Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Touch of Home
(note: This directly follows chapter 9: Onslaught)
The unexpectedly severe weather had passed on, leaving Kagome with a fussy baby and an unconscious husband. Have no option, Kagome fed Aimiko while anxiously watching Rin and Shippo strip the soaked clothes from Inuyasha's unconscious body. He was unmarked, save for a burn over his hip where Tessaiga normally rested. Directing Rin to her supply of burn lotion, Kagome glanced at Kaede who was looking very concerned.
"I worry that he was hit by lightning," murmured the old miko, as she watched her apprentice spreading the soothing lotion over the blistered skin. "Lightning may leave no mark, unless metal is carried. The burn, where he wears Tessaiga..."
Kagome switched Aimiko to her other breast. "Inuyasha was struck twice by lightning during the quest—well, three times, if you count his fight with Hiten. Surely, he'll be fine."
"We must hope his hanyo blood will suffice," said Kaede, with a sigh.
The drumming of the rain filled the world as conversation ceased. Kagome watched as Rin and Shippo worked together to settle Inuyasha on a futon brought from the back room, aware of how much the two had grown in the nine years since she had first met them. She was grateful for their presence and assistance. They had come only to visit and keep her company, and would have quickly vanished had Inuyasha returned on his own two feet.
Aimiko had just burped under her mother's patting, when Kagome saw Inuyasha's ears twitch. They twitched a second time, and then went flat, as Inuyasha whimpered. Rolling on his side, the hanyo reached up to cover his ears. "Stop it," he said blurrily. "Hurts. Kagome. Where's Kagome?"
Holding Aimiko, Kagome lurched to her feet and hurried around the fire-pit, kneeling beside him on the futon. "I'm here, Inuyasha."
But, he did not seem to hear her, calling her name over and over, between plaints about pain and asking for 'it' to stop. Kagome bit her lip, then decided. Laying Aimiko on the futon, she leaned over.
"Be careful, child," cautioned Kaede. "If he can't hear—if he doesn't know where he is..."
"Inuyasha won't hurt me." Reaching out, Kagome combed her finger's through the hanyo's bangs.
He froze, silenced. She placed her hand on top of his. Letting go of his ear, he grasped her hand. "Kagome?"
She touched his face with her other hand, drawing it down his cheek, then using it to turn his head. She kissed him.
"Kagome," he mumbled as their lips moved against each other. "Aimiko?"
She pulled away, then reached down, and picked up the baby, bringing Aimiko's face in touch with his. Though his eyes remained squeezed shut and his ears remained flattened, Inuyasha nuzzled Aimiko's face. He sighed. "Aimiko," he murmured. Clawed hands moving slowly, carefully, he took hold of his baby girl and pulled her close. "Home..."
Kagome smiled. She would wait at least until morning, before worrying.
Author's Note: A shorter version of this was posted to the "At First Tweak" LiveJournal community, for the prompt "Unexpected Weather." It was originally posted on November 5, 2011. It took first place. (11/26/11)