InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Truth's Tears ❯ Just This One Night ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer~ All rights for Inu Yasha belong to Rumiko Takahashi. This fiction is only for entertainment purposes. And if any part of this fanfiction resembles another it is purely coincidental.

Chapter 4 ~ Just This One Night

"The stars, simple, brilliant spots in the sky. Tiny little dots that no matter how hard you try to reach you will never touch, never feel the light they shine and never understand why they twinkle the way they do. Until you take that final step and for a moment all is right in the world..."

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Darkness. All around her was darkness, and her life was lived under this heavy veil.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, giving the air around her a certain ambience. Pausing momentarily, she gazed upward through the trees and at the small peeks of sky above.

Cold. She was so cold, her skin was cold, her eyes were cold and her heart was cold.

One lone, lazy beam of light drifted over her ethereal form, as if attempting to caress her with its warmth. Turning away she moved onward, sliver and blue youkai floating beside her. Her companions, her attendants in death, keeping her clay body alive by the souls they brought her nightly. Memories of a life lived haunted her, bringing back old feelings that were no longer hers.

"I WILL protect you! I will keep you safe! Naraku will not have you!"

A frown crossed her forever blank face, "Protect me from what? A life I have no right living or from the death I was brought back from?"

Darkened eyes, unholy eyes, eyes of a woman scorned clouded briefly with tears. Her delicate steps never ending, and the breaking of her heart never ceasing. She was forever doomed to relive the night he had broken her heart. Forever doomed to see the love in his eyes turn into hatred as he stood above her dying body. Forever doomed to be loved and not allowed to love in return.

A cold breeze carried the one word from her lips into the darkness of the surrounding forest. Her steps faltering as she crumpled to the forest floor, tears finally freed, rolled down her cheeks. The usual blank stare turning into one of despair and sadness as she cried out softly.

"Inu Yasha..."

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Another day peeked through the clouds, watching as a small group of travelers moved through the countryside. The sun, casting its loving light upon the companions, moved higher into the sky, chasing away the darkness and its memories. Sorrow and depression still hung in the air, as each member chose to grieve in their own way. Regardless of that fact, when one loses a loved one there are steps many will go through. Grief: the first, where `what if's' and blame is placed on oneself or others; denial, where one suddenly cannot admit to the fact that the loved one is gone and never coming back. And lastly, anger...

"Inu Yasha! SIT!"

"HENTAI!"

...the last emotion that most will respond with passionate displeasure.

"...SIT, SIT, SIT, SIT!!"

Another day had come too soon. Proving that though death was a part of life, life does go on after death. And to Kagome and the others that gave them all the more reason to hunt down the last remaining shards and destroy Naraku.

Trekking through the country side, Kagome was once again in deep thought as she pushed her bike over the bumpy trail. Her eyes had once again turned bright, and her heart felt a bit lighter. Kouga wouldn't have wanted her to worry over him. He would have rather had her go on with her life. A ghost of a smile touched her lips as she imagined what he would say if he saw her like this. Probably something along the lines of, "Oi! Never fear Kagome! Even in death nothing will stop me from making you mine! Our love has no boundaries."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips drawing several worried eyes to her quaking form. With a sigh she simply waved off their unspoken questions as she lowered her face, keeping her memories to herself. Kouga was her friend, and though she had found his attention flattering if not embarrassing and uncomfortable at times, she had cared for him deeply. Now if Inu Yasha would treat her the same way the wolf prince had, then she could truly be happy.

A soft cough snapped her from her thoughts, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled softly to the young monk behind her. Watching as his eyes warmed and he smiled in return.

"I assume you have found your answers, Lady Kagome." It was more of a statement than a question and Kagome nodded her head.

"Most of them, although some will stay unanswered for a while." Kagome felt her heart drop as she remembered the retreating form of the man she loved just the other night. "I'm still waiting for my star." She whispered softly moving her gaze toward the white-haired hanyou.

Miroku followed her gaze and nodded solemnly before falling quiet and allowing her to her thoughts once more.

They traveled like this for several hours, until Kagome asked that they stop for lunch. Inu Yasha snorted before responding softly, "There's a village up ahead. We'll go ahead and break there."

