I'll leave my rambling author's thoughts and thank-you's at the very end, if you choose so to read. ;D
But first-- love and hugs to my beta reader, who went through a hard time, a couple of days ago. I wrote this chapter out so fast, as a gift to you. =)
Chapter 7 -- Revelations
Kagome broke away from Inuyasha as quickly as she could. “Um...” She avoided eye contact with both demons.
Eyeing the girl he was just kissing, the half demon then turned to face the impudent wolf. “YOUR woman? Who was just kissing her now?” Inuyasha allowed a full smirk to etch upon his face.
The wolf demon smirked right back at the arrogant dog. “And who’s already kissed her?”
“WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY? I should kill you for saying shit that isn’t true!” Brandishing his claws, Inuyasha leaped up and swiped at Kouga.
Dodging the attack, Kouga taunted, “That the best you can do? No wonder my sweet mate over there chose me over you.” He gave Kagome a look of love.
Blushing furiously, Kagome stammered, “Um.. well.. um...”
“What do you mean, she chose YOU?” Inuyasha was furious. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about-but Kagome is MINE! She’s always been mine! I’m going to kill you for stinking her up with your damn odor!” Steadying his feet, the enraged half-demon launched another attack.
Kouga narrowly dodged the attack, Inuyasha’s claws having been millimeters away from his right cheek. “Nice move. But not good enough. Really. How pathetic. That’s the best you can fight, with ‘your’ girl watching? Psh! Why she stayed so long with you, I’ll never know!”
“WHY YOU!! ARGH!” The half demon, more irate than he had ever been in his entire life, furiously slashed down upon his opponent, repeatedly slicing the air.
Surprised by the flurry of attacks, Kouga barely avoided the attacks, save one, that scratched his cheek and neck. His shoulder was also nicked. “Not bad,” he inspected his minor wounds. “But I still expect better.” Not to be outdone by the half-demon, Kouga unleashed an attack of his, as he pummeled the ground with his fist. The earth cracked and rushed towards the half demon.
Easily seeing the attack, Inuyasha leaped into the air as cascades of earth fell into the spot he just jumped from. As he floated, he then retailated in the verbal battle. “Feh! And you call my attacks weak?? What was that you just pulled? Even my grandmother could hit better than that! Let me show you what a real attack looks like!” He flew past Kouga, completely slashing through the wolf’s shoulder strap, as well as nicking him in the process.
Kouga’s top was now damaged. The useless strap laid, hanging, as the top peeled off the muscular chest, revealing at nicely developed pecs, iced over a firm, tight body. Looking down at his top, the demon shrugged his shoulders and tore his top off. “Eh-it was hindering me anyway,” the demon said, “Now I can fight like a real man, unlike you, dog-breath. I don’t need protection. I can wear nothing and still defeat you!” He stood arrogantly, as the sunlight played over him, highlighting the already revealed flesh as well as a flat, hard stomach.
Narrowing his eyes, Inuyasha refused to be outdone. “Hah! I can do the same. But unlike you, I haven’t been scratched yet! I don’t need this robe anyway. I can kill you and not get hurt!” With a flourish, the half-demon violently ripped off his top. His upper half was to rival the wolf’s. Much like the wolf, Inuyasha had racked up a firm, lean body that wasn’t hindered at all by the fifty years of inactivity. Starting with broad shoulders and turning into solid biceps, the chiseled body of Inuyasha ended with the classic tapered waist, defined by creases of a six pack.
Meanwhile, Kagome’s interest in the battle had considerably piqued. Tired of the boys’ squabbling, she was ready to break the fight, when she was distracted (and rightly so) by the taking off of the tops. Not meaning to stare so openly at the sea of shirtlessness before her, she couldn’t stop-nor was she trying really hard to. Grazing their bodies with her eyes, she wondered if she should interfere. She shook her violently at that thought. I shouldn’t let this distract me! But really.... ahhh! Stop! Think about Ginta and Hakkaku! They need my help! Mustering her courage to break up the fight, which she was sure neither demon would appreciate, she released a small sigh, as she also knew this would be one of the last times she would ever see such fine specimens of the male body.
