Hi! So, was the wait more tolerable for this chapter? I hope it was. I had
fun writing it, and two more things are revealed in this chapter (yay!). I
hope you guys like it. ^_^
By the way; I'm starting a mailing list! If you would like me to e-mail you when I update chapters for "Finding Happiness," please let me know. If you're not registered to FFN, please give me the e-mail address that you would like me to send the updates to.
So, what are you still reading this for? Go read the story!
Honey Bee ^_~
Chapter 10
Sesshoumaru's Precious One
"I'm so sorry, Miroku." Kagome watched her somber friend as he took a sip of his tea. He couldn't seem to do anything but stare at the table. "I didn't even know you were ready for marriage."
"Neither did I. But I walked by that jewelry shop, and I saw the ring in the window. . . it just got me thinking, you know?"
"You guys are still together, right? It didn't break you up?"
"I don't know. I didn't talk to her yesterday. I think she wants some time to herself."
Kagome picked up the ring that sat in it's little velvet box in the middle of the table and whistled. Sango must be out of her mind. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to propose?"
"I wanted it to be between me and Sango. Just for us."
"Were you expecting her to say yes?"
"I was hoping she'd say yes. Truthfully, I was able to think of reasons for her to say no, but I guess I was just. . . praying. . ."
It was Friday, and Kagome and Miroku decided to take a lunch break together, since they weren't on the best terms with any of their usual companions. Kagome stared out the window, trying to decide wether or not she should share her feelings about InuYasha with Miroku. But, he was her best friend. . . and he had just shared his own feelings. . . she almost owed him.
"InuYasha came by Wednesday night."
"What? When?"
"After I got back from the Benefit. You were in bed. He was waiting at the door. He said he had just 'wanted to see me.' God, he'd even wanted to come in."
"Did you let him in?"
"Of course not."
"Why? It sounds like he really misses you."
"Well, I asked him. . . if he still wanted me to say it. . . you know. . . "
Miroku nodded.
"But I still couldn't. And I still can't today. I don't think I'll ever be able to."
"He just wasn't meant for you, then." Miroku looked down at the table, the irony of both their situations sinking in. Sango couldn't marry him, and Kagome couldn't love InuYasha. "Maybe I wasn't meant for Sango."
"Miroku. . . " It pained Kagome to see her friend this way. He was usually happy and joking around, bugging her about something or other. But today he was just. . . there. Just barely there. She knew he would come back in time, whatever happened, but she wasn't enjoying these moments very much. Just one of the many low points in life. He looked up at her then, and tried a smile, but could only force half of one. "Boy," he said bitterly, "don't we make a pair."
Kagome just looked back and frowned.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Staring out the window overlooking the front yard, Sesshoumaru leaned back in his desk chair at home, and frowned at himself. Funny how it took him until today - Saturday - to figure out how beautiful Kagome had looked Wednesday night. He'd noticed it when he first saw her in the dress, but then the thought of how jealous Kikyou was going to be had suppressed any mental reaction.
He had a feeling he'd seen a different side to Kagome that night. She'd been so. . . mature. He usually saw her behavior as post-highschool, but she'd seemed older, somehow. Maybe she had a business side, after all. She was usually joking around, or was perky and babbling on about something or other.
She had returned the dress herself Friday afternoon, thanking him again for it. He was amazed at how she could go through such an extreme physical change: from plain work clothes, and a casual appearance, to an expensive dress, and an elegant appearance. . .
Suddenly, a little voice called out to him from somewhere in the house.
"Daddy! Daddy!"
"In here, Rin!"
Little sandals clopped their way to the doorway of his office, and his glowing little daughter stopped there, out of breath from playing.
"Daddy, where have you BEEN?!?" His daughter was once again over-enthused about something. Sesshoumaru loved it when she was excited. She always made the sun seem brighter.
"We're playing tag in the front yard, Daddy!" She huffed out. "Aren't you gonna come watch?"
"I can't, today, Rin. I have work to do. I can see you out the window, here."
