With Love

Chapter Fifteen: Fight And Forgiveness


Kurama tried not to scowl as Yusuke laughed at something not particularly funny. The man sure was in a good mood. Did it have anything to do with how much time he’d been spending with Sango? His blood boiled remembering seeing the toushin’s hand touch her leg. She’d laughed and looked down at his friend affectionately. Was there more than just friendship there? His eyes narrowed at the cocky grin being sent his way. If he found out that Yusuke had gone behind his back and touched her, years of friendship would be forgotten. He recognized the jealousy threatening to consume him. He’d never been jealous over a female before but he knew what it was. He didn’t want Yusuke or any other man touching her.


Yusuke chuckled at the ominous glare, the man had serious issues. The fox was practically shooting sparks at him. He was so tempted to play along and see how much would make the fox snap. Maybe if he realized he were jealous the man would make a move to patch things up. Yusuke was sure that if Kurama went in person and made another attempt Sango might be willing to listen. The girl cared about him more than she should.


There was nothing funny about the way Yusuke was mocking him. The man had to be aware of his anger. How much time had they been spending together? All week Yusuke had been spending his evenings elsewhere. Had he been with Sango every day? He shifted in the stool when the man drew out his phone. It was a little after seven, was he going to call the girl? He took a deep breath and tried to ignore the chipper voice near him.


Yusuke dialed Sango’s number to see what she was up to. Would she be available to meet him tonight. Here he was thinking that Kurama was stupid for not taking the chance to be with the one he wanted and he himself was doing the same. She picked up on the second ring, “Hey Sango, how’s it going?” He could hear laughter in the background. “You sound busy.” At a meeting, “No shit, didn’t know you were part of the prom committee. Yeah, I was thinking about what you said the other day. I think you’re right. We won’t know what we can have if we don’t try. Yeah I do, I really want to try.” He had to, he couldn’t just let a chance slip away. He smiled when she agreed to call him back after she was done there. He didn’t say anything as she hung up. He felt the hate being directed at him. Even Naraku had taken a few steps but he pretended he wasn’t aware. Silence greeted him and he opened his mouth to see what the fox had. “Yeah last night was great. We should do it again.”


Yusuke braced himself for the blow but the force of it stunned him. He felt his lip bust under the knuckles and he went off the chair. “Shit,” he rolled as he hit the floor. He barely had time to defend against the next swing. Fury filled the green eyes directed at him. For the first time since knowing the other man Yusuke saw he’d crossed the line. Good, if this was what it took. He let the next punch land, took it in the face. As the fox pulled back he countered and hit Kurama in the stomach.


Kurama lunged at him not caring he was putting himself in reach of the toushin’s fist. He had his arm around Yusuke’s waist using his other fist to hit the man in the abdomen. Only two blows landed before an elbow hit him in the back. The pain went unnoticed as he shoved the other man against the wall knocking over several chairs in the process. A knee took him in the face making him stagger back. Blood pooled down his chin and Yusuke stood glaring at him. He took the advantage and kicked the man in the knee.


Naraku swore and decided it was time to interfere. The fox struggled but he had the man’s arms locked. “Dammit stop it. You want him to knock your ass flat?” He was going to beat his brother’s ass later himself for starting it. Anyone could see the fox was getting angrier by the second but Yusuke had kept going. “Think about what you’re doing.”


Kurama jerked against the hold twisting his arms. His anger was far from spent. The toushin was getting up on the injured leg. “She’s mine. Don’t you fucking touch her again or I’ll kill you. Next time your brother won’t be around to interfere.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.


“Do you hear yourself man? You’re acting like she’s yours but then act like she doesn’t exist. You’re fucking fighting over something you threw away. Which is it? If you want her then I suggest you do something before someone else takes what you were too big of a pussy to accept. If you can finally admit you want her,” He picked up his discarded phone and tossed it at him. “Try calling her. By the way she’d already hung up. Nice to know you’re not a complete bastard.”


Yusuke appreciated the help when Naraku put an arm around his waist. That was a killer blow to the fucking knee. He’d be feeling it later but at least he had the fox thinking. The redhead was sitting on the floor staring at the phone. He wanted to make sure the man knew before leaving. “We haven’t done anything, it’s not me she wants. Come on bro, I need to get some where to sit. I need a fucking beer.”


“I really didn’t care for the couples theme, too over done.” Botan put the pen down and reached for her soft drink. There were only five of them left now. The others had left for the evening. The two guys had decided to go hang out in the gym. Leaving them three to get the votes together for the nominees and all the details figured out. They’d spent two hours hashing over ideas. No theme appeared to hold any water. She had a migraine from hell. “So does anyone have a date yet?”


“No,” Sango straightened the nominees to see which four would be in the running. There were so many only four could be stated. Whichever four had the most votes. The final voting would take place at the prom. She wasn’t shocked seeing Kagome’s name on the first one. She scribbled the name down and made a mark. “What the fuck? Who put my name in here? Don’t think so.”


