Telonomaru left the castle after saying a quick good-bye to both his cousin and the miko, and, being true to his word, he did call after a few days to see how Sesshoumaru and Kagome were getting along without him. The two had become much closer, and Sesshoumaru was beginning to think that he was in love with Kagome; however, he wasn't about to tell anyone that, not even the miko herself. Kagome unknowingly shared the same feelings as the dog demon, and she went about them the same way. Not one person besides own mind and heart knew that she was falling for the inu taiyoukai.
Despite the fact that they were hiding their feelings, they spent a good deal of time together. Kagome prepared the meals and only allowed Sesshoumaru to work in the mornings. After lunch, she always forced him to take a break, and during the afternoon and evening they often talked, walked around the garden, played chess, or just watched television together.
When their second Friday in the castle rolled around, Sesshoumaru decided to take Kagome out to eat. When he casually dropped the idea, the miko had instantly brightened up and given him a hug and a kiss. Of course, with that reaction, he had whole-heartedly told her exactly where he was planning on taking her.
"It's a old-fashioned restaurant in one of the older sections of town. All the women who go there wear kimonos, and the men wear haoris or kimono shirts and hamaka pants," Sesshoumaru informed her. "I'm going to wear the royal garb of the Lord of the Western Lands."
"Can I wear the kimono that Telonomaru-sama showed me and let me try on?" Kagome asked enthusiastically, eyes sparkling. "It was so pretty."
The inu youkai mentally sighed as he smiled and nodded. "Yes, you may." 'I just hope that no one recognizes the significance of her kimono... at least, I think I hope that.'
"Thank you, Sesshoumaru!" She threw her arms around him and gave him a quick hug. "When do we leave?"
"We have to leave in an hour," he said, returning the hug.
"Okay," the miko chirped, blue-gray eyes shining with happiness. "I'd better go get ready then." With a smile and a kiss on the cheek, she was gone.
~*~
"C'mon, Sango-chan!" Varice shouted from the bottom of the stairs. "The guys just got here, and if we don't hurry, then we're gonna be late and lose our table." The blond tugged irritably on her lavender obi, her violet purple kimono just brushing the floor. She had pulled her hair into a tight bun, complete with jeweled hair pins for accessories. Silver eye-shadow graced her eyelids, and light pink lipstick completed her ensemble.
"I'll be down in a second!" the girl called back.
The blue-eyed girl sighed sadly as a knock came from the door. Moving gracefully, she opened the door, revealing Inuyasha dressed in a red haori and Miroku in an old-fashioned black and purple priest outfit.
"Well, don't you two look spiffy," she commented, smiling. "Especially you, Inuyasha-kun."
"Thanks. You do too," the hanyou replied.
Miroku looked around, frowning slightly. "Where is Lady Sango? Is she not ready yet?"
Varice shook her head. "I'm afraid not, but why don't you guys come on in and wait for her. She should be down really soon... I hope." She stepped to the side to allow them to enter, closing the door behind them.
The three went into the living room, Miroku sitting down in a chair while the other two chose opposite sides of the couch. They made small talk for a few moments, until Inuyasha was caught staring at Varice.
"Inuyasha, it seems you have your eyes glued to the lovely, helpless lady sitting near you. Perhaps you should explain why." The black-haired man smiled innocently.
The hanyou blushed. "I was not staring at her," he protested.
"And I am not helpless," Varice added, leaping off the couch as she pulled a sakura-patterned, metal- ribbed fan out of her obi. In a instant, she had it pointed at Miroku's throat, an millimeter away from his skin. A small, victorious smile played on her lips. "See? I'm not helpless." She moved back to sit on the couch, putting away the fan.
"What was that?" Inuyasha inquired, watching the blonde with curiosity in his eyes.
"That, my dear friends, was a shukusen, a lady fan. It's a silk fan with steel ribs that have been sharpened on both sides and at one end." She pulled the weapon back out to point to exactly what she was describing. "Ladies used to carry these when they didn't want anyone to know that they actually carried a weapon. I have found it handy in close combat and much easier to conceal than a sword or a knife."
"Do you always carry around weapons?" Miroku asked, shaking his head in amusement. The blond girl was dangerous, just like his Lady Sango.
