Wow, I got a HUGE response to the last chapter! Thanks everyone who decided to make me happy by reviewing! If we can just keep it up, I'll really appreciate it. Unfortunately, there are only a few chapters left.
Oh, side note. For those of you that I told there would be an update, I apologize. I meant to say that there would be an update TODAY, not yesterday. So I'm sorry for that mixup. That was my fault. But, there IS an update today.
Also, I haven't posted one of these yet, so I apologize. Disclaimer: I do NOT own Inuyasha or any of the other material associated with Rumiko Takahashi. I just like to play with her characters.
Chapter seven
I woke up the next morning to find myself alone in Kagome's room, Sango and Miroku gone. All four of us had fallen asleep, but apparently those three had left for school, leaving me all alone. I was more than a little surprised Kagome hadn't woken me up, but I guessed it was because she was still mad at me for the little comment I'd made the previous day for denying she was the reason I was still here, in this era. She technically was the reason, but she wasn't the only one. I felt a rush of aggravation. Did she always have to get so testy about the little things? It was just women in general. Ugh.
I stood up and stretched, before I decided I would go take a bath to pass the time. Kagome's locket was nowhere around, so I knew she had taken it with her, as usual. I slipped down to the bathing rooms and bathed quickly, even using that strange 'shampoo', and dried my hair with a towel to the best of my ability.
Once I was out and dressed in clean clothes, I wandered about the house, discovering grandpa was outside, cleaning up the shrine as usual, Sota was at school, and Mrs. Higurashi was in the kitchen, washing dishes from breakfast. When I entered the kitchen, she looked up and smiled at me.
"Oh hello there and good morning. Kagome said you were out like a light, so she didn't want to wake you up. I set some breakfast aside for you." She pointed to the table, where there was a plate laden with food.
"Oh, thanks." I said down and began to pick up it with my fork, but there was something eating at me. "Listen, about yesterday . . ." I started, embarrassed and unsure of what I wanted to say or how.
"Oh, it's water under the bridge." Mrs. Higurashi waved her hand dismissively. "I already told you I wasn't mad about it. So don't worry. As long as you two are safe and use protection, I'm fine with it. And as long as you plan to take care of my little girl." she added.
I flushed at the term 'protection'. Kagome, Miroku and Sango had explained to me what a 'condom' was the day before, so I was now familiar with the term. "Well, er . . . thanks, then. I didn't really plan for it to happen, it just . . . did."
"Well, sometimes those things are unplanned." Mrs. Higurashi said wisely. "And like I said, I was a young woman once. I know what it's like to be alone with a handsome young man." she winked at me and I blushed.
"Yeah . . . listen, I need to ask ya somethin'."
"Ask away." Mrs. Higurashi turned her back to me, resuming washing the dishes.
"Well, it's about Kagome's locket. I want to know where she got it in the first place." I said. It had never been explained to me, and I wanted to know.
"Well, when Kagome was born, and they took her to the nursery to let her sleep, she didn't have the locket. But when I came to get her afterwards . . . it was around her neck. I'm not sure how it got there." Mrs. Higurashi admitted. "I just assumed one of the nurses had given it to her. It was so pretty, and it just seemed to suit her. So I decided it would be her good luck charm, and let her keep it. And she's had it ever since."
Kikyo took that locket with her when she died. It was burned with her body. So how did it fall into Kagome's hands, five hundred years in the future? I thought, looking down at my food. Is there a connection between Kagome and Kikyo that Naraku hasn't explained? Something is strange, but . . . Naraku's got all the answers, and it's not gonna be explained until I finish doing his dirty work for him. I just have to keep doing what I'm doing for now.
"You know, you don't smile nearly enough." Mrs. Higurashi commented, pausing in her work and turning to face me, a gentle smile on her own pretty face. "You're always so moody. But let me tell you. Kagome has never been brighter before. Ever since she met you . . . she's blossomed into something, someone beautiful . . . I don't think she'll ever be like this again, if you left. Mothers just notice these things."
I blushed a little. Am I really having that much of an effect on Kagome?
"And you look at her in a way that I don't see you look at anyone else. The two of you are falling in love, and I can tell." Mrs. Higurashi continued. "Just promise me something . . ."
"What?" I asked carefully.
"Don't break her heart. Because she's giving it to you." Mrs. Higurashi said softly.
I looked down at my food guilty as Kagome's mother turned back around, resuming her work. Are you going to hate me when I have to break her heart?
"I'm home!" Kagome's voice rang throughout the house, and I could hear Sota's own excited voice as he ran to chatter away happily to his mom about something or other. I was up in Kagome's room, seated on her window sill, looking outside. I had been pretty bored without Kagome around, much to my annoyance. It was starting to aggravate me, the fact that I felt I needed to be around her. Mrs. Higurashi seemed to be right. Whether I wanted to or not, I was starting to develop deep feelings for Kagome, which went far past simply liking her.
