Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ First Love ❯ Chapter 21

Once in a while
You are in my mind
I think about the days that we had
And I dream that these would all come back to me
If only you knew every moment in time
Nothing goes on in my heart
Just like your memories
How I want to be with you here
Once more

 

First Love

 

Chapter Twenty-One

 

 

The ground beneath them was a blur as the small group of six traveled at an unimaginable speed. It was their third day away from their `home' sort to speak and everyone seemed to be slightly on edge and annoyed.

 

None of them knew exactly how long it would take to get to their destination but Youko. He always knew a rough estimation of time it took for them to travel. Kuronue had always guessed that he knew because he `talked' to the plants around them even without opening his mouth.

 

“How long is it going to take to just get there?” Kuronue wined. “It's going to take even more time watching the damn place before we can even raid it.”

 

Youko turned slightly to look at Kuronue who was beside him. “Stop complaining, we'll be there in moments. This was your idea anyway.” The glare he gave Kuronue was almost as scary as the ones he used to give him before and he played it off with a pout.

 

The kitsune was right. They reached their site in moments of Kuronue's complaint and the black haired demon could understand why Youko had given him that glare. He really should be more patient he decided with a sigh.

 

The `site' of which they talked about was just a spot in the forest a few miles away from their real destination. This would substitute as their meeting place and where they would each sleep in the days of their watch.

 

Youko turned to the group. “We are going to split up into three pairs. Taro and Ryo you will watch the Eastern wall. Yoh and Takuma you will watch the Western. Kuronue and I will take the Northern.”

 

He watched as all their heads nodded before continuing. “Be aware that this castle is East of home should anything happen.” It wasn't unlike him to say such a thing while they were out raiding. There was always a possibility that something could go horribly wrong. It was not unheard of for one or two of his men being captured or killed so if there was any hope for them getting home, Youko always made sure to tell them the small information that could possibly help in the end.

 

And he wasn't sure if he would call their `village' home, but to some it was. He had been there for so long that maybe it was starting to become somewhat of a home even if it was mostly filled with obnoxious demons that craved sex.

 

In any case, with a nod of their heads once again, the group split up to begin their watch.

 

--

 

What would have taken a mere human an hour or more only took a few moments for Youko and Kuronue to reach their hiding spot within the trees. Their demon speed was always a plus in these situations.

 

The northern side of the castle held the entrance. It was probably the most exposed side of the castle and that's why Youko had chosen it. He could observe anyone and everyone as they entered or left and it would play to their advantage.

 

Out of the two of them, Youko knew he had to conceal himself better than Kuronue because the shadows from the trees branches and leaves worked for the darker demons advantage. His friend was always dressed in dark colors and Youko idly wondered if maybe he should start to wear darker clothing after this point on for better hiding. Light colored clothes and silver hair that glistened in the sun or moonlight was not the best thing if you didn't want to bring attention to yourself.

 

Positioned on different branches next to each other, both demons let their backs rest against the trunk to begin the watch.

 

“You know,” Kuronue began, glancing at the fox demon, “That woman that is staying with me?”

 

Youko didn't bother to turn his head, too intent on keeping his gaze fixed on the building. Did Kuronue actually think that he paid any attention to the women the dark demon slept with?

 

Kuronue pouted and huffed. “Anyway! She's rather demanding and…” he let himself train off, staring at Youko fully. “Sexy.”

 

Youko's eyebrows rose, this time glancing at his friend before returning his gaze. What the hell was his problem? Youko pictured himself rolling his eyes. His so-called friend was a moron. “So?”

 

“Well,” Kuronue smirked having thought his mission of grabbing Youko's attention somewhat accomplished. “She's rather good in that department.” He waggled his eyebrows. “You know, the dirty department. I just can't get enough of her for some reason and its rather pleasant. Her demands can sometimes be a bit frustrating but it's sexy nonetheless.” He paused, looking at his friend. “How are you and Kagome doing?” he teased at last.

 

Kagome…

 

It seemed like it had been forever since he had seen her, since he had smelt her scent and tasted her sweet lips. Sometimes he felt himself clawing to get back to her because before now, he didn't mind going out on missions, he didn't have anything or anyone to return to other than his rare items.

 

But now, he had Kagome. Something that was just his, something that he didn't have to share.

