Author's Note: Sorry about the late update. I was working really hard on
wrapping up The Story of Two and working on my new story The Lost Jewel.
Afterwards I was gong to work on this chapter but I had to study for my
tests, I still have too but since I love you guys so much I decided to
update this a bit earlier than I intended too. What can I say, I have the
best reviewers. I'm so sorry guys, but here's Ch. 10.
Disclaimer: No I do not own Inuyasha.
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High School Reunion
Chapter Ten
A Second Chance and Truths
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Kagome pulled out of her stupor. She looked into his eyes, to find something, to know that he was here, that he was real. There she saw it. Depths of grievance were etched into his eyes and his face.
Semi-dark circles were starting to form around his eyes, a small stubble was growing on his chin. It was obvious that he was not taking care of himself like Kagome had last seen him.
He was slowly falling apart. She wondered if it was caused by her. Though in Kagome's mind it told her to run as fast as possible, she couldn't.
Her heart wouldn't allow it. She put on a small smile and nodded. Carefully crossing her arms under her chest to somewhat cover her stomach she followed him inside.
She sat down on the couch across from him. No one was around, this was it...
There was no turning back.
Feeling extremely nervous she striked up the conversation first. "What did you want to talk about?" She said. Inuyasha rubbed his chin and looked out the window. He slightly frowned, still not looking at Kagome in the eyes. "About us." He stated plainly but in his mind he cringed expecting Kagome's answer, he had a feeling...
Kagome's heart felt a surge of pain embedding slowly. Her lips trembled slightly but she bit her lip to keep it steady. "What do you mean us? Was there ever an us?" She whispered, afraid to raise her voice any higher.
Inuyasha pulled his gaze away from the window and looked at Kagome, hurt. "Don't play dumb Kagome, there was definitely an us. We had something together and I know for a fact that you can feel it too."
Kagome's eyes started welling up. "Was there? Maybe it was just a mistake, maybe I was your mistake..." Inuyasha burrowed his brows. "Kagome that's not true...All I know is that it did happen, Kagome. It's was like this was suppose to happen. Don't deny it when it's right there in front of your face."
This time it was Kagome who pulled away from the gaze. "I don't know... I don't know if I'm ready for any of this." Kagome closed her eyes unable to help the tears that poured out. It was all too much and so painful just seeing him there.
Inuyasha rushed over to her and sat down next to her. He cupped his hands around her face and gently wiped away her tears. "All I'm saying is could we start over? Just as friends for now. Will you be able to give me another chance?"
Kagome opened her eyes and looked into his face. She wanted so much to throw her arms around him and give into him, but she couldn't. It wasn't time yet for both of them.
"One more chance." She whispered. It was enough for Inuyasha. He nodded and gave her a smile. "That's all I need," he said. Kagome looked down at her stomach. She wondered...
Sango whacked Miroku on the head for the fifth time that day. "I can't believe you..." She hissed flipping over a patty. Miroku rubbed his head, he noticed each slap was getting harder. "What?!"
Sango pointed her finger in his face shaking it. "What?! What do you mean what?! They've been in there for a good hour now. Kagome even said she needed time. What she didn't need was your friend to come over her and blow the situation way out of hand, mister. Have you seen what she's been through for the past few months? Did you even consider what she might feel about this situation? No you didn't!"
Miroku took one of Sango's hands and held it tight in between his two hands. "When will the right time be for Kagome?" He said quietly, "The more she pushes it aside the more of a problem and fear it will turn into. And I did consider her feelings, as well as my friend's. I know that both of them went through hell but they need to work this out, not us, but them."
Sango sighed. She always found it hard to be mad at Miroku for a long period of time. "I guess... But Kagome has one more problem than Inuyasha." Miroku tucked a loose strand of Sango's hair back. "What's that?"
"That she is afraid to love him back. Even though Kikyo has left Inuyasha's life, she still has that one fear. She doesn't want to love someone back that doesn't really love her." Sango wiped her tears on her sleeve and turned off the grill. "What she told me over the last few months I wanted so bad to take her to him and let her really know what he feels for her... But I couldn't. It was her battle to fight not mine."
Miroku put on a half-smile. "I know that he loves her though Sango. What I see in his eyes when he talks about her or sees her... It's something that I didn't see with Kikyo and him. I mean he did love Kikyo. But this vibe I feel, and this connection I see, their love is nothing but pure and strong. Believe me Sango, all of their pain will heal in the end. Their love will mend everything in the end. I know because that's what happened between us."
Sango ruffled Miroku's hair. "Expect we didn't have complications like theirs." Sango added. Miroku smiled. "Of course not, we just had a little groping issue."
Sango smacked away Miroku's hands. "A little? No, we had a lot of issues with your hands Miroku." Miroku shrugged and laughed. "But you know that's why you love me." Sango rolled her eyes.
She was engaged to a lecher. Love had a funny way of working things out...
