Insatiable

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Rumiko Takahashi does.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHAPTER 12: SPARKS


Sango opened the doors and went inside thinking about what Kagome had revealed to her on their way to the mansion. Kagome had refused to further talk about her rocky relationship with Shun, but she knew that her bestfriend was just being reserved about it. When Kagome had told her that she knew enough about the issue, what she had meant was that she did not care and would not anymore, because she had grown tired of Shun’s issues and his past. She couldn’t… and wouldn’t blame Kagome if she had made it to the point of ending their relationship, since she was there and she had witnessed Kagome’s share of sacrifices just to give way to Shun’s distorted belief about what had happened in the past. She was a woman; and of course, she had prejudice over this, especially when the woman concerned was her bestfriend. She believed that Kagome was making the right decision.

She made her way to the mansion’s living area where she saw Ayame tending to Kouga’s bruised face. Ayame gave her a-you-know-already-so-don’t-ask look, which she immediately caught on.

Sango shook her head. “I wouldn’t dare ask why.”

“What does that mean, Sango?” Kouga retaliated, turning his head to glare at her. However, Ayame was fast enough to grab his chin, twisting it roughly for him to face her.

“Ayame, aww. That hurts,” he whined pouting like a child.

“That’s because you’re being a pain,” Ayame told him. “How could you do that to Myouga? He had been heartbroken and what did you do?” she scolded and he sulked, dropping his head, leaning it against her shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Kouga whispered.

“You shouldn’t say sorry to me.” She brought his head up so that she could continue with what she was doing. “It’s Myouga you should say sorry to.”

“Okay.” He smiled sweetly at her.

“Promise?” She smiled lovingly after she had finished putting topical painkillers on his bruises. He nodded and beamed at her.

“Does it still hurt?” she asked.

“Yeah,” he answered, and then suddenly, his eyes twinkled naughtily. “But it won’t anymore if you kiss me?”

“Oh please, spare me the foreplay and just fuck him, Ayame. That’d cure the pain,” Hiten scoffed as he entered the living area. He carried with him a monstrous chicken sandwich.

Ayame threw a throw pillow at him, nearly knocking the sandwich off his hands.

“Ayame!” Hiten exclaimed angrily. “This is Nana Kaede’s special chicken sandwich! I haven’t had this for several years now!”

“If you want to have a mouth to actually chew that sandwich then I suggest you shut up, Hiten Tanaka,” Ayame scolded. She was the conservative type of woman and did not tolerate jokes of explicit nature, of course, only in public. But when she would be alone with her man, then let all things explicit rain.

“And stop terrorizing my man,” she added. And oh, she was very protective too.

“Why do I have the feeling that people are out to get me and terrorize me today?” Hiten scoffed some more as he walked to the theatre room. “I’m off to watch Jason Bourne kick ass. Just call me when something interesting comes up.”

“Men!” Ayame hissed when she felt someone poke her side.

“Ayame? The kiss?” Kouga said.

“Ah, my poor baby wants a kiss,” she cooed and kissed his cheek. “You will apologize to Myouga, okay?”

Kouga nodded and captured her lips passionately. Sango chuckled lightly and proceeded to the kitchen; she just knew that Miroku would be there, since he was one of those who had terribly missed Nana Kaede’s chicken sandwiches. She would get one herself, and then she’d see Rin.

“Oh wow, Nana, this is delicious!” she heard Miroku’s excited voice.

“Slow down, Miroku or you’ll choke,” she heard Kaede warning him. “After all this years, all of you boys still eat like pigs. I still don’t understand how all you grown men still act like boys most of the time.”

“They’re just acting like that, Nana, because they’ve missed you so much,” Sango uttered as she went inside the kitchen.

“Sango!” Miroku called. Her name came out muffled, as his mouth was full.

“Manners, Roku,” Sango told him while she sat beside him. “Swallow first, okay?” she whispered as she kissed his cheek. He nodded obediently while Kaede smiled at them both.

“So, I see, you’re still with the lecher, Sango,” Kaede said as she made another sandwich for her. She did not need to ask how things were doing as she could clearly see it.

Sango smiled while she gently finger-brushed Miroku’s hair, “Yes, I guess I am.”

Miroku beamed at her after swallowing his recent bite. “Did you take the cab?” he asked. “I got the car. Sorry, I didn’t let you know that I’d use it.”

