Tumgik
#it will always crack me up that kagome is the only one with a last name
chierafied · 5 months
Text
December Drabbles Day 7 - The Carol Conundrum
Read on AO3.
Banner fan art by the amazing @sayuri-liu
Tumblr media
For @revangerang. My dearest sass-master, who can always crack me up! 😘💕
Day 7 - The Carol Conundrum
Rin and Shippou sang enthusiastically along with Kagome. They had camped out by the inert Bone Eater’s Well, the children sitting on the rim kicking their feet, while Kagome stood before them, waving her hands like an accomplished choir leader. Sesshoumaru was looming off to the side like a morose statue, likely there to keep an eye on Rin. 
The days were growing colder and shorter, as winter was settling into Edo. Winter was always a tense time, as in this era of survival it was the harshest season to endure. There was worry about the weather and about their food storages lasting over all the cold months.  
Christmas was the perfect excuse to have a little celebration and spread cheer in a village. Or so, at least, Kagome had decided. It didn’t matter that the holiday celebrations didn’t take off in their country till 400 years from now. She loved everything about Christmas and wanted to bring just a little bit of it to her new home, too.  
It had been easy to rope Shippou and Rin to her plan. They’d been practising two different Christmas songs all morning, and would soon head out to the village to do a round of carolling. The last line of the song rang out in the clearing and then dissolved into the children’s cheers. 
“That was amazing!” Kagome beamed at them and clapped her hands. They had learned the songs so well in such a short time. Kagome was impressed. She slanted a glance at the dispassionate daiyoukai, who was their sole audience. “Right?” 
Sesshoumaru blinked slowly, then inclined his head. “Yes.” 
Kagome tilted her head, struck by a sudden whim. “We have room for one more singer if you want to join.” 
He wouldn’t, she was sure, but asking was the polite thing to do, wasn’t it? 
Sesshoumaru treated her to a long, silent stare.  
Yeah, that seemed about right. Kagome smothered a smile as she turned back to Shippou and Rin. 
“Want to try them one more time?” 
“Yes!” 
“Let’s go!” 
“All right! Get ready!” Kagome raised her hand. “And three, two one...” 
Kagome and the children started a sing-through of the first song for one last time. Only this time, a few beats in, they were joined by a startlingly rich baritone. It accompanied their voices with ease, creating a wonderful contrast to their brighter voices. Goosebumps erupted down Kagome’s arms, and she aimed Sesshoumaru an amazed stare.  
But the surprises didn’t stop there. Because just a little before they reached the chorus, Sesshoumaru sidled up to her. He settled beside her, standing so close together that their shoulders brushed. 
As their voices soared together in the crescendo of the chorus, a large, warm hand slipped to rest on the small of Kagome’s back. And from the corner of her eye, Kagome saw Sesshoumaru’s lips curl up in a smile. 
9 notes · View notes
sakuranoumi · 23 days
Text
Fandom: Shaman King Flowers
Characters: Yosuke, Kagome
Word Count: 912
This fic is for that one anon on Aonik's tumbler and Aonik too I guess. There's art this was based off of and y'all welcome its becoming public now. Also I got the AU wrong to for the art. Whoops?
Kagome's not stupid. She's seen the IOUs scattered around Yosuke's messy apartment when he thinks no one's looking. They're loans really, with interest rates so high they're only meant to bury someone alive. She doesn't know why Yosuke feels the need to flash around money he doesn't have. He could have less debt living out of a modest apartment and dressed in the simple attire of his youth. Instead he's 21, dressed to the nines, and suffocating under whatever self imposed persona he has.
She's never given the impression she's into money has she?
Yet she doesn't say no to the single shoulder dark blue dress that hugs her perfectly and has a slit up one leg. She should turn it down because she see's the IOU for it peeking out from under a fashion magazine on the coffee table, but she looks so damn good in it. If Yosuke wants to destroy himself then she should get to have one night where she doesn't have to worry about him.
When Yosuke comes out of his bedroom she half expects him to be in a coat with tails.
“Something wrong?” Yosuke asks, adjusting his bow tie and unaware of what she's just been looking at.
“Just not what I was expecting. It's modest for you these days,” Kagome answers, taking in the black suspenders over his white dress shirt. Her eye's glance at the IOU as she nudges it further out of sight and she has to wonder if all of his budget for whatever this is went to her.
“When you're crashing a party it's best not to standout,” Yosuke answers, his arms snaking around her waist and a little lower than she'd prefer.
“We're crashing a party? I thought this was for your job?”
What job she's not sure. She's pretty sure Yosuke should be homeless yet he always defies all odds and she allows herself to keep following it blindly.
“It is,” Yosuke answers, before his eyes narrow, “I wasn't invited.”
“You're not even going to get in the door.”
If they are dressed this nicely then it has to be a high class event. Someone is going to be watching the door ensuring only those on the guest list enter.
“I can just reattach the tags and your can return it and get your money back.”
“Keep it. It looks good,” Yosuke whispers pulling her closer.
She has her clutch up and blocking Yosuke before his lips can try anything. She loves him, she really does, but she also doesn't like whatever he's become. She wants the old Yosuke back. She's not going to let him kiss her with those lying lips.
“I'm not stupid, Yosuke,” she replies, prying his fingers off easily so she can reach down and grab the IOU and shove it at him. “You've got hundreds of these littered around. I thought your mom taught you good spending habits?”
“Everyone has a little debt, Kagome,” Yosuke shrugs.
“This isn't a little debt. Do you even have any money? Do you think I won't look at you if you're poor?”
“It's complicated,” Yosuke huffs.
“It's not,” Kagome answers poking a finger at his chest, “I don't care what you can or can't buy me Kamogawa Yosuke. I care about the nerdy little boy I went to school with before whatever this is happened.”
“Then you're wasting your time, Kagome. He's dead. He's dead because nobody cared, but now somebody does.”
“Using you so you wrack up a debt isn't caring, Yosuke, and you're wrong. I've always cared about you.”
“Well you shouldn't have,” Yosuke yells, and Kagome's not sure the last time she's seen him get truly angry. It's a crack in the mask. It's a glimpse back at the boy who faded away.
“We can get this under control,” Kagome softens, her hand cupping Yosuke's face.
“I'm not taking you down with me,” Yosuke mumbles, not meeting her eyes.
“That's not your choice, Yosuke. It's mine.”
“Just keep the dress and leave. I don't feel like going out anymore.”
He's defeated and she doesn't know why. She's always reaching her hand out to him and he always refuses it. She doesn't understand why he doesn't want to be pulled up from whatever pit he's in.
“I'm sorry,” Kagome whispers, but it's too late. He's shut down again. He's closed off. What was supposed to be another nice evening is ruined before it's even started. It seems all they do is fight. Maybe it's all Yosuke thinks he deserves.
She leaves him because staying never accomplishes anything. The IOUs keep piling up. He refuses to listen to reason, and Kagome can only break her own heart so much.
The IOU for her dress sits crumpled in her hand. She'll return it or at least she'll try her best to return it without the receipt because Yosuke would never give that to her. She'll find the rest of the money as well. She can't pay off all of Yosuke's debt but she can at least pay off this one. She can march into the building of the Yahabe corporation and see at least what Yosuke has gotten himself into that he insists he can't get back out of.
She'll save him. She'll save him even if he'll never look at her again for doing it.
5 notes · View notes
ecoamerica · 21 days
Text
youtube
Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared
The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!
5K notes · View notes
mamabearcat · 2 years
Text
Remember the Moment
Now.
He had to do it now, before he lost his nerve like he did last time, and the time before that, and all those other times over the last year, too many to count.
Now, while the pleasant burn of whisky from the party warmed his gut - not too much, but just enough to make this easier. Theoretically.
Sango was out buying post party ice cream because she was the only one sober enough to drive. Miroku was crashed out on the sofa after one too many tequila shots, celebrating the completion of his final exams. He probably had about fifteen minutes before Sango got back, or Miroku lurched into the kitchen for water. The last thing he needed was an audience. The only person who he wanted to hear this was already here.
Kagome was standing over the sink, humming a little as she washed the wine glasses. Her hips swayed to her party playlist still going on her Bluetooth speaker, although the volume was turned down now all the guests had gone except for him and Miroku.  
Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars I'm gonna give you my heart
She was a little tipsy too - he could tell by the extra sway in her hips and the volume of her humming. She'd only had a couple of glasses of wine, three at most, but she was tiny, so it never took much alcohol to get her drunk. And he should know, he'd been to enough parties with her over the last three years.
'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars 'Cause you light up the path
It had occurred to him during the party that his time for overthinking this had run out.
Pretty soon, everyone would be packing up. Sango and Kagome would move out of their university flat, off to who knows where. Sure, he and Kagome were friends, best friends, they’d stay in touch. At least that’s what they’d say to each other.
They’d been drifting over the last year. More than friends, always together, but never stepping over the line that would take this into a romantic relationship. He’d been waiting, hoping she would say something, like a coward. And a couple of times, he’d thought she was going to.
There was a chance that the slowly kindling relationship beginning between them would be snuffed out before it even had a chance to catch fire if he didn’t man up. He wanted more and he was pretty sure she did too. He wanted to hold on to this, hold on to her, talk about the feelings that were becoming more and more difficult not to show her. He needed to let her know. He needed to take that risk.
I don't care, go on and tear me apart I don't care if you do, ooh
She was singing along now, her battered lace up docs planted firmly on the cheap lino as she rocked from side to side, her skinny jeans revealing every curve of her hips and thighs, dark curls swinging around her shoulders. Her hands were still in the sink, splashing in the soap bubbles as she sang. He smiled, feeling that familiar tug on his heart that happened every time she did something he thought was cute.
"Ooh, this is the good bit", she squealed, loud enough to make his ears flatten at the volume, “sing with me Inu!” before belting out the next lines.
'Cause in a sky, 'cause in a sky full of stars I think I saw you.
Taking a deep breath, Inuyasha cleared his throat, and she turned her head to see him, her smile wide, eyes laughing. Blue eyes sparkling that he could drown in for ever. His heart was beating so fast it almost matched the tempo of the music.
"Kagome. I-“
“Hey, what’s with the serious face dog boy”, she teased, “sing with me!”
“I love you, Kagome."
Her eyes widened, lips parting in a breathy exhalation of surprise, and he heard the muted crack of glass under water, smelt the coppery tang over the lemon scent of the dishwater, just before she hissed in pain.
“Shit are you okay? Lemme see!”
Instantly he was standing behind her, reaching into the sink water, now darkened with whorls of crimson, gently lifting her hand out.
"I broke a wine glass! I hope that wasn't Sango's favourite one!"
Blood splattered into the water, dribbling across her palm from the deep cut between her forefinger and thumb. Kagome glanced at her hand, and then looked away again, tucking her face tight in against his shoulder. Her knees buckled a little, and he wrapped his other arm around her waist tightly, ready to hold her if she passed out.
Shit, shit, shit. That was a lot of blood. How had she managed to do that? Did he make her do that? He felt a little sick himself, watching the bright blood pool in her palm, stark against her pale skin. He needed to fix this.
"Sorry, sorry", she said, her voice a little wobbly, "that was a little more blood than I was expecting to see, ya know. I'm good. Do you wanna get the first aid kit from the bathroom, I think there's band aids in there."
Letting go of her waist for just a moment, Inuyasha reached down to open the drawer next to the sink and snagged a clean dish towel out of the drawer to wrap around Kagome's still bleeding hand, squeezing gently to keep pressure on it.
“I think that’s gonna need more than a band aid, chibi.”
“Oh. Bummer.”
Her pale face was worrying him, so before she could protest, he picked her up, grunting in annoyance as he realised Miroku was still taking up prime real estate on the sofa.
He carried her into the bathroom, carefully sitting her down on the closed toilet seat as he knelt down in front of her. She was so pale, her blue eyes looked larger in her face than he’d ever seen them. He cupped her cheek in his hand, feeling the weight of her head, resting against his palm.
“Inu”, she whispered.
He could hear her heart hammering in her chest, going just as fast as his was.
“Sit tight a minute while I find the first aid kit. You’re not gonna pass out on me are ya?”
“Inu, I-”
The sound of Sango turning the key in the lock grabbed his attention momentarily; that was until Kagome used her good hand to turn his face back towards her and plant her lips against his, then rest their foreheads together.
“I love you too.”
“You do?”
“Of course I do, dumbass.”
He kissed her again, couldn’t help it, both of them smiling.
“Inu”, Kagome whispered, as he continued to press soft kisses to her mouth, her forehead, her cheeks, “as much as I wanna keep doing this, I’m feeling a little lightheaded. I mean, it could be the kissing, but I’m thinking it’s more to do with blood loss.”
“Oh. right.”
He glanced at her hand resting in her lap, instantly tensing at the amount of blood that was soaking the dish towel.
“Alright, forget the first aid kit, change a plan.”
Picking her up again, he carried Kagome back out into the kitchen, where Sango was staring wide eyed at the red water in the sink and the spatter of drying blood on the floor.
“Sango, do you think you could drive us to the hospital?” Inuyasha asked before she could launch into asking for a run down.
“Oh my God, what happened!?”
“I need to sit next to my girlfriend and hold her hand while she gets stitches because she’s a fucking klutz.”
“Why are you so meeeean!?” Kagome whined, burying her face into his shoulder.
💖
“Here comes the aeroplane!” Inuyasha grinned.
“I can feed myself, you know”, Kagome muttered from her cosy nest of blankets on the sofa, her bandaged hand resting on her lap. With a roll of her eyes, she opened her mouth to accept another spoonful of ice-cream.
They had the sofa all to themselves, Miroku and Sango disappearing into her bedroom as soon as they’d returned from Emergency.
“I know you can. But I’m looking after you”. Inuyasha scraped around the bowl to get the last spoonful. “You were very brave you know.”
“Wasn’t”, she said indistinctly around the mouthful of peanut butter brittle ice-cream, then swallowed. “I whimpered the whole time.”
“Yeah, but I don’t care who you are, getting stitches fucking stings. And you got five. You did good, chibi.”
“You’re still gonna call me that?” she said, accepting the last spoonful.
“For a while, until I figure out a new one. How ‘bout babycakes?”
Kagome’s pouting face made him laugh.
“Short stack? Tater tot? Bite-size?”
“Are you trying to make me grumpy?”
“Sweet girl?” he said hesitantly, then smiled softly as Kagome teared up. “Okay, let’s go with that one.”
He put the empty bowl aside, and lifted her a little so she could snuggle backwards onto his lap.
“Do you think it will scar?” she asked, looking down at her bandaged hand.
“Probably. Your skin’s pretty pale. But it doesn’t matter, does it?” he said softly, kissing her forehead.
“Does it sound weird that I want it to?” she asked, snuggling in against him. “Because that way, every time I look at it, even if I don’t remember the date, or the time, I’ll remember the moment you first said, ‘I love you’.”
He chuckled, cradling her injured hand in his, rubbing his thumb gently across her fingers.
“Maybe a little weird, sweet girl. But that’s one of the reason’s I love you too.”
63 notes · View notes
petri808 · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media
Inukag s/s @iyfss gift ficlet for @anisaanisa gomen for taking so long 😭😅 life’s been crazy for me lately and writings been a struggle. It’s short but I hope you like it 😊
As Kagome climbed onto Inuyashas back, she couldn’t help but grumble. The snows were already falling. It was cold, and the last thing she wanted to do was go out into the forest. “Really, Inuyasha, I don’t understand why I couldn’t just walk by myself. And what’s with the blindfold?”
“So you can’t see where we’re going, obviously. Don’t worry, it’s not far.” He adjusted his hands to make sure she wouldn’t fall, then took off into the forest around their village.
Kagome buried her face into his hair to avoid the wind chill and closed her eyes with a sigh. For the last three months, Inuyasha had been acting strangely. He and Miroku going out on supposed missions that sometimes kept them away for a week or longer. Sango assured her this was normal, but how would she know for sure since she’d only returned to their time six new moons ago. For the two months of returning, Inuyasha never left her side. Which was understandable considering they’d been separated for so long. But when he had resumed doing missions they were rarely for so long, and something just felt peculiar about the latest ones. In fact, everyone had been acting suspiciously for a couple weeks now and it was starting to drive Kagome crazy.
Her decision to be with Inuyasha meant giving up her modern life back in Tokyo, but Kagome knew in her heart it had been the right decision. She loved him, and he her. You don’t always get this kind of second chance. That didn’t mean adjusting to the Sengoku period was easy. During the jewel quest, she could always return home for supplies or keep up with modern conveniences. Not anymore, and coming back that final time with just the clothes on her back meant starting from scratch. Everyone was very supportive and made sure she had anything she needed, while she returned the gesture by training with Kaede at the shrine.
There were many things Kagome missed aside from her family. The ease of grabbing a meal at a fast food restaurant. Bathrooms… catching a train instead of walking everywhere… going to the movies with friends. A stove. All the things one took for granted until they lose them. Life in this era was rough, but in time manageable as she settled into her new role as priestess at the shrine.
Even seeing all the Christmas lights during the winter months. She and Souta would walk around Tokyo looking for the prettiest light displays. Kagome had shown Inuyasha pictures of the decorated parks once and he’d thought it was weird, but then again, he thought everything in the modern world was strange. She sighed again. By her calculations, their current time of year would be considered December back in her time, exactly when Tokyo would be lit up once more.
So deep in her memories, Kagome barely registered that Inuyasha had slowed down until he’d come to a complete stop.
Inuyasha knelt down. “We’re here.”
Kagome slipped off his back, reaching out instinctively since she was blind to the world. “And where’s here?”
He took her by the shoulders and faced her in a certain direction. “Take the blindfold off and you’ll see.”
“Okay…” Kagome tugged the blindfold off, her voice trailing away and cracking from the sight in front of as her eyes welled up with happy tears. “Inu?”
“You like?”
“I love it,” she whispered in a melody matching the effervescent emotions that filled her.
A Japanese black pine tree rose up over 40 feet before Kagome and Inuyasha, lightly dusted with snow that almost glowed from the hundreds of small multicolored paper lanterns adorning its branches. It was a beautiful beacon of light bursting forth from the dark forest that surrounded it.
Kagome turned to Inuyasha. “How? Why?”
He took her hands and squeezed. “It’s like the picture you showed me.” He smiled, then turned her attention back to tree. “And everyone helped.”
She looked back towards the tree to see their friends now walking towards them. Miroku, Sango, their kids, Kirara, and Shippo, all with big smiles on their faces.
“We wanted you to feel at home here too.” Sango explained. “And when Inuyasha mentioned the lighted tree, we came up with this idea.”
Now Miroku spoke up. “It took awhile to gather all the supplies to make the lanterns, and villagers helped to put them together.”
“I helped put the lanterns up!” Shippo beamed. “Do you like it?”
“I love it,” Kagome smiled back at everyone. “I love it so much!” The tears fully pooled in her eyes now causing them to twinkle in the lantern light. “Thank you, everyone!” She then turned and hugged tightly to Inuyasha. “Thank you, Inu.”
Inuyasha hugged her back and buried his face in the crook of her neck, hiding the happy tears building in his eyes. “Thank you, for coming back to me…”
76 notes · View notes
archibaldcurothers · 3 years
Text
Take the Long Way Home, Part Seven
—————————————-
“I spy something…green!”
You chuckled, this was too easy. “Is it Jaken?”
“There are many green things,” Jaken protested, “why do you assume she refers to me and not the grass or trees or-“
“But she was right; it’s you, Master Jaken!” Rin happily announced.
The small demon was about to protest further but Lord Sesshomaru had halted and Jaken collided into the back of his leg.
“P-Pardon, my Lord!”
Sesshomaru ignored him. “Inuyasha is near.”
“Oh! do you wish to confront him, my Lord? He would surely benefit from a humbling altercation with yourself; he is far too arrogant for his own good. It would do him well to be reminded he is but a half-demon!”
You waited anxiously for Sesshomaru’s decision. If he decided to intercept his brother then perhaps you could speak to Kagome about crossing back to your own time. It might be tricky to do with the two brothers quarreling, but it could be your only chance.
“No. I have no business with him at present.”
“Um, excuse me, my lord…”
Sesshomaru turned his head to glance back at you, waiting for you to continue.
“I know you don’t have reason to go, but do you think, perhaps, we might go pay a visit so that I may speak to Kagome?”
Sesshomaru glared at you for a moment as Jaken gaped at your insolence, but before the steward could chastise you, his lordship spoke, “I said I had no business with him.”
You had been in his company long enough to know this was his restrained way of telling you to drop the subject, but, in desperation, you pressed further. “Please, Lord Sesshomaru, Kagome is likely the only one to know how I might-“
At this, Sesshomaru turned to face you fully, and snapped, “If you’re so concerned with meeting that woman then go find them yourself.”
You recoiled. "I’m sorry, I just-“
“You’re not needed here anyway,” he snarled. “Just leave. Go back to your own time.” At this, he turned from you and stormed off.
Jaken and Rin stood in stunned silence, looking from Sesshomaru to yourself, unsure of what to do. Even Ah-Un had instinctively taken a few steps back at the venomous outburst. Sesshomaru had never spoken to you like that before. He had always been a man of few words, but the words he had shared with you before had never felt hateful. Your throat constricted and you could feel your face getting hot; Rin and Jaken’s anxious glances your way did nothing to ease your nerves. They’d been put in an awkward spot, and it was your fault. They couldn’t defy Sesshomaru, but you knew they pitied you and were hesitant to turn and leave. Feeling bad enough at the position you’d put them in, you decided to spare them of having to make the choice to abandon you. You looked to them for a moment, gave them a pained smile, and slinked away.
*************************************
Night had fallen at last. The remainder of the day had been spent walking in a tense silence. Now and then, Rin had let a whimper escape, but she had done her best to limit her outward emotion. Now they rested by the fire Jaken conjured with the enchanted staff, the two disciples leaned against Ah-Un as they ruminated over the happenings.
Sesshomaru was not with them. After dictating they rest there for the evening, he had slipped away, and none were confident enough to chase after him. This was a small blessing for him. He didn’t want their concerned looks; didn’t need their apprehensive eyes boring into him with that hounding question: “why were you so cruel to her”.
He stood on an outcropping, looking out at the night sky. He remembered her telling Rin that, in her time, there were humans who dedicated their lives to these celestial bodies. An aching pain swelled in his chest, and he winced. Those humans of her time, they had travelled through the stars and arrived at the moon, but they needed only look to the sky to see their destination. (Y/N) hadn’t known where Inuyasha’s group was, nor did she possess Sesshomaru’s keen sense of smell to be able to track them. She would not have found them. She would be lost and alone, with no one there to defend her against the cruelties and dangers of the world.
