A/N: Sorry for the long non update guys! To make it up to you I decided to make this chapter a bit longer and a bit juicier oh btw guys could you suggest some songs that can run with the theme of this story? I have a whole bunch but they're reserved for later chapters. It would be greatly appreciated!
S/N: Last song was "Can you Protect me" By Nasri.
"This Girl"
"Yo Bank! It's the end of the day bro." He heard somebody call out as a hand was being waved furiously in front of his face. He blinked twice before looking up and nodding towards the person.
"Thanks kid." He replied as he gathered his books and backpack and headed out the door. Walking out the gates of the school he couldn't help but linger around just in case he could catch even the side of her before going home for the weekend.
"Give it up aniki; she's been out of school the whole week." His brother stated as he hopped up beside him. Bankotsu glared at the feminine male before turning his attention back on the outpour of students exiting through the doors of school. A familiar face caught his line of vision as he walked towards the only person he knew could give him information on her where abouts.
There's a girl…living in this town
She's got her head up in the sky,
But her feet are on the ground.
"Excuse me." He called out as he stopped in front of the chattering females. They halted in their strides and looked up at him with nervous faces.
"Your Kagome's friend's right?" He questioned them seriously. The two females looked at each other first before nodding their heads yes. He brushed off the simple gesture before continuing with his question. "Do you guys know why she hasn't been in school?"
"I'm sorry, we don't know either." The red head stated quickly as she darted her eyes between him and the front gate. Bankotsu was no idiot to know who it was causing the girls to feel fidgety.
"Thanks anyways." He mumbled before turning around and facing the sadistic male who was eyeing him from across the courtyard. Bankotsu kept his posture straight and his face cold as he walked towards his awaiting brother and friends.
"Word of advice Bank, she's mine so stay away." Naraku bit out. Bankotsu pushed back the urge to snort before shoving the smaller male aside and walking out the gates with the rest of his friends and family in tow. Naraku watched with hateful eyes as the taller male walked away without a single bone of fear in his body.
"Can't believe you let that guy get away with that crap." One of his lackeys stated as they came up next to him. Before anyone could blink he was on the ground in a bloody mess.
There's a girl….
Living on my street and she knows
Outside her little world, somehow ends are gonna meet.
"Watch who you talk to you incompetent halfwit." He stated coldly, venom dripping from his voice as he took his cell phone out.
"Hello, I'll be gone tonight and won't be able to make it to the little 'show'. So you better do your job or else." With that said he hung up the phone and entered the sleek black limo that pulled up beside him completely oblivious to the set of ears that were listening in on his phone call.
[With Bankotsu]
The problematic teen shifted through the pile of paper work on his desk before giving up and leaning back in his chair. The feeling of a not so pleasant migraine made its way in to the pit of his stomach as he pinched the bridge of his nose and inhaled a deep breath. The ringing of his office phone didn't lighten his mood any better as he looked down at the noisy black object. After a couple rings and second after second of developing pain in his cranium he picked the receiver off its cradle and answered with a not so friendly hello.
"This better be good." He stated as he massaged his temples with his free hand.
"Hello? Bankotsu?" The voice questioned completely catching him off guard as he recognized it.
"Yeah? Who is this?" He replied as he opened his eyes and stared at nothing in particular.
"This is Ayame; I'm the one you were talking to after school today. Sorry for the way I acted…..I just couldn't really tell you much because..."
"Because Naraku was there, I get it." He finished for her as he stood up.
"Yeah, that's right. Well anyways the point of me calling is to tell you that Kagome's been at home all week. Naraku forbid her to attend school and fed her father lies about what she's been doing in order to get her in trouble. Suki and I tried to see her the other day when her father was gone and she looks absolutely horrible. I didn't know what to do, who to call or talk to because Naraku has too much influence with the cops in the city. I didn't know who else to tell except you but Naraku threatened me." She explained. With each word that was said Bankotsu's temper rose as he thought of all the sick and twisted things the evil bastard had told Kagome's father.
And when the roads get kinda rough…
She keeps one thing in mind…
"Thanks Ayame. I'll take it from there." He stated in an even tone before slamming the phone down and opening a small drawer. For a moment he contemplated on whether or not to bring the sleek silver object, but after a few seconds rage took over all logic left in his mind as he stuffed it in his back pocket, grabbed his car keys, and rushed out his office door.
