InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ I Was Hoping ( Chapter 11 )

Dog Skin

 

Chapter Eleven: I Was Hoping

 

Miroku had left only moments ago, a smile on his face and a spring in his step as he went to meet Sango. Kagome watched him, happy to see someone so satisfied with their life. She could only hope she would one day feel the same again.

 

She waited a few minutes before moving toward the shoji. Opening it a crack, she looked around, searching the hall for anyone who might see her sneaking out. Seeing no one, she stepped out, closing the shoji before hurrying down the hall.

 

She made it to her room with a few close calls, but she was sure no one saw her. It took little time slipping out of her furs. She washed her body with the water she always kept in her room and pulled on a fresh under kimono she'd procured with the little pay she was allotted. She then knelt before her crate and pulled out the silver kimono and red obi. Once dressed, she pulled out the gold ring she had brought with her and slipped it on her finger. Lastly she pulled her hair back, securing it with plain pins.

 

A quick look about the hall outside her room proved it empty. She would need to find the geisha so that she could complete her transformation. She didn't think it would be too hard though; the only room suitable for them was the one the dancers had prepared in last time. In no time she was hurrying along the hallways, sticking to the least used ones to get to her destination. When she heard the soft murmurs of feminine voices, she knew she had guessed right.

 

She was welcomed well enough, her unfamiliar face shrugged off with the explanation that she was a maiko, a geisha still in training. An older geisha took her under wing and helped to tie her hair up in the intricate knot and place the corsage and pins in her hair. She watched another girl apply the red eyeliner and then white make-up, then finally the red lipstick. One maiko teased Kagome that she would not need the powder, her face already being extremely pale.

 

When a servant came and informed the geisha that it was time, Kagome felt butterflies flitter through her stomach. She was enjoying being dressed up and pampered once again, but was unsure if the risk she was taking was worth it. After all, Hiten would be in the room and there was always a chance he would recognise her.

 

At this thought Kagome almost turned and bolted from the room. However, the geisha that had taken her in hand saw the moment of fear on her face and quickly misunderstood its reason.

 

“Fear not, child. You have a natural grace and a good mind, this much I already know of you. You will do fine and bring pleasure and comfort to all you entertain this night.” She patted her on the shoulder before pushing her forward and out the door.

 

Two of the elder geisha entered first, bowing before taking up instruments. Two younger geisha entered then and began to dance to the plucking of the harp and the whistle of the pipe flute. Kagome could see through a crack in the doorway. She watched the strangely fluid movements they made in such a limited space for a time before her gaze wandered over the lords and ladies who sat entranced. All that is, except one who sat with head in hand, elbow propped on a cross legged knee. She couldn't help smiling as Inuyasha barely hid the yawn that cracked his jaw, his eyes gazing off unfocused. Obviously the geisha did not interest the hanyou lord.

 

Deciding there was no accounting for taste, she continued to sweep the room. As she looked for the familiar visage of the thunder demon, her trepidation mounted. She was surprised for only a moment when it was Kagura she saw instead. Relief flooded her, shortly followed by surprise when she saw how close the wind witch had been seated to Sesshoumaru. She sat only one person away from him, Inuyasha separating them. Unsure what exactly it could mean, Kagome still knew it meant something. Lords were very particular about who they wanted near them. Sesshoumaru obviously valued her in some way.

 

When the dance came to an end, the doors pulled wide. Having been formed into two lines, the geisha entered double file. They moved into the centre, splitting to go along the seated lords and ladies. She was amazed, but pleased, at the odds when she came to a stop in front of Kagura. When their eyes locked, Kagura seemed equally surprised. Kagome widened her eyes in warning as she knelt down before the demon and began serving her.

 

Low murmurs began filling the hall as geisha began conversing with the lords they sat before. Kagome cast her gaze about carefully, a small smile lifting the corners of her mouth at the sight of Inuyasha. He was barely registering the woman sitting across from him, ignoring her attempts at drawing him out as he began to eat his food. He was obviously uncomfortable with the situation. It seemed to be making him less observant, for even though she sat so close, he had yet to notice her.

 

“What are you playing at?”

 

Kagome looked back at Kagura, feeling bad that she had forgotten her for a moment. Her smile widened. “I'm happy to see you too, Kagura,” she said, her voice low.

