You're all that I Need
Chapter Five

It was late, Night just beginning, and even before his faded blue pickup had turned into the driveway, he could sense hot anger coming from the farm house.

He had the truck close to the house, as close as the long driveway would allow. Leaving the engine on, he listened.

"– You honestly think that!" He could hear Kagome's desperate yell. Why were they being like this?

"Kagome, calm down sweetie, Adam is just –" Her mother's voice was stressed.

"Adam isn't my father! I don't give a damn what he says!"

The temper in the house went from anger, to rage.

"You shut up!" Adam roared, "Your mother and I are now legally married. The papers are signed, so you will listen to me, and you will do as I say!"

The fury in the house grew hotter, and Sesshoumaru worried the old wood might catch fire from the intense emotion swelling inside.

"Go to Hell Adam," Kagome's voice was quiet, "Both of you, just go to Hell!" Her words became a scream, and Sesshoumaru watched as the screen door was thrown open.

Leaning across the torn seat, Sesshoumaru opened the passenger door. Kagome's steps became a run as a red faced man appeared at the door.

"You get your ass back her Kagome!" He spotted the truck in the drive way, and jumped off the porch after her.

"Get in." Sesshoumaru growled, and Kagome flung herself in the cab, slamming the door behind her.

The big-block roared beneath the hood as Sesshoumaru turned the wheel sharply, tires throwing gravel. He kept the petal to the floor, the truck leaving a pair of wide trenches all the way up the drive.

Kagome's breath was heavy, her face flushed. She tugged at her hair, her eyes set on the road in front of them.

Clicking his claws on the steering wheel, Sesshoumaru waited a moment before saying anything.

"Should I ask?" He turned to look at her.

"I'd really rather you didn't." She didn't look at him, the hand that wasn't in her hair clutched the edge of the seat, knuckles white. Why were they so difficult? They didn't care what she thought. It didn't matter. How could she be so powerless?

The guy, Adam, had married her mother from what he'd heard. The guy wasn't her father, and she didn't like him. He wanted to know more. Scowling, he watched her fingernails dig into the seat. He'd soon have to replace the fabric on the passenger side of the truck's bench seat.

Where should he take her? Not to his house, and she obviously couldn't go back to her home yet. He brought the truck down to a more sane speed, the motor quieting. Their small town didn't have much. The gym, several small family owned stores, the school, and a drive in theater. The drive in. That would do. The movies didn't start at a set time, just whenever it got dark. Each of the five screens played two movies a Night, one a new big movie, the other a second rate or older movie. One ticket paid for both movies. The first had probably already started, but it didn't matter. It was somewhere to go.

He turned off the road and onto a smaller gravel path.

"Two adult," He said quietly to the teenager in the booth.

"Which screen?" He asked.

Sesshoumaru had no idea what was playing. There was a sign in the window with the names of the movies, but he made no sense of them. He didn't see many previews.

"Five." He handed over the money, tossing the tickets to the floorboard. Screen five was the farthest back, and was usually the emptiest. It showed the older of the new films.

Kagome caught the radio station the sign at the front gate for screen five. Leaning forward, she turned on the dusty radio and found the station.

Sesshoumaru parked in the back of the patch of grass in front of the screen. Kagome had released her grip on the seat, and he could feel her anger dissipating.

"Thank you," She said quietly, leaning her head back. The movie was some cheap romance, already more than halfway in. She was eternally grateful for his rescuing her. Again.

"Anytime." He watched her, golden eyes wide in the dark.

"You have good timing by the way." She closed her eyes, trying to think of what else to say to him.

"Apparently so."

"You're easy to be with, you know that?" She brought her hands to her face, rubbing her eyes.

He clicked his claws on the wheel automatically. What did she mean?

"If I was with Rin or Sango right now, they'd be grilling me for answers. Wanting to know just what happened, everything that'd been said…"

"Hn." He glanced to the screen; unsure what she wanted him to say. He wanted her to keep talking; he wanted to hear her voice. He watched the screen as a man pushed a thin woman to the wall, forcing himself on her.

Kagome ran a hand through her hair, "I'm sorry."

Turning to her Sesshoumaru blinked.

"I've probably interrupted your evening." Tugging a glossy lock, she awaited his answer nervously.

"You've nothing to apologize for." He said simply.

Kagome blushed, nodding. She returned to watching the movie, turning the volume up on the radio. Sesshoumaru looked back at the screen, eyes narrowing. Now the woman was trying to push the over zealous guy off. He came on more, and she said no, she didn't want him, he was drunk. The man said she was his. What kind of movie was this?

"Disgusting man," Sesshoumaru muttered under his breath. Kagome couldn't help but smile.

The movie finally came to an end, the credits rolling across the screen.

"Well, that was interesting." Sesshoumaru mumbled. Kagome laughed, nodding.

