On Being a Pumpkin
Disclaimer – me no ownie.
Chapter 9: Just Communication ()
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Ok – more like twenty hours, thirty three minutes, and somewhere between 18 and 21 seconds. I'm still screwed.
I spent the night at Sango's to go through her closet and try to find something – anything that could work, but it was to no avail. She was too tall and I looked like I was playing dress-up in my mother's clothes. Not exactly how I wanted to face Sesshoumaru – I'm sure you can understand that. We also tried the mall, but it was already taken. Stupid me had to go buy the perfect dress and destroy it right before she needed it. Oh yeah, I'd kick my own ass if I could. None of the other dresses could even compare, and the three of us (for some reason Miroku just had to tag along – huh, some reason, riiiiight. SANGO!!!!!!!) just conceded defeat.
So there we were, collapsed on Sango's couch staring at some movie on the tube. I think it's called 'If the Shoe Fits', but I'm not sure. I am sure though, that right now, I can't take anymore eighties sappy chick flicks. Particularly ones like this – cheap Cinderella knock-offs. Like that shit happens in real life. Bah. YOU'RE GIVING HOPE TO THE HOPELESS!!! Stop it, that's just cruel.
Taking my mind off of the crap on television, I took a trip through la-la land. Of course Sango's words from earlier came racing through my brain – I was powerless to stop them. Could you if you found out that the guy you were head over heels for (yes, I've finally come to the point where I can openly admit it – er openly to you, no one else) held you when you passed out… AND COULD POSSIBLY LIKE YOU TOO??!?!! Would you be able to forget? I didn't think so. So there I sat, weighing my options. Tonight – Sesshoumaru would pick a bride, and while I was pretty certain that I wasn't ready for marriage (oh hell no), the last thing I wanted was my chance gone before I could try. Did I want to get married in order to have that chance? No. But I didn't want to give it up. Not yet. Yeah, it was hopeless.
When the main female character in the movie finally kissed her love interest, I'd had enough. I grabbed the remote and clicked it off. Damn it, if I don't get to be happy, no one does – fictional character or no. Suck that, T.V.
Yeah, Sango didn't like that much. "Hey, I was watching that!"
"I'm not in the mood to 'do' happy right now."
"Well I'm not in the mood to do grouchy Kagome!"
"It's easy for you to be happy, it's not like Miroku's going to get engaged tonight and leave you in the dust without a chance to tell him how you feel!"
Ha! Deal with that! I know, I'm evil, I just outted my best friend to her crush, but seriously, it's about time. They've been mooning over each other since puberty struck. After about five minutes of watching Miroku do an outstanding impression of a fish and Sango doing a great tomato, I decided to depart. With an evil sense of satisfaction, I noted that my work was done.
'Course, that didn't solve my problems at all. Nope. Not one iota. Iota – what a cool word. Anyway… yeah, Kagome's still got problems. I started trekking the way back to my house. And of course, I got lost in my thoughts again. Replaying every ounce of contact I'd ever had with Sesshoumaru, I guess it might have been possible that he liked me. I mean it would explain the staring and – well everything else, like why he was so concerned about me being afraid of him. God, I've been blind.
But – the darker side of me crowed – you're still a that girl, and the only time the that girl gets her man is in movies. Why would the guy who was king of his high school want the girl not worthy enough to kiss his feet?
Bleakly, I was torn between wondering what that side of me was doing during Kaede's talk, and wondering why I was trying to delude my self. It was frustrating – 'cuz either way I played it, I still had no idea where I stood. The last thing I wanted was to look the fool one more time – but if I had a chance, I wanted to seize it. Grr. Life sucks. All I wanted was a sign. Come on, God, give Kagome a sign!!
I heard the blare of a car horn, and it wrenched me from my thoughts so fast it would make your head spin. Convinced that some horrible driver was about to put an end to my short, miserable existence, I froze. Yeah, it seemed that natural selection was finally going to remove my dumb ass from the gene pool. The human race has a chance. (Ooh, bitterness.)
But it seemed I was once again overreacting. Turns out that it was just Kaede, and that made me smile.
Have I ever told you about Kaede's car? Yes? No? Well, if I haven't, here it goes. It's like a 1982 Buick something or other, cranky, noisy and absolutely hideous, but she loved it. Due to its rather unusual shade of orange, she called it the Pumpkin Bomber and treasured it like it was one of the kids at the orphanage. How it got orange, I have no idea. I'm pretty sure that its previous owner ate paint chips as a child and thought it was a good idea. But, like I said, Kaede loved it. Who was I to complain?
Anyway, she pulled along the curb and motioned me inside – yay!! A ride!! How novel!! And just when my feet (and head) were starting to hurt, too.
I climbed in the back, apparently some precious little girl already called shot gun. Twisting in her seat, she stared at me with wide brown eyes. It was getting a little unnerving, particularly when she didn't say anything after I introduced myself, but once again, it was Kaede-the-awkwardness-killer to the rescue.
