** This story deals with rape, so if this sort of topic bothers you then be
forewarned. **
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Author's Notes: Wow, what a trip! If I hear any more slot machines I'm going to go insane! But Las Vegas was still loads of fun. I had never been before, so it was certainly an experience, with all the overwhelming lights and sounds and performances. We went and saw the performance 'O' by Cirque du Solei, and then also got to watch the Blue Man Group (aka the intel pentium three guys). They were really funny. And then, on the night of my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, we went to a really fancy restaurant. Funny story behind that.
We were only going to a 'semi-formal' place originally, so I brought a Hawaiian dress and nice sandals. But then when we get there my uncle informs us that his friend, who is the manager of this super nice place, got us a reservation. So I freak out, because this place requires ties, etc, and all I've got is this Hawaiian dress and flip-flops. I REFUSE TO GO ANYWHERE UNDER-DRESSED. Anyway, my mom comes to the rescue, and takes me to the mall where she buys me a brand new formal dress and shoes. I'm so excited! And it was fun. I think I'll give Kagome a dress like it in one of my stories, though I'm not sure which one at this point.
Anyway, enough about me. Thanks as always for the wonderful reviews everyone, I really appreciate it. And sorry for not updating in a while, I should have timed it so you all had something over the weekend, rather then at the beginning of the week and then nothing until now. Oh well, at least I managed to update 'Soul Therapy' right? I did do something correct, right?
This chapter is more of a filler, so there will be better, juicier chapters to come. But I think stories need fillers once in a while, don't you? Nice and relaxed and easy, that's the motto for this one. And I hope you like it!
Keep the ideas coming for a third story, please. I'm still not sure whether or not I'll write one, but you guys have planted yet another seed in my mind, so we'll see if it takes root and grows. Anyway, hope all is well, and enjoy!
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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Eighteen
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The mood was decidedly better now that the trial had ended. Ted Wilkins had been sentenced to ten years for his crimes, and due to the guilty verdict, was now being charged by his two other victims who had gathered the courage to come forward. Ms. White was graciously defending them, and was certain that when it was all said and done the man would be behind bars for the next forty years. This idea alone gave Kagome back her appetite and ability to sleep through the night.
Unfortunately, now that the trial was over, it was time to return to planning her wedding, which was now only an intimidating three weeks away.
"Party?"
"Yes, that's right, a party at the club downtown."
"But, what for?"
Inuyasha was lounging on the couch in the Higurashi living room wearing his old red kimono, Kagome nestled against his chest with his arm around her waist. Sango was sitting in Miroku's lap while he lounged in grandfather's favorite chair, and Ayame was peacefully sitting on the floor between Kouga's legs. Altogether it was a peaceful scene, and a much-needed change for the group.
"Well, they're called bachelor and bachelorette parties, and usually people have them separately but, I figured that since you guys," She pointed at Kouga and Miroku, "Don't know how to give Inuyasha his party, we'd just combine them," Kagome explained.
"But you still haven't told me what these parties are for. Shouldn't we be having parties after the wedding?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha, who was currently wearing a very puzzled frown on his face, and smiled. "These are different parties. The point is to, well, celebrate your last night of freedom, you know?"
"My last night of what?" Inuyasha scrunched up his face.
"But Kagome-sama, the wedding is still three weeks away. Shouldn't you be having this party later?" Miroku was looking at her from behind Sango's shoulder, and the woman had lifted an eyebrow in question as well.
"It's the idea of a last night of freedom, not necessarily THE last night of freedom." She turned to Inuyasha. "And what it means is you get to enjoy one last night of being single, without attachments."
"But we're already mates," Inuyasha stated bluntly, indicating the mark on her neck, "And we've, well," he couldn't finish, blushing instead. Kagome blushed too, and noticed that everyone was looking at them strangely.
"Um, never mind Inuyasha," she muttered, hoping he would change the subject, but the hanyou was unfortunately horrible at noticing a hint.
"So are you unhappy that you are my mate? Is that why you want a last night of, what did you say? Freedom?"
"No!" Kagome sighed in frustration and leaned away so she was sitting up, and he sat up too. "Inuyasha, it's just a party, and that was how it got started. Originally only the men would go out, but some of the more modern women started having parties of their own, and it's a tradition that has just stuck. It doesn't mean anything other then an excuse to go out and have a night on the town."
Inuyasha frowned, his amber eyes piercing her own. "So, you do still want to be my mate?"
"Yes! When did I ever give you reason to doubt that?" He looked away for an instant, blushing with embarrassment.
"Never," he finally mumbled, and looked up, putting a hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get angry."
Kagome smiled, and his touch smoldered her temper. "It's okay Inuyasha, we both need to work on getting angry."
They continued to smile at each other in silence before leaning in for a kiss. Everyone else in the room coughed or looked away uncomfortably.
