Disclaimer: I don't own jack!
Pairing: Okita/Kagome
Suggested Listening: Rush Over Me (Feat. HALIENE) by Seven Lions X Illenium X Said the Sky
Of Pride and Honor
Chapter Ten: That Path We Chose
Kagome woke to the feeling of something warm brushing across her face. Slowly, she began to blink and awaken from her slumber. The first thing she noticed was the now familiar line of Okita's bared collarbone. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist while the other was nestled just beneath the side of her face like a pillow. Her eyes trailed upwards to his peaceful expression. It'd been a few days since her breakdown at school. He'd been absolutely adamant about remaining with her during the night since then. Either because he'd grown so accustomed to having her beside him or because he was worried, she wasn't sure. To say that she was grateful to him was an understatement. A light smile touched her lips at the thought. He was the first person outside of her family to ever have cared so much about her. Lately it seemed as if he were as in-tuned to her needs as if they were his own. She brushed a few loose strands of hair from his face. Despite the sordid history she knew to be behind him in his era, Okita truly was a kind person.
The young woman shifted slightly as she attempted to sit up. Her partner's brows furrowed. The hand he had around her waist pulled her even closer to the warmth of his chest. She felt her cheeks heat but tried to ignore it. Now wasn't exactly the time for her to be getting distracted. Kagome shifted a second time; rolling away from the welcoming heat that his body provided.
"Stop moving. You've got a fever." His voice was clouded by sleep however the man beside her had cracked an emerald eye open and pinned her with an exasperated stare. "You're sick again. I'm not going to let you out of bed until it's gone." Somehow she just had a feeling that he was using it as an excuse to keep her next to him. The teen pursed her lips as she rolled on the mattress back towards him sharply. He opened both of his eyes to give her what could be called only a suspicious glare. It was clear that he knew she was about to try something but that wasn't going to stop Kagome from going through with her plans.
"Would you let me out if I kissed you?" Okay, so maybe that wasn't the best bribe she could come up with. But damn it, she wasn't very good at this kind of thing!
A snort of laughter escaped Okita's mouth. He didn't respond with his words. Instead he simply leaned his head down and pressed his lips against hers softly. She fisted her hands over the soft flesh of his shoulders. He'd chosen to forgo his shirt the previous night as it needed to be washed. His excuse was that all of his clothes were in dire need of laundering and he wasn't going to stay up just for them to finish in the dryer. So he simply removed his shirt, added it into the growing pile of his modern clothes before crawling into bed next to her. Now her mother, thankfully, had no idea that he'd done such a thing. She'd long since gone to bed and it was only the two of them that were still awake by the time she'd found herself pressed against the bare flesh of his chest. Kagome was certain that her face had looked quite similar to a tomato before she'd finally fallen asleep. A sigh threatened to spill from her lips as she tried to regain control of the situation. She should've seen that one coming. It was well within this man's nature to follow up on a suggestion such as that. She closed her eyes and leaned into him.
He slowly pulled back as his eyes thinned with amusement, "I think I won that round. You got any other bright ideas to convince me? I mean you could always take off your shirt but I might be more inclined to keep you in bed with me then." He laughed lightly as she felt herself turn even redder at the not-so-subtle meaning of his words. Damn it, she needed ammunition against him! But what? What could she use? A thought swiftly came to mind. It'd been one of many suggestions that Katsumi had given her. She'd been too embarrassed to do it last time but perhaps now it would work to her advantage.
"Souji," Kagome purposely dropped her tone into something she hoped would be sensual. She felt his fingers flex into the cloth of her tank—his gaze immediately falling back down to her lips. An odd look entered the man's eyes but she pressed forward with her plan. Just a little push would be all it would take. "Won't you please? I'd like to shower…" She shot a heated glance his way before timidly tilting her head to face the direction of her bathroom. She heard his breath hitch slightly as she ran her index finger over the line of his bared collarbone.
He took several seconds to respond. However when he did, he threaded his hands behind her head and lowered his mouth until it ghosted across the flesh of her own. "Only if I get to join you." She felt his teeth lightly graze against her bottom lip playfully. "After all you could just use this as a rouse to escape me." She felt his arms circle around her even tighter at that. "So I'll have to keep a close eye on you." Well he was actually on point with that statement. She was planning on using this as a means to flee from the vice-like grip of his arms. Her face grew even warmer—either from the fever or embarrassment, she wasn't sure.
Her heart began to beat rapidly beneath her breast as her throat went dry from the intensity of the moment. She'd nearly forgotten just how persuasive her companion could be. Still, determination filled her as she moved her hand to trace up the line of his neck, over his shoulders, before lightly dragging the tips of her fingers from his shoulder blade down to the small of his back. She brought her mouth to the shell of his ear like he'd done to her so many times before and spoke in a low tone, "I trust you." She took the lobe of his ear between her teeth lightly in the hopes that it'd have a far similar effect. "Will you come with me?"
Kagome had expected a fairly fierce reaction from him. She anticipated him to either release her immediately so that they'd do just as she'd asked or to slam his lips onto hers just as he'd done the other day. However, she quickly found herself rolled fully onto her back before she could blink. She felt his hands grasp lightly at her wrists as he pressed his weight down onto her—pushing her further into the mattress.