“Inuyasha?”
No response, except the sound of Inuyasha, swearing, as he missed his opponent.
“Kouga?”
Again, no response, except a blur of color that flashed by her, pursued by another flash of color.
“HELLO! Are you two even listening??” The poor girl tried to yell at the demons, but the two were so engaged in their fight, they both ignored her.
Kagome was not one to stand for this. Usually, she prided herself on being a very resilient girl, very patient and understanding. But, she was tired. Tired of a lot of things. Not to mention, Ginta and Hakkaku needed their help more than this battle would entail.
“Oh, forget it!” The girl gave a small huff as she turned away from the battle and walked towards the cave where Kouga’s kin were.
The two demons were still slashing at each other, when both stopped and said at the same time, “Kagome??” They both could smell her scent drifting away.
Answering over her shoulder, without stopping or turning around, “You two can fight all day, but I need to get to Ginta and Hakkaku. You can come if you want, but I really don’t care.” With that, the girl set even more determination in her step, as she walked more steadily and confidently than she had ever before.
The two demons looked at each other. “Kagome! WAIT!”
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Walking on either side of her, both demons ignored looking at each other, except to throw murderous looks when the other wasn’t looking. Both men were irate at each other and miffed at Kagome. First, she had walked away from their battle, without attempting to break it up, as always, or even showing any concern that either one might get 'hurt.' Secondly, she had refused to be carried by either demon, giving each demon the look of death, when they even offered the courtesy.
For her own part, Kagome had decided whether or not to create some small talk, when she decided that each demon would get upset if she paid attention to one and not the other. So, for her sanity and to resist any urge to hit each demon upside the head, she kept her mouth shut and concentrated on what needed to be done, as soon as they got into the cave.
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Approaching the cave, Kagome ran ahead, not wanting to delay the proper medication any further than necessary, as well as to run away from the tension, surrounding the three.
Throwing her bag down, Kagome checked on Ginta first, noticing that he looked a bit better, although his face was still flush. “How are you feeling?” she asked him.
“Better... the pain isn’t too bad...” the demon trailed off.
Nodding her head in relief, Kagome then scurried over to Hakkaku. “Is your throat better?”
“Sor-ta..” as he croaked.
Kagome sighed in relief. The two seemed to be out of danger of catching pneumonia. Since they both had caught the flu, they were at risk to develop the deadly infection, especially with the lack of proper care they were given.
Walking towards her bag, Kagome started to pull out some medicine. “Hey Kouga,” the girl called, “can you give these to Ginta and Hakkaku? Give them some water too, so they can take these pills.” Depositing the pills into his hand, Kouga quickly closed his fingers over hers, before she had time to withdraw them. She felt herself turning warm in the cheeks, as the wolf demon let go and went to dispense the medicine to his comrades.
To Inuyasha, who was pretending to look bored, but a little peeved inside that Kagome hadn’t ask HIM to help, the girl said, “Could you rack up some firewood? The fire is about to die, and we need a strong fire to warm up the soup.”
“Feh!” Giving his trademark remark, the half demon left the cave, bidding Kagome’s request.
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After pulling out all the supplies from her bag, Kagome went to recheck on the ill demons. They were both sleeping soundly, their breathing sounding more even and regular than the day before, as she changed their cold compresses, pressing fresh, cool cloths onto their foreheads.
Retrieving the extra blankets her mom had packed her, Kagome placed them on top of the sleeping comrades. As she smoothed the blankets, tucking in tiny corners, she felt a presence behind her, watching her every move. She stood up and said, “They seem much better, don’t they?”
