This story is dedicated to shinidamachu because when I told her about the concept, her exact words were "holy sh*t, sign me the f*ck up!" Here's to you, Sid! Angst party here :)
Just for how certain events happened in this story and for characters' age sake, this story is set in 2016.
What was supposed to be a cute one-shot turned into this monster thing that I had totally not anticipated, but I hope you all enjoy!
Trigger warning: angst. Like, sinfully angsty. I apologize in advance.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters. All rights to Rumiko Takahashi.
Hex: I'm With The Band
Inuyasha peeked out at the crowd, being mindful to keep himself hidden.
He almost dreaded performing nowadays. After he let his producer convince him to release the song he hated most because he'd barely written any words in it, his career had just felt like a joke.
His producer kept convincing him to release that same kind of song and he caved each time.
Inuyasha had become a sell-out. If it weren't for his mother's failing health, maybe he would have tried to change it, but he needed this income.
He made a lot of money from his stupid songs, and despite his mother's expensive hospital bills, what he made from one album was twice as much as the cost of her treatment. He could keep his mother alive and not have to worry about ever breaking the bank. It was the only good thing coming from this.
Now here he was: sold-out concerts, maxed-out arenas, and a fat bank account.
To an outsider, Inuyasha was living the dream.
On the inside, he was cursing himself for that first sell-out song from six years ago.
He shook himself from his thoughts as he scanned the crowd. As usual, there were a lot of teenage girls screaming and holding up posters with his face on them.
He rolled his eyes. He hated when the fans did that. He didn't like looking in the mirror, let alone having to sing to hundreds of pictures of himself in the crowd.
After looking at the far crowd, Inuyasha sighed and moved his attention to the front row. The fans in the front were always the most obnoxious and screamed the loudest.
He hated everything about this.
He missed the days of smaller crowds that consisted almost entirely of mosh pits. He ached for his old indie-rock crowd.
Now he was just playing for teenage girls.
To Inuyasha's surprise, the front wasn't completely filled with obnoxious and screaming fans. There were plenty of them, of course. They made up the majority.
But there was one in the front near the side that caught his eye.
She looked to be in her early-twenties, maybe a year or two younger than him. Her black hair hung long down to her waist and ruffled bangs gently framed her face. Unlike the other girls in the crowd, she wasn't wearing his face on her shirt. She wasn't even wearing the bright and colorful kind of clothing most girls wear to his shows.
The woman was dressed in black, with black jeans and a dark purple lace crop top that showed just the smallest sliver of her stomach. A couple of chunky bracelets rested on her wrists. She looked like a goth goddess.
More than that, she looked more out of place than he felt.
Even from the stage, her blue eyes, made to pop by dark black eyeliner, shone brightly.
But those things weren't what Inuyasha was paying the most attention to.
It was the completely, wholly, unabashedly bored expression on her face. This goth girl wasn't screaming or cheering. The three women around her were; Inuyasha could see the occasional chiding glares on their faces and the obvious why aren't you more excited scolds coming from their mouths. Ridiculous.
And yet...why wasn't she more excited?
Inuyasha decided to test her.
When it was finally time to emerge and officially start his concert, he put on his usual fake, albeit very bright and charming, smile before walking onto the stage.
"Hello, Tokyo!" he greeted into the microphone. "How are you guys tonight?"
The crowd roared in response. The goth girl in the front just watched him.
It's like she's not affected by me at all, he realized. What's her deal?
It was almost refreshing.
But he still wanted to test her.
As the music began for his opening song, Inuyasha hid his cringe. His music had become so fake...he didn't even need a band. They were just for show. Inuyasha really missed playing his guitar at shows and not being the only performer on stage.
The crowd cheered loudly as he began to sing. It was a fan favorite, but one he despised.
"Oh, baby, dance with me,
Party all night in the club,
The room is already spinning,
And now you've become my drug."
He hated it. The lyrics meant nothing to him. Absolutely nothing. But there wasn't anything he could do about it.
The cheering crowd responded to his chipper banter between songs like every crowd always did.
Except for Goth Girl. She clapped politely after each song, but that was it. She didn't cheer, she didn't dance, and she didn't sing along.
Inuyasha decided to start testing her.
He waited until he got to a slower song before making his move.
"Don't leave me behind,
You're the one I wanna dance with,
Baby, please be kind.
I don't wanna come in fifth,
Make me your number one."
As he sang, he drifted toward the crowd. He slowly descended the stairs leading off the stage. He kept his attention on the front row, tossing flirtatious smiles as he continued walking.
When Inuyasha was about halfway down, he set his gaze on Goth Girl. Her friends were screaming as he approached as if that would somehow get him to move faster.
Goth Girl just watched him. Inuyasha locked his gaze with hers, assuming his golden eyes would have their usual effect.
But still nothing.
Even as he put on a lazy, flirty smile and kept his attention fully on her, she still didn't react. If anything, she looked a bit awkward.
Inuyasha ignored it and kept making his way toward her.
As he got closer, he realized how short she was; he was easily a foot taller than her.
He finally stopped right in front of her before looking down to gaze into her eyes. Blue irises peered back at him.
He tried to put a little extra soul into his voice as he sang the next line.
"Oh, baby, stay here.
Let's start one more time,
Let me chug a few beers,
Then we'll disappear."
Inuyasha scoffed internally. He didn't even drink alcohol.
He pushed that from his mind and focused back in on Goth Girl.
Even as he finally finished the song, she still didn't react.
Deciding to take it a step further, he slowly reached out and took her hand before bringing it up to his mouth. Smiling softly, he pressed his lips to the back of her hand and let them linger.
Goth Girl smiled politely before pulling her hand away.
When the song ended, he covered the mic with his hand so his words wouldn't boom over the speakers.
"Are you enjoying the concert?" he asked quietly.
Goth Girl's polite smile tensed.
"You're a good singer," was all she said.
Inuyasha looked at her for another moment before finally admitting defeat. She wasn't swooning for him, and he had a feeling she wouldn't.
It wasn't even like he enjoyed having that effect on women. He just wasn't used to not having it.
Whatever, he finally conceded. Not like I really care anyway.
Inuyasha put his mic back up to his mouth as he walked away from Goth Girl and resumed the concert. The band started up the next song as he finally hopped back up on the stage.
The concert couldn't end soon enough. As Inuyasha gave his final bow, he snuck one more look at Goth Girl. She was clapping politely again.
Inuyasha put her out of his mind as he exited the stage.
He took a bottle of water from the refreshments table as he made his way to his trailer.
"Mind telling me what that little stunt was all about?"
Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the displeased voice of his manager.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Inuyasha replied coolly as he turned to face him.
