InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Love In A Library ❯ The Namesake ( Chapter 3 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

I sighed as I flipped through the pages of my latest read, but my mind was obviously elsewhere. It was noticeable that my reading lately had been lacking, and it was really disturbing me. I mean, just since I met this guy, my brain has automatically started thinking about other things on its own. My mind has begun flowing with girly fantasies that I can't help but look down upon. It is what I am against. And besides, if something starts to influence my reading schedule, something has to be definitely wrong with me.

I smacked myself softly in the head, the paper's rough surface skidding across my forehead. This was utterly ridiculous! My reading, my beautiful reading is what keeps me completely sane. But, seriously, how can I manage to read when that annoyingly handsome face pops constantly in my mind?

I grumbled as I book marked page 75 in The Namesake. I had started about an hour and a half ago and this was the page I had landed upon. And the reason I've only gotten this far? I read the same sentence twenty times in a row. No, don't try to believe I'm joking; I read the same sentence twenty fucking times in a row. It is very, very annoying.

Wedging between the pillows that I now laid on I found my bookmark. It was covered in childish crayon drawings that I had come to adore. Book boy's daughter, Rin, whom I met after story time, insisted on giving me this bookmark she made during her day. I was so moved that she thought of me, though this was the only time we have met, and I gladly took it from her without any hesitation. Well…that's before she told me she was going to originally give it to her father. But he had mentioned that he was glad that Rin had accepted me so easily and she could make him one any old day. So, in the end, I told her that I would use the cute little childish bookmark regularly, and I am one not to break the promises I make, especially to such a cute little girl.

“Hey Kags?” I didn't reply at first. “You're awake, right?” It did look like I was asleep by the way I was sprawled across my black leather couch, so I couldn't exactly blame him for asking. A purple chair sat a distance away from the couch near my flat screen TV occupied by my older brother, Naraku. He had randomly decided to visit me this afternoon, so I had allowed him in my apartment for I am a remotely good sister. He had asked to crash here a few days, but, knowing Naraku, a few days would easily turn into a few weeks. Or, maybe if I'm that unlucky, a few months.

“I'm awake Naraku.” I replied, throwing my book to the carpeted floor. “Whaddiya want now?” His red eyes looked at me questioningly, making me stick out my tongue at him in response. He then smiled at me, a devious little grin adding to his features.

“Why, Kagome, why would you think I would want anything from you?” I raised my eyebrow, a trick I had picked up from book boy. He had actually taught me when I saw him last Thursday, once I asked him to stop doing it. Though he didn't stop, I could apply my trick now to good use.

“Because, you always want something of me. So, tell me. Anything interesting this time or would you like me to make you a sandwich?” He then took the turn to scowl at me for my witty sarcasm, but I didn't mind.

“Is it a crime to ask how my little sister's life is going? My God, it's like you want me out of your life the way you act. Do you want me out? I can clearly throw myself in the streets for you if you don't want to get your hands dirty?” We were both scowling fully at each other now as I positioned my purple throw pillow in front of me.

“Do you want to be smacked in the face? Trust me, I can take you down.” But, me having to open my big mouth at that moment received a pillow smack dab in the middle of my face. “Very mature. No, truly, very mature.”

“Very mature bout what, Gome?” He asked trying to pull the innocent act on me. I had seen through that façade back when we were children, so sadly for him, I wasn't going to buy it.

“Oh, come off it. You know what I'm talking about, ya bastard. Now, if you weren't going to try to con me into something, then what were you going to ask me?” He retreated the other pillow that he had positioned at me to the other chair, as I placed my own down as well.

“What I stated before. We didn't really get to talk much when I came earlier. You had to get to work to pick up some papers and then you came right home and started reading.” I smiled.

“If you really want to talk, then I'll talk.” He nodded simply as he pulled his long dark locks into a high ponytail. While I was reading, I saw that he was playing a bit with his hair in an annoyed fashion so he must've gotten sick of it and put it up the way he had.

“So? How's it going for you?” I gave a shrug of indifference.

