InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Elsewhere ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )

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

By: flowers

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha nor am I profiting from this.

“If language were liquid

It would be rushing in

Instead here we are

In a silence more eloquent

Than any word could ever be

These words are too solid

They don't move fast enough

To catch the blur in the brain

That flies by and is gone”

- Suzanne Vega, Language

Chapter Eight

It had officially been two days.

She stared at the phone. Why didn't she offer her number? The thought crossed her mind that he wouldn't call anyway, probably thinking it would be `her' choice to continue the `relationship' or not. Did he still come around? Her window was fastened tight each morning since the visit and she found this almost sad.

She was crazy. Her mind had been playing tricks on her. He didn't come to her window and open it. The last two nights were proof. This would be an interesting subject to bring up if she could ever gather the nerve. Being very sure he would never lie she wondered if she actually wanted to hear the truth.

'Time to take some action,' she thought while springing up from the couch. To her delight Souta, Mom, and Grandpa would be gone the rest of the day and most of the night due to a soccer trip at the university. Souta was very good at the sport and was invited to watch a `real' practice by his coach. Mom wanted to take a trip to the bigger stores deep in the city for next year's school clothes. Grandpa was so proud of Souta; of course he would go along.

She had closed the shrine booth early with a nagging idea in her brain. Her eyes lit up at the thought of inviting Sesshoumaru over. Would he accept? He seemed content to surround himself with familiar humans. Maybe he would shy away from her idea of bringing him into her home, smelling of unfamiliarity. She swallowed hard. It was worth a try. Her fingers pecked at the number pad. She had memorized the number yesterday. One long ring later the phone was answered.

“Yes?”

She paused, it was his voice. What was she going to say again?

“Yes?” the voice persisted.

“Hello? Sesshoumaru? I'm sorry you answered the phone pretty fast…” her throat was suddenly dry. She coughed a bit.

“Kagome. I am glad you called,” came his answer. Soothing and smooth.

'Oh yeah, dummy, the question,' she cleared her throat.

“Yes! Well, I wondering if you would like to come over today. My family is gone for some hours and I thought it would be nice if…" What did she think would be nice again? 'Crap Kagome! Snap out of it, it's not Elvis on the phone.'

“I would be delighted. What time?” came the answer. Thank the gods she didn't have to think anymore.

“Anytime, the sooner the better…” she rethought that last remark. “I mean to say I would like some time to talk before my family comes home.” Boy she could be stupid. Would she ever learn to act normal around him? Sheesh, he was only on the phone.

“I will be there shortly,” he replied and hung up the phone. 'Did he just hang up on me?' The nerve sometimes! But perhaps he didn't know correct phone etiquette? It didn't matter now. She had to change into something better than cut off shorts and a tee shirt! Why didn't she change earlier? She leapt up the stairs to her bedroom. Nothing fancy, maybe some nicer shorts? Oh my, the choices girls have to struggle through.

He was there in five minutes but sensed that she was in her room. Taking the liberty he sprang soundlessly to her roof and watched carefully as she struggled to get an over-sized tee shirt out of her hair. Changing clothes at this time of day? Human females were over-conscious of their appearance.

She stood looking solemnly into her closet. Her white undergarments were showing off just how much she had tanned this season. Tanning was frowned upon a few hundred years ago and now was something sought after, fickle human tastes. He was quite amused by the way she stared down her closet as if she were sizing up an enemy. Then she attacked, mumbling harsh words as she delved into the center.

“No, I don't want to look like a hussy. Why did I buy that? This has a huge stain on the ass, what did I sit in? Okay this looks good…” she turned suddenly and met his golden eyes. Amusement quickly faded.

“Oh my God!” She rushed to the window and slammed the shades hung exactly for that reason three years ago. “What is with these sneaky youkai!” She screamed at the shades and slipped the sun dress over her head in a blur. Well her earlier question had been answered.

