The raven haired girl stirred in her sleep readjusting and then snuggling into the warmth that surrounded her. She felt warm and content, settling herself into the comfort she inhaled and left out a sound sigh.
'Hmm Inuyasha...I swear I can smell... Inuyasha?'
Breathing in once more wondering if her mind was just playing tricks on her the girl furrowed her brow.
'I.. I still smell it. It's faint but it's there.'
Slowly letting her russet orbs flutter open she pulled herself up with her arms. Now in a sitting position she had the ability to look down to see a deep red cloth pooled around her. If the girl was confused before now she was simply stunned.
'He, he was here? And he left me his kimono? But why?'
Swinging her legs off the bed and standing she was met with the chilled air of her bedroom. Realization dawning on her she looked to her window to find it closed. Despite that the air inside seemed brisk and she distinctly remembered the arctic numbness she openly invited her body to succumb to. But none of that mattered at the moment, what mattered was why? He came and he didn't say anything? He was there and left her his robe to keep her warm? But didn't he know she'd find it? What about his pride? He certainly wouldn't want her to know he actually came here did he? Again she had to wonder, what about his pride? She knew he had visited her,without making his presence known, in the past before. But when he had he always tried to make it seem like he hadn't. Once more what about his pride?! Shaking her head as if to rid herself of the thoughts she decided now wasn't the time. She was going to be late for school and she couldn't miss her test. Walking steadfast to her dresser she pulled out her undergarments and school uniform. But as she turned around to change into it, the red article that was sitting on top of her bed caught her attention yet again. It seemed a war was waging within herself. She had to go to school that day. That wasn't the question. But how could she not bring him back his kimono? Even if she was upset with him she couldn't bare the thought of him needing it, and not having it. He still somehow managed to find a way to protect her even while he was keeping his distance. That thought made her heart restrict. Was she wrong to feel the way she did? But then maybe that was just it. Maybe she was tired of putting everyone's feelings before her own. But he wasn't just anyone. Giving an aggravated sigh she pulled on her clothing quickly and grabbed the fire rat cloth and ran out the door. As fast as she could manage she found herself in the well house and before she allowed herself a second thought she sent herself over the tip of the wooden well and found herself back in her second home. Although anymore it was where she spent most of her time. Once there however she found her feet firmly planted to the ground with no intent to move.
'Was this really a good idea?'
Clutching the robe to her chest she nodded her head as if willing herself further. As she started to climb her way up she felt two strong arms pluck her off the ground. As much as she wanted to reject the help she found herself relaxing for the first time in a few days at his touch.
'Kagome you really are hopeless aren't you? You can't stay long you have to get back to school.'
Soon she found herself on solid ground once again. Looking down she mumbled a thank you focusing her gaze to the earth beneath her.
"Kagome?" The voice sounded unsure almost apologetic even.
"Thank you." Kagome managed to say this time more clearly as she looked up. She pushed the red kimono to the hanyou in front of her. His clawed hand brushed up against her delicate skin as he reached out and gently took what she offered him. She took a sharp intake of breath when she looked into his golden eyes. They seemed so worn and sad. His ears seemed to lay flat on top of his head as if he were ashamed. He wasn't emitting his typical arrogant vibe.
"Kagome" Inuyasha repeated her name. He sounded like he was searching for a way to say something.
"Inuyasha I'm sorry but I have to get back.. I swear it's really important." She felt horrible. She could see how dejected she had just made him. She didn't want to, but she actually did need to get back. She worked too hard studying for this test. And a good grade may actually pull her overall grade up. Which she desperately needed.
Inuyasha looked down. He felt like growling but he was afraid it would come out as more of a whimper if he tried. He couldn't help but wonder if he actually messed things up that badly. If he did how was he going to fix it? Could he even fix this? Was she pulling away from him and was she going to keep herself at an arms length with him from now on? Before he could get too carried away in thought he realized he had to say something.
"Will you," He paused as if unsure. "will you be back?" He finished looking up into her warm earthy eyes.
"Yes Inuyasha, but I need some time." She wasn't ready for this yet. More time, that's what she needed.
She searched him to see if he had anything more that needed to be said but he just stood in front of her. Somehow he seemed broken and his eyes held a soft sadness, she never remembered seeing this in his golden gaze before. It took all she had not to rush to him and do anything possible to ease the pain away from his features. She found it too much to take and she slowly lifted herself to sit on the top of the well. She turned her head and looked back at the object of her inner turmoil.
"Inuyasha I promise I will come back. I really do have something important to do."
But before she could launch herself through the time rift he caught her arm and looked up at her pleadingly. Catching her off guard.
"When?" He asked keeping eye contact.
"Oh well I," She had to think about it. She still had that date tomorrow night. Just that thought pulled her stomach into ropes. That awful feel of betrayal was creeping in again. "Not tonight, or tomorrow night but the next." She said turning her eyes to the ground once again.