"Mom, where's Inuyasha?" I heard Kagome ask.
"Oh, he's up in your room, dear. He seemed rather quiet today." Came her mother's thoughtful reply.
"Well, that's a first." Kagome replied dryly, and my eye twitched. I pretended I hadn't heard it, when she opened her room door and entered, wearing that scandalous school uniform that showed off how long and shapely her legs really were. I forced myself not to look.
"Well. You look awfully sentimental over there." Kagome moved over to me, lifting an eyebrow. "Don't think just because you look philosophical that I'm going to forgive you for what you said yesterday."
I didn't even spare her a glance. "Tch. You're still holdin' a grudge?"
"Well, who wouldn't?" she asked indignantly. "Considering how it wouldn't kill you to give me a compliment once in a while. Sheesh."
"Hmph. Just drop it, wench." I muttered.
"Back to the nicknames, eh? Well, dogboy, my name isn't wench, it's Kagome. Ka-go-me. I thought we were actually making progress." Kagome sighed, and sat down on the window sill beside me.
"I thought you were mad."
"I am. I'm furious." she replied, as she had once before, though this time, she didn't lean on my shoulder. "Mom said you were quiet today. So what's on your mind?"
"As if I'd tell you anyway. Nothin' important." I glanced up at the setting sun.
Kagome glared at me. "Can't you trust me by now?"
"I don't know, can I?"
Kagome ignored that. "Ugh, look, I got something for us today." Blushing a little, she slipped off her yellow backpack and rummaged around in it, before she pulled a box out to show me. "These are condoms."
I flushed. "What, do you think we're gonna be rumping all the time now or somethin' ?"
Kagome blushed deeper and glared at me. "Of course not! Don't be ridiculous! It's just, you know . . . in case . . ."
"In case you try to rape me?"
Kagome glared again. "It's more like the other way around."
"Yesterday morning was hardly the other way around. You forced yourself on me." I replied with a snort.
"Forced myself!" Kagome clenched her fists. "Why you-"
I looked at her with a vicious grin. "What, did I touch a nerve? Huh, Ka-go-me?"
"Ooh, you are so-!" Kagome reared her hand back to slap me no doubt, but my reflexes were faster, so I reached up and caught her wrist, staring her down, as she was staring me down.
"Let go of me right now, you jerk!" She ordered, her expression furious. Her blue eyes were a blazing sapphire, and her face was flushed with anger. I looked at her a moment, and bizarrely, something about her looking at me with such anger was . . . attractive. Her chest was heaving and the blush on her face was rather pretty, and her lips were parted.
The demon side of me rumbled with approval, and I felt an intense surge of desire for her. It was like all the other times. I just couldn't help myself, not when it came to Kagome. She got to me in a way that no other person did. I used her wrist to pull her forward, until she was against me, and as she gasped in surprise, I leaned forward and kissed her.
Kagome held still for a moment, surprised, and I was caught off guard when she reared her hand back and slapped me anyway. I pulled back, putting a clawed hand up to my stinging cheek, and I glared at her. She was looking at me furiously. "What the hell was that for?" I demanded, now pissed off.
"You're such an idiot! You can't kiss a girl when she's mad at you! You're so insensitive!" Kagome slid off the window sill and stomped away from me, beginning to angrily unbutton her shirt, obviously to change into more comfortable clothes, and obviously NOT to engage in the acts I had in mind. I felt a rush of frustration.
"Well I hope you weren't wantin' an apology, 'cause I ain't gonna give ya one!" I snapped, pride lacing my tone. I would NOT apologize to her. Definitely not since she'd hit me. It wasn't gonna happen. Not if I had to die first.
"Fine! I didn't want one anyway!" Kagome cried back, but I knew it was the complete opposite. I didn't dare look at her as she changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants, because I really didn't want to get swatted again.
"Hmph!" Kagome flopped down at her desk with her yellow backpack, pulling out textbooks and beginning to work on that stuff called 'homework'. I glared over at her, but as the time ticked by, and she continued to ignore me, I felt my glare vanish, and I felt my ears lower. How long was she going to be mad at me? It was starting to bother me. Maybe I should apologize . . .
No! NO. I was not going to apologize. Not after she hit me like that. Even if kissing her had been a little bit of a jerkish move . . .
Ugh. What was I? A man? Or a wuss? I glared out the window, determined not to let her get to me. Time continued to tick by, and Kagome's mother called for us to come down and eat dinner. I had never been more grateful.
But dinner was no better. As we sat there, eating, Kagome was eating stiffly, in silence, and I could feel and smell the anger coming off of her. It made me shrink back in fear, along with Sota and Grandpa. Even her mother did not dare speak a word that would set Kagome off. I knew Kagome's temper by now, and I knew when she had it, I would pay for it with the beads of subjugation around my neck. I was surprised I hadn't gotten 'sat' yet.
