Author's Note: I have been working really late this week because of my job
and all. So I'm sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. Right now my
beta and I are going to go through all my stories and edit them. So
hopefully I'll be able to update soon. Keep those fingers crossed guys.
And for those who were wondering about Kikyo and the whole mess, this chapter will give the information you're looking for.
Disclaimer: Not yet...
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A Country Life
Chapter Five
Ignorance is the Key
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Kagome wiped away the last of her tears on her cheeks and stood up. She fixed her dress and her face. She didn't want to show any signs of crying. Not especially in front of Inuyasha. Whatever it was she wasn't going to cry for him.
'But you were crying for an incredible hot hunk so...' Kagome shook her head. She had to stop thinking like that. She took in a deep breath and walked back inside the hotel only to bump into the same guy that managed to make her cry over nothing.
'Nothing my ass.' Her mind invaded into her head once subjecting to the facts. She pushed her thoughts aside and kept her hand in control from slapping him. Instead she put on a fake insincere smile.
The very same smile that she reserved for people that she disliked but still showed respect and politeness too; no matter how much she was mad at him.
She concentrated on his tie or some other part of his suit. She couldn't look at his face. She wouldn't... But she couldn't deny the fact that his eyes were boring into her head. It bothered her.
She looked up at met his eyes. Immediately she wished she hadn't.
Inuyasha smiled back to her a warm smile that softened his face and crinkled his twinkling eyes a bit. A smile that was rarely shown back at the ranch. His mountain fresh cologne danced around her nose. Her nose caught onto the scent appreciatively. She was already becoming weak in the knees.
She was trapped by him. And for some reason that didn't bother her.
"Hi" she said back softly and was the first to break away from the intense gazing. She focused on the ground instead.
He leaned against the glass door frame and tilted his head back slightly. "So what are you doing out here?"
He continued to look at her. He noticed earlier that her face seemed a little red and a bit swollen as if she was crying. He wondered if he was the cause of it. It bothered him that she wasn't happy, that she wasn't enjoying herself on a night like this. Where everyone was having fun.
She let out a soft laugh and looked back at him. This time her eyes carried a hard angry look to them. But in a blink of an eye it was gone. He wasn't even sure if he had actually seen the look in her eyes or if the lighting of the moon was playing tricks on him.
"I was just thinking that's all." She whispered, her back now faced him as she leaned over the balcony and looked down below.
"Oh." He said and went next to her and looked down below with her also. Kagome's back stiffened a little. She didn't understand why she was so willingly letting him stay with her, it made her feel uncomfortable. How easily she could let him be near her.
She didn't understand why even now at this very moment her heart was doing flip flops.
She sighed and watched the people below her laughing and talking.
"So why were you really out here?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome froze. She jumbled through her mind thinking of some excuse to come up with. "Well I guess I was contemplating with my choices right now."
"What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked his voice slightly wavering. "You know like if I'm making the right choice working and living here, if my life will ever be complete..." She paused not wanting that last part to slip out.
"What are you trying to say Kagome?" She felt his eyes on her. She shivered slightly but not because of the chilly air. "Never mind I'm just rambling, all that alcohol must've gotten to me. Now if you'll excuse me I don't feel all that too well..." She pushed him slightly and headed inside leaving him out there alone and confused.
"But you didn't drink that much." Inuyasha whispered back watching her retreating figure slowly grow fainter in the crowd.
Kagome pushed the people aside and headed towards the exit when Sango caught her by the arm. "Are you okay Kagome?" Kagome nodded and managed to bring out a soft smile on her face as a cover up. "Yeah, I'm fine why?"
Sango shrugged and replied "I don't know you seem so sad right now. Your eyes..." Kagome faked a laugh and waved away Sango's words. "No I'm just tired that's all. I'm going to turn in early. I'll see you later than?" Kagome felt horrible about lying, but for some reason she couldn't bring herself to it. To telling the truth, especially on a night like this.
A night she wouldn't ruin for Sango. It was her problem not her friend's.
Sango knitted her brows together thinking about Kagome's answer. It seemed reasonable enough. "Yeah I'll see you later than. Take care Kagome." Kagome said goodbye and walked out of the exit. She decided to find someone to give her a ride, to her luck she saw Shippo.
"Shippo! Hey what are you doing out in the cold!?" Shippo smiled his usual lopsided smile. "I was about to go home, the party was getting boring anyways... They wouldn't let me have anymore appetizers." He admitted.
Kagome laughed. "Well I'll bet you eat as much as the guys back at the ranch. You men think with your stomachs don't you?"
Shippo tapped his index finger on his chin pretending to think really hard about the question. "Hmm... I guess we men do." Kagome laughed again and leaned against the truck with Shippo.
"Well do you think you could take me home than?" Kagome asked. Shippo looked over to Kagome and saw something in her eyes that usually wasn't there. Sadness. He could sense the distress.
"Sure." He whispered, noticing the tension in the air grew slightly thicker when Kagome went unusually quiet. Kagome went over to the other side and went in the truck. Shippo did the same and started the truck all ready to go home.
The drive was quiet. Once in a while Shippo would look over to his right to checkup on Kagome. Kagome didn't notice on account of her mind wandering outside the car window.
She leaned her head against her right palm of her hand, propped on her elbow which was next to the truck window. He saw her eyes seem to have lost the usual happy spark that ignited her eyes with such passion of emotion. But for some reason it was gone. She seemed lost and hollow. She seemed alone.
"Kagome if you want to talk you can tell me you know?" Shippo added helpfully. Kagome pulled her gaze away from the window and smiled at him. "Yeah I know..." She then looked back out of her window. The conversation was over. They drove back home in silence.
Kagome washed away all the makeup from her face. She rubbed the soap vigorously against her face, trying to remove everything off her face. She splashed the cold water against her face.
She turned off the water and looked in the mirror. Her reflection said it all.
She had feelings for Inuyasha.
Feelings that was unprofessional for her.
