Claire Keane
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Today's Document
Game of Thrones Daily
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
gracie abrams
Keni
blake kathryn
taylor price
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
★
@theartofmadeline
ellievsbear
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Kiana Khansmith
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
Cosimo Galluzzi
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Fai_Ryy
YOU ARE THE REASON
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@gxldeyes
;; Guys please read rules page before interactions.. I'm not calling anyone out, but that's two times this week that one of my guidelines has been broken. Read the rules before you approach me please! Also read the about page. Thanks.
Best friends in all times
what made u guys pick ur url's !
What Kind of "I Love You" Are You?
I love you, I've always loved you, I will always love you
It's commitment, it's devotion, it goes often without saying, but is felt nonetheless. It's accepting that you would travel to hell and back for them if they asked and knowing that they would do the same for you. It's an old ache, long after they've burrowed deep into your chest and settled there like a weight- grounding, an anchor point. Even when you're apart, you can still feel the shape of them, it's like phantom pain. Neither of you can help but succumb to the other's gravity, yet neither of you fear the collision. it means that you trust them, that they make you feel safe, that they feel like home.
Tagged by: No one. Copy catted from @thesilvermoonrays Tagging: You!
The tiniest change in Inuyasha's posture and focus didn't go unnoticed by Kagome, her gaze still fixated on him. She decided that whatever it was that had suddenly awakened inside of her and drawn her to Inuyasha, she wouldn't dismiss it as just her imagination. One thing was certain: she definitely hadn't felt this way with any other stranger. Oh, she had met tons of strangers at the shrine, had small talk with some, and even when meeting her friends for the first time, none of it was like…
This.
Kagome should have reacted like any normal human encountering a stranger, especially one who wasn't fully human like Inuyasha. She wasn't careless at all. More than once, she'd had to call for help regarding intruders trying to trespass into her family shrine, and she had never hesitated to do so.
However, this wasn't the case. He wasn't that kind of case. Kagome didn't even know Inuyasha fully yet and he already brought up a strong feeling that she didn't even bother to stop or try to understand at this point. She just wanted more time with him, and Inuyasha returning her smile was exactly the approval she had hoped to get.
Then Inuyasha took her hand in his for a supposedly simple handshake. But a handshake wasn't supposed to feel like that; a tingle shooting from her palm straight to her chest, echoing like a loud, throbbing heartbeat that she could feel in her veins.
What... was that...?
Her face warmed slightly as she shook his hand in return. "Nice to meet you too, Inuyasha," she said softly, and his following question was a lifesaver. Mourning the loss of the warmth of his hand, Kagome nodded, the smile never leaving her lips. "Yes, I did. What's not to like about this?"
Her grandfather wouldn't like it at all, however. He was the only one in her family who might actually offer some kind of… explanation. Ever since her father passed away, her grandfather had been deeply protective over her mother, her little brother, and herself. Kagome definitely took after her mother, and when it came to her, her grandfather was a lot more concerned. Around the shrine, near the Goshinboku… with his strong system of beliefs, and with Kagome growing to become a young woman, his protectiveness had escalated into warnings meant for her ears only. But whenever she asked for the real reason, he never answered.
She would decide later whether or not to ask him about what she had just experienced; right now, she preferred to focus entirely on Inuyasha. Kagome took a few more steps and sat in front of him. Flattered that he was asking for her opinion, she took a moment to think. Her eyes scanned his guitar, and like a magnet, returned to look directly into Inuyasha's golden eyes.
"Just a piano, I think," Kagome explained, resting her hands on her folded knees. "I could be wrong, but from the little I've heard, the guitar stands beautifully at the center of the whole song. A piano would just add another layer to that softness."
Kagome considered her words. She didn't want to pry, but she also didn't want to ruin the meaning of the song. And yes, Kagome was curious no less.
"I must say, the melody does sound a little romantic… Can I ask you what it's about?"
"Just the piano?" he echoed, closing his eyes for a moment to imagine what it may sound like with just the piano accompaniment. It would sound pretty for sure, but it still felt like it needed the other soft accompaniments he'd mentioned before.
But it couldn't hurt to try the version with just the piano first and also have the other version just in case. She had a point about the piano complementing the softness of the tune he already had. But the other instruments could give it an other worldly, almost ethereal and magical quality which he shared with her as his eyes opened again.
It was almost startling how his eyes immediately went to find hers again as if drawn to her by an instinct he didn't yet understand. There was no seconds delay as his gaze searched for hers. He simply opened his eyes and they were caught on hers again as if drawn by a magnetic force. That alone wasn't all that startling though. No, it was calming, peaceful warmth that came with each time their gazes met.
And while Inuyasha was a lot of things, a sap wasn't one of them. Even he knew he could be rough around the edges. And while he knew he wouldn't suddenly start waxing poetic out of nowhere.. He still didn't know how else to put this feeling of complete peace warming his chest and easing a body that was always at least a little tense. That was all without even considering how just the sound of her voice had all of his attention even before he'd seen her that day.
Just like now, he drawn completely from his own mind as she asked him whether or not the song was meant to be romantic. A question which had the smile somehow growing even softer, not that he noticed. The fact she wanted to listen to him play at all was surprising enough, but also knowing what he was going for with it was more than he could have expected.
