HI! It's me with another update! I am sorry for this late chapter but there just isn't enough time in the day to do what you want. My life is busy so the weekends are free for me to write and relax. Weekdays however...that's a different story. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter because this is where things get rolling!
Oh and check out my poll when you're done! It involves whether or not I should include a lemon further into the story! I would greatly appreciate it!
Disclaimer:...I only own Chiisai and Akio-san; not to mention the story line. The rest belong to Rumiko Takahashi!
Chapter 9: Thunder and Lightning
A pair of strong arms held the delicate form of his sleeping female as the hanyou slowly woke. The scent of last night's passionate make-out session cloaked his bed sheets but figured he could get used to it. He and Kagome had admitted to a higher love last night in the harvest moon's light and he smiled at the thought of tasting her full lips and the silken flesh of her neck every day. It was weird, that an argument of lack of strength would lead to this: Kagome nestled in his side; her arm draped across his chest, her legs intertwined with his. Another thing Inuyasha could learn to love when they slept together.
The girl snuggled into his shoulder; still in dreamland but Inuyasha continued to stare at her. His claws then began to comb through her messy black locks while the one wrapped around her felt how warm her skin was. Cherry blossoms and lavender with a hint of his scent enveloped her and he would still say she smelt absolutely wonderful. The best aroma he's ever had the privilege of smelling. Since he was a inu hanyou; smell was key. Inu could identify anything by scent and imprinted on the most important. He had the Higurashi scents down, from Akio's coffee and aftershave to Kaede's fresh cotton and herbs; but Kagome's was ingrained in his mind, he would always find her, wherever she was.
His ears could pick up faint footsteps from below. One whiff and he knew it was Kaede getting breakfast ready in the kitchen. Akio was probably still asleep. He glanced at his bedside clock. It was five minutes before 8 o'clock and Kaede would be around to wake everyone in a few minutes.
A groan and slight movement made the hanyou look down to see his girl stirring. Her eyes closed tightly before slowly opening her beautiful browns. Inuyasha grinned and kissed her forehead. He then noticed that kissing her, now intimately, came natural to him. He felt like kissing her even more, like every minute he was awake. Then he figured that it was not only the demon in him but his human half as well. While his demon kept kissing her to place his scent on her body-although there was an even more intimate and permanent way to do it, his human wanted to make sure that she was his and that she understood that. And that no demon or human would come close to taking her away from him.
"Inya…" She mumbled as her eyes raised to meet his. Then her lips met his in a brief kiss and just smiled happily at him.
"Sleep well?" Inuyasha loved to see her smile. It was a beautiful smile; always has been.
She nodded her head and reluctantly sat up to stretch her arms. After a long, wide yawn she looked down at him. "It was one of the bests nights I've ever had."
The hanyou continued to rest on the pillow, but his claws gently ran up and down her back; sometimes touching bare skin. It caused Kagome to sigh in bliss. Him touching her in a completely different way felt absolutely wonderful. She was still letting everything from last night fully sink in but she knew that she would never regret it. She would never grow tired of her bodyguard/boyfriend touching her like this. It felt like he honest-to-Kami loved her; that she was more to him than anything. And his touches seemed to transmit those new feelings to her.
"So, what were you planning on doing today?" The hanyou asked as his body rose and moved behind her to encircle her from behind.
Kagome lightly blushed as his arms were just below her breasts and where she could feel his claws tracing random patterns on her hip. Inuyasha wasn't always so cuddly; even when they were alone and sleeping together before their confessions. Now it was like he couldn't touch her enough. Not that she was complaining any! She loved his tender caresses on her skin and his lips on her delicate flesh.
'Maybe he's still scared? That maybe one day, I'll take off and leave him heartbroken? I can't blame him. Everyone used to sneer at him, make him feel worthless, turned their backs on him; therefore making him believe he wasn't wanted or loved.' Her hands went to settle on his strong forearms and rubbed them soothingly. 'All he wants is some attention and more than anything, love, something he hasn't had since his mother died. I've got to show him that I will never leave his side, that he is the one thing that can make me happy above anything else in this world.'
"Well, since it's Sunday I planned on just relaxing. It might be raining again today so I thought that maybe you and I could go to Saki's and have some breakfast and then go shopping at the mall."
"That doesn't sound too bad. The breakfast yes…the mall, hell no!" He shivered at the thought. Last time they went, he and Miroku had to follow the girls around and drove them up the wall. Plus the constant chatter and the smells in that place played a big part in his decision.