When we returned to her room, Kagome resumed her homework, and did not say a single word to me. I was beginning to feel guilty for my actions, and the longer she ignored me, the more it ate away at me, until I was actually considering opening my mouth and apologizing. But . . . my pride really was being stubborn, and I just couldn't.
I was surprised when Kagome stood up, closed her textbooks, and walked over to her bed before laying down, all in stiff, tense movements. She clicked off her lamp, and just like that, she was going to bed, acting as if I wasn't there, seated at her window sill. My ears flattened to my skull, and I wondered how long she was going to keep this charade up.
"Inuyasha." Kagome said suddenly, and I winced at her sharp tone.
"What is it?" I asked cautiously.
She let out a sigh, and lost her sharp tone. "Why don't you just apologize already? You've been staring holes through my head for hours now."
"Tch. As if. I'm not apologizing to you." I said proudly, turning my nose up at her.
"Inuyasha, quit being an ass." Kagome said simply, and I sulked a bit.
I let out a huff. "I'm . . . s . . ." Damn, this is harder than I thought. "Ok, I'm sorry."
"There. Now that that's done, why don't you come share this bed with me?"
I felt a rush of surprise. "Share? But-"
"Just get over here."
Instead of risking her being mad at me, I grumbled and obeyed, sliding under the covers beside her, though I didn't risk touching her. I was afraid of getting slapped like before.
"You don't have to be a piece of rawhide." Kagome commented lightly, and I felt my breath quicken when she slipped her arms around me and pressed her soft, warm body against mine. "There. That's better."
I slid my arms around her when I realized it was ok, and laid my cheek against her hair, breathing in her sweet scent. I had missed this, just being close to her, for the past two days. "So you're sure you're not mad anymore?"
"It wasn't as if I didn't like the kiss." Kagome replied matter-of-factly. "It was just wrong timing."
We were both silent for a moment, simply enjoying the other's company, when Kagome broke the silence. "So . . . did you really mean what you said yesterday? That I'm not the reason you're coming back?" she asked, in a tiny, sad voice.
I felt a rush of guilt, that only Kagome could make me feel. "I . . . lied." I admitted painfully.
I felt Kagome's lips upturn in a smile against my neck. "I thought so." she said softly.
"Yeah, well, don't think it means anythin'." I said lamely, and blushed when Kagome lifted up, and kissed me fully on the mouth, her hands sliding around my neck.
"Where did that come from?" I asked, when she finally pulled back. Her taste was sweet as ever, and I knew, somehow, I wouldn't ever get tired of kissing her or having her, for that matter.
"Payback for earlier. If I hadn't been mad at you, it would have continued." Kagome admitted. "So, do you . . . want to . . ." She slid her hands down shyly, and my breath caught as her fingertips brushed my hips, and then down, lower . . .
"What if someone hears us?" I asked. "You're not exactly quiet."
"You aren't either." She retorted, even as she gripped the hem of my shirt and lifted it up, pulling it off me and tossing it to the floor.
I flushed. "Tch. You scream. A lot. Not that I'm complainin', but . . . I don't think your mom would be so ok with it if she actually heard you . . ."
"Why? Do I sound stupid?" Kagome asked worriedly, continuing to undress me as she unbuttoned my pants.
"I don't think your mother could handle how sexy you sound." I admitted, and Kagome smiled at me as she leaned forward and kissed me, sliding my pants down my hips. I kicked them off, and then decided it was time we were even.
I tugged her shirt off, seeing she was wearing another one of those 'bras' that just got in the way. I let out a growl of frustration, and decided I would just take everything else off for now. I slid her sweatpants off, and let out a quiet groan when Kagome wrapped her legs around my waist and pressed my swiftly growing erection right between her thighs. The only things in the way were my undergarments and hers.
"Excited?" Kagome teased, pulling back and kissing my neck, stroking her warm, soft fingertips all down my front, brushing my erection and making me shiver.
"If you keep teasing me, I'm going to make sure you can't walk tomorrow." I threatened, and I meant it.
Kagome laughed softly, slowly rocking her hips against mine, letting me feel she was already wet and warm. I gripped her hips to keep them still, because I was going to lose control if she kept it up. "You're such a little vixen." I growled at her, kissing her hungrily and letting my hands roam down her back and cup her lovely bottom.
"I can't help it when I'm around you." She admitted. "You're just so- Agh, don't tease." She shut her eyes tight as I rocked my hips up.
"See how it feels?" I breathed in the scent of her neck, my head whirling by the sweet, musky scent of her arousal. "I love how you smell."
Kagome blushed. "I like how you smell too." she admitted shyly, nuzzling my neck as I brushed soft kisses down her collarbone and toward her breasts.
