InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Not Another High School Fanfic ❯ Meanwhile... ( Chapter 21 )

Chapter 21: Meanwhile…

 

 

Normal POV

While Bankotsu and Aoi were in Okinawa here's what was going on with a few of our other characters.

 

Monday

Kikyo's POV (Yuck)

 

When I had woken up in the hospital I didn't know what was going on or what had happened. The doctors quickly reminded me of my accident and informed me of my injuries. Turns out my ribs, right leg, and right arm was broken (since basically I was hit from my right side).

 

It sucked.

 

I was determined that as soon as daddy came to see me I would have him find that lousy truck driver and sue him. I know he saw me.

 

But when daddy did come see me, before I even had a chance to complain, he told me something that completely pissed me off.

 

“WHAT!?!” I yelled.

 

“Kikyo please calm down.” My dad said in an all too calm tone.

 

“How do you expect me to calm down after telling me that we're basically broke!?”

 

Yes, he told me we were broke. Of course, I couldn't understand that since we lived in a mansion, rode in limos, had maids, butlers and all that stuff that rich people have. Eventually I did calm down so he could explain.

 

“I won't go into detail but for a while now my company has been experiencing a serious decline in both business and profit. To keep our family afloat I've been smuggling money out of banks and charity funds. But don't worry it's only temporary.”

 

Unlike most people, I didn't trip over the fact that what my dad had been doing was illegal. Even I had to admit I wasn't a complete angel. I was happy we had money but it bothered me that technically it wasn't ours. But it seemed there was more to the story.

 

“But why are you bringing up all of a sudden?” I asked.

 

“Well there's some issues because technically we don't have any medical insurance. Our family has pretty much been healthy so I never really worried about it until now.”

 

“So how the hell are you going to pay for my medical bills?” I asked, refraining from yelling again.

 

“I'll take care of it. Just act as if everything is normal. Things will be fine.”

 

“Yeah sure.” I said with my arms crossed. My dad just sighed, kissed me on the forehead, and said “I'll see you later.”

 

I laid there with a pouty face for a while until I eventually realized I wanted to do something about this situation. But the question was: What?

 

When my dad came he brought some of my things, including my cell phone. I got it out of my bag and randomly looked through the numbers.

 

“Hate her…I'll never call him…ohh I need to hit him up…wait…why do I still have this number?” I said as I roamed with the different numbers, deleting some along the way. But the last comment I made was regarding Inuyasha's number.

 

Of course, as I had made clear, I really cared nothing for him. I was just going with him to get back at Kagome and it worked until he broke up with me. I preferred it the other way around but whatever. After I deleted his number, my eyes lit up at the next number that appeared. I suddenly grinned. I never called him even though I really wanted to. Even I, as perfect as I was, felt inadequate to him. But seeing his name, I had suddenly gotten an idea; an idea that would not only make me officially and legally rich but would get back at one of those devils at Sunrise High School. I just loved how my mind worked.

 

Wednesday

Sesshomaru's POV

 

There was no point in denying it. Hana was nervous and I knew it. No matter how many times I assured her and told her it would be fine, she still couldn't help but be nervous. She was, after all, meeting some very important people. Just as Aoi had done some months ago, she was finally meeting my parents and she was determined to make a good impression.

 

Since my mother had came to visit me from Osaka, I decided that would be the perfect time for Hana to meet her since I wouldn't know when I'd see her again. Plus, my father had a free night.

 

I opened the door for her and she walked inside. She took a few steps to the body mirror that was near the door. She checked herself for probably the sixth time that night to see if she looked alright.

 

Hana had her hair done up in an elegant bun and was wearing a short light purple spaghetti strap dress that I had bought her. The dress sparkled with glitter and small diamonds. (Though I didn't actually buy the dress for that occasion because I thought it would be too dressy but she insisted that she had to look her best.) Light purple eye shadow and soft pink lipstick was worn in correspondence with the dress. Silver open-toe shoes adorned her feet. As always, she looked astonishing.

 

I came behind her and kissed her on the cheek. “Hanako…for the last time you look fine.”

 

She turned to face me and asked, “Are you sure?”

 

I kissed her again, only this time on lips and said “Positive.”

 

“You were right Sesshomaru. She truly is beautiful.”

