Konichiwa mina-san! #hears nothing but crickets in the background# ummm...hello? #more crickets# ah shit...I know I took long time but this is ridiculous! #a frog croaks and then more crickets are heard# Well, for anyone who IS still around, lot's of stuff happened but I won't bore you with the details. And it wasn't just this chap that I was doing, as I said, I went over all the other chaps which actually look pretty good, even if I do say so myself. So yeah, if you have time to kill, go read them again cuz some stuff has been added and you MIGHT (I stress might) get a little confused later on. But that's up to you. Plus, this chap would have been out on Halloween but when I uploaded it some of the symbols weren't showing up. I had to then go through all my chaps and change the symbols for song lyrics and the inner voice and yeah...SO ANNOYING!!!Anyways, there were a few things that people kept asking me about in their reviews so I figured I'd answer them up here rather then individually:
1) Translations – I know I tend to use a bit of Japanese in each chap and lots of you don't know what the words mean. So, at the end of each chap there's a little translation guide. Every Japanese word I use in the chap is translated into English for you. Isn't that great? Huh? Huh?! Thought so.
2) Kagome's outfit for the dance – Many people were confused about Kagome telling Sango they needed to shopping at the end of the last chap. Make no mistake, Kagome's still wearing her leather ensemble; what she meant was, they needed to go shopping for an outfit for Sango.
3) The ring – ah yes, the ring. No I haven't forgotten about it and yes it will appear later on in the story. Don't worry, it will be explained and everything will be sorted out by the end of the story so keep your pants on!
4) The Kag/Inu lemon – Now this is something EVERYONE is asking about. It isn't happening for a few chaps yet people, so you're gonna hafta wait. I know you're all real anxious and to tell you the truth, I'm a little anxious too. I want it to be really good and I can't wait to write it. But it and when Kagome and Inuyasha actually kiss aren't in this chap. So be patient and you will be well rewarded when the time comes.
5) Recommendations – A few of you asked for my opinion on some of the really good Inuyasha fics. Well, anything under my favourites list is good, that's why it's there P. 'Choices' by hanyou007 and 'Where Did You Go?' by Skittles1 are some of my personal favs. Also anything by Maiden of the Moon, Stone Dragon Ruby, Melissa Byrd and Sorena is always worth reading. And if anyone wants me to read one of their fics, PLEASE let me know! I would love to give you feedback!
6) Responses – This is where I'll be answering questions from people reviews. Just a reminder that I don't respond to everyone, because that would just take way too long, but if you do have a specific question then put it in your review and I'll answer it next time.
X-with stars Yes I totally agree with you! Fuck is an awesome word and should be used more often lol.
Leomae Sorry I didn't respond to last time, I don't do everyone cuz then each chap would be double the length lol. Kagome and Inuyasha won't be kissing in this chap either but lots of interesting stuff happens!
Kim You always give such nice long reviews, I love it! Yes Kikyou has something up her sleeve but she doesn't necessarily need something to use against Kagome, but it's going to be evil anyway. I just hope I don't get impaled by various sharp objects when it happens...And thanks for the tip on Kagome's eyes, I went through each chap and changed them all to blue, so I hope I didn't miss one..."Now presenting the magical Kagome and her mystical changing eyes!" LOL.
BladeSaturn #gets smacked in the face with an apple and falls over, swirly-eyed# Oro...gomennasai! Stuff piled up and I couldn't get out of it. But here's the next chap, so enjoy! #goes wide-eyed as she's pelted by more apples# HELP!!!
Ladykaa28 Your reviews are wonderful and I always love getting them. I know I made Kanna kinda evil, but that's just the way I see her. She's a follower, whether it's her family or the person in power. There is going to be some 'overhearing' later on but not in the way you said. It does sound like a good idea, so I'll see what I can do.
Hanyou007 You're reviews are always hilarious! I think you're one of the few reviewers that actually make me laugh out loud when I read your reviews. #hand him a cookie# See? I give rewards, you should to! And I still can't get the image of Kikyou in witch costume and flying on a broom stick. That will be forever treasure lol. Keep up the great work on your own story, I hope to see more soon!
Cattykit You get the pleasure of being the one to send me the longest review ever! #gives her a gold star and throws confetti# You should feel special! #grins# And I appreciate your comments about the flame. I was just kinda ticked off about the fact that my story was being compared to real life when even the name of the site it's on is And thanks for reading my one-shot as well; I didn't get as many reviews for that one so it's nice to know someone's reading it.
Kaye Ah yes, there's just something about a girl wearing guys clothes that just inflates a guy's ego to no end lol. I love thinking up perverted comments for Miroku, it's so fun! Hope you enjoy this chap.
Psycho-Lark I really don't have anything to say to you...except that I'm going to get you back for blackmailing one of these days! #shakes her fist at her#
Stone Dragon, Ruby Don't worry, no red for Kagome, but Inuyasha will be wearing some. Can't change that! But I agree, light blue does suit Kagome...I'll have to think of something that I can make her wear that's light blue.
Twilightshadow I will get around to reading your story in the next few days, but I have been really busy. It took me seven months to update this story, isn't that sad? So yes I'll read your story and then we can both dance on the ceiling okay? Also, the song you suggested, I listened to it and was blown away. It's such a good song! I'm considering using it but I'm not sure yet. If I do I'll send out a special thanks to you at the beginning of the chap!
ShadowStar666 We should start a Kikyou-hater's Club! That would be awesome mwahahaha #joins a group of people standing around a burning stake, Kikyou screaming from the centre#
JDLS You reviewed every chap! #hands over a large box of pocky# Thanks so much!
Principessa Squish Avina You have such an awesome name. It's so cool! And I hope this will suffice and change your mind about feeding my toes to the ducks...
Meeko No one knows that Kagome is singing at the dance except for Sango and the band. That's one part of her plan but SHHHHHHH don't tell anybody! #looks around suspiciously#
PreciousRin I'm gad you liked my portrayal of Hojou. I'm just so sick of him being the dorky nice-guy. I needed a change of pace and so made him evil. Can't you just see it? His innocent persona dissolving into a murderous psychopath? I thought so.
"---" talking
'---' thinking
-italics- song lyrics
/---/ inner voice
----- letter / note
Diclaimer: Do I really need to do one of these? If I owned Inuyasha I would be lounging around in a mansion instead of searching for a job!