Miroku frowned. "As your manager, I'm annoyed. As your best friend, I'm curious. So answer as a client or as a friend. Your choice."
Inuyasha shrugged. "The ladies love a good serenade," he replied flatly.
Miroku shook his head. "You don't care about that. You never care about that."
Golden eyes flashing, Inuyasha glared at his manager. "If you're done," he growled, "I'm gonna go shower. I feel like a disgusting ball of sweat after doing another concert with songs I hate."
"Well, hurry up," Miroku called behind him. "You still have a meet-and-greet to do tonight. You have thirty minutes before you need to be back here."
Inuyasha didn't respond as he stalked away toward his trailer.
When he entered, he slammed the door behind him before locking it. Tossing his clothes off, he glared at himself in the mirror before getting into the trailer's shower.
Inuyasha washed his body and hair as quickly as possible. After he'd finished, he wrapped himself in a towel before flopping down on a decorative couch, ignoring the ticking clock.
He sighed and tried to remember the old days when he was just starting out.
It had been himself and Miroku along with Miroku's girlfriend at the time. At sixteen, they formed an indie alternative-rock band, with dreams of mosh-pits and headbanging and connecting with the crowd. By seventeen, they had their first album written. At eighteen, they'd gotten a record deal and recorded that album as they started playing bigger shows. They were part of the indie and alternative scene, and they loved it.
Back then, Sango was the lead singer, with Miroku on the drums and Inuyasha on guitar and back-up vocals. They recorded one album together, and it was like magic. It reflected their band name, Hex, and depending on their moods, they got to decide if it was a good thing or a bad.
When Sango and Miroku broke up, Miroku and Inuyasha decided the silver-haired band member should take over lead vocals. Before they could record an album with just the two of them, their record label dropped them.
But then the talent agent had shown up to one of their indie shows. Hex didn't care about selling records; they cared about the music and connecting with the crowds.
But then Inuyasha's mom got sick and he got desperate, so when the big-shot agent approached them at a show after Sango, he jumped at the chance. He was nineteen and terrified of losing his mom. Miroku, his ever-supportive best friend, came along for the ride, insisting he become Inuyasha's manager.
Inuyasha huffed and got up from the couch to get ready for the meet-and-greet. He pushed the thoughts from his mind and put on plain jeans. He wasn't allowed to pick his own clothing for concerts, so he was never really comfortable.
He put his foot down with meet-and-greets, though. If he had to be bombarded by screaming girls and sign way too many autographs, he was going to wear what he wanted.
Digging around his suitcase, he pulled out his favorite shirt and tossed it on. It was an old Warped Tour shirt from 2006 that he, Miroku, and Sango had gone to. The time they spent there had given them the encouragement they needed to start their own band.
The shirt held a lot of memories of saving up for almost a year for tickets and headbanging and having to be driven to the venue by Inuyasha's mom because they were all still too young to drive.
Inuyasha smiled as he looked at the shirt in the mirror. The smile fell when he made eye contact with himself. He sighed.
"I'm a twenty-five-year-old sell-out," he muttered. "Welcome to the show."
He was in the middle of tying his shoes when a knock came at his trailer door.
"Come in," he called as he continued working on his shoes.
Miroku entered with his usual clipboard itinerary in his hands. "Hey, five minutes."
Without looking up, Inuyasha nodded. Miroku quickly ran through the itinerary as Inuyasha finished with his shoes.
"So it's really not that bad," Miroku explained. "Thirty minutes tops. You just have to sign some stuff and take a few photos."
Inuyasha grimaced. "I know how these work." He stood up and put on a black hoodie before nodding at Miroku.
"That shirt brings back memories," Miroku said with a smile. "It's nice when you wear it."
When Inuyasha looked at him, he was taken back to their time with Sango at Warped Tour and their eventual time as the kind of band they'd always dreamed of being.
"Yeah," was all Inuyasha said. "I'm sorry."
Miroku shook his head. "Don't be sorry. Let's just go." He led Inuyasha out of the trailer and to the place where he would be sitting to sign all of the autographs and take photos.
"Alright," Miroku announced to Inuyasha and his security team. "I'm going to open the doors. Prepare yourselves for the screams." Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
Sure enough, two minutes after Miroku went to open the doors, the annoying chatter of an excited group of people assaulted his ears.
"Hi, everyone," Inuyasha greeted politely as the crowd came into view. Girls shrieked at the sight of him.
It's gonna be a long night…
Inuyasha signed countless autographs and took countless pictures.
"You have to let him sign something! You look weird just standing there!"
Inuyasha heard the hissed scolding. Looking up, he saw three girls behind the current fan he was speaking to.
With those three girls was a very welcoming sight.
Goth Girl.
"Can you not make a scene?" Goth Girl hissed back. "I don't have anything I want him to sign so just let it go."
Inuyasha glanced at her a final time before finishing up his current autograph.
Goth Girl and her three friends were the last ones in line. Goth Girl's three friends started chattering excitedly when they got to him.
"Hello, ladies," Inuyasha greeted as he took a CD from one of the girls. He scribbled his signature on it before handing it back. "Did you enjoy the concert?" He gave a furtive meaningful glance at Goth Girl.
"We loved it," one of the girls cooed. "You're so talented!"
Inuyasha smiled and tried to hide his discomfort at being ignored by Goth Girl.
He signed the other items from the other two girls. Goth Girl just stood there waiting for them.
"Do you have something you'd like for me to sign?" he asked Goth Girl.
She shook her head. "No, thanks." She eyed him for a moment. "I like your shirt, though. That was a great Warped." Inuyasha's eyes widened.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised she's been to Warped, he realized. She looks like a poster-child for the emo scene.
"You were there, too?" he asked incredulously. "Wow! Escape the Fate was awesome." Goth Girl smiled.
"Right?" she gushed. "Paramore was on fire, too." Inuyasha finally smiled sincerely.
"They really were," he agreed. "Every set was literal perfection and-"
A throat clearing beside him cut him off. Inuyasha glanced over to see Miroku frowning at him. He tapped the clipboard; Inuyasha could practically hear him saying "Itinerary!"
Inuyasha looked back at Goth Girl. "Sorry, um, thanks for coming."
Goth Girl almost looked disappointed, but she still smiled.
Her three friends all chirped excited goodbyes at Inuyasha. With a final wave as they walked away, Inuyasha turned and glared at Miroku.
"Why did you do that?" he asked. "I was talking to that girl."
Miroku frowned. "We have to be out of the venue in twenty minutes. We can't waste time talking to a girl."
Inuyasha looked away. The first girl I meet in years that isn't freaking out saying she's in love with me...I gotta find her.
"Fine," Inuyasha said as he stood. "I'll go pack up my trailer."
