Balm for a Broken Soul
By: Ryu Katanna
Beta:
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: A lot of the dialogue will be familiar as the chapters do follow the anime and manga for Ghost Hunt. There are more parts that are original to the story, but I've done this to stay close to the original while also telling Kagome's side of the story. There will be more deviations we get farther in.
*-* Speaking Chinese
Episode 13.5: New Beginnings with a New Year
The next few days passed quietly, and soon it was New Year's Eve. The shift in Kagome and Lin's relationship had gone unnoticed to everyone else on the SPR team except for Naru. He had spent more time with the two of them than anyone else over the last months, and so his gaze was drawn to them as he noticed the increase in subtle touches as they spoke. Kagome had been smiling a bit more than usual, and Lin's gaze always seemed to soften as it was drawn toward the woman more since their last case.
Naru had seen how the relationship between these two had been developing for months now, and it helped that he had known Lin for years. To anyone else, these small changes may have been missed, but not to him. He had already spoken briefly with Lin to be sure that this new development would not interfere with their work. That had been two days ago, and Lin seemed to have been thinking about something since then. What that was; only his Shiki may have known the answer.
"Kazuya! Lin! Would you both come out here for a moment please?" Kagome's voice called through his office door and drew Naru's attention away from the maps spread out in front of him.
"What do you need Kagome?" Naru asked as he stood and walked into the reception room to find the woman dressed in her traditional Miko garb and loaded down with three clothing bags as well as a couple others in her hands.
"I need to talk to you both about tonight. Are you almost finished for the day? I see Mai has left already." Kagome replied with a smile when Lin joined them in the room and she set down everything she had brought in over the back of one of the chairs and setting the others on the floor.
"I'm just going over a few maps right now." Naru answered knowing that she would understand why he had been doing so.
"I just finished sending our weekly reports to Cambridge." Lin replied as he eyed the bags a bit suspiciously when Kagome started to pull a few things out of her bags as she spoke.
"Well, since it's New Year's Eve, Mama insisted that both of you come to the shrine for dinner. We'll be having visitors to the shrine later given the holiday so I will have to greet people, but we want you both there for the first shrine visit of the year. Mama is also preparing the guest room for you both to stay tonight." Kagome told them knowing that they would never turn down an invitation when it was her mother who wanted them over and they didn't have a case they were working on.
"That's fine, but what it all this?" Naru asked as Kagome passed him to go into his office.
"I'm just putting up a few Shimenawa to ward off bad fortune for the new year. You can take them down the day after tomorrow if you like." Kagome replied as she hung up a red and white laced-rope like decoration in his office before repeating this in the office she shared with Lin, then back into the reception, and finally to hang one on the entry door.
Lin and Naru watched as she returned to her bags before carefully pulling out a plant from the largest bag. Kagome gently set the Shochikubai Bonsai on the table near the door. They stayed quiet as they watched her decorate the office for the new year. While Naru may have said something had it been Mai who was doing as she pleased, this was Kagome. She was a more than capable spiritualist and knew what served a purpose and what wouldn't. He could also allow her to do as she pleased because he also knew that she would decorate tastefully in a way that didn't annoy him.
"What are these for?" Naru asked after Kagome had come back over to her bags and promptly pushed one of the clothing bags into Naru's hands.
"Just go change in your office. Mama is expecting us in an hour for dinner. Go!" Kagome said as she lightly nudged Naru back toward his office before picking up the other two clothing bags and turning to Lin.
*Mama also picked out something traditional for you, but I wasn't sure if you would be comfortable wearing it. Luckily, I spoke to Uncle Jiāng a few weeks ago and he picked something out that you may be more comfortable in. I'll let you decide which you would prefer to wear tonight.* Kagome told him as she handed both of the two remaining clothing bags to Lin and motioned for him to go change in their office.
Kagome turned back to clean up her bags while the guys got themselves ready. She really hoped Lin liked what her Uncle had picked out as she knew he may not have been happy wearing traditional Japanese clothing. Once she finished up with cleaning away the bags, Kagome started preparing tea for the three of them. Putting the pot on to boil, she was pulling down the teacups when the door to Naru's office opened.
