Kagome could take things slow. Of course she could. It wasn't really an issue that her libido had gone haywire, or that she constantly had to change her undergarments because of how often they became drenched. Truly, she was fine.
Inuyasha was spending a lot of time with her, and if she thought of it well, she understood that this was a wonderful thing. Progress in the making. When they'd first met, Inuyasha had not even liked her. He thought she was a copy of an ex who wounded him years before. But not this Inuyasha. This Inuyasha had never fallen in love with Kikyou. During their talks for the past three nights, he was open to divulge a lot of information about himself, including his relationship-or lack thereof-with the fallen priestess.
Kagome was honest with herself. She really liked that this Inuyasha held no past; not that she never got over it before. But it simply felt good being his first kiss, at least to his mind.
The past few days had been met with torrential weather. Thunder shouted from the rooftops, forcing villagers indoors. Still, Kagome had work to do. Rain did not stop the daily tasks of a priestess-in-training, and people continued to get hurt, some way or another.
The young man from last week was finally on the mend, capable of talking for the first time in days. He lay on a cot in front of Lady Kaede as she applied medicinal herbs on his back and thighs. Not many people were aware of this, but the man was in a constant state of war with a demon who fought for his soul. Sometimes, when he lay asleep, she could see the monster move in him, morphing his face into something grotesque. The demon was strong and they could not seem to free him from its grasp.
Villagers would not be very appreciative of this circumstance, but Kagome and Kaede did not have the heart to send him away on his own. He was a fairly nice fellow and managed to talk to the women on occasion about who he was and from where. Even now, he spoke to Kagome with a kind voice, struggling to make out clear sentences because of the burden he lived with.
Kagome knelt down, resting her hands on her thighs. He turned to her and smiled, the gentle gesture feeling contagious.
"You look well," she told him.
"I feel much better thanks to the both of you."
"Ay, Akihiko," Kaede chimed. "Ye fair much better than before. Do ye think ye can walk?"
His brows furrowed. "The demon weighs heavy upon my soul, but I reckon I may."
Kaede put down the bottles she used to heal him, and they watched him as he attempted to rise, pushing himself up with his arms. He struggled somewhat and Kagome jumped in to give him aide. He thanked her profusely while sweat glistened on his ashen skin.
"You are kind, Lady Kagome."
"Just doing my job," she sang. Now on his feet, Kagome was able to anchor him while he tried to move his legs. He grunted, the struggle apparent. "There you go," she told him. "You've got it."
He took one step, then another. Kaede nodded. "'Tis wonderful that ye can now move. I feared the demon would incapacitate ye for too long."
"He can handle it, right Akihiko?"
Color marred his skin. "I believe so. But I would rather be free from his hold. He plagues me night and day."
Kagome scrunched her lips in thought. "What kind of demon is it?"
A shadow came over him. "I do not know."
"How did ye come about it?"
"I was walking home from the Kiyomizudera temple. My village is merely five hour's length from there. It... It was rather foolish of me to have walked at night, as I did." Demons were more prevalent in the blackness of that hour than at any other time. "One moment, I was alone. The next, the demon came and simply attacked me, entering my body in an onslaught of malice."
Kagome could sense the evil inside of him, coursing through the man's blood. It seemed a parasite of sorts, never taking over his form, yet sucking what energy he could find. The herbs Kaede applied fought off some of those attacks, but he would never be able to work again.
"Do you have any family we can contact?" Kagome inquired.
"Ay. A brother and two sisters. I can provide directions toward my home and they will come for me."
Kaede crawled to a nearby box to seek out a brush with parchment. When sought, the man divulged his village coordinates which were not very far from theirs, perhaps three day's ride on horse-back. She called in a village messenger and informed him to tell the man's family that he was safe and well, but they had to pick him up, post haste. Akihiko thanked Kaede and asked if he could lay to rest for a few seconds.
"Rest ye well, kind sir. Do not worry."
Kagome helped him sit back on his cot. He laid his head there, and immediately fell to sleep. She studied him while he slept and frowned when she saw a flash of green shape itself on his forehead.
"Why do you think we can't exorcise the demon?" Kagome asked while helping Kaede come to her feet. The old woman latched on to her walking stick by the wooden wall and shook her head.
"I know not why. It vexes me so. But I believe the demon is no threat to us, simply a parasite to the man. I've known many a man struggling with this, and it tends to happen when one harbors some form of hatred for another." She regarded him with cool eyes. "He does not tell us everything, but that burden shall lie with his own people. Not here."
