NG: Sango, I need some advice.
Sango: What kind of advice NG-sama?
NG: Well, you see I need advice about men.
Sango: -blushes- Men? But NG-sama, why would you ask me?
NG: You are dating Miroku right?
Sango: Yeah, but-
NG: Great now how would you go about making someone you like notice you?
Sango: Well, I would suggest just being yourself. Try finding things you have in common and work from there.
NG: Hmm, that might just work. It's simple yet effective. Thanks for the advice Sango! It will be no time before I profess my undying love for Kouji! See ya later! –runs off-
Sango: Wait, Kouji? No NG-sama I didn't think you wanted advice about-
Nishi: -taps Sango on the shoulder-
Sango: -turns around and gulps- Eh he, hi Nishi.
Nishi: Did you just give that crazy lunatic advice about how to get my Kouji?
Sango: Uh, you see I didn't know she wanted advice about Kouji.
Nishi: -glares-
Sango: I swear! She set me up!
Nishi: -still glaring-
Sango: I'd better run huh?
Nishi: -nods-
Sango: -takes off with Nishi chasing her- I swear I'll kill that author!
---------------------------------- Love: Confusing Isn't It? ----------------------------------------
Last Time
Lily was so grateful to have her daughter back. She cherished each moment she had with her. That is part of the reason she did not mind letting Nishi stay home from school like she had asked. Besides, the school year was almost over and she had missed nearly the entire year of school. Unfortunately, her daughter would not be graduating with her friends. Speaking of her friends…
"Nishi dear,"
"Yes mom?"
"I know I've asked you this before, but when do you plan on telling your friends that you're okay. I'm sure they're worried about you." Nishi looked up at her mom.
"I – know what you mean mom. It's just, what if they're not? What if they stopped caring and they want nothing to do with me anymore?"
"Nishi, there is no possible way they do not care. Do you want to know how I know?" Nishi just shrugged. "Well, everyday I get a call from five different households at different times of the day all asking the same thing. They all are waiting to know you're safe Nishi. It's not fair to keep them waiting."
The green-haired girl bowed her head shamefully. "I-I know. I'll tell them soon. I promise."
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"Yes really. I have this extra ticket to one special event in every senior's life." Kagura said waving said tickets in Nishi's face. Nishi snatched the tickets from Kagura's hand.
"Prom? You got me tickets to prom? I can't go to prom. I won't."
"And why not? Don't you think you deserve it?"
"That's exactly my point. I don't deserve it."
"Oh come on already!" Kagura yelled in exasperation. "Haven't you gotten it through your head? You are not responsible for anything that happened while under that bastards-"
"Language Kagura." Nishi said pointing upstairs, referring to her mother who was upstairs cleaning.
"under Naraku's roof. Get over this self pity routine and live a little!" Kagura shouted breathing a bit heavier after such an outburst.
"Are you done yet?" Nishi questioned giving Kagura a look of boredom. Kagura took a breath ready to start up again, but Nishi cut her off. "That was a rhetorical question. Now let me explain what I meant by 'I don't deserve it' before you go all ballistic on me again. I don't deserve to go because I haven't been to school as 'Nishi Midori' for almost the entire school year and as Nishi Midori I don't have enough credits to go. I refuse to go as Mirai or Chiyu because that is part of my past and I will not go back. Besides, I don't have a dress, I don't have a date, and I don't want to be recognized before our two day deal is up. In short, the answer is no."
Kagura looked a bit put out and would have crossed her arms if one of them had not been in a sling. "Well, then fine. See if I do you anymore favors."
"I'm sorry Kagura. I really do appreciate your effort. I promise that after the prom I'll go and see my friends." Kagura stuck out her good hand and they shook on it. "So, where am I meeting them?"
Kagura smirked. "I have an idea…"
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Chapter Thirty-Five: Prom Night
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"Wow Kagome. You look… just… wow." Inuyasha said in awe at the young girl's beauty. Kagome blushed a deep red as Inuyasha admired her prom dress from the front door of her house. Her sky blue spaghetti strapped dress was a perfect fit and hugged her curves in all the right places without looking indecent. Her makeup was made up of light colors including sparkling silver which complemented the designs on her dress. Her hair was done in an elaborate bun high atop her head with loose tendrils falling around her face. In short, she was beautiful.
