Ye Olde Disclamier: Ok, surely everyone knows by now that I'm not
delusional enough to believe that I own Inuyasha or have any rights
thereto. Right?
Yeah, the first week of the semester is a blow off week! Everyone knows that, right? Would someone please tell my professors that?
IMPORTANT INFO FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CONTINUE READING THIS FIC! I AM CHANGING THE TITLE TO "ONCE IN A NEW MOON." I've always hated the working title, but I'm finally getting around to changing it. Please make a note so you won't miss the upcoming chapters.
Ok, so, I guess I'm busier that I thought. It may take me a week or so to get new chappies up. Sorry about that. There are only three more, I think. Anywayz, while you wait, I know there are plenty of great Inu fics to read, but I have one more suggestion for you. Lita Avalon has a great story in Original Anime/Manga, which I think is being over looked because it's not in a specific Anime/Manga (ie Inuyasha, Gundam Wing, etc.) category. It's called Elley and Yuki: The Clock and Key, and it really is worth a read!
Ok, on with the story.
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The Course of True Love Ne'er Did Run Smooth
'Déjà vu." Kagome thought wryly, as she found herself seated in almost exactly the same seat she had been seated on the night of her date with Houjo. 'My mother really does have a bizarre sense of humour.' Still, she couldn't complain. She loved this place, and she had wished to be here with Inuyasha instead of Houjo last time, even though she had viciously stomped down those thoughts at the time.
Kagome once again took in the room, with it's candle light and romantic atmosphere, and then let her eyes rest on her date. So handsome! She tried to decide whether he looked better in his tux now, or before he had changed to his human form. Ok, she liked him better before ~ there was nothing cuter than those ears of his ~ but even now he was dangerously hot. He was sitting there, looking faintly uncomfortable, but trying with all his might to remain calm in this crowded, unfamiliar place. Her heart warmed at the site, knowing what it cost him to be there, but she wondered again why he was there. Why had he been so determined to accompany her tonight?
She sighed. 'If only he weren't so hung up on Kikyou.' She thought wistfully. 'But at least I have him all to myself tonight! And I'm going to enjoy it!'
Candles flickered, soft music played in the background. The entire atmosphere of the restaurant had changed completely from the time Inuyasha had eaten lunch there with Kagome's mother. It was much more ...intimate. He looked around the room at other couples and groups of nicely dressed people about Kagome's age, obviously there for the same reason they were. All those people seemed at ease, chatting and laughing with their dates. He thought about Kagome and Houjo, and the way Kagome had been laughing when he saw them together. 'She must be bored to death with me! Why can't I make her laugh like he can? Why am I here? She probably wishes she had come with him. At least he would know what to say without putting his foot in his mouth.' He thought morosely. 'And then she would kiss him again, and I'd lose her for sure. I have to think of something to say!' He looked up at her to catch her gaze on him.
She smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry for staring. You just really look ...handsome."
He flushed lightly. "Keh!"
'Come on, moron, say something a little more charming than that. Unless you want her to really regret being her with you!' But he looked up at the girl he shared the table with and saw so much beauty that his breath and his voice caught in his throat. The candles shed their warm glow onto her lovely, soft skin, and the firelight danced in her luminous eyes. He couldn't believe he was actually here with this unbelievably stunning girl.
This was the first time in his life that he had worked hard for something, and actually achieved it. He had lost Kikyou, and he hadn't managed to complete the jewel yet. But he had decided that he was going to be the one Kagome took to this dance, and had worked very hard for it. And here was his prize ~ spending the evening alone with the woman he loved. Glancing around the room at all the other girls there, and then smiled smugly to himself. His date was by far the most beautiful. Those other girls looked kind of artificial. Like their faces were painted on, and would fall off if they smiled too many times. Kagome had some of that "make-up" on too, but only a little. She didn't need it. And he bet the other girls there had no idea how to spot a jewel shard or kill a demon with a bow and arrow!
Truth be told, as stunning as she was right now, he thought Kagome was at her most attractive when she was flushed from battle, hair tousled, slightly out of breath. Or when she woke in the morning, sleep still in her eyes. Or when she tenderly cared for his injuries...
He looked up, and was alarmed to see he saw a waiter pushing a cart toward them, and on the cart there was a large dish that was on fire! And it looked as if the cart was headed straight for Kagome! Instinctively, he grabbed his glass of water and made a lunge for the cart. Kagome, having instantly recognized what was about to happen, grabbed his free hand and pulled him back down. The water flew from the glass, soaked the tablecloth, and spattered Kagome's face and dress. Several couples at nearby tables saw the incident, and were laughing.
He cast his gaze downward, feeling very foolish. "It's ok, Inuyasha. It's called "flambé." It's supposed to be on fire." She said soothingly, fighting to keep from laughing. She dabbed delicately at her face and the exposed skin of her chest. Noting his demeanor, she added, "But thank you for trying to save me."
"Sorry about your dress." He muttered.
She frowned down at her spattered bodice. "It's just water. It'll dry." She smiled brightly. He didn't seem convinced, though. "Inuyasha, is my dress ruined? Do I look ugly now?"
"No! Y...you...you're beautiful as always."
His sweet answer stunned her. But his human form was always nicer, more open than his hanyou side. She went on, "Then it doesn't matter, does it?"
"I embarrassed you. The other people were laughing."
