OKAY!! I'm sorry this took sooooo long, but I JUST got out of a long-term
relationship. No, I mean "just" as in, I just sent the final email, which
was an answer to his email, the final question. *Sighs* I figured that a
long distance relationship wasn't working when I was trying to focus on my
writing (FIVE stories!! At ONCE!!), college, work, family, and making new
friends.
Anyways, away from my love life (or former love life, in this case), here's your new chapter!! ENJOY!!
Also, since poor Nankinmai was upset that she had finals, and my other story's update didn't make her feel much better, I'm gonna try and make it up to her in this!!
And they're still not mine!! (although I do sleep with a Shippou plushie at night. No, I really do!!)
~~~~~~~~
Ch. 17 Last Goodbyes
Kagome sighed as she looked at her pack, then all the things she had picked out to take with her. She had no idea where she was going to live, but she figured she could ask to stay with Sango's great-granddaughter. She seemed really nice, and maybe she could teach Kagome how to defend herself using something other than a bow and arrow.
She went over the list in her mind, wondering if she could fit everything in the backpack. Sure, it was huge, but compared to the amount of clothes, first-aid supplies, some books, photo albums, playing cards, her favorite plushie, a couple pairs of shoes, some instant food (LOTS of Ramen), and other various items, it was tiny.
It was while she was trying to figure out how to fit everything into the bag that Shippou came in, looking at her supplies incredulously. "You DO realize that you really can't take a lot of clothes with you. You can take a few sets, if they're that comfortable, but no one dresses like that, so you have to get new clothes, like some kimonos, and such." He felt slightly guilty when she had started, too lost in her thoughts to have noticed him standing there. Then he felt slightly better when a smile spread across her face, accompanied by a nod.
"You're right. I can't take everything with me. I wish I could." Another sigh escaped her lips, and the kitsune couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. Or, to be more precise, he felt selfish.
"Kagome..." He walked over to her and held her hand, noticing how her eyes were brimming with tears. "I'm sorry for making you have to choose. If you want, I won't mind if you want to stay here. I'll even stay here with you, if you want..." He didn't know what to say, just wanted her to stop crying. He hated seeing her cry, and knowing it's his fault. Now he knew how dog-boy felt every time she would leave crying because of him. 'And I didn't help much either, huh, yelling at him after she was gone.'
Smiling, the young miko shook her head and turning a happy face to her friend. "No, Shippou. I want to go. I... I don't belong in this time. I thought I did at one point, but I was always so much happier back in the feudal era. I don't know why, but I just feel so much more... relaxed, more... at home, when I'm there. Well, except when we were fighting Naraku or some other demon. Although afterwards was usually fun. Inuyasha would be happy about having a shard, so we'd get a short break, and Sango and I would go to the hot springs, taking you once or twice...." She laughed and hugged him. "I wonder what would happen if I told my friends you used to bathe with my friend and I. Miroku would be jealous, ne?"
He began to laugh at this, thinking to himself how true that comment was. He remembered all the times he had "accidentally" twitched his tail, causing leaves to rustle or something, getting the lecher caught in the act. It was just his bad luck that once or twice Inuyasha got caught with him, resulting in a few bruises and bumps on everyone, including himself, courtesy of one pissed hanyou.
"Yeah, he'd probably be talking to me about what growing up is all about, and try to tell me about 'the birds and the bees'. By the way, Kagome, that reminds me. You called it that when you explained to them that I had asked about it, but WHY is it called 'the birds and the bees'?? That makes no sense to me whatsoever."
Kagome began to laugh at her companion's confusion before leaning forward to kiss his cheek lightly. "It doesn't make sense to me, either, that's just what I've always heard it called. Now, go back downstairs so I can start getting ready for the dinner, party, um, thing tonight, okay?? Also, you might want to warn the guys to take a bath now, before I get there. Oh, and Hojou's going to be here tonight... Please try not to kill him, okay??"
During this speech, Shippou had been thinking about Kagome's kiss, and wondering if she would mind much if he kissed her this time, and on the lips like she had done this morning. He had liked the taste left behind on his lips, and also the feeling that came from it. But when he heard the part about Hojou, he tensed up. Remembering the earlier meeting with the oblivious male, he didn't notice the words he was saying until they had already left his mouth.
"That was his own damn fault. Teach him to mess with a demon's girl - Uh oh. Um, I think I'll just go downstairs now..." Then, before he could lose what little nerve he had left, he leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly, reveling in the look of shock on her face afterwards. A silly grin made it's way across his face as he blushed, walking towards the door.
He paused at the threshold, looking back at her and smiling as he bowed his head slightly. "See you soon, Kagome." After her whispered reply, he merely shut the door quietly behind him, and made his way downstairs to deliver the message about bathing and murdering to the wolves.