"Ah, why not?" Kagome turned around and pushed him down on the bed again; with her body on his; thus making the hanyou think some delicious thoughts that involved them and the mentioned bed…and away from that damn mall she was obsessed with!
"Because…it's…it's just boring after a while. Once you've seen one store you've seen them all." His arms automatically went around her waist to hold her closer. Her body heat and her growing arousal wasn't making him think straight.
Kagome did not look convinced. "You are such a liar! You won't go because you don't want to be dragged along and plus I know you have no problem with walking for hours at a time."
"True, but the problem is you drive me absolutely fucking nuts! You do too much damn shopping!" She was right. Kagome knew him all too well. But that glare she gave him; made his blood sear the many veins in his system. Her glares, for some unknown reason, turned him on like no tomorrow.
"I do not!" She sighed and got out of his hold and went to stand up. "Plus I thought…since I have school 5 days a week and having Sango and Miroku over on the weekends, that it's been a long time since the two of us has spent any alone time together."
Inuyasha looked at her and thought. It had been a long time since it was just them. When she was younger, she spent nearly all her free time with him: going to the playground, swimming in their pool, taking her out to eat on the weekends. But since she was nearly an adult now; Kagome didn't have much free time anymore. And he would be damned if he passed up this opportunity to spend some alone time with her; especially since they shared their hidden feelings last night.
"Okay, you talked me into it!" He clapped his hands.
When Kagome smiled brightly at him like that, he thought he just made her day. Her brown eyes sparkled right at him. "Alright! And, I will even let you choose outfits that look good on me."
Ah hell, this day was just getting better! She never lets him see her in outfits she bought and judging by the she was grinning that mischievous grin, Inuyasha knew that it would more than likely be outfits she was too shy to wear. "Since when did you become the sneaky little vixen?"
She laughed and turned away; her blush and smile not leaving her face. "Since you became my boyfriend last night, what else?" The term shocked them both; especially since it was foreign but Kagome knew no other name better for him.
Inuyasha was shocked still. Boyfriend was a term used for couples. But weren't they now a couple? Ah, this was happening too damn fast for him. All this affection and touching and even the new title she laid on him, the inu could barely believe it. But, the way it rolled off her tongue like that, the way she said it; like he was only hers, it made him grin with pride while his love grew for her…in more ways than one.
He stood up and quickly embraced her from behind. "I kinda like the sound of that."
Kagome squealed but quickly settled and giggled. "I figured you would. It'll feel weird for awhile; considering how quickly this is moving but…" She turned in his arms and kissed the burning flesh of his bare chest. Her hands went around his waist. "I feel this is right; like we're supposed to be doing this."
Inuyasha couldn't agree more. While he was unused to this level of affection, the bodyguard figured that he would eventually love it. He loved placing kisses on her and touching her like he never could before. The suppressed feeling of wanting her had been released last night and now that it was evident in everything he did around her, Inuyasha knew that he wouldn't stop doing it or grow tired of it. This woman in his arms was now his; his to love, his to cherish, his to hold against the harsh realities of the world and his to safeguard and protect. Kagome was one in a million, his star in his lonely sky that he just happened to stumble upon nearly thirteen years ago.
And with only a smile to show that he agreed with her; he lowered his head to capture her lips that he would only kiss for the rest of his life. And with her kissing back with so much emotion, Inuyasha knew that she was thinking the exact same thing.
So while Kagome showered and got ready, Inuyasha headed downstairs to the kitchen and informed Kaede that he and Kagome would be going out for breakfast and hitting the mall afterward. It was good timing too because the old attendant was just on her way to deliver Akio's favorite breakfast to his room-part of his stress-free weekend. She only smiled, saying she understood perfectly and to have a good time. But her smile and the way she said it, Inuyasha believed that the old hag more than knew something about him and Kagome and that irked him. So after she left, with the wafting smell of butter and salt, Inuyasha stomach grumbled and decided to walk out of the kitchen and into the living room where the temptation wasn't so bad. Although he wouldn't admit it, the hanyou enjoyed Kaede's meals, especially the way she prepared his homemade ramen. Just thinking about food made him sigh in hunger.
About 45 minutes ticked by and that girl wasn't done yet! Inuyasha grumbled angrily and tapped his claws in annoyance.
"That woman takes too damn long sometimes! She drives me insane with how long she takes to get ready! What's so hard about washing yourself then throwing some clothes on?" The hanyou muttered on about similar questions until he couldn't stand-or sit any longer. "I'm going up to get her and if she isn't ready…"
So the bodyguard- showered and dressed in 10 minutes flat after Kagome left his room, stomped back upstairs and headed towards the brightly painted azure door. He could hear the faint voices coming from Akio's room. He would have to tell his boss where they were going so he wouldn't worry. His employer was an understanding man who wanted nothing but happiness for his daughter but he could be tough when he needed to be.
