** This story deals with rape, so if this sort of topic bothers you then be
forewarned. **
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Author's Notes: Guess what everyone, it's my birthday tomorrow, January 13!!! I'm officially going to be seventeen years old! I'm so excited! And, in honor of my birthday, I decided to give you all a wonderful, fluffy chapter and take a break from the courtroom. I think a story needs that every now and then, don't you?
So anyway, in this chapter there will be fluff, there will be meaningless conversation, and there will be more fluff. And if any of you have a problem with that, too bad! I'm the birthday girl, and I'm going to enjoy this! And by the way, I have a surprise in this chapter for all of you wanting Ms. White to get together with someone (smiles).
I would like to point out, for the last time, that in this story Kagome is eighteen years old. In other words, it takes place three years after the series starts. I repeat, she is EIGHTEEN years old. That means that Ted Wilkins cannot be tried for statutory rape, because she is legally an adult. I hope that clears up all your questions.
Other then that, enjoy this chapter, cause it's probably the last one you'll get until the weekend as I'm going to be very busy the rest of this week. Love you all, and thanks for reviewing! Enjoy!
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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Thirteen
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The music was blasting in her room as Kagome grabbed for a third dress, holding it against her figure critically for a second before casting it aside into the ever-growing pile of discarded clothes. Sango was not having much luck either as she was stuck waiting for Kagome to make a selection for her. And so she sat patiently on the bed, trying to make out the words to the punk song, but the singer was screaming so loudly into the microphone that it was impossible to understand anything.
"So where are we going again, Kagome-chan?" The demon exterminator shouted above the music, and Kagome was forced to stop what she was doing momentarily to turn off the stereo.
"What did you say?"
"Where did you say we were going tonight?"
"Oh, just a club in downtown Tokyo. You guys will love it. There is dancing, and great food. It'll be lots of fun."
"But why are we doing this tonight?"
"Because it's Saturday, I don't have to be in court tomorrow, and I want to go have some fun with everyone in my wedding party."
Sango made a face at the outfit Kagome was now observing, and shook her head when the girl cocked an eyebrow in question. Sighing, Kagome threw that one as well into the pile.
"I still can't believe you went and got Sesshoumaru for this," Sango commented with a giggle, thinking about the peeved demon lord currently sitting in the living room, no doubt already dressed in whatever Souta had picked out for him at the mall earlier that day.
Kagome grinned. "I know, I'm not quite sure what inspired me to call him back almost three days early, but I felt like he should be a part of this too. And besides, Shippou and that girl, I think her name is Rin, are getting along really well by themselves."
"I take it Kaede is the lucky babysitter?" At that Kagome laughed outright, nearly falling over. Sango cocked an eyebrow quizzically.
"No, you wouldn't believe it, but that toad guy that follows Sesshoumaru everywhere, Jaken? He's the one stuck watching the little rascals since Kaede has to tend to everyone in the village."
Sango couldn't help it, and started laughing too at the image of Jaken chasing the two children around, trying to get them to settle down.
"Shippou sure has grown up, hasn't he?" Kagome looked over at her friend quizzically, but then noticed that Sango was looking at the picture of the gang from over three years ago, which was in a frame on her nightstand. She smiled softly.
"Yeah, he has. I hadn't noticed how much until I saw what he looked like before. He's so much taller now, almost coming up to my shoulder, and his face doesn't quite have that child-like look anymore."
"He'll be a handsome young man before long," Sango commented, giving Kagome a wink. The girl widened her eyes, feeling the natural motherly instinct kicking in at the comment.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean exactly that, he will grow up to be a very handsome young man, I can tell already. And who knows how many girls will want to be his wife, or, mate, or whatever a fox demon calls it."
Kagome giggled at the thought, but then smiled sadly at the idea of her little Shippou growing up. "He does have to grow up someday, doesn't he?"
Sango smiled and walked over to put her arm around Kagome's shoulders in a sisterly fashion. "I know you look at him as a surrogate son, I do too in a way, and I know it will be hard, but we have to let him grow up on his own."
"I do!"
"I know, but what about when he starts meeting girls, and actually enjoying their company, rather then running away with the fear of koodies? Will you let him grow up then?"
Kagome pouted slightly, but then nodded. "Of course I will. I know how frustrating it was when mama always worried about me. She still does if the truth be told, but not like she used to."
The two girls were silent for a minute before they were startled by a loud crash coming from downstairs, followed by voices muffled through the ceiling.
"Kagome is going to be so pissed, you bastard! Why did you do that?"
"Dog-turd, how the hell was I supposed to know that thing would fall over like that?"
"Why did you touch it in the first place?"
"How about both of you just shut up?"
"Stay out of this, Sesshoumaru!"
"I think that maybe."
"Shut up, monk!"
The sound of a scuffle could be heard, and Kagome and Sango let out a long sigh before turning back to the clothes as the door opened and Ayame appeared, looking frazzled. Kagome gave her a friendly smile, and Sango motioned for the girl to take a seat beside her on the bed.
