Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Company. I do however own an Inuyasha and Sesshomaru pin…along with other merchandise because I have no life.
Author's Note: Hey, I'm back, finally! Sorry for the long wait! Well, Inuyasha has finally discovered his true feelings, and this chapter picks up exactly from where the last one ended. This chapter's basically a ton of stuff about Inuyasha's newly discovered feelings and then some of Kagome's feelings and then there's some little InuKag fluff stuff. I won't say any more, just go ahead and read. Thank you all so so so much for all of your reviews, I love you guys so much! Well I'll shut up now, please read and review! Much love from your Authoress, SilverRose88.
Chapter Fourteen
"WHAT!" Miroku exclaimed, almost dropping the pizza in his hands.
"Ya heard me…me fine, moron. Now stop…stop s-s-staring at me like…I just grew a-a-another…damn head," Inuyasha growled angrily. It was about three in the morning, and Inuyasha had come home after what had happened around seven hours ago. He'd promptly shut himself in the bedroom, just laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling for practically three hours. He had laid there, mulling over what he'd realized, what he'd been trying desperately to deny…but the more he struggled with the feelings, the more they became stronger…the more he could no longer evade the truth. Somehow through all of the things that had been going on…somehow, sometime since she'd left…Inuyasha had fallen in love with her. He'd fallen for Kagome…and now, no matter of denying it, or ignoring it was going to work, because he'd finally accepted it, and was beginning to curse himself for not realizing it sooner. He loved her, and now…because he'd been too stubborn to understand his emotions…she was getting married to another goddamn man! Koga of all the people in the goddamn world! And he freakin goddamn loved her!
Yes, to say he was angry was an understatement. He was so furious with himself that he had actually thrown the bedside table at the wall in rage and frustration. After his outrage, Miroku had taken it upon himself to fix whatever problem his friend was experiencing. Miroku had known instantly by the look on his face when he'd returned that he had seen Kagome and Koga, and that something bad must have happened. Not only did he look angry, but he seemed upset, and that was what wasn't making any sense. So, he decided to find out what was wrong, and since he knew there was no way to get the fool to tell him straight up, he was going to have to resort to sticky tactics.
Of course that was just the simple doing of alcohol. A couple of beers hit the spot perfectly. And now, after two and a half hours of trying to get him to talk, Inuyasha was spilling his guts out to a shocked Miroku.
"Yeah, can ya believe it?" Inuyasha said as he took another swig of his beer. "I actually lo-lo-love K'gome! Ain't that som-sumthang?"
Miroku had known that Inuyasha loved Kagome. No one could act like he did with her and not be in love with her. But he hadn't thought that Inuyasha'd realize so soon. Well, a bonus to his plan was fine with him. Taking a small sip of his own beer (he had been taking his alcohol more seriously than the other man beside him, knowing he had to be sober to ask the right questions), and said, "How'd you figure this out?"
Inuyasha looked at him, eyes glazed over, hiding the pain in his eyes. "Well…it's a funny story! I-I really don't r'member wha happened…but-but I just know tha-that I love her…I was st'pid, weren't I? S-She l-loves that-that bas-bas-bas…what's his name again?"
"Koga," Miroku replied.
"Right! Tha-Tha-That's it…Koga…she-she loves him…not me, not me," he shook his head to emphasize his point.
"Why don't you just tell her you love her?" Miroku suggested.
"Cuz that'll be bad. Yeah, very, very bad," Inuyasha said, nodding, and taking another swig of his beer. "B-but…sh-she's so pre-pretty…no, no…beauty…beauty-full! That-that's what she is…"
"Yeah, she is," Miroku agreed with a nod.
Inuyasha turned to stare at him, eyes narrowed. "Mir'ku! You don't luv K'gome, do ya?"
Miroku blinked and replied quickly, "No!"
"Good! Because…because, she's miiinne! So, han-hands off, ya letch!"
"She's all yours,"
"No, no, not yet…" Black tresses flew around as he shook his head. "No…she ain't mine…that bastard's in da way…ga'damn 'im!"
Miroku had never seen Inuyasha so shaken before. The poor guy was probably going to start bawling any time now…but then that could just be the alcohol, dang that guy could drink a lot. Miroku felt pain for his friend, and knew that he was going to have a hard few weeks, and wondered if he knew about Kagome getting married. "Inuyasha, do you know that Kagome's--"
"--gonna get married in a few weeks? Uh-huh…her fiancée tol-told me…damn him…" Inuyasha scowled. "Gawd…she looked reeeaally nice in 'er 'ress…a pretty angel…"
"You really love her, huh?"
"Abso-Absolu--yes…I do…love her…"
"But what about Kikyo?"
Inuyasha looked thoughtful. "Kikyo…oh her! I remember her! I dunno, Mir'ku! Wha' shoo' I do?"
"Forget her?"
"Already--Already have…" Inuyasha said with a wave of his hand. "Argh…my head hurts…"
"Go to sleep, Inuyasha," Miroku said.
"Ya…Ya…sleep. Ma'be I'll dream'f K'gome! That'll be…nice," he said as he pulled a pillow from the couch down and rested his head on it, still on the floor.
Miroku sighed and cleaned the food and beer from the floor. As he headed towards the bathroom, Inuyasha asked one last question, which even he had no answers to…
"Mir'ku? …Is K'gome gonna l-l-leave me again?"
