"Gallery"

It was a day just like any other as he sighed and leaned his back up against the concrete wall of the school building. The sun was out, the sky clear of any rain clouds and the birds chirping all about in the trees providing the shade he currently possessed. The wonderful weather how ever didn't make his sullen mood any brighter as he turned his gaze towards the schools big iron gates. His breath hitched slightly as he caught sight of the one thing that seemed to mesmerize him and leave him stupefied.

God broke the mold when he made this one, I know…

She's breath taking but so much more…

'She's beautiful' He thought to himself as he watched the way her face would light up every time she was greeted by her friends. He especially loved how her light blue jeans hugged her curves just right and how her pink shirt complimented the blush she was sporting. He admired the way her long black tresses fell in to a slight curl at her waist and how the small wisps of her hair being pulled back by a clip framed her heart shaped face.

She walks in the room your lungs close….

Making you never wanna breathe again…..

"Good morning Bankotsu." She greeted him as she passed by letting the scent of lavender and vanilla tickle his nose before disappearing behind the waves of students hustling and bustling to get to their first class. His mood brightened a bit as he remembered the way her lips curled in to a smile as she flashed him her pearly whites. She always seemed to make his day brighter, even with the simplest actions such as waving hello or greeting him in the morning. Her smile and her presence was enough to pacify him but he knew somewhere in the back of his mind it wouldn't be long before he craved more of her attention. He may have not admitted to himself or anyone for the matter but he was slowly falling for the petite little young woman, ever since the day he laid his eyes on her he knew she was the one he wanted, the one he needed.

Her boyfriend has got so much dough…..

So much ice his neck and wrist froze…

"Why are you late again? Did I not tell you to be early so we can walk the halls together?" A dark voice hissed causing his mind to reel back in to the real world. He narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene before him unfold.

'How dare he?' His mind demanded as he watched the tall and dark figure loom over his angel's smaller form. He could practically taste the fear radiating off of her in waves as the taller figure backed her up against the locker, hands firmly gripping her small wrists to her side as she looked away, as she looked towards him.

"I…I waited for you by the gate but then I saw you with Sakura." She replied softly as she flinched away from him. Everyone in the hallway didn't even bother to stop as the two bickering teenagers went head to toe. They already knew what the consequences were for interfering with the two, and even if the girl was kind hearted most people just thought she wasn't worth saving. Most people, not him, never him, he knew she deserved better and he'd be damned if he just sat around and watched her get bullied, Boyfriend or not she deserved respect and love.

Is he faithful to her? Hell no….

But she still chose to be with him, shorty….

"Insolent bitch! Who I'm with or without isn't any of your business. Your job is to wait for me by the gate not leave because you saw me with another female." He shouted in to her face. By this time a few tears slid down her flushed cheeks as he gripped her wrists tighter.

"It is my business because I'm your girlfriend! How do you think I feel when I hear and see you flirting with other girls? If I did that you'd bite my head off! But yet here you are strutting around like you aren't involved with anyone!" She yelled back as she tried to get him to loosen his grip on her. This seemed to anger the male above her more as he pinned her two small hands together and slapped her clean across her beautiful face.

"Bankotsu don't!" He heard his brother say as he swiftly went up behind the taller male. He waited for him to turn around before throwing a punch that practically threw the unsuspecting male seven feet away from the saddened female. She stared with widened eyes as he stood in front of her protectively.

Tell me is the money worth your soul?

Tell me what's the reason that you hold on…

When you know that dude, has a whole wall of 'em just like you.

"Damn Bankotsu you knocked Naraku out cold!" He heard someone yell out as a crowd of people began to applaud him. Everyone knew how much of an asshole the tall male was but no one ever bothered to stand up and go against him, not until Bankotsu showed up at least.

"I don't give a damn how much money you have or who the hell you have working for your father in this school. Don't ever disrespect Kagome like that ever again. If I find out you've been treating her like shit that's not all you're going to get." He said out loud, venom dripping from his voice. A few people shivered at the sound of promise his voice held and some even backed away. Naraku didn't respond as he stayed down obviously unconscious.

And girl you're just way too fine…

Gotta be treated as one of a kind, girl…

Use your mind don't be just another dime.

Because…..

"Bankotsu no…you didn't have to…" She stated softly as she put a hand on his forearm in an attempt to calm down the infuriated teen. His muscles relaxed at her touch as he turned around and brought a hand up to touch her face. She winced slightly as he brushed his thumb along her beaten cheek.

"You have no idea how valuable you are Kagome." He stated softly as he let his hand brush away a strand of hair in her face. She blushed a nice shade of crimson before he let his hand fall to his side.

I can't take, seeing you with him because I know exactly what you'll be…

In his gallery…

Just not fair…..

And it's tearing me apart; you're just another priceless work of art…..

In his gallery.

