Miracle
Chapter Eight
Battlefield.
Someone else was in love with him. The hot tears pricked at her eyes, but she refused for them to fall. She didn't want Inuyasha to see fresh tears or smell them forming. The knot in her throat was choking her and making her choke on the tears that wouldn't fall from her eyes. Kagome held on tighter to her ripped kimono as her shoulders sagged. She couldn't look away from Aiko even though her mind was shouting at her to do so, she couldn't. She never thought that this would happen, ever, but with her and Inuyasha's luck it was a possibility.
Inuyasha and Shippo soon stood in front of both women and sensed something that was wrong. Shippo looked at Aiko and then looked at Inuyasha then finally on Kagome and his gaze froze when his eyes landed on her beautiful horrified face. Inuyasha grew rapidly uneasy with Kagome's expression and the emotion pouring out of her. He took a step forward, but staggered when Shippo's voice filled the tense air, "Aiko how did you find us out here and why the hell are you out here?" Shippo knew he had to change the situation or something would happen, something that no one would like.
All of the attention was suddenly on Aiko and her eyes were suddenly serious, but Kagome could see the anxiety and embarrassment hiding behind her facade. Though she looked away when Inuyasha looked at her, and yet her voice was strong and confident, "I was with Aunt Noriko out in the fields and then she," Aiko's eyes traveled over to Kagome, "She couldn't sense the Shikon no Tama anymore." The air grew tense and Inuyasha was in front of her, inches from her face, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Aiko quickly looked at Inuyasha and for a brief moment her eyes saddened and then Aiko's eyes were on Kagome and her expression was hard not like the Aiko she first met in the clearing. Then it clicked, all the puzzle pieces were put. All of the air rushed out of Kagome's lungs; it was her fault. That's why there are so many demons in the area now. Why the giant wolf demon came and attacked out of nowhere. The Jewel was coming alive again, but why now? Kagome's hazel eyes grew wider as she realized the reason, it was because of her, and the Jewel somehow felt her presences. That's why the giant wolf demon took notice of her when she appeared on the battlefield. Why the wolf played with her, asking, pleading for something she didn't know she had.
"Oh…" that's all she could think of to say.
Kagome felt her heart stop as Aiko's eyes narrowed slightly at her words, but she quickly looked away. Inuyasha looked at Aiko and then at Kagome, her hand went up to find the scar and he was over to her in seconds stopping her hand before making contact with it, but it wasn't the scar Kagome was reaching for, it was her heart, the Jewel. Kagome licked her lips and looked away from Aiko to gaze at Inuyasha, his golden eyes worried and confused. His lips were slow as he whispered, "What?" She looked down, but Inuyasha's hands held her face and made her look at him. Kagome swallowed, tightened her grip on her kimono again, and before she could whisper Aiko answered instead, "The Shikon no Tama felt Kagome-sama when she returned to this world. The Shikon no Tama has found its rightful protector again and has returned to its protector so that it may not be removed," Kagome shivered at the comment, "The pull to the Shikon no Tama is stronger now that Kagome-sama is back that is why there are so many demons in the area now. The Shikon no Tama is responding to her presences. Every demon is going to come looking for it," Aiko stopped for a moment to look at Inuyasha and then looked away with pity and sympathy, "Every demon is going to be looking for Kagome-sama."
When Aiko didn't continue to speak the two demons were quiet and still, trying to make sense of everything that Aiko had said.
Kagome didn't know what Inuyasha's reaction would be to this, but it wasn't this. His eyes turned to stone and he froze in place with her face still cupped in his hands. She grabbed his arms and squeezed them hoping to distract him and get his mind off whatever it was on at the moment. She felt his chest rumble against hers as he growled in his throat and he dropped his hands down to her wrists and then held her hands tightly. His face was in a snarl and it frightened her, she moved forward trying to get his attention. His eyes were covered by his silver bangs and when she leaned toward him she bit back a gasp, his eyes had a tint of red to them. She realized he didn't want this, she realized what Shippo and Kasumi told her how Inuyasha didn't want to fight anymore, and all of it was true.
"Inuyasha." Kagome murmured slowly and she could see his eyes move slowly move over her face and she could see the red fading out of his eyes. Once more gold eyes were gazing at her, they looked at each other; his eyes were sorrowful, but determined. Kagome gave him a weak smile that he did not return, but he cupped her cheek and leaned his forehead on hers.
"I'll protect you this time, Kagome, don't worry," Inuyasha murmured, his voice deep and low as he made his promise. She gave him another small smile and said, "I know you will."
It was quiet again within the small group, Shippo shifted his feet and slowly gazed at Aiko and saw that she was looking at the Kagome and Inuyasha, and he saw that she was trying to hide her emotions. He had to help her get her mind on something else. "That makes sense, but what I don't understand is why the Jewel disappeared from Noriko's hand and molded itself to Kagome." Shippo's voice was soft and he could tell that the scene was becoming uncomfortable, but this conversation had to be discussed. Kagome turned her head to Shippo and saw him glance over at Aiko once or twice while speaking. Inuyasha didn't pay attention he just continued to stare at Kagome's face like she was the only person there. "We'll talk about this later we need to get out of the clearing and back to the village; my mother and Kasumi are probably worried." Aiko said quietly ignoring Shippo's question and already moving away from the battlefield, picking up the bow and arrows, and toward the village.
