InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Shadow ❯ Lost but Redeemed ( Chapter 5 )

A/N: Thanks to those who read and review my story…

 

Disclaimer: Except for Inuyasha merchandises, I do not own the real Inuyasha. Oh, wait—no, never mind.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

Lost but Redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

“He WHAT?!”

Kagome held the phone away from her to save her eardrum from getting broken into pieces. “Yuka, what's the big deal about it?” She asked when her friend had stopped screaming like a banshee.

“Kagome! It is a big deal!” Yuka replied, sounding like Kagome had done something either very great or very bad—or maybe it was even both. “Inuyasha took you to his apartment!” She said in the way she would say, `Kagome, you won the first prize in the lottery!'

“Yeah, he did,” said Kagome, still not getting the drift Yuka was trying to point to her. “I told you I don't see anything—”

“So what did you do there, huh?” Yuka asked in an excited tone.

Kagome paused and thought about what had happened. `Well, many things happened. Inuyasha and I actually got attacked by Hell's Gate and they tried to kidnap me. Because of that, Inuyasha was wounded and he also fainted. The only thing I was grateful for was that Miroku came and helped us.' She thought, her thoughts went to Inuyasha, who was currently asleep in his room. `He still hasn't woken up.'   

Her thoughts were disrupted by Yuka's sharp voice saying, “Oi, Kagome!”

“Huh?” She said, not knowing how long her mind had strayed.

“Spacing out,” Her friend replied in an understanding tone. “It happens to all girls who are in love for the first time.”

“What?” Kagome was so lost in the conversation they were having.

“So, did he try to kiss you?” questioned Yuka, determined to make Kagome admit that she and Inuyasha were indeed together like they had suspected.

“Um… who?” On the other hand, Kagome was trying hard to get something logical from their conversation.

“Kagome! Don't try to pretend that you don't know anything! That's not working on me!” Yuka scolded her. “Of course we're talking about Inuyasha!”

“He did not kiss me!” Kagome said just above a whisper in case someone was listening to her. `Well he tried to… That jerk!'

“So you do want me to kiss you…” Inuyasha interpreted, inching forward that made his silvery white mane tickle Kagome's face.

Kagome quickly pushed the memory aside, feeling annoyed with the way Inuyasha tried to boss her around. `He thinks he's so smart.' She thought scathingly.

“He didn't?” Yuka sounded unconvinced.

“Why would he?” Kagome countered, her irritation rose as she was forced to think about Inuyasha more and more. She didn't like the conversation she was having with Yuka at the moment—not at all. “He's not even my boyfriend!” She defended herself.

“So you mean you are not his girlfriend?!” Yuka seemed so shocked when she heard Kagome's words—like it was the first time Kagome had told her that.

“Did I ever tell you that I was his girlfriend?” She asked wearily. This conversation was definitely getting more and more absurd for her. “Yuka, can we end our talk now? I have to check on my pet because he's sick right now.” Her thoughts wandered once again to the silvery white-haired hanyou. `He still hasn't woken up…' She thought with concern.

“Pet?” Yuka repeated broodingly. “You mean Buyo?”

“Um yeah.” She replied, grabbing any excuse just so she could hang up already. “Mama said I should take care of him. Souta is busy studying for his upcoming tests and well… I really got to go.” She said, praying really hard that Yuka would finally let her go.

“Oh, okay.” Her friend conceded at last. “But you know Kagome, I really think Inuyasha likes you.”

Kagome mentally groaned, rolling her brown eyes. `Are they really that desperate?!' She thought in frustration.

“I mean, he chose to take you with him.” Yuka went on when Kagome didn't say anything. “That means you mean a lot to him, right?”

`No, it means that he's just doing his duty.' Kagome wanted to say but instead she muttered, “I think so.”

“See? Why don't you give Inuyasha a chance?” Yuka told her friend.

`Yeah right.'

“He likes you and you also like hi—”

“Yuka, at this very moment, my cat is having a seizure plus he's choking on something I can't see so can I just see you tomorrow at school?” Kagome said, cutting her friend's lecture about her non-existent relationship with Inuyasha.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot.” Yuka said guiltily. “Anyway, why not bring your cat to a vet?”

“Don't worry, I can still handle him.” Kagome said reassuringly, smiling down at Buyo who was staring back at her with his large eyes. “So I'll just see you tomorrow. Good-bye!” After hearing Yuka's good-bye, she hung up and went straight for Inuyasha's room to check on him.

x

Back in Inuyasha's room—while Kagome was having a conversation with her friend, Inuyasha and Miroku were having a conversation of their own and Inuyasha—like Kagome—didn't like it at all.

“You WHAT?!” Inuyasha sat up instantly upon hearing Miroku's words, his eyes wide in anger and disbelief.

“Hey! Calm down,” said Miroku, edging his chair a bit farther from Inuyasha—just in case he decided to attack him. “It's no big deal.”

“Hell, it is a big deal!” Inuyasha burst out, growling dangerously. “You just fucking told her that those things came from me!”

“So?” Miroku said uncaringly then smiled at Inuyasha. “I think it was nice of you to think of Kago—”

“Well, I don't want her to think that I am nice because I am definitely not.” The hanyou cut off, his eyes filled with determination to prove that he was correct.

But Miroku had known Inuyasha long enough that he always recognized the times when his friend was putting up a front—just like now. “Then why do you bother to buy stuff for her?” He asked the younger agent testily, enjoying the idea that he was teasing Inuyasha.

“You were the one who bought them!” Inuyasha replied defensively, stopping himself from blushing.

