Chapter 35: Free
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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters…
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With a happy sigh, Kagome began the short walk to her home from the well-house, one hand in Sesshomaru's while he carried her backpack.
"I can't wait to take a bath! And sleep in a bed again! And eat mama's oden!"
She swung their hands and the Inu ignored the indecency of it once more, instead focusing on the fact that his mate was happy.
They entered the house and Kagome cried out, "I'm home!"
The place smelled warm and reassuring; comforting.
Her mother popped out of the kitchen with a smile, a wooden spoon in her hand.
"Kagome! Sesshomaru! Welcome home!"
Sesshomaru nodded and removed his shoes as Kagome did, barely restraining a smile for her mother. Home.
The woman made him feel compulsive, making him want to give into the little things that he normally would not do. Such as smiling so openly.
Kagome rushed forward quickly, wrapping the older woman in a hug.
"I missed you!"
If she was surprised by her daughter's abruptness, she didn't show it. Instead she wrapped her in a tight embrace, resting her cheek against Kagome's, eyes closing languidly.
"Hmm. I missed you too honey. It's been a while."
"Yeah," Kagome agreed as she pulled away with a smile.
Her mother's eyes took on a curious light as she looked from Kagome to Sesshomaru. Her words were somewhat hesitant, and a little bashful.
"So are you two…" She gestured with her hands a little and Kagome instantly understood what she meant.
"Yes," she smiled, blushing. "We're a mated couple now."
Her mother nodded and smiled a little before turning to go back into the kitchen.
"I was just cooking up some stir fry if you would like some. Are you hungry Sesshomaru?"
"I am not, but I thank you," he murmured as he followed the two females into the room.
"Sesshomaru is rarely hungry, and when he is it's not for human food," Kagome explained.
"Yes, I think I remember him mentioning something along those lines, but I'd forgotten." She turned to the Inu with a small ironic smile. "Pardon my forgetfulness."
"It is no matter."
"Mama, do you have any beef? Like steak or something?" Kagome pried the fridge door open, playing with a lock of hair as she glanced about.
"There will be meat in the stir fry, will that be alright?"
"Sure," Kagome smiled, leaving the fridge to go sit beside her mate at the table.
He'd already taken up a newspaper that had been placed on the table from that morning, his eyes drifting lazily over the headlines.
Placing a hand on his thigh, Kagome smiled to herself, unable to ignore the strangeness of it all.
He seemed to fit right in.
Sesshomaru placed a hand of his own over hers and squeezed it gently, eyes never leaving the paper before him.
They enjoyed the light companionship for a few moments before Kagome decided to get back up again.
"Sessh?"
"Hn?"
"I'm gonna go unpack my bag and clean up a little."
"Hn."
The Inu didn't look up when she stood from her seat and ascended the stairs to her room with her bag, until he recalled what she'd said. Cleaning up generally meant a 'shower' as she'd called it, and once he'd remembered what such entailed he was discreetly following her trail. He had a feeling that he'd enjoy a shower.
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Kagome sank into her bed once she was back in her room and fresh from the shower, relishing in the soft pillows and down blankets.
"Mmmmm I missed these!" she crowed.
Sesshomaru watched from the doorway, leaning against it with a self-satisfied grin. He had been right. He did enjoy the shower.
Sauntering over to the bed that she was face planted in, he joined her, plopping down onto the blankets with a sigh and wrapping himself around her in an all-enveloping hug. She smiled happily and crooned.
"Your bed is decidedly too small for one of my…stature," he grumbled.
Brows rising, Kagome lifted her head and saw that his feet were hanging off of the edge of the bed and she could not contain the light laughter that ensued. Turning, she kissed the underside of his jaw and pulled his arms closer to her, leaning back into his chest.
"This one is sorry," she teased.
In an attempt to fix his predicament, the large Inu wrapped his legs around his female as well, thoroughly ensconcing her. Her responding laugh made him smile and he could not resist nibbling on her ear a little as he thrummed deep in his chest.
Kagome hummed in response.
It was times like these that she relished. Content, warm, happy times.
She dozed lightly for a time, enjoying the warmth and comfort that her Inu provided before his ears twitched and he nuzzled into her cheek.
