InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Long Lost.... ❯ Can we really just be friends? ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: TrinityK 
...Friends?
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.01.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.2K | Visits: 777 | Status: Completed
...Friends?
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.01.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.2K | Visits: 777 | Status: Completed
"Long Lost...."
by: TrinityK
by: TrinityK
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, for if I did I would not be writing or reading fanfics about him. He'd be with me and we'd have... FUN. LoL. ^_^
A.N.: Hi everyone!!! Sorry it took me a while to update. School and a mini writer's block were in the way. Well anyway, here's chapter 4. The song I'm using in this chapter is .45 by Shinedown. Download it and give it a listen as you read. I'm telling you, the music makes it all better, more life. I love music, can ya tell? LoL. I hope you enjoy. Read and review!!!! Special thanks to Viv. N. for reviewing everyday like you said you would. You didn't have to, but thanks. ;-) Oh yeah, and I do not own the song either, I'm just using it cus it's really good and I like it. ^_^
A.N.: Hi everyone!!! Sorry it took me a while to update. School and a mini writer's block were in the way. Well anyway, here's chapter 4. The song I'm using in this chapter is .45 by Shinedown. Download it and give it a listen as you read. I'm telling you, the music makes it all better, more life. I love music, can ya tell? LoL. I hope you enjoy. Read and review!!!! Special thanks to Viv. N. for reviewing everyday like you said you would. You didn't have to, but thanks. ;-) Oh yeah, and I do not own the song either, I'm just using it cus it's really good and I like it. ^_^
Chapter 4: Can we really just be friends?
It had been a whole week since the whole incident with Inuyasha and Kagome was beginning to wonder what he was doing. Listening to his song as she caressed him had been so beautiful it broke her heart. She wished she could've just forgotten the real world and returned to her days in childhood with hanyou sleeping before her. How she wanted to just lay down next to him and forget it all. But she could never do that. She wouldn't allow it. Life wouldn't allow it. And Inuyasha seemed hadn't said one word to her in the past week. Sango had told her that they'd set up another meeting with Inuyasha, Miroku and them. But that Miroku had later told them that Inuyasha said he wanted a bit of time before they decided anything. Kagome had an idea as to why Inuyasha was being so distant, but she couldn't do anything about it. Could she? No, they were friends only, and if he wanted to tell her something he would have. He didn't. She would never admit it out loud, but in her mind she could admit to anything. His distance towards her after seeing him after so long hurt. Bad.
Kagome sighed and stood up from the little couch by her bedroom window. Sango had called her earlier and told her that Inuyasha would be playing his first live show at a club in town. They were waiting for Inuyasha to let them know when he was ready to start working together. So they thought if they went to see him play, he might remember the importance of working together for the label they both shared, and would finally just set up a date. Time was passing, and Kagome's album was due in a few months time. She wasn't sure when Inuyasha's album came out, but it was most likely shortly after hers, or at the same time.
She changed into a pair of black low-rise jeans, and a dark green off the shoulder top that hugged the upper half of her body. She also put on a pair emerald stone earings and dark green converse. Hey, she thought, just because she was going to a club, didn't mean she had to wear heels. She liked to be comfortable. And they were only going to see Inuyasha perform, not for a night out of town. She put her hair up into a half ponytail, then grabbed her keys, cell, wallet, and was out the door. Kagome usually didn't wear make-up to go out, except when she performed. So she wasn't sure why she did tonight. your going to see Inuyasha... mind whispered. She shook her head and concentrated on the road as she drove to the club she was meeting Sango at. Kagome never told Sango about that night with Inuyasha. She had planned to as she went to the bed, but when she woke up and thought about it, she didn't want to tell anyone.
She was sure she wouldn't share many nights with him, and she thought drunk and passed out as he was, that it had been special. With his song in the background, and the dim lights... Kagome shook her head harder this time. Okay, she was losing it. She had decided to stay friends with him if anything. She was engaged to Kouga. Kouga. The boy who threw a popsicle at her Inuyasha. Her Inuyasha? No, Kouga's changed, he was there for her when she was all depressed about Inuyasha. Inuyasha had been such a great guy. She loved the way his cute little ears would twitch at the barest of sounds when all was silent. She especially liked how his nose would scrunch up a unpleasant smell. He was so cute and protective. And his eyes, God his eyes, she could just get lost in their golden--Kagome stopped. She pulled onto the side of the road to get a handle of her thoughts. She violently shook her head a third time, willing her heart and mind to forget about Inuyasha in that way, and to only think of him as a friend. And acquaintance. No one special. Just that. She took 3 big sighs and started the car again. According to the directions of the club she was going to, it wasn't too far from where she was.
Sure enough she made it to the club in less than 10 minutes. Sango was already outside standing next to the bouncer in the front of the club. Sango was wearing a deep violet blouse that had a v-neck and long sleeves. She also had on denim skirt that reached mid-thigh, and black one-inch heels that looked casual. Her hair was up in it's usual ponytail.
Kagome parked her car on a curb across the club and made her way towards Sango. Some of the people waiting outside to get into the club started to protest about her jumping the line, but when they realized who she was, they changed their grumbling to shouts of praise and pleas for an autograph. Not wanting to displease her fans she signed a few on her way to Sango and shook some hands. She didn't like this part of her job in particular, but she couldn't complain. These people like her music and listen to it. And if they wanted to thank her for writing such inspiring music, who was she to whine and grumble.
"Toki? What are you doing here? Last I saw you, you were a bouncer for a club in China." Kagome said as she recognized the man standing next to Sango.
Toki smiled at the young music artist in front of him and greeted her. "Gee nice to see you too Kagome, me, I'm doing great, thanks for asking." He said playfully.
"Oh yes, of course, hi. I just wondered about you being here.... Oh hi Sango, pardon my manners tonight, I seem to drifting in and out of my own mind." Kagome lightly laughed as she looked at her friend.
Sango laughed and shook her head. She looped her arm in Kagome's and said "Don't worry Kaggie, I love you just the way you are. Scatter brain and all."
"Hey." Kagome said, pretending to be offended, knowing her friend was joking.
"Hey yourself. We were wondering when you were gonna get here. When I called you at home it was like 8 o' clock. Now it practically 9:30. What took you so long?" Sango said, looking curiously into Kagome's face.
"Oh that, yeah like I said, I got kind of side-tracked thinking..." Kagome trailed off turning her face away from Sango, knowing that if she saw it, she'd see something in her face that she wasn't ready to talk about. Not yet anyway.
"Thinking about what Kaggie?" Sango asked. Kagome had been acting a bit strange this past week. Ever since meeting Inuyasha again, she seemed closed off. She asked Miroku if he might know anything of if Inuyasha had said anything in particular, but he just shook his head no, and said that everything would would happen as it did. With that cryptic reply she stalked off, pondering her friend's behavior once again. She remembered Kagome vaguely telling her about her child-hood friend Inuyasha, so Sango would think Kagome would be ecstatic to see her long lost friend. But instead she looked a bit depressed. And she hadn't seen Kouga much this past week either. Usually, he was always with Kagome. Then she remembered that Kouga had a business convention to go to for his father's company. Kagome said he'd be back next week. Hmm... Did he know about Inuyasha? Had Kagome told him? When it came to child-hood memories, Kagome had kept t all vague, as if it hurt a bit to talk about it. So Sango didn't push her for more. If Kagome wanted to tell her she would. And if she didn't, then Sango would still be there regardless.
Sango was brought out of her thoughts when she heard her friend's voice replying. Or changing the subject more like it.
