** This story deals with rape, so if this sort of topic bothers you then be
forewarned. **
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Author's Notes: I'm so excited! You guys are giving me some great ideas, and I think I'm leaning toward writing a third story, if that is what you all truly want. I just don't want to overplay this plot, if you know what I mean. But thank you to everyone who has given me ideas, we'll see where inspiration takes me.
As for this chapter, it's the bachelor/bachelorette party. It isn't all just happy-go-lucky, but I think you should like it anyway. At least, I hope you do! The wedding is coming in the next few chapters, and this story is winding down. If I'm wrapping everything up too slowly just let me know, and I'll try and speed up the process a little bit more. Thanks, and enjoy!
CAMintmeir: You would be right! I think in another life I must have been a dolphin, considering I've been a competitive swimmer since I was four, and can't remember a time when I didn't know how to swim. You gave me a great idea actually. I should bake cookies with the dolphin cookie-cutter I received for Christmas in my stocking!
Sapofbks: Actually, I don't think the fact that Inuyasha blushes a lot is unnatural. I think he does that a lot in the series, especially when it comes to Kagome and his feelings. But I could be wrong, and everyone interprets things differently so, your advice has been noted. Thanks!
Miyu6: Happy birthday! And by the way, if you find a well like that, let me know! I'm coming with you!
Ami-chan39: I can't remember if I explained it earlier in the story or not. But because he marked her as his mate, she now has his life span. I can work that into the story if you want. Let me know!
Inu-guyver: Poor you! Are you doing any better? I must say, I'm impressed with how well you typed considering you're not a lefty. I certainly couldn't do it, or at least it would take me about an hour, because I would want everything to be perfect (type A personality; it gets annoying sometimes). Thanks for the compliment about my story, as always I really appreciate it, and just so you know, while I'm writing one of your favorite stories, I enjoy getting your reviews! So thanks! And I hope you feel better soon, injuries are no fun, believe me, I know.
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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Twenty
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The Lotus was probably the hottest place to be on a Saturday night, which is why Kagome could still hardly believe that her mother had managed to rent the entire club from six at night until three in the morning. When she asked, Mrs. Higurashi had simply smiled and said, "A mother always has her ways."
No one would tell her just how many people were going to be there, since they wanted it to be a surprise, so Kagome was left guessing the entire way there, driving her mother's minivan and trying desperately not to go over the speed limit. As Souta had said earlier, it wouldn't look very good for a family vehicle to be pulled over for reckless driving.
"So what's going to happen again?" Kouga asked from the back seat, and Kagome glanced in the mirror to see that he was looking at her with questioning eyes.
"It's just going to be a party, with lots of music and food."
"And probably some alcohol too," Ayumi piped up from where she was sitting in the passenger seat beside Kagome, giving the girl directions. Eri and Yuka, thank the gods, had decided to ride with Hojo in another car, so Ayumi was free to explain everything to the visitors when Kagome couldn't come up with an explanation.
"You don't really think there will be, do you?" Kagome had a worried expression on her face. Ayumi just shrugged.
"It is a club after all, and we can all drink. I don't see why there wouldn't be." Kagome groaned at the thought of Miroku or Sango having a couple beers. They would be out in nothing flat.
"What is alcohol?" They all chimed in at the same time.
"It's, um, a drink that makes it hard for you to think, and you frequently don't act like yourself after having some," Kagome said, hoping it was a good enough explanation. Miroku nodded.
"We have teas that can do that.
"You do?"
"Of course, we are not so far in the past that we don't want to celebrate sometimes Kagome-sama." Kagome blushed at his straightforward answer, keeping her eyes on the road.
"So in other words, we probably shouldn't have any?" Sango was always the one to be logical.
"Well, you can try some if you want," Kagome said as she made a right hand turn into a very crowded parking lot, "But I wouldn't recommend having very much."
"Are you going to have any?" Naturally, the voice belonged to Inuyasha.
"I might, why?"
"Well, if it is so dangerous for us to have any, then you shouldn't have any either."
"I'm used to it Inuyasha, you guys aren't."
"That is no excuse, if it's dangerous then you shouldn't drink any."
"It isn't dangerous unless you have too much!" Why did he always pick a fight with her?
"And what will stop you from having too much?"
"I am old enough to make my own decisions, and know my limitations, Inuyasha."
"I'm almost eighty years old! You don't think that makes me old enough to handle alcohol?"
"Eighty years old?" Ayumi had a look of puzzlement on her face. While she had told the girl about where everyone came from and why, Kagome had not gone into detail about their lives before they met Kagome, including Inuyasha's fifty years pinned against Goshinboku.
"Never mind that," Kagome waved the comment aside casually and fixed a glare in the rearview mirror, which she knew her fiancé could see. "I can handle myself, and that's all there is to it."
"Keh," he grunted, turning to look out the window. Everyone else just let out an exasperated sigh, including Kagome as she stopped the car and removed the keys.
"You know," she said after several moments of silence, "This party is as much for you as it is for me. Can we please not fight tonight?"
Everyone was practically falling out of their seats leaning in to hear what Inuyasha would say, and he knew it, because he suddenly became very self- conscious. "We're not fighting, Kagome. We're, um, having a heated debate."
Even though he wasn't exactly apologizing, Kagome smiled at his attempt, knowing he would never say he was sorry outright in front of anyone but her. That was one thing that would never change about the man she loved: his pride.
They all stepped out of the car, and the sound of loud music reached their ears from inside the pulsing club before them, a huge purple sign out front reading 'The Lotus' with a picture of the flower beside it.
Kagome glanced over at Inuyasha, feeling sorry for insisting he tape his ears once more, but she was afraid that the noise would hurt his sensitive senses too much, not to mention a baseball cap could easily get knocked off in a large crowd, and then what would she do? I suppose I could always just insist that everyone have some more drinks, she thought slyly.
"I love your dress Kagome," Ayumi complimented as they approached the front door, and Kagome smiled. She liked it too. It was short, barely coming halfway down her thigh, black in color, hugging her body clear up to the tied straps around her neck, the left over string trailing down her bare back. She didn't know it, but Inuyasha had been very distracted by that string all evening, or rather, the creamy skin it was touching.
