Last Straw
Mojave Wolf
Disclaimer: Leave me alone already! I don't need Inuyasha! No, I don't already own him! Now go away! No, I don't want an underwater power tool! I live in a desert! Why would I need one out here?! When am I going to need to repair a boat on the water?! Leave me alone you ass! :: Click:: Damn telemarketers, now where was I? :: Ring, ring. Ring, ring:: Stop calling me, you- oh! Sorry Becca, I thought you were a telemarketer. :: Beep:: Hold on, I have a call on the other line. Hello? … Argh! It's time to die, you annoying ass! Bun-bun! I got an address for you! :: Screaming is heard over the phone:: Excellent. Bun-bun, I trust you agree with the arrangement? Perfect… I will speak with you later Bun-bun. :: Beep:: Rebecca? … Yeah, I hate telemarketers too... Yes, we have a contract… I'll speak with you later. Bun-bun wants an alfalfa margarita.
AN: I'm giving you guys an extra update because of how long the last chapter was and how my birthday gifts may take up my time. I should mention that my birthday is very close. I can't wait! I am not doing well so you can't expect much for quality. It stinks feeling bad this close to your birthday. I can only hope to feel better. I'm still accepting Shippo as a present, even though I doubt I'll receive him. Now, let's get to business. First off is my self-esteem. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say I'm a 4 normally. Your reviews have boosted it to 7. I think this story is shaky and awkward in the writing. Which means when it is done I will revise and improve it. Kiochi and Vincent are currently eating nachos and watching TV. Lazy muses.
Review Responses:
Forest Wolf: Were you once cry-wolf? I like the name anyway. I've called that unworthy one Hobo also. Why won't he leave Kagome alone? Kagome is going to end up with a demon anyway. You get a cookie for calling him that. I'm going to have fun making Kouga call him that.
Star Silver Fox: Here's your cookie!
LewsTherinInsanity: Enchanted bullet? That deserves a cookie. I really don't like Hojo at all. Be warned of bashing against him. Was that really a great chapter? I have my doubts.
Kairinu: You get a cookie for the compliment. Even though I can't really understand it very well. I'll try to update as soon as possible.
Aphiopsyduck: No, Inu can't comprehend that. He is too thickheaded. I'm feeling too bad to bother right now, but I'll check for that in the future. It's horrible to feel ill near your birthday and near your favorite holiday. I'm giving you a cookie for giving Kiochi and Vincent something to agree on. I can't wait to see that show.
Kiochi: We're in the plotting process. It should be ready by 2004. We'll give you front row seats for the grand premiere. We're working on Kikyo.
Suzuko: Thanks for the compliment. You get a cookie.
Katzztar: You get two cookies for the wonderfully evil idea. That will come in the next few chapters. I can't wait to write that.
evilfire4321: Glad to hear you're feeling better. Kiochi told me your section leader is aggravating you. I hope two cookies helps with that. I'm feeling a bit better and hopefully it'll go away like it normally does. I'm glad the advice helped. And that is something no one will ever know. If I don't even know the answer, how can I possibly answer?
Kiochi: I'm being good so don't hurt me.
Vincent: As long as I stay in this agreement with Kiochi I won't try to get adopted. Although if he messes up, I'll start asking again.
Nichole Hibiki: Glad you like it. I would add more of those scenes, but Shippo is pretty much attached to Kagome right now. Don't worry about me not continuing this story is all I have to do. After all, my friend Becca is in private school so I don't see her very much. Without her, I have no life beyond schoolwork and writing. My only problem with her is that she insists I need a boyfriend. I'm still trying to prove to her that I'm happy single. I have a feeling that it is a losing battle, though. Here's your cookie!
ladyofthedragons1: Glad you like it. Of course it's Hobo- I mean Hojo. I didn't know the cookies were fattening. Remember, if you're happy, your weight doesn't matter. Here's another cookie.
sakurafans: Here's a cookie. If you get the site up quickly I'll give you another. I really can't wait to see that site. I'm glad that you liked the chapter.