"Oh you know, this, that. My songs... So anyway, what's up Toki? Why are you in Japan?" Kagome asked.
"I moved back down here. My family's here, and I only went to China to experience something new. So been there, done that, and I decided it was time to come home. Besides, I hear your becoming quite the rising star in Japan. And I wanted to be here when you won an award and you thanked me for protecting you in the oh so foreign land of China." Toki said sarcastically with good humor. The two had become good friends after the little incident in China. A rabid dog was loose, and as Kagome was walking out of a club with Sango, it started to charge towards them when it saw them. Toki had pulled them back through the club doors and locked the door as the dog barked and barked on the other side of the door. They waited in the club for animal control to get the dog. When it was all over, they looked at each other's scared faces and started to laugh. Ever since then, they'd been friends.
Kagome laughed and replied "Oh yes, you protected me and Sango from that rabid beast. you great strong man."
Toki poked his big broad chest out and said in a haughty voice "Exactly ladies. Allow this great strong man to escort you ladies into the club. You need anything, and I'll rush to your side and protect you both. Please, don't forget about people like us when you become super famous Kagome." Toki finished off smiling.
Kagome and Sango exchanged looks and laughed as their friend escorted them into the club. It was 9:50 now, and the show started at 10 PM.
"I'm gonna go find Miroku. He said he'd meet us before the show started. Could you find us some seats? I'll get the drinks." Sango said loudly into Kagome's ear, so she could be heard over the noise of the crowd.
Kagome nodded and went in search of a table. She had just found one right in front of the stage, when they started to play a recording of "Unaffected" by Inuyasha himself. Kagome stopped on her way to the table as just stood there letting his words and voice take her back to that night one week ago. Good thing he was asleep. Or else, she'd have had to answer his questions of why she was touching him. She couldn't explain why she did it. just that she felt compelled to do it. She hadn't seen him in so long...
The crowd around here cheered even louder as a spotlight was brought onto the stage. Kagome guessed the show was about to start so she hurried over to the table and took a seat. It was center stage. What are the odds, Kagome thought. Maybe she could look for another table. Did she really want Inuyasha looking at her throughout his entire performance? No. Kagome looked around for an empty table towards the back but they were full by now. And she didn't want to stand either, so... They were staying at this table. Kagome sighed and turned her attention to the stage. Where was Sango? She wondered. The show was about to start and Sango or Miroku weren't there. They probably just got held up by the crowd at the bar, Kagome resolved. She'd find them after the show.
The cheering brought her eyes back to the stage once again. Inuyasha and a few other guys walked out onto the stage. His eyes found hers immediately and they stared at each other for what felt like minutes, but was really just a few seconds. He looked surprised. He obviously didn't think she'd be there tonight. Kagome thought Miroku had told Inuyasha, but apparently not. After the surprise passed, his expression changed to one of such longing that Kagome almost ran up the stage to give him a hug and tell him that she was there. Kagome broke gazes and turned her head to look at the other guys getting ready to play on stage. After a minute of idly observing the other guys and the equipment she turned back to Inuyasha, not expecting his gaze to still be on her. He looked hurt for just a second and her flippant dismissal then his face closed down. She hated it when he did that, but she had to act this way with him. His longing expression had made her want to take his hand and run away to the magical lands they once talked about as children. Child-hood was over though. And there no magic. Kagome had to make sure she didn't get too close to him. She didn't want to get hurt, or hurt him for that matter. And there was still the matter of Kouga...
Inuyasha turned his gaze away from her to look at the screaming fans. His cold expression was then replaced with an easy smile. "Thanks for coming out to see me play!!! I hope you guys like my music, and if you don't, you guys can just fuck off, cus I don't give a crap. I write my music for me, no one else. And if you like it, great, but if not, oh well. And that's all I gotta say. I won't be playing 'Unaffected' just yet, instead I'll be playing a brand new song I wrote a while ago. Maybe some of you will be able to relate. It's called .45. You guys should know what that is."
And with that he picked up his guitar and started singing.
Send away for a priceless gift
One not subtle, one not on the list
Send away for a perfect world
One not simply so absurd
In these times of doing what you're told
Keep these feelings, no one knows
What ever happened to the young man's heart
Swallowed by pain as he slowly fell apart
Inuyasha looked straight into Kagome'e eyes, and she could feel the pain she saw in them. He turned to the crowd and started to sing the chorus to them with closed eyes.
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
Swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
No real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
He finally opened them and looked out into the crowd of cheering fans, trying to block out the pain welling in his chest everytime he thought about the woman sitting in front of him.
Send a message to the unborn child
Keep your eyes open for a while
In a box high upon a shelf
Left for you, no one else
There's a piece of a puzzle known as life
Wrapped in guilt, sealed up tight
What ever happened to the young man's heart
Swallowed by pain as he slowly fell apart
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
Swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
No real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
Did Inuyasha feel like this? Kagome thought. they'd been apart so long, something tragic could have happened to him. And she wouldn't have even known. Did he ever think of committing suicide? What happened? Was his mother okay? Oh God, his mother. It's been a week since she met Inuyasha again. And not once had she thought of her, her thoughts too occupied with her son instead. Thank God, Inuyasha never did anything though. She stopped thinking for a moment as she just watched and listened to his next words. He sang them with such passion and feeling that she could feel it all. The sadness... the pain... the loneliness...
Everyone's pointing their fingers
Always condemning me
Nobody knows what I believe
I believe
Inuyasha noticed the look in Kagome's eyes and wondered about it. What was she thinking about? His song? His words? Him? He shook his head and concentrated on the crowd and playing his guitar.
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
Swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
No real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
Kagome made a decision. Her heart went out to him, so she'd talk to him. Forget about boundaries. After his performance, she's take him aside and talk to him. And if he didn't want to, too bad. She was talking to him.
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
And I'm swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
There is no real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
Inuyasha sang the last notes as they faded out. The deafening cheer he got in return was enough to make his ears almost bleed. Almost. He smiled and took a bow. He was breathing a little harder than was normal. He'd put his all into his performance. He almost forgot about the crowd, the club, everything. Except Kagome. And the looks she'd given him. It'd been a week since he slept at her house. He'd woke that morning after and had snuck out before she even woke up. His words being sung from her lips as she stroked his face and hair made him want to grab onto her and never let go. He'd missed her so much... Some of his previous depression and pain revolved around her. Sure, they were young back then, but she'd been his very first friend when no one would even look at him. The joy he felt when he realized she would never leave him a year into their friendship. No, she didn't leave him. He left her. And it nearly killed him.
"Thanks everyone! Glad you liked it! Well that was my first song of the night. I'll be performing 'Unaffected' shortly. Then I'm done. Buy my album when it comes out! I'll see you guys in a bit." Inuyasha said into the microphone. They were so loud. Inuyasha smiled to himself. His album wasn't out yet, and he already had fans. If his music could reach out to the people who felt just as he did at a time, all the paparazzi and bull was worth it. Inuyasha had escaped all the pain in his life when he was younger through music. After he left Kagome, there was no one left to talk to. No one that was interested in his life. Well his mom was, but it was different.
