A/N: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING NOTE!!! If you haven't already, please go back and read chapter six. I took out the authors note and so it really is 6 chappies but without the author's note. So for those that thought I hadn't updated it's there...Okay guys. Here it is. Sorry for the long wait. School starting, I had my orientation today and then classes start tomorrow. So anyway yeah I've been busy as you can tell, but im trying. Okay one of my reviewers asked if I would put more Inu/Kag. So you got your wish. It just so happens I had this chapter played out in my head before I wrote it and that couple's fluff was included! Okay so here's chapter seven!
Disclaimer: i don't own a thing...
Life In The Fast Lane
Chapter Seven
Heart On My Sleeve-- (Kagome's P.O.V) --
I guess I can't call it depression...
...because I'm not really depressed...
Just hella pissed off...and I think we all already know why; stupid Kouga and his big ego. I'm serious here. This is probably why I've been at the gym for hours on end. Some days it's one hour. And others it can range to five. I hit the punching bag, imagining its Kouga's face on the material. Lets out a lot of stress. But today - which just so happens to be the day right after that stupid race - I've surprised myself by being here for six hours. Got up late and since the owner of the gym is one of my good friends, he gave me a job and the keys to open and close whenever I damn well please. So here I am. Late into the night, hitting the punching bag with all I've got.
I understand that maybe, just maybe, I'm over working my mind and my body. But what do I care? I have a lot of steam to blow off. How the hell did I let him win? Why in the world would he want to play dirty? Was he that desperate to be at the top?
It pisses me off!
I guess I can say that people are worried. My phone has been ringing off the hook and the special ring for text messages sounds like every ten minutes. How am I supposed to concentrate, knowing that that phone is going to sound every ten minutes? It's like Chinese Water Torture. I'm slowly losing my mind. Maybe I should turn it off?
...probably...
It just makes me upset. I know they all want to talk about that happened. I'm just not ready for that now. It's so frustrating thinking about that stupid race. My car is totally, well, totaled and where am I supposed to get that money? It needs all new everything. Sure, yeah, Miroku decided he was going to help me out. He has hella connections, but it feels a little wrong. Putting all my dependency on my friends.
On top of that stuff, I'm not getting any more leads on my parents' case. Street racing was supposed to lead me closer, mainly because everybody knows everything these days. I guess I was sorta wishing that maybe, just maybe the guy would notice me if I made it to the top. Of course nobody else knows about my secret goals. Well except Sota. But that's it. Everyone else would think I was crazy. What am I supposed to do? I feel so...lost...helpless...upset?
And now...just thinking about my parents' murder makes my eyes sting with tears. Again, I question: What am I supposed to do???
This world is hella screwed up...maybe I should just take myself out of it to be with my parents...
-- (Normal P.O.V) --
"Ugh, where the hell is she? And why isn't she answering her fucking phone??"
Give you three guesses on who this could be...
"Inuyasha, language. She probably has it off or something." Miroku explained calmly. They were currently sitting at WacDonald's getting a bite to eat.
"Yeah, I'm sure she's fine." Sango piped up, after stuffing a few fries dipped in ranch in her mouth. (OMG fries with ranch is bomb)
"How can you guys be so calm? One it's already 10:00 and two it's raining Zebras and Dogs outside."
"Zebras and Dogs?" Miroku asked with a smile.
"I just don't particularly like cats that much, that's all. But you're sidetracking my mind. Kagome could be stranded or something."
"Oh My Bob, Inuyasha. Shut up. She is fine. If she weren't, she would call us. Jeez, I'm surprised you don't have the FBI on her already." Sango said exasperated.
"They were next on my call list." He said crossing his arms over his chest, following that with a glare.
"Inuyasha, are you sure that you and Kagome aren't like...a couple? Because, my goodness you are one over-worried boyfriend if that's that case." Miroku said pondering, while stroking his chin. Inuyasha's cheeks happened to turn an interesting shade of pink.
