Here it is folks, the final chapter! It took a while, sure, but I have been very, very busy.
"Blahblah" : speech
'Blahblah' : thoughts and sounds
Disclaimer: Since it is the last chapter, I suppose I could say it, 'sigh'. I do not own Inuyasha or Ice Cube or Mariposa. No, no… none of them belong to me. That is why they are italicized.
Forever Memories
Mumbling incoherently as she stumbled out of the shower, Kagome padded down the hall and into her room, quickly rummaging through her closet to find a suitable set of work clothes. She had been given a few days off so she could move into her new apartment. Her little vacation, however, was now over, which meant it was back to work for her.
Pulling out a pair of faded jeans and a lavender top that she had bought from the store she worked at, she slid them on and grabbed her purse, pulling out some change for the bus.
Fixing her hair and adding a light coat of lip gloss and grey eye shadow, she was off, locking the door behind her.
Both Naraku and Sesshomaru were working that day as well, so she wasn't too reluctant to leave the house. After all, it would have been frightfully boring had she stayed at home alone all day.
Folding the last stack of clothing into a neat little pile on display, Kagome smiled at a job well done, congratulating herself on how quickly she had done it.
Spotting a customer who looked as though she was in need of help, Kagome made her way to the back of the store, where a petite brunette was searching through rack after rack of clothing.
"Hello there, might I be of some assistance?"
The young girl paused in her search and smiled warmly at Kagome. Holding up a knee length, sky blue skirt, she explained, "I have to go to a dinner party later. It's semi-formal and I'm trying to find a shirt that will match this."
Remembering an adorable lacy, flowered tank top she had hung up that day, she suggested, "If you'll follow me, I think I have just what you're looking for."
Smirking as she spotted the blue eyed bitch from the club, Kagura approached the unsuspecting girl, her plan for revenge working out perfectly. Though she had not planned on seeing the whore any time soon, it seemed as though her luck was increasing.
Smiling as she waved off yet another satisfied customer, Kagome turned around only to come face to face with Kagura. Swallowing the venomous remark that threatened to surface, Kagome remembered the politeness policy and put on her best smile.
"Welcome to Mariposa, can I be of any assistance?"
Snorting, Kagura replied lazily, "Drop the act bitch, I'm in no mood for pleasantries."
Smile faltering, Kagome's brow creased ever so slightly as she asked, with as much courteous as she could muster, "Is there something you want?"
"Oh not much," Kagura explained, examining her nails, "I just came to get a hot dress for my date."
"I see… is there anything you had in mind?"
Placing her finger to her chin, she mumbled, "Oh, I don't know, perhaps a red, strappy dress; one that ends just above mid thigh. Or maybe black… Naraku always did love black you know…" Malicious grin appearing on her face, Kagura commented, "Then again I suppose you wouldn't have known that since your nothing more than a fuck buddy to him."
Face now pulled into an outraged frown, Kagome snapped, "Is that what you came here for? Or are you actually planning on buying something?"
Laughing a little, Kagura patted her on the shoulder and reassured her, "Oh, I'll buy something, so don't you fret. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity." As a confused look plastered itself on Kagome's face, Kagura's mind couldn't help but leap in elation. 'Hook… line…'
"What opportunity?"
'…and sinker,' she chanted in her head. "Why, the opportunity to let you know that you're going to end up just like all the others. Once Naraku has had his fill of you, he'll throw you out like yesterdays trash."
"I don't believe you," Kagome said evenly.
Shrugging, Kagura looked idly through the racks while answering, "Think what you want, bitch, but we both know that you don't really mean anything to Naraku… or Sesshomaru for that matter. You're just the freshest piece of meat on the block and they couldn't help but sink their claws into you. It won't be long before you realize it for yourself."
Growling, Kagome spat, "I might not be able to say exactly what I want to you at the moment, but that doesn't man that I have to stand here and take your harassment. So I'll kindly ask you to take your business elsewhere and get out of the store immediately."
Smiling, Kagura turned and exited the clothing shop, a smug smile of victory etched across her rouge painted lips.
