same guy – well it's nice to know that people don't even remember what's going on. :P Maybe you should read over those chapters you bad boy. Thank you though that you like my chapter. I always try and incorporate ideas from reviews I get as well as reading over my chapter quite a few times to perfect it. It may sound a little rushed near the end, but it's probably cause it was. Anyway, thank you for the heartwarming review and I hope to see another one this chapter. :huggles:
Kenshkrix – Random insanity is the best kind of insanity there is, hands down. If it's planned insanity then it's not very insane is it? I know the "continue soon" thing never seems to happen, but I'm working on it. I have about one paragraph done for my Vincent/Tifa fic so I'm in big trouble with that. Hopefully by the time this is posted, I'll be done with that one as well. Just to warn you, "update soon" is also a rarity. :P Thanks for your fantabulous review! Lots of huggles and keep reading!
Yukinas sis – that was good. Lol. Thanks for the short but sweet review.
Inu-Yashas-Angel-Kagome – I don't know what I was on when I wrote that kitkat part for the end author's notes but I hope all my readers will forgive me for my frequent momentary lapses of sanity. I can't tell you if it's kag/Inu or kag/Koga because if you knew the answer to that then what would keep you reading my fic? Besides the wonderfully written chapters of course….. :ahem: I'm glad you agree that this fic is great cause I think you're great too! Have a huggle to go and read this chapter please:P Thanks again.
YokoShippo – beware of the strange reviewy goodness…..
DemonBitch-kikyohater - #1: I can't answer that question without ruining a lot of the plot and storyline and whatnot and #2; even if I could tell you, I probably wouldn't. ahahaha. Cause I'm evil and I hate it when people give away the ending. So you'll just have to go crazy for a while longer until eventually the story answers that for itself. :huggles: And have a nice day! (Since you gave me such a nice review)
Serena – Two simple words. Plot device. You're having the exact reaction to the story that you're supposed to. It's perfectly normal to get angry at an author when they make the story go in a different direction then you were expecting. All will be explained next chapter when Inuyasha pays a little visit to Kagome's time again….. You're review was wonderful and I hope to hear from you again this chapter. :supermegahuggles:
Syuga – you must review more! Please. :P thanks for the reviewLover4Inuyasha – Wow, so much hate in such a small amount of writing. You may need to take a few anger management courses or kill a few people…… heh heh heh. Go talk with Mr. Flames…. And since you are my fellow sickie, go take your meds and get into bed. Thanks for taking the time to review even through the pain and suffering. :huggles for you: You can look for my FFXI story soon since I should be updating it around the same time as the other three…. (I hope :P) Anyway, hope to hear more from you this chapter.
Inuyasha'sMYlover – interesting name first of all, untrue, but interesting. (Inuyasha's mine girls!) I kinda got lost amongst all those "asses" but I get the gist of the review. Who knows, maybe Tai will try to have his way, but Koga may interfere with it…… Of course Kagome can stand up for herself, but why let her when a handsome wolf youkai could do it for her?
Dying-Black-Rose – I, the author (note the AUTHOR part), am here to say I really don't care about being threatened. If you don't like where the story's going then simply don't read it. I love your support and reviews, but it's taking it kind of far to try and force me to do the fic the way you want it. Who says Kagome and Inuyasha wont be together? It's called angst and story line and plot. It there were no conflicts it wouldn't be interesting so calm down, take a chill pill and enjoy the ride. ;) :huggles for you: No more threats or my limey friend might pay you a visit……
Kikyo Hater 123467 – OMG, I love your review:P Sorry, I seem to be taking reviews and converting them into replies. Lol. I hope this extra long chapter will satisfy your need and I'll do my best to start updating sooner. Sorry for the super long wait and please forgive me. Thank's for the #1 comment, you made me blush. :huggles: And I'll update soon!Mr. Flames – Don't worry about Koga, he's a little busy at the moment…… heh heh heh. He can't kill you…..yet. If you want to know what happens then you'd better read this chapter. I'm tired of writing longs replies and since you know me personally, I know you won't be offended. :hands you chocolate and superhuggles: Enjoy! (thanks for the super long review!)
Kip 430 – I guess the winking and nudging didn't work that well since it took me so long to update anyway. :P Kikyo deserves to burn in hell, doesn't she? I dunno though, Inuyasha can be a pretty big jerk to Kagome sometimes. Maybe he deserves it…… (That oughta get a few flames) lol. Anyway, thanks for the love and reviews and enjoy the chapter.
Author: Whew. That was a long set of reviews. Hopefully you're all still reading this story so I'm not just talking to myself.
:crickets chirp:
Author: eheh……well……I'm gonna cut to the chase and get back to my calculus stuff. Hope you all enjoy this long awaited chapter and review!
Oh, and just to warn everyone, I don't know the name of Kagome's mom, so from now on I'm going to call her Rae. Okay? Okay! (If anyone knows her actual name please tell me. Thanks. :D)
THISISTHESTUPIDLINESEPARATINGTHEFICANDTHEAUTHORSNOTES
Kagome strolled along outside, wiping a stray tear off her cheek. The three females had been having the time of their lives dressing her up in the elegant kimono and doing her hair, when the red colour of the kimono had suddenly reminded her of Inuyasha's haori. She could barely keep the forced smile on her face as they continued their pampering. Eventually Akari noticed her somber mood. After apologizing profusely for forcing her to wear the outfit, the guilty female had said Kagome could take it off first if she wanted. They had all seemed worried when she just left without a word. They didn't know that she had been about to cry. She didn't want them to see her like that anymore.
