Undeniably His: Her scent was everything and it drove him insane. He had finally found his mate yet he was in love with another.
…..xxx…..
Chapter Thirty-Seven
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The scent of another male seemed to penetrate Inuyasha's senses to no end. Here he was worried about Kagome not knowing if she was okay and the whole time she was with some guy. The thought alone was driving his inner youkai crazy. It felt like the ride back to the hotel was taking forever, he was one to make a scene but this was something he was going to discuss with Kagome in private. Kagome acted as if she didn't care he was in a foul mood. Not like he was hiding it. On several occasions Bankotsu, Miroku, or Kouga would ask him if something was bothering him. He would just shrug it off but his focus and attention was on Kagome. Trying to see if there was an article of clothing that was misplaced, if her hair was tangled or any other thing that would show that she's been doing something she didn't have any business doing. Kagome seemed engrossed with talking with her friends as if she didn't have a care in the world. As if he didn't exist
"Just wait until we get home Kagome." He growled to himself.
The ride home was pretty much uneventful. The family was discussing about their visit to the botanical gardens. Some enjoying it more than others but overall it was still a nice starter for their family vacation. The traffic was a little heavy so it took much longer than usual for the family to arrive back at the hotel. Grandpa Higurashi and Totosai were already asleep while Souta and Shippo were too busy discussing the fun they had. Arriving at the hotel, everyone exited off the bus and to their respected places.
"Hey Kagome, you want to go to the pool with us?" Eri asked.
Kagome nodded her head. "Sure but don't they have a curfew for using the pool here?" Kagome asked, really not expecting an answer from anyone.
"Funny thing." Miroku voiced in, obviously eavesdropping in the girl's conversation. "Since Inuyasha's family is like royalty here, they have allowed 24 hour access to all of the amenities and features here, including the pool."
"Cool, so we can stay as long as we want." Eri smiled giving Sango a high-five.
Kagome shook her head. "I'll meet you guys at the pool in twenty minutes. I want to head to my room first."
"Do you want me to go with you Kagome? I won't mind." Sango offered knowing that Inuyasha was bound to give her grief.
"You don't have to do that. I can handle things." Kagome said letting out a soft sigh.
While Miroku told Bankotsu and Kouga about the little get together at the pool, Inuyasha followed after Kagome. This was the perfect time to discuss Kagome's little disappearing act. The sheer thought of another guy's scent on Kagome caused his blood to boil. Once entering inside, Inuyasha headed straight towards Kagome.
"Kagome! We need to talk."
Kagome ignored Inuyasha as she walked towards the dresser to grab a t-shirt and some shorts to throw on.
"Why is it that I can smell another male on you Kagome? Answer me?"
Kagome blinked feigning confusion. "What another male? I could've sworn I was a girl. I guess being a youkai really comes in handy huh?"
"Kagome I'm serious. Why is it that I can smell a male's scent on you? I want to know and I want to know now." Inuyasha demanded.
"That's none of your business Inuyasha. Why are you so concerned about what I do now? Not too long ago you would love to know that I was with someone else. Why should it matter now?" Kagome shot back at him.
Inuyasha glared at Kagome. "It is my business you are still my wife and me not having your scent makes things difficult for me. How am I supposed to find you if I can't even pick up your scent." He growled out walking towards her.
Kagome quickly brushed him off. "Aren't you tired of having the same conversation Inuyasha? This sounds like a broken record. I don't want to continue having these pointless conversations with you." Kagome stood up and turned around to see an angry Inuyasha staring at her. Kagome stepped back a bit. "Do you mind?"
"A pointless conversation? You can't be serious? This is about some other guy who wasn't me that scent is all over you. So exactly what were you doing when you were gone?"
"As if I would actually tell you anything I don't answer to you Inuyasha. You should know that by now." Kagome tried to walk past him but Inuyasha wasn't letting her go anywhere until some questions were answered.