 

Hana and I turned to see my parents. My mother, the one who had spoken, was dressed in a turquoise gown and my father was dressed in a suit. When I looked at Hana, she appeared to be looking at them in complete awe. She suddenly bowed her head and said, “It is a pleasure to meet you Takahashi-san…and…” Hana froze; I assumed it was because she remembered my parents were no longer married.

 

“You can call me Ms. Takahashi-san.” mother said.

 

“Oh okay.” Hana said, still bent over in a bow.

 

“There is no need to bow.” My father said. “A handshake would be fine.”

 

When Hana rose from her bow, she hesitantly shook my father's hand. “It is a pleasure for me to finally meet the girl who has captured my son's heart.” He said with a smile.

 

“Yes…for a moment there we were starting to worry that he would never have a love life.” My mother said when she shook Hana's hand.

 

I gave her look, mixed with embarrassment and irritation. She ignored it.

 

“I see where Sessho-chan gets his looks from. He truly does take after you two.” Hana said.

 

“Sessho-chan?” my parents said simultaneously. My mother smirked and said “Now Sesshomaru…I thought you weren't into pet names.”

 

“It isn't a pet name.” I said.

 

“So what does he call you?” my father asked her, practically ignoring me.

 

“Hanako.” Hana responded with a smile.

 

“Hanako. I like it. It does suit you.” Mother said. (AN: For those who don't know ko is pretty much just a feminine ending. Kinda how like Mamoru (Darien) calls Usagi (Serena) Usako in the Japanese version.)

 

Suddenly there was an awkward silence when Hana's stomach growled, really loud. She blushed in embarrassment and said, “I'm sorry! I uh…”

 

“It's alright. It's about dinnertime anyway.” Mother said.

 

Hana smiled and said “Oh great! I just love your cooks Takahashi-san! They make the most wonderful food.”

 

I shook my head but couldn't help but smile. Hana and her passion for food…I swear it's a wonder that she's not obese. I thought.

 

“Well I'm glad.” Father said. “Because they've prepared a very exquisite meal for this evening.”

 

From there the rest of the evening went fairly well. Whenever she wasn't stuffing her mouth she was answering random questions my parents asked her, some I wished they had kept to themselves.

 

“So when was the first time you and Sesshomaru kissed?” Mother.

“What do you like to do?” Father.

“Have you and Sesshomaru made any plans for your future wedding?” Mother.

“Do you have any siblings?” Father.

“How many grandchildren do you think I will get?” Mother.

 

Yeah…basically my mother was the one asking the unwanted questions in which for the most part Hana could only blush in response. However, one question she did answer, and I had to admit...her response warmed my heart.

 

“So Hana…do you honestly love my son?” mother asked.

 

Hana nodded with a sincere smile and said, “Yes ma'am with all my heart. Your son has been wonderful to me. Even though we had a few difficulties in the beginning of our relationship, it still didn't break us apart. I have no doubt in my heart that Sessho-chan and I were meant for each other and I know he'll never leave me.”

 

Hana was looking at me when she finished, her mouth still curved into a beautiful smile. Even in front of my parents, I felt obliged to at least give her a chaste kiss, a silent message that I felt the same way.

 

“How sweet.” Mother said.

 

After dinner we chatted for a little bit before we called it a night.

“They were really nice Sessho-chan.” Hana said as I drove her home.

 

“See, I told you it would go well.” I said.

 

“Yeah, you were right. But you know…I didn't miss that you got a bit embarrassed back there.” I glanced at her and found that she was grinning at me.

 

“I wasn't embarrassed.” I lied.

 

“Yeah you were. You were all blushing and probably wanted to say `Stop Mother, you're embarrassing me in front of my woman. I must be strong and manly in front of her.'” She teased, pinching my cheek.

 

“Hanako cut it out. You're acting like a drunk.” I said, though I couldn't resist from smiling.

 

She kissed me on cheek and said “Kay sweetie.”

 

 

Friday

Hana's POV

It was Friday night and I was getting ready to hang out with Chiyo. Pretty much we were just going to go to a rave, go to the arcade, grab some cappuccinos, and then head to her house to crash for the night. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled at the outfit I picked. It was a pair of blue jeans, a dark purple tank top, a half jean jacket, and some black boots with heels.

