With Love

Chapter Thirty-one: Graduation




Yusuke shifted in the crappy plastic seat as the sun beat down on him. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to break the chair over Koenma’s head or knock his own self out. Anything to get away from the torture. The damn guy had been talking for over twenty minutes now about how to better themselves. As class president he’d been asked to speak at the ceremony. Oh the joys, to be put through hell right before leaving for the last time. The cap and gown wasn’t helping with the humidity. The damn thing was coming off the second the fucking caps were supposed to be tossed in the air. He’d toss his alright, right into that dork’s forehead. His eyes roamed over the crowd spotting Kagome sitting a few rows up looking ready to faint. She looked antsy about something, down right fidgeting. Botan was in a row further up and Sango was up there with the principle looking bored out of her mind. What kind of speech would she give?


He hadn’t seen them hardly since last weekend. Not that he thought he would after what happened. Things had gone really bad when the truth had come out. He felt like a complete jackass knowing that Sango had been standing there listening in on every word. He’d made it sound like Kurama had used the girl. Sure, the fox had started being friendly with her for that purpose but that had changed long before they’d slept together. He’d already gotten rid of the bruise dealt to him by a very pissed off fox. What did it matter what the girl thought? He’d told Kurama as much. Kurama had dumped her saying she meant nothing to him so what difference does it makes what the girl thinks? Then there was Hiei who had told him yesterday that him and Kagome had split. He hadn’t seen that one coming either. Was it something in the water?


He sure the hell hoped not because the minute he started acting stupid he going to shoot himself. Both of them had wonderful women and had let them go. His brother was another story. The poor idiot had a wife he despised and had just fucked up with a girl that he actually seemed to like. Such was life, he guessed. His eyes went back to the miko who was frowning. Should he give up his own pursuit? They weren’t together but going after her wouldn’t feel right now. Hiei might not realize it but Yusuke knew that the guy cared more than he’d ever admit. They were all being morons and asshats. Maybe the girls were better off without them.


Hiei sneered seeing Yusuke watching the miko with an intense gaze. Would his friend go after her with more vigor now that they had parted ways? He was shocked the toushin hadn’t ran for it the minute he’d found out. They were best friends but that didn’t mean he was blind to the other man’s flaws. He’d been more than aware of his interest. The man hadn’t really acted on them so it had been no big deal. Would it bother him if Yusuke did try to make a move on the girl? The anger pulsed to life at the question.


There would be no way in hell he’d stand back and watch Yusuke possess the girl. The girl wanted a serious relationship, Yusuke wouldn’t give her that. So if she was going to have that kind of relationship then it would be with him. He’d let her go to pursue what she really wanted but that didn’t mean he didn’t want her still. He just wasn’t foolish enough to think he could give her what she needed. He should have known better to get involved with someone like her to begin with. She was the type to one day want a husband and a family regardless of her wild streak. He hadn’t spoken to her in a week and part of him missed her though he’d never admit to it. It was best for her to believe that she meant absolutely nothing, easier for her to move on.


His lips curled as the raven head bobbed and she sent a smile to the other girl. What was she so cheery about? Couldn’t be the idiot’s blubbering speech. The man was killing them with his idiotic speech while they roasted. Something like that was marriage material, not himself. Kagome wanted someone to love her, as what she saw love to be. He couldn’t love anyone, it wasn’t in him to feel that strong of an emotion. Just like it wasn’t in the fox to be faithful or stay with one woman. The fox hadn’t been able to change who he was when it all was said and done. People didn’t change, they evolved, and not always for the better. Let her find love elsewhere, he had none to give.


Kurama uncrossed his legs as Koenma commented on doing right by others. The urge to send a seed through the crowd overwhelmed him. Right in the forehead would shut the boy up. What the hell did he know about how to treat people? Probably more than him! He swore under his breath as his gaze went back to the girl sitting next to Koenma’s empty seat on the podium. What would she say when she got up there? Something along the same lines? Most people did and it was usually boring and dull. She looked calm and collected as she waited for her turn to speak. Not once had she looked in his direction. He knew because he’d been watching her the entire time since she’d taken her seat up there.


