InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Leaving ❯ Time Paradox ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter Five

Kagome trailed her lips down Sesshoumaru's jaw, leaving soft caresses in its wake. A low growl vibrated in his chest and she smirked against his chest. His fingertips slowly ran through her hair and traveled down her back in feathery touches, making her shiver. His touch trailed lower still and his hands ran down and rested on her rear end. Kagome couldn't help it; she giggled against his chest. She felt him stiffen but his hands still rested where they were. She buried her face in his chest, a rambunctious laugh threatening to spill forth from her lips. Sesshoumaru was touching her butt. She giggled again and glanced a peek up at him.

Sesshoumaru watched her lift her eyes slowly to his. What he saw was downright, unreserved mirth. Laughter glittered in her eyes, and her face was split into a goofy grin. Whatever had caused her sudden spurt of humor eluded him. Not only so, it irritated him. Their moment of… heated pleasure had turned playful in a matter of seconds. She giggled again and he raised an eyebrow in annoyance. He was not the playful type.

She stepped out of his… hold and coughed slightly to hide the laughter that still wanted to escape. She looked up at him, a blush rising to her cheeks. He looked somewhat disappointed. She was as well, although not as much for their moment had been rather… satisfying, but this was totally better. She cleared her throat and looked back up at him, an embarrassed smile on her face. "You… ano…" She couldn't help it. As much as she tried, it finally spilled over. She erupted in a fit of giggles, a dark blush rising to her cheeks. "You touched my ass… and well, it's just… funny…" She giggled again and slapped at the water, trying desperately to do something that would lessen the severity, or lack thereof, of the situation.

Sesshoumaru was less then pleased. In truth, he was bored and she was starting to grate on his nerves. Why had he given his consent to her in the first place? And why did he now feel an overwhelming need to prove to her that such an action that he had just done was not one be laughed at? Rather, it was one to be taken seriously considering that had she not giggled as she did, they would probably be rutting like dogs at this precise moment, no pun intended. His control had slipped once more. He would make sure it was not to happen again. He remained silent and just watched her as her laugh faded and a sudden shock crossed her features. Perhaps she had finally realized the severity of their situation.

Kagome looked at him, clearly stunned. Sesshoumaru was not one to do things without reason. Touching her ass had a definite reason behind it. She thought back to many conversations with her friends back in modern times about… well, sex. There were several positions and many different ways to get into such positions. She calculated their previous position and what it may have led to. Her eyes widened a fraction larger. Her jaw dropped and she looked at Sesshoumaru with a sudden fear. She had only really met him days ago… two days ago, if you really wanted to be specific. Things were moving too fast, way too fast. "Ano… I have to… hair… wash hair… yours." She quickly retreated to the side of the lake and grabbed the shampoo bottle. She'd make this quick and simple. She would forget what happened and try to act normal… the only problem was that she was nowhere near normal.

…

Inuyasha and the others waited back at camp. One, who was inexperienced in the group's behavior, would call their waiting to be patient and serene. Kaede watched them carefully. She were all very nervous and very anxious… especially Inuyasha. He sat up in his tree. His ears were up, clearly straining for any sign of his friend and brother. The monk was meditating, something he only did when he was stressed about something. Sango was polishing her weapon with quick, harsh strokes, unlike the normal, steady scrubbing that was typical of her. Shippou was bouncing from place to place, wringing his hands nervously and muttering to himself about Sesshoumaru and his lack of trustworthy qualities. The only other, other than herself that seemed normal and reserved about the whole situation would have to be Kirara. The fire neko was sitting next to Miroku, eyes closed, in a state of full relaxation. Kaede shook her head at the people who had quickly become close to her. She'd been able to quickly catch their habits and little quirks. It was nice to have them around.

Inuyasha suddenly jumped up, landing ruggedly on the ground beside the meditating monk. His ears swiveled in the direction that Kagome had gone and he released a breath of relief he wasn't aware he'd been holding in. He had to have another chat with her. He didn't like his brother. It was clearly obvious but to make matters worse, his brother was the one that she had chosen to… do things with. He knew the mating rules for inu youkai. He didn't particularly like the fact that Sesshoumaru was not objecting to their… rendezvous during the night. Actually, he had the feeling that it was not Kagome who was setting them up and that alone was enough to keep his eye out for the miko.

