A/N: Okay, forgot to say that I don't own Inuyasha. Okay, that's it I think.
CHAPTER 2
Inuyasha couldn't wait for the day to be over. It was just like any other day, uneventful, full of long lectures, and more homework that he probably wouldn't do. The only thing that interested him was P.E. That seemed to be the only that though, one of the few things that he enjoyed and that he was good at.
After school, he and Kikyo had planned on going on a date. Nothing fancy, just a stroll through one of the few parks. Living in such a large, somewhat dirty city, seeing a natural setting was refreshing.
He met up with Kikyo after school. His work shift didn't start until five, so he had some time. It'd be a bit of a crunch, but he'd work it out. Besides, being with Kikyo made it all worth while. Usually Kikyo spent her afternoons helping with the orphanage nearby, the day care center, or the SPCA, but today, she took a break from that too.
As soon as he saw Kikyo waiting outside the school on the steps, he embraced her, and they started off towards the park, hand in hand, ignoring the quick glances people gave them. The truth was that there was very much a popular girl, unpopular guy dating thing going on between them. Kikyo was becoming a very beautiful young woman, but had never dated anyone before. It was kind of a reservation thing, a restriction she put on herself that had become common knowledge among the student body. For a while she had kept her non-dating streak, that is, until she met Inuyasha…
As for Inuyasha, he had never considered dating either. It just wasn't something that he believed was possible for himself, and so became a trivial detail on his list of life goals, not that that was a long list to begin with anyway. When he met Kikyo though, they didn't exactly start off on the best of terms, but pretty soon, they had of course, come to fall in love and he was very happy whenever she was near.
The day was cool and clear, and a few wispy clouds drifted ever so slowly in the azure sky. Eventually, they reached the park. Every now and then people would pass them. They traveled passed the pond, the water as still as glass, and the sky reflecting off the surface.
It was moments like these that made Inuyasha glad to be alive. Kikyo's hand in his gave him the best feeling ever. As they continued strolling through the park, he breathed in deep, enjoying seeing the green scenery that was slowly turning to a crisp, fall setting. Every now and then Inuyasha would glance at Kikyo, finding it hard to keep his eyes off her. She was so pretty, the way the light bounced off her dark hair, the slight smile that she usually wore, and her soft, fair skin that was sometimes brushed with a light, natural blush. Inuyasha stroked her delicate, slightly smaller hand with his thumb, and she responded with a gentle squeeze, and by looking up at him with a comforting smile. He loved how she made him feel calm and…just wanted…just by being there.
Inuyasha stopped underneath one of the magnolia trees and sat down on the green, wooden bench. A gentle breeze blew gently, wrapping them both in a cool atmosphere. Kikyo gave a slight shudder, and Inuyasha, slightly alarmed, pulled her close, wrapping both his arms around her. Two emotions leaped from his chest: worry, because she was cold, but also pride, because he was able to protect her. He leaned down and kissed her on the top of her head. Kikyo nestled into his chest, and could hear his heartbeat, even through the layers of clothes. She smiled, taking in his scent, and his warmth. Why couldn't moments like these last forever?
"I love you," Kikyo whispered.
"I love you," Inuyasha breathed lightly back with a smile.
Things were hard. Their relationship hadn't been the easiest. God knows, life hadn't been the kindest. If only they knew what was coming.
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As they walked back, the late sun began to set, and Inuyasha felt the nagging voice telling him it was time to go to work. He leaned in, kissed Kikyo again, and held her close for a few more minutes, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
"You're coming to help me at the Day Care Center this Saturday, right? Ever since last weekend, Charlie's wanted to see you. He keeps asking about you," Kikyo reminded him with an amused smile.
"Yeah, I won't forget," Inuyasha assured, finally letting go of Kikyo.
"I'd better go." Inuyasha studied her for a moment. She looked like something was bothering her. Her eyes were cast down, and she bit her lower lip.
"What's wrong?" he asked, starting to get worried. Kikyo thought for a moment, but then shook her head.
"It's nothing. I'm…just…I'll see you tomorrow," she said, forcing a smile.
"Okay…" That's all Inuyasha could think to say. But he knew better than to press her.
"I-I've got to go too, to make sure Kaede and Grandma are okay," Kikyo agreed. Inuyasha turned and walked away, looking back once to give her a reassuring smile and wave. Kikyo watched him leave, wishing he didn't have to. She thought about the way she let herself slip and show that she was worried about something. The truth was, that Onigumo had been trying to get too close to her again, and not in the chummy way. But she knew Inuyasha, and didn't want him to do something rash because of jealousy. Not to mention the fact that Inuyasha didn't even know who Onigumo was…
The story of Onigumo was an unusual, yet not unusual one at the same time. He had been one of the less fortunate teens in the city. A few months or so before she had met him, there had been a fire in one of the apartment buildings. Apparently he had just moved there with his parents and older brother. His parents had both died in the fire. Luckily his older brother, Naraku was gone at the time and escaped the disaster. Onigumo though had been presumed dead to everyone else, had been badly burned, but Kikyo found an abandoned building, where she had carried him, and secretly took care of him there, bringing him food and blankets and other necessities. Eventually though, as if it had been some miracle, he grew strong enough to move around, even sit up and walk, although it took a great effort on his part. Unfortunately now, he had become a little lustful after Kikyo, and that left her in an uncomfortable situation, but she had dealt with it so far, and believed she would for as long as she had to.
Long after Inuyasha left, she stood there watching the street where he turned on and disappeared. The sun had almost disappeared by now, and blinking, she realized that she was just standing there, and reminded herself where she was supposed to be. She knew that she should be home by dark, as the city was not someplace she wanted to be when it was nighttime, especially alone.
PREVIEW:
"You promise that?" Onigumo said suspiciously to his older brother. Naraku's eyes gleamed, the two candle lights, helping light up the dark, dusty room. Although Kikyo had done her best to clean out the space, it was still old, and still managed to keep the somewhat grungy look. Naraku sat with his arms crossed, watching his brother, lie there in his bandages underneath the fraying, dark blanket.
"Yes. All you have to do is get Kikyo to give you the information, and I'll get Inuyasha's. When this is over, she'll hate Inuyasha so much, I'm sure she'll run right to you for comfort and she'll be all yours," Naraku told him. Pretending to be in his brother's best interest was easy enough. Not that he really cared. Why should he? His brother was useless to him, other than for this plan. What he really wanted was the valuable jewel Kikyo had. Seeing as this was the last existing one made, he'd be able to get so much money, and he'd be able to get away from this filthy city.
"All right. Kikyo should be coming tonight. I'll get the information then," Onigumo promised. She is always so composed…it's so annoying. It will be a pleasure to see her lose her composure for once. Then I'll finally be able to take her.
