Konnichiwa, minna! Gomen nasai for taking soooo long! I know, I'm a terrible author. I've never taken this long to update a chapter. I'm smack in the middle of midterms, and I'm having course issues for next trimester, so sorry if schoolwork takes precedence over (which it has been doing for a while). Though I know that is no excuse, I hope you'll take it all the same. Here it is!
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Never did, never will. So sad…
Chapter One
Lord and Lady Higurashi sat at the dinner table, quietly eating their supper. Kagome, now seventeen, finished up the last of her meat and pushed her plate away. A servant girl came over and took the plate and goblet. Lord Higurashi raised an eyebrow. "Somebody is excited. What's on your mind?"
Lady Higurashi and Kagome exchanged a smile. "I visit Kouga tomorrow."
Lord Higurashi chuckled, "I see. Now your excitement makes sense. You are going to the university?"
Kagome nodded. "I leave tomorrow morning. We're going to lunch and he has the afternoon off."
Lord Higurashi smiled at his daughter fondly, "Have fun, then."
"Thank you, Father."
"Kagome," Lady Higurashi nearly laughed, "You can go. Go on."
"Thank you, Mama!" Kagome jumped up and nearly skipped up to her room.
Lady Higurashi turned to her husband. "Do you remember when we were that age?"
Lord Higurashi chuckled again, "Yes, I do. You were the prettiest little thing. I could not believe you had chosen me."
His wife blushed pink, "On the contrary, you were the most handsome man I had ever seen. I never thought you would pick me. I always assumed you would marry into the higher nobility, to a rich and beautiful woman."
Lord Higurashi grabbed his wife's hand. "I could not believe you were anything less than the best of the higher nobility."
"Stop your flattery. I am already your wife, what more do you want from me?"
Lord Higurashi paused, as if in thought. "I don't know, but I shall see what I can get," he teased. He took his wife's hand and pulled her out of her chair, leading her up to their bedroom.
The next day, Kagome waited outside their house as the servants drove the carriage up to their house. She hopped into the vehicle and it drove away. Kagome watched the countryside pass her by. The sun warmed the lush green fields. She smiled; it was such a beautiful day. The hours flew by, and before she knew it, the carriage had arrived at the university. Kagome eagerly stepped down from the posh vehicle and hurried away. The carriage driver went to stop his carriage nearby and tend to the horses.
Kagome reached the university just as the students were being let out for noon dismissal. She searched the crowd; ignoring the looks from some obviously single men were giving her. Then, he came out. Kouga walked slowly with two of his friends. His eyes turned in her direction and he gave a yelp of delight. He ran toward her. "Kagome!" he called.
"Kouga!" she cried happily.
Kouga crossed the courtyard in a few strong strides and swept Kagome up in an embrace, swinging her around. He set her down again and breathed in the scent of her hair. "I've missed you so much, Kagome."
Kagome beamed at him, "And I you. Very much so."
He kissed her forehead and turned to the other two men, who had caught up, standing behind him. "Kagome, this is Manabe and this is Ryo. Manabe, Ryo, this is Kagome."
The two men nodded with a chuckle. "Your woman."
Kouga clutched Kagome possessively, "You've got that right.
Kagome leaned back against Kouga's chest. "All yours," she grinned.
Kouga bowed slightly. "If you would excuse us, I shall see you gentlemen tomorrow."
They chuckled naughtily. "Have fun, Kouga!"
Kouga led Kagome away and they strolled into the silent university gardens. "How have you been?" he asked.
She smiled with a delicate shrug. "Fine. Nothing unusual. I still miss her, though."
Kouga nodded in understanding. "It's to be expected. Do not give up hope, Kagome."
Kagome hugged his waist. "It's all I have left now. Thank you, Kouga. How have you been?"
Kouga smiled. "Working. I love it, though. I miss you. I think of you all the time."
Kagome chuckled. "I even dream about you sometimes."
Kouga looked hurt, "Only sometimes?"
"You are in my mind every waking moment," she laughed, "And you want my non-waking moments, too?" How greedy!"