Kagome reached for his hand, "I told you, Inuyasha. You don't embarrass me. Ever. You didn't know that some lunatic would light food on fire purposely. You were just trying to keep me safe like you always do." She smiled and squeezed his hand, "And how do you know they were laughing at us? They might have just heard something funny."
He shot her a look that said he didn't believe it. "Ok," she said, "Maybe they were laughing at us. But I don't mind giving them something to talk about. We're here to have fun. Ok?"
He smiled a rare, true smile at her and nodded. "Ok!"
She giggled, "Now, if someone comes at us with a flaming cart when we're back in the Sengoku Jidai, feel free to go after them with your water glass!"
After that, the ice was, as they say, broken. Dinner was delicious, and Kagome was amazed at the transformation in Inuyasha's table manners. He seemed a little confused by the number of utensils, but instead of losing his temper, he watched to see which one she picked up and followed suit. 'Wow! Mom is good!'
They chatted and laughed, and Kagome answered a lot of questions about their strange surroundings, and the odd things Inuyasha saw people do. They fed each other bites of each other's dinner, and when Kagome decided she had had enough (she had to save room for dessert), Inuyasha enthusiastically finished her plate for her.
When the dishes were cleared away, and they were waiting for dessert, the same Gypsy woman from Kagome's last date appeared at the table. She looked at Kagome with recognition, then appraised her new companion critically. Finally, she nodded with approval and aimed a knowing smile at Kagome. "Much better! The other one was nice, but this one is the right one." She plucked a rose from her basket and laid it on the table in front of the astonished girl.
Inuyasha reached out to the woman with a folded bill (Kagome's mom had schooled him about this as well), but she almost refused it. She studied the young man intently for a moment, and finally took the bill. "I see. You wish it to be a gift from you, and not from me. Fair enough." She smiled and turned to leave.
Kagome, still perplexed at this little show, picked up the lovely flower and brought it to her nose before remembering that the last one had had no scent. But this one's fragrance was intense and sweet. She glanced up at the back of the retreating woman, and then to her date, to see that he had been watching her.
"Thank you. It's lovely."
Having been caught staring, again, he dropped his eyes, but couldn't stop his lips from curving into a slight smile. 'But not as lovely as you.' He thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The dance was everything Kagome had warned him it would be: crowded and very noisy. But Inuyasha hardly noticed or cared. All he could think of was that he was finally there, and that he was finally going to get to kiss Kagome.
Actually, he was getting a little nervous about it. More than a little. So much was riding on this kiss, and he suddenly realized that kissing was something he with which he had very little experience. The few kisses he had shared with Kikyou were mostly initiated by her, and couldn't really have been called passionate. He had been too surprised by those kisses to feel passion, or even to really return them. He had seen Kagome kiss that stupid, pathetic, weak human boy. She obviously had known what she was doing. What if his kiss disappointed her? What if he couldn't make her feel the fire inside that she ignited in him? She didn't even need to kiss him to make him feel that fire. She had only to smile at him. But he was desperate that she kiss him like she had kissed that other guy. He had been waiting for so long... so long before that dance he had dreamed of tasting her lips, touching her, making her his.
She had his hand, and was leading him over to a kiosk in the lobby where a camera was set up to photograph of the couples as they arrived. "Inuyasha, did you hear me?"
He snapped out of his reflection, realizing that she had been talking to him. "Huh?" Thankfully, he stopped himself before the words, "What is it, wench?" came out. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
She threw him a sympathetic look, assuming that it was the crowd and the noise that was making him nervous. "I know you hate crowds and noise. That's why I didn't want to bring you."
"I told you, I don't care. I can put up with it for one night." And then, so quietly that she almost missed it, "It's worth it."
Again, she was shocked by his candid sweetness. It was so unlike him! And so nice...'He's human tonight. That's why he's being so pleasant. Don't read anything else into it. Just have a good time and be glad he's here with you.' She told herself sternly. She turned on her most charming smile, "Inuyasha, can we have out picture taken?"
Once again, he completely surprised her by not only agreeing, but by also pushing her away when she reached into her purse to pay for the pictures. He pulled out his wallet (a gift from Mrs. Higurashi, of course), pulled out the right currency and handed it to the girl with the cashbox while Kagome filled in their information on the sign-in sheet.
Standing in line to await their turn, Inuyasha asked Kagome why the flash of light for this camera was so much brighter than that of her camera. And why was this camera so much bigger. She explained to him that it was a professional photographer, so she had much more sophisticated equipment than most people. "I'm afraid it might hurt your eyes." She lamented.
"Nah. Not these eyes. Maybe my han." Kagome clapped her hand over his mouth and motioned over to a few people who seemed to have taken an interest in their conversation. He mentally kicked himself for being so careless.
When it was finally their turn, Kati, the photographer positioned them with Inuyasha standing behind Kagome, arms encircling her waist. She peered through the viewfinder, then looked up and said to Inuyasha. "You might want to straighten your tie, and you seem to have a smudge of some sort on your face."
He frowned and fumbled feebly with the wrenched tie, but had no idea what to do with it. Kagome, realizing his difficulty, turned around and performed the task for him. She smiled at the little smudge of chocolate on the corner of his mouth, and moistened her thumb to rub it off for him. All the while, he had loosened his hold around her to enable her to turn around, but had let his hands rest on her hips, unwilling to completely break the contact. He gazed down at her lovely face while she ministered to him, fixated on her soft, pink lips, remembering how warm and soft they had felt on his cheek.