 

As I got ready though I couldn't help but think back to the last conversation Aoi and I had. I was upset that we didn't really end on good terms…and I know I shouldn't have brought up Bankotsu…but I couldn't help it. They just seemed so miserable without each other. And it was weird but…sometimes I felt my chest get tight or just felt like crying for no particular reason. But it seemed that I was somehow feeling Aoi's emotions sometimes and I gotta say….they weren't good. But that wasn't why I wanted them to get back together. I thought back to a conversation I had with Sesshomaru.

 

“Hanako…why do you persist that Aoi and Bankotsu continue their relationship?” he asked.

 

“Because Sessho-chan…they love each other and they're just hurting themselves by keeping themselves apart. I just want both of them be happy.” I said with a sigh.

 

“But they obviously made this decision so they must think its best. Maybe you shouldn't interfere.”

 

“I won't force them but…” I grabbed his hand. “Let's say, hypothetically you and I didn't go together but we were close friends or maybe even…close siblings…if I went with someone else…whom I loved very much and we ended up breaking up…and I would be, well, devastated, wouldn't you do all you could to try to help me gain happiness again?”

 

Sesshomaru kissed my hand and said “Of course…”

 

“Then you understand how I feel?”

 

“Yes…I guess you and your sister really are close. Sometimes…I envy your relationship…”

 

I wondered what Sesshomaru meant when he said that but when I asked, he said it was nothing. But at least now he understood where I was coming from. I didn't want to seem like a person who just pries into other peoples' love lives.

 

When I was done dressing I grabbed my purse, my bag of clothes, and headed downstairs. I was about to leave when I heard someone clear their throat. I turned and gasped in surprise when I saw my father sitting on the couch. I didn't even know he was home.

 

“You're…going out?” he asked.

 

I was surprised, to say the least. I didn't even know why he was talking to me. I rolled my eyes and said, “What does it look like?”

 

He was quiet for a moment and he seemed deep in thought. “Can you…spare a minute?”

 

I blinked, not believing what I was hearing. “I guess…” I said moving over the couch. I sat on the far end, away from him.

 

There was a moment of silence before I spoke up and asked, “So, what do you want?”

 

“Well…I…wanted to talk to you.” He said, struggling with each word.

 

“Obviously…” I muttered.

 

“Look I-I'm sorry.” He suddenly blurted out. I just looked at him. Was he drunk…or had he officially gone crazy?

 

“For what?”

 

“E-everything…I've done. I know I suck at this whole parenting thing…well with you…but if you'd hear me out I'd be more then happy to explain.”

 

I glanced at my watch. I was supposed to be meeting Chiyo at her house in about 15 minutes. But…I was curious to what my dad had to say. It seemed that he had come to his senses…

 

“Talk.” I said sitting up.

 

“Well…you know me and your mother's wedding was arranged, right?”

 

I nodded.

 

“Well…if it weren't for our parents I wouldn't have gotten married in the first place.” He began to explain, before I could say anything. “It's not that I didn't like your mother…she was a sweet young woman…beautiful too but I knew I wouldn't make a good husband. I didn't know how to be one. You may not be aware of this but your grandmother, my mother, died when I was very young.”

 

“No I wasn't aware of that but what's that have to do what you being a good husband?” I asked, a bit angry now. I didn't mean to be so snappy, but you really can't blame me. That was how he was toward me.

 

“Everything basically. People say that a man learns to be a husband from his father. He watches how his father treats his mother and later in life he in turns treats his wife the same way. This is true. Being that my father never remarried or anything…I never really saw that interaction. So when I got married, after much of my father's urging, it was totally new to me. I guess you can say…it almost felt awkward.”

 

“I know you said the marriage was arranged but did you really have to go through with it?”I asked.

 

“I didn't have to but father insisted I get married…it was…his dying wish.”

 

“Okay…but why couldn't he just let you find someone?”

 

“Because he knew I wouldn't. I wasn't homosexual or anything…I just didn't have much interest in females. Maybe he thought he was doing me a favor, I don't know. But either way I felt obliged to do it.”