He was wearing a new pair of jeans and a red shirt Mrs. Higurashi had picked up at the mall, and Miroku and Kouga were matching, save for their shirts were purple and black. Kagome figured she'd let them wear the colors they were most comfortable in.
Ayame and Sango looked like they were dressed to kill, with Sango in a strapless dress that was pale beige, outlined in red, falling just past her knees. Her hair was in a ponytail once more, along with her ever-present pink mascara. Ayame looked just as stunning in her dark blue short-sleeved dress that hugged her hips and fell to her knees, her hair down around her shoulders. Her hair and eyes looked especially exotic that night next to the blue.
As they approached the door the music became louder, and a man opened the door with a smile. "So, which of you are the bride and groom to be?" he asked pleasantly, his kind voice betraying his rather large form. Kagome blushed, but Inuyasha was too distracted by everything around him to notice.
"We are," she said shyly, looping her arm through his, and the man nodded with a smile.
"I thought as much, you two look like a couple." He opened the door a little further. "You'd better get inside, the whole party is here waiting for you."
Kagome nodded and pulled the others along with her. Inside it became instantly warm, the ground pulsating to the beat of the music as they walked down a hall and out into the open area of the dance floor, tables, and bar.
"Kagome! She's here, everyone!"
There must have been at least fifty people who turned and looked at her then with bright, beaming smiles. Kagome realized her mother must have invited practically her entire class from school.
From that moment on it was a mad rush as the mob of friends pulled her away from Inuyasha and the others, looking at her ring, complimenting her on her dress, and wishing her well in her new marriage. The crowd made her feel lightheaded, and it was all Kagome could do to stay on her feet.
"Hey, let me introduce you to my fiancé," she said finally, hoping that would take the attention away from her slightly. They all nodded, some remembering him from school once or twice.
Kagome walked over to Inuyasha and took his hand. "This is Inuyasha, everyone. He is my fiancé."
All the girls fell over themselves to get a better look at the handsome man at Kagome's side, with his unusual silver hair and stunning amber eyes, while the men smiled warmly and shook his hand. Inuyasha felt extremely uncomfortable, and was grateful for Kagome's constant presence at his side.
Finally, after introductions were over, the music started playing again, and a dj's voice came down over the speakers. "Alright, so now that they're here, lets get this party started!" Everyone started screaming yes, and a loud, fast-pace beat came up over the speakers.
The dance floor filled with people, and Kagome, wanting to join them, pulled at Inuyasha's hand. "Come on Inuyasha, let's go dance."
But he was shaking his head, realizing he didn't know how to dance the way everyone was at that moment. "You go ahead, I think I'll wait for a while."
Kagome looked slightly hurt, but nodded. "Okay, if you say so. But I should warn you, it's a lot of fun!" And with that she spun around and went out with the other dancers, moving her body to the beat in a way that Inuyasha thought was far more graceful then anyone else.
Miroku and the others, meanwhile, had found a table and were just starting to sit down when Sango and Ayame started walking away. Miroku opened his eyes in surprise. "Where are you going?"
"To dance," they both replied simply, and all three men looked shocked. Sango smirked. "You can come with us if you want." But all three shook their heads no, and the two girls walked off, leaving them alone.
Kagome saw her two friends approaching, and smiled. "Hi," she said as they finally reached her side, still moving her body to the music.
"We thought this looked kind of fun," Sango said over the music, "But we don't really know what to do. Can you help us?"
Kagome nodded. "It's easy. You just have to move your body however you want to the beat. There is no one way you have to dance."
The girls nodded, at first looking incredibly stiff and uncomfortable, but slowly grew more relaxed until they too were moving about as though possessed by some spirit or another. Kagome smiled, and the three girls moved together, laughing and joking, until after thirty minutes they decided it was time for a break.
"Let's go get something to drink," she said simply, and they followed her to the bar without question, where the bartender looked at them and smiled.
"You're the bachelorette?" Kagome smiled and nodded. "Well, for you everything's on the house."
"Really?" Just what had her mother done? "Thanks! I'll have, um," she looked over and counted up the three men, the girls, and herself, "Six beers please."
"Of course." He disappeared for an instant before returning with a tray of glasses filled with the golden liquid. "I'll take them to your table, if you'd like."
"That would be great," Kagome replied, feeling her mood lifting more and more. That morning, she hadn't wanted a big party, in fact she had been dreading it. But now that she was among her friends from school, just acting like someone her age again, she felt wonderful.
"Here you go," she said as she placed a beer in front of all three men, who stared at their glasses as though unsure of what to do. Kagome sat down next to Inuyasha and took a drink, noting the burning sensation as it went down her throat. Sango and Ayame were next, grimacing slightly as they swallowed, but then looking at the glasses with a newfound curiosity.
"It takes a little getting used to," Kagome said, seeing their reactions. They both nodded.
"I can see where that would be true," Sango replied, but then smiled and took another drink. "But it's not bad!"
Since the girls were being braver then they, the men all decided to prove themselves by downing the entire glass at once. Kagome heard them count to three, and then dropped her jaw in shock as they drank the entire glass.
Kouga and Inuyasha, with demon blood, were unaffected, but poor Miroku coughed and hiccuped and looked suddenly very sick. When Kagome looked at him with worry, he just smiled, his eyes dancing. "That was great," he said softly, his voice still gone from coughing.
Inuyasha smirked. "The monk just can't handle it," he said with a chuckle. "I personally don't see what the big deal is."
"I can too handle it!" Miroku snapped back, and rose from his chair.
"Where are you going?" Sango asked, confused. He looked at her and then at Inuyasha.
"I'm getting another one." And before anyone could stop him, Miroku walked up to the bar and held the glass out to the bartender. "Could I get another one of these?"
Kagome laughed to herself, hoping that would be his last, as several of her friends approached, carrying another glass for her. She accepted it, but gave them a curious look.
