Disclaimer: One again, me no own...you no take me to court. : )

Well, lets get on with the chapter!

Two Halves

By: Goth Chick Tiff

Summary: Kagome has had a hard life and has a secret she can never tell anyone. Then two brothers transfer to her school that seem to know a part of her past she's blocked out. Now the misfit must handle one brother vying for her attention and the other being a pain in her ass, all the while protecting her and her brother from her corrupt father.

Chapter 3

Kagome awoke to sunlight shining on her face. Ugh, I knew I should've closed those damn blinds. She thought before looking around the room. Noticing that her brother was nowhere to be found, she quickly sat up in bed and removed the covers from her person. She quickly put on her shoes and walked hastily out of the bedroom.

Kagome searched the elegant halls frantically for her missing brother, opening random doors and praying that he was all right. Please be ok. I can't lose you too. She grew even more hysterical with every empty room and passing minute. As she neared the stairs leading to the first floor she heard a shriek that was unmistakably her brothers. Thankful for her keen hearing she ran towards the scream promising all kinds of pain to the person who dared to hurt her brother.

Stopping short in the living room she saw Sota and Inuyasha playing a videogame, her brother was laughing as he tried to fend off some monster. Letting out a relieved sigh, she crept silently over to the two, only stopping when she stood right behind her brother. She quickly covered his eyes, causing her brother to squeal and wriggle around.

Laughing, Kagome uncovered Sota's eyes and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Next time wake me up before you leave, ok?"

Sota hastily wiped away the residue of the kiss and nodded before getting enthralled by the game once again.

Kagome walked over to the couch before she noticed the look she was getting from Inuyasha. Quirking a brow, she crossed her arms and said, "What?"

Inuyasha frowned slightly before answering. "Where's my good morning hug and kiss?" He asked, dejectedly.

Kagome shook her head, a smile on her face. "I'll give you a hug and kiss when you give me a legitimate reason for why you kept glaring at me your first day of school." She replied.

Inuyasha nervously scratched the back of his head before explaining. "Eh heh, my ex goes to the same school. And you kind of look a lot like her, so I thought you were her."

Kagome one again shook her head. "Let me guess. Kikyo?"

"Yea, how'd you know?"

Kagome smirked. "She's my cousin. But there's one major difference between us. She's a slut, I'm not."

Inuyasha laughed and took a seat on the couch beside Kagome, letting Sota take over the game. "Yea, no doubt about that. So, where's my hug and kiss?"

Kagome quirked a brow before giving in to Inuyasha's puppy-dog eyes. She reached over and gave him a quick hug a kiss on the cheek along with a slap on the back of his head. "Where's your brother?"

Rubbing the back of his head, Inuyasha gave Kagome a slight glare. "What was that for?"

"For thinking I was Kikyo and for using those wretched puppy-dog eyes to persuade me into a hug and kiss."

Inuyasha wrinkled his nose. "He's in the kitchen with my mom and dad. C'mon, I'll introduce you, you're brother's already met them."

Kagome silently followed Inuyasha into the kitchen. When she walked in she saw Sesshoumaru sitting at the center island eating a bowl of cereal. "Where'd mom and dad go?" Inuyasha said, interrupting Kagome's train of thought.

"Went upstairs to get changed for some business meeting." Sesshoumaru answered and looked up at Kagome. "Good morning, Kagome."

"Morning," Kagome said before taking a seat opposite Sesshoumaru. "Whatcha eating?"

"Cocoa Puffs, want a bite?" He asked offering her the half-finished bowl of cereal and spoon.

Kagome smiled and shook her head, "Nah, I don't eat cereal. I hardly even eat breakfast."

"Oh, that's not good." Came a voice from the kitchen doorway. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

Sesshoumaru smiled. "Hello again, mother." He said before introducing Kagome. "Mom, this is Kagome. Kagome, this is my mother."

Kagome stood up and gave the woman a shy wave. "Good morning, Mrs. Taisho."

The woman walked over to Kagome and gave her a hug. "Good morning to you, too. Please, call me Izayoi, Mrs. Taisho makes me sound old." She said smiling. "Now what would you like to eat?"

Kagome smiled before taking her seat once again. "It's really not a problem, I'm not even all that hungry."

"Nonsense," Izayoi said looking in the refrigerator. "How do pancakes sound?"

Kagome looked over at Sesshoumaru with pleading eyes. "Just give in Kag, you're never gonna win." Sesshoumaru said laughingly.

