Waking up groggy and still feeling crappy, but surprisingly refreshed after everything that happened the night before, Kagome made her way downstairs to the kitchen. If she had ever been on a roller coaster of emotions, last night was it. The most wild ride ever really, and she had sadly been on one quite a few times. She didn't know how long Scott had stayed with Stiles outside, but apparently long enough to miss Derek. In a sense, she felt relieved with that fact. In another, she felt guilty that she was in sense hiding Derek from him. But she was far more concerned with this plot for revenge that Pete had, which involved her cousin.
When said cousin came in behind her, she uttered a quiet good morning as they passed each other. Sitting at the table, she watched his motions as he poured himself a bowl of cereal and sit across from her. There was a comfortable silence between them, and for once Kagome basked in the warmth, safety and sense of family that this home provided for her.
"How long was it before you came in last night?" and then she went and screwed it up.
"Later than I thought. Did you worry?" he scooped another spoon full of cereal into his mouth and she could only chuckle at his rather naïve way of questioning.
"Of course silly, you are my baby cousin. I worry for you all the time, like now. I mean, you're bound to blunder about in some way, and one of these mornings, you're going to choke on your breakfast." she threw him a smirk as she snickered. Spooning her own cereal, she paused when he did seem to choke. "I meant that as a joke, no need to make it literal."
"Morning you two. Feeling better this morning, Kagome?" at the sound of Melissa's voice, both turned towards the foot of the stairs and watched as the woman made her way into the kitchen.
"Much, thank you." Kagome hummed as she quickly finished her breakfast. She waited for her cousin this time, feeling she should enjoy this quiet time she has with him while it lasted.
Sitting on her bike and enjoying the peace and quiet, she waited for Scott to follow. She smirked when she heard him come up only to pause. When he continued to stand there, she opened her eyes and looked at him. Chuckling, she spoke up. "Well, you coming along or what?"
Almost absently, Scott mounted his bike and pushed forward. Kagome was right beside him, the both of them quiet. It was a lot like their first day of school, which felt like ages ago. The world was a whole lot simpler back then, there was no drama. Well, besides the normal high school drama that is. No, the most she had to worry about back then was... the differences in the education system, cultural differences, idioms that usually flew right over her head much to the enjoyment of others. Let's not forget what she planned on cooking for when, or if Stiles was going to make any surprise visits at the most random moments.
Yup, she missed those days where there wasn't a man bent on a bloody revenge of such epic proportions that it could basically be the beginnings of a family feud. And she really didn't want -that- to happen with the specific family said man was targeting it would drag in Scott simply because of what he became against his will. If the man in question didn't already force Scott into a less than favorable positions or situations.
"You're awfully quiet." at the curious tone in Scott's voice, Kagome turned to him with a smile.
"That's because I'm enjoying the peace and quiet. It feels like forever since we last rode our bikes to school as simply cousins." Kagome momentarily paused in pushing on the pedals and simply cruised along the street. It was a rather nice morning, rather warm for this time of year though there was still that autumn crispness in the air. "Though with the winter formal now two days away, Lydia planned a girl's shopping trip for dresses. Personally, I think it's so no one buys the same dress as herself."
She heard Scott sputter, as well as feel his questioning gaze. Turning to look at him, she outright laughed at his dumbstruck expression. "Don't look at me like that, I like to have girl moments as well you know. I may have been trained in the ways of the warrior, yes don't give me that look and don't tell Stiles that or he'll beg me to teach him, I'm still a girl at heart."
"I can't see you doing girl stuff... I mean like, girly-girl." Scott furrowed his brows as he looked forward.
"I'll have you know, I took part in many slumber parties, went on shopping trips, had make-over parties and girls night out back in Tokyo." Kagome stated the facts, upset that her cousin was only able to see her as some sort of... well whatever it was he saw her as.
In fact, he most likely saw her as -his cousin-. His cousin that could cook and kick ass in one night, take on the supernatural and study for a math test the day before said test. He most likely didn't view or see her as a female, which was kinda nice... but also frustrating. She wondered how he would react should she walk up to a guy and make out with him. Probably grossed out, ignore or get so lost in his thoughts of Allison that he wasn't paying attention.
She bet he viewed his mom the same way, as his mother and not a woman that more than likely wanted to go out on dates and... stuff. She officially drew the line in the mental sand right there. Knowing that your aunts, uncles, parents and any other relative were sexual active was one thing, witnessing the facts in any way was still uncomfortable. The act of sex itself wasn't what bothered her, but putting a relative and sex in the same combination... it gave her the shivers.