Kagome had finished packing everything that she needed for this party. Her talk with Inuyasha had been long but they had managed to weave through their maze and work things out. They had become friends again over the few days. It made Kagome' s heart feel considerably lighter, though it wasn't completely free of worry... She still hadn't told him about the baby.
Today was the day of the bridal shower. It was Sango's special day. Kagome wanted everything to be perfect, for all that Sango had done for her. She grabbed her keys and went out into the garage. Kagome opened her door and got in. She started the car opened the garage and drove out. Kagome looked at back at her home, then closed her garage with the garage remote and drove off to Sango's.
Sango was dressed in white, looking elegant. She constantly looked out of her window for Kagome. Kagome was the one that setted up everything for Sango's bridal shower in return for Sango helping out Kagome and her ordeals the last few months.
For that Sango was grateful. When Kagome's car was in view and parked in the driveway, Sango leapt up from her seat and went and to open the door. She wasn't use to this kind of stuff.
Kagome got out of the car and opened her trunk. She had hidden Sango's present weeks ago in the trunk of her car. For two reasons. One, when Sango comes over to Kagome's for movie night on Fridays, she knew Sango would be looking around the whole house to find it, ever since Kagome had mentioned it to her, which was a mistake. Two, she knows Sango too well.
She grabbed the present out of the trunk and closed the trunk, while hitting the alarm. She waved to Sango with her available hand and walked towards the door where her best friend awaited. Kagome entered greeting Sango.
"Sorry I'm late." She whispered. Sango shook her head, "No it's fine I know how hard it is to get to your home from work, the traffic can be a nightmare." Kagome smiled and placed her present next to the others on the table. She clasped her hands together and looked over at Sango. "Now onto the party held in your honor."
The bridal shower had been going well, only thirty of Sango's closest friends and family had been invited, including Kagome. The shower had been a success. They had food and drinks, played a little game, which had to do with men and their annoying habits and more about men. It was now the time to open presents. Kagome handed Sango hers first.
Kagome stood up. "Sango before you open it I want to say something, a toast." Sango smiled and looked at her friend. Kagome held her cup up as well as the others and said. "I've known you since we were juniors in high school. You even saved me from Miroku the first day of school." The women around the table started to laugh, knowing what Kagome meant by the remark, having so experiencing his hands themselves too.
"You were the first to make me feel welcome at school and accepted me as a friend. You stuck by my side and even through the hard times. You were always there for me. Always. And I cherish that forever. So Sango, in your honor I thank you for being my best friend. It is an honor to be a friend of yours. So here's to you Sango! Cheers!" The women brought the wine goblets together and cheered the young bride.
Sango wiped her tears and hugged Kagome. Though she knew Kagome and she had a very close and strong bond, it was always nice to hear an appreciation and the gratitude from a loved one.
She ripped the delicate wrapping paper and opened the present box. She gasped. It was a dress, a red satin dress with multi-faceted beading designs. IT displayed across the whole dress in the front. The bottom of the dress flowed out beautifully. The dress had to have taken months if not a year to make. Sango had told Kagome long ago that she had wanted a red dress like this, because her mother had one, and when her mother used to wear it she looked beautiful and elegant. Sango only hoped to measure up to her mother's beauty someday.
"Kagome...This must have taken months...No, a year to make, and you remembered. I...I...Thank you." Sango put the present on the table and hugged Kagome again, Sango cried happily as she was in her best friends embrace.
Now it was Kagome's turn to talk for the moment. They pulled away from each other and Kagome looked her in the eyes. "It was the least I could after all that you have done for me. When you told me what you've truly wanted twelve years ago, I couldn't forget it. Maybe it was the way your face looked when you talked about it. Whatever it was I would never forget something like that, especially when it meant so much to you. Besides you can wear it to the rehearsal dinner, tomorrow night. You'll look so beautiful in it, Miroku would be proud to have you as his wife. As would your mother, I know that she will be looking down at you from up there, proud as the day you came into this world."
"Kagome thank you. Thank you so much. Words can't describe the feelings I am experiencing. Thank you all for being here." They all came into a group hug and celebrated with Sango. It was moment like these that Sango lived for. She could only hope that it would be this good for Kagome and Inuyasha.
Meanwhile Miroku was at the restaurant he and Sango had recently opened, months ago. The restaurant was closed but inside was a gentlemen party going on.
Inuyasha raised his glass in the air. "To the groom who is also my very close and dear friend. To the man who will be a husband. A loving and wonderful husband to Sango, you will be her protector and a friend. You will learn to cherish the moments that you have with her. Don't ever let her out of your sight... To Miroku! May all be well for you and Sango, and many years to come." The men clumped the beer mugs together and cheered, roaring loudly.
Though Inuyasha's face carried a half-hearted smile. His friend was extremely lucky, while he wasn't.
Because he had let the one thing that he truly loved get away.
It was the night of the rehearsal dinner. Sango and Kagome got into the car, driving to the their destination. "You look so beautiful Sango." Kagome said and Sango laughed. The ride in the car ended shortly when Kagome pulled into the parking lot.
