Chapter 16: The joys of parenthood
"Gimme!"
"Mine!"
"Let go!"
"Mama!"
Sango nudged Kagome. "Your son wants you…"
Kagome mumbled in her sleep and rolled over. Right into Miroku. Who made the mistake of taking advantage of her position…
*Slap!* "Hentai!"
The children giggled. Kagome glared at Miroku's blank expression and reddening cheek, then turned to her son. "What's wrong, Shippou?"
"Uhhh… I forgot."
Kagome rolled her eyes and yawned. "What time is it?" She peeked at her watch. "Eek! I'm late!" She tried to jump out of her sleeping bag but ended up tangled within it. She struggled and ignored the giggles from the children. "Want some help, mama?"
Ever since that scene with the energy shield, Kagome had started calling Shippou her son. He, in turn, called her mama, but only when he wanted something from her, or on rare occasions when he wanted to help. Like today. "Sure. Help me out of here." Shippou hopped over to her and helped her untangle the sleeping bag. She hugged him and grabbed her clothes.
"Ground rules. Kids, listen to Miroku and Sango. Rin, Sesshoumaru's visiting you today. Behave until then. I'll bring you guys something special. And leave Inuyasha alone." Three heads nodded. "Do not play alone. Stay near Kaede's. And leave Inuyasha alone." More nods.
Satisfied, Kagome finished packing and grabbed her bag. Her legs buckled under the weight. Miroku rushed over and helped her back up, grabbing the bag from her hands. Her eyes narrowed, but when he made no move towards her person she relented and smiled. Both walked outside. Shippou looked at Hoonomei and Rin. "What was that about?"
*****
Miroku walked behind Kagome, struggling to keep his hold on the bag. She kept glancing back, blushing, then facing forward. She's been acting strange ever since she came back last time. I wonder why… For the past week, Kagome had either ignored him or glared at him. No matter what he did or said, her responses were the same. Miroku was confused. He even tried to talk to Sango about it. The demon exterminator had burst out laughing, shaken her head and walked off, leaving him bewildered.
The well stood ahead of them. Better ask her what's the matter now… Kagome had reached the well and was sitting on the wall, watching him. She reached for the bag. His eyes glazed over. She looks so beautiful… His step faltered and he stumbled forward. Right into her. Kagome started to go backwards into the well.
The bag dropped as he grabbed her arms and pulled her forward into a tight hug. "I'm sorry. Are you all right, Kagome?" He pushed her back and looked her over. "Did I hurt you?"
Twin red spots on her cheeks spread throughout her face. She murmured, "I'm fine…"
Their eyes locked. They stood there for a minute or an hour, Kagome wasn't sure. Is he getting closer?
"Feh. I should've known. Hands off, pervert!" Both teens jumped apart guiltily and turned to the voice. A black-haired Inuyasha had the untransformed Tetsusaiga on his shoulder. He sneered at them. "Weren't you late, wench? Or did you find something better to do here?" He sneaked a glance at Miroku, whose bland expression was ruined by the deep shade of scarlet that covered his entire face.
"Oh, you—you—SIT!" Inuyasha dropped into the ground, cursing. Kagome yanked her bag from the ground, threw it into the well, and jumped in without a backwards glance. Miroku shook his head and walked back to the village.
*****
"She said I could do it!"
"It's Rin's turn!"
"Give it back!"
Miroku found himself surrounded by crying children. All chattered at him through their tears. "Now, now, calm down… What's the matter?" Three voices told him the problem. He held up a hand. "Stop. One at a time. Hoonomei?"
"Shippou doesn't want to share."
"Mama said it was mine!"
"Kagome-neechan say we share!"
Miroku held out his hand. Shippou hung his head and placed the small object in the palm. Miroku pointed towards Kaede's, and the children kicked their way over to the porch, grumbling. Miroku looked at his palm. He rolled his eyes at the purple electronic game. She needs to bring one for everyone or keep this one at home. Doesn't she realize it's a problem?
Sango came back on Kirara. She took one look at Kaede's porch and grinned. "What'd they do now?"
"Kagome gave this to Shippou and expected him to share." He showed her the game. "Doesn't she know Shippou's not the type to share anything she gives him?"
"She's trying to make him happy."
"She should have thought of the others. Would you keep an eye on them?" He pocketed the offending game and ambled off towards the river. Sango grinned to herself. So mother indulges, father lays down the law…and neither realizes what's happening…
*****
Sesshoumaru landed Ryu Hishou near the river. He tied the reins on a low branch. Jaken hadn't stirred. He shouldn't have stayed up late preparing everything for Rin's return… I have servants for such matters… Sesshoumaru turned towards the village and found Miroku kneeling near the river, deep in thought. Oh? He watched him for a few minutes. Hn. He hasn't moved. I wonder what has happened. He made his way over to the monk and stood next to him. Miroku didn't move. This is strange. "You could be dead by now, monk."
Miroku startled and fell into the river. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes in disgust. "Lovesick pup…"
*****
© 9/24/03, M.A.R.
Aphiopsyduck: Hello! I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that the epilogue has been rewritten and is ready for posting! Yay!
The bad news is that the story is almost done--I'm up to chapter 24 and counting--but the ending seems to be an open one. I don't know if that will change, but as of right now, it seems that way.
Hmmm. Let me try to clarify. Yes, they'll be together, but not like in other stories. In short, it might leave the door open for a sequel, but maybe not. We'll see what happens.
Sorry about the short chappie, btw. Next one's longer, I promise. :o)
And I do realize they're acting slightly OOC, but since this story went
off the main story track long ago, it may be excusable. Or maybe not. *smile*
(More or less) Permanent A/N: *sweatdrops…* Ehehe… First fanfic… If nothing else, it's a test run, since this will be my first real fanfic posted anywhere. I don' really know where it's going though, so please bear with me. Reviews are welcome, and flames will be used on undead mikos who refuse to leave our heroes alone. :o)