InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ In Your Eyes ❯ Afterglow ( Chapter 2 )

A/N: Alright. I hope the 1st chapter was remotely enjoyable. :)

Another thing, this chapter was influenced by the song Afterglow by: INXS (it just fit….)

Read on!!

 

 

Chp. 2 Afterglow

 

 

Small, icy hands frantically wiped at chocolate eyes for the 100th time that night. A gentle breeze kissed a tear-streaked face, failing miserably in its attempts to console the broken soul. Another sob escaped quivering lips as the silhouette of a young girl silently fell on its knees.

 

It had taken all of Kagome's will power not to runoff and cry uncontrollably at the Cineplex. If it hadn't been for Sango, she would've never made it out of there, sanity intact. She had put on the best charade that her heart could possibly allow her too, taking the happy couple's orders and sending them on their merry way.

 

After completing her shift at the concession stand, she had bidden her friends goodbye and rushed out, eyes burning with unshed tears. Inwardly thanking her mother for not allowing her to have a car yet, she took advantage of the tranquil night and ran to a small park, tears flowing freely.

And now, on her knees, she sat before the still world, broken hearted. Hushed sobs carrying over the light breeze, a mournful lullaby soothing the souls of many just like her.

Faint whispers of lost love and false hope, of untold promises broken and unconditional adoration shattered, of a time when life wasn't so painstakingly hard.

 

Dragging herself to a nearby tree, she quietly leaned her back against the rough bark, bringing her knees up to her chest. Curling herself up into a small ball, Kagome cried herself to sleep, leaving the painful world of reality only to enter an unconscious bliss.

Her last words were almost incoherent. Almost.

 

“It's ok Inu..yasha… I knew you couldn't always protect… me…”

 

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

 

“Souta, will you go see if your sister is awake?” called Miori from the kitchen.

 

“Sure mom.” Souta answered as he ran up the stairs.

 

Quieting his steps as he reached his older sister's room, he lightly tapped on the door with his knuckles. “Kagome? You up yet?”

 

No answer.

 

“Kagome?” He knocked on the door a little harder.

 

Still no answer.

 

`Dammit Kagome.' Swiftly turning the knob, Souta barged into his sister's vacant room.

 

“Kagome? You in here?”

 

After searching the room thoroughly, Souta decided to try the bathroom. Finding it empty as well, the young boy began to worry.

 

“Was she still asleep?” Miori gently asked as Souta descended the stairs.

 

“Uh… no, she wasn't,” he nervously shuffled his feet.

 

“Well, is she coming down?”

 

“Um…I don't know.”

 

“What do you mean, you don't know?” She raised an eyebrow as she took a few steps forward.

 

“Well.. uh…I uh… what I mean is that… I don't know where she is.”

 

“Souta? Did you lock your sister in the attic again?”

 

“Mom…” Souta rolled his eyes, “ that was only once.”

 

“Well, then where is she?”

 

“I don't know! I can't find her anywhere!” He stated as he walked into the kitchen.

 

“What? You mean she never made it home last night?!” Miori screamed as she stumbled up the stairs.

 

“Man, these pancakes rock.” Souta mumbled through a mouth full of food.

 

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

 

“Hello?” yawned a very groggy girl. ` Who the hell calls at 7 in the morning!'

 

“Sango, honey? I hope I didn't wake you. Is Kagome over there?” came the worried voice of Miori.

 

“Oh, Ms. Higurashi uh.. no. Kagome's not here, why?”

 

“Well she's not in her room and I don't think she ever came home last night.”

 

`Fuck! Dammit Kagome!' “ I'll be right over.”

 

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

 

“Yeah?” asked a sleepy male voice.

 

“Houshi, is Dogboy there?”

 

“Ah, my lovely Sango. Uh, no he's not. Guess he already went to work. To what do I owe this great pleasure?” He purred.

 

“Save it, Miroku. Kagome's missing, she never went home after the Cineplex.”

 

“What? The Kid's missing?! I'll be there in 2.” He huffed as he started pulling up his jeans.

 

“Ok. Wait, don't you have a job to go to?”

 

“Dear Sango, Kagome is much more important than some stupid job. And… I kind of quit.” He frowned over the phone.

 

“Uh huh. You mean, you got fired.” Sango teased.

 

“This is hardly the time for explanations, m'lady. I'll see if I can contact Shippou before I go.”

 

“Right. Bye Houshi.”

 

“Bye, bye beautiful.” He cooed.

 

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

 

“And you don't know if she ever came home?” Miroku inquired as he paced the Shrine's living room.

 

“No, and she's not answering her phone! Where could that girl be!” huffed Miori, slamming the receiver on a small coffee table in the center of the room.

 

“Now, now Higurashi-sama, let's not panic. Sango and Shippou assured me that they had a pretty good idea of where Kagome might be.”

