Shippo's Plans
Rating: Hmm, let's start it at PG and see where it goes from there…
Summary: Shippo readies his first attack, and Miroku is left to pick up the pieces.
Disclaimer: Please don't sue. I'm but a penniless sitar play- er, writer. I own nothing.
Chapter 2: I'm So Happy That I Can't Stop Crying
He had to be careful. Sure the plan was simple, but that didn't mean it was easy. He couldn't afford to have some one figure out what he was up to. Shippo crept carefully back into the village, ready to get the ball rolling in a moment's notice. A mischievous smile unwound itself upon his lips. This was going to be fun.
It was so simple that you could call it child's play, and indeed it was. Miroku and Kagome would never know what hit them. The first step was to get close to them… very close. Kagome was easy – all he had to do was have a nightmare. Yeah – that would do the trick nicely, perhaps one loud enough for Miroku to hear as well. And of course, a child like him should fall asleep under all that comfort he was sure to get leaving the two grown-ups awake, together, and alone. It was a good start.
He let his mind wander through the possibilities for his nightmare he was sure to have as soon as Kagome came back while he stole into Kaede's hut. With Dog-boy's frequent nocturnal trips to visit Kikyo, his delicate hearing and light sleep shouldn't be bothered. It would start right under Doggie-Doo's nose… so perfect.
Speaking of noses, his was starting to pick up a very familiar scent. "Kagome!" His little legs took off with him in her direction, thrilled that she was finally back. With a precious squeal in his little voice, he launched himself into her arms. "Kagome, I missed you so much!"
Her arms came around him almost immediately, surrounding him with her scent and warmth. It was enough to make Shippo melt into her. He wanted this. He wanted this all the time. He wanted Kagome to be his mother.
He took a deep breath in to savor the smell of her, but a little frown marred his features when his caught a whiff of long dried tears. Stupid dog, he made her cry again! He ran a little clawed hand through her hair, mentally telling her to have patience. He was going to make it all better and she'd never cry again. They'd be happy. All he needed was time.
All he could think was thank Kami for Shippo. He was Miroku's own little Kagome alarm. As soon as he heard the excited squeal from outside, the worry rolled off his shoulders. She came back. A relieved grin broke out on his face which he quickly smothered with a more pious expression. He had to see her again, just to make sure she was alright. Walking calmly so that he wouldn't reveal his eagerness to any spectator, he left the tree he'd been thinking under and towards Kagome.
His breath caught as he beheld the sight before him, an obviously sad Kagome hugging the life out of tiny Shippo, and Shippo hugging right back. The slight rumple of Kagome's eyebrows spoke of held back tears, and her peaceful smile was beautiful. There was no question about it, Shippo was her kit. Certainly not by any trick of biology, but in her heart, he was her baby.
He had to confess parental feelings toward the young pup himself. The boy's story was heart rending, and yet he still pushed on. The casual observer would never know that the boy had lost his parents at such a young age. He was bright and full of life. It was painful sometimes to think on, but if Miroku were lucky enough to be blessed with a son, he'd want one like Shippo, but, as things were going now…he clenched his right hand tightly, shutting off that thought before he could get anymore depressed. This was a time to be happy and smile. Kagome was back again.
He placed a welcoming hand on Kagome's shoulder, and for the first time in a very long time, had no intentions of dropping it any lower. She opened those deep brown eyes and turned them on him, giving him a tiny smile. His heart fluttered, but he struggled to keep reign on it. Instead he lifted his eyes to the approaching Sango.
Tuning out of the girls' enthusiastic greetings, he let his mind wander back to that beautiful smile he'd been given. Kagome was an angel, he was certain and had things been different for him, he would let her know how he felt. But things were this way and it would be easier to just let those feelings lie. It was easier for everyone.
Shippo was cute, and young, but he was no fool. He saw the light in Miroku's eyes when Kagome smiled at him, and he knew that that light meant that his job was going to be easier than he expected. And so he lay curled at Kagome's side, waiting for his opportune moment to strike. Day had melted to evening, and chilled into the night. It was nearly time to start.
However, before the kitsune could launch into his false nightmare, Kagome had one of her own. She moaned low, and her head started the thrash, immediately alarming Shippo. All thoughts of plans flew from his mind as he placed one of his tiny clawed hands on Kagome's cheek. "Kagome, its ok, wake up now, Kagome… it's only a dream." He voice was tinny whisper.
It didn't reach her; she was already too deep into the dream. "Kagome…" he held onto her tightly, trying to will the dream away to no avail. It was then that a warm hand came to rest on his back. "Shippo, its ok, let me help her." Miroku!
He knelt next to Kagome gently, lifting her carefully by her shoulders. Touching a tender hand to her cheek, Miroku called softly to her, "Kagome-sama, wake up."
Pained brown eyes sprung open, and upon seeing concern in Miroku's features, she launched herself into his arms. It was then that Shippo remembered his scheme and hid the resulting grin behind his hand. Too perfect.
She was warm and safe, the nightmares she'd been drowning in a mere moment before disappeared as soon as Miroku's arms came around her, and she was grateful for her friend's compassion. Life hadn't been exactly a party lately, but it was difficult to feel completely lost with friends like those she had in Sango and Miroku.
"Kagome-sama, would you feel better sharing your dream?" Miroku was so gentle with her, he was comforting and open… everything that she'd thought Inuyasha could have been, but no, she wasn't going to tell him her dream.
"Miroku-sama, it was just a foolish dream. I'm fine, really."
He looked unconvinced, but didn't say anything. Instead, it seemed he chose a different way to distract Kagome from her dream.
Oh yes, she missed the perverted look that his uncertainty had shifted into, she was too busy trying to not look him in the eye. His eyes were intense, I mean really, who has purple eyes? And Miroku's seemed to always burn… she could feel their heat on her cheeks now, or was that a blush? Arg, either way, she was completely unaware of what was coming until it was too late.
"Pervert!" she hissed through clenched teeth. She held off on slapping him though. She couldn't, not after how kind he'd been moments before. Letting out a quiet, but angry breath, she rolled over on her side and glowered until she fell asleep. No nightmares plagued her for the rest of the night.
Review Responses:
Dante Gemini – thanks for the review, and so far so good on "Wanderers From the Well". I love the way you are telling the story, and the cuteness between Alden and Sango is great!
Myst Lady – Thanks for giving my story a shot! I really like the Miroku/Kagome pairing… I think that those stories are uber cute, and I'm really excited that you write Sailor Moon/Gundam Wing fics. Those are my kryptonite. does a happy dance
Tandy – thanks! The story kinda came out of the blue for me, and I'm finding its kinda fun to write. I hope you enjoy the rest as it comes.
Please let me know what you think.