Lark: That's still no excuse for taking seven months to update.
Sereia: #blushes# uh...well...you see, the thing about that is...
Lark: That's what I thought. #beats her over the head with an inflatable hammer#
Sereia: Oro...
Ryan: I'm surprised your reviewers, if you even have any left, haven't come after you with pitchforks yet.
Sereia: #turns around surprised# Wait a minute, where the hell did you come from? Who said you could barge in on my disclaimer?!
Ryan: I'm the Lord and Master, I can do whatever I want. #glares at her#
Sereia: Ummm...#tries to think of something to say# uh...well...you should...update your own story! Hahaha you can't complain about mine anymore! #eyes widen as he unsheathes his sword and starts chasing her around the room# GAH--! #darts out of the way and sticks out her tongue# Nyah! Can't get me! #smacks into a wall and Ryan pounds her over the head with his sword# Someone help...
Lark: #is content with sitting in her corner and eating pocky# That's what you get for making everyone wait over half a year. #munch munch#
Sereia: #lies on the ground, swirly-eyed#
Chapter Fifteen
Preparation
"This one?"
"Nope."
"This one?"
"Nope."
"How about this one?"
"...Nope."
"You're not giving me much choice."
"Then obviously you need to find a different style." Kagome glared at Sango and put the outfit she had just picked out back on the rack. They had been to five different stores and Sango had yet to find something that she liked.
"Come on Sango!" Kagome whined, "We're going to be here 'til midnight if you don't find something." Sango raised an eyebrow at her.
"I've found many things," she countered, "You just won't let me buy them."
"Sango, if I'm going in that leather bra thing," Kagome glared at her again, "Then I am not letting you get away with anything below the knees."
"You said you were going to buy that outfit anyway Kagome-chan." Sango walked away from her and started going through some shirts. Kagome rolled her eyes and walked up behind her.
"Do you really think you would have let me walk out of that store without it?" The brunette smirked and winked at her.
"Of course not."
"I rest my case." Sango picked out a shirt and showed it to her friend but Kagome shook her head so she replaced it.
"I don't know why you're complaining Kagome." They started out of the store only to go into the one right next to it. "I think that outfit is going to prove to be quite effective." Sango laughed out loud as Kagome blushed. "You've got it bad." Kagome blushed even harder and started to fiddle with her jacket zipper.
"And you don't?" she mumbled, following Sango to the back of the store.
"I haven't been pining after the same guy for over ten years Kag."
"Has it really been that long? I've lost count." Sango sighed and patted her on the shoulder.
"He'll come around," she said in a comforting tone, "Once he gets a look at you on Saturday, he'll be on his knees begging for forgiveness for being so stupid." Kagome laughed and playfully slapped her on the arm. They began to look through the wracks again, each turning down the other's choice. "How's that plan of yours coming along by the way?"
A grin spread across Kagome's face. "Great! I've got the perfect songs picked out and I don't really see a way something could go wrong." Kagome had been asked to perform at the club during the dance and she had almost refused. She was glad she didn't because the songs she was planning on singing were a big part of her plan to get back at her cousin once and for all. She had asked the band to perform specific songs for her and they were happy to oblige.
"Are you sure, Kagome?" Sango gave her a sceptical look, "I mean, you say that now, but what if something does go wrong? I don't want you digging yourself so deep that you can't get out." Kagome waved her off and walked to a different wrack.
"Hai hai. Daijobou Sango, I've got everything figured out. Kikyou lost something she's always taken for granted and thought she'd always have and I'm going to completely rub her face in it." She grinned again and Sango could not help but do the same. Kagome had waited years to get back at her cousin and the first step had been standing up to her. The second had been punching her face in, which Kagome had enjoyed immensely.
Suddenly Kagome spotted something at the back of one of the wracks to her right. She reached up and pulled on the article of clothing. It slipped off the hook but Kagome didn't trouble herself by reaching for it; the hanger was a little too high for her and she couldn't be bothered to battle with it. She smiled mischievously and then grabbed something else off another wrack and shoved it into Sango's hands.
"Go into a change room and try this on," she said to the brunette, her sapphire eyes sparkling. Sango gave her a strange look and tried to protest but Kagome cut her off. "Don't argue with me Sango, I've been around you since . . . well a long time. I know what looks good on you and what doesn't. Now, go in there and try it on." Sango sighed and allowed Kagome to hustle her into a change room.
Kagome smiled to herself as she listened to her friend change. It was nice to be the bossy one for once, she thought as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. Usually it was Sango who was forcing clothes on to Kagome, even if she wasn't planning on actually buying anything.
"Done yet?" Kagome called into the stall. It opened with a small creak and Sango stepped out. Kagome's eyes widened a little and she let out a low whistle. Sango blushed and turned around slowly.
"You really think it's appropriate?" She asked. Kagome raised an eyebrow at the brunette before looking her over. The top was a shimmery pale pink and went down to Sango's hips but it only had two buttons so the front opened up and showed off her smooth stomach. The upper half clung to Sango's skin but as soon as it reached the end of the buttons, it became loose and flowed out nicely around her body.
The sleeves were long and tight until they flared out at the ends, just above the wrists. The skirt Kagome had picked out was classic black but only went down to the middle of Sango's thighs. The outfit was completed by the stylish knee-high boots Sango was wearing and Kagome took a step back to get a better look.
"Well?" Sango asked, looking a bit nervous, "What do you think?"
"If he doesn't notice you, he's gay." Kagome met Sango's gaze and they burst into a fit of giggles. Their laughter had almost subsided when they met gazes again and burst out laughing for a second time. When they were both able to speak, Kagome winked at Sango and told her to change back into her normal clothes so she could pay for the outfit. Sango gave her a slight nod before disappearing into the change room.
Sango paid for her new clothes and they both left the store with grins on their faces. Now they both had a gorgeous new image for the dance on Saturday. They were on their way out of the mall when Sango turned to Kagome with a questioning look on her face.
"Ne, Kagome, how are you going to hide your new outfit from Inuyasha?" She asked as they pushed open the main doors and stepped out into the parking lot, "You said the ensemble was part of the plan, but how are you going to keep it a surprise?" Kagome winked at her friend before getting out her keys.
"You remember that long leather coat I bought all those years ago but never wore?" Sango nodded slowly, realisation dawning in her magenta eyes, "Well, don't you think it's about time I broke it in?"
