![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Reminiscent (Prompt #25) | Inuyasha
Collection Title: Fleeting
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: T
Summary: Well, this has turned into a serial of connected oneshots within the same universe, LOL. I don't know if it will stretch to fit all 30 prompts, but for now, this is a continuous story.
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
un_love_you Prompt Table here. Prompt for this piece is: #25: “You remind me of someone.”
Title: Reminiscent
Universe: Alternate (modern era)
Rating: T (a hint of citrus)
Word Count: 2727
Pairing: Sesshoumaru/Kagome
Summary: Separated by misunderstanding, Sesshoumaru and Kagome are reminded of each other in the smallest ways.
Author’s Note: Sixth in a series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Disclaimer: The Inuyasha concept, story, and characters are copyright Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Media.
~*~
“Hmph.” Sesshoumaru glanced up from his books, a look of distinct displeasure marring his otherwise perfect features. The insistent ring of the warning bell buzzed in his ears, signaling the library was about to close.
He sat back in his seat, his concentration broken, and stared at the piles of books that surrounded him. He was multitasking, working to revise the progress he’d already made on his thesis, as well as looking into ideas for the next chapter. He’d been in the zone, moving from reference shelf to reference shelf, and, judging by the piles on the table, somewhere along the line it had all gotten just a bit out of hand…
The rustling about of his fellow patrons met his ears, and he looked around the room, watching them slowly stretch, gather their belongings, and shuffle away. For a moment, he wondered if it would truly be so bad to be locked in over the holiday break; after all, there were plenty of toilets scattered among the five levels, as well as vending machines in the lobby. Plus he’d have access to precious books that were on the closed shelves.
Hmm…
The bell rang again, and the lights began to flicker, shutting down systematically, starting on the top floor and working their way down. These little signals made the others move a bit faster, shoving their books back on the shelves and heading for the staircases with great haste. As the lights began to fade in his reading room, he very reluctantly stood up and began to repack his bag. He paused as he threw the strap over his shoulder, eyeing the reference books still splayed across the table.
If they’re going to kick me out just because it’s Christmas, they can put their books back in order, he thought with a sniff, moving towards the exit with steady, languid strides.
He ignored the well-wishes of the library staff as he left, focusing instead on keeping his irritation in check. Why the entire world had to stop just because someone declared one bitterly cold day more important than all the others, he’d never understand. He didn’t celebrate Christmas anyway, so he’d just as soon get on with his life.
He paused as he stepped out of the lobby, pulling the soft wool cap down so that it covered the tips of his ears. It was snowing, quite lightly, the flurries carried by a passing breeze, swirling between the buildings. The crowds around him seemed to hunker down against the gentle assault, scurrying like ants between their vehicles and their destinations, or huddling together under the weather guards at the bus stops.
Sesshoumaru tugged at his coat, swiftly tying the belt at his waist, and set off on foot.
Snow was another thing that brought the city to its knees, so he hadn’t even bothered to attempt driving in it. The university library was rather far from his apartment, but easily connected via both bus and metro. Right now, though, he felt like a good walk – maybe it would work off some of this frustration.
Plus, he was in no hurry to get home.
It was maddening; after wanting nothing but peace and quiet for the last few weeks, he absolutely couldn’t stand being at the apartment, knocking around between its empty walls by himself. Oh, the first few days had been nice, when he was buried under a pile of work, but he’d caught up quicker than he’d anticipated. He’d taken a few days off to rest his brain and regain his sanity, and that’s when it really started to hit him.
It was so quiet, without her.
He found he could literally go days without speaking.
He’d lie awake at night, listening to the ticking of the clock, and wonder when – if – she’d return.
How was it that he, who had been a conscious loner for the vast majority of his life, could be so keenly aware of another’s absence? He thought of her as nothing more than a flighty, flirty, attractive but ultimately irresponsible girl, someone who shared his living quarters for the sake of saving money.
When had her presence morphed into companionship?
He sighed, ducking into a doorway as a blast of wind rolled past. It must’ve been that damn Halloween party. He knew she was asking for trouble with that ‘costume,’ and felt he had no other choice but to accompany her. It was a damn good thing he had, too, or else she would’ve really regretted her actions. Hmph, maybe she already does, he thought mirthlessly, the memory of her failed seduction attempt flashing through the back of his mind.