"Do I really have to wear this?" He asked as she turned around to see him frowning slightly as he looked down at the Montsuki Hakama that her mother had picked out for him a few days ago.
Kagome could tell that he'd had a little trouble with figuring out how to put everything on. Smiling lightly, she left the water to boil and went over to help him.
"Here. The hakama isn't tied correctly. I know you probably don't like it much, but could you do this for Mama? She was so happy picking this out for you the other day. Apparently, she's spoken with Luella as well and promised her pictures." Kagome told him as she corrected the folds and straightened his haori before stepping back to look him over.
"I suppose..." Naru conceded at hearing that his own mother had been in on it in some way as the other office door opened.
Kagome's breath hitched in her chest as Lin walked out wearing the Qipao her Uncle had chosen for the occasion. The red top fit him nicely as her eyes were drawn to the golden dragon that spanned up from his waist to his shoulder and over the one side of his chest. The dragon's pattern continued on each of his sleeves near the wrist. Kagome had only ever seen Lin in his usual daywear, but she couldn't help but think that he looked more handsome than usual in traditional clothing.
*That looks really good on you Lin.* Kagome tried to even out her voice as she felt a bit breathless while she watched him adjust the sleeves a bit.
"I will have to thank your Uncle. He has fine taste." Lin told her and Kagome couldn't help but smile as she nodded in agreement.
"You'll have the chance to do so tonight. He will be joining us with Aunt Hana and the boys later." Kagome replied as she turned to make the tea when the kettle started whistling and Lin and Naru both looked each other over.
"Let me guess; Kagome took your comfort in mind with your outfit for tonight." Naru said low enough for Kagome not to hear with a small smirk.
"Hm." Lin nodded as he refused to respond to the blatant teasing in Naru's voice.
"Tea's ready. Let's take a break and then we can get going." Kagome said as she brought the cups over to the table.
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"I'm so happy you could both make it for dinner!" Mrs. Higurashi smiled happily as she set the table after the three of them walked into the house almost an hour later and they sat down.
"Yes, thank you for the invitation. Kagome tells me that I have you to thank for this outfit. Thank you for the consideration, Mrs. Higurashi." Naru said as he studied the kimono she wore as Souta and Kagome's grandfather walked into the room.
They were both dressed in the traditional Shozuko that told everyone who saw them that they were both the kannushi, or priests, of the shrine while Kagome was the priestess. Naru had to admit that today would be educational, if not interesting, for him. While most of the people of Japan would be celebrating the new year in a more casual manner, it would seem that the Higurashi family was far more traditional and followed the older ways. It wasn't really surprising given what he had learned about the family over the months and that Kagome had spent time in the warring states era.
"Oh, it was no trouble, and it was only right that both you and Lin be here with us today. You are legally Kagome's ward after your mother signed her approval, and that responsibility is shared with Lin. That makes you both a part of this household as far as my family and I are concerned." Mrs. Higurashi said as she helped her father-in-law into his chair before taking a seat herself.
"I told you." Kagome said lightly from her own seat between Lin and Naru.
Dinner was alive with conversation after that. Kagome smiled happily from her seat as she watched her family talk to Naru and Lin while Shippo curled up on her lap and Sesshomaru stayed nearby to her and Lin. She missed being able to actively converse with her son and her old ally, but she had long ago resigned herself to knowing that she would not have been able to. She didn't have the bond that Lin did with them, though her bonds with the two were different, and no less important.
Once dinner was finished Kagome helped her mother clear the table before going into the living room where her grandfather and brother were speaking to Lin and Naru in hushed tones. Whatever conversation they were having changed as she approached them.
"Time to start preparing the grounds for visitors." Grandpa Higurashi was muttering before he left out the door and Souta smiled cheekily.
"Welcome to the craziness that is the Higurashi New Year." He said with a small chuckle and shake of his head as he glanced at his sister before he followed outside.
"You two can enjoy the grounds as you like. We just have to prepare for tonight. Mama usually tends to the shop to sell charms. Souta, Grandpa and I will be cleaning the grounds and greeting any guests who have come for the first visit of the year tonight. Aunt Hana and her family will be joining us later tonight where we will toast to the New Year." Kagome explained to them what they would be doing as she slipped on her zori at the door.