"No Miroku. We're just friends. What gave you that idea?"
"Hmm...only the fact that you blush whenever someone asks if you to are going together and uh...oh wait, this ones the winner, you might want to listen up for this..." he paused for dramatic effect. "You practically love her!" he said loudly, which got the attention of other people in the fast food restaurant.
"I don't like her like that okay. I mean I love her as a friend, but that's it," he protested, the blush getting deeper.
"Sure, you don't. You've got it bad for that girl." Sango said with a nod of her head. Inuyasha's glare turned murderous.
"Jeez guys. Wanna give me a break?"
"Nope," they chorused simultaneously. Inuyasha scowled.
"Whatever. I'm going to keep trying Kagome." He picked up his cell phone and dialed Kagome's number. Sango and Miroku shook their heads.
(Back with Kagome)
Kagome took a roll of white gauze bandage and re-wrapped her knuckles. She took a swig of water before putting her hair up in a messy bun. She was wearing a white sports bra, with black workout sweats with the white stripes down the sides.
She shook out her arms, and cracked her neck. She walked over to her phone to check her messages.
41 missed calls. Good God.
She clicked the phone off. 'They're probably all from Inuyasha'. She shook her head and looked out of the tinted windows that stretched from floor to ceiling. 'Great. Now it's raining. And hard." She blew some air from her puffed up cheeks and hit the punching bag.
Left. Right. Kick. Kick.
Right. Left. Kick. Kick.
'Have to get money for my car'. Kick. Left. Kick. 'Have to kick Kouga's ass'. Right. Kick. Right. 'Have to find another apartment' Right hook. Left. 'Why the fuck it this happening to me?' Kick. Kick. 'I miss you momma and daddy. You were murdered and I can't do a damn thing about it. I need you so bad'. Kagome started hitting the bad harder, all her emotions coming out to the surface. She ignored the pain she felt in her knuckles. She ignored how tired she was making herself. She ignored the fact that tears were falling freely from her eyes and that her 'I'm okay and absolutely nothing is wrong' mask was deteriorating quickly.
"Why the fuck can't I do anything?! Argh!?" with one last kick, that had everything she was feeling, she kicked the bag, splitting it in half. In a matter of seconds, the top half was empty and the bottom half was laying on the ground, all it's contents emptying out. Kagome collapsed to her hands and knees, physically and mentally drained. Tears fell from her eyes and onto the mat below.
"Whoever did this to me, will surely get what they deserve." She vowed. "I'm sorry momma. I'll avenge your deaths..."
(Back to the gang)
"Okay guys. I tried her phone enough times. Maybe she already called my house and left a message. I'm gonna go now. Catch ya'll later." Inuyasha stood up from his seat and walked out the doors.
"Good grief. Okay. Now that he's gone, let's go to my house and watch a movie." Sango said standing up. Miroku followed suit and stood up with her.
"Are you sure you wanna watch movies?" he gave her a little pat on the butt.
"Pervert!" she shrieked. Miroku was on the ground swirly-eyed with a red handprint on his cheek.
"Sango my love. Why you gotta hit so hard?"
"Gee, I don't know. Maybe I was hoping to knock some sense into you." She helped him up, and together they headed out of WacDonald's and over to her apartment.
(With Inuyasha)
Inuyasha whistled a tune he'd just heard on the radio and walked into the kitchen to get a soda. He opened the fridge, took out a soda, popped the top and closed the fridge door with his foot. He was about to take a sup, when a knock sounded on the door. He paused, but the same knock continued.
"I don't want any!" he yelled at the door and turned down the hall to go back to his room, but the knocking persisted. "Stupid salesman." He grumbled and cursed and went to open the door. But what he saw almost made him drop the can of soda.
"Trying to get rid of me already?" Kagome asked with a quirked brow.
"Uh, Kagome. What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" she walked past him into the apartment, and then turned back to him.
"No. Why would you ask that?" her hair was wet and she had showered and changed into some jeans and a long sleeve red shirt, with the sleeves going down past her knuckles.
