Fanfiction Summary: AU -- An Inuyasha & Kagome and Sango and Miroku pairing fanfiction. Romance, Drama, Heartaches, and Smoothies – Lessons in Relationships and of Love. All it takes are a couple of teenage employees working in a smoothie shop. Who knew life could be so juicy? R&R
Author's Note: Last Updated on February 19th, 2006 -- Well I haven't touched this fanfiction in such a long time, so I had to reread everything in order for me to continue writing this story. While I was reading, I found a lot of mistakes so I've decided to repost this chapter -- along with reposting the other chapter. The prologue and the first chapter are ridiculously long, so maybe I'll shorten them. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing this!
Disclaimers: I do not own InuYasha or any of these characters. Don't sue me or I'll have to get a job working at a smoothie shop as well, aha.
A n I n u Y a s h a F a n f i c t i o n
Isn't Life Juicy?
An Alternate Universe Pairing Fanfiction
Kagome & InuYasha – Sango & Miroku
By Aienkien-Jitsuni
Isn't Life Juicy?
PROLOGUE
Just Add Smoothies
They gazed into each other's eyes – his were a brilliant shade of amber, while hers were a dark chocolate brown. He suddenly grabbed her hands and laced his fingers with hers. She tried to pull away but their hands were entwined, and deep inside she knew she didn't want to let go. He tucked her stray strands of long raven hair behind her ear, while she moved closer to his face until her lips lingered over his. Then they both kissed each other passionately, unaware of their surroundings, the crowds, and the people – forgetting about everything and everyone around them except for themselves and for each other. They were off in their worlds, drowning in each other. Their regrets, the mistakes, and the words exchanged faded away into showers of kisses. This event of heartache was a tragic story of romance, covered up behind what seemed like ordinary public affection. Their kisses told the tale of one heart holding on and of another heart letting go -- and yet they didn't care at all about the witnesses who saw this event take place.
"Sango, do you see that?" asked Kagome, nudging her friend -- who was too busy looking through the 75-percent off clothes rack to notice.
"See what?" Sango answered uninterested, her mind considering a pink blouse that was at a decent price because of the sale. Kagome shook her head in disbelief and forced Sango's pink eye shadowed eyes to get a look at what Kagome was so interested in.
"Disgusting! You'd think they'd get a room." Sango snorted to herself, wondering what in the world possessed some people these days.
"No, that would be the decent thing to do." Kagome said sarcastically, "Making out in public…please! Atleast have some mercy on the innocent, who'd rather gouge their eyes out then watch couples like that suck face. My retinas are burning by seeing such a stupid couple lusting after each other. Argh!"
Kagome wrinkled her nose in disgust but really she was wishing she were in that girl's shoes. Ever since she was a little girl she's wanted to have the perfect romance – a knight in shining armor to sweep her off her feet and take her away to the castle and live happily ever after. She decided this when she was 7 years old, right after her mom told her the story of how she and her father met. It was like one of those things that you read out of a romance novel. But after 9 years of waiting around for the perfect guy she knew her dreams would never come true. Kagome was tired of hearing about on and off relationships, the breakups and the make ups, of listening to girls who are love sick one week and then a week or two later are in a heartbroken mess of tears. She's also had her share of boys and admirers, knowing fully well that they would never work out. Basically Kagome had already given up on the idea of love, romance, and of boys – why take a chance when you can get your heart broken? Kagome liked her heart to remain whole, thank you very much -- and until she met the perfect guy, she wasn't going to waste her heart on a stupid high school relationship. So Kagome shared her pain and teenage girl angst with Sango, who also understood that relationships were just a different form of a living hell. To Sango, they were a pain in the ass and shouldn't be bothered with -- and that was that. It was inevitable that they would become best friends instantly because of their common ideas on love and relationships.
"Come on Kagome, let's get out of here. That couple making out over there is definitely making me sick to the stomach. Besides, these clothes here are way too girly for me. Let's go try that new boutique that opened up near the food court!" exclaimed Sango as she walked away from the store. Kagome gave one more longing look at the couple and quickly shook her head and forgot about them.
