New Author's Notes: In honor of the one year anniversary of the first chapter of 'The Confessions Trilogy' I have decided to perform a massive edit of this story, and will be going over every single chapter. Below you will find all the original author's notes from the story, because I hadn't the heart to part with them, and then beyond that the new and improved story. Maybe this will become a tradition...we'll just have to wait and see!
Though not described in detail, this story does deal with rape so be warned if that sort of topic bothers you
Original Author's Notes: Okay, so maybe I lied a little when I said there would be no more cliffhangers, but please don't hurt me, this chapter is FULL of fluff so I think that will make everyone happy.
I'm going to take a moment and answer some of the questions, or respond to some of the points that you reviewers have made. If you don't want to read this, just skip over it and you won't hurt my feelings.
First off, my opinion is that since Kagome is Kikyou's reincarnation she won't die if Kikyou does come back to life because Kagome is from the future and eventually Kikyou does die and lose her soul. Maybe that's not how the show would have it, but logically I think that makes sense, thus it works to have Kikyou come back to life in the past.
Second, I just have to say this: I'm not a Kikyou hater, and for those of you who read my first fanfic, 'Out of the Darkenss', you'll see some very similar portrayals of the miko in that story as well as this one. But at the same time, I am a firm believer in the pair Kagome and Inuyasha, so I do NOT read any fics where either gets together with someone else. Sorry, I just can't handle it because I don't think that's reality. For instance, I don't think Inuyasha would just blow off Kagome for Kikyou in the end and treat her like dirt just because she no longer needed to find the jewel shards. He loves her too much!
That's it for my ranting, so I guess this note isn't as long as I thought it would be. Be warned that this chapter is full of fluff, but I just felt like I needed to do that for once. And don't get upset with all the 'Romeo and Juliet' lines, just bear with me. It's one of my favorite plays ever, and I think the language is just beautiful, so I can't help but include it in my story.
Okay, I'll let you all move on to the next chapter. The story is starting to wind down, and I don't forsee anymore then about three chapters to go at the most...and I do mean the very most. But for now, it's not over yet! Enjoy, and thanks for all the reviews!
Title: Confessions of a Broken Heart
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Fifteen
Rating: PG-13 (rated for violence, language, and implied sexual situations)
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
Kagome loved the fact that the first thing she saw upon returning to her era was the walls of the ancient well house. It always brought a smile to her face, and reminded her that she was home at last. She glanced up as Inuyasha offered her his hand, and felt him pull her up to the main floor, feeling her legs start to return to normal after their journey across time.
For a moment Kagome stopped and looked back at the well, furrowing her brow. This time it had been different, as though she were actually a part of the magic around her, rather than merely the traveler. So Kikyou had been right after all, she thought to herself as she turned and walked out into the courtyard to be met with the sight of Tokyo framed by the colors of dusk.
All the lights in her house were on, and Kagome could see her mother through the kitchen window washing dishes in the sink, her arms submerged in soap. Despite her nearly eighteen years, Kagome felt a thrill of excitement at seeing the woman, and took off at a run even faster then normal...after all, this time she had wonderful news for her mother.
The sound of the evening news on the television greeted her as she opened the door, Inuyasha close behind, and Kagome could see Souta's socks around the corner in the living room, accompanied by the sound of her grandfather's voice as the old man did his usual commentary on the goings on of the world.
Taking a deep breath and preparing herself for the usual onslaught of questions that always came when she returned home, Kagome found herself taking Inuyasha's hand for support before calling out loudly, "Mama, I'm home!"
There was an instant sound of rustling clothes before the television was turned off completely, and Souta appeared in the hallway dressed in a pair of blue shorts and a striped white and blue shirt. It was obvious he was immersed in his usual battle of wills, trying to decide whether or not it was acceptable for younger brothers to even hug their sisters, but finally he gave up and threw his arms around her anyway. Kagome smiled and rested her hands on his shoulders fondly as she saw her grandfather appear with his usual thoughtful expression, his eyes twinkling upon seeing his granddaughter alive and well.
"Have we missed dinner?" Kagome finally asked, pulling away from Souta and breaking the strange but comfortable silence in the hallway. She could feel Inuyasha blushing beside her, and she figured he was probably uncomfortable now around her family, unsure of exactly how he fit into the scene as a whole. As her boyfriend did things change? It was a reasonable question, and one Kagome didn't have an answer for...yet...
