InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A deal with a demon ❯ Chapter 18

There was no time. There was too much to do, too much to study, too much data to memorize. Terms and conditions and the correct way to do a procedure. Kagome was positive that there simply wasn't a way to cram in all in before the weekend.

Granted, she had been studying for a week nonstop. She had hardly lifted her nose from her books since the dates of the exam were listed. She had to be in the top scores.

In the past, she always held impeccable grades. She was in her prestigious school on a remarkable scholarship. Ever since she was young, Kagome had wanted to become a doctor. It had always called to her; she wanted to fix what was broken, help others heal.

She was well aware how competitive the medical field was. And how difficult it was to pay off the overwhelming debt that one incurs while studying. She had made up her mind to show her future colleges what an asset she would be- a credit to their school.

Kagome had done such a spectacular job, that colleges chased after her.

The last few months, she had been so overwhelmed with getting married, moving into a strangers apartment, the ups and downs of a hanyou, that she often felt wiped out. Her studies had taken a slight slip. Kagome was determined to make up for it, to keep her name on the top 5 list.

Not that she needed the scholarship any longer. Or had it for that matter. With the marriage agreement, Inuyashas finances took care of all her college fees.

Despite tuning out the rest of the world, she couldn't help but feel the amber eyes of her new husband on her.

The dog demon had been watching her for Gods knows how long. It felt like every time she looked up he was there, eyes averted of course, but she could feel honeyed orbs burning her back as soon as she returned to her books.

Leaning her head back, she let out a sigh.

Her shoulders were aching. How long had she been at it? Hunched over, in need of a real desk instead of this uncomfortable table…

She missed her room. She missed her little desk and the quiet comfort it held. The slight background noises of her family doing their daily routines.

Damn, her mind was wander again. Maybe she should go back home for the day. Maybe she could focus there. She-

“Here.” A gruff voice called out to her. She looked up to find Inuyashas outstretched hands.

“Whats this?” She asked skeptically.

“Whats it look like?” He replied. “Its aspirin and water. Your neck is hurting, right?”

“Y-yeah… how did-“

“How could it not? You've been crouched over the table for like five hours now.”

Kagome took the small pills and the glass with a grateful smile.

“Thanks.” She said. “I really appreciate it.”

That wasn't a lie. Ever since their major blow out, he had been much more… out of her way. He was less prone to anger, at least towards her. He seemed to be biting his tongue or holding back.

Maybe she had gotten through to him, struck a cord. Or maybe it was because she kept true to her word and hadn't made it serious with Kouga.

It wasn't for the hanyous sake. Truthfully, she never had any intention of seriously dating him, although if she was to commit, he would be the perfect candidate.

But Kagome wanted to experience what it was like to play the field for a bit. She had spent so many years unable to date and go out with friends. She had been so busy supporting her family that she had neglected her youth. She knew she could never get that time back, but now she had the opportunity to keep things light. Meet new people and try new things!

Besides, being married to Inuyasha kind of put a damper on the idea of an actual relationship.

She gave him a polite smile. It was unexpected of him to do something like that. She should encourage this, just like she would with Shippo!

He quickly turned away and began to walk back to his room.

“You should take a break, you know.” He called out over his shoulder.

“I cant. Im behind as it is!”

“Feh. Youre not going to remember anything if you don't get some sleep.”

“Oh Im fine.” She said waving him off. “This is how I always study.”

“If you get sick, Im not taking care of you woman.” He said bluntly.

“Wouldn't expect you to.” She answered back, returning to her studies.

~.~

He left her there, nose in a book, shoulders hunched and mind made up- She was going to study until her eyes bled.

Her intense determination was making him nervous. He left the house partly to avoid it, partly to give her quiet. He patted himself on the back. See? He could be considerate.

He was trying to be less of… well less of a prick. She was right. Everything she had said had some bit of truth to it. He had been nothing but a grade A asshole to the wench the entire time. And she…

She had been damn frustrating. Kind and mild tempered and sexy as hell.

He had gone into this marriage assuming that she was like every other woman he had encountered in his life. That she would be the kind of woman that would weep at his feet with happiness to be called Mrs. Takahashi.

So now he had to figure out what to do. He wasn't eager to return back to the apartment yet, but he didn't have a specific plan in mind.

He supposed he could call up Miroku. Walking by the stores, he caught the images of the beautiful women surrounding him.