"Usually, yes. I've made quite a few enemies while protecting people, and I don't want to give anyone a chance to kill me," Varice answered.
The one-time monk chuckled. "And I thought you were a slight ditz the first time I met you."
"I have to admit that I am a very small one, but that attitude is more of a defense to throw people off." She shrugged, her blue eyes shifting to look at the stairs for a brief moment before returning to the two males.
"So you acted like a ditz around us to throw us off?" Inuyasha asked, although it sounded more like a statement. "It's nice to know that you trust us and Sango." His tone was so thickly laced with sarcasm that the others were surprised that he didn't choke on it.
Varice broke out laughing at that remark. "I mostly acted like that with you guys because I was comfortable around you both." Her bright smile practically lit up the room. "Sango has good taste in friends."
"Well, that's okay then, I guess," the hanyou replied with a small shrug. If the girl wanted to act a little ditzy around him, then so be it. He didn't mind all that much. To tell the truth, he found it a little refreshing. The blonde acted more like a naive little girl than anyone else he had ever met, well... she acted like that as long as no one called her helpless.
"What's okay?" Sango asked as she walked down the stairs in a rose pink kimono with black designs all over it. A black obi with gold etching held the clothing closed, and her black hair had been done up in an elegant knot at the crown of her head. Red eye-shadow tinted her eyelids, and light red lip-gloss colored her lips.
"You look like an angel that has fallen from heaven, Lady Sango," Miroku stated as he walked up to her, took her hand, and kissed it.
The raven-haired girl blushed slightly. "Thank you, Miroku." She paused. "And aren't you supposed to be in a kimono of some sort?"
The electrician shrugged. "I decided to honor my family and wear my father's old uniform. This may not be a kimono, but it is still old-fashioned and nice enough to wear to this restaurant."
"Well, that certainly was sweet of you, Houshi-sama," Varice commented. "However, we need to get going now. I most definitely do not want to lose our table."
"OH! You're right." Sango grabbed her purse and headed towards the door, stopping just long enough to glance at the people still in the living room. "Are you guys coming or not?"
"We're right behind you, Sango-chan," the blonde called after her friend, grabbing Inuyasha's hand. "C'mon, Inuyasha-kun. It's finally time to go."
"Alright, alright. I'm coming already!" the hanyou grumbled in response.
Miroku just chuckled as he followed the others out the door.
~*~
"Kagome, it's time to go," Sesshoumaru stated as he knocked on the bathroom door. "We're going to be late if we don't leave now."
"Okay, Sesshoumaru," the miko called back, opening the door to reveal her kimono-clad body to him. She had pulled her ebony tresses into an intricate French twist at the back of her head, letting a few locks frame her face. Sparkling bobby pins helped hold the hairdo in place and gave a little extra definition to her look.
The female returned the stare, her eyes taking in his white kimono shirt with its red sakura pattern and his large white pants that had been tucked into his black boots. A gold and purple sash went around his waist and tied in the front; his tail was draped over one shoulder. He had left his armor in his room, knowing that a dinner at a restaurant was not the place to wear it. It could possibly cause uneasiness, at the very least.
"You look very beautiful," he said, sounding very impressed.
Kagome just blushed. "And you look handsome."
"Well, shall we go now?" the dog demon asked her, offering her his arm.
She took the offered appendage. "Yes."
~*~
"So, Inuyasha-kun, does it bother you that I'm winning our bet?" Varice asked the hanyou as the hostess seated them at a table near the back left corner and handed them all some menus.
"No," he answered simply. "But that's because I know that I'm going to win. There's no way that Miroku will last another week."
The blond girl chuckled. "He's gone through five dates already without groping Sango-chan. I believe that he can survive a few more." She took a sip of her water. "Besides, he comes from a long line of monks, doesn't he?"
Inuyasha snorted, trying to hold back his laugh. "Yes, a long line of lecherous monks."
"Dear Kami!" she exclaimed quietly. "Lecherous monks? Now I know that I've heard everything."
"What are you two talking about?" Sango asked, sounding very curious. "You're both being very secretive about it."
"We were just discussing our bet, Sango-chan," Varice answered innocently. "Nothing to worry about."
The black-haired girl frowned. "Usually when you say that, there is something to worry about."
