Do I get sympathy if I complain about how badly I have overstretched myself
for this month? I work (only 20 hours a week, so that's not bad). I
signed up for a month-long drawing class one evening a week. She expects
us to draw between classes. I spent the weekend at the Pet Expo. Next
Saturday I have a stamp camp that I promised a friend that I would go to
(we get to learn how to make cool projects using rubber stamps). I
volunteer for the American Red Cross and I am assisting at four blood
drives this month. I have a writer's group once a month that I need to
write for. And I have a meeting this Thursday. I am also broke so I am
going to try to make a lot of my Christmas presents this year. That leaves
very little time for writing. On the upside, my sister might be getting a
new computer and she said that I could have her old laptop. Next month
should be not quite so hectic.
Say goodbye to Shippou. He has served his purpose and it is time for him to go home. Don't worry, he still has a part to play even if he will no longer be around.
^**^
Disclaimer: I do not, and never will, own Inuyasha.
^**^
Chapter 11
^**^
"No! No! NO!" Each shriek got progressively louder. Little Shippou clung to Kagome and refused to let go.
"Come on, Shippou." She tried to pry him loose. He tightened his arms around her neck. "Your parents will be here any minute. Aren't you excited to be going home?"
"Don't want to go home!" Shippou wailed. "I want to stay here with you! I want to play with Shiro!" He buried his face in her shoulder, his body shaking with sobs. Kagome appealed to her mother and brother for help.
Souta stared sullenly at the ground, a scowl on his face. His video game playing had been suspended again. Mom wanted the whole family present to say goodbye to Shippou and his parents. Grandpa continuously complained that it was freezing, and why did they have to wait outside, and were they trying to give him pneumonia. Mom tried to take Shippou, but he screamed and sobbed so much that she finally left him alone with an apologetic look at her daughter.
Shippou and Shiro had become great friends in the short time that they had known each other. Kagome didn't mind since it had allowed her to spend more time with Inuyasha. Something she wanted to do more and more lately. But Cousin Taro and Naomi were coming home today. They had called from the airport fifteen minutes ago.
Kagome eyed the overcast sky. It promised rain, though the weatherman insisted that it wouldn't be until later in the week. The naked limbs of the trees rattled in the rising wind. Fallen leaves skittered across the barren ground. She thought longingly of a hot cup of tea in the comfort of her room. If only Taro and Naomi would arrive before they froze to death.
Kagome soothed Shippou, finally getting him to loosen his stranglehold around her neck. What was it with little kids trying to choke her? She looked up at the sound of a car door. A gigantic red haired man and a petite dark haired woman smiled and waved at them from the car. In a flash, Shippou released Kagome and ran for his daddy. Taro caught his son in his arms and swung him around with a laugh. Shippou let out a delighted shriek, his tears forgotten.
"Were you a good boy for Kagome?" Taro asked, setting the boy on his shoulder.
"He was an angel," Kagome's mom assured them.
"We had a lot of fun," Kagome agreed. "Didn't we, Shippou?"
Shippou nodded his head so hard it was a wonder he didn't give himself whiplash. "I made a new friend. His name's Shiro. His daddy likes Kagome 'cause they were holding hands when we went trick-or-treating. And Sango hit Miroku 'cause he's a pervert. What's a pervert, Daddy? Kagome wouldn't tell me."
Cousin Taro gave the blushing Kagome a sly look. "You've learned a lot from your cousin." He set Shippou on the ground. "I'll tell you when you're older. Now, who wants a present? We brought something for everybody."
"Presents!" Shippou squealed. He ran to the car and began to search. Kagome trailed after everyone. She was going to miss the little firecracker. But, now maybe she could get some studying done.
^**^
The sky had been spitting rain all afternoon. Kagome pulled the light a little closer and bent over her book again. The library was the only decent place to get any studying done. Either Souta's video games were blasting throughout the house or mom or grandpa came looking for her every few minutes to run an errand. She closed her eyes and breathed in the comforting smell of books and furniture polish.
Kagome and Sango had agreed to get together today at the library. Sango wanted to look up some books about planning the perfect wedding and Kagome wanted to study. Sango left an hour ago to go home and fix dinner for Kohaku. She had also hinted that Miroku might be coming over.
The front door swung open, letting in a spurt of rain. Kagome looked up, startled. The sky outside the window had grown black and the rain was coming down in sheets. She glanced at the clock over the circulation desk and frowned. How did it get so late? It was nearly seven o'clock.
