InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Courtship ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )

Miroku couldn't help but sneak glances at Kagome from the corner of his eye. He had been doing so since this morning when Kagome had come to help him with the garden. But since they were at opposite ends of the garden, Miroku figured it safe and easy.

Kagome seemed to be practically glowing and Miroku knew that the flower in her hair had something to do with it. Every now and then, Kagome would blush and a soft smile would appear. Miroku was curious about what was causing that but he kept his mouth shut and continued working. He wasn't sure on how Kagome would feel about him knowing about Inuyasha and her blooming relationship. Besides, he could always pry it out of Inuyasha.

Speaking of Inuyasha.

Miroku looked up and saw Inuyasha sitting on the fence post; his eyes focused on Kagome or better yet, the flower in her hair. He looks more confident, Miroku thought as he realized the absence of fear in the hanyou's posture. The flower must have worked better than Miroku thought it would or Inuyasha had just found the courage he usually lacked when around Kagome.

Miroku looked at Kagome then to Inuyasha, then back again. Kagome hadn't noticed Inuyasha's presence yet and Inuyasha seemed content just to sit there all day. Miroku frowned. As much as he liked the fact that Inuyasha was courting Kagome, he had work to do and he couldn't' do that with Inuyasha hovering over them.

"Good afternoon, Inuyasha." Miroku kindly greeted and he ignored the evil glare that Inuyasha sent his way. Apparently watching Kagome was all he had wanted to do.

Kagome looked up when she heard Inuyasha's name and her eyes immediately focused on him. He was fully rested now. Kagome noticed that the energy had returned to his body and they way he was seated was like he was ready to pounce. Kagome blushed when Inuyasha turned his gaze on her but the evil glare he had been giving Miroku was gone and in it's place was a soft gentle look. Kagome bit her lip and looked down to her basket, as the blush got darker. She could feel his eyes on her and she wished he'd stop staring but at the same time, wishing he'd continue.

Deciding she had filled the basket and needing to get away from Inuyasha's gaze, Kagome grabbed the basket and stood. She turned to go into the hut but ended up almost running into Inuyasha. She had forgotten how fast he could move. She stared at him in shock then blushed when he smiled and took the basket. Kagome wanted to protest. The basket may not be light but it wasn't exactly heavy either. But once again, she couldn't speak, since Inuyasha's sudden helpful behavior surprised her to no end. Inuyasha usually never helped and when he did it was because Kagome had threatened him into it. Inuyasha suddenly taking a basket from her just to be kind was so unlike him that it was natural for Kagome to be rendered speechless. Not that it mattered anyway. Inuyasha took off toward the hut long before she would have even formed the words.

Kagome "humphed" and she grabbed another basket and headed off to the woods, telling Miroku that she was going to gather some fruit for Sango.

Miroku watched her go and wondered if he should tell her that he already had. After debating it for a few moments, he decided against it. Besides, if Kagome were in the woods, Inuyasha would follow her, leaving Miroku alone to work and take care of his wife. Smiling to himself, Miroku wiped his brow and went to the barrel to get some water. Besides, Inuyasha might make another move if they were alone.

Inuyasha walked into the hut and quickly noticed that Sango was sitting in her chair, sewing what he suspected to be another kimono and humming a melody that he didn't recognize. He had been hoping that she would be asleep but since she was humming, she had to be in a good mood. Inuyasha crossed the room and set the basket with the others. Sango watched him from the corner of her eye. She was till humming but there was a smile on her face that said she knew something that he did not.

"Thank you, Inuyasha," she said when she saw him straightened.

Inuyasha "fehed" in response and Sango's smile got bigger, though she was now eyeing the cabbage with want. But she decided she could wait until dinner since Kagome said she was going to cook for them tonight.

Inuyasha turned to face Sango, slightly curious about her silent behavior but quickly dismissed it and headed for the door.

"That flower you gave Kagome is very pretty?"

Inuyasha stopped halfway to the door and glared at Sango.

"And who said I gave it to her?" Inuyasha growled. If Miroku had blabbed to Sango he was going to rip the monk apart.

"Who else would give it to her?" Sango cut a piece of thread and held up the blouse that she was mending for Kagome. "Some village boy."

