-Kitty
Chapter 21: Quiet
There was a metallic gnashing as the key was inserted and the bolt slid open. The room was dark and quiet and so the creak of the door cut deafeningly through the silence. The tall figure stood briefly in the doorway before stepping inside. A soft snap as the light flickered on, washing the empty space with a cozy yellow glow. A noisy clatter as the keys were dropped carelessly onto the table. With the barest of movement, a shoulder shrug deposited the newly gifted messenger bag to the floor, its contents crinkling. The door groaned again as it was shut and then, suddenly, the outside world vanished, blockaded by four walls and a gently pulsing ward hung upon his door.
With a sigh, he carefully lifted the charmed necklace over his head, the spell lifting away with the beads. He turned golden eyes to glance around the space.
His.
It wasn't a large space by any means, more like a closet than a proper apartment.
His.
The barest of furnishings occupied the studio, a plain end table, a couple thick blankets laid out in the corner for sleep. There was no true kitchen, only a small counter along the wall with an empty cubby intended for a microwave. The little alcove in the corner, protected by a sagging door that couldn't quite close all the way, served as the bathroom. His knees would graze the wall when he used the toilet. Kagome had informed him that they would be furniture shopping that weekend for the bare necessities but he simply couldn't fathom what she could mean. He had an apartment! His! What more could he want?
Inuyasha stretched his neck from side to side and stepped further into the studio, snagging several papers from the slumping bag on the floor. The sheets rustled as he gathered them up and he fidgeted with the stapled corner as his eyes skimmed the document once again.
His own solemn face stared back at him, the photograph taped into place in its little box.
Inuyasha Nishikara
A few boxes down.
The named individual of this form is a registered spirit and member of the International Society of Spirits and Gifted Humans (ISSGH).
And then a few more boxes down.
Sponsored by the Shikon Guardians Group.
And the truly remarkable piece.
Special Exemptions and Considerations:
On special recommendation by Kagome Higurashi, High Priestess, First Order, the named individual has been granted diplomatic immunity for all past and future unsanctioned spiritual disturbances. Any grievances must be made through ISSGH submission and handled within the ISSGH judiciary system for special exemptions. The named individual is granted full amnesty and under the special protection of the Shikon Guardians Group.
It was still breathtaking to read. His head spun at all the implications of the document. Complete forgiveness for any and all transgressions. The damages and injuries of his past could no longer haunt him.
Inuyasha sat heavily on his makeshift bed, running a hand through his hair to undo the fraying braid he'd worn to work that morning. The greasy dinner and several, several helpings of beer helped lull him into a strange, bewildered state of contentment, wanting to contemplate the unbelievable circumstances he'd come to find himself in. But a dominant portion of his brain seemed determined to face this bizarre new state as Kagome seemed to face all things in life, nonchalantly, with casual acceptance and a warm, gentle gratitude. With a relaxed sigh, he shifted until his long, lean body fell onto his side, bringing his nose deep into the loaned blanket she'd given him. It smelled like her. It smelled like safety. Dare he think it? It smelled like home.
Golden eyes flickered upward at the ceiling. It was a wonder that he could feel safe and free in a small cramped space like this. For years he'd told himself that he preferred sleeping under the stars, facing the elements and on his own. But this place, small, cramped, and decrepit, felt more secure, more liberating, and more welcoming than almost anywhere else he'd been, the only exception being Kagome's apartment.
Dimly outside, the quiet sounds of traffic slowly rumbled down the road. Doors creaked and floors squeaked around him in the surrounding apartments. Inside, the space, his space, was sleepily quiet, content, and warm. He stretched his legs, his ankles, his feet, enjoying the way his muscles groaned and sighed. His mind roamed, idly flitting from thought to thought, revelling in the luxury of lazily passing the evening in such a relaxed, satisfied state. He didn't realize he'd drifted off until the early morning light fell across his face and welcomed him into another new day, fresh and bright, and his for the taking.
…
A/N: a bit rushed but managed to find a quiet moment so i thought i'd eke out a chapter :P Wanted to say super super thankful for this aimless series of drabbles to be nominated for the feudal connection inuyasha fandom awards! If you're new here, welcome! Thanks for dropping by!
