A/N: Well… Your reviews made me very, VERY happy so I thought of updating again.
To answer question Kill-all-Flamers-210, the italics is the time when Kagome was with Youko. She had met him years earlier than she had meet Shuuichi.
KagomeYasha4448, I happily take your advice and here are dear Kagome's thoughts.
Oh, there will be one original character. I hope it will stay one too. And to you, Your #1 FAN!!! and Ai Higeki, this update is dedicated to you for loving Layers of A Rose so much!
Layers of a RoseChapter Four
After waving, she stepped into her house. The light was still on and she carefully slipped her shoes off and arranged them neatly with the other pairs of shoes.
"Hey…" Kagome called out to the light of the kitchen. Not needing to look straight ahead, Kagome placed her keys down and sat on the stool next to her friend who slurped his food loudly. The roses lay next to the keys. They were still in their beautiful condition and the aroma freshened the room. He had replied by a grunting noise and shifted his shoulders a bit. In other words, he said, "Welcome home."
When he swallowed, he wiped his mouth and sat up straight. "How was it? Better yet, how was he?"
"Oh, it was nice. Mother seemed really happy. I'm guessing that Shiori-san and Mother are really, really close." Kagome replied. An elbow was propped on the counter as she rested her head on her hand. As she reached for his bowl, she answered the other half of his question. "He was… he was… He seems like a nice guy."
"Hey!" Miroku cried. She had taken his udon noodles from under his nose! He was hungry and she just came home from eating! "That's mine! You already ate, so let me have my dinner!"
"But Miroku-kun," Kagome whined while slurping up the thick noodle, "I'm still hungry. You wouldn't one of your favorite girls to starve, would you?" She stared up at him with puppy dog eyes. He sighed in defeat and got off his stool. Pulling out another instant udon package, Miroku boiled water as he leaned on the counter next to his housemate.
"You shouldn't really trust your instinct, Kagome-chan." He crossed his arms and held his head down. "You never know what it is that others hide. It could be secrets, personal items, and their true self. He might have pretended to be nice so he could get something from you. You, Kagome-chan, are a very trusting person. You have to learn how to not do that so often. This world is filled with many dangers, and it isn't enough just to rely on your instincts. There are times when you have to listen to other people and their opinions."
The kettle started to blow its whistle and he turned off the stove. While he poured the water in it, he closed the lid and allowed it to sit there for about five minutes.
"I know you are very concerned for me Miroku-kun. Sango-chan too. But if my mother trusts him, then I should as well. I don't that believe he would act nice if he wasn't really. I don't think it is right to hide your true self if you are first meeting someone. It just seems wrong."
"Ah, that is where you are wrong Kagome-chan." He shook his head at her while lifting the lid of his udon noodles. "One should know that the world is filled with many wrongs, much more than the population of the world. He could be one of many that excel in lying."
"…"
"What?" He raised his eyebrows, curious of her sudden silence.
"It is like when I first meet you, but you didn't need to say a thing at all."
"What do you mean?" He had a feeling of what she was saying, but wasn't so sure.
"When I first meet you when you got the job as the priest of my family shrine, I thought you were pure and kind. I was wrong though. Very, very wrong." She jabbed him in the chest with the chopsticks that they both ate from.
"I don't understand what you mean Kagome-chan. I am a very pure and kind man. I would never hurt a soul." He replied while his hand rubbed the area that was poked.
"Yeah right! You aren't pure at all! You go around asking almost every pretty female to bear your children! I hardly believe that an act like that is pure! I don't think lying is very kind either."
"Lie?"
"Yeah. We never had so many students want to learn the art of bow and arrow along with being a priest. It all happened so fast after you were hired by Grandfather."
"…" He smiled his smile. His eyes closed. It had meant that everything she said was true. All true… It was because of him that their business had been raising. No one filed complaints, so that was a good sign, right?
Kagome finished her soup and threw out the foam bowl along with the plastic spoon it came with. Miroku continued to eat. She cleaned her chopsticks and dried her hands.
"You, Kagome-chan, always choose and make your own decisions. That is what makes you so special, but that is also your weakness. It seems as if neither I can change your mind."