Thunder rumbled in the sky and Shippo leaned his head back to look up at the sky, as rain droplets started to fall. They were all drenched in seconds and Inuyasha picked Kagome up and huddled her to his chest without a word. His skin was hot and it felt good with the ice cold rain falling on her and she readjusted her kimono. Kagome looked over Inuyasha's shoulder to see Shippo pick up Aiko and soon follow behind them. Kagome could barely see Aiko and at the moment she was glad she couldn't, guilt washed over her and she sighed against Inuyasha's neck. She closed her eyes and leaned into Inuyasha's warm body and in response he pulled her closer to him.
Kagome's eyes snapped open, raised her head and quickly said, "The baby! We have to get to the baby!" Inuyasha looked down at her, drops of water ran down his face and fell onto hers, he nodded, "Yeah I know." Then turned his head and shouted over his shoulder, "I'm takin' Kagome to our hut, we gotta get the pup!" A second later Shippo's voice could barely be heard over the falling rain, "Okay! I'll drop off Aiko and meet you two there!" Inuyasha didn't reply and moved faster through the forest.
The forest allowed some shelter from the rain, but not enough to keep them from getting soaked further. Kagome leaned her head against Inuyasha's shoulder again, listening to his controlled breathing, hearing his feet pounded against the forest floor at a steady pace, it was relaxed so soothing, but it didn't matter how soothing it was, Kagome couldn't get the way Aiko looked at Inuyasha out of her mind. Did he know that Aiko loved him? Did he know that the position they were in again was like before? No, he couldn't possibly know because he was too dense and… She was crushed; she didn't want Aiko to go through what she went did while Kikyo was wandering. It pained her even more now that she thought about it and it made her angry that Shippo knew about it and didn't tell her. She knew that she would have been upset if he had told her, but to find out like this wasn't any better. It was different wasn't it? The relationship with Inuyasha and her was different than Kikyo and Inuyasha's relationship, it was different wasn't it, she didn't come back alive wanting to kill Inuyasha, wanting revenge because he lived and she didn't? That was the purpose of why she died so that he could live.
She was brought out of her thoughts when Inuyasha squeezed her gently, she looked up; Inuyasha was staring straight ahead, but saw his anxious and worried expression, she realized that her emotions were the reason of his worry and she felt awful that she was making him uneasy. Kagome slowly raised her hand and cupped his cheek turning his face to hers, the action caused him to stop running, but she didn't notice. She swallowed and his eyes swept over her face lingering over her lips, but then he was looking into her eyes making her bones melt. She licked her lips and whispered, "Don't worry; we'll get through this mess together, okay?" He answered by slowly leaning his face down and gently touching her lips with his; she closed her eyes putting the smallest pressure to his lips. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that he was looking at her, he pulled away and leaned his forehead on her and simply looked at her. It wasn't really a kiss, but it was welcomed by both of them. Kagome's cheeks were a soft pink and Inuyasha gave her a half grin and she smiled back.
He swallowed, turned his head forward and started walking; Kagome couldn't hear the baby fussing and looked to see where they were and was surprised to see that they were a couple of feet from the hut. In an instance Inuyasha tensed and whispered, "I can't smell the pup." Kagome took two seconds to replay what he said before she panicked, "What? Where is he? He can't have disappeared just like," Inuyasha interrupted her by shouting; "Kasumi came and took him. Don't freak out Kagome."
She instantly relaxed as she understood, Kasumi must have come and got him when they showed up at Kohana's hut without him, and she scowled herself for not taking him to their hut. It never crossed her mind and she was mad at herself for it. "Don't beat yourself up for not taking him to their hut, it's fine, we'll take the pup to theirs next time." Kagome heard how his tone shifted to easy to hard with the word next, the next time they would have to fight, the next time she would have to fight for her life, sighed and nodded, "Okay."
They were silent as Inuyasha jogged through the forest and to Kohana's hut and as they got closer Inuyasha could hear the pup's cries. When Kagome could finally hear them she edged Inuyasha to go faster and a minute later they were on the porch and pushing away the reed door. As Kagome stepped in she saw, Satoru covering his ears and heard him saying, Finally, while Kasumi tried to hush the fussing baby and on one side of her, Shippo sat trying to make the baby laugh, Aiko coming out of the other room with a new kimono on and an extra one in hand, but no Kohana. All looked up, besides Shippo, to see Kagome and Inuyasha standing in the doorway. "It's about time you two got here," Satoru muttered but was silenced by Inuyasha, "Shut it Satoru!"
Kagome smiled at Kasumi and rushed over to her and the whimpering baby in her arms. Kasumi stood as Kagome reached her and said, "I went to get him as soon as you two left, you didn't have him with you so I brought him here. We fed him once while he was here and cleaned him up as well, but he started crying again so mother went out to get more milk though he wanted you of course." The baby was quiet as soon as he saw Kagome and was even smiling when he was in her arms, she could see tear stains running down his cheeks and knew that they had a hard time with him. Kagome smiled down at him and ran her finger gently down his nose and then looked up at Kasumi and said, "Thank you for taking care of him." Kasumi just smiled and said, "It was fun and a little hard a few times, but we were worried about you," and then Kasumi looked over her Kimono and gasped, "Your kimono is destroyed Kagome- chan, so was Aiko's!"
