A/N: So I live on an island now and just walked through water that was a foot and a half deep. Having wet shoes and socks and pants is NOT cool! I started graduate school on Monday and am taking classes like Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy so my updates will most likely be reeeeeally slow. Enjoy! Belle
CG VIII:
It was early on Wednesday morning when Professor Kikyo arrived at the manner to begin her tutoring of Kagome and Naraku. She knocked lightly upon the front door but there was no answer. The female professor grew frustrated. Onigumo had specifically requested that she arrive at this particular time and he didn't bother having the door answered?
Finally, steps on the inside of the house could be heard and the unlocking of doors took place. On the inside of the door stood Onigumo. The look he was giving Kikyo unnerved her. She felt like she was some object on display. She would most definitely have a talk with her husband, Suikotsu about this. What kind of favor could he possibly owe a man like this that had gotten her into accepting this position? Surely this wasn't simply about the exuberant sums of money she could earn.
"Kikyo, so good of you to come," Onigumo's lips curled into a slow smile.
"Are the children ready to begin their lessons?" Kikyo inquired briskly, not letting his demeanor affect her the way it threatened to.
Onigumo laughed easily and gestured for her enter. "They are hardly children my dear Kikyo." He began to lead the woman up the two flights of stairs that led to the third floor. Kagome and Naraku were both sitting at opposite ends of the table in there. Kagome's face was hidden in her folded arms as she slept some more.
Naraku was watching her intently to see if she would act peculiar or if she truly thought the previous night was merely a dream. Either she was a superb actress or he felt that he should probably be incredibly insulted.
"Shall we begin?" Kikyo asked as Onigumo closed the door behind him and left the three to themselves. Naraku and Kagome glanced briefly at Kikyo and shrugged in unison. "Let's try not to be so enthusiastic, you may hurt yourselves," Kikyo remarked sarcastically.
Kikyo sat between her two students at the large table they were sitting at. She pulled out a large binder from her book bag and placed it before her. "Where shall we begin?"
Naraku merely looked back at his teacher impassively. Kagome shifted nervously. "Well at my last school I was taking government, calculus, physics, English, and art." Kagome answered since Naraku was choosing silence.
Kikyo nodded and made notes on a journal that she had pulled out from her binder. "I see, well we won't be doing too much today. I will probably cover all of those topics. Shall we begin with Calculus? Naraku are you familiar with that math?"
An ebon brow rose at the mere suggestion that he would be unfamiliar with such a subject. "Of course I am familiar with it. Do you think me daft?"
Kagome frowned at his choice of words. He reminded her of Kagewaki from her dreams. But that was a ridiculous thought. She looked around the room as a sense of anxiety washed over her. Where was Sesshoumaru?
Kikyo was talking to Naraku about something regarding his poor manners, but Kagome wasn't really paying attention. She found herself sneaking furtive glances at her step-brother, her realistic dream of passion about him the night before was bothering her.
"I actually think I'll combine today's lesson on Calculus with Physics. You can use the Calculus formulas and equations to solve the questions on these hand outs. I'd like to see how advanced you are before I start to teach." Kikyo handed both her students a slip of paper with various word problems that needed to be worked out.
Naraku snorted at what he saw and shook his head in disappointment. Couldn't his father have at least pretended to find some sort of academic challenge for his mind? He glanced over at Kagome and noticed how her eyes widened at the questions. Perhaps he could tutor her? A small smile was beginning to form on his lips as he thought about how a late night study session could lead to much more enjoyable activities.
"You're doing that wrong," a voice whispered into Kagome's ear. She could sense a presence leaning over her shoulder and peering at her problems. This silvery hair tickling her cheek was a dead give away to who it was, if the sexy voice wasn't enough. She was trying to determine the velocity of a projectile cannon ball over a particular distance with a certain amount of friction involved.
Kagome chewed on her pen cap, silently going over her work. She didn't see where she was messing up. It was taking longer to solve than she would like, but she wasn't wrong.
"You are doing the long version. I'll show you the short cut." Sesshoumaru replied as he concentrated and placed his hand over her's that was holding the pen. He was then able to guide it to work out the solution that the way he had envisioned. He was an Engineer after all so Physics came as second nature to him. He was surprised when he could actually feel the heat from Kagome's hand within his palm. His fingers tingled as they encased her fingers.
He removed his hand when he was finished solving the equation. By the look of understanding lighting Kagome's face he knew that he had shown her the correct method. He remained where he was, leaning over her shoulder and peering down at her work as she continued with the final problem.
Sesshoumaru wanted to know what had happened after he had been forced to abandon her. He glared at Naraku, or Kagewaki, whoever the hell he was. He better not have tried anything with the woman he was charged to guard.
