My Number One
By: Kyuketsu HimeEmail: lilkurohyoucharter.net
Rating: PG-13 Just to be safe
Summary: AU: "You have an amazing voice....what about living with me for a while to be my student?" the silver-haired man asked Kagome politely.
Disclaimer: Nope, these wonderful beloved characters sadly do not belong to me.
AN: Thank you for whoever reviewed!!! I know I didn't get many but thank you anyways.
Chapter 2 Eh?! Your....your house?
"Come on!! We're going to be late!!" Souta called up from below.
Muttering about trying to hurry, Kagome finished adjusting her hair, grabbed her sneakers, and ran downstairs where the rest of her family was impatiently waiting.
"Why do I have to do this? You know I can't sing!" Kagome grumbled for the 100th time.
"Because you agreed to it earlier, and you invited Sango as well to join us," her mother patiently explained as they headed outside to the car.
"I didn't! You did!" Kagome protested.
For her 16th birthday, she grudgingly let her mother make the arrangements, and it wasn't until after her mother invited Sango that she knew she was going to a Karaoke place. Besides Sango, her mother invited some of her own college friends for Kagome to meet as well.
"Besides you've never sung before, so how do you know?" her grandpa asked her.
"Exactly! What if I turn out horrible?"
Kagome glared at her mother's retreating back, but she couldn't keep it for long. After all the trouble her mother went through for her, she could remember....this once. All she had to do was go outside afterwards and be ready to handle what she kept bottled up for so long.
"Here, wear this," her grandpa turned in the front seat car to hand her a small necklace with a pink glass ball hanging from it.
"Eh? What's that?" Souta asked eagerly as Kagome fastened it around her neck.
Souta blanched at Kagome's wide eyed expression as she shook her head at him and mouthed the word 'no'.
"It's a copy of the Shikon no Tama jewel, supposed to bring good luck. It's history is-"
"Ah! We're here!" her mother interrupted as she parked chuckling as she heard Souta and Kagome sigh gratefully.
"You know you're not supposed to ask," Kagome whispered furiously to Souta.
"Wow! It looks like were the last arrivers!" her mother exclaimed glancing around at all the cars.
(AN: Her mother reserved the whole place for the night )
"Happy birthday Kagome!" the crowd chorused together as she entered the building, clapping enthusiastically.
Blushing slightly, she bowed down saying formally to the large crowd, "Thank you very much."
Her eyes searched the crowd before her for Sango as they continued their aimless chattering.
'I hardly know these people! Did my mom invite her whole college?' Kagome thought a bit confused, embarrassed, and flustered.
Many people came up to her to congratulate her individually as she buried herself among them, and introduced themselves, including the whole story of how they and her mother met.
"We met when Mrs. Higurashi accidentally bumped into me one day while running around on campus," one man with dark brown hair told her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
'Sort of like me and Inuyasha.' her mind thought as her smiled mechanically and fought her way through the crowd to Sango.
"Sango!" Kagome exclaimed as she hugged her friend.
"Kagome! I want you to meet-"
"It is a pleasure to meet you Higurashi Kagome. You're beautiful name matches your extravagant appearance. Will you consider going out with me?" a tall guy with a small black ponytail, and two small gold earrings on his left ear, asked politely taking Kagome's startled hand.
"Miroku!" Sango glared at him while slapping his hand away.
"This is the 11th grader I was talking about a few days ago," Sango explained. "Kagome meet Miroku...but I'm sure after you know him you'll have wished you never did." Sango added softly while Kagome started giggling.
"Why dear Sango, you were talking about me? If you missed me, you could have just called."
Miroku turned back to Sango as she sighed and shook her head sadly.
"I hope you don't mind I brought him along, he didn't believe me I was going to your party," Sango whispered into Kagome's ear.
Kagome just smiled and shook her head. Remembering her manners she bowed to Miroku and said, "It is a pleasure having you here."
As he opened his mouth to reply, a loud tapping on the microphone caught everyone's attention.
"Excuse me, may I have your attention please?" Mrs. Higurashi said at the microphone, quieting everyone else down. "Thank you, I must say it's glad to see all of you again, and thank you for coming to my daughter's birthday party. We're going to begin the Karaoke!" she smiled warmly in the spotlight as the everyone cheered happily, some raising their champagne glasses to her.
"Kagome, since you're the guest of honor, choose a song!" her mother motioned her up on the stage.
Smiling, she hid her fluttering stomach and went up to the machine, hoping there was some song she knew on there.
'Through the Rain!' she thought happily, knowing that this was her favorite song.
Taking a deep breath she went to the microphone and closed her eyes, forgetting that there was an audience quietly waiting as the first notes began, immersing herself in the song.