This time it was Kagome who remained motionless for five minutes.
~~*~~
That evening, Kagome's cousin Nankinmai was the first to arrive. Her aunt, Kagome's mother, had been so *kind* to tell her that Kagome had three MALE friends here, and one might possibly end up being her (Kagome's) boyfriend. Now, Nankinmai loved her little cousin, and HAD to see for herself before she'd give her stamp of approval. So what if it meant arriving early? It was only an hour.
Or two.
After Nankinmai arrived, Kagome's three friends from school, Eri, Ayumi and Yuka showed up, questioning the cousin about the three guys she was talking to, telling her about the race at the school, when Kagome had leapt up onto the red-haired guy's back. Eri soon began to flirt with Koshu, making him blush, while Yuka and Ayumi talked to Kouga about his 'brother', leaving Nankinmai alone to interrogate the kitsune who seemed to be somewhat nervous, even glancing up towards Kagome's room occasionally.
Of course, Nankinmai noticed this and smiled. "I'm taking this wild guess that you like my cousin." Shippou turned to look at her, wide-eyed, and tried to think of something to say. He didn't realize that the look of shock, mixed with the blush on his face, was answer enough. "So, tell me about yourself." At his confused look, she rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Name, age, where you live, what you do for a living, that kind of stuff."
"Oh." Shippou nodded in understanding and blurted out his answers without thinking about it. "My name's Shippou, I'm 78 years old, I live in my home near Kaede's old village, and I don't know what you mean by 'do for a living', I usually spend my time hunting or training, or helping out Hanoku and Hikana." When he saw the girl's odd look, he realized what he had just said, and wished he could kick himself in the butt. Many times.
'78 years old? How can he be 78 years old?!!? Unless...' Nankinmai thought about when her aunt had told her about her cousin Kagome's trips to the past, hoping that Nankinmai could help with supporting their 'sick' story. 'Didn't she say that Kagome had friends who were youkai? Then that must mean...'
Nankinmai turned to look at the red-haired, teal-eyed man before her, who was looking nervous and scared. She nodded to him, and motioned with her hand that they should step outside. Glancing back at the other two guys talking to the three girls, she was for once glad for the loud female voices.
~~*~~
'Well, that went well...' Shippou was sitting in the living room with everyone else, waiting for the rest of the guests, Kagome sitting next to him, with Nankinmai on her other side, the three girls in front of her, and Kouga and Koshu on Shippou's other side.
When he and Kagome's cousin had gone outside, she had asked if he was a youkai, or a hanyou like the 'Inuyasha character' that she had heard about. He had been surprised, but she told him that some of her family was told about Kagome's time traveling, proud that they had a real miko in their family who fought demons. She had accepted him easily, merely smiling and saying, "I thought as much" after he told her their story.
A knock interrupted his thoughts, as did Souta's yell of, "Kagome! Hojou's here!!" Now he had EVERYONE'S attention. The three school girls were in their 'You should go out with Hojou, he's cute and he likes you' mode, while Kagome blushed and moved unconsciously closer to Shippou and the other two demons. Nankinmai noticed Shippou's look sent in Hojou's direction and merely rolled her eyes again, shaking her head.
"Hey Kagome!" Hojou stepped forward, smiling happily. He recognized those three guys sitting next to his love interest, and felt slightly nervous. All he could remember from their last meeting was the feeling of falling and flying. It made him queasy, but he decided to get over it, wanting to stay near the lovely girl as much as possible. He noticed her three friends from school whispering to her, and a girl who appeared to be a little older than her sitting next to her, appearing to be annoyed slightly with everything.
"Hey Hojou. This is Nankinmai, my older cousin, and you already know Shippou, Kouga, Koshu, and Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka." Hojou nodded his head to each of them, greeting them politely. If those guys were her friends, then he would accept them. For now. But he seriously hoped that none of them were her boyfriend, as he had big plans to ask her that night. They had been out on a few dates, and he really liked her.
He listened to their conversation only partially, focusing mostly on Kagome's actions towards any of the three men, and their actions towards her. None of the three talked very much, all seeming to be content to just sit beside Kagome, where Hojou felt he should be sitting. But the one with the red hair didn't seem to be thinking about moving anytime soon, and even if he did, Hojou had the feeling that he'd have to go through the other two men first.
After a few more people arrived, Kagome's mother announced that dinner was ready. He could smell that it was most likely Oden, but was still surprised to watch as Kagome, her cousin, and the three men leapt up and literally raced to the kitchen, Kagome actually making it only seconds after the three speed-demons. (A/N: If he only knew how close to right that was!)
