InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Surreptitious Love Affair ❯ Wandering through Memories ( Chapter 4 )

 

 

Chapter 4: Wandering through Memories

 

 

Kagome had a somewhat pleasant night for the first time in many nights. In her dreams, she saw what could be with Inuyasha and that made her smile but something always shattered them afterwards: Her father. No matter how many satisfying scenes, her father managed to appear and rip them apart.

She woke up in a flash when she heard someone entering her room. When she went to sleep, she closed her curtains around her bed, in other words she had a huge canopy bed, with light violet being the dominant color. She frantically opened the right side; she saw breakfast being brought by Kaede. She sighed and smiled as she got out of bed and walked to a table used for the purpose of setting food. The meal consisted of a bowl of exotic fruit, including apples and grapes, which were in small slices, toast with strawberry jelly on the side, and orange juice. She never ate more than that for breakfast and wasn't too keen on waffles and pancakes.

 

“Everything looks scrumptious, Kaede. I'll eat as soon as I have a decent shower. The stench from the cellar is too pungent and clung to me all night.” Kagome said as she smelt herself and made off to the bathroom, but not before grabbing a bra and underwear and a simple summer dress that went to just above her knees.

After 10 minutes, Kagome appeared again all clean and dressed. Her bed was made and curtains were open to the cloudy morning.

 

“It looks like it's going to rain today. Oh well, can't do anything about it. I'll just do some indoor activities.” She said to herself as she made her way to her breakfast and finally started to eat.

 

“Aye, it does. We're expecting a big storm and it might bring flooding with heavy winds. This might be a perfect time to catch up on your singing.” Kaede suggested, standing by the door.

 

“What a great idea! Help yourself to some of this fruit Kaede; I can't eat all this by myself.” Kagome offered, while munching on some strawberries.

 

Kaede walked slowly and just grabbed some apple slices. “So, I expect that everything went well last night, judging by the look on your face, which revealed a huge smile.”

 

“Yeah well…I told him first about the engagement and that really ticked him off. I couldn't stop crying…but I knew that it was the perfect time to tell him that my heart will and always would belong to him…and then I told him I loved him.”

 

Kaede just nodded while Kagome went on to tell about the kiss she and Inuyasha shared, and shook her head while just gazing at her expressions. All this was said while continuing to finish the fruit and starting on the toast.

 

“I think you need to breathe, Miss Kagome, otherwise you might choke on your food.” Kaede spoke up. Kagome just stopped and started to breathe in and out. Kaede just laughed.

“It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling like this after your first kiss. You can say that I looked just about the same way when I had my first kiss, but that was eons ago. Now all this old woman can do is dream and look after you.”

 

After taking a sip of her juice, Kagome finally spoke again.

“Speaking of looking out, I was wondering if you could find another location where Inuyasha and I could meet. I hardly doubt meeting in the cellar will be romantic enough.”

 

Kaede arched an eyebrow at this. “I agree with you on that. Wait a while and I'll see what I can do. There has to be somewhere in this house that's private enough.”

 

“Thanks Kaede.” She yawned and stretched out her arms. She then looked out the window to see a light sprinkle beginning to rain down. Kagome sighed and looked down at the now empty tray of plates.

“I'm finished, Kaede. I'll be down later, unless my parents call for me which I'll be down sooner. They won't let me breathe, even when I'm in the safety of my room.”

 

Kaede nodded and picked up the silver tray and left the room, closing the door behind her.

 

Kagome glanced at the clock on her nightstand: 10:26. She usually woke at 9:00 but not getting to sleep until 1:00 in the morning, she tended to sleep longer. Her parents would be furious if they knew she got up late again. They didn't want her to oversleep on any day. She couldn't care less what they thought and was grateful that Kaede got to her before her parents.

