InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ What Friends Are For ❯ Rash Decisions, Immediate Pain ( Chapter 5 )

I don't know if anyone noticed, but I kind of revealed who Kagome chooses in the beginning by mistake. And if you didn't catch it before, well, you do now. The good thing is, you don't know how she's going to get there and so, you are stuck with me for the rest of the ride. And for those who are questioning why the other main characters aren't popping up by chapter 4, I'm saving them for later. Sit back, relax and enjoy!!!!

 

Chapter 5: Rash Decisions, Immediate Pain

 

Kagome slept restlessly that night. Her dreams were all mixed up. There seemed to be two men wandering through them- one calm and filled with authority, the other laughing and teasing her.

 

Scraps of conversation danced in her head. She heard Inuyasha asking, “Come to New York with me. . . with me. . . with me. . . me. . .”

 

Sesshomaru appeared. He paced before her as she sat at the witness stand. He kept demanding over and over, “What is your relationship to this man?” He would point to a cage in the corner of the room. When Kagome looked inside the cage Inuyasha sat there- a ten year old Inuyasha with his baseball cap and ragged sneakers on.

 

No matter what she tried to say, Sesshomaru continued to ask, “What is your relationship to this man?”

 

“Kagome, you're going to be late for church if you don't get up soon, dear,” Hitomi called through her closed door.

 

Kagome groaned and pulled her pillow over her head, trying to drown out her mother's voice and the bright sunlight that streamed through her window.

 

What had happened to the night's rest she'd come to take for granted over the years? Kagome felt as though she'd been up all night in some philosophical debate. Bits of her dreams came back to her, but they didn't make sense. Why would she have dreamed of a young Inuyasha in a cage?

 

She forced herself up, trying to get her eyelids to stay open. Having Inuyasha home was having a definite effect on her. She wished she could understand it. For the past three years she had built a life for herself, on her own, without Inuyasha's influence.

 

Within a day of his return, she'd reverted to allowing him to influence her. Take yesterday, for example. They'd played in the park like a couple of kids. `You enjoyed it, though, didn't you,' the little voice insider of her said.

 

“Of course I enjoyed it,” she said aloud.

 

`Then what are you complaining about?'

 

She really wasn't sure. There seemed something rather childish about enjoying herself, but she couldn't quite decide what it was.

 

Kagome wandered into her bathroom and turned on the shower. Her mother had been right. If she didn't hurry she'd be late for church.

 

By the time she was dressed and grabbed some toast and coffee, Kagome was late for the church service. She waited outside the sanctuary doors until after the opening prayer, and then slipped into the pew where her family generally sat.

 

When she hastily thumbed through the hymnal for the first selection she glanced around her. Sesshomaru had become a member of the church and unless he was out of town, he usually attended Sunday services, but she didn't see him this morning.

 

The congregation was well into the second verse of the hymn when someone paused by the pew. Kagome became aware that someone else was later than she was. She looked up, half expecting Sesshomaru. Instead, Inuyasha edged into the pew beside her and took one side of her hymnbook in a silent request to share.

 

He looked rested and well groomed and when she met his eyes he gave her a smile that would have warmed the heart of the coldest critic.

 

Kagome felt her own heart sink. She didn't want to see Inuyasha Sano. Not today. Not until she was able to get her life into some sort of order. Whether she liked it or not, Inuyasha was a definite distraction to her.

 

What would Sesshomaru think if he saw them standing there together, after his questions last night? Why hadn't she mentioned Inuyasha to Sesshomaru before?

 

Could it be because she was ashamed of their relationship? How absurd. That would be the same as saying that she was ashamed of herself. Inuyasha was so much a part of her he seemed to be an extension of her. Funny, she'd never thought about that before this weekend.

 

She'd been so hurt when he went to New York. But it had been good for her. She'd gotten in touch herself and her own views and goals. If Inuyasha hadn't gone away she probably would have drifted into marriage with him, just because he was so familiar. She couldn't help but wonder just what was wrong with that picture.

 

The pew where they stood was full. When the hymn was concluded and everyone sat down, Inuyasha was pressed against her side, from shoulder to thigh. She tried to shift but that didn't seem to help. Finally, he placed his arm on the back of the pew, giving them a little extra space, but creating a visual intimacy between them that Kagome could easily have done without.

