Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
A Meal for Inuyasha
Mama Higurashi sat at the table working on her grocery list. With Inuyasha back, she wanted to prepare something special for him. But what? She assumed that curry dishes were still out; and ramen was out for multiple reasons. She wanted something that would challenge her skills, and that would be tasteful and pleasurable for Inuyasha. Even decadent, in a good way.
"Busy, Mama-san?"
She looked up to meet Inuyasha's curious, red-eyed gaze. "Just my grocery list." After a moment of scrutiny, she continued. "Hot water on the stove, miso in the refrigerator... and ramen in the cupboard."
He chuckled. Limping to the counter, taking out a cup, he prepared tea. As he sat down, Mama smiled at him, then returned to her list, trying to guess what he might like, wistfully wanting to surprise him.
Finally, she admitted to herself that she was just going to have to ask. She didn't know this Inuyasha's tastes. After five centuries of life, how could she guess what he would really like?
She asked. His ears twitched, as he looked up. "I ... I'll like almost anything," he said. "I've been homeless so long ... scrounging, eating scraps, 'cause I didn't dare ask for help..." His ears twitched again.
"I know—but surely, you have favorites from before," she said softly, trying to keep sadness away.
He pondered, sipping occasionally, looking above her shoulder. Then, he smiled crookedly, and looked back.
"What about one of Kagome's favorites? Oden?"
She smiled and agreed.
Author's Note: This was written for the prompt "Decadent", for the LiveJournal community Inuyasha Fanfiction Contest. It was originally posted on April 3rd, 2012. It won the contest. (1/5/2013)