Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, but I own this story/concept...And we don't talk about Bruno.
Rated for profanity.
Summary:
There are some things that can be taught and others you can only learn through experience. Some subjects you can master and others you can completely fail at. No one ever said love was easy, but damn, no one ever told Inuyasha it was THIS difficult. Love in his 30's is harder than he thought. Can he get an A+ in the subject of love?
Learn It by Heart
Sick 101
A lesson in taking care of the one you cherish most
Kagome sighed to herself as she tried to stop her head from pounding. She had already taken medicine for her headache prior to coming to work, but nothing seemed to alleviate the dull thumping that was growing in her head. She'd have her first class of the day in less than ten minutes and having twenty loud students run into the room wouldn't help any at all.
Knock Knock Knock
Kagome grunted to herself, though regretted the action as another set of pain wafted through her head. She knew God had it out for her, this just wasn't how she expected to get taken out.
"Come in," she rushed out before the person could knock again.
"Ms. Higurashi."
Kagome was instantly on alert as soon as she heard the hushed tone of the student. The student had barely even whispered her name, though her voice came across as frantic, like there was something she didn't want others hearing.
"Yes, is everything okay, Rin?" She asked as she stood and rounded her desk.
Rin closed the door behind her as she approached Kagome.
After speaking with Inuyasha and hearing more about Rin's backstory, Kagome felt slightly more protective of her.
"Everything is fine, but….." Rin fidgeted nervously.
"You can tell me anything, Rin. If anyone is-
"No, no, nothing like that." Rin's eyes widened at the thought. "I haven't had any problems since you helped me," she said with a warm smile. "I just want to ask you something…."
Were they going to talk about the birds and the bees or something? Why was she hesitating so much?
"Okay." Now that she knew Rin was fine she could breathe a sigh of relief.
"Did you….." With wide eyes, she chose her words carefully. "Did you happen to wear a pretty red dress recently?"
"Eh?"
"And go to a certain big event with an Uncle that happens to work at this school?"
Kagome had to think for a bit before what Rin was asking finally dawned on her. There was only one red dress that she had worn as she attended an event with ...an uncle. It almost felt like a distant memory of playing Cinderella despite it only being a little over a week ago. Kagome just might have laughed at how Rin had phrased the question had it not been for her pounding head.
"Yes, I did."
Rin let out a squeal of delight. "I knew it was you, but I wasn't so sure. You looked like a princess, Ms. Higurashi. They just released the pictures from the event over the weekend and I've been dying to ask you since!"
This girl talks a mile a minute. Kagome thought with joy. "It was fun."
"You were my uncle's date?" She asked, curiosity etched onto her features.
Kagome could feel her face flame up. "He-He just needed a date." She lightly coughed into her hand. "That's all. He just asked me because he needed someone to go with him to the event."
"You honestly believe that?" She asked as she dug around in her bag. From her tone, Kagome could tell Rin wasn't having any of the excuses Kagome could make about the event. It was honestly what had transpired between the two though. "Here, " She held out a gift bag.
Kagome took it from Rin before peeking inside. It was a jar of something Kagome couldn't read due to it being in Korean. "What is this?"
Rin pointed to her cheek. "My dad saw the pictures from the charity event too. He told me to choose some brand that helped with scar removal. I think this is the best one in Korea, so I told him and he had his secretary order it for you."
"Wow…." She raised a gentle hand to the scar that had found a home on her cheek. Kagome was slightly at a loss for words. Were they talking about two different people? From what Inuyasha had told her about his brother, Kagome could only gather that he was a bit cold and not so much the caring type. On the other hand, he had gotten her cookies and now a product for scar removal, an expensive one at that. Not to mention, he had raised the sweetest little thing. Kagome just wasn't sure what to think of the man. "If you don't mind me asking, what is your father like?"
She began to zip her bag up. "Nice, he's definitely not like Uncle Inu though. My dad doesn't really like people, but he knows I really like you and so I think he likes you too. My dad doesn't get gifts for just anyone, but I t- Ms. Higurashi?"
Inuyasha sighed for the thousandth time today. Yea, this was a great way to start his day, feeling dejected about life, what a day this would be?
"What did I do wrong?"
No, that wasn't the right question. Inuyasha felt he had done everything right. So the real question was, when had things gone wrong?
As they said they would, Inuyasha and Kagome drove back home early the next morning. He drove to give her more time to sleep in, they dropped off the car, and then went their separate ways. They had texted up until early evening time before she suddenly stopped.
"She couldn't possibly be upset about the sleeping situation, could she?" Inuyasha pondered as he flipped on his laptop. "...But she seemed fine with it."
Much like earlier that day, the two had fallen asleep outside to the soft patters of the rain. It was by far the best night of sleep Inuyasha had gotten with it raining so hard in his whole entire life. Inuyasha had woken up around 6am and had noticed they were still outside, though the blanket had somehow found its way around both him and Kagome. Now unless it was a magical blanket, Inuyasha would dare to believe that Kagome had placed it around the two somewhere during the middle of the night. Wrapped up tightly with the girl of his dreams in his arms, that was the best way to wake up and he couldn't have dreamed of waking any other way. She seemed to be in a fairly good mood when she woke up too. Everything was perfect after that as they made breakfast together and left soon after.
"So when…."
It wasn't the end of the world that they had stopped texting, it just struck him as odd for it to happen so suddenly when he felt they had a pretty good thing going on.
"Uncle Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha all but jumped from his seat as his niece busted into the classroom. "God damnit, Rin. Give me a heart attack, why don't you?"
"There's no time for that!" She said as she stared at him frantically. "Ms. Higurashi collapsed!"
"What! ?" Of all the things he had expected her to say, that wasn't it.
"We were talking about the charity event you two attended and then she passed out an sh-"
"Where is she?" Inuyasha had heard more than enough.
"In the nurses of-" Rin didn't even have time to finish her sentence as Inuyasha sped out of the classroom.
Inuyasha didn't need to hear another word. He practically jumped down a flight of stairs in his haste to get to the nurses office. It was mere seconds before Inuyasha was in front of the door.
