Out of Place
Inuyasha heard Sota laughing and calling to him. The boy was telling him to knock it out of the park. Baseball. They were playing with some of Sota's and Kagome's friends and with this hit, they would win.
The crack of the bat meeting the ball sounded in his ears and Inuyasha grinned. Blood seeped from his lip and confused, Inuyasha reached up a hand to wipe it away.
"Snap out of Inuyasha! Do you want to die here, little brother?" Sesshomaru's harsh voice sounded to the right of Inuyasha.
"Brother?" Inuyasha blinked and Kagome's world disappeared. He and Sesshomaru were in the middle of a battle and Sesshomaru was fighting - no protecting him from their attackers.
His head hurt where he'd been hit from behind. Inuyasha had been reliving his last visit home with Kagome where he was the big brother and Sota looked up to him. It was hard to reconcile that happy memory with the blood and death before him now.
"Inuyasha! Help me or die!" Sesshomaru backed up until his back was pressed against his brother's.
Shaking off the effects of the hit and putting away the good memories, Inuyasha looked up and over his shoulder at his brother. "I'm okay. Sorry. Let's do this together!" Matching golden eyes stared at each other before the brothers focused once again on surviving the battle. They couldn't do it alone, working as a team was their only hope.
"Inuyasha's been awfully quiet today." Sango looked over her shoulder at Inuyasha sitting up in the dead tree. The two of them were due to go back to Kagome's time today but he wasn't as excited as he usually was. "Is something wrong? Did you two argue about something?" Sango approached Kagome as she was checking her bag making sure she had everything.
Kagome sat back on her heels and looked up at Inuyasha. She could see that Miroku had joined him and was sitting at the base of the old tree talking up at Inuyasha. Her heart fluttered as she watched the wind lift and gently wave about his white hair. It always amazed her that his hair was almost never messy, even during a battle.
"He's nervous, that's all." Kagome looked at Sango's shocked expression. "When we leave today, he'll change. This will be the first time my family will see Inuyasha as a human. You know how he is about people finding out his secret."
"But they're family! I've heard him call Sota - brother and your mother - Mom. How could he be nervous about being human before them? Besides, he doesn't even know for sure he'll be human on the other side. Things may be different over there." Sango returned her eyes to the tree and their men. They had talked about this trip to Kagome's time a week ago when they realized the New Moon was approaching. Kagome hadn't been home in a long while so it was decided that she and Inuyasha should go and ensure Inuyasha's secret.
Kagome smiled and shook her head. "It's complicated. They know Inuyasha as a half-demon. They know his strength and are not afraid of it; in fact Mom and Sota admire Inuyasha's strength. Because of his strength, Inuyasha is able to protect me but I guess he's scared that an all-human Inuyasha won't impress them and he'll loose their respect. It's silly for him to think that but having a family love him is still so new to Inuyasha."
Sango thought about her own childhood growing up with a loving family and remembering that Inuyasha had had his mother only for a little while. His father had died the day he was born and his brother was always trying to kill him or at least it seemed like it. Her sigh said she understood and felt that Inuyasha had every right to be scared. "They'll accept him, won't they?"
The two girls looked at each other, "They love him as he is so I have no reason to think they won't love him as a human too but he won't be convinced of that until we get there. Hopefully he won't back out at the last minute." The two laughed as they imagined a pouty-lipped Inuyasha stomping his foot and telling them, 'No, he won't go!'
Miroku asked him, "So will you stay here at Kaede's and let Kagome go without you? Will you hide out here like a child instead of finding out what they really think about you, Inuyasha?"
"Oh shut up Miroku! Who asked you anyway? I came up here to be alone for a while not to be pestered with stupid questions!" Inuyasha threw back his head and stared up at the sky. Actually Miroku had hit the nail on the head. He had been thinking of sending Kagome on ahead then following her the next day. Now he was feeling stupid for being so wary of Kagome's family. If they could accept a half-demon, wouldn't they accept a human? "I never said I wasn't going! Dammit – you always have to stick your nose into something don't you?" Inuyasha stood and holding his sword dropped to the ground.
