Tumgik
#-awe angst between the immortal demon who is young for a demon and the teen human who hate each other- but its glorifying obsession.
sisyphus-prime · 3 years
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mythicamagic · 5 years
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Swimming in Silk - Chapter 18
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Training in front of her, engaging her in conversation and now lending her his clothes…Kagome is starting to suspect that Sesshoumaru is trying to gain her attention.
Sesskag - Romance, Humour, Drama, Angst
Rated M - As always you can read this story on Ao3, fanfiction.net or Dokuga
Chapter One - here                       Previous Chapter - here    Next chapter - here
Feeling Flurries ~
Upon finally setting foot in the infamous bookshop, Kagome immediately fell in love with it. Refined yet homey, the space held dark wooden shelves, walls and smooth surfaces. There were traditional things here and there, like echoes of the past, but also foreign influences. She wondered if he'd travelled and where, briefly envious.
A leather armchair was tucked away in the corner. Structures that resembled tree trucks interrupted the floor, standing like pillars with shelves carved into their wood and books piled in. So many books!
The lack of windows oddly didn't stifle the area, as warm lamps lit the way through the shop.
"It's lovely," Kagome said in awe. It had more of his personality than his own apartment, as though he spent more time there than at home. "I'm kinda glad I didn't know about this place though. Grandpa would have dragged me here every weekend."
Sesshoumaru stood by her side, drinking in her reactions. His hand rested on the dip in her spine, gently pushing to usher her further in. "I don't doubt it, especially with the section in the back dedicated to the Sengoku Jidai."
She curled her hand in his shirt suddenly. "Wait- that's right! Did you know my Grandpa? He left me your clothes after he died." She rose a brow, buzzing with questions.
Thin lips curved, flashing a dark smile. "Not telling."
Kagome gaped and tugged the fabric. "Ohh no you don't! That's not fair! You can't keep that stuff all to yourself," a small whine leaked into her voice. He's such a jerk.
His deep chuckle rang out pleasantly. The hand at her back curved to her hip, bringing her closer, easing down with his intent gaze on her lips.
The sound of something shattering broke the mood. Kagome jerked her head forward, locking eyes with a startled young man that resembled a 14-year-old. Demon, she noted. He had unruly dark hair and familiar green eyes. His hands were still frozen in the air- the remains of a teacup scattered on the floor.
"Um, hello?" Kagome smiled. He didn't answer, attention straying from Sesshoumaru's arm around her, to the waning smile on the demon lord's lips, and finally to Kagome's hand curled in his shirt.
"Yukita close your mouth, lest you catch flies," Sesshoumaru muttered flatly.
The young man's mouth clicked shut.
"Oh! I thought you kinda resembled him. Are you Shippo's son?" Kagome breathed, clasping her hands and radiating joy.
Collecting himself, Yukita nodded. "I am."
He smoothly bowed, causing her hands to flit and wave in the air. "T-there's really no need for that. I'm so happy to meet you," she eased forward.
Yukita quickly straightened. "My siblings and I grew up hearing tell of your exploits in the past. I am honoured to make your acquaintance."
Kagome paused, stopping just shy of touching him. He'd said it so stiffly, tone removed. It was like a line rehearsed for a play.
"W-well thank you, but-"
"Ohh my God, is she here!" A voice cried.
Kagome turned to her left- a hard force colliding with her chest as arms wrapped around her. She made a noise, the air knocked from her lungs. Thudding to the floor.
A nose pressed against her neck, inhaling in short quick bursts like sniffs. Bright blue eyes then swallowed Kagome's vision.
"You smell just as I remember! When Uncle said you were coming I couldn't bear to wait, so I camped here all night. I had to see you!" The young woman breathed. "I'm Riza, do you know me yet? Is it true you can decapitate three men at once with your bow and arrow?"
The gushing young woman was promptly plucked off her, lifted away. Sesshoumaru observed the wolf demon in his grasp flatly.
"Did I not explicitly state that you must approach her calmly?" Sesshoumaru uttered.
"What, you'd rather I stood there like Yukita and made her feel awkward?"