The blood went cold in Miroku's veins as he turned to face him, and took in the pathetic love-struck--heart-broken appearance of his friend. "I-I don't know…" he said, wishing he did, if only to make the drunken man happier.
Inuyasha nodded sleepily and drunkenly. "Kay…thought I-I'd ask…"
Miroku heaved a big breath before helping his friend into bed.
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"Kagome, what's wrong? You haven't seemed like yourself for awhile…are-are you having second thoughts?" Koga's azure eyes swept over her face and locked onto her brown eyes as she looked up at him.
She shook her head at him and lied, "No, nothing like that Koga,"
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. I want to get married, honestly," She gave him a smile, and when he returned it slowly, she sighed. It was getting harder and harder to put up her façade with him. She loved him truly, but he was just a friend, and she could never see him as anything more than that. Her heart had already been taken by another, and she was beginning to hate herself for letting Koga get married to such a hypocrite as herself. He deserved someone better. Someone who could really and faithfully love him. That person just wasn't her.
It had been five days since that incident at the wedding dress store, and she and Koga were taking in a movie at her apartment. Five days since then and Kagome hadn't heard from Inuyasha since. She wondered what was going on with her best friend. After what she'd seen that day, he had been the constant sort of confusion, worry, and pain in her mind…and heart. She knew she'd seen something in his eyes that night. Something that was very similar to what she tried to hide in her own eyes from him…something close to love. But as soon as that thought had even entered her mind, she'd squashed down on it. He didn't love her. He was still enveloped with Kikyo…still infatuated with his high school sweetheart, and would never notice her…not when it mattered. How she wished he'd forget all about Kikyo and realize he'd been wrong the entire time. How she wished he'd realize how much she felt for him. How she wished he'd declare his love for her and whisk her off to paradise, just the two of them.
Kagome sighed. She was such a fool to be thinking this way. She knew he only saw her as his best friend, that there was nothing about her that would ever quite spark his interest the way Kikyo had. But she knew what she had seen and it had been some form of love in his eyes…and as the thought made her heart leap in hope, it also made her feel the most pain in her life. Not knowing what he was feeling was like a knife was slowly twisting its way into her heart and the ache was becoming more and more unbearable. Seeing him that day had also been unbearable and had given her quite a heart attack as well. After not seeing her or talking to her for three days, he finds her with Koga…in her wedding dress of all things. And had there been pain in his eyes that night? Had she seen depression and pain in those violety-brown eyes? She knew pain and depression well enough to think she knew what it looked liked, but seeing it in Inuyasha's eyes was something else entirely.
He wasn't one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and though sometimes he made the effort to let others show his feelings, he had never really taken that mask off. Even though Kagome had known him for almost seven years, not even she knew all of the feelings and emotions that Inuyasha could have. She didn't' know how he acted when he was in pain, or how he was when he was depressed, and therefore all hope seemed to vanish before her. Could he really have been upset and hurt that night? It just didn't make sense to her. Inuyasha, the epitome of anger and jealously, of stubbornness and stupidity…had he really let his mask slip? Had she seen the truth in his eyes? Kagome wasn't sure what to think anymore. It was all too confusing for her already aching mind.
"Kagome?"
She looked up at her voiced name and gave Koga a bright warm smile, contrary to how she really felt inside. "Yeah?"
"Just checking," he said with a small smile, and kissed her chastely on the forehead. "I love you,"
"M-Me too," was all she could manage, and as his smiled broadened, she felt like the worst human being in the world.
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"ARGH!" Inuyasha groaned, clutching his head, feeling like the worst being in the world.
"Will you shut up!" Miroku snapped from the kitchen.
"You shut it! I've got such a shitty goddamn hangover!"
"Your damn fault for getting drunk again last night!"
Inuyasha only grunted. This had to be his third hangover in a week. He must have been seriously bashed for getting drunk day after day…But then who wouldn't, if they were in his predicament? He had just realized he loved his best friend, right when she was getting married to another guy. Yep. A good reason for a good drink. But maybe he had taken it a bit too far…he felt like shit, and he looked like shit; darkened circles under his eyes, gaunt face, his black tresses in tangles and knots, clothes dirty…Yeah, he looked really appealing right now. Gods, what would Kagome do if she saw him like this? He chuckled, but the gesture caused him to have a headache, so he stopped. If she did see him like this, she'd scream bloody murder and be bent on fixing him up, right after she gave him a big lecture on drinking. Kagome despised alcohol and all drugs, and a small smile tugged at his lips as he pictured her rectifying this pathetic situation.
"Go take a damn shower, you'll feel better," Miroku said, sitting down on the floor with a bottle of Pepsi.
"I've taken a shower, doesn't work,"
"Take another. I don't want to be cleaning after your lazy drunken ass, so get to it. …Or I'll call Kagome and tell her all about your little crus--" Miroku was promptly shut up as a pillow went straight into his face.
"Just shut up! I can't believe I even told you that in the first place! I swear, if you go blabbing to her or anyone, I'll slit your throat in eighty different ways…" Inuyasha threatened.
"I get it, I get it!" Miroku exclaimed. "God, you'd actually attack your friend? Kagome wouldn't really approve of that, you know,"
Inuyasha swore, but said nothing. Great. Miroku knowing about his love for Kagome wasn't helping him any. That bastard would use that knowledge to get everything from him. He sighed, and laid down on his back on the couch. He felt horrible about so many things and even though he didn't want to think about it, he did anyway, because at least thinking about Kagome was a pleasant thought in his hangover mood.
