InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Talking in His Sleep ❯ Lullabies ( Chapter 6 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: KawaiiChica 
"...you did hurt me, Inuyasha, you hurt me in the worst way possible... and you don't even remember."
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.26.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 2.0K | Status: Completed
"...you did hurt me, Inuyasha, you hurt me in the worst way possible... and you don't even remember."
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.26.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 2.0K | Status: Completed
Quick Author's Note: I'm SO sorry for the delayed update! I'm finally done with the semester starting today (cross your fingers for me, that history final was a killer) I hope this was worth the wait!
* *Lyrics
" " Speaking
[ ] Thoughts
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"Umm... Kagome?"
Looking down at the kitsune walking beside her, Kagome smiled, "Hai Shippo?"
"What's gotten into you and Miroku? Why are you so mad at Inuyasha?"
Hesitating for a moment, Kagome picked the kit up and cradled him in her arms. "I guess we were harsh with him earlier, demo I'm not really mad - more like confused about some stuff he's done."
"Did he argue with you again?" Turning away from her, Shippo focused on the hanyou trailing not far behind. "Hey Inuyasha what did you do to Kagome?"
"Feh," Glaring at the kit on her shoulder, Inuyasha crossed his arms and looked away, knowing he must have done something to cause this change in them. [But what the hell is it? I haven't done anything rude since she left the night before last.]
Going over the past few days, he couldn't remember doing anything to make her mad. [If anyone should be mad it should be ME! She's the one who got herself into trouble after all, running off and sleeping with Kouga?! I'M the one who was betrayed... again.] Shoulders slumped, Inuyasha dragged his feet and kicked a rock in his way, not wanting to think of that fact - not yet.
Up ahead Kagome quieted Shippo down and glanced back towards Inuyasha, almost flinching at the sight of his dejected stance. [If Miroku's right, he has no idea what he did. He doesn't know he slept with me instead of Kikyo, he probably thought it was a crazy drunken dream or something. But what am I supposed to do? Forget about it? Act like nothing happened? I can't!]
"What're you thinking about?" Shippo cut off her thoughts again, the worry in his voice bringing a soft smile to her face.
"Nothing for you to worry about," scratching his tummy idly, Kagome yawned and turned to the others. "Anyone else want to set up camp? I'm getting kind of tired."
Sango readily agreed, turning to the hanyou coming closer slowly. "What do you say Inuyasha?"
"Whatever," Stomping past them, he jumped into the nearest tree and settled in, keeping his eyes focused away from them.
With a sad look in her eyes, Kagome helped set up camp, thanking Miroku when he took over her work and gave her some time to herself. Remembering there was a spring nearby, Kagome excused herself and grabbed some of her things, heading off to bathe on her own.
Taking the chance while she was gone, Inuyasha surprised them by leaping down from the tree in front of the monk. "Spill houshi, what's going on?"
[I knew this was coming] Miroku calmly moved back to sit on his legs, arms crossed in front of him, "What is it you'd like to know?"
"You're going to tell me just like that? You didn't want me listening to your conversations earlier and now you're going to tell me all that was said between you two?" Inuyasha raised a disbelieving eyebrow in his direction.
Miroku shook his head a little, "I cannot tell you everything, I promised her, but I can answer some basic questions."
Shippo and Sango came over, the former quickly taking the opportunity to speak, "Why's she so sad? What did Inuyasha do?"
"Feh, who said it was my fault?" Inuyasha was quick to snap back.
"It always is," Sango reminded him, "What's wrong Miroku?"
Sitting around him, they waited for answers. Miroku hesitated for a moment about where to begin, deciding to use the story Kagome had told Kouga like he'd advised her to do. "Kagome wanted to go home, but she knew Inuyasha wouldn't let her, so she waited for him to fall asleep before sneaking off. She asked Kirara for a ride back to the well and was nearly there when they were attacked by the youkai hunters we buried."
"We know that already!?" Inuyasha interrupted, impatient as ever and urging him to get to the point.
Giving a droll stare, Miroku continued, "As you all know, Kouga saved her, but he arrived a bit late."
Sango visibly paled, gulping before wetting her dry lips and asking, "W-What are you saying? How late?"
"I think you can guess," Miroku said softly, "Inuyasha, you held her tattered clothes, its not that hard to realize what Kouga found, let's just say he... stopped things from getting worse."
[Kami-sama] Inuyasha sat back in shock, horrified by the realization of what she'd really been through.
"Kouga took her back to one of his dens and let her sleep things off, he did nothing innapropriate towards her. It seems he was simply guilt-ridden by the fact that he hadn't been there in time." Miroku silently took hold of Sango's arm to give the crying girl some consolation.
"Miroku what did they do to Kagome?" Shippo asked, still uncertain about what they were saying, "Why did Inuyasha find her clothes?"
"Because they were ripped off," Kagome's soft voice snapped their heads towards the forest. She stood there quietly wearing her pjs with her damp hair clinging to her shoulders covered by a short towel.
Inuyasha flinched, seeing for the first time the dark bruises on her wrists and arms, a few bite marks visible on a portion of her neck. Shivering when a soft breeze flew by, she looked uncharacteristically young and vulnerable all alone there with her shoulders slumped and that hauntingly sad look in her eyes.
"I was knocked from Kirara's back and they ripped them off," Kagome moved closer, kneeling between Miroku and Sango. "Oh Sango, don't cry please."
"H-How can't I?" Sango sniffled, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Do it for me, I-I don't want to cry anymore," Kagome whispered hoarsly, blinking back her own tears furiously. "And I will if I see you or someone else cry for me. I can't be strong by myself, I need help."
Sango nodded, swallowing past the lump in her throat before giving a shaky smile, "Of course Kagome-chan."
"I still don't understand!" Shippo wailed, catching them all by surprise, "What happened?! Why's Kagome mad at Inuyasha? What aren't you guys explaining to me?"
"Inuyasha got drunk the other night," Kagome motioned for Shippo to come onto her lap and stroked his back softly. "And he went into the wrong room."
"That's right, he spent the night in ours," Sango frowned, looking up at the equally confused hanyou.