“Thanks to you,” the smooth voice of Kouga answered. Taking a step forward, Kouga reached around and lightly grasped her wrist. Turning her around, Kouga let loose a devilish smile as he gazed into her eyes, with smoldering charm.
Kagome didn’t know what to do. And when that happens, she was known to fits of incoherent blabbling. “Oh, I didn’t do anything! I just simply gave them medicine and kept them warm! Anyone else would have done the same! Besides, it’s a bad time to catch the flu anyway! My mom always says, it’s flu sea-“ She stopped her spiel, for the wolf had taken a step closer, his face a mere two inches away. He dipped his head low, inching his lips closer to hers. Their lips were about to meet, when the girl twisted her head away at the last second possible. She also took a step back and breathed deeply.
“Kouga...” she began, “I don’t know how to say it.”
The rejected demon gathered the girl’s hands into his own. “Don’t tell me. You actually prefer that dog-face?”
Still keeping her face turned away, the girl nodded.
Taking his index finger, the wolf slid it under Kagome’s chin. Turning her face towards his own, he asked again, “Tell me that you love him.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Kagome answered softly, “I love him.”
Kouga, keeping his finger beneath her chin, smiled sadly. “Then there is no chance?”
Giving a sad smile of her own, she responded, “Perhaps, if I had met you first, but Inuyasha…he stole my heart... ”
“And you?” The wolf demon asked her in soft, hopeful tones.
“He earned me.”
Smiling once more, this time, with a trace of genuine happiness, Kouga said, “If that dog face ever hurts you, you come to me, and I’ll take care of it.”
In his own gruff way, much like Inuyasha’s, Kagome knew that Kouga respected her decision. She also knew that the wolf demon would never stop protecting her. And for that concern and care, Kagome flung her arms around the wolf’s neck, giving him a hug, while whispering in his ear, “Thank you.”
Kouga merely hugged back and nodded his head in acknowledgement.
“I’ve got your stupid wood-” Inuyasha dropped the wood, as it scattered all over the floor. He had seen the two hugging, as if they were engaged in something more serious. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?? GET OFF KAGOME!”
“Geez. Calm down. It’s not what you think, stupid dog-face.” The wolf said in exasperation.
“I know what I saw! I ain’t stupid!”
“Inuyasha,” Kagome began, “calm down. Let me explain-”
“Stay out of it, Kagome! This is between me and that damn wolf!"
This was not the time to incense the girl. Having little sleep the past days and troubled by the emotional battles that escalated over the past hours, Kagome was no longer in good humor. For a fleeting second, she wondered why she had chosen Inuyasha. No one had given her this much headache nor heartache as he.
Without saying a word, the emotionally and physically exhausted girl suddenly felt an urge for some fresh air. Brushing past Inuyasha, Kagome walked out of the cave.
“Kagome?? Where the hell are you going?!?!” the half-demon was ticked off by the lack of explanation and confused by the girl’s silent demeanor. He half-expected her to yell the command at him, several hundred times.
Turning around, Kagome said in a weary tone, “I need some fresh air. Just leave me alone...” Quickly turning around, the poor girl ran out, as fresh, hot tears suddenly splashed down her cheeks.
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“What the hell just happened??” Inuyasha yelled at Kouga. “Did you do something? I’m going to kill you!”
Rolling his eyes, the wolf answered, “Look, you idiot. Kagome is in love with you. Why, I don’t know, when she can have me.” Kouga gave Inuyasha an eye over and sighed.
Having poised into a battle stance, a result from his prior questioning, the half-demon paused in mid-air, as the words of Kouga sunk in.
“Are you saying- ”
“Yes,” Kouga admitted. “She chose you.”
Inuyasha stood at a loss of words.
“What the hell are you standing there for?” the wolf berated the gaping demon.
Immediately, Inuyasha snapped back to reality. “Why the fuck are you yelling at me for?!”
Shaking his head again with an accompanying eye rolling, Kouga explained, “Kagome is out there, waiting for you. Go and make her happy.” With that, the wolf turned around and walked away.
