Wow, that was fast. I didn't thing I'd get ten reviews so quickly! Here's chapter seven as promised, but you guys will have to give me ten more if you want the next chapter! Anyways, I finally have an editor. Yay! So I'd like to thank them now. Thank you Jea! She's so awesome. Okay, here we go. Chapter Seven, My Friend Loves My Boyfriend.
~*~Silver Rain~*~
Chapter Seven: My Friend Loves My Boyfriend
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Six months had pasted since that day in the park and Kikyou felt like it had happened only yesterday. She released one of her arrows as it hit her mark. The conversation, the silence, and then the realization that they were actually attracted to each other. It had scared Kikyou at first. She never wanted to love someone.
She released another arrow as it too landed in the target close to her first arrow. She never wanted to have someone love her back, someone that understood her and her past and could relate. But she had heard something she didn't want to hear and now she suddenly felt guilty. She let a third arrow fly, but it missed the target completely, scuffing the wooden floor as it bounced off to the side.
---
"Come on Kagome! There's got to be at least one guy you like!" one of Kagome's friends, Yuka, pestered.
Kikyou shook her head figuring that Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi had ambushed Kagome again and were interrogating her on who she liked. Kikyou grabbed a water bottle from the small fridge, the girls' voices carrying into the kitchen room in which she studied.
"We've seen the look you've carried around for days!" Eri, or so Kikyou presumed, whined, "We've just got to know who he is!"
"It's no one! Honest guys!" Kagome's nervous voice proclaimed.
Eri continued as if she hadn't heard her, "Is it Hojo? Maybe even Kouga? Come on we've got to know!"
"You wouldn't know him."
Ayumi spoke up, "That's a good reason to tell us. If we don't know him, we can't follow you around."
"Or pummel him for not asking Kagome out!" Eri's voice yelled.
"You guys. I don't think he even knows me that well. And besides, he's already got a girlfriend."
"He chose some girl over you? That's wrong!" Yuka said.
"No, no. You've got it all wrong. She knew him before we had even met. It's not that big a deal."
"You have to tell him your feelings Kagome. It's better to tell him now, so you can let go of him before it gets too serious." Yuka advised.
"I couldn't do that. It would bug him. It might ruin his relationship with his girlfriend too. She really needs him. They kind of got each other out of their shells."
Kikyou heard the springs of Kagome's bed squeak as if someone had laid down on it. She then heard Ayumi's voice, "So who IS this mystery guy?"
She heard some shuffling and gasps. Kikyou didn't like to eavesdrop, but it was kind of hard to ignore their conversation. She could, after all, hear practically every word they said. She was also curious to who Kagome had finally set her eyes on. She could have practically any guy she wanted.
"Kagome!" Yuka sounded stressed.
Kikyou's stomach twisted as Eri's voice rose in shock, "You like your roommate's boyfriend Kagome?"
Kikyou couldn't believe it. She had to be somewhere other then where she was right then. She closed her books quietly, and grabbed her bow. Anywhere but across the way from her and Kagome's closed door.
---
This time she hit the target, but it was still off. She couldn't believe Kagome had hurt her like that. Inuyasha had been the only person Kikyou had ever trusted. She knew she shouldn't be so upset; it was just an infatuation, right? And it wasn't like Inuyasha liked her back. Kikyou sighed and shook her head free of her thoughts, releasing her final arrow, right on the dot.
It was nothing. It wasn't like Kagome had told Inuyasha, but Kikyou still couldn't shake the feeling in her gut that told her that this was so wrong.
Kikyou dropped her bows and arrows to the ground, falling with them. She knew she shouldn't be jealous. Inuyasha wasn't the kind of person to cheat on someone. He didn't like knowing too many people because he felt it tied him down. She remembered him telling her that once. She couldn't agree more.
---
Inuyasha and Kikyou sat on a bench in the park across town waiting for Kikyou's bus. They had decided to go to the fair, though they mostly looked around the booths. Neither had been very adapt to going on the rides although Inuyasha had tried the strength test, the one where you use a mallet to get the slider to hit the bell at the top.
Unlike Kikyou, who only took challenges from Kagome, Inuyasha never backed down from any battle. The other men were egging him on and Kikyou let him go. She watched as Inuyasha took the mallet, as if measuring its weight, and then gave one clean swing, hitting the bell without any effort. He smiled smugly at the look on the other men's faces as Kikyou slipped her arm into his and walked away.
Kikyou swung her legs back and forth as she peered down the street, "Why don't you know that many people Inuyasha?"
"It's too much. I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt. If I know a person and I decide to leave, it'd hurt them. I feel like a relationship, even a friendship, ties me down to a place. I need to be able to go when something bad happens."
Kikyou nodded, "I know what you mean."
Inuyasha looked down at Kikyou and smiled. She gave him one of her half-hearted smiles then stood up as the bus rounded the corner.
---
Kikyou picked her arrows up off the floor. She was feeling very foolish. It only made sense that Kagome liked Inuyasha. It explained why she never missed a night when Ningen-Youkai played at Spinning Petals. Then she would fret about how she'd have loads of homework.
Kagome did seem a little not like herself whenever she and Inuyasha were hanging around. She had been very depressed lately as well. Kikyou and Inuyasha had been coming back to the dorm pretty late.
Although...Inuyasha and Kikyou never confirmed that they were dating, or that they were even a couple. It was just sort of there. Perhaps the two of them thought that if they gave their time together a name, it would turn awkward and different.
Whatever they had, they didn't need to name it. It was a presence that put both at ease in each other's company. Kikyou couldn't explain it and knowing Inuyasha, he probably knew less than her. He was one to stay away from his emotions, well... there were exceptions. He seemed less uptight when Kagome was around. Kagome thought, put everyone into a relaxed state.