"I don't know how I got there! I didn't really pay attention the next day since you woke me up kind of rudely," Inuyasha frowned, remembering his surprise at finding himself naked that morning and following the scent of Kagome's tears outside.
"What happened?" he asked, moving forward towards her, stopping with a bit of space between them. "You were crying for some reason, I followed the scent of your tears and they suddenly stopped where I guess Kirara picked you up. But why were you crying?"
"I can't tell you," Kagome whispered, standing slowly again, "I can't tell you Inuyasha, you have to remeber on your own."
"So I did something while I was drunk?" Inuyasha felt his heart skip a beat and shot up, reaching out a hand to touch her arm.
"Don't," Kagome stepped back, handing Shippo over to Miroku, "Don't do this Inuyasha, I couldn't bear your kindness right now, I can't!"
Realizing the need to tred softly with her, he carefully took hold of her arm and touched the bruises there, "I'm not being kind Kagome, I just need to know if I had anything to do with these, did I?"
When she gave no reply, he bit his lip and asked again, rather unsteadily, "Kagome did I hurt you?"
Wondering how to answer that without having to tell him what happened, she finally found a middle ground, "You didn't bruise me, these markings are from those men."
Releasing the breath he hadn't realized he was holding, Inuyasha tensed again when she continued, lifting pain-filled eyes to his, "But you did hurt me, Inuyasha, you hurt me in the worst way possible... and you don't even remember."
Slipping her hand from his, she turned away and moved to sit by the fire, leaving the confused hanyou to struggle with that small clue. "I'm sorry for my rude behavior earlier but I don't know what to do."
[Kami-sama what could I have done?] Looking down at his clawed hands, he frowned, ignoring the others who finally decided they could move and went over to the fire beside Kagome. The rest of the evening went by silently, after eating, they all climbed into bed and settled down to sleep. To the other's surprise, Kagome moved her sleeping bag away from the tree it had been left under and set it beside Miroku's, giving the monk a smile before settling in to sleep.
With a soft sigh, she snuggled into the blankets with Shippo in her arms and closed her eyes, hoping sleep would come soon. Hearing a noise in the tree above, she looked up saw the familiar red and silver of Inuyasha sitting on a branch. He was frowning and looking up at the stars, obviously in deep thought about something.
[He looked so worried when he thought he'd hurt me, he's so confused - but I can't help him. Not with this.] Closing her eyes once again, she forced herself to keep them closed until she finally fell asleep.
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"What are you humming?"
Shippo once again interrupted Kagome's thoughts. She'd been pensive all day, following the group quietly. Despite the fact that everyone knew what had happened, she tended to stay close Miroku for some reason. Sango had tried to get her to talk, but hadn't been very successful and soon left her alone. Shippo had traveled on Miroku's shoulder, if only to be near Kagome some more.
"Hmmm? Oh, my humming?" Kagome shrugged, "I dunno, its a song I used to like when I was little."
Frowning suddenly when a drop of water hit her nose, she blinked and realized suddenly how dark the day was. [I thought it was just my mood] Heavy rain clouds loomed above them, larger droplets coming faster by the minute.
"We've got to find some shelter!" Miroku removed his kesa and raised over his head, tugging Kagome closer when she stepped beside him under the small cover.
"Feh, no shit," Inuyasha scanned the area around them and pointed to the nearest mountain, "There must be a cavern or cliff there, let's go!"
"Kirara!" Sango motioned for the cat demon to transform, hurrying her friends over to hitch a ride.
Without hesitation, Kagome and Miroku climbed on behind her, Shippo settling in between the monk's thick robes, allowing Kagome to hold on better. With her thick back pack, she'd decided to sit behind him, holding tightly to his robes. Inuyasha and Kirara kept a quick pace and were soon scanning the hillside for a place to rest.
"There!"
Inuyasha pointed to a cavern a good 50 meters above them. Hopping up to inspect it and make sure there was nothing else using it, he nodded to Kirara and stepped inside shaking off the water while they joined him.
To everyone's surprise, halfway up the hill, Kagome moved a hand to swipe her bangs from her eyes and was nearly knocked over by a strong gust of wind that hit them. Having taken her other hand from Miroku's robe for a second to grab onto his waist for a steadier hold, she was taken off-guard by Kirara's sudden leap and slipped off her back, a startled cry escaping her lips.
"Kagome!" Miroku grabbed for her too late, watching in horror as the girl fell away from them. Luckily, her fall was stopped by a small landing in the side of the hill, hitting the dirt hard enough to knock the air from her lungs again.
Having heard the commotion, Inuyasha was not far behind her, sighing in relief when her fall was abruptly stopped. Sliding down to where she lay, he caught the small moan that escaped her lips and winced, finally reaching her side and checking her over. After making sure she had nothing broken, he carefully lifted her into his arms and cursed softly at the sound of cloth tearing.
"What was that?"
Shifting her in his arms, he frowned and cried out at the loss of their provisions, watching helplessly as the items that had been in her backpack tumbled from the newly opened gash in the front. Kagome moaned again and explained, "There was a bush... I fell on it."
Feeling her back throb from the places the twigs had collided with it, she frowned and silently prayed they wouldn't cause her any more bruises. [Just what I need, more black and blue markings on my skin.]
With an annoyed growl, Inuyasha pulled her close and jumped up to where the others waited for them, making it there in three easy bounds. Carefully setting her down on her feet, he kept his arm on her back to make sure she was ok, releasing her after her whispered thanks.
"Feh"
"Kagome are you ok? You scared the wits out of us!" Miroku checked her over for any injuries. Noticing the slight flinch she gave when he touched her back.
"I think I'll be fine Miroku, I just hope the weather clears out soon," Kagome sighed and dropped her empty bag on the floor. "It got a tear when Inuyasha lifted me and all the stuff in it fell out. Everything's at the bottom of the hill or somewhere nearby."
"We don't have any stuff?" Shippo whimpered, small stomach grubling loudly, "But its almost lunch time and I'm- I'm hungry!"
"She nearly fell down the mountain and all you can think is you're hungry?" Inuyasha shook his head at the kit and stomped away, shaking water from him once again in the deeper part of the cavern.