"But. . . (sigh)," she gave up, because she was a smart six year old, and knew that there would be no winning over her father today.
"I'm sorry. Tomorrow."
"Will you at least help me with my homework?"
"Yes, Rin-chan. Later. Go and join your friends, I'm sure they need you."
Sesshoumaru watched as she spun around without a word, her pretty raven hair whipping and flowing behind her, her sun dress puffing out, and her little sandals running back out the front door as fast as they could.
Sesshoumaru smiled at the thought of his daughter. (Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring!)
The damned phone.
"Tokunawa."
The voice on the other end of the line was of a young man. "Yes, Mr. Tokunawa, this is Yorozu Lee. I'm calling in regard to the novel you're editing entitled 'Sheikon no Tama' by an Ito Hanyou."
"Yes? What about it?"
"I'm a director from Fujimare Films. I've been hearing a lot of wonderful things about this novel, and if it's all right with you, and Ito Hanyou, I would like to come and check it out myself. You see, I need a new project for a movie. . . my job with the company's sort of on the line. . . and from what I've been hearing about this story, I think this could be it for me."
Sesshoumaru pondered for a second. A movie? Already? And the book hadn't even been published yet. "May I ask where you've heard all of this wonderful news?"
"Just around. Everybody knows about it. I think the Benefit for "Orchids" really helped promote it. Everyone's kind of waiting in anticipation for it."
"Mr. Yorozu, I will talk it over with Ito and let you know what we've decided in a few days. The idea for a movie so soon may be a little overpowering for her, and there will be a lot to discuss."
"I completely understand. Thank you."
"Mm-hm." He hung up and sat back in his chair, tracing his lips absently.
Miss Higurashi was certainly causing a lot of commotion.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"A what?"
"A movie."
"From MY novel?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Your novel is very good."
"I can't believe this. A movie already? But the book hasn't even been published, yet."
"Everyone knows about it. Everyone has great expectations for your novel. It's going to be a hit."
"You really think so?'
"I do."
"Well. . . (sigh). I jus-- I don't know what to say."
"It's your decision."
"Will you help me decide? Please? This is really overwhelming."
"I knew it would be. I'll help you. Can you meet me Tuesday? Around 12:00? We can have lunch."
"That's fine. Bye."
"(Click)"
Kagome let the dial tone buzz in her ear for a moment, and she stood there in a sort of daze. Everything sunk in after a moment, and Kagome had to smile. Excitement welled up inside her, and she shouted, "MIROKU!!!"
Miroku came flying out of his bedroom, a look of worry and terror on his face. "What?! What is it Kagome, are you o-"
Kagome attacked him and hugged him as hard as she could. "Theywannamakeamovie!!"
"Wha-"
She stepped back and pounded her hands on his chest excitedly. "A movie!! They want to make a movie! Can you believe it?!"
"Wait, hold on, give me a minute, PLEASE. . . okay, something you need to know, before we go any further."
"Un?" Kagome listened intently with a smile, her face flushed.
"You just gave me the biggest scare in my life." Kagome burst into giggles. Miroku smiled. "Don't ever do that again!"
"I'm sorry, Miroku! I just couldn't contain myself!"
"Well, obviously! So, a movie? For your novel?"
Kagome nodded vibrantly.
"Well, that's GREAT!"
"I know!"
"Well, hell, it's Saturday, let's go celebrate! It's on me."
They grabbed their coats and left. For once, neither InuYasha or Sango were on their minds.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When they got to a bar that was on the corner, across the street from work, Miroku and Kagome both plopped down in a booth. They smiled to each other for a moment, and Kagome had to let out a squeal. "I can't believe this! Where did all of this come from so fast?!"
"What do you mean? It's about time someone noticed you!"
"(sigh) I guess you're right."
"Well, you can't wrap baskets for the rest of your life."
He was right, Kagome knew. "You know, I wasn't so sure about a movie when Sesshoumaru called me, but. . . I am, now!"
"By the way," Miroku inquired.
"Hm?"
"How has Sesshoumaru been treating you?"
