Author's note:
Sorry I haven't reviewed in so long..........life is pretty stressful right now.
Hopefully it will get better soon....................after Advanced Placement *AP*
Exams next to next week. I'll do my best to go as quickly as I can!
AND, to be honest, I didn't know WHAT to do in this chapter. Sometimes I just have to sit in front of the computer and let Yashinu permeate through my fingertips. I know I made him up, but I DIDN'T create him. He's created by my dreams, and a kind of person I'd like to meet, once in my life. He always manages to surprise me. Let's see what he does next. . . . . . .
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REVIEW RESPONSES:
Kairinu- THANK you for liking the cliffhanger! I'm glad you liked it---I'm always scared that I'll end a chapter at the wrong place. I PROMISE to update as quickly as I can---but I can't help it, I'm a lazy person!!!
OMFG: I know the song really IS pretty, isn't it? It makes me feel so.............i don't know, EMOTIONAL. Yes, Kagome is most DEFINITELY caught. But its her own fault :-D! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, I'm gonna go listen to it AGAIN and cry.
demented-squrriel- Miko Kikyou is GORGEOUS. Yes, I know!! It is in some eps- --do you remember that one where Inuyasha finds out that Kikyou gave Naraku the shikon shards? He's really hurt, it plays at the end of that episode. It's right before he meets Goshinki and first turns into a demon.
Kiliara- YAY! You like his coldness! It was kind of nice to me, too. I was sort of tired of him being nice all the time. And Kagome was being intrusive. Thanks for the review, and musicians ROCK!
lulu- Will update as soon as I can—sorry sorry sorry! I'm such a lazy bum, must work faster! Thanks for saying it's good---I'm glad you like it!
Saiyan under cover- Hmmm..........will Yashinu ever figure it out about Kagome's 'past'? Even if he did, I don't know if he'd BELIEVE Kagome. Because, she's fifteen again, remember? Maybe he'd just think she was mental or something. But I hope he doesn't turn out like that. lol, he's one of my favorite characters because even I can't understand him yet. Thanks for calling it beautiful....*sob* it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy!
Sango13- Arigato!!! I try to make it as passionate as I can. Sometimes it's hard, but with Yashinu, it comes easily. I don't know what's happening in the next chapter yet........too bad I'm making this up as I go along *gulp* but yeah, I hope he's not too harsh, too!
inu angel7- THANK YOUUUUUU!!! YAY! Someone called me a good writer *excited* lol, thanks for the compliment, but I still need to improve. If you have any suggestions, drop me an email!
FoamyFun- YAY! You're reading one of my stories! I love Lost Hearts SO much. I'd better go read up on it again. It's high praise that you like something of mine :-D you're a good writer
Tenshi Chan- Y-you love my story? *bawls* thank you thank you thank you thank you! And you are EXACTLY right. That's exactly what is happening..........Miko Kikyou *the song* is Yashinu's emotion. He doesn't WANT Kagome seeing/hearing it. ^_^ good perception! Thanks for putting me on your faves *blushes*
Ritoru Kani- You're a musician? Awesome! What do you do? I like music too—I've been in choir for twelve years, *since I was five* and I play the piano. I wish I could play strings/flute though :-( !!! And you're SO lucky if you have a guy like Yashinu.........I WANT ONE!!!!
FranceGamble- Thank you so much! I'm glad you really liked it, and I HOPE it really has snagged your interest. That's what I aim to do! I know I'm slacking with the updates, but I'm TRYING I swear!
Dark Whispers- Yeah, the story IS almost over. But the last chapters will be whoppers. Or I think they will, lol, I haven't written 'em yet! Don't be sad! Be glad, I'm aiming for a satisfying ending!
The Spider- I'm glad you like him. I hope he's three dimensional enough to be believable, though. I think that's what I struggle with---believability. Class? Are you slacking and reading fanfics when you should be working? Baaaad *lol, jk. I did that in AP Comp Sci ALL THE TIME last year*
seida02- Thanks so much for the idea, but I have a plan so far, and the story wont be long enough :-( for me to use it. I would LOVE for Inu to see Kagome's play---that is SO PERFECT, but I had a different ending in mind! But KEEP the ideas coming! You have a good knack at story ideas, give me more and I'll DO MY BEST to use them! Thank you so much!