"We would like to propose a toast to you Kagome," Yuka said excitedly, holding her own glass of beer. Kagome nodded, and the others looked at each other before Eri stepped forward, already looking a little intoxicated.
"You are probably the luckiest girl I know," she said solemnly. "You miss more school then any of us, but are still graduating with honors, and are marrying a total hunk." Inuyasha blushed and looked away. "I still don't know how you two managed to meet, considering Kagome is confined to her house like ninety percent of the year, but either way I'm glad you met, and I'm glad that we're friends Kagome."
They all raised their glasses with a 'Here, here!' and drank from their glasses. Then Yuka stepped forward.
"As one of my best friends, I can honestly say that you have always been there for me, even when you haven't been able to be at school all the time. I know you'll be there for Inuyasha that way too. And I wish you the best of luck Kagome." Again, they all raised their glasses before taking a drink. Eri looked at hers before pouting.
"I need more beer," she said simply, walking up to the bartender and getting another. Kagome looked at Yuka and Ayumi with concern.
"How many has she had?" They both shrugged.
"Two, but you know how small she is. This alcohol just goes right to her system."
To accent their point, Eri came back on unsteady feet, carrying two glasses and handing one to Kagome. "Here Kag, yours is almost gone, and we're not done toasting yet."
Kagome blushed, but accepted the drink and set it on the table as Hojo stepped forward. "Higurashi, you have been probably my best friend throughout high school. You are kind and caring toward anyone who asks for your help, and you are always smiling. Even though things didn't work out between us as a couple, I want you to know that you will always be my friend, and that I wish for you and Inuyasha to have every happiness in the world in your new marriage."
"Thank you Hojo," Kagome replied, deeply touched. He was naïve at times, and somewhat dense at others, but she still cared for him deeply, and couldn't imagine a life without him in it. At the very least, she thought wryly, to provide comical relief whenever he said something stupid.
And so it went on, with several people Kagome didn't even know that well stepping forward and toasting the couple, with well wishes and smiles. But every time someone gave a speech, it became a little more slurred, and Kagome realized that they were all drinking beer, without realizing it, every time someone made a toast. She herself had now polished off three beers, and Miroku was not looking well at all.
Finally, it stopped, and the dj came on the speakers again. "And now, with the blessings of the bride's mother, we have a little surprise for the young lady."
A pounding, seductive beat began, and Kagome turned her attention to the spotlight on the small stage near the turntables. It had been empty before, but now revealed an incredibly good looking man, dressed in a police uniform, only his badge read openly 'Officer of Love'.
"Oh god," Kagome whispered, feeling the effects of the alcohol, not to mention the fear of what Inuyasha would do when he realized what a stripper was.
The man started dancing to the beat, and Kagome felt herself propelled forward by all the girls until she was standing right in front of the stage with a birds eye view of every move the man made. Funny thing was, the colors of the lights were a little hazy, she thought casually.
The officer of love continued to dance when suddenly he ripped off his blue jacket, revealing a white undershirt, and all the girls screamed as he threw the jacket into the crowd. He smiled, and continued with his dance. Obviously, he had done this a few times.
Next was the undershirt, revealing a rock-solid chest and abdomen that glistened with sweat as he danced, and even Kagome, who was madly in love with another man, found the dance somewhat erotic. She chalked it up to the fact that she had already drunk too much.
The screams really grew to a roar when the pants came off, revealing boxers with yellow flames. Eri screamed wildly as she tried to get at the discarded clothing, and even Sango and Ayame, obviously drunk at this point, seemed to be having a blast from where they were standing next to Kagome, dancing in time to the beat.
Suddenly, the man on stage turned to the dj, who was shrouded in darkness, and took a handheld microphone into his hand. "Would the bride to be please step up to the stage?" He called, his voice dark and rich as velvet.
"Oh my gosh Kagome, you'd better get up there," Yuka said excitedly, but Kagome turned to her, madly shaking her head no.
"I can't do that, what about Inuyasha?"
"Who cares about him!" Eri chimed in. "This is your bachelorette party. Go and have some fun." And without warning, the two girls pushed Kagome onto the stage, where, because of the effects of alcohol, she practically landed on her face.
"Ah, there's the little lady," the man replied, gazing at Kagome as though she were the only girl in the room, and that the others, who were screaming, didn't exist. "This next part is for you."
And with that, he cast the microphone aside and started dancing around her, while Kagome, extremely embarrassed, stole a glance in Inuyasha's direction. He was standing with the other men, including Miroku and Kouga, and had a deep scowl on his face, though Kagome was relieved to find it wasn't directed at her, but at the stripper.
"Dance with me," the dancer said, and put his arm around her waist, moving her in time to the beat. The effects of the alcohol, combined with Kagome's relaxed state, caused her to obey, and before long she was dancing just as much as he was, if not more. The only thing she wouldn't allow was for him to get too close. Other then that, anything was acceptable.
She saw him reaching for his boxers as the screams grew to a deafening roar, and Kagome winced. Oh god, she thought, he is not taking off his underwear! She closed her eyes, but then felt something being rubbed along her arms and neck. As she opened her eyes, she saw the man holding his boxers out to her, the only thing left on his body being a g-string.
A part of her was relieved that he wasn't going to do anything else, and another part of Kagome was horrified that he was shoving the underwear that had just been on his body in her face. She took the garment, but quickly threw it out to the rest of the girls, who wanted the underwear more then she did anyway.
Finally, breathing hard as the music began to slow down, the man took Kagome around the waist, spun her around once, and dipped her low, pulling her close to his hard body. "Congratulations on your marriage," he said kindly, before pulling her up and stepping out to take a slight bow.
The girls screamed some more, and he smiled, bowing one last time before disappearing backstage. Kagome watched him go, and only after he was gone and regular music filled the room again did she realize what had just happened, blushing profusely.
She made her way back to the table where Miroku, Kouga, and Inuyasha were sitting, Sango and Ayame stumbling after her. She didn't like the glare her mate was sending her direction.
"What was that all about?" he hissed, and Kagome winced. But the drink had made her a little slow at the switch, and the voice that came forward was not her own, but rather it was slurred and lazy.