Koshu stared wide-eyed at Kagome, who was chanting "Oden" over and over again. Nankinmai, whom he had learned was Kagome's elder cousin, was laughing, as was Souta and their mother, but everyone else was surprised with Kagome's fixation on the food before her. Souta muttered out, just loud enough for the demons to hear, "I told you she loved the stuff, trust me, grab some before she does. Then she can have the rest. Go back for seconds, lose a hand."
Sure enough, their mother held Kagome by her shoulders while everyone else got their food, then released the young miko, who began to eat furiously, stopping only to thank her mother, and tell her how delicious it was.
Then came what would later be called "Hojou's Big Mistake #1". Just as Kagome was reaching for more of her favorite dish, she noticed Hojou attempting to steal some of HER food!! All of a sudden, Kagome's happy, light-hearted appearance dropped, only to be replaced by a cold, emotionless mask that would have made Sesshoumaru proud. In a voice that would have given Naraku the chills, the young priestess said, "Hojou, this is your one warning. If I see your hand coming near my oden again, you will draw back a nub. Understood?"
After a gulp and a "yes" from Hojou, Kagome became the sweet innocent teenager again, happily munching on her dinner while the demons stared at her in increased respect and awe. Souta was giving her a look that had usually been reserved for when Inuyasha was around, while Hojou watched her in fear, and her friends stared in horror.
Nankinmai was having difficulty trying to keep from falling off her chair laughing.
~~*~~
They were all sitting in the living room again, happy that Kagome was full, and less threatening now, and Kagome happy that she had had her fill of her favorite food. Her last night at home was a good one... With that thought, she remembered WHY she had invited everyone to her house, and cleared her throat to get their attention. 'Man, I feel like a teacher at school...'
"Okay, um, well... I'm guessing you guys are wondering why I asked you all to come over... Well, um, You see, I just wanted to say... Um, goodbye. Cuz, I'm moving. Mom and Souta and Grandpa aren't, just me. I might be able to come visit, and I might not, so I just wanted to say goodbye to you now before I found out that I couldn't." At this, a collective gasp went around the room, leaving the only calm people to be Shippou, Kouga, Koshu, Kagome, her mother, Souta, Grandpa, and Buyo. Even Nankinmai hadn't expected this! And she was family!!
Everyone began asking questions, like "Where are you going?" and "Why?" and "When?" Her family had prepared for this. Kagome's mother spoke up now, showing that she approved of Kagome's choice whole-heartedly. "Well, you see, you know how she was sick so much for those two years a while back? Well, Kagome's starting to get ill again, we think, and we just decided it would be better for her health to move in with my cousin, who lives a couple day's drive away. And actually, this was her last dinner. They're leaving tonight."
"'They're'?" Oops. Kagome's mother forgot that they didn't know about the youkai going with her. Nankinmai, though, was smart enough to put two and two together and get five, and immediately leapt in to help her aunt.
"Oh, I get it. You mean Kouga, Koshu, and Shippou are taking Kagome to your cousin's for you? Are they her sons or something?" Nankinmai didn't miss the look of gratitude Mrs. Higurashi gave her, nor the relieved look on Kagome's face.
"Yes, actually. Kouga and Koshu are her sons, and Shippou is their friend who tagged along with them, since I hadn't seen him since he was a child." NOW everyone seemed to understand, and it helped that Kagome's friends from school were pointing out that Kagome HAD told them that the boys were friends of the family.
(Begin commencement of "Hojou's Big Mistake #2")
Hojou stood and asked if he could talk to Kagome alone for a second, promising that they would be right back. Her friends knew what was going on, Nankinmai had a pretty good guess, and she could tell that none of the three youkai (as she now knew them to be, 2 wolves and 1 kitsune, thanks to said fox) was happy about it, either. But Kagome, though reluctant and nervous, agreed.
(And in T minus 5...)
When they were alone in her room, where they were away from prying eyes and ears (except the demon ones!! Hehe...), Hojou smiled at her in a way that made Kagome wish Shippou or Kouga or Koshu had come with her.
(4...)
"Kagome?? Since you're moving, I guess this would be the best time to say this... You see, I've liked you for a while now... Well, actually, for the past four years... And I know we've been on a couple of dates, but... I was just wondering..."
(3...)
"If you would consider being my girlfriend. I mean, I really like you, and I'm hoping you like me too. Please? Would you be my girlfriend?"
(2...)
"Hojou! I'm about to move!" Kagome now wished DESPERATELY that one of the youkai had come with her, or even Souta or Nankinmai. They both knew about the three possessive demons who were more than willing and perfectly capable of making sure that Hojou left her alone.