He wrestled with this reality; it was none of his concern what became of her, and yet he could not put the thought from his mind, could not snuff out the worry that plagued him, could not silence the shame he felt…
******************************
You hadn't anticipated the terror you would experience upon being alone at night, though, to be fair, you hadn't had time to consider the repercussions of your decision to go it alone. You no longer had the security of companions. No longer could rest your weary feet by riding atop Ah-Un. No longer had the the protection of Sesshomaru.
You stopped next to a large oak tree. You could feel panic swelling inside yourself, threatening to split you apart. The world swirled around you, it felt like you were dying. In desperation you crouched down and rested your head on your knees as you tried to keep your breathing steady.
In...out...in...out
After a minute of this you stabilized slightly and raised your head, but then you felt the cold drop off water splash against the bridge of your nose. Rain. As if things couldn't get worse.
You were incapable of gathering the energy to do anything more, it felt useless to even try. In exhaustion, you collapsed back against the trunk of the oak. At least nothing could sneak up on you with the large tree behind you. Its foliage partially shielded you from the storm brewing, but, between the wind and the droplets that did reach you, a shiver coursed through you.
A crack of thunder broke out, sounding as though it had discharged right by your ear. Panic raced once more through you. You could no longer contain it. You collapsed into yourself, weeping; you would die here.
*******************************
It hadn’t taken Sesshomaru long to trace his way back and follow (Y/N)’s scent. He soon found her huddled and whimpering under a large oak. He observed for a few moments, hidden from sight by the flora of the forest and the shadows of night. He had expected to find her and bring her back. Simple. However, confronted with the raw emotion of her dejected spirit, he found himself rooted to his spot. What should he say? Would she even want to go back with him? Would she demand he escort her to Kagome so that she could leave this world forever? The thought pained him, but he mentally chastised himself for it. What was it to him what this woman chose to do? Sure, he had become accustomed to her and so had wanted to insure she was safe, but he hadn’t really cared that she was gone…
He wondered what story she might have been telling Rin this evening if he hadn’t lashed out at her. She did well with the girl.
He stepped from his covering and approached (Y/N), halting just in front of her. He gazed down and observed as her shoulders trembled, her crying muffled from her face being buried into her knees. She hadn't heard him approach. Between her own lamentations, the rumbling thunder, and howls of the wind, she had heard nothing.
"(Y/N)."
Her crying sputtered to a stop, and for a moment she did not move. Hesitantly, she lifted her head and met his gaze. They stayed like that, eyes locked, neither moving, until Sesshomaru abruptly offered his hand.
"Come. You are missed."
************************************
You stared at his hand for a second, in shock, until the realization you were being offered salvation dawned on you. You eagerly took his hand, and he pulled you up. However, he didn't seem to know his own strength and as you were brought to your feet the momentum caused you to stumble forward into him. You were pressed against his chest with his cold plate of armor digging into you uncomfortably, while his kimono radiated with the heat from his body and his fur stole tickled at your cheek. Your mind froze and so did your body; the scent of rain and wet earth clung to him, and the musky aroma quickened your heart. Glancing up at him, you saw him peering down at you.
You had expected him to look cross about you colliding into him, but instead his face looked almost gentle as he asked, “Are you alright?”
At the realization you were still pressed against him, you hastily stepped back and averted your eyes as you replied, “Yes, I’m fine. Sorry, I-”. The fur he kept round his shoulder was being draped around your neck.
“We should get going. That is, if you want to…”
The uncertainty in his voice was so unfamiliar. He was always self-assured, never questioning himself. And yet, here he was before you, a mere human, testing the water to see if you might acquiesce to his request. Never before had he been so vulnerable with you.
“Yes, I’d like that, my lord.”
*
*
*
*
Tag list: @fierysins @blck-bmbi @berryblossum @neeadinghugs @sailor-earth-1 @thefandomzoneisdangerous @afuckingunicornn @grace-writes-shit @rememberourlastkiss @morphituu @samanthaa-leanne @probablyzombiedinosaurs @blacklotussai @poemfreak306 @moonchild2190 @ohjammers @crispygummy @bottled-poet @seohee-hwa @themarblefox09 @dottie-witch @soshitan @nellaphine @skrilltia @florssils @katherine12123-blog-blog @reignofglitter @katialvi @ameonna97 @velveteencurls @jessicarosequinzelfleck @zoilalove213 @scorpios-unite @maixx @lysawayne @tanyeonn @radicalcannoliqueen @viktorian-horror-story @motheraiya
462 notes · View notes
born-for-eachother · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
Hi and welcome to my Ted Talk about Inuyasha’s expressions here!!!!
Kagome’s tearful smile as she looks down at the man she loves is everything to me but there’s just something about Inuyasha’s face that hits me hard with the feels. We see that Inuyasha is not wearing a smile when he initially pulls her out of the well. To be frank, he looks quite sad here. Sad because he’s spent the last three years without the love of his life that lives 500 years into the future. When we learn that Inuyasha had went to the well every t h r e e days, there’s no doubt in my mind that he probably bore a similar expression, perhaps even worse, with more angst. He missed her so damn much, even going as far as telling Miroku that he loves Kagome and telling Kaede that he needs her. But in both instances he also mentions that other people love and need her too. Inuyasha was happy that she was safe on her side of the well, he put her well-being above his own and while he acknowledges these feelings he has toward her, he refuses to act selfishly and think that he’s the only one who matters in her life. As much as Kagome reassured him that he’s worthy and she’ll always stay by his side, I think there’s a part of Inuyasha that thinks that he isn’t worth coming back to; let alone permanently. Despite all this, he *still* waited for her, was holding out hope that she’d return to him and was relying on fate to prove that they really were born to be with one another. Fate obviously didn’t disappoint Inuyasha and low and behold, Kagome returns. His face just screams “Do you know how long I’ve waited for you??” And I think that’s why Kagome apologizes to him and asks if he was waiting. I think his forlon expression spoke his silent question to her. She’s right in front of him, he’s holding her up, holding her hand tightly to his but he’s processing...not quite ready to match the elation that Kagome bares. Still processing the fact that she chose him, and seems to be in awe. He actually doesn’t smile until Miroku, Sango, Shippo and the children show up and again while carrying Kagome on his back. I will never change my mind on the fact that Inuyasha probably had the harder time with the separation; solely based on how he called Kagome ‘his home.’ He was essentially without a home for 3 years and I think that’s another reason why he looks so sad in that picture. It was PAINFUL. This is the same guy who misses Kagome just hours after she goes through the well. His voice even cracks when he asks her what she’s been doing all this time. He just wears a somber look or a sad look the whole time they’re reuniting and it breaks my heart. Sidenote: When he kept going to the well every three days, he did NOT catch her scent. I just think about that and it is even more unfortunate because he was going off of NO leads (but still went) whereas here, he does catch her scent.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
311 notes · View notes
lavaffair · 3 years
Text
Tongue Tied
Inukag Fluff Week Prompt: Secret/Stolen Kisses
Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33168943
Miroku stared at the half demon with raised eyebrows as he growled impatiently.
“How long does it take for two women to get ready?” It sounded more like a complaint than a question, and the raven-haired man chuckled.
“Inuyasha, this happens every time, why do you seem to forget this?”
Inuyasha huffed in frustration. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
An annoyed, muffled voice interrupted the men in the living room. “Inuyasha, shut up! Miroku, baby, we’re almost done!” His girlfriend, Sango, called from behind the door. She and Kagome were getting ready for their night out.
A dumb grin immediately appeared on Miroku’s face at the pet name Sango called him. His girlfriend of four years, they have been in this successfully established relationship for a long time. Inuyasha had no idea he would have ever seen his best friend be so loyal to one woman. He was happy for them, no doubt about that, and he was glad there was someone in the world that made Miroku happy.
Miroku was such a huge playboy back in college, and it was not until they both met the girls that Miroku’s main focus turned to Sango. It was an overnight change, a switch that had gone off in his head at the sight of her. Suddenly no other girl mattered, with pointless one-night stands and aimless flirting meaning nothing to the guy.
Back then, Miroku’s mission was to somehow get Sango to agree to go on one date with him, and she would refuse every single time. It was entertaining honestly, and he and Kagome would place bets on the sidelines to see what would happen. The winner would treat the other to a meal of their choice, and the stakes only got higher as Sango’s feelings started to get more obvious.
Eventually, she cracked and agreed to go on a date with the persistent man. They were casual for a while, with Sango being not very confident in how true Miroku was with his feelings. Though, he proved himself every time. And as they spent more time alone together, Inuyasha and Kagome’s friendship only became stronger.
For Inuyasha, it was a big deal, although he would never admit it. He was never great with women, and he was stuck around Miroku most of the time watching him flirt with a random girl every night. He was not the best influence, and Inuyasha was not going to take dating advice from a guy who never took dating seriously.
Kagome was his friend and an incredible one at that. She was always there for him, and he found it really easy for him to talk to her about things he had never told Miroku. At first it scared him; being so open and honest to a person was new to him, but Kagome calmed him. She brought him reassurance and safety, and it engulfed him in a warm aura that he had not felt since his mother was alive. She meant a lot to him, and he was grateful for the events that happened in order for their friendship to grow stronger.
Which, of course, had led them to secretly dating each other for the last month and a half now.
“Aw, baby, they’re almost done.” Inuyasha teased with a shit-eating grin.
Miroku laughed, “You’re just jealous you don’t have a beautiful woman calling you baby my friend.”
Inuyasha chose to ignore the jab and smirked in return. “So I can get whipped like you? I’ll pass.”
The bedroom door clicked open, revealing the two girls who had been hidden behind it dressed to the nines. Sango looked great dressed in dark blue pants that shimmered every time she moved and a halter top with the same color. The top had a crossing design that wrapped around her waist and went underneath her bust. Although, it was the girl beside her that grabbed all of Inuyasha’s attention, and it was incredibly difficult not to make it obvious.
Kagome took his breath away with every second that passed, her wavy raven hair cascading downward and framing her face as if she was a painting. The dress she had on had his body temperature rising at a steady rate. The way the satin material melted into her curves had his heart skipping a beat. It was olive in color, and Inuyasha made a mental note to buy her more clothes in green.
He felt like he was going to die, and he could not do a thing about it except stand here pretending like he was not staring at the most beautiful person in the room. Kagome was having a hard time restraining herself as well, seeing Inuyasha dressed up a little more than usual while still staying true to his comfort and fashion had her mouth-watering.
They had to control themselves. This was not the time. They both agreed to keep this a secret for now, only because they wanted to test out the waters before announcing it to their best friends. As nosy as they were most of the time, it was a miracle that they had yet to find out. The new couple wanted to enjoy their private time together. Besides, it made things a lot more fun. Miroku and Sango would l find out eventually, with it probably being a lot sooner than later since Inuyasha and Kagome were realizing that they definitely could not go back to strictly being friends.
The attraction was there, deeply welled into the ground with no chance of coming loose. Their friendship had blossomed into something they both had not expected, and it took a long time for Inuyasha to come to terms with it before he came clean to Kagome. He was a nervous wreck that day, but so was she, and when he had laid out his heart to her she was right there with him. It was surreal for the two of them, which is why they decided to keep it a secret for the time being. Everything was very new to the pair, as they had not planned on ever falling for each other in the first place.
Quickly, Inuyasha played it off and groaned, “Finally! You guys took forever.”
“Thanks! You look great too. You dress up nice.” Kagome fired back, but he could tell it was just a gimmick.
Sango, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. “It must be so nice to put on a pair of pants and a shirt and call it a day. Maybe even cologne if we’re so lucky.” She smirked, “Kagome and I, on the other hand, love to go all out. We’re hot already, so we don’t have to, but we want to.”
“Yeah, we all agreed we’d go out dressed up for once! We never do this as a group, and it’s going to be fun!” Kagome chimed in. Her smile was contagious, and it was taking everything within him to not launch himself at her and kiss her.
Miroku cleared his throat, “Well unlike someone over here, I think you both look wonderful.” He walked over to Sango and slowly slid his hand down to her bottom, “I think your butt looks great in these pants.” That earned him a slap to the hand.
“Ever the charmer.” Inuyasha retaliated.
“Let me praise my woman in peace.” He said as he feathered his girlfriend's cheek with kisses.
Kagome stuck out her tongue in mock disgust, “Ugh, Inuyasha, let’s go before they decide to bail on us.” She grabbed her bag and walked out in front of him, secretly allowing his eyes to look at her as he followed her out.
Their friends were quick on their tail, and out of the door, finally making their way to Miroku’s car. When they had all sat down inside, Kagome felt around for her phone and realized she had left it inside.
“Wait! I gotta go back for my phone. I left it on the bed!” She yelled.
“Ugh.” Inuyasha complained, “You’re so forgetful. I’ll go with you.” He unclicked his seatbelt to get out of the car, “We can give these two some alone time.”
Kagome giggled and wiggled her eyebrows at Sango, “Have fun. We won’t be long!” She scurried out of the car.
The journey back to the apartment felt endless as the couple felt the tension build between them. As soon as they were both out of sight, their hands met and entangled with one another. They walked in silence, the air felt too heavy between them to spare even one word to one another.
When Kagome turned the key to let them both back into the apartment, Inuyasha's hands were on her quicker than the flash, his lips crashing into hers before she could even get the door closed.
“You little liar.” He whispered into her mouth. “You left your phone on purpose.”
She kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck in an attempt to bring him closer. They were both smiling into the kiss as they savored finally being alone together.
“Did I?” She kissed his nose, “What if I actually left it here? You did say I’m forgetful.”
Inuyasha looked at her with awestruck eyes, taking her in completely before kissing her again. “I don’t believe you.” He kissed her face all over, leaving no inch of skin without a touch from his lips.
He left her in a fit of giggles while he continuously kissed her all over, making sure to leave some around the ticklish spot on her neck. “ They're gonna get- haha suspicious if we-“ More giggles, “-Take too long!” She let out.
The half-demon slowed down, kissing her forehead and nose before withdrawing. “It’s not my fault you look so good in this dress.”
“Hmm. If I remember correctly, you didn’t say that when I first walked out.” She teased, “But I do remember hearing you tell Miroku that he’s whipped.” She raised her brow.
Losing the battle, he pressed his lips against her plush ones once again. “Well, he is.”
She laughed, and he took in the beautiful sound. “You sure you’re not talking about yourself?”
He could not take his eyes off her lips, pink and a little swollen from their shared kisses, her big brown eyes, and the freckles that danced on her nose. “Oh no, definitely not.” He lied.
That earned him another giggle from her, and he wanted to keep kissing her so that he could get her to keep laughing. “I wonder who’s the liar now.” She tapped his nose with her finger, earning a little nose scrunch from him. “Now if you excuse me, I need to go get my phone. Sango’s probably spammed texted me by now!”
With one last kiss, Inuyasha let her go into her bedroom to find her cellphone. It was exactly where it was, right on the bed with five texts from her best friend. Although, that will not be the story she tells when they get back into the car.
***
The bar and lounge were packed as any normal bar would be on a Friday night. There were people sitting on the stools right by the bar, as well as the tables and couches that were spaced throughout the room.
The group of four were lucky enough to find a couch with a table and claimed it as theirs before someone else could take it. The music was blaring loudly in the building as the group of friends were figuring out food and drinks for the night. They had agreed on a bar and lounge because clubs are rowdy, don’t have any food, and Inuyasha cannot handle them whatsoever. However, he can definitely handle a bar and lounge. It was a plus that they also sold food along with their drinks.
Inuyasha and Kagome, seated side by side, did their best to fight the urge to hold hands. Unfortunately, they were not seated at a table where they could get away with it. Their hands were on full display, and therefore, could not interact the way they wished they could. Their best friends, on the other hand, were already showcasing their relationship to everybody in the room.
“Alright, what are we getting to eat?” Kagome spoke up, a slight jump coming to her the more she got excited about their orders.
Just as much as he loved to eat, so did his girl, and every time she was able to eat he noticed that she did a little dance in her chair from excitement. She never noticed how often she did that, and he quickly realized how cute it was that she did.
Sango looked through the menu with her best friend, “We have to get wings. I don’t make the rules, I just enforce them, and wings are part of tonight’s menu.”
Miroku laughed, “Babe, get whatever you want. Kagome, the same goes for you. We’ll pay for the tab.”
Kagome scoffed, “You guys always pay! Let us do it for once.”
Inuyasha nudged at her, hoping no one noticed how he poked at her thigh. “Not a chance. It’s not up for debate.”
“Agreed.” Miroku continued, “All you ladies need to do is sit there and enjoy your night.”
Sango rolled her eyes, “We’re paying next time! No excuses.”
Kagome flexed her arm to show off her strength, “We’ll arm wrestle next time and the winner pays! Meaning, Sango and I will pay.” She smirked.
Inuyasha raised his eyebrow, “Did you forget I’m stronger than all of you?”
“Mmm, you wouldn’t dare beat me.” His girlfriend struck back, a playful smile present on her face. All he wanted to do at that moment was kiss it away.
“Haha!” Miroku laughed, “She’s got a point.”
While the girls continued to check out the menu, Inuyasha let his hand linger closer to Kagome’s exposed thigh. It was not much, but to him it was something. This allowed him to remind himself that she was all his and vice versa. They could not be openly affectionate yet, but it was getting harder and harder to hold back.
Once the girls put in their food orders along with everyone’s desired drinks, there was nothing else they could do but wait. The night was still young, and normally the little dance floor in the middle of the room did not get packed until people were drunk. If the girls chose to dance, they would have to wait.
“Alright, so, what are we doing after this?” Sango asked, her voice rising an octave higher to attempt to speak over the music.
“What?” Inuyasha asked, “We’re already at the spot we planned to come to, and you wanna go somewhere else?”
“Inuyashaaaaa,” Kagome dragged on. “Don’t be such a party pooper.” She smacked his cheek playfully, a low growl immediately vibrated deeply in his chest. His girlfriend could not hear it, but oh boy could she feel it, and she was reveling in the effect she had on him.
It was not fair, and suddenly he wanted nothing more than to take her away and kiss her senseless again, he wanted to bask in her warmth and in the comforting sound of her giggles.
He already wanted to go home.
He relaxed and raised an eyebrow at her and put on his best-annoyed face. “I’m not a party pooper, Kagome.”
“Au contraire! My friend, you never want to stay out past 2 AM because you’re tired.” Miroku laughed.
“Face it, dog boy, you can’t hang.” Sango teased.
Kagome watched him pout, his annoyance extremely clear on his face, and all she could do was giggle at him. She understood why he hated staying out so late, seeing as how he worked so hard at the shop and knew he was very tired from his job. She knew he knew that they were just teasing him, but he was still going to complain about it.
“Tch. I’m gonna go get the drinks, maybe you guys will get tired after a few shots.” He stood up and made his way towards the bar, his broad back on full display for Kagome to see. She really could not believe how lucky she was, scoring someone so handsome and attentive like him.
Would she admit that it drove her a bit mad that other girls had their eyes glued to him when he walked to the bar too? No, not unless he asked her to. But it did bother her.
Quickly, she shot out of her seat, alarming her friends from her sudden burst. Sango looked at her concerned, and a little confused.
“I’m just gonna go help him out.” She lied. “Four drinks isn’t easy to carry back.”
“Don’t get lost.” Sango called back to her, but it went straight through one ear and out the other.
Kagome sauntered towards the bar, her brown eyes directly on her white-haired target, and smoothly positioned herself right beside him. He was standing beside the long table with no drinks in sight, casually waiting for the bartender with a pout still on his face.
“Baby,” Kagome chimed. “I was just kidding. You’re not a party pooper.”
He did not look at her and decided to keep staring at the fluorescent bottle displayed in front of him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She wrapped her hands around his arm and nuzzled into him, selfishly hoping the women at the other tables were watching. “You look cute when you pout.”
A blush crawled into his cheeks, staining his face red while he tried his best to look like the compliment did nothing to him. “I’m not pouting.”
She laughed again, and it sounded breathless and full of admiration all at the same time. “Do you want me to kiss it away?”
He looked at her eyes, and then at her lips, and back up at her eyes again. Those full, plush, soft lips that he could kiss all day long, for the rest of his life, enticing him to follow through.
“You’re okay with Thing 1 and Thing 2 knowing about us now?” He looked straight into her eyes, making sure to catch any hesitation or discomfort at the question.
“No,” she bit her lip to suppress the grin she had on her face. “Kissing you in secret is always fun, and we can do that anywhere, but I don’t want to hide us anymore from our friends.” She squeezed his arm for emphasis.
“If you’re okay with telling them now, so am I.”
Inuyasha looked down at her, a beautiful pink colored her cheeks at her revelation, and he could not help but smile at her. He kissed her forehead, careful not to smudge her makeup, and grinned. “Babe, get ready to be shown off to everyone. Because after this, everyone’s gonna know about my hot, annoying, and sweet girlfriend.”
She wrinkled her nose at him, “You gonna keep the annoying part in there?”
The half-demon laughed and patted her head. “That’s the part of you that made me fall for you so hard.”
“Drinks for Inuyasha.” the bartender interrupted.
It was Kagome’s turn to pout as the couple made their way back to their friends. With two drinks in each hand, they carefully placed them down on the table and sat back down.
“Inuyasha..” Sango asked, her voice coming off more threatening than usual. “What did you do to Kagome?”
His girlfriend's plush lips were still in a cute little pout, and he could tell immediately that she was trying to get back at him for calling her annoying. They were both messing around with each other as they normally do, but looking at her soft lips and with their previous conversation still fresh in his mind, Inuyasha knew what to do.
“He called me annoying.” Kagome answered, “So, I’m giving him the silent treatment.”
He could not stop his eyes from rolling at her, a humongous grin showing on his face. “Oh, relax, you know I didn’t mean it.”
Kagome’s brown eyes narrowed at him, but instead of looking angry, she looked like she was challenging him. “Hmm, remind me of what you said back at the bar then.”
That was it, the urge to kiss her again was too strong, seeing her so playfully riled up at his antics. She looked so good in this green dress, with her wavy hair cascading down her arms and face, her blushing cheeks that makeup could never compare to, and her challenging eyes that were staring right into his.
It was an instant pull, like a magnet, that led him to immediately latch his lips onto hers. Inuyasha felt her body give a little jolt in surprise, but she quickly molded her lips right against his, the feeling of kissing him was too addicting. She fisted her dainty hands onto his leather jacket and latched on for support while her body turned into putty because all she could think about was kissing him back. One of his large hands lay firmly on the small of her back while the other was caressing her cheek.
If they had a choice they would do this forever with one another and never go back to reality again. But half-demon or not, they both needed to pull apart to get some air. Their chests heaved dramatically while they stared at each other, both of their faces the reddest they have ever been.
“Finally.” Miroku snorted, “I was wondering when you two were going to crack.”
