Sorry, sorry, sorry TT
Chapter 3
"May I freshen your lemonade Ms. Higurashi?" The young man's high-pitched voice warbled like the chirp of a canary. "I would be honored to fetch another glass for you."
Seated in a white wicker chair Kagome bestowed a gracious smile on the anxious young man. "I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I believe I've had my fill of lemonade for one afternoon."
"oh." The young man's shoulder's drooped and his face clouded with disappointment. "Well then …" he mumbled, staring at the ground, obviously not knowing what else to say.
"But there is something else you can do for me," Kagome added hastily, attempting to ease his dismay.
His head snapped up. "Anything for you, Ms. Higurashi."
"Since my empty glass has become quite useless… perhaps you could dispose of it for me?"
He nodded with such vigor that Kagome feared his neck might brake. "It would be a pleasure to grant your request," he insisted.
The young man beamed with delight when Kagome surrendered the glass to him. Turning to leave he cast a triumphant smile at the remaining gentlemen in Kagome's loyal following who were still huddled around her, vying for her attention.
As soon as the young man departed, Thaddeus Ballard edged forward. "I noticed your first piece of cake was rather small, Miss Higurashi. Would you care for another slice?"
"What a deliciously tempting idea," Kagome mused, sighing with exaggeration as she pretended to consider the matter. "But as I recall, Aunt Korari offered to assume personal responsibility for any leftover cake. My aunt is a generous woman mind you, but sweets have always been her downfall. And something tells me she isn't eager to share the remainders of that scrumptious birthday cake with anyone at the moment."
She nodded in the direction of her aunt, who was guarding the meager remains of the tasty confection like a protective watchdog. Kagome's attentive audience followed the direction of her gaze, chuckling with amusement as Korari licked a generous dab of icing from her fingers.
With her admirers momentarily distracted, Kagome shifted uneasily in her chair. Though flattered by all the attention from all her faithful admirers, she couldn't deny that she was becoming increasingly bored with the mindless jabber and frivolous sentiments whirling around her.
Worse yet her cheeks were aching from all the strain of keeping a constant smile on her lips, and her feet were throbbing from the pain of slippers that were far too small.
Kagome restlessly peered across the lawn, inadvertently catching the gaze of a handsome mustached man who was standing a few feet away from the rest of her admirers. Apparently encouraged by their moment of eye contact, he boldly stepped forward, breaking through the circle of men surrounding Kagome.
Kagome's heart sank as the man approached. All afternoon, Augustus Moulton had been keeping a watchful eye on her. And though his dauntless pursuit of her was quite admirable, Kagome had no desire to spend any more time with him.
Not that Augustus was threatening or offensive. On the contrary his manners were impeccable, his demeanor pleasant, his features quite handsome.
But nothing could compensate for the man's lack of personality. Augustus Moulton was as personable as a dead tree. An overwhelming urge to yawn seized her every time she heard that expressionless, flat monotone of his.
Now, as Augustus neared, Kagome frantically searched for a way to avert another encounter with him. As soon as she spotted Rin Takori in the midst of the crowd, she breathed a sigh of relief. Surely Augustus wouldn't intrude upon a conversation with her best friend!
Kagome surged to her feet. "As much as I have enjoyed your company, gentleman, I'm Afraid I mustn't neglect the rest of my guests any longer. So if you'll pardon me…"
The men sighed with disappointment as Kagome picked up her skirts to leave. Carefully sidestepping Augustus, she threaded her way through the maze of guests. As she neared a willowy young woman with dark brown hair in the midst of the crowd, she picked up her pace and rushed forward.
"There you are!" Kagome exclaimed, greeting her friend with a warm embrace. "I've been looking all over for you, Rin. Thank goodness you 're here!"
"For heaven's sake, Kagome!" Rin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "You're acting like you haven't seen me for years."
"And what's so wrong with that?" A slight pout formed on Kagome's lips. "I'm truly glad to see you, Rin."
"But I suspect your not as genuinely thrilled as you'd like for me to believe."
Kagome feigned innocence. "Whatever gave you that idea?"
"I know what you're trying to do, Kagome." Rin laughed. "I've seen Augustus ogling you all afternoon, and I know you're pretending to be deeply involved in a serious discussion with me so you can avoid him."