Miroku heard the shifting of clothing behind him and kept his eyes on Kagome, for once giving Sango no cause for worry while she removed her soaked clothes, donning her tight taijiya suit that remained dry thanks to the other layers she'd been wearing.
[The poor thing's soaked]
Seeing the girl before him cross her arms in order to keep her trembling to a minimum, Miroku removed the wettest layer of his clothes, the heavy koromo, and set it to aside to dry. Untying the shitahimo at his waist, he removed the kuri-bakama beneath it, leaving him garbed in just the simple white kosode and habaki.
"Ano... what are you doing Miroku?" Kagome asked, blushing at the sight of the monk in his underclothes. Although she'd seen him before, it was different to see him actually removing his clothes in front of her.
With a gentle smile, Miroku held out the bakama and shitahimo, "You'll need something to wear ne-? Your clothes were in the bag and you cannot remain in that soaked outfit."
"Oh," feeling another shiver run through her, Kagome accepted the clothes and smiled back, "Thanks, but umm..."
"I'll turn around of course," giving a playful wink, he promptly turned away and moved to the front of the cave to stare out at the rain. "If I may suggest, I would ask Sango-sama to hold up the koromo and use it to cover you from other prying eyes."
"Feh, like I'd really watch lecher," Inuyasha stomped past her and stood beside Miroku, arms crossed angrily inside his sleeves.
With a small shrug, Kagome began changing, wincing a bit due to the soreness in her body and stopping once her shirt was off and she heard Sango's startled gasp. "Kami-sama! You're black and blue!"
Scrunching up her nose, Kagome nodded, slipping the bakama on and quickly tying it with the shitahimo. Once the garment was set, she slid off her shoes, socks, and pants, frowning down at the lower part of her legs that were left uncovered. There were bruises along them too, and she was loathe to let the others see how badly she'd been hurt, but there was unfortunately no way of covering it.
Slipping down to sit against the wall, she crossed her arms over her legs, using the sleeves to hide her ankles before calling out softly, "I'm done."
Having tensed when Sango made her surprised observation, both Miroku and Inuyasha turned to scrutinize her closely, frowning a bit by her covering up everything. Shippo, who'd been surprised into silence by the view of her body minutes earlier, rubbed his growling stomach and sighed.
"Get me my bag Shippo," Kagome ordered quietly, taking the item from him and looking over the damage closely. Seeing that the pockets hadn't been ripped, she opened one to find her pencils and school items, and was relieved when the other held a new packet of beef jerky. Opening it easily, she counted the pieces and handed them out to everyone.
"Its not much, but this should keep us for a while until the rain lets out," she whispered sadly, inspecting the bag some more and realizing it was definitely past repair. [It has lasted me forever after all, I knew I'd need a new one, but I'd hoped it wouldn't be this soon.]
Having emptied out the pockets, she tossed it to a spot in the middle of the cavern and sighed, "Kirara could you set that on fire?"
With a soft mewl, Kirara was about to do as asked when Sango stopped her, "You're going to burn it? Kagome-chan the bag can be sewn!"
"No it can't, its too thick and old, the part that was ripped had already been worn too thin," Kagome shrugged, "I was expecting to get a new one soon anyways, don't worry about it."
"But what about your stuff? We can find it after the rain's gone," Shippo piped in, rubbing his tummy when it growled again, despite the food he'd gotten, he was still hungry.
[Of course, he's a growing kit and he's always eaten more than a human kid his age does] Kagome held out her arms tucked him close between her body and her legs, explaining that the things would probably be lost or ruined by the time they were found.
"Go ahead Kirara, it can at least provide us some warmth," she urged the cat to go on, watching as she finally did as told and lit the bag aflame.
"I'm still hungry," Shippo whimpered, resting his chin on her knees and feeling the warmth of her body and the small fire soothe his shivering. When a piece of meat was slipped into his hand, he turned to see Kagome smiling and giving him a small nod. [I guess she must have found some more in the packet!]
"Enjoy the warmth while it lasts you guys, I don't think it will be too long," curling a little bit more, Kagome closed her eyes and yawned, resting her head on her upper arm. Granted, it wasn't the most comfortable position to be in, but it kept her sore back from the bumpy wall and her body close to Shippo's, sharing what little warmth she could give him.
Sango settled down next to Kirara who'd detransformed long enough to go and shake off the water in the back as Inuyasha had done before coming back and transforming again so her mistress could have a comfortable place to rest. Inuyasha watched Kagome shiver and was about to give her his haori when Miroku sat beside her, saying nothing but keeping close enough to share his warmth.
To his annoyance, Kagome had him scoot closer and rested her head against his arm, not complaining but rather giving a small smile when he pulled back and draped it over her shoulders. Keeping her arms around her legs, she tilted a bit to lean against him and rest her cheek comfortably on his chest.
They sat in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts while the backpack finally burned on, leaving a scarce few scortched zippers and clips in its place. Kagome slipped Shippo her last piece of jerky and listened to his munching, moving a little to compensate when he turned in her arms and curled up, facing her and the monk.
"Kagome?"
"Hmm?" Keeping her eyes closed, Kagome waited for him to continue.
"Ano... what are you thinkin' about?" Shippo asked quietly.
"Besides the cold?" Kagome opened her eyes and looked down at him, "I don't know, a lot of things really, but at the same time, nothing specific."
"Oh... ok..." Shippo waited another while before asking again, "Kagome?"
"Yes?"
"Since when do you let Miroku get so close to you? He might try something," Shippo gulped at the glare that earned him and gave a sheepish grin.
"Since I know he won't," Kagome giggled softly, arms slipping from around her legs up to hold the kitsune in her lap closer. "Besides, I've learned he makes a great pillow."
"Are you saying I'm overweight Kagome?" Miroku looked down at the sleepy girl by his side.
"Of course not," Kagome sighed and wiggled closer, still shivering from cold, "You're just comfortable and warm, although not warm enough to stop my shivers but still... this is nice."
"I think so too," Miroku whispered, feeling her jump when a loud roll of thunder sounded outside the shelter. "It looks as though this could take a while."
