By: Inuyasha4ev
Chapter 6
"I will admit, you are quite the opponent." Sesshomaru confessed to her as they laid on the cloor with Inuyasha. "However, it was not a tie."
"It so was." She retorted.
Inuyasha nodded. "It was a tie, bro."
Sesshomaru scoffed, throwing a piece of popcorn at his brother. "I do not believe that was a tie. I won. Now, your battle, was a tie."
"Fine. We'll go with that." Kagome replied, rolling onto her back and closing her eyes. "And now I'm bored."
"Well, I should change that, shouldn't I?" Sota asked from the door way.
Kagome jumped up. "That voice."
Sota sighed. "So, father, what you said is true. That bastard blinded her." He wrapped his arms around her. "Kagome, it's Sota."
"Sota!" She nuzzled his neck. "So you got the tickets I had Sango mail you?"
"Yep. And I'm here to see my little sister. It is almost your birthday. Only a matter of days and you'll be a woman."
Kagome nodded eagerly. "And you're...22?"
"Yep."
Kagome grinned. "Got a girlfriend?"
Sota smirked, sitting on the floor with her. "A girlfriend? No. I wouldn't call her that. She's more like...a bedwarmer." He cursed when Kagome smacked him over the back of his head, her eyes fiery. "It was a joke. I don't have one. I just got out of a relationship."
"Oh. Well, don't kid like that."
"So, you got a boyfriend I need to kill?"
Kagome shrugged. "Not exactly. But eventually we will be a couple, I assume."
"Who?"
"Sesshomaru."
Sota looked up. "You?" He asked Sesshomaru. "Strange, I always thought she'd end up with Inuyasha. Speaking of him, hey, twerp." He tussled Inuyasha's hair.
"Gah! Stop, Sota! Don't touch the hair." He swatted the hand away.
"So, why aren't you together now?"
Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome. "She has low self esteem issues. I suppose that is her reason."
Sota cocked a brow. "How can someone so blessed have low self esteem?"
"A lecherous spider can bounce into her life." Kagome said with a smile. "I'm so happy you're here, Sota. But...why did you never try to come back?"
"Well, when grandma Kaede passed away, I was twelve. And a little later, some guy, I assume Naraku, called and told me my whole family had been murdered. I kept calling people we knew, trying to find out, and everyone would just sob and hang up the phone. Tai's phone was never answered. So I kind of fell into a depression and stayed in America."
"It's funny. You hardly have your accent anymore, aniki."
"I know." He grinned. "Oh, and I promised to get you something, didn't I?"
"Yes! SO what is it?!"
He sighed. "Well, you can't use it now. But when we find a way to make you see again, it'll be perfect. Come outside. " He took ehr hand in his, leading her outside. Smiling with pride, he placed Kagome's hand on the cold metal of her gift.
She gasped, her fingers moving up to the glass. "So, you got me a car?! What kind?!"
"Whoa, he got you a Lexus RX 400h! Oh man, I've always wanted one of those!" Inuyasha screamed, running his fingers over it. "Kag, you have to let me drive you around in it some time!"
"Are you kidding me?! Tai-papa said you drive like a maniac!"
"I'll be careful! I swear! If you're in the car, I wouldn't want to hurt you! Please!" He pleaded, dropping to his knees and hugging her legs. "Onegai, Kag!"
Kagome giggled, petting the top of his head. "Sure, Inu. But I have to be in it. You aren't going joy riding in my new car!" She hugged her brother again. "This is perfect, So!"
"Glad you like, 'Gome. And I'm goint to make up for not being here. Starting with kicking Naraku's ass."
"No thanks. I got the department covered. I'll be right back." She sprinted into the house, rushing past Inutaisho and Nao on her way to the bathroom. "Sorry! Go see my new car!" She closed the door behind her and faced the mirror about the sink. -I can do this.- Setting her eyes alight with energy, she closed them shut. Despite the pain she felt, the the irritation of her skin as the miasma leaked from her eyes, Kagome continued for as long as she could deal, which was an hour.
"Kagome!" Sota beat on the door. "What're you doing?! You said you'd be right back! It's been an hour!"
