I am back. For good. Yes, that means I created a devious plan to get MFH finally onto my new laptop. And I succeeded!
Thank you guys SO much for your patience and thank you to everyone that emailed me to remind me. Just remember I did have the reason and any info on my profile. If I ever do something like that again, my profile will always explain.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...sadly
Chapter 28- I Love You
Bad day. A very bad –bad, bad, bad, bad- bad day today was.
Oh the joys of being manager.
Miroku took in a deep breath and pulled out his cell phone. The sound was like a surfer melody and he had almost found it mocking, now more than ever. Oh, he wanted so badly to throw the phone against the bus window and hope it shattered to millions of itty-bitty pieces. To bad wishful thinking never got anyone anywhere.
"Hello?" Miroku said, his voice tired sounding as he tired to contain his anger.
"Mr. Hoshi, this is Mr. Hilo from the police department."
Shit.
"Oh, hello Mr. Hilo. How is everything going?"
"I'm calling in regards to the deaths at the performance less than a week ago. We had one female witness and we brought her in for questioning. Though in truth she knew very little. The suspect wore all black and was around five foot four. She couldn't identify any more of his features other than the fact that she heard him say 'I hope he's finished his part of the job.'"
"And that means?" Miroku probed, not really in the mood to think for himself.
"It means that we've gotten nothing though we've brought in another suspect regarding what Mr. Inuyasha Takahashi called for."
Miroku looked at Inuyasha. "One moment please," he told Mr. Hilo and glared at Inuyasha. "What did you call them about?"
Inuyasha looked surprised for a moment before his eyes widened and he grabbed the cell phone out of Miroku's hands, answering only briefly. "Threat to Kagome in her dressing room after shooting."
Miroku still didn't get it but Inuyasha didn't care. He just starting talking to Mr. Hilo, glad he had called back.
"Mr. Hilo? This is Inuyasha."
"Okay then. I wanted to let you know we brought in the bodyguard that secured the dressing room for Ms. Higurashi. I'm afraid though that I can't give you any more information on this line. I was wondering if there was a time I could speak to you and Ms. Higurashi? Some time soon?"
Inuyasha nodded. "I'll get back to you with the soonest time possible is that alright?"
"Fine with me. You know the extension to reach me at correct?"
"Yeah. Thanks a lot sir."
When the call ended Sesshomaru walked in from the driver's area, sitting on the couch beside Inuyasha. "So what's up? Where are the girls?"
Miroku glared at Inuyasha before turning to look at Sesshomaru. "The girls are in the bed section and apparently, Inuyasha over here decided to give some information about something that happened the night of the shooting without telling us."
It was Sesshomaru's turn to glare at Inuyasha. "What?" he hissed, venom coming out of the single word.
"Slipped my mind," Inuyasha said easily. "When I brought Kagome to her dressing room that night, bodyguards had made sure the room was secure and they protected the doorway. When Kagome went in there was a message on the mirror in lipstick threatening her that if she became too close to us she –or us- would die. That's why she was pushing us all away that week. Of course, I'm not the only one keeping secrets." Inuyasha looked towards Sesshomaru. "You bastard knew about the note. Didn't you?"
Miroku looked to Sesshomaru cautiously. It now seemed to him like it was a conspiracy. "Why are you two doing this to me?" Miroku growled. "Why the hell was I left out of this? These are my girls, damn it!"
"They're ours as well," Sesshomaru pointed out and Miroku stood up, threatening Sesshomaru, daring him to make another comment. He was on the verge of killing them. Inuyasha stood up and pushed Miroku into the couch.
"Relax Miroku. We need to get through this together. Sesshomaru," Inuyasha looked towards his half-brother. "Spill."
"The message is on her cell phone," Sesshomaru said calmly. "She saved the picture of it on her camera phone. She accidentally forgot it one time and I was wondering if anything on her phone could give out information to what her problem was."
Inuyasha growled and stood up, this time Miroku pulling him back down. "Her problem!" Inuyasha roared out. "There wouldn't have been a stupid freaking problem if you had just told us! Just told her that you knew! You greedy bastard Sesshomaru! What if that was Rin? Huh? Would you just let her suffer alone?"
"But it wasn't Rin it was Kagome."
"I don't give a damn!" Inuyasha roared, shrugging Miroku's hands off and lunging at his brother. Sesshomaru took the tackle and didn't fight back.
