No Kagsess? whimper I'm glad its finally back…Ch 32 is almost finished and may be posted today , possibly tomorrow.
Kagome sat idly on her bed. Her legs were crossed at the ankles, but not directly in front of her. They were spread further out, nearly straight, since her bed was only a foot off the ground, with her elbow sitting on top thigh and her chin rested in her palm. Long dainty fingers tapped on her cheek as she waited, somewhat impatiently. She had already taken her shower and was waiting for Sango to finish changing. Then they could try on their dresses and do whatever with their hair. Kagome's mind began to wander with her thoughts drifting along the path of cascading silver strands sparkling in the light from the shafted light slipping between the shades of the window. There was the barest hint of warmth shining in his golden steely gaze as well as the passing smirk resting on his lips, which could almost pass as the most pathetic attempt at hiding a smile that she'd ever seen. Then the darkening of those metallic orbs as he leaned forward.
Sango opened the door walking out into Kagome's bedroom towel in hand drying her hair. The woman saw a strange smile of her friend's face and as she kneeled in front of her she also noticed the cloudiness of her eyes. Sango stood shaking her hand with a small smile. Kagome was such a day dreamer. One had to wonder if the girl was ever really here. Though Sango knew it must be easier for her to dream in that world all her own where everything went her way. Sango's smiled waned and tinged with sadness.
It must be nice…-
Sango never let herself sink in on herself like that for she would never know if she'd ever come back. Plus she had Kohaku to worry about, though she would probably never have to fret. That boy was on the right track and was too stubborn to stray from it. Sango's concern was exactly that. Kohaku had so many talents and as his sister Sango knew how special he really was, but after their parents…death…he closed himself off to everyone, even her at times. But after many years of living with him, Sango could read him and just like her mother always seemed to know what he was thinking.
Mom's are really annoying that way…but maybe his Rin-chan can become the close friend he never had.-
Sango could only hope.
The woman tossed the now damp towel aside back inside the bathroom on the sink. Sango chuckled because she knew that Kagome would fuss at her as soon as the woman regained her bearings in the living world. Kagome was such a neat person it was almost ironic because her desk was always a mess. That is the desk in what Kagome labels as her 'creative room.' Kagome was a surpassingly excellent artist; good enough to make a living on it, however she was determined to be in the medical field. This room had the only door that remained locked, well besides her apartment door. The key swung around Kagome's neck on her father's silver chain along with his cross inlaid with an ivory pearl.
The room was a total disaster, but Kagome said that it was normal for a creative atmosphere and without it she wouldn't be able to work. There were at least book shelves all residing in the siding door closet covering one entire wall. On one were art books she'd collected over the course of her life, her favorite manga from her younger teen years, and other inspiration. On the second bookcase were drawers and shoeboxes of supplies and random materials for sketching and inking. All of her pencils had cases though most of these were open with a few of the pencils rolling on the shelf's surface. The third contained materials more for crafts such as clay or even painting.
There were numerous books sitting in piles along the edge of the walls, stacks of papers lying in disarray on one of the two desks in that room, and random newspaper or magazine clippings taped or tacked up as unique wallpaper. Each wall had a different covering. One wall was all pictures of her family and friends, or people that made a difference in her life. Another wall, the one exactly opposite, also had pictures, but they were all random ones that Kagome had taken. Each person had something exclusive about them, whether they are a celebrity Kagome just happened upon with her camera with a luck Sango never understood the girl to have. Or it might just be the clothes they were wearing, or their hair. The wall to its left had all sketches that were usually just scraps that were done in under a half hour. On the wall across from it, resting in the corner so as to not block the entrance to her closet, held Kagome's favorite piece.
Every year Kagome picked a project that she challenged herself to finish in a year because then she would have to move to her next apartment. If she didn't finish it, Kagome would of course keep it, but only work on it when she was bored during those rainy nights she couldn't sleep. This year, Kagome decided to do a sculpture. She had spoken to Sango about it and honestly, Sango thought she was completely insane, but the girl had worked her ass off to get enough money for it. Plus the small amounts from various relatives over Christmas, Kagome treated herself to the most beautiful and largest piece of forest green marble that Sango had ever laid eyes on.
