InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Courtship ❯ Chapter Ten ( Chapter 10 )

It was hot. Almost unbearably so and Kagome wished she could have worn her shorts. But she had decided earlier that they would make the villagers too uncomfortable and kept them stored away, along with her skirts. The villagers still gave her strange looks do to her blouses and jeans but they tolerated them since they covered more skin.

Kagome wiped her brow and looked over to Shippo who was chasing a butterfly through her herb garden. Her little protector. Kagome couldn't help but smile. For three days, Shippo hadn't left her side, telling her that Inuyasha asked him to look after her. That had surprised Kagome. More than the flower she found above her pillow the morning he left. It seemed that he was trying to improve the relationship between him and Shippo, something that was never really close. Kagome knew that he cared for Shippo but found him more annoying than cute.

Kagome chuckled when Shippo lunged at the butterfly and ended up falling face first in the dirt. She watched as he quickly stood up and tried again, only this time with a determined expression on his face but the butterfly outmaneuvered him again. Kagome shook her head at the kit's failed attempts and went back to her work.

She wished she knew where Inuyasha was. It had been three days and still there was no word from him. Miroku didn't know and neither did Shippo. The only other person Inuyasha would tell would be Kaede and she hadn't even known that Inuyasha was leaving. Despite Miroku and Shippo's reassurance, Kagome couldn't help but worry about him. What if he was hurt? He could be lying in the forest somewhere, badly hurt and they wouldn't know it. What if he was dying?

Kagome growled at herself and forced the thought out of her mind. Thinking like that would only make her feel worst, besides Inuyasha was capable of taking care of himself so there was no need to worry. Kagome forced herself to work, trying her hardest to shake Inuyasha from her mind but it was futile. She hadn't stopped thinking about him since she saw the flower.

Kagome had been scared that Inuyasha would have been mad at her for pushing him away but the flower had confirmed that he was not. Still, she wondered why he had left. Miroku had said that Inuyasha had something to take care of. Kagome had no idea what that could be. As far as she knew, everything was taken care of. Naraku was dead, the jewel was complete, and Kikyo had been put to rest. What else could there be left to do?

Kagome threw up her hands in frustration and sat back. That was it. She wouldn't be able to get any work done until Inuyasha came home and explained everything.

Just then, Shippo gave a soft growl and ran up to her. Kagome stared down at him as he stood protectively in front of her, baring his fangs in a very Inuyasha like manner. Her eyes widened when a shadow passed over her and Kagome had to fight the moan that formed in her throat. This was not something she wanted to deal with right now.

Slowly, Kagome looked over her shoulder and up at the village boy, Montaro. Montaro was five years Kagome's senior and she would have normally found him handsome with his wavy black hair and piercing brown eyes but after living here for so long, she found him to be strictly annoying. Montaro was the eldest son of one of the wealthier families and he seemed to be proud of that fact. Kagome couldn't blame him. She would be too. But she wouldn't have thought of people as beneath her as Montaro seemed to. He didn't treat them poorly. He was actually very well mannered but the way he looked at others was like he was looking at a bug and there was always an annoyed tone in his voice.

When Inuyasha suddenly left, Montaro had taken a sudden interest in her, that Kagome found flattering and annoying at the same time. Like Inuyasha he had started bringing her gifts. Often they were bouquets of flowers or decorative boxes that most of the villagers wouldn't be able to touch without sacrificing a month's worth of work. He even tried to give her a horse. She almost accepted that one. The creature was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen but what would she do with a horse? She couldn't even ride. Honestly, Kagome preferred the simple, single flowers Inuyasha gave her over the bouquets Montaro gave her and she preferred the meat Inuyasha usually brought to her every morning instead of the useless little boxes.

Montaro also kept asking her to join him on picnics or walks and the areas he chose were always isolated and he wanted them to be alone. The first time he had asked, Shippo had clung to Kagome's leg and yelled that she wasn't going anywhere without him. That had surprised Kagome. Usually Shippo was polite and often treated people with childlike curiosity, not disgusted anger. Either Shippo really didn't like Montaro or he was taking Inuyasha's request to heart.

