EDIT: Okay, so I know I promised to update chapter 13 within two weeks of the update of chapter 12. Apparently, that's not working out very well. Turns out school's more hectic than I though credit for, so chapter 13 update is shifted to next week or 9/30/07. Thank you so much for your patience.
Replies:
Robin: Wow, I loved your review. So in-depth. And for doing so, you're rewarded with your name in the story. Unless you don't want me to, of course. Hahaha, well, thank you very much for the lovely review.
Dedelove: Well, I really don't know what to say . . . I mean, I move this at my own pace, and don't want the two of them to just suddenly jump each other out of nowhere oO. Anyway, I think this chapter's kinda fluffy.
Incatata: Aw, thanks very much. This chapter's kinda short, but I hope you like it anyway. It's kind of weird, because I think I've been working so long for this turning point, and it's sort of a disappointment. It didn't really come out the way I wanted it to be. Well, enjoy. ;p
Lovingo0Kawaii0oGirl: Thanks for the review, and enjoy the chapter.
Lil mutt face grl: Really? That great, since a lot of people always review that my scene changes confuse them too much. Haha. I guess I like it messy like that.
CatKid14: Well, that's the way I pace the story, sorry if you don't like that way. If I were to explain every single part, then the story would drag on for 200 chapters, and I don't think anyone really wants that. I know, I make grammar mistakes and all that. Thanks for reading though.
TrueBelle: Ah, the big revelation. Or at least, part of it in this chapter. Haha. Enjoy.
Inu-girl162: Yup, they crashed, in case that confused anyone. Haha. Um, I think that's part of the reason Jun turned on her, was because he always liked her and she didn't feel the same way. Hope you like this chapter.
Moonflower-chan: Don't worry, I totally will finish the story, even though I do really have slow updates. Thanks for reviewing.
Firelight-Dance: cackles evilly Uh, yeah, I'm just impossibly sinister with these cliffies. They're so much fun to write though, and I just love working on it. Haha. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. ;p
Foxy Love: Hard to believe, but I'm actually just making up the story as I go. Of course, I have the plot all worked out, but the italic flashback with Hojo was just a lighbulb idea while I was writing. ;p Hmm…I love the whole de ja vu thing though.
xXKimiko SakakiXx: Awww, I love your enthusiasm, and thank you so much. Flattery's going to get you a long way. Haha jk jk. I think you give me too much credit on the plot, since they're just all lighbulb ideas pieced together, but thanks. I believe I'm more or less halfway done with the story, since this chapter marks the climax point.
Jennie555: lmao, wasn't there this one episode though, where Kagome and the gang gets drunk? I can't remember for sure. Haha. I definitely think Kagome's easier to write when she's smashed. ;p
Inuyashangel: Yup, I totally get what you mean. Kagome had it bad. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter.
Avelyn Lauren: I always find your reviews to be somewhat deep, lol. Anyway, yeah, but I believe Kagome didn't grow an inflated ego after she accepted the position.
Lilazninufreak: Ahahahahhahaha, I'm the queen of cliffies! You guys have it easy, I remember I used to do a cliffie every chapter in my past few stories. lol. Thanks you very much!
Vegetaboi4life: Thank goodness for my computer half-breaking down, or I would've definitely missed replying to your review. Which, I don't know how that could've happened since I simply loved your review and it was kind of hard to miss. Haha. Well, I think you may be on to something here, but I can't promise anything. This chapter being the climax of the story, I wanted to blow it up to something huge, but upon reading back on it, it seems like a very . . . sad excuse of climax (but a good example of a writer's block.) 40-50 chapters? You're absurd! Seeing as how I update the story about once every 2 years (note the sarcasm), you guys'll be 80 by the time I finish. Hahahahaha.
AngelofMist: Awwww, hugs thank you so much for reviewing for all those chapters. I love it when people do that. Enjoy this chapter.
Maggie: One night? All eleven chapters? Goodness, your eyes must be stinging bad. Haha. Sometimes, when I'm obsessed with a fic, I'd print it out and and just gobble it all up in one night so my eyes wouldn't die. Haha.
Dark Angelx3: Ahh, the attack of the exclamation points! lol jk. Thanks for the review, and enjoy the chapter.
