Rikku: I got started on this like right away, heh-heh. Please be patient, and I promise you that the next few chapters will be up as soon as possible; I might even get a head-start on the next chapter....^.^ Well, here's celebrating 10 chapters, hai, I did that much and hai, this is pathetic. ^.^' Anyway, there's nothing more I can say except for the disclaimer and after that, well say 'hello' to another one of my ever-so-great (NOT!) chapters....
I do not own InuYasha (Hee-hee, it seems I've stopped with the silly cracks at the end of my disclaimers- wait, does this count as one? O.o)
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Chapter 10: The Truth is Revealed with Comfort From Friends
"Wake up, Kagome!!"
Early morning.
"Pack your lunch!"
Typical schoolday.
"Don't forget to feed the cat before you leave!!"
Ever-so-annoying mother.
"Souta's waiting for you!! How long does it take to put on shoes!?"
Non- stop questions.
Nothing but questions and nothing but meaningless answers.
Actually the 'answers' barely answered anything.
Kagome sighed. School was tough (plus boring), friends were getting on her nerves, mysterious boys were weakening her hopes, and crazy stalker boys were, well- stalking her. It seemed time had turned itself back to before Kagome had ever been upset. Except 'he' was still there and never-ending, frustrating and heart-breaking questions and problems were still flooding Kagome's mind.
Kagome walked her brother to school, minding his careless ways. She envied her brother though, he was care-free and never had problems, he was hardly even ready for love.... but what WAS love to her? Kagome's emotions weren't sure whether she could ever feel...love. It was so hard to find and still, so hard to win. But something in the back of Kagome's mind told her that love was no where in sight, but still.... something also told her that....
"Kagome-neesan? Did you hear me? Hello!?" Souta tugged on Kagome's sleeve.
She looked down to him, he had that eager smile on his face that Kagome simply adored. She hadn't spoken a word since she had woken up that morning. She had another one of those strange dreams when it almost feels real but when you awake, you can't remember a thing and only wonder what it was all about.... but she was thankful for that. She couldn't stand another weird dream and wasn't ready for one.
Souta had probably noticed Kagome's silence and was worried, well that's what Kagome thought when the boy's expression went from happiness to sadness.
"Kagome..." he spoke. "Are you feeling alright?"
She nodded and patted her brother on his head, walking a bit faster. Kagome didn't feel like saying much, nor even doing much. She was still grateful for her brother's concern though, even if he was sometimes stuck up and annoying.... he was still there for her and always cared. Kagome would have had her brother in her arms if it weren't for the emptiness sprawling inside of her.
When she reached Souta's school she dropped him off quickly in the schoolyard, avoiding his questions. As she walked further toward her school, a sudden feeling had taken over and she stopped dead in her tracks. She turned back and stared at the road before her. Was she able to return to school? She wanted to return home so much at that moment, she wanted to be comforted by nothing but the grass and plants in her backyard.
But Kagome forced herself to run- to the direction of her school. Instead of loneliness, she turned to what she needed most... her friends. On her way she found herself holding back tears once again and fighting mixed emotions.
Even if Sango was mad at her..... the truth needed to be revealed. To her friends and to herself.
The bell rang just when Kagome reached her school. She hesitated, but ran to the one place where her friends usually were- the parking lot, just about ready to skip.... like always. Kagome found them there and stopped to check their moods, making sure the two couldn't see her. Sango and Miroku were sitting on the cement. They seemed to be in deep conversation, as much as Kagome hated to interrupt, she had to confront them.
Before going she took a deep breath and prepared herself for the worst. She walked slowly toward them and stopped when she was in arm's reach. They seemed to be arguing over money.... how typical. Sango and Miroku were so caught up with their 'problem' and didn't even noticed Kagome. She cleared her throat.
They looked up.
Sango gave Kagome a look and turned away, she seemed to be more interested in the ground beside her. And Miroku just smiled. They both stood up, but Sango still avoided Kagome's eyes. It reminded her of InuYasha....
"Hi...." Kagome spoke, only looking at Miroku. It was the first word she said all day... well, morning.
"Hey there Kag-chan, how's it going?" he asked.
Kagome didn't answer.
"Ohayou, Kagome..." Sango mumbled.
Kagome nodded.
..::Silence::..
Miroku caught on quickly and gave Kagome a reassuring pat on her shoulder.
Both girls had there heads lowered, facing the ground. Miroku seemed to have given up on the two, he shrugged and turned to leave.
But Kagome stopped him, she reached for his arm. "Don't go.....not yet, I have something to tell you two even if you don't want to listen...."
Sango looked up and Miroku turned again, but this time to face Kagome. They both gave her a worried look.
"Something wrong?" Miroku asked.
"Iie....I mean, hai.... everything's going wrong, nothing's working out for me..... I can't find a way out of this hell hole!" Kagome blurted.