Fire Maiden Kiya- *SOBS* Miko Kikyou makes me CRY SO MUCHHHHHH!!! Sorry if you aren't being patient---GAHHHHHHH WHY MUST I SLACK!?!??!?! *feh* I'm such a bad, bad person, but I'm so busy and *gibberish* I'm SORRY! But your reviews make me SO HAPPY thank you! ^_^ I read your story—I like how you write! more more more!
Shizuka Light- Changing your name AGAIN, woman? Lol, and YOU didn't call ME woman for once! How VERY strange! I'm glad you like it, sista, and I'll keep it coming. DO A HARRY POTTER STORY!!! Another one. Please?
Mrs. Inuyasha 69- Thank you! I'll keep updating! Just eight chapters, though........I think. Unless I go for nine. But......omg, I'm so confused lol. I'm glad I surprised you!!
priestessmykala- Oooooooooh, I didn't KNOW there were so many reincarnation stories out there! In fact, I've NEVER read one. I'll try 'em when I have the chance! *Thanks*
inu-chan's lover- Heyyyyyyyyy, I'M INU-CHAN'S LOVER!!! *pouts* He's MINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE!!! Lol, ah well. Thanks for the review STILL! I love the music, TOO! (You can have Miroku? Miroku AND Sesshy? Pleeeeeeeeeease? Inuyasha is my loooove!) lol, jk! DON'T WORRY, I WILL CONTINUE! I PROMISE!
Michelle- We ALL need someone to understand us, don't we, Michelle? *sighs* I don't have anyone who understands me that well, either. If you ever feel sad, don't feel weird about dropping me a line, I'd love to help in any way I can. Life is such a mystery, is it not?
Sangoismyworld- Hehe, I already talked to you about your reviews earlier! Yep, "bras bras everywhere and not a one to wear" lol!
Ketara the Ghetto Queen- LOL you're hilarious!!! hehehehehhee *snort* I'm gonna be laughing for a while now! He IS scary *shudder* I hope Kagome runs fast!
jess- You'll find out SOON! I'll update quick I PROMISE! *hurries* gomen gomen gomen!!!!
Ajina Kaori-san- Technically, this IS an InuKag story. But.........yeah, you're right not really. Yashinu isn't really Inuyasha. :-D hehehe..........I LOVE the Inuyasha soundtrack. I have the first one—man I listen to it AL L THE TIME! Isn't Inuyasha music awesome? *in awe*
Spear of Caylona- You'll find out very soon! As for Inuyasha........everything about HIM will be explained in the next, the FINAL, chapter! I think secretly Yashinu might already have a hint that Inuyasha is real already. Thanks for the review!!
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Yashinu turned around slowly, and just stared at the wall in darkness.
The silence sung in the background, a loud high-pitched straight tone of nothingness.
Kagome almost jumped when the boy shifted a little on his stool, she could feel his mind whizzing with an influx of feelings: she could feel his hurt.
After he had regained his composure a little, he turned to face Kagome.
It was less than a whisper, almost a breath of air; if a pin had dropped at that moment, it would have been to loud for her to hear his speech: "why?"
Kagome knew what he was asking. But she didn't want to assume anything anymore. "Why what, Yashinu?"
"WHY........" he began, "......did you follow me?"
There it was again. That question she couldn't answer. She didn't know HOW to answer.
"I—I........" she stuttered, giving up, "you play beautifully." She gulped in.
'Beautifully' didn't even BEGIN to describe what emotions Yashinu's instrumentation had formed in Kagome's stomach.
"So?" Yashinu hissed, the coldness returning to his voice.
Kagome could almost swear that she heard Yashinu's knuckles cracking.
"Sooo..........I don't know WHAT you're worried about. You play well, you don't have to worry about letting people hear what you're playing."
Yashinu's eyes narrowed immensely.
She had never seen him look so angry. His eyes flashed vehemently.
He muttered something.
"What?" Kagome asked lightly.
"Do you KNOW....." Yashinu began, "what it's like to be a poet?"
Kagome stopped.
She had never REALLY written poetry.
Welllllll except for that ditty she and her friends had arranged about boys with cooties........quite a few years back, actually, but that didn't count.
"No," she admitted dully.
"Poetry," he went on loudly, talking to the wall, "is an outlet of emotion, Kagome. But sometimes..........sometimes your poetry---the exposition of your soul through words—is not GOOD enough," he sighed, "sometimes you need more."
His........soul in writing? He needed more?
Kagome's eyes widened.
At last, it all clicked.
She hadn't been listening to Yashinu's music, his ideas, or even his FEELINGS: she had been listening to his soul.
