InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I Do ❯ Chapter 5

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Kagome awoke to the harsh ringing of her telephone. Stumbling out of bed with the blanket still twisted around her body, she grabbed the phone. “Hello?” She asked groggily, eyes half closed. “Kagome!” Wincing at the loud reply, she frowned. “Hello Kei.” Making her way back to bed, Kagome hardly listened as Kei rambled on about cancellations and sick clients, but one phrase definitely got her attention.

“You’re almost home?!”

“Well, yeah, there wasn’t much for me to do over here in the states when my client’s got the flu. I‘m using the in-flight phone. Thought I‘d give you a heads up.”

“Oh.” Kagome laid herself back down on the bed with a yawn. “So, you woke me up at six in the morning on a Saturday to tell me this? Couldn‘t you just surprise me?” She asked, glancing at her alarm clock. He laughed. “I thought you’d be excited to know.” Kagome rolled her eyes. “Of course I’m excited, Kei!” She replied, though her tone begged to differ. More laughter. “I’ll be home soon, babe.” Silence. It took a moment for Kagome to realize that Kei had hung up.

Kagome lingered on the phone for a moment. ‘Arrogant son of a bitch.’ She thought angrily, sitting up. Without thinking, she chucked the phone across the room - where it made contact with the wall, and broke into several pieces. With a slow, shuddering breath, she turned away from the damaged phone, and laid back down.

“I love you too, Kei.” She muttered irritably, wondering whether or not she’d be able to get back to sleep. Kagome snorted. With the summer semester of her classes beginning Monday, she would be needing all the sleep she could possibly get. Unfortunately for her, she wouldn’t be getting any this morning.

Frustrated, and restless, Kagome untangled herself from the blanket and climbed back out of bed. Rubbing her face vigorously with her hands, she sighed. She would’ve given anything, in that moment, to be back in high school. To not have to worry so much about classes, about friends and boyfriends - just worrying about not getting her head chopped off by a rogue demon. Kagome laughed to herself. An image of Inu-yasha, with his Tetsusaiga swung over one shoulder, crept into Kagome’s thoughts.

Kagome leaned against the kitchen counter, watching unblinkingly as the coffeemaker began to do it’s job. With Kei home soon, maybe she wouldn’t be thinking so much about the hanyou she had left five hundred years in the past. Noticing that the coffee was finished, she turned, and opened the nearby cupboard. Pulling a unadorned mug out of the pale, wood cabinet, she felt a frown tug at the corners of her mouth. She knew where everything was in this apartment, she realized rather suddenly.

She knew what spots on the floor were creaky, what part of the couch was the most comfortable, where in the living room it was easiest to see the televison. She had her routine, for when she was attending school, or when she was on break. Everything, all of it, seemed to be exactly the same, day after day after day. Kagome spun with the cup in her hand, facing the coffeemaker, her heart pounding furiously in her ears.

A wave of complacency washed over her. Kei would be home soon. And then what? They’d sit in this stuffy apartment, planning their perfect little wedding, down to every detail. They’d eat their normal dinner, and go into their nearly bare bedroom, and sleep. And they’d wake up and do it all over again.

Kagome glanced around, empty cup in hand, at the white walls and light-grained wood cupboards. Walking slowly, she made her way around the counter to the living room that opened up before her, ending at two, sliding glass doors. Approaching the doors, she ran the fingertips of her free hand over the impeccably clean glass. Outside was a quaint little balcony that lacked furniture. Kei hated to be outside for any longer than was necessary, complaining of sunburn and insects and whatever other excuses he could find. Kagome turned from the doors, the frown on her face becoming more prominent with each passing moment. The rooms that once seemed to spacious to Kagome seemed to close in around her. The unembellished white walls seemed suddenly deficient. This was her home?

The dark-haired young woman went back into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of steaming coffee. With yet another sigh, she leaned against the kitchen counter again. For a moment, she remembered what it had felt like to leap into the well - to feel the winds of time rushing against her face, the tingling sensation that had spread slowly from her toes to the very tip of her scalp. And the relief of reaching the other side, to hear the familiar bickering of Shippo and Inu-yasha, and smell the fresh, clean air of a long-forgotten past.

Sipping her coffee she shuddered slightly at the bitter taste. “Out of creamer…” She muttered, glancing into the packed refrigerator. Leaning back for the third time, she stared into the scalding, black liquid. Strange how different her life was now, how complacent. Surely there was more to it than this? She’d graduate college, settle down with Kei, find a job, perhaps have children - and then what? Live out her days like this until the moment of her death? And what of all she left behind? Would all the regrets, all the lost opportunities asphyxiate her before she could be given the chance to take her last breath? Would she die lamenting what she never took from this life of hers?

Kagome dumped the contents of her mug into the sink, staring at the liquid as it splashed up the sides of the sink, only to leak back down to the drain. She couldn’t help but feel as though her life was going through the same thing - ups and downs, never anything exceptional, until, inevitably, her life would drain away from her, and she too would pass into darkness.