Damn his sense of honor! That’s what got him into this mess in the first place. One little show of concern, and suddenly, he couldn’t stop noticing her. He became acutely aware of her movements, so much so that it had started to drive him crazy. Bringing home that dick, Koga, was the last straw – he just completely lost it, and now she was gone.
He sighed again, glancing up, noticing his apartment building looming ever closer. His feet slowed of their own accord, the resistance to going back to that very empty flat rising fast and high within him. Before he realized what he was doing, he reached out for the nearest door, pushing into the shop. He stood there for a moment, dazed, his mind racing to catch up with his actions. As the haze cleared, he realized he was standing in a small coffee shop.
He closed the door abruptly, pulling off his hat as he slinked into a back corner booth. He sat his bag down next to his seat with shaking hands, utterly shocked at his reaction. One minute, he was staring at his apartment building in the distance, and the next, he was here. He’d never reacted so blindly before, but surely…?
He looked up, eyeing his fellow patrons. There was a sprinkling of people around the place, most of them sitting in pairs, a low din of conversation filling the room. There were a few other stalwarts, like him, sitting alone, and for some reason that put him at ease.
A loner, finding a measure of peace in a crowd.
I’m going insane, he thought, glancing out the window.
“Can I get you something?” a pert voice asked. His attention was drawn to the petite waitress who stood by the table, pad and pen in hand. She smiled brightly at him, poised to take his order.
He gave her a cursory look before turning back to the window. “Do you serve peppermint tea?” he asked casually.
The waitress nodded. “Yes, we do! Would you like anything else?”
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. “That will be enough.”
The girl bustled away, and he continued to stare out the window. The snow was growing heavier, the wind beginning to blow a bit harder. Those willing to brave the harsh weather dwindled rapidly, and soon enough he found himself staring down an empty street.
“Here you are.”
He looked down as the tea was delivered to him, surprised to see a large, chocolate-frosted cookie on the plate. He opened his mouth to protest, but the waitress cut him off.
“Nobody should just drink tea this time of year,” she said softly.
He gazed at her for a moment, his expression impassive. She returned the look directly, calmly. There was something about her…the color of her hair, the twinkle in her eye, the wry smile that graced her lips…
...it was an echo of an emotion, but it simultaneously saddened and soothed him. “Thanks,” he murmured.
“You’re welcome,” she replied, turning away. “Happy holidays, sir.”
~*~
“Whoa!”
Kagome couldn’t help but laugh when she caught the expression on her companion’s face. “Yes, the lodge is definitely known for its Christmas parties,” she laughed, pushing him forward, into the fray.
“I’ll say,” he murmured, gaping as he looked around the room. The resort’s main lodge was decked out in true Christmas excess, a sea of red and green and white. It was also packed to the brim, with members of some of the country’s most elite families rubbing elbows and getting down on the dance floor.
“Why don’t you go get us a drink?” she shouted, tugging on his shirt sleeve. He nodded and set off into the sea of people, maneuvering across the room towards the refreshments. Kagome quickly found them a table off to the side, grateful to have a place to sit down and stow their coats.
She still couldn’t believe it. Inuyasha was quite literally the last person she ever expected to see here (well, maybe not the last). And, not only was he here, he had witnessed her in a very weak moment. Luckily, he was too surprised to see her to make any mention of her meltdown; besides that, he was heartily amused at her reaction to his presence.
She learned that he was the son of an upstart, yet increasingly powerful, businessman, and was here at this meat-market-cum-holiday-fest as the representative of his father, to help get his name out among potential investors. He seemed relieved and excited to have found a familiar face in the crowd, and they had taken to spending most of their time together.
She didn’t know him terribly well from university; he mostly ran with Koga’s crowd. She was initially wary of hanging out with him again, considering he’d more or less blown her off after Halloween, but he completely charmed her. He explained that he’d actually left school in November, called away by his father on urgent family business, and apologized profusely for the supposed social slight. He was very sincere about the whole misunderstanding, and soon she began to welcome the chance to spend time with him. It eased the pressure from her family to “make connections” while they enjoyed themselves out on the slopes, and it kept her mind off her roommate woes.
