cInuyasha was unconscious for nearly four days. Several times during the first night, Kagome was sure she was going to lose him. His breathing would become so shallow that she had to lean close to his nose to be sure he was breathing at all, and it seemed as if his wound would never stop bleeding. The worst was the height of his fever, where, in his deluded state, he would cry out for his mother, his arm stretched as if she was just out of reach. Somehow, she managed to soothe him, and eventually, he fell into a deep sleep, but one that was typical of healing rather than a prelude to death.
Kagome barely slept for more than a handful of minutes at a time, and she had woken herself by falling over, coming awake with a sharp jerk and a promise to stay awake until she could be sure he was alright. The final time, her body had given out completely, and she didn't notice when she slumped over to lay her head against his chest.
This was how Inuyasha found her when he woke up, a strangely comfortable weight in contrast with his otherwise painful body. He squinted at her face, noticing the dark bags beneath her eyes. He could almost smell her exhaustion, and when he glanced down past her, he saw that he had been wrapped in bandages. She must have stayed awake the entire time he was healing, something he wouldn't have expected after the fight they had been in the middle of before Sesshomaru appeared. Her hair had come out of her loose bun, spilling in tangled waves down her shoulders and across his chest. Without realizing it, one hand raised up to run through the strands, carefully coming them. He let out a surprised grunt when she snuggled closer, but he continued his motions when it became apparent she wasn't yet stirring. Still sore, he decided to enjoy this moment while he had it.
All too soon, her breathing changed, and he let his hand drop to his side before she was fully awake.
Kagome stretched, her mind still foggy. She had just enough sleep to feel like she needed more, but she knew she needed to wake up to check Inuyasha's wounds. They were healing at a rapid rate, and it didn't look like infection was setting in, but she was taking no chances.
To her surprise, twin golden eyes gazed up at her when she leaned over him, prompting a cry of joy.
"Inuyasha, you're awake! How are you feeling? No, don't try to sit up yet; you'll reopen the wound!" She gently pushed down on his shoulder when he tried to rise.
"I heal faster than humans. If it hadn't been for his poison, I'd already be up movin' around," he protested.
"Well, there was poison, and you nearly died, so you can just lay there until I'm sure you've healed enough to move," Kagome said briskly, moving aside some of the bandages.
True to his word, the gaping hole had almost completely healed and was covered in bright pink skin. It would probably be back to normal by nightfall as long as the poison was truly out of his system.
"Would it have bothered you? If I died, I mean," he couldn't help asking. Before Sesshomaru had arrived, she had been furious, and he wouldn't have blamed her if she had given up on him and let nature take its course.
"Of course, it would have bothered me! Just because I was mad doesn't mean I would suddenly wish you dead!"
"Wouldn't blame you. I was an ass," he admitted, not liking the worry lines that creased her forehead.
Kagome laid the bandages back in place, smoothing a hand over them with a sigh.
"I was angry because, after everything, you didn't trust me," she paused, sucking her lower lip between her teeth before she continued, "And that wasn't fair. You've lived a lot longer not being able to trust anyone, and it would be foolish to expect that to change just because of the short time we've been together."
"Hanyou don't live long by trusting people, Kagome. Most of us don't even reach adulthood." He looked up at her, his expression almost fierce. "I'm not really good at it-it goes against everything I know. Still...I want to. I want to trust you, Kagome. Will you help me figure it out?"
It had been hard for him to say; some deep part of him, the part that was still a pup, quivered at the vulnerability he had exposed. The smile she gave him was entirely worth it. At that moment, she looked so happy, and he knew he would do anything to always keep her smiling just as she was now.
"I'd like that, Inuyasha," she said softly, lightly brushing her fingers through his bangs.
After a few moments, she noticed he had slipped back to sleep, his body still trying to repair itself. She took her chance to go outside to use the bushes and refresh herself with a drink, as well as to make sure she didn't feel the presence of any unwanted guests. When she went back inside, his eyes were opened, and he frowned. "Can you stay here?" He asked, his voice still thick.
She sank down to the ground beside him, checking his forehead for any sign of fever. "Yes, is there something wrong?"
His eyes fluttered closed. "Nah. Just...your scent. It's nice. Helps me relax."
Kagome flushed, glad he wasn't able to see it. She found the admission sweet, and she lifted his head and placed it on her lap while she braced herself against the wall. She had to admit that she hadn't been entirely honest with Miroku. She had feelings for Inuyasha, and the longer she was with him, the stronger they became. Of course, there was physical attraction-how could there not be? He was beautiful, and she could become breathless just by looking at him. It went beyond that, though. She was attracted to his personality. He could be rough and abrasive, but underneath, there was kindness and a sense of humor that could match wits with her. He was brave, and she could tell he was loyal just by how he had tried to protect her. His soul was fascinating as well. There was just something about it that every time hers brushed against it, she felt like she was home.
