Chapter 10: Girl Talk
A cold breeze brushes against Kagome's face as she looks out from the library window. The usual bustling of students had disappeared with the summer's warmth. Now the chilling air of November brings a sort of clarity for Kagome's aching head. She had spent the last few weeks studying all she could on the lecture notes and textbooks that piled high on the library table in front of her.
"Kagome!" A light cheery voice called out to Kagome.
Kagome turned with a smile knowing that the only voice that could possibly have that cheery tone during the week before the midterms would only belonged to Rin. It really was a mystery to Kagome how Rin was always able to forget about the midterms until the week before. Kagome was always very strict in reminding Rin throughout the month, but somehow the young girl could always find some way to forget about the worries of tests. In that way, Kagome envied Rin. To Kagome, Rin possessed a stunning ability to bounce back to her cheerful self no matter what kind of disaster occurred.
When Rin was really young, about eight, a gang known as the "Wolves" attacked her neighborhood and killed her family. Rin was the only one that survived. Everyone around Rin was devastated, but on the day of her parent's funeral she smiled brightly through the tears that streamed down her small face. Rin said that she had to smile because she promised her mother that she would. As a child who was only older than Rin by a year and whom had also dealt with the loss of a loved one, Kagome was shocked at the strength the little girl had. It was that day Kagome promised to herself that no matter what, she would not allow herself to seem weak. Even if she was breaking to pieces on the inside, Kagome's pride and willpower would create a mask of indifference on the surface.
"Hi, Rin. From your happy tone, I'm assuming that you forgot about the midterms again."
Rin's face paled at the realization. As usual she had one week to prepare for the midterms. "..." Tears began to form in her eyes, "Kagome...I need your help again."
Kagome sighed shaking her head with a knowing smile, "I know. It's not like this is the first time you forgot. Sango have you been studying for you tests well enough?"
Sango walked up behind Rin carrying a stack of notebooks, "Yes. I'm pretty much done. All I have to do now is look at the back exams from upperclassmen."
Kagome laughed, "Okay, so I guess we shall begin helping Rin with her studying. Rin, since I've already memorized your teachers and classes all we need you to do is bring your notes to the Jasmine's Cafe. The University library is closing early today because of the faculty meeting. I think that it'll take about half an hour to get my stuff from my apartment and meet you and Sango at the cafe, so we'll meet at 3:30."
Sango giggled at Kagome commanding tone, "You know Kagome, leadership suits you. You care about your friends and they in turn rely on you. I have no doubt that you were elected as vise president of student counsel because you were the best candidate they had."
Kagome glanced over to Sango, "Thank, but the rumors really don't bother me. I don't care what other people think. That is how it should and always will be."
With that, Kagome took stuff pilling up to her chin and walked out of the library with a proud smile.
Half an hour later, Kagome, Sango, and Rin met up at the usual spot in the cafe to study.
"Since Chem. is your weakest subject, we should probably start with that. Don't you think Rin?"
Rin took a sip from her tea cup and sighed, "But do we have to? We just got here. Can't we just talk a little?"
"If it's girl talk, you can do that with Sango after we go through Solubility and Complex-Ion Equilibria." Kagome said without glancing up from her chemistry notes.
Rin pouted, "But I want to talk to you about guys. We never really ever get to talk about relationships. I'll only study if you promise me that you'll answer my questions."
Sango smiled, "Kagome why don't you just give in? You know that Rin's quite stubborn when she has something she wants. Besides, it's not going to kill you if we have a normal talk about boys. We are after all, the war of love's "valkyrie counsel"."
Kagome looked up at Rin's pleading face. Kagome knew that if she agreed she would have to see the promise through and that kind of scared her. Rin always had an odd way of seeing through Kagome's lies like the word "lie" was painted on her forehead whenever she said something remotely untruthful. And Sango would always find some way to make Kagome feel gnawing guilt after Rin found out that Kagome had lied. It was kind of like their superpower. Rin could tell if someone was lying just by looking at him/her, Sango could make the person feel emotions he/she didn't even know he/she possessed, and Kagome, well Kagome was normal in comparison. Yes, Kagome was good at many things and excelled in ways, but when it came to love she was a beginner. Kagome only had one boyfriend in her entire life, not that her friends knew about the two weeks she dated him, and he was a memory that Kagome had long wiped from her mind. Kagome was the only member of the "counsel" that tried to ignore emotions and keep to the science and logic. "Fine. After we go through the lesson."
