Disclaimer: I wish Inuyasha was mine. Unfortunately, he and his gang are not.

wk: Anyone notice I'm starting to update more regularly now? And I'm taking turns with the stories so that they'll all be updated more regularaly. Aren't you proud of me?

Chapter Seven
Damsel in Distress

"Man, this sucks," Inuyasha grumbled.

"What does?"

"This whole thing sucks. Why do I gotta take care of this cat?" Inuyasha asked, uncharacteristically pouting.

"Kirara seems to like you fine," Kagome mentioned, looking at the way Kirara jumped onto his lap to be petted.

"As soon as this case is cracked, you're gone," Inuyasha mock growled. Kirara only gave a mew, and flicked her ears.

"She's so cute!" Kagome exclaimed, reaching for Kirara. She tickled Kirara's belly, and cooed at her.

"Why don't you ever talk to me like that?" Inuyasha asked. "All you ever do is yell at me."

"Oh, excuse me." Kagome cleared her throat and went over to sit on his lap. "How's my little puppy?" She rubbed the base of his ear, and he tried to look affronted, but merely tilted his head towards her hand. "Isn't my little puppy cute," she said in the disgusting baby-voice most adults used with their children.

"Oi, that's enough, bitch."

Kagome rolled her eyes and moved to get out of his lap. His arms snapped around her, however, holding her to him as if he was now the adult and she the child. Kirara, startled, jumped out of Kagome's lap, hissing. Inuyasha paid no mind, laying a kiss on Kagome's neck. "Kagome, it's not nice to tease someone," he whispered into her shoulder.

Kagome grinned back at him. "But it's so much fun!" She twisted out of his hold, and went to the kitchen.

"What do you want for dinner? I'll cook."

"Kagome…" Kagome looked back at him, winked.

"Tonight's a special occasion, isn't it?" Kagome asked, taking out some of the pasta they had bought that day.

"What's tonight?" Inuyasha asked.

Kagome rolled her eyes as she turned on the stove. "Are you going to make love to me tonight? Yes or no?" She didn't hear an answer for a long while. "Inuyasha?"

"Why wait for tonight?" Inuyasha said from behind her, making her yelp and jump nearly a foot in the air.

"Don't do that!" Kagome hissed, returning to stirring the hot water to get it ready for the noodles. "We're waiting for tonight because right now I'm hungry."

"I'm hungry too," Inuyasha practically purred, moving aside her hair to nip at the nape of her neck.

"I'm hungry for food," Kagome specified, trying to push his distracting mouth away.

"So'm I," Inuyasha murmured, refusing to be deterred. He would dart away whenever her hand lashed out, but always hovered, occasionally caressing her fleetingly. By the time she had the food done, she was ready to eat and get under the covers. As annoyed and irritated as she was, she was also feeling hot. Very, very hot.

"Inuyasha, set the table please," Kagome said huskily, meeting his mouth for a brief moment, driving him nearly crazy.

"Uh, sure," he said, and moved to get the necessary items from the cabinets.

Kagome moved the food to the table, and they began to eat. Kagome refused to meet Inuyasha's eyes, knowing the smoldering look would make her burn faster and faster until she was just a pile of ashes at his feet.

"This is really good, considering I was doing my best to distract you," Inuyasha remarked. Kagome smiled.

"I try my best." The rest of dinner continued in silence, but she shifted in her seat uncomfortably many times, knowing his eyes were on her the whole time.

When Inuyasha was done, he cleared his plates and sat back down. He intently watched her eat. Every dart of the tongue, every flash of teeth, only further made him more aroused until he was gripping the edge of the table with controlled strength.

When she finally laid down her fork, he was there, picking up the plates and putting them in the sink. She was rising from the chair when he came back. "Don't worry about protection," she said. "I've got the patch a few days ago." He nodded. Before she had a chance to say anything else, he swept her off her feet, carrying her into the room and tossing her on the bed.

"Hey, wait a second! I need to go to my house for just a minute—"

"Nuh-uh. You're not getting away that easily," Inuyasha said, removing his shirt and grinning down at her.

"But—" He interrupted her, his mouth moving over hers with the intent to distract and destroy any stray thoughts that didn't concern him.

Kagome tried to push him away at first, but then became liquid in his arms. His blood boiling, he didn't have too much patience left. He was going to have her, right now, right here.

(Limey, Lemonade-y... whatever)

"I can't do slow this time, 'Gome," he gasped out, nipping her lip. She only nipped his lip back and moaned as his tongue teased hers. He eased her back, settling over her.

When they both came up for air, she replied, "I don't think I can do slow either." She quickly divested herself of his shirt, and her fingers went into his silver hair to try to hold him to her as he nipped the swell of her breast rising above her bra. His hand went under her to unsnap her bra, and she felt the loosening. He flung it away, not caring where it landed, only caring about her.

