InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Something Happens... ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

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

 

“And so we met…all of us. How were we to know how much things would change?”

 

“Good morning, Kikyo. There's an empty seat here, next to me.” Inuyasha called as she entered the classroom. She smiled politely as she sat down.

 

“Good morning, Inuyasha. How did you enjoy the assignment due today?” Biting back a laugh at his surprised expression, she maintained her calm demeanor. “So you don't do your homework…hm.”

 

“I do! I just…”

 

“Hey!” Kagome called bouncing in before slowing, scowling slightly. “That's my seat…”

 

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Kikyo said earnestly, gathering her books. Kagome waved her down, smiling again.

 

“No worries.” she chirped sitting behind her. Pulling two sheets of paper from her folder, she handed one to Inuyasha. “Your homework.”

 

He sagged in relief. “Thank you, Kagome! You are a godsend! The best friend a guy could have…,” he cried kissing her hand in gratitude.

 

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” she teased. “Consider it payment for shaving another two seconds off my lap time.”

 

“Deal.” he grinned before turning his attention back to Kikyo. “So, how are you enjoying our beautiful campus?”

 

“It's nice to be back.” she admitted.

 

“What's the best part?” he asked, leaning in close to her.

 

“We'll it's certainly not over-hormonal playboys whose friends do their schoolwork.” she whispered, lips pulling into a smile.

 

“Ouch.” he teased, hand over his heart as the teacher walked into the room.

 

“Mr. Tashio, I'm glad you're in a talking mood.” she smirked. “Let's start with you. So tell me, what is love?”

 

“Love?”

 

“Love.” the teacher repeated. “Or did you not do the homework?”

 

“Oh, love!” he exclaimed before grinning again. “Well that's simple. Love is friendship. You cannot have one without the other. They go hand in hand. Friendship is love.”

 

The teacher bent her head in appreciation of his words. “Much more proficient than I had assumed. Thank you Mr. Tashio. Who else has an answer?”

 

As the teacher and students interacted, Kagome stared unseeingly at Inuyasha, his words ringing in her ears. Love is friendship. Friendship is love. He was right. Thinking back on all the times spent together - all the laughs, all the fights, all the activities - she figured that it could be love…after all best friend then boyfriend, right? Allowing herself think about him that way she realized that everything everyone said could be true. They could be meant to be…

 

So wrapped up in these thoughts was Kagome that she completely missed Inuyasha smile and whisper to Kikyo: “So, do you want to be my friend?”

 

“Over the next few weeks, I spent most of my time with Kagome and Inuyasha. She was outgoing and friendly…something I was unused to, not having had many female friends. Your father on the other hand…well he grew on you. He was immature, true, but there were these moments he could be so sweet…”

 

“Get him Inuyasha!” Kagome cheered as he streaked past them, legs straining to pass the man next to him. Kikyo, also seated on the sidelines, turned her eyes from his progress to look at the other girl.

 

“How long have you and Inuyasha been friends?” she asked, curious.

 

“Oh, ever since school started.” she smiled. “We're the best of friends, I see him everyday…”

 

“How long have you been in love with him?”

 

Kagome gaped at her, mouth opening and closing with no sound coming out. Inuyasha interrupted them, hands on his sides, covered in sweat.

 

“Oi! You guys weren't even watching!” he joked. Kagome handed him his water silently, averting her eyes. He didn't notice, his gaze fixed on Kikyo. Kikyo however was still accessing Kagome. Glancing at his watch, he swore softly. “Almost four…”

 

“You should go.” Kagome said raising her head. “Inuyasha goes to see his family every week at the same time…”

 

“I don't have to go right away. Kikyo if you…”

 

“No! It's important! Go!” Kagome interrupted. He growled lowly at her stubborn expression. “Go on!”

 

“Fine.” he hissed, glaring at her. “I'll see you ladies later.” Giving Kikyo a small smile, he shrugged on his jacket walking away.

 

“I'm not, you know.” Kagome said softly, squinting into the sun. “I'm not.”

 

“Okay.” Kikyo said kindly, resting a gentle hand on her back. Kagome tried to laugh but at the humorless result she stopped. Kikyo left her hand where it was as they sat quietly, both girls deep in thought.

