Propositions
Written By: Lady Eclipse
"Come on, I'm sure it's this way!" Kagome cheerily called back to her
companions as she wheeled her bicycle forward.
"Are you sure this time?" Inu Yasha impatiently followed with a scowl, "Last
time you said that we were wandering around for two days."
"Well that's not my fault! The demons carrying the shard aren't going to sit still!"
She yelled back not pausing.
"She does have a point." Miroku chimed in tranquilly as he came up behind Inu
Yasha.
"That's not my problem." Inu Yasha replied grumpily.
"Just stop complaining! We'll get to the jewel shard when we get to the jewel
shard." Kagome said with a sigh feeling very much as her mother must feel on a road trip
with her and her brother complaining in the back seat. Inu Yasha lapsed into a sullen
silence as the group continued walking in the woods that bordered a large mountain
range. The leafy trees offered ample shade letting only a handful of sunbeams through to
pour upon the rich earth. The sky was a bright blue with only a hint of cloud indicating a
mild spring day. As they walked through the serene forest the birds sang cheerfully
accompanied by the various sounds of animals going about their daily business. The
jagged mountains still had some snow upon its peak but the deep valleys around it were
lush and blossoming.
"This is starting to look familiar." Sango remarked pausing to stare at her
surroundings.
"Yes, it does. Have we been here before?" Miroku stopped as well and glanced
around. Inu Yasha's scowl deepened and he grew very silent. Kagome turned around and
frowned in thought as she examined the scenery as well.
"Well, it does look familiar. Maybe we've traveled through here before. What do
you think Inu Yasha?" Inu Yasha shrugged moodily,
"How should I know, you're the fearless leader here." Kagome was about to give
him an angry reply when a whirlwind assaulted them from a figure approaching very
swiftly. Inu Yasha unsheathed his sword and stood ready with Sango and Miroku
following suit readying their weapons as well. The figure stopped a few yards from them
and when the dust settled the bright morning light revealed a very familiar wolf demon
smirking at them.
"Kouga?" Kagome's mouth fell open.
"So that's how this is familiar." Miroku murmured to himself thoughtfully.
"None other but the great Kouga." The demon replied with an arrogant lift of his
chin. "Now what brings such a beautiful lady to my home?" Inu Yasha groaned as he
rolled his eyes but he didn't sheath the Tetsaiga.
"We've been tracking some jewel shards…in fact…" Kagome tilted her head as
she scanned him noticing several jewels imbedded in his body. "…I think we just found
them." Inu Yasha grinned maliciously,
"Good, now all we have to do it cut them out. Stand still while I get them." He
lunged forward for a deadly strike but was soon brought mercilessly crashing to the
ground as Kagome yelled 'sit.'
"Impulsive as ever I see." Kouga remarked unfazed.
"What did you do that for?!" Inu Yasha exclaimed as he pulled his bruised body
from the ground.
"Hey Kouga, is there any way that you would be willing to give us your jewel
shards?" Kagome asked as sweetly as she could ignoring Inu Yasha's angry mutters.
Kouga's self-satisfied smirk deepened,
"That's a lot to ask a guy. These things are really useful for defending my pack."
"Come on, Kouga, we took care of those bird demons. There shouldn't be
anything left here that you couldn't handle." Kagome replied placing her fisted hands on
her hips.
"Well…there may be something you could trade me for such precious jewels."
He replied tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"What?" She asked suspiciously.
"I'd prefer to speak about that in private." In an instant he was near enough to
grab her arm and start pulling her away into the depths of the forest.
"Not so fast!" Inu Yasha swiftly blocked their path with Tetsaiga poised. "What
could you possibly ask her for that would have to be asked in private?"
"That's my business. If you want the jewels then you'll have to leave us alone."
He glared at the half demon menacingly.
"No way." Inu Yasha returned the glare raising the Tetsaiga.
"Inu Yasha, it's all right." Kagome piped in sensing the two males ready to kill
each other. "We won't go far…right?" She jabbed Kouga in the ribs to emphasize her
point.
"If you insist." He reluctantly replied sighing like a martyr.
"Kagome, this isn't safe." Inu Yasha sheathed his sword and took a few steps
forward.
"Trust me." She implored looking him in the eye. The second he made eye
contact Inu Yasha realized it was as losing battle; Kagome wasn't going to back down.
"Alright." He conceded, "but you've got five minutes. If you're not back by then,
then I'm hunting you down and killing him no questions asked."
"Don't be so melodramatic." Kouga groaned before dragging Kagome off to a
more private location. Inu Yasha, much against his better judgment, remained where he
stood even after he lost sight and sound of them. All that was left was Kagome's sweet
fragrance tainted by Kouga's and a sense of dread. Inu Yasha did not like the way this
was heading.
After a few minutes of silent walking, Kouga stopped and faced Kagome with a
contemplative expression.
"Okay, Kouga, what do you want?"
"Hmm…" Kouga made a small circle around her looking her up and down. "I
think that should be obvious." He grinned.
"What…what do you mean?" Kagome stammered getting a bad feeling that she
knew exactly what he meant.
"You of course. If you agree to be mine then I'll give you the jewel shards."
