Chapter Nine
SangoWhat should have been a wonderful day turned sour so quickly. Of course, Koga had to go and do what he did best: ruin. Not that we should have expected less from the monster. During the entire car ride back, Inuyasha holds a sleeping Kagome close, clearly shaken up by this experience. I expect a more fitful sleep from her, but she seems calm. He drops her in our room, and once we're out of earshot, I let some of my anger take hold of me and bang my fist against the wall.
"Fuck him! Fucking monster. She was having such a good day, and he just had to go and fucking ruin it with his disgusting fucking obsession with her. Gods, I wanna kill him!" I don't realize I'm crying until Inuyasha wraps his arms around me.
"She's okay, and they got him. Everything is gonna be okay." He says, holding me tight, but I'm too angry to feel comfort. I pull myself away and wipe at my tears with jerky movements.
"I'm starving. Dinner?" I asked, sniffling and walking away. Composure, Sango. I chide myself, taking deep breaths to reign it in.
Inuyasha heads to the living room bar and starts mixing drinks for both of us while we wait for our food to arrive. I stare at the wall unblinking, trying to collect myself, when he lands next to me and thrusts a drink into my hand. I let my head fall against his shoulder, seeking some comfort in his nearness.
"I've missed spending time with my best friend," I say honestly, taking a long sip of my drink. When he's close, I feel more grounded.
"Me too. When was the last time we really had a day together?" He asks.
"It's been way too long. We've been busy." I muse, swirling my glass and watching the liquid shimmer in the light.
"Busy is an understatement. I don't remember the last time life was so hectic. I kind of love it, though." He says it quietly like he's worried about my reaction, which I suppose is fair. I haven't exactly been the most emotionally regulated person lately.
"Oh yeah? Were things getting boring in rich kid paradise?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood a bit. I know it works when he laughs loudly.
"Hey, not a kid anymore, San! We're rapidly approaching thirty." There's a pause after the statement, and he seems to be thinking a little too hard. About what, I'm not sure.
"You okay?" I ask, nudging him to pull his attention back.
"Kikyo texted me today." He admits softly, and I can tell that just saying it out loud is painful.
"What'd she say?" I ask, hiding my disgust under the layers of my concern for him. Now isn't the time for my feelings. I tuck my legs under me and pivot toward him to listen, giving him my undivided attention.
"That she missed me. I told her we needed to talk. I probably should have contacted her before now, but I just couldn't do it. I know how she's gonna react." He sighs a heavy, exasperated sound.
"How will she react?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
"She'll throw a fit and probably try to find ways to walk all over my boundaries." He rolls his eyes.
"Yeah. That sounds like her." I return the sentiment, matching his expression.
"I wanna just text her that it's over, but I know I should see her in person. It's the civil thing to do."
"You can text her, Yash. You don't owe her civility just because she's your ex. Honestly, because of everything she's done, I don't think she even deserves your civility." I say, and he pauses as though he is really thinking this through for the first time.
"She and Miroku didn't tell me they were together in person. And she's so fucking pushy about everything. Even when I say no, she always finds a way to pull me back in. And she's awful to you and called your horrible things, under my roof no less. Said horrible things about Kagome, too, and at a time when she was so vulnerable. She's a monster." He dropped his head to his hands. "Why did it take all this time to see it?" He groans.
"You were blinded by love," I respond with a sad smile. We've all been there. I rub a hand over his shoulders, trying to offer some comfort.
"Fuck. I'm an idiot." He says, resolute in his decision. He pulls his phone from his pocket and holds it in our eyeline.
Kikyo [2:55 PM]: I miss you
Inuyasha [2:56 PM]: we need to talk
Kikyo [2:56 PM]: Then let's talk
Kikyo [2:58 PM]: When?
Kikyo [3:45 PM]: Don't just ghost me Yash
Kikyo [4:00 PM]: I deserve better than that.
Inuyasha [5:55 PM]: I'm done with all of this Kikyo. You don't deserve my kindness or closure. This just needs to end right now.
