The cycle continues! Didn't mean to keep you waiting long and hopefully I didn't! So keeping this wheel in motion lets jump right back into things!
Couldn't get this done without you guys so remember reviews are my fuel…and my love! Make me happy and I will try and do the same. Smiles all around!
Note For Review's :
Bertabee - Possibly.
Vyachelsav Andreevici Braskov - One. Of. The. Best. Review's. Ever. Main reason I update is because of fans like you! You tell me what you like and that just fuels my passion for this story further! Thank you so very much! And I really hope this next chapter lives up to your expectations!
M-Angel 05 - Great to have your on board! Really hope you enjoy the update! Thanks for a great review!
Fallingyuik - You know you would be surprised just how many people loved the garage scene! I might have to throw Kouga into beast mode more often lol
Carpathian Rose - Thank you so much!
Kouga's Older Woman - Oh there is. And it will be revealed soon…
Willtness - Eh I don't know about that. But they do have some encounters coming and they can be in the more intimate direction? But who knows? Oh wait. I do. Lol Thanks so much for the review!
Animepnk88 - I know I am the cliffy master! Hate me? No. Great! Enjoy the update! Thanks so much!
Chapter Nine
Conviction
Nervous and growingly anxious Kagome shifted in the cushioned booth of the unfamiliar diner. Her interlaced fingers fidgeting around their mug of hazel tea as she eyed the only entrance to the spacious establishment with dread.
Everything about this situation told her it was a bad idea. A big mistake on her part that she should just run away from here and now. But her better instincts kept her welded in place.
She had arranged this meeting, and she had to see it through to the end. Even if on the inside, brave outer façade and all. She was down right terrified.
She honestly didn't know how much more she could take. That was until the pentacle of her unease came walking through the revolving glass door mere feet away.
Kagome swallowed the lump of nerves developing in her throat at the sight.
He was here.
Standing a mere stones throw away. Sesshomaru stood sculpted and sharply dressed as she had ever seen him.
His silver suit stainless and form fitting against his inhumanly statuesque figure. His cropped silver locks sleekly styled and his amber eyes hidden behind a pair of onyx shades.
His harden expression directed instantly towards her as he began to approach her partially empty table.
Kagome had to blink to reassure herself the dog demon really was here. It really didn't seem possible that a monumental figure head like himself would actually visit such a causal place as this.
He seemed completely out of place. And honestly it reassured Kagome that she had chosen a wise location, seeing as she felt right at home with the locals.
Taking a seat at the opposite side of the table Sesshomaru removed his shielding glasses so his sharpen eyes met the priestess across from him full force.
Timidly Kagome cleared her throat.
"Thank you for meeting me." She began politely.
Sesshomaru's silver brow arched intrigued.
"An interesting choice of location. Neutral ground. It would seem the wolf has been educating you." Sesshomaru began calmly. As if the lower level atmosphere surrounding him didn't effect him in the least.
Kagome's hazel eyes narrowed agitatedly. Apparently it didn't matter where she had chosen to conversant. The arrogant dog demon across from her never did seem to lose his assertiveness.
"I didn't ask you here to talk about Kouga." Kagome corrected. Even though the absent wolf demon knew absolutely nothing of her current whereabouts.
In all truthfulness it had been Shippo who she had turned to for advisable places for this meeting to commence.
Though the fox demon hadn't been entirely thrilled with the idea of Kagome meeting Sesshomaru at all. He had chosen to support her regardless.
"Then why am I here?" Sesshomaru asked evenly.
"We never got to finish our last conversation. There are still some things I want explained." Kagome stated firmly.
The directness exuding from the priestess before him came as a surprise, considering the last time he had laid eyes upon her she had been trembling with absolute fear at his mere presence.
Apparently a noticeable change had occurred in their time apart.
But he would press for that topic later. As for now, he wanted to know the basis of this conference.
"Proceed." He stated.
Kagome took a soft intake of breath. Secretly reassuring herself that as difficult as this conversation would surely prove. It was necessary.
"When I asked you exactly what you wanted from me. I never got my answer. Only that, you wanted to be involved with me child for political reasons? What did you mean by that?" Kagome pressed. The lingering phantom from her and Sesshomaru's previous talk still just as haunting as it had been before.
"As I said priestess. My objective is quite simple." Sesshomaru began collectively and firm.
"I want full proprietorship over the child's progress, development, and growth. From now, until the time I have replaced he or she with a child of my own." The silver haired dog demon stated emotionlessly.
"Proprietorship?" Kagome repeated disbelievingly. She couldn't have possibly heard him right?
But one direct look into Sesshomaru's intensely focused amber eyes proved she hadn't.
"Yes. From the exact moment of birth this child will be the soul heir to the empire I have built. They will need to be taught, guided, and honed to rule as I have." He proceeded.
"The entirety of my life's work will fall to them." He proclaimed confidentially.
Kagome could all to clearly feel the color drain from her face.
"But this will take time, experience and consistence." Sesshomaru reassured and Kagome instantly knew. He was just getting started.