'And the soul,' she admitted to herself, 'is a private thing.'
Her head fell down: she looked to the ground, ashamed.
Silence ensued.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Yashinu almost looked surprised. Stunned, even.
He looked at her hard, his eyes squinted in concentration. He let out a breath, clenched his eyes shut for a moment, and then broke out into a small smile. His anger melted.
"It's all right, Kagome."
She looked up at him.
"No. No, its not."
He took her hand lightly, and a sharp current ran through her forearm. "It's all right."
She spoke distantly.
"Wh-what did you mean that sometimes your soul gets too.......too large to fit on paper? Only through words?"
Yashinu looked down.
"That, Kagome..........is something I don't know how to explain, really." He looked supremely uncomfortable once again.
She looked away.
"All I CAN say," he continued, "is that no one knows I play this," he motioned to his instrument, "it's kind of my secret. I'm already branded 'THE POET', I'm afraid of what I'll be called if people know I also am into playing this kind of music."
Kagome almost blanched. His secret. She had walked in on HIS secret.
She needed to get away.
"I'll see you after this, Yashinu. I'll be waiting around here. We'll practice then, hmm? Bye!!!!!"
She almost leapt out of the room, ready to get away from him.
He scared her.
That song---his SOUL was---was scary. She had heard it before.
She KNEW she had heard it before.
Could it be that, inside it all----it sounded very much like her OWN soul?
She shook her head, sitting down outside, her back leaning on the glass of the building.
Nothing made sense anymore.
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The weeks rolled by, and the end of the semester seemed to lunge forward.
Changes were evident in the air, and changes were evident in lives all around.
To the major happiness (not to mention relief) of Kagome, Hojou-kun was now firmly stuck with Ayumi, and they were dating steadily. (Even though most of their dates, to Ayumi's slight dissatisfaction, were centered around watching DBZ and Hojou getting slightly jealous if Ayumi commented too much on any of the characters' muscles)
Kagome and Yashinu saw quite a lot of each other, though never if they weren't working on their project. And Yashinu STILL hadn't finished the poem. What was wrong with him?
Kagome was a little frustrated.
Did all poets act so..........strangely?
Yashinu continually asked her what she wanted him to do with the poem.
"It just has to be SAD, Yashinu. It has to be about.............about Inuyasha admitting that his love would be forever unsatiated. They will never see each other again. Their love will be destroyed."
Every time she said that, Yashinu would look confused for the moment, seem to contemplate, and then nod slightly.
Then it came, the night before the performance.
Kagome was humming to herself, sitting on her bed fantasizing about the next day.
She couldn't sleep.
It was almost midnight, and she jumped, startled, when the phone rang.
She picked up the telephone by her bed tentatively, almost hesitating.
Who could be calling so late?
"H-hello?" she spoke softly. Luckily for her, the rest of her family members were INCREDIBLY heavy sleepers, and the phone hadn't bothered them much.
"Kagome?" came a timid but clear voice over the line.
"Yashinu?"
What was HE doing calling? He never called her............they always found ways to communicate around it using the computer or planning ahead.
"Yes.......emmmm, well, about the poem......."
"Oh!" Kagome whapped her forehead, "listen, it's too late now. We can just have.........have Inuyasha and Kagome walk away from each other at the end and have that be that."
"No, that's not it, Kagome.........." he paused, and she could almost feel his hesitation, "I'm done."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Can I hear it?"
"No, Kagome.........would you mind if I just........let you hear it for the first time tomorrow?"
She paused.
"I'd understand if that's not ok with you, Kag—"
"No, it's ok, Yashinu. Fine, I have faith in your ability---go ahead. I know it will be good."
He gulped deeply. "Good night," his voice cracked.
"Don't worry. You're the biggest drama queen I know, you'll pull it off fine!" she laughed, "Good night!"
And with that, she fell into an abyss of dreams, waiting for tomorrow.
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"You're.......not the father of my child!" Ayumi whispered.
Hojou gasped irritably, "WHAT!?"
He whipped around and grasped his chest, "Now I can NEVER trust you again! Who was the father?"
Ayumi gulped, "Your. . . .your. . . . .SETO ACTION FIGURE!!"
The class gasped and giggled.
Hojou snorted, "I KNEW never to trust those YU-GI-OH people!"
Kagome smiled. It was just like Ayumi and Hojou to do something this weird for their theatrical presentation.