"I just put the food on the stove, so it should be ready in about twenty minutes," Mrs. Higurashi announced from the kitchen, the sound of clanging pots and pans accenting her point. Kagome grinned and moved to help her mother, leaving Inuyasha to stand alone under the scrutiny of both Kagome's brother and grandfather, who had noticed the fact that the couple had been holding hands only a moment before.
He gulped.
Upon seeing her daughter, Mrs. Higurashi felt her face warm and her eyes sparkle as she smiled. She always worried, even with Inuyasha around to protect Kagome, every time Kagome traveled to the other side of the well. It had nothing to do with the fact that she didn't trust her daughter to take care of herself...far from it...she just didn't understand what happened.
But her relief instantly faded as her sharp mother's eyes noticed that something was different between her daughter and the young hanyou who was seemingly always with her. Mrs. Higurashi raised an eyebrow as Inuyasha walked into the kitchen to join Kagome, and observed the fact that he was looking at her in a different, more open way. And even Kagome seemed more relaxed in his presence then she'd ever been before. But the biggest hint of all, the older woman thought with a knowing smile, was the way the hanyou instantly put his arm protectively around Kagome's waist. She would have to talk to her daughter about this new development.
"Mama," Kagome interrupted her thoughts, and the woman blinked. "I have something important to tell you." The girl's voice was extremely excited. "Can we sit down and talk?"
"Of course," The older woman wiped her hands off on her apron and all three went over to sit at the dining room table, Mrs. Higurashi sitting on one side and Inuyasha sticking like glue to Kagome on the other. He didn't want to leave her side, but this time it wasn't because he feared for her safety. It was because he feared the probing questions of the other two men still out in the hall.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome folded her hands before her on the table. "Mama, you know the man I told you about? The man called Naraku, who we've been fighting over in Inuyasha's time?"
"Yes."
"Well, he's, um...he's dead now, mama. He's dead and the battle is over."
Again the older woman felt her mother's intuition pick up on the fact that there was something strange about Kagome's voice when she said the words 'he's dead', but she let it drop for the moment, deciding that was not the moment to push the matter any further. Instead, she allowed her immense relief to overwhelm her face, her features relaxing. "That's wonderful, Kagome. So what does this mean now?"
"Um," Kagome blushed and started fiddling with her hair as she glanced at Inuyasha, "Actually we're not really sure yet what this means."
"We?" Mrs. HIgurashi adopted a knowing smile, and Kagome had the distinct impression that the elder woman knew exactly what was going on. The thought was rather intimidating.
"Inuyasha and I..." She stopped, unsure of how to continue. There was so much to say. "I will still be going back to his time so that I can be with my friends, and with him," she finally said, deciding not to delve too much into the fact that it was mostly for him that she would be returning. "But I won't have to be gone as often any more, so school should get somewhat easier."
Inuyasha grunted at that, and both women turned to look at him. At first he didn't realize he'd made any sort of noise but then, when he realized they were staring at him, he blushed and looked instantly at the ground, muttering something about the fact that she hadn't been gone that often before. Kagome could only smile tenderly and look back at her mother after a few more seconds of observing his profile.
"I see," Mrs. Higurashi commented, saving her daughter from any more embarrassing moments. "So I take it Inuyasha's your boyfriend now?" The young couple looked up, somewhat shocked at the question, but didn't deny it for once, and that was all the older woman needed to know she was right. "Of course, I understand," Mrs. Higurashi said, once again smoothing over the uncomfortable moment.
A long silence followed, filling the room and making everything seem to expand before finally Mrs. Higurashi rose to her feet and smiled, warmth exuding from her like a light bulb. "I'd best get some dinner on the table then, so you two can eat and go to bed. No doubt you're exhausted. And," She gave Kagome a meaningfully look that only a mother could possibly give, pointing her finger warningly, "You are going to school tomorrow, young lady."
It was strange how easily Kagome could slip back into her old routine. It was only her first day back at school, and yet she felt herself relaxing into what had once been her life, before the well and Inuyasha and Naraku had taken her on her wild adventure. Of course, there was one major exception, and that was Inuyasha was now with her everywhere she went. He'd insisted on taking her to school himself, and then, after every class, would meet her on the roof for just a few minutes before she would head to her next class. It felt surprisingly good to be able to say, with confidence, that she had a boyfriend, and know that it wasn't a lie. As a result, Kagome found herself wearing a beaming smile everywhere she went, causing several people to send her curious looks as she passed by.
"You're saying that two-timer you've been talking about for so long is finally going steady with you?" one of her friends, Yuka, asked while at lunch.