"I know, Kagome, but we can still be together. I mean, I can come visit every now and then, and you said you might get to come visit occasionally, plus we can keep in touch through the phone, and letters, and the internet, so it'd just be a long-distance relationship. How about it, Kagome?"
She hadn't even noticed he was stepping closer to her until she opened her mouth to argue with him.
(1...)
"Hojou, I ca-" She was cut off as he moved forward and kissed her lips lightly, only having enough time to clamp her teeth shut in the event he tried to deepen the kiss. He did, but when he met with no success, he stopped.
"What's wrong, Kagome?? I thought you liked me. Your friends kept telling me you did."
The only ones who could feel the anger radiating from the miko was the three demons, who looked at each other nervously, and Hojou, since he was standing directly in front of her, and could see her face.
But they all heard the slap that followed.
"HOJOU! I NEVER said I liked you like that! My friends may have, but I didn't! I may have said you were cute, and you were nice, but that's it! Don't you EVER do that again!" Kagome was startled with her own vehement speech, but not as much as the boy in front of her, who was still holding his cheek, a red handprint starting to show up.
With that, she turned away from him, lifted her pack onto her back, and grabbed her other bag, which was simply a duffel bag filled with things that didn't fit in the pack, like her blankets and her favorite pillow. She glared at him again before opening the door to see Shippou's angry and surprised face. Kagome merely smiled happily at Shippou and handed him her duffel bag, walking back downstairs with him where Kouga and Koshu were arguing with Nankinmai that they should be allowed to go help Kagome. They all stopped to see the girl in question coming down the stairs, Shippou directly behind her, both carrying bags.
Mrs. Higurashi told everyone that it was getting late, and that Kagome and the others would have to leave soon. The group of friends stood and come over to Kagome, hugging her and telling her how much they would miss her, and how they'd try to keep in touch as much as possible. Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka were crying, saying that they would miss their best friend so much, and that the moment she had a boyfriend, they wanted to hear all the details. This caused everyone to smile, and finally all that was left to say goodbye to was Hojou, who had come down the stairs when Kagome's mother had told them it was about time to go.
"Listen, Kagome, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I'm really sorry. Can we still be friends??" He was looking at her like a scolded puppy would look at its master, eyes begging forgiveness. Kagome sighed and hugged him, telling him that it was okay, and that they were still friends.
After one extra hug from everyone, Kagome walked outside, with her mother, Souta, Nankinmai, and Grandpa following her. The group of friends was still inside the house, talking to each other about how they each were going to keep in touch with Kagome, and with the girls asking Hojou what happened.
~~*~~
"Hey, Kagome, I'm gonna miss you, kid. Now who will I have to pick on?" Nankinmai hugged her little cousin tightly, smiling as she pulled away.
"Well, there's always Souta," Kagome volunteered, glancing towards her younger brother, who looked positively terrified by the grin on Nankinmai's face as she turned to look at him speculatively.
"Yeah, but he won't be as fun. Oh well, so long as you're happy, and you're safe." With a final hug, Nankinmai kissed her cousin on the forehead and mussed her hair. "Well, I had better go keep those friends of yours from coming out here to try and see you off... I don't think they'd understand why you'd be jumping down a well. Hehehe..." As she walked off and let the family have their last goodbye, though, Nankinmai couldn't help but try to keep from letting the tears that threatened to spill take over.
~~*~~
"Well, I guess this is goodbye... I don't know if I'll be able to come back, but I don't think I want to take a chance at it, seeing as how this well does tend to be finicky." She smiled slightly, trying not to cry as she hugged her family, the group hug nearly suffocating the young miko.
"Well, honey, how do you know the well works now? You guys may be stuck here." Kagome's mother watched as a surprised look crossed Kagome's face, and she pulled away to peek at her youkai friends, who stood waiting by the well.
"I guess you're right, Mama. We do need to try." She hugged them all again. "I'm going to miss you so much... I love you guys... Souta, you better do good in school, or else my ghost will come back to haunt you." This made Souta laugh slightly, and with a last fleeting smile, Kagome made her way to the waiting demons, looking back only once before leaping into the well in their normal formation, Shippou's arm around Kagome's waist, and Kouga and Koshu holding onto her hands.
~~~~~~~~~
You know, I could be really cruel and say "THE END!" But, nope, not yet!! There's still one or two chapters left! Shippou still has to ask her to be his mate, Kouga and Koshu still have to go home, and INUYASHA still has to make HIS appearance!! NOW!! For everyone who bothered to read my author's notes, I have a delightful thing for all the girls!! I need a character for Koshu to be with. I already know who her parents will be, and she'll be a wolf-demon, although whether it's full, half, or ¾ is up to you! So, tell me what you think she should be, and what you think she should look like, and what her name should be! Although in names, I'm afraid I do want ones that sound like normal Japanese names, otherwise it'd be kinda odd...
