currently quite messy from cutting up meat.

"I'm sorry Shippo, I am totally out of pretty much everything! As soon as I am able to go back home, I will refresh my supplies and get you some pocky, ok?"

"Keh! He doesn't need that crap." Inuyasha interjected, his voice little more than a rumble.

Kagome raised a brow at him, wiping her hands on a rag. "Oh? And I suppose you don't really need any ramen, either!" she teased.

"Oi, wench!" Inuyasha looked momentarily terrified at the so-called threat and his ears flattened against his skull. Kagome giggled merrily.

"I'll make a note to let my mother know not to buy any more ramen for you, Inuyasha…since you don't 'need any of that crap'." She sing-songed, throwing his words back at him, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she sent him a mischievous smirk, her eyes sparkling. What is my deal? Am I…flirting?

Inuyasha's breath caught at the sight. She was so lovely and it was difficult to maintain his usual mask of aloofness in the presence of such beauty. Her delicious scent slammed into his face as she tossed her hair over her shoulder and he had to marvel at the coincidental action. It was one of the things a bitch would do to get the attention of a male she desired, but surely there was no way Kagome would ascribe the same significance to that action as he would. She was a human woman with no possible knowledge of inuyoukai instinctual behaviors. He pushed that thought aside. He loved it when she was sassy and teasing like this, which wasn't often. Her innocent modesty and girlish bashfulness would never allow it…what changed? She'd done it once or twice, but only when they were alone and he honestly didn't believe she was doing anything deliberate. The fact that she was bold enough to show this preference for him in front of others puffed up his ego. To inuyoukai, for a bitch to behave this way for a male was a blatant invitation that she wished to be pursued, that she found him worthy. She is only ever this way with me, isn't she? His youkai rumbled, pleased with her display.  Regardless of her awareness of youkai behavior, if he wasn't mistaken, from a human perspective, it seemed as if she was definitely flirting. He shifted on the floor, his eyes never leaving her, watching her every movement, intense and focused.

Inuyasha's face flushed again in response to her continued teasing and he sputtered. "I didn't say that! Ramen and pocky aren't the same." He huffed, as if he were an authority on all types of processed ninja food from the future.

Kagome giggled, tossed the dirty rag at the hanyou, and nearly purred, "Silly dog-boy."

He caught it easily in one hand and curled his lip in a rapacious snarl, showing one fang, just for her. Without meaning to, Inuyasha let out a low woof of appreciation at her bold flirtation; luckily it was so low the humans couldn't hear it. The kit, however, shot him a mutinous glare. He ignored it and flashed his fangs at Kagome again. Much to his great satisfaction, she blushed and bit her lip, looking down. And as if he were not already distracted enough by Kagome, when she looked down, she inadvertently bared the graceful expanse of her slender neck. His mouth watered and he swallowed hard…tamping down on the urge to toss her over his shoulder and take her somewhere, covering every inch of her body in his scent, marking her as his bitch. He looked away, his jaw clenching as Kagome continued her task, oblivious to the havoc she wrought over his sanity. Her scent wafted over and around him, tormenting him.

It had never been like this before. He'd always wanted her, but he'd always been able to shove his feelings for Kagome aside easily because she was simply out of his league, clueless as to what he really was…or so he’d always told himself.  He'd never felt right about indulging in the delectation that was Higurashi Kagome. And it had been easy to resist before because he'd never really seen her before. He'd been comfortable letting his obligation to Kikyo and his memories to who she was in life drive a wedge between himself and the miko from the future.  He had an obligation to avenge Kikyo’s death. He felt responsible for her death, and so as such he owed it to her to follow her to Hell upon the defeat of Naraku. Kagome had even made it easy for him to have her near without having to make any hard decisions! She'd promised to never leave his side regardless of his choice to follow through with his promise to Kikyo…even though deep in his heart, he did not cling to that promise for the reasons everyone thought.  If he were to be totally honest with himself, he’d admit that he used Kikyo as an excuse to keep Kagome away, to hold her at a distance…because he didn’t have the willpower or the balls to tell her the REAL reason he was terrified to let her near him.

Kagome had been there…dependable as the sunrise, in need of his constant protection, pure, innocent, and naïve.

It had been easy to forget that she was the most beautiful and desirable woman he'd ever known. Some part of him had always insisted that she was off limits, not for him to touch. She was far too good for him. The fact that she was a human woman effectively barred him from communicating the depth of his feelings for her…for the simple reason that he was incapable of voicing those feeling in the way a human would understand…or so he told himself.