"Feh, just what we need," Inuyasha stomped over to the front of the cave, sitting cross-legged there and staring out at the rain. [Anything to keep me from ripping apart the damned houshi...]
Curling his hands in his haori, Inuyasha listened while they quieted down, glancing at them momentarily to see Kagome curl closer to Miroku, a violent shiver running through her small frame. Shippo was dry and warm in her lap, the monk seemed to be unfazed by the weather, having endured worse in his travels, and Sango lay curled beneath Kirara's big fluffy tail, seeming on the verge of sleep.
[She'll never get any rest if she doesn't warm up, and she definitely needs it] Remembering Kagome's constant tossing and turning from the night before, Inuyasha sighed and stood, quietly handing the monk his haori before turning back and sitting down to watch the rain again.
"Kagome sit up a little," Miroku instructed, draping the nearly dry material around her.
"That's nice," Kagome whispered sleepily, snuggling into the warmth around her, eyes closed and feeling half asleep.
"Hey Kagome?" Shippo whispered, "What was that song you were humming before?"
"Hmm?" Kagome blinked, closing her eyes again with a small frown. [Not now Shippo, just let me sleep.]
"It sounded nice," Shippo waited expectantly for her to sing it for him, knowing she would if he presed her enough.
Kagome held back and annoyed groan and racked her brain for something to sing, she'd already learned it was the best way to get him to sleep when he was fidgety like now. When she finally found a song, she sang softly and with a sweet tenderness in her voice despite her frustration.
** It's not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
It's just the nearness of you **
Looking down into his sleepy eyes, Kagome smiled and softly stroked Shippo's ear.
** It isn't your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
It's just the nearness of you **
** When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams come true **
Shippo's eyes had slowly begun drooping and he found himself struggling against sleep, barely holding on long enough for her to finish the last verse.
** I need no soft lights to enchant me
If you'll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night
the nearness of you **
Kagome wathced him finally nod off and gave a soft sigh, leaning back and gasping when a rock jutting from the wall touched her sore back.
"Daijobu Kagome?" Miroku moved his arm away to see what had happened, having been on the verge of sleep also.
"Hai, I just leaned against the hard wall and my back's really sore," Kagome sighed and stretched carefully so as not to wake the sleeping kit on her lap. "I'm kind of uncomfortable but it hurts to lean against the bumpy rocks."
"I see," Miroku frowned a bit, unsure of how to solve the situation without getting beaten over the head by the already tense hanyou at the entrance. Despite the fact that she had seemed non-plussed by his proximity and the possibility of being groped by him, Inuyasha was still watching closely for any suspicious movements. "I could put my arm against it and have you lean on it."
"Thanks, but its my lower back that's achy too," Kagome yawned, wincing when another roll of thuner outside sounded. "It doesn't matter I guess."
"You hardly slept last night," Miroku hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "I think I might have a way for you to be able to rest against something more comfortable."
"Anything," Kagome smiled, "I'll lean against Sesshomaru's yucky toad thing if I have to, my back's really killing me."
"Nothing so drastic I assure you," Miroku chuckled, "And I promise to keep my hands where they belong as well."
Wondering what that could mean, Kagome's eyes widened when she felt herself being lifted a little and settled into his lap, her sore back fitting snugly against his warm chest. With her legs still lifted, she felt one of his slip to cover her bare feet and the other lift at her side, creating a comfortable arm rest. "Relax"
The soft command brought her from her surprised state and she did as told, melting against him with a small smile, "Thank you."
Miroku nodded, feeling her rest her head beneath his chin, tipping his head to rest his cheek against her damp hair. [Any time Kagome]
Waiting for their breathing to even out in sleep, Inuyasha turned to see how they'd settled in, heart lurching at the picture they presented. Snuggled into the monk's lap, with his arms resting comfortably around her small figure, Kagome's contented smile was warm and happy, a far cry from the sad look she'd had all day. Miroku also seemed quite content with his lot, not that Inuyasha could blame him with the beautiful girl resting so guilessly in his arms.
[Damn it! She shouldn't be so trusting with that lecher!] Hands fisting at his sides, he turned abruptly away, thinking back to the last person he'd held so carefully in his arms. [Kikyo was never so trusting though, she allowed me to give her short hugs, but my demon half repulsed her.]
Glancing back one more time, he noticed her wearing is haori and was calmed by that fact. If she'd been really angry she wouldn't have accepted it, he knew from previous experiences how stubborn she could get when angered. [I'll figure this out Kagome - whatever I did - it couldn't have been too bad]
Focusing again on the view outside their shelter, Inuyasha frowned and leaned forward, squinting at the figure floating above the trees in the horizon. [It looks like... but it can't be...]
"What is it Inuyasha?" Sango asked, soft voice groggy with sleep.
"She's nearby," he called back, realizing the taijiya was watching both him and the couple across from her.
"She?" Sango blinked at the couple sleeping so comfortably in front of her, hardly listening to the hanyou until a key word reached her ears.
"Kikyo"
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Replies to Reviewers:
Inari-foxgoddess - I'm so sorry, I know I said a week and I took forever.
InusDemoness - I did MEAN to update a lot sooner, life and all its complications *bah* Anyways, now they all kinda know. (kinda)
Kagome14 - Now you know, a bit more ^_^
Shadoe - I've been scolded for their attitudes by many readers, believe me a lot of folks don't like it. Just one thing though, Kagome doesn't say he 'raped' her so much as 'used/betrayed' her. Anyways, what'd you think of this update? (I really do appreciate your comments from last chapter so feel free to let me know if something doesn't agree with you again. Its refreshing to get constructive criticism every so often.)
monsterkittie - Thanks I'm glad you like it, again I'm sorry for the update delay.
Inuyasha_For_Ever - Finally an update, what'dya think?
Gittelbug - Thanks, how'd you like this update?
tuborg - Aren't the lecher and wolf being sweet? I love 'em both! This will be Inu/Kag, but I promise not to have Kouga or anyone's feelings hurt in the end.
DragonDancer15 - Yeah he should have figured some of it out by now, glad you liked it.
akuma_river - Thanks, I hope this chapter was to your liking.
