Chapter 25: Falling
(KagPOV)
The care ride to his grandmother's house was in silence. I guess after our discussion behind the hospital kind of left us at an awkward stance. I was squirming in my seat because of the awkward silence and I had no idea what to say to break it. I felt a cool hand on my and squealed like a little girl. Naraku chuckled and said, "Stop fidgeting. You're making me more nervous then I am already."
"Okay, but why are you nervous?"
He took his hand away and placed it on his lap, taking a deep breath. "Because of my grandmother."
"Is she mad at you?"
"Yeah, she is, but that is not why I am nervous."
"Then what is it?"
"It's the fact that you are coming with me to see her."
"I thought you said she wanted to meet me."
"She does, but it's still nerve racking. The only other woman who has met my grandmother was Kikyo and my grandmother hated her with a passion. I'm just nervous to hear what she has to say about you."
"Is she that hard to impress?" He nodded his head and I bit back my lip. "I will try my hardest not to have her dislike me. Speaking of Kikyo though, have you talked to her?" Naraku's hand tensed up on the steering wheel. Did I catch him off guard by asking that question? The light ahead turned red and Naraku slowed down till the car stopped. He closed his eyes for a minute, as if he was thinking of an answer to give me. "Naraku?" When I said his name, he titled his head my direction and said softly:
"I haven't spoken to her since the night you broke up with me." Now I was quiet. "I had wanted to tell you this for the longest time, but the whole time you were gone, Kikyo was staying with me."
"What?" I could feel myself start to become angry. "Why?"
"Because she was mugged coming from a club. I was the closest, so she came to my door. I had went to your place after she showed up to tell you what happened, but you had already left with Rin."
"Why didn't you call and tell me?" Naraku just gave me this look and I looked away from him.
"You should already know the answer to that question Kagome."
"I'm sorry Naraku." The light turned green and we continued.
"During that whole week, she stayed with me till she was back on her feet. We butted heads, but I managed not to kill her. After she got everything settled, she went back home, but when you left me, I broke Kagome. Kikyo was there for me, but now, she isn't."
"Did you have sex with her?"
"What?"
"Did you fuck Kikyo?" I yelled. I was mad. I hated the fact that he became close with his ex while I was away with Rin. Did I have the right to be mad? Yes...and no... but just thought of her living with him bothered me. Naraku just made a 'heh' noise and said flatly:
"No, I did not fuck her." I felt a bit better but I still felt that there was more to the story then he was letting on, but I knew he was not going to tell me. The rest of the car ride had resumed in the silence that was there in the beginning. I didn't know what to say to Naraku and I regretted getting in the car with him. If I had known he was going to tell me this, I would have never asked to come along.
Usually silence between Naraku and I bothered him, but he seemed too deep in thought to care. I let out some air and leaned on the door of the car. "We're here." I looked out the window and let out a soft 'Wow.' The house was beautiful. It had that old Japanese feel to it and I just knew I would love the inside. We stepped out of the car and I looked across the landscape. It was huge.
"This is your grandmother's house?" Naraku nodded. "It's beautiful."
"Tell her, not me," he said rudely. I just rolled my eyes as I followed him up the stone cobble walk way to reach round dark red doors. Naraku rung the door bell and I just took in the landscape once again until I heard yelling.
"I swear Naraku, I will beat your ass as soon as I see you. Do you know how long it took me to brew that?" The locks on the door shifted and it swung open. "If you want this girl to – Naraku, who is this?" The woman that stood at the door way looked too young to be his grandmother, even though her hair was graying from it's rich black color. I wonder who she was and what girl she was referring to. She wore the traditional Japanese kimono that was black with purple flowers. I bowed and said, "Hello miss, I am Kagome –
"Kagome?"
"Uh, yes ma'am."
"Oh my goodness. Naraku, how come you didn't tell me you were bringing Kagome."
"I wanted to surprise you."
"Sure you did." She shifted onto one hip, folding her arms. "You can't fool your grandmother."
"Grandmother!" I said louder then what I meant to. I covered my mouth and Naraku laughed. "This is your grandmother Naraku?"
"Yes child, I am this bone head's grandmother. Who did you think I was?"
"I don't know. You just look too young to be his grandmother."
"Guess how old I am dear."
"Um..." I bit my lip cause I didn't want to over guess her age. "Forty-four?"
"No, I am actually seventy-six."
"You must tell me your secret to looking so young." She giggled and I couldn't help but smile. She had so much life to her for someone of her age.
"Come in, come in. I would be bad hostess if I did not have you come in for a cup of tea." She took my hand in hers and walked me inside, Naraku right behind us. And I was right, I was going to love the inside of her house. I was just falling in love with the décor. "It is so nice to finally meet you Kagome."
"Nice to meet you as well Mrs..."
