Summary: After being gifted a white ribbon Inuyasha remembers a day where he and a certain priestess helped her young sister try to tie her hair in the formal priestess style.
(A/N: Very late for Kikyo weekend. The prompt white ribbon may 5th. Set in the early days of the two first getting to know each other. Before Keade loses her eye.)
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A simple white ribbon that’s all what this is. A small piece of material. It's not even made of the fancy stuff.
Tho to be fair his knowledge on the matter is limited to just on what he remembers of the feelings of his mother's robes and seeing what his brother wears.
So, he could tell that this piece of cloth that he holds was nothing special, and yet when this little girl from this new village that they had saved earlier today.
Gifted him this ribbon, as a sign of gratitude. He felt a certain warmth sweep into his chest, and then a deep numbing sensation took over his whole body.
Why would a piece of cloth cause his body such a reaction? What could be the reason behind it?
"Hey, Inuyasha! What you got there?"
The sudden sound of the voice cause him to flinch and his ears to twitched. He took a quick deep breath, calming his nerves before saying.
He looks up to her. The sun shining brightly behind her.
"It's some ribbon one of the brats gave me as thanks or whatever for us saving them from that weak-ass demon. Saying something about it matching my hair."
"That was nice of them, and they're right; it does match your hair" she giggles. Deciding to sit down beside him.
Grass crinkles as she does.
"Hmm. Sure." He said. Seeing no problem with it. Not like he wanted it in the first place.
He had no use for it. So, the he dropped the ribbon into her hand.
Kagome held the ribbon up to her face. Admiring its simple beauty.
As for the boy sitting next to her was still trying to wrap his head around why that stupid thing caused such a reaction from him.
But before his mind could spiral any further.
"Inuyasha, what do you think, Does it look good?"
With curiosity he looks at her. And THAT'S when it hits him! The reason a simple white ribbon would cause him to feel such two different emotions at once. Because the girl sitting beside him is wearing the ribbon and even though it's not the same style.
For a split second, it wasn't Kagome sitting beside him but Kikyo! The girl always wore a white ribbon in her long hair in traditional Priestess style.
Only on a few occasions where one could see her not wearing it up. But even on those rare occasions, the ribbon was always on her person. Hidden in her sleeve pocket.
"Inuyasha! Inuyasha! You there?”
Kagome asked with worry in her voice, shaking her hand in front of his face.
After a beat and a quick shake his head. With his eyes closed.
Did he snapped out of it. Opening his eyes, and looking at the girl next to him. No longer seeing Kikyo but Kagome.
"Good thought I lost you there for a sec."
"If you say so." She shrugs deciding not to push him.
"What was it you were saying?" He asked.
"Oh, I was just asking you how this looked on me. Because thanks to Songo and Kaede. I've got the hang of how to use these types of ribbons. Don't you think?" She asked with confidence in her voice.
Inuyasha finally took a real look at her. Seeing that she had tied her hair into a loose ponytail with a few loose strands of hair sticking out here and there.
But overall a big improvement compared to when she first tried doing it without the help of Kaede.
Before he could answer, he picked up the sound of small steps approaching them. Though he wasn't worried knowing very well who'd footsteps they belonged to.
"HEY! Kagome can I have some of that ninja candy you brought with you?"
Shippo shouted while running towards them.
Once the little fox demon reached them. Did Kagome respond with "Sure, but don't you want to wait till after dinner?"
"Oh, it's not for me. It's for this girl." He admitted with a blush on his cheeks.
"Aww! Of course, you can have them! Come on there in my bag, back in the room." She said, practically bouncing up with a big smile on her face.
With sparkles in her eyes. That always appears whenever someone's romance is brought up.
"Oh! Almost forgot!" She turns back around to face Inuyasha, undoing her ponytail.
"Here you go." She says as she gives him back the ribbon knowing he won't be heading back with them. Wanting his alone time for a bit.
He seems to have a lot on his mind, so she'll ask him about it later. But for now, all she wants to do is witness the magic of young love blossom!
She grabs Shippo's hand and starts to run back to their room.
Once he was sure they were gone. Inuyasha takes a deep breath, looking up at the blue sky. Watching the clouds flow by in the soft breeze, his thumb slowly rubbing the small ribbon in his hand.
He quickly rips his eyes away from the clouds to look down at the ribbon. He almost forgot about it.
But now that he thinks of it, it should have been obvious as to why a simple white ribbon would cause him such turmoil. Only Kikyo wore this sort of ribbon. The only other person that he knows who wears one is the priestess's younger sister Kaede.
