The Love Between Hanyous Chapter 10
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any characters affiliated with said anime/manga. They belong to Rumiko-sama, so please give her all the credit and don't sue me!
The next morning Kagome woke to bright morning sun filtering through the opening of the cave and a blinding path cutting through the darkness and into her fluttering eyes. She squinted against the brilliant, intruding light. The cave was still relatively dark, but sleep would be impossible now. She sighed and turned over to Inuyasha. She rarely ever got to see him sleep so this was a special treat. His brows and mouth lay slack, no longer able to assume their usual scowl. 'I guess I wore him out' she thought to herself and giggled. Inuyasha woke at this quiet but audible sound and sleepily forced his eyes to open. His eyes lazily focused on Kagome and he was certain he was still asleep. His dreams rarely, if ever, came true. "Good morning, lover." he heard. In that moment he knew angels existed, and likewise, so did the Gods. He silently thanked them and smiled. "Morning, my mate." he sounded, and yawned. "I didn't mean to wake you." she apologized and nudged closer to his warmth. "Its alright." he responded.
Inuyasha pulled Kagome closer to him, wishing no clothes separated their heated bodies. "Isn't it a little early for your mind to be in the gutter?" Kagome sounded and pointed to his boxers. "Can you really blame me?" he asked innocently, and took her pointing hand in his. "Damn, that's some persistent light…" he said, irritated by the brilliance. "Yeah, it woke me up!" Kagome returned, focusing on the light outside. "Hey, want to take a bath?" Kagome asked and sat up in his arms. "Sure, on one condition." he said innocently. "And what would that be?" she inquired warily. "You have to wash my hair." he said, happily wondering what she was thinking. "Oh please…"
After a bath, a change of clothes and breakfast, Kagome asked if they could sit in the branches and talk. Inuyasha loved the trees, and loved Kagome even more. He happily complied. He picked her up into his arms and jumped into the highest branches of the tallest tree. The view was enough to leave her breathless. She could see for miles around, bright green tree-tops, birds nesting and wind blowing just enough for a beach-weather breeze. Inuyasha sat her down next to him, letting her admire the scenery. 'Maybe now she'll understand why I love heights so much.' he thought, and looked at her beauty. He admired her pale skin as the sun dapples moved with the swaying branches over her face. Her eyes were alive with glee as she looked across the forest and finally she turned to face him. "It's beautiful up here." she finally managed and gave him one of her treasured, winning smiles.
"This is why I love heights so much, it relaxes me." he said and looked across the rural forest, a content smile playing across his delicate features. "I see now. It's sad this will all be gone some day." she said and frowned in disapproval. "Yeah, but that wont happen for a very long time." he said, hoping to get her mind from such a sad track. "Can I ask you something?" she asked, her eyes watching the clouds roll in the sky. "Yeah…" he answered warily. "Are you happy?" was his question, to which he was taken aback. "Of course I am. I'm happier than I have ever been before." he said, completely confused by the question. "Are you sure? I can't give you the world, take away all the pain and I might end up…" but she couldn't finish. 'Reminding you of Kikyou.' and her happy eyes dulled over as she thought of how hurt he'd been. "Kagome, you being with me is my world, so that you've already given me. I don't feel the pain of the past anymore, you took all that away. Don't think too far into the future, lets just live for now, can't we?" he asked and held her in a sideways hug. "Yeah."
A comforting chit-chat occupied the two mates until a growling in Inuyasha's stomach told him lunch was approaching. Kagome could hear it ringing through the trees and giggled. "I take it you'll want to eat lunch?" she asked, and shakily stood. Though being this high up had its advantages, she still got a bit freaked out. "Yeah, but didn't we eat the last bowls of ramen this morning?" he inquired and jumped from the branch with Kagome clinging to his back. "Actually, I figured we should go back to our friends." she said and made Inuyasha lose his balance upon landing. He regained it quickly enough and let Kagome down. "But, we just got here! It's finally just the two of us and you want to leave? Already?" he asked, his feelings a bit hurt, but more disappointed than anything else. "I know, and it's been a lot of fun, but we've been away from everyone for a really long time. I'm beginning to miss everyone, and we don't exactly have a substantial amount of supplies. You're the one who told me to pack lightly." she accused and happily grinned at his defeat.
