Almost a week had passed since they made it to Barton's farm and Kagome's heart felt lighter than it had since she came back to the future. Coming here really was a good idea. She knew that they were heading back tomorrow morning so she planned on making the most of her last day here. She had cut herself off from all of her trouble while she was here, so she hoped when she got back that they would have something for her. Maybe knowing where Koga was, or news on where Naraku was or what he had planned. Honestly, she would settle for anything at this point.
She made her way into the kitchen intent on making some daifuku. She had promised the kids she would make them some if they distracted Jaken for an hour or more for her. The little imp had practically become her shadow the past three days and she NEEDED a break. Don't get her wrong she truly and honestly appreciated everything he was doing for her. Before coming here, he was the only thing keeping her afloat in her depression. It was his incentive that brought her here in the first place. But he had been driving her even more insane than she already was. So, Clint's two kids had kidnapped Jaken for a game of friendly tackle tag. She had felt slightly bad for the old toad, but at the same time it was satisfying to see him suffering as well. Since they had upheld their end of the bargain, she would fulfil hers. She was blissfully Jaken-less at the moment as he was still asleep. She had made sure to be extra quiet as she exited her room this morning. This had been the first time in a long while she had woken up early and rested. Usually if she was up early it was because of a nightmare. Kirara was curled up on the kitchen table, simply content in watching at the moment, the sneaky feline knew she would get samples of her cooking. She always did.
Kagome started softly humming a song her and her mother used to sing together when they cooked. She was actually feeling really good this morning, almost like her old self. It was the first time she felt like herself in a long time so she was reveling in the moment. She hadn't had a nightmare last night, which had been a first since getting out of the asylum. Her apatite was back as she was munching on some apple slices as she prepped her daifuku. She had sent Clint out to get all of the ingredients last night. She handed a few smaller slices of apples to Kirara so she had something to munch on as well. Another bonus was she hadn't had any morning sickness which had been a first since that particular symptom started. Kagome was really hoping that it was finally stopping.
As Kagome moved to the fridge to get some ingredients she paused slightly, a small smile overtaking her face. On the fridge was a copy of Kagome's feudal family. The same picture she had showed Laura a week ago. Laura had promptly made a copy of the picture and stuck it to the fridge with a magnet, right next to the pictures of the rest of her family.
"There now we have the complete family on the fridge." Laura had stated proudly. That single statement had Kagome in tears, happy tears. Laura had laughed and pulled her into a hug. The next day the two women had spirited away to a quiet place and talked. They had left Clint in charge of his kids and Jaken for the day. Kagome had asked every possible question she could think of and Laura had patiently answered all of them. The two had instantly hit it off and in her mind, Kagome had already adopted the rest of Clint's family into her pack. After Kagome had exhausted her questions, they had simply talked getting to know each other.
Kagome had spent the rest of the week helping Laura cook, playing with the kids, and watching Clint work on his newest project. According to Laura he always had a new project, even though he always said each one would be his last. She had also spent many hours just being outside and enjoying nature. A happy smile stayed on her face as she started humming again. She was very content going through the familiar movements of making daifuku. Her and her mom used to make it together all of the time, it had actually been the first thing her mom taught her how to cook.
That was the scene Clint walked in on and it brought a genuine smile on his face. He had come to get himself a cup of coffee, but he was content to watch her a moment. He learned against the doorway and simply watched his sister hum happily as she moved about the kitchen. This was the calmest and most content he had seen her since their last catch up meeting. Which had been months ago at this point. After watching her almost dance around the kitchen for a few minutes he finally decided to announce his presence. He snuck up behind her and with a smirk on his face casually asked, "Need any help Gome?"
Kagome let out an 'eep' as she spun around, brandishing her spatula as a weapon. Once she realized who it was a resigned sigh came from her and she went back to stirring.
"Your definition of helping is simply eating everything in sight." She answered with a huff and a roll of her eyes. She skootched the bowl out of his reach and slapped his hand, "No keep your fingers away." She scolded.
Clint pouted but plopped down onto a kitchen chair as he watched his sister continue her work. He reached over and started petting Kirara. He smiled as she started purring, moving from petting her ear to her belly as she rolled over. Maybe he should get a pet again. He hadn't had the heart to get a new one since his dog Lucky died a few years ago. But as he ran his fingers though the cat's soft fur the want of a pet flitted through his mind. He gave a mental shrug, maybe he'll talk to Laura about it.
"What'cha making?" he asked.
"Daifuku. They are for Cooper and Lily. You know, your children? They are for distracting Jaken for me yesterday."
Clint's nose wrinkled in distaste, "Yeah what's his problem lately? He was fine when we first got here, not it's like he's expecting you to collapse at any moment." Then as if he realized what he had just said his eyes widened and he gave her a panicked look, "You're not going to are you?"