"Hmph, you're never this shy." I commented, as Kagome blushed even further as I reached around to her back and fumbled with the hooks to her bra. Ugh. They were so annoying. I was beginning to consider forbidding her to wear one.
"I don't know why I am." Kagome replied. "I just . . . When you're like this . . . and you're looking at me . . . it makes me embarrassed." As if for emphasis, she blushed as I triumphantly unhooked her bra and pulled it away, gazing at her naked breasts.
"But why?" I asked, confused. "We've already done all this."
"Well . . . we never went this slow before. Or really . . . talked this much, through it." Kagome replied. "So, I guess . . . you're taking your time, and you're really looking at me now . . . I'm just being self conscious."
That one really stumped me. "There's no reason for you to be. I've got more reason to be self conscious than you do."
Kagome stared at me. "Inuyasha, you are the most gorgeous man I've ever met in my life. And you have the sexiest body I've ever seen. There is nothingfor you to be embarrassed about. Ever."
I blushed. "But I'm a half demon. I have dog ears, fangs, and claws."
"All of those things are cute and sexy." Kagome said immediately. She reached up, and rubbed one of my ears, and I closed my eyes in contentment, feeling a throb go through my erection.
"Stop that." I waved her hand off. "That's teasing too."
Kagome giggled. "Your ears are hot spots?"
"Laugh it up. I'll make you regret it." I promised, as I leaned down and licked her nipple, loving the way she gasped and loving her sweet salty taste. "Besides . . . your body is . . . pretty." I said, blushing a little. I wasn't good with compliments. Never had been good with words at all.
Kagome blushed and giggled again. "Pretty?"
"Beautiful." I corrected, knowing it was a better word. Pretty wasn't enough to describe what she was. I reached up and tenderly cupped her breast, loving the way it molded to fit the palm of my hand, warm and soft. I squeezed gently and Kagome kissed me, and we kissed languidly, because we had all the time in the world right now. We didn't have to rush.
Kagome pulled back from the kiss and held my eyes seriously, reaching up with her hand and cupping my cheek. "Inuyasha?" she said softly.
"What is it?" My heart was pounding strangely from the way she was looking at me, and I had never felt so close to a woman before. Even Kikyo, though I had loved her, still loved her, to a certain degree . . . I felt there was intimacy between me and Kagome, an intimacy that had nothing to do with being physical.
"I . . . like you. A lot. I mean, a lot." Kagome confessed. "And . . . we haven't made anything official, but . . . I want to. I want to be with you. Will you . . . be my boyfriend?"
I was caught off guard. "You're asking me? Kagome, I should be askin' you . . ."
"Is that a no?" Her expression fell.
"No, of course not." I said hastily, tilting her chin up so she had to look at me. "It's a yes, but . . . I wish you would have let me ask you."
"Let's just pretend you did." Kagome said, kissing me happily.
I smiled at her as we kissed, and in that moment, nothing mattered to me. Not Naraku, not Kikyo, not anything. The only thing that mattered was Kagome. I . . . cared about her, more than anything else in my life, in that moment. Definitely more than myself. I wanted to protect her, and I wanted to be by her side. It was a shocking thing to realize.
I pulled back from the kiss, and her expression was serious, as mine was, as I pulled her underwear down and she pulled mine down in return. She slid her thighs around her waist and our gaze never wavered as I positioned myself and then gently slid inside her.
I didn't say a word, and neither did she, as I began to move my hips slowly. I made my moves gentle, sensual, and loving, because though I couldn't convey what I was feeling to her through words, I wanted to show her with my actions. Kagome moved with me as I leaned over her, laying on her back, and rested her hands on my shoulders, never once breaking her gaze from mine.
This time was different than the other times. Because this time, it was more than just pure lust fueling my actions. It had been more than that before, but there was so much more feeling this time. And I knew that I was really, truly making love to her. There weren't loud gasps and moans, but soft sighs and sweet, whispered words as we rocked together, and her lips were soft as she kissed me, her fingers gentle as they stroked up and down my back.
When Kagome climaxed, I never once looked away from her face, the way her lips parted and her eyes closed and she moaned my name, because it was beautiful, just like the rest of her. I came a moment later, sighing, "Kagome . . ." and holding her tightly against me, gently kissing her mouth.
Kagome stroked her fingers up and down my arm once it was over, and I continued to hold her. We were quiet, but neither of us needed to say anything. I knew, in my heart, that even though I may not be in love with her yet, I was getting closer and closer and it was going to happen, at some point in time. And that same would happen for her. I had a connection with Kagome that was indescribable, and that couldn't be broken. I felt more bonded to Kagome than anyone ever in my life.
Long after Kagome had fallen asleep, I found myself gazing down at the locket between her breasts. This locket is what brought us together . . . I wonder . . . will it be what tears us apart?
