InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden Fruit ❯ Kiss Away the Fear, Tears, and the Rain ( Chapter 2 )

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

By: Valeve

Thanks for the reviews! The Kane/Inuyasha thing will be explained further, don't worry:)
Chapter 2: Kiss Away the Fear, Tears, and the Rain
Kagome tossed the pineapple aside, making a disgusted face. "Who do I have to suffer to get ripe fruit?" Passing the cart, she picked up a honeydew instead. The small town market left much to be desired, but it beat traveling several miles to Cestlian just to purchase groceries. Gazing at the prices for meat, she frowned and decided to wait until Souta had his luck with the hunting. They were scraping bottom in the pork barrel, and Naraku refused to buy another animal for slaughter. 'He'd starve if it wasn't for me.'
The aroma of fresh bread wafted towards her from up the street. Upon reaching the baked goods cart, she only bought what was necessary for the next week. Although, the blackberry danishes looked appealing. Sifting through her satchel, she concluded she shouldn't waste her allowance on a treat. There was still milk to buy, after all. Placing the small sack back down at her side, she was startled into looking up as the sunshine was blocked by shadow. She bowed her head in greeting, stuffing the frown from her face.
"Beautiful day, Kagome." The wolf lord dipped his head to kiss her cheek.
She pulled back slowly, raising her hand to where his lips had touched. "I would appreciate it,sir, if you would refrain from such affections."
"You are to be my bride, my dear. I don't see why a simple kiss should be a problem."
Keeping her voice low, as to not attract unwanted attention. She clipped, "If you think thatbuyingme to warm your bed gives you the right to touch me in such a way, you are sadly mistaken." His sudden but gentle grip on her arm raised the sneer in her voice, "If I have it my way, my lord, these hands will never lay a finger on me again." To accentuate her point, she removed herself from his grasp and turned to walk away.
His growl startled her, "You will not treat me with such disrespect, woman! I offer you a stable home and security that your uncle will not give you!"
So much for not creating a scene. With her head high, she continued to maneuver through the carts and away from the boisterous man. Eyes were on her from every direction, but she ignored the piercing stares. Calling over her shoulder, "I suggest we do not get on the subject of respect, Koga." Her heart was beating rapidly from the anxiety of the whole ordeal. No matter how much she tried not to think about her predicament, she was losing sleep over it. There was nothing she could do about it, but she'd be damned before she lay before him without resent. If he thought for one second that she would treat him as a deserving husband, he had another thing coming. Kagome was determined to make sure that he regretted the decision until her last breath.
A black horse with a flowing, silky grey mane blocked her path a couple feet ahead. Shielding her eyes from the sunlight, she smiled slightly as Kane dropped from the saddle. His braided hair swung over his shoulder as he bowed deeply in greeting, "Good day, Miss Higurashi." He rose, his lips pursed in contemplation. "You look flustered," motioning over his shoulder, "would you like accompaniment home?"
Kagome wanted to sigh with relief, believing Koga would leave her be if she were in someone else's company. "I would like that very much, Mr. Tanaka." He offered to help her carry the goods, which he secured to the saddle and grasped the reins in one hand, and offered his other arm to her. Inside she swooned, her heart thumping against her chest as her hand entwined with his arm. Forcing her vision forward, she tried to keep herself from admiring his physique.
"Unhand my woman, Kane!" Koga was in front of them in a flash, receiving a gasp from the young lady.
"Koga Ookami, it's been a while, hasn't it."
"Not long enough. Now I demand you step away from her before I make you."
With a shake of his head, he patted Kagome's arm, pulling her to the side to stand next to Vindur. "I'm trying to understand what pretenses would make her yours, considering I have yet to hear of her marriage to you." He'd heard rumors of the arrangement Naraku had made with the wolf, but he'd hoped they were farce.
"She is promised to me." At the look of annoyance on Kane's face, Koga continued smugly, "We will be wed in three weeks’ time."
Catching the heavy frown on Kagome's face, he raised an eyebrow to the wolf. "Is that so? Last time I checked, weren't you already married, or did Ayame finally realize her mistake in wedding you?"
"Kagome will become my second wife. Ayame has no want of bearing me any more children, so I'm taking a mistress." Koga smirked, confident that he had thoroughly embarrassed the young woman. He would teach her to so rudely dismiss him.
Kane felt the muscles of his back tense as he fought the urge to lay out the schmuck. He should be content that she was engaged, because perhaps then, she would lose her appeal. However, the thought of him having her made his blood boil. Ookami didn't deserve her. "Well, I don't see anything wrong with escorting the lady home. So if you would be so kind to continue on your way-"
"Heh, I have more important matters to attend to. But if I find out that you so much as touch her, I will personally seek you out."
