Chapter 29:
Kagome had tried to control her laughter as she watched the scene between her mate and his brother. They still had a long way to go in their relationship, and she didn't want to set them back. But, when they both looked like a young couple sharing their first hug...she lost it. She ran as her mate came after her. Inuyasha growled as he tried to corner her.
"Find something funny there wench?" He smirked as he walked closer to her. He rolled his eyes as she covered her mouth with her hands. "Geez Kagome, it wasn't that funny." He shook his head as he hugged her. He was embarrassed as hell, but her laughter calmed him. He was still on edge from her being taken and injured and her laughter reassured him she was ok. He brought her in close and nuzzled her neck as he breathed in her scent.
Kagome's laughter died down as he hugged her. She brought her arms around his neck and let her body relax for the first time in days. She felt like she was finally home in his arms. She had missed him while she was at Naraku's castle and she needed this as much as he did. She held on tight as he lifted her from the ground.
Inuyasha brought her over to the fire pit and set her down. After lighting a fire, he quickly filled a pot of water and set it to boil. Heading over to her bag, he came back and settled next to her.
"I know it's not your favorite, but you need to eat wench." He told her as he pulled out six cups of instant ramen.
Smiling softly, Kagome leaned on his shoulder. "It's ok Inuyasha, I'd rather have this than find the energy to cook." She yawned as they waited for the water.
Inuyasha frowned as he looked down at her. "Don't fall asleep yet wench." He puffed his chest with pride. "Gotta feed my pup first." Even though he was scared shitless, he was still in awe that he was going to be a father. Pride filled him as he thought that he was the luckiest hanyou that ever lived. He was probably the first to even get a mate, let alone such a powerful and beautiful mate like Kagome, and he had never heard of another hanyou breeding.
A smile spread on Kagome's face as she looked at Inuyasha. She knew on the inside he was nervous, but he looked so smug at the moment. "Of course...papa." She giggled as he rolled his eyes. Once the water was boiled, they made their dinner and both ate quickly. Kagome ate two cups and had to fake wanting to be sick as Inuyasha tried to get her to eat a third.
They made up the bedding before laying down to get some much deserved rest. Kagome curled up to Inuyasha being careful of both their wounds. She stroked his ears softly as they stared at each other.
"Are you mad at me?" Kagome asked softly never looking away.
Inuyasha sighed as he brought his ears closer to her hands. "No...I wanted to be." He sighed as he closed his eyes. "I was madder at myself." He knew he shouldn't have left her alone, especially for Kikyo. He had done it too many times in the past, and karma bit him in the ass.
"It's not your fault Inuyasha." She responded softly. "Even if you were with me...I still would have made the same choice." She stopped rubbing his ears to lay her hand on his cheek. "I couldn't let the children die to save myself."
Inuyasha placed his hands on hers as he kissed her palm. "I know, I know." He reached over and rubbed her toned stomach. "But, Kagome...if something would have happened to you again...it would have killed me." He sighed as tears filled her eyes. "But, I get why you did it, wench...I would have done the same thing, so I can't really blame you now can I."
Kagome laughed through her tears. "Yup, we're both as stubborn as they come." They both smiled as they relaxed into each other's arms.
"You know, I still don't understand something." Inuyasha frowned. "How did you know you were pupped?" She looked up at him confused. "It's way too early for me to smell it. Is it a miko thing?" He tried to smell her pregnancy before, but all he got was her normal scent.
Tilting her head, Kagome lowered her brows. "Sesshomaru told Shippo. I just figured you guys could smell it." She shook her head as she relaxed once more. "We can ask him tomorrow, right now all I want to do is sleep." She was fighting to stay awake as it was. She leaned over and kissed him sweetly. She smiled as he blushed. Here she was pregnant, and he was still shy over a little kiss. She closed her eyes as sleep took her.
He wanted to ask her more, but Kagome was already sleeping by the time he thought it over. How the hell did Sesshomaru know? He knew his brother was powerful, but there was no way he could smell it after such a short time. He closed his eyes as he sniffed the air around him. His body relaxed by the scent of Kagome all around him. He had so many questions he wanted answers to, but right now he would sleep. His mate and pack were safe and Naraku was dead. All the details could wait, tonite he would enjoy the peace.