"Oh please, skip the formalities. Just call me grandma."
"Oh, okay... grandma." I gave her a toothy smile and she smiled back. "Tell me, do you have any baby pictures of Naraku that I can use as blackmail?"
"Oh of course."
"Grandma!" Naraku snapped.
"Hush boy. I am still mad at you."
"Seems like you can't help but have people mad at you, huh Naraku." He just growled and sat at the couch across from the one I was about to sit in with his grandmother.
"If you do not mind, why are you two mad at each other?"
"It's nothing grandma. Don't worry about it," Naraku said before I had the chance to say anything.
"Kagome?"
"It's kind of...a personal issue."
"Oh, I see." She turned her attention to Naraku. "Does it have to do anything with Kikyo?" We both froze at the sound of her name. I was shocked at how good she guessed the problem.
"Actually, yes, it does," I said slyly. Naraku shot me a look and I just stuck my tongue at him.
"What has happened now?"
"I told her what happened while she was away. That is all."
"And what did happen... Naraku?" He let out a sigh before he told her the story he told me. "Hm, I can understand why you would be upset Kagome, but you have to understand, Naraku was going through a rough time while you were away, so Kikyo being there was kind of a replacement since you were gone."
"I guess."
"Tell me, have you met...Xiohu?"
"No, I have not. The first time I saw Naraku not being himself was the night I came back. I never met this, Xiohu, but I have seen bits of him."
"Has Xiohu been acting up Naraku, since the night you were with Kagome?"
"Actually, we had a conversation today."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't say much really. The only thing that bothered me was that he said the less I knew, the better."
"What does that mean?"
"I asked him why he was cheating, and that was his answer."
"Cheating?" They both turned their attention to me. Naraku's grandmother looked back at Naraku and asked softly:
"Does she know how you got the scar Naraku?" He nodded his head.
"I told her the story. And you know what she did, she teased me."
"What?"
"Not in a mean way," I said in my defense. "I was always fascinated with Naraku's scar since the first time I met him."
"Really?"
"Mhm. I have a scar of my own, so I know how it feels to be rejected because of it." She didn't say anything, so I continued. "I was attacked by a bear when I was younger when I was on a camping trip with my family."
"My goodness dear. It is a miracle you survived that." I nodded my head and smiled.
"Naraku, I will make you some medicine to deal with Xiohu. I will call you when it is done." Naraku nodded his head.
"We have company?" I turned my head around and saw Kanna. "Oh, hey Kagome."
"Hey Kanna. I haven't seen you in quiet some time."
"Yeah, I know. I should be back working at the restaurant soon."
"How have you been?"
"I have...been." She giggled. "You?"
"Alright."
"Good. Should I get some tea for everyone grandma?"
"Oh shoot, I forgot the tea. Do you mind helping us in the kitchen, Kagome?"
"Not at all." I got up and followed the two into the kitchen to help with whatever they asked me to do.
(END)
(NPOV)
Kagome left with my grandmother and cousin to go do what girls do in the kitchen. I just laid back on the couch and let my head hang on the back. I did not like how things were going so far. The only good part about this was that my grandmother has stopped yelling at me. I know she has not forgotten about the bottle, but I wonder if she would be able to tell how Kagome feels about me by just her aurora. I closed my eyes, just to relax a bit more. I started to drift off into my own dream land until I felt something soft rub against my cheek. I grabbed what was on my cheek and saw that it was a hand; a female hand. I traced that hand up the arm till I saw that person's face. "Kagome? I thought you were helping my grandmother and cousin."
"I came back to see you."
"You did?" She nodded her head and gave me a sweet smile. I smiled back at her as my eyes followed her steps as she came around and straddled me. I cocked an eyebrow as she made herself comfortable on my lap. "I thought you were mad at me."
"I could never stay mad at you Naraku. I love you."
"What?" Now I was wide awake. I sat up a bit and stared her deep into those brown eyes. "You...love me?" She nodded her head. I had waited so long to hear those words from her, but I refused to get too excited.
"You don't believe me?"
"I do, but it just seems so sudden that you tell me all of this."
"Oh Naraku." She rubbed the palm of her hand against my cheek before she laid her sweet lips upon mine. The kiss felt real and genuine. My arms wrapped around her waist, bringing her more against me, her chest against mine. "Mmmm."
"Kagome..." I said softly as she kissed down my neck and tickled my scar with her tongue. My breath started to quicken as she sucked on the tissue. "Mmm, Kagome. I have wanted you...for so long."
"I know baby." Her hands started to tug at my shirt again. "I want you just as bad." She nipped my ear and I lurched.
"Naraku, are you okay?" I looked around and saw Kagome, Kanna and my grandmother gazing at me. Was I on the floor? I looked around and realized that I was. So, was I dreaming? I looked up at Kagome and she had a confused look on her face. I think I was dreaming... of course. I got up from the floor and sat back on the couch. On the table were tiny sandwiches, grapes and tea. I went to grab for one but stopped when I saw them all starring at me.
