Author's Note- I'm really blown away by the reaction you reviewers have given this. It sounds corny, but it means so much to me. Thank you.
Nothing to note in this chapter except one brief note that will be at the end. :)
One Promise to be Kept
Part Two
The Perfect Present
By Kelly O'Connor
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InuYasha frowned as he stared at the ceiling of Kagome's bedroom. All thoughts of what to purchase for the girl were eluding him. I've never given Kagome anything…
Exhaling, the Hanyou closed his eyes. It had come as a slight shock that he had no idea what he could get the person he'd spent almost the entirety of the last year and a half with. Is it wrong that I haven't? Should I have done more than just protect her and…
Cutting off his thoughts with a shake of his head, InuYasha stood up and stretched his arms. Beginning to survey the room, he sighed and walked over to her desk.
"I really don't think there's anything here," he muttered under his breath as he sifted through the collection of belongings that littered her desktop. Tossing aside a small calculator, he glanced across the room where his eyes met with Kagome's largest dresser drawer.
Making his way across the room, InuYasha examined the objects on the dresser. A few glass trinkets and modern objects he was still unfamiliar with gave him no ideas. Why would you want to buy something that could just break?
InuYasha moved his hand down and found it resting upon one of the knobs on the top drawer. With a resigned shrug, the teenage boy slid open the drawer and reached inside.
He was startled out of his action by the sound of the bedroom door creaking open. SHIT, is that Kagome?
In panic, he pulled his hand out of the drawer and fisted the object he'd snatched upon opening it, hiding it behind his back.
Much to his relief, he heard only a heavy 'mrow' as the door slid open the rest of the way and a certain obese feline entered the room.
"Buyo…" He ground out, his heartbeat slipping back to its normal pace. The Hanyou gave the cat a pointed glare. Narrowing his eyes, InuYasha pulled his hand from behind his back.
"Keh, I thought you were Kagome."
Unfisting it, InuYasha immediately felt a crimson blush flood his cheeks, and his heartbeat rose once again. The straps slid out of his hand first, then the lace cups afterwards. Of all drawers to reach into, poor InuYasha had reached in that most incriminating underwear drawer.
After a minute of flustered twitching, he finally gained enough rationality back to place the bra in the drawer and shut it.
There's nothing. He slunk back to the bed sulkily, plopping down on his stomach. What am I supposed to get Kagome, when all I've ever given her is… well, being there by her side?
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Kagome absently ran her hand across the rows of video games that decorated the racks of the store she was currently exploring. What can I get someone who I've already tried to do so much for?
Not to mention, she turned away from the entertainment displays, it isn't exactly easy to shop for someone from the sengoku jidai.
The teenage girl had spent the better half of the last few hours searching through the enormous three-level department store in search of the perfect gift for her companion.
Great lack of foresight Kagome, she told herself, go out shopping for InuYasha of all people with nothing in particular in mind to get him.
Dragging her exhausted feet along, she sat down on the nearest bench in the store.
It doesn't help that I keep thinking of what happened… Kagome slumped back and closed her eyes, blocking out the Christmas music that blared across the speakers. Even though I didn't mean it that way, I feel bad that he could perceive anything I said in such a manner.
How could he? Doesn't he know how much I want him with me? She bowed her head and clenched her fist in her lap. That nowadays it feels strange when he isn't there?
But this is InuYasha we're talking about. Sometimes I forget how insecure he really is. Sighing deeply, she shook her head. Still, I wish he didn't doubt me…
Noticing a young couple walking by with hands held, she stood up and adjusted her purse. I have to show him that I accept him fully not just in his time, but mine as well…
Her eyes followed the couple as they bantered with each other. They'd stopped and appeared to be lightly bickering.
"Wait down here sweetie, I'm going upstairs to get your gift," Kagome overheard the woman.
"What are you buying me? Clothes again?" Her partner jested. His girlfriend gave him an impish smile and shook her finger.
"Now that's a secret dear," She winked and walked away.
The brown haired man shrugged and made his way to the electronics department. "Hmm, women."
Shaking herself out of a stupor, Kagome blinked. "Clothes?" At first the idea seemed ridiculous to her. After all, clothes for Christmas weren't exactly that meaningful.
However, as the thought sunk in… Kagome couldn't help think that maybe, just maybe she'd found the perfect gift for her companion.
Stepping onto the nearest escalator, a smile crossed her lips. It can't be comfortable for InuYasha to walk around in his normal clothes. People do stare, and he's self conscious enough as is.
As Kagome entered the lower level, she quickly headed over to the young men's department. I want to show him. Show him that I love being around him, that I'm proud to have him with me. I want him to know what he's welcome wherever I go.
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Mrs. Higurashi pulled a pan out of the oven as she heard a knock on the door. "Souta, would you get that? It's either your one of your friends or Kagome."