Inuyasha's eyes widened. Did he have competition? If he did, who was it and why had he noticed? Without even realizing it, Inuyasha started to growl.

"Relax, Inuyasha." Sango ordered as she rethreaded the needle. "You're the only one."

"How do you know? You've been-"

"Stuck in the hut." Sango cut in, glaring at him before continuing with her wok. "If you had been paying attention, you would have realized that I've actually been spending my time on the bench outside. It's only as of late that I've been staying inside."

Inuyasha lowered his eyes to Sango's belly. She must have been staying inside because it was too hard for her to move. Inuyasha's eyes widened when her stomach suddenly moved and Sango raised a hand to sooth the spot.

"Does it hurt?" Inuyasha asked, suddenly curious about the life inside her.

"What?"

"The baby moving. Does it hurt?"

A soft smile formed on Sango's lips and she looked down at her stomach.

"Only when he kicks." She answered and she laid a hand on her stomach. "He's not hurting me now."

"He's still moving?"

Sango nodded and looked up at him. "Do you want to feel?"

Inuyasha stared at Sango in shock but there was a child like curiosity in his eyes.

"You don't mind?"

"I let Shippo fall asleep on it so I'm not going to mind you just feeling it."

Slowly, Inuyasha made his way to Sango but stayed still when he reached her. He was still uncertain. What if he hurt her or the baby? He wasn't exactly the gentlest person around. Sango seemed to sense he fears for she took his hand in hers and placed it on top of her stomach where the movement was more active.

Inuyasha stared at his hand, still uncertain but his eyes widened in surprised excitement when he felt what was either a foot or an elbow push against his hand. Inuyasha placed his hand more firmly on her stomach and smiled when he was rewarded with another movement. Now he understood why Miroku couldn't seem to keep his hands of Sango's stomach. Feeling the movements was amazing; the proof to everyone outside that there was a life growing inside Sango.

Sango chuckled at the look on Inuyasha's face. It was the same look Miroku and Kagome had on their faces when they first felt the baby move. She probably had the same look as well but she had grown used to the movements. Now when the baby moved, her face was a mixture of affection and annoyance, especially when the baby kept moving when she was trying to sleep.

When Sango chuckled, Inuyasha realized that he had touching her stomach longer than he had intended to. He quickly pulled away and dropped his hands to his side. He was looking away but Sango was able to see the soft blush on his face. She smiled at this and returned to the garment still in need of repairing.

The movement caught Inuyasha's attention and he looked down to the blouse in Sango's hands. His eyes immediately narrowed. He had thought that was a kimono for the baby but it was Kagome's blouse. It was one of her older ones and there were several small holes from were she had gotten it caught on something or where it had just worn away.

"Why do you have Kagome's blouse?" Inuyasha asked.

"Kagome asked me to repair it but along with most of the others, it's about had it."

Inuyasha raised his eyes to Sango.

"Does she have nothing else?"

"Yes and no. Most of her jeans are fine. Some have holes but they're easily fixable. Unfortunately, they're useless without shirts. Kagome refuses to wear the miko garment that Kaede provided for her and the kimonos I let her have don't fit her right. They're a little too big and long and I'm not the best at fixing that. Little patch work it about all I can do and baby kimonos are easy."

Inuyasha bit his lip. Kagome was running out of clothes. He understood whey she refused the miko garments. Though her appearance changed somewhat, she still looked like Kikyo and the garments would make it more obvious. Inuyasha knew that Kagome hated that and he understood why. Inuyasha guilty looked to the floor. How could he not understand, he had caused it. But other than the garment, once her shirts were beyond repair, Kagome would have nothing to wear.

A plan started forming in Inuyasha's head and he couldn't help but smile wickedly. Sango noticed and stared at him, curious and a bit scared.

"Inuyasha, what are you thinking?" She asked.

Inuyasha looked down at Sango.

"Don't give the shirt back to Kagome yet."

"Why?"

"Just don't."

Before Sango could respond or throw something at him for his annoying answer, Inuyasha left the hut. Sango's lips thinned as she stared at the door. She hated it when he gave answers like that. Sango's looked down at the blouse in her lap. Oh well, at least she could take a break. Sango sighed and leaned back in her chair. It wasn't long before Sango fell asleep.

