InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Kurayami no Naka de Hikari ❯ Visitors ( Chapter 2 )

Kurayami no Naka de Hikari

The title means "A Light in the Dark" according to Google Translate.

Notes: Wow that was a quick update for me! The next one might take a little longer, I want to write a chapter for my SM/Inuyasha story "Uragirimono" next. Feel happy I haven't been alternating on chapters to these stories! You got THREE chapters of this against ONE chapter of "Uragirimono". And don't forget that I try to make all my chapters at least 10 pages. This one is a little bit over 11 pages *yay* I didn't expect a few of the characters in this one to make an appearance just yet, but they did! Remember this is rated ‘M' for a reason. There's a bit of smut in this one so if you're easily embarrassed easily, you might want to skip down a bit. Anyway, I have LOTS of ideas for this story so I think it's going to be relatively long (it's already close to 30 pages!). Anyway, onto the story!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters thereof. Even though that is the case, please don't steal my plot, concept, or story out of respect for my creative endeavor as I would not do this to anyone out there.

- l - l - l - Change of scene, time, etc.
'Thoughts/dreams' will be in single quotes (IE: ' ')

Chapter 2 – Visitors

As Inuyasha lay down in bed that night, he couldn't help but think of the strange girl, Kagome, whose life he has saved the previous day. He really couldn't pinpoint why he couldn't get her off his mind. They hadn't really spoken much during the time in the hospital. If fact, she spent most of her time completely zoned out, deep in thought. He couldn't get the look in her eyes out of his head. Even when she smiled, there was a bone-deep sadness in them that just seemed out of place with the girl.

There were a few moments when her eyes were so empty he felt that he just wanted to destroy whatever it was that was the cause. He didn't believe her when she said she had no family. Inuyasha could tell by the fire she'd displayed briefly that she had to have at least one sibling. He knew from experience what a sibling could make grow in a person.

That genuine smile that had caused her eyes to sparkle had taken his breath away. And the coughing fit that had followed has scared him to death. She had already coughed herself unconscious once so he did his best to soothe her like his mother used to do when he'd get sick. To his surprise, it seemed to have helped. Sango had said she needed to spend a few more days in the hospital because of the fainting spell. It could be deadly if that happened when there was no one around. So she probably wouldn't be leaving until Sunday afternoon.

Inuyasha rubbed a lump on his head and growled in annoyance. Sango had really good aim... She hadn't been happy about Miroku going out clubbing the night before and blamed Inuyasha because he hadn't been there to drag him out. Said monk was currently sleeping on Inuyasha's couch. He spent so much time at Inuyasha's and Sango's he shouldn't even bother paying for rent at his place. Inuyasha just wished those two would stop being so damn stubborn and hook up officially instead of sneaking off together when they thought no one was looking.

Inuyasha sighed and rolled onto his side. He hated when he couldn't sleep and the memory of Kagome's haunted look kept appearing and forcing his eyes back open. He had known that kind of sadness when he was young. Being a hanyou singled you out from all the full youkai and full human children. He hadn't understood why none of the children at the park would let him play. The few that did would be whisked away by their parents' moments after he joined in. He had only had his mother to comfort him since his father had such a demanding job.

Inuyasha grimaced at the memory and frowned to himself. He hadn't understood it then... hell, he still didn't understand it! It wasn't until grade school that he made any friends at all. Miroku and Sango seemed to accept him immediately and didn't care when they found out he was a hanyou. Their parents hadn't even made a big deal about it! He couldn't imagine that it was possible for Kagome to know that type of loneliness, but her eyes told the tale.

"Damnit!" He growled as he rolled onto his back and glared at the ceiling like it owed him money. "Why can't I get that stupid girl out of my head?" After tossing and turning for another fifteen minutes, Inuyasha finally just got out of bed and headed to grab a quick shower. It was still a few hours before he could go back to the hospital so he figured he might as well do something useful.

He walked into to kitchen and quickly made some instant ramen. By the time he had finished eating and pulled his hair back into a loose braid, the sun was peeking through the windows. Inuyasha walked toward the front door quietly to avoid any annoying questions Miroku might ask at this early hour. He grabbed his jacket and slung it on his arm before grabbing his helmet and walking out the door of his place.

