New Author's Notes: In honor of the one year anniversary of the 'Confessions Trilogy', I'm performing a massive editing session on all three stories. As you know by now, I've already finished editing the first, and am now posting this one, and will eventually be getting to the third as well, time permitting. I'm immensely proud of all three of these stories, and am contemplating turning this into a yearly tradition so that they can always be improving. The only thing that hasn't changed are the original author's notes, which I didn't have the heart to part with. I hope you enjoy!
Though not described in detail, this story does deal with rape, so be forewarned if that sort of topic bothers you.
Original Author's Notes: Wow! Now that my brain is really getting going on this story, my chapters seem to be getting longer and longer and longer (I sound like the energizer bunny). Either way, if anything starts getting too long or drawn out for you all, just be sure to let me know and I'll try to be more efficient with my words, okay? And I mean it! Be honest if something's bothering you!
In this chapter, the main event finally arrives…the moment you've all been waiting for...the first day of the trial!
I've already explained to everyone that I'm not a lawyer, and I'm not an expert when it comes to the court of law, so if some of you are and realize a mistake be sure to let me know. I would like to try and be as accurate as possible with all of this. And by the way, just to make sure all of you understand, this court will be run like the American court system since I have absolutely no idea what they do in Japan. I suppose I could find out through research but, honestly, I'm too lazy and too busy to do something like that. Sorry. Enjoy!
Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Eleven
Rating: PG-13 (rated for violence, language, and implied sexual situations)
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
This time, it was Kagome's turn to pace a very familiar waiting room at the courthouse, her short black skirt revealing ample amounts of creamy skin, her legs accented by nylons and black pumps, her slim waist outlined by the matching black coat over her shoulders, a blue blouse peeking through the v-neck cut. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, a few rebellious strands falling over her ears and cheeks, all in all giving her a very professional look…which was exactly the opposite of how she felt in the inside.
Outwardly she may have appeared to be the poised young woman she had grown into over the four years she'd spent traveling with Inuyasha, but inwardly Kagome Higurashi felt like a frightened little girl who had barely been able to stomach breakfast that morning and who, except for Inuyasha's pestering, would have conveniently managed to "sleep" through her alarm.
"Kagome, last time you were the one telling me to sit down and relax…I think it's about time you followed some of your own advice," Inuyasha called from where he was lounging lazily in his straight-backed chair, his feet propped on the table. His black baseball cap covered his eyes, and Kagome found herself slightly distracted from her unease thanks how, frankly, sexy her fiancé looked at that moment dressed in khakis and a silver dress shirt complete with a black tie.
She sighed. "I'm sorry." The butterflies continued to do their little dance in her stomach even as she replied, and Kagome had the desperate urge to sit down, but also didn't have the energy, so instead compromised by leaning against the table. "I didn't even expect to feel this nervous today…I don't know why I'm acting like such a fool."
Inuyasha watched Kagome lower her head and slump her shoulders forward in what he had come to see as a sign that she was exasperated and very disappointed in herself. Not appreciating that at all, the hanyou instantly rose to his feet and put his hands on her shoulders, lifting her chin gently with his hand so that she was forced to look at her as he lowered his forehead to connect with hers. He could smell her fresh scent…the scent that was purely Kagome…and had to resist the urge to kiss her.
This time he wanted to just comfort her with his words.
"Kagome, you'll be fine in there today. I know you will." For once there was no sarcasm, and Inuyasha's voice was surprisingly tender. "If you were strong enough to defeat Naraku on your own, then I know you can handle this. And besides, you said that you wouldn't even be…um…" He tried to remember the term she had used the other day when explaining what had transpired at her meeting with Ms. White.
"Testifying?" Kagome finally offered after several silent ticks of the clock.
He nodded, returning to his train of thought. "Yeah, that…you said you won't even be testifying today, so you have nothing to worry about." He gave her a confident smile.
"I guess not," Kagome replied, her forehead still touching his, though she had cast her eyes downward once more. "But I forgot to tell you that some of my friends have been called as potential witnesses, and I guess I'm just a little nervous about what they're going to say. And also, um…" She bit her lip. "You should know that one of those friends is Hojo."
Inuyasha growled reflexively at the mention of the boy's name, though he managed to not let his jealously go further then that. "What do they need him for?"
Kagome worried her lip some more, still not meeting his gaze. "Well, he was the last person to see me the night I was raped, and then he was the first person to find me the next morning and take me to the hospital…so it's only natural that the jury should hear his account of what happened."
For once Inuyasha just seemed to accept what she said without argument, for which Kagome was grateful, and she allowed her eyes to meet his once more as he spoke.
"And who else, exactly, will they be putting on the stand?" He knew his voice had developed an icy edge, but Inuyasha just didn't like the idea of Kagome relying on that Hobo freak, or any of her other silly friends, to help her case. But then again, he didn't like the idea of this trial…if he'd had his way Ted Wilkins would have been dead a long time ago, cut in half by his trusted sword.
"Well let me think," Kagome replied, rolling her eyes upward as she tried to reach back into her memory, recalling what Ms. White had told her. "The doctors who saw me in the hospital will be called for sure…at least one of them will…my mother and grandfather will probably be called, and Ms. White even said that, if needed, Souta could be put on the stand."
Inuyasha listened intently, nodding in approval at every name she listed, so far only disapproving of Hojo. But then, when she stopped, a thought occurred to him and his ears drooped under his hat. "How come Ms. White doesn't want me to testify for you?"
"What?" Kagome blinked in surprise, not only at the question, but also at the hurt tone in which he asked the question. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Inuyasha looked away, his cheeks slightly pink from embarrassment at his insecurity, "You listed all the other members from your family, but no one has asked me to testify for you. I…well…I consider myself a part of your family."
At such a genuinely honest, sincere statement Kagome felt her body grow warm with love, and she put her arms around the hanyou's waist, leaning her cheek against his chest for comfort as he instinctively rested his chin atop her head in what had become his favorite position.
"You are like family to me," She said firmly, "And I know you mean well…but the problem is that Ms. White wouldn't be the only one asking you questions. Mr. Cromwell would as you questions too, and she's already prepared me for the fact that he will probably try to slander my name to win the case." Kagome looked into Inuyasha's eyes steadily. "Would you be able to handle that on the witness stand, with everyone watching, without…you know…transforming?"
Sighing, Inuyasha knew she had a point, though that didn't make him feel any better. But just the thought of someone making Kagome out to be less than the virtuous and honorable woman that she was caused his blood to boil, and he knew Kagome was right. "No," he finally replied verbally, "I probably couldn't. I'm sorry."
