Chapter 1: Songs About Us
We do it every day. We watch the stories of a couple on TV and laugh. We laugh at the corny lines and the corny 'our songs.' We read books that portray a burning, intense love with a skeptical, even disbelieving mind. We never believe that we will meet the one that ties us up in knots, the one that makes our hearts speed up and our blood thicken. Sound like a joke? Well it happened to me. I was the most cynical and disbelieving of them all and maybe I still am.
She switched off her car stereo for the hundredth time and glared at her passenger. "Can you please leave my radio alone?"
"Geez, you're such a grouch."
"I'm not. I just can't stand those cheesy songs about 'the greatest love' and 'my broken heart'."
"Those aren't even songs. And anyway, love songs are not cheesy. They are the word that most of us will never be able to say to the one we love on our own."
"The one we love?" she echoed. "Love is a figment of the world's imagination, Sango." Kagome said looking over at her friend. "What we humans feel is lust and a desire to satisfy sexual urges."
"You know, I can't figure out how you grew up to be such a heartless bitch." Sango said grinning.
"You'll get to where I am when you get hit with a dose of reality." Kagome said pulling into her driveway. "Anyway, if you want to believe what you and Miroku have is love and you're happy, you have my support and blessing."
"Oh me oh my. I shall have the greatest and happiest time now." Sango said feigning a southern bell's accent.
"Speaking of which, where is Romeo?"
"He went pick up his friend at the airport. Inu-something."
"So I have you to myself for a whole day?" Kagome said with a dangerous gleam in her eye.
"N-no." Sango said backing up. "I-I-I-'m gonna-"
"Don't even try to get out of this. You have a mountain of work to catch cup on and you know it."
"Kagome, it's too late to work." Sango whined.
"It's noon. The longer you put it off the more work you have to do."
"Fine. I'll do it." She said dragging her feet into Kagome's two-storey house. "I thought working for my best friend in the whole world would be fun."
"It is fun when you do your share." Kagome said. "Besides, with Christmas coming up, we're gonna have a ton of parties and events to plan."
"I know." Sango said as she took her seat before the 'mountain' of papers. "At least I'm doing something I like."
Kagome founded and ran her own company. She accepted events for those who didn't have the time to do it themselves, for those who wanted a certain flair they couldn't do on their own. Now normally, this area of expertise was the most competitive but Kagome was the best. She could organize like no other. It also didn't hurt that she owned her own catering service, floral shop and nursery, a chain of restaurants and one-stop stores. Simply put, Kagome was a genius at business and proved daily. She was the best and people knew it.
After three solid hours of work, Sango was finally done with her back-log of work and ready to call it quits. "I'll never make work pile up like that again."
"That's what you say all the time. And yet it keeps happening. Maybe I should get you an assistant." Kagome said.
"Would you? Really?"
"Sure, why not?" Kagome said. "Anybody in mind?"
"How about Miroku's sister, Serenity?"
"It's up to you." Kagome said. "I'm beat. Wanna grab some dinner?"
"Can't. Meeting Miroku for dinner. Wanna join us?" Sango said slipping her jacket on.
"I don't wanna intrude on Miroku's daily groping." Kagome said smiling.
"Please. Miroku's treat."
"Well, When you say it like that-how can I refuse?" Kagome said. "I'll drive."
"No complaints here." Sango said smiling. "This must be Miroku now." She said when her phone rang. "Hello?...of course…I'm bringing Kagome along; your treat…really?...We'll see you in a bit."
"Ready?" Kagome said once Sango hung up.
"Yep. Miroku said he has a potential client for us."
"As long as I can get my chocolate fix I really don't care."
"You and your chocolate." Sango laughed. "It is because of that very addiction that makes me think you're a romantic at heart."
"You wish." Kagome snorted.
"Hmmm. And to think you have the best voice for love songs."
"You have an overactive imagination." Kagome said. "So where we going?"
"Karaoke bar." Sango grinned.
"You live to torture me don't you?" Kagome said.
"Lighten up. It'll be alright." They rode in silence the rest of the way.
"Miroku!" Sango said throwing herself into her boyfriend's arms.
"I think I was missed." He smiled wickedly.
"Immensely." Sango said. "Next time, tell your friend to rent a car." She said then kissed him.
"Please, I'd like to have something in my stomach before I throw up." Kagome said.