It was a few hours before dawn when Inuyasha was awoken by the sound of little feet. His body stiffened as he listened to the noise come closer to the hut, but he relaxed when he recognized the sound. He smiled softly as he waited.
The door slid open softly as the same body entered the hut. Shippo moved as carefully as he could as he shut it behind him. He woke up in a panic when he noticed everyone was at Kaede's home except for the two he wanted most. He slipped out as fast as he could knowing exactly where he would find them. He knew he would probably get scolded for this later, but he had had a bad dream and wanted his parents.
Shippo tiptoed over to the futon where Kagome and Inuyasha laid sleeping. He didn't want to wake them up so he looked for the best way to get in between them. He started to crawl over Inuyasha when he felt a hand grab his shirt. Holding his breath, he turned to face a now awake hanyou.
"I-Inuyasha!" He whispered in fear. "D-did I w-wake you?" His small body shook while he waited to be hit. He knew Inuyasha was a newly mated demon and invading his bed was dangerous. But he was surprised when he was sat down in between the couple. He looked up at Inuyasha with wide eyes.
Sighing softly, Inuyasha turned and laid his arm across his mate and kit. "No Shippo, I was awake." He responded softly. "You alright kit?" He noticed Shippo looked afraid and for the first time, it made him feel guilty.
Shippo was speechless as Inuyasha cuddled him and Kagome both. His eyes filled as he remembered sleeping like this with his parents when he was younger. He never thought he would get to feel this way again, he snuggled into the older demon.
"I had a bad dream." He whispered softly. "I woke up and you guys were gone." He rubbed his face on his adopted father's chest. "I'm sorry."
"Why you sorry kit?" Inuyasha rubbed his shaking back. "Ain't nothing to be ashamed of, I get bad dreams too." He closed his eyes as he recalled the many nights he spent without Kagome. He would stay up all night after dreams of her being killed by Naraku's spawn. He shivered as he looked down at the shocked kit. "Just don't wake your mother, got it?"
Mouth gaping, Shippo shook his head as he laid back down. Never in his life would he think Inuyasha would admit such a thing. He relaxed as his back was stroked. "I won't" the hand stopped and Shippo looked up at his face. "Inuyasha? Can...can I call you papa?" He was nervous to ask, but in his heart, Inuyasha was already his new father. He wasn't as loving a parent as Kagome, but Inuyasha always took care of him...he held his breath as he waited for an answer.
Inuyasha smirked as he heard Shippo's breathing stop. Was the kit that nervous! He already looked at Shippo as his first son and it was time he let him know it. "Keh! You better." He sighed as the kit let his breath go. "Listen Shippo...I know we haven't always gotten along." He huffed as Shippo raised a brow as to say 'ya think'. "But, I'd be proud to have you as my pup." He looked Shippo in the eye. "You made me so proud of you over the last year Shippo. Not only did you protect Kagome when she came back... but you also protected our pack when Kikyo was here and saved us all against Naraku." Inuyasha smiled down at him. "What kind of baka wouldn't want you as a son."
Shippo's face streamed with tears as he listened to his words. He only did what Inuyasha had taught him, he didn't think it was that big of a deal. But, knowing the older demon was proud of him...he couldn't fight the tears as he cried. He lay there soaking at the moment but was startled to smell tears that were not his.
"Come on Kagome...I know you're awake." Inuyasha rolled his eye.
Kagome turned to them as she cried. "I love you guys so much." She cried out as she hugged them.
"Don't cry Kagome." Shippo patted her cheek. He looked over at Inuyasha as she cried harder. He whispered low enough to where Kagome wouldn't hear. "Are all pregnant females like this?"
Shaking his head, Inuyasha responded just as low. "This is gonna be a long nine months."
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Morning came and the village was starting to rise to start the day. Villagers made their way to the fields gawking at the wolf demon sitting outside of Lady Kaede's hut. They looked nervous as they passed, but none were brave enough to go near. Word had spread that the heroes had returned victorious, so they knew Inuyasha would protect them, but they were still wary.
Kouga rolled his eyes as the human men ran past him. He had awoken to the sound of the toad squawking and he needed to get the hell out of here. How the hell did Sesshomaru listen to that noise all the time! His ear was stronger than Kouga's so how did he stand it! His leg bounced up and down as he listened to the sounds inside the hut. The human girl and the toad were rambling on, and the other humans were just as noisy.
