InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness Fades to Dawn ❯ The beach part 2 ( Chapter 12 )

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

The Beach Part 2

For Kagome the day passed quickly as she kept occupied with swimming and playing volleyball with Shippo and Misery. She also had spent some time arguing with Inuyasha when he had continuously barked at her to cover up. She sighed once more as she sat by the evening fire, reminiscing about their argument.

She had been laying on the beach when suddenly a large beach towel was thrown over her. Inuyasha's angry form blocked out the sun as he hovered over her.

“Leave it on!" He growled at her.

“Excuse me?"

“You’re practically naked."

“That’s kind of the point Inuyasha!"

"Well I don't like it!”

“Oh really! I'm that hideous eh!" She had shouted back, more than just a little crushed at his words. She had pouted and even teared up a little.

“No, you're not hideous. Everyone keeps staring at you and I don't like it! Now put some clothes on already." He had argued back with her.

“But I'm going swimming soon. I'm not going to get my clothes wet just so you don't feel uncomfortable in my presence!"

“Who says I'm uncomfortable wench!"

“Inuyasha!" Her voice warned him about her dislike at being referred to as 'wench'.

“Fine. Go swimming then." He growled back before sitting beside her, effectively blocking her from the view of the other males.

She had been furious of course and had instantly stomped off to the inviting water. Misery had joined her as well and together they had bobbed in the water ranting about men. Misery it seemed had been having her problems as well. Whenever she got close to Shippo, a certain youkai Lord suddenly would manage to put some distance between them. She had rambled on about Shippo not noticing, but it was obviously bothering her quite a bit. So now, Kagome was huddled in a warm blanket next to Misery still getting dirty looks from Inuyasha and watching as Misery sent her own nasty looks at an oblivious Sesshoumaru.

Sango and Miroku, had finally made it back to camp an hour after Sango had stormed off.

They had spent the rest of the afternoon together chatting a small distance from the rest of the group. Preferring to let them hash things out on their own Kagome had kept a watchful eye on the pair. To her amazement she hadn't notice Miroku do one perverted thing all day. Once the light had faded, the pair had joined everyone else around the campfire. Sango was wrapped snuggly in a blanket, while Miroku held her protectively with one arm.

It seemed that the bathing suits had only had a good outcome for Sango. Funny, she had been the one the most scared of the prospects and currently she was the only one snuggling with her man. Shippo had been unaffected by Misery's outfit Kagome had noticed. She was under the assumption that the kitsune and researcher had some kind of romantic relationship. They were so openly affectionate with each other that they seemed too 'touchy feely' to be just friends. Misery had been immersed in Japanese culture only lately. So her behaviour could be a result of her western upbringing, after all it wasn't like they groped each other. Misery had a tendency to linger around Shippo especially when, as she called him 'the creepy Sesshoumaru' was around her. The more Kagome thought about it the more she changed her mind. Maybe Misery was using Shippo as a shield from unwanted attentions. Deciding it was a topic to be discussed later with her friend she put those thoughts on the back burner. Kagome sighed again looking from the loving pair to the hanyou across the fire. He was still scowling and paying little attention to the conversation Shippo had started when he arrived with another armful of firewood.

"Beautiful night!" Shippo chimed happily, well aware of the mounting tension among the crowd.

"Yeah. Did you bring the MP3 player and speakers Shippo?" Misery asked as she reached into the cooler, ready to resume the drinking she and the other girls had started. A little vodka would do wonders to ease her tense state. Cracking a bottle open she handed it to Kagome who seem to be having as wonderful an evening as she was.

"Here Kags."

"Thanks Missy." Kagome gratefully took the beverage. The stress was beginning to be too much. "It's getting cold; I think I'm going to change, how about you?"

"Yeah, I'll come." Misery noticed Shippo digging for speakers, before following Kagome to a small tent that he had constructed for them. Zipping the door behind them the quickly went to work rummaging through their bags for warmer clothing.

"Why is he being such a jerk?" Kagome blurted out as she wiggled into the low rise jeans she had recently purchased.

"I think I'm gonna drown my worries tonight. I swear those men are all acting like overly possessive children. Telling you what to wear. Honestly!" Misery had pulled light airy dress with a long flowing skirt and tight bodice.

"Ugh! I know! At least Miroku has smartened up. I've never seen Sango look so happy." Kagome wiggled into her shirt before unzipping the tent door and pulling her sandals on.