"He's right you know, Izayoi is a stubborn woman when she has her mind set on something." Came another voice. "I'm Inu no Taisho, but you can call me Inutaisho for short."

Kagome smiled and took the hand offered to her. "Kagome Higurashi, nice to meet you."

Izayoi pulled out some eggs and milk from the refrigerator. "Pancakes it is! Now, blueberry or ordinary, Kagome?"

"Uh, ordinary is good." Kagome answered tentatively.

Smiling, Izayoi took out a box of blueberry pancake mix. "Well, too bad. I never cook ordinary pancakes." She said making Kagome laugh. "What do you guys have planned for today?"

"Well, we've got an important repot due Friday so we're gonna work on that for a while. Then I was thinking we'd go out to lunch." Sesshoumaru answered, putting his bowl in the sink, rinsing it, and walking back to the center island.

Kagome looked over at Sesshoumaru then over to Inuyasha. "Sounds good. After that I've gotta pick up Sebastian and I'll probably drop Sota off at Jakotsu's while I'm there." Kagome noticed the quizzical look she was getting from Sesshoumaru and elaborated. "Sebastian is my baby ball python. And you know Jakotsu, he's our World History teacher."

Sesshoumaru nodded, then quirked a brow. "Why is you're ball python over at Mr. Banryuu's and why are you gonna drop Sota off there?"

Kagome laughed. "He's a friend of the family. I left Sebastian there because they had a fish tank that I could put him in temporarily until I had enough money to buy a tank along with all the other stuff I needed. And Jakotsu's been dieing for us to come over, he hardly gets to see Sota and he only sees me for one class a day." She explained.

Izayoi smiled at the three teens. " It's must be good to have someone you know as you're teacher." She said placing a plate of pancakes in front of Kagome.

"Thank you," Kagome said before taking a bite. "Yea, it's cool. Though he does like to pick on me a lot to answer questions. He's an awesome teacher, he makes class fun."

Inutaisho looked at his watch before motioning to Izayoi that it was time to go. "Well, kids, we've gotta run. Don't have too much fun while we're gone." He said, leading his wife out of the kitchen and to the front door.

"You're parent's are really nice." Kagome said with a smile on her face.

"Yea, they're awesome." Inuyasha answered. "They're more like friends then parents, unless the time calls for it, of course."

Sesshoumaru looked up at Kagome and rested his head on his hand. "You wanna go over Mr. Banryuu's first? I'd love to see this snake of yours."

Kagome stood up and walked over to the sink and placed the plate and fork inside, rinsing them off. "Yea, that would be awesome. We'd also get to see Bankotsu before he heads off to work." She said following Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru into the living room.

Kagome quietly stalked up to Sota, before carefully grabbing him away from the game and tickling him. Sota squealed before falling into fits of laughter, writhing under his sister's onslaught. After a few minutes, Kagome let him up and mussed up his hair. "Turn it off, buddy. We're gonna see Jakotsu and Bankotsu."

"Yea!" Sota shrieked and jumped on his sister. "Can I stay over? Please! Please! Please!" He begged, hugging Kagome tight.

Kagome laughed and pulled him off. "You'll have to ask them, not me; if they say yea, then sure. I'll tell dad when I call him up later." Sota gave Kagome one last hug before running off to grab his backpack.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha watched the spectacle in silence. "How come we never acted like that?" Inuyasha whispered silently.

Sesshoumaru smirked, "Because you were a nuisance…and still are." He answered walking toward Kagome and placing a hand on her shoulder. "C'mon Mel, we're taking my car."

Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru quizzically. Remembering a past conversation, she smiled and shook her head. "Mel, short for Melpomene. Do me a favor and just stick with Kag, your perceptivity will get you into trouble around me." She said, a melancholic look upon her face.

Inuyasha walked over to Sesshoumaru and watched as Kagome helped her brother with his backpack and jacket before putting on her own jacket. "What was that about," He asked and looked at his brother questioningly.

Sesshoumaru looked thoughtful for a moment, watching Kagome's every move. "She's changed a lot. She must have gone through something traumatic in order to have changed her so drastically."

Inuyasha crossed his arms. "She hasn't changed that much. She's still the same old bitch she was six years ago." He said before snorting. "Besides, we only met her twice, once as wolves and once as humans. We only knew her for a total of 6-8 hours, which isn't a lot of time to really get to know someone."

