The Syndrome by SunsetMiko

Should have Shut his Mouth

I do not own Inuyasha and Company, no matter how happy it would make me. Rumiko Takahashi does. I make no money from these fics.

Chapter 54 – Should have Shut his Mouth

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*Reasoning* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"You!" Inuyasha said in an accusing tone as he entered the kitchen, heading directly to his older brother, who was leaned against the counter beside Kagome. The miko was once again making a snowcapped mountain of French toast for her friends, while talking quietly with the taiyoukai who had decided days ago that he would glue himself to her to make up for missed time.

"Me?" Sesshoumaru asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah, you! Why the hell are you ignoring Pop's calls? Damn it, when you do that, the fucker calls me!"

"I am not ignoring his calls," the taiyoukai replied. "I merely have not found the time to call him back."

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked. "Has your father been calling?"

"Perhaps," he replied. "He only desires to know why I have not yet made you his daughter."

Miroku's eyes widened. "You mean you guys still haven't done it?" the pervert asked in shock.

Kagome rolled her eyes and plopped a plate in front of her overly nosey friend. "The next time you open your mouth, it had better be to put food in it," she growled at him. "Inuyasha, don't worry. Sesshoumaru will be calling his father today," she assured the hanyou before handing him a plate as well. "Eat."

"Why should I call the old man?" Sesshoumaru asked. Immediately the miko returned her focus to him, and he took a step back.

"Because he's your father. You can't hide from him!" Her phone began to ring, and a smile spread across Kagome's face as she recognized the ringtone. "Speak of the devil." She pulled out her phone and answered the call. "Hey, Papi! Long time no talk!"

Everyone in the kitchen froze to listen to her conversation, while one taiyoukai and one hanyou crossed their fingers, hoping this didn't end badly for them.

"Yeah, I heard. No, I'm sure he's not avoiding you. He's had a lot of catching up to do in his classes, you know. Dinner? Tonight? Sounds great. We'll be there."

Inuyasha shot his older brother a triumphant look while Sesshoumaru sighed and ran his fingers through his bangs. He did not want to have dinner with his father and Izayoi. He still hadn't figured out how to apologize to the woman who treated him like her own child, no matter how awful he behaved towards her. Inuyasha's victory was short lived, though, as Kagome's conversation continued.

"Inuyasha? Yeah, I'm sure he's free. I'll make sure he comes along." She paused for a moment, a blush shading her cheeks. "Family dinner," she repeated softly. "That sounds nice. Alright, we'll see you then!"

As soon as she ended the call, Inuyasha was on his feet. "Why the hell did you have to drag me into this? I don't wanna have dinner with them!"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "That's too bad. They're your parents, and you're going. You'll ride with us. That way you can't make some excuse. We leave here at six o'clock. Got it?"

The hanyou sighed but nodded, knowing fighting with the miko was pointless. He scooped up his empty plate and set it in the sink before heading upstairs. He had a class to get to.

The miko waltzed across the kitchen and perched herself on Sesshoumaru's knee where he sat at the table with the others. "You shouldn't ignore your parents. It's not nice."

"You know why I do not wish to go," he replied, not wanting to spell it out in front of the rest of her friends.

"And I explained to you that mothers are nothing if not forgiving. You don't have to make everything up to her. You just have to show her that things will be different from now on. I think you can handle that."

"So long as you are by my side, I will find a way."

Once everyone had eaten their fill, Kagome turned to Miroku once again. "Do you think you and Shippo can handle putting away the leftovers and cleaning up? Sesshoumaru and I have classes, and so does Inu. Bank’s already gone." Miroku sighed dramatically before nodding, earning himself a peck on the cheek in thanks. "Oh, I forgot something. I'll be right back."

The monk watched and waited until he was certain Kagome was out of earshot, and then he turned towards the taiyoukai. "There's something I wanted to tell you before you guys, you know, got it on. I thought I'd missed my chance, but since you haven't yet, I have some advice." He paused for a moment, but not long enough for the shocked Sesshoumaru to protest. "If you want to last more than five seconds your first time, you have to rub one out right before." When the taiyoukai's eyes widened, he continued. "Trust me; you're going to want to pop the second you slide home. You don't want her to think you're a one pump chump, right?"