"Oh, just fine. He's not as bad as Sango said he was. He's just not very talkative. And she met him while he was around InuYasha, so of course she got to see his bad side."
"What about the way he treated you when you first met?"
"Oh," Kagome's voice turned sarcastic,"I was just a mere delivery girl, then. But now I'm the next best author."
"Ohhh, "Miroku said playing along, "Guess Cinderella had to go to the Ball first, eh? Or the uh, Benefit event, anyway."
"Ha! Guess so. . . Well, are you gonna go get are drinks or not?!"
"Oh, yeah!"
"It's not like you to forget alcohol, Miroku."
"I know. That was odd. . . but, hey, thanks for reminding me."
"Where would you be without me, Miroku?"
"I don't wanna know. . . "
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Da-ad! Help me! Daddy! Daaaaaaaaa-dyyyyy! Daddy!"
Sesshoumaru tried to talk to Kikyou and quiet Rin at the same time.
"So I'll pick her up tomorrow at 12:00?" Kikyou sounded annoyed - as usual.
"Dad!!!"
"Silence, Rin!"
"Sesshoumaru! Are you listening?"
"Yes, 12:00 tomorrow, Kikyou. That's fine. You know I'll have her ready to go."
"That would be great." Kikyou said not-so-nicely. "You haven't been letting her get away with everything, have you? Sometimes she's spoiled rotten when I bring her home."
Sesshoumaru said nothing to this. It wasn't he that was spoiling Rin; Kikyou just wouldn't let her do anything. "She'll be ready, Kikyou."
"Okay. (click)."
No sooner had Sesshoumaru hung up when Rin was tugging at his pant leg. Again.
"Daddy." she said wearily.
He picked her up in his arms, and her flannel pajamas soft on his fingers. "Now, what is it, Rin? What's this you're bothering me for?"
"You said you'd help me with my homework."
"Oh, that's right. I did say that didn't I?"
Rin nodded seriously.
"Well, then," he said, putting her back down, "what are we waiting for? Go get your work."
She ran out of the room, and Sesshoumaru sat at the kitchen table, glowering a little about Kikyou. He knew she wasn't a very good mother to Rin. She tried to hide it, but Rin never seemed very happy when she had to go back to her mother.
The little ball of energy came back in the room with her homework, and she sat herself down in a chair. She looked at Sesshoumaru for a moment, then climbed back off the chair, scooted it closer to him so they were beside each other, then sat back down again. She put down in front of her a thin book and a piece of paper with large spaces between the lines. "I have to give the definition for all of the underlined words in the book." she said, sounding too old for her age. She squinted her eyes in thought, trying to remember something else. "And. . . they have to be in my own words."
They read the whole book, or rather, Rin did, and Sesshoumaru had helped her with any words she'd gotten stuck on. He helped her finish the assignment, and realized that she really hadn't needed his help. She was smart enough to do her own work. "Rin."
"Un?"
"Why did you ask for my help? You didn't need it."
"Yes, I did."
"You were smart enough to do this on your own."
"I like it when you help me, even if I don't need it. Mommy never helps me." She laid her chin in her elbows sadly.
"She doesn't help you?"
"No."
"Then who does?"
"Nobody."
Sesshoumaru was once again amazed at his daughter. She had realized she wouldn't get any help from her mother, so she worked hard to do her best. And he now had a bone to pick with Kikyou. Why wasn't she helping her daughter? It had only taken he and Rin not but thirty minutes to finish. Surly Kikyou had a spare thirty minutes every day -
"Daddy, I don't want to go back with Mommy."
The statement interrupted his thoughts, and suddenly, his heart ached for his daughter to stay. "Why not, Rin? You know you have to."
"Hai. . . but I don't like it there. I don't like Naraku. He isn't nice to me. They ignore me."
Sesshoumaru held his arms open wide, and Rin jumped out of her chair and climbed up in his lap. She placed her little arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Are you sleepy?" he asked her.
"Hai."
"Then let's go to bed, ne?"