“Think so, you better put your name down dammit.” Botan reached for the paper. “So what’s up with you and Hiei? I notice he’s actually doing the calling now. Give him something to keep crawling back to?” She snickered at the blush and kicked Sango’s foot. “I told ya, she’s thinking about giving it to him. The little slut is going to bang him. Hope you got some money.”


“Actually, she has already given it to him several times.” Kagome snapped and smiled as Botan started to choke. “I must say I’ve enjoyed it too. Oh my,” She laughed and handed over a napkin. “I didn’t think sex could be so good. Botan I swear he had my legs shaking for hours after. I didn’t think I could walk the next day. Not to mention the oral sex. He doesn’t talk much but he’s damn good with his tongue.”


“Hiei? I couldn’t see that one. So we really do have to pay for you, you bitch. What am I saying we knew you were going to win. Not like Koenma has a pecker and Kurama is an ass.” Botan winced when the foot took out her shinbone. She realized her mistake seeing the frown. “Oh sorry, I didn’t mean that. Just thought I’d say that instead of calling Kagome loose. Okay, that’s not working. I’ll just go get something for my headache. You got anything?”


“There’s something in my glove box if you need it. It’s unlocked.” Sango wasn’t shocked at the admission. She’d guessed it a few days ago. She’d seen Kagome getting out the car walking funny. The miko drove an automatic so she wasn’t going to assume the girl had accidently sat down on the gear shift. So Kagome was officially with Hiei and Botan was still seeing Naraku, no surprise. She wrote down the next name and added two marks to it.


Botan felt like the ass as she walked out of the library. She shouldn’t have mentioned his name. Now Sango would most likely go back into a depressed state. They’d managed to cheer her up for a bit making plans. She’d just thrown that out the window by being an airhead. “Good going Botan.” She would have kicked the car but it was Sango’s. It would likely fall apart under the abuse.


She opened the passenger door and sat down. The light came on and she squeezed the button to open the small door. The bottle rolled out and she had to catch it. “Ha, got you. What’s this?” She reached for the small box. It was still wrapped, when had Sango gotten this? Or had someone snuck it in while they were inside? She took both, closed the box and slammed the door shut.


They were both sitting there looking at a name when she came back. “Hey Sango, what’s this? I found it in your glove box. You got a secret admirer we don’t know about?” She stretched her hand out showing her the present. Regret filled her chest seeing the girl’s face pale. “I’m sorry I saw it in there and wasn’t sure if you knew it was there. Why haven’t you opened it?”


“It’s from Kurama, it was in my car on Valentine’s Day. I told Inuyasha to get rid of it.” She reached for it, she’d thought it was gone. The hanyou must have put it in there before watching her defile Kurama’s muffler pipe. “I didn’t know it was in there.” It felt light in her hand. Many emotions conflicted her as she could do nothing but stare at it. “I can’t open it, I can’t.”


“Then let me do it for you. This was what Hiei must have been talking about. He told me Kurama got you something special.” Kagome pulled her chair closer and tried to take it. “I think you wanna know what it is as much as we do.” The fingers closed around it, “thought so. Open it Sango.” That was all the girl needed. She watched as the wrapping was pulled off carefully to expose a jewelry box. The lid snapped and the first thing seen was paper. Sango put the note aside to find a necklace. The chain was thin but gold, the charm was a rose in full bloom. Minutes passed and the letter lay unopened.


Botan snatched it up and unfolded it. “Awww, listen to this. I know what you heard and saw but it was a lie. I ask your forgiveness, a chance to explain.” She handed her the note. “You know if you want to go me and Kagome can finish this.” It’d be hell keeping things straight but Kagome could do it. “Before you go why don’t you put it on?”


Looking at the number on the phone sent a tremor of fear in her gut. Just press send and see if he picks up. Did he still want to talk? After what she’d done to the roses? She’d basically thrown the gift back in his face. Yusuke had said he was pissed about it. What if he hangs up on her, could she handle that? Sitting here wasn’t getting her anywhere. She eyed his car still sitting not far from her. She could just wait here until he came out. She was a wuss, he was inside and she was getting cold feet.


It’s all she thought about on the way here. What did he mean, a lie? Did it mean she meant something to him? He couldn’t lie about fucking the girl, she’d seen it. Could it mean he realized that he cared for her? So many questions and she was so scared to get the answers. What if she walked in and he wouldn’t talk to her, she’d be humiliated. Should she walk in and see if he tries to talk to her without approaching him? She clipped the phone and turned to look at the door.


Her heart stopped seeing him standing at the doorway, partially open. He was talking to Yusuke, she watched them nodding. What were they discussing? Puzzlement filled her as the toushin seemed to be messing with his phone. Was he calling someone? “Ahh,” she jumped and dropped the damn thing. Shit! She’d forgotten to call him back. Her heart was racing as she flipped it back open. “Hello.”


“Hey, you okay?” His voice sounded concerned and she almost laughed seeing the expression on his face. Kurama was still standing next to him with one foot out the door. “Look I need to know where you’re at.” She snorted at the question. Should she tell him?