"Good idea. What say you and I start getting ready at about...oh...four o'clock? That way we have time to fix something if anything goes wrong." Kagome nodded and then smiled.
"You think we're going to be able to keep the guys away for that long? I mean, the dance starts at seven right?" Sango nodded and Kagome clicked off the alarm on her car, "Should we come up with some excuse if they try to bang down our door?" Sango laughed and opened the passenger door.
"Iie, if they know what's good for them, they'll leave us alone until we're ready to go. Then we'll all pile into Miroku's car and he'll drive us down to Hakurei." They both got into the car and Kagome turned on the engine.
"Actually Sango, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I have something else in mind."
"Oh? Do tell." Kagome grinned and proceeded to fill Sango in on the next part of her plan.
#-#-#
"Something wrong?" Kagura put her coffee cup down and looked at the man sitting across from her. Sesshomaru had been on the phone for over half an hour and had only just sat down at the table located in the middle of his kitchen. He had an almost tired look on his face. Worry and anger was visible in his hard golden eyes and Kagura reached out to touch his hand.
He let out a sigh as Kagura intertwined their fingers. Sesshomaru wasn't one to show his emotion so easily, so Kagura knew there was something bothering him without even asking. But Kagura knew he wouldn't actually voice his problems without her asking so when he didn't answer, she gave his hand a small squeeze.
"Sesshomaru...?" He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. Kagura sucked in a breath as the usual sparks leapt across her skin at the contact. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Kagura found her voice. "Sesshomaru? You were on the phone for a while, and I—"
"Okonosata never made it to the police station." Kagura blinked and then her ruby eyes widened.
"Hojou Okonosata? The guy who attacked Kagome?" Sesshomaru nodded once and Kagura gave him a confused look. "You mean he died from Kagome's attack?"
"I mean he killed the two policemen that were with him and escaped." Kagura gasped and her hand flew to her mouth.
"W-what?" Sesshomaru clasped his hands together and didn't say anything else. Kagura gaped at him, the information still a shock to her mind. "K-kami . . . what's going to happen to Kagome when she finds out?"
"She's not going to find out." Sesshomaru's eyes became hard and dangerous.
"H-huh?"
"Higurashi is not going to know that Okonosata escaped because we're not going to tell her." Sesshomaru met her gaze Kagura knew at that moment that he was more involved in this that she had thought.
"Sesshomaru, why are you so concerned about Kagome?" she asked, her gaze piercing, "I saw your eyes changed when we went to visit her and your brother in the hospital." He raised an eyebrow at her and then smirked.
"Jealous?" he asked. Sesshomaru reached out and touched her face, gently stroking her cheek. Kagura's eyes lit up and she smiled.
"I don't know. Should I be?" Sesshomaru shook his head lightly and then retracted his hand.
"Trust me. The only relation I have to Higurashi is that she's with my brother."
"With? But they're not—" He raised an eyebrow at her again and she smiled, "So you noticed it too ne?"
"I've noticed it for a long time. What surprises me is how long it's been and that my stupid brother still hasn't realised it." Kagura laughed and nodded.
"Maybe I should smack him over the head and knock some sense into him."
"You'd have to get in line."
"I didn't doubt it for a second. But you still didn't answer my question." Kagura said, "Why are you so worried about Kagome?" Sesshomaru sat back in his chair and crossed his arms across his chest.
"My concern is not about Higurashi, Kagura." She gave him a confused look, "My concern is about Okonosata."
"I don't understand. Why would you be concerned about him?"
"Because he killed my father."
#-#-#
Kouga checked his watch and looked around for the hundredth time. He was not a patient person and so the fact that he had been waiting almost fifteen minutes annoyed him intensely.
'Why she wanted to talk to me, I'll never know,' he thought to himself. Checking his watch again, Kouga cursed under his breath. "What a bitch! Asking me to go out of my way and then she doesn't even show up on time."
"Now Kouga, there's no need for name-calling." Kouga turned around with another curse and glared at the woman.
"I'd say there is. You need to learn to be on time," Kouga snarled, taking a step forward, "I had to go out of my way to meet you and you kept me waiting. Doesn't really give me any reason to listen to you."
Kikyou rolled her eyes and flipped her long hair over her shoulder. If she didn't hurry and get this over with, she was going to be late for her manicure. It was one of the things that made her feel better and she needed one for the dance on Saturday anyway.
"Give me a break, Kouga," she said, "I'm not going to be very long and I think you'll be interested in what I have to say." Kouga raised an eyebrow at her and crossed his arms. Kikyou bit her lip in order to keep a straight face. It was just too easy. Kagome was going to get what was coming to her and Kikyou wasn't going to have to even raise a finger against her.
"So? What do you have to say to me? My time is precious and you're wasting valuable seconds just standing there." He smirked at her and Kikyou's hands clenched. 'Was this guy for real?' she thought to herself. She didn't think it was possible for anyone to be this conceited.
"I have plenty to say," she said with a smile. "And trust me, when I'm finished, you're going to be glad you waited."
"Oh, really? And what could you possibly have to say that would interest me?"
"One word: Kagome." Kouga blinked at her and Kikyou smirked. Such a simple mind, and therefore, very easy to please.
"What about her?"
"You like her don't you?"
"What's it to you?"
"A key element in my revenge." Kouga shook his head and took a step away.
"Oh no, I'm not getting in the middle of some family feud between you and your cousin."
"But you'd like to get back at her for dumping you." Kouga flushed and glared at her.
"That's not the point," he said, "And she didn't dump me."
"Uh huh." Kikyou was not convinced but the look on Kouga's face showed her that he didn't want to fight her fight. It didn't matter; Kikyou had many tricks up her sleeve and she had only just begun. "So you don't want revenge on Kagome?"
"The hell I don't!" Anger flashed across the man's crystal blue orbs, "Sometimes I want to hit her so hard . . . But I won't fight anyone else's battle. I have my own to win."
"Not even when it will hurt Inuyasha as well?" Kikyou saw the anger in Kouga's eyes turn to blind fury and she knew she had him.
"What did you have in mind?" The corners of his mouth curled up into an evil smile. Kikyou casually shrugged her shoulders and walked around him.
"Nothing much," she said, her voice taking on a smug tone, "But if you do what I say, both Kagome and Inuyasha are going to get hurt . . . badly."
"I'm not fighting them."