Kagome smiled and blushed slightly, recalling the feeling of his lips as he'd given her a kiss only an hour before. Her mouth still burned. "Yeah," she finally replied with a smug expression, "I think we've finally reached a new level in our relationship." She bit into her sandwich.
The rest of the day went by easily enough, and everyone commented on the fact that she seemed to be doing much better, coming up and telling her they believed it was good she had taken some time off for herself, considering what had happened to her.
Normally the fact that people kept bringing up her rape would have caused Kagome to feel very uncomfortable but, for once, she was just so thrilled that her grandfather had used a legitimate reason for her being gone that she didn't care. All she did was smile and nod whenever anyone said something, and continued about her day.
The final bell rang at last, and Kagome jumped up excitedly, wanting to do nothing more then spend the afternoon with Inuyasha. As she was walking out the door, however, she bumped into someone, and looked up to find Hojo staring at her with his usual big, bright eyes and beaming, naïve smile.
"Hojo!" Her voice could not hide her surprise...or, she had to admit, annoyance...but he didn't seem to care. As always.
"Higurashi! I'm so glad you're back at school," He exclaimed happily. "I've missed seeing one of my best friends!"
Kagome blushed at that, and was at least thankful that he hadn't said she was his girlfriend this time. She never knew how far away Inuyasha was, and if he'd overheard that, he would have wasted no time coming and slicing the poor boy in half with tetsusaiga. "Yeah," she finally laughed off his comment, "I guess I just needed some time off. I think I'm finally getting back to feeling normal again."
"That's wonderful. You know, you do look better, your smile is more like the old Kagome I know so well." He smiled again. "So, are you coming back to play practice today?"
"Play practice!" Kagome felt her heart sink at the thought. She had completely forgotten about the school's production of 'Romeo and Juliet', and frankly now that she was just starting her own relationship at long last, she didn't much feel like playing one out on stage. But she did have an obligation, so she nodded finally, quickly putting up her hand to stop him when he moved to take her by the arm and lead her to the auditorium. "But I have to go and do something first. I'll meet you there, okay?"
He seemed slightly confused by her actions, not understanding what she could possibly be needing to do, but he finally nodded and smiled again. "Alright then, I'll see you there!"
Kagome sighed dejectedly as he walked away and turned to head for the roof, where Inuyasha would be waiting to take her home. Or so he thought...
"What! Why do you have to do this stupid play-thing anyway?" Inuyasha crossed his arms, standing up tall and firm. "You should be going home and resting!" He nodded to accent his point.
"You mean I should be spending more time with you," Kagome teased, trying to make light of the situation, and the hanyou blushed, looking away. At least she'd gotten him to stop yelling.
They were currently on the roof, blue skies above, the trees blowing slightly in the wind, enjoying the pleasant afternoon. Kagome had just told him that she would not be going home yet like they'd expected, and Inuyasha, as usual, had been upset by the notion.
He finally turned to Kagome. "I'll just have to come and watch."
She blinked a few times in surprise before replying. "But you don't have your hat or anything..."
He growled at that, and she stopped speaking. "Give me a little more credit then that, stupid," he scolded gently as he pulled the rumpled baseball cap out from his large robes, placing it lopsidedly on his head. Kagome smiled, but he just frowned some more in return. "Your mom said you might have to stay longer, so I figured I should carry this just in case."
She was positively beaming at that point, knowing he'd thought of that because of her, and Kagome made a mental note to thank her mother as well when she finally got home. "Okay then," she took his hand, "Let's go. But don't get mad at me if you get really bored!"
The hanyou just rolled his eyes in response and put an arm around her waist protectively. Kagome leaned into it, and thought about how strange it was that only a few weeks ago such intimacy wouldn't have even been possible between them, and now it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Perhaps, at the very least, one good thing had come out of her rape after all; it had brought Inuyasha closer to her.
There were still several students milling about in the halls as the pair came back down the stairs from the roof, and they all stopped, especially the girls, to watch the strange couple head towards the auditorium. Kagome spotted her nosy friends, Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi among them, and could read their thoughts like an open book, knowing they were wondering if this was the man she had talked about so much. If this was the famous two-timer.
For his part, Inuyasha seemed unaffected by the unabashed staring directed at him, acknowledging only Kagome's presence as they walked. Kagome admired him for it, and felt warm and safe with his arm around her, pulling her along. But then, she also reminded herself, he was no doubt used to all the staring. All she had to do was remember the looks he would receive from curious villagers back in the Feudal Era to prove her point.
