Ok here we go. Another Chapter. I feel as if I have done ok with it. A little longer than I wanted to take writing it, but hey, I do what I can.
I hope this answer some questions. Not all.
Hope to see you all reviewing soon!
Disclaimer - No.
Steam filled the tiled room, tears of water rolled down the walls. Dark hair clung to her creamy shoulders as she let the near scalding water bathe her. With her eyes closed she could almost, if for just a moment, pretend she was at home.
Opening her eyes Kagome sighed. This was not her shower. The hot water continued to flow as she picked up the soap the hospital had provided for her. Pain shot up her arm, making her drop the bar. Wincing she pulled the appendage to her chest. The doctors had warned her that she could have sporadic pain.
Sighing she turned the water off. They had warned her not to push too hard; that it would all come with time. That she needed to rest.
But dammit, she couldn't even bathe herself.
Sighing once more she stepped from the shower. At least she had been able to rinse off.
At least I wont grow mold.
That thought made her stomach turn. She had not been able to properly bathe since the day she had been admitted into the hospital. Of course they had washed her then though, they had had to. There had been to much blood to properly asses the damage.
But that had been the last time soap had touched her skin. The nurses came in and gave her a sudo sponge bath. But having a little self respect left she refused to let them truly bathe her. So when the nurse had given her the good news the night before she had just assumed she would be able to shower.
She was going home.
As soon as the doctor got in he would give her a final round of tests and then they would release her.
The very thought of being back home, able to sleep in her own bed, wear her own clothes, had her nearly bouncing off the walls. Excitement built to the point that she was unable to sleep.
So, here she was, dawn just peaking over the land, trying to shower.
Sighing once more she grabbed a clean yukata from the back of the door and walked back into her empty hospital room.
Or what, by all means, should have been empty.
She froze, her hand still on the bathroom door knob, her throbbing wrist pressed even tighter against her chest. Standing between her bed and an open window was the cause of her dismay. He offered her a small smile, a dozen white lilies clutched in his hand. She took an unconscious step back; every instinct she had screaming for her to run into the bathroom and pull the emergency help cord. Though she couldn't remember everything that had happened the bits and pieces she could let her know that he was the reason she was here.
He held up his other hand, palm flat, showing the international sign for peace. Still leery she didn't move forward and he sighed.
"I come in peace?"
Her eyes narrowed, "Peace?"
Inuyasha nodded, "Peace. I wanted to apologize."
He leaned against the window sill, running his empty hand through his hair, "I've been trying to come and see you. Your kaa-san wouldn't let me any where near you."
Kagome scoffed and leaned against the door frame, making sure her escape was still clear behind her.
"With good reason. You nearly killed me, Inuyasha."
He sighed once more and ran his hand over his face, "I know that. But you gotta understand."
She raised an eyebrow, "Understand what? This isn't the first time you have hurt me, Inuyasha."
Anger began to build with in her, "I have pretended, for years, that all those times were just training. Was just you getting to rough. But this," she motioned to her injured wrist, "this has opened my eyes to what I have known all along. You enjoy hurting me."
Another sigh escaped him, this one in exasperation. The sun was rising higher behind him, bathing the room in warm golden light. It wouldn't be long before the hospital would open visiting hours. Kagome knew he didn't want a confrontation; else he would have come through the hospital instead of through her window.
"You don't get it. I never meant to hurt you." his amber eyes clashed with her cobalt ones and for a moment Kagome could almost see sincerity with in. At one time that would have been enough.
Not this time.
Still guarded she motioned for him to continue and he laid the flowers on her night table.
"Will you at least come over here and sit with me?"
She shook her head, "I'm fine where I'm at."
Another sigh, this one closer to a growl, escaped him as he sat down on the empty bed.
"I would never mean to hurt you, Kagome. Its just you're so fast, its almost like your teasing me." he turned to stare out the window, "and you know how I hate to be teased."
Kagome scoffed once more, "That still gives you no right to hurt me, Inuyasha."
