Hunted Chapter 8, an inuyasha fanfic

Thank you for all the reviews! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and here's the next chapter of "Hunted"!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha

Chapter Eight

"Can you solve this equation?" Kagome asked.

Rin and Shippo bent over their papers; and they were so cute in their evident concentration. Rin's nose was wrinkled in study and Shippo was silently mouthing the numbers, his head cocked to one side. Kagome had been schooling them for a couple of hours each day. Kagome saw no reason to halt their education just because they were in hiding. They were currently working on addition and subtraction. Overall, Kagome had been working with them on math, history, reading, and writing.

After she had finished with the kids, Kagome went back to her own studies. Kagome had been on the books for about 45 minutes when she noticed someone and looked up. Sesshomaru.

"Hi."

He nodded in greeting. After a brief silence, he spoke. "What are you doing?"

Kagome looked at him. So often when he spoke there was no tone and she wondered if the question was curiosity or less than approving. It was often the case that she couldn't tell what lay beneath his questions and comments. However, she saw no kind of disapproval or malice and decided that he was only asking.

"I'm studying."

She felt the unspoken question on his end and answered before he could ask, or not. "I was at the end of my senior year of high school. I'm almost done with my GED." She looked down at her books, wondering how much she wanted to say. But for some reason she thought it would be okay to tell him. "I didn't know I was a demon until my 18th birthday. My mother had used her power to place a charm on me, to mask my demonic aura. When the charm wore off, I couldn't go back to school."

There was a brief silence before Sesshomaru said, "It must be difficult."

Kagome was surprised by this observation. It had been difficult. After Kagome had gotten over the initial shock and other emotion that came with discovering one was a demon, she had been saddened about dropping out of school. And Kagome was both surprised and pleased that Sesshomaru would have known that. He was actually the only one who had…

"Not too bad. I'm luckier than most. And even with all this, I've gained new friends." She looked thoughtfully at the book in her lap. "Besides, I can always look at the bright side. I was never sure of what I wanted to do after high school, this delay will give me time to decide, if nothing else."

She smiled up at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru felt his breath hitch ever so slightly. With a smile, she radiated so much good and beauty. So much kindness. Beautiful.

Kagome thought Sesshomaru's eyes softened and could not explain the happiness she felt at that. She had no way of knowing why he would get a so much kinder look on his face but she was oddly happy that he was capable of it and that she could possibly be the cause.

There was another silence but this time, not so awkward. Kagome looked away and down at her shoes. "May I ask a favor?"

"Yes."

"Will you teach me to defend myself?"

Sesshomaru seemed to consider both Kagome and her words. "Why?"

Kagome thought back to the night with Kikyo. To the night she rescued Sesshomaru. And the only reason she didn't die was because she was fighting humans. Kagome knew she had no grasp upon her demon abilities. And, if the time ever came to fight Kikyo and Naraku, she would not be a burden to her comrades. Some one in need of rescuing. She would be able to help.

"I want to learn to use my new abilities. I don't want to be helpless or an endangerment to others. I won't be the damsel in distress," Kagome said, looking at her hands.

She felt somewhat…ashamed that she was so inadequately equipped to defend herself…or others. She chanced a look at Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru almost seemed to smile. "Very well."

"Are you ready?" Kagome asked Sesshomaru.

He nodded in assent and then sat down to tie his shoes. Kagome noticed, for the first time, a long thin box leaning up against the wall.

"What is that?" Kagome asked, feeling curious.

"Training tools."

"Oh, okay."

Kagome would have liked further information but Sesshomaru offered none. Kagome didn't press, realizing that she would find out soon enough. Sesshomaru nodded once, stood, and the two left the apartment.

It was very late, dark, and deserted. As they failed to encounter anyone or anything, save an occasional car, Kagome realized the wisdom in doing this so late: they would not be disturbed. They walked for some time and Sesshomaru eventually lead them to a park, a park far larger then the one they had previously gone to with Shippo and Rin. Sesshomaru kept walking until they were far into the park and surrounded by clusters of trees.

Once they had stopped, Kagome looked questioningly at Sesshomaru.

"Fight me," Sesshomaru said.

"What?" Kagome squeaked.

"Fight me," Sesshomaru repeated.

"Why?!"

"I need to get an idea of your capabilities."

"I can't! You'll kill me!"

The faintest hint of a smile seemed to hover over Sesshomaru's lips. "You need not worry about that," he said. "The worse that may happen to you is a few bumps and bruises."

Kagome debated with herself for a moment before sighing. She had wanted to learn after all…but she had a feeling that this was going to be a humbling experience.