"Who'd have thought the lecher would be the one moving on tonight." Misery followed Kagome, stopping at the tent entrance to slip on her own shoes.

"Misery, I don't mean to be too forward, but is there something going on between Shippo and you?" Kagome lowered her voice so that the men with 'enhanced hearing' at the distant fire would not be able to hear.

"Shippo? No, I mean, we did try at one time a long time ago, but we soon figured out that we were meant to be just friends. I was vulnerable back then and he was trying to console me... well, one thing led to another and yeah. There is no real physical attraction there; I'm just really comfortable around him." Misery explained.

"You've slept with him!" Kagome squealed in a hushed tone. It was hard thinking of her little Shippo being in any sort of an intimate relationship. She liked to think of the kitsune as the little boy she remember from the feudal era.

"Only one time! Besides, I come from a culture that doesn't really care about that act. It's not something to be kept taboo, although I'm not about to go yelling that out to the crowd over there." She giggled before sitting on a log by the tent.

"I'm sorry, it's just... Shippo's... well I still see him as a kid."

"He was my first."

"What! I can't believe we're having this conversation!" Kagome giggled before sitting beside Misery on the log.

"Shippo was traveling through Europe at the time. We met not long after my mother was murdered. At first I despised him, thinking him no better than the demons who abandoned my mother and grandmother. Soon I realized that he was different. We traveled around a while together before he was summoned back to Japan. This would have been in the late 1700's. We kept in touch over the years and once phones were invented we grew really close again."

"I can't believe how much he's changed!" Kagome stole a glance at the handsome kitsune she had once accepted as her own child.

"In more ways than one." Misery nudged Kagome's arm and gave her a wink.

"I can't believe you said that." The miko's jaw dropped at the statement.

"Hmm, trust me I know! I've seen it a time or two!" Misery giggled more as the flush of embarrassment crept into Kagome's face.

"I thought you said you only slept with him once!" Kagome noted to her friend.

"Ok twice... nope three times!" Misery laughed at the look on Kagome's face again.

Kagome thought about this a moment before a question popped into her mind. "I thought youkai mated for life?"

"They do."

"Then how come...?"

"Sex isn't the same as being mated Kagome. It's just an act. Mating is much the same as human marriages. When Shippo finds the right girl, he'll settle down. Relationships between youkai mates are much more intense than humans. Protection of the female is essential as there are plenty of single youkai who are more than willing to steal away a potential mate. I think youkai experience a stronger sense of emotion for their mate. But unmated males are more than willing to hone their sexual prowess on whomever they choose."

"I see."

"Uh oh, I'm empty. Time for a refill!" Misery shook the empty bottle before standing and offering her hand to Kagome.

Kagome accepted and let Misery help pull her up into a standing position. Together they walked back towards the campfire. Kagome could hear the music playing the closer they got. Arriving, she found Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru engrossed in a drinking game that Shippo was explaining to them. Both were apparently ready to do battle to prove their manliness in a new modern way.

"Maybe you should tell Inuyasha not to. Alcohol isn't metabolized in youkai the same as it is in humans. Since Inuyasha is half human, he'll be no better than me when it comes to booze." Misery whispered to Kagome.

"He'll figure it out!" Kagome shrugged before sitting beside Sango.

She noticed that Miroku had slipped away, but soon saw him emerging from some nearby bushes. He looked so different in modern clothes. They all did. All were wearing knee length board shorts and sleeveless shirts. It occurred to Kagome that not only did they all look like a group of young adults; they were actually acting like normal youths partying on the beach on a Friday night. Something she had dreamed of doing since she was thirteen. Now here she was enjoying the role of a teenage girl.

She noticed how time change had imprinted itself on the two youkai. Shippo looked no different than any other young man. His hair was tied back in a low pony tail, hemp necklace around his throat, watch on his wrist. Nothing unusual at all. Even Sesshoumaru had changed. His features in the light of the fire were not nearly as harsh as they used to be. He had opted to wear a high pony tail which only added to his stunning chiseled features. She was still unsure why Misery was so adamant on steering clear.

Her eyes wandered over to Inuyasha whose attention was focused on the game. His amber eyes caught the light of the fire perfectly. It danced in those orbs, giving them a life of their own. His muscular arms were clearly visible in the sleeveless shirt he was wearing. Her eyes made their way back up to his face only to be fixed on his lips. Staring at them, she wondered what it would feel like for him to kiss her.