"To begin, you will need to be relocated to the western district of the city. I have already purchased a variety of relatively near by homes. You may have your choice of the lot." He said directly.
"Each one should be more then accommodating. All have been fully furnished and decorated by my personal panel of assistance. Along, with individualized nurseries. Though whichever one you decide upon will be altered before you deliver. Seeing as the sex has yet to be revealed."
Kagome could feel her blood cool and her mouth go dry. How confident Sesshomaru was in his words, shook her to her core.
"I have also taken the liberty of having your medical records along with your family history. Transferred to only the most highly qualified team of neurologist, cardiologist, pediatricians, and nutritionists. Both in the country and out. Though, those currently unavailable should arrive within the next day or so." Sesshomaru addressed thinking momentarily to the countless physicians he was having escorted from various parts of the world.
"Preparations for the child's delivery are already being made. As is the educational board I have assembled to begin private tutoring within the first year." The amber eyed dog demon assured.
"Also, a roster of cosmetologist and Parisian designers are being flow in as we speak. All should be present in the next few hours to begin constructing you a more befitting wardrobe. You're body will be subject to various changes within the next few months and they will be at your disposal to assist." Sesshomaru added a brief glimpse at the priestess current attire proving he had made the correct assumption of her doubtful style capabilities.
"Then there is the matter of transportation around the city. You will not be permitted to drive until after the child is born. I have instructed my personal chauffeur to navigate you to and from your appointments. Of course only then with a specialized team of escorts I have personally chosen."
Kagome couldn't fight it anymore. The shock, the absolute disbelief of what was happening was to much to withstand. And, while falling back against the cushioned booth seat she had welded herself into. She finally began to let it out.
Sesshomaru paused from continuing only at the sight of the woman across from him beginning to tremble.
Beneath the surface he began to anticipate her expected reaction to his demands. She was undoubtedly about to shout, make a mockery of herself. It was a typical enough response. Though one that would do her absolutely no good.
But surprisingly even to him. Her retort was something even he did not expect.
Her shoulders adjusted up and down in perfect sync with her now heavy chest as she threw her head back allowing rich unchecked laughter to spew out.
Kagome could feel her face heat and her eyes water as she tried to regain her fragmented breath from laughing harder than she could ever currently remember.
Swiping her knuckle under her watery eyes to rid herself of the tears that accommodated such heavy hilarity.
"I've amused you?" Sesshomaru asked emotionlessly, but the cold tenseness he now exuded could be easily felt.
Kagome swallowed hard trying to steady her still uneven breaths. As the last of her giggles began to die down.
"And all this time. I thought you didn't have a sense of humor?" Kagome chuckled happily.
"You- You did all this. Because-?" She giggled unintentionally between words.
"Y-You want to be an uncle?" She finally managed through still lingering humor.
Kagome sighed contently. It was just to rich for words. But, that didn't necessarily mean she didn't already have plenty stored up.
"Thank you Sesshomaru." Kagome smiled with believable sincerity.
"Your appreciation comes as a surprise." Sesshomaru wasn't above admitting when he was actually caught off guard. The priestess was obviously capable of being more rational than he originally thought.
"Oh. Oh no. I'm not appreciative of anything. Because, none of what you just described is happening." Kagome stated calmly and with immeasurable confidence.
And the silver haired demon across from her was once again stone faced.
"I'm not moving anywhere. I'm not seeing any of your doctors. How and where I deliver my child will be decided entirely by me." Kagome began finally allowing the flood gates of what she had patiently held back to begin to seep open.
"As for schooling, my baby will be exactly that. A baby. They will not be insanely tutored within the first year of their life by anyone! They will grow up normally and when I feel like they are ready they will be enrolled in a school I choose. Though you might be asked for a referral." Kagome admitted directly.
"Now, the a-team from Paris. You're kidding right? I can shop and dress myself without you or anyone else's help. And escorts? Are you insane? Why do I need protection from anyone? Aside from the occasional kidnapping by you." There it was all out in the open. She had held nothing back. And obviously the sincerity of her words had sunk in.
As deceivingly as Sesshomaru hid it. Kagome could all but sense the absolute fury radiating its way from the statuesque dog demon porcelain skin.
Were her own body not so absolutely clouded with adrenaline and spiritual energy it might have actually frightened her. But, this meeting was on her terms and with her rules. She wasn't about to give him a shred of satisfaction by actually allowing him to intimidate her.
"I can see you don't quite understand the severity of the situation." Sesshomaru said coldly. His amber eyes hard as if filled with liquefied molten gold.
"Oh I do. Perfectly." Kagome replied unwavering.
"You want my baby as insurance to make sure if you die, your precious empire isn't torn to pieces by every up jumped demon looking to take a slice." She stated knowingly.
"Now as generous as that might sound. We both know at its core its cruel. I will not bury my child under the pressure of an empire before they can even walk. Especially when. Not if. When. You have a child. Mine will be tossed aside." Kagome said heatedly, angered at the mere thought.
"I'm not an idiot Sesshomaru. My baby will never have a normal childhood, or life for that matter. They can't. Especially in this world. But, I will be damned before I let you make that struggle any more harder then it has to be." Kagome declared dedicatedly.