“I’m fine you just startled me. I wasn’t expecting you to be calling me. Why do you want to know?” Yeah, look out in the parking lot really close. Was he asking for Kurama or was he curious himself? She felt the butterflies in her stomach when she saw the fox try to reach for the phone and Yusuke swatted at his hand.


“Kurama is looking for you. He didn’t think you’d take his call so he asked me to. Should I put him on the phone or do you want him to meet you somewhere so you can talk in person? Or do I tell him to go to hell?” Another swat.


“I see, I guess I can tell you where I am.” She saw Yusuke nod and watched to see how he’d react. Her heart thumped when Kurama looked relieved. He was saying something she couldn’t hear. Yusuke asked her again where she was or they’d come looking for her. “You wouldn’t have to look far considering I’m looking right at you.” Her stomach had to be in her throat as Yusuke indicted in her direction. This was it, she’d come this far. That part had been done for her.


She placed the phone on the seat and Yusuke was headed back inside. Nerves had her shaking, but the door opened for her. There was no turning back, he was almost to the car. Was he rumpled or was it her imagination? The hair was definitely not as neat as it usually was. Not sure what to say she leaned against the door and waited.


“Hey,” Kurama looked her over. She had her arms crossed and looked ready to bolt. Would she listen to him? Was a simple apology enough? Could he take the step he wanted? He’d never entered into any type of relationship but it was what he wanted. He did want her and not for quick relief, it was time he accepted it. Damn, how to say it before she left him standing here looking like an idiot. “I guess I’ll tell you what I’ve been wanting to. I didn’t know you were there and I’m sorry you had to see it. Truth was I had come up looking for you. I didn’t invite them but that’s not an excuse. I could have turned them down. I didn’t and that was my mistake. I know you heard what I said about you, that was the lie. Well, most of it. You weren’t my girlfriend at the time. But I did want you and you mean something to me.”


He took a chance and stepped forward. She wasn’t look at him, her face was turned towards the ground. “Will you look at me please?” A dull ache formed seeing the glistening of tears in the brown eyes. “I’ve never committed myself to anyone before or thought about doing it. I didn’t want you to just be another conquest so I wasn’t going to attempt anything. I’m sorry I hurt you. I’d like a chance to explore with you. I don’t know what I can offer you. If you decide you want the same I will do the best I can by you.” The hand that touched her cheek was almost timid. He wasn’t sure how she’d react to him.


“I.” She wanted it, anything he could offer. The words were stuck in her throat. All she could produce was a quick affirmative nod. He closed the distance between them but didn’t kiss her. The smell of him assaulted her nose as he pulled her into his chest. Strong arms went around to embraced her. All the worry that had built up on the drive over began to ease. There had been no need to speak. “Come home with me.” The offer came easily. Her parents were gone for the evening. They were at a friend’s house, a monthly poker party. They always drank so never drove home after. “My parents are gone for the night. Except for Kagome we’d be alone.”


“Do you know what you’re asking?” His cheek slid across her hair, it was soft. The smell of jasmine was there, the scent he longed for. Could he do it? “I want to but I’m not sure if I can be alone with you now. If I go I can’t promise I won’t try anything. You have no idea how bad I want you. Are you willing to risk something happening?” Please let her say no, if she said yes he’d be lost. He didn’t just want the sex, he wanted to get lost in her.


“Yes, I want it to happen.” Her hand slid up the back of his shirt. His breathing was picking up. A chaste kiss was placed on the shell of her ear. A tremor of excitement followed. The smile left her face when he tensed. The movement of her fingers caused it to happen again. “What happened? Are you hurt?” The hand was removed in order for her to pull away. There was a guilty look in his eyes.


“I’m fine. Yusuke and I had a slight disagreement and I got physical.” It took his friend instigating a fight for him to admit what he wanted. He’d apologized after and the man had forgiven him then talked to him. It had given him some hope to hear that Sango had feelings for him. He wasn’t sure if he’d crushed any chance of them being together. He’d decided to find her and was walking out the door when Yusuke stopped him and offered to call. How long had she been waiting for him? “What made you come tonight?”


“Well,” She felt shitty admitting it now but he had asked. “Inuyasha was with me when I found your roses. I tossed the gift to him and told him to throw it away. I didn’t see what he did with it because I was on my way to redeliver them. I guess while I was in the process of shoving them in your tail pipe he tossed it in my glove box. Botan found it a little while ago and brought it to me. I finally got around to reading your note.” She slid her finger beneath the shirt to show him the chain. “I’d like to keep it.”


“It’s yours, I thought of you when I bought it. Are you sure you want me to come home with you? I don’t expect this from you, it can wait.” He felt loss as she pressed herself against him. The heat from her melted his resistance. She met him as he lowered his mouth. The kiss shook him as she asserted herself, forcing her tongue into his mouth. He took it, greedily sucking and probing in return. “Your car or mine?”


Next Chapter: A friendly competition and Kurama learns a harsh truth.... Please read and review.