InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unfettered ❯ Old Friends? ( Chapter 10 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: inufan625 
Two from InuYasha's past make appearances and there is a touch of LIME...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 07.01.2006 | Updated On: 01.04.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 2.4K | Status: Work In Progress
Two from InuYasha's past make appearances and there is a touch of LIME...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 07.01.2006 | Updated On: 01.04.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 2.4K | Status: Work In Progress
A/N: Please don’t hate me for the end of this chapter. There is more to it than meets the eye. Also this chapter marks the beginning of the actual plot of the story. I know it took me long enough to set it all up didn’t it?
Thanks to all those who have reviewed and I hope you will choose to do so again. I really do enjoy hearing what you think. In case you missed it last time the address to my live journal which will have progress notices is http://inufan625.livejournal.com
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of it’s characters and I will make no money off of this.
“What do you want?” InuYasha asked. “Did you come to collect on my offer?”
Kagome gripped InuYasha’s arm just above the elbow.
“I came to speak to your whelp. This Sesshomaru requires answers,” he replied.
“Oi, pup just listen to your uncle and answer him as best you can,” InuYasha said.
“I would speak to him privately,” Sesshomaru informed them.
“No,” InuYasha replied. “You ain’t taking him out of my sight.”
“InuYasha, I think it’s okay,” Kagome said quietly. “He wouldn’t have saved him only to kill him, would he?” Kagome looked at the taiyoukai. “Will you give your word that you won't harm him?”
“Kagome-” InuYasha started.
“You have my word. Your son will meet no harm at my hands,” Sesshomaru offered.
Kagome kneeled down. “Taro, baby, go with your uncle and answer his questions. He won’t hurt you.”
“Papa?” Taro questioned.
InuYasha didn’t like this one bit, but Sesshomaru had saved his son and asked for nothing in return, so he owed him. “It’s okay.”
“Come,” Sesshomaru said as he strode away, and Taro hurried after him. When the taiyoukai stopped, he looked down at the boy. “Tell me again all you can remember of your time between worlds.”
“Like I told mama and papa, at first it hurt, but then the pain went away and it was so dark. I was afraid, but I tried to be brave, and then I felt them all around me. People who loved me, and they told me I would be back with my mama and papa soon, and that they would take care of me until then,” Taro explained. “There was a man, and he told me that he was my ojii-san, and there was a woman with him, my obaa-san. I couldn’t see them, but I could feel them...”
“Explain,” Sesshomaru commanded. “What did you feel?”
“It doesn’t make sense, not really, but I could smell them, I think. It’s how I knew they were family. Ojii-san smelt more like papa than you do, but it was different, too... like the earth and the trees, but also of the sea, and obaa-san smelled sweet, like flowers and rain. I heard them in my head,” Taro offered.
“Your ojii-san, he spoke of Izayoi,” Sesshomaru prompted.
“He said I should tell my uncle that Izayoi was his mother’s reincarnation,” Taro told him. “Yurimei...I was supposed to remember that too. I’m sorry I forgot.”
Sesshomaru was struck speechless. Yurimei was his mother’s name, something InuYasha and his miko could have no knowledge of, since she died many years before they were born. There could be no doubt now, and only one question remained; why didn’t his father tell him this fact in life?
“Uncle, why do you only have one arm?” Taro asked.
Sesshomaru looked at the boy. “Your father took it from me in a battle.”
“Do you like only having one?” Taro questioned.
“I find it inconvenient at times, but it is of little concern,” Sesshomaru replied. “There are still none who are able to challenge this Sesshomaru.”
“Can I see?” Taro pressed.
There was no doubt who the mother of this child was. The miko’s influence was plain. Sesshomaru didn’t know why, but he felt the need to humor the child, his nephew, and lifted his sleeve. He was shocked when the boy touched his arm and closed his eyes.
Sesshomaru himself was over come with the amount of power that suddenly surrounded him, but he could detect no threat. The power faded and InuYasha appeared, with his mate on his back. He set the miko on her feet and hurried to his pup, sniffing him to make sure he was well.
“What the hell was that?” InuYasha demanded.