"What...like you want me to marry you?" She gulped audiably.
"Eventually." He replied with a slight shrug, "However, those are just my long
term plans. What I want from you in return for the jewel shards is much simpler." Kouga
stepped closer to her, his eyes gleaming.
"What do you want then?" She brought a hand protectively to her chest.
"One night. Stay one night with me and then I'll give you my jewels." Kagome
blushed furiously and briefly toyed with the idea of slugging the pervert.
"What do you exactly mean by one night." As lame as the question was, she still
entertained the hope that he wasn't using the shards for a one-night stand. His grin
became lecherous. Kagome squeaked in embarrassment and anger at the proposition and
considered calling Inu Yasha for vengeance or perhaps shooting him with an enchanted
arrow herself. "I can't believe you're asking me to do that!!! You know, if you don't give
them to us Naraku will come for them and he'll just out right kill you! We're doing you a
big favor here in giving you an option!"
"With this many shards I'm sure I can take him."
"He has way more than you do!"
"There's nothing you can say to change my mind. Either agree to my terms or not
and lose the jewel shards." Kouga brushed a fingertip along her jaw seductively, "Think
about it. I'll give you one day." With that he left in a whirlwind much as he had
appeared. Kagome stood there for several long minutes with her jaw agape. The sound
of thrashing through the undergrowth snapped her out of her shock and she turned in time
to see Inu Yasha prowling forward with a hand on Tetsaiga's hilt. His eyes lit up when he
saw Kagome and he hurried his pace to reach her.
"Well? What did he ask for?" A slow wave of red swept through her face and
neck.
"Uhhh...I think it would be best for me to tell everyone at the same time. Yep,
definitely should wait so I don't have to tell it twice." She sprinted away leaving a very
perplexed half-demon in her wake.
* * *
Once rejoined with the others, Kagome was bombarded with questions about
Kouga's demands. No matter how much she squirmed and tried to be evasive, they
simply would not take 'no' for an answer. Finally, her fingers twisting together fitfully in
eternal embarrassment, she attempted to tell them the sordid proposition.
"Well...he...um...he wanted..." Kagome started to blush very deeply, "...uhhh...he
wanted me to.... 'be' with him." Her voice became quieter and quieter as she spoke.
"Huh?" Sango tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean? Does he want
you to marry him or something?"
"Not exactly...uh..." , at that moment Kagome what to go run and hide for the next
hundred years. "...not forever...but he said that was in his long-term plans."
"If not forever, then for how long?" Miroku asked quietly.
"The night." She winced at her own words. Sango's eyes went wide as her mouth
opened in a silent 'oh.' Miroku raised his eyebrows in surprise,
"Well, I hope that you didn't hit him too hard when you told him 'no.' You really
can't blame a guy for trying." He said philosophically.
"I didn't exactly tell him 'no.'"
"WHAT?!" Inu Yasha nearly knocked Miroku over as he raced over to Kagome
to painfully grip her arms. "What do you mean you didn't tell him 'no?' Don't tell me
you'd actually agree to such a thing."
"I didn't agree to it either! I just thought that we should weigh our options!"
"What options?! We kill the pervert and take the jewels; problem solved!!!"
"Now, now..." Sango smiled tensely as she pried Inu Yasha away. "Kagome is
just trying to be sensible there's no sense in getting so upset. Now that we know
Kouga's...err...demands we can sit down and think things through. I'm sure we can make
another deal with him."
"He might settle for a kiss." Miroku mused and was rewarded with a hard blow to
the head from Inu Yasha.
"Kagome," Shippo tugged on her sleeve, "I'm not sure what you guys are talking
about, but you wouldn't leave us...right?" Kagome smiled at him softly,
"Of course not."
"Good," the young kitsune beamed, "then why is Inu Yasha so upset with
spending the night with Kouga. You did it before."
"WHAT?!?!" Both Sango and Miroku had to physically restrain Inu Yasha.
"It's nothing like that!" Kagome waved her hands frantically in front of herself in
denial. "Both Shippo and I slept in Kouga's cave that time when he kidnapped us.
Nothing happened!!" Kagome protested completely embarrassed.
"That's it!" Inu Yasha broke free from Sango and Miroku with a heave and
marched over to Kagome and snatched up her arm. "Come on, we're going to go back
and tell Kouga he can go to hell and if he doesn't like our answer then I'll send him there
personally."
"Inu Yasha, calm down. Why is this bothering you so much? It's not like I agreed
to it."
"Yea but you didn't disagree either."
"Oh, I see the problem." Miroku walked up to the two glaring combatants,
"There's nothing wrong with a little jealousy, but you really shouldn't let it affect your
logic."
"I'm not jealous." Inu Yasha scowled. Sango chuckled to herself,
"Oh really? You seem awfully jealous to me." Sango's eyes drifted meaningfully
at the hand that so possessively gripped Kagome's arm. Inu Yasha growled at her briefly
before continuing to drag Kagome away from the amused laughter of his companions.
"We'll be back in a little bit." Kagome nervously called back to them. "I'm sure
once we've talked a little he'll calm down." After they had disappeared into the foliage
Sango and Miroku grinned at each other.
