Chapter Ten
By: Mirei
The pair sat in the dimly lit room for hours. Kagome felt more fatigued as the day stretched out. Sesshomaru refused to allow them to leave the room until they finished the business plan. By the time that they reached the last part of the business plan Kagome had fallen asleep on the desk. Sesshomaru allowed his hands to dance along the keys as if dancing the waltz. Every movement and click went into a perfect rhythm. Nothing about the situation bothered him. Kagome often fell asleep when it came to work. He would always allow her to sleep, even though it left him to finish up the rest of the work. He did take into account that she had worked rather hard on most of the business plan. She understood the complications of the financial part of the plan and could handle the promotional part of it as well. He finished his last sentence then saved. Kagome turned her head and gave out a sigh.
She seems rather content in her sleep. I wonder what it is that allows her to sleep so soundly. He stopped his musings when he heard his brother outside the door. Rolling his eyes he closed the laptop and looked back down at Kagome once more. She rubbed her cheek along her arm and groaned.
"Sit boy." She said out of nowhere. He raised an eyebrow and wondered if she was going through another dream about the past. He remembered that she said this once in a memory that they had explored. "Sesshomaru why are you staring at me? I can't be that interesting." She said after a few moments passed. He sat up straight and collected all the papers from the table. She opened her eyes and looked over at him from her position on her arms.
"I wasn't staring, but if I had been it was only due to your snoring." He placed all the papers into a manila folder then placed it atop of his laptop.
"I wasn't snoring. You jerk." She gave him a glare.
"Oh yes you were, your dog over there was howling in pain." This wasn't true but he loved to get her angry. Sadly it didn't work. She just rolled her eyes.
"Have you decided what to call our computer franchise?"
She asked changing the subject.
"No, I haven't. I was hoping you would choose it."
"Why?"
"Because you have a more creative mind."
"Well how about we name it after your real father. What was his name?"
"Inutaisho."
"What, hold it, your father's name is Inutaisho?"
"And this surprises you? We've had a big adventure and found out many things about ourselves and this surprises you?"
"Well yes it does, you should have told me."
"What good would it have done? It shouldn't shock you too much though."
"It isn't the fact that he's your father, but you should have told me. I told you everything about my dreams, and then the journals. You knew all along and you didn't bother cluing me in." She gave him a healthy glare and stood to leave. She reached the door but didn't have a chance to open it. Sesshomaru towered over her with his arms beside each of her shoulders.
"I didn't tell you because it would only bring more trouble. You and I will never happen Kagome. It is worthless to argue over something this idiotic. We remain friends because it is the safe route and if you think for one moment that I lied to you then you are mistaken." His voice held such anger. She had never heard him speak like this to anyone before. He always remained calm. She couldn't remember a time when he'd become enraged with anyone. His body loomed over her and showed that he was taller than her. But she could always fight him off. Wait no I can't. Duh he's supposed to be the reincarnate of Sesshomaru the Lord of the Western Lands. He might still possess the strength. She felt herself become small against the door. This one moment seemed to feel familiar. She felt her mouth go dry and her eyes became heavy. The heat from his body was making her dizzy and her demonic senses were tingling.
He suddenly forgot why he was so upset. She stood there looking absolutely desirable. He felt his hands move to her face; the shivers run through her body as his hands braced her flesh.
Oh not this again. I can't handle this anymore. That's it. I'm out of here. She woke up from her trance and pulled away from him. He seemed shocked more with himself than her. He backed up and stood watching her. She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Hey Kagome your friend is here. Some guy named Jin." Any tension in the room was cut up by his statement. Kagome looked down at her watch and found that it was already seven. Jin had promised that he'd come by to take her out. This of course was all part of their act. Jin was of course homosexual. He did find Kagome attractive though which led many of his other homosexual friends to believe that he had a thing for her. This couldn't be proven but he was more than glad to help her out.
She rushed around the room throwing clothes around looking for something to change into. She settled for a short skirt and a black button-up blouse. She gave Sesshomaru one last glance before exiting the room and heading for the bathroom.
Sesshomaru wondered what had come over him in that one moment. She was more than willing to engage in whatever was happening, then the next thing he knew she had snapped her eyes open and she separated herself from him. Then his words flowed back to his ears 'You and I will never happen...' Why did I say this? I can't allow this girl to take control of me. I'm supposed to be heartless. Since I've known her I've been nothing short of kind. If I'm supposed to the reincarnate of the ruler of the Western Lands then why is it that I'm acting this way? Now she's off with some guy who might end up crushing her to pieces. I, Sesshomaru can't allow this can I? But then I have no say in her life. In fact I've never had that right. She's a grown woman and entitled to see whoever she likes. But what of me? Wait why do I even care?
He stood and headed out of the dorm to follow Kagome and Jin. Inuyasha saw him leave and followed.
Kagome tucked a piece of fallen hair behind her ear and continued to walk along the quiet streets with Jin. Her small hands clung to his forearm as the they made their way to the park. She noticed after hours passed that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were following.
"Kagome dear, how is it possible that over all this time you haven't snagged someone?" Jin finally asked as they enter the park. She rolled her eyes and sat down on one of the swings.
"It's simple I don't have a big enough chest and I don't run around with my flesh hanging out so that I can attract anyone."
"Oh Kagome sure you can, if only you'd wear that nice little outfit."
"I told you I got rid of it. In fact I remember that I burned it." He chuckled and then became serious after a few moments passed.
"I just worry for you Kagome. You are so very special and wonderful. I sometimes question why I never-" He stopped himself from speaking. This caught Kagome's attention and she raised an eyebrow.
"Go ahead and finish that sentence." He scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously.
"Um...I...ah...forgot...gulp...what...I...was...ah...going...to...say." He stumbled.
"Don't tell me that you're falling for me Jin, because then I'd have to be concerned. I mean all this time I thought that you-" She thought for a moment. "You are aren't you?" She asked.