"You two have absolutely no restraint," a familiar deep voice called from the doorway, and everyone looked over to see Sesshoumaru leaning against the wall casually, fixing his stare on Kagome and Inuyasha.
"What would you know," Inuyasha growled, "You don't know what it feels like to love because you probably can't."
But the insult seemed to bounce harmlessly off the demon lord, because he merely stepped further into the room, his face expressionless. "At least I know that I wouldn't forget there are other people in my presence, little brother. It is quite uncomfortable to see people doing that where anyone can see."
"I'll kiss my mate any time I want," Inuyasha snapped back, pulling Kagome onto his lap so that her back was spooned against his front. She just shook her head, wishing that for once the hanyou wouldn't fall for the bait and get all riled up around his brother.
"Inuyasha, stop," she said firmly. He opened his mouth to speak, but seemed to rethink the idea when she gave him a hard look, instead looking away and crossing his arms. She turned back to Sesshoumaru. "I'm going to get Rin and Shippou today, would you like to come with me?"
"Hn," the demon grunted, looking away for an instant, but Kagome didn't miss the way his eyes went soft at the mention of the little girl who was his companion. "Fine," he finally replied, still not looking at her.
Kagome just shook her head and looked over at Inuyasha, who was also looking away with a frown. "You know, you two are more alike then you'll ever realize," she finally said, climbing off the couch and walking upstairs to change out of her pajamas.
The sound of two sputtering men was heard behind her, and Kagome realized she seen and heard it all when Sesshoumaru was at a loss for words.
"I-I-I am in no way like him!" Inuyasha shouted, breaking his silence, but Kagome ignored him, instead disappearing into her room and appearing ten minutes later in jeans and a white cotton sweatshirt that fell halfway down her thighs, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail.
Inuyasha was still sputtering, to which Kouga was laughing, and Sesshoumaru was trying very hard not to look shocked, but his eyebrows were twitching, giving him away.
"Who else wants to come?" she asked, as though everything were normal in the room. The others turned to her with a smile.
"I'd very much like to go and check on my clan," Kouga spoke up, and Ayame nodded.
"Then I'll go with him."
"Okay, that makes two, anyone else?" She looked pointedly at Miroku and Sango, who both nodded.
"We'll go, I'd like to see Kaede," Sango said before rising to her feet, Miroku sighing in obvious disappointment at the loss of contact.
"Very well," Kagome went into the kitchen, "We'll be leaving then in about ten minutes."
She quickly packed up two sacks of cookies, one for Rin and one for Shippou, as well as two sandwiches. She planned to take them on a small picnic in order to have a little 'chat' about what would happen when she brought them through the well.
"Okay, all done," she called cheerily as she walked back into the living room, where Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were now standing on opposite walls, glaring at each other, with Miroku in the middle, his arms spread before him. Obviously, the monk had halted a fight before it could begin, and was now doing maintenance.
"Great, let's go," Kouga said excitedly, and was instantly at Kagome's side. Ayame walked up too with a smile.
"I'll take you two through first," Kagome decided out loud, turning to the others, "And you guys had better be waiting on the other side when I come back to get you."
"Whatever," Inuyasha grunted, but quickly grimaced at Kagome's glare before she walked out.
"This is going to be a long day, I can tell," she muttered, to which Ayame and Kouga just smiled.
"Cheer up, Kagome," Ayame said kindly, "At least once they're in the past those two can fight all they want and not destroy your house in the process."
"I guess that's true," Kagome said with a laugh as they entered the small house around the well. "Now both of you take my hands," she commanded and they obeyed, all three jumping into the well together.
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"Kagome! You're finally back!" An excited Shippou hollered as the entire gang, Sesshoumaru included, walked into the clearing by Kaede's hut.
As the little kitsune bounded toward her, Kagome grew nervous. Maybe he was a little too big to be doing this? But she didn't have time to react before she was suddenly on the ground, the boy on her chest. "Oof!"
"Oh Kagome, I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" Shippou's eyes were full of regret, and Kagome couldn't help but smile. She had missed him, more then she expected.
"No little one, I'm fine," she soothed, and he perked up instantly as she gave him a heart-warming embrace.
"Fool! You're too old to be jumping on Kagome like that!" Inuyasha was marching toward the pair with a scolding tone. "It's time you started learning how to be a man, and not a little boy."
Shippou stood up and protruded his lower lip in a slight pout. "I missed Kagome, is that so wrong? You hug her all the time!"
Inuyasha blushed. "I don't knock her to the ground," he finally replied. But his gaze had softened, and Kagome got the distinct impression she was watching what could have almost been a father/son moment. Almost.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin came bounding up to the group with a beaming smile, a panting Jaken struggling to keep up. The little girl stopped before the mighty demon lord, her hands behind her back. "I missed you, Sesshoumaru- sama! Did you enjoy visiting Kagome's home?"