Sango's eyes widened and Miroku stepped back, Kagome's eyes filled with tears, she covered her face in her hands and sobbed.
"Kagome, I...." Sango began. "I never knew anything was wrong, oh gomen! I've been so hard on you I-"
"Iie.... it's not your fault," Kagome replied. Her face was still buried in her hands and her voice sounded muffled. "It's not anyone's fault.... I'm just so, so tired, confused.... alone."
"But you have us...." said Miroku.
"I-I know, it's just that.... The last few days have been hard on everyone.... well actually on me.... and InuYasha."
Sango sighed. "Kagome, your a great girl, you don't deserve someone like HIM, I-"
"I know you don't like him.... but it's not like I do too. Well, I DO like him..... but not in THAT way.... I'm just uncertained about the way I actually feel and the way he feels..."
"You make it sound like you DO love him...." Sango chuckled.
"Kagome.... what I said before... don't be afraid of the-"
"Truth." Kagome finished for Miroku. She looked up at her friends and smiled, her face was wet with tears though. "I know, I know..... but right now, I don't know what the truth is.... and maybe I am afraid of it, because..... because...."
"Hai?" Sango asked.
"The other day- my party..... InuYasha wanted to leave, but I stopped him.... and accidently forced the truth out of him, about his past.... about him, it turns out it was all cold, sad.... he had refused to tell me, but I didn't let him go without hearing it.... I was such a fool; I thought he didn't care. The look on his face- to him, it was hard to open up, I think he hasn't talked about himself in awhile... and I butted in. Turns out he DID care, the next morning I found a gift.... from him." Kagome paused. She had forgotten about the necklace. Sango and Miroku looked at in wonder, but Kagome didn't give them a chance to ask questions. "I wanted to tell him.... that I was sorry. But I found myself bewildered at the truth hidden inside of me.... I thought I had feelings for him and I was scared.... I haven't seemed him ever since."
"Kagome..." Miroku spoke.
She looked at him with a lost look. (Rikku: Sorry, can't describe it.... think between shocked and concerned. I'm no good with words, gomen nasai!)
"If you really are afraid of your feelings for the guy, then you obviously....."
"Love him." Sango stated. "Maybe not exactly that strong, but you do have feelings for him, hai in THAT way. You concealed your feelings for him because you thought it couldn't be true and you were afraid of...."
"Rejection." Miroku said. (Rikku: Boy these two think alike, don't they?) "Something you heard about his past has told you that he would reject you, you're scared Kagome, of losing him. Face it."
Kagome stared blankly at the two. They were right. They knew Kagome all to well. They were right about it ALL. But that was what Kagome feared of. (Rikku: She's afraid of a lot, ne?) "H-hai.... I'm sorry I doubted it... you two are right, just like always."
Sango pulled her into a hug and Miroku stood by their side.
THAT was what Kagome needed.... the only two people that could ever understand her..... comforting her. They cared, even if they did have differences, they ALWAYS cared. And that's what friends are for, right?
*************
"Now students, flip to chapter 17 and read pages 112 to 134, I expect a report on the Indian's tribes and I expect it..... 1 week from now."
The students groaned. They listened to their teacher talk with his stern voice and took out their books, half-asleep.
Miroku had been right. Kagome felt better about telling her friends the truth. But that was only one down on a list of 100 things left to do. Including confronting InuYasha. She took out her books with a cheerful smile. 'First on the agenda...' she thought. 'A date with InuYasha- well sorta...'
"Kagome? Did you hear me? Ms. Higurashi!!"
She looked up. "Nani?"
The teacher gave her a rude look. "Ms. Higurashi." he said slowly. "Do you expect to pass history class when you are constantly distracted by minor things? How will you graduate from highschool, if your head is ALWAYS in the clouds?"
"Excuse me sir, but this was only a first. I have done no such thing in the past and I refuse to let you accuse me of something I am NOT responsible for." she said, defending herself. "But if I appear to be doing something wrong in YOUR eyes, then I apologize. Gomen."
The teacher just shook his head as Kagome's classmates cheered. It was typical how they would over react over small things..... but Kagome was still satisfied with her impression on them.
Her smile mischeviously widened. She was just about ready to congratulate herself until someone tapped her shoulder with a pen. Kagome twisted her neck and saw Sango with an eager look. She smiled and handed Kagome a note.
Kagome turned quickly as her teacher drew near to the two. She hid the note but opened it when the man was busy at the other side of the room.
"Kagome,
Can't say this aloud: tell 'lech' and I about 'you-know-who's' past, we can help you. Oh, and nice comeback, the 'teach' must really feel dumb.
Sango&Miroku"
She shook her head, her friends were so nosy.... but in a good way. And what was with the nicknames? But what was really odd, was how Sango and Miroku's names seemed to fit together....hmm.