Inuyasha’s eyes widened. “W-what?”
“You guys aren’t exactly the best at keeping secrets, you know.” Sango added.
“Yeah, especially when you guys look like you will jump each other at any second,” Miroku smirked, his eyes flicking back and forth from the couple in front of him.
Kagome huffed, “I figured this would happen.” She could not help but laugh. “Why didn’t you guys just say anything?”
“You placed bets, didn't you?” The half-demon glared. He, too, had his suspicions that their best friends had figured it out a while back, but for Kagome’s sake, he continued with their agreement on staying a secret until later on.
“‘Course we did, we wouldn’t be your best friends if we didn’t place bets.” Miroku’s violet eyes looked into Sango’s, and he smirked. “Also, we both liked to watch you two pretend like you weren’t into each other. It was fun.”
“Keh. Assholes.” Inuyasha scoffed.
“Never mind that,” Sango pulled Kagome in for a hug. “I’m so happy! This couldn't have gone more perfect!”
Kagome was in a fit of giggles all over again, and immediately she was pulled off from her best friend and into her boyfriend's arms.
“Well, guess we couldn’t keep it a secret after all.” The half-demon smirked.
A bright smile that Kagome could not hold back appeared on her face. “Nope, I guess not.”
They kissed each other again, and again, and again. By the time the group of friends all left the lounge, Inuyasha and Kagome looked spent, with swollen kissed lips and a drunken look in their eyes.
43 notes · View notes
quinncupine · 3 years
Text
Taken Chapter Six: Crossroads
Chapter Word Count: 3,838
Link: AO3
Relationship: Izuku Midoriya X Reader
Previous Chapter: Five
Next Chapter: Seven
MASTERLIST
...
Deku crashed into the police station like a whirlwind making a beeline for the interrogation rooms. He was stopped outside the door by Tsukauchi.
"Hey," he held up an arm to block Deku from going in. "Hold on."
Deku huffed and looked at him. "She's in there right?"
The chief nodded but he didn't move. "You have to cool it before you go in." He glanced at the door. "She asked to speak to you and only you."
"Then why aren't you letting me in?" He growled impatiently.
"Because I need to know you've got a clear head before you go in." He stared the hero down.
Deku stepped back and took a deep breath, rubbing his face. "Sorry. I'm fine Chief, please let me in."
He didn't look all that convinced but he let Deku pass anyway. The hero opened the door and saw a rather petite woman with short blonde hair and a sizable bruise on her face. She looked worn and ragged and way too young; not at all what he was expecting. When he came in she flinched and seemed to shrink further into her chair. Her wild eyes flickered over to him for a fleeting second before she focused on her hands. This couldn’t be the same girl; she had lost all the bravado she carried in that video.
He wanted to come in here and give her hell, but seeing her shaking in her boots looking terrified, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of sympathy for the girl. Something bad must have happened between the villains, a falling out most likely, but what did that mean for you? Tsukauchi had told him on the phone that she just showed up at the police station, confessed to the crime, and requested to see Deku, but refused to say anymore.
“Kagome Sasaki, right?” He closed the door.
She didn’t answer. She just stared down at her cuffed hands, gripping them so tight her knuckles were turning white. He sighed and sat across from her. They sat in silence, both waiting for the other to make the next move. She was as still as a statue, except for the quivering frown set on her face. She couldn’t have been older than eighteen. What must have happened in her past to end up with this kind of life?
“Miss Sasaki,” Deku spoke softly. “You know why I’m here.”
She furrowed her brow but still didn’t say anything.
He leaned closer. “Miss Sasaki, do you know where Y/N is?”
She finally looked at him. “Why did you marry her?”
The question shocked him to say the least. It sounded like an innocent enough question, but there had to be a reason behind it. Was she some crazy fan girl who was jealous? Was she connected to one of those hate letters? Deku’s mind was whirling, what was her goal here?
“Why do you ask?” He scanned her face.
She glanced at the one-way mirror. “They’re watching me, always watching.”
He followed her gaze.
“Isn’t it creepy? That they can see you, but you can’t see them? That they can hear you, but you can’t hear them? Always there, no matter where you go.” She pondered.
“What’s this about Miss Sasaki?” Deku questioned.
She found his eyes again, this time she held his gaze. “I know why you did.”
“Why?”
She smiled, miniscule, but it was the first time she showed an emotion other than fear. “She wanted to help me.” She let out a dark chuckle. “I kidnapped her and she wanted to help me.”
Deku wanted to know everything instantly, but he couldn’t use force with this girl. She was already cracking at the seams, that would just break her. He would have to wait patiently as she talked. It sure sounded like you though, it was in your nature just as much as it was in his. Even though you never wanted to become a pro hero, you still managed to act like one.
“Where did you get those bruises?” He asked.
She touched the tender spot on her face. “I-” She couldn’t seem to form the words. “I can’t.” She looked back at her hands.
“Miss Sasaki, was Y/N defending you from someone?” He asked.
Kagome sucked in a sharp breath but it was enough for Deku. The thing that worried him the most though, was that you weren’t with this girl now.
“Is Y/N still with this man?” He could hear the bite in his voice.
Kagome nodded, tears that she had desperately tried to hold back were spilling down her face. “I’m not a good person Deku.” She whispered. “I’m not like you.” A pause. “He likes you. A lot. He’s always admired you so I didn’t understand why he did it, but...but now it makes sense.”
“Give me a name.” He pleaded. “Tell me where he is.”
She sat up straight. “I can’t do that, no, he would kill me.” She looked terrified. “He’s not like he used to be. Something changed.”
Deku stared at her. Whoever this man was, he had twisted this girl around his finger so tight that she was suffocating and didn’t even realize it.
“Miss Sasaki, you say you aren’t a good person yet of all the places you could have gone, you came here. That tells me you want to do the right thing.” He said.
She bit her lip. “He’ll find me, he knows everything, he always knows.”
Deku grabbed her trembling hands. “I promise you, I won’t let him hurt you again. Please, I just need a name.”
She stared at him with wide eyes. Deku was always so intense when it came to hero work, he never wanted to see someone in pain and the girl in front of him was full of so much that it hurt him too. Those gigantic green orbs of his seemed to pierce right into her soul.
“Kanaye.” She whispered.
Deku stilled. That couldn’t be right, he just came from there, but the man fit the bill perfectly, he even said so himself. A million thoughts swept through his brain, threatening to crash his system but he pulled himself out of it.
“Mr. Tatsuya?” He whispered with a horrified expression.
She nodded. “We were there, but I teleported away when you started looking around.” The words seemed to spill out of her now. “She was struggling so much and I was afraid that Kanaye would get mad. When we came back you were gone and he was still mad.” She squirmed in her seat, pulling on the cuffs. “Y/N fought him after he hit me and I ran. I left her there Deku.” She cried. “She actually cared about me and I left her behind.”
Deku was still reeling from the news. You were in the same apartment with him and he didn’t even notice? How could he have been so blind?
“Are they still there?” He stood up.
She shook her head. “I don’t know. He wanted to take her somewhere, but he wouldn’t tell me; he didn’t like to tell people things. No one knew what he was planning on doing. I thought he was after you, but-”
“But he was after her.” He looked at the mirror, no doubt Tsukauchi had already dispatched a unit to the apartment.
“He won’t hurt you again.” Deku promised and dashed out of the room.
Uravity was waiting for him on the other side. “I called the others, they’re on their way.” She said, running after him. “Are you sure she isn’t lying?”
“It has to be true.” He muttered. “I should’ve known! I should’ve torn that place apart!”
“You know you couldn't have done that Deku!” She had a hard time keeping up with him.
They made it outside, heading towards the car, but Deku changed his mind. “I’m faster airborne,” He turned to Uravity. “Meet me there!”
Uravity didn’t even have time to respond as he jumped, the force of his power almost knocked her over. By air, it would take him roughly 8 minutes to get there, five if he pushed it. He heard the faint buzz of his phone in his pocket but ignored it. He would have a hard time trying to talk while flying and he knew it was one of his comrades most likely trying to convince him to wait for backup. He couldn’t do that, not when you were so close.
At last, he slammed into the ground and transitioned into a run. He sprinted up to the third floor of the apartment, kicking down the door. What he saw inside made him stop in his tracks. The coffee table was overturned, tea stains and suspicious red spots marked the carpet. The place seemed empty as he raced down the hall. At the end of the narrow hall was the mother's room, he remembered. The door was cracked down the middle and looked to have been busted down.
Inside the room, the scene only grew worse. One of the blackout curtains was pulled down revealing bars on the open window. On the bed sat an open first aid kit with bloodied wipes and two lengths of rope. The worst was the toppled dresser. It was lying on its side, some of the drawers were open and spilling out clothes, but the corner of the old piece of furniture was stained red. God only knows what happened here.
“Y/N!” Deku screamed to the empty apartment, hoping against hope that you were still somewhere inside, he’d be damned if he left you for a third time. “Y/N!”
No such luck. He grabbed his hair, twisting around. There had to be a clue, there was only about forty minutes that were unaccounted for. It was broad daylight outside, someone had to have seen something.
He ran outside, looking around. On a neighboring building was a small balcony that faced the lot, an older couple was sitting in the small space having their tea.
“Excuse me!” Deku called up.
The older couple looked around before finally locating him, standing below them.
“Sorry to bother you, but have you seen anyone leave this building,” He pointed to the one he just left. “Within the last hour?”
The man stood up and adjusted his glasses. “Sorry sonny, I didn’t pay attention.”
The woman set down her tea. ���You know, it was strange, but I did hear some loud sounds coming from over there, sounded like some rowdy teenagers. I couldn’t make out what they were saying though.”
This wasn’t helping. He rubbed his head, racking his brain for the next move.
“But you should ask Nozomi, she had one of those door cameras put in. I think it points to the lot.” The woman smiled at him. “She’s the door next to ours. 6A.”
Deku dropped his eyes below the balcony, to the row of doors. “Thank you!” He bowed before running to the door.
He rang the bell and waited impatiently, shifting from foot to foot before the door opened, revealing a woman around your age with long brown hair and big rimmed glasses. “Uh, hi, can I help you?” She sounded a little dumbstruck.
Deku looked up at the little camera attached to the top of her door. The old woman was right, it was angled just right to catch the lot.
“Hello, sorry to disturb you, but is your camera on?” He asked quickly.
She blinked. “Uh, yeah.”
“I’m working on a case and it would help tremendously if you would let me look at your footage from earlier today.” He bowed.
“Uh, sure.” She opened the door and let him in. “It’s just on my phone here.”
He stepped into the entryway as she opened the app and handed him the phone, staring at him with the same awestruck expression most wore when meeting Deku.
“Is something going on?” She watched as he scrolled through the last hour.
Deku was too focused on the video to answer her. He squinted and paused the footage. Someone was coming out of the building. It was Kanaye, he was sure, even if the video was a bit grainy. He was also holding someone else bridal style with a large sun hat covering their head. There was no one else it could be. He watched as Kanaye laid you out in the backseat and looked around before getting into the car and drove off.
He rewound it as the car pulled out of the parking spot and drove up towards the camera, he had a clear shot of the license plate. He pulled out his phone and took a photo of it and sent it to Tsukauchi.
“Thank you.” He handed the phone back to her. “This was a big help.”
He stepped back outside. The girl leaned on the door frame. “Hope you find what you're looking for.”
"Me too." He whispered.
He bowed to her and she shut the door. He had something now at least, but it was frustrating him to no end. How had he missed the obvious signs? Why didn’t he check thoroughly? If he was just smart enough, he would have you back by now. In the distance he heard the sirens, cutting him off from his spiraling thoughts. The unit Tsukauchi had sent over was just now getting here.
----
Deku stood in the doorway to the apartment. Police tape had sectioned off the door and some detectives were scouring the scene, looking for anything that could be useful. Tsukauchi was running a search for the car Kanaye had fled in, but had yet to hear from anyone. At this point, he didn’t care who knew what happened, as long as you came back to him.
Bakugou walked over and peered into the apartment. “They’ve got an APB out on him, he’ll turn up sooner or later.”
“It’s the later that I’m worried about.” Deku muttered.
Bakugo grit his teeth. He was never good at comforting people, especially someone like Deku. He’d spent so long looking down on him, trying to hate him, that it was hard to get used to being actual friends with him. Well ‘friends’ might be too strong a word. More like mutual rivals.
“Stop that.” He growled.
Deku looked at him. “What?”
Bakugo hit him across the back of his head. “You’re trying to drown in guilt. This wasn’t your fault so get your shit together.”
It was his best try at being nice but if there was one thing about those two, it was that they were able to motivate each other like no one else. They were also able to anger each other like no one else.
“I was here Kacchan.” He whispered, staring into the apartment. “I was here and I still couldn’t get her back. It’s twice now that she was close and I didn’t do anything.” He finally turned those giant teary eyes on Bakugou. “She was fighting, she knew I was here and I-” He couldn’t finish. “What do I do Kacchan?”
“Why the fuck are you asking me? You’re always the one with the damn plan.” He grumbled.
“But none of my plans have worked.” He turned away from the apartment. “How can I call myself a hero?”
Bakugou got right in front of him, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, hard. “Don’t you dare talk like that you fucking idiot. You deserve to be a hero more than anyone-” Bakugo quickly let him go when he realized what he just said. He sneered. “Don’t forget that...bastard.”
He stalked off down the hall, leaving Deku just a bit stunned. Bakugou was getting better at this whole friendship thing but he’d never openly given Deku compliments, especially about his hero work.
“Got a phone here.” One of the detectives called out.
Deku stepped over the tape and scrambled over to them. “That’s Y/N’s.” He confirmed.
The detective handed it over and he inspected it. It seemed fine, the little deku charm was still attached to the end, as if its sole purpose was just to mock him. He cradled it in his hands, but it suddenly rang, startling him. He looked at the name that popped up.
Kanaye.
“Wait-” One of the detectives said, but Deku answered the call.
“Hi Deku.” Kanaye spoke. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
Deku looked around, it couldn’t be a coincidence that as soon as he got the phone, Kanaye would call him. He had to have eyes somewhere.
“Tatsuya, where are you?” He walked around, inspecting everything that could be a camera or listening device.
“I’m home, of course.” He answered casually. “So, how are you doing?”
Home? This place had been thoroughly searched, there was no way he was here.
Deku narrowed his eyes. “I would be better if I could talk to Y/N.”
“Oh.” Kanaye sounded like he was on the move. “Well, I don’t think she wants to talk to you right now. You know, she’s a bit upset at the moment, I put her to bed to calm her down a bit.”
“What do you want with her?” Deku had an idea of why but he was hoping he was wrong.
“What do you mean?” He sounded generally confused. “Oh, right, why I called,” there was a grinding noise in the background, like a blender. “I think we need to talk, are you free?”
“Tell me where you are and I’ll be there.” Deku knelt next to a wall plug facing the door. There was something off about it.
“Wonderful, why don’t you come over in... say an hour? Do you remember the address?”
Deku touched the little black dot drilled into the center of the plug. He pried off the cover and a little wired camera fell out.
“I’ll just text you, but remember, this is a private affair so no plus ones.” Kanaye chuckled. “I don’t like extra company and Y/N really won’t like that.” Deku heard the implied threat loud and clear. “See you soon Deku.”
He hung up.
The phone beeped, a location was sent. It was close, just on the outskirts of town, near the warehouse district. It was a trap, he knew that much, but was going to go regardless.
“Deku.” Tsukauchi spoke up behind him.
Deku flinched. He was still kneeling by the plug, he hadn’t even heard Tsukauchi come in.
“We finally got his medical records released,” He handed Deku the folder. “It isn’t good.”
Deku flipped through the documents, scanning to confirm his suspicions. He stopped on one of the charts, reading the diagnosis. “Diagnosed with schizophrenia over ten years ago. Put on medication; everything was fine up until a few months ago when he started presenting signs of psychosis.” Deku muttered. “He was experiencing more and more delusions, possibly a side effect of his quirk.”
Tsukauchi nodded. “I talked to the the doctor, he said he stopped coming in for his bi-weekly therapy and he hadn’t refilled his meds for almost five months. Something must have happened then.”
Deku searched through the records. “He was at the hospital a lot within the last few months. Treated for broken bones, cuts, and other minor injuries. The nurse who signed his charts-” Deku flipped through all the reports. “They’re all Y/N.”
There it was, your signature, on all of them.
“I think he was stalking her.” Tsukauchi said. “I’ve got all my men out looking for him.”
“I know where he is.” Deku forced himself to look away from the folder. “He just called me.”
“What? Where is he then?” Tsukauchi pulled out his phone. “I’ll get my men down there.”
“No!” Deku snapped the folder closed. “I have to go alone. He’ll hurt her if I don’t.”
Tsukauchi stared at him. “Midoriya,” He lowered his voice. “I can’t just send you off alone. If this man turns volatile, things could turn ugly.”
“He’s already volatile, look around.” He gestured around the trashed apartment. “I’m not risking her anymore than I have to.”
Tsukauchi stepped closer, ready to argue, but was interrupted by another detective. The woman was holding up a bottle of pills. “Hey Chief, found these in the bathroom, I think you oughta take a look at ‘em.”
Tsukauchi pulled on some gloves and took the bottle. He looked inside, dumped a few pills into his palm. “Oh no.” He whispered.
“What, what is it?” Deku looked at the pills and his eyes widened. “Are those-”
“Yeah,” The chief narrowed his eyes. “Trace.”
“It can’t be a coincidence that he’s taking this drug.” Deku crossed his arms. “It might also explain his sudden psychosis. But if the symptoms line up then this whole situation just got more dangerous.” He was starting to ramble. “That means th-”
Tsukauchi put a hand on Deku’s shoulder. “That means we need to work together on this. If Trace is involved, we need to act quickly.”
“If he sees you there, he might kill her. I can’t have you with me on this.” Deku shook his head.
Tsukauchi stared at him for a tense moment, but sighed. “Fine, but I’m setting up a perimeter, we go in at the first sign of trouble.”
“I’m going too.” Shoto said behind Tsukauchi. “You need backup.”
Deku looked at him, everyone seemed to just keep popping up like daisies. “No.”
“I’m coming.” It wasn’t a question.
“Shoto, if he sees anyone else there, he could kill her, plus he’s using Trace.” Deku handed him the file. “Trace gives you unbelievable power ups but at the cost of your mental state and that's already a problem to begin with.”
Shoto flipped through it. “Then he won’t see me. You need someone to run extraction.”
“Don’t you dare leave me out of this.” Uravity marched over to them.
“This is the exact opposite of what he said.” Deku shook his head.
“Since when do you let some villain boss you around?” Uravity crossed her arms.
He looked between the three of them, they weren’t going to take no for an answer. Inside, he was relieved. If something did go wrong, he would have backup. But at the same time, the reason something could go wrong was because he had backup.
He set his jaw. “Okay, but you stay in the shadows, no unnecessary risks.”
Uravity nodded. “Let’s go get our girl.”
Tag list! @awilddreamerwrites @hmm-cats @thecindy @miriobaby @in-this-house-we-stan-izuku @sailorstupidsblog
...
Chapter 7
Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list! Thank you!!
144 notes · View notes
kstewdeux · 3 years
Text
Tumblr Exclusive For No Raisins
Five Stages of Grief
Tumblr media
Struggling to breathe, Inuyasha clutched Kagome’s battered body tightly against his chest - one hand pressing against the wound on her back while the other pressed her ever colder hand against his heart. This was his fault. Completely his fault. That attack had been thrown and he ducked without taking into account the miko’s position. By the time he realized where she was, there was no time to take the hit for her and...and...
“You’re okay” Inuyasha choked as tears streamed down his cheeks and he buried his face in Kagome’s blood soaked hair, “You’ll be fine. It’s just...it’s just a flesh wound. Nothing deep. Just...just stay with me, huh?”
A whine escaped him as the scent of death began creeping into her scent. With trembling hands, he had tended to her wounds as best as he could but it wasn’t enough. At a certain point, he could barely feel his own fingers and every clumsy attempt to stitch up the numerous wounds wound up hurting her more. It wasn’t like this was his first time tending an injury that way. He’d done it thousands of times on himself with even cruder implements than what his miko carried with her from the future but his hands wouldn’t cooperate just like everything else in his body. Amber eyes - usually able to see every blade of grass - could barely see what they were doing. His lungs were barely taking in air and it took everything he had left in him not to simply pass out.
So he stopped trying since all he was doing was making her worse. Oh, he applied bandages and ointments and forced her to swallow those fever pills but she was bleeding out before his very eyes. There was nothing he could do for her. He had failed her in every possible way and now all he could do was pray.
To add insult to injury, the smell of graveyard soil had been steadily growing stronger over the last agonizing hour. Kikyo knew. She knew Kagome was dying.
“You can’t have her,” Inuyasha spat hatefully as the last person he wanted to see came into view, “She’s going to be fine. You’ll see. So...so you can’t take her soul. I won’t...I won’t let you.”
Closing his eyes, Inuyasha tried to find the will to stand and fight but it simply wouldn’t come. With Kagome slipping through his fingers so too did his own desire to live to see another day. He didn’t want to go back to a world without his miko in it. He simply wouldn’t survive.
Squeezing Kagome’s hand as tightly as he dared, Inuyasha tried to muster up more strength from the simple touch to no avail. So he restorted to desperately clutching her to him with both hands like he could hold in her soul through that action alone. The motion aggravated her wounds but with as far gone as his miko was in that moment, she didn’t even react and that sent his panic to all new heights.
“How was she hurt?” came Kikyo’s softly spoken reply and Inuyasha shook his head - burying his nose into ebony locks as his own heart struggled to beat. The scent of Kagome’s impending death was suffocating.
“Inuyasha look at me,” the undead miko commanded in a gentler tone than he’d heard in quite some time. When he merely whined and more tears fell, Kikyo tried to cross the distance between them but stopped at the menacing growl he used to warn her.
“You can’t have her,” Inuyasha managed shakily as he clutched Kagome tighter still. Like the action itself would keep the soul inside its vessel, “She’s mine. She’s mine and I promised...I promised to protect her.”
His voice cracked on that last word and the undead miko felt her unbeating heart crack at the sound.
“She needs new bandages,” Kikyo sighed, “And you’re in no state to...”
“Don’t touch her!” Inuyasha barked as yet more tears fell - one clawed hand blindly swiping to maintain distance through intimidation, “Stay...stay back. I’m warning you!”
Kikyo took another step and Inuyasha’s face contorted in pure unbridled rage.
“Take one step closer and I’ll destroy you,” the hanyou snarled between clenched teeth as his eyes flashed red, “I said you can’t have her bitch so back the fuck up!”
Kikyo let out another sigh before glancing at her soul collectors who nodded subtly and began gliding towards the grieving half-demon who watched with somewhat panic stricken eyes as they moved closer.