"Five minutes until closing," the librarian announced. Kagome noticed that the room was nearly empty. Most people had left when the weather turned nasty. She stood and began shoving books in her bag.
"Where did I leave my umbrella?" Kagome bent down to peer under the table. She straightened and gave her head a nasty crack on the unyielding wood. "Stupid me," she groaned and rubbed the tender bump. "It's sitting on my desk at school where I left it."
Kagome gathered her belongings and left the warm building as the lights dimmed one by one. She struggled to pull the door open against the suction of the wind. Torrents of rain lashed the ground, driven sideways by unexpected gusts.
"I hate the rain. I'm going to get drenched. Well, I guess I better go." Kagome dashed out from her sheltered doorway. She was soaked to the skin in the few minutes it took her to reach the little bagel shop and brief shelter. She huddled against the door with its mocking 'closed' sign and tried to work up the courage for another run to the next sheltered spot.
"Kagome?" She looked up at the sound of that welcome voice. Inuyasha stood on the other side of the street, holding a large black umbrella over his head. He quickly crossed, splashing through puddles and the rushing water that filled the gutters. He grabbed her arm and pulled her under the canopy of his umbrella. Kagome felt a surge of gratitude.
"What are you doing out here, you stupid bitch?" Inuyasha demanded. Kagome's glow of thankfulness dimmed. She tried to push away from him, but he held her too tightly.
"None of your business," she snapped. "But I'm on my way home."
Inuyasha snorted. "Without an umbrella?" He started walking, dragging her along with him. "What you need is a keeper. You're soaked. Are you trying to catch pneumonia?" She tried to kick him, but they were walking too fast. "Dry off at my place and I'll take you home later."
Kagome stopped trying to maim him. It was funny how he could be sweet and insulting at the same time. "I'll need to call my mom," she said. Inuyasha grunted in reply. He hadn't let go of her arm yet. She relaxed against him. 'I love the rain.'
^**^
They made one stop at the daycare center to pick up Shiro who launched himself at Kagome with barely a 'hello' to his daddy. The young daycare provider smiled at her and commented to Inuyasha that it was about time he started dating again. "Don't let this one get away," she said with a wink. Kagome blushed and tightened her arms around Shiro. The little boy talked nonstop all the way home.
Despite the protection of the umbrella, all three of them were dripping by the time they reached the house. Kagome stood uncertainly in the doorway with a large puddle of water growing on the floor beneath her.
"Go into the bathroom and get out of those wet clothes," Inuyasha commanded. "I'll find something for you to wear." Before she could obey, Shiro suddenly shook himself, spraying water in all directions.
"What did you do that for?" Inuyasha asked, spluttering.
"Mrs. Tama's dog does that when he's wet," Shiro said. "It's fun, Daddy. You should try it."
"You're not a dog, Shiro. Now, run up those stairs and get into some dry clothes." Inuyasha gave him a pat on the bottom that sent him scampering towards his room.
Kagome emerged later from the bathroom wearing a shirt of Inuyasha's and a pair of sweatpants. She had to roll up the legs and cinch it tight with a belt around her narrow waist.
Shiro pounced on her as soon as she came into the kitchen. "Are you staying for dinner, 'Gome? Daddy's making ramen."
"I don't know, Shiro," she said with a sideways glance at Inuyasha who was setting a pan of water on the stove. "Your daddy didn't ask me. I should probably get home."
"Stay," Inuyasha said abruptly. He coughed a little without looking at her. "It's still raining cats and dogs. There's plenty to eat. Stay here a little longer. Unless you don't want to?"
Kagome smiled a little at the sudden uncertainty in his voice. "I'd love to stay. I just need to call my mom and let her know where I am. If I don't, she'll have the police scouring the neighborhood before midnight."
Inuyasha laughed at that and dropped a package of ramen in the boiling water.
^**^
After dinner they went into the living room. Shiro brought out some of his favorite games. They played Candyland, Uncle Wiggly, and Chutes and Ladders. Inuyasha did a little victory dance every time he won.
Kagome threw a pillow at him during one of his dances. He threw it back and caught her in the face. She chased him around the table, whacking him with the pillow. Shiro laughed and cheered for Kagome.
