InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Search for the Shikon ❯ Out ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

`Out' was an understatement.

Kagome soon figured this out when InuYasha walked her down to the subway station. Along the way they had chatted about certain sites in Tokyo. Well, mostly InuYasha spoke of sites, since Kagome could only remember the childhood haunts and places she saw while visiting her grandfather. She learned of interesting stories and archaeological discoveries and certain coy anecdotes that she was certain he made up… or hoped he did anyways.

“So Miroku did that there?” Kagome crinkled her nose at the mental visual of what his friend did in a once respected tearoom. “Ah man, gross! And you're still friends with him?”

InuYasha barked out laughing. “Well, when you meet him you'll see he's not as bad as all that. He has his moments, but all around he can be a decent guy.”

“When, huh? So you're going to introduce me to your friends?” Kagome smiled and watched as the metallic train clattered noisily in front of them before squealing to a stop.

InuYasha smirked and lead her onto the train. “Yeah, well, maybe. If you're a good girl.”

Kagome pouted. “Oh pooh. And I so wanted to be bad.” She found a rail to grip onto by a window and looked over at him slyly as he stood close beside her. “Can I be good at being bad?”

InuYasha's eyes lavished over her hungrily then twinkled in mischievous delight, allowing his body to brush against her as the train began to move. “You put that shirt of yours to good work.” He sobered quickly. “If ever I take you to meet him, I'll make sure to pick out your wardrobe.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Why, can he understand Spanish too?”

InuYasha sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in mock frustration. “Miroku has made it a point to learn all the romantic languages. Now if only he would speak anything other than `will you bear my children' he just might have an appreciation for those languages.”

“No offence, but your friend sounds like a lecher.” Kagome looked up at him in distaste.

“No… he is a lecher. But he's gotten better since we met up with Sango.” InuYasha looked across from her to gaze out the window of the train.

“You've mentioned Sango quite a bit today. Who is she? Is she his girlfriend?” Kagome also looked out the window casually, but her thoughts betrayed her. Please don't let her be yours.

“Sango is her own woman.” InuYasha responded distantly, not looking at her.

He seems to think highly of her. Kagome tilted her head slightly to study his reflection in the window. It was enough of an answer that she could swear if she knew the girl it would make sense, but to hear it that way from him it made her stomach churn. But she thought it wise not to question. Besides, she can't have feelings for InuYasha. He was her partner, not to mention the brother to her sponsor. It was bad enough she teased him as she did. Nothing could ever come of it. It would be unprofessional. But then again, was it a written rule? Kagome shook her head mentally. What did it matter? He had this Sango.

She sighed. “So where exactly are we going?”

InuYasha nodded his head to the window as the train slowed to a jarring stop. “We're here.”

Here ended up being Tokyo Station. InuYasha led her over to the heavily populated train terminal, walking slowly so she wouldn't get lost in the crowd. Once they reached the platform, Kagome lifted her head to read the sign over the heads of the rushing people. “The JR Yamanote Line?”

InuYasha nodded and paid the admission for both of them.

She thanked him and followed him onto the train. He was lucky enough to find two seats together. One was next to a window. He ushered her to the window seat and sat beside her. “Keep watching outside.”

Kagome nodded and kept her eyes looking out the window. Soon enough the transit train took off and Kagome gasped. “InuYasha, look! The Imperial Palace!”

The soft edging of the old palace reflected in the calm waters that surrounded it and the traditional humbleness of it all entranced her. InuYasha just smiled as he watched her expressive eyes light up in delight as the home of the Emperor filtered into view.

She quickly patted his leg and pointed “And look! The East Gardens! My father used to take me there when I was little! I haven't seen it in over twenty years!” She turned to him, her face glowing in happiness.

He smirked and nudged her, nodding to the window. “Keep watching.”

Kagome quickly turned to the window to watch the city in all its glory. The tracks were only two hundred meters long, but it took over an hour to practically see all of Tokyo's major centers. InuYasha pointed out certain features and told her their histories. She was amazed at how much he knew, but then again, he did grow up here.