He nodded but still wouldn't look at her, "Yea, I know. Believe me, I hate myself every time it happens. I just get so aggravated. Add that to jealousy and I just…" he looked at her then, "I cant control myself."
That caught her off guard, "Jealousy? Of what?"
He ran his hands through his hair, "Every time I see you with Uchiha and Uzamaki. They are always with you and you are always smiling. Especially with that Uchiha brat."
Kagome felt heat flood her face, "Sasuke is not a brat."
Inuyasha chuckled dryly, "Even now you're defending him."
She shook her head, confusion lacing every thought, "Why are you jealous of the time I spend with them? What, do you like me or something?"
His eyes met with hers for a brief moment before he turned back to the window. Kagome nearly fell over.
"You have got to be kidding me."
He didn't respond and a surprised laugh escaped her, "What about Kikyo? She's been your girlfriend forever!"
He sighed and laid his forehead in his hands, "Yea, she has. But she's not you."
He shook his head, "Kikyo is my girlfriend, yea, but you and I belong together."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
He looked at her once more, surprised that she had cursed even the slightest bit. A wry smile curled his face and she felt a sinking in the pit of her stomach.
Something was not right.
"You don't know?"
She shook her head, her eyes narrowing in apprehension. Inuyasha chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"You don't know why you are always coming over, why our parents are always trying to get us to spend time together?"
"Spit it out, then Inuyasha!"
She was becoming irate with his games and her wrist was starting to throb harder as every muscle in her body tightened.
His smile was wide as he turned to face her fully, "You are to be my wife, Kagome."
Silence filled the room as her eyes widened. Her pulse roared in her ears as she tried to process the information he was giving her. Minutes ticked by as she stood there, nearly floored by his simple statement.
It wasn't true.
It couldn't be true.
There was no way.
Inuyasha sat silently on the bed, waiting for her to digest the shock. When her brain finally engaged once more she shook her head.
"Your lying."
He raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
She nodded, her brow furrowed "If it were true, someone would have told me. My tou-san-"
He interjected then "Your father made this agreement with my tou-san for you, Kagome."
She felt her brows furrow while disbelief washed over her. Inuyasha sighed once more, his smile never leaving his face.
"Yea. When Tai got so sick, he knew. Knew it would kill him eventually."
Kagome stomped her foot, "No! Sesshomaru killed my tou-san!"
Inuyasha nodded and held up his hands, "I know this. But before, he knew his sickness would eventually take him."
Kagome shook her head once more, feeling tears burn her eyes, "N-No! He was getting better! He was-"
Inuyasha shook his head, "No, he wasn't. And his hospital bills were piling up. Before Sesshomaru went rogue, he came to my tou-san. They went to Tai-san with a proposition. My tou-san would pay off all debts owed by your family, the only thing he asked was that we marry."
Kagome shook her head, tears running down her cheeks, "Someone would have told me!"
Inuyasha shook his head and if she didn't know any better she would say he was enjoying her turmoil.
"Why would they have told you? So that you could worry about your families situation?"
Kagome stood there in shock and he stood up, "It was the best situation. What else could Tai-san have done? He wasn't bringing in any money being in the hospital all the time. And Kunloon-san was doing her best just to raise you and your otouto. With the debt rising the only thing your kaa-san could do was to join a team."
He took a step towards her and in her shock her brain didn't register what he was doing.
"Your tou-san knew that there was trouble brewing between the nations. There still is. And what would happen if Kunloon-san was killed on a mission?"
He shook his head, "That would have left you and your otouto to be raised by your sofu. His health is not the greatest, either. Could you imagine what would have happened?"
He took another step towards her as Kagome nearly sagged against the wall. Her brain wasn't processing what he was saying, her thoughts running to quickly. A part of her knew what he said made sense, but that part was buried deep with in the rising panic.
Before she realized it Inuyasha was with in an arms reach of her. She looked up at him, her pupils dilated to mere pin points.
"Your family would have lost everything. My tou-san saved you from all that heart ache. Made it possible for you to continue to live the way you're used to."
