Disclaimer: Still waiting….
A/N: My apologies for the long wait. The chapters will begin to pick up pace from her, so keep a watchful eye on the characters. Plus, I've got a little surprise in here for you. Don't worry, you'll like it. Thanks for you guys' patience and for all the great reviews I've received so far. It's truly touching. –wipes watery eyes-
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Chapter 18- Little Surprises
Kagome snuggled closer to the warmth and soft rumbling. She cracked an eye just enough to look up at the hanyou next to her. The sunlight drifted in from the balcony doors making his silver locks glow in ethereal kind of light. His eyes were closed and a small smile played on his lips. She smiled too. Apparently he had slept straight through the night, not even realizing he'd turned back to his normal fuzzy-dog-eared state. She cuddled closer and the rumbling increased. A light blush tinted her cheeks as she recalled what they had done the night before. 'I hope he doesn't think less of me, because of that. I wouldn't have done that with anyone but him. I hope he knows that.' His arms tightened around her and she sighed. 'I think maybe he does.' She closed her eyes again and allowed his soothing rumble to consume her and lull her back toward the edges of sleep.
The rattle of the doorknob made her jump. Inu Yasha's eyes flew open and he growled, sensing her sudden upset.
"Kagome?" Iki's voice was muffled through the wooden door.
Kagome stiffened and Inu Yasha groaned, realizing he'd forgotten to unlock the door. Beside him Kagome began to sit up. He put a hand on her shoulder to keep her in place. He shook his head at her questioning look before rising from the bed. He made sure she was covered before moving to the door. Kagome sighed and tried to pretend she was sleeping while fighting the furious blush that wanted to consume her.
Inu Yasha opened the door. Iki blinked at him in surprise. "Inu Yasha? Why was the door locked?"
Inu Yasha was suddenly glad he hadn't allowed Kagome to answer the door. She was a terrible liar. He plastered on a bored expression. "I got up to get some water. I guess I pressed the lock somehow."
Iki regarded him for a moment before accepting his story. She glanced at Kagome, who was mostly buried under the covers. "Oh, okay. Well, I just wanted to let you two know breakfast was ready. Would you mind waking Kagome?" He nodded and allowed Iki to close the door.
He returned to Kagome. He could sense she was wide awake already. A devilish smirk crossed his lips. She squealed as he picked her up and tossed her over one shoulder. "Your mom says its time to get up, wench."
He nearly dropped her when the lingering scent that clung to her clothes from what had happened the night before struck him. He groaned softly as she pounded playfully on his back. "Put me down, Inu Yasha!"
He straightened his back and steeled his will as he strolled across the room to deposit her in the bathroom doorway. "Go shower."
Her playful smile faded slightly. "But mom said the food was ready…"
"You ain't eating while you smell like that."
Kagome's eyes widened slightly and then narrowed. "What are you saying? I stink?"
"I didn't mean it like that! I just meant you smell like…Feh, just shower okay."
Kagome blinked at the sudden tint that stole into his cheeks. She nodded. "O-okay." She hurried into the bathroom and closed the door softly.
Inu Yasha sank to the side of the bed with another soft groan, trying to keep his body from reacting to the heady scent that had somehow soaked right into his skin. 'Damn, she really has no idea what she does to me…'
&&&&
"We have our winner, folks!" The announcer didn't dare lay a hand on the man who'd won the expert level. Taro crossed his arms and raised his chin with an arrogant snort. He glared out of the corner of his eye at the group he'd spotted on his way into the water earlier. Most of them were ignoring him, but one pair of eyes in particular glared daggers at him. The golden current seemed to pierce his skin. He turned on his heel and stomped off.
"We'll hold the final round tomorrow! Hope to see all of you there!" The announcer chimed, relieved that the sallow man had left his side.
Taro flopped into the sand beside Shina, who was presently lounging in her fancy folding chair. She glanced up from the magazine she'd been reading. "Win again, did you?"
He snorted once more. "As if there was ever a doubt, there ain't one that could beat me."
Shina lifted an eyebrow and glanced down the beach at the group. She made a face and shot her cousin a cursory look. "I'll beat he can at least give you a run for your money. You did see what he did to Chi and Gyou."
"Whatever, Shina. I could clobber that scrawny piece of shit anytime, anywhere."