 

Kagura's eyes narrowed and she glanced at the hanyou lord, noticing the shift of his ear toward them, even as his attention remained on his food.

 

Kagura lowered her voice. “You silly girl. What if Hiten-sama had not decided to leave this evening instead of tomorrow? What if he had been here as well and seen you? There is no mistaking you for someone else.”

 

With a sigh, Kagome poured warmed sake into Kagura's cup. “It was a chance I had to take.”

 

“But why!?” Kagura asked, exasperated.

 

Kagome was silent as she poured some sake for herself. She spoke only once she'd placed the container back on the table. “You told me to trust Sesshoumaru-sama,” she murmured. Her eyes shifted to where the lord sat proudly, barely noticing his own geisha attendant. “But when I met him, I could not do so. I just…. He gave me nothing to suggest that I could trust him not to send me back to… him.”

 

Kagura figured she could understand the girl's reaction. The Western Lord had a cold aura that to any ningen would seem unapproachable and untrustworthy. As a youkai herself, even she found it hard to understand his intentions.

 

“That still doesn't explain why you are here.” Kagura said, taking a sip of her sake after her murmured point.

 

Nodding, Kagome continued, her voice lower still. “His brother, he's… I think I can trust him. I want to trust him. He's said he'll protect me, though he doesn't know who I am. I don't know why he'd do such a thing, but….”

 

Kagura's brow rose and her gaze once again drifted to the hanyou prince. While she had never known Kikyo-sama, she had heard much about her during her time in servitude to Naraku. She had heard of the hanyou who had pursued her only to lose to a human. She recalled his being the second son of the Inu Tai-youkai. If she was right, then this would have to be the same one. How the fates enjoyed their games.

 

***

 

He noticed her right away. How could he not? She shone like the moon, the same blood red obi wrapped about her in an intricate style. But mostly, it was the striking resemblance she had to his lost love. Even with the pale make-up, or perhaps because of it, her appearance was much like Kikyo's.

 

He paid little attention to his own geisha, grunting responses to her attempts at conversation. He couldn't believe his luck. She sat only one seat from him, so close and yet so far. He had so many questions he wanted to ask her, but instead comforted himself with the knowledge that he had not been seeing things that night. Watching her out of the corner of his eye as she attended the wind witch, he took in her strangely familiar scent as it came to him. The movement of her hands were fluid and graceful, a flash of gold drawing his eye to follow; her voice was so low that even his ears could barely catch the sound of it.

 

The worst of it though was that he was not the only one who had noticed the young maiko. Many of the other lords gazed at her in admiration, the mangy wolf being among them.

 

Kouga wore a confused expression as he scented the air, his eyes focused on the back of the girl, his own geisha similarly forgotten. Inuyasha's hackles rose. He was still angry at him for his unwanted advances on Inu-kegawa. That he was now interested in another female, and one he himself had an interest in, was almost too much though. After all, they still had a score to settle.

 

“Smell something you like, Kouga?” Inuyasha growled, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

 

The wolf prince looked over at him, aware he had been caught. “What's it to you?”

 

“Keh. Good to know your word means nothing,” Inuyasha said, smirking.

 

The accusation had Kouga's teeth bared in an instant. His fist came down on the table, drawing attention from any who were not listening in already. “You dare to question my honour?”

 

Inuyasha growled low in his throat. “From what I've witnessed, you have no honour.”

 

This seemed to be the final straw. Kouga leapt up and over his geisha with a snarl, causing many of the girls to scream in surprise as he moved toward Inuyasha intent on ripping him apart and finally being rid of his annoying presence. The hanyou reacted by jumping back from his own table and getting into a defensive pose.

 

“Enough!”

 

Both males cringed at the command. Glancing up, Inuyasha saw that his brother now stood towering over all of his guests, his stance rigid but holding all the threat he needed. Mask still intact, his eyes glittered with fury.

 

“I will not stand for fighting in my home. You both know the rules. You will leave this banquet immediately.” He glanced from one to the other, awaiting their response.

 

Kouga nodded before straightening. “I understand, Sesshoumaru-sama. I apologise for my behaviour.” With a bow he turned and left the room.

