Not gonna lie, MamaBearCat's art based on this fic made me want to post sooner than I originally planned. There is only one more chapter written currently, so don't get too excited. If you want to read chapter two sooner than I plan to post on here, you'll have to head over to my Tumblr to get more! Thank you all for all your support on this fic. I hope you all continue to love it!

I'm going to be posting Shogun's Daughter and this fic a little more regularly after November 23rd as I will be finished with the Mini-Senshi Bang I'm in. Any Sm fans in here wanna check me out? Please do!

Make sure you either go to Tumblr or AO3 for the amazing artwork mamabearcatfanart made for chapter three's 'damn human emotions' scene lol. It's really beautiful and exactly what I imagined for that scene. The facial expressions are SPOT ON!


Chapter Fifteen

"Everyone got out? How?!"

Sesshomaru tilted his head to the side as if confused. "There were no guards and a large hole in the protective fence. You don't remember doing all of that? You turned the runes to dust."

She returned her glare to Inuyasha. "And you didn't think I deserved to know this? You who said you're all demons? Killers?!"

He jumped, grabbing her again and holding her arms to her sides as if she would do something. She was thinking about hitting him but she was just a human so it wasn't as if she could hurt him. "You had enough going on without it. Besides, it's not your problem!"

"Not my problem?! I released them!"

"Do you regret it?"

Shippo was pouting, looking at her with big puppy eyes while waiting for her to answer his question. "No. But that doesn't mean I didn't create a big mess!"

"Listen, Kags," Jinkostu began, "it's really not a big deal. All those killers and villains? They're either too old or too changed to go back to their old ways. And those that aren't, they'll go back to their ways and get caught right away. Think about when you were caught. Wasn't that fast and efficient?"

"I got away with mine for most of my life. All those demons learned from getting caught; how to not get caught again."

"Which includes not being stupid and killing a human!"

She shook her head at the pretty boy, "There are other things just as bad if not worse than killing."

"It's not your problem." Inuyasha reiterated.

"Naraku is free. That is her problem because he'll be gunning for her. And you, most likely, Inuyasha. All of us, actually. Nothing will stop him from consuming and the public will commend him for it." Sesshomaru added as if bored.

"I'll crush Naraku if he comes near," Inuyasha growled.

His hands were on her biceps and she took a moment to really take him in. All she had ever seen him in were the scrubs. Now, he stood before her in a slim fit t-shirt and jeans. Add in his anger making his muscles tense like usual and she was feeling a little hot under the collar of her borrowed shirt.

Something she really didn't need to happen, not now especially as Inuyasha's attention whipped back to her. He looked her up and down and then slowly grinned. When that made her heart skip, he chuckled and she pulled away from him. Focused on Sesshomaru and his 'dad' sweater, she cooled quickly. "So what do we do now?"

"We should probably split up," Jinkostu added.

Her belly twisted at the thought but there was something more important than her missing her friends. "I should go alone."

"The hell you are!"

Ignoring Inuyasha, she continued. "Naraku knows about me and wants me dead. He'll be coming for me. The last thing you guys need is the target on my back along with the cops…"

"We need you, Doctor. We can't go to a hospital."

Looking in his eyes, she saw the fear in Sesshomaru. He was right, they couldn't go to a hospital or any doctor other than her. She was the only one they could trust so she gave him a nod, a silent promise. "Then we split. I'll go on my own."

When Inuyasha was silent, she glanced back. Thick arms over his chest, he grimaced at the floor, refusing to look at her. All of this was interrupted by Maten, getting to his feet and grabbing a small backpack.

"I'm leaving now."

No one fought him on it so she had to assume they'd discussed it while she was out. Inuyasha gave the Thunder demon a man hug, patting him on the back. "Don't be stupid."

"You can't stop me even if I was." Maten stopped but didn't hug her, just placed a heavy hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, Doctor. Your compassion renewed my faith in humanity. I want you to know that all the people I don't kill while I'm free are because of you."

