InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ It is you I have loved ❯ Kagome's Return ( Chapter 8 )

 

 

“Oh. Yah. Sorry.” As Kagome flung the window open, the flustered hanyou jumped in and ran to the opposite corner of the room, crouching and hugging his legs tightly to himself. Kagome, still a little upset at being startled, wondered why Inuyasha was acting so strangely.

 

“What are you doing here?” Trying to act as normal as possible, he racked his brain to be able to string the right words together, forming a sentence.

 

“I came to get you. It's time to return.”

 

“But…I just got out of the hospital.”

 

“I know,” Inuyasha looked down at the floor, embarrassed, “I will carry you so you don't have to strain yourself.” Inuyasha had misunderstood. Kagome had meant that she wanted to catch up with her friends and school work. But what Inuyasha said was such a shock that she had forgotten her original meaning.

 

“Uh, what?” Inuyasha blushed.

 

“I said I'll carry you. I…I know you're still healing.” What was going on? When was the last time Inuyasha made extra provisions just because she was hurt?

 

“In…Inuyasha…” Inuyasha's mind was racing. How was he speaking these words? He felt concerned about Kagome but he hadn't meant to show his concern. Inuyasha thought that if she saw how he cared about her, she would only laugh or push him away. But Kagome didn't sound upset at all. She sounded…

 

Inuyasha stood. He had completely forgotten about why he'd crouched in the first place and was ultimately grateful that her eyes had stayed locked with his. Never removing his gaze either, he walked cautiously over to Kagome. `maybe…maybe I should try…'

 

Inuyasha stood in front of Kagome, peering down into her eyes, unable to put a name on the emotion they held. He reached out and pulled her form to him.

 

She was frozen. Inuyasha was…was…hugging her….? Her arms were limp at her side. His hand rested on the middle of her back, pressing her hair in his fingers. His other arm was wrapped warmly around her waist. Slowly, with care, Kagome lifted her arms to clasp around his back. She inhaled. He smelled absolutely amazing. I was like morning forest mixed with campfire. Ocean breeze and fresh cut wood.

 

Inuyasha widened his eyes. Had Kagome just smelled him? He couldn't resist. He had to try. Inuyasha pulled back slightly to bring her eyes into focus. She was staring at him and it seemed she too was confused by how they were both acting. This may be their only peace for a long while. May be the only privacy they would get and Inuyasha for one was dying to know what her lips felt like.

 

His eyes locked with hers, Inuyasha bent forward slightly to touch their foreheads together, followed shortly by their noses. The only thing left was their…

 

“Kagome I heard a scream a minute ago. Are you-oh!” Kagome's mother was met with the sight of her daughter and Inuyasha jumping back from each other, having obviously just been in each other's embrace. Then, as her eyes swiveled in an attempt to look at the floor, embarrassed, she had accidentally glanced at Inuyasha's legs. Another quick and somewhat more startled “oh” left her mouth before she fumbled, uncomfortably out of the room.

 

Crap! Her mother had seen what he'd been trying so hard to hide from Kagome. He couldn't let her talk to her mother. It would spell disaster for him-if disaster was spelled s-i-t. Thinking fast, Inuyasha scooped Kagome up and swung her around to his back, making sure to grab her yellow pack before jumping from the window to run towards the well.

 

“Inuyasha! Wait! I want to say goodbye!” Inuyasha winced.

 

“No time!”

 

In the Feudal era:

The group had just finished their luncheon when a tired, lolling kit suddenly perked up.

 

“Kagome's back!” Sure enough the familiar blue flash sparked from inside the well and two figures appeared. One was holding the other, who was kicking and screaming furiously, on his back.

 

“Inuyasha! Put me down! INUYASHA!” The aforementioned turned pleadingly to his group. They only stared back at him though, not knowing the situation.

 

“Inuyasha what is your problem!? I didn't get to say goodbye! I have a test tomorrow, too. I was planning on actually attending school for once! UGH would you PLEASE put me down!” Inuyasha looked around desperately but finally gave up and set the thrashing Kagome down softly, but kept a tight arm around her waist. She huffed and tried to squirm away. He had a tight hold though. He brought her chin up so he could look into her eyes and whispered,

 

“I will let you go when you promise to stay here for a week…”

 

“A WEEK!?” What was he playing at? Why should she stay here? She hadn't even been able to say goodbye to her family. Plus she hadn't been able to catch up on any of her schoolwork when she'd been in the hospital. “Why should I promise that!?” Inuyasha avoided her eyes.

 

“…please?” Kagome was much more than taken aback. She was utterly shocked. `Did he just say `please'? Why is he acting this way!? First he was hugging me. Then, he was going to…was he going to kiss me? Whatever, we were still close. Then my mom came in and he started acting strange and flung me over his shoulder and brought me here and now he's saying PLEASE!? What the heck!?' Frightened by her silence, Inuyasha looked up and Kagome lost all thoughts of going home. She was staring into beautiful, pleading amber eyes. They were questioning and had a hint of fear in them.