"Okay Mama," the young boy bounded into the foyer and opened the door. He was greeted with Kagome, who swiftly slipped off her shoes and gave a 'Tadaima.'
"Souta, where's InuYasha?" She inquired.
"He's sleeping in your room Nee-chan."
"Asleep? Eh?" I wonder if he's feeling better about what happened… I hope so.
Glancing down at the bag in her hand, she gasped. "Oh right then! Will you take this and put it in the hall closet so InuYasha won't see it? I'm going to head up to my room."
Nodding, Souta took the bag out of her hands and peeked inside. "Nee-chan, you got Inu-no-niichan clothes?" His nose wrinkled slightly.
"I know it seems odd," Kagome began to explain her voice soft and thoughtful, "but I wanted InuYasha to know that he's welcome here and anywhere I go… if I buy him something to wear here, it shows how much I want him here."
Souta took note of the light blush that now covered his sister's cheeks and grinned mischievously. "I never knew that buying clothes could be romantic."
"Souta!" She snapped, flustered.
"It's okay, I won't tell Inu-no-niichan you bought him clothes." He reassured cheekily and ran off with the bag.
Heading up the stairs, Kagome heaved an exasperated sigh. "It's been a long day," She groaned to herself as she topped the stairs and moved to open her door.
As the dark-haired girl entered her bedroom, her eyes softened and she felt many of her irritations melt away. The sight of InuYasha asleep never failed to give her a feeling of contentment.
It's like every trouble in his entire world just disappears when he's like that, Kagome mused as she approached the bed. He looks just like the innocent boy he is…
"Kagome, InuYasha!" Mama Higurashi's voice along with a knock on the bedroom door interrupted her.
"Ah, wait a minute Mama!" She glanced at InuYasha, who was as expected, woken up by the racket.
"Kagome?" He questioned as he cracked his eyes open. Sitting up, he yawned and reached up to rub the sleep out of his eyes.
"You don't usually fall asleep in the middle of the day like this." She remarked.
InuYasha flushed lightly. "I got bored." He reasoned, an accidental hint of shortness to his voice. Kagome winced.
"Listen… I'm really sorry I couldn't take you." She apologized, regret clear in her tone.
The silver-haired boy blinked. "Bah, don't worry about it."
Kagome sat down on the bed next to him and looked down at her hands. "I am worried. It really upset you!"
"It's okay Kagome."
"It's not! I'd never be ashamed of…"
"Maybe… I overreacted a bit." InuYasha interrupted and looked away, staring at a spot on the wall as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.
"InuYasha…"
"Hmph," His expression turned falsely sour, "Keh."
Kagome smiled.
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"InuYasha, are you ready?" Mama Higurashi called. "If so, go wait by the door."
"Okay, coming…" He replied and walked into the foyer, adjusting the baseball cap he already wore as he did so.
Realizing that they were running short on time and that shopping with InuYasha would likely not be a speedy task, Mrs. Higurashi had hustled the couple out of Kagome's bedroom just a few minutes ago.
She'd told Kagome that she'd be taking InuYasha out shopping because she had some last minute shopping to do herself. But most importantly, so Kagome would have time to wrap her gift without worrying about a hovering Hanyou.
"Kagome, keep an eye on Souta and his friends as well," Mama yelled as she entered the foyer herself. "Oh and all of you have fun!"
Giving InuYasha a genial smile, the dark-haired woman patted him on the shoulder. "Let's go now dear."
Nodding, the teenage boy opened the front door allowing Mrs. Higurashi to exit first.
"Thank you."
"Keh."
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"Do you have any idea what you want to get for Kagome?" She asked once they'd traversed the short distance from the shrine to the nearby department store. InuYasha had taken a moment once they'd entered to ogle the decorations, wide-eyed and fascinated by the lights that were hung amongst much of the store.
InuYasha looked down as if defeated. "Uh-uh, I looked all around and didn't find anything I thought she'd like."
"Hmm," Mama tapped her chin. "Well… I'm sure we can find something."
The two continued to walk along for a few minutes before InuYasha halted at the sight of something familiar.
"Neh, what about this?" InuYasha pointed to a large exercise bike. "It's a bicycle right? Kagome doesn't have one of those anymore…" He trailed off, clearly somewhat guilty over destroying her last one. I told her she didn't need one, but she still might like it.
Mrs. Higurashi laughed. "Oh, InuYasha… that's not the kind of bike Kagome would ride."
"Huh? Well it does look kind of funny…"
"It's an exercise bike. It stays in one place and you ride it so you can stay in good shape."
"Well, are there other bikes that are like the ones she uses?" The Hanyou inquired, wondering if he was onto a gift idea.
"How about we look for something else, InuYasha?"