Inuyasha was surprised to see the Kagome was no longer in the garden. Even more surprised that she wasn't anywhere nearby. Testing the air, he discovered that she had gone into the forest. Inuyasha was confused. Why would she go into the forest? She had gathered herbs this morning and both Sango and her had plenty of fruit, so why go to the woods? Inuyasha turned his gaze to Miroku who was watching him.

"She went to gather fruit for Sango." Miroku answered before Inuyasha could even ask.

"Don't you have enough?"

Miroku shrugged.

"With Sango's cravings, you never now. Besides, do you want to spend time with her here in my garden with me nearby or would you rather be alone with her?"

Inuyasha didn't respond and nor did he spend much time thinking about it. Instead, he headed into the woods, following Kagome's sent. Miroku watched him go and couldn't help but smile to himself. That was too easy.

Miroku heard scampering behind him just before Shippo latched onto his shoulder. Miroku couldn't hold back the grunt of surprise. Shippo was still very small but he was getting heavier and it was beginning to affect his human family. Miroku sighed; he was going to have to teach Shippo not to jump on him anymore.

"They've been acting funny," Shippo stated, glaring suspiciously at Inuyasha's back as if he was the cause of the whole thing, before turning his gaze to Miroku. "Do you know why?"

Miroku nodded, "Yes, I do."

Miroku saw one of Inuyasha's ears twitch, indicating that he had heard.

"Are you going to tell me?" Shippo asked.

Miroku shook his head, "Maybe when you're older."

Miroku saw Inuyasha relax before disappearing into the woods.

Shippo glared up at Miroku.

"Why is it that every time I ask a question, I get that same answer?"

Miroku narrowed his eyes and looked down at the kit.

"Because you keep asking questions you're not supposed to know the answers to yet." Miroku answered. "Now if you insist on being here, you can help me with my garden or you can leave."

Shippo "humphed," a trait he picked up from Kagome and hopped off the monks shoulder to sit on the ground and think about his options. He wanted to play but his playmates were limited. The human children who weren't afraid of him were willing to play with him but they usually just wanted to see his tricks. Shippo usually didn't mind showing off but after so long, he got sick of it. Hide and seek was out of the question since the children thought it was no fair since he was able to smell them. They would play tag with him but they got winded long before he ever did. No, playing with the village children was not an option and so was Kirara since she wouldn't leave Sango side.

Shippo sighed and looked off to the forest with longing. Kagome would play with him and she was always fun. She would actually wrestle with him. She wasn't afraid of being accidentally scratched with his claws the way the village children were and she could still outrun him which gave him a challenge when playing tag and at hide and seek, she would leave multiple trails, making finding her much more difficult.

But she had been different the past few days. True, she still stopped whatever she was doing to play with him but it didn't seem like her head was in it. She was easily distracted and often lost in thought. Shippo didn't understand why but he knew it had to do with Inuyasha. Whatever it was, Shippo wished they'd hurry up and make up or do whatever it was they were thinking so he could have his Kagome back.

Shippo sighed again. He wanted to play but he had no playmates and he didn't want to be alone.

Sadly, he looked up at Miroku.

"What can I do?"

"You can water," Miroku instructed, "and if you see a ripe vegetable you want, you can have it but don't eat them all."

Shippo nodded and went to get the watering can, eager to help but a frown was still on his face. Miroku watched the kit as he worked and he realized that he had another problem on his hands. How was Inuyasha going to treat Shippo? Miroku didn't think that Inuyasha would object to being Shippo's father once Kagome accepted him but Miroku wasn't sure that Inuyasha's behavior would change over night and if Kagome could barely stand the bonks Inuyasha gave Shippo now, then she defiantly wouldn't tolerate it once they were mated. Miroku sighed. It looked like he was going to have another talk with Inuyasha once he got back.

Inuyasha didn't have any problem finding Kagome, which didn't surprise him since her sent easily stood out against the smells of the forest but he was surprised by the blush he received when she spotted him and how she tried to avoided his gaze. Inuyasha couldn't help but smile at this. He knew that she was remembering the kiss and that was the reason Kagome was blushing. He would be too if he hadn't been so proud about it.