"Kagome I'm serious. Do you know how it feels not being able to smell your scent at all? It's driving me crazy not knowing where you are or who you are with." Inuyasha let out an exasperated sigh.
"I can't say that I know the feeling. After all, I am just a human who trapped Inuyasha Tashio into an arranged marriage."
"Could you quit with the damn sarcastic remarks it's getting on my nerves! I'm getting enough heat from your best friend Sango and my dad. I don't need you doing it too." Inuyasha raised his voice a bit causing Kagome to jump a bit.
Kagome raised an eyebrow as she looked at Inuyasha with a surprised expression. She didn't expect him to raise his voice at her. Really why would she be surprised, their married life wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Not by a long shot, but she could see the frustration beginning to surface with Inuyasha. She wasn't one who enjoyed in the misery in others, even if it was Inuyasha. She just wanted him to leave her alone so that she could enjoy the vacation. Obviously he couldn't handle the fact that she was gone and now they were in a full blown argument. She didn't have time for this.
"You're exhausting Inuyasha." Kagome said as she brushed passed him. "I don't care what you do just let me enjoy my trip. That's all I ask."
...xx…..
"Honey what's the matter? You've been tossing and turning for the past hour. Is there something bothering you?" Izayoi's voice held concern as she reached for the lamp by the nightstand of their bed. Ginjiro didn't mean to disturb his mate with his tossing and turning. The simple fact that the Youkai Council was giving Kagome permission with leaving Inuyasha had his mind all over the place.
He looked at Izayoi whose eyes were filled with concern and worry, something that he didn't intend on doing. A slight smile formed his lips in an attempt to ease her worries. "I just have a lot on my mind is all. Totosai was telling me about the Youkai Council and their decision regarding Kagome."
"What did they say? Are they still giving thought to this?"
Ginjiro shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Totosai said they have a lot to discuss and weigh in several factors before making a final decision."
Izayoi let out a sigh, "I hope that it works out for both Inuyasha and Kagome. I wouldn't want Inuyasha to lose her because of this."
Ginjiro placed his hand over his mate's to reassure her. "I'm sure everything will work out for the best. The Youkai Council are not going to let Kagome leave that easily. Now go back to sleep we have a busy day tomorrow."
Izayoi smiled as she placed a soft kiss on her mate's cheek before turning the opposite way and drifting off to sleep. Ginjiro sat up in the bed thinking about the conversation he had with his mate. He didn't want to lie to her but he knew if she found out the truth that would only worry her more and create more problems. He was going to have a little talk with Inuyasha about this whole matter.
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The next day came rather quickly. The families were going to Jardim Zoologico. Once word broke out to Shippo and Souta the two boys were already excited about seeing more animals. The families were getting ready while most were already downstairs in the lobby. Kagome and her friends were in the breakfast area eating croissants, bagels, fruits, and whatever other breakfast treat that was out.
"That swim was nice. I didn't expect the pool to be that big. Most hotels give you those small pools where you can't even do a cannonball in." Eri said grabbing a bagel and placing it on her plate.
"I want to go to one of their beaches. I mean that's why we are out here right? To meet guys and flirt." Yuka said nudging Sango in the side.
"Hey you almost made me drop this on my foot." Sango said.
"As if it would hurt you, your shoes are on." Yuka pointed out causing Sango to grin at her.
"Lucky you." She laughed a bit. "Where do you think we're going today?"
"I heard my mom and Izayoi talking about going to the zoo here. My brother seemed pretty excited about it." Kagome yawned a bit.
"Are you sleepy Kagome? Did you get any rest last night?" Ayumi asked sipping on some coffee.
"I'm okay just a little sleepy but it's nothing really."
"Inuyasha didn't start another fight with you did he?" Sango asked.
"Of course he did but it was more of a discussion about me having another guy's scent on me. I guess it messed with his male pride or whatever."
"Another guy!" all of her friends said in unison and shock was evident in their voices.
"What guy Kagome?" Yuka shouted more than she expected.
"Yeah you didn't mention this guy to us. Start talking." Eri added.
