A New Life For Two

Chapter Six


Sango was sitting on the floor of the old store house. After the fire it had been repaired and all the old things thrown out, much to grandpa's displeasure. Mrs. Higurashi had given it to the girls to make a room in which to practice and exercise. Some days Sango taught Kagome some self defense and others they just listened to some music, excising. Today Kagome was outside speaking with her mother while Sango was inside meditating. It was two weeks after the events of the carnival. The girl from the past often thought of the strange man engaged to another. Something in his eyes had tugged at her soul leaving her wanting to know more. Of course it wasn't going to happen, she'd always be left with the curiousity. The small dojo was nicely put together. With all the junk gone it left plenty of room for the two to move around. On the wall the Tenseiga, Tetsusaiga, Hiraikotsu (yes I forgot to mention that it had still been strapped to her back), and her plain sword was mounted. Every morning as they came in they paid their respect to the monument placed. Sango wished that she'd been able to grab Miroku's staff to add among the wall. Kagome's bow was placed in the corner near a target board. She didn't hang it due to she still practiced her archery once a week. An incense was burning on the small table placed at the far end filling the room with the smell of fresh pine.

Kagome came in, rushing so fast she almost tripped over Sango. Her face was flushed, she was dressed for their morning workout. "Guess what, you are never going to believe what Gramps did."

"I'm not sure I want to know." Sango stared up at her red face.

"Some woman called asking about holding a wedding here. Of course mom is against the idea but gramps told the woman she could come check the shrine out. He thinks its a great idea. I think he just wants the money the woman was offering." Kagome sat down beside her friend. "Gramps is going on how we will have to help if she decides to have it here."

"A wedding here? Well the Sacred Tree is a romantic spot, just hope there won't be too many people. I hate big crowds."

"But that's me and Inuyasha's spot. I'm not sure if I would want to watch anyone get married standing there. But if the two people are really in love then I won't complain." Kagome got up to slip off her shoes. "They are suppose to be heading here within the hour, I suppose we will just have to stay out the way while they look around." Sango agreed.


Keiko was dragging Yusuke along with her to check out a family shrine Botan had suggested. Her mother had called for her asking if it was possible. Getting the directions, she'd went to find Yusuke who was once again hanging with Kurama. Botan was with her already, so the four ended up driving over to check the place out. The only one that seemed excited about the posibility besides her was Botan. Yusuke was slowly becoming more and more distant from her.

The shrine steps appeared before them and Kurama pulled his car along the sidewalk. "Shall we?" He stepped out and looked up the steps. From what he could see it was indeed impressive. Very old but well kept, as if the people living here loved their home. An elderly man was waiting for them at the top. Keiko greeted him, giving him a thankful smile.

"I really appreciate it, your home is beautiful." Keiko looked around her. There was several buildings, the largest she assumed to be the main house. The grounds were very well kept, so far it seemed the perfect spot. The elderly man led them across the spacious yard.

"Of course, I come from a long line of priests, this shrine has been in the family for generations. I think I have the perfect spot for the ceremony." Grandpa led them over to the Sacred Tree.

Keiko was in awe at the sight before her. She knew in her heart she wanted to speak her vows right here. "This is perfect isn't it Yusuke."

"It's real nice." He felt an odd sort of vibration coming from the tree.

Kurama stared at the tree also feeling the magic. Botan spoke up, "its the tree of ages."

"Why yes it is. This tree holds a lot of memories for this family. Especially my grand-daughter." He smiled knowing that he'd soon be making money to help build him another storage shed in which to store his antiques.

A loud scream filled the air causing everyone to turn around at the building far behind them.


Kagome had been exercising with Sango when Souta had came in bugging them. He was picking on Sango, of course she picked back. Several minutes ago both girls discarded their shirts, having began to sweat. They were now wearing nothing but what Kagome told her was a sports bra. It was what most women in this era worked out in. It was very comfortable and helped with the heat.

Souta was about to leave when both girls demanded that he depart. He spotted both shirts folded neatly in the corner and grabbed them. They saw him run out with their clothing and screamed after him. "Souta, you brat." "Come back here damn you."

Kagome tore after her brother not caring that she was only wearing a sports bra and her sweats. Sango laughed and gave chase, this would prove to be fun. The young miko saw him heading for the main house. She went through the back door to meet him halfway. Souta seeing her do this turned around in his tracks.