Inuyasha sat, perched up on a tree, looking toward the sky. Grey covered the earthly dome, clouds thick and heavy. Yet the rain had receded, finally bestowing a moment of reprieve from the sodden torrent they'd experienced for the past few days. Inuyasha grinned. His wish for rain, and its arrival, came too strong, but he was content, regardless. It allowed for him to have more time to get to know Kagome after all, and he was finding that he truly liked who she was.
She told him everything that she could think of, even divulging about her time in the future. Inuyasha was truly amazed that Kagome was from a time where men no longer traveled with horses, and perfected the use of automatons. They flew above the skies, powers unnecessary.
When she spoke about her family, her wistful smile made him feel close to her and empathetic, considering they had both lost their families to time.
She told him her likes and dislikes, how she enjoyed being a priestess, but it was really hard work. She also loved to travel and said that she wanted to explore the world with him one day. She told him about things which she yearned for, and things which she hoped for. She missed her family. She missed him.
He felt horrible whenever he thought about her story. She had a life with someone who now could not even remember who she was to him. But Inuyasha was set on creating new memories with Kagome, and he hoped that if he never regained his past, he could somehow create a future with her.
He longed for her perpetually, pining after her soft skin, upturned lips and the taste of her tongue. Soon, once he felt that he knew her well enough, and vice versa, they would give in to the passion which, at this moment, sent his body into a frenzy. He could control it, though not without feeling a slight twinge of pressure. Specifically from his crotch.
Thunder rumbled in the distance. The foreboding sky reminded him of that snake demon he'd encountered. Miroku told Inuyasha he'd sent out an emissary to find out what exactly that demon was talking about. None of them had heard a thing about a war, neither on heaven or on earth. Inuyasha wondered if his half brother Sesshomaru would know anything, but he was unable to acquire his scent, nor could he fathom leaving Kagome alone at a time like this.
Lightning crashed onto the earth and he could see where it hit, splitting a tree in two. He frowned. Perhaps it was time to pick up Kagome from work. It was still early in the day, merely a quarter past three, but he figured it was better that she remain with him than at Kaede's. He could sense lightning approaching and jump away with Kagome on hand. She had no such option with Kaede.
He leapt off of the tree, his feet impacting the grassy surface, creating an indent on the sod beneath him. Kagome would be happy to see him, he was sure. He had never picked her up from work before, and she always seemed to be in a good mood whenever he thought to seek her out. She really wanted him around. He shook his head at the thought. No matter how many weeks passed, he didn't know if he'd ever grow accustomed to her affection. Even so, he wouldn't squander this.
He marched along the road, whistling a jaunty tune. Wind blew fiercely, making his hair go amok. With a curse, he latched onto the thick tendrils, and pushed them down the back of his shirt.
"There," he grumbled. Still, the wind came stronger, howling now like an animal wounded and afraid. Pricks of unease covered him, erupting gooseflesh. Something wasn't right with the weather and it spurred him on to meet Kagome with a fierce intensity. He made a break for her, leaping over hills and inclines, bounding to the left and right, till finally he made it to Kaede's home. He peered inside. A fire blazed in the middle of the room, lending a golden glow to the wooden walls. A man rested on a cot close to the door, water falling from his skin. Kagome and Kaede were in the back of the room, organizing their bottles and vials, the clinging and clanging perceptible yet discreet.
Kagome wore her ceremonial gown, a red and white suit which fit loosely to her skin. Such a pure image seemed at odds with the rather fresh woman he knew and-dare he admit it?-was coming to adore. Wind blew into the room, forcing her hair to fly with its current and onto her face. Frustrated, she stomped her feet and growled.
Inuyasha covered his mouth to hold back a snicker. Always attuned to his presence, she glanced his way and saw him. With a gasp, her eyes widened. Then she sobered and said his name. He could probably fall in love with the way she whispered to him, as calming as a stroke from her delicate hands.
He waved two fingers. "Sup, Kagome."
She ran to him, though her steps were light and feathery. "Hi," she beamed. She seemed breathless, as if she'd just run miles; so at odds with what she was doing inside this room. His stomach fluttered and warmth suffused itself into his gut. Damn, but he could get used to this.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
Keep it cool, bud. He lifted his hand and studied his fingers. "Came to pick you up. Let's go."