Her body was momentarily wracked with shivers and she quickly shook her head to clear her mind of such thoughts. The actions almost caused her to ram into her cousin, to which he reacted with a startled call.
"What's wrong with you?" he served suddenly, if not rather wildly, to avoid being hit while Kagome herself quickly corrected herself.
"Sorry, my mind went to some questionable territory. And please don't ask." her voice quivered slightly, which piqued Scott's interest.
When he turned and looked at her, his mouth silently closed on the very question she most likely didn't want to hear due to the pained expression she wore. Her face was slightly pale and the smile she threw him was more or less a grimace. "Alright then."
Facing forward, Scott concentrated on the rest of the ride to school. It wasn't that much longer actually, so his mind was quickly forced to pay attention to the oncoming traffic of the other students as they made their way into the parking lot. Ether on foot or by car, he really didn't want to hit anyone.
Slowing down when they got closer to the bike rack, they absently went through the motions of locking up their bikes. But before Scott could got to his locker so he could get ready for his first classes, a grip on his arm caused him to turn to Kagome. When he raised a brow, wondering what it was she wanted or needed. His other brow shot up when she leaned in towards him to whisper whatever it was she needed to say. "Don't forget to return Allison's necklace, alright?"
Blinking as she smiled and ruffled his hair, a habit he noticed she was greatly enjoying, most likely because he would scowl and attempt to putting his hair back into place, she then walked off towards the nearest entrance. It wasn't until she was half way there that he called out after her. "How did you know?"
He watched as she turned around, continuing towards the door by walking backwards, and called her answer back at him. "It's you and Stiles, you're bound to do something stupid!"
Her laugh echoed in the area, drawing a few to look her way though they quickly returned to their own thing. She shook her head and gave him a final wave just as she spun about and walked her way into the school. As for Scott, he rolled his eyes and felt a smile grow. She did have a point, but he highly doubted that her pointing out the fact was going to change anything. Not that he would want them to change.
With a quick scan across the parking lot, and then the surrounding area, Scott made his way inside when he couldn't spot Stiles anywhere.
Sadly, when he did find his best friend, things kept interrupting them when they tried to talk about the new change in the situation. Jackson wasn't helping, with his constant reminding him to get Peter to give him the bite. Allison was still basically ignoring him, unless it actually counted for something that needed to be done school wise. So all in all, the day wasn't as great as it had been that morning.
By lunch time, he was about ready to give up and let life steamroll him. Or let either Peter or the Argents take him out... but that would be defeating the purpose of what he was trying to do, which was live his life as best as he could despite him being a werewolf. And he was still looking for a cure, while killing Peter did sound tempting, he really didn't want to kill anyone.
He did feel for them, really he did, losing a family like that... he couldn't even begin to imagine. That didn't mean he was going to jump on board and start killing Allison's family. Once again, he morally couldn't do it, and it was counter productive with him trying to get back together with her.
His day pretty much ended up flying past him in a haze. Worst part though, was having to trail Jackson when he remembered what he heard the Argent's talk about at last night's game. It had relieved him when he realized that they didn't suspect him as the second beta, but if they followed Jackson, they would end up figuring it out that he was the actual beta. There was no telling what that family would do should they find out, not only to him, but his family as well. So while trailing Jackson in Stiles' jeep, they weren't really all that surprised when an opportune moment appeared and Mr. Argent managed to corner Jackson. Alone, he could question Jackson about the claw marks on the back of his neck, and no one would be around to stop him in his interrogation.
The moment Mr. Argent's SUV was out of sight and earshot, Jackson turned to him with and aggressiveness that pissed Scott off. "What, now you're following me now?"
"Yes, you stupid fricken idiot. You almost gave everything away right there!" his heart was beginning to race, and he couldn't hold back on the strength of his words if he wanted to.
Jackson screwed up his brows, obvious in his confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Quickly turning away, Scott inhaled before explaining the situation to him. "He thinks you're the second bata!"
The confusion on Jackson's face only increased. "The what?"
"He thinks you're me!" he turned around and decided to take his anger out on something that wouldn't get hurt due to his increased strength and wouldn't hit back. So he took a punch at the jeep behind him.
"Dude, my jeep." Stiles' exasperated voice was easily ignored as Scott returned his attention back onto Jackson.
