Three weeks was enough to drive anyone crazy and she was close to crawling the walls in boredom. How long did it take for one wound to heal??
'I am SO ready to get out of here!' If she could sign herself out, she would've, but only a doctor had that privilege.
It didn't help that all through the week after he spotted her, Arthur tried to approach her with what she assumed was conversation or ask to be taken back. At least she assumed. Every time she saw him or he tried to talk to her, she made some lame excuse and a hasty exit.
'Why am I such a coward??' She seethed. Hands gripped porcelain as her forehead lightly thudded against the mirror. 'This is causing me more stress than I want! I don't NEED this shit!'
The presence made itself known, but was silent. She was so used to it now it was almost second nature to ignore it. It's 'waking' usually meant there was something to say and was waiting for permission – as she was STILL thinking. It was honoring their deal so far, but she wondered if there was even an option.
If she said no, was it supposed to leave?
That didn't sit well with her, but she kept reminding herself she had a choice. There was always a choice. DECIDING was the issue.
She sighed and pushed away from the bathroom sink. A heavy hand flipped the light off.
She was almost depressed. "This sucks." She plopped on the bed and jerkily crossed her arms, wincing at the twinge.
The presence was still there, but the need to say something was absent. It was just around, almost comfortingly so. She stared at the back of the door, a brow slowly rising as she let herself be totally aware of it.
There was no urge for conversation, no emotion except small pleasantry.
Was this supposed to be a truce?
She rested on the mattress, eyes closing. 'Are you bored or something?'
A small chuckle sounded. All I have is time. It's kind of hard to be bored by just existing.
She groaned. 'Not the puzzles again. I have no energy to decipher your words. Just out with it like a normal human being. I know you're not, but just try.'
Ouch...how sarcastic of you.
'I'm not in a good mood.'
I can see that...and boy do I see. The ironic twists never cease.
'And what does that mean?'
Oh don't get mad at me. Root through my memories – you think you're the only one ever stuck between people?
She obliged, only because she was too tired to put up a fight and the ceiling vanished.
Capture. A cave. The smell of fur, the sight of leers and unsettling looks, sounds of pounding water covering the exit.
A boy she knew and liked – the one with her since the beginning. The boy she was taken away from by another for the simple purpose of hunting shards.
"W – what?"
"Kagome...you said your name was... Now that I take a good look at you, you've got a cute face."
"Hah?"
"Okay then. You be my woman."
Brown opened and white stucco greeted her. She sighed. 'You have it as bad as I do, don't you?'
There was self-exasperation. These things follow you your whole life sadly. Search further and you'll see more.
With plenty of time to kill, she indulged, wondering where this was going.
"Fear not Inuyasha, I won't suffer something like that again. Besides, Naraku won't be able to kill me. Not while Onigumo's heart, his heart that yearns for me, still remains..."
Talk about love triangles. 'So, Naraku wanted Kikyou – ew by the way – and Inuyasha wanted Kikyou. But later on, he also wanted you, and so did Kouga. But you wanted Inuyasha and so did Kikyou.'
Pretty much correct.
'And I thought MY love life was screwed up.' Brown widened. 'Man, that's not giving me any more incentive to be you if that kind of stuff flocks with.'
As you said, you have it as bad as I do. That man you used to see doesn't treat you very well does he? I never dated so I don't know.
'To coin you, search and you'll see.'
Very funny. Do you even know how to deal with him?
She sighed and rolled right. 'You can see through my eyes... All I want to do is curl into a ball and hide whenever he's around. He makes me feel like I'm a kid that needs to be patronized and I hate it! I hate feeling like this with him, but I have no clue what to say or do to get him off my back.'
It's easy - treat him like a human being.
She scoffed. 'First off, I need the strength to DO that. If you'll notice, I'm not as strong as you are in that area. But I know now I can't keep being around him since this is all I feel, and I don't want Inaki to know what's going on. So...I'm open to ideas.'
There was a span of silence, but she sensed words right under the quiet. You know...you could always let...ME handle it.
