It was Friday, the day before the group was set to go out to the event, and everyone was going about preparing for the trip throughout the week. Kouga and Ayame had gone out on a shopping spree to grab essentials for their weekend away: toilet paper, toothpaste, trash bags, disinfectant wipes, snacks for the road, food for the house, and gathered extra blankets to accommodate anyone who wouldn't have a bed to sleep in.
Rin had contacted a home owner who was willing to rent out a house for a cheap price. Unknown to anyone but her and Sesshomaru, she told the owner that there would only be two guests, so that they could get the cheapest available group price. The owner offered the house for cheaper as long as the guests were willing to clean up after themselves before they left. Sesshomaru had to sort out all the planning under Rin's direction, as she was still a minor.
Miroku had to do tedious chores for his uncle Mushin in exchange for borrowing his car. Chores included sweeping, mopping, laundry, cutting the grass, and helping his wife prepare dinner. Inuyasha and Kouga teased him about his housewife training, as they called it. He asked them for assistance since they would also be riding in the car, but they laughed in his face and declined.
Sango decided to stay with Kagome for the last few days of the week so that they could prepare together. Sango brought multiple changes of clothes for staying at Kagome's and one outfit for the trip. Rin had taken leadership of the group and was quite strict about planning it. She insisted that since there were so many of them that they were to keep their packing to a minimum and only brings things that they absolutely needed. Everyone was to bring one change of clothes, one set of pajamas, toothbrush, deodorant, and a brush. The homeowner insisted that the house got pretty hot, especially at night, so she instructed everyone to bring light, summery sleeping clothes.
Kagome was glad to have Sango over, as she hadn't really had time to spend with her best friend one-on-one lately. Either Sango was with Miroku, or it was her, Ayame and Rin with Kagome. During the nights that Sango stayed over, Kagome prepped herself for the events to come by watching scary movies every day. She wasn't really exposed to horror films as a child, since it wasn't something that her mother particularly enjoyed. Sango forced Kagome to sit through Ju-On, Ringu, and American classics translated into Japanese like The Poltergeist, and The Blair Witch Project, since they'd be in the woods. Much to Sango's amusement, Kagome responded very negatively to the movies, screaming and jumping and clutching onto her friend and brother for dear life.
"It's gonna be so cute watching you snuggle up against Inuyasha when you get scared," she teased at one point.
Not that Kagome could lie, she was very happy to be going out with the group, especially Inuyasha, outside of school. Even if she was going to be scared out of her nuggets, she knew she'd be happy to have Inuyasha by her side to protect her from whatever was going to happen. They hadn't had a lot of time to spend together during the week, seeing as they were always in class or in the company of others. She hadn't had much time to spend with Inuyasha alone. She frowned when this thought occurred to her, as it didn't make sense to feel this way when they were just friends, but she couldn't deny it.
She was glad to have her friend over, but at the same time spending so much time with Sango meant that Inuyasha was less inclined to be around. They'd both been teased about dating when the other wasn't around, but both were also much too shy to actually come out and say or do something about it. In all honesty, Kagome missed being with just him.
Karori was initially against Kagome going along with her friends, but after much talking down by Rin, she relented. Rin was one hell of a negotiator, and she assured Karori that nothing would happen to her daughter while under her and Sango's watch. Kagome was in awe watching her speak and run through her points of the trip and whatnot. She wasn't lying when she said she could be very persuasive.
That day after school, Inuyasha packed his car with Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Sesshomaru. He dropped Kagome and Sango off at her shrine, while he and Sesshomaru were going to spend the night with Miroku at his uncle's house since Sesshomaru would be driving. Also, it'd be a bit easier to not have to pick up so many people the next day. Ayame also spent the night with Kouga.
Kagome stepped out of the shower late that night and toweled her hair dry before heading into her room. Sango was on the phone with either Rin or Miroku, she guessed, and she discarded her towel to apply her desired lotions and oils.
"So be ready by 2:30-ish?" Sango was writing something down in a small writing pad and Kagome raised a brow and mouthed 'who is it?'
"It's Inuyasha," she replied then went back to the phone. "No, Kagome asked who I'm talking to... Yeah her vagina is freshly shaved."
"Sango!" Kagome's face turned red and Sango beamed and set the phone down, putting it on speaker.
"Uhh... okay?" Inuyasha's voice floated through the speaker with electronic sweetness. "So yeah, Rin said the trip will take approximately two hours, and there's gonna be a rest stop along the way."