"There's absolutely nothing this time," Inuyasha stated.
"Honestly," the blonde added, smiling like a child. "That's the truth."
"Ooookay," Sango responded, her tone unsure. She wasn't sure if she fully trusted her friend when she used that look; however, if Inuyasha was going to back her up, then she didn't see any reason to press the matter further.
"Lady Sango, do you know what you wish to order yet?" Miroku inquired in a kind voice.
"Well, I was thinking about..." She paused when she noticed something. "Oh my... It's Kagome-chan!" Smiling happily, she stood up and made her way over to a table where a silver-haired dog demon and a black-haired human sat. The others followed.
"Kagome, hi," Sango greeted the girl as she walked up to the table. "Hello, Sesshoumaru. How are you two doing?"
"I'm doing very well, Sango," the miko replied with a smile. "Thank you for asking."
"Things are going fine for me as well," Sesshoumaru stated as his brother and another male and female joined the little group. "Hello, little brother." He nodded his head in the hanyou's direction.
"Hello, Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha replied. He looked at Kagome and suddenly realized that he didn't want her anymore. He felt no desire to buy her at all. "This is Varice, my date." He gestured towards the blonde girl beside him. 'That should help my brother know that I'm not here to take the girl.'
The taiyoukai nodded his head in acknowledgment, body still tense. 'Inuyasha may have a date, but that does not mean that he has given up on Kagome. I will not trust him until I know for sure.'
"It's nice to meet you, Varice," Kagome said with a smile, her voice pitched just right to relax the full- blooded dog demon. The voice trick worked. "I'm Kagome."
"You're the one that Sango-chan has been protecting, right?" Varice inquired politely, blue eyes trained on the miko.
The blue-gray eyed girl gave a small nod and a smile. "Yes, Sango has been doing that. She is a wonderful bodyguard."
"Lady Sango, I do hate to interrupt this, but we probably should return to our table. The waitress will be by soon to take our orders," Miroku stated as neutrally as he could.
"Okay," Sango responded with a wicked grin. "We'll just leave Kagome and Sesshoumaru alone now."
'Does she know that I love him?' Kagome wondered.
'Could she possibly know that I love her?' Sesshoumaru silently mused. "Well, Sango, I will see you on Monday."
"Bright and early," the black-haired bodyguard responded. "Sure thing."
With a few more farewells, the group went back to their table. All of them ate their dinners in enjoyable company; however, they did not talk again. Sesshoumaru and Kagome left the restaurant before Inuyasha and the others did, ending all chances for another discussion.
Neither Inuyasha nor Sesshoumaru minded that fact too much. They really didn't want to talk again; however, all three girls were a little depressed. They had been looking forward to talking again.
Of course, Sango invited Varice to visit her at the taiyoukai's house on Monday so the could visit with the miko again. The blonde whole-heartedly accepted the invitation and promised to be there a little after noon.
After another half hour, with plans for the next date, Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, and Varice left the restaurant.
.
~*~
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Ruu-chan: No problem. You're very welcome. The last time I described Telonomaru was... way back when we first met him. *hugs Ruu-chan* I'm happy that my chappie made you laugh and everything. I was hoping that at least a few people would like the kissing scene.
Xonnie: I'm glad that I decided to continue too. I have the rest of this story pretty much planned out; however, I don't have a clue how many more chappies are left. Hopefully less than 10.
Flowerblossom: You don't sound like a teacher, so don't worry about that. Now, if you had started going on about my grammer...
Magiabruxa: I will update ASAP.
Bijin-chan: *laughs* Go Bijin-chan! Go Bijin-chan! *more laughter* Cute review, to say the least.
Megitsune1: I don't like Naraku much either. I will say that I'm not gonna kill him... but that only narrows my options a tiny fraction. I still have so many options left... *grins evilly*
Turnings Ander: Thanks. I will try to keep it up.
Hino Mitsukiko: No offense, but if it is his tail, then why in the world can we see both ends? Neither end is attached to his butt. Sorry, it's just a question. Oh, and as for the spelling of Inutaisho(u), last time I checked (and I could be wrong) but the "u" at the end was optional. Just like Shippo(u). There's other Japanese names that don't need the "u" at the end, and taking it off does not change the pronounciation.
