Chapter 09 – Plan
They were sitting around the campfire. Kagome was leaning against Sesshoumaru, while Inuyasha was sitting across from them and if look could kill, Sesshoumaru would be already dead. It was clear that Inuyasha wasn't pleased with the fact that his brother joined them, but he didn't want to upset Kagome, knowing that it would do no good, so he kept quiet.
Sango and Miroku didn't really mind, though they could hardly hide the surprise and confusion after learning about Kagome's and Sesshoumaru's relationship. But it was mostly just the first moment, because after watching them, Sango realized that it was better this way, especially for Kagome.
Even though that Sesshoumaru wasn't someone who would show how he feels towards someone else, Sango could see that he really cared about Kagome and she knew that she was in good hands, no matter how strange it could sound. It was obvious that unlike Inuyasha, he had his mind already set and that he wouldn't let Kagome go for any other woman. He would always be here for her and that's something Inuyasha wasn't capable of doing, at least not yet. Though, even if he realized it now, it would be already too late for him to win Kagome back.
The only ones who seemed to be unaffected by the whole situation and who actually seemed to welcome it were Rin and Shippo. They were playing closeby together with Kirara, accompanied by Ah-Un and Jaken, who were not really interested in the games, but they were occasionally dragged in too.
When Sesshoumaru returned to Rin and Jaken and told them they would join Inuyasha's group, Rin was very excited about that, unlike Jaken, who was really taken aback by that information. Though, he wouldn't dare to go against his Lord, so he kept quiet. After all, he was at first against Rin joining them, but although he was always complaining, he really started to like her.
The awkward silence surrounding the group sitting around the fire was starting to be too much for Kagome to handle. Inuyasha's glaring wasn't helping either and she couldn't help but sigh, which successfully drew everyone's attention at her.
At least he's not glaring anymore. Kagome though when Inuyasha was watching her, as if searching if there was something wrong with her. That only caused her to sigh once again and she stood up.
"I'm going to take a walk." She stated, turning around in the direction she wanted to walk to.
"Alone." She added when she noticed that Sesshoumaru started to rise up too. He looked at her questioningly and she rolled her eyes.
"I don't need escort when I'm just going for a walk. I won't be far, don't worry." She assured all of them and with sparing glance to both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, she left, glad that no one followed her. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she didn't think it would be that hard. She needed to find a way how to get those stubborn brothers to get along, but she was starting to think that there was no such way at all.
Miroku noticed the look Kagome gave to Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha and without any trouble he understood what was bothering her. He looked over those two too, only to see them glaring at each other again. He resisted the urge to sigh and then an idea struck him. He smirked inwardly and rose up.
"I think I will appreciate a short walk as well." He informed them and then turned to walk the opposite way than where Kagome walked to before. When he was sure no one from the camp could hear him, he stopped and took out something from his robe. There were times when he felt bad and even a bit guilty for not telling his friends about this little secret of his, but now he was really glad he didn't. This was exactly what he needed to get Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru to work together.
Seeing both Kagome and Miroku leave somewhere, Sango decided that there was no need for her to stay either. She knew that the only reason Miroku said he's going away was to tell it to her, so she didn't bother with informing the brothers about her intentions. They weren't paying her any attention anyway.
She didn't feel like wandering through the forest at the moment, but she didn't want to stay anywhere near of those two, so in the end she decided to join the most joyful part of their group. Shippo and Rin invited her into their games immediately and playing with them raised up her mood a bit.
Sesshoumaru knew that he should try to get along with Inuyasha and it wasn't that he really wouldn't want to, he just didn't know how to start. The only relationship they've ever had was fighting against each other and now when this wasn't the option, he realized how little did he know about him. And maybe also, how little did he know about himself.
He was always proud at himself that he was able to deal with any situation he's got himself into, and the more it angered him that now he had no idea about what to do. He was also worried about Kagome. He could sense that she wasn't far, just as she promised, but he would be more at ease if she had stayed by his side or if she had allowed him to accompany her.
As he was watching his older brother, he saw more and more things he hated about him. For a long time, Sesshoumaru was all he wanted to be, but knowing that it would never happen. It frustrated him at that time, but now it was quite the opposite. He wanted to be himself, but sometimes he wondered who he really was.
As he was studying his brother's face, he hated as he could never tell what he was thinking. Whenever they've met, it seemed as if whatever he did, it was exactly what Sesshoumaru expected him to do. He couldn't even tell if it was the truth or if it was just an act, but not that he really cared, it was unnerving anyway.
He hated that Kagome chose his brother and not him, though in this he was more angry at himself. He realized that it was his own fault that this happened, but he would have never thought that Kagome would choose him of all the people. He would have maybe accepted Kouga better. The wolf was at least showing interest in her, but he couldn't tell what Sesshoumaru's intentions were.
He didn't understand him. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't figure out what he was thinking, what were his plans, what he cared about, if there was something like that at all, or if there was something he feared. He knew nothing about him, nothing at all. How could someone, namely Kagome, expect that they would ever get along in any way?
Miroku has been returning to the camp. He was exhausted, but it was understandable, considering what he had just done. He actually expected that it would tire him out more than it did, not that he complained. Now he just hoped that his plan would work. Sango immediately noticed that something was wrong with him and she quickly ran up to him.
"Miroku, what happened? You look horrible!" The fear and worry was clearly showing on her face, but he just smiled.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I've been just doing some exercise and it tired me out. I'll be fine after a bit of rest." He assured her and she nodded hesitantly. She wasn't entirely convinced by his statement, but she had no proof to argue with him about it.
She didn't have much time to think about it though, as there was a loud scream heard. Everyone's attention turned to that direction, all of them quickly figuring out that it was Kagome who screamed, and without second thought, they all set out to help her as fast as they could.
For spiceywolfmoon: I'm not sure if I understood your question right. If you're asking if there will be another separate sequel for this story, well, I didn't have it planned, but your question made me think about it and I think it's a good idea and right now there is about 99% chance that there will be a third part for this story XD. Either way, there's still a few more chapters to go even in this part itself ;).
Also, thanks to everyone who put this story to their alerts, favorite stories and to those who reviewed. It's always so nice to get some feedback and to read what you think about this story ;).