"If we're going to take our relationship that far," Okita's voice dropped as she felt his tongue trace a heated line up the side of her neck. The young woman bit at her bottom lip to keep from moaning. She had to stay in control. With no small amount of frustration, Kagome realized that he was doing this on purpose—attempting to prove his point about not letting her go. Her brows furrowed as she licked her lips. She couldn't let him shift their positions like this! He continued where he left off, "Might as well start here. It's a bit more comfortable." He wedged one of his knees between her own and gently forced her legs apart. She couldn't stop the gasp that followed afterwards. In that moment she felt his mouth latch onto her shoulder—lightly sucking at the exposed skin from her tank.
She needed to rethink this. The young woman turned her head to give him better access. Despite her desire to leave the bed, another much darker part of herself wanted nothing more than to remain right where she was. To let this moment play through to its proper ending. One that would include sweat, heat and the taste of salt. Her face grew warmer at the thought. Since when had she turned into such a pervert? Perhaps that was Okita's personality rubbing off on her.
She leaned back as he began to move his mouth up the space of her neck. His fingers suddenly splayed themselves widely across her wrists; moving upwards over her palms sensually before slipping into the spaces of her own. Truthfully this was the first time she'd ever been quite so intimate with another person. Before Okita had arrived at the shrine, she hadn't so much as kissed another man. Now here they were with him half naked on top of her, sucking on her neck fervently like a starving man and partially lying between her legs. She felt her face heat again as something twisted in her stomach.
"Do you still trust me?" His voice was low and husky. His fingers gripped hers more tightly as she brought one of her knees up to hold his hip in a sensual cradle. Kagome sighed as his tongue went over the shell of her ear. How did he even know about that spot? She hadn't even known that she was that sensitive there before!
Still, she held fast and pressed herself into his chest. She allowed a moan to pass through her lips at the new sensations coursing through her body. She felt more than heard the heat of his breath against her ear. Did she trust him? The young woman opened her eyes and stared up at the man hovering over her. His hands held hers firmly in their grasp as his emerald gaze bored down on her intently. There was an odd look that flashed across his face. It was something that flickered between desire and a type of desperation. He was searching her for an answer.
Her heart sped up even more. Their pulses began to beat in sync between the palms of their hands. Trust was something that she'd had a hard time with. The few people she'd trusted had always left her or abandoned her in one way or another. She stared openly into his eyes—searching him for her own answer. Within him she could see a sharp resolve that was crumbling away. She could feel the inconsistent fluctuation of his desire through the connection in their hands. Most of all; she could hear the desperation in the low tone of his voice and rapid breaths. She didn't know what this relationship was just yet. It was beyond companionship but they hadn't quite decided to cement it into anything legitimate. He was somebody who was relying upon her in this era. She was merely the person who'd had the sole ability to transfer him back to his time when the right moment came. So where did that leave them? Did she trust him? Did he trust her?
Kagome opened her mouth as her fingers curled over his knuckles even more, "I trust you." It was the truth. Regardless of what they were now or what they would become to each other in the future, she knew that she could put her faith in this man. Even in his suffering and frustration he'd never turned against her. He never raised his hand to her. He never sought to belittle or intimidate her. He'd only ever been supportive and kind. Okita was both warm and caring. He hid behind the façade of playful humor but he really was a gentle man. She knew she could trust him with this much at least.
As if those were the words that released him from whatever hesitation he'd be under, his lips came down on hers feverishly. He moved quickly over her as she felt his tongue push inside her own mouth once more. She allowed herself to relax beneath him. She brushed her own tongue against his and began to battle with him for dominance. He of course was far stronger and thus quickly overpowered her. His hands moved from hers. They trailed heated lines down her ribs over her hips before slipping beneath the hem of her tank. The moment the tips of his fingers ghosted along the skin of her side, a moan rebelliously left her mouth and into his. Slowly, she felt him begin to push the fabric up her waist. Okita paused as his fingers brushed against the hard rim of her bra. Her own hands twitched as she lifted her other knee—fully situating him between her legs and cradling his hips between her thighs.
She met his gaze and repeated once more, "I trust you." No sooner had the words left her mouth that he tugged her shirt from her body with a quick flick of his wrists. The fabric was tossed carelessly to the ground as Okita lowered himself over her. Unlike before she could now feel the very warmth of his body fall over her own like an ocean's wave. Now Kagome was not what one would call 'experienced' by any means. Yuka, Eri and Ayumi often spoke of their first, awkward sexual exploits in the few times she'd spent over at their house in these recent weeks. All of them had mentioned an 'electric current'. She had a faint idea of what it might be but now she knew for certain. What had started out as just a simple ploy to tease her companion into letting her up from her bed had evolved into something much more carnal. The young woman wet her lips in anticipation as she allowed him to lower his mouth back to her neck.
"Souji…" She called his name out of a primal instinct. Her heart beat rapidly beneath her chest as her breath caught in her throat. The heat of his tongue roved over the flesh of her collarbone before moving upwards. She angled her head to the side and tightened her legs around his waist. Suddenly, he ground his hips against hers and she felt her world stop. Her eyes widened as a gasp became stuck within her throat. She stiffened slightly beneath him at the new flurry of sensations. This was going too far, too fast. As much as she trusted him, she wasn't sure if she was quite ready to progress much further than this in their relationship. She knew that and judging from the way his hands trembled at her hips, he did as well. "… We can't…" She tried to force out however his teeth grazed at a particular spot between the crook of her neck and shoulder.