He walked backstage to clean up a bit before meeting Miroku. Speaking of which, he needed to have a talk with the stupid lecher. Miroku knew his past about Kagome. They'd met and became good friends the rest of high school and then college. He was his first friend at his new home after Kags. So he knew how he felt about meeting her again. It was a stupid prank to pull leaving him drunk at a bar, then calling Kagome, knowing that she didn't know where he lived, so would take him home. He'd given the monk a tongue-lashing as soon as he got home. Maybe he needed to give him another one. He told Miroku he wanted a bit of time before he saw Kagome again and they decided when to set up a meeting for the new songs. And what does he do? Doesn't tell him they'll be coming to his performance. He even asked him if they were, and he said no. That lying lech. He'd get him. But first their was the matter of Kagome. Did he go and sit at her table? And have drinks and talk like casual friends running into each other at a club? Inuyasha took big gulps from his water bottle when he got to his dressing room. He toweled his damp face and looked into the mirror. He stared at his reflection and shook hie head. They had decided to be friends. Just friends. He could do it. He had to do it. With that thought in mind, he changed his shirt into a dark red cotton band-tee. He kept his faded denim jeans on and finger-brushed his hair. He took one last glance in the mirror then turned and proceeded to look for Kagome or Miroku. Whichever one he found first.
He had just stepped into the actual club when he was immediately approached by over eager fans. He just smiled and promised to sign autographs later. But he just wanted a drink. Ten hands went up as soon as he said that. He declined the offer and started to disentangle himself from them. As soon as they all sullenly walked away, he spotted her.
She was sitting at the front center table where she was during his performance. He looked around for Sango and Miroku, but they were no where to be seen. Come to think of it, he didn't see them throughout his song either. Shrugging his shoulders he made his way over to her table.
Kagome sensed someone approaching her and turned around. It was Inuyasha. He was walking towards her table, and he changed his black shirt, she noted. They hadn't talked since he left her place so she wasn't sure how it'd be like. Would be angry? Sad? Cold? Kagome shuddered at that last one. She hated to see him like that. Especially to her.
Inuyasha saw her shudder and thought she must be cold in this warm club. Then again, she always did get easily cold when they were kids.
"Cold?" He asked as he sat on the chair across the table from her.
"Hmm? Uh, no. I was just... It was nothing. So... Great performance. You were good. A bit blunt in the beginning greeting the crowd, but you were good." Kagome said smiling to the hanyou before her.
Inuyasha laughed and said "Kags you know me, always blunt with everyone. I say what I want and everything. I even have an uber temper to match."
Kagome lightly laughed at his teasing and smiled. She looked into his eyes then, and they were shining with carefree mirth. She loved them like that. Never cold.
"That's the honest truth. Not only do you have a mean temper, but your possessive, arrogant--" Kagome started but was cut off by Inuyasha.
"Hey, hey, hey. You wound me Kags. I thought we were friends. Friends are nice to each other. They don't point out the other's faults." Inuyasha said with mock drama.
Kagome laughed again at the picture he made. Here was this rock star,and he was playing around like a teenager. "Actually Inuyasha some friends do point out the other's faults. That way they watch out for it, and maybe change them. But don't worry, I never said I didn't like any of your faults. I like them.Your really adorable when act all fussy or petulant. Like a little boy whose' miffed that he didn't get what he wants." Kagome laughingly finished off. When she looked at Inuyasha he was staring at her with an expression she couldn't read. The next thing she knew, Inuyasha had stood up and grabbed her around the waist.They were so close to each other that they were nose to nose. His arms were so strong and solid as they held her captive in his arms. And his eyes pierced her own with something she didn't know.
"Inu...Yasha?" Kagome squeaked out. There was barely a centimeter separating them, and she couldn't breathe. All she could smell and feal were him. And she loved it.
Inuyasha was breathing on her. He didn't know what possessed him to just go and grab onto her. He was listening to her talk, but he somehow got lost in her voice. In her laugh. She was so carefree with their joking. He always wanted to see her that way. And before he or she knew it, he was holding her in a tight embrace.
"Do I look like a little boy now Kags?" Inuyasha whispered into her very face.
Kagome had looped her arms around his waist to keep from falling. And as soon as he spoke her gaze was directed to his beautiful lips. Kagome thought about the last time she saw him before he left. He'd kissed her then. It had been a light brush of lips between two adolescents then. How would it be like between them now, fully grown? Way better probably.
"No Inuyasha, you don't." Kagome softly whispered. She tightened her arms around his waist and leaned up to do what she what, she wasn't exactly sure. But all she could think of right then was of the feel of his lips soon to be on hers.
Inuyasha was lost in her chocolate eyes. The dazed look in them made him want to do things to her that would make them look even more dazed. When she leaned up to kiss him, it was as if his prayers were being answered. Inuyasha closed his eyes, and leaned down to kiss the woman he had missed for nearly ten whole years. Ten whole years of being do empty, so cold.
Within seconds, their lips met in a brief brush. They pulled apart and stared at each other so close together that all they could see were the other's eyes. They were about to kiss again, but more fully this time when the voices of their friends and managers interrupted them.
"Kagome! There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you. I have news. Someone's--" Sango started as she spotted the back of her friend's head in the crowd towards the stage. But she stopped as soon as she saw what position her friend was in. She was in the embrace of Inuyasha. And to make matters worse, someone was here. She looked at Miroku standing next to her. he slightly panting from the run she had forced upon him as soon as she saw her friend. She'd grabbed his hand and lead the way. By the look on his face, he wasn't too surprised by the position his client and friend was in with hers.
Inuyasha silently cursed and finally opened his eyes. Kagome's eyes were still closed, but when she opened them they were still dazed. He smiled and was gonna lean down for another kiss when he remembered their friends standing there staring at them. He sighed and pulled apart from Kagome. She kept one arm around his waist though as she slowly stepped down back to earth at the club. Inuyasha looked at her with such lo- such what, he thought?
"Well... Looks like someone had a good time after his performance. And you said you didn't want any groupies." Miroku drawled. He was smiling from ear to ear. He knew with a little push, they'd get back together. Miroku knew how much Inuyasha cared about this girl. And he was only joking around with them.
Inuyasha glared at his perverted friend and was opened his mouth to say something when Sango cut him off.
"Stop it. We don't have time for that. Kagome, could you come with me please? I'm serious. I have to tell you something. Someone's here." Sango said urgently as she looked at her friend, beseeching her with her eyes not to ask questions. Time was running out as they talked. And he'd find them soon. They had to get out of there before then. Especially because Kagome couldn't seem to even remember where they were at due to the hanyou she was standing so closely to.
"Who's here Sango?" Kagome said in a far away voice. Her arm was still around Inuyasha's waist, and his arm was in turn, securely around her waist, holding her close. Oh how she missed him... And they had kissed again too. She was right. It was much better now. But they were interrupted before they could go any further. What could possibly go wrong right now, Kagome thought.
"It's--" Sango started but was cut off by another voice close by.
"Kagome!!! There you are. I've been looking all over this place for you." A voice boomed as he got closer to the foursome.
"Hmm?" Kagome said as she looked around for the voice. Her breathing stopped as she saw who it was. what was he doing here? He said he'd be back next week, not now. With that, she was immediately dropped back onto earth, and not so gracefully either.
"Surprise!! I got a ticket to come home a week earlier. I finished things up at the convention, and I wanted to surprise you. I heard about your live performance last week, sorry I couldn't be there. I'm sure you did great though. I missed you so--" Kouga stopped, finally in front of his fiance, her manager, and 2 men he didn't know. One was standing next to Sango and the other... The other had his arm around his fiance. Come to think of it, he looked awfully familiar. Kouga took in the guy's silver hair, golden eyes, and dog ears. With a start it came to him. It couldn't be... He moved away... Leaving Kagome to him...
"Dog-turd? I-I mean Inuyasha? Inuyasha Takeishi?" Kouga numbly asked, shocked to see him again after ten years.