He paused in his attentions to fully drink her in, and she blushed. Not giving her time to think, he swooped down, took the peak of her breast in his mouth. She cried out, the fingers in his hair tugging, pulling, and scraping.

He loved the sound of his name on her lips, as if she was breathing life into him by just moaning his name. He whispered her name in return, as it was the only thing going through his brain. His fingers tugged at the sweatpants, and she lifted her hips to help him mindlessly. They were gone within seconds, off to join her bra somewhere in the room.

"Inuyasha," she gasped out, tugging at the ends of his hair when he paused again. If he stopped, she didn't think she could stand it. This wanting was nearly painful since it was so strong, but it would kill her if he stopped.

Then she felt his fingers at the waistband of her panties, and she opened her eyes to look at him. He was looking down at her, asking for permission. "Don't stop," she panted out, and her underwear was gone with a quick twist.

"Kagome, you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he murmured, his lips worshipping her navel, and his fingers tracing the square patch that would prevent her from having his pups. He was, strangely, disappointed by it, but he didn't dwell on the matter. Her scent was all around him, demanding that he take her now.

"Inuyasha, please," she whimpered. He came up, and kissed her softly on the lips.

"What do you want, baby?" Inuyasha asked, his lips brushing hers, once, twice.

Kagome, instead of answering, sat up and started working on the button of his jeans. He took over the job himself, getting rid of jeans and boxers in one sweep. Her eyes widened as she took him in, her startled gaze flying to his.

Instead of saying anything, he kissed her again, his hands holding her face in place while easing her back again, settling himself between her legs.

"What do you want, baby?" he repeated, fighting to hold himself still.

"Inuyasha," she gasped out.

"Answer my question," Inuyasha ground out, unable to stop himself from grinding against her. She gave a moan and a whimper, her hips undulating, trying to feel him.

"I want you!"

It was what he wanted to hear, and he entered her quickly. His tongue traced a shape on her shoulder, while she cried out and her hands went to his slick back. Her nails raked, leaving small, red welts on his back.

Both panting, he brought them quickly to the brink. When they went over, he fused his mouth to hers, swallowing the scream of his name, feeling her name vibrate through his whole being.


Kagome stretched like a lazy cat next to Inuyasha, smiling contentedly and giving him a satisfied look. He had his eyes closed, his hand fisted in her hair.

"I know you're awake, puppy," Kagome teased. He lifted an eyelid.

"Keh. Who's calling who puppy? I wasn't the one whimpering a while ago." He smiled in satisfaction at the blush that covered her face down to her chest. She hid her face against his chest, pouting.

"Inuyasha!" she whined. He chuckled.

"Mm. I feel great," Kagome said a little while later, sighing as her hand moved over his stomach to feel the hard muscles underneath. They didn't really have time to explore that much just now.

"I can vouch for that," Inuyasha murmured, using the hand that wasn't fisted into her hair to stroke her arm. Kagome bit his shoulder.

"That's not what I meant, and I know you know that." Inuyasha grinned at her, hauling her up for a long, deep kiss that had her melting against him again.

Kagome frowned when they parted. "You're not using fair tactics."

"Who said I was fair?" Inuyasha asked, smirking. Kagome rolled her eyes. Inuyasha suddenly rolled her onto her back, making her squeak in surprise.

"I saw that," Inuyasha said gravely, clucking his tongue. "Don't roll your eyes at me young lady."

He entered her again smoothly, making her retort catch in her throat. He chuckled as he began to move. This wasn't a bad way to end fights.

(Limey end)


They were sleeping, curled so tightly around each other you couldn't tell whose limbs were whose in the dark. Inuyasha again had his hand fisted into her hair, a habit she thought he should break.

However, Inuyasha awoke abruptly when he heard a noise. Kagome wouldn't have heard it, but with his twitching ears, he had clearly caught the sounds of a window breaking. And it happened to be her house.

Making sure he wouldn't wake her, he unwound himself from her carefully, giving her his pillow to hug. He tugged on his jeans, and quietly left the room.

The demon cat, Kirara, was hissing and making small growling noises at the front door, her hackles on end. He had no doubt if he let her leave the house she would transform.

He went back into the room and grabbed his gun on the bedside table, brushing a kiss against Kagome's brow before leaving again silently.

"Stay here and protect Kagome no matter what," Inuyasha growled quietly at Kirara, and the cat hesitantly and reluctantly went into his room to look after Kagome.

Moving towards Kagome's house quickly and silently, he saw that it was one of her living room windows that was broken. He entered the house through the front door, knowing she never locked it anyway.

It was dark and silent, and Inuyasha heard his own heart pumping in his ears. His senses heightened, he listened for sounds that might indicate there were any intruders.

