Hot water steamed in the garden tub. Kagome sighed as she eased down into the smooth porcelain. She could hear Inuyasha puttering around the bedroom and main room. Bright and energetic was different for her hanyou. Gently griping about breakfast and eager to get moving were normal. Her insistence on a bath delayed Inuyasha's program. In the Feudal Era, it was unusual to bathe in the early morning when the river would be especially cold. The boy pacing around the bedroom wanted to eat and be on the move. She feared their lodgings wouldn't contain his fervor for long.
A girl wants a bath!
Kagome receded deeper into the water when the door opened. Inuyasha burst inside. Her husband dropped into a sitting position beside the tub. The slick paper in his hands showed signs of peeling from contact with his claws. The leaflet advertising specialty food locations in the area was flashy. His focus on the pictures relieved her shock.
Inuyasha's in my bathroom!
The bubbles gathered on the surface shielded her from open exposure yet it was supremely novel to have Inuyasha sitting so near whilst she soaked. It was normal for him to stand guardian in the vicinity. She smiled under the surface when she remembered the night before they had encountered Miroku on the mountain pass. Inuyasha had come running to save her from some mischievous monkeys.
He couldn't look at me straight for an entire day!
"Can we go here?"
"The ramen shop? It's open for lunch and dinner." Locally ground Nagano ramen and spicy soup and chasyumen and mixed vegetables covered the glossy paper. Asahi beer was available at the restaurant that requested cash only. Inuyasha has never had fresh ramen. The instant stuff is easy and cheap. It can be an art form.
"That sounds nice."
"We can have a date, right?" Kagome's heart melted at the innocence in his eyes. She doubted he understood the word very well. Little by little, she could see more of the sweet guy hidden behind the gruff exterior.
"Yes. A date." Her hand reached past the lip of the tub to smooth his bangs. He dropped their eye contact. Was he feeling lonely by himself in the room?
"What's this?" Inuyasha picked up a random bottle from the low wooden table.
"Bubble bath." The bottle displayed the inn's name. "You can add it to your bath and it makes big bubbles. Sometimes they smell good too." Inuyasha's eyes skimmed the clear water. She had turned to face him in the water, curling her legs. She leaned on the edge of the tub. The porcelain was cool against her warm skin.
"You like your water that hot?" Steam rose from the water.
"Did you want to join me?" Kagome saw Inuyasha's eyes widen. The tub was large enough for two, as a honeymoon suite. The invitation stunned her poor husband into silence. His claws pierced the paper menu.
"You don't have to look so frightened!" She laughed softly. Inuyasha stayed put when Kagome ducked underneath the water. He did watch while she ran a cloth over her extended legs and her arms. Her skin was thoroughly pink by the time she was finished. Inuyasha jumped to fetch her towel. The thick white cotton felt luxurious when he draped it around her.
The open bag on the counter was under scrutiny. Kagome brushed her hair out in the mirror. The boy circling around her in an excited frenzy was making her dizzy.
"Mouthwash - no!" It was a brief save to stop him.
"You need all these?"
"Lipstick, chapstick, lip balm, moisturizer, mascara, leave-in conditioner - be careful!" Kagome's hand closed over the bottle head before it could spray in his face. Inuyasha's sudden interest in her toiletries made her nervous.
"What's this?" Kagome's eye twitched uncontrollably. The little pink cylinder in his claws came apart easily. He sniffed the contents.
"You keep a little white rat in your bag?"
"Inuyasha, no!"
"Is this food?" Kagome realized her mistake. The foil packets in Inuyasha's claws looked mildly similar to the flavor packets used in his ramen. She leapt at him but he held his hand above his head. Changing tactics, she smiled as sweetly as she could.
"May I have those back?"
"Why are you hiding food in your wash-bag?"
"It's not food!"
There was a metallic rip. Inuyasha spun away from her to investigate the plastic ring inside the foil. Having bought them before having sex she realized they weren't the right size. Embarrassed but determined, she stopped him from putting his mouth on the thick plastic edge.
"Why are you so nervous? Is it dangerous?"
"They're condoms." Inuyasha's expression did not change. They probably had a different word. "Umm, they're plastic sheaths that cover your - you know. For sex." The wrinkle in his nose was intolerable. Why is this so embarrassing?
"For a mouse?" Inuyasha snorted at the tiny rubber ring.