Her child wasn't born, she hadn't seen its sweet face or heard its first cry. And, already she was willing to die for it. That dedication, that absolute devotion could never be shaken. Not even by someone like Sesshomaru. And she wanted to make damn sure he knew it.
"So you are refusing me then?" Sesshomaru asked unaffected by her words. The priestess was a fool, but obviously a brave one at least. It appears his brothers presence had worn onto the raven haired girl over time.
"Yes. I am refusing your vain offers and thick headed attempt to dictate your way into our lives." Kagome confirmed, but leaving something to be desired in her lighten words.
"But, as for you personally. No, I am not." She added.
A crack in Sesshomaru's icy façade could be sensed even if not shown. All the incentive Kagome needed to continue what she had planned all along.
"What you said to me before. You might have said it to intimidate me. But you were right." She whispered.
"My baby, isn't just Inuyasha's. Their a piece of you too." She breathed.
The soften orbs of her hazel eyes causing Sesshomaru to narrow his harden gaze only partially as they exchanged a silent pause.
"No one will ever fill the void Inuyasha left behind. Even though I have family that I know will love and cherish my child as much as I will. In the end. It wont be enough." Kagome said lowly. All the thoughts and emotions she had sorted out in the last few days coming back to visit her even if only briefly.
"I'm not a demon, and I don't know enough about them to guide my child through life like they'll need to be. And they-" Kagome paused her soft palm instinctively going to her partially swollen navel.
"Should at least get to know the last relative of their fathers they have left." She whispered.
"What exactly are you offering priestess?" Sesshomaru questioned sensing an opportunity in her unspoken words.
"Exactly what I've said. And nothing more." Kagome confirmed. This wasn't mandatory. She wouldn't force anyone to play a role in her baby's life. Especially Sesshomaru. But she wasn't going to force him out either. Even if all her better instincts told her to do just that.
Sesshomaru contemplated silently. So the human girl did maintain more intelligence than she exuded. An unforeseen turn of events, but no less amusing.
"You would deny me an heir. But position me as an uncle?" Sesshomaru asked more to himself than the on looking mortal woman. Rolling over the option in his head emotionlessly.
"Yes." Kagome confirmed. There was no working around this. It was a take it or leave it deal. He either wanted in, or she would keep him out. Permanently.
Briefly as the silver haired dog demon adjusted Kagome could have sworn something that slightly resembled a smile crossed his handsome lips. But it was gone all to briefly for her to clearly tell.
Skillfully Sesshomaru reached into the lining of his suit pocket to retrieve a series of folded pieces of paper. Each with bulletins of perfectly lined ink and extremely clean text.
"What are you doing?" Kagome questioned. Was this supposed to be some kind of response?
"I don't agree to anything without a contract." Sesshomaru stated plainly sliding the now flatten mound of paper towards her a stainless steel pen already in place at the center.
Kagome stared at the apparent contract then back to the dog demon across from her.
"Omit your objections. Then state your conditions. I will sign it." The amber eyed demon confirmed evenly.
Kagome could all but feel the mixture of sheer relief and sudden joy sweep over her face. She couldn't believe this had actually worked! Had she and Sesshomaru actually found some kind of middle ground?
It didn't seem real!
Afraid such a tremendous triumph could slip away Kagome picked up the ball point pen and began to align it to the page.
Until Sesshomaru's voice caused her to pause mid scribble line.
"Before you sign priestess. I have one stipulation of my own." He confirmed.
Kagome met his eyes all to hesitantly about what he might say.
"I will abide by your limitations, involving the child's up bringing, home and education. With one exception." He lingered coldly causing Kagome's blood to run a degree cooler.
"When of age, and of their own volition decide they are ready to become the heir they were born to be. You will not interfere." He stated hard and unshakable.
Kagome looked down at the marred paper before her. She could sign this and protect her family, her child. But she couldn't dictate the future. When, and if they wanted to mentor under Sesshomaru, even she wouldn't be able to stop them.
But, that was the future and this was the present.
So like any rational thinking human being. She did the only thing she could.
With one hard stroke her name inked the bottom of the page, and the deal was concreted.
Though there was one final thing that had yet to be delivered.
Reaching under the table just out of Sesshomaru's sight Kagome retrieved a small white envelope that had been at her side this entire time, before sliding it across towards the silver haired dog demon.
"This is for you." Kagome stated calmly.
Sesshomaru plucked the stainless square from the table to thumb open the content.
A perfect black and grey white rimmed hazed image reflecting in his amber eyes instantly.
Instictievely his widen gaze turned to the beaming human girl across from him.
"It's a boy." Kagome smiled.
It was amazing an acute sense of demonic hearing could still be functional at an deafening location like this one.
Iron screeching on rusted sparking metal, people shouting, the overhead intercom buzzing in and out of static filled announcements.
Kouga swore under is breath resisting the urge to palm his pointed ears to drown out the chaos surrounding him. Was it even possible to hate a single place more than the train station? Off the top of his head the agitated wolf demon couldn't currently recall any.