Kagome gasped. “InuYasha...”
The hanyou turned to his mate as their pup ran to his mother. “What?”
“Sesshomaru... his arm...” Kagome managed weakly.
Both brothers looked at the appendage that had not been there when Sesshomaru took Taro off into the trees. Sesshomaru raised his left arm, once again whole, and his eyes settled on the smiling little boy in his mother’s arms.
“What the hell?” InuYasha questioned. “How did you do that?”
“It was not I,” Sesshomaru replied.
“I did it papa,” Taro confessed. “I wished for Uncle to have his arm back and it just happened. Are you mad at me?”
InuYasha looked at his son. “No, I ain’t mad.”
“The amount of power used will not go unnoticed,” Sesshomaru said. “What was hidden before has been made plain. You would do well to guard him closely, and to teach him to harness his power.”
He reached up and brushed the hair from her eyes. “Something wrong?”
The young woman shook her head. “Not wrong, but I think we need to talk about this afternoon with Taro and Sesshomaru. I think he was right.”
“About training him, you mean?” InuYasha questioned. Kagome nodded. “That’s easy enough. I’ve been fighting all my life.”
“The thing is... he going to need to know about more than fighting,” she explained. “There’s also his spiritual powers to take into account, and on top of that he’s so young and he has so much power. I don’t want to fail him.”
“You won’t,” InuYasha said firmly. “We won’t. I’ll teach him to protect his body, and you and the baba can help him learn to protect his soul. With a soul as large and pure as yours, if anyone can do it, it’s you.”
Kagome pressed her body more closely to his and buried her face against his neck. “Please don’t be upset with me, or take this the wrong way, but I also think I should teach him the things we learn in school in my era, just in case. If something happened to us... he’d be safe with mama.”
“Why would I be upset?” InuYasha asked, bumping his nose against her forehead, forcing her to lift her head.
“I didn’t know if you’d think I was saying that I don’t trust you to protect us,” she replied. “I do.”
“Keh, I know, but you’re right,” he sighed. “As much as I hate it, I can’t always be everywhere and when I’m mortal... Your family, it ain’t like it was for me. They would care for him and even if I don’t understand your world, I know that there are things he would need to know if he had to live there.”
“InuYasha?” Kagome began. “There’s one other thing. I know how important it is that Taro be able to protect himself, but he’s only a little boy. I don’t want him to have sword, not yet. I mean it’s one thing if you want to let him learn how to use the Tetsusaiga just in case... Do you understand?”
“Of course I do,” he replied. “I was a only little older than him when I ended up on my own, and I didn’t have nothing but my claws. Hell, he’s already better off than I was. I didn’t learn how to use my hijenkessou until I had been on my own nearly three summers, and even then it was an accident.
“I was injured and cornered in a small cave, and I thought for sure that I was going to die. When the youkai came after me, I threw out the hand that had been covering the wound in my stomach to ward off a blow and it just happed.” He paused and when he spoke again, his tone was both quiet and sad, “You never forget... you never forget the day you learn that your blood can kill.”
“InuYasha?” Kagome whispered, touching his face with her hand.
He shook his head and his eyes cleared. “Don’t worry about me, wench. It was a long time ago. Besides, we’re talking about our son, not me. Like I was saying, I understand. I wasn’t really planning on teaching the pup too much in the way of attacking. I figure that learning to track, to defend, and to survive in the forest is more important to start with.”
His mate nodded and to his great pleasure slipped one of her delicate, but talented hands down between them as she began kissing and nipping at his chest. A low rumbling growl spilled from him as he let his own hand slip down to cup her bottom.
“I guess this means... oh fuck .... that we’re done talking?” he groaned.
“Mmm, unless you’d rather not,” Kagome posed, gripping him more firmly.
“You know... better than that, woman,” he managed between gasps. “Fuck me!”
“That’s the idea,” Kagome giggled, not letting up in her sweet torture of her hanyou mate.
Thankfully as he growled and rolled to pin her under him, he muffled her delighted squeal by pressing his mouth over hers in a fervent kiss.
