InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Mind Reader ❯ A Most Thrilling Journey, Pt II ( Chapter 31 )

Mind Reader

 

Chapter 28: A Most Thrilling Journey, Pt II

oOoOoOoOoOo

 

Kagome and Sango walked peacefully side by side. It was amazing. As soon as they got away from the four males it grew quiet and peaceful. All right, perhaps that wasn't so amazing after all.

 

“Hey Kagome?” asked Sango, breaking the silence.

 

“Hm?”

 

“We still need to get the answer out of Inuyasha. He did lose the bet.”

 

Kagome chuckled slightly evilly at that comment. “Oh yes, the answer.”

 

Sango could almost picture Kagome rubbing her hands together when she said that. “So um, how do you propose we go about doing that?”

Kagome tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I could always just sit him until he gave up the answer.”

 

Sometimes I do feel sorry for Inuyasha. It seems Kagome's first method for anything is sitting him.

 

“Or…” began Sango.

 

Kagome suddenly giggled and pointed in front of her face. A big blue and yellow butterfly lazily fluttered past her. “Isn't that a beautiful butterfly Sango?”

 

For some reason I don't think she was listening to me.

 

“Yes Kagome, that butterfly is very beautiful,” said Sango with a deep sigh.

 

At Sango's exasperated voice Kagome stopped giggling. “Oh, sorry about that Sango. Now what were you saying?”

 

“Well, I was going to say we could always just ask Inuyasha to answer the question,” said Sango. “You know, instead of just immediately sitting him.”

 

“Yes, I suppose so.”

 

Man, she sounds like I just ruined her fun.

 

Kagome realized that she was acting like a bloodthirsty animal, or rather a person who got too much joy out of sitting Inuyasha. `Jeez, what's wrong with me? It's almost like I enjoy sitting Inuyasha. But I used to feel bad whenever I sat him. What changed? And now I do the same to Sesshoumaru and Kouga. Perhaps random fits of violence are another side affect of Akki. Yes, that must be it.'

 

Oookay, and now she looks like her mind just left her.

 

“Um Kagome, you ok?” asked Sango. “You're not paying atten…Oh!” Sango watched in shock as Kagome proceeded to trip on a fallen branch.

 

Kagome was violently ripped out of her thoughts of blaming everything on Akki when she found herself falling face first towards the ground. She braced herself for the impact but it never came. She tentatively opened her eyes and saw the ground a mere six inches from her face. She tilted her head and met fierce golden eyes.

 

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and sighed to himself. He easily pulled Kagome back to her feet by the elbow he had grabbed.

 

Humans are such clumsy creatures.

 

Kagome brushed the imaginary dust off her skirt and smiled sweetly at the demon lord. “Aw geez Sesshoumaru, that was awfully nice of you! If you had come a second later I would have hit the ground and gotten hurt. You're so sweet! Aww, are you're carrying Miroku again!”

 

Dammit, why did I help her? That could have been partial payback for putting these disgusting beads around my neck. How I loathe that wench. I have no idea why Inuyasha would ever want her.

 

Kagome kept smiling but sidled up next to him. “I can hear you you know,” she reminded him quietly.

 

Sesshoumaru smirked.

 

I know.

 

“Why I ought to subdue you,” whispered Kagome while still smiling.

 

But how would that look to Sango? I save you from falling and I get subdued? You may want to reconsider.

 

Kagome spasmed slightly but quickly regained control of her emotions.

 

Sango watched in confusion from a few yards away. The sight was rather strange. Kagome with a strained smile on her face and Sesshoumaru smirking. And they just stood there. Quite odd indeed.

 

Kagome finally responded by quickly reaching out and grabbing a firm hold of his fluffy white boa thing. She smirked when Sesshoumaru's eyes widened slightly.

 

Sango leaned back against a tree. She had no idea what was going on. But it looked interesting.

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't help the slight growl from passing his lips.

 

Kagome grinned widely. “Aw, what's wrong Sesshoumaru?” she teased. “You looked scared.”

 

Sesshoumaru promptly narrowed his eyes. “Unhand me,” he demanded with a scowl.

 

Kagome responded by burying her face in his odd fluffy thing. “But it's so soft! Why would I want to leave go?”

 

Sango stared on in amusement. She was waiting to see how Sesshoumaru would achieve freedom. It was a very entertaining sight. The great demon lord looking like someone has shoved a stick up his ass with an unconscious monk thrown over his shoulder and a girl that appeared to be cooing into his fluffy white boa thing.