"We should probably go ahead and set up camp, I think they're going to take
awhile." Sango said.
"Excellent idea," Miroku stared at her thoughtfully as a lecherous grin spread over
his face, "Why don't you bend over and pick up that firewood and I'll go get water.
Sango's eyebrow twitched,
"Kilala, kill him." Kilala transformed into her larger self and paced forward
growling menacingly.
"Now, now, no need for dramatics. I was only kidding off course!" As Miroku
tried to talk his way back into Sango's good graces Shippo stared at the line of trees where
Kagome and Inu Yasha had gone through with a worried expression on his childish face.
"Don't worry Shippo." Myoga said from his shoulder, "I think Master Inu Yasha
just has a few things he needs to get off his chest. They'll be just fine."
"I hope so. I don't think I've ever seen him so mad at Kagome before."
* * *
Upon reaching a secluded clearing well away from their traveling companions Inu
Yasha advanced upon Kagome menacingly. Kagome backed up slowly more than a little
nervous,
"Don't look at me like that! If there's anyone who has a reason to be upset it's
me!" Remaining silent, Inu Yasha backed her up to a tree and held her firmly in place
with his strong hand mindful of his lethal claws.
"Listen to me," he growled thickly trying to emphasize his point, "This isn't a
game. I'm not going to let you…" He gritted his teeth trying to contain the surge of anger
that threatened to erupt from him as he tried to speak the vile words, "…sacrifice yourself
just to get a few lousy shikon shards. I can handle him no problem."
"He has more than a few shards and I don't want you to hurt him. I don't like this
idea any more than you do but we both know that Naraku knows that he has the shards so
if we don't act fast then he'll kill Kouga and take the shards for himself."
"Why don't you tell that to your lover boy if he means so much to you." His voice
became bitter.
"He's not my 'lover boy' but I do care what happens to him. He is my friend and
one of the few decent demons there are out there. At any rate, I've already told Kouga
about Naraku and he said he didn't care."
"Is that our problem? I can go right now and take them from him. I'll try to be
gentle with the wimp but I'm not going to let him off so easy." He flexed the claws on his
free hand maliciously.
"Why do you even care? I thought you were ready to do anything for the jewel
shards. This is the easiest way to get our hands on some, I thought you'd be all over the
idea." Inu Yasha growled again, louder this time, and moved so close to her that all she
could see was his flashing eyes.
"How can you say that?! Off course I care! I don't want that filthy demon to
touch you. I should kill the bastard for even suggesting the idea!" Kagome grabbed the
wrist that belonged to the hand that held her so firmly in place,
"Inu Yasha…"
"And I can't believe that you're so willing to go through with it when we have
other options!" He interrupted, his voice seething with outrage.
"Because…" Kagome hesitated trying to look away from his intense eyes, "…it's
because I don't want you to get hurt. Kouga now has fifteen jewel shards and is way more
powerful then when you last fought him. Even if you are stronger than him, I don't want
you to risk your life for this when there are other ways." Inu Yasha grasped her chin so
that she couldn't look away,
"And what guarantee do you have that he won't betray you? He could just…" he
choked on the words unable to even articulate the horrible proposition, "…he could have
his way and then keep the jewels and there would be nothing you could do. Hell, he'd
probably keep you there against your will if he has that much power."
"I know, but I really think he's telling the truth. If he's not…" she grimaced at the
prospect, "then you have my permission to kill him in a very slow and painful way."
"I should anyway just because he dared to make that kind of demand." Kagome
blushed suddenly realizing how closely they were standing together. Inu Yasha was all
but pressed up against her with one hand firmly on her chest and the other holding her
chin. Their lips were mere inches away from each other.
"Why do you care?" She repeated her earlier question suddenly very anxious to
know the answer.
"I thought I already told you," he replied impatiently.
"No, you didn't. I haven't seen you this upset since you found out that Naraku
killed Kikyo." A pained yet longing expression passed over his features causing an old
wound in her heart to reopen. "You love Kikyo so why do you care who does what to me.
Just so long as I'm around to find shikon shards for you there should be no problem."
Tears welled up in her deep brown eyes.
"How can you say that? I…" He faltered realizing that he was about to make a
confession that he really wasn't all that comfortable about making.
"What? It's true isn't it?" Tears started to slide down her cheeks as she relived the
kiss she was forced to witness tied to a tree. It was a kiss that forced her to realize that
there simply was no room in Inu Yasha's heart for anyone but Kikyo. "Kouga says he
loves me and I know he means it," her voice dropped down low making her sound almost
defeated, "It won't be so bad, I'm sure he'll be very considerate and gentle."
"Don't talk like that. I'm not going to let you do it."
"Give me a reason." Her voice was almost pleading as she searched his amber
eyes. "Give me a better reason then 'you can't.' Why do you really hate this idea so
much?"
"Because…because…" Inu Yasha shook his head with frustration and his voice
rose with agitation and fear. "…because I can't stand the thought of another man
touching you!" He finally exclaimed. Unconsciously the hand that had been gripping her
chin slid up to stroke her cheek, his thumb brushed away her tears. "I couldn't bear for
anyone else to touch you or to kiss you."