Kikyou scowled. Kagome could have practically any guy, but she had to choose the one that Kikyou loved. She shook her head, 'Too bad Kagome. Inuyasha's mine.' She thought to herself.
Kikyou hung her bow on the wall, then closed the door to the archery room. She returned to her dorm with heavy spirits and an empty heart.
As she approached her room, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi walked out. She could feel the three girls glance at her nervously, and then walk away. Kikyou saw Kagome sitting at the kitchen table, as if she were waiting for someone. She looked up as Kikyou closed the door, "Kikyou..."
"Is something wrong Kagome?"
The girl nodded her head, "I have to tell you something. I just don't want you to think anything bad of it, okay?"
Kikyou grabbed her water that still sat on the table from earlier, then sat across from Kagome, "What is it?"
Kagome sighed, then struggled with her words, "I, um...I just wanted to let you know that...I um...I like Inuyasha." With that said, the girl seemed to gain courage, "I don't want you to get angry or jealous or anything. I just wanted to let you know. There's nothing going on between us. He doesn't even know. Please don't tell him though. He seems very happy when he's with you, Kikyou, and I wouldn't want to ruin that. I'm sorry. This is stupid."
Kagome slid back her chair then walked into their bedroom. Kikyou felt a little bad for Kagome. True that she could have any boy she wanted, but the one she wanted she wouldn't touch in fear of hurting someone else. Kikyou was grateful that Kagome always thought of others before herself.
Kikyou followed after Kagome into the bedroom, "It's okay, Kagome. I'm glad you told me."
Kagome smiled weakly then hopped into her bed. Kikyou sighed then slid into her own covers.
---
Kikyou saw nothing but darkness around her. She then noticed a bench under a cherry tree. She sat down and caught a falling petal.
"They are always beautiful flowers, aren't they Kikyou?"
Kikyou turned to the direction of the voice and saw her mother standing before her.
"Mama..."
"You know love brings you pain, right Kikyou?"
Kikyou nodded her head, "Yes, but...I think I love Inuyasha."
"But Kagome-san loves him as well, right?"
"I guess."
"No! You know, Kikyou. You could feel it. Remember your training? They taught you how to read people just by looking at them."
"I've become a little rusty."
"True."
"I miss you and Father a lot. And Kaede too." Kikyou pushed her hair out of her face.
Her mother sat next to her and wrapped her arm around Kikyou's shoulders, "You'll be happy for a while, Kikyou."
Kikyou nodded, "You always say for a while, Mama. Why?"
Kikyou then noticed a small pool of water at the base of the tree. She stood up to look into the pool of crystal water. She smiled sadly as she saw herself and Inuyasha at his band rehearsal. She remembered that day. Sango had left Miroku unconscious on stage, while Kikyou and Inuyasha packed up the stuff after they had finished playing.
Kikyou and Inuyasha sat on the stage with their legs hanging over the edge. They had started singing Silver Rain together. Kikyou felt tears blur her vision; that had been a happy day, but something, Kikyou didn't remember happened in the scene before her.
Kagome walked in and waved happily to Kikyou. She walked onto the stage, then sat down on Inuyasha's other side and joined in on the song, but started to change the tune. When they finished singing, the song was completely different from Silver Rain. Kikyou puzzled over this as the image of Inuyasha took Kagome's hand then walked out, leaving Kikyou calling to Inuyasha.
Kikyou stepped away from the pool of water in alarm. What was that? It had never happened. She turned back to her mother, "I don't understand Mama. Kagome said there was nothing there."
The woman walked over to Kikyou and hugged her tight, "Shh, My darling girl."
Kikyou was trembling. She could feel her whole body shaking. This was scary. It had never happened. How can the past change? Or was what was shown in the pool the future. Her whole body quivered with fear. Wait. She was being shaken.
Kikyou opened her eyes, meeting those familiar yellow ambers.
"Inu...yasha?"
"Are you okay? You were crying in your sleep."
"Huh?"
"You were dreaming. Don't cry Kikyou, it's okay. It was a dream is all." Inuyasha pulled her into his embrace, gently stroking her hair.
"How did you get into my room?" She asked in a daze.
"Kikyou are you up? Inuyasha came." Kagome asked opening the door, then quickly closed it, "Oops! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to barge!"
Inuyasha growled, but there was humor in his voice, Kikyou knew it as an attempt to hide his embarrassment, "It's okay Kagome. You weren't interrupting anything. Kikyou just woke up and fell into me is all." He called through the closed door. Kikyou smiled as Inuyasha let go of her and walked out of the room to let her change, his white hair disappearing behind the door.
She heard him exclaim something about eggs and bacon and a really big breakfast. Her koibito sure had a love for food. He was ruled by it sometimes. Back up. Sweetheart? Was he really her sweetheart? Yes, she supposed he was. She smiled again as she slipped on a white summer dress that fell to her ankles. She tied her hair back like usual and walked into the kitchen.
As she entered she found Inuyasha singing.
"Oh no.
What's up?
Not true.
That sucks.
I'm gonna kill him.
He stabbed me in the back.
Thought that we were best friends,
But so much for that.
-
My friend loves my girlfriend.
I can't believe it's true.
Running from behind me.
To my girl, which makes me blue.
Told me all those lies.
Saying she wasn't worth your time.
I'm gonna turn you into cream pie.
-
You totally lied to me.
Said that you hated her.
Now you say you've got the hots for her.
I'm gonna kill you.
Now that I know,
You've got an eye on her,
I've gotta let her know.
-
My friend loves my girlfriend.
I can't believe it's true.
Running from behind me.
To my girl which makes me blue.
Told me all those lies.
Saying she wasn't worth your time.
