Chapter Twenty-Seven

The Choice

The silence inside the forest calmed him, though he could still feel his heart pounding.

Inuyasha leaned his back against the trunk of a tree, letting out a long sigh.

He knew he had fled like a coward but he had been left with no choice.

Kagome's scent had changed in the middle of that kiss, filling the air with a spicy note. She had been aroused, and he had noticed.

His own reaction had been what had frightened him. Inuyasha had growled softly, lunging at her and devouring her lips.

But his body seemed to think for itself and the kisses weren't enough. He wanted more.

Inuyasha sighed, looking up at the sky and shaking his head.

That human was going to be his undoing.

He could no longer deny it, no matter how much he wanted to. The same thing that happened to his father was now happening to him.

He was in love with her.

Inuyasha gritted his teeth, clenching both hands until he dug his nails into his palms.

He had never felt so lost as he did at that moment, and there was only one person who could help him clear his doubts.

He ran through the trees in a westerly direction, dodging every demon he came across and huffing when he saw the palace gates.

After passing through them he walked through the gardens, searching for his brother with his gaze.

It wasn't long before he found him floating in the air above the training grounds. He loved watching the development of his future soldiers too much.

"Sesshomaru."

It was barely a whisper, but the demon had a very good ear just like him.

Sesshomaru turned his head and sighed at the sight of him, levitating in his direction until he landed a few feet away from him. Inuyasha jammed his hands into his sleeves, dodging his gaze.

"Can we talk?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his brother raise his brow in surprise.

"Why don't you talk to the fox?"

Inuyasha snorted, rolling his eyes.

"He's too young for this conversation."

Sesshomaru nodded and advanced to the steps. The two made their way up to the front door of the palace, walking through the halls until they reached his study.

Once inside, Inuyasha sat down in one of the chairs and sighed.

Time to come clean.

"I've been with Kagome today."

"I know," Sesshomaru muttered, wrinkling his nose. "You smell like her again."

Inuyasha brought his hands to his head, plunging them into his white locks and tugging desperately.

"I don't... I don't know what to do, Sesshomaru," he admitted under his breath.

The demon watched him for a moment in silence.

"I guess ending her life is no longer an option."

Inuyasha glanced up, his golden eyes boring into his brother's as a deep growl filled with rage sounded in his chest.

The yōkai rolled his eyes, resting both hands on his desk.

"There's only one question left, then. Do you want her to be your mate?"

"She already is, technically," he replied, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Not until the bond is complete," Sesshomaru reminded him, raising an eyebrow. "You can still refuse her."

His heart shrank at the thought.

"I'm not going to do that," Inuyasha said in a deep voice, lifting his chin. "I am in love with her."

His half-brother's reaction was what he expected. His face darkened and a scarlet glow appeared in his irises.

"Yōkai don't fall in love."

Inuyasha knew he was playing with fire, but he needed to tell him everything and get his opinion. He ran his tongue over his teeth, narrowing his eyes.

"Father did."

That only served to worsen Sesshomaru's bad mood. He closed one of his hands, leaving long grooves on the wooden table with his claws.

"He was weak, and you are stupid," he hissed with contempt. "You're making the same mistakes he did."

Inuyasha bared his fangs at him, jumping to his feet.

"I have something he didn't have."

Sesshomaru stood impassively, waiting for him to continue.

"I can get out of the forest," Inuyasha added, flashing him a smirk.

Crossing the barrier was becoming increasingly painful for him, though that was something his brother would never know.

"It doesn't do you much good," the demon replied, clicking his tongue. "Humans can't see you or they'll know what you are."

Inuyasha shook his head, lowering his gaze.

He was right. There was only one day a month when he didn't need to hide from them.

"And what about the human girl, Inuyasha?" his brother asked with a frown. "What will happen when everyone who knows her notices that she doesn't age?"

Inuyasha clenched his jaw, looking back into his eyes.

Their lives would be connected once she was his mate and the bond was complete, lengthening hers and making them both live the same years.

Kagome could only remain in the human world for a few more years. Then she would have to leave it and say goodbye to her family, or she risked everyone discovering her secret.

But, if they didn't complete it, she would remain a normal human and Inuyasha could enjoy her company for sixty or even seventy years if he was lucky.

