By:
Senko Tenrou
Disclaimer:
I don't own Inuyasha
A/n:
Wow. I can't believe how long it's been. I'm sorry. Haha, but cheer up! This is the last chapter!
Review responses:
UltaAnimeFangurl2004: Haha. Yay. That's so great. I know I've taken a long time on this. I'm sorry.
Suicidal Hamster: Anonymous: Inuyasha/Kagome. Yep. That's what it's going to be.
Chloe: Anonymous: You know what? You're right.
Chapter Eight
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The girls slowly emerged from the bathroom soon after the bell rang, Sango finally coaxing her friend into going back to class. Kagome, shortly after a lot of Sango's encouragement, decided that it was safe enough to head off to class. Sango, being the overprotective best friend that she was, even escorted her friend, Kagome, to her next class.
She held a grudge against Kouga that she wouldn't soon forget. Sango wouldn't have the mangy wolf hurt Kagome again. The girl was like a little sister to her! There was no way she could allow… Sango stopped in mid-rant and nearly laughed aloud at her own private antics. If she didn't know any better, Sango would have been forced to say that she was beginning to sound just a little, a tiny bit, like Inuyasha…
She dropped Kagome off at her classroom door, after being completely and utterly assured that she was fine and that her tears had dried, her blotchy, swelling eyes their regular color and normal size. Kagome, obviously annoyed with the interrogation in front of her classroom door where she was sure that her class could probably hear every word of it, shooed Sango away and smiled politely when her sensei cracked open the door in curiosity. Evidently, Kagome had been correct in saying that she and Sango were most likely a nuisance to the class. The entire class was complaining about the commotion outside their door.
"Higurashi-kun, you're late…" Sensei admonished frankly.
"Yes, sensei; I'm sorry. I was… help up in the cafeteria." Kagome had to resort to the excuse that she and Sango had come up with on their way to her classroom.
Sensei nodded curtly and tugged open the door for her.
Kagome just about sighed aloud with her extreme relief. She hadn't expected sensei to believe it. After all, she had the most suspicious sensei in the building—in the entire district, for that matter… Adjusting the large book bag on her back, Kagome smiled at sensei again for her cooperation and in her thanks, and made her way into the classroom.
She steeled her emotions and facial features when she saw Kouga in the seat behind her assigned chair. Oh, she'd forgotten; Kouga was in her class. She watched him silently, hoping to keep a blank façade (and failing), and slid into her seat, seemingly without acknowledgement.
Kouga, however, wouldn't take his eyes off of her. He wished she would look this way so that he could flash one of his dazzling smiles and an apologetic word or two. He knew that she would forgive him, if she would just take a look back at him. He had been too preoccupied with the anger flaring in her russet depths when she'd walked in to even react. But, at least it wasn't sadness pooling in her eyes, like she had when she first ran away from him.
Inuyasha, meanwhile, was glaring at Kouga like no tomorrow. He couldn't comprehend the anger welling in him. Even after all that teasing from the girls on the second floor that Kouga received… He just wasn't satisfied.
He deserved so much worse.
That damn wolf hurt Kagome, that worthless little pup had mortified and humiliated her. No one could do that to her.
On the other hand, though, Inuyasha had taken the time to have a talk with Kikyou. They had talked about Kouga had been so damn forward with Kagome, and how rude he was behind her back. In all actuality, Kouga was too confident for his own good. He was always talking about how it would only take one smile for her to melt in his hands, and what it took for him to get a date with her—practically nothing. He just gave the measly excuse of "he didn't want to" whenever anyone questioned him. Oh, what Kagome missed…
That's not all they discussed. It made Inuyasha feel rather foolish. Kikyou had been noticing how friendly he had been to Kagome, for quite a long time apparently—even before they began dating. And, she accused him of crushing on her childhood friend, Kagome. What's worse, she also profoundly hinted that Kagome shared the feeling. It had to be the first time that Inuyasha had ever blushed in front of Kikyou…
Kikyou had approached him just after Kagome ran off during lunch. Not only had he gone to look for her and settle her down, but also he had gone to question Kikyou's sources. It wasn't that he didn't trust Kikyou—she was a pretty good friend, but it was just such outlandish information that… well, he couldn't help but doubt it.
He really needed to speak with Kagome. But, he didn't know what to say, or how to say it. What could he do?
Well, he supposed that, first: he could wait until school was over with.
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He had a plan, now. Now he needed to get Kouga out of the picture, and reveal it to Kagome. But, firstly, he decided on talking it over with Kikyou. She knew Kagome pretty well. Besides, he didn't want Sango blabbing it to her. And, Miroku… well, there was no point in telling Miroku. He would only chide him into his perverted directions and tell him how cute it was that he had a crush on Kagome and pinch his cheeks with that damned humor of his. He did not need that today.
So, that was why he was in the library, after school—of all times. And that's why Kikyou was sitting across him, her eyes vacant and hands folded on the table in front of her. She wasn't so cuddly now, since she and Inuyasha agreed that a breakup was a good idea before Inuyasha's feelings developed further for Kagome and something happened. Actually, Kikyou, after all the fuss she went through to go out with him in the first place, didn't seem all that affected.
