InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Soul Affinity ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Mamasama 
I am still trying to figure out the ins and outs of this website...luckily I finally figured out how to properly upload chapters >.< Anyway, thanks so much to those of you who have reviewed so far. It makes me a happy woman. :D
Special thanks to SplendentGoddess for taking the time to answer all of my questions.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.10.2011 | Updated On: 12.10.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.7K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Work In Progress
I am still trying to figure out the ins and outs of this website...luckily I finally figured out how to properly upload chapters >.< Anyway, thanks so much to those of you who have reviewed so far. It makes me a happy woman. :D
Special thanks to SplendentGoddess for taking the time to answer all of my questions.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.10.2011 | Updated On: 12.10.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.7K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Work In Progress
A/N—Wow. Yeah, I really do apologize for the delay in posting this chapter. For some reason, the characters were uncooperative and difficult. Heh…sounds familiar. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. This story has developed a mind of its own and I’m just sorta along for the ride. O.o
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.
It went without saying that Inuyasha and Kagome decided to spend the night in that little rocky alcove. It was well past nightfall by the time they were able to think past anything other than well…each other…so it only made sense to make camp there.
Kagome’s stomach gurgled loudly, emphatically declaring her hunger, much to Inuyasha’s amusement and her embarrassment. She shamelessly admired the sight of him getting dressed, sorry to see his sleek and powerful physique once again shrouded within his billowing hakama and fire rat robe.
Inuyasha blushed when he realized she’d been ogling him as he tied his hakama secure. “I’m gonna go get us some dinner.”
She sat up and stretched languidly, the sleeping bag rumpled beneath her naked form. “We can just have ramen, Inuyasha.”
The hanyou watched the undeniably erotic sight of her svelte body contorting as she stretched. What they had just been doing flashed across his mind. His cock twitched in definite interest. He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. He finally realized he was staring and actually contempted jumping her yet again. Calm down, you horny dog…she’ll think you’re a pervert…Little did he know Kagome was having similar perverted thoughts. He shoved Tetsusaiga into his obi and leaned down to nuzzle her cheek with his nose. “No…I’ll get food for my mate. Wait here.” His whisper turned her insides to molten lava.
Inuyasha wasn’t gone three minutes when he’d returned with four sizable fish, gutted and cleaned ready for cooking. She had banked the fire and soon the heavenly aroma of cooked fish filled the little grotto.
They were both quiet, seemingly lost to their own thoughts.
Inuyasha crouched near the fire and Kagome stared at the way the light of the flames danced on his lustrous hair, giving it an almost prismatic quality. His citrine colored eyes seemed wholly focused upon the skewered fish, as if he did not wish for it to burn, though Kagome sensed his mind was busy. Her lips quirked in a tiny smile as she feasted her eyes upon the man of her dreams, this half demon she had loved from the moment she had first laid eyes on him.
“Will we tell the others…about us?” Her voice was small, hesitant, like she was reluctant to break the peaceful silence.
Inuyasha seemed to be jolted from his thoughts by her voice but offered her a boyish grin. “Feh, there isn’t any reason not to tell Sango and Miroku. Shippo and Kirara are gonna smell it anyway.” Even in the dimness of twilight she could see his blush. His answer bothered her…not because of the words themselves but the reluctance she sensed just beneath them. Kagome tried very hard to not make any assumptions and offered him a shy smile, hugging her knees as she rested her chin on them.
“Alright…” she agreed quietly, not meeting his gaze.
Inuyasha looked up at her quickly and amended his words hastily. “What I mean is…I just don’t want Naraku…or any other enemies to uh…well, I just don’t want it to be used against us somehow…” she nodded and relaxed. “Sango and Miroku, Kirara and the runt…they can know, just no one else.”
Kagome didn’t answer as she watched him prepare the fish. Her arms ached to hold him close again and now that she’d had him, her body fairly keened to be near his. It seemed as if there was a vague awkwardness between them that was not present just a scant half hour ago, while they still lay in one another’s arms. Did coming up for air and getting dressed clear his head and perhaps cause the hanyou to regret what they had done? Was that why it was so difficult to get him to meet her gaze? Kagome swallowed the lump and rapidly blinked back the sting of tears. No…stop thinking that. He loves you…stop doubting that.
Her heart dropped to her stomach as the doubt refused to slacken its hold. What about Kikyo? The young priestess felt the icy awareness in her soul of a lack, an incomplete part. Anytime she dwelt too much upon the deficit she couldn’t help feeling the heaviness of responsibility…as if it were her who’d yanked part of Kikyo’s soul away and not the other way around. Anytime the undead miko’s eyes would come to rest upon her she felt distinctly accused. So then, what would Kikyo think, what will she say when she learns about their joining?
Kagome was positive Kikyo would hate it.
She’d rested her forehead on her knees and didn’t notice Inuyasha’s silent approach. She startled a bit as he slipped behind her to sit, stretching his long legs out with her tiny body between. The tension went out of her as he pressed the warmth of his chest to her back. Letting out a shaky sigh Kagome leaned into his seductive embrace and automatically opened her mouth for the piece of fish he offered. It was sweet the way he slowly fed her from his own hand…as if it pleased him immeasurably to witness her being nourished by food he’d provided.
It’s the moments like this that he demonstrates his love. You need to remember to trust what you know is truth. Kagome moaned indulgently as Inuyasha gave her another succulent bite, murmuring in her ear.
The insecure and logical side of herself was still apprehensive. What if he regrets it?
Inuyasha hissed softly as she nipped his finger after accepting another bite of fish. His lips kissed a scorching trail from her neck to her shoulder.
Hmm yeah…you were saying? Stop borrowing trouble! Has Inuyasha ever lied to you? Trust!
Kagome’s voice of prim reason was tenacious to a fault, despite the way Inuyasha was currently devastating her higher cognitive functions. How can I simply TRUST? Before today I had no idea he felt this way about me! How can I not worry when Kikyo is still out there, very likely intending to summon him again very soon? How can I trust HER?
Kagome mewled helplessly as Inuyasha relentlessly supplicated at her neck, his body hard and hot behind her as he growled.
She decided to ignore the dueling voices of her consciousness in favor of simply living in the moment. He surrounded her utterly, his masculine scent, his wild rumble, his pale silver hair, the way he kissed her and sweetly fed her…it was all such a completely new and wonderful side to Inuyasha she had never before seen.
Once she had gotten her fill, Inuyasha pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her, covering her entire body with the fullness of his sleeves. The fire had died down, casting a languid peaceful glow over the stone walls that surrounded them. She absently rubbed the tender, sore flesh where Inuyasha had marked her. He noticed her action and leaned down to nuzzle her neck with his nose.
Kagome leaned into the touch, her eyes dropping closed as she sighed softly in contentment. It was crazy how his touch so thoroughly robbed her of intelligent thought. “Mmmm, Inuyasha…”
Inuyasha rumbled in a soft low voice, his face still within the hollow of her neck, “I keep thinking I’ll wake up. I am scared this is all a dream.” He shivered slightly and his arms tightened.
Kagome caught a hint of something that frightened her in his strained hoarse voice.
She twisted in his arms and worshipfully pressed her lips to the underside of his jaw. If she could crawl inside of him, she would…especially if it were the surest way to always have him close. “Within your arms is where I always wish to be, Inuyasha…dream of me all you like.”
Inuyasha growled softly at the feel of her lips searing his skin. He’d dreamed of her for so long, and today he made her his. He’d fantasized for so long what it would be like to make love to her and the reality turned out to be so much more fantastic than his dreams. Kagome was a delectable sin that only made him thirst for more. The more of her he tasted, the more of her he wanted, needed, longed for. It would be so easy to lose himself in her arms. It would be so easy to forget…everything, if only she would keep loving him, keep speaking with her sweet voice and soothing his soul with her purity and cooling the fires of his longing with her touch.
The press of responsibility began to weigh on his shoulders…no matter how tempting a notion it was to take Kagome and run somewhere that no one could find.
There was no escaping their duty. It was time to get back on the hunt for jewel shards. He tried to shove away those nagging thoughts of ‘what if?’ that kept trying to worm their way into his consciousness. He tried to ignore the insistent voice of his guilty conscience flashing images of Kikyo before his mind’s eye. What will Kikyo say to him when she learned of his bond with Kagome? There would be no hiding this from the undead priestess. His heart constricted with cold talons of dread…of what, he didn’t know. He just hoped Kikyo would understand. At any rate, Kikyo wasn’t even the greatest of his worries.
