InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Wasn't In The Job Description ❯ Tears and Fears ( Chapter 26 )

Chapter 26

 

Tears and Fears

 

As InuYasha argued with Kikyo, he glanced back and saw Sango holding a weeping Kagome. Miroku and Sango were watching him and Kikyo with looks of weary exasperation on their faces. The four Inu Youkai guardsmen had gone to comb the surrounding area for any more signs of Naraku.

 

`Oh gods, what now?' InuYasha thought as he listened to Kagome sobbing.

 

Turning back to Kikyo, he found her staring at him, her arms crossed over her chest and mouth pressed into an angry line.

 

“You will never find your way back to the human realm unless you come with us,” said InuYasha.

 

“You underestimate me,” said Kikyo. “I'm a lot more resourceful than you give me credit for.”

 

“But Kagome can see the portals,” said InuYasha. “I don't see how you will be able to leave otherwise.”

 

“So when I'm ready to leave, I'll find you,” Kikyo said.

 

“And how the fuck will you do that?” InuYasha said, his voice dripping with derision.

 

Reaching into the bag she had slung over her shoulder, she pulled out a small, square, metal device. With a look smug look, she showed it to InuYasha, flashing it in front of his face.

 

“I developed this to track down any traces of nanotech technology,” she said. “As long as Miroku wears that chain around his hand, I will be able to track you.”

 

“Fine, bitch, have it your way,” InuYasha huffed, as he felt a mounting concern for Kagome and desire to see why she was crying.

 

The hanyou stalked away from the scientist, and she smirked at his retreating back. Then she gathered the things she had dropped when he had freed her.

 

“About time,” said Miroku as InuYasha approached them.

 

“What's wrong, Kagome?” said InuYasha squatting down by her side.

 

When Kagome didn't answer right away, Sango snapped, “What do you think, fool?”

 

“I…uhh…” InuYasha stammered uncertainly.

“She's upset because of the way you went to Kikyo,” said Sango.

 

Taken aback, InuYasha gaped and then flushed.

 

“Kagome, I'm here,” said InuYasha softly. “I'll never leave you unprotected, I promise.”

 

Slowly, Kagome pulled herself out of Sango's arms, sniffling, and turned her tear-stained face to look up at InuYasha. Then she launched herself at him, knocking him down in surprise, flat on his ass. Burying her face in his chest and gripping the sides of his open jacket, she did not say anything, just let his solidity, smell and warmth calm her down.

 

Awkwardly, InuYasha put his arms around Kagome and rubbed her back, while Miroku and Sango glared at him.

 

“What?” InuYasha said testily. “I didn't do anything, for fuck's sake!”

 

His remark made Sango roll her eyes and Miroku shake his head.

 

“You are such a jerk sometimes,” said Sango.

 

“InuYasha, you are so dense,” said Miroku.

 

“Why the fuck is everybody picking on me?” said InuYasha, unconsciously drawing Kagome in closer and cradling her on his lap.

 

“Can you believe this?” said Sango ruefully, turning to Miroku.

 

“Well, that's our hanyou friend,” replied Miroku. “Fucking unbelievable.”

 

“Okay, enough of this shit!” InuYasha exploded. “It's getting late and we should think about finding a place to camp for the night.”

 

“Whatever you say, O fearless leader,” said Miroku, helping Sango to her feet.

 

InuYasha picked up Kagome and she carefully climbed on his back. Making sure they had all their belongings, they set off, away from Sesshomaru's fortress and back into the forest.

 

As the sun began to set, sending its rays through the branches of the trees to shine on InuYasha's small group, they found a place to camp. The clearing was free of trees and fairly clear of forest debris. Kagome felt a bit helpless, since she could not go and look for firewood with the others. But InuYasha did not go far, staying close enough to keep an eye on her and make sure she was safe from any youkai attacks.

 

When all the firewood was gathered, InuYasha went hunting. By the time he got back with his catch, Miroku had got a fire started. They had roasted rabbit and some more ramen for dinner.

 

The night grew cool, and Kagome shivered as she lay down some towels for her, Miroku and Sango to lie on. Too bad she didn't have a sleeping bag. InuYasha said he preferred to sleep in the tree that overhung their campsite. As she lay down on the towel, hugging herself and shivering some more, she suddenly heard a thud. Looking up, she saw InuYasha above her. He took off his jacket and laid it on her, then jumped back into the tree before she could thank him. With a sigh, she pulled the jacket up to her chin and snuggled underneath it. It still had his body warmth, and as she went to sleep, she imagined she was in his arms, and smiled.