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~* Kagome's POV*~
Hojo, why did you have to come? I could tell Ginta and Haggaku weren't happy with another guest, although, it could be because they thought that they might have to share their food. They hated people trying to take their food. I think it is just a wolf thing.
Shippo didn't look happy with another visitor and was hiding behind my legs.
Kouga, on the other hand, looked ticked off. I don't think he liked having a guy my age around. Could he sense Hojo's attraction to me! If he could, Hojo's a dead man!
"Hi Hojo. It's nice to see you," I said, smiling weakly. I wondered if the demons could sense my nervousness. Please don't let them act anything like Inuyasha would.
"I brought some medicine to help with all the illnesses you've been having. By the way, how are you feeling today? Will you be coming to school tomorrow?" Hojo asked as he came close to me and handed me a package. Hojo hadn't noticed anyone else yet. At least until all three wolves growled and Kouga moved closer to me.
"Who are your friends, Kagome? I haven't seen them around before," Hojo asked as he smiled that smile that every girl at my school swooned over.
"They're old friends. They don't really live around here and are visiting. Hojo, these are Kouga, Ginta and Haggaku. Guys, this is Hojo. He goes to my school. I'll be coming to school tomorrow. I'll see you then Hojo," I said in hope he would take a hint and leave. All the youkai were tense and angry. Please leave if you value your life. He didn't. Is this guy thickheaded or what?
"Must I leave? I would like to speak to your friends. Maybe even stay for dinner," he said, smiling. Does this guy ever stop smiling? The growling increased at Hojo's words and even Shippo was growling!
"Sorry, we can't tonight. Maybe another day?" I told him as I smiled as hard as I could.
Hojo sighed and said goodbye as he left. The growling ceased as soon as he was gone. I can't believe Hojo didn't notice that.
This was another reason to be thankful for falling down the well. If I hadn't met all the demons, I would've gone out with Hojo. That guy is an idiot. Kouga may not be very intelligent, but at least he pays attention to his surroundings and has some sense of boundaries. Kouga is also much better looking. Eep! I didn't just think that. Does that mean I'm starting to actually love Kouga? No, all demons tend to be good looking. Ginta and Haggaku are good looking too. Sesshoumaru is drop-dead gorgeous. I'm just making an observation. I don't like him like that.
~* Kouga's POV*~
First that guy tires to get close to Kagome and then he wants to stay! I was seeing red. At least he was gone now. I noticed Kagome look relieved, then shocked, then relieved and pleased and relieved. What was wrong with her? I'm not going to ask though. Kagome is scary when she is mad, just like all females. I must not hide. Kagome will get mad. I don't want to get hit again. For a girl, she's got a good swing.
"Why did that Hobo-guy try to get close to you?" Shippo asked as he glared at the door. A glare doesn't look right on that kid. It creeps me out.
"Uh, I don't know. Let's just forget about it," Kagome said. I don't believe her. I think that Hobo is in love with her. If I see him again, I'm going to ask what he feels about Kagome. If he answers like I think he will, he's a dead man. Kagome is not going with that pretty-boy weakling. She deserves more. He's probably a coward; he could never help her find the jewel shards.
"Can I kill that pretty-boy?" I asked. Kagome stared at me. I think I screwed up. She's going to kill me now.
"You will NOT kill anyone here, understand?" She said. I swear she's growling. I nodded, backing away from the scary woman. She turned on Ginta and Haggaku. "That applies to you also." They nodded also and backed away, joining me in the corner and beginning to cower.
"Kagome, I need you to pick some things up at the store for me," Mrs. Higurashi said. Kagome walked into where her mother was and came back with a piece of paper. Kagome walked past us and slipped her shoes on at the door. "Make sure to take the demons with you!" Shippo cheered as he heard this and shot into Kagome's arms.
"What about their appearances? Someone's going to notice that." Did Kagome not want us to come with her?
