In ConTrol
Hey guys! Like promised, here's the next chapter updated on the weekends! :3 Glad that people didn't really flame me about updating late. Really appreciate it guys! School sucks and I have to get back into the routine where I write all my stories on the Friday (T.T) Holidays have made me weak… lol :)
Anyhow, this chapter is when they go to a field trip. Don't know where, don't know how, but I'm sure I will once I get typing and stop doing the author's notice! :D With that said, move on to the chapter and hope it satisfies you! :3
0o0
"The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round, all through the town!"
"Miroku, shut that pipe of yours before I tear out your damned throat!" Inuyasha growled, thoroughly annoyed by his friend's constant singing. What is he? A preschooler? He thought in irritation.
"Get into the spirit, Inuyasha!" Miroku chimed, still his merry self and completely brushing off his rather serious threat. "Come on, sing along with me! The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and rou--"
"I said can it!" the hanyou yelled, glaring furiously at his extremely annoying friend who belonged in an asylum. The bus rocketed forward jerkily, causing both teenagers to slightly lurch forward. "Damn it," he cursed under his breath, feeling the effects of a migraine coming on as his ears swiveled to every sound that the creaky old bus made. Including the students currently screaming in excitement and talking in drastically loud levels. They're not primary kids, for shit's sake! He growled inwardly, cursing this very day. Cursing the entire world for revolving. Cursing the stupid school who forced them to go to this pointless, pointless expedition.
In other words, Inuyasha was very, very grumpy.
"Poor Inuyasha. You sad that you're leaving the school building?" Miroku, his partner on the stupid bus, teased. "I never knew you were such a nerd!" Inuyasha was this close to tearing his throat out. "You there, Inuyasha? What's with your rather distorted face? You got to go toilet?" he asked innocently.
Wait… Scratch that. I'll tear out his freaking manhood if he doesn't stop annoying the crap out of me, he thought darkly, leering at his friend with the mightiest glare he could muster in the current situation. "Miroku, if you don't shut the hell up, I will dunk you into a toilet bowl," he threatened spitefully, his golden eyes narrowed with irritation at his supposed friend.
Seeing the look, and knowing he was entirely too serious, Miroku dropped it and contented himself to just hum under his breath. Thankful that his friend finally learned how to keep his mouth shut, Inuyasha leaned back on his ancient, tearing chair and let his head fall on the cool glass of the window. Large buildings went passed, all metallic and modern. They were going to the city, to a museum, instructed by their Social Science class. The entire senior grade was here and darn it, it was driving Inuyasha crazy. I hate the smell. Stupid pollution. I hate these people. Stupid joy. I hate my teachers. Stupid bitches.
There was a reason why their school was far from the large city of Kyoto. The city was for fancy universities and big-man jobs. Their school was public and didn't have such a good reputation, with all the back street kids and all. Not to mention it's one of the very few schools that accepted both demons and humans. They were that desperate.
Why couldn't we have just gone to the fucking lake we always go to? He scowled, sinking deeper and deeper into his depressed and antisocial self. Why the hell the city? What does a freaking museum have to do with damn social science? Why do we need to go to a place with thousands of stinky and snub people just to see a few rocks and stones? He cursed the very skies. The things I do to have a stupid education…
Finally, after another fifteen to thirty minutes, the bus stopped in front of a large building. The bus, old and looking as if it'll break down any minute, stuck out like a sore thumb in the roads of modern day cars and utes. "Alright, we're here," Kaede announced loudly so she could be heard above the excited students. But then her one eye glanced at all the people who were less than enthusiastic about this trip; Naraku, Kanna, Kagura, Bankotsu and, of course, Inuyasha. They were all troublemakers, every last one of them.
"Now, I want you all to behave yourself," she said strictly, a frown on her head, creasing her wrinkles. "I want nobody separating from the main class, understood? And no wandering around without a teacher present."
"Who do you think we are, little kids?" Bankotsu snorted, his arms folded as he looked less than happy to be in this situation. "We can take care of ourselves without you teachers supervising us," he scoffed.