The two began walking toward the cave to pack up their things to leave. "Can we come back soon?" he asked, reminding Kagome of a dog in a window, begging for such a treat. "Someday, but for now we should spend time with everyone. I almost feel like we've abandoned our pack." she explained guiltily as her ears sagged. "Well rest easy, we're going home now." he assured her and flicked her ear as she had a habit of doing to him. Upon arriving at the mouth of the cave Kagome tackled him from behind and the two rolled inside, Kagome on top of him when they stopped. "What was that!" he demanded but was silenced a moment later with a tender kiss. "You've been so sweet lately. When is it going to change?" she asked when the kiss broke. "What, first you think I'm not sensitive enough and now I'm too damn sensitive? Women." "No, no I just want to prepare myself for when you stop. I love this side of you, it makes me all warm inside and I just can't help but smile." she amended, realizing how she'd asked that question. "Never. You're my mate now, I'll always be this way." he assured her and kissed her without another word.
Intimacy took hungers place long into the day, full to the brim with passion and love. A need fulfilled, they began to pack up camp. "Inuyasha, will you pick up the kettle and ramen bowls?" Kagome asked and folded up their shambles of blankets. Without a word he did as he was told and tied the trash in a plastic bag Kagome had handed him. Kagome had just finished folding the last blanket when Inuyasha dropped to one knee and began rolling up the sleeping bag. "Thank you!" she said brightly and turned to put the covers away. "Sure." He returned and finished off the sleeping bag by tying the straps. Kagome put the last few remaining things away and shut her bag. "Well that's all then. Are you ready?" she asked and picked up the heavy burden. "Let me carry it, you'll be sore soon enough." he explained and removed the bag from her shoulder. "I will be?" she asked "From the hike?" she further inquired, and received a quiet chuckle. "You'll just have to wait and see." And with that they bid goodbye to their private resort and began the long tread back to their family.
2 walking hours later…The sky had begun turning shades of pink and orange…
"Thank the gods! The well!" shouted Kagome, tired and hungry from the exertion. Her leg muscles cramped, her breaths hard to take in. "Geeze…" Inuyasha muttered and adjusted the enormous bag on his back. Kagome didn't hear him and trotted toward the village, leaving Inuyasha behind. 'I carry her stuff and she can't even wait…' he thought, but quickened his pace despite the fact.
"I'm back!" Kagome chimed upon entering the hut. "Welcome back." Kaede welcomed, stirring a pot of stew for their dinner. Kaede's specialty. "Uh…where is everyone?" she asked as she took off her shoes and sat next to the old woman. "I asked Sango to gather a few herbs, so Shippou and Kirara went with her. As for Miroku, I can only assume he did as well. They left at the same time." she offered and broke in carrots. "Yummy! Smells good!" Kagome said excitedly and clasped her hands together. "Will there be enough for me and Inuyasha?" she asked. "Of course child, and speak of the devil." she said, looking beyond Kagome to a silver haired hanyou accompanied by the others. "Kaaaagooooomeeee!" Shippou shouted, and jumped from Inuyasha's shoulder and into her waiting arms. "Hi everyone!" she smiled, and hugged the kitsune in her arms. "You plan on staying a while this time?" Sango asked sarcastically and took a seat next to her friend. "I think so." she answered, and heard a sniffing sound from her lap. Shippou was smelling her!
"Kagome, you smell…" he sniffed again "…different." he decided. "I smell different?" she asked, not certain what he meant. "Yeah, not bad, just strange." he amended as quickly as he could. "Inuyasha, what did you do to my Kagome!" he demanded, looking over her shoulder to a surprised Inuyasha. Then it hit Kagome. Her scent must have changed when she mated. 'Gods, how will I explain this…?' she thought and quickly came up with her answer. "Shippou, Inuyasha and I are mated now. Think of it as a scent change between married couples." she informed to a wide eyed kitsune. "So, you actually married that two-timing jerk?" he asked, everyone but Inuyasha laughed. "Dinner is ready." Kaede said and poured a bowl for everyone. Inuyasha and Miroku sat at their places around the fire as well. Everyone had small talk about the past few days, all except for Kagome and Inuyasha who decided that should be kept private.