 

“Anyway…” he continued. “After I married your mother, things got off on a slow start. Both of us felt the same way, awkward…but your mother seemed to know how the how marriage-husband-wife thing worked. I guess you can say I followed her lead. But as you're aware….even in the midst of being married and even having children…there was never any love there…at least, not on my part….”

 

I sighed. He knew he would say that.

 

“….at first.” I almost perked up in interest when I heard him say that.

“Somehow, I knew your mother had fallen in love with me. At one point she started to be more affectionate….I really didn't know how to respond. When I…realized I started to feel strange around her…I guess you can say…I panicked. I…didn't want to fall in love with her.”

 

“And just why was that?” I asked, managing not to sound snappy that time.

 

“Well…a lot of my friends had been getting in divorces…I had heard of their wives cheating on them…breaking their hearts…and strangely enough it was something I was seeing in a lot of movies I just so happened to watch…I…didn't want to go through that. If your mother did do that I didn't want to feel…hurt.”

 

“But you know mom would never do something like that!”

 

“I know…but I still didn't rule out that it would happen. Slowly I began to adapt these negative ideals about women…like them being weak, fickle…inferior. While I secretly did not think these things of her…I still used them as a crouch along with my belief that love was an imaginary thing in not getting close to her.”

 

I glared at him and said, “So you're telling me you really loved her even though you treated her like trash?”

 

“It's complicated Hana….the way a man thinks. Every man feels he needs to be strong and independent. Women….love…are only looked upon as a weakness…and even a hindrance.”

 

“Don't give me that crap! There are many men who are in relationships and are happy. In fact, some are even strengthened by their relationship…some even become better men because of love. So…I don't want to hear that.”

 

Dad sighed and said, “You're right…and unfortunately I didn't really acknowledge that until your mother died. When she was sick…I had wanted to tell her how I really felt…but I felt it was too late. Though I showed no emotion at her funeral I….really was saddened…devastated rather…I knew I was a fool for letting a ridiculous fear…keep me from truly loving her.”

 

He sighed again and I looked away. “I see…” was all I said before a moment of silence ensued. It was surprising to hear that dad really loved her and I admit it was nice to hear. However, it still pained me that he could never show it. It still pained me that while my mom was trying to win his love…while she tried to make the relationship work…he was just being stubborn and prideful.

 

I glanced at my watch again. I was about 10 minutes late now. I suddenly felt my cell phone vibrate in my pocket and I automatically figured it was Chiyo. I wanted to just get up and leave but since he had started talking, something was still bugging me.

 

I'm sorry Chiyo. But this is important. I thought ignoring the phone.

 

I cleared my throat and whispered, with my head still turned “So…what about me?”

 

“You?” he asked, sounding confused.

 

“Yes me! Why do you treat me the way you do? What's your reason for that?!” I nearly yelled looking at him.

 

He seemed surprised by my reaction. After staring at me for a moment, he looked away this time and sighed. But I wasn't having that.

 

“No, look at me and answer me.”

 

He looked at me and reluctantly he began to explain. “I know you heard me that night…when I told your mother I didn't want a daughter in the first place and that was true.”

 

“So that's why?”

 

“Just let me finish. I didn't want a daughter because I wouldn't know how to treat one…Just as I didn't have a mother…I didn't have any sisters either. It was basically a man's world for me. I could easily manage and get along with your brothers…they were boys but a girl…I didn't know to be a father to one. When your mother…adopted you…” I don't think he knew I knew I was adopted already but judging by his reaction when I didn't say anything to that, I would say he didn't.

 

“When she adopted you…” he said again. “I had decided I would play no role in your life. But that wasn't because I hated you…as you may think…but I felt I would be a bad father for you…I felt I would screw up your life.”

 

“That is such bullshit.” I said, not caring that I cursed in front of him. “Do you not know…that for every father who sees his little girl for the first time…has the same fear?” I said with tears starting to trickle down my cheeks. “His hands tremble when he holds his daughter for the first time…he stands there…wondering how he'll be a father to her. But even still…all he can say is that he'll do the best he can. He promises that he'll always protect her….and love her…he promises he'll be the best damn father he can be.” I tried wiping away my tears but they just kept coming.