At the same moment he decided whoever had broken her window hadn't stuck around, he also registered the strong smell of decay and blood. Growling, he went into her living room, and saw the corpse.

It was a woman, or what was left of one, half draped on the sofa. Feeling sick to his stomach, he quickly made sure he hadn't touched any surfaces other than the front door.

This was a crime scene now.

He went through all the other rooms to make sure there really was no intruder. He found Buyo hiding under Kagome's bed, and went back outside. Taking a deep breath, he noticed the smell of death still clung to his nose. Muttering curses, he quickly went back to his house, and dropped Buyo on the floor where he quickly darted off to find another hiding spot. He double-checked on Kagome to make sure she was still asleep before calling the police to report the crime. Then he went to wake Kagome up. She would want to be awake when they arrived.


Kagome was crying, her face turned into Inuyasha's shoulder for support.

"How could this have happened?" Kagome asked, sobbing. "Who would put a dead body in my home?"

"I don't know, Kagome," Inuyasha said gravely. "But I'll find out and castrate the son of a bitch once I find him," Inuyasha promised, stroking her hair. He pressed a kiss to her temple and rubbed her back.

"I-I need to go inside," she hiccupped.

His hold on her tightened. "No you don't. The body's still in there."

"I would like… I would like to see—"

"No, you really don't. And I'm not letting you Kagome. It's bad enough to know there's a dead body in your home, but I won't have you seeing a mutilated body," Inuyasha ground out. There were many people there, taking pictures and picking her house apart. She didn't need to see the body, and she didn't need to get anywhere near it.

"What about my stuff? My bed, my clothes…" Kagome hiccupped again. "Why my house?" she asked quietly, but instantly felt terrible. She wouldn't wish this on anyone else. "Sorry… That was selfish of me to say," she said.

"No, you're entitled," Inuyasha replied. If you give me a list of things you need from the house, I'll have a female officer go in and get the things for you once they're done checking the house," Inuyasha offered.

"Thanks," Kagome murmured, her face still turned into his shoulder. They had both given their statements already, and neither of them were considered the suspects.

"Kagome, go back inside and make that list. I'll be there soon. I just need to talk to my partner and the other officers."

Kagome gazed up at his face with swollen eyes, but nodded and went back inside his house.

Inuyasha's gaze hardened as soon as she went away fro sight. Whoever had done this would pay dearly. If she hadn't been at his house, in his bed, she would have woken up the crash of the window, the intruder might have still been there…

Shuddering at the thought, he went up to Miroku. "How's it looking?"

"Well, your girlfriend's not going to be able to get back inside for a while," Miroku said dryly. "Although I'm not sure if she'd want to."

"No, she'll be staying with me," Inuyasha said firmly.

"I figured as much," Miroku said. "There's already a female officer going through her things and bringing out whatever isn't evidence. Everything in the living room will have to be preserved though."

"Yeah, I know," Inuyasha said impatiently. "Do they know who did it?"

Miroku was silent a moment. Then, giving Inuyasha a dead serious look, said, "It was Naraku."

Inuyasha instantly stiffened. "What the fuck does that bastard want with Kagome?" he snarled.

"If I knew, I would tell you," Miroku said apologetically. "There was a piece of Naraku's baboon costume outside, since it was caught by a tree branch. However, he was also covered in mud, head to toe. It's probably why you can't smell him. There's traces of mud on the woman, and more traces of dried mud outside. The tracking dogs have tried to follow the trail, but it's no use. You know how tricky Naraku is."

"Yeah…" Inuyasha grit his teeth. "He's not getting close to Kagome though."

"No, I figured he wouldn't," Miroku said easily. At that moment, the female officer came out carrying one of the biggest luggage carriers he'd ever seen.

"These are all her clothes, make-up, towels, and dishes. So be careful with it. Household appliances I left in her home. Once they're done, they should be able to clean everything up, and she should be able to go back inside. I figured she'd be okay until then, though."

"Thanks, Rei-chan," Miroku said with a wink. She rolled her eyes and walked away to take care of other things that needed to be taken care of.

"Are you sure it was him," Inuyasha quietly asked. Miroku turned to him, his charming smile gone.

"I'm quite certain. He left a note for Ms. Kagome."

"What? Where?" Inuyasha snapped. "What the hell did it say?"

"It said something along the lines of, 'What a sad disappointment you weren't here when I've finally found you, but I suppose it'll make finding you more fun.'"

Inuyasha growled so harshly that a few officers looked at him in slight trepidation. "Like hell he'll find her. Is he fucking around with us? Did he know she was at my place?"

"Only time will tell," Miroku said.

