InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Courtship ❯ Chapter three ( Chapter 3 )

Kagome hadn't meant to sleep in but when she woke, she knew she had. How did that always end up happening? She thought. You want to get up early but then you wake up hours after the intended time. Kagome groaned and buried her face into her pillow. She was tempted to sleep another five minutes but her voice and movement attracted Shippo who had most likely been waiting for her to wake.

"Kagome," he asked. He was right next to her head where she wouldn't be about to ignore him but she couldn't help but try.

"Kagome." He repeated and gently tugged on her hair. That earned him a groan and Kagome lifted her head enough to look at him with one eye. She was annoyed with him but Shippo ignored it and put on his best cute face and even waved his tail back and forth, knowing she would have trouble resisting it.

"Could you make me some breakfast?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes before propping herself on one elbow and looked down at the kit. She hadn't fallen for his cuteness act but Shippo continued to look hopeful.

"Why didn't you ask Kaede to make you breakfast?" she asked, "I know you've been up for a while."

"I like yours better."

Okay, it was the truth and it worked. Kagome moaned again but got up, patting Shippo's head as she did so and he watched her dress before making rice. He made a mental note that complements worked.

As the rice simmered, Kagome went to the front door to bring in whatever it was Inuyasha had brought them. She was surprised to find a small pile of plums. Inuyasha always brought meat so this was indeed a surprise. There was only a small amount and most of them were under ripe but would be edible in a few more days. Kagome smiled. She had been growing tired of meat and the fruit was a welcome change. Kagome looked around, hoping to find Inuyasha so she could thank him but he was nowhere to be seen. She couldn't even sense him and that told her that he was a good distance away. That was strange; he always stayed nearby and only left to hunt. Was he hunting a creature that would take all day to track or was it something else? Kagome shrugged and gathered the small bundle of fruit in her arms.

Maybe it was best that Inuyasha was nowhere near by. It would be easier to talk to Sango alone, that is, if she could chase Miroku away. Kagome swore the monk was becoming just as protective as Inuyasha, not that she could really blame him, Kagome thought with a smile.

Kagome carried the plums into the hut, dropping a couple that Shippo quickly picked up as he trailed behind her. Kagome placed the plums in a basket and she gave both Kaede and Shippo one before taking one for herself.

"Plums? Well, that's a welcome change." Kaede stated as she slowly cut into her plum with a knife.

Kagome nodded, "I agree."

"I preferred meat." Shippo said with his mouthful.

Kagome smiled, "Of course you do, you're a youki but humans need more of a variety. Don't get me wrong. I love the fact that Inuyasha is providing this but I do get tired of meat."

"Oh." Shippo thought for a moment before turning his eyes back on Kagome. "Kagome, why is Inuyasha giving you all this food?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

Kaede chuckled at Kagome's tone. It clearly stated that she was going to find out. Kaede secretly believed that she knew what Inuyasha was doing but until she knew for sure, she kept her suspicions to herself.

The rest of the morning was kept mostly in silence. They only spoke out of necessity and when their meal was done and the hut was once again clean. Kagome ordered Shippo to either stay with Kaede or play with the village children and headed off to Sango and Miroku's hut.

On the way there, she noticed how it was still early and she wondered if Sango was even up yet. Miroku had mentioned that Sango preferred to sleep in late. If Sango was still sleeping, then Kagome would let her sleep, she would just wait at her door until she woke.

Miroku and Sango's hut was clear at the other side of the village, mostly because that was one of the few places with enough room for the large hut Miroku and Inuyasha had built. Most of the huts had only one to three rooms but Miroku and Sango's had several. "To be filled with children," Miroku had said. Kagome couldn't help but chuckle. She wondered what they thought of having that many now.

When Kagome arrived at the hut, Miroku was already outside, tending to Sango's garden. It was doing much better now but they kept that a secret and would tell Sango that it was only do to the rain if she ever got suspicious. As dusty as Miroku was, Kagome suspected that he had been up a few hours. Kagome thought about helping him but she wanted to talk to Sango. She decided if Sango was awake then she would talk; if she were asleep then she would help Miroku.

"Good morning Miroku," Kagome greeted when she reached the far side of the garden.

