Sorry for the delay. I like to be about one chapter ahead, so I had a lot of writing to do lol. Thank you for all of the people who are following my story. It means a lot to me! Don't forget to read and review.
Kagome went through the rest of her school day in a happy daze. Excited to stay over at someone's house. Kagome wondered if Sango had a mother who cooked for her at night and asked her about her day. Or if she had a dad who would do anything to protect her. Kagome wondered if Sango's house had a cozy feeling, filled with a lot of history and things that the family held dear. Kagome couldn't help but wonder what she had been missing out on all her life, what other people were experiencing everyday. The day drug on, as Kagome did creative writing assignments and took a history test she honestly didn't know she had. She could feel her classmates eyes on her and she felt self conscious all day, wishing she had taken more time to get dressed that morning. She ate lunch alone, since none of her friends shared her lunch. She didn't mind though. She ate under the tree she found her first day of school and read a book. And though the sky was covered in dark clouds Kagome couldn't help but soak up the peace that this place offered. It had become a little piece of heaven for her. She only had two classes after lunch that seemed to fly by and before she knew it she was meeting Sango at her car.
Kagome tried to contain her excitement.
Sango unlocked the door and the two climbed inside.
"Do you need to go by your house?" Sango asked. Kagome thought for a minute. He wouldn't be home. But did she really want to ruin this gift of a day by sneaking around her house?
"Not if you don't mind sharing pajamas with me."
"No, that's fine."
Kagome tried to keep the smile off her face. She failed. They sped away from the school, blaring music, windows down despite the cold. Singing along to songs about heartbreak and just having fun. Kagome had never felt so light and happy. Her hair whipped around her face and while she and Sango screamed out misheard lyrics, Inuyasha's jacket was keeping her warm. Sango lived in the complete opposite direction of Kagome. Though she had been living in this city a while she had no idea there was an actual downtown.
As they drove the sidewalks became slightly less pristine, the shops were piled one on top of the other, and there were apartments every block. Kagome rested her head on the door, letting the wind hit her in the face.
They reached Sango's apartment complex and with skill Kagome found terrifying and exhilarating all at once, Sango expertly whipped into a parking space, cutting it close with the cars parked on either side. The parking garage was dim only a few lights keeping it from being dark, though the dark storm clouds outside didn't help either. As Kagome climbed out of the car she felt a shiver go down her back, so strong she actually gasped.
"You alright?" Sango asked coming around the car.
Kagome laughed at herself, "Yeah I'm fine I just had a chill."
Sango shook her head and began walking away, Kagome following close behind. Sango pressed the up button as Kagome looked around her. The cars parked her were all nice, which Kagome couldn't help but find odd. The elevator groaned loudly, causing Kagome to look at the elevator before raising an eyebrow at Sango.
Sango returned the look.,"How about we take the stairs?"
"Good idea."
They climbed 3 flights of stairs quickly, before slowing down.
"I live on the 4th floor, we're almost there,"
"Thank God." Kagome breathed out, she didn't realize just how out of shape she was.
They reached the third floor and opened the door to the hallway. It was a nice place, the floors were carpeted and pristine, the walls were painted a beautiful tan color. Each door was beautiful. Beautiful oak wood and mahogany doors, perfectly stained with decorative glass pieces each a different design. Kagome had never seen an apartment complex this beautiful. Sango finally stopped walking, and quickly turned the key in her door. Kagome was blown away. She followed Sango into her living room, her eyes wide as she tried to take it all in. Kagome could hear Sango talking to her, but she wasn't listening. The floors were a beautiful hard wood, that glistened even in the dim light. The furniture was a light tan and uncluttered, leaving a simplistic but beautiful feeling. Photography adorned the walls and there was art everywhere. Kagome looked at Sango in awe, tuning in to the very one sided conversation Sango was having
"I think I did well on my test I don't know-"
Kagome cut her off, "Who took these pictures?"
"Which ones?"