Inuyasha stared mutely at the man engaged to his Kagome. HIS Kagome. Then reality came crashing back down on him and he released Kagome, stepping away from her. Kagome wasn't his. What just happened, wasn't supposed to. They couldn't be together. She was engaged. She was marrying Kouga!!!
"Nice to see you to wolf-breath." Inuyasha replied with false sincerity.
Kagome felt cold again when Inuyasha stepped away from her. The she remembered Kouga. Kouga! He was home early.
Kagome turned to Kouga and said "Why didn't you just tell me when you were really coming home Kouga? You know I hate surprises. Especially with everything that's going on now."
Inuyasha inwardly smiled. That's not how he remembered it. Kagome loved surprises. At least from him, back then anyway. Had that changed? And she didn't look particularly happy to see Wolf-breath.
Kouga sputtered, not knowing what to say. Kagome didn't get mad a lot. Or rather she didn't show it a lot to him. And here she was showing it to him. Was it because of Inuyasha? Why was her arm around him? And his around hers? His mind was racing with so many questions that he couldn't answer her.
Kagome closed her eyes, and sighed. After about ten seconds she opened them and looked at Kouga.
"Never mind Kouga, it's fine. I was surprised. Alright?" she said with something cloe to resignation is her voice. They were engaged she reminded herself. Why was she so irritated with Kouga? For surprising her at the club by coming home early? That wasn't it... He interrupted Inuyasha and me, her mind whispered. Kagome shook her head to clear her thoughts. She was engaged. To Kouga. She had to remember that in Inuyasha's presence, and even when he wasn't there.
Inuyasha flinched at Kagome's next words. "I'm glad your home early Kouga. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Why don't you take me home and tell me about it, hmm?" Kagome said, not looking at Inuyasha anymore.
Kouga visibly relaxed and nodded his head. He walked towards Kagome and took her hand in his. He said goon night to Sango and turned to leave. But before really left, he stopped to where Inuyasha was and turned to look at him.
"You look good Takeishi. See you around, I mean if your staying in Tokyo that is." Kouga said with what looked like sincerity. But deep down, Inuyasha could see in his eyes that he didn't mean a single word. He'd changed alright. He learned how to keep his mouth shut of anything he really wanted to say. At least to Inuyasha.
"Yeah I'm staying here. For a while at least. I mean I'm releasing my album soon, and Kagome and I partnered up to do a few songs together." Inuyasha said, purposely telling Kouga that he'd be working closely with Kagome for at least a couple of months.
Kagome closed her eyes again, knowing Inuyasha said that on purpose. To test Kouga. With Kouga face turned from hers, he gritted his teeth and replied "That's great. I'm sure Kagome and you will make good music. I'll be sure to buy multiple copies of her album."
"What, and not mine?" Inuyasha said, knowing he was baiting him. He looked Kouga square in the eyes and knew he was fighting for control. Ahh, so the old Kouga is still under there.
"Sure, I'll buy yours too. I mean we are all child-hood friends right?" Kouga said with a bit of sarcasm in his words. He turned to Kagome and his face changed. It softened, and he smiled. Inuyasha noticed this too. "Come on Kags, I'll take you home. Then I'll tell you all about my trip. I even brought you something back. Ready to go hon?" Kouga said in a genuinely adoring voice.
Kagome looked up into his bright blue eyes, and nodded. She bid goodnight to Sango. She asked her if she could take her car and just drive it to her place, knowing Sango probably caught a cab due to her own car being in the shop. With a promise to pick it up later, she said goodnight to Miroku as well. But when it came to Inuyasha, she just sort of looked at him with resignation, and a bit of longing. Then she turned her head and followed Kouga as he still held her hand. Sango said her goodnight shortly after and went off her separate way also.
Inuyasha watched her leave, then turned to Miroku who was looking at him with hidden sadness. "Hey man, I don't think I'm up to playing 'Unaffected' right now. Do you think we could reschedule for some other night?" Inuyasha asked, trying to play off a tired smile.
Miroku nodded his head, understanding his friend. "Don't worry about it bro. You were only supposed to play just one song tonight anyway. And you did that. That second song was just gonna be a little extra. but I'll tell the manager of the club that were leaving. So no worries, I got your back." Miroku said, placing a comforting hand on Inuyasha's shoulder.
Inuyasha gave Miroku a real smile and nodded. "Thanks Miro."
"No problemo. What are brothers, best buds, and managers for? I'll go tell the manager that we're going, then I'll get the car around. Just meet me in the front of the club. " Miroku said, and with that he was off.
Inuyasha lightly chuckled. And went to go get his things in the dressing room. By the time he'd gotten everything a club worker spotted him and told him that Miroku went to get the car already. Inuyasha nodded his thanks and proceeded to go to the front of the club at the entrance. When he got there, he was surprised to see Kagome standing there with her arms around herself. The wind was blowing slightly so her hair went with it. Under the fluorescent glow of the club signs, and street lights, she looked beautiful. Like a glowing angel in the dark.
"Cold?" Inuyasha asked, remembering he asked her that just a few hours ago.
Kagome turned around and came face to face with Inuyasha. She looked at him and said "Actually yes, it's freezing out here, and typical me, I forgot to bring a jacket."
Inuyasha chuckled and started towards her. He took his own denim jacket off and draped it over her shoulders before she could say anything.
Kagome looked at him and shook her head. She was about to take it off, when his voice stopped her.
"Don't Kags. Don't take if off just because it's mine and not Kouga's. Don't take it off if you don't want to freeze to death. Just don't." Inuyasha said looking in the other direction.
Kagome opened her mouth to say something but shut it right after. She was about to take it off because it was his. If Kouga had given her his jacket she would have just smiled and accepted it. But Inuyasha? Kagome left the jacket around her shoulders in place and stayed silent.
"So I'm guessing he's getting the car?" Inuyasha asked. He put his hands into his front pockets and continued to look off into the distance.
"Yeah... Same for Miroku?" Kagome asked, looking at Inuyasha for an answer.
He nodded his head, not looking at her.
"Listen... About tonight, what happened between us... Let's just forget it, okay? It was a friendly moment where we got caught up in memories, right?" Kagome softly asked, wanting him to agree with her, yet wanting him to disagree also and tell her that it had happened because they wanted it to happen, not because they got caught up.
Inuyasha internally flinched at her declaration and gave her what she wanted. Ignorance. "Sure Kagome, no problem. We're friends who just happened to get caught up then. Don't worry." Inuyasha said, pasting what he hoped, looked like a sincere smile on his face.
But Kagome knew him better than that. Regardless of the lost years. He was lying, and she knew it. His eyes crinkled when he smiled like that. And that meant, that he didn't mean it. Even though, she couldn't do anything more, not anymore at least. Kouga was driving up to the entrance of the club from around the curb.
She turned Inuyasha and said "I won't worry. Good night Inuyasha. You did a great show tonight too. I'll see you whenever we get started on those songs alright?" By then Kouga's car had reached the spot right in front of where they were standing. Without a look back, she opened the car door, and went inside. She kept her face stright ahead, knowing he was still looking at her. When Kouga finally started the car again she sank into her seat. As they drove off, she could see Inuyasha's figure still standing where she left him in the side-mirror of the car. He was still looking at Kouga's car as it drove off. With her in it.
Inuyasha sighed and finally turned his head when the car tuned at the curb. It wasn't just a caught in the moment kind a thing. They both had wanted that kiss, he knew it. But Kouga... Inuyasha sighed again.