Sesshoumaru began walking toward the front door, motioning behind him for Inuyasha to follow. "I saw her about three weeks ago in the woods. I had to submit to her in order to not get attacked. She wasn't like that when we first met her."

"How can you be sure it was her?" Inuyasha said leaning against Sesshoumaru's silver 2007 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.

"Get your ass off my car." Sesshoumaru said as he started the engine "And I know it was her."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I'm gonna go get Kagome and Sota before they think we left them." He said and walked back inside the house.

Sesshoumaru got out of the car and leaned against it. He remembered how Kagome looked the night before; the moonlight shining upon her and illuminating her pale skin, making her seem almost angelic. Then he remembered the abandoned look that tainted her face and the slight smell of burnt flesh when he'd left her. She's definitely changed since the last time I saw her. She's a great deal more guarded, like she expects everyone she gets close to will hurt her.

The silver and black wolf walked leisurely throughout the dense forest, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of the engulfing night. There was a thin layer of snow on the forest floor, the steady snowfall slowly accumulating on her fur, making her silver streaks look almost white. She slowly explored the woodlands, marking her path with her scent so as not to get lost. Looking up at the sky she discerned that it was about 3 hours from daybreak, which meant that she had about two and a half hours before she had to head back home.

Hearing the sound of a twig break behind her, the wolf turned around and saw two white wolves in the distance. Seeing their cautious stance she quickly flopped to the ground and rolled over in the snow, letting them know that she wasn't a threat. The two male wolves, which were slightly bigger than she, warily walked over to the carefree female.

The elder, and bigger, of the two wolves lightly nudged the female, letting her know that he accepted her as a friend. He looked back at the younger one and jumped out of the way just fast enough to dodge a pounce that was aimed for the female.

The silver and black wolf let out a little yelp as the younger white wolf landed on her. She writhed under the weight of the wolf and managed to get herself free. Jumping a few feet away, she turned around and faced the two and bowed. Her tail wagging behind her, she waited until the opportune moment to exact her revenge on the younger male. With a flying leap she landed between the two wolves, she quickly nipped the younger on the leg, earning a small yelp, before pouncing on the older, causing them to roll down a small hill she hadn't known was there.

The elder male stood up and shook the snow off of his fur coat. He slowly circled the female wolf. Tail wagging behind him…

The slam of Sesshoumaru's car door woke him from his reverie. Turning around he glared at his brother's smiling face. "Slam the door again and I'll make that grin permanent," he threatened as he hopped into the car.

Inuyasha shuddered at the thought of his brother doing him bodily harm. "You wouldn't really hurt your own brother…would you?" he asked, an eyebrow quirked in question.

Sesshoumaru smirked evilly at Inuyasha, "Keep trying my patience and you'll find out." He said cryptically before peeling out of the circular driveway and down the street.

Kagome, Sota, and Inuyasha cringed as the sounds of Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D Major blasted from the car's speakers. Kagome spotted the way Inuyasha and Sota were covering their ears and decided to persuade Sesshoumaru into turning the radio off, or at least turning it down. Silently, she unbuckled her seatbelt and scooted up in her seat, making it easier for her to lean against the back of the driver's seat. Hmm, he smells like the forest after it's rained, she thought as she leaned her head on the seat. "Ya know, I was really hoping we could talk more on the drive to Jak's, get to know each other better." She said into Sesshoumaru's ear, fiddling with a lock of his hair.

Catching Inuyasha's perplexed look Kagome winked and let go of the strand of hair she'd been playing with. She slowly ran her hand down the front of Sesshoumaru's chest and smiled as she felt the muscles tense beneath it. "And as much as I do love this song, I was hoping you might turn the volume down just a smidge so that we could really learn about each other."

Sesshoumaru looked thoughtful for a moment before reaching over to turn off the radio, glaring at Inuyasha as he did so. "Keep looking at me like that and I'll drop you off right here." He threatened as he sat back in the seat.

"Thanks, babe." Kagome said and kissed Sesshoumaru lightly on the cheek. Seduction: a woman's best weapon, she thought as she sat back in her seat and buckled her seatbelt once again.

Inuyasha smiled back at Kagome, silently thanking her. "So, how did you come to be so persuasive, Kags?" He asked, smirking at Sesshoumaru's not-so-obvious embarrassment after Kagome's unexpected kiss. Being his brother, Inuyasha could see Sesshoumaru's slight discomfort, though it wasn't noticeable to anyone else. He never was big on public displays of affection. Plus there's the fact that he likes Kag. Inuyasha thought, turning slightly in his seat to see Kagome better.

