InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Syndrome ❯ A Lonely Dog Demon Day ( Chapter 13 )

Chapter 13 - A Lonely Dog Demon Day

 

 

In the car Miroku had explained what had happened earlier that morning. When Bankotsu heard what Sesshoumaru had the nerve to say about Kagome at all, let alone right in front of her, he was ready to kill the taiyoukai. Sure, it might be difficult, but he was determined to find a way. Maybe if they all ganged up on him together? He was pulled from his murderous thoughts when he realized he'd almost driven past their destination. Parking alongside the curb, Miroku and Bankotsu made their way up the front walk, finding that Mr. Yokubari had already left. Thankfully Kagome had given him a key. Bankotsu unlocked the door and the two males made their way through the mess of boxes, garbage bags, and furniture to the stairs.

 

They passed the open doors to the other bedrooms, seeing them each in a state of disarray, whether from the party, the police search, or the landlord's packing they couldn't say. They found Kagome's door closed and went in, Bank immediately heading to the closet and pulling out a couple duffle bags. He tossed one at Miroku before he started pulling clothes off hangers, folding them up, at least a guy's version of folding, and stuffing them into one of the bags. Bending down, he grabbed a couple different pairs of shoes and her backpack. He opened it and checked the contents, finding the missing books on her desk.

 

“Miroku, do you think you could at least put them in the bag when you're done playing with them?” Bank asked in a frustrated tone, seeing that Miroku hadn't packed a thing, instead holding up Kagome's panties one by one as if trying to pick his favorite. Miroku complied, and soon they'd stuffed as much as they could into three large duffels and her backpack. They took the time then to look around, seeing what else was going to need packed and what of the furniture was hers that she'd want to keep. They'd have to come back later to pack everything else. They weren't ready to bring all of her things over just yet.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

“Inuyasha? I wasn't expecting to hear from you again so soon. Is everything alright?”

 

“Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?” Inuyasha asked, wondering what the hell his father sounded so worried about. “We just thought of something we wanna do and we're gonna need your help is all.”

 

“For Kagome's room? Anything. What do you need, my boy?”

 

“We wanna put in a bathroom for her downstairs, but we need someone to do it.”

 

“I can help you there. I'll call my contractor and we'll come over tomorrow so he can take measurements and you can tell him exactly what you want. He's reliable and he can work fast too. You know, he's the one that installed the Jacuzzi for your mother when I'd forgotten about our anniversary. He got the thing in there and hooked up in a couple hours. Saved my ass.”

 

“Um… yeah… sure Dad. What time do ya think you'd get here? We gotta find some way to either keep Kagome upstairs or get her out of the house.”

 

“I'll have to call him and find out when he's available. I'll call you later on tonight. Inuyasha?”

 

“What, Pops?” the hanyou said impatiently.

 

“Have you noticed anything… odd… about your brother lately?”

 

“Depends on what you mean by odd.” Inuyasha thought about the question for a minute. “He's been an extra large asshole lately and he looks kinda tired. Other than that I wouldn't know. Why? Is there something wrong with the ice prince?”

 

“I'm not entirely sure. Do your father a favor? Keep an eye on him. Let me know if you notice anything off.”

 

Inuyasha would have scoffed at the idea of paying attention to his brother except that his father sounded genuinely concerned. He sighed before agreeing. “Fine. I'll let you know if I notice anything wrong with the bastard, but I'm not gonna enjoy it!”

 

Katsuro laughed. “I never said anything about liking it. I'll call later on tonight with a time frame so you guys can make your plans. And don't forget about Sesshoumaru.”

 

Inuyasha grumbled a `yeah, yeah' before saying a quick goodbye and hanging up before his father asked him to take the fucker's temperature or something.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

When Shippo told Kagome what Bankotsu had said she was thrilled. At least she didn't have to go over there for a while and he'd said she could stay a whole week! She wanted to do something to say thank you but couldn't think of anything. Returning to swinging while she thought, finally it hit her. She jumped off her swing while she was high in the air, making Shippo's heart jump into his throat before she landed safely and gracefully on her feet.

 

“Come with me, Shippo!”

 

“Where are we going?” Shippo asked, hurrying to catch up with the girl who was rapidly making her way out of the park.

 

“We are going to the grocery store. I'm gonna make dinner tonight to say thanks for letting me stay over.”