"This is as far as I'll go." The man promised heatedly. To emphasize his point, he drew his hips back slightly and the pressure building up from before started to fade away. She felt his fingers curl more firmly around her waist as he buried his nose further into her neck. "Just a little longer." She relaxed beneath him slightly as he kept his hands at her hips—fulfilling his promise to not push this aspect of their relationship any further. However his mouth returned to suckling on her flesh. She took in a sharp breath as she felt his teeth biting a bit more firmly at her—the sensation of which sending electric currents from her hands to the tips of her toes.
Was this what her friends had talked about? The intensity. The desire. She didn't know what to do or how to react. So she simply placed her hands upon the wide planes of his shoulder blades and held him close to her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, her thoughts registered that the attention he was showering her with now would result in very significant marks. Yet, a sigh escaped her lips as he found an unusually sensitive spot, she couldn't help but allow him to continue. He showered her body with aggressive affection, moving from one spot to the next and not letting up until he was completely satisfied with his work. Okita slanted his mouth against hers in a sensual kiss as he shifted to lean over her more heavily.
"You have no idea how much you tempt me." They were whispered in the space of a breath away from her. She could feel his lips lightly brush against her own with each word he uttered. She no longer knew whether he was speaking to her directly or simply to himself at this point. However she didn't have the time to think about it as the man above her pressed his mouth more firmly against hers as their breath slowly returned to normal. This was what she liked to call the 'wind down' phase. The moments when the heat of desire had passed but neither of them were ready to move just yet.
Azure eyes met emerald in a soulful stare. Who exactly was this man to her? How was he able to throw her off so completely? Ever since her return three years ago, she'd shut her true self away from the world outside. She'd erected a concrete barrier to protect the fragile nature of her heart. Still this stranger, this man had managed to pierce through even the strongest of barricades that she'd used to protect herself. The night when she first found him in the well, she honestly couldn't believe what she had seen. A man not of her time had been unconscious at the bottom. He seemed so lost, so ill and so utterly helpless. It sparked something within her—a memory of being scared, alone and confused in a darkened forest and the fearsome howl of a youkai reverberating through the night. It brought forth the memory of a tearing pain at her side and the horror of bearing witness to the Shikon's rebirth. She'd been so completely defenseless then. This man was the same as her.
Perhaps that was why she had trusted him so easily. He'd been thrown into a similar predicament as her own. He'd been ejected from his era into an unknown reality. He'd had the only thing he'd ever known his entire life yanked out from under him. He was the same as she'd been three years ago. Lost and alone. Helpless and incapable of standing on his own two feet. She hadn't wanted that for him. She wanted to see his strength return. She wanted to see him hold his daishou once more and fight with all of his strength. She also wanted him to make it back through to the other side of the well, where history itself would be waiting to mark his name upon its pages.
Of all the things Kagome had learned about Okita, the one that stuck out to her the most was the fact that he had always been so kind. Despite his struggles and frustration he never once lashed out at her. He never blamed her and often offered her comfort during her times of need. This person was not someone that had ever caused her any harm. In fact, the young woman's expression thawed as she smiled up at him, he'd only done the opposite. Kindness was something that she'd only gotten used to giving, never receiving. It was always expected of her to be gentle and kind towards others. It'd been a role she was supposed to have filled simply because that was her 'duty' to the village she served in her travels. It wasn't that her kindness was faked, but in many instances it'd definitely been forced. With Okita, that wasn't the case. She truly wanted to be kind to him. She wanted to ensure that he had all the things she didn't when she first crossed over: comfort, support and people who cared about him. She didn't want him to feel used or that he was some sort of burden. She wouldn't allow another person to experience the pain and suffering that she did—not if she could help it.
"Souji," He quirked a brow at her as she spoke up, "You asked me what I wanted us to be." The ronin remained silent as she pressed forward. "Being in a relationship like this, its, well," Kagome hesitated as the heat of her fever returned in full force. It was likely that she'd gotten over stimulated from her companion's affections. However she couldn't bring herself to regret that. He was the only person she ever found herself trusting on such a deep level. She couldn't bring herself to feel shame or remorse for the brief intimacy they'd just shared. The eighteen-year-old took a moment to breathe deeply between her teeth before continuing. "I'm not exactly used to it. I'm clumsy, I'm moody and I'm definitely not the nicest person when I first wake up in the morning." Now she was rambling. Great. If he didn't think she was an idiot before then Okita likely did now. Why was she always so bad with these kinds of things? She felt her cheeks heat even more. "But, I want to try. With us that is. At least whatever our relationship is anyways."
A small smirk splayed across his lips. It was so familiar to her yet somehow different, almost soft in a way that she wasn't used to. Why was it that every time she found herself in this type of situation her inexperience would always show quite painfully? She felt like a lost little lamb in a sea of sharks. As much as she tried, she couldn't quite navigate the currents on her own. She pursed her lips into a thin line. She really needed to learn how to direct her own course.
"In other words," His voice broke through the awkward silence as he smiled down on her. "You're just a normal woman prone to bouts of mood swings and chocolate cravings."
Kagome's expression quickly soured, "Not cool. Did you pick that up from Souta?" The little brat had been teaching him too many bad puns and phrases. She needed to do something about that otherwise she'd have not one but two pests to deal with.