Aiko appeared by Kagome's side, as Kasumi finished talking and giving her a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "Here Kagome-sama, it is not as elegant as your other kimono, but it will have to do for now." Aiko handed her a soft cotton blue kimono and Kagome adjusted the baby with one arm and then reached out with one hand, but a clawed hand came into view and took it, Kagome looked over her shoulder to see Inuyasha behind her. Kagome could feel her cheeks heat up as Inuyasha's eyes locked with hers, but guilt pooled at the pit of her stomach as she turned around to face Aiko again, she saw Aiko looking down and then back to Kagome. Kagome nodded and murmured, "Thank you." Aiko didn't smile this time only nodded, her voice soft, "Your welcome, Kagome-sama. You can change out of your kimono in the next room."
Shippo could sense how uncomfortable and guilty Kagome was and it was making him rather uncomfortable as well. He knew that Aiko wouldn't get in the way of Kagome and Inuyasha he also knew that Kagome would do the same if she was in Aiko's position, but she wasn't and it made it difficult for both women because Inuyasha was too distracted in trying control his thoughts of the past and Kagome, to see that Aiko had such strong feelings for him that it went completely over his head for many years. Now that Kagome was back, Inuyasha was different the way he stood next to her, the way he looked at her, his words that were for her, it wasn't like Inuyasha at all. Shippo supposed that Inuyasha was going to stay with her as long as she could stay in this world if the Kami wanted to take her away again. He could say that he loved as much as he could while she was here and while he did that Aiko would suffer every waking moment. He also knew that he had to talk with Kagome about this topic and it unnerved him the way she looked at him when she came in the hut soaking wet, it was very unsettling.
Kagome nodded again and Kasumi came to take the baby in her arms while Inuyasha gave her the kimono and then she went to the next room to get out of the tattered, filthy kimono. A candle was lit in the room causing shadows to dance and move along the wood walls. As Kagome looked around she saw that it was where Kohana slept and was also where they kept everything from her past. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as she peeled the wet kimono away from her body and she quickly wrapped herself in the warm, dry one. Her hand brushed the scar and Kagome felt a shiver run down her spine and quickly fixed the kimono. Her unnaturally long black hair stuck to her face and the braid was loose so she undid the soaked, black, locks and wrung her damp over the tattered kimono she then pulled it into a high ponytail, her bangs clung to her forehead, but those would dry quickly so she didn't bother with them. She straightened her kimono that clung to her damp body and grabbed the old kimono off the ground and tuck it under her arm. As she walked out of the small room she felt warmth surround her chilled body.
As Shippo threw a log into the fire pit, flames and sparks flew up and the burnt wood fell into ash and it sent a wave of heat throughout the room; they were soon warmed by the fire. Kagome saw that everyone had sat down and got comfortable; Aiko, Kasumi and Shippo all sat around the fire smiling at the baby in Kasumi's lap, Satoru faced down on his futon, and she found Inuyasha leaning against a wall. Kasumi smiled at her and stood up and brought the little one to her and Kagome gladly took him and snuggled him into her arms, she smiled back at her and then Kasumi turned and walked back to the fire. She saw that Aiko had gotten up and go into the other room while Kasumi gave her the baby. Kagome turned to face Inuyasha and found his eyes on her, the fire's glow making his eyes look warm and liquid. Having his intense gaze on her made her blush, she knew she blushed, the heat rose to her face and it was from the fire. It made her bones melt and she tired to contain herself as she walked over and sit next to him and then snuggled closer to his warmth, "We'll wait until the storm's passes and until Kohana gets back." She whispered into his shoulder, he felt him nod and then lay the top of his head on hers. She dropped the kimono beside her on the floor and scooted closer to Inuyasha.
She signed and leaned more against Inuyasha's shoulder, she finally noticed that Inuyasha hadn't changed out of the Fire Rat, but she rarely saw him without it so she wasn't all that surprised. She could feel Inuyasha's hand wrapping around her waist and bringing her closer to his sweet warmth and she hummed and she could feel her cheeks burn, but the feeling was short lived when the baby started fussing in Kagome's arms. "Shh," Kagome whispered, "I'm here, food is on the way." What the baby did next was surprising; he turned in Kagome's arms until his face was pressed up against one of her breasts and her cheeks burned a bright red as she felt his mouth tried to find a nipple.
Inuyasha shifted next to her and she turned her head to face him and saw that he was just as shocked as she was, Inuyasha leaned closer to Kagome and the baby and then brought out his clawed hand and gently rested his hand on the baby's head. The baby stilled and turned its head in Inuyasha's direction and then the baby adjusted itself again into Kagome's arms. Kagome looked at the baby and then back at Inuyasha.
"What did you do?" Kagome asked amazed that the baby just stopped trying to nurse when Inuyasha touched him. Inuyasha looked at her and said, "Nothin'." He was just as stunned as she was that the pup stopped looking for something to eat. They just stared at one another and then stared at Shippo when he cleared his throat.
"You probably told him to stop." Shippo said looking at the couple and the baby, while his giant hand held Kasumi's small one. "What are ya talkin' about?" Inuyasha barked. Shippo looked at Kasumi and then back to the couple and replied seriously, "You probably told him to stop trying to nurse with your eyes and he obeyed your request because you're the alpha in his eyes." It took Inuyasha one second to understand the statement and then a smirk was forming, "Well, he should- OW, What was that for?" Kagome had elbowed him in his side and rolled her eyes at his cockiness, but she couldn't help but smile, that hadn't changed one bit.