He sends the message, and his phone immediately rings with her name, but he sends it to voicemail. I watch as he clicks her contact and presses the block button. My shock must be written on my face because he stares back at me with a smirk.
"I'm done." He says, taking my hand in his.
"You're done." I agree, smiling back at him. He returns it, looking like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. He shakes his head before looking up at me like I'm the only thing in this room.
"Having the two of you here has been a breath of fresh air—even the hard parts. Life is so different now and for the better. I'm becoming a different person, learning so much about what I want in life and what I should tolerate. I can't thank you enough—you and Kagome." He says, but I shake off his compliment. His growth is his to own.
"You've been so great with her, you know? Thank you for caring so much. But I have news for you, you've always been this person. It just took something big to help you see that." I say. He nods,
"She deserves so much more than I can give." He says sadly. "I couldn't even protect her today. She basically did it all herself, and now look at her. She's passed out from over-exertion and is positively re-traumatized again." He rubs a hand over his eyes.
"Inuyasha. You know as well as I do that she is a fighter. That was such a huge step for her today, and I really hope it helps her feel like she has some control over this. She cares about you and appreciates the things you've done for her regardless of today. You didn't do anything wrong; Koga took all of us off guard." I say, trying to reason with him and his misplaced guilt.
"Yeah," he says, shrugging his shoulders. I guess. I just want to be able to protect her. I want to help her—" He pauses, looking at me for a moment. And I want to do the same for you, San." He says, linking his fingers with mine. There's something I wanted to talk to you about," he says ominously.
"Okay?" I raise an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
"I know of a way to remove Kagome's mating bond, but it isn't easy." He says.
"How?" I ask, weary of the answer. In all my research into the topic, I haven't heard of a way.
"I could mark her instead. I don't think she's ready to hear about that yet, but if it comes up, I want to make sure you know," he says.
"I think-" I pause, fighting my instinct to say 'no' right off the bat. "I think that's drastic, and it could really hurt her." I measure my tone, knowing I have a lot to say on the matter.
"Yeah. You're probably right." He laments.
"That being said," I interrupt before he can continue, "it's not my decision. I promised her I would work on this, so here goes." I say, taking a deep breath so I can tell him how I'm feeling. "It scares me. The idea of the two of you being connected like that, I mean. I worry for her mental health, I worry for yours, and I worry for mine. But that doesn't mean we can't make it work, I guess. Ultimately, she needs to be free of that mark one way or another. Especially if we're leaving your house again any time soon. If she'd feel better with your mark instead, then I'm willing to give my blessing." I say, and I'm surprised that under all of my other feelings, I really mean it. My surface insecurities aren't the whole of what I am.
"You're a good friend, San. I wouldn't want to do anything to upset you, but if it will help her, I feel like I have to try." He says. I give him a moment with his thoughts, watching the wheels spin in his head.
"You know, there's something about the three of us that just makes sense, even with all of the drama. Does that sound crazy?" He asks. I nod in agreement; yes, it does, but I get it.
"Yeah, but you're not alone there. Me, you, and Kagome? That's something I could get behind with time." I say with a shrug. His head whips back to me with surprise.
"For real?" He asks.
"For real. Like you said, there's something about this situation that's just special. Not that there is anything to be said about it without Kagome's input. But, I do happen to know you and I are very compatible already." I say, diverting the subject from my own vulnerability. There's a lot to unpack within my own insecurities around relationships and intimacy, but none of that has to be right here or right now.
He moves in closer to me and places his hand on my cheek. When I turn my head to look at him, his eyes feel like they're staring into my soul. Like they truly see me.
"That I can agree with." He says it softly and looks at my lips. I don't let him think about it any further before my lips crash against his. His hands tangle in my hair and mine in his as we each enjoy this closeness.
Suddenly, he's on top of me, hips between my legs as he grinds against me and covers my body with his. I feel like he's my oxygen, the only thing keeping me alive, and the moment we disconnect, I'll surely fade from existence. He seems to feel the same way, never letting our lips part as he yanks my shirt down to expose my chest.