Abby: I usually take FOREVER to actually get into the romance. *sighs* It's one of my flaws.
Ebonystone63: It's okay. There's stories that I read that I haven't even reviewed once. I'm just that lazy.
Purple Witchy Angel: Um... Telonomaru isn't coming back. He's... gone for this story. Sorry.
Mattielover: The plot should become much more interesting in a few chappies.
Breshcandra: Thanks.
Sukera: Yes, I updated. Luv you too. *laughs* You are enthusiastic, to say the least.
Holly: I wouldn't go that far as to say my story is unbelievable, unless you wanna get into the magical elements... BTW, I almost always respond to my reviewers, no matter how many there are. Right now, it's been taking me about 30-45 minutes on average to write this responses, and truthfully, I don't mind at all.
Dana Daidouji: You reviewed so much... dang. I will tell you this, I didn't tire of reading your reviews. Although, I do need to remember to check my email more often. I woke up this morning with 53 messages, most of which were reviews. *sighs sadly* My poor inbox was almost too full. Yahoo had to give me that little warning message on the top. Well, that just means that I need to clean out my account.
Blue-chick: 241 different stories? Wow... I'm reading maybe... 50 or so.
Yamis Girlfriend: I'm not sure if there's going to be a whole lot more of described kissing, but quick mentionings are quite possible.
Kiaor: Thank you for your support.
Inuyashachic515: Thanks for the compliment.
ShellBabe: *laughs* Sorry, but I'm not a good person to threaten. I usually just laugh and let it roll off of me.
Alia: Offended? You offend me? Sorry, but you would have to do a whole lot more than that to offend me. I'm usually pretty easy going. Certain things will instantly get under my skin, but haven't done a single one of them. I wanted the chappie to be sweet. Hopefully my next story will have more romance. *crosses fingers*
Inu-Anime: It's okay. Let's just say that if I could have sweat-dropped, I would have when I read your review when you called me "dude." I'm strange like that.
Shanaka: Thanks for the compliment. :)
Aznfangurl16: Is this soon enough for you?
Tyrell: See? I updated.
Keala-Chick: I liked the whistle thing myself. It is something a guy would do.
Raining Fire: Thanks. I'm happy that you loved the chappie.
Eruinichil: Nichil-chan, I looked at what your story was, and I have to tell you that I really don't read LOTR; however, since it is you, I will try my best to read it and send you a review. Promise.
Kitten Siren: Ohhh... okay. That makes sense. Cool. *hugs Kitten Siren* Thanks!
Kittymui: Thanks. I thought it was sweet too. Oh, Chocolate Chip Muffins! Sweet! *hugs Kittymui* Thank you so much.
Rei Akita: I updated. See? Are you happy now?
Namiko-Daughter of Sekhmet: There's nothing wrong with acting OOC every so often. Actually, it's usually pretty fun. I act OOC every once in a while just to confuse people.
Sam: Yes, Telonomaru is kind of an insufferable busybody, but that's why I love him so much. He's a... I can't remember the scientific term... enzyme, catacalyst... something. Well, he has a habit of speeding things up. Needless to say, if this story becomes an original, I'm keeping him, original name and all.
Kagome: OMG! Inu youkai in heat? That ain't good. Ummm... I don't think I can help you here. My Sess-chan is having the same problem, and I'm kinda hiding from him. How do you think I got this chappie out so fast? I was trapped in my room. Do you have any idea how sad that is? I have an ENTIRE castle to play around in, with a special TV and a whole lot of other cool, magical things, and I was trapped in my little room! All because I didn't wanna deal with a youkai in heat. *huggles Kagome-chan* I understand your little problem. Ummm... I would tell you to come visit me, but Sess-chan probably wouldn't be too receptive towards that idea at the moment. Sigmund isn't even too welcome here at the moment. I believe the little preverted lawn gnome is outside, camping beneath a tree until Sess-chan calms down. He doesn't seem to mind my pet tiger rajah though. *shrugs* oh, well. Take care, Kagome-chan; and thanks for reviewing. *hugs Kagome-chan again* Good luck with Sesshoumaru. (Sess-chan: Ah-ha! I found you. CotA: EEEP! Ayudame!)