She immediately wanted to say no. This was HER body and she had absolute rights to it, other half of her soul or not. But...this was the first time she was being asked for allowing possession. She did say last time when forced back in this same room that the other never asked.
It would prove interesting to see how it dealt with people of this time and location, and also how Arthur would be pacified to leave her alone from now on. It was worth a shot and she would be glad to get this anxiety gone.
'I'll allow it. On two conditions. One – you allow control without being forced back when you finish, and two – I have enough control to see what you do.'
Why do you want to see? Why don't you just do it yourself?
'I want to see as a trial of what you'd do with my body. I procrastinated an answer because I don't know what would happen and don't want to stop being me. But this will help decide what to do.'
Agreed then.
It was amazing how hard it was to find something – or someone – when you were actually looking for them. Why was it every time you were minding your own business, something you'd been looking for popped up in front of your nose?
Thankfully, Arthur wasn't busy when he was spotted. There was relief from both. Though she could coach the other through, they were liable to screw up and get some attention if thought conversation turned into speech.
It was really weird to watch, smell, and hear everything going on around but have no control over movement. It was like a puppet yanking her in the direction it wanted. At least she conceded this time...
He saw them coming and gave a smile. "Hey K. I thought you were taking a nap."
"Couldn't sleep, had too much on my mind. Listen...Arthur...can I talk to you for a minute somewhere?"
Arthur looked a little confused, but nodded and turned to put the file back wherever he picked it from and left the nurse's station. "I'm all yours."
She mentally flinched at that, but reminded herself she was not in control. Just a spectator and was thankful.
Her other merely smiled, though she knew encouraging Arthur wasn't a good idea. She didn't say anything though, just remained wary. "I know someplace we can talk without being interrupted. If you can keep a secret."
Arthur smiled and then the view changed to the hallway. "I've kept quite a few secrets - namely yours. You can trust me."
She was getting a lot of wrong impressions the other was sending. Whether in words, body language, or looks. This was not a good thing, but was still too early in the game to make decisions. Besides, she DID make a deal.
They ended up on the roof and she didn't know why, but should've known. It WAS beautiful up here and she wanted to look at the afternoon view, but Arthur took that precedence.
A hand touched her ex's and lightly gripped it. She mentally startled, nearly in panic zone. 'What are you doing?! Bad...no, no, no!'
I know what I'm doing.
That self-assured tone mildly pacified her, but she was still uneasy. 'I sure hope so...'
"Arthur. I know I've been avoiding you lately and I apologize. Like I said, I had a lot on my mind...plus my schoolwork and this wound isn't making it easy for me."
"You always study too much. You need to learn to lighten up you know. You did when you were with me, remember? You can be that way again you know."
'He's right. I WAS less focused than when I was single.'
Her other smiled and gave the hand a squeeze. "Please...let me say what I need to say. I ask you not to interrupt." The view briefly changed to the roof before returning. "I'm flattered at your offer, really I am."
'No! Don't say that!'
"But I have to confess, I don't feel the same as I used to for you."
'Eh??'
The smile turned compassionate. "We had a lot of fun times together and I'll always remember that, but we can never be who we were again. Some relationships just can't be rebuilt."
'Are you trying to shoot yourself in the foot here??' She would've smirked if she could've.
Uresai! I know what I'm doing I said!
"You're serious? Is this your final decision?"
The other nodded. "I put a lot of thought into it and I have to tell you something you probably don't know. There's a boy who comes to visit me with long black hair. He's my boyfriend. I'm in love with him too. I hope you don't feel led on. I've been too muddled to think clearly, but I'm getting better at it." Arthur did most certainly not look happy at that news, but didn't burst at the seams and shout at her for not saying a word. The other was correct at least - she WAS too jumbled to make coherent thoughts! "I didn't mean to hurt you and if I did, I'm sorry. You don't deserve it and you deserve someone who can devote themselves to you like you need."