The bell rang again and the students fled from the room, eager to leave. Kagome stayed back, pretending to pile her homework as she waited for her friends.
Sango and Miroku were in a corner of the room and Miroku seemed to be forfeiting a whole lot of cash, judging by his painful look and Sango's grin.
They headed for Kagome when the 'teach' left the room. Sango had the widest smile and Miroku had a look that said I-lost-my-dignity-to-a-money-hungry-girl-I-thought-was-my-friend. Poor guy....
Kagome sighed. The two were up to their usual. "What was it this time?" She asked when her friends were within earshot.
"What do you mean?" Sango chirped.
"Oh, c'mon guys, you honestly don't expect one of your closest friends to know what you two 'do-gooders' are up to?" Kagome smirked.
Miroku chuckled. It seemed he had gotten over his loss easily. "Just another bet..."
Kagome was right. 'Heh-heh, I'm sooo wise!' she cheered in her mind. "Oh, I see..." said Kagome. "And... what did you bet on?"
Sango and Miroku didn't say much... except for a few mixed words.
"I-"
"He-"
"She-"
"We-"
"It's-"
"But-"
"And-"
"Please-"
"Don't-"
"Be-"
"Mad!!!" They pleaded.
"Now, why would I be mad?" Kagome chuckled. Oh, it was getting better and better. "You didn't even tell me what you bet on? Could it have been on....oh, lemme think....me?"
"IIE!!" They cried in unison.
"I know when you're lying....."
"But-"
"Tell me!"
"But-"
"NOW!"
They sighed.
Miroku was first up. "Kagome, we didn't mean anything we just...."
"Thought that this was necessary...." It was Sango's turn.
"To do this, because it told us, er- more about...."
"You and your problems, but we didn't mean any of it, we just..."
"Did this for fun... and er- for you of course..."
"Skip to the point!!" Kagome hollered. The two were really pissing her off. It was fun toying with them, but now that she knew that they would bet on her, she was starting to blow off steam.
"Wedidn'tmeanitwejustwantedtobetonifyouwouldtellusanythingbut-" The two unisoned. They had said it all in one breath....they were scared.
"But....?" Kagome sneered. Okay, MAYBE it was a little funny.
"Miroku bet against you!!" Sango hollered, pointing an accusing finger at the boy.
Miroku gasped. "You-you snitched!!"
Sango laughed-a wicked laugh. "I did, didn't I? But that was just to save my ass and get your's in shit.... heh-heh, it was only for the best...."
"So the 'best' is when I'm gonna get killed and you're home free?"
"Uh-huh."
Kagome swore she saw a dark aura spread around the 'lech'. She backed away, Sango didn't know what she was in for.
"H-how much did you two bet?" Kagome stuttered.
"25 bucks each." Sango confessed. Though she didn't look the least bit sorry.
Kagome thought for a second. 'Sango thinks she's home free just because didn't bet against me....' She didn't really care about the bet, but she would fake to be mad to show Sango how she, Kagome, had felt, and well Miroku... it was fun to play with him.
"B-but I totally regret that!" Miroku hollered.
"Sure you did." Sango said sarcastically, patting the boy on his shoulder, she headed for the door but stopped before she left. "One more thing." she said, turning around. "I have to go now but I expect an explaination about 'you-know-who's' past tomorrow. Ja ne, Kagome and-" she giggled. "Miroku...."
"And so the wicked witch has FINALLY left...." Miroku mumbled.
Kagome giggled. "Ah, don't worry Miroku-sama..." she said smiling. "I'm not mad at you."
He smiled. "S-seriously?"
She shook her head. "Not really.... Ja!" And with a smirk, she left Miroku there, sobbing.
(Rikku: Poor guy, ne?)
**********
Kagome made her way through the halls and landed at the office. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do, but she knew she didn't want to go home....yet. She was way too overwhelmed with joy to let her mother and grandfather spoil it. Kagome went in and phoned her mom.
"Hai....hai....could you?.....oh, doumo!!! Arigatou, I-....uh-huh....iie...hai...iie....ok, dewa mata!" She hung up. (Rikku: For those of you that didn't get that, that was just one side of her phone call, ok?)
She skipped cheerfully in the halls and came to a hault at the gym. She stood on tip-toe and peeked through the small window located on the door.
InuYasha was there.
He was playing soccer alone. In a jersey. 'Wow...' Kagome blushed. He was in a red and yellow jersey, sweating and he played like a pro.... It was a nice sight, he was also wearing a cap again.(Rikku: Hmm....what could this mean?? Heh-heh, I'm just playing with ya...) She took a deep breath as she placed a hand on a handle. Ready to go in. 'Don't screw up Kagome...' she thought. 'He's only a guy.... but just DON'T screw up....'