 

“Oh! Oh! Are you gonna make your specialty?” Shippo asked in excitement. Kagome was an awesome cook!

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Just as Miroku and Bankotsu were pulling into the driveway, Kagome and Shippo were rounding the corner with several bags in their arms. Right away both males were out of the car and taking the bags from her. “What in the world were you going to the store for? We've got food… some food at least.”

 

Kagome laughed. “I went to the store because I'm cooking dinner and I know better than to expect you to have any normal ingredients.”

 

“What'cha making?” Miroku asked while opening the front door.

 

“It's a surprise,” Kagome said as she took the bags back from her friend and walked into the kitchen. “Where's Inu…” Her question caught in her throat as she took in the odd sight on the floor in front of them. Inuyasha was face first on the ground, growling like crazy while Jakotsu sat on his back and rubbed the hanyou's ears, the bandana lying a couple feet away; looking like Jak had ripped it off and tossed it over his shoulder, which was exactly what he'd done. Kagome set the bags on the counter without removing her eyes from the spectacle, her friends following suite. “Jakotsu?” she asked.

 

In seconds Jakotsu was up and facing her, arms open wide as he cried out “Kagome!” The miko ran across the kitchen and leapt into his waiting arms, Jak then spinning her around a few times before setting her on the counter of the island in the middle of the large kitchen and leaning into her. Inuyasha had scrambled off the floor the first chance he got, grabbing his bandana and tying it tightly over his ears once more.

 

“I didn't know you were here! When did you get here? Why didn't anyone call me?”

 

“I've only been here for a little while. Bank and I got here right before he took Miroku to get some of your things.”

 

“Speaking of that,” Bankotsu said. “You think you could help us, Inuyasha?”

 

Kagome looked at them in confusion. “How much stuff did you get that you need help?”

 

“A couple bags. Didn't know what you wanted so we grabbed a bit of everything.”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes at them. “It's not like I'm moving in. You guys are so carrying all of it back too.” She didn't notice when they smiled before walking out to the car, Shippo coming along to help. “You know Inuyasha hates that Jak. Why do you have to torture him?”

 

“It's not my fault he's adorable! I wonder where that brother of his is. Gotta be around here somewhere. Now that is a beautiful man. I could just lick every single inch of…”

 

“Stop! Stop! That's more than I ever want to hear,” Kagome practically yelled, hoping to block out the sound of anything else Jak might say before stopping. Kagome heard the front door close and then four sets of feet headed up the stairs. “I gotta get down, Jak,” she said. “I've got groceries to put away.”

 

“Fine,” Jakotsu said with a pout, moving so the little miko could slip off the counter to her feet. When everyone else entered the kitchen Kagome was halfway through the bags, leaving some things out on the counter and putting everything else away.

 

“You guys need to learn how to go grocery shopping. There is the weirdest combination of things in here and everything's expired!” she said in disgust while pulling a half-gallon milk, or what claimed to have once been milk, out of the depths of the fridge.

 

Inuyasha noticed it first. “Hey, monk, what's with the smirk?”

 

Kagome turned around and examined Miroku. It only took her a second to realize what he was smirking about. “Hand them over, Miroku. Don't make me have to hurt you.” Miroku shot a glare at Inuyasha but pulled a pair of purple lace panties out of his pocket, grudgingly returning them to their rightful owner. “You've gotta stop stealing my panties,” she said in a lecturing tone. “Bank, why did you let him in my underwear drawer?”

 

Bankotsu turned and smacked Miroku. “Don't you ever learn? And you get me in trouble too!”

 

Kagome sighed again before stuffing the pilfered panties in her own pocket. “Damn I'm hot,” she said before pulling Shippo's sweatshirt off and tossing it on a chair.

 

“Coulda told you that,” Jak said with a laugh.

 

“So, are you staying for dinner then?” the miko asked her best friend's brother.

 

“If you want me to, of course I will.”

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Sesshoumaru let out a groan as he slowly opened his eyes. Looking around he found that his cell phone was open and still in his hand. He closed his eyes again, trying to figure out what happened and how he ended up where he was. Slowly it came back to him and he realized that he must have passed out. That thought made him worried. The pain had gotten bad enough to knock him out cold. Whatever was happening to him was beginning to seem more and more serious. He knew better than to call his father again though. The older inu had made it clear that he would only explain in person. He needed to know now!

