The New Girl

“Are you sure this is gonna work?” I slowly made my way across the well house to Kagome.

“I think so, we have Shikon fragments and are BOTH mikos” Kagome motioned for me to join her on the lip of the well. “We’re only going back for a few hours, if it works, then we’ll come back and pack for about. Um, two weeks, that’s the average time I spend there.”

I join Kagome on the lip of the well. Looking down the bottom is not more then 20 feet, it wouldn’t hurt too badly if this didn’t work. I look to Kagome one last time; she nods, grabs my hand and slides off the rim.

I shut my eyes tight waiting for the impact, but it never comes, I cautiously open one eye and am in shock and awe when I see that we are floating through purple light. I look around but see nothing except purple. This doesn’t last long as the purple light dissolves and we are gently placed at the bottom of the well. I glace upward and see clear blue sky instead of the dusty beams of the well house.

“OI! Bitch! Is that you? Bout fucking time you get back! Now get up here we’ve got two more fragments to find!” At the end of his tirade InuYasha jumped into the well, landing directly in from of me. Though it’s shocking I don’t bother shouting, from what Kagome has told me he’s fairly tame, despite his attitude. InuYasha has barely time to register that there is two of us when another voice is heard above.

“If I find out you laid one filthy paw on Kagome you’re dead dog breath.” A wolf demon, who could only be Kouga, joins us in the well. Kagome told me about this love triangle yesterday, when she first suggested we try to go to the Feudal Era together. Her and InuYasha we’re together for a while, but Kagome thought he was only with her because she ‘is’ Kikyou. So she left him for the Wolf Prince Kouga, whom she is officially mated to. InuYasha apparently still loves Kagome, or so she says, and Kouga hates it, he is very protective.

Finally both demons take notice of me, the extra person in the well.

“Who the hell are you?” Kouga manages to get out before Kagome tackles him, planting kisses all over his upper body.

“Oh SPARE me!” InuYasha Grabs Kouga and tosses him easily out of the well.

“SIT BOY!” Kagome suddenly sends InuYasha crashing to the ground with the subduing spell Kaede placed on him. She told me it was the keep him in check or to try to force some manners into him. It was truly hilarious to witness. His face panicked as the necklace slammed his face into the ground. I couldn’t help but laugh. Kagome had already climbed out of the well by the time the spell wore off, and I was still in a fit of giggles.

“Bitch! You think you can just laugh at me without even my knowing who the fuck you are!?” InuYasha had me pinned to the wall of the well so fast I was still laughing as he tightened his grip on my throat. I gasped and quickly regretted my impulsive burst of giggles. Fear flooded into every inch of me as he glared at me with stunning golden eyes. If he weren’t trying to kill me he’d be totally hot, hell even though he was trying to kill me he was hot. I could see his arm muscles flex and move as he slid me up the wall.

“So you wanna tell me who you are?” He wasn’t about to let me off easy, he was very proud from what Kagome had been telling me.

“I…*HACK*……*gasp*….” I tried to explain who I was but his grip made it impossible. He let me fall to the ground but kept a wary eye on me.

“My name is Eriko O’Neill, and Kagome and I are roommates and mikos.” I tried to get to my feet but found it difficult. Suddenly to my surprise InuYasha scooped me up and leapt out of the well.
“Great, another miko. Just what I needed, some other girl who can slam me into the ground and boss me around.” Despite the kind act of assisting me out of the well he bitching about me!

“If you don’t want me here I’ll just go.” I wiggled to get free of his grasp but he only hung on tighter.

“I’d stop that if I we’re you.” InuYasha looked down at me and smirked. “Unless you think you can stick the landing.”

I looked down and suddenly realized we were above the tree tops. I threw my arms around his neck and gave out a little yelp. He just smirked at this and continued toward….something.

“Where are you taking me?! What about Kagome?” I didn’t truly mind the position I was in but worried about what would happen once we arrived wherever we were going. Dirty thoughts instantly leapt into my head, but I shock them off quickly, knowing InuYasha would smell my arousal.

“The village to meet the rest of us, and trust me you do not want to be around Kagome and Kouga right now, it’s been a week since she was here and to top it off she’s in heat.” InuYasha shuddered, visibly disturbed by the images that had found their way into his head.

We traveled the rest of the way in silence, me happy to enjoy the view and InuYasha; I assumed was just happy to be away from Kagome. It was only a minute, but in that minute I saw how Kagome could have loved him. His steady confidence, serious expression, and OH SO firm body. I was relieved when we landed because it was becoming increasingly harder to ignore the growing desire in my lower half.

Once we landed we were greeted by Miroku, who instantly asked if I would bare his children. Songo greeted me after smacking Miroku across the face.

“I’m so sorry my dear Songo, old habits die hard, especially when such a rare beauty is presented to me so suddenly.” Miroku approached her and his hand immediately went for her tummy, which was a change from what Kagome had said about him.

“Kissing up to us isn’t going to improve my mood.” Songo flung his hand away and turned her attention to me.

“So you are Eriko I assume? Kagome told me about you, apparently her assumption was correct. I’m glad to meet you; maybe this whole quest will go faster with the two of you.” Songo bowed slightly and turned to leave, when I suddenly realized why Miroku had touched her belly and why she had said ‘us’. Songo was pregnant! From what I could tell she wasn’t too far along yet but still enough to tell.