"I hope the next one's better." She grinned, looking out the open window as people got up to stretch, some stumbling along to the bathroom. Most people had stayed in their cars, though some sat on the grass. The Night, even in the Summer, became too cool for her to want to be out this late. By the time the second movie was over, it'd be past midnight.

"From a cheesy romance to a hit horror," she laughed as the opening screen for the next movie flashed across.

About twenty minutes in, Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Kagome. She seemed absorbed in the film, her head leaned forward slightly.

Lifting a muscled hand, he moved his arm behind her, resting it on the top of the seat. He was careful not to touch her, not wanting to over-due to gesture.

Kagome was very aware of his arm behind her. But it seemed innocent enough. Smiling, she thought of Rin. How she'd throw a fit if she found out she was with a guy at the movies without her knowledge. But this wasn't really a date, just Sesshoumaru rescuing her – again. Frowning, her hand found its way to her hair.

Had she ever even told her friend's about Sesshoumaru at all?

"Something bothering you?"

Kagome met his golden eyes, and although his beautiful face was as blank as ever, she thought she caught a glimmer of worry flash across his eyes.

"No, just thinking…" She didn't elaborate, turning back to the movie.

Most people felt the unrelenting need for speech, but at the moment, Kagome's silence was driving him mad.

As this movie came to a gruesome ending, Kagome sighed, looking at the clock.

"Just five minutes past midnight…" she mumbled.

"Do you wish to go somewhere else?" He awakened the truck's engine, waiting for a spot in the forming line to the exit to open up.

"I don't know. I probably should go home. But…"

"You do not wish to face Adam?" Sesshoumaru watched as she tossed her hair, anger flirting her sapphire eyes.

"That's an understatement." She whispered under her breath.

"Why did your mother marry him?" Sesshoumaru's truck crept along in the line.

"I guess you heard that huh?" She didn't wait for an answer, "I don't know. I don't know my mother anymore."

"Hn." Driving with his left hand, Sesshoumaru turned out onto the main road.

Kagome sighed, leaning her head back to rest against his other arm. His skin was warm, very warm. Almost like he had a high fever. Stealing a glance at him, she shook her head. He wasn't sick.

Sesshoumaru watched her from the corner of his eye. He rather liked her touch, as absurd as it was. No one had laid a hand, or head, on him purposely in a very long time.

Kagome sighed. Normally, she was a home-bound person. But now, she just wanted to stay right here. Where she was safe. Sesshoumaru's very presence made her feel secure.

When they reached her house, Kagome left with a nod and a thank you. There were no lights on in her house. And Sesshoumaru watched as she tried the handle. They'd locked the door.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. Kagome knelt to the ground, and moved the small mat in front of the screen door. She found a key, and got herself in the front door.

Revving the engine, Sesshoumaru tore out of the driveway. Kagome's family annoyed him greatly.

:------:

Blowing her long hair dry, Kagome glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. It was almost noon. She groaned. Both her mom and Adam were at work, and would be until four or five, but she'd slept the entire morning away. She pursed her lips. She'd woken up again this morning around three. Another odd dream too. But she could only remember pieces.

Hearing the soft rumble of an engine out-front, she clicked off the hairdryer. She held still, listening intently. Who could it be?

A couple of knocks on the door downstairs…

"Kagome?"

Kagome dropped her hairdryer, clattering to the floor. That was not the voice she'd been expecting. Sighing, she simply stepped over it, and hurried down the stairs.

"Hey Kagome." Bobby's head was tilted down, greens eyes half hidden behind scruffy blonde hair. His hands were tucked in his jean pockets, and he leaned against the frame of the screen door.

Kagome felt her heart quicken at the sight of him. She tripped over the last step, blushing like mad.

Bobby lifted his head, and smiled like a cat that had been given a canary to play with.

Feeling her face grow hotter, she stumbled up to the door.

"What's up Bobby?" She smiled, her fingers reaching for her hair.

"Just wanted to see a friendly face," He tilted his head.

Her hand tugged a lock of glossy hair. Why did he have to be so enticing now? Rin would flip if she heard those words. Sighing, Kagome opened the screen door.

Bobby slid through, the abused door banged closed behind him. He grinned to himself. Perhaps Kagome would open up to him this time. Taking in the old kitchen, he took a seat at one of the miss-matched chairs.

Taking the seat across from him, Kagome sat at the edge of her chair. This was just too weird for her.

A shrill chirp made her jump.

Laughing quietly, Bobby pointed to the counter.

Kagome leaned to the counter and grabbed the phone. Seeing the name on the caller ID made her heart fall.

Adam's Cell

Craning his neck, Bobby arched an eyebrow, "Whose Adam?"

Dropping the still-ringing phone back to the counter, she tensed, "My mother's boyfriend." She spat the word, "Or should I say, husband now."

Bobby's emerald eyes softened, "I know what you mean."

Kagome's fingers toyed with her hair, "You do?"

