A/N: I'M SOOOOOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! SORRY FOR THE LONG UPDATE AND EVERYTHING. I had a writer's block. Plus, school just started and we had our first tests this week and a lot more stuff. I hate Social Studies! Anyways, here it goes. Don't eat me, please!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the Ishikawas.
Because of You Chapter 9- Back to Before
Two days have past since that terrible incident and Emiko's hand was free to work again. Her mother was furious with her, obviously. Emiko had told her that while she was getting a glass of water after her homework, she had slipped on the third step. Her friends didn't buy it though, so she told them the truth.
Kagome and Miroku took it softly and even felt sorry for her. But Inuyasha and Sango looked at it the hard way and refused to talk to Emiko for two weeks. Even with Kagome and Miroku's explanations, the two stayed as stubborn as ever.
-Flashback-
"Don't worry Kag-chan," said Emiko during one lunch break with them. "I understand. I would feel the same if who you thought was your friend was keeping secrets from you ever since she arrived."
"Don't take it that way, Emiko," reasoned Kagome. "I'm sure they were just... well, shocked that you were going out with Akira Touya after we warned you of his... um... heartlessness."
-End of Flashback-
After that talk, Emiko couldn't help but feel left out from the group for they paid less attention to her. So she decided to part ways and wait for them, particularly Inuyasha, to cool down.
This resulted to many sleepless nights, however, but she didn't mind. It just shows that her conscience was working pretty good.
But how come Sesshomaru saved her? That question was yet to be answered. Although Sesshomaru was too ignoring her, like always, Emiko still had the urge to ask him every time she saw him alone, which he was pretty hard to find since Naraku has been tailing him everywhere. And every time she would try and talk to him, the only answer she would get was a 'hmpf' or sometimes he would merely ignore her.
His eyes look different though, Emiko noticed. Instead of the hard and cool eyes Emiko was used to seeing, she could now notice some sadness and hurt in them. It was like she could now see through him, like they already shared a certain kind of bond that was yet to be discovered.
Emiko woke up with a jerk. She looked out the window, noticing the sun wasn't awake yet. She climbed out of bed and looked at her clock. 5:00 am, it showed. How bizarre, it was exactly the time she woke up when Sesshomaru 'warned' her of Touya's stunt. It wasn't much persuasive though and why should she believe him? Well, she learned her lesson.
The brunette walked to the bathroom and changed into her uniform, completely forgetting it was a Saturday. She walked out of her room, her hair still untidy. She went down the stairs, not bothering to carry her feet and grabbed something to eat. Then, feeling she needed some time to think, she went out of the house and walked to where her feet took her.
Not noticing where she was heading to, Emiko took a right turn. The surroundings were starting to get clearer, lighter to be exact. There were limited people on the streets but knowing it was so early in the morning, it was no longer a wonder.
She turned at the opposite direction and stopped when she noticed a familiar house. She was standing in front of the Taisho residence.
Wondering why her feet had brought her here, she turned to go back home but thought otherwise when she noticed a certain silver haired teen, standing straight on the green balcony. When he turned to look at Emiko's direction, she hid behind the nearest tree.
Why am I feeling so conscious? she asked herself.
Emiko leaned slightly to take another glance at Sesshomaru. He looked so serious, yet it was a different look from the usual. Though far from him, Emiko noted that his eyes looked more sincere, sad and more beautiful. She wondered what he was thinking. She stared at him for a few moments, like he were the only existing thing around.
-Sesshomaru's POV-
I woke up at four o'clock in the morning. It was my every Saturday routine. This day though, I woke up with sorrow in my heart. Something was heavily bothering me, though I didn't know what the hell it was. I stood up and put on a loose shirt. Then, I decided to get some fresh air and went out to the balcony.
The breeze that touched my face felt so relaxing. I felt like floating, the morning sun's rays reflecting my pale skin. I closed my eyes for a while, taking some time to think.
Why was I like this? Every time I saw or even passed by 'her', my heart would skip a beat. It was an extraordinary feeling I never felt before. Was it love? No, I told myself once again firmly. I've been thinking of this over and over and every time, I would conclude that I didn't like nor lover 'her'. It was heavenly impossible because we were totally different in many ways. I know I'm always blinded with my pride but this could not happen.