Inuyasha swooped down on Shiro and started to tickle him. Shiro shrieked with laughter and squirmed, trying to get away. Kagome came up behind Inuyasha and poked him in the side. He flinched and she got a really evil grin on her face. She attacked his ribs. His face turned red from trying not to laugh. Shiro decided to help tickle his daddy. Inuyasha backed away from the onslaught. The sofa caught him in the back of the knees and he fell backwards onto the cushions. Kagome tripped and sprawled across his lap.
He flipped her over so that she was underneath him and tickled her under her arms. Breathless with laughter, she tried to bring her arms down to protect herself. He grabbed both of her wrists and pinned her arms above her head. Shiro giggled and ran his tiny hands over her bare feet. She jerked in response and Inuyasha shifted his weight to hold her still. He grinned at her as she struggled.
"I'm going to get you." Inuyasha raised his free hand and lowered it slowly.
"Don't you dare!" Kagome said, trying and failing to break free.
He paused an inch away from her side. She squirmed and he started his tickle torture. She shook with laughter and tried to buck him off. He ignored her attempt and continued to torment her. Inuyasha stopped when they were both breathless with laughter.
Inuyasha flexed his hand and bare skin registered under his fingers. He and Kagome looked down at the same time and blushed. Her shirt had gotten pulled up during her struggles. Inuyasha's hand had found its way under her shirt and was resting on the curve of her ribs. He became aware that he was lying mostly on top of her. Their faces were only inches apart and her breasts brushed his chest with each panting breath she took. Inuyasha had a sudden thought that had been plaguing him for the past several weeks. What would it feel like to kiss her? He leaned forward slightly.
A pillow connected with the side of his head. "Got you, Daddy!" Shiro laughed at the look on his daddy's face. Inuyasha jumped off of Kagome like he had been burned. He turned away to hide his reddened cheeks and missed the flash of disappointment in Kagome's eyes.
"You better run, Shiro," he roared. "'Cause when I catch you I'm going to tickle you to death." Shiro shrieked and ran away on his short little legs with Inuyasha making growling noises right behind him. Kagome sat up on the sofa and straightened her clothes. Once she was sure that her blushes were under control, she joined Inuyasha in chasing his son around the house.
^**^
A/N: So close and yet so far. Little kids are always interrupting just when things get good. I didn't take the time to edit this chapter very much, so I hope it doesn't bore anybody. This is going to be a two-part chapter. There are more rainy day activities that I want to get into. Be ready to cover your ears because Inuyasha is going to sing in the next chapter. The song is one that my cousins loved when they were Shiro's age. I also do not own any of the songs I may use in any of my chapters.
^**^
Next chapter: Rainy day activities pt2: Duck songs and sleepovers
^**^
Food for thought:
As long as there are tests,
There will be prayer in schools
Say goodbye to Shippou. He has served his purpose and it is time for him to go home. Don't worry, he still has a part to play even if he will no longer be around.
^**^
Disclaimer: I do not, and never will, own Inuyasha.
^**^
Chapter 11
^**^
"No! No! NO!" Each shriek got progressively louder. Little Shippou clung to Kagome and refused to let go.
"Come on, Shippou." She tried to pry him loose. He tightened his arms around her neck. "Your parents will be here any minute. Aren't you excited to be going home?"
"Don't want to go home!" Shippou wailed. "I want to stay here with you! I want to play with Shiro!" He buried his face in her shoulder, his body shaking with sobs. Kagome appealed to her mother and brother for help.
Souta stared sullenly at the ground, a scowl on his face. His video game playing had been suspended again. Mom wanted the whole family present to say goodbye to Shippou and his parents. Grandpa continuously complained that it was freezing, and why did they have to wait outside, and were they trying to give him pneumonia. Mom tried to take Shippou, but he screamed and sobbed so much that she finally left him alone with an apologetic look at her daughter.
Shippou and Shiro had become great friends in the short time that they had known each other. Kagome didn't mind since it had allowed her to spend more time with Inuyasha. Something she wanted to do more and more lately. But Cousin Taro and Naomi were coming home today. They had called from the airport fifteen minutes ago.
Kagome eyed the overcast sky. It promised rain, though the weatherman insisted that it wouldn't be until later in the week. The naked limbs of the trees rattled in the rising wind. Fallen leaves skittered across the barren ground. She thought longingly of a hot cup of tea in the comfort of her room. If only Taro and Naomi would arrive before they froze to death.