Inuyasha watched as his brother walked slowly into the campgrounds, Kagome draping over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Her elbows were propped up on his back and she was staring rather daintily at the forestry that they had just left. Inuyasha quirked an eyebrow. What had caused this situation? He shook his head and motioned for his brother to put her down. Sesshoumaru barely flinched. Inuyasha sighed. This was tiresome. He walked around to face Kagome. She looked pissed. "Oi?" He came face to face with her and poked her nose. "What happened to you?"

Kagome made her best attempt to growl at him. It actually made Inuyasha step back a couple paces. She smiled in triumph and then scowled when she heard Sesshoumaru growl at her. "Hey, shut up! I wasn't talking to you! Maybe if you just put me down…"

Sesshoumaru shifted slightly and she grumbled in annoyance. His shoulder was starting to dig into her stomach… purposely. She let an evil smile cross over her face. "Please put me down, Sesshoumaru."

No answer. He didn't even move for Kami's sake. She sighed and smiled crazily. This was going to be fun. She let herself drop over his shoulder and let her arms hang loosely. This position was very uncomfortable but perhaps he would let her go after what she planned to do. "I asked you nicely." Still no response. Oh well… She trailed her fingers up his thighs and then…

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened and his posture straightened rather quickly. Inuyasha's jaw dropped, as did Sango's, Miroku's, Shippou's and Kirara's. Kaede watched the whole situation as a chuckle spilled forth from her lips. Kagome had… well… she had grabbed his ass… and squeezed. Miroku sighed and shook his head. "I apologize. This is my fault. It seems that I have given Kagome-sama my condition." They all stared at him somewhat confused.

Sango stiffened and her eyebrow twitched in annoyance. Miroku sighed regretfully and continued to eagerly grope Sango's backside. In a matter of seconds the lecherous monk was sprawled on the ground, a bruise forming on his head and his body twitching. Sango draped her Hiraikotsu back to its original position and stepped a few feet away from the twitching monk.

Kagome removed her hands from Sesshoumaru's butt and growled at him. "Let me go." The complete lack of emotion in her voice startled everyone in the group except for Sesshoumaru, of course, but even then he refused to put her down. "Sesshoumaru… I'll be there, but just leave me alone for now." He shifted beneath her and she slid down his shoulder and stood on her legs. She refused to make eye contact with him. "Just go."

Sesshoumaru spared her a glance before he turned and left. She assured him what he wanted to know. She would meet him. Nothing would happen again. Their training sessions would begin tonight and continue until he deemed her capable to defend herself. He walked gracefully through the thick of the forest, disappearing within its green sleeves. Kagome sighed as she watched him go. "Yes… I'll meet you again tonight… wait for me." Her whispers flew softly in the gentle wind's embrace.

Inuyasha's eyes darkened briefly as he caught her words. Tonight… if she would meet him, he would follow.

…

Kagome walked to the well, Inuyasha walking slowly behind her. There were still a few hours before the rendezvous meaning she would be able to explain the whole situation to Inuyasha. When she had first met everyone in her time, she had planned to tell him but now she was worried if she should. Would it change things? Did he already known in the future? She sighed. Well, considering what she knew of paradoxes, if she told Inuyasha now, then things shouldn't change in the future because they couldn't… right? She rubbed her temples and kneeled at the edge of the well, sparing its depths a glance. Should she tell him?

Inuyasha watched her sink down to her knees, a hand rubbing her temples. Something was obviously wrong with her. Things had changed since that night and even more so when she had come back from her time, which was only the night before. She turned to face him and pulled her legs up into her chest. Her eyes drifted shut and she rested her head on her knees. Kagome was acting strange. It worried him. His brows creased and he crouched in front of her. "Kagome?"

Slowly, she lifted her eyes to meet his. She was troubled by this whole mess. She really wanted to tell him but she wasn't sure. If she did something, would it change the past… or her future? Could she change the past… or the future? She opened her mouth but couldn't find the right words so she closed it. She sighed and tried again. Nothing. What was she supposed to say to him? "Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha pulled her into a warm hug. "Don't Kagome… tell me when you're ready. Whatever it is… you obviously need more time to think about it." He felt her relax and heard her release a breath in relief. He really wanted her to tell him when she needed to. He just hoped that she wasn't going to say something like she had fallen in love with his brother.