"Needed to escape the testosterone, eh?"
Ayame rolled her eyes and fell back on the bed. "I meant to come up sooner, but I have been practically preventing your house from becoming a war zone all night!"
"So what exactly was that crash we heard?" In all honesty, Kagome didn't even want to know. There was some expensive stuff in the living room.
"Um, it was one of those lamp things," Ayame said with a blush, but Kagome only heaved a sigh of relief.
"At least it wasn't the t.v. or something."
"So, you're not mad?"
"Well, I can't really get mad at them for breaking something when they don't even have a real concept of glass. Aha!" Both girls jumped back as Kagome whirled around with a dress in her hands, a beaming smile on her face. "It's perfect! And I have the perfect outfits for you too!"
Thirty minutes later Kagome modeled herself in the mirror, critically eyeing whatever she thought was an unnecessary wrinkle or line. The dress was black, and shimmered in the light as she turned. It fell off her shoulders in an elegant, but loose, sleeveless v-neck on both the front and back, revealing a generous amount of creamy skin, and fell to her knees in a diagonal cut so that in reality the hem rested on her left calf while it swooped up to barely cover her right knee.
Her hair, which she had put up in curlers for the past twenty minutes, now fell about her shoulders in generous, bouncy ringlets, and her lips were accented with a gentle, beige lip-gloss. All in all, she was very pleased with what she saw.
Sango and Ayame looked equally as stunning in the dresses Kagome had forgotten Ayumi had selected for them the other day at the mall. Kagome would need to thank her friend later a thousand times, for she had done an incredible job of picking out dresses for the girls.
Sango's dress was strapless, accenting her muscular shoulders, and fell to her ankles in a pale silver color. Her hair was partially pulled back into a ponytail, the rest falling loosely down her back and spilling over her shoulders in gentle curls, her cheeks slightly pink with blush, her eyes accented by black eye shadow, and her lips were colored with a simple silvery gloss. Altogether, tonight she looked incredibly sexy and mysterious, a far cry from her usual attire.
And finally, Ayame's dress was almost like a wrap around, coming up to one shoulder and tying off, the ends of the folds lined with emerald green to accent her stunning eyes and hair, which was pulled back from her face for once in a high ponytail that was curled generously, giving her an exotic look. All in all, Kagome decided they didn't look half-bad, but then the club they were going to was extremely prestigious for it's elegance and class, so they needed to look good.
"Do we really want to see what the living room looks like at this point?" Kagome said with a sigh, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose and thus ruin her make-up.
"Well, think of it this way," Sango said, coming up beside her friend, "It can't be any worse then some of the stuff we saw when dealing with Naraku."
Kagome laughed at that. "I guess that's true." She opened the door and began to walk toward the stairs. "Let's go then."
The men stopped and stared as though they saw angels as the three women descended into the living room. At least, all the men except Sesshoumaru, who was currently leaning against the wall, appearing very uninterested, but looking, to Kagome's surprise, very stunning in his black tuxedo pants, white tux shirt, and blue cummerbund, the jacked currently thrown over his shoulder.
"Sango, you look incredible!" Miroku exclaimed, dressed in his own tuxedo, sporting his own purple cummerbund, a stunned smile on his face. But the other two men weren't so lucky as to have found their voices yet, although Kouga at least managed to take Ayame by the hand and lead her into the living room to sit, while Inuyasha simply stared at the woman who had promised to be his.
It truly didn't matter if she was in a dress, jeans, pajamas, or her typical school uniform, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and every time she walked down the stairs Inuyasha found himself in awe that she had chosen him, a worthless hanyou who always insulted her, for a mate and husband.
And she could look beautiful in any way. Like tonight, she looked sultry and mysterious, whereas in her school uniform she looked innocent, and in her prom dress she had appeared to be the perfect picture of young elegance.
Gods above, he thought as their eyes were locked together, I love this woman.
Kagome was caught up in her own emotions seeing the hanyou once more in a tuxedo, only this time he had traded his black cummerbund for a deep red one instead. She was mesmerized by the amber color of his eyes, and by the genuine look of love within their depths, knowing her eyes were exact mirrors of his own when it came to her feelings.
"You look incredible Inuyasha," she finally managed to whisper, wondering if she would ever find her voice around him when he was wearing a tux. He smiled back at her, that rare, genuine smile that he only let her see.
"And you look beautiful," he replied.
Kagome closed her eyes, relishing in the compliment as she recalled days that seemed long past now when he would call her ugly and constantly compare her to someone else. Now she could say, with confidence, that Inuyasha saw her as Kagome, and only as Kagome. It was a wonderful feeling.
"Hey, are you two ever going to leave the hallway, or are we going to be late because of you?" Mrs. Higurashi called, dressed in her own long- sleeved dress of deep blue, already wearing her black overcoat.
Blushing, Kagome accepted Inuyasha's offered hand and moved down the final few stairs to feel his arm go instantly around her waist, pulling her to his side protectively as the others walked toward the door. It was only then that Kagome noticed something, and stepped back in surprise.