 

But he guessed Kuronue wanted to Know al, about her now. That was too bad.

 

“She's fine.”

 

Kuronue raised his eyebrows, an incredulous look on his face. “Fine?! That's it?!” Why didn't his friend want to tell him anything? Youko always told him if a woman was good or not.

 

Youko turned his gaze to Kuronue for the first time, looking him straight in the eyes. “What more do you want to know?”

 

“Well…” an evil glint in Kuronues eyes started to emerge.

 

“No.”

 

“Whaaat?” Kuronue wined.

 

“The answer is no.”

 

Kuronue rolled his eyes with a growl of frustration. “You're no fun.”

 

Youko leaned forward slightly and both he and Kuronue tensed when they heard a noise below them. They looked at each other and nodded. There were demons scouting the surroundings and they both took the opportunity to conceal themselves more securely while still watching the castle.

 

--

Bored.

 

Absolutely bored.

 

Kagome let out a heavy sigh as she picked herself up from the bed. Youko's absence left a small void in Kagome that she was aware of because she knew if he were here, she wouldn't be bored for one moment. There was a small part of her that thought she would be all right when he left, maybe even relaxing. But there was No doubt now, especially when she found herself just gazing off and not paying attention, that she missed him.

 

The only company she had (or was rather allowed) was Ai. The rabbit demon was taking good care of her since Kagome started to feel under the weather. They hadn't talked that much since Youko's departure three days ago, but Kagome didn't feel awkward around her. There was something about the energy that Ai gave off that made her feel comfortable no matter what.

 

Speaking of Ai, there was a knock on the door before it slowly opened to reveal the rabbit. Although, in Kagome's mind, she liked to call Ai a bunny.

 

“How are you feeling Kagome?” asked Ai as she gave Kagome a glass of water.

 

Sipping all of it down, Kagome wiped her lips before answering. “I'm feeling much better thanks to you,” she grinned.

 

Unlike Youko, Ai returned her smile. “If you're up to it, what do you feel like doing today?”

 

Kagome took a moment to decide, closing her eyes before opening them with an excited gasp. “Can I see Tamaki-sama?”

 

It had been such a long time since she had seen the older woman and she really did miss her. She had been the only one other than Akihiro to be kind to her in the estate.

 

Ai nodded her head. “Of course! I love Tamaki. I'll give you a few minutes to get ready, meet me outside when you're done.”

 

--

 

Ai did not have to wait long for Kagome to rush down the steps and after almost tripping on the last step; they started to make their way through the crowd to Tamaki's small `home'.

 

“Ai?”

 

The rabbit turned down to look at Kagome, ears facing in the humans direction also. “Yes?”

 

“How do you know Tamaki-sama?” she asked shyly.

 

Ai ran a hand through her long hair. “Well, my friend Taro actually introduced us after he had been given some food from her. She cooked for us the night we met and I loved her food so much I kept going back almost everyday.” She smiled with a slight laugh before turning to Kagome. “How about you?”

 

Kagome looked away. “Well…” She had to ready herself before she continued. “Before I came here, I lived in an estate with a man I was going to be engaged to and she was one of the servants and cook. Despite what the others said, she was very kind to me and I want to pay her back.”

 

Ai nodded her head. “Come on, I'll take you there.”

 

And with that, the women began to weave through the crowd as Ai lead her very far away from the large Sakura tree where Kagome resided.

 

The smells and voices that assaulted her were a little better than her last experience, although some of the stares she received were the same. It seemed that she got more attention when she walked with Youko than she did walking with Ai. It shouldn't have surprised her though since Youko was basically their leader. It was a nice change.

 

Kagome felt herself trip suddenly and almost lose her balance if not for the strong-arm that wrapped around her waist. When she finally stood straight the arm released her only to be replaced with a masculine hand on her hip that gave her a slight squeeze causing her to gasp as she turned.

 

“K-Koga?”

 

The wolf demon grinned down at her. “What are you doing out here Kagome?”

 

Kagome's eyes searched his as she felt his hand tighten slightly on her waist. “I-”

 

“Get your hands off her you filthy wolf.”

 

The pair turned to see Ai glaring at the wolf, an almost feral sound escaping her clenched mouth. Her hair seemed to be on edge as she had placed herself in a position that if anything were to happen, she would be able to lunge at Koga and basically rip him apart.