Absently, she began to trace the tattoos that decorated his forearm, the pads stroking along the lines, and the whorls that made up the patterns that decorated his skin. Each one told a story, and she greatly wanted to hear them all. It was still too soon for that, she knew. For her, as horrible as they would probably be, they were stories, safely in the past. For Inuyasha, they were scars and raw wounds that had yet to scab over, and the pain of reliving them would not come easily. He was only just learning how to trust her, and it could be years from now before he felt comfortable enough to speak about them.
She wanted to be there. She wanted to hear every word and share in his anger and pain. She wanted to soothe and comfort him afterward and tell him that he was so much more than the stories told by his Marks.
She wasn't sure if he felt the same about her.
She was willing to give him the time to find out.
Over the next few days, she allowed Inuyasha to begin moving around, and it wasn't long until there were no signs he had ever been injured. On the fifth since waking, he had swung his head up, sniffing the air.
"I smell somethin'. A...firecat? Haven't seen one of those in a while. And two humans," he told her, watching as a dark spot formed against the pale blue sky.
"That's them! Miroku said they would make good time if Kirara carried them-maybe this means they found something!"
Excitedly, she rushed outside, past Inuyasha's discontented rumblings about having to wait in the cave. Soon, they became visible to her human eyes, and she could make out the flames at Kirara's feet. The fire cat must have seen her as well because she shifted course and began to move faster, descending as she came closer to the cave.
Kagome ran up to them as they dismounted, hugging Sango; it had been a long time since she had seen her friend, and she had missed the other girl's understanding ear. Kirara shifted into her smaller form so Kagome could pick her up for a cuddle, her warm fur smelling faintly of smoke.
"I'm so glad you were able to make it! Did Miroku tell you everything?" Kagome asked, hoping for good news.
"He did. I'm not sure how you manage to get yourself into these types of situations, Kagome. Sesshomaru is not someone you want as an enemy."
"You act as if I seek these things out," Kagome grumbled, noting the odd way Sango kept darting glances at the cave. "But let's not stay out here; it's unfair to Inuyasha."
Both of them joined her, Sango carrying a pack that rustled with the sound of sheets of paper. When she caught sight of Inuyasha, she froze, her eyes going wide.
"Lord Inuyasha?" She gasped.
Inuyasha looked rather nonplussed, squinting at her suspiciously. "Who the hell are you?"
Sango blushed with embarrassment, feeling slightly better when Kagome elbowed Inuyasha in the side.
"Forgive me, I was just surprised that it was actually you. Perhaps you remember my great-grandfather, Kaito."
A face superimposed itself over hers, a young boy with a dusting of freckles across his nose. During some of his wanderings, he had come across a few humans who didn't outright want to kill him, although he always had to move along quickly before associating with him got them shunned. The boy had traveled with him a way, and Inuyasha had grudgingly watched over him, enjoying the way that, for once, someone seemed to admire him.
"You're from Kaito's line, huh? Didn't know he was a slayer," Inuyasha grunted, his tone no longer hostile.
Sango nodded. "Yes. The line split with Kaito. He was the one who began teaching that not all youkai were inherently evil and that it was possible to coexist. In the scrolls he left behind, he credits you for that."
There was something in Inuyasha's throat. It reminded him of when he had tried to eat the meat Kagome had given him, even though there was nothing truly there. He tried to swallow around it, his claws pricking his palms from where he had squeezed his hands into fists. He didn't know until now just how much he had needed to hear something like that.
"Kaito wasn't a bad brat," he acknowledged, clearing his throat to hide the slight hitch.
Miroku had been watching avidly, interested in the man that had captivated Kagome's attention. He was clearly a warrior and had seen hard times; Miroku had always been sympathetic to the plights of hanyous and was happy to see that his harsh life hadn't completely hardened his heart.
"Unlike my beloved Sango, I only know you from the things Kagome has told me. I am Miroku, Kagome's first love; perhaps she has told you of me?"
Inuyasha choked, his eyes bulging at the declaration.
"Miroku, you letch!" Kagome yelled, pulling back her hand to smack him.
Sango beat her to it, not even looking in his direction when she struck the back of his head. "Stop that, Miroku. Lord Inuyasha isn't used to your type of teasing."
"You wound me!" Miroku cried piteously, rubbing the forming lump. He looked back at Inuyasha. "She was devastated when I told her that my feelings lay with Sango. I hated to break a beautiful girl's heart, but it had to be done."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Don't listen to him. Miroku enjoys the delusion that women find him irresistible. I think so many slaps of rejection have damaged his brain."
