I'm Still Here
By Erica DeTraglia
I do not own Inuyasha or any character associated with the show. The title comes from the theme to Disney's Treasure Planet sung by Johnny Resnick. I don't owe that either. The song Kagome sings is Dream's song "This is Me." Nope, I don't own that either. I do own a car though. That's mine! All mine! Mine Mine Mine. ( Sorry got bit obsessed there. I hope you enjoy the story. Feedback on what can be changed, rearranged or all over thrown out is always appreciated.
Story: Kagome deals with the death of her father, rejection from university, a pissy Inuyasha and the well being sealed forever.
Kagome yawned as she dressed in a kimono Kaede had let her borrow. Sango and her had just finished soaking in the hot bath. Although, the purpose of the bath was to heal Kagome's wounds more than it was to relax. Fighting youkai was actually starting to get troublesome. She rubbed her arm, bandaged earlier by Kaede. She was not paying attention to her right side and a youkai bite her in arm. Inuyasha had killed the thing in no time but Kagome hurt so much. It wasn't just the pain in her arm that bothered her but the pain in her soul that kept nagging her, telling her she let Inuyasha down somehow. She was ashamed that she made such a rookie mistake. They had been fighting for three years now. Kagome had honed her archery skill and her miko powers. She walked back to the hut quietly. She entered the hut and saw something at the corner of her eye. She yelped, grabbing a walking stick near the entrance and began hitting whoever or whatever it was sneaking up on her. She stopped hitting when she heard a growl. "Inuyasha?"
"Who else would it be, bitch?"
Kagome lit a few lanterns to see Inuyasha on the floor, rubbing his reddened cheek. Kagome knelt next to him. "Sorry. I thought you were a bad youkai or even Miroku sneaking in to cop a feel."
Inuyasha sat up so Kagome and his face were inches apart. "Are you ok?"
His words were so soft and so full of concern, Kagome was taken aback. Even though it was obvious to both of them that they cared for each other, for some reason they still couldn't say it. Three years and still not a 'I love you' or 'Stay with me.' Kagome chuckled to herself. She was hoping for too much. She finally shrugged. "For now. I'm just so mad at myself right now. I should have seen that youkai coming."
Inuyasha looked down, unable to think about what to say. He saw Kagome stand and offer him her good hand. He smiled, taking it. Kagome helped him up. Yet, Inuyasha didn't release her hand. Kagome noticed this and looked into Inuyasha's amber eyes. He repeated. "Are you ok?"
Kagome took her hand back, angry. "Don't worry. I'll be up and ready to detect shards for you bright and early tomorrow morning."
"I didn't mean that." Inuyasha said his voice rising with anger too.
Kagome swallowed hard. "Oh please, that is all you care about lately."
Inuyasha fehed. "No it is not."
Kagome shrugged and immediately winced holding her arm. Inuyasha was at her side in a minute. He moved her sleeve up to inspect the wound. "We need to change the bandage."
Kagome watched as Inuyasha unraveled the bandage. She cringed and turned her head away when it was finally removed. The blood was dry and black around the wound. It wasn't bleeding anymore but scabbed with dried blood. The wound had rotten purple skin surrounding with black and blue marks and that ran down most of Kagome's arm and shoulder. Even Inuyasha seemed uneasy looking at the wound. Kagome finally turned to face him. "It's not that bad, right?"
Inuyasha gave her a stern look. "You are crazy. Come here." He led Kagome over to the fire where the herbal bandages were being soaked. He sat her down and walked over to the pot. He slowly removed three stripes, straining them and placing the next to Kagome. He then got a bowl with cool water and a cloth. He sat so his legs surrounding Kagome. Kagome blushed. Inuyasha saw this and gave her a smirk. Inuyasha took the cloth, wiping away the old blood. Kagome winced. He frowned with his ears down. "Sorry."
Kagome nodded. "It's ok."
Inuyasha continued to clean the wound. Once that was complete, he wrapped the three herbal bandages over the wound then wrapped it up in clean bandages. Kagome watched him, smiling. She had to suppress her giggles. Inuyasha was so involved in cleaning her wound he didn't realize he was sticking his tongue out the corner of his mouth, exposing his canine teeth. It was so cute. She smiled. "Thank you Inuyasha."
Inuyasha nodded. He watched Kagome sit on her bedding. She was having problems do to that arm. He could tell it hurt. He could smell her pain. He turned and began to leave. He hated to see women cry; especially Kagome. He moved the bamboo door away when he heard Kagome say in a weak voice. "Don't go."
Inuyasha turned his head and ears to make sure he had heard her correctly. He saw a tear fall down her face. She said it again. "Please, don't go. Could you stay with me.just for tonight? I don't feel safe alone."
Inuyasha nodded, returning to Kagome's side. He sat on the floor, his back to the wall, in his usual Indian-style position, hands in his sleeves. Kagome wiped her eyes. "Thank you."
Inuyasha nodded to her and slept.
Next morning..
Kagome opened her eyes and the first thing she noticed was the pain. Her arm felt like it was on fire. The next thing she realized was she was not alone. She turned her head to see Inuyasha sleeping right next to her. They were sharing a pillow but that was it. He had his arms crossed in his sleeves. Kagome tried to turn to look at him but almost forgot about her arm. She screamed, sitting up. Inuyasha jumped up, sword in hand. He jumped in little circles turning to find the source of Kagome's screaming. He finally put his sword down and looked at Kagome. She was crying, holding her arm. He dropped the sword and knelt beside her. He rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. "What can I do?" He asked like a lost child.
Kagome looked into his eyes. "I think.I think I need to go home. I don't think the herbal medicines are working. That youkai wasn't poisonous, was he?"
Inuyasha shook his head no. "Nah, it just had a lot of teeth. Keade pulled all the loose ones out so that can't be it. Maybe the wound was deeper than we thought. Stay here. I'll tell the others and I'll take you back."
Kagome nodded.
In Kagome's time.
Inuyasha, Kagome and Kagome's mother sat in the emergency room waiting for the doctor. Kagome had explained to her mother for the hundredth time how she got her injury. Even Inuyasha was getting bored. The hospital smelled funny. It bombarded his senses so much Kagome's mother had to help him stand until he got used to it. Kagome's mother looked at Kagome. She was peeking at her wound from underneath the bandages. She feared for her daughter. This was the first time Kagome had gotten seriously injured or at least this was the first time she had seen it. It wasn't terrible but it was enough to make Kagome's mother think twice about sending her back with Inuyasha. She sighed. "I'm going to get some dinner. What do you guys want?"
They gave their orders and Kagome's mom disappeared. Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "You didn't have to come with me. Mom can handle it."
Inuyasha shrugged, crossing his arms. "I have nothing better to do."
"Oh, no shard hunting?"
"Can't. I don't have my shard detector with me." He gave her a grin and nudged her on her good arm.
Kagome laughed. "True."
The doctor came into the room. "Hello. Well, whatever dog bites you definitely had some weird bacteria. Are you sure you don't know where it went?"
Kagome shook her head. "No, it ran away."
The doctor shrugged. "Too bad. Hopefully, it won't bite anyone else. I'm going to give you a shot of antibiotics now and I'm going to give you a prescription for 3 pills a day for 10 days. Then, I'm going to give you a shot of local amentia. You are going to need about 15 stitches: 9 inside the wound and 6 on the outside. They are dissolvable, so they will fall out on their own. OK?"
Kagome nodded and the doctor began. Kagome winced and yelped with the first shot. Inuyasha instantly took her hand and let her squeeze it until no blood got to his fingers. While Kagome had her head buried into his shoulder, Inuyasha watched the wound be closed by the doctor. He was fascinated how the doctor used needles to dull the pain and small yet thick thread to close the wound. The doctor saw Inuyasha's intense staring. He chuckled. "Interested in medicine?"
Inuyasha came out of his trace to look at the doctor. He nodded. The doctor smiled. "Well, keep your grades up and stay out of trouble." Inuyasha just smiled, humoring the man. He wouldn't be a doctor. He didn't even live in this time. He looked to the side hearing Kagome's whimpers. He rested his head on hers trying to comfort her since his one hand had no feeling and in the other he felt Kagome's mother's coat. The doctor gave her another shot and she screamed softly into his shirt. The doctor frowned. "I'm sorry. OK, all done." Kagome lifted her head up, her face moist with tears, sniffling. The doctor finished wrapping her arm up. He said jokingly, "Now, stay away from dogs."