Kouga stopped and pulled her close. "I can't help being greedy with you."
"I'm sure," she said dryly.
He stared at her intensely for a moment before their lips came to meet. He reveled in the feeling of her soft lips against his. They broke apart from their tender kiss, falling into each other's eyes. Kouga caressed her cheek. "I love you, Kagome."
"I love you, too, Kouga." She hugged him again, this time for love rather than comfort. They stayed this way, in each other's arms, for a few minutes. When they separated, they walked on, hand in hand.
After a bit, Kouga squeezed Kagome's hand. "Something's troubling you. I can feel it."
Kagome turned sad eyes on him. "I should just give up trying to hide things from you, Kouga. You know me all too well." She smiled.
"Perhaps. What is the matter?"
Kagome sighed, "All it ever is."
Kouga nodded in understanding. "Kikyou."
Kagome stopped and embraced him suddenly, starting to sob into his chest. "Oh, Kouga, I miss her so much! She was – is – my other half. What am I but a wandering soul without her? Who but she can anchor me? I never know what to with myself anymore."
Kouga clutched her tightly. "Shh," he said as he rubbed her back soothingly. "She's out there still, I just know it. The Kikyou I know would not leave her sister alone. She loves you far too much. Until she returns, and I hope after, you have me."
Kagome smiled up at him, she eyes drying. "I know, and I am grateful for you, but the love and loss I feel for my sisterare different from what I feel for you. Having you with me does help, though." She stood on her tip toes and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered.
Kouga wiped her remaining tears in her eyes and on her cheeks with his thumb and kissed her forehead gently. "I am always here for you, Kagome. Now that."
Kagome lay her head on his chest again. "I do, with all of my heart."
After a minute or so, Kouga loosened his grip on her and took her hand again. "Better?"
Kagome nodded, though the lump remained in her throat. "Have you seen any beautiful women lately?"
Kouga chuckled, "Yes, but none that could hope to rival you. They have all given up on trying to ensnare me with their charm. I am too besotted with you."
Kagome squeezed his hand this time. "Good. I am happy to hear that. To think what I would have done to you if you had found some low-class university belle." She put a false threatening tone in her voice. They laughed together. Both knew Kagome harbored no such prejudices again those in differing social classes.
Kouga sent her a sly look, "I suppose I should keep quiet, then, about my nighttime activities."
"Kouga!" Kagome scolded, "Do not suggest such unfaithful ideas! Or I may be tempted to follow your example."
Kouga growled playfully and pulled Kagome close to him. "You had better not even entertain such thoughts, Kagome. No other man will ever have you, but me."
Kagome hugged his waist. "I would have it no other way."
They let each other go continued down the cobblestone path. Trees and flowers of all varieties blossomed about them for both aesthetic and botanical research purposes. Kagome's eyes drank in the summertime color. "You have such beautiful gardens here," she sighed happily.
Kouga nodded as he watched her. "Yes, we do. The botany students love them. I spend much of my free time here. It reminds me of you, and of how much you love nature."
Kagome smiled at a small pear tree. "Our gardens are just as wonderful, but I like these better because each time I see them, I am with you. That just makes it better."
"So if I accompanied you to both, which would you prefer?" he asked amusedly.
Kagome thought for a moment before replying, "The gardens here are much more exotic, but ours have a native beauty these foreign plants cannot give, so I would prefer the gardens I grew up in."
Kouga smiled, "I thought you would say as much. Come, we must begin to head back."
Kagome nodded and turned with him in the opposite direction, walking back to the university halls again. They strolled in comfortable silence for a long while. Finally, Kouga broke it. "What have you been up to lately?"
Kagome shrugged, "I help Mama as much as I can. I think about you and Kikyou, and daydream. I have taken up reading once again."
Kouga pretended to groan. "Not those silly fairytales again?"
"There is nothing at all wrong with reading a nice romance novel," Kagome protested indignantly.
