Chapter 11: Aftermath
Kag Pov
It's been three weeks since Hurricane Rita terrorized the coastline. There is so much destruction even after so long. My house regained power a week ago. This whole time we have had to heat our water, use flashlights, and re-light candles. When we finally regained electricity I am pretty sure I saw Sota run and hug the TV. But then again, it was around midnight at the time, and we had just used up our last candle.
The first thing we did was turn the television to the news and was surprised at all the destruction…Even in our own small town. Trees were flipped over on power lines and even though we just received power there were several parts of the town still without. I worried about home, I'm worried about Kenjen, and Inuyasha, and the fact that none of us have heard anything from Ayame still. Everything has been so weird…I never thought anything like this would happen.
………………..
Sango's Pov
It's been three weeks since Hurricane Rita hit and it all feels like one big freakin' vacation! Three weeks of fun in the sun and three weeks of Miroku's touch. That's what I call a Hurricane! But wait…I'm sorry…I shouldn't say that. There are horrible things that just happened and I don't even know if one of my friends is all right, I just assume she is. Kagome said she just got power a week ago. Poor girl…Here I am living it up and her and her family are in hard times. But she says they're all right…That's all that matters. Now if that damn Ayame would just show up maybe we can get things back to normal.
Hmm, another date with Miroku tonight. He says he wants to go to the movies. Unfortunately he doesn't know what he wants to see, nor do I. Miroku said we should just go see what they have and choose from there. He thinks that's how our love is…That we just act on our feelings and there you have it. I don't quite understand it; but yet I don't quite understand him. I guess that's why we go so well together. Both of us are nuts!
…………………….
Ayame Pov
It's been three weeks since Hurricane Rita destroyed everything I loved, just like Hurricane Katrina. Everything is in ruins down at Lamar; but the school claims to be cleaning things up. Ok, maybe I'm being a little too dramatic. The school wasn't completely ruined, just flooded. The custodial workers and outside help are using fans, blow driers, and everything else known to man to get the water out for us to go back. But still…Will Kagome and Sango remember me when or if we come back? Will things really be the same? Will I be the same girl they know?
Spending these three weeks with Koga has been wonderful. We've learned so much from being together and he says he has something important to tell me tonight. We're going out for supper and dancing. I should be thrilled right? But I can't shake the feeling that everything is about to change…As if some cosmic force is going to crash even harder upon us and we'll be faced with things we never dreamed of. Then again…What do I know about my feelings?
………………….
"Kagome? Is everything all right?"
"Oh, yes Inuyasha…I'm sorry, neither Sango nor I have heard from Ayame yet. We don't know what's become of her."
"I'm sure she's fine."
"That's what Sango says."
"Besides Ayame, how are you feeling?"
"Fine."
"Is that all?"
"Well, yeah, what else should I be feeling?"
"I don't know…I'm just trying to get something out of you. This has been our only communication now for two weeks. Remember for a whole week neither of us could talk to one another."
"I know, I know."
"What's bothering you Kagome?"
"I just told you."
"We may not know each other for years or anything; but I know when something else is troubling you."
"I'm just worried ok."
"Worried? About what?"
"Lots of things! Ayame, Sango, school, us!" Kagome gasped as she realized what she just said.
"Oh…I mean-"
"I know what you mean Kagome. It's about what I asked you a few weeks ago isn't it?"
"Well…It's that and some other things."
"I'm not asking you to be a mother now Kagome. I was just…I don't know."
"You just…Wanted me to consider?"
"Maybe…Have you thought about it?"
"Maybe."
"Would you?"
"Would I what?"
Inu/Kag Pov
OH MY GOSH! WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?
Their hearts beat faster trying to make heads or tails of the conversation spread out.
Inu Pov
No…This isn't how it's supposed to happen. I'm not asking her to be the mother of Kenjen over the telephone. This conversation is over!
Kag Pov
Please tell me he's not asking me to marry him over the telephone! And what would I even say to him if he was? Would I tell him yes? We've only known each other for a few weeks…Then again, my parents married after knowing each other for two months and this is their 32nd wedding anniversary.
"Uh-I'm sorry Kagome…But I have to go."
