Chapter Text
Ever since their second kiss, it was as if a dam had been broken. Kagome felt like Inuyasha was showering her with kisses any moment that no one was watching. Inuyasha was always sneaky about it, swooping in for a soundless kiss to whatever part of Kagome was the closest the second someone turned away. He kissed her on the top of her head, her nose, cheeks, even her knuckles. In the mornings, it wouldn’t be the sunlight waking her, but rather Inuyasha giving her soft kisses on her head and dragging his fingers gently through her hair.
She definitely didn’t mind, but all of the kisses had been such a sudden change in the ways that the two interacted. Kagome had agreed to spend her life with him, so it wasn’t like Inuyasha would run out of time or opportunities to kiss her.
Interestingly though, Inuyasha was acting much more shy about kissing Kagome on the lips. She’d been back for a week and could count those kisses on less than ten fingers.
One afternoon, Kagome was sitting outside with Sango, watching Sango’s daughters run around and play with Shippo while Miroku and Inuyasha were away doing a job. The two women sat in the shade under a tree, and Kagome was taking a turn holding Sango’s sleeping newborn.
“He’s such a good baby,” Kagome commented, looking over at her friend.
Sango laughed, “He’s only asleep now because he cries all night.” Kagome laughed in return, being careful to not jostle the baby in her arms.
“Say, Sango,” Kagome started, “What was it like when you and Miroku first got together?”
“Hmm,” Sango hummed, pondering her response. “I think because our relationship had built up over so much time it was rather simple, but Miroku was more nervous than you’d expect of him.” Kagome stifled a laugh at that visualization. “But we were more openly affectionate, I suppose, once we crossed the line of being a couple, kind of like it was finally okay, if that makes sense.”
Kagome nodded thoughtfully, “Mm.” Maybe that’s what was happening between her and Inuyasha. Some lines they could now cross, but yet Inuyasha - no, both of them - now had to overcome their nerves. Kagome couldn’t deny that she felt butterflies in her stomach when she and Inuyasha were alone. Kagome decided it then: that night, she would kiss him .
The two women sat together for a while longer before their counterparts returned from their work. Kagome and Inuyasha had dinner, which Kagome was getting better and better at preparing, and watched the sun set from a tree branch. That time of the day felt especially magical, sitting there holding Inuyasha’s hand and resting against his shoulder. When it became dark, Inuyasha carried her down the tree and back to the home they now shared.
Kagome started laying out their futons, but decided to just prepare one, those familiar nerves tingling in her stomach. They were basically married, sharing a bed wouldn’t be out of the question.
Inuyasha grunted, “Am I s’posed to sleep on the ground?”
Kagome blushed darkly, not having anticipated him questioning her. “We’ll share,” she replied, “Stupid.” She tacked on the insult to lighten the mood, not wanting to come off as too suggestive.
Inuyasha grumbled at her, muttering some kind of retort under his breath as he felt heat rise up his neck. He excused himself to allow Kagome to change into her sleeping robe in private, as well as to attempt to calm the anxious flutter in his chest. He had no such luck. He heard the sound of Kagome sitting down and sliding her legs under the blanket and walked back inside.
When Inuyasha entered, Kagome was looking at him with a smile. Inuyasha wondered if the sight of her sitting in his home shining in the candle light would ever not make him feel breathless. He hoped not. Inuyasha gazed at her for another indulgent moment before taking off his fire-rat robe and slipping into the futon beside his partner. As he did, Kagome yawned and lowered herself to lay on her side, beckoning Inuyasha to do the same. Of course, he immediately obeyed.
The futon was a bit small, since it was only meant to be for one person. Inuyasha made a mental note to acquire a larger one better suited for a couple. Even so, he didn’t mind having to be closer to Kagome. As he too settled on his side, facing her, Kagome nestled her head under his chin, draped an arm over his side, and curled a leg around one of his. In return, Inuyasha brought his arm around to her, resting his hand on her hip. Kagome let out a little content sigh that made Inuyasha’s heart surge.
Kagome indulged in the warmth radiating from Inuyasha, and the immediate comfort the position brought her. She nuzzled into his neck, kicking herself for not having initiated this sooner. Inuyasha’s hand on her hip started to rub her back, bringing her even more comfort.
Leaning back a little, Kagome looked up at Inuyasha’s face. He looked down at her with heavy eyelids and a content expression. She brought a hand to his cheek, and he reflexively leaned against her soft palm, eyes slipping closed. Without a word, Kagome leaned forward and kissed Inuyasha’s lips, enjoying the surprised little sound he made before returning the gesture. His hand moved to hold her cheek, deepening the kiss ever so slightly. After a few long moments, they parted. Inuyasha almost looked dazed. Kagome smiled, and once more nuzzled into her mate’s neck with a content sigh.