 

He rolled to the side of the bed before standing, immediately regretting it as his head throbbed. Very carefully he walked across the room to his desk, sitting in the large leather chair and moving the mouse to bring the computer out of its sleep mode. Once he could see clearly and everything stopped spinning he opened a web browser and directed it to WebDMD.com. He typed in his symptoms: chest pain, difficulty sleeping, dreams, and erectile dysfunction, which hurt to even type. He was a young demon and shouldn't be having these kinds of problems! He glanced over the results, finding several interesting conditions but none that fit his situation. His father knew what it was, had recognized it immediately, but it wasn't listed on the top demon medical reference site on the web? It didn't make sense.

 

He frowned as he heard someone talking loudly downstairs. He stilled and focused, trying to determine who was being so obnoxiously noisy and why. He wanted to roll his eyes as he recognized the voice. Apparently Jakotsu had come to visit. It took him a minute to remember that they'd intended to ask for his assistance in decorating the miko's room. He felt his chest tighten as he thought of her. Sesshoumaru decided to head downstairs and see what all the noise was about; silently hoping he would get a chance to see Kagome.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Kagome couldn't help but laugh. Jakotsu was driving Inuyasha and Bankotsu insane and she knew he was enjoying every second of it. She stood at the counter, slicing tomatoes. Next to her were the onions which were next on the chopping block. Just as she was bringing the knife back down someone bumped into her, causing her to cut her finger. Immediately Bankotsu was apologizing like crazy, having been the one to bump her. He'd been trying to get away from Jakotsu who'd decided that he wanted to give everyone kisses.

 

“I'm fine, Bank. It's just a little cut.” Of course it wasn't so little. In fact it was bleeding quite a bit as she reached for a napkin from the pile that had come with their takeout the night before, leaving drips of brilliant red on the countertop. Bankotsu wanted to get her a band-aid and Miroku was trying to tell her to run it under water to clean it first. Shippo and Jakotsu were looking on with worry in their eyes and Inuyasha decided that enough was enough. Grabbing the shoulders his friends, he pulled them away from her so he could check it out.

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Sesshoumaru was making his way slowly down the stairs, ignoring the renewed ruckus, when a scent caught his attention. He could smell blood and upon taking in another sniff for evaluation he realized that it was Kagome's blood. His slow pace picked up speed and he was almost running when he made it to the kitchen. The taiyoukai slid to a stop, taking in the sight before him.

 

He could see Shippo and Jakotsu the furthest away from the miko, Miroku and Bankotsu right behind her, and Inuyasha at her side, her finger in his mouth. Everyone turned to look at him, curious as to why he'd come into the room so fast. He immediately looked around, trying to act like he hadn't just been running and worried out of his mind at the scent of her blood. No one really bought it, though they didn't draw the proper conclusion. Instead they just turned back to what they'd been doing, Bankotsu heading over to smack his brother, blaming her accidental cut on his shenanigans while Shippo looked on in amusement. Miroku was watching Inuyasha as he sucked on Kagome's finger, not so pure thoughts dancing in the forefront of his mind, and Sesshoumaru realized that the miko must have cut her self and his brother was attempting to heal the wound.

 

He glanced to the side, taking in the sight of the cutting board, half cut tomatoes, and several large drops of blood. Unable to resist, Sesshoumaru took the few steps to the counter and, while reaching up with one hand and opening a cupboard, he dragged his fingers along the counter, wiping up some of the blood. He grabbed a glass out of the cupboard while bringing his bloody fingertips to his lips, his tongue snaking out to taste the bright red fluid. Immediately he realized that it probably wasn't the brightest idea, judging by the instant erection the amazing taste of her blood inspired. Figuring the damage had been done, he savored what remained on his fingers before turning towards the fridge. He couldn't very well grab a glass and then not put anything in it, could he?

 

As he turned, Miroku, who'd been watching the taiyoukai closely since feeling that his aura was off somehow, noticed it first. He nudged Inuyasha and motioned for him to look. The hanyou burst out laughing as he noticed as well. “So, we've been right all along, haven't we, brother?”