She paused for a second to let the deep crimson blush fade. She will keep those blinds shut tight from now on. She stomped down the stairs and flung the front door open. There he was, standing for the entire world like nothing had just happened and looking especially stoic.

He wore a dark brown short sleeved shirt and khaki pants. His hair pulled back in his newly signature high ponytail. Golden emotionless pools stared blankly at her. Soundlessly she motioned for him to come in and he stepped gracefully through the threshold. She slammed the door hard.

Walking into the living room she flopped down on the couch. He stood in the doorway with hands in pockets. “Please sit down. Make yourself comfortable,” she said sarcastically in a flustered voice. “More so than you already have.”

He was very amused but refrained to show it. This day was turning out to be quite pleasing already. He didn't feel guilty. He had been observing her for years of course and knew every line of body. Like her mother, grandfather, or any member of her family. Would she have been as angry if her mother had done the same? He decided to save that question for later and sat down adjacent to her crossing his legs. She shifted uncomfortably.

“Well then, this is awkward,” she shot him a daggered glance that melted as she locked onto his eyes. No guilt, no anger, no emotion.

“Maybe for you girl. I however, remain unaffected,” he said in a dismissive manner. She didn't know how to react. “I sensed you were there. I came to observe your behavior.”

“I'm not a lab rat!” she spat. “Please don't do that anymore. I know it's nothing to you but let me have a little privacy,” she said a bit softer. Hadn't she told herself she would let him a slide a bit for on strange things?

“I apologize,” he said with a sigh and pulled his long ponytail to rest on his right shoulder, “I find it quite pleasant to observe you when are alone. You are very different when you are uninterrupted.” She blushed. This was a compliment of some kind and she felt the anger melt away. “I will refrain in the future,” he stated. She almost felt sad but she couldn't tell him it was okay for goodness sake! The whole situation was weird enough without adding more strange behavior onto the pile.

“Apology accepted. I'm not a kid anymore, it's just not.... Appropriate is the best word,” she was trying to make the situation better; maybe she should just shut her mouth.

“No Kagome. You are not a child anymore,” He said with a faraway look in his eyes. Memories of Rin becoming awkward and less inclined to share her thoughts incessantly flashed in his mind. Kagome again took this in the wrong way. She turned red from her face to her toes. The same heat radiated from her like it had in the car. “Children grow up too fast,” he said in reply to her red face.

She shot up from her seat. This caught him off guard and flared his youki. He found himself on his feet and inches away from her. Growling he quickly sat back down. “Please refrain from actions of that nature. Especially with emotion written all over you. I control myself to the point that my youkai reacts of its own accord. Do not give it reason to surface,” he said with anger behind his voice.

After all these years instinct still ruled his body. He could have had his hand at her throat in an instant. He didn't know what would happen if this situation arose again. She had turned from red to sheet white and froze.

“I'm sorry, I was just going to get a drink. I won't do that again,” she was very scared. More afraid than she had been since meeting him here.

The scent was intoxicating to him.

“Please relax. The smell of your fear is too strong,” he said flatly with eyes sealed shut willing his instincts to disappear. “I should have warned you. I didn't expect this.” She forced herself take one slow step in front of the other to the kitchen. His words spiked her fears; she had to get out of this situation.

She soon enough found herself in the kitchen and relaxed a bit. Not bothering to ask if he needed anything she dug in the fridge. There it was, her grandfather's sake decanter. She poured herself a generous cup, half emptied it in one great swallow, and poured more. She felt the sake begin to warm her body and take the edge off her fear. Closing the door she walked back to the living room. He was sitting exactly as he had been moments before the incident.

He could smell the strong aroma of sake on her. This was probably a good idea. She was much calmer and even if fear spiked her responses would be slow. He would make sure to calm her fears in any case. She circled the low table and sat down. “I'm sorry would you like anything?” she asked nervously. He gave her a half smile that helped to set her at ease.

“No thank you,” he replied. They sat for a bit in silence. It was welcomed after the scare and they both enjoyed it. “Have you been well?” He was attempting petty conversation.