"Hey man, ready?" Miroku said from inside his car. Without Inuyasha noticing, Miroku had already arrived with the car in front of him. Inuyasha nodded his head, and went inside the car on the passenger's side. He buckled his seat-belt as Miroku drove off from the club. When they were passed the traffic, Inuyasha rolled down his window and let the wind rush in, blowing his hair in all directions. It would be tangled when he got home. But just then, he didn't give a damn. He needed the sensation of the wind blowing on his face. It would freshen him. And blow any stray tears away... He thought back onto the club. The performance, his teasing with Kagome, her laugh, the kiss, Kouga... "Can we really be just friends Kags?" Inuyasha whispered letting the wind carry it where it may.
"Did you say something man?" Miroku asked, with his eyes alternating between the road and his best friend.
Inuyasha closed the window and sank back into his seat. "No. It's absolutely nothing." he said so softly Miroku barely caught it. Something had to be done. He couldn't stand his friend being all depressed all the time. He'd seen Inuyasha really depressed before, and he didn't wanna see it again anytime soon...
(************************************end************* **************************)
A.N.: Ahh!!! How was that? Good? I hope so. Sorry it was later than I said. And and just if any of you don't know, a .45 is a gun. Review!!!!! They make me smile!!! ^_^
Kagome sighed and stood up from the little couch by her bedroom window. Sango had called her earlier and told her that Inuyasha would be playing his first live show at a club in town. They were waiting for Inuyasha to let them know when he was ready to start working together. So they thought if they went to see him play, he might remember the importance of working together for the label they both shared, and would finally just set up a date. Time was passing, and Kagome's album was due in a few months time. She wasn't sure when Inuyasha's album came out, but it was most likely shortly after hers, or at the same time.
She changed into a pair of black low-rise jeans, and a dark green off the shoulder top that hugged the upper half of her body. She also put on a pair emerald stone earings and dark green converse. Hey, she thought, just because she was going to a club, didn't mean she had to wear heels. She liked to be comfortable. And they were only going to see Inuyasha perform, not for a night out of town. She put her hair up into a half ponytail, then grabbed her keys, cell, wallet, and was out the door. Kagome usually didn't wear make-up to go out, except when she performed. So she wasn't sure why she did tonight. your going to see Inuyasha... mind whispered. She shook her head and concentrated on the road as she drove to the club she was meeting Sango at. Kagome never told Sango about that night with Inuyasha. She had planned to as she went to the bed, but when she woke up and thought about it, she didn't want to tell anyone.
She was sure she wouldn't share many nights with him, and she thought drunk and passed out as he was, that it had been special. With his song in the background, and the dim lights... Kagome shook her head harder this time. Okay, she was losing it. She had decided to stay friends with him if anything. She was engaged to Kouga. Kouga. The boy who threw a popsicle at her Inuyasha. Her Inuyasha? No, Kouga's changed, he was there for her when she was all depressed about Inuyasha. Inuyasha had been such a great guy. She loved the way his cute little ears would twitch at the barest of sounds when all was silent. She especially liked how his nose would scrunch up a unpleasant smell. He was so cute and protective. And his eyes, God his eyes, she could just get lost in their golden--Kagome stopped. She pulled onto the side of the road to get a handle of her thoughts. She violently shook her head a third time, willing her heart and mind to forget about Inuyasha in that way, and to only think of him as a friend. And acquaintance. No one special. Just that. She took 3 big sighs and started the car again. According to the directions of the club she was going to, it wasn't too far from where she was.
Sure enough she made it to the club in less than 10 minutes. Sango was already outside standing next to the bouncer in the front of the club. Sango was wearing a deep violet blouse that had a v-neck and long sleeves. She also had on denim skirt that reached mid-thigh, and black one-inch heels that looked casual. Her hair was up in it's usual ponytail.
Kagome parked her car on a curb across the club and made her way towards Sango. Some of the people waiting outside to get into the club started to protest about her jumping the line, but when they realized who she was, they changed their grumbling to shouts of praise and pleas for an autograph. Not wanting to displease her fans she signed a few on her way to Sango and shook some hands. She didn't like this part of her job in particular, but she couldn't complain. These people like her music and listen to it. And if they wanted to thank her for writing such inspiring music, who was she to whine and grumble.
"Toki? What are you doing here? Last I saw you, you were a bouncer for a club in China." Kagome said as she recognized the man standing next to Sango.
Toki smiled at the young music artist in front of him and greeted her. "Gee nice to see you too Kagome, me, I'm doing great, thanks for asking." He said playfully.
"Oh yes, of course, hi. I just wondered about you being here.... Oh hi Sango, pardon my manners tonight, I seem to drifting in and out of my own mind." Kagome lightly laughed as she looked at her friend.
Sango laughed and shook her head. She looped her arm in Kagome's and said "Don't worry Kaggie, I love you just the way you are. Scatter brain and all."
"Hey." Kagome said, pretending to be offended, knowing her friend was joking.
"Hey yourself. We were wondering when you were gonna get here. When I called you at home it was like 8 o' clock. Now it practically 9:30. What took you so long?" Sango said, looking curiously into Kagome's face.
"Oh that, yeah like I said, I got kind of side-tracked thinking..." Kagome trailed off turning her face away from Sango, knowing that if she saw it, she'd see something in her face that she wasn't ready to talk about. Not yet anyway.
"Thinking about what Kaggie?" Sango asked. Kagome had been acting a bit strange this past week. Ever since meeting Inuyasha again, she seemed closed off. She asked Miroku if he might know anything of if Inuyasha had said anything in particular, but he just shook his head no, and said that everything would would happen as it did. With that cryptic reply she stalked off, pondering her friend's behavior once again. She remembered Kagome vaguely telling her about her child-hood friend Inuyasha, so Sango would think Kagome would be ecstatic to see her long lost friend. But instead she looked a bit depressed. And she hadn't seen Kouga much this past week either. Usually, he was always with Kagome. Then she remembered that Kouga had a business convention to go to for his father's company. Kagome said he'd be back next week. Hmm... Did he know about Inuyasha? Had Kagome told him? When it came to child-hood memories, Kagome had kept t all vague, as if it hurt a bit to talk about it. So Sango didn't push her for more. If Kagome wanted to tell her she would. And if she didn't, then Sango would still be there regardless.
Sango was brought out of her thoughts when she heard her friend's voice replying. Or changing the subject more like it.
"Oh you know, this, that. My songs... So anyway, what's up Toki? Why are you in Japan?" Kagome asked.
"I moved back down here. My family's here, and I only went to China to experience something new. So been there, done that, and I decided it was time to come home. Besides, I hear your becoming quite the rising star in Japan. And I wanted to be here when you won an award and you thanked me for protecting you in the oh so foreign land of China." Toki said sarcastically with good humor. The two had become good friends after the little incident in China. A rabid dog was loose, and as Kagome was walking out of a club with Sango, it started to charge towards them when it saw them. Toki had pulled them back through the club doors and locked the door as the dog barked and barked on the other side of the door. They waited in the club for animal control to get the dog. When it was all over, they looked at each other's scared faces and started to laugh. Ever since then, they'd been friends.
Kagome laughed and replied "Oh yes, you protected me and Sango from that rabid beast. you great strong man."
Toki poked his big broad chest out and said in a haughty voice "Exactly ladies. Allow this great strong man to escort you ladies into the club. You need anything, and I'll rush to your side and protect you both. Please, don't forget about people like us when you become super famous Kagome." Toki finished off smiling.
Kagome and Sango exchanged looks and laughed as their friend escorted them into the club. It was 9:50 now, and the show started at 10 PM.