“Eh, same old, same old. I have a job as a secretary, and Sango is still my friend.” He sighed dejectedly at me, making me frown. “What?”

“Kags, are you still single?” My frown became deeper as I knew what he was trying to play. He was going to con me into going on a date with one of his stupid friends. He had tried before and failed. He once had decided to randomly set me up with a man named Minomaru that he knew from work. Our date was at a moth museum…yes, a moth museum. And why would he take me on a date to a moth museum? Because he had an odd collection of dead moths. And, there was also the fact that he still lived with his parents and had no social life what so ever. Basically, in the end, the date was a complete bust and I never trusted Naraku again with my dating life.

“Naraku.” I groaned, making his mouth quirk into an annoying, smug smile. “Why? Every time you ask me this you set me up with one of your stupid goddamn friends!”

“But they are nice guys, Kagome. You should get to know one of them.” I crossed my arms as I stood in front of him.

“Must I remind you of the moth guy? He thought dead wings were more interesting than paying attention to your date! The guy was a freaking lunatic!” Naraku merely smiled at me innocently.

“But moths are pretty, no?” I glared at him as I then imagined ripping his head completely off his shoulders. “But seriously, you need to get back out there. I bet others are worried about you too. You haven't dated in seven years—don't try to change it because I have been counting.”

“I'm not listening to you.” I stated as I promptly walked quickly out of the room, knowing full well he would follow me. “What do you want for dinner? Something quick like pizza? Okay, I'll order it in!”

“You're trying to change the subject!” He sang as I saw him slink into the kitchen where I now stood. “Trust me, Hojo is the nicest guy I've ever met. You'll love him. Unless you are dating someone now…” I growled softly. Why do all older siblings have to be pains? Kikyo was one thing…but Naraku? He was a royal pain in the ass. Especially when it came to my dating life.

“Naraku, stop it right this instant-”

“So, its true?” He continued with his interrogation. “So you aren't dating someone? Might as well make use of your time and go on a date with my ol' buddy…”

“YES!” I cried, surprising him and myself. “I AM dating someone! Now get off my back, ya lousy, nosy, pain in the ass, bastard!” His eyes were widened with shock at my outburst as I stood there slightly panting. I usually didn't swear as much as that, but Naraku was surely pissing me off. And when I got pissed off, I get very, very moody. No one likes a moody Kagome.

“Whoa. Gome, I haven't heard a verbal lashing since the summer I dropped your favorite bracelet down the toilet.” I remained silent as my eyes traced its way to my white tiled floors. “So, you are dating someone then?” He pressed after we stood there in complete silence, besides the few creaks that my apartment sometimes created.

“Well, sort of…I don't really know.” I confessed as I traveled to a stool that sat beside my counter. I placed myself on it before becoming a pile of womanly goo as I leaned on it. “I mean, I like him. I like him a lot. But I don't exactly know about him…”

“I see…” Naraku smiled at me as he pulled another stool over to sit next to me. The scratching on the tile made my skin tingle a bit, but it stopped just as quickly as it came as he sat down. “I knew something was bugging you. You kept staring this one page for ten minutes. Something had to be wrong.”

“Yeah.” I blushed slightly. “I guess you're right…but, honestly, I don't want to lay my problems on you. I haven't even told Sango about him yet.” He completely ignored me as he grabbed a banana that sat in my black fruit basket on the marble of the counter.

“What's his name? And why the hell haven't you told Sango? You tell that girl everything and leave me out cold.” The aroma of the sweet banana made its way to my nose, making me gag slightly. Very overpowering.

“That's just it…I don't know his name. He never told me and I don't think he wants to tell me. We meet at the library every Thursday and sometimes Tuesdays also. I've seen him a good deal these past weeks…and we've even kissed a few times also. But I honestly don't know how he feels.” I sighed.

“And?” He asked as I glanced away from him, my eyes tracing the picture of Marilyn Monroe, which was placed on the wall near the table.