She nodded, and he carried her to her bedroom. Along the way, he told himself that there was about to be another custody battle for his daughter.
By the way; I'm starting a mailing list! If you would like me to e-mail you when I update chapters for "Finding Happiness," please let me know. If you're not registered to FFN, please give me the e-mail address that you would like me to send the updates to.
So, what are you still reading this for? Go read the story!
Honey Bee ^_~
Chapter 10
Sesshoumaru's Precious One
"I'm so sorry, Miroku." Kagome watched her somber friend as he took a sip of his tea. He couldn't seem to do anything but stare at the table. "I didn't even know you were ready for marriage."
"Neither did I. But I walked by that jewelry shop, and I saw the ring in the window. . . it just got me thinking, you know?"
"You guys are still together, right? It didn't break you up?"
"I don't know. I didn't talk to her yesterday. I think she wants some time to herself."
Kagome picked up the ring that sat in it's little velvet box in the middle of the table and whistled. Sango must be out of her mind. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to propose?"
"I wanted it to be between me and Sango. Just for us."
"Were you expecting her to say yes?"
"I was hoping she'd say yes. Truthfully, I was able to think of reasons for her to say no, but I guess I was just. . . praying. . ."
It was Friday, and Kagome and Miroku decided to take a lunch break together, since they weren't on the best terms with any of their usual companions. Kagome stared out the window, trying to decide wether or not she should share her feelings about InuYasha with Miroku. But, he was her best friend. . . and he had just shared his own feelings. . . she almost owed him.
"InuYasha came by Wednesday night."
"What? When?"
"After I got back from the Benefit. You were in bed. He was waiting at the door. He said he had just 'wanted to see me.' God, he'd even wanted to come in."
"Did you let him in?"
"Of course not."
"Why? It sounds like he really misses you."
"Well, I asked him. . . if he still wanted me to say it. . . you know. . . "
Miroku nodded.
"But I still couldn't. And I still can't today. I don't think I'll ever be able to."
"He just wasn't meant for you, then." Miroku looked down at the table, the irony of both their situations sinking in. Sango couldn't marry him, and Kagome couldn't love InuYasha. "Maybe I wasn't meant for Sango."
"Miroku. . . " It pained Kagome to see her friend this way. He was usually happy and joking around, bugging her about something or other. But today he was just. . . there. Just barely there. She knew he would come back in time, whatever happened, but she wasn't enjoying these moments very much. Just one of the many low points in life. He looked up at her then, and tried a smile, but could only force half of one. "Boy," he said bitterly, "don't we make a pair."
Kagome just looked back and frowned.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Staring out the window overlooking the front yard, Sesshoumaru leaned back in his desk chair at home, and frowned at himself. Funny how it took him until today - Saturday - to figure out how beautiful Kagome had looked Wednesday night. He'd noticed it when he first saw her in the dress, but then the thought of how jealous Kikyou was going to be had suppressed any mental reaction.
He had a feeling he'd seen a different side to Kagome that night. She'd been so. . . mature. He usually saw her behavior as post-highschool, but she'd seemed older, somehow. Maybe she had a business side, after all. She was usually joking around, or was perky and babbling on about something or other.
She had returned the dress herself Friday afternoon, thanking him again for it. He was amazed at how she could go through such an extreme physical change: from plain work clothes, and a casual appearance, to an expensive dress, and an elegant appearance. . .
Suddenly, a little voice called out to him from somewhere in the house.
"Daddy! Daddy!"
"In here, Rin!"
Little sandals clopped their way to the doorway of his office, and his glowing little daughter stopped there, out of breath from playing.
"Daddy, where have you BEEN?!?" His daughter was once again over-enthused about something. Sesshoumaru loved it when she was excited. She always made the sun seem brighter.
"We're playing tag in the front yard, Daddy!" She huffed out. "Aren't you gonna come watch?"
"I can't, today, Rin. I have work to do. I can see you out the window, here."
"But. . . (sigh)," she gave up, because she was a smart six year old, and knew that there would be no winning over her father today.