"It was nothing Inuyasha," she said simply, "That's just something that people frequently do at these sort of parties."
"Keh, did you know about it?" She opened her eyes in innocent surprise.
"How could I have? No one let me plan this party, my mother did the, um, the planning." She was fumbling for words, and Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at her strange behavior as Sango practically fell into her chair.
"I'm hot," she said simply. "I wouldn't mind taking off this dress." Kagome laughed, but Kouga and Inuyasha looked at the normally very reserved woman with shock.
"I agree Sango," Miroku slurred lazily, obviously having had a few more drinks while they were up with the stripper. "This party would be much more fun if we were all naked."
Ayame laughed and leaned her head against Kouga's shoulder. "That would be fun. I wanna see Inuyasha naked."
The hanyou blushed, but then noticed Kagome looking at him with a very hazy but seductive gaze. He felt something within him stir at that raw look of need.
"It would be fun to see him up there dancing around naked, like that other guy," Kagome said thoughtfully, not breaking away from his eyes. Inuyasha was getting seriously embarrassed now.
"I know!" Miroku suddenly called out, almost like he was whining about something. "I-I want a j-j-oh whatever you call it, like that. Wouldn't it be nice to dance for beautiful women all the time?"
Sango smacked him, but he just laughed, and she started laughing too. Obviously, everyone but the two demon men were drunk at this point.
The music was playing again, and Kagome rose to her feet, pulling Inuyasha with her, as she stumbled slightly. "You wanna, um," she hiccuped, "Dance with me?"
Normally he would have refused, but seeing how she was so intoxicated she could barely see straight, Inuyasha found himself nodding and rising to his feet, putting his arm around her waist to give her the support she needed.
The beat was fast and hard, and as they began to move, Inuyasha felt Kagome pull him close so that her mouth was next to his ear. "You look really sexy tonight," she said simply, and he blushed again. He was going to turn that color permanently at this rate.
"Kagome, I think maybe you should go home," he said seriously, but she put on a pout.
"No! I want to have fun tonight." She sighed and leaned against his chest. "I know I promised I wouldn't get drunk, but you know what, its kind of fun!" She giggled and hugged him tighter.
The close contact, and the fact that she was in that extremely small dress, was very enticing, and Inuyasha found himself placing his hands on her hips and pulling her tightly against him. She smiled, and responded by moving more fiercely to the beat, guiding his steps.
"Hey you two," Miroku called lazily in his direction from where he and Sango were swaying to and fro. Since they were both drunk, they were having a little more trouble staying steady on their feet, but at least seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"Hey yourself," Inuyasha replied, still very aware of the woman in his arms. She was pressed so firmly against him that he felt his desire stirring as well.
"See, dancing isn't so bad after all Inuyasha," Sango called out lazily, and Inuyasha would have replied except for the surprised gasp when Kagome suddenly kissed his ear, her breath sending shivers down his spine.
"Kagome, please don't do that," he said, afraid that his demon instincts would kick in and he wouldn't be able to control himself. But she ignored him and continued her trail of kisses down his neck, his skin quivering every place she touched.
Without meaning to, he took her mouth hungrily in his, and they kissed passionately for several minutes until he felt Kagome fiddling with his shirt, in the middle of dozens of people. He pulled back and looked at her.
"We can't do that here," he said simply, and Kagome pouted slightly.
"But I missed you," she whined, touching his cheek, and he saw that, behind the hazy eyes, there was a deep sadness, not to mention the circles under her eyes were not completely gone.
"Kagome, I'm here now," he said gently, touching her cheek. But she shook her head, tears coming to her eyes.
"You don't know what it's like. I love you so much, and I have loved you longer then you loved me. I loved you while you still went to Kikyou, and every time you did I would come home and cry myself to sleep, even though I would smile for you." Inuyasha realized that the drink was making her say everything that was in her heart, and he couldn't stop her now that she had started. He winced at the sound of raw pain in her voice, realizing he was the cause of it.
"You have no idea what it was like to watch you go away and wonder if, that day, you would meet Kikyou, and she would take you with her to hell. I was in constant terror that you would leave me, and for the longest time I thought you would in the end. I didn't want to be alone. You showed me how to truly love someone, but in the end you were going to leave anyway." The tears were really flowing now. "So even though you say you love me, and I believe you, every time you go away I'm still afraid that you won't come back. I can't sleep until I know you're safe. I don't want you to leave me, I would want to die."
She collapsed against his chest, sobbing, and several people were looking at them with curious eyes. Thankfully, they were all drunk, so they weren't really figuring anything out.
"Kagome," he said gently, pulling her tightly against his chest. "I'm so sorry that I put you though that. I'm so sorry it took me so long to realize that I loved you. I never meant to hurt you that way. And I want you to know that I will never, ever leave you. I will always protect you, and be there for you when you need me. Do you believe me?"
She looked at him through tear-streaked eyes, but nodded and smiled. He smiled back, and went to kiss her, but she suddenly fell against his chest again. "I'm really tired."
She fell asleep in his arms after about ten more minutes of swaying to the music and, seeing that it was now one in the morning, Inuyasha picked her up and carried her over to Kouga, who was caring for his own passed out mate.
"I think we should go," he said, and Kouga nodded.
"I agree." He picked up Ayame, and the two of them went to find Miroku and Sango, who were still dancing. The two men helped support the couple as they staggered out the door and to the car, until Inuyasha realized he didn't know how to drive them home.
"We'll just have to run I guess," he said simply, and Kouga nodded. Slinging Sango over his back and taking Kagome firmly in his arms, Inuyasha took off down the street, knowing Kouga wasn't far behind with Miroku and Ayame.
When they reached Kagome's house, Mrs. Higurashi didn't even ask what was wrong with her daughter, but simply helped Inuyasha changed her into her pajamas for the evening before helping the others, leaving the two alone in Kagome's room.
She was curled up on her bed, her fists clenched at her chest, her hair falling about her elegantly. Inuyasha brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, and lightly kissed her forehead before curling up behind her, spooning his front to her back and hugging her close. Breathing in her scent, he fell asleep too.