“And that's it.” I paused, as I blushed even deeper. “He is a really good kisser, though. I have to give him that. And I think about him constantly. It's confusing, and more importantly, annoying. I'm not like one of those women who go `gaa-gaa' over a man.” I was startled, to say the least, as he began laughing. His voice was rich, not as deep and rich as my book boys, but it certainly filled the silence of the room we sat in. Apparently he found it so funny that he started to smack his hand on the marble, making that noise echo the kitchen as well. “What?” I cried, completely embarrassed that my brother was laughing at me.

“You, my little sis, are in love! Oh, God! This is the day! Let me go get my camera, please!” I pushed him off his stool forcefully, not at all liking the fact that my brother had seen this fact before I could even think of it. But was…was this really love I felt? I did feel whole around him…and I he does haunt my thoughts…love? Was I ready to love someone?

“I absolutely hate you!” I stepped on his stomach as I walked over him, happy to hear the little moan that erupted from his throat. “You are what I say, Naraku. You. Are. The. Biggest. Most. Hated. Bastard. To. Ever. Walk. This. Earth!” This just sent him back into a fit of giggles so I had decided to give up on him. He was, as I suspected, a lost cause.

“This is hilarious!”

“I beg to differ!” I cried, as I knew my face was fully flushed. I could feel the immense heat that warmed my cheeks due to the embarrassment my brother was putting me through. I stomped out of the room quickly and effectively as he sat crying in laugher and joy in the middle of my kitchen on the floor. But, yet, before I left I managed to chuck a local piece of fruit, most likely an apple or something remotely hard, at his face. I heard his yelp of surprise and I couldn't feel more than pleased with myself that he had received some of the pain that I was going through at that moment.

“What a bastard.” I mumbled out of pure anger at my brother, as I entered the room. I maneuvered to the left and opened my closet. I pulled on a pair of black sweatpants and my local sweatshirt that I received from my brother at Christmas. It had this dorky, yet cute, monkey on it. It was starting to annoy me a bit, but I didn't bother. Today, I honestly cared less about how I dressed or what I looked like. And the thing was, I couldn't say I look the greatest—I really didn't. At all. I managed then to put my hair in a messy ponytail that was even messier than Naraku's. I glanced back down at the monkey that was plastered hauntingly on my sweatshirt. I wondered absently what I looked like as I went out of my room. I didn't bother looking into the mirror that sat on my closet door, perhaps I was too pissed off at Naraku.

“I'm leaving!” I shouted to Naraku who was still laughing at me, having the time of his life. I scowled as I pulled my library card out of my purse. “You better not follow me, ya lousy ass! If you do, I'll manage to publish all your secrets in my own book!” I'm pretty positive that he didn't hear a word that I said, mostly because he looked like he was about to piss his pants from laughter. That only fueled my anger more.

I slammed the door shut behind me. I quickly went down the hall and to the right, opening up to the main lobby. The floors were a dull marble with scuffmarks about everywhere. The walls were painted a deep emerald green. I passed a plant that looked half way dead as I exited the door into the soft setting sunlight. I didn't realize it was that late when I decided to go, but my anger only let me see that I had to get to the library and fast to calm down.

I felt the stares on my back as I walked down the street. I did not blush at this, however…the only time I felt the need to blush was when I was thinking, or physically with, book boy. I then stopped, rather self-conscious at that moment. What if he…what if he saw me?

Nah, he wouldn't see me. It is a Sunday night, after all. We only met on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for anyone beside being absolutely book obsessed, would only go there two or three times a week. At least I was safe from having book boy see me in such a ridiculous outfit.

“Why me?” I started to chant, to draw myself away from thinking if book boy ever saw me in these clothes. “Why me? Why me? Why me? Why must I be gifted with such an idiotic brother?” As much as I wanted this question answer, for my brother is quite a dumb ass, it was left unanswered. But that's what I expected. Because he is just that: a dumb ass.

I entered the library, softening my chants to the inside of my head. I frowned as I heard the giggles of these two rather fluttery girls walk past me. Maybe I should talk to Kaede about all of this? About my…erm, problem. I have found recently that Kaede would listen to whatever problems I came up with. She would actually listen and not complain that I was complaining, like my mother would have done. It's amazing what librarians can do for you.

