Chapter 10

It was a clear day in Edo. The sky was a perfect blue, unmarred by any clouds and the sun shone down on the land brightly, the weather warm but with a cool breeze blowing through the trees. InuYasha was spending the day hunting, hoping to bring back some big game for the group and burn off some of the frustration that had pent up while he'd been awaiting Kagome's return. Shippo had begged to come along, but the half-demon knew that the kit would only hinder any chances he had of catching anything with his loudmouth. One day, he'd have to teach him how to hunt, and how to fight, and he prayed that when that day came, he would have more patience then he did now.

He had traveled much deeper into the forest than he normally would, instinctively knowing that the bigger animals like deer and hogs would be far from the well-traveled paths. The trees were alive with the sound of the wind rustling the branches above, the birds singing, calling to each other while they flitted about the canopy. His superior senses were on full alert, calculating golden eyes scanning the area while his nose tracked the scent he was after.

A buck had made its way through here not long ago. The tracks imprinted into the soft earth were fresh, not even an hour old. He followed the trail, it led uphill and into the thicket, so he took to the trees. He leapt from branch to branch easily, hunting his prey with learned stealth that served him well.

It had been five days since he'd left Kagome's time, five days since he'd held her or kissed her. Five days since he'd felt her calming aura brush against his own. He missed her. He could admit that. He was feeling moody, irritated and was easily set off by things that would normally just annoy him. So, he'd distanced himself from the rest of the group, often keeping to the woods, favoring the spot close to the well just in case she happened to come back early.

After their time together in the future, where they had grown so close, he wondered what it would be like when she came back and they finally started traveling again. It was true that he missed her, but he was also anxious to get on with the hunt again. He was growing antsy, just sitting around all day, and his mind drifted to what lay ahead.

Naraku was on the move. He could feel it, brewing on the air, ominous and filled with foreboding as his hovered over the mountains. The sooner Kagome came back the better.

He caught sight of the large buck up ahead as it grazed, oblivious to his presence as he stilled, pausing on the branch high above while he studied the animal. He was almost at loathe to kill it, it looked almost regal with its massive bone-white antlers and large unblinking eyes. But in the end, he made quick work of it, ending it painlessly and quickly. He then slung the animal over his shoulder, hauling it off back to the village with ease.

The sun was still high in the sky, he knew it couldn't be much past noon and was in no particular hurry to get back. Things had been so boring with Kagome gone, he felt chained to the village and was eager for her return so they could head out again. He wanted to see the light fade from Naraku's bottomless black eyes while he drove his Tessaiga through his heart. The desire was still very much driving him along, and the Inu in him could not rest until his enemy had suffered his revenge. He would find him, and he would end this. So maybe… maybe one day he and Kagome could have a real life together. That thought played on repeat in his mind, steeling him further to his purpose. He would kill Naraku, for her, for himself, for everything.

Sometime later, after he'd presented his kill to Sango and Kaede, he sat inside the small hut, his back pressed against the rough wooden wall as he watched the meat roast over the fire pit in the center of the room. The women had seemed pleased with him, the old woman had said as much, praising him for his thoughtfulness while the demon slayer just nodded, her eyes holding a glimmer of approval. He had left them to gut and skin the animal and went to sit next to Miroku, who was writing in a small black leather-bound book, his motions careful and poised. He was still sat there now, an hour or so later, mouth-watering at the smell that filled the one-room home. The women were outside, tending to other chores and Shippo had tagged along, leaving just the two men alone in the small space.

Miroku had been quiet up until they were out of earshot, only then did he put down his book, marking his spot carefully before tucking it back into his robes. "So." The monk's violet-colored eyes sparkled at him mischievously, he leaned closer, elbows resting on his knees and the Hanyou couldn't help but roll his eyes with an annoyed huff. Somehow, he just knew that the monk was about to say something lecherous. "You stayed with Kagome in the future for a lot longer than you originally planned… any particular reason?" The Hoshi asked knowingly, voice sparkling with humor.

