Chapter 2: Wants and Needs
Hey all! Hope you're enjoying this so far! I have a few ideas on where to take this so bear with me and enjoy!
So, I just wanted to say that I like Kouga's character a lot. Despite not really shipping him with Kagome, I've always really liked him and enjoyed the episodes he was in, so I don't plan on his presence being just a way to push Inuyasha towards Kagome.
Kagome and Kouga informed Miroku and Sango about the situation. Understandably, both were surprised by Kagome's new demonic powers. Neither of them had heard of such a transformation.
Of course, Kouga had made it very clear that he would be sticking around for a bit. He informed the group of his pack's neutral status against any nearby enemies and ensured them that peace has been kept for quite a bit. Miroku seemed a bit bothered, seeing as how his friend, Inuyasha was not handling this new addition very well. While Inuyasha seldom referred to the monk as his good friend, they had grown quite the companionship. Miroku cared for his hanyou friend's feelings and wished him no obstacles to Kagome's heart.
Sango, on the other hand, was quite indifferent. Her viewpoint was that if Inuyasha was going to ran back and forth between women, Kagome should be exposed to options. She cared for the hanyou as well, but found that his issues with Kagome were due to his inability to choose and seldom felt bad for the guy. Not to mention, Kouga was a powerful and smart ally who could potentially help Kagome out.
"So, you're gonna protect Kagome, now?" Shippo asked, innocently.
Sitting proud by the campfire, the wolf demon let a small grin grace his tan face, "You bet. I'll never let anything bad happen to her." Shippo smiled, feeling nothing but delight. His view was more geared towards Kagome's happiness and safety. While he couldn't understand the complexities of the love triangle, he did know Kouga did care of Kagome.
Inuyasha on the other hand, let out a small growl, "It ain't like I'm not still here."
"Well, you weren't when it mattered, damn mutt." Kouga shook his head, not being shy in taking the credit for saving Kagome from the Panther demons.
Before the insulted hanyou could react, Sango piped in, knowing that an argument would surely anger the new Kagome, "It's such a nice coincidence that you were around." She smiled sweetly, while internally glaring at the hanyou. Why is he mad, anyways? Kouga is right! She thought bitterly.
"It wasn't much of a coincidence. I smelled Kagome and didn't smell the mutt. So I followed the scent to check up on her." The wolf demon looked over at Kagome with a sincere smile, "Of course, I was hoping just to be able to see her. I wasn't expecting this."
Sango and Shippo probed at the wolf demon more, both sincerely grateful that Kagome was okay. Of course, it's not like he minded the ego boost. Miroku, on the other hand, stayed mostly quiet, which Inuyasha appreciated. It wasn't long until the night sky took over, leaving the gang with stars hanging over their heads and the inevitable sleepiness that came with it. Of course, the older demons were exempt from the exhaustion.
Still, Kagome tried her best to fall asleep. At this point, she missed her human weaknesses because they gave her the sweet relief of sleep. She tried yawning enough to make her body think she was tired, but her mind remained on full alert.
Kouga managed to be the first of the three to fall asleep. Kagome had been pretending for quite some time, so he eventually believed it and felt comfortable sleeping too. However, he wasn't close to her as he had been the prior night. Inuyasha had made sure Shippo was the only one next to Kagome. But the wolf was still grateful to be needed.
His snores began to rattle the night, metaphorically shaking the night sky with its intensity. A sigh was released from half-demon's lips as he struggled to remain calm as his sworn enemy slept soundly before him.
Of course he fucking snores. God dammit. I get no breaks. He thought to himself, And it's my damn fault he's here. Fuck. How am I supposed to compete with his showy affection for Kagome? He'll steal her in no time...
The tension in the air was not lost on the girl, who sat up, knowing the hanyou was still awake. His ear twitched before opening his eyes to reveal his golden orbs. His gaze was directed at Kagome, and the two just watched each other, reveling in the first moment alone (kind of) that they've had in a couple days.
He couldn't talk, though. He didn't want to risk waking Kouga, who would surely take the time to grab her attention away from him. Her eyes were on him. And while he had treasured their earlier embrace, no one else was awake right now to interrupt the connection. But he needed to get her alone. He wanted to talk to her.
I might not have the opportunity in the daytime to say anything...
Thoughts circled around his mind like flying little dust particles scattered by the wind. One whispered the idea of going some place else, so that he would not have to worry about the others. So, he hopped up, and motioned for her to do the same. One hand extended for her to grab, while the other pressed had one finger gently against his lips to warn against making too much noise. Their silent movement kept the gang asleep and Inuyasha led her to a small meadow not too far away.
"What are we doing here, Inuyasha?" She questioned, hoping he would hug her once more.
