The Better Man

Chapter Twenty-Seven


Rin opened her eyes when Keiko came in the cave. It had been over an hour since she'd been left alone to wonder where he had gone. She had a good guess, he'd probably went back to check on Kagome.

"Here, Kurama said this would help with the pain and bruising." Keiko handed her the drink. "It doesn't smell too good though, sorry." She watched the girl crinkle her nose, "Plugging your nose might help but if Kurama said it will help I'm sure it will."

"It's probably poison." She downed the nasty fluid, hoping she wouldn't fall over dead. It would be one way for him to get rid of her. Then blame it on internal injuries.

Keiko laughed at the comment, believing it to be a joke. She knew Kurama wouldn't poison the girl. He had appeared to be worried when he'd left asking Hiei to keep an eye on Rin. He'd returned with some type of strange plant, strange and smelly. Yusuke had told her that Kurama had claimed Rin, which meant they were a couple in youkai terms. "So what's it like being with a youkai?"

"You mean how can I deal with it? Since you are having trouble dealing with the fact of what Yusuke is." Rin saw her suprised and hurt look. "Sorry, I shouldn't be so forward."

"No, you're right." Keiko looked down at her hands. "It was hard to except when he was just fighting them. Now he's one of them also, kind of."

"Let me tell you something, my first few years of life were with humans. I was treated badly by my own kind just because I was a little different. The first person to show me any kindness besides the family I had lost was a youkai. My lord saved me when he didn't have to and took me in. He kept me at his side until I was old enough. I saw things that no child should see but I don't hold it against him. It was part of my life, I dealt with it. The attacks, my being kidnapped so his enemies could get to him and the threats on my life. None of it mattered because I was with him. In his own way he loved me and cared for me. In my opinion you should be proud, you have a mate that can protect you and will. Not only that but he loves you. You should be thankful for all you have. Some of us aren't that lucky."

Keiko lifted her tear filled eyes to the girl. "You're right, thanks Rin." She took the empty cup from her. "You should try to get some rest."

Rin watched her leave lost in her own thoughts. Whatever she had drank was making her drowsy, maybe he had poisoned her after all. She thought about Keiko and Yusuke's relationship and was envious. She didn't think herself in love with him anymore, she never was. He'd just been the one to spend time with her when she'd been lonely and adjusting to her new life. Kagome had tried but she'd been distraught over her relationship with Kuwabara. She appreciated what both had done for her, it had made being here easier.

The only person that left her confused was Kurama.The weeks they had stayed at the apartment she'd payed enough attention to him to notice a few things. Besides the fact that he was interested in Kagome. When he spoke of his mother there was love in his voice. He was also very polite and well mannered. Him and Hiei seemed to be very close as well, which was odd. Hiei looked the type to be very picky on who he befriended. Both men seemed the type to be ruthless, nor to forgive easy.

She sighed as she rolled over, why did she even care what type of person he was? It bothered her knowing that she had indeed payed enough attention to him to know what she already did. Maybe what bothered her most was the fact that he was worth noticing. Someone anyone would be proud to call theirs. Even if he was hers in a way, it wasn't what he wanted. He wanted another woman, now he was stuck with her.

She couldn't fault him for wanting Kagome. He was a powerful youkai, beautiful, and was very proud. Someone like him would want a mate that was just as beautiful and strong. Kagome was both even if she was human; while she was barely average looking and needed others to protect her. She was weak, not someone he could be proud to call his own.

How long could she play the obendiant mate before it got to her? What other options did she have? She should be thankful that he hadn't corrected it by killing her. What she wouldn't give to be happy.

Youko walked into the cave to find her already asleep, he knew she would be. The medicine he'd given her would have made her drowsy but it would help her heal faster. The others were heading to bed also, their meeting just finishing. Hiei and Kouga could be heard still bickering, over who should stay at Kagome's side. The girl had insisted that she didn't need either one of them to protect her.

Seemed Kagome believed that Kanna had sent the creature after them. Until they could find the woman and kill her both would need someone with them. No one made a comment on who would stay at Rin's side.

He walked over to the furs to lie next to her, the urge to hold her was strong. He could see the bruises that had formed. Not wanting to hurt her he turned away from her, facing away he'd be less tempted to try anything. Best to keep his distance until she healed.

Rin woke up knowing she wasn't alone, she turned over to see him laying facing away from her. She looked at the back of his head, wondering what he was doing.

"Go back to sleep Rin." His voice interrupted her thoughts.

She didn't speak, her eyes burned as she rolled back over. She willed herself not to cry as she let sleep claim her once more.

He sensed it when she finally fell back asleep and rolled over. His hand landed on her arm as he scooted over. His head lowered burying itself in her neck, taking in her scent. The skin was soft as he placed a small kiss over his mark. Pulling her against him he tried to get some rest.



Kagome felt like walking out of the cave and purifying Kouga's ass along with Hiei's. They were still bickering outside keeping her awake. She wanted nothing more than to fall asleep so she could get some temporary relief from her heartache. They were bickering simply because they disliked each other, neither really cared about protecting her.

If she wanted anyone to follow her around it would have been Kuwabara. The thought of him caused her heart to pinch and the ache to return. Once again he was sleeping with Yukina while she slept alone. She should be happy for him, he was finally with the woman he loved. Yet all she felt was despair and hurt. If it hadn't been for that spell he never would have touched her. She wasn't the one he wanted.

Finally the bickering stopped outside but she'd heard Kurama's angry voice seconds ago. Seemed he'd gotten tired of it as well. Rin's name was heard as he yelled, she guessed he didn't want them to disturb the girl's rest. He seemed to care about her now that she payed attention. The entire time during their meeting, his eyes had remained glued to the cave the girl was sleeping in. Finally Hiei had told him to leave if he was that preoccupied.

Kagome rolled on her stomach and closed her eyes. Maybe Rin wouldn't end up heartbroken after all.

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