"Inuyasha stop this at once!" Sesshomaru ordered but Inuyasha spat at him and Sesshomaru growled.
"Not until you tell me what your problem was Sesshomaru."
"Fine!" Sesshomaru shoved Inuyasha off of him and sat back down on the couch. "I didn't do anything because it wasn't my right. She obviously didn't want to tell us. You're right, maybe I could've pushed her in the right direction a little but I didn't. It would have only pissed her off more knowing that I went through her pictures and text messages. You know as well as I do that that girl has a temper."
Inuyasha snorted. "Damn straight."
"So I decided to stay out of matters. I knew Kagome would do the right thing in the end anyways."
Inuyasha didn't lift the death glare he gave to his brother but stood up and walked to the mini fridge. "I don't care for your excuses anymore," Inuyasha said calmly. "I just hate you so much right now I can't even say a damned thing."
"That's probably for the best," Sesshomaru muttered but when he caught Miroku glaring at him, he shut his mouth.
"Whatever Fluffy," Inuyasha said, knowing the nickname would bug his half-brother. "I'm going to talk to Kags. See yah."
"Just don't corrupt my girlfriend," Sesshomaru murmured and once again Inuyasha heard it. Without retorting, he flipped his brother off getting a scoff from Fluffy.
Inuyasha walked into the bunk bed area and was surprised to see Kagome, Sango and Rin in the middle of a pillow fight. Kagome saw Inuyasha and smiled, though the little distraction only got her a pillow in the head.
"Not fair!" Kagome yelled and swung her white pillow towards Rin, whom she presumed had hit her.
"Hey!" Rin yelled. "It was Sango."
"No it wasn't!" Sango yelled in her defence. "It was Rin, Kagome!"
"Oh yeah," Rin said sarcastically. "It was totally me!"
"See!" Sango pointed, jumping up and down. "She admitted it! Ha!"
"Actually," Rin said, smiling evilly towards Inuyasha. "I think it was Inuyasha, Kagome!"
Kagome gave him a playful glare. "Now Yash," she scolded, "you should never hit a woman with a pillow. It will just come right back at you!"
Inuyasha's eyes widened considerably and he shrunk back. "No! Kags, let's think about this… Please?"
"Nope," Kagome said, charging towards her boyfriend with Rin and Sango behind her. Kagome swung the pillow towards Inuyasha's head and he blocked it, climbing onto the top bunk and sticking his tongue out at her. Her jaw dropped and then, like Miroku, put her hand over her heart and shook her head.
"That hurt Yash."
"Will I get punished?"
Kagome looked up at him and got all flustered, in the end causing Inuyasha to laugh. Sango and Rin then came up to Kagome and whispered something in her ear. Inuyasha's ears pricked to hear what they were saying but by the time he started listening the conversation was over. Kagome smirked and climbed up the ladder, pillow in hand.
"Kags?"
"Mm-hmm?"
"What are you doing?"
Kagome smiled brightly. "Punishing you."
Now before, being punished wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Of course, with the gorgeous smile on Kagome now, Inuyasha wasn't quite sure. If it were a "bad" thing, Kagome would normally be smirking. Just like him.
But that wasn't happening this time…
Kagome leaned in forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. Sango and Rin had left and Inuyasha smirked. Maybe he was just being paranoid that he would have to face Kagome's wrath. Kagome gave him a quick kiss on the lips and then pulled away.
"I'm sorry," she whispered and Inuyasha looked at her confused.
"Why?"
"Because of this!" Kagome grabbed the pillow and hit Inuyasha in the head. Inuyasha was caught off guard and was hit fully on the face with the fluffy white pillow.
Ouch. Not.
Inuyasha grabbed the pillow from Kagome's hands before she could hit him again and then he hit her. Kagome gasped and struggled for the pillow back. Kagome leaned forward to grab the pillow but lost her balance and fell on top of Inuyasha.
Forgetting the pillow completely, Inuyasha dropped it over the edge and captured Kagome's lips with his own. He would just tell her about Mr. Hilo's report later on. They were too busy at the moment.
"Rin, are you done yet?" Sango asked, begging the Gods for her to be done.
"Just a minute!" Rin exclaimed, annoyed for that had been the fourth time they had asked that same question.
"You said that five minutes ago!" Kagome sighed exasperated. "Inuyasha is going to have a strop soon if you don't hurry."
