Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.


Uncle's Gifts

"Look at me! I look like Papa!"

Aimiko pirouetted. Kagome smiled at her daughter, then slanted her gaze sideways. "Thank-you very much, Sesshomaru-sama. It will be wonderful not to worry that Aimiko will tear or wear out her clothing."

He tilted an eyebrow. "I detect hesitation, miko."

She blushed. "I'm just worried, I'll have trouble getting her out of those clothes, even to wash up. Inuyasha's almost impossible to get out of his fire-rat, and I'm afraid she'll copy him..."

"Hey!" An indignant bark, ignored.

"Hn." The taiyoukai inclined his head, and then produced—seemingly from nowhere—another gift. Kagome shook out a small, brightly-colored yukata. Aimiko spotted it and squealed.

"Is that for me, too? Pretty!"

"Of course."

She bounded into his arms. "Thank-you, uncle! I love my clothes!"

Rin giggled. Kagome smiled. Inuyasha growled, jealous.

Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru, eyes dancing. Sotto-voce: "I think Inuyasha wants your attention, honorable brother-in-law."

"Oh?" Sesshomaru looked at Inuyasha, and smiled. Just a little. White ears popped upright, then flattened. Aimiko was deposited in her mother's arms.

"Run, Inuyasha..." A whisper.

The hanyo bolted. The taiyoukai didn't move until Inuyasha vanished over the hilltop. Then, abruptly, he was gone.

"Ohhh... Papa and Uncle ran away. How come?"

Kagome smiled at her daughter. "They're going to practice with their swords; somewhere safe."

"Is uncle going to give Papa pretty clothes, too?"

Kagome stifled a giggle. Rin was less restrained. "Papa doesn't want clothes," Kagome said. "What Papa wants is time with his brother, alone."


Author's Note: This was written for the prompt "Wash and Wear", for the LiveJournal community IY Issekiwa. It was originally posted on July 19th, 2012. It took second.

This is a sequel to chapter 14 (Uncle).

(1/19/2013)