"I mean, all of them, they are all gorgeous." Kagome stepped closer to look. The pictures varied from black and white stills to vivid and sharp "in the moment" snapshots. She currently was staring at a three part photo showcase in one frame, each matted in different colors. The first was of what looked like a young Sango and a boy that could have been her twin squatting down next to a dog. The second one showed the dog barking and the boy looking third one showed the dog jumping on the boy and licking his face while a young Sango laughed. Kagome smiled, it was beautiful. The feelings were simple yet strong, and just by looking at the picture Kagome could feel joy. Sango came to stand beside her.
"My mom took the ones in color, I took the black and white ones."
Kagome looked at a black and white still underneath the other pictures. It was a picture of a forest completely in grayscale, while the only color that shone through was a red rose on the ground. It was striking. The styles were very different, the feeling very different but the talent undeniable.
"You both are very talented. These are amazing."
Sango smiled, " If I make it to college I want to major in photography."
Was Sango not going to college? Before she could ask Sango was walking away.
"You hungry?" Kagome followed her to the kitchen.
"Ehh, I could eat." Kagome said.
Sango turned around her eyes wide," Kagome doesn't want to eat? I think the world just ended." Kagome laughed, shoving Sango back playfully.
"Shut up."
They sat in the kitchen on bar stools picking at healthy snacks. Celery sticks, carrots and a tiny container of blue cheese dressing.
Kagome looked around. Though Sango's house was beautiful it was had a feeling that Kagome knew too well. It was lonely.
"Is that your brother in the pictures over there?" Kagome asked before forcing herself to take a bite of celery.
Sango's face fell.
"Yeah, he passed away." Kagome swallowed.
"I'm sorry, I can't imagine how hard that was for your family." Kagome was serious. Though her mother passed away, her father didn't care, and Kagome was too young to remember.
"My parents passed away the next day. They didn't really get a chance to be devastated." Kagome couldn't help but think Sango sounded almost bitter, her face twisted as if she had tasted something bad. Kagome studied her face silently.
"It's okay," Sango said, meeting Kagome's eyes, "It happened a couple of years ago. I'm over it."
Kagome frowned but didn't push it. Sango looked away.
"How long have you been living here alone?"
"Not very, I just turned 18 so I moved back in. Before that I was living with relatives. Ya' know this celery and carrots crap sucks. Let's get the boys to bring us some pizza." Sango said pushing away from the bar and throwing her napkin away. Question time was over. Kagome watched her. It felt like she was seeing the real Sango for the first time. Or rather, seeing a side of her that wasn't so perfect and strong Kagome felt tears prick her eyes, she quickly blinked them away. The last thing she would do is pity her friends. Kagome was no stranger to pity.
"Sure, I haven't had pizza in forever. It's been at least almost a year."
"Yeah, we're going to have to fix that."
Kagome and Sango sat eyes glued to the television when the boys arrived. They had been playing the same game for hours when they heard a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Sango yelled, while furiously pushing the "X" button on her controller. It was Kagome's first time playing video games, but she was catching on pretty quickly. She too was furiously mashing the "X" button on her controller to the point where she had fallen over, trying to keep tempo with Sango.
The boys walked in carrying a box of pizza each, kicking off shoes and dropping their bags like it was their home. Kagome couldn't help but feel envious of their friendship. She wondered how long they had all known each other.
"Hey," Inuyasha called as he took the pizzas to the kitchen,
"Hey!" Kagome and Sango called back in unison, their voices monotone, as they fixated on the tv.
Miroku locked the door before diving at Sango.
"My dearest Sango!" He pulled her into a hug, knocking the controller from her hand. Sango elbowed him hard to get him off of her but he held fast. Her controller started to vibrate on the ground and after 5 vibes the screen bled red before saying game over. Sango yelled before shoving Miroku off her.
"Miroku we were on a winning streak!" Sango said standing up.
Miroku just smiled at her.
Kagome stayed in her position on the floor.
She felt someone move beside her. She sat up, Inuyasha next to her eating pizza.
Kagome smiled at him before she got up to procure her own slice, or two, of pizza.