I'm gonna turn you into cream pie."
"Um, Inuyasha." Kikyou said, breaking him out of his singing.
"Oh, sorry." He returned to his eating.
"That's not it. It's just that...that's a harsh song. Where'd it come from?" she asked.
"I got the idea from Miroku. I was thinking that if he had a best friend who had a girlfriend, he'd ask her out or some weird thing right? Well, to prove his friend wrong, he lied to him and said he'd never even speak to the girl, who, knowing Miroku, is of course, a lie. So I wrote the song in the friend's perspective. I'd assume he'd be pretty pissed, ya know?"
Kikyou nodded, but didn't quite understand. That would definitely be her least favorite of Ningen-Youkai's songs.
She sat at the table between Inuyasha and Kagome, who had a look of shock at all the food Inuyasha was consuming. She served herself a plate of two pancakes, noticing that there was quite a bit of food, despite the fact that Inuyasha was eating truckloads by the minute.
"Is someone else coming, Kagome?" Kikyou asked as she motioned to all the food.
Kagome smiled, "Miroku and Sango were supposed to come too. Sango said they would be a little late."
Inuyasha stopped eating, then paled, "Sango...and Miroku?"
Kikyou looked concerned at Inuyasha's paled face, "Something wrong Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha couldn't reply as a hard, angry knock was heard at the door. Kagome jumped up to answer the door. As she opened it Sango marched in, fuming. Kagome looked outside the door and saw a very much-slapped guitarist on the floor. She shook her head as she helped Miroku inside.
"What happened now?"
Sango shot a look of daggers at Miroku, "He...He...IGNORANT CREEP!" she screamed as she slapped the already red cheek again.
"Do you have to be so abusive?" Inuyasha asked sarcastically as he took a bite of his bacon.
Sango moved her glare from Miroku to Inuyasha. This resulted in him practically leaping to Kikyou to hide behind her. Kikyou and Kagome exchanged looks as Kagome started laughing and Kikyou led Sango into the bedroom. As Kikyou passed Kagome she whispered, "And now the line of patience is being drawn."
Kagome nodded then set Miroku in a chair, quickly following after Kikyou and Sango. Kikyou flopped onto her bed as Sango sat on the opposite bed in a huff. Kagome closed the door behind them.
"So what'd he do this time?"
"We were talking for once, and it was a rather nice conversation. I decided that then would be a good time to tell him about how I really feel towards him. I started to get really serious, and he was listening, I think. When I finished he patted me on the chest then went after some blond chick! I couldn't believe he did that! I was trying to hold in my hurt and feelings, but I couldn't..." the two girls saw Sango clench her fists in rising anger.
"I can't do this anymore Kagome!" She said exasperated, "He's too much. What are you supposed to do when you're in love with a skirt-chasing monk-in-training?"
Kagome started laughing again.
Sango looked alarmed, "Kagome! It's not funny!"
"Yes it is Sango. It's very obvious why he acts like he does now. Now that you explained it, it makes sense. You can't just beat the sense into him. Men don't work that way. You might have to hold out a bit longer, if you can handle it."
Sango gave a heavy sigh, "I told him how I felt. I honestly don't think he even cares. If he ever did, he doesn't now. You see the way I treat him. Who wants someone that'll beat on them? He probably doesn't even care about me. If anything, he hates me."
Kikyou interrupted, "He doesn't hate you, Sango. I know so. Let me explain this to you clearly. He does inappropriate things, because he tries to push you away. Why does he do that? He's afraid to fall in love. Many people are. So they express emotions opposite of what they feel. They think that if they can push you away, they can 'protect' you from themselves. Miroku, though, is a lost cause. His emotions have gotten the better of him. It's quite sad really."
Sango nodded, "I guess you guys are right." She pushed herself off the bed and opened the door as a blur of white and black hair fell at her feet. Sango closed her eyes as her eyebrows twitched and a nice blush crept onto her face.
Inuyasha scrambled behind Kikyou knowing that if he looked towards Sango, she'd strangle him. Sometimes she was scarier than Kumako. Sango glared down at Miroku. Kagome shook her head, "You know you're not helping Miroku."
He merely smiled as he turned his head awaiting Sango's slap, but it never came. Instead she had fallen to her knees so she could be eye to eye with him, "I don't want you to cheat on me, alright?"
Miroku seemed a little stunned to hear Sango's voice instead of his sore cheek meeting her hand. He met her eyes, then pulled her into his arms, "Of course not."
Sango sighed, but blushed deeper as she realized how close she was to him. His strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close to his firm chest, an enchanting rosemary smell lingering around him. She pulled out of his arms, muttering something about washing dishes and walked out of the room in a complete fluster. Miroku followed her with his eyes then smiled like a little boy with a basket of candy.
Now it was Kagome's turn to shock them all. She got to the same level as Sango had been before, only now she was about a centimeter from his nose, "You cheat on her and you're dead." She said.
Inuyasha and Kikyou shrank from Kagome's voice. They had never heard her sound so threatening before. The scariest part was that her voice sounded completely normal. How could Kagome, the most innocent of them all, sound so calm yet soooooo threatening?
Kikyou came over cautiously towards Kagome and forced her into the other room after Sango, a small tint of amusement gracing her face, and leaving the two men to talk.
The five left the dorm later that day and headed towards Spinning Petals. Sango, Miroku, and Kagome in front, and Inuyasha and Kikyou in back. As they arrived at the club, Kikyou went to the kitchen to get water for the band as the others went on stage to set up.
Sango and Miroku went back and forth carrying out Sango's keyboards and other instruments. Inuyasha went around the stage, setting up the cords to the keyboards and mics. Kagome watched them setting up as she swung her legs back and forth.
