InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Universe of Illusions ❯ Chapter 10 Is It Really Over? ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10: Is It Really Over?

 

“It is raining.” said Kagome trembling from the cold and closing the curtains once again. “I better get going before it starts raining cats and dogs.”

 

“Why?” asked Sesshoumaru. “You can stay over, you know that.”

 

“I stayed last night.” Kagome reminded him, refusing with a shake of her head. “We made an agreement, remember? Only odd nights.”

 

“And what will happen if you stay two days in a row? The world will not end.”

 

Kagome sighed contemplating the comfortable room, washed by the splendor of the chimney. Was it really so wrong to stay another night? She knew it was. If she didn't reinforced their agreement, then two nights will turn to three and before she knew it, she would have more belongings here than in her own apartment.

 

“Please, we have discussed this many times.” she insisted determined. “I don't want to do this again.”

 

Sesshoumaru cursed. Then stood up and put on his jeans.

 

“Fine, if you prefer to leave in a terrible night like this instead of staying in bed with me, then you should get going. Can you spare this Sesshoumaru a little of your precious time tomorrow night?

 

Kagome shook her head again.

 

“I'm… going to spend the weekend in my family's house.” responded Kagome.

 

She still hadn't told him her father was dead, nor had she let him know of the hard times she had to endure. She presumed he had a certain image of her and feared displeasing him. It's more likely he wouldn't find the real Kagome interesting.

 

“Again?” Sesshoumaru questioned harshly. “It has not been two weeks that you were just there.”

 

“I know that. But they are waiting for me.”

 

“Very well then, I will be accompanying you.”

 

Kagome stiffen.

 

“What?”

 

“What is wrong with that?” Sesshoumaru said with a sarcastic laughter. “Are you afraid they will feel disappointed when I lift the fork with my right hand and tuck my napkin in the collar of my shirt?

 

“Iie. Of course not. It's just…”

 

“The core of the matter is exactly that, ne? It never had anything to do with your precious career. I am a nobody with no name. I was born to a low class family in Kyoto whom I prematurely lost. I prefer soccer to theatres, a good jar of beer to a bottle of Champaign. Basically, dear, we have very little in common; perhaps it will be better to end it all.”

 

“End it all?” Kagome repeated in a low voice. “What are you trying to say?”

 

“I believe it was very clear.” said Sesshoumaru caustically. “It is over, we are through, you and this Sesshoumaru will not be dating anymore. Was that clear enough for you?”

 

Kagome knew it couldn't get clearer than that. She sighed deeply, striving to keep up her dignity. They had started another one their stupid fights, one of many. Still, what had caused such an extreme outburst? Or was it really an excuse, a way to break up putting all the blame on her?

 

She was so close to bursting in tears, but she managed to hold back. From the beginning she had promised herself that when the time came, at least she will leave with some king of dignity. She straightened up and looked Sesshoumaru in the eyes.

 

“Alright.” she said calmly. “If that is what you want. I have some of my things here… It would be better if I gather them now. It'll only take a few minutes.”

 

One way or another, she dealt with her pain and exit the room, though her legs were so wobbly she feared falling with her every step. She needed to get away from there fast, she risked the danger that her weakness might take hold of her and sent her rushing to Sesshoumaru's feet weeping, begging for a few more days, one more night.

 

The stairs seem to lead into eternity. She opened the door to Sesshoumaru's bedroom, and had to look away when her gaze landed on his bed. It held too many memories.

 

How did she achieve to accumulate so much of her belongings in that house in such little time? Three pairs of earrings, some shoes, a pink wool sweater… Every item triggered a recollection of a shared meal next to the chimney or a stroll under the silver moonlight. However, she didn't want to have any reasons to return, and so, she collected everything quickly and left the bedroom hastily.

 

Sesshoumaru stayed in the sitting room, looking out of a window. Rain poured on the other side. He turned to watched Kagome but his semblance didn't reveal any of his thoughts. He looked at the clutter she was carrying in her arms.

 

“Are you sure you have everything?” he asked sarcastically.

 

Kagome threw him a cold glare.

 

“I don't think so. I would like to take… the photos.”

 

“What photos?” inquired Sesshoumaru even though he knew exactly what photos Kagome was referring to.

 

“From the island, and… the ones you made the first time.”

 

“I have already told you I do not plan on making them public. Do you trust me not?”