"Arigatou Inuyasha. You look very handsome too." Inuyasha's tuxedo complemented Kagome's dress well. His tux was the same silver as the designs in Kagome's dress. His shirt was white and his tie baby blue. He did indeed look handsome.
"Hey guys! You all look great!" Kagome called to the rest of her friends as they piled out of the limo. The Higurashi home was the last stop on the limo pick up and they came out so that they could all take pictures with the limo.
"Kagome, where's your sister?" Inuyasha asked, ready to get the show on the road.
"I'm right here." Kikyou declared stepping out of the house. She looked very stylish in her deep violet dress. Her hair was curled and rested lightly on her shoulders. Her makeup was a mixture of deep gray and violet.
Kikyou, Inuyasha, and Kagome walked down the steps and to the limo. Everyone greeted each other with hugs and complimented each other on their outfits.
"Alright everybody," Ms. Higurashi called as she came out of the house with a camera. "picture time!"
Everyone lined up with their dates for the evening. Sesshoumaru stood the farthest left with Rin to his right. Sesshoumaru wore a black tuxedo with a gold vest and tie. Rin matched Sesshoumaru perfectly with a purely gold strapless dress that went to her knees and had a train in the back. It sparkled a bit as did her makeup. Her makeup comprised of light shades of blue and gold.
Next to the couple were Kikyou and Kouji. Kouji's suit was a deep violet just like Kikyou's dress. His tie was grey and his shirt was white. Like all of the other males, his hair was pulled back into a long ponytail at the nape of his neck.
Inuyasha and Kagome stood next to Kikyou and Kouji, followed by Miroku and Sango. Sango's dress was a dark red which had a pattern of vines in white. The pattern went from the top left of the dress traveling downward and across the stomach all the way to the bottom of the dress. Miroku wore a white suit with a red tie and vest to match his date.
The last couple Ayame and Kouga had green as their theme, pine green to be exact. Ayame's dress was pine green with black designs in the dress. The designs were three thick stripes that ran from the left side of the dress to the right diagonally and thinning down the farther right they went. Kouga wore a black tuxedo with a black tie and a green shirt.
"Smile everybody!" Ms. Higurashi said and everyone did, minus Sesshoumaru. After all the pictures were taken the group piled into the limo and they were off to prom.
"This place is gorgeous." Rin exclaimed when they finally arrived at the location. They entered the building walking on the red carpet and entered the room where dancing and dinning was already taking place. The group of ten split up and began to mingle with the crowd of seniors. Each couple began to enjoy the night in their own way.
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"Sess-kun, this night is just perfect." Rin sighed, looking up into his eyes as they slow danced.
"I am glad you are enjoying it." Sesshoumaru replied. Rin's mouth then formed into a slight frown as Sesshoumaru's response seemed a bit…off.
"Sesshoumaru, are you okay? You seem a bit distracted."
"I am fine Rin. Do not worry about me." He said sincerely as he gazed into her brown orbs.
"Are you sure?" He nodded. She then rested her head against his chest as they continued to dance the night away.
The truth was Sesshoumaru was distracted. Everything that had happened recently had begun to catch up with him and on top of it all Kagura had called him to tell him that Nishi was ready to come back. He now had to find a way to get all nine of his friends to the basketball court tomorrow. Sesshoumaru was startled out of his thoughts by Rin's squeal of excitement.
"Oh Sesshy, this is my favorite song!" She proceeded to drag him further out onto the floor where they danced to another slow song. Rin would never make him dance to a more upbeat song and for that he was grateful. He would do anything for his Rin. He loved her with all of his heart. He couldn't imagine loosing her.
Nishi's disappearance had honestly scared Sesshoumaru and he put all his effort into finding her to save her and protect Rin and his other friends. Though he didn't like to openly express his feelings he did have them and the feelings that he felt now with Rin in his arms were love and security. He bent down and placed a chaste kiss on Rin's lips causing her to blush prettily.