Suddenly, the door creaked open and he saw Chiisai running out, waiting for her owner to come out and happily ran and jumped onto the hanyou's shoulders. Inuyasha did like the small demon. She was intelligent, very agile and fast and was extra protection for Kagome. He gave a small stroke to her and and watched Kagome finally step out…and for once, instead of asking why the hell it took so long, he did the smart thing and just…gazed.
When she walked out and saw Inuyasha just staring at her, she felt her face heat up and picked at her blouse. "How do you like it?"
She sounded so uncertain; like he wouldn't think it was actually beautiful on her. Her cream colored blouse had embroider fall leaves in colors of red, orange, and yellow. It went to down to her waist where she wore a simple pair of blue jeans with red glitter at the cuffs. She also wore some sexy, creamy heeled boots to match. And with something that smelled like black raspberry vanilla body splash mixing with her natural scent, Inuyasha was, to say…speechless.
"Inya, are you okay? You look flushed." Kagome walked over to him and felt his head and cheek.
Her touch jolted him and was able to speak. "Yeah, I was…just..admiring how…grown up and…gorgeous you are." Now that completely came out of nowhere! He wasn't used to saying mushy stuff like that! But Inuyasha knew he was speaking the truth. This girl-now woman was something special, a beautiful blue Iris in a garden of red roses that failed to rise up to the beauty of this flower.
Her face just couldn't get any hotter but her heart was certainly pumping against her chest. Any compliment he gave her, now it mean something even more to her. Kagome always took his word on anything when she was growing up. She believed everything he told her. And now, in an unbelievable relationship that bloomed only the night before, his words touched her, made her feel wonderful inside.
Her hand stroked his cheek. "Thank you, Inya."
The only answer he gave her was a small kiss to her lips. Kissing her was like getting some much needed oxygen to his lungs. She was like his drug in a way. This was his life, someone who could love him and he would in turn love and protect her.
After they told Akio where they were going for the day, Inuyasha pulled them both into a sleek red and black jaguar; courtesy of Akio. After working 4 years on the job; so appreciative of Inuyasha's services and being a brother for his daughter, Akio insisted that he could have a car; out of his special lot of many cars. Inuyasha was adamant about taking anything and at first refused but at his employers insistence, the hanyou eventually accepted the car and thanked him greatly. Akio said it wasn't necessary, it was the happiness and joy Inuyasha brought into his daughter's life that was thanks enough for him.
They arrived at a small diner on the outskirts of town. Saki's Café was a unique restaurant having both American and Japanese influence. When they entered, hand in hand, they welcomed the warm air and the smell of steak. A small waitress who greeted them with a friendly smile, welcomed them back; since they were frequent customers and friends to the owner. She escorted the couple to a small booth in a far corner and told them to take their time and that someone would be with them shortly, and left them alone.
Kagome looked around, seeing the many sport memorabilia and Japanese paintings and fans. There was the soothing music of Zen around the place so the customers would feel more relaxed and enjoy their meals, away from the stress and burdens of everyday life. She smiled when she looked at a painting of a beautiful geisha, dancing in snow in a winter background.
Inuyasha watched her; appreciating the life and love that Kagome possessed. Her eyes, her face, her hair, even her voice; he couldn't imagine a life without her. She was one of a kind; in a world full of stress, disgrace and death. But he would shield her from that, and anything else that dared to harm her. Slowly he moved to hold her smaller hand in his. When she looked his way, into his eyes, Kagome grasped his and gave that warm smile she reserved for him.
It turned out their waitress was the owner's daughter. She was a family friend; Masako's best friend growing up so the families were tight. After some catching up, she put down their orders, Ayame told them their drinks would be right out and their meals in a short while and left the table.
As they waited for the homemade ramen and beef stew to arrive, Kagome sighed and looked to the outside. It was still dismal and cloudy but silent and calm. She rested her chin on her palm as her eyes roamed the semi-busy streets.
The hanyou then noticed that she had a clip on the right side of her head. But it wasn't just an ordinary clip. It was one she received when she turned 13. It one of her mother's favorite clips, and been passed down her side of the family family for 4 generations. It had a frosted maple leaf in the center; with a frosted red and yellow leaf on either side of it. Akio had explained to them when he brought it out for his daughter, it was passed down to each girl in the Mai line; Masako's family name. And as Kagome Mai Higurashi, the young teen was next to inherit it. Each girl in a generation was ironically born in the fall months, between September and the first half of December. But Kagome was the first to be born the heart of winter, in January. Nonetheless, her mother wanted her to have it, to carry a piece of her where Kagome went.