 

Sesshoumaru turned his head and looked at the half-breed with narrowed eyes. He'd been trying to stand in such a way that his body's reaction to the miko wouldn't be noticed but apparently he'd failed. “This Sesshoumaru has no idea what you are babbling about, brother. Would you care to enlighten me as to what you were right about?”

 

Bankotsu stopped chewing out his brother to watch the newest entertainment. Shippo was trying not to laugh, Jakotsu was looking rather admirably towards the obviously large `package' in the demon's pants, and Kagome only looked confused, still holding her finger even though it was as good as new.

 

“About why you've never dated. About why you're never seen with girls. About why you're such a bastard all the time. You know, I'm pretty sure that if you'd only asked him, Jak would be more than happy to help you with your problem. I always knew there was something funny about you. Why didn't you just admit that you're gay and hot for Jakotsu?”

 

Sesshoumaru barely held back a snarl. `How dare he say such a thing about this Sesshoumaru? And why did he have to say it in front of her?'

 

Jakotsu smiled widely, stepping up to stand next to Inuyasha. “I knew you wanted me! Sweetie, you don't even have to ask. I'm always available to take care of a sexy thing like you.”

 

Kagome clapped her hand over her mouth in an effort to hold in her laughter and Sesshoumaru scowled darkly. Not only was he being mocked but she found it entertaining. He wanted to rip both his brother and the very effeminate human to shreds. Staring right into Jak's eyes he said, “While this Sesshoumaru would never hit a woman,” he paused for emphasis. Either that or to try to calm his growing rage. “You, however much you act like it or wish it were so, are not a woman and thus not safe from me by any means.”

 

Bankotsu felt a vein begin to throb on the side of his face, his teeth clenched so tightly that he was on the brink of breaking them and his hands balled into fists. “You may not hit a woman but you obviously have no problem insulting them. I don't know what your problem is but if I find out that you peeped on her again, I'll kick your ass.”

 

Kagome turned her back to the two who were now facing off, moving further away. She didn't like it when people fought, especially not over her.

 

Sesshoumaru wanted to laugh. `This human thinks he could possibly injure this Sesshoumaru?' His voice was filled with malice and a sneer pulled at his lips when he replied. “You are more than welcome to try, human.”

 

“Try me,” Bankotsu yelled. “I'm a hell of a lot stronger than you think!”

 

“Such a lonely day, and it's mine. The most loneliest day of my life. Such a lonely day should be banned. It's a day that I can't stand. The most loneliest day of my life. The most loneliest day of my life…” Kagome was singing softly to herself, now leaning against the wall furthest from the growing confrontation. “…and if you go, I want to go with you, and if you die, I want to die with you, take your hand and walk away…” No one noticed right away, everyone focused on the two tall males facing off against each other.

 

“And you'd better not ever say anything like that again, to or about her! No, I don't mean that. Don't ever say anything to or about her at all. Don't even fucking look at her!”

 

Miroku glanced around, feeling the heavy strain on Kagome's usually perky aura. He moved to her and pulled her into his arms, not taking his eyes off the fight. No one stepped up to intervene or to stop Bankotsu since they all agreed with him. Kagome was too good for this asshole. He didn't deserve to see her beautiful face, her smiling lips, and her shining eyes. He didn't deserve to feel the lift just being in her presence gave your soul.

 

Kagome leaned her head further into Miroku's chest. “Stop,” she mumbled. “He apologized.”

 

Inuyasha's head immediately snapped to look at her. “He what?” the hanyou yelled.

 

Bankotsu turned around when he heard Inuyasha's words. He could feel the guilt pulling at him as he saw Kagome hiding in Miroku's arms. He knew she hated conflict, especially if she was the cause. “What did he do, Kaggie,” he asked her softly, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.

 

She turned her head just enough to see Inuyasha and Bankotsu's waiting faces. “He apologized.”

 

Inuyasha was confused. “When? We didn't hear. When did the bastard talk to you?”

 

“When you guys were outside, right before Shippo came and sat with me in the living room.”

 

Inuyasha growled dangerously before turning on his heel and leveling a death glare on Sesshoumaru. “I don't give a fuck if you did apologize. You insulted her honor! And how dare you approach her after that? You can keep your arrogant, condescending ass away from her. Bank's right. Don't even talk to her. She's too good for you. You don't deserve to breathe the same air as Kags!”

