InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bankotsu's Futuristic Escapades ❯ Three ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kittyb78 
They go shopping for clothes and argue along the way.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.16.2009 | Updated On: 10.29.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 298 | Status: Work In Progress
They go shopping for clothes and argue along the way.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.16.2009 | Updated On: 10.29.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 298 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I do not own the Characters, only this plot line and all its insane little twists.
Chapter four:
After a few tense moments of silence Sora said, “There is however one condition to his staying here.” Staring directly at Bankotsu she said seriously, “You absolutely cannot kill anybody.”
Bankotsu scoffed at being told what he could and couldn’t do. He sat there a long while carefully weighing each of his options and reluctantly agreed, “Fine,” not a bit happy about being in this situation to begin with. He was however; smart enough to realize this was his best option- at least for the time being.
Sora said, “Okay. Now Kagome, take your friend upstairs and show him to the guest room.” as she stood up to go into the kitchen and pour them some tea.
Kagome opened her mouth to protest but shut it at her mother’s glare and muttered, “Come on Bankotsu,” and began stomping up the stairs.
Bankotsu smirked thinking, “This just might prove to be interesting after all.” as he realized the miko was not a bit happy about having him for an unexpected guest. He crossed his hands behind his head and began whistling nonchalantly.
Kagome grit her teeth and went up the stairs faster before growling, “Will you stop that?!” as she reached the top of the stairs and turned to face him.
Bankotsu asked innocently, “What? I’m not doing anything?” and smirked when she growled and turned back around. His smirk widened more as he realized he must be getting under her skin and he started whistling again.
Kagome muttered, “Not doing anything my ass.” as she continued leading him toward the room. Hearing her mutter he thought, 'So it really is getting to her, eh?' and continued it.
She stopped outside the door and growled, “Here,” as she opened the door and stepped aside allowing him into the room adding, “This is where you will be staying.”
Bankotsu looked over the room and thought, “Heh not bad. At least it’s spacey.” Frowning as he spotted a big structure in the middle and asked bewildered, “What’s that?” pointing to it.
Kagome slapped her hand to her forehead and muttered, “Oh right, you’re not used to these things.” She faced him answering, “It’s a bed. They are much larger and far more comfortable then the futons of your time.”
Bankotsu’s eyes widened and he said in a voice filled with awe, “That’s supposed to be a futon?” slowly moving towards it.
Kagome chuckled, “Hai something like that.” as she watched him slowly poke it and blink before poking it again. She thought amused, 'He is acting like a little kid who just discovered something new.'
Bankotsu stated, “It’s soft.” and frowned thinking, 'I hope it’s not too soft.' as he slowly sat on the bed and laid back declaring, “Hey this isn’t too bad.”
Kagome clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing and agreed, “Not bad at all, eh? Much better than those silly futons you’re used to.”
Bankotsu said in a bored tone, “Eh, it’ll do I guess.” and sat up staring at her as he shrugged.
Kagome walked into the room adding, “The linen is clean considering how much mama always likes to be ready for unexpected guests.” Before placing a finger on her chin proclaiming deep in thought, “Now about your clothes…”
Bankotsu demanded, “And what is so wrong with my clothes?” adding, “At least they are decent unlike yours.” Adding snidely, “I can see your legs and that isn’t good for a woman unless she’s a prostitute.”
Kagome stomped her foot hissing, “I am not a prostitute!” glaring at him whishing that looks could kill.
She defended, “And in this time Mr. Ancient customs jerk face, it is normal for anyone to dress like this on a hot day.” Huffing and crossing her arms over her chest.
Bankotsu defended, “Oi it’s not like I asked to be here, ya know?” glaring right back her and adding, “Besides, I’m not used to your weird assed cultural differences. And you were the one who insulted my clothes first.” Sticking his tongue out at her like a child.
Kagome sighed clarifying, “I didn’t insult them, I just meant they are considered way out of date for these times, and only worn during the ancient festivals which only happens once a year.”
Kona walked in carrying a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and some underwear saying, “Here Kagome. He can borrow Inuyasha’s old clothes until you take him to the mall to get some of his own.”
