#miroku probably made a fitness joke

[brain-rot-hour]

90's kids

[somekndofnature]

Another chapter everyone! They're going to start being longer from now on. Hope you enjoy it.

This is a flashback that shows the first time Inuyasha and Kagome met. It doesn't go spectacularly. Enjoy reading this dummy hanyou stick his foot in his mouth.

Edit: forgot to add the AO3 link Chapter 2: That Leave Me Wanting More

Nine years ago…

Inuyasha paced the wall of windows lining the pristine conference room of a major LA record label, not quite believing his luck. Most bands had to bite and claw for years to get an opportunity like this, but while The Strays—Sango’s idea of a joke—had paid its dues, they had managed to catch the eye of a label early on. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that he wasn’t about to let go to waste.

Sango grabbed his arm as he passed her for the dozenth time, tugging him toward the table. “Would you sit down? You’re freakin me out.”

He collapsed into one of the plush white office chairs with a blustering sigh. Across the table Miroku rolled his eyes as if he couldn’t believe how childish Inuyasha was being, but his thumbs drumming on the edge of his knee betrayed his nervousness. They were all about to burst with excitement, but the uncertainty of their situation was not lost on any of them. 

Inuyasha had no idea what he was doing or how this business really worked. He knew music. He knew how to work up a crowd, wail on his guitar, and tear the motherfucking house down, but the nuances of navigating ‘the biz’ were lost on him. He was the leader, he was supposed to, ya know, lead, but he wouldn’t deny being anxious. This was so far out of his depth.

Inuyasha swiveled back and forth, clicking his claws on the glass tabletop until a small, calloused, hand settled over his.

“Chill out,” Sango said with a smile. “This is supposed to be exciting, remember?”

He tried to return her enthusiasm but probably only managed a pained grimace. His stomach hurt.

She squeezed his fingers and Inuyasha flipped his hand over, clasping hers for a bit of reassurance. Thank fuck Sango was here. He’d never be able to do something like this without her. She was his oldest friend and confidant, more like an overbearing elder sister in many ways.

They had met in middle school and bonded instantly over their tastes in music, which were diverse to say the least. They would pester and criticize each other, bickering about the greatest bands, drummers, guitarists, pretty much anything they could argue over. When they had both received their first guitars one Christmas, they had spent the entire break fumbling around on the strings. They had learned together, composed together, building their talents.

Although, Sango had eventually switched to the bass, becoming a credit to the artform. She stole the show, able to pull sounds out of the instrument that Inuyasha could only ever dream about, and of their small following, a fan favorite.

Of course, they had gone through that awkward and confusing period in junior high where they tried dating. Everyone had always assumed they were anyway. So, in their teenage minds it made sense, but the idea of being romantic with each other in any way had grossed them both out too much. They decided they were better as friends, and whatever anyone else thought of their relationship, they could shove it.

Across the table, Miroku’s gaze snagged on their intertwined hands and a scowl marred his handsome features.

Inuyasha almost sighed and slipped his fingers out from beneath hers to lean forward, gripping his knees.

Miroku had only been with The Strays for a little under two years. Inuyasha and Sango had gone through several drummers before they found the right fit and, even then, ‘right fit’ might be stretching it. At first, Inuyasha had nearly beaten the poor man senseless every time Sango had shrieked at him for rubbing her butt. However, while the hopeless lecher still didn’t have control over his wandering hands, they had learned to live with it.

Those hands had other talents that made their wayward nature more than tolerable. Miroku was a prodigy on the drums and a fucking joy to play with due to his boundless creativity. He was the extra injection of pure fun that their rather serious twosome needed. Always quick with a joke, teasing one or both when they became too sullen, the relaxed drummer had wormed his way into their hearts, becoming irreplaceable in a short amount of time.

Inuyasha no longer flinched when Sango slapped Miroku, instead just rolling his eyes in exasperation. She was able to take care of herself and, at this point, he was pretty sure it was just a weird form of flirting. He wished they would just get over themselves and fuck already. The sexual tension was becoming sickening and Inuyasha was tired of getting dirty looks any time he showed Sango a modicum of affection.

He grumbled under his breath and fiddled with the ring in his lip, flicking it against a fang with a muted click, click.

Sango hissed out a heavy breath. “Can you seriously not be quiet for five minutes?”

“We’ve been waiting forever,” Inuyasha said, jumping back to his feet to resume pacing. “How long are they gonna keep us here?”

“It takes time,” Miroku said with another eye roll. “Stop acting like a hyperactive puppy.”

“Shut it, asshole. I—”

Whatever insult had been cocked and loaded on his tongue was lost as the glass door swung open and in stepped the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Glossy black hair fell in waves around a face of alabaster and rosy cheeks that were creased with a glowing smile. Shining stormy blue eyes clashed with his as a rushed breath escaped him.

“Sorry for the wait. I’m Kagome Higurashi,” she said in soft melodic tone. “I’ve been assigned to act as your manager for the time being…”

Her voice faded away when her heavenly scent at last teased his nose and slipped down into his lungs, wrapping a fist around his heart, and squeezing tight. The finicky organ slammed against his ribs as every muscle in his body went rigid with tension. A thundering possessive growl rumbled in the back of his mind; it was a concerning reaction from the darker side of his nature that Inuyasha always tried so hard to keep hidden.

A sharp pain on his leg startled him back to the present. “Close your mouth,” Sango hissed from the chair beside him, fingers twisting into his jeans and pulling at the hair on his thigh. “You’re practically drooling.”

His teeth snapped shut as he tore his gaze from the blushing young woman to glare at his friend.

Sango’s brows raised. “Why are your eyes flickering?”

“It’s nothing,” he said, which was a lie. It was everything. Inuyasha dropped into the chair beside her, rubbing at his eyelids with a single clawed hand. “Let’s just get this the fuck over with. I’m tired of waiting around.”

Kagome cleared her throat from the head of the table. “Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine,” he bit out. “Mind your own damn business.”

She pursed perfect pink lips. “Well, that’s a bit of a problem because you are my business. I guess that’s where we should start.” She tossed her hair off her shoulder and rested her fingertips on the tabletop. “I am here to act as an intermediary between you and the label; I’m your advocate. My job is to get you where you want to go. So, tell me your goals, your dreams. I want to help you achieve them.”

Inuyasha released a derisive snort that drew her narrowed gaze. “What a load of shit.”

Sango dug a knuckle into his ribs.

“Please excuse my friend,” Miroku interjected. “I’m sure he didn’t mean any offense.”

“Of course, surely it was meant as a compliment.” Kagome crossed her arms over her chest.

“Come on, you seriously expect us to believe all that,” Inuyasha sneered. “You’re here to ensure we keep making the label as much money as possible.”

“Inuyasha!” Sango hissed.

“Look at her, she’s completely green, all rainbows and sunshine, talking about hopes and dreams. Gimme a fuckin’ break.”

Kagome huffed.

“I think what Inuyasha is trying to ask,” Miroku tried to smooth over, “is just how much experience you have in this field? I don’t think anyone could help but notice how young and beautiful you are.”

“Oh brother,” Sango moaned.

“Stop flirting, dickhead.”

Miroku frowned. “I’m merely trying to inject a bit of charm into the situation since you seem intent on driving her away. Given how long we’ve all been waiting for this, you would think you could put your bad boy persona away for time being and take this seriously.”

“What the fuck are you trying to say?” Inuyasha slapped a hand down on the table, the turmoil within him churning like acid in his gut.  

A sharp whistle split the tense air, pinning his ears against his skull. Three heads turned toward the petite woman at the head of the table. Kagome’s stern gaze darted between them before she sighed and brushed her hair out of her face. 

“Look, I would really like to get off on the right foot. I understand your concerns. I know I look young but let me assure you that I have plenty of experience in this business. However,” she continued with a slight blush darkening her cheeks. “In the interest of full disclosure, this is my first solo account.”

Inuyasha groaned. “See? This is what I’m talking about.”

“I have several references if you would like to see them. Although, if you’re still uncomfortable you can request a new manager.”

“Well, consider this an official request,” he said in a dry tone.

Her eyes pinched as hurt marred her beautiful features. “Why are you being such a…” she seemed to search around for a word.

“It’s okay, you can call him an asshole,” Sango said. “We always do.”

Kagome deflated right before his eyes and Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably in his seat, biting back the urge to apologize. He didn’t owe her one; this remorse was just a side-effect of the newfound instinct that was clouding his mind. One that he rejected with every fiber of his being.

After a moment, she squared her shoulders. “If that’s really what you want, I’ll find someone else, but I think you are underestimating what I can bring to the table.”

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”

She tossed her hair, drowning him in a fresh wave of her intoxicating scent, sweet and earthy like fresh lavender. “I haven’t been beaten down by the system yet. You have every ounce of my dedication, every ounce of my tenacity. Your success is going to directly translate to mine. I know it may just sound like a sales pitch but it’s true. I want to push the envelope. Let’s break the mold, break some rules.”

He ran his tongue over his teeth, sizing her up and hunching forward when the slow perusal of her shapely body made a certain part of his anatomy twitch with interest. Down boy. “Have you even actually listened to the music?”

“Yes,” she replied with a small smile. “That’s why I requested you.”

His brows raised in surprise. He wouldn’t have pegged the delicate and feminine woman as a fan of punk rock. Books and covers, he supposed. He errantly wondered about her other hidden contradictions before shutting those thoughts down with a scowl.

“Excuse me,” Sango Interjected. “But when do we get into the studio?”

Kagome offered a patient smile. “Soon. We have a few formalities to work out first.”

“Like?” Miroku asked. 

She picked up a folder off the table. “Like reviewing your contracts. That’s number one on the agenda today.”

“Well, let’s get started,” Sango said, sitting forward in her chair.

“Whoa, whoa, wait up,” Inuyasha broke in. “I thought I was clear about getting someone else.”

“Stop being so stubborn,” Miroku groaned.

“Yeah, give her a shot.”

Kagome beamed at both of them and turned those sparkling blue eyes on him. “What do you say?”

Inuyasha swallowed hard, suddenly unwilling to crush the cautious hope in her smile. “Keh, whatever.”

“Fantastic!” She bounced on her toes and clapped. “I know we’ll get along just fine.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” he grumbled while catching the manilla folder she slid in his direction.

“You’re gonna be a challenge,” Kagome said with a wink. “I like that.”

Inuyasha cleared his throat and hid his flushing face behind a fall of silver hair.