There were cheers of agreement from most of the class body, causing Kaede to sigh. "We've discussed this already," she said sternly, all voices quieting. "For two hours we'll be looking around the museum. The rest of the school hours, you can do whatever you want. But be back here, on this bus, by one. All students who don't come in time will be severely punished once we arrive back at school." Her eye narrowed. "So I want each and every one of you to be back on the dot. Heaven help me if I catch you doing inappropriate things."
The large class filed out, Kaede, Ms. Kaguya, Mr. Onigumo and Mr. Sekiro leading the way. It seemed that Kaede was the only one of those four teachers that actually seemed to be fine with this. The other three scowled at everything that made eye contact with them, including the people who passed by. Though Kaguya and Onigumo didn't seem to have much trouble, since their youki flared around them, clearly stating: 'Even look at me wrong and I'll tear you head off.' Mr. Sekiro, though, only had to glare at every person, his unwelcoming demeanor causing everyone to step away from him, as if he really did have a demon within that old skin.
They entered the museum and after Kaede paid for the entrance fee, she began to lecture the students about every important artifact that they came across.
Inuyasha didn't pay his full attention to her, though, as he lazily walked with the class and allowed his eyes to skim over the various items within. Feudal era, he thought absently, eyeing a tajiya uniform in a glass case. Feh. They never wear those anymore. His eyes caught a weapon supposedly used by a tajiya, a chained scythe and a large boomerang bone along with hidden blades and swords. Who the hell would go around carrying that? he thought as he eyed the boomerang, scowling at the stupidity of the olden days.
"Hey, look at them!" Miroku exclaimed, pointing at a set of purple and black robes in a glass case. "They were the clothes of monks back then, weren't they?" he asked, admiring the still in tact texture of the clothing, including the golden staff with rings intertwined beside it. "Wow. Do you think that's made out of real gold, Inuyasha?" he asked, eyeing the curiously.
"Do you really believe that every monk in the feudal era carried around a purely gold staff?" the hanyou replied bluntly. "Don't be ridiculous. If that were true, those monks would have died by bandits trying to rob them, not demons trying to get their blood," he scoffed uncaringly. He continued to walk along and Miroku followed hastily behind me, looking around with much interest.
Inuyasha, though, wasn't all that excited. He hated the metallic smell that this large place kept and he also hated all the humans' and demons' scents that passed through, old and new. It's disgusting, he thought, trying not to smell such a heavily scented place. Why must we go to an old museum? Can't we go to a new one? Oh yeah. That's right. We can't afford it. He rolled his eyes. This is such a drag…
0o0
"Ooh, look Sango!" she cried excitedly, her usually tired eyes now wide and attentive. "Isn't that what your ancestors used to wear?"
"Yep, it sure is," Sango replied proudly, eyeing the tajiya uniform. "We still have my great, great, great, great grandmother's uniform in our house," she informed. She pointed to the boomerang next to the black clothing. "And that's a fake," she said bluntly. "Only my family used to use boomerangs back in the olden days. We still have it, although it's kind of bloodied and blunt from all the things it's been through and all the generations it hasn't been used."
"That's because we don't really need tajiyas anymore, right?" Kagome asked curiously, staring at her friend with admiration.
"That's right," she nodded. "But we're still doing it, just in case we need it." She shrugged. "It's more family tradition than anything. I mean, I doubt the demons would try and overpower us humans again. I mean, there's so many more of us than there are of them."
Nodding, the waitress thought back on the History lessons. "All but the strong ones survived in that blast, didn't they?" she asked, recalling Mr. Onigumo's history class. "And ever since then, we signed a treaty of peace."
"But even with that treaty, some demons and humans are still hostile to each other." She gestured to the hanyou walking in front of them, looking around disinterestedly. "That's why hanyous are still exiled in society," she said quietly, in fear of his demonic hearing catching their conversation.