Kagome looked at Inuyasha and laughed. Inuyasha chuckled too. Kagome's mother returned and helped Kagome put her clothes back on while Inuyasha stood outside in the hallway eating his French fries. Soon, Kagome slowly walked out. Inuyasha could tell from her smell that she was weak and hurting badly. A nurse came and had Kagome sit in a wheelchair. They wheeled her out to the car and they all went home.
Later that night, they were back at the house. Kagome and Inuyasha were on the couch watching a movie. They were sitting next to each other with Kagome leaning against Inuyasha's arm. He didn't seem to mind and Kagome was in so much pain if she wasn't leaning against him she would have fallen to the ground. Kagome made a noise that made Inuyasha look at her. "What?" Kagome took a deep breath. "All the painkillers are making me sick to my stomach." Inuyasha took a pillow and placed it in his lap. He scooted over and then patted the pillow. Kagome's raised an eyebrow at him. "What?" "I'm not thinking anything perverted. Lay your head here facing the TV." Kagome did so making sure to favor her arm. She felt Inuyasha move her hair away from her neck. "This may hurt a little but I promise you it will make you feel better." Kagome nodded. "I trust you." Inuyasha smiled. He took his index finger and traced lightly from Kagome's head down to the base of her neck. His youkai blood could feel the sickness Kagome was talking about. The pain was settled in the base of her neck. He slowly pricks her skin. It wasn't deep enough to draw blood but it was enough pressure to alleviate her pain. He heard Kagome laugh. "Hey I feel be.." Then she feels asleep immediately. Inuyasha laughed too. He had learned the technique from a healer in the mountains. It alleviates motion sickness, stomach pains, and pregnancy morning sickness. The only draw back was it caused the person to sleep for three hours. Inuyasha took this opportunity to stroke Kagome's hair. Even in sleep she smiled and moved to his touch. While Kagome was sleeping soundly and Inuyasha went into the kitchen to sit with Kagome's mother and grandfather. Kagome's mother offered him some teas and he accepted. Kagome's grandfather looked at Inuyasha. "What kind of youkai bit her?" Inuyasha sipped his tea. "It was a leech youkai with thousands of tiny teeth. She must be allergic to the salvia because most people do not have the reaction she did." Kagome's mother frowned. "This is the first time Kagome had really gotten hurt. It scares me. What if she gets hurt and you can't being her here in time." Inuyasha frowned. "I'll always protect her." Kagome's mother screamed. "Well, you didn't this time." Inuyasha brought his eyebrows together. "I did. I killed it so after. If I had not been there Kagome would be." He couldn't finish the sentence. He finished his tea and stood. "Please tell Kagome that I will be back in a few days to check up on her." They nodded and he left. Kagome's grandfather frowned. "You were hard on the boy." Kagome's mother wiped the tears that had fallen down her cheeks. "I know. It's just that I have buried a husband and a son already. I do not want to bury another child so soon after their death." "Kagome is strong. I have seen her practice. She will be fine."
Three days later..
Kagome turned on the stereo in the kitchen. She blared the music and began to sing along and dance. Her arm was healing quickly and she was feeling faster than she expected. Souta bobbed his head as he swept the floor. Mom and Grandpa had left for a few days to go to a seminar. Kagome twirled Souta around and sang.
Inuyasha jumped up out of the well. The first thing he heard was music. He moved into the house and saw Kagome and Souta dancing and singing along with a song. It looked.fun. He walked up to them and leaned against the doorframe away from their sight. Kagome had a pretty good voice. Souta and her were twirling around waving their hands in the air. Kagome grabbed Souta's hand twirled him away from her then twirled him in, dipping him. Then they broke apart. Souta took the dishes out and started to set them down on the table. Kagome was stirring something in a pot and then swung around to take cups out of the cabinet and hand them to Souta. Inuyasha was smiling big. He had never seen this side of Kagome's family. He knew they were close but he never knew they did things like this in her time. 'Of course you wouldn't stupid. You keep Kagome in your time and she never can have fun anymore.' He snorted to himself. He then heard Kagome squeal with joy. "Souta, turn it up. This is definitely Inuyasha and my song." Inuyasha's ears perked. He watched Souta and Kagome swing their hips and twist down to the floor then jump up dancing. Kagome grabbed a wooden spoon and started singing with the song. Inuyasha's turned his ears so he could hear the words.
Kagome turned like she had seen in the video and Souta followed along. The lyrics began and so did she. "She stole your heart, only did it because she could.Chewed you up and spat you out. That girl never was any good." She grabbed Souta's hand. "Baby I will never do that.I'll love you faithfully." Souta gagged and pushed her away. "But your suspicious mind thinks.I'm gonna repeat her story." Kagome tossed her hair. " She's making you crazy, making you a wreck, Making you follow me, Making me a suspect.You seem to think I'm playing her game.Don't you know my name" She grabbed Souta by the shirt and twirled him around as she sang with the chorus. " That was her, this is me.We're as different as can be." Kagome screamed the next lyrics, secretly hoping Inuyasha could hear her. "She and I are nothing alike.You confusing day with night. That was then, this is now.You wanna trust me,but you don't know how. I'm never gonna mess around, Set you down, can't you see.That was her.And baby this is me." Kagome untwirled Souta and he just shook his head and went down to get some plates. He noticed something out the corner of his eye. He jumped to see Inuyasha, who placed a finger to his lips. "I want to listen," He said in a whisper. Souta nodded and went back into the kitchen. Inuyasha saw Kagome frown as she started the next stanza, stirring a soup. "Stop making me feels bad.I'm the best thing you ever had. The only thing I'm guilty of.Is giving you too much love. She's making you crazy, Making you a wreck, Making you follow me, Making me a suspect, You seem to think I'm playing her game.Don't you know, don't you know my name.Don't suffocate me, give me some space.Don't make me pay, for all her mistakes. Believe in the love that's in my kiss (Don't say things that don't exist).And baby this is me (get a grip)." The song ended and Kagome turned to Souta. "Man, I wish Inuyasha could have heard that song. Here, take this to the table." Souta walked in looking at Inuyasha who was stunned silent. He was just staring at Kagome. He heard the song.now if only Souta could tell how he felt about it. Souta threw a piece of noodle at Inuyasha. It brought the old Inuyasha back.
Kagome turned. "Inuyasha? Why are you growling?"
He looked up, turning red. He hadn't realized he was growling at himself. "Nothing."
Souta ran up and hugged Inuyasha. "Hi!" He winked at Inuyasha to let him know he would play along that he wasn't there the whole time. "This is so cool. Could you help me later with some fighting moves? I want to impress Hitomi."
Inuyasha folded his arms. "Why would that impress her?"
Kagome smiled. 'That is so sweet.' Kagome's smile turned off like a light when Inuyasha continued. "Now, killing something.that impresses girls. Right, Kagome?" He looked up to see her giving him 'that' look. "Uh- oh."
"Sit!"
Inuyasha kissed the floor with a smack. He growled and slowly lifted himself up, with Souta's help. Souta stomped to Kagome, leaving Inuyasha without a support, causing him to fall to the floor again. "Kagome, that was mean. I want to impress Hitomi."
Kagome placed the soup bowl on the table. "You want to impress girls." Souta nodded. "Then be the nicest, smartest, strongest, but without fighting, person you can be and the women will follow you like puppies. No offense Inuyasha."
Inuyasha dusted himself off after finally standing up. "Offense taken."
Kagome stuck her tongue out at him and proceeded to pour miso soup into the bowls.
Inuyasha sat down. "Where are your mom and grandpa?"
Souta gave Inuyasha some chopsticks for the sushi. "They had to go to some old people event."
Kagome laughed. "It's called a symposium. It is a 2-day lecture on the current developments in religion. They go every year."
Inuyasha shrugged. "Why didn't you go?"
Souta snickered. "Kids don't belong there."
Inuyasha looked at Souta confused. "Kagome is not a kid."
"Sure she is. She just learned how to drive a car. She still is a kid."
Inuyasha looked down at his soup, confused. Kagome noticed this change in mood. "Inuyasha? What's wrong?"