"You're holding out on us. Is that why you were gone for so long? You were with another guy." Sango said thinking back when they were at the Botanical Gardens.
"It was nothing like that and I'm not holding out on anything." Kagome laughed. "I was just walking around and we both were looking at the pond and started talking." Kagome shrugged off the whole incident. It was just an innocent conversation. Nothing more. Nothing less.
"So that's why Inuyasha was in a foul mood." Ayumi said. "I kinda feel bad for the guy. Knowing that he couldn't find his wife and she was with another guy."
Sango and Eri couldn't help but to laugh.
"Don't tell me you're showing sympathy for the guy." Sango lazily rolled her eyes.
"You know Ayumi has a soft spot for everyone. She and Kagome are the good girls of course." Yuka teased.
"We are not!" Ayumi fussed while laughing a bit. "Seeing the good in people is a positive quality to have."
"Sure it is."
The rest of the family were coming down to the first floor to meet in the lobby. Ginjiro informed the family that the first trip they would be taking was to the Jardim Zoologico. The second trip would be the Museum of the Portuguese Language. Both trips seemed rather interesting and would give the family a better appreciation of the country they were visiting. Souta and Shippo were eager to leave. Something about boys and animals especially lions, tigers, and bears. The decker bus arrived on time as the family headed towards the entrance of the hotel. Ginjiro watched as his son Inuyasha tried to interact with Kagome. The latter of course was giving him a cold shoulder.
"I see that you are watching the two of them as well." Totosai spoke from behind Ginjiro.
Ginjiro nodded his head. "We can't do anything about the Youkai Council's decision, can we?"
"At this point no. What can we do anyways? We are in another country. It's not like we would have any effect on them anyways. Once Hosenki has made up his mind about something there is usually no way in changing it."
Ginjiro frowned a bit. "We should focus on the vacation. I don't want Izayoi getting wind of this."
Totosai nodded his head in agreement. "That would only complicate things. I see the fondness that Izayoi has with Kagome and her family. We shouldn't ruin the vacation because of what we have heard. I will speak to the Youkai Council as soon as we return back to Japan."
"Until then we must act as if we don't know anything. I am contemplating on whether I should discuss this matter with Inuyasha."
Totosai shook his head, "We know that you can get hot headed Ginjiro, don't hurt the boy too much."
"I can't make any promises on that."
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The family first destination was at the Jardim Zoologico. The zoo was beautiful in its own right. There were some similarities with the zoos that you would see in Japan. However, there were several features that Jardim Zoologico had that theirs did not and vice versa. Shippo and Souta were all over the place and Izayoi and Ai had to calm them down on several occasions. Boys will be boys though. The families were going on the zoo safari. This trip there was several carts that the family would be riding in on to interact with the animals. Shippo and Souta couldn't contain their excitement as the tour guide was getting ready to start the tour.
"So I see that there is about twenty people here." The first tour guide spoke. "We will have three cars driving around that seat between six and eight people. You all can decide on who will be riding with whom and once you all have that figured out, we can begin the tour."
As the families were getting their seating arrangements, Inuyasha walked over towards Kagome who was looking at the safari from over behind the gates. He knew that she wasn't going to talk to him but his stubborn nature and youkai blood wasn't going to lay low.
"So have you cooled off yet?" he tried making conversation.
Kagome let out a sigh, "What is it that you want Inuyasha? Are you here to talk about my scent again or that you can't stand that another guy was around me?"
"We really didn't get to talk about it though Kagome."
"There isn't much to talk about. I wasn't doing anything and you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Why can't we just have fun without you making this into something more? I can't pretend like I want to be around you because everyone knows that I don't want to be with you anymore. I just want to enjoy the trip as much as I can and once I'm back home we can get our divorce and go our separate ways."