Kagome listened attentively to the conversation while she pulled on her undergarments and a tank top. She dreaded having to sleep in pajamas during the weekend, especially since Rin told everyone that the house was going to be hot at night. She considered taking a shower and hoping her wet hair would keep her somewhat cool. She was gonna hold off a shower until she got home, mostly because the thought of being completely naked in a house with Kouga was unsettling to say the least.
"So we're leaving early in the day because Rin wants to do all this dumb shit?" Sango rolled her eyes and Inuyasha chuckled.
"What's that Miroku?" he said away from the phone, then back to Sango. "When we get there, we're gonna get our things settled in the house, then maybe go shopping for some other shit that we probably won't need. And we're gonna go out to eat before we get there."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Yeah, Miroku's bitching that I'm talking to you, so I'm gonna go now. He said goodnight."
"Oh tell him to get over it. He'll see me tomorrow. And we're gonna be sharing a bed so he better not be complaining!"
Inuyasha chuckled then paused for a beat. "Tell Kagome I said goodnight, okay?"
Sango grinned devilishly at Kagome as she blushed. "Actually, she can hear you. You're on speaker."
There was another pause. "Hiya, Kagome."
"Hi, Inuyasha," her heart was pounding for some unknown reason. She hardly reacted like this when she spoke to him in person. Why was it so damn nerve wracking over the phone?
"Have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow." Awkward pause. "Goodnight."
"Night," she said shakily as the line went dead.
"Jeez, Kagome, contain your orgasms," Sango shook her head and Kagome raised a brow.
"Pardon me?"
"If that boy doesn't make you insanely horny, than I'm a Filipino transsexual named Ong."
"Horny!" Kagome sputtered. "Jeez, Sango, I like him. Just because I like him doesn't mean I wanna be ravaged to kingdom come by him."
"Kagome, your face is beat red, you're trembling, and your voice got all throaty when he directly addressed you. Tell me that doesn't mean you don't wanna ride his cock into the sunset."
"The hell?!" Kagome's eyes were round as Sango burst into tears, laughing and clutching her ribs at the priceless look on her friend's face. Kagome ducked her head in embarrassment as she untangled her hair and neatly braided it, aiming for morning curls again. Sango was still laughing when Kagome climbed into the bed and cocked a brow at her friend.
"Are you done?" Kagome sighed as Sango sat next to her.
"Not quite... Seriously, Kagome. What are you gonna do if it comes down to having to sleep next to him tomorrow?"
"Well I'm not gonna have sex with him," Kagome snapped. "You're one to talk. You're in no hurry to open your legs and you've known Miroku for years. Why are you egging me on about sleeping with Inuyasha?"
"Because I like seeing you blush," she chuckled, then got serious. "Look, Kagome. At this point in your life you're doing so well with being social and making friends. Hell, you're even steadily maintaining a friendship with someone who you have romantic feelings for."
Kagome remained quiet as she picked at a loose thread on her blanket.
"Look, I'm not being serious when I say you should bang him but, at least... Don't let him slip through your fingers. He's a very nice guy, and he likes you. This is the first time this has ever happened. I think you should leap for your chances."
Kagome snorted. "That was so cheesy."
Sango chuckled. "I know. But trust me, Kagome. I think you'll end up hating yourself if you let him get away. He knows that you're shy and that you don't wanna be pressured into anything, so he's not gonna come onto you too strongly. You have to meet him halfway and let him know that you're interested, too."
"And how do I do that?"
"I don't know, laugh at what he says, engage him in conversation?"
"I already do those things." she whined.
"Well, don't be afraid to hold onto his arm tomorrow. I know you're scared of this whole Siren thing, and this just might be your chance to be all snugly and let him know that you need him to feel safe and secure."
"So basically throw myself at him? I don't like coming across as desperate, Sango."
Sango thought for a moment. "Okay, how about this. They say when you really like someone, it feels like you hit a home run. You feel excited and victorious and your adrenaline is pumping. You with me?"
Kagome nodded.
"Do you feel this way when it comes to Inuyasha?"
"...To an extent. I don't feel victorious but I get the adrenaline and excitement."
"Okay, now here's my point. Say you hit a home run. You're excited, and your adrenaline is spiked and all that. Tell me, when you hit a home run, do you stand there and watch the ball, or do you run the bases?"