"Of course not, you silly boy." Kikyou turned around and faced him, "You have such a violent mind. No, no, I have something much more . . . emotionally devastating in mind."
"Oh really?" He raised an eyebrow at her again, but Kikyou could tell he was already hooked.
"Yes really. Now," she said, the edge of her blood-red lips curving into a smile, "Are you in?"
"Absolutely," Kouga shook her hand and Kikyou had to keep from laughing. In just forty-eight hours, both Kagome and Inuyasha would regret the day they had messed with Kikyou Miko. It was going to be a night they would never forget.
"Excellent."
#-#-#
"How did you convince her to go with you?" Miroku looked up from his book and stared at his friend.
"How did I convince who?" Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Sango. How did you get her to agree to go to the dance with you?" Miroku took off his reading glasses and grinned at the silver-haired male.
"Elementary my dear Inuyasha," he said, "She was over come by my incredible charm and couldn't say anything but yes." Miroku dodged the pillow that was thrown at him and put his book down on the small table that stood in front of the couch. Inuyasha was sitting in the burgundy recliner across from him, the remote control in his hand. He had obviously pressed the mute button, because there was no sound coming from the television even though Miroku could see it flashing out of the corner of his eye.
"Seriously, what did you say?"
"Why? Need some ideas of what to say to Kagome at the dance?"
"Keh, yeah right." Miroku raised an eyebrow at him and then shook his head.
"It's totally obvious you know." Inuyasha looked at him, confused.
"What is?" he asked, taking a drink of his beer. Miroku had already finished his, and now it stood empty on the table in front of him.
"You're in love with Kagome." Inuyasha choked, the amber liquid getting stuck in his throat. He sat forward, coughing as a faint blush spilled onto his cheeks.
"What are you talking about?" he sputtered, staring at the dark-haired man, "I'm not in love with her."
"Then why did you ask her to the dance?"
"Because I felt like it." Miroku stifled a laugh and Inuyasha glared at him. He took another swig of his beer, trying desperately to get rid of the heat in his face.
"I don't think that's the reason, my dear Inuyasha." The silver-haired male rolled his eyes.
"Oh, really? And tell me, oh great one," he said in a mocking tone, "Just what was my reason?" Miroku put down his book and picked up his empty beer bottle, before walking towards the kitchen. He put it in the sink and then turned around and leant against the counter.
"I think you were afraid of letting her go with someone else. I think you couldn't handle the idea of her dancing with some other guy so you asked her yourself. And I think," he said with a slight smirk, "that you are lying to yourself about how you really feel about her."
"Keh."
Miroku looked over at his friend and let out a sigh. He knew Inuyasha was stubborn, but this was going to take a while. And considering he had only broken up with Kikyou a few days before was going to make it even worse. He had been hurt and Miroku knew that was one of the things Inuyasha tried to avoid. It had started with the death of his father; Inuyasha had not been the same since.
There was also that ring . . . Miroku hadn't been able to get it out of his mind since that day he had discovered it in the hospital. If it had been for Kikyou, Inuyasha was going to need more time than he thought.
"I'm right, aren't I? There is something going on between you and Kagome." Inuyasha shut off the television and then got up from his chair. He crossed the room but didn't look at his friend. His long silver bangs hid his eyes but Miroku could tell his mind was full. Miroku stood still, not wanting to say anything to set Inuyasha off. He knew Inuyasha felt something for Kagome, he just hoped it hadn't died with Kikyou's betrayal.
Inuyasha came up to the island in the middle of the kitchen area and leant against it with a sigh, "Truth?" Miroku nodded at him, his dark eyes searching.
"Truth." Inuyasha let out another sigh before continuing.
"No." Miroku almost fell over.
"What kind of answer is that?!" Inuyasha's eyes hardened and he glared at Miroku.
"You're the one who asked," he retorted, "It's not my fault if you don't like the answer."
"Well I expected something more detailed than that." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and set his empty beer bottle down on the island.
"We're just friends."
"Bullshit." Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at his friend and crossed his arms.
"Keh."
"Come on Inuyasha!" Miroku said, "I've seen the way you look at her and now you've asked her to the dance?" His voice took on a sceptical tone and Inuyasha glared at him.
"I haven't been looking at her any different and why would I?" he asked, "I've been dating Kikyou up until recently . . ." Inuyasha trailed off and Miroku knew he had hit thin ice. Inuyasha's eyes had become hard and dangerous.
"Hey, I know she hurt you bad, but that doesn't mean you have to skip out on something like this."
"She has nothing to do with it." Inuyasha said, "And there's nothing to skip out on because Kagome and I are just friends." Miroku let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders.
"Whatever you say."
#-#-#
"Well that does sound interesting." Sango got out of the car with a smile, only stopping to get her purse and new outfit from the back of Kagome's car. Kagome smiled mischievously.
"Yes I think so," she said as she set the alarm on her car. She wasn't really afraid of her car getting stolen but it paid to be careful. Plus the fact that Kikyou would do anything to make her miserable. Which was why she kept her favourite form of transportation somewhere else.
"You really have this thing all thought out." Kagome nodded and started up to their dorm, Sango at her side.
"Hai."
"He means that much to you huh?"
"Hai," Kagome said with a blush, "More than anything." They reached their room and Sango hung her new clothes in the back of the closet before joining Kagome on the couch.
"I have a question though Kagome." Sango's hands were folded in her lap and she looked at the raven-haired woman with a serious look on her face. Kagome raised an eyebrow at her and leaned back, her feet resting on the small coffee table.
"Shoot."
"Why didn't you tell me you had feelings for Inuyasha?" she asked, "I mean, it's been how many years and you never actually told me you loved him. I was the one who came out and basically said that I knew." Kagome's crystal blue orbs widened a little and she looked at the ground before letting out a sigh.
"I really don't know Sango," she said, "I just"—another sigh—"I thought about it, but I felt so silly. Falling in love with my best friend, doesn't that sound weird?" Sango smiled and put her hand on Kagome's.
"Not in the slightest, if anything, it's better."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you got to know each other as friends. Not a lot of people are able to do that Kagome, which means that you and Inuyasha have something special." Kagome glimpsed at her friend and sniffed.
"How do you know that Sango?" Kagome asked, tears starting to for in her eyes, "For all I know, Inuyasha is going to turn me down flat." Sango hit her lightly on the head.
"Baka," she said, "You keep thinking like that and something is going to go wrong." Kagome forced a smile as she rubbed her head.
