On Being a Pumpkin
Disclaimer – I really wish I didn't have to say this all the time.
Chapter 11 – The Wreckoning (Epilogue)
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So I suppose you're going to be a teacher about this and asked me what I learned from all this, aren't you? Well Ducky, if you don't know that by now, you weren't paying much attention, now were you?
I guess in closing, I should tell you what's going on now, huh? Alright, fair enough. I mean, I've given you a rather detailed look into my past… why not see what came out of it? So here I sit in my cell of a dorm room (convinced that the walls are slowly getting closer to me) staring at my computer. To reread it all makes me laugh – even at the sad bits. I think I'm strange, but leaving high school will do that to you. All the things that mattered just don't anymore. I don't think I've used the term that girl since I was eighteen, and now I sit here, a full twenty years old.
I'm just teasing you now, aren't I? Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Do you remember the assignment? I don't know if you so or not, in all the excitement that went on, but just in case you do, here's how it went. I told my story. Mine and Sesshoumaru's story. In song. It's not like I broadcasted exactly what it was about – but the theme was still there. I know I saw Sesshoumaru smiling when I gave it, which lead me to believe I got a fairly decent grade.
First and foremost, what did I say to Sesshoumaru the fateful night of the ball? Are you retarded? Of course I loved him, I still do! In fact, in a few minutes he's taking me out to dinner at Mc Donald's to celebrate our third anniversary. Yeah, that night was precisely three years ago, and while our time together hasn't been perfect, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I guess that kinda sounds funny, doesn't it? Going to Mc Donald's for a third anniversary… but you know what happened. Sesshoumaru chose me, and he chose to not marry. His parents made good on their threat of disinheritance if he didn't follow family tradition and we're both poor college students. It's difficult to balance everything – working and class, but we manage – if it is only to collapse onto bed and just hold each other at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, things aren't bleak and his parents really do love him. Not as big a contradiction as it sounds, I promise. They were angry at him for his abandonment of their family ways and didn't speak to each other for quite a while, but Inuyasha was the savior of the day there.
Yeah, you heard me, Inuyasha.
I guess I haven't spoken about him so much, but a little bit of fill in doesn't hurt now does it? He's still a prick, don't get me wrong, but he's a good guy underneath it all. I hated him back in high school for who he was with Kikyo and how he treated me… but after the ball, that all changed.
Imagine this, your girlfriend of three years attends your brother's engagement ball in the hopes of marrying him – and you never even knew she planned on attending. So there she stands (complete with big purple bruise on her cheek) trying to look her best while scanning the crowd with a predatory look in her eyes. Inuyasha told me himself that it was over then. He really did love her, even if the affection wasn't returned and that night his heart broke. Poor Inu.
Anyway, they say time heals all wounds, and it certainly did that for Inuyasha and myself. You know damn well that Koto wasn't happy with me for 'getting' Sesshoumaru and ruining everything for Kikyo. And Kikyo blamed me for her losing her shot at Sesshoumaru, and the 'safety net' that was Inuyasha. Can you believe she actually called him that? Heartless bitch. I'm beginning to think that Kaede meant Kikyo when she talked about people who came close to being just a bitch. She's damn close. Inuyasha stood by his brother for his choice, and was kind to me, even though it was awkward at the beginning. The Brothers Golden became my family, as Kaede and I became Sesshoumaru's family. I cried when Inuyasha graduated – I'd miss him, but he joined his brother at Macalester, admonishing me and Kaede to "Hurry your asses up so I don't have to miss you too long."
So back to my point, Inuyasha was the one to prod his parents into re-opening the lines of communication to Sesshoumaru, and I'll admit, he had my help getting Sesshou to talk to them. Things are slowly getting better – getting better all the time, and I think that soon the Tashios will be a complete family soon. That's my happy thought.
Oh wait, get this – Miroku and Sango? Engaged. Yeah. Engaged. Granted, Sango was pissed at me for a while for outing her like that, but she forgave me real quick. They're cute together, and it warms my heart. Sure, I don't get my entertainment like I used to, you know, watching those to mope over each other, but the warm fuzzies I get from seeing them together now more than makes up for it.
Speaking of entertainment… you ought to see what happens when Kaede and Inuyasha are in the room together. That's funny. Aloof Kaede finally had some one reach her, and Inuyasha's potty mouth is rather subdued when she's around. She even drags his sorry ass back to the orphanage when we go home to visit. It's cute, and I'm sure one day I'll walk into the dorm we share to see them kissing – until that day, I just laugh.
I suppose you want to know what happened to Kikyo –eh? Well, as I shared with you earlier, my father, while rich, did not have a limitless amount of money and Koto and Kikyo spent through it all. Apparently, some rich guy named Naraku bought the house and set Koto and Kikyo up as maids in his service. I know it's a cosmic expression of karma – but honestly, I feel bad for them. He's not a nice guy and that is not a small house. But they could leave if they really wanted to. Between you, me, and the keyboard, I think Koto's got the idea in Kikyo's head to aim for marrying Naraku. Shudder. I'm glad I'm out of there.
As for my favorite orange blur and my sign from God – they're good. And friends. God, that's funny. Silent little Rin has become a motor mouth under the influence of the indomitable Shippo. I hear tell that they give the people who run the place hell on a daily basis, and I am so proud. All I can do is laugh and cheer them on. "Stick it to them while you can! You're still to cute for them to get mad at you!"
As fun as this has all been though, I think I have to run. Well – I know I have to run. Inuyasha's pounding on my door, yelling something about his brother demanding to see me. I told you that I loved them both, right? Inuyasha is my brother, and Sesshoumaru – well, he's the love of my life. That doesn't mean that I don't still call them a prick and a dick. Something's never change – not that I'd want them to.