Angry eyes filled her vision and she tried to shrink back, but couldn't get far without disappearing entirely. "That's a load of shit! Are you trying to tell me what's best for me?? How do you know you aren't it?!"
There was a beat of silence and she would've held her breath if she could've. She sensed a lot of compassion and almost wished to be beside herself to see the look on her face. Whatever it was had Arthur's anger cooling in small degrees the longer quiet remained.
"Because we weren't happy, were we? Think back. We had fun times mixed with bad times. I want to keep the good times and you should too. Let's leave it at that and remain the way we are."
Silence was tense and thick – at least she thought so. She was on the proverbial edge of her seat in expectation. Would Arthur accept that and distance himself to friendship? Would he never see her again during her time here? The hand covered the one holding his and his hold tightened. Her other waited with baited breath as well, but had a reason. The outcome of this would help decide how they would fare in the real world if she accepted the remainder of her soul.
She had to admit, so far the other was doing a LOT better than she ever would...
"Did I ever make you happy?"
She almost missed the quiet administration, but sobered and focused. 'Yes...he did. Very much.'
Her other hand rested over the top of the pile. "Very much so. I don't regret anything we did, but time passes. I'd like to remain friends if you don't mind, but I must move on. Is it too much to ask you to do the same?"
She wanted to cringe at that last statement. Keeping it in first person was better and kept accusation off the other. She learned this a long time ago when dealing with people. That last sentence might've shot everything to hell.
Arthur surprised them both by taking her into his arms and holding her tight. Her face burned and she was amused. 'Never been held by a man before?'
Yes, shut up! But...not that many times...
HE floated in her memory. Tender moments made her heart melt – if she was in possession of it anyway – and she understood. 'You are so deprived.'
Uresai!
Arthur finally let go enough to look at. His eyes were solemn, but resigned. "If this's what you really want, I won't come between you and another man. I don't want this to be goodbye, so...I'll see you around sometime."
The other smiled again, but she was a little panicked at the closeness. 'Move back! Move back!!'
Wha – AH! His lips missed just in time. Her head turned enough for him to get her cheek and it pulled away after a split second. He released her with a soft look before striding to the door. What the hell?! Do all ex-couples kiss each other goodbye?? The nerve of him!
'Get over it. This IS America after all. And you're not in your own time anymore.' The other wasn't pleased, but she ignored it. 'Head back to the room, we're finished here.'
She dreamed of the other's life as always, combined with the previous soul's memories, and ended up waking from a few more horrifying spots. She tried to get back to sleep, but her shoulder ached a little and it was too late for drugs, which would keep her under the whole day.
"I guess it's time to get up." She mumbled through a sigh. She sat up slowly, not wanting to be disorientated, and checked the light peeking under drawn curtains. It was just noticeable and cast enough for her to make out shapes.
Dawn was here.
It was hours before therapy – not even a Sunday off – and she couldn't handle food for a while, so opted for the only thing to do around this boring institution.
The roof it was.
Fresh air helped wake her better than coffee and she sat close to the edge again. Arms went around legs near her chest as she stared at the horizon, content to let time slip and the sun to rise for her.
Seriousness bled at the events from yesterday. With the presence 'asleep' for now, she mentally resolved to get a decision. Whether it took up homework time and invaded her life, so be it.
This was going to end, one way or another, today.
She went over everything in her head so many times she already knew pros and cons. It boiled down to being used to the idea of fully being herself - yet not - and accepting what may come. Brown turned thoughtful and distressed as she dissected whatever could happen. She had no clue and was taking a big leap of faith here. If ever there was a time she believed in anything, now would be it.
'I just...don't want to be anyone but me. I do like who I am deep down and don't want to change my whole life for someone else. Not like what's suggested. Can't there be a compromise?'
A hand loosely clasped at her chest as brown burned. If she could wish, she'd wish for that. A way to keep herself, but absorb some good things the other had. It wasn't bad, just a little pushy.