InuYasha looked away from him hurriedly, his cheeks coloring as he silently cursed the monk and how observant he was. "Keh…" He scoffed, hesitant to spill just everything that had happened… but, maybe there was no shame in just giving the monk the highlights, right? He coughed awkwardly, clearing his throat. "Well… I… we… well, you know what I'm trying to say, bastard." He ground out with a huff, cheeks darkening even further as the monk laughed jovially, giving him a very manly pat of approval.

"Finally! Good man! Now, just give me a few juicy details, why don't you?" Miroku leaned in, eager to hear the account of how it all started, but the Hanyou hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed under his friend's expectant gaze.

"No way! Keh, you know Kagome'd be pissed if she finds out I've been blabbing about it to you, and I'd rather not eat dirt again anytime soon." It was a plausible excuse, and it was probably a safe bet to keep his mouth shut on the matter, he didn't want to embarrass Kagome, she was easily flustered by those sorts of things.

"Fair enough." The hoshi sighed, leaning back and looking a bit disappointed. "At least one of us around here is getting some… I swear, I'm not getting anywhere with Sango." He looked a bit put out and he stared into the fire, the burning of the embers reflected in his indigo eyes.

"It's like… sometimes, she can't even stand to be around me…" He turned to level his gaze at InuYasha, looking serious. "Am I really that bad?" It was a moment of self-doubt that the Hanyou rarely saw, the monk's carefully crafted mask slipping for just a moment.

"Well… you could stand to cut down on the constant ass grabbing, I'll tell you that." InuYasha answered the only way he knew how, with pure honesty. He refused to sugar coat anything, especially when it was one of his companions that was coming to him for advice, which was admittedly rare. "And it couldn't hurt to not flirt with other women, in front of her, at least." He added with a shrug, seemingly uncaring though internally he was sympathetic, knowing all too well how it felt to be rejected.

"You may have a point there, my friend." Miroku sighed, "I appreciate your honesty." He looked thoughtful, sitting there with his legs crossed and the ghost of a smile on his face. "You're a good friend, and I wish you and Kagome well, this has been a long time coming."

InuYasha sputtered, shocked and wide-eyed. He was about to reply, but just then Sango breezed through the doorway, Shippo not far behind her as she carried a large basket on her hip. Her eyes narrowed at the two of them suspiciously as they looked up at her conspiratorially.

"Ooh, that smells good!" The little kitsune practically drooled over the cooking meat, bouncing over to sit beside the Hanyou, effectively breaking the tension.

Sango sat the basket down and then lowered herself down to the ground, sorting through its contents with her legs crossed delicately. "You can thank InuYasha for that, Shippo. He was kind enough to bring us the buck." Sango declared matter of factly, and the half-demon noticed that she was sorting through vegetables, pulling what she wanted out of the basket and yanking off the stems, tossing the scraps to the side. His cheeks colored at the out of character praise from the girl, and he looked away with a huff, cheeks flushing hotly.

"Wow, thanks InuYasha!" Shippo chirped, oblivious to the Hanyou's discomfort, his eyes lighting up as he looked up at him happily.

"Keh. Whatever." He rumbled uncomfortably; his tone dismissive.

Sango prepared the vegetables for dinner, her fingers expertly using a small knife to slice them up, setting them off to the side while she got the rice ready to go over the fire. While she was doing that, Miroku had gone back to writing in that book of his, and Shippo had busied himself with the crayons and paper Kagome had brought for him a while ago, and he colored happily while InuYasha was busy studying the ceiling.

Sango couldn't help but be miffed at the half-demon still, though she had to assume that he and Kagome had made up, the demon slayer did not forgive so easily. He had been gone for almost three days when initially he said he'd be back in just a days' time. Not that it was any of business but… dammit, it was her business. Kagome was her best friend, and she couldn't just stand by while she got hurt again and again. She was eager for her friend to return, knowing that a trip to the hot springs would have her spilling the whole story in no time.

