Timeless Love

Disclaimer: I don't own the idea of Inuyasha and gang! But my husband did buy me the movies and my sister lent me the first two seasons. That's about how far it goes when it comes to me having any ownership.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who read my story and a happier thanks to those of you who took out the time and reviewed. I really enjoy see what you think of my story.
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Chapter Seven: Picture this

Going down the well Chiyoko entered the feudal era. Like always Shippo was there to greet her.

“Hey, Chiyoko how was school today?” Shippo asked as he grabbed her book bag and helped her out of the well.

“Ok. Sorry I’m late. I had to talk to my teacher after school.”

“Is everything alright? Your not failing your classes are you?”

“NO. I just wanted to talk to her that’s all. Anyway I have a ton of homework to do. Do you want to go over it with me?”

“Yeah”

The two of them sat down at the table and she started to take out her books. Grabbing the math book first she handed it to Shippo. Telling him what page numbers were assigned he opened to the page. “Are you ready?” Shippo asked.

Chiyoko had her pencil and paper out. “Yup. Read me the problems.”

“2 times X plus 12 equals 28. What is X?”

She wrote down the problem and figured it out. “X equals 8.” She said proudly. “What did you get, Shippo?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t finish the problem yet. But I’m pretty sure it’s 8.”

Chiyoko laughed. “Sorry, I should have made sure you were finished first.” Shippo finished the problem and had the same answer.

Everyday after school Chiyoko and Shippo would go over her homework together. Chiyoko enjoyed teaching Shippo. He was really bright and picked up on the work quickly. Here had even been times when he had picked it up so quickly he had to explain it to her.

Kagome and Inuyasha had not yet come through the well. It was already 6:15 . Sitting down in the hut alone doing home work with Shippo wasn’t unusual. Just knowing that he liked her made her feel a little weird. Weird in a good way.

Finishing the math homework they moved on to human science. The assignment was to draw pictures of the four systems in the body and label them. Taking out some paper and colored pencils they started with the respiratory system. Next they did the digestive and then the circulatory system. It was fun comparing drawings. They started out each drawing with their own faces on the body. Shippo even drew his fox legs and tail to make it look more like him.

There was only one more picture to draw, the reproductive system. Turning the page in the science book they both looked at the picture and blushed. It was nothing but the out line of a female and male body with the organs showing. Just the idea of drawing their own face with those organs showing was embarrassing beyond anything.

“Let’s go ahead and draw these two pictures with out heads this way we can fit both of them on the same page.” Chiyoko suggested.

“I was thinking the same thing.”

After drawing and labeling the picture they compared their drawings. Chiyoko showed Shippo her picture first.

“Wow. This almost looks exactly like the picture in the book. I also like your choice of colors. You’re sure to get an A+ on this.”

“Thanks Shippo. Let me see yours.” She reached out her hand expecting him to give her the picture he drew; instead he gave her back her own picture. “Hey, give me yours, I want to see it.”

“Nah. It didn’t come out right. I didn’t even get to finish it. Plus it’s darker on my side of the hut so I couldn’t really see what I was drawing and it came out all mashed together. It’s really bad you don’t want to see it. I’ll draw another one tomorrow for you.”

“Shippo, it just a drawing I don’t care how bad it looks. Besides, you have perfect eye sight, you can see in the dark. It can’t be that bad, let me see it.”

“No.” Taking his papers he put them under his shirt. “I don’t want you to see it.”

“Oh, come on I showed you my picture.” Standing up she started to walk over to him.

“So. That was your choice.”

“Shippo, why are you being like this? It’s only a picture.” Reaching his side she sat down beside him.

“Then you shouldn’t care if it’s only a picture, Right? Please Chiyoko just leave me alone about it. I…just don’t want to show…you.”

Chiyoko gently grabbed his tail and put it on her lap. Lightly she began to stroke it. “Why don’t you want me to see it? Did you draw something perverted?”

“Nnnno.”