"You're right, its a romantic piece. But I'm also going for magic through music. Its an anniversary gift for my parents."
As he spoke, he looked away just long enough to pull a collapsible stool from the guitar case it was attached to. He never brought this thing until today, didn't even know why he thought to bring it in the first place when he left the house that day. He always sat on the ground just as he was doing now. Now he wondered if some part of him he was unaware of just somehow knew on a base level he'd be meeting this beautiful young woman today.
Either way, he pulled it free and opened it up before setting it down and gesturing for her to take a seat. He could tell she'd already been working that day and it couldn't be comfortable standing on the concrete in one place like that.
"Sometimes I don't really know what I'm goin' ta end up playin' until I'm already playin' it," he admitted with a soft chuckle. "Sometimes the music comes easy and other times I have ta sit and test every note until it comes to me. That's what happened today, it surprised even me ta have that particular song come out."
It was a little embarrassing to admit that, but somehow he just knew that Kagome wouldn't poke fun at him for it.
"Do you want to hear it again? I can start it over. All it does is loop from a certain point though."
Kagome was listening to every single note he produced from the guitar. She figured it was a standalone, original music piece, not a cover of any familiar song. Maybe she should have given him privacy instead of standing there like that—he didn't seem to notice her, and if he had, he said nothing.
The melody told a story that Kagome could definitely feel. It was raw, soft, and so very pure. A piece that undoubtedly was created from his heart. Anyone with two functional ears could tell, she thought; no one could convince her otherwise. Kagome wore a warm smile on her lips when she saw his own soft smile, without even realizing she was doing it. She couldn't help but wonder about the theme of this piece he was composing.
Was it going to be a song with lyrics? Was he going to keep the acoustic instrumental as it was? Was he going to change the rhythm? Maybe it wasn't a whole story, just a simple theme and she was the one adding all the layers. Even as a simple theme, it would be unique.
Kagome shook her head in an attempt to stop the endless questions popping out of genuine curiosity, but she was already captured. She wanted to ask him—
Eyes that were closed before now opened and caught her own gaze; gold. His eyes were as golden as the sun. Kagome had never seen that color before. With his extremely long silver hair, the locks that framed his tanned face emphasized them.
He is stunning...
She was drawn to him in an instant, unable to look away just yet, as if the whole world and time had suddenly stopped.
His voice was a reminder that she was probably still staring while he asked a question.
"No, no, not at all!" Kagome adjusted the fabric of her baby-blue flowery summer dress, its hem resting perfectly at her knees, and smiled at him. Her smile wasn't polite, like the ones she gave to strangers visiting the shrine, but genuine. "I'm happy I was still around, else I would have missed this beautiful piece you were playing."
Bravely taking another step toward him, Kagome offered her hand.
"I'm Kagome. What's your name?"
That was definitely the voice he heard answering the call of "Kagome" he heard on occasion; and he reacted the same way he always did. He straightened a bit from his bent position over his guitar and his ears swiveled to lock onto her voice more fully. He didn't yet know why he always reacted that way to the sound of her voice, but he made a mental note to ask his dad about it later.
For now he returned her easy smile - though he internally marveled about how her smile lit up her face - and gently took her hand in his. Even that touch sent a tingle up his arm, though not an unpleasant one. He would have mistaken it for reiki if not for the fact it didn't feel like he'd been burned or electrocuted. What caused that feeling, he wasn't sure though.. Just another thing to talk to his old man about later.
"I'm Inuyasha. Good ta meet ya, Kagome," he replied, giving her hand a gentle shake with his. "Did ya really like the song that much?" he added as he released her hand and returned it to his guitar.
That was a relief at least. He thought for sure - when he opened his eyes - that she was going to tell him to kick rocks. And she'd be in her right to do it too, this shrine was her family's after all. And with this place being a source of inspiration for him, he didn't want to be barred from coming because he was being too loud with the music.
The old man already wasn't thrilled with his presence here. He hadn't told him to get lost or anything, but he always shot him a suspicious look when he was out here and noticed him. Kagome must be the old man's grand-daughter he figured. But even if the old man had bad things to say about him, it didn't seem to phase her. Considering she was standing here smiling at him and making polite conversation.
A real smile and conversation at that. He knew the difference between a forced customer service attitude and a real one after all. He knew when people only barely tolerated his presence, he was long used to those looks. Barely concealed disgust, smiles that looked more like a wince.
He was seeing none of that from her, she seemed genuinely intrigued and delighted if anything. A fact which brought the slightest bit of pink to warm his cheeks before he looked away and softly cleared his throat. Even looking away had been nearly impossible though. His eyes wanted to stay on her and the way the soft breeze played with her hair and dress.
"I was thinking about adding soft notes of bass, piano, violin and drums in as well. What do you think?" he added, figuring it was a safe topic to stay on.
Inuyasha was so absorbed in the music that his ears were the only thing to catch onto the sound of approaching footsteps. Even so, he was in his own world too far now to notice in any true way though. His ears and mind may process the fact he was no longer alone, but only in the very back of his mind.