Kati watched this all through the viewfinder of her camera, and was awestruck by the amount of emotion that came through from this couple in just these simple actions. She almost wasn't aware that she had started clicking her shutter, frame after frame, until Kagome finally finished. The girl smiled in satisfaction, and then turned back into position.
When she had taken their photo, Kati told them to come back in a couple hours and she'd have digital proofs for them to choose from. They heard the music start up, and Kagome grabbed his hand, "Let's go!"
But, of course, nothing ever went easily for those two, and this was no exception. As they were headed in the direction of the ballroom, the doors were suddenly opened, and in came Kagome's group of friends, chattering away, leaving their poor, bewildered dates to follow behind. When they spotted Kagome and Inuyasha, they instantly flocked around them.
"Oooh, Kagome! This is the guy you dumped Houjo for? Cute!"
"Where did you find him? Are there any more like him?"
"Wow! Long hair! Has he ever cut it?"
"Hey, Kagome, is this the two timer?"
"Poor Houjo!"
"Oh, poor Houjo nothing! Did you see him? He's got three dates, and they're hanging all over him!"
Kagome's head was swimming. She had no idea who was saying what ~ they all just rushed at her like a tsunami. She glanced up at her poor date to see him looking confused and more than a little annoyed. "Uh, listen guys!" she shook her hands in front of her, "He is standing right here, you know!"
Nanami finally realized that they might be acting a little rudely. "Oh, yeah. Sorry." Her face brightened as if she had just come up with the most brilliant thought ever conceived. Finger jabbing the air, she spurted, "Let's go to the Ladies room!"
"Uh, no thanks! Already been!" Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's arm and took the chance to escape. "We're gonna go dance!" Her befuddled date eagerly followed.
"Kagome!" Yuri shrieked.
"Later!" Kagome answered, and pulling Inuyasha, disappeared into a crowd.
She turned to Inuyasha, "Sorry about that. They really are good friends. Just a little...nosey." 'And loud,' she added to herself.
"Cackling hens!" he muttered. "You're not like them, Kagome. Why are you friends with them?"
"Well, I've known them since I was a baby, you know? And when you think about it, we're not much like Sango or Miroku or Shippou, either. Sango's a demon hunter! How much sense does that make? But they're like family, and I love them all!"
"Keh!" for lack of any better answer.
Another song started, and Kagome's face brightened, "Oooooh, I love this song! Let's dance!"
So they danced and danced. Partly because they were really having a good time, and partly because they were afraid of leaving the dance floor and running into Kagome's friends again. They never noticed the small figure that crept up to the DJ and handed him a CD. "Would you play this during a break please, please? It's my sister's favorite, and she decorated this place!"
During band breaks, the DJ played cd's. He took the one the young boy proffered, read the title, frowned, and then shrugged. "Sure, Kid! Why not?"
When the band took their break, Kagome asked Inuyasha if he wanted a drink, and led him over to the refreshment table. They were drinking some lemonade when Kagome felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Sorry, Kagome." It was Yuri. "We shouldn't have ambushed you like that. It's just that we've never even seen a picture of this guy, and you don't tell us very much. But you two look really cute together."
Kagome blushed slightly, "It's ok. There's really not that much to tell. We're just really close friends. That's all." She tried to keep the regret out of her voice.
Hearing what Kagome had said, Inuyasha turned away, disappointment clearly written on his face. His human side wasn't as good at masking his feelings as his hanyou side.
"But how do you know him? We've never seen him around here! I'd remember!" Mimi inquired.
Kagome sweatdropped. Yeah, she would definitely remember. Especially if Inuyasha were in his usual form. She had been expecting this question, but it didn't make it easier to answer, "Oh, well, you know...he's just a friend from ..." she waved her hand dismissively, "way back!"
Suddenly, the first strains of the Macerena sounded from the speakers, reverberating around the room. Inuyasha got very excited. "Come on Kagome! I love this one!"
He headed for the dance floor, clearly expecting her to follow. He hadn't grabbed her hand because he was still stinging from the "just close friends" statement. She watched for a split second in horror, but then reprimanded herself. 'Ok, yeah, it's dorky. But how often do I get to see Inuyasha having so much fun? After all he does for me, the number of times he has dealt with humiliation from other demons for protecting a human, the least I can do is dance an embarrassing dance with him!" She turned on her heel to follow him.
Nanami hissed, "You're not actually going to do that, are you?"
"Oh quit being so stuffy! It's fun!" Kagome chided, adding "You know you want to do it!"
This whole exchange took just a few seconds, so that she wasn't that far behind Inuyasha. But by the time she got to him, he had started, eyes closed in concentration. She giggled, enjoying the pleasure evident on his face. 'Yes, definitely worth it!' she decided as she crossed her hands on her hips and wiggled along with him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her friends dragging their dates out to join them, and her heart warmed to them. 'Oh, yeah. That's why I'm friends with them!'
As it turns out, she needn't have worried about humiliation. Before she knew it, the whole dance floor was filled to capacity, and there was hardly room for anyone to wiggle.
When they were done, laughing and happy, she took Inuyasha's arm cuddled into his side. Breathlessly, she laughed, "You're a great date, Inuyasha!"
