Title: The Depths of Your Love
Summary: Inuyasha and Kagome are faced with a life changing decision. It will test the depths of their love. 'Yet she always came back to him when she fled. And he'd always be waiting.'
Pairings: Inu/Kag, Mir/San, others…
Disclaimer: I. Own. Nothing. Well, at least any rights to Inuyasha. Though I do own most of the anime series on DVD…
A/N: Oh my goodness, I haven't updated in forever! I haven't dropped off of the face of the planet, rest assured. I've been writing under another name, five stories actually. (Winces at the glares shooting at me.) I've been writing for the Harry Potter fandom these last few months, and I am incredibly sorry for taking so long to update!
Chapter 7: Last Chance
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"Almost…there…" Kagome panted.
She pedaled with force, not wanting to be late in meeting her best friend and her boyfriend. Kagome smiled brilliantly. Her boyfriend. She loved thinking it, but loved saying it even more so.
They had been dating for three months now, three wonderful months. Hojo was the sweetest, most charming boyfriend she could ever wish on her lucky stars for. Hell, he was even quite cute—and not to mention smart.
Every Sunday, Hojo, herself, Eri, Yuki, and Ayumi always went out to hang at the mall—it was literally a tradition for them, they hadn't missed one; not one. But today, Yuki couldn't come because her family had decided to take a vacation on the coast, and Ayumi got landed with babysitting her baby twin cousins.
So, it was just the three of them today.
And she was going to be late!
Her legs were beginning to cramp, and she knew that they wouldn't really mind if she was only a few minutes late, but she really wanted to talk to her closest friends about her odd encounter with that guy this morning.
Okay, she could understand having a full bladder, she could understand running into the wrong room, (Kagome wasn't exactly the most graceful person alive) but what her mother failed to explain to her was why he was staying with them, and exactly why he jumped on her and started sobbing.
Now that was just without a doubt creepy!
Kagome sighed as she pulled over at a three storied house; she let her bike fall on its side into a lush green lawn as she sprinted to the door. Kagome quickly ran her fingers through her hair and smoothed down her skirt before she pushed the doorbell button.
She waited a few minutes before she was greeted by an older woman standing in the front door. The older lady smiled warmly grabbing Kagome's arm; leading her inside.
She was a good three inches shorter than Kagome and had her long silver hair tied up into a tight bun. She reached on her tiptoes to give Kagome a small peck on the cheek.
"Kagome! It's so wonderful to see you darling! We've all missed you around here!" the old woman exclaimed.
Kagome smiled warmly, "I was just here yesterday, Nan."
"Nonetheless, dear," she smiled, "now take your shoes off in the foyer—you know the routine—Hojo and Eri are out back if you'd like to join them."
Kagome nodded her head as she slid her brown loafers off and walked deeper into the house. She smiled again at the thought of Hojo's Nanna. The woman always insisted on Kagome calling her Nan.
She barely glanced at the familiar decorum of Hojo's main hallway. Given, the first time she had ever been inside his house she had been quite taken aback. Hojo's family owned a franchise of many herbal medicinal shops spread throughout Japan—and now they were even spreading to the continent.
His house was vastly different from her shrine. If she hadn't know better; glancing at the sleek marble tiles or the enormous colorful paintings; the crystal chandeliers or the wide elegant carpeted staircase, she just might have believed she had stepped into a home of royalty.
Kagome found herself in the kitchen and made a bee-line for the back door. She twisted the door knob and was greeted with a blast of the morning sunlight. She saw Hojo and Eri sitting under a large umbrella covered table by the poolside laughing.
Her grin grew wider as she waved and called out, "Hojo! Eri!" and walked quickly to join them at the table.
Two sets of eyes glanced up to greet Kagome and visibly brightened. Hojo stood up from his seat and walked over to Kagome with a soft smile. He wrapped his long arms around her small form and gave her a short kiss on the lips; quickly breaking away.
Kagome noticed the slight tinge of red on his cheeks and she just knew that it wasn't sunburn. You'd think after three months he'd become less embarrassed—but she loved him even more for it.
She grabbed the front of his shirt pulling back in for a longer kiss before breaking away herself to go join Eri.
Her friend was waiting patiently at the table a wistful expression grazing her features.
Hojo quickly sat down next to her and said, "So, now that we're all here; I guess we can go."