"Alright. I'll be in the storehouse if you need me for anything." Naru said before he hurried out the door to Kagome's light laughter.
"I should have known. We will have to drag him away from the scrolls later." Kagome mused before turning to look at Lin when she felt his hand come to rest lightly on her shoulder.
*How can I help?* He asked her only to receive a smile as she reached up to squeeze his hand lightly.
*You don't need to help, Lin. Take this time to relax. The shrine is our responsibility. Thank you though. You work too much as it is. Please, if not for yourself, then enjoy the grounds for me. It will set my mind at ease.* Kagome said softly as shook her head at his offer.
*You work even more than I do between here and the office. Allow me to help. It will be done faster, and I will know you have time for a break as well.* Lin argued his point and Kagome couldn't help the slight blush that dusted her cheeks at his insistence.
*Okay... I need to sweep part of the grounds and bless the charms Mama will be selling tonight. You can help me with the sweeping, and then we can relax near the Goshinboku where I can greet the children after I finish with the charms I haven't done yet.* Kagome said knowing that she would be telling them the legend of the Shikon No Tama for it was the legend that the shrine had been dedicated to when it had been built.
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Hours passed as the work was finished before Kagome and Lin sat under the branches of the sacred tree. Mrs. Higurashi had pulled them all together for a few minutes for pictures before getting to work in the small shop. Visitors to the shrine came and went as it drew closer to midnight.
Kagome's Aunt Hana and Uncle Jiāng had arrived with their sons. Her Aunt Hana had gone to help her sister-in-law with the shop while her husband and sons had come to sit with Lin and Kagome as the Miko entertained the children. Lin had thanked her Uncle for the outfit while her cousins listened as Kagome told the old legends and tales to the children.
*It's almost time to go back inside. Would you mind finding Kazuya? I'll meet you at the house.* Kagome said after the last child had gone back to join her parents.
*Kazuya is the young man you've spoken of to me before, is he not?" Her Uncle Jiāng asked after Lin had walked off after nodding to her.
*Yes. Lin and I are looking after him in place of his parents since he is still legally a minor. We speak to his parents at least once a week to let them know how he is doing, and Mama has made friends with his mother, Luella. She sends her pictures whenever she gets the chance.* Kagome replied with a small smile of amusement as she watched Lin come out of the storehouse followed by Naru and head in the direction of the house as she waved goodbye to the last of the guests.
*So we'll actually get to meet him tonight then?* Kāng asked as he followed along with his father and brothers back to the house.
*Yes. Mama has insisted Kazuya and Lin stay in the guest room tonight.* Kagome told him; getting a cheer from Syāoran before her youngest cousin made a mad dash to the house to see the teen that they had heard about and making Kagome and Kāng laugh at his antics.
*Does he know about you too?* Shēng asked carefully so as not to be overheard by any of the few shrine visitors who remained.
*Kazuya knows. As do his parents. I felt it only right they knew the truth about me since I have been helping and watching over him. They are trusting me with the wellbeing of their son, after all.* Kagome replied getting a nod of approval from her Uncle at her reasoning.
The small group made it into the house where Kazuya was soon introduced to her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. They sat down for drinks to toast the new year. They tried to keep the conversation to Japanese for Naru's benefit as much as they could, but the family slipped from one to the other naturally. A while later and Souta had gone up to his room with Shēng and Syāoran for the night. Conversation slowed until Kagome's attention was drawn to Lin next to her when his hand covered hers lightly.
*May I speak with you privately?* He asked and Kagome nodded curiously.
*Of course. Excuse us a moment.* Kagome said to her family before Lin led her by the hand back outside to stand before the Goshinboku.
It was quiet between them for several minutes as Kagome waited for Lin to tell her what he had wanted to speak to her about. His hand tightened around hers as he turned to face her and her eyes widened a bit at the look he was giving her.
*I have thought about this for a while, but I finally came to a decision after our last case.* He finally said and Kagome felt a bit confused.