He still had trouble really believing it. The fact that Kagome was now not only his best friend…but the woman he loved as well. He must have been a fool to not have realized it sooner. How could he have gone on so long without realizing it? Kagome--her bright, glowing smile; her intoxicating, melodious laugh; her chocolaty, emotion-filled eyes; her soft, sensational touch; her fiery, strong-willed anger; her intellectual, superior mind…all of it--he loved all of it, and he must have been the world's most stupidest fool to have never seen it, or felt it. But, now he knew the truth. He loved Kagome like he'd never dreamed, and as the gods wished it, she was preparing for a wedding to another man. And she didn't love him, did she? Not when she already had Koga; how could she love him? She was in love with Koga, and even if he told her about his newfound feelings, there was no way she'd except him.
But he wanted her so badly it hurt. He wanted to tell her his feelings, then hold her in his arms and kiss her lips like he had before…like he'd been aching to do ever since the first time on the beach…He'd never understood that urge that had been sitting in him ever since that night, but once he'd kissed her again the other day, he knew what it was. A desire so strong that he couldn't ignore. He'd wanted to kiss her so many times it hurt, but now…now he could never be with her for she belonged to someone else. But he couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same way about those kisses like he did…She'd never reprimanded him for trying such a thing, only got flustered and confused, like himself. Only that first night had she run away, saying I'm not Kikyo, of all things, and he'd known that from the beginning…She could never be Kikyo. Kagome was unlike any other girl he'd ever known and there had always been something about her that he'd longed for in other girls he'd been with. Kikyo had been different, and he knew he'd loved her, but as he now knew that he truly loved Kagome, he realized that his feelings for Kikyo had never been as strong. He'd loved Kikyo, yes, but Kagome was the one he wanted, dreamed, ached for, desired, she was the one who had reached out beyond everything and had stolen his heart completely. And even in his wildest dreams, he'd never expected this. Just thinking about it was confusing, but so calming…knowing that he held a strong love for the most perfect girl in the world…
How was he supposed to tell her? Should he tell her? Knowing that he was just going to be rejected was definitely the reason to not tell her…but what if, by some miracle chances, she loved him too? What if all this time, she'd fallen for him too, just like he'd fallen for her? It was possible, he could say that, seeing how easily it'd happened to him, but was he willing to take the risk to find out? He'd never stop loving her, that much he knew, because these emotions and feelings were much to strong to ever be put out. He'd never felt this way in his life, and he wanted to keep this feeling forever. He wasn't going to have Kagome…She was going to become another man's wife…And he'd live on without her…as if that was possible. He needed her. It was as if a part of his heart, his soul, was empty, incomplete, and without Kagome, he'd live like that forever. She was the one who would complete him, make him whole. But not as a best friend---as love. He needed her love.
Who was he kidding? She didn't love him. He knew that, and hated himself for it. Had he not been such a fool to realize his feelings, he could have swept her off her feet, and make her love him, but he'd been too late. She was in love with Koga, and nothing he could say or do would ever change that. He'd lost the woman he loved, and it hurt like hell.
"So, have you decided?" Miroku asked sitting down on the couch beside Inuyasha.
"Decided what?"
"If you're going to Kagome's wedding or not,"
"Of course I'm going!"
"Really? I would think you'd skip out since, you know, you love her but she's marrying someone else," Miroku said, staring at him, rather surprised.
"Well, I'm going," Inuyasha replied firmly.
"Aren't you going to crash the wedding? Sweep her away or anything?" Miroku inquired.
"N-No…I mean, I'd want to, no way do I want her marrying that bastard…but Kagome loves him, so…if she's happy, who am I to destroy that?" Inuyasha said glumly.
Man, if only Kagome would just tell him she loves him, or if he tells her…damn, this is beginning to get way too complicated. If they just sit back and watch then she really will marry Koga! …I've gotta call Sango and discuss this stupid mess… Miroku thought with the shake of his head.
"I'm gonna take a shower…" Inuyasha said, getting to his feet and heading to the bathroom.
Once Miroku heard the shower start, he picked up the phone and called Sango, knowing this would be the only chance he had without Inuyasha overhearing.
"Sango, my love!" Miroku exclaimed when she picked up.
"Don't make me hang up on you," Sango replied coldly.
"You're so mean, Sango!"
"What do you want?"
"Stuff about Inuyasha…"
"Ooh, what's up?"
"Well, he loves Kagome," Miroku replied.
"He does? That's great!" she exclaimed. "But wait…there's a big problem. Damn it, the wedding! What are we supposed to do? It's so wrong if Kagome marries Koga now that we know Inuyasha loves her back!"
"We'll just have to stop it if he doesn't," Miroku replied. "I mean, as their friends, we can't let this happen,"
"You're right. If it gets to when Kagome is about to say 'I do', and Inuyasha still hasn't stopped the wedding, or she hasn't either, I suppose, then we've got to take it into our own hands," Sango said firmly.
"Glad we have that figured out," Miroku said with a sigh.
"Do you think we could get them together somehow? I dunno, like a double date?" Sango suggested.
"You mean, you'd go on a date with me!" Miroku exclaimed happily.
"Well, for the sake of our pathetic friends, yes, I would," Sango replied.
