-1Author's Note: Again, just felt like updating. I would like to thank Wolf Jade for pointing out an error I've made. From now on, I will just use Sensei or the teacher's name. Thank you again. Now, on with the chapter.
Incapable
It's Not a Date
"Kagome, this is the second day in a row you've over-slept." Sesshoumaru stated, banging on her bedroom door.
"No, I haven't." Kagome replied as she opened the door. "I've been up for an hour, already taken a shower, and am ready to leave."
Sesshoumaru looked down at her figure, smirking slightly. "I see you're starting to learn." His voice made her shiver. After a second, he turned on his heel and started for the stairs.
Kagome did respect him, but it irked her the way he was always so condescending. Shaking some rather disturbing thoughts from her head, she hurried after him. She was smarter today and decided to wear a pair of jeans rather than a skirt. Can't run in them to save your life. And can't exactly get a decent shot at Inuyasha… She thought.
She entered the dining room shortly after Sesshoumaru and immediately noted that Inuyasha was sitting at the table. He did it on purpose. Kagome sent a discreet glare at Sesshoumaru before sitting down.
"Pass the juice." Inuyasha growled at Kagome. Kagome shifted her gaze to Inuyasha, giving him an, if possible, even colder glare. "Wench, I said…" He began.
"You would be wise to not order my servant around, little brother. That is, if you wish to keep your larynx inside your throat." Sesshoumaru replied.
"Feh. You always did have a thing for bitches, Sesshoumaru." Inuyasha smirked slightly and stood up, hitting Kagome on the head before walking out of the room. Kagome's mouth hung open, a fork in front of it.
"I'll kill him." She muttered.
"Be my guest. Just don't stain the carpet." Sesshoumaru answered as he stood up. "We must be going. I'll see you this evening, father." Kagome rose, quickly finished her orange juice, and walked out of the house.
"Your eating habits are not exactly healthy, Kagome." He said matter-of-factly.
"After serving that idiot of a brother of yours for six years, you get used to having one meal a day." Kagome replied and fastened her seat belt.
"You do not serve him anymore, so, therefore, you will have three meals a day. No skimping on them and just having one item, either." Again with the condescending tone.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru." She forced her answer out of her mouth. He sped down the street, pulling into the school parking lot about a minute later.
"Thirty second improvement." He muttered as he got out of the car.
Kagome climbed out, pushing some hair out of her face, and walked towards the school. He's going to kill us one day. She thought. She waited patiently for Sesshoumaru to grab a couple of books from their locker before doing the same.
"Hey, Kags." Kagome turned around, smiling at Naraku.
"Big brother!" She exclaimed happily and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Man, we just saw each other yesterday." Naraku groaned.
"Yeah, but we have like six years to make up." Kagome replied as she finally released him. "Still on for tonight, right?"
"Most definitely. Speaking of, what's your favorite restaurant in town?" A satisfied smile spread across his face.
"Mikata. But, it's so hard to get a reservation at that place." Her voice filled with disappointment.
"What would you say if I told you that I got a reservation there?" He asked.
"That I love you forever and ever…"
"Well, start saying that you love me forever and ever, then." Naraku's smile grew even more at the squeal of glee Kagome let out.
"Are you serious? You got a reservation at Mikata?" She asked excitedly.
"The very restaurant. It's at 6:00 p.m., so make sure you're ready in time." He answered. Kagome hugged him again, almost cutting off his air supply. "Breathing is an addiction everyone has, Kagome. And I have no intention of cutting back on it."
"Oh, sorry." Kagome laughed nervously and released him again. She scratched the back of her head, laughing again.
"Ah, little Kags." Naraku sighed. "Life just wouldn't be the same without you."
"Damn right it wouldn't." She smiled broadly in response. "But, I'd better get going. I'll see you gym." She gave him a quick hug and ran off to chorus. Naraku laughed quietly and made his way to band.