“Get those things away from me!” Inuyasha snapped desperately as he tried to get to his feet but any strength he had had long since fled his body, “What...what about you can’t have her did you not understand?!”
“Inuyasha I’m not going to...”
It was becoming terrifyingly obvious that something was wrong with him. Despite his best efforts, his body wouldn’t cooperate and every attempt to scramble to his feet and run resulted in his crumpling to the ground. His worthless ass couldn’t protect her.
He already failed but....
“If...if you need to take someone take me,” Inuyasha bargained desperately as one soul collector gently wrapped around his elbow and his body suddenly wasn’t his own. His grip weakened and he watched with heartbroken eyes as another soul collector wrenched Kagome from his arms, “I’ll go with you. I swear I’ll go with you. You can kill me or...or do whatever. I don’t care. Just...just don’t...”
A soft cry escaped him as Kikyo knelt down beside the one person who made his life worth living and gently rested one hand on Kagome’s stomach.
“Kikyo please....please don’t hurt her,” Inuyasha begged miserably as the soul collector immobilizing him pinned both arms behind his back. Kikyo was going to make him watch?! Didn’t she see he was already broken enough already? Why...why destroy him completely? What would be the point?! Did she really hate him that much? He...he’d never done anything to her. Defended her even at the expense of his own happiness. Even though it killed him inside. Every time he returned he had to face the betrayal in Kagome’s eyes which was more painful than any injury he’d received. Ruined every chance he had to be loved for the sake of someone who wanted nothing more than to make him suffer. Hadn’t he done enough? Sacrificed enough?
Inuyasha closed his eyes and willed his heart to give out. He couldn’t watch this. Another tear slipped free.
“These wounds are deep,” he heard Kikyo hum in a worried voice, “The stitches are too loose. Do you have more thread?”
Letting out a shaky breath, watery amber eyes slowly opened to find Kikyo looking at him expectantly.
“I’m not going to hurt her. I want to help,” Kikyo informed him in a slightly chiding tone before adding quickly, “Kagome is essential to defeating Naraku.”
Exhaling slowly, Inuyasha bit back tears as he tried to find his voice but failed. Kikyo gave him a strangely sympathetic look before glancing at the yellow monstrosity Kagome called a backpack and nodding to one of her soul collectors who clumsily tugged it closer.
Inuyasha felt his soul curl up and die as Kikyo began rummaging through the bag. This was a trick. Make him think she was there to help and then do something awful when his guard was down. There would be no holding Kagome one last time. No ability to say goodbye. She’d leave this world never knowing....never knowing how much he loved her. Swallowing thickly, Inuyasha tried to find the courage to say what needed to say before it was too late but his fear that Kikyo would make Kagome’s death more painful stilled his tongue. Two more tears trailed down his cheeks as he tried to remember how to breathe. Kagome had made him believe, if only for a little while, that he could be something more. That he had worth in his ability to protect and care for others but everyone was right about him. He had failed the one person in the world who thought differently of him from the very start. He was every bit the worthless half-breed everyone had always told him he was. Maybe he should’ve been drowned at birth.
It didn’t even register with him that Kikyo was, in fact, helping. Years of sewn distrust blinded him to the possibility that things were not as dire as they appeared. Whether Kikyo was helping or not, though, the scent of death lingered.
Letting out a shuddering breath, Inuyasha tried to struggle against the invisible bonds as his hardwired instinct to protect Kagome finally kicked in. It had shriveled up and died for a brief moment out of a belief that it was too late to do anything but now that the world has shown him once and for all things could always be worse, the instinct came back full force.
“Stop moving so much,” Kikyo sighed as she continued stitching the unconscious miko’s wounds, “You’ll aggravate your wounds.”
Inuyasha, of course, didn’t even know he was injured so that comment went right over his head. It hadn’t even registered that he also had been the victim of a direct hit that had shredded his fire rat robes and that half the blood that drenched Kagome was his own. Inuyasha honestly placed absolutely no value on his own life and the undead miko sighed sadly at that realization as she finished her task before reaching for the bottle labeled disinfectant. Which by the smell of it would probably hurt quite a good bit once applied.
Kikyo flicked her gaze up at the utterly heartbroken and obviously struggling boy watching with agony riddled eyes for just a moment before deciding she could multi-task.
“Inuyasha fear not. I have no intention of letting her die,” the undead miko began softly before looking at the spray bottle with a confused, appraising eye, “You must calm yourself.”
Again, Kikyo underestimated how very far gone Inuyasha was in that moment. His mind filled with panic induced static that was only growing thicker by the moment. Inuyasha was incapable of hearing anything outside of his own heart pounding in his normally sensitive ears. Breathing had gone completely by the wayside for more reasons than one and kiss goodbye his sense of smell with how congested his nose had become. The slow trickle of blood leaking out of the corner of his mouth was flowing completely unnoticed as his vision blurred and his head lolled. The effort he was expending tried to break free was dimming and his body was refusing to cooperate.
“Set him down,” Kikyo ordered softly as she spritzed the sanitizer a few times and hummed in understanding, “But be careful. Don’t aggravate his wounds.”
Inuyasha felt his body being laid out as he continued watching Kikyo do whatever the hell she was doing. Kagome was so close. If he could move, he could almost reach out and touch her. The undead miko glanced up then followed his gaze with a sad little smile before reaching over, grasping his hand and pulling it a hair away from Kagome’s wrist. Taking the miko’s wrist then Kikyo placed it atop his palm before helping curl his fingers around the thin flesh so his thumb lay just over her vein.
“Can you feel her heartbeat?” Kikyo asked softly as Inuyasha looked up at her with unfocused amber eyes before those same eyes lowered to where his hand was curled around Kagome’s wrist. For a moment he didn’t react at all before a shuddering sigh of relief gave her the answer he couldn’t give out loud. The steady thrum under his fingertips brought him comfort that couldn’t be voiced with words. At least he’d be with her at the end. Small comfort though that was. Maybe he’d be lucky enough to die soon so they’d be born together in the next life. That would be alright. To find out that soul and him really did have a destiny. Just wrong time and place this go ‘round. Vision blurring Inuyasha closed his eyes and focused on Kagome’s weakening pulse.
“It’s okay ‘Gome,” Inuyasha mumbled tiredly as another tear snaked down his dirtied cheek, “Its okay...”
It had to be several hours later that Inuyasha slowly regained consciousness even though his eyes stubbornly refused to cooperate. He was cocooned in something warm and soft. There was a pleasant pressure running along the front of his body too that one arm seemed to be keeping in place. Kagome was nearby, though, which meant he was being protected and cared for. And...and...
Oh no. Ooooh no. Nope. Not good. Definitely bad.
With a painful sounding groan, Inuysha finally forced his eyes open and nearly died on the spot. A short distance away a calm, indifferent looking Kikyo sat petting her soul collector while her two weird child minions maintained a barrier that surrounded him. As for the pressure against his front, one glance down told him that it was a pajama clad Kagome spooned up against his bare chest while the warmth came from the sleeping bag they’d both been stuffed into.
The rest of that day crashed down onto him moments later.
“Shit,” Inuysha breathed as he suddenly buried his nose into Kagome’s hair and inhaled deeply before whining in relief when the scent of death couldn’t be found. A tear welled in the corner of his eye as he squeezed the miko to him as tightly as he dared. He could smell the somewhat fresh blood from her stomach wound even now and...and his own dried blood? Had he been hurt too? He hadn’t noticed...
“Once you were both stabilized, I had my soul collectors arrange you this way,” Kikyo explained impassively as she glanced over at him, “It seemed the logical thing to do.”
Inuyasha set his jaw - nose remaining in Kagome’s hair as amber eyes watched the undead miko wearily. Had Kikyo been trying to help him? That seemed so absurd he didn’t even know where to start.
For some reason, this was the moment he suddenly remembered that Kagome hadn’t been wearing pajamas. And it would appear his undergarments were gone. His eyes widened in horror for a moment before he pushed that thought as far back in his mind as it would go. W-who cared it Kikyo saw them both naked? That didn’t bother him. Nope. Didn’t bother him at all. It was...
This was fine. Fine. An absolutely fantastic turn of events that wouldn’t keep him awake at night due to the crushing awkwardness. The only solace he could find was that Kikyo may have done a mortifying thing but it was done in the course of a not shitty thing so...
The fact that she had done such a thing when both he and Kagome were unconscious did seem to be the thing that convinced him Kikyo didn’t actually mean them harm. She’d had ample opportunity to kill them. They’d both been so far gone the jostling that must have occurred didn’t even wake them.
That didn’t help the blush on his cheeks or the mortification he felt - although the utter relief he felt that Kagome was alive muted both negative emotions considerably.
“Why help her?” Inuyasha asked suspiciously as his hand slid up to pull Kagome’s torso more fully against him.
“Kagome is essential to defeating Naraku,” Kikyo explained before smiling faintly and running one hand across a nearby silver serpent, “And if something were to happen to her, someone I know would be very sad.”
“What?”
Kikyo subtly nodded to herself as she realized that statement went completely over his head. Of course he wouldn’t understand the significance of her repeating back those words Kagome had said to her. Her reincarnation sheltered him from the ugliness of the world and if he had known that he almost lost both of them....
It made all the sense in the world to keep what happened that day a secret. Inuyasha had always been an anxious creature and at that time, he was endlessly torn. Kikyo wasn’t a stupid woman. She knew Kagome hadn’t admitted what should have been obvious. That day that seemed so long ago, it had been Kikyo’s intention to kill the competition and yet her reincarnation refused to say as much. This strange girl made it her job to protect Inuyasha from threats real or imagined. To shelter him from ugly truths he was ill equipped to handle like how the woman he still adored was now a being of evil. Kagome loved him for the good man he was and made it her mission in life to convince him to love himself. A strange girl made for an equally strange boy.
“When I was dying, Kagome risked her life to save mine. On more than one occasion,” Kikyo interrupted vaguely as she looked up into the starry sky, “It seemed only right to repay the favor.”
Inuyasha considered this before relaxing somewhat and rearranging to rest his cheek on Kagome’s hair with his eyes partially closed. It was still insanely hard to focus and his head felt ridiculously heavy for no reason. Still, Kagome was alright and that’s really what mattered.
“I love her you know so...so thank you I guess,” Inuyasha mumbled cautiously as he inhaled deeply and relished in the knowledge that Kagome would live.
“I believe that has been made abundantly clear,” Kikyo admitted with a humorless laugh.
Inuyasha snorted softly but didn’t bother arguing. Whether or not Kagome loved him in return was a question he’d prefer to explore with literally anyone else. Hell, he’d even ask Naraku for his thoughts on the matter before he’d ever try to talk about that remote possibility with Kikyo.
“Thank you,” Inuyasha mumbled after a long period of awkward silence, “For saving her. I...I don’t know what I would’ve done if...if...”
The half-demon couldn’t even finish that statement as visions of him permanently turning into a full demon and wreaking havoc across the land entered his minds eye. In his heart of hearts, he knew what he would’ve done. He would’ve gone insane. Just would’ve lost his damn mind and ran around killing people for no...
“It was the least I could do,” Kikyo sighed as she glanced over at the injured pair, “I will protect you until dawn and then I must leave. I believe you will have healed enough by then to take Kagome to a second location.”
Inuyasha nodded against Kagome’s hair as he gave the living, breathing, not dying miko as light squeeze. Of all the things that had ever happened to him, not one had been as terrifying as that morning. He needed to be more careful in the future. Be more aware during battle. Or, alternatively, he could just throw Kagome down the well and destroy it so this would never happen again. That was definitely an attractive option.
“I know you are a man of few words,” Kikyo offered barely above a whisper, “But perhaps it is time you told her. I have no intention of dragging you away from her. You have done enough.”
Inuyasha wrinkled his nose at that comment but otherwise stayed silent and nodded. Truth be told, holding Kagome against him was rather nice even if his undead typically murderous ex-fiancé was watching. If he didn’t just say screw it and throw Kagome down the well, he might insist they do this more often. If, of course, Kagome woke up and discovered he was holding her. What he’d do if he managed to pull this off without her knowing was an issue for a different day.
“I love you,” Inuyasha whispered in Kagome’s ear as he settled into a somewhat more comfortable position and nuzzled the skin just above her jaw. The warmth and contentment flowing through his veins soon rocked him to sleep and for the first time in his life, Inuysha slept well.
Kikyo watched on with a melancholy sigh as Inuyasha subconsciously snuggled up against his miko in his sleep.Yes, she was a creature born of evil. Yes, she had made many, many mistakes since she’d been so rudely brought back to life. And yes, her feelings toward the injured half-demon consisted of a mixture of love and hate. But something about his scream this night had triggered something she didn’t know she still possessed. A part of herself all but forgotten. She’d literally flown most of the distance toward him and walked the rest. Cautiously, of course. There most certainly a risk he would strike her down and honestly, she wouldn’t blame him.
When she opened her eyes that fateful day, she’d been in denial over so many things. Mind bucking against his insistence that he had nothing to do with her demise. That she had been cursed into this half-life consisting of little more than pain and misery.
Naturally what followed was unbridled rage at the world. Of course, everyone with eyes knew where that path had led her. 
After the anger had subsided, more or less, she’d began to plead with any god who would listen. Obsessed with the desire to return to the ground from whence she came, defeating Naraku became her number one priority. She promised to kill the wicked Onigumo - not out a warped sense of duty but rather because she hoped and prayed that by doing so, she would be freed from this hell. Maybe even gain the affection she once had and even be accepted by the people who once loved her. Inuyasha was a lost cause by that point but Kaede...
Kaede may forgive her yet.
It was the realization that it would be impossible to defeat Naraku on her own and thus not win any favors from the powers that be or forgiveness from her sister that brought her crashing back down to earth. Numb to the world around her,  she no longer cared what happened to her or anyone else. No longer cared whether Naraku won or lost. Yes, she still wanted to be the one who killed that horrid beast but...but she knew...she knew that she would not be there to witness her former love’s victory of defeat. There would be no redemption for her. There was no point even trying to do more than just wander aimlessly and help on occasion if she was in the mood to do so. By and large, however, she didn’t do anything productive any longer.
That was, until today. Something about Inuyasha’s anguished cry made something in her snap. It was the sound of a heart breaking with such devastating force that the world itself stood still. Never, never should he be allowed to make such a sound. Bygones being bygones, Kikyo was determined to stop whatever was the source of his pain. It was unacceptable in her mind for whatever reason.
And with this action, she accepted that this was her fate. Such a bizarre thing to realize at the end of an era. There was no one still living who loved her any longer.
She was truly alone.
“Kikyo,” Inuyasha muttered in a concerned tone as his amber eyes blinked open, “I didn’t know you could cry anymore. What’s wrong?”
Or maybe not.
“You must be imagining things,” Kikyo lied smoothly as she stared into the distance, “Such a thing is impossible.”
“Yeah okay,” Inuyasha snorted softly as he settled back down. A few moments passed before he cleared his throat and offered something he hoped brought the undead miko some peace, “Kaede’s been asking about you.”
Kikyo subtly furrowed her brow and glanced in his direction.
“Why do you say such a thing?”
“There are people who still care about you,” he continued hesitantly, “Just because I don’t love you like that anymore doesn’t mean I still don’t love you as a friend. Kaede I know misses the hell outta ya. Go see her. Old bat’d love a visit.”
Kikyo’s lips twitched upwards as she nodded and sighed.
“That was unkind,” she chided gently, “You should not speak of your elders that way.”
“I knew her when she was a brat and I’m still older than her. I can call her whatever the hell I want,” Inuyasha laughed good-naturedly as he settled back down and gave Kagome’s still form a light squeeze before frowning suddenly and clearing his throat to make a peace offering, “Just...just so you know I’m sorry for what happened. Back then I mean. I should’ve known. I should’ve....”
“It was a very convincing plot,” Kikyo interrupted, “And exposed issues that were already present. I failed you more than you have ever failed me.”
“Is that why you helped Kagome?” Inuyasha asked hesitantly and the undead miko shrugged slightly.
“To be honest I do not know why I assisted,” she lied, “This existence is most strange.”
“I bet,” Inuyasha acknowledged wearily before furrowing his brow, “Does it hurt?”
“This form?”
Inuyasha nodded.
“Not any longer.”
63 notes · View notes
lostinfantasyworlds · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
Words: ~4,200
Cw for some descriptions of the pain of childbirth.
Includes my drawing of Inuyasha and baby Moroha later on in the story! (I will also post separately).
Read on AO3
A/N at the end.
------------------------------
The first of the evening’s stars twinkled against a darkening sky above Kaede’s hut, where Kagome lay inside, deep in the throes of labor. The initial pangs of discomfort had begun shortly after daybreak that morning, the recent sunset marking thirteen hours since then. Now well into active labor, Kagome braced herself for yet another painful contraction. She groaned before clenching her jaw tightly shut, feeling the muscles within her lower abdomen begin to tense.
The fingers of her right hand were laced firmly through her husband’s, who sat diligently at her side. She squeezed Inuyasha’s hand with all her strength, grateful that she could do so without hurting him too much. 
Although it was not traditional for the father to be allowed in the birthing hut, a (reluctant) exception had been made for Inuyasha. Kagome recalled the earlier scene in an effort to distract herself from the building pain.
“Kaede!” Inuyasha called out as he burst through the entrance of Kaede’s hut, carrying Kagome in his arms. 
Kaede made a sound of annoyance as she finished making her tea, her back turned towards the couple. Her lack of surprise suggested that she had sensed the half-demon’s aura approaching. “What are ye making such a fuss about, Inuyasha?”
“Kaede, the baby’s coming!” Kagome said through labored breaths. Kaede finally turned around to see Kagome in Inuyasha’s arms, one hand on her swollen belly and her face screwed up in pain. Her face softened as she realized the reason for the sudden intrusion.
“Ah, yes. Good, good,” Kaede said calmly and set her tea down to begin preparing the futon for Kagome to lay on. 
She moved slowly in her old age, and after a few minutes when Kagome cried out again, Inuyasha growled and snapped, “Would ya move it along? Kagome needs somewhere to lay down right fucking now!”
Kaede shot him a one-eyed glare as she finished placing the last pillow. She gestured to the futon, indicating that it was ready for Kagome to lay down on.
Inuyasha lay Kagome down on the futon ever so gently, making sure she was as comfortable as possible given the circumstances. Once he was sure she was taken care of, he settled onto the floor himself, sitting cross-legged by her side.
“What do ye think you’re doing?” Kaede asked as she grabbed a clean birthing robe and water bucket from a storage chest in the corner. “Fathers are not allowed in the birthing hut, Inuyasha. It is time for ye to leave.”
Inuyasha cracked his knuckles in response, holding up his claws menacingly. “You gonna make me, old hag? There’s no way in hell I’m leaving Kagome right now!”
Kaede’s tolerance for Inuyasha’s rudeness was already running thin. “How dare ye threaten me in my own home! It is bad luck for the father to - “
She was cut off by Kagome, who had just finished breathing through her latest contraction. “Kaede, please, I want him to stay. I need him here with me.”
Kaede considered her request, ultimately deciding it would be less hassle for her to just allow the exception. She nodded slightly before turning away and sighing, preparing herself for a long night ahead with a stressed and overprotective Inuyasha.
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, who smiled slightly, seemingly relieved that she wanted him to stay. She reached out and took his hand, intertwining their fingers. She returned his smile with a warm one of her own, before abruptly dropping it and replacing it with a glare.
“I want you here with me, but if you are rude to Kaede one more time, I will not hesitate to kick you out. Now apologize!” She gave him a look that made his ears flatten against his head. 
“Fine, whatever. Sorry, Kaede,” he grumbled almost inaudibly. Kagome rolled her eyes at his immaturity, but was still thankful that he would be by her side as they welcomed their child into the world.
Kagome was brought back to the present as her contraction peaked. Her muscles tensed impossibly harder, causing her to let out a cry of agony and squeeze her eyes shut. This was the worst and longest one so far. It was so intense that all rational thought was wiped from her mind as her vision went momentarily white. Unable to comprehend anything beyond her overwhelming desire for the pain to stop, she squeezed Inuyasha’s hand with a force that probably would have broken a regular human’s hand. 
She did her best to try and breathe deeply until her body mercifully began to grant her relief. Chest heaving and limbs shaking, she savored the brief respite, knowing that she didn’t have much time to prepare for the next contraction. They were only a minute or two apart now, and she instinctively knew that their baby was very close to making its arrival.
She felt the comforting coolness of a damp cloth dab the sweat from her forehead, and looked gratefully to her left where Sango knelt beside her. Sango gave her an empathetic, encouraging smile. She had happily volunteered to assist Kagome with the birth of her child, both as an excited aunt-to-be, and as part of her midwife training. 
Kaede’s strength continued to wane in her old age, and Rin had decided to spend some time traveling with Sesshomaru again to see if she still preferred that lifestyle over living with other humans. Not wanting to risk leaving the village without a midwife, Kaede had asked Sango and Kagome if they would be willing to undergo training so they could assist with births if the need arose. Although Sango was incredibly busy with her ever-growing family and occasional demon slaying whenever she got the chance, she jumped at the opportunity to give back to the village that she had made her home for the last seven years. As a mother of five children of her own, she had plenty of experience and advice to offer new moms.
Sango put a comforting hand on Kagome’s shoulder, remembering the excruciating pain of childbirth all too well. “You’re doing great, Kagome. Let me check on your progress.” She moved down between Kagome’s legs to determine how much farther she had to go. Kaede had taught her several methods of determining the baby’s position at any given point during labor. She hoped, for Kagome’s sake, that she was nearing the end.
“Good news, Kagome, you’re almost there! When the next contraction comes, you can start pushing,” Sango said, moving back to Kagome’s side down by her feet.
Kagome nodded slightly, closing her eyes and taking a few more deep breaths to try and prepare herself. Her heart was pounding, her hands were shaking, and a layer of sweat coated her entire body. She had never experienced so much pain, not from any of the injuries she had sustained during their countless battles. Even having the Shikon jewel torn out of her body was nothing compared to this. She had to keep fighting down waves of nausea as the contractions had become more and more agonizing.
She was already exhausted, already past her limit of pain tolerance, and the thought of pushing sent her into a panic. How much worse is this going to get? What if I can’t do this? What if the pain kills me? Maybe I wasn’t ready to be a mother! I’m not strong enough…
Terrifying cynical thoughts raced through her mind as her heart pounded against her ribcage, her breaths becoming more shallow.
“I’m scared,” she admitted quietly, to no one in particular. She kept her eyes closed, feeling weak and ashamed. She had been looking forward to being a mother for so long, so why was she suddenly so afraid? 