"Still the grouch I see." Miroku said detangling himself from Sango and kissing both of Kagome's cheek's .
"I'm consistent." Kagome said hugging him. "How are you?"
"Great. Never send me on another business trip Kagome."
"Hey, you wanted to be manager so deal with it." Kagome said folding her arms across her chest. "So where's this potential client I heard about?"
"I swear, only business turns you on."
"The ultimate orgasm." Kagome laughed.
"He's securing our seats. Shall we?" Miroku said offering his arms to Sango and Kagome.
"Let's." Sango said and they walked into the dimly lit bar. It smelled of smoke and beer but Kagome would put up with it for her outgoing friends. She looked at Sango who smiled so lovingly at Miroku. Her brown eyes twinkled under the false lights of the bar and her long black hair shone. She was beautiful girl and she had the best arm accessory there was. Miroku was her childhood sweetheart – perverted – but sweet. He had eyes and words that could charm you if you were so inclined. Kagome adored her clique.
"Sango, this is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, my girlfriend, Sango." He shook her hand and smiled warmly.
"Kagome, meet Inuyasha. Inuyasha, Kagome."
"Nice to meet you." Kagome said taking his hand.
Now you're probably thinking it was love at first sight but it wasn't. I wasn't even vaguely attracted to this man. And no I wasn't in denial. Sure, he was handsome. Only the blind could miss that. His eyes were gold and his hair was strangely silver which made me think he was old at first. So, no, it was not the classic romantic meeting as those romance novels describe. I wasn't hot and bothered. My heart didn't speed up. I wasn't tingling. Nothing.
"Nice to meet you too." He replied. "Miroku tells me you're a business genius."
"He exaggerates." Kagome said reclaiming her hand. "I lucked out with a few business ventures and I'm pretty successful at those."
"Told you she was modest." Miroku said. "We all left college with the dream of raking in some money and Kagome was the only one who knew how. As I told you, she's planning to go international."
"Any reason for your interest in our business?" Kagome asked curiously.
"I'm thinking of employing you or any staff member you recommend to cater a function I have coming up."
"What kind of function?"
"A wedding."
"You call a wedding a function?" Sango said incredulously.
"And who's the lucky couple?" Kagome asked, her mind already working around a few themes.
"Inuyasha and his long time fiancée, Kikyo." Miroku said.
"Congratulations." Kagome said.
"Somehow, you don't sound as if you mean it." Inuyasha said.
Kagome shrugged. "To each his own. I'll be happy to help your fiancée with the arrangements."
"Not the marrying kind?" Inuyasha inquired further.
"I wouldn't probe into Kagome's life, Inuyasha." Miroku said.
"It's fine, Miroku." Kagome said running a hand through her silken locks. Had she been looking, she would have caught Inuyasha's eyes widening in surprise then narrowing in contempt. "I'm not a romantic and hence I don't hunt men just so I can get a wedding ring."
"So you have casual relationships? Sexual relationships?" he said his eyes throwing daggers at her. Kagome caught his stare and laughed. His eyes became so cold any other person would have ran away.
"Careful, people might think you're interested, Inuyasha." She laughed again. "I don't sleep around if that's what you're asking. I just don't see the point in running to the altar."
"So you would never marry?"
"Never say never." She said then drank some of her water. "Let's just say, I'm not in the business of finding a man to spend my money." Inuyasha nodded.
Inuyasha observed the raven-haired beauty that sat across from him and instantly disliked her. Well not her exactly, he admitted. He was intrigued by her and she seemed unaffected by his presence. Her brown eyes shone even though they were in a bar with dim lights. Her black hair seemed to capture every beam of light and sparkled with it. He was engaged to be married and here he was captivated by a woman who was not his beloved Kikyo. He was angry with himself and her though his reasons for being angry with her were completely unfounded. The announcer broke into his thoughts and he diverted his attention to the stage and away from the woman named Kagome.
"Wasn't that lovely?" he said. The crowd applauded as was the custom of karaoke bars, no matter how terrible the singing was. "Next up we have…" he paused to look at his programme then smiled. "It's our favorite couple, Miroku and Sango." The bar erupted and said couple went up to the stage with as much humility as a rooster.
"Good evening everybody." Sango said. "We're gonna do the song 'Love Will find a Way' by Sam Cooke." The crowd hollered and whooped at them while the first bars of the song rang out.