Kouga gave her an apologetic smile. "Of course not. Nothing at all wrong." He looked up to find they were nearly at the end of the gardens. "Kagome," he said as he paused.
Kagome gave him a puzzled look and stopped in front of him. "Yes?"
He produced a small black box and held it out. "This is for you."
Kagome looked from the box to Kouga, confused.
"Open it," he urged. Kagome took the box and gently pried the lid open. Her eyes widened and she gave a small intake of breath. "Happy Birthday, Kagome."
"It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.
Nestled in some black cloth was a delicate silver chain with a pendant of silver vines twisted around a crystal clear diamond. Kagome picked it up and it twinkled in the sunlight as it bounced off its many perfectly cut surfaces.
Kouga motioned for her to turn around and she did so, pulling her hair up and away from her neck. Kouga put the necklace around her slender neck and clasped it carefully. Kagome let her hair fall down again before facing Kouga once more. "It was made for you, I am sure."
Kagome fingered it. "I love it." She looked up at Kouga. "Thank you." She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him gratefully.
Kouga slid his arms around her waist. "I wanted to get you something special," he explained.
"Just seeing you is special enough for me."
"I know, but still." He bent his head and kissed her deeply. Kagome responded just as fiercely. They pulled apart, out of breath. Kagome smiled shyly up at her boyfriend.
Kouga sighed. "It is time for you to go, Kagome."
Kagome nodded. "I wish I didn't have to. I'd much rather stay here with you."
Kouga shook his head. "Your place is at home and mine is here."
"When will I see you next?" Kagome asked.
Kouga bit his lip in thought. "Hmm, let me see. Ah, yes. Lunch next month at my manor. With my parents, remember?"
Kagome barely managed to stop herself pulling a face, but Kouga sensed her discomfort. "I know, I know, but it must be done. They will never learn to like you if they never see you. They will come around in time, and that will only happen if you see each other more."
Kagome nodded unhappily.
Kouga caressed her cheek. "It will be just fine. I will not allow them to say anything too mean." He kissed her cheek. "Why don't you meet me here?"
Kagome nodded, "Sure. I shall see you here next month."
The two shared a quick goodbye kiss. "Take care, Kagome."
"Farewell, Kouga!" Kagome waved as she stepped into her waiting carriage.
Kagome reached home and stepped into the front hall to see servants scurrying about a nearly finished ballroom, placing the finishing touches on decorations. "Good afternoon, Lady Kagome," one of the servants, curtsied to her mistress before hurrying off.
"Oh heavens!" Kagome exclaimed to herself, her hand coming up to her forehead. "I completely forgot the ball tonight!" Kagome picked up her skirts and made her way to her mother's bedchamber.
Lady Higurashi looked up as the door opened and smiled at her younger daughter. "Kagome, dear, you had better begin to get ready. The guests shall be here soon."
Kagome nodded, looking slightly flustered. "It slipped my mind, Mama. I shan't be long."
"Good," Lady Higurashi nodded once and returned to her own preparations.
Kagome walked down the hall to her own bedroom and opened the door. Two servants followed her in. "Lady Kagome! You must be ready within the next two hours!"
Kagome bit her lip. "I apologize. Let us hurry."
"Yes, Lady Kagome," they curtsied in unison. The first servant girl, a young girl of fifteen rushed about preparing Kagome's clothes. The second girl, who was about Kagome's age, undressed her mistress.
Kagome stood there shivering in her undergarments for but a moment when the elder girl helped her step into the dress she was to wear. She tied it up tightly while the young girl started to comb through Kagome's wind-tangled tresses. Soon, it was brushed to perfection and the young girl began to put it up. She tied two small braids with the front strands of Kagome's hair and then tied them back behind Kagome's head. She then made small evenly spaced braids with the rest of the hair atop Kagome's head, so a medley of tiny braids and free-flowing hair fell as an ebony curtain behind the two small tied-back braids, which she finished with an ebony clip that stood out starkly against Kagome's midnight locks. As per usual, Kagome refused all make-up but some lip rouge. She pinched her cheeks to turn them pink and looked into her mirror with a smile. She wore a simple navy blue velvet waist-cinching gown with off-white lace at the cuffs and the hem. The neckline was square, not a common fashion, and was fairly low and wide, inching toward the border between modesty and indecent flirtatiousness. Thin lace was sewed on here, too, but it was against the dress as opposed to her skin, making the amount of skin seem all the more open. Kagome slipped into a pair of off-white silk slippers as the younger girl applied a small amount of jasmine-scented perfume and stepped out of her room and into the deserted hallway.