“You’re pregnant!” I am so stupid sometimes.

“Yea, about 4 months from what Kaede tells me. I’m not going to be traveling with you guys anymore, which I think is why Kagome was so fast to bring you here.” Songo laughed lightly as she informed me of what everyone in the group already knew.

“Sorry, Kagome never told me you were pregnant so I was a little shocked. She filled me in on everything that’s gone on but I guess there was so much she had to leave some things out.” I was so nervous around this group. I had been awed by Kagomes stories over the past week and was so humbled to be with the heroes from such stories.

“FINALLY! About time you two finished up! We’ve got to get those jewel shards before Naraku does.” InuYasha was fuming by the time Kouga and Kagome came into view and was approaching them quickly when he suddenly stopped and sniffed the air around Kagome with a purpose.
“Oh great! Now look what you did you stupid wolf. Couldn’t control yourself could you?!” InuYasha shouted this at the wolf, his anger obvious.

“Stop it InuYasha, we already know. But I’ll still be useful for another few months.” Kagome looked at InuYasha with shame in her eyes and a blush spreading across her face.

“What the hell is going on? Someone wanna clue me in?! Kagome?” I was so lost when everyone around me seemed to understand completely.

“I’m – “ InuYasha didn’t let Kagome finish her thought before interrupting.

“Stupid bitch got herself pregnant!” InuYasha spat. He was extremely irritated. Kagome blushed crimson as did Kouga.

“Listen up mutt, I don’t wanna hear how you wished it was you who pupped her, lay off. We’ve been mated almost half a year; I’m amazed it took us this long.” Kouga and InuYasha were in the middle of a battle of wills, one which I knew InuYasha would lose. His shoulders slumped and he jumped away into his forest.

“Kouga! Look what you did! Without InuYasha how are we supposed to continue?” Miroku was so even and calm, but his words stung.

“So I’m nothing to you people?!” Kouga was beginning to pout like child when Kagome stepped in.

“He’ll come around; he wants to get Naraku as badly as we do. Just let him pout. Eriko why don’t we go back real quick to pack, then we can head out tonight if InuYasha has come around.” Kagome didn’t wait for my response, she locked arms with me and we were off toward the well.

We had just left the sight of the village when I laid in on Kagome.

“PREGNANT!! What about the Shrine? I thought you were poised to be the new miko there! What about school? ME?! Your family?!” I was not about to hold back on my best friend.

“Souta wants to be a priest so he can take care of the Shrine. We graduated last year and I have no desire to go on to college, this is my home now. My mother knows I’m married, er, mated. There happy for me. They know this is my home now.” Kagome was very calm and even about the whole thing.

“What about Naraku?” InuYasha jumped down in front of us with the grace and ease of Kagomes cat Boyu.

“What are you talking about?” Kagome said flatly, glaring at the hanyo in front of her.

“You’re only good for another three months tops, and I doubt we’ll have beaten Naraku by then.” InuYasha casually crossed his arms as he explained himself.

“You know Eriko can see the shards and though we have yet to test it I bet she can shoot the same arrows I can.” Kagome stated as she began walking again, dragging me along with her.

InuYasha grabbed Kagome and held her inched from his face. “You know I fight better when you’re around. Without you I’m not sure I’ll be able to beat Naraku.” His tone was pleading and his expression matched it.

“Please, you’ve been fighting fine since Kouga mated me. He’s been looking out for me in battle and you’ve been fine.” Kagome shrugged him off and continued walking, I followed of course, fascinated at the interaction I was witnessing.

“It’s not the same though, and it’ll just get worse when your not there at all, even though Kougas been there for you, I still feel like I’m protecting you.” InuYasha sounded as though his throat was tightening with tears. “Is this what we’ve become? You really don’t care about me anymore do you?” InuYasha leapt into the trees and out of sight after he was done.

Kagome sighed heavily and turned toward me.

“Don’t look at me like that. He only loved me because I’m Kikyou. It wasn’t real, it was puppy love. I loved him because he protected me. Kouga loves me for being Kagome, and I love him for being Kouga. I know they both protect me, but InuYasha was protecting me because he didn’t want to lose Kikyou twice. It was not meant to last and I’ve moved on, I just wish he would.” Kagome was downtrodden by the afternoons events and it showed.

“You’ve moved on because you have Kouga, InuYasha is alone. He is also living in a world where he is hated for simply being alive. He’s alone in every sense of the word.” I’m not sure what made me defend him. From what I’d seen today I should be agreeing with Kagome.

She didn’t respond and we walked to the well and then to the apartment above the garage in silence. I reached my room, pulled out my orange messenger bag and then paused.

“Kagome! What the heck do I pack?” I was at a loss as what I could bring, what I wanted to bring, and what I should bring.

Kagome walked into my room to help me, she was laughing at my inability to choose for myself. “For a two week trip I pack three weeks worth of underwear, four pairs of jeans, three skirts, and about twenty different shirts. Not to mention shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, tooth brush, and tooth paste. I pack the first aid kit each time. And this time I’ll be packing double, InuYasha and Kouga end up hurting each other as much as they get hurt in battle. I usually bring a few spices and some simple nonperishable items. Lots of Ramen, the boys can’t get enough of it. With you I’ll finally be able to pack enough for Kouga and InuYasha. They always fight over the last one so I’ve had to start monitoring their Ramen consumption.” Kagome rattled off the packing list and I began throwing clothes onto my bed.