"Rin, Kagome is my sister… Kagome, this is Rin – she's new to the orphanage just this week."
I nodded and it all clicked in my head. I knew from my time working at the orphanage that it was common for some kids to not talk after a traumatic experience, and it was just heart wrenching. Then my brain caught up with what Kaede had said – her sister. God, that made me feel good.
But apparently, Kaede wasn't done, and I quickly came to the impression that I'd just walked into an ambush – er, sat in it… whatever. "She's friends with Sesshoumaru."
Rin's eyes got wider, a feet I had previously believed impossible, and I heard her timid voice say, "You're Sesshoumaru-sama's Kagome?"
And my entire train of thought derailed… just like that. I think I couldn't have managed above a few guttural sounds of surprise after a comment like that.
But I didn't have to, because she continued on. "He likes you." Not wordy – but then again, all that was going through my head was "buh, buh, buh, buh, buh."
Kaede smiled rather evilly at me in her rearview window (yeah, I caught that, you wench.) "It's kinda been Sesshoumaru's mission to get Rin to open up to everyone at the orphanage… I guess he talked about himself a bit."
Oh, she knew… Kaede is evil. So, so, so evil. Who knew?
"He's sad."
My eyes went back to Rin's (which had thankfully retreated to a more believable size) and I managed a weak, "Why?"
Her nose scrunched adorably, as if she didn't quite grasp what was going on, but she answered anyway. "He's having a party… and he doesn't wanna go. If he doesn't though, his parents don't want him anymore."
QUE??!?! "Kaede? What?"
Her smile disappeared, "If he doesn't pick a bride at tonight's ball, he's getting disowned. Apparently it's a family tradition, stretching back until the Stone Age or something."
"And you know this how?"
Damn it, the smirk's back, "Do you think that you're the only person I go around dispensing pearls of wisdom to?"
Alright, hold the god damned phone just one minute. When did Kaede get close enough to Sesshoumaru to have heart to hearts with him? To say I was jealous was putting it lightly.
"Are you going to the party, Kagome?" Rin again.
I sighed, "I can't go, Rin. My dress got ruined… plus, I think Sesshoumaru's angry with me."
She stared at me again, that unnerving stare of a child who does not speak much and said, "He told me that he wants you to."
Yes, I'll admit it; I was desperate enough to ask God for a sign on what to do, but a six year old child? Did it have to be a six year old child? It was just creepy hearing all this from her.
"I like Sesshoumaru-sama. He's very nice to me and I want him to be happy. He sounds so sad when he talks about you or the party. I don't want him to be sad anymore."
You know, through this whole episode, I've never really thought about what Sesshoumaru thought about this whole thing. I'd imagine I'd be a bit pissed, 'course, Koto doesn't care enough about me to say who I have to marry. I've been so caught up in my own reaction that I'd never considered his. God, that must suck.
"Will you go?"
Ah yes, the question of the hour. Thanks, Rin.
We sat in silence for a while, and vaguely I wondered how it could take so long to just drive two miles – less than, I'd been walking, but my attention was centered on Sesshoumaru – you know, like it had been since he walked back into my life.
"You ought to go, Kagome." Kaede now! This really is an ambush! Me, young, marriage bad, no dress!!! What's a girl supposed to do to get a break around here?
Fortunately, we finally arrived at the house. Bringing the Pumpkin bomber to a shuddering stop, Kaede climbed out and helped Rin out. Turning to me she smiled in a strange, muted way and said in her usual cryptic way, "I thought I already told you that a person can never be just one thing. Remember that you are an entire picture… you are Kagome, and no titles, dresses, or words can change that. And you better make up your mind quick – the ball's in a few hours." She tossed me the keys to the Bomber and smiled. "Make the right choice."
God, I love Kaede.
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Review Responses
UltaAnimeFangurl2004 – Yeah, me either. I got it on the second try. And no worries about the reviews… I'll go review you over and over again to put you to a hundred if I have to. ()
Kagome Goddess of Light – Yeah, I was not happy with the length of that chapter, but I liked the content, so I stopped putzing with it. Glad you liked it too!
Mage Raistlin – Chocolate!!! Yay! Yeah, it's time that she got empowered. I was borderline whiney crying Kagome, and I really don't think that's fair to her character.
Rogueicephoenix – I think that anger gets the best of everyone once in a while. You're addicted? What happens when the story ends? I'll feel guilty if you go into withdrawal or something… I may have to make this the everlasting story for your health! ()
Sesshyangel – No, you're not an airhead, I am. I was the one that missed your question like three chapters in a row. (I still feel awful about it) Anyway, it was the feeling that you described that I was aiming for with that quote. You just said it better than Eleanor did, I guess.
Carol – Yeah, everyone liked the Kikyo slap. Guess I should have done that sooner. Thanks!