Before Miroku could argue, Inuyasha walked away. When he was out of sight, he ran the rest of the way. He packed his stuff as quickly as possible before leaving his bag on the small couch in plain sight.
Miroku can grab it for me. Inuyasha grinned.
He ran to the guest exit, hoping to see a trace of Goth Girl.
He put the hood of his jacket up, covering his hair, and ran outside.
In the distance, Inuyasha caught sight of a chunky silver bracelet reflecting in one of the outdoor lights.
Running as fast as he could, Inuyasha followed her.
Goth Girl was still with her three friends, but they parted ways when they reached two cars. The three girls got in one and Goth Girl got in the other.
Both cars started up and the three friends soon drove away.
Hoping to catch her before she drove off, Inuyasha discreetly ran to the passenger side of the car. Hoping it was unlocked, he tested the handle and was able to open the door and slide into the seat.
Goth Girl screamed and jumped. "Get out of here!" She managed to land a solid punch on his cheek before Inuyasha quickly pulled the hood down.
"Stop!" he shouted as he tried to block her blows.
Goth Girl's eyes widened. "What-Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha rubbed his sore cheek and nodded. "We didn't get to finish our conversation earlier," he explained, "so…"
"So you broke into my car?" Goth Girl finished. Inuyasha blushed, immediately feeling like an idiot.
"I'm sorry," he said as he reached for the door handle. "I'll leave."
"Wait!" Goth Girl said quickly. "Don't…I'm sorry I punched you. Um, we can finish the conversation if you want."
Inuyasha looked at her and saw that her bright blue eyes were curious, interested.
Inuyasha smiled. "Then let's go." He opened the door and got out, motioning for her to follow.
Goth Girl hesitated for a moment before turning the car off and getting out.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
Inuyasha flipped his hood back up and led her in the direction of the stage. "You'll see."
There were still a few people milling around, so they had to walk as inconspicuously as possible. There was no way Inuyasha was going to get caught.
Inuyasha went to tell her to make sure she stayed out of view of anyone, but then he realized something pretty important.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"It's Kagome," she replied as they entered the stadium. Inuyasha smiled at her as they approached the stage.
"Why are we here?" Kagome asked. "Isn't this closed now?"
Inuyasha grinned. "Yeah, but as long as we don't get caught, I think it'll be fine."
Kagome seemed hesitant, but she followed him nonetheless.
They walked quietly up the stairs and made their way across the stage. Inuyasha glanced out and sighed in relief at the sight of an empty stadium. I wish it could always be like this…
"Why are we on the stage?" Kagome asked. "Doing an encore?"
Inuyasha chuckled and shook his head. "Heck no. Come on. We're taking a quick climb."
"A climb?" Kagome repeated. "What are you-"
She cut herself off when she saw Inuyasha start to climb up one of the large metal columns on one corner of the stage. It was made up of metal bars and was simple to climb.
"Inuyasha!" she hissed. "What are you doing?"
Inuyasha paused to look down at her. "Climbing. Let's go."
Kagome looked up at him like he was crazy, but she soon started to climb up behind him.
Goth Girl seems pretty fearless, Inuyasha realized as he continued climbing.
Once they'd reached the top of the column, they came to a roof that Inuyasha had noticed when they'd been rehearsing earlier. Miroku mentioned it was used in case of rain.
Inuyasha was grateful for it.
Kagome followed him across the roof until they were seated comfortably and safely.
They were high up, with a large view of the outdoor stadium and the star-littered sky.
"Wow," Kagome breathed. "This is beautiful."
Inuyasha glanced at her and smiled. "Yeah."
The pair sat in silence for a few moments before Inuyasha spoke again.
"So," he began a bit awkwardly, "seems like you didn't really enjoy the concert too much."
Kagome looked at him, jaw dropping in embarrassment.
"Uh, well,-"
Inuyasha laughed at her panicked expression. "The only time I saw you smile for real was when we were talking about Warped Tour. I take it you're not a fan of my music."
Kagome blushed. "Well, I'm not a fan of your new stuff."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. "So you've heard my old music?"
Blue eyes shined as Kagome smiled. "Yep. Hex is-er, was-one of my favorite bands. The one album was one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard."
Inuyasha was stunned into silence. No one knew Hex. They'd been an up-and-coming band of the indie scene, but that had been years ago. He'd never had someone bring up Hex's only album.
"Why is that so surprising?" Kagome asked gently.
Inuyasha shook his head. "No one's ever mentioned the band to me. At least, not since I started releasing new music. Hex is a thing of the past. No one remembers it."
Kagome smiled. "I remember it. I miss it." Inuyasha looked away.
"Me, too," he replied. "It feels like it was just a dream. Like it never really happened."
Before Kagome could ask the question that was very obviously on the tip of her tongue, Inuyasha's phone dinged.
He didn't even need to look at the screen to know it was Miroku calling.
"Hang on a second," Inuyasha told Kagome as he answered the phone. "What's up, Miroku?"
"Where are you?" Miroku asked furiously. "I gave you ten extra minutes to calm down and what do I see when I come back to your trailer? Your bag and no you. What could you possibly be doing?"
"Talking about Warped Tour," Inuyasha replied curtly. "I'll meet you at home."
"Inuyasha, don't-"
"Bye," Inuyasha said before hanging up the phone.
Kagome looked at him in concern. "Um, is everything okay?" she asked.
Inuyasha nodded and put the phone back in his pocket. "Yeah, it was just my manager."
"Miroku?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha nodded.
"Yeah," he replied. "How'd you know?"
Kagome laughed. "Well, I saw him earlier. I recognized him from the Hex days. I heard he became your manager after Hex broke up." She hesitated. "Um...can I ask what happened? One minute Hex was gaining popularity and the next you guys had broken up and you were starting a solo career."
Inuyasha looked away. "Yeah...we kept it as private as possible. Basically...Miroku and Sango broke up and she left the band. Miroku and I were gonna do a duo type thing, but then our record label dropped us."
Kagome's eyes widened. "So Sango leaving was the reason the band went down?"
Inuyasha shook his head quickly. "No, it wasn't her fault. Sango caught Miroku flirting with some girl at a show, so she ended it with him. Miroku got his act together, but by then Sango and the band were long gone."
Kagome frowned. "That sucks." Inuyasha shrugged.
"That's just how it happened," he replied. "And we were young. There's no telling how much longer it could have lasted."
"What made you want to go solo?" Kagome asked. "With such a different...vibe?"
Inuyasha hesitated, wondering if he really wanted to address the topic.
"It's okay," Kagome said, obviously noticing his hesitation. "We don't have to talk about that."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No, it's okay. Basically, I got an offer to do a solo career. They liked my voice but not my sound. My mom got sick around the same time, so we needed the cash and...well, the rest is history, I guess."
