A/N: thank you for all the reviews and sorry for the late update. anyways,
this chapter is for Miroku/Sango and Inuyasha/Kagome fans (I am
included!!!). There are a bit Emiko stuff but it's mostly about the romance
of those two couples, a hundred percent fluff! please still read it...
R&R!!!
All disclaimers apply...
Because of you Chapter 6- Playing Matchmaker
Ayayay... there they go again, fighting like cats and dogs, even at the middle of the class...
Emiko was watching Miroku and Sango, who were seated at the edge of the classroom poking each other with their pencil. Miroku started it, obviously trying to get the answers to the worksheet out of Sango. But when Sango didn't even turn around at first, he poked her more. Sango was getting irritated that she finally paid attention to him and shot him a glare but that apparently didn't stop him from doing so. And that's where their war started. It was a miracle that Mikami-sensei hasn't even noticed them. Guess being in the edge of the room does help too.
Emiko looked at Inuyasha, who was beside her. He too was looking strangely at the couple at the opposite side.
Then she looked at Kagome, who was not paying a spec attention to Miroku and Sango but was doing her work. Who could blame her for being such a nerd sometimes?
Afterwards, Emiko shot a quick glance at her seatmate who was busy doing his work as well, not paying any attention to anyone in class but himself and the teacher.
Emiko sighed looking at the blackboard again which was half blocked by Touya's head. She was bored to death with math but didn't want to fall asleep and get another detention again.
After a few more minutes, the bell finally rang.
"Don't forget to finish your seatwork at home. You'll be passing that on Tuesday!" shouted Mikami-sensei to the retreating class.
"At last! Class is done!" Emiko heard some students say as they left the room. Emiko caught a swift glace of Touya as he walked pass her. She smiled at him remembering what happened last Friday...
Flashback
The last few hours of their date was spent on watching fireworks, which was lit every night from 6 o'clock to 10. Emiko really had a great time with Akira Touya this evening and the thought of doing this again was even more exciting.
The two were walking towards Emiko's house hand in hand without conversation. The cold autumn wind passed their faces as they took another step nearer.
"You shouldn't have brought me home you know," said Emiko.
"How come?"
"You've done enough for me already. I mean, you paid for the bus twice and for the restaurant too," replied Emiko.
Touya gave a small chuckle. "Don't worry Emiko, it's alright. I've spent more before, plus, the restaurant is half free considering my family runs it too."
Emiko just sighed. She felt cold already especially because she wasn't really used to this kind of weather. Kyoto was more of a summer sun place, not a winter cold one.
Touya felt Emiko shiver and put an arm around her shoulder, taking his hand off hers.
"You must be cold," he whispered. Emiko nodded and moved closer to her date.
It seemed like forever until their reached Emiko's house. Actually, they stopped a block away cautious of Mrs. Ishikawa watching them at this very moment.
"I don't know how to thank you for this wonderful evening, Touya," said Emiko as she withdrew herself from Touya's hold.
"Just take care of yourself Emiko and remember to bring a jacket next time," replied Touya.
Emiko's heart skipped a beat at the words 'next time' but just threw it off her mind.
"Look who's talking," she said and smiled. "Like you have a jacket. Better you safe than me or else I'll be getting more from Naraku."
Touya laughed. "Well, if I get sick, will you be my nurse?" he asked.
Emiko blushed hard, thankful that the dark hid her crimson face. "Hai," she said softly but her voice stayed gentle.
Touya suddenly hugged her and whispered, "Then I'll be more than happy to get sick."
Emiko blushed even more if that was possible. She let herself be hug by Touya but was let go soon.
However, she felt a kiss planted on her forehead. "Oyasumi," she heard Touya say. She nodded and walked to her house sensing a funny feeling in her heart...
End of Flashback
Emiko felt a pair of hands tug her.
"Emi-chan, what's wrong?" a familiar voice asked.
Emiko snapped out of her "flashbacks" and back to reality noticing that the classroom was already deserted. She was facing Sango who had her hands on her shoulder. Miroku and Inuyasha were near the door; waiting for the girls while Kagome was still packing her things.
"N-Nothing Sango-chan," replied Emiko blankly as she got her things and went to the two boys.
"Ne, aren't you acting strange lately," said Inuyasha looking suspiciously at Emiko.
Emiko tried her best not to look guilty. "Whatever do you mean Inu- chan?" she said in her sweetest voice ever.
Emiko's little nickname didn't amuse Inuyasha. And "FEH!" was the only answer Emiko got.
A week past like a breeze. School was getting even more boring than ever but that didn't keep anyone from falling a sleep, or playing hooky, even for "the bullies" and Emiko, who looked really forced to listen and answer the teacher.
She and Touya had another memorable "date" near the pier. This time it was shorter since Emiko's mother and friends were being more suspicious than ever. They started throwing questions like "where have you been?" or "who are you going out with?" Emiko would just simply change the subject but the longer she was keeping this from them, the harder it was to get them to shut up about this topic.
Emiko sat on her bed with a pack of cards in her hands. She was setting it up for the game of Solitaire, really feeling bored. Suddenly, someone entered her room.
The young brunette didn't even bother to look for she knew who barged in her door.