"Yeah, but you can't lay a hand on him while in the tournament. But, if you're up for some venting, I've got an idea that will take care of both your problem and mine…."
&&&&
"I've asked my friend to drop off my volley ball net." Ayume stuffed a handful of rice crackers into her mouth.
Beside her Eri, Yuka, and Kagome laughed. Kagome nudged Ayume with her elbow. "Is this the same friend you mentioned the other day?"
Ayume blushed. "Um, yeah." She glanced down at her watch. "He should be here any minute now. I should go to meet him." She rose and stretched.
"I'll go with you." Kagome started to stand. Inu Yasha stood beside her. She gave him a questioning look.
He smirked. "Like you're going anywhere without me."
"Oh, all right." Kagome picked up the beach bag that still contained Tetsusaiga.
Ayume waved a hand at her. "That's okay, really. I'll go get the net from him. You can stay here."
Eri giggled. "She just doesn't want you to see how cute he is."
"You've seen him?" Kagome asked.
"Yep, he's pretty cute. He's got green eyes, too. That's so unusual." Yuka mentioned.
"Oh," Kagome quirked an eyebrow at her friend. "Now, I've got to see him."
"Hey!" Inu Yasha bellowed.
Kagome chuckled, waving a hand to calm him. "I just need to approve of him, Inu Yasha. It's a girl's duty to approve of her friend's boyfriend."
"That never stopped you." Eri mumbled under her breath. Inu Yasha glanced at the girl, but Kagome didn't seem to hear.
"He's not my boyfriend! And there is nothing to approve!" Ayume fought the flush that colored her skin from top to bottom.
Kagome chuckled again as she took Ayume's arm. "Oh, calm down. You'll need help carrying the net and stuff back anyway." Kagome began to pull her away from the others. Inu Yasha trudged behind them in the sand, grumbling about wenches and approvals.
They made their way over the dunes and into the Blue Lagoon's parking lot, which was closer to their place on the beach. Ayume glanced back at her watch. "He's supposed to meet me here, but-" She was cut off by the sound of tires squealing as a black BMW flew into the drive. Despite herself, Ayume smiled. "That's him."
Inu Yasha moved closer to Kagome. She leaned toward him and lowered her voice. "Do you sense that?"
"Yeah, it's a youkai." He moved forward another step to place himself in front of Kagome.
The door to the car opened and Ayume ran around to greet the driver. When he finally stepped out, they could see he was tall with long red hair held back in a tie at the nape of his neck. He seemed to be slightly older than Ayume, in his early 20s. Inu Yasha sniffed the air and his eyes widened in shock. The young man turned and flashed brilliant emerald eyes on them. With a wistful smile he closed the door and stepped around the front of the car.
"Sh-Shippo?" Kagome peeked over Inu Yasha's shoulder, her eyes as round as saucers.
The kitsune smiled. "Nice to see you too."
Inu Yasha's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to speak, but Ayume broke in. "You two know each other?"
Kagome stepped out from behind Inu Yasha and smiled back at Shippo. Shippo's eyes sparkled. "Yeah, we're family."
Ayume looked confused. "I thought you said you were adopted?"
"I am." He flashed the girl a quick smile, before turning back to the vehicle. He popped the trunk and pulled out the volleyball net. "Ayume, would you mind taking this down to the beach. I'll carry the poles."
Ayume nodded and took the folded net. She gave him a curious look before walking off. Shippo pulled out the extendable poles and rested them on one shoulder while closing the trunk. He flashed the couple another grin as he approached them.
"So, you're Ayume's friend?" Kagome took another step forward. She eyed him curiously. She could still see his demon features but they were somehow distorted as if by some sort of cloaking spell.
"Yep. She mentioned something about having a friend that lived at a shrine, but she never said it was you." Shippo smiled and sniffed a little. He raised an eyebrow at Inu Yasha. "You know just rubbing your scent all over her isn't the same as marking her."
Inu Yasha growled despite the tinting of his cheeks. "Shut up, runt." He cracked his knuckles to emphasize his meaning. Shippo chuckled and leaned down to brush a chaste kiss on Kagome's cheek. This time Inu Yasha snarled and snatched Kagome away from him.
"Inu Yasha!" Kagome scolded. "It's just Shippo!"