She sighed as the shadow of Sesshoumaru passed over her mind. It was going to be so awkward facing him again…but she knew she couldn’t hide forever. She hoped he was sorry for what he said to her, but knew better than to hold out any real hope for an apology.
Still, she wasn’t going to give up on him. Maybe this separation would be good, allow them to figure out what they were to each other, where they could go from here.
Besides, knowing that Inuyasha was still interested in her lessened the sting of rejection, made the idea of going back home a little less frightening.
“So, what do they do at these big shindigs?”
Kagome snapped out of her reverie as Inuyasha appeared before her again, holding out a drink. She gave him a brilliant smile. “It’s just more of the same for a corporate party,” she replied. “You know, dancing, chatting, blah blah blah.” She took a sip of her drink, nodding approvingly at his choice of beverage. “And there’s a midnight kiss under the mistletoe.”
“Oh?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “That sounds intriguing.”
“Only if you’re over forty and very, very bland,” she snorted. “It’s only because the resort is closed for the new year. They just import all the traditions and hope no one notices!”
He gave her an enigmatic smile and reached for her hand. “Let’s dance!”
She threw back the rest of her drink before following, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. They laughed and chatted and danced, spinning around the room. Kagome allowed herself to completely relax her guard, and found him to be a cheerful, social companion. Their conversation flowed easily, moving from such disparate topics as their family backgrounds, to their studies, to the latest pop culture trends.
For the first time since Halloween, she genuinely felt like she was enjoying herself.
They danced for most of the night, stopping occasionally to have another drink or speak to a few casual acquaintances, but Kagome noticed that Inuyasha was sticking rather close to her, as if he wanted to spend time exclusively with her. It was incredibly flattering, especially considering the number of girls vying for his attention. He politely refused to dance with them or give them his number, managing to let them down without resorting to being a complete douchebag. A few were miffed at his honesty, not used to being cut down so directly; those girls glared daggers at her for stealing way the new prey.
Kagome brushed them off without a second thought. Vain, catty women like that weren’t worth her time. Maybe she was truly doing Inuyasha a favor, keeping the predators at bay…
Such an idea amused her. He could certainly take care of himself.
The night began to wind down, and the younger crowd began to leave in search of fresher pleasures.
“See what I mean, about this being the over forty crowd?” she murmured to her friend, directing his attention to the dance floor. Slower songs had been on order for the last hour, drawing out the older, more established couples. “Are you sure you don’t want to go with the others?”
Inuyasha reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’m sure,” he replied. “I like spending time with you.”
She blushed prettily at his words, thankful the lights were turned down low. They took a stroll around the room, falling into companionable silence, her palm resting lightly in his. She took the chance to study him. He was quite striking in appearance, with longer-than-fashionable dark brown hair tied back at the nape, warm brown eyes, and generally angular, more European features. He carried himself with an air of confidence all his own, but yet…there was something about him that seemed almost familiar. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it; it was like an echo in the back of her mind, tugging at something unknown.
“So, are you going back to school after this, or are you lucky enough to spend the rest of the break with your family?” he asked sometime later.
“I don’t think I’d call it ‘luck,’ to be in my family’s presence,” she replied wryly.
He shook his head. “Yeah, it is,” he countered. “Sometimes you don’t know how lucky you are until its too late.”
She eyed him, puzzled, and he shrugged, grasping her hand tighter. “My mother died recently,” he explained. “It’s why I’m only now coming to these things; she and my dad were separated for a long time, and I didn’t know him very well.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered automatically, but he only shrugged again.
“It’s hard, because this world is so different from what I’m used to, but it’s who I am now,” he sighed. “He’s all I have, so I try to appreciate it as much as possible.”
She could only stare at him, unable to even fathom what that must’ve felt like. She didn’t always get along with her mother, but she didn’t know what she’d do without her.
“So you’re going back to university, huh?” he asked again, steering the conversation away from uncomfortable subjects.
She nodded. “Yeah, I suppose so. Classes start again in January, so it will be nice to get acclimated to the place again.”
