InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Savvy ❯ Chapter Twenty-Four ( Chapter 24 )

A/N: Bow to the genius that is Rumiko Takahashi. Bow!!! Ahem... About the soundtrack requests, please make SURE you ask your parents about it if you're underage. I also want to say thank you for over 400 reviews! I consider myself very lucky that only two or three in so many didn't exactly make my day. Thanks! Sorry the chapter took so long, but I think you'll see why. It just didn't want me to write it. We had a big fight, the cops were called, restraining orders were issued... It was a big ugly, mess. But I am the victor! I hope...

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"Vindicated" Dashboard Confessional (I think it might be obvious...)

"Crazy Bitch" Buckcherry (Emily's dance)

"Everlong (acoustic version)" Foo Fighters (acoustic practice... duh...)

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Kagome smiled serenely the next afternoon as she drifted up from a deep sleep, the sunlight from her open door casting warm hues through her eyelids. It didn't even bother her that her neck hurt from sleeping on Inuyasha's arm all morning. She really wasn't sure anything could bother her.

Opening her eyes, however, she gasped softly when she saw Inuyasha's golden ones fixated on her, and brimming with tears. "Inuyasha?" she asked in concern, her brow furrowing deeply with worry.

"I was watching you smile," he told her, his voice clear despite the fact that he was obviously trying not to cry, but as he tried to smile, his lip trembled. "Kagome... I'm scared," he whispered, closing his eyes as he struggled against his emotions, and she watched as the tears escaped, sliding down to hit his pillow.

She hurriedly brought her hands up to his face, drying the wet trails with her thumbs. "I know," she said softly.

He opened his eyes, surprised at her simple reply, and he felt instantly grateful that she wasn't going to try to convince him that everything would be okay. Neither of them had any way of knowing that, and the last thing he wanted was promises.

"I'm scared, too," she admitted softly.

"You... are?" he asked hesitantly, his eyes searching hers.

Kagome nodded. "I know you'd never do what Kouga did, but... I trusted him before that. It's hard, trusting someone again."

His gaze was intense as he seemed to search for the words to answer her. "I... I never meant to hurt you."

She smiled softly. "I know that."

The sincerity in her eyes, the quiet strength he saw in her... Inuyasha felt suddenly overwhelmed by the need to draw her close to him, afraid he was dreaming and she might slip away.

Folding her in his arms, he could feel her warmth, the absolute reality of her, and he was startled by the fact that he'd ever pushed her away. How could he have? She sighed, her breath whispering across his lips...

...And he fell.

Kagome was expecting Inuyasha's kiss, but the innocence behind it surprised her, the soft brush of his lips over hers causing tears to spring to her eyes as he gently assaulted her with his careful touch. Thought fled as his hands sank into her hair, holding her steady as he gently forced her back against the mattress, the warm metal of his tongue piercing tracing her lip, bringing a shaking sigh from her as she found his shoulders, kneading the muscles there with trembling hands.

He pulled away, and Kagome bit back a whimper at the loss of him, watching with hazy eyes as he shrugged himself out of his shirt. He tossed it to the floor before his eyes locked with hers, and she shivered under his gaze, completely predatorial, yet wholly vulnerable as he leaned over her again, nuzzling her nose before his lips captured hers again, the scrape of his fangs drawing out her fear, and replacing it with a pulsing ache in her belly that made her cling to him.

She felt his hand under her shirt, his calloused fingertips burning a slow path across her abdomen, and her muscles jumped beneath his touch, her hips rising from the bed in a silent plea. Not enough, she thought through the fog that clouded her mind, her nails digging into his flesh as his hand slid over her breast.

Kagome's moan against his mouth erased any resolve Inuyasha had left, and as his right hand teased her hardening nipple, his left began to clumsily fumble with the buttons of her shirt, desperate to feel her skin against his own.

Kagome's hands left his back to assist him, and he cradled her neck as he lifted her from the bed, allowing her to tear the shirt away before he pressed himself against her, a plaintive groan issuing from him as his tongue delved past her lips, his hand applying gentle pressure to her breast as his thumb brushed across her nipple, and he reveled in the soft gasp he felt from her; no more than a gentle rush of air stolen from his mouth.