Miroku looked up, momentary surprised but his expression quickly turned into a joyous smile.

"Kagome, good morning. I'm happy to see you."

"I'm happy to see you too."

He's tired, Kagome said to herself as she noted the shadows under his eyes and how he seemed a little pale. He was probably as tired as Sango. Kagome made a note to herself to have Inuyasha bring them some food and she would take over the garden and housework along with Shippo.

"Miroku, is Sango awake?" Kagome asked.

"Well, umm…" Miroku scratched the back of his head, "She was last I saw her."

Kagome smiled. Sango had once again kicked Miroku out of the hut.

"Then I'll go see her and Miroku, the garden can wait a day, get some rest."

Miroku gave her a blank stare as he watched her retreat into the hut.

"Do I really look that bad?" he mumbled to himself before shaking his head and continuing with his world. Of course he looked that bad, he felt like shit, he was just surprised that someone noticed. Maybe he would take a little nap. Miroku shook his head. No, Sango might need him. He would take a nap later when she did. That is, if she let him

"One more month, Miroku, one more month." He chanted to himself as he did battle with a stubborn weed.

Kagome knew Sango was up, but she was surprised to see her sitting in a chair, knitting while she hummed a gentle tune. Seeing her like this, Kagome couldn't help but pause near the door. Sango looked tired and that was to be expected but her face seemed to glow with an inner joy and her eyes had a softness to them that Kagome hadn't seen before. Kagome's eyes trailed down Sango's body. She hadn't gained much weight considering she had been taking it easy and Kagome wondered if that would cause her problems later. She prayed not. Kagome's eyes quickly fell and paused at Sango's swollen belly. She was well into her eight month and it showed. As big as she was, Sango might deliver early but even at this stage, Sango was out of danger and Kagome believed that it might be better if she delivered in a few more weeks than another whole month.

Sango sensed Kagome's presence and paused in her knitting to look up. A large smile formed when she saw Kagome.

"Kagome," Sango said as she tried to rise. "I'm happy to see you."

Kagome's eyes widened when she realized that Sango was trying to stand and she rushed to her to stop the movement. Sango allowed it but pulled Kagome down for a hug.

"You're looking well, Sango."

Sango laughed, "As well as a fat pregnant lady, I suppose."

"You're not fat and you look beautiful."

Sango blushed and tears began to fill her eyes but she quickly turned to wipe then away. Kagome tried to fight back a chuckle at her friends raised emotions but knew that if she did, Sango's mood might turn for the worst and Kagome did not want to get chased away when she needed Sango's information. So she smiled and straightened.

"Miroku's working early. I thought you might have kicked him out."

Sango blushed.

"I did but he insisted that I stayed in bed. I'm tired of staying in bed and I swear if I hear `You need your rest,' I'm going to smack him. I'm pregnant not sick."

"Well, you can't blame him for worrying. This is his first child. He might be calmer when you're pregnant with your second."

Sango groaned and looked at her large belly.

"Don't mention that. After this one, I don't think I want another."

Kagome smiled but had to bite her lip to keep from saying anything. She didn't doubt that Sango wouldn't bare all the children Miroku wanted but she also doubted that Sango wouldn't want another. Sango was just tired of being pregnant but after their first baby wasn't a baby anymore, Sango would most likely want another.

Sango finished glaring at her stomach and looked up at Kagome.

"So, what brings you here. I know it's not just to visit. It's too early for that."

A guilty expression crossed Kagome's face but it quickly passed and Kagome knelt before Sango.

"You're right and before I get to my reason for being here I want to apologize for not visiting more often. I have no excuse."

Sango smiled.

"Yes you do. I've been acting crazy and that had driven you away. Now what did you need to talk to me about."

Kagome lowered her eyes.

"I would like to talk to you alone." Kagome looked to the window, "Away from ease droppers."

"I'm not ease dropping, I'm weeding." Miroku defended from the other side of the wall.

Both women chuckled. Some things would never change.

Turning her attention from the window, Sango looked at Kagome.

"So what do you suggest?"

Kagome looked hopeful.