Despite Sango's fashion sense she was glad to have her as a best friend.
The two girls walked out of the little boutique, heads hanging down in disappointment. They weren't carrying any shopping bags, despite spending the whole day at the mall. Every girl knows spending a whole day at the mall without buying a thing was a waste of time -- and in that moment, that's exactly how they felt.
"Did you see that cute little blue strapless dress? If only I had some cash on me!" whined Kagome, collapsing onto one of the many available benches that were all over the mall. Sango plunked down right next to her.
"And that amazing pink eye shadow and eyeliner! I wanted to get it so bad!" complained Sango as she crossed her arms defiantly. Kagome gave her an exasperated look.
"Sango, are you crazy? You have tons and tons of pink eye shadow and eyeliner. They're all the same, no matter what you say." Said Kagome patting her friend on the shoulder. Sango lightly slapped her hand away.
"No they aren't! That eye shadow was definitely more pinker, and that eye liner no doubt defines better than mine does." Said Sango matter-of-factly. Kagome smiled while Sango pouted even more.
"If we only had some money! Face it Kagome, we are just flat out broke. It's pathetic really." Said Sango, now putting her elbows on her knees and her hands to her face. Kagome stood up and leaned against the bench.
"What can we do though?" sighed Kagome thinking up the many get-rich schemes she tried in her mind. Hmm – a penguin, tons of ramen, coffee drinks, and pink striped umbrellas? Nope, that wasn't going to work. No matter how hard she tried all she could come up with were these outrageous schemes that would never work.
While Kagome was off in her own world, Sango looked down and found a bright yellow flyer. She picked up the piece of paper and an in instant her disappointed frown turned into an all out grin.
"Smoothies!" shouted Sango excitedly, like she just had found the answer to the meaning of life. Kagome looked at her and laughed.
"Trust me, Sango. I already thought of that! But if we're going to use smoothies to make some money we also need gallons of pudding and an empty pool and a raft…but never mind that. I already thought it through and it's never going to work." explained Kagome, but Sango looked at her like she was crazy.
"What are you talking about, Kagome? I was talking about getting a job at the local smoothie shop that's just about to open." said Sango, giving Kagome a strange look.
"Oh, I totally knew that. What did you think I was talking about?" shrugged off Kagome nervously.
"See here? It says 'Looking for Hip Teenagers to Help Make Smoothies! Employment Opportunities Available!'" Sango exclaimed, practically stuffing the flyer in front of Kagome because she was so excited. Kagome grabbed the bright yellow paper and looked at it.
"Sango, do you think we can get the job? We have no smoothie-making experience whatsoever." Kagome said thoughtfully. Sango snatched back the paper and pointed towards a small line at the bottom of the page.
"It also says 'No Experience Needed! Enthusiastic Help Wanted! Working Wages Fair! -- First Come, First Served!' Think about it, we have no experience, we're enthusiastic, and we're hip teenagers! As long as we're the first ones who apply, I'm sure we'll get the job! Before you know it, we'll earn a lot of money and we'll no longer be broke!" shouted Sango. Kagome tried to calm Sango down because she was now drawing stares from people.
"Sango, I don't know…I mean, smoothies aren't my favorite and…" Kagome said slowly, unsure if this was going to work or not. Sango sighed and pointed towards the boutique, which was displaying the elegant blue dress that Kagome had wanted earlier.
"Kagome. Look at that dress. Just add smoothies and that dress could be yours!" whispered Sango, knowing that this would get to her friend. Kagome thought about it for a second. She suddenly stood up and started running.
"What the…? Kagome where are you going?" Sango called out to Kagome, who was almost on the other side of the mall because she was running so fast. Kagome stopped and gave Sango an exaggerated look.
"What do you mean? I'm going to the smoothie shop to get us an application! First come, first served remember? Now hurry up!" shouted Kagome. As soon as she was done she started sprinting again.
Sango just shook her head in disbelief and ran after her friend.