"All right…Um, we'll talk later?"
"Yeah, I'll call you later."
"All right, good bye Inuyasha."
"Good bye Kagome."
Kag Pov
I have to face facts. Sooner or later Inuyasha will ask me to marry him. Will I be ready? Will I be able to say yes? I'm only a freshman in college; I'm not ready to be a mother! I'm not even ready for other things that married couples do.
Thinking of what she meant, Kagome began to blush and had to sit down on her bed.
Inu Pov
I want to ask her to marry me; but I know she's not ready. Hell, I don't even know if I'm ready. Yeah, Kenjen has made me grow up and become a man; but could I take on a wife at the same time? If I asked her would she say yes? Hmm, would she be ready to truly be my wife?
………………………
"Miroku! They're beautiful, you shouldn't have!"
Miroku handed Sango a beautiful bouquet of red long stemmed roses and kissed her gently on the cheek.
"Nothing is too good for my girl."
"We're just going to the movies Miroku."
"Movies or not, I told you I would treat you special."
"A girl could really get used to this, you sure you want that responsibility?"
"As long as that girl is you, I don't mind."
Miroku and Sango embrace into a long passionate kiss on the steps of her house. Passions flew as did their arms wrapping around their wastes and holding tight to their desires. Sango let out a moan poking at Miroku's attention.
Miroku Pov
Oh really Sango? How about this?
He gently moved his tongue over her lips and she responded to his action by moving her hands gently up and down his muscular chest. Another moan later and Kohaku walked outside on the porch saying,
"Mom wants you to go make out somewhere other than in front of the opened window."
Miroku and Sango jumped away from each other and looked into the window in front noticing two figures staring right back at them from inside the house.
"Oh my gosh! My parents!"
"You parents? As in your mother and father?"
"Yeah…Those parents."
"Maybe we should go?"
"Yeah…Maybe we should."
"Maybe you should stop being so gross!" Burst out Kohaku making a disgusted face at them.
"Kohaku!"
"Well, it is gross! I can still see the saliva you left on Miroku's lips Sango!"
"Oh my gosh!" Sango's face was as read as tomato.
Miroku kindly just gave a little swipe to his mouth before grabbing Sango's hand and taking her to his parent's car.
"Good thing your parents let you borrow the car."
"Yeah, way better than paying for cab fare."
"So…What movie?"
"Uh…How about a horror flick?"
"Why?"
"I don't know…Good make out session? You on?"
"You perv!"
Miroku gave her a smirk and quickly drove off leaving her house and their now three person audience to their love.
…………………………
"You are awful quiet tonight Ayame? Is something wrong?"
"Hmm?" Was Ayame's reply as she peered over the river walk at the boats going by.
It was a beautiful night on the River Walk. The stars were out, people were flooding the streets, violinists claimed the corners, and lights as bright as the very day were strung on every rooftop. It was magic!
"Are you all right?"
"Oh! Um, of course Koga. Why wouldn't I be?"
"You don't seem like yourself. It's as if you're in another world."
"Oh, I'm sorry; I just have a lot of things on my mind."
"May I ask what?"
"I was just wondering if we'll ever go back to Lamar. I miss Sango and Kagome and I'm pretty sure they are worried about me as I'm worried about them. We haven't spoken to each other since the day we left. I just hope they're all right."
"Well, from what I've seen of them, they seem like pretty nice girls and smart enough to take care of themselves."
"Yeah, but a good friend would worry anyway."
Koga looked at her with a quiet awe before continuing.
"Ayame…There's something I've been meaning to ask you…"
"What is it Koga?"
He kindly took her hand in his as they sit at the candle lit table beside the River Walk. He put both hands on her and looked into her wide eyes before saying,
"We've been spending a lot of time together Ayame and I just thought that maybe it was time…Well, I mean…"
"Yes?"
"I was reading on the internet earlier and next Wednesday we can go back to school Ayame. And this made me think-"
"Wait! Did you just say we're going back to school next Wednesday?"
"Uh, yes but Ayame-"
"Oh my gosh Koga! We're going home! I can finally see Sango and Kagome again! Oh Koga, this is the best news you could have possibly given me! Thank you so much!"