If Naraku found out you took Kagome for your mate, he would use it, target her to get to you…
He suppressed a shudder and tightened his hold upon Kagome, his eyes staring unseeing into the fire as horrific scenarios played through his mind like a waking nightmare. Kagome being snatched from his grasp by swarms of hell bees, Kagome being taken by Kagura, Kagome being taken by Naraku himself and…
Stop it! You’ll drive yourself mad thinking like this! She’ll sense it, you baka…calm yourself. Inuyasha admonished himself as he willed himself to relax. He would kill anyone or anything that tried to hurt Kagome or take her from him. His jaw clenched and unclenched.
He still could not fathom all that had taken place between himself and Kagome today. If he thought about it, it really all started a couple weeks ago when he’d killed that evil fucking bat demon and saved his half demon granddaughter, Shiori and her human mother. Now that Inuyasha had really gotten a chance to think on all of this, Tetsusaiga’s behavior since then sort of made sense. It was like…the Fang became even MORE attuned to his being.
He stood there, transfixed by the raw power that shuddered and hummed through Tetsusaiga. It was…red! It really did work, he thought in wonder. He smirked. Smart kid, that Shiori. He didn’t think any of them had been expecting the old fucker to actually try and attack again even after he’d been killed. Good thing Shiori had done what she had done to weaken him so Inuyasha could finish him off. Now all of the power of all the past protectors of the bat’s barrier resided within Tetsusaiga. He vaguely registered the gasps of the others and Myoga’s bossy lecture. The little half demon Shiori was looking up at him, her expression open and without guile.
“Thank you.” Her voice was soft.
He grunted. “Same to you, kid…didn’t you help me too by weakening the jijii’s youkai power?”
Shiori’s face shone. “That wasn’t me…someone with a gentle hand embraced and protected…me and mommy.”
The child’s mother knelt beside Shiori, her own cheeks streaming with tears of thankfulness and sorrow. “That was your father’s hand.”
All the chatter of everyone around Inuyasha faded as he looked beyond Shiori and her mother to the magnificent daiyoukai lord who stood, as if guarding them, his face handsome and fierce. It was clear to the hanyou that he was a vision from the spirit world and by the way everyone else around him was talking, their voices muted, as if they were not aware that Tsukuyomaru still lingered. It appeared he had a message for only Inuyasha by the pointed manner he gazed upon him. Inuyasha stood up a little straighter.
“Son of the Dog General…you have saved my beloved mate and daughter from the greed and ignorance of those who should protect and nurture them. I will eternally regret my inability to be there, as they were once mine to protect…” Tsukuyomaru’s face softened. “and I know, Inuyasha, that your father has the same regret.”
Inuyasha swallowed, unable to find anything to say to that. The daiyoukai continued.
“Your actions today reflect an honorable and steadfast heart, Inuyasha.” The handsome bat daiyoukai shifted his gaze to Kagome, who stood there with the other humans, unaware of his presence. “If I can give you a bit of advice…it would be to keep an open mind.”
Inuyasha’s expression darkened to a mulish scowl. “About what?”
Tsukuyomaru rumbled in quiet amusement. “It’s not just a powerful sword, young dog lord…just remember that.”
He let out a shaky sigh and breathed in Kagome’s scent, which was now permanently fused with his own. He’d say he’d certainly been open minded since then, if the recent changes in his life were anything to go on. What was so confusing was why his sword seemed to respond more to Kagome. The young hanyou’s expression drooped. He would never admit out loud that he felt a tiny bit of jealousy that the sword favored Kagome. Inuyasha frowned. That’s fuckin’ stupid, dumb, idiotic thinking. Look at what’s in your arms! She’s yours, you baka…be grateful!
There was a large part of his mind that really and truly believed this was a dream. How could this woman, this beauty, this goddess be in his arms, mated to him? Good and perfect things like this did not happen to him. Good things…were always taken. Was that why he was envisioning all of the horrible things that could go wrong? Because he expected his happiness to not last? Was it because happiness had never lasted for him before? His mother had prayed with all of the love and affection in her heart to the kami that her son would one day know true happiness and belonging. He’d always scoffed at that memory, at the idea of praying to the gods for anything. Now…now that he had Kagome, he had a reason to believe. He had a reason to hold on to the hope of his mother.
I’ll do whatever it takes, whatever I need to do, to ensure Kagome is safe and happy with me. Just…please… He closed his eyes, the words of his heart spoken silently, though fervently. He didn’t even know to whom he spoke. Did Tsukoyomaru say the same thing as he held his mate in his arms? Did he have that same wish before he was killed protecting her?
He looked down at Kagome’s face, upturned to his and his heart melted once more. She had already drifted to sleep, her face free of any worry or fear. She was radiant, peaceful in sleep…so trusting. He swallowed hard and closed his eyes. Inuyasha allowed his youki to be quieted by her gentle, powerful aura. She moaned softly as she shifted in his arms, snuggling closer to him. Close by, Tetsusaiga pulsed. He froze and opened his eyes to where the Fang rested, propped against the stone wall. Inuyasha wondered what she dreamed about and his thoughts strayed to his father.
Father…do you speak to her? Is it your power that gives her my thoughts, my memories? He stared at the Fang. It was ambivalence he’d always had when ever thoughts of his legendary father came to mind. Now, his father did not seem so…far away and unattainable. He just wished…he wished for more. He grimaced in disgust with himself. The old man’s gone…all you get is this fire rat suikan and his Fang imbued with his youki, he sneered at himself.
Inuyasha was glad for the knowledge that Kagome had thus far been given. If she had not been given the vision of his memories, who knows what would have happened with Koga being driven as he was by the jewel shards. He looked back at the sleeping face of his mate and watched her expression change moment by moment and again wondered what revelation she was being given by his great father’s power…a power that seemed to transcend even the grave.
Inuyasha did not sleep the entire night as he watched over the woman in his arms.
OOOOOO
Kagome’s head jerked upright from where it rested on Inuyasha’s shoulder and let out a gasp when he squeezed her thighs. They’d not been traveling long when she noticed the familiar sight of the demon slayer village just up ahead. He leaped down from the last tree and landed just inside the gates. She shivered when she heard the gruff sound of his voice. “Well, here we are…wonder what the others are up to?”
Those pesky butterflies went nuts in her belly when he turned his head to flash her that crooked, cocky one-fanged grin. He seemed to be in higher spirits today. Her cheeks flooded with heat. He totally knows what that grin does to me…
“Mmm. Probably waiting for us. I would imagine Sango is long finished with repairing Hiraikotsu.” She murmured her voice heavy with self-conscious shyness. He slowly and gently set her on her feet and looked at her with a serious expression. He brought his knuckle to her cheek which she immediately leaned into. She appreciated the unspoken encouragement. Her stomach was in knots just thinking of how everyone would react. She bit her lip and made a tiny noise in her throat when Inuyasha leaned down to brush her lips with his own right before breathing her name almost longingly.
“Kagome and Inuyasha are back!”
Shippo’s shrill call effectively put a halt to any further whispered sweet nothings much to Kagome’s regret. She bit her lip as he pulled away and looked up at the dog demon adoringly, her cheeks flaring with a fearsome blush. Inuyasha’s eyes spoke many things that sent the butterflies in her belly fluttering like mad. With incredible difficulty, Kagome tore her gaze from that of her lover to face the kit. Shippo came to a full stop not five feet in front of the pair.
Kagome cringed and Inuyasha sighed heavily at the way the youngster’s eyes bulged in astonishment. Kagome glanced again at Inuyasha and felt a massive urge to grab his hand. Her bashfulness kept her from doing so…after all; this was still so new and different.
“You two are….!!! You…Kagome! You belong to Inuyasha now!” Shippo stuttered and squeaked incredulously.
Inuyasha pinned Shippo with a hard challenging stare, folding his arms inside the sleeves of his suikan. Meanwhile, the priestess cleared her throat nervously and didn’t respond right away…she suddenly found her backpack very interesting. What if he denies it? That prim inner voice squeaked. Stop it! Of course he won’t deny it! SHEESH. She crouched down and began digging in her huge pack searching for pocky to appease the usually loud kitsune.