Kagome looked Sesshomaru over for a moment. She had never even seen him fight, so she had no idea what to expect or what his strengths and weaknesses were. Kagome sighed again. Well, here went nothing.

Kagome ran at Sesshomaru, and attempted to take a swing at him. He easily avoided her blow. Kagome tried again and again but never even managed to get close to landing a blow. Kagome backed up for a moment, looking Sesshomaru over him. Sesshomaru simply stood there as Kagome attempted to think of a way to actually get close to him. She couldn't fight if she couldn't get close. Suddenly, Kagome ran at him but he easily out stepped her and Kagome could not get close, he was too fast and far more nimble. Kagome put on an extra burst of speed and felt a momentary triumph as she neared him. She had him!

Kagome's eyes widened as she saw Sesshomaru's foot kick out. Shit…suddenly her feet were not connected with the ground and she went flying as she tripped over Sesshomaru's well-placed foot. Kagome squeezed her eyes shut in anticipation of a face plant with the grass. It didn't come and Kagome opened her eyes. Sesshomaru actually looked amused and there was a small smile on his lips.

"Expect the unexpected," he said. "Your opponent may not stick to traditional fighting methods and more importantly, you must know your own limits."

Kagome nodded mutely, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up her face. She had done very poorly.

Kagome's embarrassment began to fade as she realized that this was precisely why she had asked Sesshomaru to help. With the dispersal of her embarrassment, she suddenly became aware of their position. Her stomach did a funny little leap that she couldn't explain. Sesshomaru had caught her fall by placing his arm around her waist. Kagome had, instinctively, wrapped her arms around his neck. The disparity in their heights would not have allowed this position without risk of her strangling Sesshomaru or Sesshomaru squeezing Kagome's torso too tight, so Sesshomaru had used his other arm to hold Kagome beneath the knees.

Kagome slowly raised her gaze to Sesshomaru's, feeling a blush start once again. The amusement slipped off Sesshomaru's face, leaving it blank. But there was a look in his brown eyes (Author note: remember, they're masked, so they look human) that Kagome couldn't read. An eternity seemed to pass by before Kagome found her voice.

"I'll try to do better," she said weakly.

Sesshomaru nodded and lowered Kagome back to the ground. Kagome could only stare at the ground for a moment as she attempted to regain her composure. What was that just now?

Finally Kagome raised her eyes and gave Sesshomaru a small smile.

"What's next?" she asked.

Kagome felt very sore as she and Sesshomaru made their way home but she was happy because she had actually learned a lot. Sesshomaru was a patient and diligent teacher. Not effusive with praise but not nit-picky either. Kagome felt a faint flush, thinking back to the minor incident after her near prat-fall. She still could not explain what had taken place. What she thought…What that feeling had been. She sighed to herself.

Sesshomaru felt confused. He didn't know why he felt so safe in talking to this girl. Not girl, he corrected himself, woman. She was so kind, warm, and honorable. She had dignity, honesty, and integrity, something he had not encountered much in the past. He did not find these things confusing. What he found confusing was the way being around Kagome could make him…unpredictable. Her presence stirred something within him, something he couldn't identify.

They entered the apartment quietly but the door had just shut behind them when Inuyasha appeared. There was a tense silence before Sesshomaru moved away without a word. Kagome was about to follow his example when Inuyasha stopped her, his hand on her arm. Kagome looked at him with confusion and withdrew her arm.

"What do you want, Inuyasha?"

"What're your feelings for Sesshomaru?"

Kagome felt her mind go blank at the unexpectedness of this question. "Sesshomaru?"

"Yeah, him."

"I like him. I consider him my friend."

"And that's it?"

Kagome was feeling impatient and not overly willing to cater to his beating around the bush, considering his behavior to her of late.

"What are you getting at?"

"What about me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Sesshomaru's a jerk. He's not good enough for you. What about me?"

Kagome looked at him, wondering if he was implying what she thought.

"Sesshomaru isn't a jerk-"

Inuyasha waved his hand dismissively.

"-but I don't think so."

Inuyasha stared. "Why?"

Kagome sighed. "I don't feel that way about you."

Kagome gasped as Inuyasha suddenly enveloped her in a hug.

Sesshomaru came to a halt as he came across Kagome and Inuyasha hugging. Kagome's back was to him but Inuyasha noticed his brother and smirked. Sesshomaru turned without a sound and left.

Kagome pushed Inuyasha from her. "Don't do that."

Kagome suddenly felt confused and angry and, without another word, stalked to her room.

Kagome lay on top of her rumpled sheets and stared into space.

"What's wrong, Kagome?"