“You were the one who ordered me to buy them for her.” Miroku smirked triumphantly, seeing that Inuyasha had obviously lost. `He's always too proud to admit.' He thought to himself.

“Well,” Inuyasha paused when he found out that he had nothing to say. “Well…” He repeated, cursing inwardly when he still didn't find anything. Miroku's smirk was getting on his nerves and he wanted him to leave very much. “Well, I think you better go home now.” He said through gritted teeth, unable to stop the slight blush on his cheeks.

“Go home? Oh come on Inuyasha! It's too late! Can't I just sleep over?” Miroku asked, putting on his most innocent look—which was still not innocent enough for Inuyasha.

“As you can see, my bed's full.” Inuyasha said, glaring at the lecherous agent.

“That's all right!” Miroku said perkily, standing up and walking towards the door. “I'll just go to Kagome's room and—” He paused when he heard a metal click and if his hunch was right, Inuyasha was holding a gun and aiming it at him. He turned around slowly, his hands raised in surrender. “I forgot I have to fix the leaking faucet at my apartment.” He gave out a sigh of relief when he saw that the handgun was not aimed at him—although it was in Inuyasha's hands together with a piece of cloth. 

“Oh, sorry about that.” Inuyasha said absentmindedly, putting his gun aside with the piece of cloth. “I was just cleaning my gun…” He reasoned out. “You're leaving? I thought you were sleeping over.” He gave out an innocent look that didn't fool Miroku. It obviously read, `Go now you lecher or you'll wish you were dead!'

“Maybe next time, Inuyasha.” Miroku said, opening the door. “Hey, Kagome!” He greeted, beaming widely at her when he found her standing in front of Inuyasha's room. “Good, you're here! I'm leaving by the way and Inuyasha's awake now.” He pulled Kagome forward so she was now inside Inuyasha's room.

“He is?!” Kagome's features immediately lit with gladness at the news. “Is he all right now?” She trailed her eyes to Inuyasha's bed and saw him looking at the two of them—sulking.

“He'll be fine. His wounds have healed. He's a hanyou after all so those wounds won't do him any permanent damage. Those were mere scratches for him.” Miroku answered, trying to appease Kagome.

“That's good to hear,” said Kagome in return. “Thanks for all the help, Miroku.” She smiled gratefully.

“It's nothing.” He said with a kind smile. “I really should be going now. No, no need to escort me. Inuyasha wants to talk to you.”

“He… does?” Kagome looked uncertain, looking once again at Inuyasha's pissed off expression.

“No, I don't!” Kagome heard Inuyasha's clear protest. “And by the way, I just want to clear one thing. I did not buy those things for you. It was Miroku but he's just too shy to admit it so he passed it to me.” He crossed his arms over his chest with a look of stubbornness on his face.

Kagome raised an eyebrow. `Huh?'

Miroku gave an irritated look at Inuyasha's direction then turned back to Kagome with another smile that said, `Inuyasha is so lame, don't you think?' “He's actually talking about himself.” He whispered to Kagome then winked. “Bye, Kagome! Bye, Inuyasha!” And then he closed the door behind him to leave the two staring at each other. 

“Just in case you didn't hear me a while ago, I do not want to talk to you.” Inuyasha said callously to the miko looking at him. “You may go now.” He lay on his side, his back turned to her.

Kagome closed her gaping mouth, sending flaring glares at the hanyou's back like daggers. “How dare you, you heartless pig!” She hissed, putting her hands on her waist. “For you information, this is our house. That means that I have all the right to stay wherever I want whenever I want to!”

He shifted his position so even though he was lying on his side he was facing Kagome, his head comfortably propped on his hand and his face sporting another one of his infamous smirk. “Now, for your information,” He paused to breathe, enjoying Kagome's look of exasperation. He really loved seeing this girl flare up. “This is my room. So I have every fucking right to do whatever I want whenever I want to. And right now, I want you out of my sight. The door is just right behind you.”

“What?!” Kagome screeched, hating Inuyasha all over again—just when she thought he was beginning to be nice to her. She intensified her glares but Inuyasha looked back at her with the same expression on his face—pure arrogance. “You're such an egoistic psycho!” She spat and turned on her heels, reaching for the door. Just before she grabbed the knob, she spun around again and said, “And don't think that I'm leaving because you told me to! I'm leaving because your very presence sickens me!”

“Oh please!” Inuyasha groaned, putting a pillow over his ears. “Save me from your blabbering and just fuck off!”

“Jerk.” She yanked the door open and went out hurriedly, making sure that she closed the door with a very loud bang.

“Final—” Inuyasha was interrupted when the door burst open again to reveal Kagome. “You—!” He quickly sat up, looking vexed at her form. “What now?!” He demanded.

“I just want to say a few things,” said Kagome, closing the door behind her. “First, here's your cell phone.” She took it out from her pocket and tossed it to Inuyasha, who caught it with his left hand effortlessly. “I found it inside your dressing closet.” Kagome paused, giving Inuyasha a chance to say something like a thank you—but nothing came out from the hanyou's mouth. He just gave a fleeting look at his phone then placed it on top of his bedside table. “Anyway, because I'm not ungrateful like you, I also want to say thank you for—”

“I told you I didn't buy those fucking things for you!” He broke in, making sure his eyes were safely averted from her.

“Will you let me finish first?! I was not talking about that, you idiot! Just why are you acting so guilty?! It's not like I'm forcing you to admit that!” Kagome shot back, feeling her anger stir once more. “I was talking about you saving me when we were attacked by Hell's Gate.”