“Yeah, what of it, runt? Did ya keep the humans safe while we were gone?” Kagome could not hide the little smile at Inuyasha’s words.
Shippo gulped and nodded vigorously but was still gawking back and forth between the two with keen interest, his nose twitching a mile a minute. He then gingerly approached Kagome, keeping his eyes downcast, not daring to look at the hanyou. Kagome likewise held her head down submissively as she crouched holding the sugary treat she’d just found in her bag for Shippo, waiting for a signal from Inuyasha that he would allow her to give the kit the pocky. She didn’t know why, but she felt it was important to show Inuyasha that she put him before all others…even Shippo. Kagome didn’t know this at the time, but her automatic deferment to his authority pleased him beyond measure.
Inuyasha began to growl warningly as the kit eased himself closer to the priestess. Shippo froze where he was, trembling. Kagome was very surprised that the kitsune was actually showing a healthy amount of fear for Inuyasha…not terror, just a kind of solemn respect that the youngster had never before shown. Kagome leaned against Inuyasha’s leg and presented her neck, still without looking up at him. Her entire body was focused upon her mate as she made entreaty on behalf of the young kitsune.
The demon side of Inuyasha found Kagome’s uncanny behavior in this situation heady and beyond satisfying as he rumbled wildly in approval. His human side was baffled that she, a human, even knew such instinctive body language. Neither side was complaining…at all.
Shippo, for his part, was well aware of what was happening. He might not have comprehended the why…but he sure knew the what and how. He was also aware that Inuyasha now had a clear right to soundly reject his request to find his comfort in Kagome. Kagome was the closest being the young kit had to a nurturing, parental figure, but Inuyasha was now her mate, and as such, the kit would answer ultimately to the alpha male…not Kagome. Shippo trembled with anxiety as the hanyou continued to growl, though it was not a threatening sound. It was merely a vocal reiteration to the youngster that if he wished to remain under Kagome’s protection, he would have to submit utterly to Inuyasha.
Shippo looked up into the golden eyes of the hanyou, his own vibrant green flashing with foolhardy bravery and defiant challenge, but his posture was still meek. He quietly yipped in the canine youkai language one very important question. “Are you gonna stop hurting her?”
Inuyasha stiffened momentarily at Shippo’s question, knowing immediately what, or rather who, he was referring to: Kikyo. He had to respect the brat. For one so small and young, he was fast on his way to having his own set of brass balls, not that he’d ever ever tell him that. Smirking softly, almost imperceptibly, Inuyasha looked straight into Shippo’s eyes and simply nodded solemnly. The kit regarded him critically for a moment and Inuyasha had to tamp down on a growl of irritation at the youngster’s audacity.
“I said I would didn’t I? If you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about, you don’t gotta worry, runt. Trust me.” It came out as a low irritated growl.
The kitsune continued to stare at him and finally sighed. “OK…but you better mean it!”
Inuyasha noticed the approach of the monk and slayer but his attention was focused upon the kitsune. Miroku and Sango exchanged glances as they surveyed the scene and their newly returned friends. Sango quirked a brow in question as she took in Kagome’s odd position, sitting so submissively at Inuyasha’s feet. She sucked in a gasp and her eyes widened as they came to rest upon the strange reddened mark upon the girl’s slender neck. Sango had been aware of the growing chemistry between the half demon and Kagome but she couldn’t hardly believe they would mate so suddenly!
Miroku glanced sidelong at her, “Sango? Is something-“
She held up her hand and whispered, “Just watch.” He nodded.
The kit seemed to come to some sort of agreement with the strangely still hanyou, both of them speaking a language utterly foreign to the humans. Finally, the youngster’s entire body relaxed, a tiny whine escaping his throat as he finally averted his bright green eyes in deference to the hanyou. Inuyasha grunted and reached down to roughly tousle the kit’s wild red hair as the little guy scrambled gratefully into Kagome’s lap. The tension seemed to leave Kagome’s body too as she happily handed Shippo the pocky. She got up with the kitsune still in her arms and stood on her tip toes to nuzzle Inuyasha’s jaw. She dusted herself off, finally noticing Sango and Miroku.
“Hi guys…how’ve you been? Gotten Hiraikotsu repaired?”
They both blinked and then looked between Kagome and Inuyasha. Sango answered a bit distractedly as she attempted to size them both up so to speak. “Yeah…the cracks were worse than I thought and I had to use several different demon bones to strengthen it.”
“Good thing we came then!” Kagome smirked, well aware that Inuyasha had complained about stopping at the demon slayer village initially.
“Mhmm,” the slayer replied mildly. She stepped closer to Kagome and gave in to her curiosity, peering unabashedly at the small abused area of flesh just above the priestess’s collar. Inuyasha grumbled, but reluctantly allowed the slayer’s scrutiny. Kagome thought she would burn up from the furious blush that engulfed her face.
Miroku had been watching Inuyasha and Kagome closely and wondered what seemed so different about them. Sango was mumbling to herself and staring at Kagome’s neck. The houshi lifted his brows and met the gaze of the hanyou.
“We expected you two back day before yesterday.”
Inuyasha grunted. “We got delayed. Get over it.”
Miroku grinned devilishly at this cranky answer. “If I were traveling alone with a young lady, I’m sure I would be delayed as well.”
Sango straightened and glanced at Inuyasha incredulously. She casually elbowed Miroku in the gut without taking her attention off of Inuyasha. She swallowed with difficulty when he met her gaze, his eyes reflecting calm intensity. Miroku was doubled over, clutching his midsection, chuckling and wheezing. Quickly averting her eyes, the slayer cleared her throat. “So…you two have mated?”
Miroku choked and shot up straight, the fact that he’d just had the wind knocked out of him forgotten. “What?!?” Sango rolled her eyes at how selectively clueless Miroku could be.
Inuyasha ‘keh’d’ and offered nothing else by way of explanation. Kagome sighed at the dog demon’s lack of communication skills…at least verbally.
“Well…yes, And really, um…we need to make sure and keep it quiet for now, so…yeah…” Kagome finished lamely.
Inuyasha picked that moment to pull Kagome back against his chest, looking over her head at their clearly shocked friends. She looked up at his face and was tempted by the newly discovered naughty part of herself to tickle him. He looked so serious and so possessive. Kagome heaved a heavy sigh and smiled brightly as a fire rat clad arm circled around her chest, holding her tightly. So much for speaking with words… she thought wryly to herself.
Miroku grinned widely and rubbed his chin. “So how did this…joyous event come to be, hm?”
Inuyasha leveled a menacing glare at the monk. “Don’t even start, Miroku.” Kagome squeaked as she was squeezed tighter. Shippo jumped out of Kagome’s arms and onto Sango’s shoulder, not liking the angry sound the hanyou was making, especially while he was in clobbering range. Kagome shot him an annoyed pout. He quickly looked down at her, his expression questioning.
Sango again rammed her elbow into the monk’s stomach when he adopted what she was sure was a perverted expression. “You’re acting deliberately obtuse.”
Miroku looked at Sango with wide-eyed innocence, gasping and rubbing his middle. “Me? I would never!” he wheezed.
“K’eh! She’s my mate now… it’s done. We can’t let it get out, understood?” Inuyasha glared warningly at Miroku specifically. “…and I don’t wanna hear any of your perverted talk, bouzu.” His voice was sullen and grouchy.
Kagome leaned into the hanyou, the action instantly calming him. She closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath, trying mightily not to be a tiny bit hurt by Inuyasha’s words. It’s done? Did that mean he wished it hadn’t been done? Kagome chewed her lip.
She hated wondering. She felt insecure and she knew that if Inuyasha knew he was making her feel that way it would only make her feel worse. She breeeeaaathed deeply, forcing herself into a state of calm and peace. One thing at a time, Kagome.
She figured she should fill them all in on the confrontation with Koga and the fact that she now had his shards. She also firmly informed them that from now on, the wolf youkai was not to be trusted. Kagome was a naturally optimistic girl and always tried to see the best in everyone…even someone who had done what Koga had done. She wanted to believe that he would go back to his true self now that he wasn’t in possession of the jewel shards any longer, but she knew what Inuyasha would say if she tried to bring that up. She shivered and hoped they didn’t have any run ins with the wolf youkai…well, ever. As furious and outraged as Kagome had been with Koga, and truthfully still was, she would be devastated if she or Inuyasha ever had to kill him. She just hoped he was repentant.