"Coming!" She cried out in pain. -If I just kept my mouth shut, I could've held it in.- Wincing, she grabbed a nearby towel and wett it before wiping her face. She opened her eyes to stare at her face in the minutes. After a few minutes, when she realized that it would last longer than the time before, she started to cry with happiness. Dismissing the tears with a wipe of her arm, she ran from the bathroom, "Sota! Sota-aniki!"
"What?! Did you get hurt or something?!" He looked at her face. "Your eyes are a little red, Kagome. Were you crying?"
She stared at him, her eyes wide. Her elder brother was so handsome, his hair raven and his eyes wide and blue with concern. "Sota, you're so handsome!" SHe gushed.
He smirked. "I know." Then his jaw dropped. "How do you know?!"
"I used my energy. Let's go see what everyoen else looks like!"
"Come on. They're in the dojo." Sota grasped her hand and led her to the dojo. "Guys, you'll never believe this."
Kagome stared at Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, blushing and turning away when her eyes flamed light red. -Stupid lust, appearing just because they're shirtless. But Kami, they look good.-
Sota couldn't take the grin off his face. "You told me in your letter that you managed to see dad and yourself, right? Well, now, you can see Tai." He pushed her toward the older, also shirtless demon.
Kagome grinned. "I can't believe I've surrounded by such handsome men, and I never noticed before!"
Inutaisho smiled at her, stroking his face. "I am very handsome, aren't I?" He chuckled when she hugged him. "How long will it last this time?"
"I don't know, but it's been ten minutes and I can still see." She turned to her left, gazing at Inuyasha. Nothing she had ever dreamed of amounted the what she saw when she looked at him. Blush covering her cheek, she coughed, "Inuyasha...you look nice."
"Nice? I only get nice?"
"Yeah." She looked at him again.
Inuyasha smirked. "Your eyes are light red. Wasn't that lust?"
Kagome glared. "No."
"It was! You're lusting after me! I am sexy though, aren't I?" He asked, flexing.
Kagome's eyes widened, and she reached out to grab his arm, her hand sliding down to his abs. "Oh. My. Kami."
"Feels good, doesn't it?"
"Oh, you can't imagine." She whispered, rolling her eyes when she heard Sesshomaru growl. "Oh, Sessho, don't be so jeal..." Her eyes glew and even brighter light red when they landed on Sesshomaru, "-lous."
He moved to Inuyasha's side. "I will be as jealous as I wish." Sesshomaru cocked a brow when she placed her other hand on his abs, stroking both him and Inuyasha.
"Oh that feels good!" She whirled around. "Sota, tell me you have friends you can invite so I can see more!"
"No." He said, staring at her through narrowed eyes. "You're too happy from the small dose you've just recieved."
Kagome huffed, crossing her arms. "You're no fun. Oh, the sun is setting! Come to the roof with me!" She took his hand and Sesshomaru and floated up to the roof, Inuyasha, Inutaisho, and Nao just behind. "I've never seen anything so beautiful." She whispered softly, leaning against Sesshomaru and holding his hand.
Sesshomaru shrugged. "This Sesshomaru has." He mumbled into her ear, kissing her cheek when she blushed.
Groaning when her phone rang, Kagome pulled it out and put it on speaker. "Yo."
"Kagome."
"Oh, hey, Sango. What's up?"
"Is it too late for you to meet me up at the hospital?"
Kagome frowned. "What for? Whose up there? It isn't Miroku, is it? Tell me the idiot didn't grope the wrong woman."
Sango nearly laughed out loud. "No. It isn't him. It's Nobunaga."
"Nobunaga? What's wrong with Nobunaga?" She asked, panicking a little.
"He's...ill. And he's begging to see you, Kag. It's serious."
"Look, tell Nobu-kun...I'll find a way, okay?"
"Sure. I'll be waiting up here."
Kagome hung up her phone. "Inuyasha, now is your time to drive my car. Come on." She leapt from the roof, taking off to her car.
Nao, as well as the others, followed behind her after putting on their shirts. "Kagome, I remember a Nobunaga. Who is he?"
"I'll explain later." She tossed Inuyasha the keys and slid into the car.
SsSsSsSs
"There you are, Kagome." Sango hugged her. "The nurse said you could see him in another fifteen minutes."