“Oh.” Yes, the great Inuyasha Tsuzuki had just said something unintelligible in front of Kagome. Getting over his embarrassment quickly, he tried to look cool and said indifferently, “I mean it is my job after all. Don't bother saying thanks every time, you'll be surprised how many times you'll be thanking me.”

“Oh good! That saves me from going over the excruciating experience every time you save me!” She sighed in relief, flashing him a fake sweet smile. “I thought you were so stuck-up that you'd require me to kiss your feet every time you save me, it's a good thing to know I was mistaken.” Her smile didn't vanish.

“Hey! That's not a bad idea!” He said, his face lighting up with evil mischief. “At least I get something in return for doing my job.”

“First, you moron, you do get something in return for doing this job! You are paid to do it!” Kagome reminded him, her smile turning into a thin line. “And the next time you do your job, could you at least refrain from pointing a gun at my direction? Or at least give a warning or something!”

“One, you weren't supposed to see that because I closed the dresser. It's your damn fault for disobeying my order. Two, I couldn't give a warning or something. That was a life and death situation and you expect me to say, `Hey, this is just a fucking stage act so don't worry because I really don't intend to shoot you!' And lastly wench, the gun was empty if you still hadn't realized that!” He always talked very much whenever he argued with Kagome. `Keh! I have no plan to let this girl win against me!'

“One, I said stop calling me wench! Two, don't you dare pass the blame on me! I was just worried because you were hurt and in return, I get to see you directing a gun at me! Unlike you, I'm not used to having a handgun aimed at me every now and then, okay?!” Kagome was extra angry because he called her wench once again. She thought he would have learned her name by now…

“You're safe now….. Kagome.”

`Obviously, I was very wrong.' Kagome was snapped out of her musing by Inuyasha's sneer.

“Keh! So this is all about the trust issue once again, huh?” He said, looking at Kagome contemplatively. “You don't trust me. Which is it? You don't trust me to protect you or you don't trust that I can protect you?”

“It wasn't that. I really thought you deserved the chance I gave you. I started believing that this arrangement was going to be okay,” said Kagome in low voice. “But now, I know it's impossible. You've lost your chance.” She turned her back to him and opened the door.

“Keh! I never asked for that chance—whatever that means!” He called out to her, not wanting her to have the last say. He should be the one to have the last say.

“The problem here was never the trust issue.” Kagome told him wearily. `Because I'm already working on that issue.' She sighed mentally. Turning her head slowly, she met his infuriated amber eyes with her disappointed chocolate brown ones. “It's you.” She whispered and closed the door with a soft click.

Inuyasha was caught off guard. He never imagined that those two words would render him speechless. He collapsed on his bed, his head pillowed by his arms. He stared at the ceiling vacantly, trying to get rid of the feeling surfacing in his heart. He hated feeling guilty. Closing his eyes with determination, he pushed the feeling aside forcefully.

“It's you.”

But the words seemed to haunt him like a ghost. The way Kagome had looked at him when she said those words. It was the one that was making him feel guil—no, he wasn't guilty! But then, was it really his fault?

`Keh! Of course not.' He snatched his cell phone and looked for Kikyou's number. All he needed was a diversion. `She's not going to succeed in making me think about her for the whole night!' With that goal in mind, he pressed the call button to report the attempted kidnapping incident to the leader of Solferis.

x

Kagome had changed into her light blue pajamas and went to do her schoolwork. She opened her school bag and dumped all of the crumpled paper Inuyasha had given her during that day in the trash bin.

“I can never change him. He's solid rude to the core.” She muttered, taking out the graphing notebook and sketchpad from the paper bag and placing them on her desk. Taking out her notes, she opened her new graphing notebook with a sigh.

Even though she had said that, still a part of her believed in Inuyasha. If he was still willing to do the job—to protect her with his life, maybe there was still a chance that they would work things out.

x

“I said I want to quit this mission.” Inuyasha repeated with resolution. “I was never willing to do this job in the first place! I can't stand her. She's so annoying and loud. She doesn't follow orders and she always puts the blame on me.”

“Are you being nice to Kagome?” Kikyou questioned, speaking in the same business tone she always used when Inuyasha started talking about wanting to quit his current mission.

“Can't you just give me another mission except for this protection shit?!” He returned, avoiding the question that always made Kikyou decline his request.

“No.” She told him conclusively but calmly. “Now that that's settled, I want you to bring Kagome here this coming Saturday. Kaede wants to see her new student. About the incident, keep a closer watch on Kagome from now on. I'm sure Hell's Gate has learned about her by now. As a matter of fact, I strongly advise that you give her a tracking device and make sure she doesn't take it off—whatever happens.”

“With or without her knowledge?” Inuyasha inquired, stifling a yawn.

“Which will be more convenient?” She asked, checking the time on her watch. It was quarter to ten. She knew Inuyasha needed to get some sleep.       

“She'll be better if she didn't know it.” He replied, knowing that Kagome hated being followed what more if she was to be tracked down. She would definitely defy him by taking off the tracking device.

“Okay,” agreed Kikyou. “So where will we put the tracking device? Bracelet, earring or necklace?” She enumerated the options, opening her laptop to look for some jewelry designs.

“I don't actually care.”

“Bracelet seems nice,” suggested Kikyou thoughtfully.

“Suit yourself.” Inuyasha said nonchalantly.  

“Since Miroku's location is nearer, I'll send someone to drop the device there early in the morning. Just get it from him tomorrow,” explained Kikyou, printing the design she had chosen. “You have anything more to report?”

“Can't you find someone else to do—”

“Inuyasha…” Kikyou said his name warningly.