He shrugged it off and shook his head. He gulped down the soup quickly and proceeded to inhale the sushi.
Later that night, Kagome was sitting at her desk doing her homework. She finishes the final problem, slammed her book down, and twirled in her seat a few times. When she stopped she got the confused stare of a hanyou, who was sitting on her bed. Kagome leaned her elbows on her knees. "Why were you so upset at dinner?"
Inuyasha turned away from her gaze. "It was nothing."
Kagome hurphmed and sat on the bed in front of Inuyasha. He tugged on his white locks so he would face her. "Now, I know something is up because you can never look at me when you are upset or lying. You're not thinking about Kikyo since you don't have that sad look on your face so what is it?"
Inuyasha turned to her. "DO you think you are a child?"
"A Child? Well, no.and yes. I'm no way ready for the whole marriage and kids thing yet. I think I'm still too young for that but I also feel grown up in that I make my own decisions and handle my own consequences. Is that what was bothering you?" Inuyasha nodded. "Why?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "I never saw you as a child. My mother was a year younger than you when I was born."
"Nani?"
Inuyasha leaned forward. "See, that surprises you. You forget my time is 500 years ago. In my time, if you are not married and with child by the age of fifteen you are considered an old maid."
Kagome looked at him. "So, you think I'm old?"
Inuyasha shook his head, leaning against the wall again. "No, it's just.I never thought I'd get older. I never thought I'd be like my mom but here I am. In demon years, I am roughly her age. I don't feel smarter or wiser like she was, but I do know the pain she went through since I am going through it now."
Kagome sighed. "The pain of loss and rejection?"
Inuyasha sighed. "The pain of loving someone so much you would do anything for them but knowing deep down that a normal life could never be possible."
Kagome nodded and stood, picking up her towel. "Yeah, I bet that is the way Kikyo feels too. I'm going to take a shower. No peeking or I'll you know what." She left. Inuyasha watched her go. He whispered. "I was talking about you."
Souta running into the room, jumping on the bed in a very hyper mood interrupted Inuyasha's thoughts. "Ok, now that we are alone you can show me how to fight."
Inuyasha smiled. "Ok." He let Souta lead him downstairs.
Kagome got out of the shower and dressed in a long black silk nightdress with white flower print. She had bought it last week. It felt so nice against her skin and was prefect in this summer heat. She brushed and dried her hair. She noticed that Inuyasha was not in the room and she did not hear Souta playing video games. She opened her window to see Inuyasha showing Souta some fighting moves. They were simple ones but Inuyasha took the task as teacher seriously.
Kagome walked down the stairs. She turned the corner and her father stood in front of her. She fell to the ground unable to scream. He was smiling but his face and arms were cut up just as she remembered him. His features were fuzzy with a white aura. He floated inches above the ground. Kagome blinked and he was gone. "What was that?" She slowly stood up, dusting dirt off her new nightdress. She walked into the living room to see her father again. She went to scream but the ghost waved his hand and her voice was silenced. She put her hands on her throat but it was no use. A tear fell from her eye. She mouthed the word, 'Papa?' The ghost smiled. He pointed outside where Souta and Inuyasha were playing. She choked and words began to exit her mouth again. "Souta?" her father shook his head. Kagome swallowed. "Inuyasha?"
Her father smiled bigger, nodding. He placed his hands together and bowed to her. He made a motion of an archer then pointed to her. She sniffled, fighting back tears. "Yes, I shoot the bow."
Her father's figure came close and Kagome stiffened. Her father frowned, hurt. Kagome reached her hand up but her hand touched cold nothingness. His image faded like smoke. She retrieved her hand and his image returned. He touched the jewel shards around her neck then pointed outside. He then took his hands and put them together, entwining the fingers, placing the joined hands over his heart. He mouthed the word 'one'. He then pointed to his eyes and then at her.
Kagome brought her eyebrows together. "You have watched us?"
Her father slowly nodded, still smiling.
"We are putting the jewel together. To make it one."
It was Kagome's father's turn to make a face. He repeated the motions only this time he spoke in a soft whisper. "Two souls are one."
Kagome looked outside. She could see Inuyasha and Souta wrestling in play. Inuyasha was so gentle it was hard to image that such a hard life could create such a kind-hearted person...well when he wanted to be. Kagome's attention was brought back to the ghost of her father when he touched her stomach. She looked at him. He smiled. "Once a jewel laid there soon there will be another."
"Papa? You aren't making sense. I don't understand what you are trying to tell me?"
He nodded. "Words hard to use now. I happy watching you. You will be happy with him someday. He will try to send you away out of love. Don't let him do it. He loves you but is afraid to show it. He thinks love weak. Show him it is not. Without your love, the shikon jewel will never be purified."
"What did you mean that another jewel would be inside me?"
Her father laughed. "You need some surprises. When time comes, you know. I must go. I wanted to come and give my blessing. You miko now.you see me."
Kagome wiped the tears from her face.
Inuyasha stopped in the midst of spinning Souta around. "What?" asked Souta.
"Kagome." He grabbed Souta by the waist and burst into the house. A white figure was surrounding her. Souta gasped. Before either could react, the white aura surrounded Kagome's head then moved away to disappear. Kagome placed a hand on her lips, crying.
Souta shook his head. "No, that wasn't him."
Kagome dropped to her knees. Souta sniffled. Inuyasha looked around the room. It smelled of death. It left a bad taste in his mouth. He noticed both faces. "What?"
Souta looked up at Inuyasha. "That..that was our dad."
Kagome cried harder. Inuyasha walked over to her letting her cry into his kimono. Sputa walked over and hugged his sister. She hugged him too and they cried. Inuyasha wrapped his arms around them both. Soon their cries and sniffles slowed. Kagome smiled at Souta, wiping his face. "Dad said don't be a soccer player be a doctor."
Souta laughed, hugging Kagome. Inuyasha just watched the emotional exchange between them. Kagome took Souta by the shoulder. "We can't tell mom, ok? This is just between us."
Souta nodded. "Why did he come? Why to you?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "He wanted us to know someone was watching out for us."
Inuyasha blinked at her comment. She was looking right at him.
The next hour, Souta went up to his room to play some games and think about what had happened. Kagome was cleaning the dishes. A single tear went unchecked down her face. Inuyasha walked over to her. "What was it like? Talking to your dad?"
Kagome looked at him. "It was scary. I didn't know what to do or think. I tried to scream for you but he wouldn't let me. I didn't know.if it was him or a youkai in disguise."
Inuyasha frowned to see Kagome so scared. He watched her finish the dishes. She placed her hand on her forehead not moving except for her sniffles. She turned and hugged Inuyasha with a death grip.
"Kag."
"Shh, don't say anything. Just hold me, ok? I just need to be comforted right now." Inuyasha complied, rubbing her back. "Inuyasha?"
"hmmm?"
"Do you think love is weak?"
Inuyasha stopped rubbing her back and just held her. "I'm not sure. I am not even sure what love is anymore. I thought I loved Kikyo. I guess I was always looking for the love my parents had when they created me. I don't remember, but grandpa myugo told me they loved each other so much that demons came to fight them just to see if it was true. Yet, it was love that made my parents become separated and ultimately die alone. How can that be love?"
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "It doesn't have to be that way."
Inuyasha shook his head. "For a hanyou, there is no other way."
Kagome pushed away. "I think you use that as an excuse to push people away."
"What? Look at Kikyo. She said she loved me but all she ever wanted to do was change me into a human so she could have a normal life."
"See, that is not love. Love is when you accept the person no matter what they are and live as you can with that person for as long as you can."
Inuyasha crossed his arms, leaning against the kitchen counter. He snorted. "Right, no one would want that with me. A stupid hanyou with a sword."
She started to walk out but stopped. She turned to Inuyasha who was watching her. "I always have and always will." She turned and walked outside.
Inuyasha was left in the kitchen stunned. It was true. Kagome had always been there since he met her. She never made him feel different nor did she say she wished him to be something or someone else. He followed her outside. She was lighting the lanterns around the shrine. When she was finished she sat in front of the God Tree. Inuyasha sat next to her. "I'm sorry I yelled."
"I'm sorry I pried into your business."
The two sat in silence for a few minutes. Kagome broke the silence. "Do you want to know what my dad said?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah."
