Chapter Twelve:
Kagome woke feeling warm and comfortable. She couldn't remember the last time she had sleep so peacefully. She went to roll over to block out the sun and get some more sleep when she felt an arm hold her in place. She was confused for a moment until the owner of said arm spoke.
"Stop moving wench. It's a long way down if you fall." Inuyasha laughed lightly.
Kagome shot up and her brain finally caught up with her. She remembered last night and falling asleep in the tree with Inuyasha holding her. She smiled when she realized it hadn't been a dream. Inuyasha was her boyfriend now. It made her giggle with happiness. She no longer had to hold back her feelings, she could hold his hand and kiss him whenever she wanted. He chose HER!
She leaned back into his embrace and sighed when his arms embraced her. "Good morning." She whispered lovingly.
"Morning" He whispered in her ear with a kiss to her temple. The sweetness of the action melted her heart.
She knew there was a lot to do today, but she was in no hurry to move. She didn't think Inuyasha would complain if she decided to be a little lazy this morning. They stayed in the tree for a little while enjoying the sunrise.
A little way down the road someone was NOT happy at all! Shippo had woken up this morning to snuggle closer to his adopted mother, just to find her gone! He thought maybe she was cooking him breakfast, but her scent was old. He woke the whole hut up calling her name.
"KAGOME! KAGOME WHERE ARE YOU!" Shippo wailed.
"Shippo, calm down. She probably went for a walk or something." Sango said with a yawn. She definitely was not ready to wake up yet.
"What if she was kidnapped! Don't any of you care!" Shippo was starting to panic. Rin looked a little scared too. She didn't want to lose Kagome either.
Before anyone could respond Sesshomaru walked into the hut. "Kit, the Miko is with this one's brother. She is fine, stop your squealing you are upsetting Rin." Rin and Jaken ran to him excited he had returned.
Shippo didn't look happy at all. She was his mother and Inuyasha only ever hurt her. "But what if he makes her cry! The baka always makes Kagome cry!... I'm gonna go save her!"
Sesshomaru grabbed him by his shirt before he ran out the door. "You will not. He will not make her cry and you will not disturb them."
"Hmmm... I wonder what they are doing?" Miroku said as he rubbed his chin in thought.
"HENTAI!" Sango hit him in the head. "Inuyasha isn't a perv like you monk!"
"But my dear Sango! You misunderstand! I was only wondering if they were working out their problems!" Miroku pleaded.
"Suuurrreee. That's what you were thinking." Sango rolled her eyes. "He better be making this right. If he hurts her one more time I'm gonna neuter him." Sango said with a dark look. All of the men backed away from her. She was one scary woman.
"Let us hope for his sake that he doesn't" Sesshomaru murmured to himself. Shippos and Jaken nodded being the only ones who could hear him.
The gang straightened up the hut while Kaede started on breakfast. They decided to give Inuyasha and Kagome some time before calling them in to eat.
Rin was telling Sesshomaru of a dream she had about being a princess and being rescued by a prince when mercifully his brother and Kagome walked in. He was pleased to see their smiles as they settled next to the fire sitting very close. The others noticed this and breathed a sigh of relief. They were happy for their friends and glad that the awkwardness seemed to be over.
Rin and Shippo ran over to Kagome and asked her if she would play with them today. They were sad when she told them she had to go home for a little while, but perked up at the promise that she would bring them back some sweets. When breakfast was over Kagome said her goodbyes and promised to be back soon before Inuyasha took her to the well.
Inuyasha got back to the hut with a smile on his swollen lips. Before Miroku could make a comment Sango covered his mouth and Inuyasha sent her a nod in thanks. He wasn't embarrassed but he didn't want to hear the monk's mouth right now, he was in to good of a mood. Besides, he knew Miroku was just jealous.
"Jaken. Take the children outside. Do not let anything happen to them." He sent the kappa a threatening glare.
Before Jaken could protest he was pulled off by a laughing Rin and Shippo. "My Lord why!"
Once the children were gone Sesshomaru addressed the others. "This one has heard news of Naraku's plans regarding Kagome." Inuyasha and the others frowned as they listened. "I had a run-in with Kagura last night and was disturbed by what she had to say. It would seem Naraku no longer wishes to destroy Kagome, but to take her as a lover." He looked to his brother who was seething. "The dead one is helping him."