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No promises this time, I HAVE started the next chapter if that helps, but I'm not telling you a date so I don't dissapoint you again. Sorry about the update delays.
Thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed this fic, I just realized how many reviews I've gotten and was surprised by the number. So thank you again to everyone!
Ja matta!
* *Lyrics
" " Speaking
[ ] Thoughts
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"Umm... Kagome?"
Looking down at the kitsune walking beside her, Kagome smiled, "Hai Shippo?"
"What's gotten into you and Miroku? Why are you so mad at Inuyasha?"
Hesitating for a moment, Kagome picked the kit up and cradled him in her arms. "I guess we were harsh with him earlier, demo I'm not really mad - more like confused about some stuff he's done."
"Did he argue with you again?" Turning away from her, Shippo focused on the hanyou trailing not far behind. "Hey Inuyasha what did you do to Kagome?"
"Feh," Glaring at the kit on her shoulder, Inuyasha crossed his arms and looked away, knowing he must have done something to cause this change in them. [But what the hell is it? I haven't done anything rude since she left the night before last.]
Going over the past few days, he couldn't remember doing anything to make her mad. [If anyone should be mad it should be ME! She's the one who got herself into trouble after all, running off and sleeping with Kouga?! I'M the one who was betrayed... again.] Shoulders slumped, Inuyasha dragged his feet and kicked a rock in his way, not wanting to think of that fact - not yet.
Up ahead Kagome quieted Shippo down and glanced back towards Inuyasha, almost flinching at the sight of his dejected stance. [If Miroku's right, he has no idea what he did. He doesn't know he slept with me instead of Kikyo, he probably thought it was a crazy drunken dream or something. But what am I supposed to do? Forget about it? Act like nothing happened? I can't!]
"What're you thinking about?" Shippo cut off her thoughts again, the worry in his voice bringing a soft smile to her face.
"Nothing for you to worry about," scratching his tummy idly, Kagome yawned and turned to the others. "Anyone else want to set up camp? I'm getting kind of tired."
Sango readily agreed, turning to the hanyou coming closer slowly. "What do you say Inuyasha?"
"Whatever," Stomping past them, he jumped into the nearest tree and settled in, keeping his eyes focused away from them.
With a sad look in her eyes, Kagome helped set up camp, thanking Miroku when he took over her work and gave her some time to herself. Remembering there was a spring nearby, Kagome excused herself and grabbed some of her things, heading off to bathe on her own.
Taking the chance while she was gone, Inuyasha surprised them by leaping down from the tree in front of the monk. "Spill houshi, what's going on?"
[I knew this was coming] Miroku calmly moved back to sit on his legs, arms crossed in front of him, "What is it you'd like to know?"
"You're going to tell me just like that? You didn't want me listening to your conversations earlier and now you're going to tell me all that was said between you two?" Inuyasha raised a disbelieving eyebrow in his direction.
Miroku shook his head a little, "I cannot tell you everything, I promised her, but I can answer some basic questions."
Shippo and Sango came over, the former quickly taking the opportunity to speak, "Why's she so sad? What did Inuyasha do?"
"Feh, who said it was my fault?" Inuyasha was quick to snap back.
"It always is," Sango reminded him, "What's wrong Miroku?"
Sitting around him, they waited for answers. Miroku hesitated for a moment about where to begin, deciding to use the story Kagome had told Kouga like he'd advised her to do. "Kagome wanted to go home, but she knew Inuyasha wouldn't let her, so she waited for him to fall asleep before sneaking off. She asked Kirara for a ride back to the well and was nearly there when they were attacked by the youkai hunters we buried."
"We know that already!?" Inuyasha interrupted, impatient as ever and urging him to get to the point.
Giving a droll stare, Miroku continued, "As you all know, Kouga saved her, but he arrived a bit late."
Sango visibly paled, gulping before wetting her dry lips and asking, "W-What are you saying? How late?"
"I think you can guess," Miroku said softly, "Inuyasha, you held her tattered clothes, its not that hard to realize what Kouga found, let's just say he... stopped things from getting worse."
[Kami-sama] Inuyasha sat back in shock, horrified by the realization of what she'd really been through.
"Kouga took her back to one of his dens and let her sleep things off, he did nothing innapropriate towards her. It seems he was simply guilt-ridden by the fact that he hadn't been there in time." Miroku silently took hold of Sango's arm to give the crying girl some consolation.
"Miroku what did they do to Kagome?" Shippo asked, still uncertain about what they were saying, "Why did Inuyasha find her clothes?"
"Because they were ripped off," Kagome's soft voice snapped their heads towards the forest. She stood there quietly wearing her pjs with her damp hair clinging to her shoulders covered by a short towel.
Inuyasha flinched, seeing for the first time the dark bruises on her wrists and arms, a few bite marks visible on a portion of her neck. Shivering when a soft breeze flew by, she looked uncharacteristically young and vulnerable all alone there with her shoulders slumped and that hauntingly sad look in her eyes.
"I was knocked from Kirara's back and they ripped them off," Kagome moved closer, kneeling between Miroku and Sango. "Oh Sango, don't cry please."
"H-How can't I?" Sango sniffled, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Do it for me, I-I don't want to cry anymore," Kagome whispered hoarsly, blinking back her own tears furiously. "And I will if I see you or someone else cry for me. I can't be strong by myself, I need help."
Sango nodded, swallowing past the lump in her throat before giving a shaky smile, "Of course Kagome-chan."
"I still don't understand!" Shippo wailed, catching them all by surprise, "What happened?! Why's Kagome mad at Inuyasha? What aren't you guys explaining to me?"
"Inuyasha got drunk the other night," Kagome motioned for Shippo to come onto her lap and stroked his back softly. "And he went into the wrong room."
"That's right, he spent the night in ours," Sango frowned, looking up at the equally confused hanyou.
"I don't know how I got there! I didn't really pay attention the next day since you woke me up kind of rudely," Inuyasha frowned, remembering his surprise at finding himself naked that morning and following the scent of Kagome's tears outside.