Okita laughed as he nuzzled the side of her face with his cheek, "It could have been but it could also have had something to do with those horrid romance movies your friends always make us watch." He pressed his lips to the high bone of her cheek before sitting up on his haunches. "Either way, if you want this then I won't hold myself back… much." His grin turned lopsided as he threw a heated stare down at her exposed belly. "Can't say that I regret what happened this morning though. I didn't expect you to be so bold. Gotta admit that I like the change." He offered her his hand and she tentatively took it; sitting up beside him and watching his every moment in a mixture between fascination and curiosity. In spite of her own inhibitions, she found her eyes watching the way his muscles would ripple just beneath his skin with every shift and turn. She turned her head the opposite direction. Now was not the time! If he caught her staring right now then he'd likely push her back on the bed and she did not need that at this moment. She still needed to shower for goodness sakes!
"Like what you see?" He'd dipped his head and inquired just beside her ear. Kagome jumped slightly. Damn it, she'd been caught! Well she could play this one of two ways. Either pretend to not understand what he was talking about and have him tease her mercilessly, or she could run with the situation and see where it led them. Oh how dangerous these waters were that she was now treading.
The young woman shot him a sly glance, "So? I'd say it's only fair after the eyeful you got." She gestured to her exposed stomach as the blush from before returned in full force. "That wasn't the first time either. I've seen you looking at my legs a few times before this."
His grin turned sharp as his eyes narrowed, "Ah so you knew about that?"
She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head, "Like I wouldn't know." As if to tease her even more, his gaze dropped to the naked flesh of her thighs. She sat up more firmly as she tucked her legs under herself. His lips pulled into a line as if he were pouting that he'd been thwarted. "I still have to shower, thank you very much! I think we've gone far enough for one day." The young woman flashed him a quick smile as she took his hand within her own. "Thank you."
His expression suddenly shifted into one of shock as his eyes widened drastically. His grip was lax within her own but the sincerity in her tone must have taken him by an even greater surprise than she anticipated. She curled her fingers around his as her smile softened.
"For worrying about me." She closed her eyes as a warmth spread through her chest. "Outside of my family you're one of the first who's ever cared so much. Although I have to admit that you do have a very unique way of trying to get me to rest." She laughed but Okita remained silent. His eyes flashed with concern and something else—something that bordered on the fierce. Perhaps that was part of his warrior blood rising to the surface. He was always passionate about anything that took his interest. And she certainly seemed to have interested him.
"Be honest with me," His voice was low as he drew his arms around her once more, "Why are you thanking me? To be given gratitude for being human it's, well," He struggled with the words for a moment. The ronin's brows furrowed as he pulled her to his chest. She splayed her palms across the wide planes of his flesh as she closed her eyes—enjoying the warmth that seemed to emanate from his very soul. "I think you've got the wrong idea about me." He gave a small, sardonic laugh. "I've been cruel. I've killed. These hands aren't ones that are good at giving comfort to another." He buried his nose in the crook of her neck as she felt the heat of his breath upon her flesh. There was a melancholic tone to his voice as he continued. "I've done nothing that needs thanking for." His fingers wrapped around her chin lightly and forced her to look him in the eyes. "You've done more for me than the other way around. So don't go selling yourself short, kid. It doesn't suit you." That lopsided grin returned to his expression once more. "Although if you want to thank me for those hickies I gave you then we can talk."
Azure eyes widened drastically as her hand immediately went to the area upon her neck that he'd lavished his attention on. Had he really? How bad was it!? Oh gods, her mother was going to slaughter her!
"Souji!" She practically screeched, desperately attempting to see if she could spy the bruise without the use of a mirror. However luck would not be on her side. He casually wrapped his arms behind his head and leaned back. "You didn't!"
"You weren't complaining then." The man commented lightly with a wide, self-satisfied grin spread across his lips. "In fact I think the only thing you were saying earlier was my name. That was pretty hot, you know."
She pointed an index finger at him ominously, "I will get you back for this!" With that, she leapt from the bed and began to make her way towards her bathroom. However a pair of strong arms suddenly stopped her as they wrapped themselves around her waist.
"Wait," Okita paused as his voice dipped with concern once more. She felt her breath catch in her throat as the tips of his fingers trailed diagonally from just beneath her bra, across the space of her back before ending just above her waist on the other side. She'd forgotten. That scar. She hadn't shown it to him before now. Her back stiffened as she felt the heat of his gaze upon the three parallel lines that she knew marred her back. The young woman stiffened slightly at his touch. She'd never told anyone about that night. About the fear she experienced. About the sheer terror of witnessing her comrade lose all control that he'd had. About the pain of his claws digging themselves into her back as she fled. Her hands began to shake as the taste of copper and sharp scent of smoke filtered through the haze of her memories.
Useless
That word had been thrown around so often. A burden. Useless. No point in her even being there. Yet she kept coming back. Again and again. Not because she'd wanted to. Hell most days she just wanted to curl into a tiny ball under her covers and cry. She'd been so scared back then. So weak. So utterly helpless. She hadn't anyone looking out for her. Before Sango, she hadn't anyone to teach her. Her fingers tightened into a fist at the memory of the slayer. She ground her teeth together as her heart clenched within her chest. Not now. Of all the times please, just not now!