"If love wants to travel to your heart love will find a way"
Miroku: I tell you no, no mountain is too high and no peak too high to climb
Sango: And no, no place is too remote for true love to find
Miroku: I know no, no river is too wide no matter what people say
Both: No, if love wants to travel to your heart, love will find a way
Kagome and Inuyasha gave each other knowing looks and smiled.
Both: Oh the mountains, oh the valleys, oh the streams love will climb
Sango: Seeking a place in your heart
Both: If there are two people, love wants to combine
Miroku: Nothing can keep them apart
Sango: I know that no, no river is too wide no matter what people say (no matter what they say)
Both: If love wants to travel to your heart love will find a way
Both: I know that if love wants to travel to your heat love will find a way.
Miroku and Sango bowed and said 'thank yous' as they made their way back to their seats.
"Impressive." Inuyasha said to Sango. "You made up for Miroku's terrible voice."
"You wound me, Inuyasha." Miroku said holding his heart. The truth is, Miroku had a great singing voice. "So are you gonna sing for us tonight Kagome?"
"Sure." Sarcasm dripping from her mouth.
"Oh come on Kags. You haven't sung in years."
"With good reason." She said and picked at her fries.
"Please." Sango begged. "I'll buy you chocolate."
"No fair." Kagome said glaring at her best friend.
"All's fair in love and war."
"I'm not singing."
"Chocolate ice-cream, black forest cake, chocolate chip cook-"
"Ok, Ok. You win." Sango clapped and signaled to the announcer.
"We have a late addition to the programme but it promises to be a treat. Please welcome to the stage Kagome Higurashi." Applause was scattered and Kagome wondered if she had hit her head at any time on her way here.
"Hi." She said shyly. "Let's see, I'll do…" she flipped through the song selections until she saw one she could do without throwing up.
If you remember, I hate love songs. I don't sing them because they make no sense to me but here I am onstage and all the songs are love songs. Thankfully I know them enough not to embarrass myself. Can you tell I'm mortified?
"I'll do 'Karma'." The first few bars played out with the background vocals.
Weren't you the one who said that you don't want me anymore?
And how you need your space and give keys back to your door?
And how I cried and tried and tried to make you stay with me
But still you said the love was gone and that I had to leave.
(Now you) talking 'bout a family
(Now you) saying I complete your dreams
(Now you) saying I'm your everything
You're confusing me, what you saying to me
Don't play with me, don't play with me
'Cause what goes around comes around what goes up must come down
Now who crying, desiring to come back to me?
What goes around comes around what goes up must come down
Now who crying, desiring to come back to…
I remember when I would sit at home alone waiting for you 'til three o' clock in the morn'….
"She's great isn't she?" Sango boasted. Inuyasha nodded to her comment but kept his gaze fixed on the transformed Kagome. Gone was the cynical woman and before him was a goddess telling it like it is. Unattainable and completely wild. A siren.
(Now you) wanna be a part of me
(Now you) have so much to say to me
(Now you) wanna make time for me
What you do to me, you're confusing me
Don't play with me, don't play with me
Now here I am singing my heart out and I'm remembering when I wasn't always that cynical. I wasn't always so hell-bent on staying away from the romantic side of the world but experiences change you.
Kagome looked at the screen and almost sighed in relief when she saw the song was almost done. She cursed her lack of knowledge on songs because she would have known that this song hit too close to home. She sang the last line and the songs faded out. She handed the mike over and returned to her seat.
"Fabulous as usual, Kags." Sango cheered.
"You owe me a month of chocolate for that." Kagome said resting her head on the table.
"For someone who speaks as if she's untouchable," Inuyasha said. "That song was done with a great deal of-emphasis."
Kagome glared at him then remembering that he was a potential client, she smiled. "I never do anything half-assed."
"Indeed." He said. "Miroku, I think I should call it a day. I need to catch up on my sleep."
"Sure thing. I'll pick you up tomorrow and bring you by Kagome's."
"Sounds like a plan." He rose and inclined his head to Sango and Kagome who did the same. "Nice meeting the both of you." They watched him leave then they both turned on Kagome.
"What?" she said noticing the stares. When they said nothing she gritted her teeth and repeated herself.
"I'm surprised you didn't stick him with the fork." Miroku said.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You were so defensive."