Kagome cocked her head to the side, her friend's point becoming clear. "So you're saying if I like someone, I hit a home run. If I stand there, I'm letting them get away, and if I run the bases, I go for it?"
Sango grinned. "Exactly."
"You're cornier than Mexican food." Kagome laughed and Sango soon joined in.
"Look, just do whatever you feel makes you happy, okay?" she said seriously and Kagome nodded as she shifted to lay down facing the wall.
"So what were you and Inuyasha talking about? What's the plan for tomorrow?"
Sango flicked off the lamp and cuddled into Kagome's pillows. "We have to be up by 11 at the latest and get ready by 2:30. Rin wants to pick everyone up and leave out around 4ish. We're gonna make a stop halfway there for the bathroom and stuff. When we get there we're gonna drop our stuff off at the house and maybe go out to eat before we head out."
"Okay," Kagome yawned. She pulled her covers up higher on her body and drifted off to sleep.
…
The next day, Sango and Kagome got up around 10 and cleaned her room, then went about to make breakfast. Karori wasn't home, but she insisted that Kagome text her to check in every hour or so when she left to make sure she was okay. They saw that Karori had packed them each a small lunch of rice balls and pickles to take for the trip. Sango took a shower while Kagome finalized her things, making sure she had everything she needed. She had her deodorant, toothbrush and pajamas along with a different shirt for the next day.
Despite the rental house being hot, Rin said it'd be quite chilly that night, and that everyone should dress in layers. Kagome decided on a camisole under a form fitting gray thermal with black jeggings. She had a thick sea foam colored jacket with fuzzies on the inside, and matching sea foam Converse sneakers. As much as she liked her school uniform, she was happy to be able to dress like herself again. She buffed out her hair, loving how her braid caused her hair to fall in soft waves to the small of her back. She hurriedly put on a bit of mascara before Sango came back into the room, hoping her friend wouldn't notice.
She didn't seem to suspect anything when she got out of the shower, dressing in black sweat pants and a pink crew neck sweater. She donned her jacket and grabbed her backpack and they headed out at about 3:30, waiting for Sesshomaru and the others at the bottom of the shrine steps. They would be the last ones to be picked up before they headed out.
When the Toyota finally pulled up, Rin, Inuyasha and Miroku got out to help the girls with their things and organize the trunk. The back was loaded with extra blankets and duffle bags.
"How are we gonna fit all of this with these blankets back here?" Miroku asked. Rin thought for a moment while Inuyasha helped Kagome with her bag, greeting her warmly. She was beyond excited to see him. He was casually dressed in jeans and a thick red hoodie, similar to hers.
"Take the blankets out and lay them out along the seats." Rin was all business. "Put the duffle bags on the bottom and the grocery bags on top."
"See this is why we should've waited until we got there to start buying all this shit," Inuyasha scowled. "There's no damn room for all of it."
"We will make room, dammit! Now take the blankets. Lay the across your laps if you have to." Rin scowled and shoved the blankets in Inuyasha's arms. He mumble curses under his breath while he walked to the side of the car. While Rin and Miroku got situated with the trunk, Inuyasha climbed into the very back on the driver's side and stuffed the blankets under his seat.
"Everyone sit with their buddy!" Rin yelled. Kagome scooted to the back between Inuyasha and Ayame. Kouga sat in front of Ayame, and Sango and Miroku sat in front of Kagome and Inuyasha. Rin waltzed to the passenger seat when she was done packing the trunk and Miroku groaned.
"It's still so cramped in here."
"Yeah... maybe Kouga and Rin should switch places?" Sango suggested. "I'm squished between these two."
"I don't want his loud mouth in my ear while I'm driving," Sesshomaru growled. "Besides, he probably doesn't know how to work the GPS."
"I do," Miroku volunteered. "I'll switch with Rin if she doesn't mind."
"Wow, you'd give up and opportunity to grope Sango through the whole ride?" Kouga snapped and Miroku glared at him.
"We'll have plenty of time for that tonight," he scoffed and Sango slapped him. "Alright, Rin. Let's get this over with before she kills me." Miroku stepped out of the car and walked around to the front while Rin slid out of her seat and scooted into the back.
"We have to stop for gas before we get on the highway."
"I know that, Miroku," Sesshomaru sighed. "Just a heads up. I don't want any back seat drivers."