The demon blushed, and Kagome wondered if perhaps he was thinking about a certain lawyer with blonde hair. "Did you behave yourself Rin?"
"Yes, I was very good for Lady Kaede," the girl replied quickly with a nod and a smile.
"Good." And that was all he said, but Rin seemed content as she continued to just stand at his side. It was obviously a very close, understanding bond they had developed.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken finally made it to the clearing, carrying his staff. Kagome didn't miss the slight roll of the eyes when she watched Sesshoumaru, and almost felt bad for the little toad man who clearly had no idea how annoying he was. "It has been so hard without you sir, I hate spending time with all these humans. Please don't leave me any more!"
Sesshoumaru smirked slightly. "You won't have to stay with the humans after today Jaken, because I will be taking Rin back with me to Kagome's time, and you will be free to do as you please for the next few weeks."
His green jaw dropped, and Jaken looked by all accounts as though he had been betrayed. "B-bu-but why would you abandon me, master? Why are you leaving me here all alone?"
"I know you can handle it, Jaken, I have confidence in you," Sesshoumaru replied, not answering any of his minion's rambling questions. Kagome just shook her head and turned to see Kaede approaching.
"Welcome back, child. Though, I am to assume that you are not staying long, correct?"
"Unfortunately no Kaede, there is still much to do in my time for the wedding. But I do hope you're still planning to come?"
The older woman smiled. "Of course, child, when you are ready for your big day, I will go. But not until then. I cannot leave the village alone for so long."
"I understand."
Kaede shifted her gaze to Inuyasha and her eyes softened even more. Kagome knew that, even thought they fought all the time, the old woman had a soft spot for the hanyou who had loved her sister and now was mated to Kagome.
"And I trust you are well Inuyasha?"
"Keh, what's it too you, old woman?" But Inuyasha's voice wasn't quite as cutting as usual. At least he was trying to be more polite.
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Kouga had returned within the hour, and as soon as he and Ayame reappeared they all returned to Kagome's time, along with Shippou and Rin. She had promised the children she would take them out that night to celebrate Shippou's twelfth birthday, which, according to the kitsune, had come a week ago. So Kagome was currently upstairs trying to pick out a small dress for Rin to wear, and some clothes from Souta's drawer for the fox demon.
Her mother's cooing could still be heard, and Kagome smiled. Mrs. Higurashi had fallen instantly in love with the two children, and was currently downstairs teaching them how to bake cookies. Not that it would matter since they would return home soon, but Kagome figured it was the thought that counted more then anything.
"Mama?" She called down the stairs.
"Yes Kagome?"
"Can you send Rin and Shippou up here please? I've got their clothes."
A minute later the two were standing in her doorway, admiring her room with bulging eyes. "Is this your room Kagome?"
Rin sounded like she was in absolute awe, and Kagome giggled as she approached with the small sundress she had found. "Yes, it is." She knelt before the girl and held out the white, knee-length dress with large sunflowers. "I used to wear this when I was little. I hope it will fit."
"It's beautiful," Rin replied, admiring the soft cotton. "But, can you help me?"
"Of course." Kagome turned to Shippou and handed him a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt, along with a baseball cap. "Here you go, these are my brothers. The pants might be a little long, but it's the best I can do."
"Thanks Kagome," Shippou replied, taking his clothes. "And, I think, um, that I might need help too."
"I know. But why don't you go out and wait in the hallway so I can help Rin first, and then I'll help you, okay?"
"Alright," Shippou walked out of the room and closed the door.
It took all of fifteen minutes to get the two children ready to go, and when they were finished Kagome admired them as though they were the most handsome pair she had ever seen, so that both were beaming with confidence as they walked down the stairs.
"Look mama, doesn't Rin look beautiful in my old dress?"
"Oh Kagome, that is wonderful! She looks like a young lady!" Rin blushed and smiled at the praise as Mrs. Higurashi leaned in to look at Shippou. "And you look just as handsome as my son in those clothes."
Shippou smiled and puffed out his chest slightly, though Kagome had to resist the urge to giggle. The dress fit Rin perfectly, but the pants were a little long, and Shippou had to wear an oversized hat to not draw attention to his reddish fox hair. It would be hard enough explaining his feet.
"So are you two ready to go?" Kagome finally said after her mother gave each child a cookie. They both nodded. "Lets go then."
But just as she reached the door Inuyasha came bounding down the stairs. "Kagome, where are you going?"
"We're going on a trip to the movies," she replied simply, smiling at the kids. Inuyasha frowned.
"Were you going to tell me about this?"
"I already told you earlier today Inuyasha, you obviously just didn't hear me." He grunted, then looked at her almost shyly.
"Can, um, I come with you?"
Kagome felt her heart melt at the honest question, but found herself shaking her head. "This is a trip for just us three, so that I can teach them a little bit more about my time and celebrate Shippou's birthday. But next time it will be just you and me going to the movie, okay?"
