A/N: Wow! Thanks to all of you who reviewed! So glad you like my story! So here goes Chapter 10! Enjoy, and remember to read and review! This is an R rated fic due to Inu Yasha's language and Miroku's thoughts. You have been warned. Enjoy and please review! It encourages me to write the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Inu Yasha characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi!
Recap:
As she listened to the songs of the chirping crickets, the muffled sounds of the foraging night creatures, and felt the gentle breeze envelope her, Sango too began to fight off the weariness of sleep. Kirara had moved closer to her mistress and the warmth against her thigh coupled with that of the fox child in her lap was a lure she could no longer fight. With drooping eyes Sango's shoulders slumped, her lithe body falling toward the monk sleeping in an upright position beside her. As her head pillowed into his shoulder, a lean, strong arm encircled the taijiya's waist, pulling her closer to him. For once, in this moment of exhausted need, Miroku would make his hands behave. When he felt Sango snuggle against him, seeking the comforting warmth of his own body, he sighed and once again allowed sleep to claim him.
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Chapter 10: Time Alone
Inu Yasha looked down at the list of instructions Mrs. Higurashi had given him. He sighed as he tried to remember everything the woman had said before she and the rest of Kagome's family drove away. First thing was to give Kagome the medicine for pain. Picking up the strange plastic bottle, the hanyou shook it. The pink pills rattled loudly. Inu Yasha set the pills down and went to fill a glass full of water, then once again picked up the pill bottle and headed for the living room.
Kagome was snuggled in her pillows flicking through the T.V. channels, a bored look on her face. Her family had left over two hours ago, and so far Inu Yasha had said hardly two words to her. She had watched him as he sat down on the floor, watching the pictures move on the television set. That had lasted only a half hour. Restless, the hanyou had left, telling her he was going to fix something to eat. That had been over an hour ago. Now she sat alone, on the couch, wondering what he was doing. The constant pain in her leg had kept her from asking Inu Yasha if he needed help. Though she thought she had heard the kitchen door slide open briefly. So she knew he had gone outside for a while.
"You need to take this." He surprised Kagome when he appeared beside her and thrust the bottle of pills and the glass of water at her. "Your mother said you needed them for pain."
"Arigato, Inu Yasha." Kagome took the bottle. After reading the directions, she opened it and took out one of the pink pills, then replaced the cap. Taking the water, she swallowed her medicine, grateful that her hanyou had given her the medicine. Her leg was really starting to hurt.
When Inu Yasha was about to turn back away, Kagome reached out and grabbed a hold of his sleeve. "Ano…Inu Yasha, won't you sit with me for a while."
Inu Yasha looked down into her hazel eyes, feeling a constricting in his chest. He saw the pain in them, whether it was from her injuries or his aloofness to her though, he did not know. Finally sitting down on the floor in front her, he set the empty glass and medicine bottle down on the floor next to him.
"Inu Yasha?" The miko said tentatively.
"Hn?" He kept his eyes on the television.
"Are you mad at me?" Kagome had no idea why the inu youkai was acting like this. He had been scowling all morning, looking at her as if he were a caged animal wanting his freedom.
"No." He said simply.
"Then why won't you talk with me? Why are you avoiding me?" Her voice sounded so sad, so rejected.
"I don't know, Kagome. You did sit me twice this morning for nothing!" Inu Yasha retorted. His back still hurt from the forceful subduing spell.
"Gomen ne, Inu Yasha. I didn't mean to. I don't know what got into me." She reached out a hand and ran her fingers through his thick, white hair. The soft strands tickled her fingers, and she sighed at the sensation.
"It's okay." He turned to look at her over his shoulder, giving her one of his rare smiles. "Are you hungry? I made some ramen."
"Hai, sounds good!" She let her hand fall away as he stood up and left. She would have to make this time alone with her hanyou more enjoyable, somehow.
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Miroku woke to a weight on his chest. Opening his eyes, a waterfall of jet-black hair spread across his upper body. During the night, he must have lay down, bringing the taijiya with him. Sango's head rested on his chest, her long hair hiding her delicate features from his view. With a shaky hand, he brushed back the taijiya's hair, taking in a silent breath at the beautiful woman before him. A peaceful expression graced her face as she slept. Her slightly opened mouth puffed air with each breath she released, stirring the purple fabric of his robes. His eyes rested on her lips, pale rose that begged to be touched by his own lips. Miroku swallowed hard, fighting the need building up inside him to kiss the woman before him and taste her sweetness.
'She's going to kill me if she wakes up like this.' The houshi thought as he continued to appraise the sleeping woman. Her long dark lashes fluttered occasionally as she dreamed. 'What do you dream about, my beautiful Sango, I wonder?' Miroku pondered as he watched the slight movement of her eyes beneath her closed lids. He sighed again before finally moving. Ever so carefully he tried to remove himself from beneath the demon huntress without waking her, but he never did have good luck with Sango.
Her eyes fluttered open, "H-Houshi-sama?" Sango's sleep ridden voice questioned as she opened her eyes. The filmy haze of sleep still clouded her dark brown eyes, slightly obscuring her vision. Blinking repeatedly, she suddenly bolted upright. "Houshi-sama!" Sango exclaimed, her cheeks burning a bright crimson.