Kagome reached out to touch his shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sorry," she said sincerely. "How is she now?"
"She's alright," he replied. "The money is good to get her the right care, which is why I've stuck with it for so long."
Kagome frowned. "So you basically hate what you're doing now?"
Inuyasha huffed. "I don't write the songs. The producers give me songs to sing and I sing them. I do stupid photo shoots and concerts where I have to sing idiotic songs every night. Honestly...I don't even like performing anymore."
Kagome nodded. "You looked different up there without your guitar," she admitted. "This is the first time I've seen you in concert as a solo artist. I saw Hex once, and you're like a completely different person."
"You saw us in concert?" Inuyasha asked incredulously.
Kagome smiled. "Of course I did. Just once right after you released your album. The way you played guitar...well, I was disappointed I didn't get to see you play tonight."
An idea sparked in Inuyasha's mind.
"Wait here," he said as he started climbing off the roof.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called. "Where are you going?"
"I'll be right back!" Inuyasha called back. He climbed down quickly and ran to where he knew the instruments were kept. They were packed up, but it wasn't hard to find the guitar case.
He lugged it back up to the roof where Kagome was.
Pulling it out of the case, he smiled at Kagome. "What was your favorite Hex song?" he asked.
Kagome smiled back at him.
"'Moon Song' was my favorite," she replied. "Fitting for a night like this, huh?"
Inuyasha glanced up at the full moon before preparing the guitar in his grasp.
He began strumming the opening cords of the requested song and soon closed his eyes. "Moon Song" was the only song on the album with him as the lead vocalist. They liked how Sango sang everything else, but this one was his.
He never played anymore; the memory of what he used to be was too difficult to think about.
Finally, by his own desire, he began to sing.
"By the light of the moon we sing,
Our eyes dark but our quiet voices ring.
I hold you close and you do the same.
Your voice is soft as you whisper my name.
The stars shine brightly above us,
Beckoning us quietly, so hush.
I'll be here in the morning,
Holding you close in the warming
Embrace of my arms.
For I am yours,
And you are mine."
"Wow," Kagome breathed. "It's even better up close. I've always wondered, though...what's the story behind it?"
"It's kinda based on my mom," Inuyasha explained. "I was horrifically afraid of the dark when I was young. Even though the moon reflected light, it still terrified me because it was in the sky at night. My mom was always comforting me about it, so the song is based on some of the stuff she would say to me."
"It's beautiful," Kagome said. "It's always been my favorite."
Inuyasha smiled. "I'm glad you liked it. But why did you come to this concert if you don't like the new music?"
Kagome grimaced. "The girls I was with won four tickets and invited me. Well, more like they dragged me along with them. I drove separate in case I wanted to leave early because I didn't really want to come in the first place…" She glanced at him. "I mean, I'm glad I came now, even though you ambushed me in the crowd…"
Inuyasha blushed. "Uh, sorry about that," he replied, embarrassed. "I was wondering why you weren't doing anything, so...well, I was trying to get your attention."
Kagome laughed. "Well, you definitely had my attention. I guess I was just so caught off-guard by how different you sounded, especially in person, and...I don't know. It was just weird."
Inuyasha scoffed. "Welcome to my life."
Kagome lay back and folded her hands on her stomach. "Why can't you just stop? Make your own stuff again?"
Inuyasha sighed and lay down next to her. "I have a contract. It lasts for seven more months."
Kagome hummed. "Maybe you can have a fresh start when it ends. Your fanbase is definitely big enough by now."
Inuyasha chuckled humorlessly. "My fanbase is made up of fourteen-year-olds hyped up on too-sweet iced coffee and my stupid pop anthems. I don't think they'll convert."
Kagome shook her head. "You never know. I was fifteen when Hex released their first album. Eight years later, I'm still a fan. Maybe past fans will come back, too."
Shaking his head back at her, Inuyasha laughed. "Maybe...I think you might be a rare one."
Kagome looked at him and smirked. "'Rare?' What's that supposed to mean?"
Inuyasha met her gaze and grinned. "Kagome, you came dressed in goth glory to a pop concert. That's not the usual."
Kagome burst out laughing. "Okay, fine, you're right. It certainly got your attention, though."
Smiling, Inuyasha shrugged. "Two goths are bound to find each other eventually. Even if one is in hiding at the moment."
"I'm guessing your Warped Tour shirt is a guilty pleasure then," Kagome teased. "Be careful or it'll hurt your image."
She's spot on, Inuyasha noted.
"Exactly," Inuyasha confirmed. "I haven't been able to just...be in a long time. Right now, Kagome, I feel like that's what I'm doing. I'm just...being."
She smiled at him and reached for his hand. "I'm glad. And I'm glad my friends dragged me to this concert."
Inuyasha looked at her, and reached out to brush a lock of black hair away from her face. Her gaze turned serious as his hand settled on her cheek. Her palm came to rest on top of his hand as their gazes remained locked on each other.
"Kagome, I-"
The chime of his phone rang again.
Huffing, Inuyasha pulled it out. "Sorry," he grumbled to Kagome as he answered the phone, not bothering to check the ID.
"What is it, Miroku?"
"Inuyasha?"
He froze. That wasn't Miroku on the other end.
"Mom?" he asked as he sat up. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
He vaguely noticed Kagome sitting up next to him.
"Honey, I have some bad news," his mother said quietly. "They found an embolism in my lung from the surgery last week. They're going to do a procedure to try and fix it, but…"
Inuyasha's eyes widened. At her age and her awful health...the doctors warned us what would most likely happen if this ever occurred.
"When's your surgery?" he asked.
"In ten minutes," she replied. "I'm sorry, dear. They just found the embolism after running some precautionary tests during my recovery."
"Mom, I'm so sorry," he said. "I should've canceled the tour."
"No, honey," his mother replied. "The doctor said the surgery last week was flawless. No one could have seen this coming. It's no one's fault, okay? I have to get prepped for the surgery now."
"I'm on my way," Inuyasha said immediately. "I'll be there after the surgery, when you wake up."
Wishful thinking…
"Okay, honey," his mother said, her voice cracking with emotion. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too," Inuyasha replied quietly.
When they got off the phone, Inuyasha couldn't move for a moment.
"Are you okay?" Kagome asked gently.
Inuyasha jumped, having completely forgotten she was there.
"My mom isn't doing well," he replied as he stood up. "She...I have to go. I have to get to the hospital."
"I can drive you," Kagome offered firmly. "Let's go."
Inuyasha shook his head. "It's two hours away in the town where I live," he replied. "I'm fine taking an Uber."
I should've thought this through, he scolded himself. Miroku and I rode over here together. How could I be so stupid to not have a car here?