How long had he been standing here? Hours it felt like, yet no sign of his objectives.
The thought of leaving and seeking a more peaceful venue did cross his mind, but the uncomfortable feeling of partial guilt kept him welded in place.
Still empathy wasn't going to be enough to keep him rooted here for much longer, so the duo pair of familiar figures he sought better appear sooner rather than later.
Then as if evoking some sort of divine fate a ringing call could be heard over all other sources of noise.
"Kouga!" A chorus of voices echoed loudly
Just as Kouga turned in the direction his name had been called. He found himself practically tackled into by a blurred barrage of flailing limbs and tear stained faces.
Unprepared for the assault Kouga lost his footing all to easily and was sent falling back first onto the hard concrete busy train station floor. His chest heavily weighted by a pair of stocky figures cradling themselves to his form.
Ginta was the first he clearly spotted cradling himself to his shoulder while Hakkaku made do gluing himself to his torso! Both having their arms tangled around his helpless form now weighted to the filthy floor.
"Get off me you idiots!" Kouga demanded not blind to the strange shocked glances he was receiving as strangers hurried by.
Obviously immune to his heated temper the duo of wolf demons only held him tighter even as he found the strength to lift himself even partially into a sitting position.
"I said get off damn it!" Kouga growled shoving both tear and snot covered demons off in one hard push!
Ginta and Hakkaku fell back blindly into one another before temporarily regaining their composure enough to sit up even if all three still remained seated on the concrete floor.
"Geeze. We thought you'd be happy to see us!?" Hakkaku barked obviously hurt by their leaders lack of sensitivity.
"Yeah!" Ginta seconded as he wiped away the remained of his obviously unappreciated tears.
"Why would I!? We go through this every god damn time! Now quit with the water works!" Kouga demanded.
Only five years and the two of them fall to pieces at the sight of him. He feared to think what would have happened if he let a decade go by.
"I just talked to you two an hour ago. There a reason you guys could hold it together over the phone and not in person?" Kouga snapped agitated wiping his now damped leather jacket to rid himself of the duo's combined tears.
"Excuse us! We missed you is all!" Ginta defended angrily.
"Yeah yeah." Kouga groaned lowly before climbing to his feet.
As frustrated as he was he extended a hand downwards pulling the messed pile of his comrades and their luggage up.
"Get your stuff together. We got some things to talk about." Kouga diverted topic.
"Yeah. When you called it sounded important?" Hakkaku recalled.
"What's new?" Ginta asked curiously.
"Not here. We'll get you two settled in first." Kouga stated firmly reaching towards both Ginta and Hakkaku to take hold of their combined packs slinging them carelessly over his shoulder before soldiering on.
Both wolf demons sharing a brief glimpse of surprise in each others direction before stepping after their broad leader.
"Welcome home fellas." Kouga smirked.
Steam fogged the bathroom mirror from reflecting the curvaceous figure currently standing in front of the dampened glass. But, with one swipe the bleary image cleared and the hazel eyed girl smiled at her absolute glowing reflection
Kagome smiled at her silken wavy locks clinging to her neck and shoulder her creamy porcelain radiating with the heat it had just absorbed from her nice long soak.
A lone droplet of water cascading downwards into the apple of her cleavage that was only partially concealed by a neatly tucked white cotton towel.
Behind shimmering pink lips, she couldn't help but smile.
It was funny how a warm candle lit bath could make the whole world seem right.
Today had been exhausting, emotionally as well as physical. But, everything had turned out for the better. Night had fallen and all the heartache she thought she would have to deal with had came and went. And everything was actually falling into place.
At least for the time being. Her slightly greatest hurdle had yet to be overcome.
The meeting with Sesshomaru might have been a success but that didn't necessarily mean it was going to run smoothly with another equally as thick headed demon.
Kagome grimaced at the thought. She would have to face Kouga eventually, the morning was what she had in mind. Maybe a nice walk through the park?
It felt ridiculous that she even felt the urge of reluctance towards the absent wolf demon of all people. But she did. She was afraid, of how he might react when he found out directly from her lips she had chosen to meet with Sesshomaru.
Kagome shook the thought away. Storing it away for the morning, when she knew such issues would have to be addressed.
But, for right now. She wanted a nice nighttime snack before cozying into bed.
With just that in mind Kagome secured her only source of modestly a little bit tighter around herself. Clutching the folded material around her chest firmly in one hand before soldiering through the bathroom door and through her bedroom.
Her pajamas already laid out on the made comforter of her bed along with her bra and panties, each garment ignored for the sudden craving for sweets.
Kagome groped along the stair railing as she made her way down the steps and into the darken kitchen.
She flicked on the nearest light the small overhanging bulb of the stove blinking on only partially illuminating the kitchen in a dull glow.
No need to waste power, she was going right back upstairs after all.
Gripping hold of the refrigerator she tugged the bulky door open to peer inside to all the combinations of foods she was imagining.
Using her other free hand to tug at the ends of her soft wet hair partially weaving the thick locks as she contemplated what she was in the mood for.