Inuyasha looked shocked and betrayed. How could Kikyo help Naraku? Was she being forced? He couldn't believe she would do that! She seemed a little upset about him choosing Kagome, but to help Naraku...he didn't know. "I'll kill the bastard and anyone who's helping him if he touches her!" He growled. If Kikyo was helping Naraku...he would not hesitate to kill her. It wouldn't be easy, but Kagome was his mate. No one harmed her.
"Are we sure we can trust her though? I know Kagura doesn't like Naraku, but could it be a trap?" Sango asked.
"I do not believe so. She knows Kagome is our best chance at destroying Naraku and she would not jeopardize her freedom." Sesshomaru said having already dismissed that idea himself.
"What does Kikyo have to gain from helping him though? I know she doesn't like Kagome, but helping Naraku? Would she really sink that low?" Sango was worried for her friend. Kikyo knew a lot about them and if she was helping Naraku...it wouldn't be good.
"The Kikyo I knew when she was alive is not the same as the one who walks the earth today. She lives off hatred and her wish to take ye to Hell Inuyasha. I would not put it past her to take out the only thing standing in her way of getting her wish. Ye must remember she is not the same person. Everything that was good and pure about my sister now resides in Kagome's soul." Kaede hoped he would realize this. If not he could lose Kagome forever.
"Keh! I know that baba...it took me a while, but I see that now. If she does hurts Kagome in any way, I will not hesitate to kill her." He looked determined. Miroku and Sango were shocked by his statement. Could he really do it? Did he finally take the priestess off of her pedestal? For Kagome's sake, they hoped so.
Sesshomaru nodded in approval. "We will need to be more on guard now. With so many after her, Kagome needs as much protection as she can get. But for now, we train. The slayer and the Miko will work with Kagome, she has trained well and will continue till Naraku is dead. As for you little brother...you are mine." Inuyasha gave him a dirty look. "Let us see if you fight as well as your mate." He smiled at his brothers growl and left the hut. Inuyasha was cursing him as he followed.
"Ummm did Sesshomaru just say he was going to train with Inuyasha? That can't be good." Sango stared dumbfounded at the door.
"Yea...I'm not missing this." Miroku looked excited as he went after the two inu brothers.
"Men!" Sango huffed as Kaede smiled. "So, I guess we're going to be staying for a while. I hope it's not too much trouble Kaede."
Kaede smiled at the young slayer. "Ney child. Tis no trouble at all. We will make due. There is a hut that has been empty for some time near the edge of the village. If we need room I am sure the headsman will not oppose of us taking it. Now, I have work to do in my gardens today. I think I will take the children to help me. Why don't ye go watch the boys train while we wait for Kagome's return. I am sure it will be quite a site." Kaede laughed out as she left for her chores.
"Yea, if they don't kill each other before I get there." Sango laughed.
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Kagome sighed and she sank deeper into the tub. It felt so good to be home! When she arrived she was not surprised at her mother's lecture on being gone so long. She felt bad that she worried so much and promised that it would not happen again. It took a while but she reassured her mother that they would be sticking around the village for a while so she would be home more often. Her mother was skeptical but nodded. Her daughter was an adult now, but she was still her baby and worrying was her job. After a quick catch up (with a lot being left out) Kagome went upstairs for a much needed soak.
She was still smiling at how sweet Inuyasha was when she left. He couldn't stop touching her and kissing her, it made it very hard to leave. She was hoping he would come with her, but it was nice to have some time to herself. She wanted to tell her mother that they were a couple, but she would wait a little while. She wasn't ready to be bombarded with questions of marriage and grandchildren. Not yet anyway.
She spent the morning with her mother. After her bath, the two went shopping and stopped for lunch. She missed her mom and it was nice to spend the day with her. After they got home Souta pouted about Inuyasha not being with her, but she told him she'd bring him the next time. After promising to return the next day Kagome packed her back and left for the feudal era. She wanted to cook dinner for everyone tonite and surprise Inuyasha with the steaks she bought, so she needed to get back pretty fast.
She was surprised to hear yelling when she landed on the other side of the well. It sounded like Inuyasha, and he sounded pissed. She hurried up the side of the well and almost fell back in at what she saw.
There he was lying on the ground with Sesshomaru looking bored as he had him pinned. Inuyasha was kicking and cursing trying to get out of the hold as Miroku and Sango sat and watched. What the hell was going on?