"Inuyasha, your ears!"
Everyone stopped and stared, the girls in shock, the guys with knowing grins as Inuyasha blushed before looking at Miroku. "It was the monk's idea, so that I wouldn't have to wear a hat. He, um, sort of used that tape stuff and now my ears are taped back under my hair."
Kagome was shocked. Wasn't that painful? He hated it enough when they were squished beneath a hat, but completely taped back?
"Inuyasha, you'll hurt yourself," she whispered, to which Sesshoumaru grunted.
"He may be a hanyou, woman, but he is still my half-brother, and as such he can stand a little pain."
Inuyasha glared at his elder brother before softening his eyes to look at Kagome. "Don't worry about it, it honestly doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I just can't hear as well as usual."
"Are you sure?" Kagome had a doubtful look on her face. But he nodded, and finally she relaxed, coming to his side once more and allowing his arm to wrap around her waist again as they all walked out to the large minivan. Souta waved goodbye as Kagome's grandfather, looking comical in his own tux, closed the passenger door, the car slowly moving out of the driveway.
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Miguel's was the most popular place in all of Tokyo for anyone desiring an expensive, elegant night on the town. Situated on the top floor of one of the business structures, it had the best view, and had a reputation for serving food to die for. It had cost a small fortune to be going at all, but Mrs. Higurashi had assured her daughter it was nothing compared to seeing Kagome relaxed for the evening with her friends.
"What time did Ms. White say she'd be here?" Kagome asked her mother as they walked into the main restaurant.
"Her message said she would be about thirty minutes late due to work, but that it was alright to start without her."
"We can wait, that's not too long," Kagome replied, observing the elegant mahogany pillars and ceiling, the marble bar, the huge circular dance floor, and all around it, elevated two steps higher, were tables next to windows with an incredible view of Tokyo.
"Wow," Kagome sighed, feeling like she was in a dream. She had always wanted to come to a place like this, where everyone was dressed elegantly, dining or slowly moving on the dance floor to a waltz.
"Is this what you wanted tonight?" Inuyasha asked, sending a tender look down to the woman in his arms. She smiled back up at him, her eyes lighting up with the expression.
"Yes, very much so."
"Good," he replied, a smile of his own in place. "That's all I want, is for you to be happy."
"That's so sweet Inuyasha," she sighed, tilting her head back invitingly. He took the invitation, and soon their lips met in a passionate kiss that had several people staring and whispering, with knowing smiles on their faces. Obviously, they were seeing a very happy couple.
"Kagome, let's go, they're taking us to our seats," her mother called, breaking the moment, and Kagome nodded with a blush, taking Inuyasha's hand and quickly following everyone else to a large table for ten.
The waiter, a young man dressed in a white shirt, bow tie, and black slacks, swiftly and elegantly placed their menus at each individual place before motioning for them to take their seats, and everyone, naturally, moved for the two window seats.
A low growl emitted from Inuyasha as he noticed Kouga pulling out a seat for Ayame by the window. "What do you think you're doing wolf?"
"Being a gentleman," he replied, remembering all the lessons Mrs. Higruashi had shown him on etiquette earlier that day. The hanyou only growled more.
"Don't be dumb with me, Kagome gets the window seat. Now move out of the way."
"Inuyasha, it's okay," Kagome replied with a blush, but he looked determined.
"How about Ayame gets one, and Kagome has the other, then you two men can sit beside them?" Mrs. Higurashi could always be counted upon to make sensible offers, and both men relaxed once more as they realized that would work.
Sesshoumaru ended up on the end, with an empty seat across from him, where Ms. White would sit eventually, and just stared off into space, like he always did. But Miroku certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, for he had discovered a very pretty waitress behind the bar, currently smiling at him sweetly. The sound of a loud thwack could be heard across the table, and everyone knew instantly that Sango had turned off any ideas that had been circulating in the monk's head.
Kagome shook her head and laughed as a slow, gentle waltz began to play and, since she didn't want to order until Ms. White arrived, stood up and looked at Inuyasha innocently. "Would you like to dance with me?"
The hanyou looked at her for an instant before smiling and rising to his feet, leading her to the dance floor, proving that Kouga was not the only one paying attention earlier that day.
He put an arm around her waist, taking her hand as she rested her chin on his chest, putting her spare hand on his shoulder, and slowly they began to move to the music, very slowly, several elderly couples smiling sweetly in their direction.
"Sango dear, would you care to dance?" Miroku asked, standing up and bowing elegantly before offering her his arm. She smiled and took it, rising from her seat.
"I swear," she whispered into his ear as they approached the dance floor, "If you make one move on my butt, or any other inappropriate body part, you will be sleeping alone tonight."
He frowned at the threat for an instant, but perked up quickly once more. "Well, there's no fear of that, since I intend to treat you, now and always, with the utmost respect."