 

Inuyasha grunted when his brother's eyes came to rest on him. He would not be cowed for his behaviour; he had done nothing wrong. “Feh, I was ready to leave anyway.” He bowed to his brother and then to the other lords before following the prince out.

 

***

 

Racing through the hallways, Kagome could not believe her bad luck. She had hoped to sneak away before Inuyasha decided to leave the feast. She had definitely underestimated his patience along with his protective urges.

 

She had felt Kouga's gaze on her for some time. It had been a conscious struggle not to turn around and snap at him to stop. When Inuyasha began goading the wolf, she had been both relieved and alarmed. At his exit, Kagome had anxiously explained to Kagura that she needed to leave immediately or else she would have one very pissed hanyou to deal with later.

 

Kagura had not spared a moment upon hearing her charge's entreaty, but had quickly taken control. Speaking into the silence that had swallowed the room after Sesshoumaru told the two princes to leave, Kagura put forth a challenge.

 

“I have seen the geisha dance and am impressed. Their reputation is well grounded. But I wonder if they can match that of the wind?”

 

Kagome had not missed the glance the Tai-youkai had given Kagura. A quirk to his eyebrow was all it really was, but he had responded readily, his tone almost favourable. “Then why not show us, Kagura-sama, and let the lords be the judges?”

 

Nodding Kagura had turned to her. “Maiko, have a servant bring me my fan.”

 

Kagome had moved quickly, ignoring the appreciative gazes that followed her exit. After leaving she had hurried back to her room, stopping the first servant she saw and telling them to get Kagura's fan.

 

Now changed back into her furs, the black cream drying on her skin as she went, Kagome could only hope she somehow made it to Inuyasha's room before him or, at the very least, that he would buy her story.

 

Trepidation coursed through her veins as she neared his rooms, the hallway bobbing with her every step. The screen was wide open when she reached his rooms. Her heart plummeted. He was standing in the middle of the room, his fists clenched and a low growl filling the rooms and vibrating through her body. His ears swivelled toward her before lying back angrily on his head, his face following their movement shortly after. He was pissed; she was left in no doubt of that as the glower he gave her set the hairs on her neck on end.

 

“Inuyasha-sama, I'm so-” She was cut off instantly when he was suddenly before her, gazing down at her, his barely restrained fury causing her to flinch. He yanked her into the room, the force of it making her trip and land on her bottom. “Hey!”

 

“Shut up, bitch! I gave you an order, and I expect obedience when I give orders, you got that?” Inuyasha growled, towering over her, trying to intimidate her.

 

Kagome glared up at him. She would not be intimidated. “I know that, I'm sorry I was not here on your return.”

 

“Sorry?” Inuyasha said, his lip curling, “Keh, sorry wouldn't help you if Kouga had caught you in the hallways.”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. “Kouga was in the feast with you. He wouldn't have found me.”

 

It was too late when she realised her offhand behaviour wasn't going to help her calm the hanyou prince down. When she suddenly found herself pinned to the floor with an angry Inuyasha glaring merely inches from her own face, she could only mentally kick herself. Even as she tried to think of a way out of the situation, she became very aware of their position. He straddled her as he crouched over her, his hands gripping her biceps as he held her in place. She had seen castle dogs in a similar pose before, the pack leader often nipping at younger dogs for disobedience or defiance.

 

“Well he's not in the feast now, Inu-kegawa, and I will not have him coming anywhere near what's mine. You got that?”

 

Stomach twisting in confusion, she began struggling, wanting to get away. Kagome could have screamed at him then. What did he mean? Hope warred with outrage. What did he mean by those words? She would not let herself think she meant more to him than a servant, and so went for the easier explanation.

 

How dare he claim her as a possession again! She was not a slave! Before she said anything she would regret, Kagome closed her eyes and took a deep breath, stilling the struggles that seemed to be so ineffective.

 

“Get off of me Inuyasha-sama.”

 

He shook her none too gently, causing her to open her eyes and glare up at him.

 

“Where did you go?” he said, a growl accompanying his words.

 

Giving a huff, Kagome looked away and then back up at him again. “I… I had to go, okay?”

 

“Had to go where?” he asked, looking even more annoyed.

 

She squirmed a bit, feeling uncomfortable. “I had to go….”

 

It took a moment for enlightenment to appear on Inuyasha's face.