While Inuyasha mumbled unintelligent under his breath, Kagome turned her attention to Shippo and asked, "What do you mean 'told'? Do you mean Inuyasha wanted the baby to stop and the baby could tell from one look what Inuyasha wanted him to do?" Shippo nodded his head, "Basically, yeah. He is a dog demon obviously you can tell by his eye color and the ears so he must understand Inuyasha pretty well." Kagome agreed, but said, "Yes, but have you ever heard of a dog demon having black hair? Shouldn't his hair color be silver like Inuyasha's and Sesshomaru's?" Shippo paused for a moment and then stated, "Well, Sesshomaru and Rin's girl has black hair so it might not be so rare. Though I would have to admit he doesn't really smell all pure dog demon, besides the human half, he's got something else in his blood. Wolf, maybe? I don't know for sure, but he isn't pure dog demon like Inuyasha is."
Kagome looked down at the baby again and whispered, "Well, you're full of surprises aren't you and causing everyone's confusion, little one?" She heard Inuyasha mumbled a quiet keh and rolled her eyes and the baby smiled at her through his sleepy eyes and once his golden eyes had finally closed Kohana appeared in the doorway soaking wet, water dripping from her clothes and onto the wooden floor. Kasumi rushed to her and took her arm, "Why didn't you wait the storm out, Mama?" Kohana shrugged a shoulder, "I knew that the boy is impatient," Kohana said, Kagome could hear the humor in her voice as Kohana gestured to the bottle of goat's milk, "and I knew that Kagome and the boys would be back soon." Kohana murmured as she looked at Kagome's blood stained kimono, Inuyasha, and then looked over at Shippo nodding at each person. Kasumi nodded and said, "Aiko came back with Shippo, she was in the battle, too." Kohana's face paled for one second and then asked, "Is she alright?"
Kagome swallowed and the image of Aiko's tattered body on the battlefield made her sick to her stomach, the blood flowing from each puncture wound made Kagome's face turn pale, but she manage to say, "Yes, she's alright. She did good helping us." It was a lie, but she couldn't tell Kohana that her daughter almost died today. Inuyasha's arm tightened around her waste and Kagome could see that Kohana was about to say something, but Shippo caught her attention, "Aiko did pretty well with us, Noriko trained her well so far." Kagome couldn't see Kohana's face, but she did see her nod, "Well, I'm grateful she did well." Kasumi took a hold of Kohana's hand and quickly murmured, "Aiko is in the back room." Kohana nodded and Kasumi let go of her mother as Kohana made her way toward Kagome and Inuyasha and handed Kagome the bottle. Kagome knew that Kohana knew that she lied from her worried and stern expression and then she was walking quickly in the back room to find Aiko.
Kagome let the breath out she had been holding and leaned her head back Inuyasha turned his head and looked at her, her hazel eyes were closed and her eyebrows were pulled together, her lips in a slight frown, and he could sense her worry and guilt. "Hey," he moved his hand that was around her waist up to her face and gently turned it toward his, the action caused her to open her eyes and her cheeks to turn a light pink. "Don't worry, Kagome." He didn't know what she was worrying about, but he wanted her to stop and relax and smile. She did smile at his concern and she leaned her head against his shoulder, but the feeling of guilt never left her.
Kagome sighed, He didn't know; thank Kami, but it only made her feel even guiltier. She wanted to know if he had any feelings for Aiko, if they shared anything, something, but Shippo would have told her that so her worry lessened and she took a deep breath and let it out.
The warm milk in her hand was not unnoticed by the little one, his squirms and little cries told her that. She smiled down at the little one and raised him a little and brought the bottle to his ready lips. It was like the first time she fed him, his eyes were half shut and his suckling was slow and steady. As the bottle emptied his suckling got slower until he wasn't feeding anymore and fast asleep. Kagome's eye lids were falling as she held the sleeping baby in her arms and then a moment later she was soundlessly asleep.
She was awakened when Inuyasha, shook her gently sawing, "The storm past, Kagome. Kagome," He brushed away her bangs with his hand and trail along her cheek, "You can sleep, I'll carry ya." She was asleep before he could finish and Inuyasha carefully picked her up with the baby still sleeping in her arms.
As Shippo held the reed door to the side and Inuyasha walked out into the cool night and instantly felt Kagome shiver, he automatically pulled her closer. Shippo ran past him and to get to the hut. He didn't dare try to run with the two in his arms so it was a slow way to the hut, but as he got there, Shippo was there and holding the reed door away a second time. Inuyasha walked into the other room and Shippo took the pup from Kagome's arms and held him in his while Inuyasha lay Kagome on his futon and then Shippo put the sleeping pup beside her.
The two stood there and stared at the sleeping woman and child for a moment before Inuyasha felt Shippo pat his back. Inuyasha looked over and saw that
Shippo had a smile on his face as he looked at the two sleeping then he looked at Inuyasha and said, "Well, I think I need to get my own place." Inuyasha scowled at him with a light blush on his cheeks, but Shippo just smiled and chuckled quietly. Shippo turned and gently plotted down on his futon and turned over to see that Inuyasha had confusion written across his face, then Shippo looked to his futon and smirked, "Just sleep with them tonight don't be embarrassed Inu." Inuyasha growled at him and the noise caused the pup to shift in his sleep. Shippo smirked at Inuyasha again once the pup stilled and turned over waiting to hear what he would do.
