Hanyou and Miko: One Shots

Chapter 3: Coming to Terms

Makoto sighed and leaned back against the wall. It was still a few hours until the sun came up, and he was more than wanting to be back in his hanyou form. His Okaa-san and Oyaji had gone to bed with a promise to talk more in the morning. Akina had left to sleep in his room, and he had been sitting up all night trying to think the situation though. On one hand, he couldn't see what was so wrong with him and Akina being together. Kagome had had no problems letting the two play together as children. Surely she wouldn't mind their courtship, but then again with Shippou and Tani just throwing out that they were mates must have had something to do with it. Makoto knew what InuYasha thought about it. He and Kouga had always been down each others throats, even when Akina, Kigai, and Makoto were just pups. He didn't even what them to play together.

Makoto let out a groan and banged his head back against the wall. He was going to have to face his father on the matter, and he didn't plan on backing down one bit. Standing up to InuYasha wasn't going to be an easy feat, and he hoped his Okaa would help him out a bit. InuYasha tended to get a bit hotheaded at times. Then he thought back to Akina, her taste was still fresh on his lips. He missed her smell, her sweet scent. His human nose couldn't pick it up as clearly as his hanyou nose could. When had they started to fall for each other? The last time they had seen each other was over a year ago when the whole group had gotten together for a kind of reunion with everyone that helped defeat Naraku. Sesshomaru had surprised everyone first by showing up, then my presenting his mate, Usagi, and his one year old son, Keiji. The inu-youkai had a family of his own, and a heir to take over the western lands after him.

Rin had come along, too, fawning over her new little brother. They seemed to get along rather well, which didn't surprise Kagome too much. She had always known Sesshomaru really liked humans, or at least certain humans, and Rin was a welcomed member of his growing family. Miroku and Sango's girls had a big time braiding Keiji's silver hair and toying with his pointy ears. Kouga, Ayame, Kigai, and Akina had shown up later. Kouga and InuYasha had gotten along pretty well, probably because their mates had threatened them before they had time to do anything stupid. The three older pups had run off together, getting into as much trouble as possible in the few days they had with each other. Kigai and Makoto had snuck up on Akina at the river, pushing her in and laughing as she charged toward them in a wet rage. They were chased around half the day before all the girls teamed up and attacked them. Akina had Makoto pinned to the ground; allowing Yumi and Hanna grab his ears and pull on his hair. Kigai was still running, Mai and Cho latched onto his feet with Rin and Keiji gripping his back.

The adults had just watched in amusement as the pups and humans ran amuck. But, just that short year ago, they were just friends; all of them. When had he fallen for the she-wolf? He smirked. It really didn't matter anymore. They had always had fun when they had gotten together, now they were just changing the ways they had fun, and with fewer people around. Makoto looked down as his claws began to grow. His hair turned to its normal silver and black-streaks, his fangs came back, and his hanyou senses returned to him. The sun had come up without him realizing how early it had gotten. A few minutes later the tell-tale sign of his parents waking could be heard, and they trudged into the room Kagome had her arms wrapped around one of InuYasha's. The look on his father's face told him that the morning wasn't going to be a pleasant one like he had hopped. A few minutes later Akina slid open the door, pulling her hair back up into a ponytail with a meek smile on her face.

Kagome rushed over before InuYasha had time to growl. She grabbed Akina by the arm and started leading her out of the hut. "Come on, Akina. I think we need to leave those two alone for a few minutes." She smiled sweetly as they left, giving her mate a warning glare before disappearing out the door completely.

Makoto gulped at the thought of being alone with his Oyaji, but InuYasha's intense gaze was directed to the closed door instead of his son. They stood in awkward silence before it was finally broken by InuYasha. "What do you think you are doing, Makoto?" his voice was stern, and his eyes never left the door.

Makoto's ears lowered and he had to suppress a submissive whine that was creeping up his throat. "Oyaji…I…I don't know what you're talking about. Akina and I, we're together now. I don't know how it happened…it just did. I don't see the problem there."

"The problem is, pup, that you don't know her." He used the term 'pup' to make sure Makoto knew his place and remained submissive.