She grabbed the plush towel and brought it up to her face, drying the moisture off her face. 'Don't be stupid Kagome. He's involved.' She set the towel back on the rack and went back into her bedroom looking out of her window.
Sitting on the chair next to her window she looked out. Her view faced the front yard. It brought up a fond memory of hers that she encountered during her stay at the ranch.
(Flashback)
Kagome gripped the sleek cold hose in her hand. She slowly turned the nozzle towards him not wanting him to notice what she was about to do.
She laughed in the back of her head when she saw his face, when she pulled back the handle and out jetted the cold water from the hose. He tried to dodge it.
He failed miserably. His whole head was soaked. His face was in shock. "You did that on purpose!"
Kagome smiled mischievously "What ever do you mean? It slipped that's all. Like this!" She sprayed him with another cold jet of water, this time aiming his whole body.
Kagome chased after him. Inuyasha running and dodging the hose and Kagome. He ran behind the large haystacks trying to hide from Kagome. It was all about survival now.
He felt a gentle soft tap on his shoulder he turned around. He let out a blood curdling scream.
Kagome gave him another blast of the jet of water. He tried to crouch away from the hose.
It didn't work. He was now completely soaked. He laid down on the grass pretending to be dead. Kagome crouched above him looking at him. She knew he was faking it but something drew her near him.
She was about to poke him when he grabbed her wrist. "Gotcha!" Kagome tugged at her wrist, trying to pull free.
"Let go!" she said playfully. Inuyasha shook his head and smiled. "No way, this time it's my turn."
He tossed her over his shoulder and set her on the hay and quickly grabbed the hose. He turned it around so that it was facing her. His smile grew larger.
"Kagome I would like you to meet my little friend." He pulled back the handle.
Before she knew it she was sprayed.
(End of Flashback)
Kagome remember how easily she fell for his smile. Or how she would stare at him appreciatively during her break.
He would work hard outside, and on those extremely hot days he would take off his shirt and work in the sun.
The sweat perfectly gleaming on his bronze-toned body. His lean muscles deliciously taunting Kagome. Kagome would blush while watching him work. It wasn't his physical layer that only attracted Kagome.
It was the way he was also dedicated to his work. The way he smiled as he worked or how he carried himself around the ranch. He never seemed tired, just awake and fresh. As if he lived for his work.
And the fact he loved his job. He truly loved it with a passion.
A reason why Kagome would watch him. He fascinated her. There was something always new about him to learn. She found out each and every day something new about him. The more time she spent on this farm, she learned more and more about him and the workers.
She knew that when he thinks no one is looking or is there, he would take a sip out of the orange juice carton and put it back in. Or when Kaede made cookies he would always grab three instead of one. Or how he and the guys had burping contests during their break.
He also loved to ride across the pasture just when the sun was about to set. He would ride with just the one horse, his favorite horse Cyclone. He was a strong black stallion. The ideal horse for anyone who wanted a racing horse.
But now Inuyasha he kept them more so for leisure than for racing. Money didn't matter to him.
Kagome couldn't believe it that after all this time she couldn't see it.
She gently tugged at the collar of her pajama shirt, as if it was choking her.
Her feelings for him were more than mutual.
In a weird sense she liked him, despite how little she actually knew about him.
She pulled herself away from the window, turned off her lights, and crawled into bed. She was tucked the blankets around her comfortably and fell asleep.
Hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.
Sango glared at Miroku as she stepped inside the house.
"I can't believe you!"
"What did I do? It was only a mere pat." Miroku said defensively.
"A pat on the butt is not a friendly gesture or a mere pat! It's a perverted gesture!" Sango said vehemently.
Miroku scratched his head before replying. "Well I'm sorry if it was offensive to you. Sometimes I can't control myself when I'm around a pretty woman."
Sango's facial features softened a little at the last remark. "Don't do it again next time. Goodnight Miroku."
Miroku watched Sango ascend up the stairs and sighed. He looked down on at his hands and said. "Well buddy I can tell you one thing for sure. She didn't want you to pat there. Now we need to work on the appropriate places to pat." At that moment it seemed next to impossible for him to do.
Miroku looked up and saw Inuyasha step into the house. "Hey man, what's up? You seem upset."
Inuyasha shrugged and said "I don't know. I think Kagome is mad at me."
Miroku mouthed an "Oh!" and plopped on the couch next to Inuyasha. "I think it has to do with Kikyo."
Inuyasha looked up at Miroku. "Kikyo? What does that have to do with Kagome?"
Miroku rolled his eyes. "Inuyasha anyone can see that Kags has... Feelings for you. And well the exchange between you and Kikyo did not go unnoticed by her. In fact I think she was kind of upset."
Inuyasha nodded understanding what Miroku was saying. He had sort of figured out tonight that there was something going on between him and her. "Damn... It wasn't even like that. The kiss was unexpected. I didn't even think Kikyo would find me here."
Miroku leaned over so he could see Inuyasha closer. "So... What did happen between you and Kikyo?"
"Don't you know?" Miroku shook his head. "I know bits and pieces of it but they don't fill in all the way, if you know what I mean."
Inuyasha laid back on the couch and closed his eyes. "I guess we were young, I don't know exactly what you would say it was. But what I do know is that it was that one day. That one day was enough to have me chasing after her. I was in college, studying law, as you know, and there she was. She had transferred from her college to study law there." Inuyasha paused reminiscing on the old memories.
"We hit it off right away. We were both interested in school, and had a lot of things in common. It was like we were almost the perfect couple. Then two years along the relationship she changed. It was as if she was a different person. She became obsessed with her looks and everything about her. From the way she talked to the way she dressed. And me being stupid let her be like that, I accepted all those changes. I guess I was too blind to see it. She wasn't in love with me anymore."
Miroku knitted his brows together. "Then what happened?"
Inuyasha opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling. "She met Naraku. Everything fell apart for us then. It just wasn't the same. All those years we had together didn't matter anymore to her. Just him. And why not? He had money, he was an uprising successful law student. He was every girl's dream back then. Even I couldn't compare to that. I was some lowly law student who was greatly disappointing his father."