"I prefer to think of them as taps of affection."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. Sango, he didn't mind. Miroku was exhausting. He may have to follow Sango's example.
"Let's set aside listing Miroku's shortcomings for now and address the reason we're here," Sango said, Adjusting a pad that had slipped on her black uniform. "Once Miroku told me what was going on, we began to go through the scrolls that have been passed down in my family. While we didn't find much beyond what you have probably tried, we did find a few things, and by reading them, you might realize what needs to be done."
"I copied everything down since we didn't want to risk damaging the scrolls by bringing them," Miroku added, becoming serious. "I'm also willing to lend my spiritual energy if needed; sometimes, these things can go more easily with two people."
The easy offer surprised Inuyasha. Sango's helpfulness made sense. She was a descendant of Kaito's and would respect her ancestor. He had expected Miroku's help to be more grudging and suspicious, but underneath the guise of a perverted buffoon, he appeared to share the same genuine kindness as Kagome. Inuyasha wouldn't say he completely trusted the man, but he was more open to doing so than he would have been just a few short moons ago.
The four of them sat down to go over everything that Sango and Miroku had been able to find. Much of it, as Kagome had feared, were things she had already tried, although perhaps with Miroku to assist her, she might have better luck.
"Look at this part; this is the section that interested me," Miroku said, tapping a section of the paper to get Kagome's attention.
"I wish you would have used the same neat handwriting that you save for your flashy exorcism ofudas," Kagome murmured, attempting to make out the words.
"Time was of the essence, so beauty had to suffer."
"Hmm. What do you think it means, a mutual infusion of power?" Kagome asked.
Miroku gave her an innocent smile, and she blanched. Nothing good could come of this.
"Oddly enough, I could only come up with one thing."
Sango glared at him. "Naturally, it's the thing that is on his mind the most. Ignore him, Kagome. He has to be mistaken."
Inuyasha looked from one to the other, a sinking feeling nestled in his gut. Given what he knew of Miroku's personality, only one thing immediately came to mind, and if that were the case, they might as well burn his body and scatter the ashes in this cave because there was no way the curse was going to be broken.
Kagome bit her lip, risking a glance at Inuyasha, more than a little stung at the green cast to his complexion. Apparently, he got Miroku's gist and wasn't interested.
"Don't worry, Inuyasha. I'm sure we can come up with something else."
Inuyasha stared at the side of her head, wondering where the sudden stiffness came from. Why did she sound upset?
Sango and Miroku both noticed Kagome's reaction. Sango, wisely, knew better than to draw attention to it. While Miroku also held his tongue, it confirmed that it was Inuyasha he would have to work on-Kagome would be genuinely willing, as he had suspected by the way she had spoken of Inuyasha when she was telling him her story. As soon as he got the hanyou alone...well, he always did love to flex his skills at negotiation and well-intentioned manipulation.
"Naturally, if anyone has an alternative idea, I'm all ears," he said mildly, pretending to go back to reading the scrolls.
His act didn't fool Sango or Kagome, and Inuyasha had his doubts, but they chose to follow Miroku's example and looked for some other possibility.
The infuriating part about people like Miroku was that they were so often right.
"It's getting dark, and I haven't found anything else that I think will help," Kagome finally said, her eyes burning from the strain.
"Perhaps we should rest for the night and make some attempts tomorrow," Miroku suggested. If Kagome wanted to get to the answer the long way, he would humor her.
"I think that's for the best," Sango agreed, stroking a snoozing Kirara. "Miroku and I will go catch some fish for dinner."
At her words, the bright red eyes of the firecat popped open, and with a dainty mew, she was trotting out of the cave.
The couple followed her, Sango taking Miroku's hand when it began to drift toward her backside.
"It looks like she has a lot of practice in blocking him," Inuyasha said dryly as he and Kagome watched them walk off in the direction of the river.
"He's gotten much better. It helps that she allows it now and again when there aren't any witnesses," Kagome giggled, recalling more than once when she had stumbled onto the pair indulging in some steamy kisses, which always flustered Sango.
"She could snap him like a twig. Does he even know that?"
"Miroku says that's part of the attraction."
They sat in silence for a few moments, reflecting on everything that had happened. Inuyasha felt slightly drained from dealing with multiple people. It hadn't been something he had done often when he had been free, and he knew he came across as more hostile than he actually intended. It helped that neither of them seemed offended, and the easy way they had spoken to him made him feel less tense about them being there.
"Inuyasha, about what Miroku said..."
"I won't ask you to do that."
Kagome looked up from the fire to find him gazing at her intently. "I won't. Even if that is the only way. So don't worry about it, okay?"
She gave him a puzzled frown. "Why would I worry?"