When you get caught in the rain
With nowhere to run
When you're distraught
And in pain without anyone
"Hello? Is this the Higurashi residence?"
But nobody comes
"Is this your father?"
That you just can't find your way home
"I'm sorry, but your father is in critical condition from a car crash on the freeway."
Once you say
"A truck lost control on the slippery road and it fell on its side on your father's car."
I can stand up once again
On my own and I know
That I'm strong enough to mend
"He was stuck in there, so it took us a few hours to get him out."
I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
"I don't think he'll make it. I'm sorry."
Don't you dare give in
"Is that you Kagome? I'm so sorry, I couldn't make it on time for your party."
So keep pressing on steadfastly
And you'll find what you need to prevail
Once you say
"You're present is on my desk though....Kagome tell you mother and Souta, that I love you all."
I can stand up once again
On my own and I know
That I'm strong enough to mend
Beeeeeeep! "He's gone into cardiac arrest!"
I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
"Hold on father! Please! WAKE UP!"
And when the wind blows
And shadows grow close
Don't be afraid
There's nothing you can't face
And should they tell you
You'll never pull through
Don't hesitate
Stand tall and say
"I'm sorry, but your father....your father is dead."
And stand up once again
And I'll live one more day
And I can make it through the rain.
(On the birthday card.) .And Kagome, remember when you used to sing for me? I think you have a very talented voice, even though others haven't heard you sing, will you try to share your talent? Don't hide it, but....even if you do...you'll always have the choice to share it....please share it....Happy 9th Birthday Kagome....Love Always, Father.
You're gonna make it through the
Rain
A tear drop glistened down Kagome's face as she finished her voice wavering as she seemingly awoke to reality as the crowd's enthusiastic ovation came into her ears.
'You were right father.....I had the choice to share it.....I'm so sorry I had to lie to the rest of the family.....I couldn't bear to remember what happened.'
Bowing again, Kagome walked off amidst the whistles and congratulating as her friend Sango went up to sing.
Not caring that it was rude, she ran outside and breathed in the fresh night air, wanting to finish her soliloquy.
Sitting on the steps, she stared up at the full moon and stars, her tears running down as she sobbed softly, unable to contain them any longer.
"Father. I miss you....but....I shared it.....for you." Kagome said and she sobbed quietly to herself.
A handkerchief came into her view as she looked up surprised.
"Go on, take it." a man urged as he sat down beside her.
Wiping her tears a bit embarrassed at her display of emotion she tried to lighten the mood by asking a bit dejectedly, "How did you meet with my mother?"
Laughing he replied, "We were in the same choir together."
"Oh.."
She handed back his handkerchief apologizing with, "Thank you."
He looked down at her with the exotic golden eyes that twinkled happily tinged with a bit of sorrow.
'Wait a minute....golden eyes and silver hair? Isn't....oh no....he's not going to ask me is....Don't be silly Kagome! Why would he ask you.?' Kagome thought furiously, looking away quickly to hide her confusion.
"I know what it's like to lose a loved one. I lost my wife leaving behind two children. Unfortunately, they have grown up to be great sons, even if they are a bit difficult to understand and control," he continued as he looked up at the sky with a slight smile on his features.
She sniffled a bit audibly as she thought again about her father.
"He wanted me to sing, because he thought I sang well, but I every time I sing, I remember....things I wish I didn't have to. I don't want to remember them, I don't want to remember his pleading me to sing....on my birthday card....the day he died." she said spilling out all her emotions, not caring it was a complete stranger.
"Even though you don't want to remember, it's best you do. The more you remember, the more you'll understand, and be able to move on. Otherwise you'll be stuck on that one scene, hiding from it your entire life."
'But denial is such a wonderful place.' she thought sadly.
Glancing up thoughtfully at the man, she presumed to be Inutaisho, she lowered her head, covering her tear-streaked face with a curtain of black hair.
"You have an amazing voice....what about living with me for a while to be my student?" the silver-haired man asked Kagome politely.
"Eh?! Your....your house? I can't do that, what about school?" she stuttered audibly thinking, ' I can't live with their father! I can't I can't I can't I can't I ca-'
"Well my sons go to the same high school, and I will talk with your mother about the arrangements. But if you don't want to, its okay," he said quietly standing up a bit disappointed.
"No! It's not that....I mean I'd love to be your student, but what makes you so sure that I'd be good at singing?" she asked hesitantly, her thoughts still in turmoil.
"When you sing, you sing with emotion…it's the emotion that captures an audience.....you're better than your mother if you don't mind me saying so," the amusement came back into the man's eyes as she stood up and looked at him. "You are a bit unskilled at the moment, but I think you have great potential."