The speech had just turned to mistakes, something he knew about. He’d made a great one not too long ago. He’d given up something because he’d gotten scared. Scared of finally letting himself feel the emotions that he’d kept hidden for so long. He was in love with her! The smile she sent towards Kagome had his chest tightening in pain. What he wouldn’t give for her to smile at him like that once more. It would never happen again, he’d made sure of that. She’d never forgive him for what he’d done. No matter how she felt about him, he’d ruined things. It had taken too long for him to accept what he’d known all along. He’d known it since the day he’d met her all those years ago. What he wouldn’t give to turn back time and change things. He wanted her back but she hated him with just cause.


It had hurt him to stay away from her. Would she believe him if he informed her how many times he’d driven by her house? How he’d wanted to kill that fucking hanyou seeing the two of them dancing together. Then the bastard had the nerve to challenge him with his gaze. It was a threat, plain and simple. The hanyou had been warning him from approaching. Had Inuyasha been trying to move on in since he was no longer in the picture? It enraged him to think that his own foolishness had given the man the opening to seduce and get Sango to fall for him. Then to make matters worse she’d shown up at that damn party. He’d been pissed all day knowing he’d fucked things up. He hadn’t been able to think of a way to get her to forgive him. Were the fates against him? She’d heard what he said and took most of it the wrong way. He had started being nice to her in the beginning because of the bet but all that had changed. There was no way for them to be together now, it was over. Unlike Naraku he couldn’t live with this outcome. Nor Hiei that was willing to let Kagome go because he was scared to love. Even if they couldn’t be together, he loved her.


Naraku grumbled under his breath as the prissy looking boy said a few final words to encourage the graduating class. Like anyone gave a rat’s ass about what the prick had to say. He’d come to see his idiotic brother finally get out of school not listen to some guy that thought he was better than most preach. He’d also decided to come and see if Botan would speak to him. He’d apologize about the bet but it probably wouldn’t help much. Yes, he’d started to date her over a bet but he hadn’t been thinking about winning when he’d been with her. He had totally forgotten about it until her friend had opened her mouth. He should kill his brother for speaking about it so openly. Now the girl wasn’t likely to talk to him. He couldn’t promise her anything or even state how he felt.


He liked being with her and he did care about her. He hadn’t told her about his wife for a damn reason and his brother knew why. He was trying to get a fucking divorce but since he’d bought the business during the marriage she was trying to rape his ass. He had proof of adultery but that wasn’t helping his case any. It was turning into a bloody nightmare. His wife didn’t live with him for a reason, he’d kicked her ass out. Just because he didn’t make it public knowledge didn’t make it any less true. She called when she got a wild hair up her ass and thought she could squeeze more from him. He’d taken her back twice already, he wouldn’t do so now. In the last few months he’d been happy and content, looking forward to the time the younger girl spent with him. Should he wait until his divorce came through to talk to her?


A sigh of relieve was heard from many as the boy finally finished up and went back to his seat. Thank the gods, even that thing needed to breath. Naraku peered down at the group of young adults sitting on the field. The bleachers were chapping his ass since he’d been forced to sit here for an extra half hour for that guy to get his kicks off and feel important. At least the day was nice out, sunny and clear. He spotted the blue hair hanging down under the cap. It wasn’t hard to be drawn to her presence. He fanned himself with the paper he’d been given. Why the fuck did they feel the need to pass this damn thing out every year? Just give them the damn little papers saying ‘Good job you survived.’ He smirked seeing the same principle that had expelled him stand up to address them for a brief minute.