"I can hear your heart beating from a mile away. Literally. Now he thinks that there's something wrong, and now I have to keep you safe, so he doesn't kill you too!" he screamed the last bit in Jackson's face, hoping it would get through his thick skull. But when Jackson continued to give that look of his, that 'I don't care, do as I say' sort of look, the rage in him felt like burst so he stepped back and moved to make another hit on the jeep behind him
Stiles though, had other plans. He jumped in and quickly held Scott back. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Okay, okay, okay, okay. How about we step away from Stiles' jeep." his fast pace talking was not only managing to calm Scott down, but he also managed to redirect him back to facing Jackson.
"You know what, this is your problem, not mine. I didn't say anything which means you're the one that's going to get me killed! Okay, this is your fault!" he emphasized his opinion by pushing Scott into the jeep, which of course set Stiles off once again.
"Okay, stop hitting my jeep!" while he was observing his beloved jeep to see for any noticeable dents, he was quick to jump between the two arguing and push them apart. "Ok- Alright! Guys, stop!"
He waited a few short moments until they were calm enough for him to step back. "Alright?" when he saw that neither one of them was making a move, did Stiles make his.
"When they come after you, I won't be able to protect you! I can't protect anyone." when Scott trailed off, his gaze had landed on Stiles.
Stiles blinked a few times, wondering why his friends attention was suddenly solely on him when the cause of his anger was across from him. And continuously poking him with the idiots stick. "Why are you looking at me?" obviously, there was something Scott didn't tell him. And it was apparently, something serious. The silence that had quickly settled over them was tense, but was just as quickly interrupted when Jackson spoke up once again. Calmly this time, but his attitude still affecting Scott's own emotions.
"You know what, now you have to do it. Get me what I want, and I'll be fine protecting myself." his words were sharp and to the point, and really naïve in Stiles' point.
He did have a front row seat at what was going on, and it honestly didn't look all that great. From the look on Scott's face, he looked like he couldn't believe how stupid Jackson could actually be.
"No you won't. Trust me, all it does, is makes things worse." maybe if he took the scare tactic instead of intimidation, he might get through.
Sadly, Jackson shot that idea down when he spoke up to contradict Scott yet again. "Oh yeah? Really? You can hear anything you want and run faster than humanly possible. Sounds like a real hardship McCall!"
"Yeah, I can run really fast now. Except half the time, I'm running away from people trying to kill me!" his voice once again raising in volume unconsciously. As for Jackson, he merely rolled his eyes and shook his head. But Scott pushed on. "I can hear things, like my girlfriend telling people she doesn't trust me anymore, right before breaking up with me. I'm not lying to you!" he took a few deep panting breaths to try and calm himself down. "It ruins your life."
Jackson gave him a sort of half smirk as he shook his head, like he couldn't decide whether he was amused at Scott's attempts at scaring him away from being a werewolf or was not aware of himself smirking to begin with. "It ruined your life. You know, you had all the power in the world and you didn't know what to do with it. You-you know what it's actually like? It's like you just turned 16 and someone bought you a Porsche, when they should have started you out with a nice little Honda. Me? I drive a Porsche."
With that, Jackson walked back to his car and quickly sped off. Leaving the two to stand there and watch after him. The silence this time was more or less welcomed. Without a word the two climbed into the jeep and set out. Scott still had to return Allison's necklace to her, so it was off to her house with the hopes that she would be there.
Meanwhile, Kagome let out a relieved and tired sigh as she was finally back home after finishing her hours at her part time job. Rolling her coat off her shoulders, Kagome sluggishly made her way upstairs to her room. She had barely managed to walk down the short hallway before she was ambushed and dragged into her aunt's room. Letting out a startled squeak as she spun about, Kagome raised her free hand to press against her temple as she watched her aunt fluster about her room in a worried manner.
"Um, everything alright?" her brows were furrowed in slight confusion and worry.
"Yes. No. Yes... no. Maybe? I don't know, I'm going out on a date." Melissa paused in her motions and tossed a pleading look towards Kagome.
Kagome blinked wide eyes when the news settled in her brain, but she quickly smiled and congratulated her aunt on the good news. "That's great!"
Her aunt offered a tired but happy smile. "Thanks, but I have absolutely no idea what to wear, make up, hair style. I could really use your help."
Nodding her head, Kagome tossed her jacket to the side out of the way before making her way to her aunt's closet. "Okay, let's see what you have in your closet. Then we'll go from there."
Throwing the doors open, Kagome's eyes scanned what her aunt owned with a critical eye. Most of the clothing was more for comfort than to dress herself up. There were a few pieces that jumped out at her, but she felt they weren't right. Pushing up the sleeves of her top, she inhaled deeply and decided she would need to dig in deeper. Pushing the articles of clothing that she didn't deem suitable, she would pull one or to to get a better look before pushing on. Until she found it, the outfit she thought would best suit her aunt this night.