“I don’t think I can do this,” she whispered, her voice breaking. A few tears slipped out from under her shut eyelids and rolled down her flushed cheeks. She felt like she was on the brink of a complete breakdown.
“Yes you can. What you’re feeling right now is perfectly normal, Kagome,” Sango said soothingly. 
Kagome slowly opened her eyes at the sound of her friend’s voice.
 “Every mother feels the same way at this point, I promise. This last part isn’t going to be easy, but it doesn’t last too long, and then it will all be over and you’ll be holding your baby in your arms. When you look into their eyes for the first time, you’ll forget all about everything else, trust me.”
Kagome smiled down at her, thankful for the reassurance from someone who had been through this before. She then looked up to her husband who was still holding her hand and sitting cross-legged at her side. Her gaze was met with golden eyes full of concern.
Inuyasha was overwhelmed. There were so many sounds, so many smells, so many emotions. He had done his best to try and prepare himself for this day, but he had to admit that he was in over his head. It was killing him to see Kagome in so much agony, especially when there was nothing he could do about it. His instincts to protect her flooded through him with every cry of pain she let out, followed by the frustration of not being able to help. It was driving him crazy that all he could do was hold her hand and offer her words of encouragement every so often. 
He had kept relatively quiet since his earlier threat to Kaede, afraid of saying the wrong thing and upsetting Kagome. He was completely out of his element, having never witnessed a birth before. He had no idea what to do or say, or what was considered normal. All he knew was that he wanted to be by his wife’s side, and that she wanted him there as well. Now, as she looked into his eyes after voicing her fear, he knew he had to be strong for her. 
“You can do this, Kagome!” he said fervently. Hearing her say she didn’t think she could do it had made him want to scoff and call her an idiot, but he figured that wouldn’t be very helpful and might even earn him a ‘sit’ command in her current state. The idea of her not being able to do this was ludicrous to him. He had been watching her in awe all day, amazed by her strength and resilience. Since they first met, she had always been a fighter, never backing down or giving up when faced with a challenge. It was one of the many things he loved about her. 
He brought his free hand up to her cheek to gently wipe some of her tears and sweat away, letting his fingers linger on her face for a moment. 
“You’re so strong, you always have been,” he said, bringing his hand back down to grip hers between both of his own. He stared deeply into her wide brown eyes, trying to wordlessly communicate the neverending love and respect he had for her. “And I’m right here beside you.”
Kagome could feel her panic melting away at his words and the look in his eyes. She smiled a little at him before looking forward with a newly determined look on her face. That’s right, Inuyasha is with me. I can do anything with him by my side.
She felt the pain building again, but it was different from before. Somehow sharper and duller at the same time. She knew this was the final stretch she had to get through to meet their little one, so she gathered all the strength and courage she had left. 
The pain of pushing was almost unbearable, but she did her best to remain focused on the steady pressure of Inuyasha’s hand and the guidance given by Kaede and Sango. She felt every sensation in her body, her instincts kicking in to guide her through the final stage of delivery.
Over forty excruciating minutes later, a cry finally rang through the cabin, alerting all those in the area to the arrival of a new life. Kagome breathed a huge sigh of relief and fell back against the pillows. Kaede caught the crying baby and carried it over to the water basin to be bathed. Sango cut the cord and helped clean Kagome up enough so that she could comfortably lay her legs flat again. 
Kagome lay exhausted, trying to catch her breath and calm her racing heart. The cries of her baby echoed through the cabin, filling her with a euphoric pride. She had loved their child from the moment she knew of their existence. It felt like so long ago that she first found out she was pregnant. She could still remember the rush of pure joy she felt at the news. Finally, after so much wondering and planning and waiting, she was about to meet the one she already adored more than anything in the world. 
After giving her a few moments to catch her breath, Inuyasha helped support Kagome as Sango stuffed a couple pillows under her back so that she could sit up more. Once she was sure of Kagome’s comfort, Sango got to her feet and said, “I’m going to give you some privacy. You did so well Kagome.” She smiled warmly down at her friend, and then shifted her gaze to Inuyasha. “I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.” Both returned her smile, and Kagome reached out to take Sango’s hand.
“Thank you so much for everything, Sango. It really helped to have you here.”
Sango squeezed her hand. “Anything for my dearest friend. We’ll all come visit in the morning once you’ve had some time to rest.” She released Kagome’s hand and walked out of the hut to give a full report to Miroku and Shippo, who were waiting at home with her own children. 
As Sango walked out of the entryway, Kagome lifted her head up to anxiously look around for her baby, who was no longer crying. Her eyes found Kaede, who was wrapping the newborn loosely in a blanket. Her heart fluttered with nervous anticipation as Kaede slowly made her way over to her and Inuyasha, carrying their new addition in her arms.
“Congratulations Kagome and Inuyasha, it is time to meet your daughter,” she said with a smile. 
At the word ‘daughter,’ Inuyasha and Kagome’s eyes met, both of their mouths dropping open slightly. Their daughter. 
Kaede handed the tiny bundle off to Kagome, who reached out instinctively. As soon as the child was securely in Kagome’s arms, Kaede made her way outside to let them have their first moments as a family in private. 
A peaceful silence settled over the hut as Kagome held their baby close to her chest and stared in awe. Inuyasha moved closer to her, draping an arm over her shoulders. Kagome was overcome with emotion, an overwhelming feeling of love and warmth taking over every ounce of her being. She was still exhausted and in pain, and somewhere in her brain there was a terrifying, nagging reminder that she was now responsible for protecting this tiny being, but it all felt like dull background noise compared to the warmth that emanated from her chest as she marveled in the presence of her daughter.
“Inuyasha...she’s....” she trailed off quietly, unable to quite find the words. 
“...Perfect.” Inuyasha finished for her in a dazed tone. He couldn’t stop staring at the face of the life they had created. He had pictured the arrival of their baby many times in the months since they found out they were expecting, but he could never have imagined what he was feeling now. It was surreal and overwhelming to finally come face-to-face with the child who had only been an abstract concept in his mind until a few minutes ago.
He had struggled with the idea of becoming a father. Despite his excitement to start a family with the person he loved most in this world, he had trouble imagining himself in that role. Questions such as What if I ruin our kid’s life? What if something happens to them? Or to Kagome? How am I supposed to know what to do with a baby? had kept him awake countless nights over the last several months. Not to mention how much time he had spent worrying over Kagome. He’d had a hard time leaving her alone for more than five minutes during her entire pregnancy, constantly afraid that something could happen to her or the baby.
It was the worst on his human nights, the negative thoughts hijacking his mind and taking hold until he could think of little else. What if something attacks us when I’m in my human form and I can’t protect them? What if I’m not a good enough father and Kagome resents me? What if our kid grows up facing the same kind of discrimination I did for being part demon and part human? The questions became impossible to ignore on those nights, a couple times bubbling up to the point where his heart raced and his breath became shallow. He usually tried his best to hide his fears from Kagome, not wanting to cause her any extra stress, but those few times, it was too hard to pretend nothing was wrong. 
Kagome would try to comfort him. She would whisper reassurances into his ears. That she loved him and believed in him. That their child would be well cared for no matter what. That he would be an amazing father. She would look at him with such love and trust and warmth that he was almost able to believe that he was the person she saw him as. But it was hard to forget a lifetime of being told he was worthless, an abomination. It was hard to forget all of the awful things he had said and done in his past. How could he ever be a role model to a child? What if he had doomed them to the same lonely life of an outcast that he had?
Witnessing Kagome’s excitement to be a mother was the only thing that kept him from drowning in his anxiety. Although he didn’t know if he was cut out to be a father, he was positive that Kagome was meant to be a mother. She had always been the caring and nurturing type, and the joy she had to finally fill the role of a mother had radiated from her throughout her entire pregnancy. 
Whenever Inuyasha felt overwhelmed with doubts, he would just watch his wife tenderly rest her hands on her rounded belly, or listen to her hum lullabies to their unborn baby. In those moments, he knew that at least their child would have Kagome as their mother, and that even if he fell short, she would always be there to provide them with the care and support they needed. He vowed to match her as best as he could, all the while feeling terrified of letting her down.
Lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t noticed that Kagome was looking at him. She seemed to sense his inner turmoil and asked, “Do you want to hold her?” with a sweet smile.
“Uh..” Inuyasha responded stupidly, but Kagome had already extended their child towards him. 
“Just remember to support her head and you’ll be fine.”
Inuyasha took the tiny bundle ever so carefully, as if she might shatter into a thousand pieces at his touch. He slowly adjusted her position so that her head rested in the crook of his elbow and she was fully supported by his arm. He stared at her for a long minute, still unable to make sense of everything he was feeling. How could he have helped create such an incredible little human? How could he ever be a good enough father to her? She was so tiny and fragile, what if he hurt her by accident? Protecting Kagome was already stressful, but at least he knew she could handle herself in a battle. How in the world was he supposed to protect someone so small defenseless? He tried not to think about all the dangers of the world around them.
To distract from his racing thoughts, he focused on cataloging everything about her. The little tuft of jet black hair on the top of her head, her barely open chocolate brown eyes that looked so like Kagome’s, her tiny nose and mouth. Although she hadn’t inherited his eye or hair color, or his dog ears, the shape of her features still resembled his own. She was truly a perfect blend of the two of them. He inhaled and memorized her scent. It was similar to Kagome’s, with hints of his own scent, but distinct in its own way. 
Inuyasha cautiously extended one finger from his free hand to gently stroke her cheek, being mindful of his claws. Her skin was softer than the finest silk. He had never felt anything quite like it. He moved to pull away, feeling unworthy to touch her with his rough, calloused hands. At the same time, a chubby fist escaped the confines of the blanket surrounding it and waved blindly through the air. Tiny fingers found his retreating hand, and instinctively wrapped around his outstretched pointer finger. 
With a sharp intake of breath Inuyasha froze, suddenly hit with a surge of emotion so strong he could hardly breathe. His daughter gurgled and looked up at him, gripping his finger with surprising strength for a newborn. A soothing warmth began to spread from the point of contact throughout his whole body, almost reminding him of the sensation of being purified by Kagome’s spiritual powers. But this was something else, something deeper and more profound. 
Something shifted deep within himself as he felt her tiny fingers grip his own. Every priority, every feeling, every want and need he had ever had was rearranging, placing his daughter at the center of it all. The moment that she had touched him, he was forever changed. His rough edges softened just a bit, his heart grew a little larger. The world and his place in it made a little more sense. All of the doubts and insecurities he had about being a father faded to the background. He knew now that he would do absolutely anything for the little girl in his arms. 
A type of love he never knew existed rushed through him, seeping into every last crevice of his soul. It was all-consuming and indescribable. He felt as if he was staring into the sun itself, her radiant light giving him warmth and life in ways he hadn’t known he needed. All of the pain he had gone through in his life now felt worth it to be able to experience this moment. He would do it a thousand times over again as long as he got to meet her. He had known for a long time that he was born to be with Kagome, but now he knew he was born to meet his daughter as well. 
He let out the smallest of laughs, breathy and awestruck. After several more moments, he finally managed to tear his eyes away from her to look up at Kagome, who had been watching the heartwarming scene unfold. His mouth still hung agape, and as his eyes met Kagome’s, he felt a single tear roll down his cheek. The sensation surprised him, having never shed tears of joy before.  He hadn’t even noticed the wetness building in his eyes. As he looked at his wife, he noticed that tears were silently falling down her cheeks as well, though she wore a beaming smile. 
Tumblr media
The familiar sight of Kagome’s smile made his heart swell with even more warmth. It hardly felt real that, after all the heartache and loneliness that he had endured in his life, he was here looking into the eyes of his wife and holding his daughter in his arms. He wanted to tell her how much he loves her, how thankful he was to be able to share this moment with her. He wished he had the words to explain what it meant to him to have a family of his own.
“Kagome...” he said quietly, trying to think of something else to say. How could he ever put into words everything he had just felt?
“Inuyasha,” Kagome responded warmly in a way that told him no words were needed. They had always had a quiet understanding between them, their love for each other much deeper than words could ever hope to describe. It was something he was eternally grateful for. With a smile, Kagome reached out to cover her husband and daughter’s joined hands with her own.
Her eyes drifted back down to their beloved child, and after a few moments of contemplation she asked, “Moroha?”
Inuyasha wasn’t sure where she got the name, but it didn’t matter to him. It fit her perfectly.
“Moroha,” he repeated, confirming her name.
Inuyasha rested his forehead against Kagome’s as they continued to gaze down at their daughter. He knew his fears hadn’t disappeared completely, but there would be time to worry later. For now, he simply let himself bask in the glowing happiness of this perfect moment with his family.
----------------------
A/N (sorry it’s so long)
Hope you enjoyed the feels! I’ve been working on this for a while now, so I’m really excited to finally post it! I had originally wanted to post it before the premiere of Yashahime, but I kept nitpicking and editing it over and over. Plus I decided to add the drawing which took me forever. I also went all out and made the banner and everything, which I’m not sure if people usually do for oneshots but oh well!
This all started with me imagining that one moment of a newborn Moroha grabbing Inuyasha’s finger, and that being the moment that moved him and changed him forever. I could see him being really nervous and unsure about becoming a father, but I liked the idea of her touch causing a shift in him and basically turning him into a puddle of mush. I hope it isn’t too OOC for Inuyasha to cry at this moment, but I thought if anything would have the power to make him shed tears of joy then this would be it. Plus I saw it as kind of an involuntary bodily reaction to all of the emotion he experienced.
I tried to throw in some of Kagome’s POV, but I mostly wanted to explore Inuyasha’s conflicted thoughts and feelings about becoming a father. I hope the descriptions of pain/birth weren’t too much. I have never gone through childbirth, but it sounds ridiculously painful and terrifying so I was probably projecting a bit haha. Kagome is a badass for dealing with all of that with no drugs! 
I tried to look up real stories of how people felt when they saw their baby for the first time. There were a lot of mixed reactions, with a lot of people saying they just felt really scared or didn’t have a strong emotional reaction. This is a fic so of course I wanted it to be emotional and happy, but I tried to mix in some of the fear they must have felt also.
I didn’t want it to seem like Kagome’s strength only came from Inuyasha being there with her, but from what I read about active labor, the pain at that point can be extremely mentally and physically taxing, so I wanted her to have a moment of weakness where she felt like she wasn’t strong enough. And I always loved that Kagome and Inuyasha draw strength from each other in different ways. So I felt like she would have been able to tap into that from having him by her side.
Also, in regards to Sango and Miroku having 5 children, I find it hard to believe that they would have stopped at 3 considering how much Miroku talked about wanting to have 10 + kids lol. So that was just a little canon divergence I threw in there. This takes place about 4 years after Kagome returns to the feudal era for good. 
Anyways, I could ramble forever and over explain everything as I tend to do, but I wanted to get this out there before we see baby Moroha in Yashahime this week. I’m so excited!
225 notes · View notes
classysassy9791 · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
Fandom: Inuyasha Genre: Romance/Humor/Fluff Pairing: InuKag Rating: T
The conclusion for this little fic that has waited 6 years for completion. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Thank you to @akitokihojo for being such a stellar beta for this fic, and helping it come to its completion. Couldn't have done it without you!
For @inukag-week Day 6: Transformation.
Part 1 l Part 2 l Part 3 l
Part 4 Word Count: 2,000
Can also be found on FFN and AO3
.
.
.
It had been a very long time since Kagome had experienced a hangover.
The buzzing in her brain soon became too much to ignore as it beckoned her to consciousness. She opened her eyes to the dimly lit room. Sunlight peeking from beneath the closed curtains indicated it was daytime and she silently thanked herself for being smart enough to close them before leaving her apartment the evening before.
Kagome wrapped the duvet around herself and tried to grasp a hold on the fleeting darkness of unconsciousness. She knew nothing would cure a hangover except time, and she would rather spend it floating through dreamless sleep than deal with the repercussions head-on. Waves of nausea added to her misery and she could faintly smell whiskey with each exhale - a scent that was intoxicating last night, yet this morning it only caused her stomach to twist further.
Her phone pinged with a message, but she didn't dare even try to reach for it, the annoyingly bright glare of her phone not exactly something she wanted to sabotage herself with. As the minutes passed by, she became more acutely aware of her brain feeling like it would swell beyond the capacity of her skull, and her dehydration became too obvious to ignore. Her tongue felt like cotton as she licked her dry, cracked lips. Damn, why did the morning after always have to remind her of what a bad decision the night before was?
She squinted and finally set her gaze on her nightstand. A surprising wave of relief washed over her. Drunk Kagome must have had an intelligent moment, for on her nightstand stood a bottle of painkillers and a glass of water. As quickly as she dared, she propped herself up on one elbow, trying to ignore the slight spin of the room, before greedily popping two pills and finishing the water. Even so, her thirst was far from quenched.
As Kagome tried to sort through her memories of the night before, she quickly registered that she had no memory of coming home last night. The last, clear recollection she could come up with had her sitting at the bar with Inuyasha and sharing a shot with the bartender.
"Shit," she groaned, hanging her head before precariously pulling her legs from beneath her blanket. Blacking out from drinking had been a favorite past time of hers back in her early college days. It wasn't because she didn't know her own limits when it came to being intoxicated, but back then, she simply didn't care. Drinking had been her favorite vice when it came to dealing with the pressures of school, boyfriends, and girl drama. It had been years since she had felt the need to get obliterated so completely.
Finally finding her courage, Kagome reached over and unlocked her phone. The red battery sign at the top meant it was almost dead, so she quickly scrolled through all the alerts on her phone. There had been way too many messages and missed calls from Hojo, which triggered the memory of the picture she had sent him. Her nausea increased ten-fold. Regret was a spiteful bitch.
Hojo was going to be the afternoon's problem. Maybe even tomorrow's problem. All Kagome knew was that it wasn't going to be a now problem.
Kagome plugged in her phone and once she was on her feet, the room swayed, almost causing her to lose balance. She stumbled out into the hallway to her bathroom to relieve herself. When she finished, she washed her hands and splashed cold water on her face just to feel something refreshing. The person's face who greeted her in the mirror no longer resembled the glamorous girl of the night. Only a woman's face awash with guilt, a wrinkled set of pajamas, and hair that was far from attractive.
From the other end of the apartment, Kagome suddenly heard a key turning in her front door. Immediately, she felt panic rise in her throat, eyes going wide. No one had a key to her apartment, not even Hojo, so unless she had been robbed last night - which she very may well have considering she had very little memory of it - no one should be coming over.
She swallowed thickly against her cotton throat and grabbed the first weapon at her fingertips - a plunger. Yeah, she wasn't winning any awards for being clever, but she was hungover and scared for her life.
Kagome crept down the hallway toward the front door and nearly lost her breath at who she saw standing in her entryway. The man from the bar last night - Inuyasha? - was making his way to her kitchen with a carrier filled with coffee and a bag from her favorite breakfast joint down the block.
"Good morning," he greeted casually, not at all thrown off by her presence as he set down his packages on the counter. "I brought you breakfast."
Rage and astonishment swelled in her chest. "What the fuck are you doing in my apartment?!"
He winced and held his hands over his ears before turning to glare at her. "If you could wait until after eight in the morning to start yelling, I'd really appreciate it."
"You didn't answer my question," she seethed, wide eyes sweeping the rest of the apartment for evidence as to what exactly happened last night?!
Inuyasha studied her from across the room and laughed at her dumbfounded expression. "Did you think I was a burglar or something? What's with the plunger?"
Kagome looked down at the plunger she held in his direction like a sword, and felt a blush bloom across her cheeks. She hurriedly hid it behind her back. "W-What was I supposed to think?"
He simply rolled his eyes. "Do you want breakfast or not?"
She bit her lip, but couldn't deny the ravenous hunger eating away at her stomach. Probably half the reason why she was so nauseous. Without saying another word, she slipped back into the bathroom to put away her weapon before meeting him in the kitchen. The sweet aroma of coffee and fresh bagels greeted her. She could've kissed him all over again.
"I didn't know how you liked your coffee, so I got cream and sugar just in case."
Kagome slowly sat down in the chair across from him, watching him slather some cream cheese on his bagel and drink his black coffee. She racked her brain as to exactly why Inuyasha was in her apartment, and then flashes of the night before came rushing back, of sloppy passionate kisses and tangled sheets.
Her heart dropped to her stomach.
Inuyasha studied the array of emotions that flickered across her face while he slowly chewed his bite of bagel and then swallowed. "Kagome, how much do you remember of last night?"
She bit her lip, shameful eyes lifting to his. "Um, well…" Her gaze fell to her person, realizing she was no longer wearing the sequined black dress she had gone out in. All the evidence pointed to a girl she wanted no relation to, making decisions that were very, very regrettable.
"We didn't sleep together."
Kagome's eyes flew to Inuyasha's, his deep voice quelling her fears. "We-We didn't?"
Amber eyes watched her carefully before turning back to his bagel. "No, we didn't. I'm not the kinda guy who beds a girl when she's drunk. Not my style."
A breath Kagome didn't know she had been holding escaped her lips. She had never been the type of girl to have one-night-stands. Her friends always teased her about it, but it was something she prided herself in. Having sex with someone wasn't something she did on a whim. She wanted to know she meant more to someone than an easy lay.
Her brows furrowed as she sipped on her coffee. "If we didn't sleep together, then why are you here?" she questioned. It would've been one thing if she had woken up with a naked man in her bed and kicked him out because of sheer embarrassment. It was another thing entirely that a man she didn't sleep with would bring her breakfast in the morning.
Inuyasha shrugged. "I was too tired to get another ride home last night, so I slept on your couch."
Kagome glanced over the breakfast bar to see a blanket and pillow on her couch as evidence that it had been occupied the night before.
"You know, you probably shouldn't drink so much."
She threw him a glare. "Did I ask for your judgement?"
He shrugged. "I'm just sayin'. Letting a stranger take you home because you're too drunk isn't exactly attractive."
Kagome scoffed. "Oh, thanks for the help," she snipped sarcastically. "What would I've done without you?"
Inuyasha grinned. "Probably throw a party to celebrate my absence."
"Probably, yeah," she hotly agreed. "I would've been just fine on my own."
"Maybe."
She frowned, flashes of last night starting to come back. They had been two heartbroken strangers in a bar who found comfort in their shared misery. Under the neon flashing lights and upbeat techno music, they gravitated toward one another like moths to a flame. But by morning they had transformed; she no longer represented the alluring woman who bewitched him, and he no longer appeared as the mysterious man who captivated her.
Now, she was simply Kagome Higurashi - a woman who was dumped by her fiance and had a mile-long to-do list regarding cleaning up their frayed relationship. And he was simply Inuyasha.
Kagome inwardly cringed. She didn't even know his last name. Or what he did for work. Or anything about him really.
Just fucking great.