 

“…a week…” Kagome's voice was thoughtful and soft. “A week it is.” Inuyasha's ears perked.

 

“…Kagome?”

 

“I…I will stay for a week, but I have to return home after that for a while. There is someone from the state coming to observe my family in a week.” Inuyasha vaguely remembered how, when the doctor had accused Kagome's mother of abuse, there had been mention of someone checking on the family. But he really didn't care about that. She wouldn't be returning for a week. It shouldn't really matter that much but Inuyasha didn't want to risk the chance of Kagome's mother discussing what she'd seen with Kagome. Her anger was not what scared him. He'd been sat many times before and even though he hated it, he would take it. But if she were to be disgusted and turn away from him before he was allowed to tell Kagome how he really felt, he had no idea what he would do. He cared so deeply for her. He wouldn't allow something his body had done get in the way of that. Hopefully Mrs. Higurashi would have forgotten the sight by then. Not likely, but it was worth a try, he had to try.

 

Inuyasha slowly released Kagome's waist, breathing a small “Thank you” before turning to the group to yell. `He's gone crazy. It's that simple. I mean what other reason would he have for being so…so…pleasant? He'd not only said `please' today but `thank you' also. On top of that he hugged me and yes, he DID try to kiss me. I'm sure of it. I'm not sure why, but he did try. What is up with him?'

 

“What are you all staring at!?” Oh. Kagome had wondered why no one had stepped in to help Kagome or at least spoken words of reproach to Inuyasha. She got her answer, though, when she turned to face her group. They were all staring, looking utterly confused, at Inuyasha, save Sesshomaru who looked only mildly interested. They, too, must have been shocked at Inuyasha's behavior. It had been so rough and then turned so gentle.

 

“Uh, guys?” A collective `oh' slipped from the group before they turned to Kagome.

 

“Kagome, what happened!? Are you alright?” Sango had completely abandoned her staring at Inuyasha.

 

“Keh! I already told you what happened!” Inuyasha was not looking directly at anyone in the group and sounded as if he was trying to regain some dignity by resuming his usual ornery manner.

 

“I want to hear it from her.” Sango's teeth were clenched and her eyes narrowed.

 

“Uh, it's ok.” Sango turned again to face Kagome. “I uh…” She hadn't really thought this through. She just didn't want anyone to fight right now. She was still quite tired. “I must have been more tired than I realized.” Everyone still looked puzzled and remained quiet, assuming she would continue. “And…and I...I uh…well I guess I fell asleep in the spring and next thing I knew I was back in my time.”

 

“Kagome! How could you allow yourself to fall asleep in a hot spring!? You could have been hurt, you could have d-drown!” At Sango's raised voice the shivering kit, who had a hold of Kagome's ankle, tightened his grip. Kagome sensed the concern and fear in her tone though. Still glancing oddly back at Inuyasha, Miroku interjected,

 

“Yes, Kagome that was quite unwise. It's lucky Inuyasha was around. He rushed you back to your time.” Kagome took in the information Miroku had relayed. Processing it. They'd been pretty far away for the bone eater's well. If she couldn't remember being pulled out, she must have been drowning. Her body would have shut down before Inuyasha could have reached the well if it hadn't been given proper care. So, someone must have been able to make her breathe again…

 

“Uh, Inuyasha…was I breathing when you pulled me out of the water?” Inuyasha blushed, unsure if he should lie. He knew exactly what she was getting at. And, either she would praise him for remembering how to perform lifesaving CPR or…she would be disgusted that he had touched her like that. Before he'd made his mind up though, Kagome gasped.

 

“Wait, the doctor said it was lucky that you'd known CPR. So, I wasn't breathing, was I? So that means you…or did someone else?” Inuyasha blushed.

 

“I'm confused. What are you talking about?” Miroku was standing with his head cocked to the side, looking perplexed. Kagome turned to face the monk.

 

“Miroku, do you remember when Sango fell into that river and got sucked under?” Miroku's brows furrowed in an odd, pitiful way.

 

“Yea.”

 

“Then do you remember what I did to make her breath again?” Kagome's original group had not easily forgotten that day the Sango had almost drowned. They had been battling a particularly large group of demons. And although the demons were foolish, unskilled, and easily defeated, their sheer number was a difficult obstacle to overcome. Sango had been battling five at once and defeating them one by one, but took a few steps back each time. The fight was coming to an end and, as Sango was about to deliver a final blow to her last opponent, she had accidentally backed off the edge of a small cliff into a rushing river. The group had heard her scream and turned to watch as Sango's flailing form got sucked under. Inuyasha had rushed into the river to pull Sango's limp form out as Miroku finished off the last demon. The group then crowded around Sango as Kagome administered CPR. So, of course, Miroku, as well of the rest of the group, remembered.