She pulled the door open and took one step in. It felt like that one step had drained out all of her energy. She attempted to pull another leg forward but found herself with a very sore leg. 'W-what's wrong with me?' she thought. 'Oh no!! I forgot my legs cramp whenever I'm nervous....'
Yup.
How lucky was she to have both her legs cramp before confronting InuYasha?
And because of nervousness.
Damn, that girl was lucky.
Not.
"Ow..." she spoke softly. Kagome looked up from her misfortune and watched InuYasha kick the ball around. He didn't seem to have noticed her yet, instead he continued to show off to a non-existent crowd.
She sighed and thought to herself. 'Maybe he doesn't want to see me at the moment....' And just then the nervousness had fled from her body and another thought had come to mind. 'Leave...' she told herself.
Kagome gave InuYasha another glance and turned to leave as slowly as possible. He wouldn't have to know she was here....
"Kagome?" came his voice.
Drat. It was perfect. When she's making the biggest scene of her life (not exactly) he doesn't seem to see her, but when she's attempting to leave as quiet and unnoticeable as a spy, the blind boy seems to see again!! Alleluia, what a miracle.
Not.
She took another deep breath. Everything had to go wrong for her, right? "H-hai, InuYasha...?" she said not even turning back to look at him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Why do you care?"
"B-because... I just thought that-"
"That?"
"What is wrong with you, woman!?"
"Everything...." she mumbled silently.
InuYasha didn't reply.
Kagome turned around with a thoughtful look. Why was she mad at InuYasha when she had come to him to apologize? She shut her eyes and spoke. "Listen... I didn't come here to start with the insults...."
"It sure look like you did...."
"Hey, whatever happened to NEW start?"
"Feh!"
She sighed ONCE again. "I came here to apologize..." Kagome gave him a stern look and noticed that AGAIN, he wasn't looking straight at her. She was beginning to feel a pang of sadness but quickly discarded it, knowing that it wasn't her fault. Hey, she couldn't blame herself for looking like Kikyo. If only InuYasha knew that....
"For what?"
"For...." Kagome lowered her head. "for... making you tell me everything, though you didn't want to. I was selfish enough to make you say it, disregarding your feelings....I'm just so.." She felt her eyes water as her bangs created a dark shadow concealing her eyes. "so... stupid... so stubborn... so sorry...." She let the sentence trail off, but immediately started a new one before she forgot to say what she had to say. "But arigatou, for the gift, I thought you didn't care but you DID.... and I'm thankful for that." Kagome started for the door but InuYasha's voice stopped her.
"K-Kagome.... please, don't blame yourself."
"Why?" she sobbed. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
"Because, you didn't force anything out of me.... It's my fault. Just because I lost Kikyo, I act as if I lost hope in everything. But I didn't. And you.... you never lost hope in me. It was my mistake to treat you like you were nothing.... maybe it's best that I told you.... maybe something good will come out of it. I just gotta learn that Kikyo's...gone. I don't expect to fall in love again, unless someone special ever comes by...."
Kagome felt herself sadden at that. His words were cold.... even though he was supporting her- in a way- it still meant he didn't have the same feelings for her like she did for him.
"And..." he continued. "You were never selfish in anyway, you cared enough to get me to talk.... because you knew it would help me. Maybe. Well, that's what I think, because I know you're that type....I know you are."
Kagome felt a pang of guilty this time. She was thinking about herself when she asked him about his past... but maybe it was best that she let him believe what he wanted to. And maybe she DID do it for him.... she just probably didn't know. (Rikku: Uh-huh, and cows originated from the moon.... sorry, I'm dissing my own fic, well that's me. All negativity. *Sigh*)
"Don't cry Kagome..." he said sternly. "But now.... we have both had our say, so you can leave."
"But... you should know I care about you-" Kagome immediately choked on her words. Big mistake. She felt her face heaten up and she knew a blush had spread across her face.
She look up with a fake-cheerful look. (Rikku: ???) InuYasha had drew nearer to her and he was also blushing. She laughed nervously. "Heh-heh, I mean about your feelings.... I didn't mean to hurt them in any way if I did..." She attempted to leave once again but noticed something. InuYasha also had a necklace around his neck and it was identical to the one he had gotten Kagome. 'How sweet...' she thought. 'it's like a friendship thing...' But the thought of JUST a friendship scared her a little. But something also told her that it was probably best to not ruin the 'friendship' and leave it as it was.
He laughed nervously too. "Y-yeah.... for my feelings...." And without another word he went back to entertaining his imaginary audience.
"Phew..." Kagome said to herself. She hesitantly opened the door and left. "I'm glad that's all over...."
**********
HOORAY! My longest chapter yet!!! An improvement, ne? Not really. Oh well.... but arigatou for your reviews. They inspired me to write a bit more. And aren't we happy that InuYasha and Kagome aren't mad at each other yet? *Nods* Yup, yes we are. Gomen, I'm going insane.
