A Tragic Love
Disclaimer: Inuyasha = $: Me = %: % = how much I own: how much I own = 0
Ch. 18: P.S. I Love You
--
The scenery was bleak but sparks of color would randomly penetrate the dark vivid sky like wildfire, appearing almost ominous in the iridescent nothingness. The wind was fierce yet the sun was still in the abyss that was supposed to be sky. So, Inuyasha trekked forward through the deserted emptiness before him and counted the shooting flames in the sky as if it were stars. He didn't know where he was but he felt calming warmth surrounding his body and in this place he felt at peace and his aura was the color of the celestial heavens, painted in blue and holy yellow. He wished he knew where he was, he wished he knew why he felt so at ease in this strange universe. But at that moment, he hardly seemed to care. He just wanted to be in this place forever, counting the flames until the day he died. Then a thought occurred to him. In this place, is there such a thing as death? It feels as though this was already heaven and maybe he had died and this is where he shall eternally inhabit.
Through his walk into heaven, he encountered a strange number of biomorphic creatures that appeared grotesque at first but, as he soon realized, were truly beautiful. He had encountered one creature whose arms resembled octopus scales and his head a cantaloupe. He looked good enough to roast but as he stepped forward, hoping to touch it or take a bite off of it, he found that upon his steps it magically transformed into a giant locus radiating in the magnificent colors of red, orange, and yellow—the same colors as that of the flames shooting above his head into the nothingness. The transformation made him smile and for the first time he realized that in this place all his desires, his dreams, and his wishes would manifest itself onto this world in unexpected ways. It was truly amazing. And although he should have felt a little bit frightened being in this strange new world, he felt nothing but happiness and it clearly showed on his face—a smile streaming across it as though it were his birthday.
He walked forward hoping to find other marvelous creatures but was sad to see that there weren't any at all, just him and the flaming sky. He hoped there would be some kind of spiritual guild that would help him in this journey of his but there was none and what did he expect, he had always wanted to be alone and here he was now, getting what he had always wanted. But there was something missing that he couldn't truly figure out. He slumped onto the floor and looked out into the beyond hoping to find something and he wished then for a companion and upon that wish he felt a tap on his shoulder. He was fearful at first to turn but his curiosity was unending and do he turned to see the most beautiful face he had ever seen.
Kagome touched him on the shoulder and smiled as he turned his head towards hers. He had wanted to say something to her then but was afraid to utter a sound, believing that just looking at her then was more perfect than any conversation. So, it was her that first opened her lips and spoke.
"Inuyasha, I have been waiting for you," she said, her gentler than usual. Her voice echoed the peace and contentment he was feeling inside.
"You have?" Inuyasha asked.
She simply nodded her head and pointed to the far east. Inuyasha turned around and saw nothing there.
"What am I suppose to see?" he asked confused.
"What you wish to be there."
Inuyasha started laughing and said, "Kagome, you're talking really funny."
"I'm not Kagome. I am simply a manifestation of who you want me to be. If you wish I were Miroku then I am Miroku." The person was suddenly enveloped in a bright light and when the light subsided, Kagome was Miroku. Inuyasha leaped back and then the fear began to surge through his body.
"What the hell is going on?!"
"What you wished."
"I didn't wish this."
"Not openly but deep inside you know you have always wanted to be here. It is your place; you created it, just as you have created me."
"This is too weird."
Miroku's form began to dissolve and in his place was Kagome once more. This time Inuyasha didn't freak out.
"Don't you want to be here?" the person asked.
"Yes, I do. I feel strange here, like everything inside me is happy. I have never felt that way before."
"I know. And if you leave this place will you be sad?"
"Yes, I might."
"So, I must go." The person stood up and looked at him one last time before walking off into the darkness. Inuyasha stood up and ran after her, turning her around and planting a soft kiss on her lips. He hoped she would not turn in Miroku again.
"I am not the woman you love. I am a source of light imprinted to look like her. I do not feel any human emotion."
"I know but looking at you made me want to kiss you. You may not be her but you look like her and in seeing you I remember her every move, her every touch, and her every expression. Where is she?"
"In another place," the person said softly.
"Can I bring her here?" Inuyasha asked.
"No, you cannot."
"But I'll be so lonely without her."
"That is the price you pay for having all that you want, for granting a wish."
"Then I don't want this wish anymore. I want to be with her."
"Is that true?"
"It's damn true."
"But you have hurt her so many times and she has hurt you too. Why would you want to be with her when she causes that organ right here," she said pausing and touching his heart, "to hurt so much."
"But this thing also feels happiness when I am with her. I love her."
"I see. Then go away from this place and never return."
"I don't need to come back anymore. I don't want to be alone anymore."
Inuyasha let go of the person and turned away, wishing for home and walking towards nothing. Soon his world faded and he fell to the floor in desperation.
--
"Inuyasha, please wake up," whispered Kagome to his ear as Inuyasha lay there motionless on the hospital bed, wires coming from all around his body. Holding his hand then, she cried and turned to his parents who were seated just opposite of herself. They looked like decent people, unlike any description that Inuyasha fed her. But she did not know them—they could be as horrible and heartless as Inuyasha labels them. But his mother's voice was so soft and her temperament so calm, that Kagome fell in love with her manner and wished she was her own mother.
"Will he be alright?" Kagome asked in a hushed whisper. Her mother looked at her with worried eyes but her smile was comforting. Kagome had not told them she was a Higarashi because she feared they would hate her and maybe they did.
"The doctors say he's in some kind of coma. We just need to wait for him to wake up. But his brain waves are functioning properly, so I guess that's always a good sign."
Kagome nodded and continued to hold his hand. His mother looked at her then and smiled, "Are you his girlfriend? He has mentioned you before."
Kagome was shocked. Inuyasha had said something to his parents about her. All this time she thought she was a secret. She guessed he wasn't as distant from his parents as he claimed he was.
She forced her gaze away from the distraught parents to the others waiting around her. She had not noticed them there at first—she was solely focused on Inuyasha's health. To her left, by the corner table, sat Sango half asleep. She had her arms folded and was trying desperately not to nod off but by each passing moment, she was falling victim to her droopy eyes. Seated directly beside her was Miroku, his head on her shoulder like a little baby. When did they get back together?
Kagome's lips sneaked a smile until she looked below her and saw the sleeping Inuyasha, hanging by a thread. She wanted to kiss him then—just to feel his lips on hers. But she couldn't do that in front of her emotionally imbalanced parents who were watching her every move. Still staring at Inuyasha, she peered forward and saw his mom looking at her—eyes wide and focused. She had to admit, for a mom she was hot. She had long legs, hair up to her shoulders that was tossed and draped her face, which was the image of perfection despite the fact she was grieving. Even the tears in her eyes and cheeks only heightened the natural glow on her face. The more Kagome looked at her, the more beautiful she appeared. Kagome lifted her gaze but his mother continued to stare at her. Feeling just a little uncomfortable, Kagome let go of Inuyasha's hand and kissed his forehead before departing from the room.
Finally out of the room, Kagome breathed in much needed air and slowly her body just descended to the ground like a ton of bricks. She wrapped her arms around her body and just closed her eyes. She was remembering the last time she had come to a hospital. She was six and she had broken her leg because her bitch of a sister threw her down the stairs. Luckily she was halfway down when her sister decided to go mental on her. And she had pushed her for no good reason except the mere fact that she was having a bad day at school and decided to vent out her anger on her defenseless little sister. Even at the age of six, Kagome had known how horrible her sister was and how ruthless her family was towards her. After she fell, her sister looked down at her and smiled. Kagome did not cry and she felt no pain even though her leg was swelling and burning with pain. She thought that maybe her sister would comfort her—that she would show her she had a heart. But Kikyo had no heart; in its place was a ball of steel.
It was hours before she got medical help. Her parents didn't come home that night until midnight and when they saw her on the floor with her leg now three times bigger than the other, they picked her up and told her to stop crying. But the sad thing was she wasn't crying to begin with. They just didn't know how else to react except to scold her again—even in her time of need.
Kagome opened her eyes to a pair of red shoes and suddenly her heart stopped as though she had recognized these red heels. She searched into her memory vault but came up empty. She looked up and found Inuyasha's mother staring at her in the face. Despite her beauty, she never ceased to appear so kind and so gentle.
"Why are you on the floor?" she asked. Kagome got up in a flash and faced her; ashamed she was not as beautiful as her. Looking at her so close now Kagome saw Inuyasha had her eyes—a deep mysterious violet.
"Sorry, I was just a little tired."
"You'll get your dress all dirty if you do that."
Kagome looked down and just realized she was still in her dress. Funny how after awhile you can hardly feel the discomfort. Kagome blushed and then took of her shoes, eager to feel her feet again. The moment she took them off, a wave of relief rushed through her and at first it felt awkward to feel solid ground.
"You get use to them after awhile," she said referring to the shoes. Kagome nodded and uneasily started walking towards the cafeteria—eager for some coffee. Inuyasha's mother followed close behind.