"Why?" She prompted when he seemed un-inclined to continue. After a long
moment of uncertainty he replied in a soft although shaky tone,
"I…I love you." He nearly choked on the words, he was so afraid of letting
anyone else into his heart after what had happened last time. However, there was no
denying the truth. Kagome had found her way into his heart as no one had before.
Somehow she just took up residency there without him even knowing it. He couldn't
place a time or event that had placed her so securely in his affections. He just happened
to notice how much she meant to him one day and with every day that passed she meant
more and more to him. It was love, no doubt, and it scared him to death. He could
happily go on the rest of his life without her ever knowing how vital she was to his
existence but she had just made it perfectly clear that if he didn't let her know now, then
she would have to give up on her love and possibly do something that she would regret.
"Inu Yasha" she whispered, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. Inu Yasha's
hand left her chest to rest lovingly on her waist.
"Please..." he closed the remaining distance between their bodies; his lips were
almost brushing against hers, "...please, don't do it. Stay with me." He implored as he
gently pressed his lips upon hers. Kagome's eyes fluttered closed releasing a single
joyous tear. Breathless, Inu Yasha pulled away just enough to gaze into her eyes.
"Please." He looked so vulnerable, so young as he spoke that one simple word filled with
so much meaning and promise.
"Yes." She breathed bringing her arms around him to hold him close. "I guess I'll
just have to find another way to get the jewels."
"I have an idea," Inu Yasha grinned.
"No killing," she laughed.
"What are you going to do to stop me?" His other hand went to her waist keeping
her body close to his.
"I could 's-word' you." Inu Yasha's grin turned mischievous,
"You do realize what would happen if you did, don't you?"
"What?" His fingers tightened around her waist,
"Then I'd drag you down with me."
"You wouldn't!"
"I might actually enjoy it for once."
"Inu Yasha!" Her voice was scandalized, but her pulse did quicken pleasantly at
the thought.
"You might too." He purred and kissed her deeply again before she could reply.
Kagome's slight form trembled against him as his hands lovingly flowed up her rib cage
stopping just below the soft curve of her breasts. He broke the kiss to let his lips rove
across her cheek to her neck where he inhaled deeply taking in her scent. Out of pride
and a lingering resentment towards humans, her never told her how comforting or
reassuring her scent was to him. The warm and innocent fragrance always seemed to
soothe him and ease the lonely ache in his heart. In Kagome, he had found complete
acceptance as he had never known since his mother. She didn't care what or who he was
and treated him exactly like everyone else. Not even Kikyo had done that for him. He
had always been the demon and she the human. She had insisted that he become human
while Kagome seemed content with him just as he was.
Kagome's blood began to heat with unknown desires as he delicately nibbled on
her smooth throat. She knew that this was rapidly becoming sexual and that she should
probably tell him stop but....but it felt so good...so right. Torn between virginal shyness
and her inflamed senses her eyes closed and her hands rested against his shoulders neither
pushing him away nor pulling him closer. Inu Yasha's ministrations started to become
bolder as the seductive fragrance of her desire mingled with her scent. His demon blood
stirred craving her in more than just an emotional way sending his human sensibilities
into a haze. His kisses trailed up to behind her ear while his restless hands slid down her
outer thighs. The sudden need to possess her, to mark her forever as his own filled his
mind and body. A small surprised sound escaped the back of Kagome's throat at the
daring contact. Small sound as it was, it was enough to shake his conscience from the
lustful haze and snap him back to reality. Blushing furiously with guilt Inu Yasha
reluctantly pulled away from her with a stammered apology. Had she remained silent he
might have lost all restraint and taken her right there against the tree. He cared for her too
much to treat her so brutishly.
Kagome uncertainly placed a hand over her chest where her heart beat erratically.
"Inu Yasha..." She murmured, her cheeks flushed.
"We should probably get back to the others." He said although his voice was
strained with longing. Somewhere in the back of her mind lingered all of the alarms and
warnings she had ever heard about sex and restraint. Deep in her super-ego were all of
the labels and rules pressed upon her since infancy by society. Yet they could do little
more than chime warnings in the face of the needs of her body, the needs of her heart.
"It's okay." She placed an uncertain hand on his shoulder.
"Huh?" Inu Yasha turned around to gaze questioningly into her eyes.
"I...I don't mind...I" heat pooled through her cheeks as she demurely lowered her
eyes, "..I liked it." Inu Yasha's eyes widened as he turned slightly red as well.
"Kagome, what are you saying?" His voice was hesitant.
"I...I...I..." She stammered, her nerve deserting her, "...uh...nothing!" Kagome
wondered if she could possibly turn any redder. "It's nothing at all, just forget about it!"
She spun around and started to head back to the others doing her best to cease her
impression of a tomato. Inu Yasha caught her wrist pulling her back to him.
"It's...nice to know." He gave her his best cocky, demon grin before kissing her
softly on the lips. "I'll keep that in mind the next time you sit me." He released her,
suddenly shy himself, then started walking back to the others. Kagome followed him
doing her best to ease her rapid pulse and wondered what would happen next.