- l - l - l -

Kagome awoke the next morning in much the same manner as the previous day. She felt absolutely lousy and had a nurse wake her before the sun to stab her with a needle and draw blood. She still hadn't called home; at this point she was afraid of the accusations that she would receive. Even if she showed him proof she'd been in the hospital the whole time.

Kagome dreaded to think of how far behind she was falling in her classes. She doubted she'd be able to fully devote her concentration to studying with how horrible she felt, though. It might actual be easy to concentrate while being really sick than having her boyfriend insult and berate her, though.

"Mou... this is so boring...." Kagome muttered as she stared out the window.

"Maybe you should do something constructive, then." A male voice sounded from the door. Kagome turned to see Inuyasha standing in the doorway with a bag slung on his back and a helmet under his arm. His hair was pulled back into a loose braid, but strands of hair had escaped and hung loose over his shoulders looking rather wind-blown. Kagome felt warmth fill her face and looked down at her hands in embarrassment. "I went to your school and convinced them to give me your assignments." Inuyasha explained as he set the bag on the floor with a soft thud. "I even convinced one of your classmates to photocopy their notes for you."

"Eh? You did all that?" Kagome questioned in surprise as she looked back over at him. A small smug smile touched his lips as he made eye contact.

"I had to look in your wallet for your name for the hospital and saw your student id." He stated simply as he unzipped the bag and started pulling out books, folders, and pencils.

"Thank you." Kagome said with a small smile as he handed a few books and notebooks to her. "Wait..." She paused as she remembered something. College books weren't cheap so how did he have her books? She was hoping he hadn't gone to her apartment to get them since he had her address too.

"Don't worry about the books. They're yours now. Pops is pretty well off." Inuyasha answered as he sensed her question. He'd scented the great rush of dread that rolled off of her moments before. 'She's hiding something...' Inuyasha thought as he looked suspiciously at her for a moment.

"You BOUGHT these?" Kagome asked incredulously as her eyes bulged. "All of these cost a LOT of money! You should take these back." Kagome said as she held up the brand new books.

"Just shuttup and use em." He grumbled impatiently. "I told ya, pops makes a lot of cash so it doesn't matter."

"But-" Kagome started but was cut off when a cheerful voice sounded.

"Good morning, Kagome." Sango said as she entered the room with her clipboard, a bright smiling gracing her pink lips. Kagome smiled and greeted her new friend shyly. "How are you feeling today?" Sango asked as she sat in the chair on the other side of the bed and leafed through the papers on her clipboard.

"Still feeling pretty lousy." Kagome said truthfully.

"Your blood work looks a bit better today so we're hoping, if you're feeling up to it, to release you Sunday afternoon. Kagome groaned to herself as she flopped back on the pillows.

"I have to stay here that long?" She whined as she put her arm over her face and let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Kagome. Until we're sure the fluid in your lungs is lessening, we're going to have to keep you here. We don't want you to drown with no one around to help you." Sango explained apologetically. Kagome nodded as she uncovered her face and sighed in defeat.

"You'd think they'd have better food since they're encouraging sick people to eat." Kagome pouted as she picked up one of the brand new books and cracked it open. She leafed through the stiff pages as the binding made quiet crackling noises from being opened for the first time. Kagome had always gotten her books used since she could generally knock a little off the price. Still, for the price the bookstore charged to buy the books back versus what they sold the used books at hardly made selling them back worth it. For the most part, Kagome kept any books having to deal with her major and the rest would be sold back.

Inuyasha's ears twitched at the mumbled comment. He hadn't had to stay in a hospital since he was a kid and has to have his tonsils out but he distinctly remembered how bland and tasteless all of the food was. Even the Jell-O had no flavor! (AN: When i got viral meningitis several years back nothing had any flavor! I could only eat soft stuff cuz chewing made my head and neck hurt and the mashed potatoes were like chalk! My mom had to go to KFC and get me the good mashed potatoes!). A small smile touched his lips as he looked at Kagome's pouting face. He couldn't help but marvel at how adorable she looked when she pouted.

"I don't understand any of this!" Kagome cried after scanning the first folder of notes from her Ethics course. "Mou! Who would have thought missing a day of class would put me this far behind!!" Sango watched as Inuyasha gently took the folder from her and leaned closer, scanning over the notes.

