"She's here," Shippo yelled out within the estate. He was planning on staying upstairs with Inuyasha in his wing of the home, just to watch over him in case his inner demon decided to make an appearance. In the time since the well had closed, some 510 years worth, Inuyasha's demon liked to claw his way to the surface over any issue regarding Kagome.
Of course, this made sense to all of those with demon blood. But when they first experienced it all those centuries ago, Inuyasha's pack had been extremely confused.
"Freakin' Inuyasha, keeping all of Kagome's things. What am I supposed to cuddle with when I'm here in the village?" Shippo spat aloud to himself. Sneaking into the dog demon's hut was the easy part. Finding the old piece of fabric, he wanted from Kagome's old backpack was another story. Shippo knew that Inuyasha missed Kagome, but dammit, so did he. And he wanted a keepsake, too.
It had been around eight months since they had last seen Kagome. The time had crawled by, yet seemingly gone by in a flash as well. Shippo spent the majority of his time training away from the village, but for about a week and a half a month he would travel home to see his family and spend the night of the new moon with Inuyasha.
Ever since Shippo had run into Miroku a few months ago, Inuyasha hadn't been as bad on new moon nights, or as isolated in general. But still. Shippo wanted that damn piece of fabric. And he wanted some damn comfort. And Inuyasha was hoarding Kagome's things.
Sniffing his way around the floor, Shippo came upon a small wooden trunk within the half demon's hut.
"Ah-ha!" Scrambling to open the trunk, Shippo stopped dead in his tracks at the loud growl he heard from the front opening to the hut.
Across the village at this moment, Miroku and Kaede felt the increase in demonic aura coming from within Inuyasha's forest.
Sesshomaru, who had been passing by to check on how Rin was fairing living with the elder Miko, also felt the increase in his brother's energy.
'Little brother, what are you doing?' he thought, changing his direction of travel to move towards where the energy was coming from.
Miroku had decided to check it out as well, grabbing his staff and heading towards his friend's home.
A deep, guttural, "What the fuck do you think you're doing, fox?" had Shippo whimpering. Facing the sound, his eyes blew wide.
"Inu- Inuyasha?" he whispered, fear ingraining itself in his aura, his scent taking on a sour smell as well.
The half demon, currently full demon, let out a loud roar at the fox kit, "Mine. Do not touch what is mine."
"You don't own her or her stuff you big meanie!" Shippo yelled, scrambling to exit the hut via the opposite end he had come in through. Although Shippo had gained some stealth in his training, he was no match in speed to a full demon Inuyasha. Not even remotely close.
Grabbing a hold of Shippo by the tail, and holding him upside down, Inuyasha growled out, "Mine. She is my mate."
Neither demon felt the sudden appearance of the daiyoukai.
"Inuyasha, release the fox," Sesshomaru said. He had heard his brother's declaration of claiming his mate. Had Inuyasha found his soul's other half?
"He dared to touch what belongs to me," he faced his brother, still holding onto the upside down Shippo, "he needs to be punished."
At that statement, Miroku came rushing through the foliage that surrounded Inuyasha's hut.
"Oh- oh shit," he spat, "Shippo! What is going on?!"
At the sound of Miroku's voice, Inuyasha let out a warning growl. Sesshomaru, seemingly out of nowhere, put himself in front of the monk, forcing him to stay put.
"Do not move. He is working through pack maintenance," he said, "he would not refrain from including you in the punishment as well."
"Pack maintenance?" Miroku questioned.
Shippo then took that moment to chitter a quick apology to Inuyasha, using the little canine sounds he had picked up throughout his lifetime. At this sound, something within Inuyasha clicked and he dropped the fox kit, his eyes fading back to their strong gold, fangs and claws shortening but his purple jagged markings still adorning his normally bare face.
"Oh, what the fuck was that? What happened?" he asked, holding his head in his hands. "My head is fucking killing me."
The three other males present stood staring at the gruff hanyo. Shippo had scurried over to hide behind Miroku, and Sesshomaru had moved to stand beside the monk instead of in front of him.
"And oi, asshole, what are you doing here anyway?"