He loved the contact, her smile, and her shining eyes. But he thought sadly, 'But just a close friend, right?'
He excused himself to the Men's room. She gave him a dubious look, "You do understand about those things, right?"
He crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, and for a moment, the indignant hanyou was back. "Yes! You're brother made sure of that!"
While he was gone, Houjo took the opportunity to say hello. She was standing by a set of French doors that led out to a terraced patio, gazing at the moonless starlit sky. When his soft voice said, "Good evening, Kagome," she started
Turning, her cheeks flushed, but she smiled in greeting, "Good evening, Houjo. I hear you have three dates. Are you enjoying yourself?"
He gave her a twisted smile, "Yeah, I asked a girl from my Lit class, and she had already made plans to go with a couple of her friends. So I ended up with three dates. They're nice," he chuckled a little ruefully, "but if they don't stop giggling, I think my head is going to split!"
Kagome grinned but didn't say anything, because she didn't know what to say.
Houjo finally broke the silence, "So, he's the guy you told me about, huh? The one you couldn't get over?"
Kagome nodded mutely. She looked up into his eyes, pleading him to understand, "I'm sorry, Houjo. You're such a great guy, and if it weren't for him...but I didn't choose him." She held her hands up to her chest. "My heart did."
He nodded, smiling sadly. "Believe me. I understand when someone is too special to forget." He took her hand. "I wish you all the happiness in the world, and if that happiness is with him, then I'm very glad for you." His expression was sad but earnest. "I hope you will save one dance for me, though."
Kagome nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Houjo. I'd like that. So, you'll still be my friend?."
He smiled back, "Always."
Kagome felt a familiar presence behind her, and turned to see Inuyasha. He was fighting a battle with himself and she could see it. He knew, somehow, who Houjo was, and he was doing his best not to rearrange his face. She quickly intervened. "Houjo, this is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is my friend, Houjo."
Houjo, ever the gentleman, held his hand out and smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you. You're a very lucky guy."
Kagome blushed as a look of bewilderment crossed her date's face. He obviously decided to copy Houjo, and held his hand out. Houjo frowned slightly in confusion, but grasped Inuyasha's hand and shook it firmly. "Well, I think my dates should be done with their "nose powdering," by now. It was nice to meet you, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha was still wondering why this guy had been holding his hand and pumping it up and down. Kagome explained that it was a gesture of greeting, generally used between men, but it was a western custom.
The next song was a slow, romantic one. It was an oldie ~ Crazy for You, by Madonna. Inuyasha began to tremble. This was one of those "kissing dances." He could tell by the mood of the music. Could he change her mind about being "just close friends?" Or would he just make a mess of everything? Oh, gods, he had waited so long for this! 'Please let this work out!' he silently prayed.
He took Kagome by the waist and led her to the dance floor, the way he saw other guys do with their dates. They found as spot, and Inuyasha was thrilled when she passed the "holding him at arms length" part that he had seen her do with Houjo, and immediately let her arms encircle his neck, laying her cheek on his shoulder. He sighed happily as warmth flooded his body. He fought to keep from trembling with anticipation.
Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one
I see you through the smokey air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare?
You're so close but still a world away
What I'm dying to say is that
Kagome thought she might just melt right here, she was so happy. She kept fiddling with the dark ponytail that hung down Inuyasha's back to reassure herself that she was really dancing with him, and not just imagining it this time.
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
Inuyasha heard the lines of the song, and wondered if that was his cue. He was still very nervous, but he wasn't about to miss his chance. He loved the feeling of her body against his, his arms surrounding her. It felt so right. They fit together as if they were made for each other; as if they were two parts of a whole. He knew in his heart that they had to be. Glancing around the room, though, he became more confused.
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we meet, no word at all
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see
He finally decided to ask her. He wanted to do this right. He wanted it to be perfect. It was a little embarrassing to have to ask her, but he knew she wouldn't mind.
"Kagome!" he whispered.
"Hmmmm?" she looked up at him dreamily.
Her eyes were so soft, her skin flushed, he lips...so tempting. But he had to do this right. "Um, when am I supposed to kiss you?"
She knitted her brows in confusion. "Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Uh, well, your mom didn't teach me this one. (Thank goodness) I see some people are kissing, and some aren't. So, when am I supposed to do it? Kiss you, I mean."
Once again, she found herself face to face with almost overwhelming temptation. All she had to do was tell a little lie, and she would finally get to kiss him. Finally, she would be able to express to him the flood of emotions she held in her heart for him all the time. She could share a little of her soul with him and maybe make him understand what she felt..
But that would be tricking him into it, and it would be wrong. And worst of all, she couldn't bear the thought of him kissing her and thinking of Kikyou. So, reluctantly, she said, "Inuyasha, kissing isn't part of the dance. Those people are kissing because they love each other. Just like in your time. You kiss someone because you feel so much passion for them that you want to share it with them."
She watched as a complete change overcame him ~ his eager face crumbled, his body went limp and sagged around her. He looked as if his heart had just broken into a thousand shards. She felt a stab in her own heart, but could not for the life of her understand his reaction.
And it's all brand new; I'm crazy for you
And you know it's true
I'm crazy, crazy for you
| |
As the last strains faded away, he pulled away and turned his back to her. He said, "Excuse me," very quietly and walked out the French doors, shoulders slumped, looking even without his ears like an abandoned puppy; absolutely defeated.