Before he could answer, the others had returned bearing several fish. Even Kirara pranced along with her own carried in her mouth. Inuyasha was grateful for the reprieve, not wanting to go down that path of discussion if he could avoid it.
They didn't talk about the curse while they ate. Instead, Sango and Miroku spoke of their recent escapades, having fought several battles recently with various youkai. Inuyasha listened avidly. The two of them seemed to wander the countryside, alternating between stopping youkai attacks when it was needed and trying to mediate between them and the humans when they were able. It was a way of life that intrigued him, and the part of him that hoped to escape the cave wondered if he might do something similar. He would never be hired by humans, of course, but that was a small matter.
Night fell, and they bedded down. Inuyasha pretended to sleep, still not comfortable enough around them to let his guard down that much. Kirara opened one eye to look at him enough to let him know that she wasn't fooled. Not that he minded. She obviously cared about Sango and would guard her against any attack he might consider.
Kagome had moved closer to him, and he couldn't help feeling pleased that she would do so rather than band together with other humans as soon as she had the chance. She was close enough that her fingers brushed against his leg, and he watched her as she dreamed, the muscles in her face twitching with every frown and smile.
Miroku was the first of the humans to rise, gesturing to Inuyasha that he was going outside to meditate. It was difficult to reconcile Miroku's normal behavior with someone who would actually inconvenience himself to practice his religion, but he supposed that just because Miroku wasn't as stiff and dour as other monks he had met didn't mean he didn't have a strong faith.
Sango and Kagome woke next, Sango more alert than Kagome-the slayer did not have the same problems with mornings that Kagome did and already knew to move quietly until Kagome had time to adjust to being conscious.
The scent of cooking food soon had Miroku returning to join them for a quick breakfast, and then they decided it would be best to make the first attempt to see if Miroku's added power would be enough.
"You probably don't wanna sit there," Inuyasha called to Sango, who had decided to take the time to make sure that all of her slayer gear was in order.
Sango looked around, unsure why this particular spot was different than any other. Correctly assuming that Inuyasha wasn't the type to mention it if it didn't mean anything, she picked up her things and moved several feet to the side.
Kagome and Miroku had worked together before, and it was easy for them to get their powers in sync. Both of them felt the curse flex, but Kagome soon gave a sigh of disappointment, and Miroku's eyes flew open as a blur of red and white whirled past him to crash into the wall where Sango had just been sitting.
"Oh, I see. The spot was reserved for you," Sango commented, watching as Inuyasha rolled to his feet with practiced ease.
"It may not have been meant for me, but I think I've left an impression."
Kagome was disappointed by the failure, but she was delighted by the way that Inuyasha was beginning to interact with the others. She just knew that if Inuyasha could find just a few people who could truly accept him, he would be able to make a good life for himself-one that didn't revolve around having to prove his worth for survival.
"I don't think it will help, but do you want to keep trying?" Miroku asked, knowing that both Kagome and Inuyasha were stubborn, and it would do no good to try to convince them to give up before they were ready.
Inuyasha popped his shoulder back into place. "I'm up for more as long as Kagome has the energy for it."
"Your concern for my well-being is noted," Miroku sighed, knowing he was in for a long day.
The long day turned into two, then three. The four of them fell into a pattern; for most of the morning, they would work on breaking down the curse. After stopping for a meal, they would split up; sometimes Kagome would go meditate with Miroku or forage or bathe with Sango, while the other would stay to keep Inuyasha company. It was during one of these times that Miroku decided that the moment had come to have a talk with Inuyasha about the reality of the situation.
"You know what needs to happen to break this curse, don't you," he stated as a fact rather than a question.
Inuyasha looked away uncomfortably. The more he thought about it, the more he knew that Miroku's original idea was correct. It was twisted enough to appeal to Tsubaki, and it would explain both her and Sesshomaru's comments.
"You should probably take her with you when you leave," Inuyasha said, his expression downcast.
Miroku let out a short laugh. "Do you honestly think Kagome would leave you?"
Inuyasha made an angry gesture at the sky. "Winter is on its way, Miroku! She can't stay! Soon, there won't be a way to gather food or enough wood for a fire. I'll be fine, but Kagome wouldn't live long past the first snow."
"And that is why you need to let go of this foolish idea that there is another way or that she would leave you trapped here until spring."
"I already said I wouldn't ask that of her, monk," Inuyasha snapped, baring his teeth.
"And what if she asked it of you?" Miroku countered, hoping to shock Inuyasha out of closing down.
"You know that can't happen."
Miroku scowled, the expression foreign to his face. "No, I do not. Kagome is like a sister to me, Inuyasha. I know how she thinks, and I can read her expressions as if her emotions were written on paper. She cares for you. Deeply."
"She's a miko. That's her job."