Kagome chuckled. Such a thing reminded him of how little he had laughed in his own life, living with a constant struggle that came with his history and social ineptitudes. She gave him a sense of what it could be like to live in a world where he belonged. Would it ever be lost to him? He would fight against it if so. "But I'm not done," she said.
"Yeah, you are. Check out that sky. It's crackin' like a whip so you need to be safe at the house."
As if on queue, a flash of lightning brightened the house and a roar of thunder shot through the sky.
She scrunched her lips, the perfect position, he mused somewhat roguishly, to kiss her with. "I'm perfectly fine here."
"No, you're not. At any moment, those strikes can come down on 'ya in an instant. Can't have that now, can I? Better to have you home with me than with Kaede."
From behind, the old woman looked to the ceiling and snorted. Inuyasha grinned. "Hi, Kaede."
She humphed and walked on off with a tray of creams on hand.
"Inuyasha, this isn't necassary."
"It is." And that was the end of that, because he crossed his arms to his chest and glared at her. She sighed, exasperated, though her color was high and a glint of a smile teased at her lips.
"Okay. Fine. But let me change."
With a grunt, he watched her walk away, until she made a right and disappeared. Satisfied, he rocked his feet along the muddy pavement. He looked down and grimaced. He'd have to wash them when they got home. Kagome wouldn't let him enter the house with this mess, the brown slosh covering his toes and soles. Maybe he would ask her to clean them for him. She'd probably gaze at him with a look of horror, and wouldn't that just be hilarious to see? He snickered uncontrollably, feeling like a stupid kid. But damn, did it feel good to feel so free.
A rustle and a groan caught his attention, turning his vision toward the man on the floor from which it came.
"Uh. You okay there?"
The brown haired man positioned his head in a way to better see Inuyasha. His black orbs rounded and sharpened when they met the tip of Inuyasha's ears. A flare of green stained his cheeks and he scowled.
Inuyasha gave him a disgruntled face. "The hell are you looking at?"
"Filthy, demon. What do you here?"
His nails sharpened. Human or no, he wouldn't take this from anyone. Clearly the man was still plagued with a nefarious demon. Despite this, Inuyasha didn't think the evil inside had anything to do with the look of contempt he bestowed upon him. "Watch what you say 'cause I won't hesitate to cut your tongue."
"This village belongs to man. No creature such as yourself should ever stain its borders." He tilted his head, studying his form. Disgust slithered down Inuyasha's back and he ground his teeth. "You are no demon, merely half. What moron thought to have intercourse with your mother to create you?"
Inuyasha saw red. His breath grew shallow, his back sharp and at the ready, and he growled at the human. Only a fool would dare to utter such an insult. Inuyasha never took the disdain of others lightly. This went double-fold when it came to his mother.
"I told you to watch your tongue!" he barked. "I swear, though Kagome treats you, I won't hesitate to knock the shit out of you, clean."
The human sneered. "How typical."
"Listen, bud, you've got your own demons to deal with. It'd be wise if you focused on that instead of my problems."
He scowled. "Spare me the vitriol. Your ilk ever plague me."
"It ain't my fault."
"I wish you all dead."
What the hell was wrong with this guy? Did his flirtation with near-death cause him to go insane? Had he no idea the power that Inuyasha could force upon him to end his pitiful existence? "Watch it or you may find yourself in that position."
"Stupid demon," he spat. "What Kagome sees in you, I will never understand. A demon is not meant to be with a human."
"Well, too late, bud. Kagome's my wife so ain't nothing seperatin' us from each other."
The human's brows arched. "Then she is as foolish as you."
If he wasn't already on the floor, barely alive, Inuyasha would not have given the slightest hesitation toward taking him down. He licked his teeth, letting them slice along the pointed tusks. Quickly enough, he tasted blood, the metallic flavor bursting. It did not hurt him. Instead, he let the sting of it fuel his anger until he looked at the man with all the malice and hate he felt for beings as prejudiced as he.
"What is your name, half demon?"
He responded with an icy glare.
"Show me the courtesy of providing a name." Inuyasha snorted and he frowned. "If I know it, I can refrain from calling you 'half demon,' half demon."
Inuyasha latched onto the door fringe and squeezed, the wood letting out a soft moan. "Call me that one more time and see what'll happen."