Inuyasha kept true to form and remained mostly silent throughout the entire retelling but his hold upon her never loosened and Miroku noticed how hard his expression became.
Kagome bit her lip as she turned her head and looked up at the dog demon who held her so tightly against his chest, as if holding her was the only thing keeping him sane. His stubborn refusal to relax annoyed her. What is his deal? Why does he have to make things so bloody difficult? She forced down her irritation.
As if reading her thoughts, Inuyasha gently nuzzled the top of her head, his chest vibrating in a quiet rumble that immediately put her at ease.
Thankfully, Miroku seemed to possess a passable degree of common sense and he rubbed his hands together vigorously while eyeing Kagome’s enormous and stuffed to overflowing backpack. Kagome exhaled in relief when he judiciously changed the subject from the touchy topic of hers and Inuyasha’s new domestic status. “I see you brought back a full pack, Kagome-sama! If I may be so bold to ask…would you happen to have any of that cinnamon flavored chewing substance?”
The travelers all stopped to see Kagome racing off of the main road, through a field of wildflowers and straight for a huge lonely tree…the only one present among the wildflowers.
Inuyasha huffed in irritation. Leave it to Kagome to want to waste time over a stupid fucking tree.
They’d been on the move for a couple of weeks now, chasing some rumors of shards, one of which had been fruitful. The rest had been dead ends. Predictably, Inuyasha was cranky with their lack of progress. But that wasn’t the reason why his temper had worn thin, well, worn thin worse than it normally was. The real reason was the dog demon’s self-imposed denial of Kagome’s soothing closeness and touch. And he knew he was not the only one upset about it. Kagome had been depressed and withdrawn. He’d hated it…hated that she was unhappy. It was all his fault but he didn’t know how to fix the situation. Inuyasha scowled at his mate, cavorting and frolicking through the flowers and around the huge tree with Shippo and Kirara. Sango smiled fondly as she watched the scene. Miroku glanced at Inuyasha, wondering at his reticence.
“Come now, Inuyasha…surely you cannot object to Kagome-sama taking a moment to enjoy her surroundings.”
“’K’eh! It’s just a tree! What’s so special about it?”
“Didn’t you hear her, Inuyasha? It reminded her of a tree in her time, where her kinsman lives.” Miroku’s tone was gently reproachful as he looked sidelong at the hanyou.
Inuyasha merely grunted and continued to glare at his mate, irritated that she was smiling and that he wasn’t cause of her happiness. Damn, you are jealous of a tree. Pathetic. It’s not like you are doing anything to make her happy. Dickhead. Why don’t you make her cry just for good measure?
Inuyasha was getting fed up with his conscience smiting him constantly with reminders of how poorly he was handling mated life with Kagome. Dammit he had to protect her! He couldn’t do that if he was distracted by her sweetness and scent and everything about her…Kami! He loved her so much! Wasn’t that obvious? It was all he could do to not daydream about lying on top of her, stroking in and out of her heavenly tightness, the sounds of her sweet voice calling out his name in ecstasy…
Uttering a foul oath under his breath, the half demon adjusted himself as he stalked over to the tree where Shippo and Kirara sat with Kagome, shaded by the blossom laden branches.
“C’mon Kagome…we’re burnin’ daylight. Let’s go.” His voice was gruff and all business.
Kagome was giggling at a trick Shippo had just performed with his fox magic when Inuyasha approached, his expression stormy. She sighed softly, her smile fading.
“Inuyasha, the sun’s almost set. Let’s just camp here tonight. I love this tree!” She smiled almost wistfully. “It reminds me of a tree back home.”
That just further agitated Inuyasha. She wants to go back to her era, she misses it and probably wishes she was there now, away from me…his mind conjured. He growled angrily. “We ain’t campin’ under some stupid smelly tree! It’s out in the open and we still got daylight left!”
Kagome jumped to her feet, her eyes flashing with fury, all of the hurt of the past couple of weeks culminating in that moment. She had wracked her brain trying to figure out what was wrong, why he would hardly touch her. She understood that they would not be outwardly demonstrative during the day…and even at night while they camped they would be very selective about where they would let their guard down and cuddle. But great kami in heaven! He was being a bit extreme in her opinion! She tried to talk to him, cajole him, tempt him and seduce him. She’d even resorted to threats. Well, as it turned out, seduction had worked once a week ago. She had been desperate to get him to spend some ‘alone’ time with her. So one night while they ate dinner she’d whispered in his ear in a sexy purr that she didn’t have on any panties and she remembered a tree a short distance behind them that she thought he should fuck her brains out against. Inuyasha’s response had been extremely satisfying, if not a bit jarring.
His eyes widened and he dropped his cup of ramen at what she said in his ear. Kagome smirked in victory when she saw how he tensed and heard that hungry growl that she had come to love so much.
Kagome let out a surprised ‘eep’ as she was promptly tossed over her mate’s shoulder. Kagome grinned at the shocked faces of Sango and Miroku as they sat around the fire eating ramen. She waved as she was carried swiftly away.
“We’ll be back in a bit!” Kagome called cheerily from her position on Inuyasha’s shoulder as he rapidly disappeared into the darkness of the wood.
It wasn’t thirty seconds before her sexually frustrated half demon crashed into a clearing that, much to Kagome’s squealing delight, had a tiny hot spring. Inuyasha wasn’t interested in the hot spring. Kagome found herself shoved against the rough bark of a tree as Inuyasha practically crushed her against it, his mouth devouring hers, growling after her like a starving man as he yanked at the ties to his hakama with one hand. She squealed as he lifted her up only to smash her body down, impaling her upon his angry, turgid erection. Her legs wrapped instinctively around his slim hips and she shrieked in relief to be so filled. Inuyasha roared as he claimed her body. He humped her madly, desperately; frantically…Kagome drove her tongue into his mouth and pulled his hair, arching her back, screaming in rapture as he plowed her. They both moaned wantonly, nipping, scratching, licking and in general, well…fucking each other’s brains out. They both agreed afterward that it was a good idea.
Kagome stood there with her hands on her hips, glaring at the cranky half demon who was hell bent on making himself AND HER miserable. Kami, how she loved him…if only he would talk to her! Like the day in the tree…the day he took her…ARRRG! She just wanted to scream at his stubbornness! Even exasperated as she was with him, she still found herself hopelessly aroused by his nearness.
“It is not a smelly tree, Inuyasha! And it is practically dark! We might as well go ahead and make camp!”
“K’eh! It’s a stupid spot to make camp. We’re movin’ on and that’s final.” It was obvious to Kagome that he was well aware of her arousal. She wanted to stick her tongue out at him.
Miroku and Sango had already begun to prop their weapons against the tree. Sango shot Inuyasha a dirty look. Miroku merely sighed and shook his head. Shippo was wisely keeping silent as he sucked on a lollipop.
“Oi! Are you all deaf? We’re not fuckin’ stoppin’!.”
Kagome’s shoulders slumped and stepped closer to her mate, her expression a strange mix of hurt, anger, and impatience. Inuyasha swallowed hard and took a step back, suddenly a bit nervous.
“We’re staying here, Inuyasha. I’m sorry you are unhappy. I wish so badly there was something I could do to fix it.” Her voice was quiet…resigned.
“There is! You can do what I say without arguin’!”
She merely huffed and glared for a moment longer, then emphatically turned her back on him to see about setting up camp. The others readily followed her example.
Way to go, asshole…Inuyasha was torn between yanking the stubborn little miko into his arms and getting his point across with his mouth on hers. Or he thought about roaring in her face that he was her mate, the one in charge, and therefore the one who decided when they stopped…NOT HER! Fortunately, Inuyasha still possessed a miniscule shred of self-preservation and so he decided to do NIETHER of those things. Instead he merely sneezed, the flowers fragrance tickling his sense of smell.
“Fine! We’ll stay! Just don’t blame me when we get attacked in the middle of the night because my nose is fucked up by the smell of fuckin’ stupid ass flowers!”
When no one seemed to be listening, the hanyou threw his hands up and jumped up into the ridiculous tree, ignoring everyone, growling every curse word he could think of.