 

Sesshoumaru was just standing there, furious but worried as well. He glanced at Kagome, seeing that she wasn't going to protest. `Does she really wish for this Sesshoumaru to not speak to her?' He found that he had to know how she felt about it, if it was really what she wanted. “I refuse to allow you to dictate what I will or will not do and say, but if she wishes it, I will not speak to her again.”

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Everyone was shocked into silence, amazed that he would offer the choice, that he would submit to her wishes, her, a human miko. Sesshoumaru bowed to no one, but that he would allow Kagome that power over him, even if it was regarding her, was unbelievable.

 

Kagome looked up and their eyes met. Her breath caught in her throat at what she could see in those golden eyes. He looked like he was pleading with her not to agree, begging her not to say that she wished it so. She took a step forward, pulling herself from Miroku's hold. Bankotsu tried to grab her arm and stop her but she pulled away. The kitchen was completely silent as everyone waited to see what Kagome would do. She stopped right in front of the taiyoukai, still staring into his eyes.

 

`Why do his eyes look so sad? Why does it feel like he's begging me? What is he thinking?'

 

`Why is she just staring at me? Would she hurry up and make her decision? Please oh please oh please don't tell me not to speak to you. I need this chance. I need you to see me as something more than you do now.'

 

Finally she opened her mouth to speak. “I don't wish it, not at the moment. But if you ever say anything like that to me again I won't hesitate to change my mind. I don't care if you do think you're better than me and the guys. You aren't. Being a taiyoukai does not make you special. It doesn't give you special privileges. I feel bad for you. You're so arrogant and so cold and cruel that you have no friends. I bet you've never had any friends. If you don't realize soon that you're no better than anyone else, you're going to lead a very lonely life. It might not bother you now, but someday you're going to realize that you're completely alone and completely miserable.”

 

Kagome paused for a moment, expecting him to have some comeback, some reply to her words, but he didn't. He didn't say a word and he made no move to walk away either. When she started to speak again her voice was softer. “I can see it in your eyes. You're already lonely. And you aren't as mean as you want everyone to believe. Why do you push everyone away?”

 

The room remained absolutely silent, everyone except Kagome shocked at what she'd said. Even Sesshoumaru was surprised that she'd seen something in him that no one else ever did. Everyone wanted to see what he was going to say but he didn't even know. He looked around the room, pausing on each face until he returned his gaze to hers.

 

Kagome realized then that he wasn't going to answer, not in front of everyone. “Whenever you're ready,” she said before walking over and continuing her previous task of cutting tomatoes. He started to walk away and she turned her head to the side. “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes or so,” she said politely, hoping he would understand what she meant, and he disappeared from sight, making his way back to the safety of his room to contemplate what had just happened.

 

 

 

 

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

 

 

Author's note: I've had to make a couple of changes. I had to get a new email because my AOL one decided to stop letting me send mail. I've got an inbox one now, Sunsetmiko@inbox.com (sunsetmiko' at inbox' dot com')

 

I've also had to change my email notifications. There is a limit to how many people I can send an email to at once, and both of my updates lists were way over. I had to send the same email five times, which I just can't keep doing, so I found a website that hosts email notification lists. So if you want to be notified when a new chapter of the syndrome comes out, then go to:

 

http://sunsetmiko.notifylist.com/syn_update.html

 

You will then receive a confirmation email. You must click the link in that email to confirm that you want to join the list.

 

If you can't see the web address above, it is in all my profiles now. There is a list for the prophecy as well. Before you ask, I am working on chapter 78. Things have been crazy and every time I tried to write I managed a few sentences before getting distracted. I've finally made progress on it tonight, so I'm hoping to finish it tonight or tomorrow. After at least one of my `betas' (read best friend and husband) reads through it then I'll put it up right away.

 

And if anyone is curious, I had a request from a reader to write a Bank/Kagome in a similar style to The Syndrome. I'm not able to meet all her suggestions, mostly because I don't want to write a story just like this one but with a different pairing, but I have been struck by inspiration so be expecting a fairly long oneshot to show up in the coming weeks. I've already got like eleven pages of notes, taken while sitting in the car waiting for my mother to come out of the doctor's office. Had to do something… and that was what came out. I know it's not a popular pairing, but I'm having fun with it, so I hope all you hardcore Sess/Kaggers can give it a shot. ;-)