Kagome could clearly see that he was ashamed of such a fact, and rushed to assure him that it was no fault of his own, or that it caused her to have any less faith in him. "Inuyasha, that's okay, because I know your demon blood kicks in when you're angry and want to protect me. I don't mind that you can't testify so long as I know you're right behind me with my family, ready to protect me if needed," She gave him a warm smile, "Like you always are."
Her confidence and faith in him caused Inuyasha to blush slightly, but it also meant he puffed out his chest slightly proudly, knowing he would protect her whenever she needed protecting…even during the trial.
"Kagome," he whispered as they made eye contact again, "I love you." He felt her shudder at the confession even though she'd heard it from him before at least a hundred times, and he smoothed a hand over her cheek tenderly. "I just don't want anything bad to happen to you…you understand?"
"Yes," she replied firmly, loving him more than ever. "And I love you too. I always will, Inuyasha. Remember that."
Hearing her say it aloud caused his own heart to quiver, and in response this time he did lower his head to give her a gentle kiss, feeling that the time for words was over, and the contact was so sweet and gentle that Kagome felt near tears. She loved this man, this incredible hanyou…she loved him…she loved him…
The pair broke apart quickly, embarrassed, when someone from behind coughed politely, and Kagome turned to see Ms. White standing in the open doorway with a coat over her arm and her briefcase in her right hand, her left carrying what appeared to be three espresso drinks.
"Sorry if I interrupted something," She commented with a playful smile, not seeming uncomfortable at all as she held out the espresso drinks. "Coffee, anyone?"
"Oh yes please," Kagome responded with an eager nod, accepted the paper cup offered to her while also passing one on to Inuyasha. It was a caramel mocha, and Kagome was in heaven, having desperately needed the caffeine boost.
But Inuyasha was instantly repelled by the strong smell of coffee beans, and the taste, in his opinion, wasn't much better. Not wanting to offend anyone, he just subtly dropped the full cup into the garbage can while no one was looking, an innocent expression on his face.
"So…are you ready to get this started Kagome?" Ms. White set everything down on the table as she spoke, taking care to smooth out her navy blue skirt and matching coat, a white blouse showing underneath. Her hair was back in its usual bun, her thick-rimmed glasses once more on the bridge of her nose, and she looked just as sophisticated and business-like as ever. The woman Kagome had seen for lunch that afternoon was gone.
"I guess I'm ready," she finally replied, not sure what else to say. She couldn't outright lie and say that she felt great, but at the same time Kagome was too embarrassed to admit just how nervous she was. So instead she settled for the always acceptable happy medium.
The blonde woman looked over from where she was digging through her briefcase. "There's no need to be nervous, you know," She said kindly, gazing at Kagome with sparkling blue eyes, seeming to read the younger woman's mind perfectly.
Kagome blushed and looked at her toes, feeling like she was a little girl pretending to be grown up next to a mature, confident woman like Nancy White. "I know I shouldn't be nervous, but I can't help it. I guess it's just natural for me to be a little on edge."
The blonde lawyer nodded in understanding as she closed her briefcase once more. "I understand, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. We'll win…it's a sure thing."
Kagome nodded and found a slight smile on her face in spite of everything, feeling slightly more relaxed in the presence of the confident blonde. She just hoped that some day she would exude such confidence.
Ms. White then turned to Inuyasha, one of her eyebrows raised, clearly showing that she was amused about something running through her head. "And you know the drill, right?"
The hanyou cocked his head and crossed his arms at the unfamiliar expression. "The drill?"
"You know…the fact that you're supposed to leave and go take your seat with the rest of Kagome's family as soon as the trial begins, and that you are not to slip into your possessive, protective fiancé mode at any time."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but nodded. "Yes, I understand that drill." He didn't like the way this woman always managed to appear one step ahead of him. It was unnerving to say the least, a lot like the way Sesshoumaru made him feel sometimes. But then again, he reminded himself, since eventually that attitude would be turned on Kagome's rapist and his lawyer, the hanyou figured he could live with it.
"Good," Ms. White declared, retrieving her jacket once more as she polished off her coffee and disposed of it in the trash. "Now then…shall we proceed?"
Kagome blinked stupidly for an instant, not sure she'd heard the older woman correctly. "But…you just got here, and we're not due in court for another thirty minutes. It's only 11:30."
Ms. White waved the comment aside as she reached for the door knob. "I always prefer to have my clients see the courtroom and get used to it before the trial actually starts. It can be a bit overwhelming at first. And besides," She winked, "I don't need you stewing in here any more. If I let you do that, you'll be a nervous wreck before the judge and jury even arrives."
Kagome blushed at that, wondering if her nervousness was that apparent, but understood the woman's reasoning and so, in the end, decided to follow her out the door with Inuyasha in tow, his arm protectively around her waist.
Compared to where she'd had her hearing, the courtroom seemed like a massive open space that Kagome could only compare to a ballroom, with high, vaulted ceilings, at least ten rows of seats for visitors on either side of the wide aisle, a juries box, and much more space between the defendant's chair and the judge's seat. And, Kagome noted with a sense of foreboding, this room also had a witness stand, just to the left of the judge's platform, whereas the room where the hearing had taken place did not.
Kagome tried not to think about the fact that eventually she would have to sit on that chair that suddenly looked so intimidating.
Ms. White had been right about one thing, which was that the overall setting would seem somewhat intimidating at first, and Kagome felt like thirty minutes wasn't even enough time to begin calming her rattled nerves…though she had to admit that she was beginning to feel a little better by the time others began to file into the courtroom.
Like before, Ted Wilkins and his lawyer did not appear right away, but Kagome didn't mind. Frankly, she would have been the happiest person on earth if one or the other called in sick that day.
"Good morning, Kagome," Mrs. Higurashi whispered as she arrived and slid into the front row behind her daughter. Kagome smiled and turned around to return the greeting, but practically jumped back over the table in shock when she discovered that not only were her mother, brother, and grandfather there, but so were Kouga, Ayame, Sango, and Miroku.
What on earth were they doing? Why had they gone to such trouble to come?
At least it appeared that Ayumi had come through on her promise to get everyone suitable 21st century clothing, which was a huge relief, and Kagome made a mental note to thank her longtime friend for putting forth such an effort.