If only she knew…
Outside of the change room, Inuyasha was cursing the girls for taking their time. "Like really! Aren't they the least bit hungry?"
"Girls just take a naturally long time to get ready," Miroku said, rubbing his temples.
"Why won't they just hurry up?" Inuyasha asked.
"You just want them to be out before Kouga comes so you can hold Kagome to show him that he's yours, isn't that right?" Sesshomaru asked, smirking when he saw Inuyasha's glare.
"Of course! That mangy wolf keeps hitting on my Kagome."
"Not really actually," Miroku said. "If you haven't noticed he's actually been flirting with Ayame."
"Ayame?" Sesshomaru asked, raising his eyebrows. "That's new. It would be perfect too. She would keep him in line."
"Too true," Miroku agreed, nodding. "So Inuyasha," Miroku started, returning the spot light to the time pushing half-demon in front of him. "Kagome didn't say much this morning about how you two became an item."
"An item?" Inuyasha asked, raising his eyebrow. "Yeah, it was yesterday."
"When yesterday?" Miroku persisted.
"Was it before the new moon?" Sesshomaru asked and Inuyasha shook his head.
"No, before that."
"What would the new moon have to do with anything?" Miroku asked and Inuyasha shook his head.
"Nothing. Sesshomaru just wanted to know if it was before nightfall."
Miroku nodded, shrugging it off. "So…how far?"
Wham
"I'm serious!" Miroku said. "I just want to know how far in bed…"
Wham
"Stop hitting…"
Wham
"What was that for?" Miroku demanded.
"The first one for asking a personal question, the second for asking a dirty personal question and the third one because I felt like it." Inuyasha smirked.
"I hate you," Miroku muttered. Inuyasha raised his fist but luckily for Miroku, Sango had walked in at that moment.
"Kagome! "Your boyfriend is beating mine up!" Sango yelled and Inuyasha shook his head towards Sango who smiled. "He's being ruthless!"
Inuyasha cursed when he saw Kagome walk through the door, an eyebrow raised. He laughed lightly. "Am not. Silly Sango. I only hit him three times."
"Why?" Kagome asked.
"He was asking dirty questions," Inuyasha said defensively, glaring at Kagome telling her that it wasn't him.
"What kind of dirty questions?" Sango asked, her anger rising as she looked at her pervert boyfriend.
"I was just asking how far they got last night," Miroku said indifferently and Sango smiled. She walked over and sat on his lap.
"Miroku?"
Miroku smiled. "Yes my dear Sango?"
Slap
Rin kissed Sesshomaru and leaned against him, watching the scene before them. "I'm glad we're mature," Rin commented and Sesshomaru laughed.
"More than them anyways."
It was then that Ginta walked in. "Hey guys!" Ginta chirped, breathing heavily.
"Hey Ginta," Kagome said. "What's wrong? You look like you've run a mile."
"I probably have," he muttered and Kagome looked at him confused.
"Where are Ayame, Hakaku and Kouga?"
Ginta looked up at Kagome wide-eyed. "Don't want to know," he said quickly when he heard the sound of Kouga screaming insults.
"Shoot," Ginta said and grabbed Kagome from Inuyasha's grasp and he growled.
"Kagome," Ginta whimpered. "Protect me!"
"Why?" Kagome asked, laughing at Ginta's behaviour.
"Ginta you no good thief! Get back here and face me like a man!" Kouga yelled running and stopped abruptly when he saw Ginta hiding behind Kagome.
"Kagome," Kouga ordered calmly. "Please step aside so I can reach my dear friend Ginta behind you."
"And why should I?" Kagome challenged, wondering what Kouga would do.
"Because that lazy no good pathetic excuse for a wolf demon cheated!"
Ginta loudly gulped and Kagome looked down at the shaking guy behind her. "Ginta," she asked calmly. "Why did you cheat? And what per say, did you cheat on?"
"All I did was tell Hakaku that there was no more instruments in the van so we took off and left Kouga to do it all. Normally it's the other way around."
Ayame stifled a giggle at the truth behind it all and Kouga clenched his fists. "Liar."
"Nah-uh."
"Yah-huh."
"Nah-uh"
"Yah-huh!"
"Nah-uh!"
Miroku stepped in, facing Kouga. "Stop this you two!" Miroku said, rolling his eyes at the childishness of it all. "Honestly, you two are sounding like Inuyasha and Kagome for God's sake!"