She chose me.... without another thought, the half demon raced towards Kagome’s direction.
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Settling herself under a tree, the poor girl leaned into the trunk, curled her knees into her face and cried. Tears spilled forth, as she needed this catharsis to expunge all the emotions she had kept bottled up.
Why, why, why... why did I have to fall for the one guy, who was helplessly clueless? True, he did say “my Kagome...” that thought brought a small smile onto the tear-soaked face. But the smile faded as she analyzed his other actions. He is so cold and so hot... I never know what to think... Yeah.. he did give that small confession to me:
“But-then, I realized that you weren’t Kikyou. You’re Kagome. You care about others: Shippou, even when he’s annoying; Miroku, though he’s a pervert; and Sango, although she can be distant. Even when I fuck up all the time, you still forgive me and come back.“
Yet... as a small frown marred her features. He still didn’t confess anything else. I thought all I wanted was him to say that he cares for me. I thought that was all I needed. She gave a tiny, self-delusional laugh. Yet, I want more than just that. Does he only 'care' for me? Is it any deeper?
Smiling bitterly, the girl felt another wave of salty water forming inside her heart and exiting through her eyes. Maybe I’ve always known this.. and I just couldn’t-wouldn’t-accept it. But how do I tell my heart this?
Wiping away her tears with her sleeve, Kagome looked towards the sky, noticing the dark clouds, matching her own state of mind. She felt a few drops, softly tumbling down her hair and shoulder. Closing her eyes, the girl inhaled and exhaled slowly, letting the calming weather soothe her distressed soul.
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Scanning the area, Inuyasha ran as fast as his feet would take him. He skidded to a halt, when he saw who he was looking for. She looked deceptively calm, though he could smell the salty fluid. His brow narrowed, and he frowned heavily, as he thought of all the pain he had caused her.
The rain drops fell more heavily, changing from a light mist to a rapidly, ascending pace.
By the time, Inuyasha reached Kagome, the rain was beating in large pelts. “You’re going to get that f-lu, sitting here in the rain!” he yelled at her, while lingering upon the pronunciation of the foreign word.
Opening her eyes slowly, Kagome said, “Perhaps.” She closed them again. All she wanted to feel was the sound of rain, cleansing her.
The half-demon wanted to choke the girl. “You stupid human!” Jerking his top off, he pulled Kagome up, holding her close to him, as he wrapped his robe around her.
Shocked back into reality, Kagome realized how cold she was. Shivering, she leaned into Inuyasha even further, to revel in his warmth. She knew she should say something to Inuyasha. But, she decided to humor herself and live out, though it would be short, this fantasy: the hero, saving her, as it was raining, while the white shirt (though, not an oxford one ;D), clung to his body, perfectly molding each contour of his muscular build.
While lost in her daydream come to life, she felt the rumbling of the half-demon's chest. Looking up into his face, she gave him an inquiring look. He gave her an indifferent look, which then changed into--was it tenderness? Giving off another low growl, his eyes grew soft around the edges, then back into a fierce hunger. Wrapping his arms around her waist, Inuyasha leaned back a bit and descended his lips upon the girl’s shivering ones.
The heat from the fusion warmed Kagome from head to toe. For a couple of seconds, the girl relished in the kiss, allowing herself to escape.
Then, as the kiss deepened, Kagome felt reasoning fighting within her. She was tired of playing games, she decided. It was time to discover the truth. No matter how much it hurt, nothing could hurt more, than always wondering, and never knowing. She told herself that she would not tolerate this mouse and cat game anymore. She broke off the kiss, leaving the half demon, questioning her sudden move in gasping breaths.
Finding her voice, Kagome asked him as calmly as she could, trying to hide her shaking breath, “Do I mean anything to you?” She looked at him, square in the eye. In her mind, she prayed for the strength that would help her overcome the worst. I’m believing, Mom...