"Your mother is saying that the food is ready."
Kagome perked instantly, sitting up and wriggling out of his hold to shuffle off of the bed.
"Oh good! I'm starving!"
He wondered vaguely at her appetite, but assumed that it was due to the pregnancy.
Grinning to himself he got off of the bed and went down to join her.
When he entered the kitchen she was already voraciously eating, and right out of the large bowl in the center of the table. With narrowed eyes, he realized that she was mainly targeting meat.
"Kagome! Slow down!" Her mother laughed as she attempted to dish up some food from the bowl that her daughter was attacking with gusto.
"Sorry Mama!" giggled Kagome, wiping sauce from her chin as she pulled away. "I'm just really hungry, couldn't help it!"
Her mother eyed her as she set down the bowl in her hands but said nothing.
"Hey Mama, do we have any pickled ginger?" Kagome asked as she stood from her seat and once more dug in the fridge.
"No hunny, but I can pick some up from the store after lunch."
"Oh that's alright, me and Sesshomaru can go instead if you like," she offered, pulling out some juice and a glass.
"That would be nice, dear," the elder woman smiled.
Sesshomaru came up behind Kagome as she headed back to the table and he followed, one hand at the small of her back.
He ate nothing, choosing instead to sip some tea, but he watched his female eat to make sure that she ate enough for both her and the pup.
It didn't seem like it would be a problem, in all honesty. The woman could "really pack it all in", despite her small size.
Once she was finished she stood abruptly, pulling him along with her as she smiled her thanks for the food.
"We'll be back in a bit Mama! Just gonna run to the store, maybe walk around a bit."
"Alright dear, be safe!"
They put on their shoes and left the house, heading to the steps that led to the city.
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Knowing that they would be in this time for at least a week, Sesshomaru had perused the magazines in Kagome's time to stock up on knowledge of their clothing. It came in handy and his mate had been pleasantly surprised when he'd produced the image of a classy knit sweater and somewhat tight jeans - in his opinion. He knew that she'd appreciated them, though, when she'd slapped his backside with a grin on her face.
"I'm mated to a hotty!" she'd smirked, pulling away from his grasp quickly, playfully, inciting his chase reflexes.
Her actions were reminiscent of their mating day and he longed to relive it. Instead, he watched her like the predator that he was.
Golden orbs had taken in the sight of her eagerly; her mischievous azure eyes half-lidded and smoldering, her plump pink lips parting to show her toothy grin.
That grin could only have been described as feral, and it made certain parts of his body tighten considerably.
With such a sight, he'd decided that he'd be happy to wear such things if it incited her playfulness. After all, he would only benefit from it.
Sesshomaru quietly cleared his throat - and mind- and concentrated on the present.
"And where are we venturing to today?" he asked casually as she linked arms with him.
With a slant of his gaze he noticed that she wore a loose grey sweater herself, no doubt wanting to hide her slightly telling belly from prying eyes. Strangely enough, he found that he wasn't offended. He knew that she'd want to wait to tell others herself before it was blatantly obvious and he could understand her reasoning; In this time period it was not generally accepted for one of her age to be producing young.
"Well, we should go to the grocery store to grab a few things," she looked to him with narrow eyes and a full grin. "I'm already having cravings and I blame you for that."
"Hn. I will gladly receive such blame given the future outcome."
She giggled lightly, patting the arm twined with her own. Taking a deep breath, she released it in a great 'whoosh'.
"But I kinda just want to wander a bit, enjoy the fresh air."
He couldn't contain the snort of derision.
"Well-" she corrected, "Kinda fresh air. Nothing's quite like Feudal Era Fresh." She laughed to herself. "It sounds like an ad."
"Indeed."
They walked about, enjoying the scenery, and the large Inu couldn't help but enjoy watching the people hurrying about. It was all so frantic, so rushed, that it made him wonder if they ever slowed down. Even for a moment.
"Isn't it crazy?" Kagome murmured, as if she'd been privy to his thoughts.
"Hn."
"I have to admit, while I miss coming home sometimes I think I miss the past more. It feels so much slower, more relaxed. People actually stop to enjoy life. But now-a-days, it's chaos. I don't know how people can do it. I'd go crazy."