He spotted Grandpa talking to a few people and decided he would be someone to hide behind. Grinning he rushed over, the old man automatically started scolding him. "What have you done now, young man."

"Nothing," just as he spoke Sango came running out. Her eyes found him as Kagome came out the house.

"Come back here you little jerk." Kagome ran towards him, not paying attention to the guests. Souta saw both girls coming for him and ran behind the tree.

Sango was laughing the whole time, Kagome looked so distressed it was hard not to. "Kagome get left, I'll take right." At her nod, they approached him slowly.

Grandpa started shouting, "Souta give them back their clothing. They are indecent and we have guests." The trio paid him no mind as the game continued. He hoped this wouldn't scare his clients away. He looked to find the females hiding giggles and the males staring wide eyed.

Souta moved back when they tried to corner him. Deciding it was best to run, he gave them his back and ran as fast as his shorter legs would go. Sango knew he could run just as fast as them so she took drastic measures. She picked up her speed and slid across the lawn, swinging her leg forward. It reached just far enough to cause the boy to trip and land on his ass. Souta felt his feet give way and made a loud squeek when he felt the ground impact. Kagome was on him before he could get up. She seated herself on top his chest holding him down. There was nowhere for him to go, so he cried uncle. "Get off me, Sis."

"No, you're going to get it." Kagome started to tickle the boy mercilessly. Legs started thrashing behind her. "Sango, hold his legs down before I get kicked in the head."

Sango sat on his legs and tore off his socks he'd been running in. "Time for some pay back." He cried out as he was tickled from both ends.

"Stop stop, or I'm going to piss my pants." Souta shouted. Grandpa stammered at hearing the foul language escape the youngster's mouth. Kagome stared down at him, "Where did you hear talk like that?"

"I heard it from Inuyasha, who else would I have heard it from?"

"Oh," a frown crossed her face. Sango felt the tension at the hanyou's name being spoken. She turned and wrapped her arms around Kagome. "We can only hope thats the only language he picked up from the hanyou."

A smile crossed her face replacing the frown. "You got a point there I guess. I don't wanna repeat some of the things that passed his lips. Especially, when he was fighting Kouga."

"Men tend to get that way when fighting over the woman they want." Sango helped the girl to her feet. "I could never decide who had the filthier mouth." They both started laughing remembering the two males.

"I'd have to say Inuyasha, he had a potty mouth 24/7 while Kouga kept his reserved for Inuyasha." Kagome sighed. Times like this she was very glad that Sango had been stuck with her. It made remembering her lost friends much easier. "I never knew what was worse his mouth or Miroku's hands."

"Damn, you got a point there. Can't argue with you. We must have been glutton for punishment." Sango felt a tear of happiness roll down her face. The urge to laugh caught her by suprise, it became so strong she had to let it loose. She doubled over, trying to let Kagome hear her thoughts. "Remember that one time." A burst of giggles stopped her.

Kagome knew instantly which event she was refering to and tried to finish for her. "When Miroku grabbed In-," she broke out in laughter with her. Tears were streaming down their faces, Kagome kept trying to complete the thought. "Inuyasha's ass on accident and."

Souta got up looking at the two like they'd sprouted a second head. "You two are so weird."

Grandpa started sputtering watching the two girl act like complete lunatics. They were talking about the past he knew but nothing could be that darn funny. In what was worse they were acting that way in front of other people wearing hardly any clothes at all. "I apologize for both of them. They are both mentally ill, I'm afraid."

Kagome heard her grandfather tell the white lie. "We are not!" She shouted and turned to glare at him. Her laughter died in her throat when she recognized the four standing beside the Sacred Tree. Mr. Hot himself was staring at her, she could see he wanted to laugh at her.

Sango looked over to and froze. "No fucking way." The words slipped out before she could stop them. Grandpa turned to glare at her. "Sorry, excuse me." She picked her shirt off the ground and made her way back to the small dojo.

Kagome decided to stay behind and say hi to Keiko real quick. "Hey, good to see you again."

"Likewise Kagome." Keiko smiled at her. "Your grandfather has been showing us the shrine its very beautiful. I think it will be the perfect place for our wedding."

"So, its your wedding." Kagome felt her heart jump and then sink at the news. It wasn't that she didn't like the girl but having to watch another couple get married under the tree that meant so much to her and Inuyasha kind of stung. "Yes, its a great place. Well I need to get back to Sango, feel free to stop by anytime you like." Kagome nodded at the others keeping her eyes off the red head.