Sango almost laughed out loud at that, but restrained herself, trying instead to enjoy the moment as they began to dance alongside Kagome and Inuyasha, the two girls exchanging contented smiles before closing their eyes in the arms of the men they loved.
The time flew by, and Kagome felt like she was walking on air as she and Inuyasha danced to waltz after waltz, in a heavenly dream with the starlight shining through the windows and the soft clatter of silverware on china seeming far away.
"Kagome?" Kagome looked up to see Ms. White standing at the entrance, smiling.
She looked absolutely stunning, wearing a strapless dress of crimson that fell halfway down her calves, her height elevated by inch high matching heels. Her hair fell down her back, as Kagome had seen it that day at the café, loosely, although tonight it had obviously been curled with great care, and some of it fell over her shoulders. Her glasses were absent completely, giving her sparkling blue eyes the spotlight, and altogether she looked very much like the young woman that she truly was, not the serious, down to earth work-a-holic that Kagome saw every day in court.
"Ms. White, I'm so glad you're here," Kagome cried, running up to the woman that she had come to call a friend. "You look absolutely beautiful."
"Thanks," Ms. White replied, though her blush showed she didn't really believe it. Kagome couldn't understand what would make her think she wasn't beautiful at that moment, or ever.
"Come on, we have the table all ready, we've just been waiting for you." She took her hand, and led the elder woman up to the table to take her seat.
"Oh, you didn't have to do that. I told your mother to just start without me."
"It was no trouble, Inuyasha and I have been enjoying the music. I don't see how that is an inconvenience."
"Well, thanks," Ms. White finally said, but then stopped dead in her tracks as she was about to take her seat, noticing for the first time the man who would be across from her.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help but stare either, and the two were, for an instant, locked in a heated gaze before they broke away with a blush. Kagome noticed it and, while she hadn't been expecting something like that, was not one to waste an opportunity to play matchmaker.
"Ms. White, I'd like you to meet Inuyasha's older half-brother, Sesshoumaru." The demon lord rose from his seat, towering over the younger blonde, but Ms. White seemed unfazed as she extended her hand. He stared at it for an instant before remembering what Mrs. Higurashi said, and took it, noting that her grip was, surprisingly strong, for a woman anyway.
"Call me Nancy," Ms. White said confidently, giving off one of her charming smiles, and Sesshoumaru seemed to be at a loss for words. Never in his life had anyone shown him such confidence while in his presence. Not even Kagome, who had her moments, had been this straightforward from the beginning.
"Good evening," he finally said in reply, his voice deep and emotionless as always, though Kagome noticed a slight twinkle in the demon's eye, something she only saw when he was around Rin. She smiled hopefully.
They all finally took their seats, leaving the two new acquaintances to get to know one another at the other end of the table, though Kagome would glance their direction every now and then. They seemed to be getting along fine, she thought, because, for once, Sesshoumaru seemed to be talking willingly, and not like someone was pulling teeth to get him to make a single sound.
The rest of the evening flew by in a blur, and before long the clock read 12:30, telling everyone that it was time to leave.
Gathering her purse and coat, Kagome sighed, wishing the night could go on forever. Eating wonderful food, getting up every now and then to dance in the arms of the man she loved with the backdrop of Tokyo at night under the stars. But, like all good things, the night had to end, and she was just grateful she had come at all.
Ms. White was taking her coat from the waiter when Kagome came up and whispered into her ear, "You and Sesshoumaru seemed to be getting along really well."
The woman blushed a deep red, accented even more by the color of her dress, but smiled and acted as though nothing else were out of the ordinary. "I don't know what you mean."
"Fine, if you want to act that way," Kagome stated, looking away knowingly. Ms. White simply giggled and hugged the younger girl fondly.
"You remind me so much of my sister," she said after pulling away, and Kagome blushed. "At least, before she was raped."
Kagome looked deep into the clear blue eyes of the woman before her, and saw, yet again, that inner pain that would probably never go away. The pains of seeing her sister disappear, instead being replaced by a shell that was afraid of the world.
Kagome sighed, knowing exactly what it was like to talk to the shell of a living person as Kikyou's solemn face came to mind, her tragic eyes always evoking in you the greatest sense of pity imaginable.
"I assume I can take that as a compliment?" she finally said, trying to lighten the mood. Ms. White smiled and nodded.
"That is most certainly a compliment."
"Thank you then," Kagome replied, giving the woman one last hug before turning to leave. "I'll see you on Monday."
"Yes, bright and early in court." Ms. White donned her coat, but dropped her purse in the process, only to be surprised when Sesshoumaru, the demon lord of the western lands, bent over and picked it up, handing it to her. Their fingers touched, and the two blushed furiously as their eyes met.
The tension between them was so obvious Kagome couldn't help but smile. Never in a million years had she thought that Sesshoumaru would fall in love with anyone, let alone a woman from her time.
But then, Inuyasha probably hadn't expected to find her either, she thought as she looked up at the man she loved, currently staring straight ahead as they turned and walked out the door. One could never tell with love, plain and simple. That was one thing that was proven to her time and time again. And she never got tired of the inevitable surprise as a result.