Yeah, the first week of the semester is a blow off week! Everyone knows that, right? Would someone please tell my professors that?
IMPORTANT INFO FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CONTINUE READING THIS FIC! I AM CHANGING THE TITLE TO "ONCE IN A NEW MOON." I've always hated the working title, but I'm finally getting around to changing it. Please make a note so you won't miss the upcoming chapters.
Ok, so, I guess I'm busier that I thought. It may take me a week or so to get new chappies up. Sorry about that. There are only three more, I think. Anywayz, while you wait, I know there are plenty of great Inu fics to read, but I have one more suggestion for you. Lita Avalon has a great story in Original Anime/Manga, which I think is being over looked because it's not in a specific Anime/Manga (ie Inuyasha, Gundam Wing, etc.) category. It's called Elley and Yuki: The Clock and Key, and it really is worth a read!
Ok, on with the story.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Course of True Love Ne'er Did Run Smooth
'Déjà vu." Kagome thought wryly, as she found herself seated in almost exactly the same seat she had been seated on the night of her date with Houjo. 'My mother really does have a bizarre sense of humour.' Still, she couldn't complain. She loved this place, and she had wished to be here with Inuyasha instead of Houjo last time, even though she had viciously stomped down those thoughts at the time.
Kagome once again took in the room, with it's candle light and romantic atmosphere, and then let her eyes rest on her date. So handsome! She tried to decide whether he looked better in his tux now, or before he had changed to his human form. Ok, she liked him better before ~ there was nothing cuter than those ears of his ~ but even now he was dangerously hot. He was sitting there, looking faintly uncomfortable, but trying with all his might to remain calm in this crowded, unfamiliar place. Her heart warmed at the site, knowing what it cost him to be there, but she wondered again why he was there. Why had he been so determined to accompany her tonight?
She sighed. 'If only he weren't so hung up on Kikyou.' She thought wistfully. 'But at least I have him all to myself tonight! And I'm going to enjoy it!'
Candles flickered, soft music played in the background. The entire atmosphere of the restaurant had changed completely from the time Inuyasha had eaten lunch there with Kagome's mother. It was much more ...intimate. He looked around the room at other couples and groups of nicely dressed people about Kagome's age, obviously there for the same reason they were. All those people seemed at ease, chatting and laughing with their dates. He thought about Kagome and Houjo, and the way Kagome had been laughing when he saw them together. 'She must be bored to death with me! Why can't I make her laugh like he can? Why am I here? She probably wishes she had come with him. At least he would know what to say without putting his foot in his mouth.' He thought morosely. 'And then she would kiss him again, and I'd lose her for sure. I have to think of something to say!' He looked up at her to catch her gaze on him.
She smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry for staring. You just really look ...handsome."
He flushed lightly. "Keh!"
'Come on, moron, say something a little more charming than that. Unless you want her to really regret being her with you!' But he looked up at the girl he shared the table with and saw so much beauty that his breath and his voice caught in his throat. The candles shed their warm glow onto her lovely, soft skin, and the firelight danced in her luminous eyes. He couldn't believe he was actually here with this unbelievably stunning girl.
This was the first time in his life that he had worked hard for something, and actually achieved it. He had lost Kikyou, and he hadn't managed to complete the jewel yet. But he had decided that he was going to be the one Kagome took to this dance, and had worked very hard for it. And here was his prize ~ spending the evening alone with the woman he loved. Glancing around the room at all the other girls there, and then smiled smugly to himself. His date was by far the most beautiful. Those other girls looked kind of artificial. Like their faces were painted on, and would fall off if they smiled too many times. Kagome had some of that "make-up" on too, but only a little. She didn't need it. And he bet the other girls there had no idea how to spot a jewel shard or kill a demon with a bow and arrow!
Truth be told, as stunning as she was right now, he thought Kagome was at her most attractive when she was flushed from battle, hair tousled, slightly out of breath. Or when she woke in the morning, sleep still in her eyes. Or when she tenderly cared for his injuries...
He looked up, and was alarmed to see he saw a waiter pushing a cart toward them, and on the cart there was a large dish that was on fire! And it looked as if the cart was headed straight for Kagome! Instinctively, he grabbed his glass of water and made a lunge for the cart. Kagome, having instantly recognized what was about to happen, grabbed his free hand and pulled him back down. The water flew from the glass, soaked the tablecloth, and spattered Kagome's face and dress. Several couples at nearby tables saw the incident, and were laughing.
He cast his gaze downward, feeling very foolish. "It's ok, Inuyasha. It's called "flambé." It's supposed to be on fire." She said soothingly, fighting to keep from laughing. She dabbed delicately at her face and the exposed skin of her chest. Noting his demeanor, she added, "But thank you for trying to save me."
"Sorry about your dress." He muttered.
She frowned down at her spattered bodice. "It's just water. It'll dry." She smiled brightly. He didn't seem convinced, though. "Inuyasha, is my dress ruined? Do I look ugly now?"
"No! Y...you...you're beautiful as always."
His sweet answer stunned her. But his human form was always nicer, more open than his hanyou side. She went on, "Then it doesn't matter, does it?"
"I embarrassed you. The other people were laughing."