"What happened?" he asked, moving forward towards her, stopping with a bit of space between them. "You were crying for some reason, I followed the scent of your tears and they suddenly stopped where I guess Kirara picked you up. But why were you crying?"
"I can't tell you," Kagome whispered, standing slowly again, "I can't tell you Inuyasha, you have to remeber on your own."
"So I did something while I was drunk?" Inuyasha felt his heart skip a beat and shot up, reaching out a hand to touch her arm.
"Don't," Kagome stepped back, handing Shippo over to Miroku, "Don't do this Inuyasha, I couldn't bear your kindness right now, I can't!"
Realizing the need to tred softly with her, he carefully took hold of her arm and touched the bruises there, "I'm not being kind Kagome, I just need to know if I had anything to do with these, did I?"
When she gave no reply, he bit his lip and asked again, rather unsteadily, "Kagome did I hurt you?"
Wondering how to answer that without having to tell him what happened, she finally found a middle ground, "You didn't bruise me, these markings are from those men."
Releasing the breath he hadn't realized he was holding, Inuyasha tensed again when she continued, lifting pain-filled eyes to his, "But you did hurt me, Inuyasha, you hurt me in the worst way possible... and you don't even remember."
Slipping her hand from his, she turned away and moved to sit by the fire, leaving the confused hanyou to struggle with that small clue. "I'm sorry for my rude behavior earlier but I don't know what to do."
[Kami-sama what could I have done?] Looking down at his clawed hands, he frowned, ignoring the others who finally decided they could move and went over to the fire beside Kagome. The rest of the evening went by silently, after eating, they all climbed into bed and settled down to sleep. To the other's surprise, Kagome moved her sleeping bag away from the tree it had been left under and set it beside Miroku's, giving the monk a smile before settling in to sleep.
With a soft sigh, she snuggled into the blankets with Shippo in her arms and closed her eyes, hoping sleep would come soon. Hearing a noise in the tree above, she looked up saw the familiar red and silver of Inuyasha sitting on a branch. He was frowning and looking up at the stars, obviously in deep thought about something.
[He looked so worried when he thought he'd hurt me, he's so confused - but I can't help him. Not with this.] Closing her eyes once again, she forced herself to keep them closed until she finally fell asleep.
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"What are you humming?"
Shippo once again interrupted Kagome's thoughts. She'd been pensive all day, following the group quietly. Despite the fact that everyone knew what had happened, she tended to stay close Miroku for some reason. Sango had tried to get her to talk, but hadn't been very successful and soon left her alone. Shippo had traveled on Miroku's shoulder, if only to be near Kagome some more.
"Hmmm? Oh, my humming?" Kagome shrugged, "I dunno, its a song I used to like when I was little."
Frowning suddenly when a drop of water hit her nose, she blinked and realized suddenly how dark the day was. [I thought it was just my mood] Heavy rain clouds loomed above them, larger droplets coming faster by the minute.
"We've got to find some shelter!" Miroku removed his kesa and raised over his head, tugging Kagome closer when she stepped beside him under the small cover.
"Feh, no shit," Inuyasha scanned the area around them and pointed to the nearest mountain, "There must be a cavern or cliff there, let's go!"
"Kirara!" Sango motioned for the cat demon to transform, hurrying her friends over to hitch a ride.
Without hesitation, Kagome and Miroku climbed on behind her, Shippo settling in between the monk's thick robes, allowing Kagome to hold on better. With her thick back pack, she'd decided to sit behind him, holding tightly to his robes. Inuyasha and Kirara kept a quick pace and were soon scanning the hillside for a place to rest.
"There!"
Inuyasha pointed to a cavern a good 50 meters above them. Hopping up to inspect it and make sure there was nothing else using it, he nodded to Kirara and stepped inside shaking off the water while they joined him.
To everyone's surprise, halfway up the hill, Kagome moved a hand to swipe her bangs from her eyes and was nearly knocked over by a strong gust of wind that hit them. Having taken her other hand from Miroku's robe for a second to grab onto his waist for a steadier hold, she was taken off-guard by Kirara's sudden leap and slipped off her back, a startled cry escaping her lips.
"Kagome!" Miroku grabbed for her too late, watching in horror as the girl fell away from them. Luckily, her fall was stopped by a small landing in the side of the hill, hitting the dirt hard enough to knock the air from her lungs again.
Having heard the commotion, Inuyasha was not far behind her, sighing in relief when her fall was abruptly stopped. Sliding down to where she lay, he caught the small moan that escaped her lips and winced, finally reaching her side and checking her over. After making sure she had nothing broken, he carefully lifted her into his arms and cursed softly at the sound of cloth tearing.
"What was that?"
Shifting her in his arms, he frowned and cried out at the loss of their provisions, watching helplessly as the items that had been in her backpack tumbled from the newly opened gash in the front. Kagome moaned again and explained, "There was a bush... I fell on it."
Feeling her back throb from the places the twigs had collided with it, she frowned and silently prayed they wouldn't cause her any more bruises. [Just what I need, more black and blue markings on my skin.]
With an annoyed growl, Inuyasha pulled her close and jumped up to where the others waited for them, making it there in three easy bounds. Carefully setting her down on her feet, he kept his arm on her back to make sure she was ok, releasing her after her whispered thanks.
"Feh"
"Kagome are you ok? You scared the wits out of us!" Miroku checked her over for any injuries. Noticing the slight flinch she gave when he touched her back.
"I think I'll be fine Miroku, I just hope the weather clears out soon," Kagome sighed and dropped her empty bag on the floor. "It got a tear when Inuyasha lifted me and all the stuff in it fell out. Everything's at the bottom of the hill or somewhere nearby."
"We don't have any stuff?" Shippo whimpered, small stomach grubling loudly, "But its almost lunch time and I'm- I'm hungry!"
"She nearly fell down the mountain and all you can think is you're hungry?" Inuyasha shook his head at the kit and stomped away, shaking water from him once again in the deeper part of the cavern.
Miroku heard the shifting of clothing behind him and kept his eyes on Kagome, for once giving Sango no cause for worry while she removed her soaked clothes, donning her tight taijiya suit that remained dry thanks to the other layers she'd been wearing.