“Okay, okay.” Inuyasha said, totally giving up. “It's getting late. We should get our rest.”

“I know,” assented Kikyou, her eyes showing exhaustion. “It has been a long day. I had to visit three companies today to close some deals.”

“You're tiring yourself too much. Why not ask someone else to do the job for you?” Inuyasha said, genuine concern was evident in his voice. He used this tone only when talking to Kikyou—not even Kagome or his previous charge had heard this kind of tone from him. “Even though Naraku doesn't know who's behind Solferis, it doesn't mean that you're safe from Hell's Gate. Make sure you bring a lot of bodyguards with you. One day they'll know that you're our leader.” 

An appreciative smile appeared on Kikyou's lips upon hearing Inuyasha's worried voice. “I'm not weak and defenseless, Inuyasha. I can handle myself.” She told him with certainty. “Besides, I can't just stay inside the mansion forever. It's pretty boring and I have business to attend to or else I won't have the money to pay you.”

“Still you should bring bodyguards with you,” insisted Inuyasha.

“I do bring some of our agents.” Kikyou said, hoping that it would finally satisfy Inuyasha so he would stop bugging her. “See you on Saturday then?” She asked before saying good-bye.

“Looking forward to it,” said Inuyasha in return, smiling softly to himself. Kagome was completely forgotten in Inuyasha's mind, which was now filled with only one person—Kikyou.

x

Inuyasha looked at Kagome with a bewildered expression on his face. `What the fuck is going on?' He asked in his mind.

Kagome was walking silently beside him—not uttering anything. Not a single word. Her look was straight ahead like he wasn't even walking with her. Her face didn't wear any emotion, not giving away anything.

Inuyasha knew there was something wrong but he didn't dare ask. `I don't care what she does.' He thought to himself. He continued to walk close to her; one hand clutched on the strap of his backpack while the other was tucked inside the pocket of his black pants, holding his gun. It was more dangerous now so he had to be ready for any attack.

Kagome, on the other hand, looked unbothered. Even as they entered the school gate, she still remained calm.

Inuyasha, however, was alarmed. As they went past the gate, he saw that many people—all of which were girls—were standing on either sides of the walkway and staring at them. Some with these silly dreamy looks in their eyes—that was for Inuyasha—and the others with deadly witch-like glares—that was directed only to Kagome.

“Inuyasha has arrived!” A girl with long wavy hair that went past her waist shouted. “Everyone greet him!” She commanded like she was some sort of leader of a troop.

“GOOD MORNING, INUYASHA!” Everyone greeted, bowing their heads a little to acknowledge Inuyasha's presence.

`What the hell?' He thought, looking around him with that disgusted, freaked out expression on his face.

The girl with long wavy hair approached Inuyasha and Kagome with a soft, shy smile on her lips. “Hi, Inuyasha.” She said sweetly. “My name is Nazuna Ikimura. I am also graduating high school this year like you. I come from Section B.”

“Bitch, what do you want?” Inuyasha groused, looking ticked off with her as she looked at him with admiration.

“Nothing much.” She answered, still wearing the same smile.

Kagome knew pretty well that the girl was flirting. `What is it that they see in Inuyasha that they like him so much???' She never got an answer to that question of hers.

“You!” Nazuna's eyes went to Kagome, examining her from head to foot. “Just who are you to Inuyasha?” She asked with interest. The whole crowd stopped their not-so-low whispers of `Oh Inuyasha, you're so handsome!!!', `Inuyasha! I want you!!!', `Inuyasha, can you be my boyfriend???', `Inuyasha, go out with me!!!', `Inuyasha, I love you!!!', `Inuyasha, look here!', `Inuyasha, will you marry me???' to listen to Kagome's answer.

Kagome didn't know what to answer so she just returned the question to her. “Just who are you to ask me that?”

Nazuna smirked haughtily, eyes trying to intimidate Kagome.

Kagome didn't even flinch.

“I am the president of Inuyasha Tsuzuki's Official Fans Club.” She announced pompously.

Kagome raised an eyebrow at her. Was she supposed to scream in fright and run away after hearing that? She was speechless beyond belief. Of all the things that could be said, she never expected to hear that from her. 

One of Inuyasha's eyes twitched involuntarily. He was also speechless.

The uncomfortable silence was broken by a sudden piercing shriek coming from behind Inuyasha and Kagome.  

“Innnnnuuuuyyyyyyaaaaaaaaassssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaa aaa!!!!!!!!! I love you!!!!!” Obviously, it was another fangirl—only crazier—that was speeding towards Inuyasha, trying to hug him. “Aaaaaarrrrgghhh!!! Die, you bitch!!!!” But then again, she wasn't actually speeding towards Inuyasha but to Kagome. Her hands were outstretched not to hug Inuyasha but to strangle Kagome.

“Look out!” Inuyasha wrapped his arms around Kagome to swiftly move her away from the rampaging fangirl.

“Someone's trying to hurt Inuyasha!” shouted Nazuna, calling out for reinforcement. It was indicated that as a member of ITOFC, you should apprehend any girl who tried to violate, harass or attack Inuyasha in any way. “Get her!!!”

All of the members of ITOFC—short for Inuyasha Tsuzuki's Official Fans Club—charged at the poor girl. Actually Inuyasha wasn't that concerned about them. He looked at Kagome, taking his hands off her, and asked her, “Are you okay?”

Kagome gave a small nod, not meeting Inuyasha's eyes. Throwing a quick look at Inuyasha's fangirls, she walked away, knowing that Inuyasha would be at her heels shortly.