"No, no, I'm fine."
He could hear Kagome's voice from the doorway as he walked in. Inuyasha could feel his blood instantly boil at the sight before him. Kagome lay on the nurse's cox with a flushed face. The school nurse was much too close with an unnecessary hand brushing through her hair.
He could keep it cool or blow his top. He worked through very quick reasoning in his head before walking inside. He had to keep in mind that he wasn't dating Kagome, though as her friend, this certainly wasn't okay.
Do you want to lose this hand? Threatened to spill out of Inuyasha's mouth as he grabbed the man's hand with a glare directed at him. The message was received quite well as the man instantly backed off.
"Inuyasha," Kagome said as she went to sit up. Her face visibly brightened as she saw him.
Inuyasha frowned as he looked at her. She was practically shaking as her body racked with shivers despite the hot weather. Even with the smile she was forcing herself to give, it was clear she was in pretty bad condition.
"What's her temperature?" Inuyasha called over his shoulder.
"101 degrees. I'll go check to see if Jakotsu got the taxi." Without another word the nurse left the room, no doubt feeling unwelcome in his own office. Which he clearly was after what Inuyasha just witnessed.
101? Is this girl crazy? Inuyasha turned back to Kagome as she struggled to sit up.
"Hey, lay back down," Inuyasha said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"As I told Hojo, it's not that bad," she said as she sat up. Before she could even make it out of bed, she sighed and leaned her head on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Just give me a sec."
Inuyasha felt his heart swell for the woman next to him. She was physically in pain as she practically curled up next to him. "Keh. Why did you come to school if you're this sick, dummy?" He placed an arm around her carefully to help keep her warm as they waited. He mentally beat himself up for not having a sweater during these hot days.
Is this why she didn't message back yesterday? She must've been feeling bad since last night and hadn't had enough energy to message him back. A part of him really felt bad for this, was it because of their late night adventures sleeping outside when it was raining?
In a way, he felt helpless for not being able to offer her anything right now.
"I swear I didn't feel this bad when I first woke up." She mumbled.
"Stop talking."
Inuyasha could hear it in his voice, he was aggravated. Not with her, but for her current situation. He didn't mean to sound so harsh, but it didn't help that he naturally had a rougher tone. No matter how he looked at it, he felt partly at fault. It mainly just bugged him that he couldn't do anything for her right now. Feeling helpless for not being able to do something for someone felt like complete shit.
If I would've taken the car today, I could've just driven her home.
They would've already been at her house had he just driven. This is the second time he found himself wishing he had taken the car recently. He made a vow to start driving to school from here on out.
"You should've told me if you didn't feel good." His tone was gentle, but low as how much it bothered him seeped through.
Didn't she mention how she tried to take care of her family? Who was there to take care of her? What was so hard to see about him wanting to take care of her too?
At his tone, Kagome looked at him. She couldn't quite pinpoint his expression but she could tell he was taking her being sick harder than she was for reasons beyond her.
"Inuyasha…"
There were two gentle knocks at the door before the door slid open.
Jakotsu walked in with a look of pity for her condition. "Kagome, love, the taxi is here."
Inuyasha was somewhat glad for Jakotsu to interrupt whatever she was going to say. Now wasn't the time for him to be agitated with her when she was feeling sick.
Inuyasha helped Kagome stand as she leaned most of her weight on him. There were times where he forgot just how weak humans were. Seeing how small she looked in his arms as she struggled to even walk to the front door really made him feel an overwhelming sense to protect her.
Jakotsu sent a sympathetic look Inuyasha's way as he held the door back for them. "Can you help me get her to the taxi?"
The two walked Kagome to the taxi waiting outside the school gates. Is she really going to be okay? Realistically Inuyasha knew the odds of her fever escalating were slim if she took proper care of herself at home, but she was shaking so much against him and she really seemed like she was struggling to keep up the energy to walk such a short distance.
As Inuyasha helped get Kagome situated in the taxi, he couldn't help but notice how he felt so much cooler without Kagome's warm body against his.
"Sorry for the trouble," Kagome called out weakly.
"Focus on feeling better, dear," Jakotsu said with a warm smile.
"I will," she said before turning to Inuyasha. She seemed to have something to say to Inuyasha but whatever it was lingered on her tongue before she closed the door to the taxi, gave her address, and took off.
"She'll be fine," Jakotsu said while patting Inuyasha's shoulder. "I don't think I've ever seen you look so worried."
Do I look that worried? I mean...he was, but was it that obvious?
"And that's why I need you to stand in this position."
Inuyasha nodded his head, his mind elsewhere as a million thoughts came and went in his mind. Inuyasha had messaged Kagome to check in on her earlier that day. She had messaged back saying she was fine, but she hadn't said anything after that. Should I message her again? But she's probably asleep...
"Are you listening?"
"Yes, Miroku," Inuyasha said as he forced himself to pay attention to his best friend.
Things were all coming together and they had planned to execute the proposal this weekend. Inuyasha had agreed to meet up with Miroku each day this week leading up to the proposal just to make sure things were lined up perfectly. The two were at a cafe near Inuyasha's house running through the plan for what felt like the hundredth time. "I stand closer to entrance A."
"And you have to walk directly down-"
"The stone path right after. And then I meet you inside the restaurant exactly ten minutes after." As distracted as Inuyasha was, he wanted Sango to have the best proposal she could have and he had no intention of messing it up.
"And what did I say after that?" Miroku asked with a smug smile as he leaned back in his chair.
Okay, so maybe he hadn't been listening as well as he thought he had. Inuyasha drew a blank as he tried to think of what Miroku might have said after explaining that small bit. "..."
"Trick question, I didn't say anything after that."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "I'll call and make sure everything is fully set up tomorrow night."
"Can I ask you something, bud?" Miroku asked as he looked at his dearest friend.
"What?"
"You've been pretty distracted since you found out Kagome was sick earlier, you really like her don't you?"