Kikyo paused as one of her minions swirled around her before alighting upon her raised hand. After a moment of silent communication, her eyes narrowed fractionally.
She stood like a statue, her mind and heart a riot of anger and hate, at odds with the incomplete soul she shared with the pure hearted young girl who sought to keep her from realizing her vengeance.
“No longer, Kagome.”
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.
O.O.O.O.O.O
Chapter SixIt went without saying that Inuyasha and Kagome decided to spend the night in that little rocky alcove. It was well past nightfall by the time they were able to think past anything other than well…each other…so it only made sense to make camp there.
Kagome’s stomach gurgled loudly, emphatically declaring her hunger, much to Inuyasha’s amusement and her embarrassment. She shamelessly admired the sight of him getting dressed, sorry to see his sleek and powerful physique once again shrouded within his billowing hakama and fire rat robe.
Inuyasha blushed when he realized she’d been ogling him as he tied his hakama secure. “I’m gonna go get us some dinner.”
She sat up and stretched languidly, the sleeping bag rumpled beneath her naked form. “We can just have ramen, Inuyasha.”
The hanyou watched the undeniably erotic sight of her svelte body contorting as she stretched. What they had just been doing flashed across his mind. His cock twitched in definite interest. He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. He finally realized he was staring and actually contempted jumping her yet again. Calm down, you horny dog…she’ll think you’re a pervert…Little did he know Kagome was having similar perverted thoughts. He shoved Tetsusaiga into his obi and leaned down to nuzzle her cheek with his nose. “No…I’ll get food for my mate. Wait here.” His whisper turned her insides to molten lava.
Inuyasha wasn’t gone three minutes when he’d returned with four sizable fish, gutted and cleaned ready for cooking. She had banked the fire and soon the heavenly aroma of cooked fish filled the little grotto.
They were both quiet, seemingly lost to their own thoughts.
Inuyasha crouched near the fire and Kagome stared at the way the light of the flames danced on his lustrous hair, giving it an almost prismatic quality. His citrine colored eyes seemed wholly focused upon the skewered fish, as if he did not wish for it to burn, though Kagome sensed his mind was busy. Her lips quirked in a tiny smile as she feasted her eyes upon the man of her dreams, this half demon she had loved from the moment she had first laid eyes on him.
“Will we tell the others…about us?” Her voice was small, hesitant, like she was reluctant to break the peaceful silence.
Inuyasha seemed to be jolted from his thoughts by her voice but offered her a boyish grin. “Feh, there isn’t any reason not to tell Sango and Miroku. Shippo and Kirara are gonna smell it anyway.” Even in the dimness of twilight she could see his blush. His answer bothered her…not because of the words themselves but the reluctance she sensed just beneath them. Kagome tried very hard to not make any assumptions and offered him a shy smile, hugging her knees as she rested her chin on them.
“Alright…” she agreed quietly, not meeting his gaze.
Inuyasha looked up at her quickly and amended his words hastily. “What I mean is…I just don’t want Naraku…or any other enemies to uh…well, I just don’t want it to be used against us somehow…” she nodded and relaxed. “Sango and Miroku, Kirara and the runt…they can know, just no one else.”
Kagome didn’t answer as she watched him prepare the fish. Her arms ached to hold him close again and now that she’d had him, her body fairly keened to be near his. It seemed as if there was a vague awkwardness between them that was not present just a scant half hour ago, while they still lay in one another’s arms. Did coming up for air and getting dressed clear his head and perhaps cause the hanyou to regret what they had done? Was that why it was so difficult to get him to meet her gaze? Kagome swallowed the lump and rapidly blinked back the sting of tears. No…stop thinking that. He loves you…stop doubting that.
Her heart dropped to her stomach as the doubt refused to slacken its hold. What about Kikyo? The young priestess felt the icy awareness in her soul of a lack, an incomplete part. Anytime she dwelt too much upon the deficit she couldn’t help feeling the heaviness of responsibility…as if it were her who’d yanked part of Kikyo’s soul away and not the other way around. Anytime the undead miko’s eyes would come to rest upon her she felt distinctly accused. So then, what would Kikyo think, what will she say when she learns about their joining?
Kagome was positive Kikyo would hate it.
She’d rested her forehead on her knees and didn’t notice Inuyasha’s silent approach. She startled a bit as he slipped behind her to sit, stretching his long legs out with her tiny body between. The tension went out of her as he pressed the warmth of his chest to her back. Letting out a shaky sigh Kagome leaned into his seductive embrace and automatically opened her mouth for the piece of fish he offered. It was sweet the way he slowly fed her from his own hand…as if it pleased him immeasurably to witness her being nourished by food he’d provided.
It’s the moments like this that he demonstrates his love. You need to remember to trust what you know is truth. Kagome moaned indulgently as Inuyasha gave her another succulent bite, murmuring in her ear.
The insecure and logical side of herself was still apprehensive. What if he regrets it?
Inuyasha hissed softly as she nipped his finger after accepting another bite of fish. His lips kissed a scorching trail from her neck to her shoulder.
Hmm yeah…you were saying? Stop borrowing trouble! Has Inuyasha ever lied to you? Trust!
Kagome’s voice of prim reason was tenacious to a fault, despite the way Inuyasha was currently devastating her higher cognitive functions. How can I simply TRUST? Before today I had no idea he felt this way about me! How can I not worry when Kikyo is still out there, very likely intending to summon him again very soon? How can I trust HER?
Kagome mewled helplessly as Inuyasha relentlessly supplicated at her neck, his body hard and hot behind her as he growled.
She decided to ignore the dueling voices of her consciousness in favor of simply living in the moment. He surrounded her utterly, his masculine scent, his wild rumble, his pale silver hair, the way he kissed her and sweetly fed her…it was all such a completely new and wonderful side to Inuyasha she had never before seen.
Once she had gotten her fill, Inuyasha pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her, covering her entire body with the fullness of his sleeves. The fire had died down, casting a languid peaceful glow over the stone walls that surrounded them. She absently rubbed the tender, sore flesh where Inuyasha had marked her. He noticed her action and leaned down to nuzzle her neck with his nose.
Kagome leaned into the touch, her eyes dropping closed as she sighed softly in contentment. It was crazy how his touch so thoroughly robbed her of intelligent thought. “Mmmm, Inuyasha…”
Inuyasha rumbled in a soft low voice, his face still within the hollow of her neck, “I keep thinking I’ll wake up. I am scared this is all a dream.” He shivered slightly and his arms tightened.
Kagome caught a hint of something that frightened her in his strained hoarse voice.
She twisted in his arms and worshipfully pressed her lips to the underside of his jaw. If she could crawl inside of him, she would…especially if it were the surest way to always have him close. “Within your arms is where I always wish to be, Inuyasha…dream of me all you like.”
Inuyasha growled softly at the feel of her lips searing his skin. He’d dreamed of her for so long, and today he made her his. He’d fantasized for so long what it would be like to make love to her and the reality turned out to be so much more fantastic than his dreams. Kagome was a delectable sin that only made him thirst for more. The more of her he tasted, the more of her he wanted, needed, longed for. It would be so easy to lose himself in her arms. It would be so easy to forget…everything, if only she would keep loving him, keep speaking with her sweet voice and soothing his soul with her purity and cooling the fires of his longing with her touch.
The press of responsibility began to weigh on his shoulders…no matter how tempting a notion it was to take Kagome and run somewhere that no one could find.
There was no escaping their duty. It was time to get back on the hunt for jewel shards. He tried to shove away those nagging thoughts of ‘what if?’ that kept trying to worm their way into his consciousness. He tried to ignore the insistent voice of his guilty conscience flashing images of Kikyo before his mind’s eye. What will Kikyo say to him when she learned of his bond with Kagome? There would be no hiding this from the undead priestess. His heart constricted with cold talons of dread…of what, he didn’t know. He just hoped Kikyo would understand. At any rate, Kikyo wasn’t even the greatest of his worries.
If Naraku found out you took Kagome for your mate, he would use it, target her to get to you…
He suppressed a shudder and tightened his hold upon Kagome, his eyes staring unseeing into the fire as horrific scenarios played through his mind like a waking nightmare. Kagome being snatched from his grasp by swarms of hell bees, Kagome being taken by Kagura, Kagome being taken by Naraku himself and…
Stop it! You’ll drive yourself mad thinking like this! She’ll sense it, you baka…calm yourself. Inuyasha admonished himself as he willed himself to relax. He would kill anyone or anything that tried to hurt Kagome or take her from him. His jaw clenched and unclenched.