Kagome hugged his neck and rested her chin on his shoulder. "It makes me so happy that you understand, Miroku-kun. Thank you for allowing me to do this. I know that I'll need you're help." She laughed lightly. She was so glad to have such an understanding friend. He was the best person to go for advice, and well, he was her best friend! Sango was her other friend, but since she knew Miroku longer, that made him special.
"Ah, it feels so wonderful to have such a beautiful girl hanging around me, but I'm starving."
"Eh? Oh… Sorry." She unwound her arms and stretched her arms up high. "Well, I'm tired… I think I'll go to bed now. Good night Miroku-kun." She gave him a peck on the cheek and headed out of the kitchen to the stairs.
"Oh, I also have one more thing I have to ask." Miroku said with a serious tone.
"What is it?" She replied sweetly.
"Sleep well and have sweet dreams Kagome-chan." He continued to eat. Under his breath, he whispered something else. "I wish you things could be different for you… You deserve happiness, but there is nothing else for me to do but watch."
Making her way up the stairs, she entered a room with a door that was partially closed. The light was off, so that had meant Miroku was successful in putting him to bed. She looked through the crack and smiled. She would leave him alone until the morning.
She had a feeling he wouldn't be happy when she tells him she might get married. Sighing, she went to the bathroom and did what she did every night. Brush her teeth, wash her face, and change her clothes. After she buttoned the last button of her pajamas, she picked up a brush that was on her dresser and brushed her hair.
She didn't feel like sleeping yet. Kagome rested on her bed for a while, thinking about the little things in life. The little things grew into bigger things, and it led to whom she spent her evening with. Minamino Shuuichi.
He wasn't as bad as everyone predicted him to be, or so she thought. She knew he wouldn't be anything like how Sango described him. Shuuichi was a… gentleman. If she weren't still in love with someone else, then maybe Shuuichi had a chance.
"I could say no… but I don't want to let Mom down… I know I wouldn't want to upset her, and Shiori-san looked really happy too. I guess I wouldn't be hurting anyone, right? I don't think he would mind either, unless he was only faking his kindness."
Kagome kept thinking until her head couldn't take it anymore. She turned over, face flat on her pillow. Lying in that position eased her mind a bit, but not enough to keep the handsome redhead out. It was as if she memorized his gentle voice in her head that she fell into a deep sleep, a sleep that she hadn't had for years.
Minamino Shuuichi left such an impression on her, but she still didn't want anything to happen. There were things she wanted to keep the same. Would marrying him change everything? Of course things would change, but would her feelings change?
She didn't feel any romantic feelings towards him, but she liked him. Her feelings weren't clear and she hoped the cloud would disappear so that she would understand her own feelings.
"Mmm…" she groaned as she felt annoying pokes at her spine. Curled up in a ball, she pulled the covers over her small frame, but it was pulled away from her and she was poked at again. She used what little energy she had and swatted the nuisance away. It was a failed attempt. The poking continued. Then the poking turned into shaking and then yelling.
"Ka-san! Wake up! Miroku-san wants you up now!" A young boy was by her bed. He had shoulder length black hair, and his bangs grew past his thin eyebrows. His eye color resembled his mother's, a grayish blue shade.
She only groaned in response. Maybe she should have slept earlier. The only reason why she slept later was because of last night. Last night… Kagome just remembered about that night and remembered what it was she wanted to say. Lifting one arm, she pulled her son in with her.
"Five more minutes, okay?" She snuggled with her son. She loved him very much. Of course it was a little difficult to care for a child at such a young age, but that didn't stop her from loving him.
"I don't really care… You know that 'Ka-san." He murmured as he closed his eyes and scooted in deeper in his mother's embrace. He was tired as well. His mother was the one person he really loved, but there were a few exceptions. He always listened to her. He was a devoted son.
"Keiichi," Kagome murmured. She was still half-asleep, but she knew what she wanted to say. Kagome had decided to take up on the marriage after all. "Please don't be mad, but I've decided to marry again."
There was a dead silence. She knew that wasn't good, but what could she do? She told him what she thought and nothing could change her mind. A loveless marriage might not be so bad, maybe…
"If it makes you happy, 'Ka-san, then I'm happy." He replied, but in a tone that was held a tone of sadness. Yes, it was true he didn't want her to marry anyone, but still, there was nothing he could do about it. He didn't want to share his mother with anyone. Of course that made him selfish, but aren't every living being selfish as well?