 

“Mom adopted me when I was baby…and you never once held me. You never tried to hold me. You never tried to get to know me. You never tried! You were such a coward…with mom…with me…when you were faced with something that was completely unfamiliar to you, you avoided it. A real man…what you failed to be…would had done all he could do make best of things…a real man would have at least tried to get to know mom even if he didn't love her when he married her….a real man…would not abandon his daughter…”

“I didn't abandon you!” he said, getting a little loud. “Dammit I'm not perfect and I know I was wrong. And just as I realized too late the mistake I made with your mother…it was too late for me to make things right with you.”

 

“Too late? It was never too late.” I said.

 

“Yes it was.” He said a bit calmer. He looked away again. “That night…I screwed up…”

 

My eyes widened when I realized what he was talking about. That night…the night, I didn't tell Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, or even my brothers, Aoi and Sesshomaru about. The night I tried so hard to forget.

 

The night…my dad raped me.

 

The memory came to me, as vivid as before. It was three years ago. I had come home from Chiyo's house. The boys were all at summer camp so only my dad was there. But being that we never really talked, I wasn't expecting any contact with him. I thought I would just go to my room while he ignored me and went on with whatever he was doing.

 

I thought wrong. After taking my stuff to my room, I came back downstairs to get a snack out of the kitchen. I was surprised to see dad slouched over the counter with an empty bottle of whiskey in his hand. He was obviously drunk.

 

I tried to ignore him. I tried to act as if he wasn't there. But he wouldn't let me. When I tried to leave the kitchen, he blocked my path. Then suddenly he began grabbing me and touching me. I fought him, to the best of my ability but he was too strong. He slapped me to the floor and then got on top of me…. He punched me a few times as I still struggled and then…the rest was too painful to recall….

 

“My memory was no doubt hazy…but somehow I remembered. I thought it was just a dream but when I saw the marks on your face…and the fact that you were more distant then usual…I knew it was no mere coincidence. I knew what I did and I…felt horrible.”

 

I remained quiet.

 

“After that I just felt it was no hope for me. I knew you would never forgive me. After that I truly felt you were better off without me…or any love I could perhaps offer. I figured you could grow on your own as a lot of people have.”

 

“And I did…but it was only because I had to.” I whispered, looking away. “True…I was upset about that…but it hurt even more that you couldn't even say you were sorry…I admit it would have been hard…but judging by the state of mind you were in…I might have actually grown to forgive you.”

 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my dad look at me. “You're…lying.”

 

Reluctantly I looked back at him. “I'm not.” I said seriously. “Dad…what you've failed to realize is that even when mom was alive…I've always needed you…I needed you to be there for me…I needed you show me things and tell me things only a father can express with his daughter…I needed your love.”

 

“Though it irritates some girls to no end…” I continued. “I wanted you to tell me you would be beat up even boy that tried to mess with me. I actually wanted you to punish me when I did wrong, so even if I was mad I'd know later on that you just did it because you wanted me to learn the difference between right and wrong. I wanted you to accept the gifts I tried to give you for your birthday…for Father's Day…for Christmas…I wanted you push me on the swing at the park…I wanted you to carry my on your back…I wanted you to be my daddy!” I said crying again. “That's all I wanted…but I guess that was too much to ask for…seeing as you couldn't face the challenge of being a father…or a husband…”

 

Dad was quiet, drinking in everything I had said. I wondered if my words even meant anything to him. I wondered if this session would change anything between us. I wondered if dad really meant what he said. I wondered if I should have just left. I wondered…

 

I gasped. Before I could think anything else, my dad had moved across the couch and wrapped his arms around me. I was stunned, to say the least.

 

“I'm sorry....” he said again. “I was more wrong then I realized….you were right I wasn't a real man. I was a coward. But…if you'd forgive me…I promise I'll try to change. I'll be your daddy…if you let me.”

 

More tears fell as I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I couldn't speak. All I could do was slowly (and still a bit hesitantly) hug him back and nod. I admit, it was hard to forgive him after what he had done. But I couldn't hold on to my anger. After all, my heart and soul had longed to hear those words…for so long.

 

I hadn't planned on that ever happening and I was still a little upset with myself that I sort of ditched Chiyo…but I won't lie. My father…my daddy hugging me….was worth missing out on our night out . And I'm sure Chiyo understand once I told her.