Another breeze passes by, causes his hair and the ribbon to blow softly.
'It was windy that day too.'
Inuyasha thought as he continued to stare at the white fabric. As a certain memory resurfaces.
It was the early days of spring. The last bit of winter slowly fading away. Making the air still feel a bit chilly. Didn't help that is was windy too.
Inuyasha was making his way through the village towards the two sisters' home, where Kikyo had asked him to meet her.
He was a bit hesitant at first, knowing that the villagers were still uneasy about him. Only a few of the children had warmed up to him and would walk up to him only when their parents weren't looking of course.
Then again he had a suspicion that the real reason why the kids didn't mind him was because their favorite person in the whole village didn't mind him.
He also suspected that it was the same reason the grown-ups didn't try anything on him. Not because they were afraid of him. But because their beloved priestess let him live. He still doesn't know why.
He's not complaining by any means, but he would like to know her reason behind it. Maybe one of these days he'll get an answer.
Before he knew it he was in front of their home. He doesn't go straight in, no never.
The few times he had were when Kikyo invited him in. He, himself has never just walked right in. Always deciding to wait outside.
It's not like he is scared or anything. He thought it be strange just to walk in. Especially since the last time he had an actual roof over his head was his own.
Back when his mother was alive. After she passed away, the villagers didn't waste any time in kicking him out. Not just his home but the village as a whole.
Since then he's been outside using trees to sleep on.
Now here he is in a village standing outside the home of a priestess and her brat little sister. Wondering if he should stay out here or announce his presence to them.
Before he can decide he hears his name.
Of course, she knew he was already here. She always knows. Thanks to her high spiritual powers.
He found them annoying most of the time. But seeing her use them in a fight or healing small cuts on the kids, he couldn’t help but also be amazed by them.
"I know you're out there."
Just not at this moment. Well, no point in staying quiet.
"Why don't you come inside? It seems like I'll be here for a while longer."
As much as the half-demon would rather stay outside and wait. He also would rather not deal with the dirty looks the villagers were giving him.
So he walked into the sister's home.
Where he sees the two sitting by the far corner of the home, with Kaede sitting in front of Kikyo, who seemed to be holding something in her hand.
Realizing what was in her hand. Inuyasha takes a real look at her, seeing that Kikyo's hair is not up in its traditional ponytail.
He's never seen it down before. It's a lot longer than he thought it would be.
Her hair is quite beautiful. It looks like the night sky with its purple hue, waiting for its stars to shine brightly through it.
He bet it would feel soft like silk.
Why was he thinking of that! It’s not like-
"Sorry to have kept you waiting. But I happen to get distracted, helping Kaede with something."
She spoke. Saving him from his thoughts.
"It's fine, do what you got to do." He said with his arms crossed.
Trying not to look brother by it. But failing miserably.
Kikyo knew that he didn't like to be kept waiting. But she honestly didn't mean to lose track of the time, letting Kaede practice tying the traditional ponytail in her hair.
Her sister has been wanting to learn how to do it for quite some time now. Saying how she'll need to know it for when she becomes a priestess.
Kikyo has told her many times that she doesn't need to follow in her footsteps.
But her young sister is just as stubborn as she is. Which is admirable, yet Kikyo would love for her sister to pick a different path. One where she can live an ordinary life. Where she wouldn't have to bear the responsibilities and hardships that come with being a priestess.
Hopefully, she will one day change her mind. But as for now, Kikyo will support her and teach her what she wants to learn.
That currently being the traditional hairstyle. As soon as she finishes brushing her sister's tangled hair.
"Inuyasha, you can sit down, if you wish."
The half-demon glances around the room before he decides there is no harm in doing so. He sits down on the floor near the door.
The only exit in the home. As if he needs to be by the fastest escape, should there be an attack to happen? He seems to always be waiting for an attack to occur at any moment.
A thing she had quickly noticed, and couldn't help but wonder how hard a life he must have had to form such habits.
A sadness always sweeps into her chest each time she thinks about it.
"What have ye been up to, this day?" Kaede asked.
Awakening Kikyo from her thoughts. She doesn't stop brushing her sister's hair, as she glances at Inuyasha from the corner of her eye.
Wondering if he would give his usual quick response or give one of great detail this time.
She was hoping for the latter. Wanting to learn more about this man.
He looks at her sister first then she feels his gaze on her.
'Oh, this is intriguing!'
She compressed her excitement by grabbing a white ribbon from the drawer. Hoping, he will continue with his tale.
"Looked for food. Walked around then headed here."
"Were you able find anything to eat?"