He still could not fathom all that had taken place between himself and Kagome today. If he thought about it, it really all started a couple weeks ago when he’d killed that evil fucking bat demon and saved his half demon granddaughter, Shiori and her human mother. Now that Inuyasha had really gotten a chance to think on all of this, Tetsusaiga’s behavior since then sort of made sense. It was like…the Fang became even MORE attuned to his being.
He stood there, transfixed by the raw power that shuddered and hummed through Tetsusaiga. It was…red! It really did work, he thought in wonder. He smirked. Smart kid, that Shiori. He didn’t think any of them had been expecting the old fucker to actually try and attack again even after he’d been killed. Good thing Shiori had done what she had done to weaken him so Inuyasha could finish him off. Now all of the power of all the past protectors of the bat’s barrier resided within Tetsusaiga. He vaguely registered the gasps of the others and Myoga’s bossy lecture. The little half demon Shiori was looking up at him, her expression open and without guile.
“Thank you.” Her voice was soft.
He grunted. “Same to you, kid…didn’t you help me too by weakening the jijii’s youkai power?”
Shiori’s face shone. “That wasn’t me…someone with a gentle hand embraced and protected…me and mommy.”
The child’s mother knelt beside Shiori, her own cheeks streaming with tears of thankfulness and sorrow. “That was your father’s hand.”
All the chatter of everyone around Inuyasha faded as he looked beyond Shiori and her mother to the magnificent daiyoukai lord who stood, as if guarding them, his face handsome and fierce. It was clear to the hanyou that he was a vision from the spirit world and by the way everyone else around him was talking, their voices muted, as if they were not aware that Tsukuyomaru still lingered. It appeared he had a message for only Inuyasha by the pointed manner he gazed upon him. Inuyasha stood up a little straighter.
“Son of the Dog General…you have saved my beloved mate and daughter from the greed and ignorance of those who should protect and nurture them. I will eternally regret my inability to be there, as they were once mine to protect…” Tsukuyomaru’s face softened. “and I know, Inuyasha, that your father has the same regret.”
Inuyasha swallowed, unable to find anything to say to that. The daiyoukai continued.
“Your actions today reflect an honorable and steadfast heart, Inuyasha.” The handsome bat daiyoukai shifted his gaze to Kagome, who stood there with the other humans, unaware of his presence. “If I can give you a bit of advice…it would be to keep an open mind.”
Inuyasha’s expression darkened to a mulish scowl. “About what?”
Tsukuyomaru rumbled in quiet amusement. “It’s not just a powerful sword, young dog lord…just remember that.”
He let out a shaky sigh and breathed in Kagome’s scent, which was now permanently fused with his own. He’d say he’d certainly been open minded since then, if the recent changes in his life were anything to go on. What was so confusing was why his sword seemed to respond more to Kagome. The young hanyou’s expression drooped. He would never admit out loud that he felt a tiny bit of jealousy that the sword favored Kagome. Inuyasha frowned. That’s fuckin’ stupid, dumb, idiotic thinking. Look at what’s in your arms! She’s yours, you baka…be grateful!
There was a large part of his mind that really and truly believed this was a dream. How could this woman, this beauty, this goddess be in his arms, mated to him? Good and perfect things like this did not happen to him. Good things…were always taken. Was that why he was envisioning all of the horrible things that could go wrong? Because he expected his happiness to not last? Was it because happiness had never lasted for him before? His mother had prayed with all of the love and affection in her heart to the kami that her son would one day know true happiness and belonging. He’d always scoffed at that memory, at the idea of praying to the gods for anything. Now…now that he had Kagome, he had a reason to believe. He had a reason to hold on to the hope of his mother.
I’ll do whatever it takes, whatever I need to do, to ensure Kagome is safe and happy with me. Just…please… He closed his eyes, the words of his heart spoken silently, though fervently. He didn’t even know to whom he spoke. Did Tsukoyomaru say the same thing as he held his mate in his arms? Did he have that same wish before he was killed protecting her?
He looked down at Kagome’s face, upturned to his and his heart melted once more. She had already drifted to sleep, her face free of any worry or fear. She was radiant, peaceful in sleep…so trusting. He swallowed hard and closed his eyes. Inuyasha allowed his youki to be quieted by her gentle, powerful aura. She moaned softly as she shifted in his arms, snuggling closer to him. Close by, Tetsusaiga pulsed. He froze and opened his eyes to where the Fang rested, propped against the stone wall. Inuyasha wondered what she dreamed about and his thoughts strayed to his father.
Father…do you speak to her? Is it your power that gives her my thoughts, my memories? He stared at the Fang. It was ambivalence he’d always had when ever thoughts of his legendary father came to mind. Now, his father did not seem so…far away and unattainable. He just wished…he wished for more. He grimaced in disgust with himself. The old man’s gone…all you get is this fire rat suikan and his Fang imbued with his youki, he sneered at himself.
Inuyasha was glad for the knowledge that Kagome had thus far been given. If she had not been given the vision of his memories, who knows what would have happened with Koga being driven as he was by the jewel shards. He looked back at the sleeping face of his mate and watched her expression change moment by moment and again wondered what revelation she was being given by his great father’s power…a power that seemed to transcend even the grave.
Inuyasha did not sleep the entire night as he watched over the woman in his arms.
OOOOOO
Kagome’s head jerked upright from where it rested on Inuyasha’s shoulder and let out a gasp when he squeezed her thighs. They’d not been traveling long when she noticed the familiar sight of the demon slayer village just up ahead. He leaped down from the last tree and landed just inside the gates. She shivered when she heard the gruff sound of his voice. “Well, here we are…wonder what the others are up to?”
Those pesky butterflies went nuts in her belly when he turned his head to flash her that crooked, cocky one-fanged grin. He seemed to be in higher spirits today. Her cheeks flooded with heat. He totally knows what that grin does to me…
“Mmm. Probably waiting for us. I would imagine Sango is long finished with repairing Hiraikotsu.” She murmured her voice heavy with self-conscious shyness. He slowly and gently set her on her feet and looked at her with a serious expression. He brought his knuckle to her cheek which she immediately leaned into. She appreciated the unspoken encouragement. Her stomach was in knots just thinking of how everyone would react. She bit her lip and made a tiny noise in her throat when Inuyasha leaned down to brush her lips with his own right before breathing her name almost longingly.
“Kagome and Inuyasha are back!”
Shippo’s shrill call effectively put a halt to any further whispered sweet nothings much to Kagome’s regret. She bit her lip as he pulled away and looked up at the dog demon adoringly, her cheeks flaring with a fearsome blush. Inuyasha’s eyes spoke many things that sent the butterflies in her belly fluttering like mad. With incredible difficulty, Kagome tore her gaze from that of her lover to face the kit. Shippo came to a full stop not five feet in front of the pair.
Kagome cringed and Inuyasha sighed heavily at the way the youngster’s eyes bulged in astonishment. Kagome glanced again at Inuyasha and felt a massive urge to grab his hand. Her bashfulness kept her from doing so…after all; this was still so new and different.
“You two are….!!! You…Kagome! You belong to Inuyasha now!” Shippo stuttered and squeaked incredulously.
Inuyasha pinned Shippo with a hard challenging stare, folding his arms inside the sleeves of his suikan. Meanwhile, the priestess cleared her throat nervously and didn’t respond right away…she suddenly found her backpack very interesting. What if he denies it? That prim inner voice squeaked. Stop it! Of course he won’t deny it! SHEESH. She crouched down and began digging in her huge pack searching for pocky to appease the usually loud kitsune.
“Yeah, what of it, runt? Did ya keep the humans safe while we were gone?” Kagome could not hide the little smile at Inuyasha’s words.
Shippo gulped and nodded vigorously but was still gawking back and forth between the two with keen interest, his nose twitching a mile a minute. He then gingerly approached Kagome, keeping his eyes downcast, not daring to look at the hanyou. Kagome likewise held her head down submissively as she crouched holding the sugary treat she’d just found in her bag for Shippo, waiting for a signal from Inuyasha that he would allow her to give the kit the pocky. She didn’t know why, but she felt it was important to show Inuyasha that she put him before all others…even Shippo. Kagome didn’t know this at the time, but her automatic deferment to his authority pleased him beyond measure.