Watching her grow old would be too painful, though, and he didn't know if he could bear to be alone again once Kagome died.

"I hope you're not an idiot like Father and seal the bond," Sesshomaru growled, guessing his thoughts. "Eventually she will have to come to the forest and that will put you both in danger. You're going to make history repeat itself."

He shot a hateful glare at his brother, who stood up and moved to his side. Sesshomaru sighed, relaxing his expression.

"I don't want you to end up like our father," he murmured, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Inuyasha stared at him in surprise. It was unusual for Sesshomaru to be affectionate.

"I won't," he assured him, nodding. "I'll figure something out."

"Good luck," the yōkai whispered, pursing his lips.

He looked him in the eye one last time before opening the door and leaving him alone in the huge study.

Inuyasha shook his head, snorting through his nose. He still felt very confused, but at least he knew what he had to do.

Complete the bond with Kagome...

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead on the wall, feeling his cheeks burn.

He didn't know if that was a real option. He would have to talk to her first, tell her the whole truth... and he had never been good at expressing his feelings.

He hadn't considered doing so until he met her.

Inuyasha squared his shoulders, leaning his back against the wall as he looked around his older brother's study. His gaze fell on one of the bookshelves and he smirked as he read the names of the books.

At least that was going to be a lot easier than he thought.

The next day, Kagome had a new message on her phone when she checked it after work.

I have something for you

She frowned, considering whether or not to reply. She was still a little hurt by the way he had left, just when they were kissing in a very different way than before.

Kagome let out a long snort and held the phone out to Sara, who was walking beside her.

"Will it be another gift?" she asked, shrugging one of her shoulders.

The sun had already begun to set, though it was still a couple of hours before it hid behind Tokyo's skyscrapers.

"Or the book he told me about," Kagome grunted, shaking her head as she looked up at the sky. "But I don't know if I want to see him right now."

Her friend sighed, rolling her eyes.

"He ran away from me, Sara! And he left me there..." Kagome clutched her handbag tighter and sighed. "I just don't understand."

Sara patted her shoulder gently.

"I'm sure he has a good explanation."

She twisted her lips, giving her a look of disbelief that made Sara laugh.

"He's a demon, Kagome."

"Half demon," she corrected, snorting. "He's also half human."

Sara bumped her shoulder against hers, smiling at her.

"You told me he's always been alone, didn't you?"

"More or less."

"And this is the first time he's ever fancied someone."

Kagome folded her arms, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

Her friend was right but she still felt she should stay mad at him.

"He must be so confused, the poor thing," Sara mumbled, glancing sideways at her.

"You always take his side," Kagome muttered under her breath.

"He saved my life. I think he's earned my support," Sara said, laughing softly. "I still want to talk to him," she added as she paused.

Kagome nodded, wrapping her arms around her.

"I'll tell him."

Sara gave her a big smile before turning the corner.

"I'll see you tomorrow!"

Kagome walked up the steps of the shrine, smiling brightly. Her friend always managed to cheer her up, no matter what her problem was.

Her smile faltered when she saw the sacred tree. She scanned its branches with her gaze, sighing as she found nothing red hidden among them.

She could feel his presence. Inuyasha was very close, but he didn't seem to want to come out of hiding.

She shrugged and opened the door to the house, leaving her shoes by the entrance.

Her mother smiled as she entered the living room.

"Hi, sweetie. Are you tired?"

Kagome kissed her cheek and nodded.

"Quite."

"Well, they are also sleeping and won't bother you now," the woman replied, pointing to the couch with her chin.

A smile spread across Kagome's face as she saw her grandfather and brother sound asleep.

After saying goodbye to her mother, she went upstairs and pulled a pair of pyjamas out of one of her drawers. The warm water soothed her nerves and, once she re-entered her room, she was so relaxed that she didn't notice someone sitting on her bed.

"Hello."

Kagome gasped, stepping back and holding a hand to her chest.

"How long have you been there?"

Inuyasha's eyes flickered between hers.

"I came in while you were taking a shower."

Once her heartbeat returned to normal, Kagome turned her back to him and put her clothes away in the wardrobe without paying him any attention.

"You're angry," he commented quietly.

She closed the drawer, facing him and folding her arms.

"How would you be if I kissed you like that and then ran away?"

