Chapter 19

Warmth; complete contentment.

It was all Kagome knew as she woke slowly, lazily opening her eyes to the flood of sunlight dappled across her floor. Sounds of life could be heard through the thin walls, muffled voices mand the smell of food. The warm, cushy pillow that was molded to her body, the feeling of air caressing along her bare skin that her sheets did little to hide. It was a long, blissful moment of ignorance before she realized.

It wasn't a pillow at all.

It was InuYasha, snoring softly with his head buried into her neck, his arm hooked around her waist, crushing her to his body.

Shit

"Inu, wake up!" She whispered forcefully, grabbing at the steel forearm that pinned her to the bed desperately.

This is so bad… I can't believe we fell asleep!

Though actually she could. He was so warm, so inviting, so sensual that she could resist snuggling up against him after that intense, earth-shattering orgasm. She fit against him like a puzzle piece; her body melting into him with ease. And he hadn't been one to complain, either. But now they were screwed. She didn't know what her mother would do, let alone her Ojichan! He'd probably have a heart attack and keel over if he found them like this.

Her mind was going a hundred miles a minute as she kept trying to rouse the Hanyou, his eyes opening languidly after a few more firm whispers and shakes. There was a heart-stopping smile on his face, his arms pulling her in closer as he came to awareness.

"'mornin," He mumbled as he pressed a soft kiss to the tender skin of her neck, his voice thick and laced with sleep. He was adorable and she hated to break this spell, but she knew that if they didn't hurry, she'd be screwed.

"Inu, c'mon let me go! We overslept!" She hissed at him in a frustrated whisper.

"Yeah, so what?" He mumbled, and she could feel the sharp prodding of his blatant erection poking into the bare skin of her lower back. She gasped, trying to jerk away but he held her there, and she knew without looking that he was smirking. "Keep moving like that and you're gonna make me lose control." His voice was a low, sensuous growl and sent shivers straight down her spine.

"No! We can't, I- "

She was cut off by the sound of her mother's voice calling out, "Kagome? Are you awake yet sweetie?"

"Fuck," She hissed, throwing his arm off her and jumping up, frantically throwing on her clothes that laid in a pile on the floor from the night before. She could hear the pounding of her mother's footsteps coming up the stairs, her heart racing as InuYasha fumbled to tie his hakama about his waist and slide his Tessaiga back into its sheath. She stumbled over to the window, fumbling with the latch before she slid it open with shaking fingers.

"Go!" She whispered, gesturing madly as with a demon quickness he leapt over to the ledge, pausing on the threshold to look back at her. He was shirtless, with his haori and yukata thrown over one shoulder; his tanned skin glistening in the sunlight as his silver hair whipped around him, eyes softening.

"I love you, 'gome." He said softly, his lips turned up at the corners in a slight smile.

She couldn't help but grin, leaning in to give him a quick peck on the lips.

"I love you too, dork. Now get out of here!" She shooed him out quickly, chuckling quietly as he leapt away, dashing across the yard.

She had just enough time to shut the window and hop back into her bed, yanking the blankets up over her body just as her mother walked in.

"Good morning, honey." She smiled sweetly, her eyes shining with warmth as she walked over to Kagome's bedside. "It's late, there's some breakfast downstairs if you're hungry."

"Okay mama," Kagome did her best to smile innocently, trying to calm the racing beating of her heart. She feigned a yawn, blinking her eyes like she was trying to clear them. "Sorry I slept so late; I was really tried."

"Oh, it's alright, I'm sure you needed it." Her mother patted her knee affectionately through her blanket, turning to go. "When you're ready, come down and get something to eat."

"be right there." She promised, just as the door clicked shut.

She breathed a shaky sigh of relief, deflating back into the mattress like a wayward balloon.

Shit, that was close.

Too close.

After her breathing had calmed down a bit, she threw back the blankets and stood on wobbly legs, feeling like a newborn foal as she made her way to the bathroom. She took care of her morning business and shed her clothes from the night before, tossing them into the hamper. She slid a pair of clean underwear over her thighs and put on a pair of jeans, along with a tight, cropped t-shirt that hugged at her waist, exposing a long strip of skin just beneath her belly button and the top of the jean. She wove her long hair into a braid before bounding down the steps and into the kitchen.

Her mother stood with her back to her at the sink, washing up while her Ojichan sipped at his tea and read the paper. Sota had already left for school, and so the house was quiet, only the sound of her mother's melodic humming and the sound of water sloshing as she scrubbed.

"Good morning!" Kagome chirped brightly, taking a seat beside the old man who was looking at her, surprised.

"Well, you're certainly chipper this morning." He observed suspiciously, his eyes narrowing as he gave her a shrewd look. "I wonder why that is."