Demongirl11: Complex . . . I agree. When I started out, the story was supposed to be very simple and straightforward, but being the horrible planner I am, I got quite bored and started adding more and more twists to the plot. It seems I might've spun myself into a web of confusion-ness.
13hanyou girl13: Sir yes sir! Lmao. Sorry for the last update . . . and cliffhangers. Hope you like the chapter though.
Arhazivory: Good news is, in 3 chapter or so, there'll be no more history. celebrates haha. And yup, I know what AU means. What did you think I meant? lol
Rachelandthecupcakecrusades: Suspense makes the story. Haha. Enjoy the chapter.
SongoKiana: One of my bad qualities, yes. I can't seem to stay around one part of the story too long. I believe the only ways I do actually escape writer's blocks are to skip around in the story. Staring with a new section gets me thinking and out of the rut.
Woven Bamboo Pattern: Ahahahahaha, your review had me laughing so hard I spilled my bottled water all over the laptop. I dedicate this chapter to you. And my dead laptop.
Say0mi Saki: Your request is my command. ;p Enjoy the story.
Kouga's Archi: Ooooh, happy late late very very late birthday. lol. Yummm, cake. I love chocolate cakes. Actually, I just had some yesterday at my friend party. Haha. I have absolutely no idea how I've manage to accomplished 29 pages, seeing as how I never actually do any work. Lmao. Perhaps it's because I can't count? Kidding. Usually, I finish about 3-4 pages the first two weeks, then works doublespeed the last week. This is the reason for my late updates.
SistersGrimm: Yup, I found the video. I think I might've been 80 years since I last saw Romeo and Juliet, jk. I added the song to the playlist. Hope you like the chapter.
A/N:
On the subject of Hojo: cringes my mistake with the name. I think most of you got the gist of the fact that the character Houji is supposed to be Hojo. Being the lazy person I am, I called up my friend and asked him what Hojo's name was when I first started writing the chapter. My friend, being the dumb kid he is (hahahaha, jk), assured me that the name was 'Houji'. He was wrong. End of story. Making me a pathetic writer.
My Updates: The second issue that supports my title as a pathetic writer is my late late late updates. Seeing as how everyone just about wants to kill me write now, I'm promising an early update for the next chapter. If I am not able to update within three weeks, then just . . . I don't know . . . runs off to start next chapter
Playlist:
Walking on Broken Glass by Annie Lenox
Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin
Message by Coldplay
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's
The Heartbreaker's InnocenceChapter 12
Freshman year . . . (the infamous party)
"Um, er . . . Jun?" A timid girl crept up to the demon, glancing warily back at her friends who were urging her to go on. "I was wondering . . . if you wanted to, um, dance?"
The tiger youkai remained nonchalant, swigging wine, his focus only on Kagome.
Seeing that he either didn't hear her, or had chosen to ignore her, she double checked back with her friends, sharing a silent exchange. She choked back an anxious gulp, and pressed on. "I mean, not just for me . . . and stuff. But for, like, um, all the girls. Here. At the party, I mean."
She was stuttering like crazy, yammering on nonstop. Suddenly, as if Jun had suddenly picked up the connection, he rolls head so that he's facing her. His shockingly bright catlike eyes penetrated hers as he stared, dumbfounded by her existence.
Jun's dark lashes form a halo around his alert eyes, smoldering even in his oblivious state. He runs a hand through his short, cropped hair, while the corner of his lips barely quirks up.
Her heart swells and stops beating. The girl hyperventilates.
"You really shouldn't do that, you know?" Akira sways over, tipping a flask of champagne between two pinched fingers. She sat down, shoving the girl out of her way. "You have no right to look so damn gorgeous, Jun."
"Shouldn't you go wait on your guests like a good hostess, Akira, my love?" He said, his lips barely parting, still keeping his eyes on Kagome. Absolutely captivated.
"You don't love me," she hisses floutingly, seizing him by the jaw, dragging his gaze close so they were eye to eye. "You're going wasted if you chase after her like that."
His eyes cloud over and narrowed, scowling silently at her.
She leaned forward, he hardened to icy stone. "She's going down one day," she reminded him, her sinfully red lips brushing against the corner of his mouth as she spoke, "And you'll hate yourself for it."