They all knew that it wasn’t reasonable or fair to expect a boy not yet five to practice as long as a grown woman. Neither Kagome nor InuYasha wanted their son to grow up any faster than he had to. It was going to be a hard balance to achieve, and in the end they both knew that they could only do their best and hope it was good enough.
After midday, when Kagome was done training with Kaede, the three returned to their home for a meal before Taro began his second round of lessons for the day. This time it was his mother that was the teacher, and he was learning things a young child would be taught in school.
Of course, Kagome would have to wait until the next visit to her family before she could begin a more formal, structured education for her son, but for now she would simply do the best with what she had available. She supposed it helped a great deal that Taro was both bright and eager to learn all that he could, especially with the promise of training with his father after dinner.
Again, when the boy’s mind began to wander, he was allowed to go out and play like the young child that he was, leaving Kagome free to attend to the duties of their home, such as washing the laundry and cleaning. Fortunately, both her hanyou were not prone to making messes, at least when they weren’t eating; InuYasha because he really didn’t own anything to leave laying around, and Taro because he was used to picking up after himself.
Truthfully, Kagome was relieved to have the time to herself that this afforded. She could simply relax or meditate and maybe get in a short nap. She loved the two men in her life dearly, but they were both a handful at times, and InuYasha seemed to take particular pleasure in seeing just how long her pathetic human body could keep up with him when it came to pleasuring her. Not that she thought that was anything to complain about, really.
“My mate, Kikyou appeared while I was hunting and we spoke. She felt the power Taro used and figured out the truth. She wants to stay in the village in case there’s trouble, but she said she’ll understand if you aren’t comfortable with that.”
If she was being honest with herself, Kagome didn’t like the idea of Kikyou staying nearby; but to protect her son she would do anything. “I have no right to deny her the freedom to do as she chooses, and I can’t afford to be selfish with our son’s life at risk. The decision is hers.”
InuYasha nuzzled her neck. “I’ll go tell her, and I’ll take Taro with me. She wants to see him.”
Kagome bit her lip. She didn’t like the idea of InuYasha taking their son to see Kikyou, but she refused to doubt him, and so she would remain silent.
Taro held onto his father’s neck as they ran. They stopped in a clearing and were met by a miko who looked sort of like his mama, only not as pretty and she smelled really, really bad. He didn’t like her at all, but his mama taught him to always be polite, so he bowed.
“Hello miko-sama,” Taro offered.
Kikyou smiled and inclined her head. The little boy radiated power and looked exactly like his father, but his personality was clearly closer to that of his mother. “Hello.”
“Kagome said it’s your decision,” InuYasha offered.
Kikyou nodded. “Very well. I will be staying with my sister. Do not hesitate to seek me out if you have need.”
“Thanks Kikyou,” InuYasha told her.
InuYasha and Taro walked back to their home while Kikyou headed for the village. “Papa, why does that lady stink?”
InuYasha stopped and looked at his son.
Taro whimpered, “I’m sorry, papa.”
“She ain’t human. She was brought back from the dead by a witch, and it’s because her body was made of her remains and grave soil that she smells like that,” InuYasha explained. “She didn’t choose to be that way. It’s just how it is.”
“Oh,” Taro said quietly. “Why was mama sad when Uncle said you smelled like her?”
“Because a long time ago I was stupid, and hurt your mama by telling her that she wasn’t as good as Kikyou and that I didn’t care about her,” InuYasha replied.
“My mama is way prettier than her,” Taro said, crossing his arms. “She’s the best mama ever. He used to hurt mama after he came home smelling like other women.”
“Pup, listen closely. I am not going to hurt your mama. She is my mate. When you get a little older you’ll understand what that means,” InuYasha said seriously. “We’re a family, and nothing is going to take me away from you and your mama.”
“Can I go play in the village now?” Taro asked, satisfied with his father’s answer.
“Sure, but be listening for me,” InuYasha replied.
“Yes, papa,” Taro said, as he ran off and joined the group of village children that he often played with; those who didn’t care that he was a hanyou.
InuYasha entered the house to find Kagome, sitting on a cushion, drinking tea. “Where is Taro?” she asked.