“That’s okay. Kagome drove me here,” she answered. Kaede raised her head and looked at her upon hearing the name.

“She did?” Miroku looked surprised. “Then, where is she?”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Inuyasha could say was “Hi.”

He was utterly surprised to see her. He watched her, as she tried to tidy herself. It was useless because Dash and Chase had already ruined her clothes. She was wearing a pair of faded Levi’s skinny jeans, tight-fitting white tuxedo shirt, and a pair of white lily-printed designer flipflops, showing off her silver toe ring. Her hair was unbound and its full length fell gracefully, reaching her lower back. Her face was muddied and full of slobber, but her eyes were still as breathtaking as ever. His dogs barked loudly, perhaps in approval – who knew, maybe they had read his mind.

“What are you doing here?” he asked curiously. He did not want to sound rude but he just could not help but ask.

“I’m here with Sango. She has asked me to drive her here because Miroku unfortunately has taken their car with him. She has told me she wants to see Rin, so…” Kagome explained but stopped when Inuyasha chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, a little bit self-conscious about her appearance in front of him. She bet she looked hideous. Moreover, he was shirtless – looking so delicious and utterly handsome. Turning her gaze away from him, she tried to fix her hair embarrassingly.

Inuyasha immediately caught on. “No! It’s not that Kagome. You look fine.”

“Do I?” Kagome asked.

“Of course, I mean, minus the slobber, mud and all,” he automatically answered. “But you’ll always look fine to me.”

Kagome stared at him.

Nice one, Inuyasha. He scoffed in his thoughts, scolding himself. He sounded like a nervous teenager out on his first date!

“It’s just that… Sango and Miroku still haven’t gotten over that car scheduling thing figured out? Miroku’s gonna get some ass-whooping for sure,” he added. When Kagome only stared at him, he cleared his throat, however, cleared his throat when she only continued to stare. “Well… it’s not… really… that… funny,” he stuttered because he felt stupid. So, why was he chuckling so happily then?

Because you’re just happy to see her… even with all the slobber, mud and all. He could just hear the biggest part of himself say.

“Why weren’t you inside?” Inuyasha asked walking closer to her. He knelt down to put the leash on Dash. His dogs sat at each of her side. Upon seeing him, Dash voiced a sweet whimper, shielding himself by moving at the back of Kagome’s legs away from Inuyasha’s reach.
“Um, I was just checking out the mansion.” Kagome did not know what to do, so she tried to stay as still as possible so that she would not get in his way. Chase barked loudly as if trying to tell Dash to keep it up. Inuyasha held Kagome’s leg and reached for Dash.

Inuyasha grinned. “Let me guess… architecture?” he asked knowingly. He looked up to her and temporarily stopped leashing Dash, who barked loudly in return.

She grinned at him, pointed at the mansion and said, “Yeah… I get carried away when I see stuff like this.”

He was kneeling on all fours now, as he tried to reach Dash. He called and whistled for him to come to him but the dog never relented and just sat behind Kagome’s legs, ignoring him.

Inuyasha sighed shaking his head in amusement. “My dogs amazingly think that you can protect them from me and their bath.”

“They do?” Kagome inquired while she peeped at Dash from behind her who gave her a single loud bark while Chase lively wagged his tail.

She giggled.

“Yeah, they sure do. They think you’re their bestfriend now,” Inuyasha said, standing up. But he was not giving up. He suddenly held her right arm, brought his face close to hers and whispered, “Work with me.” Then, he gave her Chase’s leash. Nodding, she grinned, as she had caught on with his scheme. She kept her gaze trained on him as he counted down.

“3 – 2 – 1 – Go!”

Within a few quick moves, Kagome had managed to put Chase’s leash while Inuyasha scrambled to the ground for Dash.

“Ha-ha! Gotcha!” Inuyasha yelled triumphantly, and then, stood up to face an equally beaming Kagome.

“So, after watching that awesome display, should I call you ‘Inuyasha, Lord of the Dogs’ then?” she mocked him. He chuckled heartily; somehow, she always managed making those smart comments.

“What if I dare you to?” Inuyasha challenged her staring straight at her dancing blue eyes. She smirked in response while the dogs continued to bark loudly. They tugged at their leashes making the two tighten their hold on them.

“My, they’re spirited, aren’t they?” Kagome commented.

