Rebuilding Dreams

Chapter Twelve – What now?

Kagome lay nestled up against Inuyasha’s side. They were outside again, under the cherry tree. The others had long ago retired to bed. Kagome just looked up into the sky, watching the moon disappear and reappear behind the clouds that drifted lazily across the sky. Inuyasha’s arm was curled protectively around her waist, holding her close to his warmth. They had been silent for a long time, discussions about their day having fled at least two hours prior.

It had been three days now since Sesshoumaru had told them of the message that had been left for Kagome. Every time that Kagome thought about what had happened it was like having her heart broken all over again. Inuyasha didn’t think he could stand seeing her hurt anymore. She was his to protect, and he hated that he couldn’t protect her from the emotional distress she was going through now. Tentatively, he moved his head closer to hers and nuzzled her ear and neck. She jumped slightly, but didn’t grow fearful. That was the only plus side to come out of this mess. Due to his refusal to leave her side, she had grown used to his presence and the small touches he would give. Almost possessively he slipped his other arm around her and settled his body against hers so that he spooned her.

“So, what do you want to do?”

She didn’t have to ask what he meant. They hadn’t discussed it since Sesshoumaru had brought it up three days prior, but it was there, on their minds at all times. This was simply the first that either had chosen to put it into words for the other to address. She was silent for a moment then shrugged.

“I don’t really know. I don’t exactly have a choice, do I?” She moved as if to pull away from him, but apparently changed her mind, because she snuggled closer, allowing her body to rest fully against his. She closed her eyes.

Inuyasha couldn’t help the smile that crept over his lips at having her so near, even with the seriousness of, well, everything. “You have a choice. The situation and results may be dire, but you still can choose. I will not hold you to the bond if you choose so.” That thought wiped the smile off Inuyasha’s face with the efficiency of wiping away milk.

Kagome however smiled herself and rolled over facing him. “I could never choose that. I think, no, I know I’m falling for you.”

Inuyasha very nearly melted against her but he squeezed her gently instead, before he could say anything though a bush to their right rustled and a moment later a bushy tailed Shippo burst through the leaves, landing between them.

Inuyasha could have exploded! “What are you doing, kid?” He didn’t wait for a reply though as he lifted him by the tail and thumped his head. “Do you have any idea what kind of moment you just spoiled, brat?!” This of course evolved into a full-scale argument between the two in which Shippo tried his hardest to out best the much larger hanyou.

Kagome laughed. She couldn’t help it. She just laughed and eventually the sound broke into their arguing. They both turned to stare at her. The entire time she had been with them, even while playing with the children, she had never laughed like this. It made them both smile, and because her eyes were closed to restrain tears of laughter they were able to sneak up on either side of her. From then on it was everyone for themselves in an all out tickle war.


Somewhere far beyond the walls of the castle someone was watching. Two someones, in fact, and neither was pleased with the way events were turning. They glared at each other and after a minute Kikyo’s voice broke the silence. “Well, so much for your unstoppable plan, now what, genius?” The only response she got was a growl.


It was morning again. The sun had just began to peak through the last vestiges of dark dawn and already the occupants of the castle were awake and moving. The servants were cooking breakfast already while the master and his rather odd family went about their morning rituals.

Kagome was in the bath. The bath here was much different than the one she was used to. The room had been built around a natural hot spring and it was almost like taking a bath in a Jacuzzi. As a result Kagome usually spent a bit more time than necessary in this room. That was why she had taken to rising as early as Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha.

Rin had decided to join her for her bath and Kagome smiled as she ran a brush through the child’s soft hair. It felt more like silk than hair. Rin smiled and relaxed into the lady’s lap. There was a sudden sharp rap in the door and Kagome sighed.

“Well, that’s our cue to leave. Come on, let’s get dressed.” She gently slid the girl from her lap. They dressed quickly and opened the door. Kagome’s clothing clung slightly to her damp skin, and it was this rather stunning sight that greeted Inuyasha’s eyes.