I approached the front desk softly, ashamed of myself that I was going to talk about…him…to Kaede. I love her, I truly do, but this was slightly embarrassing. I was just getting up and smelling the coffee today, the aroma of the beginning stages of love.

“Kagome? It's so nice to see…what the hell are you wearing?” I sighed as Saya had completely stopped in shock as she saw my state of dress. Yes, I did look that bad.

“Is Kaede here? I really, really have to talk to her about this huge problem I'm having.” I pouted softly. “I need her help. Badly. And quick too.” Saya blinked at me a moment.

“Kaede?” She called around the corner, allowing her a few minutes to come out into the hall.

“Aye, Saya? What do ye need now?” I squirmed where I stood as the old woman's eyes fell upon me. She smiled in a friendly fashion before sitting down at the desk.

“It's so nice to see ye today, Kagome. Tell me, what troubles ye?” I smiled in gratitude at her.

“You can all ready tell I need help?” Kaede nodded softly as Saya placed the books that she carried on the counter, sitting down besides Kaede.

“Of course.” She replied. “Your face is troubled. Tell me, child. I will do all in my power to help you.” I bit my lip as a new shade of red flamed my cheeks.

“I…my day has gone completely downwards. My older brother came to my house today and is staying for a few weeks. I love him and all but…” I sighed as I tip toed around the real situation at hand. “My life is utter shit.” Saya laughed.

“Is that it? You had me worried.” I shook my head as I leaned against the wall where the desk end was placed. Taking a deep breath, a started to lower myself to the library floor.

“Kagome, child, ye are overreacting, and if ye must, don't allow him to stay in your home.” I shook my head simply.

“That's not it.” I sighed as I knocked my head against the wall. “I…the real reason I'm here is that I'm…I'm in love.” I closed my eyes as I held my breath, waiting for their responses. But all I received to the very end was silence. That was, until Saya decided to open her mouth.

“With who?” I licked my dry lips, hiding my head in my arms as they rested upon my knees.

“Book boy!” I groaned as I rubbed my head. “My brother pointed it out to me…I've been so clueless! I mean, he is attractive and my type of guy, but why would he want to go out with me? There is no reason. And besides…I was scarred badly seven years ago by someone I loved…I don't want that to happen again.” I sniffed.

“Oh…” Saya whispered as she glanced to Kaede for guidance. “That isn't so good after all…is it?”

“Kagome, we honestly can't tell ye what will happen…he…he is very spontaneous. We never know what he might do or say.” I nodded in a daze as I held back tears.

“I've never felt like this before! I don't know what to do, or to say…I don't want to become a fool around him. I blush constantly…” I laughed sadly. “And I don't even know his name and I all ready love him.” Tears spilled freely out of my eyes. “I'm so naïve! I promised myself to never to fall for that again!” We sat in silence as I continued to cry my eyes out like a helpless little child. This signified it. My tears, the ones that ran down my very face, held the truth. I was in love with book boy.

“Kaede! What's wrong with her?” Through the tears that blurred my vision, I saw a black coat and jeans from where I sat. My ears, however, had not turned off. It was his voice. I could tell his voice from others any day.

I felt strong arms around me that I could only fall into. He was so nice, so comforting and calm. He was exactly the comfort I needed, the comfort I welcomed freely. The love I needed most.

Perhaps it is unhealthy to go by years without loving a significant other. I had always found myself more independent than others, and I was in a way. The emotions of love I thought weren't needed, so I didn't allow them to enter me. But somehow…somehow my barrier was broken. Broken by the man that held me this very moment.

“Kagome.” He whispered softly as he brought me up to stand with him. One arm was woven tightly around my waist while the other was pressed to my shoulder, bringing me only closer to him. I had quieted almost immediately, only allowing soft sobs leaving my lips. “Ssh. Kagome, its all right. I'm here.” He reassured me, pressing his lips to my forehead. “I hope you remember that I won't leave you.” The warmth spread through me as he uttered these words to me, allowing me to completely relax.