"He said that we have to stick together. If one fails we all fail. He said only love would purify the jewel." She looked down, blushing slightly. She continued with her head down. "He also said something weird. He said that one jewel was inside my body soon there would be another." She lifted her head up. "I have no idea what that means. His speech was slow like a kid. He couldn't make out proper sentences."
Inuyasha just stared at Kagome as she spoke. He didn't know what to say. Kagome leaned against his shoulder. "Talk to me. I want to know what you are thinking."
He looked at her, brushing his bangs away from his face. "I was thinking about what your dad said. If one fails we all fail. Kaede told me that too. Only she said that you needed me as much as I needed you."
Kagome lifted her head from its place on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Well, we do make a pretty good team."
Inuyasha laughed. "Yeah, I guess we do."
Kagome smiled. "Now, if I could just have plastic surgery to change my face so I don't look like Kikyo anymore, maybe we could get somewhere."
Inuyasha frowned. "No, don't change who you are for me. Remember, you said love was accepting the person for who they are. I accept you. I know I say and do stupid things but it is the only way I know."
Kagome couldn't resist. "Hard to teach a dog new tricks."
Inuyasha snapped. "Hey!"
Kagome smiled and laughed. "Sorry, sorry.bad joke."
"Damn right it was." Inuyasha pretend to be mad. He poked her playfully. She poked him back. They started to push each other until they were wrestling. Of course, Kagome didn't have a chance but Inuyasha humored her for a little bit. Finally, he put an end to it by flipping her over so he had her pinned to the ground. She struggled and finally gave up laughing. "OK, ok, the big strong hanyou has kicked my butt. You win." But he didn't move. Kagome saw a distant look in Inuyasha's eyes. She was starting to worry. "Inuyasha?"
He hushed her, looking around. He looked down at her. "I thought I smelled.me." Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Huh?" He noticed that he was putting a lot of pressure on Kagome's bad arm. She wasn't saying anything but he could tell it hurt. "Sorry." He moved away still looking around. Kagome rubbed her arm. "How could you smell yourself?" Inuyasha's head was turning around, trying to find the scent again. "I don't know. It's gone now.maybe I was just imaging things." Kagome touched his shoulder. "That's not like you. Could it be the new moon coming?" Inuyasha shook his head. "That is still a ways off. This was different. It smelled older." Kagome laughed. "Maybe it was your older self checking in on us." Inuyasha head snapped in Kagome's direction. "What? I'm only a hanyou. I can't live that long." Kagome shrugged. "You never know." Inuyasha shook his head. "Nah." He noticed Kagome still rubbing her arm. "Did I hurt you?" Kagome looked at her arm then Inuyasha. "Nah, it is just sore. It's a lot better though. I can mark one more thing on my list of allergies." "What else is on there?" Kagome tapped her lips with an index finger. "I used to be allergic to bees. But it has been so long since I've been stung that I'm not sure if I still am. What about you?" "Other than that perfume your mom got you for your birthday, no." He smirked. Kagome chuckled. "Baka! That is one of my favorite perfumes." "It makes you smell like rotten fruit." Kagome stood, mouth gapped. "Well, that doesn't say much from someone who only cleans his robes once a month. It smells like someone died in there." Inuyasha jumped up, looking down at Kagome. "I don't have a million pairs of clothes like some people." Kagome shook her head. "Why are we fighting?" Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know. We seem to do it well." Inuyasha began to move but Kagome didn't want him to go. "I'm sorry." Inuyasha turned, arms in his sleeves. "Why?" Kagome walked up to him. "I didn't mean what I said. You don't smell. I was just trying to fight back." She threw her arms up. "I don't even know why I fight with you." She turned and said softly, "I never want to fight with you." Inuyasha walked to her. "And I don't want to fight with you." Kagome slowly turned, looking up into Inuyasha's amber eyes. An urge took over her and she grabbed a lock of his hair and brought him to her. She kissed him, still holding onto his locks. He, at first, tried to leave but then began to kiss her back. Kagome felt tingly all over. His kiss was intoxicating. She could feel it move from her toes all the way to the ends of her hair. She could feel his reaction against her thigh. Their kiss was broken for a lack of oxygen. Their foreheads touched. Kagome frowned, touching her lips. "Sorry." She ran into the house leaving a stunned hanyou behind. She walked to the kitchen and put away the dishes, sniffling. What made her do such a crazy thing? She heard Inuyasha open the door and walk towards her. Against her better judgment, she turned to see his face full of worry. Inuyasha leaned against the counter facing Kagome. She turned, concentrating on the plates. She cleared her throat. "Are you mad at me?"
Inuyasha quickly looked at her. "No." Then he said, " It's was different..."
Kagome frowned and finished the sentence. "Than Kikyo." She looked down at her hands.
Inuyasha felt a surge of pain. "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant it feels different. It's like fire racing through my body and I know you feel it too."
Kagome smiled. "So, what do we do now?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "Can I kiss you again?"
Kagome turned to him, moving near him. They brushed lips. She slowly kissed him then began to put more passion into it. Kagome was shocked that she was having this effect on him. She could feel the purrs deep in his chest. She was surprised that he was kissing her back with so much passion. Could it be that he did love her? This thought made her pull away. Inuyasha pouted. "Why did you stop?"
Kagome sat on her heels. "I want to know what is going through your head when you kiss me. Is it me you are kissing me or Kikyo?"
Inuyasha threw his hands up and turned away from her shouting, "Why do you keep talking about Kikyo. She is dead. She means nothing to me. If anything, I want Kikyo to just disappear because as long as she lives you are in danger. She has tried to kill you twice already and I'll be damned if I ever let her get near you again." He turned to face her. He dropped his arms and said in a low sweet voice. "I care about you."
Kagome stood up. "I care about you too." She hugged Inuyasha and he hugged her back. He pulled her away. "I want to talk to you about Ho-Ho."
"Houjo?"
Inuyasha waved his hands. "Whatever. I want to know if you love him?"
Kagome was shocked by his question. She shook her head. "I love him in a way you love a friend not like I want to marry him tomorrow." She sat on her desk with her feet on her chair. "What about you?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "I thought I loved Kikyo. It messed me up. After the betrayal.I gave up on falling in love with anyone. I wasn't ever sure I was able to do such a thing. Kikyo made me believe that I could love anyone unless I was human."
Kagome looked at him. "Is that why you want to become a full youkai? So you wouldn't have to deal with emotions?"
Inuyasha moved to the window and stared out it, watching the rain. "Yeah. That and I want to be stronger like my father."
Kagome frowned. "Well, you realize that if that is what the jewel does to you.we might have to kill you."
Inuyasha turned to see Kagome crying. He threw his arms out. "Why are you crying?"
Kagome wiped her tears. "I don't want you to die. You're mean, insulting, bad tempered."
"Hey"
Kagome looked into his eyes. "But I still love you. And so does everyone else."
Inuyasha let his arms dropped. "What did you say?"
Kagome wiped her face again. "I said that we all care about you. "
Inuyasha walked up to her, placing his hands on either side of her. "No, before that."
Kagome searched his eyes. "I don't know."
"You said you loved me."
Kagome blushed. "I did?"
Inuyasha smiled." Yes, you did."
Kagome cleared her throat. "Well, I guess I do. I have for a long time but." she cast her eyes away. "I figured you never gave me a second thought. You know how you call me names and such."
Inuyasha brought her face to his. "I love you too." He kissed her only this time he brought himself close to her. Kagome wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss. In one swift movement, Inuyasha had Kagome on her bed with him on top never losing their lip lock. Kagome reached up with her right hand to caress his ear. He yelped grabbing her hand. He laughed. "Unless you want to move very quickly I wouldn't recommend that."
Kagome smiled. "Ok, I'll remember that."
Inuyasha kissed her quick then jumped to the window. "I better go back. Good luck on your finals. I'll expect you to be ready to go, no complaints."
Kagome walked to the window. She nodded saying sarcastically, "I'll try."
Inuyasha took Kagome's hand. She brought her eyebrows together confused. "Thank you Kagome."
"For what?"
"Making the first move, because I never would have had the guts to do it."
Kagome just laughed as she watched Inuyasha jump to the well house.
A dark figure resting on the roof, moved away from the window, satisfied with the events that had occurred.
