My Throbbing Heart

Chapter 5: Not Settled

Two months had passed since Naraku had the cleansing and he was treating everyone better than how he did in the past. The co-workers still thought he was on some type of drug because of how happy he was. The only person his attitude did not change towards to was Kagome. Onigumo thought it was cute how his brother would make Kagome upset but soon saw that it was getting out of hand.

"Naraku, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Yeah sure, what's up?"

"Come with me to the office." The two walked into the office, Naraku seeming confused. What did he do? "Don't you think you can lighten up a bit with teasing Kagome?"

"What, why?" Naraku asked as he folded his arms. "I haven't done much to her."

"But you keep teasing her. The girl can't do anything without you commenting on it. Are you picking on her because she looks like Kikyo… or because you like her?"

Naraku's faced flushed for a second before he started to shake his head. "What? No, I don't like her at all."

"Uh huh." Onigumo just gave him a sly smile. "You do like her."

"No, I don't. How could I like someone who resembles Kikyo?"

"You may say that now, but I see the way you look at her." Naraku tensed up and Onigumo laughed. "Yeah, you don't like her." Onigumo started to laugh as he walked out of the office. Naraku started to blush. There was no way he liked Kagome. He brushed the thought from his mind as he walked out. Looking around, he saw a mysterious guy walk into the bar, his eyes darting around frantically, as if he was looking for someone. Naraku approached him and said:

"Welcome to the Sting Dragon. How may I help you?"

The guy focused his attention on Naraku as Naraku gave the man a cold stare. The man was a bit shorter than Naraku but was very lean. He had smoky black hair that was tied up in a ponytail, piercing blue eyes and a tanish skin tone. There was something about this guy that made Naraku feel displeased. The two stared at each other until the man backed up a little and straightened his shirt. "I am looking for someone named Kagome. Does she work here?"

"And what business do you have with Kagome?"

"K-Koga?" Naraku looked behind him to see Kagome behind him with a disgusted look on her face. Koga smiled when he saw her face and brushed past Naraku to greet her but she took a step back from his arms. She gave him an evil look and said, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to you."

"About what? What do you and I have to talk about?"

"It turns out Hachiko was not pregnant."

"What?"

"Turns out she was lying." Kagome just looked at him, not sure what to say. "You know what this means right?" Kagome shook her head."We can get back together."

"Wait, what?" Naraku just took a step back as he looked at the scene unfold before him. If Kagome took back the guy that had cheated on her, she was lower than what he thought. Kagome noticed the look on Naraku's face. She could tell he was disgusted, but by what, she was not sure. Their eyes met and Kagome felt the blood in her body start to boil. She wasn't even paying attention to whatever Koga was saying. The look he was giving her made her weak. He folded his arms across his chest, shifting his weight onto one foot, giving her a cold look. Even though the look was supposed to make the person feel shameful, for some odd reason, it made her hot and bothered. She could feel herself becoming wet, just by the look.

"Kagome?" She shot her attention back to Koga. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Huh, um…" Kagome closed her eyes as she ran her fingers through her hair. "Look, Koga, I don't want to get back with you."

"What?"

"Why would I want to get back with someone who never loved me and on top of that, cheated on me for two months? I am not the type of girl to be taken advantage of Koga. So why don't you get back with the bitch you cheated on me with." Koga was taken aback by her words. Kagome left him standing there with his mouth open. Naraku chuckled.

"She sure got you. Do yourself a favor and don't show your face around here anymore." Naraku patted him on the shoulder as he walked passed him.

"No one asked you. I can come here and see her if I want to."

"Did you not get it? She basically told you she did not want to see you anymore. And if you step back in here, I will make you regret it."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, that is a promise." Koga gritted his teeth as he exited out of the bar. Naraku took a deep breath as he rubbed his temple. Where did that girl go? Naraku growled deep in his throat as he looked around for Kagome. "Onigumo."

"Yeah?"

"Have you seen Kagome?"

"She should be around taking orders, why?"

"I need to talk to her."

"Well, talk to her when we close up. We're really busy tonight Naraku."

"Fine." Naraku just closed his eyes and sighed. He wanted to talk to Kagome, but he had to wait.

The bar was finally closing and everyone was exhausted. "Good job everyone," Onigumo said. "Have a good night." Everyone said goodnight and departed to wherever they went. "Well," Onigumo said, I am going to go out for a bit, you coming Naraku?"

"I might." Naraku saw Kagome stacking the glasses in the hanger and smirked. "Do you need a ride home Kagome?"

"Um, sure. Just give me a minute."

"Alright." Onigumo just looked at his brother and laughed. "What?"

"You sly dog. I see what is going on here. Alright Naraku, I'll see you later."

"What are you talking about?" Onigumo continued to laugh as he walked out the bar. Naraku just rolled his eyes. "You ready Kagome?"