[The poor thing's soaked]
Seeing the girl before him cross her arms in order to keep her trembling to a minimum, Miroku removed the wettest layer of his clothes, the heavy koromo, and set it to aside to dry. Untying the shitahimo at his waist, he removed the kuri-bakama beneath it, leaving him garbed in just the simple white kosode and habaki.
"Ano... what are you doing Miroku?" Kagome asked, blushing at the sight of the monk in his underclothes. Although she'd seen him before, it was different to see him actually removing his clothes in front of her.
With a gentle smile, Miroku held out the bakama and shitahimo, "You'll need something to wear ne-? Your clothes were in the bag and you cannot remain in that soaked outfit."
"Oh," feeling another shiver run through her, Kagome accepted the clothes and smiled back, "Thanks, but umm..."
"I'll turn around of course," giving a playful wink, he promptly turned away and moved to the front of the cave to stare out at the rain. "If I may suggest, I would ask Sango-sama to hold up the koromo and use it to cover you from other prying eyes."
"Feh, like I'd really watch lecher," Inuyasha stomped past her and stood beside Miroku, arms crossed angrily inside his sleeves.
With a small shrug, Kagome began changing, wincing a bit due to the soreness in her body and stopping once her shirt was off and she heard Sango's startled gasp. "Kami-sama! You're black and blue!"
Scrunching up her nose, Kagome nodded, slipping the bakama on and quickly tying it with the shitahimo. Once the garment was set, she slid off her shoes, socks, and pants, frowning down at the lower part of her legs that were left uncovered. There were bruises along them too, and she was loathe to let the others see how badly she'd been hurt, but there was unfortunately no way of covering it.
Slipping down to sit against the wall, she crossed her arms over her legs, using the sleeves to hide her ankles before calling out softly, "I'm done."
Having tensed when Sango made her surprised observation, both Miroku and Inuyasha turned to scrutinize her closely, frowning a bit by her covering up everything. Shippo, who'd been surprised into silence by the view of her body minutes earlier, rubbed his growling stomach and sighed.
"Get me my bag Shippo," Kagome ordered quietly, taking the item from him and looking over the damage closely. Seeing that the pockets hadn't been ripped, she opened one to find her pencils and school items, and was relieved when the other held a new packet of beef jerky. Opening it easily, she counted the pieces and handed them out to everyone.
"Its not much, but this should keep us for a while until the rain lets out," she whispered sadly, inspecting the bag some more and realizing it was definitely past repair. [It has lasted me forever after all, I knew I'd need a new one, but I'd hoped it wouldn't be this soon.]
Having emptied out the pockets, she tossed it to a spot in the middle of the cavern and sighed, "Kirara could you set that on fire?"
With a soft mewl, Kirara was about to do as asked when Sango stopped her, "You're going to burn it? Kagome-chan the bag can be sewn!"
"No it can't, its too thick and old, the part that was ripped had already been worn too thin," Kagome shrugged, "I was expecting to get a new one soon anyways, don't worry about it."
"But what about your stuff? We can find it after the rain's gone," Shippo piped in, rubbing his tummy when it growled again, despite the food he'd gotten, he was still hungry.
[Of course, he's a growing kit and he's always eaten more than a human kid his age does] Kagome held out her arms tucked him close between her body and her legs, explaining that the things would probably be lost or ruined by the time they were found.
"Go ahead Kirara, it can at least provide us some warmth," she urged the cat to go on, watching as she finally did as told and lit the bag aflame.
"I'm still hungry," Shippo whimpered, resting his chin on her knees and feeling the warmth of her body and the small fire soothe his shivering. When a piece of meat was slipped into his hand, he turned to see Kagome smiling and giving him a small nod. [I guess she must have found some more in the packet!]
"Enjoy the warmth while it lasts you guys, I don't think it will be too long," curling a little bit more, Kagome closed her eyes and yawned, resting her head on her upper arm. Granted, it wasn't the most comfortable position to be in, but it kept her sore back from the bumpy wall and her body close to Shippo's, sharing what little warmth she could give him.
Sango settled down next to Kirara who'd detransformed long enough to go and shake off the water in the back as Inuyasha had done before coming back and transforming again so her mistress could have a comfortable place to rest. Inuyasha watched Kagome shiver and was about to give her his haori when Miroku sat beside her, saying nothing but keeping close enough to share his warmth.
To his annoyance, Kagome had him scoot closer and rested her head against his arm, not complaining but rather giving a small smile when he pulled back and draped it over her shoulders. Keeping her arms around her legs, she tilted a bit to lean against him and rest her cheek comfortably on his chest.
They sat in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts while the backpack finally burned on, leaving a scarce few scortched zippers and clips in its place. Kagome slipped Shippo her last piece of jerky and listened to his munching, moving a little to compensate when he turned in her arms and curled up, facing her and the monk.
"Kagome?"
"Hmm?" Keeping her eyes closed, Kagome waited for him to continue.
"Ano... what are you thinkin' about?" Shippo asked quietly.
"Besides the cold?" Kagome opened her eyes and looked down at him, "I don't know, a lot of things really, but at the same time, nothing specific."
"Oh... ok..." Shippo waited another while before asking again, "Kagome?"
"Yes?"
"Since when do you let Miroku get so close to you? He might try something," Shippo gulped at the glare that earned him and gave a sheepish grin.
"Since I know he won't," Kagome giggled softly, arms slipping from around her legs up to hold the kitsune in her lap closer. "Besides, I've learned he makes a great pillow."
"Are you saying I'm overweight Kagome?" Miroku looked down at the sleepy girl by his side.
"Of course not," Kagome sighed and wiggled closer, still shivering from cold, "You're just comfortable and warm, although not warm enough to stop my shivers but still... this is nice."
"I think so too," Miroku whispered, feeling her jump when a loud roll of thunder sounded outside the shelter. "It looks as though this could take a while."
"Feh, just what we need," Inuyasha stomped over to the front of the cave, sitting cross-legged there and staring out at the rain. [Anything to keep me from ripping apart the damned houshi...]