Clawed fingers explore my skin, drifting over my nipples and leaving light marks in their wake with just enough pressure to have my back arching up toward him, bringing our impossibly close bodies even closer. When he finally stops kissing me, it's to cover my nipple with his mouth and tease it with his tongue as his other hand trails lower and lower toward my thighs. My hands move on their own, automatically going above my head and out of the way, causing him to growl appreciatively.
"Do you wanna be held down, San?" He asks. I nod in response but don't speak, too enraptured to find words. "Words, baby." He insists, biting my skin a little harder. I gasp before replying,
"Yes, please." And his hand snakes up around my wrists to hold me in place. It's euphoria, the feeling of being restrained, and it's a craving that doesn't diminish no matter how many times I experience it.
Through the distraction of his tongue sliding up my chest, I don't notice his free hand capturing my neck until my vision starts to blur. My answering moan is louder than I intend, urging him to hold tighter. Go harder. Do more. He obliges, removing my shirt completely and wrapping the belt I didn't notice him take off around my wrists. Claws prick my sides as they slide down, his face getting closer and closer to where I want him.
He rips my pants off before hiking my legs into his shoulders so he can bury his head between my thighs. The first touch of his tongue has my entire body seizing. Once his fingers join in rhythm with his tongue inside of me, I start to fall apart little by little.
"Gonna cum if you don't stop." I manage to get the words out between moans.
"Good." He manages, barely stopping his onslaught against me before going harder.
I unravel, the orgasm crashing over me as my legs wrap tight around his neck, inadvertently pulling him closer to me. He doesn't stop, if anything going even harder as I ride it out. When the shaking and spasming subsides, he's still between my legs despite my overstimulated body.
"Mercy." I whimper, squirming to get away from him.
"You know your safe word." He reminds me, "But if you're not gonna use it, then I want one more before I fuck you." He growls, and the sound sends tingles up my spine.
He pushes my thighs apart and down onto the couch, exposing more of me to his tongue. It finds every corner of me before coming back to my clit and pulling it into his mouth. My back arches, hips flying toward his face, and thighs fighting to close against his hold. It's mere seconds before I'm coming apart again.
When he disconnects from me, I lay panting and gasping for breath while he stands and readjusts me, flipping around so that I'm on my knees, stomach to the couch. I feel his tongue and teeth toying with my neck, clearly leaving marks behind that I'll get to admire.
When he pushes inside of me, he pulls back, a hip in each hand, as he steadies and pushes me into the couch with rough, deep movements.
Somehow, I can feel the sensations building inside of me again, but he knows what he's doing. He slows his pace and makes uneven and unyielding to hold me at bay.
Releasing my hips, he takes both wrists in one hand and the other in my hair to bind me and pull me to him. I can tell he's getting close, movements becoming faster and more measured.
"Cum with me." He orders, and I do as I'm told, the now steadying rhythm helping me give him what he wants.
After we finish, I sag against the couch, a heap of a person with muscles like jello. I may be lying there for moments or hours when he picks me up and pulls me into his arms. He covers my face with kisses, and I vaguely hear him whispering sweet things to me as I come back to my body.
"How do you feel?" he asks, brushing hair off my face. Words are too difficult, but I smile and bury my face into his chest. He continues running fingers through my hair and letting his fingers run along my skin while I float in the endorphin-fueled haze.
This moment doesn't have to end badly or lead to hard conversations later. The knowledge that he's chosen me, at least for now, and wants to see me happy is freeing. The normal anxiety that would be clawing its way out of my chest is beautifully absent, safe in his arms.
Now that Kagome is finally ready to be around her family, I want everyone to be prepared for who they're about to meet. This isn't the Kagome of our childhood. This isn't the tough spitfire that could handle anything anyone would throw at her. This isn't the Kagome they knew.
This girl is fragile and terrified. She needs support and gentle care. She could break down at any moment right now, and as much as she tries to live the way she used to, she's just not ready yet. She still needs time to heal. They don't know the extent of what she has been through, and they need to be ready for anything.