"Yeah." Kagome came out from the back and walked up to Naraku. She was afraid to look into his eyes after the effect he had on her the last time. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. Let's get going." Naraku held the door open for her as she walked out, closing the door behind him as he locked it tight. He helped her into the car as he walked around to the driver side. Why was he being so nice to her again? He started up the engine and sped off towards the apartments.

During the car ride, Kagome was quiet while fiddling with her shorts. Naraku relaxed as he came to a red light. He peered out the corner of his eyes and gazed at her. She seemed upset or was she nervous? She kept fiddling with her shorts and it was starting to irritate him. He reached out his hand and placed it on top of her hands. He felt her tense up and just brushed it off. "Why are you fidgety?"

"I'm not fidgeting," Kagome said as she looked at him. Gazing into his crimson eyes, Kagome felt uncomfortable. She looked away and focused her attention on something in the car. The light turned green and he took his attention off of her. He was going to find out what was bothering her.

Pulling up into the parking lot, Naraku found himself a spot and shut off the engine. Kagome was still focusing her attention on something and he was fed up with it. He grabbed her chin and made her look at him. The look in her chocolate brown eyes made his body ache. She looked like she was lost but happy at the same time. He never really took a good look at her till now. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips full and pink. Her skin was fair and smooth. Naraku wanted to kiss her lips, wondering how soft they felt. She really didn't look like Kikyo at all. He snapped out of his daze and asked, "What is bothering you?"

"Nothing really, I am just still shocked that Koga came to see me."

"Is that all?" Naraku let go of her chin and laughed. "Don't worry about him. I told him if he ever showed his face around the bar again, I would hurt him."

"Why?"

"Because I do not need anyone who is going to start shit, come around the bar and harass our waitress." Kagome became quiet as a small smile came across her face. "What are you smiling about?"

"Thanks Naraku." She just cocked her head to the side and gave him a toothy smile. Naraku blushed and stepped out the car making a 'tsk' sound. Kagome giggled as she walked up the stairs. She stopped at her door and looked at Naraku. "Thanks again Naraku. I don't know why you are being so nice to me now, but I like it."

"Well, don't get used to it. I just feel better since I saw my Grandmother."

"Well, whatever spell she used on you, it worked." She laughed again and Naraku just stared at her. What was with this girl? "Well goodnight—" Before she knew it her back was against the door, Naraku hovering over her, one hand on the wall. Kagome became nervous, adverting her eyes from his. He grabbed her chin again and made her look at him again. "N-Naraku… what are you..." Naraku placed a finger on her lips, hushing her. He slowly traced his fingers over them slowly, before tracing his fingers along her neck. Kagome closed her eyes as she felt Naraku lower his head. Kagome jumped when she felt his rough lips against hers, causing Naraku to pull away.

"I'm sorry," Naraku said as he took a step away from her. Kagome just stared at him as she positioned her fingers on her lips. "I'll see you later Kagome." Naraku headed towards his apartment, taking his keys out of his pocket. He placed his key in the door and let himself in, not taking a look back at Kagome. Closing the door, he rested his back against it, dropping his head. "What the hell was I thinking?" He slapped his forehead and growled. "I need a hot shower." Naraku started to strip out of his clothes as he entered into the bathroom, running the water, wanting to forget what had happened.

Getting out of the shower, Naraku dried himself off, wrapping the towel around his waist. While he was about to blow dry his hair, the doorbell started to ring. "Who could that be?" The doorbell kept ringing. Whoever it was, they would not stop till someone answered. "Who is it?"

"…It's me…." Naraku froze and swung the door open to see Kagome standing in front of him. Kagome looked up but then looked back towards the ground. "Can I…come in?" Naraku stepped out of the way as he watched her walk into his place. He slowly closed the door behind him, watching her walk towards the living room. "You have a nice place."

"Uh… thanks. Stay there, I'll be right back." Naraku left Kagome in the living room as he walked into his room to put on some clothes. Coming back out, he was wearing blue pajamas pants, his pale chest still sparkling with water that was dripping from his hair. He looked over at Kagome and a small smirk came across his lips, but it soon disappeared when she looked at him. "So, what are you here for Kagome," he asked as he walked over to a chair across from her. Kagome played with her fingers, not sure on what to say. "Well?"

"I just want to know… what that kiss was about…"

"Oh." Naraku relaxed against the chair and ran his fingers through his hair. "It was nothing really. Just a kiss."

"Just a kiss?" Kagome said as she walked towards him, her hands balling into fist. "What kind of girl do you take me for? I don't go around and kiss every guy I see."

"I didn't say that." Naraku looked at her from the corner of his eye and Kagome settled down onto the couch across from him. "I said I was sorry. I just got caught up."

"In what? Did you think I was Kikyo when you kissed me?"

"What? No! That is not it at all."

