A/N: The title of the song for the last chapter was "Gallery" by Mario Vasquez. The next song's artist will be posted next chapter
"Can you protect me?"
A week past by since the incident and Bankotsu did everything in his power to make sure she was always safe. He was pretty popular amongst the high school students by now especially considering the fact that he was the first to ever stand up against the alpha male of the school. He was rarely seen by himself, always being accompanied by his brothers or Kagome, both of which he had a fierce protectiveness over. Everyone knew he wasn't a force to be reckoned with, including Naraku. The cunning male knew he would get no where with physical fights so he thought of another motive to bring down the strong teen. Through Kagome.
He knew the only weakness he had was with her and through her he knew he was hurting him. Though it wasn't physical it was enough to satisfy the twisted male. He could see the pain held in the young man's eyes every time he saw Kagome being hurt over and over again. He knew he couldn't do anything but watch for her sake if he wanted her to have a less grueling punishment. He swallowed his pride and his anger every time she ran to him with a new bruise or a busted lip. He may have not been the easiest person to read but the pain dancing behind his cerulean orbs told a different story.
Can you stay the night? I'm having trouble sleeping…
I'm struggling to find a way to make it through the day….
'I wonder if she's alright.' The young man thought to himself as he stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets. It had been an excruciating day for him since she was absent, his nerves were going wild with worry as he thought about whether she was safe or not. Even his usual getaway wasn't enough to calm him. The usual sakura trees that would brighten his day just proved to dim his mood more as he was reminded of her bright smile. He let a sigh pass through his lips as he spotted the lake his parents use to take him and his brothers to when they were younger, the lake that seemed to glisten and sparkle with its clear blue water. He spotted the bench he usually sat on and walked over there failing to notice the other person who was occupying the seat beside him.
He didn't say a word as he kept his eyes locked on the lake. This night proved to be a beautiful one as the stars shown brighter than usual, the crescent moon that hung above the darkened sky made the lake look some what ethereal and surreal, as if he stepped in to a different dimension. His mood calmed a bit and his sullen state of mind took a turn for a more euphoric approach as he breathed in the scent of cherry blossoms and purity. He stayed like this for a couple minutes until a sob broke through his lightened demeanor. His breath caught in his throat immediately as he turned to gaze at the person sitting next to him.
Can you save a life?
I think I lost that feeling…..
"Kagome…" he whispered as he scooted closer towards the one girl he'd had trouble trying to forget. She looked up immediately as she heard the familiar voice, her tears trekking down her bruised face as she stared up at him with a black eye adorning the right side of her face. His anger took on a new persona as raged built its way into his chest. So this is why she failed to attend school, she was sporting more injuries. More than likely because of the bastard he loathed. He didn't even think twice as he pulled her in to his arms.
"What happened?" He questioned as calmly as he could as he stroked her hair and let her cry in to his chest. She didn't respond which caused him to look down and examine her further. Her usually milky flesh was now tainted with different arrays of bruises that traveled from her neck towards her wrists that were a sickening purple color. He took in a breath of air in an attempt to calm his racing heart. How badly he wanted to tear the bastard apart, how badly he wanted to paint the monstrous male with his own set of bruises and more than likely more if he was given the chance.
I'm reaching for a dream that seems to be slipping away….
I'm like the sun that just won't shine….
"No it wasn't him, not this time." She cried out as she clung to him. He held her as tight as he could without hurting her further and continued to listen.
"He just told my father that….that I was being disobedient so he made my father hit me in front of him….." She continued causing his heart to twist unbearably in his chest. How sick was this bastard that he made her own flesh and blood hit her and treat her so cruelly?
"You don't deserve this Kagome." He whispered as he pulled her away and stared in to her eyes. It killed him inside to see her swollen lip and the scars she sported which indicated how gruesome her beating truly was so he decided to leave the questions running through his mind for a later date.