"Keh! This isn't so bad. It's just-" Sango didn't pay attention to what he was saying as a small smile graced her lips while she watched her best friend explaining the concept. Kagome was hanging on his every word, taking her own notes so it was in her words. 'He hasn't shown any interest in any woman in a long time...' Sango thought to herself as she continued to watch. 'I don't think Kagome has a clue. He hasn't even talked to a girl since the end of high school.'

- l - l - l -

Kagome lay back in the hospital bed completely drained. Despite Inuyasha's help, she hadn't made much headway on her schoolwork. When she wasn't being interrupted by doctors or nurses for various tests, she was coughing so hard she could barely breathe. Inuyasha had left around noon saying he had an appointment and he'd be back in a few hours so she had better not try to break out of the hospital. Kagome desperately wanted to get out of the uncomfortable hospital bed and walk somewhere further than the bathroom. It looked absolutely gorgeous outside so she was envious of all the people she saw outside of her window.

Kagome sighed and tossed her books and notes onto the armchair by the window and reclined the bed back to lie down. She couldn't concentrate at all so it was pointless to keep reading the same paragraph twelve times and still not really read what it said. She closed her eyes and pictured lying outside in the warm grass, which caused a small smile to cross her lips. When she was on the verge of falling asleep, she vaguely heard a pair of feet pad quietly into the room. She vaguely wondered if Inuyasha was back because it wasn't accompanied by the familiar rustling of scrubs that would indicate a doctor or a nurse. Her thoughts were lazy will drowsiness and forgotten almost as soon as they were thought.

She felt a gentle hand on her cheek, softly caressing it. Instinctually, she leaned into the gentle touch, enjoying the way it felt. Then she felt something grab her upper arm and squeeze painfully tight. Her eyes popped open as a small cry of pain escaped her lips and instead of seeing golden eyes as she had become used to, she saw burning red eyes angrily boring a hole into her.

"Na... Naraku?" Kagome said in surprise as the drowsiness instantly vanished. "What are you doing here?"

"I've been calling everyone looking for you." Naraku said as he gave Kagome a cold look. She flinched and tried to pull her arm from his tight grasp. "No one has seen you. I called the school and they said some 'youkai' came by today and got all of you assignments and new books." Kagome's heart sank even further since he knew about Inuyasha.

"It's not what you think, Naraku." She said as she tried to smile through the pain as his grip seemed to tighten more.

"You are a little whore. Here I was worried about you and came to find you and you're messing around with a 'worthless' dog." His voice was deep and dripping with acid with every word. It was always a bad sign when he seemed to be completely calm on the surface.

"I... I'm sorry, Naraku." Kagome said as the tears finally broke free and trailed down her cheeks. "I got a fever and was almost killed, he saved me and brought me-" She tried to explain but before she could finish, she felt a stinging on her cheek and her ears were ringing. It took her a minute to realize he had just slapped her across the face.

"You're coming home now, skank. I'll put you to work as my whore." Naraku said coldly as he tried to lift her from the bed. Kagome cried out in pain as the pressure on her upper arm increased and her attempts to pry his hand off seemed futile.

"You're hurting me." Kagome said in a whisper. Yelling at him for anything always just made him angrier so she had trained herself never to yell back at him.

"I said let's go." Naraku said as he jerked her arm ruthlessly. Kagome cried out again and a coughing fit struck. She felt her lungs constrict and was unable to bring air into her lungs. She briefly registered pain before blackness enclosed her.

- l - l - l -

Kagome slowly felt her body waking and was only half aware of feet pounding all around her. She felt something covering her nose and mouth and reached a hand up to see what it was.

"Leave that for now, Kagome." She heard a familiar voice say from far away. She couldn't place the voice and her vision was too blurry to make anything else out. She became aware of one other thing, someone held onto her hand. It was warm and callused and much larger than her hand. Her eyes widened in horror as she turned her face up toward the person beside her. Instead of a cold red-eyed, rage-filled stare, a pair of worried golden eyes came into focus.

"You all right, Kagome?" Inuyasha asked as her hearing slowly came back in at full volume. She glanced around and realized she was no longer in the small room from before. She was in a larger room on a bed covered with a plastic 'tent' of sorts. She had a mask over her face pumping pure oxygen and was feeling slightly loopy (AN: like when the dentist gives you laughing gas as a kid). Sango was on her other side with an empty syringe in hand and she smiled sadly down at Kagome when she saw her eyes were open.