“What about my bow and arrow set?” I was staring at it in the back of my closet, something I mastered in High school, but haven’t used sense.

“I’ll get you one when we go back. Yours is a modern one, they have never seen anything like what you have and the typical villager may think your some kind of witch using something strange like that..” Kagome turned to leave and I turned toward the mess on my bed. Having to pack so much was something I’d never done.

After changing bags three times I finally got everything to fit into my old High school back pack. It was simple and black that much I was glad for. It was full of all the underwear I owned, including the skimpy pink pair I swore I would only wear for ‘special’ occasions. I guess hunting for demons 500 years in the past is considered a special occasion now.

“Ready?” Kagome had her yellow back pack slung over her shoulder, she also had a black canvas back in her hand stuffed with what could only be ramen and the simple spices she had talked about.

“If that’s mostly for the boys what are we going to eat?” I was looking through the black canvas bag she handed me; I assumed this was my part of the stuff I was in charge of.

“We fish and sometimes I can get InuYasha or Kouga to kill us something bigger. There’s rice already there and we all help in packing some of it. But usually we help a village and they put us up for the night and feed us.” Kagome turned and headed for the door.

“Kill us something….I don’t think I’m ready for this.” I was slow to let that thought sink in.

“You’ll be fine, it’s a lot easier then you think. I was just thrown into it and I did ok, you’ve had a chance to prepare, kind of.” Kagome was all too eager to get back to Kouga.

“Aren’t you going to tell your family about…..the baby?” I stopped dead, shocked that my best friend would keep something like this from her family.

“I got pregnant today; a test won’t work for another two or three weeks. So why tell them now when I can’t prove it.” Kagome didn’t even break stride as she continued to the well.

“Then how did the boys know?” I had to run a little to catch up her, she was walking extremely fast.

“They’re demons and dog demons at that. Their sense of smell is heightened way beyond a normal dog. They could smell the change in my scent. Kouga and I were about to go again when he told me.” Kagome was blushing furiously when she told me the last part. I stepped in front of her halting her progress and gripped her shoulders.

“What’s the rush? You’re practically running toward the well. Are you that anxious to see Kouga?!” I couldn’t stand it, it’s like she’s running away from this era.

“If we take to long InuYasha will come get us. Kouga can’t cross through the well so it would be just us three, and InuYasha and I have a very strange relationship now, it would be extremely awkward. “ Kagome looked at the ground and then briefly into my eyes, so much regret lay within them I had to let go and turn away. “It’s kinda weird that I hate having him on this side now. I used to take to long on purpose so he would come get me and we’d end up spending the night here. Now if he were to come I think it would be too painful for him.” Kagome said this just as the doors to the well slid open.

“InuYasha!” Kagome gasped. Even though she called him InuYasha it took me a second to believe her. He was wearing classic black converse, relaxed dark wash jeans, and a tight black Adio shirt. I was stunned, he fits in so well, the only give away were his ears peaking out from his silver mane.

“Are you ready? I don’t have time to wait for both of you, time wasters figures it took you twice as long as usual.” InuYasha turned from Kagomes question and began removing his shirt, revealing the perfectly toned and chiseled back that had been hiding underneath. Kagome turned around and sat on the steps leading into the well house, I stepped to stand in front of her, giving myself a wonderful view of InuYasha. Hidden slightly in the shadows, but still visible, he began removing his pants revealing black boxer briefs that hugged his firm ass. He put the shirt and pants into a box in the corner and just as his hands moved toward the top of his underwear Kagome broke my concentration.

“Will you stop drooling.” She wasn’t even looking at me, but I could hear the annoyance in her voice.

“Why did he change?” I tried to act as if that was my real reason for staring.

“He attracts too much attention when he wears his fire-rat robes here, so I bought him a few outfits to wear while he’s here. We’ve never really gone anywhere but he used to walk me to school during my last two years, well when I went that is.” She stood suddenly and I couldn’t quite read her mood. She didn’t even glace over to InuYasha, who was just finishing tying his robe. He looked at Kagome with a question on his face but didn’t voice it.

She gracefully leapt over the lip of the well and was quickly gone in a flash of purple. I looked up to meet InuYashs fierce gaze, his eyes seemed to burn a hole into me, but I didn’t mind. It felt good to have someone stare at me so intently, as if he were trying to view my soul.

“Ready?” His breath came hot on my face as I realized he had been walking toward me. He turned and crouched down slightly. “Get on; it’ll make the whole thing faster.”

I jumped onto his back easily and couldn’t help but let a slight gasp escape my lips as his large hands reached back to support my thighs, dangerously close to my ass, as his hands slipped lightly underneath the skirt Kagome insisted I wear. ‘It’s easier to fight in. more freedom of movement.’ Now I knew what she was up to.

“Sorry, my hands are kinda rough. All that fighting I’ve done.” InuYasha sounded kinda hurt when he said it, and I couldn’t help but feel guilty. The poor guy had been given a once over all day long and the hits just kept on coming.

“No it’s not your hands. It’s where they are, I haven’t had male contact in so long it was kinda shocking.” I was trying to be gentle but I sensed no change in his mood. “I’m sorry; I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” The sorrow in my voice must have hit a note because he immediately went from sorrow to anger.