Inuyasha and I sit, pressed against each other on a small loveseat in the Higurashi living room with hot tea cups rapidly warming our cold fingers. Autumn is approaching, and the weather has been a barrage of hot, then cold, then hot, then cold.
"Thank you all for meeting with us. And thank you for the tea." I say, gesturing with my teacup. I feel uncomfortable and awkward, but I know this conversation is important. Inuyasha seems to pick up on my discomfort and eases the tension a bit by introducing himself.
"I'm Inuyasha, a close friend of Sango's. I went to Shikon U with her and Kagome. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. She and Kagome have been living with me for a couple of weeks, so we figured it would be helpful if we both came to chat with all of you." He introduces the topic at hand, his tone conveying the importance of his words. Everyone seems very focused on us and what we're about to say.
"It's great to finally meet you, Inuyasha. Sango has told us so much about you over the years." Mama says. The three other men nod in agreement and watch Inuyasha closely, seeming a little mistrusting. Hopefully, after this conversation, they will understand how trustworthy he can be.
"Let's, uh, get to it, I guess," I say, rifling through my bag and pulling out a manila folder. "I brought some medical records with me that I think all of you should see. I got permission from Kagome to show these to you, but I need you to agree to one thing before I hand them over." I look everyone in the eye with the folder in my hand. They nod in understanding.
"Kagome's only stipulation for showing you this, and really for this dinner in general, is that she isn't ready to talk about any of this with you right now. She wants you to know what she's been through, but she isn't in a place where it's safe for her to talk about it in detail yet. She needs more time. Most importantly, she doesn't want any of you," I pause and stare daggers at Sota and Shippo, "to do anything on her behalf. Do not talk to, interact with, or injure Koga or anyone related to Koga in any way. Can all of you agree to that regardless of how bad what you're about to see is?" I ask. Everyone looks wide-eyed back at me, and no one makes a move at first. Mama is the first to break the silence.
"Yes. We promise. I need to know what's happened. You too, boys. Say it out loud so Sango can rely on your word." Mama says to them. They nod their heads, and each gives me a yes.
I open the folder on the table in front of all of us and start to spread out the X-rays and a handful of the photos that don't show anything Kagome wouldn't want her family to see. It tells a gruesome tale but a vague enough one that she can maintain some privacy.
"Koga was abusive for the seven years they were together. He hurt her physically, emotionally, and mentally in ways she will take a very long time to recover from. When I finally got her out, she had hit rock bottom with him, and he did something unforgivable. Right now, she is still working on recovering, but it's going to be a long road." I explain.
I see Shippo's hands clenched at his side, clearly fighting off his anger. Sota stares blankly at the pages. Grandpa is holding Mama's hand tightly in his, and Mama has tears streaming down her face with her free hand clapped over her mouth.
"In the last few weeks, Kagome has come a long way. She was almost catatonic for a while, but now she is functional despite a lot of things that trigger her." Inuyasha adds. I nod in agreement and give them all a moment to collect themselves before continuing.
"I wanted to make sure to warn you about those triggers so you can't prevent them. Please turn off anything in the house that vibrates, especially your phone." Each of them nods, their brows pinched together, confused. "She can't handle yoki flares, so Shippo try to keep that under control. She tires out quickly right now, so she probably won't be able to stay for very long. But she's really looking forward to spending some time with everyone. Do you guys have any questions?" I ask tentatively. They look like they have thousands on the tips of their tongues, but it's Sota's pained voice that speaks first.
"Why didn't she tell us?" His voice breaks on the words.
"I can't answer that, I'm sorry. I'm sure once she's doing better you can all have a long talk with her. The only solace I can offer is that she was trying to protect you and herself, and" I pause to take a steadying breath, "unfortunately, Koga."
"How could she ever want to protect that monster!" Shippo is standing now, screaming, with Yoki flaring up around him.