"He's touchy because we didn't have sex last night," Rin whispered to Sango and Kagome who giggled. Kagome snuggled between Inuyasha and Ayame. Despite it being cramped in the back, it was quite comfortable. Everyone remained seated as Sesshomaru stopped to pump some gas.
"I hope everyone went to the bathroom before you left," Rin said.
"I may have to shit. So I'm probably gonna be cutting up the whole way there."
"Kouga, I will kill you."
"I'd like to see you try."
"So what are we gonna do for two hours on the way there? I want something to help me get in the mood," Ayame said.
"Jeez, you were in the mood all last night." Kouga rolled his eyes and everyone cringed.
"No, ass. I meant in the mood for some creepy shit!"
"Are you kidding me?" Rin exclaimed. "We live in Japan. Horror capital of the world. I'm sure we can we can find something scary to talk about."
"Actually, I'm pretty sure Kagome would appreciate some scary stories," Sango turned around to glare playfully at Kagome who grimaced.
"I have a good scary story," Inuyasha said as Sesshomaru got back in the car and started up the engine. "Tonight, in about 2 hours, we all have to gaze upon the horror that is Kouga's ass."
Everyone started laughing and Kouga shook his head.
"Hope you don't have any dingle berries," Sango made a face.
"Oh, he doesn't," Ayame assured.
"I really hope you two don't plan on fucking tonight." Inuyasha made a face while Kouga grinned at him.
"I'll make sure to be extra loud just for you, Inuyasha."
"Fuck you."
"At least I'm getting fucked tonight."
"Yeah, whatever."
"You two can take that shit outside," Rin said. "I don't wanna smell balls or vagina juice at any point during this trip."
"Oh, and we're supposed to believe that you and Sess won't do anything?" Ayame teased and Miroku sighed.
"Sure wish I was..."
"No one will be doing any fucking of any kind, dammit!" Rin said. Kouga raised a brow at her.
"Who the fuck made you boss of the trip?"
"Well, I planned the trip so what I say goes."
"Fuck you. If I wanna fuck Ayame tonight then I will. And I'll make sure to leave the door open so we can all bask in the stank."
"You're fucking disgusting," Inuyasha groaned. "Sometimes I wonder why I agreed to go."
"Because Kagome's going?" Sango said and Kagome blushed.
"So I guess we're not telling scary stories?" Ayame complained.
"No, we will. Let's wait until we're a good way on the highway though. We're still in town for goodness sake. It'll be creepier when we're surrounded by trees," Miroku said.
"Well put on some music in the mean time!"
"What do you wanna hear?" Miroku asked as he pulled out his phone and hooked it up to the system.
"Something up beat and road trip-y."
Miroku browsed through his library while everyone talked excitedly to each other. Inuyasha casually draped one of his arms across the back of the seat, behind Kagome and she blushed at she looked up to see him smiling at her.
"Are you excited?" he asked and she shrugged. "Nervous?" he asked and she nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be with you every step of the way." He gave her a reassuring smile and she grinned back. She was beyond happy to be by his side at that moment. It was almost ridiculous how happy she was at this moment. The stereo flickered to life, playing a funky up-beat song.
"Tekken Tag 2 music?" Kouga raised a brow and Miroku grinned.
"'Your Sunset' is a great road trip song! It's fun and gets you in the mood. Plus, the sun will be setting soon!"
"I don't mind Tekken music as long as it doesn't loop too long." Ayame said.
"It loops about twelve minutes."
"Woo." Sesshomaru said un-enthusiastically while everyone began clapping to the beat. He shook his head, trying to hide a smile.
The music was enough to get everyone in the mood as they all babbled excitedly about the night to come. Kagome nestled comfortably into Inuyasha's side without realizing it, and he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to him. She leaned her head on his broad shoulder, sighing in content while she thought back to what Sango said the previous night.
'Leap for my chances, huh?' she thought as she stared up and Inuyasha, watching his strong jawline as he bickered with Kouga and Rin. She smiled as she thought of how she'd be tucked into his side like this all night, and welcomed the thought.
'I think I can handle this.'
For the record, the baseball metaphor wasn't my idea. A friend of mine read about it somewhere and I thought it'd put Kagome's cheesy feelings into perspective, specifically when it came to making a move. So yeah, I disclaim the baseball stuff. Siren, Tekken and Inuyasha aren't mine, either, yada yada yada... Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Please review!