"Lies do not become you, Inuyasha. You know it's more than that."
"Maybe so," he allowed grudgingly. "But I won't ask her to make that mistake."
Miroku counted to ten and begged Buddha to give him patience. "Inuyasha, Kagome wouldn't offer something like that if she didn't genuinely mean it. She understands what she could expect from others, and she simply does not care."
"You're her friend-you should care! I'm a hanyou!"
"Do you really think that matters? Kagome loves you-you. Whether you are human, youkai, or hanyou is irrelevant."
"You're pushing me, Miroku," Inuyasha growled in warning, wanting nothing more than to rip off the other man's lips.
Nimbly, Miroku darted over the line that Inuyasha could not cross. "And what will you do about that?" He taunted. "If you want to give me the beating I deserve, you'll have to come out here to do it."
They faced each other, both men wearing almost opposite expressions, but both sets of eyes were hard as stone, not willing to give an inch.
Miroku stepped back, knowing he could only push so far. "Sango and I are leaving tomorrow. In three days' time, we will send Kirara back, either for Kagome to return or to ask for supplies to last her for...well. As long as they can," Miroku said, bringing one hand up to rub at his throbbing temple.
Inuyasha stared at the ground, having no answer.
"But Inuyasha, I would much rather see both you and Kagome on the other side of the river."
Against his will, Inuyasha looked up. The monk had been stripped of his anger and mirth; both emotions washed away by the same concern that filled his voice. Inuyasha couldn't deny that the man truly wanted him to be free, as did Sango, even knowing what the price would be. Turning, he stalked into the inner chamber, his claws scoring against the stone in a fit of anger. What was he supposed to do? It felt so wrong to ask her-more so because he knew he wanted her, even without needing it to break the curse.
He had only ever been with two women.
Shortly after earning his first Marks, one had come to him. He had been flattered, feeling as though he was finally being accepted. The feeling increased some months later when the second one came-as far as he knew, both had sought him out on purpose.
Then, he learned the truth.
Neither woman had wanted him; they had been sent by Sesshomaru as a punishment for some perceived slight, both concubines sickened and repulsed at having to serve a lowly hanyou.
Inuyasha had been embarrassed and devastated and swore he would never take another woman to bed again. He never had; never had he even been tempted until now. It was hardly a fair comparison. Kagome was so different, and he wanted so much more with her than the fumblings he had shared with the others. He couldn't bear the idea of her doing this out of pity or the disgust on her face as she performed what she believed to be her duty. He would rather suffer another hundred years alone in this cave.
Miroku was right about one thing, though. She probably wouldn't leave him. Could he handle the guilt of watching her die? If he thought the loneliness would drive him to madness, he was sure this would push him even further beyond. With a strangled cry, he dropped to the ground, confused and conflicted about the choice that faced him.
The next morning came quickly, and Kagome was somber as she watched her friends prepare to leave. Inuyasha had refused to join them all night, and it wasn't until breakfast that he emerged. He looked awful, but Kagome wasn't sure what she could do. She knew that he had to be gutted that the curse hadn't been broken. Normally a positive person, she was starting to find it difficult to hold out hope.
Unless she could convince him to test Miroku's theory.
She had given it a lot of thought. It wasn't a choice she would make lightly, nor was it something she would do just because of the circumstances. She couldn't pretend that her motives were entirely pure, either. She wanted him. In truth, she had for a while now, but the desire had only intensified the more she got to know him. If he asked, she would give herself to him even without the curse hanging over their heads and would prefer if the relationship extended beyond the boundaries of the cave. Not that he would ask. By careful observation, she had begun to suspect why he was so opposed to the idea. In a way, it was sweet; he didn't want her to suffer.
Not that she planned on suffering. Kagome firmly believed that she and Inuyasha could make a life together, and she planned to surround herself with people who supported that decision; it would make ignoring the rest all the easier.
Once Sango and Miroku had left, Kagome returned to the cave. There was no point in wasting time now that they were alone. Sango told her that Kirara would be returning in three days, and Kagome planned to put those days to good use. At the very least, Inuyasha would be walking out of this cave.
The silence felt strange to Inuyasha. The humans were usually talking, if not to each other, then to him. He hadn't noticed that he had become so used to it, and as annoying as it could sometimes be, he missed them. He thought that Kagome would brood now that they were gone and was curious to watch as she began to arrange the bedding. It was still early in the day, so he wasn't sure what she was up to unless she was so depressed that she just wanted to sleep.
When she had set things up to her satisfaction, she returned to kneel beside him where he sat by the fire. There was a look of determination about her, and he knew what she wanted to talk about almost before the words left her mouth.
"I think it's time we discuss what needs to happen to break this curse."
There it was. Such a simple sentence, but he felt as if his entire life were in the balance.