 

“I seriously recommend you letting go,” said Sesshoumaru in a rather strained voice.

 

Kagome lifted her face out of his fluffy thing and stared up at him. “Give me a good reason or I'm not going anywhere,” she replied defiantly.

 

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. “Are you positive you want to know? You're better off just letting go.”

 

Kagome pressed her cheek against the fluffy thing. “That's a rather pathetic reason.”

“Damn curious wench,” muttered Sesshoumaru. Before giving her the reason he slid the monk to the ground. He then placed both hands on Kagome's shoulders and pulled her back from his boa thing. “Fine, if you must know that is my tail you are currently mauling. A rather sensitive tail I might add. And by petting it you have succeeded in turning me on. And if you continue to pet it I shall have to satisfy my growing desires.”

 

Both Kagome's and Sango's faces fell. Kagome yelped and wrenched free from his grasp and jumped a good ten feet back.

 

“D-d-d-don't you dare come any closer S-S-Sesshoumaru!” she stammered out. “If you do anything to me Inuyasha will kill you!”

 

“And Kouga,” added Sango, walking up to stand alongside her friend. “And me.”

 

A dark grin crossed Sesshoumaru's face. “Maybe I'll just take both of you, I am a demon after all.”

 

Sango's hand crept up to her boomerang. Kagome stood frozen in shock; the thought of subduing Sesshoumaru never even crossed her mind.

 

Sesshoumaru watched the two girls squirm for a few seconds longer. Then his face softened out and he smirked humorously at the girls. “Frightened?” he asked.

 

Hahahaha!!! So gullible!

 

Kagome openly gaped at the demon lord. Sango didn't quite know what to do.

 

“You…you…you…” stuttered Kagome, her face turning an interesting shade of red.

 

“Yes, me. What about me?” goaded Sesshoumaru.

 

Sango suddenly glowered at the dog demon. “You weren't serious?” she asked.

 

Sesshoumaru feigned surprise. “What? Did you actually think I was serious? Nope, sorry, I wasn't turned on at all by the fawning over my flu…thing.”

 

Kagome recovered and smirked. “What were you going to say Sesshoumaru? You said `flu' than you stopped. Were you possibly going to call it your fluffy?”

 

“That is such a degrading word. Why would I call it that?”

 

“Well, is it your tail?” asked Sango, her curiosity about the mysterious boa thing getting the best of her.

 

“Perhaps,” answered Sesshoumaru noncommittally.

 

“That's not an answer,” commented Kagome.

 

“And what reason do I have to tell you two anything?”

 

“Because you're nice?” tried Kagome with a hopeful smile.

 

What happened to Kagome's evil threats? That was pretty lame.

 

Kagome sent a quick glare in Sango's direction before returning her gaze to Sesshoumaru.

 

Sesshoumaru returned her pleading gaze with his own cold one. “I have no idea why you think I am nice. It is of no importance what it is and so I see no reason to tell you.”

 

Kagome crossed her arms and pouted. “But you saved me from falling so deep down you are nice. Now tell me!” she whined.

 

“Damn wench,” growled Sesshoumaru. “I have really come to hate your voice.”

 

“Beg,” said Kagome. “Now will you tell me?”

 

Sesshoumaru defiantly raised his face off the ground and sent Kagome a penetrating glare. Kagome gulped and took a nervous step backwards. “No, I will not tell you. You see, unlike my pitiful hanyou brother you do not have me chained and leash like some lowly dog. You can subdue me all you want, you will never know what it is.”

 

Kagome stomped her foot impatiently. “Why not?”

 

“Why? Simply because I enjoy seeing you frustration at not being able to get what you want by simply subduing someone.”

 

Before Kagome could leap upon Sesshoumaru's back and attempt to tear him to shreds Sango grabbed her arm and pulled Kagome away. “Come on Kag, Sesshoumaru is being stubborn, just let him be. Let's get going again.”

 

Kagome tersely nodded and turned away with Sango. “You know, I much preferred the days when Sesshoumaru would simply grunt or glare at anything we said.”

 

“And I preferred the days when a grunt or glare from me would send you scurrying away in fear,” retorted Sesshoumaru.