Okita pulled her to him more tightly. He didn't say a word but simply chose to keep holding her within the comfort of his arms. He didn't push her. He didn't interrogate her. He simply accepted her as she was. That was far more than what Kagome could ever had asked for.
"You said that you trusted me." He was calm and his voice was soothing. She felt his lips press a small kiss to her temple as he continued onwards. "So trust in me now when I say this. Regardless of what happens in the future, I will abide by your wishes. Tell me what you want and I'll respect that." He nuzzled the side of her head affectionately as his arms tightened around her body. "Your mother said that you've already decided to return with me but," He pressed his face into the crook of her neck. "Is that what you want? I'll protect you if you decide to leave with me but I don't want you to feel as if it's something that you have to do. This is still your choice. It was before and it will still be now."
Kagome swallowed thickly as she thought over his words. What did she want? Truthfully all she desired was to continue living in these days of peace and playfulness. She was content to simply live out her life like this with him at her side. However she knew that couldn't happen. It'd change the course of history and this world would likely collapse in upon itself. Okita had to return. That was a given. Still, no matter how hard she tried or what she attempted, the well would only flare to life when she used what remained of the Shikon's power. It was a weak, fluctuating stream that would come and go as it pleased. But it was still there. Even if she managed to get him through to the other side, who's to say he wouldn't just end up in the era she had been before. She bit her lip at that thought. Who would help him then? He'd be abandoned in an even worse situation without her to help him. He wouldn't be able to return home. He'd be trapped. She had to go with him. If only to ensure that he reached his era safely. Afterwards, well, she'd figure it out along the way.
"I'm not a fool." Her words were soft as she reached up to touch his forearm reassuringly. "I know the risks that I am taking. I know what to expect if it fails." And knew the risks, she did. She knew exactly what she'd be walking back into. The horrors. The bloodshed. The scent of gunpowder and gore. She knew the hell she was opening herself up to. But she had to go. This was no longer just about her or her issues. More was at stake than simply her own future. This world depended on it. Besides, even if they were to be thrown back five hundred years once more Kagome knew that at least this time she wouldn't be alone. She leaned into Okita's embrace as she sucked a breath between her lips. "I've made my decision and I stand by it. I swore to you the first night that I would get you back. I intend to fulfill that promise one way or another." She cocked her head to the side and flashed him a warm smile, "I have my own sense of honor too, you know."
He gave a small bark of laughter at that, "You're an idiot." She felt his lips brush against the side of her neck once more. "We still have three months. So don't force yourself into something if you don't need to. It'll still be your decision no matter what."
"You're the bigger idiot putting this on my neck while my mom's still home!" She gestured towards her neck where she knew he'd left his mark. "How do you think she's going to react to it, huh? Didn't think about that, did you?" So maybe she was sulking. But damn it, he called her an idiot!
He smirked against her, "You still loved it."
She didn't deny it either. Instead the young woman carefully extricated herself from his arms and made her way into the bathroom. She threw one more look over her shoulder and smiled at the man perched comfortably on her bed. In this moment she was glad to have met him. No one else had ever made her feel so comfortable before. She'd never so much as thought to show another the scar that marred her back let alone the ones upon her heart. He'd seen the things she had tried so hard to keep secret and still accepted her as she was. To her, that was the best gift anyone had ever given her.
"You're a very kind person, Souji. You shouldn't doubt yourself so much." She'd only spoken what she felt was the truth. The expression that crossed his face was one in between shock and utter confusion. Was it truly that odd for someone to tell him he was kind? Out of the corner of her eye she spied the barest hint of a blush upon his cheeks. How strange. They could be so intimate one moment and he'd be cool as a cucumber but the second she'd call him kind he'd blush. Perhaps she ought to do it more often. She closed the door behind her as she went to work on preparing for the day. Fever or no fever, she had a few things she needed to take care of.
The rest of the morning went as normal. She showered thoroughly, dressed herself in a light, coral colored dress and set to work on hiding the hicky Okita had decided to leave upon her neck. As the teen drew back her hair she nearly cursed at the sight. It was huge! It was nearly half the size of her palm and a dark purple in color. It'd be at least a week before it'd heal completely. A part of her swore that he must've have left it on purpose. The young woman pulled out her several kits of make up and quickly worked on attempting to hide the bruise from view. It'd taken well over thirty minutes to apply everything that she needed to but by the time she was done, only a small sliver was visible and even that could be easily hidden by her hair. She closed up her kits and set them away.
When she emerged Okita had already gotten dressed himself. He was sprawled across her bed clad in jeans and a black button down shirt. Between his hands he held a haiku collection. His brows furrowed as he titled the book from one side to the other—concern written across his expression. He cocked his head to the side as he flipped through the pages.
"What's wrong?" She inquired, taking a spot next to him. The man handed the book over to her hands swiftly.
"I can't read it. It's blurring together." His lips were pulled into a thin line as he glared at the title. She briefly checked it before sucking a breath between her lips. This collection, it was written by the Shinsengumi's commander, Hijikata Toshizo. The young woman sighed.
"That's because they haven't been written yet in your time." She flipped through the pages yet all the words seemed clear as day to her. However for a man such as Okita, it was likely that something very powerful was keeping him from reading any further. Just as with the stories her grandfather had told her of the Shikon. The gods truly did work in strange ways.