She felt fresh tears spill down her face, "B-but why wouldn't someone tell me?"
Her voice was a mere whisper, her mind so fragile she felt as if another shock would break her.
Inuyasha reached out to her then, running his hand almost efficiently down the side of her face.
"I'm sure they have their reasons."
His smile was sincere, and in her frazzled state Kagome couldn't tell if it was true or false.
"Like I said Kagome," his voice was a whisper as his thumb wiped the tears from her chin, "we belong together. I would never hurt you on purpose."
She felt ice begin to enclose her heart, dread pooled in her stomach as he smiled at her.
"You're mine, Kagome. You have been for a long time."
He leaned forward, running his other hand up her uninjured arm, "And you will be forever. Always remember that."
Before she could stop him he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes widened in shock and before she could push him away he pulled back. The kiss was chaste, nothing special. Not like she had expected her first kiss to be. She felt nothing save for the dread now spreading through her like a wildfire. It spread its icy fingers through her mind, shutting down any and all thought process she may have been regaining.
He smiled and walked back over to the window.
"I'll see you later Kagome."
Before she could realize what had happened he was out the window and gone.
Silence filled her room once more. Golden light bathed the entire room now and she could hear the faintest sounds of the hospital outside her room.
All the air escaped her lungs in one long hiss. She felt as if she had just been kicked in the gut.
Marriage?
Inuyasha?
It didn't make sense.
She leaned heavily against the door frame and allowed her body to slide to the floor. Pulling her knees to her chest she sat there, trying to remember how to breath. If she truly thought about it, in all actuality, it did make sense. Almost like if she had opened her eyes she would have seen it a long time ago.
Every part of her warred with the idea though.
Hot tears spilled down her cheeks once more as she sat there.
Closing her eyes tight she tried to digest the mountain of information she just had forced down her throat. At one point she must have fallen asleep, because the next thing she knew she was being lifted from the floor.
She nearly panicked, afraid that he had come back. Eyes still closed she began to thrash, intent on making him drop her.
"Whoa! Kagome wake up!"
The familiar voice broke through her panic and she opened her eyes. Brown eyes filled with concern filled her vision and she nearly cried out.
She wrapped her arms around Sasuke's neck, relief washing over her in a giant tidal wave. She buried her face his shoulder and began to shake, tears streaming down her face.
Terrified he carried her over to the bed. When Kunloon had contacted him that morning to let him know Kagome was to be released he had been ecstatic. She had asked him to go and escort her home, stating that she would be waiting for the pair with lunch ready and a hot bath for Kagome.
When he had arrived at the hospital he had to force himself not to bounce off the walls. He hated seeing her in the hospital. He wanted nothing more than to get her home and make sure she was safe. He had pushed aside everything he had planned for the day, intent on spending as much time with her as he could.
But when he had come into her room and found her on the floor panic flooded his every fiber. He had run over to her, unable to speak, afraid she was hurt or worse. Kneeling in front of her he had done a preliminary inspection. She didn't appear hurt, no new wounds, and her breathing was gentle and even.
But why was she asleep so far from her bed?
Shaking his head he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up, intent on putting her in her bed. Then she had panicked.
Now they sat on her bed, Kagome wrapped around him like she would never let him go. Her body shook with sobs and the only thing he could do was hold her, gently shushing into her hair as he rain his hands down her back.
"Its ok. I'm here."
After a few moments she seemed to calm. Her shoulders still shook, but her body wasn't convulsing with sobs. He laid his cheek on top of her head and continued to whisper gently to her. After a few moments she stopped shaking and he pulled back gently. Her arms tightened around him as if she were afraid he was leaving her.
"Its okay. I'm here." he continued to stroke her hair, running the back of his fingers across her tear slick cheeks.
What had happened to make her panic so?
He just held her tight and let the warmth of her body envelope him. It felt right, holding her. She fit perfectly in his arms, her body just the right size to match his. He closed his eyes for a moment and for the first time in days allowed his body to relax completely. As long as he held her he knew she was safe, knew that nothing could hurt her.