"What is it?" He'd been deep in thought he didn't see Kagome turn her head back to look at him.
Slightly embarrassed at being caught, he cleared his throat and pointed to the clip. "Your mom's clip. I realized whenever you wear it, you miss her. I can tell."
On instinct, her hand went to the clip and felt the rough glitter and sharp edges of the plastic leaves. She sighed sadly and put her hand back down. "Yeah, I do. It's been almost 16 years, Inuyasha. I can't remember her at all except for the photographs my dad has of her." Her brown eyes looked to his then back down to their joined hands.
He squeezed her hand sympathetically. "It's okay. At least you get to see her in pictures. The only way I get to see my mother is in my dreams." Every time he brought up his mother; all he could see was her pale, smiling face and lovely violet eyes…before he heard five gun shots and that smile was destroyed forever. He winced and took a deep breath to pull himself together.
Kagome knew Inuyasha was still deeply troubled by the death of his mother. One minute could change a person's life and Inuyasha had changed when those bullets sounded and he ran from his safety net. It took him a long time to tell her, not until a few years ago, about his mother and how she died. The half demon tried so desperately to hide his pain but the girl could see every battle and struggle to keep it bottled up. But when he finally did break down on her lap, she could do nothing but shed tears for him and comfort him any way she could.
"I know." She was caressing his palm with her soft fingers, trying to soothe him again. "You were lucky to have known her. I was only two years old, a mere baby when my mother was murdered. I barely remember any memories we had. But I still can't help but miss her."
"I know you do." Inuyasha knew the pain and suffering just as well as he. Both of their mothers were murdered, ruthlessly murdered and was taken away before their time. Even though he lost his mother when he was about six or seven, Kagome was only two. It must have been harder for her.
"My dad told me that after mom's death, I was a different person; that I wasn't happy anymore. I felt something die away in me when my mom passed. I didn't know, he told me that I cried that night. Although I don't remember much, I remember it was raining that night. I understood afterward that she wasn't going to be with us anymore. I was miserable, until the day you came." Her smile came as she spoke those last words; a smile that warmed his soul.
"I've been meaning to ask you this for a long time. It's been confusing the hell out of me but why? Why did you choose me? Out of all the demons you could have picked, what made you pick me?"
His face looked so cute when he was confused, it was hard to contain her squeal. But she let out a giggle. She lifted this hand in both of hers to gaze at his claws and feel the rough skin that seemed impenetrable. "You just fascinated me, grabbed my curiosity." Her finger went down his index finger. "I felt that I could bond with you somehow, someway. I wanted to connect with a person outside my father and Kaede. Someone to watch me, to play with me, to understand and tolerate me. And I knew that from when I first saw you, that I knew it had to be you." Her eyes never left her fingers as they examined his; rough and deadly yet soft and loving all at once. The hanyou remained silent and just watched; just felt her love course through her fingertips. "I have no siblings. My unborn brother died in the womb when my mother was shot and killed so I was incredibly lonely. I just felt that you were the one that I could connect to, someone special that I could talk to, to listen to me, to understand me and to come to for help."
'She was lonely. Oh God, Kagome it all makes sense. You wanted someone; just like I needed someone. We both suffered with our losses and needed someone to help with our pain and suffering. I guess we have more in common then I thought.' With a sudden urge to comfort her, take away that feeling of loneliness forever, he reached over and caught her lips by surprise.
Kagome was caught by surprise when she felt those familiar lips on her. But she gave in and let him control the kiss. She responded, as her free hand went to cup his cheek; to know that she felt it as well. Their lonely days were now over. But haven't they been long gone, ever since that June day when she was only five? Maybe so, but now it was clear that both of them would never suffer alone again.
When their meals and drinks arrived, they thanked Ayame once again and began to eat their brunch. While Kagome took a spoonful of her beef stew, a little bit dribbled down her chin.
Inuyasha shook his head and used his thumb to reach over and swipe the brown juice away from the corner of her lips to her chin. "Slob." He told her; a grin on his lips.
Even if she felt her heart race at his touch and feeling a little flushed, Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. "Ha! You are so full of it! You're a bigger slob then I am-when it come to the ramen!" She motioned with her chopsticks to his beef ramen bowl; with a a little mess around his bowl already.