 

“I knew there was something more to it but since she had been so nice to me, I didn't want to press the issue. That same day, I visited a shrine to give tribute to our ancestors…”

 

Feeling centered and peaceful, Kikyo lifted her head from its prayerful position. Opening her eyes, a slight frown marred her brow.

 

“Inuyasha?” she wondered aloud. Turning to see her, he blushed deeply, motioning for a pretty, dark-haired woman to wait before trotting up to her. Scratching the back of his head, he looked down bashful.

 

“I guess you're wondering what I'm doing here…”

 

“Yeah…” she admitted, lips tilting in amusement. “I thought you were with your family…”

 

“I am. The one who's staring? That's my mom.” he said giving her a small wave. Kikyo did the same. “I bring her here once a week.” At her look he relented. “We come here once a week. Please, don't tell anyone…no one knows, not even Kagome.” he pleaded.

 

“I don't see why not…I think it's cute.” she said as she began to walk.

 

“It's just embarrassing, going to pray with my mom every - wait, you do?” he said perking up at the realization. She nodded, still smiling.

 

“There may be more to you than I thought, Mr. Tashio.” she drawled lightly, looking up at him with sparkling eyes. He grinned widely as he fell into step next to her, leading her over to his mother.

 

“…something happened in my heart that day; my affection for your father grew and grew…as did Kagome's…”

 

Kikyo smiled behind the book she was studying, feeling Inuyasha's eyes burning into her. Feeling mischievous, she lowered the book and stuck her tongue out at him. Giggling at his shocked expression, she re-raised it quickly before anyone else could see.

 

“You're gonna catch flies like that.” Kagome teased tossing a piece of popcorn at his face. Closing his mouth just before the edible projectile hit, he smirked and threw some of his own study snack at her. “Ow! You have candy!”

 

“Point?”

 

“Candy hurts!” she cried, tossing a handful of popcorn at him.

 

“I suggest you bring a harder snack next time.” he replied pelting her with the food.

 

“Hey, Kikyo has carrots AND she has to side with me…”

 

Inuyasha scoffed glancing at the still studying girl. “Hah, Kikyo wouldn't throw her food, she's a lady.”

 

“What am I, chopped liver?”

 

“You? Why you're a wench.” he retorted trying to take the entire container of popcorn from her. Reacting fast, Kagome upturned the container onto his head.

 

“This wench just messed up your pretty `do.” she teased giving him a smug and triumphant look.

 

Shaking popcorn kernels out of his mane, he sent a smug smile back. “Yeah, but now you have no study snack…”

 

Her face fell. “Drat. I'll be back…”

 

Inuyasha sat next to Kikyo who reached out, pulling an un-popped kernel from his hair. He flashed her a bashful smile.

 

“Thanks. You must, uh, think I'm kind of childish…”

 

“No. Well, not anymore..” she conceded at his doubtful look. “Playful, perhaps.”

 

“I guess Kagome brings that out in me.” he shrugged. “You, however…”

 

“Tell me about her.”

 

“Who? Kagome?” At her nod, he looked thoughtful. “She's my friend…best I have. I didn't fit in really well at first…was always looking for a fight. Pretty much everyone avoided me, `cept her. She was pushy, and bossy, and friendly. Got me to go out for track. Made me laugh. I guess people figured I wasn't so bad and I made more friends but Kagome? She has always been there…”

 

“Is that all she is?” Kikyo whispered, studying his face.

 

“Of course.” he answered immediately giving her a cocky smile. “Why? Were you concerned?”

 

“Curious.” She gave him an enigmatic smile. “So, how is your mom?”

 

He blushed. “She's fine. Told me to invite you to lunch one day…”

 

“I'd love to…” she responded, her smile brightening. His eyes held hers as he leaned into her.

 

Kagome stopped in the doorway, taking in the scene before her. Kikyo turned slightly as she caught sight of her. Sitting up straight, she looked at the troubled girl concerned. Kagome smiled a little and she seemed to relax.