"Konnichiwa Naoko-kun," she greeted half-heartedly as she flipped one card and place another on top of it.
"What'cha doin' nee-san?" Naoko asked, in a very cute voice, as he sat beside his sister.
"Nothing," answered Emiko not taking her gaze away from her cards. "It's a bit boring today, ne?"
Naoko nodded even though he knew his sister didn't see it. Emiko just sat there playing cards for a while.
"Nee-san," started Naoko. Emiko was still playing her cards. "How's your school? The past few weeks I have noticed you get busier and busier everyday. And one time, I over heard you and mom talking, er, arguing about something about money."
This caught Emiko's attention. She looked at Naoko's blue worried eyes. "Well, just having trouble fitting in, you know. There are some good people in school but there are a couple of bad guys too. I've told you before about the guys who tolerate rules right? (–Naoko nodded-) And, I'm just having some problems with that." Emiko paused and looked at her cards. "What about you Naoko?"
Naoko flashed his kawaii(cute) smile at his sister. "It's going great nee-san! I have new friends already! One is named Sota and the other Kohaku!!!"
Emiko grinned at his brother too. She was glad that he was having the time of his life at school, well, that's what the smile showed anyways. And she even had a feeling that she heard those names somewhere before.
Just when Naoko was about to ask another set of questions, Emiko's mom called for her.
"Emiko! There's a telephone here. It's Kagome!!!"
Emiko quickly laid her cards on her table. The cards got all messed up but she didn't bother to fix it and reached for her computer chair. There was a broken computer in front of it and a caramel hued telephone. She picked it up and shouted, "Got it!"
Once she heard her mom put down the phone, she greeted her friend. Naoko walked out of her room after fixing Emiko's cards.
"Konnichiwa Emi-chan!" greeted Kagome in return. "What's up?"
Emiko shrugged, forgetting she was talking to someone on the phone. She quickly answered a "nothing much" and slapped her forehead for being so forgetful.
"Oh yeah, Inu-kun is also here. I've got three way. Say hi!"
There was a short silence but then, Emiko heard a soft "feh" and was sure that Inuyasha was there and alive.
"So why'd you call?" Emiko asked twisting the cord of the phone.
"Well, tomorrow is Sunday right? Since I know everyone is SO bored, I'm inviting you to my place!"
"Great!" squealed Emiko. "I'm sure your house is wonderful! And you're right on the 'bored' thing."
"Don't think so elegant, girl. Kag's house is like an abandoned warehouse if you ask me," snapped Inuyasha.
"Hey!" shouted Kagome. "It's not my fault that my ancestors were some kind of priests."
"Who cares?" said Emiko. These two surly don't act like a couple. Guess they still have to settle down a few things, thought Emiko.
"But that's not the only reason I've called," said Kagome. "You see, Inu-kun has just informed me on how Miroku and Sango-chan were acting this week during classes, and how childish I say. Anyways, don't you agree that they are the perfect couple?"
"Yup!" said Emiko. "Ever since I saw those two, I knew they were perfect for one another... though, um-"
There was a short silence that was interrupted by Inuyasha's impatient "what?"
"Ok, just don't laugh," Emiko said, her face suddenly feeling very hot. "I kinda had a little thing for Miroku."
A loud gasp was heard from Kagome while Inuyasha didn't say anything.
"Feh," he sounding like a know-it-all. "I knew it. You're pulse was quickening every time you saw him."
"Don't worry, he's for Sango now!" added Emiko, not trying to sound like a flirt or anything.
"That good to know Emiko-chan," said Kagome. "I'm used to it anyways. Miroku always has this impact on girls! Even me!"
Kagome started laughing.
"WHAT?" shouted Inuyasha, angrily. "YOU ACTUALLY FELT SOMETHING FOR THAT PERVERTED, WANNABE HEARTTHROB? KAGOME, I CAN'T BELIVE YOU, YOU LIED TO ME, AFTER CONFESSING TO YOU. HOW COULD YOU BE SO UNLOYAL AND DISHONEST TO ME KA -"
"Before you say anything foul, I'm just gonna tell you that I was just joking!" Kagome said and chuckled at the same time. "Inu-kun, you know that you're my first and last koi!"
Though Emiko and Kagome couldn't see him, it was obvious that he was blushing brick hard.
"Anyways Kagome, I just thought of a good idea," said Emiko.
"What is it?" Kagome and Inuyasha asked in unison.
"Why don't we play matchmaker?" Emiko suggested.
The couple at the other end of the line was thinking about it.
"Why not?!" replied Kagome happily. "We can do it exactly tomorrow. And I know exactly what we will do."
She said told Emiko and Inuyasha her plan as quietly as she can so nobody in her house could hear. The two were both VERY attentive because at last, Miroku and Sango's frequent quarreling would stop bugging them...
"Mom! I'm leaving now!!!" yelled Emiko her left hand at the bar of the stairs.
"Ok dear! Take care! Who's going bring you there again?" Mrs. Ishikawa shouted back.
"I'm just gonna take the bus. Kagome-chan said her house is just a few blocks from here!"
"Ok, bye honey!"
"Bye mom! Bye Naoko-chan!"
"Sayonara!!!" Naoko shouted. Emiko slipped on her white rubber shoes and walked out of the house.