 

“Iie, I don't trust you.” Kagome responded dryly. She had nothing else to lose.

 

For just an instant, Sesshoumaru's stare gave Kagome a glimpse to his profound ire, but then he simply shrugged in indifference.

 

“In that case, I will retrieve them.” he said.

 

He climbed his stairs two by two and headed over to his studio in the attic of his home. After a moment, he returned with a metallic briefcase.

 

“I believe everything is in there: the snapshots, the contact sheets, and the negatives. Satisfied?”

 

“Hai, arigatou.” Kagome said through clenched teeth.

 

She was so close to falling into desperation, but she was determined to face the situation with pride; therefore, she added, looking at him directly into his eyes:

 

“Well,… see ya. I suppose.”

 

“Probably, this Sesshoumaru has no intention of terminating your contract.”

 

“I… didn't expect you to.” said Kagome. She inhaled deeply and extended her hand. “Sayonara then.”

 

“Sayonara.” said Sesshoumaru without a hint of his characteristic humor and without accepting Kagome's extended hand.

 

For one last instant, she hesitated, searching Sesshoumaru's face for a single sign he might change his mind. But there was none. Kagome had always known their relationship would end, though she didn't think it would last this long, it still felt so sudden. She had been completely foolish to think Sesshoumaru had begun to feel anything for her.

 

She turned on her heel and opened the door to the street. Sesshoumaru made no move to assist her, even though she had her hands full. Kagome took several steps under the front porch, hearing the door close behind her, she stopped.

 

The sheets of rain looked like a constant stream of tears from her bleeding heart. The streets were wet and the walkway slippery. Under the quiet night with only the pitter patter of rain drops hitting the ground, Kagome felt as if she were the only person in the world out in the street. She lowered her head, the rain drops mixed with her tears.

 

She was still trying to accept what had just taken place. Not an hour ago, she was in the arms of Sesshoumaru, warm and secured, and now she was out on the from yard soaking wet. The fragile links that had attached her to him had been brutally severed, hurting like amputated nerves.

 

Kagome stayed there for a while: once she left the small garden from the front yard, everything was over irrevocably. Nevertheless, she couldn't stay there the whole night, in front of his house, drenched under the pouring rain. If he were to open his door…

 

No, there was no point in waiting for that to happen, she will only end up with a terrible cold, Kagome figured. With all of her remaining strength, she made her way toward her vehicle parked next to the curb.

 

 

 

“A summons?” exclaimed Kagome taking a seat. “Why did you receive a summons to show up in court?”

 

“It is a ridiculous matter regarding something about traffic violations.” said Erukyo arrogantly. “It really is an embarrassment that the police have nothing better to do than harass a respectable driver for some minor error.”

 

“What exactly did you do, okaa-san?

 

“I simply backed up.” her mother began to explain. “As I was driving down the highway, I saw my exit a tad too late and I was not about to wait until the next exit, which was two kilometers away… I just don't see how that is so grave. And in regards to the police car, I did not see him behind me. It's not like I inflicted much damage to precious vehicle. I even offered to pay for the repairs. Now, in regards to the insurance… they were asking for an outrageous amount, so therefore, I decline to pay and now the police is blowing everything out of proportion.”

 

“Let me see if I got this straight.” Kagome said with all the patience she could muster. “You backed up in the highway, slammed into a police car, and to top it all up, you never paid for insurance. Is there anything else?”

 

“What?! Certainly not.” the senseless mother replied huffily. “Except that now I have to appear in front of some judge and you have to accompany me. I cannot possibly go by myself. I'm not about to ask Souta, he is busy studying for his exams.”

 

“On Friday?” realized Kagome. “I don't know, it will be difficult in such short notice. I have a session for Cosmopolitan.”

 

“You can go another day. Kami knows I never ask you for anything. I thought just once…”

 

Kagome sighed.

 

“It's alright, okaa-san. I'll try.”

 

At least she'd be distracted from her own sadness. It had been two weeks and, even though time heals all, she didn't feel any better. The initial blow had only made way for an even more profound ache.

 

And at least she wasn't force to see him. He was away on a business trip in the United States. Perchance, by the time she saw him again, she would have recovered enough to face him. Though it was more likely she'd break down in tears.

