Sorry I'm late with the update!! A lot of drama happened last weekend; including my 20th birthday and a blind date but I won't go into that. Its so nice to see more reviews and people loving my story!! Thank you so much!!! Thank you for being patient and I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer:...grumbles...Do not own Inuyasha or any character belonging to Rumiko Takahashi. ...(shoving and whispering)Alright! Alright already! Sheesh....And not the story's inspiration, the Blue Lagoon. (Don't all you authors hate doing this over and over again?!)
Chapter 9: Desperate
She let her feet dangle in the ocean water; her thoughts occupying her. The black rock she sat on was warm but Kagome was oblivious to anything now. Her glistening brown orbs stared into the blueness of the water; the only sound she could hear were her own thoughts of just that morning, when she and Inuyasha argued and in the end; no one was hurt as much as Inuyasha and the way he looked at her afterward.
I blamed him…I blamed him for my problems and even said some things to him I never thought I would. He probably hates me now! Her seemingly never-ending supply of tears cascaded down her tanned face while she recalled that mornings fight.
Flashback Begins
They were both sitting in the quiet hut finishing their breakfast. Kagome was staring off into space while Inuyasha sat beside her; sensing her change in mood, not to mention the recent bleeding between her legs. It was a new change for both because it was something with her body and Inuyasha; with his new sense of smell found it highly arousing and intoxicating. It was the scent of a female that could breed and bare children; and Inuyasha's other half seemed pleasured and mesmerized by this. It was literally hell not to pounce on her. Inuyasha had deep feelings for her beyond his comprehension and it continually confused and scared him.
Kagome could feel his penetrating stare. It was getting on her nerves. It usually never bothered her when he watched her but recently her temper was getting the best of her and she lashed out.
"Would you stop staring at me please?!?!" She screamed at him. Kagome was angry and tired and her feelings were spiraling out of control.
Inuyasha actually flinched back and scooted some feet away. "You don't have to get all huffy with me! I'm just worried about you."
"I know. I'm sorry Inuyasha." She was genuinely sorry. Her eyes showed him that and he relaxed a bit.
"You've been all snippy and moody ever since you've started bleeding between your legs."
"You don't have to remind me! I already know!!!" She slammed her shell down and stood up. Why did he have to remind her of her bodily change? Her temper was flaring and getting dangerous really quickly. Her eyes turned deadly towards Inuyasha and she crossed her arms, breathing through her nose.
The boy was concerned for his best friend. Inuyasha could smell that she was rapidly getting pissed and he didn't want her to lash out on him. "Why are you so angry at me?!" Kagome turned her back to him and refused to say anything.
The girl was trying not to vent her anger on him when he was just being concerned for her. Her head knew this but due to her bleeding, it was causing her to speak before she thought. Kagome didn't want to scream at him but it was getting too late. It was getting worse each passing moment.
"Look Kagome, I'm trying to help you but you won't let me!!" Her temper was causing him to become angry as well; which he didn't want. He stood up but dare not approach her. His fists were clenched and growling low in his throat.
"Now you're not even speaking to me!? Just tell me how I can help-"
That was it! Kagome tried to remain calm but he pushed her and pushed her until she finally reached her limit. She spun around and screamed. "I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!! I'M FINE, OKAY?! JUST FINE!!! I'M SICK OF YOU HOVERING OVER ME EVERY MINUTE!! I'M TIRED OF YOU WORRYING ABOUT ME SO JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I CAN'T EVEN STAND YOU ANYMORE!!!" About two seconds after that, Kagome realized what she said and how she said it and regretted every word. She gasped and looked over and saw something she did not ever want to see.
"You can't…stand me?" Inuyasha unclenched his fists; his eyes downcast and ready for those tears he didn't want her to see. She hurt him…bad. Every painful word was like a knife to his fragile heart and it just almost completely shattered. He never imagined his best friend; of all people to say such hateful and cruel words in her life. Especially to him.
Kagome really did not mean any word that sprouted from her mouth. She hated herself for it. She just stood there, looking helpless and completely regretful for what she said. "Inuyasha I-"
"Just get out!" He growled. He was suffering and confused. In his mind; he knew she was trying to apologize but Inuyasha was hurt and needed space and hearing her so sad and regretful only made it worse.