But still........A Jerry Springer scene?
She shook her head.
It had started to rain outside again, and the thick droll of the thunder was lulling her into a small sense of security, so much so that she wasn't even nervous about the upcoming presentation she and Yashinu would perform.
The acting-pairs in the class went up and came back, all presenting good things, despite many people breaking out into fits of giggles during their performances.
"Kagome........Yashinu, you're up next," Mr. Sato announced.
This was it. (a/n: wow, MY stomach is getting butterflies! lol)
There it began.
Kagome meeting Inuyasha, Kagome learning of Naraku, and the bond that grew between her and the hanyou.
She had to admit, Yashinu now "feh'd" better than anyone she knew!
Well......anyone but Inuyasha.
He was so passionate that she almost wanted to cry, but she didn't.
Here it was: the final scene.
Kagome looked up at Yashinu: the play had gone GREAT so far, there was just a little bit left.
Now, all Kagome had to do was look at Yashinu sadly and walk away, letting him recite his poem alone.
Kagome was anxious to get off the stage because she already felt as if she was going to burst out into tears.
She gave him a strained inward smile, and turned to go.
The earth stopped.
His hand, warm to the touch, immediately clasped around her wrist.
She turned around, raising her eyebrows in shock, wondering what he was doing.
He stared deeply into her grey eyes and then turned around to the audience.
"This story," Yashinu explained, "has thus far been a presentation of Kagome's belief in love. Something that is not always apparent, but there. For Kagome, our story's 'Kagome' and Inuyasha are the epitome of love."
He paused and Kagome's eyes widened.
"And now, here comes MY belief in love. Addressed to Kagome, the one before me right now."
He took in a breath:
"She wanted the end to be a tragedy: Kagome would walk out of Inuyasha's life forever. But in my belief.......love just doesn't END like that. So here goes: what I think Inuyasha would say if he had a chance to REALLY tell his love to the Kagome in our story..........."
He paused.
"......and what I am saying to the Kagome of MY story," he whispered so only Kagome could hear
Her head spun as she tried to absorb what was going on.
(a/n: poem is in quotes—start at *** and end at ***)
*** "I'll never be there for you," he paused, looking at her with sparkling eyes, "If you don't insist that I do......."
"Not there when you're sleeping, Not to protect you when you're weeping, Not there when you are old, Or in need of warmth when cold," he looked down, rubbing her hand between his, warmth radiating from his fingertips.
"For you, departed one, there I'll never be," he squinted at her, "But that doesn't mean I'll let you stray away from me."
"Because you'll be with me when I try, Stay by me whilst I cry, With me you'll ever drift, Even if physically you don't shift."
"No matter where your mind strays, mine shall always be on YOUR ways, If you choose not to think of me.......... Still, on MY mind you'll be."
He squinted his eyes, staring into Kagome's widened orbs: "Don't you understand?"
"Even if I don't have your hand......... even if with you I am never......"
He paused and looked down, "I'll be by your side forever." ***
He gazed at her expectantly.
Kagome turned away swiftly
His eyes.
His eyes were terrifying!
What was wrong with them? What was that emotion?
No..........no, she HAD seen it before.........but it couldn't be.......
Could it..........be love?
The class echoed with silence: the eyes of those in the classroom were wide and amazed.
Even Mr. Sato sat still and stunned in silence.
At last, the echoing non-noise was broken by a sob emitted from Kagome's throat.
She turned and ran, ran away, to somewhere, ANYWHERE, to get away from Yashinu.
She couldn't stand that look in his eyes, that gleam............that old familiar gleam.
Her heels clacked loudly as she opened the door and ran outside, ran in the rain.......ran from the pain.
"KAGOME!" Yashinu cried out, his voice echoed by the growing thunder of the burgeoning winds outside.
She heard her name. But she wouldn't turn back.
Never.
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*Cries*
If you have any questions ask me NOW so I don't forget.
And, yes, I DID write that poem.............and YES I know I'm not that good, but give me a break, I cant REALLY write like a renowned poet like Yashinu :-(!
Still, I think it gets the point across, don't you think?
I really hope you liked that.
In case you wanted to know what the poem means, it's just basically Yashinu saying that no matter if Kagome was far away, she would be with him always because he'd always think of her. ^_^
I must say that that was a pretty emotional chapter!
And YES, in his own way, Yashinu HAS admitted his feelings to Kagome. That's what made her bolt!
