InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ First Bath Together and More Bonding ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: I do not own or make profit from the Inuyasha series Copyrights to Inuyasha and Characters belongs to Rumiko Takahashi

I only own the plot, and story line to this story. There. I said it. (sighs)

Thank you SangOtaku6 for your many hours patiently teaching me the art of writing fan fiction, and for being such an awesome friend! :)

Chapter Five:

First Bath Together and More Bonding:

Bankotsu looked directly into Kagome's brown eyes. "Climb on my back and hold on tight, because I will be moving around a lot." Bankotsu dropped to one knee in front of her to make it easier.

Kagome's eyes widened, but she nodded and dropped her bag, after grabbing her bow and arrows. She climbed up on his back like he had instructed.

She wrapped her legs securely around his waist and did the same with her arms to his shoulders. Her bow and arrows lay nestled between them just in case she needed them. She nodded.

Bankotsu slowly stood up again and lifted his Banryu as he got into a defensive position. He wasn't used to working with a girl on his back, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

Inuyasha's hand went to the hilt of his sword in case he needed to draw it.

Sango readied her Hiraikotsu.

Miroku readied his staff.

Shippo jumped over to the now transformed Kirara and sat on her back.

Jakotsu reached back to place at hand at the ready on his Jakotsou and prepared for battle.

Renkotsu also stood on guard with his gourd ready just in case.

Less than a minute later, two large demons appeared out of the woods.

One was an enormous snake demon that looked at them. It hissed, "We want the jewel ssshardsss."

Bankotsu and Inuyasha both demanded cockily, "Come and try to get them then, ugly!"

Inuyasha drew his sword.

Bankotsu jumped in the air spinning his Banryu. It wasn't as high as he'd normally jump which caused him to grit his teeth. "So, where is the shard you sensed, Kagome?"

Struggling to hold on, Kagome studied the demon. "It's in the demon's head."

Bankotsu nodded.

Knowing there usually was more than one shard, Inuyasha yelled, "Kagome, are there anymore?"

Kagome shook her head. "No just the one."

Bankotsu smirked as he jumped into the air spinning his Banryu and then brought it down, aiming for the snake demon's head. He quickly sliced through the demon's enormous scaly body.

Once landed firmly on his feet, he knelt down so Kagome could climb off his back without getting injured.

Kagome climbed off.

He stood up again and hefted his Banryu onto his shoulder.

Kagome and Bankotsu were both covered in demonic flesh bits, quickly drying blood and slime. They walked over to the chunks of flesh.

Kagome picked up the jewel shard, which instantly shone a vibrant pink as it was automatically purified. She added it to the jar she usually kept around her neck.

Bankotsu's eyes widened in shock as he had watched her pick up the shard and purify it simply from touching and holding it. "I have never seen that happen before."

Hearing the slight note of awe in his voice, Kagome faced him and said proudly, "I purified it."

Bankotsu nodded. He and Kagome walked back over and retrieved her pack.

Kagome looked up at Bankotsu and finally noticed they were both covered in all the muck. She scrunched her face up and nearly gagged. She looked him in the eye. "We need to find a spot and bathe." Seeing the puzzled look on his face, she explained exasperated, "We are both covered in filth, slime, and blood." She shivered in disgust as some slime slithered down her thigh.

Bankotsu laughed at the disgusted face she was making. "Ya I guess we are, huh?"

She only glared at him in reply.

He reached out to pluck some demonic flesh out of her hair and smirked at her scowl. He sent her a heated gaze. "You know, I kind of like you like this." Eyes twinkling with mischievous intent, he added, "Being covered in blood and guts is actually kind of hot." He winked at her.

Her nose crunched up, before she glared at him. "Bankotsu…"

Bankotsu laughed and flicked the mess in the air. He took her hand and they walked back over to the others. "We will find a spot to bathe and make camp soon."

Knowing it was probably the best she would get, she nodded. Kagome grimaced as she felt the disgusting mass drying into her hair.

They continued down the road until they came across a spot with a fairly decent hot spring nearby.

Bankotsu stopped and faced the group. "We are stopping here for the night. Make camp!"

Staring at the drying goop all over them, Sango questioned, "What are you two going to do?"

Bankotsu replied brusquely, "We are going to go bathe."

Chest heaving with rage at the thought of the murder alone and naked with Kagome, Inuyasha bellowed, "Hell no, you aren't!"

Kagome looked at Inuyasha and replied sweetly, "Inuyasha...I'm covered head to toe in demon guts and blood." Her eyes narrowed at the hanyou and her tone turned harsh. "There is no way I am wearing this muck even five more minutes! Bankotsu is also covered in the muck and we are both going to bathe!"

Inuyasha demanded, "Then I am coming with you," digging his claws into his hand so hard he drew blood.

Kagome sighed. "Inuyasha you know as well as I do that Bankotsu and I have to stay beside each other. Otherwise, I wouldn't allow him with me either." Knowing his tendencies to follow anyways, she warned, "If you follow us I will say "it!".

The hanyou gulped nervously with wide eyes.