“So.” InuYasha crossed his arms when they finally went around the loop. “Where would you like to visit?”

Kagome gaped. “You mean I have to choose? There are so many places I want to see.” She looked outside as the train pulled up to Tokyo Station. It was still early afternoon and the station looked as busy as it did when they arrived. Looking across the terminal she smiled. “I want to see the gardens.”

InuYasha stood and held his hand out to her. “Might as well. It's free admission.”

Kagome laughed. “Well, you'll come to realize that I'm a cheap date. The simplest things make me happy.” She paled slightly. “Not saying this is a date.”

InuYasha shook his head and his eyes gleamed. “Heaven forbid you're cheap too. Come on, Princess, let's see your gardens.”

Kagome's mouth dropped at his cheap retort and she glared at him, but then giggled and grabbed his hand. The instant her hand held his she felt hot and tingly. As she stood up beside him she quickly let go, impervious to her pinked cheeks. What the hell is coming over me?

InuYasha flicked his eyes at her flushed expression and turned to lead her out of the train. A slow grin swept on his face, which he quickly let die as he led her across to the East Gardens. All I have to do is butter her up to get the information out of her, not treat her like some girlfriend. But watching her face light up at the sight of the Garden's entrance made his chest grow tight. He scowled in spite of him self and walked behind her, keeping her at a distance but watching her every move.

Kagome was impervious to his standoffishness as she wandered in the Garden grounds, her mind flicking back to her childhood. She walked casually up the hill, basking in the heat of the day. Soon enough her eyes focused on the landmark she was seeking, the former castle tower's remains. She smiled and jogged over to the structure. Casting her gaze around she lost sight of InuYasha. She frowned but turned her face back to the broken tower. She gingerly swept her fingers along the surface and her face held a sort of reverence.

“Take her to the finest stops around Tokyo and she chooses a public garden to stroke a five hundred year old burnt out tower.”

Kagome grinned and turned to the man behind her. “Correction, to stroke five hundred years of history. You can't imagine how wonderful it feels.”

InuYasha flexed a brow and smirked. “You don't get out much if stoking an old building turns you on.”

Kagome sidled up to him and leaned her body against his. Looking up into his platinum eyes she breathed sweetly against his pulse. “That building has remained hard and upright for almost five hundred years. Can you top that?” She meant to tease, but her eyes held hurt and annoyance.

She quickly spun away from him and headed down the hill towards the Japanese garden below. She was slightly irked that he ruined her awe of the place, but felt better when she drew sight of the pond in the garden, taking in its peaceful serenity. She sat at the water's edge in a slight huff and watched her reflection. Soon enough InuYasha appeared behind her. She didn't say anything to him but didn't protest when he sat beside her.

They were quiet for a while before he spoke. “Hey… uh… sorry. Guess I take for granted some of this shit. You know, growing up around here and all.” He shrugged.

Kagome smiled softly. “Hey, don't worry about it. And you're right, what kind of girl gets excited about such things?” She sighed and flicked her eyes over at him. “Actually, I really do.” She cast her eyes back on the water. “My dad was a fanatic about history. Sometimes he would sneak me away to any part of the city and tell me stories, very much like you did today. Every place was different and he always made it so fascinating, like we were really there when something was made or done. When he died, my memory was all I had of him. And I realized how important all of this was to him… to me. He told me that no one had memories of when these structures were built or the people who made them. Yet here they are, watching the city and people change around them. They are living memories of what we become. So who can't be in awe of that?” She looked up at him and smiled warmly.

InuYasha turned his head to her. He felt a soft heat spread through him as he watched her. A cool wind flittered strands of her hair across her face and she made no motion to move them. He softly swept his fingers along her cheek to tuck the strands behind her ear. Realizing what he did, he shot his hand back to his side and shuffled a bit away from her. He unconsciously rubbed his hand against the side of his jeans before gripping his hands together around his bent knees. “Keh. I guess.”