She wasn't really sure how to take that…

He left without another word and she found herself staring at the door. "He's going after Naraku," Inuyasha spoke, causing her to pull her attention. He was staring at the door too. "Idiot thinks he can kill the son of a bitch himself."

"Sounds like someone else I know…"

"I can and will kill Naraku if he tries to lay a finger on you. Him and anyone else."

His eyes burned with intensity as he stared back at her, his words knocking into her heart and making her belly twist with worry. "I don't want you risking yourself for me. You owe me nothing."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

"I mean… you don't have to stick by me now. We're out and yes I got you free but you're not bound to me in any way. You're free to do as you please…"

"Yeah, and so are you." He was impossibly close and when she glanced at the others, none were looking. "There are no walls holding you in. No guards keeping you here. You could leave and never look back. Is that what you want?"

Her eyes danced from his eyes to his mouth as he spoke but now that he was done, she didn't know where to look. "That's not what I… I just don't want anyone hurt because of me!"

"I know that. We all do. No one here is confused about who or what you are and we all know the risks. None of us are leaving so what about you?"

"I… I have to stay, deliver the baby…"

"Is that it? The only reason you want to be here with us? With me?"

She was more than confused. Because Inuyasha was still touching her like he did inside the prison, a gentle hand on her naked elbow, rubbing her skin. All that time, she thought that was how Inuyasha acted in a relationship, even a fake one. But apparently, it was how he treated a friend.

In part, because she couldn't stand his beautiful glowing eyes anymore but mostly she just wanted to hug him, wrapping her arms around his middle and holding him tight. "Of course, I want to stay with you Inuyasha. More than anything. But I'm not sure that's the best thing for either of us."

His arms wrapped around her and squeezed so tight, she could barely breathe. "Outside the damn walls and we're still controlled by our fear."

She didn't understand, because she never once felt controlled by her fear. All the choices and decisions she made, even when her life or body was threatened, Kagome didn't regret them. Nor felt she would have made a different choice if the slightest things were changed. But she got how it looked, running to Inuyasha when she was scared or in danger. She probably looked like a scared and weak little human all that time to him.

Inuyasha was trailing a finger along her skin, the back of her bicep, and enjoying how it rose with goose flesh from his touch when his grin turned to a frown. The door he had disappeared in earlier opened and Kagura slung out her head.

"Breakfast!"

Not removing his touch, Inuyasha hooked Kagome's elbow with his fingers and led the way. There was a long table that was surrounded by a few mix-matched chairs. Too many even given the length of the table. Everyone crowded around, Sesshomaru helping Kagura place plates of food on the table. Kagome had lived with demons for almost a year now inside the prison so, of course, she had seen them eat.

None of that compared to this.

It was easily four times the food they had eaten inside the prison and it was all going to get consumed. That much was clear already.

A giggle from the other end of the table got Kagome's attention, Kagura catching on to her obvious confusion and shock. "Inuyasha, you should probably make your Mate a plate so she doesn't lose a hand!"

No one was being shy, save for her, grabbing and 'digging' in without shame. Soon enough, a modest amount of rice, eggs, grilled fish, bacon, and some pickles was placed on a plate before her by Inuyasha. More than she could really hope to eat in one sitting normally. But it had been a while since she last ate and with the crowd around her going at it like animals, Kagome didn't feel an ounce of embarrassment when she went at her food the same.

Half her breakfast eaten and a steaming cup was placed before her. Kagome wasn't a coffee drinker, never liked the taste but also as a doctor, she didn't like the effects on the body. But she was pleasantly surprised when she found tea inside the slightly chipped mug, flicking her gaze towards Inuyasha who watched her out of the corner of his eye.

"How did you…"

"I pay attention." He answered irritatedly with a heavy blush. When she took a sip, he continued on. "It's just bag tea so…"

"It's delicious."

Her fast interjection had him cough as if he choked on his food. Jinkostu patted his back once, hard, and moved on. She went back to watching her friends eat. Even Kanna ate what looked like three times her body weight in rice and eggs.

Understanding hit her like a truck and she nearly lost the food in her stomach. "You guys… need to eat a lot for your strength… they were starving you."