"You're crossing the line," he whispered in the same fashion, smelling the fright in her rigid body. "As a youkai, I can only do so much from keeping myself from tearing you apart."
Akira's eyes widened in fear, a shiver crawling down her spine. She inched away.
"Literally." He added, just for fun, and watched her flee.
Jun flipped his eyes back at the happy couple making out at the couch across from him. They had no shame. He was overcome with the anger he'd tried to drown out from before. He just wanted to be her only one, was that too much to ask for?
Kagome was a tease, and he both loved and hated her for it.
She was so much better than that dirty dog hanyou. Why couldn't she just give up on him? He was lower in every way compared to Jun . . . not even a real youkai.
He covered his face with both his trembling hands, wanting to block everything out. Don't stab her back . . . don't stab her back . . . she needs you.
When had he started crushing on her? More importantly, why did he hate her so faithfully at the same time?
A clean break.
"Kagome," His voice chipped, crashing on the last note. He doubled back, trying again. "Kagome."
It'd caught her attention. She hesitantly pulled herself away from Inuyasha, retracting the loop she'd formed around him with her lanky arms, looking annoyed at Jun. She pursed her lips as if to say 'this'd better be good' and waited for his response.
"Can we have a talk?" He asked. She didn't budge, but her expression softened and rearranged itself while she sat upright. He urged, "In private?"
The annoyance on her face shifted to curiosity, she cocked her head, and searched for Inuyasha's permission. He wound his arms around her tight, and pressed her close as if he needed assurance that she'll be back.
Jun looked away guiltily, knowing that this might be the last time the two of them embraced like that. Perhaps it might even be the last time Kagome will laugh like that for a long time. He sighed, holding the bottle in a swagger, watching it sway back and forth, Kagome's reflection piercing through the clear glass.
She bit her lips, stifling a giggle while pecking him on the tip of his nose. He fumbled with her hand, relaxing them on the arms of the seat. Smiling demurely, he tugged her in for a long, breathtaking kind of a kiss.
Kagome swatted him away, reminding him that she had business to take care off. Then with a final kiss, she pulled back and got up, motioning for Jun to following. So swift that his movement was hardly detectable, he was by her side, guiding her through the patio door.
Jun's thick arms wrapped around her waist, leading into the far side of the backyard. Some kids passing around drugs gazed up murkily at them, others giving the thumbs up. Despite her annoyance, she linked her fingers through his like they used to do, and swung.
"I would hate it if you ever left me." She muttered as he sat down on an old iron bench. He patted the spot next to her, dragging her down.
Looking away, a snarl was ripped from his throat. He quieted down, eyes focused on the distance while the soft breeze carried his bleached hair in casual disarray.
Despite the fear and poison in his heart, he pulled her into him, she stumbled onto his lap, and he blanketed Kagome in his hold. Burying his face into her bare shoulder, he embraced her sweet scent, tracing her tan-line with his lips.
"You wanted to talk," She struggled out of his hold, balancing her perfect nonchalance. "So talk."
He sighed, blowing sparkles on her skin. She made him anxious.
"You're sad," She observed, speaking the words like a question.
He shrugged, keeping his gaze away from her as he spoke, "When's the next time I get to talk to you? I want to book the first appointment in your book, just, you know, one more time for us."
"Don't be silly."
"Alright, see, there's school, family, your girlfriends, work, your boyfriend, and free time. Where does that leave me?" He snuggled closer despite her protest, and relaxed his head at the crook of her neck. "Can you do me a favor, babe?"
She sighed, pushing her hair away from her face, and shuttered from the wintry air. "Anything."
"Take down the walls. For me. One last time."
Furrowing her brows in a cross, she asked briskly, "Are you going somewhere?"
He chuckled like it was a inside joke, "No, love. But you are."
Her muscles tighten, and she was overcome with the same ominous feeling she had the last time Jun came for a visit. Quickly brushing it off, she warns him, "If you say things like that, you'll look like the villain in the story."
"Ah," He grins characteristically, "But whose story are we talking about here?"
She grunts, explaining, "If it was Ayame's story, then I'd definitely be the evil tyrant." Laughing, she adds, "She probably hates me as much as I hate her now. I swear, that girl's getting on my nerves. It kills me to have to let her go, but it would be worth it, eh?"