Smoothing out her dress, she walked to get her Ipod at the other end of her room. When she was alone, she liked to sing out loud and stroll down memory lane. Her parents think that the Ipod was a waste of money but then again, she didn't give a damn. She loved to sing and no one could stop her. She was in a cheerful mood this morning and nothing would bring her down.

She selected the song, “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence, and started to sing. She went with the flow and got into the beat of the song. After that she picked a song called, “Control” by Janet Jackson. This song went with how her life is going and was the closest to explaining at how she wants to make her life the way she wants it.

When she hears that song, she wishes that one day she would have her own mind and make her own decisions. But because of the engagement, she knew now that it was impossible.

After a few more songs, she shut off her Ipod and plopped down on her made bed and her mind began to wander. Her eyes were closed but she heard the rain beating hard on her window and the harsh wind blowing accompanying it. On days like this, a few certain memories came back to her.

 

 

A storm such as this takes me back. When I was 12 years old, I got really scared from the brewing storm and I was terrified of thunder and lightning at the time. Kaede came into my room and tried to coax me out of my frightened state but despite her best efforts, it was in vain. After a while, I felt her shift from my bed and whispered that she would check on me later and left the room. My head was buried in my pillow so I had no clue that someone would come in and see me like that.

The storm wasn't letting up and I wouldn't even open my eyes. It wasn't night yet but the dark clouds appeared to make it look as such. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to find the one person that would make me feel better. I frantically left my room and quickly searched for him because my parents remained in the house today. Usually my father was at work and my mother went out and searched for rare plants as always. If I was caught I would be beaten yet again.

My parents knew of my fears for thunderstorms and told me to quit being a baby and act like an adult. I was only 12 years old, even though I was mature to act like one; they expected me to properly behave. I shoved that thought out of my head and continued to search for Inuyasha. I kept my tears at bay or else they would run down my face like a waterfall. Whenever I rushed passed someone, they wouldn't say a thing, just wondering what's happened. Of course it was none of their affair and they continued to work.

I searched frantically for a while, hoping to come across him. I made sure to not let my parents catch me and I looked every which way for them. I searched the first floor first and found nothing. I also made sure not to run into Kaede or else she'll send me back to my room. At this point my tears were slowly running down my face, despite my efforts to hold them back. I then went back up the stairs and again looked one last time up there. The storm outside was at its' peak with lightening, thunder, heavy rain, and atrocious wind more frequent and it urged me on.

When I got down to the west end of the floor, which was quite silent and empty, expect for a few workers, I caught a glimpse of silver and stopped in my tracks. I was running past a guest bedroom when I saw him. Inuyasha was cleaning the floor and didn't seem to notice my appearance. I slowly walked in and stood there, badly shaking. He must have caught on to me because he stopped his movements and stood up. Inuyasha turned to me and looked at me with a concerned look in his eyes. Without so much as a second thought, I ran to him, letting all my built up tears just cascade out. I felt him wrap his arms around me, whispering to me soothing words to further calm me. Just being in his arms immediately helped me and I always feel better. Since he was 3 years older than me and being taller, he sat us on the floor, continuing his soothing motions. I kept saying his name and kept repeating “I'm scared”. He cradled me and made me comfortable on his lap, holding me closer.

It was a good while when my crying ceased but I still held on to him. He never asked what the problem was, but since he was a half demon with a keen sense of smell, probably knew what I was afraid of. I still could hear the storm but all my fears melted away with Inuyasha's embrace and soft touches. When I finally looked up to meet his gaze, he instantly wiped my tears away, telling me its okay and nothing's going to happen. I smiled for the first time that day. I could remember his touch on my face, smoothing my messy hair back as I told him that I was sorry for bursting in on him like this. His face held surprise before changing into sympathy, telling me I didn't have to be sorry for being afraid and coming to him while he worked. He also told me that I could come to him whenever I needed him, just as he always said. I never felt safer and thanked him every time. We already had a friendship going but something told me inside that it was growing into something else, something I've never felt before.