"It stretches." Kagome cringed slightly when he pulled at the sides. His claws easily pierced the soft latex. Stupid, stupid Kagome! Of course he couldn't put them on. I would have to do it for him. That possibility made her squirm.
"Keh! They smell."
"I bought them for emergencies. You don't have to wear them." She could tell he didn't like the idea of wearing anything. The pill did a decent job of preventing pregnancy on its own but the combination was unbeatable. Inuyasha dropped the waste into her hand with a snort. He disappeared into the other room.
When her hair was dried and combed and primped to her satisfaction she escaped to the bedroom. Inuyasha was simple enough. A soft pair of cargo pants and a shirt. The weather was going to be moderate and cloudy. Kagome clicked open her case to consider her options.
"Let's go!"
Kagome stuck her tongue out at him. Inuyasha crossed his arms while she dressed in a comfortable sweater-skirt combo. Her husband offered her purse by its strap. Down the stairs and into the open air she jogged to keep up. The streets were filled with tourists and others going to work and school and opening businesses. Inuyasha seemed to know where he wanted to lead her so she followed. While the number of cars in the road were fewer than the city, she still stopped Inuyasha from simply walking into traffic. Together they found the little diner from the pamphlets. A sweet, simple wooden building with small windows displaying freshly baked goods. Traditional rice and tamagoyaki and misoshiru and fresh fish. It was a smaller place but filled with locals.
Wooden tables and multi-colored bowls filled the room. It was simply furnished with a dozen tables or so and a serving bar. The cooks were on display as they turned and plated and dropped tickets into the till. Inuyasha sat at the bar on the squarish bar chair with thin legs. Unlike many of their roadside stops at a tea stand, there was a full staff. The wooden bar was wonderfully aged with use. It felt comfortable and reliable. Kagome was glad that Inuyasha's pick was likely a good one rather than a falsely advertised chain.
Tamago kake gohan was served in a dark wooden bowl. Soy sauce was within easy reach of any patron at the bar. Freshly caught fish and homemade miso. Kagome watched one of the prep staff chopping green onions and frying the aburaage and slicing Japanese mushrooms into a large pan. The frequency of the order and the simplicity of the menu told her that they were expecting numerous customers. This was not a restaurant that served old food because the turnover was too great. The struggle to keep fresh ingredients ready for the assembly line impressed her.
Inuyasha kept his head down as he ate. The warm, rich food made him growl quietly but only a child at the end seemed to notice. She used her chopsticks to examine her food before letting the moist rice sopped with soy sauce delight her taste buds. The restaurant did nothing halfway. The vegetables were fresh. Not even her mother could prepare such good miso. The bulk of the ingredients ordered by the restaurant practically guaranteed them the best of a grocer's stock.
Inuyasha generally didn't like conversation while he ate but company was appreciated. Kagome admired him while he devoured his fish and tossed back his tea. His manners left something to be desired but she could see the contentment resting on his shoulders. Rather than tense and prepared for battle at any moment, her beautiful husband was enjoying their breakfast. His light eyes flitted to hers with alarm when he noticed her staring. She patted his arm familiarly.
"More tea, dear?"
Inuyasha nodded to the waitress. A fresh kettle poured steaming tea into his porcelain cup. The minty flavor was subtle but soothing. Kagome also pushed her cup forward to be refilled. Minuscule chopped herbs floated in the drink. It was rosemary and something else. Kaede's teaching gave her a better appreciation for the freshness of the ingredients.
Once again, Kagome watched Inuyasha take charge of the bill. Again he added too much yen to the payment but the waitperson said nothing and returned the change. She noticed how he seemed to wait for her reaction but she refused. He was just as much a product of his era as she was of hers. It wasn't forceful or obnoxious but he was definitely making a statement.
Is Inuyasha paying for our date?
The fresh air outside felt great. Kagome stretched her arms out.
"Want to walk around?"
"Keh." Inuyasha shoved his arms into his gray sleeves. Together they strolled away from the little neighborhood into the main thoroughfare. She noted his interest as a motorcycle buzzed past. Its speed was too fast for the lazy little street. A mother pushing a pram nodded to them politely. The little baby inside kicked its legs into the air. A group of girls her age in school uniforms crossed the street. An elderly couple sat outside a shop playing cards.