"Good morning, class!" Nanaka gave her usual greeting. "I've decided to reward you all for how hard you've been working. So, we're not going to do anything. However, that does not mean you can be as loud as you want to."
Some students smiled innocently before joining their friends. Kagome stood from her seat and walked over to Miroku, sitting next to him.
"Baby sister!" Miroku smiled. Kagome laughed slightly, putting her head in his lap.
"Wake me up when this class is over." Kagome replied.
"You okay? You look drugged…" He asked.
"I woke up an hour early today so that a certain boss of mine wouldn't flip out." She yawned. "And I've been plotting my revenge against Inuyasha."
"Still going to beat him to a bloody pulp?"
"Nope. Just as much as Kikyou will let me beat him." Kagome answered with a smile.
"Oh, before you all get too distracted, I have the call back list for The Phantom of the Opera." Nanaka stated. Kagome's eyes shot open and she jumped up excitedly.
"It's on the bulletin board just outside the classroom. Only those who auditioned may go look at it now." Before she could finish the sentence, Kagome ran out of the room, searching the list for her name.
"Yes!" Kagome cheered, her fatigue leaving her instantly. "I got the call back!"
Miroku calmly walked out of the room, trailing his finger down the list. "As did I and Naraku for the Phantom." He continued reading. "Kags, I hate to rain on your parade but…"
"What is it? Please tell me that Inuyasha didn't randomly show up at one of the auditions and actually made it." She begged.
"No, worse. Sesshoumaru's up for Raoul. Meaning…" He didn't get the chance to finish. Kagome stifled a scream, glaring at the sheet of paper. "But, I thought you said he was good kisser."
"That doesn't mean I want to kiss him again!" She replied angrily. "There's no one I want to kiss playing Raoul. Or the Phantom!"
"More bad news…" Miroku was still reading the paper. "With the way they have it set up, there's three groups of three. Each has a Christine, Phantom, and Raoul…"
"Don't tell me… Sesshoumaru and I are in the same group." Kagome groaned slightly, using what little self-control she had to keep herself from banging her head on the wall.
"Yep. Along with Yours Truly." He answered.
"Okay. Here are some words of wisdom for you, Miroku. Some food for thought, if you will. Grab my butt again, I cut off the offending hand." She smiled sweetly and forced herself to go back into the classroom.
Nanaka laughed nervously, having heard Kagome's outburst. "We are still in school, Kagome. So, please refrain from yelling in the hall."
"Yes, Sensei. I apologize." Kagome bowed to the teacher and took her seat towards the back of the room again.
"You're forgiven. Remember, callbacks are next week. If you miss a day, you don't get the part. You're dismissed." The bell rang and the class exited the room.
Naraku was standing by the bulletin board, wearing another large smile on his face.
"Damn it, I wanted to tell you in gym!" Kagome replied at his shoulder. Naraku turned around, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"You read the rest of it, right?" He asked as they walked to gym.
"Miroku did for me. Trust me, it was not exactly a pretty sight." She answered. Naraku stepped in front of her, indicating she could get on his back. She did so, his arms wrapping around his legs.
"What did Nana say?" He questioned.
"Just that I should refrain from yelling in the halls. To hell with that. Who are you working with?" Kagome responded.
"Ayame and… Hojo." Naraku replied. Kagome held back a laugh, burying her face in his hair.
"That's hilarious. Hojo tried out for Raoul?" She asked. Naraku nodded slightly.
"You think you having to kiss Sesshoumaru is bad? You should have heard what Ayame did to him. Slapped him and then knocked him into the orchestra pit. Stands and everything down there." He felt Kagome wince.
"Yow. That had to hurt." she replied. Naraku finally put her down once they were outside of the gym.
"You're telling me." He laughed quietly and stepped into the room. "Look's like we're still watching House of Flying Daggers."
Kagome squealed yet again. "I get to see the sexy hotness!"