"No I wasn't. I was very calm considering he was prying."
"You really riled him up." Miroku said stroking his jaw. "I haven't seen him so agitated since-hell, I've never seen him so agitated. You sure know how to get under a person's skin."
"Its s gift." Kagome said sarcastically. "I think I'm gonna go home now. You'll catch a ride with Miroku?"
"Yeah." Sango said. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"I expect to see something chocolate." Kagome warned then left.
Sango and Miroku looked at each other. "You don't think-no." Sango said.
"Never. At least I don't think-"
"Is it possible?"
"Well, not on her side but he was definitely checking her out." Miroku said.
"But he's engaged."
"He's a man with red blood in his veins. Kagome is-" he paused wondering if it was safe to say the rest.
"God's gift to man." Sango finished.
"I hope he doesn't do anything stupid." Miroku said as they walked together out of the club.
"Would he?"
"No. He's so careful." Miroku said after thinking about it.
"And Kags doesn't poach."
"Thankfully." He started his car and rove Sango home before heading home himself.
Damn. The woman was driving him crazy. She hadn't given an inkling that she was interested in him and as silly as it was, given his status, it bruised his ego. He was used to women falling over themselves to get his attention – not that he paid any attention. He was in love with Kikyo. Kikyo. He conjured up her image and smiled gently. He could smell her perfume now and feel the silkiness of her long, black hair. He could hear her soft, subdued voice as it caressed his senses. He needed to hear her voice but she was tied up in meetings for the day. She'd call when she was free. Right now, he needed to get some sleep. He had a wedding to plan.
He woke up in a cold sweat and very painful hard-on that had nothing to do with his very sexy and very sweet fiancée. He covered his eyes as a vision of another passion-filled face lingered from his dreams. He was behaving like a pubescent boy having his first wet dream. He groaned and climbed into a frigid shower. Breakfast was a generous serving of ramen. Kikyo hated the stuff but she tolerated his addiction to it.
He was putting away his bowl when he heard Miroku's car horn. He grabbed his jacket and headed out to meet him.
"Now, Kagome, be nice to Inuyasha."
"I don't need to be nice. I juts need to be professional."
"At least give him the benefit of the doubt. He is Miroku's friend."
"You have a point. I should just shoot him now." Kagome said then laughed when Sango glared at her. "I'm joking of course. I'll be nice." Kagome said.
"And try not to pay attention to his attraction to you." Sango said carelessly.
"Attraction?"
"Uh-"
"What attraction?"
"I-uh-well-It-"
"Sango."
"You mean you didn't notice?"
"Notice what?"
"How he was checking you out."
"You're delusional. He's engaged to be married."
"The last I checked, engaged men still have a penis and testosterone."
"You're so vulgar."
"It's from spending so much time with you." Sango said snagging one of the chocolate chip cookies. Kagome glared at her then threw a rubber ball at her. "You're so vicious."
"My cookies." She said childishly. Sango laughed then went to get the door.
"Morning you two." She said brightly giving each a kiss on the cheek. "Kagome's in the back." They returned her greeting and followed her to the rear of the building. Kagome looked up as they came in and smiled. Her hair was pulled away from her face in a high bun and she wore what appeared to be reading glasses.
"Morning." She said and showed off two rows of brilliant teeth. "How are you two?"
"I'm fine." Miroku said perching on her desk. Inuyasha did not answer but Kagome paid his obvious evasion to the question no mind.
"I have a few samples you can look at; tell me if you like anything and I'll come up with a few ideas for your wedding."
"Okay." He said and took the book she offered, his fingers brushing hers momentarily. His jaw tightened but she chatted with Sango as if nothing happened. He flipped through the book intent on ignoring his body's betrayal of his better senses. "I like the jasmine garden theme." He said. "Could we have it with different varieties of Jasmine?"
"As many as you like." She said. "My florist will make them available."
"Is it possible to have them planted in my own garden along with lilies?"
Kagome blinked. "You want to redo a real garden for your wedding?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Uh-no." She made a note of it. "I'll need to see the space early."
"We'll view it as soon as you're ready." He said turning another page in the book.
"Any particular colour scheme?"
"I'm not sure." He said looking at a wall. "I though of red but Kikyo hates the idea of s colour so bright."
"How about if we did shades of red so it wouldn't be so harsh."
"It could work."
