InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ Karma Slave ( Chapter 15 )

Dog Skin

Chapter Fifteen: Karma Slave

 

Silence had swallowed the room for a moment. The girl was staring up at the hanyou, clearly in shock from his words, awe slowly settling into her eyes.

 

The kiss had been a blow, but what unsettled Kouga further was that her reaction showed she had no problem with the possessive nature of the words. Kouga stood tense, unsure of what his next move should be and so waiting for Inuyasha to lead. He instantly crouched into a defensive posture when Inuyasha shifted the girl to his side, one hand still holding her while the other flexed, his claws curling as his glower sharpened on Kouga.

 

“Step out of my way, Kouga, or I will happily break my brother's rules to remove you,” said Inuyasha. Though he was gentle with the girl, his barely suppressed rage was still apparent. “I should just kill you for what you've already done.”

 

Kouga's lip curled in derision. “So she's that dear to you? I remember you once having the same sentiment for another girl. You weren't all that successful at keeping her by your side, what makes you think this will be any different?”

 

Inuyasha growled at the words, panicking slightly as the girl in his arms flinched. “That was over twenty years ago, wolf, and has absolutely nothing to do with now. They are two completely different women, and circumstances. Especially since this time she doesn't want anything to do with my rival.”

 

The jibe dug deep. Kouga could see that the girl was afraid of him now. He had gone too far tonight, letting his anger and possessiveness take control of his actions. He had only meant to spend time with her, woo her to him with words and kind actions, but he had failed terribly it would seem. Still, she was uncomfortable about the discussion of another woman. If he could cause trouble for the stinking dog, he would.

 

“That's a complete switch around, isn't it? Last time it was Kikyou who wouldn't have anything to do with you! She couldn't stand that you were a hanyou, could she?” His words had the effect he had desired. Inu-kegawa visibly tensed in the hanyou prince's arms, her eyes wide as they focused unseeingly on the floor.

 

“Leave Kikyou the fuck out of this, you stinking wolf!” Inuyasha said, clearly agitated. “She made her choice long ago; I've made my peace with that.”

 

Inu-kegawa was visibly troubled by this information; her knuckles were white as she clenched her fists at her side, her eyes downcast and hidden by her fringe. Kouga pressed on. “Are you sure? She was quite the woman after all. Many men tried for her hand and still pine for her. Did your heart not burst when you heard of her death?”

 

Inuyasha's growls echoed through the room. “That's none of your business.”

 

“But it bothers you, doesn't it?” Kouga could see that it was bothering him, his growls were deep and loud, his fangs bared and teeth clenched as he desperately tried to keep from pouncing. The grip with which he held the girl was probably bruising her pale skin, but the best part of it all, was that his reaction was also bothering Inu-kegawa. “Thinking about her with Naraku, thinking of her dead and you still alive eats at you doesn't it?”

 

“You fucking….”

 

Just when Inuyasha looked as though he may attack him, the girl fisted his shirt and held to him tightly. “Inuyasha-sama, it's late. If you're going to fight, please take it somewhere else”

 

“Keh, stupid,” said Inuyasha, looking down at her bowed head for a moment before glancing back up at Kouga, his previous anger seemingly forgotten. “You think I'm going to leave you here with a creep like that lurking around? I really don't think so.”

 

Kouga snarled indignantly.

 

“We're leaving now, so stand back wolf or I'll mess you up.” He lifted the girl into his arms, ignoring her cry of surprise and the half-hearted glare she gave him.

 

Kouga growled lowly but he knew he was beat. He took in Inu-kegawa's downtrodden appearance as she accepted her place in Inuyasha's arms. She was tense and did not smile. He felt some satisfaction at that. It wouldn't be all happiness for them. Not right away. Inuyasha would have to work to be worthy of her, that was for sure. Stepping back he watched them as they passed by and headed up the stairs, the dog keeping a guarded eye on him as he moved.

 

“Oh, and Kouga” Inuyasha stopped and turned to look at him full in the eye “Next time I see you outside Sesshoumaru's castle, I will pay you back for what you've done.”