They spent hours going through paperwork, proposing changes and arguing over what was realistic as Kagome jotted down notes on her copy. The entire time Inuyasha had to fight against his natural instinct to draw closer to her. He watched her like a waiting predator, cataloging each of her mannerisms and wondering at their origins. Why did she tuck her hair behind her ear or flush when she caught his eye? What did it mean when the corner of her mouth tightened like that? Was she angry or fighting a smile? 

By the end, he could barely remember anything that was said but nodded along with the others when they said they were satisfied. Kagome then stood and picked up her copy, moving to the other side of the table to get their initials on the changes made. She started with Miroku, leaning over him to point out where to sign. 

Inuyasha couldn’t stop the threatening growl that rumbled up from his chest.

Sango poked his side. “What the hell is going on with you?” she whispered. “Your eyes are flickering again.”

“Forget it,” he hissed. “I said it was nothing.” Another lie, so easily given.

“Everything okay?” Kagome asked as she circled the end of the table, coming to a stop beside Sango. 

“Yes,” she said. “We were just discussing a personal matter.”

She smiled. “Well, if you need anything, even for something personal, I’m around.”

“I don’t need anyone’s help. I said it was nothing,” Inuyasha sniped. “Am I speaking a different language?”

The sparkle in her eyes dimmed just a tad. “I was just putting it out there.”

“Well, don’t.”

Her lips thinned into a mulish line, but she let the subject drop and instead focused her attention on Sango.

Inuyasha tried to keep his eyes averted, but they were drawn to Kagome like a magnet, noting the fullness of her breasts, the curve of her waist, the length of her toned legs and the way her swishy dress clung to her rounded ass.

Before he knew it, she was turning towards him with a smile and placing her hand on his shoulder for balance, while slipping the modest stack of papers in front of him. The touch electrified Inuyasha, drawing his spine taut as a guitar string. His vision grew hazy as she led him through the sheets of paper, directing him where to sign with hushed words that seemed to be whispered directly into his sensitive ear. He barely repressed a shudder.

Fuck. This was bad.

And only grew worse as Kagome leaned further forward, brushing the generous softness of her breasts into his shoulder blade. Inuyasha’s half-hearted erection grew instantly rigid in the space of a breath. He swiveled his chair to get away from her but only managed to knock the poor woman off balance, sweeping her legs out from beneath her as she fell into his lap.

Inuyasha swallowed a groan as she wiggled around, noticing the exact moment she became aware of his…predicament. Kagome froze and looked up at him with round startled eyes that stared straight into his soul.

“Um...I-I-uh-I’m sorry,” she stammered as her cheeks pinkened.

His hands settled hard on her hips, desperate to keep her still. “It’s fine,” he bit out. “Just get off me.”

Inuyasha helped her back to her feet, taking a moment to inhale deeply as she pressed her hands into his shoulders. He stifled moan when her hair brushed over his face, drowning him in the scent of lavender and chamomile. A soft whine escaped him as she pulled away and every gaze on the table turned to him.

Inuyasha cleared his throat and jumped to his feet, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans to hide the throbbing erection that wasn’t going anywhere soon. “I need to make a call.”

“Oh!” Kagome said, following right on his heels as he stomped towards the door. “There’s a little balcony at the end of the hallway. It should be private enough.”

“Keh.” He nearly yanked the damn door off its hinges in a desperate attempt to escape her, striding down the hall toward a door that led outside and fighting the urge to look back.

“Just come back in when you’re ready. We still need to nail down everyone’s schedule.”

He waved a dismissive hand through the air and sprinted for the way out.

Once on the balcony, Inuyasha sucked in a deep lungful of exhaust ridden LA air as though it were his only salvation. Fuck, if he had to be in that room with her for another second, he would have torn the damn place apart… or pinned Kagome against the table and shoved his fucking tongue in her mouth. 

Inuyasha cursed under his breath and yanked his phone out of his pocket. He quickly scrolled through his contacts and smashed his thumb against the picture of his father’s face. It rang and rang and rang and rang before being directed to a nondescript voicemail recording. He sighed and hung up before finding his mother and calling her. Again, he was redirected to a cheery recording of her voice.

Inuyasha growled under his breath and glared down on the city beneath him, dreading his last resort call, but needing answers regardless. He clicked on the picture staring back at him from the phone screen and leaned against the railing. It rang twice before being answered.

“What do you want?”

“Nice to hear your voice too, Sess,” Inuyasha drawled.

There was a sigh on the other end of the line, as if his older half-brother was barely holding onto his last shred of patience. “I’m assuming you didn’t call me just to exchange verbal barbs.”

“Oh, but it’s so much fun,” he replied in a dry tone.

“Your purpose, little brother.”

Inuyasha sighed and ruffled a hand through the silver bangs around his face. “Is Dad with you?”

“No.”

“What about Mom?”

“No, I am not hanging around with your mother.”

“Hey! Cut it out with that crap!” Inuyasha growled. “If she hears you, it’ll make her cry.”

There was a beat of silence. “Fine,” he conceded, even the cold youkai wasn’t immune to the woman’s tears. “If you wanted to talk to either of them, why didn’t you call them instead?”

“You think I didn’t try?! No one is answering their fucking phones.” He shifted on his feet and dragged a hand over his face. “Please, Sess. I’m desperate.”

“That checks out. So, what’s the problem?” his brother asked, sounding bored.

Inuyasha took a deep breath. “I found her.”                                                               

“Who?”

He gnashed his fangs together to keep from shouting. “Her.”

“Little brother, I am about thirty seconds away from hanging up unless you start making sense.”

Fuck. He was going to have to say the words aloud, wasn’t he? “My mate. I found her.”

A long pause followed. “And? Do you need my advice on how to woo a woman?”

“What? Fuck no! I have no problems there,” Inuyasha said. “And seriously bruh, ‘woo’? What are you, some ancient feudal lord?”

Sesshomaru ignored his jibe. “Well, bruh, I’m not understanding. Father has spoken to you about this matter before.”

“Yeah, and he said it was rare, that most demons spend centuries looking for their mate, if they find them at all,” he explained.

“And?”

“And I’m twenty-fucking-three!” He shoved a hand through his hair, wishing that he had just been patient and waited for his dad to call back. “I don’t need some supernatural force trying to settle me down just yet.”

“If you truly think that’s how it works, then you’re as much of an idiot as I’ve always assumed.”

“Hey, don’t get jealous, man.”

“I do not want or need a woman in my life,” his brother said in a clipped tone.

“And you think I do?!” Inuyasha seethed, pacing the width of the balcony in agitation. “The band is just getting signed to a label. Soon, we’ll be in the studio and then touring. This fated mates shit is the last thing I need.”

Sesshomaru grumbled something unintelligible under his breath. “Have you ever considered that it may have nothing to do with her being your mate? Perhaps you’re simply attracted to her?”

He scoffed dismissively. “I think I would know.”

“Would you?” he challenged. “By Father’s own admission this is rare, even more so considering you are only a half-demon.”

“Oh, great lord of the western lands, please excuse my tainted blood,” Inuyasha deadpanned, voice thick with sarcasm.

“I’m serious. The odds of you finding or even having a fated mate are about the same as being struck by lightning. Maybe what you’re feeling is simple attraction.”

Inuyasha mulled over his words. It both pained and relieved him to admit that Sesshomaru was probably right. He had no idea how these things were supposed to go. Even now he was having trouble verbalizing the things Kagome had made him feel. Their intensity had faded once he had left that stifling room. Perhaps, he was being a tad over-dramatic.

Inuyasha rubbed a hand over his eyes. “Fuck. Maybe you’re right,” he conceded, even though that didn’t feel quite right. “I just… I’m not ready for all that.”

After a long moment of empty silence, his brother released a heavy breath. “Look, I have a meeting with Father later today. I’ll tell him to call you.”

“Thanks,” he replied, completely deflated.

“And Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru continued. “Please remember that we come from a long line of powerful demons. Fate does not control us, nor does it direct us what to feel.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled. “Spare me.”

Inuyasha heard movement on the other end of the line. “I have to go. Good luck, little brother.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

His phone beeped twice before going silent. Inuyasha shoved it back into his pocket and slumped against the rail, fiddling with the two rings in his eyebrow. Somehow, that entire conversation hadn’t made him feel any better. He knew that there was something inside of him that drew him to that woman, it was undeniable, but whether it was the hands of fate or simple horniness that drove him was still up for debate. Maybe I just need to get laid.

Inuyasha’s ear flicked toward the door as it opened and closed, drawing his gaze.

“Hey!” Kagome’s soft melodic voice called out as she walked towards him. “I just saw that you were done with your phone call and I kind of need to go over a few more things with everyone.”

He straightened and strode right past her, biting back a groan when he was once again engulfed in her scent. Had any woman ever smelled so fucking…edible? “Fine, let’s get this shit over with.”

Kagome scoffed behind him. “Seriously, what is your problem? Have I done something to offend you or is ‘moody asshole’ just part of your persona?”

Inuyasha whipped around and nearly choked on his tongue. Kagome was the picture of feminine pique with her hip cocked and arms crossed over her chest, accentuating the line of cleavage between her breasts. The warm summer wind plastered her green dress to her body, outlining the little ‘v’ where her long legs met.

Mine, his demon growled from the back of his mind. “No!” Not yours, and sure as hell not mine.

“No?” Kagome asked with a shake of her head. “No, what?”

Fuck. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “No, I’m not a moody asshole.”

“Well, from where I’m standing…” She raised a brow.

“Shut up,” he snapped. “Not everyone is required to like you.”

“Like me?” she said with a delicate snort. “You don’t even know me. How could you decide one way or another?”

“I know enough.”

Kagome drew her head back like he had slapped her. She looked away, but not before he could see the hurt simmering in her eyes. “I’m not sure what there is to find so repulsive.”

Inuyasha cursed. What the hell was he doing? It wasn’t Kagome’s fault that he felt utterly confused. It wasn’t her fault that fate had the worst sense of timing. She hadn’t asked for any of this, and he had no right to keep treating her this way. Hell, if his mother ever found out about it, he would get the lecture of a lifetime, accompanied by a slap upside the head from his father.

He sighed and rubbed at the space between his brows as he stepped closer to her. “Look, I’m sorry,” he said gently. “I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings and I don’t find you repulsive.”

Kagome finally met his eyes, biting at her plush bottom lip that looked softer than a flower petal. Definitely not repulsive…

A weak chuckle escaped him as he shrugged and scratched at the back of his neck. “It’s just been a crazy few days; it’s surreal. I keep expecting to wake up from a dream, ya know?”

She pursed her lips, gaze darting over his face before she took a deep breath. “I understand. This is… a lot. I get that you’re here for the music, not all of this relentless bureaucracy. So, let me handle that, it’s literally my job. You just keep focusing on what you’re great at. Deal?”