Kagome looked towards Inuyasha and her eyes softened. They didn't do anything much two days ago when they had the meeting. When Kikyo came back, it was pretty awkward. They got things done, yes, but it was done in such a business-like fashion that Kagome was rather uncomfortable with. But then again, it's my fault, she sighed. I shouldn't have said all that stuff to him. It wasn't my place.
"Sango…" she started quietly, her thoughts wandering to a certain hanyou. "Why aren't humans and demons allowed to love each other?" she said, silent.
The young woman put a hand to her chin as she contemplated it. "I guess it's because they're so different," she answered finally. "Even though the only difference between us is genes, they think we're as different as cats and dogs. They fear that, if they were to make a family together, their original race would be diminished." She shrugged again. "Sort of like a fear that 'true' demons and humans may be extinct and the world would become, well, united. Their beliefs and traditions would be forgotten and, most importantly, they themselves don't want to forget what they truly are." She scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Man, I don't understand what I'm saying," she stated truthfully.
I think… I think I get you… she thought, Sango's words going over and over in her head. They're afraid to become one entire race, not human, not demon, but just one. And, I guess, they don't want that because… because they believe they'll loose their true selves. Her eyes landed back on Inuyasha's form. Just like a normal hanyou, she thought suddenly. He doesn't know whether or not he belongs with humans or demons. The humans don't want him, the demons loathe him… They don't want things to change in fear of loosing that sense of belonging.
It was still rather confusing for her so she shoved those thoughts to the back of her mind and continued to look around. She hadn't been to the city before, hence the reason why she was so excited to come here. Everything was so different than the place she lived in. It wasn't as clean or wasn't as sophisticated. It was… nice.
After receiving a full-blown tour of the entire museum, Kaede dismissed them, after again reminding them what time they should be back in the bus currently waiting in the parking zone.
When Kagome and Sango stepped out of the large, knowledgeable building, two figures began to walk towards them. "Hey Miroku," Kagome greeted cheerfully, smiling brightly. She turned to Inuyasha and gave him a far lighter smile. "Hey Takahashi," she said with a polite nod.
As predicted, he merely ignored her and stood there, his hands in his pockets and his golden eyes forever narrowed. "Hello, Kagome, Sango," Miroku said with a large grin, stepping up to the two girls. "Where were you two heading?" he asked conversationally.
"We were thinking about getting a bite to eat and then probably going to one of the large stalls here," Sango explained, a soft smile placed upon her lips. Kagome couldn't help but notice a new shine in her dark brown eyes whenever Miroku was near. Likewise with the pervert. Duh. Of course. They love each other, she thought to herself, slightly giddy. Aw, poor Sango. In love in a pervert. She almost snorted out loud in laughter. I bet she doesn't even know, too!
"May we join you?" the young man asked gently, his perfect white teeth gleaming. Well, not really. "Me and Inuyasha here had nothing to do anyway. Being in the company of two beautiful women as yourselves would greatly rise both my and Inuyasha's spirits."
At that, Inuyasha grunted. "What have I told you about speaking about me like that?" he asked sharply, glaring at the three of them. But, oddly enough, he couldn't quite meet Kagome's gaze. "Leave me out of your conversations," he grumbled.
Ignoring Inuyasha's interruption, Sango blushed and nodded. "Of course you can come with us!" she exclaimed. But then the smile faded as a dangerous glint in her eyes made itself known. "But I swear, if your hand even touches me, I'll cut a certain part of you that you seem not to be able to live without," she threatened darkly.
Laughing nervously, Miroku nodded. "I have no idea why you would even think I would do something so inappropriate!" he chuckled. "I won't touch you, Sango, if I can control my cursed hand," he promised slyly. "Now lead the way. I'm starved."
It wasn't long until the four found themselves in a tiny little restaurant with not so many customers inside. This was a good thing, meaning that they won't be cramped by the hundreds of city folk roaming through the streets. They sat by a table, talking quietly to themselves as they waited for their food. At first, Miroku and Sango were doing all the talking while Inuyasha and Kagome kept silent. But, as their food was brought to them and they began to eat, things seemed to lighten up. They all held a conversation, arguing playfully about this and whatnot. From afar, they seemed like old friends, enjoying a meal together.