Kagome tried to look happy to be where she was, but honestly she would rather be anywhere else. She truly disliked going to social events now that her twin sister was no longer there to attend them with. Kagome held in a depressed sigh and focused her attention on the conversation being held by the two young women beside her.
"Yes," the blonde girl agreed. "My heart goes out to them. To lose a son at his age. I wonder what disease it was that took him."
The brunette shrugged delicately. "I haven't the faintest idea. How lucky that Lady Izayoi and her other did not catch it. Poor Lady Izayoi; a husband and now a son gone."
The blonde sighed quietly. "It must be terrible to lose a child."
The brunette nodded and her voice lowered, "Not unlike the Higurashis, is it not? Perhaps this is a sign."
Both women managed uneasy laughs and quickly changed the subject. "Have you heard of the new lord who just moved into the haunted manor in the south?"
The brunette shook her head. "Nobody's lived in that manor for years and years!"
The blonde nodded seriously. "I know, but rumor has it that some new lord nobody has ever seen lives there now. The local villagers see fires through the windows."
The brunette shook her head. "I do not believe it. How can there be a new lord that no one knows about? Ridiculous," she scoffed.
The blonde shrugged and said nothing more on the matter. "Lady Higurashi seems to be holding up well, and her banquets are as enjoyable as ever."
At this, Kagome tuned out. She did not need to hear others speak about herself and the loss of her sister. She felt it enough as it was. Kagome released a silent sigh and took another sip of her mulled wine. The taste reminded of that night and her eyes saddened. She forced her mind to dwell on other matters. As much as she despised gossip, it was unfortunately the only subject that came to mind, so she grasped it eagerly. I never heard that one of Lady Izayoi's sons died… And this new lord? I agree with her; it is unreasonable to think a new lord lives there without anybody knowing. The king would announce his arrival to the court, and nobody has been accepted into the nobility for some time now. With her thoughts of Kikyou successfully diverted, Kagome began to enjoy herself a little bit more, joining in the dancing after a while.
The next week could not come any faster. Kagome took a deep breath and stepped into the carriage that would take her to Kouga's manor. "Oh heavens," she breathed, "If only I did not have to go through with this." She leaned back against the velvet cushions and allowed herself to drift off into light slumber.
The incessant bumps and jerks ceased and Kagome opened her eyes, awake. They had arrived. She exhaled and stepped out of the carriage and onto the soft ground before the large blue manor. The driver bowed and hopped onto the step behind the carriage, and the vehicle rumbled away. Kagome walked to the large mahogany doors, and they swung open wide with groans and creaks, revealing a jubilant Kouga. "Kagome!" he exclaimed.
She allowed herself to smile honestly and he swept her up in an embrace. "How are you, Kouga?"
He smiled and set her down gently, taking her arm, "Well, and yourself?"
"Very well," she nodded.
Kouga kissed her cheek. "It will be just fine, I promise. It has to be done."
Kagome sighed, "I know." She flashed him a smile and he returned it twofold.
"Only lunch, Kagome, it is only lunch. Come, Mother and Father are already sitting down."
Kagome nearly pulled a face. They would accuse her of being tardy, which she had no control over. What disagreeable parents to have! She thanked the heavens Kouga did not take after them. They reached the dining hall, and Kouga squeezed her hand in comfort before the doors were pulled open by a pair of servants.
Lord and Lady Nagikanu looked up at Kagome with barely hidden hard stares. However, they obeyed the rules of propriety and stood up at her entrance. Lady Nagikanu curtsied, only going down as far as she absolutely had to. "Welcome," she spoke with wide arms in a kind gesture that was countered by the disgust in her eyes.
