InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Miko's Love Story. ❯ Unexpected ( Chapter 14 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
Bankotsu and Kagome both make certain discoveries that neither expected.
Inuyasha and Bankotsu have a 'man to man' talk.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.19.2010 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 350 | Status: Completed
Bankotsu and Kagome both make certain discoveries that neither expected.
Inuyasha and Bankotsu have a 'man to man' talk.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.19.2010 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 350 | Status: Completed
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 and Tara. There. I said it. (sighs)
A HUGE Thank you SangOtaku6 for your many ideas, suggestions, and mostly your advice :)
08-19-10: A/N: I am relieved to say that my sister's son was born last night and both momma and baby are doing fine. She's really had us worried with this one {Thank GOD it's the last one. If you want details, check out my blog.} Also, I've done some serious changes to this chapter - enjoy XD.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Unexpected:
The next morningbefore sunrise,Bankotsu's eyes slowly fluttered open as he awoke. He took a minute to fully wake up and yawned and stretched. He carefully leaned over whispering, "Kagome, time to get up."
Groaning in protest she opened her eyes. She looked into his handsome face and greeted sleepily, but cheerily, "Morning."
He shook his head amused at her chipper disposition. "Morning' let's get the others up and eat so that we can get going."
She nodded.
He rose to his feet, pulling her to her feet as well. They walked around waking up the others.
Sesshomaru had slept lightly last night. He stared at Jaken. "Jaken wake up Kohaku and Rin and then tend to Ahun, while Rin and Kohaku tended themselves." Sesshomaru Walked over and kicked his idiot brother over an hour ago.
"Sango, Miroku, get the hell up!" They groaned in protest, but stood up and walked over to the river splashing some water in their faces.
Jakotsu's eyes flew open as he caught a quick hard slap on the ass. He jumped up glaring at his leader, who was smirking. Jakotsu saw the order in his leader's eyes and new better than to argue. He sighed and walked over to the river, trying to rub the sting away. "Damnit, why does he always have to assault my poor ass?" He knelt by the river and splashed water into his face.
Tara had gotten the alarm clock treatment and jumped up. She glared at them both and then got up, walking towards the river. She mumbled under her breath, "Damned indecent hours."
Renkotsu got a foot nudged to the ribs. "Up now and get ready to move out. Don't make me warn you again Ren."
The fire breather groaned dragging himself from his bedroll. He walked towards the river. 'Stupid brat. I'm getting tired of being kicked awake.' His mind replayed the way Jakotsu had been thrown n the river and slapped on the butt to wake up on previous occasions. 'I suppose a nudge to the ribs is better than that though.'
Tara and Sango passed out the bowls of fruit and nuts.
Jakotsu smoked some fish.
After eating, Bankotsu took his position clearly. He stood tall and proud overseeing the breakdown of the camp.
Kagome had already packed her bag. She sat waiting by her stuff. She stole a peak at Bankotsu. 'Why does he have to be so cute all the time? Do I really like him?' She sighed. 'I like it when he holds me... Inuyasha never really holds me... not like that... I like that Bankotsu makes me feel safe and cared for," her breath hitched nervously.
Seeing that things were in order, Bankotsu shouldered his Banryu. "Alright we're leaving." He walked over and grabbed Kagome's hand, startling her out of her thoughts. He led her down the path and thus began another day of traveling.
Kagome blushed as she felt his strong, warm and calloused hand engulf hers. She looked at him. 'Why does he make me feel like this? Could I really have feelings other than friendship for him? I've been blushing like mad around him lately and I enjoy his kisses.' Sighing Kagome shook her head trying to clear it and concentrate on walking.
Bankotsu noticed the feint blush on her face. His head cocked sideways. 'Is she thinking about me again? Is that why she's blushing?' Shaking his head to clear it he smirked, and focused his attention back on the road ahead.
Sango noticed that Kagome kept sneaking peeks at Bankotsu. 'Could Kagome have developed a crush on Bankotsu? What happened to her and Inuyasha? Either way Bankotsu had better not hurt her…'
Miroku glanced at Sango and saw that he looked lost deep in thought. 'Now is my chance,' he thought. His hand slowly inched closer towards her irresistible posterior.
Sango's spine stiffened the instant she felt an unwanted hand squeezing firmly on her backside. Glaring daggers at the owner of the offending appendage, she slapped him hard. "Miroku…!"
Bankotsu winced at the clear sound of skin hitting skin and the shriek. "Nice contact." He turned to Kagome with laughing eyes. He asked dryly, "He's never gonna learn, is he?"
"Never," Kagome shook her head.
Tara grinned and cupped her hands around her mouth. "Nice one that time, Sango!"
Sango felt the heat crashing onto her face and ducked her head. 'Damned letch, see what you did now.'
Tara chuckled.
Sesshomaru shook his head. 'Foolish humans, they behave no better than a pup.'
Kohaku and Rin exchanged wide eyed looks, while riding on Ahun.
Jaken shook his head sighing. 'It's such a common occurrence even I have nothing to say about it anymore. Foolish mortals,' Jakotsu mumbled, "Give it a rest already."
Renkotsu sighed heavily. 'I can't wait to be rid of these idiots.'
Inuyasha winced and whined, "Damn it Sango, my ears are going to bleed," He turned to glare at Miroku. "Miroku cut that shit out, already!"
Sango blushed deeper mumbling an apology to Inuyasha and glaring at Miroku.
Miroku cradled his stinging cheek fondly. 'It's worth it,' A lecherous smile spread across his face.
Shippo shook his head mumbling, "Idiot."
Kirara mewled as if in agreement.
The groups continued on without further incident.
After a while Bankotsu gave the signal for everyone to gather round. "We are stopping for the night." Once again he handed out the orders for making camp and hunting. Grabbing Kagome's hand he led her to another open area for training.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Back at camp everyone went about their duties quickly and efficiently.
Tara and Jakotsu left to hunt.
Sango and Miroku collected the water.
Renkotsu walked along collecting the wood.
Inuyasha sulked up in a tree wondering when he would next see his beloved Kikyo.
Renkotsu had just finished collecting wood when he heard an insistent buzzing sound. Spotting the lone messenger, he replied, "Tell him I will come tonight," waving off the insect. He took a thorough gaze around to see if anyone had seen him.
Relieved that he had not been discovered, he went about as normal. He returned to camp with his arms loaded. He dropped the wood and quickly started a fire.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
After the routine pushups and sit ups, Bankotsu commanded, "We are going to do things differently today. I want you to climb on my back and hold on."
Kagome nudged the dirt with her foot "Um... what good will that do?"
"Just do it," Bankotsu got into a kneeling position in front of her. The wind slightly blew his bangs.
'Man he's hot when he looks like that,' Swallowing her pride, she climbed onto his back.
He stood up.