"I'll see what I can do." She said. "See anything else that you like?" By now Sango and Miroku had wandered off to tend to other business.
He looked at her. "Yes." Her eyes widened in surprise at the insinuation but she didn't comment. "Do you have pictures of water features I could look at?"
"Yes." She handed him another book and watched him intently. She thought back to what Sango said and immediately she disliked his awareness of her. It spelled trouble.
"These are too-cold. I need something that will fit in with a warm, welcoming garden. Something you can always look at. Something that is part of the garden but still manages to stand out in its own way."
"Hmmm." Kagome said. "I'll have a sketch for you once I see the space." He nodded. "Will your fiancée be joining us at anytime to help with the planning. I'd love to know what she would like."
"She'll show up for the service. That's all that's required of her."
Kagome frowned. "She doesn't want to plan the wedding?"
"She's not the type of woman who has time for such frivolities." Kagome nodded not really understanding what woman would not want to help plan her own wedding.
"Any ideas on the cake then?" she said.
"Anything will do as long as it's quality." He said flippantly. "I'm going to need some roses in the garden too. Anything you think would fit in is fine."
"You know, I get the impressions that you're more concerned with the garden than the actual wedding." She said and sighed.
"Excuse me?"
"Never mind." She said quickly. "Any specifications for the food at the wedding? The guest list? Where you want the service to be held?"
"The service will be held at a church per my mother's request. The reception will be at my home in Sicily."
"You are Sicilian?"
"Yes." He said.
"And your fiancée?"
"Japanese."
"You don't have an accent. I would never have guessed."
"I studied in Tokyo so had time to get rid of accent and become fluent in the native language."
Kagome nodded. "Is there anything you want to tell me to keep in mind for the wedding?"
"Keep it simple but elegant."
"Ok." Kagome said. "Now how am I supposed to view a garden all the way in Sicily when I'm based here in Tokyo?"
"I'll pay for all expenses. You will accompany me to my home and begin preparing for the wedding."
"Oh, by the way, the most important question. When is the big day?"
"In two weeks."
"You're joking."
"No. I hope it is not inconvenient."
"It's very short notice."
"Yes but it can be done." He said.
"Its not impossible." She chewed her bottom lip then answered. "Give me a few hours to arrange everything and then we can be on our way."
"Good. I'll call you at about three today." He said looking at his watch.
"Fine. Pleasure doing business with you."
"Will it be a pleasure?" he said ambiguously but left indicating he didn't require a response.
"So?"
"So what?"
"Did you pick up on what I was talking about?"
"No. But besides your overactive imagination you need to pack because we're leaving for Sicily later today to plan a wedding."
"You're kidding." Sango said.
"No." Kagome looked at her watch. "I have six hours to get a team together and ready to fly." Sango stood as if in a trance. "You and Miroku head the list. Call Ayame and tell her to get together a crew for the catering." Sango took up a note pad and began writing. "Tell Kouga to pick one person to take with him because we're gonna be doing landscaping. Tell Rin to send an inventory of her Jasmine, lily and rose varieties. Add Balsam to that list. Tell her to pick one person to carry with her." She swung her chair around.
Anything I can do?" Miroku said.
"Stupid question. Arrange for a photographer here and in Sicily. Work on the guest list with Inuyasha. Arrange for the media aspect. Scope out the church that they'll be using. Find out what they plan to wear. Manage the bride's and the groom's entourage. Work with Ayame. We'll work from there. Now go home get packed and them call everybody else."
"What will you be doing?"
"I'm gonna call Hojo and Shippo so that they can help me with the art and decoration."
"About my assistant-"
"Now?"
"I'll take my little brother. He can help me with whatever I can find."
"Fine. What about Miroku's sister, Serenity?"
"She's coming. She'll help me with the music and such."
"Ok. Let's get moving people. This wedding is in two weeks."
"Let's go." They all moved around and got their work done.
By the time it was three, Kagome had an army ready to plan a wedding. They all congregated at the airport where Inuyasha had prepared a private jet to carry all of them. "Are we ready?" Kagome said.
"Yep. All we need to do is get to Sicily and get to work."
"Let's board then." Inuyasha said.
"You work fast." Inuyasha said once they were airborne.
"You sound surprised."
"I am." He admitted. "Every other planner I've talked to has asked for more time and extra money for poor quality. They also don't provide as many services as you."