Inuyasha had a good mind to tell Miroku to mind his damn business, but at the moment he just didn't have the energy. It wasn't like it was a secret anymore and it's not like Miroku hadn't already meddled.
"Yea, what of it?"
Miroku didn't hide his surprise at Inuyasha's answer. It felt like Inuyasha had done some personal growth to be able to answer him with ease. His answer was yes, but Miroku could see Inuyasha was really fretting over the whole situation with Kagome this morning.
"So I've got a question," Miroku stated.
"You already asked me a fucking question, Miroku." Inuyasha stated as he took a sip of his beer. "But shoot, what's your second question?"
"I just want a yes or no, no other answer. If everything was as it should be- the moment was perfect, the moon was high in the sky and shining brightly, and the mood was right, and Kagome was giving you all of the right signs... Would you take advantage of the opportunity to make a move on Kagome?"
Inuyasha nearly spit out his beer. What the hell was Miroku going on about? The question was uncalled for and had caught Inuyasha completely off guard.
"Miroku-"
"Just a yes or no," Miroku said as he cut him off.
Miroku could see Inuyasha's behavior and attitude towards Kagome. He really liked the girl and there was no point in even trying to slightly deny it.
"Yes."
Had he not been taking opportunity after opportunity with Kagome? It had been a long time since Inuyasha had dated or even felt something for someone, but this was different. It wasn't a fling, it wasn't someone he talked with for business, it wasn't someone after him for his money. It was a woman he wanted to start his mornings with and end his nights with. Someone he knew he loved without a doubt. He cared a lot, probably more than he even realized. And in saying that, he just didn't want to fuck up whatever they had before it could even get started. He wanted to do things right so that at the end of the day, she could feel what he felt for her.
Miroku gave Inuyasha a smile as he pointed at the door. "What are you doing here?" As Inuyasha pointed at Miroku as his answer, Miroku had a good mind to roll his eyes at Inuyasha. "I know you came because I asked you to, but I mean what are you doing here when you're so worried about Kagome? Go check on her." Does he not realize he wears his emotions on his face? Miroku thought as Inuyasha seemed to question how Miroku knew he was so worried about Kagome. "I can take care of the rest of the stuff for today. Go ahead and check on her, give her my well wishes for her health when you do."
"Thanks, Miroku," Inuyasha said as he stood. "I'll make it up to you later." With his piece said, he was out the door.
Miroku leaned back in his chair as he smiled for his friend. "Oh I know you will."
Knock or Ring
Knock or Ring
Knock or Ring
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
He could knock on the door and potentially wake Kagome if she was sleeping. Or he could call her cellphone and potentially startle her awake. No matter what, she would have to be awake to answer the door. Inuyasha had been standing outside her door going back and forth with himself for the last ten minutes and he still had yet to make a decision on what was the softest way to get her to answer the door.
Siding for knocking on the door to be the best option, he raised his hand to gently pound against it.
The door swung open before he even had a chance to knock. "Inuyasha?" Kagome stood before him looking more than just worn out; it was clear she was trying to go out despite her condition. Even though it was hot as hell, she was in an oversized white hoodie, black sweatpants, and a mask.
Inuyasha looked at his raised hand before slowly lowering it. "Where are you going?" He had nearly thought she was psychic had it not been for the fact she was obviously leaving to go somewhere.
"I thought... some food... might help….." Her words died out as Inuyasha's expression hardened on her. She could already tell from Inuyasha's disapproving expression that he wasn't pleased with her trying to leave the house in such a condition.
Inuyasha all but pushed her back into the house. "Why didn't you just tell me?" He shook the bag he brought in front of her face. "You gonna' let me in?"
Her eyes drifted from the bag to the open space in her doorway. "Ohh, umm yes, sorry."
She kicked off her shoes as she moved out of his way to allow him to do the same. She watched as he walked in and placed the bag on the kitchen counter as if it were his house.
Inuyasha sighed as he looked around the small apartment. It was strange to be back here after so long. Who would've thought that he'd be back under these conditions? He watched as she sat on the edge of the couch and removed her mask. Her face was very noticeably flushed compared to the normally lively color she typically had, though her body certainly wasn't shaking as much as it had been earlier much to his relief.
"Go lay down." Inuyasha grunted as he began taking things out of the bag. The quicker she rested, the sooner she'd get better.
"Hey," Kagome said with puffed out cheeks, her tone was tight with mild annoyance. "Why do you keep talking to me like that?"
He could see it clear as day. This girl was tired. Very exhausted with low energy, but she was still working up the energy to argue with him about something as stupid as his tone? It was like talking to a child that needed to go to bed but refused to.
"Kagome, you're tired, lay down." He would say it as nicely as he could one more time before throwing her in the bed himself.
"Not until you stop talking to me like I did something wrong."
Inuyasha approached her with such quickness, she had barely seen him coming. "Kagome," he hunched down so that he was eye to eye level with her. He gently used one of his hands to push her bangs back while doing the same with his before pressing his forehead to hers. She's burning up. And yet she wanted to pick a fight with him right now... "I'm not going to ask again. Lay down. Or I'll personally put you in bed myself."
She could barely breathe as he pulled back and narrowed his eyes on her. She stood and began walking around the corner, the same way he remembered her coming from back when he was hungover. She stopped before turning and sending a sharp glare his way. "I'm not going because you told me to, it's just that I'm sick and sleepy." With a huff, she went to her room and closed the door. More like slammed than closed the door since the shut of the door was a bit louder than normal if Inuyasha were being honest with himself.
Okay, so maybe he could have been nicer with his words and he could have been nicer considering that she wasn't feeling so well...but shame on her for trying to go out when sick.
Am I not someone she can depend on? Inuyasha thought as he went back to taking everything out of the grocery bag. He looked at all of the medicine and food supplies piled up in the bag. Advil, tylenol, mapap, ibuprofen, nyquil, valazore, he had bought it all. He wasn't sure what would be best so he figured buying a lot to give her options would be the safest option.
Where are the damn knives here? Inuyasha began opening all of the drawers and cupboards in the kitchen until he found everything he needed to make her a meal.