Kagome curtsied low, proving her superiorly courteous manners and upbringing. "I thank you, Lady Nagikanu."
Lord Nagikanu inclined his head and then snapped his eyes up to meet hers fiercely.
Kagome swallowed and curtsied again, just as low as she had for his wife, showing equal respect, however false, for both lord and lady.
Kouga smiled at her. He was so proud of her. She took everything without a word. He was more important to her than how his parents thought of her, and that meant the world to him. Kouga took her arm and led her to her seat. Kouga pulled the chair out for her and she gave him a weary smile before sitting down gracefully, her hands resting delicately in her lap. Kouga sat down next to her, and the waiting servants began serving the hot meal. It consisted of four courses: soup and bread, assorted meats and vegetables, the huge climactic roast pig, and dessert. All was served with warm mulled wine, spiced to near perfection. Nothing, however, compared to the meals she supped at home, despite the grandeur of this feast. Kagome could easily tell the Nagikanus were attempting to showcase their superior wealth and opulence. These sorts of people were so transparent. She hated it, honestly, but for Kouga she would put up with a world of this behavior, her imminent future should she marry him.
Once the first two courses had been completed, and after Kagome had dutifully eyed the hog with the proper amount of awe and appreciation to appease Kouga's parents, Lady Nagikanu struck up conversation.
"Dai," Lady Nagikanu began, "How was your day?"
Lord Nagikanu shrugged regally. "It was fine. I did not do much today. I rode in the morning for a bit and then hunted after luncheon for some hours. What did you do, Suchi?"
Lady Nagikanu smiled, "Nothing, really. I spent the day looking over the preparations for our visitor," she gave Kagome an uncaring smile, "and then rested for a bit."
Lord Nagikanu smiled at his wife. "That is a good day."
"Yes," she agreed. She looked pointedly at Kagome and then faced her husband once more. "Some people are so very rude, Dai, did you know that?"
Lord Nagikanu nodded, "Yes, some are. What form of rudeness did these people take?"
His wife blinked. "They take many forms, it can disgust me sometimes. They are most often found at large gatherings, but sometimes you can find such impolite at even the most private of get-togethers. For example, I must say I dislike the tardiness of some guests. The hostess will spend so much time in preparation, and then the guest does not even make the miniscule effort to arrive at a decent time." She continued on to her husband about some woman at some banquet, but Kagome's face fell very slightly.
Kouga gave her a sympathetic look and squeezed her hand under the table. "It's ok, my love."
Kagome brightened slightly. Kouga did not use terms of endearment loosely, and while he was in no way an insensitive person, he preferred physical to verbal affection. Kagome felt better at his words. She knew he was suffering just watching her.
Lord and Lady Nagikanu shot Kagome standoffish looks together. "How is your family?" the woman asked finally.
Kagome did not show her dismay at even being in the same room as her. "We are all well, thank you."
"That is good. Send your parents my regards."
Kagome nodded, "Thank you. I shall."
Kouga glared at his mother. "Mother," he warned.
"Yes, Kouga?" she asked sweetly.
Kouga stared at her meaningfully and then turned back to Kagome, starting up a light conversation about his studies.
Lady Nagikanu sighed at her husband. "Dai, we need to do something about this girl. I refuse to allow Kouga to marry below himself. He is so much better than the likes of her."
Lord Nagikanu nodded, "If he does not understand in time…"
"…We will be forced to take drastic measures," Lady Nagikanu finished for him.
Kouga and Kagome stood in the doorway, the latter unwillingly inching toward the waiting carriage. Kouga held her close and kissed her hair. "When will I next see you?"
Kagome shook her head slightly. "I have no idea. Not for some time now, I'm sure."
Kouga groaned, "If only I did not go to university."
"Do not speak of such things!" Kagome scolded playfully, "You need to have an education! I refuse to court a stupid man."