A breeze tugged at the skirt of the kimono and blew her hair in her face. Sighing heavily, Kagome closed her eyes and leaned on a tree at the edge of the forest. She was trying so hard to forget about her first love, but these memories refused to go away. She missed Shippo, Sango and even Miroku, but she was too ashamed to go back to the village. Except for going back home through the well, Koga's pack seemed like the only place she wasn't afraid to show her face.
Arms enclosed her waist and she glanced up sharply to see one of the males smiling seductively down at her. "Stop it. Please leave me alone," she said firmly, gently pushing his hands away. They came right back and began caressing her sides. Frowning angrily, Kagome shoved him away and put her hands on her hips. "I said stop it! What do you think you're doing!"
Tai smiled and roughly pulled her back into his arms. "Taking what should be mine, human. Nothing this beautiful should go to waste. Especially not with our pathetic leader." He pushed her deeper into the trees and forced her down onto the ground, inhaling her arousing scent. Smirking, he grabbed her fists as she tried to hit him. "The more you fight, the more I'll enjoy this." His eyes glinted dangerously as though he was daring her to try.
"Please," she whispered, another tear running down her cheek, "don't do this." He was too strong for her to escape and she felt helpless as he nipped at her neck, kissing along the neckline of her kimono. "Please," she begged, "please stop."
"Quit your whimpering, girl," he snarled, nipping her flesh hard enough to draw blood. "If you stopped struggling it would be over much quicker." Kagome whimpered as he crushed her lips with his and his hands slipped inside her kimono, running over her soft skin. She bit his lip as hard as she could and he almost howled with the pain of it.
"Bitch!" he growled, backhanding her across the face, "you'll be begging me to give you more by the end of this. I can either give you pleasure or pain. Don't make me hurt you." His expression softened when he saw the cut his claws had made across her cheek. "Forgive me," he apologized gently, "I have a bit of a temper." Leaning over her struggling form, he licked the bloodied spot on her face.
"Stop it!" she cried, yelling in the hopes that someone would hear her. His mouth covered hers again, muffling her cries, as his hand went lower in her kimono exploring places that made her gasp in disgust. She managed to free a hand and punched him in the face as hard as she could manage.
"I warned you," he said, dangerously quiet, ignoring the pain of his throbbing jaw, "I guess you want to do it the hard way." Using a strong hand to cut off her air supply, Tai rubbed his body along Kagome's and found he was breathing heavily. He was getting to the point where he felt the need to be in the kimono with her. Her struggles were lessening and he suddenly remembered to let her breathe. A dead mate was no use to him.
Pressing his body hard against hers, he knew she could feel his want for her throbbing against her covered thigh and moved his hands up her body to grope at her chest. He needed to give her a moment to catch her breath before unleashing his need upon her.
The next second he suddenly found himself being smashed headfirst into a tree.
Staggering to his feet, he vomited from dizziness and fell to his knees. Koga stood above him, seething and fists clenched. Letting out a roar, Koga picked him up by the throat and smashed Tai's face into the tree again, dropping him and hurrying to Kagome's side. He quickly pulled the beautiful kimono fully shut again and helped her sit up. Finger marks made purple bruises along her windpipe and a deep gash was bleeding down her face.
"I'm sorry," he whispered to the shaking girl, "I wasn't there to protect you." Kagome was still gasping for breath and jerked away from him when she saw who it was. "Kagome?" he said, sounding hurt, "what's wrong? I'm here to help you."
"Stay away!" she cried, scrambling away from her friend. Holding her kimono tightly shut, Kagome stood and stumbled back towards the caves with wide, terrified eyes. Akari had come running at the sound of Koga's angry screams and Kagome went straight into her arms, sobbing quietly.
She's scared of me. Koga realized with a start. Because I'm male too. He growled in anger and kicked Tai in the chest, feeling satisfaction at the crunch of the bastard's ribs. "If I ever see you within five miles of here again, I'll kill you," Koga snarled at the gasping youkai on the ground. Giving him one last kick, Koga headed after Akari and the others that were following her. Drops of rain fell on him as he caught up with the group, trying to get through to Kagome.
"Leave her," Ryo spoke gently, placing a clawed hand on his arm, "she's frightened and Akari will make sure she's all right for now."
"I didn't get to her in time," Koga said helplessly, collapsing to the ground. Rain began falling harder as the fallen leader bowed his head to the ground in defeat. He had let harm come to Kagome. She would never trust him to protect her again.
"Don't blame yourself," Ryo ordered fiercely, "it was not your hand that wronged her. Get up and start acting like the leader you are. We can't have everyone seeing you like this. Go to your cave and compose yourself."
Koga did as she said, feeling like a pup scolded for fighting. He hadn't been sent to his cave in years. Sitting on his bedding, Koga sighed and curled up in a ball. Why did everything have to happen to Kagome? The poor girl just couldn't seem to get a break. Would she ever trust him again?
Kagome clung to Akari, her shoulders heaving with sobs, and tried to forget the horrid feeling of that wolf youkai's hands on her body. She desperately wanted a bath. The feeling of violation was so strong that she just wanted to rip her skin off. Akari rubbed her back gently and rocked her like she was a little child. She felt scared and alone, unable to protect herself. Just like a little girl. Akari continued comforting her until a few hours later when she finally stopped crying uncontrollably. Her body wouldn't stop shaking, but at least the tears had stopped.