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Author's Notes: I'm so excited! You guys are giving me some great ideas, and I think I'm leaning toward writing a third story, if that is what you all truly want. I just don't want to overplay this plot, if you know what I mean. But thank you to everyone who has given me ideas, we'll see where inspiration takes me.
As for this chapter, it's the bachelor/bachelorette party. It isn't all just happy-go-lucky, but I think you should like it anyway. At least, I hope you do! The wedding is coming in the next few chapters, and this story is winding down. If I'm wrapping everything up too slowly just let me know, and I'll try and speed up the process a little bit more. Thanks, and enjoy!
CAMintmeir: You would be right! I think in another life I must have been a dolphin, considering I've been a competitive swimmer since I was four, and can't remember a time when I didn't know how to swim. You gave me a great idea actually. I should bake cookies with the dolphin cookie-cutter I received for Christmas in my stocking!
Sapofbks: Actually, I don't think the fact that Inuyasha blushes a lot is unnatural. I think he does that a lot in the series, especially when it comes to Kagome and his feelings. But I could be wrong, and everyone interprets things differently so, your advice has been noted. Thanks!
Miyu6: Happy birthday! And by the way, if you find a well like that, let me know! I'm coming with you!
Ami-chan39: I can't remember if I explained it earlier in the story or not. But because he marked her as his mate, she now has his life span. I can work that into the story if you want. Let me know!
Inu-guyver: Poor you! Are you doing any better? I must say, I'm impressed with how well you typed considering you're not a lefty. I certainly couldn't do it, or at least it would take me about an hour, because I would want everything to be perfect (type A personality; it gets annoying sometimes). Thanks for the compliment about my story, as always I really appreciate it, and just so you know, while I'm writing one of your favorite stories, I enjoy getting your reviews! So thanks! And I hope you feel better soon, injuries are no fun, believe me, I know.
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Title: The Realistic Happily Ever After
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Twenty
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The Lotus was probably the hottest place to be on a Saturday night, which is why Kagome could still hardly believe that her mother had managed to rent the entire club from six at night until three in the morning. When she asked, Mrs. Higurashi had simply smiled and said, "A mother always has her ways."
No one would tell her just how many people were going to be there, since they wanted it to be a surprise, so Kagome was left guessing the entire way there, driving her mother's minivan and trying desperately not to go over the speed limit. As Souta had said earlier, it wouldn't look very good for a family vehicle to be pulled over for reckless driving.
"So what's going to happen again?" Kouga asked from the back seat, and Kagome glanced in the mirror to see that he was looking at her with questioning eyes.
"It's just going to be a party, with lots of music and food."
"And probably some alcohol too," Ayumi piped up from where she was sitting in the passenger seat beside Kagome, giving the girl directions. Eri and Yuka, thank the gods, had decided to ride with Hojo in another car, so Ayumi was free to explain everything to the visitors when Kagome couldn't come up with an explanation.
"You don't really think there will be, do you?" Kagome had a worried expression on her face. Ayumi just shrugged.
"It is a club after all, and we can all drink. I don't see why there wouldn't be." Kagome groaned at the thought of Miroku or Sango having a couple beers. They would be out in nothing flat.
"What is alcohol?" They all chimed in at the same time.
"It's, um, a drink that makes it hard for you to think, and you frequently don't act like yourself after having some," Kagome said, hoping it was a good enough explanation. Miroku nodded.
"We have teas that can do that.
"You do?"
"Of course, we are not so far in the past that we don't want to celebrate sometimes Kagome-sama." Kagome blushed at his straightforward answer, keeping her eyes on the road.
"So in other words, we probably shouldn't have any?" Sango was always the one to be logical.
"Well, you can try some if you want," Kagome said as she made a right hand turn into a very crowded parking lot, "But I wouldn't recommend having very much."
"Are you going to have any?" Naturally, the voice belonged to Inuyasha.
"I might, why?"
"Well, if it is so dangerous for us to have any, then you shouldn't have any either."
"I'm used to it Inuyasha, you guys aren't."
"That is no excuse, if it's dangerous then you shouldn't drink any."
"It isn't dangerous unless you have too much!" Why did he always pick a fight with her?
"And what will stop you from having too much?"
"I am old enough to make my own decisions, and know my limitations, Inuyasha."
"I'm almost eighty years old! You don't think that makes me old enough to handle alcohol?"
"Eighty years old?" Ayumi had a look of puzzlement on her face. While she had told the girl about where everyone came from and why, Kagome had not gone into detail about their lives before they met Kagome, including Inuyasha's fifty years pinned against Goshinboku.
"Never mind that," Kagome waved the comment aside casually and fixed a glare in the rearview mirror, which she knew her fiancé could see. "I can handle myself, and that's all there is to it."
"Keh," he grunted, turning to look out the window. Everyone else just let out an exasperated sigh, including Kagome as she stopped the car and removed the keys.
"You know," she said after several moments of silence, "This party is as much for you as it is for me. Can we please not fight tonight?"
Everyone was practically falling out of their seats leaning in to hear what Inuyasha would say, and he knew it, because he suddenly became very self- conscious. "We're not fighting, Kagome. We're, um, having a heated debate."
Even though he wasn't exactly apologizing, Kagome smiled at his attempt, knowing he would never say he was sorry outright in front of anyone but her. That was one thing that would never change about the man she loved: his pride.
They all stepped out of the car, and the sound of loud music reached their ears from inside the pulsing club before them, a huge purple sign out front reading 'The Lotus' with a picture of the flower beside it.
Kagome glanced over at Inuyasha, feeling sorry for insisting he tape his ears once more, but she was afraid that the noise would hurt his sensitive senses too much, not to mention a baseball cap could easily get knocked off in a large crowd, and then what would she do? I suppose I could always just insist that everyone have some more drinks, she thought slyly.
"I love your dress Kagome," Ayumi complimented as they approached the front door, and Kagome smiled. She liked it too. It was short, barely coming halfway down her thigh, black in color, hugging her body clear up to the tied straps around her neck, the left over string trailing down her bare back. She didn't know it, but Inuyasha had been very distracted by that string all evening, or rather, the creamy skin it was touching.