Finally with her coffee in hand, she slid into a chair and watched as Inuyasha's mother did the same. Kagome looked away sipping her coffee, wondering what the hell Inuyasha's mom was doing here. When she heard her voice, she almost spit out her coffee.
"I know about you being a Higarashi."
Mother of hell! Had Inuyasha told her? Oh god she was going to get beaten to a pulp by one of her gangster thugs hired to kill people she doesn't like.
"Don't be upset."
"Me? I hope you don't kill me!" Kagome screamed but quickly covered her mouth when she saw random people look their way in curiosity.
"I won't do that," she said, staring at her as she did in the hospital room. Her eyes were so focused and intense as though she were reading Kagome's every move and memorizing every line on her face.
"But how?" Kagome asked with confusion in her voice with a tint of fear. She was beautiful but Kagome bet she's even more deadly.
"I can read it on your face. I recognize you," she said. Kagome jumped at the answer and sipped the coffee as a form of comfort. After awhile, she could not taste coffee just her fear.
She looked down and that single act destroyed all these fantasized expectations of this beautiful woman. She was human and right now Kagome could sense pain on her face. Had I done something? She was thinking of something right now—an open wound that the conversation was pouring salt into.
When she finally looked up, there were hidden tears in her eyes. She was trying desperately to hide them but she could not. Kagome knew those tears—she had cried those same ones just days ago. There was no use hiding them and she shouldn't feel ashamed releasing them from the confines of her eyes.
"You must think I'm crazy but you remind me of my past and trust me you were very much a part of it."
'I was?'
"Can I ask you something?" Kagome asked. She nodded and Kagome pushed herself forward so there were only inches between them.
"Why does Inuyasha hate you?" Kagome asked.
She looked down and smiled, "Well that is my fault. He's always hated me ever since his father died and I married another man. He hasn't quite gotten over it. I don't blame him." She chuckled and Kagome suddenly felt sorry for her.
"He says you think he's dumb."
"He did, huh?" she said, shaking her head.
"I don't get it. Why would he say that?" Kagome asked.
"Sometimes Inuyasha sees me so much as this evil witch of a mother that whatever I say, his anger at me just blinds him. I didn't mean to say he was dumb, I just knew he could do so much better in school but I guess he took it the wrong way. When I found out about his learning disability, I sent him to a special school but he was acting up and I was forced to take him out of it. That's why we had to move here. This is the best school in the whole city."
So that was why they moved around a lot. Kagome was not mad at Inuyasha—every word his mother said made her love him more because he saw how much pain he was going through. If anything, he was just confused because of his mother's second marriage. Why had he not told her? She felt so out of his life—like a shadow that just followed him everywhere but was always left in the dark, disappearing when the sun sets.
She did not pity him, she wanted to comfort him and she wished she was by his side.
"And he doesn't get along with his stepfather, so it's hard for him to see that I do love him."
"I'm sorry."
She stared at Kagome for a few moments and then smiled, "He really does love you."
"How can you tell?" Kagome asked flustered by her comment.
"I just know. He's changed a lot since he's been here. I see him smile when no ones looking or at least he thinks no one is looking. He tries harder at school. It doesn't matter to me that he isn't top in his class. It matters that he's trying but he doesn't notice it when I compliment him."
"What do you mean?"
"I guess he doesn't want to know I love him."
"All this hatred just because you married someone else?" Kagome asked. She felt as if there was another piece to this puzzle that his mom was not willing to admit to. She sensed it in the shuffle of her heels and the furrow of her brow.
"I think I have to go. I should be with Inuyasha in case he decides to wake up."
Kagome knew she was digging too deep into their lives and she felt ashamed. But, at the same time, she was intrigued and wanted to know more.
"Okay."
She turned again before leaving the table completely and said, "Tell your father Damaru sends her regards."
I froze and then felt my hand grip her shoulder before she decided to go. She looked at my hand and smiled.
"How do you know my father?" Kagome asked. She continued to smile and then slowly rose from the table, throwing her cup of coffee. She clicked her red pumps and tossed her hair, "It was great talking to you Kagome. I see why my son is so in love with you."
--
"Kagome, get up and take a bath. God knows where you were last night, ruining your dress and your shoes!" her mother yelled, blasting open the windows so that the room was flooded with sunlight. Kagome raised an arm to her head to shield her already sensitive eyes from the bright light.
She didn't quite remember what had happened last night. She only remembered Miroku and Sango dropping her off and then her going over the conversation with Inuyasha's mother about Inuyasha. Damaru. That name was so familiar. Did she know her from before? Damaru looked at her as if this was not the first time they met—as if they had met in the past. But when? And how? It was impossible but Kagome couldn't help this feeling deep inside of her. It was eating at her thoughts and clouding her mind from functioning.
Kagome looked down and saw she was still in her gown, which was wrinkled and needed a good dry cleaning. Oh well, it was only a thousand dollars.
"Kagome, are you listening to me? God damn, you never pay attention. It's almost three in the afternoon and you smell like a dog. The dinner with Kouga is at six. I expect you there showered and smelling like a rose."
Kagome froze and faced her mother who was engulfed by the monster of light. She could not see her but she sensed her smell—it smelled like shit.
"What do you mean Kouga is coming here for dinner?" Kagome asked, getting up now, still fatigued, but her senses quite alert.
"I mean he's coming to dinner. Don't tell me you've become deaf," her mother yelled. She momentarily screamed for Patricia and as fast as lightning the poor maid was by her side.
"Patricia, pick up her stuff and take that dress off of her. She's ruined it."
Patricia nodded and started undressing Kagome who was resisting, knowing quite well she could take the dress off herself. In seconds the dress was off and she was sitting there in her bra and panties without a care in the world.
"I don't get it. Why is he coming for dinner?"
"Because he's your boyfriend. You father is coming home today and he wants to have a little friendly chat with him." Ugh, the words "boyfriend" and "Kouga" in the same sentence set shivers down her spine. Where did the little rat go? Then Kagome realized he probably fled after they took Inuyasha off to the hospital. His parents probably knew he was a Chikara. All hell would break lose. Good thinking Kouga.
"I see another excuse to drink his most expensive wine and smoke his best cigars. I get it."
"Kagome don't be such a bitch. Act your best tonight."
Shove it up your ass, mother!
Kagome walked to the bathroom and put on her robe before closing the door. Sure, she'll act her best tonight.
--
Kagome pinned her hair tightly with the pink clip attacked to a purple rose and admired her work in the mirror. Not bad, she thought. She smiled and reached down to put on her black leather stilettos. She stood up and fell over, her arms flapping. Now on the ground, she groaned, mentally shooting herself for not practicing walking in them before deciding to put them on. She had only worn them once at a Halloween party dressed as a hooker. She slowly stood up and pulled down her black slinky dress that was so short she thought her ass might hang out if she bent down even an inch. Oh well, all part of her wicked ways.
She thought she was revealing a little much—a little cleavage here, some leg here, a tad of ass over here. Oh well. A little goes a long way. She looked at herself once more and gulped. She wasn't quite ready to face her parents but if they treat her like a bitch then she'll treat them like a bitch. Plus she was sick and tired of their fucking scolding and parental power wrath. In part, she was trying to vent over Inuyasha's sudden state of unconsciousness.
"Okay Kagome you can do this."
She opened the door and held onto the railing for dear life. One false move and she'd fall out of her dress and she wasn't prepared to die naked at the bottom of the stairs. Step by step, she told herself. Already she felt as if her feet were ready to cave in from the pain shooting from her feet.
She could hear Kouga's voice resonating from the kitchen. He was here—good, right on time. She hastened her walk down and then finally, at the bottom of the stairs, she stopped and fixed her skirt again which was hiking up her ass. Every step she took, the damn thing wouldn't stay still. It was now permanently attached to her ass, like a second skin. Good, the tighter, the better.
Before walking into the kitchen, she took a deep breathe and proceeded in like it was a sunshiny day.
"Hello dear mother and father. Am I in time for dinner?" Kagome asked, feeling her skirt rising up again. Her father watched her in disgust, signaling her mother to hide her from sight. Her mother, of course, was too shocked to say a word. She watched her daughter strut her stuff through the kitchen.
"What, no hug?" Kagome asked. She was a foot away from her parents, a cool smile plastered on her face. Kouga stepped forward from behind the counter and eyed her, desire in his eyes, which were undressing her as he looked her up and down.
"Kagome, put on something decent this instant!" screamed her mother, finally recovering from her shock. She liked her better when she was silent.
"You don't like it?" Kagome asked.
"You look like a whore!" her mother screamed.
"I think she looks rather good," Kouga said, drool on his lips.
Her mother looked at him and eyed him to keep his mouth shut. He zipped his lid and stood back admiring the view.
"Mother, lets not make a big deal out of this." Kagome's heart skipped a beat, afraid of what was lying before her after the dinner was over.