"Akari?" she whispered shakily, releasing the female from her iron tight grip. The pretty wolf youkai frowned with concern.
"Yes?"
"Can I be alone for a little while? I'd like to change into my other clothes if I could." Akari nodded and quickly scrambled to grab Kagome's clothes that had been left in the back corner of the cave.
"Here you go," she smiled sadly, handing her the bundle, "I'll be in Ryo's cave if you need me again, okay?" Kagome sniffed loudly and took the clothes from Akari.
"Okay………. Thank you for understanding."
"Things will get better," Akari said quietly, "I promise."
Waiting until her friend left, Kagome scrambled shakily to her feet, changing quickly, and headed for the nearby hotsprings to scrub herself until she felt clean again. If she ever could.
:-:
Koga let out a contented sigh and sank deeper into the soothing water, emerged up to his chin. The hotsprings seemed to suck the weariness and soreness out of his muscles and the longer he soaked the better he felt. It was almost as though he could soak away all his problems as well. Taking a deep breath, Koga plunged under the warm water and swam smoothly along. He just wanted to stay here forever and pretend nothing bad ever happened. Kagome was safe and happy and all was right with the world. Coming up for air, he went under again and swam towards the shore. He was so caught up in the sheer bliss of the water that he didn't hear the quiet splash nearby.
:-:
Kagome carefully snuck out of the cave and headed for the hotsprings, hoping Akari wouldn't catch her. She just needed to be alone. Her body shuddered and she rubbed her arms, trying to dismiss the shivers. How could someone do that to another person? It was just wrong. To think what might have happened if Koga hadn't come along right at that moment...
Shaking her head to clear it of thoughts, she stopped at the water's edge and pulled off her jeans and shirt with force, throwing them down in a heap. Dropping into the water quickly, Kagome scrubbed at her body fiercely and wished she had thoughts to bring some soap with her the last time she left home. Not that it would've mattered since she had left her backpack in the village anyway.
Biting her lip to hold back tears, Kagome leaned back to emerge her hair in the water as well. I wonder where Koga is? Kagome thought guiltily, scrubbing her legs until the skin felt red and raw. I'm surprised he didn't bust in there with Akari and demand to take care of me. I hope he didn't feel too hurt when I ran from him. I just needed to get away from everything. As the thought passed through her mind, she suddenly noticed a pile of clothing not too far from her own. The very familiar outfit made her pale and she quickly slid down into the water, so that it covered her from her shoulders down, just as an oblivious wolf youkai broke through the surface of the water.
Koga didn't see her at first as he rubbed water from his eyes and stretched with a loud yawn. "Kagome," he sighed out loud, "how am I supposed to tell you-" He froze, feeling someone watching him. Turning to the side he blushed crimson at the sight of Kagome covered by nothing more then water.
"Koga!" she shrieked, crossing her arms over her chest even though she was already hidden under the water, "what are you doing here!"
"Apparently then same thing as you," he commented, covering his eyes with a hand. "So you can get out and get dressed while I'm not looking, all right?"
"ME!" she exclaimed, "you get out! I'm not moving until you're gone!"
"But...I just...I didn't want you to see...yah..." Koga trailed off and coughed with embarrassment. "Well then I guess we're both stuck here."
"Fine by me," Kagome remarked stubbornly, "I'll just finish up my bath." She resumed scrubbing her skin under the water and turned her back to Koga.
"Are you okay?…… I mean...did he hurt you?" Koga asked suddenly, looking extremely guilty.
Kagome looked over her shoulder and smiled sadly at his ashamed expression.
"He hurt me a little," she nodded, touching a hand to her throat, "but there wasn't anything you could've done. You stopped him before...he could go further. You saved me, Koga."
Koga frowned and closed the distance between them, turning her and touching a hand to the cut on her cheek. His eyes filled with tears as he took in the deep purple marks on her pale neck. "I should've killed him," he growled quietly, forgetting their current 'lack of clothing', "I should've made him suffer!" Crushing Kagome in a tight hug, he sighed heavily. "I should've gotten there sooner."
Kagome could feel her face going crimson as Koga held her, naked, against his bare chest. "Stop blaming yourself for this, Koga," Kagome ordered quickly, "and I'd appreciate it if you'd let me get dressed first the next time you want to hug me." As he let her words sink in, Koga realized that his arms were wrapped around Kagome's bare back and that her exposed chest was pressed into his.
"Sorry!" he cried, releasing her like he'd been burned, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I'll look away now all right? Just hurry up and get something on for god sakes!" Kagome knew her face was as red as his and crossed her arms over her chest self-consciously. As he turned his back to her, Kagome scrambled out of the water and hurriedly dried herself and pulled on her clothes.
"It's safe now," Kagome called, watching him hesitantly turn around at the sound of her voice.
"Um...can I get out too?" Koga asked with a blush.
"Okay," she smiled slightly, "hurry up then."
Blushing fiercely, he shook his head at her and refused to come out of the water. "YOU CAN'T WATCH!" he exclaimed, making her laugh.
"All right. All right. I'm not looking." Covering her eyes, she turned away as Koga had done for her and sat, waiting for him to dress. A hand tapped her should a few moments later and she looked up at Koga's downcast expression.
"I'll never let anything happen to again," Koga promised, kneeling down to hug her protectively, "I swear."