"Who, me?" Miroku asked, popping up, seemingly from nowhere.
"Don't flatter yourself, big brother." Kagome sighed, taking a seat next to Naraku. "Kaneshiro-sama. Kami, the things I would do to him if he came here."
"Keep that to yourself, Kags. Please." Naraku begged. Kagome blushed and nodded.
"All right, big brother." She answered. Once everyone was seated in the gym, Kaede started the movie.
"Recall that we stopped the movie at the battle in the field." Kaede stated. Sure enough, the fight scene was on the screen.
Kagome bit her nails as swords lunged at Jin and Mei. "Kags, you've seen this movie a billion times and you know they live." Naraku whispered, gently pulling her hand away from her mouth.
"But what if it's different this time?" She asked.
"Oh, yeah. They're really going to change it after the movie's been out for over a year." Naraku replied sarcastically. Kagome glared at him, elbowing him in the side.
"Leave me and my weakness alone." She pouted. Naraku laughed and pulled her closer to him. Kagome smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Kaede, you can't stop it now!" Kagome exclaimed as the gym teacher pressed the stop button. "It's just about to get to the good part!"
"Trust me, young Kagome. We will finish the movie by the end of the week." Kaede replied calmly.
"But it was just about to get to the bamboo forest fight scene. That's only the most beautiful fight scene in all of cinematography!" She wasn't going to let her get away with this.
"I know that, Kagome. However, the bell rings in… five seconds. See you tomorrow, class." Just then, the bell rang. Kagome grumbled quietly to herself as Naraku pulled her to her feet.
"Come on, Kags. Time for math. See you tomorrow, Kaede." He gently pushed her out of the gym, smiling at the string of curses spewing from her mouth.
"Man, it was at the best part of the movie." She muttered, kicking at the ground. Naraku sighed and hoisted her onto his back.
"My little Kagome. How violent you are." He chuckled.
------------------------
The school day passed by quickly enough. Before Kagome knew it, she was standing outside of the theater to continue auditions. 'Kami, if Mikita loves his students he will not have any kissing scenes planned for today.' She silently begged. Naraku seemed to sense her discomfort, a chuckled escaping him.
"Kags, it's just the theater. Even if you do have to kiss him again, it's just acting." He pointed out.
"Man, are you sure you're not psychic or something? Because it gets really creepy how you always know what I'm thinking." Kagome replied.
"Nope, not psychic. After knowing you for almost our whole lives it's easy to guess what you're thinking." Naraku chuckled. "Now, come on. Mikita will slay us if we're late." They walked into the theater together, Kagome automatically heading towards the stage.
"Predictable, isn't it?" Mikita asked from the table. Kagome smiled and nodded slightly.
She settled herself next to Sesshoumaru, her hands shoved into the pockets of her jeans.
"Despite your hatred for the kissing scenes, children, we must gauge the amount of chemistry you have." Mikita started.
"Sensei, I hate to interrupt or to state the painfully obvious, but Sesshoumaru and I have no chemistry. Putting us together is a bad combination. We go BOOM!" Kagome replied, exaggerating her words with vivid hand movements.
"As we saw yesterday, Higurashi. However, we must practice them all the same." The man answered. "Roof top scene."
She groaned quietly and flipped to the scene. 'If he sticks his tongue in my mouth I will scream bloody murder.'
"No more talk
of darkness,
Forget these
wide-eyed fears.
I'm here,
nothing can harm you -
my words will
warm and calm you.
Let me be
your freedom,
let daylight
dry -your tears.
I'm here,
with you, beside you,
to guard you
and to guide you . . ." Sesshoumaru started to sing. His gaze locked with Kagome's, a slight smirk crossing his features.
'Oh, stop smirking you smug idiot.' Kagome thought before singing the next part of the song.
"Say you love me
every
waking moment,
turn my head
with talk of summertime . . .