"Whoa! Slow down where are you going?" Suikotsu called out as the younger male rushed out of the house. Bankotsu didn't even reply as he jumped in his car and zipped off.
'Hang on Kagome, I'm coming.' He thought to himself as he sped down the highway towards the shrine he knew her family lived on. In less than ten minutes he was running up the flight of stairs.
'I can't just barge in there…..' He told himself as he reached the top. He stared at the small house for a few minutes in deep thought before the sound of glass breaking and screams brought him back to the real world.
[In the house]
"STOP IT! KENSHIN STOP!" Her mother's voice yelled out as she tried her best to pry her angry husband off her sobbing daughter. The poor teen backed up against the wall and put her hands up in defense as he bombarded her with countless slaps and punches.
"The little whore needs to learn her lesson!" He yelled out as he threw the frail woman off of him. Kagome looked up just as her father reached out and grabbed her by the hair. Her scalp burned with each second that passed as he mercilessly forced her to stand on her two legs. The older woman could only watch as her daughter was thrown against the wall, battered and bruised.
"Stop it Kenshin! She's your daughter!" The woman yelled out once more as she got up and ran towards the frail teen who was shaking with fear. The male of the household didn't reply as he balled his fist and attempted to throw a punch towards the young girl's abdomen.
The longest journey always starts…
With once about a time.
"Mom no!" Kagome yelled out as her mother blocked the painful hit. The older woman crumpled to her knees in pain as blood began to sprout from her lips. Kagome pulled her mother close to her chest and sobbed furiously while her father stood in front of the two in a daze.
"This is all YOUR fault!" He roared out after a few moments of silence. Kagome grabbed her mother and scooted as far away as she could from the enraged male.
'Oh kami-sama please save us!' She silently prayed as she closed her eyes and waited for the impact of the hit she was about to receive. After a minute passed by she looked up again and was surprised to find a certain tall, tanned, and long haired male tossing her father aside as if the man weighed no more than a sack of potatoes.
"Bankotsu…." She breathed out as she watched him tackle the older man down with ease. In less than two minutes her father was knocked unconscious on the ground.
"Kagome." He called out as he ran to her side.
"My mother, we have to get her to a hospital!" Kagome replied frantically as she remembered the woman in her arms. Bankotsu wasted no time in picking the older woman up and helping Kagome to her feet.
"Come on." He stated in a hurried whisper as he helped them out the door and down the shrine steps.
"My little brothers and sister!" Kagome cried out as she heard a shrill scream cut through the night air. Bankotsu looked back and cursed the man before closing the car doors and locking them.
"I'll be back." He called out as he ran back up the stairs and through the door.
"Let 'em go!" He yelled out as the older male dangled the three year old girl by the neck while the five and seven year old kicked at his legs in an attempt to free the young girl.
"What if I don't? You have no power over me little boy. Where is that whore of a daughter I got and my meddling wife? Bring 'em back to me!" The older male yelled out before kicking the boys against the wall as well as the young girl and rushing towards Bankotsu who easily side stepped the big man. With one quick and smooth punch to the back of the man's neck he was down and out once more. The shrill cries of the three little children alerted Bankotsu of their medical needs as he ran towards them. With one fluid movement he grabbed the two youngest siblings before instructing the oldest to hop on his back.
"Its okay guys, No one is going to hurt you any more, your mother, your sister, and you guys. Okay?" Bankotsu stated in a calm voice as he rushed down the shrine steps and towards the car. He rushed them in quickly before jumping in to the driver's seat and zipping off through the busy streets. His adrenaline was pumping as he swerved through different cars while dodging red lights. After fifteen grueling minutes he made it in front of the emergency room.
And this girl…
Has seen a lot of pain…
"Help! I need help!" He yelled out towards the nurses inside the hospital as he helped Kagome's mother out of the car and towards an awaiting stretcher. Once he felt the older woman was safe he went back towards the car and collected the rest of the grief stricken family.
"Come on Kagome, we need to get you three checked on as well." He stated in a stern voice as he picked up the two smallest children. Kagome nodded as she took his awaiting arm and used it as a means of support, she took her other brother by the hand and limped her way inside the warm confines of the hospital before her.