Kouga chuckled, "Fine, for you, dearest, I will continue to attend university, far away from the one who holds my heart." He spoke wistfully and Kagome lightly slapped his arm.
"Don't be silly, Kouga. I must be going now."
Kouga only held her tighter, "Must you go?"
Kagome sighed, "You know I do, now release me, felon!"
Kouga clutched, "I am no felon! You are the one who burgled my heart. For that comment, I shall never let you go."
"Be sensible, Kouga," she said defeatedly, because, in truth, she wanted to stay as much as Kouga wanted her to. Kagome started to pull away and Kouga let her go this time. She brightened. "The mask ball! I will see you then!"
"But that is in…" he thought for a second, "five weeks!" he whined.
Kagome smiled, "You can wait. I shall see you there! I will be counting the days."
Kouga nodded, "As will I. Goodbye, Kagome." He kissed her softly on the lips and stepped back.
"Goodbye, Kouga!" she waved from the steps of the carriage. The door closed, hiding Kagome from view, and the vehicle rumbled away into the distance.
Kouga watched it until it was no more than a black speck on the horizon and returned to the warm halls of his manor, where only his irritating parents remained.
Five weeks flew by, and the night of the ball came at last. Kagome was fidgeting all day, she was so excited. Finally, the sun reached its zenith, not soon enough, it seemed, and Kagome ran up to her room as fast as a lady in a gown could to ready herself for that night's mask ball. Lady Higurashi had two gowns made especially for the event. Kagome eagerly undressed and helped the servants slip her new velveteen dress on. It was a pale sunshine yellow that complimented her cheerful demeanor. It was tight around her torso, showing off her petite waist and full bust. It flared out from the waist down into a long, flowing curtain that finished in a pool of cloth resting on the floor about her. Around the waist was a wide cloth belt of the same yellow hue with pearls around the edges and intricate gold and red embroidery of the finest thread. Directly in front, the skirt split, and the edges down to the hem had a gold border of embroidered vines. Behind the outer fabric, covering her bare legs was an inner skirt of gold silk, the strip of which was visible through the widening split in the skirt. Long bell-sleeves hugged her upper arms and at armbands of gold thread, widened. The final cuff was wide enough to wrap around her waist twice were it laid out in a line. The edges were covered in a thick band of the same gold silk as the inner skirt. The sleeves fell gracefully down to cover all but the tips of her slender fingertips. The neckline was wide, stopping just short of her shoulders, and had a line of small pearls and embroidered red flowers and gold vines beneath the pearls. A servant girl placed a gold necklace around Kagome's neck with a large pendant shaped like heart that had been stretched lengthwise with a small dark ruby embedded in the center. The girl put in Kagome's ears short dangly earrings of gold with a tiny ruby of a matching hue as the one in the necklace. The two girls together quickly curled Kagome's long black hair into many tight ringlets and then pinned them all up on the top of her head, allowing a generous number to hang loosely, creating an elegant half planned, half spontaneously messy hairstyle. For the final touch, Kagome picked up her mask and fitted it over her face so the elastic tightened around the back of her hair behind her hair. It was made of paper machée and hardened canvas. Soft velvet cushioned her face. On the outside, the mask was the same pale yellow as the rest of the dress. Gold paint swirls and other such thin curved lines decorated it stylishly. The edges were covered in a thin piece of black and gold ribbon. Two small eye-shaped holes were left so Kagome could still see, but other than these, her upper face was completely obscured. Finally, seeming to sprout from the center dip in the mask, three tall pure white plumes stood proudly, like snow-covered peacock feathers. Kagome tilted her head slightly to the side and smiled. She was ready.
The carriage shuddered to a stop before the gates of a large manor. Other carriages were already waiting, so Kagome hopped out, careful not to ruin her gown just yet, her mask already in place, and made her way to the large front doors. She was greeted by a pair of servants who politely took her cloack to hang up. Kagome sighed in wonder at the exciting atmosphere. People in masks danced, drank, and conversed happily, the general buzzing of speech hummed beneath the lively melodies of the instrumental group playing. Lord and Lady Higurashi, cloaks gone, stood behind Kagome. "Come, dear," her mother urged as they threaded their way to the drinks table where their kind host and hostess were standing.
