3/8/17

So, there will most likely be just one more chapter after this. But I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Friendly Fire: Part 5

I opened my eyes and was greeted by utter darkness. Back in my bedroom, I blinked against the shadows and turned my head towards the clock. When my cheek brushed my pillow, I realized that it was damp. I'd been crying in my sleep, again. The glowing red numbers on the clock told me that it was 2:30 in the morning. I let out a long sigh and closed my eyes, this was the third night in a row that I'd woken up in the middle of the night—always after the same dream.

Before I could stop them, hot tears started rolling down my cheeks replacing the old ones. I sat up in my bed, leaning back against the headboard. I looked around my room, searching each of the corners trying to find some solution in the shadows. But I couldn't see one. I sat cross-legged in my bed, with my hands clasped in my lap. I'd tried calling Inuyasha several times, but he never picked up. I'd even stopped by his house several times, but his mom always said he was out. I didn't know if I believed that, or if he was just avoiding me. At this point, I didn't see any other way to fix this.

Koga had also called. I'd answered, at first. But afterwards, I came to the phone less and less. I didn't want to talk anymore, and honestly, not with Koga. Just then, my phone beeped, it was him—a text this time. It read: "Hey Kagome, I know you probably don't want to talk, but I needed to say something, so please read this. I know you've been upset, and I'm sorry. But I want you to know that I'm here for you. I don't want to make it any worse, but let me help you. Why don't you meet me and we'll talk? I'll be at the park for a bit today with Jack. You should come by."

I groaned, shutting the phone and flopping back onto my pillows, then pulled the covers over my head. I shut my eyes tightly, and exhaled a single, long breath. I didn't feel like leaving my room, but maybe getting outside would be a good thing. I threw the covers off and dragged myself out of bed. I threw on a pair of old sweats and a sweatshirt, then looked in the mirror. I looked haggard, pale skin, dark circles under my eyes, and my hair was a tangled mess. I grabbed a hair tie and pulled my hair into a semi-neat ponytail. It was a little better, not great. I didn't care, I wasn't trying to impress anyone today.

I left my house and walked the ten minutes to the park. As soon as I crossed the street, Koga's dog ran up to me and licked my palm. I scratched the top of his head before he turned and ran back to Koga, who was holding the bright yellow Frisbee. I trudged slowly after the dog, and soon, I was standing in front of Koga. He smiled sweetly at me while he petted his dog. I could tell he'd been here for a while. His cheeks were flushed from the weather, his blue eyes were bright, and his forehead was shiny with sweat. I didn't know what to say, so I stared at a spot over his left shoulder until he said something.

"Hey," I heard him say, but I didn't meet his eyes.

"Hey."

He was quiet for a second, before he stopped petting his dog and took a step closer. "You doin' okay? Haven't seen you around for a while."

"I really don't want to talk about it, Koga" I said. I still hadn't made eye contact, and now I turned away and walked toward the bench. I slouched in the seat, my chin touching my chest and a pout on my face, while I stared out at the water. I focused on the sunlight glittering across the surface and how it looked like a million little diamonds. I heard Koga shuffling closer through the grass. He plopped down in the seat next to me, and his dog settled between his knees. He leaned forward to scratch him behind the ears, and glanced over his shoulder at me. I peeked up underneath my lashes and was struck again by his dazzling blue gaze. Admittedly, I was sometimes awed by how handsome he was, but that didn't mean anything to me. He was good-looking, yes, but not at all my type. I continued to stare at him without saying a word. He flicked the Frisbee and sent the dog running across the field, before turning toward me and clasping his hands in front of him. There was no trace of humor on his face, no smirk, only compassion.

"What's up, Kagome?" he asked, seriously.

"Nothing," I snapped.

He tilted his head toward me, "Kagome…"

"Just leave it alone, Koga." I said in frustration. I didn't blame him for what happened, but I didn't want to talk about it with him either. It was between Inuyasha and I, and I wanted to keep it that way.

"Alright look," he said, in all seriousness. He shuffled closer, and I sat up straighter, becoming a little defensive. He held his hand up in a way that was almost placating. "I know he's only acting this way because of me."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a finger. "He is, and I won't lie, I don't dislike the idea of you two being at odds, but…" he leaned toward me, "I can't stand the sight of you so unhappy."

He stared at me and I stared back, a slight frown on my face. Koga never seemed one to be so serious, but listening to him now, he sounded genuine. He reached forward and took one of my hands in his. "I've made it pretty clear that I like you. Now be honest, did I ever have a chance?" The way he looked at me was so incredibly innocent that my heart nearly broke. I swallowed past the lump in my throat and squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry, Koga." I shook my head. "But, no." He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his dark hair. For a few seconds, he simply stared at the ground at our feet.

He looked up when he spoke again. "Okay, look, I don't know that kid, Inunasha—"

"Inuyasha," I corrected him.

He waved his hand dismissively, "Whatever, I don't know him," he leaned closer, gently squeezing my fingers, "but I know that any guy who let's go of you is an idiot."

I didn't know what to say, so Koga said it for me. "Well, then go find him. Fix whatever this is."

"What?" I blinked, stunned.

Now he smirked, "You heard me." Again, his face was serious, "As long as you're happy."

For the first time in days, I smiled. Koga had surprised me. I'd turned him down, but he was still trying to be my friend. I felt like he was someone I could lean on, and we understood each other.

He flashed a wide smile, "I'll see you around, Kagome." He stood up and started to walk away, then turned back and held his arms out to me. "Come here."

I stepped into his embrace and felt his arms encircle me. He smoothed his hands up and down my back. "If you ever need anything," he whispered, with his head lying on the top of my head, "I'm always here."

"I know. Thank you, Koga." I said, pressing my cheek into his chest.

"Anytime." He said, leaning back. While I was still in his arms, he grazed my cheek with the back of his fingers, and then he pressed a kiss to my forehead. He stepped back and I watched him run off after his dog, squatting in front of his dog and prying the Frisbee from its mouth. He turned one last time and gave me a wave, I waved back and he jogged off. All the way home, I rehearsed what I would say to Inuyasha when I saw him. But I forgot everything when I saw who was waiting for me on my front stoop.