“Cool,” he replied. “So am I.”
And with that, the lights went out completely, a spotlight shining brightly on the dance floor, highlighting a gaudily hanging branch of mistletoe. “It’s time to grant your Christmas kisses,” the DJ intoned.
Kagome stifled a laugh…then a gasp of breath, when she felt Inuyasha’s mouth brush against hers softly, sweetly. A shock of surprise shot down her spine, lighting sparks along the way. Hesitantly, she responded, losing herself in the absolute delight of being kissed again. It had been so long…
…and he was a really good kisser…
“Merry Christmas, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, his voice heavy, hoarse. His arms enveloped her in a light, tentative embrace. “What are the odds that we’ll continue to see each other at school?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling up at him as the overhead lights began to flicker back to life. Her head felt woozy, her heart thumping giddily as she spiraled down from the sheer pleasure of his kiss. “I’d say those odds are pretty damn good,” she murmured in reply.
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: T
Summary: Well, this has turned into a serial of connected oneshots within the same universe, LOL. I don't know if it will stretch to fit all 30 prompts, but for now, this is a continuous story.
un_love_you Prompt Table here. Prompt for this piece is: #25: “You remind me of someone.”Title: Reminiscent
Universe: Alternate (modern era)
Rating: T (a hint of citrus)
Word Count: 2727
Pairing: Sesshoumaru/Kagome
Summary: Separated by misunderstanding, Sesshoumaru and Kagome are reminded of each other in the smallest ways.
Author’s Note: Sixth in a series. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Disclaimer: The Inuyasha concept, story, and characters are copyright Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Media.
“Hmph.” Sesshoumaru glanced up from his books, a look of distinct displeasure marring his otherwise perfect features. The insistent ring of the warning bell buzzed in his ears, signaling the library was about to close.
He sat back in his seat, his concentration broken, and stared at the piles of books that surrounded him. He was multitasking, working to revise the progress he’d already made on his thesis, as well as looking into ideas for the next chapter. He’d been in the zone, moving from reference shelf to reference shelf, and, judging by the piles on the table, somewhere along the line it had all gotten just a bit out of hand…
The rustling about of his fellow patrons met his ears, and he looked around the room, watching them slowly stretch, gather their belongings, and shuffle away. For a moment, he wondered if it would truly be so bad to be locked in over the holiday break; after all, there were plenty of toilets scattered among the five levels, as well as vending machines in the lobby. Plus he’d have access to precious books that were on the closed shelves.
Hmm…
The bell rang again, and the lights began to flicker, shutting down systematically, starting on the top floor and working their way down. These little signals made the others move a bit faster, shoving their books back on the shelves and heading for the staircases with great haste. As the lights began to fade in his reading room, he very reluctantly stood up and began to repack his bag. He paused as he threw the strap over his shoulder, eyeing the reference books still splayed across the table.
If they’re going to kick me out just because it’s Christmas, they can put their books back in order, he thought with a sniff, moving towards the exit with steady, languid strides.
He ignored the well-wishes of the library staff as he left, focusing instead on keeping his irritation in check. Why the entire world had to stop just because someone declared one bitterly cold day more important than all the others, he’d never understand. He didn’t celebrate Christmas anyway, so he’d just as soon get on with his life.
He paused as he stepped out of the lobby, pulling the soft wool cap down so that it covered the tips of his ears. It was snowing, quite lightly, the flurries carried by a passing breeze, swirling between the buildings. The crowds around him seemed to hunker down against the gentle assault, scurrying like ants between their vehicles and their destinations, or huddling together under the weather guards at the bus stops.
Sesshoumaru tugged at his coat, swiftly tying the belt at his waist, and set off on foot.
Snow was another thing that brought the city to its knees, so he hadn’t even bothered to attempt driving in it. The university library was rather far from his apartment, but easily connected via both bus and metro. Right now, though, he felt like a good walk – maybe it would work off some of this frustration.
Plus, he was in no hurry to get home.
It was maddening; after wanting nothing but peace and quiet for the last few weeks, he absolutely couldn’t stand being at the apartment, knocking around between its empty walls by himself. Oh, the first few days had been nice, when he was buried under a pile of work, but he’d caught up quicker than he’d anticipated. He’d taken a few days off to rest his brain and regain his sanity, and that’s when it really started to hit him.