Kagome held out her small hand to him and Inuyasha stared at it. Part of him wanted to get as far away from her as he could, to insist that she find them a new manager and forget she even existed. Even that thought made another side of him want to howl in pain, though, like somehow her existence had become integral to his being. That scared the shit out of him, but it was impossible to crush the cautious hope lighting up her blue eyes.

Before he could think better of it, Inuyasha engulfed her hand in his, brushing his fingertips over the fluttering pulse at her wrist. “Deal.”

They didn’t even shake, just ended up holding hands as the warm summer breeze encircled them. Kagome offered him a glorious smile that warmed her whole face and struck him dumb.

Maybe Sess was right, maybe he had absolutely nothing to fear, given the odds. Either way, Inuyasha wouldn’t be standing out in any thunderstorms for the foreseeable future.

[justafewsmallsteps]

Okay, with the new series announcement, I’ve finally been inspired to finish off this artwork and story that I’ve been sitting on for years. Call it a goodbye to my headcanon kids because now we have the real deal!!! 

Title: The Golden Girl 

Word Count:

3576

Rating

: G+

Let it be known that Mizuki adored her father. Anyone could tell by the way she followed him around and tried to copy his actions. 

She had his temperament and lack of patience, but in a cuter way (for now). Her big, shiny, golden eyes were just like his, and the black ears atop her head swiveled around just as his did. She loved it. She loved being just like him in every way she could; going around picking up big sticks to swing like her own Tessaiga. 

She looked up to him so much, it made Inuyasha’s heart ache. It did come with some new, dangerous territory though. For instance, he had one hell of a time trying to watch his vocabulary once Mizuki started speaking. He’d never forget the dagger of a glare that Kagome sent his way when their daughter babbled her first, “Damet” after dropping her snack. He thought he would be skinned on the spot. 

“She’s going to copy anything you do, so you have to be more careful!” Kagome chastised. 

“Why me?” Inuyasha asked in a grumbled whine. “She should be looking up to you! You’re her mother, ain’t ya?” 

Kagome frowned. “Mizuki thinks the world of you.” Her expression softened. “That’s what daughters do when they love their dad.” 

A pang of guilt seized his chest. In flashes he remembered another time and place, photographs and a stick of incense at the shrine tucked away in a private room; a young man with Kagome’s eyes. It was something that she didn’t talk about often, but her father’s loss still shook her sometimes. He took in Kagome’s glassy eyes and the pink flooding her nose. He reached around to hold his wife in his arms. “Okay,” Inuyasha mumbled as he kissed the top of her head. “You win. I’ll watch out.” 

So he proceeded with caution, tried to hold his tongue from cursing, and he did his damn best to be more patient than he’d ever thought possible. All for their family, for his wife, for his daughter. 

He never thought of himself as a role model. 

He used to think he was a freak.

But then Kagome came around, and then he had friends. He found a place in the world that accepted him as he was, and he held onto her with a fierce protectiveness. He even let her go once and was forced to find peace within loneliness. He did it for her, because even if he never saw her again, he’d love her. He’d live for her even without her there. 

But then by some miracle Kagome came back. The world was right. He belonged, they got married, and they were a family all on their own.  He didn’t think life could get better honestly. Then they had their first kid. When Mizuki was born, Inuyasha was sure that he’d never seen anything more precious in his life. He loved the dark ears atop her raven-haired head, and he nearly melted the first time she opened her honey-colored eyes. She was an existence made up of his and Kagome’s love. 

He wished she didn’t take so much after him though. She was just shy of passing for normal… 

“So beautiful,” Kagome had whispered, instantly washing away his fears and doubts. “Just like her dad.” 

Beautiful, huh? He hoped that someone would love his daughter like Kagome loved him. He also hoped that day was very far away, he thought warily. For now, he would make sure that his kid felt good about herself. He would never let Mizuki think of herself as a monster or a weirdo. He’d do his damnedest to build her confidence and surround her with love. 

And it worked out pretty well. Maybe too well if her ego was anything like his own. 

Mizuki really did love everything she had in common with her father. When they both heard a sound and turned the same way, she’d puff up with pride. “Mizuki hears it too!” she’d exclaim gleefully, making a point to wiggle her ears. 

It always made him grin. 

He never thought there could be a downside to her adoration. She loved him, she loved herself; everything was good. 

Then Shouya was born. 

Shouya, his son, who did not have his ears or his eyes. He actually looked a lot like Kagome, Inuyasha thought fondly. He had his mother’s nose, her human ears, even her adorable puffy cheeks. The one thing that made Shouya anything like Inuyasha was his distinctly silver colored hair. Yet somehow, despite being almost the opposite of his daughter, he was equally as perfect. Inuyasha had thought it was impossible to love anyone more than Kagome, and then Mizuki, and yet somehow his capacity for love simply grew as soon as he witnessed his son. 

And when Mizuki, at just five years old, laid her pretty, amber eyes on her brother... she burst into tears! Kagome was still bedridden and recovering, so Inuyasha flew into action. He tried to calm her down but she was inconsolable, and her crying triggered Shouya to follow. 

With two wailing children, Inuyasha and Kagome were immediately set to high stress mode. It was not the cute first meeting between new siblings that they had anticipated, dreamt about, planned for when Kagome was still waddling around as she told Mizuki all about being a big sister. 

Instead she cried. A lot. Loudly. 

Inuyasha had to pick up his distraught daughter and take her outside. 

“Kiddo, what’s wrong?” He asked, shifting her a little in his arms. 

Mizuki rubbed at the tears on her face and clutched to her father’s shoulders. Unable to form words past her sobs, she grabbed fistfuls of his hair and tugged, but Inuyasha didn’t pay any attention to the pain. Instead he did his best to soothe her, patting her back until she was reduced to hiccups. That night she cried and sniffled herself to sleep, leaving two very anxious parents. Thankfully Shouya slept soundly. 

It took a week of grouchiness and tantrums before anything productive happened. Inuyasha whined to his recovering wife about his daughter’s poor attitude and lack of communication. Kagome simply laughed at him. “Now you know what it’s like dealing with you.” 

Indignant, he scowled, “She’s a child!” 

“At least she has an excuse,” Kagome retorted cutely. 

Inuyasha would’ve been more upset, but having her humor back was a relief to him. She’d been exhausted and bedrested for the end of her pregnancy. Kaede had assured him that she’d be fine, but it still made him anxious to see her so putout. Shouya came out a fat, healthy baby, but even then Kagome didn’t get much time to relax. The newborn was up at odd hours and constantly hungry. It was the least Inuyasha could do to try taking care of Mizuki, though he hadn’t anticipated her moodiness. 

Whenever they were out of the house and away, she seemed to relax, but otherwise his girl was totally uncooperative. Miroku and Sango figured that she didn’t like sharing the attention. It was something they dealt with in the early days with their own twin girls. They shrugged and gave him their sympathy, but otherwise couldn’t offer much advice except for him to be patient and try to talk to her. 

The problem was Mizuki didn’t want to talk. As soon as he mentioned her brother she’d have a fit. Admittedly, he joked dryly to himself, he felt the same way about his own brother for a long time. The feeling had been mutual, probably. 

But Sesshoumaru was an asshole, and Shouya was barely eight days-old. 

Inuyasha sniffed the air as the wind passed them by. Kagome was waiting for them. “Kiddo, the sun’s getting low. We gotta go home to Mama.” 

Mizuki didn’t look up from her spot on the ground making leaf huts. “I don’t want to.” 

“There’s dinner at home.” 

“I’m okay.” 

He wondered how to persuade her. “Papa’s getting real hungry though. I might fall over if I don’t eat!” 

“Papa can fish,” she replied with no mercy. 

“So we’ll never go home again? I’ll never see Mama again?” 

She seemed to consider that. “Mama can visit us, but leave the baby.” 

Inuyasha folded his arms. “That’s your brother, ‘Zuki.” 

“I don't care. I don’t like him.” 

“So you won’t go home unless we get rid of your brother?” 

“Maybe Mama can put him back in her tummy.” 

He snorted. “That’s probably going to hurt your mother.”

“Then give him away to someone who wants a new baby. Far away.” She seemed set, and if Inuyasha knew anything about his daughter, it was that her stubbornness rivaled her parents’. Yikes. At least that was only half his fault. 

He figured lying would get him farther than arguing for now. It’d get him home at least. “Okay. We’ll tell Mama to leave the baby because you don’t like him. Then you’ll let us go home and eat? I can smell the food. Smells good. Can you smell it, little one?” 

Mizuki wrinkled her nose and sniffed the air. 

“I smell it too, like Papa! It does smell good!” she agreed with enthusiasm, but Inuyasha smirked. She had to be lying. They were far away enough that Inuyasha knew she’d have trouble picking out the scent, but she was always trying so hard to keep up with him. He decided to humor her. 

“You smell the stew?” 

“Yes!” 

“Wow, I’m so impressed. Let’s go get some. I’m starving!” He knelt down and opened his arms wide for her. When she barreled into his arms he was reminded of his great, unending love for her. He spun her around and squeezed her squirmy body as she giggled, then dipped her over to attack her face with kisses. 

“Papa, let’s go!” 

“Okay, okay. Let’s go.” He shot off with his usual pace when carrying his daughter. She liked to feel the bounce of his steps, laughing her way as they went up then down. It was slower than his run, but way more fun. He figured he should put her in the best mood possible when they broke the news that they were going to have to keep her brother around. 

“We’re home,” Inuyasha announced as they entered. 

Kagome was standing near the futon, rocking the baby in her arms gently. 

“Good timing. Shouya just had dinner and just fell asleep.” 

“I’m envious. Sounds like a good life,” he joked. 

Mizuki tugged on his arm. “Papa.” 

Right. 

“So Kagome, I have some bad news.” When she looked at him confused, he made sure to emote that everything was fine. He liked how easily they communicated. 

“Oh yeah?” she goaded. 

“Yup. Looks like we’ll have to get rid of the new baby.” 

“Oh no! That’s so sad. Why’s that?” 

Mizuki squirmed around and pulled her father’s face down. “Papa!” she whispered with urgency. 

He held up a finger, motioning for Kagome to hang on. She gave him a smile to show her amusement. He missed her face today. He hasn’t seen enough of her while he was out distracting their daughter. Speaking of which… 

“What’s up, kiddo?” 

She cupped her small hands around her mouth to relay her secret message. “Tell Mama you don’t want the baby! Don’t tell her I don’t want him.” 

“Mizuki, I’m not going to lie to Mama. You’re the one who wants him gone, so you should tell her,” he whispered back. He lifted his head back to Kagome, assuming she must have at least heard some of their conversation. “Mama, Mizuki has something to tell you,” Inuyasha proclaimed, full-well knowing he was throwing her under the bus. Poor thing. 