 

 

She continued to stare out her window where the sky was darkening, illuminated only by lightening flashes every few minutes. The wind was stronger too and the rain came down in heavy torrents. Kagome overcame her fear ever since Inuyasha held her that day and she was grateful for that. Since she was obviously grounded indoors today, she needed to find another alternative for pleasure. She glanced over to her new, unfinished book she found the day before. Kagome decided to try and finish it, due to the fact that it was already fascinating so far.

She managed to finish books fairly quickly, especially when it came to novels and historical tales. When she was at the Tokyo Shiritsu, or Tokyo Private School, a school exclusively for the rich families and the most known in Japan for it's reputation as a institution of high learning, she was forced to read at the high school and college levels at age 7. She learned all there is to know about Japan's history and government. She studied day and night, trying to pass the high standards of the school. At such a young age, she was required to read books that were so complicated at first but quickly learned over time, do essays and bookwork that consumed most of her nights, study such complex material that she thought that her brain was going to overload, take tests that tested her knowledge, and pass even more sophisticated exams to get her to the next level. At the school, there were 5 levels of education:

 

The first level-where beginning students prepared for the harder levels that would test their knowledge and focus

 

The second level- usually the second year students, ages ranging from 6 to 8, studied at the high school level, with mathematics, English, science, and government

 

The third level- from this level is where students studied at the college level until graduation. This is where politics, foreign languages, different forms of `ology' were taught, from psychology to zoology, and Japanese history was taught.

 

The forth level- Considered the hardest level, the students do nothing but test and study, preparing for their final year which was deemed, “The Level of Doom” and for good reason. This level pushed students to the brink, figuring out what they're actually made of. The students who did break, didn't graduate with their class and have to be held back.

 

The fifth and final level- The year where you took the hardest examination in your five years of education consisted of everything you learned over the past four years. For the first half of the year you did nothing but cram and study hard and the test was basically 5 months long. When you received your results and if they were excellent, everyone just rejoiced and letting out 5 years of built in tension. Graduation was held at the end of the year, most students at age 10 with their diplomas and recognition of excellence and hard work.

 

 

Her mind wandered through those painful five years, remembering how tough it actually was and her brother, in his fourth year, she knew he was going completely out of his mind. He sounded determined to make it, inspired by her success through it.

She came across a face, someone who she met during her first year; Sango. Sango Hidaka was one of her few female friends throughout the five year period. She and Sango were bunk buddies in the dorm complex, with each room holding 6 girls with 3 sets of bunk beds. They did everything together and helped each other through and came out of that horrid school as best friends. Sango was the only girl friend she kept contact with and was the only girl her age that she could talk to. She smiled at certain memories with Sango, two 5 year olds that were sent there for the same purposes: a higher education.

 

A flash of lightening interrupted her thoughts and she looked to her window again, seeing the rain pound heavily still. She got back to her book, continuing where she left off before strolling down memory lane. She got cozy on her bed and sank into the Feudal Era that her book presented. When she was halfway done, she placed the book back on her bed and just closed her eyes and drifted into a sea of recollections.

 

Often at times, Kagome always thought about her life and the way it's been. She had people around her, helping and assisting in her everyday life. Kaede, being her personal nurse all her life, was thought of first.

Kaede was the one person who could help keep the employed in line. She was hired back when her father first had the mansion built. After she was born, Kaede was appointed nursemaid immediately. The old nurse had the most responsibility on the property. She was in charge of the health, order, assembly, and care of the demon employees. She did her best to nurse and care for the sick and injured and she prescribed bed rest and other curatives, but Mother and Father argued that a low creature didn't need special treatment and insisted that they work in their condition. Kaede despised their opinions on those matters and mentally berated them and her self for not taking better care of them. Whenever Kaede gave her parents a list of who was sick and couldn't work in the morning, Father would easily get exacerbated due to loosing workers that he always said “vital and crucial to the well-being of my mansion!” Poor Kaede just stands there and gets verbally scolded, as if she was the one responsible for getting them sick. Kaede can't objurgate back or else get beaten severely. One morning however, Kagome found out that Inuyasha was ill, due to a case of overhearing. On a day such as this stormy one is one that she remembers quite well.