~*~
Ja ne! And until the next chapter!!
P.S. I'm starting that right away, lol.
I do not own InuYasha (Hee-hee, it seems I've stopped with the silly cracks at the end of my disclaimers- wait, does this count as one? O.o)
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Chapter 10: The Truth is Revealed with Comfort From Friends
"Wake up, Kagome!!"
Early morning.
"Pack your lunch!"
Typical schoolday.
"Don't forget to feed the cat before you leave!!"
Ever-so-annoying mother.
"Souta's waiting for you!! How long does it take to put on shoes!?"
Non- stop questions.
Nothing but questions and nothing but meaningless answers.
Actually the 'answers' barely answered anything.
Kagome sighed. School was tough (plus boring), friends were getting on her nerves, mysterious boys were weakening her hopes, and crazy stalker boys were, well- stalking her. It seemed time had turned itself back to before Kagome had ever been upset. Except 'he' was still there and never-ending, frustrating and heart-breaking questions and problems were still flooding Kagome's mind.
Kagome walked her brother to school, minding his careless ways. She envied her brother though, he was care-free and never had problems, he was hardly even ready for love.... but what WAS love to her? Kagome's emotions weren't sure whether she could ever feel...love. It was so hard to find and still, so hard to win. But something in the back of Kagome's mind told her that love was no where in sight, but still.... something also told her that....
"Kagome-neesan? Did you hear me? Hello!?" Souta tugged on Kagome's sleeve.
She looked down to him, he had that eager smile on his face that Kagome simply adored. She hadn't spoken a word since she had woken up that morning. She had another one of those strange dreams when it almost feels real but when you awake, you can't remember a thing and only wonder what it was all about.... but she was thankful for that. She couldn't stand another weird dream and wasn't ready for one.
Souta had probably noticed Kagome's silence and was worried, well that's what Kagome thought when the boy's expression went from happiness to sadness.
"Kagome..." he spoke. "Are you feeling alright?"
She nodded and patted her brother on his head, walking a bit faster. Kagome didn't feel like saying much, nor even doing much. She was still grateful for her brother's concern though, even if he was sometimes stuck up and annoying.... he was still there for her and always cared. Kagome would have had her brother in her arms if it weren't for the emptiness sprawling inside of her.
When she reached Souta's school she dropped him off quickly in the schoolyard, avoiding his questions. As she walked further toward her school, a sudden feeling had taken over and she stopped dead in her tracks. She turned back and stared at the road before her. Was she able to return to school? She wanted to return home so much at that moment, she wanted to be comforted by nothing but the grass and plants in her backyard.
But Kagome forced herself to run- to the direction of her school. Instead of loneliness, she turned to what she needed most... her friends. On her way she found herself holding back tears once again and fighting mixed emotions.
Even if Sango was mad at her..... the truth needed to be revealed. To her friends and to herself.
The bell rang just when Kagome reached her school. She hesitated, but ran to the one place where her friends usually were- the parking lot, just about ready to skip.... like always. Kagome found them there and stopped to check their moods, making sure the two couldn't see her. Sango and Miroku were sitting on the cement. They seemed to be in deep conversation, as much as Kagome hated to interrupt, she had to confront them.
Before going she took a deep breath and prepared herself for the worst. She walked slowly toward them and stopped when she was in arm's reach. They seemed to be arguing over money.... how typical. Sango and Miroku were so caught up with their 'problem' and didn't even noticed Kagome. She cleared her throat.
They looked up.
Sango gave Kagome a look and turned away, she seemed to be more interested in the ground beside her. And Miroku just smiled. They both stood up, but Sango still avoided Kagome's eyes. It reminded her of InuYasha....
"Hi...." Kagome spoke, only looking at Miroku. It was the first word she said all day... well, morning.
"Hey there Kag-chan, how's it going?" he asked.
Kagome didn't answer.
"Ohayou, Kagome..." Sango mumbled.
Kagome nodded.
..::Silence::..
Miroku caught on quickly and gave Kagome a reassuring pat on her shoulder.
Both girls had there heads lowered, facing the ground. Miroku seemed to have given up on the two, he shrugged and turned to leave.
But Kagome stopped him, she reached for his arm. "Don't go.....not yet, I have something to tell you two even if you don't want to listen...."
Sango looked up and Miroku turned again, but this time to face Kagome. They both gave her a worried look.
"Something wrong?" Miroku asked.
"Iie....I mean, hai.... everything's going wrong, nothing's working out for me..... I can't find a way out of this hell hole!" Kagome blurted.
Sango's eyes widened and Miroku stepped back, Kagome's eyes filled with tears, she covered her face in her hands and sobbed.