Inuyasha smirked and was about to reply when the two huskies gave a strong yank. Within 10 seconds, it became a tug-o-war between man and man’s bestfriend. It only took 5 seconds after that for the two big and strong huskies to manage binding Inuyasha and Kagome together as they ran in circles around them. Their leashes served as ropes, tying up the couple’s legs together. Kagome gasped hugging Inuyasha tightly in order to balance them upright. She still held Chase’s leash in one hand. Inuyasha held both her shoulders. He had lost his grip on Dash’s leash, and now, it was knotted in their legs.

“Okay, Lord of the Dogs, do something!” Kagome told him as they both tiptoed to keep themselves from falling to the ground. They were in the middle of the two dogs’ tug-o-war; if Dash tugged north, then Chase was tugging south.

“Dash! Chase! Stop! We are not playing!” Inuyasha commanded, but they only barked aloud and continued.

Suddenly, Kagome saw a stray cat ran by. The dogs growled.

“Oh no!” Kagome whispered gravely.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Inuyasha asked curiously. And within a split second, he found himself knocked down to the ground, with Kagome landing on top of him. The dogs scrambled in pursuit of the stray cat. The fall had loosened up the bindings, leaving the two huskies free to escape.

“Awww,” Inuyasha groaned. He just hit his head on the ground.

Kagome stirred up on top of him. “Oh God, are you okay?” she asked worriedly, while she felt for injuries in his head.

“Yeah,” he answered, and then grinned. “I guess this devalues my title as ‘Lord of the Dogs’ then, huh?”

She laughed and sat up. “No, I think you handle them fine.”

He sat up as well and chuckled lightly. He looked at her, offered a hand and said, “Come on.”

“Where?” she asked holding his hand, as they both stood up.

“Go dog hunting.” He smirked.

“Why should I when you’re their ‘Lord?” Kagome said playfully and raised a mocking brow.

“Because I told you, you’re their new bestfriend, remember?” Inuyasha replied pulling her by the hand, as they ran after the Dash and Chase.

After running around catching two hyperactive huskies, they had finally made their way to the dog showers located at the back of the mansion. Dash and Chase barked loudly, as Inuyasha held the power spray rinsing off the soap and all the mud off them. Kagome sat on a stool, as she munched an apple they had picked up from the apple tree that grew in the mansion’s backyard.

“You’re good at this,” Kagome said while she watched him bathe his dogs.

“Good at what?” Inuyasha asked stopping for a while to look at her.

“This,” she reiterated pointing out what he was doing.

“Oh… you mean with the power spray?” He grinned turning the nozzle towards her, spraying her with it, soaking her wet instantly.

She gasped unbelievingly. He smirked. Dash and Chase barked continuously. Her eyes narrowed dangerously while his narrowed in mischief. In an instant, she had armed herself with another power spray which was just lying around the corner. She raised her voice with a battle cry and then attacked. He seemed unfazed; as he matched her water for water, spray for spray.

It was a good fight. Kagome thought, as she stepped backward – her hands empty and unarmed. She watched with bated breath, as he took one-step forward – his hands steadfast and ready to water gun her. She heeded his every move. Judging by the way his eyes roamed and watched her, he, too, anticipated her every movement. She swallowed hard; as she watched the water dripped from his power-spray, drop for drop. He took another step forward; his footstep resounding loudly… too loudly for her tastes. It seemed to her both of them were principal characters in a suspense movie.

“I’m warning you, Takahashi. Don’t you dare,” Kagome told him fiercely. He only smirked in response and took the final step forward, trapping her between the wall and his body.

“I won’t… if you beg for mercy,” Inuyasha said, playing the part of the evil tyrant perfectly.

“Never,” she hissed.

He laughed maniacally, “Then, you leave me with no choice!”

Yet, someone really had a bad timing as someone cleared her throat timidly. Both of them turned to look at the unexpected spectator.

“Tsubame,” Inuyasha uttered. “What is it?”

“Um… Inuyasha-sama, Fukuda-san would like to use the power sprays for his gardening. He said he had already tended the back garden where the dogs had played a while ago,” she said. “Of course, that is if you and your girlfriend are done with them.”

Kagome immediately beamed at her. “Sure!” Thank God, she was saved! She took the power spray away from Inuyasha’s grasp without even correcting the girlfriend comment and gave it to Tsubame.

“Thank you, miss,” Tsubame trailed.