"Well, I was thinking that we could go to the river and bathe while we talk, like we used to. It's not a long walk; besides, I don't think Kirara would mind carrying you. Is that okay."

Sango's face was practically glowing with excitement. If she had been able to, she probably would have sprang to her feet and raced outside but she was unable to but she raise her arms to be helped up instead.

Kagome smiled and quickly stood to help Sango. Kirara, who had been resting in the corner listening to the conversation, stood and ran up to the women. She rubbed against both legs before transforming into her larger self.

"Where's the bath supplies?" Kagome asked as she helped Sango mount Kirara. It wasn't easy since Sango wasn't as mobile as she used to be and it was awkward for her to sidesaddle but Kirara had lowered herself to the ground, which helped a great deal.

"There in the trunk in my bedroom." Sango answered breathlessly when Kirara rose. She was sure she was going to fall off.

Kagome went to retrieve the bottle and quickly found them. They weren't the same soaps as the ones from Kagome's time; those had run out years ago. These they had received after Miroku had preformed an exorcism. The lady of the house had been so grateful that she had given each other them a gift. The men had refused theirs but Sango and Kagome couldn't refuse the perfumed, hand made soaps. Kagome may have preferred her old ones, as did Sango, but they were better than salt.

Kagome returned to Sango, who was holding tightly to Kirara's fur and after a reassuring smile, they headed out of the hut. Miroku, who had moved away from the window after being discovered, looked up from his work. He smiled when he saw Kagome but his eyes widened in horror when he saw Sango atop of Kirara's back.

"Sango, what are you doing? Please get down before you hurt yourself."

Miroku actually dared to step forward but Sango's growl stopped him from taking anymore.

"I'm going to take a bath with Kagome and no, I won't get down."

Miroku blinked a few times.

"A bath?" It sounded sane. Sango was often complaining about it being too hot and a bath would help but, Miroku looked down at Kirara, he didn't like the risk of Sango getting hurt.

"Yes, a bath and you can't stop me." Sango growled.

"But Sango, you could fall. Please stay inside and I'll go fill the tub, then-"

"Damit hoshi!"

Both Kagome and Miroku flinched.

"I'm not going to break," she growled at him. "Now I'm going to go take a bath and you are to stay here."

"But-"

"No buts. You stay here." Sango tightened her hold on Kirara, whether it was to emphasis her point or to keep herself form attacking her husband, they didn't know. She then looked down at Kagome. "Lets go."

It was an order and one Kagome wouldn't disobey. She trailed beside Sango, biting her lip to keep from chuckling and she gave Miroku a sympathetic look when she past him. He didn't notice it. He continued to stare at Sango with his mouth slightly open and his eyes wide in shock. At this, Kagome did chuckle. Two, they'd probably have two but if Miroku wanted to live, they wouldn't have anymore.

Kagome and Sango walked in relative silence. The only words spoken were by Sango and it was mostly mumbles but Kagome did hear a few words that would have made Inuyasha blush. Speaking of Inuyasha, Kagome thought as she looked around, where was he? She had sensed him a little earlier but her focus had been on Sango and Miroku and even what she did sense had been faint and quick. She couldn't sense him at all now and had to wonder if he was avoiding her. Kagome narrowed her eyes. After all the strange attention he was giving her, he had better not start avoiding her.

It didn't take them long to reach the river and they quickly found the small pool where the women did most of their bathing. Kagome helped Sango off Kirara then helped her undress. She was thankful that Sango hadn't worn shoes, which probably would have made things more difficult. Once Sango was comfortably in the water, Kagome quickly stripped and hopped in beside her.

She couldn't stop the instinctive yelp. The water was freezing, which was natural considering it was still morning and Kagome was silently cursing herself for not remembering that little detail. Hugging herself and shivering greatly, Kagome looked over to Sango to see how she was faring. Sango looked to be in complete bliss. She was leaning against one of the large boulders with her head tilted toward the sky and a soft smile on her lips. Kagome stared at her a moment before shaking her head as she began splashing water on her skin that was still dry. She had come to a conclusion; pregnant women were strange.

"You have no idea how happy I am to be out of that hut." Sango finally spoke after a few more minutes of silence.

Kagome chuckled.