She couldn't help it when her eyes drifted from her work to the silent monk sitting not too far away, his deep indigo eyes seeming thoughtful as he focused on the kanji he was scribbling. His lips were full, upturned at the corners and his skin was a bit tanned from his time in the sun. His eyes were the deepest of blues and spoke to her of the ocean, of crashing waves and bottomless depths. The made her feel weak, especially when he looked upon her with that lecherous look on his face, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

Her gaze quickly flickered away from him before she could get caught, fingers seeming a bit unsteady as she continued. She finished quickly, setting the vegetables to the side as she turned the meat on its spit carefully. When she dared look up at him again, she was shocked to see those bottomless orbs of pure indigo trained directly on her, unrelenting as they captured her. Those eyes, they seemed to look straight through her. She swore he could hear the thunderous boom of her heart as it pounded against her ribs, rattling her eardrums with its intensity.

After a long, drawn-out moment, he released her, focusing on whatever he was writing again. All at once it was like her breath was suddenly returned to her, a heated blush coloring her cheeks while she desperately tried to calm herself. It was silly to get so worked up over something so small, she knew, but for some reason, when Miroku was involved her convictions seemed less important. That scared her. She was raised to be disciplined, to put the bigger picture before herself or anyone else. And the monk seemed to have the uncanny ability to make her forget that.

It was best to just stay away from him, though that wasn't easy when they were living in such close quarters. But she knew that if given half the chance, he would charm her straight into his bed and she might just give in and let him.

She couldn't risk it.

Her thoughts sobering, she got back to preparing dinner, moving the rice off the direct heat to steam, so she could set the large wok on top of the embers instead. While that was heating up, she busied herself putting away the rest of the herbs and vegetables, skillfully avoiding looking at the Hoshi as she did so.

The blush seemed to linger on her cheeks, even after Kaede had come bustling in through the doorway, a tired look reflected in her one good eye. The Miko set down her bow and quiver in the corner, coming to sit with her legs crossed beside the fire.

"Hello Kaede-sama, how do you fare?" the monk looked up from his book, his tone friendly and conversational, though Sango knew that he must have noticed the sagging of her shoulders.

"I am tired, Hoshi. I can feel the demonic aura on the horizon rising in power, it grows stronger, darker with each passing day." Her tone was somber, thoughtful as she gazed into the fire ominously. "There are many things I do not know. It is troubling."

None of them were expecting such a profound answer to such a surface level question, the mood in the small room grew thick with tension. The old Miko was right. Even a human such as Sango could feel it, sparking in the air even on the brightest of days. Naraku was on the move again, looking for someplace to slither into and hide, no doubt.

Sango was cooking the vegetables in the wok, stirring them around slowly. Across the room, she could see the Hanyou's golden eyes flash in the low lighting of the hut, shining with an emotion she couldn't identify.

They ate the fine dinner Sango had made, each of them quiet, thinking. Even Shippo hadn't said a word. The little kit could read a room well enough to know when to keep to himself. InuYasha was lost in his own mind, his body still feeling restless even after his hunt, reignited when Kaede had said what he already knew to be true. He could feel it, oppressive energy that lingered, growing, hanging over the mountains.

Kagome needed to come back already, he didn't know how much longer they could wait before something came crashing down. She was due back tomorrow, and he knew that they would have to leave immediately. He hoped she was ready.

A few hours later, after the sun went down and the sky was canvassed with bright, shining stars, InuYasha sat alone, high up in the branches of one of his favorite trees. There was a cool breeze lifting and rustling at the leaves around him, brushing across his skin pleasantly as he looked out over the village. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, nothing to mar the impeccable beauty of the moon or dull the intensity of its shine. It illuminated the land below, the rice paddies and fields transformed by its silver-blue light.

He wondered what Kagome was doing at that moment. Was she safe? Was even awake? Was she thinking of him? he desperately wanted to know, he longed to hold her close and listen to the gentle beat of her heart as she drifted to sleep in his arms. He missed the feel of her body and her alluring scent. He needed to have her close again, needed to touch her soft lips and look into her rich brown eyes as she said his name.

The only thing that calmed the heat in his blood was the reminder that she would be back in less than a days' time, the thought seeming like a balm to his tumultuous soul.

"Kagome," He sighed aloud into the stillness of the night, her name coming out like a whisper, like a prayer. "I'm waiting."

