Long Walks
Sometime after Ch 8
Inuyasha relaxed in his favorite tree, which was comfortably situated just past the southern castle, his eyes gently closed in peaceful repose as he took in the moment. He savored the calm, enjoying a rare and precious slice of time away from the relentless duties and constant conflicts that usually consumed his days. However, despite the tranquility surrounding him, a nagging unease lingered within his chest—an unsettling instinct that his mate might soon stir up some trouble that could disrupt this fleeting peace. It was a familiar feeling that hinted at the adventures and challenges that often followed her, even when he hoped for a respite.
After ten long minutes of struggling internally with that overwhelming feeling, he finally opened his eyes and shot a piercing glare at the scene before him. In front him, Nya was perched precariously, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and uncertainty as she hesitated, her fingers hovering hesitantly, ready to reach for his ears. "Nya... What exactly do you think you're doing? Because it looks like you're about to make a move that could change everything," he said, tension thick in the air as he awaited her response.
She lowered her arms in disappointment, letting out a playful sigh that echoed through the room, her full lips forming a dramatic pout that was absolutely captivating, one that could easily draw anyone's attention and spark their curiosity. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she leaned in slightly and added, "I really wanted to touch them..." as if the thought of it was an enticing secret she was almost too delighted to share. The atmosphere thrummed with a light-hearted tension, her teasing expression inviting everyone around her to join in on the playful banter that seemed to weave around them like an invisible thread. It was clear that she was reveling in the moment, effortlessly pulling everyone into her orbit with her irresistible charm and vivacious, playful demeanor, making it a memorable experience for all present.
He released a deep, calming breath, deliberately choosing to remain silent as he skillfully guided her onto his lap. Despite the whirlwind of mixed emotions swirling within him regarding the softness and unique appeal of her fox tail, he found a deep sense of comfort in the intimate closeness of their embrace, the warmth of her body nestled securely against his. The gentle rhythm of their breathing harmonized, creating a tranquil bubble around them, allowing him to momentarily forget the complexities of his feelings. In that precious moment, all that mattered was the connection they shared, lost in an embrace that felt both safe and exhilarating.
Nya gazed at him with astonished eyes, her expression filled with intrigue, before she let out a soft, melodic laugh that danced in the air. "What are you thinking about, Inu?" she asked, genuinely curious, her gaze unwavering as she tried to read the thoughts churning behind his wide, expressive eyes.
"Not much, to be honest..." he murmured softly, his voice barely rising above a whisper as he shut his eyes for a fleeting moment. He gently rested his chin against her delicate shoulder, finding comfort in her presence, fully embracing the tranquility of the moment they were sharing together. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the soothing rhythm of their breaths, as time stood still for just them in that peaceful embrace. It felt like an oasis of calm in the chaos of life, a brief escape that he cherished deeply.
She slowly raised her hand, her fingertips lightly gliding over his cheek in a soft, affectionate motion that spoke volumes of her feelings. With a gentle smile, she looked into his eyes and added, "How about we take a stroll together, just the two of us, to enjoy the fresh air and share some quiet moments?" The invitation hung in the air, filled with an unspoken promise of connection and intimacy.
After taking a brief moment to gather his thoughts and reflect on the past few days, he finally mustered the courage to respond, "Absolutely. A stroll with you through the gardens sounds utterly delightful and just the kind of break I need right now."
Her laughter rang out like a beautiful melody, resonating in the air and filling the atmosphere with pure joy that seemed to lift everyone’s spirits. "You usually enjoy the roughhousing and playful antics with Heei or Sinta, but I want you to know that I truly treasure and cherish these quiet, heartfelt moments we share together."
Inuyasha let out a soft, resigned sigh, his demeanor reflecting both exasperation and acceptance of the situation. "And here we are, following your lead, Nya," he said, the weariness in his voice subtly hinting at both the challenges they faced and the trust he placed in her judgment despite the uncertain path ahead.
"I know," she replied, her voice calm and composed, as she gracefully slipped out of his warm embrace. She landed softly on the ground, the sound barely a whisper, as if she were a feather drifting through the air. The moment felt both melancholic and serene, a delicate balance between connection and the inevitable distance that lay ahead. She glanced up at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and unspoken emotions.
He jumped down after her, his larger hand gracefully intertwining with her smaller one, forming a cozy connection that seemed to merge their paths. With a curious smile playing on his lips, he looked at her and asked, "So, where are we off to on this little adventure?" The excitement of the unknown hung in the air, inviting them to explore whatever lay ahead. Every moment felt electric, full of possibilities waiting to be discovered together.
Nya thought for a moment, her brow furrowed as she considered the many exciting possibilities. Suddenly, a playful grin appeared on her face, reflecting her adventurous spirit. "How about we go nowhere in particular?" she suggested eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement for a spontaneous adventure where the journey mattered more than the destination. The thrill of the unknown beckoned her, and she was eager to see where it would take them.
Inuyasha raised an amused eyebrow and smirked, but twitched slightly as delicate fingers brushed against his sensitive ears, sending a shiver down his spine. The sensation was jarring yet pleasant, drawing his attention. He shifted, trying to stay composed amidst his mix of curiosity and irritation.
"Inu, Nya, have you ever considered venturing into the stunning southern lands? It’s a wonderful opportunity for you both to immerse yourselves in the breathtaking scenery, remain vigilant of your surroundings, and truly savor the moments spent together in a tranquil environment," a calm voice proposed thoughtfully.