Placing her head on his shoulder and continuing to pet his tail she looked up at him with sad puppy dog eyes.

“Let me see it then. Please Shippo. I’ll love you forever.”

The moment the words came out of her mouth Shippo’s eyes widened. She hadn’t meant for it to come out the way it did and he knew it. Reminding himself to breath again he found it hard to move. The feeling of her fingers running through the fur on his tail was overwhelming. They were alone and she was inches away from his face. She pouted out her bottom lip which only made him want to taste it.

“Here just take it.” Pulling the picture out from his shirt he handed it to her. He knew it was either give her the picture or give her a kiss and the picture was the safest choice.

Looking down at the picture Chiyoko understood why Shippo didn’t want her to see it. The two human bodies had no heads but they were holding hands. The drawing was really good and the color choices were amazing. However the most noticeable part of the picture was the tanned colored fox tail on the human mans body. Not only that, but the penis was also larger then the one in the book.

Not sure what to say Chiyoko said the only thing that came to mind. “This is a really nice picture. I don’t see why you didn’t want me to see it.” She handed it back to him and then pointed to the small picture drawn on the side of the female outline. “You forgot to label the clitoris.”

Hearing what she said Shippo nervously dropped his pencil. Chiyoko got up and picked it up for him. Just then Hana and Eien ran into the hut.

“Hi Shippo” The two said in unison.

Hana was now nine and Eien just had turned five. Hana looked to be full human she had black hair, brown eyes and normal ears. She had no fangs or claws. However, her hearing was very sharp and she was extremely strong. Eien was a spiting image of his dad; all except for the dog ears. His senses all worked extremely well, especially his senses of smell. Chiyoko was the perfect blend of both of her parents but unfortunately her senses weren’t very powerful.

Shippo smiled at the two and greeted them. “Hey you guys, it’s about time you got here.” Hana looked to Chiyoko with curiousness in her eyes. She asked a question that made Chiyoko turn red “What is a clitoris?”

“How many times does mom have to tell you it’s not nice to listen in on people’s conversations?” Chiyoko snapped. Hana just rolled her eyes and went to sit down by Shippo.

Eien loved Shippo. Like usual Eien went straight to Shippo and climbed to sit on his shoulders. “Shippo you smell funny. You smell like daddy does before him and mommy argue at night.”

“Where are your parents anyway?” Shippo changed the subject before Eien had a chance to elaborate.

“Only mommy came with us.” Eien quickly stated.

Kagome entered the room as if it was her queue. “Sorry we’re so late. Inuyasha called from work and said his boss had something very important came up and Inuyasha was going to have to fill in for his class. I waited as long as I could for him but it’s already after seven and you all need to eat dinner.” Kagome had dinner already cooked and served everyone.

Once dinner was finished, Eien and Hana wanted Shippo to take them to the lake. Chiyoko and Shippo watched as the two played in the water and tried to catch fish.

“Shippo, why don’t you ever put on human legs?” Chiyoko asked as she turned to face him.

“Because I don’t think people would see me the same anymore if I do. Another thing is, that body form is harder for me to control. Even though I’m pretty powerful I’m still kind of young to hold that form for a long time.”

“What about your tail? Does it stay when you transform like that?”

“Yeah”

“Who was that in the picture you were holding hands with?”

“I don’t know… maybe my future mate.”

“She didn’t have a tail.”

“I know.”

The two of them sat quietly side by side watching Chiyoko’s little sister and brother. Without really thinking about it Shippo reached out and took Chiyoko’s hand. His fingers mindlessly played with hers.

Chiyoko lightly blushed at his touch. It wasn’t unusual for him to do this; in fact, he’s been doing it for years. The simple fact that she now knew he liked her made it seem more intimate.

Looking down at Shippo’s hand she noticed how strong it was despite how soft he was touching her. Thinking about it Chiyoko realized how gentle he always was with her. She grew up watching how hard he trained and how easily he could kill a youkai twice his size. Yet he was always so tender whenever the two had any kind of contact.