 

“I didn't think you'd want me making a mess here so, I just left. I thought I'd be back before you returned. I swear I wasn't trying to run away.”

 

“She sounds pretty sincere to me,” said a voice from the doorway. “My, my, you two sure have gotten awfully close, ne?”

 

They blinked at one another in surprise before Inuyasha leapt away from her like he'd been shocked. Miroku chuckled from where he stood in the doorway.

 

“And where have you been, bouzu?” Inuyasha asked, glowering heavily at Miroku as he moved toward him.

 

Miroku shrugged. “I had a previous date I'm afraid I could not miss, Inuyasha-sama.”

 

“Don't call me that,” he said almost automatically, his eyes narrowing, “And what is more important?

 

“Sango,” he said without hesitation.

 

She could see that this answer did not calm the hanyou prince at all. “Please don't be angry at him!” she said, pushing herself up onto her elbows. “I told him I'd be good once I found out, and that he shouldn't stand up Sango-chan like that.”

 

He swung back to her, his mouth opened to respond, but the great gurgling growl that came from his stomach had him pausing. He looked momentarily torn before he shrugged his shoulders. “Whatever. I'm hungry. Miroku, go with Inu-kegawa down into the kitchen and watch her. Kouga has left the feast as well and I don't want that bastard anywhere near her. Got it?”

 

Miroku nodded and looked to Kagome, who still lay where Inuyasha had left her. “Inuyasha-sama wants his soup, Inu-kegawa. Let's not keep him waiting.”

 

Pushing herself up, Kagome gave Inuyasha one last glare before hurrying out the door.

 

“You're a real charmer, Inuyasha,” Miroku said, and with a wink, he slid the shoji closed behind him.

 

***

 

It was difficult with Miroku standing there watching her, but she managed to slip the ring from her finger and into the miso bowl. It was during one of the many times his eyes wandered from her to the other maids and servant girls passing through the kitchen. They were only glances until at one point he left her side to go talk to a younger girl named Nazuna. On his return he looked a little sheepish and made her promise not to tell Sango. Not that she would have; she could see it was perfectly harmless.

 

She was about to lift the tray when a voice from the hall outside the kitchen had her pausing.

 

“Oi, where is she? I know she's here, I can smell her,” Kouga all but growled.

 

“Stay here, Inu-kegawa; I'll take care of this,” Miroku said and hurried from the kitchen to deal with Kouga.

 

She stayed where she'd been asked to, acutely aware of the other kitchen servants' sharp interest in the conversation being conducted ever so loudly just outside. She was relieved they didn't know whom the two were discussing.

 

“You are not supposed to be here, Kouga-sama. The kitchens are off limits to guests,” said Miroku, his tone as calming as ever.

 

“You can't hide her from me, houshi. I know where she sleeps now. Her scent coats that curtained corner over there.”

 

There was no trying to hide whom the wolf was talking about now. Instantly all eyes in the kitchen were on her, curious as to why the wolf demon would be interested in such an odd girl. It was already odd enough that the hanyou prince had chosen to take such an interest in her.

 

Kagome heard as much whispered about the kitchen as the two men continued to destroy what little good reputation she had left. Her face was scarlet; she knew it had to be since it felt like she could boil water on it. Still, none would know of her humiliation with the dark cream covering it; for this she was thankful.

 

Taking hold of the tray, Kagome took a deep breath, focusing on her path to Inuyasha. Ignoring all else, she swept out of the kitchen and passed a startled monk, whose grab for her was a second too slow, before coming to stop in front of Kouga. He would not move, but the tray kept him at a comfortable distance all the same.

 

“I'd appreciate it if you would stop chasing after me,” she said lowly, her eyes cast to the ground like a good servant. “You are doing me more harm than good.”

 

As she expected, Kouga was not pleased. “I will not give up on you. You will be my mate before I leave here.”

 

Miroku pushed Kagome back and bowed to the prince. “As you say, Kouga-sama. But you should know she has been ordered to Inuyasha-sama's chambers this night. Please leave here.”

 

Once again Kagome's face blossomed with heat. She would kill the monk. He hadn't even lowered his voice!

 

Kouga seemed stupefied at the information and Miroku took the opportunity to usher an equally stunned servant girl to the stairs and up them. It was when they reached the top that the demon prince's reaction was heard.

