Chapter 26: New Beginnings
(NPOV)
Arriving at the restaurant, I just sat in my car, my head resting on the steering wheel. I tried my hardest not to cry, but the tears just rolled down my cheeks. I hadn't cried over Kagome in awhile. All of my emotions that I was holding in were coming out in tears. Weeping silently, I started to think of ways of how I could get Kagome back; to have her in my arms once again as mine. If my grandmother never told her the truth, I wouldn't be in this situation, but things happen for a reason. Maybe with the truth in the light, Kagome will come to me easier.
Heh, that is what you think. Kagome...will never love you.
"Shut up Xiohu!"
Hahaha. In the end, I will be victor Naraku. Just give up. You don't have much time left.
He was right. I had no idea how much time I did have, but I was not going to give up just because she lost the bit of love for me. I was going to go all the way.
Good luck with that... Naraku.
I didn't hear from Xiohu after that. I banged my head on the steering wheel a few times to wake myself up. Win or lose, I was not going to go down without a fight. I felt something trickle down my forehead as I started to get out of my car. I pressed my fingers gently to my head and came back with blood. I guess I hit my head too hard. Heh. I locked up the car and headed into the restaurant. As I walked in, I could feel people eyes on me as I headed towards the back. Was the wound that big for everyone to look at me? I just shrugged it off and closed the door behind me. I went up to the mirror and noticed that the wound was pretty big. "Well damn." I went through the emergency kit and pulled out some wipes and a bandage. Cleaning up the wound, it stung a bit. My mind started to drift off to Kagome as I patched up my wound, wishing that she was the one doing this, blowing on the wound and kissing it gently as she covered it up. I closed my eyes as I moved my bangs over it so no one would notice. Nodding my head, I walked back out into the restaurant and went behind the bar to start work.
The day was long. Kagome had came in, but like she said, we would pretend that we didn't know each other. She went about her rounds and I did what I did at the bar; make good drinks and flirt with the customers. As I was sweet talking one of the customers, I saw Hojo walk in through the doors. What was he doing here? Kagome was working till we closed and it was only seven fifteen. We made eye contact and he gave me the most cocky smile that bastard could give me. He was lucky we were busy or I would have given him a piece of my mind. And as if he knew what I was thinking, he came right up to the bar and took a seat that was right in front of me, with that same smile on his face. I wanted to punch him out.
"Hello Na-Raku," he said mockingly.
"You know, I do have the 'right to not serve anyone,' so just press it asshole and you will be out of here in a second."
"Woah now, calm down. I came here as a customer."
"Bullshit."
"Well, maybe not for the bar, but to eat."
"Did you come here hoping to have Kagome serve you?"
"Actually, yes, but I came here to talk to you first until she sees me, since it looks like she is busy."
"What the fuck do you want."
"Someone is feisty." Dammit! Why did he have to come when we were busy. "I just wanted to tell you a little something."
"Which is what."
"Kagome and I finally did it," he said with a smug look.
"Did what?"
"Fucked." I froze and just looked at him. "Yeah, you heard me. She just seemed so happy to see me when she came back. We had sex right before she came to work. And you know what, we're gonna fuck again when she comes home. I hope we won't be too loud for you –
I just snapped. My hand shot for his throat, my fingers encircling tightly over that tender muscles. Squeezing his vocal cords, I enjoyed hearing him gasping for air. The fear in his eyes was very overwhelming but I just didn't give a fuck. We started to catch people's attention as I hopped over the bar in a smooth fluid motion and dragged him, by his throat, out of the restaurant. I could hear the whispers as we exited out of the door, running footsteps right behind us. I threw him on the ground and refrained myself from kicking him in the stomach, though he deserved it. Kagome ran up to him, screaming as he struggled to catch air.
"Naraku, what the fuck is your problem?"
"You know this fucker?"
"What?" Kagome just looked at me with confusion until she finally caught on. "This is my boyfriend, Hojo. What did he do wrong for you to just throw him out like this?"