 

“Hey Kags.” Inuyasha called, slight irritation lacing his tone at being interrupted. It disappeared as he saw what she had. “Is that ramen?” Nodding and tossing him one, she sat down deep in thought. Inuyasha was going to kiss her…why? Covertly examining Kikyo -who appeared to be shooting worried looks at her- she sighed. Okay, so she's gorgeous. And smart. And polished. Is that why? Looking down at her oversized tee shirt, she compared it to Kikyo's simple sundress. Glancing at Inuyasha who was gazing lovingly at Kikyo, Kagome tried to push aside the feelings of hurt it caused instead choosing to embrace the determination that surged forward.

 

“But love doesn't give up so easily, my child. And Kagome was in love…”

 

Inuyasha was bent over Kikyo's ear, murmuring sweet nothings to make her smile when her expression changed.

 

“Oh!” she exclaimed softly, placing a hand on his arm. He frowned and turned slightly, eyes widening at the sight.

 

Kagome was coming toward them, outfitted in a shapeless dress in an unfortunate color. Accessorized with shoes better suited for an elderly librarian than a college student and a sweatband doing double duty as a headband, the entire ensemble was a disaster.

 

“Hi guys! Do you like? I look just like Kikyo, right?” she smiled, eyes shining and hopeful. As the snickers of passing students became audible giggles, Inuyasha gave into his urge to laugh. Kagome's face fell and her eyes misted over. Kikyo felt her heart clench for her and slapped Inuyasha's arm.

 

“Stop it.” she ordered, eyes not leaving Kagome's distraught countenance.

 

“I'm so stupid…” she whispered as she backed up two steps before fleeing in the opposite direction. Kikyo shot Inuyasha a glare before running after her. Catching up to her as she slumped against an isolated tree, Kikyo approached her slowly. “I'm so stupid.” she repeated groaning. “I thought if I…I don't know what I thought. I just wanted to be pretty…like you…” she sniffed, wiping her face.

 

“You are pretty, Kagome.” Kagome scoffed, rolling her eyes. “I mean it. You're pretty, and smart, and talented, and sweet. Don't let those - stupid people - get to you.” Kikyo assured her in a gentle, firm voice.

 

“Especially this stupid one.” Inuyasha said coming from around the tree. Lifting Kagome's face with a knuckle under the chin, he smiled softly. “I'm the idiot here.” As her lips trembled, he pulled her into a hug, tucking her head against his shoulder. “And Kikyo is right. You are pretty, smart, and talented. Plus you're special. You think just anyone could be my best friend?” he asked, shaking her gently. She laughed a little and shook her head. “That's right.”

 

“You must think I'm a fool…”

 

“No, but I do want to know where you go this god-awful dress…you should go get your money back…” he teased causing her to laugh again.

 

Watching them, Kikyo was stuck again by the feeling that there was something there. It felt so personal…she felt like an outsider. Smiling softly at the now happy girl, she was turning to leave when she felt a strong hand enclose hers. Turning back, Inuyasha regarded her with serious eyes and mouthed `thank you' followed by `stay'.

 

Unable to ignore the warmth that his touched caused, she listened to her heart and remained.

 

Later, after Kagome had gone home to change and study, Inuyasha offered to walk Kikyo home.

 

“I never hear you talk of your father…” she said casually, arm entwined with his. He shrugged.

 

“He died when I was pretty young. I pretty much know him from what my mother and brother tell me.”

 

“I apologize, I didn't know…” Her face was stricken and he smiled down at her in the waning light.

 

“It's okay.” he assured her. “He was a powerful general…his first marriage was for political purposes, resulting in one uberchild - the emotionless wonder, Sesshomaru.”

 

“Are you two close?”

 

“Not exactly.” he smirked. “Anyway, he and his first wife divorced after he fell in love with my mom. And they were very happy for awhile. He passed away overseas, during a mission.” he recounted, voice fading as he was deep in thought. Stopping, he faced her, nervous. “He was unsentimental…it was just his way. But when he decided that my mom was important enough for him to change his whole life, he gave her a token of his affection.” Reaching one hand into his pocket, he pulled out something she couldn't see and pressed it into her upturned palm. “My mother gave it to me when I was younger, told me I should give it to the woman I wanted to give my heart to…” he said softly. Surprised at his words, she looked away from his gaze that was too tender and too right, opening her hand to reveal a small pink orb. Suspended on a delicate silver chain, it seemed to have a soft iridescent glow. “It's called the Jewel of Four Souls…I know it's not much…”

 

“It's perfect.” she said cutting him off with a soft smile. “Perfect.”