"I'm gonna go find Miroku. He said he'd meet us before the show started. Could you find us some seats? I'll get the drinks." Sango said loudly into Kagome's ear, so she could be heard over the noise of the crowd.
Kagome nodded and went in search of a table. She had just found one right in front of the stage, when they started to play a recording of "Unaffected" by Inuyasha himself. Kagome stopped on her way to the table as just stood there letting his words and voice take her back to that night one week ago. Good thing he was asleep. Or else, she'd have had to answer his questions of why she was touching him. She couldn't explain why she did it. just that she felt compelled to do it. She hadn't seen him in so long...
The crowd around here cheered even louder as a spotlight was brought onto the stage. Kagome guessed the show was about to start so she hurried over to the table and took a seat. It was center stage. What are the odds, Kagome thought. Maybe she could look for another table. Did she really want Inuyasha looking at her throughout his entire performance? No. Kagome looked around for an empty table towards the back but they were full by now. And she didn't want to stand either, so... They were staying at this table. Kagome sighed and turned her attention to the stage. Where was Sango? She wondered. The show was about to start and Sango or Miroku weren't there. They probably just got held up by the crowd at the bar, Kagome resolved. She'd find them after the show.
The cheering brought her eyes back to the stage once again. Inuyasha and a few other guys walked out onto the stage. His eyes found hers immediately and they stared at each other for what felt like minutes, but was really just a few seconds. He looked surprised. He obviously didn't think she'd be there tonight. Kagome thought Miroku had told Inuyasha, but apparently not. After the surprise passed, his expression changed to one of such longing that Kagome almost ran up the stage to give him a hug and tell him that she was there. Kagome broke gazes and turned her head to look at the other guys getting ready to play on stage. After a minute of idly observing the other guys and the equipment she turned back to Inuyasha, not expecting his gaze to still be on her. He looked hurt for just a second and her flippant dismissal then his face closed down. She hated it when he did that, but she had to act this way with him. His longing expression had made her want to take his hand and run away to the magical lands they once talked about as children. Child-hood was over though. And there no magic. Kagome had to make sure she didn't get too close to him. She didn't want to get hurt, or hurt him for that matter. And there was still the matter of Kouga...
Inuyasha turned his gaze away from her to look at the screaming fans. His cold expression was then replaced with an easy smile. "Thanks for coming out to see me play!!! I hope you guys like my music, and if you don't, you guys can just fuck off, cus I don't give a crap. I write my music for me, no one else. And if you like it, great, but if not, oh well. And that's all I gotta say. I won't be playing 'Unaffected' just yet, instead I'll be playing a brand new song I wrote a while ago. Maybe some of you will be able to relate. It's called .45. You guys should know what that is."
And with that he picked up his guitar and started singing.
Send away for a priceless gift
One not subtle, one not on the list
Send away for a perfect world
One not simply so absurd
In these times of doing what you're told
Keep these feelings, no one knows
What ever happened to the young man's heart
Swallowed by pain as he slowly fell apart
Inuyasha looked straight into Kagome'e eyes, and she could feel the pain she saw in them. He turned to the crowd and started to sing the chorus to them with closed eyes.
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
Swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
No real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
He finally opened them and looked out into the crowd of cheering fans, trying to block out the pain welling in his chest everytime he thought about the woman sitting in front of him.
Send a message to the unborn child
Keep your eyes open for a while
In a box high upon a shelf
Left for you, no one else
There's a piece of a puzzle known as life
Wrapped in guilt, sealed up tight
What ever happened to the young man's heart
Swallowed by pain as he slowly fell apart
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
Swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
No real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
Did Inuyasha feel like this? Kagome thought. they'd been apart so long, something tragic could have happened to him. And she wouldn't have even known. Did he ever think of committing suicide? What happened? Was his mother okay? Oh God, his mother. It's been a week since she met Inuyasha again. And not once had she thought of her, her thoughts too occupied with her son instead. Thank God, Inuyasha never did anything though. She stopped thinking for a moment as she just watched and listened to his next words. He sang them with such passion and feeling that she could feel it all. The sadness... the pain... the loneliness...
Everyone's pointing their fingers
Always condemning me
Nobody knows what I believe
I believe
Inuyasha noticed the look in Kagome's eyes and wondered about it. What was she thinking about? His song? His words? Him? He shook his head and concentrated on the crowd and playing his guitar.
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
Swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
No real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
Kagome made a decision. Her heart went out to him, so she'd talk to him. Forget about boundaries. After his performance, she's take him aside and talk to him. And if he didn't want to, too bad. She was talking to him.
And I'm staring down the barrell of a .45 (.45)
And I'm swimming through the ashes of another life (another life)
There is no real reason to accept the way things have changed
Staring down the barrell of a .45
Inuyasha sang the last notes as they faded out. The deafening cheer he got in return was enough to make his ears almost bleed. Almost. He smiled and took a bow. He was breathing a little harder than was normal. He'd put his all into his performance. He almost forgot about the crowd, the club, everything. Except Kagome. And the looks she'd given him. It'd been a week since he slept at her house. He'd woke that morning after and had snuck out before she even woke up. His words being sung from her lips as she stroked his face and hair made him want to grab onto her and never let go. He'd missed her so much... Some of his previous depression and pain revolved around her. Sure, they were young back then, but she'd been his very first friend when no one would even look at him. The joy he felt when he realized she would never leave him a year into their friendship. No, she didn't leave him. He left her. And it nearly killed him.
"Thanks everyone! Glad you liked it! Well that was my first song of the night. I'll be performing 'Unaffected' shortly. Then I'm done. Buy my album when it comes out! I'll see you guys in a bit." Inuyasha said into the microphone. They were so loud. Inuyasha smiled to himself. His album wasn't out yet, and he already had fans. If his music could reach out to the people who felt just as he did at a time, all the paparazzi and bull was worth it. Inuyasha had escaped all the pain in his life when he was younger through music. After he left Kagome, there was no one left to talk to. No one that was interested in his life. Well his mom was, but it was different.
He walked backstage to clean up a bit before meeting Miroku. Speaking of which, he needed to have a talk with the stupid lecher. Miroku knew his past about Kagome. They'd met and became good friends the rest of high school and then college. He was his first friend at his new home after Kags. So he knew how he felt about meeting her again. It was a stupid prank to pull leaving him drunk at a bar, then calling Kagome, knowing that she didn't know where he lived, so would take him home. He'd given the monk a tongue-lashing as soon as he got home. Maybe he needed to give him another one. He told Miroku he wanted a bit of time before he saw Kagome again and they decided when to set up a meeting for the new songs. And what does he do? Doesn't tell him they'll be coming to his performance. He even asked him if they were, and he said no. That lying lech. He'd get him. But first their was the matter of Kagome. Did he go and sit at her table? And have drinks and talk like casual friends running into each other at a club? Inuyasha took big gulps from his water bottle when he got to his dressing room. He toweled his damp face and looked into the mirror. He stared at his reflection and shook hie head. They had decided to be friends. Just friends. He could do it. He had to do it. With that thought in mind, he changed his shirt into a dark red cotton band-tee. He kept his faded denim jeans on and finger-brushed his hair. He took one last glance in the mirror then turned and proceeded to look for Kagome or Miroku. Whichever one he found first.
He had just stepped into the actual club when he was immediately approached by over eager fans. He just smiled and promised to sign autographs later. But he just wanted a drink. Ten hands went up as soon as he said that. He declined the offer and started to disentangle himself from them. As soon as they all sullenly walked away, he spotted her.