 

 

Storms such as this not only brings back frightening, but also comforting, memories. After the little episode of admitting my fear of storms to Inuyasha, I figured out that there's nothing to be afraid of and he told me so. After that, storms seemed to be nothing more than nature's way of releasing wrath upon the earth.

So, a few months before I turned thirteen, reaching puberty and teenage hood, still being a twelve year old and being so carefree with no supervision, being spry and vivid, I ran through the house, expecting nothing for the day, only to stay inside due to the harsh weather. At the time, I had no concept as to why I saw Kaede bitter and distraught in the morning before she could attend to me. Sure I might have learned about different emotions at Shiritsu, but I still didn't know what could cause such a combo of those emotions to surface.

I was merrily skipping down a vacant hallway on the first floor, only wanting to see Kaede because she promised to teach me more about archery and how to improve my line of vision and stance, because I could only do so much indoors. I came upon some voices as I came closer to the stairs. Suddenly recognizing the two voices, I hid behind a door that led to the foyer that the stairs were located. Peaking from behind, I saw Kaede holding some type of clipboard, clutching it so tight I thought it would break in half. I leaned further out to see my father standing a few feet from her. Seeing that Kaede was with Father discussing something important I decided to remain where I was, being silent for the most part. I heard Kaede speak some names and I happened to hear Inuyasha's name. That got my close attention instantaneously. I listened further, realizing that he was sick, as Kaede explained something about a high fever and a cold sweat. My father was angry to say the least, but I could only hear his voice fade as I ran as fast as I could before something else happened.

I knew where the demon quarters were but I wasn't allowed up there under any circumstances, but at that point in time I didn't care because Inuyasha was sick and that's all I needed to know. I quickly ran to a bathroom and got a few rags and headed up to the third level of my house. I knew for sure that Kaede was already there previously taking care of any sick demons, so I had to guess that she had already tried to bring the fever down. And it was true, as soon as I reached the door; I was hit with a dust filled room and a stench that overpowered my senses. It was my first time up here so I had no idea what to expect.

There were many corridors and many rooms, each with a hanging mat for an entrance. The conditions up there were horrible and dust and mold was everywhere so I had to refrain myself from coughing too loudly. I held one of the rags to my mouth and nose and my eyes were watering but I kept heading further into the room. There were only about 5 demons that were sick that day, I could hear coughing and sneezing throughout the expansive floor. I had to guess where Inuyasha was currently because there were about 200 separate rooms about the size of a living room and I thought it was like finding a needle in a haystack, but I kept going, knowing that Inuyasha was among them.

It took me a long while but somehow at the end of one of those corridors, I saw a glimpse of red from the slit of the hanging mat. I rushed in to see him, lying on a wooden cot, covered with a few blankets. I saw a bucket of water and a rag already on his head. The floor was wooden, so kneeling on it was painful. I knelt beside his bed and saw that he was trying to rest but was struggling. I removed the rag that was on him, he then opened his eyes to see me. Though he had a fever and was dripping in sweat, he tried to argue with me, saying that I should leave before I came down with it.

“No! I'm not leaving until you are better!” I said, while ringing out a fresh rag and putting it on his forehead. He looked miserable, unable to do anything while remaining in an uncomfortable wooden cot. I thought no wonder he's sick, being exposed to unhealthy living conditions and fighting an infection. I held my oncoming tears for his sake because I didn't want him to see me crying over him. It was chilly up there and I was starting to shiver myself due to conditions outside. Inuyasha, as best as he could with a fever, screamed at me to get out of there before I become sick too. He could barely sit up but I pushed him back down, saying “You need to rest before you get worse! I don't care if you yell at me, as long as you get better!” He stared at me then, wondering why I wasn't about to leave.