His dark eyebrows shot up, hiding behind his hair. Kagome looked down, embarrassed by what she had just unwittingly confessed.

She heard him sigh.

"It wasn't something you did, Kagome. Believe me, I really didn't want to leave."

"So?" she asked, giving him a dark look again.

Inuyasha pointed to the bed and she rolled her eyes, getting closer and sitting down next to him.

"You see... I can smell emotions," the demon muttered, dodging her gaze and tracing symbols on the bedspread with his finger.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Really?"

If he wasn't lying that was going to be a big problem, because she wasn't very good at controlling her emotions.

Especially when they were related to the silver-haired, golden-eyed guy she had so close.

Inuyasha nodded.

"It's a very subtle scent with demons, though I can detect them too. It is much easier with humans."

Kagome felt her body freeze as he looked into her eyes.

"For example, I know you're nervous now."

Inuyasha opened his red jacket, pulled out something from inside and laid it on the mattress.

Her eyes widened as she read the title of the book.

"It explains quite well what the priestesses did. It will probably help you understand your powers better," he added, pushing it towards her.

Kagome took the book, placing it in her lap. She swallowed and looked up, deciding to be brave.

"What did you smell yesterday, Inuyasha?"

He blinked.

"Desire."

Kagome felt all the air rush out of her lungs.

The fire that burned under her skin every time Inuyasha kissed her was getting worse, and the previous afternoon it had been as if the flames were going all the way down to her belly.

And, as a doctor, she knew what that meant.

Inuyasha continued speaking, staring at a spot behind her.

"Your scent changed, and I felt myself getting out of control. It reminded me a little of the day I did this to you," he murmured, tracing the small scar on her neck with his fingers and making Kagome's breath hitch. "And that scared me."

Inuyasha sighed, lowering his hand again.

"I can't lose control again if you're around, Kagome."

She cleared her throat, trying to organise her thoughts.

"You said you wouldn't hurt me if you transformed."

"That's not what I'm talking about," he said, rolling his eyes. "I'm stronger than you and, if I'm not careful, I could hurt you without realising it."

Kagome narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not that weak."

"You think so?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

He stood up and held one of the pencils on her desk between his fingers. Kagome frowned as she saw him clench his fist. When he opened it again, there were only splinters.

Inuyasha set the small pieces of wood down on the table, looking into her eyes.

"This is my first time dealing with humans, Kagome. I've only had a close relationship with two yōkai so far, and to hurt them I'd have to use all my strength," he explained, sighing as he sat down next to her again. "But with you... one slip-up and I could regret it for the rest of my life."

Kagome smiled in understanding. He was worried about her.

"You've always been so gentle with me, Inuyasha. Even when you were supposed to hate me."

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Keh, I didn't hate you. I just saw you as a problem."

"And not anymore?" she asked mockingly.

Her smile faded when she saw the seriousness on his face.

"No," Inuyasha growled, and his ears twitched. "Now I want to be with you."

Her heart fluttered at his words. Kagome threw herself into his arms, grinning as he wrapped them around her. She rested her head on his shoulder and looked up.

"Sara and Sango want to meet you."

There was no reaction except for a slight twitch in his right eye. Kagome took a deep breath and decided to try again.

"This Saturday they're having lunch here... You could come too. My family won't be here."

Inuyasha shook his head.

"I don't know if that's a good idea."

"My friends know what you are," she murmured, running her fingers along the curve of his jaw. "They're not going to judge you. They just want to meet the guy I've been..."

She hesitated, lowering her hand until it rested on his chest.

"The guy you've been seeing?" Inuyasha finished for her. "Is that what humans call this?"

"I suppose so," she admitted, blushing.

"Your mother said another word."

'Shit. He did hear us.'

Kagome groaned under her breath and hid her face in his chest. She felt it vibrate with his laughter as he ran his claws through her hair, sending shivers down her spine.

He seemed to feel the need to touch her, too, just like she did.

"Explain it to me," Inuyasha asked in a whisper.

"Do you know how to do this from watching my friends, too?" she asked curiously, holding back a sigh as his fingers brushed the back of her neck.

Inuyasha snorted.

"I saw you all lying under the big tree once, and Sara was doing this to you."