"W-what was that for?"
"That, was because I love you." He said softly and seriously. Rin turned an even deeper shade of red and hugged him tightly. It was rare for him to say such things, but he felt this was a special occasion.
"I love you too." She muttered into his tux and they continued to dance in each other's embrace.
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Ayame tried to contain her giggles as she watched her boyfriend dance, or what he called dancing. Kouga grinned goofily at her, knowing that he looked like a fool, but not caring. As long as he kept that pretty smile on Ayame's face, he was willing to look like a fool everyday of the week.
"Come on Ayame, join me!" he shouted over the blasting music and grabbed her hand yanking her towards him. Ayame shrieked in surprise at the sudden force but then smiled as she came face to face with her handsome Kouga.
"You sure have a lot of energy Kouga." Ayame said while starting to move to the beat.
"It's prom night! You're supposed to cut loose and have fun!" Ayame just laughed.
'That's why I love him so much. He can always make me smile.' The two continued to dance as wild and freely as they could without hurting anybody and had a blast. The two soon got tired from all the dancing and took a seat at their table to eat some food.
"This food is delicious." Ayame complimented as they ate their dinner. Kouga only nodded in agreement as his mouth was currently full. Surprisingly, Ayame finished her food first. When the both of them had finished, Kouga suggested that they take a walk out into the garden which was a part of the area where the prom was held. Ayame agreed and they strolled into the cool night air.
"Kouga?"
"Hm?"
"This night has been amazing. Thank you so much for taking me to the prom." Kouga smiled at her, admiring her beauty.
"You're more than welcome. I'd do anything for you." They shared a sweet kiss under the stars as the crickets chirped in the night. "Ayame, because of you, I finally know what love is." (NG: If you want to know where this comment came from, reread the Kouga/Ayame part in the chapter called Fluff 'n' Stuff.)
Ayame's face turned incredibly red and Kouga chuckled lightly. He put his hand out and asked, "May I have this dance?" She graciously accepted his hand and they danced to their own music the rest of the night.
---------------------------------
'Don't look into his eyes. Don't look into his eyes.' was the mantra that Sango repeated to herself over and over again. 'Don't look. Don't look.'
Sango was having a hard time dancing with Miroku because every time she looked at him, her emotions would go crazy and she'd feel her knees get weak. She could tell that he knew something was wrong with her because she had barely spoken a word all night. Luckily for her he hadn't brought it up, yet.
"Sango is there something wrong?" Miroku asked with true concern in his voice. He noticed that she had been acting strangely all night, but he thought that whatever was bothering her would disappear by now. Perhaps he had done something wrong. Sango didn't answer his question vocally and just shook her head.
"Are you sure? You've been oddly quiet."
"I'm fine." She muttered.
"Sango, please look at me." He pleaded gently, lifting up her chin to stare into her hazel orbs. He was shocked to see that they were filled with unshed tears. "Sango, what's the matter? Have I done something to upset you?" he said anxiously.
He did not want Sango upset. Tonight was supposed to be a special night for the both of them. Miroku watched her closely, waiting for an answer. Instead, he got another shock as she kissed him and clutched onto him for dear life. This was a surprise that he didn't mind, but he wanted to know what was going on with his lovely Sango. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss. Sango looked at him confused as she was dragged off of the dance floor and onto the balcony that overlooked the garden.
Miroku sat her on an unoccupied bench and then sat beside her. "As much as I enjoyed that kiss, I'm still concerned about you and you didn't answer my question." Sango could feel herself tearing up again, but decided that the only thing she could do to make herself feel better was to confess.
"Miroku, I'm sorry that I made you worry. It's just that I have had strange feelings these past couple of days and they've all been directed at you. What I'm trying to say is…I love you."
Miroku looked at his angel with wide eyes. 'Isn't that a good thing? Why is she crying then?'
"But, Sango I don't understand why you're crying?" he asked, taking her into his arms.