It was a skirt and jacket combo in coal black with a sort of burnt copper detailing to sort of distract the eye. It would flatter her aunt well with her slightly tanned complexion and sable hair. Going through the closet again, this time looking for a shirt, her eyes settled on a midnight black scooped neck top. It was lighter than the jacket but it would complete the outfit nicely.
"Here's the outfit. Now for accessories." she carefully laid the outfit on the bed and moved to where her aunt kept her jewelery.
There were a few pieces, some she picked up and held them in line towards where the outfit laid, Most she tossed back, deciding to keep the feel simple. A simple silver colored necklace, silver drop earring. She plucked a tarnished bronze bangle and a watch in matching tones, she placed them next to the outfit.
"As for hair and make up, keep it simple. It's all about accenting what you already have, not covering up. Now I'm going to put my jacket away and then get myself something to drink. You want anything while I'm downstairs?" Kagome reached for her jacket and placed her hand on the door frame to pause before leaving her aunt to herself.
"Thanks for the help, and no thanks. I still have a bit of time, and I want to use it to freshen up." she tossed Kagome a smile and got busy once again preparing for her night.
Nodding her head, Kagome walked the short distance to her room where she haphazardly tossed her jacket onto her bed and kicked her shoes off into some dark corner to deal with later. Feeling more at ease, she skipped down the steps and turned to head off into the kitchen, but paused at the light knocking at the front door. With one foot just raised off the floor, she easily spun about to make her way to the front door. Another soft knocking echoed around her ears but quickly halted when she opened the door.
Kagome blinked when a pale hand, fisted slightly, fell through the air where the door had once had been. Dark and surprised eyes flew up to meet her own before Allison's hand quickly retreated and she shifted a little on the spot.
"Come on in." Kagome stepped to the side and swept her arm in a subconscious move of inviting the other girl in. "Um, Scott's up in his room if you wanted to know. So just go ahead."
She closed the door softly as she watched Allison toss her a grateful smile and then calmly make her way towards the stairs. She had seemed rather relieved she hadn't been asked why she was there, so shrugging her shoulders, Kagome returned on her quest to the kitchen. Now, not only was she thirsty, she was also hungry. So she made a bee-line towards the fridge.
Humming quietly, she opened the fridge and checked to see if there were any leftovers that she could quickly reheat to sate her hunger. There was actually a small selection for her to choose from. Some pasta from earlier in the week, a salad she had made at her aunt's request a day ago and last night's leftover pizza. She decided to pull out a couple of slices of pizza, those she could either reheat or eat as is, as well as the salad.
Setting her picked slices on a plate, she popped them into the microwave wanting something actually warm to eat. A minute later, she pulled her plate out and began to add a small helping of salad and put the rest away. Grabbing a fork, she made her way to the table. She had placed her food down and was literally in the middle of sitting down when the doorbell rang. Pausing in her motion, she eyed her food with a whimper before she called out to the others upstairs. "Got it!"
Pushing herself up to her full height, she made her way to the door. Pinching her lips when the doorbell rang yet again, but eased her expression and patted her stomach when she felt it protest in leaving the food behind. At least it wasn't protesting loudly, but it would get to that point sooner or later.
She practically ripped the door open when the doorbell was rung a third time. "I'm sorry. Please, come in. My aunt will be down shortly."
Her eyes followed the male as he tossed a... charming... smile her way. His blue eyes were... chilling, not really matching the smile he wore. His outfit was dark, it sort of unnerved her how it seemed to match her aunt's almost perfectly. As for his face... well she would admit he was attractive, in a sort of chiseled way. In fact, he sort of reminded her of Derek, though his features were not at pronounced as they were with Derek.
"Everything alright?" at the soft tone he used to question her, Kagome was actually startled a little.
Shaking her head, she turned away for a moment to softly close the door. "I'm sorry. It's just... have we met before? You seem... familiar somehow..." she trailed off as her brows furrowed in confusion.
She honestly couldn't put her finger on it, and it was annoying the hell out of her. And she had a feeling it was staring her in the face, literally. Releasing a little of her aura, she allowed it to trickle around her and get a taste for the air around him. His posture seemed to stiffen slightly, and his gaze sharpened on her which left her... feeling very much like prey in the gaze of a predator.