"Then what is it!" Naraku was starting to get fed up with Kagome and wanted her out of his place. "You can't just go around and kiss people Naraku. Do you find it funny to play with people's emotions?!"

"Emotions?" Naraku eyed her gently. "Do you like me Kagome?" Kagome's mouth opened to reply, but she then closed it back shut. "You do don't you."

"I have to go. Sorry I bothered you." Kagome got up and headed towards the door.

"Wait, hold on a minute." Naraku got up and grabbed her hand before she reached for the knob. Naraku chuckled to himself. "Hold on Kagome." Naraku had a smile on his face but it soon faded when he heard her sniffle. "Kagome?"

"Why?" Naraku made a 'huh' sound before Kagome turned around and glared at him through teary eyes. "Why would you kiss me out of the blue? Do you do that to every girl you see?" Kagome's eyes wandered down onto the ground. "I just do not understand you." Naraku sighed and pulled Kagome to him, surprising her by how gentle he held on. "What?"

"Kagome… don't think like that. I didn't just kiss you just because. I kissed you because," Naraku said as he pulled her away to look into her eyes, wiping the tears away. "I like you…Kagome." Kagome's eyes lit when she heard the words slip through his lips. Kagome closed her eyes as Naraku cupped her face, leaning in and placing his cool lips against hers. A tear slid down Kagome's face as she wrapped her arms around his neck, tiptoeing to meet him more. Naraku pressed her back against the door, causing the kiss to go deeper as his tongue licked across her lips for entrance. Kagome opened her mouth as Naraku plunged his tongue into her mouth, their tongues dancing together. The heat between them started to build and they both knew they needed to slow down. Kagome was the first to pull back and Naraku followed, gazing at her with lustful eyes. She smiled at him calmly before her eyes drifted along his neck and down his chest. He was right; the scar did end at his belly button. Naraku noticed what she was looking at and sighed.

"How did you get the scar Naraku?" She asked as she lightly traced her fingers along the smooth, yet jagged, scar. Naraku tensed up against her touch. "It looks like you were cut by a sharp object."

"I was." Naraku pulled away from her and headed towards the couch, Kagome on his heels. They sat down next to each other, the two not sure what to do. Naraku grabbed a box that was on the coffee table in front of him and pulled out a cigarette along with a lighter. He placed the cigarette loosely between his lips before lightning it. He took in a deep breath and relaxed, leaning his head back as he let it go, a cloud of smoke coming from between his lips. Kagome just stared at him. Naraku's eyes looked towards her and he asked, "Does smoking bother you?"

"No." Naraku rested his head back as he took in another puff. "Are you going to tell me?"

"No," he said flat and cold.

"Why?" Naraku glanced at her again, a cold stare seeping over his crimson eyes. Kagome bit her lip, but did not back down. "Why won't you tell me Naraku?"

"Because!" He barked at her. Naraku just rolled his eyes and growled deep within his throat. He recollected himself before he spoke. "Because…until I can trust you, I won't tell you anything about my past, or about my family."

"What? Why?"

"Until I feel like I am ready to tell you about that side of myself, I will, but until then, you will have to gain my trust."

"I know it can't be that bad."

"How would you know?" he snapped at her again. Kagome knew he was upset, but he did not need his attitude. "The last person I told about my past turned on me. She could barely look at me the same way because of my scar!"

"Wait…" Kagome said as she stood up. "I know you are not relating me to Kikyo." Naraku closed his eyes and took in another puff, not saying a word. "Oh okay. So because she turned on you, you think if you tell me I will do the same thing?!" Naraku remained quiet, puffing at his cigarette. Kagome couldn't believe this. Here he was a few moments ago saying how he liked her and now he thought she would be like Kikyo? Kagome chuckled to herself.

"You know what, fine Naraku. If that is how you want to be fine." Kagome started to head for the door as she continued on. "I know not to judge someone because of what is on their body or for who they are, regardless of their past. But if you want to sit there and compare me to the bitch that cheated on your ass, then I am glad this "fling" that you did with me did not turn into a relationship." With those last few words, Kagome slammed the door behind her. Naraku's cigarette was finally to its end and he put it out in the ash tray. He looked at the door Kagome had walked out of and bit the inside of his cheek as he ran his fingers through his hair again, taking in a deep sigh.

"Shit."

Naraku was surprised that Kagome had came to work since they had that argument last night, but she did not even acknowledge him when she came through the door. She didn't even glance his way. He knew he deserved that for the way he was acting towards her, but he hoped she was not going to do this all night.

"Hey Naraku," Onigumo said as he was preparing a drink. "Were you smoking again?"

"Oh sorry, I forgot to spray," He said as he started to help out a customer.

"No, it's fine. I know you smoke to calm your nerves, but what made you pissed off?"

Naraku sighed and pulled his brother to the side. "You were right, I do like Kagome."