Ayame was dressed in casual but nice loose green khakis and a loose-fitting dark green sweater that fell halfway down her thighs, her red hair combed down and over her shoulders so that it covered her pointed ears, Kouga at her side with an outfit similar to Inuyasha's, though his dress shirt was a tan color to match the headband (which looked ridiculously out of place) that he always wore under his ponytail. At least the hideous thing managed to cover his ears.
"Wow…" Was all she could manage at first, unsure of what else there was to say. Words couldn't even begin to express the gratitude she felt towards all her friends for going through the trouble of coming out in support. "What are all of you doing here?"
"How can you even ask such a thing, Kagome?" Miroku gave her an artificial hurt look before smiling, and Kagome found herself momentarily distracted by how handsome he appeared in his own purple dress shirt and khakis, his black hair, as always, slicked back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He winked. "We're here to support you."
Kagome blushed slightly as everyone looked directly at her, feeling extremely self-conscious. "Thanks you guys…but you really didn't have to go through all the trouble of coming…"
"We wanted to, Kagome," Sango interrupted kindly, her usual sisterly smile in place, and beside her Ayame and Kagome nodded in concurrence, though they were both clearly a little preoccupied with observing the large, decorated space.
Their curiosity was innocent, and Kagome couldn't help but smile, knowing Inuyasha used to look that way, and still did at times as he continued to adjust to the way things were done in the future.
The only person absent from their little group at that point was Sesshoumaru, but Kagome had decided that the poor demon lord deserved to return to his time to be alone for a while after having been gracious enough to agree to be in the wedding at all. He had endured pillow fights and arguments everywhere he went, along with the overwhelming smells of her time and the incessant questions thrown at him by the ever-talkative duo Yuka and Eri. In fact, they'd asked so many questions about his demon markings, his missing arm, and his strange clothing that Kagome and Ayumi had barely been able to keep up.
Thankfully, the demon lord had realized it would be best if he remained silent, and so had said nothing whenever the girls were at the Higurashi Shrine.
He certainly had earned a little repose, and so, after measuring him herself for his tuxedo the night before, Kagome had taken him back through the well with the promise to come back in a week. Sesshoumaru had merely nodded with a grunt and walked away, but Kagome knew he was true to his word, and had not asked for any other confirmation.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Kagome heard the sound of an opening door from off to the side, and watched as Ted Wilkins appeared, the police officer removing his handcuffs as Mr. Cromwell walked in behind and proceeded to place his briefcase on the defendant's table, throwing his jacket over his seat.
Kagome hated how pressed and put together Ted Wilkins appeared to be at that moment, dressed in a suit and tie and seeming like the perfect gentleman to anyone who didn't know. To her, he would always be a monster…not even Naraku had evoked such hate as this man before her now managed to pull from deep within her soul.
"So Kagome," Ms. White began, and Kagome looked back at her lawyer, "Do all of your friends growl, or just your fiancé?"
The blonde was smirking, and, as Kagome focused, she could indeed hear the low rumble of a growl coming from behind, causing her cheeks to flame in embarrassment. This time, however, it was Kouga who was guilty, clearly having figured out who the man with the red hair was.
But before she could turn around and give him a reprimand, Inuyasha spoke for her. "Listen wolf, you can't go off making a fool of yourself today…it will only reflect badly on Kagome. Do you understand? If that happens you'll have me to deal with."
Kouga huffed. "Whatever, dog-turd." He glanced over at Ted Wilkins and narrowed his eyes. "Though from the looks of things it doesn't look like you taught that bastard a very hard lesson."
Inuyasha gave off his own growl at that, clearly already having forgotten his own warning. "Keh, he's had almost three months to heal, baka. He may only be human, but they have medicine in this time that is different, which would help him heal faster."
The wolf-man waved his hand and frowned. "Stop making excuses."
"What did you say?"
It wasn't even necessary for Kagome to turn around in order to know that the long-time rivals were currently glaring at each other. She could feel the heat on her back, sensing the anger coming from their direction, and shot Ayame a pleading look over her shoulder.
The redheaded wolf seemed to understand, because she nodded and instantly turned to Kouga, placing a hand on his shoulder. Let's remember that today we're here for Kagome…fighting won't solve anything."
Her voice seemed to have an instant calming effect, because Kouga instantly deflated as he turned to his mate with a smile. "I'm sorry, Ayame…it's just hard seeing that guy when all I want to do is rip him in two." His face screwed up into a weird grimace, and he shifted slightly on the bench. "This is really uncomfortable…"
Ayame giggled at his sudden change of topic. "What is?"
"Having my tail stuffed into these pants."
Ms. White had just handed Kagome a plastic cup of water to drink, but she spit it all back, nearly choking, as Kouga's words reached her ears. Trying to ignore the blonde woman beside her, who was giving Kagome a peculiar look, she whirled around to face the wolf man. "You can't say something like that!" She whispered hastily.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "But it is…" He replied innocently.
Inuyasha whacked him over the head with a clenched fist. "When will you learn to just shut your mouth, stupid? Do you think it's comfortable for me to squish my ears under this hat? No! But I can't say that out loud! Do you want everyone here to know that you're a demon?"
It was all said in a heated whisper, with Inuyasha being nothing less than absolutely serious, but Kouga just replied by sending a heated glare in the hanyou's direction as he rubbed his offended head.
Kagome was about to say more, but was forced to turn around at the sound of a door opening, followed by a shrill voice calling out for everyone to rise to their feet. She obeyed, and watched as the judge, who appeared to be much younger than the one she'd had for her hearing, walked up and took his seat dressed in his black robes. He swept his gaze about the courtroom briefly, taking everything in, and Kagome had a brief instant where she wondered what it would be like in his place.
But she was distracted from that thought as she realized that while she'd been preoccupied with keeping the peace between Inuyasha and Kouga, the jury's box had filled so that now twelve people sat in their chairs staring out at the scene before them with blank eyes that said nothing about what they were thinking.
And what was more, the visitor's seats behind her had also filled up so that now nearly every row was full, and while the man sitting beside the judge rose to announce the case number and specifications, Kagome turned to Ms. White and whispered in her ear. "What are so many people doing here? They can't all be interested in my case."
Ms. White raised an eyebrow before turning subtly to sweep her eyes behind her, nodding in understanding as she turned back and gave Kagome an assured smile, placing her hand over the younger girls in comfort. "It's common for lawyers on a break to pop in to other courtrooms and observe…that way they can get a handle on how their colleagues operate, in case they're ever up against each other in court."