At that moment, Kagome returned to the room. She wore a red kimono with white and pink blossom patterns covering its cloth. Had he been in a better mood, he would have complimented her. Instead, he remained incensed. The man laid his head to rest, as if to fein a veneer of slumber. She could see that Inuyasha was simmering, but thought not to ask him what was wrong until after they left the house.
The clouds were rolling in fast now with an intensity which swayed limber and strained roots. Their hairs whipped around each other and Kagome sought to clasp her own behind her shirt. Inuyasha chose rather to let the edges fly, his feet stomping tempestuously along the muddy floor.
"Inuyasha," she called. Despite the howling wind, he turned to her.
"What is it?" he bit out curtly.
Oh, he was definitely in a mood and she would find out why right now.
"What's wrong?"
A short reprieve allowed for the wind to give a chance for them to hear each other more clearly. He turned his gaze away from her, his nose sharply pointing forward. A shadow passed over his face, and she could see the tension which gripped him as the line of his jaw hardened. "I don't want you seeing that guy anymore. He isn't safe."
Her brows were drawn, bemusement now apparent. Was he referring to Akihiko? It made the most sense, yet she could not fathom why he would say such a thing. "The man can barely walk, Inuyasha."
"Regardless, he has a demon in him," he said in umbrage. "Can't trust him."
"But it is my duty to-"
Inuyasha came to a sudden halt and turned to her. "He was an ass to me, Kagome."
Concerned, she clasped the length of his arm. He found a momentary burst of comfort from the sweet gesture. "What did he say?"
"Doesn't matter."
"It does to me," she insisted.
Though appearing obstinate and positively irate, he was able to open up to her without hesitation. "He wants me dead, called me a half demon and said you were foolish to have married a guy like me."
Understanding dawned on her. Surely this was the reason why the man was afflicted by his green villain. A demon who could fasten onto hatred and contempt within a human, made for a powerful combination. Kagome had only to recall her experience with Naraku to conclude such an idea. "Now I know why the demon latches on to him."
"Doesn't matter to me," was his offhanded reply. "I don't want you seeing that guy anymore."
Kagome sighed. Though she understood why he was so angry (and truly, her affection for the fellow evaporated with his comments toward Inuyasha), she could not grasp why he wanted her to stay away from the demon. She could handle him as she had handled many a demon ages before, no matter how stubborn they appeared. She had matured and grown so much in the past five years. Maybe one day she could prove herself to him. "Inuyasha-"
"I'm trying to protect you," he cut in.
A rush of tenderness and love strengthened inside of her until she had to hold back a toothy grin. She clamped her mouth shut until she said, "You know I don't need you to right now, Inuyasha."
That was the wrong thing to say.
Emotions swept through his gaze before he hardened with a stoic visage. "Fine." He spun around, a flurry of white and red, and began to march away from her.
Kagome chased after him-immediately knowing where his thoughts roamed-before he could walk any further. "Inuyasha, where are you going?"
He didn't stop his gait, moving quicker. "Gotta go for a walk."
Kagome kept apace. "You don't want me to be with you?"
He chose to remain silent, though his movements hastened. Kagome attempted to meet each stride, but his half demon physique made him too quick to rival. By the time he spoke, he was meters away from her. With her breath lost from exhaustion, she stopped when she heard him say, "Not right now."
Inuyasha was furious. So much anger overwhelmed him, he nearly fell into a fit of rage so strong it would fell any tree nearby. He chose instead to fume from within, letting his mind swirl with thoughts of murder. Had the man been healthier, Inuyasha would have killed him. He was already possessed by a demon, tainted by the parasite. Surely, he would have no further use to society, and Inuyasha could do the world some good by taking him out.
All his life, people looked down on him, making him feel like the lowest of the low. Though his mother had tried to hide him from the evil of the world, such a thing could never blot itself completely from his sight. At first, it was mankind who thought to make a mockery of his existence. They ridiculed him at every turn, calling him names, picking on any part of his body which appeared to be an obvious target. After a while, he thought to seek out the attention of demons, foolishly believing that they would accept him, despite his short-comings. What a moron he had been to have thought so, for they were worst. Their contempt was so strong it oozed into his subconscious, momentarily forcing him to believe that all they said was true.
He was an abomination. He was an outcast. He did not belong in the world he lived in, but he could have. The Shikon jewel had been his salvation, providing for him a way to escape the cage that came with isolation. Finally, he could be free from the bigotry of prying eyes. Finally, he could fit in. It would have given him the opportunity to become anything he desired, demon, human, it mattered not; only that it would allow him to finally have a place in a world so separated from him.