Thankfully, Kagome returned just in time to save him from having to respond, and Sesshoumaru rose to follow her out the front door. When he was certain they were gone, Shippo burst into raucous laughter. "Sesshoumaru, a one pump chump? Oh, Gods, I can't believe you said that to him!"

"What?" Miroku asked, somewhat offended as he had been completely serious. "It's good advice."

His reply only made Shippo laugh harder, until he slid out of his chair to the floor, gasping for air. "You told him to..." he tried to speak, but the laughter simply wouldn't stop. "To rub... to rub one out! Ha!"

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*Dogfight* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Sesshoumaru couldn't get Miroku's words out of his head. It was rather shocking, having another male attempt to talk to him about something so private, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The last thing he wanted was for his first time with Kagome to be over before it even got started. He already had his complete lack of knowledge going against him. Blowing his load too quickly would be humiliating and would definitely leave Kagome disappointed.

Could he do it though? It wasn't as if he never masturbated before. In reality, he wasn't sure he could count high enough to number how many times he had taken care of himself. He most definitely knew how. It just seemed so wrong to pleasure himself right before being with the woman of his dreams. Sesshoumaru did know, however, that Miroku had a wealth of knowledge and experience so maybe he should take his word for it and follow the advice.

Just because he was able to bring her pleasure with his tongue on the first attempt didn't mean that he would be as lucky with actual sex. He needed every advantage he could get. He could spend eternity with his face between her thighs, but he didn't know if he could hold back his climax when he was finally inside her. Would she laugh at him if he came too quickly? Would she push him away and not ever let him try again? He didn't think Kagome would be mean about it, but he could never be sure she wasn't thinking about what a disappointment he turned out to be.

The taiyoukai was snapped out of his rather cyclical thoughts when Kagome elbowed him in the ribs. Surprised, he turned to look at the little miko walking beside him, seeing concern in her eyes.

"Is everything okay?" she asked. "I called your name three times."

Sesshoumaru wrapped his arm around Kagome's shoulders, pulling her close. The feeling of being able to touch her was heaven, and the way her body fit perfectly against his never failed to overwhelm him and make him smile. He had never expected it to happen, but there she was by his side. He thanked every god he could think of that she accepted him, had forgave his past transgressions, that she loved him, and that she would soon be his mate.

"I was merely thinking," he replied, turning to press a kiss to her temple.

"What were you thinking that had you so distracted?"

The taiyoukai mentally groaned. Why did she have to ask that? He had no intention of ever lying to her again, but he couldn't bring himself to confess his thoughts either. Thankfully, he was saved by an angry voice behind them.

"Get your filthy fucking paws off my woman, dog!"

Kagome tensed and quickly grabbed Sesshoumaru's shirt. "Do not kill him," she ordered as they turned together, his arm around her shoulders to keep her close.

"Can I beat him within an inch of his life?" he spoke softly in her ear.

The miko smiled. "That depends on him."

"I said get your hands off of her!" Kouga repeated, louder this time. He puffed himself up, doing his best to look as tough as possible while glaring daggers at the male touching his Kagome.

"I believe you and I have already had this conversation," Sesshoumaru drawled lazily, showing his disinterest in the wolf challenging him. "You were warned." He clearly remembered tackling Kouga to the ground, burying his fangs in the wolf's arm, and ordering him to keep away from his miko. At the time Kouga had nodded his understanding. Had he truly forgotten?

The wolf, however, hadn't known the true identity of the large white dog that had attacked him, so he continued down the dangerous path he was walking. "I don't know what the fuck you're talking about. We've never said two words to each other. Now let her go!"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Kouga, how many times do I have to say this to you? Listen very carefully. I'll go nice and slow. I. Am. Not. Your. Woman. I have no intention of ever being your woman. I don't want you."

"You're just confused, baby. We belong together. I knew it the moment I first laid eyes on you."

The miko sighed heavily before turning to the taiyoukai. "I'm gonna be late for class. Don't kill him, okay?"

Sesshoumaru smirked, his beast incredibly pleased that she was giving him permission to handle this fool the demon way. The wolf was challenging his claim to his intended mate, and the challenge had to be addressed. He would show this thickheaded moron that the miko did not belong to him once and for all. He kissed her passionately, ignoring the wolf's angry snarl, and then watched as she walked across the grass, heading towards her classroom.

When he was certain she was safely inside, the taiyoukai turned back to his opponent. "The miko has agreed to be this Sesshoumaru's mate. Any claim you think you had has been dissolved."