"Give them hats and shoes. They'll be fine," Mrs. Higurashi said again. Kagome sighed and went upstairs with Shippo snuggled in her arms. Lucky kid. She returned a minute later with some things in her arms. Shippo sat on her shoulder wearing a hat. His hair was pulled back. I noticed the pants looked longer and hid his feet. His tail wasn't visible.
"Here, put these on your heads," she said as she handed us what I guessed where hats. "They'll hide your ears. Put the shoes on your feet." We received the 'shoes'.
"Why do we have to hide our appearances?" Haggaku asked as he stared at the things that she had given us. Another dead wolf may come soon.
"In this time demons aren't common. I haven't ever even sensed one here. Who knows what would happen if they saw someone with a tail and pointed ears," Kagome replied. "They might try to catch you and experiment on you." I didn't like the sound of 'experiment' so I put on the shoes and the hat. Ginta and Haggaku scrambled to put on the items. Needless to say, Kagome looked pleased and Shippo was laughing.
"Are we going?" I said, hoping to change the subject.
Kagome nodded and led us out of her house. "Don't do anything a normal human can't do, and don't attract attention to yourselves." I hated the feel of the 'shoes' and the 'hat' irritated my sensitive ears. Ginta and Haggaku most likely felt the same way. We passed the well house and continued to the step. Did I mention how much I HATED stairs? Well, I do. And I can't even jump down now. Why did these stairs have to be so steep?
I managed to make it down without revealing my fear of stairs, but I'm going to try to track down who built those stairs and kill him for it. Those stairs are something Naraku must of thought up. He is the only one evil enough to design something like that.
I noticed Kagome and the others walking away, so I stopped mentally cursing the person who built the demon stairs and caught up. Just then a strange growling demon with a human trapped inside lumbered by. I was about to attack it when Kagome grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
"Kagome, that strange demon is eating that human. Let me go, I have to kill it," I told her. Why did she stop me? The demon could kill her. And… Another just went by! And another and another and another! 'No demons here' my foot! This place is crawling with them! Shippo was bristling from his perch on Kagome's shoulder. Ginta and Haggaku were growling also.
"Kouga, those are cars, not demons. They aren't alive so you have nothing to worry about as long as you stay out of the street," Kagome reassured me. I should trust her. She has lived here all her life and knows how to survive here. I've decided that I don't like 'cars', they hurt my ears. "The store is just around the corner, just stay out of trouble until then." Shippo jumped back into Kagome's arms and my two pack-mates were glancing occasionally at the 'cars'.
We walked around the corner Kagome had indicated and ended up in front of a wall made of sections of glass. Was everyone rich around here! Kagome walked over to one of the larger sections and stood in front of it. It slid open by itself! Ginta, Haggaku, and myself jumped back in shock and Shippo squirmed in Kagome's grasp.
"Calm down, it won't hurt you. We've got to hurry so let's go," Kagome said. Shippo calmed down and let Kagome walk in. We followed of course. I was very surprised at the amount of food in the place. I couldn't identify some of the foods that were there. It was confusing as to why the food was in the brightly colored bags and wrappings, but I would ask Kagome later. For now, there was food to try.
Ginta and Haggaku had run in different directions and were currently looking at everything closely to determine what it was. I could see Kagome picking out some things while Shippo ran around her, begging for what he had in his hands. I started looking around too.
Strange meats, vegetables, and sweets were everywhere. I had looked at things called 'beef hot dogs', 'chocolate', and 'chex mix'. I knew these didn't exist in my time, so I was curious. I wondered if Kagome would let me try these. I also saw some things I recognized a little, but they were also in the strange bags. At further inspection of the bags I found they were like thin, flexible sheets of glass. When was that created?
I continued to explore until Kagome told me that we were leaving. I was disappointed that I couldn't look around longer, but I didn't want to be left behind. I would of never of found my way back with all the other scents around.
We were back at Kagome's home very quickly. I was happy to be away from the 'cars' and demon stairs. Now, to ask Kagome about what I had seen at the store. I found her quickly. She was sitting at the table with Shippo in her arms and was talking to her mother who was cooking again.