"Gomen . . . it's just . . ." she trailed off and looked at the floor again. Sango put her arm around Kagome's shoulders and pulled her close.
"Daijobou Kagome-chan, you have it all planned out, remember?" Sango gave her a squeeze for reassurance, "And if Inuyasha doesn't notice you for the hot little thing you are, we can assume Kikyou turned him gay." Kagome shook her head but a small smile had made its way onto her face.
"I wouldn't be surprised." Sango smiled as well before letting her go.
"Do you think Inuyasha got dropped on his head when he was younger?" Kagome met Sango's magenta gaze, her eyes sparkling with hidden laughter.
"I don't know, why?"
"Because something must have happened to blur his vision. I don't know what he saw in your cousin that he couldn't find in you."
"Maybe he went through a slut phase," Kagome said, her smile getting bigger. No matter what, Sango always knew how to make her feel better. Plus she had a wicked sense of humour. And of course it had nothing to do with the fact that half of the things Sango made fun of were related to Kikyou.
"You mean an empty-headed, stuck up slut phase." Sango said, her laughter spilling past her lips and echoing through the room. Kagome soon joined in, her tears no longer those of misery. Her distress was gone and she once again felt the excitement of tomorrow's dance. It was going to be a night she was never going to forget.
#-#-#
Kagura stared at Sesshomaru in disbelief, her mouth opening and closing like a fish as she desperately tried to form words. Hojou Okonosata had killed his father. Sesshomaru's words sunk deep into Kagura's mind and wrenched at her heart. Her ruby gaze met his golden one and held it. His face was expressionless and Kagura wanted to hold him in her arms and tell his it was okay to feel sad.
It wasn't fair he had to go through things like this, she thought to herself, no one should have to deal with demons like Okonosata. Kagura's fist clenched, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her skin. Now she knew. Knew why he didn't like to talk about his family. Knew why his eyes had clouded over with hate when Inuyasha had mentioned who had attacked Kagome in the hospital.
She looked at him and once again tried to force herself to say something. "Sesshomaru I—" A lump formed in her throat and she couldn't go on. She just continued to stare at him, mixed emotions swirling in her mind. Sesshomaru finally broke their gaze and looked out the window. It had become overcast and threatened to rain at any moment.
"Don't," he said, his void of all emotion. Kagura blinked in surprise. Sesshomaru got up and walked to the glass sliding door. It led to a small patio on the side of the house, complete with two lawn chairs and a small white metal table.
"I didn't—" she began but he cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"It's been years since he died Kagura," he leant against the wall, his eyes unfocused but directed at the floor, "And I don't want your sympathy." His arms were crossed against his broad chest, giving Kagura an image of finality. But at the same time, she could almost feel the emotions swarming in his mind.
Kagura's ruby orbs hardened and her fist clenched again but for a different reason. She was tired of Sesshomaru holding back from her. No matter how close they had become there was always a barrier between her and his heart and it was starting to get to her. She wanted to know him completely, to be able to feel what he felt instead of being held at a distance.
She stood up from her chair, the wooden legs scraping against the floor. His eyes were still down cast as she walked up to him. It was only when she stood right in front of him that Sesshomaru finally looked at her. Kagura couldn't tell what he was thinking but she didn't care at the moment. He opened his mouth to speak but never got the chance.
A loud slap sounded through the kitchen as Kagura's hand made contact with his face.
Sesshomaru's head snapped to the side with the force of the slap. His hand slowly reached up and touched the tender skin. It started to turn red and the slightest contact he made with his fingers stung. His golden eyes had widened as soon as Kagura had hit him and now shone with surprise and shock. He turned to face her and his eyes widened a little more as her expression change from angry to hurt and back again.
He watched Kagura's beautiful crimson eyes spit fire at him. He was in complete and utter shock. No one had ever hit him before. Not even Inuyasha, whom he had shared many brawls with. They usually used weapons but in the few fights where they had gone hand to hand, Inuyasha had always been beaten.
Inuyasha had a tendency to let his anger and frustration take hold of him. It would cloud his mind and cover his senses, which would always lead to his defeat. Sesshomaru always kept calm and focused, his objective clear at all times. His technique out did Inuyasha every single time and he was able to overcome every like obstacle his younger brother threw at him.
But Sesshomaru could not hide the emotions that swirled within him at that moment. Someone had slapped him. The person standing in front of him had slapped him. Kagura had slapped him. And she had slapped him hard. He touched his cheek again and flinched. No, she had slapped him really hard. He opened his mouth and her eyes flared.
"If you say anything, I'm going to hit you again," she said, raising her arm for emphasise, "And trust me Sesshomaru, I never break a promise." He stared at her for a moment and then closed him mouth, wondering what she was going to do next.
She had him backed up against the wall beside the sliding glass door. It had begun to rain and was creating a steady beat against the glass. The rain was the only sound and it echoed loudly through the kitchen. Sesshomaru swallowed slowly, never breaking eye-contact with the woman in front of him.
What had he done to make her so mad? Her crimson eyes flashed at him and Sesshomaru felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest. His mind was full of dangerously clashing emotions. Anger. Surprise. Confusion. Desire. The last one was a constant when it concerned Kagura.
When she was around other people she gave off the image of elegance and poise. But when they were alone, she was liquid fire in his arms. Sesshomaru couldn't believe how different she became but never complained. He loved every side of her . . . wait a minute, did he just say love?
If possible, Sesshomaru's golden orbs widened even more. Did he actually . . . love her? He had figured it was just a very . . . intense relationship, but at the thought of another man even touching Kagura . . . Rage invaded his mind and clouded his vision. He wouldn't allow any man to touch his Kagura. His internal growl then turned into a groan as reality set in.
He loved her.
Sesshomaru let out a curse under his breath and prayed Kagura hadn't heard it. That would be just what he needed. Kagura was still standing in front of him, her hand ready to hit him again if need be. He ground his teeth together and waited for her to speak. She obviously had something to say and he hoped it wasn't going to end with handprints on both sides of his face.
"I'm sick and tired of you trying to hide your emotions from me, Sesshomaru," Kagura finally said, her eyes flashing, "I know you felt something for your father and even though the killer is still on the loose you act as if it's nothing." Sesshomaru was taken aback.