With that new information in mind, Kagome turned around to look again and, sure enough, saw that several of the people in the back few rows were dressed exactly like Ms. White and Mr. Cromwell, some carrying briefcases, others jackets, and others still just sipping casually from Styrofoam cups of coffee.
But they weren't the only ones there, and Kagome discovered as she moved her eyes more toward the front that several of her classmates from school were there that day as well, along with some of her teachers. She'd known that Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi were going to be there, and they were, but why were so many others skipping school that day? Just to support her?
Turning to look at her mother, Kagome met the older woman's eyes and mouthed "How did they know?"
Mrs. Higurashi blinked and looked behind her to notice the same people before turning back to her daughter and shrugging her shoulders with a smile. Clearly she thought it was a good thing, but Kagome wasn't sure.
She turned back around to face forward as the judge cleared his throat and began to speak, banging his gavel against the wooden circle atop his desk to get everyone's attention. Kagome felt her heart clench every time wood connected with wood and resounded with a shattering crack.
"This court will come to order. The jury will now hear the opening statements of the prosecution and defense."
Kagome swallowed, trying not to be too nervous as she knew that it was finally starting, not sure if she was relieved or even more anxious that the main event was at long last getting under way. But she relaxed somewhat as Ms. White turned and gave her a confident wink before rising to her feet, smoothing her skirt and walking with poise to stand before the jury, all twelve people gazing back at the beautiful blonde with faces as blank as sheets of paper.
Kagome couldn't help but be impressed by that. She didn't have a clue what any of those men or women were thinking. With a blush she decided she wouldn't be a good person on a jury since her face was always so transparent when it came to her emotions and feelings.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," Ms. White began, placing her hand against the wooden rail that separated her from the twelve people before her, "I don't think there is much that one has to say in a case such as this. You all know why we are here…to find that man," and she pointed at Ted Wilkins with a steady finger, "Guilty of raping this innocent young woman." This time she pointed at Kagome, though her accusing finger was kinder. "It is clear what he has done, but even so it has taken great courage for my client to come before you today and face her greatest enemy. But I have assured her that you all are intelligent people, and I know that throughout this trial you'll come to see how guilty this man is, so that by the end you will all be confident in sentencing him to a life in prison…befitting the criminal he is." Her lips curved upward slightly in a smirk. "Thank you."
Ms. White inclined her head slightly to signal that she was finished, being sure to make direct eye contact with each juror once before finally turning and walking back to her seat beside Kagome…who was staring at the blonde as though she had suddenly grown horns out of her head.
That…was it?
Kagome blinked.
That was all Ms. White was going to say? That it was obvious the man was guilty? Hell, Kagome could have told the jury that!
Seeing the look on her face, Ms. White grinned confidently and winked again, leaning in to whisper in Kagome's ear. "A good lawyer always saves the punch for the end, Kagome…always save it for the end."
Sighing, trying not to feel unnerved at the thought that the woman beside her seemed to have read her mind once again, Kagome sighed and leaned back against the hard back of her chair, trying to get comfortable as she crossed her arms and listened to Mr. Cromwell begin his opening statement, his voice deep and equally as confident as his opponent.
But unlike Ms. White, he took to pacing before the jury rather than standing still, forcing the jurors to follow him, though they all seemed to only do that with their eyes, and not with their heads.
"My client, Ted Wilkins, is a man just like any other," he began, indicating the redhead at the defense table to accent his point. "You see him there? He has two arms, two legs, and a face, just like any man. He breaths just like any man and, just like you or I, he has desires." Mr. Cromwell indicated each of the seven men in the jury box pointedly, but they all just continued to watch the man as though he were as interesting as a molding bowl of jello, the thought of which caused Kagome to softly giggle. She liked that image.
But the defense attorney continued on as though nothing were amiss, beginning to pace again. "So naturally, as my client is just like any other man, it stands to reason that he has the same desires and attractions to beautiful women…like this particular young woman over here." At that he pointed at Kagome, who stiffened slightly and swallowed her laughter as the jury now found her as interesting as the molding jello.
Smirking, he continued. "How could a man resist this woman? None of you are blind…you can see how attractive she is. So I ask you again, how could any man resist such a woman if she is giving signals that she is flirting? Has the world become such a place that when a man acts on his desires after being led on by an attractive woman she can now accuse him of rape?" He paused dramatically before continuing. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I think…no, I know you will find that my client is no guiltier than any of you in acting on his desires, and on what he was led to believe by Miss Kagome Higurashi."
Without even so much as a thank you, Mr. Cromwell finished speaking and walked away, his shoes clicking on the floor and echoing in the otherwise silent room, though Kagome could faintly hear Inuyasha growling behind her…but this time she did nothing to stop him, frankly wishing she could growl.
The hanyou felt his blood reaching a boiling point as he watched the bastard walk back to his seat, reaching with a shaky hand into the gym bag Mrs. Higurashi had brought with her to touch the hit of tetsusaiga, its presence instantly cooling his temper somewhat, though mentally he raged onward, silently yelling at the man who had the gall to defend such a ruthless, heartless criminal.
How dare that bastard accuse Kagome of such a thing! How dare he suggest that she was anything less than virtuous! He knew she would never do that because she had too much pride to allow just any man to touch her, but what was more, she loved him, and would never flirt with someone else!
As though able to read his mind, Kagome felt her body tense as well as she tapped her fingers against her arms where they were crossed, narrowing her eyes and forcing herself to stare straight ahead and out the window beside the judge as she didn't dare allow her eyes to wander over to the defense table.
Ms. White had prepared her for the fact that Mr. Cromwell would no doubt use the angle of trying to prove that she was a loose girl who led Ted Wilkins into sex since that was the only way they had any hope of winning the case, and Kagome thought she had been prepared for that, but…it still hurt to hear someone say such things about her aloud, and in front of her classmates, no less! Her cheeks burned with anger and humiliation at the thought.
The judge, who had been sitting and quietly watching the proceedings with only a slight amount of interest, now sat back in his leather chair and picked up the gavel in his hand, facing everyone in the courtroom save for the jury, which was to his right. "Opening statements have been heard. This trial will recess until 2:30, at which time the defense shall call its first witness." His gavel came down like a clap of thunder, and Kagome found herself wincing at the sound as everyone rose to leave for lunch…or whatever else they planned to do.
Ted Wilkins was quickly put back in handcuffs and led through the side door he'd come through earlier, two police officers at his side. He managed to turn and send a pointed glare at Kagome one more time before the door closed, but she somehow managed to stay still until he could no longer see her before shuddering.