Kurama watched her go, he had seen the way she'd avoided looking at him. He pondered why. The girl was something special he could tell already. He wouldn't bring in the fact that seeing her running in nothing but a skimpy top had caused a reaction in his lower parts. He was a demon, arousal was nothing new to him nor the smell of it. After watching the girl for several seconds he'd smelt the scent of Yusuke's arousal and had been about to growl out a warning. Then he'd turned to see his friend was watching the other girl not Kagome. The one called Sango had caused the effect on his friend so he had instantly been soothed. Pity filled him for Yusuke. He'd been around him and Keiko for years, he loved them both. But he'd never smelt that scent on the ex-dectective before around Keiko. He knew they loved one another, always would. Yusuke's attraction to the other girl was undeniable as was his own towards her sister. He had a feeling that if Keiko insisted that the wedding take place here, there may be no wedding in the end. Kurama wondered if either realized that Yusuke had changed in more ways than one. His demonic blood was stirring in his viens, which was what called to him. If his demonic side decided it wanted another mate then Keiko wouldn't be able to change it. That side of him would always desire the girl until it had her. Everyone thought Keiko was scary when she was angry but this other girl seemed to be able to handle her own. Yusuke's demon side needed a mate he could tame without crushing her spirit but one that could stoke his inner fire. Kurama knew Keiko wasn't that person but it wasn't his place to interfere.


Sango sat on the floor, cursing again. She'd been doing that a lot lately. Kagome came in behind her and plopped down beside her. "Well that was humiliating, remind me to kill Souta later will you." The miko could still feel her face burning.

"To say the least. What are they doing here anyway?"

"Seems Keiko and Yusuke, I think thats his name, are wanting to have their wedding here." Kagome informed her. She watched the color leave Sango's face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, its nothing. I'm being silly." Sango felt anything but silly. Her mind was in tormoil. She felt like such a fool. Since she'd seen the guy two weeks ago, he'd been on her mind. It was stupid, thinking about someone she'd never spoken too. It had taken her months to start having feelings for Miroku. Yet this guy was already having an effect on her.

"Don't lie to me. You are the closest thing I have to a sister. I can tell you are lying, whats wrong?"

"It's just... Kagome I'm confused. Its stupid really, how I'm feeling. You will call me all sorts of names if I tell you." Sango pleaded with her. She didn't want to admit that she liked someone else, someone who didn't know she existed at that.

"Well, can I share something with you?" At Sango's nod she continued. "When we first came back I thought I would never feel any emotion besides anger, bitterness, and sadness. These past few months I've learned to be happy again, to feel content. You helped me with that, as did my family."

"Time heals all wounds I suppose." Sango interjected. "I feel the same. Its just weird having feelings develop for someone I don't even know."

"Huh," Kagome gaped at her causing the girl to flush. "Please, don't tell me you like the red head outside."

"Oh, no no." She watched shoulders slump in relief. "It took months for me to start feeling anything towards Miroku."

"Same for me, its hard to believe at first Inuyasha tried to kill me. It took a while before I even started liking him as a friend much less anything else."

"Why did you ask about the red head Kagome? Was that jealousy I heard in your voice?" Sango thought for damn sure it was there.

"I don't know!" Kagome tried to find a way to sidestep the question. Finding none she gave up. "Okay, okay, I confess. I feel like a heel. I still love Inuyasha. I happened to see the red head when I went to get you a napkin, then during that ride and then right before we left. I don't know his name but I've been seeing his face since then. I feel like such a bitch," Kagome buried her face in her hands.

'So thats why she'd come back lit up.' Sango felt relief at hearing the words. So she wasn't the only one that had felt an attraction to someone new. She threw her arms around her sister. "I'm so glad to hear that. I've been hating myself because I'd felt something when I looked at Yusuke. If you are able to feel something for someone else then that means theres nothing wrong with me."

"Did you just say Yusuke?" Kagome pushed her back. "But he's marrying someone else."

"Don't remind me. I feel bad enough as it is. I can't help it, when he turned in looked at me Kagome I swear I was drowning in his eyes." Sango slouched. Laughter was coming in from outside, it sounded like Souta. Both girls put on their shirts and looked outside. Keiko and the other girl were looking around the property making plans no doubt. While the two guys were talking to Souta, pointing towards the dojo.

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