Breathe in…Breathe out…
Breathe in…Breathe out…
Concentrate, Do not lose your focus.
Forget about everything and anything around you… Do not let that girl make you lose your focus! No matter how pretty she is,
Forget about where you are or the settings
That are around you.
Or how amazingly impressive she is…Wow, that is so sexy.
"Challenger One was unable to defeat Challenger Two! Challenger Two wins this battle!" exclaimed the Tai Kwon Do Master, Kiuchi-sensei. Miroku lay there, unable to move because of disbelief.
'Did I just…lose?' thought Miroku as he got up mechanically and bowed down to the challenger. He looked right into her dark brown eyes, which stood out against the pink eyeliner she wore. And then in an instant those eyes were gone – class was over.
Miroku looked around frantically for the girl that had just defeated him. He caught a glimpse of her dark brown hair that was tied up in a high ponytail and before he could even say his infamous pickup line his teacher stopped him.
"Now, Houshi-san, I know it's hard to get beat by a girl. You're probably devastated right now. But you must understand that she has had more experience than you. She is one of the best students that I have had the chance to train and she is very talented. One day, you'll be as good as her and maybe even better -- because I know that you are capable of…" lectured Kiuchi-sensei. Unfortunately his words were wasted, as Miroku paid more attention to the beautiful girl walking out of the classroom and less attention to what his sensei was saying. He quickly interrupted his master.
"Kiuchi-sensei! What was her name?" asked Miroku in a rush. The teacher looked at him in surprise but did not wonder why he asked such a thing.
"Her name is Sango, Sango Taijiya." answered the old man.
"Sango…" Miroku repeated to himself. He liked her name.
"Gomen nesai, sensei but I must get going or I will be late for another engagement. Please forgive me for my rude behavior. I'm so glad that I have met you and that you are my master. I'm sure I'll learn a lot from you. I'll see you next week!" Miroku said all of this very quickly, barely spacing out the words so that it was hard for the sensei to make out what he had said.
After bowing to his sensei and muttering his apologies, he quickly ran out of the classroom and left his teacher dumbfounded.
There she was. He had finally found her. Despite the crowds of classmates and students that separated them, she somehow stood out from the rest of the crowd. She was leaning against her locker, staring out into the window that displayed the blossoming cherry trees that were outside on the campus of the school. She was beautiful.
Miroku immediately made his way through the groups of people – occasionally getting some high-fives and pats on the backs from guys and giggles and whispers from girls. He finally reached his destination: Sango Taijiya.
It was here he finally got a good look at her. He studied her up and down. She had dark brown hair that was now loosely tied up in a low ponytail, and she had a beautiful pair of eyes that matched the shade of her hair when it was in the light. They were lined and made up in pink eye shadow and eyeliner that made her big brown eyes stand out. You could see her confidence in her posture and the strength in the build of her body.
Yet, Miroku sensed a presence of loneliness. It was faint, but it was definitely there. Miroku wanted her to never feel lonely ever again, to never feel like she was all alone because he was there for her.
He literally was there for her – and for her breasts.
It was only a slight graze of his hand, but it was enough for her to snap her head back and turn a slight shade of pink. Her wide brown eyes were filled with disgust, disbelief, and fury. In a moment of violent rage, she did all she could to strangle the guy.
"HENTAI!"
'Smack!'
This was the moment, according to Miroku, where he fell in love with Sango Taijiya.
Sango stood over the poor guy, who fell to the ground from the force of the impressive smack (he had a red handprint mark on his face to prove it). She chuckled to herself and smiled triumphantly as she turned to walk away from the scene. The whole school was practically silent as she made her way (well the way was practically made for her as they separated, afraid to get in her way) through the students. The girls' mouths dropped in awe and guys' eyes were wide in astonishment.
As soon as she left they all broke out in excited whispers and chatter. Of course they were too busy gossiping to notice the paper that fell out of Sango's brown messenger bag, which landed right on Miroku – who laid there unconscious with a hopeless, lecherous smile on his face.