"I didn't say—"
"You didn't have to say it Sesshomaru," Kagura let about a sigh and shook her head, "It's in the way you're voice changes. You try to keep your emotions hidden, but I can see right through you. I just . . . I just wish you would share them with me yourself, so I wouldn't have to go digging for them."
"Kagura, I—" The look in her eyes caused a lump to form in his throat. Kagura was also very skilled at hiding her emotions but the loneliness in her eyes was like a punch in the gut. Did he really hide his emotions like she said? Sesshomaru knew it was true even as he questioned himself. He had always done it; it was his way of keeping people at bay, a way of protecting himself.
But he didn't need to protect himself from Kagura.
She was the one person that he had never needed to be on guard around. And yet he had still done it out of habit. Sesshomaru felt like smacking himself. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around Kagura's wrist. She pulled back in protest, her gaze sharpening. Sesshomaru's lips curled up into a half smile and his other hand went up to Kagura's neck.
His fingers spread over her skin, his thumb slowly caressing. Her body gave an involuntary shiver but her ruby eyes were still glaring at him. Sesshomaru was suddenly hit with a wave of desire, his pants becoming tight as he stared at the woman standing in front of him. How could he even have considered trying to hide from her? He forced her hand down and then pulled her against his body before crushing his lips against her own.
Kagura's mouth opened in shock, which he took advantage of, sliding his tongue in. She tried to pull away but Sesshomaru kept his grip tight, deepening the kiss. His tongue ran over her teeth slowly and then entangled itself with hers, massaging and caressing. He could tell Kagura was still trying to fight it, so he moved her even closer. They were now touching from chest to knee and he rocked his hips a little.
That was all it took. Kagura let out a groan and melted against him. Knowing that she was no longer a threat, Sesshomaru let go of her wrist and she snaked her arms around his neck. His hands slid around the brunette's waist. He still couldn't believe how well they fit together, like two pieces of the same puzzle.
Kagura wiggled as she tried to get closer and Sesshomaru moaned into the kiss. The little vixen could change moods within a matter of seconds and so he never knew what to expect. But he liked that. He was tired of women throwing themselves at his feet or only seeing him for his money. Kagura actually argued with him and was beautiful when she did. Her face would become flushed and her exotic crimson eyes would flash at him and dare him to argue back.
Suddenly she pulled back, breaking the kiss. Her breath was laboured and she stared at him, her head cocked to the side, "What was that for?" Her eyes were searching, trying to find his motive for kissing her. Sesshomaru just growled. Then he picked her up and headed towards the bedroom.
"We'll talk later," he bit out. Kagura just shook her head in exasperation and kissed him again. He could tell her hunger was as demanding as his. He also knew that she wouldn't let their discussion go; but he needed her now and he wasn't about to wait. Laying her down on the bed, their clothes quickly littered the floor. Then he was on top of her and their gazes met, both flaming with desire.
They didn't speak for a long time.
#-#-#
Kikyou couldn't keep the smirk off her face as she watched Kouga walk away from her. It was just too perfect! Not only was she going to get her revenge, she wasn't going to even lift a finger. She loved the way she could manipulate people into doing her dirty work.
It was almost like having a set of obedient servants that would do anything and everything for her. Actually, Kikyou would have been surprised if Kouga had refused. It wasn't in his nature and he had too much pent up anger towards Inuyasha to say anything but yes.
Kikyou's lips curled up in delight as she headed towards her car. If she didn't hurry, she was going to be late for her appointment. Just because she planned to get revenge on her cousin didn't mean she couldn't do it in style. Although, she needed to look good when Kagome was yanked off that pedestal she thought she was on.
Kikyou cursed under her breath, "That stupid bitch. She thinks she's so smart," Then a smirk formed on the raven-haired women's lips, "But not for long. You've let your guard down Kagome, and this time you won't know what hit you until it's too late." She opened the door to her car and slid into the driver's seat just as her cell phone rang. Cursing under her breath, Kikyou rummaged through her purse and pulled out the vibrating object.
"Moshi moshi."
"How's my favourite student?" the sultry male voice asked. The frown turned to a smile and Kikyou's good mood returned.
"Naraku." His name was said in a whisper, goosebumps already appearing on her skin.
"I take it you're having a good day?" he said with a low chuckle. Kikyou sat back in her seat, the phone wedged between her ear and shoulder.
"I am now."
"You give me too much credit."
"Perhaps," she said, her lips curling into a sexy smile, "What are you doing?"
"Waiting for you." Kikyou couldn't help the small moan that escaped her lips. He would be waiting and she wanted nothing more than to go to him but she had an appointment that she absolutely had to go to.
"I can't . . ." she said as she started the car, "I have to get my nails done. And don't ask me to cancel like last time. The dance is tomorrow and I don't have time to reschedule."
"I wouldn't dream of doing that," Kikyou could tell by the tone of his voice he was smiling, "How about tonight? It won't take you that long to 'get your nails done' will it?"
"You obviously don't know anything about women, Naraku," she said with a smirk. He made a snorting sound.
"I don't want to know about other women," he murmured, "I only want to know about you." Kikyou shivered. He always did that. Merging into the mainstream of traffic, she headed towards the nail salon.
"That's good to hear."
"Are you really going to take all day?" Kikyou bit back a laugh.
"Of course not. But I don't know when I'm going to be done."
"Come over when you're done, I'll wait."
"I'm sure you will."
"I'll see you tonight then."
"Hai, ja ne." Kikyou clicked off her phone and tossed it into her purse. Yes, today was definitely a good day.
#-#-#
Inuyasha stared at himself in the mirror. It was the night of the dance and he still hadn't decided how he really felt about the whole thing. No matter how many times he had denied it, he was really looking forward to going with Kagome. And no matter how many times Miroku had asked him, Inuyasha still hadn't told him the real reason why he was taking her. Not that he had one anyway.
He let out a sigh and fixed the collar of his black dinner jacket. The dance wasn't formal, which was why he was wearing a deep red turtleneck underneath, but something in the back of his mind told him he needed to dress up a little. He was wearing black pants to match the jacket and a diamond stud sparkled in his left ear.
He turned around, inspecting himself until he realised what he was doing. Letting out a snort, Inuyasha shook his head, "What the hell am I doing? It's just Kagome." But even as the words passed his lips he knew it was a lie. It had never been just Kagome, not since the incident in the hospital at least. Inuyasha still couldn't believe she had stayed with him the whole time.