"Uh, but Ayame-"
"Oh it'll be so great to finally get things back to normal! Oh my gosh! What if nothing goes back to normal? What if Sango and Kagome don't remember me? It's been three weeks since we've seen each other! What if I run up to them and they have to ask for my name?"
"Ayame! Believe me…They'll remember you…Now Ayame before-"
"Maybe you're right…Maybe they'll remember me after all. I shouldn't be worried I should-"
"LISTEN WOMAN!" said Koga having people turn to their table in surprise. Koga looks around and then softens his voice saying, "Listen Ayame, I have something very important to ask you."
"What is it Koga?"
………………………….
Kag Pov
AAAAHHHH! We're going back to school on Wednesday! This is GREAT! I can finally see Sango and Ayame and…Inuyasha and Kenjen! Things will finally go back to normal. Everything will be just fine once we're all back together.
But wait-Is that true? Will everything be just fine once we're together again? What if something's happened to Ayame? What if she doesn't know we are going back to school? What if everyone decides to stay home and not go back to Lamar? I never thought about it till now. I remember some of the students three weeks ago were talking about going to Sam Houston State University or even the University of Texas in Austin if we couldn't go back to Lamar.
I don't think I could go back to Lamar knowing I would be all alone. I don't want to go back if Sango, Ayame, or Inuyasha aren't there! I know I couldn't do it! It would be too hard to go back without them! Please God, please let us all return to Lamar safely!
"So…You're really going back Kagome?"
"Yes, Ayumi, I'm really going back."
"Hmm, are you sure?"
"Why do you ask? Of course I'm sure…I have to go back to school."
"But it's been so nice having you back. I finally have my sister back. Aren't you happy here Kagome?"
"Of course I'm happy here Ayumi it's just…I have to go back."
"Why must you go there?"
"I just have a feeling ok Ayumi."
"But why? What's there that you can't have here at your 'real' home?"
Kagome looked at her friend giving a sigh before turning away. She thought for a moment why she felt she had to go away from home. The reason she left everything and everyone behind. This whole time she felt as if she had to leave home to grow up and finally find herself. This whole time she just needed to reassure herself of who she really is. She knew perfectly well why she was going back to Lamar. Besides going back for Sango, Ayame, and to get an education. One reason was as clear as day to her…
"You wanna know what's there that I can't have here?"
"Yes Kagome! What is it?"
"Inuyasha…"
………………..
"Uh, its ok Miroku you can open your eyes now...The bad guys off the screen."
Miroku was leaning over Sango's shoulder behind her hair and finally managed to take a peek at the screen before turning back into his seat with his arm around Sango.
"I thought you said this was supposed to be a 'good make out session'?"
"Sorry Sango my dear…I'm usually up for anything…Especially with you," He gives her a nice smile continuing, "But when that girl had to kill that guy to save her own life, I'm sorry but I just couldn't handle it!"
"It's ok Miroku…Some guys are just not meant for violence."
"Oh great! Now you're ashamed of me."
"No, I prefer to wear the pants in this relationship."
"Say what? Oh I don't think so Sango."
"Is there a problem Miroku?"
"Uh, yeah, you're calling me the woman!"
"No I'm not!"
"Yes you are!"
"SSHH" came from the crowd of people in the audience as Miroku and Sango battled on.
They looked around them and lowered their voices.
"I never said you were the woman in our relationship."
As they continued their endless battle a little kid from in front of them turned around saying,
"Excuse me! Do you mind? Some of us are trying to watch the movie! And dude…I don't know you; but you sound like you're whipped either way!"
"WHAT!"
The kid turned around and Miroku nearly lost his cool. Sango gently grabbed his shoulders and kissed him on the neck. He quickly regained his composure and nestled back down into his seat with Sango lying on his shoulder.
"If you were the woman…Would I be laying on your shoulder?"
…………………..
"Ayame…I want you to know something."
"Yes Koga?"
He gentle presses his hand to her cheek caressing her softly. Ayame looks concerned by his behavior; but is consumed by his touch and looks deeply in his eyes. She never realized just how endless they were and the realization hit at her very core.