Rising slowly to her feet, she immediately felt arms around her waist, pulling her back against the small railing that separated her from the visitors so that she was partially sitting on it as Kagome leaned back into Inuyasha's chest. She hadn't realized how riled up Mr. Cromwell's opening statement had made her until now, when she noticed as she tried to stand that her knees were shaking.
"Are you alright?" Inuyasha breathed into her ear, his voice full of concern.
Kagome pressed herself even more against him, to which he responded by tightening his hold on her waist. "I guess so," she commented softly in reply.
Narrowing his gaze slightly, though she couldn't see it since he was resting his chin on the top of her head, Inuyasha tried to understand what that cryptic, vague answer really meant. "Is there anything I can do for you Kagome?"
"Just hold me," was her fast reply, turning so that her arms went around his neck as she buried her face in his chest. She felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, mostly from the emotional overload she was dealing with, but refused to let herself cry, repeatedly telling herself to be strong as Inuyasha gently brushed his lips against her forehead.
"Would you guys care to join me for some lunch?" Ms. White's voice cut through the hazy fog surrounding her mind, and Kagome blinked to glance over at the lawyer who was collecting her briefcase and jacket while smiling at the pair. "After all, you don't really have time to go back to your home for food, right?"
Inuyasha tightened his hold instinctively, not wanting Kagome to go anywhere, but Kagome just pulled away and smiled at woman before her. "That would be nice. Is it alright if we all come though?"
Ms. White raised an eyebrow and grinned. "That depends on what you mean by all?"
Kagome blushed, feeling a little silly as she gestured with a sweep of her hand towards everyone who had been sitting in the front row. She wondered if the older woman would think less of her for having so many people there, but Ms. White just smiled and nodded her head.
"That's just fine…it will be nice to get to know some more of your friends, and I'm sure you're all hungry anyway by now." She started to walk towards the doors, but stopped as a thought occurred. "But I have to warn you that the cafeteria food isn't all that good."
Kagome felt her own lips curve up in a genuine smile as she giggled in response. Was cafeteria food ever any good? "I don't think anyone will really care at this point."
"Alright, let's go then since we've only got," the blonde checked her watch, "Approximately an hour and a half. I'd like to be back in court thirty minutes before it starts." And so they all filed out of the courtroom, which was mostly empty by now, as they followed Ms. White down to the courthouse cafeteria for lunch.
"State your name for the record please."
"Hojo."
"And what is your relationship with Kagome Higurashi?"
The brown-haired youth swallowed before replying, glancing quickly at Kagome before looking once more at Mr. Cromwell. "Kagome and I have been schoolmates since she was in the fourth grade. I'm a year older, but I would consider her one of my best friends."
Hearing Hojo's honest compliment, Kagome felt her cheeks redden slightly, both in pleasure and embarrassment. She'd had no idea he still considered them to be close, considering what had transpired when he'd found out about Inuyasha…a certain fight at the prom came to mind at the thought.
The trial had resumed on schedule, the judge's gavel coming down at exactly 2:30 pm, telling Kagome this would be a no-nonsense proceeding from start to finish. The thought was comforting, but not as much as Kagome would have liked, watching from where she sat at the prosecution's table as Mr. Cromwell interrogated Hojo, the lucky (or unlucky, depending on which side of the courtroom you were seated) first witness of the trial.
She could still see the shocked look on his face when he'd registered the fact that they had called his name, and Kagome felt somewhat sorry for the poor boy who she'd once had a crush on…a long time ago. Hojo was so kind and gentle; she felt that he didn't deserve the harsh questions of Mr. Cromwell, or the pointed stares of Ted Wilkins and the people of the jury.
But he had volunteered to be a witness if it would help, so Kagome supposed she could only feel sorry for him to a point.
"You were with Miss Higurashi the night she met my client…is that correct?" Mr. Cromwell seemed completely at ease as he walked casually back and forth on a small path before the witness stand, his hands in his pockets and a slight bounce in his step almost as though he were not in a courtroom at all, but rather taking a casual stroll down the streets of Tokyo.
Hojo simply nodded his head, a stark contrast to the grand show the lawyer before him was giving. "Yes, that is correct."
"And what were you doing that night…just for the record?"
"We were rehearsing for the Shakespeare play our school does every year. This year it was Romeo and Juliet…Kagome was Juliet and I was Romeo, so we were having to put in some extra work after everyone else had left." The young man blushed at the memory, which Kagome saw and rolled her eyes to in response. After all this time the boy still didn't have a clue. It caused her to wonder if he would ever get one and stop being so naïve.
Mr. Cromwell looked over at the jury while voicing his next question. "And were you the last person to see Kagome?"
"Yes."
"What was the last thing she said to you?"
"Um…" He didn't quite look like he understood the question, shrugging his shoulders. "Good night, I guess."
At that Mr. Cromwell's rhythm seemed to be thrown off momentarily as he stopped walking and looked Hojo square in the face, trying to decide if the boy was being smart or if he really meant what he said. During the silence Ms. White couldn't resist chuckling, and even Kagome giggled a little at the incredibly stupid answer. Anyone could see that was clearly not the answer the lawyer had been looking for when he'd asked the question.
Leave it to Hojo, one of the smartest boys in school, to be the last person to get it when it came to the underlying meaning in a person's words.
Finally, after several seconds Mr. Cromwell must have decided Hojo had been sincere, because the older man turned away once more with a roll of his eyes and began pacing once more. "I'm sure she said good night, young man…but what I wanted to know was the last thing you two talked about."
"Oh…" At that Hojo's cheeks turned an embarrassed red as it dawned on him that he'd just made a fool out of himself. Still, he pushed on and answered the question like the honest person that he was. After all, he had nothing to hide. "I asked Kagome if she wanted me to walk her home and she said no. So we said good night to each other and left for home."
"That was all?"
"Yes."
For a moment the lawyer just stood there with his hands in his pockets, nodding his head and looking harmless, before instantly changing his posture and moving towards the witness stand as though he were a predator ready to move in for the kill. "Tell me Hojo…in all the years that you've been friends with Kagome Higurashi, has she ever flirted with you?"
It was such a sudden change of topic that everyone, including poor Hojo, was thrown for a loop, and he was left sputtering as he tried to find the right way to respond, though he continued to gaze at Mr. Cromwell confidently, refusing to be intimidated when Kagome was counting on him for support. "I don't really know what you mean."