There goes that word again. 'Divorce' Inuyasha couldn't understand how the Youkai Council would grant Kagome such a request when it was so difficult for him to see Kikyo. That just didn't make any sense to him and he wanted answers. He was going to let it slide but hearing her say that just made his blood boil. Before Inuyasha could say anything, Kagome's friends came out of nowhere and dragged her away from him. Inuyasha let out an explicit as he walked back towards the front where his family was.
"So it's decided" Ginjiro started. "In car one it will be Izayoi, Ai, Shippo, Souta, Grandpa Higurashi, and I. In car two it will be Totosai, Midoriko, Sesshomaru, Kagura, Inuyasha, Kagome, Ayumi and Bankotsu. In car three it will be Eri, Yuka, Sango, Kouga, and Miroku."
There wasn't any room to protest because the time wasted could be spent on touring the safari. Kagome didn't say anything as she walked towards the car. Inuyasha had a small smirk on his face. Even if she didn't want to sit with him, they were at least going to be together for the first duration of their trip.
The lead tour guide began the tour as the other cars followed his lead. Each tour guide was equipped with several bags of food that the family would use to feed the animals. The zoo was beautiful to say the least. There were a variety of different animals. Some familiar some not so much. The first exhibit that the families were going to see was the monkeys. There were so many monkeys in the habitat and it seemed as if they were actually in the wild instead of some enclosed sanctuary. The area that the monkeys were occupying was quite big with a watering section that would be used for the monkeys to bathe in or drink water from. There were tall trees that were also helpful for the monkeys to climb and swing from the trees. The tour guide talked about the species of monkey and other information pertaining to the species.
"Some of the animals you can interact with them by feeding them." The tour guide in the first car said. Shippo and Souta were glued to their seats looking in awe as some of the monkeys were playing around.
"It isn't dangerous is it?" Izayoi asked. "The children won't get hurt will they?"
"They're tough boys I am quite sure they can handle feeding the monkeys." Ginjiro laughed a bit.
"Rest assured Mrs. Tashio, we have been doing this for years and the monkeys, giraffes and several of the other animals you will see today won't cause you any harm. The ones that you cannot feed are the lions and tigers are separated from tourists in a metal netting barrier." He said as he grabbed a bag that contained the food that they would feed to the monkeys.
Souta and Shippo rushed to get the food and waited for the tour guide to stop the car so they could run out to feed the monkeys. Izayoi and Ai were close behind their sons not wanting them to get hurt.
"It smells like monkey butt out here." Souta said covering his nose.
"This isn't anything, Inuyasha use to smell like this all the time." Shippo said laughing a bit. "You think this is something wait until Inuyasha goes days without taking a bath. OW!" Shippo rubbed his head as he felt a knot form on his head from where Inuyasha hit him at.
"Who are you calling a monkey butt Shippo?!" Inuyasha fussed.
"Inuyasha don't hit your brother and Shippo stop making fun of Inuyasha. Now you two quit playing and let's feed the animals." Izayoi said.
Shippo stuck out his tongue as he and Shippo ran over towards the tour guide as he helped the two boys feed the monkeys. Miroku couldn't help but to laugh as he walked towards his friend.
"So I guess not every dog likes to take showers eh?"
"Don't start that Miroku."
"Looks like the ladies find it quite funny that you smell like monkey butt. They were laughing a bit at what Shippo said."
Inuyasha grunted a bit. "I'm going to kill Shippo, he is always running that big mouth of his." Inuyasha folded his arms across his chest as he watched Kagome from the corner of his eye. Even though things weren't going well between them, she was trying to enjoy herself on their vacation. At least for now he would go along and be the nice guy for once.
The trip at the zoo was great for the family. They were able to feed other types of animals like the giraffes and some of the bears. There were some dead rats that were also fed to some of the animals. The tour guide explained that at the zoo they wanted to make it as natural as possible for the animals and that the zoo wanted the animals to feel as natural as possible. Although they weren't in the wild, they at least wanted the animals to feel natural in their current surroundings. The women didn't want anything to do with the rats which some of the guys made fun of them for being scared. After seeing several of the mammals, they toured the amphibians and bird exhibits as well.