Inuyasha began to growl warningly as the kit eased himself closer to the priestess. Shippo froze where he was, trembling. Kagome was very surprised that the kitsune was actually showing a healthy amount of fear for Inuyasha…not terror, just a kind of solemn respect that the youngster had never before shown. Kagome leaned against Inuyasha’s leg and presented her neck, still without looking up at him. Her entire body was focused upon her mate as she made entreaty on behalf of the young kitsune.
The demon side of Inuyasha found Kagome’s uncanny behavior in this situation heady and beyond satisfying as he rumbled wildly in approval. His human side was baffled that she, a human, even knew such instinctive body language. Neither side was complaining…at all.
Shippo, for his part, was well aware of what was happening. He might not have comprehended the why…but he sure knew the what and how. He was also aware that Inuyasha now had a clear right to soundly reject his request to find his comfort in Kagome. Kagome was the closest being the young kit had to a nurturing, parental figure, but Inuyasha was now her mate, and as such, the kit would answer ultimately to the alpha male…not Kagome. Shippo trembled with anxiety as the hanyou continued to growl, though it was not a threatening sound. It was merely a vocal reiteration to the youngster that if he wished to remain under Kagome’s protection, he would have to submit utterly to Inuyasha.
Shippo looked up into the golden eyes of the hanyou, his own vibrant green flashing with foolhardy bravery and defiant challenge, but his posture was still meek. He quietly yipped in the canine youkai language one very important question. “Are you gonna stop hurting her?”
Inuyasha stiffened momentarily at Shippo’s question, knowing immediately what, or rather who, he was referring to: Kikyo. He had to respect the brat. For one so small and young, he was fast on his way to having his own set of brass balls, not that he’d ever ever tell him that. Smirking softly, almost imperceptibly, Inuyasha looked straight into Shippo’s eyes and simply nodded solemnly. The kit regarded him critically for a moment and Inuyasha had to tamp down on a growl of irritation at the youngster’s audacity.
“I said I would didn’t I? If you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about, you don’t gotta worry, runt. Trust me.” It came out as a low irritated growl.
The kitsune continued to stare at him and finally sighed. “OK…but you better mean it!”
Inuyasha noticed the approach of the monk and slayer but his attention was focused upon the kitsune. Miroku and Sango exchanged glances as they surveyed the scene and their newly returned friends. Sango quirked a brow in question as she took in Kagome’s odd position, sitting so submissively at Inuyasha’s feet. She sucked in a gasp and her eyes widened as they came to rest upon the strange reddened mark upon the girl’s slender neck. Sango had been aware of the growing chemistry between the half demon and Kagome but she couldn’t hardly believe they would mate so suddenly!
Miroku glanced sidelong at her, “Sango? Is something-“
She held up her hand and whispered, “Just watch.” He nodded.
The kit seemed to come to some sort of agreement with the strangely still hanyou, both of them speaking a language utterly foreign to the humans. Finally, the youngster’s entire body relaxed, a tiny whine escaping his throat as he finally averted his bright green eyes in deference to the hanyou. Inuyasha grunted and reached down to roughly tousle the kit’s wild red hair as the little guy scrambled gratefully into Kagome’s lap. The tension seemed to leave Kagome’s body too as she happily handed Shippo the pocky. She got up with the kitsune still in her arms and stood on her tip toes to nuzzle Inuyasha’s jaw. She dusted herself off, finally noticing Sango and Miroku.
“Hi guys…how’ve you been? Gotten Hiraikotsu repaired?”
They both blinked and then looked between Kagome and Inuyasha. Sango answered a bit distractedly as she attempted to size them both up so to speak. “Yeah…the cracks were worse than I thought and I had to use several different demon bones to strengthen it.”
“Good thing we came then!” Kagome smirked, well aware that Inuyasha had complained about stopping at the demon slayer village initially.
“Mhmm,” the slayer replied mildly. She stepped closer to Kagome and gave in to her curiosity, peering unabashedly at the small abused area of flesh just above the priestess’s collar. Inuyasha grumbled, but reluctantly allowed the slayer’s scrutiny. Kagome thought she would burn up from the furious blush that engulfed her face.
Miroku had been watching Inuyasha and Kagome closely and wondered what seemed so different about them. Sango was mumbling to herself and staring at Kagome’s neck. The houshi lifted his brows and met the gaze of the hanyou.
“We expected you two back day before yesterday.”
Inuyasha grunted. “We got delayed. Get over it.”
Miroku grinned devilishly at this cranky answer. “If I were traveling alone with a young lady, I’m sure I would be delayed as well.”
Sango straightened and glanced at Inuyasha incredulously. She casually elbowed Miroku in the gut without taking her attention off of Inuyasha. She swallowed with difficulty when he met her gaze, his eyes reflecting calm intensity. Miroku was doubled over, clutching his midsection, chuckling and wheezing. Quickly averting her eyes, the slayer cleared her throat. “So…you two have mated?”
Miroku choked and shot up straight, the fact that he’d just had the wind knocked out of him forgotten. “What?!?” Sango rolled her eyes at how selectively clueless Miroku could be.
Inuyasha ‘keh’d’ and offered nothing else by way of explanation. Kagome sighed at the dog demon’s lack of communication skills…at least verbally.
“Well…yes, And really, um…we need to make sure and keep it quiet for now, so…yeah…” Kagome finished lamely.
Inuyasha picked that moment to pull Kagome back against his chest, looking over her head at their clearly shocked friends. She looked up at his face and was tempted by the newly discovered naughty part of herself to tickle him. He looked so serious and so possessive. Kagome heaved a heavy sigh and smiled brightly as a fire rat clad arm circled around her chest, holding her tightly. So much for speaking with words… she thought wryly to herself.
Miroku grinned widely and rubbed his chin. “So how did this…joyous event come to be, hm?”
Inuyasha leveled a menacing glare at the monk. “Don’t even start, Miroku.” Kagome squeaked as she was squeezed tighter. Shippo jumped out of Kagome’s arms and onto Sango’s shoulder, not liking the angry sound the hanyou was making, especially while he was in clobbering range. Kagome shot him an annoyed pout. He quickly looked down at her, his expression questioning.
Sango again rammed her elbow into the monk’s stomach when he adopted what she was sure was a perverted expression. “You’re acting deliberately obtuse.”
Miroku looked at Sango with wide-eyed innocence, gasping and rubbing his middle. “Me? I would never!” he wheezed.
“K’eh! She’s my mate now… it’s done. We can’t let it get out, understood?” Inuyasha glared warningly at Miroku specifically. “…and I don’t wanna hear any of your perverted talk, bouzu.” His voice was sullen and grouchy.
Kagome leaned into the hanyou, the action instantly calming him. She closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath, trying mightily not to be a tiny bit hurt by Inuyasha’s words. It’s done? Did that mean he wished it hadn’t been done? Kagome chewed her lip.
She hated wondering. She felt insecure and she knew that if Inuyasha knew he was making her feel that way it would only make her feel worse. She breeeeaaathed deeply, forcing herself into a state of calm and peace. One thing at a time, Kagome.
She figured she should fill them all in on the confrontation with Koga and the fact that she now had his shards. She also firmly informed them that from now on, the wolf youkai was not to be trusted. Kagome was a naturally optimistic girl and always tried to see the best in everyone…even someone who had done what Koga had done. She wanted to believe that he would go back to his true self now that he wasn’t in possession of the jewel shards any longer, but she knew what Inuyasha would say if she tried to bring that up. She shivered and hoped they didn’t have any run ins with the wolf youkai…well, ever. As furious and outraged as Kagome had been with Koga, and truthfully still was, she would be devastated if she or Inuyasha ever had to kill him. She just hoped he was repentant.
Inuyasha kept true to form and remained mostly silent throughout the entire retelling but his hold upon her never loosened and Miroku noticed how hard his expression became.
Kagome bit her lip as she turned her head and looked up at the dog demon who held her so tightly against his chest, as if holding her was the only thing keeping him sane. His stubborn refusal to relax annoyed her. What is his deal? Why does he have to make things so bloody difficult? She forced down her irritation.