"Hey! This is the best damn food known to mankind!"
"Doesn't mean you have to slurp it down and make a pig of yourself." She shot back
Inuyasha saw that wicked grin of hers; deciding it was pointless to continue and shook his head. She just wouldn't give up until he admitted defeat-which was 9 times out of 10. All their playful arguments ended with him sighing in defeat and just glared at her; hating that she always did that to him. This time was no different.
She laughed in triumph! "Ha Ha! I win!"
Inuyasha only growled; vowing to get her later when they were alone. Just thinking about it made him all the more excited to return back home at the end of this soon-to-be-long day.
They were silent for a while, just relishing in the Zen music and the time they had together. Their eyes never each others as they ate. Sometimes they would share bites and Inuyasha even dared to get a little bold as a game of footsie began. Kagome smiled back and played along. As a new couple, they were still getting into the feel of doing things they normally wouldn't do. Caresses, kisses on the neck, holding hands in public and playing footsie underneath a table. It was fun though, Kagome had to admit. She loved how wild and ferocious he could be while kissing her but also the way he touches her skin. It was still her bodyguard but now he was so much more to her: Inuyasha was her man, her love and soul.
"You know I think my mother would have liked you." Kagome said randomly as she sipped her root beer.
"You think so?" Inuyasha looked up from his nearly finished bowl of ramen; a noodle sticking to his chin.
Kagome had to smile and giggle at how cute and animal-like he could be and reached over to swipe the noodle away from his skin. "I know so. Dad does consider you a part of the family. And I know mom would have adored you as well."
"She most certainly would have."
Both heads turned to the owner and manager of the diner, an elder woman who always had a pleasant smile on her face and was very wise.
"Saki-san." Kagome greeted and bowed her head to show respect. Inuyasha did a small head bow as well, not wanting to be rude.
"Your mother always had a big heart. And you're just like her, Kagome-chan."
"I guess; that's what my dad always tells me."
"Do you know why? It's because you have all her amazing qualities."
"I don't understand. Like her?" She was a bit confused and faced forward to listen to the woman who was a family friend.
Saki cleared her throat and spoke softly to the couple. "Kagome, I know you realize that you have both your mother and father in you. While you have the intelligence and strength of heart from your dad, you undoubtedly gained your mother's beauty, as well as her gorgeous eyes."
Kagome loved to hear any new information about her mother that she's hasn't heard before. So this was exciting to the teenager. "Dad tells me that all the time too. He says that he can see my mom in me; just by my eyes."
"And he's right. If there was one thing that people admired most about your mother, it was her deep brown eyes. They held so much love, kindness, and compassion; She was completely selfless to anyone and everyone around her. And you, my dear, have inherited all those qualities from her."
The old woman was definitely right. The bodyguard knew Kagome was special from day one. She was smart, carefree, loving-everything Saki had just said. She was a one in a million, his brightest star in his sky. "Yeah, she does."
Kagome snapped her head to him; surprised. The words Saki-san spoke seemed to make sense but to hear that Inuyasha agreed, that warmed her heart and caused her vision to blur. She gave a teary smile and reached out for his hand. As they joined hands once more; she squeezed his, silently thanking him while keeping her tears at bay. His sunset orbs told her that it was completely true and that he loved her for it.
Saki watched the interaction a while before clearing her again for the couple's attention once more. "And to further comment on the former subject, Inu-kun…"To hear someone else say that outside of Kagome made him flush with embarrassment. The girl giggled and patted his hand. "…You may act all tough and macho outside, but inside you have a heart, a warm, caring one. And the late Masako Higurashi would have easily loved you as part of the family."
After some more conversation with the Higurashi teen and Inu hanyou, Saki bid farewell to tend to other customers, asked them to come by more often and left the couple to enjoy the rest of their meal in peace.
Then they drove to the small mall in town. It was a decent one; having a really nice food court and two levels of really decent stores. Since it was starting to rain, the couple hurried to the glass entrance before they got soaked.
Inuyasha was immediately assaulted by the strange smells and many sounds around him. He tried to hide his discomfort but when he felt a soft hand slide into his, and saw Kagome grinning at him with her reassuring smile, the hanyou felt he could deal with the many offensive smells and sounds. This was their time together and Inuyasha would spend it smelling her fragrance and hearing her sweet voice. He squeezed her hand and proceeded to walk into the semi-busy mall.
They window shopped-well, Kagome stopped the impatient hanyou occasionally to gaze at something she liked. The bodyguard didn't show it but seeing her happy; made him want to do something for her; get her something special. But what? Then it hit him. Didn't she say that she could let him view the outfits she would try on? That made him think.
