A Tragic Love
Disclaimer: The day I own Inuyasha is the day I pay off my college tuition and since I'm still knee deep in debts, I probably don't own it.
+Ch. 12: A War is a Brewing+
2 clear things up: "" someone's saying something, '' thinking
ALSO: 4 those who are wondering, yes, I did base it off the Romeo and Juliet tragedy b/c I love that play and I thought I'd pay homage to it! But I guess Shakespeare ends with just the fact that the two "friends" are actually family rivals, everything else is from my imagination! And about the ending, I guess you'll just have to read on to see if I follow through with the whole Romeo and Juliet thing.^.^
--
Kagome stirred on her bed and moaned from the nuisance outside her window that woke her from her deep slumber. She lifted the blanket that completely covered her body and stuck out her right hand, which fingered through her bedside table until she felt her cell. She picked it up and looked at the time-3 a.m. She placed it by her side and tried to go back to sleep but the night was not in her favor. The small banging of pebbles continued to hit against her French doors until Kagome could not lay patient anymore, ignoring the sound. She sat up in a quick sweeping motion and grunted, "What the hell is going on? I bet it's that ass Kouga outside my window!"
Kagome threw herself off the bed from the comforts of her bed sheets and comforter and put on her robe. She gradually made her way to the balcony when she heard a faint whispered, "Kagome, get up!"
Kagome opened the French doors leading to the balcony and spat, "Kouga, its 3 o'clock in the morning, I have to wake up in--" Kagome froze as she leaned over the balcony. She had expected to see Kouga down below but instead in his place was Inuyasha, his hands brimming with pebbles.
"Inuyasha!" she yelled in surprise.
"Kagome, you have to get down.please!" he whispered.
"But Inuyasha, its--"
"I know it's really late but I just wanted to talk to you."
Kagome took one last look at him and recognized his longing. She sighed and went inside to change.
Sure Kagome wanted to forget he was there and go back to sleep but she felt intrigued in realizing it was Inuyasha. She had shivered from seeing his face and realizing that this was not a dream but a reality: Inuyasha was there, outside her bedroom window, pleading to see her. She felt herself blush briefly and threw on some clothes.
She was careful not to make a sound when she passed both her sister's and parents' rooms. The slightest sound or movement from them caused her to stir frantically. She tiptoed down the stairs and slipped on her shoes. She opened the door to see Inuyasha already waiting for her in the front.
"How did you get through the gates?" Kagome asked. She had known Kouga had asked her mother to activate his voice command which gave him easy access into the front yard. Kagome shuddered from the remembrance of his morning and evening serenades. But, how could Inuyasha be able to enter the house without the security alarm going off and sending in a dozen police cars.
"Well, I've been here for quite awhile," he muttered, taking one hand and scratching his head.
"Inuyasha, how long?" Kagome asked, nervous to hear his answer.
"Since you came through yesterday afternoon with Miroku and Sango," he mumbled.
"Inuyasha that was over 10 hours ago!"
"I know."
"Are you hungry?"
"Nah, not really," he said, his stomach grumbling from lack of food. He pressed his stomach with his hand and smiled, "I guess I'm a little hungry."
"Let's go get something to eat."
"There's a restaurant open at this time?"
"Sure. Have you ever been the Denny's?"
--
Thirty Minutes Later at Denny's:
"I can't believe you've never been here. I find it too weird," Kagome said between bites of her sampler.
Inuyasha, equally showing down on his classic sub nodded and said, "I know. I'm too sheltered for my own good."
"Sheltered?"
"Yeah, I'm only allowed to eat the best that money can buy. You know caviar and stuff."
Kagome giggled, "Oh really? So no pizza? How about Sizzler's?"
"Um, what's Sizzler's?" he asked scratching his head.
"I guess not." Kagome whispered, "You don't look like the sheltered type."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you look like or seem like the kind of guy who doesn't take no for an answer. You know what I mean?"
He shook his head and Kagome sighed, not knowing exactly how to explain it to him. "I was just kidding," he said after a long pause, still digging into his sub.
"About what?"
"About not knowing what Sizzler's was. But I've never been there. Maybe we can, you know, go some time?" he asked, hiding his face behind his sub.
Kagome, shocked, looked at his quizzically. She nodded and continued to eat, thinking happy thoughts.
"But, what did you mean about being sheltered?" he asked, still pondering on what Kagome had said.
"Well, it's just that it surprises me to know that you haven't gone to Denny's or something like that."
He looked at her for a moment and dropped his head. Kagome sensed that he was clearly thinking of something that was bothering him or he was keeping to himself maybe for some time. But, he quickly shook the idea from his mind and looked up.
"My parents are just a little protective and you know how it is."
Kagome shook her head.
"I mean you're just as rich as I am, obviously. Aren't your parents always telling you what to do and watching over you and always wanting the best for you? Don't they expect you to want the best because they believe your family is the best?"
Kagome shook her head again, this time holding back a burning tear. "No, I don't Inuyasha. They would care less about me. If I was dead the next day, they'd probably never even lift an eye."
"Kagome, don't say that."
"Inuyasha, it's true," Kagome said, trying to hold back her screams, "You don't know what my parents are like. They're too self-absorbed in their own wealth and power; they don't even know I exist."
"At least your parents don't control your every move. They're always scared I'll screw up. And when I do, they move and we start again until I screw up again."
"Is that why you moved here?" Kagome asked, hoping she wasn't treading on thin ice. She peered into his eyes and saw a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"I." he began but couldn't gather enough courage to continue.
"Inuyasha, I am sorry to be asking you. Let's pretend I never asked that." Kagome blushed and put down her chicken fingers.
"I cheated in school," he said.
"Is that the only reason why you moved? I mean I've cheated on a few tests- -"
"I stole the teacher's test booklet for the rest of the year; photo-copied it, distributed to the school, and used it to ace all my subjects. It was supposed to increase my GPA." He said this without blinking, not once leaving his eyes upon Kagome's.