Bankotsu’s face turned red and he objected, “Hell no! I’m not wearing shit that flea ridden mutt has already worn!” planting his feet shoulder width apart and crossing his arms over his chest trying to stare at the pile of clothes, wishing they would erupt into flames.
Kagome argued back, “It’s only for a little while. Besides gramps’s clothes would be too small for you.” as she shoved the clothes at him.
Bankotsu shoved them right back at her and said, “Forget it!” glaring at her and shaking his hands like they had been tainted or something.
Kagome said seriously, “There isn’t any other option. You can’t run around in your current clothes without drawing unwanted attention. I promise we will be quick about it.”
Bankotsu poked the clothes and sighed, “Fine I’ll wear these strange clothes, but I’m keeping my fondushi on- period!” as he snatched the jeans and shirt ordering, “Now get out!” as he shoved kagome through the door and slammed it with a resounding thud scowling.
He thought, “What the fuck else can go wrong?” as he untied his Haori and slipped on the strange shirt. His scowled muttering, “This damn thing fits so tight I can barely breathe.”
Scowl deepening he slipped free of his hakmas and slid into the strange looking hakamas wondering, 'What am I, some kind of damn male whore?' as he grimaced at how tight the strange attire fit.
He opened the door and demanded, “Let’s go so that we can get this over with,” glaring at Kagome.
Kagome giggled blushing and said, “Um you forgot something.” pointing towards his waist.
He barked, “What?!” staring down and sighed rolling his eyes. He muttered, “I don’t know how to close these… whatever they are.”
Kagome bit her lower lip to keep in a laugh and said, “Pull that up.” pointing to the zipper with a blush as she looked away.
Bankotsu blushed lightly and pulled it up asking, “Now what?” frowning as he noticed they were still a little open. He tugged down the shirt to hide it and sighed thinking, “They better have something decent to wear in this time.”
She said, “Now we can go.” refusing to meet his eyes.
Sora was standing by the stairs and smiled handing Kagome some cash instructing, “Make sure he gets some decent shoes too.”
Kagome nodded assuring, “We’ll return soon mama.” as she bolted down the stairs stopping by the door.
Bankotsu stomped down the stairs muttering, “Better not be crowded.” as he made his way over to her.
Sora waved them off saying, “You two be nice.” as she went back into the kitchen and waited for her father to return because he was due to return soon.
As the teenagers made their way down the stairs Sora sighed thinking, 'Such a rude one he is.' Before frowning and muttering, “I guess he’s used to having no manners like Inuyasha was. The people in his time must be very unruly.” Taking an aspirin for the headache she felt coming on she declared, “Well, that’s just going to have to change.” and began fixing dinner since it was going to take several hours to complete.
As she rolled up the dough and cut it into noodles she thought, 'Even if he’s from a time where people had no manners, that boy is going to learn, but I will try to keep in mind that he isn’t used to it and start out a little easier.'
Remembering how rude Inuyasha had been at first she sighed heavily and said, “Well if I can teach Inuyasha to behave, I’m sure this boy won’t be much different.” as she dropped the noodles in the pot and began chopping the lettuce and veggies for the salad. Next she placed the steak in a frying pan and set it to simmer on low for a while.
With Kagome and Bankotsu:
Once she reached the bottom of the steps she pointed saying, “We head that way.” He nodded and they walked off towards the mall. Bankotsu snatched her by the arm hissing, “You never did say what you did with my Banryu.” glaring at her.
Kagome tried to break free of his grasp asking, “Do you honestly think I would even be able to lift that thing?” glaring back at him and yanking his braid.
He growled and shook her by the arm hissing, “No!” freeing his hair from her offending hand and growled, “Hands of the braid miko, I’m warning you.”
Kagome huffed and pinched his arm hissing back, “Then stop bruising my arm you big brute!” and continued pinching him, trying to free her abused arm from his cruel fingers.
Bankotsu yelped and let her go in favor of rubbing his own abused flesh adding, “A weak girl like you would never be able to lift my blade.”