`Did she just suddenly become mute or something?' Inuyasha mused, following his charge immediately without bothering to spare a glance at the members of ITOFC.

x

Inuyasha waited patiently outside the girls' restroom with his arms folded, his back comfortably leaning on the wall. They had finished eating and Kagome still hadn't spoken a single word to him. It was starting to bother him in an irritating kind of way.

“Is something wrong with Kagome?” Miroku asked curiously. “She seems a bit too quiet for comfort.”

“I think she glued her mouth accidentally.” Inuyasha answered unconcernedly, shrugging.

“Oh sure, she just glues her mouth around you.” Miroku said with pure sarcasm. “You did something, didn't you?” He accused, giving him that examining look.

Inuyasha didn't give any reply. He didn't know what he did exactly that caused Kagome to be this way.

“Did you insult her again?”

`Probably.'

“Or did you take advantage of her after I left?”

“Keep your mind off the gutter, will you?!” Inuyasha grumbled, glowering at his perverted companion. “She decided not to speak too much. What's the big deal about it?!”

“I don't know,” answered Miroku with a shrug. “Maybe I'm not used to it. Although it's just day three, it seems like a long time. The two of you never got this quiet to each other before.” He took out a small black jewelry box and handed it to Inuyasha.

The hanyou snatched it and placed it in his right pocket smoothly. “Things change so get used to it.” He muttered, feeling like he was actually addressing his words to himself and not to Miroku.

“If that's what you want,” said Miroku dismissively, knowing that Inuyasha didn't want to discuss the matter further. “So, what do you think of your fans club?” He asked with a teasing smile on his lips.

“I think I'm going to throw up.” 

x

“So aren't you even worried about this whole ITOFC?” Eri asked, combing her hair in front of the rectangular bathroom mirror.

“Why should I?” Kagome asked, opening the valve of the faucet to wash her hands. Upon seeing Yuka's eyes she quickly added, “Never mind! I don't want the reason.”

“Anyway, I think you better be careful from now on.” Sango said, handing Kagome some napkin to dry her hands. “Inuyasha's fangirls are very keen on protecting Inuyasha. I think they're pretty angry with you since you're so close to him.”

“Figures,” said Kagome without really caring. “I just got attacked by one of his fangirls a while ago.” She said it like she was used to being attacked—well, she was sort of used.

As expected, her friends fussed over the said incident.

“Did she hurt you?”

“Did she try to stab you?”

“Was Inuyasha there with you?”

“Oh no! Inuyasha tried to kill the girl, didn't he?”

Kagome couldn't help but laugh at her friends' comments. “The girl didn't try to stab me. She just planned to strangle me, I think. She wasn't able to hurt me though because Inuyasha's other fangirls attacked her.” She told them.

“You mean Inuyasha wasn't there?” Ayumi asked, looking very disappointed.

“He was there.” Kagome said without much interest.

“And he tried to kill the girl, right? Only the other fangirls got to her first.” Eri said hopefully.

Kagome laughed again. “Why do you make Inuyasha look so violent?” She said, still laughing a little. She suddenly stopped giggling when the words she had spoken began to sink in. `Why am I suddenly defending him? He is actually violent…'

“Won't it be nice if Inuyasha is being overprotective of you?” Ayumi said with that dreamy look on her face. “That means he likes you very much.” She smiled at her friend.

Kagome rolled her eyes inwardly. `Oh please! You just don't know how overprotective he is! And it doesn't mean he likes me—not even a bit close to that!' She wanted to say but she knew they would just insist that Inuyasha did like her. They never listened to her.

“Speaking of Inuyasha,” started Yuka, looking at Kagome closely. “I've noticed that Inuyasha and you haven't said a single word to each other since you came to school.”

“Really?” Kagome muttered, slinging her bag back to her shoulder and heading for the door. “You're just exaggerating things.” She wished everybody would just let her be.

x

Classes had ended. Inuyasha and Kagome still hadn't talked to each other.

Kagome didn't care because she knew that Inuyasha wasn't bothered. `So why should I?' She thought, heading to the direction of the archery fields.

Kagome and Inuyasha were all alone in the archery fields when they had arrived. Inuyasha sat on the floor while Kagome went to change into her archery uniform to start practicing.

Kagome didn't look at Inuyasha as she went past him. She got her bow and quiver and stood on the shooting area. Before Kagome could release her first arrow, a group of seven girls appeared—among them was Nazuna.

“May I help you?” said Kagome, trying to be polite. `Are they all ITOFC members…?'

Nazuna came forward, stopping near Inuyasha and looking at him placidly. When Inuyasha didn't even turn his head to look at her, she shifted her gaze to Kagome, her eyes flashing angrily. “As the president of ITOFC, it is my duty to protect Inuyasha from women like you—women who do nothing but cling to him and act like his girlfriend.”

Kagome couldn't help but raise her eyebrow once again, looking at Nazuna with amusement. `Are fangirls really this stupid?' She thought.

`Aren't they going to stop pestering me?' Inuyasha thought miserably, looking at his fangirls with utmost dislike and displeasure.

“To fulfill that duty,” continued Nazuna, flipping her hair snootily. “I want to challenge you in a duel.” She concluded with a confident smile.

“Am I supposed to agree to that?” The miko asked, hating Inuyasha's fangirls for disrupting her practice. “As you can see, I'm busy practicing.”

“Duel with me or agree that you won't go near Inuyasha again.” The leader of ITOFC set the options for Kagome to choose.

`If only I could choose the second one, believe me I'll take it willingly!' She wanted to say but instead she said, “What will be our means?”     