It was so quiet, without her.
He found he could literally go days without speaking.
He’d lie awake at night, listening to the ticking of the clock, and wonder when – if – she’d return.
How was it that he, who had been a conscious loner for the vast majority of his life, could be so keenly aware of another’s absence? He thought of her as nothing more than a flighty, flirty, attractive but ultimately irresponsible girl, someone who shared his living quarters for the sake of saving money.
When had her presence morphed into companionship?
He sighed, ducking into a doorway as a blast of wind rolled past. It must’ve been that damn Halloween party. He knew she was asking for trouble with that ‘costume,’ and felt he had no other choice but to accompany her. It was a damn good thing he had, too, or else she would’ve really regretted her actions. Hmph, maybe she already does, he thought mirthlessly, the memory of her failed seduction attempt flashing through the back of his mind.
Damn his sense of honor! That’s what got him into this mess in the first place. One little show of concern, and suddenly, he couldn’t stop noticing her. He became acutely aware of her movements, so much so that it had started to drive him crazy. Bringing home that dick, Koga, was the last straw – he just completely lost it, and now she was gone.
He sighed again, glancing up, noticing his apartment building looming ever closer. His feet slowed of their own accord, the resistance to going back to that very empty flat rising fast and high within him. Before he realized what he was doing, he reached out for the nearest door, pushing into the shop. He stood there for a moment, dazed, his mind racing to catch up with his actions. As the haze cleared, he realized he was standing in a small coffee shop.
He closed the door abruptly, pulling off his hat as he slinked into a back corner booth. He sat his bag down next to his seat with shaking hands, utterly shocked at his reaction. One minute, he was staring at his apartment building in the distance, and the next, he was here. He’d never reacted so blindly before, but surely…?
He looked up, eyeing his fellow patrons. There was a sprinkling of people around the place, most of them sitting in pairs, a low din of conversation filling the room. There were a few other stalwarts, like him, sitting alone, and for some reason that put him at ease.
A loner, finding a measure of peace in a crowd.
I’m going insane, he thought, glancing out the window.
“Can I get you something?” a pert voice asked. His attention was drawn to the petite waitress who stood by the table, pad and pen in hand. She smiled brightly at him, poised to take his order.
He gave her a cursory look before turning back to the window. “Do you serve peppermint tea?” he asked casually.
The waitress nodded. “Yes, we do! Would you like anything else?”
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. “That will be enough.”
The girl bustled away, and he continued to stare out the window. The snow was growing heavier, the wind beginning to blow a bit harder. Those willing to brave the harsh weather dwindled rapidly, and soon enough he found himself staring down an empty street.
“Here you are.”
He looked down as the tea was delivered to him, surprised to see a large, chocolate-frosted cookie on the plate. He opened his mouth to protest, but the waitress cut him off.
“Nobody should just drink tea this time of year,” she said softly.
He gazed at her for a moment, his expression impassive. She returned the look directly, calmly. There was something about her…the color of her hair, the twinkle in her eye, the wry smile that graced her lips…
...it was an echo of an emotion, but it simultaneously saddened and soothed him. “Thanks,” he murmured.
“You’re welcome,” she replied, turning away. “Happy holidays, sir.”
“Whoa!”
Kagome couldn’t help but laugh when she caught the expression on her companion’s face. “Yes, the lodge is definitely known for its Christmas parties,” she laughed, pushing him forward, into the fray.
“I’ll say,” he murmured, gaping as he looked around the room. The resort’s main lodge was decked out in true Christmas excess, a sea of red and green and white. It was also packed to the brim, with members of some of the country’s most elite families rubbing elbows and getting down on the dance floor.
“Why don’t you go get us a drink?” she shouted, tugging on his shirt sleeve. He nodded and set off into the sea of people, maneuvering across the room towards the refreshments. Kagome quickly found them a table off to the side, grateful to have a place to sit down and stow their coats.