“He went to play in the village,” InuYasha replied. “Kikyou’s going to be staying with Kaede. He asked me why she stinks.”
Kagome smiled into her cup and was about to reply, when she felt a huge pulse of power coming from the village. InuYasha looked at her and they ran out together. They found Kikyou, standing outside Kaede’s hut, with Taro beside her. Her eyes were closed, her head was thrown back, and she was smiling, as she held her arms out to the side.
She sensed InuYasha and Kagome and looked at them. “Do you know how long it has been since I was able to feel the wind on my face?
“You’re alive,” InuYasha gasped, stepping toward the miko and putting his hand on the side of her face.
Kikyou threw her arms around him and laughed. “Isn’t it wonderful.”
Kagome forced herself to be happy for Kikyou. Taro hurried to his mother and took her hand. He sensed her sadness and was also wondering why his papa was holding the woman who wasn’t his mother. “Mama?”
“Are you hungry, baby?” Kagome asked, still watching InuYasha hugging Kikyou, trying not to get jealous.
“Yes, mama,” Taro replied.
“InuYasha, we’re going home,” Kagome called. “Taro is hungry. Kikyou, I’m glad you have your life back. You deserved a better fate than you were given.”
InuYasha finally released Kikyou. “I’m happy for you too, Kikyou.”
Kikyou nodded and InuYasha ran off after Kagome and Taro. Kagome didn’t say anything as he approached, and he wondered what was bothering her. He knew the pup sensed it too. She had closed off her aura completely, cocooning it tightly around herself.
She served the food that had been warming over the fire and ate quickly. Kagome watched her two hanyou with a soft smile that hid her inner turmoil. She loved them both so much, and to lose either would surely destroy her.
After dinner, she went outside to watch Taro and InuYasha’s daily training session. It went on until Taro grew tired. They all went inside together, and Taro fell asleep at once. InuYasha wrapped an arm around Kagome’s waist and led her to their room.
In bed, he began to nuzzle her neck and she pulled away from him. She could see that he was a little hurt by her actions, and the selfish, jealous part of herself was pleased, but then she quickly felt guilty for having such feelings.
InuYasha was confused. Kagome had never pulled away from him in such a clear denial of her body. She was always more than willing to make love, and initiated it almost as often as he did. “Kagome, is something wrong?”
Kagome hated herself for her jealousy and her mistrust. He hadn’t done anything wrong after all. She scooted closer to him and rubbed his ear. “Nothing’s wrong,” she said quietly. “I was being stupid. I’m sorry. I love you and we can make love if you want.”
“No secrets, my mate. We agreed,” he reminded her.
“Kikyou’s alive now,” Kagome offered.
“Yeah, so?” InuYasha asked.
“You were holding her,” Kagome whispered.
InuYasha sat up. “She’s my friend. You said you were fine with her being here,” he bit out, in a raised voice.
“So, if I hugged Kouga like you hugged Kikyou and caressed his cheek while looking into his eyes, then that would be all right?” Kagome posed.
“Fuck no, that wimpy bastard better not...” InuYasha trailed off in his rant.
Kagome remained silent and she could see him coming to an understanding.
Baka, you hurt her again. She had every right to be upset. Her hugging Kouga wouldn’t even begin to compare with you and Kikyou because she never had feelings for the wimpy wolf. You held another woman in front of your mate, and not just any woman. But one you had compared to her to, told her was better than her, and one you lied about seeing.
InuYasha nuzzled her cheek and a soft whine escaped him. “Forgive me, I wasn’t thinking. I was surprised. You have every right to be angry with me.”
“I’m not angry with you InuYasha,” Kagome whispered. “I always knew that you loved her and now she’s alive again. It would only make sense that your feelings for her would return. Go be with her as you would have been if Naraku hadn’t interfered.”
InuYasha rolled her over and licked the tears away as they rolled down her cheek. “You are my mate, and Kikyou is my friend. Alive or not, that is how things are and how they are going to stay. Please, don’t cry.” He pulled her to his chest and growled softly until she fell into a restless sleep.