The girl was having a great time admiring the many merchandise on display but she really focused on her bodyguard and how handsome he was. The blue jeans he wore showed off those luscious leg muscles and clearly showed that sexy backside of his. And that blue button shirt had three buttons undone, showing off that flawless and toned chest. It made Kagome want to touch it; run her hand down his skin once more and some other pleasant thoughts. Unfortunately, almost female teenager they passed or saw in stores had the same thought. They would practically drool as Inuyasha moved that body, like he was a model, a gorgeous inu hanyou model. And Kagome did not approve of any girl staring at him like that but her. She'd send her scariest and nastiest glare at them all; in which the girls were wise enough to look the other away. She stayed firmly by her boyfriend's side, silently sending any competition running. It seemed Inuyasha was oblivious of all the attention and looked on carelessly but Kagome, with her dark brown eyes, was ever vigilant.
Eventually, it died down enough to where Kagome didn't need to use any more threatening glares and smiled as she wrapped her arm around his waist; while he wrapped his arm around hers. They looked like a content couple; a happy one that from one glance, you wouldn't know what they had to go through to get to where they are now.
After a quick snack at the food court, Kagome dragged her hanyou to the newest store; called The Chic Cave. It was a tough looking store but also had causal clothes. Inuyasha could see his girl as she looked around, like a child in the proverbial candy shop. Then, he spotted an outfit she would look fantastic in.
"I want something that says "I may look innocent, but I can still kick your ass!"
Inuyasha looked like he was shocked but quite amazed that she could use language like that. Guess it was his influence and her being around him too long. "You've been with me way too long. You're starting to sound like me." He chuckled.
The teen blushed but nodded her head. "I guess that's true. It just comes out sometimes." She giggled in embarrassment.
Kissing her temple, he then lead her to the outfit that caught his eye. "What about this one? I think you would look "kick-ass" in it." He quoted her.
Kagome pondered and looked at it closely. She wanted to go all tough and sexy but still remain modest enough. Plus she could see how he was looking between her and the outfit on the mannequin; the way his beautiful eyes glowed excitedly yet lovingly; made her want to try it on for him. Plus she promised to let him see her in an outfit today and so she agreed and asked for the entire outfit, boots and all. A salesclerk brought it down and the couple went to the dressing rooms in the back. Inuyasha leaned against a wall as he watched Kagome head straight into an available dressing room.
While she dressed, the hanyou smelt the leather and heard the rustling of satin, lace, and cotton in the store. It was all he could do to distract himself when Kagome was ready to come out. He knew she might be a little shy still, hearing the slow rustle of clothes from behind her stall door and the quickness of her breath. Still, despite her hesitancy, she was willing to try it on. And he would get to see it!
About 10 minutes later, he could hear the slow opening of her door. He had his eyes closed so he lifted his head and opened them. "Oh my Fucking Kami…" He whispered out.
Kagome saw his eyes bug out, not too mention a little drool starting to come out from the corner of his mouth. She refrained from giggling and thought he must have really liked the outfit. She had to admit it was really not her style and it showed a little too much from what she was used to, but she also felt different…in a good way. Wearing this made her seem, confident, brave and daring enough to tackle anything. It was her hidden side: the bad girl, a I-can-kick-your-ass-if-you-mess-with-me type. And she liked that. With that thought, she put her hands on her hips and slightly twisted her body so her hanyou could get a better look.
"What do you think?" She asked, her voice sounded of self-assurance, sexy eyes and self-assured smile .
Inuyasha was speechless. What could he say? Here she was, standing so sexy up there, no longer as a fall princess but as a tough and hot combat queen. The outfit went with her slightly tanned skin thus making her even more radiant. She had on a tight-and I mean tight, black spaghetti strap tank top that fully outlined and lifted those breasts; also showing a modest amount of cleavage. It also showed her abdominal muscles and because it ended three inches above her pants line, it showed some more skin, leaving nothing to Inuyasha's imagination. Kagome had also tried on the camouflage pants that also had a matching black belt. He could see the curve of her hips and then it went baggy all the way down where they were covering the mid calf black boots with the two inch heels. And the black leather gloves…the hanyou shivered in excitement.
All in all, Inuyasha saw not the small and fragile girl he met nearly thirteen years ago. No, he was staring at the beautiful woman she has become. She was everything that he had hoped she'd be. He chastised himself for being so corny but he thought that Kagome was an angel- a gorgeous star in the pitch black sky of his life. She lit up his world with her positive outlook on life. She brought him joy, excitement, love, happiness and sorrow. She slowly healed his lonely and dreary heart and he was ever thankful. Kagome was feisty, stubborn, full of love and unpredictability. But he wouldn't have her any other way.
