InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For the Love of a Child ❯ A Morning of Sorrow ( Chapter 13 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

 

Monday morning, Kagome, sleeping peacefully, is suddenly awakened early by the ringing of her phone.  The young woman yawns, stretches, then slowly reaches over to pick up the receiver.  “Hello?”

 

“Well hello, my fair maiden,” says a happy male voice.

 

“Oh, hey InuYasha,” the young woman says, struggling to get comfortable.  “This is a surprise.”

 

“I didn’t wake you, did I?”

 

“Yeah, you did,” she replies rubbing sleep from her eyes.

 

“Sorry.  I’ll just call back later then.”

 

“No that’s alright,” replies Kagome stifling a yawn.  “I need to get up anyway.”

 

“So how are you feeling this morning?  Any better?”

 

“A little better, I guess,” replies Kagome rubbing her shoulder.  “My arm’s still a little stiff though.  So, what’s up?”

 

“A couple of things actually,” replies the hanyou.  “First, I want to thank you for last weekend.  I had a really good time.”  InuYasha gives a slight laugh.  “Even with the slave driver.  Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

 

“You?” Kagome laughs.  “Want to do it again?”

 

“What’s so funny about that?”

 

“Oh, nothing InuYasha.  Just thinking how you must be a glutton for punishment is all.”

 

“I don’t understand.”

 

“Well Sango made you really angry last weekend, didn’t she?  You even said you wanted to kill her.  After all that, I didn’t think you’d ever want to see her again, much less be anywhere around her.”

 

“I didn’t say I wanted to help with her furniture again Kagome.  Just I really liked hanging out with you guys afterwards.  It was a lot of fun and my back has never felt so relaxed before.  I’m even sleeping better.  So, thank you fair maiden for a most enjoyable evening.”

 

“You’re most welcome sir.  Glad to know I was of some service to you guys at least,” says Kagome peevishly.  “Treating me like I was some invalid.  Why you guys wouldn’t let me do anything to help.”

 

“You were too weak Kagome, and sore.  As heavy as the furniture was there was no way you could have done anything.”

 

“I would have at least tried, you know.”

 

“And that’s exactly why I carried you home when I did.”

 

“Yeah, right,” says the young woman with a smirk.  “So, what else did you want?”

 

“Well…KiKyo’s gone out of town today.”

 

“So?”

 

“So, I was wondering Kagome… if you won’t be doing anything, if… perhaps you’d like to do something… with me, this afternoon?” asks InuYasha hopefully.

 

“Like what?”

 

“How does having lunch at the diner sound?  You seemed to like the food there and well Tumi’s been sort of asking about you.”

 

Kagome looks out the window next to her bed.  “The diner does sound nice InuYasha, but what about us going to the park instead?  I could pack a picnic lunch and we can both enjoy this nice weather.”

 

“Sounds perfect Kagome,” replies the hanyou with a smile.  “I’ll get to have you all to myself then.”

 

(All to himself,) thought the young woman with smile?  (Is he saying he wants to be alone with me?)

 

“Kagome?”

 

The woman shakes her head.  (Oh get a grip, girl.  Why would someone like InuYasha want to go out with something like you?)

 

“Kagome.”

 

(He only wants to pay you back for last weekend that’s all.  Nothing special about it.)

 

“Of course, if you’d rather not …”

 

“Huh?  Oh, um sure InuYasha I’d love to go out with you.”

 

“You would?  Gee Kagome that’s great,” says the hanyou happily.  (For a moment there I was sure she was going to turn me down.)  “I usually take my lunch around one o’clock but if that’s too late for you, I can pick you up earlier.  Say around… twelve fifteen?  We can visit longer, that way.”

 

(It’s nothing special Kagome.)  “Ok.  Twelve fifteen’s fine.  Anything special you’d like me to prepare for you?  Like a salad or something?”

 

“Fix whatever you want fair maiden.  I’ll eat just about anything that’s put in front of me.”

 

“Ok then, I’ll be waiting for you around twelve.”

 

“I’ll be there, fair maiden,” replies InuYasha.  “Don’t forget about me now.  Ok?”

 

“I won’t.”

 

The hanyou hangs up, claps his hands and spins around in his chair.  “Hot damn!!!” he says excitedly.  (Kagome’s really going out with me today.  And I’m sure as hell not fucking this date up.  Better hurry though.  Gotta clean myself up, comb my hair, maybe put on some deodorant.  Don’t want to go over there all smelly with grease all over my ass.  Better buy flowers too.  Maybe some nice spring arrangement.  She’d like that, I think.  Should I pick up some wine as well?)  The hanyou shakes his head.  (Nah.  Kagome not into alcohol all that much.  I’ll just buy soda instead.)  InuYasha looks down at his watch and seeing it’s only 8:30, frowns.  “Huh?”  (I have to wait four fucking hours before I can see her again?  Man, that’s going to be torture.)

 

Kagome smiles as she places the receiver on its cradle.  “It’s nothing special Kagome”, she says to herself.  “InuYasha’s just returning a favor and that’s all there is to it.  So don’t you go reading anything into it, ok?”  She slowly slides out of bed, finding she’s a bit sorer than what she’d first thought.  The young woman begins making her way toward the bathroom when the doorbell chimes.  (Seems Sango’s a little early this morning,) she thought with a heavy sigh.  Not even 9:00 yet.  (Probably wants to ask me to go somewhere with her but I’ve already made plans with InuYasha.  I’ll just have to tell Sango no this time and hope it doesn’t hurt her feelings.)  The doorbell chimes a second time and Kagome slightly shakes her head and starts slowly walking toward her door.  The doorbell sounds a third time.