"Okay! I accept! If we can get them to come with us to dinner someday soon, then I'm all for it! You ask Kagome and I'll talk to Inuyasha," Miroku said.
"All right then. Call you later," Sango said, and hung up.
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"Dinner Friday night…with you, Miroku…and Inuyasha!" Kagome exclaimed, then began shaking her head frantically. "Are you crazy? I told you I wasn't going to see him until my wedding! I don't want to see him!"
"You already saw him at the wedding dress store, so what's the deal?" Sango pointed out.
"Yeah, but we didn't really talk! He was just mad at me for not telling him about the wedding! Then, he looked really pale and ran out before I could say anything else," Kagome replied, still wondering what had happened with her friend that night. "Sango, I can't believe you're asking me this. You know I don't want to see him. I can't see him! I swear I won't be able to hold my façade up in front of him, and when I start bawling and tell him the truth, it'll be all your fault! Is that what you want?"
"Uh, aren't you getting a bit melodramatic now, Kagome?" Sango asked carefully, eyeing her friend cautiously.
"Oh, so now I'm melodramatic, huh?" Kagome said.
"Kagome, snap out of it! I'm not asking you to bear your heart and soul! I'm just asking you to come. For all I care, you don't have to say a word to Inuyasha the entire night. As a friend, can't you please come with me? I mean, you're wedding's almost here, and after that…who knows when I'll see you again…" Sango said, giving Kagome a look of pure depression.
Kagome gasped and said quickly, "Sango, that won't ever happen! You're my best girl-friend! We'll keep in touch!"
"But, we-we don't know that…" Sango said, putting her face in her hands and mocking quiet sobs.
Kagome bit her lip at the sight of her crying friend, then gave Sango a hug. "F-Fine…I-I'll come…but if I do spill my guts out, it's on your head!"
Sango gave Kagome a small smile and said, "Wouldn't take it any other way,"
Yep. The guilt trip works every time.
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"You bastard! I swear, I'm going to kill you one of these days!" Inuyasha shouted. "How dare you make me come with you to dinner when KAGOME'S there? I can't believe you! You know I can't face her…seeing her right now will send me to my grave!"
"I'm sorry, but it's the only way Sango will go out with me!" Miroku lied.
"Then find another goddamn girl!"
"But I love Sango!"
"You love all girls, you stupid letch!"
"Shut up and come on! We'll be late if you don't move your lazy ass," Miroku said.
"I said I don't wanna go!"
"I'll pay for your dinner!"
"…And dessert?"
"Yes, fine…" Miroku said, checking his wallet for money. "Let's get going. I know you don't want to see Kagome, and I'm sorry bout that, but just suck it up for one night, kay? For all I care, you can ignore her,"
"I don't think I could ever ignore Kagome," Inuyasha said as they got into the car and headed to the girls' apartment. "It's just that…I don't know how I can face her the same way, knowing I love her, and that she's not just my best friend anymore,"
"Just act like you normally do. It'll be fine, you'll see," Miroku said.
Inuyasha sighed. "I hope you're right…"
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"Wow, what a fancy restaurant!" Kagome exclaimed.
"Think you can afford this Miroku?" Inuyasha asked. "I mean, you're not only paying for yourself and your date, you're paying for me. I've got Kagome's bill covered,"
Miroku was starting to regret his decision to pay for his friend and groaned. "Come on…" he said, leading the way inside with Sango on his arm.
Inuyasha turned to Kagome beside him and felt his heart hammer. Just looking at her was making his emotions go haywire. She looked so beautiful…
"Hey…are you still mad at me?" Kagome suddenly asked, looking up at him.
Inuyasha blinked quickly, startled and began fighting down a big urge to blush. "Uh…mad at you?" he replied stupidly. He was mad at her? What for? …Oh yeah…the Kikyo slapping thing, and for not mentioning about getting married earlier. God, he'd forgotten all about being angry with her; his love for her had made all of that seem petty and stupid.
"Yeah, with the Kikyo thing…I'm really sorry about that," Kagome replied with a slight blush. "Uh, I-I just sort of lost control. I shouldn't have hurt her like that…especially since she's the woman you love and all…"
Inuyasha wanted to correct her, wanted to tell her the truth, but knew that would only be complicating things more. Besides, she didn't love him, her heart belonged to Koga. "It's all right, Kagome. It just surprised me and I shouldn't have yelled at you like I did. And I'm sorry for missing the dinner,"
Kagome laughed and he wanted to savor the moment forever. "Yeah, well that I'm holding a grudge to! You forgot about a very important dinner, and I felt like strangling you! I don't think I can forgive you for that," Then, crossing her arms, she stomped off after Sango and Miroku very childishly.
It took Inuyasha a moment to realize she'd walked off, and then he ran after her and caught her arm. "Hey, that's not fair! I forgave you for the Kikyo thing," Only cause I don't love her anymore. "so, you've got to forgive me for missing the dinner,"
"But this is more important! I mean, I spent five hours preparing that meal. I had a whole feast set out for you, then I waited and waited…and you never show up! Then I find out you were spending your evening with Kikyo and hadn't bothered to call!"
"Kagome, I said I was sorry! I honestly didn't want to forget the dinner. I was looking forward to it! Any night spent with you would be great…I just bumped into Kikyo that day and wanted to talk to her. I haven't seen her--"
"--Since the year ended. Only a month or so ago. You haven't spent time with me for two years," Kagome replied flatly, taking her seat across from Miroku.