"I don't really know anymore. Before I called you, I kept contemplating on whether I should or not. Then when I did I felt so completely stupid. I have to know Kagome, if I wasn't you know, would you have been with me?" She almost fell off the swing but luckily she had a tight grip on the bars. She couldn't stop blinking. What is he saying? If he weren't gay could I love him? Or be with him? I hadn't really thought of that before. Well actually I have which is why I didn't want him to read my diary in the first place. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
"Jin do you have any idea what you're asking?"
"Yes I do and I've had our whole childhood up to this point to question it. I was crazy about the old you but I love this person you've become."
"I had no choice."
"I know, but you were the first to decide that you didn't want to be a child any longer. I wanted to live in that fantasy world and remain in eternal bliss. It was the only time that you and I could ever be happy together." He gave her a sad smile and swung slowly in the swing.
"I'm not sure if my feelings are even an issue. I mean I've always felt so comfortable with you because...well you know, and now I find that you might not be just makes me wonder..." She trailed off and looked up at the stars. Something about them were special. They always seemed to be in such high spirits even when things weren't so on earth. "Do you remember when we were kids and used to play hide and seek with Kouga and Yuri?"
"How could I forget, you always found us so we couldn't allow you to be it. You were such a cheater." She smacked him in the arm playfully.
"I was not and Yuri cheated too. Her powers could be used to detect you guy too."
"Don't count me out of that."
"That's right you could sense people too. What were you again?"
"I can't believe you don't remember. I was a fox demon before I gained my new form."
"Oh yeah that's right, sorry but it's just so hard keeping track. You're a fox demon, Kouga's a wolf demon, I'm a dog demon and Yuri was the priestess in training. Those were good times too bad we had to grow up." She let out a sigh and leaned her head on the side of the swing. "I never told anyone about you guys because they wouldn't understand. I feel that my father is hiding something from me you know. I mean come on how was it possible that you, Kouga and Yuri happen to possess such origins like that?"
"I think you're paranoid."
"Am I? Do you seriously believe that my suspicions are set in the wrong place?"
"Well I don't know Kagome but I do know that you happened to avert the subject at hand."
"I can't answer your question Jin. It would be unfair to you and to myself. Love isn't a game and I don't want to end up in the same mess I was in before."
"Kenji didn't deserve you Kagome he didn't. He was nothing but a worthless human."
"Not all human's are worthless Jin."
"I know but he made them seem that way."
"I thought I loved him Jin; I was young and stupid. But now I have a chance to protect myself from that."
"I'm not Kenji. I've known you most of your life and at a time you and I were glued to each other."
"But we've grown up and moved forward in life. I can't expect you to wait for me and I can't ask you to give up your lifestyle. It isn't fair and you know this." She wrapped her arms around the bars and swung a little.
"But I'd give it all up just for you Kagome, doesn't that mean anything to you?" She finally looked at him to see sadness swimming in his emerald eyes.
She found herself standing and walking toward the stone path, he followed. "I think that we should get back Jin." She was about to start walking when she felt his hand grab hers. She knew that he wouldn't hurt her but she did feel helpless at that moment. He had never been so serious before and it slowly dawned on her that maybe he was being honest with his feelings. He looked down at her and found that she was shaking in his arms.
"Kagome, I-" He stopped speaking.
"Jin I can't say how I feel because I don't know. I'm confused right now and I don't think getting into this would make it easier." She lifted her hands up to his face and held both sides. Her eyes reflected her pain and her heart bled for him. "You are a wonderful guy Jin and it is true I was crazy about you when we were kids, before I knew." She turned her gaze down to the ground and moved her hands so that they were leaning on his chest. "I know that it must have been difficult telling me."
"I think I understand. Your heart doesn't belong to me; its found a new home." He bowed his head in defeat as she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest.
"Sesshomaru why are we following Kagome and Jin?" Inuyasha finally asked after watching the pair from behind the bushes. His curiosity at his brother's behavior got the better of him. He didn't expect that they'd be tailing the two. His brother, who was next to him sent him a glare and went back to watching Kagome. "I seriously think that you need help bro. Why do you care so much if Kagome and Jin are out. You're just her friend anyway."
"I do not trust Jin."
"Feh, you don't like any guy interested in her. If you don't like her then why do you care?"
"Because she's to be my roommate once we finish with school."
"What? Why would you go and do that for?" Inuyasha was truly confused.
"We're going to run a business together; selling computers and software."
"But has she agreed to live with you?"
"No she hasn't but she's going to give me her answer when summer is over."
"I think she'll say no, I mean I've lived with you." Sesshomaru ignored his brother and turned his attention back to Kagome and Jin who were embracing. From what he heard Jin and Kagome were discussing relationships. He had said that Kagome cared for another. Who is this man she cares for?
"This Jin guy must really like Kagome. I'd have to say I'm on that boat with him. Kagome's a nice girl and she's attractive."
"Looks only run skin deep brother. How do you expect to find a compatible woman if you only look for those with beauty?"
"And how would you know? Look at you, you're sitting behind a bush watching over Kagome, who's with another guy. He honestly loves her and can give her real happiness." Inuyasha gave his brother a sly look. "But then you love her so maybe you could fight for her." Sesshomaru's face was priceless. Not only did his face contort into a state of shock but his right eye started to tweak as well as the corner of his lip. Inuyasha covered his mouth to stop his fits of laughter from irrupting.
"Who said I was in love with Higurashi? I do not 'love her' and don't count on anything in the future." He said this so coldly that he felt a chill run through him.
"I still think you love her. Come on you spend so much time with her. You're sitting here now because she's on a date with Jin and you don't care one bit that you are currently kneeling in shit." Sesshomaru looked down and saw that his knee was in fact in a pile of excrement.
"And here I thought it was you that smelled of animal feces." Inuyasha glared when Sesshomaru said this.
"Very funny. Now admit it Sesshomaru."
"Admit that you smell?"
"Shut up. I mean that you love Kagome."
"Why would I love her?"
"You tell me."