[Two hours later]
Bankotsu paced around the waiting room as different thoughts ran through his mind. What would he do? How could he do it? Where would they go? Where could they go? How could he protect them? And in instant everything came clear to him as he halted in his stride and stared out the window.
"Excuse me but are you the one who brought the four Higurashi patients in?" A soft voice questioned causing him to turn around.
"Yes, how are they?" He questioned the short female as he looked her over.
"Their fine, a few bruises and scrapes here but nothing to serious. Although their mother may need to stay for a few days considering the fact that when he she took a hit to the abdomen it caused slight internal bleeding and telling from the severity of the hit, she may need to be monitored carefully for the next few days due to the inflammation of her abdomen." The woman replied as she checked over her clipboard.
"Will she need any medicines to help the swelling?" He questioned her as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"A few medicines such as chamomile capsules that will help with her digestive track, bioflavonoid that will help reduce the chances of cancer in that area as well as speed up the process of lowering the inflammation, and some pain medicine to help her through the day. I would also recommend you to purchase high fiber fruits and vegetables so that her resistance can grow which in turn will speed up the process it usually takes to heal." The woman replied as she scribbled something's down. Bankotsu nodded before taking the piece of paper handed to him.
"You may go see them now if you wish, I set them all in one big room just as you requested. If any problems arise call me or call a nurse." She stated before bowing and walking away. Bankotsu stared at the piece of paper in his hand and skimmed it over before making his way towards their hospital room. He walked in quietly and closed the door gently behind him before walking towards the one girl who plagued his mind since the first day she greeted him.
But this girl's gonna smile again.
She knows that a flower grows every time it rains.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" He questioned as he sat beside her on the bed. She turned to him with teary eyes before offering him a small smile. His heart clenched as a tear slid its way down her cheek. He reached his hand over towards her face and wiped it away before it went farther down.
"Thank you for saving me." She stated in a whisper before turning towards her mother and brothers who were currently in a peaceful slumber. "For saving all of us."
"I promised you I'd never let anyone hurt you as long as I was around. I intend to keep that promise." He replied as he cupped her bruised cheek gently, her smile widened as she leaned in to his touch and closed her eyes.
"It's nice to feel safe….even for just a moment." She whispered as she reached her hand up to touch his.
"Get used to the feeling Kagome, because starting tomorrow you and your family are going to stay with me. And don't worry about your father; he isn't going to hurt you any more and neither is Naraku." Bankotsu stated promise dripping off his words. Kagome opened her eyes instantly.
"I can't…we can't do that Ban. I don't want to be a nuisance to you." She protested as she tried to sit up only to wince as pain engulfed her body.
"Well too bad because we all voted and you lost." A chipper voice stated causing the two to look up. Kagome offered the bouncy male a smile before turning her attention towards Bankotsu.
"I already talked to them and they all agreed. But even if they didn't I'm the alpha of the household, my word is what goes." Bankotsu stated with a playful smile as he was jabbed in the side by his fuming brother.
"Anyways, you guys are going to stay with us. Don't worry about anything; we have your hospital bills paid for. Oh, and that measly little debt you owed Naraku's family is paid in full so don't bother worrying about that asshole coming back around." Jakotsu continued on.
"But…" Kagome whispered as the news dawned on her. "But you didn't even have to."
"I wanted to Kagome." Bankotsu countered as he cupped her chin and turned her face towards him. "I was sick and tired of seeing him hurt you. Don't worry about paying us back, as long as you're safe that's all that matters. The amount of money I spend on you or your family will never compare to the feeling I get when I know you're in safe hands. I should kick my self right now for not thinking of this sooner."
And this girl's gotta lot of dreams.
She knows that tomorrow ain't what it seems…
Jakotsu made gagging noises before being bopped on the head by Bankotsu who didn't even bother looking at the feminine male. Kagome's melodious laughter filled the room as she watched the two brothers fight. She couldn't even picture a time when she was this happy. All her life she suffered through nothing but pain. It was a nice change to feel happiness, a wonderful rush of adrenaline when she knew she didn't have to be scared any more. Her heart burst from the seams as she turned her head and watched her small family finally sleep in peace, sleep without the worries of being beaten or the fear of angering their father or Naraku. She was finally free now, free to do what she wanted, free to go after what she wanted, she had the freedom to dream, to express her self without having to be beat down physically and mentally. She had the freedom to finally love who she wanted to without regrets. And with that thought in to place she turned back around and looked up at the face of the man who helped her gain that freedom.