She sniffed back her tears and tried to apologize. But hearing him so broken because of her cruel words, Kagome would never forgive herself for causing him such pain. "Inuyasha…I'm sorry-" But when he turned and looked into her eyes; she saw just how much he was hurting inside and flinched back.
"GET THE HELL OUT!!" Inside he was raging and withering with inner pain he never felt before. Inuyasha felt his heart break not only with her earlier words but her face now. She was really trying to say she was sorry and her tears were causing even more torture for him. He didn't like seeing her cry but Inuyasha didn't want her to see him break down and do something he might regret later. So he had to scream and send her away.
Seeing that he was too angry to listen to her, Kagome ran out and didn't look back.
Flashback Ending
"He didn't deserve any of that. He's now so angry and so hurt because of me. I spoke before I thought...again." She leaned back, not noticing the clouds moving in and blocking the sun. But she could feel the tears and hear all she said and cried even more. "I didn't mean any of it. Not one word…I'm sorry, Inuyasha. I'm so sorry." It seemed she couldn't stop crying now. She had to live with the guilt and the pain she caused him and it tore her big heart every time she thought back to it. Kagome never felt so rotten in all her life, so she cried all that rancor for herself out and into the misty sky.
Even from his vantage and hearing point a half mile away, Inuyasha could hear her cries and smell those tears full of self-hate and regret. His dog ears dropped from hearing her so angry with herself. The boy wanted to run to her, comfort her and stop her endless tears. Every instinct was screaming at him to help her, make her realize that he wasn't as angry as he was hurt and confused. He knew she didn't mean a single word and tried to apologize, but he sat and remained high in the canopy; his silver hair blowing with the cool breeze.
He sighed as he heard her cries downgrade to sniffles. "I want to go to her but I feel this is something only she has the power to fix. She has to fix it within herself, know that I don't blame or hate her. I could never hate Kagome…never."
Drying her face as best she could, the fifteen year old took a deep breath and calmed herself down. All this crying was tiring her out. When she looked up, the blue sky was now misty gray and ready for a light sprinkle.
Rubbing her red and puffy brown eyes and smoothing back her hair, Kagome knew she had to go to Inuyasha and apologize once more. And she swore she wasn't going to cry again.
"I'm going to tough it out. Even if he doesn't want to see me right now, even if he hates me, I will go and tell him I didn't mean a single thing I said and I'm truly sorry." This was their first major fight, she realized. All previous feuds were tame in comparison but this was the worse one yet. Kagome was nervous about going to see him but she had to do it and make things right.
Stretching her arms above her, she slowly slid down the rock and into the water. She had to watch her footing here, coral and rocks loved to play hide and seek. But as soon as Kagome took a step, she suddenly felt a sting- a powerful jolt through her system on her calf. She screamed in shock and agony. She looked down to see the guilty party, a translucent jellyfish, small as a teacup, jetting away from her and disappeared.
The sting was causing her great pain with every step she took. She limped back to the shore and collapsed on the sand. She looked down and saw the area and was shocked to see a developing blue and purple bruise. Kagome even felt it throbbing with her heart.
"Inuyasha!!" She cried out for her only hope. Her head was starting to pound and her breathing was becoming more rapid. It must the affects of the jellyfish. "Inuyasha!!" This time it was more urgent and pleading.
"Kagome?!" She looked down the beach to see him running to her at an alarming speed. She collapsed in relief and closed her eyes; wanting the pain to go away.
He heard her first scream and leaped down and headed for the beach.
Taking in a few deep breaths he could smell her panic and anxiety. Something was wrong with that scream. Oh yes, something was terribly wrong and he didn't like it. He burst through the trees and onto the white sand. He heard her call for him and rushed with all his might. All thoughts of the morning were washed away as he heard her call a second time and thankfully caught sight of her. Kagome was laying on the beach, holding her left leg.
Crashing down beside her, Inuyasha took a good look at her. He could hear her heartbeat racing abnormally fast and she was starting to shiver. Her face was starting to pale too. "Kagome, what's wrong?!"
When she felt his presence near her, she unclenched her fist she didn't know she had clenched. She hissed and grind her teeth before speaking. " My leg…" Her hand uncovered the swelling sting and groaned. "Jellyfish…stung…me."
It hit him like a big tsunami wave. She had been stung and poisoned. He could now make out the bitter and strong scent of the poison coming from her wound. It was spreading and fast. Acting fast and on pure adrenaline, he carefully scooped her up in his arms; her head on his broad shoulder and carefully made his way back to the hut.