"Kagome," he started, his sentence trailing off uselessly. Words had never been his strong point, and he was afraid he would hurt her if he said the wrong thing now.
She cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing over his lower lip. She felt the air suck into his lungs and the shaky exhalation against her skin. It gave her a rush to know that such a simple gesture could affect him, even with her inexperience in such things. Emboldened, she leaned forward to replace her thumb with her lips, moving them experimentally. When his hand gripped the back of her neck, she thought he meant to push her away. It was only when his lips began to move against hers that she understood that he was only holding her in place. Her hands dropped to his shoulders as the kiss deepened, and she greedily pressed closer, wanting more of the indescribable feeling that had heat simmering in her lower belly.
Inuyasha broke the kiss to find her cheeks flushed and her lids heavy with desire. From that brief caress alone, her limps had turned a rosy pink. His tongue darted out, catching a hint of her flavor. It was hard for him to maintain his reason-not with her fingers slipping along the neckline of his kosode, dancing over skin that was usually kept concealed.
"Kagome," he started again, shocked by how rough his voice sounded, "You don't have to..."
She kissed him again, light and brief. "I know. I don't have to...but I want to."
He was kissing her again; neither quite knew who leaned in first. Her nimble fingers undid his haori and kosode before smoothing across his chest, her nails slightly digging into the skin. Lightning pulsed through his veins with each touch, and although his fingers were clumsy with the fastings of her clothing, he had soon parted them enough to expose a tantalizing expanse of pale flesh. He placed kisses along her throat, nipping a trail across her collarbone. High, breathy gasps sounded above him, spurring him on. She shrugged out of the mass of white material, leaving her in nothing but her hakama. Shifting, he followed suit, hissing with pleasure when she pressed her bare chest to his.
Kagome barely had the presence of mind to move things away from the fire, and when she tried to stand, she found that her legs were trembling so hard that she nearly fell. Inuyasha caught her, looking up in hazy-eyed confusion. Seeing doubt beginning to form, she tugged on his arm, using her head to gesture over her shoulder.
Inuyasha had halted his movements, fearing that Kagome was having second thoughts. When he realized that she was trying to get him to move to the bedding-bedding she had put out for exactly this purpose-he smiled, scooping her up to carry her.
Kagome allowed herself to be placed gently on her back, one sneaky hand darting out to pluck loose the ties to his hakama. Inuyasha laughed against her neck, taking a moment to shimmy out of the sagging fire rat. He kicked them to the side, all of his attention focused on Kagome. His lips returned to hers, even as his hand skimmed down her waist to return her favor. With a tug and a cooperative shift of her hips, she was bare before him, and he couldn't help the awed expression he wore as he took her in. He leaned over her, feeling his shaft brush against the inside of her leg. The reality of the situation caught up to him, and he took a few moments to regain his bearings.
"Are you sure, Kagome?"
She smiled reassuringly and nodded.
"But before we do….I would like to know how you feel. Even if it isn't anything at all," she stopped him, needing this one question asked for clarity. Already, he had taken root in her heart, and she needed to know for her own sake if she needed to brace herself for the pain of separation.
He held himself above her, caught by the vulnerability in her eyes. Not only was she allowing this connection between them, but she desired it as well—yet she would not turn him away if he didn't feel the same. There were many things of which he was unsure: what the world was like outside of this cave. If there was a place for him. What would he do with his life now that he no longer had to live under Sesshomaru's rule?
The one thing he knew was that whatever this connection was between them, it was special and held the potential to make his life feel like a blessing rather than the abomination he had always considered it to be.
He would protect it.
He would cherish it.
And for the first time in his life, he would give her the same type of openness she was giving him.
"I feel…" he flinched at the way his voice broke but relaxed when she offered a small smile, her hand gently squeezing his arm.
"I would let you groom my hair," he finally managed, hoping she didn't hear the tremor that ran through the words.
Kagome's smile widened, her heart swelling at his words; they were one of the strongest possible declarations of intent. Hair grooming was one of the most intimate acts for Inu youkai—even more than sex. Since their hair was so precious, it was rare that they offered another the chance to get close enough to cut it. For Inuyasha and everything he had gone through as a hanyou, it was an incredible display of trust.
She stroked her hand over his forearm, raising it off the bedding. "I will tend your wounds after battle," she said, twisting her neck to press her lips against one of the black lines winding across his skin.
He inhaled sharply, and she lifted herself to nip at the skin around the small hoop at the corner of his lower lip. "When your hair is long again, I will wash it with the finest of oils."
She watched as his eyes widened at her words, the muscles under his skin twitching with barely contained emotion. Sliding one arm around his neck, she used it to pull herself higher so she could place her mouth against the silkiness of his inner ear, the warmth contrasting with the cool metal of his earrings.