"Inuyasha… I think I'm falling for Sesshoumaru." She waited, a small smirk plastered on her face. One… Two… Three…

"WHAT!" Inuyasha pulled back from her, shock clear on his face. After seeing her giggle and laugh, he scowled and stood. That was not funny. "Keh!" He turned and retreated back to the camp, leaving Kagome with the option of following him or going home. He'd decided to talk with her at a different time. If he were right, things would progress slowly between his half-brother and his best friend. Hopefully, if things turned out as he wished, no one would come near the girl. No one was good enough for her as he saw it. He threw another "Keh!" over his shoulder and watched as she smiled at him.

"Oh. Come on, Inuyasha! You know I was just kidding around." She laughed but as Inuyasha disappeared, her laughter died with it. Was she really just kidding? It had only been two days… There was no way that Inuyasha's arrogant, jackass of a brother was getting to her… It was impossible. She shrugged and jumped into the well. It was absurd. The magic swelled around her as she continued to deny the facts. It was too soon and he was a self-centered bastard. He wasn't even her type… but he sure could kiss… She mentally slapped herself. That point was invalid to her argument… however true it might be! She landed on the other side and climbed up the ladder on the inside of the well in her own time.

"Kagome… we need to talk…" Kagome spun around at the familiar voice and nearly toppled back into the well. The familiar person grabbed her before she could fall and set her on the edge of the well. His amber eyes bore into her smoky blue orbs and she felt herself start to fidget under his scrutiny. He ran a clawed hand over her cheek and through her hair in an affectionate gesture. "It really has been five hundred years. Stupid wench! You weren't supposed to leave!" He pulled her into a fierce hug that his brother had not allowed him to do when he saw her the day before. He breathed in her sweet scent and kissed her forehead. "I missed you, you stupid girl…"

Kagome returned the hug, albeit awkwardly. It was rather strange to leave Inuyasha on the other side of the well only to face him again in his five hundred years older body. He was the same guy, but he was older and… more matured. "Inuyasha? If I may… what the hell are you doing here? You do realize that you… well, younger you, can just fly out of this well and see you like this! That would be bad! It may cause a shift in the whole space and time… thing…" She scowled when he chuckled at her. She was right and she knew it even though she really didn't know what she was trying to say, but she knew what she was thinking. Her face faltered for a moment. That last thought had made absolutely no sense. She scowled again and stood, pulling the amused hanyou, or what used to be a hanyou, through the doors of the well house. "Inuyasha, we need to talk! I need to know some stuff."

Inuyasha stopped when they reached her front door and looked at her seriously. "No. I can't tell you information about the past. I can only tell you a few things maybe, but only if they don't pertain to Sesshoumaru, Naraku, or the final battle." He crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. It was his customary stance and even now, he hadn't rid himself of the annoying trait.

Kagome pouted but acquiesced. Perhaps she would be able to trick him into telling her information. She dragged him into the house and slipped out of her shoes. "Tadaima!" Silence was her answer. "Mama? Jii-san? Souta? Hello?" She sighed. It figures she'd come home when everyone wouldn't be there. It was strange though. They had been there just yesterday and school just started so… She walked into the kitchen and looked for any clue as to why they weren't home. She glanced at the calendar on the fridge. Today was Saturday… no school… She looked closer on the date and blinked in recognition. Scrawled in the tiny block was a reminder from her mother: Visit relatives for the weekend. Be back Sunday evening.

She sighed. She had forgotten… "Oh well…" She turned and walked up to her room, ignoring Inuyasha's silent demeanor as he followed behind her. Why was he here anyway? The other Inuyasha could just jump out of the well and follow her. Although, after that last statement, she knew he would wait until she got back. It was still somewhat awkward to stand next to your best friend who already knew what you were living. She walked into her room and threw out a pair of fresh clothing. First she'd change. That Sesshoumaru had yet again ruined another shirt. If that kept happening then she'd spend more time mending shirts then studying. Although now with her new teachers, she really didn't have to worry so much about school. She turned and ushered Inuyasha out of the room. "I'm going to change. Jus wait a few minutes, okay?"

Inuyasha growled but stood outside her door. "Hurry up! We need to…" He stopped in his retort and glanced around. Something was amiss in the Higurashi home. He sniffed the area and mentally groaned. Of all the times… He sighed and practically jumped down the stairs and out of the house, slipping into his shoes on the way out. It still felt strange to wear them. He shrugged off the thought and walked to the side of the house, beneath Kagome's window. "I know you said that we can't say anything, but…"

Sesshoumaru gracefully jumped down from the branch he was standing in and faced his younger brother. "Do not undermine my authority, Inuyasha. You know that was has taken place cannot be changed, whether good or bad."