The girl seemed to go red in his arms, suddenly panicked as she faced the most intimidating figure in her (and his) life: her mother. 

“Is that so? What do you need to tell me, Mizuki?” 

“I--” She sputtered and her eyes began to water and she looked up at her father, silently pleading for him to take over. He shook his head. Of course he felt bad, but she wasn’t being very cooperative when he asked. Kagome was their best bet at getting some answers. If she could get him to open up, she’d manage a five year-old. 

“You?” she leaded. 

“I want the baby to go away!” she admitted quickly. Her mouth turned itself into a defiant pout, as if she was putting on a brave face. 

Kagome paid it no mind. “You do? Why?” 

She hesitated for a second before supplying, “I don’t like him!” 

“Okay, but why?” 

Mizuki whined; a true, genuine whine that sounded like a puppy. 

Inuyasha would’ve broken, but Kagome seemed unfazed. How could she? Did she have no heart? It amazed him. 

“Do you not like him because he’s a boy?” 

“No.” 

“You don’t like how he smells?” 

“No…” 

“Are you jealous?” 

Bingo. 

Mizuki ruffled and got even redder in the face. Inuyasha gave his daughter a reassuring pat. They already figured that was the problem, but it was a new feeling for her to navigate. 

“Mizuki, are you jealous that Mama spends so much time with Shouya?” Kagome asked softly. 

“No!” she yelped back.  

“Don’t yell at your mother,” Inuyasha chastised. 

She shrunk down, her ears flattening. It must have felt like they were ganging up on her, but the time had come for her unexplained tantrums to end. With pent up frustration and embarrassment, pools of tears began to stream down her face and she cried, “I hate him!” 

“You don’t have to be jealous, kiddo.” 

She wailed, and Shouya finally took notice of the volume, beginning to wiggle and fuss in his mother’s arms. Kagome motioned for Inuyasha to take her away so she could calm him down before he had his own fit. The baby was a heavy sleeper and not a huge crier, but he was cranky when woken up. They’d both be miserable with the two of them crying up a storm, especially Inuyasha with his sensitive hearing. 

As soon as he got out the door, he went into comforting mode. There was no use trying to talk to his little girl in this state. He bounced her up and down, shushing her and rubbing her back as she got out her tears and hiccuped. 

Inuyasha wracked his brain for the right approach. He had only recently come to terms with expressing his emotions. How was he supposed to tell a child to handle hers? “It’s okay to have feelings, you know.” 

Exhausted from crying, she slumped against his shoulder. 

“Papa gets jealous too sometimes. Is that what’s happening? You’re jealous?” 

She sniffled and slowly nodded. He could feel the heat and moisture of her tears seeping into his firerat. Probably snot too. 

Gross, he thought affectionately. 

“That’s alright. Do you want to tell me why?” 

He felt her shake her head. 

“And it’s not because Mama’s busy taking care of him?” 

Another no.

He was kind of at a dead end. She was jealous without much reason behind it. Was she capable of having a good reason? He searched the recesses of his mind, channeling the nurturing care of his wife. 

“Even if I love your brother, you know I don’t love you less, right?” 

“Okay,” she replied in a small voice. 

“Does that make it better?” 

Negative. 

Inuyasha sighed, feeling impatient and hopeless. 

Kagome emerged from the hut just then; Shouya once again soundlessly asleep and swaddled against her chest. She smiled at him sympathetically, knowing that crying was never his wheelhouse. He’d always hated when women cried, but Mizuki’s tears were a whole other level of unbearable. 

“The weather is nice. The sunset looks like it’ll be pretty,” she stated in a soft, even tone. 

“Wanna take a look, kiddo?” 

“The colors are pretty. The clouds are getting pink! Our favorite.” 

Mizuki shuffled a little as her father angled himself so that she could see from her place on his shoulder. She turned to rest her cheek on him, but otherwise kept sniffling. 

“Are you feeling any better now?” Kagome asked her daughter, placing a quick kiss to her swollen face. 

Instead of replying, she tugged at her father’s hair again, using it to cover her face. It was a strange, new behavior. Usually when she wanted to hide she’d simply turn her head into his shoulder. Maybe it comforted her though. 

“Not sure why she’s doing that,” Inuyasha murmured. “She does it whenever she has one of her fits now.” 

Kagome stared for a while before she let out the lightest gasp. When the hanyou looked down at her curiously, he saw the familiar expression of her coming to some kind of understanding. 

“Oh, Mizuki…” she cooed with sympathy. “You poor baby.” 

Inuyasha raised a brow and Kagome pulled away to laugh. Whatever it was, he knew she’d explain, but it was killing him to be out of the loop. 

“She just wants to be like her Papa,” she said with soothing empathy threading her tone. Kagome looked up at her husband fondly, taking her hand to cup his cheek. “From his golden eyes,” she ran her thumb across his eyebrow. Then she reached up towards his ears to stroke one until it flicked in response, “To his fuzzy ears…” she smiled brightly, “to his pretty, silver hair…” Kagome finished, loosely twirling a strand around her finger before turning her gaze to their son. 

It clicked for him then. 

“You’re jealous of your brother because of his hair?” 

Mizuki whimpered, the scent of collecting salty tears assaulting Inuyasha once more as she grabbed more of his locks to cascade down over her own head. 

Mystery solved! 

It was so cute and so stupid that Inuyasha wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. 

“Is that really it, ‘Zuki?” 

“I told you, she wants to be just like you,” Kagome reiterates, placing a soothing set of fingers to touch her daughter affectionately. 

“Keh!” Yet somehow he was blushing. Maybe it had to do with the way Kagome was beaming at him, prettier than any sunset. “That’s stu--silly. What a silly reason to be upset.” 

Mizuki huffed in anger. 

“I mean,” he faltered. “It’s sweet. It’s very sweet.” Finally feeling like he had a hold on things and the world made sense again, he mindfully moved back his daughter’s sagging body from his shoulder, some of the hair getting pulled along with her. “But you don’t have to be jealous, little one. You’re great just the way you are, you know that?” He nuzzled their noses together. 

“B-But I want to be like Papa!” she sobbed, pushing back. Not even her snotty nose or blotchy crying face could detract from how wretchedly adorable she was. 

Kagome thought her heart would melt. “Papa is pretty great, but baby, you are so much like him! You don’t have to have everything be the same.” 

It didn’t seem to matter. “Why does the baby have Papa’s hair and I don’t? It’s not fair!” 

Both Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged looks. It was clear that Mizuki wasn’t going to get much consolation from her mother on this issue. 

Finally, an idea popped into Inuyasha’s head. 

“You got my eyes though, don’t ya?” He asked, looking right into her honey colored irises. They were even more intense at this golden hour. 

“Yeah…” her ear twitched along with her sniffle. 

He grinned. “Then you see the same way I do. You see everything I do, right?” 

“Right,” she agreed. 

“When I look at you, I see the most perfect little girl in the world. Beautiful eyes, cute little ears and nose, pretty hair like her mother, and the best smile. I see all that. You see it too?” 

Mizuki’s eyes watered again, but she nodded. Kagome took the time to brush back the hair stuck to her face. 

Inuyasha prodded his daughter more. “You see it, kiddo? Just like me?” 

“Yeah.” 

“That’s what I want to hear!” He pulled her from his body and hoisted her into the air. It was one of their favorite things to do. He spun her around and tossed her until she was nothing but an exhausted heap of smiles, and the stars began to twinkle in the early evening sky. 

Later that night when she was about to sleep, Mizuki looked at her brother for a long time before turning away with a curt, “Goodnight baby. We won’t give you away.” 

Kagome snorted back a laugh and had her husband put her to bed. Crying, laughing, and letting go of a grudge all in one day really took it out of their poor toddler. Still, seeing Inuyasha fumble through feelings and childrearing-- it all felt so surreal. It felt like home, and she’d never been more content with her life. 

Once the kids were both asleep and tucked away, Inuyasha sat behind his wife and finally held her close, his head sitting on her shoulder. He inhaled her scent to re-center himself. 

“Tough to be a dad?” she asked teasingly. 

“She’s a lot to handle.” 

“She’s just like her father.” 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes but let them fall shut as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. 

Kagome turned her cheek and pressed her lips against his bangs. 

“Perfect to me,” she added. 

Embarrassed but happy, he simply tightened his arms around her. “Yeah, yeah.” 

[mamabearcatfanfics]

Second chapter up now on AO3, or read on below!

“Pizza delivery for one Kagome Higurashi!” The bright grin on the wolf demon’s face immediately fell when he saw who opened the door. “Oh, it’s you mutt. Ain’t you got a home of your own to go to? Or is the salary Myouga the flea’s paying you so miniscule that you’ve been reduced to couch surfing?” He chuckled at his own joke. Inuyasha did not join in.

“Hand over the pizza and fuck off”, he said pleasantly, holding out one clawed hand expectantly.

“I didn’t see your name on the delivery order”, said Kouga, making a show of checking the receipt then trying to peer into the apartment behind Inuyasha’s broad shoulders. “Nope, no mention of a mutt named Inuyasha. Only Kagome. For all I know, you’re a freeloader trying to steal Kagome’s hard earned dinner.”

“Yeah, she’s eatin’ three pizzas and a serve of garlic knots all by herself. Even though she’s the size of a wet kitten. Hand it over wolf.”

The stalemate continued, Inuyasha continuing to block Kouga’s view, and Kouga refusing to hand over the pizzas. Finally Inuyasha rolled his eyes and hollered for Kagome, who appeared in a pair of soft blue flannelette pyjamas and fluffy slippers, drying her damp hair with a towel.

“Oh wow Kouga, that was really fast! I didn’t expect you to deliver it in person!” she said, her blue eyes lighting up at the stack of cardboard pizza boxes he was carrying.

“You’re my favourite customer Kagome – I’m always going to deliver your pizza in person.” Kagome laughed a little uncomfortably.

“Aw, that’s sweet. Um, let me just get my wallet so I can give you a tip.”

“I’ll give him a tip”, Inuyasha grumbled, stepping aside so Kagome could pay Kouga. “You should wash behind your ears more often wolf, you stink.”

“Inuyasha!”

Kagome’s elbow caught him in the ribs, making him grunt. She pulled out a crisp ten dollar note to pass to Kouga and squeaked in surprise when his much larger hand wrapped around hers.

“Forget the tip. I’m finishing up work in an hour or so. How about I come back and take you out for a drink?”

Kagome smiled kindly at him, valiantly trying to tug her hand free, and failing dismally.