"And I will comb it out until it glows in the moonlight," she finished, the words faint so as not to cause him pain.
Her warm breath caused his ear to flutter slightly, but it had nothing to do with the shiver that ran down his spine.
Kagome wasn't just offering him a way out of this cave; she was offering a future. A future that she had no reason to offer unless that was what she truly wanted.
Unless he was what she truly wanted.
He had known that his feelings for her had grown and strengthened over the months since she had awoken him, but it wasn't until this moment that the last lingering bind of resistance within him snapped.
Among Inu youkai, it was a rare token of affection to gift a lover with your own hair. Even between the most affectionate and committed couples, it was often too much to sacrifice that much pride.
As she continued to place lingering kisses against his ear and the side of his face, with her leg softly brushing against his, he made the decision that she was more than worthy of that gift. Once his hair was back to its proper length, he would cut a generous section and make an elaborate braid strung with the most precious gems and metals that he could acquire.
Before she could wonder at his lack of response, he crashed over her like a wave, utterly consuming her with his passion.
Kagome cried out when his fangs pricked her skin, love bites beginning to dot her from neck to sternum. When he took a nipple between his lips, she almost screamed, unprepared for the sensation.
Inuyasha was driven to pleasure her, knowing that this was her first time, and he wanted to minimize any pain that she might experience. He was more used to fighting than loving, and he knew he wouldn't be considered skilled, but as Kagome thrashed and moaned indistinguishable words, he felt he was doing something right. Dipping a hand between her thighs, he felt her slick and ready, the liquid already dripping onto the bedding beneath her. While it was probably enough, he decided to do something he had only heard about, never thinking it was an act that he would commit.
Sliding down her body, he held her hips in place while he alternated soft kisses and sharp nibbles to her thighs, her scent rising up to make him dizzy. He nuzzled at her folds, then used his tongue to begin lapping, knowing he had hit on a winning strategy when she used both hands to grip his hair. For once, he didn't even care that it was short, only that she was tugging at it, her nails raking along his scalp. Slowly, he mapped her out, curling and flicking his tongue, memorizing each spot that earned a favorable reaction.
With a harsh yell, her legs clamped his head so that he couldn't move, and he stayed there while she rode out her pleasure. When the muscles around him relaxed, he moved himself back over her, the head of his cock bumping against her entrance.
Kagome looked up in time to receive a lazy kiss, her body still too limp to move against him. She expected him to enter her and even spread her legs further apart to make it easier. She felt him tap at her hip, and she looked down with confusion when he began to roll her over.
"I think it might be easier if we tried it like this first," he murmured against her ear before sucking the lobe into his mouth.
Some of her confusion cleared; while she had never done such things herself, she had heard stories and knew the position was possible.
"You may have to hold me up," she warned, not confident that her legs wouldn't give out.
"I've got you," he promised, his hands cradling her hips as she got into place.
She was still wet, and her body took his head without trouble. Still, he knew the rest wouldn't be easy, and he wasn't sure what he could do about it, only that he knew he wished she could feel the same pleasure he did.
"Hey, Kagome? Can you do somethin'?"
She looked over her shoulder at him, her head tilted in question.
"I want you to try to feel what I feel."
Her eyes widened in understanding, and as she felt him press into her, she allowed her mental barriers to drop enough to feel his emotions. Pleasure consumed her, and her own high-pitched noises were a counterpoint to his low groan. She clenched the material under her when she felt that he was fully seated inside, and it was at that moment that she discovered that she had been so distracted that she hadn't noticed any pain before it had passed.
"Move. Please."
At her instruction, Inuyasha began to thrust, his strokes long and slow, getting her used to his size. Her walls squeezed around him, protesting each time he withdrew. Swat trickled down his forehead, but he ignored it in favor of watching the way her spine bent every time his hips hit the plumpness of her cheeks. When she pushed against him, he picked up his pace; soon, he was pounding into her, his hands bracing her by the slim column of her neck. He could feel his own release building-she was too good. Too hot, too wet, too-
Her own shout drowned out his thoughts, and he was helpless when she began to spasm around his cock, pulling the orgasm from his body almost forcefully. He bit into the juncture of her neck to muffle his voice, his hips still moving spasmodically.
It was late morning before they awoke, still tangled together and comfortably warm. The situation could have been awkward or uncomfortable, given the newness of the relationship, but more than anything, both felt a sense of contentment. What had happened between them was right, whether it served their goal of freeing Inuyasha or not.
That goal was the only thing that motivated them to move; otherwise, there were several things from the night before that bore repeating.