No, he doesn't have the guts to do stuff like that randomly. Besides, just because Kouga is here doesn't mean that he'll fully commit to me. He's still in love with Kikyou... He'll just probably do what he can to make sure I don't get with the wolf.
"Well, we weren't sleeping..." He began, feeling a waterfall of uncertainty wash over him. He hadn't really thought of what to say to her, and he for damn sure wouldn't get all mushy in front of her. He was always on the hunt for the perfect phrasing to be romantic while maintaining his pride.
He sat in the grass, followed by the girl who understood his struggle.
"I like our time together." She smiled, stunning the man by her sweet words.
"So... you're not mad at me?" He questioned, wondering why she wasn't blaming him for her current predicament. He knew to an extent what her time period was like, and was painfully aware that she couldn't go walking around as a demon. Her red eyes were at the very least abnormal.
Kagome shook her head, "What would be the point of that, now?" Truthfully, she didn't enjoy him leaving her for Kikyou. But she couldn't bring herself to blame him, even if it seemed like the easy thing to do.
She leaned onto his shoulders, which he enjoyed. Her body heat was warm enough to melt his icy exterior, and her scent, though different as a demon, was still just as aromatic as always.
He put his arm around her, relishing the moment. For now, he didn't need to think about Kouga or the possibility of their relationship. It just her and him.
However, there was another feeling that was washing over the schoolgirl that she had not expected. It tiptoed down her spine and grazed against the parts of her body even she seldom touched, like some invisible hand.
W-Why do I feel so attracted to him? I want to be closer.
Every inch of her skin tingled. Her stomach felt empty. Her senses were heightened but the only thing that she could feel right now was him over her. She inched closer, letting those instincts take over. She brushed her nose against his neck, barely being able to refrain from letting her lips get their way with him.
Am I... aroused? Oh no... does being a demon mean increased libido! As if having plain feelings for him wasn't enough...
Those actions weren't lost on the dog demon either, who stiffened as he felt her brush against his skin. Her skin felt like pure silk against him. No, more like rose petals. A small blush crept upon his frozen face.
What is she doing? Oh man, is she making a move? What am I supposed to do?
Inuyasha was, beyond a doubt, a heterosexual man. Albeit, one with poor social skills and no knowledge of romance, flirting or any of that. But still, he had a hidden attraction to the woman that he suppressed during tense times like these. He'd never let her know that she was beautiful. Hell, he didn't even like to consciously admit it. But, the situation had never become this intense, where Inuyasha could feel Kagome explicitly acting like this. While her movements were not as extreme as normal people would act if they were horny, he was still in shock.
It wasn't wrong to say he wouldn't like to be with her, though. But he was a virgin. Kikyou was a pure priestess and he knew she wouldn't give into those urges until she was able to live like a normal woman. So he never pushed anything of the sort. Not that he knew how to go about initiating anything sexual. But... Kagome was a normal woman. Who clearly wanted something from him.
Her hips moved a bit, uncontrollably, as her neck tilted to the side a bit in a slow manner, letting her face touch her shoulder. She just could not stop. Every movement was unhurried and steady. A quiet, accidental moan escaped through her lips.
Fuck! What is Kagome thinking?
"So... uhh..." He couldn't think of anything to say, but he knew he couldn't just sit there and let her express her sexual feelings on him without acknowledging her. Even if they were subtle enough, he knew that she knew he could feel it.
He's...sexually shy? I knew he wasn't very expressive emotionally, but he seemed comfortable enough with his body. Oh man, I should stop. But his voice is so... hot. How can I? I need something from him!... ... ... Wait no, what am I doing? I'm gonna make a fool of myself! I'm a virgin! And a shy one at that. If he did try something, could I even go through with this?
She knew that, normally, sex was an uncomfortable subject that she felt too young for. She was not really a virgin until marriage type, but she had honestly expected not to have sex until she was 18.
The instinctual way that she was moving was almost completely controlled by her hidden desire to have her way with him, even when she consciously opposed that idea. With much difficulty, she managed to still her body. However, the desire still lingered. The only thing she thought to do was to stand up and get away from him.
"I'm just gonna go to sleep..." She whispered, feeling like an idiot. With little effort, she hopped up to her feet and began walking in the opposite direction, struggling not to droop her head.
She's leaving? Shit! She's gonna think I'm not interested and she'll run to that wolf! He'll take her for sure!
"WAIT!" Inuyasha hadn't meant to yell, but the panic worked like a volume increaser, and he rushed over to her. She had been startled by his shout, and turned over to him, giving him time to catch up to a mere several inches away.
What do I do? What do I do? She's gonna leave!
He grabbed her hand, trying to think of a way to let her know that he felt something for her, "Kagome... you're really...uh...soft..."
He thinks I'm...soft? She smiled uncomfortably, not too sure what to make of his declaration.
Dammit! Soft? That's the best I can do!
