Chapter One: Proposals and a Kitsune
i...disclaim...sob..
A teenaged girl arrived tired and dirty at the backdoor of a modest castle, dragging a young kitsune fox behind her. One could tell at first glance that they were travelers, wanderers. Ragged and painfully thin, but still the girl carried herself well, marking herself as a fallen noble. A rarity, certainly, yet still discernable from the peasants even in rags.
"Come on, Shippo," she whispered impatiently to the fox. "It's perfectly safe, and we're both cold. Don't be silly, no one's going to jump out and hurt us. And if they do, don't worry; I'll protect you. All you have to do is run, and I'll catch up." She was trying to coax the little boy onto the steps, where you could feel the heat seeping out of the door. The difference in temperature was almost visible as the heat oozed out of the cracks in the doorway. She wanted to be near that heat, in that heat. She hadn't been properly warm in weeks, not since the frost.
And not since she'd found Shippo, she mused. She hadn't been properly warm since her cousin had started roaming with her. She sighed, knowing she wouldn't travel alone again for mere warmth. And she couldn't do that to Shippo either. It would crush his heart; his sanity wouldn't be able to take another loss.
The subject of her exhausted thoughts spoke. "Kagome, can't we sleep? Somewhere where they won't find us, like the forest," he said, a whine creeping into his voice. "I'm tired." Having been snapped out of her mental ramblings, Kagome sighed. She loved him and she hated to be tough on him, but she was too tired to fight. She shoved him towards the heat. She was near delirium, and she couldn't soothe his fears while combating her own fatigue. So she pushed him; but not roughly, just enough to get him moving. She so rarely pushed that Shippo knew that she was near collapse, and for once didn't argue.
Once she was situated semi-comfortably on the crude stone steps she scooped Shippo up into her lap and encased him in the warm, protective shield her body created. "Go to sleep," she murmured softly to his already dozing ears as.
~
Inuyasha woke as soon as the sun did and mentally kicked himself. He liked to be up and in the hot springs before the sun was out. It gave him a sense of peace to watch the sun rise. And it was the perfect excuse to avoid his family, especially his stepmother Kikyo and half-brother Kouga. He tried not to get into any major fights before he'd eaten his breakfast, but it looked as if today was a lost cause.
He smiled to himself. Or maybe it wasn't. It was still early enough to sneak out to bathe, and if he grabbed some leftovers from the other night then he could stay out until midday at least. His smirk grew a bit as he gathered his clothes for the day, breeches and a loose red over shirt that went almost halfway down his thighs. It was highly unfashionable, but it made no difference to him. It was more comfortable than his formal wear, and more practical. Besides, it was a special one of a kind material- it mended and cleaned itself. The vivid shirt had been a gift from his mother just before she died.
He shook out his long silver hair and tweaked his dog ears, setting everything in order. He ignored his shoes as he crept silently down the hallway where his brother slept so he wouldn't wake him. Those damn hypersensitive wolf ears hear everything. Not looking where he was going, he stubbed his toe and swore heatedly, but he managed to keep his SHIT! to a minimum volume. He crept faster, afraid that he'd woken his half brother, praying that he hadn't.
He made it down to the kitchen and grabbed some rolls leftover from the other night. He viciously ripped a chunk out of one of them; savoring his lack of table manners-and spayed it all over the girl dozing on his steps.
Once he got over the surprise of finding her there, he started to inspect her. She was pretty, he supposed. And she looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, she was hungry. He could hear her stomach rumbling from her neglect. He inhaled deeply and noticed immediately how cold she was, his nostrils were filled with the scent of her low body temperature and- a kitsune!?
He sniffed again and it was definitely a kitsune, albeit a young one, snuggled in her arms and hidden from view. He wasn't as hungry as the girl, and he was significantly warmer. Inuyasha felt a low snarl rise in his throat and started at his reaction. If she wanted to kill herself mothering the kit, it wasn't any concern of his. Why would he care about her, or her greedy little surrogate son? Yet he set the remaining rolls down next to her and popped back inside to get more, which he also left behind. He hoped that she would be all right.then snarled at himself for caring.