After about three minutes in the bus, it actually ran out of gas. Emiko decided to walk to Kagome's house and got the three minute ride for free. Walking was definitely better than pushing the bus with the other passengers, right?
While walking, she passed a really big house, freshly painted beige. It had a nice and wide garden that a gardener was taking care of. There was also a big garage where three motorbikes were parked. The first one was painted red, the other black with a design of crimson fire and the last one was blue, which looked strangely familiar.
Suddenly, Inuyasha walked out of the house, in his red double shirt and khaki cargo pants.
"Hey Inuyasha!" Emiko shouted and waved at him.
Inuyasha first looked really shocked to see Emiko there, outside his brown gate, but then smiled a little and walked towards her.
"So this is your house?" asked Emiko.
Inuyasha nodded, putting his hands in his pocket and opened the gate. The gardener stood up and helped him, bowing respectfully before doing so.
Emiko's eyes were wide with shock as she saw the gardener bow to Inuyasha like he was royalty. Nobody has ever informed her that Inuyasha was this rich.
"What are you doing on this street, Emiko?" asked Inuyasha, joining Emiko on the sidewalk.
"Well, I thought of taking a different route to go to Kagome's house. An old woman on the bus told me that this street was much safer to walk on than the others," Emiko replied.
"That's because this place is heavily guarded," said Inuyasha as he started walking. "Many politicians live on this side of town."
Emiko started walking herself, sliding her feet beside Inuyasha. "So your father is a politician?" she asked not looking at Inuyasha.
"No," he replied. "He's dead."
Emiko felt a pang of guilt hit her. She shouldn't have asked that stupid question. Who even cares if his father was a politician or not? For all she knew, she could've offended Inuyasha.
"Don't worry, I've accepted the loss of my father anyways," said Inuyasha sensing Emiko's guilt.
"Who do you live with then?" asked Emiko looking at Inuyasha. He didn't look back though.
"My brother. He's such a jerk in different ways. Never had a day that we were in good terms," replied Inuyasha, his tone now with antagonism.
"What the name of your brother?" asked Emiko. She couldn't hide her curiosity anymore. Inuyasha has never spoken to her this much. His "speeches" never contained anything about his life either.
Inuyasha was first hesitant to tell Emiko that Sesshomaru is his brother. But she was his friend after all, she had every right to know the truth.
"Well, his name is-"
Before Inuyasha could continue, a loud scream was heard. Emiko found herself face to face with an enormous staircase that looked like it was even older than her ancestors.
"That must be Sango again," Inuyasha said calmly, climbing up the stairs. "This leads to Kagome's house by the way."
Emiko looked surprised and in high spirits at the same time. But she joined Inuyasha climb up the stairs anyway.
"Now I know why you said her house looked like an abandoned warehouse," she said giggling. And to her amazement, Inuyasha did too.
"Miroku you HENTAI!!!!" Sango shouted slapping Miroku with all her might.
Sango arrived an hour earlier than their said meeting time and unfortunately, Miroku did too. For some reason he found out that Sango would go earlier than expected.
"Sango, I think you can stop now," said Kagome as she entered her room carrying a tray full of different kinds of junk food. "The poor guy's not even conscious anymore."
Sango looked at Miroku, surprised that he was already out cold. She sighed loudly and flopped down Kagome's pink bed.
"Sometimes you just better give him a break," advised Kagome. She laid the tray on her desk, got a pack of chips and sat beside Sango.
"He should be the one giving me a break," she sighed.
"Well, well, well, early aren't we?" asked a very familiar manly voice.
Kagome looked at her door to see Inuyasha standing there, Emiko running to him, panting and sweating.
"You didn't have to leave me there," she said. "It's like I walked the Great Wall of China in minutes!"
Kagome and Sango laughed. Inuyasha simply ignored her and went over to Kagome and kissed her cheek. The raven-haired girl smiled and motioned Inuyasha to sit beside her.
"So, what have you been doing?" Emiko asked Kagome, pulling her friend's computer chair and sat on it, inversely.
"Nothing really," answered Sango. "Just hangin'."
"Nothing huh?" said Emiko suspiciously looking at the boy who was seated on the opposite of Kagome's bed, and who was really pale.
Sango flashed a guilty smiled at Emiko and started eating Kagome's chips. Emiko and Inuyasha looked at each other as if asking if they missed anything. Kagome on the other hand just smiled.
"So, everyone's here now!" she said enthusiastically. "Time to play some games and have fun, ne?"
Emiko, Inuyasha, Sango and even Miroku nodded. All turned to his direction just to see he was slowly opening his eyes.
"Ok then, I'll just get something," said Kagome.
After a few minutes, Kagome came back carrying what looked like a fish bowl with five pieces of paper in it.
"We're going to play Truth or Dare everyone!" she shouted and sat at the center of the room. Sango, Emiko, Inuyasha and Miroku moved towards her, forming a circle.
"This is how it goes," Kagome announced. "I'll pass this bowl around starting with me, to the right. I'll pick a name from the bowl and ask them to do whether Truth or Dare. Get it?"
Everyone nodded.
Kagome used this as a signal and put her hand in the bowl. She picked a piece of paper and unfolded it.