"Damn Kagome, Fucking hell that's…" There were no words that were good enough for her. So to express his appreciation physically, he walked towards her and when he stopped a few inches before her, one claw went to gently cup her face while the other stroked her arm.
"I take you like it?" She asked, trying not to moan at what his claws were doing to her arm. It sent marvelous tingles throughout her body and seemed to make her legs weak, not to mention her special area was heating up rather fast.
"Hell yeah!" Inuyasha's nose was starting to pick up her arousal and her quickening heartbeat. Her brown eyes were starting to glaze over too. Uh oh. His hand stopped on her arm to get her back into focus. They had to get a hold of themselves. They were in the middle of a store where people could see them and he knew if they continued, he wouldn't be able to stop what he had in mind, although her excitement and that outfit wasn't helping him much either. "We have to stop, Kagome. Now's not the right time and place." He whispered into her ear before catching her earlobe between his teeth for a quick second before pulling back to gaze at her.
The quick nip and his voice seemed to make her come back and focus on her hanyou's handsome face. She took a deep breath, sighed and rested her head on his chest. "You're right."
It was hard pulling away but Kagome had to change back into her normal clothes. When she came back out, Inuyasha had grabbed the outfit and paid for it. Kagome was surprised and asked why. He smiled his dashing smile and simply answered, "Because I want to." It made Kagome's heart melt at how sweet he was being. It was like when they went out for ice cream when she was younger and he always paid for her cone; except now, it was an outfit which he drooled over.
As soon as he handed her the bag, he went to hold her hand and led her out back again. His eyes met hers and both smiled at the other; for various reasons.
It was still raining as they left the mall a few hours later. Lightening stretched across the sky, with thunder following close behind.
While Inuyasha was driving, he couldn't help but occasionally glance at the one woman who changed him, sitting cross legged with her elbow propped up by the arm rest while she stared outside. Inuyasha had been down on his luck for most of his life after his mother died, but all that vanished when he entered the Higurashi home. He's been through a hell of a lot and it made him bitter and angry but Kagome, from the moment she ran up to him when she was five, Inuyasha knew that things were definitely about to change…for the better.
"You okay, Inuyasha? You look kind of depressed." He looked over to see her glimmering brown orbs staring at him with concern.
He shook his head. "No, I was just thinking how my life's changed since we met."
She only nodded. "Yeah, but they've been great changes, right?"
When he saw that brilliant smile, he couldn't help but grin as well. Her moods were contagious. Whenever she was happy, he was happy. Whenever she was sad, his mood went downhill. Whenever she was pissed though, either at someone else or at him, the hanyou stayed back, with a frown and a glare that could scare anyone off.
As Inuyasha concentrated on getting though the rain, he didn't notice the small hand inching towards his on his leg until he felt it. Without saying a word, he took her hand and held it there while his thumb brushed over her knuckles in comfort.
It was silent all the way home. As Inuyasha came around the circular driveway and parked at the door so they could get in faster, the hanyou felt something was…off. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary but he knew deep in his gut that something was wrong.
They got out of the car, the rain still pouring but Kagome had brought her umbrella and opened it up to shield her bags. When she closed the car door and started walking, she noticed that Inuyasha was straight as a pin, his ears were perked and rotating every which way. And she didn't like the look in his eyes either.
"What is it, Inuyasha, what's wrong?"
Inuyasha took in all the strange new auras. The rain was washing the them away but the hanyou, with his highly trained sense of smell managed to pick up what smelt liked…leather and smoke. And his eyes narrowed as his nose told him that it led right up to the door.
"Kagome, get behind me."
When his voice was hard and serious like that, the girl knew then that he knew something wasn't right. What did he know? "Inuyasha, what's going on?"
"Damn it woman, just get behind me and stay close!" He demanded; his eyes looking right at her.
The girl nodded and ran to where he told her. He was scaring her and she didn't like how his growling increased. "Inya…what is it?"
"Follow me and stay as close as possible, okay Kagome? I'm picking up scents that aren't normal." The hanyou knew she was scared; especially at how he was acting. He felt her nod and her free hand grabbed his shirt.
Checking that everything outside was okay, Inuyasha led Kagome to the front door. The smells were stronger here.
"What the hell…?" The hanyou was dreaded what he would find just beyond that door.