“Knock it off; I’m not so easily brought down by mere words.” InuYasha was irritated with me and so gave no warning when he leapt into the well. I yelped in surprise and crushed my body to his back. He smirked his approval as we were engulfed by the familiar purple light.

When we arrived Kagome was nowhere in sight so we made or way to the village alone in silence. Though it didn’t last long, I suddenly began feeling the presence of a jewel shard and it was approaching at a steady pace from the well we had just emerged from. InuYasha paused and then sniffed the air carefully.

“Jewel shard?” InuYasha didn’t even look to me for an answer; the demonic presence was getting closer and he immediately drew Tetsusaiga, though it did not transform.

“Shit I was worried about this, stupid Kagome.” My eyes widened into shock, I knew Tetsusaiga was InuYashas most effective weapon, but if it wouldn’t work for him we were in trouble. Just then a deranged wolf demon broke into view. His wild eyes not totally focusing on us, his body had been roughed up and he was bleeding from several wounds. He was half transformed and breathing hard, it was as if just standing there was taking all his strength.

“Heh, and I was worried for a second.” InuYasha cracked his knuckles and rushed the demon trying to cut him down with one blow. But the wolf had other ideas; he leapt over InuYasha and came straight at me.

“Eriko!” InuYasha shouted as I screamed and fell to the ground as a fist full of claws narrowly missed my neck. InuYasha turned quickly and before I knew it I was being sprayed with blood form my attacker. My attacker slumped to his side as InuYasha knelt over me.

“Are you hurt?” InuYasha placed a hand on my cheek and moved my head up to get a better look at my neck. My heart was pounding a million miles a minute from the attack and now the attention the hanyou was giving me. As he asked me the same question over and over as he helped me to my feet. Putting my weight all on my right leg I could feel the sore throbbing in my ass get worse and knew I had a gnarly bruise there. I winced as the pain set in and instantly regretted it.

“You are hurt, where? This is my fault I should have been more aware of things.” InuYasha began sniffing every inch of my body, his nose pressed up against my skin, his nose sending shivers of pleasure through my body.
“Stop it! I’m fine, really it’s nothing. It doesn’t hurt to bad.” I tried to push him off me but only succeeded in pulling us both to the ground. Landing on my ass didn’t help my situation and I yelped in pain. While so distracted with my injury a Saimyosho gathered the jewel shard that had been placed in the wolf, something that we did not fail to notice, but did not seem to phase InuYasha. He muttered something about Naraku and turned his attention back to me.

“Show me damn it! You’re definitely hurt.” InuYasha had flipped me on my back to keep me from escaping, balancing on one hand, allowing the other one to wander my body, and feeling for any abnormalities. I squirmed under him trying to free myself but only allowed him better access to my body.

“FINE! Here! Are you happy” I gave in and flipped my skirt up, revealing not only the large bruise on my lower butt the pink lacy panties I had decided to wear to get them out of the line up. InuYasha froze, not realizing until now why I didn’t want to show him my injury. His eyes widened and a blush the color of his robes crept across his face. He stood up and pulled me up with him, reluctant to make eye contact. Turning without a word he crouched to allow me access to his back. I climbed on in silence and we leapt toward the village, both of our hearts racing. I was battling my arousal as his hands were dangerously close to the pink panties he had just glimpsed.

We landed just outside Kaedes hut where we could immediately hear hushed voices speaking urgently about our upcoming journey.

“I agree with Kouga, we would me more effective if we split up.” Mirokus voice was even and calm when everyone else was clearly not.

“How can we split up now?! We’re so close to getting Naraku, we have to be together to kill him.” Kagome was clearly distraught.

“It’s the best way to get both shards, after we can meet back up with mutt face.” Kouga was firm in his thinking and I knew what was going to happen. I was contemplating my team choice when InuYasha slipped into the hut. The movement was immediately followed by a large crash from inside the hut. I ran into a mess of chaos.

“SIT BOY!” Kagome was on her feet over Kouga who had apparently been thrown into a large clay pot in the corner. I closed my eyes waiting for the crash I knew was coming, but after a few second nothing had happened. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Kagome still next to Kouga mouth hanging open. Shippo and Miroku were seated next to the fire, mouths hanging open and eyes wide with shock. Kaede was standing nearest to the hanyou and began examining the beaded necklace around his neck.

“Hmm, since Kagome has been mated to Kouga I was wondering when her hold over ye would fade.” Kaede said knowingly, sitting next to Miroku calmly.

“Finally I can get rid of this curse.” InuYasha moved to pull the necklace off, however it didn’t budge. He struggled with it until falling over and finally giving up. Kouga stood but soon was on the floor again laughing at the hanyou. Kagome stood shaking in the spot she had been when I walked in; she appeared terrified of InuYasha and moved to hide behind Kouga.

“I believe Eriko is ye ‘master’ now InuYasha. She is the only other miko, besides Kagome and myself in the area. The power must have been past to her.” Kaede didn’t even look up from her cooking as she said this so matter-of-factly. InuYasha turned toward me with anger flooding his face.

“Then she won’t mind removing it, RIGHT BITCH!” InuYasha was inches from my face attempting to scare me into assisting him. He was causing the exact opposite, I was so pissed that he thought he could just scare me into submission. Thought not without worries I looked into his eyes and whispered the words I had heard only twice since I had arrived.

