Author's note: Howdy y'all! Muchas gracias to everyone who wrote to me! I hope you like this chapter!
* * *
Inuyasha turned his head to look out the window, his hair fanning out on his pillow. The moonlight streamed in, casting a glow about him. His ears twitched at the sounds of the house settling, and he shifted uneasily onto his side.
He absolutely could NOT get to sleep.
Sighing, he flopped back onto his back and kicked aside the covers. I can't relax, not without knowing what Naraku's up to. I want to get out there and destroy him before he has a chance to destroy anything else. Not to mention…
He tilted his head, looking out the door. Knowing that Kagome was near but not actually being in her presence caused a faint ache in his chest. Her scent wafted to his sharp nose, but all it did was make him wish that he could watch over her.
He started to sit up on his bed, but he froze at the sound of Souta stirring in the bunk above him. The boy snorted in his sleep and threw one pajama-covered leg over the side. Inuyasha snorted softly, a half smile dragging one cheek up.
Figures that Ishiyana put me in a room with the kid. Anyone could see his hero worship. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, then let out a sharp bark of laughter as he remembered the fiasco upon reaching Ishiyana's home. The tall woman had alternately hugged and strangled her son, somehow managing to smile charmingly at the group of people and welcome them to her home while doing so.
Inuyasha chuckled and folded his hands behind his head. Serves him right. With any luck, the jerk's mother will forbid him to leave, and I'll have Kagome all to myself. His smile disappeared at the thought, his cheeks burning with a guilty blush. I can't help thinking of her that way. Having her all to myself, no one to bother us…
Blushing deeper, he closed his eyes. If I could just get a damn minute alone with her!
* * *
Kagome rolled over in her bed, sighing. It's always so hard to sleep when Inuyasha's not around. She gritted her teeth in frustration. Even though she was absolutely exhausted from the day's events, she just could not sleep. Maybe I'm just too tired…?
Sighing, she tossed aside the covers and stood up, shivering slightly in the cold night air. Maybe if I walk a bit, I'll calm down enough to sleep. Silently, she plodded down the hall, her bare feet gently scraping the ground. She paused outside Inuyasha and Souta's room and, shyly, peered inside. Her heart melted at the sight of Inuyasha resting, hands folded behind his head. The moonlight illuminated his silver hair, almost giving him the look of an angel…
Snorting, she shook her head and continued down the hall. Honestly. Inuyasha as an angel? An image struck her of him laughing maniacally, horns poking out of his head. She laughed. Definitely more of a devil than an angel.
Inuyasha opened his eyes as Kagome's scent faded. Did she just walk by? Curious, he slipped out of bed and wandered into the hallway, following her scent down the stairs. When he reached the den he came to a stop and stared.
Kagome stood in the moonlight, arms folded gently over her chest. The slightly large, blue, silk pajamas that she'd borrowed from Ishiyana's mother shimmered softly. She sighed, gazing out the large window. A soft frown settled upon her tired face.
Inuyasha swallowed hard, reluctant to break her reverie. He stood for a long while, just watching her. Dammit…even when she's exhausted, she's beautiful. He let out a short huff of air.
Kagome snapped out of her daze and finally turned to look at him.
"I…Inuyasha? What are you doing here?"
He finally stepped forward. "I could ask you the same question." She smiled faintly at him, her eyes weary.
"I couldn't sleep. You?"
He gave her a half smile. "Same. I kept thinking about Naraku."
She sighed. "Me, too. And trying not to." Turning, she gazed out the window again. After a moment of silence, she spoke again. "You know, I can't get used to how different the sky looks in the Feudal Era. There are so many stars back there…but you can only see so many here."
Slowly, Inuyasha walked to her side and looked out the window. His eyebrow quirked as he stared up at the night sky.
"I never really noticed. I never look up when I come here."
She nodded slowly. "Well, there isn't much to see, after all."
He looked at her, then at the sky. "It's not that. I'm just…not really the stargazing type, I guess."
When she didn't reply, Inuyasha looked down at her. His heart caught in his throat. The way she was smiling up at him…
"W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?"
She laughed softly. "No reason." He's taking this so seriously. When I first met him, he'd probably make fun of me for even thinking about stars.
He let out a humph, sliding his arms into his sleeves. Kagome just smiled at him. Abruptly, a mischievous air overcame her.
"You know, Inuyasha…you're cute when you pout."
His face turned bright red, and he sputtered. "I what??"
She laughed. "Relax, I'm just teasing you." Grinning at his expense, she turned back to the window…
"Oh my god! Inuyasha, look!!"