"I did nothing, I swear, Sango. I only woke up and you…uhm…nothing happened!" Miroku finally said as he scrambled back from her, fearing a massive beating with her boomerang.
"I must have fallen asleep. I-I…" The taijiya fumbled for words.
"Let's just get going Sango. The village is not far, and the sun has only been up for a short time." With that the monk stood up and walked off, the need for privacy and space from the woman great.
Sango stared at his retreating back. 'Did something happen? I would have known if he'd touched me, right?' She turned to the kitsune and fire cat that were watching her intently. "Shippou-chan, nothing happened, right?"
"Don't you know? I was sleeping." The kit yawned widely, flashing his tiny fangs.
Kirara rubbed up against her mistress, as if giving the confused woman comfort. Sango reached down and stroked the soft fur of her companion. "It did feel nice waking up like that. Looking into his beautiful eyes first thing in the morning." She mumbled, her cheeks flushing pink as she spoke her thoughts aloud.
Miroku had come back from relieving himself, his face full of shock as he barely caught her softly spoken words. 'Did Sango just say that?' His eyes widened before they narrowed to near slits. 'Baka, you are hearing things. Sango would never think such things. She loathes you because of your wandering hands.' He berated himself for allowing his ears to play such tricks on him, but still, he could have sworn he heard the words from her.
"Let's go." Miroku flinched at the harshness of his voice. Sango just looked at him bewildered, but let it slide as Kirara transformed into her youkai form and once again the small group climbed on the fire cats back and took to the sky.
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"Ha! I won again!" Kagome exclaimed as she laid her final card face down on the pick up pile. "That's six game in a row so far!" She smiled brightly at the fuming hanyou.
"I still say you cheated!" He mumbled under his breath, his golden eyes glaring at her.
"Mou, Inu Yasha! You are such a sore loser!" She reached over and ruffled the hair between his ears.
"Stop that! I'm not a dog!" He jerked back from her, anger flashing in his eyes. Inu Yasha hated it when Kagome did that to him, treating him like a common mutt needing placating.
She giggled as she watched his scowling features. "Gomen, I couldn't resist."
"Feh!" He turned his head to the side, hiding the smirk he felt curving his mouth. She was just too cute to stay mad at. 'Cute?' The hanyou turned to look back at her, studying her features. The sunburn on her cheeks had begun to peel, the dead skin bubbling up in patches. Her delicate nose had a large piece of the dead stuff flaking on it. He reached out and plucked it off with his claws. Yes, she was definitely cute.
"What are you doing?" Kagome asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at him.
"Your face looks like shit!" He snorted, trying to hide his previous thoughts behind his harsh words.
"Osuwari!" She screamed.
Inu Yasha growled as his face met the floor. "What the fuck was that for!" He mumbled into the carpet.
"For being a jerk!" Kagome pulled herself up, swinging her leg over the side of the couch. Before the subduing spell wore off she was on her feet, gritting in pain. In her anger the miko forgot about her injured leg. Tears sprang to her eyes and she gasped against the sharp pain that shot through her.
"Baka!" Inu Yasha jumped to his feet, catching her before she crumpled to the ground. "What do you think you are doing? You know you aren't supposed to get up!" He snapped at her as he lay her back down on the couch, carefully resting her leg back on the pile of pillows.
"I was going to the bathroom, if you don't mind!" Kagome snapped back at him.
Before she could protest, the hanyou swooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest. Holding her bridal style, he marched to the bathroom, the stunned girl glaring at him. Once they had reached the bathroom, he stood there, a confused look on his face before a pink flush spread over his features.
"Well, are you going to put me down or just stand there?" She asked, not yet comprehending the situation.
"Um…Kagome, I can't leave you. How are you going to…uh…well…"
"Oh!" Heat rushed from her throat to the roots of her hair as the miko realized her situation. "I will be fine. I'll only be a minute, and besides, I want to see my face!"
Inu Yasha looked into her eyes, regretting saying what he had. He turned her toward the mirror, allowing Kagome to see her face in the looking glass over the sink. "Oh, no. My face is peeling. I look awful!" She traced her fingers over the bubbling skin, frowning as it flaked at her touch.
"You look fine. It's not that bad." He said in a softer tone.
"I'm never going without my sunblock again!" The girl sighed. She giggled at the confused look on her hanyou's face.
"What are you talking about?" Inu Yasha asked in bewilderment.
"Oh, never mind. Will you please put me down now. I really need to go." She lightly demanded.
"Feh." He set her down gently, holding Kagome up with one hand wrapped loosely around her upper arm.
"Inu Yasha! Out!" She screamed at him, her eyes glaring daggers.
"Fine! But be careful!" He ordered as he left, slamming the door behind him. His ears flattened as the loud bang of the door offended his sensitive hearing.
Kagome held onto the counter, gripping it tightly as she fumbled with her skirt. She hopped over to the toilet, completed her business, and grasped the counter once again easily pulling up her panties. Her face went blank as she discovered she couldn't get her skirt back up. She bent down several times, trying to grasp the article with one hand while the other held onto the sink, her casted leg bent slightly behind her. Finally grasping the material, she yanked it up, letting go of the sink to hold it in place while she zipped it up. Trying to maintain her balance, the miko suddenly grabbed for the counter as she wobbled backwards.