Kagome picked herself off the floor, dusting herself off as she smiled. "It's okay. No harm done," her eyes glittered. "Uncle."
Sesshoumaru reluctantly set the girl down, shooting Kagome a look.
Riza turned on her heel and gasped, clutching the miko's hand in both of hers. Kagome got a serious case of deja vu. Blinking the image of Kouga from her eyes, she tried to keep track of Riza's words. "Ohmigosh look at your hair! What happened to it?"
"I cut it because-"
Riza spun to glare at the stoic demon lord. "I can't believe you let her walk around like this! Poor thing. C'mere, I'll sort out those unruly locks post haste~"
Kagome was helpless to resist the whirlwind that was Riza.
 -----
Soon enough, she was seated in a breakroom outback, facing a mirror and holding still. Riza shifted behind her, trimming her short black hair into something neater. Yukita had left them to prepare tea in the next room, while Sesshoumaru was unfortunately left to deal with customers. He sent all three of them sour looks, before leaving to attend to Mrs Megumi, a kindly old woman awaiting her latest edition. His patience and customer service was yet another thing that sent Kagome's head spinning. The Killing Perfection and customers did not sound like a natural mix.
"Thanks for doing this," Kagome hesitantly smiled in the mirror. Riza grinned back, and for a moment Kouga's features stared back at the miko. She had the same tanned skin and slightly beefy arms and build, yet there was also grace about her that was entirely demonic.
"It's no problem. You should bully Uncle into remembering these things. He's got his head in the clouds so often it's no wonder he forgot."
"Really?" Kagome blinked.
"Oh totally. Sometimes it's like he's there, but he's not there, you know?"
Kagome wasn't certain she wanted to. Feeling a tap on the side of her head, she turned it obligingly. "Were you the one who helped him out with that sleepover stuff?"
"How could you tell?"
Her lips tugged up into a fond smile. "Because he's never liked sappy stuff, let alone teen rom-coms. I could tell he was daydreaming the whole time, but it was sweet of you both."
The wolf demon gave a huff. "I told him to at least try giving them a chance! He can't see their artistic integrity!"
Giggling quietly, warmth flooded her chest. At least Riza seemed happy to meet her. Kagome wondered how best to broach the subject of Yukita, deciding to just ask. "Um so... Yukita, is he-"
"Always like that? Nah. Just around people he doesn't like." Riza said cheerily. Kagome's shoulders slumped.
"I figured. Did I piss him off already?"
"Ah don't worry. It's nothing personal. He just doesn't like that Uncle Sesshoumaru has been kind of...lonely? At least we think so. He never says. But we all know he's been waiting for you. Yukita thinks he shouldn't have done, is all."
"I-I see," Kagome said softly, guilt squeezing her heart. "I get that. If my loved one was sad because of someone specific I'd probably hate them too." She paused thoughtfully, her lips tilting into a relieved smile. "I'm glad."
"Wha?" Riza tilted her head. "Why?"
"Because. This means you guys really love him. He's got people who look out for him so much they worry. I was...concerned he'd isolate himself."
Riza smiled slowly. "You're weird. Gotta admit, I can't really remember you because I was a lil tyke, but I could always recall of your smell. All warm and nice. And smells don't lie, so I liked to believe you were as good a person as Mama and Papa said you were."
Kagome grinned. "How are they?"
Her eyes lit up. "Good! They live in Kyoto. Dad was an athlete for a while until he started gaining too much attention. Gotta be careful with the immortal looks, you know. So now he coaches them."
"And Ayame?"
"Same kinda thing. She's a fitness instructor. Don't think they're cool or anything though: Mostly they go on mountain hikes at the weekends with my Uncles, pretending they still own territory." She rolled her eyes. "They need to get with the times."
Kagome grinned, considering Riza's loose definition of the word if Sesshoumaru was included. "I'm guessing you have a lot of Uncles."
"Oh yeah! Let's see…" she paused, lifting away the scissors and counting on her fingers. "At least 15, tops!"
Bursting into laughter, Kagome tried to stifle her amusement as Sesshoumaru padded back in, raising a brow. From the way his shoulders relaxed, she could tell he was pleased.