He looked up as she pointed, in time to see the sky light up with shooting stars. Thousands of them rained down from the sky, leaving soft streaks in the night air. Inuyasha swallowed, unable to help feeling moved. Once again, he remembered Kagome telling him to wish. But what am I supposed to wish with all these stars? I can't come up with that many wishes!
Abruptly, he looked down at her, taking in the joy and fascination on her face as she leaned against the window. Maybe…if I just make one wish on all of them… Heart pounding, he took another step closer to her, keeping his arms tucked inside his sleeves. Kagome looked up at him, eyes bright.
"Isn't it wonderful??" She stared up at him, a slight blush slinking into her cheeks. I'm so glad I can share this with him. Shyly, she took another step closer to him, closing the distance between them. Ever so gently, she laid her head upon his shoulder, prepared to move when he stiffened like always.
He didn't stiffen.
Instead, Inuyasha melted. His heart felt like it stopped, and he shivered slightly. Swallowing hard, Inuyasha removed his arms from his sleeves. Should I…?
Hesitantly, but unable to stop himself, Inuyasha reached over and wrapped his arm about her shoulders. Kagome sucked in a sharp breath and looked up at him. W-what's he doing??
Inuyasha refused to look down at her, his cheeks burning. Oh gods…what if she pulls away?? I'm such an idiot. I should've just kept my hands to myself… His thoughts came to a screeching halt as Kagome suddenly beamed up at him, closed her eyes, and snuggled against his chest. Eyes widening, Inuyasha tightened his arm about her shoulders. She's not pulling away…she's not pulling away…she's not pulling away…
Heart pounding so hard he thought it would jump right out of his chest, Inuyasha reached up with his other arm and wrapped it tight about her, holding her close against him.
GODS, I've wanted to do this for SO long! Gently, he leaned his chin atop her head and inhaled her wonderful scent. His eyes half-lidded, he took in the dwindling shooting stars.
I love you, Kagome. I love you so much.
He tightened his arms.
I wish…I wish I could always be with you…
Closing his eyes, he missed the sudden flash of light in the sky. Kagome smiled, snuggling closer to him. Gods, I love the way he holds me. I wish he'd do this more often!
Another flash.
Closing her eyes, Kagome felt the bone-weariness return. Sighing, she murmured to Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha…why are you being so…nice?"
"H-huh?"
She shifted slightly in his arms. "You've been so sweet lately, when your big mouth isn't ruining everything." She yawned. "I was wondering why."
Because I love you, and I don't know what the hell to do about it. "I-I don't know what you're talking about…"
"Sure you do. You've been so protective of my family, of me…you even worried about Ishiyana for a minute there! And now this…" She snuggled close again, missing the fiery blush on his face.
"Well, I…I just…" I love you. "I didn't want you to worry about them."
"Is that all it was?"
"Well…" I love you, I love you, I love you. "I…" He trailed off, swallowing hard. I should tell her. When will I get a better chance?
He took a deep breath. "Actually, Kagome, there's something I need to tell you."
"Mm?"
He tightened his arms and shut his eyes. "Kagome, I…I…"
"Zzzzzzzzzzzzz…"
Inuyasha froze. "K-Kagome?" She didn't respond. Tilting his head, he took in her sleeping face. Her body went lax against him.
Inuyasha felt torn between laughing and crying. "I can't believe you just fell asleep. Now, of all times!" Abruptly, he remembered how long a day she'd had and how much emotional turmoil she'd been through. Sighing, he gave her a brief hug.
"I guess I'll have to tell you later."
Gently, he bent and scooped her up into his arms. His heart caught in his throat when she sighed softly and cuddled against his chest. He took the stairs slowly, enjoying the feel of her soft weight in his arms. Using his shoulder, he bumped open the door to her room and gingerly laid her down on her bed. He squatted beside her, gazing at her sleeping face. She looks so innocent. It's hard to believe that she's the same woman who fought so bravely by my side.
Slowly, Inuyasha reached out and skimmed his fingers over her face. She sighed softly, causing his gaze to drop to her lips. Inuyasha found himself leaning forward, his eyelids drooping. If…If I could just kiss her once…
He hesitated, his lips only a breath away from hers. A little voice yelled in the back of his head. You idiot! If she wakes up, you're done for!! Inuyasha shook his head, trying to ignore the thought. I don't care. Right now, I just don't care.
He leaned forward, his lips just barely skimming hers…
"Mmph?"
Inuyasha froze as Kagome made a soft noise. Her hand drifted up and snagged one of his forelocks, which he hadn't even realized had brushed up against her cheek. Her soft hand tightened about his hair, and she smiled.