Say you need me
with you,
now and always . . .
promise me that all
you say is true -
that's all I ask
of you . . ." She sang. 'Say you'll gag me with a flippin' spoon… okay, doesn't exactly fit.'
"Let me be
your shelter,
let me
be your light.
You're safe:
No-one will find you
your fears are
far behind you . . ." Sesshoumaru once again draped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into his chest. "You know, you really need to relax. I'm not about to take advantage of a weak human." He whispered to her.
"All I want
is freedom,
a world with
no more night . . .
and you
always beside me
to hold me
and to hide me . . ." Kagome chose to ignore his comment, going on to the next stanza.
"Then say you'll share with
me one
love, one lifetime . . .
Let me lead you
from your solitude . . .
Say you need me
with you
here, beside you . . .
anywhere you go,
let me go too -
Christine,
that's all I ask
of you . . ." He had since turned her to face him, his hands now resting gently on her arms.
"Say you'll share with
me one
love, one lifetime . . .
say the word
and I will follow you . . ." The words definitely didn't match what was running through her head.
"Share each day with
me, each
night, each morning . . ." The two sang together, Sesshoumaru's voice easily overpowering her own.
"Say you love me . . ." She closed her eyes, dreading what was to come. 'No, don't say that! Die, you idiot. Have a heart attack. Let your stupid brother barge in. Something!'
"You know I do . . ." Sesshoumaru ignored her mannerisms, his face inching slowly towards hers.
"Love me -
that's all I ask
of you . . ." For the second time in two days the pair kissed, Sesshoumaru picking Kagome up in the process.
"Anywhere you go
let me go too . . .
Love me -
that's all I ask
of you . . ." Their voices rang through the theater, each clasping the other's hand. Kagome finally stepped away from him, her face pale.
"Someone get me a toothbrush and some toothpaste, please. I have dog germs all up in my mouth." She begged.
"You know, kissing you isn't so great either." Sesshoumaru replied, beginning to step off of the stage. The auditorium door burst open, revealing a certain hanyou.
"I see your wench is taking advantage of her freedom." He spat, glaring at Kagome. "You know, you should keep a short leash on her. The whores tend to take it too far."
Kagome's jaw dropped slightly. "Did he just call me a whore and a wench?" She asked, turning her attention to Naraku.
"Yeah, I think he did…" Naraku replied after a second. Kagome gasped slightly and stood up, her hands balling into fists.
"I'm going to kill him!" She yelled and attempted to lunge at Inuyasha. Naraku caught her by the waist, holding her in place. "Let me go, damn it! I'm going to castrate him and then kill him!"
Inuyasha smirked and turned to Sesshoumaru. "I'm telling you, brother. She's a feisty one."
"Inuyasha, I'm going to kill you!" Kagome continued struggling against Naraku's hold.
"Inuyasha, leave now. You have no business interrupting our auditions." Mikita scorned. "Kagome, calm down. You're acting insane."
"I'm not finished with you, Maeda!" The distraught girl shouted.
"See, even when you don't work for me you just want more." Inuyasha chucked smugly, walking to stand in front of her. "But, I'll tell you one thing, little Kaggie-poo. It was a one time deal." He whispered into her ear before walking off.
"Get your stupid, egotistical butt back here! They won't be here forever, you know! And once they're gone I'll mutilate you!" Kagome screamed. Inuyasha smirked and walked back out of the theater.
"Oi, little help here, please!" Naraku still held tightly to Kagome's waist, her struggles to get free still not ending. Miroku sighed and walked over to them.
"You know, you may have known her longer than I have, but you still don't know that in order to get her to stop fighting, do this." He placed his hand on her butt, immediately ceasing the struggling. However, it did earn him a slap in the face.
"I do not believe I have ever seen a woman react that dramatically to being called a wench and a whore." Sesshoumaru stated.
"Well, that's our little sister for you. Nothing is ever small with her." Naraku replied.
"Yeah, baby sister. You're one scary chick." Miroku laughed.