"Well, I can't promise it won't cost more than usual but I'm reasonable when it comes to my prices."
"I trust Miroku's judgment."
"How long have you known him?"
"I met him my second year in Japan. I think I was sixteen."
"And were you as perverted as him?" He looked at her shocked but be smiled after a second had passed.
"No. Miroku had his own style and I preferred to be left alone." She was silent for a second then she smiled.
"Oh, I get it. Miroku was the hunter and you were the hunted."
"You could put it that way. I was never short on offers for company but I was always a loner."
"So how is it that out of all the girls, Kikyo grabbed your?"
"She is different. She's quiet, hardworking and goes after what she wants. She showed interest in me but never pursued me like the other girls."
"Okay. Romantic." Kagome said and laughed.
He laughed too. "Romantic I am not. Ours is a practical relationship."
"None of the make-believe passion that others profess."
"Passion is hardly make-believe." He said. "But it is fickle thing."
"Indeed." Kagome said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to visit the bathroom."
"Of course."
Miroku took Kagome's seat. "Easy there, Don juan." He joked. Inuyasha glared at him.
"This is hardly funny." He whispered.
"Kagome is attractive but remember she is planning your wedding."
"I'm fully aware of that."
"But you still want her."
"I'm a man with blood like the rest of you." He said running a hand over his face.
"And maybe you're a man who is realizing he shouldn't have to marry because it makes sense to do so."
"I'll never find what you and Sango have."
"That doesn't mean you settle." Miroku said. "If you ask me-"
"I didn't."
"Kikyo doesn't want this anymore than you do."
"We love each other."
"I hope so because if you don't you're gonna make each other miserable."
I'm hiding in the bathroom so I can escape that smoldering look Inuyasha keeps giving me. He is engaged and yet he's looking at me as if he wants to eat me. I'm still not feeling any tingling and I'm not giving nay come-hither signals so I'm wondering what his problem is. I took courage in the fact that once he saw his fiancée again he'd forget all about me and I'd carry off the biggest commission without a hitch. Or so I thought.
It was three days to the big day and I still hadn't seen a glimpse of the bride-to-be. So far, Kagome had to be filling in for this Kikyo woman for the rehearsals. It wasn't her cup of tea. She was on her tenth cup of hot chocolate and the day was not getting better.
"Where are the flowers, Rin?"
"Customs." She said pulling at her hair. "I don't know what to do. My babies are gonna die without me there."
"Go get them."
"I can't go unless Inuyasha or a family member comes with me because I'll get lost."
"Help!" Kagome whimpered. She knocked back the rest of the hot chocolate. "Inuyasha, do you have anybody you can send with Rin to get the damn flowers here?"
"The only person not doing something for you is my brother and well he's-"
"Perfect. Where is he?"
"I wouldn't ask-"
"Do you want this garden or not?"
"Fine. But you're the one asking." He took her elbow and led her to a room with Rin in tow.
"I hope this is important." Sesshomaru said his accent more prominent than his younger brother.
"I'm Kagome, the organizer of this whole mess." She sighed exasperated.
"And I care why?"
"Well, my florist here," she said gesturing to Rin. "Is having a melt down because the flowers we have shipped were sent to customs instead of here and she doesn't know the way. Everybody's busy except you so please take her to get the flowers."
"Why?" he said. "I don't care of Inuyasha gets his garden or not." Kagome narrowed her eyes at him leaned over the desk.
"Because if I get anymore agitated I'm going to be more than a pain in your ass. I'm going to be your nightmare."
"Am I supposed to be intimidated?"
"I don't try to intimidate people." Kagome warned. "I promise you won't have a moment's peace if you don't those flowers here, now." His eyes widened in surprise at her tone. No one had ever dared to speak to him like that. He looked at Inuyasha.
"You should marry her and not that mouse of a woman." He said and rose. "Come, I'll go with you for these flowers."
"You got Sesshy to do something. I'm impressed." Kagome turned sharply to look at him.
"Get me another cup of hot chocolate and get your damn fiancée here tonight so she can fit the damn dress."
"Who knew you'd get cranky?" Inuyasha muttered.
"Maybe I wouldn't be cranky if you'd stop making googly eyes at me and get your absentee girlfriend to help plan this wedding. I mean, you'd think a willing bride would be chasing you away from the whole planning process."