Night had long since veiled the land and the persistent light of day was cut off from the creatures of the earth. Kagome unzipped a sleeping bag for her and Inuyasha to sleep on and removed blankets from her bag for the top. Sango rolled out her bag and Miroku pulled his closer to hers. Sango did nothing but warily tensed at his approach. Kaede had kindly offered to sleep at another villager's home to conserve space and Shippou waited patiently for Kagome to finish making up the bed. Once the last blanket was in place Inuyasha crawled into the bed and snuggled down in the blankets. "Uh, what are you doing?" Shippou asked, shocked he wasn't too prideful as to sleep on the other side of the room. "Going to sleep runt." he snapped and Kagome got into bed next to him. "Aren't you going to sleep with us?" she asked and patted the space between her and Inuyasha.
"But…" he said and looked at Inuyasha's back then the floor. "Geeze…" Inuyasha muttered. He sat up, reached over, grabbed Shippou under the arms and planted him in the middle of Kagome and himself. Shippou's eyes followed Inuyasha's movements as he rolled back over for sleep. Kagome's heart melted; Sango and Miroku were shocked. Kagome smiled at her surrogate son and found a comfortable position for sleep. Sango followed suit and wrapped the covers over herself and Kirara. Miroku put his sleeping bag close enough that the corners touched and got into his own. Maybe if he did nothing, she'd be impressed. She was. Shippou was the last to lie down, still confused but warm and comforted by a need to sleep plaguing his eyes. He curled into a tight ball in the midst of his friends. His new family. Within moments he fell asleep. Though no one could see, Inuyasha had but the faintest of smiles on his content face.
The next morning Inuyasha awoke just before dawn approached. He rolled to his right and saw Kagome and Shippou peacefully asleep in one another's arms. He stretched and rolled out of the warm bed to Kagome's side and gently shook her awake. Her eyes slowly focused on her hanyou mate and a yawn escaped her. "What is it?" she asked, not fully awake. "Just get up." he said, and moved outside into the brisk air.
5 minutes came and went before Kagome joined Inuyasha outside, yawning and still half asleep. She wore a thick blue sweater and loose jeans complete with sneakers and gloves. "Geeze, why'd you want me up so early?" she asked and shivered in the cool morning air not yet warmed by the sun. "You're going to begin training." he said shortly, and began to walk toward the forest. "Training?" she asked, now fully awake and highly curious. Kagome silently followed Inuyasha to a clearing close to the well as the pale grey light erupted into bright sunflower yellow. The birds began to chirp and the leaves swayed in the breeze and heavily weighed by dew. Inuyasha stopped and said "Kagome, you've been a hanyou for a week and you still do everything like a human." he offered trying not to offend her. "You climb a ladder to get from the bottom of the well instead of jumping, your running is pathetic, you can't hear, see or smell any better than before, you shake like a twig in a storm on high branches, and that's just the tip of the iceberg." he finished with a saying she had used a time or two in the past when they fought.
"Well, I don't know how to." she countered and blushed at what a pathetic hanyou she was. "I know, so I'm going to teach you." he said and crossed his arms with a smirk. Kagome lifted her head and leapt at him, happy he was finally going to teach her. "Well what's first then?" she asked, full of vigor for the day ahead. "Well, first off you need to build up your muscles so you can run fast, jump high, things like that. I was thinking of something I could use to tone your body, but I have no idea…" he finished, unhappy that he couldn't think of anything. "In my time, there are all sorts of exercise tools you can buy, and others you don't have to. There's Crunches, push-ups, weight lifting, jump rope, squats, exercise bands, hand strengtheners…a lot of others I'm sure." she finished, counting off each suggestion with a finger.
"Which of those do you have to buy?" he asked, his head spinning in confusion. "Everything I mentioned is free except the hand exercisers and bands." she informed and asked, "why?" "Do you think you can give me an example of each?" he asked, trying to be smooth. Kagome didn't catch on. "I suppose…" and with that, Kagome performed a crunch, guy push-up, squat and jump roping without the rope. "I see, well that's a start." he said and began again. "First, I want you to jog for a while. That'll be your warm up every morning. A brisk run from the hut to this spot." he informed matter-of-factly and sat on the lip of the well. "Run? Is this PE or something?" she asked and moved to sit next to him. "You need to get used to running until it doesn't bother you anymore. Once your heart gets used to pumping faster you wont get of breath for miles." he informed and stood, blocking her way to sit. "So, the more I run and get used to exerting myself, the sooner my body will expect it and react like yours?" she asked, trying to fully understand the concept. "That's right." he confirmed and said "Now get to it." Kagome smiled, and began jogging, but was sure to say "sit" before leaving.