Curling his hands in his haori, Inuyasha listened while they quieted down, glancing at them momentarily to see Kagome curl closer to Miroku, a violent shiver running through her small frame. Shippo was dry and warm in her lap, the monk seemed to be unfazed by the weather, having endured worse in his travels, and Sango lay curled beneath Kirara's big fluffy tail, seeming on the verge of sleep.
[She'll never get any rest if she doesn't warm up, and she definitely needs it] Remembering Kagome's constant tossing and turning from the night before, Inuyasha sighed and stood, quietly handing the monk his haori before turning back and sitting down to watch the rain again.
"Kagome sit up a little," Miroku instructed, draping the nearly dry material around her.
"That's nice," Kagome whispered sleepily, snuggling into the warmth around her, eyes closed and feeling half asleep.
"Hey Kagome?" Shippo whispered, "What was that song you were humming before?"
"Hmm?" Kagome blinked, closing her eyes again with a small frown. [Not now Shippo, just let me sleep.]
"It sounded nice," Shippo waited expectantly for her to sing it for him, knowing she would if he presed her enough.
Kagome held back and annoyed groan and racked her brain for something to sing, she'd already learned it was the best way to get him to sleep when he was fidgety like now. When she finally found a song, she sang softly and with a sweet tenderness in her voice despite her frustration.
** It's not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
It's just the nearness of you **
Looking down into his sleepy eyes, Kagome smiled and softly stroked Shippo's ear.
** It isn't your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
It's just the nearness of you **
** When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams come true **
Shippo's eyes had slowly begun drooping and he found himself struggling against sleep, barely holding on long enough for her to finish the last verse.
** I need no soft lights to enchant me
If you'll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night
the nearness of you **
Kagome wathced him finally nod off and gave a soft sigh, leaning back and gasping when a rock jutting from the wall touched her sore back.
"Daijobu Kagome?" Miroku moved his arm away to see what had happened, having been on the verge of sleep also.
"Hai, I just leaned against the hard wall and my back's really sore," Kagome sighed and stretched carefully so as not to wake the sleeping kit on her lap. "I'm kind of uncomfortable but it hurts to lean against the bumpy rocks."
"I see," Miroku frowned a bit, unsure of how to solve the situation without getting beaten over the head by the already tense hanyou at the entrance. Despite the fact that she had seemed non-plussed by his proximity and the possibility of being groped by him, Inuyasha was still watching closely for any suspicious movements. "I could put my arm against it and have you lean on it."
"Thanks, but its my lower back that's achy too," Kagome yawned, wincing when another roll of thuner outside sounded. "It doesn't matter I guess."
"You hardly slept last night," Miroku hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "I think I might have a way for you to be able to rest against something more comfortable."
"Anything," Kagome smiled, "I'll lean against Sesshomaru's yucky toad thing if I have to, my back's really killing me."
"Nothing so drastic I assure you," Miroku chuckled, "And I promise to keep my hands where they belong as well."
Wondering what that could mean, Kagome's eyes widened when she felt herself being lifted a little and settled into his lap, her sore back fitting snugly against his warm chest. With her legs still lifted, she felt one of his slip to cover her bare feet and the other lift at her side, creating a comfortable arm rest. "Relax"
The soft command brought her from her surprised state and she did as told, melting against him with a small smile, "Thank you."
Miroku nodded, feeling her rest her head beneath his chin, tipping his head to rest his cheek against her damp hair. [Any time Kagome]
Waiting for their breathing to even out in sleep, Inuyasha turned to see how they'd settled in, heart lurching at the picture they presented. Snuggled into the monk's lap, with his arms resting comfortably around her small figure, Kagome's contented smile was warm and happy, a far cry from the sad look she'd had all day. Miroku also seemed quite content with his lot, not that Inuyasha could blame him with the beautiful girl resting so guilessly in his arms.
[Damn it! She shouldn't be so trusting with that lecher!] Hands fisting at his sides, he turned abruptly away, thinking back to the last person he'd held so carefully in his arms. [Kikyo was never so trusting though, she allowed me to give her short hugs, but my demon half repulsed her.]
Glancing back one more time, he noticed her wearing is haori and was calmed by that fact. If she'd been really angry she wouldn't have accepted it, he knew from previous experiences how stubborn she could get when angered. [I'll figure this out Kagome - whatever I did - it couldn't have been too bad]
Focusing again on the view outside their shelter, Inuyasha frowned and leaned forward, squinting at the figure floating above the trees in the horizon. [It looks like... but it can't be...]
"What is it Inuyasha?" Sango asked, soft voice groggy with sleep.
"She's nearby," he called back, realizing the taijiya was watching both him and the couple across from her.
"She?" Sango blinked at the couple sleeping so comfortably in front of her, hardly listening to the hanyou until a key word reached her ears.
"Kikyo"
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Replies to Reviewers:
Inari-foxgoddess - I'm so sorry, I know I said a week and I took forever.
InusDemoness - I did MEAN to update a lot sooner, life and all its complications *bah* Anyways, now they all kinda know. (kinda)
Kagome14 - Now you know, a bit more ^_^
Shadoe - I've been scolded for their attitudes by many readers, believe me a lot of folks don't like it. Just one thing though, Kagome doesn't say he 'raped' her so much as 'used/betrayed' her. Anyways, what'd you think of this update? (I really do appreciate your comments from last chapter so feel free to let me know if something doesn't agree with you again. Its refreshing to get constructive criticism every so often.)
monsterkittie - Thanks I'm glad you like it, again I'm sorry for the update delay.
Inuyasha_For_Ever - Finally an update, what'dya think?
Gittelbug - Thanks, how'd you like this update?
tuborg - Aren't the lecher and wolf being sweet? I love 'em both! This will be Inu/Kag, but I promise not to have Kouga or anyone's feelings hurt in the end.
DragonDancer15 - Yeah he should have figured some of it out by now, glad you liked it.
akuma_river - Thanks, I hope this chapter was to your liking.
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No promises this time, I HAVE started the next chapter if that helps, but I'm not telling you a date so I don't dissapoint you again. Sorry about the update delays.
Thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed this fic, I just realized how many reviews I've gotten and was surprised by the number. So thank you again to everyone!
Ja matta!