Chapter Text
Inuyasha’s heart was heavy as he placed the single box of treasures from his childhood home on his and Kagome’s bed. For the time being, everything that remained in the house would be covered and left to gather dust until they were really ready to settle down and start a family. As though his thoughts had summoned her, Kagome slipped into the bedroom behind him, brushing a tender hand across his back.
Inuyasha turned and pulled her into a hug.
“Are you hungry?” Kagome asked, running her fingers through the fall of silver hair down his back.
“Nah.”
She pulled back and cupped his cheek, studying his face for a few seconds with concerned blue eyes. “I’m gonna change. How about I make some tea before bed?”
He nodded and released her.
Kagome gave him a soft smile before walking toward the dresser, pulling out some clothes, and disappearing into the bathroom.
Inuyasha turned his attention back to the box and sliced at the tape with a single claw. He opened the flaps, wincing when the scent of his mother and home smacked him in the face. His hands tightened around the cardboard, threatening to rend it in two until the distant sound of Kagome’s soft humming soothed him.
Rolling the tension from his shoulders, Inuyasha reached inside and fished around until he pulled out a black bundle. He shook it out between his fingers, revealing an artfully woven shawl. Inuyahsa smiled as bittersweet memories of all the times his mother had worn it flooded his mind. He lost himself for several moments before Kagome’s gentle touch grounded him again.
“What’s that?” she asked.
Inuyasha turned and slipped it around Kagome’s shoulders. “It was my mother’s. She made it while she was pregnant with me. Worked on it every time my father was away and I was keeping her awake.”
She glanced at the intricacy and length with a significant look.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. “Apparently, I was a very active baby.”
“That I believe.” Kagome said with a tinkling laugh.
“I want you to have it,” he said in an uncharacteristically soft voice.
Her dark eyes went wide, touching the weaving lightly. “You can’t give this to me, Inu.”
“Yes, I can,” he replied in a stubborn tone. “It looks good on you.”
“Thank you, Inuyasha,” she said, pulling it tighter around her. “It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you for helping me pack everything up. That would have been difficult on my own,” he admitted before looking away.
Her soft hand on his cheek brought him back. “Of course, I’ll always be here for you. I love you, Inuyasha.”
He swallowed hard, words sticking in his throat at the tender look in her soft eyes. Inuyahsa leaned forward and caught her lips in a soft kiss instead, letting his actions tell Kagome what he couldn’t. He loved her, needed her, wanted her at his side…forever.