"Hey, Kagome! Come help me with the set up over here." Sango called to her.
Kagome stood up and started walking over to Sango, but her and her clumsy feet managed to find the single cord in her path. Kagome braced herself for impact of the wood floor, but instead felt a hard warm body. She looked up fearing the worst, and as her eyes locked with another's she knew this wasn't good.
"Inuyasha?"
"Are you okay?"
"Um...yeah."
Kagome couldn't help but stare into those amber eyes and feel secure. Someone was holding her whom she liked, but could never love. His heart was with someone else. Even though no one else noticed it, she knew. It was the most depressing knowledge to know. Especially since she wished that his heart were with her. She felt at peace and wanted to curl up in his warmth, but instead, she wished she had pulled away sooner.
"Inuyasha? Kagome?" Kikyou had come back with the water and had seen Kagome and Inuyasha just standing there. Inuyasha was looking down at her with concern and Kagome turning the lightest shade of rouge.
She hadn't seen Kagome trip, which would explain why Inuyasha held her. But even Sango wondered how Inuyasha had managed to catch her when Miroku was closer.
Kagome immediately released her grip from Inuyasha's arms, as if touching him had burned her. She stepped toward her, "Kikyou. It's not what you think. I tripped and-" but Kagome couldn't finish.
Water splashed at her feet as Kikyou ran out of the club. She didn't want an explanation. She wouldn't stand and listen to some silly excuse. She headed towards the dorm room, trying viciously to keep her emotions in check.
Inuyasha looked shocked, still unaware of what had just happened, Kagome was feeling really bad, and Miroku hadn't even noticed. Sango walked over to Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Well, Inuyasha. Why are you just standing there?"
"What do you mean?" he snapped.
"Kikyou thinks you cheated on her with her roommate and friend. Are you just going to stand there and let her believe that or are you going to go tell her what happened?"
A light suddenly seemed to have gone off in his head as he hopped off the stage and left the club. Sango patted Kagome on the shoulder. Miroku looked annoyed.
"Hello? We play in half an hour. What're we going to do if our singer isn't here?"
"Come on Miroku! This is more important. We have to call it off." Sango turned to Kagome, "Let's go to our place, Kagome." Sango stepped down from the stage to clean up the water Kikyou had dropped. She found a mop and started to wipe up the pool of water.
Kagome nodded, then helped put away the mics. How come she had to be so clumsy? She was feeling more and more guilty as she thought about it. She was feeling most sorry for Kikyou.
---
"Kikyou!" Inuyasha called as he caught up with her.
"Leave me alone, Inuyasha." She huffed. Inuyasha pulled her off to the side and held her shoulders firmly against the wall, "Listen. Kagome had tripped over one of the cords. If she had fallen, she would have hit her head on something. I caught her when she was falling. I was just asking if she was okay."
Kikyou turned her head away from Inuyasha's gaze, "That's not what I saw."
"You saw about, what, five seconds? Nothing happened!"
"How do I know that? I don't know anymore Inuyasha! My senses are failing me. I'm confused. I can't even control my emotions anymore. I trusted you; I opened up to you. For some reason, I lost control of my pleasant, solitary life when I met you. Now it's in your hands and I can't do anything about it. It hurt Inuyasha. I don't know if I'm being too protective or...or what, but Kagome," Kikyou stopped herself. That would just be out of spite to tell Inuyasha Kagome had feelings for him.
"Kikyou." Inuyasha gently pulled Kikyou into his arms.
She squeezed her eyes shut, not knowing or caring how long they stood there. She knew now, that she had truly fallen in love with Inuyasha, and there was nothing she could do about it. Whether he returned her feelings or not didn't matter to her. All she knew was that her one and only nightmare had come true. She had fallen in love with someone. She had fallen in love. What scared her most was that it was like Inuyasha tamed her by merely holding her in his arms.
How many times had she allowed herself to get lost in his embrace? She probably was over reacting, but it still bugged her. If it happened once, it would happen again. Kikyou pulled away from Inuyasha, but he tightened his arms around her. Her body called for her to return to his warmth, but a deeper instinct screamed at her to get away.
"Please let go of me Inuyasha." She felt him stiffen and could feel the regret he had as he dropped his arms. She stepped away from him, "Gomen nasai."
She turned away from him and continued walking to her dorm. She didn't look back, but she could feel his gaze following her. Whether he watched her with a broken heart or determination, she didn't know, but she would need to think about if she really wanted to stay with him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What did you think? Kagome liking Inuyasha all of a sudden really isn't sudden. You'll have to read Spinning Petals to know what I mean. Anyways, remember, Ten reviews. I'll be so happy. I'd also like to dedicate this chapter to all those who have been reading this fic. It makes me so happy when I get a review. It lets me know that someone actually is enjoying it. Anyways, see ya around!
~Japanese Translations~
Gomen nasai- I'm Sorry
~*~Review Responses~*~
Jazz7: I'm glad you like my fic so much! Keep reading it han't even gotten to the turning point yet!
Toysrusgirl: More aww moments coming right up! I promise. And hey. Sesshomaru showing up isn't a bad thing! Hmph.
starlitmoon: I do wish Kikyou would stop trying to take Inuyasha with her to hell, but she will forever be one of my favorite stories. At least you don't hate Kikyou. Did you know there's an actual Kikyou Haters website?! It's an outrage!
Tsume Yamagata: Wow. I feel so special! You actually read my fic. You really didn't have to, but I'm glad I've slightly changed your opinion of Kikyou.
Issa-chan: I can't spoil anything, but this won't end as an Inu/Kik fic. I promise.
LewdaKris: Is my story really that good? I'm touched! *tackles LewdaKris unexpectedly and hug 'em* Thank you.