“Ah, um, Kouga, that’s very kind and thanks for the offer, but as you can see” she said, glancing down at her pyjamas and slippers, “I’m not going anywhere else tonight. I know it’s Friday, but it’s been a tough week at work. All I want to do is sit on the sofa, eat my pizza and just relax.”

“So, tomorrow then?” Kagome’s smile slipped a little, and she did her best to ignore the rumbling growl beginning from her inuhanyou friend looming protectively behind her.

“Um, I have plans. For the entire weekend”, she added quickly when it looked like Kouga was going to inquire about Sunday. Kouga sighed in obvious disappointment and then placed a lingering kiss on Kagome’s knuckles, before taking the money out of her hand and handing over the pizzas.

“Another time then mon chéri. Enjoy your meal!” Inuyasha slammed the door on him.

“What did I say to you about encouraging him?!” grumbled Inuyasha, taking the pizzas out of her hands and carrying them over to the coffee table. He dropped himself onto the sofa and flipped back the lid of the first one, making a disgusted face. “Yuck. Mushrooms. This one’s yours.”

“It wouldn’t kill you to eat a vegetable occasionally you know”, said Kagome, sitting down next to him, continuing to dry her hair. “And in what way was I encouraging Kouga? I told him no. I tell him no every time he asks.”

“That was a no?” he snorted. “You called him sweet and batted your eyelashes at ‘im. He’s gonna take that as a yes.” He flipped open another pizza box and breathed in the fragrant smell of pepperoni and cheese. “Kouga’s a wolf youkai Kagome. You need to be firm with him, or he’s gonna walk all over you. Say somethin’ more like ‘stop asking me out, because I wouldn’t date you if you were the last demon on Earth’. That should do for starters. And if that doesn’t work, lemme punch him a coupla times. Or at least start orderin’ pizza from somewhere else.”

“But that’s so mean!” said Kagome in an aghast voice. “Kouga is actually a nice guy! When I first moved in here, he told me where all the good coffee places were. Besides, his pizza shop is in the bottom of the building, I’m not going to order from anywhere else!” She hung her towel over the back of the sofa, now her hair was as dry as it was going to get. “He means well, he just comes on a little strong sometimes. And I’m not going to let you punch anyone!” Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

“Whoops Kittycat, your small town roots are showin’ again.”

“Hey! I don’t want to hurt his feelings, and that’s because I’m a nice person, not because of where I grew up!” she said, punching him as hard as she could on his bicep. Inuyasha barely moved, but looked at her pointedly.

“Nice, huh?” She crossed her arms and huffed at him and he sniggered. “What’s the current population of Wrightwood Kagome? I bet it ain’t even 5000, am I right?” He grinned at her when she rolled her eyes. “That’s what I thought.”

“I did live in San Diego for six months before I moved here”, she pointed out primly, reaching for a garlic knot. Inuyasha snorted, then folded his slice of pepperoni pizza in half and took a huge bite.

“Ah, that hits the spot”, he said indistinctly around his mouthful. “He may be a stinky wolf bastard, but he knows how to make a good pizza.” He wound a piece of stretched out mozzarella around his finger and slurped it into his mouth.

“Charming.”

“Hey, I’m all charm.” Kagome rolled her eyes, reaching for her own slice, then let her hand drop with a sigh.

Inuyasha glanced up, trying to read her scent. She was a lot calmer now, after her shower. A good thing too. For some reason, Kagome feeling upset made him twitchy, like he needed to do something to fix whatever had caused it. He supposed it was her size and personality. She was so little and so nice – it was no wonder he felt protective of her.

The four of them had settled into a regular routine in the three months she’d been living with Sango. Beer and chili dogs on Friday nights. Occasional trivia nights, with a stroll to the best pretzel cart in Queens on the way home. Regular card games at Miroku’s. She’d fit into their little friendship group like she’d always been there. And with Sango and Miroku’s current ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement, he and Kagome were left to hang out together more often than not, which was fine by him. At least he wasn’t playing third wheel anymore.

She was cute and funny, easy on the eye. Kind, with an infectious smile and bright blue eyes. But surprisingly, also kinda sarcastic, which made him laugh. And she’d stood up for him when someone had said something with a racist undertone while they were out at the pub. He’d grown a thick skin over the years, and was so used to tuning it out, he’d hardly even noticed it. But Kagome had, and she was a sight to behold. A tiny spitting ball of fury. He’d had to carry her bodily out of the bar, needing to remove her from the situation before her comments started an all out brawl.

“Inuyasha? Um, thanks again for walking home with me tonight”, she said softly. “You really didn’t have to.”

“Sure I did”, he answered, bumping against her shoulder. “If some creepy bastard’s following you, calling me is the first thing you should do.”

“So I should always call you? Not Miroku?” she teased.

“What’s he gonna do? Put the moves on them by flooring them with his boyish charm? Flirt them into submission?”. Kagome giggled, then sighed.

“I don’t know that he was following me, really. But he kept up with me, even when I walked faster, and I just got that feeling, y’know? That something bad was going to happen.”

Inuyasha nodded. Her voice on the other end of the phone as he’d answered had been a dead give away.

He hadn’t been expecting to hear from her tonight  – Sango was visiting her brother and was away for the weekend, and Kagome had been working late nights all week, so she’d texted him and Miroku and cancelled their usual Friday night drinks. Miroku had opted out also, and he’d been sitting on his sofa with a beer, watching Netflix, and scrolling through his Facebook feed, phone in his hand. And then she’d called.

 “Hey Inuyasha?” There was an edge to her voice he didn’t like. She sounded panicked.

 “Kagome? What’s up?”

 She was panting a little now, and he could hear her hurried footsteps on the pavement, and the jingling of keys, which meant she was probably carrying them in her hand. Kagome never did that, because she had them on a long lanyard secured to the buckle on her bag strap so she could always find them easily. He knew from Sango that was something girls were taught to do if they were feeling threatened.

 “Sorry, I’m going to be a little late!” He sat up straight on the sofa, ears alert as he looked around for his wallet and keys, then shoved them in his pockets. Something was definitely up.

 “Is everything okay? You said you were goin’ straight home tonight after work.”

 “Yeah, I got held up at the office, and then missed my train. But I’m almost at Veteran’s Park, the one near Jackson Mill Road, so I should be there pretty soon.”

 “Kagome… is someone followin’ you?”

 “Uh huh!” He could tell she was aiming for a bright happy tone, but was failing miserably. Shit. The thought of anyone mugging her or worse made his gut twist.

 “Keep talkin’ to me”, he said firmly, shrugging on his jacket and shoving his feet into his work boots. “I’ll be right there. Keep walkin’ and stay under the streetlights okay? Try and move towards people if you can. I’ll find you.”

 “Sure thing! I’m really looking forward to seeing you!”

 “I’m headin’ out the door, I should be there five minutes, tops.”

 He’d sprinted, keeping his mobile on speaker so he could hear her talking aimlessly about random stuff, the tone of her voice getting more and more nervous. He caused a few angry yells as he dashed past people, but he didn’t care. Kagome was his friend, and she needed him. He slowed his pace to a slow jog as he rounded the corner to the park, easily locating her by scent. She was terrified. He’d walked straight up to her and embraced her in a tight hug. He could hear her heart hammering in her chest, her hands shaking as she wrapped them around his waist.

 “Inuyasha…”

 Inuyasha could smell the bastard, loitering in the background, the stink of the other man’s lust making him want to hurl. He glared in the direction the scent was coming from, pushing back a snarl. He could go after him, confront him, but he didn’t want to scare Kagome any more than she already was, so he put his arm around her shoulders, leading her away. But he knew that guy's scent now. And if they should happen to cross paths again, it wouldn’t be his fault if the fucker tripped and fell directly into his fist.

 “Nice to see you Kittycat. Thanks for callin’ me to tell me you were going to be late. I appreciate it.”

 She’d pressed herself into his side, still shaking, and he’d done everything he could to soothe her during the ten minute walk back to her apartment. Making jokes, asking about her work, inviting himself to dinner, because he could tell she was still feeling nervous. He was so glad that she’d called him, and more than a little flattered.

“I’ll always come when you call. What are friends for right? Besides, you bought me pizza. That’s more than enough payment for jogging a coupla blocks and walking back to your place.”

“You probably think I’m ridiculous”, she sighed. “He probably wasn’t following me at all. I think it’s just because it was so much later than I usually walk back from the station, and it’s the first night I’ve been here alone, with Sango visiting her family.”

Inuyasha thought for a moment about confirming her suspicion that she was being followed. But he didn’t want to frighten her even more. Part of Kagome’s charm was her openness, her excitement about finally living her dream here in NYC. He didn’t want to spoil that for her. But unfortunately, part of living in a city was learning to move about it safely, and being more aware of your surroundings. Because there were always random assholes who wanted to take what you had. He could help her with that.

“If you’re ever late again like that, call me. I’ll be happy to walk with you from the station, even if I’m workin’. Myouga wouldn’t care if I had to leave the shop for a while to walk with you – he thinks the sun shines out of your cute little ass. And ya know, if you’re still feeling worried, I can sleep here on the couch.”

“Inuyasha, I can’t ask you to do that!” Kagome said, glancing down at his long legs and then the length of the sofa, one Sango had purchased from Ikea. “You’re way too tall, your back would be wrecked by morning. I will be fine, I promise!”

He studied her closely. Her words said she was fine, but her scent, and her expression, said she wanted him to stay. He could do that for her. It wasn’t like he had any other plans on a Friday night. Besides, if he left now, he’d just be worried about her, wondering if she was sleeping or not.

He made a show of stretching himself out, twisting around to throw his legs up on the sofa and crossing his ankles in her lap, then reached for another piece of pizza.

“Ooh, yeah, this sofa is pretty comfy. I don’t think I could be bothered to go home now. Besides, you can make me breakfast. I happen to know you’ve got bacon in the freezer.”

Kagome sighed. “You’re still eating dinner and you’re already thinking about breakfast?”

“Bacon is a serious business Kagome.”

Kagome leaned forward over his legs to grab herself a slice of pizza, which flopped downwards, losing a good portion of the topping as it slid off onto the cardboard box below it. He laughed at the pout on her face.

“Okay, you should know this if you’re gonna be a full time resident of NYC. You gotta fold your pizza. Like this, see?” he said, reaching for another slice for himself and folding it in half lengthwise. He took a big bite. “You get twice as much in a mouthful, and the topping don’t slide off.”

“You should open your mouth a little more when you chew dog boy, I didn’t get to see everything in there that time.”

“You think you’re funny don’tcha?” he smiled. The nervousness in her had settled, and she was back to her normal self. Everything was okay now.