"Am I so…transparent?" Kagome asked in a wounded tone.
"It's not easy to fool your best friend," Rin consoled sympathetically. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "And, apparently, fooling Augustus isn't easy, either," she warned just as Kagome sensed the presence of someone standing behind her.
"Good afternoon, ladies," a voice rumbled in a tone as flat and dry as a barren desert.
Kagome inhaled a deep, steadying breath and planted a bright smile on her lips. "How nice to see you again Mr. Moulton," she murmured, slowly turning to face him. He acknowledged the remark with a cordial nod, and then directed his attention to Rin. "May I borrow your friend for a moment, Miss Takori? I promise to return her to you, safe and unharmed, within a short while."
"I'm certain Kagome and I can finish our conversation at some other time. Rin pressed her hand over Kagome's, squeezing her fingers in a gesture of sympathy and support, before turning to leave.
As Rin disappeared into the crowd, Augustus extended his arm to Kagome. "Shall we find a quiet place to talk?"
Kagome nodded toward the rose garden, Aunt Yuka's pride and joy. Rows of colorful blossoms, carefully nurtured and lovingly tended by Yuka, lined the garden pathway and stretched along the west side of the house. Located some distance away from the center of the festivities, the spot offered seclusion from the roar of the crowd. "No one should disturb us in the rose garden," she suggested.
"A wonderful idea," Augustus agreed.
Kagome placed a hand around his outstretched arm. Falling into step beside him, she forced herself to view this situation in a positive light. Enduring a few moments alone with Augustus Moulton wasn't the end of the world, after all. She would simply listen to whatever he had to say and politely express her opinion on the matter. Then she would conclude the brief discussion with a gracious and return to her guests. Within a few moments, the entire ordeal would be over and forgotten.
Enjoying the fragrant floral scents drifting through the air, Kagome entered the garden with Augustus. After sauntering along a winding trail lined with dozens of blossoming rose bushes they paused beside a wooden bench. "You persistence in persuading me to spend a few moments with you this afternoon has aroused my curiosity, Mr. Moulton," Kagome admitted freely.
"I've been quite anxious to talk to you since our conversation on the verandah," Augustus conceded, a troubled frown wrinkling his brow. "But I hope my aggressive manner has not offended you in any way."
"I've always believed that boldness is an admirable trait," she assured him.
The compliment seemed to ease the rigid set of his shoulders. "I appreciate your willingness to steal away with me for a few moments, Miss Higurashi. Engaging in a private discussion with you on the front lawn seemed quite impossible, considering that several hundred people were demanding your attention. It was hardly an appropriate place for discussing a personal matter."
"But no one can overhear our conversation now." Kagome reminded him in a quiet tone. "Please precede, Mr. Moulton. I'm quite anxious to hear what you have to say."
He inhaled a deep breath as if summoning his courage to begin. As you know, Miss Higurashi, my father's expertise in financial matters has permitted the Moulton family to lead a comfortable life. After attending Tokyo University, I enjoyed my father's business, and I am proud to say I have been successful in my endeavors…"
The monotonous timbre, never once varying in tone or volume, had the potent effect of sleeping powder on Kagome. Struggling to keep her lashes from drifting to a close, she forced herself to focus on his handsome face.
But as Augustus droned on, her gaze strayed over his shoulder. Just as she glanced across the yard, a blurry image seized her attention.
"… and I am fully prepared to assume the financial responsibilities and obligations of establishing a household…"
There was something familiar about the distant figure, something she couldn't put into words. Curious, Kagome narrowed her eyes.
"…and no other woman has intrigued me as you have, Miss Higurashi…"
The figure came into sharper focus. A man was crossing the lawn, a tall, handsome man wearing a black suit. There was a bold confidence in his stride and the air of determination in the set of his broad shoulders.
As he approached the garden, his features became more visible to Kagome. His hair was a bright, white, and he looked just like Inuyasha.
"…and I've discovered that most of my thoughts are centered around you…"
Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, Kagome became vaguely aware of Augustus's voice drifting around her. But she had no idea what he was saying. She was too surprised by Inuyasha's unexpected arrival to comprehend anything that Augustus had to say.