Ayame Pov
His eyes are so gorgeous…I hope I'm not blushing! He looks so serious right now. We're just eating together…Why does he look as if this is a matter of life or death? Should I be worried? Why doesn't he just come out and say what he wants already?
"Um…I really like you Ayame. I mean, really really like you. And I thought that sense we're going back to Lamar next week…How would you like to stay with me?"
"What? Stay with you?"
"Like…Be mine? Ayame…I want you to be my woman."
"Your woman? Hmm…"
"Don't you love me Ayame?"
"Well, I like spending time with you."
"And?"
"But I don't know Koga…"
"Please Ayame…Do you want me to beg? I'll beg just for you. I'll get on my hands like a common mutt and beg you if that's what it takes! Say you'll be mine Ayame. I don't want to leave here till you say you'll be mine!"
"Koga…"
"Take a chance Ayame…What do you have to lose?"
Ayame Pov
Ok, well, I lost my home, my stuff, my dog…He's right…What do I have left to lose? And he is very sweet and he helped my family when we needed him the most…So I know he's dependable. Plus, it would be nice to have a normal relationship again. The last time I had a boyfriend was right before Hurricane Katrina and he ended up leaving me the day before it hit. I guess it's time to put my heart once again on the line…I guess it's just one of the joys in life. Being able to love and be loved by another…Even if it is only for awhile…
Ayame looked into Koga's eyes and gave him a faint smile. She let go of his hand standing up in front of him. As the violinists kept playing Ayame offered her hand to him and Koga accepted it with a questionable look written all over his face.
"Dance with me Koga."
They positioned themselves for a smooth slow dance with his hands around her waist while hers were wrapped around his neck.
"Ayame-"
She gently put a finger to his lips to quiet him.
"Just dance with me Koga."
Ayame put her head on his shoulder and they slow danced the night away. Koga forced Ayame to look up at him by cupping her chin in his hand.
"Ayame?"
"Since we are going back next week…Let's enjoy all our free time together like we have been…Exactly how we've been…"
She smiled at him and Koga understood exactly what she meant. After everything was said and done she put her head back on his shoulder and for the night it was just the two of them together…No worries, no cares, no school, no school work…Just them and their revealed feelings for one another.
…………………
TUES: The day before the students are allowed to return to Lamar.
Kagome was busily packing up everything back in boxes and bringing them to her car. As she was packing the last of her stuffed animals her mother walked in the room trying to hide back old tears.
knock knock
"Come in Mom," called Kagome picking up the last stuffed animal from her bed.
Her mother gently walked in her room with a smile and came over to sit on the bed with her daughter.
"You sure you don't want me to go back with you Kagome?"
"It's all right Mom, I can handle it."
Mrs. Higurashi looked at the panda held in her daughter's arms and thought about all the times Kagome would hold that particular stuffed animal to comfort her to sleep. She remembered when Kagome was a baby that was the only toy she ever wanted. It's not surprising after all this time it's still her favorite.
"I remember when you use to hold Mr. Panda every day when you were younger. That was the only toy you ever wanted. And you always hated it when it was time to give him a bath."
"Yeah, because those were the nights I was without him…"
"No…When you were asleep I would come back in your room and tuck him under your arms."
"Oh yeah…And then I would come down stairs and tell you he came back to me as if by magic…And you said because he loves me, he would always return to me."
"That's right Sweetheart."
"Thank you Mom."
"For what Dear?"
"For everything…"
Mrs. Higurashi leaned in and kissed her daughter's head before getting up from the bed and walking out the door. Kagome looked down at Mr. Panda and realized how truly special he was.
"This is the stuffed animal Inuyasha held up when we first met…"
The thought made her smile and then she realized…
"I'll be returning to you tomorrow Inuyasha…"
………………………..
"Well…its back to reality tomorrow Sango dear." He said while coming up behind her wrapping his arms against her soft waist and kissing her neck gently.
She responded by holding his hands and tilting her head back welcoming each kiss.
"You're right…I guess we'll have to tell everyone about us as well…Other wise they'll be really freaked later on."
"Hmm, we could have some fun with this you know?"