 

“Alright, Sango I’m coming.  Just give me a minute!” yells Kagome, slowly approaching her door.  (Geez!  Does she always have to be so impatient?  I haven’t even made coffee yet.)  Kagome smiles brightly as she opens her door to allow her friend in.  “Hey San…”  Her pleasant demeanor quickly changes, for standing in her doorway isn’t her friend but a despised acquaintance.

 

“Hello Kagome,” says Houjo smiling.  “Miss me?”

 

“Go away!”  Kagome tries slamming the door, but the hated man easily catches it, pushes past her and enters her apartment.

 

“Hey!” she says angrily.  “Don’t you understand Japanese?  I told you to go away Houjo, not come in here.”

 

“Oh, you really don’t mind my coming in, now do you?”

 

“Yeah I do.”  Kagome grits her teeth, trying hard not to show her fear.  “Why are you here anyway?  Aren’t you supposed to be working?  Or did you get fired?”

 

“No, I just decided to take the day off.”

 

“Thought you didn’t like taking days off, that it took too much out of your pocket.”

 

“That is true Kagome, it does.”

 

“Then why are you here?”

 

“Just couldn’t help myself I guess, with the weather being so nice and all.”

 

“That’s not answering my question, Houjo.  Why…have you come…here?” asks Kagome in a snipped tone of voice.

 

“I was worried, my sweet,” replies the man shrugging his shoulders. 

 

“About what?”

 

“About you, of course.  When I left here the other night you just didn’t seem like yourself.  Why you couldn’t even stand up.  So, I came here to, among other things, see if you were alright.”

 

“Geez, that is so kind of you,” Kagome replies snidely.  “Worrying about me like that.  It’s really unexpected since it was you who broke into my apartment uninvited, and beat the living crap out of me!”  She grabs the door handle.  “Now I don’t have time to deal with you today Houjo so you’ll have to leave.”  The man turns from the woman and casually picks up a figurine from a small table and studies it; obviously not in any hurry to honor the angry young woman’s request.  “Are you deaf?  I told you to…”

 

“Not… entertaining anyone, are you?”

 

“What do you think?!”  Kagome gives an exaggerated wave of her hand.  “Do you see anyone else here?”

 

“Hmm?”  The man looks around him.  “Seems not.”

 

“There’s your answer,” says Kagome angrily.  “What’s your deal anyway?  Souta’s gone so there’s no need for me to beg you for money anymore.  And since your assistance is no longer required Houjo, I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d get the heck out of my apartment, and out my life!”

 

“Your life hm?”  Houjo gently places the figurine down, looks back at the angry young woman and grins.  “Interesting choice of words Kagome.  Just what kind of… ‘life’… do you think you have?”

 

“A good one Houjo!  One I can manage all by myself,” she jerks open her door, “Now GET… OUT!”

 

“Now, now, that’s not very nice,” says Houjo slowly shaking his head.  “Such awful manners.  Haven’t improved much since the other night, now, have they?”

 

“No, they all flew out the window when you forced your way in here!” she replies angrily.  “And they won’t be returning until you’re out of my apartment.  Now leave, Houjo and stop harassing me!”

 

“My dear, sweet, Kagome,” says Houjo walking to the door, quietly closing and locking it, then leans back against it.  “Why are you being so rude?  I mean to speak to me in that manner.  The one man whose only son you’ve allowed to die…the one you murdered?”

 

“Excuse me?!” says Kagome amazed with his question.  “You’re kidding, right?!”

 

“No, I’m quite serious.  You murdered my son, Kagome,” replies the man.  “You let him die without doing anything for him.  And neglecting to contact me when you took him to the hospital?  Now that was definitely a no, no.”

 

“Get this straight, Houjo, I did NOT murder MY son?  Both you and I know his heart was bad and it gave out.  And as for contacting you…you’ve always told me your wife Tory would ask too many questions if I called, that under no uncertain terms, was I ever to call you at home.”

 

“Hmm,” replies Houjo with a smirk.  “Yes, well be as that may, my dear, the fact still remains, my son, my only child is dead and he died while in your care.  A tragic loss to be sure.  So, I believe some form of compensation, is owed me.”

 

“Compensation?”  Kagome becomes angrier.  “For what?”

 

“I’m sure you understood what I just said, didn’t you?”

 

“No.  I mean I heard you alright, but you’re not making any sense.  I don’t OWE you anything.”

 

“Oh, come now Kagome, of course you do,” smiles Houjo.  “You of all people must understand perfectly what it is I want.  So, let’s not beat around the bush here alright?”

 

Kagome afraid her temper may get out of control grits her teeth, closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.  “It sounds as if you’re expecting me to return Souta to you.  Is that right?”

 

“In a manner of speaking,” says Houjo with a nod.

 

“Are you crazy?” yells Kagome clinching her fists.  “There’s no way I can do that!”

 

“I know you can, Kagome.  In fact, I’m expecting you to do it for me.”