Everyone took a moment to pause and offer her a silent response. A sad smile in comfort or a frown in anger. Inuyasha put a hand on her thigh and squeezed. That had her forgetting the situation quickly. Especially when his hand lingered, remaining on top of her leg after the moment passed. He ate with one hand while she struggled to eat at all.

Did he have any clue the effect he had on her?! She didn't take him for a cruel person but this was starting to drive her nuts already. But no way in hell was she going to say anything. A sad part inside her didn't want his affection to ever stop even if it broke her.

So she put her hand on top of his and grabbed it, threading her fingers with his to eat the rest of her meal awkwardly with her one, non-dominant hand. Inuyasha didn't pull away, but he did turn a lovely shade of pink.

With most of the food cleared away, and the others all in cheery conversation, it was easy to forget their situation. Kagura leaned in from her spot at the head of the table, Sesshomaru, Jinkostu, and Inuyasha in between them.

"We need more supplies soon."

Kagome glanced to Inuyasha who seemed to be the one to carry that burden. He sighed loudly and nodded. "I'll go tomorrow."

"You should take Kagome," Kagura's big and excited eyes met hers, "you can go shopping! Oh, I wish I could go too!" Sess put an end to that, turning to glare hard at the woman. But she just giggled. "Calm down, Sessy-poo. I said I wish I could go. Not that I was!"

Kagome wasn't alone in the sputter that left her from Kagura's nickname, Inuyasha nearly spitting his tea across the table. A chuckle later and he sobered quickly. "I'm not taking Kagome with me…"

"Yes, you are! You want to leave her here alone as much as you want her to go with you. And you'll need help blending in." Sess fussed.

"Blending in?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha huffed. "I did fine on my own last time…"

"Last time there weren't news breaks warning the public of demons on the loose. And you had your badge to help you." Miroku appeared out of nowhere, leaning over to grab some food since there was no chair for him. "Did you guys save me anything?!"

Kagome offered him what was left on her plate and was going to give him her seat but Inuyasha stopped her, his hand in hers on her thigh pushed her back down.

"Why don't you ask her what she wants to do? Since we all finally have a choice."

Kanna was soft-spoken but stunningly intuitive. Inuyasha still growled. "Of course, she's going to say she wants to go…"

"Just because I wasn't locked up as long as you doesn't mean I don't want to get out in the world any less."

Inuyasha wouldn't even look at her while all her attention was on him. From the look on his face and the flicker of his aura, she had to assume he didn't like the idea but had little to no choice on the matter.

A growl escaped before he clamped down on his frustration as best he could. "Fine. We leave tomorrow morning. Early."

oOo

She was far from tired. What with being asleep for the last few days and sitting inside doing nothing more than watching cartoons, Kagome was still wide awake while everyone started to move towards their rooms. The house was large; with enough rooms to house them all even if they were small and some shared. It was still cozy and bright but anything would probably seem that way after the place they used to call home.

Inuyasha sat near her on the couch, waiting. It wasn't until she stood that she realized what he was waiting for, following her to the room she woke up in. When he shut the door behind him, her heart picked up its pace considerably and he chuckled.

"Relax. Where else do you think I'd sleep?"

She shrugged, hoping to come off as nonchalant when it was already impossible. "With Miroku and Shippo?!"

"Do you want me to sleep with them?"

He had flipped his eyes to her, showing Kagome that he would do whatever she asked. "I… I guess not."

A single step had Inuyasha right in front of her with the bed tickling the back of her calves. "I could sleep on the couch? If me being in here with you makes you uncomfortable?"

"It's… it's not that…" she answered around the thickness in her throat, "I don't want to put you out. I could sleep on the couch if you'd rather?"

He huffed and turned away from her. A small distance from her now, he pulled his t-shirt up and off, putting it away in the small dresser that stood in the space.

"Is this your room?!"

It would explain a lot of things. Like why the room smelled like him. But the whole place smelled like the woods so it was hard to be sure.

Turning his head, he looked at her over his shoulder. "Of course. Like I'd let you sleep in someone else's room. Or on the fucking couch. Just get in the bed."