She was torn between a sandwich or a tray of cookies.
That was before an absolutely booming crack shattered the silence of her darken house!
Kagome shot up right so quickly feeling her heart fall directly into her stomach in terror at the jarring sound and the fuming voice that followed!
"Are you out of your mind!?" Kouga roared as he burst through the front door on the clear opposite side of the house.
His voice so venomous and raging it actually caused a lasting thunderous echo!
Kagome on instinct ducked behind the still open refrigerator door to cover herself knowing she was in no way dressed for company no matter how intrusive!
Leaving only her head to peer around the cold steel frame to glare at the stampeding wolf.
"What are you doing!?" Kagome snapped angrily from her partial shelter. What was Kouga thinking breaking into her house!? Again!?
"Answer me Kagome!" Kouga demanded furiously! His usually soft azure eyes now so thin and focused they resembled nothing but pure slits of total rage!
"How could you go see him!? After everything we talked about!?" He growled through exposed fangs!
Kagome felt shock wash over her face.
He knew.
"Do you realize what could have happened!? The danger you put yourself in! Again!?" Kouga spat barging into the kitchen ignoring Kagome's obvious attempt at trying to conceal herself from his relentlessly heated gaze.
At the sudden realization of what was unfolding before her. She decided modesty was now the least of her worries.
Taking a deep breath she unveiled herself from the frigid air of the ice box letting the door close behind her as she stood firmly before the obviously fuming wolf demon.
Clearly her plan of speaking to him tomorrow had fallen to pieces. This was happening, now. If she liked it or not.
"Yes. I do." Kagome replied even and surprisingly level headed.
Though her arms curled around herself tightly a vague attempt to cover her already barely covered figure. She was literally only shielded from sight from the middle of her breast to the upper most highest part of her thighs.
Only briefly she mentally kicked herself for not stopping to dress herself when she had the chance.
"And you still went!? Do you want to belong to him!? Is that it!?" Kouga shot accusingly his body visibly shaking from the rage he was obviously failing to contain.
Kagome's expression flashed utter disbelief. She couldn't believe what she had just heard?
"You must! I mean why else would you go behind my back!?" Kouga snapped.
He honestly couldn't remember a point in time he had been this god damn furious! From the moment he received a phone call from one of his many underlings that Kagome had been spotted with that damn dog! His mind had been absolutely devoured by absolute rage and shock!
He hadn't even had time to bid Ginta and Hakkaku a decent farewell as he set them up in the northern wing of his home. Before he had fled the building altogether completely blinded by betrayal!
How could she knowingly put herself in such danger!? Did she not give a damn about her well being? About her child's!? Not to mention what her absence would do to him if he hadn't been able to recover her!
She just didn't get it! She was so god damn stubborn and foolish! She had absolutely no idea the game she was playing getting involved with someone like Sesshomaru!
"Would you stop!? I can explain!" Kagome shouted demandingly. He was jumping so far to conclusions it was insane! Worse of all she was actually allowing his insanity to effect her!
She wanted to be calm, to discuss things rationally. If he would just shut up and let her!
"Explain what!? You cant possibly explain this! For gods sake! I thought you understood? I'm trying to protect you! How can I do that if you wont listen-!" Kouga boomed so caught up in his out of control fury he slammed his fist into the nearest wall. The thick board behind instantly splintering into a spider web like series of cracks from the impact.
Kagome jumped in response so caught off guard by his action she almost lost hold of the firm grip on her soften towel.
But her shock quickly melted into anger. Anger, and refusal to tolerate such a child like tantrum!
There was obviously no point in talking to the rampaging wolf demon until he calmed down. So in the meantime she was going upstairs and getting dressed.
Ignoring his presence altogether Kagome stomped forward towards the stairs only making it a good two steps before Kouga's voice followed.
"Where are you going?" He growled.
Kagome didn't dignify him with a response as she continued on , but her silence obviously didn't matter to Kouga.
"Kagome!" He demanded following after her until he gripped hold of her upper forearm trying to force her to face him.
"Let go of me!" Kagome snapped thrashing against his hold!
"We're not done!" Kouga barked gripping at Kagome's hips next to try and anchor her in place. It was a vain effort seeing as she only struggled against him harder futile as it might have been.
Instantly he opted for the next option. The kitchen island was conveniently at their side if he couldn't get her to stand still he might be able to get her to sit.
Uncaring but not as forceful as he could have been he gripped hold of both her thighs hoisting her up weightlessly onto the cold counter trying to meet her eye for eye.
Kagome fought against his brutish hold so angrily so blinded by her own overflowing rage that he had the audacity to handle her like a child! She struggled so hard in fact Kouga had no choice but to lock both her wrist into his own hold.
While pinning her legs to the counter with the weight of his hips.
Kagome felt tears well at the rampaging fury she was beginning to experience, and her hazel eyes gave her disdain away all to clearly!
Kouga opened his mouth to speak as did she but whatever either of them were about to exchange would never be uttered.