"I trust you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him, "and I'll do my best not to get into too much trouble." Relief washed over her as his hand stroked her hair. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard to forget about her friends. They hadn't had any trouble forgetting her….
:-:
The slow procession of people made their way along the village path, a solemn feeling settling over everyone as they walked. Muffled sobs could be heard throughout the small group and the four villagers carrying the makeshift platform kept their heads bowed respectfully. The path was lined with fresh flowers and other small gifts that had been contributed to show love and respect to the deceased. The short journey ended as they reached the open shrine where Kaede was waiting for them, dressed in ceremonial robes. The platform was placed at her feet and everyone bowed their heads, hearts filled with immense sorrow.
Inuyasha gritted his teeth to keep back the helpless tears that threatened to spill over. The sight of Kagome's still, lifeless body was almost enough to send him over the edge again. "Kagome…..," Shippo's quivery voice whispered, a small hand out-stretched towards her. Inuyasha bit his lip fiercely, tasting blood as he fought back the anguished cries building up in his throat. Scooping up Shippo in his arms, he hugged him tightly, keeping the small kitsune from seeing his adopted mother like this.
Kaede began to speak, telling of Kagome's time she had spent helping with the search for the shards, the way she touched the lives of everyone she met, how kind and loving she was… As the list went on, Inuyasha couldn't stand it any longer. With a pained sob, he fell to his knees and slammed a clawed hand into the earth. Shippo's quiet wails added to his anger and shame that he had failed to protect someone he loved so deeply. Why, of all people, did Kagome have to die!
A gentle hand touched his shoulder and for a moment he almost believed it was her, come back to comfort him one last time. He opened his eyes, shifting them to the person now kneeling next to him. Sango's tearstained face did nothing to help comfort him and he wrapped his arms around his friend when the sobbing demon slayer collapsed against him, heart-wrenching sobs muffled by his haori. "I'm sorry," he choked, gripping her tightly, "I couldn't save her. I just couldn't do anything. I'm so sorry….." They held each other, crying, and Shippo clung to Inuyasha's side desperately, not fully understanding why his heart hurt so much.
Kaede finished her speech tearfully, wiping at her eyes before kneeling next to the platform at her feet. She passed a hand over the young girl's body, cleansing her of any impurities that remained, then spoke quietly. "Lady Kagome, you have been a most courageous young woman and wonderful friend to us all. May ye pass on into the next life blissfully and be in a better place then this tainted earth. All of us loved ye dearly and would surely die in your place. Please be well, wherever ye are." Not a single eye was dry as Kaede gently lifted Kagome's limp body and placed it on the altar, bending to grab a small, lit torch.
"May your memory live on forever, young miko."
Kaede touched the torch's flame to the straw underneath Kagome's body and it flared to life, flickering through the dry grass and eating at Kagome's clothing. Inuyasha raised his head to watch, horrified as the fire ate through his love, his life…….his everything.
"Kagome, no!" he screamed, releasing Sango and throwing himself at the fiery altar, trying desperately to put out the flames.
"Get back, Inuyasha," Kaede ordered softly, touching Inuyasha's tense shoulder. He reluctantly stopped his wild flailing and let his arms drop to his sides, breathing heavily.
"I can't…….let her go…..," he growled, clenching his fists tightly.
"She's gone, Inuyasha," Kaede sighed, holding back tears for his sake, "you need to let her go."
"YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!" he roared, shoving the old woman out of his way and running as fast as he could into the forest. His hair flew like silver streamers behind him as he crashed through the underbrush and dodged trees. Tears streamed down his face as he ran, on and on, not really caring where he went. His energy began to waver after awhile and he finally stopped, collapsing to the ground. "She's not……gone," he gasped, "she's not……." He lay in the dirt, panting and sobbing, and felt a deep pain fill his chest, as if blades were stabbing repeatedly into him.
"Why?" he whispered aloud. "WHY!" He jumped up, anger renewed, and smashed his fist into a tree, shattering it into fragments. "WHY!" His fists smashed through everything he could reach and his eyes began to glow a deep, blood red as his fury flowed through him.
When he awoke some time later, his was head pounding and his body throbbing painfully. "Kagome," he whispered, weeping helplessly into the ground. Why was life so cruel?
:-:
Koga watched with an amused smile as Kagome tried her best to track a nearby deer by scent. She was going the opposite direction of her prey and he didn't have the heart to tell her she just wasn't cut out to be a wolf youkai. "Kagome," he called, seeing her start to wander off the path, "you should watch where you're going." She rolled her eyes at him and continued on her way. "And if you don't mind me asking, are you sure that the deer went that way?"
"Would you like to try and find it?" she asked with exasperation, "let's see you do any better." She knew it was a stupid thing to say as soon as it left her mouth and prepared to be humiliated by Koga's keen hunting skills. Koga smirked and took her by the hand, leading her in almost the exact opposite way she had been heading. A few minutes later, he parted the branches in front of them and the deer's head snapped up, looking around fearfully, before it sprinted away.
"Fine," she pouted, crossing her arms over her chest, "so you're better then me. So what?"
"Awww, someone's jealous," Koga teased, "don't worry. With time, you'll learn well enough."
"Time!" she gasped suddenly, "oh my gosh! I have to tell my mom I'm all right. I've been gone for so long and I didn't even let her know I was leaving!" Kagome's panicked expression worried Koga and he scooped her into his arms and started running back to the caves.