When Inuyasha paused at the edge of the garden Kagome seized the opportunity to observe him while Augustus continued his monologue.
During Kagome's childhood, she'd never viewed Inuyasha as anything other than the holy terror he was. In recent years, she'd watched him become a devoted husband and father. A mere six months ago, she'd seen him as a broken man mourning the loss of his wife.
But now, she realized that the passage of time had transformed an ordinary freckle faced boy into a breathtakingly handsome man. Gone was the youthful air of innocence, the boyish stubble of whiskers, and the unlined face.
Somewhere along the way, Inuyasha's striking features had been seasoned with the mark of maturity. The angles and grooves of his face had become rugged, chiseled, and strong.
Gazing at him, Kagome realized that his brows were bushier, his jaw line more defined. He was thicker through the neck, more muscled in the body. And the hue of his hair, once light white, had darkened into a shade of silver.
Yet, some things about him had not changed at all. His eyes were still as gold as the Full Moon in October. The width of his shoulders bore the same, proud stance. The curve of his mouth still held the boyish charm that she remembered so well. And there was the same hint of belligerence in the stubborn set of his jaw that she had always found unsettling.
"… and if you grant your permission for me to call on you------"
"I realize this is the most awkward moment to interrupt you Mr. Moulton," Kagome cut in smoothly, "but a dear friend of mine has just arrived, quite unexpectedly. If you'll pardon me for a moment…?"
But Kagome didn't wait for a reply. Before Augustus could open his mouth, she was halfway across the garden.
Approaching Inuyasha, she couldn't help but admire the finely tailored lines of his dark suit and brocaded waistcoat. A silk cravat liquid gold in color, draped around the wing collar of his snowy white shirt and held in place with a tie pin emphasized the golden hue in his eyes.
Their gazes locked and held as she glided to a halt in front of him. "Well it's about time you got here," she scolded, unable to suppress a smile.
'Better late than never, so they say." He took both of her hands into his, grinning down at her with amusement. "Still braking hearts, I see."
"It's a pleasant way to pass the time, especially now that I don't have you around to pester anymore," she taunted. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming today you know."
"So you've been watching- perhaps even waiting- for me?"
Slightly ruffled by the thread of confidence woven into the question, she leaped at the challenge to goad him. "I've been waiting all afternoon, Inuyasha! Why, I've done nothing but watch for you. Ever since the party started, I've spent every moment of every hour, every second of every minute, waiting, watching, hoping that suddenly appear in the crowd-"
"Liar." Amusement twinkled from the depths of his outrageously gorgeous gold eyes. "You've been too busy to miss me."
Kagome laughed, enjoying the moment until she heard the shuffle of footsteps along the garden path. No doubt, Augustus Moulton had grown weary of waiting for her return. Once he caught up with her, she suspected he wouldn't hesitate to request another private meeting. And she sensed the requests wouldn't stop until his agreed to listen to the rest of his boring monologue.
But Kagome couldn't bear the thoughts of contending with Augustus again. She hadn't the slightest inclination to reciprocate the man's feelings for her. Nibbling on her lower lip, she hastily considered her options. What of she feigned sudden illness? Or succumbed to a fainting spell?
A bout of dizziness, however, would only provide a temporary solution to a permanent problem. If she hoped to discourage Augustus from pursuing her in the future, more drastic measures would be necessary. Perhaps he would concede defeat if she expressed an ardent interest in another man. . .
Seized by a sudden thought, she glanced up at Inuyasha. Would he cooperate with her? After all, he'd never been the cooperative sort. Instead of complying with her request without protest, he'd probably launch into a heated debate, taunt her with some bothersome questions, or deliver a lengthy sermon about the perils of her scheming ways.
But the sound of Augustus's approaching footsteps convinced Kagome to cast aside all her doubts and fears. Desperate to ward off her approaching suitor, she lunged forward and hurled her arms over the broad expanse of Inuyasha's shoulders.
Genuine surprise flickered across his face. "I didn't expect this kind of welcome from you, Kagome. You must be happier to see me than I thought. It almost seems like you're truly pleased that I'm-"
"Shut up, Inuyasha." Kagome laced her fingers together behind his neck. "Just shut up and kiss me."