"Sango," she called. "Truth or Dare?"
The girl thought for a while. If she picked truth, Kagome might ask her something funny and embarrassing. But if she picked dare...
"Dare," said Sango competitively.
"Ok," stated Kagome innocently, secretly winking at Inuyasha and Emiko. "I dare you to lock yourself up in my bathroom for about, um, ten minutes."
Sango smiled. This was going to be easy, she thought.
But that was before Kagome added something. "With Miroku."
Sango almost had a heart attack. Stay in a room with that pervert, ALONE?! No way was she going to do that!
"I know what you're doing Kag-chan," she said and pointed her index finger at her best friend. Kagome tried to look as innocent as she can look. "You're playing matchmaker aren't you? Well, it won't work. Know why? Because I'd probably just die before I actually STAY in a room with that dirty PERVERT ALONE! Give me another dare if you don't want our friendship to end here!"
Kagome was taken back by what she said. For their whole life together, she had never said those words aloud, and even in front of Miroku himself. Usually, Sango would just chase her around for asking her to do such and "impossible" dare.
Kagome sighed in defeat. Surly, she didn't want their friendship to end just like this. She knew Sango would not say something untrue because once she had threatened Kagome that if she didn't stop babbling about how "Kawaii" Inuyasha was she would kiss Inuyasha right in front of her. And she did the following day, but both spent the rest of their free time washing their mouths.
"Ok Sango, you win," Kagome admitted. "It's true we're playing matchmaker if that's what you want to hear. Your dare is the same, but without Miroku."
Sango smirked at Kagome and marched to the bathroom, shutting the door loudly. As soon as she did, all heads turned to a very lonely Miroku.
"Thanks you guys for actually helping me get Sango's heart even if this will be the first and last time," he said obviously trying to stop tears from falling. Everyone knew that Miroku was such a sensitive person, but when it comes to Sango, his sensitivity just fades away. However, calling him a 'dirty pervert' and stating that she would rather die than to be in a room with him was a totally different story.
"That's alright Miroku-chan, there are other girls out there," said Emiko, Inuyasha giving her a suspicious glace.
"Like who? Yura Konbashi? Or Meia Shai?" he said looking at the ground. "Emiko-chan, you must be corrected if you think that there are other girls that could match my Sango."
"Then don't give up easily Miroku, try harder," said Kagome.
"To tell you the truth I already exceeded my limit of determination and patience just for Sango. I don't think I can do this anymore. Ever since I started courting her, there was no sign of a 'yes' that she is 'eventually' going to say. I've looked at her eyes once, while asking her to date me, and there was absolutely no hint of care, like or even... love."
There was silence for a while, but was ended by Miroku's continues sobs. He had already given up, in translation to what he was saying a while ago. Emiko, Kagome and Inuyasha had noticeably planned all this, starting with Sango's dare, but Miroku being offended was not and never will be part of the plan.
"Yare, yare," said Inuyasha comfortably, patting his friend on the back. "There will be another, I'm sure. God will not let you live without a perfect woman in your life, there just has to be another. Just wait for-"
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" shouted Miroku, his face full of tears. He was now on his feet looking very red and offended. "SANGO IS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER GIRLS OUT THERE. I KNOW BECAUSE I'VE MET THEM! I KNOW THEY'RE ALL SO PRETTY BUT SANGO'S PRETTY TOO, INSIDE AND OUT. SHE'S SMART AND FUNNY. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS AND GOES FOR IT. OTHERS CANNOT MATCH HER INNER STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION. AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?"
Emiko, Inuyasha and Kagome shook their heads, very surprised of Miroku's outburst.
Miroku sat down once again and looked at each one of them. "I love her."
Sango was seated near the bathtub waiting for Kagome and the other's to tell her that it has already been ten minutes. For a while she could just hear silence out there but then she heard Miroku say something.
Sango at first didn't care, but when he was finished with his sentence, she could easily tell that there was a large tone of hurt in his voice.
She heard more of their conversation and was really shocked of what she was hearing. Miroku's "tantrum" alarmed her the most. Everything he said, it all seemed so true.
Maybe it really is, Sango, she said to herself. Nah.
Just then, she heard three short, but powerful words said by someone. It was a bit unclear at first, but Sango uncovered the words after a while.
"I love her."
Her heart skipped a beat at the moment.
"I love her."
The words repeated in her brain like some kind of broken radio.
Nevertheless, Sango felt something tug her heart. The same feeling she felt when she first met Miroku. The same feeling she felt when he was near her. The same thing she felt whenever he would smile, or laugh, or even scratch the back of his head idly. Most importantly, what is this feeling?
Could it be... ... ... love?
For a moment there was a quick silence. Then Sango heard a loud bang. It seemed like someone just exited the room.
As fast as she could, Sango opened the door of the bathroom. She looked around to see only Inuyasha, Kagome and Emiko seated there, all with different expressions, blended all together.
Not wasting time, Sango ran to the door and followed Miroku out of the house.
(O mai God! This is taking SO long. My hands are so tiered... sobs)
As Miroku emerged from Kagome's house, he quickly felt a drop of water coming from above.
Great, he thought. It's raining.