"Hey!" Kagome yelled and sucker punched him in the back while Inuyasha hit him on the head.
Miroku rubbed his sore head, looking at Sango forlornly. "Love, some help please?"
Sango laughed and shook her head. "Sorry love. But I do think you spoke truthfully on that one."
Kagome shifted her glare to her best friend, eyes burning fire as it was raining brimstone. "Excuse me?"
Rin made sure she was near the bathroom door before making a comment of her own. "That's what happens when you sleep together in the same room…let me see…three times now? Or is it four? Of course, I'm including last night and I think after the first two times I lost count."
Rin made a run into the girls' washroom as Kagome ran after her, screaming threats of painful deaths. Sango laughed and decided to watch the fun, leaving the boys disappointed to miss such a catfight.
Kouga seemed to be in shock, completely forgetting his anger towards Ginta. "Inuyasha you…slept as in…with Kagome?"
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah. Every night so far."
Evidently Kouga missed both the rolling of the eyes and the fierce sarcasm that dripped out of his mouth since Kouga growled. "So you use her as a sex toy?"
Inuyasha took a step back. "What? No way! I was being sarcastic!"
"Where you?" Kouga couldn't leave out the warning tone in his voice and Inuyasha shook his head, knowing Kagome would have his head if he picked a fight with Kouga. "Not unless she wanted to. I'm not going to hurt her Kouga."
Kouga dropped the growl and looked to his right, where Ayame used to stand. "Hey!" Kouga shouted. "Where did Ayame go?"
Sesshomaru pointed to the girls' bathroom. "She followed Sango. Why?"
Kouga shrugged casually. "Just asking."
Hakaku punched Kouga in the shoulder. "Yeah right buddy! You've been asking about her all week! You have a thing for Ayame, don't you?"
"I do not!" Kouga denied, shouting unnecessarily at Hakaku who was right beside him. "What makes you think that?"
"Uh, the fact that Ayame's the only thing on your mind recently?" Ginta said, now not so afraid of Kouga's pounding.
"She is not!" Kouga yelled again and Miroku laughed. Inuyasha joined in after a while and Sesshomaru rolled his eyes.
"I'm standing with idiots," Sesshomaru muttered and listened as Kouga denied every fact thrown at him.
"Oh, don't worry Kouga," Miroku said finally, his laughter still not quite gone. "We've all been there. Well, mostly Inuyasha but that's okay."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Inuyasha roared and Miroku put his hands up, showing innocence that clearly wasn't there.
"Don't tell me that you didn't deny it," Sesshomaru said dryly. "It took you what? Over a month to finally admit it?"
Wham
Inuyasha retrieved his fist from Sesshomaru's head and growled. "How did the spotlight come to me?"
The answer though, was not given since finally, Sango, Rin, Kagome and Ayame made it out of the bathroom. Surprisingly enough, Rin didn't look destroyed, as Kagome had made her threats out to be.
"Come on guys!" Sango exclaimed. "I thought you guys were going to have the car ready and everything! The performance is over, it's nine at night and I'm hungry!"
Sesshomaru sighed. "As I said before," he drawled, "I'm standing with a bunch of idiots. The only thing they've been doing is laughing and arguing over their own stupidity and denial.
"You denied it too Sesshy, as I do recall," Inuyasha said, looking thoughtful as if the thought was purely innocent.
Wham
"Denied what?" Rin asked, hopping towards Sesshomaru with a bounce in her step that no one should have after a performance, especially at nine at night.
"Nothing," Sesshomaru sighed, rolling his eyes at the uproar of the guys beside him. "Idiots…complete and utter brainless morons…" he muttered under his breath and signalled the girls to follow him out the door, none of them even glancing back to see if Kouga, Hakaku, Ginta, Inuyasha or Miroku were following.
Ayame laughed and waved as she watched the left behind boys run after the bus through the abandoned parking lot. "Suckers," she said, the edges of her mouth twisting into a smile. "They deserve it."
Sango blew a kiss to the falling behind Miroku, waving and smiling when a pitiful look covered his features. Rin patted Kagome's shoulder as Kagome giggled and teasingly waved towards Inuyasha, who pouted in protest.