She still couldn’t believe it. Inuyasha was quite literally the last person she ever expected to see here (well, maybe not the last). And, not only was he here, he had witnessed her in a very weak moment. Luckily, he was too surprised to see her to make any mention of her meltdown; besides that, he was heartily amused at her reaction to his presence.
She learned that he was the son of an upstart, yet increasingly powerful, businessman, and was here at this meat-market-cum-holiday-fest as the representative of his father, to help get his name out among potential investors. He seemed relieved and excited to have found a familiar face in the crowd, and they had taken to spending most of their time together.
She didn’t know him terribly well from university; he mostly ran with Koga’s crowd. She was initially wary of hanging out with him again, considering he’d more or less blown her off after Halloween, but he completely charmed her. He explained that he’d actually left school in November, called away by his father on urgent family business, and apologized profusely for the supposed social slight. He was very sincere about the whole misunderstanding, and soon she began to welcome the chance to spend time with him. It eased the pressure from her family to “make connections” while they enjoyed themselves out on the slopes, and it kept her mind off her roommate woes.
She sighed as the shadow of Sesshoumaru passed over her mind. It was going to be so awkward facing him again…but she knew she couldn’t hide forever. She hoped he was sorry for what he said to her, but knew better than to hold out any real hope for an apology.
Still, she wasn’t going to give up on him. Maybe this separation would be good, allow them to figure out what they were to each other, where they could go from here.
Besides, knowing that Inuyasha was still interested in her lessened the sting of rejection, made the idea of going back home a little less frightening.
“So, what do they do at these big shindigs?”
Kagome snapped out of her reverie as Inuyasha appeared before her again, holding out a drink. She gave him a brilliant smile. “It’s just more of the same for a corporate party,” she replied. “You know, dancing, chatting, blah blah blah.” She took a sip of her drink, nodding approvingly at his choice of beverage. “And there’s a midnight kiss under the mistletoe.”
“Oh?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “That sounds intriguing.”
“Only if you’re over forty and very, very bland,” she snorted. “It’s only because the resort is closed for the new year. They just import all the traditions and hope no one notices!”
He gave her an enigmatic smile and reached for her hand. “Let’s dance!”
She threw back the rest of her drink before following, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. They laughed and chatted and danced, spinning around the room. Kagome allowed herself to completely relax her guard, and found him to be a cheerful, social companion. Their conversation flowed easily, moving from such disparate topics as their family backgrounds, to their studies, to the latest pop culture trends.
For the first time since Halloween, she genuinely felt like she was enjoying herself.
They danced for most of the night, stopping occasionally to have another drink or speak to a few casual acquaintances, but Kagome noticed that Inuyasha was sticking rather close to her, as if he wanted to spend time exclusively with her. It was incredibly flattering, especially considering the number of girls vying for his attention. He politely refused to dance with them or give them his number, managing to let them down without resorting to being a complete douchebag. A few were miffed at his honesty, not used to being cut down so directly; those girls glared daggers at her for stealing way the new prey.
Kagome brushed them off without a second thought. Vain, catty women like that weren’t worth her time. Maybe she was truly doing Inuyasha a favor, keeping the predators at bay…
Such an idea amused her. He could certainly take care of himself.
The night began to wind down, and the younger crowd began to leave in search of fresher pleasures.
“See what I mean, about this being the over forty crowd?” she murmured to her friend, directing his attention to the dance floor. Slower songs had been on order for the last hour, drawing out the older, more established couples. “Are you sure you don’t want to go with the others?”
Inuyasha reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’m sure,” he replied. “I like spending time with you.”
She blushed prettily at his words, thankful the lights were turned down low. They took a stroll around the room, falling into companionable silence, her palm resting lightly in his. She took the chance to study him. He was quite striking in appearance, with longer-than-fashionable dark brown hair tied back at the nape, warm brown eyes, and generally angular, more European features. He carried himself with an air of confidence all his own, but yet…there was something about him that seemed almost familiar. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it; it was like an echo in the back of her mind, tugging at something unknown.
“So, are you going back to school after this, or are you lucky enough to spend the rest of the break with your family?” he asked sometime later.
“I don’t think I’d call it ‘luck,’ to be in my family’s presence,” she replied wryly.
