CHAPTER 18
When All is Forgiven…
*** 3 Months Later… ***
The end of the year was drawing close and Kagome couldn't believe it. But something else she couldn't believe was that Kanna, the little prissy princess, was passing her subject with distinctions… Then again, cleverly using novels, poems and short-stories with beautiful, independent and or rich heroines might have had something to do with it.
Kagome giggled to herself as she typed in the final marks to be submitted later that week. So much has happened in that one single year. In the first year at Shikon High.
Kagome leaned back lazily in her chair, listening to the sound of teens enjoying themselves on the fields and lawns. Laughing and fooling around as they got let off on their last two days of the school year. She allowed her mind to wander through her memory of the passing year. Her relationship with Sesshomaru. How serious it was getting. Shippou and the two males' acceptance of each other. And Rin. Sweet little Rin. She smiled fondly at the girl-times they spent together, and occasionally joined by the newly engaged Sango.
No one found it odd that the couple got engaged so soon, and it made Kagome very happy. Sango deserved happiness, and Miroku started to minimize his womanizing. Kagome sighed and breathed in deeply. This year couldn't get any better…
"So you done yet?" Sango's sing-song voice filled the empty classroom,
"Scary how time flies," Sango stopped in front of Kagome's desk,
"That is true, isn't it," Kagome smiled warmly at her friend,
Sango sat down on one of the little tables and stared off into her happy place. Kagome smiled and started to pack her things away – hoping she'll remember to do it later.
Sango's ring glinted in the afternoon sun and it caught her eye. It was a simple golden band with a modest heart-shaped sapphire setting. Two small sapphires were set on either side.
Kagome felt the smile on her face widen and she sighed happily. Yes, life was finally getting better.
A soft knock at the door snapped both women back to their current reality.
"Oh! Rin!" both women said surprised,
The small girl smiled and hugged the door frame; still a bit shy,
"Come in sweety," Kagome smiled warmly and opened her arms, "How was your day?"
Rin took the chance and ran into her arms, hugging Kagome closely,
"It was fine. I just wish it could be tomorrow so we can have holiday!" she chimed,
Kagome laughed, and Sango joined in. Kids are so carefree, Kagome mused internally.
"Are you ready to leave yet Kagome?" a familiar cold voice came from the door,
"Sesshomaru!" Rin danced across the room towards him, embracing him in a hug,
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and sighed slowly, patting her softly on the head.
The two women swallowed their giggles when a sharp glare was thrown at them; but as soon as he turned to leave, they started giggling again.
Kagome grabbed her things and hooked into Sango's arm. They left the classroom and headed to the parking lot.
*** Later that evening ***
Laughter came from the apartment and travelled down the hall. The warmth that travelled with the mixture of voices stabbed him guiltily in his chest. He lifted his fist to the door for the umpteenth time – he has lost count. He sighed, drooping his hand down to his side again. He cursed himself under his breathe again. WHY?! Why is this so hard? He pressed his palm onto his forehead. With a soft growl he raked his fingers through his white hair, undoing and retying it for the third time.
InuYasha growled again,
"Dammit," he breathed in and exhaled audibly,
He jumped back a few feet as his heart almost stopped. The door had opened suddenly and the sight before him made him gawk.
Kagome's hair was pulled into two ponytails; one was platted and the other was decorated with colourful bands and clips. She wore a blue long sleeved shirt and jean short shorts. Her feet were bare. The expression on her face mirrored his own... Utter confusion. He was surprised that she didn't shriek.
"Uhhh," was all that came out of his mouth, when she tilted her head to the side, he blushed,
"I thought I heard something," she still looked and felt, very confused,
"I come in peace?" he tried,
"Oh… Kay…" she straightened herself up again, folding her arms,
"I just need to say something, please… Alone," he stepped back, Kagome knew what he wanted. She sighed,
"I'll be right back," she shouted down the hall, stepped outside and closed the door,
The silence was awkward and the air grew thicker by the second.
InuYasha was leaning against the railing on his elbows. He was looking towards the building, his back towards the world. All he wanted to see at that moment was the young woman beside him. He turned his head slightly to study her quite form. Kagome was leaning against the railing on her elbows, looking out towards the nightscape. Her back was slightly curved; her position putting emphasis on the curve of her back side. Her one leg carried most of the weight, the other tucked behind its ankle. Her breasts slightly pressed into her folded forearms. Her ridiculous hairstyle was flung over her shoulders, to rest on her back. Her breaths where steady. Her eyes where fixed before her; she refused to make eye contact with him.
"I'm sorry," he offered softly, Kagome stiffened with the sudden sound,
"What?" she still did not make eye contact,
"I said I am sorry," he mumbled, audible enough for her to make out the words,
"It's ok," Kagome smiled softly, but still refused to make eye contact,
"Kag-"
"InuYasha, it's ok… I have come to forgive you over the past three months… After your last visit," Kagome still looked out towards the silence but she knew InuYasha's head slightly dropped,
"I don't want to talk about it anymore. I don't want to fight about it anymore," she continued,
"I am over it and I want you to just drop it," she reached for a strand of hair that came loose,
InuYasha tucked it behind her ear. She did not flinch, she did not move. She just kept her gaze ahead.
"Kagome, I am really-" his fingertips lingered on the shell of her ear,
The sound of someone clearing their throat – a little too loudly – made him jerk his hand away. Kagome turned slowly, smiling softly at the large being leaning in the doorframe. His eyes narrow, and curious as to the scene before him. InuYasha straightened up as amber met honey. Kagome stayed in her possession.
"It's a lovely night," she spoke over her shoulder,
"Indeed," Sesshomaru did not break eye contact with InuYasha, whom seemed to relax a bit,
"I'll be right in, love," she smiled warmly, stretching slightly as she straightened up,
InuYasha could not help his eyes wander to her slightly exposed stomach. Sesshomaru let out a soft warning growl, making InuYasha's eyes jump back to his.
"I'm taking my leave anyway," InuYasha looked at Kagome again and smiled, making her jump slightly,
"… and if what I heard is true …" he stepped towards Sesshomaru,
"… then good luck," he held out his hand towards him,
Sesshomaru nodded slightly and took his half-brother's hand, shaking it briefly and letting go just as soon. Kagome felt as lost as ever.
InuYasha started walking away slowly as Sesshomaru pulled her into his side.
"At least he grew up somewhat," Kagome snuggled in,
"Indeed," he kissed the top of her head, still glaring after InuYasha