~ Kagome woke to soft, moist chunks of something hitting the side of her face, but she didn't move. A few months ago she would've leapt up, ready to fight, but now she didn't even let an eyelid flicker. Maybe if she kept still they would go away long enough for her to get Shippo and herself away. Shippo! Oh damn. What if.? No, they couldn't see Shippo, she realized with relief. She knew that she couldn't move now, it was no longer a possibility, not if she was going to keep Shippo safe.
She vaguely wondered what she would be hung for, witchcraft, thievery or prostitution. She wondered wryly ifs her poverty that made people assume she had de-flowered herself for coins, not that it mattered that they thought she wasn't a virgin. There was no way to prove that she was and she was unlikely to be hung on that charge, witchcraft was easier. It didn't need proof, but still they bodies hung. She'd seen them, and heard the rumors about them. They haunted her in her sleep occasionally, the younger ones. One had looked disturbingly like Shippo, and she'd almost cried for fear that he would be hurt just like the poor boy swinging on the rope.
She wondered how many people had gathered while she'd let her mind wander. She must be tired beyond belief to let her guard down, and she knew it. The door had opened at least three times, and she didn't know how many people had come out each time. She was done for, and every instinct that she posessed vehemently screamed run, but she still had Shippo to protect. So she just froze.
But when she felt something brush against her ear, something that felt like cloth, she couldn't help it. Her breath hitched, and she almost gasped aloud. They would know soon that she was awake; she couldn't keep up the pretense much longer. The stress was beginning to get to her and soon it would begin to show. Still, she could protect her little cousin, so when she opened her eyes she made sure that he wasn't exposed. To her ecstatic delight she was alone except for a figure in red off in the distance.
She started to shift, and pick up the battered red pack that she always carried with her and noticed the rolls. Food! She stuffed one in her mouth and chewed happily. She reached for another and woke Shippo, handing him the rolls that were left. "As soon as you're done eating, we have to go," she told him. "It's not safe anymore." Shippo nodded, but didn't speed up his consumption rate. Kagome was glad that she had a few more minutes to sit, she'd barely slept at all and she longed for a real bed.
~ Kouga had heard his half-brother sneaking out but he didn't move to stop him. He was sore and aching all over, and someone was trying their hardest to split his head down the middle. He only hoped there wasn't a crack already.
He levered himself out of bed and towards the door, Water would help; water and food were what he needed. And then maybe a long soak in some hot water and the special salve the servant girl Hanii had made. She was good with healing. He wished she could heal his stiffness, and swore never to allow his sparring trainer to convince him to fight for a full day again. The improvement in technique wasn't worth the pain afterwards.
By some super-natural phenomenon, he was less sore by the time he got down to the kitchen and a cup of tea had soothed his head. The only hitch in the morning had been waiting for his brother to leave the kitchen; he'd had to duck behind the doorframe and had jarred his head. After gulping down his second cup of tea he inhaled deeply- and froze.
There was someone outside, he could smell them in the breezes Inuyasha had let in. Thieves! They were still there, he realized. If he'd been paying attention he would've heard the feminine voice outside the door, but he hadn't.
He swore at himself and grabbed a steak knife, shoving the pain to the back of his mind. He stalked the door carefully, throwing it open while he stood behind the doorframe. When nothing came hurtling through the doorway, he leapt out-and stopped mid-snarl.
He hadn't been expecting such an innocent-looking girl, and he definitely hadn't expected her to have her back turned. He saw her shove something into an ugly sack and spin around and take a fighting stance, and it made him curious. He sniffed - kitsune, a young one. That explained it, then. She was a mother willing to fight for her young, and it would be disgraceful to kill her. That was law among the pack, because to kill the mother you would kill a defenseless cub.
Instead of killing her like he'd planned he made a sweeping gesture towards the door, wincing slightly at the tension in his muscles. "Come in, please," he told her. As she walked by him warily with a murmured thank you he inhaled deeply. Mmmmmmm. She smelled so sweet underneath the stench she had collected during her travels. For a vagabond she smelled delightful, and definitely preferable to the peasants in the village below, he doubted they ever bathed.
He watched her as she soaked in the warmth of his kitchen and wondered who she was. She was pretty, and he had to admit he admired her fighting spirit. She had adopted the kit, that much was plain. She was much too young to be his mother. She had taken in the kitsune out of the goodness of her soul, then. And she was still a virgin, amazing in a nomadic young girl.