"Look, Inuyasha," she began, setting down her coffee. "I appreciate everything you, er, did for me, but-"
"When we're done here, we should go on a real date."
Her mouth fell open. "What?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "Why not?"
"You have got to be joking," Kagome said while shaking her head. "One-night stands are literally just for one night, and we definitely would not work out."
He grinned. "Damn. That's a quick deduction there."
Kagome blushed. "I just mean that, last night… it was great and all, but…"
"It's daytime and the whole world's changed?" Inuyasha finished for her.
She sighed and looked away. He was right. Things were different. Last night didn't happen often for her, and bringing home a guy to her apartment never happened. If it were up to her, she'd stuff last night in a box as a precious memory and then forget it ever happened.
"I'm not saying I'm over Kikyou."
Kagome met his gaze. His eyes locked onto her, and held not an ounce of mirth. He was serious about this. He wanted to see if this could become something.
"And I doubt you're over your ex-fiance," he continued. "But, last night was fun. You're different and piss me off to no end-"
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" she asked with narrowed eyes.
He sighed and after a moment finally stood up. "Look. You seem like a great girl. But I'm not one to beg. Thanks for the couch." Slipping his phone into his back pocket, he turned to leave.
"Inuyasha, wait!" Kagome called as she chased after him.
Dammit. This guy was so infuriating! He insulted her, and called her names, and angered her enough to make her slap him upside the head. But he also made her laugh, and feel alive, and made her want to kiss him again and again.
She couldn't deny that she wanted to see him again.
Grabbing his elbow, she made him stop in his tracks and look over his shoulder at her. "What?"
"This…" she started, fumbling for the right words. "This is never going to work. You and I."
He gave her a lopsided smile. "I'll pick you up at six."
And then he was gone, closing the door behind him.
Within a moment of him leaving, Kagome realized something: Meeting Inuyasha was either going to be the best luck she ever had, or the very worst. At least, on the bright side, he had already witnessed her at her lowest.
How bad could it be?
31 notes · View notes
ecoamerica · 21 days
Text
youtube
Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared
The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!
5K notes · View notes
mschillinvillin · 3 years
Photo
Tumblr media
The Department of Love is overwhelmed with work in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s day. Head Cupid Sesshoumaru is struggling to finish his paperwork, but when his underlings fail to find a match for a difficult client, he is forced to step in and resolve the matter personally. A V-day Oneshot.
(Also available on my Dokuga, Fanfiction(dot)net, and A03 under the name ChillinVillin)
The mountain of paperwork on Sesshoumaru’s desk grew steadily, despite the long hours he’d been putting in at the office. He was a workaholic year-round – love was not just a Valentine’s affair after all – but February was always a veritable shit storm, and this year he hadn’t even had a chance to go home to sleep.
He was bent over a file for a widower when a soft knock sounded at his door and his youngest team member popped her head in.
Rin was still new to the Department and there had been an uproar when he promoted her onto his exclusive team. Her youthful demeanor and easy smile made her a target for those jaded by the industry, but she was an excellent matchmaker. Her unending reserve of energy and positive attitude served her well, and she let any hate directed at her roll off. As she should have. She was superior.
She was humming lightly when she stepped into his office, the fairy wand she used as her matchmaking device scattering love dust on his pristine carpet. It was not uncommon for her to bring him lunch, so he was startled when she plopped herself into the chair across from him and placed a manilla folder on the empty corner of his desk.
He couldn’t see her over his stack of paperwork, but he didn’t have to look up to know she was displeased. She worried at the edge of a manila folder and her humming cut off abruptly.
“What ails you?” He asked without looking up from his work.
“As you know, Valentine’s day is approaching quickly.”
He made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat and gestured to the paper mountain.
“There’s this one woman. Kagome Higurashi. She’s a class A case so she both desires and deserves a proper match,” she flipped the folder open to reveal the fresh face of a smiling young woman. She was pretty enough, he thought, glancing at the photo without looking too closely. She was young enough to be planting the seeds for a future with a first partner, and pretty enough to get one. An easy mark for someone as competent as Rin.
“And there is no one suitable?” he surmised.
“It’s not that! I’ve spent the last week trying to get her together with her childhood friend! He’s already in love with her, so half the equation was solved. He’s kind and attentive and he’s studying medicine, so he’s smart and cares about people. He’s perfect for her, but every time I tried to set them up, she brushed my magic aside like it was nothing and found an excuse to take off!”
“We cannot manufacture attraction,” Sesshoumaru huffed, returning to the file before him. This was basic stuff. “You tried to open her eyes and she declined. Move on to the next best match.” And leave me in peace, he thought, biting his tongue. It wouldn’t do to upset her during their busiest time of the year.
“I did!” She wailed. “I found her someone else. This guy was his opposite. He was fun! Flirty and easy to commit to. He would have given her everything she needed to feel fulfilled as a girlfriend!”
“She ignored him as well?”
“Not only was she not interested; she set him up on a date with her best friend and now they’re going steady!”
He frowned. It was almost unheard of for Rin to strike out twice. He put it down to the overwhelming work of her first season on his team. Perhaps she simply hadn’t learned yet what to do when she hit a snag. He would put someone more seasoned on the case.
“Very well. Move on to your next assignment and send Jaken in.”
He closed the manila folder and returned to his work, not acknowledging the short man who came in for it. He couldn’t see Jaken’s eyes over the top of the desk, but the two heads on his staff, their lips pursed like they waiting for a kiss, danced towards him, and then a small hand felt around on his desk before sliding the file off the edge. Jaken made a lot of noise as he came and went, but Sesshoumaru tuned him out, sighing gratefully when the door clicked closed and he was left in peace.
Considering the problem dealt with, he gave his full attention to the case in front of him.
*
“I’m so sorry sir! Please forgive me!”
The piercing shriek of his subordinate made his head pound. He hadn’t even gone home to shower, and his stomach cramped from cheap vending machine food. The first thing he noticed when he peeled his eyes away from his work was that the staff of two heads looked… wrong.
The heads had twisted apart, the centre cracked like they’d tried to get away from each other. Their kissing faces had devolved into delirious smiles. Jaken clambered up to stand on the chair across from his, waving a folder around. Sesshoumaru cut off his groveling.
“This is not the time for mistakes, Jaken.”
“Please forgive me! I was only trying to do as I was asked, but the task proved to be impossible!”
Sesshoumaru was certain that he hadn’t given anything beyond his subordinate’s abilities. That was why he spent his days (and this time of year his nights) pouring over paperwork.
“It’s that Higurashi woman to blame!” Jaken griped. “I found her a man who was rugged and handsome. He was completely appropriate while presenting enough of a challenge for her to get a sense of satisfaction out of winning his heart. Just as she started to warm up to him, she found out that she was a dead ringer for his ex and got upset.”
“A rookie mistake.”
“Forgive me, but often the second match is better than the first anyway. They appreciate the next match so much more once they’ve had a taste of disappointment.”
It was an old school thought, reminiscent of Sesshoumaru’s father’s ideology from his days running the department. It never would’ve worked for Rin’s childish, bubbling love type, but Jaken’s staff was uniquely designed for two romances in quick succession. The second and more powerful head could not work until after the first had been activated.
“That was not the case?” Sesshoumaru prompted.
“I found her someone similar, but who would be unwaveringly honest in his high opinion of her and who had no prior serious attachments, but she wound up foisting him off on another girl!”
“And your staff?”
“The staff got confused. Since she wasn’t reactive to the first or second match, both heads tried to blast him and he wound up doubly smitten with the new girl. This is a mess.”
Sesshoumaru grunted. This had never happened in the centuries since Jaken had joined the department.
“You cannot work without it, and I need you on the ground. Leave the case and see if Totosai in tech can fix it for you. If it will take more than a few hours, then request assistance from another department to cover your time off. And send Ah and Un in.”
Jaken ran off, leaving the slightly worn folder behind.
A pair of twins slid in several minutes later. Sesshoumaru gestured to the folder without looking up and they whisked it away, disappearing. Ah and Un were a bit of a mystery, but they always got results.
He cursed when they swooped in the next morning and dropped the folder on his desk. They didn’t say anything, and he dismissed them with a wave. The pile had shrunk, but not enough. Valentine’s was only two days away and he had to finish before then.
“Well, well, well,” the soft purr came from the edge of the room. He shot up and glared at the woman who stood in his doorway. His mother smirked at him in all of her finery. She’d long been trying to convince him to join her as a member of the Winter Solstice Department, and 48 hours out from Valentine’s day, when his patience was thinnest, was a bad time for her to try her usual antics.
“What do you want?” He asked, turning his focus back to his desk.
“Poor dear,” she said. Her voice dripped with false sympathy. “Is your little holiday getting the best of you?”
“You know that this is not a good time.”
“Of course. I’ve only come because a request was put in for assistance and I thought I’d offer mine to you, personally.”
He groaned. Of course she’d snatch up the chance to insert herself into his business. He didn’t have time to put another request in, so he handed her the folder. The edges were bent and there was a coffee ring on it. She poured herself a cup of coffee, emptying the pot of his last dregs of caffeine, and sat across from him.
“Word’s been getting out about the difficulties you’ve been having. Is it true she damaged your righthand man’s Toke of Affection?”
“It is true.”
She flicked through the file, a devious smirk on her face. “Are you certain that she’s interested in men dear? I know that on a long winter night, I often prefer the company of-“
“This is not about your preferences,” he said sharply. Her grin widened. “And it is not about lust. We’re in the business of romance. If you cannot deliver, then leave and send someone who can. Besides, she wouldn’t be in the pile were she not available and desiring a romantic entanglement, and her orientation is clearly marked.”
“Very well. This one shall be kind enough to help you.”
She swept from the room, a cold wind billowing in her wake. He counted the folders piled on his desk. Determination set his jaw. He finished his last coffee and got back to it.
She swung back in in the evening, bristling. “Unbelievable! What a thankless operation this is!” His desk had been completely taken over, so she threw the file on top of the cold coffee pot. “I thought that perhaps she would enjoy a little variety, so I sent her a man known to be a little on the imaginative side. He had a woman with him who was gorgeous and also interested. I thought that the more the merrier was a good call, but she ran off so quickly I didn’t even see her go!”
He grunted, and when she realized that he wasn’t paying attention, she flew from his office, plotting.
*
Sesshoumaru finished his papers with a full twelve hours to spare and finally stood from his desk. His bones popped as he stretched, and he wondered idly how long he had been in the chair. He flicked the lights off and grabbed his coat, intent on having a nice bath and a glass of wine to celebrate his victory. Another year had gone by without a hitch.
*
He always put in an appearance to the Department’s party for his employees. They worked for him, so once he was clean and rested, he returned to the lobby. As always, they had gone all out. The room was swathed in pinks and red, glittering hearts twirled high above the floor that had been cloaked in a plush red carpet. A live band sung romantics ballads and a hearty spread of festive foods were laid out on a banquet table.
He greeted each employee cordially while it sunk in that his work was done. He’d even have a long weekend. Rin ran up and twirled around him. Her wand trailed sparkles behind her.
“Another year is done!” She cried. He accepted a mini cupcake from her and a glass of champagne. He’d earned it and she said as much. “I admit, I am curious who Mr. Jaken found for Kagome Higurashi. She was so tough to crack that the not knowing is driving me crazy!”
Frowning, Sesshoumaru excused himself and brushed past her to find his second hand. Jaken was chatting with a tall, busty woman from the Halloween department. They were an incongruent pair, but it was widely speculated that the appropriate members of the Love Department were excellent lovers, and they all needed to let off steam after weeks of hard labour.
“Sir,” Jaken greeted! He was a little tipsy and didn’t notice his date eye Sesshoumaru up and down with a wicked smirk. “Meet Haru!”
“Yura!” The woman corrected. In one hand she held a black skull. The other she reached towards him. His mouth twitched and Jaken rambled on as if the exchange hadn’t happened.
“Well done! But what did you ever do about that woman who wrecked my beloved staff?”
Sesshoumaru spun on his heel, scanning the crown until his eyes fell on Ah and Un. They nodded to him when he approached their corner.
“What happened to the Higurashi case?” He demanded.
They looked at each other and shrugged.
Rin, Jaken, Ah, and Un had all struck out with her, leaving him to fumble for who he’d assigned her to. He tried to recall what he’d done with her case when it hit him.
Mother.
He hadn’t really been paying attention when she came in, but surely she’d failed too. He raced to the elevator, barely restraining himself while it climbed to his office, and flicked the lights on. The return of the cold fluorescence made his head throb, but he paid it no heed as he searched his deck for the file. It was pristine, as he had left it, without the Higurashi file in sight. He got down on his hands and knees and peered under it, but other than some of Rin’s glitter that the custodians had missed and a couple of dust bunnies, it was empty too. Snarling, he got up and looked around, finally noticing that it had slid behind the coffee maker.
A job failed. A heart left to grow cold on his day. He would not accept it.
He pulled his blade down from the display on the wall behind his desk. He hadn’t used it since he trained Rin. It pulsed faintly in his hand, the familiar energy stirring awake. He strapped it on, grabbed the folder, and raced down the back stairwell to grab a taxi.
He would find Kagome Higurashi and ensure that she had a partner by midnight.
*
Her file was thin. He knew that her family was small, but important to her. She was raised to take over her family’s shrine and that’s what she did. She was a romantic, but she rarely dated. She was outspoken, but kind to a fault. Overall, she was a perfectly good candidate for a love match.
His underlings had left notes, all of them detailing what had worked to catch her attention and what had failed along with a list of the names that hadn’t worked. Someone had written ‘this job sucks!’ across the top of the sheet, which he recognized as his mother’s handwriting. Hn, childish.
The cab pulled to a stop in front of a bar. It was uncharacteristically cold for February, and snow crunched beneath the wheels. There was nothing in the file to help him, so he tucked it away and went in to watch her. He would have to glean the details about her for himself and find her an acceptable partner. All in the next, he checked his watch and hissed, five hours.
It didn’t take him long to find her. She was bouncing around the people on the dance floor, dancing and chatting over the rock band that was playing near the front. She nursed her drink and seemed perfectly in her element, and he found himself relaxing as he watched her from a barstool. He had his own drink, which he’d purchased just to fit in. He could unsheathe his blade and disappear from view, but that was always a poor choice in such crowded venues.
Kagome Higurashi seemed happy and as he watched her, he began to wonder if perhaps his mother had been right. Maybe she really didn’t want anyone. She flitted from person to person, lingering just long enough to have a laugh before scooting along to the next acquaintance. Even from a distance, he could tell that she was charming. She also seemed to interact with anyone and everyone without judgement. Kindness radiated from her. Why had his underlings had a hard time? She was an easy mark.
A couple bounced up to the bar, and he learned quickly that their names were Miroku and Sango, and that Kagome had set them up, and as they chatted he found out that a number of the people his team had tried to set her up with were also there. She was happy for all the couples, gushing over their outfits, valentine’s gifts. It turned out that she had presented chocolate to all of them, so she was receptive to the holiday.
It bothered him that the system could have made a mistake. It had never happened in his time, nor had he heard of such a thing happening in his father’s.
A confident man approached her, his long hair pulled back into a braid, and he offered her his hand to dance. She smiled at him, and the blade thrummed with the potential for a new match, but just as he reached for the hilt, her eyes shot up to his and everything stopped. She blushed at having been caught staring and looked away, and the bubble burst.
Heart pounding, he paid for his drink and went to the dirty bathroom at the end of the long hall.
Perhaps he needed to be more direct, seek her out and ask what she looked for in a partner.
He marched back to the dance floor only to find that she was gone.
Perhaps she was only in the restroom, he reasoned, but as his watch ticked, he stiffened. 3 hours remaining and he’d lost his target.
He burst out the front door into the chilly night and looked around wildly. He froze. There she was, still in her short party dress, leaning against the wall. He expected her to be smoking, but her arms were wrapped around her chest. He noticed that the long sleeves of her red dress were translucent and couldn’t stop himself from addressing her in clipped tones.
“Where is your coat?”
She snorted, an action that startled him. People did not address him so casually. If he was miffed, it passed with her watery smile. She’s been crying.
He slid his coat from his shoulders and held it out to her. “It was too hot in there,” he explained casually. The cold was uncomfortable, but it reminded him of his childhood home.
“It was supposed to be warm today,” she murmured, shaking her head, but a frigid wind blew through the street and she shuddered. Just as it occurred to him that a strange man approaching a lonely woman after dark could be construed as creepy, she reluctantly accepted his coat. Her fingers brushed his and he pulled away at the contact. She tried to push his coat back. “Don’t give it to me if you’re cold.”
“I grew up in much colder climates than this,” he admitted, and slid it over her shoulders, taking care not to touch her. A small smile graced her features and she turned into the collar and sniffed delicately. Warmth bloomed in his chest.
“I always find these gatherings to be oddly stifling,” he volunteered. She relaxed a little further. Perhaps she was the same. They should’ve found her someone more introverted.
“Yeah. I mean, I love my friends and I glad they’re all happy and in love, but it just kind of reminds me that I’m alone, you know? That I’m the exception. I guess I’m oversharing, sorry.”
So her case was not a mistake. Relief flooded him. He couldn’t point out to her that she’d had lots of opportunity over the last few weeks to kindle a romance, so instead he said. “That sounds difficult. Did it not occur to you to find a valentine of your own?”
She crossed her arms and caught his gaze with hers, and he found himself locked in a staring contest with her. “So where’s your Valentine Mr. Love Expert?”
“I do not have time for one.”
She snorted, again. “See! It’s easy to expect people to just find love! It’s not like you can just buy it at the grocery store. You have to find someone you like, who likes you, who you’re attracted to, who will make your life better, and then you have to work and share experiences and find common ground and give it time to grow. And sometimes it doesn’t work out, even after all of that!”
She breathed heavily after her outburst. She was as passionate about love as he was, but she had looked beyond the first flutterings of new love. “Perhaps I could help you find someone.”
She eyed him suspiciously, then broke into a wide grin. “I have a great idea! Come with me!”
She reached out and gripped his hand. He should have recoiled. This was unprofessional. But her skin was cold that he wrapped it in his own and allowed her to tug him along.
They walked in comfortable silence, before he asked.
“Kagome, where are we going?”
She stopped and gazed at him from under her lashes. “How did you know my name?”
“I overheard one of your friends say it.”
She resumed their pace with a triumphant smile. “I knew you were watching me! Why didn’t you say hi?”
He squeezed her hand. “Is this not acceptable contact?” He teased, though he knew the answer was ‘no’. “And my name, though you have not asked for it, is Sesshoumaru.” She repeated his name softly, rolling the syllables around in her mouth like a fine wine.
“Aha!” They stopped at the mouth of a busy night market. It had also been decorated for Valentine’s day. He was well acquainted with this sort of place as a matchmaking specter, but he found himself in new territory as they strolled the market hand in hand, sampling foods and playing games. She covertly pointed at a woman. “What about her?”
“What are we doing here?”
This was the perfect place for matchmaking, but every man who might have looked at her appreciatively noticed him and scurried along.
“I’m going to be your wingman!” She announced boldly. “Don’t look so shocked! I’m great at it! Just ask my friends. I found them all the perfect Valentine’s dates!” She had no way of knowing that his team had done most of the legwork.
The irony dawned on him that by putting himself into her path as a matchmaker, she had taken up the mantle of trying to find a mate for him. The thought made him chuckle, and then he cracked, laughing so hard that his shoulders shook. He used his free hand to cover his mouth while she gazed up at him. She swatted him playfully. “Don’t be a jerk! I’ll find you someone.” She regarded him for a long moment, then cast her eyes around. “What about her?” She leaned into him and spoke under her breath as they approached a young woman, drawing him in so that his lips brushed her hair.
“Why don’t we look for you instead.”
“I’m not going to play if you’re not. Listen! You’ll be head over heels by the end of the night!” She turned her face up to his, so that their lips almost brushed. He pulled back and dropped her hand, letting the cold sink in. There were rules, even if they felt inconsequential right now. He’d come here for a reason, and he would follow through.
“Very well. Why her?”
The woman was perhaps a little older than Kagome. She was bent over a book beneath a bright streetlight. Her short hair had fallen into her face and she brushed it back behind a small ear. He supposed that she was cute.
“You seem like you need someone who can soften you up a bit. She’s bookish, so she’s probably smart and introverted like you seem to be, but she’s still out here participating in the world.”
“She isn’t my type,” he said. “But I’m sure if she’s very good this year then Cupid will bring her a date next year.”
“I don’t think that’s how it works. Besides, I was good, so why isn’t he helping me?”
He barely stifled his groan. He is trying.
He pointed out three men to her. All seemed kind, handsome, and decent. And each time she shot him down and pointed out a woman for him in return. It made him want to rip his hair out. The temperature continued to drop and without meaning to he drew her closer to him until she was fit comfortably against his side. Their wingman game was interrupted when a young man with light hair and puppy-dog eyes called Kagome’s name. He had a girl with him who glared daggers at Kagome.
“Hey Kagome! So you uh- found yourself a Valentine, huh?”
She blushed and broke apart from Sesshoumaru. “Hojo! Sesshoumaru’s just a friend.”
“Uh-huh,” the men eyed each other up, and something sparked in Sesshoumaru’s mind. This was the childhood friend Rin had tried to set her up with. No wonder why it hadn’t worked. He looked as interesting a bowl of fibre-friendly cereal. Sesshoumaru would be having a chat with Rin when work was back in session.
“Are we going?” The other girl pouted at Hojo, so he bid them a good night and followed her away.
Kagome tucked herself back into his side. “I’m glad he found someone.”
“It will not last.”
“Sesshoumaru! You don’t even know him.”
“I know that he was not good enough for you, yet he still longs for what he cannot have.”
“It isn’t like that,” she murmured. “Hojo is wonderful. He just isn’t right for me. I need someone more... exciting.” She laughed. “Though I’ve had some pretty overwhelming men come onto me in the last month and that’s not right either.”
“You require balance.”
“I want things to be natural.”
He nodded and pulled her along. She had chilled again while they were apart, so he led her out of the market and into a 24-hour café that was teeming with couples. He brought her a hot chocolate and joined her at a bistro table tucked away in a quiet corner.
She moaned when she took her first sip of hot chocolate, and the thrill that went through him at the sound was completely unprofessional.
“Kagome?” He recognized the man who greeted her as one from the party.
“Inuyasha, hey! I saw that you got back together with your ex, congrats!”
Another from the file and he liked this one even less than the last. “Thanks. You were right. I was being stupid. Sorry.”
She shook her head and grinned. “Just don’t screw it up this time, OK?”
“Yeah. I’m glad you found a date too.” A woman who looked remarkably like Kagome approached them. Her straight hair was pulled back and she fixed Kagome with a small smile that struck Sesshoumaru as triumphant. Kagome stiffened slightly and he reached under the table to grip her hand. She relaxed and squeezed his hand back.