On the other side of the well, the days flew by quickly for Kagome. She would wake up, go to school, come home, repeat. She'd spent a little time with Ayumi outside of class, helping the girl recover from the heartbreak that she was trying so hard to disguise in front of the others in their group. She hadn't seen Hinata for more than a few moments in passing. He sat in the very back of the class, rushing out of his seat as soon as they were dismissed, and she'd only brushed by him in the hallways once or twice. It seemed to her like he was avoiding her just as much as she was avoiding him. That was a major red flag in her book, and this only furthered what InuYasha had told her in her mind.

She missed the half-demon, badly. Not to mention, she was terribly bored here without him. The days blurred together, and before she knew it, the last bell of the day was ringing, and it was the weekend.

She found herself walking briskly back to the shrine, eager to go through the well and back to her Hanyou. She took a quick shower, braiding her long hair to the side and donning a simple pair of skinny jeans and a top, pulling a soft pink jacket over her shoulders. She packed her bag methodically, making sure that she would have everything she needed for at least a week's stay, plus all the food and first aid supplies she knew was all too necessary in the feudal era. Lastly, she tucked the precious jar of jewel shards securely into one of the bags' many pockets.

She bounded down the stairs with it slung over her shoulder, ruffling Sota's hair affectionately as she passed. "Mama! Ojichan!" She called, pausing by the door, "I'm leaving!"

"Kagome, come give your mother a kiss before you go!"

Kagome sighed, setting the heavy bag down to walk to the kitchen where she'd heard her mother's voice calling for her. She stood at the sink, her back to her and her Ojichan sitting at the dining table, sipping his tea and reading his papers.

"Kagome," her mother's kind brown eyes turned to her then as she turned off the sink, drying her hands on a nearby rag. "Be careful, and come back soon, okay?" Her voice was warm and comforting, her smile soft as she looked on her only daughter with love and pride in her eyes.

Kagome came to press a kiss to her cheek, going to do the same for her Ojichan before she breezed away with a smile, "I will, promise!"

She said goodbye to her brother, swinging her bursting backpack over her shoulders again before all but running to the well house. She couldn't deny the call of the past, how she felt bound to it. Without thinking, she jumped in, tumbling headfirst into the wormhole.

When she finally pulled herself over the rough wooden rim of the well and onto the soft green grass of the other side, a grin was splitting her face and her heart was already picking up its speed in her chest at the thought of seeing her friends again. She hauled herself to her feet after her awkward landing, brushing the dirt off her clothes and adjusting the pack on her back.

She strode with purpose toward Edo, her steps slowly faltering when she noticed the strange and oppressive presence hanging over the land, feeling the dread that seemed to settle over everything in a fine film. Though the sky was clear, and the birds sang the song of the wilderness overhead, she could sense a powerful demonic aura lingering in the air. It was not close, not in the village, at least. She could tell that much. But still, it prickled uncomfortably at her reiki, tugging at her senses and making her feel uneasy.

Warily, she cast a glance over her shoulder, her eyes immediately zeroing in on the source of the demonic power. It was coming from the mountains.

She could see it, hanging over them like a dark cloud, staining the landscape.

Naraku.

She found her pace quickening, her heart racing for a whole different reason now. It wasn't long before she came upon Kaede's hut, breathing a little hard as she cast one last glance back at the rocky horizon that was covered in an unearthly, purple haze. It seemed like they were running out of time, Naraku was getting ready to make a move.

She threw open the reed curtain that covered the open doorway, five sets of eyes instantly turning on her as she crossed the threshold. "Have you seen it? The mountains- that aura." She couldn't help but shiver involuntarily, she could still feel it lingering on her skin. "Naraku is there, I'm sure of it."

She set her bag down and joined the circle around the small, crackling fire, squeezing in between Shippo and InuYasha with a worried look furrowing her brow. She cast a glance at the Hanyou beside her, reveling in the comfort of just having him near.

"Yes child, we have all felt the dark presence that has overcome the land. But may I ask, what exactly did you see?" Kaede spoke up, her one gravely serious eye trained on her as she did.