"Fine," he looked slightly miffed that she said no, but disappeared back upstairs, no doubt, Kagome assumed, to take a nap. He seemed to like napping on her bed in the afternoons.
The movie theatre was crowded with families and young children since the cinema was doing a special run of Disney movies all day. Kagome was excited, because she was taking them to see 'Beauty and the Beast', one of her favorites.
"What is a movie, Kagome?" Shippou was holding her hand as he spoke, looking around and trying to take it all in.
"It's really hard to explain Shippou, so you'll just have to wait and see," Kagome replied as she let go of both his and Rin's hand to get to her wallet, walking up to the ticket counter. "Two for 'Beauty and the Beast' please."
The older woman behind the counter smiled and nodded, punching something into her computer before looking back at Kagome. "Twelve dollars please." Kagome handed over a twenty and while getting the change the woman nodded toward Shippou and Rin. "Your children are very cute."
Realizing the woman thought Kagome was their mother, she blushed profusely. "Oh, I'm not their mother, just the, um, babysitter."
"Oh, well, sorry about that," the woman returned the change, "And it's awfully nice of you to take them to the movie today."
Kagome nodded and quickly ushered both Shippou and Rin inside the theatre, still feeling incredibly embarrassed at the mistake.
"Would you two like some snacks?" she asked, eyeing the snack bar filled with popcorn and candy.
"Snacks?" they both gave her a confused look. Kagome sighed, remembering they had no clue.
"Never mind, I'll pick something for all of us." That said, she pulled them into a line, and while they gaped at the lights and the smell of popcorn and hotdogs, Kagome purchased a large buttered popcorn, a large soda, and three packages of gummy bears.
The theatre was crowded, but somehow they managed to find seats at the front of the second half of the theatre, so that there was no one blocking their view. Shippou and Rin settled into their seats excitedly, and then greedily ate the popcorn. Kagome just shook her head and sat between them so that she could answer any questions as they came up.
But the movie did exactly the opposite of what she expected. Rather then being bombarded by questions about how the screen worked and how there were moving images, the children seemed entranced by the production, not saying a word the entire time. Kagome smiled and enjoyed the silence, reveling in one of her favorite Disney classics.
The sky had begun to dim as they exited the theater, and only then did Rin and Shippou seem to wake from their stupor and prattle like crazy about what they had seen, bombarding Kagome with questions.
"Her dress was so beautiful when they danced," Rin sighed.
"How does a movie work Kagome?"
"I loved the singing and dancing."
"Is it some sort of magic?"
"And I thought that they wouldn't be together, because they fought all the time in the beginning."
"Yeah, kind of like you and Inuyasha."
They were halfway up the shrine steps when Shippou made the comment, and Kagome halted suddenly. Was that true?
"What do you mean Shippou?" The little kitsune seemed suddenly shy.
"Well, it's just that you and Inuyasha always fought when you first met, and Kaede even told me that he tried to kill you the first day when you freed him from the tree."
"That's because he thought I was Kikyou," Kagome explained, though her own mind was now trapped in the comparison. It was true, Belle and the beast didn't get along at all in the beginning, and in fact they hated each other. But in the end, they fell in love.
They had begun walking again, and Kagome sighed in relief when her mother opened the door and smiled at the trio. "And how was the movie?"
"It was wonderful, Mrs. Higurashi!" The two children exclaimed at once, running up to the older woman. They barely knew her, and yet Kagome knew her mother had a way of making anyone feel at ease in her presence.
"Well, you'll have to tell me all about it while we eat the cookies you made today, okay?"
"Okay!" They all disappeared into the house, leaving Kagome outside gazing at the newly appearing stars. The sky was still only a light dusky blue, but night was quickly setting in, along with a chill.
'Tale as old as time,' she began, singing to herself. She started swaying, partly to keep warm, and partly because she was caught up in the fantasy of dancing with a prince. Before long, she was sweeping gracefully about the courtyard as though she was at a ball wearing an elegant dress.
Caught up as she was in her mind, Kagome didn't notice anyone approaching, and was startled when she noticed the shadow appear at her side. Inuyasha simply smiled.
"What were you singing?" Kagome blushed, wondering if she had been singing horribly out of tune.
"Just a song from the movie today. It's one of my favorites."
"I see." Inuyasha still had a smile on his face as he walked up to stand before her. "Well, keep going."
Kagome blinked. "What?"
"Don't stop, it was beautiful."
"You want me to keep singing?" Inuyasha smiled at her playfully stupid expression, touching the tip of her nose with his finger.
"That's what I said, isn't it wench?"
Kagome rolled her eyes, but then grinned and closed her eyes, singing once more. As she did so, a pair of strong arms went around her waist, and Kagome began to twirl around the courtyard once more, only this time her prince was real.