"Yeah and he ain't some little fur ball any more." Inu Yasha glared at Shippo, whose chuckle escalated.
"You'll have to get used to that. Kagome is like my mother." Kagome blushed and he laughed again. "Come on, Ayume's waiting."
Inu Yasha continued to glare as he took Kagome's hand firmly but gently, pulling her along beside him. "So, what the hell are you doing here, anyway?"
Shippo glanced over his shoulder. "Ayume asked that I stop by and bring the volleyball net, what else?" He paused and slapped his hand against his forehead. "Hey, wait. Now I understand. You're here for that reunion thing, right?"
"Yeah," Kagome responded grudgingly.
Shippo laughed for the third time and continued on his way. "That's why she said to watch what I say today, because of you two."
Kagome blinked. "Who's 'she'?"
Shippo nearly tripped as he paused again to turn a red face to them. "Um, no one…Don't worry about it."
"Oh, really?" Inu Yasha smirked. "I say you know something you're not telling us."
Shippo paled. "Maybe, but it's nothing I can tell you."
"Why not?" Kagome asked reasonably.
"Because I promised I wouldn't." Shippo replied gaining a little of his composure.
"Promised who?" Inu Yasha demanded.
Shippo nearly growled in frustration. "I just promised, okay?"
"Damn it, Shippo. If it's something I should know then you better tell me before I beat it out of you." Inu Yasha warned.
"I promised you and Kagome I wouldn't say anything! Get it! I can't tell you!"
Inu Yasha's eyes widened in surprised. Kagome raised a placating hand. "Its okay, Shippo calm down. I understand."
"Huh?" Inu Yasha looked even more surprised.
"He can't tell us details about our future, Inu Yasha. It could disrupt the past and alter this future."
Inu Yasha blinked at her blankly. "Huh?"
Kagome smiled as she patted his shoulder. "Just trust me, okay? It's not a good idea."
His cheeks tinted slightly in embarrassment. "Feh."
Shippo laughed as he turned and strode off down the beach to find Ayume. Inu Yasha snorted as Kagome grabbed his hand and hurried after the kitsune. They found the three girls still sitting with Kitto and Yuka. Ayume was laughing as Sakura launched herself into her arms. Eri leaned over and whispered something in her ear and the girl turned bright red, before shyly glancing over her shoulder. Kagome followed her gaze and was surprised to see Shippo staring at Ayume in a completely unabashed way.
She nudged Inu Yasha with her elbow and nodded at the kitsune. He leaned closer to her and lowered his voice. "That's interesting, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I wonder what exactly their relationship is?"
Inu Yasha smirked, the idea of teasing the fox running rampant inside his head. Kagome pinned him with a dark look. He feigned innocence. "What?"
"No teasing Inu Yasha. You hate it when they do that to you, so don't do it to him." She informed him sternly.
"Feh, the brat has it coming after everything he's put me through."
She glared and he glowered back. Finally he snorted and folded his arms over his chest, sticking his nose in the air. Satisfied that he would leave it alone, she joined the other girls on the towels.
Sota came dashing across the sand. He paused long enough to glance at Shippo before darting to Kagome. "Mom says I can hang out with you guys, while she goes to the store."
Kagome made a face. "Well, I say you can't. Go find Gramps."
"He went with mom. Mom said I could stay here with you."
Kagome stood up and glared at the boy. "Sota-"
"Sota?" Shippo echoed, glancing at the boy.
Sota turned to look at the young man. "Yeah, who are you?"
"Sota, this is Shippo-"
"Shippo! But you said…mmmm" Kagome had shot forward and covered his mouth.
Her friends blinked in confusion as Sota struggled to break free of his sister's grip. Kagome flashed them a fake smile. "Hehe, don't mind him. He's lost his mind. Ow!" Kagome ripped her injured hand away from his mouth.
"What are you trying to do? Smother me!" Sota scampered away from her.
Inu Yasha growled as he shot forward and yanked the boy off the ground by the back of his shirt. Sota paled as the hanyou hauled the boy into the air until he was nose to nose with him. "Do that again, squirt, and you'll regret it." Sota broke out into a sheen of sweat that had nothing to do with the afternoon sun.
Kagome tugged on Inu Yasha's arm. "Inu Yasha, its okay, put him down."