Finally they made it down the hall and through the auditorium doors to find Mrs. Dun waiting for them on stage with Hojo at her side. The teacher smiled politely at Inuyasha and gave him a brief nod of her head, but the hanyou wasn't even looking at her. All his attention was on the brown-haired boy at her side, standing casually with one foot slightly ahead of the other, reading over his script.
So this was the boy, he thought to himself, who had found Kagome the morning after she was raped. The hanyou growled. This was the boy who let Kagome walk home in the first place.
Hearing his growl, and feeling the vibration reverberate down his arm and subsequently onto her own skin, Kagome had to stifle a groan of annoyance. She'd known that eventually this moment would come, where Inuyasha and Hojo would meet, and now all she could hope for was that Inuyasha kept his wits and temper in check and didn't do anything stupid...like pull out tetsusaiga, which was sheathed at his waist, hidden beneath his large red robes.
"I'm so glad you're Back, Kagome," Mrs. Dun commented cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to the tension suddenly in the room. "I trust that you're doing better?"
Kagome nodded in greeting and smiled, dumping her yellow backpack casually on one of the chairs and fishing out her script, which was wrinkled and creased along the spine. "You can just sit here," she whispered to Inuyasha as she zipped up her bag, and he nodded and obeyed, sitting down in another seat to watch as Kagome walked up and joined Hojo on the stage.
"Kagome," Mrs. Dun seemed slightly nervous, "Do you think that you're up to rehearsing the balcony scene today?" She paused, as though trying to gage the girl's reaction, and then pushed ahead with her train of thought quickly. "I know it's somewhat personal, and attached to less than desirable memories, but, well, we've only gone over it a few times, so I think it really needs to be rehearsed."
Everyone watched Kagome carefully, including Inuyasha, and were very surprised when, instead of blanching white or looking suddenly nervous like before, the girl remained passive and calm, nodding her head calmly. It surprised even her when no horrible memories of that night returned, and yet, somehow, it was expected, because Kagome knew that ever since her encounter with Naraku she hadn't felt nearly so helpless or vulnerable. True, it would always be a painful memory, but it wasn't staggering and life-altering like it had once been.
"I'm fine," she finally replied aloud, confirming what her nod a few seconds earlier had meant.
Mrs. Dun heaved a sigh of relief, a great weight seeming to lift from her shoulders, and smiled. "Wonderful! Then why don't you head up to the balcony and we'll get started!"
Kagome nodded and ascended the ladder behind the fake 'balcony', reaching the top and placing herself on the small platform that was supposed to be leading back into Juliet's bedroom. Unfortunately, unlike Shakespeare's reality, if she took one wrong step she'd go crashing to her back on the ground, and so Kagome found herself gripping the makeshift rail before her for support. She noticed that the set designers had also finished constructing the trees, and placed one very close to her balcony, which Hojo would climb eventually, when Romeo and Juliet would...
Oh shit!
Kagome felt her eyes fly open as a horrible realization came to her, and she suddenly wished she hadn't agreed to do this scene. Damn it all, she and Hojo were supposed to kiss! How would Inuyasha take that? Would he understand that it was just acting, or did they even have such things in his time?
A formidable lump rose in her throat, and Kagome forcefully swallowed it down, waiting behind the small curtain that blocked her from the sight of the audience, until the moment when she was supposed to make her entrance, hoping and praying with all her might for the hanyou to understand.
Steeling herself as she realized that she'd have no hope of accomplishing anything if she continued to worry, Kagome focused instead on the words spoken by the boys playing Benvolio and Mercutio, reciting their lines as they wondered aloud where their friend and cousin Romeo could have gone. And then, finally, she heard Hojo approach and say her cue.
"He jests at scars that never felt a wound."
Kagome sucked in a deep breath and stepped out onto the actual balcony, feeling suddenly very self-conscious with Inuyasha watching her intently from the audience chairs. She forced herself to remain focused as she stared straight ahead, listening to Hojo's words.
"But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east and Juliet is the sun!
Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou her maiden art far more fair than she."
Why Kagome ever thought he'd be bored, Inuyasha thought to himself, he had no idea. He found himself fascinated by the strange yet beautiful flowing language, even though some of it was in a style he could not fully comprehend.
He'd quickly realized that Kagome was the beautiful Juliet that Hobo kept referring to in his speech, which meant that the brown-haired youth must be Romeo. Inuyasha cared not, so long as nothing bad happened, and found himself ignoring the boy completely as he instead trained his eyes on Kagome, who he thought looked absolutely beautiful where she stood on the balcony, for all the world seeming oblivious to what was going on around her as she spoke for the first time.