Samanda Hime-sama – Oh, his socks will be knocked off if I have anything to do with it… but it may not be what everyone is expecting. Please don't hurt me.
Dragen Eyez – Yeah, it can be evil, but I really enjoyed mine… (150 hours tutoring Public Speaking for 2 years… 200 Badger Girls… endless amounts of other tutoring and an outreach program between my high school and middle school. I didn't have much of a social life in high school.) I'm glad you like my lil' story!
Kooky – Of course Sesshoumaru has fairy tale in him!! He's dreamy! He has to… it's a law, you know. Sigh anime characters shouldn't be allowed to be so hot.
Lavenderlily – LOL, patience is a virtue, but it's also highly overrated. I hope this came soon enough for you. Yeah… I may not have had a lot of friends in high school, but the ones I did have were good ones… I wish I still lived close to them. tear PS Thanks so much about the title. I thought I was being damn clever too. I'm glad I'm not alone.
Puppet Heart – Oh my!! That's a mighty fine review you left me. I wish I had something graceful and wonderful to reply to that with – I mean, you deserve it after that, but I've been rendered speechless. I'm thrilled you like my story!
Blue Dove – Truth to be told, I was attacked by a vicious plot bunny when I started this story that wanted me to write another tale, but I'm a little nervous doing it… I mean – its serious. Like unfunny. I dunno if I can pull it off. Would you read it if I tried? It is sess x kag.
Triligy – I knew I should have used the mice!! (j/k) Sorry you had to wait so long – I hope you enjoy this.
Angellike Riddle – Score!!! I was hoping that that was what I was getting across – Kagome the a-typical Cinderella, but I wasn't sure. I mean it all makes sense in my head, but writing it wrong would ruin it. I'm glad I didn't.
Moonlightassasin – Your reviews always make me so happy. I'm glad you like it, I just hope you won't kill me about that whole dress thing… I've got plans for her.
Sanosuke Hidane – Improvise! That's what she'll do – I hope.
Chuujitsu – Thank you… sorry about the wait!
Hyper person – Be careful with that squishing spiders thing… it makes it rain, you know. Huck Finn told me that. Thanks for reviewing.
Twilightsuzuka8890 – Sorry you had to wait so long. I feel really guilty about how long I sat on updating. Stupid real life always interfering.
Pandaburr- Good gum… never let the hyper-ness wear off! It's entirely too much fun! Thanks for all the love.
Kawaii inu ears – I can only try. Sorry about the shortness.
Mary773 – Thanks!
Nadrim – Well, her stepsisters did a great job of wrecking the dress in Disney's version, and that whole last minute can't go - no dress thing I liked. So I ruined the dress… with Kagome's help… And I have been so freaked about the characters. I mean, none of them have done anything that you see in other fics – Sango hasn't slapped Miroku once, Kagome never sat Inuyasha, and Kaede doesn't use her 'ye's' . I was afraid I was gonna piss people off. I'm glad I got Kagome right.
Sirinxsong – I'M NOT ALONE!!! Yay! And it may not have been what I described, but that's exactly what imagined. You know, that's my definition of true love right there, when your significant other lets you drool on them in your sleep and still holds you… sigh so cute.
Platerair Queen – Yeah – I figured that this fic didn't have enough mushiness for a fairy tale and had Sesshoumaru catch her. God, he's so great. If only he were real…
Mizuorosnow – Cinderella similarities entirely on purpose. I'd never seen a Cinderella fic with these two, and I figured it was long overdue.
Shinimegami-025 – Yeah, she would look good in that dress. It's a great dress – I love it. Anyway… thanks for reviewing, I hope you like this chapter too (lots of mini-rants)
Urakih - Wow – what an awesome compliment. I'm really touched. And about the talent or cynicism thing, I think it's a little of column A and a little of column B. High school wasn't a pinic for me.
Sarcasm Girl8 – Sorry it took so long, I didn't mean to make you wait… I hope you forgive me.
Alynxkia – I'm so sorry, but the dress had to go. Please forgive me! And yes, I couldn't resist hitting Kikyo. Bitch deserves it. Grr. Anyway, at first I was going to have Sango do it, but this chapter ran away from me and it appears Kaede will be the fair god mother.
Waterdragonmaster – Oh yes, Kikyo will be bruised at the ball. Time for her to look stupid too. Sorry about the shortness, I tried to make this one longer.
Sessy-sama lover – I think everyone wants to be held by Sesshoumaru. He's too dreamy!
Bad-girl4 – Yeah, this sorty is from a that girl going out to all the others. I'm glad you like it!
Artemis347 – Yeah Sango was kinda naughty, but its for Kagome's own good!! Don't worry about when you review – I'm just pleased that you like this enough to respond. Thank you so much.
SkyBlueSunShine – Yeah, this is not a typical Cinderella story – at least, I hope its not… Anyway, glad you like it.
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Thank you to all my lovely reviews and everyone whose reading. You are all my personal heroes!