She stared at the sun for what seemed eternity. It went from a slit on the horizon to full-fledged ball. In that time, she ran everything through her head a final once-through to gain clarity. Brown closed and her brow furrowed. She mentally dug deep, trying to find the presence instead of letting it come to the surface. 'Hey, wake up. I've got something to say.'
There was a sense of grogginess, which mildly amused her. Did apparitions sleep too? An odd thought.
Nani ka?
'I've made my decision.'
That got full attention and also gross expectation. ...And??
This was it. Her life would hopefully go back to some semblance of normal after this. There would be no more extra voice in her head; soon this body would only house one mind. She took a deep breath, though speech wasn't intended. She reached for courage and clasped what she could find.
'I accept.' Silence answered her and she blankly stared in wonder at what would happen now.
A deep, unnamed emotion hit and nearly made tears come to her eyes. Arigatou...arigatou gozaimasu...
Nothing happened and she wondered how long it was going to take for whatever to occur. 'Do you jumpstart something?' She queried, fighting a yawn. She was suddenly drowsy for feeling rather awake a second ago.
Go back to sleep. When you wake, everything will be over.
She blinked. 'Just sleep? That's so easy.'
You won't think so soon.
My house is a very old shrine. We four - jii-chan, mama, and my young brother - are living together. The sacred tree at our shrine is five hundred years old and this concealed well - apparently with a complex history - all have their own history of origin. But...no matter how often I hear jii-chan say 'it's history starts with', I completely forget. I haven't even thought about the reason why I keep forgetting them until today, when I became fifteen.
-----
'I'm an only child. I live with my mother and father in a two-bedroom house near this school. I have no pets, but I do study a lot, so it takes up the same amount of time. I want a field in history of some kind because I love reading and talking about it. I lead a rather boring life, at least I think so. There's a lot I wish to do to make up for how boring a person I am, but I don't know how much strength I'll have when the time comes. I just hope I can find it somewhere and make something of myself.'
-----
You're mistaking me for someone else, I'm not this Kikyou person...
Kikyou is...not you...
You got it!? My name is Kagome. Ka Go Me.
-----
"Hi. Name's Brad - I'll be your partner on this little trip."
"My name is K."
"Cool, I get a nickname? Do I get the real name too?"
"It's...it's Kalie."
"You don't talk much do you?"
"I have no need to..."
"Well you realize you have to make some verbal effort on this project right?"
"I KNOW."
"Whoa, okay...so you have a backbone."
"Can we get started now?"
-----
Owowowow.
Hn?
A child...
What're you doing you heretic!
A tail...
Ah!
Damn, it's just a disguised young tanuki.
I'm a kitsune!
Cu - cute... Let me hug him next okay.
-----
"Name's Samantha Merth – come on in. Let me give you a quick tour of the place... If there's any questions you have, don't hesitate to tell me to shut up so you can speak."
"So? What's your opinion? I moved here not too long ago myself to start college and to get out of the house. My parents help me with the rent a little and I've got financial aid, but I don't want to rely on just that to pay the bills. I'm flexible with rent, but I gotta tell ya, I don't want you skimping out just because I can be a nice person."
"I'll take it."
-----
Wh - what're you doing!
Please put your mind at rest. I am one in the service of Buddha. I am not a suspicious person. When I tried to take the Shikon fragment, you came along with it.
Hey you, don't make it sound as if I were a freebie... Inuyasha! Let go!
Sure.
-----
"Hi...you're new here aren't you?"
"Yea...I guess. Do you two want to sit here?"
"Well since you offered - sure."
"I know you, don't I?"
"Hal here? You have a class with him if I remember. That's why we came over - he wanted to say hello."
"Sheryl!"
"What? Admit it."
"ANYWAY... So...what's your name?"
"It's Kalie...but you can call me K."
-----
So you're that asshole Inuyasha, huh! I'll exterminate you!!
Wha...
S - Sango!
Eh... Someone from the town!?
Hiraikotsu!
-----
"Didn't your parents teach you it's not polite to stare?"