 

Whenever she glanced at him, Inuyasha responded with a look of smiling inquiry. He certainly seemed well pleased with himself this morning. Obviously, nothing had disturbed his sleep last night.

Kagome realized that she hadn't heard a word the pastor had said during his sermon. It was only when he mentioned the announcements in the bulletin and she heard her name that Kagome became aware that she had missed most of the service.

 

“You will note that this coming Saturday Sesshomaru Kenshin and Kagome Higurashi will be joined in holy matrimony before this altar,” the reverend said with a smile. “The Higurashis extended an invitation to each and every one of you to join them in celebrating their daughter's wedding and hope to see you all there.”

 

Kagome felt as though a spotlight had fallen on her and Inuyasha as they sat there so closely. She forced herself to keep her eyes trained on the reverend, whose friendly smile served as a beacon of sanity in this sea of confusion. This, too, shall pass. The thought seemed to flow around her and she gained some comfort from it.

 

As soon as the final song was sung, she was ready to bolt from the church and search for solitude. Instead, it seemed as though everyone who attended church that morning wanted to stop and speak to her . . . and to Inuyasha, who continued to stand beside her in the crowd.

 

“My, if it doesn't look natural to see the two of you together again,” one woman said with a smile after she had greeted them.

 

“It's good to see you, Mrs. Takahashi,” Inuyasha said easily. Her husband owned the local hardware store and had been Inuyasha's coach during his years of Little League.

 

“I don't suppose you came back in time to stop the wedding now, did you, young man?” she said archly and Kagome suddenly prayed for a trap door that would allow her to drop from sight.

 

Inuyasha just laughed.

 

Mrs. Houshi joined them. “Where is your man this morning, Kagome? When I first saw you standing there this morning, I thought Inuyasha was your Mr. Kenshin.”

 

“I'm not sure where Sesshomaru is, Mrs. Houshi? How's Mr. Houshi's leg?”

 

“Oh, it's healing right nicely. He was just lucky he didn't lose it, being so careless around the farm machinery.” Not to be led astray from her subject, she want on. “Guess Mr. Kenshin can find better things to do with his time than to go to church on Sunday morning. Those big city people don't seem to consider it as important as some of us,” she said with an affected sniff.

 

“Oh, I'm sure it's nothing like that, Mrs. Houshi. But since we're going to be away for a week, Sesshomaru's been putting in long hours trying to clear his calendar.”

 

“Well, it's good to see you here, Inuyasha,” Mrs. Houshi said without commenting on Kagome's explanation. “Wish you were back home all the time.”

 

Inuyasha grinned. “Well, if there's some way I could convince the production crew to film Hope for Tomorrow here in Payton, I'd move back in a flash.”

 

Everyone laughed, except Kagome, who had a sudden vision of what life would be like if Brad lived there full time. Her beautifully planned future would probably fall into complete disarray! She edged her way around the group that had gathered just outside the church doors. She'd almost made it to her car when Inuyasha caught up with her.

 

“Mind if I get a ride home with you?”

 

“What's wrong with your car?”

 

“As you know, I've been using Mom's car. It wouldn't start this morning, so I got a ride in with Mom and Dad. They were on their way to visit friends for the day.”

 

“I'm surprised you didn't go with them,” Kagome said, giving into the inevitable and motioning for him to get in.

 

“I thought about it, but decided I'd rather spend the day with you.”

 

“Why?” she asked baldly.

 

He looked at her in surprise, noticing for the first time the dark shadows under her eyes. “Why?” he repeated. “Do I have to have a reason to want to spend the day with you?”

 

She shrugged. “What if I've already made plans?”

 

“Have you?”

 

Good question. Sesshomaru hadn't called before she left, but he'd made it clear today would be extremely busy for him. She'd be lucky to receive a phone call before he left for St. Louis.

 

She glanced over at Inuyasha. “Not really,” she admitted.

 

“Why don't we rake the boat out on the lake?” he suggested. “It looks like a perfect day for it.”

 

Kagome thought about his suggestion for a moment. She enjoyed nothing more than being out on the water. The lake had been formed by a dam built over the river. When they were younger she and Inuyasha had spent many a day following the river and exploring some of the coves that had formed when the water backed up.