Kagome gasped and lifted a hand to find his but found she could not find his hand on the table. It was busy twisting and turning a napkin from the nervousness he was feeling.
"Kagome, I'm sorry. You probably think I'm some kind of weirdo."
"No, I don't. But, why did you do it, Inuyasha?"
He turned away and let go of his twisted mangled napkin. "Kagome..I.."
"Inuyasha, you can tell me, I mean if you want to."
He quickly turned his head towards her but kept his eyes fixed on the table. "Because, I'm dumb."
"No, you're not. I know you--"
"I am! I don't understand anything. That's why I'm still a sophomore, Kagome. Don't you understand?" he paused, "My mind is just all mixed up. Numbers become letters and I don't understand anything!"
"Inuyasha, you have a learning disability. Aren't your parents helping you?" she asked in desperation.
"They are. They're denying the fact they have a dumb loser for a son, instead of some brainy know-it-all."
"Don't say that Inuyasha!" Kagome pleaded. The feelings surging inside Inuyasha were the same feelings Kagome lay hidden inside her-self for so many years. Who would have know, he could relate to her so well, that they actually had more in common than they let on?
"Why not, Kagome, it's true!" he shouted. The room froze and turned their attention to the war that was brewing from within the corner. But it wasn't a bloody war; it was more of a battle of emotions. Inuyasha raised a fist and slammed it on the table with enough fury to send a missile on earth that could wipe out the human race.
But Kagome could care less of the curious bystanders gazing over at their table. The only think she cared about and the only thing on her mind was Inuyasha. She had no idea these emotions and thoughts were lurking from inside his macho he-man image. It surprised her but it comforted her also because it revealed that he did indeed have a human side to him, replete with vulnerability and angst.
"Inuyasha, it shouldn't matter what they think as long as you don't think the way they do because I know you aren't dumb. I know you are so much better than you think you are."
"Kagome, don't you care I cheated for my whole junior year in high school? Don't you care that I'm only in 10th grade?" he asked, his fist still glowing red from frustration.
"No, I don't Inuyasha. I care that you've been hiding all this--"
"Kagome, I have to go!" he said abruptly. Kagome shivered and took a hold of his hand.
"Inuyasha, don't push me away! I can talk to you, we can take together. Please don't just run away!"
"I have to Kagome. I can't talk to you. We aren't supposed to talk to each other. Don't you get it? My parents already think I'm a failure, if they knew I was falling for a Higarashi, they would freak!"
Kagome's thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. The only word that was lingering in her mind was:
"Falling?" she asked, her body convulsing.
Inuyasha took his hand away and turned away. He had slipped and now there was nothing he could was stand and leave.
"I'm sorry. That's not what I meant," said, turning to the door. He took out a 20 dollar bill and stormed out.
Kagome was determined to get an answer. She followed him outside and ran towards him, finally catching up and standing directly in front of him.
"Inuyasha, don't run away."
Inuyasha looped around her and continued walking. He had to rid his mind of her, he had to forget her. But how, when every second he could think of nothing except of her?
"Inuyasha, you can't just leave me. You can't keep running away!"
He turned half-way so that Kagome had a vision of his profile, but he quickly turned away and continued walking.
"Fine Inuyasha! Leave! Run away!" Kagome screamed from the top of her lungs. But he did not turn, run up to her, and kiss her. He just kept on walking until only his outline was visible.
--
"Miroku, guess what's happening in just three days?!" Sango asked, smiling from ear to ear.
Miroku thought about this for a moment and a light bulb finally lit up in his head, "They're having an all you can eat shrimp dinner at the Shrimp Bucket?"
Sango hit him on the arm. He was thrown back an inch and then he gently rubbed his swollen arm.
"Miroku?" Sango yelled, "I can't believe you forgot?"
"Sango, I was just kidding, I know it's our anniversary."
"Doesn't that mean something?"
Miroku thought about it, "Yeah, I guess."
Sango grunted and hit him again. Miroku's arm was growing three times its size. He rubbed it again and wondered if he'd ever get use to her hits. He thought that after the course of a decade, his body would have hardened from her constant hits by now.
"So, what do you want to do?"
"Well, I was thinking that since the spring dance was coming up, we could postpone it and go all out for the dance?"
That was it? Miroku had received two blows to the arm for that?
"Oh okay, sure. I'll make it a night you'll never forget," he said with a wink.
"There's only one problem."
"What?"
Sango wrapped her arm around his and leaned on his shoulder. She felt so comfortable in that position that she thought she could possibly remain like that all her life.
"You haven't asked me yet!"
"I still have to ask you? I thought those things were a given if we were together?"
"I know but I think it would still be sweet if you asked," she said clutching him tighter. He smelled so sweet.
"Okay then, Sango, will you go to the spring dance with me?" he said slightly blushing.
"I don't know."
"Sango!?" Miroku yelled. He looked down at her and scratched his head with his free arm.
"Will you promise you won't ever piss on me again?"
Miroku's cheeks reddened further but he smiled nevertheless.
"Only if you promise never to hit me again."
A moment later: "Ouch!"
--
Kagome lay motionless as she watched the horizon turn from a seemingly blue iridescent sky to a milky orange red. The balcony overlooked half the city and although it was indeed beautiful, tonight her thoughts were resting on another matter. Time after time, her mind could not help but remember the last time she had seen Inuyasha and the conversation between the two.
'Why can't I stop thinking about him? I mean, after all, we were never really good friends? So, why do I feel so horrible when I can't be with him?' Kagome sighed and tried to focus her thoughts on something more positive and light hearted. She tried to recall her seventh birthday and how Miroku looked when Sango pulled down his pants. But, no matter how hilarious that was; it did nothing to lift her spirits. For some odd reason, she could not help but cry. 'Kagome, snap out of this! Why are you always crying? You have to be strong; you were always so strong before! Even when Kikyo was mean to you, when mother nagged you, and father betrayed you, you never once shed a tear! And here you are now, crying like a little weak baby!' But it was no use, no matter how hard she tried to force the tears back, they persisted to flow down her cheeks and down her neck until it evaporated upon the touch of her cotton PJs.