 

“Beg,” huffed Kagome before stalking away, Sango on her heels.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Two hours later everyone was finally together again. Kouga and Inuyasha were still nursing sore backs and Miroku was awake but still walking around like a drunk. Kagome and Sesshoumaru constantly sent glares in each other's direction. And Sango kept trying to prevent Miroku from walking into trees.

 

After pulling Miroku away from the tenth tree in less than a half mile Sango had finally met her limit. “Enough!” she yelled. When everyone stared at her Sango continued. “We are stopping here for tonight.”

 

“But…” began Inuyasha.

 

“No buts! I'm tired of you and Kouga groaning about boulders and backs. I'm sick of seeing Kagome and Sesshoumaru glare at each other. And I'm tired,” Sango stopped for a second to pull Miroku back yet again, “of preventing this monk from knocking himself out again!”

 

Miroku clumsily grasped Sango's hands. “But my dear, I love the attention you're giving me. I haven't been treated so kindly in a long time.”

 

And this is the longest span of time you haven't grabbed my ass. But you're too foolish to realize the correlation between the two.

 

“Feh,” stated Inuyasha while crossing his arms. “You're just tired of walking.”

 

“Really?” said Sango. “I'm tired of walking? Funny, I seem to recall a certain guy complaining about his back hurting because Sesshoumaru threw a boulder on him. Oh yes, and that same person said walking make his back hurt.”

 

“Then how about I throw a boulder on you and see how much you like it,” replied Inuyasha crossly.

 

Miroku valiantly stepped in front of Sango and faced Inuyasha. “You wouldn't dare Inuyasha!” he slurred with a crooked wave of one hand.

 

Sango sighed and placed her hands on Miroku's shoulders. She turned Miroku 90 degrees to the left. “There, now you can try threatening the right person instead of Kouga.”

 

Honestly, what possessed me to help this guy?

 

“You know Miroku,” said Inuyasha casually, “for some reason I'm not scared of you one bit. Strange, eh?”

 

I hate beautiful Sango's that look like trees. If it weren't for those beautiful trees I never would have run into Sango and knocked myself out. And then I'd be able to protect my lovely tree against the evilness of the boulder. I hate Sangos.

 

Kagome shook her head in confusion. Miroku was mixing words up left and right. If he though much more she would get a headache trying to decipher what he actually meant. “You know,” she said, “I think it would be a good idea to stop here for the night.”

 

Sango smiled her thanks to Kagome. “Good, at least there's one other smart person here.”

 

“Humans are weak,” grumbled Sesshoumaru.

 

“Kagome is not weak!” cried out Kouga valiantly.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed and pointed to the swaying monk. “Not her you dimwitted wolf, him. He gets hit in the head and can barely walk straight. Like I said, humans are weak.”

 

Sango raised an eyebrow incredulously. “Hit on the hand? You make it sound so casual. But in the span of one day he was attacked by Kagura, hit with many rocks by you, oh yes, also thrown into a wall by you, and then to top it off walked into a tree. If you said he was stupid I would have agreed without hesitation. Stupid, yes; weak, no.”

 

“Humans are weak,” restated Sesshoumaru. “And now since I really can't handle anymore arguments from you fools I'm going to rest. I suggest you do the same as at first light we are leaving.”

 

“Oh yes almighty Sesshoumaru,” said Inuyasha sarcastically.

 

“Now now Inu,” chided Kagome with a smirk. “Be nice to Fluffy. You wouldn't guess it but deep down he's very sensitive.”

 

Inuyasha and Kouga immediately started choking to death with laughter. Sango joined them a second later. Miroku twiddled his thumbs and stared off into space.

 

I don't know why I didn't kill you the first time we met. My life would have been so much better if you had died a long time ago. Oh yes, I would suggest not sleeping tonight. Just a little hint of advice you might want to take.

 

“Fluffy!” gasped Kouga. “That is great! The great demon lord being called Fluffy!”

 

Sesshoumaru tried to stealthily form his whip.

 

“Beg,” said Kagome while laughing.

 

Remember, don't sleep.

 

Sango finally recovered and stood back up. “Ok, that was kind of mean Kagome, but funny nonetheless.”

 

“I'm going to go sleep with my lovely Sango,” said Miroku suddenly. Everyone watched as he stumbled to the ground and curled up against the pack Kagome had dropped to the ground when they had stopped. “Night,” he mumbled.

 

“I don't know if I should be amused or annoyed that he thinks I'm a backpack,” commented Sango wryly.