Her stomach twisted with nerves, her eyes widening a fraction in alarm.

He couldn't have heard anything last night… right? Unless maybe…

"Hush, papa." Her mother chided before Kagome could try and play it off, her tone teasing as she looked over her shoulder at them, brown eyes sparkling.

He grumbled a bit, but his eyes went back to his newspaper, and she let out a breath that she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Thank the Kami's for her mother, because her grandpa was too observant for his own good.

"Here you are, dear." Her mother placed a bowl of steaming hot miso soup in front of her, "Would you like any tea?"

"Yes please," Kagome nodded enthusiastically, her stomach growling as the heavenly scent drifted on the air. She tucked in, eagerly slurping at the hot broth with vigor, ignoring her grandpa who was watching her amusedly.

"Well, I think I'll go and tend to the shrine a little before lunch," Ojichan announced, folding the paper neatly before heaving himself up from the table with a huff.

"Alright, don't work yourself too hard." Her mother called softly as he shuffled from the room, breezing over to set Kagome's cup of tea down on the table.

"Thanks, mama," She said in between slurps, smiling up at her sweetly.

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

Her eyes softened as she smiled, her eyes wrinkling in the corners, showing her age for a brief moment. She tucked a short strand of dark, wavy hair behind her ear, a look of nervousness crossing her face like a cloud, but then it was gone, and she was smiling again.

"Everything okay, ma?" She put down her spoon and sat back in her chair, her brow creasing as she looked up at her mother. She had seemed fine, but now that she was looking properly, she could see the way her fingers twitched nervously, her smile that seemed almost forced.

"Of course, dove." She said airily, though her eyes told a different story. "It's just… I think we need to talk." She wrung her hands together anxiously and Kagome could feel her eyes go wide as dinner plates, placing the ceramic cup back onto the table with a soft clack just as she was about to take a sip; watching her mother seriously as she took the chair directly across from her.

She looked away from Kagome's blatant stare, her eyes shining as the afternoon light was reflected in them.

"What do we need to talk about?" She asked softly, trying to mask just how bothered she really was. There were so many things that were left unsaid between them; so much that she never dared to share with her that this could be about any number of things.

"Kagome…" Her mother sighed heavily, still avoiding her eyes as she shook her head as if she was fighting to clear it. "It's time that I told you the truth… about your father."

When InuYasha climbed over the wooden lip of the Bone Eater's well, it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the sky was a pure azure that was free of any clouds. There was a pleasant breeze and he could hear sounds of life all around him with his demon ears. Birds chirping, animals scuffing about through the underbrush, the creak of the trees as they swayed. He was still shirtless, having not had any time to throw the garments back on as he ran back to the well house, and the heat of the sun sunk into his skin pleasantly. Life was good again. Kagome was safe, and he was in her good graces again; now there was only one problem he had to deal with, Bankotsu, and the rest of those grimy band of seven.

"Hey, mutt face!"

Okay. So maybe two problems.

InuYasha whipped around to face the shout, his lips already drawn back in a deadly snarl. His eyes landed on that irritating wolf demon, who for his part seemed a bit too smug-looking for the Hanyou's liking. He'd have to knock him down a peg or two.

"You seen my woman?"

Or six.

He wanted to knock that smirk off his moronic, filthy, butt-ugly face. He felt his fists clench at his sides, his muscles tightening, preparing to pounce at the slightest wrong move.

He hadn't seen the wolf since that night a few weeks ago when he'd spied him kissing Kagome, and he hadn't exactly made it off his shit list just yet. He still felt like he could probably go for a little maiming; maybe just roughing him up a little at the very least. Kagome would be pissed if he killed the idiot, but he could settle for that at least. The pure streak of Yokai in him heartily agreed; he never forgot a grudge.

"Let's get one thing straight," InuYasha growled menacingly, his voice dripping with venom as his golden eyes flashed. "She's never been your woman… and she never will be your woman. Got it? Or am I gonna have'ta beat it into ya?"

Now that was an idea he could get behind.

"Heh… stupid, stupid doggy…you just don't know when to call it quits." The wolf Yokai chuckled, looking down at InuYasha condescendingly from where he was stood on a nearby boulder, his lips twisted in a smug grin. "Oh? Didn't she tell you? 'Gome and I are official now… we kissed." He said pointedly, grinning from ear to ear as he waited eagerly for the explosive response that he was sure was coming.

InuYasha couldn't help it. He burst out into loud, voracious laughter, holding his sides as he wheezed, pointing at the stupefied wolf demon who only looked back, confused and completely shocked.