 

Taking it back from her with a smile that matched her own, he fastened it around her neck, fingers brushing the soft skin there. “Kikyo, there's something I want to tell you…”

 

“Don't. Please don't.” she whispered. He looked hurt and her heart twisted. She held firm however. “Walk me home?” she asked lightly. Inuyasha was confused but nodded and re-entwined her arm with his. Once at her doorstep, she turned toward him, one hand on the necklace. “Thank you for giving me this Inuyasha. I will treasure it.”

 

“Then why-” he started, frustration evident on his face.

 

“Please just trust me.” she pleaded. His lips thinned into a determined line but he nodded again.

 

“I'll trust you. But I know there's something here.“ he murmured, kissing her softly on the cheek. Whispering in her ear he added, “You know it too.”

 

Kikyo stayed on the stairs long after he'd gone, toying with the jewel and gathering her thoughts. She didn't notice her aunt's approach.

 

“Wool gathering are we?” she teased good naturedly. Snapping out of her daze, she smiled and took the bag of school papers from her. “Thank you, dear.”

 

“I was just thinking for a moment…” she explained as she held the door open for the older woman. Kaede gave a knowing look as she passed her.

 

“About Inuyasha, no doubt…”

 

“I…” she protested before sighing. “Was.” she finished.

 

“What be the problem? It's evident the boy is in love with you…” she asked, pulling out a chair at the kitchen table and sitting down. Kikyo slid into the one opposite her and folded her hands under her chin.

 

“It's not that…” she mused, more to herself than to her companion. “It's Kagome.”

 

“Kagome?” Kaede frowned in confusion.

 

“And him. It's them.” Voice going quiet and faraway, she continued her train of thought. “When I see them together-how they talk, how they interact- I think there is a love there beyond what they can see. I think they may be soul mates…meant to be.” Turning her troubled eyes to Kaede, her voice was still calm. “Regardless of how I feel about him, who am I to be in the way of such a love?”

 

“Kikyo, that is preposterous. You love him and he loves you. Kagome and Inuyasha are friends and that is all. Everyone knows that.” Taking her hand as she leaned in, Kaede admonished her lightly. “Who are you to not follow the path your heart is showing you?”

 

Kikyo contemplated her words silently as Kaede rose to leave the room, adding one last piece of advice:

 

“Tell him. He deserves to know how you feel.”

 

“Really?” Kagome asked Sango hopefully. “But what if he doesn't feel the same way?”

 

“Than at least he'll know where you stand. I know I tease but there's truth in the saying- best friends become boyfriends…” she responded, giving the other girl an encouraging smile.

 

“I'm gonna tell him. Tell him I love him…thanks Sango!” she grinned, jumping up and kissing her cheek. Running for the door Sango called out after her.

 

“I didn't mean now!”

 

Kagome ran across the courtyard, the elation that running gave her mixing with the anticipation of telling him. Inuyasha…how could she not have known? It was so clear to her now, she had always loved him. Colliding with someone, she was jerked out of her thoughts.

 

“Hey, hey!” he laughed, holding her upright as she stumbled. Looking up, she realized it was the object of her thoughts.

 

“Inuyasha! I was on my way to find you!”

 

“Perfect, I was looking for you too…” She nodded, amazed at the timing. It was meant to be… “I have something to tell you…”

 

“Me too…” she smiled. “You first.”

 

“I'm in love. And I want to be patient, but I can't. So…here goes. I understand that you have reservations and that's okay…but I don't. Because I know that you're the one, the one I want to spend my life with. All I ask is that you trust me and I promise you we'll be happy for the rest of our lives. I love you, Kikyo and I want you to be my wife.” He beamed down at her. “So? What do you think she'll say?”