 

“What the fuck!” Kouga shouted. He hurried to the stairs, intent on asking the monk if it was true. Unfortunately, they had already disappeared.

 

Standing in utter amazement at the bottom of the stairs, the wolf demon wondered at the turn of events. “So, dog-face is interested in another woman after all these years.” Kouga said, musing to himself. “Well, it looks like he'll have a rival once again.”

 

***

 

Kagome knelt before Inuyasha as she poured the tea out for him and Miroku. Once finished, she moved back toward a wall to lean against it. She didn't want to draw attention to herself any more than she had to. She still hoped that by some small miracle Inuyasha would forget his threat and allow her to sleep in her own room tonight.

 

She watched him lift his tea to his lips. He had calmed considerably by the time they'd returned. He still cast suspicious looks at her, but had said nothing more on her absence. Her heart began to pound as Inuyasha moved to the soup, lifting it to take a sip. An eyebrow lifted.

 

“Normal miso?” he asked, seeming surprised, and strangely, a bit disappointed.

 

Staring intently at the floor she nodded. “I didn't have time for anything else,” she murmured apologetically.

 

The hanyou prince shrugged gruffly. “It's all right. It's still damn good.”

 

Her blush went unnoticed as such a rare compliment flustered her. She was so put off by it that she wasn't paying attention to his progress on the soup. The sudden clatter of the bowl back onto the tray, however, brought her instantly and quite rudely back to the real world, startling her enough to make her jump.

 

He was just staring down into the bowl, his eyes wide in surprise. “Miroku, who made this soup?”

 

The monk looked bemused. “Inu-kegawa, of course. You just complimented her on it.”

 

He looked up at him pointedly. “You watched her the whole time?”

 

“Of course!” He seemed indignant. “I take my orders very seriously, Inuyasha.”

 

“Keh!” Inuyasha was no longer concentrating on the monk, but instead was looking at the object he had found in his bowl.

 

Pulling it out, he revealed the golden ring as it dangled from his finger. He looked pointedly at the monk once more. “Then explain to me how this got in my soup.”

 

With a hand behind his head, Miroku laughed nervously. “Well what do you know, it's a prize!”

 

Kagome was ready for him when his eyes turned to her. Sure, her heart was pounding and her stomach went all fluttery when he focused his eyes on her, but she did not betray anything more than surprise on the outside. At least, she hoped that was the case.

 

“Inu-kegawa, how did this ring get in my soup?”

 

Steeling her backbone, she shook her head. “I- I don't know.”

 

Inuyasha grunted, having expected that answer somehow. “How can you not know? You were there the whole time, weren't you?” He turned to Miroku, not waiting for her answer. “Wasn't she?”

 

Miroku smiled serenely. “Well, to the best of my knowledge, she never left the soup.”

 

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. “To the best of your knowledge? What's that supposed to mean?”

 

Before Miroku could answer, Kagome did, her expression and tone dry as she admired the monk's ability to talk himself into a corner. “He may be alluding to the time he spent talking with one of the servant girls.”

 

“You promised you wouldn't tell!” said a betrayed looking Miroku.

 

Kagome shook her head, giving him an apologetic smile. “No, I said I wouldn't tell Sango.”

 

Defeated, Miroku took his cup of tea and slumped back against the wall.

 

Focusing once again on Kagome, Inuyasha said, “So, you mean to say you left the soup?”

 

She shrugged. “I may have looked away for a moment, I don't know. There was that whole disturbance with Kouga-!” She gasped suddenly, clasping her hand over her mouth in reaction. She wanted to kick herself. In her attempt to stay as close to the truth as possible, she'd managed to say too much.

 

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, the ring momentarily forgotten. “What was that?”

 

Kagome waved her hand frantically. “Nothing, nothing!”

 

Miroku, looking suddenly brighter, lifted his tea and took a sip. “Inuyasha, I think you should know Kouga-sama has discovered Inu-kegawa's sleeping area.”

 

He nearly crushed the tea cup. “He - fucking - what?” Inuyasha asked, growling angrily.

 

Kagome watched her hopes crumble to nothing. She only had a moment to glare at the monk for the perceived betrayal before her complete attention returned to Inuyasha in time for his livid gaze to land on her. She felt as though he were accusing her of leading the damned wolf there.