Inuyasha growled at is brother in unrestrained anger. "You know what happens just as much as I do! How could you just allow it when you know! She your fucking mate, for crying out loud!"

Sesshoumaru reached out and grabbed Inuyasha by the neck, blood red creeping into his eyes. "It is her destiny to endure this. I do not like it but it must be done. Do not judge me! Had I known this would happen in the past, do you truly believe that I would let it happen?" Sesshoumaru snarled at him and threw his back against the tree. "She must never find out. If she did, it would destroy her."

Inuyasha stood up and dusted off. "It will destroy her… whether she knows about it beforehand or not. Why won't you tell her? If she knows, then maybe it can be stopped. If we don't even try, then it will undoubtedly happen… I don't want to lose her again. She'll never be the same."

Sesshoumaru looked up at the window where his mate lay. In this time, she was happy. Perhaps a bit confused due to the circumstances but it was natural for one in her position. She was unlike any other human he'd met. Although… that had yet to be determined as well. He'd been able to research her family and found some interesting things… "Kagome… I do not want her to change either." Sesshoumaru watched his brother smile sadly and look up at the window as well. He knew what this was about. "You had your chance. She loved you. It was plain as day. It still is. She always has. Despite how I may feel for her, I cannot replace her first love. I accepted it long ago, as did she. That was your mistake, little brother."

Inuyasha sighed. He'd missed his chance with her and although they had come to terms with their relationship, he always regretted his decision. "You are a lucky man, Sesshoumaru. I still envy you… but," He paused and stared at the sky. The sun was starting to set. The day had gone by so fast. She would be gone again tonight. The clouds drifted slowly in the reddening sky and he returned his gaze to Sesshoumaru. "I'm glad… she's happy… rather, she will be. Everything will come into play soon. She will be broken once more when you leave her… Then, `it' will happen. After `it' happens, everything changes. Are you sure?"

Sesshoumaru kept his gaze on the sky. "Do you think the past can be changed? If we were to succeed in changing it, we possibly will cease to exist. Are you willing to give up your existence for her?"

Inuyasha glanced at the window and answered without the slightest hint of hesitation. "Yes."

Sesshoumaru's eyes crinkled in unreserved warmth. His expression remained flawless but over the years, he had softened. He had grown. "It seems that things never change. Perhaps, this time, things will be different for I, too, am willing to do such a thing. The others will agree wholeheartedly as well. We will tell them upon our return to the estate." He ran a hand through his hair, a habit he'd picked up around Kagome in his past. He looked over to Inuyasha who was smiling.

Inuyasha looked up at the window with newfound hope. "Does that mean…"

Sesshoumaru followed Inuyasha's gaze up to the window. "Yes. We tell her."

…

Kagome slipped into a tank top and a skirt. She put on her socks and the tops of them pooled around her ankles. It was a warm day. She laid herself down onto her bed and closed her eyes. She let her mind drift to the day's events. Earlier today with Kouga and then the bath. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks and smiled. It was nice but… then things sort of got out of hand. She been frightened by his forwardness, or rather her own. That kiss… she couldn't get it out of her mind. It was really sweet. It felt nice.

Then things changed. Her innocence saved her today. She'd probably be considered a mated woman as of now if they had continued. Mated… it was like marriage, right? She was way too young to be married and certainly Sesshoumaru would want kids… wouldn't he? Then again, if they had kids then they would be hanyou. She rolled over onto her side. Why was she thinking like this? She had just met him… well not technically but that was beside the point. She felt herself getting lost in the comfort of her bed. If she didn't get up soon, then she'd fall asleep.

She thought back to after she had washed his hair. He left, no modesty whatsoever, and she'd gotten a full view of his cargo. Her blush had stained her cheeks for many a moment before she turned away and dunked into the cool water. No matter how hard she tried, that picture would never leave her memory. Dude was packing! After she had made sure that he'd gone, she slipped out of the water and quickly dressed. Gathering her stuff, she started to run. Maybe some alone time would give her time to think. She had been on her way when she was quite literally tackled into a nearby tree. He'd followed her. She felt it but she didn't want to deal with him. Their conversation was brief. There was more talking on her part than anything and he just barely answered or replied with one-word answers. In the end, she'd ended up saying that she didn't want to meet him that night. That was when he'd slung her over his shoulder. It was rather stupid and trivial. But she was scared of what would happen. She still was.