"Hm…" His solemn attitude reminded her so much of him. Heh, if only he could see his child, Kagome knew he would be proud. "I promise you that you'll like him, Keiichi. He's a very nice guy."
"When will I meet him?" Clutching onto the hem of her sleeves, he asked her curiously about when he'd meet his 'father'. Of course being the child he was child, he told himself that he wouldn't love this person.
Kagome then laughed. She stroked his head and slowly sat up. "You'll meet him soon, possibly. We need to see if there is actually going to be a marriage, but until then, you'll have to be patient, okay?"
She got out of bed while he still lay there. She talked to him through the slightly opened door of her bathroom. She explained to him the arrangement in a simple explanation. In other words, in a way he would understand.
They both ate their breakfast with Miroku and talked like they always did. Miroku had cooked, and it was delicious like all he other times he cooked.
"You want to cook dinner tonight, Kagome-chan?" Miroku asked as he washed the last plate in the sink. He loved her cooking compared to his own. He thought his cooking was horrible, when it was the complete opposite.
"Mm…" Kagome stood on the opposite side of Miroku. She was thinking of her schedule for the day to see if she had the time to cook. "Okay. I'll make dinner tonight."
"Ah, I am so honored to have Kagome-chan's delicious cooking! Aah, you will make your husband happy." Miroku exclaimed forgetting that she had a chance of getting a husband.
She left the house and left Keiichi with Miroku. It was her day to work. Being a teacher at her family shrine was a lot of work, but she enjoyed what she did.
She taught basic, intermediate and expert levels of archery. She was glad she taught classes of students who wanted to learn. She didn't know what she would do if she were to teach troublemakers and slackers.
As a long day of teaching passed, she had to stop at one last place before heading home, the store. She didn't know what to make. Maybe fish and rice, along with soup. Yes, rice and fish it would be.
-----
Standing at the cashier line, he just waited patiently for the person if front of him to come back. Apparently that person had to get something else. He didn't mind. It wasn't as if he had anything he had to do.
"Kurama-san! Can I buy this?" Eikiaru asked his uncle. He held out box of sweets.
"Uh…" Kurama wanted to say yes, but Yusuke would probably kill him for allowing his son to buy sugar. His son was at the age where kids get really hyper after eating candy.
"Please, I promise I'll be good!" He jumped up and down with the box in hand. That was until Seika came up to him holding something in her hands.
"Kurama-san, may I have this?" She asked lightly. She didn't really like to talk, but when she did, a sweet sound came from her. Who would've thought she was Yusuke's daughter?
"Ai…" Kurama just couldn't say 'No', but he didn't want to upset Yusuke. Argh, he now knew why Yusuke laughed so hard when he had told Keiko he'd go to the store for her.
Yusuke also went through this when he went shopping. Now, Eikiaru was tugging at his pant leg. He was so confused! He could only say one thing, and that was, "Damn you, Yusuke…"
"Eh? Shuuichi-san? Funny meeting you here." His head turned to see who it was. It certainly wasn't one of the children.
"Kagome." He was shocked. He didn't think he'd see her so soon. He had thought he would see her in about a week or so. He had a feeling that she was going to say 'No'.
The two children quieted and saw the pretty lady. Eikiaru was the first to speak. "You are really pretty."
"Eh?" Kagome then remembered seeing those children before speaking to him. They were so cute, but they didn't look like him at all. "You are a very sweet boy. Thank you."
When Seika heard her, she figured that the lady talking to her uncle was nice, so she spoke as well. "Good evening, Pretty Lady."
She bowed and smiled at her. All Kagome could think about was how cute they were! She wanted to hug them really hard! "Thank you, little one. May I ask for your names?"
"Urameshi Seika. I turned three!" She bowed once again as her voice proved her young age. Then she allowed her older brother to introduce himself.
"Urameshi Eikiaru. I am four, almost five." He also bowed, but the box was still in his hands.
They had asked for her name so that they wouldn't have to keep calling her 'Pretty Lady'. "Kagome. Higurashi Kagome. It is a pleasure to meet you, Seika, Eikiaru."