Kagome sighed and Sasuke pulled back from her, just far enough he could see her face. To his astonishment she was asleep, her arms still wrapped around him, her face buried with in his chest. A smile spread across his face and he repositioned himself more comfortably against the bed pillows. Pulling her body more securely against him he sighed, his head propped against the wall. Contentment washed over him as he held her still form.
For the first time since he had arrived he allowed himself to look around her room. Everything was as it should be. He still couldn't understand what had caused her to panic as she had. He caught a flash of white through his peripherals and glance over at her bedside table. Laying there, a stark contrast to the dark wood they lay on, was a dozen lilies. They had not been there the night before when visiting hours had ended.
He felt ire raise with in him and knew the lilies had to have something to do with her episode. But what, he wasn't sure. To him they looked like harmless flowers, but the fact that they were there now and hadn't been before made him curious.
Once more he looked down at the sleeping girl in his arms. She looked utterly exhausted. Darkness circled under her eyes and she was a bit too pale for his liking. Other than that though she was flawless. Captivating even.
She snuggled deeper into him, bringing her head to rest more comfortably on his shoulder. The warmth of her breath played against the pulse in his throat as she sighed in her sleep. Sasuke felt his insides flutter and an emotion he wasn't sure of began to build with in. Gazing down at her his eyes caught her pink lips and an unfamiliar thought filled him.
What would it be like to kiss her?
Suddenly his mouth felt dry. She was so soft and warm in his arms he had no doubt her lips would be like rose petals against his own. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip before his teeth followed. Uncertainty coupled with longing as he continued to gaze at her. He had never seen Kagome that way, had never allowed his thoughts to stray any further than seeing her as a friend, his best friend even.
But now…
He turned his face fully to her, his heart beat pounding so hard he could nearly taste it. His breath escaped him in one long sigh as he moved the slightest bit more. He could now feel her soft heat against his lips, her own merely a breath away. All he would need to do was take that final step.
The door to her room opened and Sasuke jumped. Kagome startled in his arms and he felt every muscle in her tighten. His arms tightened around her as he turned to face the intruder, ire building with in him.
Her doctor stood in the doorway, his hand still on the knob. He surveyed the scene behind wire rimmed spectacles, one eyebrow quirked in curiosity. A knowing smile curled his weathered face as he walked into the room.
"I wasn't aware that you had a visitor, Kagome."
She relaxed slightly and stretched her arms above her head. Sasuke loosened his grip around her, but didn't release her. The doctor met his irate gaze and his smile widened just slightly.
"Sasuke, if you would release Kagome, I can run my tests and we can get her out of here."
Reluctantly Sasuke allowed his arms to fall away from her form. Her warmth still enclosed him even as she moved from his hold to sit on the bed beside him.
Sasuke watched as the doctor held Kagome's injured wrist in his hand. Their conversation was lost to him though as he brooded over his own thoughts.
What had just happened?
Romance was not something he had time for. He had dedicated his life to one purpose and one purpose only.
And that had nothing to do with these new emotions.
Frustration turned to curiosity in his mind. What had brought forth those thoughts? True, the fluttering was nothing new. He was almost used to it by this point. But never before had he actually had an impulse like this. Not for any kind of psychical pleasure, even as small as a kiss.
Forget the fact that this was Kagome.
His gaze rested on the side of her face, studying her. A gentle smile curled her lips as the doctor tested her reflexes before listening to her heart rate. If he was honest with him self he could see why. She was becoming quite a beauty. Dark raven hair, lightly sun kissed skin, a lithe form with curves forming in all the right places.
She was beautiful.
She turned to him and he watched her lips move and a curious look cross her face. Forcing his subconscious back to the world he raised an eyebrow.
"Did you not hear me?"
Shaking his head he watched her laugh, "I asked you if you could wait outside while I get dressed. Unless you want to see me naked?"
