InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Courtship ❯ Chapter Sixteen ( Chapter 16 )

The sun had almost set when Inuyasha and Kagome returned to the village. The villagers were just getting ready to search for them and were splitting into teams under the orders of Kaede and Miroku. They were rather surprised when the pair returned. Inuyasha did enter the village running at top speed with Kagome on his back and nor did he just casually stroll in, ignoring everything around him when he was alone. Instead, he walked at a pace that was almost careful and he headed straight for Kaede. What really surprised them was that Kagome seemed to be asleep and was wearing Inuyasha's hoari. Miroku would have had several perverted things to say but when Inuyasha reached them, the words caught in his throat.

Kagome wasn't asleep but her face was twisted in pain and there was a large lump on her temple. Inuyasha didn't explain what happened but in the softest voice he could manage, ordered Kaede to follow him to her hut so she could tend to Kagome and had order Miroku not to go far before disappearing into Kaede's hut.

Kagome had opened her eyes when she was in the comfort of shadows and didn't have to worry about the sunlight hurting her head but she clung to Inuyasha when he sat down on her futon. Her head had started hurting even more after she had woken up after her nap. It had hurt so bad that she had actually gotten sick and would have felt humiliated that she had done so in front of Inuyasha if she hadn't curled up as another wave of pain washed over her. Inuyasha had cleaned her up and forced her to eat a little and got her to drink some water but there was nothing he could do for the pain other then place a wet rag on her forehead but she needed more than that. She needed Kaede.

Kaede quickly made some tea to take care of Kagome's pain and after handing the cup to Inuyasha; she sat back and watched the two. Inuyasha was holding the cup for her while Kagome guided it to her mouth. He was whispering comforting words to her and though Kaede couldn't hear them, she could tell that the combination of his voice and the tea where helping Kagome feel better. Occasionally Inuyasha would place a kiss on Kagome's temple and each time, Kagome leaned toward him, almost asking for more. Kaede couldn't help but smile at the open display of affection. She had no idea what had happened while they were away but apparently, the two had finally admitted their feelings to the other. It was about time in Kaede's opinion.

The tea was a powerful mixture of herbs and they quickly took affect on Kagome, especially since she hadn't eaten much but the side effect was drossiness and Kagome had drunk two cups of tea before the headache had diminished enough for her to be comfortable. Both Inuyasha and Kaede watched as Kagome's eyes began to drop and though she tried to stay awake, she was losing the fight and after giving up she curled up against Inuyasha and sighed in content before dropping off.

The moment Kagome fell asleep he moved her onto the futon. He had just finished covering her with a thin blanket when Shippo ran into the room and lunged at Kagome, tears falling down his eyes and a heartbreaking wail escaping his mouth.

Inuyasha caught him before he managed to reach Kagome and clamped a hand over his mouth and silenced him with a demanding growl. Shippo still made a sound of protest and he still struggled but he didn't sink his teeth and claws into Inuyasha's skin like he had in the past, a pure sign of their improved relationship. After giving a Kaede a look that told her to watch over Kagome, Inuyasha walked out of the hut and only then did he release Shippo's mouth.

"Where have you been?" Shippo yelled at him. "You were gone most of yesterday, all of last night and all of today. What happened and why didn't you take me with you?"

Inuyasha growled in annoyance but kept his grip gentle as he tucked Shippo under his arm and headed to where he knew Miroku was waiting.

"I'll tell you later," Inuyasha answered, not knowing that he was still growling but Kagome waking in intense pain had left him on edge and a little cranky. He wanted to help her but knew that he was unable to do anything. Kaede had the remedy to Kagome's pain so it was up to the old miko and Inuyasha hated that. Kagome was going to be his mate and it was his job to take care of her and not being able to greatly upset him but he did decide that if he ran into Koga again, he would beat the wolf into a bloody pulp.

Shippo didn't like that answer and began to struggle again but Inuyasha tightened his arm and looked down at the kit. His eyes were so cold that Shippo went still immediately and wondered if he was going to be thrown into the village well that they were slowly approaching.

"Shippo, you are not to jump on Kagome." Inuyasha ordered. "She isn't feeling well and won't be for a while and if she is asleep you are to let her sleep. If her eye so much as twitches and I find out that you caused it, I'll shave your tail."

Shippo squeaked at the threat and instinctively tucked his tail between his legs to protect it. Like every fox he was very proud of that distinguished feature and his was especially bushy and he wanted to keep it that way. Playing with the tip with his hands, Shippo stayed silent as Inuyasha sat at the lip of the well. He was so focused on his tail that he didn't notice that Miroku was also sitting there, waiting for them until Inuyasha placed him in his lap.