Kagome laughed lightly, but she was glad he couldn't see her face as she was sure she was wearing a guilty look, "No, I'm not going to collapse. He's just getting paranoid in his old age." She knew exactly why Jaken was shadowing her. he was getting anxious about her keeping the barrier up. While it wasn't painful to keep it up, she did notice that her energy drained a lot faster. She was tired a lot of the time, but relaxing outside helped to hide that fact. This was a new experience for her. Using her powers had never drained her like this before. Only when she had been fighting for a really long time or using a few powers that used up a lot on energy at once. She had promised Jaken that once they left and she dropped the barrier she wouldn't use her powers again until she had her baby. Well, unless it was an emergency which he was sure he understood.
He let out a sigh of relief, "Oh thank god, that is the last thing we need right now." Kagome hummed in agreement as she continued working.
When Laura finally came down to the kitchen she was met with a comical scene. Kagome was holding a tray filled with freshly made treats above her head as her husband tried vainly to reach the tray to take one. One of Kagome's hands held the tray while the other was pressed against Clint's chest, trying to keep him away. Kirara was on Clint's head as she leaned over and playfully batted at his nose. Jaken was pulling on one of Clint's legs with all his might, trying to het him away from Kagome.
Laura couldn't help it as a giggle left her, drawing the attention of everyone else, "I was unaware that I had four children."
Clint immediately stopped going for the treats, a grin on his face, "Didn't I tell you that when you married me, that it would be like taking care of a child forever."
Laura fondly shook her head before yelling up the stairs, "Children breakfast is ready." She turned back to Kagome, "Those smell really good Gome."
"Thanks Laura." Kagome said with a smile.
As the kids came down and smelled the breakfast smiles appeared on their faces. Cooper hopped onto his chair and immediately started digging in. Lila ran and gave Kagome a hug before following after her brother. Kagome laughed before sitting down herself, the rest following her.
Hours later Kagome watched as Clint approached, a serious look on his face. A worried Jaken was tailing him. Kagome put down the book she was reading and shared a look with Laura. All of the girls had gone outside to relax after breakfast while the boys worked on something in the house. Natasha had gotten called back into the house a few minutes ago, so with Clint coming out now meant bad news.
"What's wrong?" Kagome called out.
"Sorry Gome, but we've got to go. We just got a call from Steve. New York is being attacked and we're pretty sure it's your specialty. We got cut off and we can't get in contact with anyone, so we have to head back now. Nat's getting your things so quickly say your goodbyes. Sorry we got to cut things short here." Clint explained.
Kagome shook her head as she stood up, her blood starting to race at the thought of battle, "Don't apologize. If a demon is attacking then you'll need my help. Demons have many powers that you may not know how to deal with. While I won't be able to actively help with my condition, but I'll be able to advice you at least."
Jaken gave a nod of agreement, she would not be put on the frontlines. But even he had to admit the girl had a good tactical mind. He wouldn't have though so, first meeting her, but the more battles she participated in the better she gave battle advice to her pack. At the end she was the second-best strategist in their group. The only one better was Sesshomaru who was teaching his wife all he knew.
Clint looked uneasy, but nodded, "I'll help Nat grab the rest of the stuff and we'll meet you at the quinjet." He felt really bad dragging Kagome into the battle field, but she was the only one he knew that would know how to beat a demon. Which what had to be what was attacking New York. All he had gotten from Steve before they were cut off was that a child with powers and stronger than any child his age should be. While the kid could be a mutant, with circumstances as they were the odds were the kid was a demon.
Kagome turned and quickly pulled Laura and Lila into a group hug, "Thank you both so much for this week. You've made me feel like myself again and I really appreciate it."
"You're gunna come back and visit. Right Aunt Gome?" Lila asked with tears in her eyes.
"Of course, I will, don't you doubt that. It will have to be after my baby is born though so it'll be a while. But I will come back I promise." Kagome assured her.
Laura pulled her into a tight hug, "Be safe out there. Don't do anything reckless." She pulled back and gave a small smirk, "In other words don't do anything Clint would do." She said with a laugh.
Cooper came running out of the house and practically barreled into Kagome, "I don't want you to go." He cried out and held her tighter.
Kagome hugged him back and let out a light laugh, "I'll be back don't you worry. Plus, we can send letters if you want. Your dad will work as an in-between."
"Oh, I'll color you lots of pictures!" Lila said excitedly.
"Me too!" Cooper was quick to agree with his sister.
Kagome smiled softly, "I'd love that, both of you. Now I have to get going. We'll talk later okay. Whenever you talk to you dad just see if I'm around and I'll be happy to talk with you too."
Without another word, because she would be talking there forever if she continued, she started making her way to the quinjet. Jaken was following right behind her, both had serious expressions on their faces. They were going into battle once more. Kagome's blood raced at the thought of it as a dark gleam crossed her eyes. Maybe it was Naraku.