"Well, I see you guys are going to have boyfriend issues," Rin commented and walked into the living room section, sitting down beside Sesshomaru. Eventually, the four girls filed in, laughing their heads off about something funny.
Knowing any of the left behind boys, one of them probably fell on their face.
It was then that Ayame's cell phone came to life and see smirked amused when she saw Kouga's number come on the display. "It's Kouga," she told them all and Sango laughed, patting Ayame on the shoulder.
"Good luck," Sango said, walking to the mini fridge and pulling out a bottle of water. "Of course, we all know Ayame can keep him in line."
"No duh," Ayame said, flipping open her phone and answering, speaking pleasantly into the phone as if she had done no wrong.
"Hey Kouga? What's happening?"
"Damn it Ayame, I hate you. You know full well what's happening!"
Though she knew Kouga couldn't see it, her body expression wore fake surprise, as did her voice. "Do I? Well I suppose I do. I mean I know I'm on a bus, on my way to a fancy restaurant. Yes…I believe that's all that's happening."
Kouga growled on the other end and she could distinctly hear the other guys' howl of protest against leaving them. "Don't play dumb with me, you left us in a parking lot! Alone! With no means of transportation! What would happen if some crazed psycho fan comes and kidnaps us and keeps us hostage for ransom?"
"Quite a story Kouga. Never knew you were that creative. Well, I guess if it was true we would just have to pay the money, of course, we could always just throw out the note…"
"Ayame! Be serious!"
Ayame laughed. "Look who's talking."
"Fine. Whatever. Just come back for us, okay?"
"Sorry pal. No can do."
"Why not!" You could clearly hear the anger and frustration in his voice.
"Because someone needs to take our bus to the restaurant," Ayame said, making her voice sound as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "CNT's bus is in the parking lot, it was right beside the Black Majik bus."
For a long while, nothing but silence was heard on the other end. Vaguely, Ayame heard the sound of Miroku's voice saying that she was right. Ayame smiled triumphantly. Too bad Kouga wouldn't be able to see it.
"I hate you."
"I believe we established this in the beginning of the conversation, no? Because I do believe so if memory serves me right. Anyways, Sango and Kagome send their love to Miroku and Inuyasha." She laughed when she heard their scoffs. "Okay, so we'll see you soon?"
"Doesn't anyone love me?" Kouga's voice was nothing less than a pitiful whine.
"Oh yeah!" Ayame exclaimed. "I think I was suppose to tell you something like that…let me see. Oh wait a minute…just a second, I think I remember what I was suppose to tell you…I…love…" Ayame smirked, watching the three girls and Sesshomaru watch her intently. She took a dramatic pause. "Wait. Oh sorry. I lost my train of thought. Damn, don't you hate it when that happens?"
"Ayame…" Kouga's voice sounded extremely threatening over the phone and Ayame gave a humourless laugh.
"Bye Kouga. I have to go."
Ayame hung up the cell and Sango gave Ayame a high five.
"Oh come on Inuyasha," Kagome said, nudging him slightly in the ribs. "It was only a joke. "It's not like I was really going to leave you."
Inuyasha scowled. "Feh. Whatever."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Will you ever forgive me?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No." Inuyasha smirked inwardly. He loved to see her beg.
Kagome whined. "Why not?"
"Because."
"Because why?"
"Because I said so that's why."
Kagome sighed and stepped in front of Inuyasha, wrapping her arms around his neck before he could further move. "Please?" She gave him the puppy-dog face: a face that no man has yet resisted to. "I love you…"
Inuyasha looked down into her deep brown eyes and suddenly realized something. She had complete and total effect on him. Slowly but surely he was giving in and Inuyasha could believe it. He could practically hear Sesshomaru now.
'She has you wrapped around her little finger.'
He would deny it. No matter what, he still had some pride, no matter how many times she managed to destroy it in the previous month. He still had some ounce of dignity left and he vowed that he wouldn't let it.
Never.
"Yash?" Her voice sounded so sad and teary that Inuyasha hadn't even noticed the words leave his lips until it was too late.
"Yeah, yeah. I love you too Kags."
Well, so much for dignity.
Inuyasha sighed and wrapped his arm around her waist, happy when he felt her lean in. She would never leave him, no matter what.
Too bad it's not as easy for another couple I could mention…
Slap
"Lecher!"
"But Sango!"
Slap
"Miroku, I swear!"
"It's this cursed hand…oops."