"Ay me."
"She speaks.
O speak again bright angel, for thou art
As glorious to this night, being o'er my head,
As is a winged messenger of heaven."
Inuyasha had been so excited when he thought Kagome was about to start speaking that he found himself growling in frustration as Hobo interrupted her to speak again. Who the hell cared? He wanted to hear Kagome's lines! But he held his tongue, figuring Kagome wouldn't appreciate it very much if he made a fool of himself. And besides, he noted, she didn't seem to mind, so maybe, after all, that was how it was supposed to be.
Finally, to his delight, she began to speak, her voice melodic as the poetry flowed off her tongue like warm water, and he wanted to melt.
"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name.
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I'll no longer be a Capulet."
"Shall I hear more or shall I speak at this?"
"Tis but thy name that is my enemy:
Thou are thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? It is nor hand nor foot
Nor arm nor face nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O be some other name.
What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo doff thy name,
And for that name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself."
Despite everything, including the fact that this was the scene she had rehearsed the night she was raped, Kagome absolutely loved that passage, and could never get enough of it. It was the first few lines of Shakespeare she had ever memorized completely, and as she finished speaking she found herself meeting Inuyasha's eyes, tingling as he gave her an encouraging smile.
Hojo, oblivious to what was happening, simply continued on with his own lines, suddenly sounding very excited.
"I take thee at thy word.
Call me but love, and I'll be new baptis'd:
Henceforth, I never will be Romeo."
Feigning utter shock, Kagome allowed herself to gasp as she 'realized' Hojo had heard everything she'd just said, and whirled around, careful not to fall off the balcony, to meet his gaze, pretending to not know who he was.
"What man art thou that thus bescreen'd in night
So stumblest on my counsel?"
"By a name
I know not how to tell thee who I am:
My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself
Because it is an enemy to thee.
Had I it written, I would tear the word."
Fake recognition dawned on Kagome's face, and Inuyasha watched, fascinated by the exchange taking place between her and Hojo. She truly was a wonderful actress, he decided, noting how real all her emotions appeared, but then his body went rigid as the scene became more and more romantic.
As a scowl formed on his face, Kagome felt the lump in her throat return, and she knew he was sensing something big was coming as the lines became more intimate and tender, and as Hojo began to climb the tree so that he would be at her level. She prayed again that he wouldn't be angry with her.
"Lady, by yonder blessed moon I vow,
That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops..."
"O swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable."
Hojo was drawing closer up the tree, and Kagome visibly swallowed as he continued to speak.
"What shall I swear by?"
"Do not swear at all.
Or if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self,
And I'll believe thee."
He was now at her eye-level, gazing at her intently, and without meaning to Kagome felt herself start shaking, no longer with fear, but with nervous anticipation. She swallowed again, and felt her face pale slightly.
"Kagome!" The scene was broken as Mrs. Dun spoke, and Kagome couldn't help but feel slightly relieved that the inevitable had been prolonged for a few more minutes. "You need to look a little more excited. Remember, Romeo is the love of your life...not just some fling that will only last a few weeks. You're destined to be together. Shakespeare's infamous star-crossed lovers. I want to see that. Remember that you would rather die than live without him."
Without meaning to, Kagome looked out at Inuyasha for approval, and their eyes met. He regarded her for several tense seconds, but finally, subtly, nodded his head slightly, and she heaved a sigh of relief knowing that he understood what was happening and wouldn't be angry with her. At least...he wouldn't be too angry.
Returning to look at Hojo, she proceeded with her lines.
"Good night, good night. As sweet repose and rest
Come to thy heart as that within my breast."
"O wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?"
"What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?"
"The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine."
"I gave thee mine before thou didst request it,
And yet I would it were to give again."
Hojo drew nearer, and Kagome willed herself to remain still as their lips were now separated by mere inches as she spoke. Pushing aside her nervousness, she firmed her resolve, and in the audience Inuyasha gripped the arms of his char so tightly that his claws managed to puncture the undersides.
"Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpse, love?"
"But to be frank and give it thee again."
That was his cue, and he kissed her, his lips softly pressing against her own, and Kagome felt, surprisingly...nothing. No warm pool in her belly, no tingling sensation, just the reality that his lips were on hers. It served as a reminder of who she really loved, and Kagome steeled herself against pulling away.
Inuyasha just bit his tongue and crossed his arms, growling slightly as Kagome finally pulled away and spoke again. Did they have to kiss for that long? She had some explaining to do...