"I'm in love!" proclaimed Miroku to his hanyou friend. The half-human half-dog demon gave him his usual I-don't-even-know-why-I'm-best-friends-with-you look. InuYasha sighed to himself and rolled his eyes.
"Who's the lucky girl who is honored with the feelings and heart of the greatest pervert in Shikon no Tama High history? And…what the hell happened to your face?" asked InuYasha, tilting his head a little and wondering how a red handprint mark got on the lecher's face.
Miroku's silly grin grew wider as he just replied simply, "The girl that I'm in love with, she slapped me! She's crazy about me, you know. Her name is Sango, Sango Taijiya!"
InuYasha couldn't believe his dog demon ears, which were very much believable all the time and very accurate considering the fact that he had canine hearing.
"You WHAT? You love 'The Girl Exterminator'? Listen Miroku, her smack might have knocked your sense out of you, but she's not called 'The Girl Exterminator' for nothing. She's the toughest girl to be with! Literally. She's really strong and she's known to be the best Tai Kwon Do fighter -- undefeated even!" explained InuYasha. But despite his efforts, he was definitely not getting through the hopelessly in love lecher. InuYasha was getting impatient.
"MIROKU! GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEAD!" InuYasha shouted as he punched Miroku. But the pervert seemed immune to pain at the moment, as the smile on his face remained.
"Smoothies!" said Miroku as his grin got even wider. InuYasha just stared at him, thinking that he really was crazy. Then he inched away from him with his lunch tray because his smile made him look maniacal. It took a lot to scare a half-demon, and InuYasha was scared.
"What the hell are you talking about?" questioned InuYasha. Miroku took out a piece of folded paper. He unfolded it carefully and gave it to his friend. InuYasha snatched it out of his hand and looked it over quickly and found out that it was a job application.
"So your 'love' is applying for a smoothie making job. Big deal." said InuYasha nonchalantly as he continued eating his lunch. Miroku's face dropped the smile and instantly turned into a look of shock, like he couldn't believe how blind InuYasha was to the brilliant opportunity that was right in front of them.
"Big deal. BIG DEAL? Of course it's a big deal! Obviously she was applying for a smoothie job that needed employees!" stated Miroku, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Well duh. So what?" InuYasha said uninterested. Shock and amazement still remained on his friend's face.
"Well isn't it obvious! In order to be with my love, I must go apply for this job!" exclaimed Miroku, practically shouting it to himself. Then he looked at InuYasha with a mischievous glint in his deep indigo eyes. "And my friend, you are applying with me."
"NANI? What for? You can make smoothies just fine without me." said InuYasha, reluctant to participate in anything that had to do with one of Miroku's schemes -- and a smoothie job for that matter. Miroku chuckled to himself and laid a hand on InuYasha's shoulder.
"Ah, my dear friend. You truly have a one-track mind don't you? Of course you can do just fine without a job since you are one of the wealthiest kids in this school. But I know that you love to rebel against your father and embarrass your older brother – who'd think very lowly of you working at a local smoothie shop! Think of the possibilities!" Then Miroku paused for a moment. " …Not to mention, it can help you forget about you know who. It would keep you busy so that you'd stop thinking about her! C'mon what do you say?" explained Miroku, knowing fully well that InuYasha would agree to his idea.
InuYasha considered the idea and finally gave in -- but then a thought crossed his mind.
"Eh, what do you need me for anyway? I'm sure you can manage fine dealing with this Taijiya girl." inquired InuYasha, curious of why Miroku would need someone there in the presence of one girl. If he could name anyone that never had girl trouble whatsoever, it'd be Miroku.