By lunch, Kagome was exhausted. Explaining the exercises of her time was something she was already living to regret. She had long since abandoned her sweater to work out in a white tank top. Inuyasha had her run non-stop until she collapsed, made her do push-ups until her arms gave way beneath her, had her doing crunches until her she felt sick, and lifting rocks as make shift weights. On top of everything else he expected her to jog back to the hut for lunch. She sat him and began walking. Half way back, he caught up to her and gave her an ear full. "I'm trying to help you, and if you'll remember, you're the one who asked me to!" he said, wiping his clothes of grass and dirt as they went. "It's hard! At least I'm trying!" she returned, and quickened her pace. The two exchanged invectives all the way to the hut, Kagome complaining, Inuyasha doing the same. "Would you two stop it?" Sango called from inside where Kaede was making ohaki for breakfast. The two quieted and went inside.
"Uh…Kagome…you look…tired." Sango offered, and walked to her friend. "You think? Inuyasha dragged me out of bed before dawn to train!" she said coldly, and glanced at Inuyasha with a look of death. "Yeah Sango, and I was thinking you and Miroku could help tomorrow." he said, waiting for rejection or acceptance. "Sure, what would you like us to do?" Sango asked, agreeing for Miroku as well who just entered the conversation. Kagome's mouth dropped at the betrayal. "Today Kagome has just been toning her body, and by tomorrow she should branch off to the basics of defending. I figured you're both skillful fighters and we could take turns teaching Kagome." he said, surprising everyone with his thoughtfulness and compliments. "Well that's true, we all have different things we could offer Kagome." Miroku said, a lecherous smile on his handsome face. Inuyasha and Sango had fun wiping it away.
"What about me?" asked a voice from Kaede's side. Shippou looked up at them quizzically and awaited an answer. "You can help Kagome too I imagine." Inuyasha said and looked to the ceiling for an idea. "What about when we begin sharpening her senses. You're doubling illusion could come in handy." he offered. "Really!" Shippou asked, and excitedly went to sit in his lap and join the convorsation. Inuyasha ruffled his hair and smirked. Everyone gawked at the simple display of affection, and Shippou enjoyed it while it lasted. "So are we going out again today?" asked Kagome, putting up a strong front, but it was obvious she was exhausted. "No, we can begin again tomorrow." He said, and Kagome could have kissed him despite the fact he was the one who did it to her.
The next day….
Like the day before, Inuyasha woke Kagome before dawn. Morning came all too early for Kagome as she rolled sleepily out of bed. She pulled out red gym shorts and a red and white striped t-shirt: her new training clothes. She dressed with mild discomfort at he aches and pains. Her muscles ached, her eyes were heavy, and her friends were relentless. After her run, Kagome had been taught the basics of defending with a stick: the hard way. In place of her sword, Kagome had been given a staff and was ordered to defend against Inuyasha. He was able to easily knock her down, strike her hard enough for it to sting, and cast her weapon away with ease. "Now you know what you're up against. Sango, wanna take over for me?" Inuyasha asked, and walked away from the panting Kagome. "Ready, Kagome?" she asked, stick in front of her, ready to go. "Yeah, go easy…?" she asked. "No chance!" Sango shouted and attacked with a jab. Kagome dodged to the right, but Sango brought the stick into her side with a sweep. Kagome wasn't too affected by the strike and was able to recover quickly enough. "Round two." she said, and took the offensive.
Inuyasha and Miroku sat in the shade of a tall tree and watched the girls train. "So I assume you wanted her to take on Sango first because she's the weakest with a staff?" Miroku asked, rolling up the sleeves of his Kimono. "Yeah. I want you to be the last one she trains with. You'll be her test on how ready she is to move on." he said, and leaned his head against the tree, listening to the yells of the girls and rustling wind. "Well I'm flattered." Miroku said with a chuckle, and kept his eyes on Sango's movements. "She's beautiful..." he said absent-mindedly, and sighed. "Hey Monk, don't even so much as LOOK at Kagome that way!" Inuyasha shouted, lifted his head, and glared daggers at Miroku. "I wasn't talking about Kagome!" he returned and frowned at Inuyasha's jealousy, though he couldn't exactly blame him. Inuyasha's features took on one of interest. "So you meant Sango?" he asked, not really needing confirmation of the question. "Yes, but no matter how well I behave she'll never let me close to her." he said. Inuyasha looked at the monks pained expression and couldn't help but feel badly for him. "Well you can't exactly blame her." he stated bluntly and crossed his arms when Miroku gave him a look of 'How could you'.