Inuyasha is on his feet quickly, pushing his yoki out to meet Shippo's and coax it back. "Calm down, man. You don't want to do anything you might regret." He says gently. "These kinds of situations are so complicated. Kagome loved Koga. Most people in relationships like this care about their partner so much and hold onto the pieces of them that keep those feelings alive. It's a coping mechanism. It's not because she didn't trust you, and it says nothing about your relationship or who she is as a person." He slings an arm around Shippo's shoulders, who finally takes a deep breath.
"I just can't understand how she could stay." He says voice strained.
"We can be thankful that she was able to get out safely when she did. All we can do from here is support her and help her heal." Inuyasha says. Shippo sighs but nods and slumps back down onto the couch.
"Oh, my poor baby." Mama's voice is a whisper as she runs her fingers over a picture of Kagome's back. She grabs all of the papers and puts them in the folder before handing it back to me quickly. "Sango?" She asks, holding back a sob. I nod in response. "You know her better than anyone. Is she going to recover from this?"
"If I know anything in this world, it's that that girl is going to get through this no matter what it takes. She's strong. She's resilient. The fact that she's alive right now should tell you exactly how strong she is." I reassure her, and she nods along with my words. Grandpa, who's been stoic and silent, decides to chime in.
"Okay. We know what to expect. We'll do everything we can for our Kagome, right? We have to be strong for her. Get all of your emotions sorted. She needs us." He says, gesturing around the room to the rest of the family. Everyone nods in agreement and seems to gain a little composure at his words.
"Thank you both for coming to prepare us. I think we will all be ready to see her." She reaches over and clasps a hand around Sota's arm, and he nods in agreement. Shippo and Grandpa follow.
"Okay. Well, we will get out of your hair then. We'll look forward to being back here soon." I say and stand to leave. I hug Mama tightly at the door, and then she turns to Inuyasha and hugs him as well.
"Thank you for everything you've done for my daughter." She says before shutting the door behind us.
KagomeMy day keeps dragging. Working from home is great, and I really appreciate Hojo's flexibility with me, but I'm miserable. A few months ago, this was a breeze. I was caught up and triaging work as it came in, but now it's a jumble of overwhelming emails and projects that I'm still trying to piece together and understand with little to no context.
My messenger pings, and the sound causes me to jump. I groan and look up at the ceiling. What could someone else possibly want right now? I open my messenger to see who it is and scowl at the name on the screen. I hate Yura and her fake niceties; she's a mean girl through and through.
Kaminoke, Yura: Good Afternoon, Kagome.
I roll my eyes at her message before waiting a moment to see if she types anything else. After a minute passes, I yell at my computer, "Just tell me what you want!" I wait for the little dots to stop dancing, taunting me.
Kaminoke, Yura: Welcome back.
I groan, deciding just outright to ask. I type angrily, forceful clacking echoing through the room.
Higurashi, Kagome: Hey, thanks. How can I help?
I respond, and the chat lights up with a meeting link.
Kaminoke, Yura: Would you mind hopping on a call with us? We're working out this month's budget and marketing plan, and we could really use your insight.
Here we go, all smiles. I follow the link and turn on my mic and camera when I'm greeted by a chorus of voices.
"Kagome!" I hear someone say.
"It's so good to finally have you back." She stresses the 'finally' like it was a personal affront to her that I took time off.
"Wow, you look sick. I'm glad you took some time," they say, their voices grave as if they couldn't believe I wasn't just on a long vacation.
"How are you feeling?" Someone asks, and I decide to respond to the question instead of letting the backhanded statements continue.
"Better. Probably could have used a little more time, but I'm glad to be back. What are we discussing today?" I say.
"Oh, are you not prepared? Didn't you see the plan we emailed a couple of weeks ago? That's what we're covering today, and we were hoping you'd have time to read it." Yura explains, like I'm a three-year-old. I fight off my desire to scowl at her.
"You know, I just got added to this call, and I'm still getting caught up from being out for so long. I did have a chance to skim it, and it looked like Hojo spent a lot of time covering all the bases." I respond, really stressing that I've been gone for an entire month. The errant ping of someone joining the meeting distracts me and pulls all of our attention toward the newcomer.