"I'm not a chick. I'm a woman." Kagome scowled before walking out of the auditorium. "And your brother deserved it, anyway." She added.
Naraku sighed and shook his head. "Kagome Higurashi. The eighth wonder of the world." He turned around and ran out of the theater, easily catching up with Kagome.
"Why did you stop me from beating the crap out of him?" Kagome asked roughly, looking at Naraku for a second.
"Because, baby sister, you could get suspended, and that wouldn't be too good. You can wait until next week and beat him up in gym." He answered, pulling her onto his back.
"Mikita wouldn't have cared. And Inuyasha was asking for it, anyway. Calling me a wench and a whore like that." She huffed.
"Yes, I know that, baby sister. But, now would not be the right time to express your hatred towards him, what with auditions and your chorus competition coming up soon." Naraku replied.
"Feh. It's not that much." Kagome muttered.
"Oh, come off it, Kags. You're strong and everything, but you're not Superwoman. You know you're going to be stressing out about this. And on top of extracurricular activities there's school." He insisted, placing her on her feet outside off the gate.
"Who says I'm not Superwoman? Of course I am." Kagome laughed quietly and punched in the numbers for the gate to open. "See you in a couple of hours, big brother."
Naraku sighed gently and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Don't be late, baby sister." He replied.
"Oh, wait. Before you go, what should I wear?" She asked.
"What, is it just an after-thought now? I see you've made some progress, baby sister." Naraku joked. "Just semi-dressy. But, wear pants." He smiled and then walked off. Kagome turned back to the gate to see it already closed.
"Hmm… guess I waited too long to go in." She muttered, re-entering the code.
"Your entrance has been denied." An automated voice stated.
"What the hell?" Kagome groaned and pushed a button on an intercom.
"Why, Kagome. So nice to see you." Inuyasha jeered from the device.
"Inuyasha." She mumbled in response.
"Let me guess. You need me to open the gate for you, right?" He asked.
"Yes." Kagome replied. "Will you please open it?"
"Well, since you asked nicely…" Kagome could hear the sarcasm dripping from the words. A chuckle escaped Inuyasha, his finger just above the button that would open the gate. "One condition, Kaggie-poo."
"What?" She asked through clenched teeth.
"Apologize for trying to attack me earlier. And for saying you were going to castrate me." He answered boredly.
"Inuyasha, I think you should go to the doctor to get the bump on your head checked out. You clearly hit it very hard if you think I will ever apologize to you, you stupid dog!" Kagome screeched, letting out a frustrated groan. Inuyasha just laughed and turned off the intercom.
"All right. He won't open the gate, fine. I'll climb it." She growled. Pushing the books she had in her arms one at a time through the bars, she dusted off her hands and looked at the top of the gate. "The one day I forget to bring my key."
Kagome jumped up, grabbing two bars as high as she could. "Once I get over this thing, I'll kill him." She muttered. She pulled herself up some more until she finally got to the top. "Holy crap. I never realized how tall this thing was… All right, take a deep breath and jump. Great, now it sounds like I'm about to commit suicide."
Glancing down at the ground again, she finally let go. "And she sticks the landing! Hah!" She cheered, quickly scooping up her books. Kagome ran up the driveway and opened the front door. "I'm so going to kill you after I get back tonight, Inuyasha." She growled at the teenager seated in the living room.
"All you had to do was apologize for trying to attack me. But, no. You have to blow everything out of proportion because I called you a whore and a wench." Inuyasha replied.
"Blow everything out of proportion? I think I reacted quite calmly considering the side comment you made, you maniacal, sadistic…" She was cut off by Sesshoumaru clearing his throat.
"If you two are finished verbally abusing each other like children, I need to speak to Kagome." He turned around and walked back up the stairs.
Kagome sent a glare at Inuyasha before following, muttering quietly to herself.