"It's not papa's fault. He does it so Naraku doesn't do anything more to me….please don't be angry with him he's doing it to protect me and I'm doing this to protect them." She cried as her tears trailed down her face. He nodded in understanding as he wiped away the remaining little drops that spilled from her beautiful blue eyes.
Can you protect me?
I need your words now…
My head is filled with doubt; tell me it'll be alright.
"Come on, I need to take a better look at your injuries." He stated softly as he stood up and offered his hand. She seemed hesitant at first but nodded and placed her small hand in his palm. He lifted her to her feet gently and snaked an arm around her shoulder before beginning their journey towards his home.
It was a short and comfortable walk as they hustled past the on lookers that seemed to throw disapproving looks. He retaliated by throwing them all his own glare which left them shaking in their shoes while continuing to keep a protective arm around the frail girl. She snaked her own arm around his waist as she leaned her head on his shoulder and let him lead her. She felt so safe and comfortable in his arms, a feeling she hadn't felt since he came along. A feeling that she thought would never come back.
"Here we are, I doubt anyone else is home right now so you won't have to worry about being seen." He stated causing her to look up at him in surprise. Was she that obvious? That nervous? She didn't know so she just settled for watching him fish for the keys in his pocket. Looking around she was amazed at the size of his house, not even Naraku's compared to the three floor building that she was currently standing in front of.
"Come on." He called out as he grabbed her hand and led her inside. She blushed as she laced her fingers with his.
Can you protect me?
My heart's on lockdown.
"You have a beautiful home." She complimented as they made their way up the spiral staircase.
"Thanks, when my mother and father passed away I thought it was a good idea to just leave things the way they are." He replied as they made it to the second floor.
"I'm sorry." She stated after a couple minutes of silence.
"Don't be, that's life, live and let die." He replied as they turned a hallway and walked down the end of it.
"I got my parents old bedroom, so don't laugh if it's a little old fashioned." He joked as he opened up two large double doors. Kagome scooted closer to him and peaked from the side. She gasped at the beautifully crafted furniture and took in the white and baby blue paintings on the walls. His room was huge to say the least and his handcrafted furniture was built to perfection.
"I want to show you something." He whispered as he led her in and closed the door. Kagome followed close as he led her towards two double French doors. He turned to her and smiled before opening the doors and revealing the beautiful balcony that gave a wonderful view to the forest below. Kagome stood beside him in awe as she walked closer towards it and looked down. Her eyes couldn't get any bigger as she eyed the small waterfall leading to a beautiful crystal clear lake.
"It's beautiful." She breathed out as a smile graced her beautiful face. Bankotsu stared at her in awe and nodded his head.
"Quiet breath taking." He stated as he stared down at her.
It's a lonely road and I'm too drunk to drive…..
Can you protect me?
Kagome smiled as big as her cut lip allowed her too before looking up at him and shying away as she noticed him staring at her. He caught on to her insecurities quickly as he reached a hand out and cupped her chin with his thumb and index finger.
"You're beautiful Kagome and someday soon things will be alright again." He stated as he brushed away the stray tear that slid down her cheek. She didn't know what or why but she leaned in close to him and wrapped her arms around his body before laying the side of her face on his chest and breathing in his calming scent of fruits and spicy herbs, all wrapped up with a touch of lavender. He wrapped his arms around her tiny body before placing his chin on top of her head and inhaling her own unique scent of black vanilla, frozen pear, and blooming gardenia (btw this stuff from VS smells sooo good).
"Come on sleepy head." He commanded softly as he heard her stifle out a yawn. She didn't respond as she looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back before picking her up bridal style and walking back in to the dimly lit room.
"I'll just fix your injuries up than take you back home." He stated as he laid her down on his king sized bed. She looked frightened for a second causing him to lift an eyebrow up and reconsider.
Oooohhhh…..
I'm carrying the world, on my expectations…
Trying to be everything, and now I'm left in pieces…..