When they were finished, the waiter that had been serving them appeared. "Is there anything else?" he asked in a polite manner, his eyes gentle. But beneath those kind eyes was a spite slowly beginning to show. There was a hanyou in the small restaurant. Because of this vermin, some people had left early. And these three humans seemed to be enjoying their time with the abomination.
And everyone saw this resentment shining through his eyes, despite the fact it was quiet hidden. "No thanks," Miroku replied with a smile. "We've just finished. Can you give us the bill?"
"Of course," the waiter smiled as he passed a strip of paper to Miroku.
"Here," he said, returning the bill with the correct amount of money. "I can't believe you guys forced me to pay for that," he pouted. "When I said 'my treat' I didn't mean go stuff your face in like you're in an 'all you can eat restaurant'."
"Don't be such a baby," Sango said lightly. "You offered and I know that was just loose change for you." She paused, a blush beginning to show across her cheeks. "Besides," she started hesitantly. "I really appreciated it."
Miroku's grin widened, causing Sango's blush to deepen. "Anything to please you, dear Sango."
"Gag me," Inuyasha said while rolling his eyes. "You two should get a room if you want to go further than sweet talk to each other," he smirked.
"Oh hush," Kagome reprimanded playfully. "Can't you see the two love birds are enjoying this little moment?" she cooed.
"Quiet, Kagome!" Sango demanded, embarrassed beyond relief. At least the waiter was gone, not wanting to be near a hanyou more than needed. "Come on, guys. Let's dump this joint."
When they were outside again, Kagome stretched her arms above her head, mindful of the people passing by. Crud. I'm getting tired. I still have work to do after school, she thought in dismay. Three more days of normal work hours and then back to double time she goes! I have to be careful not to use too much energy, she thought wearily. Perhaps getting excited so much for this trip wasn't such a good idea.
"Well, now what?" the hanyou asked gruffly, glaring at every person that looked at him the wrong way. He could feel the glares, literally.
"Hmm, well, it's already been two hours," Sango replied, glancing at her wristwatch. "Wow. Time flies when you're having fun, eh, Inuyasha?" she smirked.
He responded to her teasing with an indifferent, "Feh."
"Let's go back to the bus," Miroku suggested. "It's going to leave in half an hour."
"Good idea," Sango agreed and the four of them began to walk back towards the direction of the museum's parking lot.
Kagome followed behind them, her eyes still scanning around the large and busy city. I never knew a place could be so big, she thought in awe. The thoughts about conserving her energy were lost on her as she continued to gaze with childish delight at the new sights. But, as they continued their way, she realized it began to grow more busy and she had to frequently brush against someone's shoulder when they passed. How can a place be so big but still be so squishy? Kagome asked herself as she squeezed through the people, trying to keep up with the three.
"Hey! Sango! Wait up!" she yelled, trying to get her way through without shoving someone. But she didn't seem to hear her as the three continued to walk. Panicking slightly, she picked up her pace. They were constantly swimming in and out of her view because of the many bodies together. "Hey!" No one but those close to her heard though, the sounds of cars honking at each other and the loud murmur of the population almost deafening her ears.
"He--" But she tripped on another person's shoe, landing heavily on the ground, almost dragging other people down with her when she flailed her arms around, trying to grab something to stop her fall. "Oomph!" She landed hard on the cement ground. People merely glanced down at her before they continued their busy way. At least they're not stepping on top of me, she thought positively.
When she finally got herself up, no thanks to the helpful citizens passing, she looked around. "Sango?" she yelled meekly. But there was no answering cry. Her eyes widened, unable to spot her friends, and her feet began to move all on its own. Oh no, she thought with growing fear. Don't tell me I've lost them. Please no. She pushed gently through the people, looking frantically around for three teenagers. Inuyasha has silver hair, she thought, looking for silver. That has got to stand out in a crowd!