“Yeah, I do actually.” She patted him on his ankle absentmindedly as she reached for another garlic knot. “You’re a good friend Inu.”

“Right back atcha, Kittycat.”

[heynikkiyousofine]

This chapter is a little shorter than the others, but I wanted to go ahead and get it posted before the weekend, Chapter 9 will be posted Sunday. 

@keichanz @neutronstarchild

Three days passed by in a blur. Kagome spent her mornings training with Miroku, Sango and now Inuyasha. A few times, King Toga graced them with his presence to see her progress and find out how she was doing. She hadn’t seen much of him lately, noticing he was held up in his meeting room most of the time with King Sesshomaru, who never spoke to her whenever he arrived again with his troops. Not taking it to heart, she understood there was a fight coming and they were probably busy with preparations.

She could shoot her arrows extremely well, hitting a bull eyed every single time now, her arms sore and exhausted, but could learned she could send pure power with her arrows, shattering the side of the weapons shack in the process. She also learned she could grow things fairly fast, but that was more draining. She almost passed out yesterday, trying to sprout a tree in the field they were standing in. When she almost passed out from the drain of power, Inuaysha snarled at Miroku and Sango as he caught her and carried her away to his tree as he liked to call it. There they had spent a long time, missing lunch, talking to each, getting to know each other better. It was also where she snuck him a few kisses, letting him hold her in his embrace. There they had talked about everything until dinnertime and even strolled through the gardens at night before bedtime, where he would kiss her hand gently before wishing her sweet dreams.

A few times, they had gotten into arguments over silly things, both of their tempers equal in their passion, before laughing at the situation and making up. The king and queen always laughed at them, glad someone could help put their sons antics in his place. It made for an interesting few days.

Today was the final day of training before they left for the borders tomorrow. She wondered if her home still stood standing. Inuaysha, Miroku, Sango and herself would travel through the forest again, not wanting to draw too much attention to Kagome, while also gathering more allies from the mythical creatures. King Sesshomaru and King Toga would take their armies and travel the roads, greeting the people as he went. Sango’s brother would follow the kings, while Shippo would stay behind at the castle with Rin, Queen Izayoi and Queen Kagura. A troop of men would stay behind as well, in order to protect the castle and its inhabitants.  

Her afternoons were spent walking through the gardens with her books, reading more and more about her heritage, the past and her parents. She was accompanied by either Queen Izayoi or Sango, and occasionally Kagura before she would tire out for a nap. Shippo spent more of his time with Rin and the local village children. It was there, when no one else was around, she helped the flowers grow in the garden. She had finished a bush of roses when Inuyasha strolled up behind, kissing her cheek before grabbing her free hand. Warmth spread through her as she smiled at him.

“Mother said you asked for some new clothing for tomorrow?” He inquired, an eyebrow raising, looking more like his father.

Laughing Kagome only nodded at his question, not wanting to go into too much detail. She had expression her concerns to Izayoi in private and decided to surprise everyone with her “costume change” as Izayoi had put it. It arrived this morning in her room before she left ,after changing for lunch. She was excited for something to help with her fighting and her wings, while not getting too close to her legs either.

Not understanding why she was keeping this a secret, Inuaysha let it go. Squeeing her hand softly, knowing they would have to head to the dining hall soon for dinner, he turned to her, a serious expression on his handsome face. “Kagome.” Stopping in her tracks, she looked at him and waited for him to begin.

“Tomorrow and on out, it won’t be the same as in the castle. I know we are headed near your home, but I want you to know I promise to protect you with my life. We are only stronger together and the past few days have been blissful, but I just worry about you. Once Naraku knows who you are, nothing will stop him from trying to get to you.”

Understanding where he was coming from, she nodded and smiled at him. “I agree Inuyasha, from here on out, we protect each other. I’m not some damsel in distress. I can protect my own.”

“Damn right, woman.” He rumbled heartily, “Let’s go get dinner. I think Father has something big planned.” He rolled his eyes, knowing his father loved celebrations and frivolous feasts.

As the night wore on, everyone gathered around the dinner table, discussing happy memories, hearing the tales of Shippo and RIn and sharing jokes with each other. Inuaysha and Kagome sat next to each other, simply enjoying the company of their friends and family. After they strolled through the garden one last time before bed, Kagome and Inuyasha kissed passionately in their tree, as his father now deemed, making them both embarrassed as can be at dinnertime, not wanting to part from one another just yet. They knew the next day would change everything and while Kagome felt she was prepared and ready to fight for her people and get her mother back, she didn’t want to end this little time of happiness. She swore to herself as she crawled into bed that night, that she would do whatever it takes to protect everyone from Naraku.

Golden rays flittered in the room, Kagome opened her eyes, her mind blank as she sat up. She knew she needed to keep calm and level headed from here on out, while she practiced her meditation. Toga had spoken to everyone briefly yesterday about the plan of attack and how Kagome was to kept hidden until the right time. Word of Naraku traveling, his henchmen and himself towards the border had been trickling in since she arrived at the castle. They were going to meet him at the borders, before he could cross into the Northern Kingdom, with King Koga and his men coming from behind at the southern border to trap them. It was then, when Naraku would show himself during battle, and try to take the Kings’ life’s and powers that Kagome would show her true self and hit him with an arrow, sealing him into a tree that she would sprout from the ground. While she had been practicing and knew she was ready for battle, she was still nervous.

A soft knock came to her door, when she went to go answer, Queen Izayoi stepped in. Watching her with a wondering expression, Izayoi simply smiled and told her she wanted to help her get ready. She was excited to see her in this new costume, they talked about things while Izayoi helped tie the bodice on Kagome’s back.

“My dear, I want you to know, you are always welcome here. I understand that you will probably want to go back to your home after the battle, and I bless your relationship with my son completely, just don’t forget to visit me once in a while.” Izayoi simply stated, watching Kagome’s cheeks flush. How many times can I blush in this castle? Kagome thought grumpily.

Agreeing, promises were made and Kagome walked to stand in front a full length mirror attached to her wardrobe. Gasping, she was astounded and speechless. Deciding to forgo her pendent until she could get her outfit on, she loved what her reflection showed. She was ready. Smiling at the queen, Kagome pulled her pendant over her head, walked arm in arm out of the room, towards the breakfast table, where everyone sat, ready to dig in.

As goodbyes were said, and two crying children were comforted, Kagome gave a now sniffling Shippo the tightest hug, told him to be good for the queens and watched as the castle doors fell away from sight, riding along her horse. Glancing at her, Inuaysha, grabbed her hand, squeezed it tightly and smiled at her softly. She looked stunning in her outfit, truly fit for a queen going into battle, with her weapons strapped to her back and knife in her boot. While he longed for her wings to be flowing in the breeze, he knew she was being cautious until the time came. With MIroku and Sango trailing behind them talking softly, they began to trip to the borders, knowing they would reach the area a day or two before the troops. He had planned on taking Kagome back to the meadow, where he would ask her if she would officially be his mate when they defeated Naraku. 

It took almost three fulls day to get near the borders and the meadow, stopping quite a few times along the way to gather Kagome’s friends and their allies. Gnomes trailed alongside the horses, Kagome striding next to two unicorns and fairies flying about. He knew they existed, for having seen a few of them on his travels through the forest. He wondered in astonishment how many there were, for more kept joining the group wanting to fight Naraku. At one point, he hope the large ogre at the very back would be a good partner to take down Naraku’s henchmen. He had a bone to pick with Bankotsu, Kagome told him what happened the night her mother was taken. Growling softly to himself, he missed the worried look from Kagome.

“Inuaysha, let’s go for a quick walk and stretch our legs?” The small, fiery woman suggested, grabbing his hand. Nodding in agreement, they wandered away from the campsite, near the flowing stream. “We are almost to my home. How are you holing up? You’ve been so quiet the last day or so.” Kagome asked softly.

A sigh escaped his lips before he could respond. “I was just thinking of the man who took your mother and tried to force himself on you. I’m sorry for worrying you koi.” He wiped his hands down his face in agitation. 

Smiling at the fond endearment, Kagome smiled, “I get it. I know this is a lot for you, we keep gathering more friends. I didn’t know there was so many out there like me and word spreads fast for them. We could use all the help we can get.”

“I agree, I’m just tired from riding on my horse for so long as this slow pace. I don’t want to get there too much earlier before Father. Thank you for checking on me, I should be checking up on you.”

Nodding in agreement and understand, they began to head back towards the campsite, when Inuaysha tugged on Kagome’s hands, stopping her and pulling her closely. Touching her cheek softly, he looked in to her eyes. At night, they reflected the stars around them, shimmering so bright, he could get lost in them for hours.

“Kagome, I’m worried about tomorrow and what we will find. I don’t think there is anything left of your home.” He hated saying this out loud, knowing she probably already had thought of this, but he wanted to protect her heart as well.

“There was fire the night I left, so I doubt there will be much either. I just want my mother to be okay. If they don’t have her with them, if she’s dead or she’s being held in the castle, I just don’t know.” She sighed sadly, leaning into his touch.

Her feelings so intense, he hastily pushed his lips to hers, making her gasp quietly. They stood there, ravishing each other, this kiss full of heat and passion, while also unspoken words saying that they may not get to do this for quite some time, if ever again. There was so much uncertainty and Kagome felt hot tears stream down her cheeks. Stopping to catch his breath, Inuaysha brushed her cheeks with his thumbs, rumbled softly for her and kissed her forehead, while she clutched his hands tightly.

“Come on, let’s go get situated for the night, I want you to hold me.” She whispered back, taking his hands again, while they strode back to camp, both with content smiles on their face. 

The next morning, as they emerged from the forest line, near her former home, Kagome’s heart stopped when she saw the blackened wood of her old home. Around her, the flowers were almost black from the flames and the charred well near the home was nearly dry. My home is gone, she thought sadly. Feeling Inuyasha grab her left hand, Calliope land on her right shoulder and Sango reach for the right hand, she took a deep breath while everyone began to set up camp in the cleared area. The ogre and some centaurs had started to move the burnt wood, making a fire pit for everyone to gather around. Oblivious to the woods around them, no one noticed a set of glowing red eyes, near the eastern border, clouded by a small barrier with miasma, watching the group with hungry eyes.

[shupadoop]

Quarantine (or Confessions under Duress)

@inukag-week Implied smut ahead. Length: roughly 5.5 pages “No, Inuayasha, we can’t go back!”

“Because of some stupid cold? It’s nothing! You see I’m fine!”

“But Sango, and Miroku, and Shippo might not be if we go back. Look, I know it’s hard to take a threat seriously if you can’t sense it, especially since people didn’t know very much about disease in your time, but please believe me it isn’t safe.”