Please Review, and I'll love you! (haha, I'm rhyming again)
JUST ONE CHAPTER LEFT!!!
The last one will be a whopper though---everything will be explained.
AND, to be honest, I didn't know WHAT to do in this chapter. Sometimes I just have to sit in front of the computer and let Yashinu permeate through my fingertips. I know I made him up, but I DIDN'T create him. He's created by my dreams, and a kind of person I'd like to meet, once in my life. He always manages to surprise me. Let's see what he does next. . . . . . .
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REVIEW RESPONSES:
Kairinu- THANK you for liking the cliffhanger! I'm glad you liked it---I'm always scared that I'll end a chapter at the wrong place. I PROMISE to update as quickly as I can---but I can't help it, I'm a lazy person!!!
OMFG: I know the song really IS pretty, isn't it? It makes me feel so.............i don't know, EMOTIONAL. Yes, Kagome is most DEFINITELY caught. But its her own fault :-D! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, I'm gonna go listen to it AGAIN and cry.
demented-squrriel- Miko Kikyou is GORGEOUS. Yes, I know!! It is in some eps- --do you remember that one where Inuyasha finds out that Kikyou gave Naraku the shikon shards? He's really hurt, it plays at the end of that episode. It's right before he meets Goshinki and first turns into a demon.
Kiliara- YAY! You like his coldness! It was kind of nice to me, too. I was sort of tired of him being nice all the time. And Kagome was being intrusive. Thanks for the review, and musicians ROCK!
lulu- Will update as soon as I can—sorry sorry sorry! I'm such a lazy bum, must work faster! Thanks for saying it's good---I'm glad you like it!
Saiyan under cover- Hmmm..........will Yashinu ever figure it out about Kagome's 'past'? Even if he did, I don't know if he'd BELIEVE Kagome. Because, she's fifteen again, remember? Maybe he'd just think she was mental or something. But I hope he doesn't turn out like that. lol, he's one of my favorite characters because even I can't understand him yet. Thanks for calling it beautiful....*sob* it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy!
Sango13- Arigato!!! I try to make it as passionate as I can. Sometimes it's hard, but with Yashinu, it comes easily. I don't know what's happening in the next chapter yet........too bad I'm making this up as I go along *gulp* but yeah, I hope he's not too harsh, too!
inu angel7- THANK YOUUUUUU!!! YAY! Someone called me a good writer *excited* lol, thanks for the compliment, but I still need to improve. If you have any suggestions, drop me an email!
FoamyFun- YAY! You're reading one of my stories! I love Lost Hearts SO much. I'd better go read up on it again. It's high praise that you like something of mine :-D you're a good writer
Tenshi Chan- Y-you love my story? *bawls* thank you thank you thank you thank you! And you are EXACTLY right. That's exactly what is happening..........Miko Kikyou *the song* is Yashinu's emotion. He doesn't WANT Kagome seeing/hearing it. ^_^ good perception! Thanks for putting me on your faves *blushes*
Ritoru Kani- You're a musician? Awesome! What do you do? I like music too—I've been in choir for twelve years, *since I was five* and I play the piano. I wish I could play strings/flute though :-( !!! And you're SO lucky if you have a guy like Yashinu.........I WANT ONE!!!!
FranceGamble- Thank you so much! I'm glad you really liked it, and I HOPE it really has snagged your interest. That's what I aim to do! I know I'm slacking with the updates, but I'm TRYING I swear!
Dark Whispers- Yeah, the story IS almost over. But the last chapters will be whoppers. Or I think they will, lol, I haven't written 'em yet! Don't be sad! Be glad, I'm aiming for a satisfying ending!
The Spider- I'm glad you like him. I hope he's three dimensional enough to be believable, though. I think that's what I struggle with---believability. Class? Are you slacking and reading fanfics when you should be working? Baaaad *lol, jk. I did that in AP Comp Sci ALL THE TIME last year*
seida02- Thanks so much for the idea, but I have a plan so far, and the story wont be long enough :-( for me to use it. I would LOVE for Inu to see Kagome's play---that is SO PERFECT, but I had a different ending in mind! But KEEP the ideas coming! You have a good knack at story ideas, give me more and I'll DO MY BEST to use them! Thank you so much!
Fire Maiden Kiya- *SOBS* Miko Kikyou makes me CRY SO MUCHHHHHH!!! Sorry if you aren't being patient---GAHHHHHHH WHY MUST I SLACK!?!??!?! *feh* I'm such a bad, bad person, but I'm so busy and *gibberish* I'm SORRY! But your reviews make me SO HAPPY thank you! ^_^ I read your story—I like how you write! more more more!