I knew it was early when I woke up, because cool, damp air was misting inside from Kagome's open window. I stood up and closed it, careful not to disturb Kagome in her sleep, and once the window was shut, I slid back into the bed with her and slid my arms around her from behind, pulling her against my body. Her scent was still sweet, despite our activities last night, but that was probably due to the fact that we hadn't gotten all riled up.
"Kagome . . ." I sighed, running my claws through her soft black waves, reveling in the texture. It felt good, to hold a woman in my arms, especially the woman I desired more than anyone else.
Kikyo was never like this. She would have never allowed me these liberties. Kagome is more . . . free. But Kagome never had to go though the rigorous training that Kikyo did to become a priestess. Kagome doesn't know hardships and pain . . . but I'm glad for that. I don't want her to be like Kikyo.
When that thought passed through my mind, my eyes widened, and I was shocked. What am I thinking? Since when would I ever think something bad about Kikyo? I love Kikyo; that's why I'm doing this, to save her soul, but . . . I . . . I want Kagome to be Kagome. I don't ever want her to be like Kikyo, because . . . I can't love Kikyo the way that I can Kagome if Kagome stays like this . . . I mean, I'm not in love with Kagome, but . . . I mean . . . It was all too frustrating. I had originally intended to do this without getting emotionally involved, but, somewhere along the way, it had happened. I felt defenseless to Kagome.
I glanced at Kagome's clock on her nightstand, seeing it was about six in the morning. She would be waking up soon to get ready for her school. I sighed. For once, I wanted her to just stay here, and lay here with me. I wasn't ready for our time together to be put on hold yet.
I brushed her hair gently away from her neck, and kissed her nape, feeling how soft and smooth her skin was. And she was so warm. I ran my fingertips, being mindful of my claws, down her shoulder, and then her arm, memorizing her body fondly. "Kagome . . ." I whispered in her ear, hoping she would wake up, but at the same time, hoping she wouldn't. She might be mad if I woke her up. And then it would ruin the moment.
"Inu . . . yasha . . ." Kagome mumbled in her sleep, and I felt my eyes widen.
"This is the second time." I murmured, recalling. "She's dreaming about me again."
Kagome yawned and shifted, and I knew she was now awake, probably due to all of my touching and muttering. I winced as she came to, knowing I was probably going to get 'sat'.
"Inuyasha?" She mumbled sleepily. "Are you awake?" She turned her head slightly, trying to look at me behind her.
"Wide awake." I replied. "I didn't mean to wake you up. Go back to sleep."
"Don't want to now. The real you is better than a dream you." Kagome said sweetly, and I allowed myself a little smile as I kissed the back of her neck. "How long have you been awake?"
"Not too long." It didn't escape my attention that she was nude, and I resolved that I would very much like to wake up with her in my arms and naked very often. I tried to resist growing aroused, but it didn't really happen, considering she was warm and her bottom was rounded and lovely, and currently pressed against me.
"Geez . . ." I groaned. "Am I ever going to get tired of having you?" I wondered aloud, as I slid my hands to her waist and pulled her tighter against me.
Kagome shivered a little. "I wonder the same thing. I hope you won't."
"It's impossible." I resolved, lacing kisses down the back of her neck and to her shoulder, my hands wandering along her body. Kagome moaned softly as I slid my hands over her breasts and stroked over them with my thumbs.
"Inuyasha . . ." she protested weakly. "I have to get up and get ready for school . . ." But her protests fell on deaf ears, as I parted her thighs and slid my erection between them, just barely pressing against her entrance, but not penetrating. I needed her to be more aroused first.
"Are you saying you don't want me?" I whispered in her ear, and as she shivered, I drew her earlobe into my mouth, sucking gently on it. I nipped lightly with my fangs, and she shivered again. I felt her growing wet, and knew it was working.
"I do . . . but . . ." Kagome trailed off as I sucked lightly on her neck, one of my arms sliding around her waist and pulling her up higher, so I was positioned to enter her, and the other running down her thigh, caressing her shapely leg.
"I want you." I murmured, and Kagome sucked in a breath as I reached down and began to massage that tiny, sensitive nub between her thighs. I increased the pressure and she gasped, her hips bucking into my hand. I smiled.
"I want you too." she breathed back, and gasped as I suddenly thrust inside her from behind, gripping her hips as I thrust hard inside her.
If she wasn't awake before, she was certainly awake now. "Inuyasha!" She gasped, but it was mainly in shock and delight, as I rolled her over until she was on her stomach, and I was laying against her.
"Get on your hands and knees." I murmured in her ear, and she did so eagerly, making it far more comfortable for me to take her.
I wasn't gentle with her, but I couldn't be, not when I was taking her in a position that was so natural, so instinctive, to the dog youkai side of me. I should have taken her this way to begin with, but I had been human at the time, and it would have hurt her. I was thrusting roughly up into her, taking her hard and fast, and Kagome couldn't manage anything but incoherent sounds. She could barely manage my name. I was panting too hard to make any sorts of noises, but it felt amazing. I had never realized that mating could be like this.