"Earth to Kagome!"

"What!" Kagome was startled back to reality.

"Your refill my dear!" Misery sat down on the opposite side of Sango. "And one for you to my sweet!"

"Thanks" Sango and Kagome spoke in unison.

"Well, looks like the guys are occupied." Misery watched as the four began the game. "Anyone want to take bets on who is going to lose first?"

"I'm taking Miroku!" Kagome laughed.

"Oh really, well then I'll take Inuyasha!" Sango giggled back.

The moon rose higher and higher in the starry sky as the four men were lost in their card game on the far side of the campfire. The girls were only half paying attention, preferring to swap stories of their own. Kagome kept tabs on the MP3 player ensuring that a steady mix of upbeat music was blaring. Too much alcohol had led Sango to take up dancing around the fire, heedless to the now staring males. Kagome and Misery were soon to follow, swaying in rhythmic unison to the haunting beats of the music.

Miroku was the first to abandon his post preferring the company of the fire illuminated beauties that rocked their bodies in tantalizing synchronization to the music. He soon found himself sandwiched between the three all skimming around him in a fevered rush. Reaching out as the girls circled him; he managed to snag the wrist of the skittish Sango. She tempted and teased him until he was moving, although somewhat awkwardly, to the melodious palpitations.

Inuyasha growled as Kagome swayed around the monk, occasionally allowing her body to rub up against Miroku. She was toying with him. Glancing his way as she purposefully moved against the willing male. Their eyes met in a duel of determination. Neither wanting to be the first to give in. Inuyasha was about to turn away when he spotted the monk’s free hand beginning to encircle Kagome's waist. Bolting he made his way across the beach before yanking Kagome away from the notorious hands of the monk. The three dancers were unconcerned with Kagome's sudden disappearing act. Inuyasha rounded the fire to sit back at his spot, pulling a reluctant Kagome into his lap.

Kagome struggled a moment until Inuyasha's arms locked around her body forcing her to still in her new found seat. She opened her mouth in protest but slammed it shut when a menacing growl rumbled from deep within his chest.

"You'll sit!" His blood was still boiling at the thought of what she had been purposely doing. If she wanted his attention, she had it now.

Kagome trembled realizing that she had gone too far. Inuyasha was beyond enraged. She was suddenly thanking the Kami that he hadn't turned youkai and slaughtered half of them. What had she been thinking? She had been so angry at him that she had wanted revenge. The alcohol had given her plenty of liquid courage to put on that display of defiance moments ago. Lucky for her she doubted Sango or Miroku would remember a thing tomorrow. The way her head was feeling, she would be lucky if she remembered. Wiggling a little more to test her boundaries, Inuyasha's arms squeezed her tighter.

"Inu...Yasha!" She breathed out when the force became too much on her rib cage. She breathed a sigh of relief when he released his grasp slightly.

"Don't ever think about doing that again." He warned into her ear.

All she could do was nod her head in agreement, too afraid to make another sound. She spent the next few moments watching the three dancing around the fire before the heat and alcohol began to take their toll. Moments later she had passed out in the territorial embrace of the hanyou.

Misery watched as the two love birds, exhausted from the dancing, retreated to the seats they had formerly occupied. She smiled as Miroku offered Sango his lap to lie on. Sango accepted and once positioned, Miroku drew a blanket over her, protecting her from the chill in the night air. She knew that it wouldn't be long until sleep robbed them of their chance to further their relationship, which in the end would be best anyways. No need to spoil something on the regrets formed from a hazy night of drinking.

Interested in what the others were doing, she made her way across the sand. Shippo was still playing cards with the Sesshoumaru, while Inuyasha seemed still rather angry as he locked the sleeping Kagome in his lap. Placing her hands on Shippo's shoulders, she brushed a friendly kiss on his cheek before moving to sit on his lap.

"Hmm, tired from too much dancing Missy?" Shippo laughed at the state of his friend. He didn't miss the piercing glare from the Lord this time.

Sesshoumaru had had enough. He had been forced to watch the hypnotic movements of the witch all night as she paraded around in that captivating dress. All day he had been fighting the strangest urges. By now he was feeling most disgusted with himself, pining over some chit like Inuyasha did with Kagome. He had vowed long ago to never fall victim to the wiles of a woman like his father had. At his mothers order to find a mate, he had preformed the ritual rutting in youth though he had merely acted his way through intimacy. After his few experiences had failed to affect him in any way he scrapped his mother's wish for him to select a mate. He had been most relieved back then when disputes had broken out in his father's territory calling him to duty and away from the madness.