Sango had only entered once and that was to see the piece of stone Kagome had chosen. It was incredible, but also incredibly expensive. Kagome only had one shot and ever since then Sango hadn't heard a word of it. The woman would often come in hearing her friend working on it, chipping and carving away by hand. When Sango knocked on the door, Kagome never allowed her to see it. 'Not until I'm finished.' She would say and Sango would have to reply, 'If ever.' But her friend would smile, lock the door, and they would chat on whatever suited them.
Sango spotted the cross dangling for once outside of Kagome's shirt. It stood out against the bright blue tee shirt that clothed her friend. Kagome wasn't that much of a religious person, but that cross was her father's blessed treasure given to him by Kagome's mother, his wife, on the day of Kagome's birth. It was a present for their anniversary that just happened to fall on the same day. The three always celebrated both special occasions together. He wore that necklace everyday until he died. Mr. Higurashi always said that on that on very day God swooped down and delivered his precious 'Me-chan' to him, so he never took it off.
On the eve of his death, one year later, Kagome received that cross and chain as one of her birthday presents. Tears had immediately fallen from her eyes as she clasped it around her neck and since then she never took it off, except when she showered. This way the silver wouldn't tarnish as quickly. Even then it sat by her bedside in a glass container that was in the shape of a dove, something her grandfather gave her saying it was a family heirloom or something.
Damn…Kagome's definitely rubbing off on me!-
Sango growled at herself, as she swiped her hand at the back of Kagome's head. Her hand only ruffled the wet hair, but never actually hit. However it was enough to jolt her friend from her trance. Kagome tilted her head up and to the side with a sliding smile on her lips. Her blue eyes narrowed and Sango knitted her eye brows at her. Then she laughed.
"You are such a weirdo, you know that?"
"Hai!"
Kagome sat up straight with her arm completely extended above her head. Sango shook her head at her and Kagome laughed with that sarcastically dry look in her eyes.
"Come on you twit…let's do something with that rat-nest hair of yours."
"Mou! I'm not the twit! Who failed the last techniques quiz? Huh?"
"Oh please, you're such a suck up in that class, ever since Nicodemus called on you because you weren't paying attention."
"Hey I can't help it if he thinks I'm brilliant." Kagome lifted her nose.
"Maybe…he thinks more of you than that." Sango gave a sly grin, not unlike one Miroku would give.
"Ew…don't be gross." Kagome scrunched her nose in disgust.
"Hai, I know…" Sango said laughingly, "You aren't like that besides you have the hots for Takarashi Sesshoumaru."
Sango called this so easily over her shoulder as she walked into the dark bathroom. Kagome's lips thinned, but she took a deep breath before following her friend. She flicked on the lights and watched Sango flinch. Kagome grabbed her brush and dragged it through her long hair. Sango positioned herself behind the girl sweeping her hands through it thinking on what style she would use. Kagome was never a fan for the traditional style of the himes, so what should she do? Sango chuckled, her eyes twinkling brilliantly.
I know…-
(-.-) (o.o) (-.-) (0.0)
He paused at the door, bending to slip on his black dress shoes. They were polished and shiny in the light of the hallway. This was the only light in the entire apartment besides the night light he left on in Rin's room in case she needed to come back from Kaede's for something. She always had some trouble reaching the light switch since it was placed rather high on the wall. A sun-golden gaze swept across the apartment before Sesshoumaru turned, locking the door on his way out.
Even his light steps echoed in the below ground parking garage. The lights flickered above his head bestowing life to the jumping shadows. Sesshoumaru tugged his long black overcoat closer with the collar perked up to block his neck from the chill. His long achromatic mane was pulled back and tamed by a thin black hair band. The locks fell fully down his back outside his coat with a stark contrast.