“Mmm.” I mumbled. “Thwank Yous.” Was the answer that he most likely heard as I buried my face deep within the crook of his neck, allowing me to enjoy his fresh scent. He smelled wonderful, clean. He laughed softly as I clung to him, not willing to let him go.

“You will forever be a mystery to me.” He chuckled as his attention turned from me, to my hair. “And what did you do? Do your hair in the dark?” He snapped the hair band that kept my locks up completely in two. He took the moment to run his fingers through my silky tresses, working out the knots as he came to them, or avoiding them completely.

“I'masorry.” I mumbled as I still kept my hold on him tight, though he hardly seemed to mind at all.

“What have you done that would make you apologize to me?” He asked as I played a bit with his hair. So it was as silky-smooth as I thought it would be. And the color! So exquisite… “Nothing. So there is no need to apologize.” He rubbed my back soothingly. “Are you quite sure you're all right?” I nodded softly.

“Mhmm.” I sniffed. “I'm feeling better.”

“Saya, get me some tissues.” He demanded softly. “We'll be needing them.” At that moment I pulled away from him embarrassed I had decided to show that kind of affection in front of the two librarians I had befriended. My blush burned throughout my body as I buried my face in my hands.

“I'm sorry!” I cried again. “I shouldn't have acted like that. It's childish.” The corners of his lips twitched into the smirk that I so loved.

“Everyone should act childish once in a while. It's unhealthy not to.” I hiccupped before I could stop myself. I guess he wasn't talking about himself then, since I've never seen him act childish in my life…or, perhaps, could story time be considered childish?

“Oh, my dear!” He cried as his laugher started anew. “What in God's name are you wearing?” I scowled at him as I kicked his pant leg softly.

“Stop laughing at me!” I snapped at him. “It's not at all funny!” He shook his head as I saw a few tears come to his eyes. “…I really look that ridiculous?” He shoved his coat to me after a moment of deep laughter.

“Put it on…” He snorted. “I swear, you'll be the only one who will make me laugh this way.” I smiled softly at him.

“Thank you…ass hole.” I took off the ridiculous monkey sweatshirt, only having a white tank top underneath. I saw the interested look on his face, for that eyebrow shot up like I knew it would. I stuck my tongue out at him with a slight blush as I slipped on the coat he gave me.

“You are looking much better now.” He noted, though I could still see that gleam in his eye that he appreciated my tank top. What a perverted little…grr.

“Oh stop thinking about me in that tank top!” I said loudly with a smirk of my own as I rubbed the redness of my eyes. “I know you enjoyed it!” Saya giggled as she looked over the light pink that held his cheeks. Oh my…was he blushing? “Right?” I pressed. “You just can't wait to see me in it again, could you?” He growled at me as he grabbed my arm softly, his blush growing a deeper shade of red.

“Come with me.” But before I could even say yes, he was pulling me along to a different section of the library, leaving those two poor women all alone confused.

“You really don't want others to see you blush, do you?” I asked with a giggle as he finally stopped once we were far enough to be alone. He licked his lips nervously.

“Perhaps…” He then smirked as he drew his arms around me. “But you shouldn't tempt me like that.” I could barely answer, for my mind had drawn fuzziness, for his lips had then crashed onto my own. At first, through my fuzziness, I did not respond as he pressed me against a bookshelf on the wall, but before I knew it I had managed to wrap an arm around his neck and follow through with just as much force.

Bliss. Pure bliss. That was all I felt and tasted as he tangled his fingers in my hair. Our kiss ended too short, or at least I had thought so, for we finally needed the necessity of oxygen. My cheeks were a pretty pink, I knew, for he chuckled softly.

“You have…the prettiest blush I've ever seen.” He mumbled as he kissed my cheek.

“Book boy.” I whispered as I traced my fingertips along his jaw. “Please…tell me your name.” I pleaded. “I need to know.” His lips snatched mine in a softer, more protective kiss than the last one we had shared.