"I got frustrated while I was studying and couldn't stop coughing." Kagome lied from under the oxygen mask. She wasn't about to tell him about what her boyfriend had done to her. She noticed his eyes narrow at her words but he didn't say anything about it. Several minutes passed in silence as Sango checked her vitals and a nurse came in carrying the book bag from Inuyasha and a brown paper bag.

"Okay, your vitals have stabilized for now, but you really have to try to stay calm. We're tenting you for a bit to try and dry up the fluid so you can breathe normally. Just try to stay calm and relaxed." Sango explained with a smile and a gentle squeeze of Kagome's hand. "Make sure she stays calm, Inuyasha." Sango said as she shot a frown at Inuyasha. He just waved his hand as Sango walked out the door.

"I know you're lying, Kagome." Inuyasha said sternly as soon as Sango closed the door quietly. Kagome flinched at the pronouncement and looked down at her hands in her lap. She should have known he'd be able to tell with his inu sense of smell. "There was someone here. A hanyou, male." He stated simply.

"I get it! You're one of those youkai that despises hanyous huh?" Kagome said quietly as her hands knotted in the blanket covering her legs. Her hair hung forward, covering her eyes from view. No matter what Naraku had said and done to her, she could bring herself to turn her back on him. She loved him and would be all alone if he left.

"Don't be stupid, Kagome." Inuyasha growled as his eyes narrowed at her. "How can a hanyou hate hanyous?! Baka!"

"Eh?" Kagome felt her eyes widen as she turned her eyes to Inuyasha. He was half standing out of his chair, his clawed hands still gripping the arm rests. "You're a hanyou?" Kagome asked as her surprise faded enough for her to muster an intelligent response.

"Of course I'm a hanyou, baka! And I don't man-handle women, human OR youkai!" He growled out, obviously angry at the 'hanyou' who caused her to pass out and at Kagome for protecting him. "Weak humans... can't even tell the difference between a youkai and hanyou." He grumbled as he sat back down, glaring through the plastic covering at Kagome.

"Don't act like you know or care what's going on with me." Kagome said as she returned his glare. "And I'm sorry for being so 'weak' I have to resort to being psychic to tell a youkai from a hanyou!"

"You're hiding something! I came back with food I snuck in and you're unconscious with a huge bruise on your arm and smelled like you'd been crying!" Inuyasha roared as his glare deepened. "You don't have to be a genius to figure out something happened!"

"What happens between me and my boyfriend is none of your concern..." Kagome said as her anger deflated. She said it in a low whisper below the range of a typical person. She had already pushed from her mind that he was a hanyou and not typical.

"Boyfriend?!" Inuyasha demanded as his eyes widened in anger. "Your boyfriend did that to you?!" Kagome looked up in surprise at the tall hanyou with fists clenched at his sides.

"It's not what you think!" Kagome cried as she reached under the plastic and grabbed the sleeve of his jacket. He had been turning around to head out the door so he could beat the hell out of the guy that hurt her. "I had a wave of dizziness and almost fell out of bed!" Kagome lied as a look of panic filled her eyes. "He grabbed me at the last second but misjudged his strength and grabbed too hard!"

"Stop lying to me, Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted as he shoved the curtain roughly aside and gripped Kagome gently by the shoulders and firmly held her in place.

"Why would I lie?! It was just an accident!" Kagome argued back. Before she could say anything else, a coughing fit took hold and she hunched forward, trying to pull air into her lungs. Inuyasha's anger melted immediately and was replaced with concern as he began rubbing her back reassuringly and speaking in a calm tone to relax her.

- l - l - l -

Neither Kagome nor Inuyasha said much the rest of the day. Kagome felt so completely miserable physically and mentally she couldn't even concentrate on catching up in her courses. Inuyasha was just confused as to why she was making stuff up to protect a man that had obviously hurt her. He couldn't wrap his head around it. 'Why and a beautiful, intelligent woman like her let herself be controlled by a man like that?' Inuyasha asked himself as his vision fell on the back of Kagome's head. 'Wait... did I just say beautiful?' He thought as a slight blush touched his cheeks and he looked away from her sleeping form in embarrassment.

Most men would give anything to be with someone like Kagome. Why would a hanyou, someone who's used to social inequality, squander the affections of such a sweet, gentle girl? She had a warmth that seemed to draw people in. Even Sango, who had very few female friends, was drawn to the girl! Sango had always been a straight tomboy! The only makeup she ever messed with was a little pink eye shadow, and she had become fast friends with Kagome.