“Yes. It's starting to get a little hectic around here with the summer visitors to the shrine but I'm making some money on the side at least,” she was referring of course to her grandfather's booth. He knew she had been working there on and off for months now. There were a few extra moments of silence.

“Don't continue to be afraid Kagome. It has been a long time since someone reacted to me in that way. It was instinctual and unavoidable. Now that we understand each other we can take steps to make sure it does not happen again,” he said in a calming voice. She turned to him. He was relaxed and as normal as he could look.

She remembered his eyes from moments before. He really must suppress himself too much. She tried to scoff it off but it remained at the back of her mind. He wasn't human, he had just proved that. She really had to watch her actions from now on.

“I've been acting like a school girl lately. All this excitement is getting to me and then there's the fact I never know what to expect from you. You're like a big riddle,” the sake was coursing through her now, allowing her to say things she wouldn't normally. He noted that maybe he should offer her sake when she visits him. He put a finger to his lips.

“Really, how so?” he mused over what she might say.

“Well, I just said I never know what to expect from you. I don't pretend to know what you're thinking,…” the look on his face caused her to take another large sip. “You're a mystery to me,” she said in a singsong voice. She was truly amusing him now. Funny how a mere drink could bring a human's guard down.

“Would you like to continue with question and answer?” he asked. She gawked at him. This was taking on the mood of slumber party truth or dare. She giggled at the thought of daring Sesshoumaru to run outside the house naked or drink toilet water. She put the cup down, the sake was getting to her. “You can begin,” he stated. So this was going to be like the last time she thought to herself.

“Okay then…” the tables have turned now she thought. "Do you ever turn into your demon form?” she didn't think about angering him. She wasn't thinking clearly anyway and felt comfortable enough. The question was unexpected but he was ready to answer.

“On occasion I retreat to a small island I own and do my hunting there. It helps to calm me,” he looked at her for a reaction. She looked interested.

“So you hunt there. Is that how you eat then, I mean what you hunt?” she continued with another question. He pursed his lips. She was quick to catch on. He didn't like the idea of explaining his eating habits to her but it was all in fair play.

“Yes. I must have my meals raw and with the blood it contains,” She still looked quite interested and not put-off. “The blood and the meat go hand in hand. I can not have nourishment without both.” She sat back and looked a little perplexed. Then she seemed to accept it.

“That's a little strange, Inuyasha was never like that…” he almost flinched at the name but she made no reaction herself. “Oh, but he was part human so I guess that didn't apply,” she let out a heavy sigh and then yawned.

“Boy you really scared me half to death. I'm glad we cut the tension,” she smiled at him with alcohol-flushed cheeks. She was really quite becoming in this relaxed state, flushed and languid. Any tensions that remained worked its way out of his back and shoulders. “Your turn!” she said cheerfully and drew her legs up so to rest underneath her.

“Yes,” he said slowly. Asking questions with this impaired judgment all of a sudden didn't seem appropriate but he was enjoying her comfort in his presence. Would she ever feel this comfortable without the use of sake around him? She looked very childlike now, inquisitive eyes transfixed on him.

He all of sudden grew very concerned of her being like this with anyone else. She looked very easy to take advantage of. “Do you consume sake like this often?” She giggled a little and scratched her head. She looked like Rin so much that he wanted to touch her, like he used to take Rin into his lap on occasion during a storm or after a particularly bad dream. He enjoyed those moments but they were very few.

His only little daughter held his embrace but a few times in the long years of her life yet accepted it. She was truly happy his in presence otherwise. He felt guilty for withholding comfort from her and also from himself. He sat, stoic as ever, and awaited her answer.

“Only a few times. Once at Miroku's adopted father's farewell party, boy, is that a funny story…” she chuckled and rolled her head back. Her neck was long and fluid. At this time many conflicting thoughts entered his mind.