"I do not love her. I withstand her because she's better company than you."
"Should that offend me Fluffy?"
"Will you stop calling me that ridiculous name? I thought you'd grow out of that after my hair straighten out."
"I still can't believe you had frizzy hair when we were younger. That was classic, too bad I don't have a picture to show your beloved Kagome." He gave Sesshomaru a smirk when he found a horrified look on his brother's face.
"It's good that I happen to withhold such photographs of not only my embarrassing moments but yours brother. I suggest you shut your mouth or I'll bring out some lovely shots of you in your footed pajamas that grandmother bought you, and I don't mean the ones from when we were children either."
"You wouldn't." Sesshomaru face told him that he would.
Kagome separated herself from him arms and turned away from him.
"I need time Jin, that's all."
"Maybe you're right and I'll respect that but please Kagome don't run like you did the other time." She felt her feet moving away from him.
"I won't run, but I'd like to continue walking." She finally said turning to look over her shoulder at him. At first he was confused by what she had said but then felt a smile creeping onto his face. Her hand lay in the air awaiting for him to take it. He did and allowed her to act as if the tension hadn't been there at all.
"So Kagome why is it that she aren't currently involved?" He asked swinging their connected hands.
"I've explained it."
"Did you beat up a guy and now you're being alienated for it?"
"Ding ding we have a winner. The only guys I know are you, Kouga, Miroku, Tojin, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Each of you guys have knowledge about me that not even my parents have."
"Like that time that you told them you were spending the night at Yuki's and you and Yuri came to Tokyo to get me. Then we went to the Bleeding Psycho's show. I still can't believe that you got up on stage and dived off." She blushed and laughed at the same time.
"That was then I'm not like that anymore."
"Oh that reminds me has Kouga asked you about joining the band?"
"You're in his band?"
"Yeah I play the drums."
"Kouga never told me that."
"So are you going to join?"
"I might, I just have to see what I'm doing over the summer first."
"Maybe your dad'll have you train. Maybe I'll join yeah. I've been slacking off."
"I can see that." She poked his stomach playfully.
"Hey I'm not fat Kagome."
"Well your abs aren't the same."
"Neither are yours."
"That's right, they've improved."
"Hey do you want to go a round before we head back to your dorm?"
"Are you looking for a buck kicking?"
"Funny I was going to ask you the same question." He smirk when she gave him a glare. She pulled her hand from his and ran over to the playground area. She kicked off her shoes and too off her over shirt revealing the smaller shirt underneath. She dug her hands into the sand and rubbed them together. She pulled out the hair tie from her wrist and placed her long hair up. She was about to get into her position when a thought struck her.
"Hey Jin which way do you want to fight?"
"How about we fight in animal form this time, in human form you tend to leave bruises." He laughed at his lame excuse.
"Fine with me." She focused her eyes on him and felt her body changing.
She opened her eyes due to the sound of her phone. She would have remained in bed the whole day if it hadn't been for the fact that she had work and the phone. Rolling over she grabbed it from the night stand and flung it at the door. It fell to the floor as it continued to ring. Damn phone, who could be calling me this early in the morning? I knew I shouldn't have fought with Jin last night. Her head sunk into the pillow and desperately tried to drown the sound of the phone from her ears. Curling up didn't seemed to seize the sound. It screamed at her from across the room in front of the door. Can't you take a hint? It stopped ringing for a few moments and she for sure thought that she was free to fall back into unconsciousness. Ring Ring Ring. A growl formed in her throat and she got up. Grabbing the phone she pressed the green button and placed it next to her ear.
"Hello." She practically yelled into the receiver.
"Oh Kagome you don't have to shout."
"Keiyo? What on earth do you possibly want this early in the morning?"
"It's ten thirty Kagome."
"Oh crap I have work in two hours." She let out an tired sigh and opened her door. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were sitting in the livingroom wearing only a pair of pajama bottoms. She ignored them and paced back and forth between the living room and the kitchen. Both brothers watched her and listened to her talk on the phone. "So what do I owe the pleasure of this call my dear cousin?" She said this with every drop of sarcasm she could muster.
"I was thinking about visiting and I thought I'd call and let you know before I just showed up."
"Oh how thoughtful of you Keiyo." Just as she said this there was a knock at the door. "I have to go there's someone at the door."
Before getting an answer she hung up the phone. She went to the door and opened it to find her cousin standing there. Without being invited in Keiyo walked past Kagome and into the living room. Both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha had gone to their bedroom to grab a shirt while Kagome had been on the phone. They both looked up when the saw a young woman who looked much like Kagome walk in. Kagome followed soon after with her shoulders hanging down. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her but she didn't even bother to look at him.
"Oh Kagome dear you didn't mention that you had such handsome roommates." She winked at the brothers but got no reaction from Sesshomaru. Inuyasha on the other hand started to blush. Kagome rolled her eyes and took a seat between the two brothers.
"I didn't have to tell you anything Keiyo, you already knew they were hear." Keiyo gave her a glare and Kagome sent one back. "Now what is it that has caused you to leave your many admirers? Did they finally find out that you're a two timer?"
"You are such a little brat Kagome!" Keiyo yelled clinching her fits to her sides. "I'm very loyal to my boyfriends."
"Yeah right." Kagome folded her arms over her chest and watched her cousin underneath her bangs. "And Inuyasha wears footed Spiderman Pajamas." Inuyasha blushed. "Whoops sorry Inuyasha." Kagome laughed at her own mistake. Sesshomaru on the other hand raised an eyebrow at his brother. So she knows of his secret then. Sesshomaru thought to himself.
"Feh." Was Inuyasha's response.
"Can't I just come by and see how my 'favorite' cousin is? I don't believe it's a crime now is it?"
"I wish it were. You only visit when you want something."
"What's your problem Kagome. She's your cousin and she just wants to see you." Inuyasha said coming to Keiyo's defense. Kagome gaped at him in disbelief.