"Like hell! I'll never let her mate a fucking dog!"

"Then I will teach you your place."

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*Powerful Confrontation* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome sat in the lecture hall, staring out the large window. She had a small smile on her face as she realized that Sesshoumaru was facing off with the wolf in the same place he had waited for her in his furry form during her class. She could see the crowd that had gathered around them giving the two demons a great deal of space. No one wanted to be in the way when fists started flying.

She watched as they spoke, Kouga obviously hollering while Sesshoumaru remained perfectly calm. Suddenly, the taiyoukai disappeared and quickly reappeared before the wolf. He backhanded him, sending his opponent flying.

At that moment, the professor entered and called for attention, ready to begin the lecture. He had no idea there was a battle going on right behind him. The level of rapt attention his students were giving him impressed him. They had never before kept their eyes on him while he spoke, most usually gazing blankly at their desks. It wasn't until he realized that many students were wincing or quietly gasping that he realized they weren't looking at him at all.

The professor turned, hoping to learn what was so interesting going on behind him. All he found, however, was a single male lying prone in the middle of the grass. When the wolf slowly sat up he recognized the young man as one of his students. He was covered in cuts and bruises; his hair a mess of knots mixed with dirt and bits of grass, and his clothing was torn. Rolling his eyes at the behavior of demons, he turned and loudly demanded his class's attention.

"Whatever they were fighting about, it is over. Now, I suggest you listen closely because this will be on the exam."

Kagome had to fight back a laugh as Kouga tried to drag himself to his feet. He stumbled, falling back to his knees several times before he managed to keep his footing. She watched as he looked longingly towards the lecture hall for a moment before turning and walking away. His posture said it all. He had been completely and utterly defeated, and now he knew that she would forever be out of his reach.

The miko hoped Sesshoumaru hadn’t gotten hurt, though she doubted Kouga could have done him much damage. Both demons had moved much too quickly for her to know for certain if the taiyoukai had been injured in some way. She also wondered if he made it to his class on time. He was already behind. He didn't need to miss more classes because of Kouga's foolishness.

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*Suspense* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"Oh, come on, Inuyasha. Stop pouting. It's only dinner. It won't be that bad," Kagome said from the front seat of Sesshoumaru's car as they drove towards their parent's house.

"Says you. You're not the one about to be grilled about why I haven't found a woman to mate yet. Pops just doesn't get it. I'm nowhere near ready for that. And now that you and the ice pr... I mean, Sesshoumaru," he corrected himself when the miko shot him a glare, "are getting mated, that'll just put more pressure on me!"

"Well, maybe now that you don't have to look out for me anymore, you'll be able to keep a girlfriend for more than a few weeks. It'd be good for you, calm you down some."

"I'll never stop looking out for you, wench," the hanyou grumbled. "Just cuz you've got him don't mean I'm gonna stop caring."

"Fine," Kagome conceded, "but you won't have to be so focused on me. You'll know I'm safe and happy. You will finally pay more attention to your girlfriend instead of your friend. That's why you keep getting dumped, you know."

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes while the hanyou snorted. "You know, I do the dumping sometimes too. You make me sound like such a loser."

The miko turned back to look into her friend's eyes. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. Your parents just want what's best for you. If you don't feel ready for such a big commitment, then tell them that. Explain it to them instead of just huffing and puffing. They'll listen."

"Besides, little brother, I do not believe you will be their focus tonight. Father is quite concerned that I have not yet marked Kagome as my mate. He is worried that the Syndrome will take me before I do so."

"Well, why the fuck haven't you? You want it, she wants it. I don't get it."

Sesshoumaru sighed. He didn't really want to explain this to Inuyasha, especially since he was sure he would be forced to spell it out for his father that evening as it was. "That is between Kagome and I."

Inuyasha opened his mouth to fish for information, but closed it again as the car came to a stop. They were at the family home, and it was time to face the parents.

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*Counterattack* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"I know you feel fine now," Katsuro said for what seemed like the millionth time. "But the longer you wait to make Kagome your mate, the more impatient your beast will become. The Syndrome hasn't been cured, and it will not be until she is marked."