Jun groans, now understanding why Ayame had been so eager to comply with his plan and kept pushing him to move forward faster.
"You can't possibly hate her that much. She saved you, remember?" Jun says, smoothing her dark hair down her back.
That she did remember, quite clearly too. If it hadn't been for the girl, Kagome wouldn't be all that sane now. She'd have lost herself years ago.
She shuts her eyelids, resting against her friend. He was so warm against her, like the sun. He'd always been her sun, keeping her on a tight leash while she revolved around him. If she'd gone too far, he'd keep her in line, always her safe harbor. She'd turn around, and he'd been there. The best of friends.
Betray anyone else, but your best friends. Break the alliance, and they'll be the first ones to turn on you . . .
"I love you, Kagome."
She stiffened in his arms, her eyes wide and alert. He released her, expecting her to run. She was the only chance he'll take, and it pained him to much to know that she was flee. But unlike his expectations, she laughed. A hoarse, nervous laugh.
"I love you too, Jun." There was a sadness in her voice.
Of what could never be.
He leaned against her, running a hand down her arm. So fragile, he couldn't trust himself around her. He could break her and it'd be just as easy as that, and she'd be gone.
"I in love with you."
"You don't love me, Jun," She advised, her voice thick and choking.
It was the second time that day he'd be told of that. Did everyone think that playboy Jun was incapable of loving?
"What do you see in him?" He demanded.
"Don't do this to me, Jun."
"I know the real you more than anyone else, Kagome. It's not fair for you to do this to me. Don't you understand that?"
"I don't—can't—love you the same way. What you mean to me is different than what Inuyasha is to me. You're my best friend, and you'll always be."
His eyes flashed when he lifted his head, but Kagome turned away. "What do you see in that hanyou?"
She ran a finger over her dry lips and swallowed the lump at her throat. "How am I supposed to answer that?"
Silence loomed over them, seeping in like dread. Kagome was thinking of an escape route, wishing to end this uncomfortable conversation. As if reading her mind, Jun's grasp automatically tightened around her. Hearing him sigh dejectedly, she reached out and cupped his face, pouting.
The reflex reaction brought conflict across his perfect features. Upon realizing her mistake, she pulled away, ashamed.
"What does it feel like?" His rough voice soft even at their proximity. He pushed a strand of hair from her face, not bothering to remove his hand afterwards.
"Hmm?"
"Love."
The warmth radiating from his hand suddenly enflamed her cheeks. She shrugged off the heat and focused on his question, drawing up a blank. "Why don't you tell me?"
"I want to see it from your perspective."
"With Inuyasha," She thought over her words very carefully, speaking with control. "It feels . . . scary, but safe at the same time. It's freeing, but also restricting. I can't describe it more than I can be sure of 'love.'"
"And you believe I don't feel the same way about you?" He questioned, holding a steady gaze, his mesmerizing eyes boring into hers.
Pursing her lips, she shook her head loosely. "Why do you want me? You're gorgeous, Jun. All the girls love you, you can't fall in love. It's such a waste."
He struggled for words, grimacing as he blurted, "Did Inuyasha ever tell you about his last girlfriend?"
She froze, stomach churning. "Say what?"
"I suppose he doesn't trust you enough to share that part of his life. Damn, that kids a good liar. Such a prominent story . . ." He played along, lips twisting into a sick smirk.
"I—" she stopped short, pulling her sleeves up with quivering hands.
"Maybe you should ask him about her," He suggested, trying to keep the poker face up, but the smug smirk broke through anyway.
"Maybe I will," She retorted defiantly, feeling shaky like a loose wind-up doll.
"Good, I'm glad we had this talk. Just to get everything clear. I really think you have the right to know." He released her, but she sat stone still. "And if he doesn't talk, well, let me just give you a hint. Connect the words Kikyo and Car Accidents to him, and see what happens."
0.0
"Hey Inuyasha," Ayame crept by, playing with her hair as she spoke to him. She settled next to him, not bothering to sit down. "Do you mind keeping me company for a few minutes. I need to have a little chat with you."
He smiled politely, inviting her to sit.
She frowned in distaste, a bit of an edge to her voice. "Somewhere more private? It's kind of important."