He nearly fell to the floor as he gawked at her, his eyes wide, almost bulging. “I, um, I,” he fumbled for his words, and Kagome could have sworn she saw a large bead of sweat on the side of his face. She tilted her head expectantly. “Sesshoumaru says it is time for breakfast.” He finally managed.

They nodded and took their leave, Kagome looking curiously back over her shoulder at Inuyasha. He seemed to be leaning against the wall looking half astonished by something. Kagome shrugged and took Rin’s hand in hers as they made their way down the many steps that led to the room they usually took their meals in. It was an old study that Sesshoumaru had had refurnished. He had a large dining hall, but as there was so few of them, he saw no need to use it. Perhaps he would use it for Rin’s coming out ball when she was old enough, but until then it would remain unused except for important meetings between the other Lords of the lands and himself.

He smiled and rose from his seat, greeting Kagome and Rin as they entered. “Good morning, ladies. Did you have a good bath this morning, Rin?”

Rin grinned. “Rin had an excellent bath, Sesshoumaru-sama. It would have been better if Inuyasha hadn’t interrupted us. Rin loves Kagome playing with her hair.” Kagome smiled affectionately at the child and Sesshoumaru chuckled.

“I sent him to get you. Otherwise you would have been late and breakfast would have become cold.” Rin seemed to pout for a moment but then nodded.

As if on cue several servants walked in carrying a literal breakfast buffet. There were pancakes, sausages, eggs in every style – fried, scrambled, boiled, poached, omellettes, and more – fried ham and pork chops and lots of things she didn’t recognize right off. She looked at Sesshoumaru enquiringly. He shrugged.

“Today Inuyasha decided to tell the kitchen servants what to fix for all meals. I have no idea what it’s all about, knowing him, however, we probably don’t want to know.” He frowned. “Speaking of which, where is he?”

Kagome shrugged. “I thought he would be behind us.”

“I was.” Inuyasha came around the door just then, smiling. He cast a quick eye around at the various breakfast items and nodded to himself. “I see they did as I requested.”

“And why may I ask did you have them to go through such an extravagancy?”

Inuyasha’s reply was a smug smile. “You’ll see,” and with that he left. Ten minutes later Shippo hurried in, muttering an apology about being late cause he’d been helping Inuyasha. Kagome watched in humor as he grabbed whatever was within reach, shoveled it down, and then left again. The three remaining occupants exchanged questioning expressions, though Kagome thought she saw a flicker of understanding in Sesshoumaru’s eyes.

After breakfast Kagome and Rin went out into the gardens, while Sesshoumaru worked in his study. They could find neither Inuyasha nor Shippo, so Kagome decided to teach Rin to swim in the small stream that ran through the gardens. They had both put on old clothing before coming out and Kagome was the first to step into the water. She had expected it to be cold, but to her delight it was surprisingly warm. Rin slowly joined her. She had never been in water except for taking bathes and this was rather frightening to her. Kagome smiled reassuringly though, and Rin inched her way towards her.

They spent hours just playing in the water first, giving Rin a chance to really get accustomed to it. They splashed and dunked each other under repeatedly. Rin even went so far as to jump on Kagome’s shoulders, sending them both toppling into the warm water. Then she drew the girl close to her, holding her in her arms.

“Alright Rin, all you have to do right now is relax okay? I want you to lay out on your back like you were in bed and just relax.”

Rin’s eyes grew round. “But Kagome, I’ll sink!”

Kagome grinned. “No, you won’t. I’m right here and won’t let anything happen to you.” It took a few minutes but finally the girl gave in and stretched out, feeling Kagome’s arms supporting her. “Rin, I said relax, don’t hold yourself so stiff.” Reluctantly the girl obeyed and slowly Kagome ved ved her arms. Rin’s eyes were closed and she didn’t seem to notice. “Rin, you’re floating,” she whispered next to the girl’s ear.

This had the effect of making Rin’s eyes shoot open and she tensed, falling under the water almost immediately. Kagome couldn’t help laughing as she quickly pulled her back up. Rin was grinning from ear to ear.

“Rin did it, Rin did it! Let’s do some more!”

Kagome laughed quietly. “No, Rin. It’s getting late, and the air is cool. We need to go in and change for supper.”