His eyes remained closed as his fingers expertly found and made each note come to life as he nodded along to the soft tune. It honestly reminded him of when his parents told him the story of how they met and fell in love. Maybe this could be an anniversary present he gave to them.
Because of that, he had the perfect title to give the tune and decided against giving the piece lyrics after all. Singing words with it would just take away from the perfection in his opinion as his fingers moved to the first note again to repeat the tune. There was just a few things missing from the piece which had another soft frown appearing.
Drum accompaniment, soft notes of violin, a bass player as well and that would perfect the song. Maybe some soft notes of piano as well, all of which he could use his editing software to put into the song.
For now, his imagination took him further away, back in time. His father, a businessman like he was now, captivated by a younger Izayoi who was in a princess kimono. Back then she was still obeying her parents ever whim and was trying to be an actress. She had forgotten to get out of costume when she had a break between scenes and took a short walk to unwind.
She'd stopped under a cherry blossom tree and Toga - Inuyasha's father - had been so spellbound he'd walked over to talk with her. Only when he got close, their eyes met for the first time and they both knew then that they were meant for one another as pink petals fell around them.
That memory had the frown he'd worn smoothing out and a soft smile on his lips as he continued to play. As a kid, he'd exaggeratedly gagged as they told him the story, now he could almost picture it and even envied them. Would he ever have that moment with someone? He doubted he ever would. After all, who love a--
The thought stopped and the song abruptly cut off as his eyes opened and caught onto a young woman standing there. It was a knee jerk reaction for his eyes to widen just before darting up to the fact of his one woman audience. And for a moment, all he could do was stare. Black hair, about mid-back length he was guessing, eyes, blue so uncommon for here in Japan. Her skin looked so soft and flawless, pale enough to be beautiful without appearing fake or sickly. Definitely shorter than himself if he'd been standing.. And her clothes suited her, nothing flashy, but nothing that spoke of being careless with her look either.
Whoever she is, she's beautiful.., he caught himself thinking.
But that thought was what also snapped him out of his stupor and he quickly looked away as he cleared his throat.
"Um.. Hey.. Sorry, was I being too loud?" he asked, he figured he was probably disturbing her if she came over to stare at him. She had to be one of the people who lived here on the shrine grounds, he figured. Now he could pick up the musk of sweat on her, but underneath it, he recognized a soft scent that always lingered around here on the shrine grounds.
Was this the, Kagome he'd heard mentioned around here before? With his ears being as sensitive as they were, he caught the old man and other lady's voice calling out that name on occasion. He heard a pretty feminine voice call back to them as well. That voice which always had his ears standing up and listening to hear it again.. Until he realized what he was doing and made himself focus on the music he was trying to create.
Cont.
@bornforhim
Mutt? So that's what this guy wanted. He didn't plan on killing the guy, but he was going to scare him if he could. Unsheathing his sword, the Tetsusaiga flared to life. From a thin blade, to a massive sword, easily held in one hand over his shoulder. It was enough to strike fear in the heart of even great demons, let alone some... whatever the hell this guy was.
"Ya wanna call me that again?"
No movement was made. He'd let it linger. Inuyasha wanted answers, and he wasn't going to get it if he swung his sword around. It was for demon slaying. This person, his energy was the same. Something was wrong here, but now was a time to try listening. Kagome had listened to him, all that time ago. He'd listened to her. That was how love blossomed in the first place.
So when he felt it appropriate, as easily as it was drawn, his sword is back in its sheath.
A shrug. He was never angry to begin with. Startled. Confused. Maybe even a little afraid. But not angry. To show anger was an instinctive reaction Inuyasha was unlearning to this day. Maybe all that work was why he could calm himself down like this.
"So if this is the future, why do ya look like me, and why do ya have the same energy? Why the same name? 'Cause even with all I've done, ain't no one gonna remember the name of a hanyou. Maybe they named ya that as some kinda insult."
Maybe it became popular to name hanyous 'Inuyasha'. The half breed abomination that slayed Naraku. But more importantly, who wasn't able to slay him fast enough to save the life of the beloved priestess. The priestess he loved. The priestess who loved him.
"What a waste. Why anyone would even decide on havin' a kid like you is stupid. You're an adult, so it musta happened to you, too. Or didja have parents young enough ta keep everyone from tryin' ta kill ya? I sure as hell wouldn't have a kid. And even if I did, I sure as hell wouldn't have named him after me."
Eyes close in contemplation. They hadn't really talked about it. He didn't want any kids, not after what he'd gone through. Any kid of his would go through the same persecution. But... well. Maybe if Kagome had wanted a kid or two. Maybe they could have talked about it. She'd have understood his feelings, but he'd have done his best to understand hers.
Maybe if things had turned out differently...
"Kagome was always real partial to a name like Michiru. Not a bad name, yeah?"
If he'd had any doubts about this other Inuyasha's identity, the sight of the Tetsusaiga cleared them right up. That thing was a family heirloom and he'd been shown its true form a few years ago when he made fun of its appearance. His dad had taken him out into the middle of nowhere and showed him what that sword was capable of.