Nodding her stood and walked swiftly towards the door, lest his mind run ramp it and something stupid fall out of his mouth.
After all, he had had enough shock for one day.
…
The walk back to Kagome's house was a quiet one, which they were both grateful for. Kagome was still reeling from the information Inuyasha had brought her that morning, and Sasuke was still very confused. But the silence was not an uncomfortable one. Even though their thoughts were very different they were still grateful for the company of the other.
Kagome sighed and shook her head, pushing her thoughts to the back of her mind. She didn't want to think about her problems. It was a beautiful day, and she was with one of her very best friends. Though she felt as if something was still missing.
Turning to Sasuke she folded her hands behind her head, "So where's Naruto?"
Sasuke blinked rapidly, forcing his mind to the present and away from analyzing his new found emotional turmoil.
"Who knows? Hopefully training."
Kagome raised an eyebrow, "What for?"
Sasuke slid his hands into his pockets, "The chunin exams. Kakashi kinda dropped it on us last minute."
Kagome stumbled slightly and he jumped to catch her. She righted herself quickly, a look of surprise on her face.
"That's right! When do the exams begin?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, sliding his hands once more to his pockets, "Tomorrow morning. Why?"
She nodded, "Ok, has registration already ended?"
A tick formed in the young Uchiha's jaw, "No, registration ends tonight at midnight. Why?"
Kagome nodded, "Then I need to get home and find Jakotsu-sensei."
Sasuke shook his head, "No way. Absolutely not."
Her petite arms crossed over her chest, a look of defiance crossing her face, "What?"
He turned his face up, just as defiant as she, "You will not enter the chunin exams. There's no reason."
Her fingers began to drum against her arm, anger blooming with in her "And who are you to tell me what I am or what I am not going to do?"
His dark eyes clashed with her own as irritation built inside of him.
"You just got out of the hospital." he said matter of factly.
What ever good his intentions had been they were lost on Kagome as her irritation built more.
"So?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. She sounded so childish that, under different circumstances, he would have thought adorable. But not this time. Not now. His thoughts were still a jumbled mess from earlier that morning.
"Stop being stupid."
Once the words left his mouth he regretted them. He hadn't meant to say it. Not really. But she was acting so much like the blonde haired moron she so favored the words just slipped off his tongue.
The hurt he watched wash over her was enough to nearly floor him.
Silence stretched between them; tension built so thick he could taste it in the air. When he saw moisture shining in her eyes his heart clenched.
Before the tears could fall she rubbed at her face in irritation. With red cheeks she turned from him and stuck her nose to the air.
"You can leave now Sasuke. After all," she turned to him and he watched as her anger shined like an inferno with in her dark eyes, "I wouldn't want you to have to speak with some one so stupid."
He opened his mouth but no words came forth. She stormed away from him, her pace quicker than before.
Shoving his hands in his pockets once more he turned the opposite direction. Anger still boiled with in him. Anger towards her for not being able to see his point, and anger with himself for being so careless.
He scoffed and did what all Uchiha were so well at doing. He pushed every emotion aside and focused on the issue at hand.
After all, he needed to prepare for the exam tomorrow.
…..
By the time she had arrived home Kagome's anger had dissipated, leaving a pain she was unfamiliar with. Sure, she was used to being called stupid. Inuyasha often threw the fraise her way when he was agitated during their training sessions.
But hearing it from Sasuke some how made it hurt.
She took a deep breath and walked through her yard. If felt as if someone had their hand wrapped around her heart, slowly squeezing. It wasn't something she was used to.
So lost in her musings she was unprepared for the onslaught that awaited her. Had she been more aware she would have felt his chakra, would have been able to dodge the attack awaiting just behind her front door. But the moment she entered her home she was suddenly in the air, spinning around so fast it she was nearly sick.
"Kaggy-chan!"
The blonde continued to spin her around, his arms wrapped so tightly around her she feared he was going to crack a rib. But it did manage to bring a smile to her face, pushing the unpleasant thoughts and emotions from her for a moment.