“Sit Boy.” The effect was much nicer then when Kagome sat him; it was almost as if he had suddenly fallen onto his face in front of me. Though it didn’t hurt him it made a point. He slowly got back to his feet and turned to leave in a huff when Miroku blocked his path.

“If we plan to leave today we should get going.” Miroku knew traveling would improve InuYashas mood, especially if we encountered any demons he could take his rage out on.

“Grr, fine! Let’s move.” InuYasha tried again to push past the monk.

“We have an idea, about getting the last two shards. We’re going to split up.” InuYasha looked at Miroku as if he were a slug.

“I bet this was the wolfs idea, always trying to get rid of me.” InuYasha turned and sulked into a corner to listen to this team idea.

“We just figured if we split up we’d be more effective.” Kagome now felt as though she was safe from an attack, as I now definitely had the power to ‘calm’ the beast.

“And I suppose you’re with Kouga and I’m stuck with the new girl?” InuYasha spat at the miko.

“It’s going to be me, Kouga, and Kagome. You’ll be with Eriko and you can take Shippo or we can.” Miroku was trying to diffuse the tension that hung thick in the air.

“I’ll pass on the squirt, let’s go Eriko.” InuYasha stood and walk out of the hut not looking at anyone on his way.

“Can I get a bow and some arrows before I go?” If I was going to get them now would be the time.

“Here child, this should do well for ye.” Kaede handed me a wooden bow and a quiver full of arrows. I bowed my thanks and bid farewell to the group in the hut. Walking toward InuYasha was like approaching a wild tiger. It could do anything without warning. My heart rate increased with each step I took.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me, I’m not angry with you. Lets go, we’re going to HEAD WEST.” He shouted the last part so the other group would know which way they should go. He turned to look at me, and I could see what could only be tears pooling in his eyes. “Can we just get out here?”

I easily climbed onto his back and in a flash we were off through the trees. The wind whipped through my hair giving me an amazing sense of freedom. This was so freeing and wonderful I was trying to figure out how Kagome could give up flying. I snuggled into InuYashas back as the day grew longer and the air crisper. Goose bumps crept down my spine and covered my legs, sending shivers down my spine.

“Are you cold? We can stop.” InuYasha didn’t wait for my response. He landed in a small clearing near a river. The grass felt soft and mossy, the perfect place to try and get good nights sleep. He immediately began to patrol the area, sniffing and searching for any danger. Though once he got ten feet away from me he was slammed backwards, my concentration broke and the barrier I was trying to erect was dissolved.

“What the fuck!?!” InuYasha leapt to his feet to attack his unseen attacker.

“Sorry InuYasha, I was trying to erect my barrier I guess I should have warned you. I’m going to try it again, just come sit near me it takes about thirty minutes so just be patient.” I began my meditation again and I could visualize in my mind the area I wanted to cover, which included a nice hot spring my minds eye had shown me. My barrier was strange by anyone standards, instead of the usual blue or pink mine was orange. Though only those with spiritual powers could see it the barrier had always made me feel funny in my era. When Kagome could produce a perfect pink barrier I could only produce a strange orange one. They were equal in strength and durability, but differ in color.

Once my barrier was in place I showed InuYasha where it was and then walked back to where I had dropped my pack. Rummaging around for a second I produced a kettle and some matches.

“Could you get us some wood and start a fire? I’ll get the water but I want a bath before dinner.” I walked through a bush to my right and filled the pot with water from the river. After returning it I left the fire and water to InuYasha, grabbed my things and walked to the left of the first bush and around a large tree, there I found it. The wonderful hot spring looked so inviting and warm. I stripped out of my clothes and slipped into the water, it was so wonderfully hot and bubbly that I couldn’t see anything under the surface, which gave me an idea.

“INUYASHA!”

“OI! What do you want!?” InuYasha hadn’t moved from his spot near the fire as far as I could tell.

“Come join me!” I could feel his embarrassment, which was a plus about my barrier; I knew everything that went on inside it, including occupant’s emotions and moods. I was finishing up washing my hair as we yelled back and forth. “I’m serious! Its cloudy water you won’t see anything and I can smell you from here.” I knew my last comment would get him in here, he was extremely proud and the thought of smelling foul would drive him to bathe. I could hear him get up and shed his outer robe and approach the hot spring.

“Eriko, I’m not sure I want to bathe with you. I only did with Kagome after we became…involved.” InuYasha looked at the ground rather then me as he said this. I however made sure the water covered anything embarrassing and kept my eyes on him.

“Will you grow up?! There is nothing wrong with this, besides I can’t image you get your hair very clean on your own so I’ll do it for you.” I was getting irritated and was considering getting out to get him. “I’ll even turn around.” I turned to face the tall rock behind me and waited. It didn’t take long till the water rippled and I knew InuYasha was behind me, however as far away as possible. I moved to grab my Green Apple shampoo and then floated over the InuYasha.

“I’m going to wash that mane you call hair ok? So just relax, there is nothing to be nervous about.” I slide into position behind him, and was SO glad I had invested in laser hair removal for my legs and…area….”I don’t bite…hard.” Giggling at his reaction, as he uncomfortably wiggled beneath my hands as they worked up lather on top of his head. It didn’t take very long for InuYasha to relax into my hands, a low growl emanating from his chest.

