InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Prisoner ❯ My Shame, His Promise ( Chapter 9 )

Kagome awoke to feel the same chest below her as she had on so many occasions before. Though this time strong arms rested on her waist, holding her to him as she felt herself being raised up and down with each breath he took.

Dried tears were still prominent over her face causing her to rub her cheeks, clearing away the tracks. It was hard to tell him all those things, but relieving too. She had opened herself up to him and, for that, she was happy.

But there was still shame. Shame for what had been done to her and what she had to do for Naraku.

Would it change things between them?

"Hey, Kagome" he called in those same harshly-soft tones "Y'alright?"

She nodded, not daring to look into the golden orbs just yet less she see some disgust or contempt for her former life. She couldn't bear if he hated her...

He sighed as his arms detached from her, stretching out to the sides as he withered below her "Need some breakfast? You had one hell of a night"

She shook her head, still hidden from sight "I'm not hungry"

Her stomach felt terribly twisted in that moment, making her think it would be a miracle if she could ever eat again. Let alone look into his eyes once more.

"Feh. You're being stupid" he said, though kindly "You have nothing to worry about....I'll take care of the guy and---"

"You can't!" she screamed burying her face into his chest "I can't let you do that.....How could I live with myself....?"

Yesterday when she had run off he had gotten a cut from the demon. If she hadn't run he wouldn't be injured. If she hadn't been stupid he would have been fine. If she wasn't there he wouldn't be in danger.

Forgetting her embarrassment for the moment, her head raised slightly to look into the soft maple-honey eyes. Tenderly she lifted a hand to clench the fabric on his chest "I don't want to see you hurt, Inuyasha"

He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently "Kagome. When you first came in here, the first time you cried, I had already promised myself that no matter what I'd kill the sick bastard who had hurt you" he said sternly, a fire showing in his eyes with such passion and strength "I won't stop until this Naraku guy is killed and you are safe and free from him for good"

Kagome's eyes widened at the bold declaration. He was risking everything, putting his life on the line so that she wouldn't feel pain anymore. He wanted to take Naraku down….all for her?

Her hand squeezed his, her forehead leaning against his as her eyes closed "Baka"

===

Kagome had spent the rest of the day sleeping. He didn't really know if it had been her flight or her nerves but something in her was frizzled that had her stay put to her bed for the duration of the daylight hours.

At breakfast she had barely eaten but he had dismissed from further prying. She had gone through enough for a twenty-four hour span and didn't want to push her. She hadn't eaten lunch but he didn't have the heart to wake her for it.

And as for his waking hours, he spent his time at the chair at the couches side, afraid to leave her but also afraid to draw any closer to the young girl. What she had gone through, it horrified him beyond belief. Made him wonder how people could live with themselves.

Kagome had enough suffering to last for ten life times and the last thing she needed was the living fear that the man may return to get her.

He'd protect her and he'd rid her pain.

"Inuyasha....?"

He turned to face the reclined form of the girl; currently buried in mounts of blankets he had pointlessly covered her in throughout the day. He noted wearily that she still looked worn and tired despite the amount of sleep.

"Yea?"

"What time is it?" she questioned in a yawn. Looking around for clues, she could see that outside the sky was nearly black "That late already....?"

"Yea" he replied from the chair as he looked over another letter from his dear parents “How are you feeling?"

"I've been better" she said with a shrug

He couldn't help the tinniest smirk that crossed his face to the comment but shook his head going back to his letter.

It seemed the grand castle of the West was having a party once more and lucky him he was invited. Just what I want he thought lamely Dancing with a bunch of smelly humans.

The last time he was forced to one of those things he had been brought to dance with a few girls. Kami how he hated them.

The girls of the court were all bitches and he knew better than to think it was him they were after. They just were after his title. Shesshoumaru was next in line to have the throne but everyone suspected he'd never have children so Inuyasha would eventually get the position of king and the ladies wanted a piece of it.

"What's this?" Kagome questioned. She appeared in his lap as her back rested against his chest to look on to the parchment as well "A letter?"

"Yea" he said placing his chin on her crown "Parents...."

He heard her lightly reading the letter to herself though she stopped half way through and yawned "Are you going?"

"Keh!" he all but spit out as the letter was smashed into a ball and thrown to the fire place

"If hell freezes in time I will, but otherwise I'm busy"

She giggled taking his hands in her own and placing all four pieces together to wrap around her waist, coming to rest in her lap.

Like on so many occasions to actions unexpected he felt his cheeks blush, realizing that she was very close to him.

Through the whole thing Inuyasha had come to realize that not only did he not mind the girl's proximity any longer but the blushes weren't that bad either. It was just sort of a surprise when they'd take place.

He had grown up distancing himself from people, demons, humans, friends and family. It was just who he was and didn't have any intention of changing it. Though it seemed with Kagome a certain exception was being made. Quite beyond his control at that.

Shaking his head he took her with him to stand and made his way over to the kitchen

"Hungry?" he questioned pointlessly, as she was placed to her feet "Think we have some deer or...."

She walked to his side looking on to the contents of the fridge with him "Any pasta in here? Or bread, anything with bread"

"Spaghetti?" he questioned turning away to the cabinets. He heard her squeal in glee and caught himself chuckling despite his nature. "Doesn't take much does it?" he questioned, handing her a box of noodles "A little pasta..."

"And sauce" she smiled going for a pot "Paste is a simple infatuation to the holder. Pasta and sauce? Well that's love"

He gave her a dry look "Love is bought way too damned easy...."