"But we've known each other since…"

"I think I know how long you've known each other." InuYasha cut in. "I said you don't know her. There's a difference." He sat on the floor cross-legged and motioned for Makoto to do the same. "I know how you feel, Makoto. The first person to come along who accepts you entirely in that way and you're practically licking their feet. Keh. You don't know Akina like you think you do."

"Yes I do! I know her Oyaji, and she knows me! You may have had problems with betrayal in the past, but that doesn't mean I will. I'm not stupid enough to fall for some parlor trick." Makoto gulped. He had defiantly gone way too far this time. He watched his father's eyes gleam with anger, then close as he released a heavy sigh.

"For your sake, I hope you're right, pup. But I am warning you, you better have get to know her better before you go off and do something rash."

"Aha! This is about Shippou making Tani his mate, isn't it?"

"Oi, this has nothing to do with them and all to do with you and that mangy wolf's daughter!"

"Then it's about Kouga. You're putting pressure on me about Akina because she's Kouga's daughter, aren't you?"

"Keh! I wasn't even thinking that, but now that you mention it that's another downside. I'm telling you, Makoto, be careful. Kagome and I talked this through, and she sees no reason not to let you carry on for the time being. But, if I see fit, I will interfere." InuYasha stood and turned his back, signaling there would be no further argument in the case. Makoto huffed and ran out of the hut to find Akina and his Okaa.

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Kagome and Akina walked along the well-worn path from her hut down toward the village. The she-wolf looked slightly downcast and followed silently. "Akina, I want to talk to you about Makoto."

Akina swallowed hard. She knew this conversation was going to pop up. "I know you and Okaa-san has talked about…me, but things are different now. Makoto's different from the rest. He's not snooty, and constantly pestering me about being the fourth in line in the tribe, and stupid things like the males in my tribe. He likes me. We've known each other since forever."

Kagome sighed. "I know that, and I know how easy it is to find comfort in someone familiar, but that doesn't make you two right for each other. To be honest, I think you're moving too fast for the both of you. I don't mind the two of you dating, but I will mind if you don't intend to back up your emotions with actual feelings."

Akina nodded knowingly and gave a bright smile. "I will Kagome-sama." A few minutes later Makoto bounded up, taking Akina around the waist and pulling her against him. She giggled and waved as she was carried down the rest of the path by the hanyou. InuYasha walked up to Kagome, placing one hand on the small of her back as they walked. They both knew what the other was thinking, and hoping. Kagome had talked with a frantic Ayame months before. Akina had always flaunted her beauty to the males in the tribe, and as the princess with the body she had, she had every right to do so. But now she was older, and it was time to get serious about finding a mate. Within a wolf tribe it is vital for the higher ranks to find their mate before the lower rakes. Akina was next in line, and had her choice of a wide range of suitors.

She had talked to Ayame about her choice, and the two seemed very happy together, but the day before she was to announce her decision Akina had gone missing, and when she returned she had the scent of another one of the tribe males all over her. Though they hadn't mated, Kouga and Kigai had been furious with her, as well had her mother. She had stated that her first choice wasn't the right one, and she had changed her mind. Ryuichi, the pack member she was promised to, had turned his back to her in a show of disgrace. Kouga had been even more furious at the gesture, but knew they young male had every right to the action. Ryuichi was just the beginning of their troubles. After him there was his brother Shoichi, then Takai, Zinan, Yasuo, and even Taku who was a member of an ally tribe.

Ayame had come to consol her feelings with Kagome, and ask for her help in what to do with her wild daughter. Sadly though, Kagome could find no answers. It was after that Kouga decided to restrict who Ayame was allowed see. His second in line, Kigai, had agreed to his father's plan and guarded his twin sister closely. Kagome knew she probably wouldn't have the heart to do something like that to her own child, but from the stories she had been told by Ayame, Akina was hurting herself a lot worse. Most of the males in her tribe would even look at her, with the exception of Yasuo who still seemed to love her, and her father and brother. Now Akina was telling Kagome she had changed, and her son was different from all the wolf-youkai she had dated. Kagome didn't doubt that, but what she did doubt was the commitment the two had with each other. She and InuYasha knew a thing or two about trust and betrayal, and despite their best efforts Makoto was going to have to figure that out for himself the hard way.