 

“Houjo, I can’t.  Don’t you think if it were possible to bring him back, I’d do it?  I’d do anything to make that happen.  But I’m not God so in that department, we’re both out of luck!”

 

“I don’t recall saying you were God, my sweet,” says Houjo with a grin.  “Just that I expect to be compensated for the boy you lost.”

 

“Compensated for Souta, huh?” says Kagome angrily.  “You know that’s not possible, Houjo, so out with it!  Why are you really here?  And what is it you’re really after?”

 

“Haven’t you figured it out yet my sweet?” replies Houjo, shrugging his shoulders.  “I explained it as simply as I could.

 

“If it were simple Houjo, I wouldn’t be asking, now, would I?  Now what do you want?!”

 

“Kagome.”  Houjo gives a deep sigh.  “My sweet, sweet love.  It’s a simple request.  I mean when you’ve broken something or lost it, you simply have to replace it, correct?”

 

“I’m still not following.”

 

“Come on Kagome, think!  You…me…the two of us.  The answer should be as clear as the nose on your beautiful face.”

 

“Well, it’s…!”  Kagome’s eyes widen in disbelief.  “You’re actually expecting me to pay for Souta, aren’t you?”

 

“No no, my sweet.  That’s not it.  I’m not the least bit interested in money.”

 

“It’s always about money with you.”

 

“Not in this instance.  No, money couldn’t be further from my mind.  I simply want the kid you lost… replaced…with another child.”

 

“How do you expect me to…”  The young woman eyes widen, when Houjo gives her a knowing look.  “Oh no Houjo…that’s not happening so you can just get that idea out your head right now.”

 

“Kagome.”

 

“I mean it, Houjo, I won’t do it.  No way I’d even consider giving you a child!  Not even if my life depended on it!”

 

The hated man pinches the bridge of his nose and signs.  “I just can’t understand Kagome why you’d have such a reaction to such a simple request.  You loved the boy, didn’t you?”

 

“You know I Ioved, him.”

 

“Then what’s your problem.  Isn’t this the perfect solution for us?  Just replace the brat, with another that is perfect and undamaged.  A child made from you and me.  I will give you that child, Kagome and all the money you could possibly need to raise him.”

 

“Don’t you understand Houjo.  Money’s not the issue here.  It’s love,” replies Kagome.  “I don’t love you and I never will.  So, you see, I can’t have a child with you.  It wouldn’t be right.”

 

“I see.  That is a shame, now isn’t it my sweet?”

 

“What?”

 

“Here I am, offering to give you, your heart’s true desire and yet you’re turning me down.  Saying you can’t love me.”

 

“I don’t.  So, you have my answer Houjo.  I made it as clear as I can.  There’s no reason for you to stay here now, so will you please leave?!”

 

“You’re asking me to leave?  Hm.  Seems my sweet, you’re not completely aware of your situation here,” replies Houjo walking toward her with a predatory gleam in his eyes.  “I’m not leaving.  Not until I get what I came for.  See, you, deprived my son his life Kagome.  You killed him.  Telling me to leave?  No, my sweet.  I’m not leaving for like any murderer, you have to pay.  And you have no say in this whatsoever.”

 

“This is still my home, you know.”

 

“And the brat was my son.  So, my love, although you may not like it, you owe me a child.  A debt I’ve come here to collect.”

 

“No Houjo, you’re wrong.  I owe you nothing,” says Kagome angrily while backing away only finding herself backed against the wall next to the hallway.  “Nothing at all!”

 

“I beg to differ.  For three long years you’ve had my son,” the hated man replies patiently.  “My first born in fact.”

 

“So?  You didn’t want him!”

 

“That’s irrelevant.  What is relevant, is you had my son, a son who died while in your care.  You were irresponsible Kagome.  You caused his death.  Now I need to be compensated for that.  So if not money, what other alternative is there, Kagome but to demand a different kind of payment from you?  It’s just a simple, reasonable exchange really.  A perfect child…for the imperfect brat.  So what do you say now, hmm?  Not a bad deal if you ask me.”

 

“Get out…now!” yells Kagome pointing a shaking finger toward her door.  “Get out of my apartment or so…!”  The doorbell rings.

 

“Damn it!” whispers Houjo quickly grabbing Kagome and hugging her to him.  (Who the hell could that be?  That demon?)

 

“What do you think you’re doing?” says Kagome struggling.

 

“Shush!”

 

“Kagome?” says the voice beyond the door.

 

“Sango?”  Kagome, quickly looks over at the clock, seeing it’s already 9:40.  She begins struggling harder against his hold, but due to the pain in her shoulder, she is unable to escape the man’s vice like grip.  “Let go of me Houjo!”

 

“Oh, no my sweet,” he whispers placing his hand tightly over Kagome’s mouth.  “Not this time.  No one’s interfering with us today.”

 

“Kagome?”  Sango jiggles the doorknob.  “Are you up?  I can’t get in.”

 

“You call out to her,” whispers Houjo dangerously, “say one word out of line, your friend out there might very well get hurt.  You want that to happen?”  Kagome fervently shakes her head.  “You’ll behave?”  The woman nods.  “Good.”  The man slowly takes his hand away.  “Get rid of her.”