"You don't know her Inuyasha, I do. She's part of the reason I don't date."
"It isn't my fault that you're so ugly Kagome." Keiyo said under her breath so that only Kagome could here. But Sesshomaru also heard this comment and gave the girl a glare.
"Well Keiyo I think you've stayed long enough." By this point Kagome was fuming.
"Oh but Kagome I didn't get to tell you the good news."
"What? Are you getting breast implants?"
"No Kagome, I'm all natural."
"Maybe your hair but I'm not sure about the rest of you." Sesshomaru watched them go at it for a good ten minutes before Kagome was up from the couch and standing inches in front of Keiyo.
"Come on Kagome you know you want to fight me so why don't you just do it already?" Keiyo folded her arms over her chest.
"You know exactly why I won't."
"Is that because you're scared?"
"I would most likely break every bone in your body." Inuyasha wasn't sure what he should do. On the one had his new friend Kagome was being badmouthed by her cousin. But then her cousin seemed to just be angry with Kagome about something. Plus he found himself attracted to Keiyo. But as luck was never on his side Keiyo had her eyes set on Sesshomaru. Who didn't? Sesshomaru soon grew tired of the nonsense and came up behind Kagome. He placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her back so that she wasn't in front of her cousin.
"Kagome I believe that we should be leaving soon. You have work today and I need to get a part time job." Any anger she felt disappeared when he spoke. She turned her head to the side and looked up at him. He realized that his hands still rested on her shoulders and automatically dropped them.
"And do you expect me to go in what I'm wearing or what your wearing?" She smirked and felt herself relax a bit.
"Does it really matter Kagome dear. You look great in everything you wear." She said the last part sarcastically.
"On you don't need to be so kind dear cousin, you know for a fact that you look much prettier in anything I ever attempted to wear.' She also used her skilled sarcasm.
"I'm so glad you think so."
"Why don't you let yourself out and just stop bothering me Keiyo? All you've done is just make me realize why I hate myself so much." She said this and then walked away from her cousin and slammed her bedroom door. Keiyo looked from Kagome's door to Sesshomaru who seemed to be wondering whether he should go after her or just stay where he was. Does he care for her? From what I've read in the magazines Sesshomaru never dates. I thought that for sure I could rope him in. Why does he care for her so much? She's just a little girl in big girls clothes. Sesshomaru finally decided that he'd go and get ready then check on her.
Kagome dressed and then sat on the corner of her bed and tried to just forget about her cousin. Each time that Keiyo came around she brought back the reasons for Kagome's distress. Keiyo had the uncanny ability to make Kagome feel like a total loser. Sure she made herself feel like that without help but her cousin made it worse. She heard the front door close and she took this as her cue to leave the room. Sesshomaru was on his way to the door when it opened.
"Sorry about earlier Sesshomaru but I can't stand her." She walked passed him and started for the kitchen, he followed.
"Care to explain?"
"She is just really evil."
"So are a lot of people." She grabbed her keys and purse.
"Are we going to stand here talking about this or are we going to go find you a job?"
"I'm more interested in the previous argument that happened between you and that girl." She rolled her eyes. He folded his arms in a way that told her that they weren't going anywhere until she told him.
"If you must know she told all the boys at my middle school that I was easy but that I contracted some sort of STD. That the reason I missed so much school was because I was off with one of the teachers. Very unpleasant. She thinks the world revolves around her. But most of all she can't stand the fact that I got into T.U. and she's stuck with going to a private school."
"She believes that you are hideous if I remember correctly. Why do you allow her to speak to you in such a manner?"
"Because I don't have any self confidence." He gave her a pointed look. "What do you expect? I don't usually have to deal with her and when I do I give her as much hell as I can. She just doesn't like me and I'd have to say I feel the same. I don't know what I did to her but it must have been a long time ago cause I don't remember." Inuyasha came in and looked like a love sick puppy.
"Guess who has a date?"
"No Inuyasha you didn't." Kagome's right eye began to twitch.
"What's up with you today? Your cousin is really nice and she really likes me."
"No she doesn't."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because she's not what you think she is Inuyasha."
"I think you're just jealous that I have a date and you don't."
"And why would I be jealous of the fact that you're going out with my cousin?"
"You don't like her because she's prettier than you." He crossed the line. Kagome's hand rose from her side and collided with his cheek.
"Why in the hell did ya do that for?"
"You are just so oblivious. I don't care if you think I'm ugly or not but don't ever compare me to her! She's nothing like me and vise versa! I'd kill myself before ever becoming her!" Her voice rose with each word she spoke. How dare he say those things! I'm nothing like her. She glared at Inuyasha once more and then stomped out of the dorm room and to her car.
"Well I guess I will not be searching for a job today. You brother have no idea what you've done. Higurashi's wrath is far worse than my own. As for your comment Kagome's cousin holds no beauty whatsoever. She is much like an animals backside. Think of it this way brother, if Kagome were cloned her cousin would be a deformed version." With this final sentence he left and headed for his bedroom. Inuyasha stood rooted in the spot that he had been in when Kagome had slapped him. I don't know why I said that to her. She's a kind person and I brought out her dark side. But I like her cousin and it bothers me that she doesn't like her. Sure they had said some pretty bad stuff to each other. Sesshomaru and I don't get along all the time but they were about to tear each other apart. Yet I found myself stuck on the couch. From the moment I met Kagome I've just liked her and it got to me that my brother would dislike her. Now they're always together. Sesshomaru has never cared for another human being like he does Kagome, well there's Rin. He would never say he cares for them but it's obvious. It does bother me a little but then I've hardly taken the chance to get to know Kagome. He shook his head and went to his bedroom with thoughts of Keiyo dancing in his mind.