Thanks to all those who have reviewed and I hope you will choose to do so again. I really do enjoy hearing what you think. In case you missed it last time the address to my live journal which will have progress notices is http://inufan625.livejournal.com
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of it’s characters and I will make no money off of this.
~ * ~
After a couple of days with her family, they journeyed back through the well to their home, and were met by an unwelcome visitor.“What do you want?” InuYasha asked. “Did you come to collect on my offer?”
Kagome gripped InuYasha’s arm just above the elbow.
“I came to speak to your whelp. This Sesshomaru requires answers,” he replied.
“Oi, pup just listen to your uncle and answer him as best you can,” InuYasha said.
“I would speak to him privately,” Sesshomaru informed them.
“No,” InuYasha replied. “You ain’t taking him out of my sight.”
“InuYasha, I think it’s okay,” Kagome said quietly. “He wouldn’t have saved him only to kill him, would he?” Kagome looked at the taiyoukai. “Will you give your word that you won't harm him?”
“Kagome-” InuYasha started.
“You have my word. Your son will meet no harm at my hands,” Sesshomaru offered.
Kagome kneeled down. “Taro, baby, go with your uncle and answer his questions. He won’t hurt you.”
“Papa?” Taro questioned.
InuYasha didn’t like this one bit, but Sesshomaru had saved his son and asked for nothing in return, so he owed him. “It’s okay.”
“Come,” Sesshomaru said as he strode away, and Taro hurried after him. When the taiyoukai stopped, he looked down at the boy. “Tell me again all you can remember of your time between worlds.”
“Like I told mama and papa, at first it hurt, but then the pain went away and it was so dark. I was afraid, but I tried to be brave, and then I felt them all around me. People who loved me, and they told me I would be back with my mama and papa soon, and that they would take care of me until then,” Taro explained. “There was a man, and he told me that he was my ojii-san, and there was a woman with him, my obaa-san. I couldn’t see them, but I could feel them...”
“Explain,” Sesshomaru commanded. “What did you feel?”
“It doesn’t make sense, not really, but I could smell them, I think. It’s how I knew they were family. Ojii-san smelt more like papa than you do, but it was different, too... like the earth and the trees, but also of the sea, and obaa-san smelled sweet, like flowers and rain. I heard them in my head,” Taro offered.
“Your ojii-san, he spoke of Izayoi,” Sesshomaru prompted.
“He said I should tell my uncle that Izayoi was his mother’s reincarnation,” Taro told him. “Yurimei...I was supposed to remember that too. I’m sorry I forgot.”
Sesshomaru was struck speechless. Yurimei was his mother’s name, something InuYasha and his miko could have no knowledge of, since she died many years before they were born. There could be no doubt now, and only one question remained; why didn’t his father tell him this fact in life?
“Uncle, why do you only have one arm?” Taro asked.
Sesshomaru looked at the boy. “Your father took it from me in a battle.”
“Do you like only having one?” Taro questioned.
“I find it inconvenient at times, but it is of little concern,” Sesshomaru replied. “There are still none who are able to challenge this Sesshomaru.”
“Can I see?” Taro pressed.
There was no doubt who the mother of this child was. The miko’s influence was plain. Sesshomaru didn’t know why, but he felt the need to humor the child, his nephew, and lifted his sleeve. He was shocked when the boy touched his arm and closed his eyes.
Sesshomaru himself was over come with the amount of power that suddenly surrounded him, but he could detect no threat. The power faded and InuYasha appeared, with his mate on his back. He set the miko on her feet and hurried to his pup, sniffing him to make sure he was well.
“What the hell was that?” InuYasha demanded.
Kagome gasped. “InuYasha...”
The hanyou turned to his mate as their pup ran to his mother. “What?”
“Sesshomaru... his arm...” Kagome managed weakly.
Both brothers looked at the appendage that had not been there when Sesshomaru took Taro off into the trees. Sesshomaru raised his left arm, once again whole, and his eyes settled on the smiling little boy in his mother’s arms.
“What the hell?” InuYasha questioned. “How did you do that?”
“It was not I,” Sesshomaru replied.
“I did it papa,” Taro confessed. “I wished for Uncle to have his arm back and it just happened. Are you mad at me?”