Botan adjusted the damn tie on the gown as the principle thanked Koenma for the encouraging words. Yeah right, she felt like telling Koenma to buy himself a muzzle. No one wanted to listen to that shit for five minutes much less thirty. She was starting to sweat and the lace underneath was starting to irritate with the damn gown on. The sun was cooking the poor class, she was going to faint. She caught eyes with Kagome and grinned. Would Sango go through with it? Days of planning and it had come to this. A way for her to get her message across and to end their high school years with a bang. She couldn’t wait, she was about to burst with anticipation. Let Naraku see what he’d never get again. She knew he was up there. She’d seen him talking to Yusuke in the parking lot earlier. Taking a deep breath she saw the wink Kagome sent towards Sango.


Kagome hoped no one noticed how damn nervous she really was. Okay, even if Sango went through with it and she had to live up to her end of the bargain no one would be able to tell. The garment was tight in the chest but flowed from there to mid-thigh. It covered up the slight protruding stomach. Besides the crowd would be too stunned to pay attention to such a minor detail. They’d be shocked down to their socks, Hiei included. The question was would Sango go through with it? The principle cleared his throat and introduced the girl as the head of their class and asked her to come speak. This was it, time to see what she was made of. Kagome silently cheered her friend on as the microphone was adjusted.


Sango cleared her throat and felt the butterflies. Standing up here was different than thinking about actually doing it. This was her last chance to say what she wanted and to make a difference. Not like she’d make a difference but she needed closure. Her and Kagome had both decided to go on the visit. She just needed to know that he’d known how she felt before she could accept things as they were. Her friends were behind her in this. She knew that there was to be a get together at Onigumo’s later but she wouldn’t be going. This was the only way. He wouldn’t talk to her, and she wouldn’t try to call him now. Not after what she’d learned, there was no hope in it. If she approached him he’d walk away or worse she wouldn’t be able to say it. Time to do this.


She caught green eyes briefly but quickly turned away. “I’m not going to stand before you today and talk about having pride and how you should lead your life. I believe Koenma has already given a similar speech. Let’s be honest as good as his intentions might be, I didn’t like it. It sucked! The moment you leave here you’ll have forgotten everything he’s said. Perhaps even my words won’t have an impact on any future choices, I’m okay with that. I don’t even have a speech prepared, I’ll just say what’s on my mind. When we think back to this time we won’t be thinking about how to do an equation or what we learned in biology class. All we will remember is the good times and the bad. We will smile and frown thinking of the friends we made along the way and the ones we have lost. The one constant thing that has gotten us through this hellish time was that of the company we kept. The laughter and the heartache that will in time form who we are. To the best friends that made you smile when all was lost or the ones that broke your heart. I ask only this, not to go through life with your head held high with pride but to bow your head in humility and take whatever life throws your way head on. I may be valedictorian but I can’t give you any advice or answers on how to prepare you for the future. I’ll have a hard time dealing with my own shit. I couldn’t even come up with a decent speech to write down. Before I leave here I will thank my friends that have stood by me through everything, you know who you are. I have another reason to thank them. Despite everything I have accomplished in the last four years there was one thing I couldn’t do. There was something that I couldn’t seem to find the words to say, the words failed me. Today I will walk away with my head held high, leaving one single message. I love you.”


Without thinking about what would happen next she reached for the tie near her neck, it came undone leaving enough space. The material was yanked over her head in one swift movement. An audible gasp almost made her regret the decision. The gown fell to the ground along with the knocked off cap. She stood on the podium in nothing but the rose colored teddy and heels to match. Her cheeks tinged to match as someone made a catcall. This was her biggest decision she’d ever made, her way to tell him. Whether he would even recall the conversation she didn’t know but she’d done what she could. It felt strange wearing something so sheer in a crowd made up of over a thousand people.


Kurama felt his heart stop at the ending words. “I love you.” Who was she referring to? His throat went dry as the gown was removed. He didn’t have time to wonder what she was about. She was standing there in the lingerie he’d purchased for her. The very same one she said she wouldn’t wear. ‘You must think I love you.’ He said he’d get it in case that ever happened. He felt the world stop as she finally turned to look at him. She was telling him that she loved him. Her gaze left his as Botan suddenly called out.