Inu Yasha shot the boy one last warning look, before unceremoniously dropping him on his bottom in the sand. Still pale, Sota scurried over to sit between Ayume and Eri. Inu Yasha snatched Kagome's hand and scowled at the tiny red mark Sota had left in her palm. Kagome opened her mouth to protest, but gasped instead as his warm lips pressed against the minuscule wound. She felt the heat rise inside her like an unquenchable fire. He turned to gaze at her in wonderment as her scent spiked and nearly overwhelmed him. A flicker of something far deeper and more primal crossed his features.
She gazed back at him, a desire to tackle him right then and there crashed over her. The look in his golden eyes trapped her, made her heart clench, her knees tremble, and her breath catch in her throat. The sound of girls giggling broke her out of her daze. She ducked her head as she blushed feverishly. "Um, thanks."
"Feh." He glared past her at the giggling girls. He folded his arms and turned away so they couldn't see the reddening that swept his cheeks. It had been pure instinct to snatch her hand and inspect the 'wound'. Her reaction had nearly knocked him off his feet and had stirred his desire to scoop her up and run off. He groaned slightly. 'Her scent is so strong, I bet even Shippo can smell it.' He glanced over his shoulder at the youkai. Shippo caught the look and raised an eyebrow at Kagome. A low growl began in the back of his throat. 'That damn kit is about to get pounded.'
Shippo finally shook his head in dismay. "You two are pathetic." He leaned down and took the net from Ayume. "Come on and help me set this up. Those two will be a while." He told her.
"Feh!" Inu Yasha snorted.
Sota shot the hanyou a quick look and jumped up. "I'll help!" He grabbed the net and took off across the sand to a clear space closer to the dunes.
Shippo rolled his eyes and offered Ayume a hand. She blushed lightly but took it. He held it for a lingering moment before releasing it.
Inu Yasha snorted again. "Look who's calling who pathetic." Shippo paled slightly, but chose not to respond to the obvious ploy. Instead he headed for the place Sota had chosen to set up the net. Ayume glanced at Kagome and then hurried after Shippo.
Kagome had her hand pressed to her lips and was doing her best not to laugh. Inu Yasha stepped back to her side as Eri, Yuka, and Yuki began chattering in hushed tones. "What's so funny, wench?"
Kagome turned away from the others, so she was facing the rolling ocean. She couldn't suppress the chuckle that left her as she finally removed her hand from her mouth. "I think Shippo really likes her."
"Feh."
"Now, Inu Yasha, don't you be teasing him mercilessly. Think of how it feels when they tease us."
"Feh, that's exactly why I would tease him."
"Inu Yasha…"
The sound of a cell phone ringing and the accompanying bellow drew everyone's attention to Shippo. "Oh, hell no! You better not be! You're old man's going to skin you alive!" The kitsune held the phone away from him and scowled at it. "Don't give me that! And don't you dare bring her into this!" He groaned. "Fine. You owe me big time, runt! I ought to tell him, so you could get a good ass kicking! Hell, I think I'll do it myself! I told you not to bring her into this!" He growled. "Shut up, just shut up! You're digging your own grave, runt!" He sighed and ran a tired hand over his face. "Okay, okay. I'll be there in an hour. Don't complain or I'll leave you there and then you will have to explain it to him." He snapped the phone closed with a few more muffled curses.
Shippo glanced first at Inu Yasha and then at Ayume. He frowned. "I'm sorry, I got an emergency. I've got to go."
Ayume frowned as well. "Well, I would like to thank you for bringing over the net." Her brow furrowed thoughtfully. "There's a festival tomorrow on the main strip. Why don't you stop back by tomorrow afternoon and go with us. Eri, Yuka, and I will be leaving the next morning. We've got to get back and to get ready for school."
Shippo smiled. "Sure, I'll see you then." He glanced at Kagome and Inu Yasha. "See you guys later too. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." He laughed as Inu Yasha's face lit again with a red flush, before he headed off down the beach.
"Feh."
"Well, that was definitely interesting." Kagome commented.
Kitto stood and stretched. "Are you guys going to chat all day or are you going to play some ball?"