He was wearing a new pair of jeans and a red shirt Mrs. Higurashi had picked up at the mall, and Miroku and Kouga were matching, save for their shirts were purple and black. Kagome figured she'd let them wear the colors they were most comfortable in.
Ayame and Sango looked like they were dressed to kill, with Sango in a strapless dress that was pale beige, outlined in red, falling just past her knees. Her hair was in a ponytail once more, along with her ever-present pink mascara. Ayame looked just as stunning in her dark blue short-sleeved dress that hugged her hips and fell to her knees, her hair down around her shoulders. Her hair and eyes looked especially exotic that night next to the blue.
As they approached the door the music became louder, and a man opened the door with a smile. "So, which of you are the bride and groom to be?" he asked pleasantly, his kind voice betraying his rather large form. Kagome blushed, but Inuyasha was too distracted by everything around him to notice.
"We are," she said shyly, looping her arm through his, and the man nodded with a smile.
"I thought as much, you two look like a couple." He opened the door a little further. "You'd better get inside, the whole party is here waiting for you."
Kagome nodded and pulled the others along with her. Inside it became instantly warm, the ground pulsating to the beat of the music as they walked down a hall and out into the open area of the dance floor, tables, and bar.
"Kagome! She's here, everyone!"
There must have been at least fifty people who turned and looked at her then with bright, beaming smiles. Kagome realized her mother must have invited practically her entire class from school.
From that moment on it was a mad rush as the mob of friends pulled her away from Inuyasha and the others, looking at her ring, complimenting her on her dress, and wishing her well in her new marriage. The crowd made her feel lightheaded, and it was all Kagome could do to stay on her feet.
"Hey, let me introduce you to my fiancé," she said finally, hoping that would take the attention away from her slightly. They all nodded, some remembering him from school once or twice.
Kagome walked over to Inuyasha and took his hand. "This is Inuyasha, everyone. He is my fiancé."
All the girls fell over themselves to get a better look at the handsome man at Kagome's side, with his unusual silver hair and stunning amber eyes, while the men smiled warmly and shook his hand. Inuyasha felt extremely uncomfortable, and was grateful for Kagome's constant presence at his side.
Finally, after introductions were over, the music started playing again, and a dj's voice came down over the speakers. "Alright, so now that they're here, lets get this party started!" Everyone started screaming yes, and a loud, fast-pace beat came up over the speakers.
The dance floor filled with people, and Kagome, wanting to join them, pulled at Inuyasha's hand. "Come on Inuyasha, let's go dance."
But he was shaking his head, realizing he didn't know how to dance the way everyone was at that moment. "You go ahead, I think I'll wait for a while."
Kagome looked slightly hurt, but nodded. "Okay, if you say so. But I should warn you, it's a lot of fun!" And with that she spun around and went out with the other dancers, moving her body to the beat in a way that Inuyasha thought was far more graceful then anyone else.
Miroku and the others, meanwhile, had found a table and were just starting to sit down when Sango and Ayame started walking away. Miroku opened his eyes in surprise. "Where are you going?"
"To dance," they both replied simply, and all three men looked shocked. Sango smirked. "You can come with us if you want." But all three shook their heads no, and the two girls walked off, leaving them alone.
Kagome saw her two friends approaching, and smiled. "Hi," she said as they finally reached her side, still moving her body to the music.
"We thought this looked kind of fun," Sango said over the music, "But we don't really know what to do. Can you help us?"
Kagome nodded. "It's easy. You just have to move your body however you want to the beat. There is no one way you have to dance."
The girls nodded, at first looking incredibly stiff and uncomfortable, but slowly grew more relaxed until they too were moving about as though possessed by some spirit or another. Kagome smiled, and the three girls moved together, laughing and joking, until after thirty minutes they decided it was time for a break.
"Let's go get something to drink," she said simply, and they followed her to the bar without question, where the bartender looked at them and smiled.
"You're the bachelorette?" Kagome smiled and nodded. "Well, for you everything's on the house."
"Really?" Just what had her mother done? "Thanks! I'll have, um," she looked over and counted up the three men, the girls, and herself, "Six beers please."
"Of course." He disappeared for an instant before returning with a tray of glasses filled with the golden liquid. "I'll take them to your table, if you'd like."
"That would be great," Kagome replied, feeling her mood lifting more and more. That morning, she hadn't wanted a big party, in fact she had been dreading it. But now that she was among her friends from school, just acting like someone her age again, she felt wonderful.
"Here you go," she said as she placed a beer in front of all three men, who stared at their glasses as though unsure of what to do. Kagome sat down next to Inuyasha and took a drink, noting the burning sensation as it went down her throat. Sango and Ayame were next, grimacing slightly as they swallowed, but then looking at the glasses with a newfound curiosity.
"It takes a little getting used to," Kagome said, seeing their reactions. They both nodded.
"I can see where that would be true," Sango replied, but then smiled and took another drink. "But it's not bad!"
Since the girls were being braver then they, the men all decided to prove themselves by downing the entire glass at once. Kagome heard them count to three, and then dropped her jaw in shock as they drank the entire glass.
Kouga and Inuyasha, with demon blood, were unaffected, but poor Miroku coughed and hiccuped and looked suddenly very sick. When Kagome looked at him with worry, he just smiled, his eyes dancing. "That was great," he said softly, his voice still gone from coughing.
Inuyasha smirked. "The monk just can't handle it," he said with a chuckle. "I personally don't see what the big deal is."
"I can too handle it!" Miroku snapped back, and rose from his chair.
"Where are you going?" Sango asked, confused. He looked at her and then at Inuyasha.
"I'm getting another one." And before anyone could stop him, Miroku walked up to the bar and held the glass out to the bartender. "Could I get another one of these?"
Kagome laughed to herself, hoping that would be his last, as several of her friends approached, carrying another glass for her. She accepted it, but gave them a curious look.
"We would like to propose a toast to you Kagome," Yuka said excitedly, holding her own glass of beer. Kagome nodded, and the others looked at each other before Eri stepped forward, already looking a little intoxicated.