His tall, lithe form slipped easily into silver Ferrari and turned the key to hear the beginning roar of the engine of this cold evening. Sesshoumaru pulled out and after giving identification to the guard, he drove around the spiral leading up to the exit. The silver car pulled out into the busy streets marking the holiday season. The sleek machine shifted lanes easily as he jarred passed those moving too lazily for his taste. He wouldn't be late after all. Golden eyes glanced at the clock above his radio signaling the time as six o'clock. Normally it only took about twenty minutes with the way Sesshoumaru drove, but on Christmas Eve he allowed himself plenty of extra time. Punctuality was a strict moral of his, and Sesshoumaru would not falter.
He hadn't gone more than a few short blocks before a ring graced his ears, quietly as it was the first setting, and he glanced down at his cell phone leaning against the cup holder's plastic side. A light-skinned hand reached down picking it up from its prone retirement. Flipping opens the lid Sesshoumaru answered only to silently sigh at the chipper voice on the other end of the line.
(.) (.-) (-.) (.)
While Kagome was busy in her room putting her dress on, Sango slinked over to the phone sitting on its base in her kitchen. Since Kagome showered first, Sango could dress first. But now she couldn't stop the stupidly girlish giggles that passed her mouth. Sango and Miroku had been scheming since Sango found out where he worked for his internship. She quickly called Miroku dialing the number from the slip of paper she took from inside her dark green clutch.
"Miroku? It's Sango."
"Ah my dearest Sango."
Sango blushed despite herself. She knew that he was dating Koharu, but still he was helping out a great deal with their 'plan'.
"Lecher- knock it off."
"Oh you wound me!"
"Just give me the chance…and I will."
"Come now Sango, everything is set. I'll be there in about five minutes."
"Okay- don't knock or she'll notice. I made sure the door's unlocked, just come on in."
"Mochiron."
Sango set the phone back down quietly.
"Who was that Sango?"
"Huh? Oh just our ride. We're doubling with Miroku and Koharu."
"Awesome. I just need a few more minutes."
"Don't rush; they'll be at least another twenty minutes."
Kagome nodded and smiled relieved. She obviously needed more time than that. Sango watched her turn and jog back into her room closing the door. Sango laughed covering her mouth attempting to stifle her mirth.
She is going to be soo mad. It'll be great.-
Sango grabbed her black wool pea coat that fell just below her hips. She checked her hair in the mirror once before she heard the door openly slowly. Sango smiled when Miroku's head poked in. When he noticed her she lifted her hand in a small wave before the two scooted out. Kagome's door was locked and closed with an almost inaudible click.
The pair hustled down the halls and into Miroku's SUV. They were in such a rush, laughing as quietly as possible; that all Sango noticed about it was that it was a goldish-bronze color. Once inside, Sango waiting a few moments before calling her friend.
At Kagome's apartment
Kagome was just putting on her coat in the bedroom when her phone rang.
"Sango can you get that?"
When there was no answer, Kagome walked out of her room shrugging on her coat quickly as she hurried to the phone. Her portable that was normally in her bedroom was broken. The battery needed to be replaced and Kagome hadn't found time to buy one. Kagome reached the phone on the last ring.
"Moshi Moshi. Higurashi speaking."
"Hey Kag- there's been a change of plans, but your ride is still on the way."
"Oh…okay, I'll see you there right?"
"Mochiron baka!"
"Whoa, no need to be hostile. I'll see you in a little while."
"Hai, sure." Sango snickered.
Kagome heard the click that signified Sango hanging up. She eyed the phone suspiciously and suddenly a queasy feeling tightened her stomach.
This can't be good.-
Kagome sat on her couch, rigid, waiting for her anonymous driver.
(-.-) ( . ) (-.-) ( . )
Sango sat back in the seat laughing.
"She's going to be mad."
Miroku smiled as he watched her with his peripheral vision. She lifted a graceful hand to sweep her bangs further to the sides. Sango turned to him and he directed his gaze fully on the road.
"Very," Sango smiled beautifully at him, "When are we picking up Koharu?"