He shook his head. “Yeah, it is,” he countered. “Sometimes you don’t know how lucky you are until its too late.”
She eyed him, puzzled, and he shrugged, grasping her hand tighter. “My mother died recently,” he explained. “It’s why I’m only now coming to these things; she and my dad were separated for a long time, and I didn’t know him very well.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered automatically, but he only shrugged again.
“It’s hard, because this world is so different from what I’m used to, but it’s who I am now,” he sighed. “He’s all I have, so I try to appreciate it as much as possible.”
She could only stare at him, unable to even fathom what that must’ve felt like. She didn’t always get along with her mother, but she didn’t know what she’d do without her.
“So you’re going back to university, huh?” he asked again, steering the conversation away from uncomfortable subjects.
She nodded. “Yeah, I suppose so. Classes start again in January, so it will be nice to get acclimated to the place again.”
“Cool,” he replied. “So am I.”
And with that, the lights went out completely, a spotlight shining brightly on the dance floor, highlighting a gaudily hanging branch of mistletoe. “It’s time to grant your Christmas kisses,” the DJ intoned.
Kagome stifled a laugh…then a gasp of breath, when she felt Inuyasha’s mouth brush against hers softly, sweetly. A shock of surprise shot down her spine, lighting sparks along the way. Hesitantly, she responded, losing herself in the absolute delight of being kissed again. It had been so long…
…and he was a really good kisser…
“Merry Christmas, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, his voice heavy, hoarse. His arms enveloped her in a light, tentative embrace. “What are the odds that we’ll continue to see each other at school?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling up at him as the overhead lights began to flicker back to life. Her head felt woozy, her heart thumping giddily as she spiraled down from the sheer pleasure of his kiss. “I’d say those odds are pretty damn good,” she murmured in reply.
no subject
no subject
I seriously thought I'd given it all away.
Hope you liked the twist! There's more where that came from LOL.
I remember spending those long nights in the library like Sesshoumaru. You really do not have have much choice most of the reference materials do not circulate so you have to read them there.
For reals. At my uni library you can't check out books at all; almost everything is in the closed stacks. It's a pain in the ass to have to call ahead and reserve something and hope there's more than one copy available...
Reference materials? Forget it. You better pray there's a copy in the reading room or else you're SOL.
Fortunately, I never had to read documents on microfilm like my thesis adviser did.
Indeed, though I can't say that having to read a lot of things on the computer is much of an improvement :-/ *loves the ease and convenience of electronic journals but hates reading PDFs on the screen*
no subject
I loved the idea of Sessy getting indignant about someone pitying him for being alone. Maybe he doesn't realize was a sad picture he was painting to the waitress. Holding all of those feelings inside is not the best thing in the world to do!
Great job as always and I look forward to our next chat!
no subject
I'm still surprised that the twist seems to have thrown everybody for a loop. I guess that's a bit of "being to close to the story" for you :P but it is a pleasant surprise to see it's working so well.
As for Sess...well, let's just say writing that half of the piece was pure catharsis.
Re: chat. Yes! I am, too. I have to finish my Advent calendar piece today, but maybe I'll be on after that.
no subject
Oh the possibilities!!!! This is such a fabulous story *squee*
Wow, went on a tangent there. Apologies.
no subject
I was so excited when I saw that you wrote another chapter to this XD
Yes, well, I meant to have it up before now, but a few other important works got in the way of that :P At any rate, I'm glad I waited, because I need to be close to the emotions I'm trying to convey for my characters for it to be believable, and "stressed out" wasn't a state any of them were particularly in for this piece, LOL.
Oh the possibilities!!!!
Indeed *rubs hands together gleefully* I already have an idea for the next chapter. It's time to reunite our wayward leads, no?
Wow, went on a tangent there. Apologies.
Hello, this whole journal is built on going off on tangents - I certainly don't mind! I enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts, good bad or completely irreverent!
no subject
This is really too much... He's going to whip himself with his own tail for this one... lol
But, well, that's what happens when you're being an ass, isn't it? *Evil grin*
Anyway, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next installment of this story.
Take care and merry Christmas!!
Dewa mataa
no subject
Merry Christmas to you as well! :)