And yet, as she continued to move forward in a vain attempt to catch up with them, she saw no one. She ran passed buildings she didn't recognized, passed through signs she couldn't remember seeing. She passed through a ramen shop that she was positive she hadn't passed before. Panting slightly, Kagome came to a gradual stop at a corner of the block, her eyes darting around the sea of busy people. She didn't find anyone she was looking for, not even familiar faces of her teachers or fellow classmates.
Crud. She sighed and just stood there for a moment, trying to take in and analyze her current situation. Okay. I'm lost in a giant city with the bus about to leave in less than thirty minutes. My friends can't be seen and I have no idea where the heck the museum is. This was her first time in such a large place. She was as lost as a drifter in the middle of an ocean. Great, she thought sarcastically. I just had to get lost, didn't I? Why couldn't I have paid more attention?
But she needed to get back, fast. After school, she had work. If she didn't turn up without an explanation, what would her boss do? Fire her? She couldn't afford to aggravate him more than she already has. Okay. Calm yourself, Kagome. Just need to ask someone the directions to Kazuma Museum. It isn't that hard.
So she got directions from some storekeepers. None of them knew where Kazuma Museum was. She asked a random stranger. He gave her wrong directions. She asked a woman with a child in her arms. She gave her such a complex description that she ended up forgetting half of it. She tried to find a map of the city but no tourist center was visible to her.
By that time, it had almost been an hour of mindless wandering and she was utterly exhausted and near tears. Why can't I be a coordinated person?
0o0
"Hey, where's Kagome?"
Miroku glanced behind him just as he was about to enter the bus. "Wasn't she behind Inuyasha?" he replied.
"Well, she isn't there now," Sango snapped, looking behind them in search of her friend. "Inuyasha, where did Kagome go?" she asked calmly.
"Hell should I know," he replied with a shrug. And it was true. He didn't know where the hell that wench was. With all the scents so close together when they walked, his senses were dulled to that of a normal human being's. It irked him to no end and he loathed the city far more passionately.
"Are you telling me we lost Kagome?" Sango yelled, her eyes blazing in anger. "Why the hell didn't you say so before?" she growled, furious and worried. Already more than half the class was back and the bus was about to leave in five minutes.
"Hey, I'm not her keeper," the hanyou stated, his fury growing with hers. Why the hell is she angry at me for? He scowled. That troublesome wench isn't my responsibility.
Sango began to pace, her eyes set and furious and her scent reeking of concern. "We need to go look for her," she stated steely eyed. "She could still be in the city, trying to find us. Oh man. We must have lost her in that crowd." She shook her head. "We have to go look for her," she repeated.
"Look for who?" an aged voice asked. The three turned to see Kaede on top of the bus stairs, looking down at them intensely. "Kagome?" she asked quietly.
Reluctantly, Sango nodded. "We lost her in the city crowd," she explained quietly, her fists clenched by her side. "And this is the first time she's been to the city too. She could be lost. Please, Kaede-sensei, can you let us look for her?" she pleaded. The thought of her long-time friend, wandering around such a dangerous city, especially for a naïve girl like herself, was enough to keep Sango awake for five days straight.
Kaede stared at her but sadly shook her head. "I can't allow that, Sango," she said calmly. But all could see the worry in her eyes. Before Sango could protest, she turned to Inuyasha. "I want you to go search for Higurashi," she said firmly. She reached into her pocket and took out a few coins, handing them to Inuyasha. "We cannot delay the bus, especially because of traffic. I want you to find her and bring her back home via train, understand?" Her tone and eyes left no room for argument.
And yet, Inuyasha forced it through. "But Kaede!" he yelled, growing angry. "Why the hell should I look for her? Sango should do it. She wants to do it," he growled. Why should I work my butt off in finding that silly girl?
"Because you're part demon and you'd be able to find her easier," Kaede said simply.