Inuyasha's brows furrowed in confusing while he smeared his lips together, considering her words. Stealing a cautious peak around, he noted that Kagome was still out the backyard with Jun where she'd disappeared a few minutes ago, not wanting to miss her when she came back in.
"It'll be quick," She compromised, yanking on his arm impatiently, also paying checks to the door leading to be backyard. Jun had promised her time to get Inuyasha alone, but that could be hard to buy depending on Kagome's mood and patience. Timing was everything in this game. One missed beat and they'll both be gone.
"Please please," she begged, trusting out her lower lips into a pout.
He groaned as he stood, running his free hand through his silky hair. "That bad, huh?"
"Yes," she hissed, already dragging him across the room through the throng of dancers. She was extra sensitive to the beat of the music vibrating underneath her two feet, swaying next to the hanyou while they moved.
A few people caught them with their eyes, nodding understandingly towards Ayame, or hooted encouragingly in her direction. They were all in on it.
On the way, she stopped and bowed her head next to a girl Inuyasha didn't recognize. If it wasn't for his sharp ears, he wouldn't have thought they were talking. Their lips maneuvered so fast and the exchange so swift that it would was almost detectable.
Ayame leaned back, gesticulating for him to hold on for a minute. Lips pursed, eyes narrowed, she didn't seem too pleased at the information the girl had shared. Pondering for a second, she cocked her head and blew out her arms in wild circulation, expressing her words while her lips twitched as she spoke.
This confrontation fascinated Inuyasha, and he would've liked to partake in the conversation if only he had picked up what they were saying. The obscene lyrics of the song the DJ was spinning seemed to invade his head, making it that much harder to concentrate on her words.
Within the span of a few minutes, the exchange of over, and Ayame once again wove her fingers through his and blazed on.
She noted the concern flickering across his face as she led him up the stairs towards the master suite. Seemingly out of nowhere, a pair of keys dangled on her finger, and she played with it blithely before unlocking the door swiftly. It clicked, consenting to her request.
Akira had done her part in the deal, Ayame smirked, obviously pleased as she flicked the light on in the room.
The master suite was the size of a roller rink, and has several resembling qualities. The vastness was big, cool, and empty. Except for the bed-dresser-nightstand set, everything else was white, flat, and unfinished. Not even curtains were hanging in place. But the room did have quite a fair view of Deom Bell.
Ayame surveyed the surrounding along with Inuyasha, and flicked up an eyebrow. "She sure wasn't lying."
Tossing the keys on the vacant nightstand, she lithely jumped and landed with a thud and bounce on the king sized bed. The springs creaked, while bits of dust blew around her.
"Akira's parents have been traveling on tour out of the country for the past year or so," She explained crassly with a shrug. "They should be renovating the master suite, but it's kinda of an on-and-off deal. Basically, Akira's been living by herself and a caretaker here during this time period. What a damn waste of space."
"Singers?" Inuyasha asked wryly, the corners of his mouth drooping.
"But what else? They've been traveling around in their band, paying about a visit to Akira every half a year ever since she entered middle grade—or so I was told. You know, irresponsible adults still chasing the rockstar dream. It's a hard life for kids in Deom Bell, nothing out of the ordinary."
His thoughts flickered to his own father, who was locked up constantly in his office, working on the Taisho & Co. jewelry line. He had thrust himself into his work since the day they moved into Deom Bell. Inuyasha wondered if he fit into the 'hard life in Deom Bell' category.
"Come sit, we need to talk." She encouraged, patting the spot next to her on the ivory comforter.
He stayed back, hesitating at the doorway. Sure, Ayame was Kagome's best friend, but exactly how much could he really trust her? She wasn't exactly the most reliable person when it came to other girls' boyfriends, that much he knew.
As if reading his mind, she raised both hands up in the air like she was caught by the police, and told him responsibly, "Don't worry, I'm not going to eat you—no matter how yummy Kagome's told me you are. I swear I'll keep my hands to myself. Strictly business here, yes?"
Studying her earnest face, he couldn't find a trace of lie in her words. Besides, he was curious as to the reason behind this request.
"Of course," he nodded as he took a seat next to her, careful as to keep him distance from her. She didn't seem to mind, and respected his decision. The bed rolled under his weight, and he shifted uncomfortably.
"Would you like to take a guess first at the reason why we're here?" She asked impishly.