"Ah, hey! We're all done here. You like?" Riza gestured to the back of Kagome's head while placing her things down.
Sesshoumaru took a moment to glide his attention over the locks, nodding. "It is acceptable. But I saw nothing wrong with the wild look, personally."
For some reason the way he said it made the miko's cheeks heat. Riza huffed, showing Kagome the back via a hand mirror. "You would say that."
"It looks great! You did a wonderful job," Kagome breathed, curling her fingers in the much neater ends. In all the chaos she hadn't had time to fuss over it, but now she felt truly grateful for some normalcy like hair styling.
The wolf demon blushed a little, grinning as she pulled the towel off from Kagome's shoulders.
Sesshoumaru soon lured the miko away, leading her down a dark aisle towards the back stacked with yet more books. Kagome glanced around, pulling a few volumes from the shelves.
"I like what you've done with the place," she teased. "I don't see any tween stuff though. You weren't lying about stocking them were y-"
Kagome found her back meeting the shelves, her demon looming over her. She knew that look. It was dusted over, like the small embers left behind in a once burning hearth. But the fire could be coaxed out easily. Sesshoumaru's lips were parted. The colour of his eyes flickered between gold and red, before pale lashes lowered.
He lingered close, nose brushing the crown of her head and inhaling her hair.
"Sesshoumaru?"
The steady fans of hot breath were replaced with the soft pressure of his lips. "My control falters and holds at the strangest of times."
Kagome blushed, curling her fingers in his shirt. "We can't…sleep together because of the whole life span plan thing, but we could do other things." She suggested, reddening darker at his chuckle. "We could stop before it got too far!"
"I could not."
"I-I'll keep you in line, buster. C'mon, whatever you've been holding back, I'll take it. Not like you'd go all the way right here in the shop anyway."
The Daiyoukai looked at her keenly.
"Sesshoumaru!" She gaped, swatting his arm. "You perv!"
The pads of his fingers started at her ribs, gliding down over her side to curve around her hip and ease her closer. Those inhuman eyes remained hooded, causing her to swallow. Slowly, carefully, she rose up on tip-toe to brush her lips over his.
A low sound escaped him which she mistook for anger, and she quickly backed off- only to find his mouth chasing hers. Their lips met in a heated rush that caused her to inhale sharply. The kiss felt firm and hard, palpable passion underlining it. She could feel the emotions simmering beneath the surface of his paper-thin control. Kagome knew she really shouldn't encourage it. She shouldn't coax the embers in the hearth. She shouldn't, but…
Firm fingers latched to his clothes as the miko pressed into him, stroking her other palm over his pale cheek. Her fingers slid around his curved ear, and she almost pulled away the difference startled her so much. Barely a moment later and she could feel the shell elongate into a point, and her thumb gratefully followed the path.
Sesshoumaru shuddered and braced himself unsteadily on the shelf above her. His attention strayed to her neck, pepping hot open-mouthed kisses to the feverish skin. He hit a certain spot that had her giggling as usual, and his arms tightened around her. "You still react the same way," he murmured.
Kagome stilled upon realising he was simply…hugging her. Sesshoumaru's hands slid over her, not to elicit desire, but as though confirming her existence. A sadness crept into her heart. His lips pressed to her cheek, resting there.
"When I have you for good, I won't be letting go." he muttered, with a steadfast bluntness that could only be assuring. "You should prepare yourself, miko."
The frantic want for him mellowed into warm adoration, and Kagome rested her head against his shoulder.
"Forget preparing, I'm looking forward to it," she giggled. "I'm so happy you got close with Kouga and Ayame and Shippo. You have friends."
"We are not. And this one is offended that you sound surprised."
Holding him close, she giggled, occasionally lifting her head to steal kisses. "When we first started this courtship thing your best friend was a tree."
"Hn," he kissed her harder this time as a distraction.
Their minds drifted for a moment where not even time could reach them. Kagome exhaled in contentment, swimming.
A commotion broke out at the front of the store. Shouts, snarls and familiar sounding curses assaulted her hearing. Breaking away from Sesshoumaru, Kagome gaped, hurrying forward.