She stayed outside for sometime, until the sky turned a bleak black, until the stars once again took their rightful place among the heavens, illuminating the darkened sky, and until the moon glazed over her face and shown like a natural light bulb. Kagome closed her eyes and made a wish.
She turned around and found the strength to crawl into bed and snuggle up under her covers. 'Sleep, that's all I need, just sleep.'
But, even then sleep never came. She awoke to a sound outside her window. Her heart thumped and she found the courage to say his name out loud, "Inuyasha?"
Afraid at first, she just sat there in bed, wondering what she should do. But, after much thought, she ran to the French doors and looked outside. A figure was slowly climbing over the edge, she watched the figure at first from afar, not exactly sure who it was because of the intense shadows casted by the trees. But, in her heart, she prayed it was Inuyasha. But much to her surprise it was not Inuyasha, but Kouga.
He stepped towards the light and pressed his hand against the doors. She watched him and debated whether or not she should open those doors. She found herself unconsciously opening it and letting him in, "Kouga," she said in a whisper.
"Kagome, I'm sorry but I had to see you."
"Kouga, I think you should leave. This is a bad idea," she backed off, rubbing her hands from nervousness.
"I can't leave, Kagome," was all he said. He stepped forward and stopped just short of her.
"Kouga, I don't want to talk tonight. I'm really tired." She turned to take her eyes away from him but he grabbed her gently and swung her around, planting a kiss on her lips. It was delicate, gentle, and a little unexpected.
Kagome backed off and pushed him away, "Kouga, what's wrong with you?"
"Kagome, I want to be with you. We are going to be with each other, the marriage is--"
"There is no marriage Kouga!"
"It's because of him, isn't it?" he said, clearing his throat.
"What are you talking about?"
"You don't want to marry me because of Inuyasha!"
"Kouga, be reasonable! I'm only 15, your 17! We can't get married."
"Not now, but later in the future. You just have to love me!"
"Kouga, don't do this. There are other girls."
"I know, but for some reason you're the only one I want," he said in a whisper. Kagome felt her body shiver and she held onto the wall for support from the conversation they were having.
"Kouga, I can't--"
"You can't love me? Because of Inuyasha?"
"What does he have anything to do with this?"
"He has everything to do with this," he paused to check the volume on his voice. He tuned it down and said, "I see the way you look at him, like you- you love him." The words were hard to say and harder to contemplate.
"I don't--"
She looked into Kouga's eyes and saw how much hurt he was going through. She sighed and said, "Kouga, please leave. This conversation will help nothing."
To her surprise, he did not battle with her. He simply turned and climbed back down the balcony using the bottom window roof top, a tree, and fence as stairs.
Kagome did not bother to see him off; she was too shaken from both the kiss and the realization that Kouga just might be telling her the truth.
--
"Earth to Kagome! Kagome, what's the matter with you?" Sango said, waving her hands in front of her eyes. Kagome didn't know what was wrong with her. She just wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
"Sango, stop waving your hands in my face," she said irritated.
"Sorry, but you've been staring at your soup for the last ten minutes."
"I just don't feel well today, that's all," Kagome said, erasing the chard memories in the back of her mind.
"Do you want me to take you to the nurse?"
Kagome shook her head and tried desperately to act as normal as possible, even lifting her spoon to her soup and tasting it. But no matter how hard she tried, Sango looked at her from behind her sandwich and knew something wasn't right.
"Kagome, why are you lying to me?" she asked.
Kagome was stunned. The spoon still midway in the air, she smiled, "Sango, what are you talking about?"
"I know you're keeping something from me. You don't have to tell me now, but you'll have to eventually!" she said satisfied.
Just then, she felt someone tapping her on her shoulder and Kagome turned to see sparkly eyed Hojo standing behind her.
"Oh hi, Hojo," Kagome said glumly. Although she was happy to see Hojo, she wished it was Inuyasha.
"Miss Kagome, I got a slot in the school talent show!"
"Oh congratulations Hojo, I'm so happy for you!" Kagome said in excitement, hiding her true feelings.
"My day has been so wonderful! But there is one thing missing to make my day completely great!" He said, leaning towards her.
"What is that Hojo?" Kagome asked curiously.
"Well, there is a certain dance happening in just a couple weeks. You might have heard of it, the spring dance?"
Kagome nodded, "Yes, what about it?"
"I was wondering if you and I would go together. You my Juliet and me, your Romeo."
Kagome looked at him and bit her lip. Since they were five, Hojo has asked her out at least half a million times and to every answer she has always replied no. She thought saying no now makes no difference and so she did. But his reaction was not as she expected. He had always turned in mocked hope and tried again. Now, he looked at her with protruding tears in his eyes. Kagome looked deep into his eyes and gasped. She had finally broken his heart.
"Hojo, I'm sorry."
But she could not even finish her apology, he had turned and ran in hopes of hiding from his tears and sadness.
"Sango, what did I do?"
Sango, still recuperating from the scene, shrugged and looked out towards the darting Hojo, pushing against bodies to find the exit.
"Kagome, you really did it. You finally crushed him," was all Sango said.
Kagome could not help but cry herself, not just for Hojo but for all the guys whose heart she has broken lately.
'Oh my God! I'm a heartbreaker. You're such a fucking slut, Kagome. How could you do this to all of them? First Inuyasha, then Kouga, and now even the sweet Hojo!'
Just then, absorbed in her own thoughts, she bumped into the one person she wanted to see most: Inuyasha. But he did not even say a word; he just turned to her and darted off to the opposite direction.
'Great! Now I don't have anyone! I should have crawled under that rock and died!'