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Author's Notes: Wow, what a trip! If I hear any more slot machines I'm going to go insane! But Las Vegas was still loads of fun. I had never been before, so it was certainly an experience, with all the overwhelming lights and sounds and performances. We went and saw the performance 'O' by Cirque du Solei, and then also got to watch the Blue Man Group (aka the intel pentium three guys). They were really funny. And then, on the night of my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, we went to a really fancy restaurant. Funny story behind that.
We were only going to a 'semi-formal' place originally, so I brought a Hawaiian dress and nice sandals. But then when we get there my uncle informs us that his friend, who is the manager of this super nice place, got us a reservation. So I freak out, because this place requires ties, etc, and all I've got is this Hawaiian dress and flip-flops. I REFUSE TO GO ANYWHERE UNDER-DRESSED. Anyway, my mom comes to the rescue, and takes me to the mall where she buys me a brand new formal dress and shoes. I'm so excited! And it was fun. I think I'll give Kagome a dress like it in one of my stories, though I'm not sure which one at this point.
Anyway, enough about me. Thanks as always for the wonderful reviews everyone, I really appreciate it. And sorry for not updating in a while, I should have timed it so you all had something over the weekend, rather then at the beginning of the week and then nothing until now. Oh well, at least I managed to update 'Soul Therapy' right? I did do something correct, right?
This chapter is more of a filler, so there will be better, juicier chapters to come. But I think stories need fillers once in a while, don't you? Nice and relaxed and easy, that's the motto for this one. And I hope you like it!
Keep the ideas coming for a third story, please. I'm still not sure whether or not I'll write one, but you guys have planted yet another seed in my mind, so we'll see if it takes root and grows. Anyway, hope all is well, and enjoy!
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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Eighteen
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The mood was decidedly better now that the trial had ended. Ted Wilkins had been sentenced to ten years for his crimes, and due to the guilty verdict, was now being charged by his two other victims who had gathered the courage to come forward. Ms. White was graciously defending them, and was certain that when it was all said and done the man would be behind bars for the next forty years. This idea alone gave Kagome back her appetite and ability to sleep through the night.
Unfortunately, now that the trial was over, it was time to return to planning her wedding, which was now only an intimidating three weeks away.
"Party?"
"Yes, that's right, a party at the club downtown."
"But, what for?"
Inuyasha was lounging on the couch in the Higurashi living room wearing his old red kimono, Kagome nestled against his chest with his arm around her waist. Sango was sitting in Miroku's lap while he lounged in grandfather's favorite chair, and Ayame was peacefully sitting on the floor between Kouga's legs. Altogether it was a peaceful scene, and a much-needed change for the group.
"Well, they're called bachelor and bachelorette parties, and usually people have them separately but, I figured that since you guys," She pointed at Kouga and Miroku, "Don't know how to give Inuyasha his party, we'd just combine them," Kagome explained.
"But you still haven't told me what these parties are for. Shouldn't we be having parties after the wedding?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha, who was currently wearing a very puzzled frown on his face, and smiled. "These are different parties. The point is to, well, celebrate your last night of freedom, you know?"
"My last night of what?" Inuyasha scrunched up his face.
"But Kagome-sama, the wedding is still three weeks away. Shouldn't you be having this party later?" Miroku was looking at her from behind Sango's shoulder, and the woman had lifted an eyebrow in question as well.
"It's the idea of a last night of freedom, not necessarily THE last night of freedom." She turned to Inuyasha. "And what it means is you get to enjoy one last night of being single, without attachments."
"But we're already mates," Inuyasha stated bluntly, indicating the mark on her neck, "And we've, well," he couldn't finish, blushing instead. Kagome blushed too, and noticed that everyone was looking at them strangely.
"Um, never mind Inuyasha," she muttered, hoping he would change the subject, but the hanyou was unfortunately horrible at noticing a hint.
"So are you unhappy that you are my mate? Is that why you want a last night of, what did you say? Freedom?"
"No!" Kagome sighed in frustration and leaned away so she was sitting up, and he sat up too. "Inuyasha, it's just a party, and that was how it got started. Originally only the men would go out, but some of the more modern women started having parties of their own, and it's a tradition that has just stuck. It doesn't mean anything other then an excuse to go out and have a night on the town."
Inuyasha frowned, his amber eyes piercing her own. "So, you do still want to be my mate?"
"Yes! When did I ever give you reason to doubt that?" He looked away for an instant, blushing with embarrassment.
"Never," he finally mumbled, and looked up, putting a hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get angry."
Kagome smiled, and his touch smoldered her temper. "It's okay Inuyasha, we both need to work on getting angry."
They continued to smile at each other in silence before leaning in for a kiss. Everyone else in the room coughed or looked away uncomfortably.