Rushing down the aisle, she skidded to a stop the moment wild white hair caught her attention. Inuyasha scuffled with Yukita, grabbing the smaller boy by the scruff and shoving him off.
"I know she's here, asshole! Let me go so I can- Kagome!" His gold eyes snapped up, ears flicking atop his head. Kagome picked up his fallen cap, placing it atop his head and patting it.
"Hey there," she gave a sheepish smile.
With a snarl, he released Yukita and stood. "Don't 'hey there' me!" He barked. "I've been lookin' all over the city for you! Shippo gave some bullshit excuse, but I knew it had to have somethin' to do with that bastard. Where is he!?"
Spreading her hands out, palms flat, Kagome shook her head. "I'm the one who didn't come home right away, don't-"
A warmth passed by her side, Sesshoumaru's presence felt before she could visibly see him step in front of her. Inuyasha leapt, swiping his fist out. A hard sound of impact reached Kagome's ears, and she started, seeing his fist connect with Sesshoumaru's jaw.
The elder brother held his gaze, not moving an inch. Inuyasha exhaled, gritting his teeth and striking his fist out again, only to meet Sesshoumaru's palm.
"That's enough. I...apologise," the demon's lips thinned, but the words came just the same.
Inuyasha tore his fist free, backing up with wide eyes. "Ha? What the fuck?"
A blur zoomed by Kagome, rustling her clothes and hair. A moment later, Inuyasha's back met the floor, yelping as Riza grinned down at him. "What the FUCK!"
Kagome rested her hand on Sesshoumaru's arm and shifted forward. "Let's all calm down. Inuyasha, you came here to take me back to Mom's, right? I'll go. I need to see her anyway." She turned to the presence beside her. "Do you…want to come and meet my family?"
He stilled, quickly recovering and inclining his head, seemingly unfazed by the bruise forming under his eye and the red tinge to his cheek.
"Fine, whatever- BUT WOULD YOU GET OFF ME!" Inuyasha snarled at the wolf demon.
Riza grinned, "Uncle Inuyasha is so grumpy!"
"I'll join you for a walk," a calm voice uttered.
Kagome glanced at Yukita in surprise, giving a startled, tentative smile. "R-really? Sounds great! L-let's go team!"
Ignoring her nervous enthusiasm, he walked out the door, causing her to wilt slightly.
Riza stayed behind to mind the shop while their small group walked through the streets. She and Kagome had swapped numbers, much to the miko's delight.
Despite Sesshoumaru having calmed the yuki-onna the previous day, the snow hadn't completely disappeared. A few stray flecks still drifted down from the sky, landing in the slush that the snow had become beneath their feet.
Sesshoumaru padded ahead with Inuyasha, holding a conversation for once. Kagome wanted to be nosy, but also respected their privacy, settling on walking alongside Yukita.
They carried on in awkward silence. Kagome inwardly fussed, sneaking glances at the short boy. He certainly looked serious and grim-faced, but she could pick out certain features like his nose and chin that resembled Shippo's. Tugging her bottom lip between her teeth, Kagome opened her mouth to apologise-
"We don't have to talk. I don't have anything to say to you," he uttered cooly.
She winced, thinking to herself before choosing her response carefully. "You sound like Sesshoumaru," she murmured, soon backtracking. "I-I mean your tone. He can always pull off the intimidating thing really well."
He glanced at her, before facing forward again. Kagome noted his dark hair. Rika had mentioned that his natural colour was white, like his mothers, but instead of glamorising himself to have Shippo's signature red locks, he'd chosen to imitate...
"You admire your Uncle a lot, don't you?" She said quietly. "I get why. He's pretty amazing. One of the strongest demons I've ever met." Yukita nodded in firm agreement, which was something. "You don't like me being with him," Kagome continued. "I can also understand that. He's waited a long time for me and-"
"Precisely," Yukita cut in sternly. "You're nothing special. I told him so many times to just give up on you, to be happy with another. You kept him chained to loneliness."
Kagome felt her heart clench, pushing on. "But Sesshoumaru can't be made to do anything he doesn't want to, surely you know that." Yukita tensed at her side. "It's true if he'd forgotten about me maybe he could've been happier, but that was his decision. Not mine or yours or anyone else's."