 

Sesshomaru was frustrated. He had no idea what the girl was talking about. He could not ask for an explanation though, as that would show concern or interest. And although he was very interested and had been extremely concerned, he could not let that show; it just wasn't who he was, who he pretended to be…

 

“Yah…yah I guess. You mean when you put your mouth on Sango's and pushed on her chest.” Miroku's words sounded innocent enough but his face had flushed pink and he showed a slight, improper smile. Sango snarled warningly behind him. Sesshomaru's eyes widen for a fraction of a second. Inuyasha's lips on hers…Inuyasha's hands on Kagome's chest…wait..why was this bothering him?

 

“Yes. Well unless there was someone else around, Inuyasha must have remembered how to do that and saved me.” Inuyasha couldn't really determine what emotion Kagome's voice held. He hadn't really expected this blatant disinterest. He didn't know whether to be relieved or hurt. Miroku had edged closer to Inuyasha and was now nudging him in the ribs wearing a suggestive smile.

 

“Way to take advantage of a situation my friend.”

 

“HIRAIKOTSU!”

 

“NO! Kagome! I didn't!”

 

“You did what Inuyasha!?”

 

“Shut up little brat!”

 

“Sango dear, that was unnecessary…”

 

Inuyasha had jumped back from the floored monk, flailing his arms, obviously fearing a sit if Kagome believed the monk. Shippo had reacted like normal, being angry at Inuyasha. And, Inuyasha was now chasing him. Miroku whined in his normal innocent tone, as the still angry taijiya looked at him in disgust. Everything was just as she left it, everyone the same as she'd last seen them.

 

She wasn't sure why she did it. Maybe it was because she was still pretty tired. Possibly she still had some medicine lazing about her veins. She could have not only rued the fact that she had been unable to say goodbye to what she considered her second family before spending almost two weeks away from them, but she had been afraid also because she received no updates from Inuyasha about the group and had in turn been worried about them. Most likely it was a combination of all of it. Whatever it was, it was strong. She had thrown her head back and laughed. Laughed! Of all the things to do at a moment when she should be settling everyone down or thanking everyone for being worried about her. Although, she actually ended up calming everyone down as they were all staring, dumbfounded, at her utterly peculiar reaction.

 

“I'm…sorry, I…I just,” she pushed between fits of laughter, “I missed you.” Kagome was smiling serenely and clutching her side from her recent bought of giggles. She'd known what she'd done was odd but she just couldn't help it.

 

Sesshomaru was…confused. Emotions were not something he professed to be an expert in so maybe there was a simple explanation for her actions. Though, something told him even she did not understand her own actions. She was such an enticingly surprising creature. Wait, why was he still thinking those things? Why was she still drawing this reaction from him? And why in the name of all things demonic was he happy to see her back here, healthy!? He had to know. He hated having his mind clouded with such confusion. It distracted him and often rendered him open to attack. He could not stay so distracted. And, logical as he was, he figured there was a logical explanation. An explanation he was going to get, soon.

 

Sesshomaru had been mulling over his problem longer than he thought. The group had come to life again. The monk was rubbing his head and looking wistfully at the Taijiya who was talking animatedly with Kagome about an outfit for a formal event that Kagome was to attend. Inuyasha snuck sheepish looks at the priestess while pretending to scout the area, the firecat following him curiously. The small fox child had even managed sneak Rin away from him. The two were chasing each other around the clearing. That settled it. He had not even realized that his ward had left his side. He had been that engrossed in his thoughts. Tonight. He would talk to her tonight. There had to be a simple explanation for all of this.

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“He's right, you do really need to bathe.” Sango was holding her nose, looking embarrassed. The group had been rather enthusiastic in the undertaking of their long trek. Happiness had convinced the group they could travel well into the evening. That had been a mistake. Not only had the heat been absolutely sweltering, but the group had run into a couple of rat demons. Not that the battle had really been hard but it was enough to leave an offensive coating of sweat clinging to most and covered all the fighters, save Sesshomaru, in sticky blobs of rat demon innards. Miroku sniffed innocently at his arm and immediately wrinkled his nose in disgust.

 

“I uh guess you're right Sango.”

 

“Inuyasha, you...you should go with him.”

 

“What!?”

 

“Well…you got hit with the goo too…and I don't think it's just Miroku that stinks.” Miroku let an embarrassed grunt of indignation pass his lips before turning to look at Inuyasha.

 

“Keh, no way I smell as bad as him. And why should I bathe with him?”