He wanted to get back to his pack and Ayame, but he wanted to say goodbye to Kagome first. Where the hell did they go anyway? He shuddered at the thought of them being alone. He knew they were mated now, but the images in his head made him want to gag. Kagome was beautiful, but the mutt...
"Eww." He shook as the image once again crept in his mind. "Fucking disgusting. Maybe I should just leave."
"You're gonna leave without saying goodbye?" Kagome called out as the trio made their way to the hut.
Kouga shot up as they FINALLY made their way back.
"Don't be too sad Kagome, I wouldn't leave without a kiss goodbye." He smirked as he stood in front of her.
A fist met his stomach. "Fuckin' try it ya bastard!" Inuyasha shook his fist at a bent-over Kouga.
"Ha! Jealous mutt?" Kouga struggled to stand with a smirk on his face. "You want a kiss too?" He laughed as the half-demon sputtered.
Grabbing his shoulder, Kagome reached up and planted a soft kiss on the wolf's cheek. They both smiled as they ignored Inuyasha's swearing.
"Thank you Kouga, please make sure you and Ayame visit soon." Kagome teared up as she smiled.
"Of course." Kouga smiled softly. "Can't miss the birth of my cub now can I." He rubbed her belly only to be smacked down again.
Laughing, Kagome watched the two wrestle. She shook her head as she and Shippo made their way to the hut. She knew they wouldn't really hurt each other, this is just how they communicated. She lifted the reed door as they made their way inside. Rin and Jaken were talking off Sesshomaru's ear, but they stopped as they heard her giggle.
"Kagome!" Rin ran over to hug her. "Is it true that you're having Lord Inuyasha's baby?!" Rin was dancing foot to foot as she looked at her.
Kagome narrowed her eyes at the demon lord before smiling down at Rin. "Yes Rin, it looks that way." She cringed as the girl squealed. "Why don't you and Shippo go and play after breakfast?" She knew they had a lot to talk about and didn't want to upset the children. "I'm sure A-Un is lonely by himself." The children laughed as they talked about what they would do today. It warmed Kagome's heart knowing they could finally start living a normal life. Jaken was not happy about playing babysitter, but he surprised Kagome by congratulating her on her pregnancy. She knew he liked her.
A few minutes later, a dirty Inuyasha came back into the hut. He huffed as he sat next to his mate.
"Fucking mangy wolf." He murmured. He was met with a slap to the head by with mate.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome scolded. "You need to learn to watch your language around the children." She shook her head at him. Shippo already had enough bad manners.
"Keh!" Inuyasha pouted. He narrowed his eyes as he heard his brother snort.
Soon, Kaede came out and helped prepare breakfast. She Informed them that Miroku was doing better but he was still asleep. It would probably be another day till he awoke, but they were glad to know he was out of the woods. Sango came out as well looking tired. Kohaku was weak but awake and she had spent the night fussing over them both. They all ate listening to Rin and Shippo plan to go fishing with the village children and warned them to stay close. Naraku may be gone, but they still had to be careful. After the meal was over, the children left the hut as they all settled by the fire.
Sango was the first to break the silence as she filled Kagome in on what happened after she was captured. Guilt flooded her as she told the story, but Kagome reassured her she was not to blame. Both women consoled the other as they apologized to one another.
Inuyasha told them about how they found Kagome, and she was proud to hear how he helped Kagura as well. He blushed as she praised him, but he was happy she was proud of him too.
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome called out to him. "I think you should give Inuyasha his sword...he might need it." Both brothers looked at her funny, but he did as she asked. Once Inuyasha had his sword, she told them about what happened after she was captured.
Inuyasha was glad Kagome had the sense to get his sword first. He squeezed it tight as she told them about what happened. His body shook as she explained (a censored version) of what had happened. But, he had seen the marks on her body, he could easily paint the picture in his head. Rage filled him and he wished Nraku was still alive, so he could kill him himself.
The hut was quiet after Kagome was finished. The men in the hut were seething with rage, as the women consoled a shook Kagome.
"I'm ok guys really." Kagome said softly as she held Inuyasha's hand. "Kouga got to me before it could get any worse." Her skin crawled remembering the way Naraku touched her, but it could have been a lot worse.