He nodded mutely as they entered the café that they'd visited previously. It was one of the only places that he did not mind, since he'd enjoyed their tea. And thankfully it wasn't a particularly crowded building.
Kagome ordered for them while he chose a seat and when she came to the table he held her chair out for her, pushing it closer to the table once she was seated. She smiled warmly up at him and he bent to place a kiss on her brow before taking his own seat across from her.
"I ordered us some tea and scones."
"What is this 'scone'?"
"It's a sweet bread/cake type of food that you typically eat with tea."
"Why have I never heard of 'scones' before this occasion if it is a typical food with tea?"
"Because it's more of a British thing, I guess. It's not really typical Asian food."
"It is a strange word."
"Well it's not for you, it's for us." she stuck her tongue out at him and placed a hand on her belly.
The gleam in his eyes was endearing.
When the tea and scones were brought to them he eyed the scones warily but curiously as he sipped his tea. When he made no move to try it for himself, Kagome broke off a piece and placed it on his tea tray. Discreetly, a clawed hand snatched it up and he sniffed it before devouring it.
His brow quirked minutely and his lip corners twitched but he said nothing before taking another sip of his tea.
With a smile, Kagome took another bite and looked out the window to do some people watching.
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"So, I've been thinking of making an appointment to see a doctor."
Sesshomaru's brow quirked.
"A physician?"
"Yeah, just to see how the baby's doing."
They walked in silence in the park, as both thought on her words.
The Inu was the first to break it.
"As ningen, these physicians are incapable of truly knowing anything about a hanyou child. It may cause confusion for them."
She sighed deeply.
"I know. I guess I just figured that the baby is still small so they wouldn't be able to see anything…telling, about its species."
He stopped, putting his clawed hands gently on her shoulders to halt her movement.
"While that would be true of a ningen child, it is not true of youkai." His golden eyes held hers. "The pup growing inside of you is growing much faster than that of a ningen child. It must, in order to survive."
"Because of threats."
"Yes."
She nodded slowly, and leaned forward to rest her forehead against his chest.
"I guess seeing a ningen doctor probably isn't the best idea then, huh?"
He rubbed a hand on her back in slow circles, allowing his aura to comfort her like a blanket.
"As a mother it is understandable that you would wish to know the welfare of your pup."
"Don't you ever wonder?"
"Hn. But this one can hear and sense the pup, even at a small stage of growth."
Her head lifted and her blue eyes were opened in astonishment.
"You can?"
"Hn." He reached down to lay a hand against her belly. His eyes drifted there as well and he listened to the healthy heartbeat. "Our pup is strong."
Her resulting smile was exalting and proud and he took it in with eager eyes.
Drawing back, he held his arm out to her once more and she took it. They resumed their walk with happy auras dancing about.
While he knew that in his time other youkai would doubt his sanity and his strength for allowing his happiness to well in him and to show it so openly, in this time he was safe. In this time he was free.
Free to be happy.
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After a rather long hour at the grocery store, Kagome and Sesshomaru walked along the sidewalks on the way home, arms laden with bags.
"Was this truly necessary?"
"Yes it was."
"I am fairly certain that we have purchased half of the shop."
"You're exaggerating."
"This one does not exaggerate."
"Oh you do too. And besides, everything sounded good!"
"You are pregnant. Everything would appear appetizing."
"Hey! Don't be a jerk!"
"I am not familiar with this phrase."
"It means you're being mean!"
"I was merely stating the obvious. Had I not returned the majority of the items to their shelving we would indeed be purchasing the entire shop."
"Hey, you wanted some of it too! Don't deny it!"
"Hn."
"Admit it, you're curious about food from this time."
"The little that I have sampled was adequate."
"Exactly. Remember that chocolate cake I got for you before?"
"I do."
"Well we're going by the shop that sells it, we could stop and-"
"No. We do not require anymore food than what we already have."
"But-"
"No."
"Sessh-"
"No."
"The children-"
"No."
With a pout, she turned her eyes away as they walked. Eventually, the silence strangely began to bother the stoic male.
"Miko," he began.
Silence.
"Mate."
Silence.
"Kagome?"
