InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Syndrome ❯ A Distinct Possibility ( Chapter 39 )

I do not own Inuyasha and Company, no matter how happy it would make me. Rumiko Takahashi does. I make no money from these fics.

 

 

Chapter 39 - A Distinct Possibility

 

Kagome sighed and snuggled back against Sesshoumaru's chest. “This is nice,” she whispered. “It's weird; you'd think I would be, but I'm not a bit nervous right now. I'm perfectly comfortable, more comfortable than I've ever been in my life really.”

 

Sesshoumaru smiled a genuine smile. She truly found comfort in his arms. At the moment he couldn't ask for much more.

 

“I could stay like this forever.”

 

“That can be arranged,” he murmured in her ear before pressing a soft kiss behind it.

 

She could feel herself melting into him, her resolve to make him prove himself fading away, and Kagome sighed again. She placed her arms over his and reluctantly loosened his grip until she could step away. “Not quite yet it can't,” she said while giving him a small smile, hoping it would wash away some of the sadness in his eyes. It hurt her to walk away from him, probably just as much as it hurt him that she did so. “We have some talking to do first.”

 

Sesshoumaru watched as she settled herself on a swing, his heart catching in his throat as she was suddenly upside down. It happened faster than he even thought it possible for a human to move and she was locked in her new position before he had a chance to react.

 

Kagome laughed, feeling the disturbance in his aura. “I'm fine, Sesshoumaru. I meant to do that. Now, come over here and sit.”

 

The taiyoukai followed her instructions and took the swing beside her, leaning backwards until he could see her face. Again he nearly had a heart attack as she let go to wave at him, leaving only her legs holding the chains keeping her from falling on her face. Much to his relief, she flipped back upright again and he studied her, face a bright pink, hair tousled, with a bright smile. She was gorgeous.

 

“So, more about the syndrome. How long until it… I mean, is it even still going to kill you?” she asked with a confused expression. “If it was because you were fighting or denying your feelings, then now that you've stopped that, shouldn't everything be fine?”

 

Sesshoumaru let out a tiny, almost imperceptible sigh. “I wish that it worked that way, but it does not. The syndrome and its risk to my life will not end until you've done something that you have doubts you will be ready for.”

 

A guilty expression danced over Kagome's features for a moment. She'd forgotten that he'd heard that too. “Well, according to Jak I'm ready now. I guess it all depends on who knows me better, huh?” she joked.

 

“Father informed me that the longest anyone has ever suffered the syndrome was five years, and only the strongest of demons made it that long.”

 

“And exactly how long have you had it?” she asked nervously, fearing the answer.

 

“Four years and several months,” Sesshoumaru replied flatly, staring off into the distance.

 

“But… but you're strong, the strongest demon I've ever met, laid eyes on, or sensed. You… you'll be alright, right? You still have time.”

 

His heart swelled at her words as she acknowledged his strength, her tone showing great concern for him as well. “I truly hope so. The last thing I desire is for you to mate me because you feel an obligation.”

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Shippo whistled to himself as he hopped up the stairs two at a time on his way to the bathroom. He took two steps inside before his happy song ceased and he forgot that he had to go. “Inuyasha!” the kitsune yelled. “Inuyasha! Inuyasha!” he continued to shout as he ran back down the stairs, through the ground floor, and into the basement.

 

“What the fuck?” Inuyasha hollered. “What's the problem, runt?”

 

“Kagome… and your brother… walk…” he panted. “Clothes… bathroom floor… not dog!”

 

“Oh, shit!”

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Sesshoumaru's full attention was again focused on the little miko on the swing as he heard her sniffle, the scent of salt once again reaching him.

 

“I'm sorry,” Kagome mumbled as she wiped angrily at her eyes. “I can't help it.”

 

The taiyoukai rose and took a few steps until he was standing in front of her. “Kagome, why do you cry over that which you have no control?” She looked up into his eyes and he cupped her cheek gently.