"Kagome, I...." Sango began. "I never knew anything was wrong, oh gomen! I've been so hard on you I-"
"Iie.... it's not your fault," Kagome replied. Her face was still buried in her hands and her voice sounded muffled. "It's not anyone's fault.... I'm just so, so tired, confused.... alone."
"But you have us...." said Miroku.
"I-I know, it's just that.... The last few days have been hard on everyone.... well actually on me.... and InuYasha."
Sango sighed. "Kagome, your a great girl, you don't deserve someone like HIM, I-"
"I know you don't like him.... but it's not like I do too. Well, I DO like him..... but not in THAT way.... I'm just uncertained about the way I actually feel and the way he feels..."
"You make it sound like you DO love him...." Sango chuckled.
"Kagome.... what I said before... don't be afraid of the-"
"Truth." Kagome finished for Miroku. She looked up at her friends and smiled, her face was wet with tears though. "I know, I know..... but right now, I don't know what the truth is.... and maybe I am afraid of it, because..... because...."
"Hai?" Sango asked.
"The other day- my party..... InuYasha wanted to leave, but I stopped him.... and accidently forced the truth out of him, about his past.... about him, it turns out it was all cold, sad.... he had refused to tell me, but I didn't let him go without hearing it.... I was such a fool; I thought he didn't care. The look on his face- to him, it was hard to open up, I think he hasn't talked about himself in awhile... and I butted in. Turns out he DID care, the next morning I found a gift.... from him." Kagome paused. She had forgotten about the necklace. Sango and Miroku looked at in wonder, but Kagome didn't give them a chance to ask questions. "I wanted to tell him.... that I was sorry. But I found myself bewildered at the truth hidden inside of me.... I thought I had feelings for him and I was scared.... I haven't seemed him ever since."
"Kagome..." Miroku spoke.
She looked at him with a lost look. (Rikku: Sorry, can't describe it.... think between shocked and concerned. I'm no good with words, gomen nasai!)
"If you really are afraid of your feelings for the guy, then you obviously....."
"Love him." Sango stated. "Maybe not exactly that strong, but you do have feelings for him, hai in THAT way. You concealed your feelings for him because you thought it couldn't be true and you were afraid of...."
"Rejection." Miroku said. (Rikku: Boy these two think alike, don't they?) "Something you heard about his past has told you that he would reject you, you're scared Kagome, of losing him. Face it."
Kagome stared blankly at the two. They were right. They knew Kagome all to well. They were right about it ALL. But that was what Kagome feared of. (Rikku: She's afraid of a lot, ne?) "H-hai.... I'm sorry I doubted it... you two are right, just like always."
Sango pulled her into a hug and Miroku stood by their side.
THAT was what Kagome needed.... the only two people that could ever understand her..... comforting her. They cared, even if they did have differences, they ALWAYS cared. And that's what friends are for, right?
*************
"Now students, flip to chapter 17 and read pages 112 to 134, I expect a report on the Indian's tribes and I expect it..... 1 week from now."
The students groaned. They listened to their teacher talk with his stern voice and took out their books, half-asleep.
Miroku had been right. Kagome felt better about telling her friends the truth. But that was only one down on a list of 100 things left to do. Including confronting InuYasha. She took out her books with a cheerful smile. 'First on the agenda...' she thought. 'A date with InuYasha- well sorta...'
"Kagome? Did you hear me? Ms. Higurashi!!"
She looked up. "Nani?"
The teacher gave her a rude look. "Ms. Higurashi." he said slowly. "Do you expect to pass history class when you are constantly distracted by minor things? How will you graduate from highschool, if your head is ALWAYS in the clouds?"
"Excuse me sir, but this was only a first. I have done no such thing in the past and I refuse to let you accuse me of something I am NOT responsible for." she said, defending herself. "But if I appear to be doing something wrong in YOUR eyes, then I apologize. Gomen."
The teacher just shook his head as Kagome's classmates cheered. It was typical how they would over react over small things..... but Kagome was still satisfied with her impression on them.
Her smile mischeviously widened. She was just about ready to congratulate herself until someone tapped her shoulder with a pen. Kagome twisted her neck and saw Sango with an eager look. She smiled and handed Kagome a note.
Kagome turned quickly as her teacher drew near to the two. She hid the note but opened it when the man was busy at the other side of the room.
"Kagome,
Can't say this aloud: tell 'lech' and I about 'you-know-who's' past, we can help you. Oh, and nice comeback, the 'teach' must really feel dumb.
Sango&Miroku"
She shook her head, her friends were so nosy.... but in a good way. And what was with the nicknames? But what was really odd, was how Sango and Miroku's names seemed to fit together....hmm.
The bell rang again and the students fled from the room, eager to leave. Kagome stayed back, pretending to pile her homework as she waited for her friends.