InuYasha looked at his son. “No, I ain’t mad.”
“The amount of power used will not go unnoticed,” Sesshomaru said. “What was hidden before has been made plain. You would do well to guard him closely, and to teach him to harness his power.”
~ * ~
Kagome sighed as her hanyou caressed her bare breast. She always felt so relaxed and peaceful after they had made love. The quiet closeness between them was a comfort to her. She turned in his arms so that she could look into the golden eyes she so adored.He reached up and brushed the hair from her eyes. “Something wrong?”
The young woman shook her head. “Not wrong, but I think we need to talk about this afternoon with Taro and Sesshomaru. I think he was right.”
“About training him, you mean?” InuYasha questioned. Kagome nodded. “That’s easy enough. I’ve been fighting all my life.”
“The thing is... he going to need to know about more than fighting,” she explained. “There’s also his spiritual powers to take into account, and on top of that he’s so young and he has so much power. I don’t want to fail him.”
“You won’t,” InuYasha said firmly. “We won’t. I’ll teach him to protect his body, and you and the baba can help him learn to protect his soul. With a soul as large and pure as yours, if anyone can do it, it’s you.”
Kagome pressed her body more closely to his and buried her face against his neck. “Please don’t be upset with me, or take this the wrong way, but I also think I should teach him the things we learn in school in my era, just in case. If something happened to us... he’d be safe with mama.”
“Why would I be upset?” InuYasha asked, bumping his nose against her forehead, forcing her to lift her head.
“I didn’t know if you’d think I was saying that I don’t trust you to protect us,” she replied. “I do.”
“Keh, I know, but you’re right,” he sighed. “As much as I hate it, I can’t always be everywhere and when I’m mortal... Your family, it ain’t like it was for me. They would care for him and even if I don’t understand your world, I know that there are things he would need to know if he had to live there.”
“InuYasha?” Kagome began. “There’s one other thing. I know how important it is that Taro be able to protect himself, but he’s only a little boy. I don’t want him to have sword, not yet. I mean it’s one thing if you want to let him learn how to use the Tetsusaiga just in case... Do you understand?”
“Of course I do,” he replied. “I was a only little older than him when I ended up on my own, and I didn’t have nothing but my claws. Hell, he’s already better off than I was. I didn’t learn how to use my hijenkessou until I had been on my own nearly three summers, and even then it was an accident.
“I was injured and cornered in a small cave, and I thought for sure that I was going to die. When the youkai came after me, I threw out the hand that had been covering the wound in my stomach to ward off a blow and it just happed.” He paused and when he spoke again, his tone was both quiet and sad, “You never forget... you never forget the day you learn that your blood can kill.”
“InuYasha?” Kagome whispered, touching his face with her hand.
He shook his head and his eyes cleared. “Don’t worry about me, wench. It was a long time ago. Besides, we’re talking about our son, not me. Like I was saying, I understand. I wasn’t really planning on teaching the pup too much in the way of attacking. I figure that learning to track, to defend, and to survive in the forest is more important to start with.”
His mate nodded and to his great pleasure slipped one of her delicate, but talented hands down between them as she began kissing and nipping at his chest. A low rumbling growl spilled from him as he let his own hand slip down to cup her bottom.
“I guess this means... oh fuck .... that we’re done talking?” he groaned.
“Mmm, unless you’d rather not,” Kagome posed, gripping him more firmly.
“You know... better than that, woman,” he managed between gasps. “Fuck me!”
“That’s the idea,” Kagome giggled, not letting up in her sweet torture of her hanyou mate.
Thankfully as he growled and rolled to pin her under him, he muffled her delighted squeal by pressing his mouth over hers in a fervent kiss.
~ * ~
The next morning began with both Taro and Kagome going to see Kaede. The elderly miko was more than willing to help the young hanyou, and to let him train alongside his mother. Of course, his lesson was shorter than hers, and he was permitted to go play with some of the village children while Kagome remained, since InuYasha was nearby to watch over him.They all knew that it wasn’t reasonable or fair to expect a boy not yet five to practice as long as a grown woman. Neither Kagome nor InuYasha wanted their son to grow up any faster than he had to. It was going to be a hard balance to achieve, and in the end they both knew that they could only do their best and hope it was good enough.