"Because I was so confused and hurt. I didn't want to be in love with you." That stung a bit for Miroku, but he sat quietly comforting her as she continued. "You broke your promise to me and I was finding it hard to trust you with my heart again. Then I realized that you already had it." Miroku held her tightly to him and kissed the crown of her head.
"Sango, I love you too. And I am so sorry for breaking my promise and your heart. I won't make you anymore promises. Instead, I'll prove my love for you with my actions. I know I've said this before, and you probably won't believe me this time around, but I'll make this right. You'll see." Sango rested in Miroku's embrace, allowing herself to trust his words once more.
---------------------------------
Kagome sat at the table with a look of aggravation on her face. Next to her was Inuyasha who seemed unaware of his girlfriend's current frustration. They both watched the group of people dancing and having fun on the dance floor.
'I can't believe he doesn't want to dance. I mean what's the point of going to the prom if you don't want to dance.' Inuyasha was blissfully ignorant as his girlfriend glared daggers into his back. She had asked Inuyasha to dance since he didn't seem like he was going to take the initiative. He claimed that he didn't feel like it and sat down. Kagome was shocked that he didn't want to dance. He danced with her at the Christmas party, why not here? When she brought that up he merely said that at her house were all the people he knew. Most of these people were strangers to him.
Kagome had then sat down with a frustrated sigh. Now she sat here tapping her foot in annoyance because she hadn't danced once all night. Fortunately, relief came to her in the form of a charming young man from her history class.
"Hey Kagome. You look stunning tonight." Kagome blushed and thanked him. "Would you care to dance?"
Kagome ignored Inuyasha's soft growl and took the boy's extended hand. "Thanks Yuki. I'd love to."
'If he doesn't want someone else to dance with me, then he should dance with me himself.' Inuyasha sat there in disbelief as his girlfriend went to dance with another guy. Okay, so it wasn't fair that he expected her to sit there with him all night just because he didn't want to dance. That didn't mean that he was happy about it.
A frown was plastered across his face as one song became two and two became three, Kagome smiling at the comments this Yuki guy was giving her. When the forth song began to play and they hadn't made their way back, Inuyasha had lost his patience.
'That's enough.' He got out of his seat and marched up to the two teens halting their fun. "May I cut in?" Inuyasha asked as politely as he could muster. Yuki nodded to Inuyasha placing Kagome's hand in Inuyasha's.
"Thanks for the dance Kagome." He said winking at her before he left.
'What was that about?' Inuyasha wondered. He decided to forget about it and began to dance with Kagome. He realized that the only way to keep all these guys from dancing with her was to dance with her himself. Kagome mentally smirked.
'It took him long enough.' Once Yuki had approached her and they had begun dancing, he told her the true reason he had asked her to dance. He had noticed that Kagome looked miserable and that her boyfriend wasn't making any effort to have fun. He knew that making him jealous would probably be the only way to get Inuyasha to dance. So, he danced a couple of dances with her until Inuyasha got up and approached them. She felt a little bad for tricking him, but she felt that it was worth it. He no longer had on that 'I hate the world' scowl and actually looked like he was enjoying himself.
"Having fun Inuyasha?" she asked him. He nodded.
"By the way, nice plan you two cooked up." Inuyasha said smirking, mainly because of the shocked look on Kagome's face.
"But how did you…" Kagome then noticed Inuyasha's ears twitching on to of his head. "Oh." She said blushing. "I'm sorry. I just really wanted to dance with you."
"No, I'm sorry Kagome. I was being a real jerk. This is a special night for us and I shouldn't have been so stubborn. Besides, how could I miss the chance to dance with the most beautiful girl here?" Kagome smiled and kissed him on the cheek causing his cheeks to turn red.
"Arigatou Inu-kun."
'This night truly is special.'
--------------------------------
'I can't believe it. I'm actually here at the prom with Kouji. Now I'm definitely a shoe in for prom queen.' Kikyou smiled. 'This is so great.' She glanced at Kouji's face to see if he shared in her sentiments. He appeared to be distracted.
"Kouji?" He blinked and then smiled at her.