The towel that had shielded Kagome's body faithfully until this point had finally lost its grip. Falling open and catching only on her hips to shield the pearl of her sex.
But, not the large mounds of her smooth flawless breast and fully naked torso.
Both Kouga and Kagome stilled as he shamelessly stared down at the treasure he had just unintentionally unwrapped. Only now realizing just how venerable of a position he had put the raging priestess into.
The sight of her so naked and creamy didn't ebb his anger away if anything it flared it! She was so god damn beautiful, didn't she know what a demon like Sesshomarou would do to her given the chance?
What any demon would do…
Kagome's cheeks burned scarlet. She was so angry so unbelievably hurt by his harsh actions and words! But all that aside she couldn't stand the way he was staring at her!
"Kou-" She opened her mouth to beg him to allow herself to cover up but again her voice was cut off but this time it wasn't just by words.
Without thinking, he silenced her. Dipped his head forward pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was almost bruising!
Kagome was too shocked to move. To react. Her entire body being forcibly molded to his. His skin was hot radiating nothing but heat even through his clothing. The scent of thick pine forest and earth assaulting her senses.
The kiss was mind numbing with the utter sensation of his lips crushed to hers. But, somehow she managed to wriggle a hand between them placing it firmly on his chest to try and push him away.
The azure eyed wolf felt her feeble attempt to escape but he had no intention of letting her go so easily. Not after what she had done. The worry and fury she had consumed him with was still oh so fresh and he wasn't near satisfied from feeling that anguish.
Kouga deepened the kiss. Running his tongue along the seam of her swollen pink lips, shoving his leg forward to separate her clenched thighs to better position himself against her.
He dragged his tongue over her teeth and along the roof of her mouth, and even stroked her tongue with his own, taking in the sweet taste of her as he continued to rhythmically rub her core with his knee.
Kagome felt her world spin. Kouga was so primal and unrestrained with her. It was nothing like the kiss they had shared before. Where he hadn't even responded to her brash actions.
No this was something new and terrifying. She could feel his desperation, he was down right craving her! She could feel it in the unbelievable heat radiating between them. The way his fisted hands began to tangle themselves in her hair! The way his fangs nipped at her pouted bottom lip trying to taste every aspect of her!
A whimper escaped her as she felt her core melt. A molten familiar heat beginning to pulse uncomfortably tight inside her that craved fulfillment!
Kagome's thick perfume like scent of cherry blooms intensified five times over filling his nostrils and almost driving him mad! The way she tasted! The way she felt! He couldn't ever remember wanting a woman more than he did right now!
He wanted to be burry himself inside her! He didn't know if it was just basic instinct or something deeper but the urge was there all the same!
And he didn't know if he had the strength to stop himself!
Practically tearing her lips away Kagome forced her head to the side the need for oxygen becoming to much to ignore. But broken kiss or not it didn't cease Kouga's hunger for her.
His lips instantly found her throat kissing and sucking harshly against her soft dampened skin. His calloused hands gripping hold of the small of her back and ark of her neck to arch her against him.
Unwillingly Kagome felt herself bend to his silent command her head falling back exposing more of her neck and shoulders to do with as he pleased.
"You're so stupid." Kouga rasped hotly against her making her shudder from the absolute heat.
Kagome gasped gripping hold of his broad shoulders fisting his leather jacket tightly for support.
This was too overwhelming, he was smothering her with desire! Desire she regretfully felt just as badly, but unlike Kouga who was obviously losing the battle against his senses.
Kagome was not so easily defeated.
It only took one practically harsh pinch of Kouga's fangs onto the joining of her shoulder and neck to send her spiraling back to reality!
"K-Kouga! Stop!" Kagome panted breathless. But it wasn't until she actually shoved with all her might did the wolf demon embracing her actually pause.
Kagome used his hesitation slight as it might have been to her advantage. Wedging her legs onto the floor and off the kitchen island making absolutely sure to grip the towel that had abandoned her mere seconds ago back to her chest!
Kouga stepped back his breath heavy and his eyes wide with the realization of what he had just done.
Kagome retreated back as many steps as she could without fully turning away from him. Her hair messed her face flushed and her eyes stinging with the newly developing tears that began to cloud over her hazel eyes.
She was furious. More so now than ever. But she couldn't honestly say who she was more angry at!
Kouga for daring to touch her? Or herself for allowing him to do so!
Either way she couldn't face him! Not like this!
So resorting to the only option she had left she spun from him without a single word flying up the stairs three at a time until she shrouded by the darkness of the hallway and completely out of sight!
Kouga fought the urge to follow only stood there frozen in place unsure of what his next move should morally be.
Internally panicking and more furious than he could remember being he frantically combed his calloused fingers through his cropped raven locks!
"God damn it!" He swore hatefully!
What the hell was he going to do now!?
It felt like an eternity, which in all honestly Kagome wished it had been. But, inevitably she knew the events that had just unfolded and hour or so ago weren't going away.
Not without her facing them head on.
It had taken more self motivating than she ever thought herself capable of but after crying herself almost into a stupor in the darkest corner of her bedroom she had decided the time for self pity had came and went.