He looked at the sky as more droplets of water fell down, washing away his tears and sadness.
After Sango slammed the door of Kagome's bathroom, Miroku felt like it was the end of the world. He knew that ever since he would start courting Sango, he would be dead as a doornail, but he took the risk anyway. Wasn't it a saying that NOTHING is impossible?
Guess that's not true then, said Miroku mentally.
Miroku took another step slowly, wishing that Sango would just barge out of the door and hug him. Tell him that she loved him as much as he does.
"Miroku!" someone shouted. Sango barged out of Kagome's house and ran towards Miroku, starting to get soaked in the rain too.
"Sango?" Miroku asked starting to feel dizzy.
It was Sango and she hurriedly ran to Miroku but stopped right in front of him.
"I just wanted to say, komenasai," she started, not daring to look at her lover in the eyes. "And that I have a confession to make to you."
Miroku's eyes were suddenly as wide as marbles. Oh, how wishes could easily be granted!
"You see, ever since, well, ever since I set my eyes on you, um, there was this, well, certain, er, feeling that I, well, felt," Sango stammered. "I ignored it completely for the past years, afraid to find out what the outcome of this "feeling" will be. But when I heard you a while ago, you were the one who sorted everything out for me.
"Miroku, I- I- I-I-I-I-"
"Before you say another 'I', I just want to inform you that, I know," Miroku said as he flung his arms around Sango. Sango did the same to him as well.
"I love you too," whispered Miroku.
!!! (I can't BELIEVE I'm not ending this yet! .;!)
Sesshomaru griped the pole of his balcony tighter. Tomorrow they were going to do their big "scheme", as Naraku called it. But he was having second thoughts on doing this.
Ever since that Ishikawa-girl set foot on Tokyo, all she did was bump into him "accidentally" and he couldn't stop the feeling that this already happened before.
When he saw his half-brother walk with Emiko this morning, he felt like he could crush Inuyasha into a thousand pieces. Why? He didn't even know.
All he knew was if he kept on seeing Emiko, he would eventually go crazy with all these thoughts circling his head. He knew he would only love one person. Wait... love? When did that word come out of his vocabulary again? After last year's accident, he swore never to love again. But was this how he really felt?
No, he thought, strongly determined to deny any feelings he has for this girl.
NO. I DON'T LOVE HER!
TBC...
A/N: Glad it's over huh? How come every chapter, I always seem to end up with an ending that has something to do with Sesshomaru? Hmmm... Anyways, are you confused 0.0? If you are, I only have one hint for you. That "love" Seshy's talking about is none other than ---. Don't worry, Seshy'll explain it in the upcoming chapters. Just tell me what you think with this one, ok?! Please review!!! Ciao! Ja! Bai-bai!!!
All disclaimers apply...
Because of you Chapter 6- Playing Matchmaker
Ayayay... there they go again, fighting like cats and dogs, even at the middle of the class...
Emiko was watching Miroku and Sango, who were seated at the edge of the classroom poking each other with their pencil. Miroku started it, obviously trying to get the answers to the worksheet out of Sango. But when Sango didn't even turn around at first, he poked her more. Sango was getting irritated that she finally paid attention to him and shot him a glare but that apparently didn't stop him from doing so. And that's where their war started. It was a miracle that Mikami-sensei hasn't even noticed them. Guess being in the edge of the room does help too.
Emiko looked at Inuyasha, who was beside her. He too was looking strangely at the couple at the opposite side.
Then she looked at Kagome, who was not paying a spec attention to Miroku and Sango but was doing her work. Who could blame her for being such a nerd sometimes?
Afterwards, Emiko shot a quick glance at her seatmate who was busy doing his work as well, not paying any attention to anyone in class but himself and the teacher.
Emiko sighed looking at the blackboard again which was half blocked by Touya's head. She was bored to death with math but didn't want to fall asleep and get another detention again.
After a few more minutes, the bell finally rang.
"Don't forget to finish your seatwork at home. You'll be passing that on Tuesday!" shouted Mikami-sensei to the retreating class.
"At last! Class is done!" Emiko heard some students say as they left the room. Emiko caught a swift glace of Touya as he walked pass her. She smiled at him remembering what happened last Friday...
Flashback
The last few hours of their date was spent on watching fireworks, which was lit every night from 6 o'clock to 10. Emiko really had a great time with Akira Touya this evening and the thought of doing this again was even more exciting.
The two were walking towards Emiko's house hand in hand without conversation. The cold autumn wind passed their faces as they took another step nearer.
"You shouldn't have brought me home you know," said Emiko.
"How come?"
"You've done enough for me already. I mean, you paid for the bus twice and for the restaurant too," replied Emiko.
Touya gave a small chuckle. "Don't worry Emiko, it's alright. I've spent more before, plus, the restaurant is half free considering my family runs it too."
Emiko just sighed. She felt cold already especially because she wasn't really used to this kind of weather. Kyoto was more of a summer sun place, not a winter cold one.
Touya felt Emiko shiver and put an arm around her shoulder, taking his hand off hers.
"You must be cold," he whispered. Emiko nodded and moved closer to her date.
It seemed like forever until their reached Emiko's house. Actually, they stopped a block away cautious of Mrs. Ishikawa watching them at this very moment.