Kagome huffed saying, “Took you long enough to figure that one out.” Before stomping on his foot adding in a fit, “I am not a weak girl you… you barbarian.”
Bankotsu yelped again and sat down cradling his foot glaring at her as he hissed, “Do you have to keep attacking me like that? It’s not like it’s my fault that you bruise too easy.” and pouted refusing to move from his spot until his foot stopped hurting.
Kagome huffed, “Well you’re the one acting like a jerk!” and crossed her arms over her chest also pouting. Watching the hardened warrior cradling his foot she sighed thinking, 'Well… he is in a totally new environment with no idea what to expect.' and flashed back to when she had first entered Inuyasha’s time. How scared and unsure she had been then- all alone without even one friend in the whole world.
She looked down at him and for an instant he looked like a child so alone and unsure. She blinked thinking, 'Could he be feeling the same way here too? I mean he has no friends or family here…'
Taking a deep breath she knelt before him placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and offered softly, “Look Bankotsu, the sooner we get there and get what we need, the sooner we can take you back to the shrine, okay?”
He blinked staring at her a long tense moment and then nodded. He shrugged her hand off and stood up huffing, “Let’s go.” and the two teenagers walked off together again.
At the mall:
A few minutes later they arrived at the mall. Kagome looked at Bankotsu, whose eyes were wide in wonder, and said, "Here we go." She opened the door and walked through. Bankotsu made certain to stay close behind her.
She went directly to the clothing store and turned to look at him stating, "Look around and let me know if you like anything you see in the clothes over here."
Bankotsu nodded and began rummaging through the clothes on the nearest rack. A few minutes later, he sighed frustrated and faced Kagome stating, "I don't know! Don’t you people have anything that isn’t super tight?"
Gritting his teeth he warned seriously, “And you better not dress me in anything that makes me look like some male whole, got it!”
She swallowed nervously with wide eyes and nodded assuring, “I won’t.”
He huffed, “Better not! Now find me something decent.” waving boredly to the racks.
Kagome chuckled and began rummaging through the clothes. She picked out four t-shirts, three pairs of stretch jeans, two pairs of shorts, and a couple of button up shirts. She added a pair of slacks, two pairs of trip pants, two pairs of sweat pants, a couple of sweaters, some muscle shirts, and a dress shirt.
She handed the clothes to him and instructed, "We’ll start with these. Go into the room behind you and try them on, a set at a time."
He nodded and did as he had been instructed. A few minutes later he emerged from the room in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that fit him like a second skin, defining his muscular chest. He looked at her questioning a bit unsure, "Uh… now what?"
Kagome blinked to clear her head before inspecting him from head to toe, then back to the waist and chuckled as she walked over to him. She mentioned, "Um, the button needs snapped," as she hesitantly pointed to the zipper.
He looked down smirking at her reaction to him and nodded. Moving his hand to where she’d pointed at, he grabbed the tiny thing she’d called a ‘button’ and hesitantly snapped it shut; his eyes locked with hers and he enjoyed the fact that he was making her edgy.
She shook herself free of his intense gaze and walked over to stand in front of him. Stepping back a few paces she commanded, "Now, turn around and let me see the back." He sighed and turned around, puzzling over why.
Kagome gazed at his perfectly rounded, muscular butt and had to bite her bottom lip to keep from whistling at the view. 'He sure has a nice ass,' the thought came unbidden. Slamming the brakes on her wayward thoughts she raised her gaze, and cleared her throat. "Okay, so how does it fit for you? Too tight? Or do you think you can live with it?”
He muttered, “At least I can breathe.” still unsure whether he liked how they fit or not.
Kagome nodded instructing, “Now the next set." and pushed him towards the changing room.
He sighed and muttered under his breath as he went to change again, though he was confused as to why he needed so many clothes.
A few minutes later he walked out in another outfit and waited for her response. After getting her input, the process started all over again. Much to his annoyance, this continued until everything had been tried on.
Kagome nodded putting the clothes in the basket and mentioned, "Now for the under clothes." She judged by the pants size, guessing his waist size and picked up a pack of dark colored boxers, a pack of white briefs, and two packs of white socks; after also judging his foot size.