"What?"
"Uh, you were talking in your sleep," Kanna said shyly.
"What did I say?"
"Well, more like you were moaning, in your sleep." I froze. "Sounded like you had a sweet dream about Kagome." Kanna giggled.
"Oh shut up Kanna." My eyes went to Kagome and she was just staring at the ground and she seemed...upset. "Are you okay Kagome –
"I'm fine," she snapped.
"What did I do to get snapped at?"
"Am I just some type of toy for you to play with?"
"What?"
"It seems that you have no feelings for me at all whatsoever. It's always sex whenever you come to think of me."
"No, it's not. I just have a lot of sex – Where is all of this coming from?"
"Forget it Naraku." She looked at my grandmother and asked, "Where is your bathroom."
"Around the corner, down the hall and to your left." Kagome stormed off to the bathroom leaving me way beyond bewildered. I looked at Kanna and grandma and said:
"What the fuck...just happened?"
"I am guessing Kagome feels that you only want her back for the sex; not for her."
"How the hell did she figure that?"
"From your sleep talk and from the stories she has told us," Kanna said as she shrugged her shoulders.
"What, exactly did she tell you?"
"That most of your encounters have been sexual, not emotional," my grandmother said.
"Did she tell you that most of them were caused by her teasing me to the point that sex was the only thing on my mind. She just can't turn this whole thing on me and make it my fault."
"Maybe she was testing you Naraku. I have no idea what is with this girl. She is very hard to read."
"What do you mean?"
"One minute her aurora was pink and then it was just a mixture of colors because her emotions were unstable. This girl does not know what she wants. She says that she is dating someone named Hojo. When she started to talk about him, her aurora was a mixture between pink and purple. I think she really does like him, but is unsure of it. When it came to you, there were too many colors to pick out. I never had this much trouble reading someone."
"So, is there a chance between her and I?"
"I... don't know, Naraku." That was not the answer I wanted to hear. Were her feelings for Hojo that much stronger than the feelings that she had for me? I couldn't believe that. As much as it seemed that she hated him, she liked him more then me...maybe even loved him? No. I was not going to give up on Kagome just because of that slight chance. I was going to prove to her that she was not just a 'sex object' to me. I did have feelings for her and I was going to let her see that. Kagome came back from the bathroom, looking a bit flustered. Did she piss herself off more while she was in the bathroom? "Were you able to find the bathroom okay?"
"Yes, I was."
"Kagome, can I speak with you for a minute?"
"No."
"Please?" She turned her attention to me and just shrugged her shoulders. I stood up and reached my hand out to her. She looked at it but didn't take it. I sighed and started to head for the Zen garden. Reaching the garden, I closed the door behind us so no one would hear what I had to say. "Now, why are you so mad at me?"
"Because you do not care about me at all."
"What makes you think I don't? And do not give me that whole 'sex object' tidbit because you know that is not true."
"How is it not?"
"Have you forgotten that most of those situations, you have started?" She just looked at me. Bingo. "So why don't you tell me what's really up."
"Your grandmother told me the real reason why you came after me."
"What are you talking about?"
"She told me about the story behind the sword that you were cut by." Why the fuck did my grandmother tell her the story. "Why didn't you tell me about the story Naraku?" She asked as she folded her arms across her chest. "You're just using me, aren't you."
"No, I'm not –
"Then what is it Naraku? Why didn't you tell me the truth? Did you think I wouldn't agree to it?"
"Yes, I did. If I told you the truth, would you have really agreed to be with me for three months to gain your love?"
"No, I wouldn't have."
"So why do you think I lied. I knew if I told you the truth, you would have never gave me another chance. I really do care for you Kagome." I took her hands in mine and squeezed them tightly. "You have no idea how much you mean to me."
"Apparently not enough to tell me the truth."
"Kagome are you even listening to yourself? You just told me if I did tell you the truth, you would have not given me a second chance."
"Tell me Naraku, would you have come after me if you didn't have this demon inside of you to get rid of?"
"Yes, I would have. Why would I not come after a woman I lo... like so much. If I never cared about you, I wouldn't have broke like I did when you left me."
"I don't like to be lied to Naraku."
"I'm sorry. Please, forgive me."
"I do, but now, it will be harder for me to fall for you."
"Why?"
"Because the bit of me that was falling for you, is gone now." I felt my heart start to ache. Kagome was close to being in love with me, but my grandmother just had to tell her the truth. Her hands slipped from mine as she started to walk away from me. "And forget about dinner tonight. I don't feel well."
"Bullshit. If you don't want to see me, just say so Kagome."