He wondered at his admiration for a human girl, and then decided it went beyond admiration. He was attracted to her, and he barely knew her. That was a definite sign, and he had to follow his instincts, it was ingrained too deeply into his nature not to. He admired her loyalty and determination, her bravery and her morals. But above all he loved her caring heart. His only fear was that she would move on without ever finding out how he felt about her. He weighed his options, and decided on the direct route. Proposal.
~
Kagome was amazed. When she'd been jumped by the wolf demon, she'd been seized by a debilitating panic. The only thing that kept her from running away was the danger to Shippo. What if he'd chucked that knife as she was running away? She couldn't take that risk. But when she'd prepared to fight him, he lowered the knife and invited her inside.
She knew it was stupid, but she was cold and he still had that knife. For all she knew, he was a madman killer who was just waiting for her to turn her back and could be set off by anything. Don't be so stupid, Kagome. You're definitely too tired if you're starting to think like that she told herself, and stepped inside.
As soon as she was inside all her fears, misgivings and even her thoughts dissipated. It was so warm; she hadn't felt this comfortable in the longest time. And the smells! She felt like if she could just live off of them as the ache in her belly subsided. She'd forgotten how comforting kitchens were, all cozy and pleasant-smelling. She had everything she could possibly need at that moment, she thought.
Well, not everything, nagged a voice in the back of her head. Your gown still has a rip above your breasts and all of the way up the hemline of your skirt. You're still hungry, still haven't had a warm bath in moons and you still have no way to provide for Shippo. And in case you forgot, there's a potentially vicious demon with a large knife standing directly behind you. Kagome sighed. The voice in her head could be a real bitch sometimes, but she was undeniably helpful, and almost always right. She hated her.
Focus, Kagome, she snapped at herself. Now wasn't the time to fight with herself, when she could have to fight off the demon standing directly behind her. She turned around to thank him and be on her way, although it was a shame she couldn't at least get Shippo a bath. She turned to bid him adieu and to her shock found him on one knee as he snatched up her hand. She didn't like where this was going and she could feel her face get heated. She closed her eyes as a barrier against the throbbing migraine that had suddenly arisen. Please don't let this be what I think it is.
~
Shippo wasn't happy. Who was this wolf guy anyway? And what did he want with Kagome? She was like his mama, and if she got together with the wolf jerk she might send him away, or have some kits of her own. Then at best he'd become her annoying little second cousin.he almost cried right there in the pack. She couldn't leave him too.
He shook himself before he could get too upset, that wouldn't help. Kagome wasn't going to accept his proposal; she couldn't possibly want to stay with the sleazebag. He waited in silent agony until to his immeasurable relief he heard "I.um.I don't really know you.at all.I'm sorry.but um.I can't."
Shippo almost cried with relief. He meant more to her than food and a warm bed, a cozy home with clean clothes and regular baths and.He let that thought go before he started to feel guilty about keeping all of that from her. Firmly he told himself that all that mattered was that she'd said no. She'd said no! He was so happy he wanted to shout, because right then he knew that Kagome loved him.
~
Miroku groaned and rolled over. Another day in the service of Dai. He sighed; he hated his job. But he needed the work and he was needed here. Dai was lost without him and the marriage of Kikyo and Dai would've been broken without his guidance. He was an expert at squeezing out of uncomfortable situations, having been in so many himself.
He made his way down the hall towards the privy out in the back. He was just about to go through the kitchen when he heard Kouga talking to a girl. She sounded young, and fairly pretty. He had a moment of panic; what if it was a girl he'd been with who had somehow gotten pregnant? Or maybe she was just out to get revenge for herself. He gulped nervously.
Then he heard Kouga say, "You have a loving and loyal spirit, and within you beats the heart of a wolf. We were meant to be, it was fate that you came to my door. Will you be my mate?" and sighed with relief. She wasn't out to get him, then. He wasn't going to have to pay for the weekend in the village yet at least. She didn't sound like any of the girls in the village, anyway, he should know. He'd made a point of talking to all of them.
But if she isn't here for me, then why is she here? Kouga's not involved in any courtships at the moment.and why would she meet him here, and so early? It just doesn't make any sense. He puzzled over that for a few minutes before he realized that the second heir to his father's lands could have a mistress. Miroku felt a surge of pride thinking about how the boy was growing up. He'd found out how to be happy, learning that women were happiness. Without them, the world would be lost.