The group split into two teams. The first team contained Kagome, Inu Yasha, Sota and Ayume. The second contained Kitto, Yuki, Yuka and Eri. The toddlers busied themselves playing in the sand between the net and the dune, where their parents could keep a watchful eye on them.
Kagome scowled as once again the ball that had been sent over the net to her was smacked away. "You know, I would like to hit the ball every once in a while too." She folded her arms over her chest and glared at Inu Yasha, who hadn't let even one ball come anywhere near her.
"Feh." He snorted. It was pure habit and instinct that kept him running over and intercepting every ball that came close to her. His mind understood that it was just a game after all and that she was in no real danger, but he couldn't control the overwhelming urge to protect her even in this.
Eri hit the ball once more and it came over the net. Kagome prepared to intercept it and send it back to the other side. Once again the ball was sent back before she could even get close to it. She growled in frustration. "Inu Yasha, stop that!"
"Feh, stop growling at me, wench!"
Kagome let out a long suffering sigh. "Fine, if I'm not going to get to play, I'm going to sit with Kinshin and Sakura." She stomped off across the sand to sit with the toddlers, who were digging a hole to the center of the earth-or at least, that's what it looked like they were trying to do.
Sota snorted. "Oh, great, now look what you've done. The teams are uneven now."
"Feh, it's a stupid game anyway." Inu Yasha stomped off to plop down in the sand near Kagome. He didn't dare try to make eye contact with her. He could sense her frustration.
After a short discussion Eri switched sides and began playing on Sota and Ayume's team. Once the game had begun again, Inu Yasha chanced a glance at Kagome. She studiously avoided his gaze. He sighed. "It's instinct."
She slowly looked up at him. "What is?"
"Protecting you, it's instinct. I can't help it."
She sighed too. "I know. But I'm not in danger here. This is just for fun."
"My head knows that, but the rest of me won't listen." He frowned slightly and she just knew his ears were flattening under the bandana.
She scooted closer to him and slipped her fingers under the edge of the material to rub his ear. He tilted his head into her touch. "I understand. I wasn't really angry, just frustrated. Don't worry about, okay?"
With his eyes half closed he nodded. "I'm hungry." He mumbled.
She giggled. "Didn't you just eat half the snacks I brought down?"
"Feh, that wasn't a meal, wench. I want real food."
She giggled again. "All right, but we'll have to get something from one of the venders. Obviously mom was out of food because she went to the store." He whined softly as she withdrew her hand and called to her brother. "Sota!"
The boy shot Inu Yasha a quick look before he came to her. "What's up?"
"Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, a little."
"Come on then." Kagome stood and retrieved her bag. "Guys, we're going to get something to eat. See you later, okay?" The group called their goodbyes as Kagome took Inu Yasha's arm and they headed toward the venders lined along the walkway close to the hotels.
Sota sprinted ahead of them. "Look burritos!" He darted to the sole vender with Mexican food.
Kagome chuckled at her brother and leaned her head against Inu Yasha's shoulder as they followed him. "What's a 'bu-re-toe'?"
"Its meat and beans and cheese wrapped in a tortilla-that's like a flattened piece of dough." When he blinked at her blankly, Kagome shook her head. "Come to think of it, you probably wouldn't like them. They're spicy." She looked around at the other venders. Most were serving similar types of food of traditional finger-foods. "We could get something else. Grilled fish, rice balls, sweet dumplings…"
"Don't we eat that stuff enough when we're home?" Inu Yasha didn't look at her, so he didn't see the look of shock that passed her features.
Kagome felt a hundred butterflies take flight inside her. Hope blazed in her normally gentle brown eyes. "When 'we're' home?"
"Yeah." He glanced down at her and suddenly realized what he'd said. "Um, well…I mean…"
She placed a finger to his lips to quiet him, before he could say something stupid or worse take it back. "You're right. We do eat plenty of that when we're home."
He smiled softly, before looking away and gathering his courage. "You mean, you wouldn't mind living in my time…living with me?"
Her smile was just as soft as she lifted his chin to look at him. "Would I be with you now, if I didn't want those things?" His smile grew and he wrapped his arm around her to pull her firmly against his side. Kagome sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Besides," she mumbled so quietly he barely heard her, "wherever you are is home."