Kagome laughed. "Leave your brother alone, Inu. He's been through enough torment for one day. And to answer your question, persuasion is merely a gift. Some people have it, while others don't. All you have going for you are those damn puppy-dog eyes. You're seriously lacking in the charm department."

Inuyasha snorted. "And how do you know if I have charm or not?"

"Honey, if you're charming, than you're brother's a knight in seriously shining armor," Kagome said smiling. "Sess, take a right at the next light. Jak's house is the third one on the right hand side."

Sesshoumaru nodded and followed Kagome's directions. He pulled to a stop in front of a white Victorian style home and shut off the engine. "Nice place," He said, marveling at the beautiful woodwork.

Kagome laughed. "Don't let Jak hear you say that. This house is his baby and he really likes to brag about it," she said walking up to the front door. She shuffled around in her pockets before pulling out her keys. Finding the key to the house, she unlocked the door. "Jak! Bank! It's Kag!" she called, as she took of her coat and hung it up in the small closet by the front door.

"We're in the living room!" came Bankotsu's laughing voice from the room across from them.

Kagome walked over to the living room and stopped mid-step and laughed at the sight of Jakotsu cowering in fear away from Bankotsu, who was holding Sebastian in front of him. "Kagome! Make him stop!" cried Jakotsu as he crawled behind an end table, causing Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, Kagome, and Sota to burst out laughing along with Bankotsu.

"Oh, my poor baby." Kagome cooed as she walked over to Bankotsu, taking the 20-inch long ball python and allowing it to gently crawl up her arm. "Did the big, mean, scaredy-cat hurt your feelings?"

Kagome walked over to the couch, motioning to the others to follow her. She smiled as she saw Sota take a running leap onto Bankotsu, hugging him around the neck. Holding the snake up to eye level, she smiled as it continuously flicked its forked tongue. "Yea, you remember Mommy, don't you?" she cooed once again, blowing the ball python a kiss. "Ok, Sess, get your ass over here and I'll let you hold him."

Sesshoumaru sat beside Kagome and held his hand out under Kagome's allowing the snake to crawl up his own arm. "He'll grip a little at your arm with his tail, but that's only so he won't fall off. If he starts to constrict, which isn't likely, just gently unwrap him by his tail." Kagome explained.

"Believe it or not, I've held a snake before," Sesshoumaru said, smirking at Kagome. "A year old Rainbow Boa on one of my dad's business trips. Though my favorite would have to be the Albino Reticulated Python."

Kagome smiled as she took Sebastian from Sesshoumaru's offered hand and placed him back in the tank "Retics are a beautiful snake, especially albinos, though they aren't really one to fuck with. And As much as I love them, I have a deeper love for Piebald Pythons and Ruby King Snakes along with Ball Pythons." She looked around the living room for Jakotsu and found him still cowering behind the end table. "Uh, Jak, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru are both in your class. Unless you want an embarrassing story about you, an adult, cringing in fear of a 6-month-old snake to go around the school come Monday morning, I suggest you get up." She said as she walked by him, ruffling his hair as she did so.

Jakotsu pouted slightly and slapped Kagome's hand away. He stood and huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I wasn't 'cringing in fear'. I was acting as a potential prey for you're precious snake." He defended, only to be shot down by Kagome's quick wittedness.

"Honey, he's a ball python. A 20-inch, 6-month-old ball python, to be exact. He thinks of you as a predator, not a prey. Though, considering how you reacted to him I wouldn't be surprised if he thought of you as a food source. Coward." Kagome retaliated.

Jakotsu pouted once again. "Keep testing me Kagome, and your 4.0 average will drop to a 3.6." He threatened, glaring at the smug teen.

Kagome smirked evilly. "I've got four witnesses who will confirm that you threatened to sabotage my grade all because you lost a battle of wits. One of which, your own brother, is a cop, and would make for a VERY credible witness. Sure you wanna fuck with my grade?"

"Jak, just shut up," came Bankotsu's voice from the other side of the room. "You never win any of the mock fights. You already know how much Kagome likes to research. Trying to out-wit her is pretty much unfathomable." He said as he walked toward the love seat opposite Kagome, Sota shadowing his every movement behind him. "And Kagome, how many times do I have to tell you to watch your mouth around your brother?"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "You should really be telling Naraku that. Where do you think I learned it?"