"I'd be looking forward to it. Good day, Ookami." Kane nodded his head in dismissal and took Kagome's arm, as well as Vindur's lead. Once the wolf youkai was out of earshot, he asked, "How long have you been betrothed to that brute?"
Kagome held her head high, despite her distress. "Only a week."
Hearing her bleak tone, he stopped and turned to her. "I may be going out on a limb here, but I'm going to guess you're not happy about this arrangement?"
In an unladylike manner, she snorted. "My happiness is irrelevant, considering I have no choice in the matter. My uncle struck a deal with Koga, and now I'm to besoldoff as nothing more than a mistress... to ayoukai."
Her grasp on his arm tightened just for a second, and he peered at her with concern. "His being a youkai troubles you as well?"
She looked to the ground, stating quietly, "My father was killed by a youkai."
=== Flashback ===
Six year old Kagome grabbed her brother's hand, pulling him behind a tree. Motioning for him to be quiet, she stifled her own giggle behind her hand as her father came running into the clearing.
"Oh where could those little rascals have gone? Hmm... maybe behind this bush!" Rinji pried apart the bushes branches, but finding nothing, sighed dramatically. "Oh but this forest is so large! It could take me all day to find them!"
Souta peeked around the tree, ducking his head as his father turned in their direction. Looking up at his sister, he gave her a toothless grin as she glared at him. "Daddy will never find us," he whispered loudly.
Kagome stuffed his face into her stomach as she heard footsteps come nearer. Rinji's brown head came around the trunk and she squealed, falling backwards with Souta toppling on her legs. "Loudmouth!" She pushed him off of her, giggling as their father stalked towards them.
"Ha! Found you! Now it's tickle time!"
"No!" Kagome squirmed as she was pinned by her father's arm. "Daddy!" Her laughs got louder as Souta decided to join in.
"Yay! Tickle Kaggie!"
"DADDY!" Her giggles abruptly ceased in a blood curdling scream.
Rinji turned his head, seeing the spider youkai as it descended a few feet in front of them. Tossing Souta behind him, he pulled a sword from a sheath at his side. "What is the meaning of this? Youkai are not to take their true forms on human territory and this is my land!"
"You are being relieved of your duties."
"By who's orders?"
"Mine." The youkai raised on its hind legs, "Don't worry, your children's lives will be spared. However, your existence hinders my plans."
Rinji charged with his sword, aiming for its thorax. His attack was easily thwarted as one of the spider's limbs impaled his side.
"Daddy!" Souta cried, running forward before Kagome could grab them. He made it quickly to their father, wrapping his tiny arms around his leg. She hugged his waist, tears running down her face at their helplessness.
Rinji kneeled, holding his side with one arm. Wrapping his other around them, he kissed each of their foreheads.
"Father, why don't we run?" Kagome whimpered, pulling on him and trying to force them backwards.
"It would do us no good." His face was streaked with his own tears. "I'm sorry, so sorry. I love you."
"Daddy, I don't understand!" Kagome wailed, yanking harder. "Please run!" Her father's face contorted in pain, and she pulled her arms back, seeing them soaked red with blood.
"You can't kill my Daddy! You mean monster!" Souta had stood up in front of them, his face red with his childish anger.
"Souta..." Kagome stepped forward, bringing an arm around his shoulder and pressing him to her. Backing up towards her father, her eyes stayed trained on the demon.
"Foolish children, you've said your goodbyes!" Kagome screamed as a leg pummeled into them, sending them skidding across the ground. Managing to keep hold of her brother, she looked up in time to see it rearing on their dad once again. With a cry, she covered his eyes.
Rinji dropped to his knees as its fangs ripped through his chest. Turning and falling to the forest floor, he reached one hand to his children, his eyes apologetic until they faded, lifeless.
=== End Flashback ===
Her eyes misted with unshed tears. "There was so much blood. All I remember is screaming for our father as the beast came towards us, and the rest is a blur. When I woke up, we were home in our beds. That was when Naraku started looking after us."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that. I lost someone dear to me many years ago as well." He tilted his head to the side. "Not all youkai are bad, though."
Her gaze shifted forward once again. "I only knew one personally, and he was a hanyou. He was my best friend, though I didn't know much about him. He was secretive like that. I didn't even know where he lived. We met in the woods and would play all day long. For a couple days, he'd seemed so sad, and didn't talk much. Then one day, he just disappeared. We had a tree we'd always meet at, and I waited there until it was too dark to see. I cried, my tears mixing with the rain that steadily misted the grounds that day. I was sick for a month after that, with a cold. I don't know what happened to him, but I couldn't help the feeling that he abandoned me, especially after the attack. While he always protected me from the filthy village boys, he wasn't there the one time I really needed him. To this day, it still haunts me. Both what happened to my father, and what happened to Inu."