Kagome shook her head to clear it and turned to face Sango. A sigh left her lips before she could stop it. "Nothing."

Sango settled herself on the floor near Kagome. "Something's bothering you. What's wrong?"

"I'm just so confused."

To Kagome's dismay tears began to slowly fall. She glanced with embarrassment at Sango. But Sango only looked concerned and scooted closer to Kagome and began to stroke her hair. Kagome drew in a shuddering breath and laid her head on Sango's shoulder, accepting her friend's comfort.

"What happened?" Sango asked gently.

Kagome told her about the night before and Inuyasha's actions. Sango was looking surprised.

"Inuyasha did? Not anything against you, but he's always seemed so self involved."

"I didn't really get it either. But I think its more like some kind of competition because he kept mentioning Sesshomaru."

"Sesshomaru?"

"Yes. And I guess I was angry at Inuyasha for insulting Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru is a good man!"

Sango looked at Kagome for so long that Kagome began to feel edgy.

"What?"

"Do you like Sesshomaru?"

To Kagome's vexation, she felt herself blush.

"I'm-I'm not sure. He's so honorable and has a kind side. But I-I hardly know where I stand with him."

"Are you not telling me something, Kagome?"

Kagome explained about her stumbling incident and added, "I'm-I'm not sure what happened…what I was feeling…I still don't…"

"How does he feel?"

"I never asked."

Kaede settled herself on the armchair and began to speak as soon as the other adults had settled in.

"I believe we are getting close to pinpointing the location of Kikyo and Naraku's base of operation-"

There was a faint stirring in the room

"-we have been carefully tracing energy and killings and believe they are operating in a small village that lies within the blue mountains in the north. Further, I now am almost certain that the sacred jewel is in Kikyo's possession. And therefore is certainly tainted. The time to act is drawing near."

"Sesshomaru?"

He stopped walking but didn't turn to face her.

"Sesshomaru?"

After a moment he turned and simply stared down at her. Kagome was slightly alarmed. Sesshomaru was never bouncy and expressive but he looked so cold and threatening. And Kagome was suddenly aware of how imposing a figure he made. He was easily a head taller than her and had a powerful frame with broad shoulders and lean muscles. And when this imposing figure looked pissed, which Sesshomaru did, it was a little alarming. Kagome suddenly felt a touch of fear, for the first time, towards him.

Kagome realized she'd been staring for a while when Sesshomaru said, rather than asked, coldly, "What."

"Can we do some more sparring?"

He simply looked at her, his face like granite.

"Can we, please?"

If he had been an eye-rolling guy, he would have. "Very well."

They eventually made their way to the park, Kagome practically jogging to keep up with Sesshomaru's stride.

Kagome was sweating, overheated, and frustrated. They had been at this for half an hour. Gone was the patient helpful teacher. In its place was a cold, demanding perfectionist.

"Perfect your stance!" he snapped.

However, instead of doing so, Kagome dropped her arms to her side and glared at the angry frigid face in front of her.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?!"

"Correct your stance."

"Forget the damn stance! What's bothering you?!"

He stared down at her for a moment before turning and striding, almost stalking, away. Leaving Kagome staring after him with hurt, confusion, and anger mixing within her.

Later as she lay in bed Kagome couldn't banish the incident from her mind. What had she done? Or did he simply hate her? Kagome couldn't stop the hot tears at the possibility. She shouldn't be so upset but she couldn't rid herself of the hurt.

"Why not, Kagome?"

"I told you already! I don't feel that way about you!"

"But why not, Kikyo?"

Kagome glared. "I'm not Kikyo! Don't try and use me!"

She turned on her heel and stormed away. On her way to her room she came across Sesshomaru but she felt no sadness, only anger. Anger over her confusion, over Inuyasha's actions, anger for the turmoil her mind had been put into by these two brothers. She only glanced at him once with anger in her glittering eyes and compressed lips before continuing on her way, closing the door with a snap.

Sesshomaru helped Rin climb into her makeshift bed on the couch and then helped her pull up the covers. Rin reached out her arms and hugged Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru, after some hesitation, hugged her back. Rin then snuggled under the covers and was soon asleep.

Sesshomaru settled himself nearby on the floor. He laid back with his head propped up on his arms. Kagome wouldn't leave his mind. Why? Her hugging Inuyasha. Her seeming so hurt at the park. The anger tonight. They seemed so against her nature. And Sesshomaru found himself longing to see her happy. And feeling oddly guilty. Why? He ran aggravated hands through his hair. Why? And why did he care?

Okay Dokey, that's the end of chapter 8! Please review! Please? I need happiness and the stimulation I can get only from my lovely reviewers!