Now to be threatened with that very sword, he stiffened against the tree. He didn't have any illusions that the sword would refuse to bring him harm just because he was a distant family member. After all the animosity that this guy and his half brother had was also recorded in history. Mostly by that eras Kagome, but still.
"If you don't want ta be called a mutt, how about ya stop actin' rabid.." he couldn't help but mumble. One final act of rebellion and anger over how he was handled before.
Besides, the sword hadn't even been pointed at him. But.. Just the sight of that blade out and ready had been enough to put him on pause for a moment. And enough to have him releasing a heavy sigh of relief when it was put back in its sheath. Maybe he should keep from riling up this ancestor. But then.. He wasn't sure what would and wouldn't set him off. It seemed just speaking to him earlier had him being weird to begin with.
But then.. Maybe that's how hanyou did things back in then, he wasn't sure. But he seemed calm enough now and genuinely wanting answers. Even though basically being called stupid had his proverbial hackles rising again. This time he swallowed down the insult on the tip of his tongue. Kagome didn't need to come back from college only to find a dead boyfriend.
"Look, yer my ancestor, alright?" he finally revealed. "You and the Kagome of that time had babies. Those babies grew up and had babies and so on. All the way up to today."
Why did he sound so sad when talking about the name of what that Kagome wanting their baby to be named though? He didn't want to be a dad? Well clearly, he became one. The proof was literally standing across from him.
"I'm directly from you and that Kagome's lineage. And if ya think me sharin' yer name is weird wait till ya hear this part. My parents names are Toga and Izayoi and I have a half brother named, Sesshoumaru. My mate's name is also Kagome."
@thesilvermoonrays
PSA
;; If you're the filth that celebrates someone being murdered. UNFOLLOW NOW! I'm just going to say it. If you're one of them, you're disgusting, you're demonic, and you're cruel and I DON'T WANT YOU FOLLOWING! PERIOD!!!
He didn't have very good diction for a royal, did he? And here she was under the assumption they didn't do that in Japan anymore. But only a royal would introduce themselves coupled with their lineage. What stuck out more, he actually expected her to introduce herself. Of course that was formality, but generally, it was the other who introduced themselves first. And his tone of voice.
She liked it. She liked all of it, in fact. He may have obliged, but it didn't change how he expected her to follow the same standards as anyone else. Didn't change that he dared to speak to a princess without gratitude in his voice. Those were the rules. If this were her native country, Inuyasha would have been immediately tried for treason.
Yet he was giving her what she wanted, and he didn't even realize it.
Lady. Not princess. Much better, and--
...
He did not just say that. Typical. Just when a woman thinks someone's finally going to give her the casual nature she so longs for, he has to assume ulterior motives because of her status. Oh, she'd maintain her diction. But Zelda was not going to be talked down to, and that had nothing to do with her being a princess. It had to do with her being a person. This is the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back.
"Very well, Inuyasha." If one thought she didn't know Japanese hierarchy, they were wrong. To speak his first name was an insult, and if he had a problem with that, he could deal with it. She's done with this. "My intentions were to ask for meaning behind your music. My name is Zelda, and you will not tell me what I am thinking before I speak. This is strictly business, affairs of which have nothing to do with a formal title."
For as kind as she could sound, Zelda could be equally frigid.
"However, I do not believe I require your assistance anymore. You have already told me what I need to know. If that is what you believe, if you are to look at someone and decide who they are by a formality they were born into. Clearly there is no passion behind your musical ability. No feeling. It must be I, who misunderstood."
And for just a moment, she broke that perfect diction.
"You're no different than every other man."
Oh, he couldn't start an argument in public. Not to the scale in which he wanted to lose his temper at least as she fired off back at him. Though for all that she was telling him, it seemed she herself was making assumptions about him from what he said. When he merely told her he wasn't going to be a political piece for her if that was her plan.
A proper warning, a way to show where he stood on the entire matter and she instead called him a typical man. Better than "typical half breed" he guessed, but that didn't stop the low rumbling growl from vibrating in his throat. Making assumptions about him though, whatever, its fine. It happened all the time.
Assumptions on his music though.. Assumptions on the music he and Kagome had created together at that.. That he couldn't just let slide.
"Tch.. Whatever then, princess!" he snarled back at her, gold eyes narrowed at her. "I guess it is typical of me ta warn people not ta try ta use me. Not like it happens every damn day. I doubt yer mind is open enough ta understand my muse and the meaning anyway."
He'd noticed before when she had seemed to be more open in her expressions. He'd also noticed when she closed off on him and knew that now she used his name and insults to attempt to hurt him in a way he guessed he'd hurt her in some way. He wanted no part in such toxicity other than to fire it right back at her though and give her a taste of it.
Between the other rich people around here and governing bodies, trying to use him to make themselves seem more thoughtful and the like. Then his own brother looking down on him because he was a hanyou in the first place. Not to mention the paparazzi parking their asses outside this very establishment and just outside the gate of his house. Sure, he had no reason to be defensive and set his boundary at the beginning.
"I'd say its a pleasure, but it ain't. Get off yer damn high pedestal before talkin' ta us common folk next time," he added, crushing his now empty cup in his hand before turning to leave. "Typical princess," he added, wanting to get in one more barbed jab back at her. Two could play the game of hurt.