Kagome closed her eyes, moving her hands up to wrap around his neck and relaxing against him. She liked having her hair touched too much.

"When two people are in a serious relationship they're dating, and the boy is the boyfriend," she murmured against his clothing.

It was lucky he could hear her with his super ears.

"Your father and mother were dating?"

Kagome felt a twinge in her chest at the thought of her father.

"They were for a few years, and then they got married."

"Married?" Inuyasha asked, his fingers pausing.

She lifted her head and looked up at him, smiling at his confused face. She picked up her laptop and returned to the bed, placing it on her lap.

Inuyasha watched everything she was doing in silence, carefully following every key she pressed with his eyes.

"What is this?"

"It's called a computer, or a laptop. You can do a lot of things with it like typing or looking up information," she commented, clicking on one of the images she had just Googled and enlarging it. "Look, this is a wedding. It means you're committing yourself to be with this person forever and to be faithful to them."

Inuyasha looked down at the picture of the couple with a furrowed brow.

"Then it's kind of like being mates in my world. You can only be with her once the bond is complete," he said, glancing at her for a second before looking away to hide his blush. "You don't want anyone else."

If he kept saying things like that, Kagome suspected she was going to have a heart attack.

She sighed and took one of his hands in hers, tracing the outline of it with her fingers. She smiled as she felt Inuyasha relax under her touch.

"And what does it take to complete it?" she whispered.

His golden irises looked back up at her.

"The female must bear the mark of the male," his eyes lowered to her neck and Kagome nibbled on her lower lip, trying not to show her nerves. "And they also have to seal the bond with... with sex."

Her muscles tensed.

"Sex?"

Inuyasha nodded.

"The scent of the two of them mingles at that moment and they will remain as mates until one of them dies."

"Okay," Kagome blinked a few times, trying to come to terms with what she had just heard. "There's something I need to know, Inuyasha."

He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her question.

"Is the bond what makes us want to be together?"

The demon's face changed and his expression turned cold.

"Have you already forgotten that I wanted to kill you at first?" he muttered angrily.

Kagome shook her head, clasping his hands again, and he rolled his eyes.

"We both feel the urge to seek each other out but the bond doesn't influence the feelings," he added, intertwining their fingers and squeezing gently. "You're the one who changed my mind, Kagome."

A big smile spread across her face. She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his.

Maybe he hadn't realised it but, with what he was saying, Inuyasha had made it very clear that he had feelings for her and that he wanted her to be his mate.

And Kagome felt the same way. It was as if the two of them clicked on a very different level than human couples did, making everything so much more intense.

He broke the kiss, smiling as he heard her grunt of protest.

"Wait. There's something else."

Kagome opened her eyes, burying both hands in his long white hair.

"I'm listening."

"If you and I ever..." Inuyasha cleared his throat, averting his gaze to the wall uncomfortably. "Your life would be extended."

"What?"

"You'd live as long as I did."

His age was an issue that had been on her mind ever since he told her the truth, so she couldn't help but smile.

"So I wouldn't become a little old lady while you stay the same?"

"There's a downside, too," he warned her, furrowing his brow. "Everyone you know would keep getting older, but not you."

"Oh."

She felt so elated by everything she'd heard that she hadn't thought about it.

"And at some point, they'd notice that something strange is going on," Inuyasha added in a husky voice.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she imagined her brother growing older while she was still looking like she was twenty-two.

"You'll have to come to live with me eventually, Kagome," the demon murmured, letting out a long sigh. "It's the only way we can be together."

Kagome sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. She couldn't be with Inuyasha if he was going to stay young for centuries, but she couldn't give up her family either.

"No."

She stood up abruptly, pacing around her room as she thought. Looking back up at Inuyasha, she saw the pain on his face and reached up to stroke his cheek.

"There has to be another way," she whispered, holding his chin and forcing him to look into her eyes.

She closed the short distance between them and placed a kiss on his lips, feeling him relax again.

"If you think of anything, let me know. I'm all ears," Inuyasha mumbled as they parted, opening his eyes.

She glanced up at his two triangular ears with a smile and folded her arms.

"I could tell my family the truth."

"The truth?" the demon repeated, his face paling.

Kagome nodded, making a decision she knew was a risk but surely the right one.

"I think we should talk to my mother."