Kagome's cheek tingled where he touched her briefly and she watched him move away from her. She noticed he seemed pissed off and she couldn't help but feel at fault, though she had no idea why he'd be repulsed by touching her. She sighed resolutely and looked down at the water once more. What did it matter anyways? Not like anything could happen if she wanted it to. And she still wasn't positive she wanted anything. It was true she felt this indescribable connection to InuYasha, but she had already gone down that road before, and got burned, badly. Did she want to chance a relationship? She mentally shook her head. Well, from the reaction he just had, it was apparent he didn't. They were partners, and friends, and it was better left at that.

Kagome watched him from the corner of her eye and her heart fell slightly at the small scowl he held. She knew she had to get things back to the straight and narrow between them again. She hated awkward moments, especially when she felt to blame for them.

She stood up quickly in determination and looked around, brushing grass off her posterior. She grinned humorously down at him as if nothing happened. “Well, come on, partner, I'm starved. Show your `tag along' where some good, cheap grub is.”

InuYasha flicked his eyes up at her and smirked. “I don't think there are any street dogs around here, if that's what you're looking for. We might have to into a building or something.”

“I'll try to hold my excitement at bay.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “Besides I'm sure there's a WacDonald's around here somewhere.”

InuYasha blanched and looked like he was about to gag. “I'm not taking you to a fast food joint. Who knows what they do to their food.”

“Okay, Ramen boy, and where would you like to go?” Kagome crossed her arms and watched him stand before her.

“I know the best sushi place.” He gave a lop-sided grin and started to walk up the hill in the direction of the subways.

Kagome followed and smiled softly. Back on track.

****

“You hold your chopsticks like a two year old. Here, like this.” InuYasha growled, though his face fought a smile.

Kagome laughed as he tried to twine her fingers into the proper position around her chopsticks. “What's wrong with the way I hold them? I can still eat.”

InuYasha cast his eyes to hers then back to her struggling fingers, which he unceremoniously let go. “You're an embarrassment. Eating is also supposed to be about style and grace. You know, showing honor to those who prepare your meal. You look like you're trying to impale an already dead fish.”

Kagome scowled and nipped his nose with her sticks. “Speaking of manners. I'm trying, and positive reinforcement has proven wonders. A compliment can go a long way, you know.”

He shook his head. “Get more bees with honey aspect? I'm about the get more honey from bees kind of thing. People have to know whose in charge in order to get things done, or else they end up being lazy and reckless and…” he watched her drop a sliver of sushi on her lap, “uncouth.”

Kagome picked it up with her fingers and popped the morsel in her mouth. “Three second rule.” She grinned widely.

InuYasha shook his head and resumed eating his own meal. “Why do I bother?”

Kagome laughed and thrusted her hands out to him. “Okay, show me again.”

He rolled his eyes and again tried to manipulate her fingers to hold her utensils properly. She finally got it by the end of the meal, though it was a bit of wasted time since the meal was over. But he had to admit it was fun being with her. She held a sudden charm when her mouth or her clumsiness didn't get in the way. And she was always smiling and joking. InuYasha hated to think about it, but he had never felt so relaxed with anyone. Nor with anyone so beautiful, in a girl-next-door-child-sister sort of way, he quickly added.

Walking out of the restaurant he looked at his watch. “Almost four o'clock.”

Kagome nodded. “Yeah. We should head back. I'm sure Gramps is wondering where I am.”

“Yeah, plus we have that book to look for.” InuYasha stretched his arms above his head and folded his hands to rest behind his neck as he walked beside her.

She grew quiet, which wasn't entirely bad, since he often enjoyed the companionable silence they shared, but the distracted look she had worried him. It wasn't like her to hold anything back. She made it a point to say exactly what was on her mind. It was a trait he liked about her. She had no pretences. Yet now it looked like she was concerned about something.

“You okay there, Kags?” He nudged her slightly with his arm as he let them fall to his sides.

She looked startled before she smiled slightly up at him. “Yeah, never better. You okay?”

He searched her eyes for a moment before shrugging. “Keh, nothing feels better like a break from research. I'm ready to hit those scrolls again.” He rolled his eyes dramatically. “Literally.” His grin died as he watched her face look further withdrawn. He sighed contrarily and crossed his arms as he walked silently beside her.