 

To Kagome's shock she felt Koga's chest vibrate as he laughed. “What do you think I was going to run off with her?” he asked as he released her but did not move away. “Unless,” his deathly glare turned from Ai to Kagome again, a vicious smirk playing on his lips. “Unless you want to come with me Kagome.”

 

He eyed her like a predator did its prey before it struck. The knowing look that there was no way of escaping, trapped just by his gaze.

 

“Come here Kagome.” Came Ai's stern voice, releasing Kagome from her stupor.

 

Kagome nodded almost robotically before turning away from Koga to go to Ai's side. She heard Koga laughing behind her.

 

“Are you afraid just because your leader isn't here? That there is no one to protect her but you rabbit?”

 

Ai pushed Kagome behind her, out of Koga's vision before standing straight up, more calm now than before now that Kagome was with her. “Of course not you foolish dog. Youko-sama doesn't need to be here to protect either myself or Kagome. If you try this again, you will be the one in need of protection.”

 

Koga crossed his arms, “So I'm supposed to let her fall next time?”

 

Ai's fist clenched at her side. “She wouldn't have needed help if you hadn't have tripped her. Don't play it off, I saw you the whole time.”

 

The women heard Koga let out a growl, “FINE!” And with that, he turned into a small tornado and fled.

 

They did not move for a few moments until Ai turned towards Kagome. “Are you alright?”

 

She nodded her head and Ai smiled. “That was a little too close wasn't it?”

 

Without bothering to hear what Kagome would say, Ai once again began to walk towards their original destination. “Come on, and this time walk beside me.”

 

--

 

They arrived after a short walk and Tamaki greeted them after Ai knocked on her door. The old woman invited them into her home warmly and had them sit by the fire as she prepared drinks for them.

 

When they were finally settled, Tamaki was the first to talk.

 

“How are you doing Kagome? I'm surprised you are out today now that Youko has gone out for a bit!”

 

Kagome smiled, glass in hand. “I'm doing alright Tamaki-sama. I needed to get out today, I've been in the Sakura tree for a while and I really needed some fresh air. And plus, I have Ai to keep me company,” she nodded towards Ai with a smile before continuing, looking concerned for the older woman. “How are you doing Tamaki-sama?”

 

Tamaki laughed slightly at Kagome's worry. “I'm doing fine child! Don't worry over some old lady like me!”

 

Kagome let her eyes drop to her lap. “Does…does anyone mistreat you Tamaki-sama?” Her voice came out shyly through her lips as she fingered her glass nervously.

 

Once again there was a laugh from the older woman before Kagome felt a hand rest on her own. It was colder and much more aged than hers. She looked up and her eyes met Tamaki's.

 

“Of course not dear.”

 

“No one would ever mistreat Tamaki-san,” chimed in Ai before taking a sip of her drink. “Everyone loves Tamaki-san and her cooking!”

 

The older woman smiled happily at the demon. “Well then, what shall we eat?”

 

--

 

The dinner they had at Tamaki's was both plentiful and delicious. There was none left over and both Ai and Kagome left Tamaki with happy grins and fully bellies.

 

As they started to make their way back to the Sakura tree, Kagome stopped suddenly and Ai quickly followed suit.

 

“Kagome?” she asked timidly. Was something wrong? Was Kagome starting to feel sick again?

 

Ai watched as Kagome looked around her suddenly, “Do you by any chance know where a woman named Leiko is?”

 

The rabbit was a little caught off by Kagome's question but quickly relaxed. At least she wasn't sick again. She let out a small sigh before straightening. “I do know where she is. Why do you want to see her?”

 

Why did she want to see her? Leiko hated her ever since she saw Kagome. They weren't friends and they really shouldn't be meeting, especially after their last encounter.

 

But…Kagome felt she really did need to try and do something.

 

“I'd like to check up on her. She and I have not talked in a while.” All of it was true and Kagome nodded in determination.

 

Ai placed her hands on her hips before looking around the area, only stopping when she found what she was looking for. “If you want to see her Kagome, then I will take you there also.”

 

 

There was something about the way Ai said `her' that had her questioning the demon. “Do you know Leiko?”