"You two have absolutely no restraint," a familiar deep voice called from the doorway, and everyone looked over to see Sesshoumaru leaning against the wall casually, fixing his stare on Kagome and Inuyasha.
"What would you know," Inuyasha growled, "You don't know what it feels like to love because you probably can't."
But the insult seemed to bounce harmlessly off the demon lord, because he merely stepped further into the room, his face expressionless. "At least I know that I wouldn't forget there are other people in my presence, little brother. It is quite uncomfortable to see people doing that where anyone can see."
"I'll kiss my mate any time I want," Inuyasha snapped back, pulling Kagome onto his lap so that her back was spooned against his front. She just shook her head, wishing that for once the hanyou wouldn't fall for the bait and get all riled up around his brother.
"Inuyasha, stop," she said firmly. He opened his mouth to speak, but seemed to rethink the idea when she gave him a hard look, instead looking away and crossing his arms. She turned back to Sesshoumaru. "I'm going to get Rin and Shippou today, would you like to come with me?"
"Hn," the demon grunted, looking away for an instant, but Kagome didn't miss the way his eyes went soft at the mention of the little girl who was his companion. "Fine," he finally replied, still not looking at her.
Kagome just shook her head and looked over at Inuyasha, who was also looking away with a frown. "You know, you two are more alike then you'll ever realize," she finally said, climbing off the couch and walking upstairs to change out of her pajamas.
The sound of two sputtering men was heard behind her, and Kagome realized she seen and heard it all when Sesshoumaru was at a loss for words.
"I-I-I am in no way like him!" Inuyasha shouted, breaking his silence, but Kagome ignored him, instead disappearing into her room and appearing ten minutes later in jeans and a white cotton sweatshirt that fell halfway down her thighs, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail.
Inuyasha was still sputtering, to which Kouga was laughing, and Sesshoumaru was trying very hard not to look shocked, but his eyebrows were twitching, giving him away.
"Who else wants to come?" she asked, as though everything were normal in the room. The others turned to her with a smile.
"I'd very much like to go and check on my clan," Kouga spoke up, and Ayame nodded.
"Then I'll go with him."
"Okay, that makes two, anyone else?" She looked pointedly at Miroku and Sango, who both nodded.
"We'll go, I'd like to see Kaede," Sango said before rising to her feet, Miroku sighing in obvious disappointment at the loss of contact.
"Very well," Kagome went into the kitchen, "We'll be leaving then in about ten minutes."
She quickly packed up two sacks of cookies, one for Rin and one for Shippou, as well as two sandwiches. She planned to take them on a small picnic in order to have a little 'chat' about what would happen when she brought them through the well.
"Okay, all done," she called cheerily as she walked back into the living room, where Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were now standing on opposite walls, glaring at each other, with Miroku in the middle, his arms spread before him. Obviously, the monk had halted a fight before it could begin, and was now doing maintenance.
"Great, let's go," Kouga said excitedly, and was instantly at Kagome's side. Ayame walked up too with a smile.
"I'll take you two through first," Kagome decided out loud, turning to the others, "And you guys had better be waiting on the other side when I come back to get you."
"Whatever," Inuyasha grunted, but quickly grimaced at Kagome's glare before she walked out.
"This is going to be a long day, I can tell," she muttered, to which Ayame and Kouga just smiled.
"Cheer up, Kagome," Ayame said kindly, "At least once they're in the past those two can fight all they want and not destroy your house in the process."
"I guess that's true," Kagome said with a laugh as they entered the small house around the well. "Now both of you take my hands," she commanded and they obeyed, all three jumping into the well together.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Kagome! You're finally back!" An excited Shippou hollered as the entire gang, Sesshoumaru included, walked into the clearing by Kaede's hut.
As the little kitsune bounded toward her, Kagome grew nervous. Maybe he was a little too big to be doing this? But she didn't have time to react before she was suddenly on the ground, the boy on her chest. "Oof!"
"Oh Kagome, I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" Shippou's eyes were full of regret, and Kagome couldn't help but smile. She had missed him, more then she expected.
"No little one, I'm fine," she soothed, and he perked up instantly as she gave him a heart-warming embrace.
"Fool! You're too old to be jumping on Kagome like that!" Inuyasha was marching toward the pair with a scolding tone. "It's time you started learning how to be a man, and not a little boy."
Shippou stood up and protruded his lower lip in a slight pout. "I missed Kagome, is that so wrong? You hug her all the time!"
Inuyasha blushed. "I don't knock her to the ground," he finally replied. But his gaze had softened, and Kagome got the distinct impression she was watching what could have almost been a father/son moment. Almost.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin came bounding up to the group with a beaming smile, a panting Jaken struggling to keep up. The little girl stopped before the mighty demon lord, her hands behind her back. "I missed you, Sesshoumaru- sama! Did you enjoy visiting Kagome's home?"
