Hello? Hello? Is there anyone out there that is still reading this...? =(((
Well, if there is, I would like to apologize for this completely out of order delay! I wasn't really expecting to take this long to update so I'm really, really sorry!
Just to list some of the causes of this delay:
- I managed to be transferred back home, so that I could finish my studies in my hometown! That alone took me all the month of July to prepare to apply for my transference, and the results only came out in August! =(
- I went on vacation and spent the whole month of August with no Internet! =( (Luckily I still know how to write with pen and paper!, so I made progresses in my stories!)
- Meanwhile, classes restarted again and, after a few confusions, I was finally able to get Internet once again!
So here I am, back again with two new chapters of this story. Sorry to keep you guys waiting but I will try to make it up to you. =)
And, despite knowing I don't deserve them… can I have some reviews?
Enjoy!
Chapter 6 - Confrontation with Kikyo
- Kagome Higurashi. Who would have thought that you'd ever made out of college and get a job as a nurse?
- I graduate the same year you did, Kikyo, in case you don't remember…
- It's Dr. Kikyo, to you. In case you haven't noticed I'm a doctor. – Kikyo said, pointing to herself in the process.
- And I'm a nurse, so it's Miss Kagome to you. And if you demand respect, well then… you better start respecting me as well. You well know that I have what it takes to take you down, if you try your games on me… - Kagome said, dangerously politely. The nurses around her were looking at her surprised.
- You two know each other? – asked Kaede, surprised by the fact.
- We've met. – said Kikyo without averting her gaze from Kagome's who hold it.
- We were college graduates at the same year. – said Kagome.
- Nothing I would like to remember.
- The feeling is mutual.
- Girls! – said Jakotsu, who had already had a pretty good idea what kind of woman Kikyo was, by the few words exchanged in front of him. – I'd love to watch girls fight, but honestly I don't believe that's the best idea right now… Kagome, dear…
- Shut it, receptionist. No one had asked for your opinion!
- Don't you dare talk to him like that! You have no right to act like you're better than anyone else here! – said Kagome, raising her tune of voice.
- Oh, God! Please! Still siding with the weaklings, are we? Speaking of weaklings… how's Sango, by the way? Still mourning after her brother's demise? Or is she still being hunted down by that stupid Miroku, pretending she's hard to get?
Kagome had to control herself not to jump on her and hurt her hard. Kohaku, Sango's younger brother had been killed in a traffic accident when Sango was studying with her at college. Her friend had gone through a lot of complicated moments of mourning to overcome her loss. Miroku had been essential in her recuperation, and they were planning on calling Kohaku to one of the twins if one of them was a boy (they didn't know yet, they wanted it to be a surprise!). Suddenly, Kagome's eyes were drawn to Kikyo's left hand: she wasn't wearing any kind of ring on it. Did that mean…?
- I don't really think who you believe you are, but you can't talk about people you barely know like that, much less mock their suffering… - said Jakotsu, now pissed off at the girl.
- Oh, please. As if I would like to know her any better. I live healthier if I have nothing to do with lesser people….
- Why you…
- Sango's pretty well. – Kagome said with a smirk, interrupting Jakotsu's angry speech and leaving him surprised, as everyone was, with her composed self and with the mocking smirk appearing on her face. – She and Miroku got married three years ago and she's pregnant now. Of twins.
- Something seemed to snap at Kikyo, since she suddenly seemed very still.
- Is she? – she asked, coldly.
- Yeah. She's pretty happy… and how are you?
- I'm fine. I mean, Inuyasha and I are pretty fine, actually. He received a huge proposal to come back, but we'll be returning to the US in two years. We only came back for him not to miss this chance and to get married! – she announced, trying to sound happy. Yet, for Kagome something sounded off.
- Really? Well then, good for you. Still, took you quite some time, wasn't it?
- What? – she snapped angrily, all the pretended happiness fading from her face at once.
- Well, I'm just saying that Inuyasha left college saying he was going to marry you, that he was crazy for you… and after 5years you guys are finally settling down and yet… you're still wearing no ring… what happened? Did you two decided to postpone or… did you grow iceberg? – Kagome said, while Jakotsu and the others tried to hold their laughter.
