InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Scrapbook Memories ❯ Some Habits Die Hard ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: O, am I supposed to say something here? ……Something. (lawyers hold up knives)….hehe jk, I uh, don't own Inuyasha…don't hurt me…

 

A/N: Sooo, this is a continuation of my one shot thanks to a reviewer named Kiki. So here goes what I hope will be something worth you time =] Please review, I really do like those. And chocolate, but you don't have to send me those. I'm just letting you know.

 

Chapter One:

 

“Kagome Higurashi was a strong student who pushed through her sicknesses and has finally completed her last year of her high school career; Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to present Kagome Higurashi!”

 

The auditorium erupted in applause as a single figure walked up to the stage. Her lean figure was hidden in the long black gown that proved that she was indeed graduating. Atop her head of glossy, raven hair was a matching black cap with a little yellow string swaying with each step she took.

 

She had pictured this day for many years she kept telling herself as she made her way closer to the principle at the speaker. Ever since she was young, she had dreamed of playing with the little yellow string, throwing her cap in the air along with her jubilant classmates, and most of all having the feeling of crying of joy because of what she had accomplished.

 

She frowned slightly as she stopped right next to the principle. Then why did she feel like she was missing something? Why did she feel like she was supposed to do something before she could accept victory? She quickly discarded the questions plaguing her mind as she looked at the principle pulling her brightest smile.

 

Kagome closed her eyes momentarily while inhaling deeply before opening her eyes and holding out her hand to take the rolled up paper with the red ribbon securing. This little scroll was what she had worked so hard to receive. Now that it was right in front of her, she felt like she was somehow cheating by simply taking it. Wasn't there some trick question that they were gonna ask her? This was it? What was she gonna do after this? What was all that hard work for? To get her a job in some office with low income and a small, dull apartment in a dingy part of town? Tears started to well up in her grey orbs as she closed her hand around the diploma.

 

Why did she feel like something was wrong? What was missing? Her hold on the diploma tightened as her tears fell down her cheeks. She searched the large room for familiar faces. She found her mother, her brother and her grandpa. She felt herself relax. With a gasp, she realized that she hadn't stopped looking. Who was she looking for? She held up her diploma and smile when the room once again applauded and cheered.

 

`For now, I am gonna enjoy no homework,' Kagome's smile broadened as she came to this little resolve and sat back in her seat in between Hojo and the next girl, Sasako Misomura.

 

“Congratulations, Higurashi,” Hojo whispered to her.

 

“Thanks, you too,” She whispered back.

 

She felt the need to end whatever conversation he was about to start since she didn't want the moment to be deflated so she turned from him and sat back. She saw in the corner of her eye Hojo snap his mouth shut and gave her a weak smile before sitting back too. She felt slightly guilty but not that much.

 

0000000000

 

“WEEEEEEE'REEEEE FREE!!!!!!! CHEERS EVERYONE!” Yuka shouted over the laughing and shouts of everyone else. Many beer bottles clanked together at the center of the round table as everyone cheered and shouted in celebration.

 

Kagome took a gulp of the beer and grimaced as the cold liquid made its way down to her stomach. She never did really like beer.

 

A girl plopped down next to her with a happy giggle and took another gulp of her beer before putting down and looking at Kagome. It was Eri and boy was she drunk.

 

“Hey there, Kags. How's it going?? Eri's speech was slightly slurred but she still managed to make coherent sentences.

 

Kagome smiled at her friend and replied, “I'm fine. I'm still a little shock at the fact that it's all over, though.”

 

“Well, you know it ain't allover silly. There's still college!” Ayumi chirped in as she took a large swig of her beer.

 

“O I know that Ayumi, but still, we worked so hard and now over. It just seems strange that we're no longer high school students,” Kagome reasoned.

 

“Where are you going to college?” Hojo asked from his spot a few seats down.

 

“OI! We ain't speaking of such things tonight! Got that!?” Eri and Yuka shouted heatedly to the brown-haired boy simultaneously. They looked at one another and started to laugh.

 

“Don't mind them, Hojo-kun. They're hopelessly drunk. Kagome here is proudly going to America for college!” Ayumi patted her friend on the back as the said girl smiled sheepishly while taking a large gulp of her beverage.