 

“Kagome?” yells Sango, knocking a little louder.  “It’s just me Sango.  Are you alright?”

 

“Well?” whispers Houjo.

 

“I’m fine Sango,” says Kagome nervously looking at Houjo.  “I’m just a little too sore to be walking around right now.  Can you like come over later maybe?”

 

“I could Kagome but if you’ll just unlock the door, I’ll come in and fix breakfast, and do some of the housework so you can stay off your feet.”

 

“That’s really sweet of you but …”

 

Houjo jerks Kagome’s arm back causing tears to come into her eyes.  “Didn’t you understand what I said bitch?  I told you to get rid of her!  Now do it.”

 

“Kagome?”

 

“I’m really tired, Sango,” says Kagome feeling the pain in her shoulder worsen.  “Didn’t sleep well last night.  I can’t quite make it to the door so I’m going back to bed to get a little more sleep.  I’ll should be up later, ok?”

 

“Alright.  Miroku’s already left for work so I should be home all day today.  Just call if you need me,” replies Sango before returning to her apartment.

 

“I’m impressed, Kagome,” whispers the hated man slowly releasing her.  “Despite your look of innocence, you really can lie like a pro.”

 

Kagome angrily pushes the man away from her.  “Don’t you dare do that to me again Houjo understand?  So go!  Leave me alone, or so help me I’ll…”

 

“Resorting to threats now, are we?”

 

“There’re not threats.  I want you out…now!”

 

Houjo calmly reaches to grasp the frightened young woman’s chin to stare into her sparkling angry brown eyes.  “What lovely eyes you have my sweet.  So vibrant and alive.  If a man’s not careful, he could easily get lost in them.” 

 

“Darn you!” says Kagome jerking her chin from his hand.  “Get your filthy hands off me or …”

 

“Or what?” asks the hated man dropping his hand and smiling.  “Tell me Kagome, just what will you do?  Call the police?  Go-ahead, call them.  I’ll wait.  I’ll even dial the number for you if you’d like.  Though, I really should warn you if they come take me away… you’ll find they won’t hold me for very long.”

 

“Long enough, for me to move out of here at least,” replies Kagome angrily.  “Then you’ll never find me.”

 

“Never find you?”  Houjo laughs.  “You honestly believe you can run from me, my sweet?”

 

“That’s right!”

 

“Oh no, that’s simply not possible,” replies Houjo with a laugh.  “There’s nowhere you can hide where I can’t find you.”