Her eyes widened and she gripped his hips so hard with her legs clinging to him for dear life.
"Damn... loosen up a bit!"
She instantly loosened her legs so they were not crushing his waist and nearly fell off.
Sighing with relief, he ordered in a gentler tone, "Now tighten your knees without digging into my ribs and hold my shoulders with your hands."
She did as told. "Sorry about that."
He grunted. "Forget about it, just don't do it again."
Once they found their right center of balance, he nodded. "Hold on."
She nodded.
He hefted Banryu adjusting to the new weight while Banryu was in his outstretched arm. Flexing his impressive bicep he experimentally swung Banryu a few times, stumbling once from the unaccustomed weight, but quickly righted himself.
Kagome's eyes widened and she gasped, clutching his shoulders tighter.
Bankotsu hid a smile. "It's cool, I won't let you fall."
She stared into his eyes a moment and smiled. "Thanks."
Bankotsu moved around in ever widening circles, accustoming himself to her slight weight. A smiled crossed his face as he ran around. He enjoyed the freedom of being able to take off at a run without the fear of getting killed.
Kagome closed her eyes, secretly enjoying the feel of the muscles in his back and waist as he ran. In her mind she was imagining how they would feel as she traced her fingers along them. She ducked her head as her cheeks bled crimson from the direction of her thoughts.
After a few more circles Bankotsu started to swing Banryu around, whirling it around his head like he usually would. As he began to go through various different moves with the enormous halberd, he felt Kagome trembling against his back. He looked over his shoulder. "What's wrong?" Her wide eyes looked almost comical.
Her heart rate returned to a slower pace before she spoke. "You were getting a little too close; in fact you actually cut some of my hair with that thing!"
"Trust me, I won't hurt you," With the utmost care he propped Banryu against a tree and decided to go for a run. 'I'll just work on my moves a bit later, once she had calmed down.'
Twenty minutes later Bankotsu took a deep breath through his mouth. Instead of air, he inhaled her hair. 'Damnit not again… At this rate I'm going to end up choking to death on her hair.' He spat out her hair yet again. Sighing he stopped and kneeled. "Get down."
Kagome blinked at his tone and numbly obeyed.
Bankotsu firmly turned Kagome to where her back faced him. He grasped her hair. "Enough is enough!" He deftly and swiftly began braiding her hair, retrieving his spare hair tie and fastened her hair.
Kagome blinked.
Having finished Bankotsu eyed his work. . "Much better," He nodded in satisfaction.
Still unsure as to what had happened Kagome just blinked.
Bankotsu crouched in front of her. "Climb on."
Kagome nodded mutely and cautiously climbed back on.
Bankotsu stood to his feet. Making sure Kagome was securely settled on his back, He lifted his beloved Banryu and once more began running and jumping around.
Kagome's eyes widened as she realized her hair wasn't in her face. When it finally dawned on her what he had done, Kagome blushed. "Um... thank you Bankotsu."
Bankotsu grunted in acknowledgment and continued running without breaking his stride.
Fifteen minutes later Bankotsu was lost deep in thoughts of how he enjoyed Kagome rubbing and bouncing against his back. His thoughts strayed to what it would be like to feel her legs gripping tightly around him under more sensuous circumstances.
Thoughts of her naked flesh gliding against his own spurred his mind to even more lustful images filled his mind. He bit his lip to hold back a groan and didn't notice that his foot was headed towards a rather large and prominent root.
Kagome was lost in her own thoughts. 'I wonder if he would let me trace his firm abs? Would they feel like chiseled stone, or still kind of soft?'
Without warning he tripped and sent her flying, He landed on top of her with a grunt.
They both gasped as tiny jolts of electricity zinged through their bodies.
Wide cerulean eyes clashed with deep chocolate eyes. Suddenly everything melted away and the world consisted of just the two of them.
Bankotsu's eyes locked to the eyes of the girl beneath him and he very slowly descended towards her full rose petal lips that were just begging for him to devour them. Unwilling to ignore the temptation any longer he smirked.
Kagome blushed deeply knowing what was about to happen and wanting it as much as he did
He chuckled and moved her arms from her sides to pin them above her head. Smirking at the predicament that he had her in, Bankotsu lowered his head to her face. Capturing her lower lip between his teeth he lightly licked and nibbled it.
She gasped. Taking advantage of her open mouth, Bankotsu slipped his tongue inside her mouth and thoroughly explored the inside of her mouth.
After getting over her initial shock, Kagome moaned at the unexpected pleasure beginning to course through her. Tentatively she started sliding her tongue along his and thus began the battle of the tongues for dominance.
As the couple fought the battle for dominance oblivious to their surroundings, an unexpected guest arrived.
Spying the couple in a rather compromising situation, Inuyasha's eyes widened and his face quickly turned into a scowl as anger raised its ugly head. A low growl rumbled in his chest and his claws dug into the flesh of his hands when they balled into fists.
He stormed towards the kissing couple. The scent of the other male's arousal angered him. 'That bastard…' After he reached the slightly startled couple, Inuyasha kicked Bankotsu off of Kagome. His tone was dangerous. "Am I interrupting?"
Rolling with the kick and onto his feet, Bankotsu rushed Inuyasha tackling him into the ground. The two started fighting with the sickening thud of fist hitting flesh.
Kagome quickly moved to her feet. "Bankotsu, Inuyasha, quit fighting you two! Inuyasha stop it. He didn't do anything wrong. Stop fighting!" She ran towards them and tried to separate them.
Once Bankotsu had been pushed far enough away from Inuyasha, Kagome's temper rose and she faced the hanyou. "Sit Boy!"
Inuyasha plummeted face first into the ground, leaving a hanyou shaped indentation easily a good foot deep.
Her eyes filled with fire as she glared at the hanyou. "How dare you attack Bankotsu when he kissed me? He didn't do anything wrong."
'I'm glad that it's the stupid mutt in the ground and not me.' Bankotsu wrapped Kagome into a warm embrace. He pulled her into another kiss, ignoring the growling coming from the crater at their feet.
Bankotsu broke the kiss and smiled at Kagome's blushing face. 'She likes when I kiss her eh? Good.'
With the relatively close proximity to Bankotsu's slightly sweaty body, Kagome blushed brighter and hid her face into his chest breathing in his strong musky scent.
Seeing her embarrassment and loving the close proximity to her body, Bankotsu laughed heartily and answered Inuyasha's earlier question. "No, we were just training."
As he reluctantly released his hold on her body, he turned back to the hanyou who was slowly pulling himself out of the crater. Bankotsu ground out through clenched teeth, "You ever do that again Inuyasha and I'll be forced to kill you." His eyes turn deadly cold and hard. He took a menacing step towards the hanyou. "Don't ever touch me or mine again. Got that?"
Pulling himself onto his feet, Inuyasha stuffed his hands into the sleeves of his haori. He glared at the mercenary. "Keh... you shouldn't be attacking Kagome like that either,"
"He didn't attack me."