 

***

 

Kagome knelt silently by the futon where Inuyasha had placed her upon reaching his chambers, the soft light of an oil lamp bathing her in a warm glow. He'd draped the blanket over her before murmuring an excuse and disappearing. She had sat with head bowed in thought and hands clasped with tension since then.

 

Kikyou. It always had to be Kikyou. Her own mother had cursed her to a life of comparison. It seemed that no matter where she went, her ghost followed; ruining any happiness she may have a chance at. Was this the legacy of her love and beauty? To have drawn men in and then die young, never changing and so never releasing them from her grasp?

 

Her heart had leapt; hope and warmth had exploded and spread through her in the instant when Inuyasha had held her close, neither rejecting nor taking advantage of her moment of vulnerability after her kiss. His words had left her feeling treasured and protected, happiness she couldn't remember experiencing for a long time settling over her. His body pressed against hers had caused an awareness to rise in her, a curious tension building as the contact remained. Still, the lack of any fear at his touch had left her to come to the only word that described how she felt when with him. Safe. At that moment, she'd known that he would do what was best for her, and not what was easiest for him.

 

But he had loved her mother. Kouga had made that pretty clear. What would he think when he saw her face, clean of dirt, and knew finally that she was the strange maiden he searched for? What would he think when he found out she was in fact the daughter of both the woman he had once loved and his rival in that love? And finally, what would he do when he learned she had lied to him and that the trust he had fought so hard for and gained from her did not include the truth that should have come with it?

 

She shuddered at the thought, tears springing to her eyes as she envisioned the hanyou prince's hurt eyes at learning the truth. The molten gold darkened into a glare filled with undisguised disgust and accusation that pierced her soul before he turned his back and walked away from her, leaving her to the darkness that even now threatened to devour her. She was the spawn of his greatest love and greatest rival! He would hate her.

 

The winds howling suddenly grew stronger shifting the rains to pelt heavily against the walls and balcony doors. Lost in her dark thoughts, Kagome was shocked enough by the sounds to cry out in alarm, her imagination creating miasma from the darkness while the wind became voices that called for her to join them. She shook her head angrily, whispering that it wasn't real, that she was being an idiot.

 

Disgust at her own self-derogatory thoughts forced her to brush the tears away, internally chastising herself as she did so. No, she was not that monsters child. He had severed those ties when he'd given into the demons that invaded his body and fed on the anger in his soul. She felt no connection to the demon in her father's skin, only hurt and repulsion. He would come for her, claim her as his own and when he did all would be revealed. Though it would be damning for her as well, she would not go back with him, she would rather go with Kouga than live with him.

 

Still, she hoped it would not come to that even though much of her future rode on Inuyasha. Could she count on Inuyasha then? Would he protect her from the man who had legal rights over her? Sesshoumaru-sama's hands would be tied at that critical moment of confrontation. It would be up to Inuyasha to make a move. Either he believed in her and would protect her, or he would sacrifice her for politics.

 

She believed in him, finally trusted him, but she recognised the need for a back up plan. She would not allow Naraku to take her. She would fight him until death, if necessary.

 

The winds chose to batter the walls once again just as the shoji pulled open. Kagome couldn't help the shriek that escaped her, embarrassment heating her cheeks as Inuyasha stood in the doorway holding a ceramic bottle and two cups on a tray in his hands, his surprised look quickly changing to a concerned frown.

 

“Didn't mean to scare ya,” he said, his voice gruff.

 

“No it wasn't you,” she said, forcing a reassuring smile, “it was the wind, it startled me.”

 

He cocked his head, an ear twitching as he looked to the walls. He grunted at the violent sounds from outside but quickly dismissed them.

 

“The final typhoon of the season, it's always a violent beast,” he said as he moved to where she knelt, balancing the tray as he sat before her. “Don't worry, these walls have suffered through worse.” He put the tray down between them and poured the drinks before offering one to her. “Drink, it'll calm you.”

 

Kagome looked into the cup, trying to guess what the clear liquid could be. She figured it could be sake or water. Both were welcome and she took a larger sip than she normally would. Her throat immediately tightened, her mouth puckering as her taste buds protested and eyes watered. Coughing she tried to glare at Inuyasha who was smirking at her even as he took a sip of his own.

 

“It's plum wine. A bit on the sour side, but then the kick is what makes it worth while.” He nodded for her to drink up and took another sip himself.