Growing annoyed at the bickering Bankotsu snapped, "Enough! We are going to bathe and that's final!" He started dragging Kagome away by the hand over toward the hot spring.

Kagome followed beside him gratefully, chewing her bottom lip as her nerves kicked in.

Inuyasha glared at their retreating backs and growled in frustration.

Miroku looked at him. "It really can't be helped Inuyasha."

Inuyasha snarled at the monk and then sat down sulking.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

At the hot spring Bankotsu dragged Kagome to the edge of the water by the hand.

Kagome blushed brightly and her breathing became shallow.

Bankotsu looked at Kagome and saw her face was a bright pink. He gave her his most charming smile and guessed, "You're nervous, huh?"

Kagome blushed a little more and slowly nodded.

Bankotsu queried, "You've never bathed with a guy before, have you?" His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. 'Surely she must have bathed around the mutt by now?'

Kagome blushed almost red and mumbled, "Um no."

Secretly relieved and pleased by her answer, Bankotsu grinned. "It's not that difficult. You just undress and climb into the water." His eyes danced with amusement.

Kagome stared at him and snapped, "I know how to bathe in the spring!"

He quirked a brow at her and then grinned.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to ignore the butterflies brushing inside her belly. "I've just never done it in front of a guy before."

He chuckled. "Well you're just going to have to get used to it now, aren't you Ka-go-me? Considering we are for all intents and purposes, pretty much glued together at the hip." He reached out dragging a finger along her hip to emphasize his point. As expected her eyes widened a bit and her body jerked. 'Damn she's so much fun to mess with.'

She stared at him like a deer caught in the headlights, feeling even more nervous than before.

Sensing this and not in the mood to deal with a hysterical girl, Bankotsu sighed and dropped his hand to his side. "Look let's just undress, get cleaned, and get out, alright?"

Kagome sighed heavily and nodded as she set her bow, arrows, and bag aside. She kicked off her shoes and pulled off her socks.

He embedded Banryu deep into the earthen soil. He quickly and shamelessly began to shed his armor and clothes, unabashed at being naked in front of the girl.

Once finished undressing, he looked at her and noticed she was still blushing and fully clothed. 'This is not my idea of fun.' He mentally groaned.

He sighed again. Without warning he reached out and quickly yanked her shirt up and over her head. Just as speedily he pulled down her skirt, leaving her standing in only her undergarments.

Before she could even register that he had unclothed her, let alone protest, he scooped her into his arms and jumped into the water.

They hit the water and began to sink below the water. He quickly kicked back up to the surface with her still in his arms.

As they broke the surface of the water she finally snapped out of her shocked state and shrieked, "Bankotsu!"

He chuckled amused. "Relax woman, I left your strange undergarments on for you."

Her face became red as a strawberry and she shoved at his chest.

He set her on her feet over by the rock, yet still in the water. He sat down and pulled her to sit beside him. He was in no mood for her antics tonight. He just wanted to get clean and eat.

She glared at him. "Bankotsu, don't you ever do that again!"

He retorted, "It got us in the water to bathe now then didn't it?"

She huffed. "You still could have warned me."

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Let's just get cleaned up alright?"

She mumbled, "We need to get out so I can get something from my bag."

He sighed.

They climbed out and walked over to her bag.

She dug in her bag and pulled out the shampoo and body wash. "Alright let's get back in now." She said, trying to keep her eyes straight ahead.

He shook his head and they walked over and slipped into the water.

He noticed her trying to keep her eyes straight ahead and teased, "What's the matter, are you too embarrassed to look at a naked man's body?" His eyes danced with amusement.

She stared at the water and felt her cheeks burning. "Let's just clean and get this over with." She picked up her bottle and thought, 'Honestly, does he have to flirt with me so much?'

Looking at the strange bottles she had pulled out, Bankotsu questioned, "What is this stuff anyways?"

She explained, "Shampoo and body wash. You clean your hair with the shampoo," She held up the bottle meant for hair. She continued, "and your body with the other one."

She popped the lid and poured some of the smooth concoction into her hand and began rubbing her hands together after placing the bottle on the rock. She lathered up her hair and was about to dive under when she felt strong fingers gently rubbing through her hair

She blinked. "Um, thanks. Now I need to rinse it out."

They dove under the water and he continued running his hands through her silky black strands until all the shampoo was out. 'Wow, her hair is so soft and silky.'

They broke the surface of the water together and both gasped in a huge breath of air.

Eager to return the favor, she lathered up his hair.

He blinked but didn't object. 'Oh she's good.' He thought as her nails scrapped through his thick hair and onto his scalp. 'I could get used to this.'

She tapped his shoulder and pointed down into the water.

He nodded and they plunged into the water, rinsing his hair, before returning to the surface once more.

She picked up the other bottle and popped it open, squeezing some of it into her hand. She began washing her body.

He picked it up and sniffed it, giving her a wary look. "This isn't going to make me smell all girly is it?" He frowned at her.

She giggled and replied, "Nope, it will just make you smell like strawberries."

He grimaced and rolled his eyes. "Terrific."

She raised a brow and suggested, "You could always just stay covered in the muck."