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. He was not comfortable with this conversation. He and Kagome had not gone all the way yet because he was giving her time. They were enjoying each other, and learning new things as they experimented. Of course he wanted nothing more than to finally push into her tight body and mark her as his, but he refused to rush her. She hadn't said that she was ready, and so he was waiting for her cue.

"My beast is sated. He was satisfied with Kagome's agreement to be my mate. He has not made a sound since then."

"I'm telling you, Sesshoumaru," his father replied. "The longer you wait the more persistent he will become."

"Is everyone ready for dessert?" Izayoi asked, hoping to lessen her mate's focus on his eldest son. The poor boy was embarrassed, and who could blame him? His father was basically demanding that he hurry up and have sex!

Everyone nodded his or her agreement, and Sesshoumaru saw his opportunity. He rose from the table and followed his stepmother into the kitchen, mentioning that he would assist her. Kagome smiled softly. She knew what he was going to do, and she was proud of him.

"I don't know why it's taking so long," Inuyasha commented with a wicked smirk on his face. His father had yet to even mention him finding a girl to make his mate, and he was hoping to keep the conversation on Kagome and Sesshoumaru for as long as possible. "You've got your own place, privacy... You're all set."

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*Awakening the Child* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Once she had cut the pie and placed it on individual plates with Sesshoumaru's help, she stopped and looked up at the young man she considered her son. She had a feeling there was a reason he followed her into the kitchen, and it wasn't entirely to escape his father. She could see nervousness in his eyes and smiled softly.

"I'm very happy for you," she said. "You've loved Kagome for a very long time." The taiyoukai's eyes widened, and she simply laughed. "I first noticed the winter we all went to the cabin. Had you forgotten?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head as he was reminded of the woman's hinting and helpful comments. He had tried to banish that time from his memory because it was too painful to remember. He and Kagome had gotten so close during that week, but in the end he ruined everything by competing with Inuyasha in an attempt to show off and injuring the hanyou.

"There is something I wish to speak to you about," Sesshoumaru started. He had been running words through his mind every possible moment since he learned they would be visiting for dinner, but it seemed as if the second he needed them, they fled from his mind.

Izayoi nodded and waited several long moments before trying to help the conversation along. "So, how are you adjusting now that you know the truth... about your mother?"

"She was never my mother," he replied, trying and failing to hold eye contact as he spoke. "I should have seen it long ago, and though I know there is nothing I could ever do to make up for the pain I caused you, I want you to know that I truly regret it. I am sorry for every cruel word I spoke and for how I treated you. You chose to care for me when it was not your responsibility, and I threw it back in your face. I was worse than an ungrateful child; I was vicious and hateful, and you didn't deserve that."

Finally, he looked up at the woman who had always loved him no matter what he said and did, and saw tears in her eyes. Guilt flooded through him once more. It was obvious that she wanted to hug him, but she was holding back for his sake, because she knew it would likely make him uncomfortable. He decided that this, at least, he could give her, and he opened his arms. Izayoi threw herself against him and cried against his chest while he awkwardly rubbed her back. He was surprised at how it felt. It wasn't as terrible as he had feared. It felt almost... right, and a small smile showed on his face.

The human woman soaked in the feel of holding her stepson in her arms, unsure if it would ever happen again. Finally she pulled away and met his eyes. "It is all forgiven. I always knew that it wasn't truly your fault. Your father and I are so happy to finally have you back." She saw as his smile widened, and she quickly wiped away her tears. "The others are waiting."

Izayoi and Sesshoumaru picked up the plates of pie and turned to head back towards the dining room. The taiyoukai felt incredible, like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Izayoi had forgiven him and now, perhaps, they could work on forming some kind of relationship between them. He had never felt as though he had a mother, even if she had been there willing to love him all along, and now he would allow it. Now he would let that tiny human woman be the mother to him that she always wanted to be.

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*Provocation* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

Kagome's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and Inuyasha laughed. "Really, I thought you'd be thrilled. Now you won't have to spend nearly as much money on batteries."

"Inuyasha!" Kagome gasped, her blush darkening. "You swore you would never..."

"Man, you were lucky I’m the one who found that drawer when we were packing your shit. You never would have heard the end of it if Miroku had. I think I deserve an award for keeping it quiet. It was weird, packing them all up. Honestly, how many vibrators could one girl need?” He chuckled as Kagome winged her fork at him. The hanyou caught it and dramatically licked it clean. "Mmm, thanks Kaggie. I love Ma's gravy."