If Kagome had been shocked by his decision she didn't let onto it as she nodded her head and continued to follow the hanyou. Ever since Kouga and Ayame's death, everyone had been acting a bit off, so why would Inu Yasha be any different. Kouga and Inu Yasha may have fought all of the time, but deep down, Kagome knew they had respected each other greatly. And Kouga's death had been a great shock for the hanyou.

Laughter from the village children pulled at Kagome's heart as they entered the small farming community. Inu Yasha instinctively stiffened while Shippo buried a little deeper into the basket, as youkai and hanyou it was still hard for them to relax in a strange human's presence. Kagome closed her eyes as she fought the sudden anger that rose up inside of her, why couldn't people see the difference from good youkai and evil? And yet her question already had an answer, one she knew even from her time, people are fickle. They will fear what they do not understand and will destroy those that are just a little bit different from themselves.

Forcing herself to take several deep breaths, Kagome calmed her already frazzled nerves, it would do her no good to get heated over something silly. Then from the corner of her eye she spied Miroku grin that wicked, `fresh meat', smile of his as he quickly scampered into the village. Rolling her eyes, Kagome quickly plastered a kind smile to her face as the rest of the group entered the village together.

They were received kindly by the village elders, no doubt thanks to Miroku and his ever present `dark and ominous cloud'. Kagome had to smile, Miroku had the ability to zone in on the most loutish proprietor of the villagers and humble him with Miroku's generosity. Today was no different as they were now resting comfortably, with full stomachs from the wonderful food that had been prepared for them.

Kagome stifled a yawn behind her hand, leaning comfortably against the patio railing and watching Shippo bounce and play with the rest of the children. It was so peaceful that Kagome, for a moment, forgot about everything that had happened. She was perfectly content just to lean back and watch the clouds roll by, closing herself off to the world. But her peace was short lived as the rest of the group quickly fell into their usual routines.

Miroku had begun wandering around town, asking each pretty lady his infamous question. Suffering from several slaps from most of the women, while the rest simply blushed and giggled. Only to be dragged off by the ear by a rather peeved Sango, who in turn apologized for his actions with the excuse that he was mentally insane. Causing Miroku to retaliate the only way he knew how, grope.

"HENTAI!" Sango's form shook with embarrassment and fury as she quickly brought her weapon down onto his head, with a resounding CLUNK. Miroku hit the ground fast and hard, smiling stupidly and unconscious. Sango stormed off, leaving the swirly eyed monk to the mercy of the insect nest he had landed on.

Laughing softly, Kagome turned her gaze back to Shippo watching as he transformed into a bright pink ball and delighting the rest of the children. `Ah to be a child again,' Kagome thought to herself. A pang of regret settled in her heart as she continued to watch Shippo play with the village children. He needed this. He needed some time to be a child, to feel happy and enjoy his childhood like anyone else. He needed to be away from the constant battles, the constant risk to his life or the risk of losing someone else he cared for.

Pushing herself off from the railing, Kagome stood and stretched. A long, lazy yawn being drawn from her weary form, feeling as her muscles pulled and tugged and popped bones back into place. Yes this had been what she needed, a nice long break from everything.

A soft moan alerted her to the now waking monk, turning her head slightly she watched in amusement as he quickly realized many small creatures were trekking across his body. With a slight yelp, Miroku stood quickly and began to frantically brush the pests off his person. Kagome giggled lightly while she watched the always reserved monk begin to dance around, panic clearly written in his eyes.

Stopping in his tracks, Miroku gazed over at a highly amused Kagome, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her swallow her giggles. The eerie sensation of many legged creatures walking all over him continued, and he fought the urge to strip down and curse at the damned insects.

Kagome couldn't help it as a soft laugh broke free at Miroku's sudden wide eyed expression. His hand suddenly tightening around the staff he carried, a look of pure horror crossing his expression as he fought to control his voice.

"Lady Kagome, if you'd excuse me, I must, I must ....get these damn ants off of my... Excuse me!" With that he quickly vanished from her sight, leaving Kagome to shake her head in pity for the poor monk who was more than likely checking to make sure everything was unharmed.