"I have a guess."

Sango's smile got bigger and she sat up and started scrubbing her skin, only her movements weren't as rush as Kagome's. The cold waster was something to be savored after all. Kagome handed Sango a bar of soap and Sango happily took it and after working up a lather, began cleansing her skin.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Sango asked.

Kagome took a deep breath and went under water only to come up even quicker, coughing and shivering. Sango stared at her. She wanted to do that but was unable. But Kagome helped her improvise by leaning her across her lap and cupping her palm and pouring water through Sango's hair. She should have brought a ladle or a cup, it would have been much easier but she hadn't thought about it. She would remember it next time. Once Sango's hair was completely soaked through, Kagome helped Sango up and they both worked up a lather and began to scrub their hair.

"Well?"

Kagome looked around her upraised arm and met Sango's eyes.

"Have you noticed Inuyasha's strange behavior lately?" she asked.

Sango stared blankly at Kagome then glanced down at her stomach. Kagome blushed and looked away.

"Sorry."

"That's okay. I'm not going to start crying over that." Sango replied as she watched Kagome once again dive under the water. She didn't come up coughing this time but she was still shivering but she quickly went to Sango to help her wash the soap out.

Sango looked up at Kagome from her position on Kagome's lap.

"So, how is Inuyasha acting?"

Kagome blushed, "Affectionate."

Sango quirked and eyebrow, this was going to be intrusting.

"He never leaves my side except to hunt. He's always bringing me food and he's always touching me."

Kagome leaned back on her hands and stared off into nothing. She was thinking back about all the surprise touches Inuyasha had given her. She mostly thought about the times he used his claws. Her reaction was the same now as it had been when Inuyasha had touched her. Her heart quickened, a blush colored her cheeks, and she began to throb in a place that one has ever touched. Kagome couldn't help but be both embarrassed and excited.

Sango watched the Kagome's face and noticed the emotions dancing gin her eyes and noticed the soft blush. Sango cracked a smile but bit her lip soon after. As much as she wanted to leave Kagome to her thought, her back was starting to hurt and the sudden kicks she was receiving wasn't making it any better.

"Kagome," she called to her, flinching at the whine she detected in her own voice, "could you help me up?"

Kagome quickly came back to reality and quickly lifted Sango upright.

"Oh god Sango, I'm sorry."

Sango waved her hand to dismiss the apology.

"It's okay, no harm done." She reassured as she rubbed the spot the baby had kicked, "but you owe me a back rub."

Kagome cracked a smile and nodded.

"Turn around."

Sango didn't hesitate and she turned her back to Kagome as fast a she could. Kagome quickly went to work kneading the knots out of Sango's lower back. Sango moaned in pleasure before responding to what Kagome had said earlier.

"What kind of food is Inuyasha giving you and how is he touching you?"

Kagome blushed but continued working on Sango's back and she quickly answered. Much quicker than she would have been if Sango had been facing her.

"Mostly meat and he's always touching my arm or lower back."

Sango smiled in what was a perfect mixture of joy and humor. She knew exactly what was going on. After all, you don't become a taijiya without learning about certain youkai behavior.

"And you have any idea of what he's doing?" Sango asked behind a smile.

"Not a clue."

Sango tried, she really did but this was too much. She started laughing and couldn't seem to stop. Her laughter echoed off the rocks, making the volume much louder and startling some of the villagers who had just risen from their beds. Kagome had stopped messaging Sango's back and stared at her with complete confusion. She waited patiently for Sango to finish but when Sango actually started hugging herself in an effort to stop and in turn made it worse, Kagome narrowed her eyes.

"Sango?"

"I'm sorry…but…I can't…stop."

Kagome's confusion turned to anger.

"Well, should I duck your head under water so you will stop?"

In normal circumstances, Sango would have been shocked that Kagome threatened her but now it only made her laugh harder and in turn made Kagome more angry.

"Damit Sango. What the fuck is going on?"

Now that shut Sango up. Hearing Kagome swear was shocking no matter the circumstance. The last time Sango had heard Kagome swear was a few months before the final battle against Naraku when she had an argument with Sesshoumaru and had called him a son of a bitch. Even Sesshoumaru had been surprised.