"Lord Higurashi! Lady Higurashi! Lady Kagome!" the portly brown-haired greeted jovially.
The black-haired woman smiled and curtsied slightly, "Welcome."
"Thank you," Lord Higurashi answered for his family.
Lady Higurashi grabbed three goblets of mulled wine and handed one to each member of her family. As they sipped quietly, Lord Higurashi and his host engaged in a conversation about the crop yield that year, and how much wealth it would bring in. As her mother began to talk with her hostess, Kagome looked out across the ballroom, her masked eyes searching for a specific guest. Lady Higurashi paused and turned to her daughter with a smile. "You may go, Kagome. I am sure he is somewhere. You'll find him."
"Thank you, Mama." She curtsied respectfully. Kagome turned around and began to search through the crowds. Flashes of every color danced past her. Her eyes swept the multiple refreshments tables. Finally, a familiar figure waved from a far table. Kagome's heart leapt and she hurried over. "Kouga!" she exclaimed.
"Good evening, my lady," he mock bowed.
Kagome curtsied, "The same to you, milord. How are you faring?"
He shrugged slightly, "As well as one can amongst such a boring crowd. I wait for my lady, but alas, I cannot recognize her face behind all these confounded masks!"
Kagome giggled, "Perhaps you shall find her soon. For now, you may be bestowed with my pleasant company."
Kouga bowed again, "And pleasant it will surely be. Until I find mine own dame, may I have this dance?"
Kagome made a show of thinking the prospect over. "I am not so sure…" she answered finally.
Kouga let out an exasperated sigh, though he was smiling amusedly. "Enough of this, dance with me, Kagome!"
"If you so wish, my lord," she laughed as he swept her onto the dance floor. They waltzed off into the middle of the dance floor. He gracefully led her around and around as the music quickened. Kouga was, and always had been, an extraordinary dancer, and Kagome could easily let herself go. She watched his face as he carried her in circles. The music died away as the dance ended. They were in a far corner now. Kouga bent over her face and kissed her softly. "I've missed you, Kagome."
Kagome pecked his cheek. "I've missed you, too. I cannot wait until you finish school."
Kouga smiled as he held her close. "I am afraid that shall not be for some time."
"I know," Kagome answered, somewhat disappointed.
"Patience is a virtue," Kouga preached. "Come summertime, we will have three months all to ourselves."
Kagome smiled this time, "That will be nice. I look forward to it."
"For now," Kouga pulled her out of the shadowy corner, "Let us dance the night away."
"You read my mind, Lord Kouga," Kagome teased.
They returned to the lighted ballroom floor, and danced through the crowds, occasionally stopping for drinks, which Kouga would go to get for himself and Kagome, being the gentleman he was.
The night did not seem long enough, and before either knew it, the great clock struck three o' clock in the morning. Kagome sighed. "It is time I leave. My parents will be waiting."
Kouga nodded, "Indeed. When will we meet next?"
Kagome looked out into the crowds, searching for her parents. "I do not know."
Kouga grunted. "I hate not knowing when I'll see you next."
"Why?" Kagome asked as she turned back into his eyes.
Kouga let out a long breath. "I just…I just worry." He refused to meet Kagome's eyes.
Kagome smiled at him and embraced him fondly. Kouga wrapped his arms around her. "Do not worry about me. I will be just fine. Though I am her twin, I will not follow in Kikyou's footsteps, however forced hers were. And you need to even think to fret about me looking at any other man but you."
Kouga kissed her hair, "I confess, sometimes I worry about both, but usually the former. I know you would never leave me."