He tossed the cup in the trash as he headed for the backdoor, no need to throw it on the floor just because he was mad. He wasn't a mongrel for one, and two, the owners didn't do anything to incur his ire. He wouldn't leave even a little bit of a mess for them to clean up.
"...Mkay."
2025? Stupid clothes. And his name? Someone's playing a stupid trick.
Sniff sniff.
A darkened expression. No regard for personal space, he's sniffing directly at this other 'Inuyasha'. Nose in the other man's face. Now he knew it for sure, something was wrong here. He knew that scent. He also did not know that scent. No time is wasted, because he wants answers, and he wants them now. He grabbed the other by the fabric covering his chest, and pulled him close.
"What the hell are you? You have a distinct scent. But the energy you're givin' off? All too familiar. So ya better start talkin', 'cause I ain't the most patient guy when it comes ta someone usin' any kinda illusion shit."
Naraku already tried that once. He wasn't stupid then, and he wasn't stupid now. That dumbass thought he could actually pit him and Kagome against each other. Actually thought that the love they had for each other could be so easily broken. Totally fell for it, too, when she 'sealed' him to the same tree they're both under right now. The laughter they shared when she unsealed him the following day.
When they decided to put an end to him for what he'd tried to do.
Roughly throwing the other against the tree, a few steps are taken back, a clawed hand on the hilt of his blade. Not even a fellow hanyou could be excused for trying this kind of trick. The only thing he couldn't understand, this man's energy. Not even the greatest demon's illusion could mimic someone else's unique energy. What appeared as anger. Aggression. It was to hide his fear, his lack of understanding.
"Ya gonna say somethin', Inuyasha?"
This guy was giving both of them a bad name, and his frown returned, deeper and darker than ever. He didn't have to get up in his face to sniff him like a dog! He was being more weird than could be excused for their hanyou status. Was this just how life was back in those days? Or was this just how this dude always behaved when meeting someone new or something?
He didn't have the chance to ask. His shirt was suddenly roughly grabbed and he found himself slammed against the tree. It caused a small, dull ache that probably would have smarted a hell of a lot more if he wasn't a hanyou himself. But his own irritation was growing by the second as the other man accused him of being some kind of trickster.
"Would you get yer damn claws offa me?" he growled back, finally getting past his surprise to raise his hands and attempt to push him away from him. This other Inuyasha - possibly his ancestor - was stronger than him to have been able to move him at all. But he'd have to be to live back in the warring age wouldn't he?
"Do ya think I have all the answers ya dumb mutt? I'm just as clueless as you are about how yer here!"
It was a good thing that Kagome wasn't here. If she saw what was happening, she'd have probably ran inside and grabbed her mace or had grandpa come out with his sutras or something. Not that those useless pieces of paper would do much. But that old geezer was incredibly loud at times and could easily give him a splitting headache. And who needed that on top of.. Well whatever the hell this was!
As for this guy, he wasn't sure if he even wanted to claim him as his ancestor if he was this rash and dumb. Surely he didn't come from him from further back in his bloodline did he? But like he'd thought before, he could have been looking at his twin or at a mirror. Everything down to the voice, scent, and youki were alike.
"Why the hell would I pull yer ass from the past or where ever the hell ya came from anyway? I was just sittin' here mindin' my own business when ya showed up."
"That will not be necessary."
It was a kind offer, but the last thing she wanted. Not that she'd expect anyone to understand. For a woman of her status, she was all too accustomed to everyone trying to do everything for her. From how she was raised, to adulthood, even since she'd come to this country. It was an unspoken frustration she kept to herself, in favor of kindly turning such a thing down in return.
Her reason for turning down his offer to pay had nothing to do with her wealth, or status. It was being treated this way since birth. Both men and women alike, always so quick to make such offers. Whether it was because she was a woman, whether it was because of her status. Possibly both. Zelda was tired of it, inward feelings she couldn't even express. What would it say about her parents, if she were to speak such things?
Unlike herself, her parents took tradition very seriously. Zelda honored tradition in nothing more than wearing her dress, and the ridiculous pounds of golden jewelry. But she's tired of others offering to do things for her.
She can do them for herself.
Nobody ever understands the exhaustion that comes with assumptions that due to her status. Due to her Goddess blood. Due to her appearance. No one thinks she can't do things for herself.
Not even her own parents. They had already been against her decision to leave. Even more against her decision that she'd be a psychiatrist, rather than a figurehead for her country. Those who said beauty came without intelligence, it couldn't be greater a mistake. Stunning, almost ethereal in beauty. Yet Zelda's intelligence, her wisdom, that far exceeded even that.
"I will keep things brief."
For his sake, mostly. They'll talk just as much about him if he's seen in this sort of situation. She can already hear the rumors. No need to read anything, total strangers ask her every day.
Who's your boyfriend? Why would you hang out with someone who dresses like that? Are you really going to talk to someone lower than your status?
The first of which was always the assumption in any situation with a male. God forbid she so much as greet a man without the immediate assumption there be instant romantic attraction. Didn't matter the age, she's heard such assumptions about her own professor. The rumors surrounding her association with him were enough. The idea a princess could excel in studies with her mind.