Although he was going about it in all the wrong way. He shouldn't propose without introducing her to his parents, and until the courtship was formal it was pure folly to meet in his kitchen where servants and family members could find out and put a stop to it. Servants like him.
He didn't want to discourage Kouga from the direction he was heading in, but it was his duty. Maybe if I give him a few pointers, help him out a tiny bit, he thought. He needed to learn to be more discreet about his affairs.
So Miroku stepped out from behind the doorframe, having missed Kagome's refusal. He feasted his eyes on the girl whose hand Kouga had coveted. Pretty, with a nice, if somewhat lean figure and long black hair. She had big brown eyes and was clutching an ugly yellow pack as if it were her only anchor in the middle of a tempest.
His hand itched with longing. She had curves that were mean to be touched, he felt it would be a crime not to. Besides, his hands often had an independent mind. Predictably he found himself introducing himself to her by shaking her hand with one of his hands and resting his other hand hospitably on her rear. "Hello," he said, inclining his head. "I'm Miroku."
He could tell at first glance that Kouga didn't like that. Rage was building on his face and working itself into a full-force gale. Miroku sighed; he almost wished that he hadn't done that. But he could still feel the imprint of her curves on his hand even though he'd broken the contact. He decided it was worth enduring the rage of his young master.
And sure as rain, it came. "How dare you touch my mate? You perverted ass! You jackal's bitch! She's my woman and she doesn't need you to feel her up! What makes you think it's alright to do that to my fiancé?" He ranted a bit more, getting very creative with his cursing. Miroku hadn't known at least half of the things that Kouga was saying could be used like that.
"I apologize, milord. I hadn't realized that you were to be mated." Kouga was still looking fairly murderous and Miroku decided that he would prefer apologizing further to anything that Kouga could do if he wanted to. So, out of self-preservation, he added "I'm sorry to you as well, milady. Please understand that I mean no disrespect, and you have a beautifully shaped body. Please accept my apology, .?" He looked to Kouga to supply him with a name, hoping to appease his anger by stoking his pride. Kouga looked blank, however, and it was the girl who spoke.
~
Kagome felt dizzy. She'd just been fed, invited into a warm house, proposed to, felt up, defended by her 'mate' and then apologized to by one of the politest looking men she had ever seen. It was definitely enough to make anyone's head spin. She clung to consciousness desperately, refusing to faint, that would show weakness that could get her killed. She hadn't had nearly enough to eat at any point in the past two months and she was exhausted, having slept almost as scantily as she'd eaten.
She heard the subtle request for her name and tried to say "Kagome" but it barely got past her tongue. She tried again. "My name is Kagome." And something, she wasn't sure what, made her add, "Is there somewhere my kit and I could rest? And possibly bathe? Please?"
To her surprise, the wolf demon-was Kouga his name? Kouga said, "Of course you can stay here. Come upstairs with me and I'll show you where you can sleep." She followed him up the long staircase and down the hall, fighting to keep her eyes open. She told him that she would rather sleep fully clothed than naked, (apparently unlike him) thank you anyway. She sank into the pillows and lost consciousness almost immediately.
KK I just want to say if I'm wrong bout the Fire-rat Robe (a shirt in my story), please tell me, I really don't know that much about it. And also, Kagome's going to be a little kick-ass in my fic. Not too bad, but she's been on her own for a while and I think that she would've learned to protect herself, or at least Shippo. And their son-mother role is a little bit exaggerated, but please take into account that Kagome's had some life-changing experiences, and her personality will be affected.
I apologize if I confused anyone with Kikyo's character description, she's not a hanyou, she's all wolf demon. She uses her human form, no ears or tails or anything interesting. Her husband Dai is the same-a wolf demon in denial.
Many thanks to The 2nd Epiphany, Shero and lilblossom82 for reviewing. As for the rest of you.*blows loud raspberry* ^_^
And I'm sorry that I took so long to update, but I almost had it all ready to post when we got a new program, which kicked out the old one which I'd saved the chappie on, which made it corrupted, which means that I couldn't get on it which meant that I had to type it all over. Which made me pissed. Damn computer.