"Why don't you ask him. I don't appreciate people coming into my place and starting shit that they can't finish. Just cause I am the boss doesn't mean I won't touch you," I said directly to him. "If I ever catch you near here again, I won't be as nice."
"Nice? It looked like you almost ripped his throat out Naraku," Onigumo said from behind me.
"Hojo, what did you say to my boss?"
"N-Nothing. J-Just that w-we f-fucked."
"That's why you threw him out? Cause he told you we fucked?" She said with an unflattering look on her face.
Was this bitch serious? I just shook my head and couldn't help but cock a smile. "I really do not care what my employees do on their own time, but when their so called 'lovers' come into their workplace and just start bothering other people about their business, it becomes my business. My brother and I are running a damn good restaurant and I do not need people like him upsetting my customers. He had his warning, but he just kept going on about it till I just had enough." I could feel something inside me stir. Fuck, I knew it was Xiohu by the feeling. He was enjoying my anger and I knew my brother sense it too cause he placed his hand on my shoulder and said:
"Calm down Naraku. He isn't worth it."
"Damn right he isn't." My eyes went from Kagome then to Hojo. "I don't know what kind of man you are to just go and brag about your sex life to people, but Kagome doesn't deserve that shit. She is a sweet girl and I know she can do better."
"Like she would ever want you."
"I never said me, you suggested that on your own." With that, I just smiled and went back inside, leaving Kagome to deal with her mess. I could hear her yelling at him and the smile on my face just grew bigger.
The place started to wind down and we only had about three customers left at the bar. All the rest of the waiters left expect for Kagome and five others who were wiping down the tables and straightening up the chairs. I gave my last three customers their goodbyes as I cleaned up the glasses and waved off the rest of the workers. I thought I was alone till I heard a chair behind me scoot back. I looked over my shoulder and saw Kagome, leaning on the bar table, her hands underneath her chin.
"Why are you still here?" I asked as I turned my attention back to the glass, my back to her.
"I'm sorry about Hojo. I don't know what his problem is. And I am also sorry that I snapped at you for what he said. I wasn't thinking."
"It's fine. Just as long as I never see his face around here again, there will be no issue."
"Thank you."
"I will see tomorrow then."
"Actually, I was wondering if you could take me home." I stopped drying the glass that was already dried. I stacked it in the rack and threw the towel under the sink. I turned to her and leaned on the table, her moving back in the seat. "I know, it's a big favor that I am asking of you regarding what happened today."
"Why can't Hojo take you?"
"Of course he got mad at me and went back home, telling me to find my own way back. He acts like he owns my place and he is only living with me for awhile."
"You don't need to be with a man like that Kagome, you know that."
"Heh, are you telling me this as my boss or as someone –
"Your boss." That shut her up. She wanted to do this 'restarting' thing, but it seemed I was the only one living up to that. I could see something shift in her eyes and I was wondering what she was thinking, but I knew not to ask. "I'll take you home, but you are driving," I said as I walked from behind the bar.
"But, you know I can't drive."
"No, actually, I didn't." I watched as she bit her lip. "It's just driving. You'll do fine." I headed towards the back, her right behind me.
"Come on, don't do this to me."
"How else do you expect to get home then? The only way you will is if you drive."
"Narakuuuuu."
"Ah ah, no getting out of this." I grabbed what I needed and started to head out. "Come on now." She rolled her eyes and I just smiled. "You act like driving is going to kill you."
"In your car, yes."
"Why?"
"Because it's such a nice car. I was lucky I didn't crash it the first time."
"You drove my car before?" She just gave me a look and I shrugged my shoulders.
"You act like you don't remember anything."
"What am I supposed to remember Kagome? I have only known you for a day." She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it. "Something wrong?"
"N-No. Just didn't think this would backfire on me."
"What is backfiring on you?"
"N-Nothing."
"Okay, well, here are the keys." I picked up her hand and dropped the keys in her palm. "And the rest is on you."