 

The thought of a peaceful cove somewhere seemed to be an excellent idea. “All right,” she agreed.

 

“Do you suppose you could find your way around your mom's kitchen enough to make us something to take along to eat?” Inuyasha asked with a grin.

 

She refused to rise to the bait. “I'm sure I can. It would probably astound you how well I manage on my own these days.”

 

He watched her in silence as they turned down the road that led to their homes. “Is something wrong. Kagome?”

 

Funny he should ask. “What could possibly be wrong, Inuyasha? I'm getting married in six days. Everything is perfect.” She refused to look at him.

 

“You look tired.”

 

“I've been keeping a busy schedule. School was just out and I've had a lot to do, getting ready for the wedding.”

 

Inuyasha said nothing more and Kagome found some comfort in the ensuing silence.

 

-+-

 

Hours later, Kagome knew she'd been right to accept Inuyasha's invitation. This was just what she'd needed. Her sleek, one piece suit was great to swim in. They had found a cove where they could swim without being afraid of being run over by a boat hauling water skiers.

 

Inuyasha and Kagome had spent as much time in the water as they could all the years they'd lived a the lake. Consequently they were very much at home in it. They were like a pair of dolphins playing and they quickly returned to the pattern of their childhood. Once again, Kagome had forgot all about Sesshomaru's promise to call her.

 

By the time they had decided to eat, both of them were laughing and winded.

 

Kagome had cheated. She had raided the fridge, knowing her mother wouldn't care. There had been some leftover chicken, some ham, potato salad, and fresh vegetables, all peeled and sliced. And for dessert, she had cut giant slices of her mother's cherry chocolate cake.

 

By the time they had finished eating, they felt too lazy to move.

 

“When do you have to get back?” Inuyasha asked, squinting up at the sun as though trying to decide the time.

 

“No particular time, I suppose.”

 

“Is Sesshomaru coming over?”

 

Sesshomaru. She hadn't given him a thought for several hours. A surge of guilt flooded through her. No doubt he'd spent the day working while she was out playing like some carefree teenager.

 

Inuyasha seemed to have that effect on her. She didn't understand it. When she was with Sesshomaru, she behaved as a mature adult would. Somehow Inuyasha brought out the child in her.

 

“He didn't say,” she finally said, in response to Inuaysha's question.

 

“I suppose he's really busy.”

 

“Yeas.”

 

“He appears to be very successful.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Must put in long hours.”

 

“He has, ever since I've known him.”

 

“Doesn't have much time to relax and enjoy himself, then,” Inuyasha offered.

 

Kagome glanced over at him thoughtfully. “I think he enjoys himself. His practice is something he enjoys. Not only is it his job, it's his avocation as well.”

 

“Do you think you're going to be happy with that sort of life, Kagome?” Inuyasha asked. His serious expression let her know he was really concerned.

 

She leaned back on the cushioned seat. “I won't mind it. I'm busy, too, not only with teaching but with the theater group. We each have our own lives, but e enjoy each other's company as well.”

 

“It seems such a tepid existence for you, of all people.”

 

She sat up and looked at him with a hint of indignation. “What do you mean me of all people?”

 

“Oh you know, Kaggie. You're so full of life and vitality, your energy never seems to run down. I can't see all of that passion bottled into such a tame existence.”

 

She laughed. “You're crazy. I'm not some wild passionate creature who craves excitement.”

 

“Maybe not. But you could be. The only time you let it loose is on stage. You've never allowed it to show, except when you lose your temper.”

 

“Which I never do, except when you're around.”

 

“Why do you suppose that is?”

 

“Besides the fact that you can be extremely aggravating at times and more than a little irritating at other times?” She widened her eyes in an innocent stare. “Why, I have no idea, Mr. Sano. None at all.”

 

He leaned back so that he was stretched full length across the rear of the boat. “I came home to break your engagement,” he said in a matter of fact tone.

 

His quiet statement caused her to come out of her seat. “You did what?”

 

“You heard me.”

 

“How dare you even consider it?”

 

“I know. I finally came to the same conclusion.”

 

She stared at him in disbelief. “But why would you even want to?”

 

He shrugged. “It doesn't matter now. Since I've met him and talked to you, I realize that if he's what you want, I have no right to cause problems for you.”

 

The idea that he had even thought of doing such a thing infuriated her. “Just who the fuck do you think you are-God?”