--
Kagome approached Hojo with precaution. His emotions were still unstable and he seemed to be wrapped up in his own thoughts-food, the play, the pimple on his cheek, and of course Kagome breaking his sweet little heart.
"Hojo, can I talk to you?" Kagome asked, leaning towards him.
He refused to turn. He sat there, his back still turned to Kagome, hiding the tears surrounding his eyes.
"Okay, I guess," he pouted, his voice turned into that of a little boy, being punished, sitting towards a wall.
"I didn't mean to hurt you Hojo. It's just that ever since we were kids, it was always like that, you know, you ask me out and I say no."
"Can't it change? Can't I ask you out and you say yes?" he asked, slightly turning around.
"I don't know?"
"Kagome, ever since we were little, I have always loved you and I think you know that. Don't you?"
Kagome looked at him and nodded in agreement, biting her lip from the realization.
"I don't understand why you can't, you know, love me back," he said, his head dropping as he sighed, "and I know I cant force you to love me and I don't want it that way either. I just wished your heart felt the same way."
"Hojo, hasn't it always been nice just being friends?" Kagome asked, putting a sympathetic hand on her friend's shoulder. The touch eased his nerves and he began to relax.
"I'm sorry Kagome."
"Hojo, I might not be the girl for you but I know there is someone out there for you."
With that they parted, their friendship never quite the same.
--
Kagome walked home alone that day. Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had offered to take her home to make sure she was okay, but she refused, wanting to be alone. It was time for her to think about the strange events that unfolded throughout the week. It had been a challenging week, full of guy troubles. 'I never had so much guy troubles before' thought Kagome sighing. 'But why me, I'm not even that pretty.' Kagome shrugged and said her name into the intercom, which automatically opened. Kagome, walked in and stopped short of her father's Mercedes, staring at her.
Her dad was home, she thought. That was quite weird considering she had just seen him early this month at the Chikara dinner. She had never in her life seen him more than once in a month. Something must be wrong, she thought biting her lips. Then again, Kikyo's wedding is in about three months, he must be here to make sure all the arrangements are in order. Kagome smiled and walked inside, ready to hit the sack. But, she would soon find out that sleeping would be the last thing on her mind the moment she walked into the door.
"Mother, I'm home. I feel so tired, I think I'm going to go into bed and sl- -" Kagome froze in front of her mom, whose eyes were fixed completely on her. Her arms were crossed; one eye brow cocked upwards, a tape firmly in her hand. Kagome stepped back to make room for her mother, who was obviously mad.
"Mother, what's wr--" Kagome muttered, careful not to shift her voice louder than a slight whisper. She felt as though there wasn't even air going into lungs and she inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself down. Her mother composure signaled something horrible.
It was then at her father walked into the room, equally angry. Kagome shifted her attention towards the heavy weighted man, one hand hold his wine, which swung to and fro from his harsh movements. But it was not until Kagome sighted her sister, who had a malicious grin across her face that Kagome felt a sight shiver go down her back and out her feet. She shifted feet and tried to force a smile, hoping this was all in her imagination, that maybe she was overreacting to her family's stares and glares.
After all, what had she done?
"Kagome, tell me what I have done to deserve a daughter like you?" she said, her head shaking in utter disappointment in seeing the daughter she had always hated, the one she wished had got away.
'Well, I can name a few things.' Kagome thought.
"You should be on your knees in thanks for having such a fortunate life! But here you are, deceiving your family!" she shouted. Her father parted from his seat in the corner and walked up to her mother, one hand on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her. But it was no use; her mother was already in tears.
"Everything we do, we do because we think it's the best for you and you go behind our backs and meet some boy we don't even know.in the middle of the night!!!" she yelped, her eyes practically popping out of their sockets, her hands flinging in opposite directions. Kagome had never seen her mother so incomposed, so human.
It was then that she, in rage, violently flung the video tape across the room. It landed just short of Kagome's feet. Kagome stared at it, tears building up behind her eyes. She bit her lip and realized that they had found out about Inuyasha. Her head bobbed down and a darkened shadow was casted across her face. Meanwhile, her mother continued to yell obscenities at her, which by this time Kagome had already drowned out from her ears. She looked up to see her father pick up the tape and shake his head.
"Kagome, who is this boy? I am so disappointed in you. Not only did you sneak out of the house in the middle of the night but you ran away with a boy?" her father asked. Kagome looked at him, a blank expression on her face.
"Father, I didn't me--" Kagome muttered.
"Little sister, don't give father excuses," Kagome said, her face trying desperately to hide the smirk protruding from her mouth.
"Kagome, answer your father!" her mother yelled. Kagome quivered from her voice and she her face gradually rose to confront her brooding family.
"Why do you care, father? I don't have to tell you anything because you've never been here to help me when I need you!" she yelled and watched as her family's mouths dropped from surprise. Kagome had never defied them like she had just now. She was surprised at her self but she was relieved.
"Kagome!" her mother yelled.
"None of you have ever loved me! I'm glad you know about Inuyasha because." Kagome paused, unsure of what she was going to say.
"Because what, Kagome?" her sister asked, her arms now crossed.
"Because I think I love him."
Her mother approached her and sent a sharp slap across her face.
A/N: hey guys! Sorry it's been awhile, but no time. I hope you guys liked it! I'll try my best to do the next chapter!
Sorry that my other chapter was replete with spelling errors but when you're on a roll, spelling doesn't seem to matter much. I'm glad you guys liked it. Thanks for the reviews, I hope you guys will continue to review.
I'm not sure what exactly is going to happen, just a rough outline, so I can't really tell you what to expect, just know that things are going to heat up because of her parents finding out, but remember, they don't know hes a Bakemono yet! That'll make things real hard! Hmmm.also more stuff about Sango and Miroku.oh and be excited because the spring dance is coming and a lot of shit is going to happen there!
Okie that's all for now, stay tuned!