Looking at the girl, Inuyasha discovered something new about her. She no longer seemed the gawky, unconfident girl, he had met from that inevitable first day. Her eyes spoke volumes of the unconditional love she had for him. She stood with a straight carriage, strong and secure. She looked at him, as her equal, not afraid of the consequences of whatever may come.
Peering into his own soul, he realized that he too was no longer afraid. He discovered he was ready to put aside any qualms he had in his feelings-no, his past feelings-for Kikkyou. He was ready to love Kagome back, with as much compassion that she felt for him.
“Yes.” he simply answered.
The rain had transformed into a full blown thunderstorm.
“Is that all?” she knew she shouldn’t, but she had to know.
Inuyasha responded the only way he could think of. Placing his lips upon her again, this time, he kissed her with burning fervor that would have topped Ginta and Hakkaku’s own fevers.
Giving into his kiss, Kagome realized his kiss revealed more than what he could have said. In his kiss, Kagome could taste all the words she wanted to hear.
To her surprise, Inuyasha broke off the kiss, as he trailed soft kisses from the corner of mouth down to her shoulder, but not before he stopped at her earlobe and whispered, “I love you.”
Kagome suddenly felt weak in the knees. Falling onto her knees, the girl grasped the half-demon’s head between her hands and pulled him towards her. She kissed him, hard, on the lips, drinking in as much of him as she could.
Gathering Kagome into his arms, Inuyasha unwrapped the robe from her. He settled the two of them into a crevice of the trunk, rewrapping his top around the both of them, never leaving his lips from hers. The two clung to each other, their mouths seeking each other, as the rain poured on, shifting from the turbulent storm, back into softly rhythmic beats.
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Snuggled against him, Kagome could hear his heartbeat and feel his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. His arms still around her, the half-demon was stroking the girl’s hair, breathing in her scent.
The two sat in contented silence, ecstasy written all over their faces.
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That was how the wolf clan found them. Having recovered from the worst, Ginta and Hakkaku, although both were still a bit weak, were ready to get out. Cabin fever, being bed ridden for days, had made them crazy for fresh air.
“Kagome! Thanks-ohhh-” Ginta had run towards the girl, ready to give her his utmost thanks, when he saw that she was not alone, and she was definitely entwined with someone.
“Ginta!” The girl untangled herself from Inuyasha to take a proper look at the wolf. “Are you feeling okay?!”
“I’m feeling fine! Hakkaku is too!”
“Yes,” Hakkaku also appeared, “Thank you for taking care of us, Kagome.”
“Oh, it was nothing!” The modest girl waved at the gratitude. “But, are you sure, you’re okay? You guys were sick for a while!”
“They’re fine. They’re tough.” a third voice came from behind the two previously ill demons.
Kouga.
Smiling at his now well companions, Kouga said, “Aren’t you guys? You guys are tough! Unlike that dog face over there!”
Brandishing his claws, Inuyasha threatened with his infamous line, “I’m going to kill you! Then we’ll see who’s not so tough!”
“Sounds like a ton of fun, but I have better things to do than to hang around and kick your ass. C’mon Ginta and Hakkaku, we have stuff to do.” The wolf demon yawned.
“Oh yeah-” Before leaving, Kouga turned towards to Kagome. “Thanks again.” To show his gratitude towards her, the wolf demon gave her a kiss-on the lips.
“Bye Kagome! If you ever decide to leave that dog-breath, you know I’m here!” With that, the wolf clan left.
Beside her, the half demon was furious. “How DARE he kiss you! I’m going to kill him!!! KOUGA! Come back here!”
Turning around, Kagome tried to suppress a giggle, but failed. She let out a peal of laughter. Really-he was just too cute when he was jealous! “It didn’t mean anything, Inuyasha. He did that just to make you mad.”
“Yeah... well..” the half demon still sounded a bit huffy. Then he remembered something that Kouga had said earlier. “And what was that-about him kissing you before??”