"She's willing."
"I don't care if you hog tie her and put a gun to her so that she'll marry you, she needs to be here now."
Inuyasha's eyes flashed angry now. "I am your employee and you will not speak to me like that." He said, his accent filtering into his voice.
"Or what? You'll fire me. I don't care either but you will pay for all the time we put in so far and it's not cheap if you remember. So go ahead, fire me." She folded her hands across her chest and breathed hard. She meant every word she said. She watched him intently but she was unprepared for him moving so quickly towards her that she lost her balance. "W-Wh-" she breathed out but he stopped any words with his own lips. She struggled against him but she had to admit he was a brilliant kisser. She was being kissed by a man to be married in three days. She made sure not to give in to the demands of his skillful lips and finally detached herself.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Kagome said wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. It didn't help. He was a taste she would always remember. She backed up when he stepped towards her. "Don't come near me." She warned. "I'm gonna walk out his door and pretend this never happened. I'm gonna finish planning your wedding and then I'm flying back to Tokyo and I'm forgetting you existed."
"Kagome-"
"No. I'm leaving now." She gave him a wide berth and essentially avoided him for the rest of the day. Her team got the idea not to bother her so speaking to her was an option only if the whole house burned down.
By late afternoon, the garden was completed and Inuyasha was congratulating everyone on a job well done.
"Ayame, get started on the food for the wedding in-" she looked at her watch. "Three hours?" she said looking at Ayame.
"Sure thing. I'll just prep everyone on what we're doing."
"What's the menu you decided on?"
"Well, lots of ramen for the groom, fish for the bride and chicken for both parents."
"And the guests?"
"They'll have a choice of fish, chicken, tofu, rice and some other stuff. I'll vary how each dish is done. They can order ready made or made to order."
"Sounds good. So you guys will stay on for the wedding and the clean up then fly back to Tokyo so we can get started on Mr. Nakamura's Christmas ball and…you guys know the rest."
"You okay boss?"
"Yeah sure, just peachy."
"You sure sound peachy." She responded just as sarcastically.
"Look, just get the work done."
"Yeah, whatever."
"I can fire you remember?"
"So you keep telling me. I'll get the stuff done. Take it easy and don't kill Sango yet."
"Why? Did she do something wrong?" she said narrowing her eyes.
"Uh-no. For get I said anything."
Kagome took off in search of Sango meanwhile chills ran up and down her spine knowing that something was wrong. She opened a door and came upon Sango who jumped, a guilty expression on her face.
"Kagome!"
"What did you do?" Kagome said advancing on her.
"Do? I didn't do anything."
"I've know you for a long, long time, Sango."
"Ugh! Fine. I was trying to get Kikyo, the bride, her but she blew me off and Inuyasha wasn't any help either and you know I need to do the fitting of the dress that she chose so I'm out of options and I didn't know what to do so Inuyasha suggested I look at one of her dresses and it turns out that the two of you are the same size so I was in here measuring the dress but it's not working out so I had to call back Kikyo and she said to let you fill in for her so I said sure and now-"
"Okay stop." Kagome said getting a headache. "Breathe." Kagome said. Sango released a breath that had been forgotten in her rambling. "Now, break it down and summarize exactly what you did and why I shouldn't kill you."
"I told Kikyo that you could fit the dress and fill in for her until she got here for the wedding."
"And when exactly is the bride supposed to be getting here?"
"The wedding day at ten." Sango said her voice trailing off.
"Sango, I hope you can fit that dress on yourself because I'm done. I have three things left to do and once I do them, I'm booking a flight back to Tokyo."
"But-"
"This is not my wedding. I'm in charge of organizing it. If that dress doesn't fit Kikyo tow days from now, I don't really care because its her fault for not showing up and it's Inuyasha's fault for marrying a woman that obviously does not want to get married."
"I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees that." Sesshomaru said walking in and closing the door. "Although I hope you haven't said this to my little brother. He's had his heart set on marrying that witch of a woman for years."
"He could marry the devil for all I care. I was hired to plan this thing and I did just that. The only hitch in this plan is the fiancée. But I won't be here when it goes to hell. No. I'll be planning a Christmas ball."
"I see." He walked to a chair smiled at the nervous Sango then looked at Kagome. He sat and after a few seconds of tense silence said. "I can assure you, you and your staff will be paid handsomely for all the extra work you had to do. But, I want you to keep in mind that once you leave, my brother will no longer marry that woman."