Several hours passed and it was a little pass two when the family returned back to the front of the zoo. Several family members bought some souvenirs to take back home. They could've stayed longer since the zoo didn't close until 5:00 but they needed to head to their next destination, The Museum of the Portuguese Language. The Museum was located in the downtown area of Sao Paulo inside the historical Luz Train Station. One thing that was special about this museum was that it was the only museum in the world dedicated to the Portuguese language. It didn't take the family long to get to the downtown area of Sao Paulo. The museum had three levels and each level serving a purpose. Inuyasha looked around and thought about the time when he and Kagome were on their honeymoon in Paris. They were visiting museums just like this and for a fraction of a second, a smile graced his lips.
"What are you over here smiling at? People will start to wonder." Miroku laughed as he hit Inuyasha on the back.
"Don't get too close Miroku. Inuyasha does smell like monkey butt we wouldn't want him to put his scent on you." Kouga laughed.
"Shut it. We're cousins so if I was smell like monkey butt so would you."
"Whatever I for one like to take showers so I make sure that the monkey butt scent isn't on me."
"We should get going. It looks like they are already inside." Miroku said walking off.
The first floor of the museum was the admissions area. Ginjiro already paid for the tickets for the entire family. Once Inuyasha, Miroku, Bankotsu, and Kouga walked in, Ginjiro gave the tour guide the okay to begin the tour.
"My name is Igor and this is Catarina. The two of us will be your tour guides for the Museum of Portuguese Language. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask us. We are here to make this experience a positive one."
"In this area, there are several classrooms that we have. In here we give free lessons in learning Portuguese. Each class can hold about fifty people. Is there anyone who would like to see or learn the Portuguese language?" Catarina asked.
"I think the Portuguese language is beautiful. I never thought about it much until we got here. I would like to know more about the language and where it originated from." Kagome interest was obviously piqued.
The family walked around the first floor getting a feel of the museum. It was huge inside with many pictures displayed around the walls. There were several kiosk stationed around the area to help both tourists and visitors to navigate through various systems and programs that designed to help them learn the language. It was really high end and technologically forward thinking. There were even some games for children to play with to get a better understanding of the language. As the family walked around, the tour guides were explaining the origins of the Portuguese language.
"If you'd like to know more about the origin story, there is a theatre room on the third floor that will show you several short films." Igor stated.
"That seems rather interesting." Sesshomaru stated as he grabbed Kagura's hand helping her up the stairs.
Igor led some of the family members to the third floor while Catarina stayed with the remainder to show them the exhibits on the second floor. Inuyasha watched closely as he saw that Kagome wanted to go look around on the second floor. Kagome didn't make it obvious that she was avoiding him. The whole car ride at the zoo didn't help much. Although he was relieved to know that her friend Sango wouldn't be riding along with them. She would have definitely made things worse. He was going to have to find a way to get on Kagome's good side. He couldn't make it seem as if it was some sort of plan or that he had an ulterior motive. He did that before and that backfired on him big time.
"All you have to do is be yourself. If you just show Kagome that you're a good guy then she won't go through with the whole divorce."
"Too bad you're an asshole. You're stubborn and proud and now that you've gotten yourself into a predicament that you can't get out, you want to make up with our mate. Some bastard you are." His youkai growled out causing Inuyasha to growl outwardly.
Miroku raised an eyebrow. "Inuyasha it's okay to talk to yourself. However, there is an issue when you begin to answer." Miroku shook his head. "It would seem as Inuyasha is slowly going mad."
"What's the problem now?" Bankotsu said looking around the museum. "Besides the fact that Inuyasha is stalking Kagome with his eyes."
"I am not."
"Inuyasha don't make a scene we are at a museum." Miroku playfully scolded.
"I guess you aren't getting anywhere with Kagome are you? I shouldn't even have to ask, it's painfully obvious that you aren't getting any play." Kouga said.