The cashier cleared her throat signaling Kagome that there were others in line. She apologized and placed down what she wanted to buy. Kagome kneeled down and asked both Eikiaru and Seika a question while taking the food out of their grasp.
"You wouldn't mind if I bought these for you, would you?" She smiled when she saw the smiles on their faces widen. Their heads nodded enthusiastically.
Kurama just stood there. He just couldn't say anything. Well, at least Yusuke had no one to be angry at for the upcoming actions of his children. Kagome paid for her food and both their sweets and said goodbye to them. She said goodbye to the children and then to him.
"Goodbye, Shuuichi-san. It was a pleasure to see you again, though the children spoke more than you did." She grinned and headed out the doors.
"Uncle, why don't you talk to her?" Seika asked as she tugged on the hem of his sleeve. "I think she likes you, Uncle."
Kurama chuckled and then told Seika he had to pay for the food and take them home.
"I can do it." Eikiaru commented. He liked Kagome as well and wanted to see her again. She reminded him of his mother. He had thought to himself that if his Uncle Kurama married the pretty lady then he wouldn't be alone whenever they went somewhere.
He noticed how every time his family would get together; he noticed that his uncle was alone. His other two uncles had someone. He was smart for his age to know why things were that way and he hoped that Kagome-san could make things better.
"What?" Kurama didn't quite understand what he meant by he could do it.
"You go talk to Kagome-san and I can take Seika home." He was still young and so his vocabulary hadn't quite reached its peak.
"I don't think I can do that. You and Seika are still very young, Eikiaru." Kurama told him as the cashier scanned in their items.
"But she looked like she wanted to talk to you, Uncle!" Weapon number one for a child was to whine, complain, and especially beg. He was Urameshi Yusuke's son after all. How could he not know how to take care of himself? He took after his father, or so he was told.
Seika joined him until Kurama gave up. He told Eikiaru what to do but he paid for everything and they went their separate ways at the exit of the store.
"Let's hope your father and mother won't get upset, neh?" Kurama smiled and patted their heads before he took off.
"I hope they marry!" Seika exclaimed excitedly. She held onto the lightest bag while her brother carried the others. They didn't buy much. They only bought what was to be used when they were brought home.
"I hope so too. Now, come on Seika, we have to go home or Papa will get mad." Seika followed her brother as he led the way home. It wasn't far, only a few blocks away.
"Kagome!" Kurama called out to her out on the deserted sidewalk. He ran after her and was happy to see she was still on her way home.
Kagome turned her head to see who had called out her name. "Eh? Shuuichi-san? What are you doing out here?"
She was shocked to see him, and inside she felt her stomach tighten. He was the last person she expected to see that day. She had already seen him and didn't think it was possible to see him twice in one day.
"I came to beat the children at speaking to you." He smiled at her jokingly. Of course it was partly true. He didn't know why, but he wanted to be with her and talk. He didn't care what it would be about as long as he got to speak with her.
Kagome just laughed as her head wove as a sign for him to follow her. He caught up and walked next to her. He reached for her bags she carried so he could carry them for her. He was raised to always help the female carry her bags whenever he was with one.
"Eh…? Oh! Um… Arigato, Shuuichi-san." She blushed lightly. Normally, she was asked for the bags and of course she'd refuse the offer, but he did it without asking. She didn't mind, not at all.
"It really isn't a problem, Kagome-san." He looked down at her and smiled again. Why? Why he thought. Why couldn't he help but smile whenever she was near?
"Um… Shuuichi-san… About last night, have you, I mean, what do you think?" Kagome played with her fingers and looked down. He could tell she was blushing. Most likely she was blushing out of nervousness. She barely knew him and here he was, carrying her bags.
"… I would do anything for my mother, and I wouldn't mind at all." He placed one handful of bags on the floor so he could reach her face. He tilted it so that he could see her. "I wouldn't mind at all."
Kagome looked at him and saw he was serious. All she could say was her part. She couldn't say anything else other than, "I… I don't mind either… Shuuichi-san."