"Kagome, if you don't change before the Chikaras come here I will--"
"Oh, I didn't know the whole Chikara clan was coming!" Kagome smiled. Great, more fun!
"Yeah and mom invited her sister and her family too."
"Oh really?" Perfect.
Kagome cut through her bewildered and enraged parents and walked towards the beaming Kouga. She grabbed his arm and held onto it. If she was going to play bad Kagome, she needed to make sacrifices.
"Kouga lets go into the dining room and make ourselves comfortable."
Kouga jumped to the request, eager to see what Kagome had in plan for him. But when he moved in for a kiss from the lustful babe, she nudged him on the side, "Don't get the wrong idea."
Kouga knew it was too good to be true.
Her parents still awestruck, they looked at each other and shook their heads, not knowing that the worst was yet to come.
--
The guests arrived just minutes after Kagome and Kouga entered into the dining room, Upon hearing the doorbell ring, Kagome was eager to show them how much she loved her man. Kouga and she were welcomed with a wave of silence, all eyes on Kagome's skin-tight dress and super high heels. Since she had never met his aunt before, she thought it was her duty to introduce herself.
"Hi, my name is Kagome. I'm Kouga's girlfriend."
Her aunt stared at Kagome's hand for a moment, wondering if it was safe to touch it, and finally shook her hand. She was a middle aged woman, older than Kouga's mother but still had the same airy high-strung attitude that Kagome hated in both women. Moments after her son and daughter entered the room, the daughter around Kagome's age and her son looked about twelve.
"Holy shit, who's the babe?" her son screamed, releasing his gameboy. His mom looked at him and shot him a look which shut his mouth up. He winked at Kagome and then walked over to the dining room.
Her daughter was a little friendlier, "Kouga, you didn't tell me your girlfriend was a hooker. Nice dress," she gave Kagome a look and then walked off in her designer heels and Burken bag.
Her husband walked in momentarily and practically had a woody just looking at Kagome. Kagome smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. He was a short man, balding in some places, and looked too weak to be a corporate executive. He looked up at her starry eyed, perverted thoughts dancing in his head. Kagome kissed him on the cheek, which drove him nuts. Kagome was sure he did something naughty in his pants.
"Hello Mr. Yokohama. It is a pleasure to meet you," Kagome said, an emphasis on the world pleasure.
He just laughed like a school girl and proceeded to the dining room.
Next arrived Kouga's parents who were less than please to see Kagome looking like a two-bit tramp. They shot one look at her and thought they arrived at the wrong ten million dollar mansion. Kagome's mother had to reassure them they came to the right place. Kouga, on the other hand, could care less. He was too busy staring at her rack. She hit him on the shoulder but he didn't care.
"Kagome...I...uh, hardly recognized you," Mrs. Chikara said bewildered, looking at her son's girlfriend with disgust.
"Yes, I thought I'd go for a different look."
"I see," she said.
"I think she looks hot. I wouldn't mind having me a piece of that ass!" winked his little cousin.
"Inu, shut your mouth!" screamed his mother from the other side of the table. He shut his mouth but continued to eye her. The little hentai.
"Mother, don't mind him. He can't help it. He can't get enough girls. You should see his dirty magazines under his bed."
"Yume, not at the dinner table." Yume rolled her eyes and played with the salad that was just brought out.
Kagome and Kouga sat down and Kagome was laughing inside from the face her mother was making. She was probably so humiliated. Serves the bitch right for making her life a hell. She saw her mother's sneers and occasional glances her way in disapproval. Kagome could read her mother's eyes as they shifted uneasily from one Chikara to the other as they stared at Kagome in disgust. Kagome didn't care and neither should she. Kagome saw the hatred in her mother's eyes and they burned into her skin, branding the word SKANK across her chest.
But in a sick and twisted way, she enjoyed the attention and most of all she enjoyed the hatred in her mother's face. It made her want more and it was then that she looked at Kouga and slowly her hand reached over and grabbed him by the collar. Still talking to his cousin by his side about cars or dirty magazines, he was surprised when he was suddenly thrust forwards into Kagome's face. She kissed him hard on the lips and although he was shocked at first, he gladly gave in. Then they went at it for a good two minutes, their tongues colliding. Kagome had never kissed anyone like that before, not even Inuyasha, and she hated herself for not doing it sooner.
"KAGOME!" her mother yelled. Kagome looked up, her red lipstick smeared across her face, a smile still on her face. She let go of the flustered Kouga, who wilted to the floor in bliss while little unicorns danced around his head.
"Shit, that was hot," Inu shouted, his mind still repeating the tongue action just moments before.
"Sorry mother. I thought I'd express my love to Kouga."
"May I talk to you outside, for a moment?" she asked bitterness in her tone. Kagome gulped and walked out, the guests still focused on her, their eyes wide and awake.
Her mother took her by the arm and roughly led her to the kitchen and then threw her to the side. Her mother looked at her and they stared at each other for some time before her mother decided to go up to her slap her hard on the face.
Kagome cupped her cheek. She was going to need ice again. Funny how she was beginning to get use to her mother's slaps.
"You are a disgrace to the Higarashi family. You come out dress like a slut and then act indecently in front of the whole Chikara family. Not only that but to Kouga's aunt, whose husband just happens to be the chief owner of a giant enterprise." Her mother shook her head and crossed her arms. Kagome rose from the slap which sent her flinging to the corner wall.
"That's all you ever care about mother. Your little circle of snobby bitches! Why don't you go and stuff it mother! I don't care who I have to impress. I feel sorry for you; you can't lift a finger without wondering what other people are thinking. It's so sad!" Kagome shouted, loud enough for the people in the other room to hear. Kagome's mother lifted her hand and was ready to slap her daughter again but saw that Kagome did not cower.
"Go ahead mother, slap me some more. Show me how much you love me." Her mother looked at her hand and then slowly brought it to her side. Kagome looked at her mother in pity and walked into the dining room, a grin from ear to ear.
--
"So Kagome, tell us about your plans after you graduate," Mrs. Chikara asked. Kagome looked at Kouga whose eyes were telling her he wanted another surprise kiss.
"Well, I was planning to go abroad."
"Really? How about your marriage to Kouga?"
Kagome gulped, she had forgotten about that tiny detail.
"Ah sick Kouga! You get to marry this babe. Tell me about the honeymoon."
"Inu, don't be a perv. You're too young. You have your whole life to lift girls' dresses and sneak a peek at locker rooms." exclaimed his sister, who, as Kagome saw, has shown no emotion since she came here. She had a weird disposition, making blatant comments here and there but never once raising her voice. Kagome watched her file her already pristine nails.
"Oh yes that. I..."
"We haven't discussed it yet mother. I will only get married if Kagome wants to," Kagome was shocked. She looked at Kouga and confusion clouded her mind. What happened to the Kouga she despised? She guessed the kiss knocked some sensitivity into him.
"I see," her mother said, lifting her tea and taking a delicate sip. She was glad that there might be a chance Kouga wouldn't get married to the whore. But she loved money more than his happiness, so she needed to get to work if she wanted to see her son married to the daughter of the richest man in the nation.
"Where's Sesshamoru?" Kagome asked eager to redirect the conversation.
"Oh he didn't feel well. He decided to stay home."
"I see." Yeah right, Kagome thought, he was probably sneaking around with his real girlfriend.
Kagome felt a hand on hers and saw it was Kouga's. She did not slap it. Instead, she just let him rest it there. After all, she was trying to annoy her parents and lately, he was treating her like a real human being.
Kagome stood up and walked over to the mantle piece and turned around and watched her parents go on and on about the new yacht they bought. Kagome was disgusted. She slowly snuck away from the crowd as they were too busy bragging about their wealth and found herself in her father's study. It was quiet here and she liked the silence. She sat on the couch and decided she needed a good long nap. But something caught her attention and she was up on her feet in seconds, grabbing at the small piece of paper under her father's desk. She could feel it on her fingertips but it wouldn't budge.
After minutes of reaching and stretching, she finally got a hold of it and held it in her hands. It was a picture, her father and another figure but their face was scratched out. That was weird. Kagome, as hard as she tried, could not figure out who it was. She chucked it aside but upon its landing on the carpet, she realized that there was something written on the back.
Kagome reached for the picture again and read it:
I send my love
Yours Forever, Damaru
Kagome read the three words over and over again, her eyes darting from one word to the next and continually repeating Damaru over and over again until her brain was on overload.
It couldn't be the same woman but then again Inuyasha's mother had said she knew her father or at least implied to it. Kagome remembered then the look that Damaru gave her. She had said recognized her. Maybe that was it. She had recognized her father and she saw her father in Kagome. Kagome held onto the picture as though it were life itself and then slipped it in her bra when she heard someone's footsteps. She ran to the couch and pretended to be staring out when Kouga walked in. He walked over to her and smiled.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Kagome nodded and watched as he sat by her side.
"I know you kissed me to piss off your parents," he said. Kagome looked at him and felt a tinge of sympathy.