Inuyasha sat down next to her and said, "You know that's not what I meant. I didn't want to miss that dinner. I just forgot it was that same night, that's all. I felt horrible when I realized I'd missed it. I wanted to just bang my head on something hard. …Come to think of it, I almost did, then Kikyo stopped me. After that I told her to leave. I wanted to apologize to you, but I was angry at you about slapping Kikyo,"
Kagome looked at him and saw the truth in his dark eyes. She sighed and said, "Well, it still hurt you forgot about it,"
"I'm sorry, Kagome," he said genuinely.
She gave him a slight smile. "You have to make it up to me then,"
He slowly smirked. "How so?"
"Hmm, take me to the beach after dinner," she said smiling up at him, eyes glowing.
Inuyasha's breath caught in his throat and he had to calm the quickening heartbeat in his chest. "Uh…yeah, sure, I can do that," he said, blushing slightly from her intense gaze.
"Yay!" Kagome exclaimed, grinning. "Thanks, Inuyasha. I've wanted to go for awhile, but Sango wouldn't come with me,"
"Well, you can count on me, Kagome, no matter what," he said, smiling.
Now it was Kagome's turn to blush. She looked away shyly and said, "T-Thanks,"
"Oh, by the way, what did you do with all the food you made for that dinner? Did you pig out on it?" Inuyasha asked after the waiter had taken their orders.
"No. And, I don't pig out on food!" Kagome snapped.
"Yes you do. All the time," Inuyasha said, grinning. "So, if you didn't pig out on it, what'd you do?"
"Koga and I had some, and then he took some home and the rest Sango and I finished," Kagome replied.
But Inuyasha had only heard the words Koga and I had some…Koga, Koga, Koga…Damn that infernal bastard! That was my dinner, damn it! MINE!
Yeah, and you went and spent the evening with Kikyo instead. Good going.
Shut up. Inuyasha told the voice in his head. Then, turning to Kagome, he said, "So…you and Koga ate it?"
"Yeah. He was there when I got home, so we spent the night just sitting together on the couch, eating and watching a movie," After I'd cried my eyes out and had gotten a grip…
Inuyasha felt like throwing something at the wall. God he hated how Kagome was always spending time with that goddamn bastard. What was so great about him anyway? He was so much better than Koga. He sighed. But if Kagome loves Koga, then what could he do about it? He just wanted to see her laugh and smile, and if being with that bastard insured that, then he wasn't going to step in the way.
"Hey-Hey, is everything okay? You look depressed," Kagome asked, suddenly noticing Inuyasha's subdued expression.
"Oh, I'm fine, Kagome," he replied quickly.
"You sure?" she said.
"Yeah, I'm sure," he said, and to prove his point, he gave her a bright smile.
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"Kagome, your purse is ringing," Inuyasha said, pointing to her handbag on the table.
"Ha, ha," Kagome replied, digging through the bag to find her cell phone. "I wonder who's calling…Oh, it's Koga," Of all the times, Koga…Just great…
Damn it! Why's that bastard calling her right now? Of all the times…damn it. Inuyasha stared at Kagome, glaring at the phone in her hand, wondering if his angered vibes would reach all the way to that bastard's home and kill him.
"Koga, why are you calling?" Kagome asked, trying to ignore the fact that Inuyasha had been pointedly staring at her, and was now glancing off as if her phone call held no interest in him. She almost laughed at the way his eyes kept darting towards her.
"Kagome, I just wanted to see where you were. You weren't answering your home phone, so I called your cell. Are you busy? I was hoping we could hang out for awhile," Koga said.
"Uh, Koga, didn't I tell you that I was going out to dinner with Sango and my friends?" Kagome replied.
"No, you didn't. Are you still there? I'm sorry I interrupted your dinner," Koga apologized.
"Oh, Koga, it's no problem," Kagome said sweetly.
Inuyasha cringed.
"But, what about after dinner? Can we get together then?" Koga asked.
"I-I'm sorry, but no…I really just want to hang out with my friends tonight, Koga," Kagome said.
"Friends? Who else is with you? …Is that Inuyasha bastard there?" Koga demanded.
"Yes, what's the big deal?" Kagome said.
"N-Nothing," Koga lied.
"Why do you hate him so much anyway, Koga?" Kagome asked, suddenly wanting to know.
Inuyasha turned slightly to listen. He could hear what they were talking about; he'd been straining his ears, and he knew they were talking about him.
"I-I don't Kagome," Koga lied again. "It's just that, he's your best friend and sometimes I wish that you and I were that close, as friends, you know?"
"Oh, Koga," Kagome replied, not knowing what else to say.
"Well, my love, I shall leave you then. I don't want you to miss out on your dinner. But, if that bastard does anything to you…if he makes you cry…tell me, because I'll kill him, okay, Kagome? No mercy, all right?" Koga said seriously, but to Kagome only sounded like teasing.
"You're so sweet, Koga, thanks," Kagome replied.
Inuyasha twitched, almost falling out of his chair.
"I love you, dearest, call me later," Koga said.
"I lo-love you too," Kagome said, noticing again that Inuyasha was staring straight at her as she'd said it. "Good night, Koga," She hung up and put the phone back into her purse, ignoring the intense gaze Inuyasha was giving her, and her sudden desire to blush.