But such a thing could never happen as he recalled Kagome's story.
Kagome.
Guilt gnawed inside of him, needles pricking every sinew of his flesh. He scowled ferociously, growling as the wind fought for dominance in sound and ferocity.
"Shit," he cursed. Kagome's face appeared in his mind, a beautiful yet unwelcome view, for it threatened to push aside his rage, letting only regret take the fore. He had not meant to hurt Kagome, and he knew that he had. She chose not to follow him after he said those words, but he knew she would have done so had he kept his damned mouth shut. Now, she was probably heading back to Kaede's hut to cater to that damned fool of a human, disregarding every word he'd said.
Or perhaps she wouldn't do so, heading home instead, lying in wait for his arrival.
He would tell her he was sorry, of course he would. And she would understand because that's what Kagome did. She understood him completely, unequivocally. She knew his past and could discern his reactions in a fair and justifiable manner. He hoped.
Damn it. He came to her to keep her safe and instead stomped away from her like a petulant child. It was no matter that she said what she said, she meant no insult so none should have been taken. Even so, her words stung. Had she not heard him correctly? The beast wished him dead, yet she believed it acceptable to tend to him. Worst yet, she said that she did not need him. Perhaps that was what irked him most, for the truth of it lay in its depths.
He continued his march, inent on going nowhere and everywhere. But he knew he must turn back. Leaving her to her own devices was simply not an option.
He decided then that he had to take a cold bath. His skin was like fire and he needed to cool off.
He returned home merely a half hour later, not finding her with Kaede. Relief poured through him when Kaede explained that the last she knew, Kagome had left with him. Albeit confused, she stated that the girl would be home by now since the weather was taking a turn for the worst.
Now there, a new frown darkened his mien. Kagome was nowhere in sight and her scent was placed within the quarters of Sango's hut.
If she wanted to stay there for a moment, so be it. Lord knew he needed some extra time to himself. He sat on the ledge of his door step and wiped away the mud from his feet. It smeared itself onto his clothing and he sucked his teeth in disgust. When they were cleaned, he walked down the hall, venturing into his room for a new shirt and pants. The quiet of the house grated on his nerves, and he found that instead of gaining a sense of calm, he was simply feeling more irate.
Kagome should have been home. Sure, he said that he didn't want to walk with her, but that didn't mean that he wanted her away from him completely. Damn it, he just needed a moment to regain his equilibrium. Knowing that she was somewhere else only further earned his ire. Not because he was angry with her though. No, his anger lay solely with himself. He made her leave. He made her feel unwanted. God, that alone made him ball his hand into a fist and punch the wall. In an instant, his sword fell from its shelf with a loud thud. He picked up the weapon and thought to put it back in its place. Instead, it pulsed in his hands and his eyes widened in shock. That had happened before, but he couldn't comprehend any reason why.
He allowed his mind to flood with inquiries over the object, sweeping away some of the frustration that troubled him. He unsheathed the fine silver, its body glinting in the dimming light. It pulsed again, almost as if it were a heart beat, one aligned with his own. Since it was his father's sword, it had to have a number of powers.
His curiosity now piqued, he left his home and ventured outside the back where a fair bit of grass allowed for him to have enough space to swish the sword, left and right. He was always the type to fight with his hands, yet his body was able to recall some of its previous skill. Two bags stuffed with hay were strung up by thick brown sticks. Slashes cut into the bags, some diagonal, stretched along the sacks; others tinier, like puncture wounds.
He began to move around the figures, swooping down on them at random, slashing and knifing into the bags with unrepentant force. Yet no power emerged from the weapon no matter how hard he hacked. A new swell of frustration ballooned until he threw the weapon to the ground.
A scent filled his nose, one he did not greet. The monk stood behind him, his arms crossed, brown eye brows arched.
"That's not how you use a sword. Surely you know better than that," he heckled.
Inuyasha's temper remained sullen. Also, what the hell was the monk doing here? He should've been home with his wife, because that's where Kagome was. Dumb-ass didn't know to keep the women safe?
"Not a good time," he grumbled.
"I can see that. Perhaps, if you calmed yourself, you would feel better."
"No shit."
"I know a few relaxing techniques. Should you need them, I am at the ready."
Damned human. Couldn't he tell that Inuyasha did not wish to entertain visitors? Was there no black cloud hovering above him? There had to be. He felt abnormally dark. He looked at the sword. "Stupid shit is useless."