"What do you mean by 'time'?" he asked as he ran, "surely your mother knows of Inuyasha and the shards." He bit his lip as she winced at the mutt's name.
"That well we went through," she explained, "it takes us five hundred years into the past or the future. I'm not from this time."
"I…..see….," he nodded slowly, "so this well takes you to another time? And your mother can't come through?"
"She probably wouldn't try," Kagome sighed, "I have to go see her and let her know I'm all right."
Koga gazed at her thoughtfully, a new worry beginning to eat at him. "You won't be……..staying…….there, will you?"
"I don't know," Kagome shrugged, "maybe. I'd like to tell my mom everything that's happened…..within moderation. I'll just let her know that I'm staying with you for a while. She doesn't have to know why……"
"I'll come with you," he confirmed, slowing as they reached the caves.
"Thank you," she smiled, "it's nice to know I'm in good hands." Koga blushed as she jogged over to her cave she was sharing with Akari. How one woman could have such an effect on him, he would never know.
"Ready!" she called, running out with her school uniform on again. He felt slightly disappointed since he'd enjoyed seeing her in furs like the rest of the females. There was something slightly different about her. Her eyes maybe? Were they that sad before? Koga tilted her chin up with a hand and inspected her critically. Yes, something about her eyes.
"Koga?" she whispered, sounding a little awkward, "can I have my face back?" He let go quickly, blushing again, and bent down for her to climb onto his back. As soon as she was on, he took off again, waving to Akari as they passed her. Kagome held tightly to his shoulders, trying not to notice how nice his back felt against her, or the softness of his toned body. Her cheeks had a deep blush by the time they reached the well and he set her down again.
Koga noticed her embarrassed expression and watched her carefully as he stretched his arms. "Are you okay, Kagome?"
She nodded quickly and flipped her hair over her shoulder nervously. "Fine. Just worried about my mom." She waited for him at the well until he was done working the kinks out of his shoulders and he could've sworn her hands were shaking as he lowered her into the well. Jumping after her, he felt the slight jolt like last time and landed gracefully next to Kagome. She was still untangling herself from the strange position she had arrived in.
"Quit looking," she ordered, trying to keep what little dignity she had left. Koga obediently turned away and did his best not to laugh. "Yah, yah. Laugh it up," she grumbled, standing and pulling herself out of the well.
Koga couldn't help but smile as he followed her out and over to the house. Kagome said a silent prayer, as she entered the house, that her mom was home and wasn't too upset with her.
"Mama?" she called, searching the living room. Koga trailed behind her and noted that the house has a comfortable, welcoming air to it.
"Kagome!" a panicked voice spoke from the kitchen, "Kagome, is that you!"
"Mama!" she cried, running into her mother's arms and hugging her tightly. Rae stroked her daughter's hair and kissed the top of her head.
"Oh, Kagome. I was so worried. I came home and you and Inuyasha were gone. It's been so long I thought……oh my baby." She squeezed her tighter and Koga shifted awkwardly, feeling like an intruder.
"Mama, I'm okay. You can stop crushing me now." Kagome smiled as her mother released her and glanced over at Koga.
"And who's this strapping young lad? Where's Inuyasha, for that matter?"
Kagome looked down at her feet sadly. "I'm not really sure where Inuyasha is right now. This is my friend Koga, mama. He's been watching out for me for the last couple weeks."
"I'm very happy to meet you," Rae smiled, engulfing Koga in a hug. When she pulled back to inspect him, Koga's cheeks were bright red. "Aren't you a handsome little thing," she grinned, "I'm glad Kagome has such good friends that take care of her while she's gone."
"Mama, you're embarrassing him," Kagome laughed.
"I'm just so relieved that you're okay, Kagome," Rae said, letting Koga go, "please, never do that to me again."
"I won't, mama. I promise." Souta came into the room playing a hand-held video game and looked up sharply at the sound of Kagome's voice.
"Kagome!" he yelled excitedly, flinging himself onto her, "you're home!" Koga watched with a smile as Kagome's brother tackled her down and hugged her tightly. "Don't scare me and mama like that ever again!" he scolded.
Kagome pried him off and frowned. "Can everyone stop attacking me, please?"
Everyone smiled at her annoyed expression and Rae lead Koga and Kagome into the kitchen, sitting them down at the table. "You two relax, I'll make you some ramen."
"Mama, can we have something else?" Kagome asked with a pained look.
"All right…… I'll whip something up." Souta stood curiously next to Koga and poked at his furs.
"What are you supposed to be?" he asked, still prodding at Koga's armor.
"I'm Koga and you're a rude little brat," he growled, pulling away from the boy's hands.
"Be nice," Kagome warned.
"You sound like Inuyasha," Souta said happily, "are you two related?"
"Hardly," Koga scoffed, "that mutt is a much lesser breed with barely any intelligence."
"Koga," Kagome frowned, "don't tell Souta things like that." She turned to Souta with a smile. "Inuyasha and Koga don't really get along very well."
"How come?" he asked, looking to Koga.
"The stupid mutt seems to think he deserves Kagome when he clearly doesn't."
"Well, she likes Inuyasha. Who else would better deserve her?" Souta inquired. Koga's face reddened and he shrugged, shooing Souta away.
"It doesn't matter. Kagome can choose for herself."
Souta shook his head and went back in the living room to get his game.