“Why are you being so persistent? Why do you stay, knowing that you'll probably end up sick too?” He asked, straining from the fever and pain.

I shook my head, not knowing myself, so I said, “I don't care if I get sick. All that matters is that you have to get well, because no one deserves to be sick, even a half demon like you. I want to stay with you, Inuyasha, because I want to see you better. I can't see you sick like this.”

My vision was getting a little blurry but I wiped my face off with my sleeve. For the next few hours, I continued to try and bring down his fever, replacing one rag with another. We talked throughout, trying to distract him from the pain. I sat beside him, holding his hand, offering him some comfort like he always did with me.

 

 

She remembered it all too well. She sat with him until she had to leave reluctantly. He seemed better after those few hours, fever was down, less sweating, and he wasn't as pale.

Kagome later learned that demons could fight an illness or an infection better than a human, due to their natural ability to heal. Even though Inuyasha healed overnight, he told her that her being there with him helped a lot.

 

The storm raged on throughout the day and it seemed to get worse. Deciding that staying in her room was pointless, Kagome headed off to do at least something. Gliding through the halls, she went back to the years where she and Sango were inseparable. She smiled at that, knowing what Sango was like and going through turbulent times. Sango proved to be one of the best friends that she has, being a fighter as well as a pretty girl. That was proved true when they were introduced, rather shockingly to a boy that was their age, and what a day that was!

 

 

The Shiritsu campus was huge to say the least, at least a few dozen buildings each specializing in a certain subject and it was twice the size of her property. It was on the outskirts of Tokyo and was very strict with it's' rules. You couldn't even leave campus for anything so the civilized world outside was a mystery to us all.

It was lunchtime, Sango and I sat in a secluded corner enjoying the wonderful meals the school provided. Sure I didn't like the school, but they served the most delicious foreign dishes I've ever tasted. The girls and boys all sat together with their own level. There was around 400-500 students in each level and each had their own lunch hour. This is how we met Miroku, the only boy to ever receive a whooping from Sango and live to tell about it. Usually all the boys feared Sango because of her temper, but apparently this one was brave enough.

We were sitting across from each other, engaging in conversation. We were currently third level students so our vocabulary and speech was as clear as an adults. Thankfully we didn't have to wear uniforms, even if it was a prestigious school, otherwise I'd be miserable. Sango was always expressive and her clothing was different but the school did have rules on restriction of clothing.

I saw a boy slowly approaching to where we were. I assumed that he wouldn't come this far but he came to us. I was engaged in a conversation with Sango so she didn't notice. The boy had a smug grin on his face and was staring directly at Sango. I didn't know what his intentions were, but I knew Sango would beat the hell out of him, even being only 8 years old.

 

“I think the assignments in Latin are going to be the death of me, Kagome. Latin is tough, but to me I think German is the easiest for me. The words are easy to pronounce and it doesn't have a weird dialect.” Sango said, all the while reading in said books.

 

“Yeah, Latin is hard but German is tougher for me. I can handle Latin but the easiest language for me is Korean. It might have a weird dialect but learning about the culture is exciting.” I responded, also while looking at a Korean study book.

 

“What? No way! German is the most exciting!” Sango protested.

 

“Yeah right, I always pronounce certain words wrong! You are weird Sango. Then again, you have one of the highest marks for the third level in that class. Apparently you like to take on challenges.”

 

“That's me! But Latin will be my downfall! I can't take the pressure, though!” She groaned, banging her head on the table, not noticing the shadow behind her.

 

I was about to say something but the boy, who had short black hair with a few earrings in his left ear, lowered his hand to where Sango's backside was. I gasped, but Sango shot up and instinctively backhand slapped him, hard. Sango was furious to say the least. She stood over him, because he was presently on the floor. She was shaking out of pure embarrassment. Everyone within a hearing distance turned our way, seeing what caused such a commotion, but turned away almost immediately when they saw him.