Inuyasha saw the even deeper blush crossing Kagome's cheeks.
Bankotsu moved swiftly getting right into Inuyasha's face. Waves of anger streamed off his body. "I will do as I please with whomever I want and you can't do a thing about that." His teeth ground together. "You ever lay a finger upon her again mutt and I will remove it without a thought." He cracked his fists. "Now leave before it gets ugly."
Inuyasha turned around in a huff. "Whatever," He started to walk off and stopped to growl over his shoulder, "Dinner's ready when you two decide to make an appearance."
He bound off on fleet feet back to the others, before hopping into a nearby tree sulking about what he saw and feeling slightly heartbroken as well. 'I guess she really is over me already.'
Bankotsu's pants had become rather constricted. Not wanting to frighten off the young woman who was partially responsible for his current predicament, he cleared his throat. "Hey Kagome, would you mind turning your back a moment?"
Oblivious to the situation Kagome stared at him confused. "Why?"
Bankotsu smirked. "Hey if you want to watch me wiz, I won't complain."
Instantly flushing, Kagome turned her back to him. "You jerk! You could have just said that you need to pee or something."
Bankotsu chuckled as he turned away from her and carefully adjusted himself so he wasn't so uncomfortable.
Having eased the restriction in his hakamas Bankotsu grabbed her hand and walked over to the tree. He hefted Banryu onto his shoulder. "We should get back to camp before the food gets cold."
Kagome nodded.
He led her back to camp.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
The minute he caught scent of their approach Inuyasha glared at Bankotsu.
Catching the glare Bankotsu sent a smug smirk Inuyasha's way, before facing Sango and Tara. "Let's eat."
The girls served the food and everyone ate.
Noticing the tense air between Inuyasha and Bankotsu, Tara asked, "So what's with you two?"
Bankotsu and Inuyasha both grunted.
Tara shook her head sighing and continued eating.
After they had finished Bankotsu stood up tugging Kagome to her feet. He looked at their companions. "We are going to bathe. The rest of you bed down soon because we are leaving early. I will take the watch tonight."
Grumbling because they knew he wasn't joking, the two groups began preparing for bed.
The couple walked over to Kagome's bag and then to the springs.
Sesshomaru sat back quietly observing everything and stared coldly at his brother.
Catching the stare Inuyasha huffed and turned away.
Sesshomaru calmly turned to his wards. "Time for bed."
Rin replied cheerily, "Yes me lord." and bed down.
Without a word Kohaku did the same.
Observing her brother Sango smiled and also bed down. Kirara mewled and curled next to her belly.
Miroku stared into the fire lost deep in his thoughts for a while. He stretched out a few feet from the fire and then went to sleep as well.
Jakotsu and Tara had wasted no time in bedding down with their backs to each other and about a foot of space between them.
Renkotsu had obediently bed down and pretended to fall fast asleep. He secretly awaited his chance to sneak off.
Inuyasha sat in the tree with his leg bouncing and glaring in the direction Kagome and the arrogant male had gone. 'Damn that cocky bastard! I am so having that talk with him tonight.'
XOXOXOXOXOXO
At the spring Bankotsu had stopped by the water and driven Banryu into the earth before he began to undress.
Kagome quickly shed her top layer of clothing. As she had come to expect, she was quickly scooped into the young teenage male's powerful arms.
Taking a deep breath he jumped into the water. They kicked to the surface and began bathing.
Bankotsu kept sneaking glances when she wasn't looking. He smirked inwardly as he caught her stealing a glance at his toned chest and abs. 'So she's getting a bit braver now, eh?'
Once they had finished cleansing each other's hair, they sat beside each other enjoying the warm water soothing their muscles.
Kagome smiled. "The new training seemed to go well once we got the right balance."
Bankotsu shrugged. "It wasn't too bad."
Kagome shoved his chest playfully glaring. "Wasn't too bad? Bankotsu, I think it went pretty good considering it was the first day of the new training."
Bankotsu teasingly added, "Especially since I did all the work."
Kagome shot him a glare and scoffed indignantly. "Hey I worked too you know."
Bankotsu laughed. "Work? All you had to do was hold on." He playfully dunked her.
Kagome came up sputtering and slapped his hand away from her head. "That isn't an easy thing to do with you jumping and flipping all over the place."
Bankotsu laughed. "Try lifting a girl on your back and jump like that."
Kagome glared playfully at him and then smiled. "What about the pushups and sits ups, eh?"
Bankotsu just chuckled.
Kagome pretended to huff and playfully shoved his chest knocking him into the water.
He came back up grinning and flipped her to where her back was against the wall. He quickly pinned her arms above her head with one hand. Smirking he lifted his free hand and wrapped it behind her neck forcing a surprisingly tender kiss.
As she realized what had happened, Kagome felt the familiar tingles begin running through her body and relaxed into the kiss moaning.
At her pleasurable moan, Bankotsu changed the kiss to passionate and released her neck. He ran his fingers lightly across her shoulder and down her side very slowly.
Kagome felt a shiver wrack her body and became slightly aroused by his touch.
Bankotsu broke the kiss in need of oxygen, leaning his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingled as they both panted trying to regain a normal rhythm.
Blushing Kagome closed her eyes as a smile crossed her face.
Bankotsu pulled back smiling at the effect he obviously had on her. He smiled. 'We seem to affect each other that way.' His grin widened.
Bankotsu moved to sit beside her. 'She is a hell of a girl, that's for sure.' His eyes possessively traveled from her face to her chest. They went down to the water and then back up again. He smirked. 'And now she is my girl!'
Just the mere thought of how beautiful and feisty she was had a familiar warmth filling his loins. 'As much as I would love to spread her legs and bury myself inside her, she's still not ready yet. Normally I would say the hell with it and go for it… but she's different. I don't want to scare her or rush her. Weird.'
The image of her writhing naked under him and moaning in that innocently seductive way she did, had him slamming the mental brakes on his wayward thoughts. He shifted a bit. "We should get back soon so you can rest."
Nodding gratefully she stood up.
Bankotsu's gaze took in the way the water traveled down her body before he also stood up.
Kagome made her way out of the water and to the shore.
Bankotsu watched from the edge as she began dressing, loving the way the clothes hugged her luscious body. Watching as she slipped into her skirt slowly gliding it up to her hips, Bankotsu bit back a moan as his member hardened.
Having tortured himself long enough, he focused on calming his raging hormones. 'Cool it man, she is just now getting comfortable around you. You're going to have to take it slow with this one.'
He forced the images of an icy cold waterfall cascading down his body until his urge to push her against the ground and slam inside her was once again under iron clad control. Taking a deep breath, he slipped from the water.