Miroku grinned up at him and using his staff, stood. He walked behind Inuyasha as he placed Tetsusagia in his belt and walked over the girls. Miroku continued to laugh as Inuyasha muttered to himself.
"So? Are we going or what?" Inuyasha looked up at the sky. "It'll be sunset soon." There was a hint of dread in his voice.
"Sure, I'm all set. Take this for me?" Kagome held out her pack then called out for Shippo. "We're leaving Shippo! Shippo!" She waited a few moments then saw the little fox demon scamper her way.
"Kagome! Don't forget the Ninja snacks and more crayons, okay?" The small demon-boy hugged Kagome's neck then looked up at her with shinning eyes. "How long will you be gone this time?"
Kagome laughed and nodded. "Five or six days. You be good for Kaede and we'll see you soon. Are you going to walk with us to the well?"
"Nah, me and some of the other kids are playing!" Shippo jumped down and started off but yelled back at Inuyasha, "You stay as long as you want! It'll be much quieter around here without you!" A pink tongue punctuated the remark.
"I won't miss you either Shippo!" Inuyasha yelled back as the others laughed. Kagome threaded her arm with his and they started off towards the well.
They passed Kaede and some villagers on the way and waved goodbye. Shadows grew longer with every step they took. Soon they were able to see the sacred tree and the well.
"You'd better hurry if you don't want to change on this side." Miroku said as he looked up at the sky. When Sango came to his side, he transferred his gaze to her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Will you guys be going to the Demon Slayers' village?" Kagome asked as she got on the edge of the well ready to jump.
"Not this time. I've got my work cut out for me, convincing the girls around here that Miroku's no longer on the market. Who knew he'd flirted with so many of them?" Sango slanted her eyes at him and crossed her arms angrily.
"Hey, you were denying me and I had to have a little fun. Sango!" Miroku backed away when she smacked him on the chest.
Both Kagome and Inuyasha laughed. "You've got your work cut out for you Sango. That pervert's been busy for years, this isn't the only village that he's been to you know." Inuyasha said wickedly and looked at Miroku, his expression saying 'payback is hell.' This time it was Inuyasha that got smacked by Kagome as Sango realized the truth in these words.
"Inuyasha! Sango wait!" Miroku backed away as a red-faced Sango started after him. "Bye Kagome! See you in a few days!" This said, Miroku turned and ran.
"Oh boy! Poor Sango." Kagome looked over at Inuyasha. "Ready?"
His smile disappeared, "No, not really but let's go." Inuyasha grabbed her hand and together they jumped into the well.
Floating they came to a light landing inside the well. Automatically, Inuyasha wrapped his arm around Kagome and jumped. In seconds they cleared the well and were surrounded by the walls of the shrine.
"Well I'm still me. Maybe I won't change." The tight ball in Inuyasha's chest began to unfurl.
Kagome shrugged acting unconcerned. She knew Inuyasha's fear was real but was unsure how to reassure him. "Maybe. Come on, Mom's probably about to start dinner." She tugged on his hand and pulled him up the stairs.
Smiling now Inuyasha followed on Kagome's heels. They stepped outside just as the sun was going down. He made it out the door and felt the change. Claws receded into regular nails; dog ears disappeared from the top of his head and human ears formed on either side of his head. As the wind blew, Inuyasha watched his sliver-white hair turn black. He was human.
"Inuyasha," Kagome had stopped when he did and watched the transformation. Immediately she hugged him. "It won't matter. I promise it won't. Come inside, please." She felt a tremor go through him and hugged him tighter. It pleased her that he would let her know his fear but at the same time she wished she could take his fear away.
Kagome framed his face and looked into dark eyes, "I love you. I love you Inuyasha." She kissed him.
Inuyasha felt her love. He knew she loved him and felt blessed. He was still scared and crushed her body close to his own. Inuyasha wanted to leave but because he loved Kagome, he would stay. It was only for one night then he would be the Inuyasha, Mom and Sota knew. He could do this. Sighing deeply he relaxed his grip and let Kagome back away.