“Woohoo, that’s my girl!” Botan jumped up and yanked the gown off of her head to reveal the black silk lingerie she had on underneath. More gasps as she tossed the offending gown on some guy’s head that was sitting in front of her. “Hold that for me.” She couldn’t believe Sango had actually gone through with it. It was hard to run in the heels but she made her way out of the isle of stunned students. Kagome was now standing up, “That’s it take it off Kags. Show us what you got.” Said girl was more careful about removing it.

Kagome laughed seeing Inuyasha’s eyes bugged out of his head. The blue lingerie was moving with the wind as she placed the gown down on her empty seat. Well, this was it. They’d be expelled if they weren’t already out. She’d gone for simple heels not wanting to bust her ass. The blue material did cling to her tits showing off all the cleavage she had to offer. It hugged them underneath then flowed out to look like a loose slip, that was really short. She started to walk towards the podium as Sango began to move away from the microphone. It’d been done. There was no way for Kurama not to know that the girl loved him. She blushed hearing Yusuke suddenly calling.


“Now that’s what I’m fucking talking about! Hot damn!” He was almost drooling seeing all three girls strutting their stuff as they joined one another. Without looking back they linked arms at the elbows. The principle was shouting for the crowd to calm down. Several guys in the audience were shouting for numbers. People were talking and pointing, making it hard to hear anything. He started clapping as they strode away from the ceremony with their heads held high. Inuyasha was the first to join in with him, starting a chain reaction. He had to give it to them, they knew how to leave an impression. Now, if only the fox and his best friend would get off of their asses before it was too late.


“Wow, that does smell good.” Kagome held up the air freshener for Sango to sample. It was hard to move around in the packed car. At least she wasn’t stuck in the back seat like Sango. It was her car but she hated driving at night on the freeway. Plus she really didn’t know how to get to where they were going. Not to mention she planned to sleep, so Botan and Sango were taking turns while she was allowed to be comfortable. “Where the fuck are you going Botan? The freeway is in the other direction. We haven’t left town yet and you’re already getting us lost.”


“Am not but I decided last night that since Sango wasn’t going to leave without telling Kurama how she felt that I was going to do the same. My message just won’t be as pleasant.” Botan turned down the road that would take them to Oniugumo’s. Would they still be there? It was already after ten at night and she had no idea how long they had planned on staying. They’d meant to leave out as soon as they left graduation. They’d gotten to the school that morning with the damn car loaded and ready to go. An early start to get there before morning. But Sango had wanted to go by and see Karasu before leaving. The gay man had been home so that’s where they ended up for more hours than she could count. Him and his lover had invited them to dinner saying they had to eat a good meal before hitting the road. Then more talking had been done, dark had fallen. A quick trip to the store and she decided to go through with her plan. She wouldn’t leave without letting Naraku know just what she thought of him and what he’d done.


“Oh my, I’m not sure I want to know. Whatever it is make it fast please. They still might be there and I don’t want to see any of them.” This came from Kagome. She didn’t want to see Hiei again, not now. She was leaving for a reason, to make a fresh start for herself and her child. He’d seen the last of her today. She did love him but that wasn’t enough. The lights could be seen and many cars were still in the lot. More than likely there was drinking going on. Great, “Please don’t cause a scene.”


“Oh don’t worry dear. You see I’ve decided he might have won his money but he’s going to be dishing out more than that. He’ll lose in the end. See one thing I know about him, he parks his car in the back of the building. So he doesn’t have to worry about anyone messing with it. That’s my target, Sango be a love and get ready to hand me that blue book bag behind Kagome’s seat.” She had a few supplies ready and she hadn’t changed her mind about her plans. The bastard had used her for a measly five hundred, that was all her virginity and her feelings were worth. Months of her time and affection.