I don't get why she didn't just call me.
Inuyasha had tried to distract himself as he made the food, but all of his thoughts kept going back to why Kagome didn't just call him to help her when she wasn't feeling well. There was no amount of chopping or mincing that could distract him well enough unfortunately. He would try to justify it by saying that she didn't call Sango or Miroku either, but he wanted to believe that his friendship...relationship with her was completely different from theirs.
He stirred the concoction he had made on the stove with annoyance. And she had the nerve to get on my case. He grumbled to himself. But...He thought back to how she had really tried to argue with him about it until he got in her face. That was kind of cute though. Call him a sadist, but seeing her tired and fighting to make a point with him before going all quiet over his touch was just about the damn cutest thing he'd seen all day. If one thing was sure, she was a fighter. A little firecracker that he would enjoy having banter with.
Inuyasha poured the soup he had made into a bowl before grabbing a spoon and going to her door. He gently knocked before walking in.
So this is her room?
He didn't know what he expected, but it was probably more bland than he would've thought. There was a bed, a nightstand, and a rug in the center. Everything was light blue and cream, though fairly empty for the most part.
Inuyasha felt a jolt of electricity as her eyes narrowed on him as he came into her room. Okay, so maybe she still wasn't pleased with his previous tone. She had changed out of the hoodie and sweatpants she had previously adorned and now wore a cardigan and t-shirt from what he could see with her partly underneath the covers.
"Here." He all but shoved the soup in her hands.
She carefully gripped onto it before it could spill on her bed. "What the-"
"Wait for a sec." Why was he so embarrassed to give her the soup? He jogged out of the room and grabbed the bag full of medicine before returning. He lifted each one out of the bag as he read the labels. "All of them say you need to eat a meal before taking it, so eat and you can choose which one you want to take after."
Kagome glowered at him as his tone was still very rough with her. She had a good mind to say a thing or two to him. Her eyes drifted from the soup, to the tons of medicine, and then to Inuyasha, who surely looked like he was the one with the fever with how red his face was.
This is….considerate of him?...Minus his tone, his actions spoke volumes. She actually felt touched by how thoughtful he was being. She scooted to the edge of her bed so that she was pressed against the wall, before she patted the spot next to her. "Wanna sit and talk?"
"Are you stupid? You're sick, just eat and sleep."
If looks could kill. Inuyasha wouldn't just be six feet under, he'd be dancing with Satan in hell. Even he knew he could have said that a bit kinder, but the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. He wasn't exactly used to holding his tongue and that was something that wasn't going to change.
"Inuyasha, sit." Her eyes darted to the spot next to her, signaling she wasn't taking no for an answer.
He looked at it as him having two options. Option one is that he could do as she said and they could sit and talk for a while before she tires herself out and goes to sleep. Option two was they argue about it as two stubborn people would, she would get worse, pass out, and then they'd have to go to the hospital and nobody wanted that.
"You gonna' sleep right after you finish eating?" It would be his only requirement.
"Fine."
Without another word, Inuyasha sat down next to her. He could see her looking at him out of her peripheral view before turning back to the soup in her hands. She took a big whiff of the bowl but didn't give any signal to let him know if she liked how it smelled or not. A scowl had found its way to her face.
"Thanks."
Well he certainly hadn't expected her to thank him with how dissatisfied she looked. "That looks like it's the last thing you want to say to me."
"Well of course it is, do you hear how you've been talking to me?" She replied indignantly. It's not like she wasn't grateful, she really was. She hadn't eaten all day and finally felt she'd be able to hold something down. However, she wanted it to be clear that she didn't like how he was talking to her. She was sick, where was the kind tone and caring nature?
"Why did you come to school if you were sick?"
Is that what this was all about? "I didn't realize it was this bad. I tried taking medicine on Sunday and I really did feel a bit better this morning…"
In the evening she had felt a bit off and lethargic, but she didn't think much of it at the time after taking some medication for it. It passed in waves to the point where she really thought she'd be better after sleeping it off.
"We live close to each other, right? We even spoke a lot yesterday. Why didn't you just tell me you weren't feeling well?" He was holding his ground on this. Inuyasha knew that if the positions were switched, Kagome would be the type to make all kinds of warm food and really try to take care of him. Just who was there to take care of her when she wasn't feeling well? Maybe if this was just someone that was 'just a friend' he wouldn't be this concerned, but Kagome wasn't just a friend.
"For one thing, I didn't want you looking at me like that." It was just a fever, but the way he was behaving was slightly unnerving. "I'm really fine." Give or take, she was extremely exhausted and was still a bit lethargic, but this certainly wasn't the worst she's ever felt in life.
"All I'm saying is you could've told me and I would've come to….." Would 'take care of you' be too strong of a phrase? Is 'help you' too little? "I would've come to you." Inuyasha didn't dare look at her right now.
Kagome watched the strange man, clearly he was a bit embarrassed with his kind words. He was being a bit harsh, but…. Kagome looked at the soup in her hands. I guess it's his way of showing he cares? It's not like he had a way with words, she had learned that from the very beginning, but it was quite clear with how he was expressing himself that he cared about her and was concerned. She was learning new things about Inuyasha every day, today's lesson being that he has his own unique way of caring. "Thank you for the soup." This time she used a lighter tone to say it before taking the spoon and trying some. "Wow, it's actually good." She could feel her cheeks tingling from all of the flavors in her mouth.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," she said with a smile. "I just didn't take you for the cooking type," she said before eating more.
"I'm not." His eyes drifted to the ceiling fan above them. "My mom used to make this when I was sick."
Oh. At this point in their friendship, Kagome still wasn't sure what to say when Inuyasha's mother came up. Naturally, there was more she wanted to ask about his mother, but she didn't want to cross any line with him considering that his guard was typically up when his mother became the subject.
"She must've been a really good cook."
"She was. Before she got sick, she would cook all the time," Inuyasha stated fondly. "She cooked until she couldn't anymore, even when she was sick. I'd have to tell her to relax and lay down, kind of like I have to do with you."