Anger seeped through her veins like liquid in a sponge. This anger was much stronger than any anger she'd ever felt before. But then she felt something fall on her shoulder. She looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds covering the once bright sunny skies. She touched her cheek to feel her tears falling down. The sky seemed to also be crying, because a storm fell to the earth. Kagome stood there allowing the rain to soak her. Some part of her felt as though it were cleansing her of all bad thoughts. This must be due to her feelings that it started to rain. I should have realized it sooner...but it still hasn't sunk in yet that I'm someone else. I shouldn't care so much about Keiyo. She is a hateful person who will one day pay for what she's done to others.
'Oh look at you...' Said a voice out of nowhere. 'Why must you cause such downpours Kagome?' This voice sounded so familiar...like the voice that told her to climb out of the well. He sound like...Uhen.
"Uhen?" She asked unsure of her own voice. She looked up at the sky and spun around. As the water fell around her something started to form before her eyes. All the droplets of water were creating a figure in front of her eyes. He gave her a wink and then disappeared before she could utter a word.
I have officially gone insane. Not only am I creating some storm but I'm hallucinating. I can see it now, me being hauled off in a white coat. She shook her head and got into her car. She realized on her way to work that she was already twenty minutes late.
Upon arriving at the café she found that Enya was standing behind the counter looking cheerful.
"Oh hey Kagome what are you doing here?"
"What do you mean, I was supposed to be covering for you."
"I called your house and left a message. I decided to come in."
"Alright well I'm just going to sit in my usual spot for a while."
"Sure, the usual then?" Kagome gave a nod and went to sit by the window. The storm outside raged on just as her own emotions did inside. The girl looking back in her reflection frowned with disappointment. Oh great now my own reflection is mad. Can this day get any worse?
"Kagome small world." Came the voice of Kouga. I had to say that right? He took the seat across from her and she turned to look at him.
"You know I work here and I do remember telling you that I'd have to cover for Enya today."
"So then you're working?"
"No, she came in." As if on cue Enya placed Kagome's drink on the table.
"Where's Sesshomaru today?"
"At the dorm. I was supposed to help him find a part-time job but ended up getting into an argument with his damn brother."
"Inuyasha right? I've met him before. He seemed alright to me, but then again I don't live with him. Well back to work." She gave Kagome a smile and went back to the counter.
"I'm sorry that you're down Kagome."
"It's alright I just let my anger get the better of me. Oh Jin came over last night we went out."
"That's nice. So then he must have told you he's in our band right?"
"Yeah and I'm still waiting to see if I have any plans."
"So is there anything you want to discuss while we're here?"
"I think Jin's going straight."
"Why? I haven't noticed anything."
"Um...well..." Her face became red.
"Oh I think I get it. He hit on you didn't he?"
"Well actually he wanted me to be his steady girlfriend. It was a rather eventful night." She was unsure about talking with Kouga about this. Just a few months before he was in love with her. They had regained their friendship after their talk. So now all she had to do was remember that talk.
"Maybe he was joking."
"No he said that he's been confused about his 'feelings' for a long time. It was an emotional night. You know how I felt about him before we learned he was gay." She leaning her forehead into the palms of her hands. "Now I don't know what's going on. I can't say I love him because I don't believe I do. On the other hand he is a sweet guy, just like you, and a close friend. But..."
"You care for another. Kagome as your friend I can only say that you should follow your heart."
"Your sure to do impossible things, if you follow your heart..." she sang out remembering a movie they had watched as children.
"Not that again, I should really watch what I say."
"Oh come on you loved singing along with the bird."
"Shh...can you please keep it down."
"Fine."
The wind swirled around her small form as she walked to her car. The day slowly sunk into night. She had spent many hours with Kouga talking of old times and even more recent events. Spending time with Kouga reminded her of how little she saw Sango. If she knew her in another time, another life then why was it that she hardly saw her. She wasn't quite sure why all of this confused her but it did. The thoughts of the silver haired man in her dreams now scared her. Now she knew that the man was really Sesshomaru; in a sense. The Sesshomaru she knew was nothing like the man in her dreams. The man in her dreams took the very breath from her lungs and captured her like no man has. But then sometimes Sesshomaru could do that too. He cared for her in his own way and that made her feel special. Then again he wasn't always the warmest person. Damn I can't get my thoughts straight I don't want him! He made it quite clear. His words kept repeating in her mind. 'You and I will never happen...' She said this over and over in her mind but it didn't register. At the time this happened she wasn't thinking about pursuing a relationship with him. Why would he say that then? Maybe he...no he doesn't care for me in that way. Does he care at all? She ignored the many voices in her mind and continued to drive. Her foul mood hadn't ceased and the evidence was the rain that now pounded on hood of her car.
Could this day get any worse? Just as she thought this her car swerved off the road and it a pole. The road was empty and the sky darkened around her. She sat there for some time wondering if she should even bother getting out of the car and returning to the dorm. The car wasn't blocking the road and she was near a dead end sign. She could leave the car there and come back in the morning. Now that I have that figured out I can go home. Seeing as how her door was jammed she had to exit from the passenger side. It was quite difficult to get out of the car when she realized that she couldn't move her left arm. She grabbed her phone and wondered who she should call. There's Kouga but he'd freak out and he doesn't have a car. Sesshomaru left his with his parents so that rules him out. Maybe I should call Jin. After contemplating her decision she pressed his number. She allowed the rain to fall upon her and consume her in its tears. She completely forgot why she had left the dorm...that was until she thought into the events of the day more clearly. She over evaluated the fact that she had cared for Inuyasha in another time. But it didn't feel that way at all. When she had first met him she wasn't sure what to think of him. He seemed like a nice enough guy but at the same time...
Just as she thought this her car swerved off the road and it a pole. The road was empty and the sky darkened around her. She sat there for some time wondering if she should even bother getting out of the car and returning to the dorm. The car wasn't blocking the road and she was near a dead end sign. She could leave the car there and come back in the morning. Seeing as how her door was jammed she had to exit from the passenger side. It was quite difficult to get out of the car when she realized that she couldn't move her left arm. She grabbed her phone and wondered who she should call. After contemplating her decision she pressed his number. She allowed the rain to fall upon her and consume her in its tears. She completely forgot why she had left the dorm...that was until she thought into the events of the day more clearly. She over evaluated the fact that she had cared for Inuyasha in another time. But it didn't feel that way at all. When she had first met him she wasn't sure what to think of him. He seemed like a nice enough guy but at the same time..."Kagome? Are you alright? Did something happen?" His questions flew out of his mouth before he realized it. The velocity of his concerned warmed up her heart. She allowed the rusted smile to creek upon her face. Most times her smiles were nothing more than a front, this one held nothing but honesty.