"I'm sorry."
"No, its okay. I wanted to tell you that I can't do this anymore."
"Do what?" Kagome asked.
"Do this—pretend you love me when I know you don't."
Kagome chuckled. Kouga looked at her, "Why are you laughing."
"I don't think you've even realized it but you've changed so much."
"Yeah I know. I think it was because of you. For the first time you've showed me how it's like to love someone."
Kagome was taken away by his comment. She looked at him and then turned away quickly.
"So I want to repay the favor by letting you go. Plus, it kills me to see you when you're with him. I see it in your eyes." He turned away but Kagome had her hand on his face. He was surprised to feel her fingers on his face. Her touch felt good and he closed his eyes. She reached over and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Thank you, Kouga."
--
Sesshamoru circled the house, trying to think. He was not a bad guy. He was a greedy bastard but he was not a bad guy, he kept repeating in his head. Sure he wanted the money that came with marrying a Higarashi but would he risk it all, even the woman he loved, just to have a piece of the golden pie? He wasn't sure yet.
He looked over at Rin asleep in the couch and thought how beautiful she was. He loved her with all his heart and sometimes it ached inside to know how deep his love was for her. And yet he was treating her like shit and she wasn't blinded by it. She wanted no part of this and she told him straight up.
Just moments ago, in the cold deserted mansion, they were fighting, screaming from the top of their lungs. It almost came to the point where she wanted to break up with him. But how could he function without her? They had been going out for nearly four years now and it was only last year he summoned all his courage to confront his father about marrying her. He forbade their relationship since the day he found out she wasn't some daughter of a high and mighty enterprise. It was useless after that to convince him that maybe love was thicker than money. He refused to listen to any reason and soon he had to see her only in the dead of the night where no one would see them. It sickened him to see his father act so greedy but I guess that's the price you pay to be a Chikara.
Then there was Kikyo, that two-bit bitch whore. He hated her and there were times he just wanted to punch her unconscious but he was also afraid of her. He was afraid of her determination and her heartless mentality. How the hell is someone born without a heart?
What was wrong with him? Was money more important than love? I guess so, he had, after all, agreed to go with her plan. She had a way of convincing people that could melt all your morals away.
Then again, he never really had any morals and if he did, he never played upon them. She was right, before Rin, he was a heartless, cold, and greedy as Kikyo. But the moment Rin stepped into his life, he changed. He didn't realize it at first but after awhile money started to matter less and less. And he guessed that one of the reasons he complied with Kikyo was the fact that the money he got from his father upon their marriage would really help support Rin. He wanted to give her everything he had but how could he make sure she was okay if they had nothing. Sure he was going to college now and an apprentice to his father but if he ever disowned him, no corporation or firm would ever hire him or so much as take pity on his pitiful soul. His father had that power. Worst of all, if he backed out of the plan, Kikyo would come running to her father and he would see to it that Sesshamoru suffered for all eternity for hurting his daughter—who would probably be laughing her ass off in the background. He had that kind of power too.
No matter which way he turned, there was always a wall from blocking him from being with Rin. He watched her chest rise up and fall again with each breath she took. He didn't want to be with anyone else and yet he knew that if they were to break all the rules and get married, life would turn into hell. And that was something he was not willing for her to go through.
Still, there was a voice inside of him, telling him that love would keep them together. Funny, that sounds like a song, he thought. He smirked and sat by his love's side, brushing the stands of black hair that got into her face. She woke up then and smiled. Good, Sesshamoru thought, she wasn't angry with him anymore.
"Hey you," she said. She yawned and got up to stretch.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked concerned and a little afraid she might smack him again.
"Yeah. Sorry I hit you," she apologized, checking out the bruise on his arm. "Hey at least it wasn't the face," Sesshamoru said trying to lighten the mood.
Rin didn't smile. She looked down and sighed, "I wish I was rich like you. Then we wouldn't be in this mess. We would be married by now and live our happy life somewhere, off the coast of Fiji."
"Fiji?" he asked smiling.
"It was just a thought."
He realized how sad she was and placed an arm around her to comfort her, "It should be the other way around. I wish I wasn't rich. This world is disgusting—power and money, that's all my family ever cares about."
"Yeah so I've heard," she said pressing her face in his chest as his arms surrounded her petite frame. She felt so safe here in his arms. She wished then that they would stay like this forever. It was too perfect. And she was right...
"Sesshamoru, get that whore out of my house!" his mother screamed upon entering the room. Kouga tried to pull her away but she resisted and walked up to the clutching couple.
--
Kagome sat on her bed, contemplating the night's event, still with a smile across her face. Except for the fact she told her mother to stuff it (which felt so good), everything went well. The best part of it all was that Kouga was letting her go. Why the change of heart, she thought. But it didn't mean she was free. Her mother would still interfere and soon enough, she knew, she'd have another plan brewing. Her mother...
She had expected her to come into her room and beat the living shit out of her by now. Oh well, she had other more important things to worry about. She changed her clothes and hung them in her closet. She never knew that dress would come in handy again. She guessed everyone needs a slut dress.
She changed into gray sweats and a yellow mid drift tank. She slipped on some tennis shoes and ran downstairs. Her mother and father were still in the kitchen drinking tea. God, they were always drinking tea.
Her father caught sight of her before she could run out the door and immediately called her name. He was still upset from the dinner and she could tell by the pulsating vein on his left temple. Her mother, on the other hand, refused to move from her chair at the kitchen counter. She slowly sipped her tea, her back facing her daughter.
"Where are you going?" her father asked.
"I need to visit a friend in the hospital."
"It's nearly midnight. I'm sure your friend needs their rest."
"He needs me," Kagome said calmly. Her father eyed her and said, "He?"
"Yes father, it's a boy! Now can I go?"
"No you may not go. Do you think we'll ever let you leave this house after the stunt you pulled tonight? I should lock you in your room and never let you out! You disgraceful little--"
"Let her go!" yelled her mother from the kitchen, still slowly sipping her tea. Kagome's heart stopped for a split second as she listening again to her mother's words which were sending shock waves up and down her body.
"What, dear?" her father asked.
"Let her go! I don't want to see her face here anymore. She can die in a gutter some place, I don't care. Go Kagome," she paused and turned around, "and be with that low-life BAKEMONO!" she screamed. Kagome swore she saw a smile escape her lips, which she quickly covered up.
She turned to her father, who was wide-eyed in shock, clutching his heart. Kagome thought he might have a heart attack and ran to him but she was forced back by a slap on her face.
"Is this true?" he asked.
Kagome did not answer. She looked at him, trying to regain his normal breathing. All the while her mother stood by the door frame in glee; arms crossed and eyes intent to kill.
"But how?" he asked. It was then that her father's eyes shifted briefly from a fiery red to a clear blue—a memory? Kagome saw it and quickly remembered the picture that was still in her bra. She reached into her shirt and pulled it out. Her father watched her and in curiosity lunged forward and tore the picture from her grasp, ripping one of its corners which were temporarily attached to Kagome's fingers.
"Where did you get this?" he asked.
Kagome was victim to silence again, fearing her father's wrath. She had never seen him this angry before, except that one time when he and her mother fought when she was so little.
"You never told me, father," was all she said and although it didn't make much sense, her father got the message.
"Why did I need to tell you?!"
"I never knew about this family feud between our two families. Why?"
Her father bowed his head, "Because it didn't matter anymore, Kagome. They said they would leave and never return. But why have they come back?"
"I don't know," but she did know—Inuyasha.
"Is it true? Have you been seeing their son?" he asked, praying his wife was wrong but knowing all too well she was right.
Kagome ducked her head and then whispered, "Yes." Her father looked down at the picture and she swore she saw a tear go down his cheek. Her mother turned away then and vanished into the kitchen.
"I see, like father, like daughter."
"What do you mean, father?" Kagome asked, inching away, afraid of another brutal slap to the face.
"You see," he said, pausing and looking at his daughter, for the first time with loving eyes, "I too fell in love with a Bakemono."
--
12:15 am—Sora Hospital
Damaru wrestled with her fears in the nightmare playing in her head and was awakened to find her son fighting off his own demons. He turned slightly in his bed and then his movements turned frantic. She called for a nurse and stood by her son's side as he clenched her fingers.
Suddenly, he woke up in start, his head popping up like a jack in the box. He looked out into the darkness; his eyes still not adjusted to the intense black and parted his lips.
"KAGOME!" he screamed. His mother looked at him startled.
--
Hey guys! O I know, I haven't updated in forever and I'm sorry about that but school has been kicking me in the ass like no other. So, I tried to finish it little by little but it was useless but luckily I'm on summer vacation right now and yay I got to work on it. So, I hope you guys enjoyed it.
Also, please feel free to tell me if the story sucks or whatever. It does help me to write better. Oh, I also wanted to say was that there will only be 2 more chapters left. I am finally bringing this to a close! Aren't you all excited? I know I am!