"Why?"
"If you stay he'll marry her out of pride and determination to prove that he can-resist you but once you leave, he won't have anything to prove to anyone. So please, don't take it personally when I ask you to leave."
"So I'm the only thing that ensures he marries this Kikyo person?"
"Yes."
"Then maybe I should stay. He deserves to marry her."
"Have I misjudged you, Kagome?" Sesshomaru said.
"Maybe."
"Would you excuse us, Sango? I have a few things to say to Kagome."
"Sure thing." Sango said after trying to be inconspicuous.
"You really are an idiot." Miroku said after hearing what Inuyasha had to say. "How could you kiss Kagome? I thought you were in love with Kikyo."
"I am." The distressed man said, his eyes darkened by the intensity of his feelings.
"And yet you kissed Kagome who I'm sure isn't even attracted to you." Miroku said.
"I know." He said a deathly anger making his voice tight.
"So why?"
"I have no idea." Inuyasha said.
"Ok." They were silent for a moment. "Answer this, your wedding is in two days; can you look at Kikyo and promise to be faithful in body and mind?" Inuyasha stared at his friend a hasty 'yes' burning his tongue but a dull ache at the back of his eyes telling him he could never truly remain faithful to Kikyo in mind. Not when a woman named Kagome Higurashi walked the streets single. He closed his eyes then met Miroku's eyes with anger and anguish. "Cancel the wedding. Pay Kagome and everybody for their services and move on."
"I can't do that. Kikyo is-"
"Kikyo doesn't even love you. You don't love Kikyo." He saw the protest about to erupt and hastily added. "Not the way you should love your wife. Not the way you could possibly grow to love Kagome."
"I'm getting married in two days." He said determinedly.
"Then you need to put Kagome out of your mind. Kikyo might not love you but she doesn't deserve to be lied to."
"I know."
"Cancel the wedding."
"I need to talk to Sessho."
"He'll probably tell you the same thing."
"You people know something I don't?"
"Cancel the wedding."
"I'm gonna talk to Sessho."
"I'll be in my assigned room." Miroku said. "Hopefully Sango's already there."
"Are you out of your mind? I'm not gonna seduce your brother."
"Why? You're capable of it."
"I'm also capable of murder but you don't see me killing anybody." Kagome shouted. "I'm leaving."
"Wait." Sesshomaru said. "Forgive my desperation for wanting to spare my brother the hardship of marrying a woman who can't please him."
"And how do you know-forget it I don't want to know."
"Very well." He said with a smirk. "I can't force you. I'll try to stop this on my own." Kagome sighed and pulled at her hair.
"How about you get his mother to help out. I'm sure you Sicilians listen to your parents advice."
"We are also very stubborn." He said.
"That I know." Kagome said. "Well gang up on him or something but I'm not getting involved."
"Very well. Goodnight." He said. Kagome inclined her head and made to leave. She opened the door revealing a very angry Inuyasha. She pushed past him leaving him to stare angrily after her.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing. Come have a drink with me." Sesshomaru said pouring a finger of whiskey each.
"No thanks. I need a clear head."
"Of course."
"I need your advice." Inuyasha said diving right in.
"Shoot."
"I'm having second thoughts about this whole marrying Kikyo thing."
"The wedding's in two days, Inuyasha. You've spent all this money."
"I just don't think Kikyo is right for me."
"Is it because of the lovely Kagome?"
"What?" he said feigning surprise.
"I can't help you if you lie to me." Sesshomaru said folding his arms across his chest.
"Fine. I like her but that's not the only reason."
"Well, my advice is call Kikyo and tell her to stay in London and send out notice to your guests."
"Cancel?"
"Save yourself the trouble of a messy divorce." Sesshomaru wanted to say annulment but he bit his tongue on that one.
"But-"
"Mom and dad don't want you marrying her."
"They don't?"
"No in the least."
"But-"
"Tell you what, Kikyo won't be here until the wedding day so you have until then to decide what you want to do. Okay?"
"Okay." He looked at his brother and his face twisted. "Thanks."
Sesshomaru smiled at his expense. "My pleasure." He said. Inuyasha left to do his thinking and while Sesshomaru planned to execute his own version of romance.