Knowing it was in her best interest and the fact that she had no feeling for Montaro other than respect, Kagome had refused all his gifts and request, hoping that he would get the hint and leave but Montaro was persistent and rarely left out of eyesight. It unnerved Kagome slightly but she endured it. The boy was annoying but harmless. Kagome fought the soft smile that threatened to show. He reminded her of someone else she used to know. Kagome pushed that thought out of her head. No, Hojo never gave her the creeps like Montaro did.

"Good afternoon, Lady Kagome," Montaro greeted with a soft bow.

Kagome patted Shippo on the head to stop him from growling and stood. She slowly turned to face Montaro and politely bowed.

"Good afternoon,"

Montaro smiled. It was the same arrogant smile that often caused Kagome to feel both anger and fear. She suppressed both. She didn't understand why she felt this way toward him. He had done nothing to her. At her feet, Shippo growled again.

Montaro didn't seem to notice as he continued to stare at Kagome.

"I was hoping that you would join me for a walk," Montaro asked.

That's the fourth time he's asked me and it's only been three days. Why won't this guy get the hint?

"I'm sorry Montaro but I have work to do."

Kagome gestured to the herbs and gave a startled gasp when Montaro grabbed her hand. Next to her, Shippo was shaking in rage.

Montaro enveloped her hand in his and gently stroked her knuckles with his thumb.

"These hands are to delicate for such work." Montaro stepped forward and Kagome stepped back. Looking from their hands to his eyes and back again. She didn't know what to do. No one had ever dared to grab her hand before. Okay, Koga may have on more than one occasion but he was harmless, plus he didn't give Kagome the creeps when he did and he always let go when she pulled away. Kagome tried but Montaro wouldn't release her.

Finally closing the distance between them, Montaro lifted a hand and gently stroked her cheek.

"Lady Kagome," he softly said, causing Kagome to looked around her franticly. Searching for help but also hoping that a scene wouldn't be caused. Villagers were wondering all around the place, working and talking but none were looking in her direction. The only real help she had was the baby youkai at her feet whose growls were getting louder.

"I fear I have fallen in love with you." Montaro continued. Shippo snarled but stayed where he was. "I would be honored if you would be my wife."

That seemed to give Kagome a little more strength and she pulled herself out of Montaro's grasp and backed up several steps.

She held the hand that had been captive like it had been wounded and she stared at Montaro fearfully.

"I'm sorry Montaro," she whispered as she took another step back, "but I do not share your feelings."

Montaro's eyes narrowed.

"Is it the hanyou?"

Before Kagome could blink, Montaro had once again crossed the distance between them, kicking Shippo out of the way, who hadn't seen the attack coming and went rolling to the other side of the garden. Without Shippo to get in his way Montaro roughly grabbed her arms.

"How can you love the hanyou?" Montaro asked, squeezing his grip slightly. "He's a beast incapable of love."

Kagome stood straight and her eyes flashed in anger.

"You're wrong." She gave a slight pull but Montaro only held on tighter. "Inuyasha is capable of love. More than you can possibly imagine. Dammit, let me go."

Montaro only tightened his grip and Kagome went still. He wasn't just holding her now he was hurting her.

"No, I will not let you go." Montaro growled at her, "I love you, Kagome and I will not let the mutt take you from me."

Before Kagome could respond, and give Montaro a piece of her mind, Montaro pulled her toward him and pressed his lips hard against hers. Kagome screamed in protest and tried to push away but Montaro held firm. This wasn't like the kiss she and Inuyasha had shard just a few days ago. That kiss had been gentle, warm, passionate, and had sparked a fire in her blood that caused her to be afraid but at the same time wanting more. The unwanted kiss Montaro was giving her now was none of those things. This kiss made Kagome's blood run cold, something she hadn't felt since the final battle against Narako. The last time she truly had been afraid.

Kagome pushed against Montaro, even tried punching his chest a few times but at their close position, she was unable to get any real force behind it and the action only caused Montaro to pull her against his body, forcing her curves to fit his. Kagome grew even more scared at this point and prayed to any god that was listening to help her. Her answer came in the smallest of packages.