"Maybe the fact that it's late and you're at my apartment." Kagome put on a fake smile, although Inuyasha could see through it.
"Um. I need to talk to someone. And I chose you. I have a lot on my mind." She gave a half-hearted laugh and wiped a tear from her cheek, everything coming to mind. "I thought maybe you could help." Inuyasha closed the door and walked over to her. He realized that her eyes were already red and that she had been crying for a while now.
"What's wrong?"
"I, uh, I just have a lot on my mind. And I can't handle it all right now...at once." She said. Kagome tried to rub her eyes to get rid of the tears, but it made it worse.
"Okay, uh. Just please don't cry." He said hastily. "Go rinse you face with cold water and I'll get you a glass of water. Try to calm down okay?" he shooed her off to the bathroom. When she was gone, he ran to the kitchen to make a phone call, before she came back.
-- (Ten minutes later) --
Click.
"Who was that?" Sango asked, not tearing her eyes away from the movie they were watching.
"Inuyasha," Miroku said simply.
"What did he want?" she asked, not looking at him. They were cuddling on the couch watching 2Fast2Furious and then Miroku's cell phone rang.
"Well apparently Kagome showed up at his apartment. And she wasn't doing okay." He said.
"What happened?"
"Uh, I don't know. He has to talk to her. I guess she was havin a breakdown. Remember she had one right after her parents' death. Maybe she's having another one. Lots of things have happened."
"True. Like her breaking up with Kouga, and him abusing her. And she's been having a lot of races lately. Well except for now she can't because her car is messed up- hey, when are we gonna work on that?"
"Um, I think bright and early tomorrow. I guess now Inuyasha is bringing her over and we'll go to my friend's garage to see what needs to be done and if there's anything we can save."
"Good idea. But it just makes me mad. If Kouga didn't wanna win the Bobforsaken title of the best, he wouldn't have played dirty. It's all his fault."
"Calm down, Sango. I'm pretty sure he didn't mean to do drastic damage. Okay so he did want to mess up her car so she couldn't race. If it didn't kill her, I'm sure that it made her stronger."
"You're right. I just hope she'll be okay. I mean, she'll probably be upset for a while, though she'll try to hide it. She has a strong girl façade, but on the inside you know she's hurting. I guess Kagome doesn't wear her heart or her emotions on her sleeve where the world can see. She keeps her emotions to herself. She told me one time that she doesn't want to tell her friends her problems because she thinks it's a burden. She's so noble, putting people before herself, even when she's crying out for help." Sango shook her head and Miroku tightened his arm around her.
"Don't worry. I'm sure that is she doesn't wear her heart or her emotions on her sleeve, for the world to see she might let Inuyasha near her heart. Maybe he'll even be her night in shining armor." Sango looked at him thoughtfully.
"Since when did you become an expert on relationships and people's emotions?"
"I'm hurt Sango. I have a little itty-bitty sensitive side."
"I'm so sure. Is that the same side you use to pick up girls?"
"It worked on you, didn't it?" Sango lightly punched his arm.
"No. I suppose that maybe it was you charm and maybe the fact that once you met me, your wandering hands only groped me." Miroku got a big mischievous grin on his face. "Oh no you don't. It's also the fact that I've gotten used to hitting you. Why in the world did I agree to letting you move in with me?"
"Because I'm irresistible, and you love me," he said stealing a kiss.
(With Inuyasha and Kagome)
Kagome came out of the bathroom with red eyes and a sniffy nose. She walked over to the couch, sat down and wrapped herself in a blanket that just so happened to be on the arm of the couch. It was still raining pretty hard and thunder cracked in the sky. She didn't wanna go out in the storm, so maybe Inuyasha wouldn't mind letting her stay here for a night...or maybe more than a few nights.
"So wanna tell me what's wrong? I feel like we've done this whole thing before." Inuyasha came out of the kitchen with two mugs of hot chocolate, and sat down next to her.