The rehearsal dinner was being held at Miroku's mother's hotel that she owned. Kagome and Sango stepped out of the car. Kagome pulled her black coat tighter, the chilly night air was getting to her.
They walked together side by side. Kagome looked over to Sango. "Don't worry everything will be fine." Sango smiled. "I know... It's just... You know my whole family meeting his family... It's weird, but at the same nice it's nice to know my family will become much larger tomorrow." Kagome gave Sango a reassured smile. They walked up the steps together and went inside.
Miroku paced back and forth, near the front doors waiting for Sango. Inuyasha sat in the corner in a lavishly decorated chair. He usually wasn't a patient person. But at the moment Kagome came in with Sango, it was worth the entire wait in the world. Both men had stopped breathing and froze.
Miroku just stared at Sango. He couldn't believe that the woman standing in front of him was going to be his bride. His bride, if he could say anything at that moment he wouldn't be able to speak, because his eyes were the only part of him functioning. He was lost for words at the moment. She was stunning.
Inuyasha's couldn't believe it. Just when he thought Kagome couldn't be any more beautiful... She had proven him wrong. Her hair was tied in an elegant knot with the other half of her hair down and flowing over her shoulders. The makeup was very light. She smiled gracefully, waving to people that she knew.
Kagome was in a dark green one shouldered strap dress. It was very eye- catching. The dress itself complimented her whole body never looking too flimsy or too tight. It brought out the inner beauty of her out, making her even more beautiful.
Kagome tensed when she and Sango went in together. Kagome had seen Inuyasha in there. And she knew he would be there, but she didn't expect her knees to go weak at the sight of him once again. Either he had gotten more handsome during the past few days or she had forgotten how good he looked.
There he was standing there. His mouth slightly agape. Kagome blushed slightly and turned her attention away from him and looked at the dining area. It was decorated with balloons, streamers, and confetti. A picture perfect moment. On the center of the long table all the guests were now seated and waiting. Kagome sighed, it was perfect, and Sango and Miroku deserved everything. Every last bit of it.
Sango looked at the center table. There it had large bouquets of roses and small lit candles besides it. The white gleaming plates and silverware were sparkling clean. A long streamer rolled across and above the table with the words on it saying 'To a new beginning'.
Sango walked to Miroku and kissed him on the cheek. "Hello, how have you been?" Miroku rubbed her shoulders and put on a dashing smile. "Lonely Sango, I waited all day for this dinner, and for you. I missed you so much. Let's go sit down, everybody's waiting."
Kagome had settled down next to Sango. To Sango's left was Miroku and to Miroku's left was Inuyasha. The guests all clapped when Sango and Miroku finally were seated.
Inuyasha stood up and said "Since I'm Miroku's best man, it's tradition to say a speech for the bride and groom" He looked at Sango and Miroku, who looked up at him inventively. "You are two people put on this Earth, and God put you here to be happy in each other's presence. To love and cherish each and every day of your lives together as a unity, as one. You have now made your souls as one whole. It makes me proud to say I have witnessed a love so powerful and meaningful, and I'm glad it's happened to my best friends. I hope that I can find something as rare as that. Miroku take good care of her. And Sango take good care of my best friend. To the happy and lovely couple. Here's to them, that we drink in their honor."
People raised their glasses and said cheers and drank in Sango and Miroku's honor. Then everyone ate and chatted happily. It was only the beginning for Sango and Miroku.
Kagome watched wistfully couples dancing out on the dance floor. She felt alone but happy for her friends. She pulled away from her gaze at Sango and Miroku dancing when Inuyasha sat down next to her. Kagome looked at Inuyasha taking the time to look into his eyes and memorizing the features of his face. She wondered if their child would look more like her or him.
Inuyasha looked over at Kagome who blushed slightly and looked away. His heart smiled at her little innocent gestures. 'If she only knew...' He thought. "Would you like to dance?" He asked. Kagome looked back over to Inuyasha and nodded, "Yes I would like that." She stood up and gave her hand to him and let him lead the way.
She felt safe and secure just holding his hand, there was something that always made her feel complete when she was with him. They danced not saying anything for a moment. Both taking the time to think things through and enjoying each other's company.
The silence was soothing for Kagome. She was afraid to lean her head against his because her stomach would be touching his, he would know then... She bit her bottom lip thinking how she could tell him the news. Or even worse, was she ready to tell him? What would he think of the unborn child?
When the song ended Kagome looked up into his eyes. "Do you want to go somewhere to talk?" She suggested. Inuyasha looked around and the looked back at her, "Yeah, I think we should." He led her outside and walked her to his car. He unlocked the doors and let her inside and then went to the other side.
He closed the door and looked over to her. "As you were saying?" He turned on the heat to keep them warm. However Kagome still shivered slightly, but opened her mouth to talk anyways. "What's the one thing that you've always wanted?" she asked.
Inuyasha handed Kagome his coat and looked at his steering wheel. "I guess that would be to have a family, it's the one thing I've always wanted." Kagome's eyes widened. "Really?"