"Don't be dumb," she said. "I'll drive. I know what it's like to have a sick parent. I'll get you there as quickly as possible." She began making her way to the column before climbing down.
Inuyasha followed after her, amazed by her willingness. They hurried to her car and squealed out of the parking lot.
"Do you know how to get there?" Kagome asked.
Inuyasha shook his head. "No, but I can use my GPS." He pulled up the directions and when he'd read them to Kagome, she nodded and pulled onto the highway.
"You can use the aux cord if you want," Kagome offered as she sped down the highway.
Inuyasha went to grab the cord, but was soon distracted by Kagome's massive CD collection.
"Whoa," he gaped. "It's like a music shop in here."
"I like music," Kagome replied. "Pick what you want."
Despite the overwhelming and scary situation, Inuyasha allowed himself to browse all of the CDs she kept in the console between them.
He looked through them until he found what he'd been hoping was there.
He slid the CD in and waited for the first note to play.
When the music started, Kagome shook her head and smiled. "How did I know you were gonna play your own stuff?"
Inuyasha hummed along to the music, still too down to really sing.
They listened silently as they drove to the hospital.
When "Moon Song" came on, Inuyasha cringed.
Mom…
A female voice layered over his own on the track.
Turning to look, he saw Kagome quietly singing along. Her voice was subtly incredible.
"Wow," Inuyasha said. "You're a great singer."
Kagome blushed. "Not really. It's just car radio singing."
Inuyasha shook his head. "You sing that song like you feel it. That's special."
Kagome glanced at him before focusing back on the road.
"Knowing the meaning behind it," she began, "made me realize I do feel it. I went through what you're going through with my dad."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. "Is he okay now?"
Kagome shook her head. "He died when I was little." At Inuyasha's silence, Kagome jumped as if she were startled.
"I'm so sorry," she said quickly. "That was so insensitive of me. I shouldn't have said that."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No, no, it's okay. I appreciate you sharing that with me. It must be hard."
"Not hard enough to not be able to get through it," she replied. "No matter what happens, we just learn to be okay. We learn to continue being."
Inuyasha thought back to what he'd said on the roof about finally feeling like he could just be around Kagome.
They fell into a silence that was only occasionally broken by Kagome's quiet singing.
It was a long silence, but it was comfortable. Inuyasha was lost in his thoughts.
What am I gonna do if she dies? he wondered. How am I gonna survive without Mom?
It was a dangerous train of thought, but he couldn't avoid it. He needed to be realistic about this.
An embolism at this point in his mother's illness? There was no telling what would happen.
When they were about ten minutes away from the hospital, Inuyasha turned off the GPS and began just verbally directing Kagome on where to go.
"I really can't thank you enough," Inuyasha said sincerely as Kagome parked the car. "Honestly, thank you, Kagome."
Kagome turned off the engine and smiled at him. "I'm happy to help."
They both got out of the car and hurried into the hospital. Inuyasha put his hood up to cover his face and hair before they entered through the front doors.
At reception, Inuyasha asked for his mother's room number and her status.
"She's still in surgery," the receptionist explained. Luckily for Inuyasha, it didn't seem like she recognized him. "There's a family waiting room down the hall. I'll let them know you're here so they can find you when your mom is out of surgery."
Inuyasha nodded. "Thank you."
His footsteps felt heavy as he and Kagome walked to the family waiting room. They sat down near the door and began the long wait.
"I'm going to use the restroom," Kagome told him. "Do you want me to go get you a snack or a drink while I'm gone?" Inuyasha shook his head.
"I'm fine, but thanks," he replied. Kagome nodded and left to find a restroom.
Inuyasha pulled out his phone to call Miroku.
"Are you on your way home yet?" Miroku demanded as soon as he answered.
"I'm at the hospital," Inuyasha replied. He could practically see the panic on Miroku's face.
"What happened?" Miroku asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm at my mom's hospital," he replied. That was all the explanation needed.
Miroku paused. "Do you need me to come?"
Inuyasha's throat clenched for a moment. "Um...yeah. I think...I think you need to come." Inuyasha explained where he needed to come before ending the call.
He breathed a sigh of relief. I'm glad I put her in a hospital in the same town as us…
Kagome returned with two cans of soda.
"Here," she said as she handed one to him. "I know you said you didn't want anything, but I got one for later just in case."
Inuyasha took the can. "Thank you. Miroku is on his way."
Kagome paused. "That's good. I can go when he gets here. You guys probably need family time right now."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No, please stay. But only if you want, of course. I know it's a lot to ask, but…"
Kagome took his hand in hers. "I understand."
Miroku arrived shortly after and seemed surprised to see Kagome.
"Uh, hi," he greeted awkwardly. "I'm Miroku."
"Kagome," she replied.
The three waited until the doctor came out to give the news.
"She's out of surgery," he informed them. "She made it, but barely. I think it would be best if you said your goodbyes. I'm so sorry."
Inuyasha felt the burn of tears in his eyes. "Which room is she in?"
"I'll take you," the doctor said kindly.
Inuyasha glanced at Miroku. He gave him an encouraging nod.
They both knew what was about to happen.
He met Kagome's gaze for a moment before following the doctor out of the waiting room.
When they arrived at his mother's room, Inuyasha took a deep breath and entered.
His mother was laying on the bed, ghostly pale, with tons of wires and tubes coming from her.
At his arrival, she turned to the door and smiled.
"Hello, my boy," she greeted weakly. "I'm glad you're here."
"Hey, Mom," he replied waveringly. "Are you alright?"
His mother didn't respond, but she didn't need to.
Inuyasha walked over to sit in the chair next to her bed. He took her hand in both of his.
"The doctor told me…"
His voice cut off, and he knew he wouldn't be able to finish that sentence.
"Yes," his mother confirmed. "I can feel it."
Tears began to fall from Inuyasha's eyes. Had his mother been a little stronger, he knew she would be wiping his cheeks.
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha," she said sadly.
Inuyasha shook his head. "You don't need to be sorry...I'm sorry."
His mother brought her other hand to clasp his.
"You took such good care of me, my boy," she began. "You are the reason I lasted so long. I can never express how grateful I am or how much I love you."
Inuyasha sniffled. "I love you, too, Mom."
They spent their final moments in silence until his mother's eyes drifted shut.
The heart monitor began to slow. Unsure of what to do, Inuyasha began to sing "Moon Song," his mother's song.
A ghost of a smile appeared on her face as she weakly squeezed his hand.
He kept singing until the flat line appeared on the monitor. The large sign instructing her to not be resuscitated glared at him.
His mother was gone.
Tears coming harder, Inuyasha pressed the call button for the nurse. She came immediately; Inuyasha figured the doctor had warned her it could be happening soon.