Slap
"Once more and the hand comes off!"
"I'm your boyfriend! Don't I get benefits?"
Slap
Up ahead, Kouga and Ayame were bickering like an old married couple. Kouga was still angry about the call and Ayame was angry because he couldn't take a joke. From there, they just started arguing about everything. He say black, she says white. He says sun, she says moon. It will never end…
Of course, then you had Sesshomaru and Rin. Rin was chatting her head off and Sesshomaru tried to hide a smile. They seemed to be the only couple that didn't argue –much anyways.
Finally through the dark night, they managed to get to the fancy restaurant's engraved glass door, and all fighting ceased.
The restaurant was called Rosa and it was one of the most expensive places around. The entire plaza itself was meant only for the rich with diamond and makeup boutiques and designer clothing stores. Inside the restaurant, a huge shimmering chandelier hung, casting it's light everywhere. Dark hardwood flooring extended throughout the building and several large finished tables with matching chairs were lined up in a zigzag pattern.
Ayame turned to face the group. "Who's idea was this?"
"Mine," Kouga said, still surveying the room.
Ayame sighed and brushed imaginary dust off her tight black jeans. "I'm not sure whether to kiss you or slap you."
"Why would you want to slap him?" Ginta asked.
"Because here we are in this top quality restaurant wearing nothing but jeans and shirts."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "This place is suppose to be casual for one and second of all, why would you want to kiss him?"
Ayame rolled her eyes. "Trust me, it wasn't my first choice."
Though Ayame said it with enough humour, Kagome, Rin and Sango all knew that she was lying through her teeth. They were all well aware that for some time Ayame had liked Kouga, though he never seemed to give her the time a day, until last week of course.
Just then, a serving lady for the restaurant walked up to them. "Sorry for the wait. Table for ten?"
"We should have reservations. Under Wolf?" Miroku said and she nodded.
"Follow me."
The woman seated them in a more secluded area near the back and along the way they saw what the restaurant held. Two large doors led outside to a lamp-lit garden to the right of their table though on the left the doors where the waiters and waitresses came in and out of stood.
"Is it just a garden out there?" Rin asked Sesshomaru and the woman shook her head, overhearing the question.
"No, there are some tables out there where we serve food. You have to get special reservations to sit there though and they're always crowded."
"Oh," Rin said, not knowing what else to say.
They all sat down at a large round table that fit all of them and the woman told them that their server would be there in a minute or so.
"I feel so out of place," Kagome murmured. "I should have at least worn a skirt."
Rin nodded silently beside her and suddenly, the table was quiet.
"So how many performances do we have left?" Sango asked, trying to break the silence.
It took Miroku a couple minutes to think before he answered. "You guys only have four left since we only have about eight days left of August."
"The tour went by awful fast," Hakaku noted, smiling when a short waitress came up to their table. The waitress had red fiery hair like Ayame only hers were in loose curls that came down to her back. She had hazel eyes that seemed to be tinged with yellow and she had a bounce in her step as she made her way to the table. Her eyes widened though when she saw the table she was serving and she then approached slowly.
"Hi," she said almost shyly. "I'm Rori and I'll be your waitress for tonight. Can I get you anything to drink?"
The orders were made and she was asked constant questions about varied meals, like which one was the best, what was her favourite… Finally she left and Hakaku sighed. "She's pretty."
Ginta nodded his head in agreement and the two watched her go, her short skirt swaying as she watched.
"Do you think she's doing that intentionally or do you think she just moves her hips like that naturally?" Hakaku asked, almost memorized as Rori walked away.
"I'm not sure," Ginta said, just as hypnotized by the girl's moments.
When Rori was out of sight, Ginta and Hakaku sighed in unison and looked back to their friends around them. Miroku, Sango, Kagome and Inuyasha were in a discussion about something stupid and Rin was talking to Ayame. Kouga was talking business with Sesshomaru and then Rori came back, filling the table with baskets of bread, vegetables and the ordered drinks.
For some time it just stayed like that, everybody talking with each other and nothing rude being said. It was then that Ayame stood up and tapped Rin on the shoulder.
"I'm going to check out the garden before our food comes, okay? I'll be back shortly."
Rin nodded and then started talking to Sesshomaru since Kouga had suddenly disappeared.
"Where did Ayame and Kouga go?" Sango asked when she noticed the lack in people and Rin smiled.