Having finished dressing, Kagome rummaged in her bag for her hair brush, before she glanced up as her eyes went wide. Swallowing a few times, Kagome settled her eyes on the tanned form emerging from the water. Only one thought came to mind. 'Damn, he's gorgeous!'
Her eyes greedily feasted on the magnificently chiseled chest and tight abs that lay bared to her. Chocolate orbs began to follow every dip and curve of the flesh that stood not far from her. She swallowed and her gaze traveled to his hips. Her breathing hitched.
Unable to keep her gaze from wandering lower, she gasped when she took in the sheer size of him. Her eyes budged. 'Oh shit! He's huge!' Her mouth dropped open and she stared openly, lingering a moment on his manhood.
Bankotsu reached for the towel and smiled as he noticed Kagome eying him. His smile turned into a deadly smirk as he noticed her gaze lingering momentarily on his hips then travel down and then slowly back up to his chest. 'Now this is unexpected,' he thought pleasantly surprised.
Her gaze slowly traveled to his strong and sculpted thighs and back up to his hardened member.
'He's incredible! One man should never be this damn sexy!' Her gaze rose to his face and she took in his eyes she felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment at having been caught staring so openly at him.
Enjoying her blatant perusal Bankotsu purred, "Do you like what you see?"
Kagome answered huskily, "Yeah," something briefly flashed in her eyes. More heat crashed on her face as the thought of actually touching it flew through her mind. Of its own accord her hand lifted into the air, reaching for the ultimate prize.
Bankotsu smirked. "Really," Her eyes widened as she felt his hand grab hers. He chuckled.
Kagome licked her lips nervously and nodded slowly. Her heart was pounding inside her chest and she felt strange tingles going down to gather into heat in her belly. She licked her bottom lip.
Bankotsu smirked wider and pushed her hand away. He held up his pants away from his body and stared her dead in the eye. "Mind if I get dressed now? Or did you want to devour me with your eyes a little longer?"
Kagome looked away mumbling, "You can dress now, jerk."
Bankotsu chuckled and slipped his legs into his hakamas. He teased her by slowly pulling them up his legs and watched her blush deeper. 'She's so cute when she blushes.'
Reaching over he picked up his haori. "Are you going to be okay?" Amusement sparkled in his blue eyes as he noticed the girl was trying to pull herself together.
His devilish grin spread. He grabbed her hand and led it to within an inch of his clothed member. He stopped letting their hands hover there and spoke huskily. "Anytime you want to touch all you have to do is ask."
Her eyes went wide as saucers and she yanked her hand free. "You jerk," She punched him in the arm and immediately turned around. 'That's what I get for ogling him.' She mentally berated.
Bankotsu laughed a minute. He sobered up. "Come on we need to get back."
Kagome bent over retrieving her bag. He retrieved his Banryu after donning his haori.
Kagome remained silent still flushing from the incident. Her mind taunted her. 'You should have touched it.' She blinked and her hand itched to do just that.
Since it was now dark they held hands and walked back to camp.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
They walked into camp together and over to a tree. With the utmost care Bankotsu settled his Banryu against the tree's wide base, before helping Kagome roll out her sleeping blankets.
"Go ahead and get some rest Kagome. We are heading out early."
Already feeling her body begin to get heavy; Kagome nodded and crawled into her blankets.
Without a word Bankotsu gently rearranged her head so she used his thigh as a pillow.
Kagome smiled sleepily and yawned. "Good night Bankotsu and thanks."
Bankotsu smiled. "Goodnight Kagome," he settled the enormous halberd closer to him comfortably in case it was needed.
Watching the scene from a different tree Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the teenager. He blinked. 'That's not like him at all. What is he up to?' Sighing he sat quietly, eyes never leaving Bankotsu and Kagome as he waited for the girl to fall asleep.
Sesshomaru watched the events with a bored expression upon his face.
After Kagome was deep in slumber, Inuyasha silently jumped down from his perch and walked over in front of Bankotsu.
Seeing the hanyou approach, Bankotsu gently moved Kagome's head from his thigh and rose to his feet. His hand gripped the handle of his halberd and he prepared to strike if necessary. His eyes hardened. "Do you have a problem mutt?"
Inuyasha grit his teeth at the insult. Golden eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you plotting at?"
Bankotsu's his eyes flashed showing signs of anger. "What the hell do you mean?"
"Listen to me."
Bankotsu scoffed. "Why should I?"
Inuyasha's eyes hardened into amber crystals. "What is between you and Kagome?"
Bankotsu stared him dead in the eye. "None of your business," he hissed venomously.
Inuyasha drew himself up and started at the teen. His voice softened a bit. "It is my business. She's been under my protection since she first came to this world."
Bankotsu raised a brow and stared him down. "Well she is under mine now and has been for a while."
Inuyasha folded his hands across his chest. "What exactly do you feel for her?"
Feeling an unnamed emotion rising, Bankotsu's eyes flashed a silent challenge. "What does it matter to you?" his lips pressed together tightly.
Inuyasha barked out. "It's not like that. I just want to make sure you aren't going to hurt her."
Bankotsu blinked. His brows drew together and he scratched the side of his head. "Why would I do that?"
Inuyasha squared off to look at Bankotsu, all pretenses dropped. "No more games, if you truly feel for her; then you are committed to her. No forced emotions or false reassurances."
Bankotsu's eyelids opened and closed rapidly.
"Kagome deserves everything," he dropped his harms to hang limp at his sides. Inuyasha tore his eyes from the mercenary's and stared out at nothing. He added in a soft voice, "That's why she and I will never work."
Bankotsu felt the emotion resurfacing and he realized what it was. He had viewed Inuyasha as competition for Kagome... as a threat to his claim on her. "You loved that undead priestess didn't you?" Bankotsu ventured with a softer tone.
The hanyou nodded. "I still do, just like I love Kagome."
Bankotsu's jealousy reared its ugly head, but before he could warn the mutt off, Inuyasha added in an emotion filled voice, "I can't give her a half love."
His voice suddenly went quiet, "It's just that she gives so much without asking anything in return. She needs something back Bankotsu, or she'll burn out." Staring his rival dead in the eye he growled. "If you break her heart, I will break your neck!" Making sure that Bankotsu understood his warning, Inuyasha spun on his heel and bounded off to his previous perch.
Bankotsu stood unsure of what exactly happened between him and Inuyasha. He gazed after the retreating hanyou, watching as he returned to his perch. Bankotsu replayed the conversation in his mind. His eyes widened and his mouth fell open. 'Inuyasha is letting her go.'
Bankotsu's heart leapt for joy and he smiled. 'Now there is nothing standing in the way of her and I being together.' An hour later feeling drained from the day's physical activities and emotional over load, Bankotsu curled protectively around Kagome and slipped into a semi trouble free sleep.