Sango and Miroku were in a corner of the room and Miroku seemed to be forfeiting a whole lot of cash, judging by his painful look and Sango's grin.
They headed for Kagome when the 'teach' left the room. Sango had the widest smile and Miroku had a look that said I-lost-my-dignity-to-a-money-hungry-girl-I-thought-was-my-friend. Poor guy....
Kagome sighed. The two were up to their usual. "What was it this time?" She asked when her friends were within earshot.
"What do you mean?" Sango chirped.
"Oh, c'mon guys, you honestly don't expect one of your closest friends to know what you two 'do-gooders' are up to?" Kagome smirked.
Miroku chuckled. It seemed he had gotten over his loss easily. "Just another bet..."
Kagome was right. 'Heh-heh, I'm sooo wise!' she cheered in her mind. "Oh, I see..." said Kagome. "And... what did you bet on?"
Sango and Miroku didn't say much... except for a few mixed words.
"I-"
"He-"
"She-"
"We-"
"It's-"
"But-"
"And-"
"Please-"
"Don't-"
"Be-"
"Mad!!!" They pleaded.
"Now, why would I be mad?" Kagome chuckled. Oh, it was getting better and better. "You didn't even tell me what you bet on? Could it have been on....oh, lemme think....me?"
"IIE!!" They cried in unison.
"I know when you're lying....."
"But-"
"Tell me!"
"But-"
"NOW!"
They sighed.
Miroku was first up. "Kagome, we didn't mean anything we just...."
"Thought that this was necessary...." It was Sango's turn.
"To do this, because it told us, er- more about...."
"You and your problems, but we didn't mean any of it, we just..."
"Did this for fun... and er- for you of course..."
"Skip to the point!!" Kagome hollered. The two were really pissing her off. It was fun toying with them, but now that she knew that they would bet on her, she was starting to blow off steam.
"Wedidn'tmeanitwejustwantedtobetonifyouwouldtellusanythingbut-" The two unisoned. They had said it all in one breath....they were scared.
"But....?" Kagome sneered. Okay, MAYBE it was a little funny.
"Miroku bet against you!!" Sango hollered, pointing an accusing finger at the boy.
Miroku gasped. "You-you snitched!!"
Sango laughed-a wicked laugh. "I did, didn't I? But that was just to save my ass and get your's in shit.... heh-heh, it was only for the best...."
"So the 'best' is when I'm gonna get killed and you're home free?"
"Uh-huh."
Kagome swore she saw a dark aura spread around the 'lech'. She backed away, Sango didn't know what she was in for.
"H-how much did you two bet?" Kagome stuttered.
"25 bucks each." Sango confessed. Though she didn't look the least bit sorry.
Kagome thought for a second. 'Sango thinks she's home free just because didn't bet against me....' She didn't really care about the bet, but she would fake to be mad to show Sango how she, Kagome, had felt, and well Miroku... it was fun to play with him.
"B-but I totally regret that!" Miroku hollered.
"Sure you did." Sango said sarcastically, patting the boy on his shoulder, she headed for the door but stopped before she left. "One more thing." she said, turning around. "I have to go now but I expect an explaination about 'you-know-who's' past tomorrow. Ja ne, Kagome and-" she giggled. "Miroku...."
"And so the wicked witch has FINALLY left...." Miroku mumbled.
Kagome giggled. "Ah, don't worry Miroku-sama..." she said smiling. "I'm not mad at you."
He smiled. "S-seriously?"
She shook her head. "Not really.... Ja!" And with a smirk, she left Miroku there, sobbing.
(Rikku: Poor guy, ne?)
**********
Kagome made her way through the halls and landed at the office. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do, but she knew she didn't want to go home....yet. She was way too overwhelmed with joy to let her mother and grandfather spoil it. Kagome went in and phoned her mom.
"Hai....hai....could you?.....oh, doumo!!! Arigatou, I-....uh-huh....iie...hai...iie....ok, dewa mata!" She hung up. (Rikku: For those of you that didn't get that, that was just one side of her phone call, ok?)
She skipped cheerfully in the halls and came to a hault at the gym. She stood on tip-toe and peeked through the small window located on the door.
InuYasha was there.
He was playing soccer alone. In a jersey. 'Wow...' Kagome blushed. He was in a red and yellow jersey, sweating and he played like a pro.... It was a nice sight, he was also wearing a cap again.(Rikku: Hmm....what could this mean?? Heh-heh, I'm just playing with ya...) She took a deep breath as she placed a hand on a handle. Ready to go in. 'Don't screw up Kagome...' she thought. 'He's only a guy.... but just DON'T screw up....'
She pulled the door open and took one step in. It felt like that one step had drained out all of her energy. She attempted to pull another leg forward but found herself with a very sore leg. 'W-what's wrong with me?' she thought. 'Oh no!! I forgot my legs cramp whenever I'm nervous....'