"Kagome, I wanted to ask you about some of the things at the store," I told her as I sat near her. I really don't like chairs, they hurt my tail.
"Ask away" Kagome said. I guess that means I can ask.
"What is a beef hot dog? And what about chocolate and chex mix? And what is the flexible glass around the food?" I asked. I probably should've split that up or something, but I'm a wolf. Wolves are curious creatures by nature.
"Uh, beef is meat from a cow. Hot dogs are… ground up meat squished together. Chocolate is a candy and chex mix is a lot of different foods mixed together. Flexible glass? I guess you mean plastic," she replied.
"What's a cow? And what's a 'plastic'?" I asked again. Kagome looks exasperated. Maybe I should have stopped asking.
"A cow is an animal people raise for it meat and its milk. Plastic is a very durable and versatile material we use a lot now," she explained. I saw her eyeing me. She didn't seem to want to explain anything right now.
"Oh, thanks Kagome," I said as I got up and left. Kagome went back to talking with her mother as I sat down and watched the 'TV' with Ginta and Haggaku. They were watching 'Titanic'. I just started thinking about Kagome and myself as the main characters. I would love to draw Kagome if she was wearing only a pendant.
Souta walked by just at that scene. "You guys should get buckets. I don't think Mom wants to clean up your drool." I'm drooling?! Great, now I'm no better than a dog.
~* Kagome's POV*~
Kouga had just left. I forgot that he wouldn't know about that stuff. At least he didn't keep asking about things here.
"You know Kagome, he really cares about you. I would say he does truly love you. You told me once that he calls you his woman. He hasn't said it once yet," my mother said as she continued to prepare dinner.
"He's just been busy with everything here. He'll start calling me his woman again soon," I told her as I stroked Shippo's hair. He's still Kouga; he'll act like he normally does.
"I think he won't. Until recently, he's had Inuyasha to compete with. He could have said that to make sure he had less competition. I think it was just a territory thing. All men get possessive of what they care about. Inuyasha was possessive too. You should give him a chance, he seems like a sweet guy. And I wouldn't mind grandchildren with tails and wolf ears at all," she said. I knew she would bring the grandchildren thing! First it was Inuyasha, now Kouga! Is that all she thinks about?
Souta came into the room and sat at the table. "I agree with Mom. Kouga is really cool. I like him more than Inuyasha. You should give him a chance." Et Tu, Souta?
Then grandpa entered the room and took hi seat. "I also agree with them. He may be a youkai, but the boy deserves a chance." What? Is this gang-up-on-Kagome day?
"Won't the youkai hear us?" I asked. I would be grateful if Kikyo and Inuyasha came in and started making out on the table as long as it drew attention off of this conversation.
"No, they're watching Titanic. It's on that scene where the guy draws the girl naked. They were all drooling, but Kouga's attention seemed elsewhere…" Souta told me. Who was Kouga drooling over? Wait, it was me! Why that perverted little wolf…
I got up and set the dozing Shippo on the chair before storming into the living room to see all three wolves drooling at what was on the screen. Sure enough Kouga's attention seemed elsewhere…
"You little pervert!" I screamed in rage. All three wolves suddenly were cowering on the ground with their tails between their legs.
"What did I do?" all three questioned at the same time. Was this a normal reaction for wolf youkai? If so they're all wimps.
I looked at Ginta and Haggaku. "You two didn't do anything. You can go if you want." Those two were gone before I could blink.
"What did I do, Kagome?" Kouga said as he tried to make himself as small as possible.
"What were you thinking about that made you drool?" I asked as I smiled what must have been evilly and sat next to him.
"It was the movie," the wolf said. He didn't sound very confident considering how his voice was shaking and he had shrunk away more.
"Don't lie to me Kouga. You weren't paying attention to the movie. What were you drooling over?" I told him again.
"It was… you," he said. He looked absolutely terrified. Good, you should scared Kouga.