It was like the night she ran to him naked. Only there was no one forcing them to be together like this. She was still wearing his clothes though. And sliding into his bed. With the promise of him joining her.

She didn't really get it, there was no one forcing them to share this bed this time. So why was Inuyasha lifting the sheets and rolling up to her in nothing more than his briefs?!

His hand went to her pants as well, pulling and popping the elastic to her borrowed sweats. "You gonna sleep in these?"

"Yes! Why?" She answered a little too quickly.

A smirk on his face, Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. His heat was almost overwhelming. It had been life-saving the night she had on close to nothing in the freezing cell. Now it was stifling.

"Cause you're gonna get hot."

His smirk grew when she shivered at his 'hot'. Even if it was his human night, it was pretty obvious she wasn't cold. "I… I guess…" She nearly lost it completely when he stuck his hands in her pants, pushing them down off her hips by running his hands down the sides of her thighs. "I CAN DO IT!"

He chuckled, hushing her at the same time even though pointless. Everyone in this house except her and Miroku had strong hearing. She didn't need to yell for them to hear her.

Inuyasha quickly pulled back his hands, holding them up in the air in defeat while barely containing his laugh. She worked her sweats the rest of the way off, thankful to be under the covers already. Inuyasha might be comfortable enough around her to walk around in his underwear, but she wasn't.

But then again, he only thought of her as a dear friend.

Both pants-less, Inuyasha grabbed her again as soon as she tossed her sweats to the end of the bed. She was struggling to contain herself and she knew it was painfully obvious. Her shaking hands on his chest caught Inuyasha's attention, glancing down at them as if he couldn't believe they were quaking with the rest of her.

"I thought you trusted me?"

A dark brow twisted up in confusion at her. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, it was that she was freaking out! Feeling very much like a teenager all over again, it was like she had snuck a boy into her bed and was going to get 'caught' any second now.

"I do! I do! It's just…"

Should she say it? Tell Inuyasha that she thought of him as more than a friend? She had already admitted it once, how she would be fine with him touching her. But that was one thing and this was another. It's one thing to tell an attractive guy you want them to do naughty things to you while stuck in a rut called prison and another thing to say you're in love with them.

And they had far more important things to worry about right now.

"It's just I think you would be more comfortable sleeping on your own instead of sharing this small bed with me?"

It wasn't really a lie, it just wasn't exactly what she was thinking. Inuyasha's smirk fell a little and turned down as if to frown. "Like I could sleep with you any distance from me. Do you know how tired I've been? With you all the way up in that infirmary while I was stuck in a cell? It's not like you had any protection in there! We're out and, yeah, it's safer but like hell, I'm going to allow any more distance between us."

"So… even out of the prison I'm still your… responsibility?"

He flinched, grimacing hard at her word 'responsibility'. But then he sighed, deflating till his forehead rested on hers. "I know things are… difficult still. But at least allow me to continue to protect you? I don't have to distance myself from you anymore and I know you're still worried about many things. Things that affect your decisions. So just let me… be close and protect you. Please?"

She wasn't sure if he was asking himself or her for permission. It sounded like he was still forcing himself to be close to her. All so he could protect her. As confusing as it was, it only made her love Inuyasha more. He continued to sacrifice himself for her, it was really hard not to. And it was getting harder and harder for her not to show her feelings, her heart hurting in her chest with overwhelming love for the man begging her to let him stay near.

Tipping her head back, she closed her eyes to the onslaught of emotions rushing through her; fear, love, want, embarrassment, and heartbreak as she carefully pressed her lips to Inuyasha's chin. She wanted to kiss his mouth but that felt like taking advantage. He was just a good friend, terrified for her knowing what she was.

His lip trembled, feeling it dance under hers as she brushed his bottom lip with her top. Leaving a small wet spot, she finally pulled back and opened her eyes. Inuyasha's eyes were hooded but she could still see red begin to bleed into them. What he had to worry about right now that he threatened to glow, she didn't know but she felt no fear.

"Okay. You can stay as close as you want but don't do anything stupid for me. Promise?"