"I'm fine. Thanks Kagome, I love you too." He gave her a quick kiss then not letting himself think, held tightly to her hand and headed for the house. "M-mom! We're home!"
Mrs. Higurashi jumped and quickly set down the bowl she'd just taken out of a cabinet. "They're home." She smiled softly and moved to open the door for them. "Sota, Grandpa - Kagome and Inuyasha are here!"
Inuyasha stood just behind Kagome. The couple was framed in the doorway as Mrs. Higurashi, Sota and Grandpa stood frozen - staring. Sota blinked several times before inching forward. He looked Inuyasha up and down. Mrs. Higurashi. covered her heart with her hand and just stared. Grandpa's mouth hung open.
"Inuyasha?! Where are your ears and claws? And your hair! You look like us now! Wow!" The little boy took hold of Inuyasha's hand and looked at it. On tiptoe he tugged on Inuyasha's hair to be sure it was real. "Cool, you're human now. Can you do it whenever you want to? Do you turn it on and off like a switch? Oh, hey Kagome." Sota looked up at his sister and still holding Inuyasha's hand pulled him further into the house.
"Well my goodness, here we are standing here and staring. Sorry. Welcome home you two. Kagome." Mrs. Higurashi wrapped her arms about her daughter and hugged her. Then she looked up at Inuyasha. "Son, come here. Where's my hug Inuyasha?" As she took him in her arms she felt him sag against her. "You look just as handsome this way but I do miss those cute ears."
Inuyasha felt tears in his eyes but didn't let them fall. He held Mom close and just inhaled her scent. No she wasn't the one who'd given birth to him but he felt like her son, especially right now.
Grandpa cleared his throat and scratched his head. "So it's the same boy? He's a demon and a human? Too confusing. I'm going back to the TV. Call me when dinner's ready. Oh welcome home Kagome dear." With that the old man turned while muttering about how teenagers were always changing their looks. They laughed and everything seemed normal again.
"Okay then, why don't you two get cleaned up then come help me with dinner. Sota and I want to hear about all your adventures."
"Yeah! Inuyasha, Mom put your clothes in my room. I'll show you!" Sota pulled Inuyasha behind him smiling all the way.
Kagome smiled with relief as she watched Sota drag Inuyasha out of the room. "Thanks Mom. Inuyasha was really worried you wouldn't accept him as a human."
"Well it was a surprise to see him looking like any normal boy but he's still Inuyasha. You two will have to tell me how he did that. Go on sweetie, get washed up and then we can talk. You are staying longer than just tonight, right?"
"Mm-hmm, at least a few days, maybe the week. Okay, be right back!" Kagome kissed her mother's cheek then raced up after the boys. She was really looking forward to this much needed break.
It was home. It was a break from searching from Naraku. Most of all it was time with family. Inuyasha and Kagome explained how Inuyasha could be human and demon and how it was only for a few hours once a month. They were excited and charmed by the idea of watching him change so the next morning everyone rose well before the sun.
Inuyasha was embarrassed by the fuss they made as his nails turned back into claws, his human ears disappeared and his dog ears rose from his head and his hair going from all black to all white. He usually hated to change and before Kagome and the others, he'd hid but now it was kinda fun to change before his family. Even though they'd accepted the human Inuyasha, he was glad to back in his 'skin' again.
"Fascinating. I can't believe you never told us this!" Mrs. Higurashi shook her head dazed at what had just happened before her eyes. "Well never mind, we know now. Since we're all up, let's fix a huge breakfast! But first…" Mrs. Higurashi approached Inuyasha and tickled his ears. "I can never resist them!" She grinned and Inuyasha with pink cheeks returned the smile.
Breakfast was a lively affair with everyone talking and laughing. Mrs. Higurashi had the best time trying to teach Inuyasha how to cook. Most of it went over his head especially when it came to using the stove or the microwave but she knew from experience that Inuyasha was quite handy to have around when it came to slicing and dicing.