At that the older man chuckled, leaning against the witness stand as though he and Hojo were good friends having a casual conversation. "Oh sure you do, young man…you know exactly what I mean." He winked and Hojo blushed some more. "Has she ever given you one of those looks? You know, the kind of look that makes your stomach do a back flip? Has she ever complimented you on your appearance or asked you out?"
"Well…um…" The brown-haired youth looked down at his hands, which he was now clasping firmly in his lap. "I suppose Kagome did sometimes flirt with me, but only in a friendly way."
"There's a difference?"
"Y…yes…"
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes."
Mr. Cromwell nodded and visibly seemed to change his approach as he leaned away, rocking back on his heels. "Then tell me how she would flirt with you."
"Well, I don't really remember exactly."
"Then how do you know it wasn't in a more-than-just-friends kind of way?"
"I…um…" It was clear that Hojo had figured out which direction Mr. Cromwell was headed with his questions, as had everyone else in the courtroom, and that the boy was reluctant to answer, no doubt recalling all the times Kagome had stood him up at the last minute or left him in the middle of a date because Inuyasha needed her. He didn't want to make her look bad, and in that moment Kagome felt her heart go out to the young man whose heart she had broken by being engaged to someone else.
"Please just answer the question, Hojo," Mr. Cromwell finally pressed. "Remember that you are under oath."
At that a flash of fear passed over his face, and Hojo looked up to meet Kagome's eyes briefly, showing her the silent apology written all over his face. When he looked away once more she lowered her own head so that she was gazing at her lap, knowing he had to tell the truth and hoping that Ms. White would be able to undo any damage that was done by what would be said next.
"Um…" Hojo began, swallowing. "There were several times when I asked Kagome out on a date, to the movies or the fair or even just out for lunch, and she would say yes but then at the last minute cancel."
"And how many times would you say she did this?"
"I don't know…"
Mr. Cromwell nodded, in a much more understanding mood now that he was hearing what he wanted. "Fair enough…so what else would she do?"
"Well, I guess there was once or twice when she actually left in the middle of a date too…but that was only a few times."
"I see…" The older man leaned away and looked at the jury. "And the rest of the time she just didn't show up at all."
Hojo blushed furiously, both out of anger and embarrassment, unable to say anything in his or Kagome's defense, but luckily Ms. White did that for him as she shot to her feet. "Objection your honor! Relevance?"
The judge nodded, appearing to agree, before giving Mr. Cromwell a pointed glance. "Make your point sir, or be done with it."
"Yes, your honor." Mr. Cromwell nodded humbly before looking back at Hojo once more. "I have just one more question for you, young man. Were you at all surprised when you found out that Miss Higurashi was engaged?"
Hojo swallowed. "Um…a little."
"So she hadn't told you about it before?"
"N-no."
"And yet she flirted with you all this time?" Mr. Cromwell sounded stunned by such a concept. "Only to show up with a fiancé on her arm and a ring on her finger as a complete shock to you?"
"I…um…sort of." Hojo was clearly trying to look at anything but Mr. Cromwell at that point, but was having little success as the older man seemed determined to make eye contact and make him feel as uncomfortable as possible.
"So you truly had no idea?"
"No, but…"
"Thank you," He interrupted, not giving Hojo a chance to finish what he'd been about to say, glancing up at the judge before heading back to his seat. "That will be all."
But Hojo was clearly not finished as he jumped to his feet, looking almost frantic. "I never said that I didn't know Kagome had a boyfriend when I'd ask her out, because I did know. All her friends were always talking about this mysterious guy of hers. I guess I was just…" He glanced at Kagome. "I was just too pigheaded to see what was right in front of me." He lowered his head in shame. "I didn't want to see it."
A long, pregnant silence fell over the courtroom, everyone waiting to see what would happen, before the judge finally looked over with a kind smile, asking Hojo to sit back down. The younger man obeyed, and the judge then directed his attention at Mr. Cromwell, who had stopped just short of sitting down, seeming to be deep in thought about something. "Are you finished, Mr. Cromwell?"
The older man blinked before looking up, a new idea clear on his face. "I have just one final question, your honor."
"Very well."
Mr. Cromwell approached Hojo one more time, though this time he made no effort to actually touch the witness stand. "Just so we're clear, young man…did Kagome herself ever actually tell you she had a boyfriend?"
Hojo opened his mouth to reply in the affirmative before he realized that would be a lie, and everyone in the room saw him deflate in disappointment. "No."
"So you only heard it from others?"
"That's right."
"In other words, Miss Higurashi could have been playing with you all along and you never would have been the wiser were it not for her talkative friends?"
At that Hojo simply refused to answer, staring fiercely at the hands in his lap, but Mr. Cromwell seemed satisfied with such a response because a pleased smirk curved up the corners of his mouth as he turned to walk back to his seat again. "Now I'm finished, your honor."
The judge nodded and glanced over at the prosecution's table with a purposeful look in his eyes. "Very well then, the prosecution has the floor."
Kagome felt her palms grow increasingly sweaty with trepidation as she wondered if Ms. White would be able to smooth over the harsh points Mr. Cromwell had managed to pull from Hojo. Please, she prayed silently, let her be as good as she's seemed so far.
Instead of giving off the grand show of walking around the room for a few minutes as Mr. Cromwell had done, Ms. White simply rose from her chair and walked straight up to Hojo, clearly a woman with a purpose. Looking him straight in the eye, she noted the way the boy looked back nervously, understanding that he was probably afraid to answer any sort of question after what he'd just been through.
She smiled to give him some comfort, and thankfully he seemed to relax a little as she began to talk. "You said your name was Hojo, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"And you consider my client to be one of your best friends?"
Hojo blushed slightly but didn't look away as he nodded. "Yes; she's never lied to me before, and has always been willing to help when I've needed support."
Ms. White acted surprised at this answer, though Kagome could tell that in reality she had expected such a response. "Really?" She glanced pointedly at the jury. "But didn't you just admit to the defense that Kagome never told you about her boyfriend, who is now her fiancé, and that she frequently canceled your dates?"
Hojo vehemently shook his head, looking determined to say something in defense of both himself and Kagome. "That's not what I said at all."
Ms. White smiled patiently. "Then what did you say, Hojo?"
"It's common knowledge to everyone that I've had a crush on Kagome for nearly our entire time in high school. She's honest and kind, and puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does. I admire her for her tenacity with school, considering how sick she's been these past few years." He paused to look at Kagome with a smile, to which she blushed in response but didn't look away. "When I started hearing from her friends that she was dating someone else, I honestly didn't want to believe it. I continued to ask her out hoping, I guess, that she would decide the other guy wasn't worth her time in the end." He looked back at Ms. White. "But I know that if I had asked her straight out whether or not she had a boyfriend, she would have been honest and told me the truth."