"I mean, I would love to, but I didn't really want to spend time around them." she thought aloud before she clasped her hands over her mouth.
"Did I just say that...?" she asked a bit horrified that she agreed.
The man laughed, his voice echoing in the empty streets.
"You're really like your mother. Don't worry, they're nicer than they seem."
She smiled decided she liked this man and his joyous laughter, it lifted so much off of her.
"I never had a female student before either, so we'd be teaching each other a bit, but even if you don't want to go into singing, I guarantee it's a worth while addition to your résumé."
"Oh....okay."
"Great! I'll be over there next Saturday to pick you up!"
He clapped a hand on her trembling shoulder.
"Inutaisho Kanesaka, but just call me Inutaisho. If you call me Kanesaka-san, I'll most likely think you're looking for my father," he said before walking back to join the party again.
Calming her beating heart, she closed her eyes and went over the events in her mind.
'Oh no! He said live didn't he? I'm going to be living with him AND his immature, annoying, yet gorgeous sons? Not good, not good, not good at all!'
"Hey Kagome! You're missing out on your party!" Sango called from the door.
"Hai! Coming!"
Taking a deep breath she went back inside, trying to forget what happened and was just there to enjoy the night, and the many, many presents in the back.
'I'll talk to Sango about it on Monday.....that's good, later.' she thought before pushing it out of her head.
Adjusting her long black sakura printed skirt, and throwing on her happiest smile, Kagome went and began more conversations while listening to many more people sing, as the party got a bit more rowdy.
"Aw, cheer up Kagome! You've got the chance to improve your voice AND live with hi-"
"Don't you DARE say that again! They're completely not like that!" Kagome grumbled unhappily.
"So....how do you feel about performing with Sesshoumaru?"
Kagome glanced up at the sudden change of subject blushing slightly.
"Ho-how did you know?"
"Oh please. Amari told almost every single club about how their performances were going to captivate everyone else's audience," Sango replied her eyes twinkling with restrained laughter.
"He did WHAT?"
"You heard me."
Kagome flung herself down on her bed and screamed into a pillow.
Sango patted her on her back.
"He's so happy you agreed to do it you know."
"Bu-"
"No buts about it either"
"Wh-"
"Kagome don't even start."
"Fine."
The two were at Kagome's house on Saturday, the day Inutaisho was supposed to pick her up.
Kagome's mother was as happy as one could be about her daughter moving to her friend's house as if it was nothing more than a sleep over or a walk in the park.
"I'm so happy you're going to be learning to sing! This is a really good chance for you!" her mother had said as she hugged Kagome tightly.
The practice sessions that Sesshoumaru had monitored hadn't been exactly going well either. He never said anything except to bark at her for her seeming lack of practice. She remembered clearly that once she had retorted back venomously, "You expect me to be perfect?"
"No one can achieve being perfect, one must continue to practice in order to get better. To be perfect is a weightless word. It is infinite. Nothing can be perfect," he answered, probably the longest sentence he made that week.
She rolled her eyes at the memory.
"Well everything at practices are going perfectly fine." Kagome coughed slightly before continuing. "He's been grumping around at every mistake I make, and I'm trying to achieve what he wants. We don't even know what we're going to be doing! All he has me do is shoot arrows at flying dishes he tosses up in the air. How does he expect those flimsy school arrows to actually shatter those dishes? And it's a waste of money. AND! He hasn't been practicing at ALL!"
"Wow.....he must be pretty self confident then."
"That doesn't even begin to describe it."
Kagome finished throwing her clothes together in the last bag as she and Sango hauled the three downstairs.
"What about you and tennis?"
"Miroku has been playing against me for sometime. He jokes around way too much, but when it comes to tennis, he's dead serious. You should see the way he makes his forehands and backhands. His serves are on the verge of passing 120, very deadly. He's a hard taskmaster too, he runs me around the court like my life depended on it," Sango chattered on, a joyous look in her eyes replacing the mischievous twinkle.
It was obvious that Sango loved tennis, she played it every chance she could get, and she was also very good at it no matter how much she'd protest.
"But you're enjoying every minute of it."
"Yep!"
"You mean enjoying being with Miroku?"
Kagome winked at Sango who didn't answer as she stared at Kagome with no expression.
"Sango!! How did your thoughts stray so far away from tennis!?" Kagome exclaimed putting on a false mask of surprise.
"I didn't say anything."
"That's why it must be true!"
"I didn't say any anything because that stupid observation coming out of you shocked me."
"Oh sure!"