"Yes. I called because I need you to pick me up." She knew her voice was a bit shaky and she could feel his worry through their connection. She gave him the directions and then hung up. The rain grew angry with the earth and continued it's savage beating. Bruising the face of the earth was the least of her worries at the moment. She touched her face and found that a few spots on her face were contused. As I've said so many times; how could this day get any worse. But then after saying this I've had nothing but bad luck. She pushed herself from the car and wander toward the curb. She looked down at her outfit and found that she had worn a white blouse and a skirt. Her bare legs glowed in the night. Pain rushed through her arm as she shifted it onto her lap. I just had to get into an accident. And to think all of this started with a simple argument with my cousin leading to Inuyasha with a date. Why do I care what he does anyways? Well there's the fact that Keiyo is the spawn of Satan. It is possible after all right? My uncle isn't evil but she can't be his child. He is a sweet man who always made me feel as though I were a special person in his life. Not many people hold me in such a place like that...except for my dad. He may not be perfect but I know that any decisions he's made in my life and his own were for the best. I do love my mother as well but sometimes I can't control my feelings.
She looked up when a car stood before her. It's red paint was covered in rain, no her tears. It was the best way to look at it. Each tear that fell down her cheeks seemed to multiply from the sky above. A lone figure came to her and lifted her up from the ground. She winced when their hand grasped her arm.
"Thank you Jin." She looked up into his eyes expecting to see amber eyes only to find deep sorrowful emerald pools. Some part of her felt crushed that it hadn't been Sesshomaru who came to her rescue. He smiled and led her to his car. She felt the warmth of the heater wash over her. She closed her eyes and listened to the hum of the car.
"What happened?" He said after enter the car. He looked at her to find that she was slipping from consciousness. Shaking her he found that she was still awake. "Kagome."
"I'm sorry Jin. I just lost control of the car." Which is only part of it. Not only did I not have to go to work today but I caused rain, yelled at everyone I know, then crash into a pole, most likely broke my arm, have my gay friend crushing on me. Okay I need to breath, that was just too much at once. Also there's the fact that I'm just so confused about Sesshomaru and how I feel about him. She turned her head to look at Jin. His hair clung to the sides of his face and his eyes sunk into hers. "How is it possible that you feel so much concern for me? I'm not worth the trouble." She gave a genuine smile though part of her wanted to cry. Self pity, that's just what I need.
"I care for you Kagome because you deserve it. To me you are like the light at the end of a dark tunnel. You make people smile and you touch the lives of all those around you. Besides I love ya." He said the last part with a sloppy grin.
"You say it as though it were a normal thing. I do wish I could get a hold of my feelings Jin but nothing makes sense anymore. I don't even know who I am."
"You are who you are. You don't need a label to define the person inside."
"I just want the truth. Who was I before I became this." She gestured to her body. "I was another person."
"What are you talking about Kagome? You're not making any sense."
She brushed her bangs from her face so that she could look at him.
"I found out that I had two other lives before this one. In both lives I was destined to be with Sesshomaru. I don't want to be ruled by destiny and I refuse to conform to the Sages will. I have a heart and mind and I'd like to discover where I'm meant to be." She had hoped he would understand. His face went from confusion to understanding.
"But you do care for Sesshomaru. Even if you are fated to be with him your feelings are you own. From what I read in your diary he's a big part of your life." She was about to yell at him for reading her diary but was much to tired to say much about it. "All you can do is live your life out and see what happens."
"The thing is Sesshomaru doesn't...well...he...ah..." She had no idea what she was trying to say.
"He may not have had to deal with a girl like you before. Not only are you beautiful but you have this soul that attracts everyone to you. You care for others without thinking about who they are. You forgive people who have wronged you even when they don't deserve it." She put her hands up as if to ask 'please stop, don't say anymore'.
"I'm just like anyone else in the world. I don't believe I'm as kind to people as you think though." She looked down thinking of how she had yelled at almost everyone that day. She didn't know what caused this change. "I yelled at my cousin, Inuyasha and got irritated with Sesshomaru. Not only that but Akina and I aren't on speaking terms because I didn't give her the right sympathy."
"There is no right sympathy. I have a feeling that you did your best."
"Well I don't know about that."
"What was she upset about?"
"She was dating a man who happens to be married. She said that he promised he'd leave his wife to be with her but then he dumped her."
"Ah and you have never been good at comforting another person's broken heart. You usually comforted your own."
"I could have found some way to cheer her up. But then I won't say we're exactly friends. Well not close friends anyway."
"But you care about her feelings. I say you should spend some time with her and figure her out."
"Maybe" She looked at her clothing and found that it was still soaked, even though they'd been in the car for about thirty minutes. He opened his door and then helped her out of the car.
Once inside her dorm room Jin help her to the living room. He found that Sesshomaru was there. He must have been worried about her. He looks so dangerous though. How does Kagome get along with him? He removed his hand from her shoulder as she sat down on the couch next to Sesshomaru. I think I should allow him to play the night in shining armor.He kissed her forehead and then left the dorm before she could say anything.
"What happened?" Was the first thing to come out of his mouth. She relaxed into the couch and closed her eyes once again feeling the pain rush through her arm.
"It's called bad luck." She turned her head and opened her eyes half way. "If you are really concerned; I didn't have to work today, I ran into Kouga, I caused it to rain, I imagined I saw Uhen, I got into a car accident and to top it all off I wore a white shirt so anyone with eyes can see my bra." She said this all with speed.