She took everything over to the counter; with him following close behind, and paid for it. They carried the bags as they left to buy him some shoes.
Bankotsu complained, "Why do I have to have these confining things," as he pointed at the bothersome shoes, reminding her very much of a petulant child being forced to do something he didn’t want to.
Kagome felt like she was scolding a wayward child as she replied firmly, "So you don't damage your feet, hot shot. In this time people leave broken glass everywhere. Now stop complaining and let's go."
Bankotsu scowled and glared at the shoes as they left. They exited the store carrying the bags and began the lengthy trek back to the shrine.
Bankotsu complained, “Why the hell am I having to carry these bags? You wanted the shit.”
Kagome argued back, “They were bought for your ungrateful ass.” Adding snidely, “And it’s not like my arms aren’t already full too.”
Bankotsu huffed barking back, “Hey you were the one who said I needed new attire.” glaring at her as he muttered, “I was just fine with my clothes.” ending in a pout.
Kagome scoffed, “Not for being outside the house.” Adding, “And what would you say when other people stopped by?”
Bankotsu muttered, “I never asked for your mom to ‘take me in’ to begin with.”
Kagome dropped the bags to place her hands firmly on her hips hissing, “She did it trying to be nice and help you- you ungrateful, rude, arrogant, pain in the ass!”
She poked his chest reminding, “Mama didn’t have to try to be nice and give you a safe place to stay, you know? She could have kicked you off the property or called the cops and had you thrown behind bars for trespassing.” glaring at the teenage killer.
Bankotsu dropped his bags too warning, “Enough with the damn poking!” as he grabbed her offending hand and held it captive in his much stronger one.
Kagome rolled her eyes and said, “You’re hopeless.” trying to yank her hand away from him.
Bankotsu held tight to her hand and growled, “Give me a fucking break, will ya? I’m stuck Kami knows where with no idea what the hell to expect. My weapon is Kami knows where, and to top that off with I’m stuck with one of my enemies as a guide.” Glaring at her as he added, “How the hell would you react?”
Kagome’s anger lessened as she answered softly, “Probably like you are now.” lowering her eyes to the ground. She took a deep breath trying to calm her anger and met his eyes adding, “But, I would at least try to accept the help being offered to me.”
Bankotsu shoved her away arguing, “I don’t know a damn thing about that onna that you call mom, or anyone else here; except for you and we’re enemies, remember?” glaring at her with a look that would cause his bravest enemy to cower in fear.
Kagome sighed correcting, “You were Inuyasha’s enemy, never mine. Naraku was the one I was destined to help defeat.” before tearing her eyes from the misery hiding deep in his.
She moved to place a comforting hand on his shoulder and said, “Look Bankotsu, I realize this isn’t easy for you- especially since you’ve probably never had to accept help from anyone ever in your life…” Her eyes met his again as she finished, “But this is different. My mother and I want to help you.”
Bankotsu asked confused and warily, “Why would you go out of your way to help an enemy?” daring her to lie to him.
Kagome answered seriously, “Because you’re in my world now and it's just the way I am," she confessed softly. "If I see someone is hurting, I do whatever I can to cheer them up. Even cold-blooded killers have to have some kind of heart. You're not as unfeeling as most people think. I have always admired your strength; plus, you were a good leader from what I have seen so far.” She pulled back and, looking into his eyes with dead serious ones of her own, confirmed, “Bankotsu I want... no, I need to help you!"
Bankotsu blinked a few times thinking, 'Is she serious?' He was shocked by her confession and pleased at the same time. He couldn't help but feel his once icy heart melt a little more. Taking a deep breath and rubbing his chin deep in thought he came to the conclusion, “I really don’t have much of a choice here. I know nothing about this place and I sure as hell don’t want to have to go into anything else blind and unprepared.”
Dropping his hand he stared her directly in the eyes warning, “If you try to trick me girl, there will be hell to pay!” before bending down to pick up the bags.