"Haha! Really? You kissed? How sweet." He snickered, wiping tears of laughter out of the corners of his eyes. "That's hilarious! Do you really think she'd ever pick you over me, stinky? Really? well, I got some news for ya…" InuYasha glared over at Koga, his eyes flashing, and his fangs bared in a wicked snarl. "We did a whole lot more than kiss, fleabag. Kagome is mine."

"Heh." Koga crossed his arms and cocked his hip to the side, looking disbelieving. "Yeah right. I ain't buying that crap. Just tell me where she is already."

"You don't need to concern yourself with her any longer." InuYasha spat, feeling his claws and fangs elongate even further as a bit of his control slipped. This guy just wasn't getting it. "I've staked my claim on her. Can't you smell it?" He smirked cruelly, watching as Koga's cocky expression suddenly fell, his nose working to discern between the scents that laid over InuYasha like a second skin.

The half-demon didn't notice it, but he knew it was there all the same. The scent of cherry blossom and jasmine, and the unmistakable perfume of sex. He only laughed as the wolf demons face contorted into a heartbroken mask of contempt, rage shining in his blue eyes. InuYasha had no sympathy for him. He was a fool not to have picked up on it sooner.

"You bastard!" Koga growled, jumping down from the rock he'd been perched on, his tail flicking back and forth in irritation as he marched across the grass to face InuYasha. "What did you do to her?!"

He would have loved to spill all the explicit details of just exactly what he did but unlike Koga, he didn't have a death wish. Kagome would sit him into oblivion if she found out he'd been flapping his lips to the wolf-demon, and if that happened, she'd probably never sleep with him again and that was a risk he wasn't willing to take.

"Nothin' you'd have any clue about." He huffed, crossing his arms as Koga stood a few feet in front of him, fists clenched and chest heaving in anger.

"Oh yeah? Try me."

InuYasha was starting to get annoyed now.

"Just get outta here, dumbass. Kagome isn't around, anyway. She went back home for a while." He turned away, walking towards his forest, unconcerned with the way Koga seethed behind him. He could feel it rolling off him in waves, putrefying the air with his thinly contained anger. But InuYasha couldn't have cared less. The wolf was weak, and he didn't take well to weak fools who were constantly moving in on his woman. Koga was just lucky that he was in a good mood today.

"Oh, and cross into my territory again and I'll kill you, got it?" He threw the threat over his shoulder casually, disappearing into the underbrush with a lighthearted laugh.

Idiot wolf.

"It's time that I told you the truth… about your father."

Kagome felt like her heart was going to fall right out of her chest.

It was not often her mother took such a serious tone, and it was distressing. She sat across the table; her hands folded neatly and her posture seeming painfully stiff as she cleared her throat awkwardly.

She couldn't speak. She just waited for her mother to break the tense silence with wide eyes, her food going cold as she suddenly didn't feel so hungry anymore. Her stomach was twisting with nerves, flip-flopping around inside her as she held her breath.

"I was only a few years older than you when I met him…" She began, her voice sounding shaky as she was taken back to the memory. "I'd just turned twenty, and I was living in the city with my parents… I had a normal job, working at a restaurant part-time on the weekends and attending college classes during the week. I'm not sure how or why exactly, but somehow I caught his eye…" Tears filled her eyes suddenly, and she was choking on her words as they spilled down her cheeks, her hands reaching across the table to grasp Kagomes.

"I'm so sorry, Kagome… I wanted to be the one to come to you first, but I know that he has already made himself known to you…you must think so poorly of me now." She sniffled miserably; her gaze turned downcast with shame shining heavily there.

"I don't Mama, I promise. Please… keep going." She urged softly, squeezing her hand comfortingly in a show of reassurance.

"Well I-I started having these dreams, every night for weeks. It was the same thing over and over. I was standing in this meadow, but it wasn't that because there was marshland all around me. When he first appeared to me, he took a different form from the one I'm sure you've seen… a white crane. Every night I would be back in that same place… and he would come swooping down from the heavens. At first, I thought nothing of it. But then after about a week of this, he finally spoke. I thought I was crazy," She chuckled breathlessly, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "But his words shook me to the core, and when I woke up the next day it was all I could think about. I couldn't wait to get to sleep that night, and I wasn't disappointed." There was a soft smile on her lips then as her eyes flickered away, remembering.

"We spoke of many things… but then one night, instead of a white crane, there was a man. A man who seemed too beautiful to be real, or even a figment of my own imagination. But I knew his voice… it was unforgettable. And So, I… I came to know him. To think of him as a friend, though at the same time I wondered if there was something wrong with me. I wasn't taught the old legends of the Kami's or told of their ways. I was ignorant to this whole other world that was happening around me… and then I was suddenly intertwined in it, without even realizing it. I thought I was going mad; that maybe it was the stress from school, or maybe I just couldn't handle life as well as I thought I could."