He was present earlier when she was alone with Naraku in this room. However, his presence was but a shadow and was now more solidified. She couldn't sense him before but he certainly didn't miss the blush on her cheeks when she looked at Naraku.
The sight caused his blood to boil.
Kikyo relaxed as she watched her two students diligently working through the problems. Naraku finished and pushed his paper away and watched Kagome with rapt attention. Kikyo picked up his paper and was impressed that he had solved everything efficiently and accurately. It had taken her at least twenty minutes to work out these problems. It had only taken him five.
She was even more surprised when Kagome handed her paper over. Her problems were solved in an even more efficient manner than Naraku. It was as if she had taken college level Physics. "You both have worked these out perfectly," Kikyo admitted, admiring their work. "It's interesting that you both solved the problems using different methods."
"Is this all you have for us?" Naraku demanded with his patience thin. There was something about that woman that annoyed him. Maybe he was just in a bad mood because she was in the way of him being alone with Kagome. He would love for a repeat of the previous night's activities.
Kagome smiled at Kikyo apologetically. "Actually, I need to use the restroom real quick. I'll be right back." She stood from her chair and used her crutches that were leaning against the wall behind her.
Naraku immediately shot to his feet. "I'll help you." He offered.
"No, it's okay. I have to learn to do some things by myself," Kagome excused herself as she hobbled her way towards the restroom.
Once inside she turned to look at Sesshoumaru. He had followed her, surmising she wished to speak with him privately. Surely he wouldn't have followed if he had thought otherwise. She shut the door behind them in the restroom. "I appreciate your help, but I can not accept such aid in the future. It's cheating!"
He shrugged. "No, I was merely showing you how to do it. I was teaching you." Sesshoumaru replied. She was clearly over reacting. "Would you care to explain what happened to you last night?"
Kagome's face flushed suddenly as the images of her in Naraku's arms came flooding back. She would not share that dream! "I just remember going to sleep."
Sesshoumaru looked away. He could tell she was lying. The idea of her not telling him the truth hurt him in a way he didn't think possible. "Hurry, they will expect you to return soon."
Kagome walked behind him and placed her hand upon his shoulder, only it passed through him as if he were a wisp of cloud. "Sesshoumaru?"
"I will return; I feel suddenly as if I'm being called away." Sesshoumaru replied. He was feeling suddenly distant from her as if someone was calling him to his body. It reminded him of his annoying little brother's voice.
Kagome watched as Sesshoumaru seemed to vanish. She sighed in disappointment. Sure, they didn't talk much but she really had hoped to spend more time with him that day. She returned to her teacher and her fellow student.
"Any questions you two might have for me? I'd say it's obvious the things I brought would be nothing more than busy work." Kikyo was both pleased at her youths' intelligence and annoyed that her job would be more difficult.
"Actually," Kagome began, "I wanted to know if you were familiar with the history of this part of Louisiana."
Kikyo shook her head. "I'm afraid that I don't know the New Orleans area very well. My husband and I only recently moved out here a few months ago."
"If you are interested in the history of the city, we are only about an hour away. I would be more than happy to take you to the French Quarters. That way you can see history first hand." Naraku suggested. The idea of walking down Bourbon Street with Kagome at his side was very appealing. It would be just like old times. Had it really been nearly two centuries since he had taken this very woman or her former incarnation at least, on such an outing?
Kagome was caught off guard by the invitation. However, she found that it was an invitation that she couldn't deny. What was wrong with her? Why was she so excited about spending time with Naraku of all people? Wasn't he some obsessed jerk? She had really better touch base with her friends to make sure she wasn't losing her sanity.
"That sounds like fun," she replied casting Naraku a smile. The idea truly did excite her.
"You'll have to tell me about it. My husband and I haven't even found time to explore that area," Kikyo informed the pair as she gathered her belongings.
"You should come too!" Kagome suggested. She noticed Naraku's eyes seemed to darken for an instant at the invitation before they seemed to light up with an inner light.
"Yes Kikyo, do come and bring your husband Dr. Suikotsu along as well." Naraku replied amiably. Perhaps it would be better if there was some sort of supervision per say. Kagome would be less likely to be nervous around him. Most likely she would be nervous around Kikyo and seek reassurance in his own presence. That idea held great merit with him.
Kikyo allowed a small smile to come to her features. "I will talk to him as soon as I return home. I think we may take you up on the offer."
"Wait," Kagome called as Kikyo began to leave the room. The older woman turned towards her. "Any news on that young man, Sesshoumaru? He's the one in the coma that your husband was working with."