He gave her an odd look but didn't interrupt as she continued. "If there are things still left unfinished when you travel to a different era, you won't be able to experience them until they've occurred in your time. For example you were able to get to this poem correct?" She pointed towards the page with the last folded dog ear in the corner. He nodded momentarily and watched curiously. "Then that's because that's as far as Hijikata-san has written in your era. The rest has yet to be created. It's a strange kind of magic and I don't know what its source is. But when you're here you can't foresee your own ending. Or anything related to your journey at all." She handed the book back to him and smiled gently. "It happened to me too so don't worry. It's not that you've gone crazy or that you need to get your sight checked. I guess you could say that it's just fate making sure you don't see things you're not supposed to."
The man snorted as he put the book on her nightstand, "That sounds like a pain in the ass. What's the point of going to a future era if I don't get to see how everything ends?"
A wry smile pulled at her lips, "Because then you'd change history itself. Certain things are set in stone and cannot be altered. Whatever is causing the rift that keeps you from seeing more of that book is also what's going to help send you back. It's just a pain once you figure out what's happened."
Without warning he sat up and pulled her into his lap. She felt his arms work their way around her waist as he dipped his head to the junction of her neck and shoulder. He took a few short breaths before placing a small, gentle kiss on her skin.
"Don't forget," His voice was slightly strained as his arms tightened around her, pulling her closer to his warmth. "The choice will be yours. Don't force yourself for my sake." Oh, that's right. The return back. A small smile pulled at her lips as she felt his arms quiver. He truly was worried for her. She placed her hands over his forearms and gently leaned into his embrace. How long had it been since someone had held her feelings in such regard? How long had it been since someone truly cared on such a deep level about her? Of course her mother and brother loved her dearly, but it was different with Okita. He had no reason to care. He had no reason to want her to return with him. Yet here he was, practically tearing himself apart at the very thought of their separation.
"I've decided for myself. I'm not going to blame you later for this choice, if that's what you're worried about. It's something that I've chosen to do on my own. You can't put that on yourself." The teen turned in his grasp as she moved the palm of her hand to hold his cheek in a gentle cradle, "I want to go with you."
His eyes flickered momentarily before his lips found hers. It was both desperate and full of passion. It wasn't the heady call of their newfound sexual attraction for each other coming to the surface—but rather a physical outpouring of the emotions that they couldn't put words to. The worry, the desperation, the utter need to see this journey to its rightful end. It was all there and given a physical vocalization—not with their words but with their kiss.
The moment they pulled back the ronin gave a soft laugh, "You keep this up and I might just make you my wife on the other side." He pressed his forehead against hers as a wry smile slanted across his lips. "I don't think I'd be okay with giving you up so easily. I'm very selfish, you know."
Kagome shook her head and followed in his laughter, "I think it's still a little early to be talking about marriage. We only just agreed to date."
He gave her ear a soft nip between his teeth, "Too bad. I rather like the idea of giving you my name this time. It's a little weird when people call me 'Higurashi-san' here."
"You're an idiot." She laughed as she began to wriggle her way out of his lap. Despite how warm he was; she still had things to do. At the very least she wasn't late… yet. "Anyways mind letting me go for now? My fever's gone and I promised Mi-chan that I'd meet her soon."
As if to test her, he brought his own palm up and placed it squarely against her forehead. His lips dipped into a line as a look of disappointment crossed his features. "Damn, it really is gone. I was hoping to hold you hostage for a bit longer." To emphasize his point he held her closer to him even through her struggles. "Still, don't think I'll be letting you up that easily. What's that popular saying here? Ah yes, you've got to 'pay the toll' first." A smirk went across his lips as she began to squirm in his grasp.
"No way, I already paid it earlier before my shower! That was more than enough of a toll!" Kagome threw herself from one side to the other—attempting to break free of his vice-like hold but to no avail. That man could seriously hang onto her when he really wanted to.
"Nope. That's not enough." A spark entered his eyes as his gaze lowered to her neck. "You managed to hide the last mark I left so I want to leave another one. That'll be the toll."
She gave him a half-hearted glare, "Not happening." As if on cue her phone began to vibrate. She quickly dove to the side and snatched it from the nightstand. The ronin's arms locked more securely around her waist as he dipped his head, a smirk playing upon his lips. What was he thinking? "Higurashi speaking!" Kagome greeted the person on the other end; twisting in Okita's lap to avoid his rather ravenous mouth as it made its descent upon her neck.
"Gome-chan!" She practically had to yank the device away from her ear at Katsumi's overzealous greeting. "I'm sorry but I've got to cancel on you today! Takeshi's been bugging me nonstop about these votes and I don't have much time today!" The young woman pressed her palm against her significant other's cheek lightly—vaguely attempting to keep him from ruining the make-up job she'd done earlier to hide the first hicky.
"Ow!" Kagome gasped as she felt his teeth scrape along her nape. That little jerk! He just tried to punish her for pushing him away! Azure eyes narrowed as she slapped her palm fully over his mouth in retaliation. His gaze turned into thin slits as something flickered across his expression. For some reason, she really didn't like that look on him. It seemed devious somehow. "Souji…" She gave off a warning while holding her phone just far enough away so Katsumi wouldn't hear her.