Kagome blinked thinking, 'Wow he really doesn’t trust anyone…' feeling her heart suddenly become heavy with sadness for some unknown reason. Sighing heavily she helped collect the bags and they stood up resuming their path back to the shrine.
A/N: Okay, so there we have it chapter four- enjoy! XD
Chapter four:
After a few tense moments of silence Sora said, “There is however one condition to his staying here.” Staring directly at Bankotsu she said seriously, “You absolutely cannot kill anybody.”
Bankotsu scoffed at being told what he could and couldn’t do. He sat there a long while carefully weighing each of his options and reluctantly agreed, “Fine,” not a bit happy about being in this situation to begin with. He was however; smart enough to realize this was his best option- at least for the time being.
Sora said, “Okay. Now Kagome, take your friend upstairs and show him to the guest room.” as she stood up to go into the kitchen and pour them some tea.
Kagome opened her mouth to protest but shut it at her mother’s glare and muttered, “Come on Bankotsu,” and began stomping up the stairs.
Bankotsu smirked thinking, “This just might prove to be interesting after all.” as he realized the miko was not a bit happy about having him for an unexpected guest. He crossed his hands behind his head and began whistling nonchalantly.
Kagome grit her teeth and went up the stairs faster before growling, “Will you stop that?!” as she reached the top of the stairs and turned to face him.
Bankotsu asked innocently, “What? I’m not doing anything?” and smirked when she growled and turned back around. His smirk widened more as he realized he must be getting under her skin and he started whistling again.
Kagome muttered, “Not doing anything my ass.” as she continued leading him toward the room. Hearing her mutter he thought, 'So it really is getting to her, eh?' and continued it.
She stopped outside the door and growled, “Here,” as she opened the door and stepped aside allowing him into the room adding, “This is where you will be staying.”
Bankotsu looked over the room and thought, “Heh not bad. At least it’s spacey.” Frowning as he spotted a big structure in the middle and asked bewildered, “What’s that?” pointing to it.
Kagome slapped her hand to her forehead and muttered, “Oh right, you’re not used to these things.” She faced him answering, “It’s a bed. They are much larger and far more comfortable then the futons of your time.”
Bankotsu’s eyes widened and he said in a voice filled with awe, “That’s supposed to be a futon?” slowly moving towards it.
Kagome chuckled, “Hai something like that.” as she watched him slowly poke it and blink before poking it again. She thought amused, 'He is acting like a little kid who just discovered something new.'
Bankotsu stated, “It’s soft.” and frowned thinking, 'I hope it’s not too soft.' as he slowly sat on the bed and laid back declaring, “Hey this isn’t too bad.”
Kagome clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing and agreed, “Not bad at all, eh? Much better than those silly futons you’re used to.”
Bankotsu said in a bored tone, “Eh, it’ll do I guess.” and sat up staring at her as he shrugged.
Kagome walked into the room adding, “The linen is clean considering how much mama always likes to be ready for unexpected guests.” Before placing a finger on her chin proclaiming deep in thought, “Now about your clothes…”
Bankotsu demanded, “And what is so wrong with my clothes?” adding, “At least they are decent unlike yours.” Adding snidely, “I can see your legs and that isn’t good for a woman unless she’s a prostitute.”
Kagome stomped her foot hissing, “I am not a prostitute!” glaring at him whishing that looks could kill.
She defended, “And in this time Mr. Ancient customs jerk face, it is normal for anyone to dress like this on a hot day.” Huffing and crossing her arms over her chest.
Bankotsu defended, “Oi it’s not like I asked to be here, ya know?” glaring right back her and adding, “Besides, I’m not used to your weird assed cultural differences. And you were the one who insulted my clothes first.” Sticking his tongue out at her like a child.
Kagome sighed clarifying, “I didn’t insult them, I just meant they are considered way out of date for these times, and only worn during the ancient festivals which only happens once a year.”
Kona walked in carrying a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and some underwear saying, “Here Kagome. He can borrow Inuyasha’s old clothes until you take him to the mall to get some of his own.”
Bankotsu’s face turned red and he objected, “Hell no! I’m not wearing shit that flea ridden mutt has already worn!” planting his feet shoulder width apart and crossing his arms over his chest trying to stare at the pile of clothes, wishing they would erupt into flames.