He left soon after so they could do whatever it was they did with patients that had passed. Inuyasha didn't want to know, so he didn't ask. They would contact him to find out what he wanted to do next.
Next.
What do I do next?
He wiped his face and left the room to head back down to the family waiting room.
One look obviously told Miroku what happened. Inuyasha saw tears begin to fall from his eyes as he walked over to pull Inuyasha into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry," Miroku murmured. Having known Inuyasha's mom since childhood, Miroku's pain was raw. Inuyasha nodded, unable to speak.
When they let go, Inuyasha caught sight of Kagome, a look of deep understanding reflecting her eyes. She hesitated, uncertain of what to do, but she finally approached him and wrapped him in her arms.
She didn't speak; she just held him close. He felt the camaraderie in her embrace and knew she understood exactly what he was feeling.
When they parted, Inuyasha wiped his eyes.
They were at the hospital nearly the whole night. Inuyasha had countless forms to fill out and papers to sign.
It was nearing four in the morning when they were finally able to leave.
Without thinking, Inuyasha began to follow Kagome to the parking lot where she'd parked her car.
"Inuyasha?" Miroku called, breaking his stupor. "Where are you going?"
Inuyasha paused. "Oh. I...sorry, I don't…" He glanced at Miroku. "Can you give us a minute please? I'll be right there."
Miroku nodded. "I'm in parking lot B. Take your time."
When he was gone, he turned back to Kagome. "I'll walk you to your car."
Kagome agreed silently.
It was a quiet walk to her car. When they reached it, Inuyasha began to feel dread creeping in him.
He didn't want to say goodbye to her.
"Thank you again," Inuyasha said sincerely. "You're the reason I got here so fast."
Kagome shook her head. "I'm just glad we got here in time. I'm so sorry about what happened."
Inuyasha's eyes dropped to the ground. "Yeah...this was definitely an unexpected night."
As he looked back to meet her gaze, his thoughts became muddled.
A thousand thoughts ran through his mind, but they all led back to Kagome.
His head was racing, grief and surprise and something else he couldn't quite name were raging a war in him.
"I have a bit of a drive ahead of me," she said. "So...I should get going now."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. That's right, he realized. We're two hours away from the venue. It must be close to her town.
"Yikes, Kagome," he replied. "Why don't you come stay with me and Miroku for tonight? We have plenty of room. You've done so much for me...let me give you a place to stay."
She hesitated for a moment, but she soon nodded.
"Can you send me the address?" she asked. Inuyasha shook his head.
"I'll just ride with you and give you directions as we drive," he replied. He pulled out his phone to quickly text Miroku and let him know to head home.
The ride to Inuyasha's house was quiet again, aside from the occasional yawns of exhaustion.
When they arrived, Inuyasha didn't miss the way Kagome's eyes widened at the sight of his house.
It wasn't ostentatious, but it was still big.
She didn't comment on it; instead, she just followed him inside.
"I'll grab a t-shirt and shorts for you," he said as he led her to one of the guest rooms. "There's a bathroom connected to this room that you can use. It has spare toothbrushes and stuff so help yourself, okay?"
Kagome nodded. "Thanks."
"I'll be right back with some clothes," Inuyasha said as he left the room.
When he passed by Miroku's room, the other man followed him down the hall.
"Hey," he said as he watched Inuyasha enter his room and dig through his drawers to find extra clothing. "Do you need anything?"
Pulling out a random t-shirt and some basketball shorts, Inuyasha shook his head.
"No," he replied. "But thanks. I'm just gonna take these to Kagome."
Miroku eyed him. "Okay. But we're talking about the whole thing with her tomorrow, alright? I want some details, especially about that little black eye you're sporting."
Inuyasha frowned. "I have a black eye?" I guess Kagome knows how to punch.
"Details tomorrow," Miroku reminded.
Miroku left, allowing Inuyasha to quickly put on his pajamas before heading back to give Kagome the spare clothes.
He found her sitting on the bed waiting for him.
"Here you go," he said as he handed her the clothes. Kagome smiled and took them from him.
"Thank you," she replied. "Um, I'm gonna change real quick."
She disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Inuyasha uncertain about what to do. He wanted to be near her; the way she understood what he was feeling was eating him up in a scarily comforting way.
When she emerged from the bathroom, she seemed surprised to see him, but she smiled nonetheless.
She put her clothing on the empty dresser in the room before going back to the bed. "Come sit," she requested kindly. "I'll show you something that always makes me feel better."
Entranced, Inuyasha walked over to the bed and sat down on the empty spot next to her.
"Lay down," she instructed. Perplexed, Inuyasha obliged and was surprised when Kagome soon lay down next to him.
She brought up one of her hands and ran her hand through his hair.
It soothed his mind immediately as she combed through his locks with her fingers.
His eyes drifted closed as she continued.
"Okay?" she murmured.
Without opening his eyes, Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah," he mumbled back. "Thank you."
He felt himself to start to drift to sleep.
The last thing he heard was Kagome beginning to sing the opening lines of Moon Song…
o.O.o
When Inuyasha woke up, he was surprised to feel something warm under him.
He opened his eyes blearily only to realize that he was half-laying on Kagome. His head was resting on her chest, the steady beat of her heart comforting him as the previous night's events replayed in his mind.
Mom...she's really gone.
As if sensing he was awake, Kagome began to stir. In an attempt to conceal his embarrassment, Inuyasha rolled off of her before she could open her eyes.
When she finally woke up and glanced over at him, he nearly blushed. I can't believe I fell asleep in her bed!
"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."
Kagome shook her head. "It's okay. You looked really relaxed. I didn't mind."
Inuyasha smiled, still embarrassed, and sat up. "I'm gonna go get dressed and start making breakfast. Take your time getting ready."
Kagome looked at him, her gaze loaded, but Inuyasha couldn't decipher it.
He went to his room to take a quick shower and get dressed. The grief was settled deep in his heart, so he tried to allow the warm water of the shower to loosen his muscles and at least soothe his body.
When he was done, he put on sweatpants and a plain t-shirt before making his way to the kitchen. Miroku was already sitting at the small table in the breakfast nook. He was talking to someone on the phone as he munched on a piece of toast.
When he noticed Inuyasha enter, he quickly started to end the call.
"I'll need to call you back," Miroku said into the phone. "Thanks."
He hung up the phone and put it on the table beside him. "Good morning. I made eggs."
Inuyasha looked to see a crockpot with eggs in it. "Thanks," Inuyasha replied. "I'll make my famous pancakes, too."
Miroku smiled. "I figured you would want to make them. I left that job for you. Nice black eye, by the way." Inuyasha grimaced. He was hoping it wouldn't be noticeable. In all honesty, though, it was a little funny. Who knew Kagome would have such a killer punch?