"Yes!" Rin laughed as she hugged Kagome with obvious glee.
Two hours went by as the three went on and on about intermolecular bonds, dissociation, saturated and unsaturated solutions, and the solubility rules.
"Kagome, I think it's about time we let Rin take a break."
Kagome looked up from the chart of rules, "Your right. Okay, Rin now it's your turn to ask questions."
Rin's face lit up with excitement. "So Kagome, what kind of guy is your type?"
A little taken aback, Kagome leans into her chair, "Hmm…I guess a guy that is smart and emotionally stable."
"Kagome your boring! What about feeling? Don't you want that magical feeling?"
Kagome sighed knowing all too well what Rin meant. Rin wanted to know what kind of guy in her magical world of fairy tales and happy-ever-afters Kagome would like, but Kagome didn't see the world in Rin's terms. "Rin, I don't see love that way. The feeling of love is a release of hormones and neuro-transmitters in the brain. Also, whom we like has a very biological reasoning. There are three components to why we like who it is we like, proximity, similarity, and physical attributes."
Sango sighed when Rin became discouraged at Kagome's response, "Kagome, just try and pretend to throw aside logic and science. Use your emotions and instincts, for Rin's sake."
"Then I guess a guy that loves me." Kagome stated plainly.
Hearing the term "love" revived Rin's hope for Kagome's love life, "That's obvious, but be more specific. I meant what makes a guy attract your attention. Makes you want to just stare dreamily at his smile or makes you forget about all of your fears and sorrows. "
Kagome paused before speaking, "In that case, I like the type who supports me, trusts me, and makes me feel safe. And don't be mistaken, I don't want a prince on a white horse or a knight in shining armor. What I want is a partner. Someone who respects my desires and knows to give me the freedom to reach my dreams. A guy that is aware of the fact that my life doesn't revolve around him, but can take that hit on his pride with understanding. He should be a able to keep up an interesting conversation and not afraid to be bluntly honest with me. If I can find a guy like that I'd be willing to give him the same."
A silence descends on the girls until Sango gently nudges the conversation forward, "Is that it?"
"Umm...that's all I can think of." Kagome replies picking up her teacup for another sip of tea.
"Kagome, I never realized that you were also a romantic, but I can see it now you and your love going on adventures and changing the world. Okay, so you have dream guy. Tell me more. What does he look like?" Rin says eager to know more about the dream guy that could capture her rather oblivious friend's heart.
Kagome laughs, "Okay, in terms of looks I guess ... decently handsome?"
Kagome's response interested Rin because Kagome usually avoids describing the male population with the term handsome."Oh? Come on there has to be more than that. How about we start with his eyes?"
Kagome looked at Rin's new found glittering interest with caution, "What do you mean? Like what color?"
Sango giggles at Kagome's naive question, "Kagome, I believe that Rin means to ask what the guy's eyes show you about him. You know what people say: the eyes are the windows to a person's soul."
"Umm...he should possess eyes that hold a mystical depth. ... On the surface, his eyes shows a cool indifference, but beneath the pristine mask lies the flames of golden warmth. Such beautiful eyes golden eyes..." Kagome's voice dwindled away when a sudden realization hit her. She was in a way describing Sesshomaru's eyes.
"Oh?! Do you have someone in mind?" Rin asked at the edge of her seat with excitement.
When Kagome stayed silent in shock, Rin exclaimed in excitement, "What?! No way! I thought you hated all guys, but it sounds like you know someone that fits the description. Who is it? Oh, come on Kagome. I want to know!"
Kagome quickly snapped out of her thoughts, "There isn't anyone that I like. A guy like that doesn't even exist in our reality. And just so you know, I don't hate all guys. I just hate most of them." Kagome says as suddenly two people catches her attention, "And of all of the guys I hate, I especially hate guys that are arrogant know-it-alls."
Sesshomaru and Miroku pass by as Kagome strategically explained to her friends the kind of guy she hates the most.
Having have heard the entire conversation from "What type of guy do you like?", Sesshomaru looks at Kagome with a smirk, "Well I hate girls who are hypocrites. They say that they hate guys who are arrogant, yet they are more arrogant than any man would ever be."
Kagome's eyebrow twitches in irritation and she turns to face Sesshomaru, "You know what? I made a mistake. The kind of guy I hate the most, is a guy that butt into other people's conversations when I am not even talking to them."