Inuyasha released a long drawn out sigh and leapt from his perch. He walked to the edge of the camp. Blinking as it finally dawned on him that someone was missing. Inuyasha turned to head away when a familiar scent hit him.
"Kikyo..." He ran off following her scent.
XOXOXOXO
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the improved chapter fourteen. Please remember to read and review thanks.
A HUGE Thank you SangOtaku6 for your many ideas, suggestions, and mostly your advice :)
08-19-10: A/N: I am relieved to say that my sister's son was born last night and both momma and baby are doing fine. She's really had us worried with this one {Thank GOD it's the last one. If you want details, check out my blog.} Also, I've done some serious changes to this chapter - enjoy XD.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Unexpected:
The next morningbefore sunrise,Bankotsu's eyes slowly fluttered open as he awoke. He took a minute to fully wake up and yawned and stretched. He carefully leaned over whispering, "Kagome, time to get up."
Groaning in protest she opened her eyes. She looked into his handsome face and greeted sleepily, but cheerily, "Morning."
He shook his head amused at her chipper disposition. "Morning' let's get the others up and eat so that we can get going."
She nodded.
He rose to his feet, pulling her to her feet as well. They walked around waking up the others.
Sesshomaru had slept lightly last night. He stared at Jaken. "Jaken wake up Kohaku and Rin and then tend to Ahun, while Rin and Kohaku tended themselves." Sesshomaru Walked over and kicked his idiot brother over an hour ago.
"Sango, Miroku, get the hell up!" They groaned in protest, but stood up and walked over to the river splashing some water in their faces.
Jakotsu's eyes flew open as he caught a quick hard slap on the ass. He jumped up glaring at his leader, who was smirking. Jakotsu saw the order in his leader's eyes and new better than to argue. He sighed and walked over to the river, trying to rub the sting away. "Damnit, why does he always have to assault my poor ass?" He knelt by the river and splashed water into his face.
Tara had gotten the alarm clock treatment and jumped up. She glared at them both and then got up, walking towards the river. She mumbled under her breath, "Damned indecent hours."
Renkotsu got a foot nudged to the ribs. "Up now and get ready to move out. Don't make me warn you again Ren."
The fire breather groaned dragging himself from his bedroll. He walked towards the river. 'Stupid brat. I'm getting tired of being kicked awake.' His mind replayed the way Jakotsu had been thrown n the river and slapped on the butt to wake up on previous occasions. 'I suppose a nudge to the ribs is better than that though.'
Tara and Sango passed out the bowls of fruit and nuts.
Jakotsu smoked some fish.
After eating, Bankotsu took his position clearly. He stood tall and proud overseeing the breakdown of the camp.
Kagome had already packed her bag. She sat waiting by her stuff. She stole a peak at Bankotsu. 'Why does he have to be so cute all the time? Do I really like him?' She sighed. 'I like it when he holds me... Inuyasha never really holds me... not like that... I like that Bankotsu makes me feel safe and cared for," her breath hitched nervously.
Seeing that things were in order, Bankotsu shouldered his Banryu. "Alright we're leaving." He walked over and grabbed Kagome's hand, startling her out of her thoughts. He led her down the path and thus began another day of traveling.
Kagome blushed as she felt his strong, warm and calloused hand engulf hers. She looked at him. 'Why does he make me feel like this? Could I really have feelings other than friendship for him? I've been blushing like mad around him lately and I enjoy his kisses.' Sighing Kagome shook her head trying to clear it and concentrate on walking.
Bankotsu noticed the feint blush on her face. His head cocked sideways. 'Is she thinking about me again? Is that why she's blushing?' Shaking his head to clear it he smirked, and focused his attention back on the road ahead.
Sango noticed that Kagome kept sneaking peeks at Bankotsu. 'Could Kagome have developed a crush on Bankotsu? What happened to her and Inuyasha? Either way Bankotsu had better not hurt her…'
Miroku glanced at Sango and saw that he looked lost deep in thought. 'Now is my chance,' he thought. His hand slowly inched closer towards her irresistible posterior.
Sango's spine stiffened the instant she felt an unwanted hand squeezing firmly on her backside. Glaring daggers at the owner of the offending appendage, she slapped him hard. "Miroku…!"
Bankotsu winced at the clear sound of skin hitting skin and the shriek. "Nice contact." He turned to Kagome with laughing eyes. He asked dryly, "He's never gonna learn, is he?"
"Never," Kagome shook her head.
Tara grinned and cupped her hands around her mouth. "Nice one that time, Sango!"
Sango felt the heat crashing onto her face and ducked her head. 'Damned letch, see what you did now.'
Tara chuckled.
Sesshomaru shook his head. 'Foolish humans, they behave no better than a pup.'
Kohaku and Rin exchanged wide eyed looks, while riding on Ahun.
Jaken shook his head sighing. 'It's such a common occurrence even I have nothing to say about it anymore. Foolish mortals,' Jakotsu mumbled, "Give it a rest already."
Renkotsu sighed heavily. 'I can't wait to be rid of these idiots.'
Inuyasha winced and whined, "Damn it Sango, my ears are going to bleed," He turned to glare at Miroku. "Miroku cut that shit out, already!"
Sango blushed deeper mumbling an apology to Inuyasha and glaring at Miroku.
Miroku cradled his stinging cheek fondly. 'It's worth it,' A lecherous smile spread across his face.
Shippo shook his head mumbling, "Idiot."
Kirara mewled as if in agreement.
The groups continued on without further incident.
After a while Bankotsu gave the signal for everyone to gather round. "We are stopping for the night." Once again he handed out the orders for making camp and hunting. Grabbing Kagome's hand he led her to another open area for training.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Back at camp everyone went about their duties quickly and efficiently.
Tara and Jakotsu left to hunt.
Sango and Miroku collected the water.
Renkotsu walked along collecting the wood.
Inuyasha sulked up in a tree wondering when he would next see his beloved Kikyo.
Renkotsu had just finished collecting wood when he heard an insistent buzzing sound. Spotting the lone messenger, he replied, "Tell him I will come tonight," waving off the insect. He took a thorough gaze around to see if anyone had seen him.
Relieved that he had not been discovered, he went about as normal. He returned to camp with his arms loaded. He dropped the wood and quickly started a fire.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
After the routine pushups and sit ups, Bankotsu commanded, "We are going to do things differently today. I want you to climb on my back and hold on."
Kagome nudged the dirt with her foot "Um... what good will that do?"
"Just do it," Bankotsu got into a kneeling position in front of her. The wind slightly blew his bangs.
'Man he's hot when he looks like that,' Swallowing her pride, she climbed onto his back.
He stood up.
Her eyes widened and she gripped his hips so hard with her legs clinging to him for dear life.
"Damn... loosen up a bit!"
She instantly loosened her legs so they were not crushing his waist and nearly fell off.
Sighing with relief, he ordered in a gentler tone, "Now tighten your knees without digging into my ribs and hold my shoulders with your hands."