Inuyasha looked over to Kagome and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I get it from my mom or something, I've always loved little children. Expect the one time I had to watch my nephew..." Inuyasha shuddered at the thought. "He was a nightmare. His name was Shippou." Kagome laughed, imagining something like that happening to Inuyasha. Inuyasha smiled when he saw that managed to make her laugh.
"So why didn't you and Kikyo ever have..." Kagome knew she was bringing a painful subject for both of them but she felt she had a right to know just as he did...
"Why Kikyo and I never had kids? I guess... I guess she never wanted to have children, she just wanted things to remain the same. She didn't like change." Inuyasha looked down still carrying a sorrow smile on his face. "I think that's when we started to fall apart. Our relationship that is."
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, Inuyasha." Kagome added, not wanting to put pressure on him. Inuyasha shook his head. "No it's okay I want to tell you. It was when we were in college. That's when she started bringing up the subject of marriage. I was... I was so happy that she wanted to get married that I bought a ring for her the next day. I proposed to her that day too." He looked back up at Kagome, Kagome didn't blink.
"We bought a house together, a few months after the day I proposed to her. I was happy with her. The next three years of our lives were the best, we never or seldom argued. We were in love. Not married but close to getting married." Kagome's heart tightened a bit painfully at hearing what Inuyasha said, but she didn't say anything. She kept on listening.
"Then I guess around the fourth year it just started falling apart. She was working more and I was away more often too. We got caught up in our work lives than our life at home. Marriage was put aside and life went on. Two years it went by like that. Two years I hadn't been with her intimately, and it didn't phase me back then... We were two strangers living under the same roof. We didn't have that special chemistry anymore."
Kagome placed her hand on top of his, reassuring him. He continued, "I didn't know what to do. I was scared. We broke up for a year. She lived at a friend's house in New York and I lived alone in Florida. She returned the ring and I kept it at the bottom of my drawer in my bedside table. Two more years passed by and I was once again caught up in work, which left no time for my heart to heal." He looked down at Kagome's hand.
"Then around our seventh year she called me. She wanted to work things out. At first I was hesitant, but I decided to give it a try. I wanted to have what we had a long time ago. Then our tenth year rolled by, it started falling apart again. We just didn't have that love anymore, it was gone. But in my heart I thought I should marry her anyways because that's the only other woman that I've been with for so long. I forgot what it was like to be dating someone else. It was her only at that time."
Kagome squeezed his hand and he squeezed her hand back. She smiled happy that he was opening up to her. She was beginning to know him better. Inuyasha sighed and looked outside his car window. "But she started pushing me away. I'm thinking that was when she was diagnosed with cancer. Our friendship and everything was just flying out of the window. I couldn't control it. She returned the ring and we went our separate ways once again."
Kagome nodded. "I see, your love was just mutual." Inuyasha nodded back, "That's what it became. She wasn't the same after the cancer. She pushed things aside and kept to herself. I still wanted to be with her even when she was hurting me. That's how inexperienced I was with love."
Silence took over once again. Kagome feeling brave enough, looked back at Inuyasha. "Did you ever regret what we had done Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha whisked his head towards her in surprise. "No, never. I always blamed myself for hurting you, but I never regretted it, what we did. Not once." Kagome's eyes started watering. What he said made her happy, he truly cared for her still. "Were you mad that I pushed you away then?"
Inuyasha shook his head slowly, "I was mad at you at first. But I then came to terms with myself that I understood what you had to do. You were right, it wasn't your fault that you did what you had to, and you just didn't want to hurt Kikyo." The silence brooded on inside the car.
Kagome looked at her hand that was still intertwined with Inuyasha. She noticed how perfectly they fitted together. Her hand was neither too small nor too big for his hand. It was just perfect...
"Inuyasha do you remember that night... That night when we..." Inuyasha finished the sentence for her. "When we made love?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes when we made love. I wanted to tell you that was my first time." Kagome felt naïve for saying that but it was the truth and it had to do with what she was about to tell him.
"Ohh... I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked with great concern. Kagome shook her head vehemently, "No, no you didn't, it's that..." Inuyasha leaned over closer, and tilted her face towards him.
He could see tears streaming down her face. "Why are you crying?" he whispered, feeling horrible that he was making her cry again. "Because I'm a little scared about what I'm going to tell you."
Inuyasha's thumb caressed Kagome's cheek. He still found her beautiful even when she was crying. She was always beautiful in his eyes. "Tell me, I promise I won't get mad."
Kagome leaned into his hand. She placed one of his hands on top of her stomach. What she was about to say took all the courage that she had inside of her, every ounce of it. "Inuyasha I'm pregnant. It's yours." She whispered looking dead straight at his eyes.
Inuyasha blinked only once, taking her words and fully comprehending it in his mind. 'It's yours.' The words repeated in his head like a mantra over and over again.
'It's mine.' He thought.