-co Tsukino
Disclaimer: The day I own Inuyasha is the day I pay off my college tuition and since I'm still knee deep in debts, I probably don't own it.
+Ch. 12: A War is a Brewing+
2 clear things up: "" someone's saying something, '' thinking
ALSO: 4 those who are wondering, yes, I did base it off the Romeo and Juliet tragedy b/c I love that play and I thought I'd pay homage to it! But I guess Shakespeare ends with just the fact that the two "friends" are actually family rivals, everything else is from my imagination! And about the ending, I guess you'll just have to read on to see if I follow through with the whole Romeo and Juliet thing.^.^
--
Kagome stirred on her bed and moaned from the nuisance outside her window that woke her from her deep slumber. She lifted the blanket that completely covered her body and stuck out her right hand, which fingered through her bedside table until she felt her cell. She picked it up and looked at the time-3 a.m. She placed it by her side and tried to go back to sleep but the night was not in her favor. The small banging of pebbles continued to hit against her French doors until Kagome could not lay patient anymore, ignoring the sound. She sat up in a quick sweeping motion and grunted, "What the hell is going on? I bet it's that ass Kouga outside my window!"
Kagome threw herself off the bed from the comforts of her bed sheets and comforter and put on her robe. She gradually made her way to the balcony when she heard a faint whispered, "Kagome, get up!"
Kagome opened the French doors leading to the balcony and spat, "Kouga, its 3 o'clock in the morning, I have to wake up in--" Kagome froze as she leaned over the balcony. She had expected to see Kouga down below but instead in his place was Inuyasha, his hands brimming with pebbles.
"Inuyasha!" she yelled in surprise.
"Kagome, you have to get down.please!" he whispered.
"But Inuyasha, its--"
"I know it's really late but I just wanted to talk to you."
Kagome took one last look at him and recognized his longing. She sighed and went inside to change.
Sure Kagome wanted to forget he was there and go back to sleep but she felt intrigued in realizing it was Inuyasha. She had shivered from seeing his face and realizing that this was not a dream but a reality: Inuyasha was there, outside her bedroom window, pleading to see her. She felt herself blush briefly and threw on some clothes.
She was careful not to make a sound when she passed both her sister's and parents' rooms. The slightest sound or movement from them caused her to stir frantically. She tiptoed down the stairs and slipped on her shoes. She opened the door to see Inuyasha already waiting for her in the front.
"How did you get through the gates?" Kagome asked. She had known Kouga had asked her mother to activate his voice command which gave him easy access into the front yard. Kagome shuddered from the remembrance of his morning and evening serenades. But, how could Inuyasha be able to enter the house without the security alarm going off and sending in a dozen police cars.
"Well, I've been here for quite awhile," he muttered, taking one hand and scratching his head.
"Inuyasha, how long?" Kagome asked, nervous to hear his answer.
"Since you came through yesterday afternoon with Miroku and Sango," he mumbled.
"Inuyasha that was over 10 hours ago!"
"I know."
"Are you hungry?"
"Nah, not really," he said, his stomach grumbling from lack of food. He pressed his stomach with his hand and smiled, "I guess I'm a little hungry."
"Let's go get something to eat."
"There's a restaurant open at this time?"
"Sure. Have you ever been the Denny's?"
--
Thirty Minutes Later at Denny's:
"I can't believe you've never been here. I find it too weird," Kagome said between bites of her sampler.
Inuyasha, equally showing down on his classic sub nodded and said, "I know. I'm too sheltered for my own good."
"Sheltered?"
"Yeah, I'm only allowed to eat the best that money can buy. You know caviar and stuff."
Kagome giggled, "Oh really? So no pizza? How about Sizzler's?"
"Um, what's Sizzler's?" he asked scratching his head.
"I guess not." Kagome whispered, "You don't look like the sheltered type."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you look like or seem like the kind of guy who doesn't take no for an answer. You know what I mean?"
He shook his head and Kagome sighed, not knowing exactly how to explain it to him. "I was just kidding," he said after a long pause, still digging into his sub.
"About what?"
"About not knowing what Sizzler's was. But I've never been there. Maybe we can, you know, go some time?" he asked, hiding his face behind his sub.
Kagome, shocked, looked at his quizzically. She nodded and continued to eat, thinking happy thoughts.
"But, what did you mean about being sheltered?" he asked, still pondering on what Kagome had said.
"Well, it's just that it surprises me to know that you haven't gone to Denny's or something like that."
He looked at her for a moment and dropped his head. Kagome sensed that he was clearly thinking of something that was bothering him or he was keeping to himself maybe for some time. But, he quickly shook the idea from his mind and looked up.
"My parents are just a little protective and you know how it is."
Kagome shook her head.
"I mean you're just as rich as I am, obviously. Aren't your parents always telling you what to do and watching over you and always wanting the best for you? Don't they expect you to want the best because they believe your family is the best?"
Kagome shook her head again, this time holding back a burning tear. "No, I don't Inuyasha. They would care less about me. If I was dead the next day, they'd probably never even lift an eye."
"Kagome, don't say that."
"Inuyasha, it's true," Kagome said, trying to hold back her screams, "You don't know what my parents are like. They're too self-absorbed in their own wealth and power; they don't even know I exist."
"At least your parents don't control your every move. They're always scared I'll screw up. And when I do, they move and we start again until I screw up again."
"Is that why you moved here?" Kagome asked, hoping she wasn't treading on thin ice. She peered into his eyes and saw a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"I." he began but couldn't gather enough courage to continue.
"Inuyasha, I am sorry to be asking you. Let's pretend I never asked that." Kagome blushed and put down her chicken fingers.
"I cheated in school," he said.
"Is that the only reason why you moved? I mean I've cheated on a few tests- -"
"I stole the teacher's test booklet for the rest of the year; photo-copied it, distributed to the school, and used it to ace all my subjects. It was supposed to increase my GPA." He said this without blinking, not once leaving his eyes upon Kagome's.