 

Kagome was sure that if she looked down she'd be covered in blood. It felt as though her heart had just been ripped out and torn to pieces. And he was smiling at her, her best friend, her love… “I love you.” she said quietly, a declaration disguised as a response.

 

“Really? You think she will?”

 

“Of course I do.” she responded gently. She wanted him to be happy…even if it killed her. Mustering a meager smile, she patted his hand stepping away. “I'm so happy for you…”

 

“Thanks.” he grinned hugging her tightly. She closed her eyes and bit back a sob. “Hey, didn't you have something to tell me?”

 

“No, nothing important…”

 

“You okay?” Inuyasha asked, frowning as he tried to catch her gaze.

 

“I'm fine. I'm happy for you both…really.” She forced herself to meet his eyes and managed another tremulous smile. “Go on. Go get your girl.”

 

He kissed her on the cheek, whispering into her ear. “You're the best friend anyone could have…”

 

Watching as he ran off, Kagome took off in the opposite direction at full speed. As the wind whisked the tears from her cheeks, she hoped that if she could go fast enough she wouldn't be able to cry.

 

Inuyasha stopped at the entrance to Kaede's house and scowled at the door. Eyeing the tree that was outside of Kikyo's room, he nodded resolutely. Scaling it quickly, he perched on a thick branch, one arm slung around the base. Inside, he could see Kikyo brushing her hair as she prepared for bed. Inching closer, he watched as she laid down the brush and stared pensively at her reflection. Wondering what she was thinking about and hoping it was him, he was taken off guard when she whirled around to face the tree he was in.

 

“Who's there? Show yourself!” she demanded, eyes scanning the open window.

 

“Shh! It's me.” he hissed, not wanting her to wake the old woman.

 

“Inuyasha?” she questioned as he leaped onto the windowsill.

 

“Can I come in?” he asked.

 

“Aren't you already?” she countered tilting her head. Smirking, he stepped in and stood, noticing her cheeks flush as she looked away. Approaching her, he lifted the jewel gently.

 

“You're still wearing it.”

 

“I told you I'll treasure it.” she replied, hand closing over his. Looking down into her soft grey eyes, his prepared speech fled from him.

 

“I love you.” His voice was clear and firm, his eyes serious and slightly scared. “I know you didn't want me to say it but I can't help it. I love you and I want to be with you. Forever. Please, will you be my wife?”

 

Kikyo couldn't breathe. He looked so vulnerable and hopeful. Her aunt's words floated back to her and she prayed that she was making the right decision…and for forgiveness if it was the wrong one. “Yes.” It was barely a whisper but his expression gave her courage. “Yes,” she repeated, voice stronger. “I'll marry you, Inuyasha.”

 

He whooped, overjoyed, as he lifted her up and spun her around. “You've made me the happiest man alive…”

 

“I love you.” she told him, smiling as she lowered her lips to his. Pulling away, he opened his eyes slowly, gently smiling back at her.

 

“I was wrong. Now I'm the happiest man alive. Nothing can change that…”

 

Kagome sank onto her bed, Sango looking at her worried.

 

“How'd it go?” she asked cautiously. Kagome looked up at her miserably before bursting into tears. The older girl rushed to her side, rocking her back and forth as she cried. “Oh, Kagome…”

 

“He doesn't even know…he's marrying her…” she got out between sobs. “…I just want him to be happy…”

 

“Oh…” Sango gasped, tears welling in her eyes for her charge. Wiping her face as she sat up. “Maybe if you…”

 

“No.” she cut her off with a shake of her head. “They love each other…I just didn't want to see it. They'll be happy…together…” she finished, choking on her tears. She noticed a note near her bed. Frowning in confusion, she opened it. Grandfather sick…mother overwhelmed…Souta away…come home for a few days…Home.

 

“What is it?”

 

“My family needs me.” she responded tucking the note away. “I have to go…”

 

“You'll be back right?” Sango asked frowning. Kagome didn't respond, looking at the girl apologetically. “Kagome, no…” she gasped. “You're upset right now. Think about this…

 

“I don't have much left, I can finish up near home. I'll call. And write.” Her voice lowered. “I don't begrudge them, Sango…but I can't be here. It's too hard.”