-- co Tsukino
Disclaimer: Inuyasha = $: Me = %: % = how much I own: how much I own = 0
Ch. 18: P.S. I Love You
--
The scenery was bleak but sparks of color would randomly penetrate the dark vivid sky like wildfire, appearing almost ominous in the iridescent nothingness. The wind was fierce yet the sun was still in the abyss that was supposed to be sky. So, Inuyasha trekked forward through the deserted emptiness before him and counted the shooting flames in the sky as if it were stars. He didn't know where he was but he felt calming warmth surrounding his body and in this place he felt at peace and his aura was the color of the celestial heavens, painted in blue and holy yellow. He wished he knew where he was, he wished he knew why he felt so at ease in this strange universe. But at that moment, he hardly seemed to care. He just wanted to be in this place forever, counting the flames until the day he died. Then a thought occurred to him. In this place, is there such a thing as death? It feels as though this was already heaven and maybe he had died and this is where he shall eternally inhabit.
Through his walk into heaven, he encountered a strange number of biomorphic creatures that appeared grotesque at first but, as he soon realized, were truly beautiful. He had encountered one creature whose arms resembled octopus scales and his head a cantaloupe. He looked good enough to roast but as he stepped forward, hoping to touch it or take a bite off of it, he found that upon his steps it magically transformed into a giant locus radiating in the magnificent colors of red, orange, and yellow—the same colors as that of the flames shooting above his head into the nothingness. The transformation made him smile and for the first time he realized that in this place all his desires, his dreams, and his wishes would manifest itself onto this world in unexpected ways. It was truly amazing. And although he should have felt a little bit frightened being in this strange new world, he felt nothing but happiness and it clearly showed on his face—a smile streaming across it as though it were his birthday.
He walked forward hoping to find other marvelous creatures but was sad to see that there weren't any at all, just him and the flaming sky. He hoped there would be some kind of spiritual guild that would help him in this journey of his but there was none and what did he expect, he had always wanted to be alone and here he was now, getting what he had always wanted. But there was something missing that he couldn't truly figure out. He slumped onto the floor and looked out into the beyond hoping to find something and he wished then for a companion and upon that wish he felt a tap on his shoulder. He was fearful at first to turn but his curiosity was unending and do he turned to see the most beautiful face he had ever seen.
Kagome touched him on the shoulder and smiled as he turned his head towards hers. He had wanted to say something to her then but was afraid to utter a sound, believing that just looking at her then was more perfect than any conversation. So, it was her that first opened her lips and spoke.
"Inuyasha, I have been waiting for you," she said, her gentler than usual. Her voice echoed the peace and contentment he was feeling inside.
"You have?" Inuyasha asked.
She simply nodded her head and pointed to the far east. Inuyasha turned around and saw nothing there.
"What am I suppose to see?" he asked confused.
"What you wish to be there."
Inuyasha started laughing and said, "Kagome, you're talking really funny."
"I'm not Kagome. I am simply a manifestation of who you want me to be. If you wish I were Miroku then I am Miroku." The person was suddenly enveloped in a bright light and when the light subsided, Kagome was Miroku. Inuyasha leaped back and then the fear began to surge through his body.
"What the hell is going on?!"
"What you wished."
"I didn't wish this."
"Not openly but deep inside you know you have always wanted to be here. It is your place; you created it, just as you have created me."
"This is too weird."
Miroku's form began to dissolve and in his place was Kagome once more. This time Inuyasha didn't freak out.
"Don't you want to be here?" the person asked.
"Yes, I do. I feel strange here, like everything inside me is happy. I have never felt that way before."
"I know. And if you leave this place will you be sad?"
"Yes, I might."
"So, I must go." The person stood up and looked at him one last time before walking off into the darkness. Inuyasha stood up and ran after her, turning her around and planting a soft kiss on her lips. He hoped she would not turn in Miroku again.
"I am not the woman you love. I am a source of light imprinted to look like her. I do not feel any human emotion."
"I know but looking at you made me want to kiss you. You may not be her but you look like her and in seeing you I remember her every move, her every touch, and her every expression. Where is she?"
"In another place," the person said softly.
"Can I bring her here?" Inuyasha asked.
"No, you cannot."
"But I'll be so lonely without her."
"That is the price you pay for having all that you want, for granting a wish."
"Then I don't want this wish anymore. I want to be with her."
"Is that true?"
"It's damn true."
"But you have hurt her so many times and she has hurt you too. Why would you want to be with her when she causes that organ right here," she said pausing and touching his heart, "to hurt so much."
"But this thing also feels happiness when I am with her. I love her."
"I see. Then go away from this place and never return."
"I don't need to come back anymore. I don't want to be alone anymore."
Inuyasha let go of the person and turned away, wishing for home and walking towards nothing. Soon his world faded and he fell to the floor in desperation.
--
"Inuyasha, please wake up," whispered Kagome to his ear as Inuyasha lay there motionless on the hospital bed, wires coming from all around his body. Holding his hand then, she cried and turned to his parents who were seated just opposite of herself. They looked like decent people, unlike any description that Inuyasha fed her. But she did not know them—they could be as horrible and heartless as Inuyasha labels them. But his mother's voice was so soft and her temperament so calm, that Kagome fell in love with her manner and wished she was her own mother.
"Will he be alright?" Kagome asked in a hushed whisper. Her mother looked at her with worried eyes but her smile was comforting. Kagome had not told them she was a Higarashi because she feared they would hate her and maybe they did.
"The doctors say he's in some kind of coma. We just need to wait for him to wake up. But his brain waves are functioning properly, so I guess that's always a good sign."
Kagome nodded and continued to hold his hand. His mother looked at her then and smiled, "Are you his girlfriend? He has mentioned you before."
Kagome was shocked. Inuyasha had said something to his parents about her. All this time she thought she was a secret. She guessed he wasn't as distant from his parents as he claimed he was.
She forced her gaze away from the distraught parents to the others waiting around her. She had not noticed them there at first—she was solely focused on Inuyasha's health. To her left, by the corner table, sat Sango half asleep. She had her arms folded and was trying desperately not to nod off but by each passing moment, she was falling victim to her droopy eyes. Seated directly beside her was Miroku, his head on her shoulder like a little baby. When did they get back together?
Kagome's lips sneaked a smile until she looked below her and saw the sleeping Inuyasha, hanging by a thread. She wanted to kiss him then—just to feel his lips on hers. But she couldn't do that in front of her emotionally imbalanced parents who were watching her every move. Still staring at Inuyasha, she peered forward and saw his mom looking at her—eyes wide and focused. She had to admit, for a mom she was hot. She had long legs, hair up to her shoulders that was tossed and draped her face, which was the image of perfection despite the fact she was grieving. Even the tears in her eyes and cheeks only heightened the natural glow on her face. The more Kagome looked at her, the more beautiful she appeared. Kagome lifted her gaze but his mother continued to stare at her. Feeling just a little uncomfortable, Kagome let go of Inuyasha's hand and kissed his forehead before departing from the room.
Finally out of the room, Kagome breathed in much needed air and slowly her body just descended to the ground like a ton of bricks. She wrapped her arms around her body and just closed her eyes. She was remembering the last time she had come to a hospital. She was six and she had broken her leg because her bitch of a sister threw her down the stairs. Luckily she was halfway down when her sister decided to go mental on her. And she had pushed her for no good reason except the mere fact that she was having a bad day at school and decided to vent out her anger on her defenseless little sister. Even at the age of six, Kagome had known how horrible her sister was and how ruthless her family was towards her. After she fell, her sister looked down at her and smiled. Kagome did not cry and she felt no pain even though her leg was swelling and burning with pain. She thought that maybe her sister would comfort her—that she would show her she had a heart. But Kikyo had no heart; in its place was a ball of steel.
It was hours before she got medical help. Her parents didn't come home that night until midnight and when they saw her on the floor with her leg now three times bigger than the other, they picked her up and told her to stop crying. But the sad thing was she wasn't crying to begin with. They just didn't know how else to react except to scold her again—even in her time of need.
Kagome opened her eyes to a pair of red shoes and suddenly her heart stopped as though she had recognized these red heels. She searched into her memory vault but came up empty. She looked up and found Inuyasha's mother staring at her in the face. Despite her beauty, she never ceased to appear so kind and so gentle.
"Why are you on the floor?" she asked. Kagome got up in a flash and faced her; ashamed she was not as beautiful as her. Looking at her so close now Kagome saw Inuyasha had her eyes—a deep mysterious violet.
"Sorry, I was just a little tired."
"You'll get your dress all dirty if you do that."
Kagome looked down and just realized she was still in her dress. Funny how after awhile you can hardly feel the discomfort. Kagome blushed and then took of her shoes, eager to feel her feet again. The moment she took them off, a wave of relief rushed through her and at first it felt awkward to feel solid ground.
"You get use to them after awhile," she said referring to the shoes. Kagome nodded and uneasily started walking towards the cafeteria—eager for some coffee. Inuyasha's mother followed close behind.