“Are you purring?!” I was stunned and trying desperately hard not to laugh. He turned slightly and shot me a death glare of his shoulder, until he realized I was half way out of the water and he was actually glaring at my boobs.

“Will you put those away! And I am NOT purring!” InuYasha dunked his head underwater to rinse the soap out and then turned to me, still half out of the water. His face turned red and his eyes wandered downward.

“Please as if you don’t enjoy the view.” I spat and then sank into the water to cover myself back up.

“Puh, well… *sniff* *sniff* What’s that smell? *sniff* *sniff* It’s intoxicating.” InuYasha launched into a fit on deep breathing until he got too dizzy and sat down on the ledge I had been on originally. He continued sniffing the air and began to float toward me.

“You smell so good? *sniff* *sniff*” He was right in my face, smelling the wet tendrils that were dangling in front of my face. “What is that?” He was inches from my face, his breath coming hot and hard on my neck, those amber eyes staring through me. I shuttered from the attention I was being paid.

“Are you cold? Come here stupid.” He pulled me into his lap without hesitation and wrapped me in his strong arms. This was too much, I could no longer keep my self under control, my arousal spiked and a pleasurable shutter ran through my body as my ass touched down on his bare thighs. I knew I was relatively safe; my scent was dulled quite a bit by the steamy water.

“My shampoo” I finally managed to get out, he looked at me like I was crazy. “That smell, it’s my shampoo Green Apples.” I was turning red but I hoped he would assume it was because he was ‘warming me up’. “I also used it in your hair.” He turned to sniff and stray strand of his own hair. His eyes rolled back into his head in ecstasy.

“Are you actually getting off on that smell?!” He didn’t know what I meant but wouldn’t admit it. I smirked at his innocence. Until I felt a foreign object brush up against my leg. I looked to InuYasha, whose arms were still wrapped around my upper body firmly, meaning there was only one thing it could be. He wouldn’t look me in the eye and turned his head away as his face turned a violent shade of crimson.

“I’m getting pruney, I’m going to get out and eat. Make sure you bring my stuff back. I’ll leave my towel for you.” I slide off his lap and began to step out of the water when I felt a hand on my hip. Turing to look at InuYasha my foot slipped on a rock and I slammed into him with a loud smack. He immediately grabbed my arms and pushed my body off his and began scanning for any injuries. I tried to sink into the water and out from under his gaze but he held me firm.

“I want to make sure your ok, hold still.” InuYasha turned to pin me against the large boulder that was partly in the hot spring. In this position only my knees down were in the water, exposing me completely and allowing my arousal so drift up to InuYasha’s nose. I knew the moment he sensed it, his eyes unfocused for a moment and he let go of my arms suddenly. Turning away from me I could tell he was struggling with something.

“Please go. I can’t handle this.” His voice was gruff as if her were fighting something. I stepped back out of the hot spring and grabbed my robe. I hurried back to the fire, which was still burning brightly and found that he had not boiled the water. I placed the pot near the edge of the fire on top of some coals. InuYasha was definitely taking his time getting back, that look on his face had scared me. Kagome only briefly mentioned his full demon side, she had seen it a few times, but assured me that Tetsusaiga would keep it in check. She had said the most telling sign his demon was taking over was the red eyes and purple streaks on his cheeks. For a moment before he turned from me I could clearly see sharp purple lines creep down his cheeks.

Why had his demon come out? Did I do something wrong? Had my barrier affected him? Was it my body? My arousal? Was it the shampoo? More questions kept coming causing me to lose connection with my barrier for a moment. The exact moment InuYasha stepped beside me.

“What are you doing?” InuYasha was almost whispering but to me it was as if he had screamed it. I jumped into the air and away from the offending noise. Tripping over a near by log I disappeared behind it, twisting my ankle as I fell. I was slightly aware of a buzzing sound near by.

“Are you nuts? What the hell is your problem?” InuYasha climbed over the log to find me curled in a ball in fear. “I’m not going to hurt you will you get up?!” He offered me his and I slowly uncurled.

“I’m sorry, I was deep in thought and wasn’t paying attention to my barrier.” I looked up and saw that he had already walked back to the fire. I was about to sit the hell out of him when I saw that he was pouring the boiling water into ramen cups for dinner. I walked over slowly, still not feeling quite right. Half way to InuYasha my vision blurred and the world under my feet seemed to disappear.

“Someone…..my barrier……poison” I managed to whisper out four simple words before falling. The last thing I saw was InuYasha running toward me yelling my name.

When I woke up I was eerily aware that we were unprotected. My barrier had been dissolved, but the only person who could do that would be a priestess or a very, very strong demon with the knowledge of miko barriers. I tried to sit up but found my shoulders pinned to the ground and a red blur standing over me.

“Just stay put, you’re not injured, well not visibly anyway, but I think the Saimyosho poison they were all over the barrier before you passed out.” InuYasha’s voice was slightly distressed.

“How do you know I’m not injured?” I removed his hands and sat upright so we were eye to eye. He turned away from me for a moment, thinking about his response.

“I checked.” He winced as he said this I guess because he expected me to sit him.