"Oh, but could we just stay at your house today? It wouldn't be the same without Yuki and Ayumi. And—well I haven't had a dip in your pool for ages! Besides, Ben wouldn't mind whipping up some of his greatest lunches," Eri slightly pouted, " Pleeeease, Hojo? Kagome would like that too, wouldn't you Kagome?"
Kagome thought about it for a second, and it actually seemed fun.
"Okay, I'm in," Kagome stated, "and besides, I have something to tell you guys—and I think it would be better off told in private."
O0o0O0o0O
Inuyasha's ears flattened.
He was sitting on Kagome's mother's bed as said woman sat on the floor digging through old boxes marked 'Dad.' She was looking for normal clothes for him to wear so that she could take him somewhere 'critical' as she put it.
She made a point not to mention anything after she called the trip critical, imperative, of utmost importance, oh and a secret.
That damn woman! Inuyasha was beginning to understand where Kagome got her personality from.
Kagome.
He couldn't help but wonder what she was doing at that very moment. Was she having fun with her friends?
Without him?
Of course, you idiot! Why wouldn't she be? Kagome can't remember you at all, and you're sitting here wondering if she misses you! The obvious answer is no, I mean her life doesn't revolve around you, moron.
There it was again! His conscience that sounded ever so much like the monk.
Inuyasha made a mental note to trip Miroku when things all smoothed over—maybe he'd even persuade Sango to whack him over the head with Hiraikotsu…
Possibilities…
He jumped as seemingly pounds of clothing were thrown onto his body, shirts and socks hanging off of his ears; jeans and sweatpants wrapped around his neck… Inuyasha removed the clothes from his head and shot a glare at Hitomi.
But he was shot an even sterner glare in return, the kind of 'Don't-You-Dare-Think-Of-Disobeying,' glares.
He made a point to sigh loudly as he grabbed the clothes and walked into the bathroom in a huff.
O0o0O0o0O
A soft twittering noise broke Sango's concentration, her head darting upwards.
It was only a bird.
She really needed a vacation. Sango admitted to herself that she was somewhat tense and edgy lately. And to top it off, apparently she was never going to see two of her best friends in the life of the living again!
Angry tears began to blur her vision as she threw the stone that she was sharpening her Hiraikotsu with moments ago.
Dammit, she was sick and tired of losing the people she loved!
She needed love, she'd been deprived for so long. She knew that she depicted a tough warrior image, but on the inside she was crying.
And as she looked up to lock eyes with the familiar dark violet blue, she knew what she needed.
She knew what she wanted.
For now—it was enough.
O0o0O0o0O
"So, let me get this straight… this guy…Inuyasha, is living with you now?" Eri asked, a visible frown flashed on her face, "And he jumped you while you were in the bathroom?"
Kagome blushed.
"Kagome! You-you've got to kick this guy out! I mean obviously…"
Kagome cut her off, "Obviously what, Eri?" she asked in warning.
"Obviously, this guy is very sick, and shouldn't be living down the hall from you, Kagome." Hojo whispered quietly. He held a firm and almost dangerous glint in his normally soft eyes.
She spluttered. Why was she acting so surprised by their reactions? I mean, she practically expected it.
But then why was she a little offended deep down?
All of a sudden, Kagome felt rather irritable and she stood up from her chair. "I-I've got to go, I'll see you guys later," she said as she hastily walked back into the house to retrieve her shoes.
O0o0O0o0O
Inuyasha was practically being dragged down the street by Kagome's mom. She had a vice-like grip on his arm and was leading him to some unknown destination for some fucking unknown reason.
Who did this wench think she was!
You're last chance, that's what…
God, Hitomi was his last chance of being with Kagome and he knew it. She was the only one in this world that seemed to remember him—and Kagome's normal life.
Not that it could be considered normal…
If he blew it he'd have to return to the past, and then what would he have?
Nothing.
Naraku apparently held the Sacred Jewel within his slimy clutches. But what irked him the most was that everything seemed ordinary; well, except for the Kagome forgetting him part.
That was just screwed up.
Oh, when he and Naraku crossed paths again, that little bastard wouldn't be so lucky this time around.
"Inuyasha, quit dawdling. We have places to be before Kagome gets back."
The veins in his jaw were surely bulging right now, he was sure of it.
"Well, would you care to tell me where we're going?"