 

Be that as it may, she couldn't allow herself to be overcome by her sorrow. Kagome crushed all thoughts on Sesshoumaru from her mind and pick up her cell phone. She dialed the number of her agency; she needed to speak to Ami to change her appointment for Friday. She could always use the excuse of a personal emergency at home; ergo, there would be no need to get into details, something she need to prevent from coming out in the open.

 

 

 

The courthouse was a massive concrete building, about twenty stories high. Kagome parked her white Civic Honda and crossed the street at the crosswalk along with her mother.

 

The last snowfalls in Tokyo gave way the awakening of spring. The sky was a beautiful azure blue and the sun was cold but bright. Kagome was not in the mood to appreciate the beautiful morning. She furtively looked around while ascending the few front steps. She had the uncomfortable sensation of anonymous eyes directed at her person. Surely, it couldn't be correct, she wondered, because there was still two more weeks left for the launch of the Shikon Girl campaign.

 

In spite of this, she couldn't shake the feeling. Not when she searched with her mother the list of court appearances to find their designated court room, and not even after sitting at a table in the cafeteria to drink some coffee.

 

`If only okaa-san hadn't insisted on wearing that flashy coat.' thought Kagome. Maybe that is why she was being observed. She looked toward the lobby and couldn't find any familiar face.

 

“I hope they don't make us wait much longer.” Erukyo said, watching with disgust a girl who had tattoos on her arms sitting at table nearby. “The summons stated ten o'clock and we have been here more than an hour. I call that ineffectiveness.”

 

“Unfortunately we have no other alternative than to keep on waiting.” Kagome stated. “You don't want the judge to have you arrested for failing to appear before court. And where is your lawyer?”

 

“Onigumo-san?” I saw him earlier while we waited in line to buy the coffee. He promised to try to take care of this matter swiftly. Ah, look, there he is. And he's waving at us; perhaps we need to go in now.”

 

To Kagome's relief, it was exactly that.

 

She sat at the rear of the room, on the seats designed for the public, contemplating with anxiety as her mother moved forward proudly, to where the defendants sat. She prayed to Kami she had common sense to behave accordingly. Erukyo didn't seem to comprehend she would only make things worst if she continue to treat others with contempt.

 

“Do you mind if I sit here?”

 

Kagome suddenly stiffened.

 

“What… are you doing here?” she whispered breathlessly.

 

Sesshoumaru smiled. His golden gaze reflected an unmistakable irony.

 

Kagome felt bewildered. She could barely pay attention to what was happening in the front. The charges were read to her mother and the lawyers began to debate with great solemnity, yet she couldn't form a coherent thought. The world had abruptly stopped.

 

However, she was definitely not dreaming. The man seated at her side was solid and real. Their shoulder's brushed and that familiar and masculine scent wafted by her nose, so exclusively his. How did he know she was here? She didn't tell anyone, not even Ami. Beside, the following week was when he was supposed to come back from the states.

 

When the lawyers started putting away their paperwork to make way for the next case, Kagome couldn't tell if they had been there for five seconds or five hours, though in reality, it had only been exactly twenty minutes. After Erukyo left the courtroom passing through the central isle sporting a haughty countenance, Sesshoumaru took Kagome's elbow to help her stand up.

 

“Come.” he murmured. “Let us leave.”

 

They returned to the reception area. Kagome was still trapped under her confusion. Her mother was giving her attentions to her lawyer, so she turned to Sesshoumaru, giving him a puzzled look.

 

“What are you doing here?” she asked again. “When did you get back from America? How did you know where I was?”

 

Sesshoumaru lead her to a quieter corner, half hidden behind a thick squared column.

 

“About two hours ago;” he answered with a smile, “on the Concord. Yesterday I learned that you had postponed your photo session with the excuse of a `personal emergency', and… well, I came up with a conclusion rather erroneous. I knew where to find you because I hired a private detective who has been watching you since six in the morning. He followed you here and called me as soon as I arrived.”

 

“Demo… doshite?” questioned Kagome much more confused than before. “I don't understand. What did you think I was going to do?”

 

Sesshoumaru embraced her tightly.

 

“I thought you were going to have an abortion and this Sesshoumaru was not about to let you.”

 

“An abortion?” replied Kagome, realizing in an instant that she had spoken those words aloud. “What gave you that idea?” this time she added with indiscretion.