The sound of her need fed his own, and his hungry lips left hers, laving the skin of her neck with open-mouthed kisses, intent on forcing more incoherent pleas from her. Trailing his fangs over her collarbone, his mouth replaced his hand, drawing gently on her nipple, and he growled with pleasure as she cried out, arching against him.

More, his fevered thoughts demanded, and he complied with no argument, his hand gliding down the silky skin of Kagome's stomach before tugging insistently at the waistband of her pants.

"Kagome," he panted, his lips dragging across her skin, lapping beads of sweat from her neck. She whimpered, her hands grasping limply in his hair. "Do you... have anything?"

Kagome tried to order her frenzied thoughts in an attempt to understand what he was asking, but his hands, his tongue... Kami, she hurt...

The tug of his hands on her pants again brought realization home, however, and she went suddenly still, her eyes flying open. "N-n-no..." she stammered.

Inuyasha pulled back from her, immediately sensing her anxiety, and as he studied her flushed face and imploring eyes, a look of bemusement crossed his features.

She's... Is she?

"Kagome... Are you a virgin?"

The rapid fluttering of her eyelashes was answer enough, and he felt a sudden rush of warmth sweep through him as she wet her lips nervously.

"Well... yes," she replied, blinking again. "I mean, mostly. I mean--"

"You've never had sex before," he supplied, blinking slowly as a new wave of emotion washed over him.

"Not exactly, no." When Inuyasha failed to say anything, her brow furrowed worriedly. "Is... that okay?"

He stared at her a moment longer, the gold of his eyes seeming to darken to a more amber hue before a ghost of a smile passed over his lips. "That's fine," he assured her softly, his hair brushing the sides of her face as his lips met hers again gently, teasing her with light brushes of his tongue against hers as his hand slipped under her waistband.

Inuyasha grunted possessively as his fingers met with slick heat, and Kagome sobbed brokenly, her hands clenching handfuls of his hair as her hips rose to meet his touch. Careful of his claws, he pressed gently against her, encouraging her even as he comforted her with soft, quick kisses over her lips, her brow, her chin.

Her hands circled his neck, clinging to him desperately as he sent her spiraling quickly towards combustion. She jerked against his merciless touch, wanting him to stop, but needing him to continue.

His tongue mimicked the stroke of his fingers as he flicked it over her nipple, applying more pressure with each gentle stroke, and Kagome came undone, her toes curling as she shuddered violently against him, curling into his side even as he pushed her further, forcing a cry from her that made him instinctively pull her closer, his growl soothing her as she rode wave after wave of blinding light before falling breathlessly against him. Her limbs went limp as he pulled her into his embrace, kissing her brow as she gasped for air.

Kagome was still for several moments, and Inuyasha thought she might fall asleep. His eyes snapped open, however, when he felt her lips on his throat, her scalding tongue leaving a trail of hurried kisses down his neck as her hands sought his chest, her fingers grazing his nipples, rending a tortured groan from him as his fingers combed through her hair, trembling.

The sound of his zipper seemed to echo through the room, stunning Inuyasha, and then his eyes fell shut as she grasped his length in her small, soft hand, and he gently pulled at her hair, unable to help himself, forcing her head back as he sought her lips, devouring them as she stroked him slowly.

"Gods..." he gasped against her lips, nibbling them as she increased pressure on him. He sighed raggedly, pulling harder on her hair, but careful not to cause pain. She understood his intent, and bared her throat to him, allowing him to trace her rapid pulse with his tongue, to nip at her shoulder as his free hand clenched her arm, bracing himself as his nerves rippled just beneath the skin, creating pathways of sensation that met at her touch. His hips moved of their own accord, pushing his erection through her burning hand faster as he fluttered famished kisses over her neck, his tongue darting out to taste her skin, all of his senses overwhelmed by her. She was dominating him, incessant with her touch, and as she pumped him harder, he forced his teeth away from her skin. "Fuck," he whimpered, his fingers digging into her arm as he stiffened in her grasp, his orgasm rushing through him with a silent roar, coating her hand as she slowed her pace, softened her touch; more sensitive than she had any right to be.