"Or you can stay the night." He continued earning himself a smile from the young girl. He smiled back and proceeded towards the bathroom to gather his first aid kit and alcohol before walking out and sitting beside her. She was quiet for a moment which made him feel uneasy as he dabbed some alcohol on a cotton ball and cleaned her bloody lip.
"I don't want to be a bother." She whispered after wincing at his gentle actions.
"You're never a bother." He replied sternly as he pressed a cold cloth to her black eye. She took control in holding it while he took a band aid out and covered the side of her face.
"Why do you do this?" She questioned as she looked up at him with her one good eye. He stopped what he was doing and looked down at her. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? He knew he had feelings for her but were they really that strong? He didn't want to sound dumb nor did he want to seem like he was barging in on another man's girl but when he was with her he didn't care about principles and the 'guy' code. He cared about her and her alone. With a sigh he brushed a strand of hair from her face before staring at her seriously.
"I care about you, I always have and as weird as it may sound I hate seeing you sad. I don't know why but I'm drawn to you." He replied earning a surprised look to etch its way on her face.
Wash away the hurt, give me inspiration…
Open up the window to a view of something beautiful….
"I'm not worth it though." She stated in a hushed voice as she cast her eye downwards. His face twisted in to a scowl as he closed the first aid kit and put it on the night stand beside him.
"You'll be surprised at how price less you truly are." He stated as he stood up and walked towards his closet. She let out a sigh as she took the cloth off her eye and fidgeted with her fingers. He came back and handed her one of his white V-neck t-shirts and a pair of his sweats.
"What's this for?" She questioned as she looked up at him.
"You need to change out of your clothes. Their full of blood and dirt, feel free to take a shower, I'll see if Jak has some of that girlie body wash he uses." He replied before turning around and walking out the door. Kagome stared after him and with a small smile walked towards the bathroom. She hesitated for a while before going up to the large mirror and staring at her reflection. She looked worst than she expected and what was even more sad was the fact that she felt even more beaten inside than what the scars and bruises showed on the outside. Tears welled up in her eyes once more as she looked away and sunk to the floor feeling defeated. Her tears reached her lap as she cried her sorrows out completely unaware of the pair of cerulean eyes standing outside the door looking down at her.
"Kagome." He called out as he walked in and placed the bottle of body wash on the counter before sinking down and wrapping her in his arms. She held on to him as if he was her last lifeline and cried freely not caring about the world any more.
Can you protect me?
I need your words now…
My head is filled with doubt; tell me it'll be alright.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He questioned as he rubbed circles around her back. She tensed under his touch but relaxed after a while as she pulled away and looked at him.
"Maybe some other time." She replied as she stood up. He nodded and followed her actions.
"Here's that frilly stuff he uses along with a clean towel. I'll be down stairs if you need me. I'll be back in a half an hour to check on you." He stated before leaving her alone to wash up.
Kagome took her shower and felt much better after it as she wrapped a huge white and fluffy towel around her petite body. A knock was heard on the door which caused a smile to grace her features. He was right about her needing the shower, as well as checking up in thirty minutes.
"Just a minute." She called out as she dried her self and threw the clothes on. After a good ten minutes she opened up the door and smiled up at him with the towel lodged on top of her head.
"Thank you." She stated as she stepped out and looked up at him.
"Are you hungry? My brothers brought home some food." She nodded and let him lead her out the door once again.
"Banban Renkotsu and Suikotsu stole my food again!" Bankotsu shook his head while Kagome giggled at the nickname. They stepped in to the dining room and immediately all eyes were on Kagome which made her feel very uncomfortable. Bankotsu noticed this and cleared his throat so everyone was forced to turn away and look up at the teen.
Can you protect me?
My heart's on lockdown.
"This is Kagome; she's my friend so I expect her to be treated with respect." He growled out in warning which made the people in the room ease up and nod their heads.
"Very well aniki." A tall bald male stated as he cleared two seats for the two. Bankotsu led Kagome towards the table and pulled out a chair beside him before sitting down and looking around. Kagome hesitated at first but sat down next to a very feminine looking male.