Right now she had a mission to accomplish. To ensure the side of her story was heard, and heard clearly.
The only problem was, she wasn't entirely sure the one person that needed to hear what she had to say was still around to face her.
Swallowing her unease hard Kagome stepped into the blacken living room. Everything seemed in place, no sign of the no doubt just as equally uncomfortable wolf demon in sight.
Kagome felt her stomach drop. Had he left? Was he really going to leave what had happened between them like this?
But just as quickly as her disbelief arrived it was just as suddenly ebbed away at the sight of the stream of bright moonlight flooding in from the far end of the living room.
A single figure sitting just outside the wide open sliding door on the concrete porch outside. Kagome felt her eyes narrow and her resolve falter at the mere sight of him.
But she knew there was no turning back. Things needed to be said, and heard on both parts. And she wasn't letting tonight end without that happening.
Kouga eyed the looming moon overhead the cloudless sky and the full orb usually calmed him when the troubles of the outside world seemed to weigh uncommonly heavy on his already strained mind.
Sadly, though it wasn't having quite the calming effect he had been hoping for. How could it? When the object of his rampaging guilt hid herself away inside just at the dark house at his back.
Kouga grimaced at the mere idea of facing Kagome.
He had lost his mind! He had completely lost his god forsaken mind! Pawing at her like that! For gods sake, not only was she his friend, his comrade. But she was pregnant!
Kouga growled harshly at the thought. He was dirt! It was a good thing he was sitting on the stone ground because that is exactly where he belonged!
He would have barraged himself further with every down right degrading name he could think of, were it not for the soft approach of footsteps that ceased at his side.
Kouga didn't even bother to peer up as Kagome emerged at his side. There was no need to seeing as she silently took a seat beside him.
He hid it well but he did manage to gauge her state from the corner of his eye. She had obviously dressed, cloaking herself in an oversized t-shirt and tight fitting shorts. Her once messed hair now pulled tight in a neat bun.
Clearly just as uncomfortable as he was she tucked her knees tightly to her chest in a protective barrier. Was she afraid he might reach out for her again?
His jaw tightened at the unasked question. He didn't know where to begin fixing this, but only one step seemed in the right direction at this point.
"I'm sorry." He whispered sincerely, but still not daring to make eye contact with the silent priestess.
Kagome fought the urge to recoil at the mere sound of his voice. Her composure might have seemed a ton better but her anger still silently raged on.
"For?" She began lowly.
"Acting insane? Or-" She hesitated her hazel eyes instinctively shifting back towards the house…towards the kitchen island. Hopefully Kouga didn't need her to spell it out.
"Both." Kouga admitted.
"I- I don't know what happened." He began doing his best to try and explain whatever impulses had fully taken him over.
"I was worried about you." He confessed. That was the truth, at least. All of it. All the affection, no matter how forceful it might have seemed. It had all come from the fear of what might have happened to her today. All the awful possibilities that might have taken place in his absence.
For lack of a better word, it had terrified him. Infuriated him also, but no less horrifying at the mere idea of what could have transpired.
But, obviously his sincerity and attempt at an explanation was falling far short.
"So by all means?" Kagome snapped angrily. That was his excuse? He was worried? That's why he had basically mauled her?
"Damn it Kagome!" Kouga growled climbing to his feet on instinct.
"You don't know how serious this is!" He accused harshly.
"No!" Kagome shouted leaping to her feet as well to meet the obviously struggling wolf demon eye to eye.
"It's my turn to talk! And you are going to listen to me or you can leave right now!" Kagome threatened whole heartedly. Pointing a finger in the direction of the shrine steps to emphasize her point.
Kouga wasn't willing to test her sincerity so he silenced himself abruptly.
Gauging his partial surrender Kagome continued.
"I called Sesshomaru for one reason, and one reason only! Because I wanted something!" Kagome admitted confidentially.
"Which was?" Kouga questioned.
"Security." Kagome replied all to sharply. Throwing the unsuspecting wolf demon for a harsh loop.
Kagome took a calming breath. This wasn't going to be understood unless Kouga knew she was one hundred present serious.
"Kouga," She breathed calmly.
"You know I appreciate everything you have done for me." She admitted whole heartedly.
"But I cant rely on you forever. I wont be your responsibility. Not anymore." Kagome stated with absolute sincerity making sure her every word sunk into him no matter how hard it might have been to hear.
"I did what I had to do to make sure I can secure a future. Not for me, but for my family." Kagome vowed prepared to continue but Kouga's harsh tone cut her short.
"I know!" He seethed
Kagome felt her words die inside her throat. Completely caught off guard by Kouga's unsuspected admission.
"Don't you get it? That's why I am so god damn angry with you I can hardly see straight!?" He growled furiously.
"You could've come to me with this Kagome. I would've let you handle this your own way. But with me at your back! But you went off half cocked! And so much shit could have happened to you because of it!" Kouga admitted angrily.
Meeting with Sesshomaru wasn't what had infuriated him earlier. That was no doubt unavoidable no matter how hard either of them tried. But that fact that Kagome thought she could handle something like that by herself! It had enraged him!