I opened my eyes and averted them to the street opposite to mine where a house, similar to mine stood. Rin used to live in that house, and every morning, her face was too looking out the clear window, her brown eyes gazing into mine. I remembered when I first loved. It was interesting because it was new. I recalled the many times I would lace my hand in hers. The warmth I felt when she would touch, kiss or even embrace me. I felt as if heaven was on earth or that I was in heaven.
I felt hot tears forming in my eyes but I refused to let them fall. Love was such a horrible experience, but how come I feel like I want to love again?
"Instead of pushing it away, embrace it," the words of my father replayed into my mind. True, I thought. But after so many losses with those whom I care for, how can I relive the past? As I said earlier, it was highly IMPOSSIBLE.
But wasn't impossible such a strong word to say? Didn't everyone believe that nothing was impossible? I shrugged the thought off my mind. If anything was possible, then Rin would still be alive.
But she was, I realized. She was still existing, in my thoughts and in my heart.
-Normal POV-
Emiko felt a strong force pass by her cheek. She looked straight to see a bird flying towards Sesshomaru. The silver haired teen took out his index finger and stroked the bird so gently. Emiko's eyes softened as she saw him caress the blue bird's soft feathers, the bird giving in to his actions.
The brunette watched as Sesshomaru muttered something closely to the little creature.
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Sesshomaru gazed intently at the creature approaching him. He lifted his hand and let it rest on his finger. His eyes relaxed as he cuddled the bird's feathers. The bird chirped softly, making Sesshomaru's mouth curve into a small smile. It was telling him something. Something that maybe the answer to all his questions.
"Don't worry young one," he said softly to it. "I promised to seek the answers myself. But not now. Now's not the right time."
With that, Sesshomaru told the bird to fly away once again. He watched as it shrunk into the distance. The bird was a sign, though Sesshomaru didn't notice it.
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Emiko watched Sesshomaru enter his house once again. It must be getting late, she thought. Emiko walked back to her house, smiling to herself. One word came into her mind. Serendipity. The term her mother used to describe how she had met Emiko's father. Serendipity was the art of finding fortunate discoveries by accident. Emiko believed Sesshomaru to be one of those discoveries, though she wasn't quite so sure what she felt for him. What if she was making another mistake? But inside, she knew that Sesshomaru wasn't that cold, heartless person he proved to others he was. There was something more beneath him. Something unique that could catch any girl's heart.
Emiko glanced once more at the Taisho house, her emerald eyes admiring the beauty of it. Like a house, a person didn't always seem what it was on the outside...
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Emiko entered her house and dropped on the living room's sofa. It was half past seven and she was exhausted from walking around town. She sat up and brushed her hair with her hands.
"Hey Emi-chan!" greeted a sweet voice. Emiko turned to the stairs and saw Naoko in the intersection of it. He was dressed in casual attire, his slender legs presented beneath his denim shorts. He looked so adorable in them, like he was some 3 year old.
"Morning Naoko!" replied Emiko with a smile. She stood up and gave her brother a hug. "Where are you going?"
"My friend invited me to his house. It's just down the street," said Naoko, completely walking down the stairs, Emiko's hand in his.
"Oh really? And who's this friend of yours?" asked Emiko as they headed towards the kitchen.
"His name is Kohaku Katana. Remember? I told you about him before," said Naoko taking his usual seat at the dining table.
Emiko nodded.
"I see both of you are awake?" said Mrs. Ishikawa as she entered the room. "Emiko, why are you in your uniform?"
Emiko blushed. "I must've forgotten it was Saturday today," she said.
Both Naoko and her mother laughed.
"Silly Emiko!" said Naoko, his cheeks red from laughing.
When everyone had ceased giggling, Mrs. Ishikawa started to serve breakfast.
"Mom, what time will you bring me to Kohaku's house?" asked Naoko after devouring a spoon full of cereals.
"Oh I'm sorry Naoko but I can't bring you there. My boss wants me at the office today," said Mrs. Ishikawa, slapping her forehead with her free hand.
"That's ok mom, I understand," replied Naoko. However, there was no hiding the disappointment in his voice.
"I'll take you there if you like," said Emiko sensing her brother was sad. "We'll just walk since it's only down the street."
Naoko flashed his charming smile at Emiko and thanked her. Mrs. Ishikawa smiled at Emiko's kindness towards her brother.
The Ishikawa siblings were walking down the street. They stopped in front of a familiar looking house and knocked on the door. To Emiko's surprise, Sango answered it.
"How may I help... you?" she said, noticing Emiko was there.
"I'm here to see Kohaku-chan," said Naoko. Sango looked at him sweetly and called for her brother.