 

They sat in silence drinking the wine. Kagome found that after the initial punch, the drink was actually pleasantly sweat, a small sip being far more pleasurable than a larger gulp. She had begun to feel the warmth that came with alcohol when Inuyasha spoke again.

 

“I spoke with Sesshoumaru. He will speak with the wolf tomorrow. He wasn't pleased with my news, either. You'll have nothing to worry from that flea ridden mongrel after this,” he said, a smirk flashing on to his lips as he thought of the up coming conversation between his brother and the wolf.

 

She nodded, trying to force the tension from her body at the mention of the wolf and tonight's events. Having finished her drink she placed her cup back on the tray with trembling hands before clasping them in her lap. Inuyasha took a final sip of his own drink before putting it down, all the time studying her with a narrowed gaze that had shivers running up her spine. She couldn't fathom what he was thinking behind that look and so chose to look away.

 

“Remove your furs, Inu-kegawa,” he said.

 

His order left her stunned for only a moment, her already warm face blazing with heat, a gasp of outrage escaping her before she instinctively reacted.

 

“Sukebe!” Her hand only made it part way to his face before he grabbed hold of it, his grip strong and steady but not painful.

 

“What are you doing?” he asked, his expression clearly not amused.

 

“You swore you wouldn't take advantage of me!” she said, breathing hard while trying to control her anger. “Have you no honour? Especially after what I've been through?”

 

His expression became heated at her words. “Oi!” Inuyasha said, shouting over her and causing her to cringe. “I asked you to take off the damn furs, not get naked, you stupid bitch!”

 

Anger still flashed in her eyes, though not as fiercely. “Really?” she asked, wary.

 

“Of course, stupid!” he said, his voice loud and tone bighting, a growl rolling through his chest.

 

Eyes squeezed shut at the loud reprimand; Kagome bit her lip before looking up at the glowering hanyou. Her gaze was sulky and shamed by her interpretation of his words and she felt incredibly foolish. She had no right to question his honour.

 

“Keh!” He dropped her hand and reached for the oil lamp, dragging it closer to them. “Now take it off. I wanna see the damage the wolf did so I know just how to repay him.”

 

Smiling weakly she hesitated a moment more, unsure how she felt about exposing herself. Sighing in resignation she pushed off the blanket and began to unclasp the mantle, fearing if she did not, then he would do it for her. He was stubborn enough to do it. She still had misgivings about showing herself without the furs. No one but Sango and Miroku had seen her as Inu-kegawa without them since she'd arrived here. It felt at times that they were a part of her.

 

Shaking off her worries, Kagome peeled the furs from her shoulders, face averted as a blush rose up her neck to her still cream covered cheeks. She could feel Inuyasha's burning gaze on her, but ignored it as she concentrated on pulling her arms from the sleeves before letting the mantle pool about her kneeling form. Goose bumps instantly sprang across her skin, her small hairs rising as she became aware of cold seeping into the room.

 

She couldn't help the shiver that slid down her spine when his fingers brushed her chin. She looked toward him only to have her head tilted from side to side as he scoured her skin for damage, angling her into the light with skilful manipulation. Her skin burned at his touch but he seemed not to notice as his eyes jumped from place to place. They froze for a moment at her collar bone just visible before her yukata covered her. They narrowed slightly before he released her chin and moved on to her arms. She knew he was remembering how he had found her and Kouga before ripping him off of her.

 

Taking her hand in his, he brought it to the lamp and turned it this way and that. Much of the redness on her wrist had receded giving way to her natural pale skin. Unfortunately, in the place where Kouga's thumb had pinched her skin a bruise was forming. A low rumble began in his chest as he switched hands and took note of the same occurrence there.

 

With a disgusted growl he released her hand and sprang to his feet. His fists were clenched as he paced the room, now and then casting angry glowers her way. She stood slowly, worried at the violent rumbles coming from him.

 

“Inuyasha-sama?”

 

He paused in his movements, turning his entire focus to where she stood trembling, worry evident in her eyes. He moved back to her, the tight control on his anger evident in the way his hand caressed the narrow obi about her waist. The gesture caused a flip in her stomach that nearly had her knees buckling.