He stared down at her in wonderment. 'She never ceases to amaze me with her love.' He took a moment to bury his nose in her hair and drink in her scent, before placing a soft kiss to her brow. He drew attention slowly away from the angle curled against his side to the boy, who was busy babbling something that Inu Yasha didn't quite grasp.
As they moved up in the line, Kagome lifted her head to scour the menu for something that wouldn't be to overwhelming for Inu Yasha's senses. She frowned. The only thing that looked like it might be subtle enough was the fajitas. That you could pick your own toppings on and she could make sure they didn't put any peppers in it. The result would probably be mostly meat and cheese. But that was better than nothing. "Are you sure you want to try this? Most of this stuff is awfully spicy."
"Feh, you're the one always telling me I should try new things."
"Yeah, but I don't want you to hurt yourself."
"You can't hurt yourself with food, wench."
Kagome's eyes narrowed, though she chose not to respond. 'Oh, yes you can, baka. There're allergies and bacteria and nearly getting killed by your intended meal.' Instead she sighed. "Sota, did you decide what you want?"
"I already told you. I want burritos. Weren't you listening?" The boy scowled at his older sister. Inu Yasha shot the boy a cursory look that made him look away quickly.
"Yes, I heard that part. But, what kind of burritos?" Kagome was oblivious to the obvious tension between the two males.
"Um, beef. Three, please."
Kagome's eyebrows shot up. "Three! Sota, you're a pig."
He finally looked back up with a pout. "I am not. Mom says I'm growing."
She giggled lightly. "Yeah, well, you keep eating like that and you'll be growing out instead of up." Sota's pout was full blown now, with crossed arms and bottom lip trembling. Kagome took pity on him and ruffled his hair. "Go find us a bench, kiddo."
He shoved her hand away before stomping off while trying to fix his muffed hair. The line moved once more and they found themselves at the front. Kagome ordered Sota's burritos and fajitas for two, as well as three bottles of water. The group had finished off what had remained of Kagome's snacks earlier that day. Inu Yasha took the tray with the fajitas and the pre-prepared platter of condiments. Kagome carried the lighter tray with Sota's food.
Sota had found a picnic table off to the side of the main walkway. Kagome set his food in front of him and set to preparing her and Inu Yasha's fajitas. She set two tortillas out and began to fill them both. She was concentrating so hard on her task that she didn't catch the look Sota shot her hanyou.
"Are you mad at me, Inu Yasha?"
"Feh."
"You sure seem mad."
"Don't hurt Kagome again, squirt." Though his words were said with no true malice, it was a clear warning that Sota took to heart.
"Sorry." He poked at one of the burritos. He didn't like it all when Inu Yahsa-his hero- was angry with him. "But Kagome was trying to smother me."
"Feh, that ain't no excuse. Kagome would never hurt you."
Kagome finally looked up. "I was trying to keep your big trap shut. We didn't want the others to know Shippo was over five hundred years old."
"But you said Shippo was a little kid."
"The Shippo on the other side of the well is a little kid." Kagome was becoming frustrated at her brother.
"But-"
"How do you think they would react to know Shippo was a demon? You and I might think its cool but they certainly wouldn't." She began to fling more condiments onto the fajitas with less care, while she scowled across the table at her brother.
"But he didn't look like a demon to me."
Kagome idly rolled the tortilla while blinking at Sota. "Huh?"
"He just looked human to me. I mean he didn't have cool ears like Inu Yasha or anything."
Kagome felt Inu Yasha tug the fajita from her hand. "He didn't?" Suddenly alarm bells went off inside her head and she spun to grab for the fajita. "Inu Yasha, no!" It was too late. He had already taken a large bite of it. Guilt swarmed her as his eyes watered and he spit what was left of the un-chewed portion onto the ground. His face shot into flames as he stood suddenly coughing and trying to breath with his tongue hanging out. He grabbed one bottle while Kagome grabbed the other.
He downed the first bottle before he dared to speak. "Are you trying to kill me, wench!"
"No! It was an accident! I swear!" She'd realized too late that she'd slapped a jalapeno onto the fajita before rolling it up. Personally she didn't mind them. In fact she liked them on occasion. But she had never intended for him to get one. The guilt built inside her. 'Oh, he's going to hate me for this! How could I be so careless!' Kagome shoved the second bottle into his hands. "Here, drink this. I'll be right back."