“I won’t s-i-t you for making sure I am ok. Sure you saw me naked….again….without my permission. But you had good intentions.” I moved to stand and as expected InuYasha move to stop me. “Let me get up and I won’t s-i-t you.” His hands immediately went to his sides as he stood up and then offered to help me. I took his hands gladly and managed to stand ok on my own, but walking wouldn’t be possible without him for the rest of the night. He wrapped his arm around me and helped me to sit on a log near the fire he had kept going. It was then that I realized I was in my PJ’s and not my robe. He at least managed to get them on the right way. I looked up at him and noticed he could tell I realized that I had been naked longer then I originally thought. He seemed to brace himself against the impending sit.

“Thank you. For getting me in my jammies, that robe isn’t as warm as you might think.” I gave him a large smile and he finally relaxed enough to sit next to me. I leaned into him and he put his arm around my waist. “Nice not to get sat for everything isn’t it?” I laughed slightly when I noticed he just scoffed and turned away.

“You know everyone always shrugs it off, but it really hurts. Sometimes after Kagome and I would fight she would sit me so much that I wouldn’t be able to fight as good as usual for the rest of the day.” He looked away from me as he said this, pain and sorrow in his voice.

“I’ll only s-i-t you when you deserve it.” I looked to the fire and asked where the ramen was. He leapt up and grabbed the cups of noodles, handing me one along with a pair of chopsticks. I dug in without hesitation as did InuYasha. By the time our cups were empty noodles were everywhere and we both looked in need of another bath. InuYashas silver hair shone in the moonlight, highlighting the noodles stuck in it.

“Oh god. I guess I really am a messy eater.” I looked to my own red hair, waist length with a soft curl; it went perfectly with my pale freckled skin. Irish parents in Japan are odd enough, but then being given the name Erika O’Neill, well that had to be changed. That’s why I am Eriko now, to fit in as best I can, though with such thick red hair I stand out enough to make up for my slight name change.

“Your all dirty from your fall earlier too, I can help you take a bath if that’s what you want.” He was so gentle and timid right now I had a hard time believing we would be fighting demons and then Naraku soon.

“That sounds great; I think it’ll help me recover as well.” I moved to stand but quickly lost my balance and was about the fall face first into the fire when I was scooped up and placed safely next to the hot spring. “Thanks…..Lets get in and then I’ll put up a barrier.” InuYasha looked at me with stern and glaring eyes.

“Are you stupid?! Isn’t that what got you sick in the first place?! I won’t let you, I’m right here nothing is going to happen” InuYasha was firm and to emphasize his point he settled himself on a rock near by.

“How the hell am I supposed to bathe without you? I can’t even stand without you! Are you ok with me drowning on your watch? And since you’ll be in here with me we need a barrier because I doubt you’ll want to fight naked.” I couldn’t hold in my laughter any longer, the thought of InuYasha wielding that massive sword naked was too much to for me to handle.

“Are you laughing at me?” InuYasha jumped down next to me so lightly I hardly knew he had moved. He began removing his outer robe and then his pants till he was left standing in his inner robe, which came to only mid thigh. I blushed and turned away slightly, embarrassed by his forwardness. I soon felt hands lifting me into the air and then setting my feet on the ground. I turned to face InuYasha, the blush still on my face, my arousal peaking out of my control. He smirked slightly and moved his hands to the buttons of my top, unbuttoning them slowly revealing my breasts more each time he allowed a button to slip. His eyes stared at his hands work which only added to my embarrassment. I turned my face away from his as he slid my top off my shoulders. They were soon joined by my pants, pooling around my ankles and leaving me completely bare to his wandering eyes. I turned around and made a step toward the pool.

“I thought you couldn’t do it on your own?” His voice came hot and moist on my ear and sent a shiver down my spine, something I could not physically suppress. He bent and scooped me into his arms, it was only then that I realized he had slipped out of his inner robe. His chiseled body was pressed against my side and my inner beast was running wild, and InuYasha knew it. He stepped further into water till I was floating in his arms, my own arms wrapped loosely around his neck.

“You can put up the barrier now.” InuYasha’s voice was low and soothing, his breath on my neck causing more shivers.

“If you keep this up I won’t be able to focus at all.” I folded my hands together, my index and middle fingers extended and touching. That was the longest ten minutes of my life, I had to thank god that this was a smaller barrier this time and so was much easier for me to erect. As soon as I finished I slumped against InuYasha from the effort of creating the small barrier. He lowered us into the water and held me against him until I came to.

“No more barriers, I can’t keep babysitting you like this.” His voice was gruff and mean. My eyes began to tear up and my voice broke when I yelled at him.

“SIT BOY!” The tears started pouring down my face as I said this. We plunged into the water, the hot liquid swirling around us, InuYasha being dragged to the bottom by the spell and me still to weak to stand or swim on my own. I floated there holding my breath as best I could until the hanyou was released and grabbed me on his way up; I kept my eyes closed on purpose.

“Eriko?! ERIKO?! Please! I can hear your heart beat, wake up. Eriko!” InuYashas nose bumped into mine as he urged me to wake up. I was cradled against him, one arm supporting my neck and shoulders and the other gently stroking my face.

“Why were you so mean all of a sudden?” I didn’t bother opening my eyes, and I kept my voice under control as tears started again.

