On Being a Pumpkin
Disclaimer – No, no I won't go! You can't make me! (or sue me, cuz I don't own it, and I'm poor)
Chapter 6 – Can You See Me Now?
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Malls have hard floors. I don't know if you knew that or not – but take it from me. I know.
I don't really know how long I was out for. Unfortunately, Sesshoumaru was still there, but Sango was gone. And when I say Sesshoumaru was there, I mean he was there. Right there. Above my face. I was so startled that I jumped, and in true Kagome style, knocked my head against his. Oh no, I wasn't just given the title of that girl. I earn it everyday.
I managed to mumble something along the lines of sorry, but I'm not entirely certain he heard me. I was talking to my shirt instead of him, being too embarrassed to meet his eyes.
"Settle down, Kouga's gone. The mall security escorted him out."
Mall security? You mean those rent-a-cops actually do something? Bizarre. "Where's Sango?"
"Your friend? She went to get you water. She should be back soon. Are you ok?"
You know, the high school fan girl in me fainted at those words – but frankly I think she just did it to hear them again. Me on the other hand, I was just flustered. "I'm fine... really. Thanks."
Oh mighty Sesshoumaru, King of the universe, that's your cue to get out of here and let me die of embarrassment in peace. Unfortunately, the cue went unheeded. Jerk. Instead, he brushed his fingers over my arms, "Looks like you're going to have pretty bad bruises on your arm."
Did he have to do that? I mean honestly, his touch was so gentle that I swear it gave me goose bumps. Not good. I mean, I know it's not everyday that you have a gorgeous guy making sure you're ok and being all gentle, but I don't need to get all excited from just his touch. Sure, I feel like I have a million little tingles running through my arms, but it doesn't mean anything! I jerked away from his fingers to try to hold onto some of my dignity, however little was left.
He frowned at me, and for a guy who's as cool and collected as he usually is, that meant a lot. "Why are you so afraid of me? What did I ever do to you."
How do you answer that? I mean honestly, how do you answer that? I could tell he was serious, and I guess I'd feel pretty bad if I scared some random girl too... but what do I say? The truth, I guess.
"Because you're Sesshoumaru Tashio."
"And you're Kagome Higurashi, what of it?" You'd think you wouldn't have to draw out the social hierarchy to the guy who once sat at the top of it, but apparently...
But, before I could say a word, Sango returned and Sesshoumaru shot me a look that let me know that he wasn't letting me off the hook that easily. He stood and turned to Sango "You drove here?"
Oh no. No, we didn't drive here. We're losers... like we have a car! We took the Metro! Oh please, Sango – don't tell him the truth!
But, she did. Damn her.
"We took the Metro bus."
I swear I saw him smirk and I really wanted to shove it down his throat. How dare he! He really is a dick, and just when I was thinking I was wrong! DICK!! "Unacceptable. Those busses smell awful, and I'm pretty sure that she'd pass out again. I'll give both of you a ride."
Sesshoumaru drives a really nice car. What it is.... I dunno, a lot cooler than anything I'll ever own, that's for damn sure, and I know that many many times I've dreamt about him driving me home, but from the moment we left the mall and got into his car, all I felt was anger. Fiery anger, righteous anger, and it was dangerously close to spilling out all over. I was ¾ of an inch away from putting a whole new definition to 'opening up a can of whoopass'. Yeah, shake up the can and spray it all over his precious leather seats. I hope it stains too. Dick.
Predictably, he took Sango home first, leaving me hostage in his car. How is it that I find myself in these situations? I'm here, once more, totally at his mercy. Oi! You! Mind out of the gutter! Not that he'd ever want that...
"So why does my name scare you?" Well, damn it; there goes my wish for him to randomly catch amnesia. Can you catch amnesia? I don't even know. But before my ADD riddled brain could conger up an image of Sesshoumaru dressed as Huck Fin fishing for amnesia, he cleared his throat and brought me back.
"What is it that scares you? After all, what's in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell sweeter to you, Kagome?"
"Oh, so you're a rose now, huh?" That's right Kagome. Remember that can of whopass!
"Why the hell not. Tell me what your problem is."
Yup, tonight, ladies and gentleman, Mount Kagome erupted on interstate 90, causing extensive damage that was surprisingly limited to one car owned by a Sesshoumaru Tashio. More at eleven. "MY PROBLEM!?!? I don't have a problem! It's everyone else! For some unknown reason, I'm a god damned disease in that stupid school. How do you think it feels to have everyone point at you and say, 'Hey look, it's that girl. You know, she did something really stupid just an hour ago! She's such a dork.' Everyone stares, just waiting for me to do one more foolish thing, and I'm sick of it."
"You're that girl?"
Anger deflating, all I could mutter was a droll, "I see you've heard of me."
He paused, then asked "Who calls you that, Sango?"
"No."
"Is it your cousin - that pervert on the school paper – oh damn, what's his name? Miroku?"
"No."
"Kikyo?"
"Of course she does. And all of her little friends. And you too. Don't think I haven't heard you."
"Me?"
"Yes you! I've seen you stare and point, whispering things to your friends when you thought I wasn't looking. And what about that 'switched to pencils' comment?" Ha ha! Score one for Kagome! I win!
He didn't say anything. In fact, we rode the rest of the way to my house in silence. I was mildly surprised that he knew where it was without directions, but I didn't think too hard on it, I mean, he lived in the same stuffy neighborhood I did. When we finally arrived, he slid the car to neutral and put on the e-brake. Looking at me for the first time since we got in the car, he said so very softly, "I'm sorry."