Then it happened. His tongue drew a long, wet line across her palm. She scrunched her nose in disgust and pulled back her hand to observe the glistening trail of saliva across her palm. A self-satisfied smirk spread across the man's lips however it quickly dipped into a sour pout as she wiped her hand across his shirt—leaving a white path of human drool in its wake.
"I warned you." Kagome mouthed at him. His lips pressed into a line as he reluctantly released her from his hold. Presumably to locate another shirt to replace his now ruined one.
"You there, Gome-chan? You're not angry with me are you? Don't be mad at me! You know I love you!" Katsumi practically shouted on the other end.
The teen sighed heavily, "I'm not mad. I was just a bit distracted is all, but yeah that's fine. When did you want to meet up? Monday after school sound good?"
"That sounds perfect! I'm sure I know what's distracting you anyways so I'll just leave you two love birds to it. Just be sure to use protection!" With that the other girl hung up as Kagome's face flushed several shades darker. Protection, huh? She coughed into her hand as she tried to shake the uncomfortable thoughts away. It was still a bit early for that anyways.
Okita returned in a simple, loose fitting white tee that he managed to scrounge up from his room. A scowl was plastered across his expression as he pointed a long index finger at her, "That wasn't nice. Not nice at all."
She shrugged nonchalantly, "And you trying to give me a second hicky was? I can't exactly walk around in public like that, you know."
A lopsided grin suddenly slit his features, "That's the point."
Her brows furrowed at him. Did he just…? As she opened her mouth to reprimand him, his phone suddenly went off. Well that was odd. The next appointment wasn't for another two weeks. Could it be a call back on one of his applications?
"Souji speaking." The man refused to use the 'Higurashi' surname as he greeted the person on the other end of the line. "Ah, yes I remember." He tilted his shoulder away from her as he continued on with his conversation. "Monday? Sure, that sounds doable. What time do you need me there? Right, I'll see you then." With that he hung up and flashed her a victorious smirk. "Looks like I'll no longer be the bum of the house."
She perked up from her spot on the bed, "Did you find a job?"
"Of course. I'm not going to sit around on my ass all day while you do the heavy lifting." The ronin winked at her as he put his phone back in his pocket. "I have my pride as a man, you know."
Kagome laughed heartily, "You mean as a warrior, right? Can't just let a woman take care of you?" Okita sat back on the bed as he wrapped his arms around her once more.
"Not when she's running herself to illness every time I turn my back." He swiftly pulled her back into his lap as he nuzzled the side of her face. "Don't think I'll be letting you do that to yourself. You work hard enough as it is. I can take care of myself now." His lips pressed against the space behind her ear, sending a pleasurable shiver down her spine. "Besides shouldn't you be thinking about what you want to do with your future? I heard about this college thing from your mother. Are you sure you really want to give up on that?" His tone dropped into something more serious as an unusual tenor of worry entered his voice.
"You like to double guess, don't you? But yes I'm sure." She leaned into him as she wrapped her arms around his. "I made a vow to you when you first came here. I intend to see it through to the end. There's nothing you can say or do that'll change my mind." She briefly turned her head to smile up at him. "Just don't go getting cold feet on me. I'm willing to take the risk. What about you?"
He didn't answer her with his words. Instead his mouth came down upon hers softly yet passionately. He locked one of his hands behind her head as the other held her more securely around her waist. There was a desperation in his kiss but also something much kinder as well. It was as if he were torn between two decisions—uncertain of which one to choose.
He pulled back briefly and rested his forehead against hers, "I won't stop you but," Okita closed his eyes and released a sigh through is teeth. "What of your family? Are you okay leaving them behind? My era isn't peaceful. It's not an easy place to make a living out of. War can break out at any moment and someone's always getting killed in the streets." Emerald eyes narrowed as he pinned her with a serious stare. "Are you really willing to risk that? To never return here and accept that kind of life? It's your decision."
So that's what he was worried about. She loved her family, of course. She loved the fact that she was able to spend so much quality time with them in these past two years. More than anything her adventures in the past had shown her just how much she'd taken fore granted in this era. The convenience, the peace even her friends. These were all things that she didn't have back then. Right now, Okita was worried that she'd have to return to that hell hole she'd been through before. He was worried that she was giving up something that she'd regret in the long run. For the fact alone that he was considering these issues so far in advance, Kagome felt her respect and affection for him grow. This man was the first to ever be so kind towards her. Even now he was only thinking about her best interests. How long had it been since someone outside of her mother and brother had done such a thing? A warm smile spread across her lips. She knew what her choice would be and she wasn't going to back away from it now.
"I want to go with you." The young woman gently cupped his cheek into the palm of her hand as she smiled warmly at him. "The real question is, what is your decision?"
The ronin paused, as if contemplating her words. Then he brought his lips just inches from her own, "I want you with me." They were spoken barely above a whisper, but she heard them all the same.
"Then I'll stay by your side. So long as you'll put up with me that is." She laughed as a wide smile spread across his lips.
"Don't worry, I don't get mad I just get even. Now, I think I still owe you a punishment for that dirty little trick you pulled earlier." His eyes darted down to her neck as a heated look overtook his features. "I had to change shirts because of you."
"That was your fault! Don't pin the blame on me, mister I have no self-control!" Kagome prodded at his chest roughly with her index finger, enjoying the way his shoulder moved back slightly at the force.