"You little pervert! I'm going to kill you!" I yelled. Kouga shot up and ran away. I followed him. I made a quick stop to grab the sword Kouga normally carries around to use as a weapon. I proceeded to hit him with it when I got close enough.
"I'm sorry Kagome! I just can't resist your beauty!" he told me as he ran for dear life. I'm pretty sure he forgot he has shards in his legs. You know, that sounds like a line that Miroku would use on Sango when she is trying to beat his brain out. Am I going to end up like Sango with Kouga as my Miroku?
"Flattery won't save you!" I shouted at him.
"I'll be getting grandchildren soon if this keeps up," my mother said happily.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked her as I stopped chasing Kouga.
"It's obvious you love him. You're not even trying to really hurt him. If that was anyone else they would have been injured already," my mother replied, still smiling.
"Demons heal quickly," I told her.
"It wouldn't matter if you really wanted him hurt," she replied. I'm not in love with Kouga. He's just a perverted friend. Right? I could see a happy Kouga a few feet away.
"Stop acting so happy you pervert!" I shouted as I started chasing him again. This went on for a few more minutes before I was interrupted from chasing that perverted wolf as my mother said that dinner was ready.
Kouga shot into the kitchen. I followed at a slower pace to discover that the wolves had taken seats as far away from me as possible. What a bunch of wusses. As soon as I sat down Shippo leapt into my lap, seeming very happy that I was back. As soon as the food was put in front of them, the youkai started inhaling it. Was this some kind of demonic trait? If so, there are a lot of part-demons at my school.
Their food was gone in less than three minutes. I'm surprised they didn't choke. And as soon as their food was gone, the wolves were back in front of the TV. Shippo was curled up in my lap waiting for me to finish.
"When are we going to go to the place with the toys and candy?" Shippo asked.
"Tomorrow, after school," I told him between bites.
"When is that?" the kit asked. I forgot he doesn't know when school ends.
"In the afternoon," I told him as I smiled at him.
"Aw, why can't we go sooner?" he asked as he pouted.
"I have school in the morning," I replied. Please stop pouting Shippo, I'll end up skipping school for you.
"Am I going too?" Shippo asked as he looked up pleadingly. The little kitsune was really attached to me, especially now.
"Sorry Shippo, you can't come with me," I told him, hoping he wouldn't start crying. No such luck.
"Why can't I come?" Shippo bawled. He really wanted to come with me.
"I can't take a little kid with me to school, it's against the rules," I told him as I tried to calm him. He just went on crying. "How about I make Kouga take you to my school? You can stay where you can see me, but no one will see you." He stopped crying and nodded happily. I finished my meal, put up my plates and went to tell Kouga of the plan.
"Kagome, make sure to tell your friends to bathe tonight," my mother said as I walked out of the room.
"I'll tell them," I replied as I walked to where I suspected the older youkai were. Shippo followed, still smiling like there was no tomorrow.
Kouga was with Ginta and Haggaku watching a B movie. From the looks on their faces, I guessed they couldn't understand what was going on in the movie. I wondered if it had been a good idea to introduce them to the TV. They didn't seem to want to do much of anything else other than watch TV and eat. I hope they don't get lazy.
"Kouga, tomorrow when I go to school, I want you to hide with Shippo where he can see me, but the other people can't see you," I told him. I figured he would want to watch his movie, so I told him outright what I wanted to say.
"Okay, I'll do that. Ginta and Haggaku will come too," Kouga replied, not taking his eyes off the television. Ginta ad Haggaku didn't seem to mind that Kouga was making them come along.
"My mom wants you to bathe. Ginta can go first. Remember what I told you earlier," I said as I walked out of the room with Shippo on my heels.
~* A few hours later *~
I had decided to see if the wolf youkai had listened to me. Shippo was playing a video game with Souta. I was glad those two were getting along so well. I don't think it would have been easy to deal with if they hadn't made friends. Now I could have some time to myself.