AN: This chapter was the hardest for me to write. I'm so sorry for taking so long, but this week and last week has been very hard for me. I'll try to keep my updates coming out faster sometime this weekend or next week. Please check out my other stories till then, especially my new story that just came out this month it's called The Lost Jewel.
Disclaimer: No I do not own Inuyasha.
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High School Reunion
Chapter Ten
A Second Chance and Truths
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Kagome pulled out of her stupor. She looked into his eyes, to find something, to know that he was here, that he was real. There she saw it. Depths of grievance were etched into his eyes and his face.
Semi-dark circles were starting to form around his eyes, a small stubble was growing on his chin. It was obvious that he was not taking care of himself like Kagome had last seen him.
He was slowly falling apart. She wondered if it was caused by her. Though in Kagome's mind it told her to run as fast as possible, she couldn't.
Her heart wouldn't allow it. She put on a small smile and nodded. Carefully crossing her arms under her chest to somewhat cover her stomach she followed him inside.
She sat down on the couch across from him. No one was around, this was it...
There was no turning back.
Feeling extremely nervous she striked up the conversation first. "What did you want to talk about?" She said. Inuyasha rubbed his chin and looked out the window. He slightly frowned, still not looking at Kagome in the eyes. "About us." He stated plainly but in his mind he cringed expecting Kagome's answer, he had a feeling...
Kagome's heart felt a surge of pain embedding slowly. Her lips trembled slightly but she bit her lip to keep it steady. "What do you mean us? Was there ever an us?" She whispered, afraid to raise her voice any higher.
Inuyasha pulled his gaze away from the window and looked at Kagome, hurt. "Don't play dumb Kagome, there was definitely an us. We had something together and I know for a fact that you can feel it too."
Kagome's eyes started welling up. "Was there? Maybe it was just a mistake, maybe I was your mistake..." Inuyasha burrowed his brows. "Kagome that's not true...All I know is that it did happen, Kagome. It's was like this was suppose to happen. Don't deny it when it's right there in front of your face."
This time it was Kagome who pulled away from the gaze. "I don't know... I don't know if I'm ready for any of this." Kagome closed her eyes unable to help the tears that poured out. It was all too much and so painful just seeing him there.
Inuyasha rushed over to her and sat down next to her. He cupped his hands around her face and gently wiped away her tears. "All I'm saying is could we start over? Just as friends for now. Will you be able to give me another chance?"
Kagome opened her eyes and looked into his face. She wanted so much to throw her arms around him and give into him, but she couldn't. It wasn't time yet for both of them.
"One more chance." She whispered. It was enough for Inuyasha. He nodded and gave her a smile. "That's all I need," he said. Kagome looked down at her stomach. She wondered...
Sango whacked Miroku on the head for the fifth time that day. "I can't believe you..." She hissed flipping over a patty. Miroku rubbed his head, he noticed each slap was getting harder. "What?!"
Sango pointed her finger in his face shaking it. "What?! What do you mean what?! They've been in there for a good hour now. Kagome even said she needed time. What she didn't need was your friend to come over her and blow the situation way out of hand, mister. Have you seen what she's been through for the past few months? Did you even consider what she might feel about this situation? No you didn't!"
Miroku took one of Sango's hands and held it tight in between his two hands. "When will the right time be for Kagome?" He said quietly, "The more she pushes it aside the more of a problem and fear it will turn into. And I did consider her feelings, as well as my friend's. I know that both of them went through hell but they need to work this out, not us, but them."
Sango sighed. She always found it hard to be mad at Miroku for a long period of time. "I guess... But Kagome has one more problem than Inuyasha." Miroku tucked a loose strand of Sango's hair back. "What's that?"
"That she is afraid to love him back. Even though Kikyo has left Inuyasha's life, she still has that one fear. She doesn't want to love someone back that doesn't really love her." Sango wiped her tears on her sleeve and turned off the grill. "What she told me over the last few months I wanted so bad to take her to him and let her really know what he feels for her... But I couldn't. It was her battle to fight not mine."
Miroku put on a half-smile. "I know that he loves her though Sango. What I see in his eyes when he talks about her or sees her... It's something that I didn't see with Kikyo and him. I mean he did love Kikyo. But this vibe I feel, and this connection I see, their love is nothing but pure and strong. Believe me Sango, all of their pain will heal in the end. Their love will mend everything in the end. I know because that's what happened between us."
Sango ruffled Miroku's hair. "Expect we didn't have complications like theirs." Sango added. Miroku smiled. "Of course not, we just had a little groping issue."
Sango smacked away Miroku's hands. "A little? No, we had a lot of issues with your hands Miroku." Miroku shrugged and laughed. "But you know that's why you love me." Sango rolled her eyes.
She was engaged to a lecher. Love had a funny way of working things out...
Kagome had finished packing everything that she needed for this party. Her talk with Inuyasha had been long but they had managed to weave through their maze and work things out. They had become friends again over the few days. It made Kagome' s heart feel considerably lighter, though it wasn't completely free of worry... She still hadn't told him about the baby.