"Half breed. I do not concern myself with your matters, but your demonic aura had increased as I was on my way to Rin. I came to observe," he started, "you mentioned you had claimed a mate?" Sesshomaru awaited his brother's answer patiently.
Although the animosity between him and his younger brother was still there, he did not truly wish to maim the whelp. Rather, he wanted to ensure that he was not putting Rin at risk while Sesshomaru was leaving her in his care in his village.
"Mate?" Miroku interjected, Shippo still hiding behind him.
"Silence, monk."
"Keh, shut up," Inuyasha closed his eyes and let out a groan. "I don't know what the fuck has been going on with me. Ever since-," he took a deep breath, "ever since Kagome returned home, my demon has been… speaking to me?"
He then shot Sesshomaru a questioning glance, "You got any idea what that means?"
Sesshomaru smirked, "Little brother, it seems the Miko is your mate."
Inuyasha looked at his brother, perplexed, "Mate? Care to explain further?"
Sesshomaru grunted, raising his right hand to drag it down his face, "Must I explain everything to everyone?"
"Well, I wouldn't need to ask ya these questions if you had just raised me like father would have wanted."
Inuyasha was met with silence and a look from his brother he had never seen before. A look of guilt.
"You are not wrong, little brother," he straightened his stance before continuing. "Every demon has one true mate. A mate will awaken a certain part of one's soul, where their demon lives. This would explain hearing your demon speak to you.
To awaken this connection, the demon and its true mate must be of mature blood age before the symptoms start. It seems you must have hit your maturity in blood right as your Miko decided to go back to wherever her home is."
Inuyasha stood still. He didn't know what to think and he had a million questions running through his head.
"Your mother was father's true mate. But they did not complete the full bond," Sesshomaru continued. "I am unsure how your demon choosing the Miko as your mate impacts her, but I am sure we can find those answers in time, should you choose to complete the bonding."
Miroku and Shippo stood silently while the brother's discussed.
"What if you can't complete whatever bond this is?" Inuyasha asked softly.
"I am unsure. But why would you not with your Miko? Will she not return?"
"And if she did? What would I have to do to complete it?" Inuyasha still had the utmost desire and hope that Kagome would return to him.
"Well, you have sex. I assumed that was obvious?" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at his younger brother, was he really that naïve?
Miroku had to cover his laughter with a cough over hearing the dog demon be so blunt. Shippo's eyes were blown wide over being present to hear such an adult conversation.
Inuyasha felt his cheeks warm, a blush making its way to the surface, "Besides that you asshole."
"Well, you can have sex with anyone. Not just your mate," Sesshomaru spoke. "Having sex with your mate is different in the sense that it is part one of the bonding process. From there, the two would mark one another, mixing blood and auras. For inuyoukai, we typically bite our mates near the juncture where the neck meets the shoulder. Every mating mark is unique to each couple, but clan symbols are involved a lot of the time."
Inuyasha felt like his head was going to explode. This was so much information and the one he would need it for was not even in this era.
As his brother had been explaining the intricacies of becoming one with one's mate, his demon internally seemed to be… purring?
"Why is my demon so happy to hear all about this shit?"
"He, you, instinctually already knows all of this. I've just given you the words to understand it," the daiyoukai turned to Miroku, "the slayer will be able to help you, I believe, Inuyasha. I must go now, but if you have more questions, you know where to find me." Sesshomaru then turned and made his way back to the village, to speak with Rin, leaving behind a very overwhelmed hanyo.
"You staying up here with me, runt?" Inuyasha asked, breaking Shippo out of his thoughts.
"Sure am, old man," he chuckled at the responding scowl Inuyasha sent him. Shippo's thoughts drifted back to how volatile Inuyasha's demon could be at the mere mention of Kagome. Over the years there had been many moments where he had needed to be restrained, Tessaiga not being enough to help with the transformation. No. They all knew that Kagome was the one thing that could coax the demon back and ease the racing blood.
Now that she was going to be within the same vicinity…Shippo wasn't sure they had prepared as much as they should have. He knew Inuyasha's demon would not hurt Kagome should he come out, but Shippo was not sure how Kagome would react. He wasn't sure how she was going to react to anything, actually. And this was making him quite nervous.