 

~~~~~

 

Outside, a familiar red Mustang pulls into the parking lot.  InuYasha looks around him then looks down at his watch, finding it to be 10:00.  (Damn it,) he thought agitated.  (It should be later than that yet I still have to wait two more fucking hours before I should pick her up.  I hate waiting.  Oh, well, forgot to pick up flowers anyway.  She’s probably not ready yet so I’ll just go buy some to kill the time.  Sure, hope she likes flowers.)  InuYasha puts his car in gear and slowly backs up and leaves the parking lot, unaware of what is happening inside the building.

“You’re can’t be everywhere Houjo,” says Kagome angrily.  “I’ll go somewhere where you can’t find me.”

 

“Oh Kagome, don’t you know?  I have eyes everywhere.  You simply won’t be able to get away from me.  Oh, I just thought of a great idea Kagome.  Call your demon lover.  Tell him I’m here and what it is I want from you.  It should be quite interesting, don’t you think?  Of course, his kind doesn’t normally help humans but… just maybe,” Houjo slowly slides a finger down along the woman’s cheek... “he’ll help you.”

 

“You think I won’t call him?”

 

“Oh, I’m counting on it.  So go ahead.  Call him, my sweet.  But I’m afraid I must warn you.  If you call, you’ll find that would be quite foolish.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why?  Well just imagine Kagome, what tomorrow’s papers will say, when your demon suddenly comes up missing or…or dead.”

 

“You wouldn’t hurt him, would you?” asks Kagome worriedly.  “He has nothing to do with this, Houjo.  He never did.”

 

“I wouldn’t hurt him my sweet,” says the hated man shrugging his shoulders and when he sees the relief enter the young woman’s eyes he smirks.  “Just kill him and make him disappear from your life completely.”

 

“No.  You…you can’t.”

 

“The bastard’s got to pay bitch.”

 

“For what?  He’s done nothing to you.”

 

“You think not.  That freak messed with my woman.  I can’t let that slide.”

 

“Please Houjo I’m begging you.  Please leave him alone.  Don’t hurt him please!”

 

“Oh, I just love it when you beg Kagome.”

 

“So, you’ll let him be?”

 

“Would that please you, my sweet?”

 

“Yes Houjo,” replies Kagome anxiously nodding her head.  “Yes, it would.  So please, for my sake, don’t hurt him!”

 

“I might consider your request, my dear.  But that would all depend.”

 

“On what?”

 

“On you, of course.  On whether you choose to honor my request.  You do…then we’ll see what happens.”

 

“Why you…you,” Kagome slaps the hated man.  “Get out!  Get out of here!” she says in a shaky voice, her body trembling.  “GET OUT!!”

 

Houjo gently rubs his cheek.  “My dear, how can I possibly leave when I just got here?”

 

“Because I want you to!”

 

“But I’ve dreamed of this moment for such a long, long time.  The moment when I will finally, have possession of that beautiful, untouched, body of yours.”

 

“You can’t have it!”

 

Why?” says the man with smirk.  “You think there’s someone out there better than me?”

 

“That’s right, I do.”

 

“Now who, pray tell, would that be?  Not that damn demon?”

 

“Why not?  I’d rather give myself to him a million times over than be with you just once.”

 

“YOU BITCH!” yells Houjo slapping Kagome.  “How can you possible say that to me?  That demon is nothing but filth…an undesirable.”

 

“That’s not true.  I desire him Houjo.  He’s a good and honest man.  Any woman would be proud to be with him.”

 

“Oh no my sweet, you’re very much mistaken.  Good…honest?  Demons are nothing but cruel, dangerous creatures…the scum of the earth.  They’d kill you and eat your body till you’re nothing but bones.  They betray you, tell you one thing while doing another.  This world would be much better off without those nasty vermin.”

 

“You don’t understand anything about me.  You tell me they’re bad?  You’re despicable, Houjo, worse than any demon out there.  You hurt Lisa, neglected Souta.  You hurt me!  What would make you think I would ever forgive you for that?  Huh? Why even think I’d want to sleep with you at all?”

 

“Because I want you, damn it!  And that makes all the difference.”  Houjo throws his jacket, down onto the couch alongside his tie then begins unbuttoning his shirt unperturbed of Kagome’s statement.  “You see, my sweet, I haven’t left.  I’m still here, holding the upper hand.  You tell me you don’t love me.  I can accept that for now.  You say you’d rather be with that freak.  Well, that’s rather moot at this point.  It doesn’t really matter if you want me or not.  My plan is to have you, all of you.  As many times and in any way I want.  So.  You’d just better get used to it.  You’re mine.”  He reaches for the young woman.  “Now that, that has been finally settled, let us start by retiring to your bedroom, yes?” 

 

“No!” replies Kagome slapping his hand while quickly stepping to the side to stay out of his reach.  “Don’t touch me!”

 

“Hmm.  Not the bedroom hm?” says Houjo rubbing his hand.  “Personally, I would have rather started there but that’s fine.  I can make this experience pleasant for us anywhere you’d like.”  He reaches for her again.  “So, tell me my sweet, what’s your preference?  The couch, …the kitchen table perhaps?  Or, perhaps you’d like it here on the floor instead?”

 

“No means no, alright?!  Meaning we’re not doing… IT…at all!  Not here not…not anywhere!”

 

“Kagome,” says Houjo softly.

 

“I won’t do it Houjo, you hear me?  I don’t love you, I don’t want you!  And if you try forcing yourself on me, I’ll,” Kagome raises her chin looking defiantly in the hated man’s eyes, “I’ll go to Tory.  I’ll tell her everything about this, and about you and Lisa!”

 

The hated man slightly shaking his head gives a sadistic laugh while slowly approaching the nervous young woman.  “You know, you’re not as smart as you may think Kagome.  Threatening me?  I mean come on, you do have your moments but…”  He surprises the young woman with a swift right hook to her jaw causing her head to snap to the side as she falls back, hitting the wall hard and sliding down to the floor.  “This sure as hell isn’t one of them.”  Kagome angrily looks up wiping the blood from her lip while staring into his hardened eyes.

 