“Oh, you can call me Kagome,” Kagome answered, earning a smile from Tsubame. Inuyasha smiled in the sidelines, as Tsubame had started to roll the hose of each power spray. She grunted as she did so; she was a tiny woman after all.

“Tsubame,” Inuyasha called. “Why don’t you attend to the dogs, they only need to be blow dried, and combed. Let me handle the power sprays. I’ll get it to the back garden right away.”

“Of course, Inuyasha-sama,” Tsubame answered gratefully. “And thank you so much.”

“No problem,” Inuyasha answered as he and Kagome watched Tsubame towed Dash and Chase away.

And then…

SPLASH!

Kagome stood there, shocked, dripping wet – well, wetter than before. Inuyasha had just poured a bucket full of water over her.

He smirked. “You thought you got away from me, didn’t you?”

Shaking the water off her head, she chuckled darkly. Well, she actually growled, “Oh, I… am… so… getting… you… for… that… Takahashi!”

She made a pitiful attempt of a punch him, but…

“Oops,” Inuyasha said dodging her fist. He guffawed at her before running for his life. Kagome tailed him. He already carried with him the power sprays and he hastily dropped it when he had reached the back garden where Fukuda, the gardener was tending the ruined garden. Myouga was going to have a fit because of this.

“Oh, thank you, Inuyasha-sama!” Fukuda shouted, and blinked cluelessly when Kagome zoomed passed him. He scratched his head in confusion.

“No problem!” he heard Inuyasha yell from the distance.

“Come back here, mutt!” Kagome yelled, determined to catch him. Inuyasha was headed for the koi pond.

Perhaps, some divine being was smiling down on her that late afternoon because all of a sudden, Inuyasha tripped straight towards the pond… in a loud and gigantic splash! She ran to the pond, laughing on her way there.

Inuyasha sat up and pouted. “Not funny,” he whined crossly.

She smilingly walked over to where he sat, wetting her ankles. She took a water lily pad from the pond and placed it on top of his head.

“Hey, look,” she said. “Now, you’re no longer the lord of the dogs. You’re the frog prince.” She giggled charmingly, studying his soaked form. She rubbed her chin playfully. “Hmm… It suits you, Inu. I think I prefer frog prince than lord of the dogs.”

“Oh yeah?” Inuyasha glared jokingly, then suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him.

“Ahhh!” she shrieked as she slipped from where she stood and fell on top of him, immersing her in the cold water of the pond.

He laughed triumphantly, hugging her middle as she straddled him. She spluttered some water and grumbled, “That was just plain dirty!”

She shuddered. The pond’s water was chilly, and they were going to get sick if they stayed there any longer. But his laughter did not die down. A minute later, her high pitched laughter joined his. All the time, she watched his laughing face. When he wanted to, he seemed like a kid. Even though he was far from one. He presented himself without pretence. And she really liked that about him. She liked many things about him.

Slowly, she leaned closer. Kissing his cheek gently, she whispered, “Thanks.”

He watched her stand up and walk out of the pond.

Turning around, Kagome smiled at him. She offered her hand to him. “Let’s go?”

Grinning widely, he let her help him up. They started to walk.

“What was that for?” Inuyasha asked suddenly.

She only smiled. “For the frog prince to transform into a handsome prince, he needs a princess’ kiss. Don’t you know that?”

She was bluffing. The truth was that she had kissed him for one reason only, and that was for cheering her up. He might not know it, but all the things they had shared that afternoon did that. And she was utterly grateful.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


It was half past 8 in the evening and the rest of the gang had gathered in the mansion’s back porch, which happened to be adjacent to the leisure pad. Kouga and Ayame had joined Kagome and Sango in the porch while the rest of the guys were inside playing pool. Kagome had taken a quick shower later that afternoon; and since she didn’t have spare clothes to wear, Inuyasha lent her some of his clothes. She wore one of his track pants, which she had folded thrice just to fit her height, and a white and maroon printed University of Chicago shirt – his school shirt, of course.

“Kagome, you’re hot,” Sango said as she held Kagome’s forehead.

With as bashful smile, Kagome looked at her. “Wow, thanks Sango. I mean I am aware I am that… but to hear you say it”

“No, stupid. I mean you’re hot,” Sango reiterated. “I think you’re coming down with something.”

“ACHOO! ACHOO! ACHOO!”

“See what I mean?” Sango told her.