"Good," Kagome nodded against his chest. "Because it would tire me to keep telling you." She looked up and kissed him sweetly on his lips, then pulled away. Kouga released her and their hands remained clasped for a moment longer before they separated and Kagome was lost to the crowds. At the same time, Kagome, who was now in the center of the mass leaving the manor, and Kouga, who had not moved, froze as familiar voices argued, echoing across the emptying ballroom. They both sighed and hurried over to the source of the commotion. They met in front of the scene, looked at each other, and covered their masked faces in embarrassment. Two sets of couples were at each other's throats, while the host and hostess tried desperately to calm them down, but to no avail.
"You have no right to speak of our daughter in such a way!" Lord Higurashi said angrily.
Lord Nagikanu scowled, "She is a conniving little-"
"Be quiet!" Lord Higurashi interrupted.
"Please," the host begged. "You are causing a scene. I ask of you, calm yourselves."
But none paid any attention whatsoever. "Our Kouga can do better than her! He can find a woman much more suited to him than some stupid member of the lower nobility. Our son will not stoop so low! He will not marry beneath him!" Lady Nagikanu shrieked.
Lady Higurashi flared. "You should not try to control your son so! Do you think he will be happier with some wealthy heiress that will provide him with nothing more than money! Do you honestly think he will thank you?"
Lady Nagikanu called back, "Yes! He will understand someday. He will see that we are helping him."
"He will hate you! He will hate you both for taking away his true love," Lady Higurashi scorned.
Lord Nagikanu smirked, "And your daughters are happy? Obviously not, as one chose to run away. Who is to say her twin will not run from Kouga?"
That was the last straw. Lord Higurashi drew his saber and pointed it right at Lord Nagikanu's throat. "Another word, and I will slit your throat. Do not ever think to say such things to me again!"
Kagome rushed to her parents and started to soothe them. Kouga went to his own parents and quickly pacified them with a couple of well-chosen words. Kagome and Kouga simultaneously let out a breath of relief at the silence.
Kouga glared at his parents. "I cannot believe you would say such things. Lord and Lady Higurashi are right. I do not understand why you cannot just accept Kagome!"
"Because she is below you, dear," Lady Nagikanu sneered.
Kouga bristled, "And you truly believe that matters to me? Do not presume so again! Let us go. It disgusts me that I am your son."
Lord and Lady Nagikanu looked honestly surprised and upset at his comment, and they quietly followed their son out of the manor. Kouga uttered a quick apology to their hosts, kissed Kagome quickly, and left.
Kagome sighed and led her parents out the door, carefully making sure they completely avoided the Nagikanus. "Mama, Father, you really need not cause such scenes over me."
Lord Higurashi sighed along with his daughter. "We are sorry, Kagome, but it annoys me so that Kouga's parents cannot accept you. And his comment about Kikyou was over the line."
"I know, and I agree," Kagome conceded, "But you still should not yell in public."
Lady Higurashi grasped her daughter's hand. "What would you have done in our position? If someone were insulting Kouga so?"
Kagome bit her lip. "Exactly what you did, but it still does not make it right."
Lord Higurashi took Kagome's other hand. "Then it is settled. We are only human, dear. Let us put it behind us for now."
Kk, if y'all hate me, then you have ample reason. I'll try my best not to take so long next time, but I can't make any promises. School here is hard as hell so…
Personal Reviews:
Lord of the Blades – I can always count on you to review! No, not every chapter will be that long. It was the Prologue, after all. They won't all be this long either, but I won't let them get too too short, I promise. I'm not sure yet, but I'm looking in the fifteen-chapter range or so. It is very subject to change, so don't bank on that number just yet. 9.2, Yay! That's a good start. What did you think of this chapter? (I really liked it, but that's because I'm such a fluff fan.)
Alaskagirl24 – Thanks! What did you think of this chapter?
jeevesandwooster – Niice. I'm kinda missing that side of you haha. Me too, I'm not a big fan of AUs, but once in a while, you find one that's just phenomenal and just tops all the non-AU ones. That was actually my inspiration for this one. I know it won't be like those, but I hope it turns out half-way decent. You'll have to be the judge of that, though.
TaintedDarkInuShemeeko – I hope so… Oh really? I never saw it that way. I hope it lives up to your expectations.
