Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, but I can control Miroku's lecherous ways...
Chapter 9: The Old Witch and the Kind Demon
"Inuyasha…" Kagome whispered hoarsely. Her mouth was as dry as a bone. She ached all over and though her shoulder didn't hurt as much, it still throbbed. Inuyasha cracked open one eye then closed it again. He movedhis haoriso it engulfed her entirely in order to keep her warm.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome's voice cracked.
This time he opened both eyes and leaned forward, putting a hand on her forehead.
"You're burning up Kagome!" He started fiddling with the buttons on his shirt.
"Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha helped Kagome sit up and he wrapped his shirt around her too.
"Inuyasha, please!"
"Huh? What is it Kagome? Are you tired?"
"Water, please Inuyasha! I need water!"
"Kirara! There's a river nearby, set us down there!"
As soon as Kirara touched the earth, Inuyasha leaped off with Kagome in his arms. When he reached the river's edge he looked for a shady tree. He soon found one and set Kagome down so that she leaned against it. He scooped up water using his hand as a cup and held it to Kagome's lips for her to drink, but most of it fell down her chin. Inuyasha wiped it off tenderly with great care, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not look Kagome in the eyes.
"Inuyasha."
"Do you want more Kagome?"
Kagome nodded her head and Inuyasha scooped more water up, but this time only a little escaped her lips. Kagome tried to sit up without using the tree for support but Inuyasha pushed her back.
"You are still too weak Kagome."
"No I'm not."
"Yes you are."
"Child."
"Idiot."
They stared at each other waiting for the other to make a move. Inuyash's body tensed, waiting for her to say the 's' word. But it never came.
"Let's stop and rest here a while. There's fresh water and there's no doubt that we both need it Kagome." Inuyasha finally suggested. He moved next to Kagome and leaned against the tree. Kagome scooted closer to him, her hand touched his and he gasped in surprise. He looked at Kagome wide-eyed and open mouthed. Then glared at her and scooted away pouting. Kagome let out a deep, long sigh. As she stared at the ground, Inuyasha moved back, silently, watching her to see if she would notice him. Then, after confirming that she hadn't, he kissed the tip of her nose lightly. Kagome looked up and watched Inuyasha sit back down next to her. She leaned forward as he casually-or at least as casually as he could-put his arm around her. She leaned against him now and before he knew it she was asleep. He watched her sleep peacefully for a while then murmured to Kirara, "Scan the area Kirara. I sense that there is a demon nearby."
"So little brother, this is what you have been up to. This is where you have been, but I sense this is not where you are going."
Kagome opened her eyes and looked down, then regretted it immediately. They were in the air again.
"Inuyasha, where are we?"
"Keh, in the air stupid!"
"Inuyasha!"
Kagome's sharp tone made his ear twitch.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize where we are! Take a look around, do you see anything familiar?"
Kagome looked down and saw the path leading into the forest, "We are just outside of Jinenji's village!"
"Thought you would recognize it soon enough."
Kirara landed in the field and Inuyasha hopped off. But as he turned to help Kagome off, he was hit in the back of the head with a club.
"OW!" He whipped around to face the old mountain witch. "What'd you do that for!"
"Because you scared me that's why!"
A giant shadow loomed over them, "Ma, who is it? Oh, hello Lady Kagome!"
A large hand helped Kagome up.
"Hello Jinenji!" Kagome smiled weakly.
Inuyasha and the witch continued to yell at each other for the painful greeting Inuyasha received.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome growled.
"Uhh, K-Kagome! Please! Don't! I promise I'll be good!" Inuyasha begged. "Just don't say it, please!" Inuyasha was now at her feet on his knees, pleading with her.
Kagome took a deep breath, "Well, if you promise-"
"I do! I do! Oh, thank you Kagome!" Inuyasha stood up quickly then realized the others were watching him.
"Keh, what are you looking at?"
Kagome sighed, 'Some things will never change'.
Jinenji helped Kagome into their hut where they all sat around the small fire while Jinenji prepared herbs for Kagome and the witch prepared a meal.
Kagome sat close to Inuyasha resting her head on his shoulder. Kagome expected Inuyasha to act like he always did-arrogant and not showing any affection for her what-so-ever. But she was wrong.
As soon as Kagome's head touched his shoulder, Inuyasha put his arm around her waist, sending chills up her spine.
"Kagome?"