Inuyasha chuckled and started pulling out the ingredients for the pancakes. As he started mixing the ingredients, Kagome came into the kitchen, dressed in her clothes from the previous night. Her long, black hair was still a little damp from her shower.
"Good morning," she greeted quietly.
"Good morning," Inuyasha replied. "I'm making pancakes. You can sit down with Miroku until they're done."
Kagome gasped. "Your eye! I didn't realize how bad it was. I'm so sorry!" Inuyasha shook his head and laughed.
"Don't worry about it," he replied sincerely. "It's actually pretty funny. Breakfast will be ready soon, so go ahead and sit down." Kagome still looked like she felt guilty, but she sat down nonetheless.
The kitchen was quiet as Inuyasha cooked, aside from the occasional clang of pans and whisks of batter. When the pancakes were done, Inuyasha brought them to the table. Miroku had already set the table, so Inuyasha didn't need to worry about that.
"Enjoy," Inuyasha said as he sat down next to Kagome at the table.
"Itadakimasu," they chorused.
Breakfast was quiet until Miroku brought up the inevitable topic.
"I've been on the phone with the funeral home this morning," Miroku said gently. "I have some options for you."
Inuyasha nodded. "Okay. We can get to that...later."
After breakfast, Kagome offered to get the dishes. As she washed them, Miroku lowered his voice to speak with Inuyasha privately.
"Why is she still here?" Miroku asked. "One-night stands aren't supposed to stay for breakfast, let alone offer to clean up afterwards."
Inuyasha frowned. "She's not a one-night stand," he retorted. "You know I'm not like that. We just...talked. There's something about her…and she really helped me out last night."
Miroku glanced at her washing the dishes. "She does seem nice. We can talk more when she leaves...which will be….when?"
Inuyasha looked down at the table. "I guess soon. We have a lot to do today." He brightened for a moment.
"Actually," he began, "I have an idea."
o.O.o
After Kagome had finished the dishes, Inuyasha shooed Miroku out of the kitchen.
"We'll be right there," he murmured.
Kagome smiled at Miroku as he left the room before turning to Inuyasha.
"Well," she began, "thanks for breakfast. I should probably get going."
"Thank you for everything," Inuyasha said sincerely. "I'll never be able to repay you for how much you helped last night."
Kagome shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I'm glad I was there to help."
Inuyasha smiled. "Can Miroku and I do something for you before you go?" Without waiting for a response, Inuyasha grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room.
He led her down to the basement where they had a wide array of instruments set up. When Inuyasha bought the house, he'd made the basement into a practice room for when he and Miroku felt nostalgic about Hex.
They'd only been down here twice in the several years they'd lived in this house.
Miroku was already there and seated at his drums as Inuyasha went over to grab his guitar and turn on the microphone.
Kagome gasped.
"This one goes out to you, Kagome," Inuyasha said into the mic. "Hex thanks you."
He strummed the first few lines of "Moon Song."
Kagome's eyes were wide during the entirety of the song. Inuyasha's fingers moved rapidly over the strings as Miroku's drumbeat kept the tempo.
How could I have ever let myself stop?
Thoughts about his mother crashed over him as he continued to play the song.
This moment. This was the beginning of his healing process.
When the song was done, Kagome clapped excitedly.
"That was amazing!" she said happily. Miroku smiled and bowed.
"I can't believe you were a fan of Hex," Miroku replied. "When's the last time someone mentioned our band?"
Inuyasha chuckled and absentmindedly strummed the guitar strings. "Last night when Kagome did." He glanced at Miroku. "Maybe we could do one more song?"
Miroku nodded, obviously surprised, but it seemed like he understood what Inuyasha was feeling.
Inuyasha began playing the cords of the first few lines of one of their songs from their album. He knew it would sound different without Sango singing, but he would do his best.
"Run away from all the silence,
There's way too much quiet.
Run in circles again and again
Until I finally take a breath and
Stop.
I'm not leaving in the morning
Without you.
The quiet won't take me,
You and me, that's how it'll be.
So don't run away."
Kagome's eyes drifted closed as Inuyasha and Miroku continued the song. "Run Away" was Inuyasha's second favorite song from Hex's album. It seemed like Kagome really enjoyed it, too.
When they were done, Kagome clapped again.
"Incredible," she breathed. "I hope you guys start making this kind of music again someday."
Inuyasha glanced at Miroku. I only have seven more months on my contract. Maybe after that…
"Eh, we'll see," Miroku replied as he put the drumsticks down and stood up from the stool. "I'm gonna head back upstairs. I'll see you guys in a bit."
He headed back upstairs, leaving Kagome and Inuyasha alone in the practice room.
"Thank you for that," Kagome said sincerely. "That was the single best way to ever thank me. I'm serious."
Inuyasha chuckled and pulled the guitar off his body. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Kagome smiled, but it soon faded. "I should go now, though. I need to get back home."
Inuyasha nodded and put the guitar in its stand before leading Kagome back up the stairs.
"I just need to grab my jewelry and phone," she said as she disappeared into the guest bedroom.
Inuyasha went to the kitchen to pack her some little snacks and a drink for the road. Miroku was waiting for him in the kitchen, as if knowing he was going to do that.
"I already packed some food for her," Miroku said as he handed Inuyasha a bag. "There's a bottle of water and a soda in there, too. She helped you a lot, Inuyasha, and I mean beyond just driving you to the hospital last night."
Inuyasha took the bag and nodded. "Yeah."
When Kagome entered the room with all of her stuff gathered, Inuyasha handed her the bag. "Here's some stuff for the road," he explained as she took it. "It's a long drive, so I'm sorry about that." Kagome smiled and took the bag.
"Thank you," she replied. "I appreciate it."
Miroku walked over to give her a hug. "Thanks for everything last night," he said as he hugged her. "We're really grateful."
Kagome squeezed him back. "No problem."
"I'll walk you out," Inuyasha said when Kagome and Miroku parted. After bidding her goodbyes to Miroku, Kagome followed Inuyasha out of the kitchen and to the front door.
When they reached her car, Kagome put the bag of snacks in the passenger side before turning to face Inuyasha.
"Well," she began, "it was nice meeting you."
Inuyasha smiled. "You, too."
They looked at each other quietly for a moment before Inuyasha moved.
His arms wrapped around her as he dropped his lips to hers.
It was sudden, unexpected, and probably a bad idea, but when Kagome's arms came up to wrap around his neck and she kissed him back with just as much fervor, Inuyasha allowed himself to melt into her.
Her kiss was calming and welcoming, the taste of toothpaste and pancakes on her tongue striking and sweet. His hands came up into her hair as he reveled in the softness of her long locks. She held him tighter.