 

“America!? Really? Wow…” Hojo tried to conceal his hurt but was doing a horrible job.

 

Kagome sighed then gave Ayumi a half hearted glare. Ayumi just shrugged saying `he was gonna find out sooner or later.' Kagome just sighed again. She had avoided this topic for several reasons around her friends. She didn't want any questions on her decision. Kagome had a very strong feeling that they would ask if it was because of her `jealous boyfriend' and she didn't want to go back to that. They would ask if she was leaving to get away from him and she knew it wasn't. American had more possibilities than the limited Japanese universities and she wanted to get the best education to be a successful doctor. But she also avoided it because she knew Hojo would try to convince her stay in Japan and go to college near him. His thick headedness was just something she knew he would never grow out of. He was also stubborn. Almost as stubborn as-. Her eyes widened. He reminded her of someone. But she sighed and gave up when she couldn't catch the name, deciding that this one slip was not something unusual to her.

 

The music volume went up again and Kagome returned to the land of the living when everyone cheered and got up to dance. Kagome stayed where she was, too tired to dance.

 

`In fact, I think I just might go home… No one will notice one missing person,' Kagome reasoned as she put her drink down and pulled her jacket on and zipped up. She grabbed her purse as she stood up and threw it over her shoulder. She hugged random people congratulating them and quickly zoomed out of the bar and into the parking lot.

 

`Shit, where did I put the damn car?' Kagome muttered curses under her breath as she snuggled deeper into her jacket when the wind picked up. She wandered idly around the parking lot trying to the blue Mercedes that her family had bought for her 17th birthday.

 

After about two more minutes of searching, Kagome sighed in relief when she saw it innocently sitting in between a red BMW and a black motorcycle. She stopped her feet when she noticed that the driver to the motorcycle was present, leaning against her car lighting its cigarette. She felt herself get annoyed as she noticed that the driver was ignoring her. She cleared her throat to attempt to get the person's attention. When the person continued to ignore her she took a few steps and cleared her throat again.

 

“Excuse me, but I would like to get to my car,” Kagome declared as sternly as she could without seeming too harsh.

 

She jumped slightly when the person whipped its head towards her with a gasp and dropped its cigarette. She heard the person curse as the person looked down to the fallen cigarette. Kagome could only watch as the person took off the helmet and glare at her. She heard the helmet clash with the ground and winced slightly. Poor helmet.

 

“What the fuck do you think you're doing!? Coming out of fucking no where and making me drop my last cigarette, bitch!” Hard, fierce midnight blue eyes met somewhat caught off guard stormy grey eyes as Kagome jumped at the harsh tone of the very obvious male.

 

Recovering from her shock and surprise, Kagome glared right back at the man her temper rising.

 

“I didn't come out of nowhere. I tried to get your attention, but you were to busy lighting your cigarette-

 

“Which you made me drop.”

 

“-on my car-“

 

“Which need a serious cleaning.”

 

“-NOT. THE. POINT. What are you doing here!? More importantly, why are you against my car?” Kagome gritted her teeth as the guy simply looked at her as if he were mocking her.

 

“What is your point then?”

 

“Get off my car.”

 

“What if I like leaning against your car?”

 

“Get off the damn car before I say it!”

 

Silence ensued as the hot-headed girl realized what she had just said and quickly regretted it. She looked at the guy in front of her to see his reaction. Instead of the laughter she had anticipated, he had a look of utmost horror. His eyes then hardened and before she could question anything, he mounted his motorcycle and sped off.

 

Kagome stared at the disappearing motorcyclist and realized something, she never asked his name. She continued to stare as she walked forward towards her car.

 

“ACK!” Kagome's foot slipped from under her and she found herself falling with her arms flailing in every direction in a sorry attempt to regain her lost balance. Her arms thankfully found the ground before her whole body and she was saved quite a bit of damage. She quickly sat up to see what had caused her to slip to find the helmet that had been thrown onto the ground. She stood up grabbing the helmet along with her purse. She turned it over in her hands, looking for any information on the guy to see how she could possibly return it.

 

“Well, shit. Nothing. What a waste, this is a nice helmet.” `And I don't own a motorcycle so it's not like I could keep it.' Kagome looked from the helmet to where she last saw the lone figure.