Sango went down a hall, to what Kagome assumed was her room, before returning with a stack of movies.
"Alright guys, pick 3."
They watched the first movie in terrified silence, but by the second movie they wouldn't stop talking and they gave up by the third. The movie played in the background as they sat around and talked.
"So Kagome, where'd you move from?" Miroku asked from the love seat he was sharing with Sango. Kagome and Inuyasha shared the sofa, well rather Inuyasha lied on two thirds of the sofa while Kagome perched on the arm, her feet tucked under her. Kagome shifted.
"I'm from a little town in Florida, I'm sure you guys never heard of it," She lied smoothly before asking Miroku the same question.
"A little place in the mountains, I'm sure you've never heard of it," He said smoothly, winking at her
"How long have you guys known each other, anyway?"
The three of them shared a look.
"Almost all of our lives." Inuyasha answered.
Kagome smiled, "I can tell. It must be nice. When'd you guys move here then?"
Inuyasha sat up abruptly.
"Miroku, we have to go. I have curfew tonight."
Miroku looked confused before he too stood up and gathered his things. Sango looked at Inuyasha before following Miroku into the kitchen.
Kagome slid onto the sofa confused.
Well, way to kill a good time Kagome.
Inuyasha sat down next to her.
"Hey, Kagome?"
She looked at him puzzled, studying his profile.
"Yeah?"
He looked turned to look at her then. His face was serious as his eyes searched hers. The eye contact became too much and Kagome raised her eyes. Slowly she let them climb his face to the top of his head where two dog ears sat on top of his head. She cocked her head to the side.
Why is he always wearing those?
She reached out a hand and poked them before meeting his gaze again.
He stood up abruptly.
"Do you have my jacket?"
Kagome blinked, "Oh! I left it in Sango's car, want me to go get it?"
He shook his head, "No, I'll get it later, its late now."
Miroku and Sango emerged from the kitchen.
"Dude, let's go. Bye, Kagome!" Miroku said standing by the door, smiling happily at her..
"Bye, Kagome," Inuyasha said flippantly.
"Bye," Kagome said as Sango closed the door.
Sango yawned, causing Kagome to yawn as well. They laughed at each other.
"Maybe we should go to bed," Kagome suggested, following Sango to her room.
Sango's room was painted a brilliant pink. Her walls were covered with pictures of her friends and family. Kagome looked around in awe, she had never lived anywhere long enough to settle in so completely. Sango's room was surprisingly messy. Clothes were strewn across the floor. Kagome smiled.
"Sorry about the mess," Sango said as she dug in her drawer. She pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a tank top and tossed it at Kagome. Kagome's eyes widened as she caught them, she thought of the bruises on her arms.
"I'll be right back, Where's your bathroom?"
Sango pulled her shirt off, "Its across the hall."
Kagome casually walked to the bathroom.
She took off her jeans and observed the bruises on her legs. She pulled the sweat pants on, they hung low around her hips. Kagome felt hot in her sweat shirt. She pulled it off gingerly. The bruises on her arms looked harsh in the bathroom light.
"Hey Sango, do you have a bigger shirt?" Kagome called.
"Yeah, I'll bring it."
Kagome waited, and cracked the door open a little when she heard the knock. She held a giant t shirt, that covered the bruises perfectly. Kagome sighed in relief. She splashed her face with water and braided her hair quickly before exiting the bathroom. She padded into Sango's room to find it empty. She folded Sango's tank top and left it on her bed. She found Sango in the living room snuggled up on the loveseat. There were blankets and a pillow folded neatly on the sofa. Kagome made nest and laid down quickly.
"Hey, Sango?"
"Yeah?"
"Why does Inuyasha always wear those dog ears? I mean they're cute and all, but it's a little weird."
"What dog ears?"
Kagome laughed, "You haven't seen them? He's been wearing them ever since I met him, you must not notice them anymore."
"Huh."
Kagome yawned, and turned over, her back to Sango. Sleep found her quickly.