"Don't even joke Miroku…I'm not about to go sneaking behind Ayame or Kagome's backs."
"You take all the fun out of this relationship."
"Oh do I?"
Sango walked out of his embrace and looked at him with her arms crossed. Miroku looked back at her with a pout and hung his head down in shame.
"Thought so!" Said Sango trying to prove her point.
Miroku walked back to her and they kissed for what seemed like an eternity. Kohaku came out relaying another message.
"Hey! Mom says to stop smooching and get your bags packed!"
Once again the couple broke up wiping the saliva from their mouths with quaint smiles. Sango and Miroku followed Kohaku back into the house and the three went up to her room to help Sango pack for her return to Lamar tomorrow.
As they packed, and packed, and packed some more, Miroku started to definitely see the down side of the relationship. All of them would pack and he would stuff everything into his car. Yes, this time his parents have decided to let him take the old Volkswagen back to school. He was pleased especially with the fact of having Sango wrapped around one arm and his other on the wheel.
"Are you sure you really needed all this stuff Sango?" He said while hoisting some more boxes into the backseat.
"Of course Miroku! We won't be coming back until Thanksgiving remember?"
"I remember; but still…"
"Just quit your blubbering and keep packing!"
"Yeeess Maaaster!" He said pretending he was Igore from the movie, "Frankenstein."
Sango rolled her eyes and began walking back into the house. Just as she was beginning to step on the first step Miroku came from behind her and swept her off her feet. Sango let out a gasp and was quickly busy with Miroku kissing her soft lips.
Sango Pov
Oh yes! If our days are like this together…I can last being away from home till Thanksgiving…Why stop there? Why not stay with Miroku forever?
This made her smile and deepen the kiss…
…………………………………….
"Hey Ayame? So, your Mom's driving you back to Lamar?"
"Yeah, then she's going right back to my Aunt's house over in Northern Louisiana."
"Oh…Well, I was thinking…Would you like to drive back…With me?
"With you? Really?"
"Yeah…What do you say?"
"Well, I'll have to ask my Mom…"
"Well, uh, actually…I already asked your Mom."
"What? You already asked her?"
"Yeah…She likes the idea and doesn't mind!"
"Oh wow…Didn't see that coming."
"So…You wanna go pack?"
"Yeah! I can't wait to go back to Lamar! I'm sure I'm gonna regret that once classes start back up!"
Koga and Ayame began to laugh and reached for each other embracing in a warm hug before going to their rooms to pack for their trip back to Lamar.
Ayame Pov
We're finally going back! I hope everything is still the same! I hope Sango and Kagome remember me! Wait till the find out I'm going out with Koga! They won't be able to believe it! I'm still trying to believe it myself. I never thought he'd find me attractive, never in a million years. Well, there you have it! Three weeks of love and now we're returning only to discover more of ourselves. I can't wait! I guess our story is just beginning…
…………………………..
Sango Pov
We're going back! Everything will finally go back to normal! It's about damn time! Ayame and Kagome…You guys better be there tomorrow! I don't care what I have to do to get you guys back; but you will come back! I have to tell you guys about Miroku and me! I didn't want to have to tell Kagome and then wait for a few weeks to repeat the story to Ayame! I wanted you guys to be there together. Miroku and I have already planned some ways to tell you guys! This is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see the looks on their faces! I can't wait to come back to you guys! This is only the beginning guys…It's only the beginning…
……………………………..
Kag Pov
We're going home tomorrow! Our story can finally continue! Sango and Ayame will be back and we will be able to have our slumber parties again! I can't wait to see how they made out! Sango says she has a surprise for us…I hope it's good! I can't wait to return to Kenjen and Inuyasha! I know everything is changing as soon as we see each other again. I can feel everything is going to change. A new chapter will be written tomorrow when we return. I just know we're going to grow up more once we're back together. Maybe it's woman's intuition or something? Our story is finally beginning again…Together….
End Chapter 11!
Thank you guys for reading and reviewing. Because you guys have been so awesome, I decided to make this and extra long chapter…Well, longer than what I normally write…Anyways, please tell me what you think and be on the look out for Chapter 12: The Return of Friends….