Kagome could do nothing but listen intently, her eyes trained raptly on her mother as the flood gates opened. Her heart was pounding, and her mouth felt dry and she was lost in the story she was weaving, the pieces of the puzzle starting to come together.

"But then he came to me… in person. I won't go into detail, but… I didn't see him again for a while. I met Toru shortly after and I had almost forgotten about Tsukuyomi all together… but then I started feeling sick all the time… and I knew then, that he was real." She paused to suck in a deep breath, her shoulders shaking, and Kagome could tell that she was doing all she could just to keep herself together.

"Toru was there for me through it all, and he was the only person that I even told I was pregnant… my parents would've disowned me if they'd found out. We'd only been dating for a few months... we got into an argument one night, I can't even remember what we were fighting over… but then, he proposed." She was smiling again, her eyes glistening as she finally met her gaze. "we got married when I was six months pregnant with you. I never told Toru who the father was, but he didn't care. He loved you like his own… before he even met you. " She laughed weakly, but the sound was sad and shaky.

"And your parents didn't question it? When they found out about… me?" Kagome asked quietly, feeling almost numb with the overload of information that her mother was finally spilling.

"No," She shook her head, wiping away her tears and clearing her throat. "we never spoke of it. Once Toru and I were formally engaged it didn't matter much."

"Okay… so, what happened next?"

"Well… you were born." She continued, warmth coming back to her eyes. "That first night, I held you in my arms long after the moon had risen. We were still in the hospital, and Toru had gone home to sleep. But for some reason I was wide awake. You were so small… so precious and beautiful I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't stop looking at you." She said fondly. "And then… he came. One second we were alone in that tiny hospital room, and then the next he was just there. That was the last time I've seen him in person… though he has popped into a few of my dreams since then." She paused, seeming to think deeply for a long, quiet moment.

"The first moment I held you… I knew that you were different. I could feel this-this energy, rolling off you in waves, filling the room even though you were only a few hours old. It was just like his… like that feeling you get when you're standing on the shore, facing the endless ocean…"

"And when he came that night, he told me that there was only one way for you to be able to stay here, with me. You were too much like a kami, too noticeable even from the start. Even the nurses and doctors had commented on how perfect you were. Your skin was like crushed pearls, and you had a head full of thick, dark hair." She chuckled breathlessly, but Kagome was sitting on the edge of her seat, her heart thundering loudly in her ears as her hands shook where they were clenched onto the table, her knuckles a stark white.

"Maybe it was selfish of me… but I would have done anything if it meant that we could stay together." Her voice broke as tears flowed anew, sparkling like crystals on her cheeks, reflected in the sunlight that poured in from the window.

"What did he do?" Kagome asked in a hoarse whisper. She wasn't sure if she even wanted to know. But she had this feeling, this undeniable pull in her gut that told her that this was important.

"It's very complicated, I don't know much… it all happened so fast I-" Her mother paused to take a deep breath before continuing. "He placed some sort of seal on your powers… locked them away until you were old enough to handle them properly. There are seven gates that must be broken in order for you to inherit your full power; Tsukuyomi had already unlocked the first, and now the rest is up to you."

Kagome was speechless. She absolutely had no words; her mouth was dry, and she could feel her chest tighten, restricted by emotions that she had no control over. It was too much, all at once. Her brain felt like it'd been overloaded, and

"I'm so sorry sweetie, I-"

"Don't. Okay?" Kagome cut her off sharply, her eyes flickering to the ground. "I just… I need to be alone for a while." She stood up from the table, avoiding her mother's watery eyes as she fled back to her room, shutting the door firmly behind her. She wanted to scream; wanted to break something because she was so fucking frustrated.

But she didn't. she took a deep, centering breath and thought calmly about what she was going to do now. She tried to keep her mind perfectly blank as she slowly gathered up her things. She stuffed her wallet in her jeans pocket, along with her phone and she quietly walked back down the stairs. She paused to grab a pair of her shoes that sat by the door, shutting it softly behind her as she breezed out into the afternoon air.

The sun was out in full force, shining brightly down on Kagome as she walked the path that led out of the shrine. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and scrolled through her contacts, quickly finding the name she was looking for.

She just stared at it for a long moment, her steps pausing as she hesitated.

he will be waiting

A voice seemed to whisper in the back of her mind, shivers rolling down her spine as she did her best to steel herself. She took a deep breath as she pressed the call button with trembling fingers, lifting the phone up to her ear.

It only rang twice before she could hear the crackle of the connection.

"Hello?"

A/N: Phew! Sooo much dialog in this one but I just loved imagining Kagome's mother's backstory with Tsukuyomi and it just kinda got away from me haha. Anyways thanks for reading and let me know what you guys think!