 

Sango usually beat the crap out of anyone who pissed her off but she didn't make another move when she caught the sight of him. She just turned around and fell back in her seat.

 

“Aren't you Miroku Tenaha?” I asked as he picked himself off from the floor. He held his cheek from where Sango slapped him.

 

“I am. You two must be Sango and Kagome. I heard a lot about you from our classmates.” He responded, only looking at Sango. Sango however just stared straight ahead.

 

“Yeah, that's us. I'm surprised that you even had the guts to approach us. You must have known that Sango isn't one to be trifled with.” I asked, while looking back between the two. “Apparently you have a death wish, Miroku.”

 

“I have heard and seen some of Dear Sango's beatings, but never have I had such an honor.”

 

Sango looked up, looking embarrassed still but also confused. She turned around to where she could look fully at him. “Honor, What Honor?! Of getting beaten to death?”

 

“No, only to get beaten to death by you, Sango. I must say you have captured my attention for quite some time. Your temper and natural beauty has lured me to you.” He proclaimed, grasping one of Sango's hands and holding it with both his own.

 

“I-I…uh…I-I-I…I don't know what to say, Miroku.”

Sango looked too nervous to say anything and she always talked. From what I saw Sango was stunned, Miroku looked infatuated and I looked surprised. Miroku apparently liked Sango for a while and Sango was speechless. We knew that all the boys avoided Sango because of her reputation, but Miroku didn't care and was brave enough to approach and even compliment her. He even got a slap because of it but that obviously didn't matter to him. I looked amused and even smiled, because I knew that Miroku just entered our two-circle and that Sango might have fallen for him, too.

 

 

Since then her, Sango, and Miroku were close as a group. After that, Sango continued to slap Miroku because of his hand on her backside, but she only did it to prove that she wasn't going to put up with it. Miroku treaded dangerous ground and said over and over that his hand had a mind of its' own. Still, Sango never got angry for too long and was beside Miroku again. The only change was that whenever Miroku approached another girl, Sango immediately tensed and pulled him back by the ear. Her jealously for the pervert was as plain as day. After the encounter that day, Kagome and Sango called him, “The Pervert” and he lived it up and everyone in the school knew it. Never once did Miroku upset Sango deliberately and Sango only slapped him because she started to like him too. Sure he got slapped a billion times over the years until graduation but she never got sick of him. Kagome got her share of Miroku's wandering hands but always received two lumps instead of one on the head.

 

She was so into her memories that she hardly noticed where she was going. A sudden noise brought her out of it and looked to see that she was at the foot of the stairs. The foyer in which the stairs lay was big and would echo. One of her feet was at the first step and that's what caused it. As Kagome descended, she saw Kaede strolling by. Around this time of day, Kaede would travel across the premises to assure that each worker was at their assigned post for the day.

Kagome hurriedly ran down to catch Kaede before she walked to the Hall, or Hall of Pictures.

 

“Aye, Miss Kagome, I assume you feel well to be up and about.” The nurse assumed.

 

“I just didn't want to loll around my room all day. I need something to keep myself occupied.” Kagome answered.

 

Might I suggest taking a relaxing swim in the indoor pool? It hasn't been used in quite a while and I know you love to swim.”

 

Kagome considered it for a minute before answering. “You know Kaede, you're right. I'll take a nice swim. Just as long as my parents don't interrupt I'll enjoy myself.” Just as she turned, Kaede stopped her with her voice.

 

“Miss Kagome, you'll be happy to know that I found a suitable secret location.”

That stopped Kagome in her tracks. She turned around to see Kaede's serious expression. She returned to her former spot.

 

“Are you serious Kaede, Where?” They dipped their heads and spoke in a whisper so no one would overhear.

 

“It took me a while to find it but I came across it just a few hours ago. You know where the guest bedrooms are separated from the main bedrooms? One of the guest rooms has yet to be occupied for a while. And it's seclusion from the other rooms makes it a perfect spot.”