Inuyasha leaned back in his chair and let out a vexed sigh. He would never understand women. He knew one thing, though. If he came across the guy who had hurt Kagome, he would beat him into a pulp! He had the scent that had clung to her ingrained in his mind... it was only a matter of time. That thought put an evil smirk on his lips.

Kagome lay on her side facing away from Inuyasha. She didn't know why she'd lied to him about the incident with Naraku. It's not like Inuyasha bought it for a second. Still... she and Naraku had been together for over three years and she loved him... didn't she? He had been there for her when her own family and friends hadn't. No matter how much they fought, they were always family. That's what they both had always said about their relationship. They had gotten along really well until recently after they had moved. They'd always worked things out and she knew they'd get through this one too.

She could hear Inuyasha's soft breathing as he sat silently in the armchair. She felt too ashamed about her lie to look over at him, though. For some reason, when he was around, Kagome felt butterflies start flapping in her stomach and she would feel an involuntary smile tug at her lips. 'He's really handsome...' She mused to herself as a flush tinted her cheeks.

She hadn't really noticed a man's looks since she and Naraku had started dating. There was one guy from her class that was always trying to get her attention, a wolf youkai named Kouga, but she'd never taken him seriously. She supposed he was attractive to some women with his raven-black hair in a high ponytail and his sky blue eyes that had a mischievous gleam to them. He seemed well-liked and was always respectful; she just had eyes only for Naraku, her beloved.

So why, all of a sudden, had she started to feel like a shy little school girl around Inuyasha? Kouga was definitely nicer to her. He wasn't rude and not nearly as uncouth as Inuyasha. And yet, rude, arrogant Inuyasha had caught her eye! None of it made any sense!

Kagome sighed in defeat and decided she'd take a nap so she could get away from that line of thought. There was no WAY she was getting a crush on Inuyasha! He had just shown her some kindness and she was reading into that and was misinterpreting her feeling of gratitude toward him. That's all it was... she was grateful for everything he'd done for her the last few days. With that thought, Kagome drifted off to sleep.

- l - l - l -

Kagome felt one hundred percent better! She sat up in her bed and stretched with a huge yawn. She smiled softly when she noticed Inuyasha sound asleep in the armchair beside her bed. She carefully and quietly climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom, closing the door behind her soundlessly. After a few minutes, she opened the door and stepped back into her room, noting that the chair Inuyasha had been sitting in was now vacant. She made a small vexed sound and looked toward the door, wondering where he had gone without even saying good morning.

Kagome gasped and nearly screamed when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and someone place their chin on her shoulder.

"Good morning..." Inuyasha's now familiar voice practically purred into her ear. She felt heat rush to her face at the intimate embrace but found she had no desire to pull away from it. A shiver ran down her spine all the way to her toes as she felt his soft lips brush against her ear.

"Inu... yasha?" She breathed out as another shiver ripped through her body when she felt his teeth gently nibble the shell of her ear. Kagome put her hand over his with the intention of removing them but his hand reached out the he entwined his fingers with hers. "What are... you doing?" She asked him breathily as she shivered again. Goosebumps burst up on her arms, stomach, and legs and she felt a familiar burning sensation between her legs as his hands began to descend, tracing the gentle contour of her hips and moving inward toward her inner thighs.

"You have goose bumps..." Inuyasha's voice was gruff with desire as his lips descended to her neck, teasing the delicate skin with his fangs and tongue. "How bout you let me warm you up?" Inuyasha questioned as his hand completed its journey and began to travel northward, slipping under the revealing hospital gown. She gasped in surprise as his forward actions but it felt too good and RIGHT so she couldn't bring herself to stop it.

- l - l - l -

Kagome's head shot off her pillow, her cheeks flushed and burning. Her body was covered in a light sheen of perspiration as she felt the same burning sensation between her legs upon waking. She searched the room frantically and noticed that Inuyasha had INDEED fallen asleep in the armchair. The sky outside the window was black so she concluded that Sango had allowed him to sleep instead of kicking him out when visiting hours had finished.