“It is your own fault, you know,” says Houjo cracking his knuckles, “getting hurt like this.  I do so hate hurting you but you’re leaving me with no other alternatives here.  Since you won’t obey me, I’ll just have to teach you, the lesson, again.”

 

“You don’t scare me!” says Kagome slowly standing trying her best to look fierce.  “You’re…you’re nothing but a coward!”

 

“Coward, am I?  Interesting.  Don’t believe anyone’s ever called me a coward before.  Tell me, my sweet.  What do you believe a coward would do in this instance?”

 

“What?”

 

“Well do you think a coward should run and hide or will he possibly do…this?” asks Houjo ramming his fist into Kagome’s stomach sending her flying, hitting and sliding down the opposite wall.  “Get up!”

 

Kagome coughs, spitting up a little blood.  “NO!”

 

“Damn you bitch!”  The angry man quickly grabs a large lock of hair, twisting it around his arm and pulling her up against him, “when I tell you to do something, you’d better do it, got that?!  You have no say Kagome!  Nothing!  Remember, I own you Kagome.  Your life became mine when you murdered my son.”

 

“I…did not…kill Souta!” replies Kagome trying to catch her breath.  Get out Houjo!  Leave my apartment or I swear I will call the police this time!”

 

“Oh, what a bothersome bitch, you are.”  Houjo leans in as if to kiss the frightened woman, who tries pulling back as best she can, averting her face.  “Lisa tried standing up to me, Kagome, remember?” he whispers, his breath lightly skimming the side of her face.  “And look what happened to her.  I actually thought you’d learn from that.  That by now you’d know better than to threaten me with anything.  And you know, don’t you Kagome?  Threats, only succeed in making me so very, very angry.  It gets so hard for me to control myself.  I want to destroy that which hurts me.”  He places his free hand against her neck.  “It would be so easy, you know.  Just one squeeze, one awkward twist of your sweet little neck, I could easily take you out.”  He tightens his hold.  “Just… snap…and just like that, you’d be gone.”

 

“You… wouldn’t hurt me,” challenges a trembling Kagome finding it hard to breathe.

 

“Care to test that little theory?” asks Houjo calmly, squeezing a little more.  “I’m game if you are.  I’ve hurt you twice, already, haven’t I?”

 

“Let…go,” squeaks Kagome trying harder to breathe with spots appearing before her eyes.

 

“Now see?” says the man tightening his hold in the woman’s hair.  “There you go again, acting so tough when we both know you’re not.”  Houjo runs a finger down the side of her bruised face.  “You don’t frighten me Kagome, you know that?  You don’t frighten me in the least.”  He takes his hold from her throat causing Kagome to take in a deep breath of air.  “So instead of spouting all those silly little threats of yours shouldn’t you start asking yourself, what would happen when I’m gone?  Would anyone remember me, care if I just simply …vanished?  Not that Sango person you’re so fond of or your mother for that matter.  Not even your precious little demon would care if you’re alive or not.  No, he’ll simply find someone else to give his affections to.  You’ll become nobody Kagome.  You’ll be just like Lisa, a poor forgotten waif with no one around to mourn you.”

 

“Kill me then!” shouts Kagome angrily, attempting to struggle.  “Go ahead Houjo.  Do it!  I’m not afraid  I have nothing to live for and dying would be far better than sleeping with you!”  Houjo’s frown deepens as he tightens his grip in her hair.  “Ahh!” she cries, tears again forming in her eyes.

 

“You want me to kill you, is that it?”

 

“I…said…so…didn’t I?”

 

“I see.”  The man leans to her ear.  “So sorry to disappoint you, my sweet, but I don’t feel I can honor that particular request.  You see you’re, way too important to me.  You’re going to be my wife Kagome, and the mother of my child.  Killing you now would only keep me from accomplishing those particular goals.  So instead, of killing you, I’m going teach you the lesson again.  Call it a… a refresher course in obedience.”  The young woman’s eyes grow wide thinking of the implications of his statement.  “That’s right Kagome.  I’m not killing you.  Not today anyway.  My plan is to make you pay for each and every year you had my son.  To punish you for your blatant disobedience.  One way or another, my sweet, you’re going to learn respect, perhaps think twice before ever denying or betraying me again.”

 

“You!” cries Kagome pushing hard against his body.  “Let go of me!”

 

“Well…if you really must insist.”  The hated man using his hold in Kagome’s hair swings the young woman’s weak and fragile, body slamming it forcefully against the wall.  “That is what you’d asked for, isn’t it my dear?!”

 

“I’m not sleeping with you Houjo,” reiterates Kagome wiping the blood from her mouth.  “No matter what you do to me, I won’t do it!”

 

Houjo’s eyes harden.  “I’ve had just about enough of your damn shit!  I tried being nice but…”  He grabs the young woman and forcefully pins her against the wall with his body.  “Whether you like it or not bitch you are going to learn, just who, it is, you belong to!  Not that damn freak.  Me!  You WILL be my wife Kagome, and you WILL bear my child!  Understand me?”  The hated man raises his fist and proceeds to make good his dangerous threat.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Twelve fifteen, InuYasha, flowers in hand, is whistling happily as he enters the old apartment building.  He makes his way up the stairs taking three steps at a time until reaching the top floor.  He suddenly frowns when he pauses to look toward Kagome’s apartment.  (Something doesn’t feel quite right here.  It’s too quiet.  Almost like a demon has been here or something.)  He sniffs the air then sniffs again.  (I can smell Sango in her apartment so she’s safe.  Must be my imagination.)  The hanyou walks to Kagome’s door and giving it a light tap, becomes concerned when the door slightly opens.  (Or maybe not.)  InuYasha gently pushes the door open.  “Kagome?” he calls as he cautiously enters.  Finding broken glass, on the floor, and the furniture in total disarray, he becomes very concerned.  (What the hell is this shit?  It looks like a fucking war zone in here.  The only thing missing is…)  The strong scent of blood attacks the hanyou’s nose.

 