Without a word, Inuyasha walked over to the tree and started helping but he was only putting half the effort into it. Most of his effort was going into watching Kagome. She had turned slightly from him but he was still able to see her face and he watched the emotions chase across it. At first there was just the blush and a soft smile. Then it began to dwindle into emotions Inuyasha didn't like; uncertainty, fear, and sadness. It was after she had gotten used to his presence so maybe it had nothing to do with him, or everything to do with him.

Inuyasha suspected that it had to do with the well. He had seen her look off in the well's direction in the past and she had always had a sad expression on her face. They had talked about it in the past but sometimes Inuyasha wondered if she had been lying or if her thoughts had changed. Since he wanted to know and since he didn't have to worry about her running from him, Inuyasha decided to ask.

"Kagome, do you still think about the well?"

Kagome had been bending down to place another plum in the basket but when she heard that she stood and turned to him.

"Inuyasha, I thought we talked about this."

"That was months ago." Inuyasha explained, "Your feelings might have changed."

Kagome smiled at him before turning aback to the tree.

"Honestly, yes." She said as she picked another plum. "But my feelings haven't changed." Lowering to her feet, she looked at Inuyasha who was now leaning against the tree, his entire focus on her. "I like it here. I'm happy here."

"But you still thing about the well."

"And I always will. My mother, brother, and grandfather are on that side and I miss them. But I rather be here."

"Why?"

Kagome made that look that told him that she was getting annoyed and he thought she would sidestep the question and start yelling at him like she always did when he asked a question that she didn't want to answer. He was thankful that she decided to answer.

"This is my home, Inuyasha. That's why."

Inuyasha smiled, "Is that all."

He was pushing his luck and he knew it but the blush that crept up from her neck to her cheeks would have made his death worth it. Inuyasha watched as she trailed her eyes along his frame, as if eyeing a treat she couldn't have, and her blush got deeper when she realized that what she was doing. She met his eyes briefly before turning her gaze to the branches above her and began to reach for another plum.

"That's the only answer you're going to get, now drop it." Kagome ordered as she dropped another plum into the basket.

Inuyasha's smile was full of masculine pride. He knew what the other reason was and he couldn't help but let it go to his head but he did as Kagome asked and kept his mouth shut. Instead, he watched Kagome work. The blush was still there, Inuyasha noticed with great amusement and judging by the deepness of it, it would be there for a while.

Slowly, Inuyasha let his eyes wander over her body. With her focus on the branches above her, it was safe to do so. His eyes trailed down from her face to her exposed neck. He watched her pulse for a moment, straining his ears to hear the beat before trailing his eyes down to her breast and he couldn't help but lick his lips. He knew from watching her bathe what she looked like and how the contraptions she wore made her look bigger. Kagome didn't have the largest bust had ever seen but that didn't bother him. To him, they were perfect from their size all the way to the color of her nipples.

Inuyasha bit his lip in an effort to control his breathing and rapid heartbeat before his desire for her became more visible than he was ready to show. Maybe watching her like he was hadn't been such a good idea but he was a man dammit. Sometimes he just had to look and besides, she was his potential mate and that gave him a right.

Inuyasha lowered his eyes to her torso and Kagome had decided at that time to reach for a higher branch. Stretching the way she was caused her shirt to ride up and reveal her stomach. Inuyasha had to hold back the instinctive growl of approval when he was granted the view of bare flesh. He stomach was flat as it had been when they first met but the traveling they had done had given her more muscle tone, therefore giving her a strong, seductive body.

Inuyasha's mouth watered at the sight but not only did he see a gorgeous body; he sat a perfect opportunity to continue of his advances. His fingers itched in anticipation and slowly made his way to her.

Kagome could feel Inuyasha's eyes on her and she knew it wasn't helping her blush go away at all. She was still kicking herself for checking him out. Sure she had done so in the past but at least then he hadn't seen her do it. But how could she not check him out? He had a body every man wanted and every woman hungered for. Still, Inuyasha had seen her do it and by the look he had in his eyes, he knew what she was doing.