Inuyasha lingered a moment too long, until his girlfriend laced their fingers together and pulled him away.
Kagome leaned across the table towards him and spoke in a low voice. “Thanks for not telling them you weren’t my date.”
It hadn’t even occurred to him to correct them. “Another ex?” he asked.
She shrugged. “We didn’t go out for very long. Inuyasha is great in a lot of ways, but he has some growing up to do. Besides, it wasn’t me he wanted.”
Perhaps she needed someone who was more mature, he reasoned. Someone who would not get caught up in a schoolboy crush or use her to rebound from a previous failure. Regardless, he’d be talking to Jaken about making such an incongruent pair.
“You deserve someone who sees you.”
Their eyes met and she smiled sweetly at him. “Thanks.”
She took their empty mugs to the counter and chatted with the barista, who laughed uproariously at whatever she said. Sesshoumaru looked above them at a decorative wall clock and cursed. Only an hour left to find this delightful woman her Valentine’s romance, and he’d been enjoying himself instead of working! He wracked his brain for somewhere with intelligent, mature, fun, attractive people, where he could find a single man for her, and his head was spinning when she approached him and tugged on his sleeve.
“Sesshoumaru? What’s wrong?”
“I just realized I didn’t finish something at work, and it was very important.”
“Do you have to go?”
He grasped her hand and pulled her outside. Snow had begun to fall while they were inside, and the crystals floated to the earth, getting caught in her hair like diamonds.
“No, it’s too late to go back to the office.”
“If we can’t do anything about it then we might as well find you someone hot! Maybe the problem is that we’re looking for love when we should just be helping you work off your tension.”
Was she actually insinuating that he needed to get laid? The thought perturbed him so much that his lip curled up into a sneer. “I’m not a dog. I’m not looking for a quick fuck.”
She flushed at his bad language and dropped his hand, which felt empty without hers. “That’s not what I meant! Ok. It is what I meant. I’m sorry to have offended you. I just thought that maybe – you said you’ve been working hard and you’re clearly exhausted- and.”
“Kagome,” he hummed. “I’m not angry with you, but I’m not looking for that, or anything else.”
After tonight he would go home to his apartment, which was blissfully quiet, and enjoy time to himself. He didn’t need or want company. But he found himself wondering, since failure was imminent, why he hadn’t left her to get some much-needed rest.
He meant to calm her and was shocked when she stiffened in his arms. “Oh my God you’re married aren’t you? And this isn’t a date, definitely not, because I’m your wingman, but we’ve been holding hands and hanging out like a couple and you have a wife at home?”
A middle aged man walking by whistled at her loud exclamation and shook his head at Sesshoumaru. He had to bite his tongue.
He waited until she was panting, her breath fogging the air between them, and then stepped back. “Do you think I would behave like this if I had a separate romantic entanglement?”
He added ‘jumps to conclusions’ on his mental list of her traits.
“No wife?”
“None.”
“Girlfriend?”
“Nonexistent.”
“We have been acting like a couple though.”
He considered their night and sighed. Being forced to acknowledge it meant that it had to end.
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
She stepped closer to him, so that he could feel the heat radiating off her. Her lips brushing his neck when she whispered. “Why are you sorry?”
“I meant to find love for you, and now it is too late.”
“You can’t just find love silly. Remember what I said?”
Attraction. Comfort. Balance. Shared experiences. Was that not all things that they had? He marked off his mental checklist one by one.
Her hands fisted into the front of his shirt as his found its way to the nape of her neck. His thumb settled on her pulse point and he could feel her heartbeat go wild under his touch. Gently, as if she might break, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, almost toppling over when she launched herself at him. She wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled him into her, opening her mouth to deepen the kiss. He complied, running his tongue across the roof of her mouth and feeling her melt into him. When they broke apart, he found her flushed and breathless.
“Does this mean I’ve failed as a wingman or that I’ve excelled at it?”
He thought of his upcoming holiday review and pulled her back to him. “I will let you know.”
The clock struck midnight, and technically Kagome Higurashi had found her Valentine.
58 notes · View notes
lemonlushff-iy · 3 years
Note
From smmahamazing: the untitled SessKag for your Freaky Friday, if i may 😏
Tumblr media
@smmahamazing YOUR REQUEST IS READY DARLING!!! I hope you enjoy! Wanna know what's going on? Click HERE!
BDSM BELOW THE CUT
“Yes Master,” she rushed to say, and she felt the pleased rumble of his growl caress her skin.
“Do you know why you’re being punished, Kagome?” he demanded, and Kagome nodded.
“Yes Master.”
“Tell me.”
“Because I didn’t call you Master.”
“You’re being punished for that too,” he cooed, almost lovingly. “But that’s not why you’re tied like this. Tell me why you’re tied like this Kagome.”
“I-I don’t know,” she replied honestly and she felt the bite of this belt against her ass cheek.
“Tell me.”
She honestly couldn’t remember. Her day had been boring. Last-minute meetings before the weekend, a lunch break at the mall with his younger brother, Inuyasha, to look for a birthday present for hi--
Wait.
Was it because she had seen Inuyasha?
Sesshomaru always got weirdly possessive and dominant whenever she saw his brother one on one. Like he needed to re-establish his claim over her. She might have been annoyed if it didn’t make for the best sex…
Kagome had met Sesshomaru through Inuyasha. They had been friends in college, and then eventually, coworkers. Sesshomaru had stopped by the office once during lunch to give his brother something, and the electricity she had felt when their eyes had locked…
There was always a little piece of Sesshomaru that seemed to fear that she would leave him for his brother because they had been friends first, and for longer.
There was no way that would ever happen though. For one thing, Inuyash--
“--Tell me what you did today,” Sesshomaru demanded, and Kagome internally smirked, now that she knew exactly what it was he was trying to get her to say.
“I woke up, and brushed my teeth.”
The crack of leather against her skin echoed off the walls around them, and Kagome gasped as pain turned into pleasure.
“This afternoon. What did you do.”
“I had a meeting at work.”
She felt the bite of the belt against her thigh, hard enough to make her moan, but not hard enough to leave a bruise. Sesshomaru was very good about that. They both knew that he was physically stronger than she was. He could snap her in half like a dried twig.
That’s what made all of this that much more sensual. What made this act that much more intimate and hot. He showed how much he cared and loved her with how much he held back for her and restrained himself.
“After your meeting.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Master,” Kagome played innocently, and she could see his nostrils flaring in her mind’s eye. She could practically hear his teeth grinding together in frustration.
“You’re so disobedient today,” he snarled, yanking her hair back, and she could feel her fangs against her ear. “Maybe you shouldn’t be the only one to see pictures of your pussy. Maybe I should send them to someone for your disobedience.”
He wouldn’t dare.
“Do you want me to do that?”
He would never.
“Yes Master,” she replied, calling his bluff.
Obligatory @wulfintheforest tag
10 notes · View notes
keichanz · 4 years
Text
More Than
so i was listening to the song More Than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen which is now my new obsession and i shit you not, the ending to this little drab popped into my brain so fast i knew i had to write it down. thus, this angsty little blurb was born. 
now as i was writing, i realized that it was giving off sooo many One Last Ride vibes, written by the ever so talented @lemonlushff​​, that i decided to tweak this so it could tuck somewhere into the story itself as a sort of unofficially official glimpse of their breakup. i’m happy to report that it has Lemon’s official seal of approval and she loved it! 
so now i’m gonna share it with all you fine folks and i hope you enjoy it too! :) and since it is in the OLR universe, there will be angst hahahaa. 
so this is for you Lemon, my sweet and sour friend~ ❤️ 
one last thing--i highly recommend either having the song above playing while you read this, or at least listen to it beforehand. yes, it’s a country song, but it really is so good and the lyrics - which i’ve italicized and bolded - seem to reflect Inuyasha’s thoughts perfectly, which is why i thought it fit so well with OLR’s theme. 
....shit okay one last last thing: i swear to fuck that the ending jumped out of a scene from a goddamn western harlequin romance novel with its level of cliche and drama and yes i am entirely proud of that fact ;ljadfilajflkahjsfue
Tumblr media
She stood beside the bed, feeling empty, cold, hollow as she stared down at the pillows and blankets. It was still unmade, the sheets twisted, messy from her hasty retreat just that morning. Tears burned her eyes as she remembered why; the argument, the begging, the screaming. The heartbreak.
Her heart twinged and Kagome gasped, closing her eyes as she brought up a hand to cover her mouth. Was this…was this really it? Were they really going to leave things like this, unresolved and painful between them? God, she didn’t want to. She wanted to run outside, run through the night to his house, throw open the front door and beg him to—
Her bedroom door crashed open and Kagome gasped, whirling around with wide, liquid eyes, heart in her throat. Golden eyes, furious, hard, bore into her own and suddenly a heat suffused her body, chasing away the previous chill, and her stomach swooped as he shut the door and stalked toward her.
Her breath left her in a stuttered exhale, body trembling, coming alive from the heat in his gaze.
“Inuy—”
“Shut up,” he growled, grabbing her waist, hauling her in tight against him. His lips fell over hers, swallowing her gaps, the crush of his mouth hard, unforgiving, punishing.
Hands – frantic, desperate – removed clothing, touching, grabbing, caressing. They fell on the bed in tangle of limbs, skin against skin, heart against heart, flushed, needy, desperate. Growls, moans, whispered pleas echoed throughout the darkness of the room as they rocked together, moving in a dance as old as time. Fingers grasping sweat slicked skin, hearts thundering wildly and then perfectly syncing in a moment of euphoric completion. A stuttered breath, a gasp of a name; then silence.
Tears trekked down her flushed face as she was gathered against a hard chest, as familiar arms wrapped around her stated body and held her as she cried.
Girl, our mamas are best friends and so are we The whole town's rooting for us like the home team Most likely to settle down Plant a few roots real deep and let 'em grow
Kagome stood in front of the full-length mirror and ran a brush through her still damp hair, the yellow and blue sundress she wore complimenting the blue of her eyes. Blue eyes that were dull as they stared at her reflection, but didn’t really see it.
Which was just as well. She didn’t know why she picked this dress to wear, but had felt compelled to wear it anyway, even if looking at it made the vice on her heart tighten even more.
A gentle knock on her door startled her out of her thoughts and she blinked. Kagome turned her head in time to watch her mother crack open the door and poke her head inside, her smile kind, but her eyes sad. The older woman took in her daughter and her smile faded, but she didn’t comment as she stepped inside.
“Souta brought the car around,” she said softly. “And the keys are in it. Do you need help with your bags?”
“No,” Kagome answered and looked at her reflection again. “I packed most of them in the car last night. I just have my carry-on left.”
Mama nodded but said nothing as gazed at her daughter. Her heart ached at the pain she saw reflected in those dear features, in the eyes were that identical to her late husband’s—Kagome’s father.
“Kagome…” she started, but then sighed as those sad, sad eyes turned toward her once again. Mama shook her head. “Are you going to say goodbye?”
Kagome’s breath hitched. She didn’t need to ask who she was talking about. She swallowed past the lump in her throat and tried to ignore the butterflies that took flight in her belly.
“I…I’m going to try,” she whispered and god help her, but she couldn’t stop the tears from welling in her eyes. “But Mama, I don’t…he probably doesn’t want to see…”
Her throat tightened and she pressed her lips tightly together to stifle the sob that welled up. Immediately arms, warm and familiar, surrounded her. Kagome buried her face in her mother’s shoulder as the tears spilled from her eyes.
“I’ll talk to Izayoi,” Mama murmured and kissed her daughter’s head, her heart aching for her little girl as she felt her own eyes getting hot with the threat of tears. “If anyone can talk some sense into that boy, it’s his mother.”
Kagome sniffled and nodded, grateful that her mother would help her in this endeavor. It was unlikely he’d want to see her, but she had to at least try…
Closing her eyes as her mother rubbed her back and smoothed her hair, Kagome clung to her mother and let herself remember, the memories flashing before her mind’s eye and then fading away just as quickly, only to be replaced by another one, fresher, more precious, more painful than the one before.
But we can't stop this real world from spinnin' us Your bright lights called, I don't blame you for pickin' up Your big dream bags are all packed up and ready to go But I just need you to know
“Shhh! Quit laughing or they’ll hear us!”
Another badly stifled giggle echoed in the night as he drew her into the darkness of the trees, toward their secret spot they’d found years ago. One hand held a six pack while the other held tight to her hand, fingers laced, and he couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face before an exhilarated chuckle of his own burst from his lips.
Darkness gave way to the orange glow of a fire, the soft crackling of wood breaking the stillness of the night.
“Why is this so good?”
“Because we’re seventeen.”
“If we get caught, I’m blaming you.”
“Shut up and maybe we won’t be.”
“Hey, this was your idea—”
The rest of the words were stolen in a kiss, a hand coming up to cradle her jaw as a ragged sigh whispered against her lips. He tasted like beer and spearmint gum. She smiled. A strange combination, but it was him, and she loved it.
--
“You should have seen it, Inuyasha,” Kagome gushed a year later, sitting on her bed as she excitedly gushed about her time in LA to her best friend. “The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, like nothing you’ve ever seen before! God, I wish you were there with me. I just know you’d love it.”
Inuyasha smiled and reached forward to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I doubt I can love anything more than you.”
Blue eyes widened as a flush spread across her cheeks; her breath hitched, lips forming his name and eyes drifting closed as he leaned forward and took her mouth in a warm, lazy kiss.
--
“Would you ever wanna go?”
“Go where?” Fingers racked through dark hair and her sigh was blissful, a soft melody in his ears.
“California.”
“…You mean like…visit?”
“Well, maybe longer than a visit…like an extended trip, or something…lots of opportunities out that way…”
A brief pause before the fingers continued. “No. …Do you?”
“Mmm…dunno. Maybe after graduation? I had so much fun last time, but…”
“But what?”
A pause. Then, “Nothing. Kiss me.”
A husky chuckle before a pair of lips covered her own and any thoughts about the Golden State far, far from her mind as she returned his kiss.
That I love you more than a California sunset More than a beer when you ain't twenty-one yet More than a Sunday morning Lord Turnin' some poor lost souls 'round, Hallelujah bound
“Ewww, get that away from me!”
“C’mon Kagome, it’s just a worm! It ain’t gonna bite ya!”
“Eeee! Inuyasha, don’t you dare—!”
Laughter as he chased her around with a baited hook, the sound of water splashing as bare feet waded into the lake.
“Wait, I think I got something!”
The crank of a fishing rod as he reeled it in, the water splashing as whatever was caught struggled against the pull. Grunting, muttered curses, and soft giggling before with a splash the bass burst from the water, dangling from the hook.
“You got it!”
“Damn, ain’t nothing more satisfying than that feeling when the bass hits the hook!”
“I can think of one thing…”
Soft lips, warm and smiling, pressed against his own and Inuyasha abruptly decided that yeah, this was definitely better.
--
“California?”
“Yeah! Can’t you just imagine it, Inuyasha? The lights, the nightlife, the ocean, and no more snow! You always complain about the snow.”
“Yeah, but…Kagome, I don’t know…”
“Just think about it, okay? I’m not asking for you to decide right now. But this is something I’ve thought about for a while now, Inuyasha, and I just…I want to experience it with you. Please?”
A pause, and then heavy sigh. “Fine. I’ll think about it.”
A brilliant smile, soft lips pressing to his cheek in a warm kiss. “You know I love you, right?”
“…I know, Kagome. Me, too.”
--
“I can’t believe you’re reading that crap.”
“It’s not crap, it’s romantic. You could probably learn something or two from these books, you uncultured dog.”
“Uncultured? Really?”
“Besides, I like it when the guy gets the girl at the end. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.”
“I can make you feel all warm and fuzzy, too.”
Her gasp was cut off as lips pressed against her neck and hands slipped beneath her shirt to roam across soft skin. The book fell from her fingers to dive into silver hair, eyes closing as her head fell back with a breathy sigh.
--
“Yes.”
The blood was rushing so loudly in his ears he barely heard her and the thundering of his heart against his chest was so forceful, it was a wonder it didn’t leap out into her waiting hands. 
“Y-yes?” he echoed, voice naught but a disbelieving rasp as he stared at her with wide, shocked - and cautiously hopeful - golden eyes.
A half-sob, half-laugh burst from her lips and her eyes were bright from more than just the unshed tears brimming the beautiful depths.  Lips trembled as she smiled, hand trembling even more as she held it out before her.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, Inuyasha, I’ll marry you. I—”
What she felt next wasn’t the cool metal of his grandmother’s ring as it found a new home on her finger, but instead the warmth of her beloved’s hand as it wrapped around hers and yanked her forward into his arms. They tumbled to the ground, laughing, crying, exchanging endless kisses and promises of forever as the ring, forgotten on the ground but still nestled within the velvet box, glittered merrily in the warm glow of the fire.
Yeah, I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits a hook When the guy gets the girl at the end of the book But, baby, this might be the last time I get to lay you down 'Cause I can't love you more than my hometown
“Come with me.”
Silence; thick, stony. Cold.
Desperation made her voice high, the words falling from her lips fast. “Inuyasha, please, come back with me—we’d have such an amazing time together, learning, living and—you can enroll in my school, Inuyasha! It’s not too late, there are so many programs to choose from, and I just think you can do so much more with your life than—”
“Than what, Kagome?” The words were snapped, harsh, biting as he whirled around to peg her with a hard stare. “Than taking on the valued responsibility of the ranch that’s been in my family for fucking generations? Than building our fucking house? You know, the one we'll live in after we’re married? I can’t do that, Kagome. I won’t.”
“But that’s just it, Inuyasha, you have no room to grow here! You’re stifled by the responsibility you feel to take over the ranch when leaving could relieve you of that burden! The world is so big, Yash, and there’s so much more beyond this little town, so if you would just trust me—”
“You’re asking me to drop and leave everything I know behind, Kagome!” His voice was loud, thunderous in his anger, his frustration, his pain. “This my home, our home, and you just want me to leave like it don’t even matter! Like the fucking life I’m trying to build for us don’t even matter!”
“That’s why I’m asking you to come with me!” Tears, hot, salty ran unchecked down her face, blue eyes big and pleading and flashing with undisguised panic. “I want to be with you, Inuyasha, I do, but I need you to understand—!”
“Then be with me here, dammit!” A note of desperation, amber eyes pleading, frantic, angry.
A choked sob, a muffled whimper. “I can’t…”
An anguished sound, a shattered cry, and then a door slamming shut, loud, devastating, final.
--
The words slammed into him harder than any blow he’d ever received, the shock greater than hitting the unforgiving ground after falling off a horse, and the pain far, far worse than he ever could have imagined.
Fuck, it would have hurt less if she’d just outright slapped him in the face.
She wouldn’t look at him, her gaze focused on the ground, dark hair hiding her expression. He swallowed once, twice; his mouth felt like a desert, his tongue heavy, thick, useless. His throat worked but no sound came out. Ice replaced the blood in his veins, freezing his lungs, making it hard to breathe.
“Wh…what did you s…” He shook his head, swayed on his feet as he blinked hard. He couldn't have heard her right. She couldn't have just told him—
“…I cheated on you. Inuyasha, I—”
He didn’t hear the rest of what she said. His legs abruptly gave out and he stumbled back, sitting down hard onto the fallen log behind him. The log he’d proposed to her on. The log they’d kissed on—
He shook his head again, a frown pulling his brows down low over his eyes as he tried to register the words spilling from her mouth a mile a minute. Two days…two days ago. That—that didn’t make any sense. He couldn’t—he couldn’t smell anything, couldn’t detect any sort of incriminating evidence that suggested she’d been unfaithful. 
Amber eyes lifted, flashing with tentative hope. She’d been drunk—she didn’t remember, so maybe if he told her—
The sight of his grandmother’s ring, nestled in the middle of her palm, might as well have been his heart because it sure as sure shit felt like she’d just ripped it out of his chest. His stomach clenched, the breath seized in his lungs, and a curious numbness spread throughout his entire body. The realization hit him even harder than the pain had, and that in and of itself would have brought him to his knees had he not already been sitting. 
Honeyed eyes, agonized, pleading, lifted to her face. Again she would not meet his gaze, eyes closed against the tears that spilled down her cheeks. He suddenly tasted salt and with a start he realized he was crying too, the tears warm as they streaked down his pale face but he gave them no mind. 
“K…Kagome…” It was the only thing he could get through a throat tight from anguish. A plea, a prayer, a question all in one as he stared at her, heedless of the tears that continued to fall. 
Her eyes squeezed shut and she shook her head; a clenched sob broke from her lips as she reached forward, grabbed his hand, closed his fingers around the ring, giving it back, giving back his heart that she no longer wanted. Pain, sharp and intense, pierced through him and he gasped, unable to do a damned thing as she backed away from him, arms folded around herself.
“I’m sorry,” she rasped, shaking her head, over and over, backing away. “I just…I can’t…”
A sob, borne of a sorrow so deep, of regret and fear and pain so sharp it felt it in the very marrow of his bones, broke free of her lips right before she whirled around and dashed away, through the night, through the trees, away from the fire, away from him.
Inuyasha could do nothing but sit there, his rejected grandmother’s ring clutched in his fist and his vision blurry from hot tears as he watched her run. Curious, that instead of the crushing pain he expected to feel in his chest, there was a hollow ache that resonated, like an echo of a mournful howl for the one who had just run away with his heart.
What hurt more than the pain of watching her go, however, and more than the diamond cutting into his palm, was the jarring realization that the woman he loved more than his own life would rather fabricate a lie of infidelity than be with him. 
And because he loved her more than his own happiness…he’d let her. 
I ain't the runaway kind, I can't change that My heart's stuck in these streets like the train tracks City sky ain't the same black Ain't that a map dot shame, man, to think that
Sitting on his bed, freshly showered and donned in simple jeans and a t-shirt, Inuyasha’s head was bowed between his shoulders and his arms were propped on his knees. His hands, clenched into tight fists, gradually relaxed and a breath he hadn’t’ even realized he’d been holding rushed from his lungs, escaping his mouth in a harsh exhale that did absolutely nothing to absolve the torment wreaking his mind.
As the last vestiges of the memory faded away, far more painful than all the ones before, he opened his eyes and stared down at the hardwood floor, scuffed and scratched and worn. He frowned, his chest feeling tight, his stomach in knots, his muscles tensing and relaxing with a restless energy that was hard to ignore. He wanted to punch something, to run, to fight, fight for her to stay, fight for them.
But he remained where he was, hands flexing, jaw clenched, eyes shut tight against the pain that was determined to bring him to his knees. God, why, why did she have to—
Gentle rapping on the door before it was cracked open. He didn’t look up but he didn’t need to; he knew why she was here. The ache in his chest intensified, sharped, traveled up to knot in his throat and make it harder to breathe.