Kagome argued back, “It’s only for a little while. Besides gramps’s clothes would be too small for you.” as she shoved the clothes at him.
Bankotsu shoved them right back at her and said, “Forget it!” glaring at her and shaking his hands like they had been tainted or something.
Kagome said seriously, “There isn’t any other option. You can’t run around in your current clothes without drawing unwanted attention. I promise we will be quick about it.”
Bankotsu poked the clothes and sighed, “Fine I’ll wear these strange clothes, but I’m keeping my fondushi on- period!” as he snatched the jeans and shirt ordering, “Now get out!” as he shoved kagome through the door and slammed it with a resounding thud scowling.
He thought, “What the fuck else can go wrong?” as he untied his Haori and slipped on the strange shirt. His scowled muttering, “This damn thing fits so tight I can barely breathe.”
Scowl deepening he slipped free of his hakmas and slid into the strange looking hakamas wondering, 'What am I, some kind of damn male whore?' as he grimaced at how tight the strange attire fit.
He opened the door and demanded, “Let’s go so that we can get this over with,” glaring at Kagome.
Kagome giggled blushing and said, “Um you forgot something.” pointing towards his waist.
He barked, “What?!” staring down and sighed rolling his eyes. He muttered, “I don’t know how to close these… whatever they are.”
Kagome bit her lower lip to keep in a laugh and said, “Pull that up.” pointing to the zipper with a blush as she looked away.
Bankotsu blushed lightly and pulled it up asking, “Now what?” frowning as he noticed they were still a little open. He tugged down the shirt to hide it and sighed thinking, “They better have something decent to wear in this time.”
She said, “Now we can go.” refusing to meet his eyes.
Sora was standing by the stairs and smiled handing Kagome some cash instructing, “Make sure he gets some decent shoes too.”
Kagome nodded assuring, “We’ll return soon mama.” as she bolted down the stairs stopping by the door.
Bankotsu stomped down the stairs muttering, “Better not be crowded.” as he made his way over to her.
Sora waved them off saying, “You two be nice.” as she went back into the kitchen and waited for her father to return because he was due to return soon.
As the teenagers made their way down the stairs Sora sighed thinking, 'Such a rude one he is.' Before frowning and muttering, “I guess he’s used to having no manners like Inuyasha was. The people in his time must be very unruly.” Taking an aspirin for the headache she felt coming on she declared, “Well, that’s just going to have to change.” and began fixing dinner since it was going to take several hours to complete.
As she rolled up the dough and cut it into noodles she thought, 'Even if he’s from a time where people had no manners, that boy is going to learn, but I will try to keep in mind that he isn’t used to it and start out a little easier.'
Remembering how rude Inuyasha had been at first she sighed heavily and said, “Well if I can teach Inuyasha to behave, I’m sure this boy won’t be much different.” as she dropped the noodles in the pot and began chopping the lettuce and veggies for the salad. Next she placed the steak in a frying pan and set it to simmer on low for a while.
With Kagome and Bankotsu:
Once she reached the bottom of the steps she pointed saying, “We head that way.” He nodded and they walked off towards the mall. Bankotsu snatched her by the arm hissing, “You never did say what you did with my Banryu.” glaring at her.
Kagome tried to break free of his grasp asking, “Do you honestly think I would even be able to lift that thing?” glaring back at him and yanking his braid.
He growled and shook her by the arm hissing, “No!” freeing his hair from her offending hand and growled, “Hands of the braid miko, I’m warning you.”
Kagome huffed and pinched his arm hissing back, “Then stop bruising my arm you big brute!” and continued pinching him, trying to free her abused arm from his cruel fingers.
Bankotsu yelped and let her go in favor of rubbing his own abused flesh adding, “A weak girl like you would never be able to lift my blade.”
Kagome huffed saying, “Took you long enough to figure that one out.” Before stomping on his foot adding in a fit, “I am not a weak girl you… you barbarian.”