"Well… it was almost like a cloud, but it was dark, almost purple. And it was... smoky looking, I guess. I could feel the power emanating from it." Kagome did her best to explain, the image till very fresh on her mind. There was not a shred of doubt inside her, she knew whose power that was. She would never forget it. It was slick, grimy feeling and it always left her with a bad taste in her mouth.

"Hm. Interesting. It seems that your powers are coming along nicely, Kagome." Kaede said thoughtfully after a moment, her one eye sparkling.

"T-thank you, Kaede-sama." She managed to stutter out, surprised by the praise. Kagome knew that Kaede, though she was a very kind and open-minded woman, could also be hard to please and any compliment was well deserved.

"Are you hungry, Kagome? I've made stew if you'd like some." Kagome was happy to see her best friend sitting elegantly on her knees in her pink and purple patterned kimono, her long dark hair tied back in a loose ponytail, her eyes accented by the swipe of magenta across each of her lids. She'd missed her, and she was admittedly eager to get her alone so she could spill all the juicy details that had happened in the two weeks that she was gone.

"Yes, thank you that would be great." Kagome nodded, thanking her again when she handed her a small clay bowl filled with the piping hot food. It smelled divine and was thick with chunks of meat and vegetables. She took a bite, savoring the taste as Miroku began to speak.

"We should get back on the road as soon as possible." The Hoshi's face was serious, his eyes leveling on her, InuYasha, and Sango, as it was up to them to decide their next move. Kaede was often their voice of reason, but ultimately it was the four of them who had the final say. "Tonight, even."

"No," Sango was shaking her head. "It will be dark soon. There's no point in stumbling through the forest all night, we'd just exhaust ourselves." Her voice was rational, and Kagome knew that what she was saying made sense.

"She's right." She couldn't help but agree, looking at the Hanyou beside her who hadn't said a word. She couldn't read is eyes at that moment. They were glowing a stark gold in the low light, gazing into the crackling embers of the fire pit.

"Fine." He said after a long moment, his rough voice sounding so pleasant to her ears. "But we leave in the morning."

A while later, after everything had settled down and everyone was asleep, Kagome found herself outside, seeking the Hanyou who had disappeared into the trees. He had whispered hotly in her ear before he vanished, "find me later." His words were filled with promise, sparking a fire to burn deep inside her. She'd been craving his touch, wantonly longing for his rough kisses and skilled fingers.

She had an idea of where he'd be, after all this time she'd come to know the part of the forest that he favored the most. The tall trees rose high, almost reaching the heavens themselves. She didn't have to search for very long. His Yokai was calling to her, the feeling of his energy washing over her skin comfortingly in a brazen wave that had her pausing beneath a particularly impressive tree.

She didn't need to say anything at all, he knew she was there, she was certain of that. It was only a moment before he dropped down from the canopy, landing securely in a crouch just a few feet away from her with nothing more than a rush of wind, unknowingly proving her right. Her breath hitched, caught in her throat as she watched him rise to his feet, golden eyes locked intensely on her own, a fiery look held there.

All it took was her name falling from his lips and she was launching herself into his arms, wrapping herself around him in an instant. He pulled her in closer, one hand buried in her hair and the other gripping harshly at her waist. Her heart was soaring in her chest, the feeling of being close to him again overpowering everything else until it felt like time stopped, and it was just the two of them left in the whole world.

"Kagome." He said again, his voice rough and deep, sending shivers down her spine.

"InuYasha…" She clutched at him, fingers twisted in the thick red fabric of the robe of the fire rat, shyly lifting her head to gaze into his eyes. "I missed you so much." They were liquid amber in the darkness, shining with an emotion she was still unused to seeing from him.

Tenderness.

The tip of one of his sharp claws was tracing the contours of her face, and when he finally spoke, she was trembling, her body crushed against his intimately.

"I'm glad you're back… a week is too long." He said to her softly, breathing in the sweet intoxicating scent of cherry blossom and jasmine that was drifting off her skin in waves. She was soft and warm in his arms, her eyes, the color of burnt ember, glittered in the darkness. Her skin seemed snowy and flushed unbridled heat of his gaze, like the precious petals of sakura blossom. Everything about her was alluring. From her river of velvet black hair, all the way down those impossibly long legs, and to the very tips of her toes. Absolute perfection, he concluded as his hands gripped at the supple flesh of her hips.

