Part 2

Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi

Story and OCs © Me

When Inuyasha returned home with an exhausted Ichiro later that evening, the latter was tackled by his younger brother and sisters, all of them sobbing and asking him why he left home. Even Mamoru was quick to welcome him back home, running up and pawing at his legs, yowling as she begged to be held. Not long after that, Kagome came running out of the house and practically smothered her eldest son with kisses. Of course, she was concerned when she saw her husband all beat up, but at least his wounds were healing quickly since they were so minor.

When she asked what happened, all Inuyasha did was smile at her and say "It was something that needed to be done."

Kagome took one glance at Ichiro before she quietly sighed and nodded her head in understanding. Of course, she didn't spare Ichiro from a grounding: 2 weeks with extra chores. Ichiro didn't complain, however. He was too tired and he felt like he honestly deserved the punishment.

However, Kagome decided that on this night, they would at least let Ichiro know that he was welcome back home. She fixed him his favorite dinner: a nice, big hot pot with all the trimmings. As the family ate, Ichiro told his siblings about how he had spent 3 days in the forest, fighting off wild animals and trying to find his own shelter. It was certainly a harrowing tale, one that made his siblings stare at him in admiration as he recounted those days.

Soon, as the sun went down and the stars began to come out at night, the family soon began to retire to bed...all except for one.

Ichiro sat in his room, staring up at the full moon. He was tired, that much was true...and yet, even though his body was heavy with fatigue, he seemed to refuse to close his eyes, even as their lids drooped.

"Ichiro?"

Ichiro gasped quietly as he turned to see his father walk in...an almost knowing expression on his features.

"...Can't sleep, huh?" Inuyasha asked.

"...I wanna fall asleep," Ichiro began, "but...I'm afraid to."

"I understand," Inuyasha replied.

"...Dad," Ichiro spoke up. "I'm...I'm sorry I ran away...it's just that...when I remembered transforming and attacking Mom...I felt terrible." He soon wrapped his arms around himself. "I was afraid that if I transformed again...I might end up doing worse than just leaving a scar on her arm. Not just her...but Yamako...Sanka...Izayoi and Usagi...even Roku and Tsukihime...what if I turn on them, next?" He then grabbed at his head. "What if I...what if I...?!"

Inuyasha didn't miss the sound of his son's breaking voice. He sighed before he walked over to him...and gently pulled him into his arms, holding him close to his chest, just like how he used to when Ichiro was a child. He was a bit too big to sit in his lap, now, but it didn't stop Inuyasha from holding him.

"I know how you feel, pal," Inuyasha whispered. "Trust me."

Ichiro was quiet for a moment, swallowing thickly as he let his father embrace him.

"...You...you've been through this, too," he whispered. "Haven't you, Dad?"

"...Yeah...I have," Inuyasha replied. "Ichi...when I transformed for the first time...it was both exhilarating...and terrifying." He then raised his hand, slightly, extending his fingers. "I...I killed people with these claws of mine."

Ichiro's widened at that while Inuyasha momentarily bit his lip.

"...And I even hurt your mother," he added. "I felt awful, Ichiro...I honestly believed that I was a monster...and that I didn't deserve to be with your mother or my friends."

"...Then...why did you stay?" Ichiro asked. "Why did you stay, even though there was a chance that you could still transform around them?"

"Because your mother always helped me get through it," Inuyasha answered. "She made it easier for me to be able to fight off the transformations...even when there was a time that I thought that I lost her forever."

Ichiro glanced back at his father, who smiled at him.

"I know it's gonna be tough," Inuyasha said. "I know you still probably feel like you'd put us in danger...but Ichi...your mother and I are gonna help you. Your brother and sisters are still too young to understand, but we'll explain it to them someday...and hopefully, when you're older...you'll have better control over this thing."

"...You really think I can?" Ichiro asked.

"I don't think so," Inuyasha answered. "I know so."

A pause...but then Ichiro sniffled as he covered his eyes while his father kept holding him. Even as the salty scent of his tears came to Inuyasha's nose, he still held his son tightly, letting him know that he was there and that he wasn't going to let go.

Even though Ichiro was just a teenager...he was still a child. His child...and even though he couldn't protect him, always, he wasn't going to let his son down.

After a while, Ichiro finally calmed down, wiping his eyes of any tears.

"You okay, son?" Inuyasha asked.

"...Yeah...I think so," Ichiro replied, "except...I still can't sleep."

There was a brief pause before Inuyasha chuckled.

"I think I know what'll help," he said before he took his son by the hand.

XXX

"...It feels like he's 4 again."

This came from Kagome, who was lying on the futon while she held Izayoi in her arms while Inuyasha was holding Usagi...and right in between them was Ichiro, who snored softly as he rested his head on the pillow. Kagome chuckled warmly as she lightly stroked her son's hair and caressed his cheek, where she soon left a small but loving peck while Inuyasha smiled at her, being careful not to drop Usagi, who giggled at her oldest brother.

"...I remember when he was little," Kagome whispered. "He was so cute back then...and even though he tried to act brave, like you, at night, he'd get scared and come running in here with us." Her eyes softened...but there was a bit of sadness in them. "...You think he'll be okay, Inuyasha?"

"He will be," Inuyasha answered. "We just have to remind him that his family is looking out for him. Even if it's hard for us, we have to be able to be there for him."

"...You're right," Kagome agreed. "He's not alone in this...he never will be."

I decided to make a follow-up chapter to this story to show the aftermath of Ichiro coming home. :)

Review, please!