________________________________________________________________________
Written By: Lady Eclipse
"Come on, I'm sure it's this way!" Kagome cheerily called back to her
companions as she wheeled her bicycle forward.
"Are you sure this time?" Inu Yasha impatiently followed with a scowl, "Last
time you said that we were wandering around for two days."
"Well that's not my fault! The demons carrying the shard aren't going to sit still!"
She yelled back not pausing.
"She does have a point." Miroku chimed in tranquilly as he came up behind Inu
Yasha.
"That's not my problem." Inu Yasha replied grumpily.
"Just stop complaining! We'll get to the jewel shard when we get to the jewel
shard." Kagome said with a sigh feeling very much as her mother must feel on a road trip
with her and her brother complaining in the back seat. Inu Yasha lapsed into a sullen
silence as the group continued walking in the woods that bordered a large mountain
range. The leafy trees offered ample shade letting only a handful of sunbeams through to
pour upon the rich earth. The sky was a bright blue with only a hint of cloud indicating a
mild spring day. As they walked through the serene forest the birds sang cheerfully
accompanied by the various sounds of animals going about their daily business. The
jagged mountains still had some snow upon its peak but the deep valleys around it were
lush and blossoming.
"This is starting to look familiar." Sango remarked pausing to stare at her
surroundings.
"Yes, it does. Have we been here before?" Miroku stopped as well and glanced
around. Inu Yasha's scowl deepened and he grew very silent. Kagome turned around and
frowned in thought as she examined the scenery as well.
"Well, it does look familiar. Maybe we've traveled through here before. What do
you think Inu Yasha?" Inu Yasha shrugged moodily,
"How should I know, you're the fearless leader here." Kagome was about to give
him an angry reply when a whirlwind assaulted them from a figure approaching very
swiftly. Inu Yasha unsheathed his sword and stood ready with Sango and Miroku
following suit readying their weapons as well. The figure stopped a few yards from them
and when the dust settled the bright morning light revealed a very familiar wolf demon
smirking at them.
"Kouga?" Kagome's mouth fell open.
"So that's how this is familiar." Miroku murmured to himself thoughtfully.
"None other but the great Kouga." The demon replied with an arrogant lift of his
chin. "Now what brings such a beautiful lady to my home?" Inu Yasha groaned as he
rolled his eyes but he didn't sheath the Tetsaiga.
"We've been tracking some jewel shards…in fact…" Kagome tilted her head as
she scanned him noticing several jewels imbedded in his body. "…I think we just found
them." Inu Yasha grinned maliciously,
"Good, now all we have to do it cut them out. Stand still while I get them." He
lunged forward for a deadly strike but was soon brought mercilessly crashing to the
ground as Kagome yelled 'sit.'
"Impulsive as ever I see." Kouga remarked unfazed.
"What did you do that for?!" Inu Yasha exclaimed as he pulled his bruised body
from the ground.
"Hey Kouga, is there any way that you would be willing to give us your jewel
shards?" Kagome asked as sweetly as she could ignoring Inu Yasha's angry mutters.
Kouga's self-satisfied smirk deepened,
"That's a lot to ask a guy. These things are really useful for defending my pack."
"Come on, Kouga, we took care of those bird demons. There shouldn't be
anything left here that you couldn't handle." Kagome replied placing her fisted hands on
her hips.
"Well…there may be something you could trade me for such precious jewels."
He replied tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"What?" She asked suspiciously.
"I'd prefer to speak about that in private." In an instant he was near enough to
grab her arm and start pulling her away into the depths of the forest.
"Not so fast!" Inu Yasha swiftly blocked their path with Tetsaiga poised. "What
could you possibly ask her for that would have to be asked in private?"
"That's my business. If you want the jewels then you'll have to leave us alone."
He glared at the half demon menacingly.
"No way." Inu Yasha returned the glare raising the Tetsaiga.
"Inu Yasha, it's all right." Kagome piped in sensing the two males ready to kill
each other. "We won't go far…right?" She jabbed Kouga in the ribs to emphasize her
point.
"If you insist." He reluctantly replied sighing like a martyr.
"Kagome, this isn't safe." Inu Yasha sheathed his sword and took a few steps
forward.
"Trust me." She implored looking him in the eye. The second he made eye
contact Inu Yasha realized it was as losing battle; Kagome wasn't going to back down.
"Alright." He conceded, "but you've got five minutes. If you're not back by then,
then I'm hunting you down and killing him no questions asked."
"Don't be so melodramatic." Kouga groaned before dragging Kagome off to a
more private location. Inu Yasha, much against his better judgment, remained where he
stood even after he lost sight and sound of them. All that was left was Kagome's sweet
fragrance tainted by Kouga's and a sense of dread. Inu Yasha did not like the way this
was heading.
After a few minutes of silent walking, Kouga stopped and faced Kagome with a
contemplative expression.
"Okay, Kouga, what do you want?"
"Hmm…" Kouga made a small circle around her looking her up and down. "I
think that should be obvious." He grinned.
"What…what do you mean?" Kagome stammered getting a bad feeling that she
knew exactly what he meant.
"You of course. If you agree to be mine then I'll give you the jewel shards."