"You are probably the luckiest girl I know," she said solemnly. "You miss more school then any of us, but are still graduating with honors, and are marrying a total hunk." Inuyasha blushed and looked away. "I still don't know how you two managed to meet, considering Kagome is confined to her house like ninety percent of the year, but either way I'm glad you met, and I'm glad that we're friends Kagome."
They all raised their glasses with a 'Here, here!' and drank from their glasses. Then Yuka stepped forward.
"As one of my best friends, I can honestly say that you have always been there for me, even when you haven't been able to be at school all the time. I know you'll be there for Inuyasha that way too. And I wish you the best of luck Kagome." Again, they all raised their glasses before taking a drink. Eri looked at hers before pouting.
"I need more beer," she said simply, walking up to the bartender and getting another. Kagome looked at Yuka and Ayumi with concern.
"How many has she had?" They both shrugged.
"Two, but you know how small she is. This alcohol just goes right to her system."
To accent their point, Eri came back on unsteady feet, carrying two glasses and handing one to Kagome. "Here Kag, yours is almost gone, and we're not done toasting yet."
Kagome blushed, but accepted the drink and set it on the table as Hojo stepped forward. "Higurashi, you have been probably my best friend throughout high school. You are kind and caring toward anyone who asks for your help, and you are always smiling. Even though things didn't work out between us as a couple, I want you to know that you will always be my friend, and that I wish for you and Inuyasha to have every happiness in the world in your new marriage."
"Thank you Hojo," Kagome replied, deeply touched. He was naïve at times, and somewhat dense at others, but she still cared for him deeply, and couldn't imagine a life without him in it. At the very least, she thought wryly, to provide comical relief whenever he said something stupid.
And so it went on, with several people Kagome didn't even know that well stepping forward and toasting the couple, with well wishes and smiles. But every time someone gave a speech, it became a little more slurred, and Kagome realized that they were all drinking beer, without realizing it, every time someone made a toast. She herself had now polished off three beers, and Miroku was not looking well at all.
Finally, it stopped, and the dj came on the speakers again. "And now, with the blessings of the bride's mother, we have a little surprise for the young lady."
A pounding, seductive beat began, and Kagome turned her attention to the spotlight on the small stage near the turntables. It had been empty before, but now revealed an incredibly good looking man, dressed in a police uniform, only his badge read openly 'Officer of Love'.
"Oh god," Kagome whispered, feeling the effects of the alcohol, not to mention the fear of what Inuyasha would do when he realized what a stripper was.
The man started dancing to the beat, and Kagome felt herself propelled forward by all the girls until she was standing right in front of the stage with a birds eye view of every move the man made. Funny thing was, the colors of the lights were a little hazy, she thought casually.
The officer of love continued to dance when suddenly he ripped off his blue jacket, revealing a white undershirt, and all the girls screamed as he threw the jacket into the crowd. He smiled, and continued with his dance. Obviously, he had done this a few times.
Next was the undershirt, revealing a rock-solid chest and abdomen that glistened with sweat as he danced, and even Kagome, who was madly in love with another man, found the dance somewhat erotic. She chalked it up to the fact that she had already drunk too much.
The screams really grew to a roar when the pants came off, revealing boxers with yellow flames. Eri screamed wildly as she tried to get at the discarded clothing, and even Sango and Ayame, obviously drunk at this point, seemed to be having a blast from where they were standing next to Kagome, dancing in time to the beat.
Suddenly, the man on stage turned to the dj, who was shrouded in darkness, and took a handheld microphone into his hand. "Would the bride to be please step up to the stage?" He called, his voice dark and rich as velvet.
"Oh my gosh Kagome, you'd better get up there," Yuka said excitedly, but Kagome turned to her, madly shaking her head no.
"I can't do that, what about Inuyasha?"
"Who cares about him!" Eri chimed in. "This is your bachelorette party. Go and have some fun." And without warning, the two girls pushed Kagome onto the stage, where, because of the effects of alcohol, she practically landed on her face.
"Ah, there's the little lady," the man replied, gazing at Kagome as though she were the only girl in the room, and that the others, who were screaming, didn't exist. "This next part is for you."
And with that, he cast the microphone aside and started dancing around her, while Kagome, extremely embarrassed, stole a glance in Inuyasha's direction. He was standing with the other men, including Miroku and Kouga, and had a deep scowl on his face, though Kagome was relieved to find it wasn't directed at her, but at the stripper.
"Dance with me," the dancer said, and put his arm around her waist, moving her in time to the beat. The effects of the alcohol, combined with Kagome's relaxed state, caused her to obey, and before long she was dancing just as much as he was, if not more. The only thing she wouldn't allow was for him to get too close. Other then that, anything was acceptable.
She saw him reaching for his boxers as the screams grew to a deafening roar, and Kagome winced. Oh god, she thought, he is not taking off his underwear! She closed her eyes, but then felt something being rubbed along her arms and neck. As she opened her eyes, she saw the man holding his boxers out to her, the only thing left on his body being a g-string.
A part of her was relieved that he wasn't going to do anything else, and another part of Kagome was horrified that he was shoving the underwear that had just been on his body in her face. She took the garment, but quickly threw it out to the rest of the girls, who wanted the underwear more then she did anyway.
Finally, breathing hard as the music began to slow down, the man took Kagome around the waist, spun her around once, and dipped her low, pulling her close to his hard body. "Congratulations on your marriage," he said kindly, before pulling her up and stepping out to take a slight bow.
The girls screamed some more, and he smiled, bowing one last time before disappearing backstage. Kagome watched him go, and only after he was gone and regular music filled the room again did she realize what had just happened, blushing profusely.
She made her way back to the table where Miroku, Kouga, and Inuyasha were sitting, Sango and Ayame stumbling after her. She didn't like the glare her mate was sending her direction.
"What was that all about?" he hissed, and Kagome winced. But the drink had made her a little slow at the switch, and the voice that came forward was not her own, but rather it was slurred and lazy.