His voice was quiet, "Yeah." His tone darkened, "Since my mom left us, our house has been a revolving door of my dad's girlfriends."

He lifted his eyes from the table, and tilted his head.

Exhaling, Kagome realized she'd been holding her breath. She'd always assumed his life had been normal. She'd never thought there was more to him. Sitting back in her chair she sighed. Now she felt guilty.

"Are you always alone here?" He glanced around.

"No," She blurted out. After a moment, she realized the innocence in his question, "Well, usually I have my little brother Souta. He's at our grandfather's now."

Nodding, Bobby shook the hair from his eyes.

Kagome sighed lightly, pulling her knees to her chest.

"Kagome, what's wrong?" His velvety voice drew the truth from deep inside her.

"It's just…" She searched for words, but came up empty.

"You feel left out. Because they're messing with your life, and you don't have a say?" he move into the chair beside her.

"Exactly," she whispered. Pulling her legs tighter, she rested her head on her knees. He was right. For once, so very right.

"I know. It sucks." His voice was soft, sympathetic.

Kagome opened her eyes slightly, and realized just how close he was to her. He'd pulled his chair so close his knees were pushed against her chair.

Bobby chewed his lip. She just looked so helpless. All curled up and all…

He lifted his hand slowly, and reached to put it around her slender shoulders. She could pull away at anytime. She could even just shake her head. But… he was just so inviting, so understanding. His big green eyes were so gentle. And his laugh made her all warm and fuzzy…

He pulled her closer, her face just inches from his broad chest. Closing her eyes, Kagome sighed. He shouldn't be allowed to be so alluring. She felt more comfortable than she had in days.

The cry of the phone interrupted. Grumbling, Bobby released Kagome. Quickly checking her eyes were dry, she reached for the phone. It was her mom this time. Throwing Bobby an apologetic glance, she answered.

"Yeah?" she growled.

"Well hello to you to." Her mom sounded busy, and slightly annoyed, "Adam told me you didn't answer his call."

"Did he?" Kagome leaned against the counter. So was Adam going to go tattle to her mom every time she did something he didn't like? Kagome watched Bobby put his chair back where it belonged.

"Honey, I know you don't… agree… with everything Adam does, but still."

"Still what Moma?"

There was a pause, "I need for you to listen to him."

"But Moma –"

"Kagome, I don't have time for this right now," her voice rose slightly, "This isn't your choice. I want you to listen to him."

"I want you to listen to me Moma," Kagome hung up.

Bobby shook his head, "They're all the same."

"Yes," Kagome's fingers found her hair.

"I've got to go." Bobby turned his head to her, opening the door, "See ya later?"

"Yeah. Later." Kagome watched him leave, his red truck backing out of the driveway.

Sesshoumaru was nothing like him. Sesshoumaru wouldn't open up like that. Sesshoumaru wouldn't comfort her. Sesshoumaru didn't make her feel better.

What did he make her feel?

Kagome shook her head, climbing slowly up the steps. Why was she comparing the two anyway?

Drop-dead gorgeous Sesshoumaru showed up when she needed saving. Sweep-me off-my-feet Bobby showed up when she needed comforting.

Was it possible to balance the two?

No, not at all. Picking her hairdryer up off the bathroom floor, she sighed. She should call Rin, ask her for help. Rin wouldn't be mad though, right?

Kagome ran her fingers through her hair, "I should at least tell her about Bobby though, right?"

Snatching her cell from her dresser, she dialed the memorized numbers slowly.

"Hey Kagome!" Rin's every cheerful voice settled Kagome's nerves.

"Hey Rin," Sitting at the edge of her bed, Kagome took a breath, "Okay, Bobby just left my house."

"What!" Kagome could practically hear Rin's mind going into overdrive.

Groaning, Kagome instantly regretted calling her.

"Okay, tell me everything. And how can I help? Need advice for continuing, or ending?"

Kagome scolded herself. Rin only wanted to help. When had she become so selfish? "I don't know… Continuing? No… Yes…?"

Rin laughed. And after two long hours of sentence dissection and advice giving, Rin decided Kagome was thoroughly informed.

Kagome tossed her phone back on her dresser. She'd just go with things for awhile. Let things flow. Yeah, go with the flow. Satisfied, she smiled. Perhaps things could work for her for once. Kagome's eyes grew wide as realization sunk in.

Kami help her.

She still hadn't told anyone about Sesshoumaru.


Okay, I'm not really satisfied with this chapter at all. However, I really wanted to get it up, as I've no idea when the last time I updated was, all I know is, it's been awhile.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to write anything I like lately. To me, everything I right sounds forced, and rushed. I managed to write this chapter in early morning hours, and I think it turned out… acceptable. Barely acceptable. Anyway, Please tell me what you think. I'm looking for, and in need of, constructive criticism, and thoughts on improving.

My good Ray makes all possible!
Please, Review.