"I can't control your father's mouth," Bankotsu paused. "Then again, I can't even keep you from speeding on that death trap on yours, so trying to control your mouth would be the equivalent of Jakotsu winning one of your debates." He said smirking.

Kagome laughed and shook her head slightly. "We've gotta get going. Jak gave us this important project due Friday that we have to work on, plus I have to drop Sebastian off at home and feed him." She said, standing up from her seat and stretching. "Is it ok if Sota stays over? He's been dieing to hang with you guys."

Bankotsu ruffled Sota's hair. "Yea! I've got today off so we'll probably go out for a little bit. Just tell you're dad, ok?"

Kagome growled slightly, "He's not my dad," She muttered before putting on a fake smile. "No problem, Bank." She walked over to the tank and gently pulled Sebastian out of it, waking him from his slumber. "I'm sorry babe, but we've gotta go home so you can eat."

"I'll see you guys in class Monday!" Jakotsu called to the three teens, waving as he did so.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha followed Kagome out of the house and to the car. "That was…interesting." Inuyasha said as he hopped in the back seat of Sesshoumaru's car, letting Kagome ride shotgun. "Is Mr. Banryuu always so…gay?"

Kagome laughed and gently closed the car door behind her. "You can call him Jak, and yes. He's always like that. It's hard to imagine he was in a gang when he was younger."

Sesshoumaru started the engine and looked at Kagome skeptically. "You're kidding, right?" He said, drove down the rode, heading for Kagome's house.

"Nope, Jak and Bank were part of the Shichinintai. They've even got facial tattoo's that they cover-up during the day." Kagome explained, letting Sebastian hang around her neck.

"So, did they inspire you to get one of your own?" Sesshoumaru asked, motioning to the tattoo on Kagome's upper left arm.

Kagome looked down at the tattoo of a white wolf head howling at a silvery moon. "No. I've always been a fan of tattoos and piercings. I got a howling wolf because I saw a wolf when I was younger. It was standing outside my house; I was sitting on my front porch crying. My mother had just died. I don't know why, but it walked over and sat beside me on the porch and placed it's head on my lap. It felt as though it were trying to console me, like I was its pack member. I don't know, but the tattoo serves as a token of my gratitude." She said running her right hand gently over the tattoo. As well as a reminder that I'm not human, and never will be.

Sesshoumaru pulled to a stop at the stoplight, a small frown on his face. That's why she was crying. It's probably the reason why she doesn't remember us. "Maybe it did think of you as a pack member. Have you seen it since?"

Kagome shook her head. "No, but it doesn't matter. I won't forget him." She smiled slightly as Sebastian crawled down her chest, nestling himself on her lap. Slowly, she closed her eyes and let the wind play with her hair, her time with the wolf replaying behind her closed eyes.

Naraku stumbled into the house, drunk and in disarray. He staggered through the foyer, a hand against the wall to keep him from plummeting to the floor. "Kagome!" He called angrily, his voice slurred. Hearing the sound of a car door slam, he walked unsteadily back to the front door.

Seeing Kagome walk up the walkway, Naraku waited until she was inside the house before shoving her against the wall and forcefully kissing her. He snaked his knee between Kagome's legs, effectively keeping her from kneeing him in the groin. He then grabbed her wrists in one hand and raised them above her head and pressed them against the wall, keeping her stationary.

Naraku grabbed a switchblade knife from his pants pocket and placed it against Kagome's neck. "I wouldn't scream for your friends if I were you," he whispered into her ear before sliding the knife down her chest, slicing her shirt open, causing her to whimper in response.

Memories of when she was younger flashed before Kagome's eyes. Memories of Naraku raping her every night for a year, memories she tried in vain to forget. Tears rolled down her face as Naraku's now free hand parted her shirt and slid up her taught stomach. She whimpered again when she felt his knee rub against her groin. She turned her face away from Naraku in disgust, hating that she couldn't do anything to stop him.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha sat in the car waiting for Kagome to come back. "Jeez, how long does it take to get a frozen mouse from the freezer?" Inuyasha asked, stretching in the back seat.

Sesshoumaru looked at the house, the front door was still half open, making it hard for him to see inside the house. "Something doesn't feel right." He said, unwrapping Sebastian from his arm and turning around so he could see Inuyasha. "Take him, I'm gonna go inside."