 

“No. But I am your friend. I care about what happens to you. I didn't want to see you make a mistake.”

 

“And you think you know better than I do what's best for me.”

 

“Obviously not, or I would have gone through with it.”

 

“You egotistical, arrogant son of a bitch! I do believe that your new status and identity have gone to your head!”

 

“Aw, come on, Runt, you know better than that.”

 

“And stop calling me that.”

 

“You never used to mind it.”

 

“Well, I do now. It was all right when we were kids. It's fucking annoying now.”

 

Kagome couldn't remember the last time she had felt such anger. Whenever it was, she was certain that she had directed it at Inuyasha then, as well. He was the most impossible, infuriating, hard headed-well, she ran out of names to call him.

 

“I want to go home,” she said in carefully level tones. “Before I attempt to kill you,” she added in a low tone. To think she had ever considered him a friend. But no friend would even consider doing to her what he had admitted planning.

 

Inuyasha sat up. “Fine with me.”

 

She turned the blower switch on, giving time for the fumes to clear before starting the boat. Without another word, they began to pack up the remains of their lunch. Then Kagome started the boat and began to leave the cove.

 

As soon as they cleared the cove, she moved the throttle and began to pick up speed. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement and glanced around in time to see another boat shooting around the point, coming straight at her. Pure reflex saved them from a nasty collision.

 

Kagome yelled and jerked the steering wheel hard, cutting their speed at the same time. The combination of suddenly turning and losing speed caused quite a commotion on board and Kagome heard some bumps and then Inuyasha's yell behind her.

 

The other boat went by. It was filled with a bunch of teenagers who were laughing and waving at her.

 

“Fucking fucktarts!” she yelled. She doubted that they heard her words, but she felt better. Turning around, she began to say “Inuyasha, I'm sorry. I hope you didn't-”

 

He was crumpled on the deck and the ice chest was lying on top of him.

 

“Inuyasha!” Kagome climbed over a loose oar and some life jackets that had spilled during the near collision. She knelt by his side. Shoving the cooler aside, she reached for him. His color seemed to be gone and he wasn't moving. There was a gash at his temple, and blood seemed to be everywhere. “Oh, God! Inuyasha!”

 

He didn't respond.

 

Frantic, Kagome looked around. The had come a few miles from home. There was nothing on the shore that indicated that people might be close by. Even in her panic, she knew she had to get help. The closest she could think of was home.

 

Kagome grabbed a towel and began to clean the blood from his face. She held pressure there until the flow eased up. Then she gently checked to see if she could find other injures.

 

He was out cold and she didn't know ho badly he'd been hit. There was nothing more she could do now. She had to get him to the hospital as quickly as possible.

 

Kagome didn't even realize she was crying until she had to keep blinking to see where she was going on the way home.

 

Inuyasha was hurt and it was her fault. She'd been so mad at him. She'd even thought about doing him bodily harm! And look what had happened. “I didn't mean it, God. You know I didn't mean it. Don't let it be serious. Please. Please let him be all right.”

 

She set new speed records getting home. As soon as she could tie up the boat at her dock, she ran up the path. “Mom! Dad! Call an ambulance, Inuyasha's been hurt.”

 

Kagome burst into the house, gasping for breath. Sesshomaru met her by the time she reached the kitchen, her parents right behind him. She absently noticed his casual dress but she had no time to question him.

 

“What's the matter, Sweetheart?”

 

“It's Inuyasha. He fell. Hit his head. He's bleeding and I don't know how badly he's hurt.”

 

He grabbed her by the shoulders. “All right, now. Calm down. You call an ambulance and we'll go check on him.”

 

Quickly she nodded, reaching for the wall phone and glancing at the emergency number posted below.

 

Later, Kagome couldn't seem to remember all of the events. She knew Sesshomaru and her dad had gone down to the landing and had brought Inuyasha up to the house. He was still unconscious.

 

She'd called his parents and they were all there when the ambulance arrived. Without thinking about it, Kagome crawled into the ambulance with him, holding his hand and whispering to him. “I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. You know that. It was just a crazy accident. Please get better. Please don't be hurt bad.” The attendant handed her a tissue and she realized that tears still streamed down her face.