"Huh? Oh sorry. I just spaced out a bit. Did you say something?" Kikyou was slightly upset that she wasn't enough to occupy his attention, but she let it slide.
"Kouji, you're such a great dancer." Kikyou commented as he gracefully glided her across the floor. "Where did you learn?" She noticed a look of pain cross his face but the moment it was there, it vanished and was replaced with a smile.
"From a friend." He replied. She wondered about his response, but did not worry about it. Tonight was their night and nothing would ruin it. Kouji continued to dance with Kikyou allowing his feet to move and his mind to wander. He felt like such a jerk. He did not want to be here. He felt so depressed looking at all of the happy couples and knowing that he and Kikyou were not one of them. He had a feeling that Kikyou felt something for him by the way she clung to him and constantly wanted to be with him. Kikyou was a nice girl, but he just didn't feel anything more for her than friendship.
His heart only belonged to one girl, one girl that was completely out of his reach. He had tried to forget about her. Her laughter. Her smile. The feel of her lips. Kikyou sort of became a distraction for him and that's why he felt like such a heel. He was using her to fill the loneliness in his heart and in the process was leading her on. He'd have to tell her the truth before things got out of hand. He looked down at her smiling face and decided that he wouldn't ruin her night with such information. He'd tell her later.
The song changed and Kouji had the feeling that he'd heard the song before. His eyes widened in realization. 'This was the song that Nishi was humming the day she taught me to dance.'
Kouji felt Kikyou readjust their positions. Her hands were around his neck and his around her waist. Just like that night he danced with Nishi under the stars. He remembered that day vividly.
"Now it's time for slow dancing." She rearranged his hands so that both were around her waist and she placed her arms gently around the back of his neck.
"So… what will we dance to now?" Kouji asked, very content with his new position.
Nishi thought for a moment. "I know. I'll hum a song. You start when you're ready, okay?" Kouji nodded. He watched as her eyes fluttered closed and she took a deep breath. Her green ears weren't hidden today and he was glad about that. She began to hum. He followed the rhythm very carefully and Nishi followed his lead again.
'She's an angel.' he thought as she went on to the next verse. They danced like that the rest of the night as the stars twinkled above them from the heavens.
"Kouji?" he heard Kikyou call. He opened his eyes which he hadn't realized were closed. Kikyou smiled at him when she saw the look in his eyes.
Unfortunately, that look was not meant for her as in that moment the gray eyes and black hair had changed to blue eyes and green hair and Kouji imagined that he had Nishi back in his arms for that one song. As soon as the song ended the illusion was over and Kouji gently pried himself from Kikyou's arms. 'I can't do this.'
"Hey, is something wrong?" Kikyou questioned, her eyes mirroring concern. Kouji shook his head.
"I'm sorry Kikyou. I just can't do this right now. Please forgive me." With a last apologetic look he left the dance floor and headed outside to think.
Inside Kikyou was fuming. Even when she wasn't there that bitch still ruined everything. She knew that Kouji was still hung up on Nishi. Couldn't he just let her go? 'I'm much better than she ever was and at least I'm not a freak.'
"Alright everybody. It's time for the announcement of our prom king and queen!" the senior class advisor announced.
'But Kouji's not here.' Kikyou thought. 'Oh well. It doesn't matter. As long as I win, I don't care.'
"I need everyone to be quiet so that we can announce the winners." An immediate hush fell over the crowd as they waited in anticipation. "And now, to present the Prom King of the class of 2007… Inuyasha Tsrugi!" Inuyasha groaned even though he couldn't be heard over the loud applause including those from his friends and girlfriend.
'Oh well. Might as well act like it's my dream come true.' Inuyasha walked on stage smirking and waving to his adoring fans. He was crowned, robed, and given his scepter.
"Inuyasha do you have anything you'd like to say?" the teacher asked shoving the microphone in his face. Inuyasha was surprised. He didn't know he had to speak.
"Uh, thanks." He then handed the microphone back. The teacher sweat-dropped.
"A man of few words, huh? Well now its time to present the Prom Queen of the class of 2007! Come on down…Kikyou Higurashi!" A loud applause broke through the crowd.