Inuyasha was thankful for her lack in feeling on the topic. "Afternoon, Kikyou." He greeted quietly, shifting uncomfortably under her unwavering coffee-colored gaze.
"No need for pleasantries, Inuyasha. What have you called me for? I'd rather be home right now, to tell you the trust." Kikyou replied evenly. She didn't even blink. The girl looked like her movements were mechanical, jerky—like she didn't want to be there. It had Inuyasha wondering, but…
That wasn't what he brought her here for. "I want your help." He admitted under his breath, averted his gaze from hers in shame. Inuyasha rarely asked for help, even in his schoolwork. He was making record after record towards Kikyou, sadly…
"You demand help, Inuyasha? Goodness, last time I'd checked, you were doing better than Kouga…" There was an annoying hint of sarcasm in her voice that Inuyasha was not in the mood for.
Inuyasha pushed back his chair and planted both hands, palm down, on the thick table in front of him. He beheld a glare that could kill one with a single glance. He had already embarrassed himself in front of Kikyou twice today; he was not going to take her attitude. "Look, Kikyou, I don't want your cynicism!" He hissed, leaning towards her. "Do you want to hear it or not? Otherwise," He pulled back somewhat, as if to move away from the table altogether. "I can leave…"
"No." Kikyou moved to stand along with him. She took his wrist and pulled him back into his seat. "I'll hear you out. It's about Kagome, right?"
Inuyasha plopped back down in his chair and nodded. He leaned forward, cupping his head in his palms. "Yeah. Here's how I think I'll go about it…"
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Kagome wasn't the happiest girl right about now. Sitting on her bed, upstairs, she was still fighting tears. Being around Kouga… she couldn't do it. She couldn't believe what he'd done to her. She had never been used before—never been played like that. Kagome, candidly, had never expected that all Kouga's ways were a front to get back at Inuyasha for that fight. If only she'd listened to Inuyasha…
She crossed her legs sullenly and propped her head in her palms. She really wanted to consider burying her head in her pillow until she suffocated, maybe cry a little along the way, but… she couldn't bring herself to. Large teardrops were pooled in her tan-colored eyes, but they wouldn't fall, whether she wanted them to or not. She didn't know how else to treat the situation, except to brood around the house. Since the weekend had come, she could mope all weekend if she wanted to…
But, strangely, she didn't want to. She really wanted to see people, to be surrounded by them. Kagome wanted them to make her smile, like they always did when she was down…
That was all she needed.
Though, Kagome wasn't able to go any farther into these thoughts because a ring of the doorbell. She blinked. Who could that be? She wasn't expecting any company… She pushed herself up to her feet, to where she was standing in her bouncy bed, and hopped to the floor with a soft thud.
With that done, she continued on down the hall and took on the stairs. She rounded the corner to the hall that led to the doorway, trying to distinguish who was on the other side as she walked. She could only catch a blurry color every few inches, however, through the sheer curtain that shielded the window. Who was that? Kagome reached the door in no time and tugged at the lock. She yanked open the door and tilted her head.
Inuyasha.
Kagome blinked her large eyes. "Inuyasha?"
"The one and only." Inuyasha responded, smirking. He opened his arms haughtily to emphasis his words and tilted his head back at her.
"Of course." She sighed. "Come in." Kagome stepped back and opened the door fully for him. Inuyasha did as she asked and she smiled at him. "What do you want?"
Inuyasha glowered at her. "Well, that's rude. Is a "Hey, Inuyasha. How's it going?" to hard to ask for anymore?"
Kagome sighed at him again, just for the heck of it, and trekked over to the stairs. "Hey, Inuyasha." She began, taking one step up the staircase. "How's it going?" She continued as she trotted up the steps.
Inuyasha, unsure of what else to do at this point, followed her. Where was she going, anyway? He marched up the stairs and started down the hallway at a lazy pace. First, he checked the restroom, but, then again, the door was ajar, so… Inuyasha moved on to Kagome's room, pretty much the only other room upstairs that she would dare enter. He peeked into her room and found Kagome crawling onto her bed again, sitting against the wall.
The boy hesitantly came in, registering the vacant look on her face. Brows knitted together, he took a seat near her desk, in the chair that was pulled over by it.
"Kagome?"
The mentioned girl looked over at Inuyasha, head inclined in question. She was thankful for his presence—sure, but, for some reason, she also felt uncomfortable. "Yes?"
"I want you to listen to me. I got something to ask…" Inuyasha explained softly. He couldn't bring his eyes to her face. Kagome nodded slightly. Inuyasha stood and turned his back to Kagome. "Just close your eyes for me? I want you to picture something."
Kagome's brows drew together in confusion, but she let her eyes fall closed.