With no more words being said he let go and watched her travel back to where logic said she belonged. But it didn't stop the tugging he felt inside watching her disappear. Turning away and flying back up into a tree Inuyasha put back on his kimono and was met with the comforting scent of the kind and stubborn girl from the future. Breathing in heavily he leaned back against the bark of the tree and gave himself the small comfort he ached for. Her scent at least helped him let go of some of the tension. The next few days were going to be even harder than before. He couldn't promise himself he wouldn't be going over to check up on her. But she didn't need to know that.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kagome rushed out of the well house and back inside the house. Turning a corner sharply and almost knocking Grampa over. She rushed past hearing him mumble something about ungrateful, disrespecting youth and how things were when he was young. She paid no mind and took the stairs two at a time to her room. She quickly grabbed her book bag and flew back down the stairs.
"I'm off to school Mom! Don't want to be late!"
"Ok dear! Oh Wait!" Mrs. Higurashi caught her daughter a second before she made it out the door. "Don't forget your lunch!"
"Oh thanks Mom. Gotta go!"
Kagome sped off to school bounding over any obstacle and dodging any one person crazy enough to stand in her way. She had to make up time. It took her a while dropping off the kimono this morning, but she knew she didn't regret her stop. She couldn't leave him without his robe. But the look in his eyes, the tone of his voice, it all began to haunt her. She knew she had to get there she couldn't miss this test. As she finally saw her school come into sight she found out a second too late she was about to collide with someone. After a crash of two heads, she landed onto her backside and started rubbing at her head furiously.
"That'll teach me to watch where I'm going." She muttered to herself.
"Oh Kagome I am so sorry. Are you hurt? I must have knocked you down." Hojo smiled down at her offering a hand to pick her back up.
"Oh no. It was my fault. You wouldn't believe how often this happens to me." She said returning the smile while taking his hand and lifting herself up.
"It's good to see you back. How are you feeling?"
"Oh I'm feeling better every day. I just uh, overslept and I was scared I wouldn't make it here on time."
"Well I can walk you to your class if you like?" Hojo offered.
'Well I really have no reason to say no. He is a friend after all. Besides I need to get to class now. Don't care who I'm walking with.'
"Hey Kagome!" Kagome looked up to see Daiki waving and running towards her. Realizing Hojo was still holding her hand a blush rose.
'Oh come on girl. We really need to work on controlling this blushing thing!'
"Oh hey Daiki. Have you met Hojo?" Kagome asked using the time to get her hand back. She was concerned he would be upset to see her holding hands with Hojo.
"No I don't think so, nice to meet you." Daiki said and shook Hojo's hand.
"Nice to meet you too." Hojo smiled at Daiki. They actually seemed friendly towards each other.
"Well we really need to get to class. I don't want to be late." Kagome said hurrying the two boys along. They started chatting about something Kagome didn't pay attention to. She was too busy analyzing what just happened.
Daiki met Hojo and he wasn't even fazed. He was actually being friendly with him. He didn't freak out or over react about the fact that another guy was holding her hand. He seemed to have not thought twice about it. He wasn't brooding over it or anything. That was so not how Inuyasha would have reacted.
'If this was Inuyasha I would have had to have sat him twenty times to give the poor guy time to run. What am I thinking, of course I shouldn't have expected such a reaction. Whether or not he's Inuyasha's reincarnation doesn't matter. He isn't Inuyasha.'
She glanced at the boys in front of her. Wondering when she would get it through her head that he wasn't the same person. Of all people she knew she should be the first to accept this. She decided to be grateful for the avoided showdown. Now wasn't the time to become submerged in such thoughts. She had to psych herself up for this test. Quickening her pace she made it to her class and waved to her escorts before ducking into the room.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
For once time didn't seem to be against her while taking her test. She actually sat her pencil down in a timely manner with little to no sweat on her brow. She had real faith that she did fine. Maybe even better than fine. She dared to believe she may have aced it. Getting up from her seat and making her way to the desk of her teacher she felt his eyes on her. Did he really seem shocked to see her handing in her test? Maybe it was true times before this she came off as frantic, trying to get done before the bell rang. But was it that astonishing? Shrugging to herself she handed over the paper and gave a proud grin. He nodded his head to her and she retraced her steps back to her desk. Sitting her head down on her desk she let her gaze travel out the window and found her thoughts traveling back to the way Inuyasha's voice sounded this morning. Sighing she turned her head and left her arms cover her face into darkness trying to void herself of the emotions stirring within her. When the class ended and all the students shuffled out she popped her head up at the call of her name.
"Higurashi Kagome. Could you please come to my desk for a moment."
"Yes sir." She said standing up hesitantly.
'Oh this doesn't seem good. And I actually thought I did ok for once.'
She grimaced at her internal musings. Finding her legs shaky, she pushed herself forward gulping. The teacher almost seemed amused and decided to ease her tension by beaming at her.
"I graded your test and I have to say I am surprised." She looked up at him, slight fear still evident in her eyes. "You did very well. I am happy you were able to catch up, even after missing class so often. Of course I hope you can keep up the good work. I hope that if you are using a new method to study that you stick with it. The results are certainly impressive." He handed her the paper and she looked on with shock. She had gotten a nearly perfect mark.
