After the Battle

Chapter 16:

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha...yet. I do however, own Hiroki! Yay, I finally own someone. This may be the happiest day of my life. 

Everyone around Kei was asleep. The night was thick and warm. She could almost feel the sweat rolling off her. She rested between her sleeping mother and father, trying to finally fall asleep. The events from that day were still fresh in her mind. She hadn't told anyone about Hiroki or the events of that day yet. Everyone thought it odd that she had found her way back, so she just told them that's why it took so long. She didn't know why she was keeping Hiroki to herself. Maybe it was the fact that Inuyasha had killed his father or that Hiroki's first intention was to kill her. Now he wanted to marry her though. She couldn't help liking him, even if he did creep her out a little. She sighed deeply and was about to close her eyes when she heard a voice.

"Kei-chan. You're awake." It was Hiroki. She sat up silently and looked around the perimeter of the campsite. She saw a humanlike outline with green glowing eyes staring at her.

"W-what do you want Hiroki?" She asked, not expecting to see him again so soon. He walked closer, and sat cross-legged next to her.

"You're beautiful. I snuck away from milady to see you." He said quietly, a smile tracing his face, "Want to come away with me?"

She looked around, wondering what she should say. Here was this odd boy again, this time asking her to sneak around in Feudal Japan with him. She didn't know what to say and would have said yes if someone didn't wake up.

"Who's there?" grunted Inuyasha from next to her, sitting up and looking around. Hiroki stood up, and went over to shake his hand.

"I, sir, am Hiroki, son of Jyn-Xian." He said calmly. Kei saw Inuyasha draw back slightly, and looked at Hiroki with contempt.

"You must be Inuyasha." He spoke again. "My father met his downfall by your hands. He never would have liked being killed by hanyou."

Kei could tell Inuyasha didn't know what to think.

"What are you doing here, Hiroki son of Jyn-Xian?" He asked harshly. Kei could almost see the distrust in his eyes. Hiroki just smiled smoothly and inched closer to Kei.

"I love your daughter, Inuyasha." He said as if it were basic knowledge. Inuyasha turned, and looked at Kei with his golden eyes.

Kikyou sat upon a cushion, Rayne the servant girl sitting next to her.

"Need anything, milady?" She asked quietly, holding a tray of fresh fruits and vegetables. Kikyou shook her head.

"You may leave now, Rayne. I have much to think about at the moment." She said, and watched Rayne bow and scamper outside to return to her home. Kikyou slumped against the wall, wondering where Hiroki had gone to. She knew he tried to sneak off, but she had been alerted by some of her lesser servants of his departure. Kikyou had been his caretaker for a few years now, and since he was nearing 18 he was beginning to be one of her main servants and friend. He was very loyal and outgoing, but he never really had interest in any of the many village girls who seemed to always be drooling all over him. Kikyou thought she would be able to grant him a favor of avenging his father by killing Inuyasha's child. She didn't really care for Inuyasha any longer. He was something of her past she would never revisit, even if a small lust for him burned secretly inside her. Hiroki had gone soft because the child was female, and instead was in love with her. Kikyou shook her head. Now Hiroki was probably somewhere at Kei's side instead of serving his lady. There would be punishment worthy of this transgression.

"Love... Kei?" Inuyasha squawked. This clearly was not what he had expected from Jyn-Xian's son.

"Yes, and I wish to wed her as soon as it is possible. I feel that if I am kept apart from her for any longer I shall surely perish." He whispered, his eyes now resting on Kei. She blushed, and smiled at Inuyasha. Sure, Hiroki was sweet, but did she necessarily want to marry him? She had only known him for a few hours and besides she had just turned 14... Inuyasha clearly didn't know how to reply. He turned crimson, and nodded.

"Erm, how about we talk in the morning?" He said, and pulled his blanket up over his face. Kei was left looking at Hiroki uncomfortably.

"You really want to marry me? Aren't we a little young for marriage?" She asked hesitantly as she ran a hand through her hair nervously.

"What are you talking about? I'm 17, a perfect age for marriage, if not a little old." Hiroki whispered, grabbing her hand in his and kissing it. "You are my perfect bride, it matters not how little I know you. I know that I love you and that's what is important."

"I'm only 14... " She stuttered. 17? That was young too. He would still be in high school if he lived in modern Tokyo, only he would be a senior and she a freshman.

"Fourteen is not too young. Sure, you could be a few years older, but why wait? You're able to bear children and you're very beautiful." He let go of her hand, this time caressing her face with his rough hands. She pulled away, confused.

"Bear children... but..."

She was saved having to reply, for suddenly he stood up.

"I'm sorry, my dear, but I must leave before milady becomes snippy. I shall see you again when I am able to. Until then, my lovely Kei. Wait for me." With that he shot off through the trees as silently as he had come. Kei watched after him, an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. How early did they marry in this time? Marriage and bearing children... the girls in this time sure had a lot more on their plates then she did now. She kind of wished that she had paid more attention during history now as she drifted back to sleep, making a mental note to ask Kagome in the morning.

a.n: Eh. That was kind of short. I still love Hiroki. I'm kind of making him out as rather weird and stalker like now, aren't I? Don't worry; he's not like a weird pervert man. Oh yeah, I'm also just assuming that in feudal Japan they married early... if I'm wrong I'm sorry! I think I'm right though... Hiroki is kind of a girl's name... isn't it? Hm, maybe I'm insane. Oh well. Please review! I'm desperate! Lol.