She watched his sleeping face as she tried to calm her wildly beating heart. She had never had a dream like that before! It had been so real; she FELT everything he'd done to her as if it had really happened. She couldn't help but feel a bit guilty about the dream. She felt that she had subconsciously cheated on Naraku even though she had no control over her dreams. 'His hair looks so silky...' Kagome thought to herself as a beam of moonlight glinted off the silver strands. 'I wonder if his ears are as soft as they look.' She thought as she suppressed the urge to go touch them. That's all she needed, Inuyasha to wake up and see her practically laying on him. She blushed ten shades of red at that thought and forced herself to lie back down. She purposely rolled onto her side so her back was to him and took a deep breath before closing her eyes and attempting to go back to sleep.

When Inuyasha heard her breath resume the deep rhythm that indicated sleep, he peeked his eyes open and looked at the small figure under a thin blanket on the bed in front of him. A change in her scent had awoken him about an hour prior. It was a sweet scent, light and delectable. She smelled GOOD! 'What the HELL was she dreaming about?' Inuyasha's thoughts ran rapidly, just like his quickly beating heart.

He was thankful for the darkness and the blanket that Sango had draped over him because the scent had had a rather embarrassing effect on him. When he heard her stirring and about to awaken, he had made sure his lower region was covered and had feigned sleep. He couldn't talk to her with a straight face in that condition!

He sighed in frustration and tried to remember the dream he'd just had. He had already been in his current condition when he woke up but he couldn't get a clear picture of what had happened in it. He shifted uncomfortably as he tried to find a more comfortable position. Kagome's sweet scent still strong in his nose was taxing his self-control. He growled low in his throat and mentally upbraided himself for the suppressed urge to pounce on the sleeping woman. He barely knew her, she was really sick, AND it turned out she had a boyfriend! Though if Inuyasha had his way, that bastard wouldn't get within a mile of Kagome ever again! That is, after Inuyasha put the asshole in a coma for daring to put his hands on her.

Inuyasha sighed and laid his head back on the headrest of the chair, staring up at the darkened ceiling. If only he could have met her sooner, he could have protected her from the obvious pain she was feeling. 'That's it!' He thought as a determined look entered his golden eyes. 'I'm going to save her from him even if she doesn't want to be saved!'

- l - l - l -

Kagome awoke hours later than usual the next morning and was disappointed to see Inuyasha was no longer in the chair next to her. She noticed a piece of paper taped to the inside of the plastic tent and gently pulled it off to read it.

Kagome,

Had to run out for a bit. I'll be back in a few hours. Sango and Miroku might stop in with me. Don't strain yourself!

Inuyasha

Kagome smiled to herself as she read the note. His handwriting was very boxy and precise like someone in architecture or drafting. She folded the note in half and stuck it in the book he had left at the end of the bed. She cracked the book open and stared the tedious task of reading and deciphering what was the most important parts for the inevitable test in the near future.

Kagome was able to plow through her coursework pretty quickly, all things considered. She appreciated the person that had copied their notes for her, but they weren't very in depth and the structure didn't make sense to her. Therefore, her first task was to copy down the notes in her own words. It took, surprisingly, less time than she anticipated, though.

"Kagome-san!" A jovial voice called into the room, making her look up from her books.

"Kouga-kun?" Kagome questioned as her gaze fell on the dark-haired, blue-eyed wolf demon. Her mouth nearly fell open in shock as he strolled in with a dozen roses and a balloon with the words 'Get Well Soon' printed on it. "How'd you know I was here?"

"I asked them at the reception desk." Kouga said as he set the roses on the table, and tied the balloon around the stems. "I thought you could use some company." He flashed her his award-winning smile. You know... the one that got all the girls swooning. Kagome laughed slightly nervously and attempted to return a smile of her own. 'He's very friendly and thoughtful.' Kagome thought to herself as she tried to think of what to say. 'I really don't think he's my type, though. Besides, once Naraku calms down, he'll be my sweet hanyou again.'

Kouga plopped down in Inuyasha's normal chair and his nose wrinkled in annoyance. "Why does it smell like dog in here?" He asked as his eyebrow twitched in irritation.

"Eh?" Kagome hadn't spent too much time around youkai so she took for granted the species with the more sensitive sense of smell. Naraku didn't really have the heightened senses like Inuyasha and Kouga so she wasn't used to it. Before Kagome could answer, the familiar silver-haired hanyou walked into the room with a few folders and a bag in one hand, and his helmet tucked under his other arm.