"You're going back to the beginning of your relationship soon, correct?" He stopped, glaring at her with hard forest green eyes. "If you really cared about his suffering, you'd make it so that he never foolishly fell in love with you."
Kagome's bones locked, freezing her mid-step. "You're suggesting I just...do nothing?"
Yukita nodded. "If Uncle never falls for you, all this heartache can be avoided. He can find a real Lady of the Western lands and rule with her."
Kagome's gaze lowered, watching the faint flurries of dying snow settle into icy puddles. He had a point. She'd thought about it herself and wondered. Maybe the Western Lands would never have fallen. Continuing to walk, Kagome looked up at the backs of the two half brothers she felt like she'd been following for so long.
She could have lived out the remainder of her life in the village with Miroku, Sango and the others.
But…
For some reason what she thought of first was his bed hair. There was something so endearing about the way his white bangs would be fluffed up come morning, how those gold eyes would be almost dopey with sleep before they sharpened.
The way he'd daydream came to mind – how he presented himself as the picture of regality and poise while gazing at tree-tops. The feel of being trapped beneath him after they'd made love, how he'd kiss and bite her neck, making her squeal with delight. Even the open softness in his eyes came to mind. The trust he'd placed in her to never betray that look of quiet adoration.
"I can't," she said simply.
"What?"
Kagome shrugged. "I can't do that. If there's a chance I can be with him I'll seize it with both hands. We've come too far…everything up to now can't be a waste. Besides," Kagome raised her head, looking at him levelly. "It's what Sesshoumaru would want. If I gave up before even trying, I don't think I'd forgive myself. Even if the me right now disappeared, those feelings wouldn't die. They'd carry over. At least, that's what I think. Maybe I'm just being selfish, but hey, I still need to actually time travel back. Maybe you'll get lucky and I'll goof it up so bad the old Sesshoumaru will kill me. Who knows."
Yukito stared, giving a long extinguished sigh. Slowly, he folded his arms while giving her a thoughtful once over.
"Mn, that's good."
Kagome blinked. "Come again?"
"That's the answer I was looking for. Though your lack of self-confidence isn't so impressive, at least you won't back down."
"Y-you were testing me!?"
"Mn. We felt like we needed to," he lifted a shoulder, nonplussed. We? Oh, he must mean him and Riza.
Trying to handle all her conflicting emotions of outrage, confusion and exasperation, she blurted the first thing that came to mind. "S-so you don't hate me?"
"Not really," he slid his hands into his pockets, continuing to walk. "I would have, if you'd given up just now. And sometimes I did tell Uncle to forget you. But you've both made your choices."
Kagome stiffened at the look he shot her over his shoulder. Glittering green widening into something innocent.
He really is Shippo's son.
A quiet laugh escaped her as she marched up to his side. Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, Kagome tightened her grip until he was practically squashed under her arm. Rubbing her knuckles hard into his head, she grinned, giving him a very vicious nuggy.
"Ahahaha you joker! You really had me going there a sec. You. Funny. Guy," she laughed, tightening her grip. "Really good for my self-esteem, cutie-pie!"
Yukita wheezed and whined, batting at her arm as he struggled.
"This one is pleased to see you are getting along." A pale brow rose. Sesshoumaru observed them quietly with wry amusement one could only get if they enjoyed others discomfort. Which he did.
"Oh yeah, we're besties now," Kagome grinned darkly, ignoring Yukita's protests in a classic older sister move.
Upon noticing they'd already reached the shrine steps however, she reluctantly let go, ruffling the fox's hair some more for good measure. "I said the same thing to Rika, but I'm glad he's got people looking out for him," Kagome murmured lowly. "Just don't do that again or I'll kick your ass."
Yukito blinked, straightening and fixing his hair mutely. Sesshoumaru tilted his head as she passed, but Kagome just smiled. Beginning to walk up the stairs with Inuyasha, she glanced at him.
"What did you two talk about?" She asked, flashing a grin.