"Thank you Bankotsu." She stated softly causing the two bickering siblings to look down at her with puzzled looks.
"For what Kagome?" He questioned as he blocked an attack.
"For setting me free." She replied with a smile. Jakotsu stopped in his antics and stared at the girl before him before forming a smile of his own. Bankotsu just stared at her at a loss for words. Seconds went by until finally Jakotsu smacked him over the head and announced his exit.
"I'm going to go buy the medicine and pick up some fruits for you guys. Be back soon! Oh and by the way lover boy Suikotsu told me to tell you to call him!" He announced before walking out the door. Bankotsu rolled his eyes before turning his attention back on the girl before him. Kagome looked up at him and was immediately drawn to his cerulean orbs. Bankotsu couldn't seem to pry himself away from her own pair of sapphire orbs as he inched closer towards her face. Kagome did the same as they were merely centimeters away from each other. In a moments time their lips touched and a shock rang through their bodies causing them to jump away.
"I'm sorry." Bankotsu stated as he stood up and backed away from her. Kagome continued to stare at him wide eyed before letting a blush form on her cheeks. She turned away immediately in an effort to hide her growing embarrassment.
'I never felt that before.' She thought to her self as she pressed a hand to her lips. She liked the feeling of his lips and the shock that came with it. She liked having him close to her and she absolutely loved the feeling of being close to him.
'You're in love.' A voice in her head called out to her. Kagome didn't know where it came from but she did know one thing. The voice was more than right.
She might not solve a mystery tonight…
But this girl's gonna be alright…
[Three days later]
Bankotsu signed the release papers and helped the older Higurashi woman in to a wheel chair before helping Kagome and her younger siblings.
"Ready?" He questioned them as they hopped off the elevator and walked towards their car. They all nodded and proceeded towards the vehicle only to be stopped as a familiar face walked towards them. Bankotsu clenched his fist as he felt the presence of fear forming inside his wards.
"Give me my family back!" The man bellowed out as he rushed towards the group only to be stopped as two security guards grabbed him before he could strike.
"Suikotsu, Renkotsu, get them to the car safely." He stated in a cold voice before staring the man straight in his eyes.
There's a girl…
Walking in these shoes….
And she knows that everything she's got…
Is all she's got to lose…
"Family? What family? You have no family here." He stated causing the man's anger to spike. Bankotsu continued to stare him down with a heated glare. "The family you had you threw away for money. The family you had you hurt and beat everyday because one male who is no older than me told you too. Now tell me, do you deserve a family after all the hell you put them through?"
"Give them back! They're mine!" The man yelled as he fought against the restraints of guards.
"Their not yours anymore, I won't allow you or anybody else to hurt Kagome, or anyone else that she loves. You understand that? Come within ten feet of them and your dead!" Bankotsu warned as he signaled for the men to take him away. "Send him to jail, prison, wherever the hell low lives like him need to be. See you in court Mr. Higurashi."
Without another word Bankotsu made his way towards the awaiting car and got in. "Take us home." He instructed the driver before sitting back and pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Geez aniki, you're scary when your that calm." Jakotsu commented as he poked the male in the arm. Bankotsu opened one eye and poked him back before leaning his head back against the car seat.
"Are you okay Ban?" Kagome questioned as she watched the male.
"As long as you're around I'll be fine." He replied causing Kagome to blush once more and avert her gaze towards the window. Her mother smiled at the two before turning towards her three younger children.
"Remember what we talked about." She stated in a firm tone. The three balls of energy nodded enthusiastically. Their mother smiled a warm and sincere smile before turning her attention towards Bankotsu. "Thank you again dear, I never would have thought we'd be able to smile again if it wasn't for you."
There's a dream…
Right behind these eyes….