Shizuka Light- Changing your name AGAIN, woman? Lol, and YOU didn't call ME woman for once! How VERY strange! I'm glad you like it, sista, and I'll keep it coming. DO A HARRY POTTER STORY!!! Another one. Please?
Mrs. Inuyasha 69- Thank you! I'll keep updating! Just eight chapters, though........I think. Unless I go for nine. But......omg, I'm so confused lol. I'm glad I surprised you!!
priestessmykala- Oooooooooh, I didn't KNOW there were so many reincarnation stories out there! In fact, I've NEVER read one. I'll try 'em when I have the chance! *Thanks*
inu-chan's lover- Heyyyyyyyyy, I'M INU-CHAN'S LOVER!!! *pouts* He's MINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE!!! Lol, ah well. Thanks for the review STILL! I love the music, TOO! (You can have Miroku? Miroku AND Sesshy? Pleeeeeeeeeease? Inuyasha is my loooove!) lol, jk! DON'T WORRY, I WILL CONTINUE! I PROMISE!
Michelle- We ALL need someone to understand us, don't we, Michelle? *sighs* I don't have anyone who understands me that well, either. If you ever feel sad, don't feel weird about dropping me a line, I'd love to help in any way I can. Life is such a mystery, is it not?
Sangoismyworld- Hehe, I already talked to you about your reviews earlier! Yep, "bras bras everywhere and not a one to wear" lol!
Ketara the Ghetto Queen- LOL you're hilarious!!! hehehehehhee *snort* I'm gonna be laughing for a while now! He IS scary *shudder* I hope Kagome runs fast!
jess- You'll find out SOON! I'll update quick I PROMISE! *hurries* gomen gomen gomen!!!!
Ajina Kaori-san- Technically, this IS an InuKag story. But.........yeah, you're right not really. Yashinu isn't really Inuyasha. :-D hehehe..........I LOVE the Inuyasha soundtrack. I have the first one—man I listen to it AL L THE TIME! Isn't Inuyasha music awesome? *in awe*
Spear of Caylona- You'll find out very soon! As for Inuyasha........everything about HIM will be explained in the next, the FINAL, chapter! I think secretly Yashinu might already have a hint that Inuyasha is real already. Thanks for the review!!
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Yashinu turned around slowly, and just stared at the wall in darkness.
The silence sung in the background, a loud high-pitched straight tone of nothingness.
Kagome almost jumped when the boy shifted a little on his stool, she could feel his mind whizzing with an influx of feelings: she could feel his hurt.
After he had regained his composure a little, he turned to face Kagome.
It was less than a whisper, almost a breath of air; if a pin had dropped at that moment, it would have been to loud for her to hear his speech: "why?"
Kagome knew what he was asking. But she didn't want to assume anything anymore. "Why what, Yashinu?"
"WHY........" he began, "......did you follow me?"
There it was again. That question she couldn't answer. She didn't know HOW to answer.
"I—I........" she stuttered, giving up, "you play beautifully." She gulped in.
'Beautifully' didn't even BEGIN to describe what emotions Yashinu's instrumentation had formed in Kagome's stomach.
"So?" Yashinu hissed, the coldness returning to his voice.
Kagome could almost swear that she heard Yashinu's knuckles cracking.
"Sooo..........I don't know WHAT you're worried about. You play well, you don't have to worry about letting people hear what you're playing."
Yashinu's eyes narrowed immensely.
She had never seen him look so angry. His eyes flashed vehemently.
He muttered something.
"What?" Kagome asked lightly.
"Do you KNOW....." Yashinu began, "what it's like to be a poet?"
Kagome stopped.
She had never REALLY written poetry.
Welllllll except for that ditty she and her friends had arranged about boys with cooties........quite a few years back, actually, but that didn't count.
"No," she admitted dully.
"Poetry," he went on loudly, talking to the wall, "is an outlet of emotion, Kagome. But sometimes..........sometimes your poetry---the exposition of your soul through words—is not GOOD enough," he sighed, "sometimes you need more."
His........soul in writing? He needed more?
Kagome's eyes widened.
At last, it all clicked.
She hadn't been listening to Yashinu's music, his ideas, or even his FEELINGS: she had been listening to his soul.
'And the soul,' she admitted to herself, 'is a private thing.'