Kane felt a tug at his heart, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything. He had wanted to say goodbye, badly. Sesshoumaru had insisted they hadn't time for foolishness and forced him into the carriage. He'd pouted silently, promising himself that as soon as they stopped, he'd find a way back to explain it all to her. That time had never come to pass. His brother had keen senses, and he had suffered several lashings. After time, in the attempt to forget the pain of losing his father, he'd also forgotten the only person who'd taken the time to see him as something more than a hanyou.
They reached her dwelling, and he helped her unload the goods. She turned to him after all was put away and bowed her head. "Thank you so much."
"Anything for a beautiful lady," he replied, taking her hand and kissing it sweetly. When he stood upright, he still hadn't released the appendage. Her eyes held so much sadness at that moment, and he barely had the strength to suppress the urge to hold her. "Good day, miss. I hope I have the opportunity to run into you again."
Kagome nodded, smiling, yet it didn't reach her eyes. "Til then, sir."
=====
Inuyasha stood at his balcony that overlooked the yards. Kagome had haunted his thoughts, day and night, for four days. It was driving him mad! He'd turned it over once, twice, probably a thousand times, and it still didn't make sense. Why did she affect him? What made her so damn special? Sure, she was beautiful, but there were plenty of lovely women. Not that her looks weren't unique. Hell, she was gorgeous, but that wasn't something that should turn his emotions into a knot. The fact that they were childhood friends, if it were a factor, would only be a small one. The only thing he could be sure of was that she had captivated him. He had been imprisoned by her, by the one person he couldn't have. Despite his aversion to Ookami, the law was the law. The only thing he could do was go over Koga's head and offer Naraku more. He couldn't imagine that would gain him points with the little nymph. And let's not forget her newfound fear of youkai. Who's to say she wouldn't be afraid of him, especially if she didn't recognize him as the hanyou from her childhood. He'd always kept his short hair and ears covered with a hat. Ten years changed him quite a bit, and the only thing that remained the same was his eyes. He was more a stranger to her than the man she was supposed to wed.
'Koga,' he thought bitterly. "To hell with it! I'll be damned if I let that mongrel touch her. Bed her! I'll slit his throat!"
"My, my Inuyasha. Who's gained your animosity this time?" Miroku stepped through the double doors, his arms clasped behind his back. The monk had befriended him during his stay in America, and had insisted on returning with him. Not that he minded, really. The man was his conscious when he was incapable, or just all out refused, to think clearly.
"Keh, Koga Ookami, that's who. He's made an arrangement with Onigumo-"
"He's taking Kagome Higurashi as his bride, so I've heard," Miroku finished for him.
Inuyasha quirked an eyebrow. "You know of her, do you?"
Miroku grinned. "What male in this town doesn't? She really is an angel. Not many can match her beauty, and I've heard she has quite the personality."
"What woman are you lusting after now, monk?" A female voice cut in rather icily.
He coughed, turning to greet her at the doorway. "No one, my dear, Sango. You know I only have eyes for you."
"Hands, maybe, eyes I doubt it." She brushed past him and stood next to the hanyou. "Inuyasha, you've been brooding for days. Either do something about what's troubling you or get over it."
"It seems our lord has his mind set on a dame that's beyond his reach."
"Ah, well, then forget about her." Sango patted his arm.
"When did I ask for either of your input?"
"You didn't have to ask. We happily grant it," Miroku chirped.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes, placing his hands on the banister and jumping the two stories down to the ground. "Enough is enough," he yelled over his shoulder.
Sango sighed, turning to go inside. "He's going to brew trouble for that girl."
"I'm afraid he's causing more for himself. However, can you remember a time when he's actually been interested in someone?" Miroku followed her inside, shutting the doors behind him.
"It may be good for him, if he doesn't end up disappointed."
"What are you doing? It's going to rain today!" Shippou exclaimed, kicking dirt at Inuyasha as he readied Vindur to ride.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" He grunted.
"I just cleaned his coat, you oaf!"
"What do you want me to do, stand and stare at him? Horses are made for riding, and I make sure that he's taken care of."
"Yeah, I take care of him."
Inuyasha glared down at the kit. "Don't make me smack you."
"You're an ass!"
"And you're annoying. Now get out of my way, runt." He swung up into the saddle, not even waiting for Shippou's protest before he took off out of the stable.
"Hey!" Shippou spun to watch the hanyou leave and frowned. "Jerk."
Inuyasha relished the wind in his face, as it whipped his loose silver hair behind him. The ride was short lived as he reached the village. Dismounting, he tied Vindur to a post a few yards from the Onigumo house and strode up to the door. He had hoped he wouldn't have to search the man out all over town, and he was thankful when he could smell his stench permeating from the home. Rapping on the door, he waited semi-patiently for someone to answer.