 

“At the moment, it seemed logical.” Sesshoumaru explained in a tone somewhat sullen. “We never took precautions; therefore, it was possible you could end up pregnant. I had hoped… I thought things were different between us. But you never said anything, and yesterday, when I learned you had suspended such an important session… I knew it had to be due to something really serious.”

 

“But an abortion? How could you think I would do something like that?

 

“Well, having a child at this point would be a great inconvenience in your career, ne? And since your career is so important to you…”

 

“Not THAT important!” Kagome corrected. “Besides, I'm not stupid. I knew if we kept on having intercourse without contraceptives, I could eventually end up pregnant, and so after we left Paris, started taking the pill.”

 

“I supposed I should have thought of that.” conceded Sesshoumaru. “Since you did not want to marry me and risk your career, you would not risk having a child. I would not have demanded that from you, you know, I would have waited. Was that what you were afraid of? Is that why you never wanted a commitment?”

 

“I didn't want a commitment? How could I have known what you wanted? You never told me, I thought the only thing you were interested in was sex.”

 

“Well, I must admit it is how it was most of the time.” Sesshoumaru confessed with a devilish grin. “However, it meant more to me than that. From the first time we met, you had an effect on me I could not comprehend; I had thought you were some spoiled rich girl who needed be brought down a notch or two.”

 

“Yes,… I suppose I deserved what happened. I behaved like a fool.”

 

Sesshoumaru shook his head.

 

“You were too young, and naïve. What transpired that evening hunted me for years. I felt extremely guilty. Then you appeared in the circuit of models and I began to see your photos and heard about you everywhere. I wanted to contact you before, but… certain matters had prevented that. When the opportunity arose with Shikon, I realize I had to risk seeing you again.”

 

Kagome continued to stare at him perplexed.

 

“Was it such a great risk?” she asked.

 

“It resulted as an even greater risk than I had feared. The moment you entered that restaurant, this Sesshoumaru knew he was lost.”

 

Kagome looked at him full of suspicion.

 

“And Ami? You're not about to deny you were dating her, will ya?”

 

Sesshoumaru let out a laugh.

 

“Iye, iye I was not. You were determined to believe all the talk there was regarding this Sesshoumaru, were you not?

 

“Well, you never denied it.” pointed out Kagome.

 

“Would you have believed me?”

 

“I guess… not.”

 

“Exactly. At any rate, I was doing Ami a favor.” added Sesshoumaru with slight humor in his voice. “Lord Ishimura Myouga had caught her eye, and she needed a chaperone. I felt obliged, partly because she was an old friend, and partly because you treated me like I carried rabies.”

 

“And Yura?” inquired Kagome still not totally convinced. “Were you doing her a favor as well?”

 

“I did not sleep with Yura in Bangkok; I do not know where you came up with that idea. Besides the fact that the first time it had been an error, I had no intentions of repeating that same error. From the moment this Sesshoumaru met you, I knew there would be no other.” stated Sesshoumaru, and added in a deep voice, “Unconsciously, I compared every single woman I dated with the memory I had of you, that is why it never worked out.”

 

Kagome stared into his eyes. Now she was finally beginning to believe he was saying the truth.

 

“And that is the reason,” she whispered, “that made me be so afraid of having a relationship with you. You had such a terrible reputation.”

 

“Greatly exaggerated. I do not pretend to have been a saint, but also not a womanizer.”

 

“But… I still don't understand.” Kagome said frowning. “If you're telling me the truth, then why did you tell me all those things that nigh? Why did you say we were through?”

 

“Because this Sesshoumaru could not take it any longer, I was dying inside. You never allowed me to get closer to you. Possibly, I was too haste in insisting that you move in with me so soon, yet I was just so desperately in love with you, I could not wait any more. I was hoping once we lived together, you would not place so many obstacles and marry me. However, the more I pressured you, the more you backed out.” Sesshoumaru elaborated and then continued in a husky voice, “I experienced emotions with you I had never felt before, and I did not know what to do.”

 

He held her in his arms closely, burying his nose in her hair.

 

“In United States, I almost went insane. I must have been on the verge of calling a hundred times, to apologize for acting like an idiot and implore you to give me another chance. But I had no idea how to begin.”

 

Forgetting where they were at the moment, Kagome threw her arms around his neck. Her heart was about to burst from her chest.