Inuyasha seemed startled out of his thoughts, glancing at her and then sharply focusing on the top of the stairs. Sliding his hands into the sleeves of his jacket, he tsked. "Nothin' much. Bastards gotten weird in his old age is all," he muttered, lapsing into silence the rest of the climb.
The moment the door opened Kagome was swallowed by a tight hug. Mrs Higurashi squeezed her tight, in a way that Kagome knew she was forgiven for leaving so quick. Releasing her, Mama turned to face their company, "Thank you for bringing her back, Inuyasha."
The Hanyou gave nod, looking mildly uncomfortable by the warmth in her tone. Sesshoumaru had the grace to appear slightly sheepish, but he met the woman's gaze unflinchingly.
"You must be Kagome's husband."
Surprisingly, Sesshoumaru bowed low, causing Kagome's eyes to widen. "Not yet. You can think of me as her fiancé." He shot the miko a sour look, as though she were to blame for the technicality. "I should have introduced myself sooner."
Mama Higurashi gave a giggle, "apparently you made your intentions crystal clear to Grandpa, so I suppose you already have. He gave you permission, right?"
Kagome's head snapped in her mother's direction. "What? Mom-Wha! Explain please!"
Her brown eyes were warm and dancing. "Your Grandpa told me not long before he died that he met a demon once. That's why he was always so insistent on their existence. Let's just say the mystery demon asked for permission to marry you- or um...more like threatened when Grandpa said no,"
Kagome shot Sesshoumaru a murderous look, who suddenly found the tops of the trees very fascinating. Mama waved it off, "it happened a long time ago. Grandpa said he couldn't be sure if it was a dream or not. I took it with a pinch of salt." She turned her warm smile on Yukita and moved forward to introduce herself, while the front door burst open and Shippo glared at them, three children glued to his sides. "It's about time you showed up! I can't hold the fort forever you know!"
Mama Higurashi forced the demons inside for dinner with a stubbornness that rivalled Kagome's. Setting the table, the miko glanced around fondly, finding Souta and Yukita playing video games. Inuyasha was discussing something with Shippo while holding one of the red-headed fox children at bay using his foot. Finding Sesshoumaru leaning against a wall, Kagome made to approach, only to see the small bundle in his arms.
Zura's arm was draped over his shoulder, chubby cheek resting against his neck as she slumbered, tucked under his chin. Sesshoumaru supported her, absentmindedly rubbing her back, sharp claws careful as he watched the television expressionlessly. It was akin to having a boxing glove ram itself into Kagome's gut. Only instead of pain, flurries of butterflies exploded in her stomach, flowing down into her toes like melted honey. She very nearly cooed.
Sesshoumaru caught her eye and paused. His lips curved into a knowing smile, and a very dangerous and stupid impulse seized Kagome.
"Dinner!"
Broken rather rudely from the pleasant spell, the miko flushed and moved to help her mother carry through the dishes, trying to ignore the quiet chuckle that spiked her pulse.
"So I should try time travelling without an item?" Kagome asked several hours later.
Zura had been shifted into Yukita's arms as the foxes said their goodbyes, starting to pad down the shrine steps.
"Hn, you will not be able to travel back to the first mating until you understand how to manipulate the power of the well." Sesshoumaru uttered, standing below the torii arch and meaning to leave. Only he hadn't quite gotten around to it yet.
Kagome folded her arms, leaning against the structure. "I guess up to now I've let it react however it wanted and been pulled along for the ride." She mused, before nodding. "Alright. I want to go back about a week after Kouga's pack found you. To see you recovering. Do you remember me appearing around that time?"
"…No. I recall the next jump happening several years after that event, but my memories around that time are strained."
She smiled, balling her hand into a fist and raising it. "That's no problem. I need to figure out how to handle it, so some slip-ups are bound to happen. I'll give it my best!"
A warm palm settled over her fist and Sesshoumaru stared at her, winter lashes lowering slightly. Kagome's optimism slipped along with her grin, glimpsing the emotion he'd rather keep hidden.
"I'll be back," she said quietly. The thought of him going back to his apartment alone made her heart clench. There certainly had been some truth to Yukita's words despite her conviction. Sesshoumaru inclined his head, sliding his hand free from hers.
"Hn…return home soon."