Miroku then said "Till he got in the car accident. It was a miracle that he even survived. Too bad about his face, it was ruined for good. Even surgery couldn't cover up those flaws."
Hearing that didn't make Inuyasha feel any better. "That's why she came here. Naraku wasn't perfect anymore. So she goes back to her leftovers. Which is me."
"Well think about Inuyasha, Kikyo isn't going to leave you alone. She gets what she wants. And well she wants you back now."
Inuyasha snorted "Please, I swore off girls a long time ago. Thanks to Kikyo."
Miroku hardly believed what Inuyasha had said. "If that's so then why were you so concerned about Kagome?"
Inuyasha froze at the remark. "I guess I wanted to see if she was okay. I don't want her emotions to conflict with the performance of her job tomorrow." Miroku could sense the lying underneath that statement.
"So is that why you were so upset a few minutes ago? Because you don't want Kagome's emotions to conflict with her work tomorrow? If I knew any better I would say that you actually care about her, more than you claim. Kagome is a strong person. She is a good person. I hope you remember that."
Miroku stood up and walked away ending the conversation with that said. Leaving Inuyasha deep in his thoughts.
Slowly the signs of fall were fading and the evading new season chilled the air. Winter frost gently coated the grounds outside. Before she knew it, it was already winter and five months had easily passed.
Kagome was outside checking up on the horses. She patted one of the horses on the back of it's head and headed outside. It was a good five months that Kagome had been working at the ranch.
Sango had gone back to her 'dreadful' job. And life was beginning to flow back comfortably. Except for the one thing that was on her mind. Her and Inuyasha's relationship wasn't the same anymore.
Instead of the friendship they had, it became less mutual. A feeling that Kagome felt was partially her fault. She had ignored him for weeks, angered by the fact that he didn't bother to see what was wrong with her.
In fact the very next day after the Fall Ball, he had acted like nothing had happened before. When Sango left Kagome grew very lonely. Talking to Shippo, Miroku, or Kaede wasn't the same as talking to her best friend.
The last two months had been the hardest for her. Especially when her mother finally called her saying that Kagome shouldn't expect to be invited for Christmas dinner at her mother's.
Kagome was heartbroken. Her mother was still obviously upset about her choice. She sighed and walked around the pasture and looked at the sun rising up slowly. The cold air didn't bother her.
In fact she had grown use to it. She could see that Inuyasha was already working. He was always up before anyone. No matter how early Kagome woke, he was already outside working.
Kagome walked the opposite way heading towards the house. Kaede was up and cooking breakfast while Shippo was watching cartoons in the living room. Kagome sat down next to Shippo and joined him in watching cartoons with him for the time being.
"Aren't you a little too old to be watching TV Shippo?" Kagome asked curiously pulling her eyes away from the screen and looking at Shippo. Shippo waved her comment aside. "Nah... You can't ever be too old to watch cartoons. It's the best."
Kagome smiled expecting an answer like that from Shippo. She stood up and was about to head upstairs when she hear Inuyasha come in. She could tell because he was the only one who stomped on the welcome mat outside of the front door before entering inside. He did it to remove the dirt from his shoes.
He washed his hands in the sink, turned the faucet off, and dried his hands on the towel that laid beside the sink. He grunted when he sat down. Kaede rang the bell and the usual clutter of men racing to the table for food occurred.
Kagome was the last out of the group in the living room to enter, and sat across from Miroku. "Morning everybody." Kagome said. Miroku nodded while shoving the food in his mouth, Shippo smacked his lips before he said morning and did the same thing as Miroku, shoving food in his mouth.
Inuyasha said a quick 'morning' back to Kagome and looked down at his plate while eating. Kouga was the last to arrive at the table. "Sorry, I overslept." He muttered as he took his seat next to Kagome.
He flashed a quick smile at Kagome and then piled whatever he wanted to eat on his plate. Kagome smiled back and chewed her food thoughtfully. She didn't know if she should ask him.
When Souta had called her a week ago asking her to come up to visit him and have Christmas dinner at his place with their friends. Kagome was ecstatic. She had missed all of her friends and family and had been looking forward to going home for some time.
When breakfast was over Kagome managed to catch Inuyasha before he left outside. "Can I talk to you?" Kagome asked hesitantly.
Inuyasha stiffly turned around and looked at Kagome with a mild interest. "Yes?" Kagome ignored the look he gave her and smiled at him. Even if they were fighting and it wasn't officially stated, Kagome was still going to be nice about it.
She wasn't going to act like a child and put up the same childish antics as he did. "Well Christmas is Firday and I was wondering if I could leave tomorrow night to visit family and friends?"
Inuyasha's looks softened a bit. "Yeah sure go ahead." He left not wanting to talk with her anymore. When he left outside Kagome shook her head disapprovingly. She didn't understand why Inuyasha was so mad at her.
She went upstairs to pack so she could have extra time to spend with her 'second' family tomorrow.
The next day came and the whole household was in a friendly mood. Decorations that was set up a month ago was now turned on. The lights brightly shining and the whole house smelling like cookies.
Kagome smiled and said her usual 'Good morning everybody!' and watched Shippo and Miroku roast their marshmallow on a stick in the fireplace. She put her gifts under the tree, since she would not be here tomorrow on Christmas Day. She sat in between Shippo and Miroku making smores with them.
At dinner everyone laughed and joked about everything. From Miroku's perverted gestures, to Shippo's not so friendly farts. Kagome laughed along with them feeling very happy and content.
Even Inuyasha couldn't bring her down at the moment. When it was time for her to leave she was sad. Because in some way she didn't want to leave her family here. But she wanted to see her other family and friends for some time now.
She waved goodbye in the truck to everyone who was waving back at her on the porch. Inuyasha was driving her to the train station.
The ride was quiet for some time when Kagome finally spoke up. "Thank you for letting me go. It's very kind of you."
Inuyasha just nodded. Kagome thanked him again when he helped her with her one suitcase. She waved goodbye to him from the train window. He waved only once. But he stood there until he couldn't see her anymore.