But he still kept arguing. "What about Ginta? Or Hakkaku?" he scowled. "They're her friends. They'd gladly help and since they're full demons, they can find her faster, right?" he sneered.
"I'm asking you, Inuyasha," she said sternly, her posture straightening with defiance. "I'm your teacher and I'm telling you to go look for the girl." She turned to Sango and Miroku. "Come inside. We're leaving," she said bluntly, moving out of the way to let them pass.
"You better find her," Sango whispered as she passed Inuyasha. "Please," she pleaded. She couldn't bring herself to believe something bad would happen to her naïve friend.
"Oh hell," he grumbled beneath his breath as the bus doors closed and began to drive out. "How could one girl cause so much trouble?" he asked in frustration, gripping the coins within his hand tightly before he set out to search for the young student. Why couldn't she follow us? What's so hard about that? he scowled. Stupid bitch. What the hell is wrong with her?
First off, he backtracked and searched in the stores they had entered before. Everything stank like pollution and Inuyasha had to keep himself from gagging. He blamed Kagome for the extra time he had to spend in such a damnable place. Stupid girl, he once again cursed. She has no one but herself to blame for this. And I better get something in return from that old hag for doing this for her. It's so damn stupid. I'm sure that wench would've found her own way home anyway. She ain't that dense.
He crossed the road and snapped at everyone that touched him. He kept on getting dirty looks from these humans and demons, glaring at him like he was some insect in their drink. Screw them. I don't care what they think, he thought to himself. After half an hour of trying to spot her figure or sniff out her scent, he still hadn't progressed. Damn it, he thought in frustration. He cursed the girl to the very molten core of the planet.
It was such a big city and he had no idea where that mindless girl could have went. If she were smart, she would've stayed at the restaurant they had eaten before. But when he checked there, she wasn't present. There was so many people, every one of his senses were useless. Another hour passed and still no luck. How the hell am I supposed to find her if it would take me a fucking week to search this place? He yelled furiously within his mind. He cursed Kaede and Kagome for his pointless journey.
Finally having enough and not caring what others would think, he used his demonic strength to jump up and land gracefully on top of a lamppost. With another leap, he was on top of a building, looking down at the inferior people. Even though the air up there was slightly less smelly, he still didn't like it. There was no breeze to carry fresh air here.
Staring down, searching for the girl, he ran across the rooftops of the small buildings. He couldn't jump on top of the larger ones that were sixty stories high. Damn it, Kagome, where are you? His golden eyes scanned keenly through the crowds, trying to find one, tiny woman. Come on, girl… Show yourself… Despite his reluctance to look for her, he did admit he was slightly worried. After all, the city was a big place with many different people. If she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time… That wouldn't be good.
And then his eyes caught the sight of blue. Kagome wore a blue shirt. He bounded towards the blue-shirted person, still too far away to see who it really was. It was a good thing that she decided to wear bright colours to this lousy expedition. As he jumped off the building and stood within the crowd once more, he was disheartened to see that the person who was wearing the blue wasn't Kagome at all. Only another woman far too old to be her. With a sigh, Inuyasha looked up into the sky. The sun was almost gone, he could tell, but with such tall buildings, it was rather hard to see the sunset. Pft. More like you can't see it entirely.
Then a familiar scent crossed his nose. Lilac and lavender. Kagome. Careful not to lose the scent, he followed it, his steps hurried and eager. Finally, he thought in relief. Now we can go home. I missed out on work because of that wench.
He found her sitting in one of the cafés, by a table with her back towards him. Her hair was wavy as it crusaded down her back, shiny yet wild in an attractive and free way. She wore a blue shirt. That's Kagome alright, he thought, knowing the scent. He walked up towards her quietly, every step making his fury rise. This bitch is more trouble than she's worth, he growled. I could be at work, earning my money. Toto-sai does not like it when I don't turn up for work without an explanation. I'll curse her to the depths of hell if he fires me.