"You got into a car accident?" He moved closer and found faint bruises on her face. His finger tips ran along her face. Her facial expression became soft under his fingers. He was about to pull away when her good hand came up and grasped his hand. Her eyes were once again close as she kissed his palm. What am I doing? She asked herself. But before she could receive an answer she felt her body move closer to Sesshomaru. His lips pressed against hers, capturing the sweet taste of Kagome. She fell into his embrace and allowed herself to enjoy this moment. Someone cleared their throat which caused the two to look up.
"So as I was um saying my car crashed into a pole and I broke my arm, see I can't move it." She said trying to lighten up the tension in the room. She glanced to her side to see Inuyasha and Akina standing in their respective doorways.
"See Inu I told you, pay up." Akina said holding out her hand to Inuyasha.
"What, that wasn't part of the bet."
"We didn't specify how they'd get together."
"Excuse me both of you, who I might add are on my shit list, what are you talking about." Kagome said regaining her composure.
"Well we made a bet that by the end of this month you and fluffycakes would be together." Akina said.
"But we aren't together. Hey Sesshomaru when did we engage in a relationship?" She said playfully giving him a wink that he could only see.
"I don't really remember doing so do you?"
Though now I wish I were, damn I love kissing him. Wait shut up Kikyo, stop putting those thoughts in my head.
'What makes you think I had anything to do with it? I promise that you alone do the thinking.'
"I don't believe I do, well I should go wrap up my arm up so that it can heal. Or should I go to the hospital?" She gave a shrug and stood heading for her room. She gave Inuyasha a glare before entering her room leaving Sesshomaru alone with the 'detectives'.
"I knew you loved her Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha practically yelled with a victorious grin on his face.
"I don't know what you're talking about." So I'm in denial.
"They why did you kiss her?"
"It just happened, it isn't the first time."
"What?" They both said at the same time.
"You shouldn't even be showing your face Inuyasha, she isn't happy with you."
"Feh, she'll forgive me."
"I don't know Inuyasha she can be ruthless when it comes to forgiveness." Akina chimed in. "I should know. I shouldn't have been so accusing and rude toward her when she was nothing but nice to me. I took advantage of having her in my life and now she won't even talk to me."
"She'll forgive you don't worry about it." Inuyasha assured her.
Kagome lay on her bed staring at the same ceiling she did each night. Her arm was securely wrapped in a bandage and resting next to her. The rain painted her window as the reflections of light danced on the ceiling.
Where have you gone Yuri? Why is it that she don't talk to me anymore? I miss you so much that it hurts. I wish that you were here to make all of this better. She turned to her side and curled up on the bed and fell asleep.
DREAM SEQUENCE
Where am I now? She questioned to herself.
"Ah Kagome you've come at last." Someone said from behind her. She turned around and saw a group gathered around a fire. They all seemed to be talking to her so she went over and sat down between Inuyasha and Miroku.
"What's going on?" She looked around the circle to find that Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kouga, Kikyo, and Sesshomaru were all there except that this was the group from the feudal era.
"We're in our meeting place mama." Shippo said.
"So when did all of you get here?" Kagome asked having nothing to say.
"I was the first to arrive." Sesshomaru said. "You girl should have been here hours ago. My dear half brother feared that you lost yourself in the woods." Okay so they aren't the people I know. Maybe this is one of those dreams that everyone thinks it a dream but at the same time are living out some sort of memory of a time that we spent together. What, that made no sense.
"If this is a dream then why do you all look like that?"
"Look like what Lady Kagome?"
"Well you're in monk's clothing, Inuyasha's wearing that thing, do I need to say more?"
"Kagome are you feeling alright? We are all dreaming except that we are also asleep at the camp site." Sango finally said. "Have you forgotten that we created this place to have our meetings."
"Um...I think I did."
"What are you wearing." Inuyasha asked picking at her white blouse.
"Oh this it's a blouse."
"Is it supposed to be see through?" Sesshomaru asked running a clawed hand through his silver hair. She felt her face blush and her hands came up to cover her chest. Her face went from embarrassment to surprise. She waved her arm in front of her face to see that it wasn't broken.
"Wow it isn't broken here." she said to herself.
"What are you talking about girl?" She looked up at Sesshomaru and could faintly see the Sesshomaru she knew.
"Will you stop calling me 'girl' and call me Kagome you jerk! I can't believe that I was in love with you in this time." Everyone gasped when she said this. "What did I say?"
"You are truly acting strange Kagome. And why would you be in love with Sesshomaru in this time? Have you met him in your time passed the well?"
"Err yeah I have and he's rather nice."
"Yeah right Kagome Sesshomaru doesn't have it in him to be nice."
"I don't think the Sesshomaru in my time remembers who he was in this time. He's quiet and calm most times. He and I are friends."
"When did that happen? You've never mentioned this to us before."
"I didn't think it was important, or relevant."
"I just noticed something different about you Kagome." Sango started.
"What?"
"You look older, I thought you were eighteen."
"Actually I'm twenty two. I had a birthday a few months ago."
"You did seem older and you hold yourself different too."
"How'd ya get so old so fast?"
"Err...how old was I when you last saw me?"
"Well as I said you were about eighteen or maybe nineteen and I just saw you hours ago." Sango answered. The rest of the group were completely confused.
"Why don't you tell us who you really are girl? Obviously you are not the same one we've traveled with." Sesshomaru gave her a bored look but his voice held strong demand. The group looked at him and then back at Kagome.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"It maybe true that you are not the same Kagome we know. Tell me miss who are you?" Miroku moved closer to her then she felt his hand touch her bottom. Before anyone could think Kagome punched Miroku in the eye sending him into a near by tree.
"You pervert! I should have known that you'd be a pervert even in this time period! The next time I see you in my time I'll kick your ass so hard that your children will feel it!" Her face was beat red and her fists were clinched to her side. Miroku stood up slowly and touched his now bruised eye.
"It was worth it."