Montaro screamed in pain and pushed her away. Kagome didn't hesitate; she smacked him hard across the face just before a staff collided with the back of his head.

Montaro fell to the ground, nearly smashing Shippo who kept his fangs in Montaro's legs until the last second. Running in case the man attacked, Shippo climbed onto Miroku's shoulder and continued to growl.

Miroku stood protectively in front of Kagome who had latched on to the back of his ropes and was hiding her face against his back. Miroku couldn't hear her but he was able to feel the dampness of her tears and Miroku's grip on his staff tightened until his knuckles were white. Like Inuyasha, he hated it when women cried; especially when it was the women he loved more than life itself.

Montaro rubbed the back of his head and shook it to help clear it before looking up at the monk. He was surprised by the attack but didn't allow it to show as he slowly stood. In reaction, Miroku placed a hand on Kagome's hip to keep her behind him as he put more distance between them and Montaro.

"It would be best if you leave while I still have my temper in check," Miroku threatened.

Montaro only glared and was about to say something when a man calling his name interrupted him

Montaro tuned to see that half the village had surrounded him and his father was standing out in front of the crowd. His arms were crossed his chest and he had a look of pure anger on his face. Montaro relaxed his form and lowered his eyes though it looked like the effort cost him.

"Go home," his father order.

Montaro gave one last look at Miroku who hadn't taken his eyes off him. He smiled before doing as he was told.

When Montaro had vanished in the crowd, Miroku turned and wrapped his arms around Kagome. She was still crying and by her trembles, would be for a while. He whispered comforting words to her, trying to calm her and she did, slightly, but only enough to turn her head and take a deep breath.

Yasuo, Montaro's father, dismissed the crowd and made his way to them, slowly so he wouldn't startle the girl. Shippo growled but it wasn't threatening but more of a warning. Yasuo nodded to the kit who seemed surprised but he continued to give him a suspicious glare. Miroku also looked at him when he approached but he was more at ease than the kit.

"Lady Kagome," Yasuo softly spoke and gently took her hand off Miroku's shoulder and gently held it between his own two hands.

Kagome looked at him, startled but she wasn't frightened the way she had been when Montaro grabbed her hand. Yasuo had taken her hand like a father trying to comfort his child and Kagome couldn't help but relax slightly.

"I wish to apologize for my son's actions," Yasuo explained. "I promise you, he will be punished for his actions."

Kagome nodded and sniffled before burning her face back into Miroku's chest. Yasuo sighed and replaced her hand before looking at Miroku.

"Nothing I say can justify my son's actions," he said.

Miroku narrowed his eyes but it was more at the memory than at the old man,

"You keep him away from her."

Yasuo nodded.

"It will be done."

Then he turned and left.

Miroku sighed in an effort to release his anger. It didn't work but he pushed it aside and turned his attention to the girl in his arms and prayed to every god he knew that Inuyasha wouldn't find out.

Montaro didn't go home like he was ordered but continued past it and ventured into the forest. Never could he remember being so angry. She had refused him. Him. Montaro. The action was unforgivable. Of course, he should have suspected as much. The woman did keep company with youkai and strange humans. But despite his anger, he still wanted her.

Montaro growled and punched a tree. Ever since he had first seen her he had wanted her, the strange girl who had come from a foreign time on the other side of the well. She was breathtakingly beautiful then as she was now but then she had been nothing more than a child, even if she was of age, and because of that, he kept his distance, and because he feared her.

Kagome had a strong power within her that he couldn't explain and the way she held herself was unlike any other woman he had seen. She didn't act superior but she seemed superior and wouldn't let anyone break her. She had intrigued him then and every time she returned to the village. The Shikon no Tama made her even more enticing.

Montaro would spend many nights dreaming of ruling the world with the Shikon no Tama around his neck and the Lady Kagome on his arm. He would become the most powerful and feared man of all. The jewel would give him all the power he needed and Kagome would give him everything else.

Montaro groaned and tilted his head back as he leaned against the tree he abused. He often wondered what it would feel like to have her legs wrapped around him as he fulfilled his need from her. Or how she would look when he brought her to peak.