 

Kagome broke into a huge smile. She squealed and rather viciously attacked Kaede with a hug.

“Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Kaede! I knew you wouldn't fail me!”

 

“Child, this old woman needs to breathe.” Kaede spoke through a suffocated voice. Kagome released her, apologizing fro the sudden show of affection.

“I assume you want to tell Inuyasha of this? If you want, I can send him to the pool area so you can.”

 

“But Kaede, won't my parents find it suspicious to see him walking to a place where he isn't assigned? I don't want to see you or him for that matter, in trouble.” She questioned, sounding a bit worried.

 

“Rest assured child, that your father has been in his office and won't appear until the evening meal and your mother is so busy with her flowers that she won't notice the absence of one employee. Plus, if you want, I can guard the entrance to the pool while you two talk and I will walk him back to his duty so no one will ever suspect anything.”

 

With a breath of relief, Kagome looked assured. “Thanks, Kaede that would work. Meet me in the pool area in a half hour.”

 

 

Kaede nodded and walked towards the direction she currently was taking. Kagome then headed back up the stairs to change into her swimsuit and swim until she could no more. After changing, with a towel in hand and swim cap and goggles on top of her head, she made her way to her family's indoor pool, complete with water slide and a high diving board, 50 feet above the water. With the pool the size of an Olympic pool, about a 100 people could swim in it with room to spare. The deepest point in the pool was about 25 feet deep, which the diving board was located. She was a good diver but still feared the board breaking.

Plants and swim chairs and tables were scattered across the area. Parties sometimes were held here and always were a way to melt any stress away.

Kagome sat her towel on a seat, made sure all her hair was in the swim cap, goggles placed on her eyes and stretched for a few minutes before diving head first into where the 10 foot mark was. It was a long time since she swam. She barely had time anymore due to her parents breathing down her neck and nagging her constantly. Plus with the news of the engagement, which still infuriated her to no end, she needed something else to swerve her nerves.

 

 

Kaede guided Inuyasha to the pool area which was in the east wing on the first floor. Inuyasha was working as a duster today for the living and dining room so he was found easily enough. Kaede was reluctant to say anything when she summoned him to follow her, so Inuyasha was a little on edge.

When any worker followed the foreman, it meant that she wanted to speak something personally to them and it wasn't always pleasant. Sure Kaede was respected but when provoked or irritated she would lash out, although never physically or verbally abusive, it was just to get her point across and it worked time and time again.

 

She finally spoke when they stopped at the pool doors and turned to face him.

“Miss Kagome likes to have a word with you Inuyasha. I believe it has to do with your `secret' meetings.” She wasn't about to reveal that it was she that found the secret location but wanted Kagome to tell him herself. Eventually he'd found out about that from Kagome.

“Now off with you. Don't stay in there too long or else you'll fall behind in your chores.” She reminded. Inuyasha nodded and silently went in to talk with his secret love.

 

He went in to find her on the diving board, preparing for a forward dive, a position in which you dive forward and rotate until you hit the water. She hadn't taken notice of him yet, putting all her concentration into the dive. He thought she looked absolutely ravishing; an oncoming blush appeared on his face. He always thought she was beautiful but the swimsuit made her more delectable. Her sky blue one piece had a low curve that exposed the top of her breasts, which made him blush even harder. It also exposed all of her legs and half her hips. It wasn't meant to expose too much, just a normal swimsuit, but it had Inuyasha thinking of `certain' ideas.

He saw her make the dive and immediately rushed all thoughts concerning a naked girl to the back of his head. Ever since the meeting when she told him that she loved him, his mind began think of things that he never thought he could think of. Of course, he was a male and all males had pursuits of certain females. He was no exception.

His mind was clear enough when he saw Kagome resurface. She gasped for air, removed her goggles, and turned to see a certain half demon looking at her. She gave a wave to acknowledge his presence and swam to the edge where she could relax for a bit and talk on a certain matter.