She did as told. "Sorry about that."
He grunted. "Forget about it, just don't do it again."
Once they found their right center of balance, he nodded. "Hold on."
She nodded.
He hefted Banryu adjusting to the new weight while Banryu was in his outstretched arm. Flexing his impressive bicep he experimentally swung Banryu a few times, stumbling once from the unaccustomed weight, but quickly righted himself.
Kagome's eyes widened and she gasped, clutching his shoulders tighter.
Bankotsu hid a smile. "It's cool, I won't let you fall."
She stared into his eyes a moment and smiled. "Thanks."
Bankotsu moved around in ever widening circles, accustoming himself to her slight weight. A smiled crossed his face as he ran around. He enjoyed the freedom of being able to take off at a run without the fear of getting killed.
Kagome closed her eyes, secretly enjoying the feel of the muscles in his back and waist as he ran. In her mind she was imagining how they would feel as she traced her fingers along them. She ducked her head as her cheeks bled crimson from the direction of her thoughts.
After a few more circles Bankotsu started to swing Banryu around, whirling it around his head like he usually would. As he began to go through various different moves with the enormous halberd, he felt Kagome trembling against his back. He looked over his shoulder. "What's wrong?" Her wide eyes looked almost comical.
Her heart rate returned to a slower pace before she spoke. "You were getting a little too close; in fact you actually cut some of my hair with that thing!"
"Trust me, I won't hurt you," With the utmost care he propped Banryu against a tree and decided to go for a run. 'I'll just work on my moves a bit later, once she had calmed down.'
Twenty minutes later Bankotsu took a deep breath through his mouth. Instead of air, he inhaled her hair. 'Damnit not again… At this rate I'm going to end up choking to death on her hair.' He spat out her hair yet again. Sighing he stopped and kneeled. "Get down."
Kagome blinked at his tone and numbly obeyed.
Bankotsu firmly turned Kagome to where her back faced him. He grasped her hair. "Enough is enough!" He deftly and swiftly began braiding her hair, retrieving his spare hair tie and fastened her hair.
Kagome blinked.
Having finished Bankotsu eyed his work. . "Much better," He nodded in satisfaction.
Still unsure as to what had happened Kagome just blinked.
Bankotsu crouched in front of her. "Climb on."
Kagome nodded mutely and cautiously climbed back on.
Bankotsu stood to his feet. Making sure Kagome was securely settled on his back, He lifted his beloved Banryu and once more began running and jumping around.
Kagome's eyes widened as she realized her hair wasn't in her face. When it finally dawned on her what he had done, Kagome blushed. "Um... thank you Bankotsu."
Bankotsu grunted in acknowledgment and continued running without breaking his stride.
Fifteen minutes later Bankotsu was lost deep in thoughts of how he enjoyed Kagome rubbing and bouncing against his back. His thoughts strayed to what it would be like to feel her legs gripping tightly around him under more sensuous circumstances.
Thoughts of her naked flesh gliding against his own spurred his mind to even more lustful images filled his mind. He bit his lip to hold back a groan and didn't notice that his foot was headed towards a rather large and prominent root.
Kagome was lost in her own thoughts. 'I wonder if he would let me trace his firm abs? Would they feel like chiseled stone, or still kind of soft?'
Without warning he tripped and sent her flying, He landed on top of her with a grunt.
They both gasped as tiny jolts of electricity zinged through their bodies.
Wide cerulean eyes clashed with deep chocolate eyes. Suddenly everything melted away and the world consisted of just the two of them.
Bankotsu's eyes locked to the eyes of the girl beneath him and he very slowly descended towards her full rose petal lips that were just begging for him to devour them. Unwilling to ignore the temptation any longer he smirked.
Kagome blushed deeply knowing what was about to happen and wanting it as much as he did
He chuckled and moved her arms from her sides to pin them above her head. Smirking at the predicament that he had her in, Bankotsu lowered his head to her face. Capturing her lower lip between his teeth he lightly licked and nibbled it.
She gasped. Taking advantage of her open mouth, Bankotsu slipped his tongue inside her mouth and thoroughly explored the inside of her mouth.
After getting over her initial shock, Kagome moaned at the unexpected pleasure beginning to course through her. Tentatively she started sliding her tongue along his and thus began the battle of the tongues for dominance.
As the couple fought the battle for dominance oblivious to their surroundings, an unexpected guest arrived.
Spying the couple in a rather compromising situation, Inuyasha's eyes widened and his face quickly turned into a scowl as anger raised its ugly head. A low growl rumbled in his chest and his claws dug into the flesh of his hands when they balled into fists.
He stormed towards the kissing couple. The scent of the other male's arousal angered him. 'That bastard…' After he reached the slightly startled couple, Inuyasha kicked Bankotsu off of Kagome. His tone was dangerous. "Am I interrupting?"
Rolling with the kick and onto his feet, Bankotsu rushed Inuyasha tackling him into the ground. The two started fighting with the sickening thud of fist hitting flesh.
Kagome quickly moved to her feet. "Bankotsu, Inuyasha, quit fighting you two! Inuyasha stop it. He didn't do anything wrong. Stop fighting!" She ran towards them and tried to separate them.
Once Bankotsu had been pushed far enough away from Inuyasha, Kagome's temper rose and she faced the hanyou. "Sit Boy!"
Inuyasha plummeted face first into the ground, leaving a hanyou shaped indentation easily a good foot deep.
Her eyes filled with fire as she glared at the hanyou. "How dare you attack Bankotsu when he kissed me? He didn't do anything wrong."
'I'm glad that it's the stupid mutt in the ground and not me.' Bankotsu wrapped Kagome into a warm embrace. He pulled her into another kiss, ignoring the growling coming from the crater at their feet.
Bankotsu broke the kiss and smiled at Kagome's blushing face. 'She likes when I kiss her eh? Good.'
With the relatively close proximity to Bankotsu's slightly sweaty body, Kagome blushed brighter and hid her face into his chest breathing in his strong musky scent.
Seeing her embarrassment and loving the close proximity to her body, Bankotsu laughed heartily and answered Inuyasha's earlier question. "No, we were just training."
As he reluctantly released his hold on her body, he turned back to the hanyou who was slowly pulling himself out of the crater. Bankotsu ground out through clenched teeth, "You ever do that again Inuyasha and I'll be forced to kill you." His eyes turn deadly cold and hard. He took a menacing step towards the hanyou. "Don't ever touch me or mine again. Got that?"
Pulling himself onto his feet, Inuyasha stuffed his hands into the sleeves of his haori. He glared at the mercenary. "Keh... you shouldn't be attacking Kagome like that either,"
"He didn't attack me."
Inuyasha saw the even deeper blush crossing Kagome's cheeks.