"Okay." Inuyasha began quietly. Unbeknownst to Kagome, Inuyasha turned his head heavenward and propped his hands at his waist. Kikyou liked this idea. He could do this. But, where should he start? "Okay." He repeated, collecting his bearings. "Picture someone who cares for you like crazy, but doesn't always express it. This someone can be really rude, arrogant, but he attempts to open up to you. He… he doesn't act like it, but he pictures you as one of his best friends. But, he can't always tell you everything, and that… that kind of annoys you." Inuyasha paused, lowered his gaze, and turned to look at her for reactions.
She was silent. Her brows were drawn together, and she was chewing her lip in concentration. That was good—she was listening.
"This person has strange attributes. He has uncommonly shaped ears, natural but uncommon colored eyes, and long hair. This someone has teeth that would be pretty scary at first sight, and probably fairly dangerous, but he has no intention on using them. They're only for show." Inuyasha hesitated again. He was running out of attributes to describe these two very different people like common men. "They do things to make you jealous, and maybe more. He knows that they hurt you, but he doesn't mean it." Inuyasha stopped again and crept up to her bedside, going unnoticed. He leaned towards her, only a breath away from her, and tilted his head.
Kagome didn't show any signs of knowing of his presence.
"But he cares about you so, so much," Inuyasha whispered to her, smiling when his breath tickled her, "that he doesn't want you hurt, by any rival that he may have…" All that careful choosing of word, he hoped, wouldn't give away too much. He wanted her to figure this out on her own.
Kagome had such an urge to open her eyes and look at Inuyasha as he described this person, especially when he leaned so much closer to her. It was just so teasing, tantalizing. She didn't want to go against his word, but she was just itching to see what emotion he was giving off as he said this. She… she wanted to read his eyes like she always could.
All the while, she couldn't help but picture gold and silver. Just gold and silver. Over and over with every depiction, she just saw gold and silver. Flashes of red entered her mind, but not as frequently. Only two people came to mind at the descriptions, however: Kouga and Inuyasha.
But, gold, silver, and red… nothing of Kouga.
The name Inuyasha screamed in her mind, over and over—a persuading little mantra that she couldn't break. What was this all about, anyway? Why did her heart rate jump every time his name echoed in her thoughts? She shook her head, eyes clenching.
Inuyasha, meanwhile, was enjoying as her features contorted once he'd finished. "Now, Kagome." He whispered. "Who do you see?" His voice was hopeful, pleading for the answer he was looking for.
But which?
"Open your eyes, and tell me who you see…"
Kagome's eyes drifted open after a few moments, revealing the unguarded cinnamon eyes of their beholder. She lifted her depths to Inuyasha's golden eyes and searched them silently, somewhat surprised at how close, in fact, he was. She barely realized the hands at each of her hips, planted firmly on the bed around her. But, Inuyasha looked so hopeful…
And she didn't know whether to believe what her mind was telling her, what her visuals were… or to lie, and probably have herself hurt by Kouga again. Her mouth fell open when she tried to answer him. She still didn't… Kagome's eyes fell closed again. 'Just go with what comes out…' She convinced herself. 'Say something!'
"It's…" Kagome paused, taking a breath. "I see, well," She sighed. "Would you be mad if… I said, um, you?" Kagome's eyes slipped open and looked up at him again, brown eyes uncertain.
Inuyasha smiled. He actually smiled at her. A warm, caring smile; he looked grateful. "No." Inuyasha replied tenderly, his warm breath tickling her again. "That's just what I wanted to hear."
In a split second, Inuyasha took Kagome's lips with his own. And, as surprised as Kagome was, she couldn't say she didn't expect it. In fact, if he hadn't done it for her, she was sure she was the one who would have initiated the action. She smiled against him and kissed him back
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It was only lightly raining now, but the gloomy clouds promised more.
Kagome laughed and circled around in the grass as the rain fell around her, soaking her hair, her clothes, and her skin. But, she was happy. It was not only Saturday, but her favorite day of the year. She smiled again as she stopped her twirling, before the earth tried to move with her, and looked to the tree that a sulky hanyou was lounging under. He had his hands stuffed deep in his pockets and a jacket with the hood pulled over his head.
She could just see his ear flat against his head in the annoyance of rain falling all around him. She laughed at the image forming in her mind and trotted over to him when he barked out her name. She tilted her head at him, and he threw his arm around her shoulders, leading her away from the storm coming.
"Thanks, Inuyasha." Kagome grinned, looking to her side at the aforementioned boy.
"Yeah, yeah. Happy First-Day-Of-Spring." A sour Inuyasha muttered, tugging the hood farther over his head, but his grip didn't loosen from her shoulders.
Kagome smiled again. She could say she was happy. Inuyasha wasn't Kikyou's boyfriend anymore. He was dedicated to her, even if he didn't show it. Just like he'd said…
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Whoo. Done. I'm satisfied with this chapter, I think—for after midnight work, at least. Just as my last show finishes, too. Is that lucky or what? Now I don't have to stay up and right this without some form of entertainment. =P
Remember This One,
Senko Tenrou