Kagome smiled. She had a feeling Inuyasha didn't notice, but his tone was gentle as he spoke of his loving mother. It was nice to hear Inuyasha talk about her. She tried not to let the surprise show on her face, but she hadn't realized his mom had passed from an illness. Not that it excused how he spoke to her, but she felt she understood him a little more. "I wish I could have met her."
"She would've liked you. Anyways eat up before it gets cold."
Kagome ate as much as she could before leaning over Inuyasha and placing the bowl on her nightstand. She had barely even finished half of it due to not wanting to vomit, but she was glad to have a little something in her stomach. After taking some of the medicine he had bought for her, she let out a jaw-cracking yawn before leaning her head on Inuyasha's shoulder.
"I'll keep my end of the bargain and take a nap now." As he began to stand up, she gripped onto his sleeve. "But we can talk until I fall asleep."
"Kagome." There was much warning in his tone. What was with this girl and not wanting to sleep?
"I slept as soon as I got home...on...and off again." As if something dawned on her, Kagome tried to get out of the bed quickly.
"Whoa, slow down there." Inuyasha had to steady her as she swayed a bit.
"I need my phone," Kagome said as she left Inuyasha's side and went to her closet. She pulled out the same sweatpants she had been wearing earlier before digging around in the pocket.
"Expecting a call from someone?" Inuyasha asked as he watched her visibly relax once finding her phone.
"Well, no but…" As she began going through the missed calls log, Inuyasha could see that she had missed a lot of calls.
Now, he wasn't one to snoop or eavesdrop, but it only took a simple glance at her phone to see the large amount of red that she was scrolling through.
She leaned back in bed with a frown as she pulled her blanket back over her legs. "Okay, maybe I'll take that nap sooner rather than later. My head is still killing me." It wasn't the smartest idea to jump up seeing as she still wasn't feeling well.
Inuyasha opened one of the bottles of medicine before handing it to her and giving her a bottle of tea he had bought.
"Thanks."
Even as she took the medicine, her phone began to light up again. As Inuyasha read the number, it was clear that it wasn't a number saved in her phone.
"Never mind it," Kagome said as she quickly swallowed the pills and declined the call. "A student has been prank calling me on and off all day. No doubt upset about a bad grade or something."
"Why don't you just block them?" Inuyasha asked as he swiped to decline the call on her phone.
"I have, you know how kids are though. It's not hard to use their friends' phones to call me, plus they switched to an unknown number. They'll give up soon enough." She laid in her bed and sighed. Boy, were kids relentless these days. God forbid anyone crosses them.
"Why don't you put it on mute instead of vibrate?"
"If Souta calls, I don't want to miss it." She looked at her phone as she quickly declined the call coming through. "Every time I got bad news, I always got it through a phone call. If anything happens to Souta….I need to know."
She had said it so easily and in such a calm tone, Inuyasha had to wonder if she was using a cool tone for him or for herself. She must have been very worried about it to have her phone on at all times of the day.
"Besides, I need to know if anything happens with mom too," Kagome added as if further justification was needed.
The poor thing was sick as a dog and she was over here worrying about something like bad news? The girl looked visibly ill and the only way she would get better was if she slept properly.
"Do you really think something bad is going to happen to them if you rest up?"
"No," she answered with a small shrug of her shoulders as she turned over onto her stomach. "But I didn't expect to get a call that mom was in the hospital when I was studying at the library or that my grandfather had passed away as I was getting off of the train in another city either."
It wasn't Inuyasha's place to say if this was a bit overboard to constantly have her phone on for this reason. At the end of the day, wasn't he the same, being a little harsher than necessary and worrying more than he should over a fever due to his past experiences with his mother?
Inuyasha took her cell phone from her and clicked the volume down button to turn off the volume completely, as well as the vibration. Regardless of what she said, she would be asleep in no time after taking the drowsy type of medication.
"Get some rest, I'll check your phone for you. If I see that Souta calls, I'll wake you up."
He could see her eyes soften at his offering. "...You promise?"
"Keh, of course. Sleep."
"Thanks, Inuyasha."
She all but snuggled closer to him at finally being given the chance to get some rest. Inuyasha gently brushed a hand through her hair. "Don't worry about it."
Like clockwork, she was out in a matter of minutes. It was kind of sad to see that she had been neglecting to get proper sleep up until Inuyasha offered to help her. He'd thought it countless times, but adulting was hard. When you're living on your own or have to take on all adult responsibilities, just who was there to take care of you when you were down for the count?
Somehow, Inuyasha couldn't picture spending this night any other way. Stroking Kagome's hair calmly while checking her temperature every now and then while scrolling through his phone. With him being as worried as he was about her, he would've been thinking about her all day and night until it eventually led him to come to her. He owed Miroku a ton for letting him go to her earlier despite their plans.
Despite how bad she looked earlier, she slept fairly peacefully next to him, only ever turning to get closer to him or to adjust herself a bit, never actually waking up over the course of two hours. She'd get better after eating a proper meal and getting decent sleep, now that he knew she was safe and well, he could rest easy at night. However, this new problem…
Even he was annoyed at how often her phone was lighting up with the onslaught of calls. Whoever it was had called at least over fifty times.
Mother fu-
Inuyasha slid his finger across her phone in agitation to deny the call. For the sake of not scaring Kagome, Inuyasha had kept his mouth shut, but the girl couldn't be this dense, right? He was 1000% sure a student wouldn't be this aggressive with her over a bad grade or whatever excuse a student would have for doing something like this. He had blocked the number twice, until they started calling from an "Unknown" number.
She was beautiful and kind. That's all it took to earn a stalker these days. This was not normal in the slightest and needed to be stopped immediately. He honestly believed that she had a stalker, or at the very least someone harassing her, and that it would be a matter of time until this person showed up at the door if nothing was done about it.
As the phone rang once more, Inuyasha pressed the answer button. Despite the persistent calling, the other end was dead silent when he answered.
"Call this number again if you gotta' death wish."
That was all he said before hanging up.