He was sure he could come up with a few amusing ways to spend his time.

~.~

When was the last time she had gotten up to stretch? Go to the bathroom? Slept? Kagome was tired… so tired. If she could just lay her head down.. rest… She felt the weight of her eye lids

At the sound of a knock on the door, she immediately sat straight up, nervous energy filling her to the brim. She felt like she had been caught in a forbidden act. As if she would be punished if she fell asleep.

The knocking increased as she made her way to the entrance.

“Hello?” She asked, opening the door slightly.

“Delivery.” The tall man said, holding up the bags for effect.

Kagome opened the door wider.

“I didn't order anything.” Came her skeptical remark.

“You're apartment 4829, right?”

“Well, yeah-“

“You might as well take it. Its bought and paid for.”

“Then it must be the wrong apartment number, because I definatly didn't order take out.”

“Let me check again.” He said with a dramatic tone. “Are you Takahashi Kagome?”

That sounded weird.

Takahashi Kagome. Takahashi Kagome.

“Yes. Im Takahashi Kagome.”

What a bad taste that left in her mouth.

“For you, paid for by a… Takahashi Inuyasha.”

“Inuyasha?” She echoed. “Why would he-“

“I don't know miss. Not my job. Please just accept the delivery. I have more stops to go to.”

“Right,” She said, remembering that this stranger in no way had any clue about her life, and just how bizarre it was that the hanyou ordered food for her. “Thanks.”

Walking over to the table, almost in a state of shock, she sat down to enjoy her meal, provided by her… husband.

What a weird world.

And what an out of character, kind gesture. Maybe he wasn't all bad.

~.~

Kagome was feeling off. Her head felt heavy, her body felt limp. Her stomach was clenched, her muscles were sore. She couldn't decide if she was hot or cold. And above all she felt like an idiot.

She had studied herself into a fever.

She knew full well what was wrong with her. She knew exactly what to do. She needed to get up, fling herself under the covers and sleep it off. It was mostly stress induced.

But she was Kagome! How many times had she done this before? How many times had she studied day in and day out? Worked multiple jobs and still achieved superior mark!

Maybe she was losing her touch. Was she the type of person who flourished under pressure and wilted with ease?

Or maybe it was because she always had her mother at home, checking in on her, bringing snacks drinks. Demanding she join the family for a meal.

As the thoughts swirled through her head, she head the sound of the door opening and closing.

“Inuyasha?” her voice called out, just to reassure herself it was indeed the hanyou and not an intruder.

“You don't need to yell woman. I can hear just fine.”

“You're back already?”

“Already?” He snorted. “Ive been out the entire day.”

“Seriously?” She looked up, taking stock of her surroundings. Sure enough, several hours had passed. Hours. What had she learned? What had she retained? If she kept up like this-

Abruptly, a clawed hand reached out and shut the textbook in front of her.

“Hey! What-“

“You're over doing it. You need a break.”

“I don't need a keeper, Inuyasha.”

“Feh. Like id be youre keeper. I just don't want to wake up the morning near a fucking zombie.”

“If I wasn't so exhausted, id agrue back with you. Im just too tired.”

“You do look pretty awful.”

Kagome shot him a narrow look.

“You're actually pretty pale.” The hanyou commented. “You feeling okay?”

“Never better.”

“Feh. You really are a terrible liar.”

“One could consider that a good trait.”

“So damn noisy. All the damn time.” He said, moving in closer to her.

“Inu-“

She felt the coolness of his skin, his large palms covering the width of her forehead. She wanted to sink into it.

“You moron!” He shouted. “You have a fucking fever!” Kagome must have been delusional. Why did he seem so mad? Was he snarling at her?

“Im fine.” She said, waving him off. “Besides, that's no way to treat the ill.”

“How the hell are you going to be a doctor if you don't have the common sense to take care of yourself. Use that damn brain of yours, woman.”

“Hey- I!”

“Go to bed.” He demanded, crossing his arms across his chest.

“Excuse me?”

“Bed.”

“Im an adult, and I-“ Kagome started, sounding very childish with that statement. Her words were cut off as she felt him lifting her out of the chair, only to promptly drop her on the bed.

“Ugh. Be more gentle!” She complained. “Now I really don't feel good!”

“I told you I wasn't gonna take care of you if you got sick.” He shot at her. “So hurry up and get better.”