“Please don’t cry, I’m sorry.” InuYasha nuzzled my neck as he said this but my hurt and anger would not be so easily dismissed. I pulled away from him as much as I could, but his arm prevented me from moving very much. He kissed my neck lightly and I suddenly realized that he was not just dripping on me, but tears fell from his eyes onto my exposed neck. “I don’t want to hurt you; I don’t want to kill you.” His voice was harsh but did not let on that he was crying.

“You would never hurt me. I know that.” I laid my head on his and inhaled the sweet smell of apples from earlier.

“I wouldn’t, I know I would never harm you. But, when were like this….when I’m so close to you, when I can sense and smell that you want me just as badly....my demon blood demands to take over and even the Tetsusaiga can’t stop it. My inner beast takes over and I’m afraid what he’ll do to you.” He was whispering into my ear and my heart leapt into my throat, beating a million miles a minute. I moved my free arm to push him off me and look into my eyes.

“You would never hurt me. No matter what state you’re in.” I forced his eyes to lock with mine and could see the tint of red it seemed was trying to take over. I gasped in fear and soon the red had completely gone from his eyes.

“I am trying so hard, this has happened so suddenly. Kagome and Kouga, then Kikyou was taken back to hell right in front of me. I was so lonely and then Kagome mentioned you. I was sure you would be just like her, but you’ve proven me wrong more then once” InuYasha stared at me as he said this, his eyes begging for acceptance and understanding.

“InuYasha…..I….” I had no idea what I could say to make things better so I just let him hold me as his tears continued to fall silently onto my chest. No sound came from the hanyou for almost an hour. I knew he was working through some things and I was stunned that he would allow me to see such a vulnerable side of him so quickly; he must really be a wreck. Suddenly and without warning InuYasha stood, cradling me against his chest. He walked swiftly back to camp and before I could say another word we were in my sleeping bag, his firm body wrapped around me, tilted slightly on our backs. The fact that we were still naked was a concerned to me and so I moved to sit up only to have my hanyou stop me, as I expected.

“I don’t usually sleep naked and it’s rather cold out tonight, even with you here.” I tried to turn my head to look at InuYasha but the position we were in I could do little more then stare at his shoulder.

“Fine have it your way.” InuYasha slipped out of the sleeping bag and walked out of my sight, though I enjoyed every second of it as his firm ass bounced away from me in the moon light. I thought he was gone for the night and so I began to shuffle through my bag for another pair of PJ’s. My search was cut short as my pair from earlier hit me in the head. I pulled them off my face and glared at the offending hanyou, he was dressed again and stood starting at me expectantly.

“Thanks jackass…..sit boy.” I sat him with barely a whisper, he seemed to float to the ground it was slow and gentle, as I had intended it to be. He looked s little stunned as he got up and walked over to me, crouching in front of me as I hugged my clothes to my exposed bare body.

“Why so shy all of a sudden?” He took my clothes from me and pulled me to my feet. I wobbled a bit but soon found a firm footing. He flung the my bottoms over his shoulder and set to work dressing me, he wasn’t as gentle as before but from what I knew he was capable of this was restraint.

“I can dress myself.” I made a grab for my top but he batted my hand away “If you wanted to see me naked again all you had to do was ask.” I stepped toward him, pressing my naked form against his body; I could feel his heat thought the layers of clothes he wore. He stopped messing with my top as a shudder overtook his body and I was suddenly made aware of the jagged purple streaks made their way down his cheeks. I stepped back from him quickly and turned, bracing myself for the worst. A moment or two passed before I was aware that nothing had happened. I turned back to InuYasha who was turning my top right side out. His face held nothing telling in it so relaxed.

His arms reached out and pulled me closer, he slipped my top over my head and finished buttoning the last two buttons before crouching in front of me. I was instantly aware of how open and bare I was and moved my hands to cover myself, should it cause a surge in InuYashas demon blood. He batted my hands away and nudged my feet to step into my PJ bottoms he had ready to slip onto me. I slowly stepped into the flannel pants, using InuYasha as a balance point. He stood up, bringing the pants with him and then tying them when they rested at my hips.

“Thank you, I’m sorry for the s-i-t. But I can dress myself you know.” I tried to catch his eyes but they were too focused on the ground. I pressed my hand against his chest and moved into him as strong arms came to hug me.

“I was kind of hoping if I was really nice to you….you…would……..let me sleep with you.” He was so unsure of the words coming out of his mouth that it made my heart break to just hear them.

“Since you just worked so hard to put my clothes back on I assume you don’t want sex.” He tensed as I said sex “So of course you can. After being so open with me how could I turn you down? In the hot sprin-“ He cut me off quickly.

“Don’t, I’m never like this. I can’t promise I’ll be like this tomorrow, but you’ve opened me up some how. This is more human then I ever am, even on the full moon. Even if I’m mean tomorrow or from now on, remember tonight.” He hugged me close and then lowered us into the sleeping bag, taking the same position as before. I closed my eyes in a quick prayer and then erected a barrier, which I told InuYasha about and warned him not to wake me to early.

My last thought before sleep claimed me was simple ‘I am so glad I came here…’ I snuggled down in InuYasha’s arms and signed myself into dream land.


***Please let me know if I should keep going, I'll be continuing the story anyway but I wanna know if it is post worthy. I have been very influanced by other stories on this site so if something I've written is totally yours lemmie know otherwise be glad I repeted it here, it means I LOVE it.!!