Kagome gasped and lifted a hand to find his but found she could not find his hand on the table. It was busy twisting and turning a napkin from the nervousness he was feeling.
"Kagome, I'm sorry. You probably think I'm some kind of weirdo."
"No, I don't. But, why did you do it, Inuyasha?"
He turned away and let go of his twisted mangled napkin. "Kagome..I.."
"Inuyasha, you can tell me, I mean if you want to."
He quickly turned his head towards her but kept his eyes fixed on the table. "Because, I'm dumb."
"No, you're not. I know you--"
"I am! I don't understand anything. That's why I'm still a sophomore, Kagome. Don't you understand?" he paused, "My mind is just all mixed up. Numbers become letters and I don't understand anything!"
"Inuyasha, you have a learning disability. Aren't your parents helping you?" she asked in desperation.
"They are. They're denying the fact they have a dumb loser for a son, instead of some brainy know-it-all."
"Don't say that Inuyasha!" Kagome pleaded. The feelings surging inside Inuyasha were the same feelings Kagome lay hidden inside her-self for so many years. Who would have know, he could relate to her so well, that they actually had more in common than they let on?
"Why not, Kagome, it's true!" he shouted. The room froze and turned their attention to the war that was brewing from within the corner. But it wasn't a bloody war; it was more of a battle of emotions. Inuyasha raised a fist and slammed it on the table with enough fury to send a missile on earth that could wipe out the human race.
But Kagome could care less of the curious bystanders gazing over at their table. The only think she cared about and the only thing on her mind was Inuyasha. She had no idea these emotions and thoughts were lurking from inside his macho he-man image. It surprised her but it comforted her also because it revealed that he did indeed have a human side to him, replete with vulnerability and angst.
"Inuyasha, it shouldn't matter what they think as long as you don't think the way they do because I know you aren't dumb. I know you are so much better than you think you are."
"Kagome, don't you care I cheated for my whole junior year in high school? Don't you care that I'm only in 10th grade?" he asked, his fist still glowing red from frustration.
"No, I don't Inuyasha. I care that you've been hiding all this--"
"Kagome, I have to go!" he said abruptly. Kagome shivered and took a hold of his hand.
"Inuyasha, don't push me away! I can talk to you, we can take together. Please don't just run away!"
"I have to Kagome. I can't talk to you. We aren't supposed to talk to each other. Don't you get it? My parents already think I'm a failure, if they knew I was falling for a Higarashi, they would freak!"
Kagome's thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. The only word that was lingering in her mind was:
"Falling?" she asked, her body convulsing.
Inuyasha took his hand away and turned away. He had slipped and now there was nothing he could was stand and leave.
"I'm sorry. That's not what I meant," said, turning to the door. He took out a 20 dollar bill and stormed out.
Kagome was determined to get an answer. She followed him outside and ran towards him, finally catching up and standing directly in front of him.
"Inuyasha, don't run away."
Inuyasha looped around her and continued walking. He had to rid his mind of her, he had to forget her. But how, when every second he could think of nothing except of her?
"Inuyasha, you can't just leave me. You can't keep running away!"
He turned half-way so that Kagome had a vision of his profile, but he quickly turned away and continued walking.
"Fine Inuyasha! Leave! Run away!" Kagome screamed from the top of her lungs. But he did not turn, run up to her, and kiss her. He just kept on walking until only his outline was visible.
--
"Miroku, guess what's happening in just three days?!" Sango asked, smiling from ear to ear.
Miroku thought about this for a moment and a light bulb finally lit up in his head, "They're having an all you can eat shrimp dinner at the Shrimp Bucket?"
Sango hit him on the arm. He was thrown back an inch and then he gently rubbed his swollen arm.
"Miroku?" Sango yelled, "I can't believe you forgot?"
"Sango, I was just kidding, I know it's our anniversary."
"Doesn't that mean something?"
Miroku thought about it, "Yeah, I guess."
Sango grunted and hit him again. Miroku's arm was growing three times its size. He rubbed it again and wondered if he'd ever get use to her hits. He thought that after the course of a decade, his body would have hardened from her constant hits by now.
"So, what do you want to do?"
"Well, I was thinking that since the spring dance was coming up, we could postpone it and go all out for the dance?"
That was it? Miroku had received two blows to the arm for that?
"Oh okay, sure. I'll make it a night you'll never forget," he said with a wink.
"There's only one problem."
"What?"
Sango wrapped her arm around his and leaned on his shoulder. She felt so comfortable in that position that she thought she could possibly remain like that all her life.
"You haven't asked me yet!"
"I still have to ask you? I thought those things were a given if we were together?"
"I know but I think it would still be sweet if you asked," she said clutching him tighter. He smelled so sweet.
"Okay then, Sango, will you go to the spring dance with me?" he said slightly blushing.
"I don't know."
"Sango!?" Miroku yelled. He looked down at her and scratched his head with his free arm.
"Will you promise you won't ever piss on me again?"
Miroku's cheeks reddened further but he smiled nevertheless.
"Only if you promise never to hit me again."
A moment later: "Ouch!"
--
Kagome lay motionless as she watched the horizon turn from a seemingly blue iridescent sky to a milky orange red. The balcony overlooked half the city and although it was indeed beautiful, tonight her thoughts were resting on another matter. Time after time, her mind could not help but remember the last time she had seen Inuyasha and the conversation between the two.
'Why can't I stop thinking about him? I mean, after all, we were never really good friends? So, why do I feel so horrible when I can't be with him?' Kagome sighed and tried to focus her thoughts on something more positive and light hearted. She tried to recall her seventh birthday and how Miroku looked when Sango pulled down his pants. But, no matter how hilarious that was; it did nothing to lift her spirits. For some odd reason, she could not help but cry. 'Kagome, snap out of this! Why are you always crying? You have to be strong; you were always so strong before! Even when Kikyo was mean to you, when mother nagged you, and father betrayed you, you never once shed a tear! And here you are now, crying like a little weak baby!' But it was no use, no matter how hard she tried to force the tears back, they persisted to flow down her cheeks and down her neck until it evaporated upon the touch of her cotton PJs.