"I don't know how to thank you for this wonderful evening, Touya," said Emiko as she withdrew herself from Touya's hold.
"Just take care of yourself Emiko and remember to bring a jacket next time," replied Touya.
Emiko's heart skipped a beat at the words 'next time' but just threw it off her mind.
"Look who's talking," she said and smiled. "Like you have a jacket. Better you safe than me or else I'll be getting more from Naraku."
Touya laughed. "Well, if I get sick, will you be my nurse?" he asked.
Emiko blushed hard, thankful that the dark hid her crimson face. "Hai," she said softly but her voice stayed gentle.
Touya suddenly hugged her and whispered, "Then I'll be more than happy to get sick."
Emiko blushed even more if that was possible. She let herself be hug by Touya but was let go soon.
However, she felt a kiss planted on her forehead. "Oyasumi," she heard Touya say. She nodded and walked to her house sensing a funny feeling in her heart...
End of Flashback
Emiko felt a pair of hands tug her.
"Emi-chan, what's wrong?" a familiar voice asked.
Emiko snapped out of her "flashbacks" and back to reality noticing that the classroom was already deserted. She was facing Sango who had her hands on her shoulder. Miroku and Inuyasha were near the door; waiting for the girls while Kagome was still packing her things.
"N-Nothing Sango-chan," replied Emiko blankly as she got her things and went to the two boys.
"Ne, aren't you acting strange lately," said Inuyasha looking suspiciously at Emiko.
Emiko tried her best not to look guilty. "Whatever do you mean Inu- chan?" she said in her sweetest voice ever.
Emiko's little nickname didn't amuse Inuyasha. And "FEH!" was the only answer Emiko got.
A week past like a breeze. School was getting even more boring than ever but that didn't keep anyone from falling a sleep, or playing hooky, even for "the bullies" and Emiko, who looked really forced to listen and answer the teacher.
She and Touya had another memorable "date" near the pier. This time it was shorter since Emiko's mother and friends were being more suspicious than ever. They started throwing questions like "where have you been?" or "who are you going out with?" Emiko would just simply change the subject but the longer she was keeping this from them, the harder it was to get them to shut up about this topic.
Emiko sat on her bed with a pack of cards in her hands. She was setting it up for the game of Solitaire, really feeling bored. Suddenly, someone entered her room.
The young brunette didn't even bother to look for she knew who barged in her door.
"Konnichiwa Naoko-kun," she greeted half-heartedly as she flipped one card and place another on top of it.
"What'cha doin' nee-san?" Naoko asked, in a very cute voice, as he sat beside his sister.
"Nothing," answered Emiko not taking her gaze away from her cards. "It's a bit boring today, ne?"
Naoko nodded even though he knew his sister didn't see it. Emiko just sat there playing cards for a while.
"Nee-san," started Naoko. Emiko was still playing her cards. "How's your school? The past few weeks I have noticed you get busier and busier everyday. And one time, I over heard you and mom talking, er, arguing about something about money."
This caught Emiko's attention. She looked at Naoko's blue worried eyes. "Well, just having trouble fitting in, you know. There are some good people in school but there are a couple of bad guys too. I've told you before about the guys who tolerate rules right? (–Naoko nodded-) And, I'm just having some problems with that." Emiko paused and looked at her cards. "What about you Naoko?"
Naoko flashed his kawaii(cute) smile at his sister. "It's going great nee-san! I have new friends already! One is named Sota and the other Kohaku!!!"
Emiko grinned at his brother too. She was glad that he was having the time of his life at school, well, that's what the smile showed anyways. And she even had a feeling that she heard those names somewhere before.
Just when Naoko was about to ask another set of questions, Emiko's mom called for her.
"Emiko! There's a telephone here. It's Kagome!!!"
Emiko quickly laid her cards on her table. The cards got all messed up but she didn't bother to fix it and reached for her computer chair. There was a broken computer in front of it and a caramel hued telephone. She picked it up and shouted, "Got it!"
Once she heard her mom put down the phone, she greeted her friend. Naoko walked out of her room after fixing Emiko's cards.
"Konnichiwa Emi-chan!" greeted Kagome in return. "What's up?"
Emiko shrugged, forgetting she was talking to someone on the phone. She quickly answered a "nothing much" and slapped her forehead for being so forgetful.
"Oh yeah, Inu-kun is also here. I've got three way. Say hi!"
There was a short silence but then, Emiko heard a soft "feh" and was sure that Inuyasha was there and alive.
"So why'd you call?" Emiko asked twisting the cord of the phone.
"Well, tomorrow is Sunday right? Since I know everyone is SO bored, I'm inviting you to my place!"
"Great!" squealed Emiko. "I'm sure your house is wonderful! And you're right on the 'bored' thing."
"Don't think so elegant, girl. Kag's house is like an abandoned warehouse if you ask me," snapped Inuyasha.
"Hey!" shouted Kagome. "It's not my fault that my ancestors were some kind of priests."
"Who cares?" said Emiko. These two surly don't act like a couple. Guess they still have to settle down a few things, thought Emiko.
