Kagome stared down in bewilderment at Hojo practically sprinting up the steps. The flowers in his left hand were shredding in the wind. Oh no. Please. Hojo, not today… Kagome had tried and failed at politely encouraging Hojo to move on. His fantasies of a loving relationship with her were so impossible in Kagome's mind that she didn't have the heart to break him. If Hojo cared a fraction about me as I care about… Oh god I'm such a creep.
Hojo must have noticed the look on her face because he started to speed up. "Oh no! Kagome is it your ankle? I'm so sorry I didn't get to you faster I could've helped you up the steps!"
His words only laid more self loathing on her shoulders. "No Hojo-it's not-I'm fine-really.." But Hojo was level with her now herding her toward the benches near the shrine.
"Kagome you need to be taking care of yourself. Even if the doctor says its fine to walk with your brace, your ankle still needs plenty of rest and elevation. My father says that time heals-"
Kagome had tried hard but her eyes had glimpsed the tree. Her heart hammered and with a rush of adrenaline she turned to face Hojo. "What are you doing here?"
Hojo stopped. He stared at Kagome as if he were seeing her for the first time. She knew her words had come out too harsh. She hadn't meant to hurt him. As a wave of guilt pushed her to apologize Hojo smiled and said, "I'm here to talk to you silly."
Inuyasha was pissed. Hell, he was always pissed. In this particular moment however he was livid. His face covered in mud and blood as he looked up at his brother. How dare this fucker save me…