 

“You better hope so, Miroku.” Miori narrowed her eyes, shaking her finger for emphasis.

 

“Uh… why of course.” Miroku gulped.

 

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

 

The laughter of children and the barking of dogs resonated throughout the small park. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. After going over some of the places Kagome would be at, Shippou and Sango had come to the conclusion that the park was the best place to start.

 

As Shippou and Sango made their way through the commotion of young children, a small crowd of kids near a tree attracted Shippou's attention. Nodding for Sango to follow, the two friends quickly reached the small crowd.

 

At the sight of the two `older kids', the children screamed and scrambled away. The sight before Shippou and Sango would've been an unforgettable Kodak moment, had it entirely been under different circumstances. Before them sat a miserable, tear-streaked young girl. Hair a mess, eyes red and puffy, a pale face adorning black whiskers and poorly drawn glasses.

 

Shippou bit the inside of his cheek to stop the chuckle that had formed in his chest. Sango roughly elbowed the kitsune, pinning him with one of her icy glares.

 

“Kagome? You ok?” Sango gently whispered as she knelt beside her broken friend.

 

Sad, brown depths looked up at her as Kagome slightly nodded her head.

Seeing the distressful state in which the young girl was in awoke a feeling of anger in Shippou. Kagome had always been like a little sister to him, ever since Miori had asked him to baby-sit Souta and her one day, long ago. At first he had objected, begging his mother to reconsider Miori's request. Looking back on all the wonderful memories, Shippou inwardly thanked his mother and Miori. Kagome was like the little sister he never had. He could always amaze her with a small trick or prank.

 

Quietly kneeling beside Sango, Shippou wiped away a few tears that had escaped her chocolate eyes. He knew why she ached. The entire former `Shikon Order' knew why she ached, save for one oblivious hanyou.

 

“C'mon Kid, let's get you home.” Shippou whispered as he gently lifted the trembling girl into his arms.

 

“Sango?” Hic. “Shippou?” Kagome hiccupped.

 

“Yeah?” The two said in unison.

 

“Those kids drew on my face,” hic. “Didn't they?” Kagome touched her cheek.

 

“A little, Kagome.” Sango bit back a small laugh.

 

“Damn kids.” Kagome pouted.

 

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

 

A scream of relief greeted Kagome, Shippou and Sango as they walked into the living room. After Shippou placed Kagome on her feet, Miori rushed to hug her daughter. After pulling away to look at Kagome, Miori's face contorted into a small smile. Miori gently ran her fingers across Kagome's cheek before asking, “ Kagome, sweetheart. What's…”

 

“What the hell is that on your face?” Souta laughed as he pointed to Kagome's face.

 

“Souta!” scolded Miori before turning her attention back to Kagome.

 

“What your brother means is, why do you ha-”

 

“You look so freakin' retarded!! Miroku! Miroku come look!” Souta mocked as he dragged Miroku across the room.

 

“Now Souta, I'm sure…” Miroku trailed off as he burst out laughing.

 

“You jerks are so immature!” Sango smacked both boys upside the head.

 

“Ow! Hey, you bitch! What the hell?” Souta yelled as he rubbed his head.

 

“Souta! Watch your language!” Miori reprimanded.

 

Kagome just stood there, watching the commotion around her. A small feeling of joy seeping into her heart. She may not have Inuyasha's love, but she had her family. And for now, that seemed like plenty.

 

Quietly slipping out of the living room, Kagome ran upstairs, towards the bathroom.

 

`I really need a shower.' She thought as she gazed at herself in the mirror. `Christ, this stuff better come off.'

 

-0-0-0-0-0-

 

After a good 30-minute shower, Kagome walked downstairs in search of her family and friends. As she reached the living room, she was met with her mother's angry glare.

 

“Ok Kagome, explain.”

 

`Crap.'

 

A sigh of relief escaped Kagome's lips as she descended the Shrine's steps. `Good save, Kagome.' Her lying abilities continued to amaze the young girl. She recalled telling her mother about a supposed `fight' she had with a boy she liked from school. She saw him with some other girl or something and it had been bugging her the whole day. She went to the park to clear her mind, but ended up falling asleep. That was it, no harm no foul.

 

“At this rate, I'll surpass Miroku's lying abilities.” Kagome rolled her eyes.

 

“Ah, let's hope that isn't somewhere in the near future.” Came the voice of a certain violet eyed boy.

 

“Hi Miroku. Where is everyone else?” Kagome asked as she started walking up the street.

 

“Shippou took Sango back home for something.” He answered, falling in step beside her.

 

“Oh.”

 

“The hanyou's a bastard, I know.”

 

“Huh? Oh…” Kagome turned her gaze towards the ground.

