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"It's going to be fine," Kagome said for the thousandth time that day, as they walked side-by-side along the path.
Her half-demon was not convinced.
"We don't even have to tell anyone if you don't want to."
No answer.
"I could say you got sick and don't want to see anyone."
"I do not get sick."
"Of course you don't," she agreed smoothly. "Come on Inuyasha, it would to be a lot better than staying out here. What if Kagura already told Naraku your secret?"
"Keh! Then we fight 'em off, like always."
The priestess stopped walking and turned to look at him. Startled, he met her gaze, ears tilted back in frustration.
"Inuyasha… please. Just do it this once, for my sake. I'm really worried."
He drew in a deep breath, and Kagome prepared herself for an earful of angry hanyou.
"Please," she said again.
There was a tiny pause, and Inuyasha's angry expression wavered. Slowly his ears began to droop. His deep breath, intended for yelling, came out as a defeated sigh instead.
"Just this once, got it?"
They were going to spend tonight, the night of the new moon, in her time.
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Kagome grinned as she ran the brush through her freshly clean and wet hair, pleased with the turn of events. She and Inuyasha had gone through the well in the late afternoon. Exactly as they had planned, the half-demon greeted her family and then immediately headed up the stairs to her bedroom. Sota's face fell; he had clearly been hoping to play with his 'dog-brother'. But before he could say anything, Kagome pulled him aside, explaining in hushed tones that their guest wasn't feeling well. "We've been fighting some really bad demons lately," she told the little boy, whose eyes got big and worried. "So do him a favor and let him be, okay? He should be fine in the morning."
And just like that, she had earned Inuyasha a night without any prying eyes. And she could catch up on some homework, too! Kagome congratulated herself for a job well done.
"Hey."
"Hmm?" she turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder. Inuyasha was sitting in his usual place on her bed, his back to the wall and his arms crossed.
"You haven't… told them, have you?" He looked really tense.
"No, I haven't." She set her brush down on the desk and turned fully around to face him. "I won't tell anyone unless you want me to, you know that, right?"
"Hmph." He avoided her gaze, but his posture eased a tiny bit.
Kagome had hoped he would be more relaxed in her time, away from any threat of Naraku… but no, the hanyou was just as nervous as always. I guess it can't be helped, she thought sadly. New moon nights were never easy.
A knock sounded on her door and Inuyasha jumped slightly. Even though he still had the silver hair and soft dog ears, his senses always dulled a few hours before the transition. Kagome went to the door and opened it only partway, keeping the half-demon out of sight.
On the other side of the doorway, her mother was holding a large tray. "Sota said that Inuyasha isn't feeling well… so I thought you two might prefer to have dinner up here," she said warmly, passing it to Kagome. On the tray sat two servings of food, soup, and green tea.
"Thanks, Mama. It looks delicious."
"No problem, dear. Just bring the dishes down when you're done." Her mother's smile faded slightly, replaced by concern. "I hope he can eat it all right… I didn't even think to ask you that!"
"I'm sure he can," the girl reassured her.
"Thank goodness. I'll be downstairs, be sure to let me know if you need anything!"
Kagome thanked her again as she left. With the door closed and locked once more, the girl brought the tray over to the bed, where Inuyasha was watching with interest.
"Smells good."
"Yeah, it does," she agreed, handing over one of the plates.
The half-demon took it slowly, absently. His eyes were still focused on the tray below, and Kagome thought she could see a small smile forming on his face. Curious, she looked back at the tray, and finally noticed.
One bowl was filled with the usual: miso soup. The other had been thoughtfully replaced with ramen.
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AN: Kagome's mother rocks. I think her acceptance of Inuyasha is a lot more important to him than the anime gave credit for. :)
Reviews are always appreciated! Thanks for reading!