"I mean I like your skin, dammit!" It was clear to her that he meant to be sweet, although he still mentally scolded himself for that.
My skin? Is he trying to tell me that he likes to touch me, or is my new demon mind just assuming dirty things... No. There's no way he'd be that blunt. Although, it sounds nice... ... ... Argh! Stop it, Kagome!
She squeezed his hand, forcing images of him sans clothes out of her head. He appreciated the gesture, though, feeling dumb and accomplished at the same time. Her hand squeeze had reassured him that she had understood what he was going for.
They both returned to the camp site, satisfied enough with that small progression in their relationship. Kagome managed to fall asleep, happy that she didn't make a complete ass of herself. But, she was still unsure of whether or not she'd ever have the courage to initiate something like that again. Or if she'd even want to. The speed-racing commentary of the night that was whipping through the racetrack in her head slowed, though. There was no point in knit picking to her. The night still managed to end on a high note.
But the hanyou stayed up a bit, trying to process everything.
Did she...want sex? There's no way. It's Kagome! She's innocent and pure! ... I mean... she is still a woman... And I guess she's pretty... Argh, who am I kidding, I know she's beautiful. Those eyes...Her smile... Her body...
He stiffened, again.
Keh, quit it! I shouldn't be thinking of her like that. I ain't some pervert! But man... she's fucking gorgeous.
His eyes watched her sleep, and he was beginning to wonder what would have happened if he made the right moves tonight. Would they have...kissed? Touched? Fucked? No... he wouldn't go that far with her, even if he was not romantically awkward. Kikyou was still around, and he knew better than to mess with Kagome like that while he still wanted to see the dead priestess. He wasn't yet able to make a choice. He had strong feelings for them both.
But that didn't mean he couldn't fantasize a little, right? He kept his eyes on her. Her body. He imagined what it would be like to touch her hips... To run his hand down her side and feel her curves.
In truth, Kikyou's beauty was very traditional. She looked like a porcelain doll. Her hair was always in place. She embodied grace and poise. Any man would want her.
But Inuyasha had never noticed how Kagome's beauty contrasted the dead woman's. Her skin was tanned. Her hair was wavy. Her hips were bigger while keeping a small frame. Her beauty was wild and unconventional. Yeah, everyone would agree that her facial features were pretty. But they would all be primed to say Kikyou was prettier. But it was all because of a standard. Kagome's physical appearance was the wild version of Kikyou.
Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably, still in shock that he could manage to think about Kagome in this manner without turning bright red. Granted, it was all because she brought up the topic with her sexual movements. The hanyou had no idea how he was going to be able to get a good night's sleep when all he could do was picture her body.
Guess I am a damned pervert... Fuck. I can't help it now. I just have to remain polite and appropriate around her.
He closed his eyes, letting his thoughts get the best of him, wondering if he could ever choose between Kikyou and Kagome. With Kikyou, he knew he would miss Kagome. And with Kagome, he knew he'd feel guilty for leaving Kikyou. And while he could seldom admit that he was the happiest he's been with Kagome, Kikyou was his first love and that meant something to him.
It hadn't dawned on him that he had been so wrapped in all of his thoughts that hours managed to run past him. The sun began to rise. The hanyou definitely didn't need sleep, just sitting there with no physical exertion was enough to get his energy up, but had wished he could have fallen asleep. He wasted so much mental energy torturing himself with thoughts of being with Kagome while reminding himself of the fact that he couldn't. At least not while he still had feelings for Kikyou.
And, ironically, Kagome was the first one awake. She sat up and stretched out, and Inuyasha struggled not to awkwardly watch her.
"Morning, Kagome." The wolf demon's voice shattered Inuyasha's thoughts in an instant. He sat up as well, grinning at the girl.
Kagome smiled sweetly at him, "Good morning, Kouga!" The blood in the hanyou's body boiled.
If only he knew what almost happened between Kagome and I! Ha! That bastard!
Kouga asked if Kagome was feeling any symptoms. Of course, she would never tell him that she was feeling increasingly horny. He, unlike the hanyou, would definitely take advantage of that. But then again, Kouga was extremely attractive as well. Would she mind?
Of course I'd mind! I have no romantic feelings for Kouga. And, while I'm not entirely against women who have casual sex, Inuyasha would be so hurt...
Her insides began to feel like air, while her lady parts tingled at the thought of having sex with one of them. The memory of the previous night had felt like a dream to her. Well, more like some odd fantasy. When she had initially awaken, she had almost convinced herself that it didn't happen. Of course, that increased libido was still there, which means she had made a move on Inuyasha. And he responded in, well, the only way he had known how to.
Still, she was grateful that he didn't completely push her aside. Deep down, she knew that he couldn't fully commit to her, yet. But that didn't mean that he didn't have romantic feelings for her. And while she didn't want to be dangled by him while he made his choice, she knew that she didn't quite have the strength to move on from him.