"Your nerves are making mine worse," Inuyasha said.
"Sorry," Shippo mumbled back, letting his eyes wander out the window to take in the arriving guest…guests?
Kagome couldn't believe the sight of the Takahashi estate. The moment her heels hit the concrete, holding on to Josh's hand, she let her jaw drop.
"Wow," was all she could get out. The skirt of her dress fluttered in the wind, and she took a deep breath in, "I smell roses." Kagome loved roses. They reminded her of love and lasting promises.
Unbeknownst to her, a very interested half dog demon had been inching his way around the perimeter of the home, wanting to take another look at the woman his whole family was up in arms about. At her declaration, he made his presence known.
"Ah, yes. We have a rose garden on the premises of the estate," Koji spoke, coming out of the shadows surrounding the side of the estate and making his way over to stand in front of Kagome and Josh. "What a pleasure to see you both again," he directed his smile at Josh.
Back at the airport, Koji had felt an inkling when he interacted with Kagome and her friend Josh. He had felt it just for a moment at the parameters of his own concealed aura. The aura of another, and no, not Kagome's spiritual aura. No. He had felt the soft caress of another half demon. Upon further inspection of this soft touch, it disappeared. One second it was there and then the next it was gone. Concealed auras did not interact like that. They were supposed to be suppressed, disguised, nonexistent.
Did Kagome know? He had to get Josh alone. He had questions.
He hadn't mentioned any of this to his family, for fear they would stop him before he could question the man. There was no way he was letting this get past him. If Josh was one of demonic blood, he had to know.
"Koji," Kagome spoke, slightly bowing to make her respect known.
"Oh, no. You don't have to do that," he chuckled. "I believe we are past formalities, and to be frank, my grandfather is the old school one. I'm pretty laid back," he finished by beckoning the pair towards the stairs at the front of the estate. Before Kagome and Josh could move forward, the driver (a concealed Jaken) spoke.
"I am unsure if Mr. Takahashi was aware of your guest, Miss Higurashi. Will you follow Mr. Koji inside white I relay this new development to Mr. Takahashi?" the toad demon was internally squawking at the woman. He was sure his Lord would not like this. Not one bit.
Kagome was taken aback, a blush rising to her cheeks, "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry I should have checked before just fig-" Koji cut her off.
"It is of no consequence," he said. "Do not worry, if he wishes to only speak with you, I can keep Josh some company," Koji winked in Josh's direction before turning back around and leading them into the estate.
He was thrilled. This was just the in he needed to get Josh alone and question him. Now, he just needed to get around to it without pissing off any of his family members. Although concealment charms disguised demonic features and aura's, it did not take away demonic prowess or the enhanced abilities their demon blood gave them. For inuyoukai, this meant great hearing, a strong nose, and healing saliva.
There were many times Koji wished he could for once have a quiet, private conversation within the walls of his family's estate, but alas he was out of luck. He'd have to take the risk.
"I'll be right back," Shippo spoke softly to Inuyasha before scrambling to leave their hiding space. He didn't say another word and Inuyasha did not go to stop him; if the kit needed to do something, he needed to do something. Inuyasha had no time for extra drama, his anxiety was high enough.
Making his way to Sesshomaru's wing quickly, Shippo felt frantic. Who was that man with Kagome? And what are we going to do with Inuyasha?
Right as he turned to enter Sesshomaru's part of the estate, he nearly bumped into a very sweaty Jaken.
"Toad."
"Fox," the short, bald man tried to bypass the fox, but his speed was no match. Shippo made it to Sesshomaru's office first.
"Lord Sesshomaru, Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken blabbed, "She has brought a guest!"
"Hn. I heard."
Sesshomaru had sensed when Kagome pulled up in the limo, hearing the telltale sounds of tires on gravel. The entire household was under strict order to have their concealment charms in place first thing in the morning so there would be no slips of auras. No accidents. Kagome would know right away if she felt a demonic aura and then shit would really hit the fan.
He had heard the conversation between his grandson and the pair, it seemed Kagome had brought along a male friend.