"Who deserves me, Koga?" Kagome teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Anyone, but him," he snarled, clenching his fist angrily. "I'll never let that fleabag near you again!" Kagome placed a hand over his and squeezed it gratefully.
"Lunch is ready," Rae announced, setting plates on the table, "come on, Souta! Food's ready!" Souta came running back in and dropped into a chair.
"Smells great, mom. Pass a plate over here." Rae served food onto everyone's plates and they all dug in.
"Mmmmm, it's really good," Koga mumbled through a mouthful of food.
"Thank you," Rae smiled, "it's nice to see that someone here has manners." Souta and Kagome both shrugged nonchalantly and continued to eat. She watched her daughter fondly for a moment and wondered when she had become so grown up. "Sweetheart, what are you plans now?" she asked, taking another bite of food.
"I'm not sure yet, mama," Kagome frowned, "but I think I'm going to stay with Koga for a couple weeks. I'm sure he'll keep me safe and I can continue looking for shards at the same time."
"You're leaving already?" Souta pouted, "but you just got back."
"Souta, you can't pull that face and expect me to stay," she smiled at her little brother, "I have commitments to people in the past and I have to fulfil my promises before I can stay here permanently. I was thinking I might bring Koga back to stay for a while once this is all over. If that's okay with him, of course."
"How could I pass up an offer like that?" he smiled, putting a hand over hers, causing her cheeks to redden. Her mother smiled knowingly and stood to clear her plate.
"Well, I'd like it if you two could stay for a little while longer. We could watch some old family movies I found a few days ago."
"Mom," Kagome groaned, "I don't want to be embarrassed right now."
"Aw come on, sis, they're cute," Souta grinned. Kagome started to protest again, but Rae had already herded them into the living room. She sat the three kids on the couch and went to the movie cupboard with a grin.
"Hmm, which one should we watch? There's Kagome's first steps…..Kagome and daddy when she's learning how to eat with a spoon all by herself…"
Kagome could feel her cheeks beginning to burn as her mother listed of more and more embarrassing titles and Koga's ears seemed to perk up with interest. He had never thought much about Kagome as a child, but the thought of seeing her in her most vulnerable stage strangely intrigued him.
"I….wouldn't mind her first steps….," Koga smiled sheepishly, ignoring the surprised look Kagome sent his way.
"That's a start," Rae winked, selecting the one Koga had mentioned and popping it into the vcr. The screen lit up with a smiling young Kagome crawling into view. A proud looking young man held his arms out to her and laughed in delight when his little girl wobbled to her feet and cooed at him.
"Come on sweety, come to daddy. Mommy wants to see you walk." The camera followed her every move as she struggled forward and tipped wobbly, falling to the carpet again. "Dear, leave the camera on the stand and come over here," the man urged, looking at the camera with a handsome smile.
Kagome's mom, looking quite a bit younger, shyly came over to her husband and grinned at their little girl. "Oh honey, she's getting so big. Soon we'll have crowds of boys over here begging to take her out." They laughed together at that and he slipped his arm around his wife, squeezing gently.
Little Kagome had managed to pull herself up again and was stubbornly letting one foot fall in front of the other, giggling at her parent's expression when she finally collapsed into their arms. "What a big girl you are!" the man exclaimed, "look at you go! Next you'll be running off with my car." Both parents laughed again and Rae got up to turn off the camera. The screen went fuzzy and Rae wiped at her eyes quickly as she ejected the tape and returned it to its case.
"Mama……..," Kagome trailed off, "I've never seen that tape before. When did daddy and you take that?"
"You were almost one," Rae said quietly, smiling over at her daughter, "we….we were so proud…"
"I think we've seen enough movies, right Sota?" Kagome remarked quickly, elbowing her brother.
"But we've only seen one…ow!" He winced and rubbed his side. Seeing his mother's tears he finally got Kagome's meaning. "Yah, mama, I think we've seen enough for today."
"I need to go get something from upstairs…," she said quietly, excusing herself from the room.
"Is she all right?" Koga asked with concern, watching Kagome's mother slowly make her way up the stairs.
"She always gets this way when we talk about my dad," Kagome sighed sadly, "then she goes to be alone for awhile."
"What happened to your father?"
"He……..he's dead. But, let's not talk about this, okay?" Koga could see tears in Kagome's eyes too and nodded respectfully.
"I'm sorry. That was an inconsiderate thing of me to ask you. It's none of my business." The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence and Kagome leaned back against him with a shuddery sigh. His arms hesitantly closed around her in a gentle hug and he leaned his cheek on the top of her head. "Is it nice growing up with parents?" Koga asked quietly.
"I don't know how I could survive without my mom," Kagome nodded truthfully, "the feudal world is so different from now. Everyone there has to be tough and pretend life doesn't hurt them, just to survive. Kids grow up without dads all the time. It's no big deal…." Another sigh escaped from her lips and he took one of her hands in his, stroking it gently with his fingers. "When you grow up with luxury, it's hard to let go of….I just want him back….."
She leaned to the side to look up at Koga, who had remained silent the whole time. "Life isn't very fair to you, Kagome….," he whispered, his hand trailing along hers, "why does everything bad seem to happen to you? I think you deserve to be happy. You deserve it more then most…."
"Thank you," she smiled, leaning closer instinctively. His face was only a few inches away, his soft breath colliding with her cheek. A shiver went through her as they sat, almost touching, and he gazed down into her eyes. He licked his lips nervously, knowing if he leaned forward even the slightest bit that they would touch hers. He could smell her enticing scent, urging him to move, to do what he wanted. He just couldn't bring himself to do that to her.