“Archery.” Nazuna said simply and clearly.

“Don't you know that I am the president of the archery club?” Kagome said, not believing that Nazuna would choose a field that she was very good in.

“Just because you're the president doesn't mean I can't beat you.” She answered back, looking very confident with herself. She went inside the changing room to dress up then took a bow and quiver. Standing beside Kagome, she looked at her with a sneer and said, “If I win, you tell me who you are to Inuyasha, you are not to be seen around Inuyasha ever again and I will become the new president of the archery club.” 

Kagome glanced at Inuyasha to find him yawning and stretching his arms. `Obviously, he's bored and he doesn't care.' She returned her eyes to Nazuna, looking determined. “And if I win?”

Nazuna smirked wider as if saying, `Still thinking that you can win against me?' “Obviously, you get to stay around Inuyasha.” She told Kagome, looking like that was more than the bargain she would get if she would win. “Three arrows. One who gets the higher score wins. I go first.”      

The arrow hit bull's eye.

“Ten points for Nazuna!” One of the members of ITOFC said.

`Why do I feel like I don't get anything good in this?' She thought as she stretched the string and made her aim. She stole another glance at Inuyasha and found him looking at the target board. `Of course he does care,' thought Kagome bitterly. `It's his job at stake.' She released the arrow and watched it zoom straight to the middle of the target board. She smiled. At least, she was still not losing her touch.

“Ten points for the enemy!” Another member of ITOFC announced.

`The enemy?' Kagome repeated in her mind, readying her bow for the second arrow.

“Nine points for Nazuna!”

“Nine points for the enemy!”

They were down to the last arrow—the deciding round. Inuyasha averted his eyes from the target board and from the two competing girls. He already knew that Kagome would win. `After all, she is very good at archery.'

“Nine points for Nazuna!”

Kagome had shot her final arrow.

“Eight points—Nazuna you won!!!” All of Inuyasha's fangirls cheered for their president.

Inuyasha couldn't believe it at first. He looked at the target board and growled mentally. `She fucking lost?!' He turned to glare at Kagome but she was looking at Nazuna, her back was turned to him.

Kagome couldn't believe it either. She just lost her position as the president of the archery club and she was not to go anywhere near Inuyasha—not that the second one bothered her. She wasn't even thinking about that one because she knew that Inuyasha would never agree to that. She was mostly upset for the reason that she wasn't the president anymore.

Nazuna looked at Kagome triumphantly. “So it's settled. I am the new president of the archery club and you are not to go anywhere near Inuyash—”

“Screw the deal!” Inuyasha was now standing beside Kagome, looking at Nazuna with annoyance. “Bitch, you have no fucking right to order her around!”

`Just as I expected. He will never agree to it.' Kagome thought, feeling tired of being manipulated by Inuyasha. `Why do I have to be stuck with someone like him?' She looked at the target boards, wanting to be somewhere else and not with any of them. Not with Nazuna, not with those fangirls and not with Inuyasha.

“Inuyasha,” said Nazuna calmly. “You seem so concerned about Kagome.” She took a quick look at Kagome only to find her looking somewhere else. She replaced her eyes on Inuyasha and asked, “Just who is she to you?”

Inuyasha hated the girl in front of him dearly. He didn't know how to answer her question. He couldn't give her the truth—that Kagome was his charge. Then what else could he say? He never had this much trouble with his previous charge.

Kagome wanted to go home badly. To finish the conversation, she looked at Nazuna and said, “I'll answer for him.”

Inuyasha looked at Kagome all of a sudden, her words catching his attention completely.

Kagome didn't pay any attention to Inuyasha. Her eyes were focused on Nazuna. “I am nothing to Inuyasha.” She said the words clearly without any emotion in her eyes. Her eyes might be lacking emotions but her heart wasn't. Her heart seemed to break at her words. Why? She didn't find any answer.

Nazuna looked contented with the answer she had heard. “Then it's clear that you have no right to stay around him.”

Kagome didn't argue anymore.

“Keh!” Inuyasha scoffed, managing to return his eyes to Nazuna after getting over the shock he had when he heard Kagome's answer. Again, he was taken aback by the miko's words. She always surprised Inuyasha when he least expected it. “I demand a rematch!” He barked with authority.

`Can't he see I'm tired?!' Kagome fought the urge to look at Inuyasha and give him a deadly glower. Instead, she remained silent and bit her lower lip.

“She already lost,” stated Nazuna insistently. “I don't see the point—”

“I will fight in her place.” Inuyasha interrupted, looking determined. “If I win, all of you will stay out of her way, no more embarrassing morning greetings to me and I don't want to see or hear about this damn fans club ever again.”

“And if I win?”

“I'll tell her to stop following me around.” Inuyasha replied matter-of-factly.

`Why does he speak like I'm one of his desperate fangirls?' Kagome was struggling to keep herself from shouting at Inuyasha.

“Also I want you to go out on a date with me,” added Nazuna, closing the deal.

“Deal.” Inuyasha said indifferently. “We'll meet at Sougeki's after classes tomorrow.”

“Sougeki's? You mean the shooting gallery?” Nazuna said, looking happy about something.

“Why?” Inuyasha asked, smirking at her. “Starting to get cold feet?”

“No,” said Nazuna with a triumphant smile on her lips. “It's just that my family is known to be good hunters.”

Inuyasha didn't care even if she had said that her family was a bunch of mikos. “Good.” He said uninterestedly. “At least my opponent knows how to hold a gun.” His words were filled with sarcasm.