 

“Even wearing this, you aren't safe.” There was silence for a moment, his eyes clearly showing his frustration. Finally he turned from her and headed to a wall, pulling back a shoji to reveal his closet. “Get into bed, Inu-kegawa.” As he spoke, he removed his haori, revealing the under shirt.

 

Not really desiring an eye full of a naked Inuyasha, Kagome turned to the futon and repositioned the blanket before crawling in. Her back to him, she listened to the rustling of cloth as he removed his clothing and replaced it with a sleeping yukata, her mind jumping from topic to topic as she tried not to think about the present or the past.

 

When he got in beside her, she turned onto her back to look at him. He was on his side, head propped in his hand. His body heat radiated on to her and she couldn't help basking in it and his warm gaze for a few moments. He seemed content to let things be for the moment as well.

 

“Tomorrow you will go down to the onsen with Sango and clean yourself. The stink of that wolf covers you and I want it gone. You will not leave this room without her; she will come and get you when it's time. She'll also escort you back here after the bath, where you will remain until the wolf has left for good.” A rebellious look must have entered her eyes because his next words blocked her argument completely. “We tried it your way, wench, and it didn't work. Trust me, I understand your need for freedom, but your safety is more important now. As for work, Kaede will get along without you.”

 

But she couldn't stay here! Naraku was arriving tomorrow, and she had to be ready for him. Kagome worried her lip, trying to figure how she would manage. She would need an accomplice.

 

A groan was her only warning before she was pulled against him, his arms encircling her tenderly as his legs tangled with hers, her chest pressed flush against his, the contact causing her nipples to tingle in the most unusual manner. A clawed hand found it's way into her hair and cradled the back of her head, the other resting between her shoulder blades as he gazed into her upturned, questioning eyes.

 

“I don't want you to worry. I don't want you in any danger. Please, just understand that all I want is for you to be safe. I can't explain it, but that's what I want. Do you understand?”

 

She nodded as much as she could manage and then tucked her head under his chin. “Yes,” she said, her breath whispering across the skin on his neck, leaving goose bumps in its path. “As long as I'm near you, I'll be safe.”

 

***

 

Kagome sat across from Sango, utterly in heaven. The hot waters relaxed her muscles and drew the toxins from her skin, the air making her mind pleasantly foggy. She took a deep breath and leaned back against a boulder with a sigh. Mist rose from the surface, further blocking them from any prying eyes with a pony tail who may wander their way. She wished to never leave this place.

 

She had woken that morning to a soft caress on her cheek. Her eyes had fluttered open to find Inuyasha kneeling over her. It had been almost dream like as he told her to sleep in and remember their deal. She had fallen back to sleep quickly after that and not awakened until a servant scratched at the door. Inuyasha had obviously left instructions for food to be brought to her. After having finished a bowl of rice and grilled river fish she had retrieved her mantle and pulled it back on. The mornings were cold now and the furs were more necessary than ever.

 

It had been a good hour before Sango came for her, in which time Kagome had become severely bored. It had got to the point where she'd gotten over her scruples and begun snooping through Inuyasha's closet, admiring his various kimonos and weaponry. Red appeared to be a favourite colour of his with purple and black following close behind. She'd even found a pink version of the fire rat outfit she'd first seen him in.

 

Now, though, she was outside and best of all, had a companion. While the other servants didn't really talk to her, she had valued their presence. As a princess she'd been used to being constantly surrounded by ladies in waiting. Sango was both a pleasant companion in just her presence and in conversation. She could do nothing more than bask in this limited time of freedom.

 

“Inu-kegawa,” said Sango, calling Kagome's attention to her, “do you think you could scrub my back?”

 

Kagome beamed at her friends request and began wading over. “Of course, hand me the soap and sponge and turn around.”

 

Lathering up the sponge, Kagome began on her back, pushing the hair aside to reach her shoulders.

 

“Inu-kegawa,” Sango said, her voice hesitant, “what happened last night that Inuyasha doesn't want me to let you out of my sight for the rest of the day?”

 

Kagome paused in her mission. Eh? Inuyasha had ordered Sango to stay with her? That was odd and very thoughtful of him. He must have decided after he'd left her. She smiled a little and began scrubbing once again, though less enthusiastically.