To be continued.
I do not own Inuyasha or any character associated with the show. The title comes from the theme to Disney's Treasure Planet sung by Johnny Resnick. I don't owe that either. The song Kagome sings is Dream's song "This is Me." Nope, I don't own that either. I do own a car though. That's mine! All mine! Mine Mine Mine. ( Sorry got bit obsessed there. I hope you enjoy the story. Feedback on what can be changed, rearranged or all over thrown out is always appreciated.
Story: Kagome deals with the death of her father, rejection from university, a pissy Inuyasha and the well being sealed forever.
Kagome yawned as she dressed in a kimono Kaede had let her borrow. Sango and her had just finished soaking in the hot bath. Although, the purpose of the bath was to heal Kagome's wounds more than it was to relax. Fighting youkai was actually starting to get troublesome. She rubbed her arm, bandaged earlier by Kaede. She was not paying attention to her right side and a youkai bite her in arm. Inuyasha had killed the thing in no time but Kagome hurt so much. It wasn't just the pain in her arm that bothered her but the pain in her soul that kept nagging her, telling her she let Inuyasha down somehow. She was ashamed that she made such a rookie mistake. They had been fighting for three years now. Kagome had honed her archery skill and her miko powers. She walked back to the hut quietly. She entered the hut and saw something at the corner of her eye. She yelped, grabbing a walking stick near the entrance and began hitting whoever or whatever it was sneaking up on her. She stopped hitting when she heard a growl. "Inuyasha?"
"Who else would it be, bitch?"
Kagome lit a few lanterns to see Inuyasha on the floor, rubbing his reddened cheek. Kagome knelt next to him. "Sorry. I thought you were a bad youkai or even Miroku sneaking in to cop a feel."
Inuyasha sat up so Kagome and his face were inches apart. "Are you ok?"
His words were so soft and so full of concern, Kagome was taken aback. Even though it was obvious to both of them that they cared for each other, for some reason they still couldn't say it. Three years and still not a 'I love you' or 'Stay with me.' Kagome chuckled to herself. She was hoping for too much. She finally shrugged. "For now. I'm just so mad at myself right now. I should have seen that youkai coming."
Inuyasha looked down, unable to think about what to say. He saw Kagome stand and offer him her good hand. He smiled, taking it. Kagome helped him up. Yet, Inuyasha didn't release her hand. Kagome noticed this and looked into Inuyasha's amber eyes. He repeated. "Are you ok?"
Kagome took her hand back, angry. "Don't worry. I'll be up and ready to detect shards for you bright and early tomorrow morning."
"I didn't mean that." Inuyasha said his voice rising with anger too.
Kagome swallowed hard. "Oh please, that is all you care about lately."
Inuyasha fehed. "No it is not."
Kagome shrugged and immediately winced holding her arm. Inuyasha was at her side in a minute. He moved her sleeve up to inspect the wound. "We need to change the bandage."
Kagome watched as Inuyasha unraveled the bandage. She cringed and turned her head away when it was finally removed. The blood was dry and black around the wound. It wasn't bleeding anymore but scabbed with dried blood. The wound had rotten purple skin surrounding with black and blue marks and that ran down most of Kagome's arm and shoulder. Even Inuyasha seemed uneasy looking at the wound. Kagome finally turned to face him. "It's not that bad, right?"
Inuyasha gave her a stern look. "You are crazy. Come here." He led Kagome over to the fire where the herbal bandages were being soaked. He sat her down and walked over to the pot. He slowly removed three stripes, straining them and placing the next to Kagome. He then got a bowl with cool water and a cloth. He sat so his legs surrounding Kagome. Kagome blushed. Inuyasha saw this and gave her a smirk. Inuyasha took the cloth, wiping away the old blood. Kagome winced. He frowned with his ears down. "Sorry."
Kagome nodded. "It's ok."
Inuyasha continued to clean the wound. Once that was complete, he wrapped the three herbal bandages over the wound then wrapped it up in clean bandages. Kagome watched him, smiling. She had to suppress her giggles. Inuyasha was so involved in cleaning her wound he didn't realize he was sticking his tongue out the corner of his mouth, exposing his canine teeth. It was so cute. She smiled. "Thank you Inuyasha."
Inuyasha nodded. He watched Kagome sit on her bedding. She was having problems do to that arm. He could tell it hurt. He could smell her pain. He turned and began to leave. He hated to see women cry; especially Kagome. He moved the bamboo door away when he heard Kagome say in a weak voice. "Don't go."
Inuyasha turned his head and ears to make sure he had heard her correctly. He saw a tear fall down her face. She said it again. "Please, don't go. Could you stay with me.just for tonight? I don't feel safe alone."
Inuyasha nodded, returning to Kagome's side. He sat on the floor, his back to the wall, in his usual Indian-style position, hands in his sleeves. Kagome wiped her eyes. "Thank you."
Inuyasha nodded to her and slept.
Next morning..
Kagome opened her eyes and the first thing she noticed was the pain. Her arm felt like it was on fire. The next thing she realized was she was not alone. She turned her head to see Inuyasha sleeping right next to her. They were sharing a pillow but that was it. He had his arms crossed in his sleeves. Kagome tried to turn to look at him but almost forgot about her arm. She screamed, sitting up. Inuyasha jumped up, sword in hand. He jumped in little circles turning to find the source of Kagome's screaming. He finally put his sword down and looked at Kagome. She was crying, holding her arm. He dropped the sword and knelt beside her. He rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. "What can I do?" He asked like a lost child.
Kagome looked into his eyes. "I think.I think I need to go home. I don't think the herbal medicines are working. That youkai wasn't poisonous, was he?"
Inuyasha shook his head no. "Nah, it just had a lot of teeth. Keade pulled all the loose ones out so that can't be it. Maybe the wound was deeper than we thought. Stay here. I'll tell the others and I'll take you back."
Kagome nodded.
In Kagome's time.
Inuyasha, Kagome and Kagome's mother sat in the emergency room waiting for the doctor. Kagome had explained to her mother for the hundredth time how she got her injury. Even Inuyasha was getting bored. The hospital smelled funny. It bombarded his senses so much Kagome's mother had to help him stand until he got used to it. Kagome's mother looked at Kagome. She was peeking at her wound from underneath the bandages. She feared for her daughter. This was the first time Kagome had gotten seriously injured or at least this was the first time she had seen it. It wasn't terrible but it was enough to make Kagome's mother think twice about sending her back with Inuyasha. She sighed. "I'm going to get some dinner. What do you guys want?"
They gave their orders and Kagome's mom disappeared. Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "You didn't have to come with me. Mom can handle it."
Inuyasha shrugged, crossing his arms. "I have nothing better to do."
"Oh, no shard hunting?"
"Can't. I don't have my shard detector with me." He gave her a grin and nudged her on her good arm.
Kagome laughed. "True."
The doctor came into the room. "Hello. Well, whatever dog bites you definitely had some weird bacteria. Are you sure you don't know where it went?"
Kagome shook her head. "No, it ran away."
The doctor shrugged. "Too bad. Hopefully, it won't bite anyone else. I'm going to give you a shot of antibiotics now and I'm going to give you a prescription for 3 pills a day for 10 days. Then, I'm going to give you a shot of local amentia. You are going to need about 15 stitches: 9 inside the wound and 6 on the outside. They are dissolvable, so they will fall out on their own. OK?"
Kagome nodded and the doctor began. Kagome winced and yelped with the first shot. Inuyasha instantly took her hand and let her squeeze it until no blood got to his fingers. While Kagome had her head buried into his shoulder, Inuyasha watched the wound be closed by the doctor. He was fascinated how the doctor used needles to dull the pain and small yet thick thread to close the wound. The doctor saw Inuyasha's intense staring. He chuckled. "Interested in medicine?"
Inuyasha came out of his trace to look at the doctor. He nodded. The doctor smiled. "Well, keep your grades up and stay out of trouble." Inuyasha just smiled, humoring the man. He wouldn't be a doctor. He didn't even live in this time. He looked to the side hearing Kagome's whimpers. He rested his head on hers trying to comfort her since his one hand had no feeling and in the other he felt Kagome's mother's coat. The doctor gave her another shot and she screamed softly into his shirt. The doctor frowned. "I'm sorry. OK, all done." Kagome lifted her head up, her face moist with tears, sniffling. The doctor finished wrapping her arm up. He said jokingly, "Now, stay away from dogs."