She felt herself being picked up and being carried. It was getting colder and Kagome felt the heat radiating from his chest and snuggled up as close as she could; not only for his warmth but for reassurance and security. As long as Inuyasha took care of her, she would make it. The deep and undeniable burning sensation she had for him; a new feeling she was unsure of, Kagome felt it increase again. Her heart may be beating fast due to the sting but it hid away the…love? Adoration? Whatever it was called, and wanted to show it to him but didn't know how. Now she hoped she could express it if and when she was cured completely.
Once he set her gently onto her futon back in the cool hut, Inuyasha quickly went to her herb satchel and searched for the one that was used for headaches. Over the years he had watched Kagome mix that particular herb many times and knew how to make it. Inuyasha could see her holding her head and moaning so he knew her head hurt. Setting one herb aside, he was confused on which one he could use. The sting had swelled up pretty badly and it was getting uglier.
"Kagome, do you have any that can treat stings?" He hated asking her when she was suffering but not asking her could eventually kill her.
Despite all the pounding of her heartbeat and head, Kagome could hear him. Her left leg was now a burning throb and it was making her leg twitch uncontrollably. She turned on her back and held in her screams with sever hissing through her teeth. What she needed was medicine to stop the burning and luckily she remembered which one.
"Yeah…plant…big green star…shaped leaves…" With all these symptoms it was a miracle she could get a word out. "Mix…with small…white herb…and mix with cool…water." Her breathing was becoming erratic and it was becoming harder not to shout at the top of her lungs.
Inuyasha could hear her beating heart and he didn't like the way it was speeding up. Plus he could smell the poison better than ever and it sickened him. He got the headache medicine before he went to work searching and finding the plants she mentioned. After quickly mixing it with the cool water from the basin; thankfully the day was unbelievably cool and nice, his own heart was pounding with anxiety and fear. He was trying so hard not to scream himself. Grabbing a rag, he raced up to her with the medicine.
He could plainly see that she was in serious pain. The wound was spreading and the swelling was worse than before. And her leg was twitching out of her control. Her rapid beating heart was too much for him to bare. Her eyes were shut tight and her hissing was in competition with her breathing.
He dipped the rag into the cold green mixture, got it soaked and placed her left foot on his lap. He held it steady as he wrapped the rag around the wound; failing to ignore her groans of pain. Her leg was shaking now but he held firm. "I'm sorry, Kagome. I can't imagine what pain you're going through."
She heard his soothing voice so full of sadness and distress. It was her job to soothe his saddened mind. "It's okay…Inuyasha." The burning was starting to cease bit by bit and her severe twitching was decreasing too. It felt good to finally get relief, and all thanks to her best friend. "It's not…your fault."
"Can you open your eyes for me?" When she slowly opened her orbs of cocoa, he could see that the pain was less menacing to her now and he was happy. "I also made you some stuff for your head."
Nodding her head, Kagome reluctantly sat up and Inuyasha quickly let her lean against him. Her forehead was glistening with sweat but fortunately her breathing was slowing and her rapidly pounding heart was starting to wane as well. Not caring for his own heart that beat with fright combined with the feelings he harbored for her, he lifted the shell to her lips and Kagome swallowed the medicine. Feeling like she was about to gag, a lone shell with water magically appeared before her, and swallowed the whole thing.
Inuyasha held her with tender care; staring at her sleepy face. He had an sudden urge to hold her close to him, for now and for forever. Her body felt warm and her natural scent still cloaked her; despite the lingering smell of the poison. Her soft head of black rested against his chest while her face breathed his own scent in. It seemed that Kagome didn't want him to let her go either.
Because of his transformation, his body temperature was warmer now but Kagome felt safer than ever. It was as if Inuyasha could chase away all the pain, all the suffering she went through. She could hear his heartbeat and noticed that it was a little higher too. With this new change, Inuyasha has changed outside but not completely inside. When she felt his nose take in the smell of her hair, it was like melting right there. If only she could tell him how she was feeling right now; why she felt she never had to be alone; why she always felt secure inside. This boy, who had grown into a handsome man, her best friend was the world to her. But Kagome wanted him to be more than a friend.
