Inevitable Fear

When the rosary wore off, he sat in a small little ball with his arms wrapped around his knees almost afraid to hear what she had to say.

"Don't …don't tell the others." He pleaded softly.

"I won't." She reassured him. With all the nightmares he had had she glad to he trusted her so. "…And I'm sorry I yelled at you. I just wanted some time alone."

Kagome moved a little closer brushing his bangs out of his face with her hand like she had done all night.

The touch felt familiar and comforting. He pulled back from her touch. He was waiting for her to crush what little hope he had left in his heart.

"I'll stay with you Inu-Yasha. …Forever." She moved closer wrapping her arms around his knees and leaning her head sideways on them. She was tired; it had been a long night.

"Kagome!" Her mother called to her. "Time for school!"

Kagome sighed then reluctantly stood up. She smiled at Inu-Yasha. "I'll return to Kaede's at sundown. …Meet me there?"

Inu-Yasha nodded slowly, then bounded out her window in a red flash before he lost his nerve to leave her behind.

"Good Morning, Kagome."

Inu-Yasha froze just inside the door of the well house. He then peered through a crack in the well house door.

The same boy in a black outfit from the day before called to her.

Inu-Yasha trusted Kagome with his life but he didn't trust this guy.

Kagome walked out of the house and into the yard. She met up with the guy and chatted for a short bit before leaving.

Inu-Yasha didn't like the way this was going.

"So Kagome, Are you busy tonight? Because I was thinking, since it is Yuki's birthday and she's having a party… Would you like to be my date?"

Kagome thought for a minute. She'd forgotten about Yuki's birthday and she was now feeling bad that she would have to miss it to meet up with Inu-Yasha. "Sure." Kagome finished. Great Kagome! Look what you've done. Now all you have to do is get Inu-Yasha…

Inu-Yasha landed in front of the two. His bangs were covering his eyes.

…to understand...

He stood perfectly still then raised his right hand and cracked his knuckles.

Fear shot through Kagome's body. Inu-Yasha was mad. Either he would try to kill her for betraying him or Hojou for enticing it; she really didn't want to find out which.

"Inu-Yasha!" She pleaded.

A low growl hummed through the still air.

Inu-Yasha could smell her fear, but he really didn't care.

"Inu-Yasha…." Kagome stated in a warning tone.

Inu-Yasha grabbed her arm and slammed her into an alley wall.

He bared his teeth in an aggressive manner; her 'sit' would not restrain his anger.

"Hey!" Hojou yelled. "Leave her alone."

Inu-Yasha turned his head to see the guy's fist close in on his face.

If Inu-Yasha ducked out of the way Kagome would be in danger. He stood perfectly still.

Hojou fist pressed hard into Inu-Yasha's face. Blood began to run from his nose.

"Kagome, Run." The guy stated. Inu-Yasha thought about that for a moment.

Inu-Yasha lowered his gaze beneath his bangs. The guy was protecting Kagome from him. He was angered by the fact that the boy worked up the nerve to strike him in the first place, but he did deserve it. He had threatened the girl he loved and needed to be struck down for it.

"Inu-Yasha?" Kagome asked partially from fear and partially from concern.

"I'll see you at Kaede's after school."

"Inu-Yasha…I won't be returning to Kaede's tonight." Kagome's heart began to race. She didn't know what disaster she had just unleashed.