A/N: now I know this is a really cruel place to stop it and I know that it's been forever since I updated and I'm really sorry but I just finished fall crew which was taking up most of my time so I had practically no social life and because it took me so long I decided to continue sorry !
The shuffle of boots moving across the winding pathway snared Inuyasha's attention. He looked up glancing behind Kagome, and an expression of sudden understanding dawned across his intriguing features. "Trying to make your suitor jealous?" he asked, his gaze returning to her face.
"No," Kagome snapped impatiently anxious to move ahead with her plan. "I'm trying to convince him that any further attempts to catch my attention will be totally senseless. I want him to believe I'm interested in someone else so he'll stop following me wherever I go."
"I see." He arched one eyebrow. "And you're using me as a decoy in this little game of yours."
"Not unless you're willing to participate," she mumbled, unable to hide her mounting irritation. At any second now, Augustus would be standing right beside them. She couldn't afford to waist precious moments arguing with Inuyasha. Infuriated, she stared straight ahead, focusing on the broad width of Inuyasha's chest.
"I don't mind lending a hand," he assured her smoothly. "But I suspect that kissing you won't be an enjoyable experience for me, knowing how you treat your admirers after you've grown weary of them. Something tells me that you'll cast me aside without a second thought, just like the rest of your heartbroken suitors."
"Then you can pretend that you're enjoying yourself," she ground out, rapidly losing her patience with him.
"But you know I've never been good at games of pretend," he reminded her, his voice a low, taunting whisper.
She snapped up her head, intending to voice a scathing reply. But Inuyasha didn't give her the chance to utter a sound. Any response that might have crossed her lips became smothered beneath the pressure of his mouth grinding into hers.
The shock of the unexpected move turned Kagome's world upside down. Jolted by the jarring contact she reeled in confusion. Yes, she'd asked for a kiss from Inuyasha, a kiss that would discourage any further advances from Augustus. But never in her wildest dreams had she expected anything other than a few pecks across the cheek or a light brush of his lips across hers. Never once had she fathomed that Inuyasha would kiss her like this.
His lips were seducing hers with masterful skill, devouring the contours of her mouth with such fervent persuasion that Kagome melted beneath the sizzling heat of her touch. He angled his head to one side, gliding his mouth across her lips over and over again with hot, moist strokes.
Inuyasha was kissing her like she'd never been kissed before, scorching her lips with the heat of his mouth and igniting fiery flames of desire in places far deeper. When his tongue slipped between the curve of her lips and surged into her mouth, Kagome feared her knees would buckle beneath her.
Swooning, she clung to his broad shoulders for support. He pressed his hands along the curve of her spine, drawing her closer against him. All the while, his lips clung to hers, relentlessly demanding more.
As his tongue swirled around her's Kagome felt both weak and giddy as if a lightning bolt had seared through her. He was kissing her with the passion of a man possessed with an insatiable desire for the woman in his arms. It was senseless, it was endless, and it was the most proactive, mind-boggling moment of Kagome's life.
And it also made Kagome realize just how little she knew about kissing. None of her suitors had ever demanded anything more from her than a simple flirtatious kiss from her. And most of the kisses had been over before she had even had a chance to close her eyes. Never before had she been kissed by a man like this.
Inuyasha's arousing touch was awakening a response that both amazed and alarmed her. Kagome couldn't explain why her pulse was racing so furiously, why her heart was thundering in her chest, why everything around her-all the noise and all the laughter-seemed very distant and far away.
Was this truly Inuyasha kissing her? The same Inuyasha who had yanked on her braids and stolen her hair ribbons? The Inuyasha who had wounded her pride when he's refused to marry her beside the playhouse so long ago?
Waves of confusion swept over her. Inuyasha wasn't supposed to ignite all these feelings of desire in her. Not the man who had been a like a brother to her for most of her life.
The moment his arms loosened, she slithered away from his hold. Edging back, she planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. "You scoundrel! You weren't supposed to kiss me like . . . like . . . like that!"
He had the audacity to laugh." And just how was I kissing?"
She lifted her chin and haughtily returned his gaze. "Like some love-starved maniac!"
"But apparently it achieved what you wanted to accomplish," he noted, his gaze meaningfully drifting across the narrow pathway behind her.