"Oi, bitch, get your lazy ass of that chair and…"
His rude and angry sentence came to an abrupt stop when Kagome turned to face him, showing the clear tears that fell from her chocolate eyes. She was… She was crying. He couldn't believe he didn't smell the salt earlier, too preoccupied with his rage to take notice. Without another word, the student stood up from her chair and embraced him, holding him tight. Inuyasha, shocked beyond relief, almost stumbled back. What the hell…?
"Y-You came," she hiccuped, her grip on him tightening. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I-I was lost and I… I couldn't… There were so many… I asked people directions but…" She gave up trying to complete a sentence and merely held him, her terror of forever wandering around a large, dangerous and unknown location slowly ebbing away.
It was awkward for the hanyou, feeling the many stares/glares he was receiving because of such a scene. He was definitely not comfortable that the girl was hugging him in such a manner in front of so many people. Crazy wench… Gently yet forcibly, Inuyasha pried her hands and arms off of him, holding her shoulders to keep them apart. "Stop crying," he demanded. And yet, his voice didn't hold that sharp tone he usually had when demanding for something. "We're going to go back home."
Wiping her tears away with her sleeve, Kagome nodded and tried to cease her sobs of relief. Taking her by the wrist, Inuyasha pulled her out of the store in which many eyes stared with disgust, and walked towards the train station. Unlike Kagome, he was rather familiar of the city, being here twice for completely different reasons each time.
Wordlessly, they found the underground subway and paid for their ticket, using the money Kaede had given him before. It wasn't long until they were sitting inside the train, the carriage rocking back and forth slightly. They sat next to each other but not close enough that they were touching.
The silence was broken within the almost empty train carriage when Kagome spoke. "I'm so sorry," she apologized silently, shame evident across her features. There were no more signs of her previous tears. "I should've paid more attention. You… You didn't have to come find me, you know," she whispered.
"I know," he replied bluntly. "It was Kaede who told me to search for you."
Again there was a pause. "And I'm sorry that you had to pay for my ticket," she apologized yet again, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"That was Kaede's too," he replied just as bluntly as last time.
Biting her lip, the student next to him steeled herself for what she was about to say next. "I know you always have work after school… And because of me, you've missed it. I apologize for that too."
Inuyasha knew that wasn't what she had first intended to say. "It doesn't matter," he shrugged. "I mean, I know you have work after school too so it evens out," he said carelessly. He really didn't want to talk to her right now. But, for some reason, her slumped and ashamed posture kind of reminded him of himself.
"And…" she started, a little hesitantly. "And I'm sorry for crying on you earlier, in front of so many people," she finished, her eyes cast downwards. "I shouldn't… It wasn't my place to do that. You must be so angry with me." Her fists clenched on her lap. "It was just… I've never been to the city before," she confided. "And it was so big and I was wandering in it for hours. I felt… I felt like a child again, lost in the mall." She bit her lip. "It was just… just so lonely. There wasn't anybody there you knew and no body actually willing to help you find your way. Half the time I was going in circles. And when the sun began to set, it frightened me. I didn't know where to go and I don't have enough money to give me a decent meal or let me stay on a bed for a night. I was so lost."
Inuyasha knew what she was talking about loud and clear. He was, after all, an outcast. He was always lonely; no body wanted to help him. In life, whenever he pursued something he wanted, he, too, just kept going in circles. Somewhere in his life, though, he stopped searching all together. He stopped searching for the thing he deeply desired because whenever he sought after it, it would merely drift further and further away from reach. So he told himself to stay still, do nothing. Never change. Perhaps, that way, the pain of disappointment, the pain of dissatisfaction and loneliness, would go away, fade from existence.
He knew what it was like to be lost and confused. And he didn't like it. So, he decided, to just stick in his little circle, a place where he could never be lost and never be confused. His own little world that no body may enter. That no body else may see. And, if they didn't get in, Inuyasha would never have to worry about change.
She then looked up, staring at him straight in the eye. "But then you came," she said softly. "I was just… so happy to see you," she smiled.