Smiling to herself, Kagome once more stretched her tired limbs and suddenly frowned. She hadn't seen Inu Yasha in quite some time, freezing her movements Kagome did a quick check with her senses. No shards were detected and she didn't sense the cold chill that was Kikiyo's signature. So where was Inu Yasha? Relaxing her arms, Kagome nibbled on her lip nervously, wondering if she should risk searching for the arrogant hanyou. Chewing on her bottom lip a moment more, she made up her mind. She'd go for a walk and if she stumbled across Inu Yasha, okay fine, no big deal, she was only taking a walk after all.

Groaning to herself, Kagome moved away from the shade of the large hut and made her way across the village and into the forest. She was not looking for Inu Yasha. She was only taking a stroll.

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"Damn, damn, damn!" Kagome cursed for the third time since she had decided to go for `a walk'. As if things couldn't get any worse it had began raining thirty minutes into her stroll, leaving Kagome wet, tired, cold and to far from the village for shelter. So there she sat, crouched under one of the many low hanging trees, hoping that lighting wouldn't strike this particular tree.

Blowing her wind blown and rain drenched hair from her eyes, Kagome groaned. "Where is Inu Yasha? It's been long enough, normally he would have hunted me down by now."

Looking up, Kagome watched the raindrops fall around her, slowly she smiled against the gloom. She was lost, alone in the middle of nowhere and her light, her love was nowhere to be seen. But she wasn't afraid she knew he would find her, he always found her, he never left her lost for long.

It was times like these that she felt a strange connection with the walking dead Miko, they both loved the same man, they were both willing to do what they thought was best for Inu Yasha. Kikyo had wanted him to use the jewel to become human and to feel free from the loneliness that plagued him. To free her from the obligation to the jewel and allow her to live a normal life, a life that would allow her to love him freely. Kagome wanted Inu Yasha to be happy, whatever measures it would take she would do so just to see him happy. And yet she too was trapped by obligation and unable to love him openly.

Within 500 years things had not changed, she was still bound by a promise she had made to protect the Shikon jewel. Inu Yasha was still the one piece of puzzle that her life rotated around, only he could release her from the obligations now and 500 years ago.

The rain continued to fall around her and Kagome continued to think on her favorite topic. She was not prepared for the sudden growl and curse with her name included.

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"God damn woman taking a god damn walk in the middle of a god damn rain storm! Keh! Doesn't she know my sense of smell sucks in this weather. Stupid god damn woman!" Inu Yasha growled to himself as he bound through the trees, keen eyes constantly keeping a watch out for her green and white uniform.

He was soaked, completely and totally drenched and the soft breeze sifting through his hair did not make things any better. Wet hair whipped in his face forcing him to close his eyes momentarily and thus causing him to stumble more times than he liked.

"God damn it Kagome, where are you!" Inu Yasha snarled out loud. "So help me, wench when I see you." Inu Yasha left the thought open, he already knew. He'd yell and snarl and bitch at her and she would remain silent as her fury rose to the surface then BAM! She'd say that oh so hated little word and leave Inu Yasha behind like a chastened puppy.

"Inu Yasha!"

The suddenness of Kagome's voice startled Inu Yasha from his thoughts so much that it caused him to miss a step and crash to the forest floor.

"Inu Yasha!"

Groaning softly to himself, Inu Yasha pulled himself from his prone position to a more suitable squatting one. Huffing angrily, Inu Yasha waited for Kagome to find him and in the mean time he proceeded to pull stray twigs and leaves from his hair. Oh the things he did and the crap he had to put up with for this girl.

"Wench!"

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Kagome rushed through the heavy brush, sending rain formed mist spraying everywhere as she quickly made her way to Inu Yasha. Her heart beating fast in her chest, she had seen Inu Yasha fall, she had seen the startled look in his eyes and she was worried about him.

Calling out his name a second time she hoped for a response, hoped for anything but the eerie silence that greeted her, anything that could alert her that everything was alright. That he had simply slipped, there was no danger, there were no evil youkai after him that he was fine.

"Wench!"