“God,” Kagome moaned, getting a tissue, wiping her nose. “You’re right; I’m not feeling so good right now.”

“Here, let me see,” Kouga said and gave Kagome an EENT examination; he was an attending after all.

“Kagome,” he began with a smile. “You’ve got acute viral nasopharyngitis.”

“Huh?” Kagome asked, clueless.

“You’ve got the common cold. I suggest lots of fluids, lots of rest, acetaminophen for the fever and headache, and a decongestant for the nose,” Kouga enumerated.

“Ah… My man is so smart,” Ayame cooed proudly.

Kouga beamed and every one rolled their eyes. By now, most of them had gone out to the porch to see what the fuss was.

“For God sakes, it’s a cold, Ayame. Anyone can diagnose a damn cold,” Hiten interjected, earning glares from the newly engaged couple.

“Then we’d better go,” Sango said. “Roku, you drive Kagome back to her flat. I’ll follow you with her car, okay?”

“Sure,” Miroku replied. “Come on, Gome.”

“Wait,” Inuyasha said. “Kagome lives alone, right?”

“Yeah…” Sango answered.

“Then who’s going to take care of her?” Inuyasha asked with a frown.

“Don’t worry about it, Inuyasha. I’ve been living all by myself ever since college. I assure you, I can handle a common cold,” Kagome reassured him. She smiled lazily, but Inuyasha was unconvinced.

“Why don’t you stay over, Kagome?” The request came out of nowhere. He knew she could handle herself just fine on her own, but he would not hear anything of her being alone when she was sick – even if it was just with a damn cold.

“I think it’s a great idea, Kagome,” Sango told her. “That way, you’ll be taken cared of. Besides, the mansion has many rooms to spare. I am sure it won’t be a bother. Right, Inuyasha?”

Inuyasha nodded.

“No, Sango. I am not staying over. I can’t. I need to go to work early tomorrow,” Kagome explained. “And for crying out loud, it’s just a cold. I am not gonna die because of a cold.”

“What if it worsens by tomorrow, or maybe late tonight?” Inuyasha countered and now faced the couch where she sat.

“It won’t.” She glared at him.

“It might,” he rebutted.

“No!” she insisted.

“Yes! You are staying over,” he said firmly. “I will have someone call your company early tomorrow that you’re staying in sick.”

She was about to retort but he would not hear any of it.

“Kagome… you are staying here. End of discussion,” he told her with finality.

She gawked at him.

“Myouga, could you please ask someone to prepare the room across mine? Miss Kagome is staying over for tonight,” Inuyasha told Myouga.

“Yes, Inuyasha,” Myouga replied bowing politely.

“No, Myouga-san,” Kagome quickly said. “There’s no need. I am fine guys. Really! I can drive home by myself.”

She was starting to get in a foul mood, and so she tried to speak as calmly as possible, “Myouga-san, if you can please give me the medicine that Kouga has suggested awhile ago, that’ll be greatly appreciated.”

“Um…” Myouga hesitated, torn between which orders to follow. However, Inuyasha saved him from the bother.

“Please fetch the medicine for Kagome, Myouga,” Inuyasha said.

Kagome sighed in relief.

“And please bring the medicine to the room where she’ll stay for the night,” he continued, immediately taking Kagome by surprise. She glared at him.

“And also, please ask Nana Kaede to make her special chicken soup, and kindly bring it to Kagome’s room once it’s ready,” Inuyasha finished.

“Yes, Inuyasha,” Myouga answered and sauntered right away.

“Wait,” Kagome called frantically. “I said I wasn’t staying… ACHOO!”

“Yes, you are!” Inuyasha firmly told her.

All of a sudden, Kagome found herself picked her up from the couch, and carried her bridal style in the arms of Inuyasha.

“Put me down, right now!” she protested. “I said I wasn’t staying.”

“No.” Inuyasha ignored her protests and went inside. They disappeared in the turn leading to the hallway where the main stairs were located, paying no heed to their friends who watched their bickering with curiosity and amusement.

“I said put me down!” Kagome shouted. Inuyasha was already climbing up the stairs to the second floor. He walked towards her room, opened it and gently placed her on the bed. He beamed at her, which totally pissed her off even more. She growled.

“You’re stubborn,” he said as-a-matter-of-factly, while he strategically cradled his chin with the palm his hand. He was sitting on the bed, watching her, looking quite amused.
She puffed an annoyed breath. “I am stubborn,” Kagome admitted with a frown.