Home. It struck her that they really could make a life together in the present. True her friends were gone and his lands had been stolen, but they could make something together. An actual home with love and new friends around them. Even if the faces had changed, echoes of their former life were all around them.
All I want to do is get this stuff outta the way. To kick start our bond and come here to actually start living with you.
Though she intended to time-travel that very night, the Bone Eater's Well's power was being…temperamental to say the least.
"Just work, damn you! Rragh!" She huffed. "Where's a DeLorean or Tardis when you need one?"
Despite Sesshoumaru's assurance that she could time travel on her own, Kagome had slipped inside the old Well House. Having jumped and met no success a grand total of 10 times, she finally threw up her hands and stalked from the small building.
The moon hung within the sky, like a luminous reminder of who she was doing this for. Kagome stopped mid-step. Exhaling, she stood for a moment in the garden.
If she wanted to get serious about this, 10 times wasn't going to cut it. Spinning on her heel, Kagome made to march right back to the Well House, when her foot snagged on a hose pipe.
Stumbling, she let out a yelp, catching herself before falling. Glaring at the offending hose, her ire slowly simmered down.
Wait…water.
"Oi, what are you doing, idiot?" A voice close by grumbled.
Kagome glanced over at the Goshinboku, spying Inuyasha leaning against its trunk.
"I'm about to time travel. Are you coming with?"
"Feh, I don't see no item on ya."
"Not using one this time. Ready for my secret technique?" She grinned, jogging over to the tap at the side of the house. "Let there be water!" Kagome made an exaggerated flourish with her hand the moment she turned it, causing water to shoot out from the hose like a geyser.
Gold eyes cut to the sky. "Big deal."
"You're extra grumbly today. C'mon, last chance to go back with me~ we'll possibly see Lady Kimi and General Kaito?" She tried to tempt. She'd wanted to meet them in the present too, but Sesshoumaru had mentioned 'baby steps.'
When Inuyasha made no move to approach, Kagome's brows pulled together but decided to leave him be. Lifting the hose over her head, she sprayed herself with a loud squeal.
Raising reiki on her skin, she tried to remember the feeling of passing through the well. Flowing through the heavy, indescribable waters of Time.
With a gasp, she found herself dropping through the puddle at her feet. Raising her head as she disappeared into the water, Kagome's eyes widened, finding Inuyasha's face closer than expected, sinking in with her. He grabbed hold of her wrist and kicked with her when they were submerged, fighting the current.
Kagome glanced around in the deep pink waters, her lungs protesting. The space they occupied looked darker than usual, as though tainted by indecision. Trying to focus, blue eyes slid shut, despite Inuyasha's panic.
Picturing Sesshoumaru's true form and his injuries, Kagome then forced the image of Kouga into her mind, coupling the memories together.
Feeling a frantic pat on her shoulder, Kagome opened her eyes. Inuyasha glared, pointing up above them at the disk of light that had appeared.
Nodding, she grabbed hold of him as he swam up through the waters, able to swim with greater speed and power than her.
Breaking the surface of the water, Kagome gasped, sucking in grateful gulps of air. Inuyasha coughed, spitting the moisture from his mouth.
"Ach- gn…w-what the hell? Why's it taste like salt?"
Hearing the gentle crash of waves and feeling the tide lulling them, Kagome raised her head. "Looks like Sesshoumaru's at the beach this time," she murmured.
The coast lay quiet and undisturbed, but various huts beyond it caught her attention.
"And he's not alone. I wonder if Kouga is around."
"Tch I hope not," Inuyasha muttered, ears pricking. "Hey…doesn't this place look familiar to you?"
"No?"
He stared at the coast, frowning slightly. "Take another look," he muttered. "We're at Shiori's village."