"Like hell. Naraku himself will tell me once I get my hands on that bastard," Inuyasha promised darkly. "Fucker's dead meat for messing with what's mine."

Miroku silently listened to his ranting. He supposed Inuyasha didn't know how possessive he sounded. "Well," Miroku started, "maybe you should get back to your chickie-boo and reassure her that her knight will protect her until the end of time."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at him in a glare. "It's not the time to fucking joking around, Miroku," Inuyasha growled.

"Yes, I know. Which is why you should really go to her right now in her time of need," Miroku explained patiently. Inuyasha paused for a moment, but obediently turned to go to his house and to Kagome.


"I don't want you going to work tomorrow," Inuyasha said stubbornly.

Kagome sniffled into toilet paper, blowing her nose. She was gradually calming, but he was just making her angry.

"Inuyasha, I have to go to work," she tried to explain once more.

"No you don't," he growled back. "I told you, they can handle it. Just call in a substitute for you and everything will be fine. Just because you miss a few days, the world won't explode!"

"Yes it will! My world will explode! I'll let this… this… criminal get to me, and ruin my daily life!"

"He already ruined it by throwing a dead broad through your damn window!" Inuyasha roared, not understanding her stubbornness.

"Okay, let's say I don't go to work. What would I be doing, hm?" Kagome's swollen eyes already made her eyes smaller, but as she narrowed her eyes in anger, they were mere slits. Inuyasha didn't know whether to be alarmed at her tenacity or laugh.

"You'll be staying here, of course."

"And you'll be at work, I presume? I'm to twiddle my thumbs all day waiting for your return?" Kagome snorted. "I don't think so!"

Inuyasha growled. "That's exactly what you're supposed to do! Twiddling your thumbs is safer than you going out there and sticking your neck under a metaphorical guillotine!"

"And what happens should Naraku come after me in the privacy of your home, hm?" she demanded to know, stabbing her finger into his chest, and not caring that it would probably hurt her more than him. "At least outside I'll be in a public area and he won't be able to get at me easily."

"Kagome, this guy is gunning for you! I'm going to find out why, but in the meanwhile, I want you to stay out of harm's way!"

"And the best way to do that is to go to work!"

Inuyasha huffed, and pulled out the big gun from his arsenal.

"What if he attacks the kids in order to get to you? Would you be feeling safe enough then?" Inuyasha growled. He watched her face grow pale, as she finally pulled the rein on her argument.

"He… He wouldn't do that, would he?" she whispered fearfully. Fresh tears came to her eyes, and Inuyasha felt guilty.

"I don't know, Slim. That's why I need you to stay here where at least Kirara can protect you."

Kagome's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Fine. You win. I'll stay at home. I'll call the principal right now."

Kagome went into the living room to get his phone and to talk to the principal. Inuyasha sighed his relief, all the tension leaving him. Thank goodness she had given in. He would have had to follow her to school everyday just to put his mind at ease otherwise. He understood her argument as well, though. She would be alone with Kirara in his house all day, a prime target.

But he also knew that she wouldn't put her family in danger by going back to her mother's place. Maybe he could convince Sesshoumaru to put a guard at her house when he wasn't there… Yes, that sounded like a good idea.

His course of action decided, he felt more relaxed and more in control of the situation. He waited for Kagome to finish her conversation on the phone. When she came back into the room, she was crying again, and went straight to the bathroom to wash her face. Inuyasha had immediately stood, but when she quietly shut the bathroom door, he tensely sat back down, his fists clenched.

When she came out of the bathroom again, her face was damp. Silently he held out his arms to her, and she went into them gratefully, putting all her weight on him, not that he minded.

"I'm sorry, Slim. You're the last person this should happen to," Inuyasha said thickly. Kagome didn't say anything. She just buried her face into his shirt and breathed deeply. He kissed her temple, and rocked there, comforting her more than words ever could by just being there.

"I'm sorry I'm such a burden," she mumbled into his shirt, but immediately found herself yanked away from him.

"Don't you dare say or think shit like that, Kagome! It'll only piss me off," he snarled before kissing her. A tear slipped out as she thought about what a steady rock he was for her.

"Thank you Inuyasha," Kagome whispered when he broke away.

"Keh. What else am I supposed to do? You seem to be my damsel in distress." He excluded that fact that he couldn't do anything else other than protect her. He didn't think he was capable of pulling away from her—ever.

"I'll protect you, Kagome. You don't have to be afraid of anything okay?" he promised, kissing her temple again as he drew her face back to the space on his shoulder. She nodded, her arms going around him and her hand curling onto his other shoulder.

They stayed like that for a while, at least until she fell into an exhausted sleep.


wk: Uh-ohhh... What does Naraku want with our dear Kagome? And will Kagome die of boredom while Inuyasha's at work? Stay tuned and find out!