He shook his head at loss, "Kagome?"
"Smart boy, she wasn't lying," Ayame teased. "So son, tell me your intentions towards her."
Laughing nervously, his eyebrows shot up, not quite sure if she was serious. Ayame was too good at her poker face for him to be sure.
"I kid!" She leaned forward, slapping him jokingly on the arm. Despite all the time he'd spent near her before, he'd never caught her scent before. Floral and girly.
"Okay, so do you believe that you're in love with her?"
"Love is a rather . . ." He squirmed, "Difficult concept for most people to grasp. I mean, except for unconditional love, that is."
Her eyes narrowed as if she was no doubt trying to lift the real answer right out of his head. Lips twisted into a curved line, she looked curious, but reluctantly nodded slowly when she realized he wasn't going to give away more than that. "Very good answer. Smart of you to dodge the answer I seek."
This had him chuckling, his dog ears pointed in humor. "You give me too much credit."
"As a safety precaution," She bid her words slowly, searching his eyes. "Don't fall in love with her."
He cocked his head, truly confused now.
"The only kind of love there has ever been with Kagome is something you'd call . . . 'unrequited love.' You don't understand, but Kagome doesn't love. At least, not since she was young. Ah, well, that's a long story. Maybe another time."
"I'll keep that in mind," He griped.
"Phew," She blew her auburn hair back, suddenly cheerful again. "I'm glad we've got that part over with. Now tell me, sweetheart, what do you know about her last boyfriend."
He wrinkled his forehead, rolling his head up towards the ceiling. "Houji, right?"
Ayame's eyes widened, and her mouth parted. "I'm surprised she chose to share. She must really trust you. How much do you know?"
"Not much," He shrugged, trying to keep his expression even. "Just, you know, that they dated and things like that."
"She wouldn't . . ." Ayame bend back, eyes rummaging the blank wall like she was deep in thought. "She—you don't—she wouldn't . . . Do you know about the accident with Houji?"
His heart clenched, stomach dropping, everything was on rewind.
She studied his expression, her eyes rummaging his.
"No no no . . . how silly of me to ask. Of course she wouldn't have shared that with you. I wouldn't either if I was her for fear of scaring you off. Well, anyway, moving on, forget that I asked—"
"No!" He reached out, grasping her by the wrist. "Tell me. What is it?"
"I told you to forget it," her features were unreasonably cheerful. "I'm sure she'll share with you in her own time."
She snickered deep inside, having to face the other way to hide and calm her expression. When she turned around, she saw that Inuyasha was actually contemplating her advice, so she quickly added, "Of course, at this rate, you might have to wait eighty years for her to speak out about it."
Doubt defined the contours of his face, he was deep in thought. She took the opportunity to shift closer, playing with his long hair.
"Tell me," he whispered, twiddling with his thumbs like a little kid that couldn't make up his decision.
She reached out, patting his hand, inclining closer. "Ah, but it's not that simple. You forget the risk I'm taking if I do choose to share this information with you," She paused for the effect. "But on the other hand, if we were to strike up a deal, that I might consider . . ."
"Anything," he piped up promptly, his words urgent and thirsty for the dirt.
Wrapping the silver strand around her fingers, she looked through him, a lascivious smirk playing on her lips. She shook out her own hair, and crossed her legs, the skirt riding up a few inches.
"Anything? No objections." She challenged, meeting his steady gaze.
"Within certain boundaries," his jaws tightened, weighing the promise and danger of his words. What could Ayame want that he wasn't able to buy? She was, after all, a girl who wanted pretty things.
"You first then," he insisted, not daring to shift away his eyes.
She could see the greed in him, the want to know. She couldn't believe it had been that easy. After all the thought and work she and Jun had put into this, everything was so well within grasp that she could hardly contain her excitement.
"Kagome was a big party girl," She started, tracing the lines in Inuyasha's extended palm as she spoke. Her words rang out clearly, perhaps a bit too shrilly from her joy. "She loved new things, like she does now. Students, clothes, gifts, alcohol, you name it and she'll try it. There was a big party that day, celebrating the half year mark of school. Last year of middle school. You know, another one of those prep parties, where even if they weren't invited, high schoolers would come crash anyway.