Miroku walked toward the weapon and lifted it with one hand, then he gave it to Inuyasha. "Try again."
"For what? It doesn't do anything except cut, which doesn't make it very special. Any knife can cut. My old man wasted his time giving me this piece of junk."
Miroku studied Inuyasha, a little too close for comfort, so the half breed scowled. "Quit the ogling."
"I take it your behavior has something to do with Kagome, hence the reason she is at my home, instead of here."
Crimson filled his face. "Ain't none of your concern."
"If it's any consolation, Kagome is fine and she holds no anger against you, no matter how much you deserve it."
He fumed. "Why the fuck are you judging me so quickly? Maybe I'm angry over something else. Ever think about that?"
"If that were the case, you'd tell your wife this. Alas, she is at my house. Why is that?"
"Ain't none of your concern, monk."
"I think it is. After all, she is taking up time which can be spent with Sango in my arms. Instead, my wife now caters to your own."
"Some friend. You say that like she's some kind of inconvenience."
"I assure you, Kagome is so much a friend, she may as well be my sister. Nonetheless, no man should take up another man's time with his wife."
He was right, obviously, yet Inuyasha still simmered. Perhaps he was possessed now, because he couldn't seem to get over the words that man said. How thin skinned he must be to let the words of a nobody fester inside of him in such a way. He combed his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes. "I just need a bit of space. I'm really irritated."
"I can see that."
Inuyasha glared. "Make it easier for me then. Stop annoying me."
Miroku raised his hands. "Very well. How about this? Let us work on your technique. You say the sword isn't working, yet you don't even know what it's supposed to do. Did Kagome tell you anything about it?"
"A few things," he muttered. "She mentioned that there were a number of techniques."
Miroku nodded. "Wind scar, back-lash wave and adamant barrage are just a few of the forms which your Tessaiga is able to enact."
Inuyasha stared at him intently. "What do they mean?"
"I would rather you attempt them to see for yourself."
With a nod, Inuyasha placed his feet squarely on the ground, inches apart. He then lifted the sword and yelled out one technique. He slashed into the air, his direction set on a mound of trees, away from the village. "Wind Scar!"
Nothing happened. With a growl, he attempted another technique, calling out, "Adamant barrage!"
Again, nothing happened. A new sense of irritation plagued him, though not as strong as his former emotions.
"What the hell, Miroku? It's not working."
The monk looked as confounded as he and he shook his head, his mind preoccupied with his own confusing thoughts. The weapon should have worked, yet it failed to do so, not recognizing or acknowledging Inuyasha's commands. Miroku had never seen this happen before and wondered if Tessaiga rejected Inuyasha. If so, why would it do so? It simply made no sense, not unless the weapon knew that Inuyasha was not the same and thought it best to remain inoperative. Could the weapon truly be as sentient as it seemed?
Kagome should go home. Inuyasha would want her there since he was concerned about her safety. Sango needed to focus on her kids, not on Kagome's marital problems; nor did she even need to know about them, considering it was a fairly easy fix. Inuyasha was angry because his feelings had been hurt. All she needed to do was go home, cater to his desires, and sooth his ego. She'd done it countless times before, yet something held her here, a deep sense of foreboding apprehending and perplexing her all the same.
Thunder rumbled in the background, and the clouds looked as though they were aching to burst at the seams. Perhaps it would have been wise of her to head home now lest she remain stranded by the deluge that was threatening to approach. She turned to Sango. The woman was combing the fine hair of one of her twin girls. She was quiet and focused on what was most important, and Kagome admired her openly. Her hands were gentle as they moved down the girl's black tresses, tenderly looping at the end of her strands to create loose curls. She was both strong, yet affectionate, resolute, yet impassioned.
Kagome hoped to be as strong and as motherly as she. Her hand instinctively rested on her stomach and she peered down, feeling only the tiniest presence of a bump. The child was growing, as were certain parts of her body. Inuyasha had failed to notice, but only because he had not seen Kagome, not since the bathing incident. She smiled softly, moving her hand along her stomach in a circular motion. The baby's father was a strong character, yet she knew he would be the most wonderful father, since everyone he cared for and loved were protected by his fierce sense of loyalty.