*Midday-lunch
*Privy-outhouse, bathroom
i...disclaim...sob..
A teenaged girl arrived tired and dirty at the backdoor of a modest castle, dragging a young kitsune fox behind her. One could tell at first glance that they were travelers, wanderers. Ragged and painfully thin, but still the girl carried herself well, marking herself as a fallen noble. A rarity, certainly, yet still discernable from the peasants even in rags.
"Come on, Shippo," she whispered impatiently to the fox. "It's perfectly safe, and we're both cold. Don't be silly, no one's going to jump out and hurt us. And if they do, don't worry; I'll protect you. All you have to do is run, and I'll catch up." She was trying to coax the little boy onto the steps, where you could feel the heat seeping out of the door. The difference in temperature was almost visible as the heat oozed out of the cracks in the doorway. She wanted to be near that heat, in that heat. She hadn't been properly warm in weeks, not since the frost.
And not since she'd found Shippo, she mused. She hadn't been properly warm since her cousin had started roaming with her. She sighed, knowing she wouldn't travel alone again for mere warmth. And she couldn't do that to Shippo either. It would crush his heart; his sanity wouldn't be able to take another loss.
The subject of her exhausted thoughts spoke. "Kagome, can't we sleep? Somewhere where they won't find us, like the forest," he said, a whine creeping into his voice. "I'm tired." Having been snapped out of her mental ramblings, Kagome sighed. She loved him and she hated to be tough on him, but she was too tired to fight. She shoved him towards the heat. She was near delirium, and she couldn't soothe his fears while combating her own fatigue. So she pushed him; but not roughly, just enough to get him moving. She so rarely pushed that Shippo knew that she was near collapse, and for once didn't argue.
Once she was situated semi-comfortably on the crude stone steps she scooped Shippo up into her lap and encased him in the warm, protective shield her body created. "Go to sleep," she murmured softly to his already dozing ears as.
~
Inuyasha woke as soon as the sun did and mentally kicked himself. He liked to be up and in the hot springs before the sun was out. It gave him a sense of peace to watch the sun rise. And it was the perfect excuse to avoid his family, especially his stepmother Kikyo and half-brother Kouga. He tried not to get into any major fights before he'd eaten his breakfast, but it looked as if today was a lost cause.
He smiled to himself. Or maybe it wasn't. It was still early enough to sneak out to bathe, and if he grabbed some leftovers from the other night then he could stay out until midday at least. His smirk grew a bit as he gathered his clothes for the day, breeches and a loose red over shirt that went almost halfway down his thighs. It was highly unfashionable, but it made no difference to him. It was more comfortable than his formal wear, and more practical. Besides, it was a special one of a kind material- it mended and cleaned itself. The vivid shirt had been a gift from his mother just before she died.
He shook out his long silver hair and tweaked his dog ears, setting everything in order. He ignored his shoes as he crept silently down the hallway where his brother slept so he wouldn't wake him. Those damn hypersensitive wolf ears hear everything. Not looking where he was going, he stubbed his toe and swore heatedly, but he managed to keep his SHIT! to a minimum volume. He crept faster, afraid that he'd woken his half brother, praying that he hadn't.
He made it down to the kitchen and grabbed some rolls leftover from the other night. He viciously ripped a chunk out of one of them; savoring his lack of table manners-and spayed it all over the girl dozing on his steps.
Once he got over the surprise of finding her there, he started to inspect her. She was pretty, he supposed. And she looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, she was hungry. He could hear her stomach rumbling from her neglect. He inhaled deeply and noticed immediately how cold she was, his nostrils were filled with the scent of her low body temperature and- a kitsune!?
He sniffed again and it was definitely a kitsune, albeit a young one, snuggled in her arms and hidden from view. He wasn't as hungry as the girl, and he was significantly warmer. Inuyasha felt a low snarl rise in his throat and started at his reaction. If she wanted to kill herself mothering the kit, it wasn't any concern of his. Why would he care about her, or her greedy little surrogate son? Yet he set the remaining rolls down next to her and popped back inside to get more, which he also left behind. He hoped that she would be all right.then snarled at himself for caring.