"Okay." Kagome took a deep breath and sat down.
Nao sat on one side of her, Sesshomaru on the other. "Sweetheart, who is this Nobunaga boy?"
"An ex-boyfriend."
Sango scoffed. "Ex-boyfriend? More like ex-fiance."
Kagome glared. "Sango..."
"How could you even say that? From what you tell me, he was your everything, and he treated you well. He didn't misbehave like most guys, except when he tried to get you pregnant so that you had no choice but to accept his marital offer. Speaking of which, I thought you loved him, why did you leave him?"
"I did love him. And I didn't leave him." She shrugged and closed her eyes. "He left me, vanished without a trace. Then he sent me a letter, telling me that he was so sorry for leaving, and that he'd return for me. I told him not to bother. He left. He ruined his chance. He just...he crushed my world, Sango. I didn't think he'd leave. And Naraku knew nothing about him, so he couldn't have threatened him."
"If he tried to get you pregnant...that means he managed to get you to sleep with him without a condom, right?"
Kagome winced, but nodded. "Yeah."
Sango's eyes widened. "Kagome...you...Hojo is here because he has HIV. You should get yourself tested."
Kagome shook her head. "I made him take a test before we went anywhere. And I made him take them on a monthly basis."
"Okay. But you've slept with a lot of guys, haven't you?"
"Just what are you trying to say?"
"Answer the question, Kagome. How many guys have you slept with?"
Kagome clenched her eyes shut. "You're making me sound like a slut, Sango."
"I'm not trying to."
"But you are."
Sango rolled her eyes. "I'm worried. I know you've slept with at least five."
Kagome bit her lip, staring at her lap. "I couldn't help it."
"I know. And then there's Naraku. Who knows what you could've gotten from him?"
"Sango, you're scaring me. I don't have anything. I can't. It's impossible."
Nao wrapped an arm around her. "It isn't, Kagome. You should get yourself tested."
Kagome buried her face in his chest. "B-but what if I do have something? It's like a death sentence."
"Kagome, it isn't. There are plenty of people living with HIV. And there's no guarentee you have it."
"I'd rather not know."
Sesshomaru placed his hands on her back. "Kagome, you must. Don't worry. I am sure you are fine."
Kagome crossed her arms. "Fine. Whatever." She growled, getting up from her seat and walking to the head desk. "Excuse me, what must I do for an HIV test?"
"Oh, come right this way." The woman took Kagome's hand and led her into a small room. "I'll take a small sample of blood, and then we'll check it." Taking out a needle, she dabbed Kagome's arm with alcohol and withdrew the blood. "Just wait five minutes, love."
As Kagome sat alone in the room, she began to think. -I am going to die. There is no doubt. I have slept with so many. I couldn't help my cravings. Kami, I tried to ignore them, but I couldn't. This is Naraku's fault. Kami, why me?- She jumped when the door creaks open.
"Ms. Higurashi?"
"Yes?"
SsSsSsSs
Kagome walked to the waiting room. She entered and placed her back against the wall, her eyes closed as she slid down to the floor.
Sango gasped. "Kagome, what happened?! Do you have it?"
Kagome grinned up at her. "My blood...It's strange, different from other blood. So they had to draw some about ten times before they found our that I don't have it."
"Thank Kami you don't have it! Are you okay though?"
"So much blood is gone, Sang. I feel...drunk." She closed her eyes again. "By the way, you're beautiful."
"Um, thanks. Wait, why can you see?"
Kagome shrugged. "I have no idea."
Nao shook his head. "They should be sued, taking so much of your blood. Shall I take you home?"
"No. I want to see Nobunaga." She stood up, pointing down the hall with a giggle. "Lead the way, Sango darling."
Sango smirked. "I can't wait to tell you how you act when you're drunk." She teased, showing her friend to Nobunaga's room. "Nobunaga, Kagome's here. Pardon her behavior, she just lost a lot of blood."
Kagome stared at Nobunaga, sobering up slightly. The sight of him, hooked up to soo many machines. It frightened and saddened her. "Nobunaga." She whispered, stroking his hair, "You look so ill."