"I thought I smelled wolf." Inuyasha said as he glared at Kouga. "What the hell are you doing here Yaseokami?" He growled as he set the bag of food and folders down on Kagome's sliding table. (AN: You know the tables with wheels they put your meals on)

"I came to visit my woman, Inukoro!" Kouga growled as he jumped to his feet and returned the glare Inuyasha gave him. "What's it to you?!" Kagome's mouth dropped open at Kouga's pronouncement. 'His woman?!' Her inner voice screamed. 'I don't even KNOW him!!'

"What was that?!" Inuyasha roared as he stood looking ready to start throwing fists any second. "Why the hell would she be interested in a wimpy wolf?!"

"It's better a wolf than a dog since wolves can't be trained like a mutt!" Kouga growled back as he adopted a similar posture, fixing his gaze on Inuyasha. "How do you know my Kagome-san?!" He demanded angrily.

"I don't see your name on her, yaseokami!" Inuyasha growled as his glare turned into an arrogant smirk. "I doubt she's into 'wild' animals. She'd be more into someone with a little training and manners!"

"Umm..." Kagome's soft voice broke into their conversation. Both the wolf demon and in hanyou left off their little insult fight and turned toward Kagome. "Do you two know each other?" She asked in embarrassment after she'd gotten their attention.

"Keh! I went to high school with this loser!" Inuyasha said with a frown as he jerked his thumb behind his shoulder to point at Kouga's growling form. "How do you know him?"

"He's in my classes." Kagome said as a blush stained her cheeks. "But... you can't decide that someone's 'you woman' on your own." She continued as she turned a slightly frosty look toward Kouga. "I have a boyfriend." She finished in a near whisper as she turned her attention to her hands in her lap. The triumphant look that had been on Inuyasha's face when she gave Kouga that frosty look dropped off into one of worry when she whispered the last line. Kouga didn't seem to notice the tension in the air and a smirk crossed his handsome features.

"You need a real man, not some mutt hanyou." Kouga said arrogantly, oblivious to the fact Kagome didn't even seem to hear him. Inuyasha watched the sad smile spread across her face and felt the bite of anger in the pit of his stomach. That look should NEVER be on her face. He wanted to hurt the person who had hurt her like that.

"Shuttup, you moron." Inuyasha's low growl and accompanying punch in the gut got Kouga's attention long enough to see the sad look in Kagome's eyes. Another voice broke the uncomfortable silence as Sango entered the room.

"I hope you're feeling better today, Kagome-chan." Sango's voice sounded as the smiling doctor walked into the room. Kagome looked up a Sango with a smile and said she was feeling much better. "What brings you here, Kouga?" Sango asked with a smile. She had never had a problem with Kouga. He and Inuyasha had been sort of rivals all through school. They were neck-and-neck with every sport they did; they also seemed to go after the same girl in high school.

"I came to see how Kagome-san is doing. You didn't think I'd come to see Inukoro, did you?" Kouga asked with a smirk as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Watch it, yaesokami..." Inuyasha growled low as he glared over his shoulder at the wolf demon.

"We have classes together." Kagome explained before he could try to say she was his woman again.

"I didn't know you were still in college." Sango said idly as she pulled back the curtain and began to take Kagome's vitals.

"Yeah well, my mother got sick last year so I took a year off to look after her." Kouga explained as he looked in Sango's direction.

"Oh, is your mother doing well?" Sango asked as she jotted some numbers down on her clipboard.

"Yeah, the cancer has gone into remission." Kouga explained with a relieved look. "If she weren't such a strong wolf youkai, she might not have beaten it." Kagome felt a twinge of pain at the memory of when her father had been sick. She had been relatively young, but still old enough to remember. She'd been close to her father and things had never really been the same since he had passed.

"I'm gonna have to ask you two to wait outside for a few minutes." Sango said as she turned her attention on the two young men briefly. They both nodded silently and went outside, closing the door quietly behind them.

"Is something wrong, Sango?" Kagome asked as she looked up at her brown-haired friend questioningly.

"Nope!" Sango said with a grin as she tossed her clipboard on the night stand and flopped down in the squishy armchair next to Kagome. "Just wanted to sit for a few minutes without those two morons starting a fight." She said with a knowing link. Kagome laughed at Sango's obvious annoyance.

"Do those two always fight like that?" Kagome as she wiped tears of mirth from her eyes. Sango laughed at the silly question.