"Do you remember the festival?" I very gently cupped the front of her neck as I continued thrusting, pulling her head up, so I was talking into her ear. She managed a weak, feeble nod. "When that bastard Hojo asked you out? Right in front of me?" When she nodded again, I went on possessively. "When I saw him talking to you, I wanted to kill him. Because even then you were mine. And it's going to stay that way. I'm the only man that's ever been inside you and I will be the only man to ever be inside you."
"Inu-yasha-" Kagome stammered, excited and overwhelmed by my words and by the way I was taking her.
"You're mine, Kagome." I swore, and she gasped as I touched a new deepness inside her.
"Inu-Inu-ahn . . ." Kagome couldn't even finish my name as she came, and her arms trembled and gave out, but I managed to hold her against me to keep her from falling as she panted. I couldn't take it anymore, and it was too sexy, and I released inside her with a groan, before rolling onto my back and taking her with me.
"That . . . was hot." Kagome panted, as we laid there.
Even me, with as much stamina as I had, was out of breath. "Oh man . . ." was all I could manage.
"I don't think I'll be able to walk today." Kagome said, laughing weakly. I snorted with laughter, and she kissed my neck with a smile.
"What did I tell you? I told you yesterday if you kept teasing that's what would happen." I murmured as my heart-rate calmed some, and I stroked my fingers down her back.
"I have to get up and get ready now though." Kagome said back softly, though she didn't move.
"You can't stay?" I was disappointed. I would be content if we could just lay here all day. I didn't need sex. Just laying here would be fine with me.
"No, unfortunately." Kagome sighed and slid out of my arms, and I grumbled as she stood up and stretched, wincing a little as she took a few steps. "Inuyasha, I'm going to be waddling all day because of you!"
I couldn't help it. I laughed, and she shot me a glare, though she couldn't resist the twinge of amusement that lifted the corners of her mouth. "You're such a pig." she muttered, as I continued laughing, picking up her pillow and smacking me with it. I laughed weakly as I fended it off, because all I could picture in my mind was Kagome waddling around.
"No, I'm a half demon." I retorted, and earned myself a smack. I chortled as she rolled her eyes and tossed the pillow down.
"No, you're a boy." Kagome walked over to the bed and straddled my hips, smiling down at me, and I smiled a little up at her. I felt happy to the point that it was sickeningly sweet, but I didn't want to end that feeling. I had never felt this happy in my entire life, and it was Kagome who made me feel that way.
"Keh. And you're a wench." I retorted, but as she glared at me, I silenced.
"You know, you said before . . . that I was yours. But . . . you're mine too." Kagome said softly. She leaned down, gently pecking my lips, and when she pulled back, she smiled down at me. "Inuyasha?"
"Yeah?" I asked back, just as softly.
"I love you." She kissed me swiftly and stood up, grabbing her robe, and disappearing from the room before I had a chance to even blink.
I sat there for a minute, stunned. I wasn't even sure if I'd heard her right. But no, I couldn't have mistaken those three little words. They had made me feel . . . outstanding. My heart had throbbed sweetly at the utterance of those words, but . . . was Kagome sure of her feelings? Was she sure she loved me? Even though we hadn't been together for very long, we'd been through some stuff. And . . . time didn't transcend feelings. It was a wise saying Miroku had once told me, the Miroku from the past. He said he had loved Sango the minute he'd laid eyes on her and it had never changed. Did Kagome really love me?
It was an exciting thought, but it was terrifying. Love was . . . extreme. I had been through a lot when it came to love, and it certainly wasn't easy. Was I in love with Kagome as well?
I shook my head of those thoughts. I didn't have time to think about it. I needed to make sure she loved me. Needed to really make sure. Otherwise I would never know.
I remembered that Naraku said that once Kagome fell in love with me, the locket would distribute strange signs and behaviors. But how would I know that? Kagome was going to school. I had followed her to school once . . .
So I can just follow her again. I can keep an eye on that locket and see if it acts up or anything. I thought, and stood up, pulling on my clothes, determined not to think about Kagome's confession at the moment, because I didn't want to face my own feelings.
I waited until I heard Kagome bid her family good-bye before I slid her window open and crept out onto the roof with my cap on my head, so I could conceal myself. I'd also stuffed my hair up into the cap, so in case she saw me, she wouldn't be able to tell it was me unless she was up close.
Once Kagome was around the corner and heading down the sidewalk, I leapt into the tree tops and followed along after her, keeping a close watch on her slender yet curvy figure as she moved. She was humming to herself, and I could smell a new scent coming from her. It was still sweet and tangy, her own scent, but it was mixed with my own scent, which meant that I had inadvertently claimed her, in a sense. I hadn't given her the mating mark or anything like that, but my inner demon recognized the possessive nature I had over her, and had begun the process of claiming Kagome. I felt a bit guilty, but not too much, because I hadn't done it consciously. And judging by Kagome's words to me before she left, she probably wouldn't mind anyway.