Kagome halted her steps immediately. Her worried brow bunching up in silent confusion then relaxing to annoyance. A soft smile graced her lips as she glared at the dense foliage before moving onward again. Her steps less hurried as she walked to the hanyou that was currently picking leaves from his rain-sodden hair. She couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped from her lips as she gazed at the pathetic sight before her. Inu Yasha simply looked like a drowned rat. His hair hung limply around his shoulders, a few stray strands stuck to his cheek while the bangs completely covered his eyes.

"Inu Yasha?" Her voice was soft and bemused as she called out to him.

Inu Yasha groaned, pushing the insistent locks of hair from his eyes and glared at Kagome's smiling face.

"Find something funny?" His question punctuated with a growl.

Biting her bottom lip Kagome resisted the urge the break out into full hysterical laughter. At the moment Inu Yasha looked as threatening as, well as threatening as a puppy.

"Not at all."

Inu Yasha merely snorted as he rose, brushing the mud from his body and glaring at Kagome's quivering form. Forcing himself to remain relatively calm Inu Yasha stared into her chocolate eyes.

"Where the hell have you been? And what possessed you to come out in the middle of a rain storm?"

Kagome felt the tell-tell sign of annoyance rise up from inside as her previous amusement vanished. Kagome took a desperate breath of fresh air, she was not going to allow him to get her.

"I was worried and went looking for your sorry butt. Like I knew it was going to start raining, it looked like a nice day!"

Inu Yasha watched her as her words sank in. She was worried about him? She had gone looking for him? Inu Yasha forced his blank look to turn annoyed and he replied harshly,
"Wench, I can damn well take care of myself! I don't need your coddling, besides its your ass you should worry about."

Kagome flinched her anger vanishing. No matter how long she had been with him, his harsh words still stabbed at her heart. Lowering her head, she stared listlessly at her shoes before muttering softly.

"Am I really that useless to you?" Mentally she continued her thought with, `will you ever see me for more than Kagome the shard detector, Kagome the reincarnation?'

Inu Yasha froze. He had heard her softly uttered words and frowned, she wasn't useless, helpless maybe but never useless.

Kagome turned around, facing away from the white haired man she loved and sighed. The chill of the wet weather reaching her soul as she laughed softly, her eyes burning with unshed tears.

"Of course I'm useless, how could I be so stupid? All I can do is see those ridiculous jewel shards, I'm always being kidnaped, hurt or used, forcing you all to come to my rescue. After three years I still can't control my Miko powers let alone shoot a straight line with my arrows. I can't even tell the man I love how much I care about him for fear he'll reject me, shun me, push me away." Her voice tapering off in the end as she laughed once more, turning her dark head Kagome smiled a depressively sweet smile.

"And yet I still cling on to the hope that my star will come down from his heaven and whisk me away. That maybe he'll realize that without him I'm not whole, that my soul calls out to his. That he'll see me as his equal, worthy of his time of his love, so that I may stand by his side proudly." Kagome sighed once more, her eyes dropping and drawing forward to stare before her. Tears pooling from her eyes and mingling with the raindrops on her cheeks, hiding the fact that she was crying silent, bitter tears.

Inu Yasha listened raptly as she bared her soul to him, bared her emotions in a moment of self loathing. His golden eyes watched her somber ones call out to him before turning away once more. A sense of deja' vu hitting him, memories of the other night awaking within his mind. And he once again found himself reaching out to her, his hand grasping at the air in a desperate attempt to touch her. No, this time he wouldn't walk away, this time he would reach her.

Taking several tentative steps forward, Inu Yasha closed the distance between them. His hand hovering above her shoulder a moment before he closed the last gap between them. He felt her tense under the gentle pressure of his hand, "Kagome?"

Kagome swallowed past the sobs in her throat, Inu Yasha's hand on her shoulder was almost too much for her to deal with. Pulling herself away, Kagome batted away her tears forcing a happy smile on her face before she turned around and looked at Inu Yasha.

"I'm sorry. I guess you really don't want to hear about my personal problems, I'm sorry I told you all of this."

Inu Yasha snorted softly, his hand raising once more to cup Kagome's chin and titling it up look into her pained eyes. His heart broke when he saw the look of pure misery in her misty globes, here was his chance to finally make things right.