She had no idea what someone like Sesshomaru was capable of! No matter what kind of precautions she had taken! She had put herself in unbelievable danger! Without so much as an attempt at seeking his protection! His help!
"Why didn't you tell me?" Kouga demanded. That above all else had stung the worse. Why hadn't she come to him with this? Did she think he would have judged her? Talked her out of it?
Kagome met his gaze, angry as he was the clear refection of hurt could be seen in his inhumanly bright eyes.
And she feared what she was about to say would only make it worse. No matter how true it was.
"Because, I don't trust you." Kagome admitted directly and unwavering.
Kouga felt disbelief wash over his face, and the words were escaping him before he could stop them.
"What?" He asked instinctively. He couldn't have heard her right? She- She wouldn't-
"Kouga." Kagome began as honestly as she could.
"You are the closest friend I have. The only one I have." Kagome whispered more to herself than anything before continuing.
"But, our entire relationship revolves around a man that I'm not sure even exist anymore." She admitted even and calm. All this, all this uncertainty and unease had rooted itself inside her. Ever since she had visited Shippo in the park.
And the sorted details of Kouga's still unknown fragmented past had been partially revealed.
Who was this person standing before her? She had based their entire friendship on the past, the person she thought she had always known. But, that couldn't be the case anymore. That Kouga, a part of him was still here. Standing before her, but the other half. She didn't know. And to be honest she wasn't sure if she wanted too.
"Since I came back. I thought you were that person. I still see the wolf I knew in you. But, your not the same. Not entirely." She confessed.
"And you wont let me in to know why?" Kagome said reluctantly knowing full well the reaction she was undoubtedly about to get.
"For gods sake! Here it is again!" Kouga barked throwing his hands up in sheer frustration. When would this end? Would it ever? Was it even possible for him to ever escape the argument with Kagome!?
He thought she had let this go!
"I'm not bringing up your past Kouga. I promised you I wouldn't." Kagome reassured the obviously fuming wolf demon. She hadn't forgotten her promise. But that didn't mean she was dropping her guard, she just couldn't.
"I promised myself that I would love you for the person you are now. And I do." Kagome vowed. Her and Kouga's relationship was complicated to say the least, and more complex than she could ever describe. But one thing was clear.
She did love him. She loved him as her friend, as her confidant. That even, over the span of five hundred years hadn't changed. And she knew he felt the same.
Kouga met her gaze after a few calming breaths. So this wasn't the same argument? It was something new. But, as grateful as he was for the subject to be dropped between them. He felt something else building in its wake.
"But, as much as I care about you. I cant rely on a person I don't fully know." Kagome admitted remorsefully.
Kouga instantly felt his heart sink.
"What are you saying? You don't want me around anymore?" He asked an unexpected ping of disbelief and dread beginning to radiate its way through him.
"No! Of coarse not!" Kagome deafened.
"All I'm saying is I don't need you to swoop in and rescue me every time something goes wrong! I can handle myself Kouga. From this point on." She declared confidentially.
"And you have to respect that. Or this-" Kagome hesitated to gesture between them.
"Whatever this is? Cant work." Kagome whispered exhaustedly but her gaze never faltering from Kouga's azure orbs.
Kouga stiffly stepped away his calloused hand cupping the back of his neck tiredly. She had definitely given him a lot to think about and a brief second to do so.
He wanted to abide by her limitations. It was only fair, seeing as she was willing to abide by his.
She had given up on dragging up the past, as long as he could cope with her independence.
It seemed a fair trade, but one that would undoubtedly make things more difficult in the long run. The only problem was. Could he accept it? He doubted there was an alternative.
Kouga sighed tiredly.
"Okay." He breathed.
Kagome glanced at him with lingering question.
Kouga breathed deeply. He obviously had to say it out loud for her own satisfaction.
"I'll back off." He promised. But the words tasted like a lie.
Luckily Kagome didn't seem to notice.
"Thank you." She smiled gratefully.
Kouga palmed his face tightly rubbing the exhaustion and restlessness away before stepping towards her.
"Can I hug you now?" He asked hopeful. It might complicate things further, but overwhelming uncertainties and all. He just wanted to be near her, and he hoped she still felt the same.
Kagome smiled lightly before stepping into his already half opened arms.
He pulled her to him fully. The moment she against him he tiredly rested his head on top of hers as she curled herself to his chest.
They sure did have a way of exhausting one another, in more way than one.
But, despite all the chaos their complex status seemed to throw them into. Stability always seemed to have a way of taking back over. At least partially.
Taking a deep breath Kouga adjusted to whisper a few soft words into the crown of her raven hair.
"I have something to show you." He breathed.
Kagome pulled back slightly to meet the azure eyed wolf demons lingering gaze.
It was just as he thought, stability won out on most occasions.
But, suspicion?
He was pretty sure that wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Don't go far. Next update coming up soon. Along with shall we say drama? Yeah. Drama sounds good! Much appreciation guys be sure to review and let me know how you guys are hanging on!
Aint love grand?