Kagome looked at Inuyasha and laughed. Inuyasha chuckled too. Kagome's mother returned and helped Kagome put her clothes back on while Inuyasha stood outside in the hallway eating his French fries. Soon, Kagome slowly walked out. Inuyasha could tell from her smell that she was weak and hurting badly. A nurse came and had Kagome sit in a wheelchair. They wheeled her out to the car and they all went home.
Later that night, they were back at the house. Kagome and Inuyasha were on the couch watching a movie. They were sitting next to each other with Kagome leaning against Inuyasha's arm. He didn't seem to mind and Kagome was in so much pain if she wasn't leaning against him she would have fallen to the ground. Kagome made a noise that made Inuyasha look at her. "What?" Kagome took a deep breath. "All the painkillers are making me sick to my stomach." Inuyasha took a pillow and placed it in his lap. He scooted over and then patted the pillow. Kagome's raised an eyebrow at him. "What?" "I'm not thinking anything perverted. Lay your head here facing the TV." Kagome did so making sure to favor her arm. She felt Inuyasha move her hair away from her neck. "This may hurt a little but I promise you it will make you feel better." Kagome nodded. "I trust you." Inuyasha smiled. He took his index finger and traced lightly from Kagome's head down to the base of her neck. His youkai blood could feel the sickness Kagome was talking about. The pain was settled in the base of her neck. He slowly pricks her skin. It wasn't deep enough to draw blood but it was enough pressure to alleviate her pain. He heard Kagome laugh. "Hey I feel be.." Then she feels asleep immediately. Inuyasha laughed too. He had learned the technique from a healer in the mountains. It alleviates motion sickness, stomach pains, and pregnancy morning sickness. The only draw back was it caused the person to sleep for three hours. Inuyasha took this opportunity to stroke Kagome's hair. Even in sleep she smiled and moved to his touch. While Kagome was sleeping soundly and Inuyasha went into the kitchen to sit with Kagome's mother and grandfather. Kagome's mother offered him some teas and he accepted. Kagome's grandfather looked at Inuyasha. "What kind of youkai bit her?" Inuyasha sipped his tea. "It was a leech youkai with thousands of tiny teeth. She must be allergic to the salvia because most people do not have the reaction she did." Kagome's mother frowned. "This is the first time Kagome had really gotten hurt. It scares me. What if she gets hurt and you can't being her here in time." Inuyasha frowned. "I'll always protect her." Kagome's mother screamed. "Well, you didn't this time." Inuyasha brought his eyebrows together. "I did. I killed it so after. If I had not been there Kagome would be." He couldn't finish the sentence. He finished his tea and stood. "Please tell Kagome that I will be back in a few days to check up on her." They nodded and he left. Kagome's grandfather frowned. "You were hard on the boy." Kagome's mother wiped the tears that had fallen down her cheeks. "I know. It's just that I have buried a husband and a son already. I do not want to bury another child so soon after their death." "Kagome is strong. I have seen her practice. She will be fine."
Three days later..
Kagome turned on the stereo in the kitchen. She blared the music and began to sing along and dance. Her arm was healing quickly and she was feeling faster than she expected. Souta bobbed his head as he swept the floor. Mom and Grandpa had left for a few days to go to a seminar. Kagome twirled Souta around and sang.
Inuyasha jumped up out of the well. The first thing he heard was music. He moved into the house and saw Kagome and Souta dancing and singing along with a song. It looked.fun. He walked up to them and leaned against the doorframe away from their sight. Kagome had a pretty good voice. Souta and her were twirling around waving their hands in the air. Kagome grabbed Souta's hand twirled him away from her then twirled him in, dipping him. Then they broke apart. Souta took the dishes out and started to set them down on the table. Kagome was stirring something in a pot and then swung around to take cups out of the cabinet and hand them to Souta. Inuyasha was smiling big. He had never seen this side of Kagome's family. He knew they were close but he never knew they did things like this in her time. 'Of course you wouldn't stupid. You keep Kagome in your time and she never can have fun anymore.' He snorted to himself. He then heard Kagome squeal with joy. "Souta, turn it up. This is definitely Inuyasha and my song." Inuyasha's ears perked. He watched Souta and Kagome swing their hips and twist down to the floor then jump up dancing. Kagome grabbed a wooden spoon and started singing with the song. Inuyasha's turned his ears so he could hear the words.
Kagome turned like she had seen in the video and Souta followed along. The lyrics began and so did she. "She stole your heart, only did it because she could.Chewed you up and spat you out. That girl never was any good." She grabbed Souta's hand. "Baby I will never do that.I'll love you faithfully." Souta gagged and pushed her away. "But your suspicious mind thinks.I'm gonna repeat her story." Kagome tossed her hair. " She's making you crazy, making you a wreck, Making you follow me, Making me a suspect.You seem to think I'm playing her game.Don't you know my name" She grabbed Souta by the shirt and twirled him around as she sang with the chorus. " That was her, this is me.We're as different as can be." Kagome screamed the next lyrics, secretly hoping Inuyasha could hear her. "She and I are nothing alike.You confusing day with night. That was then, this is now.You wanna trust me,but you don't know how. I'm never gonna mess around, Set you down, can't you see.That was her.And baby this is me." Kagome untwirled Souta and he just shook his head and went down to get some plates. He noticed something out the corner of his eye. He jumped to see Inuyasha, who placed a finger to his lips. "I want to listen," He said in a whisper. Souta nodded and went back into the kitchen. Inuyasha saw Kagome frown as she started the next stanza, stirring a soup. "Stop making me feels bad.I'm the best thing you ever had. The only thing I'm guilty of.Is giving you too much love. She's making you crazy, Making you a wreck, Making you follow me, Making me a suspect, You seem to think I'm playing her game.Don't you know, don't you know my name.Don't suffocate me, give me some space.Don't make me pay, for all her mistakes. Believe in the love that's in my kiss (Don't say things that don't exist).And baby this is me (get a grip)." The song ended and Kagome turned to Souta. "Man, I wish Inuyasha could have heard that song. Here, take this to the table." Souta walked in looking at Inuyasha who was stunned silent. He was just staring at Kagome. He heard the song.now if only Souta could tell how he felt about it. Souta threw a piece of noodle at Inuyasha. It brought the old Inuyasha back.
Kagome turned. "Inuyasha? Why are you growling?"
He looked up, turning red. He hadn't realized he was growling at himself. "Nothing."
Souta ran up and hugged Inuyasha. "Hi!" He winked at Inuyasha to let him know he would play along that he wasn't there the whole time. "This is so cool. Could you help me later with some fighting moves? I want to impress Hitomi."
Inuyasha folded his arms. "Why would that impress her?"
Kagome smiled. 'That is so sweet.' Kagome's smile turned off like a light when Inuyasha continued. "Now, killing something.that impresses girls. Right, Kagome?" He looked up to see her giving him 'that' look. "Uh- oh."
"Sit!"
Inuyasha kissed the floor with a smack. He growled and slowly lifted himself up, with Souta's help. Souta stomped to Kagome, leaving Inuyasha without a support, causing him to fall to the floor again. "Kagome, that was mean. I want to impress Hitomi."
Kagome placed the soup bowl on the table. "You want to impress girls." Souta nodded. "Then be the nicest, smartest, strongest, but without fighting, person you can be and the women will follow you like puppies. No offense Inuyasha."
Inuyasha dusted himself off after finally standing up. "Offense taken."
Kagome stuck her tongue out at him and proceeded to pour miso soup into the bowls.
Inuyasha sat down. "Where are your mom and grandpa?"
Souta gave Inuyasha some chopsticks for the sushi. "They had to go to some old people event."
Kagome laughed. "It's called a symposium. It is a 2-day lecture on the current developments in religion. They go every year."
Inuyasha shrugged. "Why didn't you go?"
Souta snickered. "Kids don't belong there."
Inuyasha looked at Souta confused. "Kagome is not a kid."
"Sure she is. She just learned how to drive a car. She still is a kid."
Inuyasha looked down at his soup, confused. Kagome noticed this change in mood. "Inuyasha? What's wrong?"