Drawing in deep breaths, he pulled her closer as he came down, and her hand left him as she nuzzled his neck, seeming suddenly shy. "Kami," he panted as he combed through her hair, trying to find his bearings. "Where'd you learn that?"

She giggled silently against him, her face hot against his shoulder. "Nowhere," she whispered.

"Damn right," he replied, smiling before he sat up, and when he took in her blushing face, his smile only widened. "I'll be right back," he told her, leaving the bedroom.

Kagome heard the sound of running water from the bathroom moments later, and Inuyasha returned with a washcloth, taking her hand and cleaning it. The simple gesture touched her deeply, and when he leaned over to kiss her, she responded warmly, cupping his face with her dry hand, completely content.

"I hate to say it," he said as he pulled away, "but we should really get ready for work."

She groaned softly. "Yeah, you shouldn't have said that."

He chuckled, kissing her again before pulling her into a sitting position. "Well, you can always go downstairs smelling like that, if you want," he ventured.

Kagome immediately panicked, her eyes widening. "I... I smell?"

He smiled, kissing the top of her head. "Not bad," he assured her, bending lower to nip at her earlobe. "Like you... And me..."

"O-oh," she managed to reply as she shivered from his touch. "Well... you'd really better, um, stop that... if you want me to get ready."

He stopped, standing up straight once more. "It's not really a question of 'want,'" he told her, a mischievous glint in his eye before his expression softened. "Thank you," he said.

"...For what?" she asked, unable to look away from the glowing gaze of his eyes.

He leaned down for one more kiss, his fingers brushing over her hands. "For you," he replied in a whisper, leaving her to stare after him in wonder as he quickly left the room.

Kagome smiled.

(*)(*)(*)

Kagome sidestepped around a very satisfied customer as he stumbled past her that night, giggling as he tipped a wink her way before practically falling into his chair. Emily obviously had something expensive on her mental wish list; she was working the crowd for all they were worth, causing them to be nearly as rowdy as when Sango was on stage. The patrons seemed to be filled with New Year's spirit, and Kagome wasn't complaining. It was just past ten, and she'd already made fifty dollars.

Nodding her head along to the music, she made her way to the bar, where Inuyasha smiled almost bashfully at her. "I need four rum and Cokes," she told him, and he nodded before setting the glasses out to fill the order.

Kagome was quite content to stand and watch him, but she was suddenly pulled backwards, barely hearing Inuyasha's indelicate snort before she turned to see Sango. "What are you doing?" she laughed, letting her friend lead her into the hall that led to the break room.

Letting her go, Sango crossed her arms. "Confession time, Kagome," she declared with a smirk.

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked, feeling her face flush as she tried to look innocent.

"Oh, don't hand me that!" Sango cried. "Your feet have barely hit the floor all night. You're floating, and you look damn guilty right now."

"I... do?"

"You do. Not to mention the fact that Inuyasha's been eye-fucking you since the two of you came downstairs."

"He... has?"

Sango tilted her head, a knowing look on her face. "The innocent act only works for so long," she replied. "And I'm not buying."

Kagome sighed. "Well... um... we talked," she admitted.

Sango sighed impatiently. "Are you together, or what?" she nearly growled.

Kagome couldn't help the small smile that pulled at her lips, and she nodded slowly.

A huge grin broke out over Sango's face, and Kagome jumped as she let out a war cry, quickly running from the room. Kagome trotted after her, entering the bar just in time to see Sango capture a startled Inuyasha in a bear hug behind the counter.

"You dog!" she shouted, squeezing him tightly as he blushed a near crimson shade. Kagome laughed, approaching the bar to collect her order as Inuyasha pulled Sango off of him.

"You just had to tell her, didn't you?" he asked, feigning a dark scowl.

Kagome shook her head, and they shared a small smile as Sango's grin widened. "Eeeee! So cute!!" she squealed before planting a loud kiss on Inuyasha's cheek and jogging away. Inuyasha did scowl then, rubbing the side of his face as he pretended to be disgusted. Kagome rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling as she left the bar with her tray.