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at Shippo's back and wished he could beat the brat to a pulp, but didn't want to wake up the pup or Kagome. Then he looked at his futon, Kagome lay there with the pup snuggled against her chest. The scene made his heart go wild; he never slept in the same bed with Kagome or anyone for that matter. He swallowed hard as he took off the outer Fire Rat and left the inner kimono in its place he would usually talk everything off his upper body, but he decided not tonight. He took a few steps toward them, but stopped and controlled his uneven breathing then with the Fire Rat in hand he slowly laid down next to Kagome's warm body and once he was laying next to her he pulled the Fire Rat over their bodies to keep them warm for the night.
Kagome's body snuggled into his own and Inuyasha couldn't help but to wrap his arms around her and the sleeping pup. Her content sign reached his ears and his small smile was hidden in her shoulder. His eyes closed and he felt himself fall into a blissful sleep with Kagome and the pup.
Shippo smirked as he lay on his futon, they look like a family, he thought and smiled. He closed his eyes and he slowly let sleep overcome him.
Her scent. Sweet rain.
Her scent was everywhere, in the pillows, in the sheets of the futon, on his skin, in his hair and he smiled. The sheets were full of their warmth, her warmth and Inuyasha pulled her closer, but a little body was in the way though. He cracked an eye open and saw that the pup had somehow gotten in-between Kagome and him during the night. He didn't mind though, Kagome was less than an arms length away. His golden gaze was soon on Kagome's sleeping face and another smile found its way on his lips. She looked beautiful, but she always looked beautiful, his thoughts made him blush. Her breathing was slow and even making the doubts of this being a dream cease to nothing. His hand rested on her waist, but he moved it until it was slowly traveling up and down her arm tracing designs on her skin gently with his claws.
Shippo had left, that's what woke him, he said that he was gonna go down to see Kasumi and get somethin' to eat. Told them to come down when everybody woke up. He nodded to let the kid know he heard, but didn't open his eyes to see him leave.
It was like this for another hour or so, peaceful and quiet then he could hear Kagome start to wake. He could feel her muscles became taunt as her body stretched underneath the blanket. Then she lay still and her eye lids fluttered open and suddenly captivating, hazel eyes were staring at him and the corner of her lips turned up into a sweet smile as she looked at him. He felt his cheeks heat up at her smile realizing that he was caught staring at her as she woke up.
"Good morning." She whispered and he answered her with a small smile. She looked down at the bundle between them and giggled quietly as she looked back up at him. "How long have you been up?" She whispered and Inuyasha just shrugged, "About an hour or so." Kagome nodded and just noticed that his arm was around her waist. She blushed and so did he as he realized it too, but he didn't move it and she didn't ask him to move it, so it stayed there taking in her warmth. "Where did Shippo go?" She asked looking over her shoulder Inuyasha just snorted quietly and whispered, "Went down to see Kasumi and grab somethin' to eat." Kagome looked at Inuyasha for a moment and then she leaned in until their noses touched.
Inuyasha's eyes widened for a second as her lips brushed his and then they closed as she put more pressure to his and then pull away as she said, "Good morning again." He smirked and pulled her in for another chaste kiss, loving the feel of her lips on his. They pulled apart and Inuyasha brushed a hand through her hair, her long hair, it seemed endless. He thought she could read his mind, "It's so long, so much hair, I need to cut it." She whispered. Inuyasha shrugged, "It's alright," he twirled a strand with his fingers, "It was never this long before." Kagome smiled, "I've never had it this long. It's longer than yours." She heard a Keh and giggled more. He smiled at her, hearing her laugh caused his heart go wild. "I'll have to get Kasumi to cut my hair." Kagome whispered softly. Inuyasha muttered, "She screwed her hair tryin' to cut it." Kagome's eyebrows rose and her smile widened, "What happened?" "Keh, she got somethin' stuck in her hair and she tried to cut it and she did it all uneven. Looked like someone threw a fur hide on top of her head!" He muttered causing Kagome to shake with laughter trying not to make a sound.
Inuyasha just looked at her and smiled seeing her face brighten as she tried to keep silent, trying not to wake the pup. He could see tears at the corners of her eyes from laughing. Her laughing was contagious and he couldn't help but laugh silently with her. It took awhile for them to calm down and Kagome whispered, "Well then I'll have Kohana cut it for me." Inuyasha agreed and brushed his hand over her cheek.
He slowly took her hand in his and for a long time they just stared at one another. For awhile it was only them and the little between them, silent and peaceful. His golden gaze never left hers, Kagome thought of the years that could have happened if she had survived her last battle; a family perhaps, children with Inuyasha, a lifetime with him, seeing Miroku and Sango's kids grow up, watching their children grow. She thought of the possibilities she could have had with him 75 years ago, but she reminded herself that it could happen now, in the present, in the near future. Inuyasha's mind thought of the future, how much time he had with her, how he was going to love her as much as he could. He knew she loved him and he prayed to Kami that she knew he loved her and if she didn't he was going to show her how much he did, how much he does love her.