‘I’m going to die, alone and full of regret.’ She realized, the words seeming to echo through her mind. She’d have Kei, maybe she’d have kids, she’d have her family - all these people that cared about her, wanted the best for her - and there, in the back of her mind, would always be him standing, with his arms crossed moodily across his chest and a grumpy expression on his ageless face. Somehow, she knew, it would never be enough.

Kagome choked back the tears, trying to suppress the hollow feeling that was spreading throughout her body. The inescapability of it all rose up, and she could’ve swore that it nearly swallowed her whole. But there he was, with his Tetsusaiga and his soft, white ears. ‘Always saving me, aren’t you Inu-yasha?’ She thought, trying hard to swallow over the lump in her throat. Eyes burning, she placed the coffee cup in the sink gently. Even now, the thought of him was saving her from the most intense feelings senselessness she had ever experienced.

Silently, Kagome headed to the bathroom. Turning on the roomy, walk-in shower, she adjusted it to a fairly warm temperature. She removed her clothes and climbed in, closing the door behind her. Without thought, she leaned her forehead against the spotless, white tile. She let the hot water run down her neck and back, shivering faintly. And once there, Kagome cried - letting the water rinse her tears away.

Inu-yasha stumbled out of the dressing room, eyes wide. “What the hell is this?” He asked through gritted teeth. Souta fell against the wall, face red as he shook with laughter. “Oh, I think you look absolutely dashing, old boy.” The boy said in a poor impression of a British accent, a mock serious expression on his face. Inu-yasha glowered at the boy’s reflection in the mirror. The khaki pants and collared polo look just didn’t seem to be working. Quickly withdrawing into the dressing room as the clerk approached, Inu-yasha scowled.

“That’s it, from now on - I’m picking the stores.” The hanyou called from the dressing room, throwing the clothes over the door to a waiting clerk. She seemed quite offended as she bustled past a still laughing Souta. Inu-yasha pulled his hat over his ears unceremoniously. “Fine by me, maybe you won’t look so ridiculous.” Inu-yasha snorted, and threw Souta another glare as they exited the fifth store.

There was bound to be something in this booming city that could offer even Inu-yasha some apt attire.

It was afternoon.

Kagome was curled up, knees to chin, on the couch when Kei came through the door. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, and her gaze was distant. “Kagome?” She jerked her head in the direction of her name. Kei stood, leather briefcase in hand, gazing at his fiance with concern. She stared back at him, deep blue eyes wide. Setting his case down, he approached her, and wrapped his arms around her slowly. She nearly recoiled from his touch.

“You look upset. Something wrong, baby?” His muffled voice was anything but comforting. Kagome wished, in that instant, that she was a million miles away. How could he possibly know? Possibly understand?

“Let’s go out tonight.” She said, before she could stop herself. Kei leaned away from her, taking a seat next to her on the couch. “Go out?” Kagome nodded. Kei smiled. “Okay, what’d you have in mind?” He received a half-hearted shrug.

“How about dinner? We can go to that new restaurant in town, you know - the one by the office?” Kei was on his feet now, “Just give me an hour. I feel like a shower.” He kissed her forehead, gathered his briefcase, and headed for the bedroom. Kagome jumped to her feet. “Kei!”

He turned, poking his head around the corner of the hall. “Yes?” Kagome smiled warmly. “Let me take that, you go ahead and get straight in the shower.” She took the case from his hands, and bustled over to the bedroom. “There’s coffee in the kitchen, I just made a fresh pot a while ago.” she called over her shoulder. Hoping that would buy her some time, she tossed his briefcase on the bed, and gathered up the remaining pieces of the phone. She threw them in the garbage-can hastily, before tucking Kei’s briefcase away neatly under his side of the bed.

Kei walked into the bedroom not a second after Kagome had climbed to her feet. She didn’t know exactly why she felt that he shouldn’t see the phone shattered, but it had seemed very urgent to her. Kei was grinning, a cup of coffee in his hands. Kagome turned from his smiling face, crossing the room to her dresser, where she began rummaging for something to wear. She could feel Kei as he came up behind her, as he set the cup on the dresser, and wrapped his arms around her.

He kissed her neck softly. “So. About that shower.” He spoke into her neck, his coaxing voice muffled. “I’m thinking you could use one too.” He nibbled on her ear, nuzzling her neck and smiling. “So why not kill two birds with one stone?”

Kagome inhaled sharply. “N-no. I’ve got to get dressed Kei.” She said, as playfully as she could manage. Kei sighed dramatically. “Oh, alright.” He nuzzled her once more, before pulling away. “But you owe me later.” Kagome smiled, but as soon as he was in the bathroom, and out of sight, the smile slid from her face.

She couldn’t help but wonder what Inu-yasha‘s life was like, without her there. And - if he ever felt as empty as she did, just then.

Roughly an hour later, Kagome was gazing into her plate of pasta, twisting the noodles with her fork absentmindedly. Kei was rambling on about some client, who’d wanted something for nothing - as most clients nowadays, apparently, did. Kagome nodded and replied with a “yeah” or “exactly” when appropriate, and otherwise zoned him out.