After midday, when Kagome was done training with Kaede, the three returned to their home for a meal before Taro began his second round of lessons for the day. This time it was his mother that was the teacher, and he was learning things a young child would be taught in school.
Of course, Kagome would have to wait until the next visit to her family before she could begin a more formal, structured education for her son, but for now she would simply do the best with what she had available. She supposed it helped a great deal that Taro was both bright and eager to learn all that he could, especially with the promise of training with his father after dinner.
Again, when the boy’s mind began to wander, he was allowed to go out and play like the young child that he was, leaving Kagome free to attend to the duties of their home, such as washing the laundry and cleaning. Fortunately, both her hanyou were not prone to making messes, at least when they weren’t eating; InuYasha because he really didn’t own anything to leave laying around, and Taro because he was used to picking up after himself.
Truthfully, Kagome was relieved to have the time to herself that this afforded. She could simply relax or meditate and maybe get in a short nap. She loved the two men in her life dearly, but they were both a handful at times, and InuYasha seemed to take particular pleasure in seeing just how long her pathetic human body could keep up with him when it came to pleasuring her. Not that she thought that was anything to complain about, really.
~ * ~
InuYasha, who always spent part of his day in the forest making sure no youkai came too close to the village, returned home to find Kagome cooking dinner. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and nipped at her lightly.“My mate, Kikyou appeared while I was hunting and we spoke. She felt the power Taro used and figured out the truth. She wants to stay in the village in case there’s trouble, but she said she’ll understand if you aren’t comfortable with that.”
If she was being honest with herself, Kagome didn’t like the idea of Kikyou staying nearby; but to protect her son she would do anything. “I have no right to deny her the freedom to do as she chooses, and I can’t afford to be selfish with our son’s life at risk. The decision is hers.”
InuYasha nuzzled her neck. “I’ll go tell her, and I’ll take Taro with me. She wants to see him.”
Kagome bit her lip. She didn’t like the idea of InuYasha taking their son to see Kikyou, but she refused to doubt him, and so she would remain silent.
Taro held onto his father’s neck as they ran. They stopped in a clearing and were met by a miko who looked sort of like his mama, only not as pretty and she smelled really, really bad. He didn’t like her at all, but his mama taught him to always be polite, so he bowed.
“Hello miko-sama,” Taro offered.
Kikyou smiled and inclined her head. The little boy radiated power and looked exactly like his father, but his personality was clearly closer to that of his mother. “Hello.”
“Kagome said it’s your decision,” InuYasha offered.
Kikyou nodded. “Very well. I will be staying with my sister. Do not hesitate to seek me out if you have need.”
“Thanks Kikyou,” InuYasha told her.
InuYasha and Taro walked back to their home while Kikyou headed for the village. “Papa, why does that lady stink?”
InuYasha stopped and looked at his son.
Taro whimpered, “I’m sorry, papa.”
“She ain’t human. She was brought back from the dead by a witch, and it’s because her body was made of her remains and grave soil that she smells like that,” InuYasha explained. “She didn’t choose to be that way. It’s just how it is.”
“Oh,” Taro said quietly. “Why was mama sad when Uncle said you smelled like her?”
“Because a long time ago I was stupid, and hurt your mama by telling her that she wasn’t as good as Kikyou and that I didn’t care about her,” InuYasha replied.
“My mama is way prettier than her,” Taro said, crossing his arms. “She’s the best mama ever. He used to hurt mama after he came home smelling like other women.”
“Pup, listen closely. I am not going to hurt your mama. She is my mate. When you get a little older you’ll understand what that means,” InuYasha said seriously. “We’re a family, and nothing is going to take me away from you and your mama.”
“Can I go play in the village now?” Taro asked, satisfied with his father’s answer.
“Sure, but be listening for me,” InuYasha replied.
“Yes, papa,” Taro said, as he ran off and joined the group of village children that he often played with; those who didn’t care that he was a hanyou.