“Kagome?” yells InuYasha worriedly, laying the flowers on the couch.  There is no answer.  “Um sorry I’m late.  Traffic was a bitch.  So, are you ready to go yet?”  When there is still no reply, the young hanyou cautiously walks toward the bedroom.  “You, didn’t forget our date, did you?”  InuYasha walks inside the room, finding blood on the bed and floor, the bedclothes strewn everywhere.  Panic begins to consume him.  “Kagome?!”  He sniffs the air then follows the scent of blood.  “Where the hell, are you woman?!  Answer me, damn it!”  InuYasha finally enters the darkened bathroom.  “Kagome?” the hanyou asks quietly.  “Are you in here?”  He hears a quiet sniff and flips on the light finding the young woman curled up in the corner of the shower, shivering while holding a wet cloth over her mouth.

 

“Damn it, why, the hell, didn’t you answer me?” says the hanyou walking over and reaching for the young woman.

 

“Sorry InuYasha.”

 

“Yeah, yeah.”  InuYasha pulls the woman up on her feet.  “What happened?”

 

“Nothing.  I just fell and…,” Kagome quickly grabs onto the worried half demon to steady her trembling legs.

 

“Just fell, huh?  Yeah, like I’ll believe that shit.”

 

“Are you calling me a liar?”

 

“I’m saying I can smell the bastard all over you Kagome,” says InuYasha sternly.  “Now what happened?  The truth this time.”

 

“I fell, ok?”  Kagome pushes away and attempts to take a few steps from the hanyou.  “I’m fine, so let it go.”  The young woman becomes dizzy and begins falling backward almost hitting her head on the sink.

 

The hanyou quickly grabs onto her and growls.  “Yeah right you’re fine alright.  So fucking fine, you can hardly stand up.”  Raising the woman in his arms, InuYasha carries her to her room.

 

“What are you doing?!” commands Kagome.

 

“Just shut the fuck up, will ya?!” 

 

“Put me down InuYasha,” commands Kagome struggling.  “Right now!”  The hanyou carefully lays her down on her bed.  “Now go.”

 

“Not happening Kagome.”

 

“I told you to leave InuYasha!”

 

“I’m not leaving here until I know you’re alright.  Give me that!”  InuYasha jerks the cloth from her hand and heads back to the bathroom to wet it in cold water.  (Why does she always lie to me about shit like this?  Can’t she tell how worried I am about her?)  Upon returning to the bedroom, he finds Kagome attempting to stand.

 

“You’re one stubborn wench Kagome!  You know that?”  The half demon gently pushes her back onto the bed.

 

“Stop pushing me around, will ya?!” says the woman angrily slapping his hands.  “Stop it!”

 

“Listen wench!” replies InuYasha grabbing the woman’s wrists.  “Whether you want me to or not I’m gonna help you!  So shut the hell up already!”  The hanyou sits beside her and begins cleaning her up.  “Stupid wench.  Always getting the shit knocked out of ya,” he mumbles.  “I should just move in here so, this shit won’t happen to you anymore.”

 

“I don’t think…”

 

“Ya got that right Kagome.  You don’t think!”  InuYasha dabs the cold cloth on an open cut near her lip and Kagome groans while grimacing.  “Sorry.”  He continues in cleaning her up.  “That bastard must have showed up here after I called huh?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“He, use a key or did you let him in?”

 

“Houjo more like forced his way in actually,” explains Kagome, painfully.  “He just wouldn’t leave.  Then I made him angry and… well this is the result of my stupidity.”

 

“That bastard doesn’t know when to quit, does he?”

 

“Not really.  But, it was totally my fault this happened InuYasha.”

 

“The last time he pulled this shit, Kagome I let it slide, only because you asked me to!” says the hanyou angrily.  “But not this time.  This time he’s gone too far.  I’ll find his ass and…”

 

“No!” says the young woman grabbing his hand.  “Please?”

 

“That bastard’s gotta be stopped, Kagome.  And since you won’t fight back, I’ll have…”

 

“It wouldn’t have made any difference InuYasha.  I tried fighting him.  Really I did but,” replies the young woman shrugging her sore shoulders.  “He was just too strong.  No way could I have won against him.”

 

“You do know, don’t ya, that if that bastard keeps this shit up he’s gonna end up killing your ass?”

 

“I wish he would,” whispers Kagome, sadly.

 

“What did you…?!” says the hanyou incredulously.  “You shouldn’t say shit like that.”

 

“It’s the truth though.  I want him to kill me InuYasha.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because, I’m tired.  I’m tired of all the beatings, the pain…I want it all to just go away.”  Kagome looks down at her bruised arm and gives a slight laugh.  “Funny.”

 

“I don’t see what’s so damn funny about this.”

 

“Don’t you?” she replies lifting her arm to the hanyou.  “These bruises.  They aren’t all that new to me.  I’ve gone through stuff like this for as long as I can remember.  You’d think I’d be used to it by now but…  I guess it will always be my fate to be treated this way.”

 

“Bullshit!” says the hanyou continuing to look for wounds.  “You should never be treated like this Kagome.  Not by anyone fate or not,.”  InuYasha gently picks up her hand to inspect it.  “No scrapes here.  Turn over!”

 

“Huh?!”

 

“You deaf now?  I said turn over!”  The young woman, with the hanyou’s help, does as commanded.  InuYasha pulls up the hem of her gown to find her back a collage of black, yellow, and blue bruising.  “That fucking son of a bitch,” he angrily growls while gently touching her skin.  “That bastard should be whipped and tied out to dry, for this!” 

 

“I’m ok though.”

 

“Oh, yeah, sure Kagome.  You’re just dandy.”  InuYasha lowers her gown then gently turns Kagome over on her back.  “So, what’s the bastard’s reason, this time?”

 