"You know, the grudge you have over my brother has really got to end." Sesshoumaru pointed out.
"It will, as soon as I have beat him to a bloody pulp." She answered coldly.
"It will have to end sooner than that, Kagome. The anger you are harboring is not healthy."
"Yeah, well, screw my health. If I have to die young I would like to die killing your brother. But, since Kikyou won't let me kill him, I can settle."
Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. "You are even more stubborn than he is."
Kagome glared at the back of Sesshoumaru's head and began muttering to herself again.
"Excuse me?" He suddenly turned around, towering above her. Kagome squeaked and instinctively leaned backwards.
"All right, I won't beat him. Unless Kaede tells me to in gym. Then, I have no choice." She replied quickly.
"Good. What time is that friend of yours supposed to be picking you up?" He asked.
"The reservations for dinner are at 6:00 p.m., so probably around 5:45-ish…" Kagome answered.
"Well, it's going on 4:30 now, so unless you're going dressed like that I suggest you get ready." Sesshoumaru glanced at the watch on his wrist for a second.
"Damn it! You couldn't have told me sooner, could you?" Kagome bolted past him with a hurried bow and ran into the bathroom. "Oh, wait. Could you do me the hugest favor ever?" She poked her head out of the bathroom door.
"What?" He asked, lifting an eyebrow.
"Pick me out something to wear. Naraku just said to dress nicely but to wear pants. And I don't know what guys like." She replied.
"What makes you think I would know what he would like?"
"Well, you're a guy. And you have good taste, might I add." She answered, pointing out the button up shirt Sesshoumaru was wearing.
"I suppose I could." Sesshoumaru stated, getting a squeal from Kagome.
"You are a god among men, Sesshoumaru." With that, she closed the door and his ears filled the sound of running water. Kagome stepped out of the bathroom about ten minutes later, a towel wrapped tightly around her body.
"Let's see what he has chosen for me." She opened her bedroom, stepped inside, and closed the door behind her. On her bed Sesshoumaru had laid out a pair of wide leg solid black pants paired with a silvery colored shirt. Sitting on the floor by the bed were a pair of silver ballet flats. "He really does have good taste."
She quickly pulled the clothes on, leaving the shoes by the bed. Kagome plugged her blow dryer into the outlet and turned it on, slowly running it over her hair. She glanced at the clock by her bed, stifling a squeak. "Okay, half an hour." She turned off the blow dryer and sat in the chair in front of her desk.
A knock sounded from her door and she turned around, seeing Sesshoumaru leaning against the frame. "Naraku just called." He stated.
"Oh. I didn't hear the phone ring." Kagome replied, turning her attention back to the mirror on her desk. 'Hair… up or down?'
"You were blow drying your hair I think. He said he'll be here in about ten minutes." Sesshoumaru answered casually.
"What!" She shouted. "I'm not even ready yet!"
"You look ready to me. What else do you have to do?"
"Well, my hair for one thing. Make-up. Have to brush my teeth."
"Why do females insist upon covering their faces with those vile chemicals?" He sighed slightly and began to walk out of the room.
"Wait. Do you think I should put my hair up or leave it down?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Come on, Sesshoumaru. I need a male's opinion. Please?" She begged. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes slightly and muttered a 'fine' in response. Kagome smiled and pulled her hair up with one of her hands. "All right. Up? Or…" She dropped her hair. "Down?"
"Let me see it up again." He replied. Kagome pulled her hair back up and glanced in the mirror. "How'd you get that scar?" She gave him a questioning look before glancing in the mirror again.
"Definitely down." She muttered. She picked up her hair brush and ran it through the silky locks again before standing up.
"I asked you a question, Kagome, and I do not like being ignored." Sesshoumaru folded his arms across his chest, blocking the door way.
"It's nothing. Just me being a klutz." Kagome replied. "Now, will you please move? I have to finish getting ready before Naraku gets here." Her entire demeanor had changed.