Huffing, Kagome made her way to the till, set on counting out the days profits. 'She's lying,' Kagome assured her self, 'She's just trying to get to you, that's all!' Yet, despite Kagome's firm attitude on the subject, something at the back of her mind couldn't help but fear that, perhaps, Kagura was telling the truth.
Lowering the now counted money back into their slots, Kagome sighed internally, 'It can't be true… can it? I hope I mean more to them than that.'
Taking a peek at her watch, Kagome sighed when she found nine twenty-six staring back at her. She had been at work for ten hours that day, and it had taken its toll on her. Her surprise visit from Kagura had made her day turn sour, for it seemed that everything had just gone downhill from there on in. Not that anything particularly bad had happened afterwards, but even the smallest of things seemed to send her over the edge.
She needed a coffee.
Pressing the red button on the side of the machine, she plopped herself down at the table, fingering the rim of her cup as she waited.
Seconds later, the sound of the door opening alerted her that one of her roommates was home. Waves of black hair caught her eye, notifying her that it was Naraku.
Huffing in exasperation, Naraku settled himself at the table next to Kagome. When she flashed him a quick smile, he noticed that something was missing. The smile seemed almost… forced. Was something the matter?
"Kagome," he began, placing a hand on her shoulder, "are you feeling well?"
Sighing, she nodded her head and chuckled lightly. How could she have been so stupid as to let Kagura coax her into uncertainty?
Standing from her spot at the table, she strolled up to the percolator and turned it off, her step holding a slight bounce. Screw the coffee, she needed to get out and have some fun. Smiling genuinely at Naraku, she suggested, "Let's go dancing."
Smiling broadly as they entered the club, Kagome eyed the thrashing mass of bodies on the dance floor. Glancing back at Naraku, who grinned down at her, she thought to herself about how very dashing he looked that night. He had changed into a red dress shirt, the top few buttons left open in a casual manner. His denim jeans fit him splendidly; his muscular thighs displayed beautifully.
She had changed into a deep violet, strapless top; a pair of hoop earrings and a single, large silver bracelet were her only accessories that night. The low rider jeans she had chosen were tucked neatly into her black, pointed-toe, stiletto boots, which came up to her knees.
She had scribbled a quick note addressed to Sesshomaru before their departure, telling him their location and inviting him to join them if he wanted to.
Bounding down the stairs, the pair weaved into the writhing mass of people, clinging to one another as they began to dance. You Can Do It by Ice Cube had always been one of Kagome's favorite songs.
Hot and panting, Kagome slid into the booth, Naraku quick to follow her. Slouching back into the cushioned seat, she sighed heavily, her body tired and sore from dancing. However, she was far from finished. What she needed was a drink.
Standing abruptly, she slid between Naraku and the table... a rather snug squeeze.
Groaning as Kagome's perfect ass passed only inches from his face, he resisted the urge to reach up and cup said ass. But no… he held himself in check, trying to keep a firm hold on his slipping control.
"Do you want something to drink?" Kagome's chipper voice broke his concentration.
"A scotch on the rocks would be nice," he admitted, handing her a five dollar bill from his pocket.
Swatting his hand away, she told him, "No, no, my treat." With that she was off, swerving through the crowd toward the bar.
Snickering in glee, the red eyed woman couldn't believe her absolute luck at meeting the two of them there. 'What a delicious coincidence,' she cooed, standing swiftly and making her way toward the raven haired man who was now sitting completely alone. Not bothering to explain anything to her date, Kagura set a beeline for Naraku, her mind set on revenge.
Tapping his fingers lightly against the tabletop, Naraku huffed under his breath as he awaited Kagome's return. The person who did appear, however, was not who he expected.
Looking up when a set of thin, pale legs came into view, he sneered when he found Kagura standing before him. "What in the hell do you want, bitch?" he snarled.
"Nothing much," Kagura purred, "just a kiss." She wasted no further time in throwing herself into his lap, straddling his thighs.
Smiling as she handed the money over the counter to the bartender, Kagome turned to make her way back to the table. Snaking quickly through the crowd, she smiled when she saw Naraku across the room. She paused, though, when she saw someone else with him. More to the point, someone else on him. He was currently locking lips with none other than Kagura.