Yup.
How lucky was she to have both her legs cramp before confronting InuYasha?
And because of nervousness.
Damn, that girl was lucky.
Not.
"Ow..." she spoke softly. Kagome looked up from her misfortune and watched InuYasha kick the ball around. He didn't seem to have noticed her yet, instead he continued to show off to a non-existent crowd.
She sighed and thought to herself. 'Maybe he doesn't want to see me at the moment....' And just then the nervousness had fled from her body and another thought had come to mind. 'Leave...' she told herself.
Kagome gave InuYasha another glance and turned to leave as slowly as possible. He wouldn't have to know she was here....
"Kagome?" came his voice.
Drat. It was perfect. When she's making the biggest scene of her life (not exactly) he doesn't seem to see her, but when she's attempting to leave as quiet and unnoticeable as a spy, the blind boy seems to see again!! Alleluia, what a miracle.
Not.
She took another deep breath. Everything had to go wrong for her, right? "H-hai, InuYasha...?" she said not even turning back to look at him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Why do you care?"
"B-because... I just thought that-"
"That?"
"What is wrong with you, woman!?"
"Everything...." she mumbled silently.
InuYasha didn't reply.
Kagome turned around with a thoughtful look. Why was she mad at InuYasha when she had come to him to apologize? She shut her eyes and spoke. "Listen... I didn't come here to start with the insults...."
"It sure look like you did...."
"Hey, whatever happened to NEW start?"
"Feh!"
She sighed ONCE again. "I came here to apologize..." Kagome gave him a stern look and noticed that AGAIN, he wasn't looking straight at her. She was beginning to feel a pang of sadness but quickly discarded it, knowing that it wasn't her fault. Hey, she couldn't blame herself for looking like Kikyo. If only InuYasha knew that....
"For what?"
"For...." Kagome lowered her head. "for... making you tell me everything, though you didn't want to. I was selfish enough to make you say it, disregarding your feelings....I'm just so.." She felt her eyes water as her bangs created a dark shadow concealing her eyes. "so... stupid... so stubborn... so sorry...." She let the sentence trail off, but immediately started a new one before she forgot to say what she had to say. "But arigatou, for the gift, I thought you didn't care but you DID.... and I'm thankful for that." Kagome started for the door but InuYasha's voice stopped her.
"K-Kagome.... please, don't blame yourself."
"Why?" she sobbed. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
"Because, you didn't force anything out of me.... It's my fault. Just because I lost Kikyo, I act as if I lost hope in everything. But I didn't. And you.... you never lost hope in me. It was my mistake to treat you like you were nothing.... maybe it's best that I told you.... maybe something good will come out of it. I just gotta learn that Kikyo's...gone. I don't expect to fall in love again, unless someone special ever comes by...."
Kagome felt herself sadden at that. His words were cold.... even though he was supporting her- in a way- it still meant he didn't have the same feelings for her like she did for him.
"And..." he continued. "You were never selfish in anyway, you cared enough to get me to talk.... because you knew it would help me. Maybe. Well, that's what I think, because I know you're that type....I know you are."
Kagome felt a pang of guilty this time. She was thinking about herself when she asked him about his past... but maybe it was best that she let him believe what he wanted to. And maybe she DID do it for him.... she just probably didn't know. (Rikku: Uh-huh, and cows originated from the moon.... sorry, I'm dissing my own fic, well that's me. All negativity. *Sigh*)
"Don't cry Kagome..." he said sternly. "But now.... we have both had our say, so you can leave."
"But... you should know I care about you-" Kagome immediately choked on her words. Big mistake. She felt her face heaten up and she knew a blush had spread across her face.
She look up with a fake-cheerful look. (Rikku: ???) InuYasha had drew nearer to her and he was also blushing. She laughed nervously. "Heh-heh, I mean about your feelings.... I didn't mean to hurt them in any way if I did..." She attempted to leave once again but noticed something. InuYasha also had a necklace around his neck and it was identical to the one he had gotten Kagome. 'How sweet...' she thought. 'it's like a friendship thing...' But the thought of JUST a friendship scared her a little. But something also told her that it was probably best to not ruin the 'friendship' and leave it as it was.
He laughed nervously too. "Y-yeah.... for my feelings...." And without another word he went back to entertaining his imaginary audience.
"Phew..." Kagome said to herself. She hesitantly opened the door and left. "I'm glad that's all over...."
**********
HOORAY! My longest chapter yet!!! An improvement, ne? Not really. Oh well.... but arigatou for your reviews. They inspired me to write a bit more. And aren't we happy that InuYasha and Kagome aren't mad at each other yet? *Nods* Yup, yes we are. Gomen, I'm going insane.
~*~
Ja ne! And until the next chapter!!
P.S. I'm starting that right away, lol.