"I'm not trying to get in her pants you ass. I'm just trying to make amends first."
Kouga looked at his cousin with a smirk on his face, "So you want to make amends first and then you want to get in her pants."
"You sly dog, I knew that you would come around. What was it about Kagome that you are secretly longing for? Is it the smooth ivory of her skin? Or is the way she smiles and you can't help but to be swoon? Or dare I say it's the way her breast perks up when she runs?" Miroku fantasized.
"You are really a pervert Roku, don't let Sango hear you or you're really going to be in trouble." Bankotsu couldn't help but to laugh.
"Stop looking at Kagome like that Miroku. She's a married woman." Inuyasha growled out surprising himself.
"Since when did Inuyasha become so protective and possessive of Kagome?" Kouga raised his eyebrow.
"Yeah, Inuyasha are you having a change of heart now. Is it because Kagome is playing hard to get that your attraction for her is becoming evident." Miroku asked nudging Inuyasha in the side with his elbow.
"As if she was playing hard to get. She doesn't want anything to do with Inuyasha. He hurt her both emotionally and verbally. He deceived her, he lied to her. He went behind her back and saw another woman. He…"
"Okay I get the picture Kouga. Damn you guys make shit that much worse." Inuyasha huffed as he walked off. He knew all too well that he messed up with Kagome and all but the constant reminders weren't helping his cause either.
"Maybe you should have thought about that when you were blaming our mate for breaking you and Kikyo up. Maybe this is karma coming back at you for being an ass." His youkai growled out angrily.
Inuyasha knew it to be true and even though he wanted to deny it, his youkai side was right. Maybe he was far too stubborn for his own good. That was a trait that all Inu-youkai possessed but things were out of control. He knew that he didn't have much time left. He needed to show Kagome that he was sorry and that maybe they could be friends. Inuyasha didn't realize that he walked off so far. He was at the souvenir shop at the museum. His ears tweaked a bit as he heard Kagome's voice. Even if he couldn't smell Kagome's scent, he was able to detect her from the crowd. He could hear her conversation with her friends and they were talking about the nice items they wanted to get but couldn't afford.
…..xxx…..
It was late into the night before the family arrived home. After leaving the Museum of Portuguese Language, the family decided to go out to eat. They had authentic Portuguese cuisine and everyone enjoyed the restaurant selection that the driver of the decker bus suggested. Shippo and Souta were of course asleep from all of the events that taken place. Along with Totosai and Grandpa Higurashi. Kagura was nodding off, but that was to be expected since she was pregnant and approaching her due date. Everyone had gone to their respected rooms to prepare for the next day.
Kagome gathered her belongings from her bag to get ready to take a shower before going to bed, when there was a knock on the door. Inuyasha was already in the shower. She knew it was probably Sango or Eri trying to get her out of Inuyasha's clutches. She couldn't help but to laugh a bit at her friend's antics. They definitely like causing hell in Inuyasha's life.
"Don't you think it's late to be harassing Inuyasha like this? I'm sure he isn't going to like it." Kagome opened the door laughing. Her laughter was cut short when she saw Inuyasha's father standing in front of her.
"Ginjiro, I'm sorry. I thought you were my friends."
Ginjiro nodded his head. "I would like to speak to you and Inuyasha. May I come in?"
"Of course… you don't even have to ask." Kagome stammered a bit as she stepped aside for Ginjiro to walk in and closed the door behind him.
"Inuyasha should be coming out in a few." Kagome said as she rubbed her arm due to the uneasiness she was feeling.
"It's fine, what I have to say I want the both of you to hear." His eyes held seriousness to them. Not that he wasn't always serious. Much like Sesshomaru they both seem to take things seriously.
It only took a few minutes for Inuyasha to come out of the bathroom and he was surprised to see his father in their hotel room. He looked at Kagome then at his father then back at Kagome trying to gage the situation.
"Is it true what I've been told? Is it true that the Youkai Council have granted you permission in divorcing Inuyasha?"
…..xxx…..