"Hi everyone. Sorry, I'm late." Hojo says quickly, interrupting any other conversation. "I took a look at the plan, and I already have thoughts. We just need Kagome to weigh in on what I've come up with. Sound okay?"
"Always on top of it, boss!" Yura says, and I fight not to roll my eyes at her over-the-top enthusiasm.
"Hey, no praise needed on my end. Kagome needed a break more than anyone, and it's her previous work I used to come up with this. I'm just glad she's feeling better. Let's get started," he says. I immediately open my IM and type a message.
Higurashi, Kagome: Thank you for doing so much. I don't know what they were expecting from me today.
Hojo, Akitoki: I told them to lay off. It's your first day back. Oh well, they'll figure it out. You're doing great out there; keep it up. LMK if you need a break, okay? You look like shit.
Higurashi, Kagome: Lol. Thanks. I feel like shit.
Hojo, Akitoki: Push through this meeting and call it for the rest of the day. I don't like those bags under your eyes.
Higurashi, Kagome: Deal.
Hojo, Akitoki: Wow. Not even putting up a fight? Who are you and what have you done with Kagome?
Higurashi, Kagome: The old Kagome can't come to the phone right now. Why? Because she's dead.
Hojo, Akitoki: I always knew you were a swiftie!
Higurashi, Kagome: Lol, who isn't these days? Thank you, Hojo. I'll finish this up and log off. TTYT.
Hojo, Akitoki: TTYT. You're doing great.
After the meeting, I power down my computer and lean back against the office chair, sighing. The overwhelm hits me like a tidal wave, and I can feel myself drowning. I dig my nails into the skin of my thighs under my shorts, letting the pain help pull me back to the here and now.
I hate this job, and I hate this chapter of my life that just won't come to a close. Why did I choose to be a lawyer and work at this shitty company? No one really cares about me there, and I'm not doing anything. I got into the world of law to make some kind of difference, but what difference can I make in corporate America?
The pressure against my skin is no longer enough to still the panic, so I press harder and harder.
I only took this job for Koga. If I insisted on working, then he wanted me close, and he wanted me to do something practical. I realize now what he really wanted was to push me into something I hated. Something that gave me no purpose, so it was harder and harder to leave. To see what I was missing. So that I would decide to do what he wanted for me. I feel like I'm going to be sick.
When I finally draw blood, I find myself breathing more steadily. I'm okay. I tell myself as the sound of low music wafts in from next door, and I realize what I need right now is to be around anyone but just myself. Just myself is a recipe for disaster.
Leaving the office, I gently knock on the door to Inuyasha's studio and find him inside wearing a smock and holding a bush. He's partway through painting a base layer on a massive canvas. He's chosen a neon orange underlay, and it catches my eye immediately.
"Why neon orange?" I ask, leaning against the doorway. He doesn't look up from the painting.
"Sometimes I want the spots that shine through to be bright. It gives it a kind of funky under glow." He pauses and looks around before dropping the brush and fishing a painting out of one of the stacks. "This one was done in neon orange." He shows it to me, and I see exactly what he means. Over all, the subject is a female form with flowers around and growing out of her. The colors are bright and it feels almost distorted. Like there is something sinister happening that the viewer can't see.
"That's really beautiful," I say, eyes locked onto it. Something about it speaks to me, but I can't put my finger on why it feels… familiar.
"This one was a taupe underlay. See how the tone is different?" He asks, and at my nod, he puts the paintings back in their places to continue the current piece.
"What will the new one be?" I ask. He smiles at the canvas.
"Abstract." He says simply. That, I could glean from the other paintings in the room. I roll my eyes at his aloofness.
In the corner of the room, a painting that looks like one of the most recent pieces catches my eye. It depicts an eye, but it's like it's been caught up in a storm with dark colors swirling around it. It's crying a liquid the color of blood. It's beautiful; the colors complement each other, and I can feel the emotion, the sorrow, behind it.