"Stupid wench," Inu Yasha didn't finish his sentence with words, instead he lowered his lips to her own and placed a gentle kiss there. Pulling away he gazed into her shell-shocked eyes and smirked.

"Maybe your star was unsure about what your soul was telling him. Maybe he was afraid of causing more pain to your already breaking heart." Carefully Inu Yasha gathered her up in his arms, "Maybe he just didn't know what he needed to say."

Kagome released a sharp sob while she buried her face deeper into his shirt, taking in his scent and memorizing it. Her hands balling up the fabric, refusing to let go, not now not ever.

Inu Yasha sighed heavily, bringing his arms around her shaking form and nuzzling her neck.

"Kagome, I am still bound by a promise I will not break, I need you to understand that."

Kagome nodded against his chest before pulling away long enough to respond, "I understand and I won't make you change your mind. But give me this, give me this one night in your arms."

Inu Yasha nodded slightly, keeping his arms wrapped around her, taking the love and the comfort she had always offered. One night, he would give her this one night.

Pulling away slightly, Inu Yasha peered down at the woman in his arms. A soft smile touching his lips, delicately lifting her chin with one clawed finger. Kagome's bottomless eyes staring into his own, watching him as the back of his hands brushed her cheek. His eyes relaying what his mouth could never say, showing her how he felt without words.

Kagome smiled, her hand lifting from his shirt and caressing his cheek, stroking his soft lips and running tenderly down his throat, across his chest and resting against his heart. Inu Yasha dropped his hand from her face and lovingly squeezed the one over his heart, his eyes never leaving her own as he pulled her forward and slanted his lips across hers. His lips demanding nothing until he felt her arms drape around his neck. Pulling away slightly, Inu Yasha explored the slender white column of her throat, his soft tantalizing kisses tracing along Kagome's throat until their lips met once more.

Kagome leaned heavily into Inu Yasha, his soft, undemanding kisses weakening her knees as she fought to stay upright. Her hands clutching the fabric over his shoulders while he pulled away and kissed her throat. Kagome finally gave herself up to the sensation rippling through her flesh. Each soft caress drew her closer to him until she was innocently rubbing herself against his warm body.

Inu Yasha was shaken from his passion hazed stupor the moment Kagome brought her body against the center of his loins. His head dropped onto her shoulder, nuzzling the soft flesh there while he fought to control the passion that was burning him up. His hands sliding up from her waist, running delicately over the smooth skin of her stomach and tracing the indentations of her rips. Causing a faint moan to break free from Kagome's lips as she leaned into his soft caresses.

Inu Yasha's tender ministrations paused as he forced himself to pull away and look questioning into her eyes. Unable to proceed until he knew she wanted this to continue.

Kagome saw the question in Inu Yasha's eyes and smiled, her voice light as she raised up onto her toes, whispering her answer before pressing a kiss to his lips.

"I have made my choice."

Inu Yasha returned her kiss with simple-minded intensity, his hands making short work of the blouse she wore. Pulling away from the kiss long enough to lift the fabric over her head and gaze upon the exposed skin. He hadn't meant to take them this far, but now...the blouse slipped from his fingers and with a low groan Inu Yasha circled her waist and pulled Kagome against his chest. His nimble fingers releasing the latch to Kagome's bra, freeing her breasts to the cool rain scented air.

Kagome shivered, uncertain of what to expect. Inu Yasha's eyes burned where they touched her, turning her belly into a lake of fire. She nearly collapsed when his hands unlatched her bra and pulled it away from her now nude torso.

Inu Yasha growled in approval as he brought his mouth to the valley between her breasts. Slowly he moved down to draw her right nipple into his mouth. After a few moments he released the hot, wet flesh and blew upon it. Kagome writhed in his arms a soft moan breaking from her lips.

"Inu Yasha..." She was shivering uncontrollably, the desire burning through her veins sending a steady pulse to the area between her legs. Breaking free from his embrace, Kagome tugged his shirt loose from his body, finding it easy to remove the clothing from their ties. Inu Yasha shrugged out of his shirt and under kimono, leaving himself clad in only his pants.