 

Ai turned to face Kagome. “I don't really know her but I've heard she became angry easily and belligerent when she first came here. I haven't heard much about her since she started to live with Kuronue.”

 

Kagome's eyebrows rose. “She lives with Kuronue?” The man that killed Akihiro, Leiko's love? Ai had to be wrong…there was no way…. “Are you sure Leiko is living with Kuronue?”

 

Ai nodded. “I would never lie to you Kagome.”

 

Kagome bit her lip nervously. “I know…”

 

The rabbit eyed her for a moment. “Do you not want to go and see her now?” she asked.

 

Kagome's hands came up and waved side to side in front of her, “No, no, that's not it! Please, take me there.”

 

Ai turned back in the direction she had set her sights on before she had turned to Kagome. “Ok, follow me,” she said as she began to walk towards their goal again.

 

It wasn't before long that they arrived at a rather nice looking building that was set away from most of the others. Kagome had to tilt her head back to look up to the top, which was unusual since the other houses were not as tall as this one.

 

Without notice, Ai knocked on the door and Kagome had to rush to brush some small specks of dirt that had fallen on her kimono off. She stood straight up when the door slowly opened to reveal Leiko, a look of surprise written on her face until her eyes landed on Kagome, at which point her eyes narrowed.

 

Smiling shyly back at the other woman, Kagome bent her head down slightly, “Can…can we please come in?”

 

As the seconds passed Kagome's heart almost seemed to stop beating from anxiety. She should have been prepared to wait a little for Leiko's answer.

 

She heard a sigh and then a slight movement. “Come in.”

 

Picking her head up, Kagome smiled again at Leiko who turned her head when their eyes met as she stepped aside to let the pair into the house.

 

After both Ai and Kagome were in the house, they heard a click behind them as the door was shut and locked before they heard footsteps and watched as Leiko passed them.

 

“Have a seat, I'll get something to drink,” came the blondes voice.

 

The pair looked at each other and after Ai shrugged her shoulders, she walked to a corner of the room and sat with her back against the wall, leaving Kagome to take a seat by the fire that was crackling in the middle of the room.

 

When Leiko finally returned she held two glasses and walked over to Ai and handed her one before walking back to hand one to Kagome. The raven haired girl waited for Leiko to sit before placing the cup down beside her and almost throwing herself on the floor, head resting on the ground while her palms rested beside her head on either side.

 

“I'm so sorry Leiko…for everything,” spoke Kagome as she squeezed her eyes closed. She missed the older woman's shocked gaze as she stared down at her.

 

The swell of emotions that built up as Kagome watched Leiko made her heart clench. It had seemed that before they had come in contact, that Kagome had forgiven herself for something she had not caused or could have prevented…but when their eyes had met for the first time in what seemed like weeks, Kagome could no longer hold back her emotions.

 

“I never knew anything like this was going to happen…if I had, I would have never gone to live with Akihiro. I can't help but feel that my actions have placed us here and have placed you in danger. I cannot forgive myself for having you in danger here.”

 

There were a few tense moments and Kagome could hear her heart beating. Then, what seemed like out of nowhere, Leiko spoke.

 

“Get off the floor Kagome.”

 

The raven-haired girls head jerked up to stare at Leiko, eyes slightly widened before she slowly complied, sitting with her legs beneath her and her hands placed on her lap.

 

Leiko took a deep breath as she straightened her back. “I've come to realize it was not your fault that all of this happened. I was too engrossed in my anger towards you so I did not stop to think about what had happened until I came to live here. I have been told everything that has happened and I do not blame you anymore. I realize now that my actions towards you were distasteful and I apologize.” She bent her head in a silent gesture. “I am alright now that I have come to live with Kuronue and if there is anything I would want to thank you for, it would be that I was able to meet him.” Her face lifted to look at Kagome and for the first time ever; she gave Kagome an apologetic smile.

 

The need to rush over and hug the older girl filled Kagome but she stopped herself, not wanting to force anything that Leiko did not want or appreciate. Instead, Leiko began to speak.

 

“How are things going with Youko?” she asked.

 

The question caught her off guard and caused Kagome to blush. “Wh-Why?” she managed to say after regaining some composure.

 

“Kuronue talks about him all the time so I was just wondering,” she stated simply.