"Inuyasha, shut up," she hissed.

Inuyasha completely ignored her. "Hell, I bet you can get rid of most of your toys. The real thing has got to be better than silicone, right? At least sometimes. I'm sure you'll want to keep your favorites."

"You had better shut..." she started again before he interrupted her again.

"You could even introduce Sesshoumaru to your collection, but I suggest you go slowly. You wouldn't want to intimidate him."

Katsuro chuckled as Kagome threw her spoon at Inuyasha’s face, harder this time. Again his son caught it and continued on.

"Being a virgin and all, he might be put off by the whole thing. I mean, a vibrator can make a girl come ten times harder and ten times faster than..."

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru said in warning, walking in just in time to hear his brother's last statement.

The hanyou tensed, just in time to miss seeing Kagome's chunky heel flying across the table. It bounced off his face and landed innocently on the placemat before him. "Damn, wench! I think you gave me a black eye!" Inuyasha muttered while rubbing at his cheekbone. "I think I'll be keeping this," he said while picking up the shoe just in time for his mother to set down his dessert plate. "Thanks, Ma."

"You will not!" Kagome squealed from her seat. "These are my favorite shoes! Besides, you totally deserved it. I can't believe you!"

"Give me the shoe, Inuyasha," Izayoi demanded. "I am terribly disappointed in how you are treating your friend."

The hanyou's head dropped under her scolding, and he handed over the requested shoe. "Come on, she knows I was just playing."

Kagome scowled darkly across the table and accepted her shoe, quickly slipping it back onto her foot. "You promised me, ramen for silence. I am never making you noodles again."

Instantly, Inuyasha launched into damage control, trying everything he could think of to gain her forgiveness. He couldn't survive without her perfectly prepared ramen! Looking to shut the boy up, Katsuro smirked.

"So, tell me, my son. Have you found our other daughter-in-law yet?"

The hanyou froze and cursed under his breath. Apparently he hadn't gotten off easy after all.

Sesshoumaru turned to the miko by his side and raised one elegant eyebrow. "Vibrator?" he murmured softly, for her ears only.

She refused to look at him, shaking her head violently. "Don't ask."

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*Wrath* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

The ride home was a rather silent affair, though Sesshoumaru was filled to the brim with questions. What had Inuyasha been talking about that had upset her so? Why would his brother be talking about vibrators, of all things, in front of his best friend and their father? Surely the boy didn't know something as intimate about Kagome as whether she used sex toys!

As soon as the car came to a stop in the driveway, the hanyou was out of the car and disappearing inside. Kagome laughed darkly. "Yeah, you better run," she said threateningly. "I'm going to kill you."

"What was Inuyasha talking about?" Sesshoumaru asked. "Why are you so angry?"

The miko's cheeks flushed pink again, and she looked away. "I don't want to talk about it."

The taiyoukai helped her out of the car and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, guiding her towards the front door. "Is it so terrible that you cannot tell me?"

Kagome sighed heavily. "He was just being a jerk. I said something stupid a while ago, and he promised me to never mention it to anyone. Then, for some reason, he decides that the perfect time to bring it up is in front of your father of all things! I could strangle him. I swear I'm going to cut off his fingers one by one and feed them to him!"

The couple headed directly to the basement stairs, as it was obvious that Kagome was in no condition to see anyone else. Sesshoumaru was still incredibly curious, but decided that perhaps he should give her some time to calm down before questioning her again. He wished he had heard more of the conversation. The look on his father's face had been enough to know that it had been extremely interesting.

Vibrator. He couldn't get that word out of his mind, his imagination coming up with all kinds of possibilities. Did his sweet miko have one? Sure, she seemed innocent, but at the same time, not. She was eighteen years old and had never even had a boyfriend because of the overprotective nature of her friends. He certainly masturbated often enough. Did she do the same? That thought sent fire through his veins, and he had to fight down his erection. She did not seem to be in the mood for that.

As soon as they entered their apartment, he watched as she stormed away. She stomped through the bedroom and into the bathroom, slamming the pocket door so hard it bounced open again. He heard as the shower started and though he was tempted to peek, he held himself back. He had no intention of drawing her anger onto him. Instead, the taiyoukai headed into the office and sat down at his desk. Now was a perfect time to unpack his books and hook up his computer. She would let him know when it was safe to come to bed.