"Do you honestly think that I believe you? The sooner you tell me the truth the sooner I move."
"We're going out for dinner tomorrow, why don't you ask me then?" Kagome finally managed to get around him and walked into her bathroom.
"Why can't you just answer the question now?" He followed her, stopping in the door way.
"Because, I'm about to be late and I haven't been to this restaurant ever since I've worked here. So, if you make us miss the reservations I will be very upset."
"You still have six minutes, which is plenty of time to brush your teeth and explain to me how you got that scar on your neck."
"Can't you just be normal and yell at me for defying you? Hit me or something."
"So, you actually liked being abused by that incompetent fool of a brother of mine?" Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow in question. Kagome let out a frustrated groan and squeezed some toothpaste onto her toothbrush, running it underneath the faucet before sticking it in her mouth. She quickly brushed her teeth and spat the toothpaste out of her mouth.
"You remind me of my mother, too protective for your own good." Kagome muttered as she wiped her mouth off with a small towel. "If you're still interested in hearing the not so dramatic story about my scar, ask me tomorrow at dinner. Now, my friend that I haven't gotten to really hang out with the past six years is about to arrive, so if you will excuse me." She side-stepped around him and walked into her room just as the door bell rang. 'He can never be late, can he?' She thought to herself, quickly slipping her shoes onto her feet before running downstairs.
"And there goes the slut to get laid." Inuyasha sneered from the couch.
"Screw off, Inuyasha. " Kagome snapped violently.
"I have every intention to do so later." He smirked at her disgusted expression.
"You make me sick." She pulled the door open and stepped outside, smiling at Naraku. "Sorry, but Inuyasha was being an idiot."
"Isn't he always? You look great, Kag." Naraku returned the smile and offered her his arm.
"He just wants to get into your pants! That's every guy's ultimate desire!" Inuyasha shouted.
"Can't you be civilized for once?" They heard Sesshoumaru scold in response. Kagome groaned quietly, covering her face with a hand.
"Aw, you're blushing." Naraku laughed.
"No, I'm not." Kagome quickly denied. He laughed again and gently took her hand, leading her down the driveway.
"We haven't gotten to do this in ages." He sighed.
"What, go out to eat?" She asked, looking up at him.
Naraku shook his head and indicated towards their hands, which were still gently wrapped around each other's. "This. Just walk around without having to worry about Inuyasha finding out. He robbed me of you."
Kagome blushed again and leaned her head against his shoulder. "Yeah, well now we can spend as much time together as we want." She smiled as she felt his lips gently press against the top of her head.
The few minutes remaining until they got to the restaurant were spent in a comfortable silence. It was broken by Naraku clearing his throat. Kagome shook her head, pulling herself out of her day dream and looked at him confusedly. "After you, Milady." He pulled the door open and offered her his hand. She suppressed a light giggle and walked into the restaurant, the aroma of all the food wafting towards her.
"Always the gentleman, aren't you big brother?" Kagome laughed.
"As long as it gets me some points for later tonight." Naraku joked. Kagome gasped, hitting him on the arm.
"You're just as bad as Miroku!" She exclaimed.
"I'm only kidding, baby sister. I wouldn't dream of doing anything inappropriate." He grinned at her before walking to the hostess lectern.
"Bonsowa-ru, dono. How may I help you this evening?" A young woman, looking to be no older than twenty-five, bowed to Naraku.
"I had a reservation for two under the last name Haburi." Naraku replied politely. The woman nodded and grabbed two menus, leading them back to a small table.
Naraku pulled Kagome's chair out for her and waited for her to sit before seating himself.
"Here are your menus. A waiter will be out in a moment for your order." The hostess bowed again and walked away.
"When was the last time we got to do this?" Naraku asked quietly. His eyes landed on Kagome, who was calmly studying the menu.
"Kami, I don't know. A couple of years. Last time I remember we just got take out, though." Kagome answered.