Jea: Plot's picking up. I have a lot in store for the next chapter, but I'm gonna need your help! Please! Help me wonderful editor!
~*~*~*~
That's it! Hugs!
~*~Silver Rain~*~
Chapter Seven: My Friend Loves My Boyfriend
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Six months had pasted since that day in the park and Kikyou felt like it had happened only yesterday. She released one of her arrows as it hit her mark. The conversation, the silence, and then the realization that they were actually attracted to each other. It had scared Kikyou at first. She never wanted to love someone.
She released another arrow as it too landed in the target close to her first arrow. She never wanted to have someone love her back, someone that understood her and her past and could relate. But she had heard something she didn't want to hear and now she suddenly felt guilty. She let a third arrow fly, but it missed the target completely, scuffing the wooden floor as it bounced off to the side.
---
"Come on Kagome! There's got to be at least one guy you like!" one of Kagome's friends, Yuka, pestered.
Kikyou shook her head figuring that Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi had ambushed Kagome again and were interrogating her on who she liked. Kikyou grabbed a water bottle from the small fridge, the girls' voices carrying into the kitchen room in which she studied.
"We've seen the look you've carried around for days!" Eri, or so Kikyou presumed, whined, "We've just got to know who he is!"
"It's no one! Honest guys!" Kagome's nervous voice proclaimed.
Eri continued as if she hadn't heard her, "Is it Hojo? Maybe even Kouga? Come on we've got to know!"
"You wouldn't know him."
Ayumi spoke up, "That's a good reason to tell us. If we don't know him, we can't follow you around."
"Or pummel him for not asking Kagome out!" Eri's voice yelled.
"You guys. I don't think he even knows me that well. And besides, he's already got a girlfriend."
"He chose some girl over you? That's wrong!" Yuka said.
"No, no. You've got it all wrong. She knew him before we had even met. It's not that big a deal."
"You have to tell him your feelings Kagome. It's better to tell him now, so you can let go of him before it gets too serious." Yuka advised.
"I couldn't do that. It would bug him. It might ruin his relationship with his girlfriend too. She really needs him. They kind of got each other out of their shells."
Kikyou heard the springs of Kagome's bed squeak as if someone had laid down on it. She then heard Ayumi's voice, "So who IS this mystery guy?"
She heard some shuffling and gasps. Kikyou didn't like to eavesdrop, but it was kind of hard to ignore their conversation. She could, after all, hear practically every word they said. She was also curious to who Kagome had finally set her eyes on. She could have practically any guy she wanted.
"Kagome!" Yuka sounded stressed.
Kikyou's stomach twisted as Eri's voice rose in shock, "You like your roommate's boyfriend Kagome?"
Kikyou couldn't believe it. She had to be somewhere other then where she was right then. She closed her books quietly, and grabbed her bow. Anywhere but across the way from her and Kagome's closed door.
---
This time she hit the target, but it was still off. She couldn't believe Kagome had hurt her like that. Inuyasha had been the only person Kikyou had ever trusted. She knew she shouldn't be so upset; it was just an infatuation, right? And it wasn't like Inuyasha liked her back. Kikyou sighed and shook her head free of her thoughts, releasing her final arrow, right on the dot.
It was nothing. It wasn't like Kagome had told Inuyasha, but Kikyou still couldn't shake the feeling in her gut that told her that this was so wrong.
Kikyou dropped her bows and arrows to the ground, falling with them. She knew she shouldn't be jealous. Inuyasha wasn't the kind of person to cheat on someone. He didn't like knowing too many people because he felt it tied him down. She remembered him telling her that once. She couldn't agree more.
---
Inuyasha and Kikyou sat on a bench in the park across town waiting for Kikyou's bus. They had decided to go to the fair, though they mostly looked around the booths. Neither had been very adapt to going on the rides although Inuyasha had tried the strength test, the one where you use a mallet to get the slider to hit the bell at the top.
Unlike Kikyou, who only took challenges from Kagome, Inuyasha never backed down from any battle. The other men were egging him on and Kikyou let him go. She watched as Inuyasha took the mallet, as if measuring its weight, and then gave one clean swing, hitting the bell without any effort. He smiled smugly at the look on the other men's faces as Kikyou slipped her arm into his and walked away.
Kikyou swung her legs back and forth as she peered down the street, "Why don't you know that many people Inuyasha?"
"It's too much. I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt. If I know a person and I decide to leave, it'd hurt them. I feel like a relationship, even a friendship, ties me down to a place. I need to be able to go when something bad happens."
Kikyou nodded, "I know what you mean."
Inuyasha looked down at Kikyou and smiled. She gave him one of her half-hearted smiles then stood up as the bus rounded the corner.
---
Kikyou picked her arrows up off the floor. She was feeling very foolish. It only made sense that Kagome liked Inuyasha. It explained why she never missed a night when Ningen-Youkai played at Spinning Petals. Then she would fret about how she'd have loads of homework.
Kagome did seem a little not like herself whenever she and Inuyasha were hanging around. She had been very depressed lately as well. Kikyou and Inuyasha had been coming back to the dorm pretty late.
Although...Inuyasha and Kikyou never confirmed that they were dating, or that they were even a couple. It was just sort of there. Perhaps the two of them thought that if they gave their time together a name, it would turn awkward and different.
Whatever they had, they didn't need to name it. It was a presence that put both at ease in each other's company. Kikyou couldn't explain it and knowing Inuyasha, he probably knew less than her. He was one to stay away from his emotions, well... there were exceptions. He seemed less uptight when Kagome was around. Kagome thought, put everyone into a relaxed state.
Kikyou scowled. Kagome could have practically any guy, but she had to choose the one that Kikyou loved. She shook her head, 'Too bad Kagome. Inuyasha's mine.' She thought to herself.