The smile made his heart skip a beat. He stared back at her, unable to speak. He didn't know that he, a hanyou, could evoke such feelings for someone. No one had ever been so happy to see him that they would cry. No one… No. It's nothing special, he told himself quietly. She was just scared, that's all. If she saw Sango instead of me, she still would've cried. Despite this, it still didn't dampen the warmth that spread through his body at that one statement. Someone… Someone was glad that he was alive.
I wonder… he thought, looking away from her angelic face. I wonder… what it feels like… to find someone you're truly happy to see after being so alone.
0o0
There you go guys :3 Hope you enjoyed the 'bondage' chapter lol :) Sorry for making Kagome cry like that, by the way. Just know that she wasn't really crying when she was sitting in that café. She only started to cry AFTER she saw Inuyasha. And if she seemed like a crybaby, I'm sorry (T.T) It was needed :P
Okay, it was just a minor filler chap and I hope that it wasn't too slow for you guys or anything. Next chapter we'll hear from Kouga! Whoop! Let's see how many people would cheer for that! :D
Thanks to:
Giss., kouga's older woman, SpiritBlackFire, InuSessgurl,Sienna-shirou, AwesomeHachi, hareyu nami and MusicLuva!
Various Review Replies:
kouga's older woman – Lol, I can't tell you that! :D You'll just have to wait until further chapters to see how Kouga comes back ;)
SpiritBlackFire – Hmm… I never noticed that Mr. Sekiro and Mr. Dekuro had similar names until you pointed that out! (o.0) That's so weird… And wow, people didn't continue art because the teacher a meanie? That must have been some mean teacher! Can't you get another teacher to teach you art? (o.o) And nope. Mr. Onigumo wouldn't have failed them. He would have chopped off their heads the minute they stepped into the classroom. And why is he teaching if he hates kids so much… Well, that goes for about every single teacher who's working there except for Kaede (o.o) They all have their reasons… (shifts eyes suspiciously)
Lol, if Inuyasha knew that we were reading his thoughts, I don't think he'll be able to think anything even semi-intelligent anymore. He'd just yell long, no-end-in-sight curses until he's absolutely sure that we're not listening to him. That would be weird. Every single time we try and pribe into his thoughts, he just stops thinking starts cussing with capital letters and X rated words XD That WOULD be funny! :d
BUWAHAHA! XD Grow fat so you won't get kidnapped! Man, you should tell that to one of those adverising companies selling junk food and you'll get millions! :D But then again, we're not trying to make the world fat, right? I mean, if we make TOO fat, the world would drop (o.0) And I could see them gagging each other! Although, I think kagome would be the one who gagged inu. I mean, he can't hit a girl. I can't see him hitting kagome. (o.0) Unless it's a realy dramatic scene, of course, and a way to build the plotline :P And yeah, all the mistakes you saw were… well… mistakes (o.o) Sorry about that! Hope this chapter is better though :) And the other review about china… ROFL! XD That WOULD be funny! :D but that didn't happen. Inuyasha isn't THAT old or why else would he be attending that supid school? (o.0)
Sienna-shirou – Well, Kouga's not going to make an APPEARANCE. We're just going to hear from him! :3 I plan Kouga coming in when Inu and Kag's relationship is nice and tight. It's not that point quite yet ;)
AwesomeHachi – Thanks for the compliments about my OCs! :D I need to get used to the idea of OCs because I have to create my own characters if I'm ever going to make a book :) And the restaurant is 3 ½ out of 5. Sorry for not making that clearer! And yep, she's a very withdrawn person when it comes to people having pity on her and her family. She doesn't tell anyone (or tries not to) because she doesn't want people to look down on her more than they already are. Deep down, she's a self-respecting woman and wants to be independent. Go kagome! :D
Yeah, they look like cat ears, don't they? I mean, when I think of dog ears, I think of floppy labrador ears that don't stay straight up like his down (o.o) Lol, yep, they've got along, sorta :3
Thanks guys! Have a nice day :3