"Ayame went to the garden but I don't know where Kouga went off to."
Hakaku turned his head and looked out the window, seeing a figure move with the only means of light from the lamps. Hakaku started laughing and punched Ginta lightly on the arm.
"He's going for it!"
Ginta became confused not at all sure of what was so funny. "Uh, what?"
"Kouga!" Hakaku said and pointed out one small window. "See? Ayame went to the garden and there Kouga is…in the garden!" He made it sound like it was the best thing in the world.
"Hakaku, can you please explain," Miroku asked, seeing as everybody at the table was still confused.
Hakaku calmed down and sighed. "Well, Ayame likes Kouga."
"I didn't know she did," Inuyasha said bluntly, yawning.
Kagome looked at Hakaku, deciding to defend Ayame. She didn't think Ayame would want everyone to know her secret. "How would you know? She never told any of us."
"It's in her diary," Hakaku said simply, shrugging his shoulders. "She likes him and I learned three days ago that Kouga liked her, though he would never admit it."
"So, it's hilarious to see Kouga following Ayame in the garden because…?" Sesshomaru asked, not seeing the point.
"Because he's going to try and be romantic and ask her while they're having their stroll under the moonlight," Hakaku wiggled his fingers as if magical dust were to fall.
Rin started to giggle at Hakaku's antics. "So what? If Kouga and Ayame become a couple congratulation to them and I wish Ayame all the best."
"Why Ayame?" Miroku asked.
Rin shrugged. "She's going to have to live with him, that's why."
For the first time in his life, Kouga was nervous. Like, actually nervous as in shaking he was so nervous. And that, to him, was unnerving. It had taken some time for Kouga to realize how much he liked Ayame. When they had all gone to the cabin Ayame's grandfather used to own, he had felt…funny…towards her. Different.
But then Kagome was there and he had always thought she loved him, like every other woman in the world, excluding Ayame. And in the end it was every other woman in the world, excluding Kagome.
Ayame liked him, as he had heard, though he never believed it. He was hoping now more than ever that it was true.
He looked to the fiery girl on his left, a small smile gracing her lips as she looked up to the stars above. She giggled softly and Kouga raised an eyebrow. "What's so funny?"
Ayame shook her head. "I still can't believe you thought you could scare me or jump out at me without me knowing." Ayame sighed, rubbing her upper arms that held Goosebumps.
"Stupid."
Ayame whipped her head to face Kouga who was taking off his leather jacket. "What did you call me?" Ayame demanded though her voice betrayed her mask of false anger.
"I called you stupid," he stated, slipping the jacket over her shoulders. "You really need to carry a jacket with you."
"I look awful in fitted jackets you know that."
"I know but I don't care. I would rather you stay warm than look good."
"Well thanks," she said, her voice sarcastic though the smile on her face was genuine. She was mixing signals and Kouga was confused.
"Do you remember when we first met?" Ayame asked, bringing up the subject randomly.
Kouga nodded his head, continuing to walk down the lit path. "How can I forget? You're grandfather made our wedding plans that day."
Ayame laughed and Kouga smiled. He loved her laugh; it was just so bubbly and carefree. Lately, he hadn't been able to find things that he didn't love about her.
"True. He actually pre-ordered the flowers. I was only six and he kept telling me about the orders, reminding me. I didn't have a clue what he was talking about until I told you. Then you explained it to me and I got so mad."
Kouga nodded. "We ran away, didn't we?"
Ayame smiled. "Yep. Into the old fort you, me, Ginta and Hakaku made by the river. We stayed in there until it got dark."
"Then you got scared," Kouga pointed out, recalling the old times.
"Yeah…" Ayame's voice lowered to a whisper.
The path started to lead back around, cutting through some tables and passing waiters, though they continued on as if no one was there but them. Kouga took a shaky breath and let it out, looking at Ayame and stopping.
Ayame noticed his cease in movement and looked back at him. "Kouga? What's wrong?" He didn't look too good; he looked like he was shaking.
"Ayame, this has been bugging me for the longest time now and…"
Ayame stepped towards him. "And…?"
"And I think…?" he looked up at the sky again and continued. "I think I love you."
Ayame, to be sure, was in shock. Well okay, maybe that was an understatement. Ayame tilted her head and looked up at his face, at that perfect white smile as crystal eyes as he finally looked back down at her.
"Kouga, I…"
"Excuse me?"