They rehearsed the scene nearly four times before the evening was over, and Kagome could only sigh in relief when Mrs. Dun finally, after nearly four hours, said that they could be done for the day, calling out a reminder as she left the stage that opening night was in a week.
Inuyasha looked like Shippou after one of his tantrums, with his arms crossed and his face set in a pout as he refused to look at her, and Kagome frowned as she picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulders. She didn't like the fact that he looked so hurt...so betrayed...but tried to think positively as she reminded herself that he could have been yelling at her instead.
And yet, for some reason, the silent treatment was much worse.
"Are you ready to go home?" She asked cheerfully, and he looked up as though he had only just noticed her presence. She could have laughed at the look in his eyes as he was clearly trying desperately to act like he didn't care in the least about anything that had just happened, even though he obviously did. She decided to take his hand before he could answer, and pulled him to his feet with a light laugh. "Come on, let's get going. We'll talk when we get outside."
Inuyasha didn't even have time to protest as he felt himself pulled out the auditorium doors and into the courtyard of the school, the sky now dark and full of twinkling stars. Kagome released his hand as they reached the gates and emerged onto the main sidewalk, and together they started walking slowly back to the shrine.
"I forgot about the kissing scene, Inuyasha," she finally commented, looking at the ground. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you before."
He tried to act aloof. "Keh, why do you have to kiss that Hobo freak anyway? It's not like kissing him makes the scene any more romantic. It's obvious by his words that the Romeo guy loves Juliet."
Kagome could sense the hurt in his underlying tone, and shook her head as she touched his arm, trying to offer him some comfort. She was encouraged when he didn't shake her away. "Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous romance tragedies of our time, Inuyasha. Of course there will be kissing." She grinned, trying to make light of the situation, but he just looked away. Her face turned serious once more. "But you must know that I'm just acting in there...I don't mean any of what I'm saying to Hojo."
The hanyou still refused to look at her, but Kagome could tell that he was starting to loosen his resolve somewhat as the corners of his eyes softened and his jaw relaxed. She smiled, and looped her arm through his without invitation, pleased when he pulled her against him in response.
Glancing up at the night sky, she started to recite her lines aloud, so that he could hear, and he listened intently.
"And yet I wish but for the thing I have.
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep: the more I give to thee
The more I have, for both are infinite."
In spite of himself, Inuyasha felt that familiar warm feeling returning as he watched her efforts to cheer him up. He wasn't angry with her...not really...his ego was just a little bruised. He knew she loved him. There was no question there. But that didn't mean that his demon side had to instinctively like seeing her kissing another male.
Stopping suddenly, he turned so that they were facing each other and put a hand against her cheek, watching as the lights from the streetlamps caused her face to glow like a shiny new pearl. His fingers ran gently through her ebony hair, and she leaned into the caress with a smile, closing her eyes.
"O blessed, blessed night. I am afeard,
Being in night, all this is but a dream,
Too flattering sweet to be substantial."
Kagome's eyes flew open, the tender moment forgotten as she started at Inuyasha in shock. Had he just recited Hojo's lines? He'd been paying that much attention during the rehearsal?
For his part, Inuyasha just grinned proudly, like the boy who brought home the A on his school paper, and loved the surprise registered on her face. "Is this where I get to kiss you?" He asked softly, his breath tickling her nose.
Kagome blushed, but smiled anyway, her eyes sparkling. She touched his warm face with her cold fingers, and felt his skin quiver. "It's a romance," she replied softly, her voice tight with emotion. "So you can kiss me whenever you want."
He seemed to consider this for a moment before grinning. "Good," he stated, and suddenly crushed her mouth in a searing kiss that had Kagome sighing and wrapping her arms about his neck, reveling in the passion that had been so obviously absent when Hojo had kissed her during the rehearsal. This is what she wanted, this is what she needed, and this is what she knew she would live for the rest of her life.
But just as Inuyasha's hands starting roving timidly over her back, the sound of something clicking caught their attention, and Kagome broke away, turning her head with a gasp as Inuyasha tightened his hold around her waste, growling menacingly at the new threat.
Before them, dressed all in black and wearing a very familiar black ski mask, was a man with beady green eyes and rigid posture, glaring at the couple. His breath became vapor in the air, and it was obvious that he was breathing heavily, his shoulders heaving with exertion.
As the moon broke through the cloud cover above, Kagome recognized, with a sudden knowing fear, the object in the man's hands as it glinted in the light. It was a gun, and it was currently aimed directly at her heart.