Sango lowered herself in the seat seeing the familiar car in the front lot. Kurama was here still, most likely with a date. She didn’t want him to know she was out here. Whatever Botan planned better be quick. She felt stupid to be honest now that she looked back on it. She’d made an ass out of herself and he probably didn’t give a shit either way. He’d been shocked, she’d seen that much but that was all she’d been able to read from him. No undying look of love had crossed his face. She was a moron to think he’d have a change of heart just because she boasted to everyone how big of a fool she really was.


“I’ll be quick about it.” Botan pulled up behind the building. Unless someone actually came out while she was back there then there would be no problem. The intended target came into view and she smiled. “Fuck!” She swore seeing Yusuke standing outside, his damn truck parked not far from Naraku’s car. What the fuck was he doing back here? “Fuck it, I’m doing it anyways. Let him go tell his brother, I don’t give a damn. I’ll just knock him out before he can move.”


Yusuke cocked his head to the side seeing the car pull up. What was Kagome doing pulling up back here? Why wouldn’t she park out front? The question was answered when the car pulled to a dead stop next to him. He’d come outside to enjoy a cigarette away from everyone. His brother was in there being an ass towards everyone. Kurama and Hiei were in their own little world discussing shit. He didn’t want to know what they were talking about, didn’t care. He smiled as Botan climbed from the driver’s side. “Hey, how’s it going?” The smile left seeing the scowl and the rage in the girl’s eyes. Okay, this couldn’t be good. The back driver side door opened and Sango stepped out. “Hey, wanna tell me whether or not I should run.?”


“Um, just don’t run to your brother and she might not hurt you. That’s all I can advice at the moment.” Sango handed the enraged girl the bag and walked over to the toushin. She was still slightly upset that he hadn’t done anything to stop the bet but it really hadn’t been any of his business. Plus she’d heard him say he hadn’t liked what the guys were doing. She wouldn’t be angry at him for it. The trunk was the next thing Botan went for. They all watched as she withdrew a sturdy looking baseball bat, now that might leave a dent or two. “Please tell me that everyone else is preoccupied. I think it’s about to get noisy around here.”


Botan saw that Yusuke wasn’t going to move so she went over to the pretty little car and set the bag down onto the ground with the bat. The first thing she wanted to leave was the main message. “Since you value your life I’ll get started.” She snatched the bracelet from her pocket and examined it. The diamonds would come in handy for something. “Let’s see if diamonds really cut through glass.” She climbed on the hood and was on her knees facing the windshield. No one spoke as she started to carve her message speaking to herself. “Five, zero and zero. There that’s the right amount.”


Yusuke laughed seeing the digits in the windshield. Holy shit, his brother was going to have a fucking fit. He didn’t try to stop the girl. Instead he lit another cigarette to see what she else she intended to do. The bat was in her hand, the driver side window busted under the impact of the first swing. The clatter of it on the pavement echoed into the night. That was going to cost. Botan was reaching inside to unlock the car, letting herself in. They looked down at the bag as she called for Sango to dig through it to find a plastic bag.


Sango went to the bag and opened it to look inside. A teddy bear was inside, with a knife and what appeared to be a noose. That was removed and sat on the ground. Her fingers felt the plastic bag at the bottom. She felt her stomach jerk looking at the contents. “What the fuck are you going to do with this?” She wasn’t sure but she had to guess that she was now eyeing what appeared to be dog shit. Where had the girl gotten it from? Not like she could light it on fire or something. She tossed the closed ziploc bag to Botan. “Is that fresh?”


“Yep, got it this morning from the neighbor’s dog. Little fucker is always shitting on our lawn so was easy.” Botan drew out the little pocket knife in her pocket. It was one of those little multi-tasking knives. Had clippers, a screwdriver, a bottle opener and a blade on it. She went to work removing the plate of the vents. She waved the two over and explained what she was doing. “See this is my little surprise. Put this little pile in there and when he turns on his fans the smell will come out. I’ll just say it’s a real bitch to get rid of the smell once he’s done it. A constant reminder for a good bit.” It was hard placing the fecal matter without touching it but she managed. That done, she asked for the teddy bear.