Miroku looked up at Inuyasha when he sat next to him. He didn't say anything but waited patiently as Inuyasha told the tale of how Kagome got hurt. The version was edited, since he left out the kiss that had allowed Koga to sneak up on him so easily. He wasn't ashamed of the kiss, far from it actually, but he didn't think that Miroku should know about it and Shippo was still too young to hear about such things. Plus, he didn't think he could talk about it without his face turning as red as his hoari.

Miroku and Shippo listened to Inuyasha's tale in silence, except at the occasional squeak from Shippo when he heard something that he thought was frightening. Both Shippo and Miroku's eyes widened when Inuyasha told how he turned into a full-youkai and how Kagome got hurt during the fight. Since he couldn't remember anything after he turned full-youkai, he retold what Kagome had told him. Then he smiled and looked up at the sky.

"Then she agreed to be my mate."

Miroku could help but be surprised about that but a smile quickly spread across his face and he patted his friend on the back.

"I don't know how you did it, my friend," Miroku laughed, "but you finally convinced Kagome that you love her."

Inuyasha blushed but held his head high as he took in the compliment. Then remembering why he originally wanted to talk to Miroku, he turned to him.

"I need your help," he told him.

Miroku's brows rose but he was still smiling when he responded.

"Again? Inuyasha you already have her acceptance. What else do you need help with? How to line yourself up? Or maybe you don't know what position to take herrr-"

Miroku never finished since he suddenly found his face on the ground with a hanyou's claws digging threatening into the back of his neck. He could just picture how red Inuyasha's face was and he wanted to laugh at the image but choked back the sounds in the fear of choking on dirt.

Shippo had been forced to jump off Inuyasha's lap when he attacked Miroku and couldn't help but wonder what Miroku was going to say and why Inuyasha had reacted so violently. Tilting his head in a curious manner, he studied Inuyasha's face. He had never seen red that shade before. Kagome had blushed some interesting shades of red before but none were as red as Inuyasha's face right now. The image was rather amusing and Shippo wondered if he should ask about it later. He wouldn't mind seeing that color again but then thought against it. If he did ask, then it would be him eating dirt instead of Miroku.

"Not with that you pervert," Inuyasha yelled and tightened his grip to let the monk know that he should drop the subject he was mentioning before letting go and sitting back on the well. He didn't have his hoari to fold his ands into so he settled from crossing his arms over his chest.

Miroku slowly rose off the ground, laughing and coughing the entire time and he took his seat next to Inuyasha as he tried to control his breathing. Inuyasha growled at him but the sound of knuckles cracking reached Miroku's ears but that only made him laugh harder. Inuyasha glared at him but other than that remained still and silent as he waited for Miroku to control himself.

It took awhile and by the time he did manage to stop Inuyasha was about ready to kill him. Miroku was still chuckling but he waved his hand in a motion for Inuyasha to continue.

Inuyasha growled but took the offer.

"I want to build a house for Kagome."

One of Miroku's brows lifted.

"Why do you need help with that? I'm sure you can manage it just fine on your own."

Inuyasha shook his head.

"It would take months. I have time to claim her since she's hurt but she'll heal in a couple of weeks. I want it done before then."

Miroku smiled, "In that big of a hurry, huh." After a short chuckle, Miroku looked off toward his own hut. He could understand. He too wanted everything to go quick up to the point of his wedding night. That he wanted to savior but everything couldn't get done fast enough for him. Well, the wedding was fine. He could go through one of those again but building the hut and arranging the wedding hadn't gone nowhere near fast enough for him.

"Even if you and I build it together, it will still take a lot of time," Miroku explained after studying his hut and remember how long it took.

"I know and I was hoping that you could get the villagers to help."

Miroku looked at Inuyasha.

"Well, this is a surprise. You usually ignore the villagers and now you want their help. You must want this more than I thought."

Inuyasha snarled at the monk, "Of course I want it. Kagome and I can't very well have a family living in Kaede's hut and I know Kagome wouldn't want to live in a cave or tree. She's a human. She needs a roof above her and wall surrounding her and I want to give her that."

Miroku smiled completely approving of Inuyasha's way of thinking.

"I think I can convince them to help," Miroku told him, "but we need plans and land."

"I got that."