Slowly turning her head, Kagome looked over her shoulder. To her surprise, Augustus Moulton had vanished. For the first time during the course of the afternoon, the dark haired admirer was not standing behind her.
But her dismay over Inuyasha's unsettling kiss overshadowed any joy she might have felt over Augustus's disappearance. Her lips were still tingling from the blazing heat of that kiss, and she didn't understand why.
She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. "A kiss on the cheek would have sufficed, Inuyasha."
"But it wouldn't have been very convincing. I dare say your admiring suitor wouldn't have departed so quickly if he'd witnessed the sight of someone bestowing a chaste peck on your cheek."
She knew he was right but she couldn't bring herself to agree with him. "Well you didn't have to resort to such despicable tactics," she grumbled.
His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And just how were my tactics despicable?"
"It was the way you kissed me, Inuyasha!" she floundered, groping for the right words. "It was much to bold, much too . . . convincing."
"Wasn't that what you wanted me to do?" he asked with mock innocence.
"Of course not!" she yearned to slap that impudent grin from his lips. "I never asked you to kiss me like we were long lost lover's who had just been reunited!"
"So you didn't like the way I kissed you?" he pressed on.
"I never said that," she denied, feeling a heated flush rise to her cheeks. "But it was entirely inappropriate!"
"I suppose you should know all about inappropriate kisses." There was a touch of smugness, a hint of playful teasing, in his tone that infuriated Kagome beyond all reason. "Considering you've probably been exposed to a great deal of suitors who were anxious to steal kisses from-"
"All of my suitors are well versed in the proper way to kiss a lady," she informed me with the utmost respect, and they have never taken advantage of me. And never once has any of them kissed me so . . . so . . . so savagely!"
All traces of amusement vanished from his lips and eyes. "That's the way I kiss Kagome." His voice became gruff and low. "It's the only way I know how to kiss a woman."
"Well you didn't have to act like you were enjoying yourself so much," she muttered.
"For God's sake, Kagome, you were the one who wanted me to pretend like I was having a good time!" His face reddened with fury. What did you expect?"
"I expected something much milder. Something not so wild and heated and passionate and-"
"Damnation Kagome!" he roared. "I gave you exactly what you asked for."
"No you didn't. You took advantage of the situation," she countered hotly. "I'll know better than to ever ask you to kiss me again."
"You don't have to worry about me kissing you anymore," Inuyasha assured her. "I wouldn't even consider the thought. I'll reserve my affections for a woman who will appreciate me more than someone like you!"
They were still standing face to face, glaring at each other in frigid silence, when Miroku stepped up beside them.
"Well I see you two are having a pleasant chat," he observed, nearly strangling on his laughter.
"Inuyasha started it," Kagome claimed.
"Kagome aggravated it," Inuyasha declared.
"I see." Miroku's gaze swung form Kagome to Inuyasha and back again. "For some strange reason, I feel like I've stepped back in time. Do either of you remember having this conversation before?"
Visions of childhood spats and squabbles flashed through Kagome's mind. But as she stood there, glaring at Inuyasha, the absurdity of the situation hit her with full force. And when she detected a twitching motion at one corner of Inuyasha's mouth, she burst into laughter. "Dear heavens, you would think we were children again!"
"Pitiful, aren't we?" Grinning, he shook his head in disbelief. "Five minutes together, and were ready to strangle each other."
"At least you're here. I will give you credit for that," she teased, curling a ringlet of her hair around her finger. "And what about Aurora? Is she here, too?"
"She's upstairs, finishing her afternoon nap. I suspect she should be awakening soon." Inuyasha's smile faded away. "Something tells me I should check on her. Waking up in a strange place might be frightening for a little girl all by herself."
"Then we'll see you back at the house," Kagome said.
As Inuyasha retreated back to Takahashi House, Miroku held out his arm to Kagome. "Shall we return to our party now?"
Nodding, Kagome fell into step beside her brother-in-law. The crowd was waning now, and she sensed that the party would be over soon.
Inhaling a deep, steadying breath, Kagome swept across the grounds to bid good-bye to the remaining guests.
Yes! I finished and let me tell you I pumped this one out guys so don't be mad at me an review! It really does make me work faster! Sarah