"Thanks." She unlocked the doors and we stepped inside. She took several deeps breaths before she placed the key in the ignition and started the car. She put her seat belt on, checked the mirrors, put the car in drive and we were off.
The conversation in the car was very simple. It seemed 'pretending' not to remember what we did before was bothering her. I found it very funny since she wanted us to start over. But overall, her driving had gotten better. She pulled into the complex and parked far away from any cars. When she turned off the engine, I couldn't help but laugh. "What is so funny?" She asked as she got out the car and handed me back my keys.
"You. You act like your life depended on every turn."
"Cause it did." I just laughed some more. "Stop laughing at me." Kagome started to punch my side, which only made me laugh some more.
"Woah now, no tinkling the boss."
"I had no idea you were ticklish Naraku."
"Of course you wouldn't. The only people who do are the ones I date."
"We dated and I never knew."
"I'm confused, when did we date?"
"Will you stop it!" She yelled, causing the smile from my face to fall. "I really hate this Naraku."
"Hate what?"
"This, what you are doing. It's pissing me off."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"You know what, just forget it – ahh!" Kagome's foot caught on the back tire and she started to fall, but I managed to catch her before she hit the ground by her waist. "Oh...my..."
"You okay Kagome? You are not hurt, are you?" She just shook her head. I helped her back on her feet and let her go. She looked away from me, her cheeks flushing really hard. I didn't understand why she was blushing. Nothing happened.
"I never noticed before, but your eyes are really pretty mixed between lilac and crimson."
"Thank you, though I don't like them very much."
"Why is that?"
"It's not...me... you know." We headed towards the stairs and started to walk up them.
"You know, this is...kind of nice."
"What is?"
"Just talking to you. We've never...I mean, getting to know my boss better is nice."
"I am a pretty cool guy once you get to know me."
"Mind if I do?"
"Not at all Kagome." I gave her a sweet smile and her face flushed beet red. "Are you okay? Your face is turning red."
"Y-Yea, I am fine." She tucked back her hair behind her ear. "I think I need to get a haircut."
"Why is that? It looks fine."
"Just don't want to remind someone of their ex."
"Ah, you look like an ex of Hojo's."
"Y-Yeah. I will most likely get it cut tomorrow, before I start looking too much like her again."
"I doubt you guys look that much a like."
"Why do you say that."
"Cause there is no girl who looks like you. You are one in a million and Hojo is blind if he thinks you look like his ex."
"Haha, you're right." We laughed together till we reached her door. "Thanks for the driving lesson Naraku."
"No problem. I will see you at work tomorrow." I waved her off and headed for my door.
"Uh, wait, Naraku?" I stopped in my foot steps to feel her grab my hand. She squeezed it gently before letting it go. "Do you wanna go out sometimes?"
"What is this? An employee asking out her boss?" I teased.
"Just as friends, nothing more."
"Sounds nice, but for now, the answer is no. I have too much going on right now."
"Oh, okay. When you do have free time..."
"I will let you know." I gave her a sweet smile and she smiled back softly. "See you later, Kagome." I watched Kagome unlock her door and walk inside before I headed towards my place. As I was rounding the corner, I slumped against the wall and clenched at my chest. I was having trouble breathing and I didn't know why.
Oh Naraku, I am getting stronger...by the minute...
"A-Are you doing this to me?"
Yes, I am. Your heart is soon going to start beating for me.
"I won't let that happen."
You have no choice.
"Kagome, will fall in love with me."
You still think that? Hmph, you have more guts then I realized. No matter...you won't win.
"Go suck on a dick."
If I do, it will be you doing it as well.
Xiohu left me at that, laughing as he went back into his hide away. He was really starting to piss me off more then what I was with him. How come he couldn't be like Onigumo's demon. He is the oldest, why did I get stuck with Xiohu? Hmmm, I shouldn't be thinking that way; not about my brother. I ruffled up my hair, putting my key in the door and letting myself in to feel that I was not alone. Was I not going to have a good night. "Who's there?"