 

“Perhaps relieved?” suggested Kagome.

 

“You know, that's probably the best option,” replied Sango.

 

“Well,” said Kouga arching his back and feeling instant relief when it finally cracked, “since we're definitely stopping her for tonight I'll be off to sleep as well.”

 

You better not have any dirty dreams with Kagome.

 

Kagome's eyes sparkled with amusement at Inuyasha's protectiveness of her even in his mind. Then she recalled something very important. She promptly grabbed Sango's hand and dragged her over to Inuyasha.

 

Oh no, what did I do this time?

 

Kagome smiled at Inuyasha. “Time for you to make good on your bet.” Sango's eyes lit up and Inuyasha's darkened.

 

Yay!

 

Oh hell no.

 

Both girls grabbed one of Inuyasha's arms and dragged him out of the clearing.

 

Interesting. Appears petting my fluffy turned you on. And Sango. But please do me a favor and keep it down in your not-so-secret rendezvous. Oh shit, did I just call it fluffy?

 

Kagome turned her head and stared in mirth at the slightly aghast demon lord. His thoughts of revenge had quickly turned against him. “You sure did Fluffy,” she laughed, ignoring the looks of confusion she received from Sango and Inuyasha.

 

Dammit. Forget I ever said anything.

 

Giggling Kagome turned back to the front and left the small clearing with her two friends. They walked for a few minutes before coming to a halt.

 

“Why so far away?” asked Inuyasha, a slight hint of worry in his voice.

 

What do they plan on doing to me?

 

“Relax big boy,” chuckled Kagome. “But you don't want Sesshoumaru or Kouga to hear you, right?”

 

I'd rather die.

 

Inuyasha shook his head.

 

Sango grinned and Kagome clapped her hands together like a giddy schoolgirl. “Great! So what's the answer?” asked Kagome.

 

Inuyasha chewed his bottom lip. “Um, what was the question again?”

 

Sango rolled her eyes. “Don't play dumb with us Inuyasha. What would you rather have Sesshoumaru know: your time of the month of being human or that you once proposed to Miroku while drunk?”

 

Damn evil conniving women. What did I do to deserve this?

 

“So which one is it?” prompted Kagome when Inuyasha had been silent for a few seconds too many.

 

“Can't I answer something else?” pouted Inuyasha.

 

“Sure,” answered Sango with a twinkle of mischief in her eye. “Would you rather kiss Kouga or Miroku?”

 

Kagome couldn't help herself. She fell over and rolled on the ground with laughter. Inuyasha's jaw dropped and barely audible squeaks could be heard coming from him.

 

If it weren't for these beads I'm sure they'd both be dead right about now.

 

Sango smirked in victory. “So Inuyasha, your choice on which question to answer. But it must be one of those two.”

 

Kagome wiped the tears from her eyes and stood back up. “Quickly now or we'll be forced to answer the second question for you and tell the unfortunate guy your answer as well.”

 

Perhaps I can pull off the poor pathetic dog act and not answer either.

 

Inuyasha's ears drooped and his eyes grew hurt. “Kagome, do you hate me? Did I do something to get you to cause you to hate me?” he asked softly.

 

Kagome mentally thanked her mind reading ability at that moment. “Inuyasha,” she sighed, “you lost the best fair and square so you owe us an answer. We don't hate you, we just want an answer.” She suddenly smirked. “So stop trying to fool me and give us one already!”

 

That a girl! Don't let him trick you!

 

Since when did she get so smart? She saw right through my ploy!

 

“Inuyasha, times running out. Answer or I'll be forced to take drastic measures,” warned Kagome, pointing to his neck.

 

“Fine, I'll tell you, you damn sadistic wench,” grumbled Inuyasha.

 

Kagome and Sango smiled brightly and waited.

 

“IproposedtoMiroku,” said Inuyasha quickly.

 

Kagome grinned. “Did you hear a Miroku in there?” she asked Sango.

 

“I did,” Sango agreed, catching onto Kagome's game.

 

“I guess we can go let Miroku know that he's the lucky man,” said Kagome.

 

What are they up to this time?

 

“Yeah, poor guy, who ever knew that Inuyasha wanted to kiss Miroku?” asked Sango in wonderment.

 

“NO!” shouted Inuyasha vehemently. “I do NOT want to kiss that pervert!”

 

“Oh, then you want to kiss Kouga?” asked Kagome.