Kagome reached for his hand, "I told you, Inuyasha. You don't embarrass me. Ever. You didn't know that some lunatic would light food on fire purposely. You were just trying to keep me safe like you always do." She smiled and squeezed his hand, "And how do you know they were laughing at us? They might have just heard something funny."
He shot her a look that said he didn't believe it. "Ok," she said, "Maybe they were laughing at us. But I don't mind giving them something to talk about. We're here to have fun. Ok?"
He smiled a rare, true smile at her and nodded. "Ok!"
She giggled, "Now, if someone comes at us with a flaming cart when we're back in the Sengoku Jidai, feel free to go after them with your water glass!"
After that, the ice was, as they say, broken. Dinner was delicious, and Kagome was amazed at the transformation in Inuyasha's table manners. He seemed a little confused by the number of utensils, but instead of losing his temper, he watched to see which one she picked up and followed suit. 'Wow! Mom is good!'
They chatted and laughed, and Kagome answered a lot of questions about their strange surroundings, and the odd things Inuyasha saw people do. They fed each other bites of each other's dinner, and when Kagome decided she had had enough (she had to save room for dessert), Inuyasha enthusiastically finished her plate for her.
When the dishes were cleared away, and they were waiting for dessert, the same Gypsy woman from Kagome's last date appeared at the table. She looked at Kagome with recognition, then appraised her new companion critically. Finally, she nodded with approval and aimed a knowing smile at Kagome. "Much better! The other one was nice, but this one is the right one." She plucked a rose from her basket and laid it on the table in front of the astonished girl.
Inuyasha reached out to the woman with a folded bill (Kagome's mom had schooled him about this as well), but she almost refused it. She studied the young man intently for a moment, and finally took the bill. "I see. You wish it to be a gift from you, and not from me. Fair enough." She smiled and turned to leave.
Kagome, still perplexed at this little show, picked up the lovely flower and brought it to her nose before remembering that the last one had had no scent. But this one's fragrance was intense and sweet. She glanced up at the back of the retreating woman, and then to her date, to see that he had been watching her.
"Thank you. It's lovely."
Having been caught staring, again, he dropped his eyes, but couldn't stop his lips from curving into a slight smile. 'But not as lovely as you.' He thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The dance was everything Kagome had warned him it would be: crowded and very noisy. But Inuyasha hardly noticed or cared. All he could think of was that he was finally there, and that he was finally going to get to kiss Kagome.
Actually, he was getting a little nervous about it. More than a little. So much was riding on this kiss, and he suddenly realized that kissing was something he with which he had very little experience. The few kisses he had shared with Kikyou were mostly initiated by her, and couldn't really have been called passionate. He had been too surprised by those kisses to feel passion, or even to really return them. He had seen Kagome kiss that stupid, pathetic, weak human boy. She obviously had known what she was doing. What if his kiss disappointed her? What if he couldn't make her feel the fire inside that she ignited in him? She didn't even need to kiss him to make him feel that fire. She had only to smile at him. But he was desperate that she kiss him like she had kissed that other guy. He had been waiting for so long... so long before that dance he had dreamed of tasting her lips, touching her, making her his.
She had his hand, and was leading him over to a kiosk in the lobby where a camera was set up to photograph of the couples as they arrived. "Inuyasha, did you hear me?"
He snapped out of his reflection, realizing that she had been talking to him. "Huh?" Thankfully, he stopped himself before the words, "What is it, wench?" came out. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
She threw him a sympathetic look, assuming that it was the crowd and the noise that was making him nervous. "I know you hate crowds and noise. That's why I didn't want to bring you."
"I told you, I don't care. I can put up with it for one night." And then, so quietly that she almost missed it, "It's worth it."
Again, she was shocked by his candid sweetness. It was so unlike him! And so nice...'He's human tonight. That's why he's being so pleasant. Don't read anything else into it. Just have a good time and be glad he's here with you.' She told herself sternly. She turned on her most charming smile, "Inuyasha, can we have out picture taken?"
Once again, he completely surprised her by not only agreeing, but by also pushing her away when she reached into her purse to pay for the pictures. He pulled out his wallet (a gift from Mrs. Higurashi, of course), pulled out the right currency and handed it to the girl with the cashbox while Kagome filled in their information on the sign-in sheet.
Standing in line to await their turn, Inuyasha asked Kagome why the flash of light for this camera was so much brighter than that of her camera. And why was this camera so much bigger. She explained to him that it was a professional photographer, so she had much more sophisticated equipment than most people. "I'm afraid it might hurt your eyes." She lamented.
"Nah. Not these eyes. Maybe my han." Kagome clapped her hand over his mouth and motioned over to a few people who seemed to have taken an interest in their conversation. He mentally kicked himself for being so careless.
When it was finally their turn, Kati, the photographer positioned them with Inuyasha standing behind Kagome, arms encircling her waist. She peered through the viewfinder, then looked up and said to Inuyasha. "You might want to straighten your tie, and you seem to have a smudge of some sort on your face."
He frowned and fumbled feebly with the wrenched tie, but had no idea what to do with it. Kagome, realizing his difficulty, turned around and performed the task for him. She smiled at the little smudge of chocolate on the corner of his mouth, and moistened her thumb to rub it off for him. All the while, he had loosened his hold around her to enable her to turn around, but had let his hands rest on her hips, unwilling to completely break the contact. He gazed down at her lovely face while she ministered to him, fixated on her soft, pink lips, remembering how warm and soft they had felt on his cheek.