~ Kagome woke to soft, moist chunks of something hitting the side of her face, but she didn't move. A few months ago she would've leapt up, ready to fight, but now she didn't even let an eyelid flicker. Maybe if she kept still they would go away long enough for her to get Shippo and herself away. Shippo! Oh damn. What if.? No, they couldn't see Shippo, she realized with relief. She knew that she couldn't move now, it was no longer a possibility, not if she was going to keep Shippo safe.
She vaguely wondered what she would be hung for, witchcraft, thievery or prostitution. She wondered wryly ifs her poverty that made people assume she had de-flowered herself for coins, not that it mattered that they thought she wasn't a virgin. There was no way to prove that she was and she was unlikely to be hung on that charge, witchcraft was easier. It didn't need proof, but still they bodies hung. She'd seen them, and heard the rumors about them. They haunted her in her sleep occasionally, the younger ones. One had looked disturbingly like Shippo, and she'd almost cried for fear that he would be hurt just like the poor boy swinging on the rope.
She wondered how many people had gathered while she'd let her mind wander. She must be tired beyond belief to let her guard down, and she knew it. The door had opened at least three times, and she didn't know how many people had come out each time. She was done for, and every instinct that she posessed vehemently screamed run, but she still had Shippo to protect. So she just froze.
But when she felt something brush against her ear, something that felt like cloth, she couldn't help it. Her breath hitched, and she almost gasped aloud. They would know soon that she was awake; she couldn't keep up the pretense much longer. The stress was beginning to get to her and soon it would begin to show. Still, she could protect her little cousin, so when she opened her eyes she made sure that he wasn't exposed. To her ecstatic delight she was alone except for a figure in red off in the distance.
She started to shift, and pick up the battered red pack that she always carried with her and noticed the rolls. Food! She stuffed one in her mouth and chewed happily. She reached for another and woke Shippo, handing him the rolls that were left. "As soon as you're done eating, we have to go," she told him. "It's not safe anymore." Shippo nodded, but didn't speed up his consumption rate. Kagome was glad that she had a few more minutes to sit, she'd barely slept at all and she longed for a real bed.
~ Kouga had heard his half-brother sneaking out but he didn't move to stop him. He was sore and aching all over, and someone was trying their hardest to split his head down the middle. He only hoped there wasn't a crack already.
He levered himself out of bed and towards the door, Water would help; water and food were what he needed. And then maybe a long soak in some hot water and the special salve the servant girl Hanii had made. She was good with healing. He wished she could heal his stiffness, and swore never to allow his sparring trainer to convince him to fight for a full day again. The improvement in technique wasn't worth the pain afterwards.
By some super-natural phenomenon, he was less sore by the time he got down to the kitchen and a cup of tea had soothed his head. The only hitch in the morning had been waiting for his brother to leave the kitchen; he'd had to duck behind the doorframe and had jarred his head. After gulping down his second cup of tea he inhaled deeply- and froze.
There was someone outside, he could smell them in the breezes Inuyasha had let in. Thieves! They were still there, he realized. If he'd been paying attention he would've heard the feminine voice outside the door, but he hadn't.
He swore at himself and grabbed a steak knife, shoving the pain to the back of his mind. He stalked the door carefully, throwing it open while he stood behind the doorframe. When nothing came hurtling through the doorway, he leapt out-and stopped mid-snarl.
He hadn't been expecting such an innocent-looking girl, and he definitely hadn't expected her to have her back turned. He saw her shove something into an ugly sack and spin around and take a fighting stance, and it made him curious. He sniffed - kitsune, a young one. That explained it, then. She was a mother willing to fight for her young, and it would be disgraceful to kill her. That was law among the pack, because to kill the mother you would kill a defenseless cub.
Instead of killing her like he'd planned he made a sweeping gesture towards the door, wincing slightly at the tension in his muscles. "Come in, please," he told her. As she walked by him warily with a murmured thank you he inhaled deeply. Mmmmmmm. She smelled so sweet underneath the stench she had collected during her travels. For a vagabond she smelled delightful, and definitely preferable to the peasants in the village below, he doubted they ever bathed.
He watched her as she soaked in the warmth of his kitchen and wondered who she was. She was pretty, and he had to admit he admired her fighting spirit. She had adopted the kit, that much was plain. She was much too young to be his mother. She had taken in the kitsune out of the goodness of her soul, then. And she was still a virgin, amazing in a nomadic young girl.