Right now, maintain flawless posture. Proper diction, a kind tone of voice. When others refused to see you as a person, even refused to speak your name, rather than a title. Maybe you wanted to show what you were never given yourself.
"May I ask your name? I would like to address you properly."
Gentle as her expression was, there would always be a factor true to it.
Blue eyes, the gaze of which pierced sharper than any arrow.
Just like she was aware of the paparazzi hanging around outside, trying to get a good angle for a picture, so was he. He knew that his Kagome trusted him, but he'd still rather not have their next calls hindered by even a moment of him explaining that it was taken out of context. She trusted him and he knew it, but he'd still talk to her about it, just in case some kind of doubt was put in her head.
As it was, he turned so he was mostly hidden from their view finders by other patrons there in the cafe after he'd placed his order and received it. He merely shrugged when she declined his offer to buy her a drink as well. Her loss, the drinks here were made from fresh stuff, not that gross imitation syrup most other places had. And each drink was inspired from all over the world, even as far as France and Italy the owners said.
A person could tell the difference from the first taste, and now was no exception as he sipped his drink and the taste washed over his palette. He still had no idea what she wanted with him, but if she thought she was going to use him as some political pawn, he wouldn't be shy about shutting that down on the spot. Even if his mother whacked him over the head for his rudeness, he'd make sure his point was made.
For right now though, he didn't know what her angle was and so he kept his suspicions to himself. Though his brows arched as she asked for his name.
"Yer the one that came ta, me. Shouldn't ya introduce yerself first?" he replied, probably a bit more gruff than he needed to be. Honestly, that was probably the angst of watching and changing his position so he wasn't seen by cameras than anything else. "Tch, whatever. Name's Taisho Inuyasha. Son of Taisho Toga and Izayoi, younger brother of Taisho Sesshoumaru. Blah, blah, blah," he huffed as he leaned on the counter behind him.
All of which had caught the attention of a few other patrons near enough to hear him. Until he glared at them that is and if they'd had a thought before then to come over and bother him, that inkling was wiped away. But between the two of them, he didn't know if those gossip hungry people were there for him or for her, but he didn't want to be gawked at more than he already was.
She had told him this wouldn't take long, but there were long moments of silence already between them. Probably getting lost in thought same as he was, but she had been the one to come to him like he'd thought before.
"Look lady, what do ya want? Because if yer gonna ask me ta be some pawn ya can ferget it."
If this is some kind of waking dream, he's pretty sure whatever deity that exists got it wrong.
Everything he knew was gone, that's fine if this is just a physical manifestation of a memory. Or if he fell asleep and it wasn't a physical manifestation. If he was hyper aware of his own subconscious. But a hyper awareness of his own self conscious wouldn't be seeing himself in what must be the ugliest attire he's ever come across.
He's trying not to. Trying so hard. But it doesn't work, he's a failure. He's laughing his ass off at what he's seeing.
"What the hell are you wearing?"
It's not every night you're hyper aware of your subconscious. Of a dream, of what wasn't reality. It meant he could bend it, if he wanted to. Not who he was hoping to see in a dream where he actually had awareness. Doesn't mean he can't enjoy how stupid he looked in whatever the hell that was. Maybe he can will something else, but first he's going to have to stop laughing at the mirror image of himself.
"So why didn'tcha put y'er hair up and everything, too? Come on, ya gotta go with the whole look, yeah? Let's make that hair shorter!"
Like any self aware dream, he can bend reality. So he does.
Any second now.
...Any second now.
...His hair isn't getting shorter. His clothes aren't changing. Still as stupid looking as ever. Something is amiss here. This self aware dream is not working correctly. He'll have to wake up, so he gives a rough pinch to his own ears.
"--Come on Inuyasha. Wake the hell up already."
Even when his arm lowered, nothing's changed. For once, he's speechles.
The other hanyou could only frown at his twin as he began to laugh at him. He couldn't help but feel insulted as his outfit was judged and apparently hilarious to the other. What exactly was weird about jeans and black tee shirt with the name of the band boldly splayed across it?
Maybe that was it? The name of the band, Beautiful Poison had raised a lot of eyebrows even from their online fans, all of them asking for the meaning behind it. The poisonous self doubt and other such pains that led to music as an outlet. The creativity of music is a beauty all its own as was the bond forged through it. Thus the name.
He said all of this, though he doubted he could even be heard over the other man's obnoxious laughter. Shouldn't he be the one laughing? Who wears kimono anymore aside from festivals and tea houses? Or shrines..
Well they were at a shrine now, had Grandpa Higurashi hired someone new or something? But why someone who could be his twin? ..No, it couldn't be that. He'd have smelled him on the grounds before now if that was the case. And he'd seemed to appear in that flash of light before too.
Now from what he was hearing and seeing, it appeared as if this stranger thought he was dreaming. That and they seemed to share a name. That was when a near impossible thought cleared its way through his mind.
Was this..? Could he be..?
...My ancestor..?
The one that he and Kagome had discovered a month or so before she discovered college..