"I'm sorry. Tomorrow."
"Will you at least help me with my homework?"
"Yes, Rin-chan. Later. Go and join your friends, I'm sure they need you."
Sesshoumaru watched as she spun around without a word, her pretty raven hair whipping and flowing behind her, her sun dress puffing out, and her little sandals running back out the front door as fast as they could.
Sesshoumaru smiled at the thought of his daughter. (Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring!)
The damned phone.
"Tokunawa."
The voice on the other end of the line was of a young man. "Yes, Mr. Tokunawa, this is Yorozu Lee. I'm calling in regard to the novel you're editing entitled 'Sheikon no Tama' by an Ito Hanyou."
"Yes? What about it?"
"I'm a director from Fujimare Films. I've been hearing a lot of wonderful things about this novel, and if it's all right with you, and Ito Hanyou, I would like to come and check it out myself. You see, I need a new project for a movie. . . my job with the company's sort of on the line. . . and from what I've been hearing about this story, I think this could be it for me."
Sesshoumaru pondered for a second. A movie? Already? And the book hadn't even been published yet. "May I ask where you've heard all of this wonderful news?"
"Just around. Everybody knows about it. I think the Benefit for "Orchids" really helped promote it. Everyone's kind of waiting in anticipation for it."
"Mr. Yorozu, I will talk it over with Ito and let you know what we've decided in a few days. The idea for a movie so soon may be a little overpowering for her, and there will be a lot to discuss."
"I completely understand. Thank you."
"Mm-hm." He hung up and sat back in his chair, tracing his lips absently.
Miss Higurashi was certainly causing a lot of commotion.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"A what?"
"A movie."
"From MY novel?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Your novel is very good."
"I can't believe this. A movie already? But the book hasn't even been published, yet."
"Everyone knows about it. Everyone has great expectations for your novel. It's going to be a hit."
"You really think so?'
"I do."
"Well. . . (sigh). I jus-- I don't know what to say."
"It's your decision."
"Will you help me decide? Please? This is really overwhelming."
"I knew it would be. I'll help you. Can you meet me Tuesday? Around 12:00? We can have lunch."
"That's fine. Bye."
"(Click)"
Kagome let the dial tone buzz in her ear for a moment, and she stood there in a sort of daze. Everything sunk in after a moment, and Kagome had to smile. Excitement welled up inside her, and she shouted, "MIROKU!!!"
Miroku came flying out of his bedroom, a look of worry and terror on his face. "What?! What is it Kagome, are you o-"
Kagome attacked him and hugged him as hard as she could. "Theywannamakeamovie!!"
"Wha-"
She stepped back and pounded her hands on his chest excitedly. "A movie!! They want to make a movie! Can you believe it?!"
"Wait, hold on, give me a minute, PLEASE. . . okay, something you need to know, before we go any further."
"Un?" Kagome listened intently with a smile, her face flushed.
"You just gave me the biggest scare in my life." Kagome burst into giggles. Miroku smiled. "Don't ever do that again!"
"I'm sorry, Miroku! I just couldn't contain myself!"
"Well, obviously! So, a movie? For your novel?"
Kagome nodded vibrantly.
"Well, that's GREAT!"
"I know!"
"Well, hell, it's Saturday, let's go celebrate! It's on me."
They grabbed their coats and left. For once, neither InuYasha or Sango were on their minds.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When they got to a bar that was on the corner, across the street from work, Miroku and Kagome both plopped down in a booth. They smiled to each other for a moment, and Kagome had to let out a squeal. "I can't believe this! Where did all of this come from so fast?!"
"What do you mean? It's about time someone noticed you!"
"(sigh) I guess you're right."
"Well, you can't wrap baskets for the rest of your life."
He was right, Kagome knew. "You know, I wasn't so sure about a movie when Sesshoumaru called me, but. . . I am, now!"
"By the way," Miroku inquired.
"Hm?"
"How has Sesshoumaru been treating you?"
"Oh, just fine. He's not as bad as Sango said he was. He's just not very talkative. And she met him while he was around InuYasha, so of course she got to see his bad side."