"Can I?" I ask, gesturing to the painting. He nods, so I pick it up to see it better in the light. The painting behind it is just as beautiful but a little different. It is a man's torso and half of his head. Where the eyes and top of his skull would be there is a mess of stars and swirling galaxies. This picture also depicts tears falling from where the man's face would be.
"Inuyasha, these are incredible," I tell him sincerely. He smiles sheepishly but doesn't meet my gaze. I go back to looking through the stack of canvases.
"Thanks," he says. I can tell he is embarrassed by the attention and isn't used to people seeing what he creates. And that is a horrible shame. I decide it's my mission to make him get them out of this room one day.
"Why are they all hiding in this room? People should see your art!" I ask, flabbergasted that these are just sitting here. His expression goes cold, and he sets down the brush.
"It's not really in the cards for me right now. My parents don't approve of this 'hobby,'" he says, using air quotes to enunciate the word. And I don't want to stir the pot right now. I'm doing the job they set up for me, and for now, they're happy." He finishes with a shrug and goes back to the underlayer.
"It sucks that they can't see you, Inuyasha. I'm really sorry to hear that." I move a little closer, wanting to reach out to him. Comfort him. I press my hand to his back, and he shudders under my touch. His shoulder blades shift forward a bit as he accepts the connection. "You deserve better," I say simply.
He looks like he might say something else for a moment. Like he's caught between what he wants to say and what he should say. Finally, he turns around to look me in the eye and grabs my outstretched wrist. He kisses my knuckles with a wink and then spins back around to continue painting.
"So, how was your first day back?" He asks, changing the subject.
"Ugh." I groan, flopping down to stretch across the couch. "Can I tell you about this bitch Yura?" I ask. He laughs a sharp, surprised sound before nodding emphatically.
"Please." He insists, turning around in his chair to give me his full attention. When I explained my meeting, I watched as his eyes grew wide.
"You weren't kidding, what a bitch. It was your first day back, and she just wanted you to know everything that happened in the last month. And she's not even your boss? Let's go burn her house down." He says, standing and grabbing a nearby lighter and lighting it up. He stares at the flame for a moment with sick fascination in his eyes.
I explode into laughter at his expression, and it breaks up every negative thought or feeling lingering. My laughter brings me to a sitting position to catch my breath before I respond, "Of course! Arson is always the answer!"
"That's what I'm saying!" He says, plopping down on the couch next to me. His arm drapes over my shoulders, and I lean into the touch, letting my head fall against his shoulder. "Sorry, your first day was shitty."
"It's cool. Hojo, let me dip early so I can get some more rest. Honestly, I think I'm just going to go shower." I say numbly. I'm not sure when my emotions cut themselves off, but at some point between the sad; angry; lonely; amused; and happy, they numbed.
"Hey, I wanted to show you something. Come with me?" He says, taking note of the change in me, before standing and holding out a hand. I stare at it, a lifeline in the rocky waves of my mind, and decide to take it.
He leads me up to the sunlight-bathed roof before tugging me toward the greenhouse. He deposits me at the doors, but through the glass, I can only see green.
"No." I stop, covering my mouth in shock. He gives me a knowing smile and leads me to the door, opening it wide. I step inside, surrounded by greens, pinks, and reds. "This is," I pause, breathing through the lump in my throat. "Inuyasha, this is incredible," I say, running my fingers over the leaves of a Calathea.
"It's all for you. Sango helped me pick out plants you like, and Jinenji helped me buy them from the nursery. I would have done more, but after all was said and done, I think we all needed a little break."
"This is truly incredible," I say again, not having any other words to describe just how much this means to me. A color I adore catches my eye from the corner of the room, and I rush over to it. Now, the tears won't stop rolling. "You got me a Wisteria Bonsai Tree," I say, falling to my knees in front of it to take in everything about it. He joins me on the floor. "What did I do to deserve this?" I ask, hanging my head and crying harder.
"You deserve to have things you love, Kagome. And I'm gonna keep showing you that until you believe it." He insists, and I propel myself into his arms, knocking him off guard until I'm laying on top of him on the floor. I don't need any more words to convey my gratitude, just this is enough.