He shrugged it off and shook his head. He gulped down the soup quickly and proceeded to inhale the sushi.
Later that night, Kagome was sitting at her desk doing her homework. She finishes the final problem, slammed her book down, and twirled in her seat a few times. When she stopped she got the confused stare of a hanyou, who was sitting on her bed. Kagome leaned her elbows on her knees. "Why were you so upset at dinner?"
Inuyasha turned away from her gaze. "It was nothing."
Kagome hurphmed and sat on the bed in front of Inuyasha. He tugged on his white locks so he would face her. "Now, I know something is up because you can never look at me when you are upset or lying. You're not thinking about Kikyo since you don't have that sad look on your face so what is it?"
Inuyasha turned to her. "DO you think you are a child?"
"A Child? Well, no.and yes. I'm no way ready for the whole marriage and kids thing yet. I think I'm still too young for that but I also feel grown up in that I make my own decisions and handle my own consequences. Is that what was bothering you?" Inuyasha nodded. "Why?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "I never saw you as a child. My mother was a year younger than you when I was born."
"Nani?"
Inuyasha leaned forward. "See, that surprises you. You forget my time is 500 years ago. In my time, if you are not married and with child by the age of fifteen you are considered an old maid."
Kagome looked at him. "So, you think I'm old?"
Inuyasha shook his head, leaning against the wall again. "No, it's just.I never thought I'd get older. I never thought I'd be like my mom but here I am. In demon years, I am roughly her age. I don't feel smarter or wiser like she was, but I do know the pain she went through since I am going through it now."
Kagome sighed. "The pain of loss and rejection?"
Inuyasha sighed. "The pain of loving someone so much you would do anything for them but knowing deep down that a normal life could never be possible."
Kagome nodded and stood, picking up her towel. "Yeah, I bet that is the way Kikyo feels too. I'm going to take a shower. No peeking or I'll you know what." She left. Inuyasha watched her go. He whispered. "I was talking about you."
Souta running into the room, jumping on the bed in a very hyper mood interrupted Inuyasha's thoughts. "Ok, now that we are alone you can show me how to fight."
Inuyasha smiled. "Ok." He let Souta lead him downstairs.
Kagome got out of the shower and dressed in a long black silk nightdress with white flower print. She had bought it last week. It felt so nice against her skin and was prefect in this summer heat. She brushed and dried her hair. She noticed that Inuyasha was not in the room and she did not hear Souta playing video games. She opened her window to see Inuyasha showing Souta some fighting moves. They were simple ones but Inuyasha took the task as teacher seriously.
Kagome walked down the stairs. She turned the corner and her father stood in front of her. She fell to the ground unable to scream. He was smiling but his face and arms were cut up just as she remembered him. His features were fuzzy with a white aura. He floated inches above the ground. Kagome blinked and he was gone. "What was that?" She slowly stood up, dusting dirt off her new nightdress. She walked into the living room to see her father again. She went to scream but the ghost waved his hand and her voice was silenced. She put her hands on her throat but it was no use. A tear fell from her eye. She mouthed the word, 'Papa?' The ghost smiled. He pointed outside where Souta and Inuyasha were playing. She choked and words began to exit her mouth again. "Souta?" her father shook his head. Kagome swallowed. "Inuyasha?"
Her father smiled bigger, nodding. He placed his hands together and bowed to her. He made a motion of an archer then pointed to her. She sniffled, fighting back tears. "Yes, I shoot the bow."
Her father's figure came close and Kagome stiffened. Her father frowned, hurt. Kagome reached her hand up but her hand touched cold nothingness. His image faded like smoke. She retrieved her hand and his image returned. He touched the jewel shards around her neck then pointed outside. He then took his hands and put them together, entwining the fingers, placing the joined hands over his heart. He mouthed the word 'one'. He then pointed to his eyes and then at her.
Kagome brought her eyebrows together. "You have watched us?"
Her father slowly nodded, still smiling.
"We are putting the jewel together. To make it one."
It was Kagome's father's turn to make a face. He repeated the motions only this time he spoke in a soft whisper. "Two souls are one."
Kagome looked outside. She could see Inuyasha and Souta wrestling in play. Inuyasha was so gentle it was hard to image that such a hard life could create such a kind-hearted person...well when he wanted to be. Kagome's attention was brought back to the ghost of her father when he touched her stomach. She looked at him. He smiled. "Once a jewel laid there soon there will be another."
"Papa? You aren't making sense. I don't understand what you are trying to tell me?"
He nodded. "Words hard to use now. I happy watching you. You will be happy with him someday. He will try to send you away out of love. Don't let him do it. He loves you but is afraid to show it. He thinks love weak. Show him it is not. Without your love, the shikon jewel will never be purified."
"What did you mean that another jewel would be inside me?"
Her father laughed. "You need some surprises. When time comes, you know. I must go. I wanted to come and give my blessing. You miko now.you see me."
Kagome wiped the tears from her face.
Inuyasha stopped in the midst of spinning Souta around. "What?" asked Souta.
"Kagome." He grabbed Souta by the waist and burst into the house. A white figure was surrounding her. Souta gasped. Before either could react, the white aura surrounded Kagome's head then moved away to disappear. Kagome placed a hand on her lips, crying.
Souta shook his head. "No, that wasn't him."
Kagome dropped to her knees. Souta sniffled. Inuyasha looked around the room. It smelled of death. It left a bad taste in his mouth. He noticed both faces. "What?"
Souta looked up at Inuyasha. "That..that was our dad."
Kagome cried harder. Inuyasha walked over to her letting her cry into his kimono. Sputa walked over and hugged his sister. She hugged him too and they cried. Inuyasha wrapped his arms around them both. Soon their cries and sniffles slowed. Kagome smiled at Souta, wiping his face. "Dad said don't be a soccer player be a doctor."
Souta laughed, hugging Kagome. Inuyasha just watched the emotional exchange between them. Kagome took Souta by the shoulder. "We can't tell mom, ok? This is just between us."
Souta nodded. "Why did he come? Why to you?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "He wanted us to know someone was watching out for us."
Inuyasha blinked at her comment. She was looking right at him.
The next hour, Souta went up to his room to play some games and think about what had happened. Kagome was cleaning the dishes. A single tear went unchecked down her face. Inuyasha walked over to her. "What was it like? Talking to your dad?"
Kagome looked at him. "It was scary. I didn't know what to do or think. I tried to scream for you but he wouldn't let me. I didn't know.if it was him or a youkai in disguise."
Inuyasha frowned to see Kagome so scared. He watched her finish the dishes. She placed her hand on her forehead not moving except for her sniffles. She turned and hugged Inuyasha with a death grip.
"Kag."
"Shh, don't say anything. Just hold me, ok? I just need to be comforted right now." Inuyasha complied, rubbing her back. "Inuyasha?"
"hmmm?"
"Do you think love is weak?"
Inuyasha stopped rubbing her back and just held her. "I'm not sure. I am not even sure what love is anymore. I thought I loved Kikyo. I guess I was always looking for the love my parents had when they created me. I don't remember, but grandpa myugo told me they loved each other so much that demons came to fight them just to see if it was true. Yet, it was love that made my parents become separated and ultimately die alone. How can that be love?"
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "It doesn't have to be that way."
Inuyasha shook his head. "For a hanyou, there is no other way."
Kagome pushed away. "I think you use that as an excuse to push people away."
"What? Look at Kikyo. She said she loved me but all she ever wanted to do was change me into a human so she could have a normal life."
"See, that is not love. Love is when you accept the person no matter what they are and live as you can with that person for as long as you can."
Inuyasha crossed his arms, leaning against the kitchen counter. He snorted. "Right, no one would want that with me. A stupid hanyou with a sword."
She started to walk out but stopped. She turned to Inuyasha who was watching her. "I always have and always will." She turned and walked outside.
Inuyasha was left in the kitchen stunned. It was true. Kagome had always been there since he met her. She never made him feel different nor did she say she wished him to be something or someone else. He followed her outside. She was lighting the lanterns around the shrine. When she was finished she sat in front of the God Tree. Inuyasha sat next to her. "I'm sorry I yelled."
"I'm sorry I pried into your business."
The two sat in silence for a few minutes. Kagome broke the silence. "Do you want to know what my dad said?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah."