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Author's Notes: Guess what everyone, it's my birthday tomorrow, January 13!!! I'm officially going to be seventeen years old! I'm so excited! And, in honor of my birthday, I decided to give you all a wonderful, fluffy chapter and take a break from the courtroom. I think a story needs that every now and then, don't you?
So anyway, in this chapter there will be fluff, there will be meaningless conversation, and there will be more fluff. And if any of you have a problem with that, too bad! I'm the birthday girl, and I'm going to enjoy this! And by the way, I have a surprise in this chapter for all of you wanting Ms. White to get together with someone (smiles).
I would like to point out, for the last time, that in this story Kagome is eighteen years old. In other words, it takes place three years after the series starts. I repeat, she is EIGHTEEN years old. That means that Ted Wilkins cannot be tried for statutory rape, because she is legally an adult. I hope that clears up all your questions.
Other then that, enjoy this chapter, cause it's probably the last one you'll get until the weekend as I'm going to be very busy the rest of this week. Love you all, and thanks for reviewing! Enjoy!
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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Thirteen
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The music was blasting in her room as Kagome grabbed for a third dress, holding it against her figure critically for a second before casting it aside into the ever-growing pile of discarded clothes. Sango was not having much luck either as she was stuck waiting for Kagome to make a selection for her. And so she sat patiently on the bed, trying to make out the words to the punk song, but the singer was screaming so loudly into the microphone that it was impossible to understand anything.
"So where are we going again, Kagome-chan?" The demon exterminator shouted above the music, and Kagome was forced to stop what she was doing momentarily to turn off the stereo.
"What did you say?"
"Where did you say we were going tonight?"
"Oh, just a club in downtown Tokyo. You guys will love it. There is dancing, and great food. It'll be lots of fun."
"But why are we doing this tonight?"
"Because it's Saturday, I don't have to be in court tomorrow, and I want to go have some fun with everyone in my wedding party."
Sango made a face at the outfit Kagome was now observing, and shook her head when the girl cocked an eyebrow in question. Sighing, Kagome threw that one as well into the pile.
"I still can't believe you went and got Sesshoumaru for this," Sango commented with a giggle, thinking about the peeved demon lord currently sitting in the living room, no doubt already dressed in whatever Souta had picked out for him at the mall earlier that day.
Kagome grinned. "I know, I'm not quite sure what inspired me to call him back almost three days early, but I felt like he should be a part of this too. And besides, Shippou and that girl, I think her name is Rin, are getting along really well by themselves."
"I take it Kaede is the lucky babysitter?" At that Kagome laughed outright, nearly falling over. Sango cocked an eyebrow quizzically.
"No, you wouldn't believe it, but that toad guy that follows Sesshoumaru everywhere, Jaken? He's the one stuck watching the little rascals since Kaede has to tend to everyone in the village."
Sango couldn't help it, and started laughing too at the image of Jaken chasing the two children around, trying to get them to settle down.
"Shippou sure has grown up, hasn't he?" Kagome looked over at her friend quizzically, but then noticed that Sango was looking at the picture of the gang from over three years ago, which was in a frame on her nightstand. She smiled softly.
"Yeah, he has. I hadn't noticed how much until I saw what he looked like before. He's so much taller now, almost coming up to my shoulder, and his face doesn't quite have that child-like look anymore."
"He'll be a handsome young man before long," Sango commented, giving Kagome a wink. The girl widened her eyes, feeling the natural motherly instinct kicking in at the comment.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean exactly that, he will grow up to be a very handsome young man, I can tell already. And who knows how many girls will want to be his wife, or, mate, or whatever a fox demon calls it."
Kagome giggled at the thought, but then smiled sadly at the idea of her little Shippou growing up. "He does have to grow up someday, doesn't he?"
Sango smiled and walked over to put her arm around Kagome's shoulders in a sisterly fashion. "I know you look at him as a surrogate son, I do too in a way, and I know it will be hard, but we have to let him grow up on his own."
"I do!"
"I know, but what about when he starts meeting girls, and actually enjoying their company, rather then running away with the fear of koodies? Will you let him grow up then?"
Kagome pouted slightly, but then nodded. "Of course I will. I know how frustrating it was when mama always worried about me. She still does if the truth be told, but not like she used to."
The two girls were silent for a minute before they were startled by a loud crash coming from downstairs, followed by voices muffled through the ceiling.
"Kagome is going to be so pissed, you bastard! Why did you do that?"
"Dog-turd, how the hell was I supposed to know that thing would fall over like that?"
"Why did you touch it in the first place?"
"How about both of you just shut up?"
"Stay out of this, Sesshoumaru!"
"I think that maybe."
"Shut up, monk!"
The sound of a scuffle could be heard, and Kagome and Sango let out a long sigh before turning back to the clothes as the door opened and Ayame appeared, looking frazzled. Kagome gave her a friendly smile, and Sango motioned for the girl to take a seat beside her on the bed.