"That stubborn bitch," he grumbled, "Getting herself sick. What am I going to do with her?" A flash of naked skin and tangled sheets appeared in his mind and caused him to blush. He shook his head to clear it but the image burned in his mind. There were a lot of things he'd like to do to Kagome, most of which would take place in the bedroom.
Gripping the edge of the bathroom counter, Inuyasha stared at his reflection in dismay. Why was he having these thoughts? They were becoming more frequent and he was afraid someone was going to notice his...reaction to his best friend.
"Something's wrong with me," he told his reflection, "Maybe Kouga hit me harder than I thought." He sighed again and released the counter. He fixed his jacket once more, and then walked out of the bathroom. Taking one look around, he declared himself ready and made his way into the kitchen where Miroku was waiting.
The dark-haired man was dressed casually in similar black pants and a dark blue dress shirt. It wasn't tucked in, and he had rolled up the sleeves to just below his elbows. A black leather jacket was draped over one of the chairs. He turned to Inuyasha as he entered the room and grinned.
"Ready to go?" His foot was propped up on the same chair his jacket was on and he was tying his shoelace. Both he and Inuyasha had on black dress shoes. Just because it was a casual dance, didn't mean they couldn't go in style. Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders and leaned against the island in the middle of the kitchen area.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Miroku's grin turned mischievous and he rested his elbow on his knee as he looked Inuyasha over.
"A little dressy for a club, don't you think?" he said, his eye sparkling. Inuyasha mentally groaned and then rolled his eyes.
"Oh give me a break! I've had enough of your you're-in-love-with-your-best-friend bullshit. Am I not allowed to dress up any more?" Inuyasha averted his eyes and fiddled with the end of his right sleeve. Miroku shook his head and put his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"It's alright you know."
"What is?"
"Being in love with her." This time Inuyasha groaned out loud.
"When are you going to give that up?"
"When you stop lying to me and yourself and admit that I'm right," he said casually.
"Feh." Miroku just shrugged his shoulders, continuing to grin. He walked back to the chair, picked up his jacket and slung it over one shoulder. Then he grabbed his keys and motioned to the door.
"It's now or never."
"What do you mean now or never?" Inuyasha almost growled, "We're going now because Kagome and Sango will chop off our balls if we're late."
"It's sad because it's true." He walked towards the door and opened it, then waited for Inuyasha before locking it behind them. They walked down the hallway in silence and then down the flight of stairs leading to the parking lot. Sango had told them the day before to wait outside instead of picking them up at their room and Inuyasha still didn't understand why.
"Remind me again why we're not picking the girls up at their dorm?" he asked, breaking the silence as they reached the front door. Miroku pushed the door open, shrugging.
"I'm not sure of that myself," he replied, his breath turning into fog in front of him. "That's just what they asked us to do."
"And you don't think that's strange?" Miroku didn't reply, only shrugged as he put on his jacket. "Not very talkative tonight, are you?" The violet-eyed male just shrugged again and walked to the edge of the concrete sidewalk. His hands were shoved inside his jacket pockets and he was rocking back and forth, looking around. Inuyasha stared him for a moment before his lips curled up into a smirk.
"Nervous much?" he asked, walking up beside him. Miroku looked at him without turning his head and raised one eyebrow.
"Nani? Me, the great Miroku, nervous?! Yeah right." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and slapped him hard on the back. Miroku, not expecting, stumbled forward a few steps before catching him balance. He turned around and gave his friend a curious look.
"What was that for?"
"For being stupid," Inuyasha replied. Miroku's eyes widened a little.
"How was I..." He stopped mid-sentence when Inuyasha shook his head.
"It's alright you know."
"What is?"
"Being nervous."
"So you actually were listening to me earlier," Miroku said as he stepped back onto the curb. "Ready to admit I'm right?"
"Feh, that has nothing to do with it," he snorted. "You're nervous because Sango actually agreed to go with you this time. And it didn't require you getting down on your hands and knees and beg." Miroku regarded him slowly.
"I still don't know why that should make me nervous."
"How about the fact that they've been getting ready for the last three hours and you don't know if you're going to be able to keep your hands to yourself?"
Miroku grinned sheepishly, "That might do it." Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"You never change," he chuckled. "But then again, I'd be scared if you did." Miroku's grin became real as he eyed his friend.
"I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult."
"Take it as both."
"Sounds good to me." Inuyasha shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. It was true; Miroku hadn't changed since high school. He had what Inuyasha called the 'Wandering Hand Disease' and it got him into a lot of trouble. Especially with Sango.
Most girls would just get really embarrassed or scream. Sango did both but she also had a tendency to make Miroku's face turn red as well . . . with her fist. Inuyasha couldn't count the number of times his friend had ended up on the floor, unconscious after trying to feel Sango up.
Secretly, Inuyasha had a feeling that deep down, Sango didn't mind all the attention Miroku gave her. It was only the little things that had triggered this assumption, but it had been triggered just the same.
Although Sango hid her feelings very well, Inuyasha had sometimes caught her looking at the dark-haired pervert, a hooded emotion reflecting in her magenta orbs. She had been hurt when she was younger, though Inuyasha didn't know the extent of it, so he knew that she was afraid of getting close to anyone.
Inuyasha looked around for the girls again, and then checked his watch. They were already ten minutes late. He forced himself not to curse, 'They threaten us and tell us to be on time, but when it comes to them, the rules don't apply.' Running an aggravated hand through his hair, Inuyasha grumbled under his breath.
It wasn't just the fact that Kagome and Sango were late, it was the whole damn situation. They had been extremely secretive about what they were doing to get ready and they had told Inuyasha and Miroku not to come by their dorm at any point. Miroku had actually had to hold Inuyasha back from storming to their dorm and breaking down the door.
Something was up and his instinct was telling him it wasn't something good. His instinct had never been wrong. Why was Kagome keeping things from him? Kagome never kept things from him. He was her best friend. Something had to be wrong. Inuyasha was about to voice his opinions to Miroku when he heard someone running towards them. Both men turned around and watched as Sango approached.
Her hair was in its regular ponytail but her bangs had been curled slightly and framed her face nicely. She was wearing a long dark coat so Inuyasha couldn't tell what she was wearing underneath. However, from the fact that the bottom of the coat only went down to her knees told him she wasn't wearing pants. Her shiny black boots glistened in the light coming from the dorms, stopping just below her knees.