"Okay. I don't want to see you for the rest of the night Naraku. Honestly, after tonight, I want to pretend that we never knew each other."
"Why?"
"So it will make it easier for you."
"How will it make it easier for me?"
"Just pretend that I am the girl that has caught your eye and that you want to be yours so badly. Let's just start from the beginning and see where it goes from there."
"But..."
"Either you take it, or I will never speak to you again."
"Fine," I sighed heavily. "I am willing to do anything to have you back."
"Gladly noted." Kagome closed her eyes as she sighed softly. She stuck her hand out at me and gave me a sweet smile. "Hi, my name is Kagome Higurashi."
I took her hand softly in mine and shook it. "H-hi. I am Naraku Taka."
"Nice to meet you, Naraku."
"Nice...to meet you too, Kagome."
"Now, do you mind taking me home."
"Uh, sure." I pointed her the way back inside the house and shook my head lightly. This was going to be very hard on me. Since Kagome was going to make this hard, I knew Xiohu was going to win this battle. I probably should give up, but I wouldn't without a fight. "Hey, Grandma, we're going to head out."
"Oh why dear, you just got here."
"You should know the answer to that," I said with anger.
"She had the right to know."
"Yeah, and you just made me lose the bit of love I had from her." Something lit up behind her eyes and I knew my grandmother didn't know. She was truly sorry, but I would be the one sorry if Xiohu won. "I will see you another time."
"I'm sorry Naraku." I just shook my head. She gave me a tender hug and I returned it. "I believe you can do it again. Don't lose hope," she whispered in my ear. She let me go and hugged Kagome. "It was nice meeting you Kagome."
"You too." Kagome and I walked out the door and headed to my car. I didn't like this, not one bit. The more I thought about it, the harder it just seemed in my head. I wanted Kagome to be with me, but now I was having a second guess on it.
Don't doubt yourself Naraku.
"Onigumo, get out of my head."
How can I when I can feel how you are feeling right now.
"Sorry, I just don't know what to do."
"Who are you talking to, Naraku?" Kagome asked as she turned back to look at me.
"Oh, my brother."
She stared at me for a moment and said, "You're not on your phone though."
"It's a twin thing." She just shrugged her shoulders and continued onto my car.
Maybe we should continue this conversation later?
No, I need some advice now. I don't know what to do about Kagome anymore Onigumo. Grandma told her the truth.
Why did she do that?
Either she was trying to help or getting me back for breaking that bottle, but because of that, Kagome had lost the bit of love that she had for me.
So, she was falling for you.
Yes, but now since she knows the truth and thinks that I am using her just to get rid of Xiohu, it's going to be harder to have her fall in love with me. I don't have much time left.
You'll get her. If you had her once, you'll get her again.
That's easy for you to say since you already have Kaguya. You have nothing to worry about. Your demon is happy; mine isn't. To make it even worse, Kagome wants us to start over...from scratch.
Ouch.
I unlocked my car and got in, Kagome sliding into the passenger seat. I revved up the engine and started to drive back home.
I don't know how she can sit here next to me and pretend that she does not know me at all. It's bothering the hell out of me.
Naraku...are you in love with Kagome?
What? No, I am not.
It seems like it to me. You usually don't let stuff like this get to you, especially from a girl.
I'm not in love with her.
You're lucky that the myth works for the girl to be in love with you and not both ways.
What are you saying?
Just cause one woman hurt you does not mean Kagome will. For all you know, she could be testing you.
You don't understand Onigumo. Grandma said that when Kagome talked about Hojo, her aurora was pink and purple. But when it came to me...grandma couldn't even pick out any colors cause it was all jumbled. To me, it means that I have to fight against Hojo to gain her heart. Maybe he wasn't lying when he said he had her heart already. Fuck.
Just don't give up.
Goodbye Naraku, hello Xiohu.
Stop it Naraku.
"Naraku!"
"What!" I snapped at Kagome.
"You just passed the place. And don't get all snappy with me. I haven't done anything to you."
"Heh, yes you have," I mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Nothing at all," I said softly. I made a U-Turn at the light and pulled into the parking lot. I turned the engine off and just sat there. I could feel Kagome's eyes on me. "You can go ahead up, I have to go to the restaurant."
"Okay. Thank you for the ride Naraku." She got out and closed the door behind her. I watched her in the rear-view mirror, hoping that she would look back. She didn't. Instead, what I saw was Hojo come down the stairs, grab and kiss her...tenderly. She didn't even fight back. She kissed him back My eyes started to become watery. Why was she doing this to me. Why was I feeling this way over her. I started my engine again and sped off once I had my car in drive. I couldn't stand to see her kissing the guy I had to compete with to win her back. I didn't care if I ran a red light or got into an accident. As long as I didn't have to see that, I would be happy, but yet one tear managed to escape my eye.
(END)