Sesshomaru smirks again, [To think she believes that just saying that she hates us is going to help her win our bet. Well what can I say? She's naive, but she's human and only has 19 years of experience to go off of. For that, I'm quite surprised at her boldness. Besides, her pride and confidence is what I like the most about her. Wow, what a shock! To think I'm seeing the day that you are okay with admitting your feelings about her. I guess a threat was all you really needed to be honest. Naraku isn't a threat. Don't you dare compare me to him! Okay, okay don't get upset. I was just stating what I felt when we heard the rumor. My rage even threatened to burst from your expert control. The small possibility that she was with him was enough to make me rampage in anger. It isn't a surprise that you felt it too. I wasn't angry. Says the guy that allowed me, your instincts, to take over. Only for a second. Okay, fine. But our dear Kagome should know that it's going to take much more than just words to win the battle against us. Hn.
Miroku butts in when Sesshomaru stayed silent, "It seems that we were interrupting, Sessh. How about we go get tea somewhere else and leave the girls to their conversation."
Sesshomaru glances at Miroku with irritation. Sesshomaru had finally gotten the chance to understand his opponent's type and Miroku thinks that he should just back out of enemy territory? That wasn't going to happen. To win a war you need a spy within enemy grounds and Sesshomaru was going to get one. "Miroku, we finally found a cafe of such high ratings. Why do you wish to go somewhere else?"
Miroku whispered, "Sessh, Kagome seems to be really pissed. I think it would benefit you if you don't keep toying with her."
Sesshomaru ignores Miroku and walks through the open gate of the picketed white fence to sit down at the table closest to the three girls.
Kagome turns to Sesshomaru, "Why are you here?"
Sesshomaru picks up the menu on the table, "I believe I had made it clear that I'm just here to have some traditional green tea. Why? Does my being here bother you?"
"No, I just don't understand why you have to sit so close to me."
"I have to. In order to understand my opponent I need to be nearby. You know there is a saying that you need to understand one's enemy just as much as oneself if one is to win a war. And we are at war are we not?"
"You don't need to explain strategy to me I already know about the six essentials tactics needed to win war." Kagome said with a tone of obvious anger. It hurt her pride to hear that Sesshomaru thought that she was ignorant of "The Art of War" by one of china's famed generals, Sunzi (written in English publications as Sun Tzu).
Sensing the deviance in the conversation, Rin curiously asked, "What war is he talking about Kagome?"
Sesshomaru quickly replied, "Two days ago, your dear friend agreed to a game of sorts. She wagged that in our war there is no way that she would be defeated. I simply challenged that I could not fail at war. And even if, by the slightest chance, I am to fall first, I bet that by the end of our game, I will not be the only one to lose."
Seeing Rin's confusion, Sango explains, "Rin, what Sesshomaru meant was that Tuesday he and Kagome agreed to bet whom would confess to falling in love with the other first. A kind of game of love, or so they call it. Kagome bet she wouldn't fall in love with Sesshomaru and Sesshomaru bet she would."
Miroku laughs at Rin's shock, "Wow, my Sango is so smart. She can even understand Sesshomaru's gibberish. Yes, that's the general summary, but what I find most interesting is that Sesshomaru believes that even if he has to confess first, Kagome will eventually confess as well."
Immediately Rin exclaimed excitedly, "Really?! Then I want to help! Kagome is always being so avoidant of romance. This may be my only chance to play matchmaker for her."
"Rin. It's not nice to mess with Kagome's love life." Sango gently scolded.
"Awww, no fare! Kagome is so set on avoiding the feelings and emotions that affection for a guy can bring out in her. I fear that she's never going to get a boyfriend. Why can't I just give her a nudge towards guy that obviously likes her?" Rin said puffing out her cheeks.
Not enjoying the conversation, Kagome cut into the argument, "Rin. I don't require your help. If I don't wish to fall in love, then just leave me to it. Besides, Sesshomaru doesn't love me. He finds me entertaining and that's it. I'm like a toy for him. Once I make it evident to him that I am not someone that he can manipulate, he'll lose interest in me. I can't afford to have you help him conspire against me, Rin. Please. If I lose this "war" I'll not only lose my will to move forward towards my dream, but I'll also lose the connection I have with... Never mind you already know what I mean. I can trust you right?"