"So you can see now?" He grinned. "That's good. I'm happy for you." Taking a deep breath, Nobunaga grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry. For leaving you, that is. I loved you. I've never stopped loving you. I just had to go. I knew what Naraku was doing to you, and I hated that you were being hurt that way and I couldn't protect you. I had to go."
"But...how did this happen to you?"
"I missed you so much, Kagome. This wench, she told me she could help me relieve my stress. So I just imagined she was you, weeks later, I passed out. When I woke up, I was in a hospital and they told me I had HIV."
Kagome laid her head on the bed beside his body, smiling weakly as his hands ran through her hair. "How could you be so careless, Nobunaga?"
He grinned up at her. "I'm sorry." Pausing briefly, he cleared his throat. "Kagome, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Well, I'm not going to live much longer and...before I do die, I want to ask you this. Will you marry me?"
SsSsSsSs
Kagome got out of the car, walking slowly towards the frontdoor. Her vision had left her again on the ride home. She sighed thoughfully, looking down when a hand grabbed her. "Hm?"
Sango looked at her friend curiously. "What did Nobunaga say? I mean, it was important, right? So what did he say, or ask you?"
"He asked me to marry him." She nearly rolled her eyes when she felt everyone freeze around her.
"And how'd he take it when you said no?" Sango frowned when Kagome didn't reply.
"You did say no, Kagome?" Sesshomaru questioned, not liking the look on her face.
Kagome shrugged. "No. I didn't. I told him I'd think about it."
His eyes narrowed. "Why would you say that? There is no way you are marrying him."
"If I wish to, I will, Sesshomaru." She snapped, folding her arms. "And it was his deathwish. I can't turn him down."
"Yes, you can. And you will."
"Says who?!"
"I say."
Kagome snorted. "As if I'd even think of letting you stop me, you jealous demon. Like I said, if I want to, I will!" She was about to storm into the house when he stood before her and stared down. Kami how Kagome hated the feeling of his angry eyes beaming down on her. "What?" She spat.
Sesshomaru continued to glare down at her for a moment. "You are seriously considering marrying that human?"
"Yes."
He glared harder. "Despite the way I feel for you?"
Kagome rolled her eyes. "I hardly realize how you feel, Sesshomaru. You're always so distant, so cold. I need to feel loved." She moved to walk around him, glaring when he grabbed her arm, "Release me."
"No. I will not allow you to marry some other."
"You will not allow me to do anything! Sesshomaru, you don't control me! I don't care how things are ran in your society, but in mine, women are independent! And I am fed up with your constant warnings of what I will and will not do! Got it?!"
"Woman, cease your yelling!" He snapped at her. "If you wish to be with This Sesshomaru, then you will follow my rules."
"Well maybe This Kagome doesn't wish to be with you! I'm confused enough, and I don't need you making it any worse!"
Sesshomaru's eyes bled red. How dare she deny him?! "Wench, do you know how lucky you are that I even take interest in a pathetic human such as yourself?!"
Kagome glared at him through ruby red eyes. "Oh, yes! I'm very lucky! Me, a mere, weakling of a human, being loved by you, a strong, immortal demon! I'm the luckiest woman alive!"
Sesshomaru snatched her necklace from his neck and threw it at her. "I am done, woman. You may marry your dying human. Or, better yet, my dear, return to Naraku."
"Fine. Maybe I will." She turned on her heels and entered the house.
Sesshomaru's eyes returned to normal, his hand shooting up to where his necklace had once been. He felt so empty. -What have I done? I shoun't have gotten so angry with her. You damn beast!-
BEAST- WHAT?! SHE HURT US! HOW DARE GOME SAY THOSE THINGS. I THOUGHT SHE LOVE US. YOU RIGHT. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN TRIED TO BE WITH HUMAN WENCH.
Sesshomaru sat on the porch as everyone entered the house quietly. -You are wrong. We must find a way to make her wish to be ours again. She is very much worth it. I am sure.-
BEAST- IF YOU SAY SO, IT MUST BE TRUE. COLD SESSHY NO APPROVE OF NO ONE, SO IF YOU APPROVE OF GOME, SHE VERY WORTH IT.
He grinned and looked toward the sky. "Kagome...we will be together again."