Kagome laughed and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he continued to spin.
"Naruto! Put me down!"
He laughed and stopped spinning but didn't put her down. Instead he chose to carry her deeper into the house.
"Not on your life! Last time I let you go you were in the hospital!"
Kagome chuckled and kicked her feet playfully, "Do you plan on carrying me forever?"
He shrugged and carried her into the kitchen were the rest of her family waited.
"Well, I'll have to let you go to shower and sleep."
Kagome laughed and turned to her mother who simply smiled and shook her head.
"Naruto, can I see my daughter please?"
Naruto sighed but his grin never left his face. Setting Kagome down he took a seat at the small dining room table and watched as her family greeted her.
Once she had hugged every one of them and with stood her grandfathers inspection she joined Naruto at the table. Kunloon busied herself making refreshments. The smell of Kagome's favorite dish filled the room and for a moment she allowed herself to be completely absorbed with in the welcoming atmosphere.
Naruto sighed and leaned back in his chair, the front to legs suspended in air as he rested against the wall.
"So how are you feeling?"
Kagome shrugged, her fingers playing with the white bandages that still wrapped around her wrist.
"My backs completely healed, but my wrist is still a little sore."
Kunloon hnned softly, "Well, the doctors did say the bones would take a while to regain their previous strength."
She shrugged and turned to her daughter, a wooden spoon held in her hand, "It will just take time."
Kagome sighed and laid her head on the table, "Time I don't have."
Naruto folded his hands behind his head, "Whatcha mean?"
Kagome shook her head, "The chunin exams are tomorrow and I'm going to need all my strength."
Naruto chuckled, "What are you worried about the chunin exams for? Its not like you're going to compete."
Kagome raised her head just enough to look at him. The look in her cobalt eyes said it all.
Naruto's chair legs slammed onto the floor as he leaned forward, "You're kidding me!"
The entire room was silent, the only sound coming from the boiling pot atop the stove.
Kagome sat up fully then, "I have to."
Kunloon shook her head and placed the lid back atop the pot, "Kagome I don't think-"
She interrupted her mothers worrying, "I have to, kaa-san. I cant do that to Bankotsu and Miroku."
Naruto laid his hands flat on the table, "They'll understand! You just got out of the hospital!"
Kagome rolled her eyes, "Not you too."
Naruto cocked his head to the side, "What's that mean?"
Kagome shook her head, choosing not to relive her and Sasuke's fight once more.
"I just have to. They weren't able to compete last year because of Kagura. I cant, no, I wont be like her."
She shook her head, "Its my decision."
Kunloon sighed and began pulling bowels out of the cupboard, "Maybe you should talk to Jakotsu first? He may not even want to enter your team this year."
Kagome shook her head, "Jakotsu-sensei wont do that."
Kunloon hnned once more and began setting the table.
"Well, he will be over this afternoon anyway. Why don't we leave the matter alone until he gets here?"
Kagome sighed but didn't say anything. She looked over at Naruto and saw that he had something he wanted to say. To her surprise he nodded in agreement with Kunloon.
Kagome sighed once more and watched as her kaa-san brought over the steaming pot and began to serve lunch.
They sat in silence as Kagome lost herself in the taste of oden soup. The meal warmed her to her very core. For a moment she could forget everything that had transpired that day. A smile of contentment filled her face as she slurped her noodles.
Naruto slurped the remaining broth out of his bowl and sat it back down on the table. A curious look crossed his face and Kagome watched as he looked around the room. She raised an eyebrow as she took a bite of fish and continued to watch him. His gaze finally came back her, curiosity burning bright in his azure eyes.
"Hey, where's the teme at?"
Kagome's throat constricted, the unfamiliar pain filling her chest again. She forced herself to swallow, her soup now tasting like saw dust.
"He had…somewhere to be."
Naruto rolled his eyes, irritation replacing curiosity.
"What else is so important that he couldn't even make sure you came home ok? I mean, your kaa-san said he was supposed to walk you home!"