He chuckled crossing his arms across his chest. “Sure, I won’t argue with you about that.”
She groaned. “You’re annoying me, Takahashi!” she said before hiding under the duvet.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“ Did you just see that?” Hiten said as soon as Inuyasha and Kagome were gone.

“What did you see, Ten? I didn’t see anything,” Kouga asked. Well, he would not see anything because Hiten was referring to something intangible. He had just seen sparks fly between his two friends. Interesting. Very interesting.

“I swear I just saw something,” Hiten replied and followed his other friends who were already walking inside the mansion. It seemed that nobody had heard his last comment, but one – Sango. Yes, she had seen it, and how it actually happened had surprised her.

Sango had known Kagome since high school. She was 2 years older than Kagome, but they had clicked instantly. There was just that connection, as if the threads of fate had bound them together and made them best friends from the very beginning. She pretty much knew Kagome from inside and out. And if there was one thing about Kagome that had not changed for as long as she could remember, it was that Kagome was downright stubborn; and that in an argument were she was concerned, she would never waver to anyone. She would be relentless. However, tonight, she wavered, and it only took Inuyasha less than 2 minutes to do so.

They had left the mansion at around ten in the evening. Kagome had long been asleep once they had gone. Miroku hummed, as he took a right turn. He looked at Sango who had her brows in a frown.

Sango sighed, as she pondered some more. Kagome’s rocky relationship with Shun and what she had just witnessed that evening. Could it be related? She thought.

“Hey, are you alright?” Miroku asked. All her pondering was worrying him. She had quieted ever since then.

“Yeah, I was just thinking.” Sango smiled reassuringly at him.

“Want to tell me what it is?” He offered, as he held her right hand and kissed her knuckle.

She paused to think for a while. “Well, the thing is… I still don’t know what it is.”

“Is it about me?”

She smiled at his worried look. “No.”

“Okay,” he said. He squeezed the hand he held. “Are you sure?”

She chuckled lightly kissing cheek. “Yes, I am. Don’t worry about me, okay. I am just… Well…”

Miroku looked at her, puzzled.

“Do you think she’ll be all right, Roku?” Sango asked suddenly.

“Who?”

“Kagome.”

“Of course, she will. Why won’t she be?” Miroku replied. “Don’t worry. They’ll take care of her. Besides, Kagome is one tough chick.”

“Hmm, I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m just thinking too much.”

”You are.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Kagome woke up in the middle of the night. Groaning, she searched for her mobile under the pillows.

“1:33,” she whispered. She scrolled for any missed calls but found none. Shun should have called her by now, but he had not. The Tokyo to London flight was estimated to take 12-13 hours. He had departed at around 10 that morning so he should have arrived by now. Maybe she should call him, but he did promise to call her once he had arrived.

“Damn it, Shun,” she hissed staring at the ceiling. Raising her left hand, she stared at her ring. Why did she have this feeling that it did not belong there? She sighed. The ring was becoming heavier to wear as the days passed. Her relationship with Shun. She knew that its end was only a matter of time. This was not the first time she had felt this, even before she had sensed it coming. Perhaps, seeing Kouga proposing to Ayame that night at Sacred Arrow triggered something in her. It opened her eyes that something was missing. That somehow her relationship with Shun was mediocre compared to Kouga and Ayame’s.

With a smile, she recalled her afternoon – the afternoon she had spent with Inuyasha. The afternoon she had caught herself a cold. Sighing, she buried her head on the soft pillows. She was feeling better already. Kaede’s chicken soup had worked wonders.

The door to her room suddenly creaked open. Scrambling hastily, she pretended to sleep. She heard the door closing gently, and soft thuds were heard coming closer to the bed, as her mysterious visitor walked towards the bed. The bed shifted as that someone sat on it. Soft, gentle hand touched her forehead, feeling her temperature. Then, it traced her hair and down to her cheek. She sighed deeply in approval.

Then, she heard a light chuckle, followed by a clearing of the throat. “You better not be mock-sleeping Kagome, if you don’t want me to tickle you awake.”

She knew who it was. Yet, she continued to play pretend.

Inuyasha raised an amused brow.

“I’m warning you,” he chided, yet, Kagome stayed still. So he made his move and tickled her. She immediately snapped her eyes open and laughed.

“Stop!” Kagome shrieked. “Stop it, Inuyasha!”