 

“The obi didn't work as the warning to Kouga that we had hoped, Sango-chan,” she said quietly, “Kouga just brushed it off as if it were nothing. Inuyasha's scent on me didn't even deter him. It made him angry actually and….” The scrubbing slowed to nothing and Sango quickly turned to find the younger girl with bowed head.

 

“Did he hurt you?” she asked, her tone dark.

 

Kagome shrugged trembling slightly even with the heat that surrounded her. “Not really, but… he scared me. Forced me to remember things….”

 

They sat in loaded silence, Sango very much aware that something vital about the servant girl's past had been revealed to her. She did not know how to proceed, she didn't want to scare her off by prying, but she didn't want to stop her either. She had a feeling that she wasn't going to like the answer to her next question though.

 

“Did he touch you?” she asked.

 

Kagome hesitated, her eyes shifting to Sango uncertainly before moving back to focus on the water. “Yes.”

 

Sango stood, water splashing about her with the suddenness of the movement. “I'll kill him!” she said, the fire of retribution blazing in her eyes.

 

Alarmed, Kagome grasped her arm and pulled her back down. “No, Sango! Its okay, Inuyasha-sama is taking care of it. He's spoken with Sesshoumaru-sama.”

 

An evil glint entered Sango's eye at the mention of Sesshoumaru.

 

“I'm glad you'll be spending the day with me Sango. I don't think I could stand being left alone,” Kagome said, trying to divert the focus of the conversation.

 

Sango sighed. “Me too,” she said, forcing the tension out of her body once more, “How about you turn around; I'll scrub your back for you.”

 

Kagome did as she was asked with a grateful smile. “Sango, I don't know how long Inuyasha-sama will want to keep me in his chambers, so I was wondering if we could stop by my corner after and pick up my things?”

 

Sango could see no problem with this. Inuyasha had said she was not to leave Inu-kegawa's side or let Kouga near her. While she'd got the impression he'd prefer her to stay in his room, she didn't see a reason why they couldn't make a quick detour before getting there.

 

***

 

Miroku knelt before his lord, his staff held across his thighs. He was waiting to be acknowledged while Sesshoumaru read over some plans for the treaties. The talks had been let out for lunch and Miroku had been waiting for the lord when he arrived at his room.

 

“You followed them?” Though his eyes did not lift from the paper, the question was clearly directed at Miroku.

 

“As you requested, Sesshoumaru-sama,” said Miroku.

 

“Was anything of interest mentioned?”

 

“Only comments on events from last night. It was unclear what they spoke of except that it involved the wolf prince, and by the servant girl's tone and slayer's reaction I can presume it was upsetting. I can speak with the slayer to find out details if Sesshoumaru-sama requests it.”

 

“This Sesshoumaru is aware of last night's events,” he said, clearly disinterested.

 

Miroku wasn't surprised. Sesshoumaru seemed to know everything that went on in his kingdom without even perking his ears to listen. “And something else was said in relation to that,” Miroku said, “something that seemed to cause the slayer great stress.”

 

Sesshoumaru looked up finally, his golden eyes focusing on the monk in silent demand for him to continue.

 

“The girl mentioned that last night forced her to remember things she does not want to. It would seem that whatever it was that Kouga-sama did to her, has happened to her before.”

 

When his eyes narrowed Miroku immediately knew that Sesshoumaru had not known this piece of information. And if he didn't know any better, he would have sworn disgust glinted there as well.

 

“This is most… enlightening, houshi-sama.” Sesshoumaru sat in silence for a few moments, eyes focused once more on the treaty. “You are dismissed.”

 

Bowing deep, Miroku tuned to go, already thinking of paying his Sango a visit and eat lunch with her.

 

“Houshi-sama,” Sesshoumaru said, causing Miroku to freeze as he reached for his staff, “I expect there to be a wedding soon. Do not keep her waiting too much longer.”

 

He felt like his intestines were shrivelling. The warning was clear. Their relationship had become far too common in knowledge and the lord would not support scandal from his two high ranking subjects. Yes, the tai-youkai of the Western Lands really did know everything that happened in his territory.