- Inuyasha and I don't need a ring to be compromised to each other…
- You just can't stop amazing me, Kikyo… - continued Kagome. – Before, all you could ever think about was Inuyasha's fortune, his house, his cars and everything more… don't tell me he didn't even gave you a ring to commemorate your engagement?
- Of course he did! I simply don't wear it every day; it might get stolen by the likes of you…
- Sorry girl, you must be seeing wrong. I haven't stolen anything from anyone… but why are you implying I might steal anything? Have you developed a conscience now…? It's a bit late for that, dear…
- INUYASHA IS MINE! – the other one suddenly shouted, turning livid, what merely spiked Kagome's curiosity. What was really happening with Kikyo?
- Dear, dear Kikyo. Are you feeling guilty about anything? You should confess, they say it's good for your soul. If you have one that is… - mocked Kagome.
Once again there were muffled laughter around her and she couldn't help but smirk. Kikyo stepped forward, in Kagome's direction who also stepped forward, not a bit intimidated by her posture:
- This is merely a warning. You have no idea who you're dealing with… it would be wise not to wake the sleeping lion because you'd have no idea how hungry he could be! I can do you great damage…
- Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. But then, let me warn you too, Kikyo. – she said, being extra careful in spelling each of the words as clearly and calmly as possible. – Bring it on! But this time, don't mine people around me and come straight at me. I'm right here, and I would take you on anytime. I don't care if you have big friends at the top or if the Devil himself is your father: this time I can't and I won't back down. I won't lose to you anymore because truly, there's nothing more that you can take from me to bring me greater damage than the one you've already brought me…
It was Kikyo's turn to smirk:
- Glad to see you still have good memories from our college days…
- One day, Kikyo… one day your own lies will turn against you. And I'll pity you then, you bet I will.
Kagome turned to leave, followed by Jakotsu, leaving a bunch of stunned nurses, a confused Kaede and a "ready to explode" Kikyo. Slowly after her leaving, the group of nurses got back to work as Kaede left with Kikyo to another place.
Kagome walked till the laundry room and closed the door, paying no mind to Jakotsu who entered shortly after her.
- Dear, that was… Kagome? – he asked, concerned as she coiled around herself, placed a towel against her mouth and let out a muffled scream, followed by the most excruciating tears Jakotsu had ever seen someone cry.
He came near her, worried, but Kagome simply kept on crying, which scared him the most since she simply wasn't the kind of person to weep in vain. Jakotsu quickly thought what he could do to calm her and, having an idea, he left the laundry in a hurried pace.
Alone with her mind, Kagome released all the locked up frustration, anger and sadness that she had kept for years inside her. She cried, and cried, angry with Kikyo and with herself too, for not being able to let go completely of the past. She should have already been over what happened…
Minutes after, Jakotsu, followed by Rin, appeared at the door and the young gynecologist was taken aback by Kagome's state.
- Kagome…
- I didn't know what else I could do… Thank God you were working!
- What happened to leave her like this?
- That stupid bitch… she said something that I couldn't understand clearly but she was certainly someone who hurt Kagome deeply in the past.
- Who?
- Dr. Kikyo Hoshiomi. – he said, mocking with her name.
- Kikyo was here? – said Rin, suddenly worried and coming upon Kagome's sobbing form.
- Yeah. They seemed to know each other so they argued and Kagome was divine, facing her and standing up for all of us. She even protected me! But then, when she came this way she collapsed in here, crying… and she's not the kind of person that cries for nothing!
- I know. You can go now, she'll be fine. I'll take care of her now…
- Perhaps I should tell Kaede she's not feeling well… I mean, she can't work like that!
- Tell Kaede she's in no condition to work today and that I'm taking her home with me. I was on the night shift so I've finished for today. Tell her I'll explain everything to her, as soon as I can. Or perhaps Kagome will, if she feels strong enough.
- Ok, Rin. Take good care of her.
- I will. Once again, thanks for taking care of her. And for letting me know.
Jakotsu kissed Kagome's head, as she kept on weeping. After he left, Kagome lifted her head, suddenly seeming aware that there was someone beside her, and said in the middle of sobs:
- R… Rin?
- Yeah, I'm here.