He nodded and she breathed easier. Kagome wanted nothing more than to let him be near but that wasn't really fair. And she never wanted him in danger for her. But that seemed to be a moot point, anyone around her was at risk. It was selfish but she also just wasn't ready to let Inuyasha go.

That time would come and she would have to be ready.

oOo

She was awoken this time by movement, finding Inuyasha pulling a long-sleeved flannel over his t-shirt and black jeans. It looked a little small if she was being honest, but so was the bed for a tall adult-like Inuyasha.

He turned to her as he pulled a grey toboggan on over his ears. "Good morning," she loved how he purred it to her but he was trying to be quiet, nothing more, "hurry up and get dressed."

Forgetting herself, she almost threw the covers off her naked legs. Halting to a stop, Inuyasha said nothing as he handed her the pants she tossed to the end of the bed last night. If this was going to keep up, she needed to shave her legs. Razors weren't permitted, obviously, in the prison but now she didn't have much excuse for the fur covering her.

And it was going to be impossible to sleep next to Inuyasha in little to cover that!

He left her alone to dress. There was only one dresser in the room but a small pile of clothes sat folded on top. It looked like Kagura shared some of her clothes; a long maternity tunic that was thick and corded like a sweater, and a pair of skinny jeans Kagura could never fit in in her current condition. They were even a little tight on her (dancing into the tight denims) but they buttoned without a struggle. She thanked her prison diet for that.

Inuyasha pushed a pair of weathered tennis shoes her way when she joined him by the door then held out a thick windbreaker. She was looking it over while Inuyasha shrugged on his jacket. "Something wrong?"

Broken from her thoughts, Inuyasha was staring at her and the coat she still held in her fingertips. "I left the coat you made me."

He huffed. "That piece of shit? It wouldn't do you any good out here; walking around in a coat made of prison scrubs?"

"I know but… you made it for me. It had… sentimental value."

His cheeks looked like Kagome's felt, a tad pink from a flush and he tugged the strand of beads she made him out from under his shirt. "At least these are useful. That coat was just… I'll get you another one alright?!"

She giggled at his obvious discomfort; unable to handle the affection of the moment they were in. But she said nothing more, pulling on the offered coat and following Inuyasha out the door.

The car was pretty old but it reminded her of her childhood, her grandpa driving a similar car when she was a child. He called it a "woodie" because of the wood paneling along the sides. This one had that as well as army green paint where it wasn't rusted.

Inuyasha opened the back hatch up, putting massive coolers in the back. Three total, he had the back seats down too, leaving only the front seats available for passengers. Not that she was going to sit anywhere else. With as much food as the demons consumed, she didn't question the coolers. She did get confused when they rolled through and out of the town that was just down the mountain a ways.

"Where are we going?"

Inuyasha kept his eyes on the road before him, "we can't be seen walking around a town so close to 'home'. And we can't go to the same place twice. Today, we're heading going three hours away."

Now she got the early disembark and the large coolers. If cut in quarters, they could fit a body in each one!

Leaning back, Kagome put her feet up on the dashboard and watched the world fly by her window. None of it was familiar but that was a good thing. They had been driving a little over an hour in comfortable silence when Inuyasha held a small mobile in front of her. "What's this?"

"A burner."

Her brows knitted, more confused than before. "A burner?"

Inuyasha was still watching the road but nodded, "I got it for you. When you woke up. I don't have anyone to call but you do. Call your family and toss it."

"Is that safe?"

"Don't tell them anything about where you are and keep it short. The worst that will happen is them getting questioned. Even if they're people watching them already, you won't be giving them anything."

Her hands shook, it had been months since she had heard her family's voices. And she had no clue what Hojo had told them about where she was. Kagome had no clue what she was about to 'walk' into with this call but she couldn't stop her fingers from rushing over the buttons, typing in the number from memory.

As it rang, her heart tripped in her chest. Inuyasha must have heard it, brushing his claws over her knee to try and calm her.

"Higurashi residence."

A lump choked her but she still got the words out. "Souta."