Kikyo frowned. "Sadly, there has been no improvement in his condition. But I wouldn't worry about it. From what I hear, he was a nasty individual, a true heartless one. The world may be better off without the likes of him."
"You shouldn't judge people," Kagome replied softly. Kikyou didn't seem to hear as she tossed the pair a casual wave over her shoulder and left the room. Naraku heard though.
"Do not be upset by her callous words. I doubt if she was thinking." Naraku assured her; he stood and moved to sit on the table top directly in front of her. He reached down to hold her chin and smiled at her in an endearing fashion. "Chin up; you have an exciting day ahead of you as soon as you can start walking. I will speak with father about acquiring you a walking cast." He then released her chin and silently left her alone in the room.
Kagome shook her head. She was starting to be attracted to that man. Days ago he appalled her and now she was dreaming naughty things about him! She needed to talk to Sango now!
Kagome utilized her crutches once more to make her way down the stairs. She was pretty sure the telephone was in the kitchen. There was always a telephone in the kitchen. As she made her way down the stairs she marveled as the thought hit her that she hadn't used the phone once since arriving. She hadn't seen her younger brother all day either. That was starting to bother her.
She noticed her step-father alone in the kitchen. He was drinking coffee and sitting at the kitchen table with a newspaper in his hand. He lowered the paper and watched as she made her way into the kitchen. No words were exchanged.
He observed as she searched for a telephone in vain. "Looking for something?" he asked, knowing she wouldn't find what it was she sought.
Kagome turned to him, and ran her fingers through her bangs. They were obstructing her view. "I wanted to call Sango."
Onigumo shook his head and picked back up his newspaper.
"What does that mean? Are you not allowing me to call my friend?" Kagome demanded, her tone none too happy.
Onigumo slowly lowered his newspaper calmly. "No, I am telling you that it is impossible. There is no telephone in this home."
"But that's ridiculous! No place doesn't have a telephone!" Kagome cried in disbelief.
"There is no phone for you to use." He pulled a cellular phone out of his breast pocket and laid it upon the kitchen table. Kagome made to pick it up but he slammed his hand on top of hers. "This is not a phone for personal use." He frowned at her annoyed. "I run a business and will not allow frivolous calls to be made."
"What? Why can't I talk to my friends? And where's Souta and mother?" Kagome demanded as she wrenched her hand away from his, but unfortunately wasn't able to attain the phone.
Onigumo looked at her with a look of complete loathing for a moment before it melted off into something more indifferent. "That is none of your concern. Perhaps you should find Naraku. Is he not your friend?"
"Fine. At least he's not a sick bastard like you," Kagome muttered under her breath certain that horrible man couldn't hear her.
Onigumo waited until she left the room before laughing to himself. "The apple never falls far from the tree Kagome."
Inuyasha cautiously opened the door to the familiar hospital room. This afternoon Miroku had agreed to join him. His two new friends, Miroku and Sango, had been a big help in his transition of starting a new school.
He was still unsure why he visited his brother every afternoon. It wasn't as if it was making him wake up anytime soon. The sight was always the same. The great and mighty Sesshoumaru was lying prostrate on his back with no sign of movement other than the steady rise and fall of his chest. Wires connected to his body to supply him with fluids.
If his brother woke up he would probably be annoyed and disgusted to discover that he had been using a bed pan for the last few weeks. That particular thought brought a smile to the young man's face. What he wouldn't give to see his brother knocked off his cloud nine and join the rest of the lowly humans!
"Inuyasha, are you alright?" Miroku asked concerned as he shut the door behind them so no one would see Sesshoumaru's silent form inside. Inuyasha had been very clear that no one outside of them or the high dollar doctor were allowed to see Sesshoumaru this way. It was almost comical to see how over protective he was of his older brother. They must have been really close before all of this.
"Keh, of course I'm fine. Can't a guy think to himself without being hassled?" Inuyasha folded his arms over his chest at the 'stupid' question as his violet eyes flashed with annoyance.
His friend answered with an amiable, lazy smile. "Forgive my hassling." Miroku fought to contain the chuckle rising in his chest at his new found friend's embarrassment. Sango had wanted to join them this afternoon but Inuyasha refused to allow more than one other person to accompany him when he saw his brother. The over protective quality he had for his brother was quite admirable.
Inuyasha didn't reply, he simply ignored his friend and wandered over to the chair he had claimed every afternoon. He pulled it closer to the bed and simply stared at his brother. That clingy woman, Kagura, had tried to see him but he had refused to allow that. She had no idea where he was and he intended on keeping it that way.