"Everyone was so sure her and Houji were in love. He accompanied her everywhere, stapled to her side. Such a sweet kid too. It was rumored that it was his mother's birthday that day, and he was responsible for staying home with her. But of course, Kagome being the inconsiderate brat she was, urged him to join the party with her."
She took a deep breath, rolling her eyes, and checked on Inuyasha. His was absorbed in the story, but it seemed that his thoughts were elsewhere. She trailed ahead anyway.
"The rest was pretty much history. The kid hosting the part brought in some kinda weird strong imported wine/vodka mixture. Kagome drank a bit too much and fell drunk, so it became Houji's duty to take her home because of the lousy drunk she was. She wouldn't hand over the keys to him, so he sat passenger seat, keeping and eye on her if anything went wrong. You know, the original bad idea through and through.
"They took the shortcut through the forest clearing. Imagine, pitch dark night, loud music blaring, horrible shortcut, and a drunk. Terrible combination. Everything was well, 'til her head started spinning. Next thing they knew, BAM, and one was gone."
Inuyasha jumped in shock, his body stiff and rigid. Utterly numb.
Perhaps if he'd overcome the fear, he could've realized all the things that didn't add up in the story. But he didn't until it was too late.
0.0
Present Days . . .
He blinked, not trusting his blurred sight. Give me another minute. Body aching, he felt broken, every muscle in his body strained and bleeding. His eyes jolted open, and the pressure on his body suddenly became crystal clear. Inuyasha ripped a painful scream.
His head was pounding while his body was enflamed with agony, and he was sinking into darkness once again despite his struggle to stay conscious. "Dammit . . . Kagome."
The visions swerved back into his head, replaying the last few minutes over and over again like a broken tape. He clenched his jaws, squirming out of the weight about him.
Finding the strength in his fingers, he pressed them into the metals, leaving finger prints, and heaved. A mechanical clink shuttered, and the mess was lifted from above him by his own pair of arms.
Finally, the discomfort was lifted as he freed his body. He groaned, sinking into a dusty dirt ground, resting his thoughts for a second.
The dark trees were enshrouded by the night sky that was beginning to clear into morning. Tiny leaves rustles in the wind, being slapped back and forth until they relented and fell.
Inuyasha could see his junkpile of a car a few feet from his, where he'd flipped it away. It was totaled. One end was slammed against the trunk of the trees, the exterior crumbled with wrinkles and layers of damage. The other half was bent and distorted out of shape, the only result of going over 100 mile per hour.
A faint sound reached his sharp ears, he tried to place it with no avail. Inuyasha tried his two feet as he carefully rose. Despite the ache, he could stand and move fairly freely, which had to be good enough for now.
He surveyed the proximity. Kagome couldn't have gotten far, unless . . . his eyes averted back to the car wreck. No, he mustn't think that. Grief rolled in the pit of his stomach, he tried to smother it. If she'd been left in the car when it crashed, he could've traced the scent of blood, but he thankfully didn't.
"Where are you?" He rested his eyelids, and focused on her scent. She was close. He stumbled as he trailed the sweet fragrance, leading him around the other side of the tree.
Eyes widening in alert, he could make out her distinct shape in the dark where she laid curled up in a ball on the curve of the trunk.
"Kagome," His voice was emphasized in distress as he sprinted and seized her up in a cradle. She weighed like a feather even though she was stiff and trembling. He cradled her like a baby, and studied her whereabouts.
It was impossible . . . how could she have escaped without harm, and landed at the other side of the crash sight?
Droplets of dewy sweat covered her, making her balled up body damp. She was making quiet, soft snuffling sounds. Inuyasha blew a sigh of relief when he examined her and saw that she was in one piece. No harm done.
His ears pick up a trace of her voice, whispering, "I'm sorry."
"Kagome," He cooed, taking her hand and setting the both of them down by the tree stump. "Don't be. I'm so sorry about all this."
He kicked his legs out from under both of them, and shifted into a rigid position at the pit of the tree. The grass was damp underneath them, and some twigs poked into his skin.
"I'm sorry," she pleased, shaking from head to toe. "I'm so so sorry."
Tears were steaming down her face, sliding a trail on her cheeks and soaking Inuyasha. That's when he realized that she was subconsciously talking, the words tumbling out of her mouth like water. He gave her a little shove, waking her from slumber.