She didn't mean to ask. But the question slipped from her lips before she could even think.
She has been wondering if he'd been eating well. Especially since he's currently staying in the forest, just outside of their village.
Kikyo didn't have any doubts about his hunting abilities. But still, she and Kaede would offer him their spare food. That way he could have at least go one day where he didn't have to hunt for his meal.
He declined every time. Maybe that to would change one day.
"I did, it was fish from the stream." He answered.
Causing her lips to form a small smile. One she hoped that he wouldn't be able to notice.
"Did ye cook it?" Kaede asked this time.
"With an actual fire?!" She asked with surprise written on her face.
"YEAH! How else am I supposed to cook it?" He asked. Annoyance clearly in his tone.
"I just didn't think ye would know how to make one."
"Kaede!" Kikyo was shocked by her sister's questions.
"What? I was just curious."
"I know but still, it's best not to assume what skills one does and doesn't possess."
"Right sorry, and sorry Inuyasha, I was not trying to offend thy." She said looking at him.
"I'm sorry as well," Kikyo said. Also looking at him.
Now with two pairs of deep brown eyes staring at him. He honestly didn't know what to do. Because their eyes did not hold disgust or fear or even hatred but worry.
Not of him but for him. Something he hasn't seen for a long time now. He believed he would never see that again.
So seeing it now is causing him to freeze in place, trying to figure out what to do.
He was so lost in trying to figure out what to do or say that he didn't realize that the priestess had gotten up to approach him. Not even feeling her hand on his shoulder.
"I truly am sorry if I caused ye any ill will." She said as she walked up to them.
Once upon them. The half-demon finally gets his thoughts in order. And response.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it."
"Yeah, why would a small brat underestimateing my skills affect me? Only a weak idiot would be!"
He said arrogantly. With his arms crossed and head held up high.
After a few seconds of silence, Inuyasha felt a small squeeze on his shoulder and realized that Kikyo was still by his side.
"Are you truly alright with it?"
He looks at her face and then down to her pale hand that still rests on his robe of the fire rat. How it holds his shoulder so gently.
Another thing he thought he wouldn't be able to experience again.
He brings his focus back up to her mahogany eyes. Eyes that feel like they can see straight into his very soul. And he is certain that they probably can.
"Good, I would hate for you to be uncomfortable here."
'Why would you care about that? It's not like I live here.'
"If you are truly alright then me and Kaede shall finish this up swiftly. Then we will be on our way."
She gave his arm one last squeeze before going back to the small drawer to continue with Kaede's hair.
After some time Kikyo was done brushing her sister's hair. She ties it into the traditional priestess ponytail.
Once done Kaede takes a look at it through their small mirror. Afterward, Kikyo undid it, so Kaede could try it.
"Would you like me to show you again?"
"What's the point?! If I can't see what ye is doing."
She has a point Kikyo thinks. They could try to use the hand held mirror again. But felt that the result would be the same.
'Hmm, there must be a way.'
Inuyasha spoke from his spot by the door. Where he decided to sit down there again. After having gotten up during his and Kaede's little squabble.
She wonders if she should reconsider what she is about to suggest. But she knows how much he detests when someone starts to say something but ends up not finishing what their are about to say.
Even tho he, himself does it all the time.
Well, no point in backing down now.
"Could you, if you don't mind, come here and allow me to do your hair? That way Kaede can see what I am doing."
She was expecting for him to shout or get up and leave. But instead, she was met with silence.
She stares at him trying to read his emotions, most times it is very easy to read him. But there are those few rare instances where it is difficult.
"You can refuse. It was foolish of me to suggest-"
She must have misheard him.
Surely she misheard. Because why would he agree?
"I said I'll do it okay."
He stood up and began to walk towards them.
"The faster we get this over with the faster we can leave right?"
Kikyo said still not believing that he agreed. Even after he sits in front of her with his back towards her.
She didn't notice that Keade had already moved to make room for him.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Come on."
Kikyo looks blankly at the white wall of hair in front of her, hesitating to make a move. Not wanting to ruin this big moment and the progress they have made so far.
A coughing sound brought her back. She turns her head towards where she hears the cough. Seeing Kaede staring back at her.
Kikyo gives her a questioning look.
Kaede nods her head toward Inuyasha, then back at her. Silently asking 'Well what are ye waiting for?
She right. There's no need to be hesitant. Inuyasha won't disappear the moment she touches him. Because he agreed to do this. He is giving her his trust, and she isn't going to break it.
Because they have become closer since that first day they met. And she trusts him.