InuYasha entered the house to find Kagome, sitting on a cushion, drinking tea. “Where is Taro?” she asked.
“He went to play in the village,” InuYasha replied. “Kikyou’s going to be staying with Kaede. He asked me why she stinks.”
Kagome smiled into her cup and was about to reply, when she felt a huge pulse of power coming from the village. InuYasha looked at her and they ran out together. They found Kikyou, standing outside Kaede’s hut, with Taro beside her. Her eyes were closed, her head was thrown back, and she was smiling, as she held her arms out to the side.
She sensed InuYasha and Kagome and looked at them. “Do you know how long it has been since I was able to feel the wind on my face?
“You’re alive,” InuYasha gasped, stepping toward the miko and putting his hand on the side of her face.
Kikyou threw her arms around him and laughed. “Isn’t it wonderful.”
Kagome forced herself to be happy for Kikyou. Taro hurried to his mother and took her hand. He sensed her sadness and was also wondering why his papa was holding the woman who wasn’t his mother. “Mama?”
“Are you hungry, baby?” Kagome asked, still watching InuYasha hugging Kikyou, trying not to get jealous.
“Yes, mama,” Taro replied.
“InuYasha, we’re going home,” Kagome called. “Taro is hungry. Kikyou, I’m glad you have your life back. You deserved a better fate than you were given.”
InuYasha finally released Kikyou. “I’m happy for you too, Kikyou.”
Kikyou nodded and InuYasha ran off after Kagome and Taro. Kagome didn’t say anything as he approached, and he wondered what was bothering her. He knew the pup sensed it too. She had closed off her aura completely, cocooning it tightly around herself.
She served the food that had been warming over the fire and ate quickly. Kagome watched her two hanyou with a soft smile that hid her inner turmoil. She loved them both so much, and to lose either would surely destroy her.
After dinner, she went outside to watch Taro and InuYasha’s daily training session. It went on until Taro grew tired. They all went inside together, and Taro fell asleep at once. InuYasha wrapped an arm around Kagome’s waist and led her to their room.
In bed, he began to nuzzle her neck and she pulled away from him. She could see that he was a little hurt by her actions, and the selfish, jealous part of herself was pleased, but then she quickly felt guilty for having such feelings.
InuYasha was confused. Kagome had never pulled away from him in such a clear denial of her body. She was always more than willing to make love, and initiated it almost as often as he did. “Kagome, is something wrong?”
Kagome hated herself for her jealousy and her mistrust. He hadn’t done anything wrong after all. She scooted closer to him and rubbed his ear. “Nothing’s wrong,” she said quietly. “I was being stupid. I’m sorry. I love you and we can make love if you want.”
“No secrets, my mate. We agreed,” he reminded her.
“Kikyou’s alive now,” Kagome offered.
“Yeah, so?” InuYasha asked.
“You were holding her,” Kagome whispered.
InuYasha sat up. “She’s my friend. You said you were fine with her being here,” he bit out, in a raised voice.
“So, if I hugged Kouga like you hugged Kikyou and caressed his cheek while looking into his eyes, then that would be all right?” Kagome posed.
“Fuck no, that wimpy bastard better not...” InuYasha trailed off in his rant.
Kagome remained silent and she could see him coming to an understanding.
Baka, you hurt her again. She had every right to be upset. Her hugging Kouga wouldn’t even begin to compare with you and Kikyou because she never had feelings for the wimpy wolf. You held another woman in front of your mate, and not just any woman. But one you had compared to her to, told her was better than her, and one you lied about seeing.
InuYasha nuzzled her cheek and a soft whine escaped him. “Forgive me, I wasn’t thinking. I was surprised. You have every right to be angry with me.”
“I’m not angry with you InuYasha,” Kagome whispered. “I always knew that you loved her and now she’s alive again. It would only make sense that your feelings for her would return. Go be with her as you would have been if Naraku hadn’t interfered.”
InuYasha rolled her over and licked the tears away as they rolled down her cheek. “You are my mate, and Kikyou is my friend. Alive or not, that is how things are and how they are going to stay. Please, don’t cry.” He pulled her to his chest and growled softly until she fell into a restless sleep.