 

“I… I wouldn't… I don't feel obligated. I… I just…” Again the little voice in Kagome's mind kicked her back to the straight and narrow. It didn't matter if she loved him right that second. It didn't matter if she knew Jak was right, that she was ready to be his mate. None of it mattered until Sesshoumaru proved himself to her, proved that he really was and would remain the way he was acting now, that he wouldn't fall back into the cold, standoffish behavior of the taiyoukai she'd known for four years.

 

She didn't want to wait. Her heart didn't care about proof, but her mind told her she needed it and it was right. To throw herself into this heart first could end in disaster and a lifetime of regret, but if she waited too long… if she waited too long she would end up the same way, but alone.

 

He could see the turmoil in her eyes and was filled with guilt. It was his fault she was so confused. It was his fault she had so little time to make such an important decision. It wasn't fair. She should have all the time in the world to decide if she wanted to take him as her mate. She should be able to think about it until she was one hundred percent certain. He just didn't have that kind of time. And what would happen if she decided yes, she wanted him, only too late?

 

He needed to know exactly how much time he really had. He needed to know if there was some way to find out, some symptoms that would indicate the end was closing in. He hated himself for doing this to her, she who he loved with all his heart.

 

Sesshoumaru leaned in closer, smirking mentally as her knees spread to make room for him, until the swing was pushed back far enough that they were eye to eye, supported only by his body against hers and the creaking metal chains. “Kagome, no matter what happens, no matter what you decide, this Sesshoumaru will always love you. If you decide against becoming my mate I will not resent it. I will understand it completely. I did this. I waited all this time, until there was no time left. I am well aware that I do not deserve the chance that you have given me.”

 

A small smile pulled at her lips, lips that were still quivering as she fought back another wave of tears. Right at that moment he was perfect and his words touched her heart so strongly that she nearly shoved her brain right out the window to allow her heart full control.

 

They stood in silence, just staring into each other's eyes, seeing so much; all their worries, fears, and concerns, all their wants, needs and desires… everything. Their faces crept slowly closer, both thinking about nothing but just how wonderful it would be for their lips to finally touch, and they were almost there. Kagome could feel his breath on her cheeks and he could feel hers and the miko was silently praying he would close the distance, that he would finally kiss her like he did in her dreams.

 

Sesshoumaru swallowed the lump in his throat, fought back his nerves, and set out to do just that. His lips just barely brushed hers before they were both jolted back to reality by an angry voice behind them.

 

“What the fuck is this about, Kagome? Why didn't you tell me he'd changed back?” Inuyasha demanded, outraged by the sight of his hated half-brother in such an intimate position with his Kagome.

 

Neither had sensed Inuyasha and Shippo's approach, fully focused on each other, and they jumped, startled, when he yelled. Sesshoumaru started to pull away; sure she wouldn't want to kiss him now with witnesses, only to be surprised when she grabbed his hair and pulled him back across the short distance.

 

“Kiss me,” she whispered, her lips brushing his, and he did, more than happy to obey.

 

The whole world faded away around them. Not even the screaming hanyou could interrupt now. It was soft, slow, gentle, and hesitant, but it was everything she'd ever imagined it would be and more and she reciprocated eagerly, aching to show him what she couldn't yet say.

 

When they finally pulled apart, Kagome opened her eyes and smiled at her taiyoukai. “I guess I should do something before steam starts coming out of his ears,” she whispered with a giggle and Sesshoumaru backed up, returning the swing to its usual position, and assisted her to her feet.

 

“Inuyasha, stop it. Everything is just fine. I told you I was going for a walk with Sesshoumaru. It's not my fault you were too busy in the basement to notice he'd changed back.” When the hanyou appeared to be winding up for another rant, she lifted one hand. “Just knock it off. Let's go home. I'm hungry anyway.”The miko grabbed Inuyasha's hand and started dragging him out of the park, leaving Shippo and Sesshoumaru to follow along behind.

 

Kagome turned and shot a smile at the demons, followed by a wink, and Shippo laughed. “Sorry, Buddy. I should have known better than to tell him you'd shifted when I saw the clothes in the bathroom. Looks like you were making progress though. Good for you.”