"Will you be going to school today dear?" Mrs. Higurashi asked as the family cleaned up the kitchen.
Kagome glanced over her shoulder to see Inuyasha just barely shake his head no. "Umm, not today, I think I'll just stay home and rest today. I'll definitely go tomorrow though." She said firmly letting Inuyasha know that today was their only play day. She had to go to school sometime if she expected to graduate.
Mrs. Higurashi looked from one to the other then hid her smile. "I think that's a good idea. Settle in today then tackle school tomorrow. Sota, you better go get your things – it's almost time to go."
"Okay Mom." The little boy walked over to Inuyasha. "We're on for going to the park after school, right Inuyasha?"
"Yep, I'm looking forward to it." And he was but first he wanted some time alone with Kagome.
Mrs. Higurashi kissed them both goodbye and said she'd be home early to cook a special meal. She and Sota left a few minutes later. Grandpa leisurely finished his coffee and watched his favorite morning program before finally leaving for the shrine.
Once the house was empty, Inuyasha hurriedly carried Kagome upstairs to the bathroom. He wanted to shower with her; he'd been looking forward to being with her under the hot spray of water ever since they'd mentioned coming home for his transformation.
Kagome pretended to indulge Inuyasha's wish but truthfully the thought of showering with him was just too tempting to pass up. Naked, slick and slippery they pleasured each other under the water until it turned cool. After finally getting dressed again, the two continued to play hooky and went out. It was rare that they allowed themselves to rest and even rarer still that they had the opportunity act as teenagers they were.
Kagome was glad she allowed herself that time with Inuyasha before going to school the next day. As usual, there was much she'd missed and had a lot to catch up on. Inuyasha found himself helping the old man around the shrine but only during the morning because in the afternoon he had classes of his own. Mom had arranged for him to take some martial arts from a friend of hers. She knew Inuyasha was fascinated by it all and this way he wouldn't be bored as he waited for Kagome to come home from school. Inuyasha made it home just as Sota did and every day the boy begged him to play baseball with him and pumped up from his classes, Inuyasha was always ready to have some fun with his little brother.
A couple of times, Sota's friends would join them and one day on the way home from school, Kagome and her friends joined the baseball game. It was one of the best times Inuyasha had ever had and for Kagome as well. She was able to share Inuyasha with her friends and nothing at all went wrong. It was amazing.
The days went by so quickly that by the end of the week neither Kagome nor Inuyasha were ready to go back through the well. On Sunday, it was decided that they would stay home and have a family day. They played games, watched movies taking turns explaining them to Inuyasha and cooked out. That evening, Inuyasha took Kagome up the sacred tree and holding each other, watched the city lights. Later found the couple cuddled in Kagome's bed.
"I think we should come home every New Moon." Inuyasha said against her breast. Kagome was lying back on the pillows with Inuyasha's head resting against her heart.
Kagome smiled and played with his hair. "Really? Any particular reason?" Kagome then gasped as he licked at her nipple.
"I should be at home at times like that. That's all." Inuyasha said quietly.
"I agree. It's nice to be with people who accept you when you change but Miroku, Sango and Shippo never treated you any different either."
"Yeah, I know but…it's better here. I want to be here the next time and every time. Okay?" Inuyasha raised his head to look at her. Moonlight shone in through the window bathing her naked breasts in white light.
"It's more than okay and Mom will love it. So will Sota." Kagome framed his face and kissed his lips. She lay back pulling Inuyasha with her. "Mmm, we really should get some sleep since we're leaving in the morning."
Inuyasha laughed against her lips, "You tell me that after kissing me like that? You must be joking." He slipped a leg between hers pressing against her moist flesh. "You don't need much sleep, do you?"
"Inu – yasha!"
It was early afternoon before they were ready to leave. The couple was sent off with extra supplies, wishes of luck and to be safe. Kagome and Inuyasha promised to come back when they could and with warm hugs that could still be felt, they disappeared back through the well.