 

“It's not my fault,” she said, crossing her arms defensively.

 

“It is not her fault, Inuyasha,” Miroku said, backing up Kagome's claim, “Not directly anyway. It would appear her scent is what led Kouga to her sleeping quarters.”

 

With a curse, Inuyasha rose and began pacing the room, an angry hand racking through his hair, his ears lying back in agitation. “And you were going to hide it from me, ne?” he said viciously as he passed her.

 

Kagome flinched, a nervous smile curving her mouth until she looked almost impish. “I told him to leave me alone. He knows I'm not interested.”

 

Suddenly he was on her, crouched before her, his hands holding her arms much like earlier that night pushing her up against the wall as he snarled angrily.

 

“Inuyasha!” Miroku said, startled at his friend's actions himself.

 

“Shut up bouzu!” he snarled before focusing his attention solely on Kagome. “He will never leave you alone, do you understand? He has chosen you as mate, and he will pursue you until he has you or someone else claims you.”

 

His face was so close, his hot breath brushing against her face as he ground out his warning. Her heart quickened at his words, drawing in a shaky breath as she realised she had landed herself in the same position she had run from. She closed her eyes, wanting desperately to hide her fear from Inuyasha. It was impossible to control her trembling, however. His hands on her gentled, and she knew he knew. Cracking open her eyes she met his golden gaze, willing to listen now.

 

“Stop being afraid, wench,” he said gruffly. “When will you get it through that idiot head of yours that you don't need to be scared of anything? I'll always protect you, no matter what.”

 

Her eyes filled even as she desperately tried to hold the tears back. She glanced away from him for a moment, breaking eye contact. She wanted to get control of her emotions. It was then that he pulled her to him in a tight embrace. She gasped in surprise the tears spilling out as her cheek came to rest against his chest, tucked under his chin.

 

“Who are you, Inu-kegawa?” he murmured against the top of her head, hoping for a more satisfying answer than he'd gotten before.

 

She wanted to tell him, felt that it might be time to just give in to fate and let whatever might happen, happen. But then she saw the monk leaning forward, an intensely interested look on his face as he listened for her answer. She bit her lip before burying her face against the crook of Inuyasha's neck, causing him to start at the unexpected contact.

 

“I am but a poor girl,” she said, her lips grazing his skin, her voice cracking, “who has lost both mother and father.”

 

Growling in frustration, Inuyasha pulled her into a tighter embrace. “What must I do for you to trust me?” he said, his voice caressing her ear.

 

He did not let her go till he felt her still in his arms, her breathing even. He ordered Miroku to prepare his pallet before telling him to leave. He laid the girl out on it, tucking her under the blanket. Once he was sure she was comfortable, he leaned up against the wall to watch her, contemplate her. He was not an idiot; he knew there was more to this girl than she let on.

 

She moved fitfully, her brow furrowing as she tossed about in her sleep. A hand came up and swatted into the air as if reaching for something, or pushing something away. He put a calming hand on her head, wishing her bad dreams to leave her be. The sudden flash of light made him look to where she reached into the air. He watched in amazement as light flared about her fingertips, only to disappear just as quickly. The hand fell back to rest on her chest, the darkened fingers convulsively clenching the blanket material as she sighed, her features relaxing.

 

Had he seen things? He studied that hand, her chest rising and falling with each breath until he noticed something. Around one finger there was no slayer cream. A band of white was visible; much like a ring had been there.

 

Eyes narrowing, his suspicions grew.

 

***

 

O-O Hello, back again with another chapter. Sorry again that it took so long. Good excuse, I assure you. I was in New Zealand last week visiting a friend, it's winter there right now, very cold, but it was sunny during my visit. I brought the sun from Japan. Yes, yes, be jealous of my traveling experience. But really, I feel most of my time was spent in a plane. I know planes very well now considering that this time last year I'd never been in one before.

Things look like they might be coming to a head soon, but I'll leave that conclusion up for you to decide. (^3^) Yes I know when Geisha really appeared, no, there weren't any during the feudal times, but this is a fairytale. I'm allowed to take historical liberties.

 

Oh yes, and I still like reviews. Yummy, yummy reviews!