Kati watched this all through the viewfinder of her camera, and was awestruck by the amount of emotion that came through from this couple in just these simple actions. She almost wasn't aware that she had started clicking her shutter, frame after frame, until Kagome finally finished. The girl smiled in satisfaction, and then turned back into position.
When she had taken their photo, Kati told them to come back in a couple hours and she'd have digital proofs for them to choose from. They heard the music start up, and Kagome grabbed his hand, "Let's go!"
But, of course, nothing ever went easily for those two, and this was no exception. As they were headed in the direction of the ballroom, the doors were suddenly opened, and in came Kagome's group of friends, chattering away, leaving their poor, bewildered dates to follow behind. When they spotted Kagome and Inuyasha, they instantly flocked around them.
"Oooh, Kagome! This is the guy you dumped Houjo for? Cute!"
"Where did you find him? Are there any more like him?"
"Wow! Long hair! Has he ever cut it?"
"Hey, Kagome, is this the two timer?"
"Poor Houjo!"
"Oh, poor Houjo nothing! Did you see him? He's got three dates, and they're hanging all over him!"
Kagome's head was swimming. She had no idea who was saying what ~ they all just rushed at her like a tsunami. She glanced up at her poor date to see him looking confused and more than a little annoyed. "Uh, listen guys!" she shook her hands in front of her, "He is standing right here, you know!"
Nanami finally realized that they might be acting a little rudely. "Oh, yeah. Sorry." Her face brightened as if she had just come up with the most brilliant thought ever conceived. Finger jabbing the air, she spurted, "Let's go to the Ladies room!"
"Uh, no thanks! Already been!" Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's arm and took the chance to escape. "We're gonna go dance!" Her befuddled date eagerly followed.
"Kagome!" Yuri shrieked.
"Later!" Kagome answered, and pulling Inuyasha, disappeared into a crowd.
She turned to Inuyasha, "Sorry about that. They really are good friends. Just a little...nosey." 'And loud,' she added to herself.
"Cackling hens!" he muttered. "You're not like them, Kagome. Why are you friends with them?"
"Well, I've known them since I was a baby, you know? And when you think about it, we're not much like Sango or Miroku or Shippou, either. Sango's a demon hunter! How much sense does that make? But they're like family, and I love them all!"
"Keh!" for lack of any better answer.
Another song started, and Kagome's face brightened, "Oooooh, I love this song! Let's dance!"
So they danced and danced. Partly because they were really having a good time, and partly because they were afraid of leaving the dance floor and running into Kagome's friends again. They never noticed the small figure that crept up to the DJ and handed him a CD. "Would you play this during a break please, please? It's my sister's favorite, and she decorated this place!"
During band breaks, the DJ played cd's. He took the one the young boy proffered, read the title, frowned, and then shrugged. "Sure, Kid! Why not?"
When the band took their break, Kagome asked Inuyasha if he wanted a drink, and led him over to the refreshment table. They were drinking some lemonade when Kagome felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Sorry, Kagome." It was Yuri. "We shouldn't have ambushed you like that. It's just that we've never even seen a picture of this guy, and you don't tell us very much. But you two look really cute together."
Kagome blushed slightly, "It's ok. There's really not that much to tell. We're just really close friends. That's all." She tried to keep the regret out of her voice.
Hearing what Kagome had said, Inuyasha turned away, disappointment clearly written on his face. His human side wasn't as good at masking his feelings as his hanyou side.
"But how do you know him? We've never seen him around here! I'd remember!" Mimi inquired.
Kagome sweatdropped. Yeah, she would definitely remember. Especially if Inuyasha were in his usual form. She had been expecting this question, but it didn't make it easier to answer, "Oh, well, you know...he's just a friend from ..." she waved her hand dismissively, "way back!"
Suddenly, the first strains of the Macerena sounded from the speakers, reverberating around the room. Inuyasha got very excited. "Come on Kagome! I love this one!"
He headed for the dance floor, clearly expecting her to follow. He hadn't grabbed her hand because he was still stinging from the "just close friends" statement. She watched for a split second in horror, but then reprimanded herself. 'Ok, yeah, it's dorky. But how often do I get to see Inuyasha having so much fun? After all he does for me, the number of times he has dealt with humiliation from other demons for protecting a human, the least I can do is dance an embarrassing dance with him!" She turned on her heel to follow him.
Nanami hissed, "You're not actually going to do that, are you?"
"Oh quit being so stuffy! It's fun!" Kagome chided, adding "You know you want to do it!"
This whole exchange took just a few seconds, so that she wasn't that far behind Inuyasha. But by the time she got to him, he had started, eyes closed in concentration. She giggled, enjoying the pleasure evident on his face. 'Yes, definitely worth it!' she decided as she crossed her hands on her hips and wiggled along with him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her friends dragging their dates out to join them, and her heart warmed to them. 'Oh, yeah. That's why I'm friends with them!'
As it turns out, she needn't have worried about humiliation. Before she knew it, the whole dance floor was filled to capacity, and there was hardly room for anyone to wiggle.
When they were done, laughing and happy, she took Inuyasha's arm cuddled into his side. Breathlessly, she laughed, "You're a great date, Inuyasha!"
He loved the contact, her smile, and her shining eyes. But he thought sadly, 'But just a close friend, right?'