Feeling a soft brush of Shippo’s tail on her back she stiffened. ‘Why am I starting to freak out? It’s not like it’s the first time he’s held my hand or put his tail around me. I never minded before. I’ve always welcomed it.’

Shippo was now tracing her hand with his nail. He had done it a million times before but this time it sent chills running down her spine. Her heart beat quickened its pace. She closed her eyes and concentrated on his nail slowly making its way down the middle of her hand.

She didn’t understand where these feelings she was having came from. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she couldn’t stop blushing. ‘I don’t like him more then a friend, do I?’

Shippo suddenly dropped her hand. Then she noticed he also moved his tail to the other side of him. Opening her eyes she noticed Shippo was staring at her. “What’s wrong Shippo?”

Shippo didn’t say anything. How was he supposed to tell her he smelt her become aroused by her feelings of liking him? He didn’t want her to like him just yet. He wasn’t ready for things to change.

It was a relief to see Hana and Eien making their way to them. Eien had a big fish in his hands. “Look what I caught Shippo! It’s almost as big as I am. I got it all by myself, Hana didn’t even help me.” Eien was proud of his catch.

“Wow, great job kiddo.” Shippo was happy Eien was doing so well with his hunting. Catching fish with your bare hands was hard for a five year old to do. “Let’s go show your mom.”

Eien handed his fish to Hana and jumped on to Shippo’s shoulders. Walking back to the hut they all were pretty quiet. Eien was the first to speek. “Chiyoko, why are you and Shippo mad at each other?”

“We’re not mad at each other. Why would you think that?”

“Because when I came to show you the fish I caught, I smelt both of you. You smelt funny again. Like mommy and daddy before they argue at night. Are you going to stop being friends, because I like Shippo, I don’t want him to stop coming to see us.”

“Don’t worry Eien, me and Shippo are never going to stop being best friends. Right Shippo?”

“Right!”

Chiyoko was embarrassed. Although Hana and Eien really did think their parents were going to argue, she knew they were going to have sex. If her brother who was only part youkai could smell her feelings then she knew Shippo had. She also knew that was the reason he let go of her so abruptly.

The rest of the way Eien went on and on about how he caught his fish. When they finally got to the house Eien jumped off of Shippo’s shoulders and grabbed the fish out of Hana’s hands. Excitedly he told his mother about the fish.

Hana followed Eien into the hut leaving Chiyoko and Shippo out side by themselves. “Well, it’s still early do you want to find Rei and Haruki?”

“We don’t have to look very far. Haruki told me this morning before we left the den that he would be with Yin all day today. Let’s go to her hut.”

It was at least a fifteen minute walk. With both of them in deep thought the walk seemed to last forever.

Chiyoko couldn’t get out of her mind the fact that Shippo had smelt her change of emotion and reacted the way that he did. If he did like her why did he drop her hand and move his tail away from her. Then again Eien said Shippo had smelt funny too. She couldn’t help but to wonder what exactly Eien had smelt. Was it feelings of like, love or something more then that?

‘How do I really feel about Shippo? He is my best friend. I can trust him with anything. He is always there for me when I need him, so he’s reliable. He is strong but has a sensitive side. He is caring, smart, kind hearted, respectful, hard working, a good hunter, dedicated, honest, charming… good looking… has a nice body… his eyes sparkle… his hair is long and full… he has a six pack… his touch is so soft… even his tail is very… Oh my gods, I think I actually like him. Why didn’t I see it before? I like Shippo.’

“Girl, whatever you’re thinking about would you please stop thinking it. You might not be saying anything but your smell betrays you. You’re probably thinking about your mystery man back in your time because I can smell how much you like the guy. Whatever it is, the smell is so strong it is making me sick.”