Inuyasha eyed the snake and shuddered in disgust before unwillingly taking the snake from his brother's outstretched hands. "Just hurry up, ok. I don't want this thing biting me."

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes as he hopped out of the car and jogged up the walkway. Hearing a barely audible whimper coming from inside the house, he slowly opened the door.

Sesshoumaru stood in shock at the sight before him. Kagome was pinned against a wall by a man who looked at least twice her age. Her shirt was sliced open down the middle, her pants falling below her knees. Seeing the tears that were streaming down her face as the unnamed man vehemently kissed her, Sesshoumaru coughed loudly into his hand, gaining their attention.

Naraku pulled away from the unreciprocated kiss and looked toward the front door. He pulled away from Kagome, causing her to slide down the wall, and glared at the teen who interrupted his fun. "You know, you're trespassing on private property, son." He said and crossed his arms. "Unless you want me to call the police, I suggest you leave."

Sesshoumaru slowly walked over to the crying girl, shoving Naraku out of his way. "Go ahead, I'll tell them I was saving a friend from a rapist," Sesshoumaru retaliated as he gathered Kagome's now half-naked frame into his arms.

Naraku laughed, "Kagome would never testify against her own father, you have no case. Especially when I can easily convince them that I caught you in the act of raping her," He said, a smug look upon his face.

Sesshoumaru looked at Naraku in shock. "You would rape your own daughter? How fucking twisted are you?" He said in disgust as he picked Kagome up from the floor and cradled her in his arms. He walked toward the front door, stopped in the doorway, and turned to look back at Naraku. "I don't care who you are, stay away from Kagome."

Walking out of the house, Sesshoumaru noticed Inuyasha's concerned look. He shook his head slightly and placed Kagome in the front-seat. Putting up the hood and closing the windows to shield the hysterical, crying teen from view, Sesshoumaru peeled out of the driveway and down the street.

Kagome crawled down between the seat and dashboard, trying to hide herself from Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's view as best she could. She had stopped crying, but was still shaking in fear and disgust. I never wanted him to see me like that; I never wanted anyone to see me like that. She thought as she tried in vain to curl herself into a ball.

Feeling a pinch on her thigh, Kagome looked down and saw Naraku's switchblade knife secured to her skin by the strap of her underwear. Kagome carefully grabbed the knife and traced her finger across the blade, flinching slightly as she cut her finger. Why didn't I try to stop him? Why do I always just take it like some brainwashed, submissive dog? A tear rolled down Kagome's tear-stained cheek and onto her scarred wrist. She traced the scare with her bloody finger, choking back a sob. Why didn't I cut deep enough?

Sesshoumaru cut off the engine of his car. He hopped out of the car and walked over to the passenger side door, grabbing a dazed Kagome into his arms and carried her into the house with Inuyasha following quickly behind him. He moved out of the way just long enough for Inuyasha to open the door before walking hurriedly inside, ignoring his parents' concerned faces.

Inuyasha and his parent's followed Sesshoumaru to his bedroom, only to get the bedroom door slammed in their faces. "What happened?" Izayoi asked, genuinely concerned for Kagome's well being.

Inuyasha looked down at the snake in his hands before answering, "I don't know. We went to Kagome's house to get some food for Sebastian after deciding that we'd just bring him here. After a while, Sesshoumaru went to find her and a few minutes later he carried her out looking like that." He said as he walked down the stairs and into the family room, where there was a tank that had been used for Sesshoumaru's Scarlet King Snake. He gently placed Sebastian inside and turned to his parents. "Is it ok if Kagome stays here for a while? I don't think she's going to want to go back home just yet."

Izayoi and Inutaisho nodded simultaneously, "I was just going to suggest that she and her brother stay here. Where is little Sota?" Izayoi asked.

Inuyasha sat down on a recliner and closed his eyes, trying to will away the sight of Kagome crying in the front seat of the car. "He's over at our World History teacher's house. It's a good thing too." He answered. "I'm going to go see if Sesshoumaru needs some help."

Kagome emerged from Sesshoumaru's bathroom clad in a pair of his jogging pants and sweatshirt, both of which were a bit too big. Seeing Sesshoumaru lying on his bed, an arm covering his eyes, she walked over and lay on the bed beside him. She fiddled with her fingers for a few minutes, not knowing what to say or do. "Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."