Ms. White nodded. "So, just to make sure I understand you correctly, you could have asked Kagome about her boyfriend…but chose not to?"
"That's right."
"And as such Kagome never had the chance to prove whether or not she would be honest about it?"
"Correct."
The blonde woman smiled at him, her blue eyes sparkling behind her glasses, and Hojo appeared to relax even more as she leaned in to speak to him in a gentle tone, though still speaking loud enough that everyone could hear her. "I need to ask you some hard questions now…are you okay with that?"
Swallowing, he nodded. "I guess."
Ms. White nodded and stepped back again so that the jury could see her face as she began to speak, clasping her hands behind her back as she spoke. "Hojo, can you tell me what Kagome was like when you found her the morning after she was raped?"
"Objection!" Mr. Cromwell shot out of his seat as though someone had lit a firecracker under his rear. "Your honor, my client is on trial for rape…it has not yet been decided whether or not that is what this was."
Ms. White rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips in apparent annoyance. "On the contrary, your honor, my client has accused Mr. Wilkins of rape, and I believe she thus has the right to call him, and the incident, whatever she wants."
"Maybe on the street or in private, but not in this court!"
"She sees him as a rapist, as do I, Bruce."
"And what about innocent until proven guilty?"
"That's enough from both of you!" The two attorneys stopped bickering instantly, their postures rigid, as they turned to look at the judge, who was pinching the bridge of his nose and leaning back in his large black chair. Finally he looked up at Ms. White. "The objection is sustained. You may sit down, Mr. Cromwell, and you, Ms. White, must try and use some other terminology please."
Nodding her head, but looking no less annoyed, Ms. White returned her attention to Hojo once more, folding her arms in front of her. "Hojo, what was Kagome like the morning after she…met Mr. Wilkins?"
There was a brief but deathly silence, in which time Kagome remembered vividly the pain that had coursed through her body as she'd woken up on the cold, hard sidewalk, blood on her face, a deep and searing ache coursing through her lower abdomen, her head feeling like it wanted to explode. Hojo had been the first face to greet her bruised eyes.
"She was unconscious when I initially found her," the boy finally replied, breaking Kagome out of her thoughts as she heard his voice crack somewhat under the pain of the memory. "There were bruises all over her face and arms, and she had a huge black eye." He stopped and looked away, his eyes full of pain.
Ms. White gave him a sympathetic look, leaning towards him in a gesture of comfort. "I know this is hard for you, but I have to ask you to please continue. What else do you remember about that morning?"
Hojo swallowed. "She was still wearing the dress from play rehearsal the night before, but it was all torn up and dirty. But the thing I remember the most is that when she first woke up she was…was…" He stopped, clearly having a hard time saying what was going through his mind, and everyone in the courtroom leaned forward slightly, desperate to know what he would say next. "Kagome was afraid of me."
Seeing the pain on his face as he shut his eyes against the memory, Kagome felt her own eyes squeeze painfully shut as she tried to block out tears and the truth of his statement, wishing she could make his pain, as well as her own, just go away. All he had ever been, all Hojo had ever done, was out of a genuine wish to be kind and make her happy, and yet, when he was there for her she had repaid him by being afraid…by showing distrust and shying away from his familiar, worried face and touch.
That was the worst kind of betrayal for a friend who had been so kind all along, and Kagome could only imagine how he had felt, and still felt, at the memory.
Hojo remained silent, looking at his lap, and it was Ms. White who had to prompt him to say anything else. "What did you do then Hojo? What happened next?"
"Um…" He shook his head, clearly trying to rid his eyes of tears as he spoke. "I called an ambulance and then took Kagome in my arms and told her it would be okay. It took her a while before she even relaxed a little, but she did finally seem to get somewhat comfortable…but her eyes were so lifeless that I began to get a horrible feeling. I swear I had never seen her eyes like that. She's usually a really cheerful person who is always laughing and joking around, but that morning she looked like…like a doll."
It was Inuyasha's turn to shut his eyes against a painful memory, remembering all too well the doll-like Kagome he'd found that first morning, curled up on her bed dressed in baggy pants and a sweatshirt, her eyes red from tears and her face pale and strained with fear.
He shuddered at the memory, never wanting to see the vibrant young woman who he loved that way again.
Ms. White nodded and smiled kindly. "Thank you, Hojo." She looked up at the judge before turning to walk back to her seat. "I have no more questions, your honor."
The judge nodded and glanced at Mr. Cromwell one more time, an obvious question in his eyes, to which the man shook his head in reply, signaling that there were no more questions from him either. The judge turned kind eyes on Hojo once more and inclined his head. "You may step down now, young man."
Hojo didn't have to be told twice, nodding and sliding off the witness stand quickly, walking with his head down back to his place with the rest of the crowd, only raising his eyes once to look at Kagome as he passed her before looking away again. Unsure of what else to do, Kagome lowered her head as well, knowing that a good friend had just gone through a grueling experience all because of her.
"This court is adjourned for the day," The judge announced in his booming voice, and Kagome marveled at how he could speak so gently to the witnesses beside him at the same time. "It shall reconvene tomorrow at one o'clock." And with that, followed by the slap of the gavel, everyone rose to their feet as the judge left, waiting until he had disappeared before heading for the exits themselves.
As she prepared to leave, Kagome noticed several of her schoolmates sending her sympathetic looks as they moved into the aisle and headed for the giant double doors, causing her cheeks to redden even more if that was humanly possible.
It was harder than she had thought it would be to allow her personal life to be dissected in such a way. Kagome had known it would be difficult, Ms. White had prepared her for that; she'd been warned that Mr. Cromwell would try and pick apart her pristine reputation and slander her name, but…to have all of that happen in front of so many of her friends…why did it have to be that way? Or, more importantly, Kagome found herself asking for at least the millionth time, why did this have to happen to her at all?
"Kagome, are you alright?" Ms. White looked concerned as she noted the strained look on the younger woman's face, showing that she was clearly fighting back tears.
Jolting slightly at the voice which intruded upon her thoughts, Kagome instantly nodded, though she couldn't quite bring herself to smile. "I'm alright," she replied with a tired voice, seeing that Ms. White didn't believe her. She hurried to explain. "It's just that, well, even though you warned me about what would probably happen…but I guess I didn't really expect it to hurt this much to hear it all."