Kagome gently caressed teh necklace in her hands. "That Sesshomaru." Sighing, she put it around her neck and answered her phone. "Moshi, moshi."
"Higurashi Kagome?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
The nurse sighed softly. "I am Tanaka Rei, Nobunaga's nurse. He passed over to the other side ten minutes ago. I am sorry."
Kagome's breath hitched in her throat. "N-no. I am. Thank you."
"He has some things for you. You may retrieve them tomorrow, if you wish."
"Of course. Thank you, and good night." She closed her phone, buried her face in her pillow, and screamed at the top of her lungs.
Sango rushed to her friend's room. "Kag, are you alright?"
"He's dead, Sango! He's dead." She embraced her bestfriend as tight as she could. "Why?"
"Shh, Kag. It's okay." Sango patted the girl's back. "It'll be okay."
Kagome sobbed. "No. Everything is falling apart, Sang. Sesshomaru, Nobunaga, and Naraku is only making things worse. What do I do?"
"Just calm down and go to sleep. We'll go out tomorrow, have a day of fun, k? Don't worry, Kagome." She whispered to the now sleeping Kagome in her lap. "I just know you'll be okay."
SsSsSsSs
(((((Next day/At the Mall)))))
"Okay, so we'll split up and meet back here in two hours, right?" Inuyasha questioned, trying to make sure he had heard right.
"Yes." Inutaisho nodded.
"And who's going with Kagome?"
Kagome shrugged. "Kagome doesn't need an escort. She'll be back eventually."
Sango shook her head. "No way, Kags. The last time we let you go off on your own, you were found unconcious on the floor. What if something happens again?"
She simply waved her hand in dismissal, going off on her own. -It's not like I'm buying things anyway.- Walking around aimlessly for a few hours, she finally gave up and sat down, silently acknowledging the person sitting beside her.
"My darling Kagome." He drawled.
"Naraku." She mumbled softly.
"I take it you've missed me."
She shrugged. "I take it you're still delusional to think so."
Naraku chuckled, grabbing her chin and staring into her face. "You were told to return days ago."
"Yes. I was, wasn't I? But I didn't."
"Iie. You didn't. But I will not punish you. In fact, I'm rewarding you. Your birthday is in a couple of days. I've got gifts to blow anything that Tashio boy could ever give you out of the water."
"You don't have to worry about him, Naraku."
He nodding, sniffing her neck. "Hai. I'm sure. Still, my gifts will amaze you. I'm sure you'll wish to return to me."
Kagome's right brow lifted. "Is that so? I'll have to see then?"
"What has happened to my fiesty koi?"
"She's tired today, Naraku. Sorry." She replied sarcastically.
Naraku laughed, a low chuckle rising from his stomach. "Your sarcasm amuses me. Until your birthday, my love." Smirking, he planted his lips on hers then moved away.
Kagome sighed. "What time is it?"
"1:00."
"Okay, then." She stood and walked away from him, heading back to where she was supposed to be meeting her family.
"You're late." Sota glared at his younger sister.
Inuyasha sniffed. "And you wreak of Naraku."
"Yeah. So?"
"You were with him, then?"
"Oh my, Mr.Obvious. Nothing gets past you." She smirked, brushing past him.
Inuyasha couldn't hold back his growl. "What is your problem? The bastard rapes and beats you, and whenever he comes around, you sit in his presense and allow him to kiss and touch you. What the hell is that about?!"
Kagome hunched her shoulders gracefully. "I don't know, nor do I care. But I'd appreciate it if you stopped yelling that way." She headed out the door and to her car. "Kami, why must he be so annoying?"
"He's jealous." Naraku whispered in her ear.
"Leave me alone, Naraku."
"You left me before I was finished talking to you." He snagged her hands, pulling her close.
"Really?" She asked, trying to pull away. "I could have sworn you were."
Naraku smirked. "Iie. I wasn't, my darling." He leaned down to kiss her, pausing when he heard a voice calling him.
"Naraku!"
He turned his eyes from the struggling woman in his arms to the angry Nao running toward him. "Sorry, my mate. I must get going." He crushed his lips into hers, then vanished in a tornado of miasma, leaving Kagome on the ground coughing.