Her head fell down: she looked to the ground, ashamed.
Silence ensued.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Yashinu almost looked surprised. Stunned, even.
He looked at her hard, his eyes squinted in concentration. He let out a breath, clenched his eyes shut for a moment, and then broke out into a small smile. His anger melted.
"It's all right, Kagome."
She looked up at him.
"No. No, its not."
He took her hand lightly, and a sharp current ran through her forearm. "It's all right."
She spoke distantly.
"Wh-what did you mean that sometimes your soul gets too.......too large to fit on paper? Only through words?"
Yashinu looked down.
"That, Kagome..........is something I don't know how to explain, really." He looked supremely uncomfortable once again.
She looked away.
"All I CAN say," he continued, "is that no one knows I play this," he motioned to his instrument, "it's kind of my secret. I'm already branded 'THE POET', I'm afraid of what I'll be called if people know I also am into playing this kind of music."
Kagome almost blanched. His secret. She had walked in on HIS secret.
She needed to get away.
"I'll see you after this, Yashinu. I'll be waiting around here. We'll practice then, hmm? Bye!!!!!"
She almost leapt out of the room, ready to get away from him.
He scared her.
That song---his SOUL was---was scary. She had heard it before.
She KNEW she had heard it before.
Could it be that, inside it all----it sounded very much like her OWN soul?
She shook her head, sitting down outside, her back leaning on the glass of the building.
Nothing made sense anymore.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The weeks rolled by, and the end of the semester seemed to lunge forward.
Changes were evident in the air, and changes were evident in lives all around.
To the major happiness (not to mention relief) of Kagome, Hojou-kun was now firmly stuck with Ayumi, and they were dating steadily. (Even though most of their dates, to Ayumi's slight dissatisfaction, were centered around watching DBZ and Hojou getting slightly jealous if Ayumi commented too much on any of the characters' muscles)
Kagome and Yashinu saw quite a lot of each other, though never if they weren't working on their project. And Yashinu STILL hadn't finished the poem. What was wrong with him?
Kagome was a little frustrated.
Did all poets act so..........strangely?
Yashinu continually asked her what she wanted him to do with the poem.
"It just has to be SAD, Yashinu. It has to be about.............about Inuyasha admitting that his love would be forever unsatiated. They will never see each other again. Their love will be destroyed."
Every time she said that, Yashinu would look confused for the moment, seem to contemplate, and then nod slightly.
Then it came, the night before the performance.
Kagome was humming to herself, sitting on her bed fantasizing about the next day.
She couldn't sleep.
It was almost midnight, and she jumped, startled, when the phone rang.
She picked up the telephone by her bed tentatively, almost hesitating.
Who could be calling so late?
"H-hello?" she spoke softly. Luckily for her, the rest of her family members were INCREDIBLY heavy sleepers, and the phone hadn't bothered them much.
"Kagome?" came a timid but clear voice over the line.
"Yashinu?"
What was HE doing calling? He never called her............they always found ways to communicate around it using the computer or planning ahead.
"Yes.......emmmm, well, about the poem......."
"Oh!" Kagome whapped her forehead, "listen, it's too late now. We can just have.........have Inuyasha and Kagome walk away from each other at the end and have that be that."
"No, that's not it, Kagome.........." he paused, and she could almost feel his hesitation, "I'm done."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Can I hear it?"
"No, Kagome.........would you mind if I just........let you hear it for the first time tomorrow?"
She paused.
"I'd understand if that's not ok with you, Kag—"
"No, it's ok, Yashinu. Fine, I have faith in your ability---go ahead. I know it will be good."
He gulped deeply. "Good night," his voice cracked.
"Don't worry. You're the biggest drama queen I know, you'll pull it off fine!" she laughed, "Good night!"
And with that, she fell into an abyss of dreams, waiting for tomorrow.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You're.......not the father of my child!" Ayumi whispered.
Hojou gasped irritably, "WHAT!?"
He whipped around and grasped his chest, "Now I can NEVER trust you again! Who was the father?"
Ayumi gulped, "Your. . . .your. . . . .SETO ACTION FIGURE!!"
The class gasped and giggled.
Hojou snorted, "I KNEW never to trust those YU-GI-OH people!"
Kagome smiled. It was just like Ayumi and Hojou to do something this weird for their theatrical presentation.
But still........A Jerry Springer scene?
She shook her head.