What had he been thinking? A lot had happened with that last case on Christmas eve. Lin had helped her let go of some of the guilt she still felt over what had happened in the past with Shippo. He thought she was a good mother despite what had happened, and that had helped her to see that it wasn't her fault.
If there was anyone or thing to blame then it was the jewel. Just like so many other lives had been torn apart by the little bauble; it had given her a life in the past only to rip it away in the end. She had felt closer to Lin since then. More open to be who she had been before the jewel had ripped her world apart, only now with the training and discipline she needed to keep her abilities strong.
*What is it Lin?* Kagome asked as he paused like he was trying to find the right words.
*I know you follow the older ways, and so I wanted to do this right. Kagome Higurashi, you've become a good friend, and yet I want to get to know you as more than friends.* Lin said as he seemed to struggle with the words and Kagome's eyes widened as she started to understand what he was trying to say.
*Lin... Are you saying what I think you are?* Kagome whispered as she felt her heart pick up speed.
*Would you allow me to court you with the intention of marriage?* The words were rushed but still understandable as Lin's fingers tightened slightly around her own.
It was only then that Kagome realized they were still holding hands. Since when had skin contact between them become so natural? Was it the case in the park? She couldn't really pinpoint when it was though she knew how she had felt for a while now.
She held a deep affection for this man that she had not felt for another since she was a teenager traveling with Inuyasha. Only, what she had started to feel over the months with him was so much more. She had been scared when Souta made her realize it, but Shippo's reassurance had calmed her fears. Her son was right. Lin was not Inuyasha. He wouldn't hurt her like that. She truly did believe that, and yet, those old wounds had left scars on her heart that still made her hesitate.
The man standing in front of her, the man she had gotten to know over the last several months, wasn't like that. He was asking to court her. She could only guess that Sesshomaru or Shippo must have told him how things had been done in the past. He wanted to court her... To date her with the intention of marrying her one day.
Tears came to her eyes as she realized what that meant. She hadn't dared hope that the affections she had developed for this man would be returned. Yet, here it was. The tears finally slipped down her cheeks as she looked back at Lin who waited patiently for an answer from her.
*I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry.* Kagome said with a small huff to herself as she wiped at the tears with the hand that wasn't holding his.
*Hmm. Is that a no?* Lin stopped her hand as he pulled it away from her face to see that though tears clung to her lashes, she was smiling.
*No, it's not a no. Just... I never thought you would ask me that. I've known since the 'date' at the park that I was attracted to you as more than a friend, but I couldn't bring myself to hope that you felt the same.* Kagome said with a small smile as she clasped his hand a bit tighter.
*Why couldn't you? Does it have something to do with what your son told me?* Lin asked as he thought about what he had learned from his Shiki when he had asked their advice on how to approach Kagome a couple days ago.
*What did Shippo tell you?* Kagome asked as she bit her lip and furrowed her brow at the thought of what her kit could have said.
*That you've been hurt in the past. That if I really wanted to pursue anything with you then I had to be serious about it.* Lin told her what Shippo had said when he'd asked him and Sesshomaru if there was anything he should do or say that would make Kagome more comfortable with forming a closer relationship with him.
Kagome sighed as she heard what Lin said. She knew she had some issues with believing that anyone could be interested in her. She also knew that those issues had stemmed from her first love. Lin would have to know about what had happened so he could understand.
*I've told you about my travels in the past. What I didn't tell you or Kazuya is that I had fallen in love with Inuyasha, or thought I had, at any rate. I was still just a teen, and I realized later that it wasn't really love. It was more of an insane crush. Even so, Inuyasha did a lot that hurt me. What he did and the things he said made me believe that I couldn't have a real relationship. He acted like he cared, but then he would run back to be with or defend Kikyo. He called me names and told me I was worthless. It was Sesshomaru that made me realize I needed to let my feelings for him go.* Kagome admitted as her eyes shifted downward to stare at the ground as she thought about how cruel Inuyasha had been back then.
Her gaze was brought back up to Lin right after, however, as he used their connected hands to pull her closer to him and his other to cup her cheek. His expression was stern, but it was his gaze that gave him away. A tear leaked from the corner of her eye as he spoke.