Due to Sango's big mouth, word of Inuyasha and Kagome spread quickly, and Inuyasha was soon watching Shiori hugging Kagome, followed by a nearly naked Emily, and even Taylor passed by to congratulate her. As uncomfortable as it was to be the center of attention, Inuyasha couldn't help but smiling a little, and he mentally kicked himself for waiting; for making her wait on him. He couldn't change the past, though...

But the future suddenly seemed brighter.

"Hey, Inuyasha?"

His eyes darted away from Kagome to see Eric leaning against the bar, a crestfallen expression on his face. "What?"

"Are you really dating Kagome?" he asked, his brow raised, obviously hoping he'd heard wrong.

Inuyasha smiled smugly. "Yeah," he replied, taking a deep breath. "I am."

(*)(*)(*)

Once the club was closed, Sango told Inuyasha not to lock her out as she went outside, returning with Miroku. "I guess she told you, too?" Inuyasha asked as he tied up the last bag of garbage.

"She might have mentioned something," Miroku replied with a knowing smirk as Sango went to help Kagome sweep the floor. "We just thought you might want to hang out for awhile. Unless, of course, the two of you would rather celebrate alone."

Inuyasha fixed his friend with a dark look. "Yeah, we can hang out. I wanted to talk about that acoustic set, anyway."

"You're thinking about it?"

"Thinking, yeah, but that's all."

Miroku followed Inuyasha out the back door as he went to throw the bag into the dumpster. "We only have a week left to confirm."

"I know."

"Have you written anything?"

"One or two," Inuyasha replied with a nod. "I've got some covers in mind, and..." He dug into his pocket, pulling out a small stack of bar napkins. "And I'd like to put some music to this."

Miroku shook his head in disbelief. "Do you ever not write?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "Yeah. Anyway, the show's not for awhile."

"True."

Back inside, the four of them quickly finished cleaning before bidding Kagura good-night, and heading upstairs. Kagome offered to microwave some leftovers she had in her fridge, so they gathered in her apartment after the boys grabbed two of Inuyasha's three acoustic guitars from his bedroom.

Kagome made herself comfortable in her chair while Sango leaned back against her legs, both of them happily stuffing themselves with oden as Inuyasha and Miroku went about tuning their guitars, their plates of food forgotten on top of Kagome's trunk.

The boys went through a few covers, and Miroku played for Sango as Inuyasha read through the words he'd written during work, silently working out the chords in his head, a serious frown on his face as he tried to concentrate.

"Got anything yet?" Miroku asked as he finished playing, and the girls applauded, giggling.

"Not sure," Inuyasha replied, removing his bandana to scratch behind his ear before he tried a few chords, humming through them as he studied the napkins that were perched on his knees.

"Mind if I take a look?"

Inuyasha let Miroku take the lyrics, and he placed them on the center cushion of the sofa where they could both read them. "Play those chords again," he mumbled, and Inuyasha complied, watching as Miroku's fingers twitched over the strings of his guitar. He nodded after several moments, plucking out an accompanying rhythm.

"Oh, that's pretty," Sango commented before getting up for a second plate, taking Kagome's empty one to the sink.

"It might work," Inuyasha agreed, listening as Miroku played it again, and the hanyou gestured for him to keep playing as he mouthed the words he'd written. Kagome looked on in interest, watching the song come together as Inuyasha added the chords for the chorus.

"Ready to try it out?" Miroku asked after they played it through several times.

"Might as well," Inuyasha replied. "You do the verses, though."

Miroku nodded, knowing Inuyasha wanted to focus on making the words fit before he tried to put the two together himself.

"Hello,I've waited here for you,Everlong."Tonight,I throw myself into,And out of the red,Out of her head she sang."Come down and waste away with me, down with me.Slow how, you wanted it to be,I'm over my head, out of her head she sang..."