"I - I'm sorry sir - "
"I was just kidding. I don't mind... By the way, what's your name?"
"People around here call me K."
"Inaki."
-----
You...dragged me out... I...did not intend to wake up again...
You're really Kikyou...are you?
Inu...yasha...Inuyasha... Why did you betray me!?
Wha!? You're saying...I betrayed you!?
That is why I gathered my power while at death's door to seal you away... We shouldn't have ever met again by chance...
-----
"If you don't like this marriage...the door's right there!"
"I'm not the one screwing it up! How can you tell me to leave like that?! I didn't do a damn thing to make you behave this way! Why are you doing this to me??"
"Maybe I'm tired of all this...did you think of that? Maybe I needed a change!"
"Don't give ME that bullshit! You're lying!"
"Don't call me a liar!"
"Oh Kalie – honey...what're you doing up so late?"
-----
Confess up Kagome. Why kind of guy are you seeing?
He's a low-grade guy. He's violent, selfish, and offensive. He also gets really jealous.
But, getting jealous means that he loves you doesn't it? That person's devoted to you Kagome.
If he was...then I could put up with the rest...
What!? He's not!?
There was someone he loved a long time ago, but it seems he can't forget about her...
Hang on! Who is this guy!?
Kagome, why are you seeing a guy like that?
Eh?
You gotta break up! That kind of guy is no good. Don't you ever meet him again!
Eh? But...
Keep quiet and listen. He's the worst possible sort isn't he. He's violent and selfish isn't he!? He's even two-timing you!
Tha - that's true, but... Bu - but he has some good points too. He's quite nice. He's strong and reliable too.
Do you...love him?
-----
"No, no you don't understand. I have a crush on someone who lives forty miles in the MAINLAND. FORTY...it'll never work out! It's not fair!!"
"So? That's what Sam's car is for. How did you meet him anyway?"
"I've known him for months. And he's been down to see me all but once. You met him at the Halloween dance."
"HIM!? You've got a crush on the HUNK?? And you're whining about THAT? I should think you'd be happy! You two are friends – that's an easy in right there!"
"We may be friends, but I would not use that as a way to date him for one. I'm pretty sure he likes me in that way on SOME aspect because we almost kissed twice...but I don't know for sure. I'm – I'm also not sure about that anyway."
"If you have feelings for him of some kind, and you think he likes you, why not try for it?
"Well...there's been...crap that happened in my life...stuff with dating mostly...and it kind of scarred me to the whole idea."
-----
While on the other side...I was thinking a lot. About you Inuyasha, and Kikyou, and...about me...
Kagome... I...
I know. Because I understand your feelings...I thought I couldn't stay here in the Sengoku Jidai anymore.
Kagome...until I met you, I couldn't trust anybody. But you cried for my sake. You were always by my side, for me. I enjoy it when you're here - I feel at ease. However...I mustn't laugh and enjoy things. Kikyou... I have to...risk my life for Kikyou in return.
Yes...I can't compete with Kikyou. After all, because I am alive. Kikyou and I are totally different. I'm apparently Kikyou's reincarnation also...I am not Kikyou. My heart is my heart. But you know, there is just one thing about Kikyou's feelings that I understand. Like me...I want to see you again Inuyasha. Somehow, when I thought 'aren't both Kikyou and my feelings the same?', I felt a bit better. So I thought 'aren't our feelings of wanting to see you the same?' That's why I gathered my courage and came to see you. Inuyasha...Let me ask just one thing.
Eh...
May I be with you?
You'll...be here for me?
Yes...
-----
"Inaki –"
"Yea?"
"I was...wondering recently..."
"What's wrong K?"
"Nothing's wrong. I was wondering recently...about you and me."
"You sure this is nothing bad?"
"I just realized...well I'm a simpleton when it comes to these matters but –"
"I'll restate this again for the record. You can tell me anything or ask me anything; all you have to do is ask."
"Lately, I was pondering...what you...how you felt...about...me."