"I knew it!" Onigumo said a bit too loud. Naraku hushed him as he looked around; making sure no one was around. Onigumo smiled and repeated, "I knew it. But that does not explain why you were smoking last night."

"We got into an argument."

"Already?"

"I kind of snapped at her when she asked about my scar."

"Kind of, or did you?" Naraku let his eyes wander and Onigumo smacked him across the head. "You dumbass. Why would you snap at a girl that you like? I know you still have hatred for what they did to you, but she is just curious. She does not know what happened and she does not need you to go off on her."

"I know, but I do not want to be looked at like there is something wrong with me; like I am some type of disgusting creature."

"Everyone is different Naraku. When she asked you about the scar, did she look at you different?" Naraku thought about. "Did she touch it?" Naraku nodded and Onigumo smacked him again.

"Would you quit hitting me?"

"Would you quit being a dumb fuck? Naraku, didn't you see it? She touched your scar. A scar, which no female that you have been within the past, wanted to touch. She was willing to hear what had happened. How did that fly by your head?"

"I was blindsided. My anger came back up when I thought of Kikyo and how I told her how I got the scar. Though I gave her the remake version and not the true story, the look on her face made me feel like I was hideous. Before then, she never wanted to touch it, but after hearing the story I gave her, she didn't want to touch it even more."

"Don't tell me," Onigumo said as he stared at Naraku. "You compared Kagome to Kikyo…didn't you." Naraku remained quiet and Onigumo was tempted to hit him again. "You asshole!"

"What's with all the cussing from you?"

"What's with all the stupidity from you? You are so dim-witted when it comes to girls. Okay, going back, did you tell Kagome that you liked her?" Naraku nodded. "Did she say she liked you back?" Naraku nodded again. "Then what?"

"We kissed."

"So let me get this straight," Onigumo said as he placed his hand under his chin. "You confess to her that you like her, and she likes you back, but then she asks about your scar. You freak out and snap at her, then compare her to Kikyo because you think she will look at you the same way she did?!" Naraku nodded again and Onigumo punched Naraku in the arm this time.

"Ow, Onigumo! What the fuck."

"What the fuck? That should be questioned to you. What were you thinking? Wait, you weren't! How could you say something like that to her? They are completely two different people. She touched your scar. She touched it. And somehow that flew over your head. God you are so…." Onigumo didn't know what to say after that.

"I do not understand why you are mad."

"Because the one time a girl touches your scar, you go and compare her to your ex. You really did forget what dad told you, didn't you?"

"I told you I don't believe in that type of bullshit."

"But you believe in Grandma." Naraku bit his tongue. Onigumo sighed and patted his brother on the shoulder. "I worry about you brother, that is all. I want you to find love, and I think Kagome is it."

"What makes you say that?"

"Like what father said: 'If you can find a woman, who can love you no matter who or what you are, and no matter how many wounds or battle scars or missing body parts that you have, and she chooses to touch them on her own… she is your true love'."

"I still say bullshit."

"How? Almost every single male in our family has some type of wound regarding that dagger that they all thought was destroyed years ago. Remember the stories dad used to tell us about it? He said—"

"That the dagger was created by the Jing Family because of their hatred towards ours. If they cut us with that said dagger, it implanted some type of demon or curse within the body. No one knows the exact date or time, but when it opens, it becomes bloodshed. But if the person cut with the dagger finds true love, the scar will never open. Yadi yadi yada."

"So you did pay attention to his stories. But with us, it is different, since they do not know if it was the same dagger. But I still believe what he says. I had a hard time too trying to get with girls. But until I met Kaguya…everything just went sky high. She is the love of my life," Onigumo said as a soft smile crossed his lips.

"Yeah, I know. You become a different person when she is around."

"And so were you when you were with Kikyo. But I am telling you Naraku; don't get on the wrong foot with Kagome. She just may be the girl."

"Yeah, whatever. I want to apologize… but she is ignoring me. She didn't even acknowledge me when she came in."

"I wouldn't have either. Try and apologize to her. If that doesn't work, then get her attention somehow. If you really like her, you will try everything to get her attention."

"I'll apologize, but I am not desperate for her attention. If she doesn't take the apology, then so be it." Onigumo just rolled his eyes.

"You will learn in time little brother." Onigumo patted him on the shoulder again. He looked around the bar until he saw a familiar face. "Over here!" The woman approached Onigumo and gave him a nice firm handshake. "Yes, you can leave your stuff in the office."

"Um, Onigumo, who is this?"

"Oh this is our new bartender. She is Kaguya's little sister."

The young woman looked at Naraku and smiled sweetly at him as she placed out her hand for Naraku to shake it. "Hello, my name is Kagura. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Taka."

Uh oh! With someone new popping up, who knows what could happen. Leave tons of comments and the next chapter will be up.