Nazuna let it pass, keeping her poise. “Don't be late.” She gave out a small smile to Inuyasha then glared at Kagome's way before she turned on her heels and left.

Kagome didn't bother to return the glare, instead, she just stared at her with distant eyes for a second before Nazuna and the other girls started leaving.

Inuyasha was the one who glared back at Nazuna's back, watching her leave with relief. `Finally, the evil bitch decided to fuck off.' He thought thankfully. His eyes shifted to Kagome when he heard her move. She was going to return the bows and quivers then she went to inside the changing room. Never did Inuyasha see Kagome's eyes looking at him. He shrugged then placed his hands in his pockets. His hand felt a small box inside his right pocket. He cursed under his breath.

He had to be the one to break the ice after all…

x

Kagome placed her foot forward then the other one forward, making herself walk. For some certain reason, she found it hard to walk—like her body suddenly weighed twice as before. Her head was bowed down, looking at the ground as she walked. They were all alone in the sidewalk. On their left, busy cars went past them without any delay while trees rustled softly on their right. She noticed that their surroundings were starting to darken and the street lights began to light up. Her shadow mingled with Inuyasha's shadow, making them look like one.

Now that she thought about it, Inuyasha was actually like her shadow. Kagome would always find Inuyasha beside her—always with her. But then, it felt like he was just following her because it was his duty—just like it was the shadow's duty to be around its partner. `Of course that's all that there is,' thought Kagome, still watching her shadow together with Inuyasha's shadow. She could never reach out to Inuyasha. Even though she could see her shadow and she felt comforted by her shadow's presence, it still felt different because a shadow was hollow. That was how she felt around Inuyasha so far. She was reassured by the protection the hanyou was giving her but still, she felt all alone—not welcome to Inuyasha. Even though she got all this attention from Inuyasha, she just knew that they weren't real.

Just like a shadow…

“You really don't want to talk to me, do you?”

Kagome lifted her head in surprise when she heard Inuyasha talk but didn't dare look at him. She continued to pace, looking unimpressed by Inuyasha's words.

When he got no response, he continued with his talk. “Well too bad because I'll still be talking,” said Inuyasha, trying to get a reaction from Kagome—even just a flare of anger in her eyes. He saw an `I-Don't-Care' expression in her eyes and she was still not looking at him. “I don't give a damn about what you do but you don't have the fucking right to be angry with me—if that's what you're feeling—because I am the one who should be angry with you! You just placed me in a situation that I didn't want to be in. You intended to miss that shot, didn't you?!” He glared at Kagome intensely. He didn't know exactly what he wanted to get out of this. Probably he wanted to annoy the girl and let her feel the way he was feeling. He was very pissed off at that moment because the girl wasn't even saying something and yet she could get on his nerves so easily. “Answer—” Inuyasha stopped all of a sudden when Kagome stopped walking and looked at his eyes intently. Her eyes clearly told him that she was tired and somehow… lonely. He didn't quite understand the look Kagome was giving him. He expected her to be angry not this.

“Inuyasha, just please…” Kagome's voice was weak and almost pleading. Inuyasha never heard her like this before. “I'm tired of this. Please leave me alone.”

Inuyasha didn't know what came to him but he didn't say anything anymore and left her alone.

x        

Inuyasha grabbed the knob of Kagome's door and turned it. `What the fuck—?!' He tried turning it again but it was useless. Kagome had locked the door. `So she thinks she can escape me…' He rapped the door once then said, “Open the fucking door. We need to talk.”

Inuyasha didn't hear any reply or any sound that meant that Kagome would be opening the door for him. He growled inwardly, his temper slowly rising. “I don't have the time to play stupid mind games with you. If you don't open the door, I'll tear it down.” He threatened, readying his claws for the task.

The door opened quickly revealing Kagome but she didn't linger there. After opening the door, she walked hastily back to her desk and sat down to return to her previous activity.

After closing the door, Inuyasha followed her and stood beside her chair. “I said we need to talk.” He repeated when Kagome didn't pay any attention to him.

Kagome took a piece of paper lying on her desk and wrote something on it. She pushed it towards Inuyasha so he could read it.

Go ahead.

Inuyasha fought the urge to shout at her and say, `Don't you start that damn note passing again!' Instead, he took a deep breath and sighed to calm himself a little. “When I say we need to talk, that means you have to talk too.” He said calmly. “But you are not talking.” He pointed out to her, hoping that she'd quit whatever she was doing and be considerate enough to talk to him again like a normal person.

But it seemed like Kagome didn't want to quit. She took the paper back and scribbled another sentence on it.

But I am talking.

“No you're not,” said Inuyasha in a dangerous tone. He was so close to shouting at her. “You are writing on a damn piece of paper and I will really appreciate it if you will stop doing that.” He caught the paper before Kagome could take it to write another message. “Just fucking talk to me—directly.” He told her, trying to stop himself from growling at her.

Kagome sighed in surrender. She turned to face Inuyasha and looked at him passively with her brown eyes. “I don't think there is anything to talk—”

“Bullshit!” Inuyasha cut her off, looking at her with scrutinizing amber eyes. “Tell me why you haven't been talking to me.” He demanded, his eyes never leaving her.

Kagome didn't give him any answer and she even turned her head to avoid his eyes.

“You're angry? Is that it?” Inuyasha waited for her reply but she remained silent. “If you're angry, then why the hell are you so quiet?!”

“There are different ways to show anger. Sometimes you shout, sometimes you cry and sometimes you just keep quiet…” said Kagome softly, her eyes was still averted from Inuyasha.