Today was the day of the bridal shower. It was Sango's special day. Kagome wanted everything to be perfect, for all that Sango had done for her. She grabbed her keys and went out into the garage. Kagome opened her door and got in. She started the car opened the garage and drove out. Kagome looked at back at her home, then closed her garage with the garage remote and drove off to Sango's.
Sango was dressed in white, looking elegant. She constantly looked out of her window for Kagome. Kagome was the one that setted up everything for Sango's bridal shower in return for Sango helping out Kagome and her ordeals the last few months.
For that Sango was grateful. When Kagome's car was in view and parked in the driveway, Sango leapt up from her seat and went and to open the door. She wasn't use to this kind of stuff.
Kagome got out of the car and opened her trunk. She had hidden Sango's present weeks ago in the trunk of her car. For two reasons. One, when Sango comes over to Kagome's for movie night on Fridays, she knew Sango would be looking around the whole house to find it, ever since Kagome had mentioned it to her, which was a mistake. Two, she knows Sango too well.
She grabbed the present out of the trunk and closed the trunk, while hitting the alarm. She waved to Sango with her available hand and walked towards the door where her best friend awaited. Kagome entered greeting Sango.
"Sorry I'm late." She whispered. Sango shook her head, "No it's fine I know how hard it is to get to your home from work, the traffic can be a nightmare." Kagome smiled and placed her present next to the others on the table. She clasped her hands together and looked over at Sango. "Now onto the party held in your honor."
The bridal shower had been going well, only thirty of Sango's closest friends and family had been invited, including Kagome. The shower had been a success. They had food and drinks, played a little game, which had to do with men and their annoying habits and more about men. It was now the time to open presents. Kagome handed Sango hers first.
Kagome stood up. "Sango before you open it I want to say something, a toast." Sango smiled and looked at her friend. Kagome held her cup up as well as the others and said. "I've known you since we were juniors in high school. You even saved me from Miroku the first day of school." The women around the table started to laugh, knowing what Kagome meant by the remark, having so experiencing his hands themselves too.
"You were the first to make me feel welcome at school and accepted me as a friend. You stuck by my side and even through the hard times. You were always there for me. Always. And I cherish that forever. So Sango, in your honor I thank you for being my best friend. It is an honor to be a friend of yours. So here's to you Sango! Cheers!" The women brought the wine goblets together and cheered the young bride.
Sango wiped her tears and hugged Kagome. Though she knew Kagome and she had a very close and strong bond, it was always nice to hear an appreciation and the gratitude from a loved one.
She ripped the delicate wrapping paper and opened the present box. She gasped. It was a dress, a red satin dress with multi-faceted beading designs. IT displayed across the whole dress in the front. The bottom of the dress flowed out beautifully. The dress had to have taken months if not a year to make. Sango had told Kagome long ago that she had wanted a red dress like this, because her mother had one, and when her mother used to wear it she looked beautiful and elegant. Sango only hoped to measure up to her mother's beauty someday.
"Kagome...This must have taken months...No, a year to make, and you remembered. I...I...Thank you." Sango put the present on the table and hugged Kagome again, Sango cried happily as she was in her best friends embrace.
Now it was Kagome's turn to talk for the moment. They pulled away from each other and Kagome looked her in the eyes. "It was the least I could after all that you have done for me. When you told me what you've truly wanted twelve years ago, I couldn't forget it. Maybe it was the way your face looked when you talked about it. Whatever it was I would never forget something like that, especially when it meant so much to you. Besides you can wear it to the rehearsal dinner, tomorrow night. You'll look so beautiful in it, Miroku would be proud to have you as his wife. As would your mother, I know that she will be looking down at you from up there, proud as the day you came into this world."
"Kagome thank you. Thank you so much. Words can't describe the feelings I am experiencing. Thank you all for being here." They all came into a group hug and celebrated with Sango. It was moment like these that Sango lived for. She could only hope that it would be this good for Kagome and Inuyasha.
Meanwhile Miroku was at the restaurant he and Sango had recently opened, months ago. The restaurant was closed but inside was a gentlemen party going on.
Inuyasha raised his glass in the air. "To the groom who is also my very close and dear friend. To the man who will be a husband. A loving and wonderful husband to Sango, you will be her protector and a friend. You will learn to cherish the moments that you have with her. Don't ever let her out of your sight... To Miroku! May all be well for you and Sango, and many years to come." The men clumped the beer mugs together and cheered, roaring loudly.
Though Inuyasha's face carried a half-hearted smile. His friend was extremely lucky, while he wasn't.
Because he had let the one thing that he truly loved get away.
It was the night of the rehearsal dinner. Sango and Kagome got into the car, driving to the their destination. "You look so beautiful Sango." Kagome said and Sango laughed. The ride in the car ended shortly when Kagome pulled into the parking lot.
The rehearsal dinner was being held at Miroku's mother's hotel that she owned. Kagome and Sango stepped out of the car. Kagome pulled her black coat tighter, the chilly night air was getting to her.