Kikyou hung her bow on the wall, then closed the door to the archery room. She returned to her dorm with heavy spirits and an empty heart.
As she approached her room, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi walked out. She could feel the three girls glance at her nervously, and then walk away. Kikyou saw Kagome sitting at the kitchen table, as if she were waiting for someone. She looked up as Kikyou closed the door, "Kikyou..."
"Is something wrong Kagome?"
The girl nodded her head, "I have to tell you something. I just don't want you to think anything bad of it, okay?"
Kikyou grabbed her water that still sat on the table from earlier, then sat across from Kagome, "What is it?"
Kagome sighed, then struggled with her words, "I, um...I just wanted to let you know that...I um...I like Inuyasha." With that said, the girl seemed to gain courage, "I don't want you to get angry or jealous or anything. I just wanted to let you know. There's nothing going on between us. He doesn't even know. Please don't tell him though. He seems very happy when he's with you, Kikyou, and I wouldn't want to ruin that. I'm sorry. This is stupid."
Kagome slid back her chair then walked into their bedroom. Kikyou felt a little bad for Kagome. True that she could have any boy she wanted, but the one she wanted she wouldn't touch in fear of hurting someone else. Kikyou was grateful that Kagome always thought of others before herself.
Kikyou followed after Kagome into the bedroom, "It's okay, Kagome. I'm glad you told me."
Kagome smiled weakly then hopped into her bed. Kikyou sighed then slid into her own covers.
---
Kikyou saw nothing but darkness around her. She then noticed a bench under a cherry tree. She sat down and caught a falling petal.
"They are always beautiful flowers, aren't they Kikyou?"
Kikyou turned to the direction of the voice and saw her mother standing before her.
"Mama..."
"You know love brings you pain, right Kikyou?"
Kikyou nodded her head, "Yes, but...I think I love Inuyasha."
"But Kagome-san loves him as well, right?"
"I guess."
"No! You know, Kikyou. You could feel it. Remember your training? They taught you how to read people just by looking at them."
"I've become a little rusty."
"True."
"I miss you and Father a lot. And Kaede too." Kikyou pushed her hair out of her face.
Her mother sat next to her and wrapped her arm around Kikyou's shoulders, "You'll be happy for a while, Kikyou."
Kikyou nodded, "You always say for a while, Mama. Why?"
Kikyou then noticed a small pool of water at the base of the tree. She stood up to look into the pool of crystal water. She smiled sadly as she saw herself and Inuyasha at his band rehearsal. She remembered that day. Sango had left Miroku unconscious on stage, while Kikyou and Inuyasha packed up the stuff after they had finished playing.
Kikyou and Inuyasha sat on the stage with their legs hanging over the edge. They had started singing Silver Rain together. Kikyou felt tears blur her vision; that had been a happy day, but something, Kikyou didn't remember happened in the scene before her.
Kagome walked in and waved happily to Kikyou. She walked onto the stage, then sat down on Inuyasha's other side and joined in on the song, but started to change the tune. When they finished singing, the song was completely different from Silver Rain. Kikyou puzzled over this as the image of Inuyasha took Kagome's hand then walked out, leaving Kikyou calling to Inuyasha.
Kikyou stepped away from the pool of water in alarm. What was that? It had never happened. She turned back to her mother, "I don't understand Mama. Kagome said there was nothing there."
The woman walked over to Kikyou and hugged her tight, "Shh, My darling girl."
Kikyou was trembling. She could feel her whole body shaking. This was scary. It had never happened. How can the past change? Or was what was shown in the pool the future. Her whole body quivered with fear. Wait. She was being shaken.
Kikyou opened her eyes, meeting those familiar yellow ambers.
"Inu...yasha?"
"Are you okay? You were crying in your sleep."
"Huh?"
"You were dreaming. Don't cry Kikyou, it's okay. It was a dream is all." Inuyasha pulled her into his embrace, gently stroking her hair.
"How did you get into my room?" She asked in a daze.
"Kikyou are you up? Inuyasha came." Kagome asked opening the door, then quickly closed it, "Oops! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to barge!"
Inuyasha growled, but there was humor in his voice, Kikyou knew it as an attempt to hide his embarrassment, "It's okay Kagome. You weren't interrupting anything. Kikyou just woke up and fell into me is all." He called through the closed door. Kikyou smiled as Inuyasha let go of her and walked out of the room to let her change, his white hair disappearing behind the door.
She heard him exclaim something about eggs and bacon and a really big breakfast. Her koibito sure had a love for food. He was ruled by it sometimes. Back up. Sweetheart? Was he really her sweetheart? Yes, she supposed he was. She smiled again as she slipped on a white summer dress that fell to her ankles. She tied her hair back like usual and walked into the kitchen.
As she entered she found Inuyasha singing.
"Oh no.
What's up?
Not true.
That sucks.
I'm gonna kill him.
He stabbed me in the back.
Thought that we were best friends,
But so much for that.
-
My friend loves my girlfriend.
I can't believe it's true.
Running from behind me.
To my girl, which makes me blue.
Told me all those lies.
Saying she wasn't worth your time.
I'm gonna turn you into cream pie.
-
You totally lied to me.
Said that you hated her.
Now you say you've got the hots for her.
I'm gonna kill you.
Now that I know,
You've got an eye on her,
I've gotta let her know.
-
My friend loves my girlfriend.
I can't believe it's true.
Running from behind me.
To my girl which makes me blue.
Told me all those lies.
Saying she wasn't worth your time.
I'm gonna turn you into cream pie."
"Um, Inuyasha." Kikyou said, breaking him out of his singing.
"Oh, sorry." He returned to his eating.