They were like that for hours just staring mesmerizing each feature of the other, thinking of the past, of the future, and the present and thinking of the other, loving the other with unsaid love.
Breakfast was more like an early lunch as Inuyasha, Kagome and the little one arrived, but it was breakfast nonetheless. Everyone was placed around the unlit fire place, some eating and some full from a good breakfast. After the meal, everyone sat around and talked about nothing and everything. The hut was full of laughter from telling stories of the past and joking around. Kagome had convinced Kohana to cut her hair and once that was done Kagome's hair was only down to her lower back. She, Kasumi, and Kohana had fed and changed the little one and Kagome had even talked Inuyasha into feeding the younger hanyou. It was a tender sight indeed.
"Come on, Inuyasha, just feed him. It's not that hard. Go on!" Kagome coaxed Inuyasha as he huffed at the pup and the bottle of milk in her hand. "No way, not gonna do it." He scoffed at her, but Kagome knew what to say next, "Inuyasha, it's easy… Are you afraid you can't handle a baby?" Her smile was coy and she put on an innocent façade. She knew he greatly disliked being implied as weak, she knew she had rubbed him wrong then and she knew that he was going to prove her wrong. His golden eyes narrowed as he glared at her, he sat still for a moment, just glaring at her with narrowed eyes. Then he looked to the people around him; Kohana sat on a pillow her smirk made her laughing lines more defined, her eyes held amusement as she looked at him and Kagome. His golden gaze turned toward Kasumi and Shippo sitting next to each other, Shippo smirked while Kasumi just smiled, but both had the look of amusement like Kohana. The two others were missing. From their smirks he knew they weren't going to help him out of his present situation, and he groaned inwardly.
Finally, his gaze was back on Kagome, the corners of her lips turned up in a smirk and then she inclined the bottle toward him and he took it; her smirk deepened. She shuffled on her knees until she was in front of him gently settling the baby in his open arms. The pup lifted his chin as he looked up at Inuyasha and his golden eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of him. That made Inuyasha's eyebrow lift and become hidden in his bangs while Kagome stifled her giggle. Kagome reached and cupped the baby's head and she gently brushed the pup's ears, his eyes looked over at her she could see the curiosity in his young gold eyes, but she just smiled and grabbed Inuyasha's hand that held the bottle and bring it to the pup's lips. The pup refused to open his mouth and Kagome had to swallow her giggle again.
Inuyasha's eyebrow was twitching, the pup refused to let him feed him. He was getting agitated at the pup and then the little one looked away from Kagome and up at him, the little pup's gaze widened and he suddenly popped open his mouth and began suckling. Kagome could hold back the laughter anymore and giggled at the sight. Apparently, from what she saw Inuyasha had told the little one to start eating or not eat at all. Inuyasha snapped his head up to look at her, "What are you laughin' at?" He muttered and all she could do was smile and he could feel the heat rush to his face and he quickly looked back down at the pup in his arms.
His eyes were half open as always, his suckling was a bit quicker though, but he shrugged it off. The blanket around him was loosen enough to see the clothe diaper he was wearing, his eyes trailed up to see that Kagome still had a hand on the pup's head softly rubbing the pup's ears and hair. He suddenly realized that the pup was going to stay, permanently, with Kagome and he was going to be with Kagome. Kagome was going to take the pup in as her own, as the pup's mother. His chest tightened as he realized the reality of it, Kagome was going to mother the pup and he would be the father figure in the pup's life, he swallowed hard. He panicked for just a spilt second and then he didn't really mind, having to raise the pup was going to be frustrating, going to be a dad was going to be some tough work, but with Kagome there it didn't seem so bad. He smiled as the pup finished the milk with one last suck and then Inuyasha looked up at Kagome who was looking at him.
She could see something in his eyes, something she hadn't seen before in his golden gaze, she couldn't even name it, but it made a light blush appear on her cheeks and a sweet smile grace her lips.
"See, it wasn't that hard, Inuyasha." Shippo chuckled purposely ending the moment between the two, but his chuckling was short lived as an elbow dug into his ribs. Both Inuyasha and Kagome blushed and Kagome gently pulled the soon to be sleeping baby out of Inuyasha's arms and walked into the other room so that she could let him sleep while the others talked. She laid him on the futon and brushed a few strands from his face and continued to blush as she did so.
In the other room, Inuyasha glared at Shippo as he set the bottle to the side and pull his hands inside his sleeves. Kasumi did the same thing, but her silent treatment caused a bigger raise out of Shippo. "You're so mean Shippo!" Kasumi scowled. Shippo's shoulders slumped as he pouted as he muttered, "It was just a joke!" Kasumi huffed, "And a mean one at that." Shippo's shoulders slumped further and Kohana chuckled as he got scowled by Kasumi, Inuyasha just smirked saying, "Serves you right, kid." Shippo just crossed his arms over his chest and turned his head away from him, Inuyasha snickered. Then Kagome walked out of the other room placed herself next to Inuyasha and automatically Inuyasha pulls her closer and wraps his arm around her waist and she leans into him and lays her head on his shoulder. A routine they could both get used to.