When she saw him reach up and grip her shoulders that was all the proof she needed. 'So this was her 'hot date', huh? Was this all some sick fucking joke? Well she can have him,' Kagome seethed. Dropping the two drinks, allowing their contents to spill all over the floor as the glass shattered, she turned and ran straight for the exit.
Growling as he grasped her shoulders, Naraku shoved her away, wiping his mouth in repulsion. Glaring daggers at the smug woman, he hissed, "Don't ever touch me again, slut. You disgust me!"
"Oh, right," Kagura drawled, "you have a new piece of meat, I forgot. That Kagome girl, I'm assuming she satisfies you. I mean, why else would you keep her around so long?"
Scoffing, Naraku rose to his feet, standing menacingly before the red eyed witch before him while snarling, "You know nothing, Kagura. Kagome means so much more to me than you will ever understand. Just because I tossed you aside doesn't mean I do that to every woman. Incase you forgot, the reason I left you was because you're a bitch, not because I'd had my 'sexual fill' of you."
Eyes filling with mock care, she cooed sickly, "Oh, how sweet, you really do like her, don't you? Well… it's a pity then, because she seems to be leaving in quite the hurry."
Eyes widening, he whirled around to where Kagura was looking behind him, finding Kagome running madly up the stairs.
Growling, he spun around and grabbed a handful ofKagura's hair, bringing her face dangerously close to his. "You'll regret this, skank!" Tossing her away from him, he followed after Kagome, who, by then, was probably already outside.
Sliding to a halt outside the club, Naraku swore loudly as he saw the bus driving down the street. Wasting no time, he took off as fast as he could, legs aching from their recent activity. He ignored it, however, forcing himself to run and not stop until he was home.
Sniffling as she closed the door behind her, Kagome shuffled into the kitchen, finding no one there. Scanning the living room and the hall, she found she was alone.
"Alone," she mumbled to herself, another bout of tears leaking from her eyes.
Stumbling down the hallway, she reached for her doorknob, intent on locking herself in her room. Her knees, however, decided that they would give out on her at that exact moment. Sinking to the carpeted floor with a light 'oomph', Kagome did not bother to rise, but simply lay there crying to herself, wishing she could just disappear.
That was how Sesshomaru had found her, in a shivering ball in front of her bedroom door.
Rushing to her side, he knelt down beside her and lifted her into his arms. Her first reaction was to thrash wildly, swinging her hands blindly at him.
"No, get away from me!" she wailed.
Hushing her and holding her tightly to his chest, he whispered reassuringly into her ear, "Shh, Kagome, I'm here."
Realizing who exactly was holding her, Kagome snuggled into Sesshomaru's embrace, burying her face in his suit jacket.
Once her crying had ebbed to the odd whimper, Sesshomaru ventured to ask, "What happened?"
"Kagura was right," she mumbled, "She told me but I wouldn't listen to her."
Eyebrows shooting up in confusion, Sesshomaru inquired, "What did Kagura tell you, Kagome?"
Sniffling, she answered, "That I didn't mean anything to him... to Naraku. She said that I was just another fuck buddy. She said that you felt the same way too. So you don't have to pretend anymore… I get it. If you've had your 'fill' of me then please let me be."
For a moment, he was actually at loss for something to say, and simply gazed down into her saddened face with a dumbstruck look. Finally, after his brain had fully acknowledged what she had been implying, he smiled a little and shook his head, resting his chin atop her crown. "Why on earth would you believe a word she says? You are so very important to me. And, I can assure you, Naraku feels the same way."
Eyes hardening, Kagome pulled back and spat, "Oh really? If he feels so strongly toward me then why did I catch him kissing Kagura?"
"What!" Sesshomaru questioned, a dubious look in his eye, "Are you sure it was him?"
"One hundred percent," she mumbled back.
He was stunned and enraged at the thought of his best friend doing such a thing. He was certain that Naraku felt just as strongly toward Kagome as he did. Why in the hell would he go and do something as stupid as kiss Kagura? Either way, the bastard had a whole lot of explaining to do when he got home.