 

Sesshoumaru fought back the desire to strangle both intruders, burying his hands in his pockets as he watched the love of his life walking hand in hand with his brother. He smirked. At least she'd kissed him, even with the hanyou in the middle of a meltdown. The kitsune was right. He was indeed making progress.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Dinner was a rather awkward affair, with Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru glaring at each other across the table. They each averted their eyes any time Kagome appeared to be turning to look their way, and the others rolled their eyes at the childish rivalry and Kagome's naivety.

 

Things only became more awkward when the topic of sleeping arrangements came up.

 

“There is no way in hell you're sleeping in his room in his bed now that he's not a dog!” Inuyasha nearly yelled, unable to keep his discomfort at the show of intimacy he'd witnessed earlier under control.

 

Kagome put her hand on Sesshoumaru's arm, calming him while also silently communicating that she would deal with the situation, the touch only frustrating Inuyasha more. “Relax, Inu.” A small smile pulled at her lips as an idea hit her. “I was actually planning on sleeping with you tonight.” Sure, it might get under Sesshoumaru's skin a little, but Inuyasha seriously needed reassurance that she wouldn't leave him. What better way than let him think he was winning and give him a little individual attention too?

 

The taiyoukai clenched his teeth, ready to throttle his opponent in the battle for her time. He found he suddenly cared very little though as Kagome's hand slid down his arm to his hand, which she moved under the table to rest on her thigh. All non-naked Kagome related thoughts disappeared instantly and he found it necessary to focus all of his attention on forcing down his now very apparent erection before she noticed.

When everyone had finished eating, they retired to their rooms, Kagome heading directly into Inuyasha's, much to Sesshoumaru's disappointment. He really could have used a kiss goodnight.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Kagome was laying in Inuyasha's bed, flipping idly through a book, in nothing but panties and one of the hanyou's t-shirts. She was finding concentration impossible. “Inu, would you just chill already? You're gonna pace a hole right through the floor! Come here.”

 

She opened her arms to him with a smile and Inuyasha obeyed, finally giving up pacing the length of his room and lying down beside her, thrilled when she laid her head on his chest with one arm draped across his abdomen. His mind was a mess, unable to deal with the stress and worries of Kagome with Sesshoumaru, but her touch took it all away.

 

“I know this is hard, Inu, but you had to know this was going to happen eventually. I was going to find a guy. I was going to get married or mated or whatever. That doesn't mean I'm going to abandon you. You will always be important to me. You'll always be my friend and I'll always love you. I'll always have time for you, even if it is a little less than it is now.”

 

Inuyasha grunted out an irritated “Keh,” and Kagome laughed.

 

“It was bound to happen, just like someday you'll find a special girl, and when you do you'll focus a good deal of your time and attention on her. Hell, maybe now that I'll be mated off you won't find it necessary to worry so much about me and you'll be able to keep a girlfriend for any length of time. If you're not ditching them to spend time with me then they won't be jealous and insecure.”

 

He didn't like the way she said that, like she'd already decided to be Sesshoumaru's mate. What happened to her needing time to figure things out? What happened to all her confusion and frustration? She wasn't supposed to have figured it all out already. He needed more time! “I'd rather be with you than any other girl and you know that,” the hanyou said with a pouty face that made Kagome tweak his ears playfully.

 

“That may be, but you'll need a mate someday too. You deserve that happiness and you'll never find it if I'm always your top priority. Girls don't share their boyfriend's attention well.”

 

“You really are gonna go through with this, huh, Wench?” Inuyasha asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.

 

“It is a distinct possibility,” she said with a grin. A rumbling sound from the hanyou's stomach made her laugh as Inuyasha's eyes lit up.

 

“Hey now. You remember that thing you said that you made me promise to never repeat?” Kagome nodded. “You remember what you promised you'd do for me?”

 

“Oh, Inu! Not now. I just got comfortable and I really don't feel like doing that right now.”