“I'm sorry.” He murmured with sincere concern and regret clouding his eyes. “I cannot tell you.” And before I could ask why, he kissed me again and left my side. I followed him after a moment as he turned a corner of shelves. But when I looked down that aisle, he was gone from my sight.

“Dammit.” I scolded myself. “I shouldn't have asked him. How stupid can I be?” I applied a bit of pressure with my middle and index finger to my abused, bruised lips. “What did I get myself into?”

As I exited the library, I felt Saya and Kaede's gazes to my back, though neither had bothered to stop me and question what book boy had done to me. And I really didn't feel like telling them what happened either.

`That question probably ruined my relationship with him…' I thought simply as a tear slipped out of my eye. `No…he wouldn't do that. I know he wouldn't. After these few weeks, I've learned things that no one would even realize when looking at him. And, for that fact, I know he wouldn't leave me that easily, just after one measly little question.'

I trudged home with a clouded mind as I scarcely kept my fingers to my lips, remembering the pure heavenly feeling I had felt once he had pushed me against the shelves. Oh…why couldn't we do that when we met normally instead of talking about books and our lives all the time?

`He is a good way to vent.' I retorted in my mind at this comment. `If all we did was make out all the time, we'd both get nowhere we want to. We both agreed that we could tell each other anything that was troubling us. He trusts me as…' I paled. `He trusts me as a best friend.' That realization had struck me hard, nearly making me jerk into the person that stood right behind me. `No!' I cried in my mind. `That is utterly ridiculous! Best friends don't kiss regularly and talk about books. It's more like friends with benefits.'

“Damn.” I said out loud as I huddled deeper into the coat he had given me. Wait a moment…I still had his coat!

I smiled though as I took in a deep sniff. He smelled nice; a little bit of cologne, but moreover, a nice clean guy smell. It slightly was tinted with the scent of the library, though not much, and I was glad I held this little keepsake. I would only keep it for a short time, though. On Tuesday or Thursday I would give it to him.

“Kagome!” I heard a cry as arms tightened around me as I stepped into my apartment. “I was so worried about you, little Sis! Never do that again!”

“You treat me like I'm seven, Naraku.” I commented, still not liking the fact that he had laughed at me earlier and drove me to tears at the library.

“You'll always be my little sister.” He concluded as he pulled away from me. He blinked at me once before rubbing his fingers on the collar of the coat. “Hey, you don't own a coat like this. I checked your closet. Where'd you get it anyway?” I blushed slightly as I turned around.

“I bought it at the store.” I lied, making him smirk at me. Damn, I had always been a horrible liar, ever since the beginning of time.

“You got it from…`him', didn't you?” I bit my lip, though it was still a bit sore from its earlier bruising as a rosy color spread its way across my face. “I knew it!” He cried in victory. “You saw him, didn't you?” But before he could ask another question, I pushed him away from me and dashed madly to my bedroom. I then had slammed the door shut, effectively locking it.

`That keeps me safe…for now…' I flung myself onto my soft mattress, sighing in contentment as I dug my nose into the sleeves of the coat, loving the fact that I now had a piece of book boy at my home.

`I'll give it to him on Tuesday…' I thought with a loud yawn as I drifted into a slumber filled with pictures of book boys face. I never would have thought that next Tuesday that I would be alone in that library with no book boy in sight.

Man, this chapter was hard to come up with. Phew. And I feel like I'm...hmm...lacking a bit from the previous chapters. This one isn't as good as the others, and it is a bit rushed, but I was desperate. And I thought it was sweet enough. Hmm...what to do next, ne?

I want to thank everyone of you who has commented on this story with good reviews. They are very helpful, and they inspire me to keep writing. So go you! Wee!

This story is recently put up on A Single Spark too. I just joined. Huzzah.

I will update again next week. Thank you for reading, from the all great and mighty Lilith-dono.

(By the way, I'm just updating all of this from my fanfiction.net account and a single spark. Sorry if you get confused with my endings :P)