She stayed outside for sometime, until the sky turned a bleak black, until the stars once again took their rightful place among the heavens, illuminating the darkened sky, and until the moon glazed over her face and shown like a natural light bulb. Kagome closed her eyes and made a wish.
She turned around and found the strength to crawl into bed and snuggle up under her covers. 'Sleep, that's all I need, just sleep.'
But, even then sleep never came. She awoke to a sound outside her window. Her heart thumped and she found the courage to say his name out loud, "Inuyasha?"
Afraid at first, she just sat there in bed, wondering what she should do. But, after much thought, she ran to the French doors and looked outside. A figure was slowly climbing over the edge, she watched the figure at first from afar, not exactly sure who it was because of the intense shadows casted by the trees. But, in her heart, she prayed it was Inuyasha. But much to her surprise it was not Inuyasha, but Kouga.
He stepped towards the light and pressed his hand against the doors. She watched him and debated whether or not she should open those doors. She found herself unconsciously opening it and letting him in, "Kouga," she said in a whisper.
"Kagome, I'm sorry but I had to see you."
"Kouga, I think you should leave. This is a bad idea," she backed off, rubbing her hands from nervousness.
"I can't leave, Kagome," was all he said. He stepped forward and stopped just short of her.
"Kouga, I don't want to talk tonight. I'm really tired." She turned to take her eyes away from him but he grabbed her gently and swung her around, planting a kiss on her lips. It was delicate, gentle, and a little unexpected.
Kagome backed off and pushed him away, "Kouga, what's wrong with you?"
"Kagome, I want to be with you. We are going to be with each other, the marriage is--"
"There is no marriage Kouga!"
"It's because of him, isn't it?" he said, clearing his throat.
"What are you talking about?"
"You don't want to marry me because of Inuyasha!"
"Kouga, be reasonable! I'm only 15, your 17! We can't get married."
"Not now, but later in the future. You just have to love me!"
"Kouga, don't do this. There are other girls."
"I know, but for some reason you're the only one I want," he said in a whisper. Kagome felt her body shiver and she held onto the wall for support from the conversation they were having.
"Kouga, I can't--"
"You can't love me? Because of Inuyasha?"
"What does he have anything to do with this?"
"He has everything to do with this," he paused to check the volume on his voice. He tuned it down and said, "I see the way you look at him, like you- you love him." The words were hard to say and harder to contemplate.
"I don't--"
She looked into Kouga's eyes and saw how much hurt he was going through. She sighed and said, "Kouga, please leave. This conversation will help nothing."
To her surprise, he did not battle with her. He simply turned and climbed back down the balcony using the bottom window roof top, a tree, and fence as stairs.
Kagome did not bother to see him off; she was too shaken from both the kiss and the realization that Kouga just might be telling her the truth.
--
"Earth to Kagome! Kagome, what's the matter with you?" Sango said, waving her hands in front of her eyes. Kagome didn't know what was wrong with her. She just wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
"Sango, stop waving your hands in my face," she said irritated.
"Sorry, but you've been staring at your soup for the last ten minutes."
"I just don't feel well today, that's all," Kagome said, erasing the chard memories in the back of her mind.
"Do you want me to take you to the nurse?"
Kagome shook her head and tried desperately to act as normal as possible, even lifting her spoon to her soup and tasting it. But no matter how hard she tried, Sango looked at her from behind her sandwich and knew something wasn't right.
"Kagome, why are you lying to me?" she asked.
Kagome was stunned. The spoon still midway in the air, she smiled, "Sango, what are you talking about?"
"I know you're keeping something from me. You don't have to tell me now, but you'll have to eventually!" she said satisfied.
Just then, she felt someone tapping her on her shoulder and Kagome turned to see sparkly eyed Hojo standing behind her.
"Oh hi, Hojo," Kagome said glumly. Although she was happy to see Hojo, she wished it was Inuyasha.
"Miss Kagome, I got a slot in the school talent show!"
"Oh congratulations Hojo, I'm so happy for you!" Kagome said in excitement, hiding her true feelings.
"My day has been so wonderful! But there is one thing missing to make my day completely great!" He said, leaning towards her.
"What is that Hojo?" Kagome asked curiously.
"Well, there is a certain dance happening in just a couple weeks. You might have heard of it, the spring dance?"
Kagome nodded, "Yes, what about it?"
"I was wondering if you and I would go together. You my Juliet and me, your Romeo."
Kagome looked at him and bit her lip. Since they were five, Hojo has asked her out at least half a million times and to every answer she has always replied no. She thought saying no now makes no difference and so she did. But his reaction was not as she expected. He had always turned in mocked hope and tried again. Now, he looked at her with protruding tears in his eyes. Kagome looked deep into his eyes and gasped. She had finally broken his heart.
"Hojo, I'm sorry."
But she could not even finish her apology, he had turned and ran in hopes of hiding from his tears and sadness.
"Sango, what did I do?"
Sango, still recuperating from the scene, shrugged and looked out towards the darting Hojo, pushing against bodies to find the exit.
"Kagome, you really did it. You finally crushed him," was all Sango said.
Kagome could not help but cry herself, not just for Hojo but for all the guys whose heart she has broken lately.
'Oh my God! I'm a heartbreaker. You're such a fucking slut, Kagome. How could you do this to all of them? First Inuyasha, then Kouga, and now even the sweet Hojo!'
Just then, absorbed in her own thoughts, she bumped into the one person she wanted to see most: Inuyasha. But he did not even say a word; he just turned to her and darted off to the opposite direction.
'Great! Now I don't have anyone! I should have crawled under that rock and died!'