Feeling her slump against him, Inuyasha gently set her down on her soft futon. When he was about to move, she spoke.
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha. About before, I mean…"She wanted him to hear those words she longed to speak earlier. The medicine was making her sleepy but Kagome could hold it off until she finished. "I didn't…I didn't mean-" She stopped when his finger silenced her. With such a delicate touch, her face heat up again and not because of the medicine.
"Kagome…" He then moved some damps bangs from her forehead and rested his hand on her soft but pale cheek. "You don't need to say anything. I know you didn't mean any of it. I'm not angry at you. I'm just more…confused and a little hurt." Inuyasha could smell her tears coming but he continued. "I was never angry at you. And I don't hate you. I could never hate you, Kagome."
Knowing he was never upset, she let her tears go. She didn't deserve such heartfelt words said to her. She quickly held his hand to her cheek, refusing to let go just yet. Her eyes stared right into his soft sunlit orbs and could see he was a little scared and mostly relieved. Her heart was going to burst with such an intense connection and her face was most likely blush red. His hand felt warm and calloused against her cheek. Her eyes were drooping, her vision was blurring and she felt the overwhelming urge to sleep a deep sleep.
"Thank you…Inuyasha." Kagome whispered before she gave into the darkness of sleep.
Inuyasha could only grin.
He couldn't help but grow more attracted to her and more than like her each and every day. But this scare was enough for him to go into panic. He stayed calm though and saved her. Without another thought, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and let her sleep as long as she wanted. But little did he know, his concern and fear for her were going to be tested over the next few weeks.
Over the course of the next three slow moving weeks, although to the half demon it seemed like much longer, Kagome had been burning with a high fever and drifting in and out of consciousness.
Inuyasha didn't know what was going on and frankly, he was scared for her. He kept the swelling down by re-applying the medicine every few hours and keeping her hydrated via water and dragonfruit juice. It seemed that when she would wake up, she would stay awake and her fever would finally break but Kagome stayed awake no longer than for a few minutes. When she did, she would mumble his name and groan, as if she was scared too. Inuyasha would always reassure her; patting her hand and keeping her eyes free from her hair; which was damped with sweat. In fact, Kagome was dripping in sweat due to her fever; it was a miracle she could sleep through it.
The half demon rarely left her side; except to gather some fruit, herbs, and water…and to relieve himself. He could smell that the poison still lingered in her system and with constant care and medicine, it was shrinking little by little each day. The sting and swelling was lessening in blue and purple; which was another good sign. The hut reeked of sweat and medicine, and Inuyasha's sensitive nose could barely stand it. But he knelt by his best friend's side, too afraid to leave her and too loyal.
Inuyasha barely remembered to eat himself. And even slept a few hours each night, if that much. But holding on to her soft and fragile hand promised himself that he would see to her recovery at any cost.
"I'd do anything for her. She's too precious to me." His fingers rubbed her tanned skin then brought it up to his nose, taking in her delicious scent of flowers and the ocean. He kept talking to himself. "Look at me, I'm so desperate to get you to talk to me instead, I'm talking to myself. You can't leave me, Kaggie. I know you want to wake up and hit me over the head for the stupid things I do." His chuckle barely surpassed his need to sob. "You know I'll protect you but here you go, getting stung by some stupid jellyfish. If I didn't send you running out of the hut, you wouldn't be in this…this…this state right now."
Now usually he wasn't so emotional. But this was his best friend…who he was rapidly falling for. He was so desperate and so pitiful, he wasn't thinking in his right mind. Feeling the last 21 days catching up with him, he let his head fall and rest on her damp shoulder, fighting not to cry.
His mind reran all the times she caught a simple cold or even a scrape on her knee or elbow. This was the mother of all injuries. A cold or scrape, Inuyasha would see to it that she fully healed before letting her out again. Sure they fought but he would rather him get hurt than her. She knew he went overboard with the protection but-though reluctantly after several "yes-no-yes-no" arguments, Kagome would stay put. Her glare would send shivers down his spine and her sarcastic tone meant he would get it later. She was a fighter; always saying she could take care of herself. And he had to admit, after how many years surviving on this island, Inuyasha knew Kagome was capable of handling her own quite well, despite parental guidance and supervision. But he wanted to look after her; as he had every day since they were old enough to walk.
He was so tired and so weak; even with his enhanced abilities, it wasn't long before he fell into a deep sleep and he wasn't about to fight it.