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

He was eavesdropping again. He couldn't help it. She was spending the night in the next room in his brother's bed, in his brother's arms! How could she do that to him? How could she make him spend the night alone with that knowledge? It was breaking his heart, a whole new kind of pain for the taiyoukai. This wasn't because of the syndrome but because she chose the hanyou over him!

 

He had happened to hear something he liked though. She was talking like she was going to say yes, like she'd already decided. When she said that their mating was `a distinct possibility' his heart might as well have been filled with helium it floated so high. Things were looking good for him. So long as he didn't screw up he might just survive this.

 

Whatever it was that the half-breed wanted her to do, it didn't sound like something she wanted to do. It didn't sound like something he'd approve of either. Bad thoughts were floating through his mind, little suggestions of just what `it' might be, as well as just what kind of secret the hanyou was supposed to be keeping in exchange.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

“Okay then. I guess that makes our deal null and void. I think I'm gonna go talk to Miroku for a whi…”

 

Inuyasha's teasing threat was cut off by Kagome clapping her hand over his mouth. “Like hell. You promised you wouldn't say anything to anyone, and that counts double for Miroku!”

 

He pried her dainty hand off his face and laughed. “You promised you'd do it for me. There was no discussion as to when. I want you to do it now, so get on it Wench.”

 

Kagome growled through gritted teeth. “You really suck sometimes, you know that? Ugh, fine, fine, but just this once. You will not hold this over my head indefinitely.”

 

“Whatever you say, Babe,” Inu laughed as Kagome threw a pillow at his head. He knew she was only pretending to be upset with him. She tried to keep it a secret, but it was obvious that she loved doing it for him, seeing the look in his eyes, the satisfaction. He didn't need anything on her to get his way.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Sesshoumaru silently opened his bedroom door and crept the short ways down the hall until he was beside the hanyou's bright red door. He was not going to allow Inuyasha to force his Kagome to do anything, not if he could help it. He was just seconds from busting in when the door opened.

 

Kagome was startled by the presence of the taiyoukai just outside the door and gave him a funny look. “You alright? Whatcha doin' just standing here?”

 

Now he was really confused. She had agreed to do it for the hanyou, had she not? So what was she doing leaving the room? Was it possible he'd misinterpreted their conversation?

 

“Sesshoumaru?” she asked, trying to gain his attention. She reached up and placed one hand on his cheek and smiled as his eyes met hers. “I'm going down to make Inu some ramen. You wanna keep me company? I'll make you some too if you want.”

 

He nodded blankly and somewhere inside his mind, the beast let out a sigh of relief. The taiyoukai didn't need to kill his brother and ruin any and all progress they'd made. It was a good thing he'd keep his anger reined in as long as he had or things could have taken a bad turn.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Sesshoumaru sat at the table, watching as she set noodles on the stove to boil before joining him. “Ramen? Did he not have enough to eat at dinner?”

 

Kagome laughed. “To Inuyasha, ramen is like dessert. He loves it… a little too much sometimes. One of these days we'll be having an instant noodle intervention, I swear.” She smiled as the taiyoukai released a near silent chuckle. “So, you okay? I know you probably don't like the idea of me sleeping in his bed, but it was the only way to end the bitching and moaning. He's… he's having a really hard time with this and I don't blame him.”

 

“This Sesshoumaru will survive, though the night would be much more pleasant with you in my arms.”

 

The miko smirked at him. “Patience, patience. As nice as that sounds…” Kagome blushed at the words that had escaped without her permission and determinedly changed the subject. “Sesshoumaru, about Inuyasha… why? Why do you treat him the way you do? Do you really think all hanyou are abominations? Do you still believe that humans and demons shouldn't mate? I… I don't understand how you can say the things you have in the past, act the way you have, and now all of a sudden decide you want a human miko as your mate.”

 

He studied her face for a minute before trying his best to answer. “There are many things that I, at some point in the past, truly believed, but time… and you… have changed my views. I was taught some things very early in life and am beginning to question their accuracy.”

 

“Hold that thought,” Kagome said with a compassionate smile, rising and moving the pot from the stove, pouring its contents in a large bowl and adding the seasoning. She then set the bowl on the counter to cool and returned to the table.

