Chapter Seventeen

 Goodnight Daddy

Inu Yasha fiddled with the pen in his fingers. A blank pad of paper sat in his lap. Where do you want to go?

Shippou stared blankly into a corner of the room. he hummed. I don't know.Any ideas? he asked and scribbled down, Places to go with Shippou'.

He paused. I saw a flyer. he said. I was out one day, and there was this flyer for some kind of carnival, or circus or something. It supposedly only comes around every ten years, because it travels the world. They got clowns and animals and candy and all this stuff and um, it looks fun... He said in a little kid manner. I would like to go there.

Inu yasha's face froze in thought. Oh yeah. He finally said. I heard of that. It came when I was little too. I never got to go though.So can we go? Shippou burst, his child like gleam returning spontaneously as it sometimes tends to do.

he exclaimed after a very short moment og thought. Shippou threw his arms around Inu Yasha's waist and held him as tight as his small arms could. Inu Yasha grinned and pat his head, scratching under the cat child's chin. Shippou purred softly and curled up against Inu Yasha's leg. I cant wait to go. We can do it this weekend, kay?

He didn't have a lot of money saved up. He had started saving money from an early age, but most of it had been spent on food or other necessities he had been deprived of. He supposed, that if Shippou went in his cat form, he could sneak by, and Inu Yasha could always find a way around whatever security there might be.

Shippou crawled on to his lap, and resumed his purring. Catch anything good lately? he asked, mostly for the sake of conversation, but just a little bit of him wanted to keep tabs on what the boy was eating. Softly, Inu Yasha pinched Shippous stomach. He would do this on occasion to see if the kitten was eating right. He knew that Shippou would starve to death, if only to save him from any extra stress, so Inu Yasha always checked to see that the child maintained his weight. He seemed so have the normal weight and amount of flabbage, for his size. He could only guess, because they didnt have a scale, but the boy seemed to be eating fine.

he stretched. I got a squirrel yesterday. He yawned. They taste pretty good. I was surprised.So I guess you wouldn't mind bringing me squirrel meat sometime? he joked.

Um, if you want it. I don't think you'd like squirrel. Shippou said, missing the sarcasm.

I was just kidding! Inu Yasha said. Anything you catch, you should eat yourself. He rubbed the child's head. I don't think I'd like squirrel. They're too cute and fluffy to eat. I think it would make me sick. He could feel himself half vomit at the thought of eating the cute fuzzy squirrels he always saw in the trees on his way to school. Besides, I've gotten so good at shoplifting that food hasn't really been an issue for me. He knew he probably shouldn't be talking about stealing to Shippou, but he needed to do it. Even if he didn't want to, stealing was a necessary thing.

Aside from the few times that his father gave him money to spend on food, which was not even that much money at all any ways, he was pretty much left to fend for himself. He sent a glare in the general direction of the other parts of the house, wishing ill upon that man.

He leant over and grabbed the cup noodles he had bought a while ago. He had orignally bought them because, in a weird way, they reminded him of Kagome, and that calmed him. Not to mention they make nice room fresheners. He sniffed the ramen scented air. He could only think how strange it was that he could smell the ramen through the plastic wrapping, and the added fact that the scent was strong enough to scent the entire room, which wasn't even that big any ways, but that's aside the point. He started to wonder why he had never eaten the Cup Noodles when he heard something in the kitchen.

The sound of breaking glass echoed through the house. someone cursed. He decided to stay in his room unless it was absolutely necessary to go outside. Broken glass never meant anything good in his house. In fact, it almost always resulted in some sort of scar. Speaking of glass, he needed to pick that glass off the bathroom floor. He hated cleaning.

He cautiously brought his hand up to his back and felt the small, almost unnoticeable scars that dwelled there. He knew he would never really be able to see them, but something startled him in the thought that they would never go away. His memories would always be right behind him, he thought. That metaphor scared him. He wanted his bad memories to go away, not stay with him.

He sighed and fell back on his bed, grabbing Shippou by the waist and hugging him to his chest. He felt kind of awkward when he did this but, Shippou seemed to enjoy it, and the kitten was always so warm and comforting. And when he purred it felt kind of neat. He had begun to feel a little more comfortable at his house since Shippou had begun to live with him. He was always there when he needed company. It was hard to feel alone when Shippou was there, even if Kagome was somewhere else. Shippou was good company. He scratched behind the small cat's ears, pleased at the resulting sound.

He closed his eyes. It was dark out, he decided sleep would be good. Inu Yasha? the kitten asked.

he replied softly.

You know when I met you for the first time, and I said you were my daddy?