“Souta.”

 

“What’s the boy got to do with this?”

 

“Everything, I guess.”

 

“I don’t quite understand.”

 

“Houjo thinks it’s my fault InuYasha.  That I’d killed Souta.”

 

“He actually told you that?!” asks the hanyou stunned.

 

“Um hm,” replies Kagome with a short nod.  “He said, I should pay for it …  and when I said no, he told me I’d pay for every year I had his son.”  Rubbing her arms, Kagome gives a short laugh.  “Think he’s forgotten a few months though.”

 

“How much money does he want Kagome,” asks the hanyou curiously.  “Tell me and I’ll give it to you.”

 

“Money isn’t what he wants InuYasha.”

 

“No?  Then what …”

 

“A child.”

 

“Huhh?” asks the hanyou looking more confused.

 

“Houjo wants a child …in exchange for Souta.”

 

“Wait, wait.  Let me get this straight.  You’re telling me that bastard wants a child… in exchange for the boy?  The boy who died last spring?” asks InuYasha stunned.

 

Kagome nods.  “And he doesn’t want just any child InuYasha.  Houjo expects me to give him one.”

 

“You’re not gonna do it, are you?!”

 

“No.  I have no intentions of doing so, but as you can see, Houjo’s really serious about it.”

 

“I’d say.  The bastard’s a lot stronger than he looks.”  InuYasha pulls her hair back behind the young woman’s shoulder.  “Didn’t you tell me he didn’t want anything to do with his own son?”

 

“He didn’t,” replies Kagome.  “But he insists I replace him.  This was the result, when I refused.”

 

“I see.  He’s really done a number on you this time, Kagome.”

 

“He can get a little rough.”

 

“A little?  Now there’s an understatement, if I’d ever heard one.  It’s a wonder you can even move.”  The hanyou reaches to rub her cheek, then her arm while giving a worried look.  “So um…Kagome.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Did he, try anything else …do anymore damage to you?”

 

“Damage?” asks Kagome confused.

 

“Yeah, like…well, you know… rape?”  The hated word singes the young hanyou’s tongue.  “Force you into having his child.”

 

“He didn’t get the chance to InuYasha,” replies Kagome slightly shaking her head.  InuYasha gives a sigh of relief.  “He hit me so hard I’d hit my head on something and passed out.  I did hear him say though, that maybe another time would be more convenient for us to… to discuss the matter further.”

 

“Oh no, Kagome.  There ain’t gonna be any more of these damn ‘discussions’ of his if I have anything to say about it.  I’ll feed his damn balls to him for this,” says InuYasha heatedly.  “He, sure as hell don’t need ‘em.  Not if he thinks beating up defenseless women is a way for him to get his kicks.”

 

“I still can’t understand this,” says Kagome looking confused.  “Houjo couldn’t acknowledge Souta when he was alive.  So what’s changed?  What’s made him even consider having another child and why ask me of all people to give him one?”

 

“That Houjo guy’s married, isn’t he?  He already has a mate?”  Kagome gives a short nod.  “Then it doesn’t matter what the hell he wants Kagome, it’s not your responsibility.  If that bastard wants a child so damn bad, he should fuck his own wife to get one.”

 

“I don’t know InuYasha.  Maybe Tory can’t have children,” offers Kagome with a slight shrug.

 

“Then he’ll just have to adopt, won’t he?” 

 

Gently rubbing her cheek InuYasha looks down into Kagome’s sad brown eyes, losing himself.  “That bastard has no reason to be with you.  Especially since he…”  The hanyou’s heart beat quickens, his words slow as his voice becomes softer almost to a whisper.  He slowly lowers his head.  “...  He doesn’t know how to treat a…a woman …” he stutters.  His face comes nearer, his amber eyes serious, his voice softer still.  “except to… to…”

 

The young woman’s heartbeat as well as her breathing quickens; her mouth dry.  She soon feels his hot breath on her lips and becomes concerned.  (He’s so close.  Maybe too close.  Am I in danger?  Should I stop him now before he goes too far?) 

 

“beat…her,” InuYasha’s heart beat become even more erratic.

 

(InuYasha could hurt me, I guess.  But he’s been so kind to me and gentle.  And haven’t I been thinking about this since the other night?  Just to,) Kagome slowly closes her eyes.  (to be with him, just this once.)

 

“In…to sub…” The hanyou’s voice is now so quiet he can hardly be heard, “…mission.”

 

(That should be alright shouldn’t it…if I allowed this just once?)

 

InuYasha gently nuzzles Kagome, then nips and slowly licks her lips before tenderly kissing them, moving his lips ever so gently over hers.  Then, realizing what he’s doing InuYasha quickly breaks the kiss and backs away. 

 

“Oh!  Um, well that was uh,” the hanyou scratches the back of his head and coughs to hide his embarrassment.

 

The young woman’s eyes widen as she tentatively touches her lips.  (I let him kiss me.  And I don’t feel bad about it at all.  Does that mean it’s true.  That I’m a whore after all?)

 

“I know what you must be thinking Kagome,” says InuYasha looking away and shaking his head.  “And you’re right!  I shouldn’t have done that.  It was …well I don’t have a clue what came over me just now.”

 

“Inu…”

 

“That was completely wrong of me and…and everything,” continues the hanyou.  “I wasn’t brought up like that.  I mean I really don’t force myself on every female I meet Kagome.  You’ve got to believe me.”

 

“InuYasha will…”

 

“We’re friends, right?  Good friends.  And friends like us shouldn’t be doing shit like that to each other.  Not at a time like this.”

 

“Inu…”

 

“You want me to go, right?”  He quickly rises.  “I understand.  I was totally out of line just now.  You should be resting anyway after what you just went through.  I’m…well…I’ll just go.  InuYasha turns toward the door.

 

“Don’t!” she quietly commands, grabbing his arm.  “Please?”

 

The hanyou quickly looks back, surprised at the helplessness, the pleading look in the woman’s eyes.  “Kagome…what?”

 

A blush stains her cheeks.  “Don’t go InuYasha.  Stay… with me?”