 

“But who… who would have taught you to hate? Your father, he would never say such things. He loves Izayoi so much, and Inuyasha too.”

 

“It was not this Sesshoumaru's sire. It was my mother.”

 

“Your mother? I've never even heard her mentioned,” Kagome said in confusion.

 

“She died years ago,” he murmured. Was it possible his mother had filled his head with lies? But why would she do such a thing?

 

“Oh, I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru. You... you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. I just need to know something.” He nodded for her to continue. “The way you feel about Inuyasha, even if it never changes, you have to keep it to yourself. I don't want to have to divide my time, but I will not force him to spend time with me and you if you continue to treat him the way you do. He doesn't deserve it and I won't let you hurt him anymore. He's trying not to be rude, trying not to instigate arguments. I need to know that you'll try too.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded. “I will treat Inuyasha with respect, I promise you. I wish for nothing but your happiness.”

 

Kagome grinned. “Oh, I think you wish for a few other things too.” She was startled when Inuyasha suddenly popped up in the kitchen doorway.

 

“Oh, now I get it,” he growled in frustration, storming over to the counter where his bowl of ramen sat. “And it's cold, of course.”

 

“Oh, Inu, I'm sorry! We were talking and time just got away from me. Do you want me to make a new batch? I will!”

 

“No, Wench, don't bother,” he answered before walking away, bowl in hand.

 

“Crap,” Kagome mumbled. “I can't believe I forgot his ramen was waiting.” She reached across the tabletop and placed her hand atop one of his. “Have a good night, Sesshoumaru. I'll see you in the morning.”

 

He wanted to whine aloud when she pulled her hand away to stand, but as she passed, Kagome allowed her fingertips to trail along his arm, up to his shoulder where they lingered for a moment before disappearing. He listened as her footsteps headed up the stairs and sighed as Inuyasha's door opened and closed.

 

The taiyoukai was confused. His mother's teachings had made sense when he was young, but now… now that he was head over heels in love with a human miko and could care less about the differences between them, everything she said suddenly seemed wrong. Had the status levels of demons, humans, and hanyou changed or was it just his perspective that did? Was his mother right and he'd just outgrown her teachings or had she lied to him so long ago? Was it possible that she'd filled his head with hate and lies on purpose? It didn't make sense and there was only one person who could help him understand. He would have to speak with his father.

 

Sesshoumaru was surprised when he looked up, only to see Bankotsu sitting across the table where Kagome had just been. Deciding it was better than giving himself a headache, he decided to switch from one confusing subject to another. Perhaps one could be resolved.

 

“How is it that you are a half demon and yet this Sesshoumaru has never sensed it?” he asked.

 

Bank smiled. “I had a feeling you would ask that. Jak told me you'd been listening and that he'd mentioned it.” Sesshoumaru nodded, simply waiting for an explanation. “My father was a demon and my mother is human.”

 

“If that were so, then your heritage would be obvious, yet all you carry is a demon marking. You have the aura of a normal human.”

 

“That's because my mother isn't a normal human. My mother is a miko,” Bank answered with a smile before standing and starting to walk away. “Now you've got something else entirely to think about.”

 

That was an interesting revelation. He'd never heard of something like that happening before, but then a demon mating a miko was not a common occurrence. Did that mean that his and Kagome's pups would also carry no demonic or holy auras? Shaking his head, the taiyoukai rose and pushed in his chair. He had far too much to think about, too many questions and not enough answers. He needed to just go to bed. The sooner he went to sleep the sooner morning would come and he would be near Kagome again.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Sesshoumaru was woken out of a sound sleep by the sound of his bedroom door clicking closed. He sat up quickly, scanning the room for an intruder and finding one slowly making her way towards the foot of his bed. She smiled seductively at him and a flash of fire spread through his body. He was frozen, immobilized when she crawled onto the mattress, moving higher until she sat crouched over his upper thighs.

 

Kagome stared into his eyes for a moment before leaning down and kissing him passionately, his hands moving to rest on her hips. “I couldn't sleep. You don't mind, do you?”