"What about the way he treated you when you first met?"
"Oh," Kagome's voice turned sarcastic,"I was just a mere delivery girl, then. But now I'm the next best author."
"Ohhh, "Miroku said playing along, "Guess Cinderella had to go to the Ball first, eh? Or the uh, Benefit event, anyway."
"Ha! Guess so. . . Well, are you gonna go get are drinks or not?!"
"Oh, yeah!"
"It's not like you to forget alcohol, Miroku."
"I know. That was odd. . . but, hey, thanks for reminding me."
"Where would you be without me, Miroku?"
"I don't wanna know. . . "
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Da-ad! Help me! Daddy! Daaaaaaaaa-dyyyyy! Daddy!"
Sesshoumaru tried to talk to Kikyou and quiet Rin at the same time.
"So I'll pick her up tomorrow at 12:00?" Kikyou sounded annoyed - as usual.
"Dad!!!"
"Silence, Rin!"
"Sesshoumaru! Are you listening?"
"Yes, 12:00 tomorrow, Kikyou. That's fine. You know I'll have her ready to go."
"That would be great." Kikyou said not-so-nicely. "You haven't been letting her get away with everything, have you? Sometimes she's spoiled rotten when I bring her home."
Sesshoumaru said nothing to this. It wasn't he that was spoiling Rin; Kikyou just wouldn't let her do anything. "She'll be ready, Kikyou."
"Okay. (click)."
No sooner had Sesshoumaru hung up when Rin was tugging at his pant leg. Again.
"Daddy." she said wearily.
He picked her up in his arms, and her flannel pajamas soft on his fingers. "Now, what is it, Rin? What's this you're bothering me for?"
"You said you'd help me with my homework."
"Oh, that's right. I did say that didn't I?"
Rin nodded seriously.
"Well, then," he said, putting her back down, "what are we waiting for? Go get your work."
She ran out of the room, and Sesshoumaru sat at the kitchen table, glowering a little about Kikyou. He knew she wasn't a very good mother to Rin. She tried to hide it, but Rin never seemed very happy when she had to go back to her mother.
The little ball of energy came back in the room with her homework, and she sat herself down in a chair. She looked at Sesshoumaru for a moment, then climbed back off the chair, scooted it closer to him so they were beside each other, then sat back down again. She put down in front of her a thin book and a piece of paper with large spaces between the lines. "I have to give the definition for all of the underlined words in the book." she said, sounding too old for her age. She squinted her eyes in thought, trying to remember something else. "And. . . they have to be in my own words."
They read the whole book, or rather, Rin did, and Sesshoumaru had helped her with any words she'd gotten stuck on. He helped her finish the assignment, and realized that she really hadn't needed his help. She was smart enough to do her own work. "Rin."
"Un?"
"Why did you ask for my help? You didn't need it."
"Yes, I did."
"You were smart enough to do this on your own."
"I like it when you help me, even if I don't need it. Mommy never helps me." She laid her chin in her elbows sadly.
"She doesn't help you?"
"No."
"Then who does?"
"Nobody."
Sesshoumaru was once again amazed at his daughter. She had realized she wouldn't get any help from her mother, so she worked hard to do her best. And he now had a bone to pick with Kikyou. Why wasn't she helping her daughter? It had only taken he and Rin not but thirty minutes to finish. Surly Kikyou had a spare thirty minutes every day -
"Daddy, I don't want to go back with Mommy."
The statement interrupted his thoughts, and suddenly, his heart ached for his daughter to stay. "Why not, Rin? You know you have to."
"Hai. . . but I don't like it there. I don't like Naraku. He isn't nice to me. They ignore me."
Sesshoumaru held his arms open wide, and Rin jumped out of her chair and climbed up in his lap. She placed her little arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Are you sleepy?" he asked her.
"Hai."
"Then let's go to bed, ne?"
She nodded, and he carried her to her bedroom. Along the way, he told himself that there was about to be another custody battle for his daughter.