It wouldn't be hard to trace a number, it wouldn't be hard to hire someone to hunt whoever this was down. It would be just as easy for him to personally handle it himself. He had to remind himself that his ruffian days were over. Inuyasha didn't consider himself an angry person, but he'd been in his fair share of fights when people crossed him when he was younger.
Oh shit.
Kagome began to stir next to him before she placed a gentle arm on his upper thigh while getting closer. He breathed a sigh of relief as her breathing evened out once more. He couldn't help but feel he could get used to this, being with her like this. It gave off the same feeling of them being in a relationship. Isn't this the type of stuff Miroku did for Sango when she was sick? It's natural to want to protect the person you love from everything you can if it's within your power, ailments and all.
Another hour full of much peace had passed on with Inuyasha quietly watching Netflix as her phone had stopped buzzing completely. Inuyasha had nearly forgotten about the persistent caller until her phone had started lighting up again. He was damn near ready to cuss the perpetrator out until he looked at the caller id.
He probably wouldn't have thought much of her little brother calling until she added so much weight and pressure behind his call. Even he had to admit that his heart jumped a little at seeing Souta's picture appear on the screen. He had a good mind to answer her phone for her but was 100% sure she would want to talk to her brother since he was calling.
"Kagome." He reluctantly shook her shoulders to help bring her to.
Her eyebrows furrowed together in discomfort as she slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. "What? Did Souta call?"
"He's calling," Inuyasha said as he handed her the phone.
She cleared her throat before answering the phone. "Hey, what's up Souta?"
Inuyasha wasn't sure what he expected, but her tone was much more composed than he thought it would be when she answered the phone.
I guess she can't freak out every time she answers the phone. Inuyasha took this opportunity to finally stretch. His legs felt like jelly after sitting for so long in one position. Inuyasha walked to the kitchen to heat up more of the soup for her in case she was hungry.
His ears perked up as he listened….overheard….their conversation. It's not his fault if the walls are thin and he has demon senses, right?
"Oh, you're going to be out? With who…? All night? No, that's fine bu-...No, you just woke me up, that's why…I-."
Inuyasha walked back into the room as he placed the bowl of warmed soup on her dresser. She mouthed a swift thank you before returning to her conversation. Inuyasha listened with perked ears as he caught onto what she was doing as she spoke with her brother.
"Of course not…" She laughed, she nearly broke into a coughing fit but did her best to hold it together.
She was clearly going out of her way to conceal the fact that she wasn't feeling well for some odd reason. Inuyasha could hear her brother questioning her loud and clear since she certainly didn't sound well but she was quick to dodge his questions.
"I'll see you when yo-"
Inuyasha shook two of the medicine bottles. Kagome practically froze as the noise resonated throughout the room. "Which one do you want to help you sleep, Kagome?" Goodness, Kagome was sending daggers his way. Was she trying to pierce his heart?
"Is that the Inuyasha guy?" Inuyasha heard him ask.
Are we on a first-name basis already? Inuyasha thought with a chuckle. "Do you want the drowsy medication or this liquid stuff? Or maybe the pills are better for a fever."
"Inuyasha!" Kagome hissed at him.
"Are you not feeling well?" Her brother asked.
"I'm fine, I'll see you tomorrow after you finish classes. Study hard!" Kagome quickly hung up before narrowing her gaze at him once more.
Inuyasha played innocent as he held up the two bottles. "Which is it?"
Kagome let out a lengthy sigh. "The liquid stuff, you jerk," she said as she took the warmed bowl of soup and began eating it. "But thank you for the food."
"Why didn't you just tell him the truth when he asked?" Inuyasha inquired as he began measuring out the liquid.
"I told you already, he has to study. There's this big scholarship he can get if he does well. I don't want him worrying about me as he's studying. Besides, it's not like he would've known since he didn't plan to come home tonight."
"So if you don't think I'll find something out, you'll lie to me." He had asked jokingly, but he had to wonder if she'd do something like that to him. She seemed smart so he probably wouldn't figure it out anyway.
"You best believe it," she replied before gulping down the medicine and cringing at the taste. The medicine he had handed her had more of a bitter taste than she thought it would and it nearly caused her to spit it out. She did everything she could to hold it down before returning to their conversation. "If I thought my lie would be better for you in the end." Inuyasha couldn't tell if she was serious at this point. Maybe she was with how serious her tone was though. "Come back to bed."
Shit, you don't have to ask me twice. That was the sexiest command she had given him to date. Forget the fact that it wasn't meant in a sexual way, he'd have fun with what he could get. "Fine, but you gotta sleep."
The two managed to snuggle back into the same position with Inuyasha sitting back against the headboard of the bed and Kagome laying down next to him.
"Tell me a story so that I can fall asleep." She asked as she looked up at him.
Inuyasha racked his brain for some kind of story to tell her. "I'm not good at telling stories."
"Then tell me something from your memory. Maybe something funny or interesting happened to you or something you think of fondly," she said before closing her eyes.
Inuyasha could tell she'd be out in no time, might as well tell her a bit. "Alright….I'll tell you about the first time I met my half-brother." It was a story for the books, he'd never forget one of the worst days of his childhood.
'I'm already dying to hear."
Inuyasha was able to rattle off a few good stories about his family and a couple of funny instances with Sango and Miroku before Kagome had finally passed out. While she had slept soundly the first time, she wouldn't even wake after Inuyasha had made a lot of noise this time around. He was able to even talk on the phone with Miroku a bit to update him on her condition and she didn't even budge.
It was going on 10pm when Inuyasha remembered he still had work the next day. Inuyasha gently pressed the back of his hand against Kagome's forehead.
Good. Her fever had decreased significantly compared to how she was earlier. There was no doubt she'd have to stay home from work for the next couple of days, but this was a definite improvement.
Inuyasha carefully worked his way off of the bed before going back to the kitchen. He'd have to leave soon, so he'd at least straighten up a bit and put up everything he used for the soup. He had made a lot, so there was more than enough for her to enjoy over the next couple of days.