The demon blushed, and Kagome wondered if perhaps he was thinking about a certain lawyer with blonde hair. "Did you behave yourself Rin?"
"Yes, I was very good for Lady Kaede," the girl replied quickly with a nod and a smile.
"Good." And that was all he said, but Rin seemed content as she continued to just stand at his side. It was obviously a very close, understanding bond they had developed.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken finally made it to the clearing, carrying his staff. Kagome didn't miss the slight roll of the eyes when she watched Sesshoumaru, and almost felt bad for the little toad man who clearly had no idea how annoying he was. "It has been so hard without you sir, I hate spending time with all these humans. Please don't leave me any more!"
Sesshoumaru smirked slightly. "You won't have to stay with the humans after today Jaken, because I will be taking Rin back with me to Kagome's time, and you will be free to do as you please for the next few weeks."
His green jaw dropped, and Jaken looked by all accounts as though he had been betrayed. "B-bu-but why would you abandon me, master? Why are you leaving me here all alone?"
"I know you can handle it, Jaken, I have confidence in you," Sesshoumaru replied, not answering any of his minion's rambling questions. Kagome just shook her head and turned to see Kaede approaching.
"Welcome back, child. Though, I am to assume that you are not staying long, correct?"
"Unfortunately no Kaede, there is still much to do in my time for the wedding. But I do hope you're still planning to come?"
The older woman smiled. "Of course, child, when you are ready for your big day, I will go. But not until then. I cannot leave the village alone for so long."
"I understand."
Kaede shifted her gaze to Inuyasha and her eyes softened even more. Kagome knew that, even thought they fought all the time, the old woman had a soft spot for the hanyou who had loved her sister and now was mated to Kagome.
"And I trust you are well Inuyasha?"
"Keh, what's it too you, old woman?" But Inuyasha's voice wasn't quite as cutting as usual. At least he was trying to be more polite.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kouga had returned within the hour, and as soon as he and Ayame reappeared they all returned to Kagome's time, along with Shippou and Rin. She had promised the children she would take them out that night to celebrate Shippou's twelfth birthday, which, according to the kitsune, had come a week ago. So Kagome was currently upstairs trying to pick out a small dress for Rin to wear, and some clothes from Souta's drawer for the fox demon.
Her mother's cooing could still be heard, and Kagome smiled. Mrs. Higurashi had fallen instantly in love with the two children, and was currently downstairs teaching them how to bake cookies. Not that it would matter since they would return home soon, but Kagome figured it was the thought that counted more then anything.
"Mama?" She called down the stairs.
"Yes Kagome?"
"Can you send Rin and Shippou up here please? I've got their clothes."
A minute later the two were standing in her doorway, admiring her room with bulging eyes. "Is this your room Kagome?"
Rin sounded like she was in absolute awe, and Kagome giggled as she approached with the small sundress she had found. "Yes, it is." She knelt before the girl and held out the white, knee-length dress with large sunflowers. "I used to wear this when I was little. I hope it will fit."
"It's beautiful," Rin replied, admiring the soft cotton. "But, can you help me?"
"Of course." Kagome turned to Shippou and handed him a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt, along with a baseball cap. "Here you go, these are my brothers. The pants might be a little long, but it's the best I can do."
"Thanks Kagome," Shippou replied, taking his clothes. "And, I think, um, that I might need help too."
"I know. But why don't you go out and wait in the hallway so I can help Rin first, and then I'll help you, okay?"
"Alright," Shippou walked out of the room and closed the door.
It took all of fifteen minutes to get the two children ready to go, and when they were finished Kagome admired them as though they were the most handsome pair she had ever seen, so that both were beaming with confidence as they walked down the stairs.
"Look mama, doesn't Rin look beautiful in my old dress?"
"Oh Kagome, that is wonderful! She looks like a young lady!" Rin blushed and smiled at the praise as Mrs. Higurashi leaned in to look at Shippou. "And you look just as handsome as my son in those clothes."
Shippou smiled and puffed out his chest slightly, though Kagome had to resist the urge to giggle. The dress fit Rin perfectly, but the pants were a little long, and Shippou had to wear an oversized hat to not draw attention to his reddish fox hair. It would be hard enough explaining his feet.
"So are you two ready to go?" Kagome finally said after her mother gave each child a cookie. They both nodded. "Lets go then."
But just as she reached the door Inuyasha came bounding down the stairs. "Kagome, where are you going?"
"We're going on a trip to the movies," she replied simply, smiling at the kids. Inuyasha frowned.
"Were you going to tell me about this?"
"I already told you earlier today Inuyasha, you obviously just didn't hear me." He grunted, then looked at her almost shyly.
"Can, um, I come with you?"
Kagome felt her heart melt at the honest question, but found herself shaking her head. "This is a trip for just us three, so that I can teach them a little bit more about my time and celebrate Shippou's birthday. But next time it will be just you and me going to the movie, okay?"