I went into the living room to see three damp wolves watching my favorite show. I plopped down next to Kouga. He watched me warily. I guess he thought I was still angry. I had just decided he was a guy and as long as he didn't try to act out his fantasy, I wouldn't hurt him.
"I'm not still angry with you Kouga, you're safe," I told him as I stared at the screen. He relaxed immediately.
"Where's Shippo?" Haggaku asked. I'm surprised anyone noticed that the kit was not glued to me as usual.
"He's playing video games with Souta," I replied, not moving at all. This is a really good episode. I'm not moving for anything.
"What's a video game?" Ginta asked. I don't think I can explain that.
"I'm not sure how to explain. You can ask Souta later" I replied. Souta loves those games so much that it shouldn't be a problem to explain.
"Kagome, as soon as your show is over, make sure you go to sleep. Your friends should get to bed too if they're going to follow you to school. Make sure to tell Souta to get to bed," my mother said as she came into the room.
"Alright, I'll do that," I replied as I stared at the screen. No, don't do that you fool! You'll never be happy with her!
The show ended after that. My mother handed the wolves some pajamas and gave me a set for Shippo. Ginta and Haggaku stayed behind to set up their beds while Kouga followed me upstairs. I was a little uncomfortable with him so close, but I didn't make a fuss about it. He promised he wouldn't try anything. I stopped by Souta's room to get Shippo and make sure Souta knew it was bedtime.
I went into my room to get my pajamas. Kouga started setting up his bed as I left with Shippo snoozing in my arms. I dressed the kitsune and myself in the bathroom as I started to think about everything that had happened lately.
Inuyasha had finally made his decision about who he wanted to be with. I had left all my friends and was travelling with Kouga to find the shards. And now I may be falling in love with the guy. It was hard to believe that all this had happened in less then two weeks. If you had told me a month ago all this would happen, I would have laughed. If you had told me it would happen in such a short amount of time, I would have called the insane asylum.
I finished dressing and went back to my room. Kouga was curled up on his bed. I climbed into my own bed and told Kouga goodnight. I dismissed a nagging feeling that something big would happen tomorrow and fell asleep with Shippo curled up next to me.
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This is the longest chapter yet at 4,600 words at least. I hope this chapter was good. I'm starting another story. This one is a Sesshoumaru/Kagome. As soon as I finish the first chapter and think up a title, it will be posted. You may not get today's joke if you don't know anything about San Francisco.
You Know You're In San Francisco When…
Your coworker tells you they have 8 body piercing, but none are visible.
When someone says tenderloin, you don't think of meat, you think of danger.
You make over $100,000 a year and still can't afford a house.
You never bother looking at the MUNI line schedule because you know the drivers have never seen it.
You can't remember… is pot illegal?
You've been to more than baby shower that has two mothers and a sperm donor.
You have a very strong opinion about where your coffee beans are grown and can taste the difference between Sumatran and Ethiopian.
A really great parking space can move you to tears.
You know that anyone wearing shorts in April is just visiting from Ohio.
You assume that every company offers domestic partner benefits.
Your boss runs in "The Bay To Breakers"… it's the first time you have seen him/her nude.
Your child's 3rd grade teacher has two pierced ears and a nose ring, and is named "Breeze"… and when you tell this to a friend they still need to ask whether the teacher is male or female.
You are thinking of taking adult classes but can't decide between yoga, aromatherapy, conversational Mandarin, and building your own website.
You haven't been to Fisherman's Wharf since you the first month moved to SF and you couldn't figure out how to drive to Coit Tower if your life depended on it.
A man walks onto MUNI in full leather regalia and crothless chaps. You don't notice.
A woman walked onto MUNI with live poultry. You don't notice.
You think any guy with a George Clooney haircut must be visiting from the Midwest.
You know that any woman with a George Clooney haircut is not a tourist.
You keep a list of companies to boycott.
Your hairdresser is straight, your plumber is gay, the woman who delivers your mail is straight, and your Mary Kay lady is a guy in drag.