"Hn. I have heard of the pain a woman feels when she is unfaithful to her mate." Sesshomaru shook his head. "This one is relieved you did not have to suffer that." He was grateful the wolf had been there in time, he was not sure Kagome could have survived it. Sesshomaru looked over at this brother and he felt sympathy. He was barely holding on, and there was still much to tell.
Wanting to get this over with quickly, Sesshomaru told them about what had happened after they left her. He could not meet his brother's eyes as he explained how he had lost his sword and transformed. He answered all of the questions asked to him, but it pained him to do so.
Inuyasha's head was hung low as he listened to everyone talk. Naraku had used him to hurt his brother and ex-love. Shame filled him as he looked down at his sword. He used to want nothing more than to become a full demon, and now the thought terrified him. What would have happened if Kagome didn't come? Would he have killed them all? He looked over at his mate and shuddered. She gave him a look of understanding as she smiled. She already knew what he was thinking. He just squeezed her hand. They were all alive, he had to let it go.
"So...Kagome?" Sango asked from beside Kaede. "Um...are you really pregnant?" She knew the answer already, but she didn't know how they already knew. They had been mated for only a week! How the hell is that possible.
"Yes." Kagome smiled as she looked at her sister. "Sesshomaru knew before anyone." She looked over at the demon lord. "How did you know Sess? Is your nose really that strong?"
All eyes turned to him as Sesshomaru looked towards the door. He really really didn't want to tell them. They had been through enough and this would only make it worse. He sighed as he looked down at his sword.
A gasp filled the air as everyone looked at Kagome. Her hands lay across her belly as she rubbed the bandages.
"Bbut...I was stabbed!" Kagome's eyes went wide as she remembered. "Naraku stabbed me in the stomach! There's no way I would still be pregnant." Her eyes filled as she tried to process everything. "It might be healed a little now, but it was deep!" She looked over at Inuyasha to see his eyes widened as well.
"Tensaiga?" Inuyasha whispered. "That's why her wound is healed so much, you brought the pup back...didn't you." They all looked at Sesshomaru. He said nothing as his mask fell over his face.
Kagome's hand shook as she placed it over her mouth. That explained how he knew! If his sword activated by her and she was already brought back...Her stomach turned as she thought of the life she could have lost. Tears steadily poured as she rose to her feet. She walked over to Sesshomaru.
The demon lord shifted as they stared at him. He was hoping he could tell them later on, but it was unavoidable. He was not sure if they were mad at him for not saying anything sooner, but Kagome was still in a fragile state and he could not help again. He was startled as she made her way to him. He watched as she stared down with pain filled eyes, and gasped out as she fell to her knees in a low bow.
Kagome laid her arms out as she bowed low. No one moved as her body shook with tears. "There is no way I could ever thank you enough for all that you have done for me." She lifted her head to look him in the eyes. "You took me in when I had nowhere to go, you taught me to fight so I could protect myself, you became my Alpha and protected me through everything, you saved my life...when no one else could." She sobbed as she choked out her words. "You became the best friend anyone could ever ask for...but, this...Lord Sesshomaru, I can't even describe in words how grateful I am to you." She lowered her head once more as her body shook.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened as she spoke. He wanted to stop her, but his body was frozen. He had been shown this level of submission many times in his long life, but it was always out of fear. Someone begging to be spared or pleading for forgiveness, never had anyone thanked him like this before. His heart broke and swelled at the same time. As her tears stopped her words, he gathered her in his arms.
"There is no reason to thank me Kagome." He whispered into her ear. "You are pack, and I will always protect you." She tightened her arms around him as he held her. He went to look towards his brother, but he was gone. Looking over at the still stunned slayer and miko, he raised his brow.
Sango shook her head as she pointed towards the door. She whispered knowing he would hear her. "He ummm, he left." She stuttered out. "He looked really upset...and..just walked out." Sango's mind was still processing all that was said when she noticed Inuyasha stand. He looked at Kagome with a blank stare before walking out of the hut. She didn't know what he was thinking, but it probably wasn't good.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the door. He needed to go find his brother, but he didn't want to upset Kagome. He looked back down at her as he tried to think of what to do.
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