Damnit. She was hoping he had forgotten that statement.
“It was nothing! He just gave me a quick kiss, just like now. It didn’t mean anything. And he started it! I took no part in it!” She quickly made excuse.
“Feh! I’m still going to kill him!”
Oh brother. Deciding to play to his jealously streak, Kagome coyly added, “Although, he should have kissed me a bit longer this time... he’s a pretty good kisser.”
Inuyasha stood, as if he had been electrocuted. “I’ll show you I’m a better one!!” Scoping Kagome into his embrace, Inuyasha kissed her with such heavy passion, she felt her head feel light and airy.
Satisfied with his demonstration, Inuyasha looked into her eyes for approval, when he noticed the twinkle in her eyes. “Why... you...”
Smiling broadly, Kagome broke into laughter, then chortles, as she clenched at her stomach, fearing that her laughter would break inside her, for she couldn’t stop laughing.
Inuyasha placed his lips upon her again, knowing this to be the only way (or the only he wanted to choose!) to stop her laughter. He kissed her, deepening the kiss, when he suddenly broke it off and walked away.
Confused, Kagome looked up at the retreating figure. Had she really offended him? Running, she caught up with him and searched his face for any sign. She realized she had been had, when she also noticed the spark in his eyes.
“Why.. you...” she began.
Once again, Inuyasha came up with the perfect solution: he kissed her again, deepening the kiss, and this time, not letting go.
---The End
Thanks to everyone who read this story-- more thanks to those who stuck with the story and continued to read it, until its end. I was very nervous about writing this fanfic as it was my first one, and I do not consider myself talented in the area of creative writing. In fact, oftentimes, I prefer to write essays, for I felt more comfortable in that are. After writing this story, I definitely see the advantages to writing a story, not only for its emotional catharsis, but also, not having to worry about 'passive voice usage' and the whatnot. (Although my beta reader sure does like to pound me up for my excessive usage of same diction. ;D)
Special thanks to each person who posted a reply to any, or all, my chapters: dark-angel for being so insistant upon having the next chapter posted (you did encourage me to write!)-- kmf for taking the time to read my story (having the moderator reading and posting a glowing review always boosts up an ego!)-- Miss Relena for the relentless posting (you can have Inu, now that I'm done with him ;D)-- Morrighan for the encouragement--Kanya for posting nearly everytime (you can have Kouga ;D)-- Kaili for also giving words of compliments-- pilot03 for giving encouragement as well --zipdos for quoting the cute, fluff stuff-- Katy-did for 'losing sleep until I post the next chapter', that's about the best compliment this writer can get =)
This story would not have been possible without Sphinx. She was the one to inspire the fic. As I quote, "There needs to be a fic where Kouga gives Inuyasha a run for his money!" or something to that extent. =) So, playing with the idea of a love triangle, bam! this fic was born. =) Also, huge thanks to her for beta-reading, as this story would have been filled with lots of loops, holes, scenes that didn't make sense. Though, she also cut out a lemon scene I had written in.
KIDDING! 
Moving on-- huge hugs to Sphinx, for staying up until the wee hours of the night, with BME work, looming overhead, and reading my story. It meant so much to me. I hope the ending wasn't too terribly predictable, but as the title suggested, this was 'inevitably predictable.' Inuyasha was going to win out in the end because a) I'm a fan of I/K pairings and b) it is 'inevitably predictable' (or that's the way the manga better end up!). ;D
Wow-- I really like to ramble, sorry. Thanks again to everyone- hope you all are having a marvelous holiday seasons, filled with warm wishes.
Until next time--
Waking Dreamer
)
:lol: just kidding. Well, this was a very well-written and a very good series! You're really good at this and I can't wait to read anything else of yours that you happen to write!
I do have plans for another Inuyasha/Kagome fic-- involving the human form of Inuyasha 