 

“I haven't seen the young lady yet, but um…I hear he's planning to invite us all out for dinner tonight. He might introduce her there.” Miroku concluded as he chanced a glance at Kagome.

 

“Oh yeah? That's nice. She's really pretty, and she seems nice. I mean, well… from what I saw.”

 

“I see. Such acceptance, Kagome. He truly is a baka.”

 

“No, no. He seemed very happy. If she'll accept him the way he is, then I'm happy for both of them. Maybe this'll stop his obsession with the jewel.” Kagome tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

 

“Ah yes, the jewel. Well, if you are fine with this, then I will not object either. Perhaps it is indeed time to end this whole `Shikon Order' thing for good.”

 

“Yeah, I suppose. Hey Miroku, Inuyasha… he works right? Where?”

 

“Work? Hmm… you pose an excellent question. I wish I knew, but he hasn't told anyone. Shippou doesn't know and I highly doubt he's told Sesshoumaru.” Miroku stroked his chin thoughtfully.

 

“Oh. But, hasn't he been working at this place for a year now?”

 

“Yes, I believe so. I guess none of us ever bothered asking him. We'll inquire him about the whole thing tonight.”

 

“Yeah…” Kagome sighed as the two friends continued walking up the street.

 

-0-0-0-0-0-

 

“Kagome, hurry up! Everyone' s waiting!” Sango called from downstairs.

 

Grabbing her purse, Kagome hurried down the stairs to meet the anxious group of friends and family.

 

“Are we leaving yet?” She asked Sango as she finished straightening out her dress.

 

Dinners weren't usually formal amongst the close group of family and friends. The only occasions in which formal attire was necessary was at reunions, birthdays and anniversaries. The news of Inuyasha asking them to `dress nicely' came as quite a shocker, considering the hanyou was never big on formality.

 

“This must be very important,” started Asagi Taijiya, “he must really like this girl.”

 

“Good for Inuyasha. It's about time that boy found some happiness.” Chuckled Nobu Taijiya.

 

Asagi and Nobu Taijiya are Sango and Kohaku's aunt and uncle. The two siblings were left without parents 4 years ago when they got into a horrible car accident. Ever since then, Asagi and Nobu have taken care of Sango and Kohaku, raising the children as if they were their own.

 

“Alright everyone, we don't want to keep the couple waiting. Let's get moving.” Miroku said as he led everyone out of the Shrine.

 

-0-0-0-0-0-

 

“How many will that be, sir?” asked a stout, old waiter.

 

“It'll be 12 but we already had reservations.” Miroku politely grinned.

 

“Ah, you must be master Inuyasha's Party, yes?”

 

“Uh yes. That's correct, sir.”

 

“Right this way.” The waiter said as he led them into the restaurant towards a big round table at the back.

 

The most peculiar sight greeted the large party. There stood Inuyasha, the normally disheveled hanyou, in a wine colored, buttoned-down dress shirt. And to everyone's amazement, his usual baggy, dirty jeans were replaced with black slacks. His untamed silver mane actually looked combed, and rather glossy. This was indeed, a changed hanyou.

 

“Holy…crap.” Souta and Kohaku blatantly stated.

 

“What punks? Never seen clothes before?” Inuyasha snorted, narrowing his golden eyes at the two young boys.

 

“Inuyasha, be nice.” Came the silky, female voice Kagome only knew too well.

 

Everyone's attention focused on the woman that had appeared by Inuyasha's side. She was sporting a red, strapless dress that went down to her knees. Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back and shoulders in long, shiny strands.

 

Everyone's eyes widened as realization dawned on them. As they turned their attention to Kagome, everyone did a double take.

 

“Everyone,” Inuyasha smiled, “I'd like you all to meet my girlfriend, Kikyou.”

 

“Hello Kikyou, it's nice to finally meet you.” Miori smiled warmly.

 

After everyone took their turn greeting Kikyou, Inuyasha asked them to take their seat.

 

“You both look quite happy. Inuyasha, my boy, give us the details.” Laughed Kiochi Higurashi.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes at her grandfather, a tightening in her chest slowly growing.

 

“This is going to be a long night.” Sango whispered to Kagome as she placed her chin in one of her hands.

 

Kagome inhaled sharply, ` bring on the pain…'

 

 

 

A/N: Well, there's chapter 2. I hope you all enjoyed it. The story will begin to unfold slowly, so no worries. Really quickly, I just wanna say that I don't hate Kikyou. In fact, I have no preference between Kikyou and Kagome, they both have their charms. But, I do prefer Inu/Kag pairings. It doesn't mean Kikyou has to burn in hell, she can go chill on a beach in Mexico. Anyway, any questions? Comments? Complaints? I'd really love some feedback!! So please review. :)

Afterglow by: INXS