Kagome had managed to calm herself down. She was still scolding herself for daring to look at Inuyasha but she could feel the blush leave her cheeks. It was then that Kagome felt claws on her bare stomach.

Inuyasha didn't know what he was expecting when he ran his claws on her stomach but the high pitch squeal wasn't one of them. The squeal was so high pitch that Inuyasha's ears flattened against his head in reaction to the sound. The squeal also unprepared him from Kagome's next reaction that followed immediately after. Kagome dropped. In doing so, her elbow caught Inuyasha in the shoulder and in turn, took him down with her. Kagome ended up flat on her back with Inuyasha on top of her.

Kagome's eyes were wide as she stared up at the tree, trying to register what had just happened. Inuyasha's weight had left her immobile and she could feel his hand on her stomach. She blushed when she realized what he had been doing but when he shifted his weight and rose enough so he could look down at her, she narrowed her eyes.

"You jerk," she yelled and punched his shoulder. "Why'd you do that?"

Inuyasha's face turned a soft shade of pink that Kagome would have found adorable if she wasn't lying under him with his hand still on her stomach.

"What are you yelling at me for?" Inuyasha yelled back, ignoring her question. "You're the one that dropped and you brought be down with you."

"I can see that."

"Why'd you do that anyway?"

"I didn't do it on purpose you bone head. It was a reaction."

Inuyasha's eyes got narrower at the insult.

"You never reacted that way before."

"Well maybe that's because before it didn't tickle."

The moment the words left Kagome's mouth she knew that it had been a mistake. Kagome went completely still and her yelling abruptly stopped and her entire focus was on Inuyasha's face. She watched as his brows rose to where they disappeared under his bangs and his eyes widened with the information he had just received. She watched as he looked down at his hand that he still hadn't removed from her skin. When he looked back at her, he had a mischievous smile on his face and a predatory glint in his eyes. Kagome forced herself not to squirm but when she felt his fingers press more firmly against her, she knew she was in trouble. Trying to fight the reactions inside her, she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Don't you dare." She ordered.

Inuyasha's smile only got bigger.

"I'll say it." She threatened.

Inuyasha slowly leaned forward until their noses were almost touching. Kagome tried to lean back so she could continue to glare at him but the ground refused to give. Again, she had to fight the need to squirm but when she felt his claws lightly graze her skin she froze.

"How can you say the word," Inuyasha questioned as he flashed his fangs at her, "If you're unable to talk?"

With that he began to tickle her, flattening his ears back when she instantly squealed. Kagome's squeals turned into laughter as she began to squirm and fight him. She pushed at his hands but every time she managed to push one away, the other quickly replaced it. She eventually tried to grab him but he was too quick. Unable to stop him, Kagome tried to get away. She squirmed and twisted but every time she managed to again an inch, Inuyasha would just pull her back. When she started to kick, he threw a leg over her and straddled her waist, being careful not to put all his weight on her but successfully pinning her.

Their laughter filled the forest and an occasional squeal was heard when Inuyasha found another ticklish spot. Inuyasha was laughing as well, not only at her futile attempts or her breathless threats but also at the innocent fun of it all. Inuyasha was leaving her breathless but also searching for more ticklish spots. Every time he found one, her attempts to get away got stronger but when he tickled her ribs just under her breast did she actually manage to throw him off her.

Without his weight on top of her, Kagome scrambled to her feet and tried to run but only succeeded in getting tackled from behind.

Inuyasha was laughing in her ear when she screamed but he twisted them around so he took the brunt of the fall. It loosened his grip a bit and Kagome tried to use that to her advantage to get away. Inuyasha sensed the movement and rolled her underneath him but Kagome still had enough momentum to throw him off again but he held on to her and they ended up rolling upon the forest floor.

Their game continued for a few more minutes until Inuyasha decided to stop it and let Kagome catch her breath. She lay under him, still laughing as she took in gasping breaths. A large smile was plastered to her face and her eyes danced from their play. She looked positively radiate with her hair a mess and face flushed from exertion and Inuyasha couldn't help himself. Still laughing and a little worn out from their game, Inuyasha didn't think as he lowered his lips to hers and gave her a delicate, chaste kiss.