Anyways, feel free to review! And for your votes/opinions, either say in your review, or email me!
Anyways, away from my love life (or former love life, in this case), here's your new chapter!! ENJOY!!
Also, since poor Nankinmai was upset that she had finals, and my other story's update didn't make her feel much better, I'm gonna try and make it up to her in this!!
And they're still not mine!! (although I do sleep with a Shippou plushie at night. No, I really do!!)
~~~~~~~~
Ch. 17 Last Goodbyes
Kagome sighed as she looked at her pack, then all the things she had picked out to take with her. She had no idea where she was going to live, but she figured she could ask to stay with Sango's great-granddaughter. She seemed really nice, and maybe she could teach Kagome how to defend herself using something other than a bow and arrow.
She went over the list in her mind, wondering if she could fit everything in the backpack. Sure, it was huge, but compared to the amount of clothes, first-aid supplies, some books, photo albums, playing cards, her favorite plushie, a couple pairs of shoes, some instant food (LOTS of Ramen), and other various items, it was tiny.
It was while she was trying to figure out how to fit everything into the bag that Shippou came in, looking at her supplies incredulously. "You DO realize that you really can't take a lot of clothes with you. You can take a few sets, if they're that comfortable, but no one dresses like that, so you have to get new clothes, like some kimonos, and such." He felt slightly guilty when she had started, too lost in her thoughts to have noticed him standing there. Then he felt slightly better when a smile spread across her face, accompanied by a nod.
"You're right. I can't take everything with me. I wish I could." Another sigh escaped her lips, and the kitsune couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. Or, to be more precise, he felt selfish.
"Kagome..." He walked over to her and held her hand, noticing how her eyes were brimming with tears. "I'm sorry for making you have to choose. If you want, I won't mind if you want to stay here. I'll even stay here with you, if you want..." He didn't know what to say, just wanted her to stop crying. He hated seeing her cry, and knowing it's his fault. Now he knew how dog-boy felt every time she would leave crying because of him. 'And I didn't help much either, huh, yelling at him after she was gone.'
Smiling, the young miko shook her head and turning a happy face to her friend. "No, Shippou. I want to go. I... I don't belong in this time. I thought I did at one point, but I was always so much happier back in the feudal era. I don't know why, but I just feel so much more... relaxed, more... at home, when I'm there. Well, except when we were fighting Naraku or some other demon. Although afterwards was usually fun. Inuyasha would be happy about having a shard, so we'd get a short break, and Sango and I would go to the hot springs, taking you once or twice...." She laughed and hugged him. "I wonder what would happen if I told my friends you used to bathe with my friend and I. Miroku would be jealous, ne?"
He began to laugh at this, thinking to himself how true that comment was. He remembered all the times he had "accidentally" twitched his tail, causing leaves to rustle or something, getting the lecher caught in the act. It was just his bad luck that once or twice Inuyasha got caught with him, resulting in a few bruises and bumps on everyone, including himself, courtesy of one pissed hanyou.
"Yeah, he'd probably be talking to me about what growing up is all about, and try to tell me about 'the birds and the bees'. By the way, Kagome, that reminds me. You called it that when you explained to them that I had asked about it, but WHY is it called 'the birds and the bees'?? That makes no sense to me whatsoever."
Kagome began to laugh at her companion's confusion before leaning forward to kiss his cheek lightly. "It doesn't make sense to me, either, that's just what I've always heard it called. Now, go back downstairs so I can start getting ready for the dinner, party, um, thing tonight, okay?? Also, you might want to warn the guys to take a bath now, before I get there. Oh, and Hojou's going to be here tonight... Please try not to kill him, okay??"
During this speech, Shippou had been thinking about Kagome's kiss, and wondering if she would mind much if he kissed her this time, and on the lips like she had done this morning. He had liked the taste left behind on his lips, and also the feeling that came from it. But when he heard the part about Hojou, he tensed up. Remembering the earlier meeting with the oblivious male, he didn't notice the words he was saying until they had already left his mouth.
"That was his own damn fault. Teach him to mess with a demon's girl - Uh oh. Um, I think I'll just go downstairs now..." Then, before he could lose what little nerve he had left, he leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly, reveling in the look of shock on her face afterwards. A silly grin made it's way across his face as he blushed, walking towards the door.
He paused at the threshold, looking back at her and smiling as he bowed his head slightly. "See you soon, Kagome." After her whispered reply, he merely shut the door quietly behind him, and made his way downstairs to deliver the message about bathing and murdering to the wolves.
This time it was Kagome who remained motionless for five minutes.