Kagome soothed Shippou, finally getting him to loosen his stranglehold around her neck. What was it with little kids trying to choke her? She looked up at the sound of a car door. A gigantic red haired man and a petite dark haired woman smiled and waved at them from the car. In a flash, Shippou released Kagome and ran for his daddy. Taro caught his son in his arms and swung him around with a laugh. Shippou let out a delighted shriek, his tears forgotten.
"Were you a good boy for Kagome?" Taro asked, setting the boy on his shoulder.
"He was an angel," Kagome's mom assured them.
"We had a lot of fun," Kagome agreed. "Didn't we, Shippou?"
Shippou nodded his head so hard it was a wonder he didn't give himself whiplash. "I made a new friend. His name's Shiro. His daddy likes Kagome 'cause they were holding hands when we went trick-or-treating. And Sango hit Miroku 'cause he's a pervert. What's a pervert, Daddy? Kagome wouldn't tell me."
Cousin Taro gave the blushing Kagome a sly look. "You've learned a lot from your cousin." He set Shippou on the ground. "I'll tell you when you're older. Now, who wants a present? We brought something for everybody."
"Presents!" Shippou squealed. He ran to the car and began to search. Kagome trailed after everyone. She was going to miss the little firecracker. But, now maybe she could get some studying done.
^**^
The sky had been spitting rain all afternoon. Kagome pulled the light a little closer and bent over her book again. The library was the only decent place to get any studying done. Either Souta's video games were blasting throughout the house or mom or grandpa came looking for her every few minutes to run an errand. She closed her eyes and breathed in the comforting smell of books and furniture polish.
Kagome and Sango had agreed to get together today at the library. Sango wanted to look up some books about planning the perfect wedding and Kagome wanted to study. Sango left an hour ago to go home and fix dinner for Kohaku. She had also hinted that Miroku might be coming over.
The front door swung open, letting in a spurt of rain. Kagome looked up, startled. The sky outside the window had grown black and the rain was coming down in sheets. She glanced at the clock over the circulation desk and frowned. How did it get so late? It was nearly seven o'clock.
"Five minutes until closing," the librarian announced. Kagome noticed that the room was nearly empty. Most people had left when the weather turned nasty. She stood and began shoving books in her bag.
"Where did I leave my umbrella?" Kagome bent down to peer under the table. She straightened and gave her head a nasty crack on the unyielding wood. "Stupid me," she groaned and rubbed the tender bump. "It's sitting on my desk at school where I left it."
Kagome gathered her belongings and left the warm building as the lights dimmed one by one. She struggled to pull the door open against the suction of the wind. Torrents of rain lashed the ground, driven sideways by unexpected gusts.
"I hate the rain. I'm going to get drenched. Well, I guess I better go." Kagome dashed out from her sheltered doorway. She was soaked to the skin in the few minutes it took her to reach the little bagel shop and brief shelter. She huddled against the door with its mocking 'closed' sign and tried to work up the courage for another run to the next sheltered spot.
"Kagome?" She looked up at the sound of that welcome voice. Inuyasha stood on the other side of the street, holding a large black umbrella over his head. He quickly crossed, splashing through puddles and the rushing water that filled the gutters. He grabbed her arm and pulled her under the canopy of his umbrella. Kagome felt a surge of gratitude.
"What are you doing out here, you stupid bitch?" Inuyasha demanded. Kagome's glow of thankfulness dimmed. She tried to push away from him, but he held her too tightly.
"None of your business," she snapped. "But I'm on my way home."
Inuyasha snorted. "Without an umbrella?" He started walking, dragging her along with him. "What you need is a keeper. You're soaked. Are you trying to catch pneumonia?" She tried to kick him, but they were walking too fast. "Dry off at my place and I'll take you home later."
Kagome stopped trying to maim him. It was funny how he could be sweet and insulting at the same time. "I'll need to call my mom," she said. Inuyasha grunted in reply. He hadn't let go of her arm yet. She relaxed against him. 'I love the rain.'
^**^
They made one stop at the daycare center to pick up Shiro who launched himself at Kagome with barely a 'hello' to his daddy. The young daycare provider smiled at her and commented to Inuyasha that it was about time he started dating again. "Don't let this one get away," she said with a wink. Kagome blushed and tightened her arms around Shiro. The little boy talked nonstop all the way home.
Despite the protection of the umbrella, all three of them were dripping by the time they reached the house. Kagome stood uncertainly in the doorway with a large puddle of water growing on the floor beneath her.
"Go into the bathroom and get out of those wet clothes," Inuyasha commanded. "I'll find something for you to wear." Before she could obey, Shiro suddenly shook himself, spraying water in all directions.