The older blonde nodded her head in sympathetic understanding and looked over at the defense table, which was once more empty, Ted Wilkins and his lawyer having disappeared amidst the mass exodus of the rest of the spectators. "It's a horrible defense, to be sure." She cocked her head as though thinking about something before continuing. "Well, actually it's a brilliant defense, but it's slimy and a little less than moral, and I hate it just as much as you do…unfortunately it's the only defense Bruce knows he has. He is a nice man Kagome; he's just doing his job. You do know that, right?"
Kagome nodded, though a part of her silently denied it, claiming that only a cruel man could defend such an obvious criminal. "Yes," she finally said aloud, mostly just too tired to hate anyone any more. "Though I can't guarantee I'll be inviting him to my wedding."
At that Ms. White just laughed, the sound contagious as Kagome felt some of her somber mood lifting. "Well, he's a colleague of mine, and I'm not sure I'd do that either."
Kagome smiled suddenly and threw her arms around the older woman affectionately, feeling Ms. White tense for a brief second before relaxing and returning the embrace hesitantly.
"Thank you so much for everything," Kagome commented kindly, meaning every word, as she finally pulled away with a bright smile.
Ms. White returned the gesture, her face softening tenderly. "You don't have to thank me, Kagome. I'd do this for you no matter what, because you deserve the best defense there is."
"And that's you?"
The blonde stood up straighter and arched an eyebrow haughtily. "Of course! Who else would I be talking about?"
Kagome laughed. "No one, I suppose." Her eyes widened as she suddenly remembered something. "And before I forget, I wanted to give you this today." She pulled a white envelope out of her purse and handed it to the lawyer, who took it with a confused look.
"What is it?"
Kagome felt another playful smile curve her mouth upward. "You'll just have to open it to find out! But be sure to let me know your answer soon, because we're arranging tables as we speak."
Ms. White gave Kagome another puzzled glance at such a cryptic response, but finally nodded and smiled as she turned the envelope, addressed to her, over and unsealed it, gasping when she saw what was inside.
Today is the day I will marry my soul mate.
You are invited to share in our joy.
Looking up from the wedding invitation, Nancy White looked for the first time like she would actually start crying, though Kagome knew they would have been tears of gratitude. She gave the younger girl a beaming smile as she clutched the invitation to her chest, and started nodding her head emphatically. "Of course I'll come, Kagome. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Thank you so much for inviting me."
Kagome felt elated at the woman's reaction, coming more and more to understand that this was someone who didn't get out very often, but who should because she deserved a break from all her hard work once in a while.
Ms. White turned to leave, but stopped just before reaching the door and calling something back over her shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Right," Kagome replied, trying to sound casual, and Ms. White nodded with a final wave before leaving, which meant only Kagome and her family and close friends remained.
Once she was alone, Inuyasha put his arm around Kagome's waist both to offer comfort and to remind her she was safe, both of which she appreciated, allowing him to pull her exhausted body towards the door. "Let's go, Kagome…you need to get some rest."
"Okay," she replied without a hint of an argument, leaning against his chest for support and wrapping her own arm around him as they started walking out the door. Sleep sounded so good at that moment…
But they were stopped when Hojo appeared at her side, looking desperate to talk to her. "Hojo, what's wrong?"
"Kagome…" He started to speak, but then tears came to his eyes and his voice caught. "I'm so sorry, Kagome."
She felt her heart break. "Sorry for what, Hojo?"
His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his arms shaking with pent up emotion. "I don't think I helped you at all on the stand today, Kagome. I should have done a better job of answering that man's questions, but I didn't, and I'm sorry."
Knowing he meant it, and feeling her heart go out to this boy who cared so much about her and remained so loyal even though she was with someone else, she shook her head and put a finger to his lips to silence him. He stopped speaking and instead looked deep into her eyes as she gave him one of her kindest smiles. "You told the truth today, Hojo, and if you hadn't then I would have thought less of you as a person. It took a lot of courage to get up on that stand, and I just appreciate you being here in the first place. You could never let me down."
And with that said, Kagome pulled away from Inuyasha and wrapped her arms around the brown-haired young man before her, leaning against his shoulder as she felt his own arms hesitantly coming to rest on her waist. She smiled inwardly, imagining him most likely looking at Inuyasha first to make sure he had permission to do such a thing, no doubt remembering what had happened the last time he'd even come close to touching Kagome in public.
They remained that way for several moments, only pulling away when Kagome felt, or rather heard, Inuyasha reach his limit when it came to sharing her with other men, his growling reaching her ears. She rolled her eyes but quickly moved back, not hearing him stop or make any effort to even hide the sound until she was once more at his side with his arm possessively around her waist.
Hojo continued to stare at her for another few seconds, and she gave him a cheerful smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Hojo! That is…if you still want to come again after what happened today."
He nodded emphatically. "Of course I want to come, Higurashi! I'll be here the whole time, every day, from start to finish. Like I said, I consider you to be one of my best friends, and in my mind best friends support each other."
Kagome smiled more broadly at that, and her voice turned soft and gentle. "Thanks, Hojo…for everything."
Feeling that Inuyasha could handle no more, she left it at that and allowed the hanyou to guide her out of the courtroom completely, down the large hallway and out the doors into the parking lot where the others were waiting. But the further she was removed from Hojo and the courtroom, the more apprehensive she became, unable to rid herself of a slight sense of foreboding.
They reached the large white minivan belonging to her family, where the others were already seated and waiting, and Inuyasha opened the door for her while watching her carefully, sensing that something was wrong. "Is something bothering you Kagome?"
She paused before getting into the car, surprised that he had said anything, marveling at how well he had learned to read her emotions. "I don't know," she replied honestly. "I guess it's just that, well…" She sighed. "If it was hard today, how hard will it be when it's actually my turn to take the stand and testify?"
Gazing at her for an instant, trying to gauge what was running through her mind as he processed what she had said, Inuyasha finally pulled her into his arms and held her securely against his chest for a few minutes of silence, feeling her relax slightly in his strong embrace. He said nothing, instead sending her the silent promise to protect her, wishing he could protect her from the world…but knowing he couldn't. All he could do now was continue to assure her of his presence, reminding her that he was there for support, because, unfortunately, this was one battle where his trusted sword wouldn't make her pain go away.
"I don't know what's going to happen, Kagome," he finally replied softly, running fingers absentmindedly through her hair as he looked up at the blue sky. "I guess we'll just have to find out together when we get there."