*He was a fool then. I know who it is I want, and she's standing right here before me. She is the kind of person who helps others no matter what it costs herself. She keeps the confidence of those she cares for. She is a good mother who cares for her son more than anything. So much so that she is still finding herself again after getting him back. She is a strong woman who has supported me without even realizing it, and she has earned both my trust and affection. The woman in front of me is far from worthless in my eyes.* His tone left no room for doubt while he spoke longer than she had ever heard him at one time as he assured her that he wasn't the kind of fool Inuyasha had been.
*I'll ask you again, Kagome. Will you allow me to court you with the intention of one day becoming my wife?* He continued seriously as more tears slipped from her eyes.
Kagome's breath hitched as she slowly nodded after having received the reassurance that she had needed so badly. Her hand grasped his own in an effort to stay grounded as the warmth of his body being so close in the chilly winter air comforted her with his presence.
*Yes...* Kagome choked out in happiness as she finally started to feel that this whole conversation was really happening, and wasn't some unreachable dream.
*I will not let you come to regret it.* Lin said softly as he closed his eyes and breathed deeply in relief at her acceptance.
It took a few minutes for Kagome to calm down as the tears finally stopped. As her emotions calmed she felt like a weight had lifted off of her at what he had said to her. Lin was not one for speaking so much at one time, but he had done it for her. For her, he had spoken to Sesshomaru and Shippo to learn the best way to approach her. Her mind was drawn back to the conversation she had interrupted between Lin, Naru, Souta, and her grandfather.
*Lin?* Kagome asked as she looked up at him curiously.
*Yes?* He asked as he opened his eyes to find out what she wanted.
*Earlier... You were talking with my brother and grandfather. I noticed the conversation changed abruptly when I came in. Where you talking to them about asking me this tonight?* Kagome asked as she thought about what had happened.
*I thought it best to get their blessing.* Lin answered as Kagome smiled.
*Did Sesshomaru tell you that was how it was done?* Kagome asked him as she imagined how that conversation must have gone.
*He did, but I would have asked regardless.* Lin told her as her smile widened.
*Thank you. I'm sure grandpa and Souta appreciated it.* Kagome said before stepping a little closer and pulling Lin down with her hand on his shoulder.
Soft lips lightly touched his cheek before they were gone again. Lin's lips tilted in a gentle smile as Kagome stepped back from him, but didn't let go of his hand. His thumb ran gently over her knuckles as they both soaked in the moment. Feeling her fingers tremble in a shiver, Lin stepped back and turned toward the house.
*You're cold. We should go back inside.* Lin said as he slowly pulled her toward the warmth of her home.
*Okay.* Kagome replied as she let him bring her inside.
It was once they were inside the house that they both noticed the looks from Kagome's family and Naru. Kagome blushed as she realized they must have been watching them from the window. Still, her hand remained firmly in Lin's own. Her grandfather and brother would already know from Lin talking to them earlier, but the rest of her family would have been told about the change in their relationship at some point anyway. That was if they didn't already have their suspicions of their relationship changing before. Kagome knew Naru was too observant not to have noticed within moments. In the end, their spying on them just meant there would be no need to tell them directly.
"It's about time." Naru said as he looked at the new couple with a small smirk at the rosy blush on Kagome's face from the cold that only darkened at his next comment.
"I've been watching you both dancing around each other for the last few months. Just don't let it interfere with work." He said before leaving to go to the guest room and let Kagome's family ask their questions.
He was going to bed. It was already the early morning of the new year after all.
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Well, this chapter just flowed on out so easily it surprised me. I didn't even notice the sun had come up until I was done. Most of these chapters are taking me a few days on and off of writing, and yet this one was done in a night. I really hope you liked this chapter. I tried to make it as close to genuine to Japanese New year as I could.
I know Lin may have seemed a little OC here, but I really believe that if there was something he wanted (Kagome) that he would do what he had to get it. Thus, telling Kagome what he really thought.
Anyway, leave a review and let me know what you thought. We've finally come to the half-way point of the anime, and Kagome and Lin are an official couple! The next few chapters may take me a while as I'm not too enthusiastic for the Forbidden Pastime segment, even if I do have a few things planned with Yasuhara coming into the story.
~Ryu