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Umm ... kid? it sat on his lap and started purring like a kitten. So a cat demon are you? It looked up at him and smiled, nodding his head. "No offense or anything but who the hell are you? The kid took a seat on his lap.

I'm a Neko youkai! it said. My name is Shippou and you are my new daddy!What the? How the hell am I your dad? Inu Yasha asked in shock.

Because you saved me from the tree, remember and you brought me here, so you're my daddy now! it smiled as it jumped up onto InuYasha's shoulders and laced itself around his neck.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The memory came back pretty quickly. Remember? How could I forget? he said. That situation definitely qualified as weird in his book. And weird things are quite hard to forget.

Um, well... he paused and thought, At first I just wanted a home, or someone to be near, but, but now... He faced Inu Yasha. You... you're really like my daddy. He trailed off. Inu Yasha smiled at this but couldn't really find anything to say. He hugged Shippou tighter.

Inu Yasha said, considering what to say. I suppose if someday I do have a kid, I want him to be just like you. he said. He nodded, it was true. As far as kids go, Shippou was a pretty good one. Your real parents don't know what they're missing out on. he added.

Shippou didn't respond. They don't... do they? he said, and for the first time, he his voice sounded somewhat drained, lacking the usual excitement and enthusiasm he showed. He couldn't see his face but he could already tell that the kid was on the verge of tears. He had hit a little too close to home. I suppose they don't care either then. he said softly, this time his voice was much quiter than the first statement and he was pushing a whisper.

Inu Yasha said sadly. He never knew of happy times with his own father, and from what his father told him, his mother was dead. The only person that had truly loved him was dead, and the last person in the world that would treat him with decency was his own father. He found something about that ironrc Its their loss, you know that, right?I know. he said. He sniffled once. But... why don't they want me? He sat up on the futon. I mean... He sniffled twice in a row. Even if I'm not as big or strong as my brothers and sisters are, does that mean that I'm not worth their time? He sobbed softly.

Inu yasha said and sat up next to Shippou, thin bed sheets canopied over their heads. You are worth it, they just don't know how great you are. You don't have to be big or strong to do great things. He pulled the bed sheets over both of them, and formed a small tent, or teepee, whichever it could be described as. I mean, look at my dad. He's huge, but he's also a piece of shit, so, so much for that theory.

Shippou laughed. You're funny Inu Yasha.Funny? Tch, I wish. Funny to look at maybe. he admitted, a hint of bitterness cloaked by the good homur in his voice, little blurbs of childhood memories coming back to slap him in the face. His dog ears on his head swiveled around and then turned to Shippou.

Hey, we're in the same boat here. I got ears too. he said.

Sure you do know, but when you get older and stronger, you will be able to take on a full human form. I think cats are supposed to be masters of disguise and whatnot. he said. He realized this. Whenever Shippou would walk to him, the soft pitter patter of his feet couldn't be heard on their floors very often, even with Inu Yasha's enhanced senses. He definitely had the walk of a cat. So I guess I will be the only dog eared one left.Um, I never had dog ears to begin with. Well, just be glad you don't have tail. he told him, flicking the furry appendage to the side. Inu Yasha was silently thankful that tails did not run in his family. To imagine how he would have to disguise it ... And how would he ever wear pants?

That, that would be weird. Definitely weird. he said aloud and gave a small deep chuckle. He heard Shippou giggle in small squeaks. He had often wondered about Shippou's laugh. Cats, as a race, and demon ones, are not capable of laughter, in their human form included. Smiling as well, is something not often seen when in cat or demon form.

In the human form however, since humans lack the extra senses that a cat or dog would have, demon or not, the demon would smile on occasion to show joy or friendliness. But a smile in any other form would often be percieved as a form of aggressive behavior, making it even rarer to see a demon or cat smile. But, seeing as Shippou had been living with Inu yasha for so long, he figured that the kitten had picked up on his behavior of smiling, and now even laughter. Though he had to admit, it was a strange shrill kind of laughter that almost gave him chills.

Now, of course, Inu Yasha was half human, so his vocal cords were different than that of say a full demon or a humans, so whereas he could laugh, it usually accompanied a low growling sound and was deep in tone.

He grinned at Shippou, a small white fang poking over his lower lip. You feeling better? he asked.

he looked up at Inu Yasha and smiled, his cat ears pricking up. Inu Yasha ruffled his hair, knocking his ears from side to side.

Okay, go to sleep now, I have to wake up early tomorrow. We're running out of clean plates. he said, grumbling the last part. He lay back down on his bed kicking the sheets up so they fell on both of them. Night Shippou.