"Don't let him treat you like that again alright? I can't just go around punching him in the face everyday so you have to learn how to stick up for your self." Her lips curled in to a small sad smile before letting out a sigh and thanking him once more. He watched with hopeful eyes as she walked towards her fallen boyfriend and knelt beside him.

"Bitch what happened to my brother?" A feminine voice screeched causing Kagome to jump in surprise. His anger spiked up once more as he watched the tightly clad female push Kagome roughly away before beckoning another girl to help her get the now conscious male up on his feet.

"Just wait until after school." He heard Naraku growl out before letting the two petite females carry him away. Kagome just stood there biting her lips for a while before turning sad blue/grey eyes up at him. She mouthed out a thank you before rushing to her next class just as the bell rang.

"Come on Ban." He heard his brother say as he ran his hands through his long hair.

"Alright Jak." He replied before following after the feminine male.

She's so confused, she knows she deserves more….

Someone who will love and adore…..

She sat down and proceeded to scribble down the notes the teacher projected up on the board before letting her mind become consumed with thoughts of her knight in shining armor. A smile found its way on to her face as she put a hand up to cup her bruised cheek. She didn't know why but his gentle touch made her feel warm and fluttery inside. The way he defended her and stood in front of her in order to block her from Naraku's view made her feel safe, especially since he held her hand tightly to him as he warned the abusive male to be more respectful towards her.

'Why am I feeling this way? I'm with someone else.' She thought to her self as her brows furrowed in frustration.

'You deserve more than him though. You deserve to be loved and Naraku doesn't love anyone else but himself.' Her heart countered as she began to draw shapes and doodles on her notebook. She knew her heart outsmarted her mind on that one, she knew she deserved someone that would cherish and love her, respect her and honor her, care about her and care for her but she also knew she had a duty to fulfill and until she gained her goal she would never be able to be with anyone else.

She really doesn't know what to do….

Girl…it's just a matter of time…

Before he finds another more fine…..

After he's done dulling your shine, you're out the door and he's through with you…

"Hey Kagome, I know you don't want to hear this but I saw Naraku making out with Anzu behind the school the other day. You can even ask Usagi-chan she took a picture." One of her classmates whispered to her. Kagome nodded her head in understanding before turning her attention back towards her notebook. She fought the tears that threatened to spill as she sucked in a deep breath. She wouldn't let them see her shed tears, she wouldn't show them how weak she really was, and she will never break down.

'This is all so stupid.' She thought to her self as she thought about the reasons she had to stay with the selfish and sadistic man. Why did her father have to do what he did? Why didn't her mother stop him? Why? It had been five years and she still couldn't figure it out. How badly she wanted to though, how badly she wanted to help her family, how badly she wanted to get out but she knew she couldn't and that's what made it harder.

Tell me is the money worth your soul?

Tell me what's the reason that you hold on…

When you know that dude, has a whole wall of 'em just like you.

A gentle shake brought her back to reality as she looked up at a pair of cerulean orbs. She smiled up at him as she placed her tiny hand in to his open one. She felt her heart flutter once more as he brought her to her feet and led her out the door.

"Feeling better?" He questioned as he flashed his trademark grin. She could have melted right there if she could as she walked beside him to their next class. A class that she sadly shared with her boyfriend, her bright mood dimmed down immensely as she thought about his warning, she knew he would heed to it without a doubt and the thoughts of what he would do to her sparked her fear and rekindled the worry that was once washed away because of a certain tall, tan, and handsome male.

And girl you're just way too fine…

Gotta be treated as one of a kind, girl…

Use your mind don't be just another dime.

Because…..

"A bit thanks. How has your day been so far?" She replied softly as they turned a corner.

"Fine I guess." He said as he turned to look at her. They halted their small journey for a moment in order to look at one another before being rudely interrupted.

"My brother is sporting a black eye and you're here fondling another guy? You really are a whore." A bitter voice stated causing Bankotsu's body to turn rigid as he looked up and stared the person down with cold emotionless eyes.

I can't take, seeing you with him because I know exactly what you'll be…

In his gallery…

Just not fair…..

And it's tearing me apart; you're just another priceless work of art…..

In his gallery.

"I find it completely comedic when someone points a finger at another person for being something their not. Before you go accusing people and putting them under Pontius Pilate why don't you make sure your own hands are clean." Kagome stood there shocked as she darted back and fourth between the two. The red eyed woman in front of her seemed to take a couple steps back as she let out a small growl.

"How dare you, do you have any idea who you're going up against?" She hissed as she retracted her hands in to a fist. Bankotsu seemed unfazed by her anger as he continued to stare her down coldly.

You're a masterpiece I know he….

Can't appreciate your beauty….

Don't let him cheapen you….

"Personally I don't care who I'm up against, what I'm fighting for how ever, that I take great concern in." He replied coolly as he stood tall and proud even when the bell signaled the beginning of their second class. Kagome stared up at the man beside her, why was he defending her? Why did he defend her? She wasn't worth it; at least that's what she's been told.