On the way to school, Kagome's locket didn't distribute any strange behaviors, and I began to wonder whether or not she was really in love with me. Or if, perhaps, something had to be done to trigger the behaviors? There was no way I could understand it. So I settled into a tree and began to wait, as Kagome entered her school.
The day was boring as it passed by, and I dozed in the tree, waiting for Kagome's school day to be over, and ignoring the small rumbling of hunger in my stomach, since I'd had to skip breakfast and lunch. When the bell rang, I was grateful, and I waited until Kagome emerged from the building before I resumed spying.
Kagome emerged with Eri, Yuka and Ayumi, and the four girls were giggling and smiling as they walked down the sidewalk and headed into one of those 'restaurants' that Kagome had explained to me. The sign of it read 'Wacdonalds'. I settled on a bench outside the restaurant and sighed, beginning another long wait.
It seemed like forever before Kagome emerged, and when she did, I quickly ducked my head down as she and the other three girls passed by me without sparing a second glance. I looked up as they continued on their way, all four of them still all smiles. I grimaced and stood up, trekking stealthily after them.
Eri, Yuka and Ayumi parted ways with Kagome finally, and I trailed along behind her, surprised when she suddenly turned into one of those 'alleyways', her expression inscrutable. My brow furrowing, I moved after her, only to see she was standing at the end of it, completely still, her backpack on her shoulders.
"All right. I know you've been following me. So you can just cut it out." Kagome said.
I felt my heart skip a beat. I didn't say anything as she turned to face me, and I quickly looked down, letting the bill of the hat hide my face, and stuffing my hands in my pockets so she couldn't see my claws. Kagome took a step toward me.
"You've been following me since school let out. You know, the next time you want to stalk a girl, you might not want to be so obvious about it." Kagome said sternly, crossing her arms over her chest. But I could smell a small hint of fear. She was tensed, and I realized she didn't recognize me. She probably thought I was some wacko she'd have to apprehend.
"Well? Haven't you got anything to say for yourself? Maybe a reason why you were stalking me?" Kagome demanded, taking another step closer.
"I . . .wasn't stalking you." I said, enunciating my words very carefully, trying to disguise my normally rough, callous voice, trying to make it smooth.
"If that wasn't stalking then I wouldn't call it a walk in the park. You've been following me. You wouldn't have followed me through here if you weren't. So what do you want?" Kagome took another step toward me, and I tensed.
"I don't want anything."
"You're not very convincing, Mr. Bozo." Kagome crouched a little, trying to look at my face, but I ducked down even further so she couldn't see. "What are you trying to hide? Do I know you or something?"
"Of course not." I protested.
"Oh really?" Kagome narrowed her eyes at me, and stepped even closer, her sweet fragrance invading my senses and making me a little giddy. "Why can't I look at your face?"
"Because it's my face." It was childish, but it was the only argument I seemed to have.
"Don't be such a child. You're going to tell me why you've been following me or I'm going to report you to the police." Kagome threatened.
"Keh! That doesn't scare me."
When those words escaped my mouth, Kagome's eyes widened slightly and she settled back, her expression smoothing over. "Oh, it doesn't?" She moved so close her clothes brushed mine, and I turned my face away, so she couldn't look at me. "You know . . . I don't really mind you stalking me so much anymore . . . I think it's kind of sexy, actually . . . you being such a sexy, mysterious stranger, after all . . ." She laid her hands on my chest, and my heart was pounding. She would really betray me like this, and feel up a stranger? I felt a twinge of hurt and anger. How could she?
Kagome suddenly reached up and ripped off my hat, and I let out a sound of protest, my hands escaping my pockets and scrabbling to get it, but my white hair tumbled down my shoulders and my dog ears sprang free. "I knew it! I knew it was you!" Kagome declared. "Ugh! Inuyasha, why the hell are you following me?"
I felt a rush of guilt for thinking she would betray me. Kagome would never do such a thing. It wasn't in her nature to cheat or deceive me. "I . . . well . . . just because, all right?" I demanded, embarrassed at being caught and angry at myself.
"That's not a reason! If you don't give me a reason right now I'll be really mad!"
"Because I was worried, ok?" I snapped, and Kagome's eyes widened for a moment, and then they filled with tears. I felt a rush of unease and said frantically, "What is it? What did I say?"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome threw her arms around me, sniffling a little. "Oh, you're so sweet . . . but why were you worried? You know that I'm fine when I go to school."
"Because I worry about you all the time. I wanted to make sure for myself." I explained, as Kagome continued to embrace my neck tightly. I wrapped my arms around her too, unable to resist.