 

“That night,” she murmured, “I didn't… The reason I didn't want you to meet my family was not what you had thought. I…”

 

“I know.” said Sesshoumaru interrupting Kagome by placing a finger on her lips. “Lord Myouga Ishimura told me. He said your name sounded very familiar. It took him some time to remember, but in the end he finally did. Why did you not share this with me? I shared things with you I never told anyone else before.”

 

Kagome blushed and lowered her head.

 

“I… don't know…” she said faltering. “I thought that… that you had this certain image of me completely different, and I feared if you knew, you'd be disappointed… that you would not like the difference.”

 

“Baka,” Sesshoumaru said with a smile, “after I learned that behind that proud façade there was immense pain, I loved you more.”

 

“I… didn't know.” mumbled Kagome looking back into his eyes, hey smoky-blue orbs shone with unshed tears. “I was so in love with you, but I was afraid to tell you. I thought, once you knew, you'd run off, and so I continue to hide it from you.”

 

Just before, Sesshoumaru had declared words she couldn't hardly repeat to herself.

 

“Did you just say you wanted to marry me?” she asked.

 

“Hai.” said Sesshoumaru with a smile that reached his eyes. “Will you?”

 

“Oh, hai, hai!” Kagome replied with a deep sigh, not concealing any longer the love that wrapped around her heart. “Oh, hai, oneiga.”

 

Sesshoumaru bent his head and crushed his lips with hers with infinite tenderness, and she responded with all her soul, without caring who might be watching. She had dreamt of this moment so many times, never believing it would ever become a reality. If it was only an illusion, it was a most solid one.

 

The sound of footsteps and the voice of her mother interrupted the enchantment of the moment.

 

“Kagome! My Kami, aijou!”

 

“Oh!” exclaimed Kagome heat rising to her face while parting from Sesshoumaru's arms. “Er… okaa-san, this is Matsuki Sesshoumaru. I've told you about him, remember? He manages the publicity agency handling the campaign for Shikon.”

 

To her surprise, Sesshoumaru came off the situation with grace. He gallantly took Erukyo's hand and stared into her eyes, displaying all his charm.

 

“Ah, now this Sesshoumaru sees where Kagome inherited her beauty.” he said with a gentleman smile. “It is obvious it runs in the family.”

 

Erukyo smiled greatly pleased, succumbing instantly to Sesshoumaru's flattery.

 

“Oh, well,… Pleased to make your acquaintance I'm sure, Matsuki-sama.” she responded, then addressed her daughter. “Kagome, dear, it won't be necessary for you to wait for me. Onigumo-san invited me over to dine with him.” she explained with a triumphant and feminine look in her dark eyes. “I do not know at what time I'll be back to the house.”

 

And with those words she left the lobby with an arm wrapped around her lawyer's arm, walking with absolute distain for everyone around her, as if the flashy coat she wore served as a shield to ward off reality.

 

Kagome simply laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

 

“She sure is a good one. Good-old Onigumo-san, he's been after kaa-san for years. He was my otou-san's lawyer and a very good friend of the family. Now he's a widow.”

 

“And?” Sesshoumaru said smiling.

 

“Wouldn't be funny if they ended up together after all these years? Maybe even marry.”

 

“Sounds great.” he remarked chuckling, but with sincerity. “Especially if she is thinking of continuing to drive a vehicle, she will save a great deal of money on attorneys. Furthermore, you have been taking care of her for a long time. It is time for someone else to take over the load. You will be tremendously busy taking care of this Sesshoumaru.”

 

The idea was so very pleasant that just thinking about it, Kagome couldn't help but embrace and kiss him hard. But when Sesshoumaru placed his hand on her back pulling her to him tightly, she yelped and blushed.

 

“Sesshoumaru!” she chastised in a deep voice. “This is not an appropriate place. People are watching.”

 

Sesshoumaru laughed and placed her back on her feet.

 

“Very well; however, the registry office is nearby. We will be going there right now to obtain a marriage certificate. Then we can call Malagigi and have him send your wedding dress on the first flight. This Sesshoumaru has every intention of formalizing this union before you change your mind.”

 

“Iie. I won't change my mind.” Kagome promised placing her raven head on Sesshoumaru's shoulder. “You can count on that. It's what I always wanted.”

 

 

 

Well readers! That is all. Hope you enjoyed this fic. Ja ne! ^_^