Bankotsu yelped again and sat down cradling his foot glaring at her as he hissed, “Do you have to keep attacking me like that? It’s not like it’s my fault that you bruise too easy.” and pouted refusing to move from his spot until his foot stopped hurting.
Kagome huffed, “Well you’re the one acting like a jerk!” and crossed her arms over her chest also pouting. Watching the hardened warrior cradling his foot she sighed thinking, 'Well… he is in a totally new environment with no idea what to expect.' and flashed back to when she had first entered Inuyasha’s time. How scared and unsure she had been then- all alone without even one friend in the whole world.
She looked down at him and for an instant he looked like a child so alone and unsure. She blinked thinking, 'Could he be feeling the same way here too? I mean he has no friends or family here…'
Taking a deep breath she knelt before him placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and offered softly, “Look Bankotsu, the sooner we get there and get what we need, the sooner we can take you back to the shrine, okay?”
He blinked staring at her a long tense moment and then nodded. He shrugged her hand off and stood up huffing, “Let’s go.” and the two teenagers walked off together again.
At the mall:
A few minutes later they arrived at the mall. Kagome looked at Bankotsu, whose eyes were wide in wonder, and said, "Here we go." She opened the door and walked through. Bankotsu made certain to stay close behind her.
She went directly to the clothing store and turned to look at him stating, "Look around and let me know if you like anything you see in the clothes over here."
Bankotsu nodded and began rummaging through the clothes on the nearest rack. A few minutes later, he sighed frustrated and faced Kagome stating, "I don't know! Don’t you people have anything that isn’t super tight?"
Gritting his teeth he warned seriously, “And you better not dress me in anything that makes me look like some male whole, got it!”
She swallowed nervously with wide eyes and nodded assuring, “I won’t.”
He huffed, “Better not! Now find me something decent.” waving boredly to the racks.
Kagome chuckled and began rummaging through the clothes. She picked out four t-shirts, three pairs of stretch jeans, two pairs of shorts, and a couple of button up shirts. She added a pair of slacks, two pairs of trip pants, two pairs of sweat pants, a couple of sweaters, some muscle shirts, and a dress shirt.
She handed the clothes to him and instructed, "We’ll start with these. Go into the room behind you and try them on, a set at a time."
He nodded and did as he had been instructed. A few minutes later he emerged from the room in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that fit him like a second skin, defining his muscular chest. He looked at her questioning a bit unsure, "Uh… now what?"
Kagome blinked to clear her head before inspecting him from head to toe, then back to the waist and chuckled as she walked over to him. She mentioned, "Um, the button needs snapped," as she hesitantly pointed to the zipper.
He looked down smirking at her reaction to him and nodded. Moving his hand to where she’d pointed at, he grabbed the tiny thing she’d called a ‘button’ and hesitantly snapped it shut; his eyes locked with hers and he enjoyed the fact that he was making her edgy.
She shook herself free of his intense gaze and walked over to stand in front of him. Stepping back a few paces she commanded, "Now, turn around and let me see the back." He sighed and turned around, puzzling over why.
Kagome gazed at his perfectly rounded, muscular butt and had to bite her bottom lip to keep from whistling at the view. 'He sure has a nice ass,' the thought came unbidden. Slamming the brakes on her wayward thoughts she raised her gaze, and cleared her throat. "Okay, so how does it fit for you? Too tight? Or do you think you can live with it?”
He muttered, “At least I can breathe.” still unsure whether he liked how they fit or not.
Kagome nodded instructing, “Now the next set." and pushed him towards the changing room.
He sighed and muttered under his breath as he went to change again, though he was confused as to why he needed so many clothes.
A few minutes later he walked out in another outfit and waited for her response. After getting her input, the process started all over again. Much to his annoyance, this continued until everything had been tried on.
Kagome nodded putting the clothes in the basket and mentioned, "Now for the under clothes." She judged by the pants size, guessing his waist size and picked up a pack of dark colored boxers, a pack of white briefs, and two packs of white socks; after also judging his foot size.
She took everything over to the counter; with him following close behind, and paid for it. They carried the bags as they left to buy him some shoes.