"I have come to inquire about the guest as well, Sesshomaru," Shippo nodded at the dark haired man who sat at his large mahogany desk.
"Koji will handle the guest. His name is Josh," Sesshomaru stood up then, brushing off his dress pants. "Please accompany Kagome back here, Jaken. Shippo go back to my brother."
Both younger demons knew this was a dismissal. Turning on their heels, they both made their way back to their designated tasks.
Shippo was contemplating taking the route he used to make it to Sesshomaru's office, but he knew passing by the front door was quicker… he was not sure if he would have to pass Kagome or not. From what he was hearing, he just might.
Technically, she would not be able to recognize him. Last time Kagome had seen Shippo, he had been 10x smaller and his hair wasn't as long. His voice wasn't deep. He had been a child. Not to mention he didn't have a concealment charm on. His charm hid his tail and feet, and other little demonic features that had matured as he had gotten older. His eyes though, his eyes had stayed the rich, glowing green they had always been. He was unsure if Kagome would recognize those.
He knew he needed to get back to Inuyasha, though. By now, he had probably heard that she brought a guest, and his demon may be scratching at the surface of his blood. He was almost positive it was.
Kagome's scent was now permeating everywhere and Shippo knew the risk of running into her to get back to Inuyasha was one he was willing to take. He needed to keep the old dog calm. He picked up his speed, bypassing Jaken who was also headed near the front door.
Shippo was in the midst of warring thoughts, when he felt himself slam into another body. Coincidentally right into the one person he was hoping not to run into.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry. Please excuse me," Kagome stuttered, placing her hands on the chest of the man she had ran into. I am so clumsy, Gods. Running into people all the time. Just ran into this man— wait no, he ran into me. Quite speedily, she thought.
"Please, it is my fault. I was not paying attention," the man spoke, deep green eyes locking with warm brown.
Kagome couldn't stop herself from staring deeply into the stranger's eyes. She felt something… something she couldn't quite name. Was it recognition? No… there was no way she knew this handsome stranger. A tall, muscular man, with long auburn hair and piercing emerald eyes. She could not shake the feeling of remembrance, though. Letting her hands fall from the man's chest, she moved to cross them over her chest.
"Have I met you before?" She questioned, keeping her eyes locked with the stranger's.
Shippo was internally shitting himself. He had literally run into Kagome. At a faster speed than he had intended to be using. He was just so worried. He needed to get to Inuyasha.
And here Kagome was, taking him in. Staring him down. Eyes blazing with questions he literally could not answer right now. Or at all. It was not his place.
"I cannot recall," he shifted on his feet, "I must be going. I'm sorry." And off Shippo went, with his tail between his legs (Kagome just couldn't see that).
Koji spoke up at Shippo's quick departure, "He's a little hyperactive, please excuse him." Koji chuckled to himself knowing his uncle would have heard that. Serves you right, fox.
Josh had been taking everything moment to moment. He felt on high alert. He did not like the feelings he was getting from being inside the estate. He felt caged. Closed in. As if some power was weighing him down.
"Miss Higurashi, Mr. Takahashi will see you now. He requested that your friend stay with his grandson," Jaken spoke, gesturing for Kagome to follow him.
Kagome nodded her head, smiling over to Koji and Josh, a joking glint in her eye "Don't get into trouble now."
Koji smirked at her humor, "Oh, I'll take care of him. Don't you worry." Kagome smiled and turned to Josh. 'I'll take very good care of him,' he thought, thankful for the time to question the American.
"You sure this is, okay?" Kagome felt bad leaving her friend with a man they barely knew, when she had intended for them to be by each other's side throughout the ordeal.
"No big deal at all, 'Gome. Go on ahead," he smiled, waving her off. She nodded in return, following Jaken down the hall and out of Josh's sight.
Inuyasha's blood was boiling. His demon was enraged. Not only could he smell Kagome, a sweet mixture of lavender, honey, and vanilla, but Inuyasha had heard she had brought a friend. A male, friend.
Inuyasha knew Kagome would have found love in others. He wanted her to. He wanted her to experience life to the fullest, not waiting on a half demon stuck back 500 years in the past. He didn't want her to be sad, lonely, or longing for anything. Just the thought broke him.