 

`Why was he here? Maybe he works here? Even if he doesn't, he might come back and I'm not about to argue with that stranger again, he's probably a criminal or something. With his black leather jacket, long black hair, motorcycle and all. I could've been killed or kidnapped or raped for all I know. Gods why am I such an idiot!? Arguing with that guy!? Kagome you total idiot!!!' Kagome continued to scold herself as she made her way back to the bar.

 

She pushed open the doors to find that nothing had changed since she left the party. Well, other than everyone being drunk that is. With some difficulty, Kagome made her way towards the bar.

 

The place was hot, sweaty and packed and Kagome couldn't have felt more uncomfortable. Especially with alcohol breaths everywhere that seemed to choke the poor girl. Kagome gasped as she clutched the edge of the bar and pulled herself onto a swivel chair.

 

“Hi! How may I help you?” A cheerful and high pitched voice made Kagome look up to find a girl that looked about her age with dark chocolate brown eyes and an award-winning smile beaming at her. Kagome couldn't help but let the sides of her mouth curve up as she felt her body relax at the welcoming face.

 

“Sorry to bother you, you seem to have your hands full, but I found this in the parking lot. I got a glimpse of the owner of the helmet but he was too far to-“

 

“O, thank you! I knew he would leave it again! He always forgets it. Don't worry! I'll get it to him!” The girl took the offered helmet and placed it on the shelf nest to a bottle of scotch that was half empty.

 

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” She returned to cleaning some glasses as she asked her question. Kagome smiled and simply sat there for a second, contemplating.

 

Finally, Kagome looked at the helmet and asked, “Does he come here often?”

 

This seemed to have startled the poor girl that she dropped the glass which shattered the moment it hit the counter. Kagome jumped with a start and quickly went on to apologize.

 

“Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I- I didn't mean to. Here, let me help you!” Kagome immediately went around the bar counter and without thinking started picking up the glass pieces.

 

“No! No! It was my fault! I just- I wasn't expecting you to- it's ok, I'll do it, you don't have to do this!” The flustered girl hurried to answer and began to pick up the shards with Kagome.

 

“I'm so sorry. Truly, I didn't mean to surprise you at all. I can pay for the glass,” Kagome tried to apologize more as she threw out the shards of glass in the little black trash can to her left.

 

“Don't be silly! I have always been a butterfingers lover,” Her eyes sparkled with mirth at her own little joke. Kagome couldn't help but laugh. Kagome couldn't help but wonder what a lovely and quite animated girl would be doing working at a bar.

 

“Rin, what happened? I heard a crash and I came as soon as-.”

 

Kagome looked from the girl to the man who had spoken. He was a tall and poised man with a pale face who walked with an air of significance as if he owned the place. That or he was very self-centered and had an ego the size of Jupiter. He came up to the counter and leaned over to inspect the floor for damage, blood, anything. Kagome made a quick conclusion that he must be the owner of the bar since he was not wearing an apron but a navy blue business suit. But he could still have a huge ego. Kagome could only stare at the man with skeptical eyes as he straightened and replaced his slightly worried face with a stony and emotionless one.

 

“We're all fine, no worries. I simply got clumsy again and dropped a glass. No one got hurt and this young woman was so kind to help me clean it up,” Rin (as the tall supposed boss had called her) indicated to Kagome who stood silent in her spot.

 

The boss' calculating eyes swooped over Kagome and she felt herself blush as he moved over her body. When his eyes met hers, he held them and Kagome felt that she couldn't look away. His eyes were icy and hard yet had the most enchanting color of gold that seemed to jump out opposed to everything else about him. Other than that, he had long black hair, a face with strong features and pale, slender hands.

 

“What is your name?” His voice was low and clipped, straight to the point. He didn't waste time.

 

“My name is Kagome; Kagome Higurashi,” Kagome answered right away, sensing his aura of authority. She shivered as he nodded his approval of her answer. Did he think of her as a...a threat? Was that it? Or was he simply wondering what the name of the crazy girl who went behind the counter to help a girl with her job without any permission? Would he ever let her back into this bar? Was he really the owner?

 

Without another word, the man turned after nodding to Rin and walked in the direction he had come from. Kagome stared after the tall man and found herself wandering how many more odd people she would have to encounter before she reached her home. She was brought out of her musings when she heard Rin giggling next to her. Perplexed, Kagome turned to the bubbly girl.