 

The doctor was waiting for them when they arrived and it was only when they'd taken him into the room that Kagome realized that she was still standing barefoot in her swimsuit.

 

Both sets of parents and Sesshomaru arrived within minutes. Her mother had grabbed some clothes for her and Kagome went to the bathroom to change. As soon as she came out, she asked, “Have you heard anything?”

 

They all shook their heads. Sess led her to a couch that looked as though it had been brought off the ark and sat down beside her. “Can you tell us what happened?”

 

As coherently as possible, she explained the sequence of events. When she was finished, Sesshomaru asked if she could identify the other boat or any other people in it.

 

“I doubt it. It all happened so fast. They were just a bunch of kids out having a good time and not paying any attention.”

 

“Without your quick responses, it could have been much worse, you know.”

 

Her eyes filled once again. “It was so awful, Sesshomaru,” she said in a choked voice. “We'd been fighting and I was so blasted mad at him, but I didn't want him to get hurt.” She lay her head on his shoulder and cried, her sobs shaking her body.

 

“I know. He's very special to you. I'm beginning to understand that.”

 

He held her until eventually the emotional shock began to abate and she had managed to gain some measure of control.

 

The doctor on call appeared in the doorway of the waiting room. He was new to the area and none of them knew him.

 

He smiled at the three couples waiting and said, “This young man was very lucky. Might have something to do with his demon blood. He did receive a concussion, but it could have been much worse. Blows to the temples are very tricky things.”

 

Inuyasha's mother asked, “But he's going to be all right. You're sure?”

 

“Oh, yes. He came to for a few minutes. He's still groggy and we gave him something to ease the pain.” He paused and glanced at the three women. “Which one of you is Kagome?”

 

Kagome came to her feet. The doctor's smile widened. “You might want to go it and see him for a few minutes. He's disoriented and seems to think something happened to you. He's been calling your name and fighting me, saying he had to find you.”

 

Without a thought, Kagome joined the doctor in the doorway. “Where is he?”

 

He turned and started down the hallway. “We put him in this room,” he said, opening the door and holding it for her.

 

Kagome tiptoed into the room. The shades were drawn and it was dim. The doctor snapped on a nightlight and she could see Inuyasha lying there, his head swathed in white bandages. His eyes were closed and he looked so pale. Kagome bit her lip to keep from crying out.

 

She glanced around and discovered the doctor had left her in the room. Hesitantly she approached the bed. Inuaysha was in a hospital gown and the sheet was folded neatly over the chest. Hish ands rested on either side of him. She took his hand and slowly lifted it to her mouth, brushing her lips across his knuckles.

 

Inuyasha's lashes fluttered, then he slowly opened his eyes. “Kagome?” His lips moved but there was very little sound.

 

“I'm here, Inuyasha.”

 

“You okay?” he managed to say. He was having trouble moving his mouth.

 

“I'm fine. It's you we've been worried about.”

 

“What happened?”

 

“A boat almost rammed us. I dodged to miss them and threw you halfway across our boat.” Tears began to stream down her face once more. “Oh, Inuyasha. I'm sorry.”

 

“Wasn't your fault,” he said drowsily.

 

“I'm sorry I got so mad at you. I was afraid you'd been killed and I would never be able to tell you how sorry I am.”

 

“I'm too hard headed to be hurt by a blow to my head,” he said slowly, trying to smile. She could see the pain in his eyes and she ached with shared pain. “Besides, you had a right to get angry with me. Trying ti break engagement was childish thing to do.”

 

She smiled. “I'm afraid I have to agree with you there, my friend.”

 

“I'm sorry. Forgive me?”

 

She stroked his cheek with her free hand. “You know me, Inuyasha, I can never stay mad at you for long. I never could.”

 

“Good thing,” he replied, his voice slurred. “Or you'd be angry all the time.”

 

“I'm sure the doctor wants you to rest,” she said. “Your folks are waiting outside. I know they want to see you.”

 

He smiled, a slow, sleepy smile that seemed to increase the ache in her heart.

 

She leaned over and kissed him. “I'll see you tomorrow, Inuyasha.” She laid his hand on his chest, but she didn't let go immediately.

 

He squeezed her hand but didn't say anything. She patted the hand she still held and slowly released him, suddenly feeling awkward.

 

Then Kagome turned around and fled the room.