So, he had thoroughly prepared himself to learn of her lovers and be alright with it. Because in all honesty? He had enjoyed lovers, too. It had taken him well over 100 years after the well closed to begin letting his instinctual pull to sex overpower his desire to wait for Kagome. He knew that wasn't realistic. Not when he had over a 500 year wait to get back to her. And not when he learned that giving into life's carnal pleasure would help satisfy his inner demon. His inner demon craved dominance in the form of sexual pleasure.
The desire for intimacy never overpowered his desire to make it back to Kagome, though. And although he had enjoyed his time with a different sex, both human, demon, and hanyo alike, he knew that no one would even compare to his mate. His body may have been free for the pleasure of another, but his heart was not. His soul was not.
Inuyasha hadn't prepared to smell another male intertwined with Kagome's scent the first time he would be near her again. The two scents were distinguishable, but they danced together a little too much, more than Inuyasha liked. More than a friendly mix, leaning towards more of a "I see you almost every day" kind of scent mixing. He hated it. And his demon was fucking pissed.
He also did not expect to have to listen to the two interact. Even his ears were on fire now. Every sense was on overload with Kagome and now this man, this Josh. Inuyasha was unsure if he was going to make it out of this without marching himself downstairs, grabbing Kagome, and running off with her. His demon liked this idea.
Pacing back and forth within the upstairs library, where he and Shippo had decided to hide for the morning ordeal, Inuyasha was struggling. He held onto Tessaiga strongly, pleading with his demon to stay inside.
'We haven't seen her in a long time, we do not want to scare or overwhelm her.'
"Mate. Need mate. She is ours."
'Yeah, well, we can wait.'
"Mate now."
"Gods fucking dammit," Inuyasha swore loudly. Containing the growl that wanted to break free. He leaned against the small wooden desk, an antique, that resided against the large window overlooking the front of the estate. His claws dug into the old wood, piercing it even though they were hidden to the eye. "Why does my inner demon sound like a fucking cave man all the time, you'd think after 510 years he'd be more intelligent," he groaned.
"Yeah well, he doesn't have the best influence, does he?" Shippo snarked.
Inuyasha turned to face the fox, his nose twitching at the strong presence of Kagome's scent. He closed his eyes. The demon inside him wanted to grab the kit by the throat and slam him to the floor. But he wouldn't let that happen. No. He was stronger than that. He needed to be.
"I'm sorry, I sort of ran into her, literally, trying to get back here," Shippo softly apologized, seeking the half demon's acceptance.
"It is fine."
"How are you doing?"
"I am fine," came out as a growl, his golden eyes bleeding red.
"Well, shit," Shippo spat, scrambling to lock the door. If there was something he could do to delay this blow up, even a small thing like locking the door, he was going to do it. He had to.
"Kit," Inuyasha's voice was dropping octaves.
"You need to let her talk to Sesshomaru first. Alpha remember? Alpha's got this."
"I am Alpha."
"Don't let Sesshomaru hear you say that," Shippo mumbled, putting his body in front of the door and crossing his arms across his chest.
Downstairs, a rather perplexed Kagome followed a very short, little, bald man through the winding hallways of the estate. The Takahashi's home was beautiful. It held all the antique charm of a traditional Japanese home yet was emboldened with modern design. The marble floors echoed the click-clack of her heels and reflected the morning sun in a beautiful glow. Kagome was mesmerized. But she was also very confused. She couldn't quite understand why she had this nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was missing something. Something big.
Lost in her thoughts, she came to an abrupt stop, almost stumbling over the short man who had been so kindly leading her to Mr. Takahashi. He had also stopped in his tracks just before the arched entryway to a large wing of the home. A door slammed open ahead of them, loud shouts making their way towards them.
She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up. She licked her lips, tasting a coppery twinge as she let her tongue settle against the roof of her mouth. She must have bitten her lip over the stress of the current moment. She turned back towards the way she had come, staring out into the long expanse of the hallway.
A hum of her own spiritual power came to settle just beneath her skin. She felt like a live wire.
A loud gasp escaped her lips.
She felt a demonic aura.