She didn’t say anything at first, simply stared. Then, “…She wants to see you.”
Inuyasha turned his head, looked out the window.
A pause. Then a sigh, resigned, sad. “Asako called. Before she showed up at the door, I mean. Asked me to talk to you. Said I would, but didn’t make any promises.” Pause. “You already know how I feel about her doing this, but…you should at least say goodbye. You’ll regret it if you don’t. You know you will.”
A tightening of his jaw and a deep furrowing of his brow was her response.
“…I’m sorry, my love.”
The door closed with a soft click.
A minute passed. Two. Three.
Inuyasha exploded to his feet, grabbed the lamp on the nightstand, and hurled it against the wall with a roar that was equal parts rage, frustration, and deep, intense anguish that reverberated throughout the entire house; echoing, thunderous, shattering.
Deafening silence followed his outburst; he sank to his knees and wept.
I love you more than a California sunset More than a beer when you ain't twenty-one yet More than a Sunday morning Lord Turnin' some poor lost souls around, Hallelujah bound Yeah, I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits a hook When the guy gets the girl at the end of the book But, baby, this might be the last time I get to lay you down Cause I can't love you more than my hometown
It was impossible not to hear it. As the color drained from Kagome’s face and her heart clenched in her chest, Izayoi stared at her with eyes hardened from the ache she was feeling for her son, the sorrow she felt at his heartbreak twisted into bitter, resentful anger at the woman standing before her.
Kagome closed her eyes, bit her lip to stifle the sob that welled in her throat, sucked in a shaky breath meant to harden her resolve. It didn’t and she fought not to fall apart on the front porch, locking knees that threatened to give out on her.
“Go,” Izayoi muttered in a voice like flint and ignored the younger woman’s flinch. “You’ve done enough damage here. And I’m not talking about whatever he just destroyed.”
Hot tears pricked the back of her eyes. Her throat tightened, preventing any words, protests, to spill from her mouth. She stared at the older woman with wide eyes, someone who she, for the longest time, had looked upon as a second mother, someone to confide in, to trust.
She found none of the warmth that she was used to seeing. No fondness, no compassion, no understanding. Coldness spread through Kagome’s veins, turning her blood to ice, knotting in her stomach, heavy, uncomfortable.
Izayoi stared back, cold, unforgiving, unregretful.
“I’m sorry,” Kagome whispered.
The older woman pressed her lips into a thin line and looked away, arms tight across her chest.
Rejected, heartbroken, Kagome turned, her feet feeling heavy as they carried her back to her car. The tears ran unchecked down her face now, streaming down pale cheeks. She tasted salt and she got in the vehicle, closed the door. Her body felt like it was on autopilot as she revved the engine and started down the long dirt driveway.
It wasn’t until she had gone halfway that she broke down, great, gasping sobs erupting from her throat. Her vision was blurry from the unending tears and her knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. Without even realizing it her foot had slipped from the accelerator and she was merely coasting now, too distraught, too tormented to think about anything else but the pain ravaging her heart. Unbidden one last memory, the most recent, flashed before her mind’s eye, twisting the knife keeper, crushing her, killing her…
“Don’t do this.”
He froze at the softly uttered words, spoken in a tone so raw with pain that it trembled. He swallowed hard and turned his head just the slightest bit, but said nothing.
Silence. Thick, tense, deafening.
Then he tightened his jaw, hardened his eyes, and continued putting his boots on.
A choked sob, the rustle of cloth. “Inuyasha, please—”
“I’m sorry.”
He stood up from the side of the bed and refused to look at her as he collected his jacket, still sitting in a heap on the floor from where it was hastily thrown the night before.
A stuttered breath, followed by the salty scent of tears. His lips drew into a tight line and his hands fisted tightly at his sides as he forced himself to head toward the door. But, goddamn him, he paused right in front of it, hand on the knob, jaw clenched so hard it ached.
“Please,” she begged and the word was a raspy plea, vision blurry from tears. “If you would just—we can talk about this—”
“I love you, Kagome,” Inuyasha said and he heard her sharp intake of breath, but he didn’t turn around. He swallowed once, twice, and closed his eyes as he opened his mouth and forced the words past a throat tight with emotion.
“Inu—”
“But I can’t…love you more than this. I just…I can’t.”
Another sob, a hitched breath, and his chest ached. He bowed his head.
“See you around, Kagome,” he whispered and left, his footsteps fading down the hallway and down the stairs until the slam of the front door echoed in the dark house.
Kagome dropped her face into her hands and wept.
The front door burst open and Inuyasha was desperation personified as he rushed past his alarmed mother, sprinting as fast as he could toward the barn that held the horses. Not even a full minute later a white blur sped from the barn and bolted through the open gate of the pasture, following the car that was leaving with his love, his soul, his very heart.
Standing on the porch, Izayoi pressed a hand to her heart while the other covered her mouth, muffling the sob that burst from her lips as teary eyes watched her son chase after the woman who broke his heart.
'Cause I love you more than a California sunset I love you more in a twenty-dollar sundress Hate that loaded down car you got your keys in Girl, but I hate even more that you're leavin'
Urging his mount to go faster, harder, the thundering of her hooves against the ground rivaled that of the thundering of his heart in his chest. Hands gripping the coarse hair of her mane, Inuyasha grit his teeth against the harsh wind, his eyes wild, desperate and bright with unshed tears as he kicked the mare’s flanks to go faster, dammit, faster!
The distance between them was closing, the rumble of the engine, of gravel crunching beneath tires becoming louder until he was riding alongside her, along the fence that enclosed the front pasture. His hands fisted his mount’s mane in a while-knuckled grip as he leaned over her neck, legs tight to her sides.
He turned his head and wild, despairing golden eyes collided with wide, tear-filled blue.
Kagome’s heart lurched in her chest, making her gasp as goosebumps erupted on her skin. She sobbed, shaking her head, mouthing his name and forcing her eyes to look straight ahead. What—what was he doing?! Why?! God, he was making this even harder than it already was, taking her heart and stomping on it, cruel, cold, conniving.
But it made sense, didn’t it.
She had broken his heart, and now he was doing the same to her.
'Cause I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits a hook When the guy gets the girl at the end of the book But that ain't you and me so I guess I'll see you around 'Cause I can't love you more than my hometown
Inuyasha didn’t let up, not even when she looked away, gritting his teeth, kicking his mount to keep up when she accelerated. She was crying, and although he couldn’t hear her, he could see the way she shook, shoulders jerking, chest heaving, face wet from her tears and fuck she was wearing the sundress—
The end of the drive was in sight. Kagome slowed down, so did he, but she didn’t stop as she once again turned her head and caught his gaze. Inuyasha was already staring at her, heart in his eyes, a silent plea falling from his lips, willing her to hear….
“Don’t go.”
A sob, raw, choked, anguished.
“I’m sorry.”
Without even realizing, he let up on his mount, the mare slowing to a trot, a walk, and then stood still, recovering from the hard gallop. Golden eyes, awash with ears, watched the car reach the end of the drive and turn, driving away, going, going, getting smaller, fading.
Gone.
Something inside Inuyasha shattered and he didn’t think it could ever, ever be repaired.
Love you more than my hometown Love you more than my hometown Love you more, baby, love you more
97 notes · View notes
petri808 · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
Fan Fic Bingo for @einerein​ || B5 + Inukag amnesia. I’m breaking this up into chapters, approx 10-12 maybe, and will try to update weekly or biweekly. we’ll see depending on if school load allows lol :)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Chapter 1
“You need to stop being friends with her!”
“I don’t see what the problem is! She’s just my ex! And you know there’s nothing between us anymore! It’s like you don’t trust me!”
“I do trust you! This has nothing to do with trust! My problem is you always take her side!” Kagome’s arms flailed wildly to accentuate her frustration. “I’ve tried telling you over and over how she treats me when your back is turned, yet you ALWAYS DEFEND HER! I’m your girlfriend, you should be defending me! Not her, ME! The fact you’re unwilling to let her go tells me she’s more important to you then I am!”
“That’s ridiculous,” Inuyasha scoffed and crossed his arms. “I do defend you! I tell her to stop, and she does. What more do you want me to do? She’s still my friend!”
That was it, Kagome couldn’t take it anymore. Her screams let loose along with the flood of stifled tears. “Are you serious?! For all your heightened senses you’re as blind and deaf as a bat! She doesn’t stop, that’s what I’m trying to tell you! But you never listen to me...” She loved him so much, and yet the sense of betrayal was just too much to bear. She started backing away from Inuyasha and her arms crossed over her chest to comfort the skin-crawling sensation tingling along the surface. Kagome was tired of all the fighting and the tears.
Realizing he’d gone too far, Inuyasha reached out to her. “Kagome, I—.”
Kagome quickly recoiled further away. Her emotions were all over the place, but one thing was clear through her clouded eyes, this man was not fully listening to her, and she’d be damned to let him pull her back again. “Don’t touch me!” She gritted out. “Five years I’ve spent dealing with this alone and— Inuyasha... I hate you for putting me through this! I’m done!”
Without another word, Kagome grabbed her car keys and purse, and raced out into the storming night as Inuyasha called out to stop her. She jumped into her car and sped away uncaring of the hazardous conditions. All she knew, is she couldn’t stay there another second. “Ugh!! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!” Kagome screamed and bawled, her hands tightly gripped to the  steering wheel and foot stomped to the floor. She was loosing it, her mind too distressed to process anything correctly, feeling everything and nothing at the same time.
If she could just get to her family’s home, she could regroup. But the slick asphalt was unforgiving as the thunder and lighting cracked above. It was hard to see through the sheets of rain pummeling her windshield, and the glare of the thunder cracks produced seconds of total loss of visibility. Suddenly, an inordinately large flash blinded her, followed with a boom so close it rang in her ears. It was like her eardrums exploded and all Kagome could hear was a white, static noise. She screamed as the sensation of drifting sent a chill up her spine, and her last thought as the car careened into the pole... “Inuyasha...”
“Fuck!” Inuyasha growled as he ran both hands down his face. He still didn’t understand why Kagome had snapped and was torn about what to do next. Should he go after her? Because it was certain to just spark another fight. He paced in his living room, going back and forth like the thoughts in his head. If he loved her, he should go after her. But she’d said she hated him... a statement which sent a dagger straight through his heart because Kagome Is more important to him then his ex. He just couldn’t understand why it was such a big deal to stay friends with an ex-girlfriend, since in the end it was Kagome that he wanted. Though... she was right, if he already made such a decision, instead of fighting her on it, he should have just given in.
He’d spent too many precious minutes debating with himself such a stupid thing. What mattered was he loved Kagome, and it was time to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Inuyasha grabbed his own car keys and took off after her. There was only two places Kagome would run to, her family, or Sango. He’d start at the family’s home and get his girl back! But as he drove, even with his supernatural vision, the blinding rain and cracks of lighting made the journey difficult. Inuyasha drove as quickly as he safely could, rounding a bend in the road and having to slow to a crawl as flashing emergency lights littered the area in front of him. Just great! An accident shouldn’t be surprising in these wet conditions, but it slowed him down!
A police officer with a flasher was guiding the crawling cars past the one-car wreck. Inuyasha like many others looked over to see the car wrapped around a light pole. Oh, it was a pretty bad...
“Kagome!” Inuyasha stomped on his breaks the second he recognized the vehicle. It was his girlfriend’s car! He instantly swerved to the side and jumped out running towards the officer. “That’s my girlfriend’s car! Where is she? Is she okay?!” He spied an ambulance and made a move to rush towards it. But the officer stopped him. “Kagome!!!” Inuyasha screamed. “Kagome?!!”
“Sir! Sir!” The officer held him back. “The woman is being transported to the hospital...”
Inuyasha grabbed the officer by his vest, forgetting the trouble it could gain him. “Is that Kagome?!” He demanded! “Tell me damn it! Is she gonna be, okay?!”
Luckily for him, the officer recognized the man’s distress and rather than escalate his odds against a hanyo, did his best to calm Inuyasha. He kept his voice even and soft. “Sir, all I can tell you is she wasn’t conscious when we arrived. Do you know her emergency contacts?”
“T-That’s me.”
“Okay, the hospital will need to verify who you are. But just follow the ambulance. Okay? Don’t drive reckless, just follow. Understood?”
“Y-yeah...”
“Good, now get back in your vehicle and once the ambulance starts to leave just do as I told you.”
“Alright, alright, fuck!” Inuyasha slicked the dripping water off his face and got back in his car. He watched as the officer let the EMTs know someone would be following them and all he could think was they needed to hurry up! From what he could see, the wreck was a bad one. Kagome’s car was crinkled, wrapped partially around the base of the pole. It must have slid because it was the side of the vehicle that impacted the pole, and hard enough to crack it. She must have been speeding around the bend and lost control.
Within a few minutes, the ambulance left, and he followed close behind. “Fuck! This is all my fault! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!” All he could do was pray it wasn’t as bad as it looked. The vehicle had airbags, so hopefully it lessened the impact on Kagomes body. Yet the nagging dread still ate away at Inuyasha. If only he had stopped her from leaving... if only he’d just told her what she wanted to hear... but no, like an idiot, he just had to win the argument since he didn’t understand the gravity of her pain. And now look what happened.
Kagome was immediately rushed into surgery leaving Inuyasha behind in a waiting room for information. In the meantime, he called her mom, and their best friends, Miroku and Sango, dreading how was he going to explain this all to them. When they arrived, he told them about the fight.
“And that’s how I came upon the accident,” his ears pinned and drooping. “It’s my fault.”
“Oh, hun,” Mrs. Higurashi hugged Inuyasha tight. “This is not your fault.”
“It kinda is...” Miroku mumbled gaining a hard slap by Sango.
“Yes, it is.” The hanyo agreed. “I could have stopped her, but I didn’t.”
“Inuyasha,” the older woman leaned back and placed her hands against his face. “It was an accident, these things happen. What’s important is that you are here because you love her.”
At the word love, the burly hanyo lost all control, and the tears he’d held back flowed free. That’s right! He loved Kagome more than anything in the world. It should have been enough to make him choose the right thing in their fight, but he didn’t and that tore him up. If he loved her, then why didn’t he?! Inuyasha was going to beat himself up over it no matter how many people tried to tell him otherwise. Accident or not, the woman he loved was currently fighting for her life on an operating table and if she died… He’d never forgive himself.  
62 notes · View notes
loveyou-x3000 · 3 years
Note
Ohhhh thanks for the Toga and Izayoi as it is so cute!!, maybe you can do Moroha being awesome and tag team fight with mum or dad?
Ok so this one... well, it got way out of hand. This isn’t quite a tag team fic like you asked -- I’m learning I go pretty off course with prompts, guys, I’m sorry -- but it is an InuYasha-and-friends-reappear-in-the-midst-of-battle-fic. None of this really lines up with what’s currently happening in Yashahime, but whatever. Nothing in Yashahime makes sense anyway!
Tag List:  @liz8080 @superpixie42 @dangerouspompadour @thebishopkate @lavendertwilight89 @sistasecbhere @thornedraven @ladycelestite @clementinesgulag @keichanz @zelink-inukag @heathersmusings @horriblehowl @animeandfilmotaku @bulba-baby @heavenin--hell @captainyukicho @rightoveryonder @hopidoodle @itsyogirlcaitlin @digital-art-monster @all-my-cuffs-have-buttons @cammysansstuff @glow–bunny @cyncyn981 @nellyvampdragon @sticky-llama-perfection @karina-inuphantom @neutronstarchild​
Prompt me!
Riku had them cornered.
Of all the bastards Moroha had ever faced, he was perhaps the biggest bastard of them all, with his smug little smirk and his pompous way of speaking, acting every inch of a lord's son that he said he was. And Moroha had met a lot of that sort, too; stupid, scrawny little lordlings who pretended they were better than her because they had money and "better blood," whatever that meant, even when they were asking for her help against the demons that scared them half to death.
The only thing that made Riku any different from them was the fact that when he picked a fight, he at least had the balls to see it through to the end. Sure, the fight he’d picked this time was against them, and if they weren’t careful he was probably going to kill one of them before sunrise, but hey-- he wasn’t relying on anyone else to do his dirty work, and Moroha could respect that.
Jumping up and back to dodge a spearing attack of rock that he'd summoned from the ground, Moroha landed in the relative safety of the of the Tree of Ages, hidden amongst its branches. He controlled the elements, so far as they could tell: he could move the ground, shape water, spark fire, and guide the wind-- though the last of those abilities didn't seem to work well when he was around Setsuna. Towa had noticed that the last time they'd fought; he’d flung a cutting gale of wind at her when Setsuna, quiet as she was, had grit her teeth and swung her naginata so high and hard that she'd blown Riku straight off the edge of a mountain, redirecting his attack back onto him with twice the efficiency.
Setsuna had always been able to shape the air for her Cyclone Burst, but that? That she’d never done before.
But now they weren't on a mountain, Setsuna was injured, and Towa was trying to protect her sister from all the attacks Riku was launching at them. They’d both been robbed of their pearls not so long ago and without them, their strength was fading fast. 
"Dammit, dammit, dammit—"
Moroha scrambled inside her pockets, withdrawing the little clamshell that held her pearl and her grandmother's lipstick. On her shoulder, Myoga jumped up and down, protesting— but she already knew everything he was saying. Yes, she wouldn't last long in a full demon state, but maybe it could give Towa the opening she needed to cut the pretty bastard down. All she had to do was distract him.
While droplets of blood dripped from her wrist and onto the tree, Moroha swiped her pinky across the red rouge. Readying herself, she took a deep breath, concentrating all her energy and—
Riku spun the wind and Setsuna spun it back, distracting her. Where one gale met the other, a glowing scar struck through the open air, and the tree beneath her feet gasped.
A tree couldn't gasp, of course, but it was trying very hard to, rocked with an energy that demanded everyone's attention. Energy pulsed beneath the pads of her bare feet and Moroha startled, clicking the clamshell shut as the Tree of Ages trembled. Myoga held on tight to her ear as she tried to steady herself, claws digging into the bark; and once she did that, the voice of the tree screamed in her ears.
"You won't be free!"
It was the Tree— that priestess, Kikyo, who apparently her mother was, or had been, or something; no one really seemed to agree on the difference and Moroha thought it was all stupid, anyway. How could someone be someone else? But Kikyo (who was not really Kikyo, and also not her mother) screamed and raged and tried with all her might to keep a seal from breaking. Someone was screaming back at her.
"You're not her, you wrinkled old bitch!"
The clamshell in her hand trembled and the well in the middle of the clearing pulsed with yoki once, then twice, reminding her of long summer days and thunderstorms. Red robes and white hair. 
"LET ME GO!"
Moroha had never noticed the seal before, but she noticed it now: pink and black and sickly purple, like a bruise, pulsing from an old fletching notch in the tree. Towa screamed for her, but it was too late; the notch cracked, the seal broke, and a pulse of reiki shot through her so hard it made her teeth rattle and purified the rouge right off her pinky. Riku jumped back and his and Setsuna’s winds spun out, and Towa lurched aside, trying to avoid the pink-white light that was now spilling out of the mouth of the dusty old well in the middle of the clearing.
The hate that had been embedded in the Tree of Ages - the onyrō, if the echo of a dying priestess could be called that, left there in the power of her arrow - died an abrupt, sudden death, and all the sudden everything that ghost had been trying to hold in and destroy began to break free.
"What's happening?!"
It was a scream to no one as leaves began to rain down from the branches, even though Autumn was months away. There was a sudden burst of wind then, swirling of its own accord, unguided, and new scents came in an onslaught: reiki, yōki, and something in between; pain, anguish, hate, and unbridled sorrow; storms, iron, metal, tears, and flower blossoms. All of them were mixed and strange and rainbow-colored, until the first body came soaring out of the well.
A yōkai with brown furs, jet black hair, and piercing blue eyes shot straight out of the lancing light and into the night sky, seeming to hover in the air above them before he plummeted back towards the earth. Somewhere on Kirara's back, Kohaku called out a name:
"Koga!"
Once, there had been a battle in this clearing. Kohaku had told them as much. After all three of them had been spirited away to safety as infants, their parents and their friends had fought a strange enemy here. The only one to walk away unscathed from it had been that enemy— and Sesshomaru, whom no one had seen since. 
Everyone else had disappeared from this very spot, leaving behind only a stunned monk and his family of demon slayers.
Koga - whoever he was - cracked the ground as he landed, and Riku cursed and cursed, flinging expletives in languages she didn't even know. He held up his hands and Moroha's stomach bottomed out, feeling that strange pull that only the rainbow portal had, but a gale of wind knocked him off his feet; again, sourceless, but it dispersed his strange powers.
"What the fuck happened?!"
Then there was another voice, another scent— and it nearly sent Moroha falling out of the tree.
"I saved your life, you mangy wolf!"
A man dressed in red climbed out of the well, shining silver against the moonlight. There was a woman unconscious on his back, chin pillowed against his shoulder; another girl lay sleeping in his arms. 
Behind him, the Butterfly of Dreams fluttered up into the sky and all the light in the well faded to nothing.
"You sealed me in a tree, you flea-infested— shit!"
Koga bailed to the left to avoid a trail of fire that shot across the field and Towa slammed her sword in the ground to protect herself, letting it buffet against that wall of yoki until it extinguished itself. Setsuna's naginata fell to the ground beside her as her strength failed her, though she was far off from dying. There was something else on her face— exhaustion, maybe.
Hisui and Kohaku's voices were a mangled mess of names as Kirara brought them to the ground. Kohaku went first to the sleeping girl, taking her in his arms; Hisui went to the hanyō and the miko, wide-eyed and incredulous.
Moroha knew who they were. She couldn’t not know who they were.
“Shit,” InuYasha cursed, adjusting the unconscious Kagome on his back and drawing a sword that sang like a storm, streaking through the night like lightning. “How long has it been, Hisui?”
“InuYasha?”
Moroha was frozen, gone completely silent, watching the young demon slayer speak to her Father. Myoga was gone. Kohaku tried to shake the girl in his arms awake, softly calling her name.
“Rin?”
InuYasha waited impatiently for an answer. Eventually, Hisui found it.
“Fourteen years.”
“...fuck.”
And then there was no more time for talking as Riku attacked again, suddenly incensed, aiming the brunt of his attacks straight at Kohaku and Rin, flinging fire aside at the twins as he did. Moroha lurched when she saw Towa wasn’t going to be able to withstand the attack this time, but then the winds kicked up again, blowing the fire aside, and a scar blazed in its gale once again.
InuYasha swung Tessaiga and Riku disappeared in a burst of white light.
54 notes · View notes