Happy New Year. I wrote this in a hurry so I could make it before midnight. This completes my story. To those that waited patiently I think you.

We Keep Getting Stuck


It was that awkward time of day. When the sun has begun to peek over the horizon and the birds begin to clear their throats for the ritualistic morning song. Too early to get up but getting just enough sleep you can't go back to bed. Kagome thought today would be especially nice with rain drops glistening against the grass. Maybe even a rainbow once the sun was a little higher in the sky. She was sure that after last night's disaster today could only be better. Even perfect except Kagome did not appreciate the drumming that was disturbing her sleep. She was about to tell who ever was making the noise to cut it out when something unfamiliar brushed against her parted lips. She leaned in pressing her mouth more firmly to the source; her rattled brain telling her the object was firm yet supple. Unconsciously she licked her lips when a familiar voice sent paralyzing quakes through her.

"I wouldn't do that." Came a gruff and groggy voice that Kagome no matter how drained she might feel, knew it to be undoubtedly Sesshoumaru.

"Not again…" She groaned.

Snapping to attention she shot up to a seated position and immediately felt ill. Kagome started to sway and was about to topple over when a firm arm came to rest against her shoulder to steady the world. Although surprised Sesshoumaru did not seem angrier with the situation Kagome was glad for the support and leaned into the curve of his arm.

"I'm sorry." Was all she managed to croak from her dry torn throat.

"I told you to stay inside."

Kagome huffed at the accusation it was all her fault. The least he could do was take part of the blame. "Jerk." She bit out half heartedly. Embarrassed of the present events Kagome went to fidget with the hem of her skirt only to notice something was odd and out of place. Frantically she looked down to see the regal pattern of Sesshoumaru's haroi. She turned a ghostly pale and lifted the collar which confirmed her greatest fear. Besides the haroi she had nothing else on.

"Sesshoumaru… what did you do to my shirt."

"It was wet and torn apart. You were cold. So I disposed of it." He looked down at her and cocked his head inquisitively to the side. "Was this not the right thing to do?"

"But…" Kagome could have died on the spot. Now that she was beginning to think more clearly a thousand images began to rush into her mind. A perverted Sesshoumaru hovering over her while wringing his hands like an evil master mind. Or worse looking on with disgust. That bought up another issue of what underwear she had been wearing. To save her life she could not remember. Was it the ones with the pink bow? Did they even match!?! She prayed they had at least been cute.

"If it makes a difference I promise I did not see anything. You stayed covered the whole time."

She blushed and drew her knees to her chest. "Thank you…. You s -"

"Can you walk?" Sesshoumaru abruptly cut her off before she could complete her thought. He did not want to talk about it.

"Yeah, I think I'll be ok."

"Good, because I'm not carrying you like some beast of burden."

At first she shot a deadly glare in his direction but then she noticed his arm was still protectively around her shoulder. She took comfort in this small act and let out a quite chuckle. "I would never expect you to."

"We can wait for the sun to rise a bit more before retrieving your things at the river. From there we can go to the well."

"I'd like that… A few more minutes."

"What the hell! I've been waiting here all night." Inuyasha jumped out of the tree where he had taken refuge for the night. He brushed his hair out of his eyes and gave a dramatic huff to show how irate he was with their tardiness. However he stopped abruptly when he saw the state of Kagome.

"What did you do Sesshoumaru…?" He took an offensive step closer slowly drawing his hand to the hilt of his sword. Sesshoumaru did not even bother to twitch at his brothers exhibition. "I swear if you"-

"That's enough!" Kagome jumped between them so neither would escalate the fight. She put her hand on Inuyasha's wrist to calm him down. "We were attacked and a few of my things where destroyed."

"I should have never let him take you." Inuyasha's glare never left Sesshoumaru. Without having to say it he wanted his brother to know he blamed him for every scratch on Kagome.

What Inuyasha did not know was that Sesshoumaru already was blamed himself and was the reason for his silence.

"The outcome would have been the same with or without you." Kagome defensively crossed her arms and looked at each demon before going on. "I know you two think you're protecting me but don't think I'm so dumb I don't realize what's going on. I know last night and the time before… Naraku is targeting me. Just be grateful Sesshoumaru was there."

"How'd you…"

"It's ok. Really." Kagome reached out and took the yellow bag from Sesshoumaru. "I know you both are looking out for me. I couldn't ask for better protection." She smiled brightly at each of them and shouldered her bag. Slowly she started walking backwards to the well.

Inuyasha gave out another huff and looked away from his brother. "So when the hell are you gonna be back?"

"Give me a week. I have some things I need to do."

Waving goodbye she began to turn around but very quickly turned back. Kagome bit her lip wondering if this was the right thing to do. Not wanting to miss another chance she quickly darted in and placed a kiss on Sesshoumaru's cheek. No surprise to her the demon lord never blinked yet he also hadn't moved to get away. Kagomes smile became wider as she turned and ran to the well while Inuyasha was still stunned. Once she jumped in she was gone leaving the two standing speechless in the clearing.

"WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT!" Inuyasha looked ready to pull out his hair. He whirled on Sesshoumaru and prodded him in the chest. "What did you do? Look at me when I'm talking! What did you do to Kagome!"

Sesshoumaru merely adjusted his sword and turned to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Inuyasha yelled at his back.

Slowly Sesshoumaru paused in his step and looked behind him. "You heard the girl. I have only a week to kill Naraku before she comes back" Then once again he was off.

"I? WHAT I? I'm going to kill that bastard." Inuyasha ran until he was in front of Sesshoumaru and slowed his pace down.

And so the two brothers walked off. In search of Naraku.