"Kalie...I... I comprehended something very important about myself AND you that day at the beach." Her brow furrowed. "I never told you, but now that you're asking, I will. I almost lost you and I realized how much I liked being around you. I like hanging out with you and being with you, even if we don't do a thing. If you left me, by death or not, I wouldn't be able to handle that. A lot of people where I live know that I'm searching for that one person to be with. It's like my personal obsession verging on the borderline of annoyance. I've gone through so many girlfriends – you know this – because of that reason. But I knew I found the one I wanted when I knew I almost lost you."
-----
I'm just an ordinary girl...aren't I?
"I'm so tired of being hurt all the time."
I can fight too!
"I WON'T let anyone else control me again."
That light...did I do that??
"I don't want to be anyone but myself...but is this how to live? How should I live?"
It's true...I really am Kikyou. But, I'm still myself!
"With all that's gone on in my life...will I ever find the light in these dark clouds?"
I'm not Kikyou - I'm not!
"I've never excelled in much...but I'm still willing to try!"
I'm Kagome and I always will be. I just have to remember that.
"I don't want to live like this...there has to be something better out there."
No...I don't want to die just yet! This can't be the end, can it? After so long, so many adventures...
"But I don't know where to look. I can't keep thinking and acting like this. I'm tired of pushing people away."
I love you Inuyasha...I always have and I always will.
"Inaki...he's done so much for me. I don't want him to worry about me anymore."
I don't want this to be the end! I haven't had my chance yet!
"I wish there was something I could do for him. I love him so much it almost hurts."
Please gods...give me a second chance...
"I'd do anything for him. He makes me complete - I don't ever want him to leave. I want to be by his side."
Inuyasha...I want to be with you always.
"Let me do what it takes..."
"Let me be with you forever."
"How long has she been like this??"
"About ten hours. We don't know the cause of it. Her vitals are good, but there's a LOT of brain activity and we've been monitoring it."
"Did you manage to find anything?"
"Just that it seems to be going...down."
"Down? What the hell does that mean??"
"Inaki...please."
A clipboard rose for the doctor to see. "Down as in receding. Down as in it's less than when we first caught it."
Brown looked less than amused at being patronized. "I get it." He grit out.
"At any rate...seems it's almost back to normal. We have her on watch, but let us know while you're here if anything happens. Keep the nurse's button close at all times."
He nodded. "Count on it."
The doctor left them alone and he dropped into the chair, hand covering his eyes. He sighed, feeling exhausted. "I thought she would be healed by now. What's with the comas??"
Sam sighed and stared at her best friend, willing her to wake. "I don't know, but she's adding years to my life. I REALLY don't need this kind of stress."
He couldn't help but smile, even though this was no laughing matter. He heaved another sigh and looked to the bed. K's skin tone was healthy, her wound was healing fine, and her face didn't have stress-lines...
Just what the hell put her in this condition??
All the emotions he associated with her rose as he stared and brown closed as a dull ache settled behind his eyes. 'I need more sleep.'
The barest of shifting caught his attention and irritation seemed to leave as quickly too. He disregarded that and avidly stared at the bed, finding Sam hovering.
"Chica! Puede oirme??"
No oxygen mask covered the girl's face and her lips parted. "Tsuini, koko...da..."
He sat up, ears perked. Sam wasn't happy at the slip of languages, but he cataloged it all. He never got answers like he wanted of how she knew so much and fully intended on getting them as soon as she was healed enough to quiz.
The chair scuttled a few inches closer and he grabbed a hand. Brown sluggishly moved and locked. She stared, gaze slowly softening. The barest of smiles graced her face. "Konnichi wa..."
Relief hit him. She was awake and things could get sorted out later. "Hey... How're you feeling?"
The smile widened as she gave him more attention. "I've...seen better days."
"Do you want me to get a nurse?"
Her head shook a degree before brown stared at the ceiling. "No...I don't need anyone but those I know and love."