~~*~~
That evening, Kagome's cousin Nankinmai was the first to arrive. Her aunt, Kagome's mother, had been so *kind* to tell her that Kagome had three MALE friends here, and one might possibly end up being her (Kagome's) boyfriend. Now, Nankinmai loved her little cousin, and HAD to see for herself before she'd give her stamp of approval. So what if it meant arriving early? It was only an hour.
Or two.
After Nankinmai arrived, Kagome's three friends from school, Eri, Ayumi and Yuka showed up, questioning the cousin about the three guys she was talking to, telling her about the race at the school, when Kagome had leapt up onto the red-haired guy's back. Eri soon began to flirt with Koshu, making him blush, while Yuka and Ayumi talked to Kouga about his 'brother', leaving Nankinmai alone to interrogate the kitsune who seemed to be somewhat nervous, even glancing up towards Kagome's room occasionally.
Of course, Nankinmai noticed this and smiled. "I'm taking this wild guess that you like my cousin." Shippou turned to look at her, wide-eyed, and tried to think of something to say. He didn't realize that the look of shock, mixed with the blush on his face, was answer enough. "So, tell me about yourself." At his confused look, she rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Name, age, where you live, what you do for a living, that kind of stuff."
"Oh." Shippou nodded in understanding and blurted out his answers without thinking about it. "My name's Shippou, I'm 78 years old, I live in my home near Kaede's old village, and I don't know what you mean by 'do for a living', I usually spend my time hunting or training, or helping out Hanoku and Hikana." When he saw the girl's odd look, he realized what he had just said, and wished he could kick himself in the butt. Many times.
'78 years old? How can he be 78 years old?!!? Unless...' Nankinmai thought about when her aunt had told her about her cousin Kagome's trips to the past, hoping that Nankinmai could help with supporting their 'sick' story. 'Didn't she say that Kagome had friends who were youkai? Then that must mean...'
Nankinmai turned to look at the red-haired, teal-eyed man before her, who was looking nervous and scared. She nodded to him, and motioned with her hand that they should step outside. Glancing back at the other two guys talking to the three girls, she was for once glad for the loud female voices.
~~*~~
'Well, that went well...' Shippou was sitting in the living room with everyone else, waiting for the rest of the guests, Kagome sitting next to him, with Nankinmai on her other side, the three girls in front of her, and Kouga and Koshu on Shippou's other side.
When he and Kagome's cousin had gone outside, she had asked if he was a youkai, or a hanyou like the 'Inuyasha character' that she had heard about. He had been surprised, but she told him that some of her family was told about Kagome's time traveling, proud that they had a real miko in their family who fought demons. She had accepted him easily, merely smiling and saying, "I thought as much" after he told her their story.
A knock interrupted his thoughts, as did Souta's yell of, "Kagome! Hojou's here!!" Now he had EVERYONE'S attention. The three school girls were in their 'You should go out with Hojou, he's cute and he likes you' mode, while Kagome blushed and moved unconsciously closer to Shippou and the other two demons. Nankinmai noticed Shippou's look sent in Hojou's direction and merely rolled her eyes again, shaking her head.
"Hey Kagome!" Hojou stepped forward, smiling happily. He recognized those three guys sitting next to his love interest, and felt slightly nervous. All he could remember from their last meeting was the feeling of falling and flying. It made him queasy, but he decided to get over it, wanting to stay near the lovely girl as much as possible. He noticed her three friends from school whispering to her, and a girl who appeared to be a little older than her sitting next to her, appearing to be annoyed slightly with everything.
"Hey Hojou. This is Nankinmai, my older cousin, and you already know Shippou, Kouga, Koshu, and Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka." Hojou nodded his head to each of them, greeting them politely. If those guys were her friends, then he would accept them. For now. But he seriously hoped that none of them were her boyfriend, as he had big plans to ask her that night. They had been out on a few dates, and he really liked her.
He listened to their conversation only partially, focusing mostly on Kagome's actions towards any of the three men, and their actions towards her. None of the three talked very much, all seeming to be content to just sit beside Kagome, where Hojou felt he should be sitting. But the one with the red hair didn't seem to be thinking about moving anytime soon, and even if he did, Hojou had the feeling that he'd have to go through the other two men first.
After a few more people arrived, Kagome's mother announced that dinner was ready. He could smell that it was most likely Oden, but was still surprised to watch as Kagome, her cousin, and the three men leapt up and literally raced to the kitchen, Kagome actually making it only seconds after the three speed-demons. (A/N: If he only knew how close to right that was!)