"Needed to escape the testosterone, eh?"
Ayame rolled her eyes and fell back on the bed. "I meant to come up sooner, but I have been practically preventing your house from becoming a war zone all night!"
"So what exactly was that crash we heard?" In all honesty, Kagome didn't even want to know. There was some expensive stuff in the living room.
"Um, it was one of those lamp things," Ayame said with a blush, but Kagome only heaved a sigh of relief.
"At least it wasn't the t.v. or something."
"So, you're not mad?"
"Well, I can't really get mad at them for breaking something when they don't even have a real concept of glass. Aha!" Both girls jumped back as Kagome whirled around with a dress in her hands, a beaming smile on her face. "It's perfect! And I have the perfect outfits for you too!"
Thirty minutes later Kagome modeled herself in the mirror, critically eyeing whatever she thought was an unnecessary wrinkle or line. The dress was black, and shimmered in the light as she turned. It fell off her shoulders in an elegant, but loose, sleeveless v-neck on both the front and back, revealing a generous amount of creamy skin, and fell to her knees in a diagonal cut so that in reality the hem rested on her left calf while it swooped up to barely cover her right knee.
Her hair, which she had put up in curlers for the past twenty minutes, now fell about her shoulders in generous, bouncy ringlets, and her lips were accented with a gentle, beige lip-gloss. All in all, she was very pleased with what she saw.
Sango and Ayame looked equally as stunning in the dresses Kagome had forgotten Ayumi had selected for them the other day at the mall. Kagome would need to thank her friend later a thousand times, for she had done an incredible job of picking out dresses for the girls.
Sango's dress was strapless, accenting her muscular shoulders, and fell to her ankles in a pale silver color. Her hair was partially pulled back into a ponytail, the rest falling loosely down her back and spilling over her shoulders in gentle curls, her cheeks slightly pink with blush, her eyes accented by black eye shadow, and her lips were colored with a simple silvery gloss. Altogether, tonight she looked incredibly sexy and mysterious, a far cry from her usual attire.
And finally, Ayame's dress was almost like a wrap around, coming up to one shoulder and tying off, the ends of the folds lined with emerald green to accent her stunning eyes and hair, which was pulled back from her face for once in a high ponytail that was curled generously, giving her an exotic look. All in all, Kagome decided they didn't look half-bad, but then the club they were going to was extremely prestigious for it's elegance and class, so they needed to look good.
"Do we really want to see what the living room looks like at this point?" Kagome said with a sigh, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose and thus ruin her make-up.
"Well, think of it this way," Sango said, coming up beside her friend, "It can't be any worse then some of the stuff we saw when dealing with Naraku."
Kagome laughed at that. "I guess that's true." She opened the door and began to walk toward the stairs. "Let's go then."
The men stopped and stared as though they saw angels as the three women descended into the living room. At least, all the men except Sesshoumaru, who was currently leaning against the wall, appearing very uninterested, but looking, to Kagome's surprise, very stunning in his black tuxedo pants, white tux shirt, and blue cummerbund, the jacked currently thrown over his shoulder.
"Sango, you look incredible!" Miroku exclaimed, dressed in his own tuxedo, sporting his own purple cummerbund, a stunned smile on his face. But the other two men weren't so lucky as to have found their voices yet, although Kouga at least managed to take Ayame by the hand and lead her into the living room to sit, while Inuyasha simply stared at the woman who had promised to be his.
It truly didn't matter if she was in a dress, jeans, pajamas, or her typical school uniform, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and every time she walked down the stairs Inuyasha found himself in awe that she had chosen him, a worthless hanyou who always insulted her, for a mate and husband.
And she could look beautiful in any way. Like tonight, she looked sultry and mysterious, whereas in her school uniform she looked innocent, and in her prom dress she had appeared to be the perfect picture of young elegance.
Gods above, he thought as their eyes were locked together, I love this woman.
Kagome was caught up in her own emotions seeing the hanyou once more in a tuxedo, only this time he had traded his black cummerbund for a deep red one instead. She was mesmerized by the amber color of his eyes, and by the genuine look of love within their depths, knowing her eyes were exact mirrors of his own when it came to her feelings.
"You look incredible Inuyasha," she finally managed to whisper, wondering if she would ever find her voice around him when he was wearing a tux. He smiled back at her, that rare, genuine smile that he only let her see.
"And you look beautiful," he replied.
Kagome closed her eyes, relishing in the compliment as she recalled days that seemed long past now when he would call her ugly and constantly compare her to someone else. Now she could say, with confidence, that Inuyasha saw her as Kagome, and only as Kagome. It was a wonderful feeling.
"Hey, are you two ever going to leave the hallway, or are we going to be late because of you?" Mrs. Higurashi called, dressed in her own long- sleeved dress of deep blue, already wearing her black overcoat.
Blushing, Kagome accepted Inuyasha's offered hand and moved down the final few stairs to feel his arm go instantly around her waist, pulling her to his side protectively as the others walked toward the door. It was only then that Kagome noticed something, and stepped back in surprise.