Rin could see the depression in Kagome's eyes at the very mention of losing her connection to her father. Kagome had always been close to her father. She looked up to him like a role model. He was a doctor as well and due to that unfortunate accident, he died driving to work in order to save a woman's life. Rin knew all of this, but somewhere in her mind she thought or rather believed that falling in love and having someone to rely on would do Kagome well. Rin believed that the guy had to be someone that could handle her without feeling afraid or inferior and Sesshomaru seemed to be the only candidate that has shown up to surpass Kagome's capabilities.
The silence loomed over Rin like the way a dark cloud would before a rain storm. The look of sadness clouded her usually bright eyes. Kagome saw these signs and glanced towards Sango as if calling for her dear friend's gentle reassurance that Rin wouldn't cry. Sango caught on and gently moved over to Rin, "Rin, we all know that you are always trying to help Kagome and I, so we understand your concern. However, you also know about why Kagome is being so stubborn with her vow. Why don't you and I just let her be. We'll always be there when she needs help, so we just need to wait until she asks for it. Okay?"
Rin sighed before taking a quick breath to brighten her mood, "You're right. I'm sorry for trying to butt into your love life and I'm sorry I brought him up. Let's get back to studying."
Kagome sighed giving up without any protest. This quick truce interested Sesshomaru. He had never seen Kagome give up on her opinion so quickly with anyone. Not even teachers could compete against her strong will to protect what she believed in. "Rin, I'm okay. I don't mind you trying to help me. I am after all a little hopeless in the relationship department. Oh and I think we should stop here with the studying. It's getting late. We all should get home before sun sets any lower in the sky. I'll see you both tomorrow in school. Oh and both of you, don't forget your stuff."
Rin stood up smiling again like a child that had been told she could play for one more hour, "Yes! I'll see you tomorrow!"
Sango picked up the pens and loose sheets of paper lying beneath her notebook before looking at Kagome with concern, "Are you sure I shouldn't wait for you? Rin and I haven't paid for the tea yet.
Kagome smiled reassuring Sango, "Sango, I'm sure. Really don't worry about the tea. I'll pay for it before I leave. I'm more worried that Rin might be late for her dorm's curfew."
Sango sighed, "Okay, then tomorrow."
Kagome waved goodbye before she leaned over to Sesshomaru's seat to her right, "Why are you still here? The girl talk is done. I suspect you no longer have reason to spy on your opponent."
Sesshomaru looked over at Miroku, "Don't you have a girlfriend and a girlfriend's friend to walk home?"
Taking the hint, Miroku took off after Rin and Sango leaving Sesshomaru and Kagome.
Sesshomaru turned back to Kagome, "I do still have reason for being here. My opponent is still here. It is necessary to keep careful watch over her until she retreats back into her territory."
Kagome shook her head as she sighed and picked up her backpack full of Chemistry notes, "If you're going to see me home. Then you should pay for that tea you haven't touched yet."
Sesshomaru smirked, "I never said I was walking you home. What made you think that I was waiting for you?"
Immediately Kagome stood up with a mix of frustration and embarrassment, "Who said I'd ever let you walk me home you arrogant demon? I'm leaving."
Sesshomaru slowly got up from his seat as he watched, in amusement, Kagome briskly walking towards a woman whom was probably the owner. Sesshomaru could hear Kagome thanking Jasmine before handing the owner the money for the tea. It made Sesshomaru chuckle when Jasmine asked about who he was and Kagome answered that he was an arrogant demon. The confusion on Jasmine's face as Kagome apologized for the odd discription was truly entertaining. But as all good things end, Kagome said good bye to Jasmine cuing to Sesshomaru it was time for him to leave as well. Sesshomaru quickly paid his bill before walking out the gate of the cafe.
"Kagome!", Sesshomaru called out.
Hearing her name, Kagome turned to see Sesshomaru walking ever so elegantly as he caught up with her, "What?"
"Since you mentioned it. I've decided that I'm going to walk you home."
Kagome narrowed her eyes in irritation, "Fine, Do what you want."
The two walked towards their apartment complex in a sort of calm silence. The temperature of the air was slowly dropping to a chill and the sky was dyed the color of blushing roses.
[Hey Sessh. Hn. Who do you think they were mentioning as "him"? I have guess. I feel that he is her family member, probably her father. Looks like you haven't gotten rusty all the time I've had you locked up. Who do you take me for? I'm you. I'm the one who can feel that the guy isn't a threat for Kagome's affections. Though I will say that I believe that he's the reason why she isn't willing to accept us yet. As usual you speak too much.]