Montaro clenched his fist in frustration when he felt the familiar tingling of desire coursing through his veins. She had refused him. Had tried to push him away as he kissed her and had slapped him after the beast sunk his fangs in his leg.

Montaro had been careful. He knew that the hanyou was protective over her and knew that he had been courting her. Montaro sneered. A hanyou courting a miko. That had to be the strangest thing he had ever heard. And the wench was allowing it. That had nearly thrown Montaro into a blind rage but he held back. He was no match against the hanyou and he knew it. So he waited until the perfect opportunity. It came just a few days ago when the hanyou had disappeared.

Montaro had starting courting her then. Giving her flowers, jewelry, decorative boxes, even a horse once. She had refused them all. She only tolerated his company when he approached her and refused to accompany him anywhere. He didn't understand why. His gifts had been better than the hanyou's. Did she like getting raw meat on her doorstep every morning? Did she like receiving the simple little flowers the hanyou started giving her recently? And did she honestly like being touched by those dirty hands?

Montaro shook his head and pushed away from the tree. He didn't care if she did like the hanyou. She would be his. Her and the jewel.

Feeling better with his silent vow, Montaro took one step from the tree. Had he been paying attention, he would have noticed a flash of silver and red before a clawed hand had him by the throat and pushed him back into the tree. Montaro cried out and fear and clawed at the hand in an effort to escape but froze with the angry gaze of Inuyasha entered his view.

Inuyasha was beyond pissed. He had seen the whole thing and it was only because Miroku had gotten to there first that he hadn't gone and ripped the man's head off. He had heard Kagome's cries and they fueled his anger until killing alone wouldn't be enough. No he wanted to torment him. Make him feel pain beyond pain. He wanted to hear the vermin scream in mercy and ignore his pleas.

It was only Tetsusaiga that kept him from transforming but as he continued to hold Montaro a foot off the grown, his eyes showed a tint of red and it was only the painful look Kagome would give him that kept him from ripping the human's throat out right then and there.

"If you ever go near Kagome again," Inuyasha growled, "I'll kill you."

With that, he dropped Montaro to the ground and stalked off.

Montaro gawked at Inuyasha's back as he absently rubbed his throat. He would have a few bruises there and he knew it but he considered himself lucky since he was still alive. Montaro shook with fear and hated himself for it. Gritting his teeth in anger, he glared at the retreating figure. He wouldn't lose Kagome or the jewel to that creature. He would win at any cost.

When Inuyasha was sure he was out the human's sight, he ran the rest of the way to the village. He ignored the curious stares of the villagers and followed Kagome's scent to Miroku and Sango's hut. That hadn't surprised him. Kagome always sought comfort from Sango when she needed it and this was defiantly one of those times.

Sango and Miroku were sitting with Kagome who was still crying, only this time on Sango's shoulder. Shippo was perched on her lap, reaching up with stroking her cheek, the only comfort he knew how to give. Miroku was sitting behind her, a hand on her shoulder as he gently whispered to her. Sango held her tightly as she rocked back and forth as she would a child. All but Kagome looked up when they heard him enter.

Inuyasha didn't wait for them to tell him what happened but quickly went to Kagome. He dropped her package on the ground by the hearth when he passed it then reached down and plucked Kagome off the ground. He quickly sat down against the wall and set her in his lap. If Kagome wasn't surprised by Inuyasha's sudden appearance, her head was certainly spinning from all the sudden movement.

Kagome stiffened against him but quickly relaxed and clung to him as she cried into his chest. Inuyasha held her tightly against him as he glared at the others. Miroku and Sango took the hint and after a few minutes struggling, they left to one of the back rooms. Shippo refused to leave. He slowly approached the two, ignoring Inuyasha's growls. When he reached them, he gently laid a tiny hand on Inuyasha's knee. His eyes never left Kagome and when he heard the growl become more aggressive, Shippo turned his eyes to Inuyasha. Inuyasha growl cut off when he saw the tears mixed with the pleading look Shippo was giving him. With an aggravated sigh, Inuyasha nodded and put enough space between him and Kagome so Shippo could climb into her lap. He didn't hop in it like he usually did, but slowly crawled into her lap and curled up in it. A few moments later, Inuyasha smelt Shippo's tears and the near silent whimpers reached his ears.