"…Koharu…?"
"Hai- she's your girlfriend, right?"
"Sango…when you told me we were going together…I thought you meant as dates."
"Nani!"
Sango blushed furiously as she stared blatantly gaping.
"So, what did you tell Koharu?"
Sango's voice was shaking with anxiety. She wanted so desperately, more than she realized, wanted him to say they broke up and that he desired her and only her instead. Though immediately she scolded herself because hello- this was reality, not the dreams she envisions at night. Sango blushed again, remembering Miroku's bare neck against her lips and his large hands massaging her hips.
"We broke up."
"Huh? Why?" Sango was confused now.
Is he telepathic? …Kami- Sango, you are a twit.-
"I-oh, we're here."
Sango looked at him and he turned away looking in his side mirror as he backed into a parking spot. She knew he was avoiding the subject, but she shrugged adjusting her eyes to the place of the gala. And promptly, she gasped.
A knock sounded at her door and startled Kagome. She stood nervously and answered the door, unlocking it slowly. And as if in slow motion, her features dropped into surprised shock. There leaning against her door frame was none other than Takarashi Sesshoumaru. His black tux could be seen from underneath the coat he wore. The white dress shirt and classic black bow tie suited him. He watched her, before he leaned in closer.
"Are you just going to stand there and stare?"
Kagome snapped out it and walked back to her couch. She flicked off the table lamp beside it and gestured for him to go back down the hallway. Once outside, Sesshoumaru, like the gentleman he was, opened the door of his car for her. He held it open gazing across the top of his car waiting for her to get in. However she just stood there gawking at him and for the first time he noticed how traditional her clothing was. The kimono was white and black like a yin yang holding opposite colors on either side of the fabric. Her dark hair was pinned up in a bun held in place by two silver combs, one of either side, and two thin silk ribbons, black and white of course, wrapped around the base of the bun.
However her long hair exceeded that bun, and poured in loose curls down her lower back. The tips were raised up slightly from her waist because of the bun. No hair spray or hair product of any kind held the tresses in place. Her heavy bangs framed her heart-shaped face and in her ears were a pair of silver cranes. Her large, expressive eyes were thinly lined with a black eye liner and her lids were lightly covered with a charcoal colored eye shadow. Sesshoumaru also noticed all too well the clear gloss burnishing her lips with a naturally stunning appearance. It was almost too inviting, too alluring.
She is…-
Sesshoumaru was lost for words once in his life. Well, not exactly, but that's what it felt like in that moment. Very few women wore the older, more classic and sometimes subtle, styles of Japan. Most preferred the more fashionable western style of gowns that now swept worldwide as the major classification of formal wear. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, but still found it somewhat tight.
"Higurashi, get in."
"Uh, right."
Kagome stepped off the curb carefully; her cheeks tinged a little red that no make-up could give, in the petal soft steps of her slippers, she didn't want them to get wet from the damp sidewalk. Her coat, or rather the overcoat that came along with her kimono, trailed down to mid-thigh. It was quite warm being of a thicker material. White gloves that reached her elbows protecting her hands. Kagome had no need of a purse because everything was neatly tucked in her obi.
The car ride was quiet, except for the soft lullaby of concert piano accompanied by a violin that pulsed magnificently on Sesshoumaru's stereo. The compact disk was a collection of classical piano and was quite exemplarily tasteful. It suited the mood and calmed Sesshoumaru's nerves. It would be a few moments of peace before the gaggles of drooling; sputtering females covered him for the rest of the evening. And ironically, Higurashi wasn't spoiling it for him with her normal idle chatter. His eyes slid over to find hers shut. Her head was tilting downwards gently and a small smile graced her lips. Her shoulders were relaxed and her posture screamed contentment. He shrugged, surprised.
Higurashi…Kagome likes classical music? Strange girl.-
Some of you may have already read this…but…anyways I love your support and I can only hope it will all come back! Review- tell me of any mistakes, please?
Words to know:
Mochiron- of course