"Oh wow Kagome I didn't know you were that strong." Sango said.
"I train a lot. Well my father feels that I should anyway. He's worried that I'll get taken advantage of or something. But then he's the one trying to set me up with all his friends sons."
"You've never spoken of your father before Kagome."
"In case you have forgotten Sango this girl isn't the Kagome you know."
"Oh right, so who are you exactly?"
"I am Kagome, except from another time completely. It's hard to explain but you just need to trust me on that."
"How did you get into our meeting place? We are all link to one another so that we can have meetings away from Naraku and spies."
"Wow that's cool. I don't know what I'm doing here. I fell asleep after hearing my roommates arguing over a bet that they had made. I realize I'm dreaming but I don't know why I'm here."
"So another Kagome huh? We should have realized this when we first saw you. Your hair is much longer, in fact it's almost as long as Sesshomaru's and it's a lot straighter too." Sango said.
"Is that a compliment?"
"I do believe it is."
"Tell me Kagome did you enjoy our last meeting?" This time it was Kikyo who spoke. She had tried her bed to ignore the woman but found that eventually she'd have to talk to her.
"Actually no, I can't believe you would just vanish without saying a word. You left me there with him and I ended up getting stuck to him. That was embarrassing. Also you didn't even let me talk with you."
"I cannot save you from the inevitable. You may want to flee from him but no matter what you do Kagome it is fate."
Kagome glared at the woman while the other listened with confusion.
"I'm not asking you to. But I don't want the same fate. How many times must I die before I can be happy? How do you expect me to feel knowing that no matter what I do I'll fall for him and then be stripped of my life? Do you have any idea what that feels like?"By this point she was fighting off tears. Kikyo stood and went over to Kagome. She placed her hands on her shoulders which cause the group and Kagome to gasp.
"I do understand Kagome, but I haven't been through it as you have. You've given your life twice already and now you can't even remember either. You are forever bound to you fate, but death was a choice. In both lives you chose to die, you gave your life to those you loved which is why you still live now."
"What in the hell are you talking about Kikyo? How do you know this Kagome?"
"Let's just say we had an encounter and she found out many things she couldn't deal with." She turned her attention back to Kagome. "I should have stayed. I realize that but you have to clean up your own messes. If you truly don't want to be with him then just make that clear and he'll understand. But that will not in any way stop your heart for telling you the truth. I know that deep down you love him. It's obvious when you look at him and when he looks at you. Love cannot be manipulated or tainted if it is pure Kagome."
"So what should I do?"
"I've told you already. You must look deep inside yourself. The reason you are confused is because he's giving you mixed signals."
"Hey what are you two talking about?" Inuyasha was now yelling.
"I met this Kagome through a dream she had. You see Inuyasha I have an eternal connection to Kagome because her mother is my reincarnate. When I died my soul left with the Jewel. It was supposed to go to her mother but instead she received the burden. For the longest time I resented this woman because I felt as though she was taking something from me. But really I took away any chance for happiness a long time ago."
"Now I'm really confused." Shippo said folding his arms.
"I couldn't stand that she could live and I had to suffer being among the living while I should have died. The only thing that keeps me bound to this world is her beating heart. As long as she lives I do. Once my body is destroyed Kagome receives my soul, which is rightfully hers."
"Oh Kikyo why must you continue to suffer? Isn't there some way to bring you back?" Kagome asked with sorrow in her eyes. This woman who sat before her was denied any happiness in her life and though she was loved her heart couldn't take in that love. "It isn't fair Kikyo. Maybe I could give you part of my soul and then you could join me in my time." Kagome's eyes filled with hope.
"No Kagome. I have lived my life and the afterlife I'd like to rest in piece now."
"Um...Kikyo I just realized something. If we're talking about all this aren't they going to wonder when the wake about the future?"
"No, when they wake up they will remember only dreaming of defeating Naraku. This place I pulled together from your memories so that you could interact with them. I thought maybe you should get to know the people from your lost memories."
"This is getting ridiculous. Not only is this Kagome now ours but she and Kikyo are actually nice to one another." Inuyasha was now twitching from the events. "It's the apocalypse!" He cried running from the campsite.
"Wow, I had no idea that us being civil to one another would cause Inuyasha to lose his mind."
"I agree, maybe I should pretend to be nice to my cousin just to get that kind of reaction from him."
"She isn't worth your kindness Kagome. I've read her soul and she isthe spawn of Satan. I also know why she is angered toward you."
"Oh there's a reason? I'd love to hear it."
"She's jealous that you have the affections of many young gentlemen, that you got into the school she dreamed of going to, and you've managed to attracted a man who would rather get a root canal than find a girlfriend."
Kagome pushed herself up and walked away from Kikyo and started to walk toward a tree. Kikyo followed her.
"Kikyo he wouldn't want me. Our kisses were nothing but spur of the moment kind of things. He's just a friend who I care for."
"Ah so you care for him, that's a start. Now just admit you love him and we're good to go." Kagome looked taken aback by this.
"Love?" Kagome started to walk away from Kikyo again trying to get rid of her words. She stopped and turned her head toward the camp to see that most of the group had dispersed and only Sesshomaru remained. His eyes focused on her and she suddenly saw his face...Sesshomaru...her Sesshomaru. Wait what? My Sesshomaru? Where did that come from? I can't even tell the difference anymore.
"Kagome why must you run? Is it going to protect you?" Kikyo's voice called to her.
"If I keep running then I might one day get away. I'm tired Kikyo, I'm really tired." She felt herself become weak and her body fall forward.
END OF DREAM
A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry that I haven't updated in a while. I've been having computer trouble and then I had to start this chapter over again. I hope that you liked it! I sort of trailed from my outline but I'll get back on track. As for Jin, I think I'll keep him on for a while. I think I could use him later on in the story (wink). Thanks for the reviews and thanks to Parsnip for her help, I might add her on in the story sometime heehee. Okay I'm done with this chapter, I'm so not going to rush to finish the next one.