Inuyasha stopped tickling her, stared at her and said, “Damn you’re stubborn!”

“I never said I wasn’t,” she retorted. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been checking up on you every hour ever since you’ve fallen asleep,” he replied. “Your fever has gone down a few hours ago. I’m making sure it hasn’t returned. So, how are you feeling?”

“Fine,” she answered. “Much, much better.”

He smiled. “Do you need anything? I can get it for you.”

“No, but thanks.” However, her stomach told him otherwise as it rumbled.

“Are you sure?” Inuyasha asked raising brow while he watched her sceptically.

Kagome chuckled sheepishly. “I am a bit hungry,” she whispered.

“Just a bit?” he prodded.

“Shut it, Takahashi!” she scolded and sat up. She knew he was making fun of her. “I’m hungry, period!”

He laughed at her, “Okay, okay! You’re hungry. So, what do you want to eat?”

“Hmmm,” she pondered. “Kaede’s chicken sandwich, maybe left-over ice-cream, or the cookie monster cake we ate for dessert perhaps?”

“Oh come on, decide already!” he exclaimed.

“All right!” she answered. “All three?” she added meekly, causing him to grin devilishly.

“Anything else?” he asked playfully. “Do you want me to bring you the whole kitchen?”

“If you can,” she challenged him.

“Feh!” he scoffed jokingly and stood up. “I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks,” she said sweetly, as she watched his retreating back. She smiled unconsciously. She had not even noticed she was that ecstatic until she heard her chuckles. Then, she quickly stood up, sprinted out of the room, and caught up with him down the winding staircase.

“Wait!” Kagome called, and Inuyasha instantly turned around.

“What the hell are you doing?” Inuyasha reprimanded. “You go back inside the room and stay in bed, right now!”

“Shhhh!” She quieted him. “You’re too loud.”

“Wha-“

“I’m coming with you,” Kagome said, leaving no room for any discussions. She walked passed him and climbed down the stairs with Inuyasha looking down hard at her.

“Well? What are you waiting for?” she asked impatiently.

“All right. All right! Fine, you win,” Inuyasha grumbled. She sure was stubborn. “You want me to carry you to the kitchen?” he added worriedly when he had caught up with her at the bottom of the stairs.

Kagome scoffed and playfully snubbed him, “I can walk just fine, thank you.”

“Suit yourself, stubborn-lady,” Inuyasha retorted.

She slapped his shoulders. He held her hand just in case as they went to the kitchen. Once they were there, she had scrambled for Kaede’s special chicken sandwich as quickly as she could and munched them within minutes. He laughed at her, as she devoured the leftover ice cream, and swept through a monstrous slice of cookie monster, leaving the plate spotless.

“I’m full,” Kagome said. It was already 2:16 at dawn. They had stayed in the kitchen for over 40 minutes already, just going over the refrigerator and munching anything that they could get their hands on.

“Thank goodness,” Inuyasha said jokingly.

“Shut it,” Kagome shushed him.

“So… it’s your turn again,” he said.

The whole time that they had stayed in the kitchen, they were talking non-stop about each other. They had chatted about their families, where they had schooled, what they thought about their common friends, things at work, his two Siberian huskies, and other silly things like the tiny speck they had seen in the drinking glass, or how eerie the gush of wind that flew passed them just a while ago. She had even dared ask him why he was shirtless again. He instantly retorted a “This is my house so I can wear whatever I want.” Now, they were sitting on the kitchen floor, leaning against the cupboards of the kitchen counter walls with their legs stretched out.

“Hmmm, let’s see. I’m stubborn,” Kagome began.

“I know that already,” Inuyasha interrupted her.

“Shush,” she quieted him.

“I hate spiders. My childhood dream is to become a pediatrician, but then I’ve turned out to be an architectural engineer like my father. All my years as a student, I have only played princess once,” she said. Inuyasha listened to her attentively, smiling.

“My favorite Jane Austen novel is Pride and Prejudice, and my favourite character is Elizabeth Bennett. I am a soprano. I have a fat cat named Buyo. And I love green mangoes,” she continued.

“My brother Souta has never won a wrestling match against me. I have crammed my homework until high school graduation. I have stolen one of Souta’s priceless card collectibles just to spite him, but instead, he has nearly destroyed the shrine out of searching for it. To this day, he hasn’t found it.” Kagome smirked.