Kohana stood and stretched her legs saying, "Well, Kagome-sama I have some pots and pans that might interest you. I do get the feeling that you would like to cook from time to time so that you wouldn't have to come down her for every meal," She smiled at her, "Having four more mouths to feed is a lot of work." Kohana winked and Kagome chuckled, "Yes that would be amazing, thank you very much." Kohana just smiled and shrugged, "My pleasure, Kagome-sama. You may have them after dinner tonight." Kagome smiled and thanked her again. Kohana excused herself from the hut soon afterward explaining she had a lot of gossip to catch up on and leaving the silent four.
Kagome sighed, it was going to be a long and slow day she knew, but as Inuyasha leaned his head on her head, she smiled and leaned into him more. Yeah, it was going to be a long and good day.
The day was long, lazy, but good. The four had talked about friends and family; Koga, Sesshomaru, their families. Even though Shippo had already told her about the main major happenings, Kasumi, Shippo, and Inuyasha told her random stories of the kid's childhoods, who lost the first tooth, how many battles they won (even though she didn't think that was an awesome childhood memory), funny stories, the girl drama that Rin had with her daughter and the same with Ayame, the arrogance of the boys, all their personalities, all their flaws, all of the things she had missed. After that, she felt as if she had known them since they were born. After, the topic of the Jewel was brought up.
Inuyasha tightened his grip around instinctively, and Kagome welcomed the tight embrace. Kasumi already knew what had happened, Aiko had told her last night after Kagome and the boys had left. They didn't want to put the village in more danger now that demons were going to become more frequent, they decided that would have to travel to keep the village as safe as possible, but Kagome worried about traveling with the baby. Kasumi said that he could stay here while they traveled, but Kagome didn't like that idea either she wanted him to stay with her. So the little one would go with them, even though Kagome didn't like it, but she would rather have him with her and protect him herself. So it was settled that they would travel.
They had talked well into the evening. They had talked as Kohana came in and began cooking; Kasumi had helped make the supper. Aiko and Satoru had joined them just as Kohana finished cooking supper. It was while they ate, and it was once again tense and awkward with Aiko there, she spoke little, and after she finished she left, saying that Noriko needed her company. Kagome was guilt, she was running Aiko out of her own home, so she was glad Kohana had given her the pots, she wouldn't have to stay at Kohana's house and eat while Aiko wasn't comfortable in her own home. The little one didn't wake up until supper started and he ate and watched and listened to the many conversations around him. Kasumi and Kohana had asked if she had thought of any names for the little baby in her arms, but none had come to her. Other than the guilt it was a very, very lazy day, Kagome was glad to go back to the hut and sleep, apparently doing nothing all day makes you feel tired even more.
They walked home; Shippo carried three pots while Inuyasha carried four, and Kagome smiled, he always has to prove himself, she thought. The little one bundled up in the cool evening air. The sun was almost gone along with the warmth; it seemed that fall was coming. The walk was very slow and Kagome often closed her eyes or peeked at Inuyasha through the corner of her eye. Smiling and blushing seeing that he was doing the same. She could feel loose hair sway against her skin even through the kimono, goose bumps littered her skin and she held the baby tighter wondering how much warmth could come off a little body like his.
Then the silhouette of the house came into view. It looked cold without a light and life inside the small hut, but it was home. She smiled at that. The boys went on ahead and jumped onto the porch, ignoring the steps of the porch, and brushed inside the hut while she picked up her pace. The little pup's eyes wondered around looking and awing over everything.
Then soon both of them were inside and seeing the boys putting the pots in the little ground shelves, near the cooking area. The little in her arms squirmed and she set him down on his back on a large, brown cushion close to the wall. The little one smiled up at her and then his eyes moved on and explored the ceiling of the hut and moved his head to see more. Suddenly Kagome felt the fire's warmth on the side of her body and turned to see Shippo get done starting the fire, she looked around and couldn't find her silver haired hanyou. "Where did Inuyasha go?" She asked Shippo her voice a little high. Shippo shrugged, "Had to do his business." Kagome nodded blushing, but relieved. "Hey Kagome," Shippo said, his hand itched the back of his neck, "Ah, I gotta meet Kasumi… So, do ya think…?" Kagome chuckled, "Go on, I'll be fine." Shippo smiled, "Alright, thanks Kagome! Inuyasha should be back in a few minutes, bye." He was out of the hut before he was finished.
Kagome sighed looked down at the baby; he was still looking around the hut. The fire was heating up the hut, but not fast enough to Kagome's taste, she scooted closer to the fire pit and then gently pulled the cushion next to her and the baby still looked around until his golden eyes were on her. She leaned over him her hair sweeping to the side as she did; she gently ran a finger down the bridge of his small nose. His little hands made their way through the blanket and reached up to touch her face, she smiled at him, she loved this baby and she knew she always would. She leaned down further and kissed his nose, his giggle was high and sweet. She smiled at him as she raised him in her arms and gently laid him in her lap. He gave her an adoring gaze with his bright gold eyes and they reminded her of Inuyasha. Her smile widened and whispered, "I seriously doubt Inuyasha would let me name you Inuyasha Jr. so you really need a name, little one, before I start calling you that." The last part ended with a giggle. He brought a hand up and jutted it forward and it landed over a golden eye, she smiled again.