Her heart skipped a beat and her face felt hot. 'No… I can't be feeling this way… Maybe I'm sick. Yeah… sick. There's no way I could be growing feelings for him already…'
Kagome fought with herself mentally as she followed him from behind.
Kuronue entered Youko's room after seeing Kagome. As always he would spend most of his time with her, but that didn't mean he forgot about his best friend. Youko sat crossed legged at the small table in the far left corner of his room. It looked as if he was going over scrolls they had stolen.
"What are you doing now, Youko?" Kuronue asked. He headed towards him and looked over the kitsune's shoulder. Youko was reading about different types of barriers and spells. One spell in particular caught his eye, but he'd have to see that later.
"I'm just looking over these. It seems as if the monks over at the southern lands are very creative. They have many barriers and spells that cannot be found anywhere else." Youko was extremely smart when it came to puzzles, spells, and things related to that sort. That was how he understood that scrolls he read.
With hands on his hips, Kuronue straightened his back and sighed heavily. Kuronue knew what was about to happen, he was still curious, so he took a chance and asked.
"You are off to another theft? You don't want me to come this time? Is it personal?" Kuronue asked. He leaned on the cushion that was supported by the wall.
"Don't be stupid, Kuronue!" Youko raised his voice.
"So it is personal. What could it possibly be…? Kagome-chan? You believe she'll be alright by herself, now do you?" Kuronue raised an eyebrow. He wanted to anger his friend just a bit more. If he refused to admit his feelings, why not mess with them?
Youko growled in return. He soon figured out that this conversation was pointless. He wanted Kuronue to stay because there could be an attack at the castle and there wouldn't be anyone to protect her, Kagome.
"Have I angered you? There is nothing to get angry over. It was only a question. It is not like you are hiding something. I mean you haven't developed feelings for her, have you?" Kuronue knew he would lie, but he took the chance and asked.
"What kind of stupid question is that? She is human, and worst of all, she annoys me with all her talking. It is as if she doesn't know the meaning of quiet!" Youko replied. His voice was filled with annoyance, but only he knew it was false. Not even to his closest friend would he share his feelings. No one would ever know his weakness. Always, when someone's weakness is revealed, it will always be used against either he or she.
"Well, you seem a bit moody, so I think it'll be best if I just leave you." Kuronue said as he received an angry glare from Youko. Walking down the hallways, Kuronue muttered something that was quite factual. "Fools in love, that's for sure."
"Kuro-chan!" Kagome jumped from behind and clung to his neck. "I got bored after you left! Really Kuronue, you shouldn't just leave me alone in a confined room without anything to keep me busy."
He listened to her false complaints and supported her onto his back. He walked down the empty hallways to nowhere. Where was he going? Maybe they should just sleep. He was worn out anyways. His ears twitched a bit and he turned to see out the nearest window.
Dark clouds. It was going to rain, and it seemed as if it was going to be a big storm. At least they were inside where it was safe.
"Huh…? What's wrong Kuro-chan?" She had noticed he had stopped. She slid off his back and took a few steps ahead of him. She saw his face, and it was if he was in a trance. At that moment, a loud clapping sound cracked. Kagome had jumped and held onto Kuronue.
"What was that?!" she demanded to know. She never heard anything so frightening before. Of course she was never one to be so scared of a simple thunderstorm, but being in a whole new era, things were different.
"It's only a storm, what are you so afraid of?" Youko answered while coming around a corner. He had wanted to see Kagome, but she wasn't in her room. He followed her scent only to find her with Kuronue, again.
He couldn't help but be jealous. He had added all the times he spent with Kagome alone compared to his friend's time, and his friend beat him on the scale. He always told himself that it didn't matter Kuronue spent more time with her. It didn't matter. He always told himself that, but no, his heart wouldn't hear of it.
"Humph. You're so mean to me, Youko." Kagome pouted, still clinging onto Kuronue. As another clapping sound hit the ground, Kagome shut her eyes in fear. Why was it so scary?
It was ten times as loud as the thunder back in her era. She wished she wasn't so scared. She disliked that fact she was so weak. She hated it even more that Youko was there to her so weak. She was strong, and she knew it, but something so simply could change it all.
Youko had said nothing in response. He only looked at her. He didn't look at her in an amused way, nor in a disappointed way. He just looked. The way he would always look at her when she didn't know.