Kagome arrived at her Souta's house. She paid the taxi driver and ran up Souta's steps. She rang the doorbell eagerly.
The anticipation inside of her grew each moment. She had missed him so much.
When he opened the door she threw herself on him and hugged him tightly. "Hey sis." He said in a muffled voice. Kagome broke apart from the hug and looked at him.
"Have you been doing some growing since I last left?" Souta shook his head and said "I wish. Well come on bring your bag inside and I'll show you where you'll be sleeping."
Souta flicked on the lights to Kagome's temporary bedroom and said "Ta da!" Kagome gave a faint smile. It wasn't the fact that she hated the room. It was nice. But it was a bit too nice for Kagome.
The large bed was luxurious along with all the furniture in the room. It was like her old room in her old house, when she lived with her mother. She looked over her shoulder at Souta and said "It's nice, thank you Souta."
"Glad you like it. So when you're done unpacking you and I can have some quality time together. You know catch up on things, it's been awhile huh?"
Kagome nodded and said "Sounds good to me." Souta left the room while Kagome unpacked.
Afterwards she was snuggled up on the couch with her hot cocoa, while Souta was on the ground next to the warm fireplace.
"How's your job been Kagome? Are you happy there?" Kagome took a sip of her hot cocoa and then thought about the question for a moment. "Yeah, I guess so. The pay isn't as great as my previous job but I'm happy there. I love the environment and the people there. It's... Refreshing."
Souta smiled and looked at Kagome with his head propped on one arm his other hands playing with the carpet. "That's good... I'm glad you're happy." Silence quickly fell. Kagome shifted uncomfortably, feeling the tension. She knew Souta had something to say.
"Souta... What's wrong?" Souta scrunched up his face as if he was thinking about what words to say. "Kagome I'm worried. Mom's been to the hospital twice this week. They say she needs to get a pacemaker but she refuses. She says that's for the weaker people. That she has a good heart."
Kagome blinked. "Mom's sick?" Souta's eyes widened. "Kagome, you called her mom." Kagome replayed what she said in her head. Souta was right it had been awhile since she had called her mom.
Ever since her mother became more famous and spent less time with her and Souta, the term 'mom' was lost and she became mother something formal to address her by. Not the casual and friendly term that she once had for her 'mom'. Because her mom was replaced by someone else.
Kagome bit her lip thinking about it. Wondering what had made her say 'mom' instead of mother. Souta spoke up again. "Have you met anyone special there?"
Kagome looked at his glass coffee table. There was a little chip on the corner. But Souta refused to get rid of it after their mother had insisted him to. He said he wouldn't or couldn't get rid of it because it was the very first furniture he bought with his own money. It now carried a sentimental value to him.
She fingered the little chip and smiled. "I don't know Souta... I think there might be someone, but I'm not sure if he feels the same way." Souta saw Kagome's eyes.
There was something in her eyes that he couldn't quite place his finger on. They carried a depth of eternal happiness or something like that. It made his heart swell. It had been awhile since Kagome was happy.
"I hope so Kagome." Kagome looked at Souta and said "Me too..."
The fire crackled loudly sending waves of warmth in the room. A room that was already filled with enough warmth and love.
It was Christmas morning but as usual Inuyasha was up before everybody. He was going to get a cup of water in the kitchen when his eyes caught the presents that were under the tree.
Like a naughty boy would he went under the tree and went through his large pile of gifts. Then one caught his eye. Because he wasn't expecting a gift from this person, not after how he had treated her.
It was a small square box wrapped in gold. He read the card first.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Inuyasha,
I guess you were surprised when you saw your present under the tree. Well despite all we've been doing which is ignoring each as best as we can.
I still feel that even you deserve a gift on Christmas. This gift is something my Grandfather gave to me when I was little. He told me that the rosary
belonged to a hanyou thousands of years ago. The rosary was something he hated because he was controlled by a girl by one single word and it was
impossible for him to take it off. But after the years had passed and when their journey was over she had taken off the rosary saying that she trusted him
now. But when she took it off it was painful for him. Not physically but mentally. Because a part of her was leaving him. Their journey was over. He had no
hate for her now, the hate that he had for her grew into something that he never thought would happen, love. He kept the rosary close to him till the day
he died. He was buried next to her. The love of his life. But that isn't why I gave it to you. It's because this necklace first symbolized their friendship for
each other in the beginning. I'm hoping that we will be able to rekindle our friendship too. This rosary means a lot to me so take good care of it. And a
Merry Christmas to you Inuyasha.
Kagome
~~~~~~~~~~
Inuyasha put the card down and peeled off the gold wrapping paper. He lifted off the lid of the box and saw the black rosary she was talking about. The black was gloss and pearl-shaped. In the front were three sectioned fangs.
It was a beautiful rosary. He looked at it for a while and took it upstairs along with the card and set it on his table in his bedroom. He grabbed his jacket, wallet, and a small wrapped box that sat in his closet shelf.
He went downstairs and went outside. He was going to find Kagome. It was the least he could do.
He drove in his truck remembering what Miroku had said a while back. "... If I knew any better I would say that you actually care about her, more than you claim. Kagome is a strong person. She is a good person. I hope you remember that."
Kagome laughed with her friends that were now over at Souta's place. They all had opened their gifts and had their breakfast and lunch together. The grandfather clock in Souta's hallway chimed twelve. It was twelve in the afternoon.
Kagome stood up getting the door. The doorbell buzzed once more before Kagome opened it. She pulled the door all the way back and gasped when she saw who it was.
"Hi Kagome... Here's your gift, I hope you'll like it."
Kagome took the gift and looked at the figure that stood before her. His cheeks were red, though Kagome couldn't tell if it was from the cold or if he was embarrassed.
"Thank you... Why don't you come in Inuyasha?" Kagome suggested.
Inuyasha smiled and stepped inside.
Things were starting to look up after all.
AN: Yay! I'm on a roll people. Now to update my next story, The Story of Two. I'm thinking it'll be up either Tuesday or Wednesday because the family is planning on visiting some of the villages and tourist places tomorrow so no updates tomorrow. Sorry!