Sesshoumaru uncovered his eyes and watched as Kagome nervously fidgeted with the hem of his sweatshirt. He gently clasped her hand in his, startling her a bit, and placed a feather-light kiss upon her forehead. "No need to thank me, just get some sleep. I'm going to check on Sebastian and tell my parents an elaborate lie.'' He said smiling as he sat up to leave.

Kagome smiled and pulled Sesshoumaru gently back to her. "You know, a knight in shining armor never leaves a damsel in distress." She said playfully.

Sesshoumaru laughed and shifted so he was lying on his side facing Kagome, his head propped up on his left hand. "On the contrary, the knight in shining armor always leaves. He just keeps coming back."

Kagome turned to face Sesshoumaru and looked down at their intertwined hands. "What if the damsel doesn't want the knight to leave?" she asked as she played with Sesshoumaru's fingers. "What if she feels safer with the knight by her side?"

"All she has to do is ask him to stay." Sesshoumaru murmured.

"And if she doesn't know how?"

Sesshoumaru smiled before answering. "Than tough luck." He said laughingly.

Kagome glared at Sesshoumaru playfully. "Jerk." She said before lying on her back, looking at the ceiling with her arms crossed and a pout on her face.

Sesshoumaru laughed and nudged her lightly in the side. "C'mon. We've gotta face the firing squad sooner or later." He said just as there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

The door slowly creaked upon, revealing Inuyasha, Izayoi, and Inutaisho on the other side. Sesshoumaru smirked slightly. "Speak of the devil," he whispered as he sat up in bed.

"Kagome, dear, are you alright?" Izayoi asked as she stepped inside the bedroom, worry etched on her face.

Kagome nodded as she also sat up. "Yea, I twisted my ankle really bad when I was getting dressed." She said, rubbing the back of her head nervously. "I should really clean my room more often."

Izayoi let out a sigh of relief and smiled at Kagome affectionately. "Well, you get some rest. You can stay here as long as you like."

I can't believe she actually bought that… Kagome thought as she smiled. "Thanks,"

Inuyasha stared at Kagome as he moved out of the way as Izayoi and Inutaisho left the room. He closed the door behind him when he heard them walking down the hall and leaned against the door. "Twisted ankle, huh?" He asked incredulously.

Kagome lay back on the bed and covered her face with her hands. Suddenly remembering that she had left her ball python with Sesshoumaru she bolted upright and looked at the older teen. "Where's Sebastian?" she asked him eagerly. "Oh god, you didn't leave him at that house did you? Naraku would kill him if he found him!"

Sesshoumaru caught the girl before she could bolt out of the bed and out the door. "Sebastian is fine, he's downstairs in my old tank." He said, calming Kagome down.

Kagome slowly stood up from the bed, relieved that her snake was all right, and walked over to the bedroom door that Inuyasha was currently blocking. "I need to feed my snake," she said evenly, a hand on her hip.

Inuyasha didn't budge. "We don't have any mice to feed your snake."

Kagome emitted a small growl. "Than I'll go out and get him some food. Now get out of the way."

"Not until you tell me what happened." Inuyasha retorted angering the already irritated teen.

Kagome made a grab for the doorknob and snarled when Inuyasha grabbed her wrist. With startling speed she pushed the ever-annoying teen against the door, her forearm pressing painfully against his throat. "I am in no fucking mood to deal with your shit." She growled out angrily, pressing her forearm against his throat harder with every word. "Now, my snake, who is infinitely more important to me than you, needs to be fed. And you will not keep me from one of the few things on this planet that I care about."

Sesshoumaru watched as the scene unfolded surprised at Kagome's speed and strength. The girl radiated untapped, untrained power, but she could use the two things she had been able to learn on her own: speed and force. Why didn't she use them against her father? He thought before getting up to dissuade the enraged girl.

Inuyasha looked at Kagome, unflinching. The pressure against his throat was making it hard for him to breathe, but he wouldn't budge. Goddamn, this chick is fast. Out of the corner of his eye he saw his brother walking over to them and inwardly sighed in relief, but it was cut short as Kagome held out a hand.

"Stay right there, Sess. I really don't want to hurt you, but if you take another step you will leave me with no other choice." She growled out, keeping her eyes trained on Inuyasha.

Sesshoumaru snorted in response and casually walked over to Kagome; he grabbed the girl's wrist and twirled her toward him. He caught her other hand before it could make contact with his face and twisted it behind her back. He smirked at Kagome's shocked face and placed a kiss on her forehead, causing her to wrinkle her nose in agitation. "Your quick, " he whispered into her ear. "But I'm quicker."