Bankotsu complained, "Why do I have to have these confining things," as he pointed at the bothersome shoes, reminding her very much of a petulant child being forced to do something he didn’t want to.
Kagome felt like she was scolding a wayward child as she replied firmly, "So you don't damage your feet, hot shot. In this time people leave broken glass everywhere. Now stop complaining and let's go."
Bankotsu scowled and glared at the shoes as they left. They exited the store carrying the bags and began the lengthy trek back to the shrine.
Bankotsu complained, “Why the hell am I having to carry these bags? You wanted the shit.”
Kagome argued back, “They were bought for your ungrateful ass.” Adding snidely, “And it’s not like my arms aren’t already full too.”
Bankotsu huffed barking back, “Hey you were the one who said I needed new attire.” glaring at her as he muttered, “I was just fine with my clothes.” ending in a pout.
Kagome scoffed, “Not for being outside the house.” Adding, “And what would you say when other people stopped by?”
Bankotsu muttered, “I never asked for your mom to ‘take me in’ to begin with.”
Kagome dropped the bags to place her hands firmly on her hips hissing, “She did it trying to be nice and help you- you ungrateful, rude, arrogant, pain in the ass!”
She poked his chest reminding, “Mama didn’t have to try to be nice and give you a safe place to stay, you know? She could have kicked you off the property or called the cops and had you thrown behind bars for trespassing.” glaring at the teenage killer.
Bankotsu dropped his bags too warning, “Enough with the damn poking!” as he grabbed her offending hand and held it captive in his much stronger one.
Kagome rolled her eyes and said, “You’re hopeless.” trying to yank her hand away from him.
Bankotsu held tight to her hand and growled, “Give me a fucking break, will ya? I’m stuck Kami knows where with no idea what the hell to expect. My weapon is Kami knows where, and to top that off with I’m stuck with one of my enemies as a guide.” Glaring at her as he added, “How the hell would you react?”
Kagome’s anger lessened as she answered softly, “Probably like you are now.” lowering her eyes to the ground. She took a deep breath trying to calm her anger and met his eyes adding, “But, I would at least try to accept the help being offered to me.”
Bankotsu shoved her away arguing, “I don’t know a damn thing about that onna that you call mom, or anyone else here; except for you and we’re enemies, remember?” glaring at her with a look that would cause his bravest enemy to cower in fear.
Kagome sighed correcting, “You were Inuyasha’s enemy, never mine. Naraku was the one I was destined to help defeat.” before tearing her eyes from the misery hiding deep in his.
She moved to place a comforting hand on his shoulder and said, “Look Bankotsu, I realize this isn’t easy for you- especially since you’ve probably never had to accept help from anyone ever in your life…” Her eyes met his again as she finished, “But this is different. My mother and I want to help you.”
Bankotsu asked confused and warily, “Why would you go out of your way to help an enemy?” daring her to lie to him.
Kagome answered seriously, “Because you’re in my world now and it's just the way I am," she confessed softly. "If I see someone is hurting, I do whatever I can to cheer them up. Even cold-blooded killers have to have some kind of heart. You're not as unfeeling as most people think. I have always admired your strength; plus, you were a good leader from what I have seen so far.” She pulled back and, looking into his eyes with dead serious ones of her own, confirmed, “Bankotsu I want... no, I need to help you!"
Bankotsu blinked a few times thinking, 'Is she serious?' He was shocked by her confession and pleased at the same time. He couldn't help but feel his once icy heart melt a little more. Taking a deep breath and rubbing his chin deep in thought he came to the conclusion, “I really don’t have much of a choice here. I know nothing about this place and I sure as hell don’t want to have to go into anything else blind and unprepared.”
Dropping his hand he stared her directly in the eyes warning, “If you try to trick me girl, there will be hell to pay!” before bending down to pick up the bags.
Kagome blinked thinking, 'Wow he really doesn’t trust anyone…' feeling her heart suddenly become heavy with sadness for some unknown reason. Sighing heavily she helped collect the bags and they stood up resuming their path back to the shrine.
A/N: Okay, so there we have it chapter four- enjoy! XD