"That's not it. It's just that...that's a harsh song. Where'd it come from?" she asked.
"I got the idea from Miroku. I was thinking that if he had a best friend who had a girlfriend, he'd ask her out or some weird thing right? Well, to prove his friend wrong, he lied to him and said he'd never even speak to the girl, who, knowing Miroku, is of course, a lie. So I wrote the song in the friend's perspective. I'd assume he'd be pretty pissed, ya know?"
Kikyou nodded, but didn't quite understand. That would definitely be her least favorite of Ningen-Youkai's songs.
She sat at the table between Inuyasha and Kagome, who had a look of shock at all the food Inuyasha was consuming. She served herself a plate of two pancakes, noticing that there was quite a bit of food, despite the fact that Inuyasha was eating truckloads by the minute.
"Is someone else coming, Kagome?" Kikyou asked as she motioned to all the food.
Kagome smiled, "Miroku and Sango were supposed to come too. Sango said they would be a little late."
Inuyasha stopped eating, then paled, "Sango...and Miroku?"
Kikyou looked concerned at Inuyasha's paled face, "Something wrong Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha couldn't reply as a hard, angry knock was heard at the door. Kagome jumped up to answer the door. As she opened it Sango marched in, fuming. Kagome looked outside the door and saw a very much-slapped guitarist on the floor. She shook her head as she helped Miroku inside.
"What happened now?"
Sango shot a look of daggers at Miroku, "He...He...IGNORANT CREEP!" she screamed as she slapped the already red cheek again.
"Do you have to be so abusive?" Inuyasha asked sarcastically as he took a bite of his bacon.
Sango moved her glare from Miroku to Inuyasha. This resulted in him practically leaping to Kikyou to hide behind her. Kikyou and Kagome exchanged looks as Kagome started laughing and Kikyou led Sango into the bedroom. As Kikyou passed Kagome she whispered, "And now the line of patience is being drawn."
Kagome nodded then set Miroku in a chair, quickly following after Kikyou and Sango. Kikyou flopped onto her bed as Sango sat on the opposite bed in a huff. Kagome closed the door behind them.
"So what'd he do this time?"
"We were talking for once, and it was a rather nice conversation. I decided that then would be a good time to tell him about how I really feel towards him. I started to get really serious, and he was listening, I think. When I finished he patted me on the chest then went after some blond chick! I couldn't believe he did that! I was trying to hold in my hurt and feelings, but I couldn't..." the two girls saw Sango clench her fists in rising anger.
"I can't do this anymore Kagome!" She said exasperated, "He's too much. What are you supposed to do when you're in love with a skirt-chasing monk-in-training?"
Kagome started laughing again.
Sango looked alarmed, "Kagome! It's not funny!"
"Yes it is Sango. It's very obvious why he acts like he does now. Now that you explained it, it makes sense. You can't just beat the sense into him. Men don't work that way. You might have to hold out a bit longer, if you can handle it."
Sango gave a heavy sigh, "I told him how I felt. I honestly don't think he even cares. If he ever did, he doesn't now. You see the way I treat him. Who wants someone that'll beat on them? He probably doesn't even care about me. If anything, he hates me."
Kikyou interrupted, "He doesn't hate you, Sango. I know so. Let me explain this to you clearly. He does inappropriate things, because he tries to push you away. Why does he do that? He's afraid to fall in love. Many people are. So they express emotions opposite of what they feel. They think that if they can push you away, they can 'protect' you from themselves. Miroku, though, is a lost cause. His emotions have gotten the better of him. It's quite sad really."
Sango nodded, "I guess you guys are right." She pushed herself off the bed and opened the door as a blur of white and black hair fell at her feet. Sango closed her eyes as her eyebrows twitched and a nice blush crept onto her face.
Inuyasha scrambled behind Kikyou knowing that if he looked towards Sango, she'd strangle him. Sometimes she was scarier than Kumako. Sango glared down at Miroku. Kagome shook her head, "You know you're not helping Miroku."
He merely smiled as he turned his head awaiting Sango's slap, but it never came. Instead she had fallen to her knees so she could be eye to eye with him, "I don't want you to cheat on me, alright?"
Miroku seemed a little stunned to hear Sango's voice instead of his sore cheek meeting her hand. He met her eyes, then pulled her into his arms, "Of course not."
Sango sighed, but blushed deeper as she realized how close she was to him. His strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close to his firm chest, an enchanting rosemary smell lingering around him. She pulled out of his arms, muttering something about washing dishes and walked out of the room in a complete fluster. Miroku followed her with his eyes then smiled like a little boy with a basket of candy.
Now it was Kagome's turn to shock them all. She got to the same level as Sango had been before, only now she was about a centimeter from his nose, "You cheat on her and you're dead." She said.
Inuyasha and Kikyou shrank from Kagome's voice. They had never heard her sound so threatening before. The scariest part was that her voice sounded completely normal. How could Kagome, the most innocent of them all, sound so calm yet soooooo threatening?
Kikyou came over cautiously towards Kagome and forced her into the other room after Sango, a small tint of amusement gracing her face, and leaving the two men to talk.
The five left the dorm later that day and headed towards Spinning Petals. Sango, Miroku, and Kagome in front, and Inuyasha and Kikyou in back. As they arrived at the club, Kikyou went to the kitchen to get water for the band as the others went on stage to set up.
Sango and Miroku went back and forth carrying out Sango's keyboards and other instruments. Inuyasha went around the stage, setting up the cords to the keyboards and mics. Kagome watched them setting up as she swung her legs back and forth.
"Hey, Kagome! Come help me with the set up over here." Sango called to her.