Bankotsu moved swiftly getting right into Inuyasha's face. Waves of anger streamed off his body. "I will do as I please with whomever I want and you can't do a thing about that." His teeth ground together. "You ever lay a finger upon her again mutt and I will remove it without a thought." He cracked his fists. "Now leave before it gets ugly."
Inuyasha turned around in a huff. "Whatever," He started to walk off and stopped to growl over his shoulder, "Dinner's ready when you two decide to make an appearance."
He bound off on fleet feet back to the others, before hopping into a nearby tree sulking about what he saw and feeling slightly heartbroken as well. 'I guess she really is over me already.'
Bankotsu's pants had become rather constricted. Not wanting to frighten off the young woman who was partially responsible for his current predicament, he cleared his throat. "Hey Kagome, would you mind turning your back a moment?"
Oblivious to the situation Kagome stared at him confused. "Why?"
Bankotsu smirked. "Hey if you want to watch me wiz, I won't complain."
Instantly flushing, Kagome turned her back to him. "You jerk! You could have just said that you need to pee or something."
Bankotsu chuckled as he turned away from her and carefully adjusted himself so he wasn't so uncomfortable.
Having eased the restriction in his hakamas Bankotsu grabbed her hand and walked over to the tree. He hefted Banryu onto his shoulder. "We should get back to camp before the food gets cold."
Kagome nodded.
He led her back to camp.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
The minute he caught scent of their approach Inuyasha glared at Bankotsu.
Catching the glare Bankotsu sent a smug smirk Inuyasha's way, before facing Sango and Tara. "Let's eat."
The girls served the food and everyone ate.
Noticing the tense air between Inuyasha and Bankotsu, Tara asked, "So what's with you two?"
Bankotsu and Inuyasha both grunted.
Tara shook her head sighing and continued eating.
After they had finished Bankotsu stood up tugging Kagome to her feet. He looked at their companions. "We are going to bathe. The rest of you bed down soon because we are leaving early. I will take the watch tonight."
Grumbling because they knew he wasn't joking, the two groups began preparing for bed.
The couple walked over to Kagome's bag and then to the springs.
Sesshomaru sat back quietly observing everything and stared coldly at his brother.
Catching the stare Inuyasha huffed and turned away.
Sesshomaru calmly turned to his wards. "Time for bed."
Rin replied cheerily, "Yes me lord." and bed down.
Without a word Kohaku did the same.
Observing her brother Sango smiled and also bed down. Kirara mewled and curled next to her belly.
Miroku stared into the fire lost deep in his thoughts for a while. He stretched out a few feet from the fire and then went to sleep as well.
Jakotsu and Tara had wasted no time in bedding down with their backs to each other and about a foot of space between them.
Renkotsu had obediently bed down and pretended to fall fast asleep. He secretly awaited his chance to sneak off.
Inuyasha sat in the tree with his leg bouncing and glaring in the direction Kagome and the arrogant male had gone. 'Damn that cocky bastard! I am so having that talk with him tonight.'
XOXOXOXOXOXO
At the spring Bankotsu had stopped by the water and driven Banryu into the earth before he began to undress.
Kagome quickly shed her top layer of clothing. As she had come to expect, she was quickly scooped into the young teenage male's powerful arms.
Taking a deep breath he jumped into the water. They kicked to the surface and began bathing.
Bankotsu kept sneaking glances when she wasn't looking. He smirked inwardly as he caught her stealing a glance at his toned chest and abs. 'So she's getting a bit braver now, eh?'
Once they had finished cleansing each other's hair, they sat beside each other enjoying the warm water soothing their muscles.
Kagome smiled. "The new training seemed to go well once we got the right balance."
Bankotsu shrugged. "It wasn't too bad."
Kagome shoved his chest playfully glaring. "Wasn't too bad? Bankotsu, I think it went pretty good considering it was the first day of the new training."
Bankotsu teasingly added, "Especially since I did all the work."
Kagome shot him a glare and scoffed indignantly. "Hey I worked too you know."
Bankotsu laughed. "Work? All you had to do was hold on." He playfully dunked her.
Kagome came up sputtering and slapped his hand away from her head. "That isn't an easy thing to do with you jumping and flipping all over the place."
Bankotsu laughed. "Try lifting a girl on your back and jump like that."
Kagome glared playfully at him and then smiled. "What about the pushups and sits ups, eh?"
Bankotsu just chuckled.
Kagome pretended to huff and playfully shoved his chest knocking him into the water.
He came back up grinning and flipped her to where her back was against the wall. He quickly pinned her arms above her head with one hand. Smirking he lifted his free hand and wrapped it behind her neck forcing a surprisingly tender kiss.
As she realized what had happened, Kagome felt the familiar tingles begin running through her body and relaxed into the kiss moaning.
At her pleasurable moan, Bankotsu changed the kiss to passionate and released her neck. He ran his fingers lightly across her shoulder and down her side very slowly.
Kagome felt a shiver wrack her body and became slightly aroused by his touch.
Bankotsu broke the kiss in need of oxygen, leaning his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingled as they both panted trying to regain a normal rhythm.
Blushing Kagome closed her eyes as a smile crossed her face.
Bankotsu pulled back smiling at the effect he obviously had on her. He smiled. 'We seem to affect each other that way.' His grin widened.
Bankotsu moved to sit beside her. 'She is a hell of a girl, that's for sure.' His eyes possessively traveled from her face to her chest. They went down to the water and then back up again. He smirked. 'And now she is my girl!'
Just the mere thought of how beautiful and feisty she was had a familiar warmth filling his loins. 'As much as I would love to spread her legs and bury myself inside her, she's still not ready yet. Normally I would say the hell with it and go for it… but she's different. I don't want to scare her or rush her. Weird.'
The image of her writhing naked under him and moaning in that innocently seductive way she did, had him slamming the mental brakes on his wayward thoughts. He shifted a bit. "We should get back soon so you can rest."
Nodding gratefully she stood up.
Bankotsu's gaze took in the way the water traveled down her body before he also stood up.
Kagome made her way out of the water and to the shore.
Bankotsu watched from the edge as she began dressing, loving the way the clothes hugged her luscious body. Watching as she slipped into her skirt slowly gliding it up to her hips, Bankotsu bit back a moan as his member hardened.
Having tortured himself long enough, he focused on calming his raging hormones. 'Cool it man, she is just now getting comfortable around you. You're going to have to take it slow with this one.'
He forced the images of an icy cold waterfall cascading down his body until his urge to push her against the ground and slam inside her was once again under iron clad control. Taking a deep breath, he slipped from the water.
Having finished dressing, Kagome rummaged in her bag for her hair brush, before she glanced up as her eyes went wide. Swallowing a few times, Kagome settled her eyes on the tanned form emerging from the water. Only one thought came to mind. 'Damn, he's gorgeous!'