"But that's not the only reason I've called," said Kagome. "You see, Inu-kun has just informed me on how Miroku and Sango-chan were acting this week during classes, and how childish I say. Anyways, don't you agree that they are the perfect couple?"
"Yup!" said Emiko. "Ever since I saw those two, I knew they were perfect for one another... though, um-"
There was a short silence that was interrupted by Inuyasha's impatient "what?"
"Ok, just don't laugh," Emiko said, her face suddenly feeling very hot. "I kinda had a little thing for Miroku."
A loud gasp was heard from Kagome while Inuyasha didn't say anything.
"Feh," he sounding like a know-it-all. "I knew it. You're pulse was quickening every time you saw him."
"Don't worry, he's for Sango now!" added Emiko, not trying to sound like a flirt or anything.
"That good to know Emiko-chan," said Kagome. "I'm used to it anyways. Miroku always has this impact on girls! Even me!"
Kagome started laughing.
"WHAT?" shouted Inuyasha, angrily. "YOU ACTUALLY FELT SOMETHING FOR THAT PERVERTED, WANNABE HEARTTHROB? KAGOME, I CAN'T BELIVE YOU, YOU LIED TO ME, AFTER CONFESSING TO YOU. HOW COULD YOU BE SO UNLOYAL AND DISHONEST TO ME KA -"
"Before you say anything foul, I'm just gonna tell you that I was just joking!" Kagome said and chuckled at the same time. "Inu-kun, you know that you're my first and last koi!"
Though Emiko and Kagome couldn't see him, it was obvious that he was blushing brick hard.
"Anyways Kagome, I just thought of a good idea," said Emiko.
"What is it?" Kagome and Inuyasha asked in unison.
"Why don't we play matchmaker?" Emiko suggested.
The couple at the other end of the line was thinking about it.
"Why not?!" replied Kagome happily. "We can do it exactly tomorrow. And I know exactly what we will do."
She said told Emiko and Inuyasha her plan as quietly as she can so nobody in her house could hear. The two were both VERY attentive because at last, Miroku and Sango's frequent quarreling would stop bugging them...
"Mom! I'm leaving now!!!" yelled Emiko her left hand at the bar of the stairs.
"Ok dear! Take care! Who's going bring you there again?" Mrs. Ishikawa shouted back.
"I'm just gonna take the bus. Kagome-chan said her house is just a few blocks from here!"
"Ok, bye honey!"
"Bye mom! Bye Naoko-chan!"
"Sayonara!!!" Naoko shouted. Emiko slipped on her white rubber shoes and walked out of the house.
After about three minutes in the bus, it actually ran out of gas. Emiko decided to walk to Kagome's house and got the three minute ride for free. Walking was definitely better than pushing the bus with the other passengers, right?
While walking, she passed a really big house, freshly painted beige. It had a nice and wide garden that a gardener was taking care of. There was also a big garage where three motorbikes were parked. The first one was painted red, the other black with a design of crimson fire and the last one was blue, which looked strangely familiar.
Suddenly, Inuyasha walked out of the house, in his red double shirt and khaki cargo pants.
"Hey Inuyasha!" Emiko shouted and waved at him.
Inuyasha first looked really shocked to see Emiko there, outside his brown gate, but then smiled a little and walked towards her.
"So this is your house?" asked Emiko.
Inuyasha nodded, putting his hands in his pocket and opened the gate. The gardener stood up and helped him, bowing respectfully before doing so.
Emiko's eyes were wide with shock as she saw the gardener bow to Inuyasha like he was royalty. Nobody has ever informed her that Inuyasha was this rich.
"What are you doing on this street, Emiko?" asked Inuyasha, joining Emiko on the sidewalk.
"Well, I thought of taking a different route to go to Kagome's house. An old woman on the bus told me that this street was much safer to walk on than the others," Emiko replied.
"That's because this place is heavily guarded," said Inuyasha as he started walking. "Many politicians live on this side of town."
Emiko started walking herself, sliding her feet beside Inuyasha. "So your father is a politician?" she asked not looking at Inuyasha.
"No," he replied. "He's dead."
Emiko felt a pang of guilt hit her. She shouldn't have asked that stupid question. Who even cares if his father was a politician or not? For all she knew, she could've offended Inuyasha.
"Don't worry, I've accepted the loss of my father anyways," said Inuyasha sensing Emiko's guilt.
"Who do you live with then?" asked Emiko looking at Inuyasha. He didn't look back though.
"My brother. He's such a jerk in different ways. Never had a day that we were in good terms," replied Inuyasha, his tone now with antagonism.
"What the name of your brother?" asked Emiko. She couldn't hide her curiosity anymore. Inuyasha has never spoken to her this much. His "speeches" never contained anything about his life either.
Inuyasha was first hesitant to tell Emiko that Sesshomaru is his brother. But she was his friend after all, she had every right to know the truth.
"Well, his name is-"
Before Inuyasha could continue, a loud scream was heard. Emiko found herself face to face with an enormous staircase that looked like it was even older than her ancestors.
"That must be Sango again," Inuyasha said calmly, climbing up the stairs. "This leads to Kagome's house by the way."
Emiko looked surprised and in high spirits at the same time. But she joined Inuyasha climb up the stairs anyway.