Inuyasha sighed but ignored the kit at the moment and focused his attention on Kagome. Inuyasha wrapped her more tightly in his embrace, now thankful that Shippo had chosen to curl into Kagome's lap instead of against her stomach like he usually did. One of Inuyasha's hands stroked her hair in soothing patterns in an effort to try and calm her. It was something he had seen Kagome herself do when comforting Sango and was hoping it would work for her. Kagome's only response to it was her curling up against him, much like a child but her tears lessened slightly.

"Shh, Kagome," Inuyasha soothed, "you're safe now. He's not going to touch you again."

Kagome whimpered but she seemed to take comfort in his voice.

"I was so scared," she admitted. "It was nothing like yours."

"Mine?" Inuyasha looked down at her but all he could see was the top of Kagome's head.

"Your kiss," she answered before she stared crying again. "He made me feel dirty."

Inuyasha closed his eyes, torn between pride and anger. Kagome said that Montaro's kiss was nothing like his, which meant she had enjoyed it. Inuyasha had already suspected that but there was always that little voice of doubt that said she would be disgusted that he, a hanyou, had kissed her. This was proof that she did like the kiss. Inuyasha berated himself for thinking about that when Kagome was sobbing against his chest. He also berated himself for not killing the human. After all, he deserved worse.

"You're not dirty," Inuyasha comforted. "He is."

Kagome sniffled before another sob escaped her and she buried her face into Inuyasha's chest, curling up as tight as she possibly could. Shippo made a squeak of discomfort when he was all but smashed but he wisely pulled himself out of Kagome's lap and climbed up to Inuyasha's shoulder and lied above Kagome's head. From his perch, he gently stoked Kagome's hair. His stokes weren't as soft or slow or even as soothing as Inuyasha's but it was the best he knew how to do.

"I know," Kagome wailed, "but I still feel dirty."

Inuyasha sighed and slowly eased his hand under her chin and tilted her head so she meat his eyes.

"You're not dirty," he firmly told her. "You still smell of the river water and of earth and herbs but his sent is barely on you."

Kagome's lips trembled.

"But it's still on me."

Inuyasha kissed her temple, an action that surprised Kagome and quieted her tears a little.

"I won't lie," Inuyasha stated as he tucked her back under his chin. "His sent is on you but it will wash off."

"I want it off."

Inuyasha nodded his understanding and turned to look at Shippo.

"Shippo, get a bowl of water and go ask Miroku for Sango's soaps." Inuyasha ordered.

Shippo looked surprised but quickly ran to do as he told, eager to help Kagome feel better. Inuyasha and Kagome grew quiet as they waited for Shippo to get what they needed. During that time, Inuyasha nuzzled Kagome's head with his cheek and pressed gentle kisses to her temple, doing whatever he could to completely calm her. And it was working. Kagome slowly forgot about Montaro and the unwanted kiss as she focused more on Inuyasha's attentions. Silently she knew she should stop it but she was still distraught enough not to care. When she felt the tension finally leave her body, Kagome nuzzled her head under Inuyasha's chin and sighed as the last of her tears left her.

Inuyasha smiled and relaxed against the wall, completely forgetting about the human and the pain he caused Kagome and just focused on the feel of having Kagome in his arms, completely relaxed against him. He was wondering how she would react if he kissed her again but Shippo decided at that moment to return with a bowl of water and soap in hand. Inuyasha sighed in annoyance but it was better that Shippo had shown up then. He wasn't certain how Kagome would react if he kissed her after just experiencing an unpleasant one.

Shippo set the bowl beside them, splashing some of it over the rim in the process but they ignored the mess as Inuyasha set Kagome beside him and took her hands. Kagome's eyes were wide as Inuyasha started washing her hands and arms for her but she said nothing. She even bushed a little when Inuyasha accidentally dragged his claws down the length of her arm but she had to admit, she liked the attention.