Yusuke couldn’t help but watch as she plunged the kitchen knife in the bear’s back. It made him feel sorry for the little thing seeing her tie the fucking noose around it’s neck then string it onto the rear view mirror. What had it ever done to her? His brother was lucky he was inside and not in the place of the stuffed animal. “Ouch, glad I wasn’t the one that pissed you off.” he backed up as she came around to get out of the car. He really should go get his brother but something kept him rooted to the spot as the girl began scraping the knife in her hand down side of the vehicle. The paint job was reduced to shit as the long gashes appeared. Next came the tires, all four were sporting new holes.


Sango sighed as the bat was used to bust the headlights then the rest of the windows, leaving only the front windshield intact. The car was fubar. “Well, it’s a good thing we are leaving or she’d be in jail tomorrow. Heh.” Sango crossed her arms as her friend took satisfaction at the steady pounding on the hood. The crunching sound was loud, she was shocked no one had come to investigate the noise yet. There was a still a chance that Naraku would press charges but it seemed Botan didn’t care.


“What do you mean?” Yusuke turned to her in confusion. It was then he finally paid attention to the vehicle. Kagome was watching from the front seat but the back was crowded. Was that suitcases they were taking with them? Where were they going? It couldn’t be somewhere over night with that luggage. He was willing to bet the trunk was crowded as well. Why would they leave? “A BET!” The words came from the swinging girl. Never mind, he knew why. There was nothing he could say to them either. He could understand why they were leaving. The question was when were they coming back? “Are you coming back?”


“I don’t know but I won’t tell you where we are going either. I’m sorry, it’s just got to be this way. She’s defiling your brother’s car.” Sango tried to smile as she pointed to the cursing Botan. Damn the girl had a good right swing. “I wish I could tell you. Kagome doesn’t want anyone to know and neither does Botan. We’ll be okay.” She reached out to touch his hand. The look he gave her was genuine, she would miss him. “Thanks, I think I might even miss you. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”


“Yeah, I’ll miss you too. I take it Kagome is still upset. Tell her goodbye for me and I hope she finds what she’s looking for. The same goes for you too.” He reached up to caress her cheek. If only he hadn’t been the one left out this time around. He wouldn’t let the woman he loved walk away from him without a fight. It wasn’t the way of things, none of them loved him. “If you decide you want someone to talk to you know my number. You can call me anytime you know.”


“Yes, but don’t count on it.” She hugged him as Botan tossed the bat back into the trunk. Now that the car looked like an elephant had tap danced all over it. The strong arms wrapped around her shoulders. She wanted to cry at the simple goodbye but she wouldn’t. Her time for crying was over. This was a fresh start for them all. Botan’s as a fugitive. “Guess we better get going. Don’t want to be caught out here.” She didn’t want to see Kurama. “Take care Yusuke.”


“You too,” he frowned having to let her go. Should he rush inside and tell Kurama or drag the girl inside against her will? He didn’t want them to leave but he had no sway on their decisions. The three men that did were inside drinking unaware of what was about to take place. He had a good feeling that Sango had been referring to Kurama at her speech. If she loved the fox why leave? There was always hope. They gave no answers as they climbed back into the car. The wheels made a horrible noise as they pulled away from the scene. An empty feeling settled in his chest as he walked towards the back door.


The car was already out of view as he stepped inside to the sound of drunken laughter. His eyes adjusted as he sought out the three men now standing near a table. Naraku was leaning on a pool stick while talking to the other two men. What were they talking about? Should he inform his brother what had happened to his vehicle or just let him find it? Green and crimson eyes came to land on him as he rejoined them.