And irritated voice broke them out of their trance and they both looked at each other before looking at the peeved off waiter. "I'm trying to get this food to the table."
When Kouga and Ayame didn't move, or seem to comprehend what he was saying the waiter gave a frustrated sigh. "Look, I'm sorry I interrupted your lovers chat but this table has been giving me crap all night. Can you move, please?"
"Oh," Kouga stepped out of the way and the waiter passed.
Kouga and Ayame looked at each other once more when he was gone and they started to speak at the same time.
Bang! Bang!
Kouga growled and looked to the window to see Inuyasha banging on the glass. He pointed to the table; obviously pointing out that the food was served.
"Come on," he said quietly. "Let's eat."
Ayame nodded and followed until they got to the doorway, when she couldn't hold it any longer. Knowing nobody could see them then, Ayame pulled on his t-shirt to the corner.
"Ayame, what are you…" Kouga stopped when he saw how close they were. "Ayame?"
Ayame smiled, the courage running threw her quickly and she knew that it would fail her if she didn't act now. "Shut up and kiss me."
"What?"
Before the courage dissipated, Ayame pressed her lips against his and it only took a moment for Kouga to react. Wrapping their arms around each other, they stayed like that for what seemed like ever. It was then that the door near them opened and Sango and Miroku walked out.
"Ayame, Kouga! You're food is getting… Oh." Sango stopped yelling when she spotted the two of them…together…making out…
"Hot," Miroku said quietly and Sango shot him a glance. "You're food is getting…hot." His perverted grin was back and Sango rolled her eyes, frowning when Ayame and Kouga blushed and separated.
'Sorry,' she mouthed to Ayame who smiled and shook her head. Dragging Miroku in to the restaurant, Sango, Ayame and Kouga walked in.
"What took you so long?" Kagome asked, a smile playing on her lips. Since she didn't see what happened she must have guessed. The biggest hint was probably an unconscious Miroku.
"Kouga and I were just…catching up," Ayame said casually, though everyone seemed to notice the hesitation for the choice of words.
"Slumber party," Kagome said in a singsong voice and Sango nodded her head.
"Definitely."
"I can't believe Kagome, Sango and Rin kicked us off our own bus," Inuyasha mumbled, not at all happy with the fact that he, Miroku and Sesshomaru now had to sleep on CNT's bus with Hakaku, Ginta and Kouga.
"Tell me about it," Sesshomaru muttered, setting up his bed on the couch.
"Well, they wanted a slumber party without the boys so they…"
"Rhetorical Miroku. Sesshomaru didn't exactly want you to tell him about it," Inuyasha automatically corrected, getting used to Miroku's ways.
Miroku shrugged and sat on one of the single chairs.
Hakaku and Ginta walked in, both smiling smugly.
"Why are you two so happy?" Sesshomaru asked, sitting on the couch and sighing.
Ginta looked at Hakaku. "Should we tell them?"
"Boss will get mad that we spilled though," Hakaku pointed out and Ginta sighed.
"True but they'll find out sooner or later."
"I guess."
Ginta took a deep breath. "Kouga and Ayame were making out."
"Really?" Inuyasha asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Yup."
"Thank you guys," a masculine voice said behind them. "For publicizing that to everyone."
Hakaku and Ginta turned around, white as sheets. "Hey Kouga! What are you doing here?"
Wham
Whack
"I would think that's obvious," Kouga hissed and sat down on the floor beside the couch since all the seats were taken. "So, since the girls kicked you guys out, what are we going to do?"
"Not much we can do with Hakaku and Ginta unconscious," Miroku pointed out but Kouga shrugged.
"They're never out for long."
Inuyasha smirked. "Then I have an idea."
Sesshomaru looked at his brother, wary of the fact that he started to act like Kagome. Of course, Kagome stole the smirk from him but Inuyasha stole the constant need for revenge from her.
He could only pray their children came out normal and not at all like their parents.
But maybe that was too much to ask.
Probably.
"What is it?" Sesshomaru asked.
Inuyasha's smirk –if anything- grew wider and he rubbed his hands together.
'Revenge,' he thought, 'is sweet.'
There you go. Be happy. I am. Because right now I'm eating (which is always good) and I am going to be a Junior Mentor for our school campy thingy that's actually fun!
A miracle, I know.
Next Chapter: Sweetest Sin
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