 

“You always smell much more offensive than any in this group. Even so the fact that this stench covers your normal stench is not enough as you're group is nauseated just by your proximity while you are in this state of filth. You will take a bath.”

 

“YOU BAST-”

 

“Inuyasha…” Her voice was soft, warning. Although she cared about Inuyasha, Sesshomaru was right. The simple fact that he was within 10 feet of her, made her gag. Sango and Kagome had bathed immediately after the battle. Shippo had joined them. Sesshomaru had not needed a bath. Kagome figured he would still take one tonight though. Rin and Jaken had been ordered to stay away from the battle so they too had not needed baths. Miroku and Inuyasha were the only two left that had yet to take baths. They really needed baths.

 

Looking flustered and angry, Inuyasha just let a small “Keh” slip before storming off to the nearby stream, Miroku following awkwardly after. Kagome and Sango breathed sighs of relief at the same time, sending them both into an exhaustion induced fit of laughter.

 

“Oh…” Sango sighed, “I can breathe again.” She smiled then yawned. “It's late Kagome and I'm really tired. Would you mind terribly if I went to sleep now?”

 

“No, it's fine, I was thinking about turning in too.”

 

“Miko.” Kagome jumped. He always had that creepy way of sneaking up on you when you weren't paying attention.

 

“Uh…” Kagome didn't know what to say.

 

“This Sesshomaru needs a word with you.” Sango started. She didn't like the idea of Kagome being alone with the demon lord. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but there was something about him that made her uneasy, that is, besides the fact that he'd tried many times to kill Kagome.

 

“Uhm, Kagome you look tired. I think you should turn in.” Sesshomaru saw the nervous look the Taijiya wore. He also did not miss the slight tugging on Kagome's sleeve.

 

Kagome was at a loss for words. Sesshomaru…Sesshomaru wanted to talk to her. Images of their last encounter came flooding back to her mind. She remembered the hunger that had flashed quite prevalent in the demon lord's eyes. She blushed. She was…intrigued.

 

“Huh? No, it's ok Sango, I'm not really that tired.” She lied. She was dog tired. She wanted to know what he wanted though. Sango's mouth twitched uneasily.

 

“Kagome…I really think you should consider your health.” The plea had two meanings. Kagome knew this. Sango was saying to Kagome and Sesshomaru that Kagome was still somewhat ill and should get adequate rest. And she was saying, hoping only Kagome would catch this, that Sesshomaru was dangerous.

 

“I appreciate your concern Sango, but I am feeling quite well.” Sesshomaru was growing impatient. This had been the perfect opportunity for him to talk to Kagome. Inuyasha and the monk were both busy. The fox demon had already fallen asleep so he would not insist on going with the priestess. The only obstacle was the worried Taijiya. Sesshomaru felt proud and irritated at the same time. Obviously he was seen as a threat. They all knew he was strong but for some reason it bothered him that the group feared that Sesshomaru would harm the Miko. He couldn't put his finger on why it bothered him. He hadn't cared previously. He had openly threatened the girl's life.

 

“If Kagome should need assistance, this Sesshomaru will be more than enough to provide it.”

 

Sango looked dumbstruck. She didn't really have anything to say to that. Even if she had, it wouldn't have mattered. Because, as soon as Sesshomaru had finished his declaration of protection, he slid to Kagome's side and nudged her forward, his long elegant fingers resting just above the small of her back. `I hope she'll be alright. Oh man, this is just too weird…'

 

Kagome had moved forward at his nudge and blushed slightly as she realized his hand had not moved from her back. She really would be safe with Sesshomaru…right?

A/N: maybe another five chapters or so until any lemony-lime action. Sorry but I have to build the story. The Lemons are just happy little treats that get thrown in to move the story along so even though I've got two written mostly out, they still won't appear for a bit :p Plus either this chapter or the next one will be the last one for quite a while ( a month maybe) I am going off to college in 5 days and will be busy getting settled and starting classes and, as I mentioned in an `author's note' in a previous chapter, they have vicious rules about where you can go on the internet and if I was caught writing a story like this, I would be in BIG trouble. So I'm gonna have to find a Panera or something to use their wifi and put up the chapters. Sorry about the inconvenience, but believe me, no one is more upset about it than I.

Also a few things have come to my attention. I think there is some confusion on the pairing in this story and at first, I thought I should clear up the confusion but now I think I will keep it a surprise. Oooh…I'm evil though, the true pairing should be pretty obvious within the next couple of chapters. Anyway, in chapter 3 (A Late Night Bath) I re-read it and realized that instead of Sesshomaru referring to himself in the third person, I used the words “I” and “me”. I am sorry for this mistake and since most of my work is done REALLY late at night it was probably because I was tired. Sorry again about that and have a happy time trying to figure out the pairing.