"So you're the girl my big brother has a fascination with." He said out loud which caused heat to rise towards Bankotsu's face. He sent the male a warning glare before turning away. Kagome blushed a nice shade of pink before turning and looking up at Bankotsu who seemed to be analyzing the table.
"How was business?" He questioned as he eyed a humble looking man from across the room.
"It was booming like usual….we have someone from a certain corporation looking in on trying to merge with ours." He replied earning a nod of approval from Bankotsu.
"I'm Jakotsu by the way." The feminine male next to her whispered.
"I'm Kagome." She whispered back earning a grin to etch on the male's face. The two chatted away merrily for the rest of the meal as Bankotsu conversed with the others about their company and business. Kagome found it interesting that his family looked up to him as the leader and later found out that even if he was the youngest he was considered the level headed and strongest one. Jakotsu easily welcomed her in to the family as well as Suikotsu and Ginkotsu who she now looked up to as her older brothers. Mukotsu and Renkotsu how ever were a different story as they stared at her with distrust written in their eyes. Kyokotsu was dubbed as the 'slow' one of the group by Jakotsu who was later bopped on the head by Bankotsu. The night went on with laughter as everyone watched Jakotsu and Suikotsu's crazy antics. Kagome never felt this easy going in years as she laughed and joked with all of them.
It's a lonely road and I'm too drunk to drive…..
Can you protect me?
"I believe it's time for me to retire." Renkotsu announced with a small smile on his face. Everyone bid him a good night and slowly began to disperse and head their own ways. Which left Bankotsu, Jakotsu, and Kagome by themselves.
"I'll clean up; it's my night so go ahead to bed big brother." Jakotsu announced with a devious grin before clearing away the table and walking away. Bankotsu let out a sigh before turning towards Kagome who seemed to be growing tired as well.
"I guess it's too late to bring you home so I guess you'll be staying the night." He stated as he stood up and reached a hand out to her. She accepted it and smiled before allowing him to lift her up.
"My mother won't mind, she told me to stay at a friend's house tonight to let my father cool off." She stated as they made their journey up the spiral staircase.
"I thought you said your father didn't like to hit you. Why would he need time to cool off?" He questioned. She let out a sigh before thinking of ways to explain her current situation.
"He's not mad at me, he's mad at himself and when he gets angry with himself he tends to act violently not only with his own person but with me as well." She replied.
"Why just with you?"
"Because, I choose to be his target, I would rather sacrifice my well being for my brothers and sisters and especially my mother." She confessed causing a deep yearning to rise within his heart as he watched her smile at the thought of her family.
"Let me guess, after Naraku told your father to hit you his anger took over and he continued to even if he was against it?" Kagome nodded her head in response. "Seems to me you're father has a split personality."
"It's because he feels it's his fault. And when he began to hide his anger an his emotions they took over and now whenever it's too much for him to handle he blows up. It's not his fault and I understand." She replied.
"You're too kind hearted Kagome." He commented as they walked down the hall towards his room.
"A lot of people tell me that." She replied with a sad smile as the thought of her best friend passed through her mind. "Especially my best friend Sango."
"Sango? I never heard of her." He replied as he led her inside his room.
"Yeah, she changed schools a while back because of me."
Oh, tell me I'm not crazy, tell me that I'm beautiful.
Tell me that you'll carry me home when I fall…
"Because of you?" He thought out loud as he walked towards the bed and sat down. He patted the seat next to him and beckoned her to come over.
"Yeah, you see Naraku was jealous that I was spending too much time with her and that she was getting in to our business too much. So he…..he spread a rumor about her that caused her to get expelled. She was forced to move out of the district and in to another lower class school. She and I stopped talking after that because he made it seem that it was me who spread the rumor." She explained. His eyes flashed a dangerous crimson as she told her story to him. How twisted was this bastard that he separated Kagome from the people she cared about most? His hate for the male grew by ten folds as tears slid down her flushed cheeks.