"What did you do that for?" Inuyasha asked, spluttering.
"Mrs. Tama's dog does that when he's wet," Shiro said. "It's fun, Daddy. You should try it."
"You're not a dog, Shiro. Now, run up those stairs and get into some dry clothes." Inuyasha gave him a pat on the bottom that sent him scampering towards his room.
Kagome emerged later from the bathroom wearing a shirt of Inuyasha's and a pair of sweatpants. She had to roll up the legs and cinch it tight with a belt around her narrow waist.
Shiro pounced on her as soon as she came into the kitchen. "Are you staying for dinner, 'Gome? Daddy's making ramen."
"I don't know, Shiro," she said with a sideways glance at Inuyasha who was setting a pan of water on the stove. "Your daddy didn't ask me. I should probably get home."
"Stay," Inuyasha said abruptly. He coughed a little without looking at her. "It's still raining cats and dogs. There's plenty to eat. Stay here a little longer. Unless you don't want to?"
Kagome smiled a little at the sudden uncertainty in his voice. "I'd love to stay. I just need to call my mom and let her know where I am. If I don't, she'll have the police scouring the neighborhood before midnight."
Inuyasha laughed at that and dropped a package of ramen in the boiling water.
^**^
After dinner they went into the living room. Shiro brought out some of his favorite games. They played Candyland, Uncle Wiggly, and Chutes and Ladders. Inuyasha did a little victory dance every time he won.
Kagome threw a pillow at him during one of his dances. He threw it back and caught her in the face. She chased him around the table, whacking him with the pillow. Shiro laughed and cheered for Kagome.
Inuyasha swooped down on Shiro and started to tickle him. Shiro shrieked with laughter and squirmed, trying to get away. Kagome came up behind Inuyasha and poked him in the side. He flinched and she got a really evil grin on her face. She attacked his ribs. His face turned red from trying not to laugh. Shiro decided to help tickle his daddy. Inuyasha backed away from the onslaught. The sofa caught him in the back of the knees and he fell backwards onto the cushions. Kagome tripped and sprawled across his lap.
He flipped her over so that she was underneath him and tickled her under her arms. Breathless with laughter, she tried to bring her arms down to protect herself. He grabbed both of her wrists and pinned her arms above her head. Shiro giggled and ran his tiny hands over her bare feet. She jerked in response and Inuyasha shifted his weight to hold her still. He grinned at her as she struggled.
"I'm going to get you." Inuyasha raised his free hand and lowered it slowly.
"Don't you dare!" Kagome said, trying and failing to break free.
He paused an inch away from her side. She squirmed and he started his tickle torture. She shook with laughter and tried to buck him off. He ignored her attempt and continued to torment her. Inuyasha stopped when they were both breathless with laughter.
Inuyasha flexed his hand and bare skin registered under his fingers. He and Kagome looked down at the same time and blushed. Her shirt had gotten pulled up during her struggles. Inuyasha's hand had found its way under her shirt and was resting on the curve of her ribs. He became aware that he was lying mostly on top of her. Their faces were only inches apart and her breasts brushed his chest with each panting breath she took. Inuyasha had a sudden thought that had been plaguing him for the past several weeks. What would it feel like to kiss her? He leaned forward slightly.
A pillow connected with the side of his head. "Got you, Daddy!" Shiro laughed at the look on his daddy's face. Inuyasha jumped off of Kagome like he had been burned. He turned away to hide his reddened cheeks and missed the flash of disappointment in Kagome's eyes.
"You better run, Shiro," he roared. "'Cause when I catch you I'm going to tickle you to death." Shiro shrieked and ran away on his short little legs with Inuyasha making growling noises right behind him. Kagome sat up on the sofa and straightened her clothes. Once she was sure that her blushes were under control, she joined Inuyasha in chasing his son around the house.
^**^
A/N: So close and yet so far. Little kids are always interrupting just when things get good. I didn't take the time to edit this chapter very much, so I hope it doesn't bore anybody. This is going to be a two-part chapter. There are more rainy day activities that I want to get into. Be ready to cover your ears because Inuyasha is going to sing in the next chapter. The song is one that my cousins loved when they were Shiro's age. I also do not own any of the songs I may use in any of my chapters.
^**^
Next chapter: Rainy day activities pt2: Duck songs and sleepovers
^**^
Food for thought:
As long as there are tests,
There will be prayer in schools