Koshu stared wide-eyed at Kagome, who was chanting "Oden" over and over again. Nankinmai, whom he had learned was Kagome's elder cousin, was laughing, as was Souta and their mother, but everyone else was surprised with Kagome's fixation on the food before her. Souta muttered out, just loud enough for the demons to hear, "I told you she loved the stuff, trust me, grab some before she does. Then she can have the rest. Go back for seconds, lose a hand."
Sure enough, their mother held Kagome by her shoulders while everyone else got their food, then released the young miko, who began to eat furiously, stopping only to thank her mother, and tell her how delicious it was.
Then came what would later be called "Hojou's Big Mistake #1". Just as Kagome was reaching for more of her favorite dish, she noticed Hojou attempting to steal some of HER food!! All of a sudden, Kagome's happy, light-hearted appearance dropped, only to be replaced by a cold, emotionless mask that would have made Sesshoumaru proud. In a voice that would have given Naraku the chills, the young priestess said, "Hojou, this is your one warning. If I see your hand coming near my oden again, you will draw back a nub. Understood?"
After a gulp and a "yes" from Hojou, Kagome became the sweet innocent teenager again, happily munching on her dinner while the demons stared at her in increased respect and awe. Souta was giving her a look that had usually been reserved for when Inuyasha was around, while Hojou watched her in fear, and her friends stared in horror.
Nankinmai was having difficulty trying to keep from falling off her chair laughing.
~~*~~
They were all sitting in the living room again, happy that Kagome was full, and less threatening now, and Kagome happy that she had had her fill of her favorite food. Her last night at home was a good one... With that thought, she remembered WHY she had invited everyone to her house, and cleared her throat to get their attention. 'Man, I feel like a teacher at school...'
"Okay, um, well... I'm guessing you guys are wondering why I asked you all to come over... Well, um, You see, I just wanted to say... Um, goodbye. Cuz, I'm moving. Mom and Souta and Grandpa aren't, just me. I might be able to come visit, and I might not, so I just wanted to say goodbye to you now before I found out that I couldn't." At this, a collective gasp went around the room, leaving the only calm people to be Shippou, Kouga, Koshu, Kagome, her mother, Souta, Grandpa, and Buyo. Even Nankinmai hadn't expected this! And she was family!!
Everyone began asking questions, like "Where are you going?" and "Why?" and "When?" Her family had prepared for this. Kagome's mother spoke up now, showing that she approved of Kagome's choice whole-heartedly. "Well, you see, you know how she was sick so much for those two years a while back? Well, Kagome's starting to get ill again, we think, and we just decided it would be better for her health to move in with my cousin, who lives a couple day's drive away. And actually, this was her last dinner. They're leaving tonight."
"'They're'?" Oops. Kagome's mother forgot that they didn't know about the youkai going with her. Nankinmai, though, was smart enough to put two and two together and get five, and immediately leapt in to help her aunt.
"Oh, I get it. You mean Kouga, Koshu, and Shippou are taking Kagome to your cousin's for you? Are they her sons or something?" Nankinmai didn't miss the look of gratitude Mrs. Higurashi gave her, nor the relieved look on Kagome's face.
"Yes, actually. Kouga and Koshu are her sons, and Shippou is their friend who tagged along with them, since I hadn't seen him since he was a child." NOW everyone seemed to understand, and it helped that Kagome's friends from school were pointing out that Kagome HAD told them that the boys were friends of the family.
(Begin commencement of "Hojou's Big Mistake #2")
Hojou stood and asked if he could talk to Kagome alone for a second, promising that they would be right back. Her friends knew what was going on, Nankinmai had a pretty good guess, and she could tell that none of the three youkai (as she now knew them to be, 2 wolves and 1 kitsune, thanks to said fox) was happy about it, either. But Kagome, though reluctant and nervous, agreed.
(And in T minus 5...)
When they were alone in her room, where they were away from prying eyes and ears (except the demon ones!! Hehe...), Hojou smiled at her in a way that made Kagome wish Shippou or Kouga or Koshu had come with her.
(4...)
"Kagome?? Since you're moving, I guess this would be the best time to say this... You see, I've liked you for a while now... Well, actually, for the past four years... And I know we've been on a couple of dates, but... I was just wondering..."
(3...)
"If you would consider being my girlfriend. I mean, I really like you, and I'm hoping you like me too. Please? Would you be my girlfriend?"
(2...)
"Hojou! I'm about to move!" Kagome now wished DESPERATELY that one of the youkai had come with her, or even Souta or Nankinmai. They both knew about the three possessive demons who were more than willing and perfectly capable of making sure that Hojou left her alone.
"I know, Kagome, but we can still be together. I mean, I can come visit every now and then, and you said you might get to come visit occasionally, plus we can keep in touch through the phone, and letters, and the internet, so it'd just be a long-distance relationship. How about it, Kagome?"