The girl pouted for a minute but then nodded and bounded out of the water, leaving Kagome behind. Her rich laughter followed the girl inside as she strolled back to the castle behind her.

Kagome went to her room and opened the wardrobe gazing over the robes slowly. One of the more ornately decorative ones caught her attention, because it was somewhat sticking out of the place. Curiously she withdrew it from the others and found a note attached.

Tonight we will be eating our dinner in the dining hall. Please, wear this. You’ll be even more beautiful. Sandals will be setting on the outside of your door when you leave.

Frowning curiously she turned and placed it on the bed, slowly undressing. She watched in the mirror as she slid on the undergarment first. It was light and soft, simple cut, and an even lighter shade of blue than the kimono. She turned back to the bed and drew on the kimono hesitantly. She still found it hard to believe that she was meant to wear such beautiful creations. She watched in the mirror as she slid the kimono up her arms and folded the material over her body. The right wrapped her body first; then she folded the left over it. Next she lifted the obi and looked down at it, almost transfixed. Smiling to herself she slid it around her, folding the width before tying it. She continued watching herself in the mirror, almost amazed. The ice blue material shimmered around her shoulders as she moved, the light causing the swirls of blue toce. ce. The hem on the arms and around her feet was almost white, embroidered with dancing golden dragons. Only one thing remained, and then she would look like the traditional Japanese lady.

She moved over to her nightstand and produced two small bluish white combs before returning to her mirror. She brushed her hair slowly, being sure to get all of the tan out out before she brought both hands to the back of her head. She brought the long tresses of hair up slowly, twisting and curling it into a bun. She slid then slid the combs into the mass of hair, securely pinning it in place.

A grin spread over her lips as she gazed into the mirror. She didn’t know why, but this felt right. It felt as though she were supposed to be all dressed up tonight for supper. It didn’t make sense since they hadn’t dressed formally for any of their meals, but it was still how she felt. Dimly she heard the bell for dinner ring down in the castle halls. She stopped next to her door to slide on the black zori sandals that had been left for her. She took a deep breath and then began making her way out of the room, wondering what Inuyasha was up to.

She walked slowly down the stone steps, her steps cautious so as not to trip on the folds of her kimono. At the top of the last flight of stairs stood Sesshoumaru. He also wore a formal dress kimono. White seemed to be the only color this guy ever wore. It was fitting for him though. The sleeves were embroidered with black dog demons as were the bottom of his hakamas. The pants billowed as he turned to her, extending his hand.

“Sesshoumaru? Am I dreaming? What’s going on?”

He chuckled. “You shall see.” She scowled.

They descended the last few steps together, walking towards the dining room. As Sesshoumaru pushed the doors open Kagome nearly skidded to a halt. The room was absolutely packed. Youkai were everywhere and Kagome’s eyes widened. Her eyes immediately sought out Inuyasha who smiled and made his way towards her, Shippo on his heels. Rin appeared from nowhere bouncing at Sesshoumaru’s side as Inuyasha took Kagome’s hand and pulled her away from Sesshoumaru. Her eyes widened as she realized he was also wearing an ice blue kimono that matched hers. He wore black hakamas with his, the legs having large dragons running up the sides.

Inuyasha maneuvered her to the edge of the crowd where he knelt by her side. “Higurashi Kagome. You know that you are my betrothed, as I am yours. Our parents vowed our lives to each other, and we have both accepted this. I however would very much like to know if things were different how this would end.” The room around them was silent, KagoKagome didn’t notice. She was too entranced by Inuyasha’s eyes. “I would like for you to consider the betrothal void, and answer this one question honestly.” He withdrew a small box from the pocket of his hakamas, never breaking eye contact as he opened it. Inside was a gold ring with a pearl set in the middle and on either side two small diamonds. “Higurashi Kagome, are you willing to become the other half of my soul, my passion, my love, and my mate?”

Kagome didn’t think her voice would work but somehow a tiny word escaped. “Yes.”

The room erupted in thunderous applause and loud whoops of joy from Shippo and Rin as Inuyasha slid the ring on to her hand and then pulled her close into his arms.