Hesitantly, Kagome reached out to touch the smooth skin, his muscles glistened in the light reflecting off of the raindrops. Her hands tentatively ran across his throat, down his breastbone to his hard, flat belly. Her hands gently tugging on the waist band of his pants, curiosity and desire driving her onward.

Inu Yasha tensed as her fingers worked at his waist, and in moments he kicked free of his pants. Bending down he kissed away the last barriers separating them, anxious to discover how Kagome's nude body would feel against the length of him. He quickly drew Kagome against him with an intensity that surprised them both. He slowly lowered them to the forest floor, using his clothing as a makeshift mattress from the cold dampness of the ground.

Kagome felt a wave of panic wash over her as she felt the texture of Inu Yasha's skin pressed so closely to her own. His flesh was smooth and unmarred; his muscles rippled and corded beneath her touch. Only the rigid maleness prodding almost painfully into the sensitive skin of her thigh caused her alarm. And with a quick look downward, Kagome felt a new wave of panic jolt through her. How in the world would she ever be able to take him without being ripped in two?

Inu Yasha smirked at her innocent wide eyed expression, leaning over her small body he tenderly nipped her cheek. His voice falling from his lips soft and husky as he whispered in her ear.

"Touch me, Kagome. Don't be afraid."

All of Kagome's nerve fluttered out of the window as she shook her head in the negative. Inu Yasha growled softly and guided her hand to the pale, crisp thatch of hair below his waist. Her fingers tentatively reaching out and brushed against his manhood, glancing up sharply when she heard Inu Yasha's sudden intake of breath. His hand hadn't yet left hers, still gently tugging her hand forward until she finally took hold of him. Kagome marveled at the silky smoothness of the flesh as she carefully stroked him, a small blush coming to her cheeks when she a soft moan in her ear.

Inu Yasha pulled her hand away from his flesh and pressed a soft kiss to her palm as he nestled between her thighs. For a moment Kagome was frightened by the intensity of his golden eyes locked completely on her own. With deliberate ease, he lifted her hips slightly as he rubbed against her heat, coating himself in her silk. At her sudden look of astonished passion he grew even harder, throbbing with the beat of his heart as he entered her slowly.

Kagome felt pressure first, then a burning sensation deep inside making her cry out and, in a moment of madness, she sank her teeth into his shoulder. Inu Yasha grunted softly at the pain, acknowledging her right to inflict it. Virgin's blood exchanged for his own. He stopped for a moment, caressing her arm and whispering endearments against her neck until her pain faded and passion sprang anew.

Kagome gasped as Inu Yasha moved inside her, gripping his back, she lifted her head to kiss the straining cords of this throat. His groan rumbling against her lips as he thrust deeply inside of her.

Kagome cried out again, something was tightening deep within her. Breathing became difficult as each thrust brought her closer to some ripening crescendo. Inu Yasha found her lips, muting the cries that Kagome vaguely realized she was making. She was burning with need as she met his thrusts again and again. Then it snapped within her, sending out fragments of pleasure so intense that Kagome thought she would faint. She was barely aware of the convulsive shudder tearing through Inu Yasha

After a long time he shuddered into stillness, his lips pressing tired kisses to her eyes and cheeks. Only when Kagome opened her eyes did he press a deep kiss to her lips, rolling to his back, Inu Yasha brought her with him so that her head rested against his shoulder. His hand weaving through her damp locks as he whispered softly.

"You are mine, Kagome. I claim you."

tbc...

A/N ::wipes sweet from brow:: God that was a long chapter to write! I'm sorry that this chapter took so long to get posted, but my co-author and beta left for college, so I'm kinda out on my own for now. I really hope this chapter made some sense, it was extremely difficult to write. I don't know how long I argued with myself about adding the lemon. I am supremely proud of the way it turned out, I just hope it wasn't too early. Hopefully it will tie things together later on. Anyway I wanted to thank everyone for their reviews, they kept me going even though writer's block had me stuck there for a while. Hopefully the next chapter will be out quicker than this one, it will more then likely be a heck of a lot shorter! ^^