Instead, Inuyasha placed a gentle kiss on her temple before he rolled to the side and began to gather his clothes. He heard Kagome shift behind him and felt the soft brush of her lips on his neck before she readied herself for the day.
Neither felt the need to talk; everything important had been said last night, and they wanted to enjoy these last few quiet moments before they tested the results. Kagome was almost almost positive it would because the last of Tsubaki's energy had completely dissipated. Only the fear of Inuyasha's crushing disappointment if she was wrong prevented her from saying anything.
Pinning her hair up, she took the chance to look at him out of the corner of her eye. Unfortunately, he was already fully clothed, an observation that forced her lower lip into a slight pout. She knew they had more important things to focus on, but she could at least do a little visual exploration!
As if sending her thoughts, he turned to look at her over his shoulder, his lips crooked into a knowing smile. She blushed, fixing the last of her hair into place a little more forcefully than usual.
There was very little left to pack since Kagome had kept everything organized, and it wasn't long before they had gathered everything that was practical to bring with them.
A crisp breeze blew across the mouth of the cave, carrying several leaves that rustled gently across the dying grass. It wouldn't be long until it would be too dangerous to travel by boat.
Inuyasha secured his sword at his waist, one hand rising to ensure that he still had his braid of hair tucked away. He wasn't sure why he was hesitating; for months, he had done nothing but dream of the moment he could leave this cave behind forever. Now that it was in his grasp, he found himself reluctant to leave. Last night with Kagome was more than he ever hoped for, and there was at least some part of him that expected their connection to dissolve once they reentered the real world. He wanted to prevent that for as long as possible, but he knew it wasn't realistic. Even now, he could hear the soft sounds of Kagome's sandals as she began to walk away. Taking a deep breath, he forced a calm expression on his face (and kept a tight hold of his emotions since he could at least spare her from sharing his knotted stomach) and went to join her.
He stooped as she stepped into the morning light, his eyes dropping into the line in the dirt that he had clawed to mark the boundary. His toes were right against it, but he couldn't force himself to take that step.
"Inuyasha."
Looking up, he found Kagome smiling at him, her eyes filled with the same soft tenderness from the night before. Her hand was outstretched, silently waiting for him to take it.
His fingers brushed against her palm, still feeling the echo of her fingertips on his back. Her hand closed around his, giving it a gentle tug that pulled him forward. For a brief moment, he thought he detected the pressure of another hand but quickly dismissed it.
One foot crossed the line.
Then the other.
He braced himself to be lifted off his feet and thrown back, but he remained firmly in place. Impulsively, he lifted Kagome up and spun her in place, unable to prevent his laughter from bubbling up to join hers.
Small hands clasped behind his head, fingers threaded through the hair at the nape of his neck. Her smile lit up her entire face, large tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
"Inuyasha. You're free!"
He glanced over her shoulder at the cave. For so long he had been trapped there, his anger and bitterness thriving even while he slept. He was chained in place with the hopelessness he had felt all of his life, only able to struggle without ever truly moving forward.
Shifting his attention back to Kagome, he found she was radiating joy. Happiness for him, and, he hoped, maybe some happiness because of him as well. Kagome hadn't just freed him. She had walked beside him, eager to make a place in the world alongside him, wherever and however that may be. He was no longer living in the shadow of someone else's expectations or manipulations. For the first time, choices lay before him, and he had someone who was going to support him in whichever one he decided to take.
"Yeah," he smiled, one fang catching the light. "I really am."
"You know it's forbidden to meddle with the living, Izayoi."
The raven-haired princess only smiled, not bothering to turn to look at the man behind her. "Don't be foolish, Toga. It's a mother's prerogative."
Her answer was a rumble of laughter and two arms encircling her waist. "Are you ready to leave him?"
Izayoi gave the couple one last lingering look before returning the embrace of her love. "I'll never truly leave him. But I think I can let him go for now."
Several months later
Kagome fingered the braids of silver hair around her neck, using a fingernail to worry a glittering red stone that had been woven in. She was waiting for Inuyasha, who had scouted ahead to see if he could catch Sango or Miroku's scent so they could catch up before the other two defeated the oni they had been hunting on their own.
"Oi! Kagome!"
She turned, immediately picking him out high in the branches of a tree, his long white hair still soft and gleaming from last night's brushing. She ran to meet him, whooping as he leaped down to scoop her onto his back before racing through the trees. Kagome threw her arms around his neck, her heartbeat speeding up at the thought of their next adventure. These past few months had been amazing-a time she wouldn't trade for the world. Inuyasha hadn't added any more new Marks as of yet. Her eyes drifted to his neck, slyly admiring the teeth marks she had left the night before. She had been hesitant when he first asked her to do so, but now she understood.
Their lives were spread before them, with so many new stories to tell.
She would be sure she wrote each one into his skin.