"Are you sure you want to go to the beach tonight?" Inuyasha suddenly asked after a moment of silence.
Kagome blinked and looked up at him quickly. "Well, yes, but if you don't want to--"
"No, Kagome, that's not what I meant. Don't you think your fiancée would mind if I took you to the beach? Don't want him to come after me," Inuyasha said, staring directly at her.
Kagome met his gaze straight back and replied firmly, "Inuyasha, yes, I do want to go to the beach. Koga'll just have to understand that you're my best friend,"
"But he said he doesn't like having me as your best friend,"
"How do you know--Ah! You were eavesdropping on my conversation! I can't believe you!"
"Ah, wait, Kagome! I-I didn't mean to!"
"I can't believe you!"
"It's his damn fault for talking so loud!"
As this fight went on, the others on the opposite side of the table were grinning and watching with keen interest.
"At least they're speaking to each other, right?" Sango said to Miroku, who nodded.
"Yeah. They're doing better than I'd ever have thought, considering everything. I just wish they were enjoying themselves knowing how the other feels," Miroku replied.
"It's way sad that they don't know the truth. Damn their stubborn stupid selves," Sango said with a shake of her head.
"Like you said before, we should be glad that they're on speaking terms. I'm happy they're having a good time," Miroku said.
"Sure, I'm happy too, but how long will they keep it up? They're talking tonight, but afterwards? Once the wedding's over, thing's are bound to change. I don't know about Inuyasha, but Kagome's planning never to speak to him again once she's married,"
Miroku sighed and frowned. "Those fools,"
xxxxxxxxx
"Oh, it's gorgeous!" Kagome exclaimed running towards the ocean.
"Kagome, careful, you'll trip in--" Inuyasha quickly grabbed her arm as she pitched forwards. "--your heels," he finished, pulling her up.
Kagome laughed. "Thanks, Inuyasha. Forgot I was wearing pencil-heels for a second,"
He gave a slight smile, then asked, "Why do you women wear stupid heels like that anyway? Just wear sneakers like normal people,"
"Sneakers with a fancy dress? Have you ever seen anyone dressed like that? Don't tell me you'd actually like seeing a woman in that kind of a getup,"
"Well, why not? It just shows she doesn't care and rather goes for comfort," Inuyasha said.
"Well, mister, I see you're wearing dress shoes. What, no sneakers?" Kagome teased.
Inuyasha smirked. "They're being cleaned, as it is," he replied.
She laughed again and reached to pull her shoes off. Dumping the shoes at his side, she walked to the water and put her feet in to the cool waves. She turned to Inuyasha and called, "Come on, you've got to get a little wet!"
Inuyasha shook his head vigorously. "No, thanks. I pass,"
"Aw, come on, it's fun!" she insisted, but still he shook his head. Then she sighed, turning away, pretending as though she'd given up, but began eyeing the water with a sly grin. She walked into the ocean a bit more, glad that her dress was above her knees instead of long at her ankles, and then turned to face Inuyasha once more. He was staring off in the distance and she called out, "Hey, Inuyasha!"
"What?" he asked, turning to face her.
"Watch out!" she exclaimed and kicked water at him. The water hit him directly in the front, drenching his face, hair, and shirt.
Inuyasha stood there, processing what had just happened, when he slowly began to grin. "What the hell was that for, Kagome?" he yelled.
"It was an accident," she said innocently.
"Oh, really?" he said, peeling his wet shirt off over his head, and dumping it by her shoes. He ran over to her and said, "It was an accident, huh? Then, you must excuse me for this accident!" as he grabbed her hand and started dragging her deeper into the water.
"No, wait, Inuyasha! I'm sorry! Stop! I don't want to get wet!" Kagome shrieked.
"Neither did I!"
"I'm sorry!"
"Kagome," Inuyasha said, turning to her.
"Yeah?" she said, looking at him apprehensively, and trying not to stare at his bare chest.
"Close your eyes and hold your breath!" he exclaimed before he picked her up by the waist and threw her into the water. He laughed as she went under and then stopped suddenly as she wasn't coming back up. Instantly growing worried and scared he said, "Kagome? Wh-Where are you--ah!"
Kagome had grabbed his ankle and had pulled him under too, and she was grinning into his surprised face. Inuyasha stared back at her angrily, while trying to suppress his desire to smile as well. He was certain, however, that even though he was trying to be mad at her, she knew he was just teasing. She smiled at him before splashing water in his face and resurfacing. He followed her up and breathed out deeply.
"That felt way good, thanks Kagome," Inuyasha said, grinning at her as he straightened out his tangle of wet hair.
"Glad I could be of help," Kagome replied, brushing her own hair out of her face. She shivered suddenly, and ran her hands over her bare shoulders and arms. "Crap, it's cold now. It's all your fault I'm freezing. Did you have to throw me into the water?"
Inuyasha grinned. "Of course I did. You got me wet, so I had to retaliate," he replied, but as she shivered again, he said, "But maybe I shouldn't have…You're shivering, Kagome. I'm sorry,"
"I'm fine," she said.
"Maybe we should leave," Inuyasha said.
"No, I want to stay," Kagome said quickly, not wanting her possibly last evening with Inuyasha to end so soon. "Please," she pleaded.
"But I don't want to you to get sick," Inuyasha told her.