Nya turned toward the voice, her face beaming with joy. "Sure thing, Princess~," she said, thrilled at the chance for an adventure together. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as she eagerly anticipated the fun to come.
Inuyasha let out a soft sigh, whispering, "Alright, Myra..." as he reveled in the lingering warmth of her gentle touch on his ears, feeling an unexpected sense of comfort and peace wash over him. The way her fingers softly caressed his sensitive ears sent a wave of tranquility through his usually chaotic mind, allowing him to briefly forget the troubles that surrounded them. It was a moment he cherished, one where he could lean into the soothing presence she offered, feeling more at ease than he had in a long while. As he closed his eyes, he allowed himself to bask in this simple yet profound connection between them.
Myra smiled gently, her expression a mixture of warmth and understanding as she slowly pulled her hands away from his ears, a gesture that seemed to evoke both a profound sense of relief and an underlying tension that hung in the air. "Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice carrying a sincerity that resonated between them. After a lingering moment, she stepped back inside, leaving him to contemplate the complexity of their interaction and the unspoken emotions that lingered in the space they shared.
While Inuyasha harbored a deep and abiding affection for his beloved princess, her unexpected and sometimes puzzling appearances frequently ignited a sense of restlessness deep within him. This unusual agitation often manifested as a powerful yearning to find an outlet for his pent-up energy, leading him to crave a brawl with someone—perhaps even his old rival, Heei. The combination of his feelings for the princess and the unpredictability of their encounters left him in a constant state of tension, struggling between his romantic longing and his instinctual desire to fight. It was a tumultuous balance for Inuyasha, one that left him unsettled and eager for release.
He took a deep breath, still feeling the warmth of her earlier touch as he walked. Nya strolled beside him, her laughter like sweet chimes, and her silvery fox tail flicking against his leg filled him with excitement. Noticing his distraction, she playfully teased, "Does my mate not enjoy the princess's touch?" Mischief sparkled in her eyes as she leaned closer, enjoying the moment.
He threw her a sideways glance, his expression a complex mixture that clearly showed both annoyance and an underlying honesty that he couldn't quite mask. "You know," he began, his tone reflecting his reluctance to fully express his feelings, "I don’t really dislike it, but at the same time, I’m not especially fond of it either... Honestly, I’d just much rather it be you who is the one touching them instead."
Her eyes widened dramatically with surprise, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing, and a soft blush began to bloom on her cheeks, adding a hint of warmth to her expression. With an air of curiosity, she leaned in slightly closer and asked, "Oh, really? Did you actually tell the princess that?" The combination of surprise and intrigue danced in her gaze, as though she was eagerly awaiting the answer. It was clear that the prospect of sharing something so significant with royalty piqued her interest immensely.
"Nope," he simply replied, his voice laced with a hint of resignation as he felt the weight of the unspoken tension in the air. Deep down, he understood that no matter how much time passed, Nya would likely never fully overcome her jealousy regarding Mira's innocent act of touching his ears, a gesture that stirred up complex feelings within both of them. Still, he couldn't deny that he much preferred it when it was Nya's hands doing the teasing, as her playful nature was a source of joy for him. However, he was acutely aware that he had little control over the whims of the princess, and he knew that Nya, despite the annoyance it may cause her, found the whole situation undeniably adorable in its complexity.
"Why not?" she pressed, her curiosity evident as intrigue bubbled excitedly in her voice. The question hung in the air, charged with possibilities and an underlying challenge, compelling those around her to reconsider their hesitations. It was clear that she was eager to explore the reasoning behind their reluctance, sparking a conversation full of potential. The atmosphere shifted slightly, as her persistence ignited a sense of adventure in the room.
After taking a moment to reflect deeply on the situation at hand, he finally spoke up, saying, "I wanted to do everything in my power to prevent her from sulking or feeling down. Sinta has openly confessed to me that she has a particular soft spot for gentle things in life, which makes me believe that approaching her with tenderness is likely the best course of action..."
Nya laughed, her voice bright and cheerful, as the sunlight streamed through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. "Oh, poor Inu, you and Sinta are really in for it now," she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. It seemed she could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of their impending adventure or challenge, and the upcoming events promised to be quite entertaining. Everyone around couldn't help but grin at the anticipation of what was to come.
A playful smirk crept onto his lips as he brought their playful exchange to a sudden halt, gently pulling her to a stop alongside him as if time had momentarily frozen. "You know," he teased with a glint in his eyes, "my mate has soft ears too," leaning in closer to her with an air of mischief. With that, he leaned in further, closing the distance between them, and placed a tender kiss on her lips that sent a thrill through both of them. It was a sweet, intimate moment that held a promise of many more to come.
She eagerly reciprocated his affections, a wave of warmth flooding her cheeks and turning them a deep crimson hue, the color contrasting beautifully with the silvery strands of her hair that framed her face. While she occasionally found his assumptions and quirks irksome and exasperating, the profound love she held for him effortlessly overshadowed any twinge of annoyance or irritation. After all, she truly cherished the sweetness of his kisses, relishing every precious moment they shared together, each one etched in her memory like a warm embrace. Their connection, although not flawless, was filled with tender moments that made her heart swell with joy and affection.
Note: Updated and added lots of details to add more to the one-shot. Like that fact, Nya doesn't mind Mira touching Inu's ears. Or that Inu not knowing it, enjoyes it. XD