"What...like you want me to marry you?" She gulped audiably.
"Eventually." He replied with a slight shrug, "However, those are just my long
term plans. What I want from you in return for the jewel shards is much simpler." Kouga
stepped closer to her, his eyes gleaming.
"What do you want then?" She brought a hand protectively to her chest.
"One night. Stay one night with me and then I'll give you my jewels." Kagome
blushed furiously and briefly toyed with the idea of slugging the pervert.
"What do you exactly mean by one night." As lame as the question was, she still
entertained the hope that he wasn't using the shards for a one-night stand. His grin
became lecherous. Kagome squeaked in embarrassment and anger at the proposition and
considered calling Inu Yasha for vengeance or perhaps shooting him with an enchanted
arrow herself. "I can't believe you're asking me to do that!!! You know, if you don't give
them to us Naraku will come for them and he'll just out right kill you! We're doing you a
big favor here in giving you an option!"
"With this many shards I'm sure I can take him."
"He has way more than you do!"
"There's nothing you can say to change my mind. Either agree to my terms or not
and lose the jewel shards." Kouga brushed a fingertip along her jaw seductively, "Think
about it. I'll give you one day." With that he left in a whirlwind much as he had
appeared. Kagome stood there for several long minutes with her jaw agape. The sound
of thrashing through the undergrowth snapped her out of her shock and she turned in time
to see Inu Yasha prowling forward with a hand on Tetsaiga's hilt. His eyes lit up when he
saw Kagome and he hurried his pace to reach her.
"Well? What did he ask for?" A slow wave of red swept through her face and
neck.
"Uhhh...I think it would be best for me to tell everyone at the same time. Yep,
definitely should wait so I don't have to tell it twice." She sprinted away leaving a very
perplexed half-demon in her wake.
* * *
Once rejoined with the others, Kagome was bombarded with questions about
Kouga's demands. No matter how much she squirmed and tried to be evasive, they
simply would not take 'no' for an answer. Finally, her fingers twisting together fitfully in
eternal embarrassment, she attempted to tell them the sordid proposition.
"Well...he...um...he wanted..." Kagome started to blush very deeply, "...uhhh...he
wanted me to.... 'be' with him." Her voice became quieter and quieter as she spoke.
"Huh?" Sango tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean? Does he want
you to marry him or something?"
"Not exactly...uh..." , at that moment Kagome what to go run and hide for the next
hundred years. "...not forever...but he said that was in his long-term plans."
"If not forever, then for how long?" Miroku asked quietly.
"The night." She winced at her own words. Sango's eyes went wide as her mouth
opened in a silent 'oh.' Miroku raised his eyebrows in surprise,
"Well, I hope that you didn't hit him too hard when you told him 'no.' You really
can't blame a guy for trying." He said philosophically.
"I didn't exactly tell him 'no.'"
"WHAT?!" Inu Yasha nearly knocked Miroku over as he raced over to Kagome
to painfully grip her arms. "What do you mean you didn't tell him 'no?' Don't tell me
you'd actually agree to such a thing."
"I didn't agree to it either! I just thought that we should weigh our options!"
"What options?! We kill the pervert and take the jewels; problem solved!!!"
"Now, now..." Sango smiled tensely as she pried Inu Yasha away. "Kagome is
just trying to be sensible there's no sense in getting so upset. Now that we know
Kouga's...err...demands we can sit down and think things through. I'm sure we can make
another deal with him."
"He might settle for a kiss." Miroku mused and was rewarded with a hard blow to
the head from Inu Yasha.
"Kagome," Shippo tugged on her sleeve, "I'm not sure what you guys are talking
about, but you wouldn't leave us...right?" Kagome smiled at him softly,
"Of course not."
"Good," the young kitsune beamed, "then why is Inu Yasha so upset with
spending the night with Kouga. You did it before."
"WHAT?!?!" Both Sango and Miroku had to physically restrain Inu Yasha.
"It's nothing like that!" Kagome waved her hands frantically in front of herself in
denial. "Both Shippo and I slept in Kouga's cave that time when he kidnapped us.
Nothing happened!!" Kagome protested completely embarrassed.
"That's it!" Inu Yasha broke free from Sango and Miroku with a heave and
marched over to Kagome and snatched up her arm. "Come on, we're going to go back
and tell Kouga he can go to hell and if he doesn't like our answer then I'll send him there
personally."
"Inu Yasha, calm down. Why is this bothering you so much? It's not like I agreed
to it."
"Yea but you didn't disagree either."
"Oh, I see the problem." Miroku walked up to the two glaring combatants,
"There's nothing wrong with a little jealousy, but you really shouldn't let it affect your
logic."
"I'm not jealous." Inu Yasha scowled. Sango chuckled to herself,
"Oh really? You seem awfully jealous to me." Sango's eyes drifted meaningfully
at the hand that so possessively gripped Kagome's arm. Inu Yasha growled at her briefly
before continuing to drag Kagome away from the amused laughter of his companions.
"We'll be back in a little bit." Kagome nervously called back to them. "I'm sure
once we've talked a little he'll calm down." After they had disappeared into the foliage
Sango and Miroku grinned at each other.