 

“I don't think running away is the answer.”

 

“And I don't think I have a choice.” she retorted sadly.

 

“Are you even going to tell him you're leaving?”

 

She paused before shaking her head. “He'd ask to many questions. He'd ask me to stay.”

 

The next day, Inuyasha showed up at Kaede's to find her outside working on her herb garden.

 

“Are you here to see Kikyo, Inuyasha?” she asked surprised.

 

“Of course. Why?” he asked confused as Kikyo came to the door.

 

“Well, I just thought you'd be at the train station seeing Kagome off.”

 

“What?” he frowned. “Kagome isn't going anywhere.”

 

“She's going home to see her family. I thought you knew…”

 

“I didn't.” he responded, anxiety apparent in his voice. Looking at Kikyo's stunned face, he could see it was news to her as well. She caught his gaze as she stepped out.

 

“I'll drive.”

 

Once there, he ran down the side of the tracks, looking for her familiar face. Kikyo was checking as well, expression worried. He caught sight of her and leapt up the stairs of the car. Eyes widening at the sight of him, Kagome stood.

 

“Inuyasha! What are you doing here?”

 

“The question is what are you doing here?”

 

“My family needs me.” she murmured averting her gaze.

 

“So you'll go home after break.” he reasoned taking her suitcase down and turning with it.

 

“They need me now…”

 

“If you leave now you'll never make it back in time for finals.” he pointed out. She averted her eyes again and he realized she looked guilty. “You weren't coming back for finals…” he whispered as it dawned on him. Her grey -blue eyes stared into his apologetically. “You weren't coming back at all!”

 

“They need me…” she repeated helplessly.

 

“I need you!” he cried. “You were leaving and you weren't even saying goodbye? I thought we were friends Kagome…why would you do this?”

 

“I'm sorry.” she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I thought it would be too hard…”

 

“And this was better?” he demanded, anger and hurt warring in him as he threw he suitcase back in storage. “Fine. Leave. Abandon me, see if I care.” As he hopped off the train, he heard her call after him. Closing his eyes tightly to stop the tears he felt coming, he reopened them to see Kikyo's saddened face. She was looking just past him. Turning, he saw Kagome standing in the entryway, tears streaming down her cheeks. As the whistle sounded, he felt the panic setting in. This could be the last time I see her… Running back to the train car, he tried to smile for her. “Come on Kagome, you have to come back. Who else will beat me in track? Or throw food? Or make fun of my hair?” She gave him a watery smile as the train started to slowly move. “Who's gonna watch bad movies with me? Steal my clothes? Pull all nighters?” Walking beside the moving train, his voice cracked. “Who's gonna be my best friend?”

 

Looking past him, she loosened the scarf she wore and tossed it. Kikyo reached up to grab the flimsy material and Kagome smiled and nodded at her before turning her gaze back to a distraught Inuyasha. Smiling wider, she waved.

 

“I will miss you, Inuyasha…” she called.

 

“I'll miss you, Kagome.” he called back as the train gained speed. He stood at the edge of the platform, watching her watch him until he couldn't make her out anymore. Turning to see Kikyo holding the green scarf, he quickly wiped at his eyes muttering about the dust. Taking her hand, he led her away, looking over his shoulder at the rapidly shrinking locomotive.

 

“It was then that I realized I may have made a mistake. Kagome loved him. Loved him so much that she wanted his happiness, even if it cost her own. Maybe she loved him even more than I did…As I said before, you're a big girl today. I want you to understand that I don't regret the choice I made. I believe that if I had lived we would have been happy together…but it wasn't to be. I know your father is lonely and I know that he is hurting. It is my dream that he have a chance at happiness. That they both have this chance. Because of this I entrust you with a task: Find Kagome, give your father back his best friend - his soul mate. Make my dream come true.

 

I will never be too far from you, my love.

 

All my love is with you.

 

Your mother,

Kikyo Tashio

 

AN: So, that's pretty much it for the flashbacks. Hope anyone reading is enjoying it so far. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, it is greatly appreciated.