"Koga…," she murmured, not taking her eyes away from his.
"Mmm?"
"I…………about us….I mean….." His arm slid up her back and she felt so warm and safe it was hard to think of it as wrong. "I don't know what I'm trying to say….," she admitted softly, enjoying his gentle touch. She had never really seen Koga in this light before. A warm feeling spread over her as they hovered, millimeters apart, him gazing down into her eyes with a smile that caused her pulse to quicken. His light breath blew gently over her lips and she could feel her hands starting to shake.
"Kagome….," he breathed, clearly torn between moving forward and moving away.
"Kagome! Phone!" Souta's voice yelled from the kitchen, startling her out of her stupor.
"I'm coming!" she called back, climbing awkwardly off of the couch and leaving Koga alone in the living room. Her heart was pounding crazily in her chest and she rubbed at her face to rid it of the deep blush that seemed to be a permanent feature. What had she been about to do?
"Hello?" she spoke, putting the phone to her ear.
"Kagome?" a soft, masculine voice spoke.
"Speaking."
"It's me. Hojo."
"Hey Hojo!" she said brightly, leaning back against the counter, "what's going on? How are you?"
"I'm fine," he said with a hint of a smile in his voice, "but I'll calling to check on you. You've been sick for longer then usual and I was getting concerned. Should I bring you over some herbs or healing salve for the sores?"
"S-Sores?" Kagome trailed off, "uh….actually I'm feeling much better today. I may even be well enough to stay out of bed."
"That's great! So I'll see you at school tomorrow?"
"If I stay well, Hojo. Thanks again for phoning me though. It's nice to know people care."
His voice softened into almost a whisper on the other end. "Who wouldn't care about you?"
"Good question," she laughed nervously, "but I should go now. Talk to you later Hojo."
"Get well Kagome. You are missed."
"Bye."
"Farewell," he spoke, a click following his goodbye.
Thank god for telephones, Kagome thought, breathing a sigh of relief and dropping into one of the kitchen chairs. Who know what might have happened if Hojo hadn't phoned…..
And soon she'd be alone with Koga again. One night and she'd have to be back in the feudal era…….. One night at home. And Souta and her mom were both occupied with other things. It was kind of strange having Koga there, though. Where on earth was he going to sleep?
"Koga?" she called.
"Yes, Kagome?" he replied, walking into the kitchen.
"I…..uh….," she paused, getting lost in his eyes momentarily, "I……yes. Here…..follow me for a sec." She managed to tear her eyes away from his and lead him to her quaint abode. "This is where you'll be spending the night," she gestured, sweeping a hand across the room.
"Isn't this your room?" he inquired, breathing in the pleasant scent of Kagome. "I can't sleep here. Where will you go?"
"I'll have the couch. It's fine. You're my guest and I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable."
"I refuse. I'm very honored you'd give up your bed for me, but it just wouldn't be right…" He bit his lip thoughtfully and shifted his gaze to his pretty friend. "A few furs on the floor should do the trick. I'm used to my cave, remember?"
"Blankets are what we have," she grinned, "I'll go grab some." She hurried to the linen closet and grabbed a few blankets and an extra pillow, her heart beat quickening at the thought of Koga sleeping in her room. She hugged the blankets to herself as she made her way back into the room, watching Koga roaming slowly through her room, gazing at all her trinkets and pictures.
"Here you go," she said softly, startling the wolf youkai.
"T-Thank you," Koga smiled, turning around and taking the blankets and pillow from her, "where should I set up camp?"
"Wherever," Kagome shrugged, sitting on the edge of her bed. Her eyes followed his muscular form as he bent and laid the blankets down, tucking them into a bed shaped mass of blankets. What a short time ago it had been that Inuyasha would've been in his place, smiling that certain smile when he thought she wasn't watching. The twinge of pain bit at her heart again. She glanced up at Koga, who was silently gazing out the window, laying on his makeshift bed. She knew the silence between them wasn't exactly comfortable at the moment, but she couldn't bring herself to speak. These strange feelings for him were new and scared her. It was easier to say nothing, then struggle to find something to say.
Her eyes were on him. He felt it. Koga willed his cheeks not to blush and continued to stare out the window. Neither had brought up the close call in the living room, but questions were at the tip of his tongue, struggling to be heard. Had she been about to kiss him? Was she beginning to see him the way he had seen her all this time? More and more questions were bitten back until a quiet whimper escaped, his fangs digging sharply into lip.
"Koga? Are you okay?" Kagome asked with concern, going over to him.
"Please, Kagome. I can't take this torture much longer."
"Torture?" Her eyes widened and she stopped where she was. "How are you being tortured?"
"The smiles, the looks, the hugs, the almost-kisses. I guess I just can't stand the not knowing. You seem so interested in me sometimes and then suddenly it's like you don't even want to be near me. I may be a demon, but my heart can only take so much……"
Her soft lips were parted slightly in an "o" of shock. Such a bold statement from Koga. His adoration was obvious throughout the time she had known him, but he'd never dared to put her on the spot about how she felt in return. How did she feel?
"But…….I-Inuyasha……..," she stammered, burying her face in her hands. Her face burned from shame and embarrassment.