They walked together side by side. Kagome looked over to Sango. "Don't worry everything will be fine." Sango smiled. "I know... It's just... You know my whole family meeting his family... It's weird, but at the same nice it's nice to know my family will become much larger tomorrow." Kagome gave Sango a reassured smile. They walked up the steps together and went inside.
Miroku paced back and forth, near the front doors waiting for Sango. Inuyasha sat in the corner in a lavishly decorated chair. He usually wasn't a patient person. But at the moment Kagome came in with Sango, it was worth the entire wait in the world. Both men had stopped breathing and froze.
Miroku just stared at Sango. He couldn't believe that the woman standing in front of him was going to be his bride. His bride, if he could say anything at that moment he wouldn't be able to speak, because his eyes were the only part of him functioning. He was lost for words at the moment. She was stunning.
Inuyasha's couldn't believe it. Just when he thought Kagome couldn't be any more beautiful... She had proven him wrong. Her hair was tied in an elegant knot with the other half of her hair down and flowing over her shoulders. The makeup was very light. She smiled gracefully, waving to people that she knew.
Kagome was in a dark green one shouldered strap dress. It was very eye- catching. The dress itself complimented her whole body never looking too flimsy or too tight. It brought out the inner beauty of her out, making her even more beautiful.
Kagome tensed when she and Sango went in together. Kagome had seen Inuyasha in there. And she knew he would be there, but she didn't expect her knees to go weak at the sight of him once again. Either he had gotten more handsome during the past few days or she had forgotten how good he looked.
There he was standing there. His mouth slightly agape. Kagome blushed slightly and turned her attention away from him and looked at the dining area. It was decorated with balloons, streamers, and confetti. A picture perfect moment. On the center of the long table all the guests were now seated and waiting. Kagome sighed, it was perfect, and Sango and Miroku deserved everything. Every last bit of it.
Sango looked at the center table. There it had large bouquets of roses and small lit candles besides it. The white gleaming plates and silverware were sparkling clean. A long streamer rolled across and above the table with the words on it saying 'To a new beginning'.
Sango walked to Miroku and kissed him on the cheek. "Hello, how have you been?" Miroku rubbed her shoulders and put on a dashing smile. "Lonely Sango, I waited all day for this dinner, and for you. I missed you so much. Let's go sit down, everybody's waiting."
Kagome had settled down next to Sango. To Sango's left was Miroku and to Miroku's left was Inuyasha. The guests all clapped when Sango and Miroku finally were seated.
Inuyasha stood up and said "Since I'm Miroku's best man, it's tradition to say a speech for the bride and groom" He looked at Sango and Miroku, who looked up at him inventively. "You are two people put on this Earth, and God put you here to be happy in each other's presence. To love and cherish each and every day of your lives together as a unity, as one. You have now made your souls as one whole. It makes me proud to say I have witnessed a love so powerful and meaningful, and I'm glad it's happened to my best friends. I hope that I can find something as rare as that. Miroku take good care of her. And Sango take good care of my best friend. To the happy and lovely couple. Here's to them, that we drink in their honor."
People raised their glasses and said cheers and drank in Sango and Miroku's honor. Then everyone ate and chatted happily. It was only the beginning for Sango and Miroku.
Kagome watched wistfully couples dancing out on the dance floor. She felt alone but happy for her friends. She pulled away from her gaze at Sango and Miroku dancing when Inuyasha sat down next to her. Kagome looked at Inuyasha taking the time to look into his eyes and memorizing the features of his face. She wondered if their child would look more like her or him.
Inuyasha looked over at Kagome who blushed slightly and looked away. His heart smiled at her little innocent gestures. 'If she only knew...' He thought. "Would you like to dance?" He asked. Kagome looked back over to Inuyasha and nodded, "Yes I would like that." She stood up and gave her hand to him and let him lead the way.
She felt safe and secure just holding his hand, there was something that always made her feel complete when she was with him. They danced not saying anything for a moment. Both taking the time to think things through and enjoying each other's company.
The silence was soothing for Kagome. She was afraid to lean her head against his because her stomach would be touching his, he would know then... She bit her bottom lip thinking how she could tell him the news. Or even worse, was she ready to tell him? What would he think of the unborn child?
When the song ended Kagome looked up into his eyes. "Do you want to go somewhere to talk?" She suggested. Inuyasha looked around and the looked back at her, "Yeah, I think we should." He led her outside and walked her to his car. He unlocked the doors and let her inside and then went to the other side.
He closed the door and looked over to her. "As you were saying?" He turned on the heat to keep them warm. However Kagome still shivered slightly, but opened her mouth to talk anyways. "What's the one thing that you've always wanted?" she asked.
Inuyasha handed Kagome his coat and looked at his steering wheel. "I guess that would be to have a family, it's the one thing I've always wanted." Kagome's eyes widened. "Really?"