As if reading her thoughts, Inuyasha gently nuzzled the top of her head, his chest vibrating in a quiet rumble that immediately put her at ease.
Thankfully, Miroku seemed to possess a passable degree of common sense and he rubbed his hands together vigorously while eyeing Kagome’s enormous and stuffed to overflowing backpack. Kagome exhaled in relief when he judiciously changed the subject from the touchy topic of hers and Inuyasha’s new domestic status. “I see you brought back a full pack, Kagome-sama! If I may be so bold to ask…would you happen to have any of that cinnamon flavored chewing substance?”
O.O.O.O.O.O
“Oh, look at that beautiful magnolia tree! It looks just like the one at the park near my cousin’s home!”The travelers all stopped to see Kagome racing off of the main road, through a field of wildflowers and straight for a huge lonely tree…the only one present among the wildflowers.
Inuyasha huffed in irritation. Leave it to Kagome to want to waste time over a stupid fucking tree.
They’d been on the move for a couple of weeks now, chasing some rumors of shards, one of which had been fruitful. The rest had been dead ends. Predictably, Inuyasha was cranky with their lack of progress. But that wasn’t the reason why his temper had worn thin, well, worn thin worse than it normally was. The real reason was the dog demon’s self-imposed denial of Kagome’s soothing closeness and touch. And he knew he was not the only one upset about it. Kagome had been depressed and withdrawn. He’d hated it…hated that she was unhappy. It was all his fault but he didn’t know how to fix the situation. Inuyasha scowled at his mate, cavorting and frolicking through the flowers and around the huge tree with Shippo and Kirara. Sango smiled fondly as she watched the scene. Miroku glanced at Inuyasha, wondering at his reticence.
“Come now, Inuyasha…surely you cannot object to Kagome-sama taking a moment to enjoy her surroundings.”
“’K’eh! It’s just a tree! What’s so special about it?”
“Didn’t you hear her, Inuyasha? It reminded her of a tree in her time, where her kinsman lives.” Miroku’s tone was gently reproachful as he looked sidelong at the hanyou.
Inuyasha merely grunted and continued to glare at his mate, irritated that she was smiling and that he wasn’t cause of her happiness. Damn, you are jealous of a tree. Pathetic. It’s not like you are doing anything to make her happy. Dickhead. Why don’t you make her cry just for good measure?
Inuyasha was getting fed up with his conscience smiting him constantly with reminders of how poorly he was handling mated life with Kagome. Dammit he had to protect her! He couldn’t do that if he was distracted by her sweetness and scent and everything about her…Kami! He loved her so much! Wasn’t that obvious? It was all he could do to not daydream about lying on top of her, stroking in and out of her heavenly tightness, the sounds of her sweet voice calling out his name in ecstasy…
Uttering a foul oath under his breath, the half demon adjusted himself as he stalked over to the tree where Shippo and Kirara sat with Kagome, shaded by the blossom laden branches.
“C’mon Kagome…we’re burnin’ daylight. Let’s go.” His voice was gruff and all business.
Kagome was giggling at a trick Shippo had just performed with his fox magic when Inuyasha approached, his expression stormy. She sighed softly, her smile fading.
“Inuyasha, the sun’s almost set. Let’s just camp here tonight. I love this tree!” She smiled almost wistfully. “It reminds me of a tree back home.”
That just further agitated Inuyasha. She wants to go back to her era, she misses it and probably wishes she was there now, away from me…his mind conjured. He growled angrily. “We ain’t campin’ under some stupid smelly tree! It’s out in the open and we still got daylight left!”
Kagome jumped to her feet, her eyes flashing with fury, all of the hurt of the past couple of weeks culminating in that moment. She had wracked her brain trying to figure out what was wrong, why he would hardly touch her. She understood that they would not be outwardly demonstrative during the day…and even at night while they camped they would be very selective about where they would let their guard down and cuddle. But great kami in heaven! He was being a bit extreme in her opinion! She tried to talk to him, cajole him, tempt him and seduce him. She’d even resorted to threats. Well, as it turned out, seduction had worked once a week ago. She had been desperate to get him to spend some ‘alone’ time with her. So one night while they ate dinner she’d whispered in his ear in a sexy purr that she didn’t have on any panties and she remembered a tree a short distance behind them that she thought he should fuck her brains out against. Inuyasha’s response had been extremely satisfying, if not a bit jarring.
His eyes widened and he dropped his cup of ramen at what she said in his ear. Kagome smirked in victory when she saw how he tensed and heard that hungry growl that she had come to love so much.
Kagome let out a surprised ‘eep’ as she was promptly tossed over her mate’s shoulder. Kagome grinned at the shocked faces of Sango and Miroku as they sat around the fire eating ramen. She waved as she was carried swiftly away.
“We’ll be back in a bit!” Kagome called cheerily from her position on Inuyasha’s shoulder as he rapidly disappeared into the darkness of the wood.
It wasn’t thirty seconds before her sexually frustrated half demon crashed into a clearing that, much to Kagome’s squealing delight, had a tiny hot spring. Inuyasha wasn’t interested in the hot spring. Kagome found herself shoved against the rough bark of a tree as Inuyasha practically crushed her against it, his mouth devouring hers, growling after her like a starving man as he yanked at the ties to his hakama with one hand. She squealed as he lifted her up only to smash her body down, impaling her upon his angry, turgid erection. Her legs wrapped instinctively around his slim hips and she shrieked in relief to be so filled. Inuyasha roared as he claimed her body. He humped her madly, desperately; frantically…Kagome drove her tongue into his mouth and pulled his hair, arching her back, screaming in rapture as he plowed her. They both moaned wantonly, nipping, scratching, licking and in general, well…fucking each other’s brains out. They both agreed afterward that it was a good idea.
Kagome stood there with her hands on her hips, glaring at the cranky half demon who was hell bent on making himself AND HER miserable. Kami, how she loved him…if only he would talk to her! Like the day in the tree…the day he took her…ARRRG! She just wanted to scream at his stubbornness! Even exasperated as she was with him, she still found herself hopelessly aroused by his nearness.
“It is not a smelly tree, Inuyasha! And it is practically dark! We might as well go ahead and make camp!”
“K’eh! It’s a stupid spot to make camp. We’re movin’ on and that’s final.” It was obvious to Kagome that he was well aware of her arousal. She wanted to stick her tongue out at him.
Miroku and Sango had already begun to prop their weapons against the tree. Sango shot Inuyasha a dirty look. Miroku merely sighed and shook his head. Shippo was wisely keeping silent as he sucked on a lollipop.
“Oi! Are you all deaf? We’re not fuckin’ stoppin’!.”
Kagome’s shoulders slumped and stepped closer to her mate, her expression a strange mix of hurt, anger, and impatience. Inuyasha swallowed hard and took a step back, suddenly a bit nervous.
“We’re staying here, Inuyasha. I’m sorry you are unhappy. I wish so badly there was something I could do to fix it.” Her voice was quiet…resigned.
“There is! You can do what I say without arguin’!”
She merely huffed and glared for a moment longer, then emphatically turned her back on him to see about setting up camp. The others readily followed her example.
Way to go, asshole…Inuyasha was torn between yanking the stubborn little miko into his arms and getting his point across with his mouth on hers. Or he thought about roaring in her face that he was her mate, the one in charge, and therefore the one who decided when they stopped…NOT HER! Fortunately, Inuyasha still possessed a miniscule shred of self-preservation and so he decided to do NIETHER of those things. Instead he merely sneezed, the flowers fragrance tickling his sense of smell.
“Fine! We’ll stay! Just don’t blame me when we get attacked in the middle of the night because my nose is fucked up by the smell of fuckin’ stupid ass flowers!”
When no one seemed to be listening, the hanyou threw his hands up and jumped up into the ridiculous tree, ignoring everyone, growling every curse word he could think of.
O.O.O.O.O.O
She traveled the seldom used path through the deep wood, her way illuminated by the otherworldly glow of her soul collectors. Like most times, her countenance reflected insipid disinterest. Kikyo paused as one of her minions swirled around her before alighting upon her raised hand. After a moment of silent communication, her eyes narrowed fractionally.
She stood like a statue, her mind and heart a riot of anger and hate, at odds with the incomplete soul she shared with the pure hearted young girl who sought to keep her from realizing her vengeance.
“No longer, Kagome.”
O.O.O.O.O.O
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