 

“Oh,” Kagome said. She probably sounded a little foolish to Leiko for asking `why'…the other girl was trying to start a conversation and Kagome had almost destroyed it without even knowing. Shaking her head slightly she began to speak, “Well, things are going as well as they can I guess. I'm hoping to see my family soon though,” she turned to glance at Ai who stared back at her questioningly.

 

Leiko nodded her head, seeming a little sad before picking up her spirits. “That's good,” she glanced out the window. “It's getting late and I have to clean still and I know you don't want to be here for that,” she smiled.

 

Kagome agreed and began to stand. “Thank you for letting us in and…for everything.” She bowed before Leiko began to walk towards the door, escorting Kagome out to meet Ai who had already gotten up.

 

“It was my pleasure,” replied the blonde. “Come visit again, I'll cook dinner next time.”

 

Kagome smiled happily, “Ok! Until then, good-bye Leiko-san!”

 

And as Leiko waved them off, a new sense of lightness came over Kagome and she smiled to herself although it didn't go unnoticed by Ai.

 

“Are you alright Kagome?” asked the rabbit idly.

 

Kagome couldn't keep the smile off her face as she replied, “It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my chest and it just feels too good not to smile.”

 

Ai let out a satisfied `hmm' as they kept walking.

 

“I wonder though,” began the raven-haired girl, “when Youko will get back…” He had been off of her mind for some of the day but when Leiko had mentioned him, he face decided to re-appear in her mind and she couldn't get rid of it.

 

“Probably not for another few days or so…”

 

A few days? Kagome let out a frustrated sigh.

 

“Kagome?” came Ai's voice.

 

“Yes?” Their eyes met.

 

“Would you like to go to the spring?”

 

Spring? “Where is it?”

 

Ai hesitated for a moment, “In the forest…”

 

Kagome laughed lightly, “No, but would you rather go with me to bathe in Youko's spring?”

 

Ai's eyes widened. “Youko-sama's spring? Are we allowed to?” She personally had never stepped foot even in his home so going to his spring was almost…unthinkable.

 

“Of course!” Kagome said happily. “I bathe there all the time and plus, Youko-sama,” she said the `sama' part jokingly, “isn't even here so there shouldn't be any problem.”

 

Ai sighed. This opportunity to bathe in an inside spring would probably not happen for a while so after a moment of thought Ai decided to take the chance. “Alright then.”

 

--

 

“So Kagome?” asked Ai as a string of steam floated between the two women as they relaxed in the spring.

 

“Hmm?”

 

Ai raised her cupped hand from the spring and watched as the water slowly poured back down. “You really like Youko-sama?” She really had been wanting to ask the human this question for some time now to try and figure her out and her intentions.

 

Kagome's eyes opened to stare at Ai curiously. “Of course, why wouldn't I?”

 

“Well, you see, Youko-sama has never been in a serious relationship. At least he hasn't for as long as I have known him.” The rabbit's eyes met Kagome's. “Most of the women he has been with leave and are never seen again, although I'm not sure if it's by their own choice or his…but I'm still curious and it seems that Youko-sama likes you very much and I don't want him to get hurt.”

 

Kagome's mouth opened slightly as she looked down at her hands that started to go back and forth under the water. Hearing about Youko's `other women' made Kagome feel somewhat uncomfortable.

 

“I would never hurt him Ai. I've…known Youko for some time and I've always had a special place for him in my heart. He has saved me many times in the past and I cannot begin to know how to repay him. I really do love him…”

 

They stared at each other for a moment.

 

“But I thought you were engaged to another male?” asked Ai.

 

Kagome nodded her head. “Yes, but I did not love him. It was more of out of duty and to help my family more than anything. But I tried to love him; I wanted to see if it would blossom, especially when I didn't see Youko for months. I thought it was possible.” She paused before shaking her head. “But I was wrong. Youko was always on my mind from the moment we met and I know I can count on him when I am in trouble.

 

“I'm not sure if he loves me but I do love him more than I love anything else and I will continue to do so until the day I die.”

 

When Kagome looked back at Ai, she found the demon smiling brightly. “I'm glad to hear that. It's good that Youko-sama has found someone as special as you and wished to protect it.”

 

Kagome blushed nervously and wanted to try and get the attention off her. “What about you Ai? Do you have someone special?”