Of course he was concerned about her answer; the monk was never to be trusted, but he also found her surprisingly easy on his eyes. This thought very much disturbed him. His paternal side also wished to reach out to her. This situation was becoming complicated. Her openness beckoned to a part of him he didn't enjoy coming to the surface. So he cleared his mind and recrossed his legs.

Physical movement snapped his attention from the spell this sake worked around her. She would never move this way with full presence of mind. “But besides that I used to sneak and try it when I was a kid. It tastes awful. I just thought I needed to chill out but I think I overdid it huh?” She finished with a large grin.

“It is comforting you do not partake often. It seems to go to your head,” he said with a half smile. She broke out laughing almost falling from the sofa.

“I'm sorry, this is all getting really funny…” she was laughing deeply now, the kind where only a small sound comes out. “The thought of me getting toasted with you in my living room!” she straightened and tried to compose herself while chuckles still erupted. “I'm sorry, next question,” she said trying to keep a straight face.

“I'm glad you are finding amusement with the situation, however I will refrain from questions until a time when you are composed,” he said starting to feel a laugh coming on. It had been so long since he laughed out of anything but cruelty, sarcasm, or scorn. He let a bit of it out quietly to himself. This was too strange. He almost didn't know how to laugh properly anymore. He had never laughed even at Rin's tireless antics on Jaken. It had been too long.

“Gods, are you laughing?” She said with an exaggerated look of surprise. He quieted quickly. “That is so wonderful, I'm glad that you're finding amusement out of this! Maybe I didn't over do it,” she edged closer to him. He became uncomfortable. Yet her eyes were full of wonder and delight and this heartened him.

He could let himself go a bit. There was no one here to judge him and she'd be lucky to remember any of this. With that thought he let out a bit more of his silent laughter. “This is great,” she sighed and patted him on the leg. He immediately stopped. Physical contact was not necessary. She didn't notice however. “Maybe I should tell a joke,” she thought out loud lingering even closer. He shifted away from her.

“I do not think you could bring one to mind in your present state,” he said in an authoritarian voice. She broke out into hysterics. Her laughing was so deep it was contagious. He sat in wonder at the girl. Why did she bring these things out in him? He began his laugh again. She stood to the floor and headed to the entertainment system.

“I think we need some music to liven things up, don't you?” She turned the stereo on. A familiar Japanese pop song filled the room. She began to dance with the grace and peace of a child. He watched her for many minutes dip and sway. She shook her hips and gaited over to him. “Come on, this isn't a private show! Get busy!” she grabbed his hand and pulled on him laughing. He stood and she fell against him.

“You are so much fun!” she cackled and pulled him to the center of the room. Again he fell into the hypnotic spell of her musings. She pirouetted in his hands, brought herself out and pulled herself back in. He was at a loss. Should he continue this ridiculous banter or let her enjoy his company? He had after all brought this on. She began singing along strangely in tune this time.

He took the liberty of sitting back down. As the song ended she sat close to him again after almost stumbling on the table. “You're eyes are so bright! I'm glad you're having fun,” she mumbled at him and leaned back as another more serious song began playing. The mood darkened a bit.

“You are so full of vigor. I can not help but enjoy your lust for life,” he said simply. She wouldn't remember anyway, he didn't have to hold his thoughts back for once.

“Do you really mean that?” she asked as she turned to him. She was graceful in her movements. His affection grew with every moment, this was a wonderful evening after all. The fates had a reason for everything. Did they mean for her to affect him so?

“You remind me of Rin,” he continued. She looked a little saddened. What was she expecting? Ah yes, she was a young girl with her eyes full of stars and her mind full of romance. She expected to hear more of herself. “Yes, I meant that,” he said.

She smiled and reached for his hand. He accepted and she entwined his fingers in hers. Power of a sort was pulsing through her. He looked down to find her hand was glowing softly. It was purity of a miko. Instead of shying away he basked in it. This repressed his instinct more than any meditation. “No more questions then?” He asked openly. She looked very serious now.