Sesshoumaru may have been private but it was clear that he had broken up with the woman. That didn't bother Inuyasha, he knew it would happen sooner or later. He was slightly surprised that it didn't happen before. He never did like that woman. Something about her gave him the creeps.
Miroku leaned on the wall next to Inuyasha and stared down at the silent form on the hospital bed. He really was quite exotic looking. His long silver hair seemed otherworldly and he had to wonder what his eyes must have looked like. Unconsciously he leaned down to touch a strand of the long silver hair. Exactly how long had he been in a coma again? A throat cleared, distracting him from his musings. He nodded his head down to regard Inuyasha.
"You don't have to stay. All I'm really going to do is watch him. It's not like he does anything." Inuyasha told him. He was starting to feel nervous with Miroku standing over him. Normally he would talk to his brother, but he felt stupid doing so with someone else in the room.
"Actually, I was wanting to talk to you." Miroku replied.
Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably. He didn't like talking about himself. Miroku seemed to read where his thoughts trailed off. "No, it's not about you. I actually wanted to talk about my friend Kagome. I didn't want to worry Sango and I know you didn't really meet her, but you still know who I'm talking about."
"Okay," Inuyasha answered unsure of where this conversation could lead. He remembered the young woman being pretty shaken; she was just in a fatal accident that resulted in the death of her boyfriend. To make matters worse, he was the brother of the one who basically killed the guy. She did seem really nice though. From what he heard around school she was sorely missed by the entire populous.
Miroku moved to the unoccupied chair and pulled it out to sit in. He cast a quick glance to Sesshoumaru before turning back to his friend. "We haven't heard from her in a while. She promised to get in touch with us, at least call. I'm confident that she would have if she had been allowed to do so."
"Maybe she just got busy." Inuyasha replied. He raised his fingers to his mouth to chew on his nail nervously. Why was he feeling so uncomfortable talking about this girl he hardly knew? Was it because Sesshoumaru was in the room and was the reason for her grief? But then, she certainly didn't seem to hold any grudge against his brother.
"Stop chewing your nails, it's disgusting." Miroku snapped. Sometimes it was as if Inuyasha had been raised wild in some forest. He simply had no manners at all. "And besides I already told you that Kagome has forgiven your brother. I doubt if she ever held any grudge against him in the first place."
Inuyasha lowered his hands and glared at his new friend. What was his problem? What was so wrong about chewing on his fingernails? It wasn't like anyone was watching. Besides it wasn't like he was picking his nose. Which he NEVER did. No guy does that.
"So what is your point?" Inuyasha bit out annoyed. Sometimes life would be so much easier if people wouldn't beat around the bush and simply spelled out what they had in mind.
"I want to drive out to Louisiana and visit her." Miroku stated simply.
"So?"
"So, you're coming with Sango and me." Miroku explained. He looked over at the comatose form of Sesshoumaru once more. "It's not healthy, you staying here all the time. This trip will be good for you. Sango and I are going whether or not you chose to accompany us."
Inuyasha looked over at his brother before replying. Why did he bother looking at Sesshoumaru for advice? Even if he was awake he wouldn't have helped him. He tucked his arms up his sleeves in his nervous habit. "Keh, whatever."
Miroku had a wide grin spread across his face as he clapped Inuyasha hard across the back. "Great! Road trips are so much fun and you'll absolutely adore Kagome! Why if she hadn't moved away I would have set you two up. Of course," he looked down at Inuyasha appraisingly. "She is too good for you."
Inuyasha merely stared at his friend in silence. He didn't want to bombard him with fowl words so he kept his lips sealed.
Miroku misjudged his silent behavior and glanced back at Sesshoumaru. "Perhaps we should ask your brother?" He tapped Sesshoumaru on the shoulder.
There was no response.
Miroku cleared his throat. "Sesshoumaru, I come to inform you that your little brother who has been standing vigilant at your side will be absent a few days. He's coming on a trip with me to visit Kagome, the girl you got in the accident with. I'm sure you have no problem with this."
Miroku turned back and smiled at Inuyasha before walking past him. At the door he turned, "I'll be outside in case you want a few minutes alone."
Inuyasha watched as the door shut behind his friend before resuming his chair by Sesshoumaru's bedside. "He's crazy. I'm sure you probably would have agreed if you could have met him." Inuyasha told him.
He sighed when he noticed nothing different from his brother and stood up to leave. "Well, I hope you wake up. You're even more intolerable when you can't even ignore me consciously."
As the doors shut behind Inuyasha, no one was around to see the heart monitor speed up ever so slightly. No one saw the fingers on the left hand twitch.
No one heard the words that passed through the dry, cracked, unused lips of Sesshoumaru as he muttered, "Kagome."
TBC