"Inuyasha, your ears!"
Everyone stopped and stared, the girls in shock, the guys with knowing grins as Inuyasha blushed before looking at Miroku. "It was the monk's idea, so that I wouldn't have to wear a hat. He, um, sort of used that tape stuff and now my ears are taped back under my hair."
Kagome was shocked. Wasn't that painful? He hated it enough when they were squished beneath a hat, but completely taped back?
"Inuyasha, you'll hurt yourself," she whispered, to which Sesshoumaru grunted.
"He may be a hanyou, woman, but he is still my half-brother, and as such he can stand a little pain."
Inuyasha glared at his elder brother before softening his eyes to look at Kagome. "Don't worry about it, it honestly doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I just can't hear as well as usual."
"Are you sure?" Kagome had a doubtful look on her face. But he nodded, and finally she relaxed, coming to his side once more and allowing his arm to wrap around her waist again as they all walked out to the large minivan. Souta waved goodbye as Kagome's grandfather, looking comical in his own tux, closed the passenger door, the car slowly moving out of the driveway.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Miguel's was the most popular place in all of Tokyo for anyone desiring an expensive, elegant night on the town. Situated on the top floor of one of the business structures, it had the best view, and had a reputation for serving food to die for. It had cost a small fortune to be going at all, but Mrs. Higurashi had assured her daughter it was nothing compared to seeing Kagome relaxed for the evening with her friends.
"What time did Ms. White say she'd be here?" Kagome asked her mother as they walked into the main restaurant.
"Her message said she would be about thirty minutes late due to work, but that it was alright to start without her."
"We can wait, that's not too long," Kagome replied, observing the elegant mahogany pillars and ceiling, the marble bar, the huge circular dance floor, and all around it, elevated two steps higher, were tables next to windows with an incredible view of Tokyo.
"Wow," Kagome sighed, feeling like she was in a dream. She had always wanted to come to a place like this, where everyone was dressed elegantly, dining or slowly moving on the dance floor to a waltz.
"Is this what you wanted tonight?" Inuyasha asked, sending a tender look down to the woman in his arms. She smiled back up at him, her eyes lighting up with the expression.
"Yes, very much so."
"Good," he replied, a smile of his own in place. "That's all I want, is for you to be happy."
"That's so sweet Inuyasha," she sighed, tilting her head back invitingly. He took the invitation, and soon their lips met in a passionate kiss that had several people staring and whispering, with knowing smiles on their faces. Obviously, they were seeing a very happy couple.
"Kagome, let's go, they're taking us to our seats," her mother called, breaking the moment, and Kagome nodded with a blush, taking Inuyasha's hand and quickly following everyone else to a large table for ten.
The waiter, a young man dressed in a white shirt, bow tie, and black slacks, swiftly and elegantly placed their menus at each individual place before motioning for them to take their seats, and everyone, naturally, moved for the two window seats.
A low growl emitted from Inuyasha as he noticed Kouga pulling out a seat for Ayame by the window. "What do you think you're doing wolf?"
"Being a gentleman," he replied, remembering all the lessons Mrs. Higruashi had shown him on etiquette earlier that day. The hanyou only growled more.
"Don't be dumb with me, Kagome gets the window seat. Now move out of the way."
"Inuyasha, it's okay," Kagome replied with a blush, but he looked determined.
"How about Ayame gets one, and Kagome has the other, then you two men can sit beside them?" Mrs. Higurashi could always be counted upon to make sensible offers, and both men relaxed once more as they realized that would work.
Sesshoumaru ended up on the end, with an empty seat across from him, where Ms. White would sit eventually, and just stared off into space, like he always did. But Miroku certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, for he had discovered a very pretty waitress behind the bar, currently smiling at him sweetly. The sound of a loud thwack could be heard across the table, and everyone knew instantly that Sango had turned off any ideas that had been circulating in the monk's head.
Kagome shook her head and laughed as a slow, gentle waltz began to play and, since she didn't want to order until Ms. White arrived, stood up and looked at Inuyasha innocently. "Would you like to dance with me?"
The hanyou looked at her for an instant before smiling and rising to his feet, leading her to the dance floor, proving that Kouga was not the only one paying attention earlier that day.
He put an arm around her waist, taking her hand as she rested her chin on his chest, putting her spare hand on his shoulder, and slowly they began to move to the music, very slowly, several elderly couples smiling sweetly in their direction.
"Sango dear, would you care to dance?" Miroku asked, standing up and bowing elegantly before offering her his arm. She smiled and took it, rising from her seat.
"I swear," she whispered into his ear as they approached the dance floor, "If you make one move on my butt, or any other inappropriate body part, you will be sleeping alone tonight."
He frowned at the threat for an instant, but perked up quickly once more. "Well, there's no fear of that, since I intend to treat you, now and always, with the utmost respect."
Sango almost laughed out loud at that, but restrained herself, trying instead to enjoy the moment as they began to dance alongside Kagome and Inuyasha, the two girls exchanging contented smiles before closing their eyes in the arms of the men they loved.