"Inu…yasha…"
Blushing, he tried to tug his hair out of her grasp, but she only frowned and tightened her grip. Abruptly, she rolled away from him, tugging him with her.
"W-whoa!" Inuyasha's hands flashed out, propping himself up over her, just barely keeping himself from touching her. Embarrassed, Inuyasha stared down at Kagome. Because of her grip on his hair, she'd pulled him so far that he was actually straddling her.
Ok, NOW if she wakes up, I'm dead.
Gingerly, Inuyasha lifted himself over her and laid down on her opposite side, taking care not to disturb her. Grimacing, he tried again to remove his hair, but she still wouldn't relinquish her possession. Inuyasha sighed and used his foot to snag the bedcover, drawing it up far enough for him to grab with his hand.
Looks like I'm not going anywhere. Might as well get comfortable. Inuyasha pulled the covers up around Kagome and him, tucking it gently about her. She smiled softly and pulled on his hair, pulling his head closer to hers.
"Inuyasha."
He stared into her face, a smile spreading across his.
Well, if she does wake up, I'll have to tell her it's all her fault. Meanwhile… He closed his eyes and let his head sink into the pillow. I'm gonna enjoy this.
* * *
Kiori paced grumpily back and forth, his tail swishing violently. A low growl rumbled up his throat. Blinking sleepily, Kirara took a long look at him, then yawned mightily and stretched out on the ground. When she closed her eyes, Kiori thumped a large paw in front of her and growled again.
Dammit, Kirara, will you give me an answer??
She peeled open one eye and huffed, rolling onto her side away from him. Furious, Kiori stalked around her and lowered his face to her level.
Are you, or are you not using me??
She bared her teeth in annoyance and deliberately turned away.
ANSWER ME!!
Huffing, she lifted her front up, resting on her bent forelegs. At first, Kiori just stared at her, but when she crinkled her nose in irritation, he remembered to tune in to his native language, based off body language and scents.
"I'm not sure how to answer that."
"Try! I have to know if you're just stringing me along, or if you…" he trailed off and looked away. Kirara looked up at the sky.
"Stars above, Kiori, are you serious? You threatened numerous times to hurt my cubs. Was I supposed to let you do it??"
"Your…cubs?"
She sighed. "I protect those beings I travel with. I am older than them, and I love them, so I am, I suppose, their surrogate mother."
He snorted. "Do they know that?"
She frowned and rose to her feet in indignation. "If you're going to insult me, you can leave right now."
He lowered his gaze and shifted his weight. "No. I'll stay." His gaze traveled to the right, then returned to her. "So…you were using me. Or," he interrupted as she puffed up, "at least manipulating me."
She lowered her eyelids, gazing at him with a condescending air. "All I care about are my cubs. If you try to hurt them, I will have to stop you, and I will do it any way I can." She tossed her head. "You can't be trusted to leave, so I have decided to keep you with us and keep an eye on you."
He stared at her. So that's all I am to her…I should have guessed. Scowling, he turned away. Hell, what do I care? I've only known her for how long?? She's no business of mine. He lowered his head. But I'm so alone now…my children are all gone…
She picked up on his change of mood and tilted her chin up.
"It so happens that I'm not interested in a relationship of any kind at the moment. I have to see that my cubs are safe and that their adventure comes to a fitting close." With that, she sidled away.
Kiori scowled. "Hey! If you're their mother, why do you act like a pet??"
She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. "Two reasons. One, who better to confide in than an adorable little pet? And two…" She gave him what could be classified as a wink. "No one ever suspects a little kitten."
* * *
Naraku stood in the middle of the well house, gazing down at the Bone-Eater's Well. Gently, he rolled the Shikon Jewel between his fingers.
"Hmm. I should convey a message to Kagura, but that end of the well may be guarded." He glanced over his shoulder. "And I do not want to risk Inuyasha taking back my new stronghold while I'm gone."
He thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers. Within moments, one of the original five men under Naraku's control appeared.
"Yeah, boss. Whatcha need?"
Naraku stepped to the side of the well. "I need you to travel through here and call Kagura, the Wind Sorceress. Tell her that I want her to retrieve the jewel shards from the wolf prince," his eyes narrowed, "and that she dare not fail me this time."
The man scratched his head in confusion. "You want me to what in the where? Who now?"
Naraku scowled. "This well will take you into the past. Now go!"
Shrugging, the man prepared to leap over the edge of the well. "Whatever you say, boss." He squatted, jumped…
WUMPH!
Naraku leaned over the side and gazed down at the man, who lay spread eagle, face down in the dirt. Frowning, Naraku turned aside and stared down at the large jewel shard in his hand.