"Hey, where do you think you're going!" Inu Yasha bellowed after Kagome's disappearing form.
A moment later, she reappeared with an ice-cream cone and offered it to him. "This'll help."
He scowled at the cone and crossed his arms. "No."
"What? Why?"
"That stuff makes my head hurt."
"If you don't eat it fast, it won't hurt. It'll numb your tongue at least." She blinked up at him pleadingly. He furrowed his brow. She was trying to make it up to him, even though he knew it had been an accident. He took the cone finally and she graced him with a timid smile. "I'm sorry."
He flopped back down and began eating the ice-cream. "Feh." He had to admit, his tongue was already feeling better.
&&&
Shina ambled across the sand to the little group that was playing volleyball. "Hi." She plastered on a large smile as the five people turned toward her. "Are you Kagome's fiends?"
Eri stepped forward. "Yes. How do you know Kagome?"
"Oh, she's my relative. My name's Shina. I'm glad to meet some of Kagome's friends. We're really close, you know."
"Oh, she never mentioned you." Ayume piped in.
Yuka snapped her fingers. "That's right! Kagome mentioned she was coming here for a reunion."
"Yes, exactly." Shina looked around as if searching for someone. "I thought I saw Kagome over here earlier."
"She had to take Inu Yasha and Sota to get something to eat." Eri snorted. "That man can't seem to do anything for himself."
Shina frowned. "Well, to tell you the truth. I don't like him much."
Kitto stiffened. "Oh, really, why?"
Shina spared the young man a glance before turning back to Eri. "Kagome was really depressed before you showed up. I don't think he's good for her." Shina smiled slightly. "I'm really glad you've shown up and taken her mind off him a bit. I hope you have something planned for all of you tomorrow, to keep the poor thing occupied."
Yuki opened her mouth, but Kitto cleared his throat to silence her. Yuka, however, didn't get the clue as she stepped up beside her classmate. "Well, we were planning on going to the festival tomorrow after the tournament is over. Both Kitto and Inu Yasha are participating."
Shina smiled. "Oh, really, I hadn't realized. I'm not much of a sports person myself. It's simply wonderful that you'll be going to the festival! I just know that will keep her occupied. Well, I better head in. Nice to meet you all." Shina waved as she turned away from them. An evil light lit her eyes. 'Perfect. The festival will be just perfect. Kagome, you'll regret the day you ever crossed paths with me.'
Kitto frowned at the retreating form of Shina Higurashi. His wife turned toward him. "What was that about?"
His frown deepened. "I don't trust her. You remember what I told you about Kagome's cousins." Yuki's eyes widened and she nodded, though she kept her mouth sagely shut.
Eri turned to the couple. "What are you talking about? She seemed nice enough to me."
"She was lying. Kagome hasn't been depressed since she got here." Kitto replied flatly.
"How do you know?" Yuka asked.
"Because we met her the day they arrived and the girl hasn't stopped smiling yet." Kitto looked over toward the dunes where Shina had disappeared and prayed that they hadn't made a terrible mistake in telling her their plans.
&&&&
A/N: Okay, before anyone asks, this is how Shippo appears to be only 21. Of course, some of this is based in my own theory, but here it goes. Shippo is a demon and Inu Yasha is a half demon, therefore Inu Yasha ages at half that of a demon. So, let's assume that demons age normally until they reach adolescence and for our instances we'll say adolescence is 13. This would be for survival purposes. The shorter time they're children, the more likely they'll survive through childhood. With me so far?
Now we know from the third movie that Inu Yasha is 200 years old, but for 50 of those years he was sealed to Goshinbuko, where he didn't age. So, in reality he's only 150. Keeping up? If we go by appearance as for IY current age, we could say he's 18 and Shippo in this fic is 3 years older than in the series-assume he's 9. And as I've mention Kagome is now 18, er, almost anyway. So, here's my formula.
150-13137 ; 18-135, thus 137/527.4 So, Inu Yasha ages 1 year for every 27.4 years that pass
27.4254.8 Shippo ages at twice IY rate, so he ages 1 year for every 54.8 years that pass
6 is his age in series +3 yrs since Kagome fell through the well +4 additional years to reach adolescence13
500-7 493; 493/54.88.9 +1321 Shippo