"Fine," he looked slightly miffed that she said no, but disappeared back upstairs, no doubt, Kagome assumed, to take a nap. He seemed to like napping on her bed in the afternoons.
The movie theatre was crowded with families and young children since the cinema was doing a special run of Disney movies all day. Kagome was excited, because she was taking them to see 'Beauty and the Beast', one of her favorites.
"What is a movie, Kagome?" Shippou was holding her hand as he spoke, looking around and trying to take it all in.
"It's really hard to explain Shippou, so you'll just have to wait and see," Kagome replied as she let go of both his and Rin's hand to get to her wallet, walking up to the ticket counter. "Two for 'Beauty and the Beast' please."
The older woman behind the counter smiled and nodded, punching something into her computer before looking back at Kagome. "Twelve dollars please." Kagome handed over a twenty and while getting the change the woman nodded toward Shippou and Rin. "Your children are very cute."
Realizing the woman thought Kagome was their mother, she blushed profusely. "Oh, I'm not their mother, just the, um, babysitter."
"Oh, well, sorry about that," the woman returned the change, "And it's awfully nice of you to take them to the movie today."
Kagome nodded and quickly ushered both Shippou and Rin inside the theatre, still feeling incredibly embarrassed at the mistake.
"Would you two like some snacks?" she asked, eyeing the snack bar filled with popcorn and candy.
"Snacks?" they both gave her a confused look. Kagome sighed, remembering they had no clue.
"Never mind, I'll pick something for all of us." That said, she pulled them into a line, and while they gaped at the lights and the smell of popcorn and hotdogs, Kagome purchased a large buttered popcorn, a large soda, and three packages of gummy bears.
The theatre was crowded, but somehow they managed to find seats at the front of the second half of the theatre, so that there was no one blocking their view. Shippou and Rin settled into their seats excitedly, and then greedily ate the popcorn. Kagome just shook her head and sat between them so that she could answer any questions as they came up.
But the movie did exactly the opposite of what she expected. Rather then being bombarded by questions about how the screen worked and how there were moving images, the children seemed entranced by the production, not saying a word the entire time. Kagome smiled and enjoyed the silence, reveling in one of her favorite Disney classics.
The sky had begun to dim as they exited the theater, and only then did Rin and Shippou seem to wake from their stupor and prattle like crazy about what they had seen, bombarding Kagome with questions.
"Her dress was so beautiful when they danced," Rin sighed.
"How does a movie work Kagome?"
"I loved the singing and dancing."
"Is it some sort of magic?"
"And I thought that they wouldn't be together, because they fought all the time in the beginning."
"Yeah, kind of like you and Inuyasha."
They were halfway up the shrine steps when Shippou made the comment, and Kagome halted suddenly. Was that true?
"What do you mean Shippou?" The little kitsune seemed suddenly shy.
"Well, it's just that you and Inuyasha always fought when you first met, and Kaede even told me that he tried to kill you the first day when you freed him from the tree."
"That's because he thought I was Kikyou," Kagome explained, though her own mind was now trapped in the comparison. It was true, Belle and the beast didn't get along at all in the beginning, and in fact they hated each other. But in the end, they fell in love.
They had begun walking again, and Kagome sighed in relief when her mother opened the door and smiled at the trio. "And how was the movie?"
"It was wonderful, Mrs. Higurashi!" The two children exclaimed at once, running up to the older woman. They barely knew her, and yet Kagome knew her mother had a way of making anyone feel at ease in her presence.
"Well, you'll have to tell me all about it while we eat the cookies you made today, okay?"
"Okay!" They all disappeared into the house, leaving Kagome outside gazing at the newly appearing stars. The sky was still only a light dusky blue, but night was quickly setting in, along with a chill.
'Tale as old as time,' she began, singing to herself. She started swaying, partly to keep warm, and partly because she was caught up in the fantasy of dancing with a prince. Before long, she was sweeping gracefully about the courtyard as though she was at a ball wearing an elegant dress.
Caught up as she was in her mind, Kagome didn't notice anyone approaching, and was startled when she noticed the shadow appear at her side. Inuyasha simply smiled.
"What were you singing?" Kagome blushed, wondering if she had been singing horribly out of tune.
"Just a song from the movie today. It's one of my favorites."
"I see." Inuyasha still had a smile on his face as he walked up to stand before her. "Well, keep going."
Kagome blinked. "What?"
"Don't stop, it was beautiful."
"You want me to keep singing?" Inuyasha smiled at her playfully stupid expression, touching the tip of her nose with his finger.
"That's what I said, isn't it wench?"
Kagome rolled her eyes, but then grinned and closed her eyes, singing once more. As she did so, a pair of strong arms went around her waist, and Kagome began to twirl around the courtyard once more, only this time her prince was real.