She gives her sister a look of determination, tightening her grip on the brush. She reaches out her other hand grabbing a few locks of his white hair.
Its softness is the first thing she notices. She rubs her thumb over it.
A small smile graces her face. She brings the brush-up just above her other hand. The first stroke goes through easily, but only towards the very bottom do the tangles start.
But with just a little bit of pressure, they unweave. She thought there would be more difficulties. Glad that it was only at the ends where the tangles lay.
They were easily dealt with. Another thing she was glad for. She hated to have to add any more pressure and accidentally pull too hard on his hair causing him any pain.
He's gone through so much already.
'I don't wish to add any more to that pain.'
She continues to gently brush through his beautiful white locks.
He should've changed his mind when he had the chance! Because what was he thinking agreeing to this?!
Nothing really, he thought it wouldn't be an issue. Just do it and get it over with so they can go on their walk through the village and forest.
Making sure there were no demons nearby. Then they would sit at their normal spot and watch the sun go down before heading back to the village.
So he figured this would be quick. But now that he's sitting here in front of her with his back facing her. He was suddenly nervous!
Because the last time he sat down to properly brush his hair was when his mother was alive. After her death, he didn't care all that much about his hair, only ever ripping sticks and twigs out of it.
Washing it only when necessary or to get rid of the blood from his battles with demons.
But to sit down and brush it properly is something he hasn't done in a long time.
When Kikyo didn't start right away. He was going to say that he changed his mind. Except before he could, Kikyo grabbed his hair and began to slowly brush it.
His body froze, one of his ears twitched, and his heart skipped a beat. He hopes that neither sister noticed.
Seeing that she continued. Told him that she hadn't. Which caused him to release a sigh of relief. Well, no point in stopping now.
'I'll just have to suck it up.'
So, with that, he forced himself to relax and focus on her movements. Her fingers going gently down his hair. Eventually, he became at ease for real.
Closing his eyes, leaning into her touch. He felt like he was transported back to those times with his mother. Back in their old village, she used her white comb that held a red pearl. She always hummed the same song every time.
The sound of the floor creaking is what brought him back to the present. Looking to his left, he saw that it was Kaede moving closer to her sister. That was the cause.
He also spotted the handheld mirror near him. With how it was placed he could see Kikyo behind him. Allowing him to see that she looked relaxed, even having a content smile on her face.
That was all he could think of. He likes seeing her smile. He decided and hopes to see it more.
The rest of that morning was spent with the three in the home brushing hair and enjoying each other’s presence.
The sun was high in the sky. Shining its rays down on a familiar village. Where the elder priestess Kaede has awaken from a good night's rest. Though now there seems to be a new ache in her body. This time on her back. It feels like she discovers a new one with each passing day.
Getting old is never easy, especially in times like these. Where war and demons are always taking humans life's.
She is very grateful that she has even made it to this age. Unlike so many other poor souls, who are lucky enough to make it to 20 or younger.
Best not to think of that right now. When there is so much that needs to be done today.
After getting dress, she begins to brush her long grey hair.
'Now time for the ribbon.'
She pulls it out from the second drawer. As she goes to tie it around her hair, the ache in her arm starts up.
Kaede releases a sigh. She try's agin but her arm just won't allow it.
'Oh, well I can just have it down today.'
She thought. Getting ready to put the ribbon and brush away.
Kaede flinch. Turning her body around she see Inuyasha leaning against the door way.
"Inuyasha? I didn't expect ye to be back today."
Once her heart rate was back to normal. She took noticed that he was alone.
"Where's Kagome and the others?" She asked. Hoping that the two didn't get into another disagreement.
"Kagome is going back home. Saying something about a big exam coming. Whatever that means. The others are sending her off."
He explaine as he walks up to her.
"Here let me help with that."
Kaede looked at him confusingly. Not knowing what he meant until he was taking the brush and ribbon out of her hands.
"Ye don't have to." She tries to protest.
"Come on. You clearly need help."
By the look he was giving her, she knew there was no way out of it.
So, she simply turn her back to him. Giving him the go ahead.
He grabbed a part of her hair with one hand and in the other the brush. Then procees to brush her grey strands.
The two stayed in silence. No need for words when they both know what the other is thinking.
Remembering that day and the other times that were similar to it.
Far away from the village she once called home. Up on a hill top with the wind blowing through her long hair. The undead Priestess holds simple white ribbon.
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A/N: I know this very late by a year or so but I hope you enjoy it. Happy Kikyo Weekend. Go to @kikyo-weekend for more stories about our favorite girl!🏹🤍
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