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nein-pirate-lords · 7 years
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was tagged by: @bellamymccalls (Ahh, thank you for the tag! It was a super pleasant surprise!) rules: complete the qualities with books you’ve read or want to read (novels, plays, stories, etc.) then tag some friends.
book i love: It’s honestly been so long since I’ve had to really think about books, but one that I frequently return to is a book called Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. While the characters are a little flat, the story itself is enough to pull you through. It’s just a classic tale of two young future monarchs making peace between their warring peoples by marrying each other and ending up actually loving each other as a result. Something I especially love about the plot is that both young monarchs end up in trouble at one point or another, and it has enough angst and fluff combined that it’s all just kind of perfect. Also, shapeshifters? It’s a short but lively read about culture shock, romance, and bravery. It’s one of my favorites.
book i hate: Honestly, if I hate a book, I tend not to finish it. That being said, I’m not sure there’s a book I genuinely despise. There was books that I hate the idea of, such as 50 Shades of Grey, but since I’ve never read it, I couldn’t tell you. If I hear bad things about a book and what it represents, I stay away. So I don’t think I’ve ever finished a book that I didn’t enjoy. Not even for an English class! (Because if I didn’t like it, I didn’t finish it, haha.)
book i think is underestimated: Hum. It’s more of a series, but as STUPID as it sounds, Vampire Academy and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. These books, while written and created during the vampire hype that Twilight created (don’t watch the movie and then judge the books for it, please, I have my opinions about the movie and how it was handled), and somewhat “immature,” I honestly think they’re among my favorites. I read and reread them during college and haven’t had the time to since, but... honestly, the first series is at its heart the story of two best friends and their journey. It touches on a lot of dark subjects, and I don’t think that Richelle Mead does a bad job of handling them. Also, the ships are A++, and the characters are funny as hell, and the vampire mythology is kind of interesting. While I do think that the stories get twisted in the end to make happy endings, I personally am a huge fan of happy endings. Bloodlines I think is an even better series, because it’s the journey of a girl who realizes the life she leads isn’t the right one, and how she ends up navigating this and changing for the better. Good stuff all around. They’re definitely teen books but I think they’re great.
book i think is overvalued: The Fault in Our Stars. Without a doubt. Most of John Greene’s writing actually. I have nothing against the man, and I do think he’s brilliant, and yay for authors from Indiana! Especially since TFIOS takes place in Indianapolus, which was really cool. But the most I get out of that book and John Greene in general are good quotes. I think the way he writes teenage girls is a little... outdated? That’s probably not the right word, but, I don’t think his stuff is all its cracked up to be. And I’ve read two/three of his novels.
book i want to see in a movie version: Words cannot express how much I would give to see an ethnically accurate and well-done version of Tamora Pierce’s The Immortals series done with good special effects. Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors of all time, and the world of Tortall is honestly a lot more diverse than I originally gave it credit for? The angst and feels are real in her series. I’d also love to see Alanna’s series too. Just anything by Tamora Pierce? Magic, diversity, sexuality, all the good stuff done in relatively PG/PG-13 books. It’s good stuff!
last book i read: I’m just about finished with it, so I’d like to think I can count it. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima, which is a promising start to a series by this author! Looking at all the events that transpired, it seems a little slow, but it’s still pretty interesting and I’m interested to see where these characters’ journeys go. It was an example of two characters who shouldn’t ordinarily meet, and whose storylines are completely divided and yet intertwined and they collided for a brief time in this novel. It was a good read!
book or saga i want to finish: The Lightbringer series, by Brent Weeks! I’m easily distracted and I’m in the middle of the second one right now. I love the characters and the story’s super cool with a lot of twists and turns.
book or saga i don’t want to finish: Any of Cassanda Clare’s stuff, honestly. I read through the first three of her Shadowhunters series and enjoyed them, but when I read the fourth, it just seemed awful and like a lot of audience pandering. She just feels... slimy, to me? Especially knowing about all the fanfiction and plagiarism beforehand. Call me petty and grudgeholding, but I just... do not enjoy that someone made money and became famous off something she originally stole from others, no matter how much she twisted it.
next book: Either the next Seven Realms novel (The Exiled Queen) or the next Lightbringer novel.
the worst end: As much as I love, love, love Richelle Mead’s work, the ending to the Bloodlines series felt so anti-climactic and silly to me? I expected a lot more given how great the middle of the series was. It was kind of a letdown.
tagging:
@temporarily-alone, @averybritishsomething, @zannakat, @praxios, @mad-scribblings, @misslacee
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