Chapter 11

Sesshomaru stared at the retreating figure of the blue clad pup in barely concealed bewilderment. The pup must have known who he was. It was evident in his actions in his sleep and even in the awe in his eyes the first time he laid eyes on his person. He did, however, also note the disbelief and confusion warring with that awe. His actions while asleep were also completely different from his actions when awake. In sleep, he behaved just like the pup he was, seeking comfort in the presence of his alpha. But awake, he reminded him of Inuyasha. Perhaps the pup has spent too much time with the hanyou and picked up a few unwanted traits. He would get that taken care of. No pure inuyoukai pup, especially not from his house, was going to behave like the halfbreed. Before he could move to follow the pup, the miko had dashed into the forest without a word, chasing after the pup. Curious.

Kagome couldn't believe these people! Of course they would overwhelm Jack. She felt exactly like that the first time these youkai with their giant egos started claiming her as theirs. And since Jack was obviously from the future as well, the poor kid must have been scared and confused. Kagome didn't even spare the others a glance to hopefully catch up with Jack and help calm him down. Those idiots can fight with themselves over their stupid alpha issues.

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Kagome arrived at the edge of the clearing near the stream just in time to see Jack pickup the stick thingy he carried when he came back with Kirara. Said firecat was also in the clearing, apparently guarding said stick and waiting for Jack to arrive. She noticed how his eyes lit up with joy like a child on Christmas eve to be reunited with the stick and it confused Kagome. Maybe it was a family heirloom? Jack then held Kirara's face between his hands and placed his forehead right on the diamond at Kirara's. Kagome couldn't help but feel like she was intruding on a private moment. Jack then moved to sit at the edge of the stream, his feet dangling close to the water with Kirara on his lap, now in her kitten form.

"I know you're there." Jack declared without looking back.

"I wasn't trying to hide." Kagome clarified, moving out of the shadow of the trees and closer to the stream. She then proceeded to sit beside Jack. Close enough to see him up close but far enough so as not to further scare the boy away.

"Yeah, you just happened to pass by the exact same area I went to." Jack snorted.

"I wanted to talk to you but I also wanted to give you and Kirara privacy first." Kagome explained, not at all offended by his accusative sarcasm.

Jack was slightly taken aback by the sincerity in her voice, her eyes solemnly staring into the distance. He shook the feeling away quickly.

"Well, some more of that would be much appreciated." Jack chuckled weakly.

It broke Kagome's heart, seeing a child like this. Any child, youkai or not, should not have a laugh that sounded as tired as Jack's just did.

"I'm sorry Jack. In behalf of everyone. None of us ever meant you any harm. I know it's hard to believe but we're all just trying to help you and keep you safe. Even Sesshomaru, I bet." She chanced a glance at Jack only to see his bangs hiding his face.

"Help me?" Jack repeated almost incredulously. "You wouldn't even hear me out. Ignored all my questions and demanded answers from me without providing the same courtesy." He finally looked up and his eyes were the dark blue color of a raging storm.

"You assumed the worst of me at first glance. You took my words and morphed them into something that made me look dangerous in your eyes. I awoke tied up!" Jack all but ended in a scream and felt a little bad for the flinch that he got out of her.

"We were just being cautious." Kagome explained, her voice almost pleading for him to understand. She knew she lost him when he moved to stand.

"So am I."

A/N: I made it in time !(^^)! Bit shorter than usual but I couldn't cut it anywhere else T^T

Ludicrousprocrastinator02 - Thank you so much! That was one of my biggest concerns and had to read the entire story over and over again to get their characters again ;-; Will try my best to keep the consistency ^^

Didn't really think anyone was still reading this so thank you all ;-; I'll try not to get eaten by life again ^^

P.S. sorry for the short delay . I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out why Chapter 11 wasn't showing up every time I tried to upload T^T turns out I have to save it in story format ;-; Still hope you enjoy !(^^)!