She shot up in her bed and looked at the door. "Shimatta! I forgot! Inuyasha!" She looked down and realized that she was covered in her blanket. When had that happened? She glanced out her window and watched as the sun set beyond the trees and the buildings in the distance. She sighed. She must have fallen asleep. It was almost nine. She got up and stretched. In another hour or two she'd have to leave. Inuyasha probably already left. She threw on a short sleeve, button up over her tank top and stepped out into the hall. She walked past the kitchen and toward the door. Slipping on some shoes, she stepped out casting a glance at the sky. It was a beautiful night. She walked toward the well house and stepped inside.

That small, miniscule thing was her gateway to a completely different world. She sighed and walked down the few steps to the lip of well. She peered in and kneeled at its edge. The same question plagued her mind since the beginning. Why her? Of all the giddy schoolgirls in her time, why had the Shikon no Tama been resurrected inside of her? She rested her head on her arms, closing her eyes. Did it really matter anymore? She was happy… wasn't she? "I don't know anymore…" Her soft whisper was the only other sound in the silent well house. The hairs on the back of her neck started to prickle and she sat up abruptly. He was here. "What is it?" She asked into the darkness, her eyes focused on the doorway.

Sesshoumaru mentally smirked. The girl had already gotten used to his presence so much so that she recognized it. It was flattering. He stepped through the small doors into the well house and looked down into her deep blue eyes. She was so vulnerable, even now… so innocent… pure. It was probably that about her, which had attracted him so even though he had not realized it so long ago. "Koi…" He paused and corrected himself. She was not his yet. "Kagome, a talk is necessary at the present time."

She tilted her head in her cute way of showing confusion. He stepped toward her, hooking his finger beneath her chin and locking his gaze on her eyes. He restrained himself so much around her. He wanted to ravish her and at the same time wanted to be soft and gentle. His eyes flickered back from her eyes to her mouth and back. He watched the blush form on her cheeks and felt the slight nod of her head. He leaned forward brushing his lips over hers in a light caress. "Perhaps later, koi. Inuyasha awaits us in the living room." He watched in amusement as she nodded and her eyes fluttered back open. He couldn't help it. She was like his drug… and he was addicted. "Perhaps a few minutes will not matter so much…" He captured her lips in a soft but demanding kiss. She responded without hesitation.

"Oi! This is not the time for a make-out session! This is important, you know…" Inuyasha waited in the doorway, grumbling to himself as his brother and his best friend slowly ended their kiss. "Keh!" He glared at them and stomped off back toward the house.

Sesshoumaru pulled her up and snaked an arm around her waist. "Perhaps those few minutes were too long to endure for my impatient, little brother." A blush formed on her cheeks and he let a small grin spread across his face. These precious moments were all he had for now and he would make sure to cherish them while he was still around. There was a sadness that welled in his heart at the thought. He'd waited so long only to… to let her go once more. If things turned out as they planned then Kagome would be saved but… He stopped on his way out of the well house and turned to her. "Would you be willing to… give up this life in this world to stay?"

Kagome looked up at him confused. What was he trying to say? "What… I… I don't understand… what are you asking me, Sesshoumaru? Stay where?" The look in his eyes never ceased and he looked almost desperate. Her brows furrowed at the urgency he radiated. "Sesshoumaru, what's wrong?"

He pulled her into a firm embrace and buried his face in her neck. "We have agreed with the others that you should know… it may save you from a horrid fate but the consequences are great."

Kagome pulled back and looked at him, seriously looked at him for the first time. "What are the consequences?"

"We may cease to exist in this time."

"No." Kagome pulled back from his warmth and looked up defiantly into his eyes. "Whatever you remember can't be changed. It's impossible! The time paradoxes and such… it wouldn't make sense. How could you change something if you were never really here? I don't understand it but… it can't be done no matter what you try. Why would you want to? What happens that you, Sesshoumaru, would be willing to put your own existence at stake?" She tried to read through his eyes but they became cold and distant as they were in the feudal era. Her heart panged painfully in her chest and she stepped forward. "What is it?"

Sesshoumaru looked at her for a brief moment. He should have expected this. The girl was too kind to put the lives of those she loved… and those who loved her in any kind of danger. But she also had a point. Even if they were to try and change things, would it make a difference? Would their efforts even make in the strands of time? "You will change… and you will leave." He turned and headed for the house giving her a few moments to comprehend his words. She may not understand now… but she would. He would reveal nothing and he would tell Inuyasha that no information of the past was to be told to the young miko. The girl would have to deal with her fate. Time would tell.