 

“NO!”

 

“Ew, Sesshoumaru? Inuyasha, he's your half-brother!”

 

“Perhaps Kaede?” snickered Sango.

 

At that point Inuyasha had had enough. He blew up. “NO! The only person I want to kiss is her!” he yelled in frustration, thrusting a finger in Kagome's direction.

 

It suddenly became so quiet Kagome could have sworn she heard everyone's thundering heartbeats. Sango stood frozen in shock. She always knew how Inuyasha felt about Kagome, but him yelling out that he only wanted to kiss Kagome still came as a complete and utter surprise.

 

“Um,” she stammered. “I'm kind of tired so I think I'll be heading back now.” Without waiting for a response Sango hurried back to the makeshift campsite.

 

Kagome and Inuyasha simply stared at each other, neither having any idea what to say.

 

Inuyasha finally shifted his eyes to the ground. “I'm sorry,” he said softly. “I shouldn't have said that.” Keeping his eyes firmly focused on the ground he swiftly walked past Kagome in the direction of the camp.

 

When the sleeve of his haori brushed her arm Kagome snapped out of her frozen state. Before he could get out of reaching distance she reached out and snagged his sleeve. She very effectively stopped him in his tracks.

 

Inuyasha still refused to look at her.

 

Shit, how could I be so stupid? Blurting that out like that. She probably thinks I'm a damn pervert like Miroku.

 

They stood side by side for a few moments, each facing opposite directions. Kagome continued to loosely hold his sleeve.

 

“We should go back and get some sleep,” said Inuyasha when he couldn't stand the silence any longer.

 

“Wait,” spoke up Kagome. She slowly moved until she was facing him. “What you said,” she mumbled, “did you…did you mean it?”

 

Inuyasha's eyes widened in surprise. He was definitely not expecting that. When he processed Kagome's question again he looked away.

 

Ok…what is the right answer? Yes or no…which one will not get me sat?

 

Kagome gently placed one hand on Inuyasha's cheek and guided his face until he was once again looking at her. “Tell me the truth Inuyasha. Please.”

 

Inuyasha shrugged helplessly. He stared over the top of Kagome's head.

 

What is she doing? Is she angry or not?

 

Kagome saw herself grab Inuyasha's hands and place them on her hips. `What am I doing? Why am I acting so bold? Did Inuyasha's words really boost my confidence that much?'

 

Damn, I sure hope I'm not reading these signs wrong.

 

Inuyasha lightly gripped Kagome's waist and finally made eye contact with her. Kagome rested her hands on Inuyasha's chest and pleaded with her eyes for him to answer the question.

 

Rather than saying anything Inuyasha dipped his head and softly brushed his lips over her's.

 

Just that slight contact sent shivers down Kagome's spine. She couldn't believe it. Inuyasha kissed her! He actually kissed her!

 

Shit, was that the wrong thing to do? Perhaps I was reading her signals wrong. She hasn't spoken or moved yet. Wonder how many sits I just earned.

 

Inuyasha's ears drooped and he was about to move away when Kagome surprise him. Going up on tiptoes she tentatively kissed him. Yes, he was quite surprised. But it was definitely a good thing.

 

Kagome was in heaven. Her dream had finally come true.

 

“We have a long trip tomorrow you know,” came a nonchalant voice.

 

The kiss was broken instantly. Kagome turned with a flushed face and saw none other than Sesshoumaru leaning casually against a tree. He had a cross between a smirk and a look of amusement on his face. Once again he looked completely pleased with himself.

 

Inuyasha moved as if to lunge at his half brother. Kagome quickly grabbed his hand and successfully pulled him back.

 

Gripping Inuyasha's hand to prevent him from doing anything too brash she looked at Sesshoumaru. “Enjoying yourself?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

 

Immensely. You two are very entertaining to barge in on.

 

Inuyasha growled dangerously at Sesshoumaru. At least this time he was able to kiss Kagome before being interrupted. But it was such a good kiss he didn't want it to end. And it sadly had. Because of his stupid brother. Yes, one day he would get Sesshoumaru back.

 

Don't worry my big overconfident brother. Your day will come. Oh yes, you're day will come.

 

Kagome gave Inuyasha's hand a reassuring squeeze. “Beg.” Then laughing she ran off, dragging the surprised hanyou with her. Even Sesshoumaru wouldn't get her angry tonight.