With that, the three knelt in the dirt as Inuyasha drew a rough diagram of the land he claimed and what he wanted his house to look like. It was a bit more complicated than the huts and the clearing, despite it's large size, didn't offer much room to work in but after some adjustments, they came to a design that not only worked, but Inuyasha liked as well. It was smaller than Inuyasha had first envisioned but Miroku had drawn a diagram next to the house and laid out the floor plan that was simple and still gave them plenty of room.

Next to them, Shippo watched with growing curiosity and excitement. Inuyasha was going to claim Kagome. That would mean that he would have a complete family and eventually, brothers and sisters, something the kit always wanted but never dwelled on since he never though he would get them. He even began imagining the house Inuyasha was planning on building and his little heart pounded with excitement. He wanted that house and he wanted to help create it.

It was by the time Inuyasha and Miroku started making plans on when to start building did Shippo finally voice his request.

"I want to help."

Both Inuyasha and Miroku stopped their conversation to stare down at the kit. He was sitting on his haunches, staring up at them with big, hopeful eyes, and his tail twitching in anticipation.

"Shippo, you're a little small for this kind of work," Miroku told him. "You might only get in the way."

"No, I won't." Shippo stood on his feet and puffed up his chest. "I'm a youkai, far stronger than any human. I helped battle Naraku and dammit I want to help."

Miroku chuckled but started to argue but Inuyasha but him off.

"Fine."

Both Miroku and Shippo stared up at Inuyasha. They hadn't expected that. Miroku expected Inuyasha to agree with him since Shippo was so small and though he was strong, he was still only stronger than human children. He probably wouldn't be able to handle a hammer without difficulty. Shippo had expected Inuyasha to fight him on this so this was a big surprise when Inuyasha said he would let him help but surprise was replaced with joy and his smile was full of excitement as he suppressed the need to jump in glee.

"Really? I can help?"

Inuyasha nodded.

"You can hold the nails and get tools for the workers." Inuyasha then pointed a claw finger in front of Shippo's face. It was so close that Shippo's eyes crossed when he looked at it. "But when something is too heavy, you let someone else handle it. Kagome will skin me alive if you got hurt and you are to help the women when they need you. And if you slow us down drastically, your stuck watching."

Shippo nodded in agreement then before thinking, he lunged at Inuyasha and hugged him. Well, it was his best imitation of a hug since his arms couldn't wrap around him but he was too happy to care. Inuyasha blinked in surprised and looked to Miroku who was smiling but shook his head to let Inuyasha know he was going to have to figure this one out on his own. Inuyasha smiled in return and patted Shippo's back before pushing him into his lap so he could look down at him.

"One more thing."

Shippo smiled and nodded. He didn't care what that one thing was as long as he got to help.

"You are not to tell Kagome. I want it to be a surprise. If you tell her, I won't even let you watch."

Shippo nodded his agreement and looked down at the diagram before hopping down to it so he could have a better look. After studying it for a minute he put his finger in the middle of a large square.

"I claim that room," he announced.

"Like hell. That's mine and Kagome's room."

Inuyasha was sleeping quite deeply when he felt eyes watching him then he cursed himself. He had his nose buried in Kagome's hair and had completely missed the scent. Sleeping next to Kagome was almost dangerous since her sent drowned out everything else but Inuyasha decided that if he had really been in danger or had not recognized the scent, he probably would have been awake a long time ago.

Not bothering to hold back the yawn, Inuyasha rolled onto his back and stretched. After riding the sleep from his muscles Inuyasha sat up and met his brother's eyes. Kagome protested the loss of warmth but after curling into a tighter ball, she grew quiet again.

Sesshoumaru glanced at the miko and narrowed his eyes at the sight of the bump but didn't say anything as he set the large bundle at Inuyasha's side. Inuyasha's eyes brightened when he saw it and he quickly grabbed it to unwrap it. As enthused at he was, one would think it was his present but if it were his, he probably wouldn't have taken such care bushing the wrapping aside and gently touching a silk garment.

Inuyasha could swear that his heart stopped when he saw the kimonos. They were even more beautiful then the shirts. The one on top was the gold one he had been worrying about ever sine he picked it but now he knew it wasn't a mistake. The garment was probably the softest silk he had ever felt and the golden color was mellow and rich with white dragons decorating it and with a white obi to match. He couldn't wait to see Kagome in it.

"I take it everything was to your expectations?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Inuyasha nodded as he traced a dragon. "More," he answered. "Taka is amazing."

Sesshoumaru nodded is agreement.

"She's the best that I've seen. She can even turn the ugliest of fabrics into a gown meant for royalty." Sesshoumaru cracked a smile. "She once told me that her mother was better and as proud as Taka is of her work, I don't doubt her."