The town made a good deal of its money from tourists. Shops and carts advertised the castle nearby. Gardens and botany classes, language classes, etiquette classes, cooking classes and more decorated spotless glass display windows. There were several local museums but none would open until later in the morning. Inuyasha's head turned to watch the man in uniform adding pieces of mail to local mail slots.
"A park!" Kagome snatched Inuyasha's sleeve to forcefully lead him. She shot past him to claim the swing gleefully. Her feet pushed back on the sand to send her forwards with a large push.
"What's that for?"
"Push me!" Kagome swung past his stationary form. He seemed to be considering how dangerous the swing was before stepping behind her. Strong hands gently pushed on her shoulders. She laughed as she swung higher. Inuyasha relaxed as her hair blew around her head.
"This is a toy? For kids?"
"For anyone!" Kagome extended her legs as she swung higher. She knew Inuyasha would catch her when she jumped. The hanyou cursed but sprinted to extend his arms before she could hit the sand. He scowled at her.
"Don't DO that!"
"Why not? You always catch me!"
Inuyasha's pout was insanely adorable. He lowered her feet to the ground. Despite his veneer of irritation his eyes still swept over her legs. He flipped her skirt down to cover her thigh. The lingering weight of his palms on her hips made her happy. It was nice to stand close to him. A very sweet kiss made her giggle and search for another. The sun was warm on her shoulders when Inuyasha's head dipped lower to kiss her more thoroughly. Her hands gripped his head when his hand dipped under the hemline of her shirt to stroke the skin on her hip.
It's the middle of the morning, Kagome! There are museums and walking paths and –
"Oh," she closed her eyes when Inuyasha kissed her neck.
Their lunch was a quick meal fetched from the local kitchen. Kagome sat on the kitchen stool in her pink robe while Inuyasha scarfed down his fish. He eyed her idle hands. She couldn't deny her fingers the urge to reach across the counter and tweak his ear. Her husband made a noise.
"Eat, wench. It'll get cold."
"I am eating! You're cute."
"Keh. Whatever." Inuyasha was pleased but he pretended otherwise. It was still a little embarrassing to openly flirt with him but it was a relief. He was really cute, so cute it distracted her. She leaned on her fist and eyed the arms on display. Strong, smooth, tanned – his forearms were defined in the way only men could achieve.
"You're cute," he mumbled.
Inuyasha's trying to flirt!
Kagome beamed while trying not to overreact. No squealing, no loud sounds. You'll spook him.
Inuyasha dropped his chopsticks onto the table and popped up to clean up. Kagome kicked her legs on the stool while he emptied his plate into the garbage under the sink. The brush of his body against her arm while he cleaned up was nice. She popped the last piece of her fish into her mouth while enjoying his helpfulness. Inuyasha doesn't clean up. He helps gather firewood or water and carrying supplies but he doesn't normally clean after the meal. Maybe still he's trying to be on his best manners?
"Hey!" Kagome exclaimed playfully. Inuyasha had taken her last rice ball off her plate for himself. He triumphantly chewed it.
"You eat too slow."
"Jerk." Kagome smiled to take the edge away. She handed him her empty plate and watched him scrape the bits that were left into the bin. In the corner of her eye, she watched him hesitate. His fingers ghosted over her ears. Holding her breath, she waited while he worked up the nerve. Gentle fingers swept over her cheek to tuck her loose hair behind her ear. The sweetness of the interaction made her blush. Despite their new status as lovers, her husband was a stranger to touch. Kagome kept her eyes down when his palm grazed over her head. His fingers tangled into her hair for an experimental tug. Bumps raised on her skin when sharply-edged fingers pulled on her lobe.
"I like your ears."
"That's my line." She smirked up at him.
"I was wondering," Inuyasha's hand stayed tangled in her hair. "Do you have everything you need for our house? Clothes and things?"
"I have you." Kagome grabbed his strong wrist. She kissed the sensitive skin over his pulse. The leap in its harmony matched the light in his eyes. Embarrassment made him turn away. It was perfect to tuck her head into his shoulder. That he perfectly fit her body made sense to her. His hand dipped deeper into her hair.
"That's not what I meant," Inuyasha grumbled.
"We have a wonderful house to unpack and decorate. We have the essentials."
"I've never lived in a village. I don't know what you need."
"Then we'll both learn."
