Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Author's Note: This takes place the next morning after the previous chapter.
Sneaky Acts
Making the morning fire, Kagome worried. Inuyasha was awake, but in obvious pain, barely able to hear over the noise in his ears. When she looked up, however, she had to smile, as Aimiko was contentedly gnawing on one of his fingers, making little growling noises.
Inuyasha's head snapped around, proving that not all his senses were deadened. "Sesshomaru."
Wondering why the taiyoukai was back, Kagome called an invitation. Expression as inscrutable as usual, the taiyoukai gave Inuyasha a long look, before glancing at Kagome. "Rin is still here."
A squeal from the other room. "Oh, no! I'm not dressed!"
Something about the taiyoukai's stance suggested discomfort. Not stopping to think, Kagome scooped up Aimiko, boldly placing her in Sesshomaru's hands. "Why don't you get acquainted with your niece while you wait?"
A startled look. Both hands cradled the baby and brought her up, face to face. Golden eyes met golden eyes. Tiny ears pricked. A nose sniffed. And then, Aimiko giggled and reached out with tiny, clawed hands.
It wasn't long before she was gnawing on one of his fingers.
Youki rose, subtle, firmly controlled, going somewhere. Kagome kept her attention on the taiyoukai, hiding her grin.
The inner door opened, and Aimiko was back in her arms. Sesshomaru offered Rin a set of combs, claiming he'd dropped them the night before rescuing Inuyasha. They left, and Kagome dropped down by a pain-free, madly-ear-twitching Inuyasha. He took Aimiko and sniffed her over thoroughly, to the baby's giggly amusement.
"He used his youki to speed your healing."
"Keh." He scowled. "Damn, tickling, ruff."
"You thanked him, I hope."
"Not so you could hear."
She laughed. "As long as he heard."
"Feh!"
Kagome snuggled, grateful to have a brother-in-law who only seemed to disdain the hanyo.
Author's Note: This was written for the prompt "Making Fire", for the "At First Tweak" LiveJournal community. It was originally posted on December 3, 2011. (12/18/2011)