"I told you, you'll see."
She pulled him faster, and he found himself rolling his eyes.
Several citizens of Tokyo were sprinting down the sidewalks in just a hurry as they were. Grown men and women carrying strange looking bags, and talking into small silver contraptions. Teenagers were running down the streets, shouting at their friends. Some were on some kind of board on wheels.
For the life of him, he couldn't comprehend the foreign ways of the future; it was an extremely strange place. He looked into the windows of numerous shops and saw racks of clothing, books, and some buildings were even filled with tables, chairs, and a delicious smell of excellent food.
Maybe he could get used to this.
He needed to go back and visit Miroku and Sango soon, though. They were probably seething at him for not telling them what happened to Kagome.
He was suddenly jerked into a small alleyway.
Confusion filled Inuyasha's expression.
Kagome's mother led him down the dark gap between two large buildings. There was colorful graffiti sprayed on the sides. Inuyasha frowned. She came to a halt in front of a small wooden door.
Hitomi knocked.
One minute passed…
Two minutes passed…
Inuyasha began restlessly fidgeting while being so annoyingly held in place by Kagome's mom. He blew a spurt of air to move the fringe out of his eyes.
Finally, the wooden door slightly cracked open and a deep silky voice said, "Can I help you?"
Inuyasha felt Hitomi straighten her posture, giving an air of confidence and superiority. He felt great respect for this woman, despite her Kagome-ish ways.
Maybe that was why he took an instant liking to her…
"We need a ring."
That was all she said.
"A ring? You brought me out here so that we could look at fucking jewelry?"
Hitomi sent a reprimanding glare in his direction, and he immediately felt his ears flatten under the rather constricting hat. A chain of soft chuckles reached his ever sensitive ears as the door was opened wide enough for them to enter.
"Come in, come in."
He was hastily dragged inside.
O0o0O0o0O
Kagome stopped her bicycle in front of the shrine. She decided to take a walk on the grounds. The blossoms of the Goshinboku were in full bloom, and many were gracefully flying with the aid of the wind.
She felt a pang within her chest as she passed the ancient tree.
Kagome sat on a bench and decided to gaze up at the afternoon clouds in the baby blue sky. They were slowly inching forward overhead, puffy white.
Kagome sighed as she closed her eyes.
O0o0O0o0O
They were walking down a narrow, dark hallway. Inuyasha's heart was pounding quickly in his chest. Why were they here to look at a ring? Why didn't they just go to one of those fancy and suave merchants that had several sparkling pieces?
And yet, he heard absolutely no excess speed to Hitomi's pulse. He smelled no fear, he sensed no anxiety. Apparently she felt safe, so this assured him somewhat. But the shady whereabouts of this place was what kept Inuyasha alert for any scenario.
This man, he was quite tall, surpassing Inuyasha himself by at least an inch or two. He had long golden hair that was swept back into an elegant braid. He wore a crisp, white shirt with black slacks. This man held himself upright with an air of authority as he led them to a door at the end of the hall.
Inuyasha's muscles tensed. He had been around too many back stabbing demons and humans alike to not be suspicious of what was beyond that door.
The man reached into his pocket and retrieved a key; he slid it into the lock and with a click, he opened it. A faint luminous glow emitted from the room as they stepped inside. Inuyasha jumped as he heard the graceful man lock the door behind him.
He was about to go after the man, surely this had been a trap! But the firm hand on his shoulder hesitated and stopped his actions. Hitomi shook her head.
Light illuminated the room as the man flicked a switch, and Inuyasha saw numerous glass cases of…rings…
Rings in several different sizes, shapes, stones, and styles.
His gaze lifted to meet his two onlookers with bewilderment. "Would someone like to tell me what I am doing in some shoddy dump looking at obviously stolen jewelry?" he asked; his tone indignant.
"Inuyasha, please listen to me, this isn't stolen jewelry. For you to be able to live from day to day in this world, you cannot appear to be a demon. Horrible things could happen, Inuyasha. If even one person saw your natural appearance; the government would be after you, trying to take you into captivity. Performing tests on you."
Inuyasha felt some of his blood drain away from his face.
"These contain a very potent concealment charm. Any demon—half or full blooded—would appear to be in their human state. And this is why I feel you need one."
Inuyasha was speechless.