She was sitting at the front center table where she was during his performance. He looked around for Sango and Miroku, but they were no where to be seen. Come to think of it, he didn't see them throughout his song either. Shrugging his shoulders he made his way over to her table.
Kagome sensed someone approaching her and turned around. It was Inuyasha. He was walking towards her table, and he changed his black shirt, she noted. They hadn't talked since he left her place so she wasn't sure how it'd be like. Would be angry? Sad? Cold? Kagome shuddered at that last one. She hated to see him like that. Especially to her.
Inuyasha saw her shudder and thought she must be cold in this warm club. Then again, she always did get easily cold when they were kids.
"Cold?" He asked as he sat on the chair across the table from her.
"Hmm? Uh, no. I was just... It was nothing. So... Great performance. You were good. A bit blunt in the beginning greeting the crowd, but you were good." Kagome said smiling to the hanyou before her.
Inuyasha laughed and said "Kags you know me, always blunt with everyone. I say what I want and everything. I even have an uber temper to match."
Kagome lightly laughed at his teasing and smiled. She looked into his eyes then, and they were shining with carefree mirth. She loved them like that. Never cold.
"That's the honest truth. Not only do you have a mean temper, but your possessive, arrogant--" Kagome started but was cut off by Inuyasha.
"Hey, hey, hey. You wound me Kags. I thought we were friends. Friends are nice to each other. They don't point out the other's faults." Inuyasha said with mock drama.
Kagome laughed again at the picture he made. Here was this rock star,and he was playing around like a teenager. "Actually Inuyasha some friends do point out the other's faults. That way they watch out for it, and maybe change them. But don't worry, I never said I didn't like any of your faults. I like them.Your really adorable when act all fussy or petulant. Like a little boy whose' miffed that he didn't get what he wants." Kagome laughingly finished off. When she looked at Inuyasha he was staring at her with an expression she couldn't read. The next thing she knew, Inuyasha had stood up and grabbed her around the waist.They were so close to each other that they were nose to nose. His arms were so strong and solid as they held her captive in his arms. And his eyes pierced her own with something she didn't know.
"Inu...Yasha?" Kagome squeaked out. There was barely a centimeter separating them, and she couldn't breathe. All she could smell and feal were him. And she loved it.
Inuyasha was breathing on her. He didn't know what possessed him to just go and grab onto her. He was listening to her talk, but he somehow got lost in her voice. In her laugh. She was so carefree with their joking. He always wanted to see her that way. And before he or she knew it, he was holding her in a tight embrace.
"Do I look like a little boy now Kags?" Inuyasha whispered into her very face.
Kagome had looped her arms around his waist to keep from falling. And as soon as he spoke her gaze was directed to his beautiful lips. Kagome thought about the last time she saw him before he left. He'd kissed her then. It had been a light brush of lips between two adolescents then. How would it be like between them now, fully grown? Way better probably.
"No Inuyasha, you don't." Kagome softly whispered. She tightened her arms around his waist and leaned up to do what she what, she wasn't exactly sure. But all she could think of right then was of the feel of his lips soon to be on hers.
Inuyasha was lost in her chocolate eyes. The dazed look in them made him want to do things to her that would make them look even more dazed. When she leaned up to kiss him, it was as if his prayers were being answered. Inuyasha closed his eyes, and leaned down to kiss the woman he had missed for nearly ten whole years. Ten whole years of being do empty, so cold.
Within seconds, their lips met in a brief brush. They pulled apart and stared at each other so close together that all they could see were the other's eyes. They were about to kiss again, but more fully this time when the voices of their friends and managers interrupted them.
"Kagome! There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you. I have news. Someone's--" Sango started as she spotted the back of her friend's head in the crowd towards the stage. But she stopped as soon as she saw what position her friend was in. She was in the embrace of Inuyasha. And to make matters worse, someone was here. She looked at Miroku standing next to her. he slightly panting from the run she had forced upon him as soon as she saw her friend. She'd grabbed his hand and lead the way. By the look on his face, he wasn't too surprised by the position his client and friend was in with hers.
Inuyasha silently cursed and finally opened his eyes. Kagome's eyes were still closed, but when she opened them they were still dazed. He smiled and was gonna lean down for another kiss when he remembered their friends standing there staring at them. He sighed and pulled apart from Kagome. She kept one arm around his waist though as she slowly stepped down back to earth at the club. Inuyasha looked at her with such lo- such what, he thought?
"Well... Looks like someone had a good time after his performance. And you said you didn't want any groupies." Miroku drawled. He was smiling from ear to ear. He knew with a little push, they'd get back together. Miroku knew how much Inuyasha cared about this girl. And he was only joking around with them.
Inuyasha glared at his perverted friend and was opened his mouth to say something when Sango cut him off.
"Stop it. We don't have time for that. Kagome, could you come with me please? I'm serious. I have to tell you something. Someone's here." Sango said urgently as she looked at her friend, beseeching her with her eyes not to ask questions. Time was running out as they talked. And he'd find them soon. They had to get out of there before then. Especially because Kagome couldn't seem to even remember where they were at due to the hanyou she was standing so closely to.
"Who's here Sango?" Kagome said in a far away voice. Her arm was still around Inuyasha's waist, and his arm was in turn, securely around her waist, holding her close. Oh how she missed him... And they had kissed again too. She was right. It was much better now. But they were interrupted before they could go any further. What could possibly go wrong right now, Kagome thought.
"It's--" Sango started but was cut off by another voice close by.
"Kagome!!! There you are. I've been looking all over this place for you." A voice boomed as he got closer to the foursome.
"Hmm?" Kagome said as she looked around for the voice. Her breathing stopped as she saw who it was. what was he doing here? He said he'd be back next week, not now. With that, she was immediately dropped back onto earth, and not so gracefully either.
"Surprise!! I got a ticket to come home a week earlier. I finished things up at the convention, and I wanted to surprise you. I heard about your live performance last week, sorry I couldn't be there. I'm sure you did great though. I missed you so--" Kouga stopped, finally in front of his fiance, her manager, and 2 men he didn't know. One was standing next to Sango and the other... The other had his arm around his fiance. Come to think of it, he looked awfully familiar. Kouga took in the guy's silver hair, golden eyes, and dog ears. With a start it came to him. It couldn't be... He moved away... Leaving Kagome to him...
"Dog-turd? I-I mean Inuyasha? Inuyasha Takeishi?" Kouga numbly asked, shocked to see him again after ten years.
Inuyasha stared mutely at the man engaged to his Kagome. HIS Kagome. Then reality came crashing back down on him and he released Kagome, stepping away from her. Kagome wasn't his. What just happened, wasn't supposed to. They couldn't be together. She was engaged. She was marrying Kouga!!!
"Nice to see you to wolf-breath." Inuyasha replied with false sincerity.
Kagome felt cold again when Inuyasha stepped away from her. The she remembered Kouga. Kouga! He was home early.
Kagome turned to Kouga and said "Why didn't you just tell me when you were really coming home Kouga? You know I hate surprises. Especially with everything that's going on now."
Inuyasha inwardly smiled. That's not how he remembered it. Kagome loved surprises. At least from him, back then anyway. Had that changed? And she didn't look particularly happy to see Wolf-breath.
Kouga sputtered, not knowing what to say. Kagome didn't get mad a lot. Or rather she didn't show it a lot to him. And here she was showing it to him. Was it because of Inuyasha? Why was her arm around him? And his around hers? His mind was racing with so many questions that he couldn't answer her.
Kagome closed her eyes, and sighed. After about ten seconds she opened them and looked at Kouga.