Kagome picked at her half full bowl, her appetite gone. Shrugging she laid her utensils down.
"I didn't ask."
Naruto scoffed and stood up, "Well, I'm going to go find him then!"
Kagome opened her mouth to object but Naruto was already out of the room. A second later she heard the door open and close meaning he was gone.
Kunloon chuckled softly and picked up Naruto's empty bowl. She paused over Kagome's shoulder.
"Are you feeling ok dear?"
"Huh?"
Kunloon raised an eyebrow, "You've barely touched your oden."
Kagome looked back down at her bowl and shrugged, "Just tired I guess."
Kunloon nodded and took the empty bowl into the kitchen.
She heard the front door open and close once more before a feminine voice filled her home.
"Where is my favorite pupil?"
Kagome sighed and pushed her bowl away a moment before her cross dresser sensei entered the room. Jakotsu was dressed as usual, save for his wickedly curved blade was not strapped to his back. Behind him stood Bankotsu and Miroku, both wearing smiles at the sight of their female team mate.
"There you are!"
Kagome waved towards him but that wasn't good enough for her usually ruthless sensei. Jakotsu pulled her from her seat and crushed her to his chest. Every muscle in her smaller form tightened. The only contact Jakotsu ever made was usually followed by pain, so a simple hug was not something Kagome expected.
Jakotsu sighed and pulled back away from her, his hands still on both her shoulders. A smile curled his painted lips as he looked over her.
"You're looking good."
Bankotsu scoffed, rolling his eyes "Yea, last time you saw her she was covered in blood."
Jakotsu shrugged and let his hands fall away from Kagome's shoulders. He took the seat Kagome had just exited and watched as she embraced Bankotsu and then Miroku. They each held a smile Jakotsu had not seen on their faces for days.
"So, how are you feeling?"
Kagome shrugged and slid her hands into her pockets, "Fine."
Jakotsu raised an eyebrow at her uninformative response. But he didn't pry. If she wanted to tell him, she would.
Miroku and Bankotsu began to fill Kagome in on everything she had missed as Jakotsu idly played with Kagome's discarded chop stick.
Kunloon joined him at the table as the trio moved to the back door. They exited, still deep in conversation. Kagome's laughter filled the room as she slid the glass door closed behind her.
Kunloon sighed then and Jakotsu raised his eyebrow, "Something wrong, Higurashi-san?"
Kunloon's gaze was directed at the door her daughter had just exited, "Kagome wants to run the chunin exam."
Jakotsu quirked an eyebrow, "You're joking."
Kunloon shook her head, "I'm afraid not."
Jakotsu laughed and shook his head, "What kind of pain medication were they giving her?"
Kunloon smiled but her face was still tired.
Jakotsu sighed and folded his hands on the table, "I don't even know how to address this."
Kunloon rubbed her temples, "Just tell her you're not entering."
Jakotsu chucked dryly, "Do you really believe that will work?"
Kunloon didn't answer. They both knew her daughter.
Jakotsu sighed and stood up, "Honestly Higurashi-san, I don't see any real issue with this."
Kunloon's brow furrowed, "What are you talking about? She just got out of the hospital!"
Jakotsu nodded, "I know this, but Higurashi-san your daughter is strong." A smile curled Jakotsu's lips, "one of the strongest genin I have had the pleasure of working with."
Kunloon didn't answer as she watched Jakotsu. He stared at the glass door where his team had exited.
"If she believes she's strong enough, then I won't stop her. I'm sure she will have to convince Bankotsu and Miroku to go along with her though."
His smile widened, "But I don't doubt she will. And if I know them they will rally around her like an impenetrable shield."
He sighed and pressed his hands to his hips before turning back to Kunloon.
"Don't worry Higurashi-san. I'll go talk to them."
Kunloon watched as Jakotsu walked out the door, feeling as if the world had turned upside down.
Sighing she stood and began to clear the lunch dishes.