Longing stirred inside of her. She felt no ill-will against Inuyasha for his remark, only regret. Had she been wiser with her words, this issue would be null. Everything went to dust when she mentioned that she did not need him. No, of course she needed him, always. But when it came to matters of healing, he was fairly inept and so, his presence wasn't exactly paramount. Nevertheless, she had to make sure he understood that. How asinine of her to have uttered it in the first place, knowing how sensitive he used to be. With that thought in mind, she stood up, intent on returning to him to offer an apology and even a long needed kiss. Three days had passed, and despite their gradual progress, she knew he desired it. On occasion, his eyes would roam the delicate curve of her lips. Surely he ached for their connection as much as she.
Sango sent her a quick look before returning her gaze to her child's hair. "Heading home?"
"Yes, mam," she replied. "I think Inuyasha has had enough time to vent. He should be fine now."
"This thing is a piece of shit!"
Or not.
When Kagome entered her home, she had sought out Inuyasha in an attempt to begin her appeasement process. But instead of him being inside, she heard him grunting outside of their lawn. His face was misted with sweat, his nostrils flared from the force of his breathing. On hand was Tessaiga and he swished and arched the weapon, barking out commands, much to no avail.
Curses flew from his lips, a few which made Kagome gasp, completely startled by such vocabulary. Clearly, he had kept some from her, and she wished he had once more.
He heard her sharp intake of breath and whirled around. She nearly groaned at his look of rage, though she knew it was not directed at her. He hoisted Tessaiga above his head. "This weapon is a piece of crap."
Kagome bit her tongue. Now was not the time to contest his opinions. It would be best if she let him rant.
"It doesn't make sense to me. It should do more."
She agreed wholeheartedly.
"Why the hell did my father give this junk to me?" he demanded. "Was he trying to insult me? Was this pathetic weapon the best he could offer me?"
She couldn't hold her tongue this time. If Inuyasha thought such a thing, it must have wounded him deeply. She remembered how much he respected the man and wished that he could have met him.
"Inuyasha, please calm yourself. I know how the weapon works."
He snorted. "You're human, how can you know?"
She counted to five before she spoke. "I'm married to you, am I not?"
His eyes turned to slits, though a line on his cheek appeared to redden. "What's that got to do with anything?"
"I know how it works because we learned about it together. I was there with you when Sesshomaru found it. I was there when you tried to take it out. In fact, I was the first to hold it in my hands. I know what you have to do."
"Spit it out then."
She counted to ten. Now he was just acting ridiculous. Insulted or not, she did not deserve this treatment, and she would not take this from him any longer. "You'll have to calm that tone of yours before I help you."
This managed to annoy him so much, he turned away from her and continued his useless tirade, an avalanche of curses flowing from his lips. She watched him slash at the wind and the futility of it caused his muscles to strain with each thrust.
"Inuyasha," she said with a sigh.
He ignored her.
"Inuyasha," she said again. Perhaps he could not hear her. The wind continued to moan, leaves scattering in the distance. She approached him, though not too close, lest he slice her with his next spate of swipes. She knew he was hurting inside, as so many thoughts must be plaguing him by now. He needed to relax, and most of all, he needed to stop using his sword without knowing how to maneuver it properly. "Inuyasha, please. You just need to-"
He spun around with a quickness and roared, "Would you get off my back? Your voice is grating. Back off!"
Embarrassed and not a little hurt, Kagome looked at the ground and stared, though she saw nothing.
Miroku could see that she was ashen-faced and approached her immediately, but she struck out her hand for him to stop. With a shake of her head, and a sadness which tore his heart, she walked away, into the darkened hall.
Furious, Miroku sent Inuyasha a look of disgust. "Was that necassary? She was simply trying to help."
"Get off my back," he said, though his tone held no gravity, more tired than anything. "I'm not-I'm not in the right...right place."
Miroku continued to stare, disappointment oozing from him, but Inuyasha tried to shrug it off like he did the resounding tug of guilt which ate at his mind.
Kagome didn't deserve his ire, only his affection. But his demon side dwelled on the hate and the hurt, and he could not find a way to quell it. His human side was not yet strong enough to fight his impulsive nature, a part of him which used to get him into all kinds of trouble with those close-by.
He was such a moron. A terrible, unnecessary fool.
Maybe everyone was right about him.
He dropped his sword as though it held some sort of malignant disease. It clanged as it met the ground and mirrored the sky as well as Inuyasha's movements. He turned away from his house and the village, and he ran deep into the shady grove.
In an instant, rain began to fall, covering him in a veil of shame.