Kagome stood up and started walking over to Sango, but her and her clumsy feet managed to find the single cord in her path. Kagome braced herself for impact of the wood floor, but instead felt a hard warm body. She looked up fearing the worst, and as her eyes locked with another's she knew this wasn't good.
"Inuyasha?"
"Are you okay?"
"Um...yeah."
Kagome couldn't help but stare into those amber eyes and feel secure. Someone was holding her whom she liked, but could never love. His heart was with someone else. Even though no one else noticed it, she knew. It was the most depressing knowledge to know. Especially since she wished that his heart were with her. She felt at peace and wanted to curl up in his warmth, but instead, she wished she had pulled away sooner.
"Inuyasha? Kagome?" Kikyou had come back with the water and had seen Kagome and Inuyasha just standing there. Inuyasha was looking down at her with concern and Kagome turning the lightest shade of rouge.
She hadn't seen Kagome trip, which would explain why Inuyasha held her. But even Sango wondered how Inuyasha had managed to catch her when Miroku was closer.
Kagome immediately released her grip from Inuyasha's arms, as if touching him had burned her. She stepped toward her, "Kikyou. It's not what you think. I tripped and-" but Kagome couldn't finish.
Water splashed at her feet as Kikyou ran out of the club. She didn't want an explanation. She wouldn't stand and listen to some silly excuse. She headed towards the dorm room, trying viciously to keep her emotions in check.
Inuyasha looked shocked, still unaware of what had just happened, Kagome was feeling really bad, and Miroku hadn't even noticed. Sango walked over to Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Well, Inuyasha. Why are you just standing there?"
"What do you mean?" he snapped.
"Kikyou thinks you cheated on her with her roommate and friend. Are you just going to stand there and let her believe that or are you going to go tell her what happened?"
A light suddenly seemed to have gone off in his head as he hopped off the stage and left the club. Sango patted Kagome on the shoulder. Miroku looked annoyed.
"Hello? We play in half an hour. What're we going to do if our singer isn't here?"
"Come on Miroku! This is more important. We have to call it off." Sango turned to Kagome, "Let's go to our place, Kagome." Sango stepped down from the stage to clean up the water Kikyou had dropped. She found a mop and started to wipe up the pool of water.
Kagome nodded, then helped put away the mics. How come she had to be so clumsy? She was feeling more and more guilty as she thought about it. She was feeling most sorry for Kikyou.
---
"Kikyou!" Inuyasha called as he caught up with her.
"Leave me alone, Inuyasha." She huffed. Inuyasha pulled her off to the side and held her shoulders firmly against the wall, "Listen. Kagome had tripped over one of the cords. If she had fallen, she would have hit her head on something. I caught her when she was falling. I was just asking if she was okay."
Kikyou turned her head away from Inuyasha's gaze, "That's not what I saw."
"You saw about, what, five seconds? Nothing happened!"
"How do I know that? I don't know anymore Inuyasha! My senses are failing me. I'm confused. I can't even control my emotions anymore. I trusted you; I opened up to you. For some reason, I lost control of my pleasant, solitary life when I met you. Now it's in your hands and I can't do anything about it. It hurt Inuyasha. I don't know if I'm being too protective or...or what, but Kagome," Kikyou stopped herself. That would just be out of spite to tell Inuyasha Kagome had feelings for him.
"Kikyou." Inuyasha gently pulled Kikyou into his arms.
She squeezed her eyes shut, not knowing or caring how long they stood there. She knew now, that she had truly fallen in love with Inuyasha, and there was nothing she could do about it. Whether he returned her feelings or not didn't matter to her. All she knew was that her one and only nightmare had come true. She had fallen in love with someone. She had fallen in love. What scared her most was that it was like Inuyasha tamed her by merely holding her in his arms.
How many times had she allowed herself to get lost in his embrace? She probably was over reacting, but it still bugged her. If it happened once, it would happen again. Kikyou pulled away from Inuyasha, but he tightened his arms around her. Her body called for her to return to his warmth, but a deeper instinct screamed at her to get away.
"Please let go of me Inuyasha." She felt him stiffen and could feel the regret he had as he dropped his arms. She stepped away from him, "Gomen nasai."
She turned away from him and continued walking to her dorm. She didn't look back, but she could feel his gaze following her. Whether he watched her with a broken heart or determination, she didn't know, but she would need to think about if she really wanted to stay with him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What did you think? Kagome liking Inuyasha all of a sudden really isn't sudden. You'll have to read Spinning Petals to know what I mean. Anyways, remember, Ten reviews. I'll be so happy. I'd also like to dedicate this chapter to all those who have been reading this fic. It makes me so happy when I get a review. It lets me know that someone actually is enjoying it. Anyways, see ya around!
~Japanese Translations~
Gomen nasai- I'm Sorry
~*~Review Responses~*~
Jazz7: I'm glad you like my fic so much! Keep reading it han't even gotten to the turning point yet!
Toysrusgirl: More aww moments coming right up! I promise. And hey. Sesshomaru showing up isn't a bad thing! Hmph.
starlitmoon: I do wish Kikyou would stop trying to take Inuyasha with her to hell, but she will forever be one of my favorite stories. At least you don't hate Kikyou. Did you know there's an actual Kikyou Haters website?! It's an outrage!
Tsume Yamagata: Wow. I feel so special! You actually read my fic. You really didn't have to, but I'm glad I've slightly changed your opinion of Kikyou.
Issa-chan: I can't spoil anything, but this won't end as an Inu/Kik fic. I promise.
LewdaKris: Is my story really that good? I'm touched! *tackles LewdaKris unexpectedly and hug 'em* Thank you.
Jea: Plot's picking up. I have a lot in store for the next chapter, but I'm gonna need your help! Please! Help me wonderful editor!
~*~*~*~
That's it! Hugs!