When they finally pulled away, Inuyasha kept his arms around her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Thank you," he murmured into her hair. She didn't respond; she just held him.
Finally, Inuyasha allowed his arms to drop from around her.
Kagome looked up at him, stars shining in her eyes as she gave him a final smile.
"Bye, Inuyasha."
"Bye, Kagome."
Then she was getting in her car and driving away.
When her car had disappeared down the street, the weight of everything crashed into Inuyasha. Tears began to fall down his cheeks, and he wondered how he'd been able to keep it together for so long.
Kagome…
Mom…
Inuyasha went back into the house and straight to the bathroom. When he'd gotten himself together enough, he went to the living room and plopped down on the couch.
Apparently it was time to plan a funeral.
"Hey," Miroku greeted. "Is Kagome gone?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah."
"I liked her a lot," Miroku noted. "Will she be coming back?"
Inuyasha didn't meet his gaze. "I don't know. I don't think so."
There was something too weird about asking for her number or anything like that...maybe this was just meant to be a one-night bond.
Inuyasha changed the subject over to the funeral. It took the rest of the morning to plan it.
When they were done, Inuyasha went to the guest room to change the sheets.
Kagome had already stripped the bed and left the sheets and his clothing neatly folded on the bed. Inuyasha smiled. She's so considerate.
As he grabbed the clothes and sheets to wash, something fell off the bed and landed on Inuyasha's foot.
"Ouch!" he shouted. What the heck was that?
When he examined the floor, he couldn't help but laugh.
Kagome had left one of her massive silver bracelets. It was a simple woven pattern and exemplified the goth aesthetic. It was just a cuff, so Inuyasha figured it had fallen off when she was stripping the bed.
He smiled and put it in his pocket before taking the sheets and clothing to the laundry room.
o.O.o
One Year Later…
"I let you go,
So long ago.
I keep hoping you'll come back,
Dressed in your usual black.
Blue eyes staring me down,
Until I've forgotten how to drown.
I'm gonna find you…"
Inuyasha sang with a zeal he'd never felt.
Miroku and Sango played to their fullest extent beside him, the three of them feeling more alive than they had in years.
Sango had been the first to reach out. When the news about Inuyasha's mom got out, Sango had called him immediately. He'd asked her to come to the funeral, and she had, and they all talked. Really talked.
It had only taken a week for Miroku and Sango to get back together. That's when the plans had started.
Inuyasha took the next several months off from making music, his contract having to allow him due to his mother's death.
During that time, he grieved and he wrote. He wrote songs like he'd never written them before about everything. Miroku and Sango were right there with him, writing with him and coming up with melodies and harmonies with him.
By the time he went back to the studio, he had an entire album written.
When he pitched the album to the producers, they shut it down immediately. He'd been expecting the rejection, but he only had two more months left in his record contract. When that was up, he was out of there. He, Miroku, and Sango would find a new label to sign with as Hex.
It worked out well. A year after his mother died, Hex had recorded a brand new album and was now currently on tour. The first show had been electrifying and amazing and made Inuyasha feel so alive.
He thought about Kagome often, like when they played old songs at shows from their first album or when he played one of the many songs about her from their new album.
He kept her bracelet in his pocket at all times. It had become his lucky charm.
Miroku often asked him why he didn't try to find Kagome. Inuyasha didn't really have an answer.
So he sang for Kagome. He wrote for her. He hoped that their paths would cross again one day, but he knew it wasn't likely.
Until Hex's third show of their tour.
It was the same stadium. The same parking lot. The same stage.
For once, Inuyasha wasn't annoyed about their after-show meet-and-greet. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that Miroku and Sango were sitting next to him at the table.
Just like a year before, the last fan in line was wearing plain black jeans, chunky metal bracelets, and had long, black hair with blue eyes lined by black eyeliner.
But this time, she fit right in with the others.
A red crop top replaced the previous purple one, but the happy gleam in her eyes was the same.
"Inuyasha," Miroku whispered.
"I see her," Inuyasha whispered back.
When Kagome approached them in line, she smiled brightly at Inuyasha.
"Hi," she greeted. "I don't have anything for you to sign again. Sorry about that."
Inuyasha laughed and stood up. He walked around the table and pulled her into his arms.
"Kagome," he murmured.
"Inuyasha," she murmured back.
He held her tightly, surprised by how familiar and natural she felt.
When they released each other, Inuyasha reached in his pocket.
"I've been waiting a while to give this back to you," Inuyasha said as he handed her the bracelet.
Kagome smiled. "You keep it. It looks like you've been taking good care of it."
"Hi, Kagome," Miroku interjected.
Kagome jumped, startled after focusing solely on Inuyasha.
"Hey, Miroku," she greeted. She turned to Sango.
"You must be Sango," she said, her voice teetering the line of excitement. "Wow...I never thought I would ever get to meet you, let alone with Miroku and Inuyasha."
Sango smiled brightly. "Kagome, I've heard so much about you. You're a popular topic at our house."
"Sango!" Inuyasha hissed. Kagome just laughed.
"It's nice to meet you," Kagome replied good-naturedly.
Inuyasha took her hand. "Come on."
Kagome didn't have to ask where they were going.
Inuyasha quickly led her to the metal column from the previous year. They climbed up to the roof and got settled under the stars.
"I'm sorry I didn't reach out," Inuyasha admitted. Kagome shook her head and squeezed his hand.
"It's okay," she replied. "I'm sure there were ways I could have tried to reach out, too, but...I didn't."
"Kagome, that night," Inuyasha began, "was one I've never stopped thinking about. Everything. My mom, you, the music. It's shaped everything that's happened up until this moment."
Kagome leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"I missed you," she said.
"I missed you, too," Inuyasha replied as he buried both hands in her hair and kissed her.
Kagome responded immediately, the desire and excitement evident in the way her lips moved against his.
The stars shone brightly above them, the moon illuminating the couple on the roof of the stage.
When they pulled away to breathe, Inuyasha leaned his forehead against hers. "You know, we've been talking about maybe adding another member to the band. Another singer, maybe, preferably one that knows 'Moon Song' really well. You know of anyone?"
Kagome just laughed and nodded. "I guess I'll have to start saying 'I'm with the band' from now on, huh?"
Inuyasha smiled. "I would say you're a little more than that."
He kissed her again, reveling in her touch.
It was safe to say they had the comeback of the year.
FIN.
Thank you all for reading! I love a good goth Kagome trope *swoons* Did anyone notice that "Moon Song" has the same words from the youkai lullaby from my story The Captain and the Hanyo? Little easter egg for you guys!
Sid, I hope you enjoyed this monster :)
Much love.