“I’m sorry Shippo; I didn’t mean to make you sick.” Chiyoko stopped and grabbed Shippo’s hand. When Shippo stopped she released him. “I need your advice. I don’t know what to do. I really like this guy and I believe he likes me. Should I just come out and tell him or should I wait for him to say something first?”

Shippo wasn’t really sure who she was talking about. By the way she smelt earlier he thought maybe she might be realizing she liked him, but the smell just now was too strong for her to be thinking about him. This smell was of being in love.

“I think your thinking about it way to hard. If he likes you he’ll let you know. Until then stop thinking about it around me. I don’t think my stomach can take much more.”

“Look, I think I’m going to go back home.”

“You might want to wash up first. If your dad smells you like this he’ll probably want to go on a killing spree. You know how he is. You’re his little girl you’re not supposed to be in love.”

Widening her eyes she echoed the last two words he said “in love”

“You mean you didn’t know?”

“I just thought I really liked...”

“Well, surprise, you’re in love with your little mystery man. And if he does like you then the two of you can live happily ever after.”

“But Shippo, you don’t understand I’m not in love with him I…”

“I know what I’m smelling. You’re in love. Look it doesn’t matter. Just get washed up. I wouldn’t want Inuyasha coming to me for something I have nothing to do with.”

“But…”

“Go! Now! And not another word.”

Shippo pushed Chiyoko in the direction of the hot spring. After walking her over and making sure there was no one around he took his leave. He guarded the area while she bathed. Shippo was very respectable and never tried to take a peek at her. When she was finished she met up with him again.

“Come on. I’ll walk you home.” When they reached the hut Shippo and Chiyoko said their good byes for the night.

Kagome was surprised to see Chiyoko home so early. And even more surprised that Shippo didn’t come in. “Is everything alright dear?”

“Yeah”

“Where is Shippo?”

“He went home. He said he felt a little sick.”

“Oh my, I should go take him some medicine.”

“I don’t think he really needs it. If he did he would have ask you for some. He’ll be fine in the morning.”

“I hope so because if he doesn’t I don’t care what anyone thinks, he will be taking some medicine.”

Sitting down in the living room Chiyoko looked at the battery operated clock “Mom, when is dad coming?”

“I don’t know maybe in another hour or two. Is there something you want to talk about?”

“I don’t know. Where are Hana and Eien?”

“They left to Sango’s hut about ten minutes ago. We’re all alone and no one will hear, so please darling, tell me what’s bothering you and why Shippo really went home.”

“I told you he’s sick to his stomach.”

“Eien said he thinks the two of you are mad at each other.”

“What does Eien know he’s only FIVE.”

“That may be true but his nose knows.”

“Little does his nose know, we’re not mad at each other we like each other. And what’s worst is that Shippo could smell it all over me. He said the smell was so strong it made him sick and than he made me go take a bath. I was so embarrassed. This is all Rei’s fault. Why did she have to tell me he liked me?”

“Maybe she thinks the two of you look cute together. Plus you already act like boyfriend and girlfriend so what’s the big deal? If you want my advice, leave things the way they are for now. When the time is right you’ll know.”

“Do you think daddy will smell how much I like Shippo and get mad?”

“Inuyasha already knows. He told me last night after our talk with you that it was only a matter of time before you figured it out for yourself. Your father really likes Shippo; you know how close they are. I’m sure if they were to talk man to man they can come to some kind of an arrangement.”

After her talk with her mom Chiyoko went to her room. As she started to straighten out her homework papers she came across Shippo’s drawings. He had forgotten to take them with him. Looking at the first three she smiled. When she came to the last one, she stared at the headless couple holding hands. “He said he drew his future mate.” Taking out her colored pencils she drew on two heads. One was obviously his and the other head she drew was her own.

She studied the now complete picture. She had never seen Shippo in human legs before but for some reason she felt this was the way it was supposed to be. The picture was right in so many ways.

Putting away the picture Chiyoko laid down to go to sleep. Her last thought before she fell asleep was what her mother said “leave things the way they are for now. When the time is right you’ll know.”