"Thank you sir!" She brightened at him. He nodded and she took that as her dismissal.
Walking out the door with a bright smile she felt great. A hand shot out and caught her arm. She turned to see a pair of dark eyes imploring her. She recognized them immediately. Gratitude overwhelmed her and she launched herself at him, hugging him tightly.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!"
He didn't miss a beat and he tightened his arms around her lightly.
"For?" Came a somewhat confused reply.
"Helping me study. I passed with flying colors!" She said letting go.
"It was my pleasure." He laughed. "So are we still on for tomorrow night?"
But before she had a chance to answer a group of girls came up to them and crowded around Daiki. The girls huddled around him and appeared to swoon and coo at him. Most importantly he was at ease with talking to the number of girls in front of him. He didn't seem to have a hard time handling himself with the opposite sex. In fact he was maybe too good at it, Kagome decided. No blush stained his cheeks as the girls babbled on with, "Hadn't seen you in a while." and "How are you doing anyways?". The questions just rolled on and he continued the banter amiably with the girls. Feeling a bit silly just standing there Kagome decided to go on to her next class. She didn't think he'd notice if she left anyways. Notably she was correct. She slipped out and into her next class, half expecting a hand to grab her and question her absence. But there was none. She knew she should feel slighted, and yet she hadn't. She was too busy again comparing how he handled himself to how Inuyasha would. Inuyasha would no doubt be uncomfortable under the attention of the other sex. The thought made her lips turn up into a smile. He could be so shy and unsure of himself. The thought also made her take note again to how sure Daiki was in himself. The boys were both cocky sure, but in different ways. Again the thought brought a smile to her lips.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
She stretched her sore limbs and sighed in content. Finally she could go home and make acquaintance with her bed again. She strolled out of the building buzzing with the voices of peers. The sun gleamed down on her and she relished its warmth on her skin. Being stuck in a building for far too many hours was something she wasn't use to anymore. She spent most of her days outside beneath various skies. Whether they be blues, grays, or hazy thick atmospheres. It didn't matter what the weather, she journeyed on with her companions. The nights were spent under the darkest blanket of black with stars shining through like beacons of salvation in the void. With the moon lingering nearby shedding ethereal light, giving the world a soft blue filter. She loved the nights the most. Without a bed she still found her comfort on the ground wrapped within a sleeping bag cozy and warm next to a flickering fire. She always found the lightest shade of honey watching over the scene from his spot perched high above. Silent protector, allowing her to drift off more peacefully.
"Kagome!"
Her head snapped up to search for the faces who had called out to her. She found the three familiar faces and smiled.
"There you are!" Yuka cried.
"We have been trying to catch up to you for a while. Are you in a hurry?" Eri rose a brow at her.
"Are you feeling well Kagome?" Ayumi asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Oh yeah never better." Kagome reassured. "I was just looking forward to getting home. I'm just a little tired."
"Why didn't you tell us you had a date with Daiki?" Yuka exclaimed.
"I uh," She hadn't actually been thinking about it. "I didn't think it was a big deal?"
"What?!" Yuka and Eri pitched together.
"Well I mean it isn't until tomorrow. I guess it slipped my mind."
"Well we want details!" Eri pressed.
"Oh well I think he said dinner and a movie? Kind of standard date stuff." Kagome tried to stay nonchalant.
"What are you going to wear?" Ayumi asked dreamily.
"I haven't had a chance to think about it. I was so concerned over my test." She answered honestly.
"Oh how did you do anyways?" Yuka asked.
"I did great actually! I may be able to salvage my overall grade!" She said excitedly.
"That's wonderful! See studying with Daiki really helped!" Eri stated boastfully.
"Yeah much better than that no good two timing boyfriend you use to have!" Yuka supplied.
Kagome's brow furrowed. She was disturbed at how all roads led to the same thing with them. Always putting Inuyasha down. They didn't even know him! Deciding she really didn't feel like continuing with this subject Kagome searched the crowd. When she spotted her target she took her chance.
"Well guys I'm going to go catch up with Daiki. I'll see you later!" She said cheerily waving goodbye at them.
When Daiki saw her approaching he gave her a broad smile.
"Hello beautiful."
"How's it going?" She asked trying to turn her head and hide the blush.
"Nothing much. Hey where did you go earlier?" He asked.
"Oh I had to get to class. Besides you looked busy." Her words held no malice. He took that as a good sign. He wasn't sure if she would be angry with him.
"Well are we still on for tomorrow?"
"Oh, yeah. What time?" She asked.
"Oh does 7 work for you?"
"Yeah that's fine."
He insisted on walking her home. She tried to assure him she was fine and it would be out of his way but he heard none of it. He was certainly stubborn. The walk consisted of light conversation. Nothing ground shaking or life changing but amiable non the less. He took his leave at the bottom of the shrine steps. The school girl completely unaware of the angry gaze tracking her movement from it's perch above.