 

***

 

They had headed to the castle after the bath without incident, Kagome's hair and hood arranged in a way that hid her face, but did not draw too much attention. It had distressed Kagome greatly at first, but Sango had assured her that, because of the storm, there would be fewer soldiers in the courtyard. A large portion of the guard had been sent out into the surrounding villages to help with the repairs the storm had left in its wake. Kagome found this peculiar but Sango assured her that it was common practice in Sesshoumaru's kingdom, though, she'd reflected, the lord had seemed hesitant to give the order.

 

Retrieving her belongings was also a surprisingly uninterrupted task. The few servants that were around were too busy to even give her the covert dirty looks she was used to. After re-hanging the curtain Inuyasha had knocked down she'd slipped inside the room while Sango had waited for her outside, understanding her need for privacy without being told. Kagome had quickly collected her things securing the bag beneath her furs before applying the slayer cream to her face and tucking her hair back under her hood.

 

The girls now sat together in Inuyasha's room. They were having fun talking, Kagome trying to get as much information about Sango and Miroku's relationship from the blushing slayer. The girl wished she could spend more time with him, but they both had very busy jobs and could only manage to see each other in the evenings once their responsibilities had been fulfilled. She obviously wished to marry the wayward monk, but he had yet to make any moves in that direction. Kagome did her best to reassure her.

 

“Don't worry; I'm sure he's just waiting for the right mood. Give him a little time and when things have calmed down, I'm sure he will ask you,” Kagome said with a smile.

 

Sango nodded, a small smile forcing its way onto her lips. “Yeah, you're probably right. I know he loves me, so it's only a matter of time.”

 

“There's the spirit!” Kagome was a little envious of her friend. She herself still didn't know what it was to love someone with all her heart and have that love returned. She had often listened to her ladies speak of their suitors, but she had never envied them, for they spoke of trysts and secret rendezvous. Courtly love only, not true love. What was love like?

 

The image of Inuyasha as he had looked last night when he's saved her flashed through Kagome's mind. Her heart tugged in her chest so fiercely that she thought she would fall over. She had a sudden need to see him and wondered at what it could mean.

 

“Sango-chan… what is love like?” she asked, painfully embarrassed to be asking such a personal question.

 

Sango looked just as embarrassed. “Well, it's like -”

 

The sudden opening of the shoji had both girls jumping where they sat. Kagome twisted to see Inuyasha step inside, her stomach flipping unexpectedly as his customary scowl landed on her, warmth spreading pleasantly over her skin. The softening of his features when his eyes met hers took her voice away. Was this love then? He entered, closing the shoji behind him before he knelt by her, only looking away from her to acknowledge Sango with a nod.

 

“Inuyasha-sama,” Sango said, bowing in response to his nod.

 

Inuyasha hadn't meant to startle the girls, but was amused that he had managed to all the same. Sango was usually more alert then that. His gaze wandered back to Kagome as she continued to silently stare at him. There was something in her eyes that had him on the edge instantly. She seemed confused.

 

Sango's eyes flicked to the girl across from her wondering why she was so quiet. Her friend was frozen in place, a rabbit staring into the golden gaze of a predator. Sango cleared her throat. “How was your morning?”

 

Inuyasha quickly turned away, his mood soured. “Keh! I've been stuck in a room with my bother and that damn wolf for five hours. How do you think it was? The only good part was when Sesshoumaru asked Kouga for a private word before lunch.” A pleased grin replaced the scowl. “I was more then willing to see to the other lords knowing what he was speaking to wolf-shit about.”

 

Kagome's fidgeting drew his attention again. She was no longer staring at him but frowning down at the tatami mat. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes in study. “Hey, how are you feeling, Inu-kegawa?”

 

“Eh?” She looked at him with surprise before waving her hand at him and smiling. “Oh, don't worry about me. I'm fine. I was just wondering what Sesshoumaru-sama would do to Kouga-sama.”

 

Inuyasha growled. “Not nearly enough. If it were me, he'd loose a vital part that his future mate would most dearly miss. But Sesshoumaru will likely stick to threats. He's pretty good with those since everyone knows he'll follow through with them.”

 

“I see,” Kagome said in a murmur.