Damn, I'm good. Medicine, food, drinks, taking care of her. If he were honest with himself, he didn't even want to leave. He just wanted to stay and take care of her. He wanted to spend every second with her.
Is this what really loving someone was?
Inuyasha nearly jumped out of his skin as the door began to open. He fumbled around as he nearly dropped the knife he had been cleaning in the sink. She hadn't mentioned anyone coming by.
Inuyasha rounded the corner as he heard shoes being kicked off. Deep brown eyes locked with his as her younger brother walked into the living room. Not much surprise crossed his features though it seemed like Souta hadn't expected Inuyasha to be here.
"She's sleeping," Inuyasha said as he placed the knife with the other utensils he had cleaned.
Souta barely even looked at Inuyasha as he flew across the living room to get to Kagome's room. Inuyasha could barely see Souta peek his head through the door before coming back to the living room. He nearly chuckled at how the boy had visibly relaxed after seeing that his sister was sleeping soundly.
Inuyasha was still trying to understand their relationship. Kagome said that she and Souta got along fairly well and it seemed like he really cared about her, but Kagome's words about him resenting her still lingered in Inuyasha's head. Her brother had to love her more than she thought if he rushed here to take care of her.
"It's late," Souta muttered as he looked at everything laid out on the counter.
"The soup should last her until the end of the week, there are drinks for days in the fridge along with ingredients to make the soup if need be, there's also a bag full of a shit ton of medication for her to take." Inuyasha listed off.
He could rest easy knowing that her protective-ass brother was here to take care of her for the night. Good God, not even a single thank you left the kid's mouth as Inuyasha finished cleaning up, only a very heavy look of weariness and apprehension covered the boy's face. If Inuyasha didn't know any better, he'd swear out that he had wronged her brother in a past life.
"You got all of that for her?" Souta asked as he eyed the soup.
"Well I didn't bring it here just to eat in her face, so yea, of course." Inuyasha looked over the kitchen once more. It was as spotless as when he had come in. "I'll be heading out now. Make sure she takes the blue bottle of medicine that's on her nightstand, she didn't complain but I saw her face when she took it and she looked like she hated it. That's apparently the best stuff on the market for fevers. If she takes the orange pills, she should feel better in no time." Just call him Doctor Inuyasha at this point. He had done his research to make sure he got the best for her from the store. At the look Souta was making, Inuyasha had to remind himself that sarcasm wasn't the best way to get into the good graces of his future brother-in-law. "I'll see myself out then if you're here."
Inuyasha worked his way into his shoes with a stretch. He gave a quick wave to Souta before opening the door to leave.
Maybe it was his imagination, but Inuyasha swore he heard Souta mutter a small thank you before he had shut the door. It couldn't have just been his imagination, could it?
"Ugh". Inuyasha grunted after tossing yet another fallen leaf off of his shoulder. Miroku owes me his soul for this day.
Today was the big day.
The proposal.
Everything had been planned perfectly and Sango would get the surprise of her life in no more than three minutes. It had been a long time in the making, or at least that's what it felt like, but the day was finally here. Sango and Miroku had spent the day out in town having a regular date at the romantic areas around town, like at the ferris wheel that towers over the city and the photo sights.
Inuyasha had been working hard behind the scenes to make sure their day flowed smoothly and perfectly as he got a play by play of their date. Making sure there weren't any long lines or that the reservations were set for each place Sango and Miroku went were fairly easy things to do, though now that Miroku was about to come to the location to propose, it would get a little more busy.
All while in formal wear…Or at least what would be formal wear if he added the suit blazer to it, but it was too damn hot for that. Inuyasha frowned.
Miroku had specifically asked that Inuyasha dress up to meet them for dinner soon after. Both Inuyasha and Miroku had thought long and hard about if they should have a dinner with the family around or just between the two of them. In this case, Kohaku and Inuyasha would be said family members. Miroku decided it would be best to have dinner with family after a few off comments Sango had mentioned about her brother being around for special moments in her life. If everything went according to plan, Miroku would propose, get a yes, the photographers around the area would snap pictures and then, they'd go to a nearby restaurant for food and more pictures to celebrate. That being said, Miroku had specifically asked Inuyasha to wear a simple suit due to him deciding on a higher-end restaurant to eat at and for him not wanting Inuyasha to ruin the pictures.
With him having a bit of free time, Inuyasha had a good mind to check his phone just to message Kagome now that he was bored. He had been sitting in the same spot for a little over an hour. With Kagome being as sick as she was earlier this week, she hadn't come to school for the rest of the week in order to completely get better. They had talked a bit this morning, but with Inuyasha running around all day to prepare for the proposal, there was no time to really text.
Now that the day was nearly ending, Inuyasha had three main jobs.
Make sure that everyone in the surrounding area is in place.
Stand behind a specific tree to manage the lights as instructed.
After hearing Sango say yes, go straight down the path behind him 30 seconds after.
Inuyasha had to be honest with himself, Miroku had done such a good job. They had reserved the whole field just to prep and set it up. Since Inuyasha was tailing Sango and Miroku all day, he hadn't been here when the people he hired had come to set it up, but everything he had seen looked lovely. The area was decorated with white lights weaving between the trees with white and pink flower petals scattered throughout the grounds. Black and white pictures of the beautiful couple were hung around, hanging from twine rope around the grassy field. Inuyasha couldn't imagine Sango being proposed to in any other way.
Taking her out all day just to bring her to a lovely woodsy nature filled area was perfect. Miroku knew she wouldn't want to be proposed to in an open place and he knew she would want something more simplistic rather than flashy and gaudy. The fact that Miroku had put so much effort into this proposal really showed through the small details, like having her favorite flower petals scattered about and working hard to include her brother in the mix as well.
"Where are we going?"
Inuyasha could hear Sango's voice off in the distance. He smiled at hearing how happy she already sounded after what must have been another perfect date for the two. Inuyasha clapped twice, giving the single for the photographers hidden about to get in place. Inuyasha used the remote to control the lights to dim them down a bit.