He inwardly groaned. He knew she cared for him…but now, apparently, she wanted him as well. And her body language… Where did she LEARN that? …her body language and mannerisms, her scent…gods, he was going to lose his mind if she kept this up. Now all of a sudden he had no idea how to deal with her.

He realized with a jolt what this entire exchange represented. She was telling him she wanted him…in his youkai language…and he in turn had without hesitation and without pretense told her the same thing. He didn't think she was aware of what had just happened, but he sure as hell was. Now, the big problem was, trying to go on as if everything were normal.

Oh fuck me.

She hummed softly to herself as she knelt on all fours, cleaning up the mess they'd made cutting up the deer, and Inuyasha's eyes widened at the sight. Good gods is she TRYING to drive me out of my mind? Does she have any idea that she has basically issued an invitation? And for her to get on her hands and knees like that…Kami, it's like…she knows what to do…He babbled to himself inwardly like this as his eyes nearly popped out of his skull. That school uniform was so delightfully, sinfully indecent…he could never find it within himself to inform her of just how little that skirt left to the imagination. He thought he would probably cry if she ever figured it out. Her legs were endlessly long, always bare for him to admire, had haunted him from the first day he'd met her. They were shapely and strong, disappearing beneath that absurdly short skirt that teased him with flaring hips that were perfect for birthing his offspring…

Yeah…those legs cause way too many wet dreams.

Inuyasha squeezed his eyes shut for an instant as that last thought invaded his mind and when he opened them she was once again sitting down, those shapely legs tucked under her, still grinning at him, her cheeks flushed and eyes glittering with a brightness he'd never seen before.

Hells…I am so fucked.

Miroku for once chose to be discreet as he hid his knowing smirk. Sango caught his eye and grinned in the direction of the hanyou and priestess. She swallowed hard when she noticed the way Inuyasha was staring at Kagome. Her eyes darted back to Miroku and his eyes hooded at the sight of her blush.

Shippo was still glaring at the dog demon. He'd heard that sound Inuyasha had made, voicing his desire for Kagome, even if it was in his inu language, well out of the hearing of the humans. It wasn't that Shippo disapproved of such a match…he just didn't want to get forgotten! He did not like the way Inuyasha was able to divert Kagome's attention so easily. It wasn't fair! "What do you care if Kagome brings me pocky? You just wanna be mean for no good reason!"

Inuyasha's chest rumbled in a low warning timbre, a clear message that the kit would do well to heed. Shippo puffed out his chest in a comical display as if to challenge the hanyou. Inuyasha rolled his eyes in annoyance, not at all appreciative to have his pleasant, wandering thoughts about Kagome interrupted with one of Shippo's tantrums.

"Quiet, runt…before I shut you up myself." His voice was controlled and he didn't yell. Kagome immediately picked up on the fact that he didn't hit the kitsune on the head like he normally would have and would have been his right. She sensed he was reigning in his irritation at the blatant and overt display of disrespect by a low ranking member of the pack. Kagome frowned. Say WHAT? Did I just think that? Lower ranking….what? Shippo was just a child and all those times Inuyasha had…he was wrong to hit him….She shook her head in an effort to clear her muddled thoughts. She had a sudden flash of inspiration and her face lit up. She stepped outside and quickly rinsed her hands of the deer blood and came back inside, crouched down, and rummaged through her mostly empty yellow backpack. Inuyasha and Shippo watched her, the kit's face hopeful and the hanyou's face schooled to appear totally bored, though he was watching her every move.

Kagome beamed happily and she withdrew a somewhat crumpled bag of pork rinds. All of them, even Shippo, made a face at the sight of the snack. Inuyasha was the only one of their group who liked the disgusting snack food. Why her mother had packed them that one time was a mystery, but ever since then, Inuyasha had demanded she keep the heart attack inducing snack food handy at all times.

Shippo pouted and plopped down on the floor, still glaring at the half demon. Inuyasha brightened and happily accepted the offering from Kagome, favoring her with a rare, roguish grin that made her heart flutter. He smirked at the kit as he tore into the bag, stuffing pork rinds into his mouth noisily.

"Thanks, wench." He mumbled around his mouthful.