Finally with her coffee in hand, she slid into a chair and watched as Inuyasha's mother did the same. Kagome looked away sipping her coffee, wondering what the hell Inuyasha's mom was doing here. When she heard her voice, she almost spit out her coffee.
"I know about you being a Higarashi."
Mother of hell! Had Inuyasha told her? Oh god she was going to get beaten to a pulp by one of her gangster thugs hired to kill people she doesn't like.
"Don't be upset."
"Me? I hope you don't kill me!" Kagome screamed but quickly covered her mouth when she saw random people look their way in curiosity.
"I won't do that," she said, staring at her as she did in the hospital room. Her eyes were so focused and intense as though she were reading Kagome's every move and memorizing every line on her face.
"But how?" Kagome asked with confusion in her voice with a tint of fear. She was beautiful but Kagome bet she's even more deadly.
"I can read it on your face. I recognize you," she said. Kagome jumped at the answer and sipped the coffee as a form of comfort. After awhile, she could not taste coffee just her fear.
She looked down and that single act destroyed all these fantasized expectations of this beautiful woman. She was human and right now Kagome could sense pain on her face. Had I done something? She was thinking of something right now—an open wound that the conversation was pouring salt into.
When she finally looked up, there were hidden tears in her eyes. She was trying desperately to hide them but she could not. Kagome knew those tears—she had cried those same ones just days ago. There was no use hiding them and she shouldn't feel ashamed releasing them from the confines of her eyes.
"You must think I'm crazy but you remind me of my past and trust me you were very much a part of it."
'I was?'
"Can I ask you something?" Kagome asked. She nodded and Kagome pushed herself forward so there were only inches between them.
"Why does Inuyasha hate you?" Kagome asked.
She looked down and smiled, "Well that is my fault. He's always hated me ever since his father died and I married another man. He hasn't quite gotten over it. I don't blame him." She chuckled and Kagome suddenly felt sorry for her.
"He says you think he's dumb."
"He did, huh?" she said, shaking her head.
"I don't get it. Why would he say that?" Kagome asked.
"Sometimes Inuyasha sees me so much as this evil witch of a mother that whatever I say, his anger at me just blinds him. I didn't mean to say he was dumb, I just knew he could do so much better in school but I guess he took it the wrong way. When I found out about his learning disability, I sent him to a special school but he was acting up and I was forced to take him out of it. That's why we had to move here. This is the best school in the whole city."
So that was why they moved around a lot. Kagome was not mad at Inuyasha—every word his mother said made her love him more because he saw how much pain he was going through. If anything, he was just confused because of his mother's second marriage. Why had he not told her? She felt so out of his life—like a shadow that just followed him everywhere but was always left in the dark, disappearing when the sun sets.
She did not pity him, she wanted to comfort him and she wished she was by his side.
"And he doesn't get along with his stepfather, so it's hard for him to see that I do love him."
"I'm sorry."
She stared at Kagome for a few moments and then smiled, "He really does love you."
"How can you tell?" Kagome asked flustered by her comment.
"I just know. He's changed a lot since he's been here. I see him smile when no ones looking or at least he thinks no one is looking. He tries harder at school. It doesn't matter to me that he isn't top in his class. It matters that he's trying but he doesn't notice it when I compliment him."
"What do you mean?"
"I guess he doesn't want to know I love him."
"All this hatred just because you married someone else?" Kagome asked. She felt as if there was another piece to this puzzle that his mom was not willing to admit to. She sensed it in the shuffle of her heels and the furrow of her brow.
"I think I have to go. I should be with Inuyasha in case he decides to wake up."
Kagome knew she was digging too deep into their lives and she felt ashamed. But, at the same time, she was intrigued and wanted to know more.
"Okay."
She turned again before leaving the table completely and said, "Tell your father Damaru sends her regards."
I froze and then felt my hand grip her shoulder before she decided to go. She looked at my hand and smiled.
"How do you know my father?" Kagome asked. She continued to smile and then slowly rose from the table, throwing her cup of coffee. She clicked her red pumps and tossed her hair, "It was great talking to you Kagome. I see why my son is so in love with you."
--
"Kagome, get up and take a bath. God knows where you were last night, ruining your dress and your shoes!" her mother yelled, blasting open the windows so that the room was flooded with sunlight. Kagome raised an arm to her head to shield her already sensitive eyes from the bright light.
She didn't quite remember what had happened last night. She only remembered Miroku and Sango dropping her off and then her going over the conversation with Inuyasha's mother about Inuyasha. Damaru. That name was so familiar. Did she know her from before? Damaru looked at her as if this was not the first time they met—as if they had met in the past. But when? And how? It was impossible but Kagome couldn't help this feeling deep inside of her. It was eating at her thoughts and clouding her mind from functioning.
Kagome looked down and saw she was still in her gown, which was wrinkled and needed a good dry cleaning. Oh well, it was only a thousand dollars.
"Kagome, are you listening to me? God damn, you never pay attention. It's almost three in the afternoon and you smell like a dog. The dinner with Kouga is at six. I expect you there showered and smelling like a rose."
Kagome froze and faced her mother who was engulfed by the monster of light. She could not see her but she sensed her smell—it smelled like shit.
"What do you mean Kouga is coming here for dinner?" Kagome asked, getting up now, still fatigued, but her senses quite alert.
"I mean he's coming to dinner. Don't tell me you've become deaf," her mother yelled. She momentarily screamed for Patricia and as fast as lightning the poor maid was by her side.
"Patricia, pick up her stuff and take that dress off of her. She's ruined it."
Patricia nodded and started undressing Kagome who was resisting, knowing quite well she could take the dress off herself. In seconds the dress was off and she was sitting there in her bra and panties without a care in the world.
"I don't get it. Why is he coming for dinner?"
"Because he's your boyfriend. You father is coming home today and he wants to have a little friendly chat with him." Ugh, the words "boyfriend" and "Kouga" in the same sentence set shivers down her spine. Where did the little rat go? Then Kagome realized he probably fled after they took Inuyasha off to the hospital. His parents probably knew he was a Chikara. All hell would break lose. Good thinking Kouga.
"I see another excuse to drink his most expensive wine and smoke his best cigars. I get it."
"Kagome don't be such a bitch. Act your best tonight."
Shove it up your ass, mother!
Kagome walked to the bathroom and put on her robe before closing the door. Sure, she'll act her best tonight.
--
Kagome pinned her hair tightly with the pink clip attacked to a purple rose and admired her work in the mirror. Not bad, she thought. She smiled and reached down to put on her black leather stilettos. She stood up and fell over, her arms flapping. Now on the ground, she groaned, mentally shooting herself for not practicing walking in them before deciding to put them on. She had only worn them once at a Halloween party dressed as a hooker. She slowly stood up and pulled down her black slinky dress that was so short she thought her ass might hang out if she bent down even an inch. Oh well, all part of her wicked ways.
She thought she was revealing a little much—a little cleavage here, some leg here, a tad of ass over here. Oh well. A little goes a long way. She looked at herself once more and gulped. She wasn't quite ready to face her parents but if they treat her like a bitch then she'll treat them like a bitch. Plus she was sick and tired of their fucking scolding and parental power wrath. In part, she was trying to vent over Inuyasha's sudden state of unconsciousness.
"Okay Kagome you can do this."
She opened the door and held onto the railing for dear life. One false move and she'd fall out of her dress and she wasn't prepared to die naked at the bottom of the stairs. Step by step, she told herself. Already she felt as if her feet were ready to cave in from the pain shooting from her feet.
She could hear Kouga's voice resonating from the kitchen. He was here—good, right on time. She hastened her walk down and then finally, at the bottom of the stairs, she stopped and fixed her skirt again which was hiking up her ass. Every step she took, the damn thing wouldn't stay still. It was now permanently attached to her ass, like a second skin. Good, the tighter, the better.
Before walking into the kitchen, she took a deep breathe and proceeded in like it was a sunshiny day.
"Hello dear mother and father. Am I in time for dinner?" Kagome asked, feeling her skirt rising up again. Her father watched her in disgust, signaling her mother to hide her from sight. Her mother, of course, was too shocked to say a word. She watched her daughter strut her stuff through the kitchen.
"What, no hug?" Kagome asked. She was a foot away from her parents, a cool smile plastered on her face. Kouga stepped forward from behind the counter and eyed her, desire in his eyes, which were undressing her as he looked her up and down.
"Kagome, put on something decent this instant!" screamed her mother, finally recovering from her shock. She liked her better when she was silent.
"You don't like it?" Kagome asked.
"You look like a whore!" her mother screamed.
"I think she looks rather good," Kouga said, drool on his lips.
Her mother looked at him and eyed him to keep his mouth shut. He zipped his lid and stood back admiring the view.
"Mother, lets not make a big deal out of this." Kagome's heart skipped a beat, afraid of what was lying before her after the dinner was over.