"Yeah, but that was with Miroku and everyone else. When was the last time we just got to go out by ourselves? Just the two of us?" He could see her blush from behind the menu.
"I think we were in eighth grade, so three years. Maybe more." Naraku shrugged slightly. "How about we blow off the movie and go to the park? There's supposed to be a meteor shower around eight."
Kagome smiled lightly and lowered her menu, giving him a nod. "Sounds like fun."
To say that dinner went well would be an understatement. Both teenagers were comfortable enough with their status as best friends to be able to hold hands as they walked out of the restaurant. The temperature had dropped considerably since Naraku picked her up and an involuntary shiver went up Kagome's spine. Naraku instinctively pulled her closer to him and draped the jacket he was wearing over her shoulders.
"Aren't you cold, though?" She asked, looking up him. Naraku chuckled and gave her a gentle squeeze.
"You need it more than I do." He answered. He quietly led her to the park where they had first met and they walked up a small incline, finally coming to a rest. They laid down on the grass, heads together, bodies going in opposite directions.
"It feels so good being able to do this again." Kagome sighed happily.
Naraku smiled at her. "You're sure Sesshoumaru doesn't mind you coming?" He asked.
"He said he encourages me hanging out with you guys again. So, I don't think I have anything to worry about."
"Has he, uh, asked about that scar?" Naraku questioned hesitantly. He knew it was a sore spot, asking about the incident, and few people, including the small intimate group of friends she had, knew the entire story.
"Yeah. I told him if he still wanted to know what happened that I would tell him tomorrow evening when we have to go out to dinner." Kagome answered.
"He didn't try to force an explanation out of you?" Kagome shook her head. "I'm sorry. I know you tell me that it isn't my fault about what he did to you, but I still feel responsible." Naraku whispered.
"Don't worry about it. It was what, three years ago?" Kagome laughed slightly and turned her attention to the sky. She had yet to see a meteor, but she could see patches of sky dotted by stars.
A comfortable silence fell among them, lasting for several minutes until a stifled gasp from Kagome penetrated it. She wiped her forehead, getting rid of the drop of water that had landed on it. The single drop was followed by several more, splashing on her face and clothing.
"N-Naraku…" She stammered. She was terrified of storms.
"Yeah?" He opened his eyes.
"It's starting to rain…" Kagome was pulled to her feet and they ran from the park. She jumped as a bang of thunder and a flash of lightening filled the night.
'Great. Just great. Just what I need.' She thought bitterly. Luckily, the Maeda house wasn't too far from the park and they soon slid to a stop in front of the gate. Kagome punched in the code and groaned when the gate didn't open.
"Inuyasha, damn it, open the gate!" She yelled into the intercom.
"Ask nicely and I'll consider it." The snide remark came.
"Forget it! Open up! If I get sick I am going to kill you."
"I've told you about torturing my assistant, half-demon." Sesshoumaru's cold voice stated. A buzz met Kagome's ears and the gate opened. She sighed and ran up the driveway, Naraku running along side her.
"You'd think I'd be used to storms by now." Kagome muttered. They now stood on a covered porch, both dripping from the rain.
"Some things people just can't forget." Naraku replied. Kagome handed her his jacket and wrung her hair out. He got a good look at her face and saw how pale it was. Naraku knew his 'baby sister' wasn't in the best of health after serving Inuyasha for six years, so it didn't surprise him that she would get sick from being out.
"I'll see you tomorrow, big brother." She gave him a quick hug and walked inside. As she closed the door, she saw a snickering hanyou out of the corner of her eye. "You got me sick, damn it." She hissed, fighting back a sneeze.
"Think of it as punishment for trying to attack me at rehearsals… 'baby sister'." Inuyasha smirked and retreated to his room.
Author's Note: All right, I finally updated. After like four months, I think. This chapter sucks, I know, but feedback is still appreciated.
Bonsowa-ru, dono: Good evening, Sir.