"Just for awhile longer, okay?" she begged, giving him big puppy dog eyes.
God, she doesn't have to look so cute when she does that…makes it harder to say no… "F-Fine," he relented, and she grinned. "But just a bit longer,"
xxxxxxxxx
"Why are you both so wet?" Miroku asked.
"Uh…fell into…the ocean?" Inuyasha replied.
"Hold on, let me get towels before you come inside," Miroku said.
"I didn't think you'd be so concerned about getting the apartment wet, Miroku," Kagome said when he returned and handed each of them a towel.
"Well, I don't want the carpet wet, that's just gross," Miroku said. "Dry off and come in,"
They obeyed; wiping at their wet clothing and hair before entering the apartment and shutting the door behind them.
"Sango, you're still here?" Kagome asked, surprised to find her friend sitting on the couch.
"Yeah, we were watching a movie," Sango said, then looked over Kagome and Inuyasha. "Do I want to know?" she asked.
"Nothing happened. We just got a little out of control, that's all," Kagome replied, a light blush on her cheeks.
"Uh-huh," Sango said with a smirk.
"Hey Kagome, come here," Inuyasha called.
"Yeah, what?" she said, following him into the bedroom.
"You shouldn't be wearing your wet clothes, you'll get sick…But I don't have any girls' clothes…So you can just…borrow…some of mine…" Inuyasha said awkwardly, a reddening blush on his cheeks as he filed through the closet for clean clothes.
Kagome's blush deepened and she said quickly, "No--that's okay!"
"No, it's not okay. I don't want you to get sick," Inuyasha said seriously, staring directly at her.
Kagome blushed even more from his intense gaze, but a second later he looked away and then handed her a white shirt and a pair of flannel pajama pants.
"Here, these should do," he said.
"Thanks, Inuyasha," she said, and then headed to the bathroom to change as he began looking for something he could change into as well.
xxxx
"That's a good look on you, Kagome," Inuyasha said, grinning when she came out from the bathroom in his clothes which were much too big for her. The pants were folded about three times at the waist, and twice at the feet; and the shirt came down to her knees with the sleeves folded about five times until they reached her shoulders.
She gave him a sarcastic smile. "Very funny," she said. "But, thanks for the clothes," she added.
He waved her thanks away with a hand. "No problem. It wasn't like I was going to let you catch a cold," he said with a grin. "Come on, Miroku says he has an idea for a game to play,"
"Charades?" Sango, Kagome, and Inuyasha repeated at the same time, staring curiously at Miroku who was grinning at them.
"Yeah, charades. It'll be fun, let's play," he said. "Me and my dear Sango can be one team, and you two can be the other team,"
Both Kagome and Inuyasha looked a bit flustered by this, but didn't say anything against it.
"I'll go first," Kagome said. "What am I supposed to charade?"
Sango stood up and said, "We'll go by categories. Characters first. As in from any movie, book, magazine, whatever," Turning to Kagome, she whispered in her ear, "Harry Potter,"
"All right," she said, and Sango sat down, wondering how Kagome was going to portray him. Kagome turned to Inuyasha, who nodded and urged her to start. She raised her hand to her and drew a certain lightening bolt scar on her forehead.
"Harry Potter!" Inuyasha exclaimed.
Kagome grinned. "Yep! That was way easy, Sango,"
"I completely forgot about the scar…" Sango replied, shaking her head.
"One point for Team Inuyasha!" Inuyasha said.
"Who said our team is named after you?" Kagome demanded.
"Uh, me?" he replied innocently.
"Well, mister, there are two people on this team, and we decide together what the name is! We'll be Team Kagome!"
"When did I agree to that?"
"You don't have a say in the matter,"
"Then what was that we have to decide together speech?"
Kagome shrugged. "Complete bullshit?"
Inuyasha grinned. "Fine, we'll be Team Kagome,"
"Uh, guys?" Miroku said, watching them with amusement.
"Oh, right," Inuyasha said. "Miroku get up there. Kagome you have something? Cause I sure as hell don't,"
"Fine, let's see then…" Kagome walked over and whispered into Miroku's ear, "You've got to do Charlie's Angels,"
Miroku stared at her. "But-But how am I supposed to do girls? I'm a man, you know!"
Kagome rolled her eyes. "You date enough girls, don't you, you letch? I'm sure you know how to portray Charlie's Angels," she said before sitting down next to Inuyasha who turned to her and asked, "What did you tell him to do?"
She just smirked. "Watch. This should be rather funny,"
Curious, he turned back to Miroku who was debating how to act out his character. Sango was watching him closely, impatiently telling him to get started, and Kagome just continued smirking.
Miroku sighed and glared at Kagome who just smiled at him sweetly and then began to act out his charade. He held up two fingers and Sango said, "Okay, two words, what next?" He nodded and then kneeled down and clasped his hands together making the gun symbol and held it out in front of him. Sango just stared at him and he got up and did the other two positions. He looked at Sango expectantly, and she just thought about if for a moment before saying, "Charlie's Angels?"
"Yes!" Miroku said and sat down next to her. "Good job, Sango!"
"Why'd that take you so long to come up with? It was way easy," Sango said.
"I-I dunno! It's weird for me to do girls!"