Both their laughter abruptly stopped and Inuyasha slowly pulled back enough to look at Kagome. Her eyes were wide as she stared up at him and her traditional blush was back on her cheeks. But she didn't slap him or yell at him like Inuyasha thought she would but instead, lowered her eyes to his lips. That action encouraged Inuyasha and he lowered his lips back to her.

The kiss was soft and questioning, allowing Kagome a chance to push him away if she wanted but she didn't push him away. She didn't even kiss back at first but as Inuyasha tenderly caressed her lips with his, she hesitantly kissed him back. Inuyasha felt the tension in his muscles leave him when Kagome shyly moved her mouth with his and he couldn't help but growl his approval.

She was soft beneath him. Just like he imagined she'd be but more so. The way she kissed him, shy and uncertain, underscored her innocence and that set his blood on fire and made him be gentler with her than he had planned on being. And she tasted sweater than he ever dreamed.

Inuyasha gently nibbled her bottom lip like he had dreamed of doing last night. He relished in her taste before turning his head to take the kiss more deeply. Kagome's lips parted under the assault and Inuyasha boldly but still gently, slipped his tongue inside. The action surprised Kagome but the pleasure of it kept her from pulling back. But Kagome was uncertain on how to respond and it was only when Inuyasha started coaxing her did she started to explore. Shyly, she met his tongue with hers, following his movements and guidance, then she boldly ran her tongue along his teeth, purposely pressing a bit firmly against his fangs. Not enough to pierce but enough to cause her to shudder.

Then her world was turned upside down as Inuyasha rolled, putting her on top of him, before sitting up. His arms held her firmly against him. One hand buried deep in her hair, the other on the small of her back. They were growing bolder as they explored each other's mouths, learning each other's taste as they rejoiced in the feel of each other. Kagome eventually overcame her shyness and buried her hands in his hair. Holding him to her as she unknowingly made the kiss more aggressive.

Inuyasha couldn't help but moan in her mouth when she sucked his bottom lip and growing confident from her actions, he moved the hand from the small of her back to her stomach and slowly began to move it up under her shirt.

Kagome was far gone and if Inuyasha had waited a few more moments, Kagome probably wouldn't have noticed his moving hand. Even longer and they just might have ended up making love on the forest floor, under the plum tree with spilt fruit all around them. But even though Kagome was reaching the point of no return, she was still coherent enough to take notice of her surroundings and innocent enough to easily get scared. And scared is what she got. The sudden fear brought reality back to her and she suddenly remembered why she had wanted to wait. She was still uncertain about Inuyasha's feelings for her. But she loved the feel of his body against hers, she loved his taste, and how his mouth dominated hers, and she loved the way he was touching her. But whom was he touching? Who was he kissing? Her or Kikyo?

Panic was the result of her questioning and she quickly pulled her mouth away from him and scrambled out his lap. Inuyasha let her go but her sudden movements surprised him and he ended up falling to the ground. Prompting himself on one elbow, Inuyasha stared up at her and quickly noticed how she was covering her mouth, partially hiding her swollen lips, as if she couldn't believe what had just happened and how there were tears in her eyes. What surprised him the most was the fear and panic he sensed. Did he push her too far too soon? He prayed to every god he knew that he didn't. He didn't want his chances with her to be blown.

"Kagome?"

His voice seemed to snap her out of her stupor and she blinked as she stared down at him. Then she took a step back.

"I'm sorry Inuyasha," she whispered around her hand and tears, "I'm just not ready."

Then she turned and ran leaving Inuyasha on the ground wondering what they hell had just happened.

AN: Damn, this chapter took longer than I thought. I bet you all thought that they were going to go all the way in this chapter, didn't you? Sorry, I can't have them do that yet. There are still too many issues they have to resolve before anything can happen between them. Plus, I want to make Inuyasha suffer a bit. But here's a promise. Sesshoumaru and Koga will be making an appearance. Sesshoumaru in the next chapter to be exact and we all now that when Koga's around, there's going to be trouble and I'm going to be giving them a lot of trouble. Hopefully, I will get the next chapter out sooner than this one but I have a test coming up soon so I doubt it. Next chapter, Miroku has another talk with Inuyasha and Inuyasha goes to see Sesshoumaru and discuss his next idea.