Miroku had the best pick up lines and has been with so many girls that InuYasha had lost count. He's gotten out of many typical girl problem situations and has gotten into so many girls' houses that it was ridiculous. His wit, humor, and his intellect – along with his 'cursed' groping hands – made him a lethal weapon to girls everywhere. InuYasha knew that he had broken probably more than half of the girls' that attended Shikon no Tama High hearts. But InuYasha knew the truth. People had always thought that the 'Playboy' Miroku was just another heartless guy that was out for one thing – and half of it was true. The 'Real' Miroku had a kind heart and was always after just one thing – The One. InuYasha had always thought that it was a stupid weakness of his, but really the pervert was just a hopeless romantic. InuYasha didn't understand it but every time Miroku was with a girl he always found something wrong with her, and every time Miroku had to break that girl's heart. Deep down inside, it broke his own heart – to get your hopes up so high, only to get let down like that. Because this happened so many times, it had made his azure eyes a little sadder -- so much so that it turned them into a shade of a sad, dull dark indigo.
But despite his friend's problems, InuYasha still wondered why Miroku needed him. Miroku could handle any girl with a smile, even if his heart was broken into pieces.
Miroku smiled sheepishly and then looked down, studying the lunch table trying to find his words.
"Well uh…this…Sango…s-she's kind of a challenge you see…I need, well I guess…see…I need moral support." Miroku said uncertainly, looking at InuYasha with a small nervous smile. InuYasha placed both of his hands on Miroku's shoulders, shaking him gently with each word he said.
"Miroku. How. Bad. Is. It?" InuYasha said, emphasizing each word. Miroku looked away, his eyes looking anywhere but InuYasha, avoiding him and avoiding the truth.
"Tell. Me." InuYasha tried again, keeping his voice steady. Miroku finally stared him directly into his amber eyes and then sighed depressingly.
"I couldn't even use my favorite pick up line! I couldn't say anything at all! I just stood there. What am I supposed to do!" cried out Miroku desperately as he buried his head in his hands. InuYasha chuckled to himself quietly to see his perverted little friend getting so wound up over a girl. But love could do that to you and InuYasha knew it from experience. Finally he took a deep breath and agreed.
"Hai." said InuYasha simply. Miroku raised his head from his eyebrows, confused. InuYasha glared at him.
"I said yes! I'm agreeing to your stupid plan. Not only because I'll enjoy seeing the look on Sesshomaru's face when he finds out, but to also help me from never seeing this pitiful state of Miroku Houshi ever again. AND you don't have to worry about me, I'm not in love with her anymore anyway." Both InuYasha and Miroku knew the last part was a lie but they wished so much for it to be true that they pretended and went along with it anyway.
"Now excuse me as I put soap in my eyes to rid me of this horrible image." joked InuYasha, trying to cover up the lie he had just said and to make Miroku feel better. He was relieved that it worked as he saw Miroku's crazy grin reappear on his face.
"PERFECT! I knew you would see it my way. My plan is going to work, just you wait! First I'll merely bump into her by mistake in between class periods so she'll notice me…then we'll apply for the job…when we start working together we'll get to know each other. Then all you have to do is just add smoothies and BAM she'll fall instantly in love with me! It's a full proof recipe of a perfect romance and then we'll plan for the marriage and then our children… " rambled on Miroku with his so-called master plan of getting Sango Taijiya to fall in love with him. Poor InuYasha was forced to listen to every word of it.
Tired of listening to Miroku's jabbering he started making origami shapes out of Sango's job application out of sheer boredom, without Miroku noticing (for he was too into his own world – plotting and scheming away). After making a paper swan, a paper dog, a paper flower, and a paper penguin he got tired of the piece of paper and threw it over his shoulders.
Miroku, who was just about to finish up his blabbering, realized what InuYasha did and stared at him with a horror-struck look on his face. "Do you realize what you have just done? That is the first thing that my love has given to me!"
"You…you can't be serious?" But he was. InuYasha watched in utter amazement as he saw his best friend jump off of his chair and dive for the crumpled up piece of paper.
The pervert, now in love, was hopeless.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Well what did you think? Pretty long for a prologue -- but I needed to include a lot of information for the next chapter. I love the ending! Just imagining Miroku diving for a piece of paper…well, let me tell you it was hard not to laugh when I was writing that!
Please don't forget to review!
I'm open-minded and comments and positive
criticism are welcome, though flames will not be accepted.
Until next chapter! -- AK-J.