Inuyasha laughed. "Haha, that's funny Miroku. Hard for you to do girls? If you can't act out a girl, then no one can,"
Sango and Kagome laughed and Miroku scowled. "Very funny. We'll see who's laughing. It's your turn, Inuyasha, and I have the perfect thing for you to act out,"
Inuyasha groaned and got to his feet. "You better get it, Kagome, or else,"
"What, you're threatening me now? No trust in your teammate?"
He grinned, knowing she was just teasing. "Just get it right and my trust will increase,"
"Gee, I feel so loved. I thought I was your best friend, you should trust me!"
"I do, Kagome, I do. Just get it right, okay, or else!"
"Fine, fine, go and act!" Kagome said, grinning at him and he nodded and went over to Miroku to find out his charade.
xxxxxxx
An hour found them still playing the game and Miroku had just finished his charade.
"Kay, Inuyasha, it's your turn," Miroku said. "Hmm, we're doing emotions now, aren't we? What emotion can you act out?"
"Kagome, get this right! We're losing by two points!" Inuyasha said.
"Ooh, two points! Big deal! We can catch up!" Kagome said.
"We'd better catch up, get this right, okay?" Inuyasha ordered.
"Inuyasha, it's just a game,"
"It's a game we're going to win!"
Miroku stared at the two of them and a sneaky look took over his face. "Okay, I have the perfect act. But, if I tell him, he'll get mad at me…Hey, Sango, you tell Inuyasha his charade. I've got the greatest one,"
"What is it?" Sango asked and she gasped when he whispered it into her ear. "He'll get way angry, Miroku!"
"That's why you have to tell him. He doesn't know you know about it, so he can't get mad at you!" Miroku said.
Sango narrowed her eyes at him. "So, you're making me do it to save your scared little behind?"
Miroku gave her big hopeful eyes. "Would you?" he pleaded.
She sighed dramatically. There was no way she'd not do this, it was going to be extremely amusing to see. "Fine, I'll do it. Inuyasha, get over here!"
Inuyasha sauntered over and said, "What am I acting? Better be something good,"
"Yeah, whatever. Just listen," Sango then whispered into his ear, "I love you,"
Inuyasha blinked and said, "I'm sorry, Sango, but I don't feel that way about you,"
Sango's eye twitched. "You moron! I'm not confessing to you! That's your charade! Go act it out!"
"W-What? T-Th-That-that's my charade?" Inuyasha spluttered. "I-I'm sorry, Sango, I-I can't do that!"
"Why not?" Sango asked. "It's not like you love Kagome or something, so what's the big deal?"
Inuyasha hid the blush on his cheeks and had to refrain himself from telling her the truth. "R-Right…but still, that's not an emotion!"
"Yes it is. Love is an emotion, isn't it? 'I love you' is just a way to say it, so shut up and get to it!" Sango then sat down before he could complain any longer.
Inuyasha looked at her pathetically, begging her to change it, but she shook her head. Damn stubborn girl! H-How can I do this? I-I can't, it's like telling her how I feel! What if she figures it out?
"Inuyasha, you okay?" Kagome asked.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine!" he said quickly.
"Then hurry up," she said.
"Right…" Inuyasha sighed and decided he had no choice. He gave Sango a look of loathing, and she just smirked at him as if she knew something, but he shook his head and turned to Kagome. She smiled at him, encouraging him on, and only that made him calm down a bit. He raised three fingers up at her and she said, "Three words, great! What's the first?"
Inuyasha pointed at himself and she said, "You?"
He shook his head and then tried another tactic. He made the number three with his fingers and pointed at himself again.
Kagome nodded and said, "Okay, the third word is you?"
He nodded vigorously, grinning.
"Then, the other words?"
He knew this was going to be the harder part. How was he supposed to say 'I love you' without using words? He shut his eyes and began thinking. What could he do?
"Inuyasha, come on, what is it?" Kagome said.
He opened his eyes and met hers, and he knew what to do. He put a fist to the middle of his chest, and then moved it to cover his heart. Then he removed his fist and held it out as if pointing it towards her.
Kagome's brow furrowed. "Again," she said.
He nodded and repeated the movement. 'I'--placing his fist on the center of his chest. 'Love'--covering his heart. 'You'--holding his fist out towards her.
"I love you!" Kagome exclaimed jumping to her feet. She met his dark gaze and felt her heart hammer at the look in his face. Was that passion?
Inuyasha felt himself blush slightly as he nodded. "Ye-Yeah. You-You got it," he said, voice sounding unusually strangled. If only what she said had been how she feels about me. I wish for that so much, all the time, but know that it will never be true. She loves Koga, and not me. God, I feel horrible.
Kagome nodded, and looked away. Her heart continued beating uncontrollably, and a blush crept all over her face and neck. I love you…Oh, if only he'd say that for real. I wish he would…Too bad it'll never happen. He only has love for Kikyo… Damn it, I hate this.
A/N: Yeah, I sort of went blah at the end, but I thought it'd be a good place to stop. Besides, the chapter's 13 pages long, so no complaining! Anyway, that's all! Thanks for reading, and I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner. There will be an appearance from Kikyo-- her last appearance in my story, thank god, because I hate her. Sorry to all of you who do like her, but she'll be making her last act in the next chapter. And, I'm not sure as of yet, but I think the next chapter might end up being the last. I'm not sure, so don't bank on it yet. There are probably two more chapters and an epilogue. That's where it's going for right now.
Well, yeah, I'll go now. Thanks again! Until next time, SilverRose88.