Hitomi sighed. "Look, Inuyasha. How are you going to win back Kagome if she could possibly be one of the people who would turn you into the government? Kagome doesn't have any recollection of demons, magic, and most importantly—you. It must remain that way until she regains her memory. Please choose a ring while I discuss something with Mr. Nyugen."
With slight hesitation, Inuyasha walked over to the many glass cases. Radiant colors filled his sensitive eyes. They were all exquisitely made with tiny intricate details. Little vines of silver ivy lined one of the silver bands, the leaves containing miniscule emeralds.
Another ring was made of gold, tiny iridescent rainbow stones engraved into the fine metal. Inuyasha looked down at the sliver ring with engraved ruby writing that was already resting upon his finger.
'Happy Birthday, Inuyasha!'
'Love, Kagome'
Inuyasha felt a bitter lump rise into his throat.
Would he ever hear those words spoken from her beautiful lips ever again?
Or would her love be lavished upon another; never to glance back at his crumbling form as she started a new carefree and burdenless life that didn't involve Inuyasha at all?
He didn't even want to think about that.
He looked up at the mysterious man and spoke in a tight voice, "Is it possible that you could charm a ring that I already own?"
The man's eyes showed unhidden surprise at the request. Apparently hardly anybody, maybe even nobody ever asked him that. He cleared his throat and said, "Well, I sure that we could have something arranged."
Inuyasha nodded as he glanced down at the silver ring hugging his ring finger. He needed a reminder, he needed something to hold onto the past with—even if it was only as small as a ring.
He knew that he would be needing something to support him in the near future. But for whatever reason—he did not know.
And with a labored sigh, he slid the cool metal from his finger and placed it into the palm of Mr. Nyugen.
Though why did he feel as if he had lost another part of Kagome?
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InuLvr7: Thanks for the review! I hope you don't hate me too much for not updating in months…
Everqueen: Thank you! Yeah, like it or not, Onigumo did have a life too, so I just decided to…add that into the plot... Actually, there are only a few that actually do remember the real past. And unfortunately, Kagome isn't one of them :( As for the sit thing, as funny as that might have been, Inuyasha hasn't had his necklace on since his birthday party (smirks) I hope too hear from you soon!
InuLuver23: Thanks for reviewing! I know, but rest assured, the ending is quite… pleasant… I already have it written so I should know :) And as for Kagome's thoughts, just picture yourself in her position, some stranger waltzes right into the bathroom while you're getting out of the tub, and pounces on you! I probably would have had a worse reaction than Kagome's :D
BeccaPatty: I am so glad you liked it! Yeah, I have an idea of how she'll get her memories back, but it'll be just a little harder to do than that! I mean, one must wonder about why the well closed…lets just say it was a blessing to keep their safety intact a little longer. But the question is…how did it happen and why? Oh, I'll stop confusing you now, hopefully you'll find out in the near future. I absolutely love the Inuyasha movies! I only know a few words in Japanese, basically learned from the Inu anime! I'm learning Spanish, actually. Okay, well, once again I am sincerely glad you liked Chapter Six; I hope you like Chapter Seven as well!
crazylinkfan: Thanks for the review! And thanks for answering my questions, I hope to hear from you soon. :)
la89801: I guess you're right, but I don't know, I sort of always pushed myself to write those extra few pages. :) You're late? Well, I'm three months later, lol. I'll try to post a new chapter at least once a month, unfortunately, I got myself more updating responsibilities. Smart move, Alyssa, smart move. I'm glad you love it, it makes me so happy! Poor Inuyasha, indeed…
i-am-cayce: Thank you, I deeply appreciate it!
hawaiikel: A lemon chapter contains sex. And it looks as if the majority wants one, so I'll try to keep it site friendly, I don't want a sudden disappearance of my account and stories. That has actually happened to quite a few brilliant writers on here, and I am absolutely furious! Hmm, hold onto that thought about Kikyo, save and store it, and that's all I'm saying ;) Actually, he wanted Inuyasha to follow. Thanks for the review! You have my eternal gratitude!
Well, there was Chapter Seven! Once again, I am sincerely sorry for not updating as soon as some of you may have liked. I'll try to have a Chapter out per month, I'm kind of busy at the time due to other commitments. And just remember…
Reviews make my world go 'round! So keep it spinning!
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♥ Much love,
Alyssa