“So do you consider yourself a fool as well? Look at you. You are moping worse than the fox but you got the nerve to stand there and down my decisions.” Hiei glared at the man. So what if he was going back on his word. Naraku had laughed learning that him and Kurama were trying to track down the girls. He’d gone to the art school while Kurama went to Sango’s house. Her parents hadn’t told them anything except the girls weren’t home. It wasn’t crucial that they speak to them tonight so he couldn’t explain the urgency he felt. Perhaps the fox was right and he did care about the girl more than he was willing to admit. He wasn’t very good at the apologizing thing but he’d try.


“Please you two, it’s ringing.” Kurama silenced them with a look as the phone rang in his ears. It was Botan’s number, his last resort. He’d gone everywhere he could think of to locate them. Sango’s parents had said she was out and Kagome’s car had been gone. Him and Hiei had searched for it but had no luck so far. They’d left from the school before he could make it to the parking lot. It’d been his stupidity and shock that left him rooted to the spot. The shouts and noise had died away as what had happened sank in. For a brief moment he had hope that she would forgive him. He still had it. If he couldn’t contact her tonight, he’d go see her tomorrow. Hiei seemed just as impatient to talk to the miko. It had taken some serious talking to get the man to admit that the girl meant something more than a casual sex partner. “No answer. She’s not picking up her phone either. Dammit, Yusuke I don’t suppose you might know where they girls might be.”


“No, they wouldn’t tell me where they were going.” Yusuke felt all eyes land on him then. So they were searching for the girls. How the hell would they take knowing what he did? “They were here about five minutes ago.” He grimaced and looked at his brother. “They pulled up while I was outside smoking. Sorry, they said not to tell anyone they were here. I talked to Sango for a few minutes but that was all. If you are trying to call their phones it won’t do you no good. They won’t be answering them.” He crossed his arms at the confused and apprehensive looks. “They’re gone. Sorry, they wouldn’t tell me where they were going. All I can tell you is that they were packed and they aren’t coming back. Oh, and bro you better hope Kurama gave you that five hundred because you are going to need it.”



“It really is a great view. I’ll miss it.” Kagome watched the lights flicker below as the minutes ticked by. None of them spoke as the moon shone down on them. She could remember looking at the same sight with Hiei. It’d been her idea to stop at the lookout on their way out of town. So much had happened this year. There was still so much ahead for her to look forward too. She’d lost the man she loved but would have a part of him always with her to cherish with that love. What was going on down at the pool hall now? Would Hiei miss her? If so, it wouldn’t compare to what she’d be feeling for him. It was time to move on. “Think we’ll ever come back?”


“Maybe, hope I don’t get arrested.” Botan laughed at the thought. Who knew what the future held for them. There was so much that could happen. Each day would bring something new to challenge them. Maybe she’d try out for professional baseball, she found she enjoyed swinging the bat around. The wind stirred as the wail of sirens echoed down below. “Whoops wonder if that is for me.” Heh, he probably would press charges, the ass. “Well, no matter what happens we’ll be together.”


“Together, it is.” Sango smiled as they both agreed. Together they’d face whatever came from this point on. Each one had suffered a hurt and a disappointment but had gotten through it. She was thankful that she had her friends. It was time for them to go. Time to leave this part of their lives behind. Maybe one day they would come back, then again this might be the last time she looked down on her hometown. “I’ll miss it.” And she’d miss Kurama. She was leaving but a large part of her heart was staying behind with him. In time she’d heal and move on. Until then she was going to drive away happy knowing that she had a small secret of her own. Perhaps she’d tell them tomorrow or in a few weeks after they were settled.


“Alright girls, lets blow this joint.” Botan climbed into the driver’s seat as they joined her in the vehicle. The sirens wailed in the distance as she cranked up the vehicle and pulled back onto the road. None knew what was in store for them but they’d meet it head on, together.


*THE END*


A/N: Thanks to everyone that has read and reviewed and encouraged me to continue. I have considered writing a second part. Perhaps looking into them as adults. Whether or not I attempt another part depends if it is wanted. But I originally planned this to be the end. You've seen them as teenagers, let me know if you'd like to see them as adults. Once again thanks, I had fun writing this. = )