Kagome smiled shyly as Inuyasha's eyes met hers, forcing away a shiver at the soft look in his eyes as he sang, only looking away when he joined Miroku for the chorus."And I wonder,When I sing along with you,If everything could ever feel this real forever.If anything could ever be this good again.The only thing I'll ever ask of you.You've got to promise not to stop when I say when,She sang..."Sango took her spot on the floor again, and the girls shared a smile as the song continued. Sango's smile didn't fade as she focused her attention on the boys. It was nice to see Inuyasha without the guarded shadows in his eyes that she'd become so used to, and she found herself hoping Kikyou would remain lost forever, not caring that it wasn't the most charitable thought she'd ever had. She knew nothing was perfect, or ever would be, but she could already see that Kagome was very capable of making Inuyasha happy, that fact more evident as her friend got up from her seat, passing Inuyasha on her way to the bathroom, and giving his ear an affectionate tweak. She'd never look down on him for what he was, or use it to her advantage.

Sango's only real worry was Kouga. She'd only known about youkai for a few years, but in that time, it had become very obvious to her that they didn't screw around when it came to their mates. If Kouga was really so adamant about taking Kagome as his mate, Inuyasha might have a fight on his hands, and if Inuyasha was as serious about Kagome as Sango was beginning to believe, it might be a very nasty fight.

After the first try with the song, Inuyasha and Miroku played it another time or two, until the both of them found it acceptable. After that, they tried a song they already played with the rest of the band, trying to tweak it for a softer sound. Miroku liked it, but Inuyasha didn't, and they argued over it for awhile before Miroku announced he was tired.

"Be prepared," Sango warned the couple before her and Miroku went out the door. "We fully expect a Sunday outing this weekend."

Kagome smiled, nodding, but Inuyasha crossed his arms. "We might," he said coolly. Sango giggled, grabbing for his ear, but he jerked it away from her hand before she could grasp it.

Saying their good-nights, Sango and Miroku left, and Inuyasha and Kagome were alone.

"You tired?" he asked her, feeling suddenly awkward. He'd slept with her the night before, but he wasn't sure she was ready for that to become a habit.

Kagome shrugged. "Not very. I should probably study for my SATs," she said with a scowl.

"Oh. Well, I'll leave you alone if you want," he offered.

Kagome looked up at him, seeming confused. "Why would I want that? Unless... you'd be bored."

"No," he responded quickly. "I mean, I could work on that song. If it wouldn't bother you."

"It won't," she promised, going to get the book she'd purchased to study with. Inuyasha settled back on the couch, and she sat at the other end when she returned, her back against the armrest as she propped the book on her knees. For a short time, they were each in their own world, but Inuyasha soon noticed Kagome tapping her foot against his as he played, and he smiled. She seemed to sense it, looking over the top of her book to return it. "Sorry," she told him, scooting her foot back.

He followed it with his own, flicking her toe with his own. She giggled softly, returning her eyes to the text. "What are you studying?" he asked.

"Math," she replied dourly.

"Math ain't so bad," he replied. "I hated government."

Her eyes appeared over the book again. "You went to college?"

He nodded as he absently strummed his guitar. "A couple of times," he told her. "The first time Sesshoumaru tried to convince me to get a law degree like him, but that didn't work out so well."

"I could see that. What else did you go for?"

"Music. That was a long time ago, though."

"Ever thought of going back?"

He shrugged. "Not really. I'm doing what I like, and I've never been that concerned about money."

"Yeah. A lot of people I was in school with were only there because they wanted to make a lot of money, but most of them dropped out because they couldn't handle it."

"You're not looking forward to the money?"
She shook her head. "I never grew up with a lot of money; it wasn't something I was taught to care about. Besides, I'm not even sure I'll go back to school yet."

"Do you have that acting class this week?" he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Yeah, on Thursday. Those auditions are pretty soon, too."

"You going to those?"

"I don't think so," she replied. "I like the classes, but I don't know if I'm ready for that step yet."

"Stage fright?" he asked teasingly.

"Yes," she admitted immediately, laughing softly. "Are you staying tonight?" she asked.

Well, that was simple, he thought. "If you don't care," he replied carefully.

She closed her book, tossing it onto her trunk. "I've decided I'm sleepy now. The math made my brain go numb."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but returned his guitar to its case, following Kagome into the bedroom, where he watched her gather her pajamas and leave the room to change. He pouted slightly, disappointed, but was quickly satisfied again as she crawled over him to settle against his side. He reached over to turn the light out, and he felt Kilala jump onto the bed, curling up near their feet.

He was asleep within seconds.