In the last episode of the Final Act and in the last book in the manga, Inuyasha seems to have developed a kinship with Kaede, and that's where I got the inspiration for this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters. All rights to Rumiko Takahashi.

Chapter 7: Embarrassing Advice

I can't believe I'm here or that I'm actually doing this, but somehow I've wound up in Kaede's house for relationship advice.

"Hello there, Inuyasha," Kaede said when I walked in. "Hey," I replied uncertainly. I came and sat down across from her. A pot of soup was cooking in front of her, and the smell of it almost distracted me. I tried to stifle a growl from my stomach.

"I need some advice," I said. Kaede nodded, unfazed. Surprisingly, she had been the person I spoke to the most during Kagome's absence. I talked to Miroku a couple times, but I was always more comfortable talking to Kaede. She just understood everything better.

"What do ye need help with?" she asked. I paused and avoided her gaze. "It's about Kagome," I began. Kaede put down her spoon and I felt her focus in on what I had to say.

"I want to…um," I paused and felt myself start to blush. Kaede chuckled. "Ye want to ask her to marry ye, correct?" she asked. I finally looked up and met her eyes. "Yes," I said. "I really want to…uh, propose." Kaede smiled.

"Then ye should just ask her," she replied. "Kagome will not say no." I couldn't meet her eyes. This was too embarrassing. "I know that," I said. "I just don't know how to ask."

I thought about a gift her mother had given me before the well closed. I knew I would give that to her, but I also needed to know what to say.

"Can you just tell me what to do?" I asked. "I want to ask her soon." Kaede laughed. "I cannot tell ye what to say," she said. "Ye must come up with that on your own." Her laugh turned to a thoughtful smile. "Ye love Kagome. Ye will know what to say when the time is right." I sighed and knew that was the only answer I was going to get today.

Instead of picking an argument, I silently bowed my head to her and left the house.

If Kaede was right, then I'd know what to say. I just hoped I realized what that was soon.

To be continued…

Cute, right? Maybe, maybe not. Let me know what you think!

Much love. :)