"Only when they're in the same room, or the same building, or the same block..." Sango paused in mock thought. "Aw hell! Those two have been bickering like a married couple since they first saw each other!" Both girls broke out into another fir of giggles at this. They talked for a few more minutes before Sango let the boys in the room and informed Kagome she'd be able to leave the hospital in tomorrow afternoon, which was Sunday.

Sango had to go check in on other patients so she took off and left Kagome with the 'married' couple that continued to bicker and argue the rest of the afternoon. Kagome smiled to herself. It was nice to see such close friends and to be included in their conversations. Hell... they made HER the center of attention! It was nice to feel like she might have a place to belong. Her smile faded abruptly as she thought of Naraku. She had a place she belonged with him; he just seemed to be two different people at times. There was the nasty, hateful man who had come in the day before, and the loving, caring man that held her and whispered loving words in her ear. She just wished she could have that Naraku ALL the time.

- l - l - l -

Kagome woke up nearly evening. She hadn't meant to fall asleep; it just seemed that something inside the tent or maybe in her IV made her sleepy. She could see the unmistakable colors of sunset coming in through the window and smiled, wanting to go outside and feel some wind instead of the cool, static air of the hospital. Since the building was climate-controlled with low humidity, the cool air felt even cooler.

"Psst..." A quiet sound broke into her thoughts and Kagome turned toward Inuyasha with a blank stare. She'd had no doubt he would still be there when she woke from her nap. "Put this stuff on. Quickly." He said as he shoved a small bundle into her arms and stood up. He went to the door and peeked out into to hallway.

"Wha-" She started but was cut off as he turned back and raised a finger to his lips, indicating she be quiet and do as instructed.

"It's shift change. We need to hurry before the next shift comes in." Inuyasha explained quietly. Kagome quirked a delicate eyebrow but didn't argue further.

The bundle of fabric turns out to be an oversized hoodie, long, baggy sweatpants, and a hat, scarf, and gloves. Kagome quickly pulled them on over her hospital robe and stood up from the bed. Inuyasha disconnected her IV like he'd seen Sango do countless times and looped his arm loosely around her shoulders to help keep her balance.

He led her toward the door and peeked into the hallway before guiding her out of the room. No one seemed to think anything about them except that they were just a couple leaving a loved one's side for the day as they walked down the hallway. Inuyasha pushed the 'up' arrow on the elevator and the two waited in patient silence for the doors to open. After a few people stepped off the elevator, the pair entered and Inuyasha pushed the button for the top floor of the hospital. Kagome chose this time to speak since they were finally alone.

"Where are we going?" Kagome asked as she raised her eyebrow suspiciously.

"You'll see in a minute." He explained with a small smirk. The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Inuyasha steered Kagome out of the elevator and turned a corner. It looked like the floor was mostly used for storage as they made a few more turns.

Inuyasha finally stopped in front of a door labeled 'roof' and pulled a key from his pocket. He checked to make sure no one saw and unlocked the door, pulling Kagome swiftly through. She watched as he stashes the key back in his pocket and the two went up the short flight of stairs to another door. This one pushed open easily and revealed an open expanse of space that overlooked the city. Kagome smiled and breathed in the sweet scent of fresh air as he led her forward to a blanket that was spread out on the rooftop.

"I figured you could use some fresh air." He explained as she sat. He draped a blanket loosely around her shoulders, making sure she stayed warm enough. "Don't tell Sango. She'll kill me." He said with a mischievous grin and a wink. Kagome nodded in assent and a warm smile lit her eyes.

"Thank you, Inuyasha." She breathed as he placed a cup in her hands. He twisted off the lid of a metal thermos and poured some tea into her cup before filling his own. There was a basket sitting on the edge of the blanket with sweet smells wafting out of it. "This is just what I needed."

::FIN::

Okay, I don't know if they ‘tent' you with pneumonia but I made them tent her in here *shrugs* I had to be tented as a kid when I was sick and in the hospital. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'll update as soon as I possibly can! I LOVE long, in-depth reviews!!

Saria Forest14: Thanks for the long review! I love the input! It made me smile when I read it~.^ Like I said at the top, I think this is going to be a fairly long story, I have TONS of ideas and thoughts dancing around. The chapters don't necessary happen how I expect them, though. I had NOT IDEA Naraku and Kouga were going to pop up in this chapter until they showed up!!

Thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far! I have 15 reviews for 2 chapters, that's not too bad!