The floor creaked and Kagome looked over her shoulder, Inuyasha stood in the doorway of the hut and she smiled at him and motioned him forward. He hesitated before walking slowly over to her and the pup; he licked his lips and sat closely across from her, his legs open and rested his elbows on his knees. Kagome scooted closer in front of him until the baby was touching both of their chests. Inuyasha slowly let his hand snake around Kagome's waist and rest it there and it caused a blush to rise to her cheeks while his other hand came to rub one of the pup's ears. The pup looked at Kagome and then his eyes moved over to Inuyasha and his lips formed his goofy smile and his hand jutted forward again, but this time it landed against Inuyasha's chest. Kagome smiled and raised her head to look at Inuyasha; his face was completely clueless and her smile widened.
"He likes you," Kagome murmured and Inuyasha moved his ears, but continued to look at pup and he huffed, "Keh," he grumbled, "Just because he's got it in his head that I'm his dad." Kagome looked down at the baby seeing he was still looking at Inuyasha with a goofy smile on his lips, she shrugged and sighed, "Well, he thinks I'm his mother." She let that linger for a moment, but then quickly added, "It's just because I've been with him since he was born." She looked back up at Inuyasha and blushed; he was staring at her his eyes distant for a moment and then focused back on her. He blinked a few times and then said, "So… are you gonna adopt him?" His expression was confusing she didn't know what he was thinking, but she thought she saw a spark of hope or something entirely different. Kagome licked her lips and shrugged, "I thought I already did that by taking him in, Kohana said I would make a good mother and it gave me a lot of confidence and I would rather have him with us when we travel instead of here in the village without me, besides he's too cute," she looked back down at the baby and surprised to see him looking at her intently and she smiled at him and continued, "So yes, I think I am."
"Why?"
Inuyasha surprised her with the question. She looked up at him; a black eyebrow was raised out of curiosity, his golden eyes staring at her, and his expression blank. She smiled and looked back down at the baby, "Because he's already got me wrapped around his finger and I don't think I could let him go now anyways. What? Do you think I won't be a good mother?" This time it was Inuyasha's turn to be surprised Inuyasha, he wasn't implying that she wouldn't be a good mom, it was just, he didn't think anyone would adopt a hanyou, but Kagome would and he wasn't really surprised when she did adopt an unwanted hanyou child, it just seemed like something she would do without a second thought.
"N-no," He stuttered, "Y-yo-you would ma-make a-an awesome m- mom!"
She blinked as he stuttered over his words and couldn't help but let a small smile escape from her lips. "Then why are you surprised?" She asked sharply. Inuyasha shook his head and replied, "I'm not! You would be that type of person to take in a hanyou!" She raised an eyebrow at that and repeated, "'that sort of person'?" Inuyasha's eyes widened and he quickly said, "Y-You're a n-nice person t-t-to ta- take in a hanyou! Th- that's wh- what I meant!" Inuyasha's eyes widened at what she did next; she laughed. Her eyes watered as she laughed and Inuyasha looked down to see the pup smiling up at Kagome. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at her and she looked at him through her tears and giggled, "You could have just said that Inuyasha!"
"Keh!" He mumbled and turned his face away from Kagome and the pup in front of him. Once Kagome stopped laughing she smiled up at Inuyasha and leaned forward and gently kissed him on the cheek. He turned his face to catch her lips just in time and it was gentle and soft, but if it weren't for the pup between them Inuyasha would have deepened the kiss a little bit more and he huffed when Kagome raised the baby to give him a sweet kiss on his small cheek and the baby let a soft noise of gratitude out. She laughed and Inuyasha smiled at her, he loved her laugh, the way her face looked when she laughed made his heart soar. He suddenly wanted to kiss her more, more of her. He realized he could kiss her anytime he wanted now, whenever he wanted just because he could.
So he leaned forward, getting her attention with a warm kiss to her neck, he could feel her heart jump at his touch and his pride rejoiced. The hand around her waist went up her back and pulled her closer, she turned her head and found his lips and she kissed him and he kissed her right back. Gentle, slow, and warm and her taste was just like her scent, sweet rain and he hummed in delight. He pulled away and kissed both of her cheeks, her eyelids, her nose, and then back to her sweet lips.
The baby soon was fussing in their arms, and Inuyasha groaned as they pulled apart and as Kagome stood to rock the baby. The pup was going to be a hassle Inuyasha thought, as he ran his claws through the pup's black tresses. Inuyasha could see that sleep was rapidly consuming the pup as Kagome rocked him in her arms and he could see that Kagome was growing tired as well. He reached up to brush away the bangs from her eyes and she smiled as she looked up at him, "I'm getting tired, I'm going to take him and sleep." Inuyasha just nodded and followed her into the next room and watched her settle the already slumbering pup on the futon and watch her crawl up beside him. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around the pup falling asleep slowly.
It was like the first night, but this time he didn't hesitate to climb into the bed that contain what he loved, he removed his upper kimono and his undergarments leaving only his bottoms. He sat and watched her sleep, taking in her warm and peaceful appearance, pushing away strands of her silky hair, looking at her smooth skin, fingertips tracing designs across her skin and whispering her name. Loving her and knowing she was with him caused his chest to burst with happiness, he knew he would never get over her being her with him. He leaned down and kissed the shell of her ear and whispering, "I love you."
He nuzzled her hair and pressed a kiss to her blushing cheek and unknowingly Kagome let a small smile escape.
I am so sorry for my long absence. Please forgive me. I really do hope that I will aleast update every month or so. ~LadybugChild