- Can you stay? I could really use a friend now…
Rin smiled and sat beside her, making her lean on her shoulder to weep freely. She didn't knew how long they stayed like that, however, when Kagome seemed to calm down, Rin made her got up and told her:
- Now you listen to me. We're going home now…
- No…
- Yes. You'll have a bath and I'll prepare you something to eat. And then we'll talk and after our conversation you'll rest. Is that clear?
- No… I want to be alone… I don't need anything…
- Kagome? I'm not giving you any option… I am giving you an order! So move your lazy butt, get yourself together and let's go! - said Rin, pushing her towards the outside.
They exited the hospital and arrived home shortly after. Kagome did as she was told, so she went to take a bath as Rin prepared them a snack.
Kagome ended up falling asleep in the couch, after eating and Rin took the chance to sleep too, also in the couch. When both awoke, hours later, Kagome made tea and told Rin everything that had happened with Kikyo.
- That stupid cow… she's still the same…
- She hasn't changed a bit. She told me they were staying for two years and then they'd go back…
- Two years? – repeated Rin, surprised.
- Yeah, something about Inuyasha getting a big chance of work here and them getting married here. Isn't that wonderful? – Kagome asked, scornful, as she sipped her tea.
- Marriage? You gotta be kidding me!
- Why? They are engaged so it's normal, isn't it?
- I just don't believe Inuyasha hasn't opened his eyes yet!
- Inuyasha is completely blind by her spells! There's nothing we could do back then and I won't do anything this time to make him wake up!
- Kagome, can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't feel like it…
- Sure, go ahead.
- Your concern about Inuyasha and Kikyo's return… is simply because of Hiroyuki, isn't it? I mean, you've already passed your "Inuyasha's stage", right?
Kagome didn't answer for a while, the question turning around and spinning once and again in her head. Rin gulped hard as she waited for her friends answer.
- Inuyasha hurt me deeply, by letting himself get trapped on Kikyo's lies. He didn't trust our friendship or in me, and he despised both as if they were nothing more than luggage. He is nothing more than Hiroyuki's father now, to me…
But Rin knew her friend too well. She knew when Kagome was desperately trying to sound composed and fine, or even when she desperately wanted to make a lie come true… like now.
Kagome's eyes still kept the warm glow that Inuyasha's name pronounced could cause. No matter how hard she tried, he was still inside her heart and her mind…
Hours later, when both friends were caught up in the conversation, Miroku appeared along with Hiroyuki, who quickly jumped into her mother's arms.
- Miroku? How did you…?
- Rin called me after you fell asleep, asking me if I could pick up this little guy.
- Thank you so much… I honestly was in no condition to pick him up.
At the same time, Kagome's phone started ringing and she went to answer it.
- Hello?
- Hello. Is this Kagome Higurashi's residence?
- Yes, who is this? – she asked. She was under the impression she had already heard that voice before.
- It's Kouga, Kouga Nomura. You still remember me? – he said, almost sounding afraid. Kagome recalled the tall blue eyed man from the previous day.
- Quite well, Mr. Kouga. What I don't recall is giving you my phone number…
- Ah, sorry about that… I have my contacts… - he said, trying to sound a bit pretentious.
- Not funny… - she said, trying to hide her laughter.
- Ok, I know. It's weird. That I'm weird is possibly what you're thinking right now about me. I just… I mean I went to the hospital today. Did you get my flowers?
- Yes, I did. They were beautiful… - she said, smiling a little. Kouga must have noticed, because his voice suddenly became full of confidence. At the sofa, Rin raised her eyebrows in surprise, while Miroku listened attentively and tried to keep Hiroyuki from making too much noise.
- Yeah, I was the one who picked them up.
- You?
- Yeah. At the florists shop. – he said, while she laughed. - She said that roses are the best cure for a broken heart…
- Oh, I see. Cupid's medicine didn't work?
- More or less… I believe that I've got the point of the arrow buried deep inside me…
- Such flatteries… you still haven't told me why you're calling at this hour or why and who gave you my number.
- I suppose you're not handing them around frequently, then.
- You suppose correctly. So, who gave it?
- Your peculiar friend, one named Jakotsu, who works at the reception… you know him, right?