He excused himself to the Men's room. She gave him a dubious look, "You do understand about those things, right?"
He crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, and for a moment, the indignant hanyou was back. "Yes! You're brother made sure of that!"
While he was gone, Houjo took the opportunity to say hello. She was standing by a set of French doors that led out to a terraced patio, gazing at the moonless starlit sky. When his soft voice said, "Good evening, Kagome," she started
Turning, her cheeks flushed, but she smiled in greeting, "Good evening, Houjo. I hear you have three dates. Are you enjoying yourself?"
He gave her a twisted smile, "Yeah, I asked a girl from my Lit class, and she had already made plans to go with a couple of her friends. So I ended up with three dates. They're nice," he chuckled a little ruefully, "but if they don't stop giggling, I think my head is going to split!"
Kagome grinned but didn't say anything, because she didn't know what to say.
Houjo finally broke the silence, "So, he's the guy you told me about, huh? The one you couldn't get over?"
Kagome nodded mutely. She looked up into his eyes, pleading him to understand, "I'm sorry, Houjo. You're such a great guy, and if it weren't for him...but I didn't choose him." She held her hands up to her chest. "My heart did."
He nodded, smiling sadly. "Believe me. I understand when someone is too special to forget." He took her hand. "I wish you all the happiness in the world, and if that happiness is with him, then I'm very glad for you." His expression was sad but earnest. "I hope you will save one dance for me, though."
Kagome nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Houjo. I'd like that. So, you'll still be my friend?."
He smiled back, "Always."
Kagome felt a familiar presence behind her, and turned to see Inuyasha. He was fighting a battle with himself and she could see it. He knew, somehow, who Houjo was, and he was doing his best not to rearrange his face. She quickly intervened. "Houjo, this is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is my friend, Houjo."
Houjo, ever the gentleman, held his hand out and smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you. You're a very lucky guy."
Kagome blushed as a look of bewilderment crossed her date's face. He obviously decided to copy Houjo, and held his hand out. Houjo frowned slightly in confusion, but grasped Inuyasha's hand and shook it firmly. "Well, I think my dates should be done with their "nose powdering," by now. It was nice to meet you, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha was still wondering why this guy had been holding his hand and pumping it up and down. Kagome explained that it was a gesture of greeting, generally used between men, but it was a western custom.
The next song was a slow, romantic one. It was an oldie ~ Crazy for You, by Madonna. Inuyasha began to tremble. This was one of those "kissing dances." He could tell by the mood of the music. Could he change her mind about being "just close friends?" Or would he just make a mess of everything? Oh, gods, he had waited so long for this! 'Please let this work out!' he silently prayed.
He took Kagome by the waist and led her to the dance floor, the way he saw other guys do with their dates. They found as spot, and Inuyasha was thrilled when she passed the "holding him at arms length" part that he had seen her do with Houjo, and immediately let her arms encircle his neck, laying her cheek on his shoulder. He sighed happily as warmth flooded his body. He fought to keep from trembling with anticipation.
Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one
I see you through the smokey air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare?
You're so close but still a world away
What I'm dying to say is that
Kagome thought she might just melt right here, she was so happy. She kept fiddling with the dark ponytail that hung down Inuyasha's back to reassure herself that she was really dancing with him, and not just imagining it this time.
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
Inuyasha heard the lines of the song, and wondered if that was his cue. He was still very nervous, but he wasn't about to miss his chance. He loved the feeling of her body against his, his arms surrounding her. It felt so right. They fit together as if they were made for each other; as if they were two parts of a whole. He knew in his heart that they had to be. Glancing around the room, though, he became more confused.
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we meet, no word at all
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see
He finally decided to ask her. He wanted to do this right. He wanted it to be perfect. It was a little embarrassing to have to ask her, but he knew she wouldn't mind.
"Kagome!" he whispered.
"Hmmmm?" she looked up at him dreamily.
Her eyes were so soft, her skin flushed, he lips...so tempting. But he had to do this right. "Um, when am I supposed to kiss you?"
She knitted her brows in confusion. "Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Uh, well, your mom didn't teach me this one. (Thank goodness) I see some people are kissing, and some aren't. So, when am I supposed to do it? Kiss you, I mean."
Once again, she found herself face to face with almost overwhelming temptation. All she had to do was tell a little lie, and she would finally get to kiss him. Finally, she would be able to express to him the flood of emotions she held in her heart for him all the time. She could share a little of her soul with him and maybe make him understand what she felt..
But that would be tricking him into it, and it would be wrong. And worst of all, she couldn't bear the thought of him kissing her and thinking of Kikyou. So, reluctantly, she said, "Inuyasha, kissing isn't part of the dance. Those people are kissing because they love each other. Just like in your time. You kiss someone because you feel so much passion for them that you want to share it with them."
She watched as a complete change overcame him ~ his eager face crumbled, his body went limp and sagged around her. He looked as if his heart had just broken into a thousand shards. She felt a stab in her own heart, but could not for the life of her understand his reaction.
And it's all brand new; I'm crazy for you
And you know it's true
I'm crazy, crazy for you
| |
As the last strains faded away, he pulled away and turned his back to her. He said, "Excuse me," very quietly and walked out the French doors, shoulders slumped, looking even without his ears like an abandoned puppy; absolutely defeated.