 

There was a scratch at the door then and Inuyasha called for the servant to enter. Four trays of food carried by two servants were conveyed into the room. They bowed, stood and left, allowing room for Miroku to step in.

 

“I saw them coming up and commented that I would be joining you. I hope you don't mind,” Miroku said with a smile as he sat by Sango.

 

Inuyasha made no response, only nodded at Kagome to pour out the tea that sat on her tray. She did as bayed, but began to protest when Inuyasha took the pot and poured hers, becoming further flustered as he smirked in amusement. He didn't know why she was acting this way, but he couldn't say he didn't like it, though he wished she would speak up some more.

 

“Keep your hands where I can see them, houshi-sama,” said Sango, noting that he drank with the left, it being the furthest from her.

 

“Sango! You know I would never touch you in the presence of others,” Miroku said, clearly hurt by her words.

 

She focused a dry look on the monk. “I know nothing of the sort.”

 

Ignoring the lovers interplay, Inuyasha focused once more on the girl at his side. She seemed to have composed herself, smiling at the couples antics. She seemed to sense him watching her, because she soon turned to him with a questioning look.

 

“Did you sleep well after I left you?” he asked, a small smirk twitching his lips up as her eyes rounded. Damn how he wished that cream did not cover her skin. He was sure she had the sweetest blush staining her cheeks just now.

 

“Yes, Inuyasha-sama, I did.” A twinkle entered her eye and he found himself fascinated. “But to be truthful, I did not sleep near as well as I did during the night.”

 

If he'd been fifty years younger, he would have blushed at her words. Instead, he could only nod his throat too tight to speak as he remembered last night.

 

He had been worried for her well being at the time, but a part of him had been strongly aware of her every look, movement, and the slayer-cream-free scent that had surrounded him. And while concern for her was at the forefront of all his words and actions, he could not deny that when she had removed the furs he had reacted stronger to her partially clothed body than he ever had to the sight of a naked female in his life.

 

The sight of his obi about her waist had caused a possessive response to lance through him and stab into his gut. He'd come alive, his body straining to take her even as he inspected her body for wounds. If he'd been younger, he wouldn't have been able to control himself or slowly bring the craving to manageable levels.

 

It had been when they'd lain in his bedding that he'd lost control. He had promised himself not to touch her, but the innocent act of her bighting her lip in worry had been too much. It had been a moment of defeat, but he'd reined it in despite the press of her chest to his. He was content with this, he'd told himself, and she didn't seem to mind, her scent and words were both soothing and comforting.

 

And now he sat beside her eating lunch and there was a nervous tension between them that had never been there before. Sango and Miroku appeared not notice it as they continued a conversation with Inu-kegawa about some topic he hadn't been paying attention to nor really cared about.

 

“Feh, so, Miroku,” said Inuyasha, interrupting the monk in mid sentence, “what were you up to this morning?”

 

Miroku seemed a little thrown off. “Er, well, you know Inuyasha-sama, a little of this, a little of that.” Sango's eyes narrowed, suddenly suspicious. Miroku hurried to give more detail. “I have not been able to complete all my duties, being so busy what with all of the lords and their servants visiting the castle, and I took the free time this morning to catch up on them.”

 

Inuyasha looked unconvinced. “What were you doing in Sesshoumaru's room then?” Miroku looked startled. “I smelt you in there when I walked by. So? What did the prick want?”

 

“Oh,” Miroku laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Well, er, it would seem that Sesshoumaru-sama has become aware of my relationship with Sango-san.” He looked at Sango then and took the startled girls hand in his. “He gave his permission, Sango my love and we are to be married as soon as possible.”

 

The squeal of delight that came from Kagome had Inuyasha's ears pined flat to his head even as his eyes widened in surprise at the announcement. Sango looked pale as though she was about to faint. Her eyes had become a bit dazed and Inuyasha was suddenly worried for the slayer.

 

“Sango?” Miroku said uncertainly. “Aren't you happy?”

 

With a sudden scream, Sango lunged at Miroku, tears streaming down her cheeks as she kissed the monk anywhere on his face that she could reach. If her reaction wasn't telling enough, her words as she kissed him were.

 

“Yes… Yes Hoshi-sama! I'm happy; I will… marry you, Miroku!” Her babbling continued and Miroku sat dumbly with his arms about her until his lips latched onto hers, silencing her with a display she could not hit him for.