Kagome blushed, surprised that he'd said thank you. "You are welcome, Inuyasha." She was pleased that she had been able to make him happy…even if it were just over a tiny thing like a bag of pork rinds. She turned back to the others and smiled wearily. Everyone looked like they could use a good night's sleep, though little did she know how riveted Sango and Miroku had been by the little display of flirting. The priestess and hanyou had been totally oblivious. Sango sighed wistfully. Oh to have a man be in love with me like that…

Miroku watched as Sango got up, finally finished with her task, and disappeared outside to clean her hands. She reappeared and giggled at Inuyasha's unadulterated display of bliss as he devoured the revolting snack food. She caught Miroku's eye and sat next to him, tucking her legs under her.

"We should see about getting cleaned up, Sango…it's getting late," Kagome said around a yawn. She reached inside her backpack and tugged out her sleeping bag, unrolling it and then getting her bathing items and a towel that she noticed with a grimace needed to be washed. It was time for a trip to the well, she just hoped Inuyasha would be agreeable. She chanced a glance at him, still crunching away. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed his glowing amber eyes locked on her. …and still staring at me…oh kami…

"Yes indeed…I want to get up early to get started on Hiraikotsu," she glanced at Miroku who offered her a crooked albeit weary smile. "You guys can use the spring after us." Sango declared imperiously. Miroku cleared his throat.

"You know I will come running should you need…assistance, my fair Sango," Miroku crooned, his eyes still closed meditatively. He was obviously teasing and Sango knew it, which was why she volleyed back without missing a beat.

"I'll keep that in mind, Houshi-sama, though don't hold your breath." Kagome raised a brow at Sango, stifling a giggle.

Shippo, meanwhile, was not happy….not at ALL. Not only did he not get any treats, candy or pocky, but Inuyasha had ended up getting something instead…plus all of Kagome's attention! Still sulking, Shippo decided now would be the perfect time to illustrate just how much of a bully Inuyasha was. It did not enter into Shippo's mind that his instincts were urging him to challenge the hanyou. After all, Kagome had never REALLY deferred to Inuyasha in the way she was suddenly doing now. She was treating him like her equal…and in Shippo's mind, the dog demon still had to prove his worthiness to be Alpha along with Kagome. Not that the little kitsune would ever admit it…but he desperately wanted Inuyasha to do just that. He glowered at Inuyasha, still happily munching, and a shadow of guilt passed over the fox's mind as he fleetingly noticed the rare contentment that permeated Inuyasha's aura. He angrily shoved that thought aside in favor of garnering as much attention as he possibly could. Before the girls could make their exit to go have their baths, the fox child had snatched the half empty bag of pork rinds from the happily snacking Inuyasha. Things happened rather quickly from there.

"What the-…give that back, runt!" the hanyou roared indignantly. He leaped up and chased the agile kitsune around the fire two or three times before finally catching him by the tail. He noticed absently that Kagome was watching all of this, frozen by the door flap, looking none too pleased. He growled, expecting to be sat at any second.

"Let go of me! Ka-GOME!" Shippo squealed, waiting for her to come to the rescue. He pointed accusingly at Inuyasha. "He won't share!"

"You don't even like pork rinds, you little pest!" he snarled, holding Shippo up by the tail, and easily snatching his bag of pork rinds from the squirming youth. Inuyasha thumped him soundly on the head, a pained look crossing his handsome face for a split second. The fox child wailed theatrically.

"Owwwww! You big meanie! What'd I ever do to you?"

Inuyasha let out a sigh that morphed into a growl of frustration as he dropped the brat, resigned that he would be picking dirt from his teeth for the rest of the night. It had never mattered if he'd ever done anything to the kit or not…the end result was always the same. He waited with a wince for the inevitable 'sit' to issue forth from Kagome,

It never came.

Kagome knelt down to where Shippo was sniffling and crying on the floor. She looked up at Inuyasha and he was shocked that there was not a trace of rebuke in her expression. If anything, she seemed…apologetic? What the hell? Inuyasha cocked his head in confusion. He wondered briefly if the rosary was broken and had somehow fallen off, but a quick glance down confirmed that it was still right where it always was. He wasn't about to look a gift miko in the mouth, however and wisely selected to keep his opinions about bratty complaining little runts to himself for the time being.

Kagome spoke soothingly. "Shippo, if you have a problem, you know you can always come talk to me about it."

"Inuyasha was being mean to me!" he bawled, his little body trembling with emotions that he didn't know how to deal with. Chief among them was the jealousy he felt over the strengthening bond he sensed forming between the woman he saw as his mother and Inuyasha.