"Oh, lot's," she started, rubbing her eyes. "Let's start with problem number one. I need to find somewhere to live, or I'm going to be homeless." She said bluntly.
"Can I ask why?"
"Well, Sota and Kohaku are so nerdy, that they got all of their credits out of the way before second semester, so they got their diplomas and their moving, hittin the road. They decided to take some time off before college then they're going to a university in Kyoto or something. They are going to be roommates. So that leaves me with Sango. Well that's not going to work because Sango and Miroku have decided that they are going to live together. Miroku wants to leave his parents anyway. And I am defiantely not living with those two. They seriously get freaky like three times a week. But that's off the subject."
"Wait. Why can't you just pay the rent like you have been?"
"Because Sota used to pay haf before and now that I can't race for a while, I'm screwed. Yes, I have two jobs, but it's still not enough to cover the rent."
"So...you're going to be homeless."
"Pretty much. So that's why I've been trying to look for apartments, but it's not easy on such short notice. Since I can't pay my rent, I'd say that I have about a month left. Then I'll just be kicked out. I can't be homeless. I still have to go to school. Anyway, I wanted to ask. You've been here for a while, so I'm assuming that you know this place pretty well. Any cheap apartments around?"
"Uh, not that I know of. But I'll keep my eyes open, just in case I find something good."
"Thanks." She said quietly. They sat in silence for a while, sipping their cocoa, before Inuyasha cleared his throat.
"So since that was problem number one, what else is there?" he asked cautiously.
"Well besides the fact that I need to make more money for an apartment AND my car, a lot of pressure or I guess determination is riding on me to beat Kouga..." she trailed off, looking away from him.
"Well, I know that it'll be money but, is there another reason you wanna beat him so bad?" Kagome looked back at him, her eyes tearing up.
"Uh, it's, uh. It's just something that has something that has to do with my parents' death." She said quietly, a silent tear running down her face.
"Oh Kagome, I didn't mean-"
"No, it's okay. I haven't talked about it in a while. I need to." Inuyasha nodded and scooted closer to her, pulling her into an embrace. Her silent sobs racked her whole body and his. She pulled away slightly, wiping her eyes and let out a small hiccup.
"My parents, they were mu-murdered. After they were shot, the killers set our house on fire, burning their bodies instantly and killing them if the gunshot wound didn't do it already. T-the police worked on their case for a while, trying to find that murders' slip-ups. But they couldn't f-find anything and they just gave up. Just like that. But even though the police gave up, I haven't. Street racing used to be something I did for fun, behind my parents' backs, just because it was illegal and it gave me such a rush. But after my parents were killed, I was told that the leader of the pack of those bastards used to be a street racer, a damn good one at that. So I made street racing my life, vowing to make it to the top, to be the very best so that maybe this guy would notice me. Maybe he'd come after me and I could give him what he deserves." Inuyasha jumped up off the couch.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of!" he yelled. Kagome got up and slapped him, her mouth open in a gape.
I don't know what it is that you've done to me
But it's caused me to act in such a crazy way
Whatever it is that you do when you do what you're doing
It's a feeling that I want to stay
'Cuz my heart starts beating triple time
With thoughts of lovin' you on my mind
I can't figure out just what to do
When the cause and cure is you, you
"How dare you!! Do you have any fucking idea how it feels to lose something or someone you love!?" she screamed, poking him in the chest. He swiped her hand away.
"Yes! Actually I do! My parents were murdered about two years ago. I was about as stubborn and headstrong as you are. I went out in blind rages trying to give whomever that person was, what he deserved!"
"That why is my idea stupid, huh?!"
I get so weak in the knees
I can hardly speak, I lose all control
Then somethin' takes over me
In a daze, your love's so amazing
It's not a phase
I want you to stay with me, by my side
I swallow my pride
Your love is so sweet, it knocks me right off of my feet
Can't explain why your lovin' makes me weak
"Because you're trying to do this by yourself! I learned the hard way. Before you even come close to the so-called leader, you have to get through his people. It is like the Yakuza. I didn't catch a glimpse of whoever the main murderers are! I got shot before I was even sure what was going on. They play dirty – I'm lucky I'm even alive." Tears were running down Kagome's face.