 

When the heated kiss ended Sango pulled back, her drugged like state lasting several moments after until a fanatic look entered her eye. She jumped to her feet, completely ignoring the shocked expressions of her audience.

 

“I have to tell Kohaku!” she said eagerly. “Stay with Inu-kegawa until I get back, houshi-sama!” With that said, she hurried from the room.

 

The three remaining occupants sat in stupefied silence after her exit. The spell was broken when a servant came to the still open door and told Inuyasha he was expected back for the talks in a few moments. Grumbling, Inuyasha stood, Miroku and Kagome following suit.

 

“Congratulations, Miroku. I was wondering when you'd get around to doing the honourable thing,” said Inuyasha, slapping his friend on the back with enough force to make him stumble a few steps.

 

Kagome giggled. “Yes, you have made her very happy, Miroku-sama.”

 

“Yeah.” Miroku smiled weakly. “I just hope I'm worthy of her.”

 

“You aren't, but you can spend the rest of your life making it up to her.” Inuyasha said and moved to the doorway. He motioned for Kagome to follow him and once they were in the hall and the shoji was closed, he pulled her into his arms.

 

Her heart skipped a beat when he buried his face in her hair, breathing in deeply before letting it out in a sigh. Her once limp arms moved, her hands grasping onto his haori in a death grip.

 

“I want you to stay in this room no matter what. Do you understand me Inu-kegawa? You are not to leave here.” His voice was commanding and allowed for no arguments.

 

“Um, sure, Inuyasha-sama,” she said, unsure why he would be making this demand when he'd already made it clear it was what he wanted.

 

He pulled back a bit, grasping her shoulders and locking eyes with her. “I'm serious, for no reason whatsoever are you to leave this room.”

 

Kagome shivered at the intensity of his stare. “Why?”

 

Inuyasha shook his head, silver locks swishing from side to side, brushing against her chin. “I don't know. I've just had a really bad feeling since I woke this morning. Something is going to happen tonight and I do not want you getting mixed up in it.”

 

Kagome's gaze softened. His worry and protectiveness touched her, but she could not stay away from the trouble tonight. Even if she stayed in his room, trouble would still find her.

 

“Promise me, Inu-kegawa that you will stay here.” He said, trying to drill into her the seriousness of this request.

 

Sobering completely, she returned his gaze. “This Inu-kegawa promises not to leave Inuyasha-sama's room.”

 

Relief suffused his features and even a little amusement as she used the polite language that his stick-up-the-ass brother favoured to make her promise. The game they had been playing was pleasant, but his instincts had never been wrong and he wasn't about to put her in danger for pleasantness. After the feast tonight he planned to tell her he knew of her game and get all the answers he wanted no matter what it took.

 

For now though he merely nodded and pulled the shoji open. “Good. Then I will see you after the feast.” Pushing her inside he closed the shoji once again and walked away.

 

***

 

Miroku had left once Sango had returned. She was still excited and the girls spent much of the afternoon discussing wedding plans. Kagome found an enjoyment in Sango's preparations for marriage that had been lacking in her own. It was hard to believe that it had been a little over a month ago that she had sat in her room with her father before her, declaring that he would take her as wife that night.

 

Kagome pushed those thoughts from her head, though the dread remained in the back of her mind. He would come for her tonight.

 

Sango was describing the silk she wished to use for her outer kimono when a great yell came from the courtyard below. Frowning, Sango moved to the balcony and pulled open the shoji to stare down. Kagome's eyes followed her friend, curious herself at what could cause the commotion she was hearing.

 

“Hn,” said Sango, gaze still locked on the courtyard, brows raised in apparent amazement, “looks like Naraku-sama has finally made his appearance and boy does he like to travel in style. It almost seems as though brought his entire castle with him!”

 

Sango turned to share her amusement with the servant girl. What she saw made her instantly concerned. Head bowed and body trembling, Kagome looked as though the world were about to end.

 

“Inu-kegawa?” Sango said, her tone soothing as she slowly moved toward her.

 

“Sango….” Kagome's head rose, pleading eyes latching onto Sango's. “I need to tell you something.”