Her eyes greedily feasted on the magnificently chiseled chest and tight abs that lay bared to her. Chocolate orbs began to follow every dip and curve of the flesh that stood not far from her. She swallowed and her gaze traveled to his hips. Her breathing hitched.
Unable to keep her gaze from wandering lower, she gasped when she took in the sheer size of him. Her eyes budged. 'Oh shit! He's huge!' Her mouth dropped open and she stared openly, lingering a moment on his manhood.
Bankotsu reached for the towel and smiled as he noticed Kagome eying him. His smile turned into a deadly smirk as he noticed her gaze lingering momentarily on his hips then travel down and then slowly back up to his chest. 'Now this is unexpected,' he thought pleasantly surprised.
Her gaze slowly traveled to his strong and sculpted thighs and back up to his hardened member.
'He's incredible! One man should never be this damn sexy!' Her gaze rose to his face and she took in his eyes she felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment at having been caught staring so openly at him.
Enjoying her blatant perusal Bankotsu purred, "Do you like what you see?"
Kagome answered huskily, "Yeah," something briefly flashed in her eyes. More heat crashed on her face as the thought of actually touching it flew through her mind. Of its own accord her hand lifted into the air, reaching for the ultimate prize.
Bankotsu smirked. "Really," Her eyes widened as she felt his hand grab hers. He chuckled.
Kagome licked her lips nervously and nodded slowly. Her heart was pounding inside her chest and she felt strange tingles going down to gather into heat in her belly. She licked her bottom lip.
Bankotsu smirked wider and pushed her hand away. He held up his pants away from his body and stared her dead in the eye. "Mind if I get dressed now? Or did you want to devour me with your eyes a little longer?"
Kagome looked away mumbling, "You can dress now, jerk."
Bankotsu chuckled and slipped his legs into his hakamas. He teased her by slowly pulling them up his legs and watched her blush deeper. 'She's so cute when she blushes.'
Reaching over he picked up his haori. "Are you going to be okay?" Amusement sparkled in his blue eyes as he noticed the girl was trying to pull herself together.
His devilish grin spread. He grabbed her hand and led it to within an inch of his clothed member. He stopped letting their hands hover there and spoke huskily. "Anytime you want to touch all you have to do is ask."
Her eyes went wide as saucers and she yanked her hand free. "You jerk," She punched him in the arm and immediately turned around. 'That's what I get for ogling him.' She mentally berated.
Bankotsu laughed a minute. He sobered up. "Come on we need to get back."
Kagome bent over retrieving her bag. He retrieved his Banryu after donning his haori.
Kagome remained silent still flushing from the incident. Her mind taunted her. 'You should have touched it.' She blinked and her hand itched to do just that.
Since it was now dark they held hands and walked back to camp.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
They walked into camp together and over to a tree. With the utmost care Bankotsu settled his Banryu against the tree's wide base, before helping Kagome roll out her sleeping blankets.
"Go ahead and get some rest Kagome. We are heading out early."
Already feeling her body begin to get heavy; Kagome nodded and crawled into her blankets.
Without a word Bankotsu gently rearranged her head so she used his thigh as a pillow.
Kagome smiled sleepily and yawned. "Good night Bankotsu and thanks."
Bankotsu smiled. "Goodnight Kagome," he settled the enormous halberd closer to him comfortably in case it was needed.
Watching the scene from a different tree Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the teenager. He blinked. 'That's not like him at all. What is he up to?' Sighing he sat quietly, eyes never leaving Bankotsu and Kagome as he waited for the girl to fall asleep.
Sesshomaru watched the events with a bored expression upon his face.
After Kagome was deep in slumber, Inuyasha silently jumped down from his perch and walked over in front of Bankotsu.
Seeing the hanyou approach, Bankotsu gently moved Kagome's head from his thigh and rose to his feet. His hand gripped the handle of his halberd and he prepared to strike if necessary. His eyes hardened. "Do you have a problem mutt?"
Inuyasha grit his teeth at the insult. Golden eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you plotting at?"
Bankotsu's his eyes flashed showing signs of anger. "What the hell do you mean?"
"Listen to me."
Bankotsu scoffed. "Why should I?"
Inuyasha's eyes hardened into amber crystals. "What is between you and Kagome?"
Bankotsu stared him dead in the eye. "None of your business," he hissed venomously.
Inuyasha drew himself up and started at the teen. His voice softened a bit. "It is my business. She's been under my protection since she first came to this world."
Bankotsu raised a brow and stared him down. "Well she is under mine now and has been for a while."
Inuyasha folded his hands across his chest. "What exactly do you feel for her?"
Feeling an unnamed emotion rising, Bankotsu's eyes flashed a silent challenge. "What does it matter to you?" his lips pressed together tightly.
Inuyasha barked out. "It's not like that. I just want to make sure you aren't going to hurt her."
Bankotsu blinked. His brows drew together and he scratched the side of his head. "Why would I do that?"
Inuyasha squared off to look at Bankotsu, all pretenses dropped. "No more games, if you truly feel for her; then you are committed to her. No forced emotions or false reassurances."
Bankotsu's eyelids opened and closed rapidly.
"Kagome deserves everything," he dropped his harms to hang limp at his sides. Inuyasha tore his eyes from the mercenary's and stared out at nothing. He added in a soft voice, "That's why she and I will never work."
Bankotsu felt the emotion resurfacing and he realized what it was. He had viewed Inuyasha as competition for Kagome... as a threat to his claim on her. "You loved that undead priestess didn't you?" Bankotsu ventured with a softer tone.
The hanyou nodded. "I still do, just like I love Kagome."
Bankotsu's jealousy reared its ugly head, but before he could warn the mutt off, Inuyasha added in an emotion filled voice, "I can't give her a half love."
His voice suddenly went quiet, "It's just that she gives so much without asking anything in return. She needs something back Bankotsu, or she'll burn out." Staring his rival dead in the eye he growled. "If you break her heart, I will break your neck!" Making sure that Bankotsu understood his warning, Inuyasha spun on his heel and bounded off to his previous perch.
Bankotsu stood unsure of what exactly happened between him and Inuyasha. He gazed after the retreating hanyou, watching as he returned to his perch. Bankotsu replayed the conversation in his mind. His eyes widened and his mouth fell open. 'Inuyasha is letting her go.'
Bankotsu's heart leapt for joy and he smiled. 'Now there is nothing standing in the way of her and I being together.' An hour later feeling drained from the day's physical activities and emotional over load, Bankotsu curled protectively around Kagome and slipped into a semi trouble free sleep.
Inuyasha released a long drawn out sigh and leapt from his perch. He walked to the edge of the camp. Blinking as it finally dawned on him that someone was missing. Inuyasha turned to head away when a familiar scent hit him.
"Kikyo..." He ran off following her scent.
XOXOXOXO
Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is the improved chapter fourteen. Please remember to read and review thanks.