When she arrived, he had initially expected what had coursed through his veins as nothing more than fleeting attraction. Time had passed and he felt drawn to her more than ever. Her face haunted his dreams and her scent lingered in his memory. What the hell was happening to him? All these strange feelings had gone into overdrive and left him irritable as ever. This Sesshoumaru needed no one. He watched in silent fury as she kissed the same kitsune he had taken into his home long ago. He clenched his jaw trying to hold back when she positioned herself in Shippo's lap. Unable to stand the torture anymore he allowed instincts to take over, flipping the card table out of the way and he stood. A deep growl ripped from his throat as an invitation of aggression towards Shippo.

The commotion from beside her caused Kagome to stir. Opening her eyes she saw a very displeased Sesshoumaru baring his fangs at Shippo. In shock she watched as Shippo, now standing, tucked a fearful looking Misery behind him. She struggled to free herself from Inuyasha instinctively wanting to shield the young kitsune from danger. A vice like grip restricted her movements and she was forced to watch helplessly as the drama unfolded.

"Be still and quiet Kagome." Inuyasha whispered in her ear as he cautiously watched his brother. It was obvious to him now that the elder youkai had taken a liking to the researcher and was prepared to take her at all costs. Shippo would stand no chance against the likes of Sesshoumaru. His eyes wandered to the girl hiding behind the kit, she appeared scared out of her wits. If he felt she was threatened by his brother, he would have no choice but to step in. He didn't think it would come to that though, his brother was reserved and cold but he was no monster. Inuyasha was positive no harm would come to the girl.

"Do you have a problem my Lord?" Shippo lowered his voice an octave, pushing the point that he was not intimidated by the display. Throughout the day he had gotten the impression that Sesshoumaru had taken a liking to Misery, but not to this degree. No matter what the taiyoukai's reasons, he would not let him frighten his friend.

"You know it well enough Shippo." Sesshoumaru growled as he prepared to remove the girl from Shippo's protection. "Move aside."

"I think not Sesshoumaru. You've scared her quite enough for one day. I suggest you calm down and think this through." Shippo was beginning to dislike the predatory gaze Sesshoumaru was using.

"Very well then, we'll play it your way!" With lighting fast speed, Sesshoumaru grabbed Shippo by the throat lifting him off the ground.

"Shippo!" Kagome cried out, her plea soon echoed by Sango.

Inuyasha clamped his hand over Kagome's mouth, not wishing her to become involved in the dispute. He glanced over at Miroku, signaling him to restrain the taijiya as well. When he turned back around, he was surprised to see Misery looking very much angered and no longer the slightest bit afraid. Her soft gray eyes had turned to the colour of hard steel. He no sooner blinked when the loud sound of hand against skin resonated throughout the silent air.

CRACK!

Misery brought her hand hard across Sesshoumaru's face not caring about his reaction. To her surprise the youkai dropped his pray before bringing his hand up to caress the reddening mark on his cheek. He blinked a few times until the crimson had all faded from his eyes. He gazed down at her in shock.

"Who the HELL do you think you are? You POMPOUS ASS! What gives you the slightest right to pull a stupid stunt like that?" Misery screamed at him. For good measure she took another swing.

CRACK!

"I outta KICK YOUR ASS! Honesty, you've been in my face all day! And now this! Did it ever occur to you that perhaps Shippo has more right to me than you do! You SELF RIGHTEOUS PRICK!" Her rant continued to spill from her lips like verbal diarrhea.

All the spectators could do was stare with open disbelief as the girl blasted the once great Lord of the Western Lands with every curse word and nasty name they had ever heard. Miroku and Sango also learned a few new words during the exchange. They watched as Misery began poking her finger into Sesshoumaru's chest forcibly pushing him back with her rage. Finally, another crack flew through the night air as she landed another slap on his face before fleeing into the night, dragging a traumatized Shippo behind her. Sesshoumaru sunk back to his seat in utter defeat, still looking like he hadn't known what had hit him.

Inuyasha and Miroku took the opportunity to quietly whisk Kagome and Sango away to their tent before Sesshoumaru came back to his senses, even more enraged than before.