"But why…why didn't he go through? He had a jewel shard on him." His expression darkened, but then his eyebrows lifted. "It would seem…that a decision is made whenever someone tries to travel through the well. The jewel shards allow that miko, that boy, and me to travel through." He looked up at the ceiling. "But the girl told me that the well itself allows Inuyasha through because he was pinned to that tree for so long. If that is the case…"
He strode out of the well house, ignoring the calls for help behind him.
"What exactly is making the decision? And why did it let us through?"
The jewel shards glimmered.
* * *
Kagome yawned as the weak morning light streamed in through her window. Smiling softly, she scooted backwards into that strange source of warmth…
Huh?
Slowly, Kagome opened her eyes and looked down. Two arms were wrapped snuggly about her middle, holding her tight against his body. She swallowed hard and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, there he was.
Inuyasha.
His face was more relaxed than she'd ever seen it, even though it was pressed against her shoulder. He stirred slightly in his sleep and pulled her closer against him.
Kagome's cheeks caught fire. What the heck is going on??? Why is he…what is he?? Looking down, she spotted his silver forelock in her hand. Embarrassed, she dropped it and lay still.
Okay, I admit that this feels good, but this is too bizarre! First his little show of affection last night, and now I wake up with him? What on earth is going on? She froze as he began to stir a little more. Making a sleepy noise, Inuyasha nuzzled her neck.
"Hmmph."
Kagome couldn't help giggling. Inuyasha shifted, drawing her yet closer. Abruptly, her smile fell away into shock as his lips brushed against her throat.
"I…Inuyasha?"
He mumbled something under his breath and shifted slightly over her shoulder. He nibbled at her neck, then worked his way up to her jaw. Growing nervous (not to mention flustered), Kagome tried to slip away from him. He just growled softly and tightened his hold on her.
Kagome began to struggle. He…he must be thinking of Kikyo…he'd never…he'd never try to…
"K…Kagome…"
She froze. You mean…he actually means this??
Inuyasha inhaled. "Gods, I love the way you smell…" His voice trailed off into a sleepy murmur. Blushing furiously, Kagome tried again to pull away.
"I-Inuyasha, wake up!"
He leaned over her, looking for all the world like he was going to kiss her. Her eyes widened, and in a burst of last minute panic, she shoved him…
…Right off the bed.
"Oomph!"
Inuyasha's eyes flew open, and he sat up. "What the hell??" He glanced up as Kagome sat up, hugging the sheets around her. A blush spread across his cheeks.
"Uh…good morning?"
She tightened her grip on the sheets. "What on earth were you doing in my bed???"
He sputtered. "Hey, you were the one who fell asleep on me last night! Was I supposed to just leave you down there??"
"Well, thanks for bringing me up here…" She blushed at the thought of him carrying her up the stairs. "But that doesn't explain why you're still here! And worse, why you were…why you were trying to…" She trailed off, staring at the floor.
Inuyasha scowled, trying to cover up his embarrassment. "Why I was trying to what?"
She averted her gaze. "Why you were trying to kiss me!"
His eyes widened. Damn! "Feh." He looked away. "Nothing more than a dream." Unfortunately. "As if I would really have anything like that in mind!! Give me a break."
Kagome narrowed her eyes, looking at him. "Oh really? Then why did you say you love my scent?"
He sputtered again. "Hey, I was asleep!! How can I be responsible for that??"
"So you didn't mean it?"
"Feh." Of course I meant it. I meant a lot more than that!! "Of course not! And get your mind out of the gutter already, sheesh!"
Kagome was silent for a long time, gazing at the floor. Inuyasha shifted from his position on the floor as the awkwardness intensified in the room.
"So it didn't mean anything at all to you." She looked up. "Inuyasha?"
"Y-yeah?"
"SIT!!!"
"Oomph!"
She turned away. "Now get out of my room!!"
"What?? But I—"
"SIT!!"
"Yaa!"
"I said GET OUT!"
Inuyasha peeled himself off the floor. "Ok, ok, I'm going!!" He dusted himself off and strode out the door. "I'm going to find something to eat," he grumbled. Kagome waited until he hit the stairs.
"SIT!"
WUMP WUMP WUMP WUMP WUMP WUMP WUMP!
Inuyasha whimpered as he lay on the landing. "Gods, that one hurt. Why was she so mad??" He mentally replayed the scene in his head and groaned. "Damn it!! I'm never going to get it right!"
Sighing, he resigned himself to his position on the floor. I never did get to tell her…
…I wonder if I ever will.