Kagome made a mental note to kill Jakotsu next time she saw him.
- Yeah, I know him…
- Right. So I went to the hospital this afternoon and he told me you were not feeling well and you'd gone home with a friend. So I asked him your number so that I could call you and know if you were ok.
- …
- Are you mad? If you are I honestly won't call this number ever again and I'll wait until you give it to me personally.
- What makes you think I'm going to give it to you again?
- … Nothing. But we still have that coffee on waiting so… I'm hoping…
Kagome smiled, honestly and said:
- You are forgiven for today. And you can keep it. After all, it was Jakotsu's fault for giving you my number without asking.
- Really?
- Really. You might need it for our coffee.
- Great! When can it be? Are you free tomorrow? We could go out and have dinner and…
- Kouga…
- Yes?
- You haven't forgotten I'm a single mother, have you?
- No, why?
- Then why are you asking me out for dinner, - Rin took a sharp intake of breath while Miroku looked astonished. Hiroyuki turned to his mother, also listening. – if you know I have a son back at home? We had agreed it was merely a coffee, and you're already…
- Okay! Okay! I give up! Coffee it is…
- Thank you… - she seemed to think for a while, biting her lower lip and then said. – Maybe if you're free, we could have lunch tomorrow…?
There was no answer from the other side and Kagome regretted immediately saying that. Rin and Miroku weren't averting their gaze from her, surprised by her sudden initiative.
- I'M FREE! I'M TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY FREE! There is no one else more free than me! – he shouted, although he seemed too much shocked to answer properly.
- Glad to hear it. – she said, wincing and sighing in relief and trying to hold up the laughter. – Where do we meet?
- I'll pick you up.
- No. I'm not working tomorrow, so I'm staying home. But it's better that we'll meet anywhere else…
- Okay, if you're okay with it. Do you know where the "Rome" is?
- Yes, it's one of my favorites.
- Are you serious? I eat there almost all the time! Why haven't I seen you there?
- Perhaps you didn't notice…
- Impossible. – he said, sure of himself. She blushed.
- I'll ask Tony to reserve us a table. He's the owner and he knows me since I was little. At 12h? – Kagome said, trying not to laugh.
- Fine by me.
- Ok. So, see you tomorrow.
- Sure. I'm looking forward to it!
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight…
Kagome hang up and turned around only to meet her son's curious gaze.
- Mom?
- Yes, dear?
- You're happy. What happened?
Kagome smiled as she picked him up and kissed him.
- Mom got a good phone call from a friend, that's all. What about you? Did you have a good day at school?
- Yeah! We made pottery with clay.
- Don't tell me. Is that why you seem darker than normal?
- I'm ditry?
- Dirty. - Kagome corrected patiently as she placed him in the ground. He was getting too heavy for her arms. – You'll need a bath later but for now, why don't you go and play with your toys inside for a while?
- Ok.
Kagome watched him go and then turned to face an awestruck Rin and a grinning Miroku.
- So, our little Kagome has a date…
- Miroku!
- What? You said it yourself…
- Don't start, I barely know him…
- But you're having lunch with him.
- Yes and nothing more than that.
- Is he the one who sent the flowers, this Kouga? – Miroku asked once more, as he grinned.
- How do you…?
- I heard the name and saw the card. Didn't take long… - he said pointing towards the flowers over the table.
- Stupid! You had no right to… well, you shouldn't! – she said, as he gave her a look that clearly said "They were turned towards me!"
- Kagome, can you please explain me who is he? How did you meet him? There's no Kouga working at the Shikon, is there? – Rin asked Miroku who answered negatively.
- He's not working at the Shikon. We met yesterday, since he was one of the injured cops I took care of. He's a wolf youkai and very polite.
- And how did he have your number?
- Well, Jakotsu gave it to him. He wanted to know how I was…
- Sure, sure… - laughed Miroku. – After all these years, Kagome Higurashi goes on a date again… you still remember how you do it, right?
- Stop mocking, Miroku! Not everyone is married and is going to have kids! Us, common mortals have to date before finding our soul mate…
After a few moments of talk, Rin and Miroku left and Kagome prepared herself to give bath to Hiroyuki.
Well, what did you guys thought? Comment, please!