February 2
It looks like I'm not going with Inuyasha and Miroku anymore. Today Kaede was telling me about this really important ritual at the shrine in a few days. She's mentioned this to me sometime before but I completely forgot about it.
"It's very important that we do this every year," Kaede said. "It's supposed to bring good fortune to the village every year."
"I see. I'll let Inuyasha know. He and Miroku are going to another village in a couple of days to get rid of some demons."
"Were you planning to go with them?"
"I was, but it's okay," I replied. "I can always go another time."
"I'm sure Inuyasha and Miroku will be fine on their own."
I knew that they would, they'd been fine for three years without me around. However, I remembered how much I missed Inuyasha the last time he left without me. I knew I would miss him just as much this time.
When I got home, the sun was starting to set and Inuyasha was already making dinner.
"Hey, sweetheart," he said cheerfully. "How did everything go today?"
"It went well," I replied. Nico walked over and rubbed against my legs and started purring as I pet him. "Kaede and I talked for a while and I brought some herbs to Takero for his back pain."
"That fall last week really did him in."
"Yeah, hopefully, this helps." I gave Nico one more pat then went over to hug my husband.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
I guess I looked more upset about the trip than I cared to let on. "There's a ritual at the shrine in a few days. They really need me there so I won't be able to go with you."
"That's okay, honey." He kissed me. "Did you think I would be mad?"
"No." I knew Inuyasha would understand. "I'll just miss you." Even as I said it I felt bad. I didn't want to make him upset. I started to think I should have kept it to myself until he put his arms around me.
"I'll miss you too, love." He lifted my chin and kissed me. "It'll only be for a few days. Plus, you've got Nico to keep you company now."
We glanced at Nico sitting in one of the chairs by the table licking his white paws.
"That's true," I said with a smile. I felt so comforted being in his warm embrace. I knew I would miss this while he was gone but I also had Nico and other things to keep me occupied during that time so I felt a little better about it. In response, I kissed him again; sweet and passionate to let him know how much I loved him and how grateful I was to him.
"Now you relax, beautiful," he said afterward. "I'll finish making dinner and then I'll take you to bed."
He had that mischievous smirk on his face letting me know that he had something in mind tonight. I couldn't wait to find out what it was. Until then I picked up Nico and sat in the chair with him on my lap while Inuyasha finished making dinner.