"Yer not dreamin'," he answered as he straightened and let out a sigh. "My name is also Inuyasha. Yer in the year 2025," he added, thinking it necessary to share this information.
It was crazy to even entertain the idea that this other Inuyasha had come from a time long past. But what other explanation was there? He didn't smell like a fox, so that ruled out a mischievous or bored kitsune that saw him and came to play a prank.
@gxldeyes Just as the rest of the world will see There will be more to me Than what I was born and bred to be
Wouldn't have been her first choice of names, but it was a study in music theory. Tempo. Pitch. Oscillation. A name didn't have any indication on a performance. An attempt to avoid drawing attention, she at the back wall, piercing blue eyes watching every single performer. Studying. Memorizing every note. If you didn't partake in the consumption of every and any genre, how would you excel? Music was nothing but hobby, but when Zelda did anything, every part of her was in it.
Music was expression, and expression was a beautiful thing. Expression drew out curiosity. Sometimes song could convey emotions the spoken word could not.
There would be greater understanding if she questioning the meaning behind these notes. These oscillations. If you could put someone's meaning into words...
It'd make for a flawless essay. Interesting as it was to learn, there were greater things to focus on. Everyone always told her she was too young. That a woman of her age should be enjoying young adulthood, rather than such deep focus on a university. But she came to this country for a reason. She came to learn, to study. Music theory was nothing but good marks, credits. However, it was a requirement that it be her focus for now.
Silence. Study, until all is finished.
Only then, do heels sound against the floor. Who to approach, that was the easy decision. He that had performed those notes. Movement is slow, steady. Graceful, beautiful. That was what she was born to be. To learn, it was a silent act of rebellion. A show that a princess was more than just an object of beauty. Such old fashioned thoughts, she'd never accept them.
That was why she'd left, instead of attending studies in her native country.
"Please, do forgive any intrusion."
All things aside, she did still have to represent her country. She didn't resent her birthright. Merely chose not to accept it as her life's existence. The country would be fine in the hands of her parents. Such is why she holds out the side of her dress, a proper bow as form of introduction.
"Should time permit, I did hope you may help me understand something. Have you a spare moment?"
He had to do something while Kagome was away at college so he didn't drive himself crazy with constantly watching his phone and waiting on a text or a call. So he took small gigs like this one more for the sake of keeping himself busy and to give him a reason to keep playing music. Just because she wasn't here, it didn't mean that he had to stop playing. In fact, she'd probably get angry at him if he did.
So he came here to this relatively new cafe tonight to play for the patrons who mostly more interested in their drinks and pastries. Well that and the cozy atmosphere not to mention the owners that seemed to have a fan club of their own. Really, two gay men owning and operating a business wasn't that unheard of was it? Or was it their personalities that kept bringing people into The Daily Grind cafe?
They were pretty chill guys though he had to admit. The dark haired guy was the more social one he noticed. While the blond seemed to be a bit more reserved, but still friendly enough. He couldn't remember their names right off, but he figured he would soon if he played for them often enough.
Right now though, he couldn't be bothered as he played for their customers, keeping his eyes shut through most so he could feel the music and lyrics. That and remember what had inspired them to begin with.
Beneath his hat, his ears pressed against his head with the applause her received for each one though. He was glad that they enjoyed the music, but his ears were still sensitive to such noises. Especially when a regular at the cafe squealed when the owners took a break to dance with each other to one of the songs.
His turn was up before too much longer and over the clapping of the crowd, he thanked them before turning to return his guitar to its case. It was as he was doing so that he saw the blond woman coming toward him from his peripherals and paused to glance her way.
Who didn't know her? She was on several tabloids, her personal business aired out to the public regularly and probably greatly exaggerated at that for the stories to sell. He never bothered to pick any of them up and read them, it was none of his business. Besides, he knew the aggravation of paparazzi all too well.
Even so, he frowned slightly after fastening his instrument in its case as she spoke to him.
"..Sure?" he answered, frown deepening with his confusion. What would a princess want with him? He'd figure it out soon enough though, he figured and so walked over to the counter to put in an order for himself. He offered to pay for her as well since they'd apparently be talking and accepted his payment from the owners as well for his entertainment for the evening.
@gxldeyes
It's pretty.
Memories vivid, no matter how many years pass. Memories that pierced a man's very soul. Love unyielding, a love that grew every day, even though the woman was gone from physical form. The spirit world was all he had left to believe in. All he had left to hope for. A spirit world he may never even see for himself, given what he is. It's okay. It's always okay.
When you've fallen for someone, that's a love that never goes away. For some, it may scar over. But to this day. All these years. He felt it from her. Was it his imagination? Wishful thinking? Did it matter? It kept him going, just as the loved ones he'd made in the process of their journey.
Fireflies. Summer fireflies, lighting up the air just as the stars twinkled in the sky above. She may be gone physically, yet it still feels as though Kagome is sitting right next to him. Just as all the summers they had spent together, right here, beneath this tree. That feeling alone was enough that he could smile. Embrace the warmth of a summer night, the view of flowers swaying in the breeze. The soft glow, off, and on. Fireflies needed clean water to thrive.