Nao looked at her with concern. "Are you okay?" He grabbed her hand, shocked when she snatched away.
"I'm fine." She replied, glaring at the ground. "I'm okay."
"What's wrong? Is she okay?" Inutaisho asked as everyone crowded around her.
Kagome frowned. "I said that I was fine, alright? Just let it go." She stood up and got into the car. "Let's just go."
Sesshomaru sighed with frustration. "Kagome."
SsSsSsSs
"What time did you send Koga to retrieve Kagome?" Inutaisho asked his friend as he observed the room filled with people for Kagome.
Nao looked at his watch. "Ten minutes. Perhaps we should move the party to Kagome. Come." He instructed, leading everyone towards the dojo where they found Kagome and Koga.
SsSsSsSs
"Kagome, come on! Your dad sent me to get you ten minutes ago!" Koga barked at her, watching as she did a series of pull ups on the high bar in the dojo. "You're missing everything!"
"Ninety nine. One hundred." She swung around the bar with a grin. "Spar with me. If you win, I'll go. If you don't, I'll think about it."
"No way! Now come on before I cut the bar!" He retorted, holding up his sword.
Kagome stood on top of the bar, smirking down at him. "It's my offer. Take it, or leave it."
Koga groaned. "Kag-O-Me! You have five seconds!"
Jumping off the bar, Kagome snatched his sword. "Grab one, or I'm ramming this through your stomach!" She rushed at him, giggling when he blocked her blow with his own. "See, not so hard to fight a blind woman."
"Kagome, seriously, I don't want to hurt you."
"And you won't." She kicked him in the stomach, landing on her feet as he flipped backward and landed on his. "And I'll try not to hurt you too badly!"
"Kagome!" He blocked a series of quick blows. "What kind of human are you?!"
Kagome laughed, kicking his feet out from under him. "What kind of demon are you?"
He growled, running at her with his sword, a smiled on his face when she leapt off the wall crashed the side of her sword onto his head. "Ow, woman!"
"I knew your head was hollow, Koga-kun!" She leapt into the air.
Koga glared falsely, striking his sword at her. His eyes widened when the sword knicked her side. "Kagome!" He gasped, reaching to touch her side.
Kagome held him at bay, her sword at his throat. "Stop sparring and I will slit your throat. It's your decision."
"B-but you're bleeding."
She used a finger to wipe away some of the blood and wiped it on his lips. "I am aren't eyes."
Koga licked his lips and grinned. "Okay. As you wish." He lunged at her, wanting to cover his ears each time their swords met with a sharp pitched ring.
Kagome relished the look on Koga's face when he was pinned to the wall with her sword through his sleeve. "I win." Letting him down, she walked away with a haughty chuckle. "My my, Koga, beaten by a human. Such a humiliating defeat."
"I simply did not wish to hurt my woman."
"Right. Your woman." She wiped more blood and sweat from her bare stomach and flicked it at him. "I'll remember that."
Koga's sharp growl shocked Kagome. In only a second, he was next to her, arms around her waist and eyes red. "Be sure that you do." he mumbled huskily, kissing her neck.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and he moved forward only to be blocked by his father. "He is touching her."
"Kagome will handle it, I'm sure." Inutaisho answered.
"Koga-kun." Kagome bit back a moan. "Snap out of it. We've got somewhere to be."
Though he hesitated, Koga returned to normal. "Fine." He backed away. "But the next time you tempt me, I will not change so easily."
Kagome giggled. "Oh, of course, dear. I wouldn't want to tempt you, would I?" She kissed him gently, rolling her eyes. "Let's go see what my dad has planned for this sucky eighteenth birthday." She grabbed his hand and her senses finally kicked in. "Oh, so they've simply been watching. Tsk tsk, spying, father?"
Nao chuckled nervously. "I was intrigued. Forgive me, love." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "You are quite skilled. And I am proud that you id not give up when he knicked you."
"Thanks. So, allow me to get changed and heal my wound and I'll be back down in fifteen minutes at the most."
SsSsSsSs
The party had been raging for an hour when a knock came to the door. "I got it!" Feeling happy for the first time in days, Kagome left to get the door. "N-Naraku?