"Hey hey, Kagome," He softened his voice velvety smooth, giving a little pat to her face. Her eyelids fluttered, unfocused, and resealed.
She sniffles, her lips puckering slightly. A second later, her eyes flicker open again, pupils diluted and strained. Blinking, she reaches for Inuyasha's face, laying her palm hotly against his smooth cheek.
Rotating his head so it's angled, he presses his lips into her hand, and smothers it with soft kisses. "I'm here, Kagome."
"Don't leave me," she begged, her voice indistinct and stifled.
"You're okay," He promised, grazing his thumb along her cheekbone and ironed her hair back from her face. She moaned, breath lapsing back to normal, chest beating with consistency.
Gasping, choking little pants escaped her lips. Suddenly, her hand dropped from Inuyasha's face to clench her own chest. "It hurts."
His hands bolted against her, crushing Kagome against him as he wrapped his arms around her in an embrace. Gently stroking her hair, his hands were shaking as he traced her backbone. "What's wrong? Where does it hurt?"
"It hurts!" She gasped as her hands seized against her shirt. "It hurts so bad."
"No no no!" His face was scrunched tight in concern, and he held her tighter, a shield for any outside force that dared to hurt her.
"Stop the pain," she howled, her body snapping up in a jolting movement. "Please."
"What—what's hurting?" He pleaded, knotting his hands through his own hair in frustration. "What can I do? Please, Kagome. Anything."
"My—" She winced, a chilling pain shooting through her. "My heart. It hurt. It's broken."
He blinked. Once. Twice. And his mouth frowned in forlorn sadness. "I'm sorry."
"I don't hate him," she cried, hot tears dribbling down her face. "I really don't hate him."
Moving deftly, his fingers wiped away any traces of her tears, but they kept of flooding back. The tiny crystal drops formed pools of sorrow on the creases of his finger. Shamelessly, he lifted it up to his lips to taste. It was sweet.
"Who?" He spoke airily, clasping a hand over hers.
"It kills me inside to see him. Every single day." Her expression loosened. "But I don't hate him. No. I can't."
He remained quiet, thinking.
"I don't," She restated, her voice now quivering. "Please, don't make me."
She must be having a nightmare, Inuyasha concluded, a forlorn sadness washing over him. He wondered whom she was pleading to, or even more crucially, whom she was talking about.
His breath quickened as he traced the scar mark he'd left on her wrist from before. There was faint, opaque white line. He didn't want her hurt her.
"I can't deal with Inuyasha," She sobbed, a soft cry unfurling from her lips.
Stung, he felt like he'd been punched in the stomach. Her face dropped from his hands while his expression fell. He was staring at the pained features of Kagome . . . the girl who had tried so hard to hate. Whose life he'd ruined. And he didn't want to see it, admit it, face it. He'd broken her heart.
"Don't," he crumbled, tortured by her words. How could he have done this to her? He'd vowed to love her. The hanyou writhed, twisting in pain as she muttered his name over and over again, promising that she didn't hate him.
He took her hands in his, her lithe fingers immediately wrapping around him. He didn't want her to hurt anymore. If it took all he was, he'd stop her pain. He'd mend her shattered heart. As suffering as she was, it killed him to see her like this, especially knowing that it was he himself that caused the damage.
Closing his eyes, he tuned in more evenly with his senses. Her little heart was pounding under his fingertips, the beat vibrating.
Again, he picked her up and held her close. She'd calmed down, but her hand still didn't relent from clutching her chest. He sighed mournfully, kissing her on the cheek, and lingering. "I love you, Kagome."
"Inuyasha," she slipped under her breath and once again dozed off into deep slumber.
"You're going to be okay," a sad smile formed on his lips, but his knotted brows stayed desperate. "I'm not going to hurt you."
He fumbled his pocket for his cell phone. The reception wasn't too good, but he dialed the house phone.
While he waited, he trailed his hand at her face, her ivory skin smooth. This time, when he said it, it didn't sound so pathetic, rather, it flowed like blood from his veins, and rich from his heart, "I love you."
No. of Pages: 18
No. of Words: 6,842
Date Started: 8/7/07
Date Finished: 9/8/07
Spell Checked: no
Date Edited: 9/23/07
Date Posted: 9/8/07
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