Clean water that only brought back more fond memories. Not like he needed to be near it to smell the lake. Autumn nights spent gazing into the reflection of the moon. The sight of her idly trailing the water's surface with her finger. Kagome had always looked at the world with such a magical eye, one that had nothing to do with her being a priestess.
Deep breath, sweet summer air. Life is peaceful now, and not empty. Friends, loved ones, memories that warmed even the coldest nights. A life of peace wasn't bad.
TH-THUMP
His heart. He felt his heart pound in his ears just then. What brought that on?
Unnatural light, faint, in his frontal view. Eyebrows furrowing, golden eyes shift upwards. The tree. It's coming from the tree, and it's warm. Standing to his feet, a moment of observation. A strong gust blew, sending his silver hair wildly off to the side. Was this his memory's imagination too? Probably. It's just some memory playing in front of his eyes.
But it's warm. Memory or not, he wanted to feel it. Inuyasha pressed his palm to the light. Warmth. More than warmth. A light more vivid than it had been moments ago. A sensation he can't put into words running through his mind, his chest. The warmth of memories, the rest of the world vanished from him. And then, the light was gone. Well... it was nice to feel. Even if it was just a memory.
A slow turn, eyes closed. But when he opened them to watch the fireflies, there was something much more obvious.
...Where has the forest gone?
Left, right, no matter where he looked. Nothing was the same.
Inuyasha had gone to that old tree like he usually did when he needed to escape from his well meaning, but very nosey parents. Or in this case, he didn't want to feel trapped in his own house when the paparazzi came by. They were always wanting to snap pictures of the hanyou son of two very famous and influential people in Japan.
It didn't help that he had a reclusive reputation and so was a hot topic of rumors and the like. Add to it he was somewhat famous himself now from he and Kagome sharing their music online and it was bound to happen.
At times like these, he always sought out the comfort of his personal sanctuary. Ironic really that a half demon's sanctuary was on shrine grounds. But that place always called to something deep in his heart and soul. The tree on those grounds yes, but also the beautiful young woman whom his heart longed for more and more by the day.
She was off in college now, their phone calls and texts becoming more and more rare as her life grew busier with classes and tests. He had gone to visit her a few times, but even then, their time was taken up by those things.
Still, he treasured every minute of that time he spent with her, but he couldn't just stay there on campus with her. No matter how much he wished he could. It wouldn't be long before she came home for break though, not soon enough for his taste, but he knew she'd be back all the same.
Until she did though, he contented himself with going back to her family's shrine and sitting beneath the tree as he had done countless times. He just sat there for a while, letting himself reminisce about times they'd sat there together talking and joking with one another. When they shared snacks as they waited on her mother to call them in for dinner. All while they talked about the song they were working on. Her voice, soft and beautiful, singing out the tune with his guitar accompaniment was something he missed as well.
He brought along his guitar again that day too as the sun set and gave way to night. He sat with his eyes shut as he strummed out a few chords. A slight frown marred his brow though as he sat, his ears flicking as a gust of wind picked up and there was a prickle of awareness on his skin. That feeling had his eyes cracking open and searching for where it was coming from. Though he got his answer when he noticed a glow on the tree that shouldn't be there.
His frown deepened as he set his guitar aside and stood to get a closer look. Sure enough, it was coming from the tree itself and not a spotlight or anything and he found himself reaching out to touch it. Only to gasp and his eyes grow wider as it almost felt as if he was touching another person's hand.
No sooner did he jerk his hand back before there was a soft flash on the other side of the tree and he moved to peek around it. And how could he have ever been prepared for what he saw? The man he saw looked like his twin save for the kimono he wore. But there was no doubt, aside from the clothes he could have been looking in the mirror.
"What..?" he found himself asking no one in particular. "Who are you..?"
Aside from startling the group of guys, they only seemed to find the interruption funny. One of the guys - the group leader, he was guessing - just sneered at them. And said something about a second freak being there now.
Normally he'd let such insults just roll off his back like water off of a duck. But from what he could see, this guy he stood with had merely been minding his own business when he was suddenly harrassed. He could overlook insults to himself, but not to others.
He'd just been walking by and noticed the shorter male merely watering plants. Nothing at all to warrant the harrassment he now faced.
"I'll show ya a freak if ya don't beat it," he warned the group, gold eyes flicking to each one as he cracked his knuckles. Which of course made his clawed fingers obvious. It wouldn't take much to knock this group out cold.
Hanyou and youkai probably weren't seen as much in this part of Japan. But he knew when the group recognized him for what he was. Or at least, as the non-human he was. Those smug grins slid away and after claiming they weren't scared and just remembered things they had to get to, ran off.
He just scoffed in return, lowering his hands back to his sides as his gaze returned to his companion.
"You okay?" To him, Yugi had done nothing wrong and was harrassed for nothing. It awoke a protective surge in him. Maybe because Inuyasha had faced the same as he grew up. Maybe because Yugi looked younger than he was and thus he reminded him of Moroha. Who knew? Either way, the trouble had passed, but he didn't want to leave without checking on him first. "Ignore loser scum like that. They call people like us freaks, but they're the ones goin' outta their way ta bother people."
cont.
@game-weaver