"Oh come on Miroku, your tail wags over every pretty girl you lay eyes on! You think Sango doesn't notice that?" he asked, and frowned when Miroku looked away. "If there's one thing I've learned, its women are sensitive as hell. How is she supposed to trust you?" he asked and waited patiently for an answer. "Well she won't even let me touch her! If I go to consol her, it's like I'm only doing it for personal interest. It's like she doesn't trust me!" he stated, frustrated with his situation. "She doesn't." Inuyasha said, and tried to keep from laughing at the look on Miroku's face. "I think if you behave yourself, she'll warm up to you. Don't try anything with other women; don't try anything with her, just let things run their course." he offered. "I can't believe you're giving me advice…" he said under is breath. "What was that?" Inuyasha asked through narrow eyes. "Nothing. I guess I'll try that. Thanks Inuyasha." he said, a sincere smile of hope and appreciation on his face. "Sure. I'll take over for Sango now, she looks like she's getting tired." he said as he stood.
"Hey Sango, ready for a break?" Inuyasha called as he walked up to the sweating girls. "Sure. Kagome, you're getting better. Just keep what I told you in mind." she advised with a wink. She tossed the stick to Inuyasha and walked away to join Miroku in the shade. "Better? Advice?" Inuyasha questioned, and attacked before she could explain. With fast and powerful side-swipes he knocked the stick from her hands. Kagome dodged an attack meant to have her eating dirt and rolled to her weapon. She picked it up and ran toward Inuyasha. 'She is getting better, good teaching Sango.'
Sango reached the shade of the tree Miroku sat under and made her way to a seat next to him. "Have fun?" he asked, butterfly's dancing in his stomach as only she could make them. "Yeah! Kagome is a great student." she said with a giggle. Miroku loved her laugh, so infrequent that each time he heard it made it even more appealing. "She followed everything I said to a T." she said, a bright smile on her lips. "Must have been great, you're glowing." he said, and inwardly slapped himself. 'That must have sounded perverted somehow.' he worried, surprised to hear her say "You think so?" He almost sighed with relief and said "Yeah, you are." "Oh. Well she did tire me out. I'm going to need a nap before lunch." she said, making light conversation. "Well if you're tired, you can…uhhh…" he trailed, knowing he'd be slapped if he continued. "Can what?" she asked warily, and scooted away from him, the worst thing she could have done.
"Nothing." he said with ferocity, obviously hurt though she didn't know why. He stood and began walking toward the battling hanyous when he felt his robes being pulled. He looked down and saw Sango's sad and worried expression. He couldn't keep walking though it was what he desperately wanted to do. "Did I say something to offend you? Please sit down and finish." she said, intensity in her voice. It may have just been him, but she sounded almost pleading. He sat. "I was going to say you could sleep in my lap, but I knew how perverted that would have sounded and I didn't want to make you angry." He admitted, trying his hardest to conceal his affection. 'He's actually considering my feelings!'
Sango's mind was reeling. Miroku looked at her expression, one of shock and something else he could have sworn was happiness. "Is the offer still available?" she asked, composing herself and blushing at her bold question. "Of course." he confirmed a bit shocked by the question. "No perverted behavior. You promise?" she asked, her weight on her arms as she prepared to lay down her head. "I promise." he confirmed, and waited for her to lie down. She let her head rest on his leg and let her eyes fall shut, waiting for him to go back on his promise. He didn't. Instead, he pulled her hair free from its ponytail and let his fingers run through her silky brown locks. She reveled in the comforting caress and let sleep claim her. Miroku watched her child-like face as she slept, silently thanking the Gods and Inuyasha for their guidance.
AN. I liked this chapter! Finally we see some M+S! In regaurds to anyones questions on why I deleted this chapter after posting it, its because I was going to post 10 & 11 together. Too bad 11 isn't done yet...Anywho, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their reviews, favorite adds, PMs ect. I appreciate all messages, good or bad- Flames welcome. Thanks again and keep 'em coming!