They started to walk down to the subway when she finally spoke. “Why don't you take the day off tomorrow? I mean, we have tons of time to do research and I'm sure you and your friends would like to hang out tonight.”

InuYasha shrugged. “I guess so. We're at a stand still right now.”

Kagome flexed her brows in exasperation. “Yup.”

InuYasha glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “So, any ideas where to go from here?”

She began to chew on her lip, which he had quickly learned was a dead giveaway that she was thinking hard. Expecting her to give him some decided action, he was quickly disappointed. Kagome looked ahead and shook her head. “Nope.”

He snapped. “So, what do we do then? Waste our time and go to the library to read the same damned legend over again?”

Kagome looked down, deep in thought, worrying her lower lip even further.

“Hey, Princess! You going to answer me?”

Kagome turned to him and tilted her head, but her eyes avoided his. “How about we worry about that on Monday?”

InuYasha scowled as she turned away and walked onto the train. She was hiding something and he was determined to find out what.

****

Sure enough, a few hours after he dropped her off at the shrine, Kagome was walking towards the subway station.

It was early in the evening and slightly cool. She tugged her long trench coat tightly around her. She even looked like she was up to something from the way she cast her eyes around. Of course she could also be trying to find her way since she got easily lost. But it sure didn't explain what she was doing out alone and at this hour.

InuYasha followed behind her quietly, making sure to stay in shadow or crowds, but since she wasn't expecting him to be following her, he wasn't really afraid of being discovered.

The subway was a bit tricky, but he managed to hop out of the train just as he saw her walk out of her section onto the station. He ducked within the crowd and followed her out onto the sidewalk of the bustling street of downtown Tokyo. There was something odd about her that he couldn't quite place until he got a good look at her when she had glimpsed back distractedly in his direction.

She looked different. Stunning to be precise. She was only wearing a touch of eyeliner and lipstick, but it was enough of a contrast to make her eyes and lips stand out beautifully.

He growled despite of himself. Why is she made up like that? He pushed himself through the crowd to get closer to her as she turned a corner out of his sight.

Quickly rounding the corner, he frowned and watched as she entered a dance club. He scowled, realizing now why she was all dolled up. Why the hell was she going in there? I thought she didn't know any places here.

Walking into the darkened hallway of the boisterous club, he grimaced at the smell of smoke, booze and sweat. He glanced quickly around trying to find her. A vision in a blue dress standing at the bar momentarily caught his attention. He scanned his eyes up her quickly, appreciating the view. She had long shapely legs, covered at the thigh by a short light blue summer dress that hugged off her rounded hips. A narrow waist gave way to the sultry curves of her breasts. Long wavy black hair cascaded down to her mid back.

He noticed many other men were eyeing her too and he chuckled under his breath. The bitch is going to get it tonight. He cast his eyes around again trying to find Kagome, only to have his gaze fall on the girl every once in awhile. He groaned in frustration. Damn, where the hell is she?

Eventually he saw a man about his height walk past him and straight to the woman at the bar. His mousy black hair was short and boyishly tousled but his features were mildly okay. InuYasha smirked as the man put his hand on the girl's shoulder. Keh, sorry, fellas, the bitch is spoken for. He was about to turn away when the girl spun around and smiled vibrantly.

Kagome?! InuYasha's jaw dropped and his blood began to boil. That man was touching Kagome!

He leapt into the crowd towards them, trying to keep his temper in check as she hugged the asshole tightly and kissed his cheek. Drawing up closer to them he could hear her laughter and his annoying voice.

“I got here as quick as I could when I got your call. I'm glad you found the way okay since you don't know the area anymore. I would have just came by the Shrine sometime, but I didn't know you needed it this badly.” The man smiled lazily.

InuYasha's gray eyes narrowed into slits. Almost there.

“It's been so long since I've seen you…” she quirked a smile, “and I was desperate. I needed you to give it to me sooner rather than later.” Kagome sipped on some red drink before pulling out a cherry and sucking on it, her eyes never wavering from the fucker in front of her. “Do you have what I need?”