"Why do you let him treat you like that?" He questioned angrily as he stared down at her.
"Because I have to!" She replied as her tears continued to fall.
"Why do you have to? You don't have to do anything!" He hissed as he faced her.
"You just don't understand!" She yelled out as she buried her face in to her hands. The sound of her crying instantly shook him from his angered stupor. He mentally kicked himself for making her cry as he picked her up bridal style and settled her in to the spot beside him.
"I'm sorry Kagome." He whispered in to her ear before throwing the covers over their bodies and nuzzling his face into her hair. She continued to sob as he held her close to him.
'I'm no better than he is for making her cry.' He thought to himself as he played with her long raven locks. After a while she stopped crying and looked up at him.
"I'm sorry for crying again. I'm sorry for being such a nuisance to you. I'm sorry for…" He didn't even let her finish as he pressed his lips to her forehead. She blushed at his show of affection before snuggling closer to his warmth.
Can you protect me?
I need your words now…
My head is filled with doubt; tell me it'll be alright.
"Don't be sorry, you're never a nuisance to me. You understand?" He replied softly as he ran his fingers through her hair. She began to feel the effects of the day catching up to her as she let out a yawn.
"You know Ban; you treat me just like my older brother use to. He was always there for me whenever I cried. Thank you for being here." She whispered before reaching her face up and kissing him on the cheek. His heart clenched at the thought of her seeing him as an older brother.
"And I'll always be here for you Kagome." He promised her as he continued to lull her to sleep.
"Thank you Bankotsu. You're a great friend." She replied before closing her eyes and drifting off to dreamland. He held her there for what seemed like hours. His heart breaking as he replayed her words over and over in his head.
Can you protect me?
My heart's on lockdown.
'I treat her just like her older brother?' He questioned himself as he looked down at her sleeping face. She seemed so beautiful to him even under the black eye and bruises. She was so precious to him, so fragile, so delicate, he felt the need to protect her and show her what she's been stripped of for years. And he would, no matter what.
"I promise you I'll do everything for you Kagome. I'm going to show you things you've never had the chance too see. And if I can Kagome I promise to give you the world. No one will hurt you as long as I'm around. I'll make sure of it." He whispered in to her ear completely unaware of the fact that she had awakened a couple minutes ago. She blushed a bright crimson at the promise he made and smiled.
"Thank you." She called out as she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him.
"You were awake?" He questioned suddenly as he moved her head to lie on his chest. She didn't reply as she feigned sleep.
"Must have been my imagination." He thought out loud as he laced his fingers with hers and closed his eyes. Sleep came to him seconds later as his breathing evened out. Kagome just stayed their with her head on his chest, she loved the sound of his heart beating and the way his chest moved up and down in a slow rocking fashion that made her sleepy all over again.
'Why am I feeling this way? I've never felt it with anybody else.' She thought to her self as she rubbed her thumb across surface of his hand. She was completely and utterly confused about what she felt towards him. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to act or what to say to him. Hell she didn't even know what she felt for him, better yet she didn't understand it.
It's a lonely road and I'm too drunk to drive…..
Can you protect me?
The brush of the air conditioning against her caused her to snuggle closer to his warmth which in turn made his grip on her tighten. She blushed as she noticed how close they truly were.
'He's so handsome.' She thought to her self as she reached a hand up and brushed away his bangs. She smiled when he made a face and contained her laughter as he settled back down and began to snore lightly. She had to admit she didn't mind waking up to him, she however felt ugly if he woke up to her. After all everyone said she wasn't anything special.
"You're beautiful….so beautiful…" She heard him whisper. She watched as his face etched in to a smile.
"Kagome…." He breathed out causing her blush to intensify as he nuzzled his face in to her hair and stopped.
"I love you." She heard him say, after that all feeling in her body left as she stared wide eyed at him.
Can you protect me?
So, you should stay the night…..with me.