Kagome slumped in Sesshoumaru's grasp, admitting defeat. She looked back and smiled menacingly when she saw Inuyasha rubbing at his throat and glaring at her. "God damn," he said, "I show concern and the chick goes fucking crazy. I really have no idea why you wanted to go searching for the damn bitch, Sess. You've been obsessed with her for six years for this? A pain in the ass, short-tempered, bitch that doesn't even take pride in what she is and is too weak to fend off a rapist. She's not even worth the time."

A lone tear fell down Kagome's hidden face and onto the floor. Pulling out of Sesshoumaru's grasp, she ran out of the bedroom without looking back. She sped down the halls, past a newly concerned Izayoi and Inutaisho, and out the front door. She ran too her motorcycle and cursed when she remembered that she didn't have the keys. She looked back at the house and saw Sesshoumaru standing in the doorway of the entrance, his parents behind him. She looked away sharply, choking back a sob before running down the driveway and into the barren street, not caring where she was headed.

The barren side streets soon turned into busy main streets, yet Kagome still ran. She pushed through crowded, uncaring sidewalks as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face, only one thought in her mind: Why did I let him get so close?

Finally, she fell to a heap on the ground. Feeling a raindrop on her face, she looked up into the darkened sky. With a thunderous crash, rain fell unfailingly from the sky, distorting her image as she cradled herself in the middle of the street. She wiped her face, not knowing if she were wiping away tears or rain, and screamed into the blackening sky. "I trusted you!"

Her keen ears didn't catch the sound of the car until it was too late. The driver tried to swerve out of the way of the sobbing girl, braking as he did so. The tail end of the car crashed into Kagome's body, sending her flying a few feet away. All life stopped in that instant. Cars stopped in their tracks, lest they run the girl over. People stared in shock at the unmoving girl covered in blood, not knowing what to do.

Soon a crowd formed around Kagome. She felt a hand touching her neck as she stared dazedly up at the night sky. In the distance she thought she heard someone calling her name. Nobody cares. Nobody will mourn for me. Somebody was slapping her now, keeping her tied to the world. God dammit! Let me die!

Sesshoumaru kept slapping Kagome's cheek until he saw her eyes turn gold. Yes, get angry. I don't care if it's because of me; I just need you to heal yourself. Sesshoumaru had been running after Kagome when he saw the car coming, he ran faster but he was too far away to pull her out of the way. He'd called out her name right as the car had impacted with her body, and again as he started running to her crumpled form. He'd heard somebody say she was alive as he pushed through the growing crowd of onlookers. When he'd reached the center he kneeled next to Kagome and began slapping her just hard enough to get her attention, knowing it would wake her from her stupor as well as get her angry.

"C'mon Kag, you can't die on me." He whispered before placing a kiss on Kagome's forehead. "You can't leave me when I've just found you again."

To the crowd's amazement, the blood started to seep back into Kagome's body. Lacerations were healed before their very eyes. Bones were mended almost instantly.

Kagome took in a breath with a gasp as she fully awakened from her stupor. She looked around, not knowing exactly where she was, her gaze landing on Sesshoumaru's relieved face. She raised a hand and brushed his bangs away from his eyes, a saddened smile on her face as she remembered what had taken place. "You ran after me," she whispered almost inaudibly.

Sesshoumaru looked at her confusedly.

"Nobody ever runs after me," She explained solemnly as she traced his face with her hand.

Sesshoumaru grasped her hand in his and gently nudged his head against hers. "I'll always run after you." He whispered and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Wherever you go, I'll follow. I promise."

A/N: I know, it took a long while to update but I was busy with work and we lost our internet for a good two weeks. : ( Yea, that pretty much sucked. My computer is my lifeline : )Well, atleast it's a nice and long chappy. : ). Made it extra long just for you...and there were a bunch of spots where i wanted to end it. But I thought I would be nice...and as you can tell, I have this obsession with snakes. I can't help it, i just love them to death : ). Now just to clear up a few things...This is a Sess/Kag fic...I've had a couple people ask that. : ), And the poem Two Halves is mine...I forgot to mention that ::sheepish smile:: If you want to read more of my poetry, I have my Myspace website in my profile. I've got just about every poem I've ever written there. Thank you for all of the lovely reviews!