"You must be Naoko," said Sango, smiling. "Well, come in!"
Naoko gladly entered the house, giving Emiko a grateful hug. Before Sango could close the door, Emiko opened her mouth to say something.
"What is it?" asked Sango, seeing that Emiko was about to say something. She didn't look at her 'friend' though, which disappointed Emiko.
"What time should I fetch Naoko?" asked Emiko, looking at the 'WELCOME' mat, suddenly attracted to it.
"We'll just bring him home, don't worry," said Sango before closing the door.
Emiko looked up and mumbled, "I'm sorry," before turning her heels.
Emiko was too busy thinking about Sango and Inuyasha, that she didn't notice someone was following her...
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It was Monday once again, and Emiko was walking down the high school hallway, alone. She scanned the look on people's faces, laughing at one another. Suddenly, she felt so out of place, just like how she felt in her previous school.
Emiko entered the locker room, where people were coming out. It was the end of classes already, and Emiko, totally exhausted, really looked forward to going home.
She opened her locker and noticed that a piece of paper fell down and landed on her feet. She looked at it curiously. Maybe it was a letter from Sango or Inuyasha. Emiko smiled and picked it up. It wasn't too big to have so much content, or too little to be a simple love letter, which Emiko doubted it would be. It was just a fourth of a bond paper even folded into half.
Emiko sat down on the nearest bench, not bothering to close her locker. She opened the note, and read it quietly in her head.
'Meet me at the covered basketball court after school. Just want a word.'
Emiko was more curious. Who would want a word with her? Why didn't he or she put their name on the note? She folded it once again and put the unneeded books inside her locker. Then, she headed towards the basketball court, a pair of golden eyes watching her every move.
Emiko entered the court cautiously. After being roughly thrown off a building, who wouldn't be? She went inside, but saw nothing but dimness.
"Don't be afraid to come in, I won't bite," said a too familiar voice.
Emiko entered as said, but left the door open so she could see where she was going.
"Stop there," said the voice once again. Emiko noted that there was only one person inside the deserted court but still wondered if it was safe. No one could be too sure.
"Sesshomaru?" she asked, confirming if her guess of whom it was, was correct.
Emiko saw a figure come close. The figure nodded.
"What do you want to talk about?" asked Emiko, her heart thumping.
"I just want clarification with you," he said in the same monotone.
Emiko blushed thankful it was dark.
"Listen, I won't repeat this again," said Sesshomaru. After a short serene silence he continued. "Watch your every move and be cautious all the time. Naraku has more surprises at his sleeve, surprises no one can stop. I cannot help you anymore, I've been too kind to you enough already. If you don't listen, it's not my fault."
Emiko nodded taking in what he said. "Why are you telling me this?"
There was a short silence.
"I just don't want anyone to get hurt anymore," said Sesshomaru, quite uncertain himself.
Emiko nodded once again and turned to the door, realizing that the discussion was over.
"And one more thing," said Sesshomaru as Emiko retreated. "I'm not your enemy, nor your friend. We don't know each other and nothing happened between us."
Emiko's heart broke into a hundred pieces. Tears nearly filled her eyes but she stopped it. He was right. She was nothing to him, nor was he to her. However, something told her that there was a hidden truth beneath his words. A message he wanted to give her.
Well, Emiko thought. He should've said it clearer.
Emiko closed the door, leaving Sesshomaru alone in the darkness. He too, turned his heel to the opposite door. She didn't know how much courage it took for him to say that for merely doing it made his world shatter. He saw that movement of hurt in her, but he had done only what he thought was best though not all the things he thought was correct. When his hand gripped the damp knob of the wooden door, he turned once again to where Emiko emerged and talked as if she was still there.
"Take care of yourself, Emiko Ishikawa, no time for loosing another," he said, before leaving the empty court as well....
A/N: As I said, I'm really sorry for the late update. School just started and I have basketball training, officer meetings and I just passed the children's theater auditions and is currently waiting for the results of the second one. I'm also part of the school newspaper and am submitting my draft on Tuesday. I'm not lying, cross my heart. I'm a very busy girl who wants to make the most out of my grade school life so please be patient with me.
I also want to say to everyone that my name will be ANONYMOUSLY CUTE from now on and not kaikawaii. thank you.
Lastly, please don't forget to review this chapter. I'll really try my best to update earlier but no promises are made. Please, please review! Thank you all!!!! Luv ya!