Inuyasha looked over to Kagome and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I get it from my mom or something, I've always loved little children. Expect the one time I had to watch my nephew..." Inuyasha shuddered at the thought. "He was a nightmare. His name was Shippou." Kagome laughed, imagining something like that happening to Inuyasha. Inuyasha smiled when he saw that managed to make her laugh.
"So why didn't you and Kikyo ever have..." Kagome knew she was bringing a painful subject for both of them but she felt she had a right to know just as he did...
"Why Kikyo and I never had kids? I guess... I guess she never wanted to have children, she just wanted things to remain the same. She didn't like change." Inuyasha looked down still carrying a sorrow smile on his face. "I think that's when we started to fall apart. Our relationship that is."
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, Inuyasha." Kagome added, not wanting to put pressure on him. Inuyasha shook his head. "No it's okay I want to tell you. It was when we were in college. That's when she started bringing up the subject of marriage. I was... I was so happy that she wanted to get married that I bought a ring for her the next day. I proposed to her that day too." He looked back up at Kagome, Kagome didn't blink.
"We bought a house together, a few months after the day I proposed to her. I was happy with her. The next three years of our lives were the best, we never or seldom argued. We were in love. Not married but close to getting married." Kagome's heart tightened a bit painfully at hearing what Inuyasha said, but she didn't say anything. She kept on listening.
"Then I guess around the fourth year it just started falling apart. She was working more and I was away more often too. We got caught up in our work lives than our life at home. Marriage was put aside and life went on. Two years it went by like that. Two years I hadn't been with her intimately, and it didn't phase me back then... We were two strangers living under the same roof. We didn't have that special chemistry anymore."
Kagome placed her hand on top of his, reassuring him. He continued, "I didn't know what to do. I was scared. We broke up for a year. She lived at a friend's house in New York and I lived alone in Florida. She returned the ring and I kept it at the bottom of my drawer in my bedside table. Two more years passed by and I was once again caught up in work, which left no time for my heart to heal." He looked down at Kagome's hand.
"Then around our seventh year she called me. She wanted to work things out. At first I was hesitant, but I decided to give it a try. I wanted to have what we had a long time ago. Then our tenth year rolled by, it started falling apart again. We just didn't have that love anymore, it was gone. But in my heart I thought I should marry her anyways because that's the only other woman that I've been with for so long. I forgot what it was like to be dating someone else. It was her only at that time."
Kagome squeezed his hand and he squeezed her hand back. She smiled happy that he was opening up to her. She was beginning to know him better. Inuyasha sighed and looked outside his car window. "But she started pushing me away. I'm thinking that was when she was diagnosed with cancer. Our friendship and everything was just flying out of the window. I couldn't control it. She returned the ring and we went our separate ways once again."
Kagome nodded. "I see, your love was just mutual." Inuyasha nodded back, "That's what it became. She wasn't the same after the cancer. She pushed things aside and kept to herself. I still wanted to be with her even when she was hurting me. That's how inexperienced I was with love."
Silence took over once again. Kagome feeling brave enough, looked back at Inuyasha. "Did you ever regret what we had done Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha whisked his head towards her in surprise. "No, never. I always blamed myself for hurting you, but I never regretted it, what we did. Not once." Kagome's eyes started watering. What he said made her happy, he truly cared for her still. "Were you mad that I pushed you away then?"
Inuyasha shook his head slowly, "I was mad at you at first. But I then came to terms with myself that I understood what you had to do. You were right, it wasn't your fault that you did what you had to, and you just didn't want to hurt Kikyo." The silence brooded on inside the car.
Kagome looked at her hand that was still intertwined with Inuyasha. She noticed how perfectly they fitted together. Her hand was neither too small nor too big for his hand. It was just perfect...
"Inuyasha do you remember that night... That night when we..." Inuyasha finished the sentence for her. "When we made love?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes when we made love. I wanted to tell you that was my first time." Kagome felt naïve for saying that but it was the truth and it had to do with what she was about to tell him.
"Ohh... I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked with great concern. Kagome shook her head vehemently, "No, no you didn't, it's that..." Inuyasha leaned over closer, and tilted her face towards him.
He could see tears streaming down her face. "Why are you crying?" he whispered, feeling horrible that he was making her cry again. "Because I'm a little scared about what I'm going to tell you."
Inuyasha's thumb caressed Kagome's cheek. He still found her beautiful even when she was crying. She was always beautiful in his eyes. "Tell me, I promise I won't get mad."
Kagome leaned into his hand. She placed one of his hands on top of her stomach. What she was about to say took all the courage that she had inside of her, every ounce of it. "Inuyasha I'm pregnant. It's yours." She whispered looking dead straight at his eyes.
Inuyasha blinked only once, taking her words and fully comprehending it in his mind. 'It's yours.' The words repeated in his head like a mantra over and over again.
'It's mine.' He thought.
AN: This chapter was the hardest for me to write. I'm so sorry for taking so long, but this week and last week has been very hard for me. I'll try to keep my updates coming out faster sometime this weekend or next week. Please check out my other stories till then, especially my new story that just came out this month it's called The Lost Jewel.