"It was nothing Inuyasha," she said simply, "That's just something that people frequently do at these sort of parties."
"Keh, did you know about it?" She opened her eyes in innocent surprise.
"How could I have? No one let me plan this party, my mother did the, um, the planning." She was fumbling for words, and Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at her strange behavior as Sango practically fell into her chair.
"I'm hot," she said simply. "I wouldn't mind taking off this dress." Kagome laughed, but Kouga and Inuyasha looked at the normally very reserved woman with shock.
"I agree Sango," Miroku slurred lazily, obviously having had a few more drinks while they were up with the stripper. "This party would be much more fun if we were all naked."
Ayame laughed and leaned her head against Kouga's shoulder. "That would be fun. I wanna see Inuyasha naked."
The hanyou blushed, but then noticed Kagome looking at him with a very hazy but seductive gaze. He felt something within him stir at that raw look of need.
"It would be fun to see him up there dancing around naked, like that other guy," Kagome said thoughtfully, not breaking away from his eyes. Inuyasha was getting seriously embarrassed now.
"I know!" Miroku suddenly called out, almost like he was whining about something. "I-I want a j-j-oh whatever you call it, like that. Wouldn't it be nice to dance for beautiful women all the time?"
Sango smacked him, but he just laughed, and she started laughing too. Obviously, everyone but the two demon men were drunk at this point.
The music was playing again, and Kagome rose to her feet, pulling Inuyasha with her, as she stumbled slightly. "You wanna, um," she hiccuped, "Dance with me?"
Normally he would have refused, but seeing how she was so intoxicated she could barely see straight, Inuyasha found himself nodding and rising to his feet, putting his arm around her waist to give her the support she needed.
The beat was fast and hard, and as they began to move, Inuyasha felt Kagome pull him close so that her mouth was next to his ear. "You look really sexy tonight," she said simply, and he blushed again. He was going to turn that color permanently at this rate.
"Kagome, I think maybe you should go home," he said seriously, but she put on a pout.
"No! I want to have fun tonight." She sighed and leaned against his chest. "I know I promised I wouldn't get drunk, but you know what, its kind of fun!" She giggled and hugged him tighter.
The close contact, and the fact that she was in that extremely small dress, was very enticing, and Inuyasha found himself placing his hands on her hips and pulling her tightly against him. She smiled, and responded by moving more fiercely to the beat, guiding his steps.
"Hey you two," Miroku called lazily in his direction from where he and Sango were swaying to and fro. Since they were both drunk, they were having a little more trouble staying steady on their feet, but at least seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"Hey yourself," Inuyasha replied, still very aware of the woman in his arms. She was pressed so firmly against him that he felt his desire stirring as well.
"See, dancing isn't so bad after all Inuyasha," Sango called out lazily, and Inuyasha would have replied except for the surprised gasp when Kagome suddenly kissed his ear, her breath sending shivers down his spine.
"Kagome, please don't do that," he said, afraid that his demon instincts would kick in and he wouldn't be able to control himself. But she ignored him and continued her trail of kisses down his neck, his skin quivering every place she touched.
Without meaning to, he took her mouth hungrily in his, and they kissed passionately for several minutes until he felt Kagome fiddling with his shirt, in the middle of dozens of people. He pulled back and looked at her.
"We can't do that here," he said simply, and Kagome pouted slightly.
"But I missed you," she whined, touching his cheek, and he saw that, behind the hazy eyes, there was a deep sadness, not to mention the circles under her eyes were not completely gone.
"Kagome, I'm here now," he said gently, touching her cheek. But she shook her head, tears coming to her eyes.
"You don't know what it's like. I love you so much, and I have loved you longer then you loved me. I loved you while you still went to Kikyou, and every time you did I would come home and cry myself to sleep, even though I would smile for you." Inuyasha realized that the drink was making her say everything that was in her heart, and he couldn't stop her now that she had started. He winced at the sound of raw pain in her voice, realizing he was the cause of it.
"You have no idea what it was like to watch you go away and wonder if, that day, you would meet Kikyou, and she would take you with her to hell. I was in constant terror that you would leave me, and for the longest time I thought you would in the end. I didn't want to be alone. You showed me how to truly love someone, but in the end you were going to leave anyway." The tears were really flowing now. "So even though you say you love me, and I believe you, every time you go away I'm still afraid that you won't come back. I can't sleep until I know you're safe. I don't want you to leave me, I would want to die."
She collapsed against his chest, sobbing, and several people were looking at them with curious eyes. Thankfully, they were all drunk, so they weren't really figuring anything out.
"Kagome," he said gently, pulling her tightly against his chest. "I'm so sorry that I put you though that. I'm so sorry it took me so long to realize that I loved you. I never meant to hurt you that way. And I want you to know that I will never, ever leave you. I will always protect you, and be there for you when you need me. Do you believe me?"
She looked at him through tear-streaked eyes, but nodded and smiled. He smiled back, and went to kiss her, but she suddenly fell against his chest again. "I'm really tired."
She fell asleep in his arms after about ten more minutes of swaying to the music and, seeing that it was now one in the morning, Inuyasha picked her up and carried her over to Kouga, who was caring for his own passed out mate.
"I think we should go," he said, and Kouga nodded.
"I agree." He picked up Ayame, and the two of them went to find Miroku and Sango, who were still dancing. The two men helped support the couple as they staggered out the door and to the car, until Inuyasha realized he didn't know how to drive them home.
"We'll just have to run I guess," he said simply, and Kouga nodded. Slinging Sango over his back and taking Kagome firmly in his arms, Inuyasha took off down the street, knowing Kouga wasn't far behind with Miroku and Ayame.
When they reached Kagome's house, Mrs. Higurashi didn't even ask what was wrong with her daughter, but simply helped Inuyasha changed her into her pajamas for the evening before helping the others, leaving the two alone in Kagome's room.
She was curled up on her bed, her fists clenched at her chest, her hair falling about her elegantly. Inuyasha brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, and lightly kissed her forehead before curling up behind her, spooning his front to her back and hugging her close. Breathing in her scent, he fell asleep too.