 

“How long have you been here?”

 

“….A few minutes. I saw you diving so I couldn't interrupt. That was a…uh…quite a nice dive. I've never seen you dive before”

 

Kagome knew he was struggling, apparent from his fidgeting and no eye contact. She didn't know he could be so shy.

“Yeah, well it took me a while to get it right and practicing can only improve it.” She inwardly laughed because he was looking at anywhere but her. She couldn't help it because he looked so cute when shy. If they were going to get a conversation to start, she'll have to start it. She pulled herself up out of the pool and walked to her towel. She needed a break anyways. Inuyasha walked to her, being silent all the way until he was a few feet in front of her.

 

“What's the matter, Inuyasha? I've never seen you so quiet it before. You sick or something?”

 

He looked up slowly, only to catch her gaze. He shook his head. “No, just a lot on my mind, that's all.”

 

`I'll bet.' “You want to know why I wanted to see you, it's because Kaede has come through on her promise for another secret meeting location.”

 

That statement shook him out of his shyness and looked surprised. “That fast?”

 

“Obviously yes, she talked to me a while ago and come to find out a secluded guest bedroom has been unused for a while. I was excited beyond all hell; I couldn't wait to tell you.”

 

She then walked over to him, placing her hands on his shoulders. “I know that my startling revelation was a bit of a shock, but all I want to do is to be with you. I don't care what you are, but who you are. You need to understand that all I care about is you and always you.”

 

When it came to expressing emotions, Inuyasha was baffled but with a new level in their new relationship, he might have to get used them. He pulled her to him, hands on her waist. He wasn't the only one trying to get used to intimate touches because Kagome was a little nervous too.

 

“And I'll always care about you, Kagome. You don't know how much I want to be alone with you. Everyday I damn the bastards that ruined the lives of me and fellow demons! But I know I can't do a damn thing about it.” He grazed a few fingers across her face, seeing the reaction of her urged him to continue.

“But no matter what happens, I'll love you, no matter what. I probably won't be there when you need me the most but I promise to try and always make it bearable for you. I would do anything for you, you know that.”

 

“I know.” was all she could say. She relaxed in his embrace for a few minutes until they heard someone come in. To their alleviation, it was Kaede. Seeing them in a passionate embrace made her grin.

 

“I really don't want to end this little moment, but someone has to go back to work. Inuyasha, you still have much to do.” She prompted, holding a feather duster to emphasize her point.

 

“Yes, Sr. Kaede.” He looked back to Kagome. “So, you want to meet tonight then?”

 

“Yes, the guest bedroom, end of the north hall. Kaede will take you there. I'll be waiting.” She confirmed it with a smooth kiss, to which Inuyasha gave in to immediately.

 

Kaede continued to stare at the young couple expressing their new feelings of love but if she didn't break this apart soon, it will be impossible to separate them. Kaede cleared her throat to get them back at reality. Both broke apart and reluctantly left the warmth of each other.

 

“You will make sure to get him there safely, Kaede?” Kagome asked, whispering to Kaede when she caught up to her, barely out of Inuyasha's hearing range.

 

“No problem, Miss Kagome. To and Fro, I can for a certain amount of time.”

 

“Thanks Kaede. I'll guess I'll catch you later, Inuyasha?” She looked back up to where Inuyasha waited patiently. He responded with a grunt.

 

With that, he and Kaede left the area to resume their responsibilities. Even though the storm brought gloom and doom outside, inside of Kagome she felt nothing but love and contentment. She loved the fact that everything was as sweet as honey for now, but wondered how long it would last. Trying to focus on the positive, Kagome went back to diving and swimming, hoping to not get disturbed for a while.

 

 

 

There you are another chapter! I know it's been a while but I managed. I kept wondering how can I have Inuyasha without the swearing, huh? It wouldn't be right! I'll try and write more when I can!