He kissed her then, long and slow and sweet until she was weak at the knees. He could feel her body trembling, her heart pounding in a tantalizing rhythm that seemed to echo in his ears. He was lost in her lips, their softness and how they worked so passionately against his own. She was molded against him. he could feel every curve and every contour of her body through the thin fabric that separated them, it drove him wild, heating a fire deep within him as his beast roared, desperate to be freed, whispering of the dark things he would do.

InuYasha broke away from her mouth, inwardly cursing at himself, straining for control. It was a battle hard-won, and he took a deep breath, stilling as he calmed. She was looking up at him with eyes glazed with lust, her pink lips parted and her skin flushed. She made it hard to want to keep control. She was practically begging to be ravaged.

"Sleep with me tonight." His words came out soft, and tender, laced with emotion that he couldn't put into words. Even he was surprised at how unlike himself he sounded, how easy it felt to ask her such a thing. He stroked a clawed hand over her hair, which was hanging over her shoulder in a long braid that he found he liked quite a lot.

She nodded, looking up at him shyly through her thick lashes in a way that had his heart skipping a beat. "please."

He knew he was grinning stupidly, he could feel it stretching from ear to ear as he scooped her up in his arms in one fluid motion, before leaping into the canopy high above. She was cradled to his chest, her little hands fisted in his haori, holding on tight while he gingerly settled them both on the broad branch where he found himself taking refuge most nights. His back rested against the rough bark of the trunk, with Kagome sat on his lap, pressed to his chest with her head fitting perfectly against his shoulder.

He was sure that she could feel his heart racing, pounding at her closeness and her alluring scent that was driving him mad with want. His arms wrapped around her waist, her head lolling back against him as her breathing evened and he could feel her whole body relax. It felt so good to finally have her exactly where he wanted her, to finally touch the soft skin he'd been dreaming about every night. Every nerve in his body was alive and buzzing with warmth, with love for this small girl that had somehow managed to worm her way into his heart. It was getting easier, he realized. That stupid smile was back, and he was glad that she was facing away, looking out across the village and up at the moon which sparkled so delicately. He loved her. And he was pretty sure that she loved him too… she'd said it a hundred different ways.

She said it every time she'd told him to be careful. Every time she said goodbye. She'd even said it after he rejected her.

I want you to be happy… I want you to laugh a lot… I don't know what exactly I'll be able to do for you, but I'll always be by your side…

He would never, ever forget those words. They still rang in his ears, as though she'd spoken them only a moment ago. He could still hear the profound sadness in them, thinly veiled with a lightness that hadn't reached her eyes. He'd chosen someone else… and she'd come back anyway. He gazed down at the top of her head in wonder, pressing a soft kiss there. How had he ever managed to make her his, he would never know.

"InuYasha?" Kagome's tone was thick with her sleepiness, piercing his thoughts as he tightened his hold on her, bringing her flush against him.

"Yes?"

His voice was deep, and it rumbled pleasantly down her spine, causing a wicked little shiver to run through her, sparking her arousal. She could tell the instant he picked up on it. He stiffened immediately, drawing a sharp breath in and she could tell that he was holding back a growl.

"I…" she trailed off, biting her lips as she listened to the powerful beat of his heart, soothing to her ears. It felt like the right moment, she could feel the words form in her throat but no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't force them past her teeth.

I love you

Why was it so hard?

"I don't like being apart..." Her voice came out as a whisper, raspy. It wasn't what she had intended to say, but it was true, nonetheless. Even being without him in the future had been so boring she could've walked straight into traffic just for the thrill of it.

Yeah, he was a brute at times, rude and impulsive, too. And he was loyal and headstrong, almost to a fault. But he could also be caring, and thoughtful. Tender and gentle; soft-spoken, even. He never went back on his word, and he always tries to do what he thinks is right. And without him… normal life just couldn't hold the same appeal as it once had.

Hey friends! Here's a sweet little filler for you, we're finally back in the Feudal Era! Yay! Buckle up… from here on out it gets kinda crazy. Thanks for reading!