Humming, she shrugged her shoulders and slowly eased what little of her aura out back into her. What she had learned, didn't settle right with her. Glancing out the corner of her eye, her brows deepened at the seal that rested above the door. It hadn't warned her, none of the seals did. But the moment he did something untoward any of them, he would be feeling it.
"Perhaps, I did just recently return to town a while ago. I've been pretty reclusive as I've been setting things up though." his reply was still soft spoken and calm, but his words held so many meanings. The fact that was, she knew who he was now, and his reply was nothing but the truth, just without him mentioning anything about his running around killing people.
"Ah. Well, my aunt will be-!" she gave a startled jump when she turned around and took a step back when she noticed Scott was right there. "Baka! Warn a girl next time!" she placed a hand over her heart, as if it would help slow it's wild pace.
Instead, her cousin was pretty much staring the man down and shifted so she was more or less behind him. "Your pizza is getting cold."
Rolling her eyes at his macho-maleness rearing it's head, she let her hand drop back to her side as she eyed her cousin with a raised brow. Was he even aware of what he was doing? "Big whoop. That's why microwaves were invented."
To be honest, she was glad she wasn't alone in the man's presence. She rolled her shoulders when the memory of their first official meeting came unbidden to her mind. Yeah, she didn't want a repeat of that happening in any way, shape or form anytime soon. Not only that, should he act out suddenly, she wasn't going to let her cousin face him alone.
"You don't look blood related." Peter's comment had them both turn their undivided attention onto him.
Seeing as Scott was trying everything in his might to -not- react, Kagome spoke up. "We're not. However, it doesn't make us any less family."
Her fingers twitched at the smirk he threw them, but it was quickly replaced with that charming personality when Melissa came down the stairs. It hurt to see the woman was all smiles and excited to actually be going out, only to know it was some sort of ploy from Peter.
"Sorry for making you wait. Ready to go?" she looked awed when he took her hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm as he opened the door and began leading her outside.
"Mom!" Scott's tone was all sorts of frantic, causing her to turn around and give him a brief worried look.
"Yeah, hun'?" while she was worried, she also sounded hopeful that it wouldn't deprive her from this outing.
"...Have... have fun." his hands fisted at his sides, his insides twisting when she threw him a bright smile.
"Drive safely!" Kagome called after them, to which Peter gave a wave at them from over his shoulder.
As softly as she could, Kagome closed the door and waited until she heard the car start up and slowly drive away from the curb. Spinning about and facing Scott, she clutched to the front of his shirt. "Hurry! I'll stall Allison for as long as I can!"
His jaw clenched as he glared holes at the door. With a quick nod of his head, he stormed up the stairs and began searching through his room. Taking in a deep breath to calm her frantic nerves, Kagome put on the mask of a slightly confused young woman as she made her way upstairs after him and peeked in on him and Scott.
"Everything alright?" her tone was light as her eyes watched her cousin move about his room, easily tossing a few articles of clothing in his search for something. A brow quirked up when she really did wonder at what he was looking for.
"Yeah, something... really... important came up. Think you can stay with Allison while I quickly deal with it?" he threw her a relieved look over Allison's shoulders when she nodded her head.
"Uh, sure, I guess so. It shouldn't take you too long, should it?" she leaned herself against the door frame as Scott shook his head and turned to Allison.
"Look, I wouldn't be doing this unless it was really important. In fact, there's nothing more I would rather do than talk to you. So, could you please wait, a few minutes?" he pleaded with her, even tossing her his puppy eyed look.
Allison nodded her head, smiled when he quickly embraced her and then raced out of his room and down the stairs. She and Kagome heard him leave the house and then that was it.
The silence had Allison sighing, her plans of talking with Scott having been shot from one interruption to another until it died pitifully.
"You want something to eat? Drink? Talk? It might just help pass the time until he gets back. Because trust me, he's going to be rushing back like an idiot. He's been wanting to talk to you for the longest time, so whatever it is that came up, most be really important to have pulled him away from your side." she nodded her head in the general direction of the stairs, indicating she meant to take this to the kitchen where she could hopefully eat something.
"A drink would be nice. And... I wouldn't mind talking." Allison hesitated almost a moment before standing up and then following Kagome down to the kitchen.
Mentally, she was praying to any and all Kami she knew and remembered for the safety of her aunt and that Scott either got to her in time or knew of a way to keep her safe. And also wondering how she was going to distract Allison long enough from the fact that Scott literally ran out on her to chase after a killer.
AN: Double post this week, because I forgot to update chapter 18 -here- last week. Sorry about that. I honestly don't remember how that happened. But hopefully you enjoy it! Read, enjoy, and review!