And for those who were wondering about Kikyo and the whole mess, this chapter will give the information you're looking for.
Disclaimer: Not yet...
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A Country Life
Chapter Five
Ignorance is the Key
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Kagome wiped away the last of her tears on her cheeks and stood up. She fixed her dress and her face. She didn't want to show any signs of crying. Not especially in front of Inuyasha. Whatever it was she wasn't going to cry for him.
'But you were crying for an incredible hot hunk so...' Kagome shook her head. She had to stop thinking like that. She took in a deep breath and walked back inside the hotel only to bump into the same guy that managed to make her cry over nothing.
'Nothing my ass.' Her mind invaded into her head once subjecting to the facts. She pushed her thoughts aside and kept her hand in control from slapping him. Instead she put on a fake insincere smile.
The very same smile that she reserved for people that she disliked but still showed respect and politeness too; no matter how much she was mad at him.
She concentrated on his tie or some other part of his suit. She couldn't look at his face. She wouldn't... But she couldn't deny the fact that his eyes were boring into her head. It bothered her.
She looked up at met his eyes. Immediately she wished she hadn't.
Inuyasha smiled back to her a warm smile that softened his face and crinkled his twinkling eyes a bit. A smile that was rarely shown back at the ranch. His mountain fresh cologne danced around her nose. Her nose caught onto the scent appreciatively. She was already becoming weak in the knees.
She was trapped by him. And for some reason that didn't bother her.
"Hi" she said back softly and was the first to break away from the intense gazing. She focused on the ground instead.
He leaned against the glass door frame and tilted his head back slightly. "So what are you doing out here?"
He continued to look at her. He noticed earlier that her face seemed a little red and a bit swollen as if she was crying. He wondered if he was the cause of it. It bothered him that she wasn't happy, that she wasn't enjoying herself on a night like this. Where everyone was having fun.
She let out a soft laugh and looked back at him. This time her eyes carried a hard angry look to them. But in a blink of an eye it was gone. He wasn't even sure if he had actually seen the look in her eyes or if the lighting of the moon was playing tricks on him.
"I was just thinking that's all." She whispered, her back now faced him as she leaned over the balcony and looked down below.
"Oh." He said and went next to her and looked down below with her also. Kagome's back stiffened a little. She didn't understand why she was so willingly letting him stay with her, it made her feel uncomfortable. How easily she could let him be near her.
She didn't understand why even now at this very moment her heart was doing flip flops.
She sighed and watched the people below her laughing and talking.
"So why were you really out here?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome froze. She jumbled through her mind thinking of some excuse to come up with. "Well I guess I was contemplating with my choices right now."
"What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked his voice slightly wavering. "You know like if I'm making the right choice working and living here, if my life will ever be complete..." She paused not wanting that last part to slip out.
"What are you trying to say Kagome?" She felt his eyes on her. She shivered slightly but not because of the chilly air. "Never mind I'm just rambling, all that alcohol must've gotten to me. Now if you'll excuse me I don't feel all that too well..." She pushed him slightly and headed inside leaving him out there alone and confused.
"But you didn't drink that much." Inuyasha whispered back watching her retreating figure slowly grow fainter in the crowd.
Kagome pushed the people aside and headed towards the exit when Sango caught her by the arm. "Are you okay Kagome?" Kagome nodded and managed to bring out a soft smile on her face as a cover up. "Yeah, I'm fine why?"
Sango shrugged and replied "I don't know you seem so sad right now. Your eyes..." Kagome faked a laugh and waved away Sango's words. "No I'm just tired that's all. I'm going to turn in early. I'll see you later than?" Kagome felt horrible about lying, but for some reason she couldn't bring herself to it. To telling the truth, especially on a night like this.
A night she wouldn't ruin for Sango. It was her problem not her friend's.
Sango knitted her brows together thinking about Kagome's answer. It seemed reasonable enough. "Yeah I'll see you later than. Take care Kagome." Kagome said goodbye and walked out of the exit. She decided to find someone to give her a ride, to her luck she saw Shippo.
"Shippo! Hey what are you doing out in the cold!?" Shippo smiled his usual lopsided smile. "I was about to go home, the party was getting boring anyways... They wouldn't let me have anymore appetizers." He admitted.
Kagome laughed. "Well I'll bet you eat as much as the guys back at the ranch. You men think with your stomachs don't you?"
Shippo tapped his index finger on his chin pretending to think really hard about the question. "Hmm... I guess we men do." Kagome laughed again and leaned against the truck with Shippo.
"Well do you think you could take me home than?" Kagome asked. Shippo looked over to Kagome and saw something in her eyes that usually wasn't there. Sadness. He could sense the distress.
"Sure." He whispered, noticing the tension in the air grew slightly thicker when Kagome went unusually quiet. Kagome went over to the other side and went in the truck. Shippo did the same and started the truck all ready to go home.
The drive was quiet. Once in a while Shippo would look over to his right to checkup on Kagome. Kagome didn't notice on account of her mind wandering outside the car window.
She leaned her head against her right palm of her hand, propped on her elbow which was next to the truck window. He saw her eyes seem to have lost the usual happy spark that ignited her eyes with such passion of emotion. But for some reason it was gone. She seemed lost and hollow. She seemed alone.
"Kagome if you want to talk you can tell me you know?" Shippo added helpfully. Kagome pulled her gaze away from the window and smiled at him. "Yeah I know..." She then looked back out of her window. The conversation was over. They drove back home in silence.
Kagome washed away all the makeup from her face. She rubbed the soap vigorously against her face, trying to remove everything off her face. She splashed the cold water against her face.
She turned off the water and looked in the mirror. Her reflection said it all.
She had feelings for Inuyasha.
Feelings that was unprofessional for her.
She grabbed the plush towel and brought it up to her face, drying the moisture off her face. 'Don't be stupid Kagome. He's involved.' She set the towel back on the rack and went back into her bedroom looking out of her window.