"No need for the thanks Ms. Higurashi, I'd do anything for your family. Kagome is a very good friend of mine; I could never let anything happen to her or anyone she loved. Besides, it would be nice to have a woman's touch around the house." Bankotsu replied knowing good and well Jakotsu would be furious at his 'woman' comment.
"Are you saying I am not a woman?" The feminine male screeched causing the occupants of the car to flinch.
"No…..you're just not woman enough." Renkotsu answered causing Jakotsu to huff and turn his nose up at the two males. Everyone around them laughed as they pulled up at the large home.
"We're here guys." Suikotsu announced as the door was opened and they stepped out. The boys stared in awe at the majesty the place held while Ms. Higurashi tried her best to contain the excitement she felt.
"It's absolutely beautiful." She stated as Renkotsu lead her up the stairs and through the front door. Bankotsu turned towards Kagome and offered her his hand while Jakotsu and Suikotsu were left to situate the children.
"This place is hugeeee aniki!" One of them yelled out as he ran ahead of the rest of them, a big red blur followed after causing an eruption of laughter to recede from Kagome. Bankotsu watched the way her eyes shined as she took in the place around her. She seemed to glow beside him as she watched her family run around their new home.
"I hope you guys like it here, if you have any problems let me know." He stated as he lead her inside. She didn't reply as they stood there behind the front door. To be honest she didn't really know what to say at the moment as the realization dawned on her.
"We're happy now." She stated in a whisper as tears ran down her cheeks.
And she finds a reason to be strong
With every tear she dries….
Being hard to fight the way things are so she leaves the world behind…
"And that's how I intend to keep you Kagome." Bankotsu replied as he turned to face her. Kagome could do nothing but stare at him as he leaned his face in closer to hers. In a moment of seconds their lips touched once more causing Kagome to close her eyes and enjoy the feeling of his lips on hers.
Her body surged with warmth she never felt before as he deepened the kiss, her legs almost gave out as his tongue plunged inside her moist cavern, exploring every bit of her essence as he wrapped strong arms around her slender waist. She felt her heart pounding loudly in her chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head closer to her. She could have melted right than and there when their tongues danced together to the beat only they shared. She savored the flavor of him as he did the same for her. They both rampaged and ransacked each other's mouth making sure to leave nothing untouched as they shared their very first real kiss.
"Oh my god. FINALLY!" A voice stated causing the two to separate from each other and glare at the intruder, or should I say intruders, that were currently clapping and cheering for them. Kagome blushed a deep crimson as she buried her face in to Bankotsu's chest who threw the crowd a smirk.
"Yeah yeah yeah!" He stated as he lead her away from the crazy audience and towards the garden area where he had a feeling she'd grow to love. A muffled noise caused him to look down at the girl who still had her head buried in his chest.
"What's that? You wanna be my girlfriend? Awe Kagome, why didn't you just say so….I mean I had a whole line of girls waiting for me but I believe I choose you." He stated playfully causing her to look up at him with angry eyes. He snickered at her temper before rubbing his nose with hers and sitting her down in front of the fountain his father had constructed for his mother. Kagome stared in awe at the beautiful marble structure before leaning in to Bankotsu's warmth and savoring the feeling of being held tenderly.
With the sound of doubt turned up so loud…
She turns the music on inside...
And this girls seen a lot of pain….
"I never would have guessed that I'd be blessed to have someone like you in my life." Bankotsu stated as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Kagome smiled as she snuggled in to his chest.
"And I never would have guessed that you could change my life so drastically." She replied as she looked up at him. He stared back at her before smiling his own smile and kissing her softly on the forehead.
"It's time to start new Kagome, time to let go of the past and everything and everyone that's ever hurt us. It's time to move on….are you willing to move on with me?" He questioned as he brushed away a strand of hair. Kagome could only nod her head yes before leaning her head on his shoulder and watching the clouds pass by above them, a real smile finally gracing her lips as she thought about what the future would hold.
But this girl's gonna smile again…
She knows that a flower grows every time it rains…
And this girls gotta lot of dreams…
She knows that tomorrow ain't what it seems,
She might not solve a mystery tonight…
But this girl's…gonna be alright.
[END]
A/N: Hope this can somewhat compensate for my lack of updates lol. And don't worry the story is far from over :]