Sango shot her a nasty glare that said, 'You say one more word you're dead.'
Giggling happily Kagome dropped the bags all packed and ready to go at the door.
RING! RING!
"Isn't it a bit early?" Sango asked her face puzzled.
They still had their Puzzle Fighter challenge to finish, and Inutaisho had distinctly said that he would pick her up at one. It was still eleven.
"Hello?" Kagome asked as she opened the door.
Sesshoumaru
I did not want to be involved in any of my fathers student, but here I was picking up my father's new student; probably another chattering brainless idiot. I sighed as I got out of my black convertible opening the trunk for the bags.
'They better learn to stay out of my way.'
Father had not bothered to tell me who his new student was, but I really could care less.
Glancing at my watch I saw it was still two hours till the time I was supposed to pick them up.
'They will learn to deal with it. I for one am not waiting two hours.'
Silently, I asked myself why my father always chose me to do such a thing this time. He's an important man, why not send over his workers or manager? The only reason why I'd even consider doing this was for the prospect of money.
Sighing heavily, I walked up the long steps of the.....house? What kind of house is this?
Ringing the door impatiently I crossed my arms.
"Hello?" a female voice asked hesitantly as they opened the door cautiously.
I felt a cold bucket of ice water dump over me, as I stared on looking completely disinterested. I knew that voice. No! Don't tell me he-
There before me stood Kagome dressed in a plain white blouse and light blue skirt. I thought she'd be in her uniform, but then again that was all I ever saw her in. Wait, why did it matter anyways? As a matter of fact, I'm surprised I noticed.
"Let's go," I said impassively, brushing past her and her friend, grabbing two bags and hefting them on my shoulder.
'What does she put in her bags? Rocks? Bricks? Weights?'
Not that it mattered to someone as strong as I am.
No, I'm not vain. I was simply stating the truth.
I walked back down the steps to my car, shoving the bags in the trunk before turning around to get the last one.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed there were both staring at me. One in thinly veiled anger, the other in amusement.
I'm not about to do all the work while she just stands there. I noticed that the last bag was not as heavy as the other two. Shoving the bag in her hands I turned away and went into the car.
'Didn't want her to yell at you in front of everyone eh? So you took off with your tail between your legs. She's going to yell at you some time, you know.'
Shut up, I told myself silently. Why should I care if she yells at me or not? It's what she's been doing every time we've met.
'Because you enjoy her disobedience privately.'
I scoffed.
'You still continue to make everyone unhappy around you, don't you?'
I cannot express my deepest loathing for that little voice in the back of my head. Maybe because it was always right.
But why should I care anyways? That's right. I don't. So shut up.
I pushed the voice out of my head and glanced over to the side door that was opening. So she carried it down.
I looked back to make sure the trunk was closed, not caring that she was glaring at me as she sat down in the passenger's seat slipping on her seat belt.
I expected her to yell at me as I pulled out of the driveway, but she said nothing. She just sat there fiddling with her seat belt strap, her eyes fastened on the road.
Since the day was sunny and shining brightly, the cover was off, allowing her and my hair access to the breeze.
"How far is it?" I heard her ask cautiously as she fidgeted in her seat.
Did I make her that nervous? I felt an urge to smile, but I fought it off rather easily as I let her question go unanswered.
An Hour Passes
Surprisingly, she wasn't like the other girls he had met. She had a temper, oh yes, and her emotions were always clearly displayed on her face, but didn't normal girls chat away all day?
Clearing my throat uncomfortably as I parked outside my father's house I glanced over to her.
She was asleep!
I stared at her angelic face, her chest moving up and down rhythmically with her breathing. Debating whether to leave her here or wake her up, I chose to do the latter, so I shook her shoulder sharply.
"Yes?" she mumbled thickly, her eyes blinking rapidly as she focused on me. Surprisingly, even to me, my eyes automatically narrowed with disgust as I got out of the car and opened the trunk. I grabbed her two heaviest bags and motioned her to follow me.
She grabbed the last bag and followed through the gate as she got her first look at the house.
More like a mansion really. It had its own courtyard and acres of free space, swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, kendo building, workout building, horse's pasture and stalls. Yes, sadly my family, including me, has an addiction to horses. Anyways, that was just the outside of it.
What can I say. My father's rich. I guess I should feel lucky to live in such opulence, but then again, I deserved it, didn't I?
As I said before. I'm not vain. It's just the truth.
Walking up the long gravel road, I heard her footsteps falter and then stop. Turning around irritably, I noticed she was gaping at the house.
"Come."
I continued walking and walked up the spiral staircase to the third floor. I walked into her room and dumped her stuff in. Turning around I almost ran into the girl.