“You know I wouldn't be saying this normally but, I feel sorry for you sometimes,” she said and looked in his eyes. He took his hand from hers. Who was this girl, thinking she could say such things? “You are so alone and you hide yourself away. I want to help you but I don't know how.”

She sighed again and rest her head on his shoulder. “But I see you smile at me sometimes and I hope that helps,” he couldn't bring himself to be angry with her; she wasn't being her normal self. “You haven't told me how you restored your arm,” she said blatantly. He couldn't deny her this question.

“At the time of Inuyasha's death he requested I take his arm, and so I did,” he let the words fall and waited for her reaction. She looked back into his eyes. Her brown endless pools of emotion, his cool golden pools devoid of emotion. She took a slight breath.

“Didn't you use Tenseiga?” she asked with suspicion in her voice. His eyes looked distant and her suspicion strangely disappeared.

“He requested against that,” he replied. She sighed pushing back tears then looked to his arm and smiled.

“This arm…” she took his left hand. Observing it for a moment she brought it to her face. With closed eyes she ran it across her cheek. He felt waves of something almost unfamiliar, like static electricity run through him. He couldn't control it nor could he control her motions.

She brought the hand to her lips and kissed it softly. She opened her eyes and smiled at him through tears. The look on his face told her to let go. His teeth were clenched, his vision rimming with red. It took all he had to not grasp the girl. Why was he fighting a simple instinct such as that? Grasping was different from killing or maiming. He fought it still, this insane lust was different and not to be trusted. As she let go he won it over. He jumped up.

“Miko, refrain from touching me without consent,” he glowered at her. She looked unabashed and sat perfectly still.

“I'm sorry did I make you mad? I didn't move quickly did I?” she asked innocently. She stank of innocence. It was overwhelming his senses. This new beast risen didn't bed back down so easily.

“No, it was an overwhelming urge to grasp you. It was not triggered by emotion it was your touch,” he was explaining this to himself as he tried to make sense of it to her. She began laughing. He had to stop himself from slapping her. Did she mean to laugh at him?

“Why didn't you?” she asked reeking more and more of innocence. He looked ominously down on her.

“You are truly stupid to youkai nature human,” he spat. He had never been this harsh to her since he appeared. “Your innocence reeks. It calls out to part of me you do not want to meet, I assure you,” this last statement was more or less a snarl. His eyes brimmed red again.

“You mean I don't want to meet the tender side of you? The side that calls to be touched and…” her words trailed into tears. This stupid bitch! She was crazy, why wasn't she shaking and cowering in fear? On the other hand why was he shaking? She stood and approached him. Everything was red now. He was losing this battle. She wrapped her arms around him. He let go.

When he came back to his senses he was kneeling on the floor, Kagome tangled in his arms. This intimate touch was so exquisite. A soft glow was all around her. Her eyes were closed and her lips parted as if she were going to say something before the purification hit his youki. The intensity of their powers meeting seemed to knock her out.

He came to this conclusion after searching her body for any damage he might have done. What a spiteful and wonderful child. What had she tamed in him to feel so peaceful and ecstatic all at once. He gathered her up from the floor and began to carry her to her bedroom. Her scent was inexplicable, laced with power and frailty. The daughter he never had, the teacher he was too blind to accept, his thoughts trailed off.

She had embraced him in love. Like some sort of holy sutra this was unlike anything he had come across or fought against. It was a lost battle from the start. In her room he pushed back her childhood sheets. He smirked slightly, a holy element wrapped in the trappings of childhood.

He looked at her again, hesitating for a moment he then slipped the thin dress over her head. Warm flesh was wonderful in his hands. How many times had he ripped the life from mortals just as warm? He was an old evil that shouldn't trouble the lives of humans. Could he end this new chapter of a long a meaningless life? Did he have that kind of power?

He placed her in her bed and covered her slightly. She shifted and smiled in a blissful dream somewhere far away. He wished he could sink inside her and find that source of light and life. Did all humans possess this? He left through her window with a multitude of thoughts to trouble him through the night and many to come.