A knock sounded at the front entrance, and Kagome glanced over at her uncle dubiously before rising to answer it. When she opened the door, she couldn't stop the gasp that erupted from her lips. Fear immediately replaced the surprise, and she took a step back. Her eyes immediately took in his fangs and claws, and images of her father being torn through flashed behind her eyes. In her terror, she failed to notice the rueful tone to his golden eyes, or the way his ears laid back against his head. "Uncle," she squeaked, turning and hurrying towards her room and leaving the front door open.
"What the hell is your problem, girl?" Naraku demanded, getting up from his seat. He took one look at their visitor and froze. "Lord Inuyasha, I was not expecting you." He bowed sharply, walking swiftly to the entranceway.
"I've sent several messages asking for an appointment. I grew tired of waiting."
"I see. Well then, I presume you've come for the logbooks?"
"I've come for more than that, I assure you. However, the logbooks and your resignation as overseer of the Taisho lands will be all I will collect today." Inuyasha waited for him to return with the scripts. Taking the offered armful, he glared down at the man before him. "These documents will be computed, and then you will be held accountable for deception of finances."
Kagome frowned, peering through a gap in her bedroom door. Naraku had never told her that he was in charge of Inu no Taisho's lands. She vaguely remembered her father speaking of the Overlord, his death, and the departure of his two sons. 'It seems they've returned to claim what is theirs, and the youkai doesn't seem happy about it.' No doubt her uncle had somehow swindled money from this man. A sudden tremor jolted her as she wondered what he would do if Naraku didn't pay what was owed. Regardless of her hostility towards him, she wouldn't consign him to the same fate as her father.
"My lord," Naraku's tone was bordering respectful, "You will find no deceit within these books."
"We will see about that, Onigumo. Until then." The youkai turned and strode right out the open door. The sun's light reflected off his silver mane, and Kagome put a hand to her mouth as she saw the ears atop his head. 'He must be a hanyou.'
=====
Inuyasha tied the horse to a tree by the river and took off in a full run. For two hours, he'd tried to force the image of Kagome's fright out of his mind. The raw terror struck him to his core, as he could have sworn his heart quivered. Never again did he want to smell fear mingled with her ambrosial scent. Returning to his mount, he pulled a simple stone ring from his shirt pocket and placed it on his forth right finger. With an inward growl, he jumped upon the horse's back.
Kagome hurriedly took the clothing from the line, occasionally glancing at the rainclouds rolling in. Her skirt was tied above her knees, and her hair was sashed high on her head to keep it off her neck. Despite the lack of light, the day was not only hot but now humid. It wasn't even summer yet and the temperatures were already peaking. A horse’s neigh brought her attention to the back fence. Turning her attention back to the clothes, she hid the instant flame across her cheeks. One pin was stubbornly staying put, because the garment had managed to wrap itself around the line. A tingle spread up her back as a body came near her own, and a tanned arm reached in front of her to unhook it. "Thank you, sir."
Kane handed her the shirt before chuckling. "Any chance I could get you to stop addressing me so? It makes me feel old."
Feeling she'd gotten herself under control, she finally turned, propping a wicker basket on her hip. "Oh? Would you prefer I call you lad." A slightly disturbed look crossed his face and she smiled. "Alright then, what shall I call you?"
"Kane would do just fine, miss."
"That may be arranged."
“‘Tis done then." He grinned before offering to carry her load. Just then, the sky decided to open up and pour forth its contents.
"Oh! The clothing!" Kagome turned, attempting to remove the rest of the garb. By the time she got it all down, they were no longer dry. Neither was she, or Kane for that matter. Setting the baskets inside the house, she sat on the stoop and glared at the laughing man beside her. "I don't find it very amusing." He took her arm gently, and helped her to stand again. Once their eyes met, she found herself trapped by azure eyes. Distantly, she could feel the warmth as his body pressed close to hers under the awning.
"Drenched is a flattering look for you, my dear." No one could look more ravishing in peasant clothing, he was sure of it. Her faded red skirt, already exposing more than usual, was wrapped tighter around her shapely legs. The tan top she wore clung to her like a second skin, and the peaks of her breast were outlined seductively by the fabric. While it could take his breath away, he wasn't so sure that was the reason he felt his head lowering towards her own. Maybe it was the fire behind her own eyes, or the pout of her lips as she stated her distress. Whatever it was, at that moment he wasn't troubled by his attraction to the maiden. He kissed her softly, lingering for a moment until he felt her hand press against his chest. She didn't push him away, but he could feel her try and pull back. Lifting his head, he locked his gaze with hers again, seeing the panic written across her face.
Kagome didn't think twice as she shoved him out on the stoop and slammed the door. Standing against it, her hand flew to her chest where she could feel her heart beating rapidly. Never had she felt a man's kiss in that manner and it overwhelmed her. While it hadn't been forceful, her lips still tingled from the caress.
Kane stared at the closed door briefly before shaking himself from the stupor. With a smirk, he turned on his heel thinking, 'That went well.'