Silence.
"You are behaving as a petulant child."
Silence.
With a deep, long-suffering sigh he pulled out his ace.
"I will wear whatever clothing you deem appropriate."
Her head jerked in a way that could not possibly be healthy.
"Really?"
"Hn."
She sighed as well, much more light-hearted.
"Alright. I guess I can live without cake. Or pastries."
"Indeed you shall. I imagine that you will live quite a long time and not suffer for lack of such things."
She stopped in her tracks, head tilting up to his.
"Do you know, I haven't really thought about the whole 'possibly live forever' thing? I still find it bizarre."
"You are my mate, and as such I will not be parted from you or you from me."
Heads turned in their direction as they continued to walk and talk, some no doubt picking up on the oddity of their conversations, but he paid it no heed and continued on.
"We should return to your home. The hour is getting late."
"The sun's still up."
"Indeed, but the temperature is lowering and as a ningen your tolerance is significantly lower for cool weather."
"You're being a jerk again. I'm not a child Sesshomaru," Kagome sighed as they reached an intersection and waited for the 'walk' sign to flash.
The Inu turned to her then and leaned close, mere inches from her.
"I am fully aware of that, Mate."
A shiver raced down her spine as she took in his warm, glowing gaze and her cheeks heated in response.
"I think I'm warm enough now," she squeaked. A low, throaty laugh was his answer and he ducked in to press his lips to the apple of her cheek. Her eyes slid closed.
"Kagome!"
A somewhat familiar feminine voice floated to their ears and Sesshomaru pulled away slightly to see his mate's irritated expression. It smoothed quickly as her school-friends came over in a gaggle of sound and he stood to his full height, turning to them as well.
"Kagome! It's been so long since we saw you! How have you been?"
"Are you feeling any better?"
"She must be if she's out and about, and carrying so many bags!"
"Did you buy the whole store?"
The three ningen females broke into a fit of giggles and Sesshomaru and Kagome both fought the urge to wince.
"Hi guys, it has been a while," she murmured, trying to be polite. "And I am feeling much better today. But who knows about later, you know?"
"Oh of course, you poor dear!"
"Aren't you getting tired? You really shouldn't over-exert yourself."
"Hey! You're her boyfriend, right?" Eri prodded at Sesshomaru with a finger, her eyes curious and accusing in a mischievous way.
He fought the urge to rip the offending appendage from her person.
"Eri-" Kagome started, recognizing the promise of death in her mate's eyes.
"You're taking good care of her, right?"
"You shouldn't have let her out and about if she's feeling unwell."
"Guys, he is taking care of me-"
"He'd better be, or we'll rip him a new one!"
"Yeah, even if he is super hot."
"And scrumptious."
"Guys-"
"Even Hojo can't compare."
"Yeah, and he's pretty hot himself."
"He's still pretty obsessed with you Kagome."
"Yeah he is, he was ranting about you the other day, something about demons…"
A low growl began to reverberate from Sesshomaru's chest. They were just too irritating. And much too loud, like the humming of bees in his sensitive ears.
"Guys! Really! Please can you stop?"
All three stopped at her outburst, eyes wide.
For once they said nothing.
Kagome swayed a little, brow furrowing as a dizzy spell hit her.
Sesshomaru quickly stepped closer and she bumped into him, head resting against his collar bone. One of his grocery-laden hands lifted gently in his attempt to wrap his arm around her.
"Are you well?" he asked, voice quiet in her ear.
She nodded but continued to rest against him, her eyes closed.
The three girls watched her warily, brows furrowed in worry.
"Come, we must return to your home."
"Bye Kagome," whispered the girls forlornly as they waved goodbye, watching the couple leave.
The miko and Inu took the walk home slowly and carefully, both silent but comforting towards each other. Kagome for her discomfort and Sesshomaru for his worry.
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A/N: Alright, I know it's been a while on here...I post on Dokuga, and I tend to forget about this site, so sorry guys! So if you ever want to see if I've updated and it's not on here, go on over there and look up NicoRavenPen! All of my recent work is on there...Also, I NEVER abandon fics, I just loose my mojo for a bit lol So enjoy! Another chapter coming up in a moment!