He instantly felt bad. Stupid, selfish youkai! Why did he have to want her so badly? "Kagome, I'm sorry," he sighed, getting up and placing a hesitant hand on her shoulder. "I just hate not knowing how you really feel."
"I feel something for you. That much I know….., but…..Koga….I don't want you to be a rebound."
He quirked an eyebrow, not understanding the word. "Rebound?"
"It's when you think you like someone new right after being rejected or hurt by someone you loved very much. You just rebound on them because you need to feel wanted and loved."
"I'll want you and love you….," Koga whispered softly.
"But you'll get hurt," she objected, "if it is a rebound, I'll get over you quite fast."
He smiled at her warmly and ran his hand gently over her cheek. "It will be worth it…."
"Koga…..," she trailed off, tearing her gaze from his and biting her lip.
"Just let me try something. It will tell me if what you say is true."
"Try what?"
"Just trust me," he murmured, leaning in and brushing his lips against hers. She jerked back and he slid his hand behind her neck, gently pulling her back. "Trust me." She closed her eyes as he leaned in again, slowly moving his lips over hers until she responded. He wasn't passionate and demanding like Inuyasha, his kisses held a certain gentleness and care that brought tears to her eyes.
"Koga, stop," she mumbled, pushing on his chest lightly.
He opened his eyes and watched her intently, a slight smile appearing on his lips. "Even if you deny it, there was no lie in your kiss."
"I have to pee," she blurted out, standing and hurrying out of the room. She couldn't handle this. Everything was too much for her since the day Inuyasha…. Locking the door behind her, she leaned back against the door and cried. Cried for her mother, cried for Koga, cried for herself. So much pain and sadness. It just wasn't fair.
:-:
"Sango, it's getting dark. We should head back."
Sango glanced back at Miroku, sighing at his weary expression. She had the feeling they were getting close to Inuyasha and didn't want to give up just yet. "Please, just a bit further. I have….a feeling. I think we're close."
"As you did yesterday and the day before and the day before that," he remarked in a very out of character, annoyed tone.
"Please," she pleaded, "I hate to think of him spending another night alone out here." Miroku looked away from her, wishing she wouldn't make him sound so heartless. "What if I was lost out here?" Sango asked softly, "would you give up so easily?"
"Fine," he gave in, "lead on."
Touching his tense shoulder gratefully, Sango gave it a squeeze and smiled when he looked at her. "Thank you. I promise. Only a little while longer and then we can head back."
He nodded slightly, closing his hand over hers and entwining their fingers. "I should want to find him as much as you. I apologize for my anger."
Walking on, hand in hand, Sango continued to call softly for their lost hanyou friend. She knew he was somewhere in the forest, alone and probably unstable and shaken from the loss of the woman he loved so dearly. They had to find him tonight, before it was too late…. "What if he's…….," she whispered, "what if he's…..not okay?"
"He won't die so easily, Sango. At least the Inuyasha I know wouldn't. I just hope that once we find him, a little happiness can be restored into everyone's lives. Too much sadness has come to pass in the last few weeks."
"It has," she agreed, "life has been hard on our little group."
Silence fell over them as they were lost in thought and Sango almost didn't hear the weak groan to the left. "What was that?" she jumped, tightening her grip on Miroku's hand.
He shrugged and released her hand. "I didn't hear anything."
"Over there," she pointed, "come on." Running through the surrounding brush, they broke out into a small clearing, well hidden in the trees. Near the middle was a red lump of cloth with silvery hair splayed out all around it. "Inuyasha," Sango cried, dropping to his side weakly. "Inuyasha, are you alright!"
He groaned again, fainter then before and opened his eyes slowly to look up at the demon slayer. "Just let me die. Please. I've had it with this life."
Frowning angrily at him, Sango slid an arm under his back and lifted him to a sitting position. "After all the trouble we just went through to find you, there's no way I'm letting you die. I know you're hurting. We all miss Kagome greatly, but you can't just mope around and give up on life. There are still shards to find, enemies to defeat, Naraku to destroy. Do you think Kagome would want us to let the feudal era be over-run by evil just because she passed away?"
"No….," he mumbled, leaning into her embrace, "but I just…..miss her so much….."
"We all do," Sango whispered, stroking his hair, "we all do." Miroku came to her side, and sat cross-legged beside them, putting an arm around Sango. They all held each other tightly, Inuyasha quiet sobs muffled by Sango's shirt, until at last he was able to calm down. She felt his body still and pulled her hand away from his hair, shifting him enough to see his face.
"It will be all right now, Inuyasha. We still have each other."
THISISTHESTUPIDLINESEPARATINGTHEFICANDTHEAUTHORSNOTESAuthor: I wasn't quite ready to end that chapter, but since I've made you all wait a reeeeeeally long time for this update, I decided that I'd better do it now, before all the angry mobs hunt me down with torches and pitchforks.
Sephiroth: Hey, your writing isn't that good.
Author; :glares: No one was asking you, now were they? Be a good boy and go take a long walk off a short pier.
Sephiroth; :pouts and leaves: Yes mistress.
Author: Man am I tired. At least I'm not sick anymore. :smacks a hand to her forehead: Oh no! Every time I say that I get sick again. :sighs: Well I'm gonna go easy with the random insanity this chapter since I need to get back to working and studying, but my other three fics should be updated soon. Until then, bai bai! (and enjoy the free refreshments in the lounge)
Sephiroth: And I'm doing pole dancing!
Author;:cringes: Like I said…….enjoy……