InuYasha snarled under his breath, trying to push through the crowd in front of them. Move out of my way, damn it!

“I do,” the man grinned and flicked his eyes down, “I have it right here.”

That's it! A few more steps until the little shit's throat was in his hands.

“Let's get out of here so I can see it.” Kagome placed her drink down and gathered her things in a desperate rush.

“It's going to be a big load on you. Are you sure can handle it all?” The man chuckled and took her arm.

Kagome nodded and smiled in flustered relief. “The bigger the better.”

“Let's go to my place then, it's closer. We'll do it there.”

“The hell you will!” InuYasha yelled and grabbed the man by the collar, lifting him off the ground.

“InuYasha?” Kagome looked at him in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Protecting you from assholes like him!” InuYasha roared.

“InuYasha, what the hell are you talking about?” Kagome barked back at him.

“You are not going anywhere with him!” He yelled and shook his arm, jolting the man in the air like a bag of marbles.

“Like hell! What gives you the right to tell me where I can and can't go?” Her eyes hardened.

“Since it seems you can't go anywhere without someone wanting to fuck you!” InuYasha's eyes gleamed like burning steel as he stared fiercely at the man he held above him.

“What?!” She screeched.

“Look around, bitch! Every man here looks at you like ravenous wolves. You think I'm going to let you go home with one of them?” He argued with the woman in front of him, glaring at her in disbelief.

“I don't care about those men. I'm not going home with any of them! And…and… Fuck! I can handle myself just fine, I don't need you to… to…!” Then her eyes widened in realization.

“Oh my god!” She started smacking her purse on his arm over and over with womanly fury. “You son of a bitch! You had the idea I would… that I could… and that I would…. InuYasha, you perverted, egotistical, narrow minded…!”

InuYasha kept flinching from her attacks and repeated insults but kept hold of the man above him. “Ow! Hey! Knock it off! I was only trying to protect you, wench!”

“Protecting me from what? My little brother?” Kagome smacked his arm again.

“Ow! Fuck, Kagome, I… brother?!” InuYasha's face looked confused.

“That's Souta, my brother, the one I told you about.” Kagome huffed, then her eyes turned furious again and she started to smack his arm harder. “InuYasha, you fucking sicko! You thought I was going home to sleep with him!?”

InuYasha's face looked bewildered then almost relieved. He quickly ignored the tantrum she was throwing on him. Souta… her younger brother?

“Uh, you mind putting me down now.” A voice choked overhead.

InuYasha started, forgetting he was holding the kid in the air. He put him down gently and smirked. “Um, sorry about that, man. I didn't hurt you did I?”

Souta looked at him in horrified shock that switched quickly to absolute awe. “Holy shit! Did you see that? He had me over his head for over three minutes!”

Kagome smacked her brother's head. “Language!”

Souta rubbed the back of his swatted head, not realizing her rebuke. “I mean, the guy could probably kill anyone with his bare hands!”

Kagome frowned. “Well, you could have been one of them, you dolt!”

Souta smiled brightly. “Yeah, he could have. That's so cool.”

Kagome's jaw dropped. “Souta, what the fuck have you been smoking?”

Souta shook his head mechanically. “Nothing.” Still watching InuYasha, his face turned one of idol worship. “He called me `man'.”

Kagome threw up her arms in exasperation. “I give up. Let's go children, the bouncers are on their way.”

Sure enough, five bouncers where attempting to make their way over to the trio.

InuYasha smirked again brazenly. “Keh. Whatever. Come on, Souta, let's get the woman out of here.”

The young man smiled and nodded his head. He watched as InuYasha grabbed Kagome's arm and led her out of the bar. He followed closely behind with an excited grin on his face.

Once outside, Souta led them out of the lot towards the university district. “Come on, Kagome, let's look at it at my place.”

InuYasha scowled, remembering their conversation that put him in this embarrassing position. “Look at what?”

Kagome turned to him and her eyes narrowed, obviously still pissed off with him. “The very thing that may give us clues. My father's journal.”