"Hey guys," she said, a little out of breath. "Been waiting long?" Inuyasha was about to chew her out but Miroku spoke first.
"Of course not, Lady Sango," he replied, his voice oozing with charm. Sango and Inuyasha rolled their eyes.
"Yeah right." She put her hand on her hips, her magenta eyes sparkling. They stood out more than usual with the hot pink eyeshadow dusting her eyelids.
"At least we were on time," Inuyasha sneered.
"Only because Kagome and I threatened to castrate you."
"That's besides the point," he retorted. Suddenly Inuyasha frowned, his eyes going over Sango's shoulder. "Where's Kagome?" Sango's lips curled up into a small smile.
"She needed a few extra minutes to get ready—"
"You've been getting ready for hours!"
"—and she said for Miroku and me to go on ahead," she finished, ignoring Inuyasha's comment. "We'll take his car and you can take Kagome in your when she gets out here." Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, giving the brunette a sceptical look.
"I thought we were all going together." Sango shrugged her shoulders.
"Plans change." She grabbed Miroku's shoulders and pushed towards the parking lot. Inuyasha stared after them, a slight grin forming on his lips.
"Are you sure this wasn't your idea Sango?" She glared at him over her shoulder but he could see the colour starting to creep into her cheeks.
"Wanted to get me alone, ne Sango?" Miroku's voice carried across the parking lot and Inuyasha had to stifle his laughter. He then watched as Sango slugged him in the jaw and proceeded to carry him to his car by the collar of his jacket. He was grinning like the Cheshire cat and Inuyasha shook his head, hoping that Miroku would still be conscious by the time the couple got to Hakurei.
Stuffing his hands in his pockets once more, Inuyasha turned around and scanned the front of the building for Kagome. There was no sign of her and he sighed, "Women . . . why they need so much time to get ready is beyond me." He kicked a pebble across the pavement in frustration. Patience was not one of his strong points.
Growling under his breath, he searched the front of the dorm building again. Damn it, where was that woman?!
"She is so going to get it when she gets out here," Inuyasha said to himself, grinding his teeth together. He went and leaned against the metal pole that acted as a thin banister to the stairs that lead up to the dorms. He flinched a little, the coldness seeping through his pants and into his skin. His breath froze as he let out a sigh, the warm air turning into a wispy fog in front of him.
'I wonder what Kagome will be wearing?' the seemingly innocent question appearing in his mind. It didn't really matter, Kagome would look good in what she chose, but Inuyasha found himself wondering just the same. Would she dress casual, or go for the simple but fancy look? His brow furrowed as he tried to think of the most likely combination. However, his thoughts were cut short when a loud noise sounded behind him.
Inuyasha turned around as a dark figure on a motorcycle pulled into the parking lot. The engine was loud, it being the only sound, and Inuyasha couldn't help the growl that reverberated in the back of his throat. The cyclist did a circle around a group of cars before settling on a spot right across from him.
The person was wearing a long, leather jacket and Inuyasha was surprised that it hadn't got tangled in the driver's feet. It went all the way down to the person's ankles and was draped over the back of the motorcycle. Even if it hadn't been s dark outside, Inuyasha still wouldn't have been able to make out the figure's facial features. A black helmet with red flames covered his head, blocking it from view.
Inuyasha realised he'd been staring and quickly averted his gaze. He didn't hear the person move, didn't hear the engine being cut. Inuyasha pushed it to the back of his mind and concentrated on what he had been thinking about earlier: Kagome's outfit. He hadn't been able to come up with something solid yet and it frustrated him.
The driver gunned the engine. As a natural reaction, Inuyasha turned his head and stared back at the person on the motorcycle. It was almost as if he was being challenged. Raising an eyebrow, he sauntered to the edge of the curb. The figure leaned forward, casually crossing his arms across the dashboard of his black motorcycle.
Inuyasha shifted his weight onto one leg and he looked him up and down, "You got something against being quiet punk?" the golden-eyed man called across the parking lot. "'Cause as far as I know, people can get real cranky if their study time gets interrupted." He doubted there were many people actually studying tonight, but he kept that to himself. The figure didn't reply so Inuyasha turned and started to walk back to his place near the stairs.
The driver gunned the engine again.
Something inside Inuyasha's mind snapped. Maybe it was because he was tired of waiting. Maybe it was because he couldn't figure out what Kagome was going to wearing tonight. Maybe it was because it was cold. But whatever the reason, he was now ticked off.
"What the fuck is your problem?!" he yelled. "You've got some nerve, you little bastard, to try that twice!" The person cocked his head to the side almost innocently, then shook it as if to say "You're the one being stupid." This infuriated Inuyasha. He stepped off the curb and started towards the motorcycle, continuing to yell at the driver.
Inuyasha stopped mid-curse when the person reached up to remove his helmet and smirked, "So you're actually gonna do this face to face? You've got guts, I'll give you that, but if you think for one minute that I'm going to—" Inuyasha's voice got caught in his throat as a pile of long raven hair spilled out from under the helmet.
Crystal-like laughter spilled across the cold pavement of the parking lot and suddenly Inuyasha was looking in a pair of very feminine, very familiar sapphire eyes. She rested the helmet on her hip, her other hand resting on the dashboard once more. Her dark pink lips curved up into a smirk before she spoke.
"Hey stud, care for a ride?"
#-#-#
#ducks rotten fruit and sharp objects# I know, I know!!! I don't update for seven months and then I leave you with a cliff hanger #ducks more sharp objects# I'M SORRY!!! But like I said, I've already got the chapters planned out for the most part. That's just the way the cookie crumbles, I guess . . . #gets hit in the face with a frying pan by her editor#
Sereia: What the hell was that for?! You already got me for not updating!
Lark: #grins# That was for the cliff-hanger.
Sereia: #glares at her, but then pitches forward and she gets hit from behind# Oi!!!
Ryan: #grins as well# That was also for the cliff-hanger.
Sereia: NOT FAIR!!! You guys can't team up! #backs up as both Lark and Ryan advance#
Lark: Give us one reason why not.
Sereia: #gulps and runs for it, Ryan and Lark hitting her every so often with their frying pans as she calls to her reviewers# Please review, the next chap won't take very long, I PROMISE!!!
Ryan: Yeah, we'll make sure of that. #hits her over the head with his frying pan again#
Sereia: Oro...Look at the pretty birdies...