Sango straightened and looked over her shoulder at Kagome. She was fortunate she was in such a good mood. She was sure that Kagome's outburst would have caused her to cry otherwise.

"This had really gotten to you, hasn't it?" Sango asked.

Kagome looked away and nodded.

"I don't like not knowing what's going on, especially when it involves me and Inuyasha."

"Kagome," Sango turned so she was facing her and grabbed Kagome's chin so Kagome would have no choice but to look her in the eyes. "You have nothing to worry about." Sango reassured with a smile, "Inuyasha is courting you."

Kagome's eyes widened. She hadn't been expecting that.

"Courting? As in, he wants me?"

Sango rolled her eyes. "Sometimes Kagome, your are such an idiot."

"Hey."

Sango released Kagome's chin and leaned against her boulder. She adjusted herself until she was comfortable and looked at Kagome. She wanted to laugh at the look Kagome had on her face. The girl was taken completely off guard but Sango fought the urge and settled for a smile.

"So, do you like the attention?"

Kagome blushed and shyly smiled.

"Yes, I do like it, especially when he uses his claws."

Now it was Sango's turn to be surprised.

"What? He used his claws?"

"Yes, is there something wrong with that?"

Sango shook her head and looked off towards the bushes.

"No, I'm just surprise. Inuyasha is usually cautious when it comes to his claws. I'm surprised he used them to touch you."

Kagome wished she could stop blushing. If not, she was going to be permanently red before this conversation was over.

"I think the first time was an accident."

"Accident?" Sango looked back at Kagome, "How do you know?"

"The shock on his face with traces of fear. But now he does it whenever I'm least expecting it."

"Do you become aroused that first time?"

Yeah, she was going to be permanently colored red but at least blushing meant she didn't have to answer.

Sango's smile got even wider.

"Thought so. That's why he's doing it. He smelt your arousal and being that arrogant jackass he is, he likes knowing that he did that so in turn-"

"He keeps doing it."

Sango smiled and took a deep breath before studying Kagome's thoughtful expression.

"Are you going to accept him?"

Sango expected another blush. What she got was a sigh and she watched at Kagome turned away from her.

"I don't know."

Sango's expression turned solemn. That wasn't the answer she wanted to hear.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't' know if he's courting me or Kikyo."

"Kagome, Kikyo is dead."

"I know but I still look like her. How can I be sure?" Kagome hugged her knees to herself and tried to fight the tears but a few still escaped. "I really hate having her face."

Sango knew that there was nothing she could do to change Kagome's mind. Kikyo had always been a swore spot as far back as she had known Kagome and she knew Kagome wouldn't listen to her. Sango personally believed that Inuyasha had finishing mourning for Kikyo and was now trying to move on with his life with the only woman he truly loved. Kagome wouldn't believe her though so it was up to Inuyasha but she knew that Inuyasha probably didn't have a clue about this problem and Kagome wasn't' going to tell him.

Sango heard Kagome's soft sobs and immediately reacted. She pulled Kagome to her and tried to hold her as best as she could. It was the only comfort she could give but Kagome accepted it and held tightly to Sango as she cried into her shoulder. Sango stroked Kagome's hair in soothing motions. If this problem remained then Inuyasha and Kagome would never become partners and that was something she didn't want to happen. Sango looked off toward the bushes. They were going to have to step in.

Miroku slowly walked back to the village as she thought about everything he just heard. In the beginning, he had been both shocked and excited to discover Inuyasha was courting Kagome. In his eyes, it was about time but after hearing Kagome's fears, he had grown concern. Like Sango, he wanted to see Inuyasha and Kagome together but with Kagome holding onto that fear, it would never happen. Miroku narrowed his eyes. Inuyasha was going to need some help and he was going to give it to him, even if he had to beat it into him. And as foul of a mood he's been in lately, he just might.

AN: Wow, this chapter turned out to be longer than I originally planned it to be and the problem is, it's mostly dialogue. But I did manage to get it out sooner than I thought I would and it's only because my professor cancelled class today. I'll have the next chapter up as soon as possible, promise. Just don't expect it in the next few days.