Her thoughts were dismal and complex, questions of how she would spend the rest of her life, and the meaning behind it all. Surely, she loved Kei. Who wouldn’t? From his clear, intelligent hazel eyes to his perfectly sculpted body - oh, it was doubtless that Kei was attractive. And he was a wonderful provider. He offered Kagome the security she herself couldn’t otherwise afford.

“What do you think Kagome?” Kei questioned her, watching her expression carefully. Kagome looked up from her plate, a dazed look on her face. “What? I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that last part.” she lied, trying to look genuinely interested in whatever it was Kei was talking about.

“I brought up the wedding, I think we should move it a bit later. I mean, the end of August? Didn‘t we want a more autumn scene for our wedding?“ Kagome thought a moment. At the very idea of the wedding, she just about cringed. It wasn’t any time to be getting cold feet, but it was no wonder - there was a lot on her mind. Maybe she was having a midlife crisis. ‘Yeah, at twenty-one years old?’ she thought, incredulously. She nearly laughed aloud at the thought.

She wanted to marry Kei - didn’t she?

Kagome avoided her fiancé’s gaze, staring at her pasta as though it were suddenly the most interesting thing in the room. Kei weighed her expression mutely. “Getting cold feet?” He asked, a charming half-smile working it’s way onto his face. Kagome was disgusted by the smugness his expression seemed to radiate. “No.” Kagome replied, a little too fervently. “It’s just - I liked the idea of having the wedding at the end of August. And we want everything to be perfect, don‘t we?” She added, not quite as zealously. Kei nodded, taking Kagome’s hand in his.

“Of course we do.” Kagome had to stop herself from frowning. Her head swam as her thoughts wandered back to her morning. Plans, plans, plans. Someone was sketching out the blueprints of her life, but that someone didn’t seem to be Kagome anymore.

A desperate need for the impromptu seized her. “Or we could just do it now.” Kagome said suddenly, a strange glint in her eyes as she squeezed Kei’s hand. “We could just run off, right now - and get married.” She smiled, the first genuine smile of the night. Kagome hardly realized what she was implying. Kei smiled back, but his eyes betrayed his expression.

“But - what about our families? And the reception and honeymoon? What about your dress?” Kei looked bewildered. Kagome sighed inwardly. “Yeah,“ She said, her voice sounding suddenly remote. “Yeah, you’re right.” Kei squeezed her hand back, his smile broadening. Kagome looked back to her pasta, swallowing the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. ‘Inu-yasha would‘ve married you now,‘ a voice said, from somewhere in the back of her mind. And Kagome swallowed the hot tears. ‘Unless Kikyo showed up…’ She stabbed at her pasta in frustration.

Kagome hadn’t wanted to marry Kei, in that instant. Not at all. But the idea of doing something so spontaneous - it had captivated her, if only for a moment.

“Kagome, are you sure you’re alright?” Kagome raised her head, to find that Kei had been watching her closely for quite some time. Something, some strange emotion, flashed in his bright eyes. Kagome couldn’t seem to place it. Anger? Sorrow? Confusion?

Kagome nodded. “I - I just haven’t been feeling well, that’s all.” she said quietly, and Kei removed his hand from hers. “Oh, Kagome I wish you would’ve told me. I shouldn’t have been all over you at home.“ Kagome laughed, trying to brush his comment off. She silently hoped that Kei wouldn’t notice just how acrid her laughter sounded. “You know I can’t get sick! I’ve got another trip Monday.”

Despite his words, Kei smiled. “When you feel better though…” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Kagome just looked back to her pasta, a laugh that sounded quite too much like a sob escaping her.

By desert, Kei was nearly drunk. He’d ordered basically every specialty drink on the menu, and would’ve ordered doubles if Kagome hadn’t cut him off. He gazed at her, bleary-eyed and grinning stupidly. “You know Kagome,” He began, his words slurring slightly, “You look gor-juh-gorgeous tonight.” Kagome nearly laughed as he stumbled over the word, but the laughter died on her lips as she felt his hand on her knee. “Kei!” she hissed, wide-eyed. She slapped his hand, frowning. “You’re ridiculous.”

With that she got to her feet. After adjusting her purse on her shoulder, she raised her eyes. And, as they scanned over the window - and what was outside the window - her heart nearly stopped. Long white hair? Baseball cap? Her mouth hung agape as she crossed the restaurant in silent awe. She gazed out the window, but there was no one on the sidewalk with the long, silvery hair she swore she had seen. She closed her mouth tightly, swallowing hard, and turned back to Kei.

He was leaning heavily on the table, the drunken grin still on his face. “Come on baby, let’s go for a drive.” He said, jingling the keys in his hand as she returned to the table. There was a strange expression on Kagome’s face as she left the tip. “Yeah, let’s not.” She snapped, grabbing the keys out of his hand and leading him out of the restaurant. The same odd expression on her face.

Inu-yasha…

Ree: Sorry it took so long to update. This is a current piece of work, meaning I‘m writing as your reading. And, frankly, inspirations been a bit hard to come by lately. But, nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.