Kagome knew better than to say anything so she let Inuyasha alone. When he was like this, which was rarely ever, the woman stayed quiet so he could concentrate. She trusted him to not let her get hurt or stay into danger so she stayed close and silent.
When Inuyasha opened the door, he froze. He picked up Kagome's gasp and moved to his side, dropping the open umbrella. He grabbed her forearm to make sure she stayed close.
The foyer was a mess. There was glass everywhere on the floor from the chandelier above and the paintings and the blue rug at the foot of the stairs was in ruins with mud and stains. Inuyasha could clearly smell the leather and smoke better and picked up a new scent…one that made his blood boil…the rich and putrid scent of human blood.
"Oh my God…" Kagome whispered in shock. She looked around, her eyes drinking in what appeared to be a home invasion. Her breathing was uneven and she tried to stop her trembling. "What happened?"
Inuyasha could feel her shaking. "I don't know. I don't what happened. Looks like whoever did it disappeared not long ago. It reeks of blood though-Kagome!"
She tore off like a saber jet towards the main living room, calling for her father. Inuyasha followed right after her, his own heart beating frantically, out of who might have done this and to whose blood was shed.
As they reached the living room, Kagome was gasping for breath as she looked around. The living room was in no better shape than the foyer. It was like an earthquake and fire came through here all at once. She felt Inuyasha behind her; he too was staring at the nearly destroyed room.
"Chiisai!" Kagome saw her demon pet; laying on the floor, a bullet to her shoulder. She gently picked her up and held her close. "Oh Chiisai…"
"She's alright." Inuyasha knelt next to her and could hear the small demon's heartbeat and slow breathing. "She's alive, just unconscious."
Kagome relaxed at that bit of good news. She stood up and looked around for her father. "Where's Dad?" She asked her bodyguard. "Daddy!" She shouted for him.
Inuyasha went ahead and looked around, trying to locate his employer. Then, as he moved a big piece of furniture, he heard a slight moan and picked up ragged breathing. Inuyasha threw the couch away to reveal a startling sight.
"Dad…Daddy?" Kagome screamed as she ran over and fell down to her father's side. She saw blood all on his back and her tears started to run down her face. "Is he okay?"
The hanyou knelt down on Akio's other side. The combination of all the beating hearts, the thunder outside and Kagome's tears made it difficult for Inuyasha to stay calm and in control. Akio was face down, covered in his own blood. The inu hanyou could see two bullet entries, one in his right shoulder, the other dangerously close to the main artery in his left leg. Inuyasha gulped down the bile in his throat.
"Oh my Lord…Akio san!" Both heads turned to see Kaede, who just came home from grocery shopping. The bags dropped as she ran as fast as she was able to where they were.
At least Kaede was spared from this disaster but would Akio? Inuyasha knew he had to take charge and get things rolling here. He stood up and grabbed his cell phone.
"Kaede, get something to stop his bleeding. I'll call the police and hospital and tell them…tell them that there were intruders and one person was shot multiple times. Kagome…" As he looked to her, the hanyou stopped. She was in no condition to listen. Her eyes were glossy and her tears made many wet trails down her paling face.
The old woman made no argument and went to fetch the medical supplies. Inuyasha gently rolled Akio face up and was relived to see his his chest moving slowly but unevenly. He was still alive, barely holding on. Kagome kept repeating "daddy", her tears making wet trails down her face and let her head rest on her father's uninjured shoulder.
Inuyasha called the police and hospital in record time while Kaede tried to stop the bleeding as best as she could. As soon as the hanyou hung up, he walked over to Kagome, got down beside her, and pulled her into his chest. She made no protests as she sobbed into her hanyou shirt. He held her close, his nose nuzzling and inhaling her neck.
'I hate when she cries! I hate when she's in fucking pain! Why would someone do this? I swear to kill the fucking bastards who did this! I know Akio-san is strong and can fight this. But Kagome is fragile and can shatter easily. I can't let them get away with this!' His tears, small and rare, ran down his cheeks while he rocked his precious bundle.
Both were oblivious to anything, even as Kaede silently managed to stop the bleeding and as the sirens of the ambulance and police force sounded outside around five minutes later.
"I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I'm with you."- Elizabeth Barret Browning
I'm going to start using random but beautiful quotes at the end of each chapter. All love quotes!
One of my longest chapters ever! This was a cute chapter to write and I know the ending was dark but it goes with the plot. Please don't hate me! Anyway, I hope you continue to like this story as it goes on. It gets better, believe me! Until next chapter...
Ja Ne for now!