I know that when I open that door, I'll see him smirking at me in his smug little way, hinting about my anniversary present. Little does he know that I already found the credit card slip in one of Sesshou's pockets. I know what's in store for me, and I already know that the answer's yes. So I'll be wrapping things up, 'cuz I'm pretty sure you'll understand – I've got a prince charming to go see… and princesses never leave them waiting – even weird ones like me.
The End
I started this chapter long before I got any reviews for the 10th chapter, and I found a lot of the reviews mirrored the questions Kagome is answering. I did not mean for her tone to be insulting to anyone who asked these questions, if anything I want to hug you all for playing right along with the story. Thank you so much, and I'm sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings.
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Review Responses
Moonlightassasin – But sappiness is good!
Miko Sorrow – Hmm, sequel eh? You got any ideas? I'd love to hear them!
Bittersweet-memory – oh, there will be more s/k from me, don't doubt it. Oh, and you're welcome for the giggles ; )
Hyper person – yeah it would, and although this is the end, I have more plot bunnies yipping in my head for S/K.
Dargen Eyez – If you are, say it loud and say it proud! I am!
Artemis 347 – Yeah, I had like three friends in high school, but just you wait, college rocks. And being a bookworm isn't bad. I'm one too (we that girls of the internet should start a club… either that or a support group)
Skybluesunshine – Yeah, I hate waiting for updates too, so try to be fast, but I get all worn out from chores and work and then die… but I try!
Cidre7 – Well thank you very much!
Crimsonbetrayal – Yeah, I figured if Sesshoumaru was gonna fall for her, it was gonna be then… glad you liked it.
Space lilly – I'm super touched, and I think I'm gonna take a mosey peek at your stories, if you don't mind.
Shinimegami-025 – Yeah, I'll admit it, I was being harsh with the build up and everything, and I totally meant for her to go to the ball and meet him and it was going to be all like cute and stuff, but the chapter got away from me, and I'm glad it did… it's better this way.
What?Why?Shutup – Romagical! I love it – that will be my word of the day. Glad you liked it.
Fushigionnainahoodedcloak – God, if I butchered that, I'm sorry, anyway – how could anyone say no?
Moonlightprincess - Salutes Yes Ma'am
Rainxbow – It makes me happy to hear that. Thanks.
Tsuki Yume – No not at all! High school was designed to be ranted about. And I'm glad you liked the twist. And no – responses are going no where. I love doing them too much.
Spdsgirl – Thanks… I'm glad you liked the walk down memory lane.
Mizuriosnow – Unfortunately yes, but I never stay silent for too long… there will be another story.
Startlighter S-14 – Thanks so much! I'm glad you think its cute!
Otakumuses – Well, I put the last chapter on, like I said before, if anyone has an idea for a sequel, let me know.
Angie – thank you for all the loving you left in my email box! I'm really glad you like my little tale! And yes, that was my longest chapter.
Eddyday – Yeah, it was hurried, but I was trying to capture the idea that Kagome was telling the story to you. I was afraid that if I dallied too long, I'd lose that.
Chewie518 – Would you be angered to know that this is the end? Cuz if you are, I'm really sorry.
Icerenamarie – Thank you!
Kaminari-chan1 - Yay! A carebear! hugs thanks so much!
Hakusho009 – Nope, Kagome's just paranoid.
Nadrim - Hey, no worries about the puppy thing. I happen to like it, I only wish I could take credit for it. I'm just really glad the story all makes sense and ties in for you. And yes, that was Jaken – I just didn't have an opportunity to announce it - I didn't think there was a reason for him to introduce himself to Kagome. I hope that this last chapter ties up some of the loose ends for you – and like I said above, I've been sitting on this chapter, so if Kagome's tone comes across insulting, I don't mean it to be… oh, and by the way – your reviews to every chapter (or nearly every chapter, I'm too lazy to check) have been a god send, thanks so much!
Mishii Kawaii – Thanks! I tried.
Kagome Goddess of Light – and here I was all worried that no one would like the change, but I'm glad you did – thanks.
Silver Queen – Ok, that time I couldn't resist, but never fear, the last chapter is here!
AKA Hummer – Yeah, I know it's cliché, but I'm glad you like it and it worked out well. Thank you.
Don't Eat Yellow Snow – Yeah, I just had to revisit the whole dick thing again. I couldn't resist.
Platerair Queen – Aww, you always leave me such nice love for this story, I could never be fussy about when you update. It is all good. And since this is the last chapter, you get a special thank you for always leaving such nice long reviews. I totally appreciate them. Thank you so much!
Silverdrop – Ack! Sorry it took so long! Here ya go! Hides in shame of her laziness.
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The Soundtrack to my escape (and Kagome's project):
Chapter 1 – Loser by Beck
Chapter 2 – Rebel, Rebel by David Bowie
Chapter 3 – People Are Strange by The Doors
Chapter 4 – Medication by Garbage
Chapter 5 - Thursday's Child by David Bowie
Chapter 6 – Clowns by T.A.T.U
Chapter 7 – How Soon Is Now By T.A.T.U.
Chapter 8 – My Way by either Frank Sinatra or Limp Bizkit (either works)
Chapter 9 – Just Communication : Gundam Wing Theme Song
Chapter 10 – Let's Dance by David Bowie
Chapter 11 – The Wreckoning by Boomkat
(I'm a huge David Bowie fan – can you tell?)
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One last time – Thank you to all my lovely reviewers… you don't know how much your support has meant to me.