"Kagome, if you don't change before the Chikaras come here I will--"
"Oh, I didn't know the whole Chikara clan was coming!" Kagome smiled. Great, more fun!
"Yeah and mom invited her sister and her family too."
"Oh really?" Perfect.
Kagome cut through her bewildered and enraged parents and walked towards the beaming Kouga. She grabbed his arm and held onto it. If she was going to play bad Kagome, she needed to make sacrifices.
"Kouga lets go into the dining room and make ourselves comfortable."
Kouga jumped to the request, eager to see what Kagome had in plan for him. But when he moved in for a kiss from the lustful babe, she nudged him on the side, "Don't get the wrong idea."
Kouga knew it was too good to be true.
Her parents still awestruck, they looked at each other and shook their heads, not knowing that the worst was yet to come.
--
The guests arrived just minutes after Kagome and Kouga entered into the dining room, Upon hearing the doorbell ring, Kagome was eager to show them how much she loved her man. Kouga and she were welcomed with a wave of silence, all eyes on Kagome's skin-tight dress and super high heels. Since she had never met his aunt before, she thought it was her duty to introduce herself.
"Hi, my name is Kagome. I'm Kouga's girlfriend."
Her aunt stared at Kagome's hand for a moment, wondering if it was safe to touch it, and finally shook her hand. She was a middle aged woman, older than Kouga's mother but still had the same airy high-strung attitude that Kagome hated in both women. Moments after her son and daughter entered the room, the daughter around Kagome's age and her son looked about twelve.
"Holy shit, who's the babe?" her son screamed, releasing his gameboy. His mom looked at him and shot him a look which shut his mouth up. He winked at Kagome and then walked over to the dining room.
Her daughter was a little friendlier, "Kouga, you didn't tell me your girlfriend was a hooker. Nice dress," she gave Kagome a look and then walked off in her designer heels and Burken bag.
Her husband walked in momentarily and practically had a woody just looking at Kagome. Kagome smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. He was a short man, balding in some places, and looked too weak to be a corporate executive. He looked up at her starry eyed, perverted thoughts dancing in his head. Kagome kissed him on the cheek, which drove him nuts. Kagome was sure he did something naughty in his pants.
"Hello Mr. Yokohama. It is a pleasure to meet you," Kagome said, an emphasis on the world pleasure.
He just laughed like a school girl and proceeded to the dining room.
Next arrived Kouga's parents who were less than please to see Kagome looking like a two-bit tramp. They shot one look at her and thought they arrived at the wrong ten million dollar mansion. Kagome's mother had to reassure them they came to the right place. Kouga, on the other hand, could care less. He was too busy staring at her rack. She hit him on the shoulder but he didn't care.
"Kagome...I...uh, hardly recognized you," Mrs. Chikara said bewildered, looking at her son's girlfriend with disgust.
"Yes, I thought I'd go for a different look."
"I see," she said.
"I think she looks hot. I wouldn't mind having me a piece of that ass!" winked his little cousin.
"Inu, shut your mouth!" screamed his mother from the other side of the table. He shut his mouth but continued to eye her. The little hentai.
"Mother, don't mind him. He can't help it. He can't get enough girls. You should see his dirty magazines under his bed."
"Yume, not at the dinner table." Yume rolled her eyes and played with the salad that was just brought out.
Kagome and Kouga sat down and Kagome was laughing inside from the face her mother was making. She was probably so humiliated. Serves the bitch right for making her life a hell. She saw her mother's sneers and occasional glances her way in disapproval. Kagome could read her mother's eyes as they shifted uneasily from one Chikara to the other as they stared at Kagome in disgust. Kagome didn't care and neither should she. Kagome saw the hatred in her mother's eyes and they burned into her skin, branding the word SKANK across her chest.
But in a sick and twisted way, she enjoyed the attention and most of all she enjoyed the hatred in her mother's face. It made her want more and it was then that she looked at Kouga and slowly her hand reached over and grabbed him by the collar. Still talking to his cousin by his side about cars or dirty magazines, he was surprised when he was suddenly thrust forwards into Kagome's face. She kissed him hard on the lips and although he was shocked at first, he gladly gave in. Then they went at it for a good two minutes, their tongues colliding. Kagome had never kissed anyone like that before, not even Inuyasha, and she hated herself for not doing it sooner.
"KAGOME!" her mother yelled. Kagome looked up, her red lipstick smeared across her face, a smile still on her face. She let go of the flustered Kouga, who wilted to the floor in bliss while little unicorns danced around his head.
"Shit, that was hot," Inu shouted, his mind still repeating the tongue action just moments before.
"Sorry mother. I thought I'd express my love to Kouga."
"May I talk to you outside, for a moment?" she asked bitterness in her tone. Kagome gulped and walked out, the guests still focused on her, their eyes wide and awake.
Her mother took her by the arm and roughly led her to the kitchen and then threw her to the side. Her mother looked at her and they stared at each other for some time before her mother decided to go up to her slap her hard on the face.
Kagome cupped her cheek. She was going to need ice again. Funny how she was beginning to get use to her mother's slaps.
"You are a disgrace to the Higarashi family. You come out dress like a slut and then act indecently in front of the whole Chikara family. Not only that but to Kouga's aunt, whose husband just happens to be the chief owner of a giant enterprise." Her mother shook her head and crossed her arms. Kagome rose from the slap which sent her flinging to the corner wall.
"That's all you ever care about mother. Your little circle of snobby bitches! Why don't you go and stuff it mother! I don't care who I have to impress. I feel sorry for you; you can't lift a finger without wondering what other people are thinking. It's so sad!" Kagome shouted, loud enough for the people in the other room to hear. Kagome's mother lifted her hand and was ready to slap her daughter again but saw that Kagome did not cower.
"Go ahead mother, slap me some more. Show me how much you love me." Her mother looked at her hand and then slowly brought it to her side. Kagome looked at her mother in pity and walked into the dining room, a grin from ear to ear.
--
"So Kagome, tell us about your plans after you graduate," Mrs. Chikara asked. Kagome looked at Kouga whose eyes were telling her he wanted another surprise kiss.
"Well, I was planning to go abroad."
"Really? How about your marriage to Kouga?"
Kagome gulped, she had forgotten about that tiny detail.
"Ah sick Kouga! You get to marry this babe. Tell me about the honeymoon."
"Inu, don't be a perv. You're too young. You have your whole life to lift girls' dresses and sneak a peek at locker rooms." exclaimed his sister, who, as Kagome saw, has shown no emotion since she came here. She had a weird disposition, making blatant comments here and there but never once raising her voice. Kagome watched her file her already pristine nails.
"Oh yes that. I..."
"We haven't discussed it yet mother. I will only get married if Kagome wants to," Kagome was shocked. She looked at Kouga and confusion clouded her mind. What happened to the Kouga she despised? She guessed the kiss knocked some sensitivity into him.
"I see," her mother said, lifting her tea and taking a delicate sip. She was glad that there might be a chance Kouga wouldn't get married to the whore. But she loved money more than his happiness, so she needed to get to work if she wanted to see her son married to the daughter of the richest man in the nation.
"Where's Sesshamoru?" Kagome asked eager to redirect the conversation.
"Oh he didn't feel well. He decided to stay home."
"I see." Yeah right, Kagome thought, he was probably sneaking around with his real girlfriend.
Kagome felt a hand on hers and saw it was Kouga's. She did not slap it. Instead, she just let him rest it there. After all, she was trying to annoy her parents and lately, he was treating her like a real human being.
Kagome stood up and walked over to the mantle piece and turned around and watched her parents go on and on about the new yacht they bought. Kagome was disgusted. She slowly snuck away from the crowd as they were too busy bragging about their wealth and found herself in her father's study. It was quiet here and she liked the silence. She sat on the couch and decided she needed a good long nap. But something caught her attention and she was up on her feet in seconds, grabbing at the small piece of paper under her father's desk. She could feel it on her fingertips but it wouldn't budge.
After minutes of reaching and stretching, she finally got a hold of it and held it in her hands. It was a picture, her father and another figure but their face was scratched out. That was weird. Kagome, as hard as she tried, could not figure out who it was. She chucked it aside but upon its landing on the carpet, she realized that there was something written on the back.
Kagome reached for the picture again and read it:
I send my love
Yours Forever, Damaru
Kagome read the three words over and over again, her eyes darting from one word to the next and continually repeating Damaru over and over again until her brain was on overload.
It couldn't be the same woman but then again Inuyasha's mother had said she knew her father or at least implied to it. Kagome remembered then the look that Damaru gave her. She had said recognized her. Maybe that was it. She had recognized her father and she saw her father in Kagome. Kagome held onto the picture as though it were life itself and then slipped it in her bra when she heard someone's footsteps. She ran to the couch and pretended to be staring out when Kouga walked in. He walked over to her and smiled.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Kagome nodded and watched as he sat by her side.
"I know you kissed me to piss off your parents," he said. Kagome looked at him and felt a tinge of sympathy.