The time flew by, and Kagome felt like she was walking on air as she and Inuyasha danced to waltz after waltz, in a heavenly dream with the starlight shining through the windows and the soft clatter of silverware on china seeming far away.
"Kagome?" Kagome looked up to see Ms. White standing at the entrance, smiling.
She looked absolutely stunning, wearing a strapless dress of crimson that fell halfway down her calves, her height elevated by inch high matching heels. Her hair fell down her back, as Kagome had seen it that day at the café, loosely, although tonight it had obviously been curled with great care, and some of it fell over her shoulders. Her glasses were absent completely, giving her sparkling blue eyes the spotlight, and altogether she looked very much like the young woman that she truly was, not the serious, down to earth work-a-holic that Kagome saw every day in court.
"Ms. White, I'm so glad you're here," Kagome cried, running up to the woman that she had come to call a friend. "You look absolutely beautiful."
"Thanks," Ms. White replied, though her blush showed she didn't really believe it. Kagome couldn't understand what would make her think she wasn't beautiful at that moment, or ever.
"Come on, we have the table all ready, we've just been waiting for you." She took her hand, and led the elder woman up to the table to take her seat.
"Oh, you didn't have to do that. I told your mother to just start without me."
"It was no trouble, Inuyasha and I have been enjoying the music. I don't see how that is an inconvenience."
"Well, thanks," Ms. White finally said, but then stopped dead in her tracks as she was about to take her seat, noticing for the first time the man who would be across from her.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help but stare either, and the two were, for an instant, locked in a heated gaze before they broke away with a blush. Kagome noticed it and, while she hadn't been expecting something like that, was not one to waste an opportunity to play matchmaker.
"Ms. White, I'd like you to meet Inuyasha's older half-brother, Sesshoumaru." The demon lord rose from his seat, towering over the younger blonde, but Ms. White seemed unfazed as she extended her hand. He stared at it for an instant before remembering what Mrs. Higurashi said, and took it, noting that her grip was, surprisingly strong, for a woman anyway.
"Call me Nancy," Ms. White said confidently, giving off one of her charming smiles, and Sesshoumaru seemed to be at a loss for words. Never in his life had anyone shown him such confidence while in his presence. Not even Kagome, who had her moments, had been this straightforward from the beginning.
"Good evening," he finally said in reply, his voice deep and emotionless as always, though Kagome noticed a slight twinkle in the demon's eye, something she only saw when he was around Rin. She smiled hopefully.
They all finally took their seats, leaving the two new acquaintances to get to know one another at the other end of the table, though Kagome would glance their direction every now and then. They seemed to be getting along fine, she thought, because, for once, Sesshoumaru seemed to be talking willingly, and not like someone was pulling teeth to get him to make a single sound.
The rest of the evening flew by in a blur, and before long the clock read 12:30, telling everyone that it was time to leave.
Gathering her purse and coat, Kagome sighed, wishing the night could go on forever. Eating wonderful food, getting up every now and then to dance in the arms of the man she loved with the backdrop of Tokyo at night under the stars. But, like all good things, the night had to end, and she was just grateful she had come at all.
Ms. White was taking her coat from the waiter when Kagome came up and whispered into her ear, "You and Sesshoumaru seemed to be getting along really well."
The woman blushed a deep red, accented even more by the color of her dress, but smiled and acted as though nothing else were out of the ordinary. "I don't know what you mean."
"Fine, if you want to act that way," Kagome stated, looking away knowingly. Ms. White simply giggled and hugged the younger girl fondly.
"You remind me so much of my sister," she said after pulling away, and Kagome blushed. "At least, before she was raped."
Kagome looked deep into the clear blue eyes of the woman before her, and saw, yet again, that inner pain that would probably never go away. The pains of seeing her sister disappear, instead being replaced by a shell that was afraid of the world.
Kagome sighed, knowing exactly what it was like to talk to the shell of a living person as Kikyou's solemn face came to mind, her tragic eyes always evoking in you the greatest sense of pity imaginable.
"I assume I can take that as a compliment?" she finally said, trying to lighten the mood. Ms. White smiled and nodded.
"That is most certainly a compliment."
"Thank you then," Kagome replied, giving the woman one last hug before turning to leave. "I'll see you on Monday."
"Yes, bright and early in court." Ms. White donned her coat, but dropped her purse in the process, only to be surprised when Sesshoumaru, the demon lord of the western lands, bent over and picked it up, handing it to her. Their fingers touched, and the two blushed furiously as their eyes met.
The tension between them was so obvious Kagome couldn't help but smile. Never in a million years had she thought that Sesshoumaru would fall in love with anyone, let alone a woman from her time.
But then, Inuyasha probably hadn't expected to find her either, she thought as she looked up at the man she loved, currently staring straight ahead as they turned and walked out the door. One could never tell with love, plain and simple. That was one thing that was proven to her time and time again. And she never got tired of the inevitable surprise as a result.