A comfortable silence befell them before Shippou whispered to a half-asleep Inu Yasha. If I die someday, I want to be reincarnated as your son, your real son. He paused and smiled before curling up closer to Inu Yasha's slender warm chest. Good night Daddy.What was that? he mumbled, wearily opening his eyelids half way.

Poof!

Author's Notes

So, any of you surprised? A lot of you thought that it would be an abuse scene or a part where Inu FINALLY kills his dad. But no. In fact, his dad doesn't even make an actual appearence in this chapter. Al he does is step on something or stub his toe! Haha! laughs And he makes this grunty-snort-moan of pain. Well, at least he gets hurt a little, even if it wasn't even Inu yasha who did it. shrugs I tricked you!

I.

I just had to put this chapter in here. A little Inu/Shippou cuddliness is nice. This is just a little part to show the feelings between the two of them. Shippou kind of looks up to him and admires him Inu Yasha. And Inu Yasha kind of thinks of Shippou as a son. I think it is quite cute. But also ironic as Inu Yasha, having to deal with the influence of his father and all, actually is quite offended and scared by anything male. And being a father figure is the last thing he would want. Though it does help to clear his jaded image of men. (Sure, shippou's just a kid but whatever. You get the picture.)

Smell.

I have finally decided on an ending for this story! I know exactly what it will be like. You guys are gonna HATE me. But you'll also love me. The ending is happy and warm, but sad and cold too. Eheh, you just have to read to find out. :P

Foreshadowing.

Subtle? Aren't I?

News

I plan on making a quiz on quizzila. 'Which AFILAW Character are You?' It'll be cool!

If you havent checked out the fanart from last chapter, do so now! (Thanks again Picken!) Someday I'll draw my OWN fanart.

I might update sooner now because I really want to start my next story! (Check out bio for details.)

I have e mail now. Its: Yashayasha90 (Take away spaces.) I love email. :wink wink wink:

Thanks for 500 reviews! I love you guys!

Review Responses

Snow Lepord- I love your pen name. Snow leopards kick ass. :smile: I have a stuffed one. Thanks for reviewing!

Blueunknown- Man! You drew me a picture:squeals: OHMYGOD! I LUUURVE YOU! I am so happy! Post it and tell me the link so I can see it and put da link on my story:MEGA glomp:

Suaru- Shit, I'm so sorry about that. I know what it feels like since one of my best friends in the world is (Or was) suicidal and depressed. I guess its one of those things you think wont happen to people near you, and when it does, you feel all surprised (AKA, Completely and totally terrified.) and whatnot. Though I'm glad they didn't succeed. I hope they feel better soon and that you feel better as well. :hug:

It's times like these, when you realize just how mortal you are, that you really come to think of the value of life. My cousin died in a car accident a year ago when she was 16, so I live every day like it could be my last. You just don't see things the same way after someone close to you comes that close to death, and like that too. Shit. I hope they get help and find a way to be happy living, and that you can feel better as well.

Keyo-Red Angel of Hope- :smiles: I love when people say things like that. One guy told me that he re reads the happy parts of my story when he is sad and that the really gruesome parts make him cry. (Almost. He's a guy, and as a race, they think it is effeminite to cry. :sighs: If only they knew. u.u) When my story strikes emotion in people it makes me feel quite proud of it, because that means that they are probably relating to the characters. Its a good thing. :smiles: And thanks for reviewing. You've been reading this story for quite a while, I think, so thanks for sticking it out the whole time. :smile:

PD and KGIM- The queen of writing? I am blushing very hard right now, by the way. And yea, Inu Yasha really has changed, but most of that is due to Kagome, I suppose. At the beggining he was very scared and very unconfidant.

InuYasha Master- :looks around nervously: I made a mistake! WAAH! I know I screwed up with the ages! And I'm sorry! But I hadn't thought of that when I started this fic. They share only a homeroom class all together because Miroku, despite his absent minded behavior is actually quite smart. In English at least. (Their first per. is English with Ms. Kikyo.) But the thing is, Miroku is around like, 13 ish and really close to fourteen whereas Inu Yasha is 15 and almost sixteen. (m gonna put his birthday in there, somewhere.) Sango is fourteen ans Kagome is fifteen.

Sango and Miroku ARE young, I know, but that's the thing. I mean, sure, Inu Yasha is two years older than Miroku about, but he is still a child. I guess I put them there to stress that point. Sorry about that though. But I really didn't want them to all be the same age. I guess I thought it would be boring. :shrug: whatever, don't work yourself over it too bad.

Just had a chai latte, I am happy. Please review! Luv ya all!