"Hn, all the same. I think I want to exact my revenge now." As soon as those words left his lips, she found herself pushed upon her back with him hovering over her. His hands slipped between hers as his lips crashed down upon her mouth feverishly.
The well wouldn't open without her power. If she were selfish then she'd condemn this man to living in her era and risk altering the lines of history itself. However if she were to follow with her duty as decreed by the gods then she'd just open the well and send him through without following. However none of those things were what she wanted. To be separated. To never see how his life would play out from this point forward. To only have these memories and nothing else. That would hurt her more than anything else. In these few short months Okita had done more for her than anyone else. She wanted to walk beside him. She wanted to support him. She wanted to be there for him when things would eventually turn for the worse on the other side. She wouldn't call this love but she definitely felt something for this man. Something that went beyond the typical 'host' and 'guest' relationship. He was more to her than just a burden or a duty. He was a cherished person that she wanted to help in any way she could. If he was going to return to his era then she wanted to be right there with him—supporting him every step of the way. That was all there was to it, really.
She loved her family. She really did but even her mother was aware that this kind of life wouldn't last forever. Eventually she'd have to stake out her living on her own and given her history with her previous schools, it wasn't likely that she'd be able to earn a living in this time on her own. It'd been an uphill battle just to get back on track. Now she was facing an even larger battle to figure out what career she wanted for herself. Not to mention the fact that she'd already missed the entrance exams for college this year. It was a difficult time with little job prospects and even fewer opportunities to move upwards. It was the catch twenty two. So she made her decision. She would follow Okita back to his time. From there she'd do what she could to support him and find her place. It was what she truly wanted.
His hands moved to the hem of her dress as he began to pull the cloth from her body once more. She sat up and lifted her arms, helping him to remove it along the way. She trusted this man. Because she trusted him, she would walk beside him. If there was ever anyone that she knew she could rely on, it was Okita. Within minutes the two were back in the positions they were prior to her shower as he lowered her onto the mattress. His mouth slanted roughly against hers as she clung to his shoulders. Wherever this relationship was going, she wanted to see it through to its proper end.
The ronin slipped his hands to one of her thighs as she arched further into him. She had no experience with love. The only experience she had with physical intimacy was what Okita was giving her now. She only had her instincts and heart to go by in these kinds of situations. So she'd follow the path set before her. It'd be a difficult one. She knew that. He wasn't some innocent boy who'd been dropped on her. He was a man who'd lived on the battlefield and slain his enemies for the sake of his country. He'd been hardened by the time he'd spent fighting. She trailed her finger across a light-colored scar that marred the tip of his shoulder. Just like her, he carried his stories upon his heart and body. For a man like him to show her so much concern, she was grateful. She wasn't going to waste the opportunity presented to her now.
A sigh left her lips as he lowered his mouth to her neck once more. No matter where this led or what ending they'd find themselves stuck with, Kagome knew that she wouldn't regret this decision. Not now. Not ever. She closed her eyes as he showered her with his affection. No more running. Starting tomorrow, she'd face her troubles head on with Okita at her side. Nothing else could make her happier. He kissed her once more as she lost herself to his touch. This was all she needed to be happy.
A/n: So I decided to change things up a bit with this chapter. Firstly I thought it'd be important to get Kagome's thoughts on the things going on around her right now. How exactly she feels about Okita and what point she thinks their relationship has progressed to. I actually intended on including a few other scenes with Katsumi and the well in this chapter but that didn't exactly pan out. Now to answer a few questions that have popped up. Firstly, how is Kagome not getting TB herself? Well truthfully TB can only be passed through laughing, coughing, sneezing, spitting, speaking and singing. Also to keep in mind that Kagome is from an era and country that does immunization. So even if it were to attempt to infect her, the risk of actual infection due to immunization would be incredibly low for her. Especially now that he's being treated and thus less likely to infect another.
Also another thing that people might ask about this chapter. Why is Okita referred to by his surname when Kagome calls him "Souji"? The answer there is fairly simple. My style of writing usually dictates a specific name for the descriptions. For example, I started chapter one by describing Okita as "Okita" and therefore I want to carry that through to the finish of the story. This is mostly because it's written in Third Person Closed Point of View. There won't be any "I's" other than in typical dialogue. If this were written in first person then you'd see Okita described as "Souji" when focusing on Kagome's perspective. In short, when using descriptive terms for them I prefer to keep it simply as "Okita" rather than switching to "Souji" for one chapter and then back to "Okita" the next. It keeps things a bit simpler and it feels more natural for me.
It'll probably be a day or so before I'll have the fully explicit version up on AO3 so I hope you'll be patient with me in this regard. This chapter actually ended up giving more trouble than I intended it too because I'd gotten so used to writing in Okita's point of view. XD It was difficult to switch over to Kagome without some of his influences coming through. Also, in case you were wondering, they have not had sex yet. There's a bit of lime but no full on sex at this point. The explicit version will cover what exactly happens between these two once I get that up and running. Anyways, sorry it took so long for me to get this up guys! I actually picked up a temp job at my family's company so I don't exactly have as much writing time as I would like. XD I'll try to do a bit better in the next chapter to have it up by Sunday though. I think I'll do Kagome's perspective for one more chapter before switching back to Okita so we can cover the things that I wasn't able to get to in this one. I hope you've all enjoyed and as always, you are all amazing! Free internet hugs, cookies and milk (if you want it) to you all. XD