I didn't expect that. Somehow, I wound up on the sidewalk up to my front door watching him drive away, his hushed apology playing in my head over and over again. Why is it that the first time I win with him, it has to feel this awful?
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Review Responses
Kwii Kwii – Thanks for the cucumbers, and yes, I soo take bribes. And no worries about that 'your own language' thing. I totally do the same thing. In fact, I have a hard time not slipping my own words into this story… yeah, I'm a dork.
Mage Raistlin – Eeee! Chocolate!! Hugs! Yeah, Kouga's scary, and I feel kinda bad about that, cuz I have a lot of love for his character, buuuuut – my story so he so has to do what I say. HA! I'll show that wily wolf demon! Glad you like the dress description – I was worried about that.
bad-girl4 – I LOVE sixteen candles. Always have, always will. It's just too sweet – and I am a sucker for the sap (he he sap sucker) Anyway – I have to confess that I don't think I'm gonna go real straight Cinderella when it comes to the ball... but that's for later.. cue evil laugh
Bluedove – Meh, I think it was twelve hours – 2 am and 2 pm, but I'm not certain. I wind up updating at the weirdest times. Like now, when I should be cleaning. F$%# cleaning! Ah… I feel better now. I'm really glad you're diggin' the story though!
Nadrim – I felt like Kagome needed some big girl balls and gave her her own pair, but I was worried how people would take it, I mean, I totally love innocent, sweet, teary Kagome too, I was afraid I was committing sacrilege or something. Glad you like it – and oh, I totally get you on the cynical/hopefulness thing. The title is a reference to Disney's Cinderella. A pumpkin gets turned into a beautiful carriage and take her to the ball. Obscure, I know, but somewhere along the twisted tale that is my life, I picked up the idea that geeky girls are pumpkins. Don't ask, I'm certifiably nuts, but Kagome is the pumpkin to me... and it's not that she turns into a carriage or anything, but she figures out something about what's within her that helps get her moving... thus the title. I thought it was clever, but re-reading my explanation, its just dumb. Ah well. Not changing it. : ) (PS – Hakuna Matata on the paint thing too, if it makes you feel any better, we could start a support group… I've done it too.)
Moonlightassasin – Yay! You're back! I'm glad it was quick enough… sorry this one was slow. Subway's trying to kill me again.
Xio the Dog Demoness – I'm pleased you gave my little tale a whirl, and ecstatic that you like it… thanks!
Dark Fox() – Oh my very goshy goodness, your review made me think of my dearly departed Eskimo. Thank you so much!! I'm glad you like my story.
Triligy – Yes, much love to the Sesshoumaru for that… poor Kouga
Sarcasm Girl8 – You know, I'm not too clear on that myself. I guess if I were to draw a parallel, it's like reading 'Catcher in the Rye'. She's telling the story through her own inner monologue, reliving something that has already happened. (Glad you like it!)
UltaAnimeFangurl2004 – Happy Birthday!!! Sixteen? That's so exciting! I hope it was great.
Lost Used Lonely Confused () - Hug Your name sounds so sad. You need some lovin. Anyway, loved your review, thanks!
Hyper Person – Sounds like you've got a lot of things going on… are you ok?
Kagome Goddess of Light – Dude – I didn't expect him to do that, and I'm supposed to be writing this thing. And on Sango – friends don't always do what's best for you, but good friends always have the best intentions.
Syrinxsong - an elated squeal pierces the air I'm so glad you like it. So many teachers have put down my writing because it was too – I dunno, something… It's nice to hear I don't suck.
Artemis347 – Glad you like it!
Peanuts() – NO! Don't do anything drastic that you might regret!!!! He, he, here's chapter 6.
Sesshoumaru's Fluff is Mine – Your name makes me mighty jealous. pouts I wish Sesshoumaru's fluff could be mine. Oh well, I still have my very own Miroku! snuggle
Carol () – I'm so very happy that you like it.
PlaterairQueen – Maybe he does…. And maybe he does… Maybe. Dunno. PS I have anime dreams all the time… my boyfriend tells me I even call out character names while I'm sleeping. Nothing dirty – at least, nothing I remember, but still, I know where your coming from.
Ilikesaddleshoes – I'm really glad you stuck with me. And thrilled to death that you like it. Thanks so much.
Rogueicephoenix – is it bad to say that this story has a moral? A lesson to be learned for all the 'that' girls and 'it' girls out there? Me, I'm a total 'that' girl, and yes power to them, that's what the story's about, kinda – it will make more sense later.
Katfay – I would. So she did. Kouga was really scary. Glad you like it though!
Shinimegami-025 – I'm glad you like it. And by the way, your name is awesome.
Miko Sorrow – I feel loved.
Tokyobabe2040 – Yay! Long time no see! A picture you say? squeal! Can it be Sesshoumaru? Pretty please?
Jenner – Yeah, my sister totally digs the demon Kagome stories, and I gotta say, with no offense meant to anyone, that they really aren't my cup of tea. Come to think of it, high school stories generally aren't either. Hmmm – where the hell did this story come from? Oh man, now I'm all confused. Well, I'm glad you like it!!!
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Holy Wow, Peoples. Thank you so much for all the lovin I found in my email this last week. You all rock.