 

It was Ai's turn to look away with a slight blush. “I do and he is currently out with your love. They are also friends.”

 

“How did the two of you meet? What is your story?” Kagome asked. It had been forever since she had made girl talk with another female since Sango left her village. Having a friend that was a girl was a good thing.

 

“We actually met through Youko-sama and we have been inseparable, other than by missions, ever since. His name is Taro”

 

“That's great Ai!” Kagome said cheerfully. “Do you plan on having kids one day?” It was a pretty blunt question but ever since Youko had said something about it before he left, it just kept playing on Kagome's mind from time to time.

 

This time, Ai's reaction wasn't so happy but she tried to play it of with a small smile. “We were going to a month ago but unfortunately I miscarried.”

 

All of Kagome's happy thoughts of little Ai's and Taro's came crashing down and her heart seemed to stop. “I'm so sorry Ai, I shouldn't have asked. Please, forgive me.”

 

Ai stood and made her way over to where Kagome was and placed her hand on the girls shoulder. “It's alright. I shouldn't keep emotions like that bottled up or it will only hurt me in the end. Its good to talk about these things.”

 

--

 

After talking a bit more in the spring, the women found that they were starting to turn into prunes so they decided to finish up and get out before they pruned beyond recognition. Now, after having dried off and dressed for bed, they sat on Youko's big bed.

 

“Ai?” questioned Kagome.

 

Said demon looked at her friend, watching her intently as Kagome continued.

 

“Would it be possible for me to see my family before Youko comes back? Maybe even going tomorrow?” She pleaded and continued before Ai could cut in. “I really need to explain to them everything that has been happening before I want Youko to meet them and I promise that I won't make us stay there for more than one night! And then we'll come straight home!” Now, Kagome was kneeling with her hands clasped tightly in front of her, begging.

 

Ai sighed and observed Kagome and contemplated her words before finally she spoke. “As long as we only stay one night then come straight home I don't see the hurt in it.”

 

Kagome gasped in happiness before leaping up and throwing her arms around the demon. “Thank you so much Ai! I promise it will be a good time and there will be nothing to worry about!”

 

--

 

“So what did you find out?” came a gruff male voice from the shadows of the house.

 

Leiko, who had just finished cleaning up, dropped the glass she held in her hand. It shattered when it connected with the floor but she paid no attention to it as she looked up at the intruder that she had failed to hear come in.

 

Noticing whom it was, she glared before bending to pick up the shards of broken glass. “She's going to see her family tomorrow,” she answered before straightening up and looked at the wolf. “That's all I know.”

 

She heard him laugh. “Well then, whom is she going with?”

 

Leiko averted her gaze. “I'm guessing Ai.”

 

Out of the corner of her eye she watched Koga nod his head in satisfaction. “Good job,” he said as he moved to circle her. He could feel her nervousness and it made him laugh. “Don't worry. Lord Hirohiko will destroy everything here when he finds this place and after he has Kagome. Then you'll be free to go as I said from the beginning.”

 

Leiko whipped around to look at him but found nothing. He had vanished, leaving her to breathe heavily in the quiet room. There was no doubt that she was afraid of him. He was a demon after all and she had seen the kinds of things a demon could do to a defenseless human.

 

--

 

 

“Kagome?”

 

Said girl turned to look at Ai who was resting beside her in the large bed. “Yea?”

 

“What were you doing before you lived with Akihiro and before you came here?” asked the rabbit peculiarly.

 

“Hmm, well,” she began, “I was working mostly.”

 

Ai propped herself up by her hand. “Working?”

 

“Yup, I had to make money for my family. We aren't…the richest people in our village so I decided to make money by working in the rice fields,” explained Kagome.

 

Ai's eyes brightened. “I love rice!”

 

Kagome grinned, “My mom will make some for us tomorrow when we go. I bet she'd love to.”

 

“Then for now, lets get some rest so we can get an early start and eat some rice tomorrow,” stated Ai with a laugh.

 

Kagome agreed and thanked Ai once again.

 

“No problem as long as Youko-sama doesn't find out alright?”

 

Kagome giggled. “Of course! It will be our little secret.”

 

Ai grinned before turning off the light. “Goodnight Kagome.”

 

“Goodnight Ai,” yawned Kagome before settling down under the covers.