Sitting on the chair next to her window she looked out. Her view faced the front yard. It brought up a fond memory of hers that she encountered during her stay at the ranch.
(Flashback)
Kagome gripped the sleek cold hose in her hand. She slowly turned the nozzle towards him not wanting him to notice what she was about to do.
She laughed in the back of her head when she saw his face, when she pulled back the handle and out jetted the cold water from the hose. He tried to dodge it.
He failed miserably. His whole head was soaked. His face was in shock. "You did that on purpose!"
Kagome smiled mischievously "What ever do you mean? It slipped that's all. Like this!" She sprayed him with another cold jet of water, this time aiming his whole body.
Kagome chased after him. Inuyasha running and dodging the hose and Kagome. He ran behind the large haystacks trying to hide from Kagome. It was all about survival now.
He felt a gentle soft tap on his shoulder he turned around. He let out a blood curdling scream.
Kagome gave him another blast of the jet of water. He tried to crouch away from the hose.
It didn't work. He was now completely soaked. He laid down on the grass pretending to be dead. Kagome crouched above him looking at him. She knew he was faking it but something drew her near him.
She was about to poke him when he grabbed her wrist. "Gotcha!" Kagome tugged at her wrist, trying to pull free.
"Let go!" she said playfully. Inuyasha shook his head and smiled. "No way, this time it's my turn."
He tossed her over his shoulder and set her on the hay and quickly grabbed the hose. He turned it around so that it was facing her. His smile grew larger.
"Kagome I would like you to meet my little friend." He pulled back the handle.
Before she knew it she was sprayed.
(End of Flashback)
Kagome remember how easily she fell for his smile. Or how she would stare at him appreciatively during her break.
He would work hard outside, and on those extremely hot days he would take off his shirt and work in the sun.
The sweat perfectly gleaming on his bronze-toned body. His lean muscles deliciously taunting Kagome. Kagome would blush while watching him work. It wasn't his physical layer that only attracted Kagome.
It was the way he was also dedicated to his work. The way he smiled as he worked or how he carried himself around the ranch. He never seemed tired, just awake and fresh. As if he lived for his work.
And the fact he loved his job. He truly loved it with a passion.
A reason why Kagome would watch him. He fascinated her. There was something always new about him to learn. She found out each and every day something new about him. The more time she spent on this farm, she learned more and more about him and the workers.
She knew that when he thinks no one is looking or is there, he would take a sip out of the orange juice carton and put it back in. Or when Kaede made cookies he would always grab three instead of one. Or how he and the guys had burping contests during their break.
He also loved to ride across the pasture just when the sun was about to set. He would ride with just the one horse, his favorite horse Cyclone. He was a strong black stallion. The ideal horse for anyone who wanted a racing horse.
But now Inuyasha he kept them more so for leisure than for racing. Money didn't matter to him.
Kagome couldn't believe it that after all this time she couldn't see it.
She gently tugged at the collar of her pajama shirt, as if it was choking her.
Her feelings for him were more than mutual.
In a weird sense she liked him, despite how little she actually knew about him.
She pulled herself away from the window, turned off her lights, and crawled into bed. She was tucked the blankets around her comfortably and fell asleep.
Hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.
Sango glared at Miroku as she stepped inside the house.
"I can't believe you!"
"What did I do? It was only a mere pat." Miroku said defensively.
"A pat on the butt is not a friendly gesture or a mere pat! It's a perverted gesture!" Sango said vehemently.
Miroku scratched his head before replying. "Well I'm sorry if it was offensive to you. Sometimes I can't control myself when I'm around a pretty woman."
Sango's facial features softened a little at the last remark. "Don't do it again next time. Goodnight Miroku."
Miroku watched Sango ascend up the stairs and sighed. He looked down on at his hands and said. "Well buddy I can tell you one thing for sure. She didn't want you to pat there. Now we need to work on the appropriate places to pat." At that moment it seemed next to impossible for him to do.
Miroku looked up and saw Inuyasha step into the house. "Hey man, what's up? You seem upset."
Inuyasha shrugged and said "I don't know. I think Kagome is mad at me."
Miroku mouthed an "Oh!" and plopped on the couch next to Inuyasha. "I think it has to do with Kikyo."
Inuyasha looked up at Miroku. "Kikyo? What does that have to do with Kagome?"
Miroku rolled his eyes. "Inuyasha anyone can see that Kags has... Feelings for you. And well the exchange between you and Kikyo did not go unnoticed by her. In fact I think she was kind of upset."
Inuyasha nodded understanding what Miroku was saying. He had sort of figured out tonight that there was something going on between him and her. "Damn... It wasn't even like that. The kiss was unexpected. I didn't even think Kikyo would find me here."
Miroku leaned over so he could see Inuyasha closer. "So... What did happen between you and Kikyo?"
"Don't you know?" Miroku shook his head. "I know bits and pieces of it but they don't fill in all the way, if you know what I mean."
Inuyasha laid back on the couch and closed his eyes. "I guess we were young, I don't know exactly what you would say it was. But what I do know is that it was that one day. That one day was enough to have me chasing after her. I was in college, studying law, as you know, and there she was. She had transferred from her college to study law there." Inuyasha paused reminiscing on the old memories.
"We hit it off right away. We were both interested in school, and had a lot of things in common. It was like we were almost the perfect couple. Then two years along the relationship she changed. It was as if she was a different person. She became obsessed with her looks and everything about her. From the way she talked to the way she dressed. And me being stupid let her be like that, I accepted all those changes. I guess I was too blind to see it. She wasn't in love with me anymore."
Miroku knitted his brows together. "Then what happened?"
Inuyasha opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling. "She met Naraku. Everything fell apart for us then. It just wasn't the same. All those years we had together didn't matter anymore to her. Just him. And why not? He had money, he was an uprising successful law student. He was every girl's dream back then. Even I couldn't compare to that. I was some lowly law student who was greatly disappointing his father."
Miroku then said "Till he got in the car accident. It was a miracle that he even survived. Too bad about his face, it was ruined for good. Even surgery couldn't cover up those flaws."