Her body continued to betray her with these strong feelings, well, until she was met with something quite different. The feeling of air growing in her stomach. Almost like a wind storm was starting.
The three existed awkwardly for a few seconds before the girl let out a growl, "I have to eat!"
With that, the rest of the gang woke up, startled by her declaration of hunger. She would have been embarrassed by that comment, but the feeling in her gut was too much for her to realize that she had just interrupted the morning.
Kouga laughed, "That's that demon hunger! You're so used to a human appetite that this must be torture!" He was right. In only a few moments, her mind had completely turned from dirty thoughts to thoughts about meat and other food.
Right now, I'd choose to be a virgin forever if I could appear at some buffet!
Still, she was not too happy with how drastically her mood could change. Her lady parts had settled down, but they could also start up again in a moment's notice.
"Let's eat breakfast!" Kouga moved closer to Kagome. Shippo had already moved out of the way of them two. Everyone was blissfully unaware of last night's events, which meant Kouga was still just as confident in his ability to woe the girl.
"Keh, shouldn't you be eating some raw meat?" Inuyasha mumbled, crossing his arms at the sight of that wolf getting closer to the schoolgirl, who raised an eyebrow at the hanyou. She assumed he would be less aggressive given she made it quite clear who she wanted. Still, guess you can't teach a dog new tricks.
The two bickered for a few minutes until Kagome announced that she had ramen for everyone, and that if they didn't shut up, she would make them. The two men just stared at the woman, unsure of how to feel about her threat. Even as a demon, she was still not nearly as strong. However, if she swung at either one of them, they wouldn't swing back.
Sango, who sat opposite of Kagome, just laughed, "My, I'd enjoy watching you shut em up!" She cocked her head back at the thought. Both men sucked in their teeth and managed to remain silent as Kagome made the ramen.
"So, you've never had Kagome's future food, have you Kouga?" Shippo hopped onto his shoulder, quite pleased with the lack of beatings he received from the wolf. Kouga had been slurping up the soup almost as monstrously as Inuyasha.
"Nope. This is my first time. And it is amazing." He smiled at the fox demon, clearly trying to show off his more gentle side, something the half demon lacked.
The gang had mostly been eating in silence. Miroku hadn't wanted to provoke an argument between the male adult demons. And well, the demons didn't want to be punished by the schoolgirl.
"What is it like being the leader of a pack, anyways?" Shippo questioned, "I bet there's a lot of good food for you!"
Kouga scratched his head, "Well, kid, it's a lotta responsibility. I gotta make sure my pack eats before I do. I won't let anyone starve on my watch. I make most decisions. If an enemy comes, it's my job to come up with a plan to keep everyone safe. If I fuck up, my companions suffer."
The child demon was impressed with the maturity this wolf demon had. When it came to Kagome, he appeared to be just as ridiculous as Inuyasha, but in reality, he was forced to grow up in order to keep everyone safe.
"But I like being the leader." He continued, "You learn more. You become stronger. For me, the responsibility is all worth it."
As a leader, Kouga had developed all the best leadership qualities, which included passion and strength. The care he felt for his people overflowed from his heart like a waterfall. He only left the pack when he knew they didn't need them. And would gladly sacrifice himself for his friends.
This type of fierce loyalty impressed even Miroku, who, despite not wanting to upset the dog demon, had begun to listen to what Kouga had to say. Kagome had as well, leaning in closer to him as he talked.
Inuyasha on the other hand, was not impressed, "Keh, shouldn't we hurry up and eat so we can look for the jewel shards, already!? Or have we forgotten that Naraku ain't dead, yet."
No one could really argue at this point. Most of the day before was spent relaxing while Kagome tried her best to adjust mentally and emotionally. However, the glow of maturity that the rest of the group perceived the surround Kouga quickly vanished as he spoke.
"What is it, dog? Jealous of my superiority?" The wolf sat straight, clearly feeling his pride level exceed the usual limit.
And with that the bickering ensued, all while Kagome did her best to remain calm.
But it was like spilling water. One second, the liquid is contained in the glass, and the next second, it was let loose. Her emotions were poured into her own little glasses and set on wobbly tables. The right move could shake and spill her out.
And she did her best to avoid that outcome, not thinking about the brush of Inuyasha's skin against hers, or Kouga's fierce loyalty that would follow her into death. And especially not the flaws in both that led to storms of anger and aggression.
Sango was quick-witted and perceptive to this. Her intuition turned a light on above her head as she glanced over at the girl who was so focused on ignoring the fight that she appeared to be meditating.
"There's a hot spring nearby... Wanna take a bath?"
Well, let me know what you guys think of this one! I hope you like it! Review Review Review! Love you all!