"Sesshomaru! What the hell are you doing?!" She ran over to push him off. "Get the Hell off of him."
"We are training Miko...what does it look like," Sesshomaru asked in a bored tone.
"GET THE FUCK OFF ME ASSHOLE! This isn't training! This is your fat ass sitting on me!" Inuyasha was pissed Kagome could see him in such a weak position.
"This one is not fat, little brother. You are just weak...the Miko here got out of this hold easily. It would seem your mate is more capable a fighter than you." He smiled down at his red faced brother. This was actually pretty fun.
"Wait...what the fuck do you mean she got out of this hold? WHY THE FUCK WERE YOU SITTING ON HER CHEST!" Now he was angry. His eyes started to bleed red at the thought of Sesshomaru touching any part of Kagome.
Sesshomaru smiled but before he could answer he was flat on his back. The bitch had kicked him. He should have seen it coming, but he was too busy taunting his brother.
"Not so tough now are you dog!" Kagome smiled at him as she helped Inuyasha stand up. She smiled as he nuzzled her neck. She loved that he wasn't embarrassed to show that he had missed her.
"Wrong move Miko." Sesshomaru sneered as he stood. "The Sesshomaru will get you for that." He went to knock her on his ass but was stopped by his brother.
"This is getting good." Miroku whispered to Sango who nodded in return.
"Your fights with me asshole! Leave her out of this!" Inuyasha growled as he punched his brother. Only missing a few times.
"What's wrong little brother, embarrassed that you had to be saved by your woman." Sesshomaru was actually glad she had shown up. His brother was finally putting up a real fight.
"Nope! I know she's strong. We protect each other! You would know that if you could actually get a woman!"
Kagome rolled her eyes as she went to join Sango and Miroku. "How long has this been going on?" She asked them.
"Since you left this morning. At first, they just bickered back and forth. Then after some sparing, Sesshomaru pinned him down. He actually had him pinned for awhile. The kids were watching but got bored and left." Miroku smiled at her. "Inuyasha is definitely putting up more of a fight now that you're here. I was beginning to wonder if he would ever get up."
They watched for a little while longer before it started to get late. Kagome was actually pretty impressed with how equally matched they seemed. She had trained with Sesshomaru for months and knew he held back a lot. Watching him with Inuyasha, she was grateful.
"I'm gonna head to Kaede's. I brought back some steaks from my time and plan on making dinner for everyone." Kagome brushed off her jeans as she grabbed her bag.
"Did someone say steaks!" Inuyasha's ears perked up as he looked over at Kagome. He had eaten dinner at her home many times and steaks were his favorite. Besides ramen of course. Before Kagome could warn him, his brother sent him flying with a kick. He laid flat on his back and tried to catch his breath as his brother stood over him.
"Never get distracted while facing an enemy Inuyasha. It will cost you your life." He smiled down at him. Then looked confused. "What's a steak?"
Inuyasha actually laughed at the question. He hated to admit it, but even though they were fighting he actually had fun with his brother today. He was surprised to find him, dare he say...funny. They shot insults back and forth and Inuyasha had to catch himself from laughing a couple of times.
He got up slowly and smiled as he seen Kagome run over to him. Gods she was pretty. He didn't care that he looked like an idiot gawking at her, she was perfect. He didn't even hear what she said as she was yelling at his brother. He just watched the way her eyebrows scrunched and her thick full lips open and close as she yelled. Even pissed, she was gorgeous. He was snapped out of his thoughts when her beautiful eyes reached his. Is she talking to him? Oh shit, what did she say?
"Inuyasha? You alright? I think he hit his head he's just staring." She looked at him with concern.
"Hn. I think it was your screeching that deafened him. You sound like a banshee." Sesshomaru smiled as he walked away.
"A banshee that knocked you on your ass!" She yelled out to him.
She looked back at Inuyasha who was staring at her like she was a bowl of ramen. He looked like he was drooling a little bit. Rolling her eyes she leaned down and kissed him. She giggled as he jumped with surprise. "There you are. I was worried for a minute."
Inuyasha blushed as he pulled her down for a better kiss. "Nope, just stunned by your beauty for a while." She smiled as they headed back to the hut.
"That's my boy." Miroku murmured to himself as he and Sango followed.
A loud smack was heard as he groped his fiance. "I'm so misunderstood.