“You said yourself lots of people are recovering. Our friends are strong, they’ll be fine. Let’s go back to hunting Naraku!”

“Sit!”

“Look, our whole view of health is different now. In your time people couldn’t travel very far and they got used to things that were near them. Their bodies and their knowledge developed with what was nearby. Kaede knows how to heal battle wounds, and what herbs are good for which poisons, but in my time people travel across the entire world every day. I have fruit in my kitchen that Kaede will never see in her lifetime. Everywhere around us are tiny things that we eat and breathe. The tiny things in my world are completely different from the ones in yours. You probably haven’t noticed because as a demon you’re strong enough that small changes in your environment won’t affect you, but I bet if you came here on a human night you’d feel different than you do in your time. Lots of people are getting really sick from this disease. Healthy people who are used to living here and now. Whose bodies are used to this environment. If we take this disease back we’d be letting it loose on villagers who have no immunity to anything like it. It could devastate your whole era, Inuyasha!” the thought of causing such a tragedy nearly brought her to tears.

“Okay, okay, don’t cry. We’ll stay here. How long until we can go back?”

“I don’t know. It could be months.”

“MONTHS!?”

———————————————————————

The tension growing between them was exhausting. She understood Inuyasha’s restlessness, but it was getting on her nerves. It wasn’t like she loved being stuck inside all the time, but she was making an effort to use the circumstances as best she could. It was particularly lonely since it was just the two of them. The rest of her family went visiting out of town before she came home and were now trapped in their own right. She longer to see her grandfather, to talk to her mother, to tease Souta. The tense silence between her and Inuyasha was more than she could handle right then.

“Hey, why don’t we watch a movie?”

“A movie? What’s a movie?”

“It’s like a play, but someone recorded it so we could watch it later.

”Inuyasha didn’t reply. She could watch a movie at least, and distract herself for a while. She pressed the first tape she could find into the machine and settled on the couch; determinedly staring at the TV and ignoring Inuyasha’s continuing sulk.

“I was just your typical teenage girl - until my 18th birthday that is, when I discovered I was a witch.”

“A witch!?” In one swift move Inuyasha had drawn his sword and stepped into the glare of the screen.

“Inuyasha, stop! It’s not real; it’s just a story.”

“Bah.”

“Come on, put that away.”

But he was transfixed by the quick-paced colours on the screen. How could somebody draw so realistically? How could they fit so many pictures in that little box?

Kagome put a hand on his shoulder. “Back up, I can’t see.”

Still transfixed Inuyasha sheathed his sword and sat on the couch.The tension Kagome had hoped to ease with the digital distraction greatly intensified when the main character had a steamy birthday makeout session with her crush. When Kagome grabbed a random movie, it hadn’t occurred to her how much worse a ‘90s romcom would make her situation. Naturally, being a teenager, and it being the ‘90s, that was pretty much all she had on hand.

She gazed intently at a bird out the window, carefully avoiding looking at her equally embarrassed companion. But she couldn’t keep her thoughts still.

Look at this girl, living her best life. I’ve never been kissed at all, definitely not like that. If only I was being held like that. If only Inuyasha would hold me like that…

Inuyasha, red as a beet, found himself unable to look away from the graphic scene. His normal defence mechanism in these situations was normally for his mind to blank, but he, like Kagome, felt he was missing something the characters had.The scene ended, and the pair on the couch eventually decided it was safe to look at each other again. As the movie went on they were able to relax and the discomfort from earlier was forgotten. That is until the next bit of romance came on the screen. And this time the characters were undressing.

“What the Hell?! Who would watch something like this!? Is everybody in your time a pervert?!”

Inuyasha thought if this was how people told stories in Kagome’s time, no wonder she liked the feudal era so much.Kagome jumped up, and fumbled for the remotes on the coffee table as she tried to answer.

I haven’t even been kissed. Who knows if I’ll ever do that. At this rate I’ll die alone.

“Well, some people like to imagine themselves in her shoes, I guess. Especially if they don’t have a boyfriend themselves.”

Kyah, when did we get so many remotes!? Where is the fast-forward button? When did the label rub off? Will this scene ever end!?

It was Inuyasha’s turn to avert his gaze. He kept his face turned fully to the blank wall beside him. Beneath his disgusted exterior, in the deepest corner of his mind, he wondered when he would get to do that with someone - with Kagome.

Something smells different.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome, who had given up on skipping the abrasive scene and had her eyes closed in a long sigh.

She smells different. It’s raw and intense. What is it?

Dawning slowly seeped into him. This movie had aroused something in her. This deepened Inuyasha’s blush.

Kagome resignedly sat back down on the couch, on the middle cushion this time, instead of the far one.“Hey, what are you doing? Why are you getting so close now?”

“What? I wasn’t!”

Kagome jumped a cushion over and Inuyasha immediately regretted saying anything, but his fear of intimacy made him panic when she was so near. Particularly right after that.After the interrogation Kagome’s musky smell started to dissipate and the rest of the movie passed uneventfully, both of the viewers too distracted to really notice what was happening on screen.

“Okay, well, guess it’s bedtime. Good night Inuyasha.”

“Uh - good night.”

When her family was around Kagome preferred Inuyasha to sleep in her room, sitting on the floor by her bed, poised to defend her if something nefarious found its way into her room. But alone, she felt it too scandalous. She changed and crawled into bed, but struggled to sleep.

Well, that definitely made things worse. How can I look him in the eye now? I barely could before that disaster.

Little did she know on the other side of the hall Inuyasha was kept awake by slightly different thoughts.

That moo-vie. She was excited during that moo-vie. All I can think about is her intoxicating smell. If we watched it again would she react the same way?

——————————————————————

The following day Kagome was able to avoid Inuyasha by burying herself in cooking. She wasn’t sure what he was doing upstairs, but she was grateful for the respite. Eventually Inuyasha came down when she called him for lunch.

“Hey, so I thought we could watch another movie. But don’t worry, I found one that’s all about samurai fighting. No romance at all.”

He determinedly stared at the bowl of ramen Kagome had placed in front of him as he answered “that’s okay. We could watch a moo-vie like yesterday’s. We see plenty of real-life fighting anyway.”

“Oh. Uh… okay.”

After lunch Kagome put on another romcom.

I wonder what’s with Inuyasha. I know he has a soft side, but I’ve never seen him ask for an emotional moment before.

Occasionally Inuyasha would glance at Kagome, particularly during romantic scenes, but he never noticed more than small blush. How disappointing.

If we keep watching movies surely another one will excite her. Maybe iI’ll be luckier next time.

Nope.

The time after.

Nuh-uh.

Come on, this time?

No.

“Inuyasha, we’ve run out of movies.”

Maybe it wasn’t the TYPE of movie Kagome liked, but that specific movie.

“That’s okay, Kagome, we can watch the first one again.”

“Oh, uh, sure.”

When the got to the sex scene that had flustered them so badly before, Inuyasha stared intently at Kagome, holding in too much anticipation to even try to hide it this time.

“Well, Kagome?”

“Well, what?”

Inuyasha faltered “never mind” and went back to staring at the screen, thoroughly annoyed.

“I’m pretty surprised you wanted to watch this, twice even. I didn’t think you’d like it.”

“Of course I don’t, I’ve been sitting here watching these boring movies and you aren’t excited by anything!”

“Ex…cited?”

Shit. Why did I say that?

“Inuyasha? Why did you want to watch these with me?”

“The first time we watched this part… you…. uh…. you smelled different. Good different.”

“Excited different?” she joked. But when he cautiously nodded understanding hit her and she hid her face in her hands so Inuyasha wouldn’t see the sheer terror spreading across it.

He can smell that!? He knows when I’m… excited!? He must have known I was thinking about him! Or what if he didn’t and he’s jealous of imaginary guy? … Wait, he’s been watching movies with me just so…

Resolutely she straightened herself and looked Inuyasha in the eye. They looked at each other in silence and then -

“Kagome…” that smell.

She moved closer.

“Inuyasha, why have we been watching all these movies?”

“So I could smell you like this again.”

“Like what?”

“…Aroused.” he said in a tiny voice. But he gained some confidence when Kagome inched closer. “I want to be the one you’re aroused for. I love you, Kagome.”

“I love you too, Inuyasha.”

That night they stopped sleeping in separate bedrooms.

[dyaz-stories]

#29 and #30 for Inukag please 🙂

Here you go! This is a follow-up to the College AU I started last time, you can find the Part One here. I’m hoping to post once every two days and to have the last part out for the White Day. Hope you’ll have fun with that!

By the way, if anyone wants to be tagged for this, I’d be more than happy to do it! This will also be posted on fanfiction.net and Ao3, in case you would rather follow it over there :)

29. “Uh … how long were you standing there?”

30. “Don’t judge me–you’re the one who sings Disney songs in the shower!”

Inuyasha had meant to surprise her. It was a weird thing, probably, to want to surprise a girl by doing her fucking dishes, and perhaps he was a little too excited about that, too, because damn he fucking liked that girl way more than he should. He had come right after his last class, since he didn’t have basketball practice on Mondays, and Sango had opened the door at his first knock.

She had glared at him for a few moments, and he had simply waited. Sango wasn’t his biggest fan, but he didn’t blame her. Girl was extremely protective when it came to Kagome, and he would probably be the exact same, if he ever had the chance.

“If you hurt her,” Sango said, very matter-of-factly, as she stepped out of the way to let him in, “I’ll rip your heart out.”

“Keh. I’d like to see you try, slayer,” he answered, though if he hurt Kagome, he would probably let her.

She let out a dangerous laugh, but didn’t reply.

“I’m going to train. Dishes are in the sink.”

“Wait, where’s—”

The door slammed behind her, and he rolled his eyes. How dramatic could she be?

He dropped his bag on the ground and looked around. The place was very small, much like the one he shared with Miroku, and the setting was just as terrible. The living-room was ridiculously small, and he wasn’t even sure how he could fit in the kitchen. That wall, right by the sink, was stupidly placed, and from the look of it, the small room next to it was the bathroom.

Where he could hear water running.

Someone was taking a shower.

Shit.

So Kagome was in there, water running alongside her jaw, down her neck, her back, her legs, over her thighs, on her br—

Yup, nah, not going there. He swallowed with some difficulty and shook his head, trying to push the images out of his head. Fuck. Couldn’t Sango have warned him? At least he couldn’t smell her distinctly, with the shampoo and shit, but when she’d get out she’d be— tempting.

Dishes. He was there to do the dishes. Right. He needed to be doing that, not thinking about how good she’d smell when she’d come out, or about her long legs, her creamy thighs, her wet, parted lips, her small, lovely breasts, her—

Dishes.