 

“Who was that?” Kagome asked bluntly which sent Rin into more laughter.

 

“That was Fluffy-sama,” A smooth deep voice answered in Kagome's right ear.

 

She whirled around to find herself nose to nose with one of the most handsome man she had ever met. He had deep blue eyes that held a sense of wisdom and understanding and a smile that would make any girl swoon. He had soft features and had his black hair pulled back into a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck. In the back of her mind, Kagome heard the soft jingle of bells. Finding that just a little strange, she focused on the sound but it had already disappeared and she was once again face to face with the same charming face.

 

“….Fluffy-sama….?” Kagome gave him a skeptical look as she distanced herself from the man. Sure he was handsome, but that didn't rule out that he could be dangerous.

 

“His nickname, if you will. And who might you be angel?” The man took a step closer and Kagome instantly panicked. She could already hear him asking her the question. She blinked. What question?

 

“Mi~ro~ku~!” A feminine and quite angry voice sounded behind the advancing man that made Kagome want to….roll her eyes and laugh? Now she knew she was losing her mind.

 

`O boy, she doesn't sound happy,' Kagome looked over the man's shoulder to find a crazy looking woman a little older than herself, holding a pan and looking like she was out for the kill. Kagome scrambled out of the way as she saw the pan come down on the poor man's head. He gave Kagome a puzzled look before going unconscious.

 

Alarmed, Kagome yelped and screamed, “O my god! He's dead!!”

 

“O hush, of course he isn't. The damn fool, no matter how many times you whack him, he will never get it,” the girl holding the pan huffed as she kicked the body at Kagome's feet.

 

`Why is this happening to me!?????' Kagome looked at the three people around her in the bar and had to wonder what on earth had gotten her into this, `o, right, it was because of that jerk on the motorcycle who forgot his helmet. If I ever meet him again, I swear I'm gonna-` Kagome's musings were halted when the woman holding the pan walked over to Kagome.

 

“And who are you? A new worker?” For some reason, Kagome could've sworn she saw the slightest hint of brightness in the woman's eyes as if she were holding back tears.

 

Kagome looked at Rin for some help and looked back and said, “No, I was simply helping her clean up my mess. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. Are you sure he's going to be alright?”

 

“He's fine. And the pervert didn't do anything traumatizing to you, did he?” Kagome saw a small smirk form on the woman's mouth as she added, “cause you can tell me.”

 

“He didn't…” Kagome smiled wearily. Gods was she tired.

 

“Sango, this is Kagome. She returned our friend's helmet. She has a question for you,” Rin smiled as she took orders from neglected people and started to make their drinks.

 

“O? He forgot his again? And what would Kagome like to ask?” Kagome looked at Rin with alarm as she wondered what on earth she would want to ask this crazy woman with her pan. Finally, Kagome remembered the question that she had just asked Rin and found how silly this all was.

 

“I…uh…it's nothing important. I'm sorry for all this trouble. I am going to go home now. Good night,” Kagome started to pass Sango to get to the exit of the bar when Sango's hand stopped her.

 

“What did you want to know about him?” Sango smiled at her encouragingly.

 

“I just wanted to know if he came here often. Or if he worked here,” Kagome shifted uncomfortably as she tried to move closer to the exit without being noticed.

 

“Him? He's the owner of this place,” Sango said.

 

Kagome wasn't quite sure how she was supposed to react to this new bit of information. Then Kagome had to wonder would this affect anything. He was going to get his helmet back the next day and she was going to forget that this ever happened. Not knowing what else to do, Kagome bowed and said good night and made her way through the mass of people there most of whom were her drunk classmates.

 

Once she was out of sight, Sango dropped her smile and looked down at the fallen body.

 

“Get up Miroku, we've got work to do,” Sango started towards the doors to the kitchen when she was stopped.

 

“How can you just watch her go? What if she never returns!?” Rin cried as she clutched a beer glass that she had been drying to her chest.

 

Sango's eyes softened as a bitter smile found its way onto her face.

 

“All the better for both of them.”

 

Rin watched with tears in her eyes as Sango turned and returned to the kitchen with Miroku dragged behind her.