"We should probably go ahead and set up camp, I think they're going to take
awhile." Sango said.
"Excellent idea," Miroku stared at her thoughtfully as a lecherous grin spread over
his face, "Why don't you bend over and pick up that firewood and I'll go get water.
Sango's eyebrow twitched,
"Kilala, kill him." Kilala transformed into her larger self and paced forward
growling menacingly.
"Now, now, no need for dramatics. I was only kidding off course!" As Miroku
tried to talk his way back into Sango's good graces Shippo stared at the line of trees where
Kagome and Inu Yasha had gone through with a worried expression on his childish face.
"Don't worry Shippo." Myoga said from his shoulder, "I think Master Inu Yasha
just has a few things he needs to get off his chest. They'll be just fine."
"I hope so. I don't think I've ever seen him so mad at Kagome before."
* * *
Upon reaching a secluded clearing well away from their traveling companions Inu
Yasha advanced upon Kagome menacingly. Kagome backed up slowly more than a little
nervous,
"Don't look at me like that! If there's anyone who has a reason to be upset it's
me!" Remaining silent, Inu Yasha backed her up to a tree and held her firmly in place
with his strong hand mindful of his lethal claws.
"Listen to me," he growled thickly trying to emphasize his point, "This isn't a
game. I'm not going to let you…" He gritted his teeth trying to contain the surge of anger
that threatened to erupt from him as he tried to speak the vile words, "…sacrifice yourself
just to get a few lousy shikon shards. I can handle him no problem."
"He has more than a few shards and I don't want you to hurt him. I don't like this
idea any more than you do but we both know that Naraku knows that he has the shards so
if we don't act fast then he'll kill Kouga and take the shards for himself."
"Why don't you tell that to your lover boy if he means so much to you." His voice
became bitter.
"He's not my 'lover boy' but I do care what happens to him. He is my friend and
one of the few decent demons there are out there. At any rate, I've already told Kouga
about Naraku and he said he didn't care."
"Is that our problem? I can go right now and take them from him. I'll try to be
gentle with the wimp but I'm not going to let him off so easy." He flexed the claws on his
free hand maliciously.
"Why do you even care? I thought you were ready to do anything for the jewel
shards. This is the easiest way to get our hands on some, I thought you'd be all over the
idea." Inu Yasha growled again, louder this time, and moved so close to her that all she
could see was his flashing eyes.
"How can you say that?! Off course I care! I don't want that filthy demon to
touch you. I should kill the bastard for even suggesting the idea!" Kagome grabbed the
wrist that belonged to the hand that held her so firmly in place,
"Inu Yasha…"
"And I can't believe that you're so willing to go through with it when we have
other options!" He interrupted, his voice seething with outrage.
"Because…" Kagome hesitated trying to look away from his intense eyes, "…it's
because I don't want you to get hurt. Kouga now has fifteen jewel shards and is way more
powerful then when you last fought him. Even if you are stronger than him, I don't want
you to risk your life for this when there are other ways." Inu Yasha grasped her chin so
that she couldn't look away,
"And what guarantee do you have that he won't betray you? He could just…" he
choked on the words unable to even articulate the horrible proposition, "…he could have
his way and then keep the jewels and there would be nothing you could do. Hell, he'd
probably keep you there against your will if he has that much power."
"I know, but I really think he's telling the truth. If he's not…" she grimaced at the
prospect, "then you have my permission to kill him in a very slow and painful way."
"I should anyway just because he dared to make that kind of demand." Kagome
blushed suddenly realizing how closely they were standing together. Inu Yasha was all
but pressed up against her with one hand firmly on her chest and the other holding her
chin. Their lips were mere inches away from each other.
"Why do you care?" She repeated her earlier question suddenly very anxious to
know the answer.
"I thought I already told you," he replied impatiently.
"No, you didn't. I haven't seen you this upset since you found out that Naraku
killed Kikyo." A pained yet longing expression passed over his features causing an old
wound in her heart to reopen. "You love Kikyo so why do you care who does what to me.
Just so long as I'm around to find shikon shards for you there should be no problem."
Tears welled up in her deep brown eyes.
"How can you say that? I…" He faltered realizing that he was about to make a
confession that he really wasn't all that comfortable about making.
"What? It's true isn't it?" Tears started to slide down her cheeks as she relived the
kiss she was forced to witness tied to a tree. It was a kiss that forced her to realize that
there simply was no room in Inu Yasha's heart for anyone but Kikyo. "Kouga says he
loves me and I know he means it," her voice dropped down low making her sound almost
defeated, "It won't be so bad, I'm sure he'll be very considerate and gentle."
"Don't talk like that. I'm not going to let you do it."
"Give me a reason." Her voice was almost pleading as she searched his amber
eyes. "Give me a better reason then 'you can't.' Why do you really hate this idea so
much?"
"Because…because…" Inu Yasha shook his head with frustration and his voice
rose with agitation and fear. "…because I can't stand the thought of another man
touching you!" He finally exclaimed. Unconsciously the hand that had been gripping her
chin slid up to stroke her cheek, his thumb brushed away her tears. "I couldn't bear for
anyone else to touch you or to kiss you."