Inuyasha laughed aloud, totally enjoying her random storytelling.

“I got my first kiss from a boy named Taro,” she said dreamily, and Inuyasha’s laughter faltered.

“Good for him,” he scoffed grudgingly. She giggled and stared at him mischievously.

“Are you jealous?” she asked playfully.

“No! Why should I be?” he automatically answered. He was looking anywhere but her.

“Yes, you are!” she taunted. “Look at you, you green eyed-monster!” she teased, pinching his cheeks. He snubbed her. She guffawed merrily, making fun of him.

“Oh, you’re no fun,” she teased him.

“Feh!”

“What about you?” Kagome asked, leaned her head to the side cradling it with her hand. She matched his amber gaze, as they looked eye to eye.

“Me?” Inuyasha replied. “Let’s see. I love ramen.”

“I know that already,” Kagome interjected and smirked at him. He gave her a scolding look.

“I am 6’3” and thinks that Michael Jordan is the best ball player ever. I have once thought that the world is flat. I have served as a Peace Corps volunteer for a year, and my favorite actress is Meryl Streep. I think the best season is winter because then I get to race with Dash and Chase out in the snow.”

Kagome was listening intently.

“I once put the mansion’s kitchen on fire. My dad got so mad at me; he grounded me for 2 months. I had only participated in one school play where I played the legendary half-dog demon that saved the world from evil. I was once a terrible swimmer, but not until I migrated to Chicago,” Inuyasha continued.

“Really?” Kagome asked incredulously. He nodded.

“Yeah, Sesshomaru made this stupid challenge about swimming Lake Michigan, and I was stupidly intoxicated enough to accept his bet.”

“Did you make it though?” she inquired curiously.

“Of course not!” Inuyasha exclaimed. “Lake Michigan is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. It’s like 118 miles wide. I’ll die first before reaching the opposite shoreline.”

Perhaps it was the way he failed his arms to emphasize his point. Or maybe, the funny way his frown took up most of his face. But she found herself giggling. And couldn’t seem to stop.

He glared at her.

“All right, all right; I’ll stop laughing,” she said catching her breath, but still could not manage to contain her light giggles.

“You’re cruel,” Inuyasha said frowningly.

“Okay, okay,” Kagome said all the while still giggling. “I’ll stop. Just give me a minute.”

He grumbled, “What’s so funny, anyway?”

“Nothing! Nothing!” she answered, giggling still.

“It’s not nothing if you’re still giggling silly,” Inuyasha told her. “Stop it or I’ll make you.”

“I bet you would,” Kagome dared him facing him fully.

Then all of a sudden, she found herself in a lip-lock with him. All giggles had stopped as she gasped in surprise; her eyes, wide as saucers, clearly taken off guard, as she stared at his intense amber gaze. He released her from the kiss, and all they did was just stare at each other. With his right hand, he brushed her left cheek and trailed his gentle caresses down to her neck. His eyes roamed her beautiful face until it rested on her slightly parted lips.

“I did warn you,” Inuyasha whispered huskily and crashed his lips to hers once again.

He cradled her face with his hand as his other hand held her neck, angling it as he deepened the kiss. She gasped, allowing him the chance to slip in his tongue. He moved it in languid seduction, coaxing her, enticing her and winning her over. She moaned, closed her eyes, and hugged his shoulders as she unconsciously coaxed him back and answered his every enticing stroke.

Somehow, in the middle of their tryst, he had managed to carry her and lift her up to sit on the kitchen counter, never breaking the kiss. He now stood in between her legs. He groaned, kissing her more fervently as he felt her dainty hands skimmed his bare chest. Wrenching her mouth away, she gasped for air. He trailed wet kisses down her neck, lingering on her collarbone to suck the sweet flesh he found there.

Arching her back, she released the sexiest moan he had ever heard. Her toes curled from the sensations. His hands slipped inside her oversized shirt, grazed her flat stomach up to cup her breasts for a moment and then moved to hug her lower back. He hugged her impossibly closer, as he captured her mouth for another beguiling kiss. This time he did not need to coax her, as she reciprocated with same vigor. They kissed each other’s breaths away for countless of times, a make-out session that lasted for long minutes. Yet, it left them hanging. They stared at each other – panting breathlessly. And as they gazed in each other’s dazed and intense pools, only one thing reflected in their eyes. Hunger. Hunger for more!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


R & R!