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Dinner was a huge success! Everyone loved the steak even Sesshomaru tried it! He and Kagome fought back and forth when he said he didn't eat people food. After threatening him with his own kotodama, he gave in. After a small bite, he paused before quickly eating the rest. Stubborn ass loved it.
Kaede informed them of a hut that they could use as to not be so crowded. It was decided that Inuyasha and Kagome would use it much to their embarrassment. Miroku is the one who suggested that they could stay there because Kagome would need protection. Much to Inuyasha's dismay Shippo and Rin offered to stay there too, and Kagome agreed.
It was a small hut but well maintained. There was a separate room from the main sitting area that the children claimed as their own. Inuyasha was glad he would at least have some kind of privacy with Kagome. Getting ready for bed he was please that she offered to share her sleeping bag with him. He knew they wouldn't do anything with the children so close, but was happy he could just hold her while they slept.
Inuyasha sat outside for a while Kagome told the kids a bed story. He couldn't help but picture her doing the same for their own pups. His mind started to wander on how many they would have and who they would take after. He hoped they had her eyes and her smile. He was brought out of his daydream when his brother joined him on the porch. It was weird sitting next to his brother, but it was nice too. He had always hoped to be accepted by him and was hurt that Sesshomaru always tried to kill him. He didn't understand as a pup why he hated him so much.
"I was surprised by you today." Sesshomaru started. "You have become much stronger than I would believe possible. Our father would be proud." Inuyasha was speechless. Did Sesshomarur really just say that,
"Ok, who are you and what did you do with Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked him seriously.
Sesshomaru sighed as he looked at the stars. "I wanted to apologize to you Inuasyha" Inuaysha gasped softly. "I never did right by you. You were my brother and part of my pack and I left you to die. I know that I am not worthy of your forgiveness, but I hope that one day you will come to see me as your brother."
"Wwhat? What are you tryin to pull Sesshomaru? Why are you saying this to me now? You hate me!"
"I never hated you Inuyasha. I was angry at our father and his choices and since he was dead I took it out on you. You were my father's chosen son. He had me out of obligation as an heir, but he chose to have you. It angered me that he died to save you. I did not understand before, but I understand why he did it now." He looked Inuyasha in the eye, "I am proud to call you my brother, and I hope one day you will be able to say the same." With that, he walked off.
Inuyasha stared at his retreating form even after he was no longer visible. What the hell just happened? Was this some kind of trick! His brother had never shown him any kind of compassion his entire life and now this! Did he mean it? He had always wanted his brother's approval and now that he had it, it was strange. He shook his head and went back into the hut.
Kagome was coming out at the same time after getting the kids to sleep. She smiled as she saw Inuyasha enter but it quickly turned to a frown when she seen his face.
"What's the matter Inuyasha?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing Kagome." He kissed her on the head. "Tired?"
She hugged him before nodding. She was tired and couldn't wait to get to bed. She took off her robe that covered her pajamas and giggled at Inuyashas growl of approval. It was warm out tonite so she decided on her silk shorts and matching tank top. She had hoped he would like it and was not disappointed.
Inuyasha took a minute to calm his body down before joining her. Damn wench was trying to give him a heart attack. He pulled her close to him and they just stared at each other for a little while. She could tell there was something on his mind and knew if she was patient he would tell her.
"So, something strange happened before I came in." He said slowly.
"Hmm. What happened?" She replied softly.
"Sesshomaru asked for my forgiveness." He nodded when she gasped. "Yea that's what I said. It was weird, he told me he regretted how he's treated me and that he wanted me to see him as a brother."
"That doesn't sound weird to me Inuyasha. I've spoken to him before about this and he told me how much he regrets his treatment of you over the years. He looked genuinely guilty. I'm not telling you to forgive him, that's up to you too, but maybe it would be worth giving him a chance?"
"He said he was proud of me...I waited my whole life to hear him say that and now...I don't know what to do." He looked into her eyes with so much confusion. "What do I do Kagome?"
"I wish I could tell you, but you need to decide that yourself. Just know that no matter what you decide to do, I'm always here for you." She smiled at him.
"I know. You've always been there." He smiled as her face lit up. "I want to give him a chance, he's my brother, I ...I never hated him you know. I just didn't understand why he hated me?"
"It sounds like you've already made up your mind..." She gave him a small kiss and he smiled down at her.
"Maybe..." He held her tight as they fell asleep. He felt at peace with his mate in his arms and figured he would deal with his brother tomorrow.
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