"Oi, but I think she'd like a bike!" He retorted.
Mama sighed. "Would you like it InuYasha? Would you like her having a bike?"
Reflecting back on the reason they hadn't opted to replace the bike when it had been obliterated, InuYasha sighed in resignation. "No… not really."
"That's what I thought." She beamed. "You're supposed to give people what they love on Christmas, but somehow I think both of you are happier not taking a bicycle through that well."
InuYasha felt a light blush cross his cheeks. "Keh."
"That's what I thought," Mama noted as the two continued their way through the store.
After several minute's silence, InuYasha piped up again. "Well, that looks good." He pointed to another display.
Mrs. Higurashi raised an eyebrow in slight confusion. "A suitcase?"
"Kagome's bag she brings is always really full." He explained, "This one is so big. Imagine how much food you could put in it!"
"I'm not sure that's the best reason for buying a gift InuYasha…"
"It looks worn out," He continued in a somewhat softer voice. "There's some little holes in the one she has and she always stuffs so much junk in it."
Mama's face formed into a sweet smile. Awfully perceptive regarding her, isn't he? "I can fix that. Any holes I can mend, and I can even wash it so it looks good as new."
"But…" InuYasha began, discouraged that another idea of his was being shot down.
"You're trying," The dark-haired woman cut in gently, placing her hand upon his shoulder. "Christmas shopping is almost never easy. You'll find something for her."
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A couple hours and several failed ideas lately, InuYasha dejectedly left the department store.
"Shit, I couldn't find anything," He kicked the concrete with his bare foot. Everything was wrong… I found something I thought was good, but 'cuz I don't know… something was always wrong about it.
An expression of failure setting upon his features, InuYasha glanced around to the men, women, and couples that dotted the sidewalk. I do stand out, He thought to himself, surveying the hakama and hunting jacket that were his constant clothing. I look different and I act different, so people stare… That's gotta be embarrassing to Kagome.
Attempting to shake himself out of the cynical train of thought, InuYasha sighed deeply. No, she said it wasn't… she meant it right?
"InuYasha?" Mama interrupted his thoughts as they walked along the sidewalk. "If we don't find anything, I'm sure there are many things you could give her that don't cost a thing."
"No," The Hanyou shook his head in rejection of the idea. That's what I always try and give her.
The two continued to walk along in a resigned silence, before Mama spoke up again.
"Say," She began, pointing to a small establishment among the many stores in the strip they were currently walking along. "Why don't we go in there?"
InuYasha looked up, "Huh? Jewelry?"
"Yes, it's a jewelry store. There might be something in there for her." Perhaps he could get her something like a charm bracelet or a locket…
"Okay… I guess."
In agreeance of the idea, the two entered the store, the door jingling as it opened at their touch.
"Good evening," a female clerk jumped to their aid with a congenial smile. "Can I help you two tonight?"
"Uhh, yah… I guess." InuYasha replied.
Clasping her hands together, the woman continued. "Why you young man, are you looking for a gift for your girlfriend?"
Face flushing bright red, the silver-haired boy gave a miniscule nod.
The clerk laughed lightly. "Well do you have anything in mind?"
"Just wanna get her something… she'd like." He explained in a low tone.
"Ah, okay." She tapped her chin. "Well, how about a promise ring?"
"What's that?"
"Mhmm," The woman began to walk over to a glass display case, although admittedly she found it odd that the boy she was helping didn't know what one was. "It's what a lot of boys your age buy the girls they care about. They're very popular."
Following the clerk, InuYasha glanced into the case and surveyed all the rings. Most of them being single bands with one small jewel interlaid in the center.
"Do you know what a promise ring stands for?" The clerk inquired in a warm tone. InuYasha looked up from the case in wide-eyed curiosity.
If they're popular, then Kagome might like them. And I know she doesn't have one already. This lady acts like it's something she'd want but…He spoke up,"No… well, what does it mean?"
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Next Chapter- A purchase and a gift exchange from the heart… The last chapter.
Promise Ring/Sweetheart ring- Obviously I didn't put this note at the beginning of the chapter because it's a spoiler but, here it is. This will be explained by the clerk next chapter, but for those curious: A promise ring (also called a 'sweetheart ring' sometimes) is a popular gift boys will get their girlfriends in Japan. It's pretty much 'the gift,' the one that is one of the biggest and most meaningful. It is the gift that they work those overtime hours for. We have promise rings in the U.S, but they're not quite as popular as they used to be. They had their prime here in the 60's and 70's, but continue to be popular in Japan. It is a romantic gift, but it is in no way a vow of engagement or any kind of proposal. In its essence (what it's supposed to be for if you are entirely sincere about it), it's the boy vowing himself to the girl. To be with her, to stay by her side, etc.