Hearing that didn't make Inuyasha feel any better. "That's why she came here. Naraku wasn't perfect anymore. So she goes back to her leftovers. Which is me."
"Well think about Inuyasha, Kikyo isn't going to leave you alone. She gets what she wants. And well she wants you back now."
Inuyasha snorted "Please, I swore off girls a long time ago. Thanks to Kikyo."
Miroku hardly believed what Inuyasha had said. "If that's so then why were you so concerned about Kagome?"
Inuyasha froze at the remark. "I guess I wanted to see if she was okay. I don't want her emotions to conflict with the performance of her job tomorrow." Miroku could sense the lying underneath that statement.
"So is that why you were so upset a few minutes ago? Because you don't want Kagome's emotions to conflict with her work tomorrow? If I knew any better I would say that you actually care about her, more than you claim. Kagome is a strong person. She is a good person. I hope you remember that."
Miroku stood up and walked away ending the conversation with that said. Leaving Inuyasha deep in his thoughts.
Slowly the signs of fall were fading and the evading new season chilled the air. Winter frost gently coated the grounds outside. Before she knew it, it was already winter and five months had easily passed.
Kagome was outside checking up on the horses. She patted one of the horses on the back of it's head and headed outside. It was a good five months that Kagome had been working at the ranch.
Sango had gone back to her 'dreadful' job. And life was beginning to flow back comfortably. Except for the one thing that was on her mind. Her and Inuyasha's relationship wasn't the same anymore.
Instead of the friendship they had, it became less mutual. A feeling that Kagome felt was partially her fault. She had ignored him for weeks, angered by the fact that he didn't bother to see what was wrong with her.
In fact the very next day after the Fall Ball, he had acted like nothing had happened before. When Sango left Kagome grew very lonely. Talking to Shippo, Miroku, or Kaede wasn't the same as talking to her best friend.
The last two months had been the hardest for her. Especially when her mother finally called her saying that Kagome shouldn't expect to be invited for Christmas dinner at her mother's.
Kagome was heartbroken. Her mother was still obviously upset about her choice. She sighed and walked around the pasture and looked at the sun rising up slowly. The cold air didn't bother her.
In fact she had grown use to it. She could see that Inuyasha was already working. He was always up before anyone. No matter how early Kagome woke, he was already outside working.
Kagome walked the opposite way heading towards the house. Kaede was up and cooking breakfast while Shippo was watching cartoons in the living room. Kagome sat down next to Shippo and joined him in watching cartoons with him for the time being.
"Aren't you a little too old to be watching TV Shippo?" Kagome asked curiously pulling her eyes away from the screen and looking at Shippo. Shippo waved her comment aside. "Nah... You can't ever be too old to watch cartoons. It's the best."
Kagome smiled expecting an answer like that from Shippo. She stood up and was about to head upstairs when she hear Inuyasha come in. She could tell because he was the only one who stomped on the welcome mat outside of the front door before entering inside. He did it to remove the dirt from his shoes.
He washed his hands in the sink, turned the faucet off, and dried his hands on the towel that laid beside the sink. He grunted when he sat down. Kaede rang the bell and the usual clutter of men racing to the table for food occurred.
Kagome was the last out of the group in the living room to enter, and sat across from Miroku. "Morning everybody." Kagome said. Miroku nodded while shoving the food in his mouth, Shippo smacked his lips before he said morning and did the same thing as Miroku, shoving food in his mouth.
Inuyasha said a quick 'morning' back to Kagome and looked down at his plate while eating. Kouga was the last to arrive at the table. "Sorry, I overslept." He muttered as he took his seat next to Kagome.
He flashed a quick smile at Kagome and then piled whatever he wanted to eat on his plate. Kagome smiled back and chewed her food thoughtfully. She didn't know if she should ask him.
When Souta had called her a week ago asking her to come up to visit him and have Christmas dinner at his place with their friends. Kagome was ecstatic. She had missed all of her friends and family and had been looking forward to going home for some time.
When breakfast was over Kagome managed to catch Inuyasha before he left outside. "Can I talk to you?" Kagome asked hesitantly.
Inuyasha stiffly turned around and looked at Kagome with a mild interest. "Yes?" Kagome ignored the look he gave her and smiled at him. Even if they were fighting and it wasn't officially stated, Kagome was still going to be nice about it.
She wasn't going to act like a child and put up the same childish antics as he did. "Well Christmas is Firday and I was wondering if I could leave tomorrow night to visit family and friends?"
Inuyasha's looks softened a bit. "Yeah sure go ahead." He left not wanting to talk with her anymore. When he left outside Kagome shook her head disapprovingly. She didn't understand why Inuyasha was so mad at her.
She went upstairs to pack so she could have extra time to spend with her 'second' family tomorrow.
The next day came and the whole household was in a friendly mood. Decorations that was set up a month ago was now turned on. The lights brightly shining and the whole house smelling like cookies.
Kagome smiled and said her usual 'Good morning everybody!' and watched Shippo and Miroku roast their marshmallow on a stick in the fireplace. She put her gifts under the tree, since she would not be here tomorrow on Christmas Day. She sat in between Shippo and Miroku making smores with them.
At dinner everyone laughed and joked about everything. From Miroku's perverted gestures, to Shippo's not so friendly farts. Kagome laughed along with them feeling very happy and content.
Even Inuyasha couldn't bring her down at the moment. When it was time for her to leave she was sad. Because in some way she didn't want to leave her family here. But she wanted to see her other family and friends for some time now.
She waved goodbye in the truck to everyone who was waving back at her on the porch. Inuyasha was driving her to the train station.
The ride was quiet for some time when Kagome finally spoke up. "Thank you for letting me go. It's very kind of you."
Inuyasha just nodded. Kagome thanked him again when he helped her with her one suitcase. She waved goodbye to him from the train window. He waved only once. But he stood there until he couldn't see her anymore.
Kagome arrived at her Souta's house. She paid the taxi driver and ran up Souta's steps. She rang the doorbell eagerly.