He scowled and squeezed some of the goop onto his hand. 'Even stupid strawberries would be better than this stinky shit.' He quickly washed his body.

They grabbed their clothes and scrubbed them as clean as they climbed out of the water.

Blushing Kagome quickly gathered her clothes and moved to the other side of the tree to dress.

He rolled his eyes at her modest behavior and jerked his hakamas up his legs. He tied them in placed and slipped on his haori. He picked up his armor and slipped it on, tying it into place.

She came back out fully clothed and gathered her belongings.

He grabbed her hand and led her back over to the others.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Back at the camp Inuyasha clenched his fists and demanded, "What the hell could possibly be taking them so long?"

Trying to soothe her upset friend, Sango said, "Well they were both covered in demonic flesh and blood, maybe it is just taking a long time to clean? Plus they would also have to scrub their clothing as well."

Miroku's features looked shocked and he added, "Still I don't think..."

Inuyasha jumped up and stormed over to the pair who was now entering the campsite, once again holding hands.

The blush on Kagome's face caused amber eyes to narrow suspiciously. Inuyasha demanded, "What the hell took you so long?" staring them down.

Deciding to rile Inuyasha a bit, Bankotsu smirked at him. "What do you think?" he asked, while holding his gaze.

Inuyasha barked angrily, "You better not try anything mercenary! I may not be able to kill you but I can sure try." His clawed hand dropped to the hilt of his blade as if to emphasize his threat.

Kagome's eyes widened and then narrowed at her hanyou friend. "Inuyasha sit boy!"

Inuyasha immediately plummeted to the ground.

She rounded on Bankotsu glaring at the handsome man beside her. "Knock it off, both of you!"

Enjoying the trouble he caused Bankotsu laughed.

Inuyasha pulled himself out of the crater to glower at said mercenary.

Hoping to keep from a fist fight breaking out, Sango stood up. "Oh look! The water is boiled."

Kagome walked over to the fire bringing Bankotsu along with her and deposited her bag on the ground.

He stared at her questioningly, but sat.

She removed plenty of ramen cups from her bag. She popped the top on two of them and carefully filled them one at a time with the steamy water.

"What is that stuff?" Bankotsu frowned. 'I've never seen anything like this before.'

Kagome's face spread into a smile as she answered, "Ramen noodles."

Bankotsu blinked. "Eh? What's ra - men?" He titled his head to the side and waited.

Kagome laughed and corrected, "Not ra - men, its Ramen - one word. And they are delicious noodles."

She handed him the first cup. "Here try them." She pulled out a pair of chop sticks. She dipped the chop sticks into the cup and grabbed some noodles, then pulled them up and blew on them to cool them off a little. She held the bite out to him.

He cautiously sniffed the cup and then opened his mouth. She carefully, so as not to burn him, slid the food into his mouth.

He closed his mouth and his face spread into a very satisfied expression. His eyes shut and he savored the food, rolling it with his tongue.

Smiling to herself because she already knew the answer, Kagome asked, "So, do you like it?"

Bankotsu opened his eyes and answered, "Absolutely!" He smiled. 'This is some of the best food I've ever tasted!'

Kagome laughed and handed him the cup, then poured the steamy water into the other cups. "Inuyasha, the ramen is done!" She grinned because she knew for sure he'd come running. 'He always does.' She chuckled.

Inuyasha bounded over and snatched the offered food. He walked back to his tree and sat down, shoveling the food into his mouth like a starving man.

Kagome laughed and served the others, serving herself last as always.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Jakotsu spoke up. "This raw - men is good stuff!"

Kagome giggled and corrected, "Its ramen - one word. And yes, it is very delicious."

Once again adapting his leader persona, Bankotsu announced, "We are leaving at sun rise."

Everyone nodded and settled in to their sleeping spots for the night.

Inuyasha lounged up in a tree.

Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Kirara, Jakotsu, and Renkotsu all spread out around the fire.

Bankotsu and Kagome moved over by another tree and leaned their backs against it, while sitting beside each other.

Kagome looked over and noticed that Bankotsu was sitting there wide awake. "What's on your mind?" she asked, knowing something had to be by the seriousness of his expression.

Bankotsu stayed silent a moment debating whether or not to tell her, then figured he might as well talk about it since he was trying to get her to feel more comfortable with him. He sighed heavily. "I was thinking about my past."

Now intrigued Kagome asked, "What about your past has you staying awake at night?"

Bankotsu shrugged. "Never mind, I was just thinking is all." He sent her a small smile.

Kagome frowned. "Would me holding you help?" She didn't like that he'd shut her out, for some reason it bothered her.

He inwardly smirked, but outwardly he shrugged. "Eh, I don't know."

She hesitated a moment and then when it became obvious that he wouldn't talk about whatever was bothering him, she gave him a quick friendly hug and settled herself against the tree to sleep.

He was surprised by her quick hug, but before he could react she pulled away and settled down to sleep.

'Strange girl,' he thought staring at her. He frowned wondering why that brief hug made him want to smile again. Shaking his head, he stared up at the stars and waited for everyone to fall asleep so he could think in peace.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the improved chapter five. Please remember to read and review thanks.