“So you are angry…” Inuyasha concluded.

“No, I'm happy.” Kagome said dully. Why wouldn't he just leave her and let her be angry peacefully? 

“Of course,” said Inuyasha tolerantly. “Now that we're speaking again like human beings…” He said, ignoring the glare Kagome had shot at him. At least they were back to normal… “Give me you hand.”

Kagome looked at him suspiciously, holding her hand cautiously.

“Just do it.” He sighed.

She slowly turned her palm up and raised it in front of Inuyasha. “Don't tell me you're a part-time fortune teller,” said Kagome dubiously.

“No,” said Inuyasha, taking out the jewelry box out of his pocket. “Here.” He placed the small black box on her palm.

“Just to remind you, I am still angry so you better not pull a prank on me.” She told him then looked back at the box on her palm.

“I know.” He said simply. “Don't worry it's not disgusting.” He added, smirking at her.

“It better not.” She opened the box and then looked back at Inuyasha with confusion in her eyes. “What is this?” She asked him, showing him the bracelet lying inside the box.

“I think it's some sort of animal that looks like a bracelet when it's dead,” said Inuyasha, trying to look like he was examining the silver jewelry.

“Jerk, I know it's a bracelet!” Kagome said, looking irked with Inuyasha's sarcastic comments.

“Then don't ask anymore.” Inuyasha said, pointing out the obvious. “That's expensive so make sure you take care of it.” He watched Kagome as she took out the tracking device from its box and rested it on her very palm, admiring the simple but elegant piece of jewelry.

“Then why are you giving it to me?” Kagome couldn't stop herself from asking. She had to know. She looked at Inuyasha and waited for his answer.

“Just felt like giving away some extra money.” He shrugged, taking out his mobile phone to send a text message to Kikyou. “After all, I am rich.” He said proudly, pushing the send button when he completed typing his message. My charge already has the tracking device.

“No, you are not that rich.” Kagome opposed, looking doubtfully at him. Then the answer hit her. “You want something from me, don't you?”

Inuyasha looked at Kagome like she was an escapee from the mental hospital. “Sorry to disappoint you but I really just gave that out of pure generosity.” He said with a smirk. “Because I AM that rich.” He added, his smirk getting wider.

“Well then don't expect me to return it,” said Kagome, putting it around her right wrist. “Because I won't.” She smiled contentedly, admiring the silver bracelet on her wrist. It was truly beautiful. It was a stylish, slightly thick silver bracelet that narrowed towards the middle. On the middle was a single charm shaped like a star made of blue sapphire bordered with silver metal.

“One more thing,” started Inuyasha, opening the program in his cell phone to check if the tracking device was working properly. “Because that's expensive, I want you to wear it always—and I mean don't ever take it off, understood?” There was a red blinking dot found in the screen of his mobile, indicating the exact location of Kagome. `Perfect.'

“Shouldn't I be the one to decide if I like to wear it or not?” asked Kagome, examining the glistening blue stone that was her birthstone on the bracelet.

“I don't give away expensive jewelry just to see them kept in drawers.” Inuyasha returned his mobile inside his pocket. “If you don't want to wear it then I'll just get it back.” `Or force you to always wear it.'

“Fine, I'll wear it—always.” She smiled at Inuyasha then added, “Thanks.”  

“Keh! I told you I'm just giving a—”    

“Away some extra money… Yeah, I know.” Kagome said, interrupting him. “So do you have anything else to say? I kind of like to sleep already.” She looked at the clock hesitantly. It was past ten in the evening.

“One last thing, Kikyou told me to bring you to her place this coming Saturday. You'll be having miko lessons with Kaede.” Inuyasha informed her, looking around her room idly.

“Who are Kikyou and Kaede?”

“Kikyou is the leader of Solferis and Kaede is going to be your teacher. She's a miko too.” Inuyasha explained.

“Kikyou? Is that her real name?”

“Yeah, Kikyou Hijima.”

“You call your leader by her first name?” Kagome asked, looking incredulous. `Don't you address her with something? Like Miss or Boss or a codename?' She wanted to add but decided not to.

“What's wrong? I call you by your first name.” He said in defense.

“No you don't.” Kagome disagreed. “You call me wench or bitch.” She stated plainly.

“Oh yeah,” said Inuyasha uncaringly. “I forgot.” He began walking towards the door, his back turned to her while his hands were in his pockets. “By the way, the next time you get mad at me. It's better if you shout at me. The silent treatment was weird.” He told her like he was trying to give her a piece of advice.

“So you were bothered?” Kagome said, standing up to follow Inuyasha.

“I guess, a little.” Inuyasha answered with a shrug, opening the door and closing it behind him softly.

`Does that mean he cares—even just a little?' She thought hopefully. She quickly opened the door again to catch Inuyasha opening his own door. “Inuyasha,”

Inuyasha opened his door but didn't come in. Instead, he looked at Kagome and said, “Hm?”

“That arrow.” She said, feeling she had to say it to him. “I didn't intend to miss it. You believe me, don't you?”

Inuyasha smiled a little. “It doesn't matter.” He told her reassuringly. “I'll make sure that bitch returns your position tomorrow. Get some rest, Kagome. We still have school tomorrow.” Inuyasha's door closed with a soft click, leaving Kagome standing in front of her door.

Kagome smiled softly to herself. This time she felt somewhere in her heart that Inuyasha was showing some sort of concern. Inuyasha might have lost his chance but she was willing to give him another chance.

 

 

 

A/N: Woah! A whooping 18 pages?! Finally it's done! Make me happy and make me answer plenty of reviews! = )