She didn't know if she was awake or if she was sleeping. Every time she could speak, Kagome called for Inuyasha. When she could see him, it was a relief to her confused mind. It was like time had stilled for her but she didn't know how much time had actually passed. Him being by her side and keeping her hydrated as much as possible, it helped her stay alive. When she did dream; all she saw was silver hair and shining and beautiful sunlit eyes attached to the face of the man she was growing feelings for. It made it bearable for her; instead of seeing complete pitch black darkness. She wanted to wake up fully and see him.
Kagome's eyes finally drifted open. The straw ceiling was all she could see. Her headache was almost non-existent and the burning throb was gone. Now she was just tired and hungry…and feeling so dirty and sweaty, she wanted a long, long bath, preferably by the waterfall. Then she felt a weight on her chest and looked to see tangly silver locks and puppy ears flat against the head. One hand was on her stomach while the other held one of hers. A position like this made her heart pound and her pulse race. His warm breath was making one of her nipples tingle and harden.
This is so embarrassing! When he wakes up, what will he see?! She was freaking out but…why was he sleeping on her instead of beside her? Did he stay up to make sure she was okay? How long did she drift from awake to asleep? She had so many questions to ask him but he was sleeping so soundly and Kagome didn't have the heart to wake him. This must have scared him really bad. Did I do this? Her free hand traveled to his head and ran her fingers through his hair. It was soft and silky and it felt so good under her fingertips.
His ears twitched as he began to awaken. He distinctly felt fingers running through his hair and a steady heartbeat. Inuyasha slowly rose and didn't open his eyes until he was face level with her. His sunlit orbs opened to see exhaustion filled yet calm cocoa ones.
"Inu…yasha…"
"Kagome…" She was finally awake! He didn't know whether to cry or hug her until she couldn't breathe. Instead, Inuyasha opted for pulling her hair back from her shoulders; unknowingly sending delicious tingles through her body when his claws barely touched her skin. "Are you okay?"
She only moaned her answer. "Tired and in dire need of a bath." Both chuckled their agreement. "Inuyasha…" A big yawn interrupted her. "How long…?"
"About 20 nights and 21 days days." Just thinking of how long that seemed, Inuyasha could barely stand it. "You scared me, you know that?"
His eyes looked so downcast and scared. It looked like he barely slept. Guilt flooded her and scrambled to apologize for worrying him so. "I'm sorry I-"
"No, don't apologize!" It was getting harder for him to hold back his tears. "It wasn't your fault. You couldn't help it. I blame myself for this. If I hadn't screamed at you to get out that day-"
"Inuyasha, please. Don't torture yourself." She weakly reached up and touched his face. "We didn't know what was going to happen and I don't blame you for that." Her palm rested against his cheek, like he did to her; feeling how warm he was. His eyes bore into hers and neither looked away. "I would probably be dead if you weren't here. I couldn't last long without you."
"Me neither." Brown clashed with gold. Feelings each other hid were gradually being exposed to the other. Inuyasha went to hold her hand in place, not realizing his action and not caring at all. Kagome was tired and weak but she assured him he was not to blame. How did he come across such a forgiving creature that took his breath away? Why did she stir up feelings he didn't know he had? Why did she make his heart beat faster with only a smile?
Just looking into his face was enough for Kagome to lose all thought about the outside world. Inuyasha was taking responsibility for what happened to her and tried so hard to take care of her while he barely slept. How could someone be so caring, so careful and tough at the same time? Inuyasha was this and more. He was her security blanket; her own sun to guide her, a beacon of hope. He stole her breath from her body with just a simple stare. Her heart beat briskly when he touched her or even smiled at her. His eyes were so deep, so beautiful, so mysterious she couldn't or wouldn't dare look away from them.
The breeze was the only noise that sang through the hut. Hana was sleeping, perched on a beam unaware of the action below her. The two occupants were so preoccupied with each other. Two hearts were beating simultaneously, beating for the other. It was quite warm outside but it was about to get warmer very soon.
Well, what do you think? More fluff and they're getting closer!!! And for you lemon lovers out there, I think you'll love the next chapter! Yes, The long awaited lemon is next!!! Thanks again for reviewing and waiting for the week long update! Monday you will see the lemon! Until then...
Ja Ne for now!!!