"What am I supposed to do then? Inuyasha, I'm so lost, and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm helpless. I know I'm going to have to get a little dirty. I just want to avenge my parents. Tell me, what the hell am I supposed to do? Tell me please, Inuyasha..." she broke down and tiredly sat down on the couch behind her. Inuyasha sat down and wrapped his arms around her again.
Time after time after time I've tried to fight it
But your love is strong, it keeps on holdin' on
Resistance is down when you're around, pride's fading
In my condition I don't want to be alone
'Cuz my heart starts beating triple time
With thoughts of lovin' you on my mind
I can't figure out just what to do
When the cause and cure is you, you
"I'll help you with this okay? The police never found my parent's murder either. Chances are, it's the same guy," She sniffed.
"Sorry about your cheek."
"Not like it hurt." He said with a cocky smirk. Truth be told: it hurt a little bit. Kagome smiled through her tears, and then became serious again.
I get so weak in the knees
I can hardly speak, I lose all control
Then somethin' takes over me
In a daze, your love's so amazing
It's not a phase
I want you to stay with me, by my side
I swallow my pride
Your love is so sweet, it knocks me right off of my feet
Can't explain why your lovin' makes me weak
"Hey Inuyasha. I don't usually cry a lot. So don't think I'm weak or anything. And can we keep our plans on the DL. At least for now?"
"Sure thing." She pulled back and rested her back against the arm of the couch, but she still in Inuyasha's arms.
"And Inuyasha...please don't pity me okay?" she asked quietly and looked up at him.
I get so weak
Blood starts racing through my veins
I get so weak
Boy it's somethin' I can't explain
I get so weak
Somethin' 'bout the way you do the things you're do-oo-oo-in'
Knocks me right off of my feet (off my feet)
Can't explain why your lovin' makes me weak (I get so)
"I don't," he whispered. He cupped her cheeks with both hands. Inuyasha bent down and rested his forehead against hers. They stayed in that position for a while. His arms were around her waist, her hands resting on his shoulders, and forehead against forehead. That was until Inuyasha moved his head and kissed her neck lightly. Shivers were sent down Kagome's spine as he placed more soft kisses along her neck. Kagome bit her lip and turned her head to meet Inuyasha's eyes. He moved one of his hands from the side of her waist and put it on the pulse point on her neck. He could feel her heart beat speed up, along with his. He grinned.
I get so weak in the knees
I can hardly speak, I lose all control
Then somethin' takes over me
In a daze, your love's so amazing
It's not a phase
I want you to stay with me, by my side
I swallow my pride
Your love is so sweet, it knocks me right off of my feet
Can't explain why your lovin' makes me weak
"What?" she asked softly.
"Nothing." He was happy that he could make her heart speed up, while she did the same to him. Leaning her head up a little, she brushed her lips against his, leaving them to tingle. He did the same to her and they teased each other for a bit, before Inuyasha leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Both smiled, pulling each other closer, their lips coupled in bliss.
I've tried hard to fight it
No way can I deny it
Your love's so sweet
It knocks me off my feet
When Inuyasha opened his eyes, she was wearing a small smile, although her eyes told differently. They were asking him to take her pain away...
...and he planned to do exactly that...
A/N: Fluffity-Fluff-Fluff. Lol. Okay so here it is guys. Hope you enjoy. What new things will arise? Will Kagome beat Kouga in her next race? Can they get her car fixed in time? What will happen with her apartment situation? Tune in next time to Life In The Fast Lane! i'm workin on chapter 8 now so that i can get it in, before i get drowned with too much HW!
Later Dayz, TaintedMunkeyz
Read and Review please!!! I'll be your best friend...