Stupid girl. Doesn't she know by now not to get in my way?
"If you need anything, ask Inuyasha or my father. I don't have the time to fritter away on you."
Harsh, I know.
Painful, I know.
Rejecting? Perhaps that too.
Why am I being so mean? Hah. Idiotic question. I have chosen to be of a mean nature. I have chosen to live a peaceful life free of my emotions. Yes you can say I am obdurate, cold, and cruel. But I live a life without sorrow, pain, and happiness. I create unhappiness to those around me. It's me. I cannot hate myself. I cannot love myself. Is love even real? No. It's unattainable, and a fantasy to those who hope for freedom from this vicious world.
I scoffed at where my meaningless conversation with myself was headed.
Walking quickly down the hallway I went into my room and closed the door, refraining from thinking or hearing the girl only three doors down.
Kagome
Why must I always be so angry around him? Why is he like that? What happened to him that was so traumatic to make him act this way? Or was he already like that? Once born a jerk, always a jerk. Hah.
Fine. If that's the way he wants to play it, I'll play it with him. I'll be the quiet servant type as long as he leaves me alone!
'Why do you care that you got rejected?'
I DON'T.
'Sure, whatever Kagome.'
What is that supposed to mean?
Finished unpacking my many items and clothing in record time, I went down the stairs to begin to explore the house and its wonders.
It's such a lovely house. They're so lucky.
Turning the crystal door knob on the first door I met, I looked inside and nearly fainted. Who would have ever thought they'd have a huge library!
Am I allowed to read them? Well, I don't think anyone else is home, and Sesshoumaru certainly wouldn't check up on me. And if I'm not supposed to, I can just apologize right?
Right.
Glancing over the worn covers of many of the books I looked for one that might be of some interest to me.
Most of the books were on subjects I wasn't too big on, like philosophy and astronomy.
Hey! They have a manga section!
I glanced confused at the shining section of small books as I looked over the collection.
Why is there a manga section here?
Well, since I'm sure they can afford everything, maybe they just bought it to read if they were bored or something.
Picking the first volume of one, I looked over the cover and snorted. Of course it'd have to be a guy's manga. Rolling my eyes I settled on a conveniently placed chair and began to read.
Back to third person
Startled at the sudden knock at the door, Kagome gazed over to where Inutaisho was standing.
"I see you enjoy books," he commented lazily. "Well your free to do anything in this house in your stay, so please, make yourself at home."
"Thank you sir," she said formally as she placed the book on the coffee table next to her and bowed.
"Ah, enough with the formalities, I'm not that formal myself until company demands it."
Turning around he gave her a glance over his shoulder and called out to her, "Let's begin shall we?"
Smiling hesitantly, she followed after her instructor, a bit nervous about her first lesson. With it came the memories she had locked up for so long, but she managed to control her emotions and keep the smile on her face.
"Okay! Let's start with some exercises. You know the C-major scale right?" Inutaisho asked as he positioned his right hand on the piano located in the center of a grand living/music room.
Kagome nodded as she clasped her hands together.
And so, the lesson began.
"Nonono. The piece is supposed to be energizing and full of spirit! And on the fifth measure of the second page, you have to count and hold that last syllable for four counts. It's in 4/4 time right?" he chastised as he marked her copy of music on the music stand.
"Excuse me si-I mean Inutaisho.....but I never learned to read music," Kagome replied in a soft voice as she suddenly found the ingrained wooden floor very interesting.
He looked at her a bit startled.
"Then how did you learn to sing the correct way before?"
"I'd listen to the original song once or twice, have the words in front of me, and that's it. My father called it learning to sing by ear."
"Ah, I see. Hmmm.....Well it really is an advantage if you learn the sing the song by reading. Okay! You know the notes but not the time right?"
"Yep."
Inutaisho stood up from the piano and went over to her music stand.
"It just so happen that I still have a theory book from my second student. In your spare time, would you mind studying from that?"
Nodding happily Kagome replied, "Sure! Thank you!"
"Since it's been about an hour already, why don't you take that and your music back to your room. You're free to explore some more, and I'll send Inuyasha up to bring you down to dinner. Sound good?" he smiled at her in a fatherly way.
She nodded again enthusiastically as she bowed and almost skipped her way up to her room dumping the papers in her arm carefully on the bed. Flopping down next to them she stared at the intricate ceiling, her eyes closing as she let out an exhausted sigh.
'The warm sun must be getting to me,' she thought tiredly before all conscious thoughts flew away and sleeping.
AN: The singing begins! ;) Poor girl, so much shock, I wonder how she handles all her stress now? evil grin
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