InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Something Happens... ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha is the property of Rumilo Takahashi and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is the property of Karan Johar. I own this computer…that's about it.

Rushing down the halls of the institution, the hard soles of his shoes kept time with his anxiety. As he reached his destination, he pushed opened the door to the principal's office, eyes automatically searching for someone.

“Mr. Tashio, I presume?” a feminine voice called. Swiveling to see her, he was greeted with by a striking smile and outstretched hand…and magenta eyes.

“You're the new principal?”

“Yes, Ms. Onigumo. You can call me Kagura…”

“What is this about?” he said as she motioned for him to sit.

“It's about Kagome…” she said settling herself in the seat opposite him. My, but he was handsome. Outfitted in a classic business suit that complemented the lines of his well-developed body, his silvery hair was at odds with his still youthful face. The effect was dazzling. His honeyed eyes were looking at her intently and she tried to rejoin her train of thought. “She ah…caused quite the scene in class today. It appears that she hit another girl during P.E.”

“She did?” he asked, surprised. “Why?”

“Well, there's never a reason for physical violence…”

Inuyasha arched a brow that screamed I beg to differ… “Why did she say she did it?”

“Since it's against policy, we didn't ask…”

“Where is she now?” What kind of idiots don't even ask what happened?

“In the next room but-” she faltered as he launched out of the chair and headed for the exit. Sighing, she wondered if he had a brother…

“Gome?”

“It's not my fault!” she cried jumping to her feet as he came into view. He folded his arms and looked down at her. She mirrored his pose, face upturned. Relenting, he kneeled down to look her in the eye. He had trouble staying angry where she was concerned.

Gome regarded him with serious gray eyes. Her uniform was rumpled and her silvery hair was falling from its requisite ponytail. Her defensive stance was a test of will since it pained her to be still for too long. Brushing the hair out of her face, he smiled wistfully. Small she may be, but that mind is devious…

“What happened?”

“At least you asked…” the seven year old muttered, frowning. “I just got angry.”

“I figured that from the punching part. That's not like you, squirt.”

“I know…”

“So talk to me.” He repeated searching her face. She sighed, dropping her arms to toy with the hem of her shirt. “Come on….”

“In class, I accidentally knocked over Yuri during volleyball…I was just running fast…she was mad because she got dirty from it. When the instructor came over, Yuri said I tried to kill her…like I killed my mother.” She whispered the last part, wide sorrowful eyes meeting his.

Inuyasha felt his chest constrict at the expression on her little face. What he wouldn't give to have her never feel this way…

“Gome, she doesn't know what she's talking about.” He cradled her arms in his hands, pleading with her to understand. “Your mother loved you…very, very much. She died of complications…” his voice was thick and his eyes shone, but he gave her a genuine smile. “But all she wanted was for you to be okay. Sometimes the greatest gifts need the greatest sacrifices…and you are the greatest gift. I know that it's hard, not having her here with us…but I'm not so bad, huh?”

“No…” she whispered, wiping at her eyes. He laughed a little, nodding.

“See…we'll be okay, together…just the two of us.” He hugged her, kissing her forehead.

“And Granny…” she murmured, arms going around his shoulders as he picked her up.

“And Granny.” He repeated, scooping her school things into his free hand. She rested her head on his shoulder as he walked out to the school, not sparing anyone a second glance.

“I get my last letter tomorrow…” she whispered.

“I know.” He replied kissing her cheek. “That doesn't mean you can't talk to her anymore.” Inuyasha's voice lowered slightly. “I do.”

“Are you sad, Daddy?”

Glancing at her concerned eyes, he smiled. “Now how could anyone be sad with you around?” Holding out his hands, palms up for their special handshake, she slapped them with her own before turning hers. He lightly tapped them and tweaked her nose at the same time as she tweaked his. “Now buckle up.”

Once home, Gome scrambled out of the car and into the house to see her grandmother. Inuyasha sighed and gathered her school things before closing the door.

“…can I please?”

“Is it your birthday, yet?”

“…no.” she pouted, looking down.

“Then no letter yet.” Izayoi smiled sweetly, patting her head.

“Kagome, take your school things to your room.” Inuyasha told her, holding them out. He listened to her clamber up the stairs before turning to his mother.

“What happened?”

“She hit another girl.”

“Kagome? Why, that's not like her…” she gasped.

“They…said something…bout Kikyo.” He murmured, looking away from her soft eyes.

“Oh…” Placing a hand on his shoulder, her voice was full of concern. “Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she's alright. I talked to her…”

“Are you okay?”

“Of course.”

Turning his face toward hers, she searched it features saddening. “You don't have to do this all alone, Inuyasha.”

“I know; I have you.” He kissed her on her cheek and made to walk away.

“That's not what I mean, son, and you know it.”

He stopped, shaking his head but not turning around. “No. No, Mom. You live, love, and marry only once. That's just how it is. I'm fine.”

“Sure, but is it fair to Kagome? “

“I'm doing the best I can!” he shouted before slumping dejectedly. “I apologize.”

“No, it's fine.” She assured him in a quiet tone. As he started to leave again, her gentle but firm voice stopped him. “I know you believe that everything happens only once, but think of this: I am your father's second wife…if not for second chances, you wouldn't be standing in front of me. And that would be a shame.”

Inuyasha walked away.

Stopping in Kagome's room, he noted that various clocks were set up to go off at midnight. Smiling slightly at her sleeping face, he leaned down to kiss her soft cheek.

“Happy birthday, Kagome.”

Hours later, a pair of gray eyes were trained intently on the digital numbers near the bed.

11:57…

Small fists clenched in anticipation…

11:58…

White teeth worried rosebud lips…

11:59…

Little legs twitched to run down the hall…

Midnight.

“GRANNY!” she yelled veritably launching herself off of the bed only to be caught and swung around by a pair of strong arms.

“You're gonna hurt yourself.” He said gruffly before softening his tone. “Happy birthday, Gome.”

“Thank you Daddy!” she squealed squeezing his neck until he choked. Impatiently thrashing in his arms to be put down, she nearly ran into the person she was going to find.

“Slow down, I'm here.” Izayoi admonished lightly as she crouched to the young girl's level. “Happy birthday, dear.” Holding out a white envelope with a large purple `8' on it, she smiled wistfully. “For you.”

Taking the envelope reverently, she looked up at her father as they made to leave the room. Placing a large hand on her head, he smiled down at her. “Remember, it's not a goodbye.” She nodded and both adults left, quietly pulling the door closed behind them.

Holding the letter like the precious parcel it was, she carefully made her way to her bed. Folding her legs under her, she looked at a picture of her mother and smiled slightly. Opening the letter, she held her breath as she began reading.

“Hello my daughter,

You're 8 years old today. Such a big girl. I pray that the letters I've written you over the years have provided some guidance and support for you. I want you to know that I love you now as I have since before you were even born, and I always will. Remember this.

I'm sure you have grown into a beautiful young lady and that you look like your father…”

Kagome pouted at this. “I want to look like you…” she huffed quietly.

“Does he still refuse to wear shoes whenever he can?”

She smiled, nodding.

“Some things never change. As I said before, you are a big girl today and I have some very important things to tell you. It's a story about me, your father…and Kagome.”

“Who?”