Chapter Text
She had first noticed him early that morning as she was pulling onto the dirt path that led up to her home. Just a quick glimpse of a stranger sitting in the usually abandoned bus stop located at the bottom of her hill. For the rest of the day she had watched the huddled up figure from her bedroom window. Even from this far away he wasn't hard to spot, a bright red dot against the muted browns and greys of the rain soaked scenery surrounding him. She sighed, she knew the bus wasn’t coming, but did he? They stopped traveling this far up the mountain once winter began to set in. The strong unpredictable storms made the winding narrow roads too treacherous to travel this time of year.
Her thoughts wandered back in time to a day very similar to this. The weather was wet, freezing, and just on the cusp of a snow storm. It felt like a lifetime ago, but in reality it had only been five years since she had sat at that very same bus stop, alone, just like him. She remembered the small, faded blue structure that did nothing to keep out the cold while she waited for a bus that would never come.
It was just before nightfall when a stocky old woman had approached her, asking the same questions she wondered about him now: “Where did ye come from, child? And more importantly, where do ye plan on goin?” Questions her younger self certainly didn't have the answers to back then.
“Anywhere but here.” She had cried to the woman.
“Ah, I think I can help ye with that.” The woman had replied, and reached out a wrinkled hand to help her up from the bench. Kaede had taken her in that day, and given her a home.
Coming back to the present, her mind made up, she stood and began walking toward the front door to grab her coat. It would be dark in a few hours, and the temperature was dropping rapidly with the approaching snow storm. I can only hope he’ll actually want my help.
.::..::..::.
He wore a bright red hoodie, black jeans, and worn boots, all of him muddy and wet from being out in the weather. His hood covered his face, but she saw a small strand of silver hair spilling out from underneath. He was hunched over slightly with his arms wrapped around his backpack, pressing it tightly to his torso. She was sure it did little to block out the freezing wind coming in from the front of the open-faced bus stop. She sat down on the small bench adjacent to his, noting that he seemed indifferent to her presence.
“I’m sorry,” she said gently, as not to startle him, “but the bus isn't coming.” His head turned slightly toward her, but otherwise made no response. “They stop coming up the mountain this time of year, and won't be back ‘til Spring.” At this, he sighed defeatedly and curled further into himself.
Although he said nothing, his physical response spoke volumes, confirming what she had suspected. He’s stranded here. “I’m not sure if you have somewhere to go, but there is a large snow storm that’s supposed to hit tonight. My home is just on top of that hill.” She turned and pointed to the solitary dark green house that nearly blended in with the surrounding pine trees. “You are welcome to stay with us as long as you need.”
At her offer, his demeanor shifted completely, and she could see the signs of his metaphorical hackles rising. When he finally turned to face her, his bright golden eyes caught her off guard - inhuman, haunting, beautiful. Understanding dawned on her, he is a hanyo. She saw the scowl he wore for what it was, his only defence against an unkind world.
To say demons were treated as less than was an understatement. Many believed they simply didn’t have souls, and thus had no place in society. Hanyos were treated impossibly worse, because they were the result of the unspoken laws being broken that kept “order” between the species. Clearly, the world’s sense of morality was a bit screwed up in its current state.
I can’t imagine what he’s been through in his short life. She briefly looked over his features once again, wondering how old he actually was. She guessed he was in his early twenties, probably around her age. In the end it didn’t matter, the world didn’t discriminate by age, just blood.
The longer she searched his face, the more agitated he became, taking her study of him for something else entirely.
“I don't need your pity.” he said tersely, glaring at her, as if in warning.
Her eyebrows knit in question, “Can't there be kindness and compassion without pity?”
“Not from someone like you.” He hissed, the tips of his white fangs catching the fading light. While left unspoken, she knew that he meant someone human.
She hummed and nodded in response, “I understand…”
Before she could say more, he cut her off, “I don't think you do, I don’t want your fucking help lady.” He faced forward once again, signaling the end of their brief conversation.
There was nothing more to say; she couldn't force him to come back with her. So she stood to leave the shelter of the bus stop. Before walking out into the now sleet covered road, she spoke over her shoulder “My name is Kagome. Our house is the only one up that path, so it’s hard to miss… If you change your mind that is.” And I sincerely hope you do.