…
The sun was dipping low in the sky, painting every thing a fiery orange. Kagome sat outside alone, studying the way the Goshinkba swayed behind her. It had taken hours to convince Miroku and Bankotsu that she was strong enough to do this. They still weren't overly thrilled with the idea, but they had agreed to enter the exam.
Kagome closed her eyes and relaxed, forcing her mind to remain blank. Taking a deep breath she allowed the stress of the day to wash away from her.
The sound of movement beside her made her open her eyes. Kagome regarded her kaa-san with tired eyes. Kunloon looked down at her daughter and Kagome could see every line etched deeply in her mothers face. Her lips were pressed together in a tight line and she wrung her hands in the edge of her apron.
"I don't want you to do this, Kagome."
Kagome nodded, "I know."
Kunloon looked down at her and Kagome f saw moisture ringing her kaa-san's eyes. Alert now Kagome stood and walked over to the elder Higurashi.
Kunloon wrapped her arms around her daughter and hugged her tight. Kagome could feel her tears atop her head and she wrapped her own arms around her kaa-san.
"I already almost lost you. What happens if…if…"
Kagome sighed and just tightened her hold around her kaa-san.
They stood there for a long moment, just enjoying the feel of one another. Kagome closed her eyes and laid her head against Kunloon's shoulder.
A long moment passed before Kunloon finally pulled back. She smiled, though it was tight, and pressed and kiss to her daughters brow.
"Just promise me you will come back to me."
Kagome nodded and smiled, though she didn't speak. There was so much she wanted to say to her kaa-san. So many questions she wanted answered.
The most pressing one, though, was why.
Why hadn't she told her?
Why had she felt the need to keep her impending marriage a secret?
Looking at her kaa-san, though, Kagome swallowed the questions. She could wait until after everything was calmer. Right now she needed to hear that Kagome would be alright. And even though she didn't know it for certain, Kagome was willing to lie. If just to give the older woman peace for a night.
Kunloon's smile eased a bit as she turned back to the house, her arm still wrapped around her daughters shoulders.
"Come on now. I have a bath all ready for you."
Kagome nodded and allowed her kaa-san to lead her into the house.
…
By the time Naruto finally found Sasuke the sky was dark. Irate he dropped from the sky onto the Uchiha as he burnt training dummies to a crisp in the Uchiha training grounds.
"Hey teme! I have a bone to pick with you!"
Sasuke turned and leveled Naruto with a sour look, "What?"
Naruto glared, "What the hells the big idea? You were supposed to walk Kagome home today, you ass!"
Sasuke's jaw ticked. It wasn't enough that he had spent the day brooding over what had happened that morning, now he had Naruto demanding answers out of him?
It was almost to much.
"I had things to get done."
Naruto glared at him, his blue eyes ablaze with anger. How dare he just dismiss the question?
And he's always going on about loyalty!
Naruto nearly snarled and he could feel heat began to prick at his skin. Not only was he dismissing him, but Kagome too!
He crossed his arms across his chest and regarded the young Uchiha with near hatred.
"I see how much she means to you."
Sasuke glared, "don't you dare question mean about my feelings for her!"
The air charged between them and Naruto fisted his hands, "Question? There was no question. She obviously doesn't mean enough to pull you away from what ever you had to do today."
Sasuke didn't answer and he could feel his eyes bleeding red.
They stood in silence for a moment, chakra building in the air. Naruto scoffed and turned away from Sasuke, serving to anger the stoic Uchiha even more.
When he turned his head to glance at Sasuke, Naruto's pupils were slits in the center of his eyes.
"Your not worth it."
With that comment he leaped back into the trees, leaving Sasuke there alone once more. Black rage ate at his mind as he glared at the spot Naruto once stood. He was half tempted to chase after the blonde. A little voice whispered at the back of his mind that that would not be the best choice of action. He could still remember Naruto's fight on the bridge on their last mission. He knew that if he were to face Naruto with raw anger there was a likely chance he would awaken what ever power lay dormant.
That was not something Sasuke wanted to attempt.
Scoffing he turned and began to make his way to his apartment.