His eyes widened a little. His heart fluttered, but he told himself not to get his hopes up. She probably wasn't referring to him with that last part anyway. "Your mom hasn't been told about this lastest twist. We didn't know whether you wanted her here."
She gave an absent nod, eyes darkening a little. "You were right. But perhaps it's time she was clued in on a few things."
Light blue widened in shock. "K?? Are you feeling alright? I know that's bad to say as you just woke up from a coma..."
Brown swung to her friend. She gave a little smile and offered her bandaged hand, giving a squeeze. "For the first time in my life, I'm just fine."
Sam looked more than relieved, though the weirdness wasn't far from her mind.
"Sam...do you mind if I talk to Inaki alone for a bit?"
Ash blond swayed in a nod. "I'll be right outside and don't think I'm going to be long or very far."
She struggled to sit, unable to hide a grin. "I know you won't be."
The door quietly clicked shut, but that was disregarded as she sunk back on raised pillows and slightly elevated mattress. "I will be SO glad to get back to my own bed." She muttered, eyes tiredly closing.
The merging took more out of her than she thought.
"How are you feeling? Really?"
Fingers entwined with his at contact and clutched them. "I'm wiped out...but all I need is sleep." Brown looked to the window and widened. "Ano...how long was I unconscious for?"
"The doctor said ten hours. Listen, K...there's a lot you owe me and Sam explanations for. You realize this right?"
She nodded, finally looking at him. "I know this. I've been horrible to both of you and I apologize. But I'll make it up to you and tell you what I can when I sort out how."
Whether or not that was a good idea was unknown, but right now these new emotions were creating an awful lot of guilt and she felt compelled to act on it and see what it made her do.
"And you know you need to tell just HOW you got so fluent in Japanese." A fake grin popped up to cover his unease. "As nice as it is to have that communication bridge, you're no prodigy."
A raven brow rose, but she didn't let irritation get to her. She snorted. "Like I said, I'll explain it later." She let go of his hand and used both to help herself up, mindful of the shoulder. It was a small task and took a sum of energy, but this would be worth it.
"K? What're you doing?? You shouldn't be up if you're not feeling up to it."
"I don't care about all that." She twisted a little to meet him, face softening. "Stand up and get over here."
Brown stupidly blinked. "Are?"
"Look, don't make me get up and come to you. I'm not in the mood for that."
He dumbly stood and took a step closer, mind confused and trying to put pieces together. What was with this sudden spunk and attitude? "Kalie what is the matter with –"
Her lips attached themselves to his almost aggressively. Her torso pressed against his, arms going around his waist with total disregard for her injury. She missed this, and it was even more gratifying to do this with a whole soul and revitalized emotions for this man.
When she finally pulled away, he almost pouted. That was one hell of a kiss and it was like he was the oasis in a desert. He nearly panted to get his breath back, arms going around her as she rested against his chest.
"I missed you. It's so good to see you again."
Raven furrowed as he pinned the view an anxious and confused look. "K...what do you mean? I was here Saturday. And last weekend too. I've been staying in your room all weekend for the past three weeks."
She smiled and nuzzled his shirt a little. "Lucky. At least SOMEONE gets to sleep in my bed."
Her amiable behavior was setting off warning bells and arms forced her to viewing length as he stared at brown. He was taken aback at that and gave her a good once-over.
He didn't question the hair change - it looked kinda nice on her really, but didn't notice the eyes with all that happened. He thought he saw a trace of them in certain lighting and always attributed it his mind playing tricks on him. K didn't like contacts and she had green eyes.
But now they were dark brown - just like his.
"Kalie...what the hell happened to you??"
She looked away and moved back from his hold. "Sumimasen..."
"For what?"
"Scaring you." A hand cupped his cheek. "I've been too involved with myself while I was here, and months before that...hontouni gomen nasai."
His palm went over hers, feeling smooth skin, and continued to stare. "You ARE scaring me." He confessed. "You never tell me anything you know. I'm always left wondering exactly what is going on in your head. The few times I tried to talk to you, your behavior was too off-balanced to grasp. And now you say you're fine? What do I have for believing that?"