--
Kagome approached Hojo with precaution. His emotions were still unstable and he seemed to be wrapped up in his own thoughts-food, the play, the pimple on his cheek, and of course Kagome breaking his sweet little heart.
"Hojo, can I talk to you?" Kagome asked, leaning towards him.
He refused to turn. He sat there, his back still turned to Kagome, hiding the tears surrounding his eyes.
"Okay, I guess," he pouted, his voice turned into that of a little boy, being punished, sitting towards a wall.
"I didn't mean to hurt you Hojo. It's just that ever since we were kids, it was always like that, you know, you ask me out and I say no."
"Can't it change? Can't I ask you out and you say yes?" he asked, slightly turning around.
"I don't know?"
"Kagome, ever since we were little, I have always loved you and I think you know that. Don't you?"
Kagome looked at him and nodded in agreement, biting her lip from the realization.
"I don't understand why you can't, you know, love me back," he said, his head dropping as he sighed, "and I know I cant force you to love me and I don't want it that way either. I just wished your heart felt the same way."
"Hojo, hasn't it always been nice just being friends?" Kagome asked, putting a sympathetic hand on her friend's shoulder. The touch eased his nerves and he began to relax.
"I'm sorry Kagome."
"Hojo, I might not be the girl for you but I know there is someone out there for you."
With that they parted, their friendship never quite the same.
--
Kagome walked home alone that day. Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had offered to take her home to make sure she was okay, but she refused, wanting to be alone. It was time for her to think about the strange events that unfolded throughout the week. It had been a challenging week, full of guy troubles. 'I never had so much guy troubles before' thought Kagome sighing. 'But why me, I'm not even that pretty.' Kagome shrugged and said her name into the intercom, which automatically opened. Kagome, walked in and stopped short of her father's Mercedes, staring at her.
Her dad was home, she thought. That was quite weird considering she had just seen him early this month at the Chikara dinner. She had never in her life seen him more than once in a month. Something must be wrong, she thought biting her lips. Then again, Kikyo's wedding is in about three months, he must be here to make sure all the arrangements are in order. Kagome smiled and walked inside, ready to hit the sack. But, she would soon find out that sleeping would be the last thing on her mind the moment she walked into the door.
"Mother, I'm home. I feel so tired, I think I'm going to go into bed and sl- -" Kagome froze in front of her mom, whose eyes were fixed completely on her. Her arms were crossed; one eye brow cocked upwards, a tape firmly in her hand. Kagome stepped back to make room for her mother, who was obviously mad.
"Mother, what's wr--" Kagome muttered, careful not to shift her voice louder than a slight whisper. She felt as though there wasn't even air going into lungs and she inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself down. Her mother composure signaled something horrible.
It was then at her father walked into the room, equally angry. Kagome shifted her attention towards the heavy weighted man, one hand hold his wine, which swung to and fro from his harsh movements. But it was not until Kagome sighted her sister, who had a malicious grin across her face that Kagome felt a sight shiver go down her back and out her feet. She shifted feet and tried to force a smile, hoping this was all in her imagination, that maybe she was overreacting to her family's stares and glares.
After all, what had she done?
"Kagome, tell me what I have done to deserve a daughter like you?" she said, her head shaking in utter disappointment in seeing the daughter she had always hated, the one she wished had got away.
'Well, I can name a few things.' Kagome thought.
"You should be on your knees in thanks for having such a fortunate life! But here you are, deceiving your family!" she shouted. Her father parted from his seat in the corner and walked up to her mother, one hand on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her. But it was no use; her mother was already in tears.
"Everything we do, we do because we think it's the best for you and you go behind our backs and meet some boy we don't even know.in the middle of the night!!!" she yelped, her eyes practically popping out of their sockets, her hands flinging in opposite directions. Kagome had never seen her mother so incomposed, so human.
It was then that she, in rage, violently flung the video tape across the room. It landed just short of Kagome's feet. Kagome stared at it, tears building up behind her eyes. She bit her lip and realized that they had found out about Inuyasha. Her head bobbed down and a darkened shadow was casted across her face. Meanwhile, her mother continued to yell obscenities at her, which by this time Kagome had already drowned out from her ears. She looked up to see her father pick up the tape and shake his head.
"Kagome, who is this boy? I am so disappointed in you. Not only did you sneak out of the house in the middle of the night but you ran away with a boy?" her father asked. Kagome looked at him, a blank expression on her face.
"Father, I didn't me--" Kagome muttered.
"Little sister, don't give father excuses," Kagome said, her face trying desperately to hide the smirk protruding from her mouth.
"Kagome, answer your father!" her mother yelled. Kagome quivered from her voice and she her face gradually rose to confront her brooding family.
"Why do you care, father? I don't have to tell you anything because you've never been here to help me when I need you!" she yelled and watched as her family's mouths dropped from surprise. Kagome had never defied them like she had just now. She was surprised at her self but she was relieved.
"Kagome!" her mother yelled.
"None of you have ever loved me! I'm glad you know about Inuyasha because." Kagome paused, unsure of what she was going to say.
"Because what, Kagome?" her sister asked, her arms now crossed.
"Because I think I love him."
Her mother approached her and sent a sharp slap across her face.
A/N: hey guys! Sorry it's been awhile, but no time. I hope you guys liked it! I'll try my best to do the next chapter!
Sorry that my other chapter was replete with spelling errors but when you're on a roll, spelling doesn't seem to matter much. I'm glad you guys liked it. Thanks for the reviews, I hope you guys will continue to review.
I'm not sure what exactly is going to happen, just a rough outline, so I can't really tell you what to expect, just know that things are going to heat up because of her parents finding out, but remember, they don't know hes a Bakemono yet! That'll make things real hard! Hmmm.also more stuff about Sango and Miroku.oh and be excited because the spring dance is coming and a lot of shit is going to happen there!
Okie that's all for now, stay tuned!
-co Tsukino