The anticipation inside of her grew each moment. She had missed him so much.
When he opened the door she threw herself on him and hugged him tightly. "Hey sis." He said in a muffled voice. Kagome broke apart from the hug and looked at him.
"Have you been doing some growing since I last left?" Souta shook his head and said "I wish. Well come on bring your bag inside and I'll show you where you'll be sleeping."
Souta flicked on the lights to Kagome's temporary bedroom and said "Ta da!" Kagome gave a faint smile. It wasn't the fact that she hated the room. It was nice. But it was a bit too nice for Kagome.
The large bed was luxurious along with all the furniture in the room. It was like her old room in her old house, when she lived with her mother. She looked over her shoulder at Souta and said "It's nice, thank you Souta."
"Glad you like it. So when you're done unpacking you and I can have some quality time together. You know catch up on things, it's been awhile huh?"
Kagome nodded and said "Sounds good to me." Souta left the room while Kagome unpacked.
Afterwards she was snuggled up on the couch with her hot cocoa, while Souta was on the ground next to the warm fireplace.
"How's your job been Kagome? Are you happy there?" Kagome took a sip of her hot cocoa and then thought about the question for a moment. "Yeah, I guess so. The pay isn't as great as my previous job but I'm happy there. I love the environment and the people there. It's... Refreshing."
Souta smiled and looked at Kagome with his head propped on one arm his other hands playing with the carpet. "That's good... I'm glad you're happy." Silence quickly fell. Kagome shifted uncomfortably, feeling the tension. She knew Souta had something to say.
"Souta... What's wrong?" Souta scrunched up his face as if he was thinking about what words to say. "Kagome I'm worried. Mom's been to the hospital twice this week. They say she needs to get a pacemaker but she refuses. She says that's for the weaker people. That she has a good heart."
Kagome blinked. "Mom's sick?" Souta's eyes widened. "Kagome, you called her mom." Kagome replayed what she said in her head. Souta was right it had been awhile since she had called her mom.
Ever since her mother became more famous and spent less time with her and Souta, the term 'mom' was lost and she became mother something formal to address her by. Not the casual and friendly term that she once had for her 'mom'. Because her mom was replaced by someone else.
Kagome bit her lip thinking about it. Wondering what had made her say 'mom' instead of mother. Souta spoke up again. "Have you met anyone special there?"
Kagome looked at his glass coffee table. There was a little chip on the corner. But Souta refused to get rid of it after their mother had insisted him to. He said he wouldn't or couldn't get rid of it because it was the very first furniture he bought with his own money. It now carried a sentimental value to him.
She fingered the little chip and smiled. "I don't know Souta... I think there might be someone, but I'm not sure if he feels the same way." Souta saw Kagome's eyes.
There was something in her eyes that he couldn't quite place his finger on. They carried a depth of eternal happiness or something like that. It made his heart swell. It had been awhile since Kagome was happy.
"I hope so Kagome." Kagome looked at Souta and said "Me too..."
The fire crackled loudly sending waves of warmth in the room. A room that was already filled with enough warmth and love.
It was Christmas morning but as usual Inuyasha was up before everybody. He was going to get a cup of water in the kitchen when his eyes caught the presents that were under the tree.
Like a naughty boy would he went under the tree and went through his large pile of gifts. Then one caught his eye. Because he wasn't expecting a gift from this person, not after how he had treated her.
It was a small square box wrapped in gold. He read the card first.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Inuyasha,
I guess you were surprised when you saw your present under the tree. Well despite all we've been doing which is ignoring each as best as we can.
I still feel that even you deserve a gift on Christmas. This gift is something my Grandfather gave to me when I was little. He told me that the rosary
belonged to a hanyou thousands of years ago. The rosary was something he hated because he was controlled by a girl by one single word and it was
impossible for him to take it off. But after the years had passed and when their journey was over she had taken off the rosary saying that she trusted him
now. But when she took it off it was painful for him. Not physically but mentally. Because a part of her was leaving him. Their journey was over. He had no
hate for her now, the hate that he had for her grew into something that he never thought would happen, love. He kept the rosary close to him till the day
he died. He was buried next to her. The love of his life. But that isn't why I gave it to you. It's because this necklace first symbolized their friendship for
each other in the beginning. I'm hoping that we will be able to rekindle our friendship too. This rosary means a lot to me so take good care of it. And a
Merry Christmas to you Inuyasha.
Kagome
~~~~~~~~~~
Inuyasha put the card down and peeled off the gold wrapping paper. He lifted off the lid of the box and saw the black rosary she was talking about. The black was gloss and pearl-shaped. In the front were three sectioned fangs.
It was a beautiful rosary. He looked at it for a while and took it upstairs along with the card and set it on his table in his bedroom. He grabbed his jacket, wallet, and a small wrapped box that sat in his closet shelf.
He went downstairs and went outside. He was going to find Kagome. It was the least he could do.
He drove in his truck remembering what Miroku had said a while back. "... If I knew any better I would say that you actually care about her, more than you claim. Kagome is a strong person. She is a good person. I hope you remember that."
Kagome laughed with her friends that were now over at Souta's place. They all had opened their gifts and had their breakfast and lunch together. The grandfather clock in Souta's hallway chimed twelve. It was twelve in the afternoon.
Kagome stood up getting the door. The doorbell buzzed once more before Kagome opened it. She pulled the door all the way back and gasped when she saw who it was.
"Hi Kagome... Here's your gift, I hope you'll like it."
Kagome took the gift and looked at the figure that stood before her. His cheeks were red, though Kagome couldn't tell if it was from the cold or if he was embarrassed.
"Thank you... Why don't you come in Inuyasha?" Kagome suggested.
Inuyasha smiled and stepped inside.
Things were starting to look up after all.
AN: Yay! I'm on a roll people. Now to update my next story, The Story of Two. I'm thinking it'll be up either Tuesday or Wednesday because the family is planning on visiting some of the villages and tourist places tomorrow so no updates tomorrow. Sorry!