Inu Yasha stood outside the bathroom door, his ears perked as he listened to the groans and annoyed mumbling coming from inside the bathroom. 'What the hell is taking her so long?' The hanyou was running out of patience. Inu Yasha jumped when he heard a loud crash. Throwing open the door, he gasped at the sight before him. There lay Kagome, her broken leg raised in the air, her back on the floor, giving him a perfect view of her polka dotted panties. His eyes nearly bulged before he mentally shook himself and rushed to the fallen girl's side.
"Are you alright?" he asked as he pulled her into him, turning his flushed face from hers. This only made matters worse as his eyes met the still unzipped skirt hanging low around her knees. Gulping audibly, he turned his gaze to the floor, his blush deepening.
"I'm fine. Could you help me up, Inu Yasha?" He nodded as he pulled her to her feet, careful not to injure her more. Kagome winced, her bruised ribs had not faired well in her fall. "Turn around, so I can put my skirt back on, but don't let go!" Kagome ordered.
Inu Yasha did as he was told, holding her by her left shoulder, his face turned toward the door. She leaned down, pulling the inu hanyou with her, before standing up again. With two free hands and Inu Yasha steadying her, she had her skirt up and zipped in no time. "Done." Kagome said, trying to ignore her embarrassment.
Once again, Inu Yasha picked her up bridal style, carrying her back toward the couch. His eyes focused on his destination. There was no way he could look her in the eye after that experience. He groaned inwardly, it would definitely be a very long three weeks.
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Kirara landed just outside Kaede's hut. The weary and hungry travelers all but stumbled into the small hut. Kirara was cradled in Sango's arms, red eyes drooping as she looked up at her mistress. Shippou sat on Miroku's shoulder, his green eyes wide awake and full of life, having done nothing but sleep the entire journey back to the village, he was not sleepy at all. Miroku looked haggard. His robes were wrinkled and his violet eyes looked dull, lacking their usual mischievous shine.
Kaede was working in her herb garden when the travelers appeared. Groaning slightly as she stood, the elderly priestess walked slowly over to the small group. "You have finally returned." Kaede said, smiling at her weary friends.
"Is Kagome okay?" The kitsune immediately rushed over the old woman, his bright green eyes shining with worry.
Kaede looked at the kit before turning to the others. Deep concern reflected in their eyes as they waited for the miko to respond. "I do not know. She was badly injured, so I sent her and Inu Yasha back to Kagome's time. They have not yet returned."
Four sets of eyes looked through the forest in the direction of the Bone-Eater's Well. It had been a day and a half since Inu Yasha ran off into the forest with the wounded miko from the future. Surely he would return soon. If not with Kagome, then to at least let them know how their friend was faring.
"I guess we will just have to wait for Inu Yasha to return." Sango sighed. "I'm going to bed, come on Kirara." The tiny neko leapt onto her mistress's shoulder, mewling softly before they walked away.
"I too am quite tired and in need of rest, Kaede-sama. Wake us please, if Inu Yasha returns." The houshi too walked back toward the hut, his mind thinking of nothing else but finally getting a descent rest.
"I see you are full of energy as usual, young kit. Would you like to help me gather herbs?" Kaede smiled warmly down at Shippou.
"No thank you, Kaede-baachan. I'm going to sit by the well and wait for Inu Yasha and Kagome." His face held a sad expression.
"Very well, but you will have company." The old miko stated. "Kouga has been waiting by the well since Inu Yasha left with Kagome."
Shippou's eyes widened. "He doesn't know about the magic well, does he?"
"I hope not. He was here when Inu Yasha took Kagome back to her home. When he asked where he was going I told him to her family." She looked thoughtful for am moment. "I also told him that there was no need to follow, that only Inu Yasha could go to Kagome's country, no other. That was when he left. I believe he followed their scent and knows nothing of the magic of the well."
Shippou let out a big sigh. "I should keep an eye on the baka. If he's around when Inu Yasha comes back, then they'll start fighting again." He shook his head regretfully before dashing off down the forest path to the sacred well.
Kaede returned to her herb garden. It would be a long afternoon of waiting, but perhaps with the houshi and taijiya sleeping, it would at least be a peaceful one.
"Hentai!" Sango's scream echoed through out the village.
"Then again…" Kaede chuckled to herself, wondering how the perverted monk had managed to survive the demon exterminator's harsh beatings. Deciding he must have a thick head, once again she returned to her garden, humming a gentle tune to help pass the time.
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A/N: A little more of Miroku and Sango!!! Gee, I do wonder how Miroku manages to survive all those beatings with only a few painful lumps and bumps? I tried to go for some humor, I hope you guys all thought Inu Yasha and Kagome's part was funny. Don't worry, there will be romance coming next chapter between our hanyou and young miko friend. And no evil cliffhanger this chapter! See, I don't always torture my faithful readers, now do I?!
As usual, Please Read and Review, it helps encourage the next chapter!