Kagome pulled back, and smiled up at me. "Sometimes I wonder how I fell in love with you, but at times like this, it's easy to see."
There is was, that confession again, and it made my heart throb, and my eyes softened on hers. I didn't say it back, because I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to be wrong and hurt her. I never wanted to hurt Kagome. She was . . . too special.
A moment after these words were uttered, a strange blue light came from Kagome's locket and I looked down with wide eyes as she did, seeing that the light was indeed coming from the necklace. "What . . .?" Kagome started, but didn't get to finish.
There was a bright flash of blue light, and I was thrown back from Kagome, and I hit the wall hard. I winced, but I was stronger than any human, so I barely felt it. I looked back to Kagome, just in time to see the blue light separate from her locket and float into the air, to take the shape of a giant light blue lizard. It was glowing, and its bright red eyes were greedy and thirsty for blood as it growled down at Kagome.
This can't be the female demon. This is a male demon. And it's weak. Very weak. So what . . .? I didn't have time to finish this thought process, for the demon hissed and dived down, slashing its claws at Kagome. She cried out in pain, and I smelled fresh blood. My senses went wild.
In that moment, when I smelled her blood, instinct took over, and I had the fierce desire, the need, to protect her. Anger filled me, and I snarled, flexing my claws. I ran toward the lizard, and it whipped around, hissing at me. It dove in my direction and I jumped into the air, my claws clashing with his. We locked in the air for a moment, before we separated, and I went flying down to the ground in front of Kagome, who was holding her arm and shaking, her face pale, blood dripping between her fingers.
"Kagome, are you all right?" I demanded, and she shakily nodded. "I'm going to protect you." I vowed, and was caught off guard when the demon seized me from behind and tossed me aside effortlessly, causing me to slam once more into the alley wall.
I heard Kagome's cry as the demon seized her, and began to fly off with her, cackling in triumph, thinking it had won its meal for the night. "You . . . bastard." I snarled. I climbed to my feet and launched up, gripping the stones of the wall with my claws. I used this as leverage to tackle the demon in midair, slashing my claws across its throat, killing it instantly. It howled as it died, and loosened its grip on Kagome, who fell toward the ground.
"Kagome!" I shot down toward her as the body of the demon dissipated, and grabbed her in my arms, landing as gently as I could on the ground below. Kagome was looking up at me, her eyes scared, and the scent of her blood was strong.
"Kagome, are you ok?" My heart was pounding, and I couldn't look away from her. I was worried, by the scent of her blood, and by the scent of her fear. I didn't want her to be hurt. I wanted her to be ok.
"I'm . . . I think so." She nodded a little, though she was trembling slightly. "I've just . . . never seen a demon other than you. And it . . . it attacked me. I'm sorry. I wasn't much help at all."
"Don't you dare apologize to me." I said fiercely, angrily, holding her close to me, burying my face in her hair. "As long as you're all right . . ."
"You were that worried about me?" Kagome asked in wonder.
"How am I supposed to act?" I demanded. "You could have been killed."
"So could you."
"That doesn't matter. I need to get you home and take care of this. C'mon." I hooked my arm under her legs and lifted her up, before heading hastily back to her house.
Luckily, the damage to her arm was no more than a few long cuts, that were easily cleaned and bandaged. Kagome's mother was worried as I was, but I was the most worried, as I paced back and forth frantically as Kagome's mother bandaged her daughter's wounds. Sota and Grandpa eyed me apprehensively, neither of them daring to say a word to me about it. I explained what had happened to them, and Mrs. Higurashi looked worriedly down at Kagome's locket. Kagome was asleep, and I carried her up to her room, tucking her in the bed.
I wasn't able to relax until a few hours had passed and Kagome had slept peacefully for a while. It was then, that I realized that her locket had indeed acted strange. So, it meant . . .
Kagome really does love me . . . I realized, and it was both a sweet and terrifying thought. I thought back to when the demon had attacked her, and all over again, I was struck with worry, anger, and extreme protectiveness. I looked over at Kagome's sleeping face, and sighed. Was it because I returned her feelings? Was that why it worried me so badly? That was when I realized.
I was in love with Kagome. I was in love with her, the same way she was with me. I'd gotten worried over Kikyo many a time in the same way, so I knew that was the case. I had tried to be careful, had tried to stop it, but . . . it had happened anyway and now it was irreversible. I was irrevocably in love with Kagome and it was now time for me to fulfill my end of the bargain to Naraku.
I looked out the window, and my thoughts were now grim. Tomorrow, our fates are going to be sealed. Whatever Naraku has in store for us . . . and all the secrets of the locket will be revealed. My only hope is that I can protect Kagome . . . and save Kikyo's soul.
Aww... so they both realize their love for one another. Now that that's outta the way, we have to move on to the most eventful chapter yet. Inuyasha brings Kagome back to his time, and to Naraku. What will happen? Any guesses?