She hadn't even noticed he was stepping closer to her until she opened her mouth to argue with him.
(1...)
"Hojou, I ca-" She was cut off as he moved forward and kissed her lips lightly, only having enough time to clamp her teeth shut in the event he tried to deepen the kiss. He did, but when he met with no success, he stopped.
"What's wrong, Kagome?? I thought you liked me. Your friends kept telling me you did."
The only ones who could feel the anger radiating from the miko was the three demons, who looked at each other nervously, and Hojou, since he was standing directly in front of her, and could see her face.
But they all heard the slap that followed.
"HOJOU! I NEVER said I liked you like that! My friends may have, but I didn't! I may have said you were cute, and you were nice, but that's it! Don't you EVER do that again!" Kagome was startled with her own vehement speech, but not as much as the boy in front of her, who was still holding his cheek, a red handprint starting to show up.
With that, she turned away from him, lifted her pack onto her back, and grabbed her other bag, which was simply a duffel bag filled with things that didn't fit in the pack, like her blankets and her favorite pillow. She glared at him again before opening the door to see Shippou's angry and surprised face. Kagome merely smiled happily at Shippou and handed him her duffel bag, walking back downstairs with him where Kouga and Koshu were arguing with Nankinmai that they should be allowed to go help Kagome. They all stopped to see the girl in question coming down the stairs, Shippou directly behind her, both carrying bags.
Mrs. Higurashi told everyone that it was getting late, and that Kagome and the others would have to leave soon. The group of friends stood and come over to Kagome, hugging her and telling her how much they would miss her, and how they'd try to keep in touch as much as possible. Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka were crying, saying that they would miss their best friend so much, and that the moment she had a boyfriend, they wanted to hear all the details. This caused everyone to smile, and finally all that was left to say goodbye to was Hojou, who had come down the stairs when Kagome's mother had told them it was about time to go.
"Listen, Kagome, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I'm really sorry. Can we still be friends??" He was looking at her like a scolded puppy would look at its master, eyes begging forgiveness. Kagome sighed and hugged him, telling him that it was okay, and that they were still friends.
After one extra hug from everyone, Kagome walked outside, with her mother, Souta, Nankinmai, and Grandpa following her. The group of friends was still inside the house, talking to each other about how they each were going to keep in touch with Kagome, and with the girls asking Hojou what happened.
~~*~~
"Hey, Kagome, I'm gonna miss you, kid. Now who will I have to pick on?" Nankinmai hugged her little cousin tightly, smiling as she pulled away.
"Well, there's always Souta," Kagome volunteered, glancing towards her younger brother, who looked positively terrified by the grin on Nankinmai's face as she turned to look at him speculatively.
"Yeah, but he won't be as fun. Oh well, so long as you're happy, and you're safe." With a final hug, Nankinmai kissed her cousin on the forehead and mussed her hair. "Well, I had better go keep those friends of yours from coming out here to try and see you off... I don't think they'd understand why you'd be jumping down a well. Hehehe..." As she walked off and let the family have their last goodbye, though, Nankinmai couldn't help but try to keep from letting the tears that threatened to spill take over.
~~*~~
"Well, I guess this is goodbye... I don't know if I'll be able to come back, but I don't think I want to take a chance at it, seeing as how this well does tend to be finicky." She smiled slightly, trying not to cry as she hugged her family, the group hug nearly suffocating the young miko.
"Well, honey, how do you know the well works now? You guys may be stuck here." Kagome's mother watched as a surprised look crossed Kagome's face, and she pulled away to peek at her youkai friends, who stood waiting by the well.
"I guess you're right, Mama. We do need to try." She hugged them all again. "I'm going to miss you so much... I love you guys... Souta, you better do good in school, or else my ghost will come back to haunt you." This made Souta laugh slightly, and with a last fleeting smile, Kagome made her way to the waiting demons, looking back only once before leaping into the well in their normal formation, Shippou's arm around Kagome's waist, and Kouga and Koshu holding onto her hands.
~~~~~~~~~
You know, I could be really cruel and say "THE END!" But, nope, not yet!! There's still one or two chapters left! Shippou still has to ask her to be his mate, Kouga and Koshu still have to go home, and INUYASHA still has to make HIS appearance!! NOW!! For everyone who bothered to read my author's notes, I have a delightful thing for all the girls!! I need a character for Koshu to be with. I already know who her parents will be, and she'll be a wolf-demon, although whether it's full, half, or ¾ is up to you! So, tell me what you think she should be, and what you think she should look like, and what her name should be! Although in names, I'm afraid I do want ones that sound like normal Japanese names, otherwise it'd be kinda odd...
Anyways, feel free to review! And for your votes/opinions, either say in your review, or email me!