But if he took hot water, she would probably notice, so, erm, he should… probably wait? He eyed the sink, and there wasn’t much in it any way, meaning that if he started now, he wouldn’t get to spend much time with her at all.

He couldn’t believe he wanted there to be more dishes when him and Miroku almost fought over who would do them at their place.

He liked that girl so much it was stupid.

“If there’s a price for rotten judgement… I guess I’ve already won that.”

He almost jumped, but no, Kagome hadn’t come out, and the muses weren’t singing to him either. She was just singing, apparently, just when he thought he couldn’t like her any more or could think she’d be any cuter.

“Who d’you think you’re kidding, he’s the earth and heaven to you.”

And she was doing the voices. Inuyasha held back a laugh, half-sitting on the table as he listened to Kagome. For a moment, he closed his eyes, letting himself be enraptured by her voice. No one could see him, and that meant he didn’t have to pretend, didn’t have to worry about people laughing at the half-demon so hopelessly in love with a priestess — yes, yet another, who could break his heart again because he didn’t deserve her either.

“No chance, no way, I won’t say it, no no.”

Same. That Megara girl really knew what was up, huh?

“It’s too cliche, I won’t say I’m in love…”

Ah, to be the one Kagome was thinking about when she sang that. To be the one who held such a place in her heart, to be able to hold her. He’d take far less than that, if he could. He’d be her friend, if she wanted him, he’d take being able to simply love her from a distance, even if that would crush his heart. He’d take anything if it meant he’d be able to keep her in his life.

“At least out loud, I won’t say I’m in love…”

His eyes snapped open when he heard the door sliding, and next thing he knew, he was looking at a very wet, very naked Kagome, with a simple towel wrapped around her.

She screamed.

He, fortunately, held back a scream — that was the least manly thing he could have done and he would never have gotten over it — and turned around.

“Fuck— Sorry— Didn’t mean to— Sango let me in for that dishes thing and I didn’t want to take your hot water—”

“You scared me,” she whispered, and she saw him tense. “I’ll— I’ll go change. Give me a second.”

She slid in her room, and closed the door with a last look at him. She couldn’t help but chuckle after that. His reaction? That was adorable. The look on his face, the blush, the way he clearly wanted to turn around but was holding himself back… And the thing he’d said about the hot water? Ugh. How could he dare.

She got out after having thrown on a tee-shirt and jeans. He had his hands in water, and she frowned when she realized he hadn’t put gloves on.

“Aren’t you going to burn yourself?”

He glanced at her, looking almost relieved that she was dressed now, and shot her a grin.

“Half-demon.”

“That doesn’t mean it would be pleasant, surely…” She tried dipping her hand in the water but he intercepted her right before that

“’m good, really, but it’s still hot,” he said, letting go of her hand almost immediately, like that touch was what had burned him.

She remained silent for a couple of seconds, not knowing what to do about this. About how fast he had stopped her so she wouldn’t hurt herself, about how warm, how gentle and careful he was despite his brash exterior, about how… She cleared her throat.

“So, erm, how long were you standing there?”

He grimaced. “Not long, I swear, I— Don’t judge me, you’re the one who sings Disney songs in the shower!”

She was unbelievably grateful that he was focused on the dishes when he said that, so he didn’t see her turning bright red. He’d heard that? Well, it made sense, because she was singing it when she had walked out but, still, he wasn’t supposed to hear her sing that.

“Oh, c’mon, I have a nice voice!” she joked, hoping she sounded natural.

“Keh. ’s alright, I guess.”

She bumped her head against his shoulder to indicate her disapproval, which was about the highest place she could reach, and then, when it turned out to be surprisingly comfortable, chose to stay there. Inuyasha tensed briefly, then relaxed.

“You’re leaving a wet spot on my shirt,” he protested playfully, forcing himself to say something so he didn’t just think about her body leaning against his, about how his shirt would spend like her after that, about how much he wanted her right now.

“Boo-hoo. So what, you can take almost boiling water, but wet hair is what sends you?”

He laughed, but didn’t reply. “Do you really mind?” she asked curiously after a few seconds. “I can move if you do.”

There was moment of silent, and then:

“…Nah. Nah, I don’t mind. You can stay there.”

For as long as you want.

[inukoibito]

It Can’t Be You

told y’all we’d have something for you soon! please... enjoy. ;)

{inuyasha au. inukag, mirsan, + others. 1100 words. artist. writer.}

“SIT YOUR ASS DOWN!”

“WATCH YOUR MOUTH, WENCH!” Inuyasha swifted the object in his hand left to right. “You're not the one with the gun, are you?”

He watched the fear melt into the bank teller's eyes behind the clear glass. Everyone in the building was shaking and fidgeting for their lives; their hands were unsteady on their heads and by their sides.

Inuyasha, dressed in a fitted white suit and black pointed shoes, took a few steps to the left as his dual pistols hung lazily by his grip. He could feel the tension by the dozens of people in the room; how their breaths were uneven and out of sync.

“You there,” he pointed the gun at the wench. “Are the cops comin’?”

The woman was confused but still replied, “Y-Yes.” She gulped trying to watch her words and tone, “A-Any minute n-now.”

“Alright,” he nodded his head, tapping his shoulder with the gun.

He continued his loose steps to the right, hanging one pistol in the right and tapping his shoulder with the left.

“Why are you doing this?” asked a younger lady from the next teller.

Inuyasha frowned in his mind, but forced himself to keep a blank expression, “Because I have to.”

Sirens suddenly submerged the entire ten-block radius. Shouts from police officers and aggressive barks from the dogs almost shattered the glass doors and windows. The hostages within the building breathed both a sigh of relief and cried tears of joy.

“PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!” the policeman demanded from outside. “DROP YOUR WEAPONS-” he took a pause- “NOW!”

Inuyasha gave his hostages a mischievous smirk before surrendering to the big bad blues. He slowly placed the dual pistols on the floor besides his feet. He rose up, slowly, with hands in the air as he rotated to face his fate.

“I condemn the defendant as-” the judge licked her lips before uttering the words- “guilty. You are sentenced to a supermax prison for five years; with good behavior, you may get out in three.”

“W-What?” Sango, his attorney, muttered to herself. “Your honor, my client has no criminal history behind him,” she scoffed as she rose up. “He doesn't even have a single parking ticket or traffic violation!”

The judge glanced at the papers before looking back at her, “While that is self-evident, Ms. Sango, I cannot simply ignore the fact that your client has been charged with armed assault of military grade firearms in a government issued establishment.”

“Those dual pistols were not military gr-”

“The rest found in a duffle bag were.” Sango pierced a glare into Inuyasha, lowering her head. “Mr.-”

“Inuyasha, please, your honor,” he didn't want to use his last name.

The judge slightly nodded, “Mr. Inuyasha, because of no history of prior criminal convictions, I will allow you to choose the prison in which you will be held for your sentencing.”

“BWI,” Inuyasha stood firmly before the judge.

Sango took a moment to think, “BWI?” She angrily whispered to him, “That's one of the most DANGEROUS prisons in the states, Inuyasha!”

Inuyasha didn't react to her.

“Blackwater Institution, huh?” the judge lowered her reading glasses. “In Chicago?”

“Yes,” Inuyasha had a slight grin.

And with that, the judge sent down her gavel, immediately signaling a cop to cuff Inuyasha and leave Sango in confusion.

“Inuyasha?!” she tried to reach out to him but fell short. “W-Why are you doing this?!”

He stared at her as he was pulled away, “Because…-” he felt the pain in her eyes- “I have to.”

It was mid-day by the time Inuyasha was transferred to the prison. Hundreds of inmates in either orange or light blue uniforms surrounded the outside within the high barbed wire fences.

Call-outs such as--

“Hey Mr. Businessman can't you just buy your way out of here?”

and--

“Nice hair girly! Mind if I play with it?”

--were shouted at him as he walked along the pavement and into where he was going to get registered.

“One cell phone,” the guard placed into a bin. “One suit,” he placed again. “And one-” he took a look- “very expensive watch.”

Inuyasha kept quiet and steady during the whole process. Guards stood high and mighty with armed guns, surrounding every single perimeter.

He followed the line of the other incoming inmates as they made their way into the next room. The white walls drained any emotion, and the cracked dirty tiles beneath him held Blackwater to its name.

The guard gave him a devilish smile, “What's your name, inmate?”

“Inuyasha.”

“Inu-what?” the man snickered.

“Inuyasha.”

The guard flicked his long black hair behind him with emphatic sass, “Are you getting a tone with me?”

“No, boss,” Inuyasha shook his head. “Just here to do my time.”

The man scoffed and wrote on his clipboard, “Take your uniform and leave my presence.” Inuyasha stood there, motionless, “NOW!”

It was still rec time by the time Inuyasha got into his new, dull clothes. The fitted light blue shirt and darker shaded pants seemed to have done him some justice because he was getting whistled at from all types of directions.

Inuyasha ignored the noise as he surveillanced the field. There were men of the same color who kept to a corner with gym equipment and others of a different color--his tone--who sat on bleachers and cracked jokes; playfully yet roughly pushing each other around.

After a few clicks of every direction of the clock, he made his way back inside--past gen pop and through the opposite halls--and found himself in the chapel.

It was a small, yet filled room with many pews and mosaics decorating the walls. The priest stood at the podium, closing his book--probably a bible--and sending the dozens of inmates off with the sign of the cross.

Inuyasha made his way down the aisle as everyone else began to flood out. By the front row, he came across a man with black tied hair and pierced ears who wore a gray crew neck sweater and the same dark shaded pants.

He couldn't believe it was him; he let his shoulders roll loose and hands unclutch. However, the man turned around, looking lowly, with his hands still chained in cuffs and accompanied with his own guard.

Though disheartened by his status, Inuyasha didn't hesitate stepping up to him.

“Inu-” the man took a good look at him- “yasha…?” He felt both happiness and worry, “Why are you here?!”

“Because…” he laid a hand on his friend. “Miroku-” he leaned into whisper- “we’re getting out of here.”

a/n: it’s been too long since I’ve written a fic. It’s funny how I literally got the immediate motivation to write this when I randomly saw a one-liner prompt, which is the opening sentence. 

Just so you know, this is a Prison Break AU aka the show on FOX. I have loved that show with all my dear heart and soul for the past three years and having meaning to do this for months, but I was nervous. ANYWAYS, if you’ve seen the show, you’re in for a ride and if you haven’t seen the show, you’re in for a wild ass ride.

ALSO, I’m not sure if Sakura will draw this... but we’ll see!