"I'm sorry."
"No, its okay. I wanted to tell you that I can't do this anymore."
"Do what?" Kagome asked.
"Do this—pretend you love me when I know you don't."
Kagome chuckled. Kouga looked at her, "Why are you laughing."
"I don't think you've even realized it but you've changed so much."
"Yeah I know. I think it was because of you. For the first time you've showed me how it's like to love someone."
Kagome was taken away by his comment. She looked at him and then turned away quickly.
"So I want to repay the favor by letting you go. Plus, it kills me to see you when you're with him. I see it in your eyes." He turned away but Kagome had her hand on his face. He was surprised to feel her fingers on his face. Her touch felt good and he closed his eyes. She reached over and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Thank you, Kouga."
--
Sesshamoru circled the house, trying to think. He was not a bad guy. He was a greedy bastard but he was not a bad guy, he kept repeating in his head. Sure he wanted the money that came with marrying a Higarashi but would he risk it all, even the woman he loved, just to have a piece of the golden pie? He wasn't sure yet.
He looked over at Rin asleep in the couch and thought how beautiful she was. He loved her with all his heart and sometimes it ached inside to know how deep his love was for her. And yet he was treating her like shit and she wasn't blinded by it. She wanted no part of this and she told him straight up.
Just moments ago, in the cold deserted mansion, they were fighting, screaming from the top of their lungs. It almost came to the point where she wanted to break up with him. But how could he function without her? They had been going out for nearly four years now and it was only last year he summoned all his courage to confront his father about marrying her. He forbade their relationship since the day he found out she wasn't some daughter of a high and mighty enterprise. It was useless after that to convince him that maybe love was thicker than money. He refused to listen to any reason and soon he had to see her only in the dead of the night where no one would see them. It sickened him to see his father act so greedy but I guess that's the price you pay to be a Chikara.
Then there was Kikyo, that two-bit bitch whore. He hated her and there were times he just wanted to punch her unconscious but he was also afraid of her. He was afraid of her determination and her heartless mentality. How the hell is someone born without a heart?
What was wrong with him? Was money more important than love? I guess so, he had, after all, agreed to go with her plan. She had a way of convincing people that could melt all your morals away.
Then again, he never really had any morals and if he did, he never played upon them. She was right, before Rin, he was a heartless, cold, and greedy as Kikyo. But the moment Rin stepped into his life, he changed. He didn't realize it at first but after awhile money started to matter less and less. And he guessed that one of the reasons he complied with Kikyo was the fact that the money he got from his father upon their marriage would really help support Rin. He wanted to give her everything he had but how could he make sure she was okay if they had nothing. Sure he was going to college now and an apprentice to his father but if he ever disowned him, no corporation or firm would ever hire him or so much as take pity on his pitiful soul. His father had that power. Worst of all, if he backed out of the plan, Kikyo would come running to her father and he would see to it that Sesshamoru suffered for all eternity for hurting his daughter—who would probably be laughing her ass off in the background. He had that kind of power too.
No matter which way he turned, there was always a wall from blocking him from being with Rin. He watched her chest rise up and fall again with each breath she took. He didn't want to be with anyone else and yet he knew that if they were to break all the rules and get married, life would turn into hell. And that was something he was not willing for her to go through.
Still, there was a voice inside of him, telling him that love would keep them together. Funny, that sounds like a song, he thought. He smirked and sat by his love's side, brushing the stands of black hair that got into her face. She woke up then and smiled. Good, Sesshamoru thought, she wasn't angry with him anymore.
"Hey you," she said. She yawned and got up to stretch.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked concerned and a little afraid she might smack him again.
"Yeah. Sorry I hit you," she apologized, checking out the bruise on his arm. "Hey at least it wasn't the face," Sesshamoru said trying to lighten the mood.
Rin didn't smile. She looked down and sighed, "I wish I was rich like you. Then we wouldn't be in this mess. We would be married by now and live our happy life somewhere, off the coast of Fiji."
"Fiji?" he asked smiling.
"It was just a thought."
He realized how sad she was and placed an arm around her to comfort her, "It should be the other way around. I wish I wasn't rich. This world is disgusting—power and money, that's all my family ever cares about."
"Yeah so I've heard," she said pressing her face in his chest as his arms surrounded her petite frame. She felt so safe here in his arms. She wished then that they would stay like this forever. It was too perfect. And she was right...
"Sesshamoru, get that whore out of my house!" his mother screamed upon entering the room. Kouga tried to pull her away but she resisted and walked up to the clutching couple.
--
Kagome sat on her bed, contemplating the night's event, still with a smile across her face. Except for the fact she told her mother to stuff it (which felt so good), everything went well. The best part of it all was that Kouga was letting her go. Why the change of heart, she thought. But it didn't mean she was free. Her mother would still interfere and soon enough, she knew, she'd have another plan brewing. Her mother...
She had expected her to come into her room and beat the living shit out of her by now. Oh well, she had other more important things to worry about. She changed her clothes and hung them in her closet. She never knew that dress would come in handy again. She guessed everyone needs a slut dress.
She changed into gray sweats and a yellow mid drift tank. She slipped on some tennis shoes and ran downstairs. Her mother and father were still in the kitchen drinking tea. God, they were always drinking tea.
Her father caught sight of her before she could run out the door and immediately called her name. He was still upset from the dinner and she could tell by the pulsating vein on his left temple. Her mother, on the other hand, refused to move from her chair at the kitchen counter. She slowly sipped her tea, her back facing her daughter.
"Where are you going?" her father asked.
"I need to visit a friend in the hospital."
"It's nearly midnight. I'm sure your friend needs their rest."
"He needs me," Kagome said calmly. Her father eyed her and said, "He?"
"Yes father, it's a boy! Now can I go?"
"No you may not go. Do you think we'll ever let you leave this house after the stunt you pulled tonight? I should lock you in your room and never let you out! You disgraceful little--"
"Let her go!" yelled her mother from the kitchen, still slowly sipping her tea. Kagome's heart stopped for a split second as she listening again to her mother's words which were sending shock waves up and down her body.
"What, dear?" her father asked.
"Let her go! I don't want to see her face here anymore. She can die in a gutter some place, I don't care. Go Kagome," she paused and turned around, "and be with that low-life BAKEMONO!" she screamed. Kagome swore she saw a smile escape her lips, which she quickly covered up.
She turned to her father, who was wide-eyed in shock, clutching his heart. Kagome thought he might have a heart attack and ran to him but she was forced back by a slap on her face.
"Is this true?" he asked.
Kagome did not answer. She looked at him, trying to regain his normal breathing. All the while her mother stood by the door frame in glee; arms crossed and eyes intent to kill.
"But how?" he asked. It was then that her father's eyes shifted briefly from a fiery red to a clear blue—a memory? Kagome saw it and quickly remembered the picture that was still in her bra. She reached into her shirt and pulled it out. Her father watched her and in curiosity lunged forward and tore the picture from her grasp, ripping one of its corners which were temporarily attached to Kagome's fingers.
"Where did you get this?" he asked.
Kagome was victim to silence again, fearing her father's wrath. She had never seen him this angry before, except that one time when he and her mother fought when she was so little.
"You never told me, father," was all she said and although it didn't make much sense, her father got the message.
"Why did I need to tell you?!"
"I never knew about this family feud between our two families. Why?"
Her father bowed his head, "Because it didn't matter anymore, Kagome. They said they would leave and never return. But why have they come back?"
"I don't know," but she did know—Inuyasha.
"Is it true? Have you been seeing their son?" he asked, praying his wife was wrong but knowing all too well she was right.
Kagome ducked her head and then whispered, "Yes." Her father looked down at the picture and she swore she saw a tear go down his cheek. Her mother turned away then and vanished into the kitchen.
"I see, like father, like daughter."
"What do you mean, father?" Kagome asked, inching away, afraid of another brutal slap to the face.
"You see," he said, pausing and looking at his daughter, for the first time with loving eyes, "I too fell in love with a Bakemono."
--
12:15 am—Sora Hospital
Damaru wrestled with her fears in the nightmare playing in her head and was awakened to find her son fighting off his own demons. He turned slightly in his bed and then his movements turned frantic. She called for a nurse and stood by her son's side as he clenched her fingers.
Suddenly, he woke up in start, his head popping up like a jack in the box. He looked out into the darkness; his eyes still not adjusted to the intense black and parted his lips.
"KAGOME!" he screamed. His mother looked at him startled.
--
Hey guys! O I know, I haven't updated in forever and I'm sorry about that but school has been kicking me in the ass like no other. So, I tried to finish it little by little but it was useless but luckily I'm on summer vacation right now and yay I got to work on it. So, I hope you guys enjoyed it.
Also, please feel free to tell me if the story sucks or whatever. It does help me to write better. Oh, I also wanted to say was that there will only be 2 more chapters left. I am finally bringing this to a close! Aren't you all excited? I know I am!
-- co Tsukino