"Keh!" Inuyasha was easing as unobtrusively as possible out of the hut, but not without looking at Kagome with a puzzled expression. He looked as if he were set to run, in order to escape the range of the subduing spell, but he stopped short just outside the hut as he listened to Kagome's words to Shippo. Miroku calmly watched the exchange, along with Sango. They looked at each other in surprise at this strange new behavior coming from Kagome. She always sat Inuyasha when he and Shippo argued…no matter who was at fault. The fault much of the time fell upon Shippo for deliberately antagonizing the hanyou. Kagome had always said that since Inuyasha was bigger, he should know better. Sango had always secretly thought Shippo got away with far too much in the way of his behavior, and he used his size to taunt the half demon into getting sat. She watched in satisfaction as Kagome spoke with the kit.

Kagome glanced at Inuyasha as he passed and then looked down at Shippo, taking him in her arms hoping to calm him. She sighed. "Shippo, he was not mean to you. In fact, he'd only been sitting there minding his own business when you grabbed the pork rinds from him. Why did you do that?" Her voice was gentle but firm.

Shippo looked up at Kagome with wide, shining eyes that threatened to spill over again. She had never spoken to him in this way before. Plus she didn't sit Inuyasha for hitting him! He burst into tears, thinking she didn't love him anymore. "He-he-he-hit me" he hiccupped and sobbed, confused by his strong emotions and the feelings of possessiveness he felt toward Kagome. She sighed and stroked his head.

"Shippo…you were provoking him…on purpose. Do you understand what that means?"

Sango and Miroku glanced at each other with faint looks of approval with the way Kagome was handling this situation.

Shippo rubbed his eyes furiously with his tiny fists and looked down in shame, refusing to meet her gaze. "Y-y-yes…I was mad that you gave him a treat, but not me." His voice was so soft she could barely hear it.

She shot Sango and Miroku a helpless look and then made the kitsune look up at her, forcing his chin up with her finger. "Listen sweetie…I know Inuyasha can seem harsh and angry at times. He has many worries that we just don't understand. We know he'll always protect us, no matter what, so let's try and give him a break, ok?" Her voice was gentle and loving as she hugged the fox child. Her words sounded strange to her ears…usually she would be first to agree with the kitsune regarding Inuyasha's quick temper. But now this sentiment just felt right. She grinned at him. "You know I would have given you some pocky if I'd had it, right?"

He finally sighed and allowed a wan smile. "Yeah, I know you would…you always do." He wasn't quite sure what to make of Kagome's sudden need to defend Inuyasha's volatile nature but he was far too tired to dig any deeper tonight. He yawned, his tiny fangs flashing in the dim firelight. "I'm sorry, Kagome." He murmured softly, still sniffling. She kissed his forehead but looked at him pointedly.

"Tomorrow you can apologize to Inuyasha, ok?"

Shippo frowned at her for a moment and then finally sighed again. "Ok, Kagome." He sounded defeated and it wrenched at her heart but she knew it was a long overdue discussion.

"That's my boy…sleep well." And with those words the miko gently tucked the fox child into her sleeping bag, unaware of the tiny smile of satisfaction he wore for still being allowed to share her bed. And he knew for a fact that it was a privilege Inuyasha certainly didn't have.

Inuyasha could hear everything Kagome said to the kitsune and he was stunned. It was just a bag of pork rinds…but to have her, Kagome, validate him like that…It made his insides feel all squishy and odd. She's protecting me…she's standing up for me…He snorted at himself at that thought. He didn't need anyone defending him to a pipsqueak like Shippo! But it's not about Shippo so much as it's about the way SHE is being with me, isn't it? It made him want to loosen up a bit, let down some of these walls he'd worked so hard to build up over the years. He sighed as he thought of the little guy and realized he was likely feeling threatened. When the runt comes to talk to me tomorrow, I should give him a break too. He let out a self deprecating grunt at that unbidden thought.

The past couple of days, ever since they'd left Shiori and her mother...Kagome had been different. Inuyasha hadn't known what to make of it. There was something elemental that was…unsettling about her. His youkai and his human side both separately recognized it…not as a threat but certainly worth noting. Her behavior made him feel wild…alive…powerful. It had just been her way with him. Like tonight, the way she put Shippo in his place, in not so many words affirming the half demon's dominance and that she unquestionably deferred to him as her Alpha…it stirred him on a primal level. It called to both sides of him, human and demon. It scared him and it exhilarated him all at the same time.