It had started to rain outside again, and the thick droll of the thunder was lulling her into a small sense of security, so much so that she wasn't even nervous about the upcoming presentation she and Yashinu would perform.
The acting-pairs in the class went up and came back, all presenting good things, despite many people breaking out into fits of giggles during their performances.
"Kagome........Yashinu, you're up next," Mr. Sato announced.
This was it. (a/n: wow, MY stomach is getting butterflies! lol)
There it began.
Kagome meeting Inuyasha, Kagome learning of Naraku, and the bond that grew between her and the hanyou.
She had to admit, Yashinu now "feh'd" better than anyone she knew!
Well......anyone but Inuyasha.
He was so passionate that she almost wanted to cry, but she didn't.
Here it was: the final scene.
Kagome looked up at Yashinu: the play had gone GREAT so far, there was just a little bit left.
Now, all Kagome had to do was look at Yashinu sadly and walk away, letting him recite his poem alone.
Kagome was anxious to get off the stage because she already felt as if she was going to burst out into tears.
She gave him a strained inward smile, and turned to go.
The earth stopped.
His hand, warm to the touch, immediately clasped around her wrist.
She turned around, raising her eyebrows in shock, wondering what he was doing.
He stared deeply into her grey eyes and then turned around to the audience.
"This story," Yashinu explained, "has thus far been a presentation of Kagome's belief in love. Something that is not always apparent, but there. For Kagome, our story's 'Kagome' and Inuyasha are the epitome of love."
He paused and Kagome's eyes widened.
"And now, here comes MY belief in love. Addressed to Kagome, the one before me right now."
He took in a breath:
"She wanted the end to be a tragedy: Kagome would walk out of Inuyasha's life forever. But in my belief.......love just doesn't END like that. So here goes: what I think Inuyasha would say if he had a chance to REALLY tell his love to the Kagome in our story..........."
He paused.
"......and what I am saying to the Kagome of MY story," he whispered so only Kagome could hear
Her head spun as she tried to absorb what was going on.
(a/n: poem is in quotes—start at *** and end at ***)
*** "I'll never be there for you," he paused, looking at her with sparkling eyes, "If you don't insist that I do......."
"Not there when you're sleeping, Not to protect you when you're weeping, Not there when you are old, Or in need of warmth when cold," he looked down, rubbing her hand between his, warmth radiating from his fingertips.
"For you, departed one, there I'll never be," he squinted at her, "But that doesn't mean I'll let you stray away from me."
"Because you'll be with me when I try, Stay by me whilst I cry, With me you'll ever drift, Even if physically you don't shift."
"No matter where your mind strays, mine shall always be on YOUR ways, If you choose not to think of me.......... Still, on MY mind you'll be."
He squinted his eyes, staring into Kagome's widened orbs: "Don't you understand?"
"Even if I don't have your hand......... even if with you I am never......"
He paused and looked down, "I'll be by your side forever." ***
He gazed at her expectantly.
Kagome turned away swiftly
His eyes.
His eyes were terrifying!
What was wrong with them? What was that emotion?
No..........no, she HAD seen it before.........but it couldn't be.......
Could it..........be love?
The class echoed with silence: the eyes of those in the classroom were wide and amazed.
Even Mr. Sato sat still and stunned in silence.
At last, the echoing non-noise was broken by a sob emitted from Kagome's throat.
She turned and ran, ran away, to somewhere, ANYWHERE, to get away from Yashinu.
She couldn't stand that look in his eyes, that gleam............that old familiar gleam.
Her heels clacked loudly as she opened the door and ran outside, ran in the rain.......ran from the pain.
"KAGOME!" Yashinu cried out, his voice echoed by the growing thunder of the burgeoning winds outside.
She heard her name. But she wouldn't turn back.
Never.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Cries*
If you have any questions ask me NOW so I don't forget.
And, yes, I DID write that poem.............and YES I know I'm not that good, but give me a break, I cant REALLY write like a renowned poet like Yashinu :-(!
Still, I think it gets the point across, don't you think?
I really hope you liked that.
In case you wanted to know what the poem means, it's just basically Yashinu saying that no matter if Kagome was far away, she would be with him always because he'd always think of her. ^_^
I must say that that was a pretty emotional chapter!
And YES, in his own way, Yashinu HAS admitted his feelings to Kagome. That's what made her bolt!
Please Review, and I'll love you! (haha, I'm rhyming again)
JUST ONE CHAPTER LEFT!!!
The last one will be a whopper though---everything will be explained.