"He said that we have to stick together. If one fails we all fail. He said only love would purify the jewel." She looked down, blushing slightly. She continued with her head down. "He also said something weird. He said that one jewel was inside my body soon there would be another." She lifted her head up. "I have no idea what that means. His speech was slow like a kid. He couldn't make out proper sentences."
Inuyasha just stared at Kagome as she spoke. He didn't know what to say. Kagome leaned against his shoulder. "Talk to me. I want to know what you are thinking."
He looked at her, brushing his bangs away from his face. "I was thinking about what your dad said. If one fails we all fail. Kaede told me that too. Only she said that you needed me as much as I needed you."
Kagome lifted her head from its place on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Well, we do make a pretty good team."
Inuyasha laughed. "Yeah, I guess we do."
Kagome smiled. "Now, if I could just have plastic surgery to change my face so I don't look like Kikyo anymore, maybe we could get somewhere."
Inuyasha frowned. "No, don't change who you are for me. Remember, you said love was accepting the person for who they are. I accept you. I know I say and do stupid things but it is the only way I know."
Kagome couldn't resist. "Hard to teach a dog new tricks."
Inuyasha snapped. "Hey!"
Kagome smiled and laughed. "Sorry, sorry.bad joke."
"Damn right it was." Inuyasha pretend to be mad. He poked her playfully. She poked him back. They started to push each other until they were wrestling. Of course, Kagome didn't have a chance but Inuyasha humored her for a little bit. Finally, he put an end to it by flipping her over so he had her pinned to the ground. She struggled and finally gave up laughing. "OK, ok, the big strong hanyou has kicked my butt. You win." But he didn't move. Kagome saw a distant look in Inuyasha's eyes. She was starting to worry. "Inuyasha?"
He hushed her, looking around. He looked down at her. "I thought I smelled.me." Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Huh?" He noticed that he was putting a lot of pressure on Kagome's bad arm. She wasn't saying anything but he could tell it hurt. "Sorry." He moved away still looking around. Kagome rubbed her arm. "How could you smell yourself?" Inuyasha's head was turning around, trying to find the scent again. "I don't know. It's gone now.maybe I was just imaging things." Kagome touched his shoulder. "That's not like you. Could it be the new moon coming?" Inuyasha shook his head. "That is still a ways off. This was different. It smelled older." Kagome laughed. "Maybe it was your older self checking in on us." Inuyasha head snapped in Kagome's direction. "What? I'm only a hanyou. I can't live that long." Kagome shrugged. "You never know." Inuyasha shook his head. "Nah." He noticed Kagome still rubbing her arm. "Did I hurt you?" Kagome looked at her arm then Inuyasha. "Nah, it is just sore. It's a lot better though. I can mark one more thing on my list of allergies." "What else is on there?" Kagome tapped her lips with an index finger. "I used to be allergic to bees. But it has been so long since I've been stung that I'm not sure if I still am. What about you?" "Other than that perfume your mom got you for your birthday, no." He smirked. Kagome chuckled. "Baka! That is one of my favorite perfumes." "It makes you smell like rotten fruit." Kagome stood, mouth gapped. "Well, that doesn't say much from someone who only cleans his robes once a month. It smells like someone died in there." Inuyasha jumped up, looking down at Kagome. "I don't have a million pairs of clothes like some people." Kagome shook her head. "Why are we fighting?" Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know. We seem to do it well." Inuyasha began to move but Kagome didn't want him to go. "I'm sorry." Inuyasha turned, arms in his sleeves. "Why?" Kagome walked up to him. "I didn't mean what I said. You don't smell. I was just trying to fight back." She threw her arms up. "I don't even know why I fight with you." She turned and said softly, "I never want to fight with you." Inuyasha walked to her. "And I don't want to fight with you." Kagome slowly turned, looking up into Inuyasha's amber eyes. An urge took over her and she grabbed a lock of his hair and brought him to her. She kissed him, still holding onto his locks. He, at first, tried to leave but then began to kiss her back. Kagome felt tingly all over. His kiss was intoxicating. She could feel it move from her toes all the way to the ends of her hair. She could feel his reaction against her thigh. Their kiss was broken for a lack of oxygen. Their foreheads touched. Kagome frowned, touching her lips. "Sorry." She ran into the house leaving a stunned hanyou behind. She walked to the kitchen and put away the dishes, sniffling. What made her do such a crazy thing? She heard Inuyasha open the door and walk towards her. Against her better judgment, she turned to see his face full of worry. Inuyasha leaned against the counter facing Kagome. She turned, concentrating on the plates. She cleared her throat. "Are you mad at me?"
Inuyasha quickly looked at her. "No." Then he said, " It's was different..."
Kagome frowned and finished the sentence. "Than Kikyo." She looked down at her hands.
Inuyasha felt a surge of pain. "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant it feels different. It's like fire racing through my body and I know you feel it too."
Kagome smiled. "So, what do we do now?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "Can I kiss you again?"
Kagome turned to him, moving near him. They brushed lips. She slowly kissed him then began to put more passion into it. Kagome was shocked that she was having this effect on him. She could feel the purrs deep in his chest. She was surprised that he was kissing her back with so much passion. Could it be that he did love her? This thought made her pull away. Inuyasha pouted. "Why did you stop?"
Kagome sat on her heels. "I want to know what is going through your head when you kiss me. Is it me you are kissing me or Kikyo?"
Inuyasha threw his hands up and turned away from her shouting, "Why do you keep talking about Kikyo. She is dead. She means nothing to me. If anything, I want Kikyo to just disappear because as long as she lives you are in danger. She has tried to kill you twice already and I'll be damned if I ever let her get near you again." He turned to face her. He dropped his arms and said in a low sweet voice. "I care about you."
Kagome stood up. "I care about you too." She hugged Inuyasha and he hugged her back. He pulled her away. "I want to talk to you about Ho-Ho."
"Houjo?"
Inuyasha waved his hands. "Whatever. I want to know if you love him?"
Kagome was shocked by his question. She shook her head. "I love him in a way you love a friend not like I want to marry him tomorrow." She sat on her desk with her feet on her chair. "What about you?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "I thought I loved Kikyo. It messed me up. After the betrayal.I gave up on falling in love with anyone. I wasn't ever sure I was able to do such a thing. Kikyo made me believe that I could love anyone unless I was human."
Kagome looked at him. "Is that why you want to become a full youkai? So you wouldn't have to deal with emotions?"
Inuyasha moved to the window and stared out it, watching the rain. "Yeah. That and I want to be stronger like my father."
Kagome frowned. "Well, you realize that if that is what the jewel does to you.we might have to kill you."
Inuyasha turned to see Kagome crying. He threw his arms out. "Why are you crying?"
Kagome wiped her tears. "I don't want you to die. You're mean, insulting, bad tempered."
"Hey"
Kagome looked into his eyes. "But I still love you. And so does everyone else."
Inuyasha let his arms dropped. "What did you say?"
Kagome wiped her face again. "I said that we all care about you. "
Inuyasha walked up to her, placing his hands on either side of her. "No, before that."
Kagome searched his eyes. "I don't know."
"You said you loved me."
Kagome blushed. "I did?"
Inuyasha smiled." Yes, you did."
Kagome cleared her throat. "Well, I guess I do. I have for a long time but." she cast her eyes away. "I figured you never gave me a second thought. You know how you call me names and such."
Inuyasha brought her face to his. "I love you too." He kissed her only this time he brought himself close to her. Kagome wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss. In one swift movement, Inuyasha had Kagome on her bed with him on top never losing their lip lock. Kagome reached up with her right hand to caress his ear. He yelped grabbing her hand. He laughed. "Unless you want to move very quickly I wouldn't recommend that."
Kagome smiled. "Ok, I'll remember that."
Inuyasha kissed her quick then jumped to the window. "I better go back. Good luck on your finals. I'll expect you to be ready to go, no complaints."
Kagome walked to the window. She nodded saying sarcastically, "I'll try."
Inuyasha took Kagome's hand. She brought her eyebrows together confused. "Thank you Kagome."
"For what?"
"Making the first move, because I never would have had the guts to do it."
Kagome just laughed as she watched Inuyasha jump to the well house.
A dark figure resting on the roof, moved away from the window, satisfied with the events that had occurred.
To be continued.