Kuronue noticed this action and thought of something that would make them happy, both his friend and Kagome. "Youko, why don't Kagome-chan and I stay with you tonight? I mean, you wouldn't leave her all by herself when she's scared and alone, would you? "
Youko only glared at him while Kagome looked at him wondering why he had said what he did. "Kuro-chan? Are you sure about that? I mean, I don' think Youko would like that."
At least she knew he liked his space, but didn't she want to be with him? It hurt. It didn't only hurt. It hurt a lot. Especially what she had asked afterwards. "May I stay with you Kuro-chan?"
Kuronue noticed the change of expression in Youko's eyes and knew something had to be done. First, he would see if Youko would handle the situation without his help.
"I guess that settles it then, hmm, Kagome? You choose to stay with Kuronue rather than me." Youko sated. He scoffed afterwards and turned around back to his room. He was pissed. Out of all people, his best friend? Why had she preferred his best friend over him?
"… Youko?" Kagome processed everything in her head and lightly gasped. She let go of Kuronue to jump Youko from behind. He wasn't leaving just yet. "How could you say that, Youko?! You should know I love both you and Kuro-chan equally!"
'Yeah right…' Youko thought to himself. He forced himself to believe that she loved his friend more. He was to busy being upset that he didn't hear her. "Please Youko? May we stay with you tonight?"
Her arm circled his neck and her head rested in his shoulder. His stomach felt lighter, but his face kept its seriousness. "Fine."
"Yay! Thank you Youko! I am so happy! Thank you!" She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and released her hold on him. Youko headed back to his room once again but with two others behind him.
They all settled down, but of course Youko wasn't sleeping just yet. He always did something before sleeping. At that moment, Youko sat by a candle with an open scroll. Kuronue was really tired that he had already fallen asleep.
He had brought his mat and put it next to Youko's, connecting them together. Kagome stayed in the middle, between Youko and Kuronue. It was only Kuronue, but she didn't mind. She had minded the fact that Youko was still awake. She wanted to wait for him.
"You should sleep, Kagome." Youko told her without looking directly at her. Was she that obvious? No, she wasn't obvious, he was just demon.
She couldn't sleep. She crawled out of the sheets and kneeled to where Youko was. "You should sleep too, Youko."
She tugged onto the sleeves of his yukata he changed into. She wasn't worried, she just wasn't comfortable with the fact that he was still awake.
"I will soon, don't worry about me, Kagome." Youko replied. He could feel her sitting right there. She was Just sitting and doing nothing. He had liked it. "Huh?"
He turned his head only to see she fell asleep on him. "Aah, silly girl."
Youko muttered to himself about how she should've stayed where she was then she wouldn't cause so much trouble.
He put the scroll back and lifted Kagome. He carried her back and tucked her in. He followed soon after. He thanked the gods for creating that storm. He took one last look at her before falling into a deep sleep himself.
"Thank you, Kagome. Thank you for being here, in my life, and for being yourself…" Kagome had treated them with the same respect and kindness she had towards everyone. She didn't fear demons like the nearest villagers, and she was different from every other human that they knew.
"Hm..." His face nuzzled the hand that rested on his face. So soft… What was it. The dark demon awoke and realized that it was Kagome's hand that he nuzzled in. "Hmm… Interesting…"
Kagome lay in Youko's open arms and her hands were spread. That explained why her hand was touching his face. 'Now this will be fun.'
Kuronue slid out of the sheets and slowly crept out the room. It was morning and he felt like doing something 'nice' for the two.
Kagome groaned and turned over to find more warmth to replace the missing one that left. She snuggled in Youko's arm, in return, trapped her in his grasp.
The two slept in each other's warmth for the morning. Kuronue was proud of his work and complimented himself. "Heh, sometimes, I'm just so proud of myself."
A/N: Hello! Iikawasu is still in progress, but it is very close! Maybe it will also be updated soon as well! Anyhoo, I think this chapter was blah, but hey! The good stuff will come soon. Ahahah.
It is now 3:30 am and I get up at 6:30. Are you happy now??? I hope to get lots of reviews to make up for my lack of sleep! Thank you very much for reading!