Gods help him but her eyes teared over and she sat away from him.
She shouldn't be so hurt by his words or tone, but all these emotions weren't making it easy. They were too new and she needed the remainder of the evening to sort them out and come to terms with the rest of her soul.
The memories would be easy to get over. She dealt with them long enough to consider them hers – as they were already. But the emotions kept from her for twenty-one years were like a tsunami.
Again, her guard slipped and she started crying in front of him.
She nearly launched herself at him, arms going around his waist in a way she used to do to him in the very distant past. As always, he was too surprised to react, but this man had enough emotional stability to return the embrace.
"I know I treated you horribly! I'm really sorry for doing so...and I don't expect you to forgive me. You're my boyfriend and I haven't been acting like your girlfriend very much. Gods, I even purposely ignored you for the chaos in my head!"
Her use of his kami and that questionable statement about mental instability gained his attention. But whenever she cried, his defenses dropped. "Maa maa, daijoubu desu. You've been through a lot and I should be more understanding."
Her head shook. "Even before that, I pushed you away. Sore o hontouni gomen nasai... I was so confused and I took it out on you." Her grip tightened. "Please forgive me...I don't think I could live with myself if you didn't."
Her use of his culture - and so venomously at that - was overwhelming, but under the circumstances, he did pretty good. "It's okay Kalie, I forgive you."
Hopeful brown looked to brown. This was the first step to repair all the damage her half-self did and if she screwed this up, she could kiss her third chance with this man goodbye. "Really??"
He chanced a grin. "Really really." He was rewarded with probably the most passionate kiss they ever shared, even after their few intimate times together.
Just as it was getting good and he let himself fall into it, the doorknob clicked and squeaked a tad.
"I told you I wasn't taking too long, so wrap up whatever you were doing so I can come in."
Oddly enough, K pulled away as if embarrassed to be caught kissing him, even if Sam had full knowledge of what they were doing. He looked at her strangely, finding a blush, but turned at smelling something from the doorway.
"I chanced a quick stop nearby. Don't tell the doctors I smuggled this in for you."
Brown lit up as she beamed and scooted to the edge of the bed. Reserves were called upon as her friend set a paper bag on the edge of the mattress. "Wai! You didn't have to Sam – you could've gone to the cafeteria and I would've been happy."
Said female conceded a smile. "Except you need a treat and I felt like spoiling you now that you're awake."
Brown teared and she gave the girl an impromptu hug, surprising the Cuban. "Thank you so much! You've always had what's best for me in mind."
Sam gave the girl a quick pat before being released and ignored for something more important. "Don't I know it. And you always ignore that fact too." She plopped in a chair and assumed a high-and-mighty pose. "But it's nice to be reminded that I know what's best for you."
She couldn't help a grin.
This wouldn't be so bad. Sam wasn't far off from some people she befriended during time travels, so the friendship could continue like it had. Inaki forgave her, but she still owed him explanations.
She owed them ALL explanations...starting with Ella. The woman may never really have been the mother she as used to having – not like mama – but it was time to cut out the estrangement.
All that would have to wait until she got checked out, and if she tapped into the 'accessories' to her soul, she might be able to be out of here before the remainder of the week was over.
She needed to make a stop at Inaki's as soon as possible as well. Even though she owed everyone answers, she wanted some as well...and there was only one miko she knew of who had them.
I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner...so if these are not 100% correct...please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page to learn from, a dictionary, and a few months experience to work with.
Translations: Nani ka? What is it? Tanuki-Racoon Sengoku Jidai-Warring States Era Tsuini, koko...da...-Finally, I'm...here/I'm...here, finally... Are?-Huh/What?
Sumimasen-I'm sorry/Forgive me/Excuse me Sore o hontouni gomen nasai-I'm really sorry for/about that
Spanish language will be translated underneath when it appears together. This language will be correct, as I have half put half a decade into learning.
Translations: Puede oirme?-Can you hear me?