At that moment, said male burst through the front door, panting like wild. Upon hearing him enter, Sesshomaru set Kagome down gently and rose to his feet, fists balling at his sides as he marched through the kitchen and into the front hall.
The second Naraku looked up, a fist connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling back against the door. Grasping his aching chin, he sent an angry and curious glance toward the offender, who happened to be his best friend. "What the hell was that for?" he growled.
"You should know, Naraku. You better have a damn good reason for what you did to Kagome," Sesshomaru fumed.
Understanding clicking in, he righted himself and asked, "Where is she?"
"She doesn't want to see you right now."
Snarling, Naraku shoved Sesshomaru aside and quickly sprinted toward her bedroom. When he turned the corner into the hall, however, he stopped dead in his tracks. There, trembling on the floor, lie Kagome.
Pain throbbed through his every pore, lacing his being with a sort of inner agony to the likes of which he had never felt. His little angel was crying.
Not wanting to frighten her, he approached slowly, reaching out to her and calling her name softly.
Hearing someone beckon her, Kagome lifted her head to find Naraku looking down at her, an apologetic look in his eyes. Pushing herself backwards until her back met the wall, she cried out, "No! Don't come near me!"
In that instant, Sesshomaru was on him again, pinning him to the wall. Allowing his friend to hold him there,Naraku stood lax against his grip and sighed, asking, "What did you see, Kagome?"
"Enough to know what was going on!" Kagome shot back.
"What did you see!" Naraku urged, "I need you to tell me honestly."
Wiping her eyes, she told him in a venomous tone, "I was coming back with the drinks and saw her kissing you. You seemed to be enjoying it enough, since I saw you grab her arms just before I left."
Exhaling heavily, he asked in a dull tone, "I don't suppose you stayed a second longer to watch me shove her away did you?"
"What?" Kagome asked cautiously.
"While you were gone," Naraku explained, "Kagura approached me and threw herself at me. I grabbed her arms so that I could push her away. After warning her to stay away from you, I tried to get to you... but the bus had just pulled away."
Snorting, Kagome hissed, "Right, so why did it take you so long to get here?"
"I didn't bother waiting for the next bus. I ran… that's why I was so exhausted when I first came through the door."
Eyes drying up a little, she rose on shaky knees and walked skeptically toward where Sesshomaru had him pinned. "You ran all the way home?" When he nodded, she averted her eyes and sniffled, "But Kagura told me that I didn't mean anything to you, and that you just used women."
"Don't ever listen to anything that dumb whore tells you, Kagome! She's nothing! She knows that you hold a place in my heart, and that's why she lied. She was trying to set us up! Think about it," Naraku exclaimed, still leaning limply against the wall.
Turning her eyes on Sesshomaru, she whispered for him to release Naraku. Then, coming to stand in front of the crimson eyed man, she asked in a quiet voice, "So you do care?"
Gently placing his hands on her arms, Naraku stared directly into her eyes as he swore, "You mean more than that to me, Kagome. I would never hurt you… ever."
Seeing the honesty shining in his eyes, Kagome threw her arms around his neck and sobbed an apology.
Stroking her hair affectionately, he placed a kiss on the crown of her head, rocking her gently back and forth.
Kagome sighed as she felt Sesshomaru's warmth engulf her from the back, his lips also planting a chaste kiss on her head.
Sighing in contentment, she simply stood there for a while, allowing them to sooth her. She had been so very gullible to let Kagura get to her. They cared about her, and she cared about them. She knew that, somewhere in the next few years, they would probably go their separate ways. Not certain as to what the future might bring, Kagome shrugged off her worries, simply basking in the present. Whatever happened in the years to come she would deal with when that time came.
She could only hope that when they did separate, that their paths would cross again. Kagome knew that, no matter what road she chose to take, that she would never forget the time she spent with them. Her heart would always hold the memories they shared.
Sesshomaru… Naraku… they were a part of her, and would remain as such forever.
Review please!
I have a few more stories coming up under the Sess/Kag pairing. Be sure to keep an eye out for Embracing Chaos, Pages of the Heart, and Redemption.
Thank you so much for your magnificent reviews. I hope to see some familiar names when I post my other stories.