"Never mind Kouga, it's fine. I was surprised. Alright?" she said with something cloe to resignation is her voice. They were engaged she reminded herself. Why was she so irritated with Kouga? For surprising her at the club by coming home early? That wasn't it... He interrupted Inuyasha and me, her mind whispered. Kagome shook her head to clear her thoughts. She was engaged. To Kouga. She had to remember that in Inuyasha's presence, and even when he wasn't there.
Inuyasha flinched at Kagome's next words. "I'm glad your home early Kouga. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Why don't you take me home and tell me about it, hmm?" Kagome said, not looking at Inuyasha anymore.
Kouga visibly relaxed and nodded his head. He walked towards Kagome and took her hand in his. He said goon night to Sango and turned to leave. But before really left, he stopped to where Inuyasha was and turned to look at him.
"You look good Takeishi. See you around, I mean if your staying in Tokyo that is." Kouga said with what looked like sincerity. But deep down, Inuyasha could see in his eyes that he didn't mean a single word. He'd changed alright. He learned how to keep his mouth shut of anything he really wanted to say. At least to Inuyasha.
"Yeah I'm staying here. For a while at least. I mean I'm releasing my album soon, and Kagome and I partnered up to do a few songs together." Inuyasha said, purposely telling Kouga that he'd be working closely with Kagome for at least a couple of months.
Kagome closed her eyes again, knowing Inuyasha said that on purpose. To test Kouga. With Kouga face turned from hers, he gritted his teeth and replied "That's great. I'm sure Kagome and you will make good music. I'll be sure to buy multiple copies of her album."
"What, and not mine?" Inuyasha said, knowing he was baiting him. He looked Kouga square in the eyes and knew he was fighting for control. Ahh, so the old Kouga is still under there.
"Sure, I'll buy yours too. I mean we are all child-hood friends right?" Kouga said with a bit of sarcasm in his words. He turned to Kagome and his face changed. It softened, and he smiled. Inuyasha noticed this too. "Come on Kags, I'll take you home. Then I'll tell you all about my trip. I even brought you something back. Ready to go hon?" Kouga said in a genuinely adoring voice.
Kagome looked up into his bright blue eyes, and nodded. She bid goodnight to Sango. She asked her if she could take her car and just drive it to her place, knowing Sango probably caught a cab due to her own car being in the shop. With a promise to pick it up later, she said goodnight to Miroku as well. But when it came to Inuyasha, she just sort of looked at him with resignation, and a bit of longing. Then she turned her head and followed Kouga as he still held her hand. Sango said her goodnight shortly after and went off her separate way also.
Inuyasha watched her leave, then turned to Miroku who was looking at him with hidden sadness. "Hey man, I don't think I'm up to playing 'Unaffected' right now. Do you think we could reschedule for some other night?" Inuyasha asked, trying to play off a tired smile.
Miroku nodded his head, understanding his friend. "Don't worry about it bro. You were only supposed to play just one song tonight anyway. And you did that. That second song was just gonna be a little extra. but I'll tell the manager of the club that were leaving. So no worries, I got your back." Miroku said, placing a comforting hand on Inuyasha's shoulder.
Inuyasha gave Miroku a real smile and nodded. "Thanks Miro."
"No problemo. What are brothers, best buds, and managers for? I'll go tell the manager that we're going, then I'll get the car around. Just meet me in the front of the club. " Miroku said, and with that he was off.
Inuyasha lightly chuckled. And went to go get his things in the dressing room. By the time he'd gotten everything a club worker spotted him and told him that Miroku went to get the car already. Inuyasha nodded his thanks and proceeded to go to the front of the club at the entrance. When he got there, he was surprised to see Kagome standing there with her arms around herself. The wind was blowing slightly so her hair went with it. Under the fluorescent glow of the club signs, and street lights, she looked beautiful. Like a glowing angel in the dark.
"Cold?" Inuyasha asked, remembering he asked her that just a few hours ago.
Kagome turned around and came face to face with Inuyasha. She looked at him and said "Actually yes, it's freezing out here, and typical me, I forgot to bring a jacket."
Inuyasha chuckled and started towards her. He took his own denim jacket off and draped it over her shoulders before she could say anything.
Kagome looked at him and shook her head. She was about to take it off, when his voice stopped her.
"Don't Kags. Don't take if off just because it's mine and not Kouga's. Don't take it off if you don't want to freeze to death. Just don't." Inuyasha said looking in the other direction.
Kagome opened her mouth to say something but shut it right after. She was about to take it off because it was his. If Kouga had given her his jacket she would have just smiled and accepted it. But Inuyasha? Kagome left the jacket around her shoulders in place and stayed silent.
"So I'm guessing he's getting the car?" Inuyasha asked. He put his hands into his front pockets and continued to look off into the distance.
"Yeah... Same for Miroku?" Kagome asked, looking at Inuyasha for an answer.
He nodded his head, not looking at her.
"Listen... About tonight, what happened between us... Let's just forget it, okay? It was a friendly moment where we got caught up in memories, right?" Kagome softly asked, wanting him to agree with her, yet wanting him to disagree also and tell her that it had happened because they wanted it to happen, not because they got caught up.
Inuyasha internally flinched at her declaration and gave her what she wanted. Ignorance. "Sure Kagome, no problem. We're friends who just happened to get caught up then. Don't worry." Inuyasha said, pasting what he hoped, looked like a sincere smile on his face.
But Kagome knew him better than that. Regardless of the lost years. He was lying, and she knew it. His eyes crinkled when he smiled like that. And that meant, that he didn't mean it. Even though, she couldn't do anything more, not anymore at least. Kouga was driving up to the entrance of the club from around the curb.
She turned Inuyasha and said "I won't worry. Good night Inuyasha. You did a great show tonight too. I'll see you whenever we get started on those songs alright?" By then Kouga's car had reached the spot right in front of where they were standing. Without a look back, she opened the car door, and went inside. She kept her face stright ahead, knowing he was still looking at her. When Kouga finally started the car again she sank into her seat. As they drove off, she could see Inuyasha's figure still standing where she left him in the side-mirror of the car. He was still looking at Kouga's car as it drove off. With her in it.
Inuyasha sighed and finally turned his head when the car tuned at the curb. It wasn't just a caught in the moment kind a thing. They both had wanted that kiss, he knew it. But Kouga... Inuyasha sighed again.
"Hey man, ready?" Miroku said from inside his car. Without Inuyasha noticing, Miroku had already arrived with the car in front of him. Inuyasha nodded his head, and went inside the car on the passenger's side. He buckled his seat-belt as Miroku drove off from the club. When they were passed the traffic, Inuyasha rolled down his window and let the wind rush in, blowing his hair in all directions. It would be tangled when he got home. But just then, he didn't give a damn. He needed the sensation of the wind blowing on his face. It would freshen him. And blow any stray tears away... He thought back onto the club. The performance, his teasing with Kagome, her laugh, the kiss, Kouga... "Can we really be just friends Kags?" Inuyasha whispered letting the wind carry it where it may.
"Did you say something man?" Miroku asked, with his eyes alternating between the road and his best friend.
Inuyasha closed the window and sank back into his seat. "No. It's absolutely nothing." he said so softly Miroku barely caught it. Something had to be done. He couldn't stand his friend being all depressed all the time. He'd seen Inuyasha really depressed before, and he didn't wanna see it again anytime soon...
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A.N.: Ahh!!! How was that? Good? I hope so. Sorry it was later than I said. And and just if any of you don't know, a .45 is a gun. Review!!!!! They make me smile!!! ^_^