Her body language alone demonstrated that she believed in him…and instead of sitting him, like had been her reaction so many times in the past, she defended him…

Inuyasha shivered at the implications. Where she had been so naïve when he'd first met her, now it was as if she were fully aware of him. He couldn't nail it down, but it was there.

She soothed his spirit, calmed his youkai.

It was as if she were seeing something new and different when she looked at him now, and the angry, lonely side of him wanted no part of it. Oh, there was no doubt about it…she stirred his soul and excited him…it was just the fact that he KNEW instinctively that she was now effortlessly capable of seeing every single little thing about him. His pride, his inner asshole… didn't like that one bit. The dog demon sighed and peered out into the night, knowing that by now, his companions would be fast asleep. Even when she slept she baffled him. He snorted softly at himself. Face it, you baka…that girl has ALWAYS confused you.

Unable to resist the draw of being near her scent, he dropped silently to the ground and made his way to the hut the group was using. Once inside, he settled himself against the wall, not far from where Kagome slept, huddled under the sleeping bag with the kitsune. He leaned his head against the wall, Tetsusaiga within his embrace and staring unseeing into the dying embers of the fire. His nostrils flared as her scent surrounded him. Yes, it was mingled with that of the others, but that did not bother him at all. They were his pack. His family.

Without warning, Tetsusaiga pulsed gently. Inuyasha froze. What the hells…?

As if in response to the Fang, Kagome shifted in her sleep, moaning softly, her head falling to the side facing him. He watched her, transfixed, the sounds she made causing a low growl to rattle in his chest. The Fang made no other overtures yet Inuyasha new in his gut there was no danger. Something was happening between Kagome and Tetsusaiga.

He frowned, wondering what it could mean. It wasn't such a stretch that perhaps Tetsusaiga would react to Kagome for any reason…after all, she was the one who had been chosen to release the Fang from its resting place in his great father's tomb. Not himself, not even Sesshomaru had been able to draw it forth. But Kagome had. That alone was proof enough of his sire's wishes regarding the Sword of the Earth. The Fang was forged for the sole purpose of protecting his mother, a human woman, just as Inuyasha now used it to protect Kagome and their companions. But the question was, why now, in the middle of the night would Tetsusaiga pulse while everyone slept? Was it somehow communing with Kagome?

When she began to toss and turn a bit, her brow furrowing as if deeply troubled, Inuyasha sat up straight and scooted closer, watching her intently. Her scent held no traces of fear, just…worry, as if she carried a tremendous burden. Inuyasha frowned, hating that she was so distressed in her dreams. Soon, the expression of her sleeping face changed to one of weeping, as if she were in intense pain over something…she cried, her tears profuse, as if the anguish were wrenched from the depths of her soul. Inuyasha whined in the back of his throat, feeling helpless, hating that she cried. He wanted to rend whatever what responsible for her tears. She was not loud enough to wake the others, but it did not make it any less agonizing for her…or the hanyou who sat there helplessly. He didn't want to alarm her by waking her, yet if this kept up, he would. Thankfully, after a few moments, she settled back into deep sleep.

The Fang was quiet.

He wondered what caused her to be so sad and if the Fang had responded to her or if it were the other way around. Instead of becoming overly agitated by the situation, Inuyasha found he was content to simply remain near her, waiting for daybreak. He sat there motionless for the rest of the night, relieved that her rest remained undisturbed by any further dreams. His eyes wandered to the forlorn sight of the empty yellow backpack. He sighed. She would ask him to take her to the well tomorrow. Truthfully, the idea of taking her back to restock her supplies was one he welcomed, if only he could be alone with her…

Feh! Where did that thought come from?

He shook his head in annoyance, cursing himself for even letting his mind go there in regards to Kagome. Yes, it was true that there was something going on, and his demon nature had most definitely responded to Kagome in a way it never had before. But that didn't mean he should make crazy assumptions that Kagome in ANY way wished for him to ACT on what happened. He was a hanyou. He did not deserve her, of that he was positive. He made a promise to protect her, and protect her he would…with everything he was. He doubted she would welcome anything beyond protection from him.

Shippo could not go through the well, that was the only reason they wouldn't bring him along. And he also reasoned with himself that he wished to speak with her about Tetsusaiga without the others around. It was a foregone conclusion that Sango and Miroku would stay here resting while she repaired Hiraikotsu. Shippo would stay as well. So that left Kagome and himself to head back to the well first thing tomorrow. It wasn't like they'd never been alone together before. Setting his face stubbornly, the dog demon willed himself to relax in the stillness of the dawn.