Inuyasha dried Kagome's hands and arms with the towel that Shippo went to get while he washed her before sitting back. Kagome rubbed her hands, still feeling Inuyasha's fingers against them and she blushed again.

"What about my mouth?" she asked.

Inuyasha looked at her then at her lips. He stared at them for a moment and Kagome wondered if he was going to kiss her again and wondered if she could stand it if he did without crying again. But he didn't kiss her but dampened the towel he had used on her hands before dabbing her lips. Kagome tried not to moan in disappointment but she was grateful that Inuyasha was considering her feelings.

It dawned on her then what Inuyasha was doing and her eyes widened. Blushing again, Kagome took the towel and finished the job and looked everywhere else but at him. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Inuyasha had been washing her face. Kagome bit her lip and glanced at Inuyasha through the corner of her eye. Was if her or was he chuckling? Kagome could feel her blush getting even redder and she quickly looked away. Her eyes immediately fell on the package. Curiosity overcame her embarrassment.

"What's in the bag?" she asked.

Instead of replying, Inuyasha got up and grabbed the bag before walking back to her. He set the bowl aside, hardly noticing that the kit was rinsing his mouth out, and set the package in her lap.

"Open it."

Kagome stared at him curiously before turning her attention back on the bag. Slowly, she began to unwrap it and notice how Inuyasha seemed to fidget with every crease that was unfolded.

Kagome paused as she caught the first glimpse of fabric and hardly notice Shippo's weight on her shoulder as she completely removed the wrapping. Kagome could have sworn her heart stopped at that moment.

In her lap were twelve of the most beautiful blouses she had ever seen. There were several colors, most red, and each had a different pattern. Kagome carefully picked one up and noticed how soft and smooth the silk was in her hand and held it up before her. It was styled in a wrap pattern and after looking at the others she discovered they were too. That didn't surprise her since buttons weren't used in this time. The shirt she held up was a soft, deep red with gold leaves decorating it. They were placed in such a delicate manner than they looked like they were dancing in wind. Kagome couldn't wait to try it on.

Kagome stared down at the shirts in her lap. He got all of these for her. No, not just got, he had them made for her. Well, that explained why the blouse she asked Sango to fix was missing. Tears came to Kagome's eyes and she looked over to Inuyasha. He was still fidgeting and was staring at the shirts with a frightened expression on his face.

"You got these for me?"

Inuyasha looked at Kagome and replaced his expression with a scowl.

"Of course there for you," he answered. "Who else would they be for?"

Kagome choked back a sob and wrapped his arms around his neck. The action surprised Inuyasha and it took him a moment to hug her back.

"You do like them, don't you?"

He sounds like a little boy, Kagome thought to herself and she held him tighter.

"I love them. Thank you."

Inuyasha couldn't help but smile and he pulled Kagome back into his lap with no intention of letting go. Shippo looked up from the shirts and looked at Inuyasha, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. Something was going on. First the food, then the flowers, now clothes. Something was happening between Inuyasha and Kagome and his little mind couldn't understand what. He thought about asking but Inuyasha seemed to be lost in his own world and Kagome did looked too happy to be bothered, which he was grateful for since he hated it when she was sad. He would set his questions aside and wait to ask one of them later when the timing was right, hopefully he would get some answers and, Shippo glanced from Kagome to Inuyasha, without a few bumps on the head.

AN: Oh no, I introduced another obstacle for Kagome and Inuyasha. I didn't mean to, I swear. Hopefully, they'll overcome it quickly. A lemon won't be coming anytime soon but it will be coming, I promise. I like to thank everyone for all the reviews I have gotten. I honestly wasn't expecting to get that many. I especially want to thank SleepingSango for correcting me on how to spell the names. I am really sorry about that. Has anyone been noticing that Mediaminer has been acting weird? For example, I click a rating then a get a different rating all together or it won't show any of the recently updated ones and I have to find them the long way. If anyone knows what's going on, please let me know.

Next chapter: Taka and Sesshoumaru stop by to take Kagome's measurements and Shippo tries to find out what's going on. Things should go quicker from this point on. Kagome still has doubts but she's more receptive of Inuyasha's advances, but like I said, you still have a while before the lemon.