"We're almost there. I saved the best photo spot for last, dearest."
Miroku led Sango into the area as he guided her in.
Damn. For the millionth time, Inuyasha had to wonder what a girl like Sango was doing to end up with Miroku. As she walked into the forest, blindfolded and all, she wore a cream colored dress that really popped against the contrast of her naturally tan skin tone. She didn't look overdressed at all, just as beautiful and as happy as ever to have a date night with her boyfriend.
"But why the blindfold?"
"This place is the most beautiful, I want to see your jaw drop when you see how pretty it is."
As Miroku got into place, Inuyasha could feel his heart beating fast. He knew if his heart was going crazy just watching them, Miroku was probably very close to a heart attack.
Miroku gently placed Sango's hands back at her side before placing a gentle kiss to her cheek.
"Don't remove the blindfold yet, I'll die of embarrassment from what I'm about to say."
She laughed, but did as told. "Alright, what do you have to say?"
"Thank you for today, and yesterday, and tomorrow, and forever. We spend each day together, but I feel myself falling more and more in love with you time and time again. You've really shown me what it means to love."
"Oh I know. I'm glad the playboy days are behind us."
Miroku laughed nervously. "Hey, now. I'm trying to be sweet."
"Sorry, sorry, continue," she laughed.
Miroku placed one last kiss on the lips of the girl he loved. "I love you more than life itself and am hoping to spend the rest of my life proving that to you." He gently untied the lace ribbon holding the blindfold in place before stooping to one knee and opening a velvet indigo box. "Will you let me?"
Sango brought a trembling hand to her mouth as she realized what was happening. "Miroku," she looked around the area, allowing everything to sink in. "Oh my god."
"Sango Kuwashima, will you marry me?"
"I couldn't imagine being annoyed by anyone else for the rest of my life." She laughed as she allowed Miroku to slide the ring on her finger.
"Somehow I couldn't imagine you answering with a normal yes." He laughed as he picked her up and swung her around. "She said yes…Technically!" He yelled happily into the area.
Wow. Inuyasha had nearly forgotten the instructions Miroku had damn well beaten into his head as he watched the two.
30 seconds after Sango said yes, head to the gazebo. Inuyasha was quick to pick up pace as he smiled to himself. Finally, they were engaged. All he had to do was make it through the wedding and Miroku would be home safe. If Miroku had his way, they'd get married, move into a nice house, and then be on their way to having a million babies. Sango had already said that wasn't going to happen. Inuyasha chuckled just thinking about the two. He was happy for this new milestone in their relationship. He was actually, dare he say it, excited to congratulate the two.
I guess I kind of want something like that too.
Waking up to your best friend and being in love didn't seem so bad after being the dysfunctional couple for the last couple of years.
"Maybe I'll have that with Kagome." He joked to himself. A joke with a bit of hope mixed in. "I…wish…" The words died down on Inuyasha's lips as his eyes landed on the gazebo. Before him stood the most beautiful women. Her back was turned to him as she admired the moon above.
She had yet to notice him as he made his way to her. She adorned a simple houndstooth cami dress with a white blouse underneath. Her long hair was tied back in a braid that blew with each gust of wind.
"Kagome," Inuyasha breathed out.
She turned around with a sharp intake of breath. "Inuyasha, what are you…." She let the words hang on her lips as she closed the distance between them by taking steps towards him.
"I've been helping with the proposal all day. What are you doing here, are you feeling better?" Inuyasha asked.
She laughed. "Miroku asked me to help out with everything, I've been working behind the scenes here since morning. What I'm doing here…." she said as she motioned around. "Miroku told me to wait here at 8pm after I finished up with things. 'Face forward and don't turn around until you know you should'," she said as she mimicked his voice.
That sly dog. No wonder he had less work to do over the last couple of days. Miroku had been asking Kagome for help as well. For Miroku to plan this out as perfectly as he had to get the two of them here like this was something Inuyasha would applaud Miroku for. He had absolutely no idea she was this close to him over the last hour.
"And I'm feeling a million times better. Thanks for everything, the soup really helped me feel all better." She giggled.
"You look great, much better and healthier than before." Somehow those words didn't feel right. "You look beautiful."
Whatever she had planned to say died on her lips, a light sheen of red coming to her cheeks. "Thank you." She brushed a strand of loose hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "I'm happy that you think so."
Seeing her so coy from such a small compliment made his heart swell.
I love her.
All in one moment, Inuyasha's previous conversation with Miroku played back in his head.
If everything was as it should be….
Inuyasha gently grabbed Kagome's hand in his.
The moment was perfect…
Inuyasha pulled her closer, closing the remaining distance between them. Her body fit so perfectly against his, it was as if it were meant to be.
The moon was high in the sky and shining brightly…
Has there ever been a moon shining so bright?
The mood was right…..
He could practically feel her heart beating against his chest, battling against his own in a race.
And Kagome was giving you all the right signs…..
She squeezed his hand back firmly, yet gently.
Would you take advantage of the opportunity to make a move on Kagome?
Inuyasha gently tilted her chin up as he pressed his lips to hers. To finally have her lips against him felt like a dream. For her to kiss him back as she wrapped her arms around his neck nearly made him die and go to heaven. How could he have waited any longer for this moment?
Inuyasha was right to have answered Miroku with a yes.
My heart was literally racing as I wrote the end scene at work. Everyone deserves to feel as loved as Sango does. Everyone deserves to have someone feel what Inuyasha feels for Kagome.
I meant to post this on December 25th..and the February 14th...and then now haha. I got too busy lol.
This is the end of arc 1. :)
Thank you so much for reading. Since chapter 1 I already knew how this story would go (as well as how it will end). I'm so excited to make it to Arc 2 where things will finally pick up.
I'll start posting for Arc 2 in 2 or 3 months, IDK about that though. I might be lying lol.
Arc 1
Chapter: 8/ 8
(8/22)
Posted: 2/15/22
Finished writing on: 12/9/21
Words: About 11,100
Pages: 26
Arc 2
New teachers
New romance
New troubles
Oh my!