He wondered at his admiration for a human girl, and then decided it went beyond admiration. He was attracted to her, and he barely knew her. That was a definite sign, and he had to follow his instincts, it was ingrained too deeply into his nature not to. He admired her loyalty and determination, her bravery and her morals. But above all he loved her caring heart. His only fear was that she would move on without ever finding out how he felt about her. He weighed his options, and decided on the direct route. Proposal.
~
Kagome was amazed. When she'd been jumped by the wolf demon, she'd been seized by a debilitating panic. The only thing that kept her from running away was the danger to Shippo. What if he'd chucked that knife as she was running away? She couldn't take that risk. But when she'd prepared to fight him, he lowered the knife and invited her inside.
She knew it was stupid, but she was cold and he still had that knife. For all she knew, he was a madman killer who was just waiting for her to turn her back and could be set off by anything. Don't be so stupid, Kagome. You're definitely too tired if you're starting to think like that she told herself, and stepped inside.
As soon as she was inside all her fears, misgivings and even her thoughts dissipated. It was so warm; she hadn't felt this comfortable in the longest time. And the smells! She felt like if she could just live off of them as the ache in her belly subsided. She'd forgotten how comforting kitchens were, all cozy and pleasant-smelling. She had everything she could possibly need at that moment, she thought.
Well, not everything, nagged a voice in the back of her head. Your gown still has a rip above your breasts and all of the way up the hemline of your skirt. You're still hungry, still haven't had a warm bath in moons and you still have no way to provide for Shippo. And in case you forgot, there's a potentially vicious demon with a large knife standing directly behind you. Kagome sighed. The voice in her head could be a real bitch sometimes, but she was undeniably helpful, and almost always right. She hated her.
Focus, Kagome, she snapped at herself. Now wasn't the time to fight with herself, when she could have to fight off the demon standing directly behind her. She turned around to thank him and be on her way, although it was a shame she couldn't at least get Shippo a bath. She turned to bid him adieu and to her shock found him on one knee as he snatched up her hand. She didn't like where this was going and she could feel her face get heated. She closed her eyes as a barrier against the throbbing migraine that had suddenly arisen. Please don't let this be what I think it is.
~
Shippo wasn't happy. Who was this wolf guy anyway? And what did he want with Kagome? She was like his mama, and if she got together with the wolf jerk she might send him away, or have some kits of her own. Then at best he'd become her annoying little second cousin.he almost cried right there in the pack. She couldn't leave him too.
He shook himself before he could get too upset, that wouldn't help. Kagome wasn't going to accept his proposal; she couldn't possibly want to stay with the sleazebag. He waited in silent agony until to his immeasurable relief he heard "I.um.I don't really know you.at all.I'm sorry.but um.I can't."
Shippo almost cried with relief. He meant more to her than food and a warm bed, a cozy home with clean clothes and regular baths and.He let that thought go before he started to feel guilty about keeping all of that from her. Firmly he told himself that all that mattered was that she'd said no. She'd said no! He was so happy he wanted to shout, because right then he knew that Kagome loved him.
~
Miroku groaned and rolled over. Another day in the service of Dai. He sighed; he hated his job. But he needed the work and he was needed here. Dai was lost without him and the marriage of Kikyo and Dai would've been broken without his guidance. He was an expert at squeezing out of uncomfortable situations, having been in so many himself.
He made his way down the hall towards the privy out in the back. He was just about to go through the kitchen when he heard Kouga talking to a girl. She sounded young, and fairly pretty. He had a moment of panic; what if it was a girl he'd been with who had somehow gotten pregnant? Or maybe she was just out to get revenge for herself. He gulped nervously.
Then he heard Kouga say, "You have a loving and loyal spirit, and within you beats the heart of a wolf. We were meant to be, it was fate that you came to my door. Will you be my mate?" and sighed with relief. She wasn't out to get him, then. He wasn't going to have to pay for the weekend in the village yet at least. She didn't sound like any of the girls in the village, anyway, he should know. He'd made a point of talking to all of them.
But if she isn't here for me, then why is she here? Kouga's not involved in any courtships at the moment.and why would she meet him here, and so early? It just doesn't make any sense. He puzzled over that for a few minutes before he realized that the second heir to his father's lands could have a mistress. Miroku felt a surge of pride thinking about how the boy was growing up. He'd found out how to be happy, learning that women were happiness. Without them, the world would be lost.