"Bankotsu please." She said softly as she put a hand on his forearm. He didn't move as he continued to stare the obviously pissed off woman in front of him.

"I won't let them treat you this way Kagome. I refuse." He stated flatly leaving no room for arguments. Kagome bit her bottom lip as she looked up at the angry woman.

"I'll go see him." She stated in a hushed tone as she walked towards the red eyed female. Her ruby lips curled in to a smirk as she grabbed Kagome roughly by the arm and dragged her.

He don't see you like I do…

Beautiful not just for show….

It's time that someone let you know…..

Bankotsu's fist met the hard metal of a locker as he watched the taller woman rough handle Kagome. He was angry at not only her but with himself for not being able to be everything that she needed.

'Damn it all.' He thought angrily as he cracked his knuckle and shrugged his shoulders around in order to loosen up the tension he felt. He was pissed beyond words and it took everything in him not to rip the insolent and stuck up wench in to pieces. She was lucky he had principles and at least some respect towards her kind due to what his mother instilled in to his head when he was younger.

I can't take, seeing you with him because I know exactly what you'll be…

In his gallery…

Just not fair…..

And it's tearing me apart; you're just another priceless work of art…..

In his gallery.

'Always respect a woman, and when you find one that catches your heart treat her with great care for she will bring you the greatest love of all.' He thought as he replayed his mother's words over and over again in his mind.

"And when you find her don't let her go." A feminine but deep voice stated causing Bankotsu to look up quickly.

"Oh, Jak it's just you." He stated as he eased up. The cross dresser eyed the younger male up and down before clearing his throat.

"You love her don't you?" He questioned seriously as he continued to stare his younger brother down.

OooohhhI can't take, seeing you with him because I know exactly what you'll be…

In his gallery…

Just not fair…..

And it's tearing me apart; you're just another priceless work of art…..

In his gallery.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Bankotsu replied as he turned around.

"You know, you're just afraid to admit it." The feminine male stated as he followed after his younger brother.

"Shut up Jakotsu." Bankotsu stated as he began to quicken his pace. Jakotsu shrugged as he bid the younger male a farewell before rushing towards his class. Bankotsu checked the time on his phone before passing by the nurse's office.

"I'm sorry I'm so sorry!" He heard someone sob as he passed by. His senses went haywire the instant he heard a loud crashing sound and more sobs.

"I'm sorry!" He heard the familiar voice state once more.

"Kagome…" He whispered as he turned around and put his ear to the door.

"You're mine you understand that don't you? MINE." The dark voice hissed out.

'Naraku…' He thought as his eyes narrowed. Realization dawned on him as he remembered Kagome saying she was going to him.

"Damn it." He said to himself as he heard another sob. His heart went out to the poor girl but he knew he had to sustain himself in order to save her from further punishment.

And it's tearing me apart….

His heart lurched in his chest as he head the sickening sound of flesh upon flesh. At that instant he felt a wave of guilt hit him as he realized the cause of such brutality.

'Kagome, forgive me.' He thought sadly as he heard the girl cry out once more. The sound of Naraku's loud footsteps signaled Bankotsu that he was closing in. Thinking quickly he dashed towards an empty room across the nurse's office and hid there for five minutes before leaning slightly and checking for anyone. He turned his eyes towards the door immediately as he saw Kagome on the ground with her face buried in her hands. Waiting a few more agonizing minutes he dubbed it safe and walked towards the broken girl.

"Kagome" He whispered as he closed the door behind them and kneeled in front of her. She looked up at him with red puffy eyes before latching her self on to his body and burying her face in to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and let her cry to her hearts content before pulling her away and wiping away the tears. His eyes flashed a dangerous crimson before looking in to her blue orbs.

You're just another priceless work of art….

"Kagome, I'm so sorry." He whispered as he took his lucky handkerchief out and wiped away the blood that was trickling down from the side of her mouth. He examined her face a bit before letting out a sigh and pulling her up to stand. He led her towards the counter and sat her up on it before taking out some alcohol swabs and wiping away the rest of the blood and placing a small band aid over the small cut and a larger one on the side of her face. He brushed the wounds with his thumbs before letting out a sigh. She sniffled a bit before leaning her head towards him and resting her forehead on his shoulder.

"Thank you….for caring." She whispered before closing her eyes and letting a few tears drop on to his chest. He clenched his teeth in an effort to keep from going after the monstrous male that dared hurt Kagome.

"I'll always care; I promise I'll do what I can to show you just how valuable you are." He whispered as he picked her up from the counter and carried her bridal style, she smiled a small smile before nuzzling in to his chest and taking in his scent.

'I'll protect you, Kagome, that I'm sure of. I'm going to make sure that smile is permanent on your face.' He silently promised himself as he walked out the door.

In his gallery….