"Better?" Inuyasha looked up at his brother. "Anything better would be meant for gods."

Sesshoumaru chuckled but silently agreed and he looked down at the girl sleeping so close to Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru almost smirked. When he had first entered the hut, Inuyasha was completely wrapped around the girl and was holding her in what could only be described as a possessive manner.

"I take it the girl has accepted you as your mate." It was more of a statement than a question but Inuyasha answered with a nod anyway. "But you haven't claimed her yet."

"I can't." Inuyasha turned toward Kagome and brushed her hair back so Sesshoumaru could get a complete view of the injury. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed when he saw the full extent. It was too serious but this was his brother's mate and that made her his to protect as well.

"How?"

"A youkai challenged me and she got injured during the fight."

"Did you kill him?"

Inuyasha shook his head, "She made me promise not to."

Sesshoumaru's eyes filled with understanding.

"It was the wolf?"

Inuyasha nodded and suppressed the growl that rose at the mention of the wolf. "I know you think I should have killed the wolf and believe me I wanted to. But Kagome made me promise and I understand why. Plus, I had to care for her."

Sesshoumaru nodded his understanding and walked over to kneel next to Kagome. He studied the wound more closely and after deciding that it would heal fine on its own, he stood. Inuyasha didn't say anything and nor did he worry about Kagome waking since she was so heavily drugged with the tea that she probably wouldn't wake until early afternoon.

"This turned out for the best," Sesshoumaru stated as he looked over to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"You probably would have taken her the moment she accepted you, am I right?"

Inuyasha opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed and turned away as a blush stained his cheeks, he seemed to be blushing more than Kagome as of late. Sesshoumaru was right. If Kagome hadn't been hurt, he would have taken her the moment she breathed her words of acceptance. But what was wrong with that? That was how youkai claimed their mates.

Sesshoumaru stood. He understood what was going through Inuyasha's mind and if this girl had been anyone else, he wouldn't have said anything but this girl was unlike any other and should be given the very best, including a proper mating.

"Your mate to be is a human female, Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru explained, "and from what I know of human females is that everyone of them dreams of a certain day. I sure your woman is no different."

Inuyasha looked down at Kagome who continued to rest peacefully before looking back at his brother.

"What day?"

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. "You mean to tell me, that you have spent most of your life with or around humans and you have no idea of their customs."

Inuyasha growled low in his chest. "Of course not. The customs are a complete waist of time, so why bother learning about them?"

Sesshoumaru smiled, "Tell that to the girl explain to her why she can't have her wedding."

Before Inuyasha could answer, Sesshoumaru left the hut.

Inuyasha stared after him with his eyes in shock. A wedding? Kagome would want a wedding? He remembered Sango and Miroku's wedding. He had been bored and the only interesting part had been the food but he also remembered how Kagome and Sango smiled when they were making plans and how Kagome seemed to be dreaming as she watched Sango and Miroku go through the service. Yes, she would want a wedding. Inuyasha bit his lip in frustration. It seemed that every time he got closer to his goal, someone decided to make things harder for him.

Next to him Kagome mumbled, drawing his attention. His expression softened as he stared down at her and images of what she would look like glowing with happiness as she went through the wedding ceremony. Yes, he could give her a wedding. After getting up to hide the kimonos, Inuyasha curled back up against Kagome and pulled her tightly against him. He couldn't stop the smile that formed when she whispered his name and relaxed against him. He'd give her the wedding but he was going to have to talk to Kaede since she was the one who planned the damn things. He just hoped that he would go quickly so he wouldn't have to wait anymore than he had to.

AN: Three chapters in three days. Not bad. (Pats exhausted muse on the head). This story is almost done and I have everything planned out for the next chapters. Unfortunately, I might not get the next chapter out until Sunday unless both my school and place of employment burns to the ground and even then it might not be done since I'll be having one hell of a barbeque if that happens. Being an adult sucks (Cries and dreams of past times when things were easier, without bills, without rent, without annoying siblings asking for money so he can buy things he doesn't need especially so close to his damn birthday).

I noticed that some reviewers weren't sure on the spelling of Montaro's name. It is

M-o-n-t-a-r-o. I'm not really certain about it either but I got it off a Website that's nothing but names from other countries so if it's spelt wrong, it's the creator's fault. I might seem a little lame having to look up names but I'm no good at creating one, especially since I don't know the language so I cheated. It's the same with Taka. Sorry.

Next chapter: With every one working on the house and Kaede checking on Sango's progress, Kagome is left alone, giving the perfect opportunity to an obsessed villager.