Although he was going about it in all the wrong way. He shouldn't propose without introducing her to his parents, and until the courtship was formal it was pure folly to meet in his kitchen where servants and family members could find out and put a stop to it. Servants like him.
He didn't want to discourage Kouga from the direction he was heading in, but it was his duty. Maybe if I give him a few pointers, help him out a tiny bit, he thought. He needed to learn to be more discreet about his affairs.
So Miroku stepped out from behind the doorframe, having missed Kagome's refusal. He feasted his eyes on the girl whose hand Kouga had coveted. Pretty, with a nice, if somewhat lean figure and long black hair. She had big brown eyes and was clutching an ugly yellow pack as if it were her only anchor in the middle of a tempest.
His hand itched with longing. She had curves that were mean to be touched, he felt it would be a crime not to. Besides, his hands often had an independent mind. Predictably he found himself introducing himself to her by shaking her hand with one of his hands and resting his other hand hospitably on her rear. "Hello," he said, inclining his head. "I'm Miroku."
He could tell at first glance that Kouga didn't like that. Rage was building on his face and working itself into a full-force gale. Miroku sighed; he almost wished that he hadn't done that. But he could still feel the imprint of her curves on his hand even though he'd broken the contact. He decided it was worth enduring the rage of his young master.
And sure as rain, it came. "How dare you touch my mate? You perverted ass! You jackal's bitch! She's my woman and she doesn't need you to feel her up! What makes you think it's alright to do that to my fiancé?" He ranted a bit more, getting very creative with his cursing. Miroku hadn't known at least half of the things that Kouga was saying could be used like that.
"I apologize, milord. I hadn't realized that you were to be mated." Kouga was still looking fairly murderous and Miroku decided that he would prefer apologizing further to anything that Kouga could do if he wanted to. So, out of self-preservation, he added "I'm sorry to you as well, milady. Please understand that I mean no disrespect, and you have a beautifully shaped body. Please accept my apology, .?" He looked to Kouga to supply him with a name, hoping to appease his anger by stoking his pride. Kouga looked blank, however, and it was the girl who spoke.
~
Kagome felt dizzy. She'd just been fed, invited into a warm house, proposed to, felt up, defended by her 'mate' and then apologized to by one of the politest looking men she had ever seen. It was definitely enough to make anyone's head spin. She clung to consciousness desperately, refusing to faint, that would show weakness that could get her killed. She hadn't had nearly enough to eat at any point in the past two months and she was exhausted, having slept almost as scantily as she'd eaten.
She heard the subtle request for her name and tried to say "Kagome" but it barely got past her tongue. She tried again. "My name is Kagome." And something, she wasn't sure what, made her add, "Is there somewhere my kit and I could rest? And possibly bathe? Please?"
To her surprise, the wolf demon-was Kouga his name? Kouga said, "Of course you can stay here. Come upstairs with me and I'll show you where you can sleep." She followed him up the long staircase and down the hall, fighting to keep her eyes open. She told him that she would rather sleep fully clothed than naked, (apparently unlike him) thank you anyway. She sank into the pillows and lost consciousness almost immediately.
KK I just want to say if I'm wrong bout the Fire-rat Robe (a shirt in my story), please tell me, I really don't know that much about it. And also, Kagome's going to be a little kick-ass in my fic. Not too bad, but she's been on her own for a while and I think that she would've learned to protect herself, or at least Shippo. And their son-mother role is a little bit exaggerated, but please take into account that Kagome's had some life-changing experiences, and her personality will be affected.
I apologize if I confused anyone with Kikyo's character description, she's not a hanyou, she's all wolf demon. She uses her human form, no ears or tails or anything interesting. Her husband Dai is the same-a wolf demon in denial.
Many thanks to The 2nd Epiphany, Shero and lilblossom82 for reviewing. As for the rest of you.*blows loud raspberry* ^_^
And I'm sorry that I took so long to update, but I almost had it all ready to post when we got a new program, which kicked out the old one which I'd saved the chappie on, which made it corrupted, which means that I couldn't get on it which meant that I had to type it all over. Which made me pissed. Damn computer.
*Midday-lunch
*Privy-outhouse, bathroom