"Calm down Naraku, it's me." The lights went on and I saw Onigumo and Kanna standing in the living room.
"What are you guys doing here?"
"I still live here you know," Onigumo said with a smile on his face.
"Yeah, but you are hardly ever here."
"Just cause I stay with Kaguya every now and then, doesn't mean I still don't pay half of the rent."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
"I tagged along with Onigumo to come here and give you this," Kanna said as she handed me a thermos. "Grandma said to drink this as soon as we saw you. So, drink up."
I looked at the big thermos in my hand. "All of it?"
"Every last drop." I just shrugged my shoulders, twisted the top off and chugged down the bitter sweet drink. I managed to drink the whole thing by not upsetting my stomach. "Now that, that's done, I have some bad news."
"What is that?"
"The Uyt Sword started to glow around seven fifteen. We have no idea as into why."
"I have an idea," I said calmly as I walked over to the couch and sat down. "Hojo came into the bar and pissed me off. I felt something inside me snap, so that probably caused the sword to glow."
"That could be it. The tea grandma made is supposed to lock and calm down Xiohu for awhile, so you shouldn't have any more problems."
"Hopefully. I mean, aside from me maybe losing myself, having Xiohu has had its advantages. I have never felt so much energy before."
"Just be careful Naraku. We don't need you to side with Xiohu and let him win on purpose."
"Come on Kanna, you know me better then that to just give in so easily."
"I'm just worried about you." I got up from the couch and wrapped my arms around my cousin, causing her to go stiff in my arms. "Don't."
"Kanna, I love you, and you know I would never leave you." Kanna clutched onto my shirt and started to cry into my chest. Onigumo came from behind her and wrapped his arms around us.
"I swear baby brother, if you leave us, I'll..."
"Now, I don't need you to start crying on me you big baby." I gave him a toothy grin and he just cocked a smile. I felt Kanna giggle against me and I was glad that she was laughing now.
"Hey," she said as she wiggled from between us. "Why don't we sleep together like we used to when we were younger."
"Like having another one of those slumber parties you would make us do?" Onigumo asked. She nodded her head and he started to crack up. "As long as I don't have to wear a gown again, sure."
"Great," she said with a smile on her face. "Naraku?"
"Of course, but we're sleeping in Onigumo's bed."
"Why my bed?"
"Cause it's bigger than mine." He growled. "Alright then, let's get ready for bed."
I crawled into the left side of the bed as Onigumo crawled on the right and Kanna down the middle. We hadn't slept together since we were kids, but it was nice to sleep with them again. As always, Kanna cuddled against me, leaving Onigumo alone.
"Why do you always snuggle against Naraku, Kanna."
"Cause he smells nicer." I laughed.
"Is that really it? We smell the same."
"Well, then cause he is more comfy."
"Come on you two, no fighting," I chuckled. "Share the love Kanna."
"Oh, alright." Kanna smiled and cuddled against Onigumo as well. "Goodnight you guys."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." I gave Kanna a gentle kiss on the forehead to reassure her that everything was going to be alright. In a matter of minutes, Kanna was out like a light, but Onigumo and I were still wide awake.
"Are you worried?"
"Of course I am. It's hard knowing that two people are tearing me up inside."
"It seemed that Kagome is coming around. I don't think she can stay mad at you for long."
"Or keep her half of the bargain she made. Every time she mentioned something of our past, it upset her that I didn't 'remember.'"
"What did she expect?"
"I have no idea. But in a way, like you said, she is coming around. She even asked me out on a date."
"So when is it?"
"I didn't agree."
"What, why?"
"Because I want to chase her and make sure to let her know that I do have feelings for her; that I just don't want her sexually."
"I hope you can win her over in time."
"I think I will. I am not giving up."
"That's my brother." The two of us drifted off to sleep with that conversation of ours and I felt that things were really starting to look up for me.
(END)