'I actually won!' Kikyou would have run to the stage if it weren't for the heels. When she did reach the stage she was crowned and robed.
"Kikyou, do you have anything to say?" the teacher asked giving her the microphone and hoping for more than a thank you.
"Yes I do. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. This really means a lot to me. I love you all!" Kikyou shouted waving and holding her roses.
"And now its time for the king and queen's slow dance!"
Inuyasha blanched. "Slow dance! Who said anything about a dance!"
In the crowd Kagome was shaking her head as her boyfriend was dragged off stage by Kikyou into the spotlight. 'Sometimes he can be such a baby.'
The two danced to a slow song for about half the song until they were joined by the rest of their peers. Inuyasha had a scowl on his face the entire time and tried his best to keep as much distance between him and Kikyou as possible. Kikyou just kept glancing around the crowd.
At one particular look, she saw Kouji dancing with Kagome. They seemed to be in deep conversation. As soon as the song ended Inuyasha leapt away from Kikyou and made a beeline for Kagome nearly barreling Kouji over. Kagome scowled at his rudeness and apologized to Kouji who did not mind in the least. Then she congratulated Inuyasha with a kiss. Kouji walked towards her with a small smile.
"Congratulations Kikyou." He said.
"Alright everyone! This is the last song of the evening. I hope everyone had a great time!" Everyone got on the floor for the last song including all of Kouji's friends.
"Um, I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. If you'll accept my apology, I would love to have this last dance with you." Kikyou inwardly smirked. 'I knew he'd come back.'
She took his hand in acceptance and said "I forgive you." The night ended on a good note for all those involved and they gathered outside to wait for their limo. The ten teens, all tired and worn out climbed into their ride and made their way home.
"So, did everyone have a good time!" Kagome asked, still chipper.
"Yeah, that was the best night ever!" Rin replied with equal enthusiasm. Everyone else in the car replied that they had a good time, but not quite as loudly.
"So what does everyone plan on doing tomorrow?" Ayame asked, leaning against Kouga.
'Tomorrow they are supposed to meet Nishi.' Sesshoumaru remembered. "I have a suggestion. We have not been to the basketball court in a while. It would be…nice to go there."
Most of those in the car were shocked that Sesshoumaru even spoke. He never suggested where they went. He usually just went with the crowd.
"Basketball the day after prom?" Kouga said skeptically. "That's an awesome idea!" he shouted seconds later.
"We could have a tournament. Couple versus couple!" Ayame suggested.
"Great idea Sess-kun!" Rin said pecking him on the cheek. Kikyou cringed. Basketball, oh well, she'd just cheer on the sidelines. "What time should we meet?"
"I believe noon should be a decent time." Sesshoumaru said remembering that Kagura said she wanted them there after Nishi who would arrive at around eleven thirty.
"Oh, okay that's good for me." Kagome said. The majority of the car agreed.
"I'll probably be a little late." Kouji announced. "I'm coming. I just have something to do before then."
"Yeah me too." Kikyou piped up. "Hey Kouji, we could walk there together once we're done." She suggested. Kouji just nodded politely.
"Sure."
"So it's settled. Basketball court at twelve?" Kagome asked.
They all agreed. The limo dropped everyone off at home safely and everyone went to bed unbeknownst to them of the surprise that awaited them the next day.
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NG: Sango, uh are you okay?
Sango: -glares at NG- No, I'm not NG-sama. You see, because you tricked me into giving you advice about Kouji, Nishi, Kouji's girlfriend got a bit upset and took it out on me.
NG: Oh, yeah, about that, your advice didn't work. Kouji said he wasn't going to leave Nishi anytime soon.
Sango: -growls- You know what advice I have for you now NG-sama?
NG: Uh, no.
Sango: Run.
NG: Uh, I don't think that will help me get Kouji, Sango.
Sango: No, but it will help delay the beating your about to get.
NG: -gulps- Uh you guys go ahead to the next chapter while I try to avoid the wrath of an enraged taijiya. –runs screaming-