"Why?" She prompted when he seemed un-inclined to continue. After a long
moment of uncertainty he replied in a soft although shaky tone,
"I…I love you." He nearly choked on the words, he was so afraid of letting
anyone else into his heart after what had happened last time. However, there was no
denying the truth. Kagome had found her way into his heart as no one had before.
Somehow she just took up residency there without him even knowing it. He couldn't
place a time or event that had placed her so securely in his affections. He just happened
to notice how much she meant to him one day and with every day that passed she meant
more and more to him. It was love, no doubt, and it scared him to death. He could
happily go on the rest of his life without her ever knowing how vital she was to his
existence but she had just made it perfectly clear that if he didn't let her know now, then
she would have to give up on her love and possibly do something that she would regret.
"Inu Yasha" she whispered, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. Inu Yasha's
hand left her chest to rest lovingly on her waist.
"Please..." he closed the remaining distance between their bodies; his lips were
almost brushing against hers, "...please, don't do it. Stay with me." He implored as he
gently pressed his lips upon hers. Kagome's eyes fluttered closed releasing a single
joyous tear. Breathless, Inu Yasha pulled away just enough to gaze into her eyes.
"Please." He looked so vulnerable, so young as he spoke that one simple word filled with
so much meaning and promise.
"Yes." She breathed bringing her arms around him to hold him close. "I guess I'll
just have to find another way to get the jewels."
"I have an idea," Inu Yasha grinned.
"No killing," she laughed.
"What are you going to do to stop me?" His other hand went to her waist keeping
her body close to his.
"I could 's-word' you." Inu Yasha's grin turned mischievous,
"You do realize what would happen if you did, don't you?"
"What?" His fingers tightened around her waist,
"Then I'd drag you down with me."
"You wouldn't!"
"I might actually enjoy it for once."
"Inu Yasha!" Her voice was scandalized, but her pulse did quicken pleasantly at
the thought.
"You might too." He purred and kissed her deeply again before she could reply.
Kagome's slight form trembled against him as his hands lovingly flowed up her rib cage
stopping just below the soft curve of her breasts. He broke the kiss to let his lips rove
across her cheek to her neck where he inhaled deeply taking in her scent. Out of pride
and a lingering resentment towards humans, her never told her how comforting or
reassuring her scent was to him. The warm and innocent fragrance always seemed to
soothe him and ease the lonely ache in his heart. In Kagome, he had found complete
acceptance as he had never known since his mother. She didn't care what or who he was
and treated him exactly like everyone else. Not even Kikyo had done that for him. He
had always been the demon and she the human. She had insisted that he become human
while Kagome seemed content with him just as he was.
Kagome's blood began to heat with unknown desires as he delicately nibbled on
her smooth throat. She knew that this was rapidly becoming sexual and that she should
probably tell him stop but....but it felt so good...so right. Torn between virginal shyness
and her inflamed senses her eyes closed and her hands rested against his shoulders neither
pushing him away nor pulling him closer. Inu Yasha's ministrations started to become
bolder as the seductive fragrance of her desire mingled with her scent. His demon blood
stirred craving her in more than just an emotional way sending his human sensibilities
into a haze. His kisses trailed up to behind her ear while his restless hands slid down her
outer thighs. The sudden need to possess her, to mark her forever as his own filled his
mind and body. A small surprised sound escaped the back of Kagome's throat at the
daring contact. Small sound as it was, it was enough to shake his conscience from the
lustful haze and snap him back to reality. Blushing furiously with guilt Inu Yasha
reluctantly pulled away from her with a stammered apology. Had she remained silent he
might have lost all restraint and taken her right there against the tree. He cared for her too
much to treat her so brutishly.
Kagome uncertainly placed a hand over her chest where her heart beat erratically.
"Inu Yasha..." She murmured, her cheeks flushed.
"We should probably get back to the others." He said although his voice was
strained with longing. Somewhere in the back of her mind lingered all of the alarms and
warnings she had ever heard about sex and restraint. Deep in her super-ego were all of
the labels and rules pressed upon her since infancy by society. Yet they could do little
more than chime warnings in the face of the needs of her body, the needs of her heart.
"It's okay." She placed an uncertain hand on his shoulder.
"Huh?" Inu Yasha turned around to gaze questioningly into her eyes.
"I...I don't mind...I" heat pooled through her cheeks as she demurely lowered her
eyes, "..I liked it." Inu Yasha's eyes widened as he turned slightly red as well.
"Kagome, what are you saying?" His voice was hesitant.
"I...I...I..." She stammered, her nerve deserting her, "...uh...nothing!" Kagome
wondered if she could possibly turn any redder. "It's nothing at all, just forget about it!"
She spun around and started to head back to the others doing her best to cease her
impression of a tomato. Inu Yasha caught her wrist pulling her back to him.
"It's...nice to know." He gave her his best cocky, demon grin before kissing her
softly on the lips. "I'll keep that in mind the next time you sit me." He released her,
suddenly shy himself, then started walking back to the others. Kagome followed him
doing her best to ease her rapid pulse and wondered what would happen next.
________________________________________________________________________