"Did you talk to her?" InuYasha spoke up, breaking the silence.

"Yes. She said exactly what we thought she would."

"You think the she-wolf isn't lying?"

Kagome sighed. "I hope she's not. Maybe she really has changed. Being watched 24/7 like she has for the past few months could have done the job. What about Makoto? Did he listen to you?"

"Keh. Of course not. He's as stubborn as an Ox-youkai stuck in the mud on a hot day. As long as the heats not on him, he ain't budgin."

"He gets that after you, Oyaji."

"Oi, you calling me stubborn, wench!" his tone had a hint of hurt, but his cocked grin told Kagome he was only half serious.

"InuYasha, you had a hole in the middle of your stomach but kept fighting saying that it was 'only a scratch'. I think that counts as stubborn." She kissed her hanyou on the cheek, purposely patting his belly where the hole had been.

"Keh. That was just a scratch. Compared to some of the things you've put me through, I'd rather have the hole."

Kagome elbowed her mate in the stomach, receiving an 'ooof!' in response. "That can be arranged, baka."

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Makoto grabbed Akina's wrist and pulled her into a kiss. She giggled against his lips and pulled away, slipping her hands into his. Her smile was beaming into the hanyou's eyes. All morning they had spent talking under the watchful eye of Goshinboku about when they were kids growing up and about the things that had changed. To Makoto, it had been the best morning of his life and he intended on having many more of these mornings to come. He nuzzled his nose on her neck felt her pulse through his lips.

"How is this ever going to work, Makoto?" Akina sighed and leaned against the hanyou.

"How is what going to work?"

"My den is a day's travel from here. I have to go back, eventually, and you have to stay here. I…I don't think this will work."

"Sure it will. I could stay at your den for awhile, and you can stay here sometimes. It'll work out." He nuzzled her hair. "We can work it out."

"I guess so." She replied, her voice a little lighter. The two walked at the edge of the forest until Akina caught a familiar scent in the air. "Makoto, it's Kigai."

Makoto had just enough time to catch the scent for himself as the wolf-youkai whirlwind stopped in front of the two, the dust settling to reveal the wolf prince Kigai. The wolf stood as prideful as his father, his red hair cut short and green eyes glaring at his twin sister. Akina moved back and hid herself behind Makoto. "Akina, get over here!" his voice was steady and commanding. Slowly Akina sidestepped out from behind the hanyou but made no move toward her brother. "Akina, I said over here, now!"

"Kigai, I…"

"No! No excuses this time. Otou-san is furious and you better be glad that I volunteered to drag you back to the den instead of letting him come after you himself." His features softened as he looked to Makoto. "Sorry about this Makoto. We've been having a few problems with her lately and she's not supposed to leave the den alone." Makoto defensively stepped back in front of Akina. The wolf-youkai cocked his brow in confusion, and then looked back at Akina. "Please tell me you didn't drag him into your little game as well. Akina, you have to stop all this!"

"I'm not dragging him into anything, Kigai! This…this is real. I like Makoto, I really do, and…and…we're staying together."

Kigai sighed and looked back to the hanyou. "Makoto?"

"I'm not leaving her, Kigai. Maybe there were a few problems before, but I love her. I'm not going to let you separate us."

Kigai shook his head. Moments passed before he finally spoke. "Alright, Akina. I'll give you and Makoto a shot. Otou-san isn't going to be happy with this, so you better be telling me the truth."

Akina smiled and threw herself into her brothers arms. "Thank you Aniki! (older brother, one's senior)"

"Just don't make me regret this Imouto (younger sister). And you," he looked to Makoto, "I better be able to trust you, too. Otou-san will have no problems with hunting you down if you hurt her."

Makoto nodded wrapping his arms around Akina and pulling her close.

A/N:

Okay, for my guy readers, if there are any, you're probably no really happy about my one-shots. Sorry, but it kinda helps you if you plan on reading the upcoming sequel. Comments and critics are welcome, just no flames please. I don't like getting burned.