"Now I know why you said her house looked like an abandoned warehouse," she said giggling. And to her amazement, Inuyasha did too.
"Miroku you HENTAI!!!!" Sango shouted slapping Miroku with all her might.
Sango arrived an hour earlier than their said meeting time and unfortunately, Miroku did too. For some reason he found out that Sango would go earlier than expected.
"Sango, I think you can stop now," said Kagome as she entered her room carrying a tray full of different kinds of junk food. "The poor guy's not even conscious anymore."
Sango looked at Miroku, surprised that he was already out cold. She sighed loudly and flopped down Kagome's pink bed.
"Sometimes you just better give him a break," advised Kagome. She laid the tray on her desk, got a pack of chips and sat beside Sango.
"He should be the one giving me a break," she sighed.
"Well, well, well, early aren't we?" asked a very familiar manly voice.
Kagome looked at her door to see Inuyasha standing there, Emiko running to him, panting and sweating.
"You didn't have to leave me there," she said. "It's like I walked the Great Wall of China in minutes!"
Kagome and Sango laughed. Inuyasha simply ignored her and went over to Kagome and kissed her cheek. The raven-haired girl smiled and motioned Inuyasha to sit beside her.
"So, what have you been doing?" Emiko asked Kagome, pulling her friend's computer chair and sat on it, inversely.
"Nothing really," answered Sango. "Just hangin'."
"Nothing huh?" said Emiko suspiciously looking at the boy who was seated on the opposite of Kagome's bed, and who was really pale.
Sango flashed a guilty smiled at Emiko and started eating Kagome's chips. Emiko and Inuyasha looked at each other as if asking if they missed anything. Kagome on the other hand just smiled.
"So, everyone's here now!" she said enthusiastically. "Time to play some games and have fun, ne?"
Emiko, Inuyasha, Sango and even Miroku nodded. All turned to his direction just to see he was slowly opening his eyes.
"Ok then, I'll just get something," said Kagome.
After a few minutes, Kagome came back carrying what looked like a fish bowl with five pieces of paper in it.
"We're going to play Truth or Dare everyone!" she shouted and sat at the center of the room. Sango, Emiko, Inuyasha and Miroku moved towards her, forming a circle.
"This is how it goes," Kagome announced. "I'll pass this bowl around starting with me, to the right. I'll pick a name from the bowl and ask them to do whether Truth or Dare. Get it?"
Everyone nodded.
Kagome used this as a signal and put her hand in the bowl. She picked a piece of paper and unfolded it.
"Sango," she called. "Truth or Dare?"
The girl thought for a while. If she picked truth, Kagome might ask her something funny and embarrassing. But if she picked dare...
"Dare," said Sango competitively.
"Ok," stated Kagome innocently, secretly winking at Inuyasha and Emiko. "I dare you to lock yourself up in my bathroom for about, um, ten minutes."
Sango smiled. This was going to be easy, she thought.
But that was before Kagome added something. "With Miroku."
Sango almost had a heart attack. Stay in a room with that pervert, ALONE?! No way was she going to do that!
"I know what you're doing Kag-chan," she said and pointed her index finger at her best friend. Kagome tried to look as innocent as she can look. "You're playing matchmaker aren't you? Well, it won't work. Know why? Because I'd probably just die before I actually STAY in a room with that dirty PERVERT ALONE! Give me another dare if you don't want our friendship to end here!"
Kagome was taken back by what she said. For their whole life together, she had never said those words aloud, and even in front of Miroku himself. Usually, Sango would just chase her around for asking her to do such and "impossible" dare.
Kagome sighed in defeat. Surly, she didn't want their friendship to end just like this. She knew Sango would not say something untrue because once she had threatened Kagome that if she didn't stop babbling about how "Kawaii" Inuyasha was she would kiss Inuyasha right in front of her. And she did the following day, but both spent the rest of their free time washing their mouths.
"Ok Sango, you win," Kagome admitted. "It's true we're playing matchmaker if that's what you want to hear. Your dare is the same, but without Miroku."
Sango smirked at Kagome and marched to the bathroom, shutting the door loudly. As soon as she did, all heads turned to a very lonely Miroku.
"Thanks you guys for actually helping me get Sango's heart even if this will be the first and last time," he said obviously trying to stop tears from falling. Everyone knew that Miroku was such a sensitive person, but when it comes to Sango, his sensitivity just fades away. However, calling him a 'dirty pervert' and stating that she would rather die than to be in a room with him was a totally different story.
"That's alright Miroku-chan, there are other girls out there," said Emiko, Inuyasha giving her a suspicious glace.
"Like who? Yura Konbashi? Or Meia Shai?" he said looking at the ground. "Emiko-chan, you must be corrected if you think that there are other girls that could match my Sango."
"Then don't give up easily Miroku, try harder," said Kagome.
"To tell you the truth I already exceeded my limit of determination and patience just for Sango. I don't think I can do this anymore. Ever since I started courting her, there was no sign of a 'yes' that she is 'eventually' going to say. I've looked at her eyes once, while asking her to date me, and there was absolutely no hint of care, like or even... love."
There was silence for a while, but was ended by Miroku's continues sobs. He had already given up, in translation to what he was saying a while ago. Emiko, Kagome and Inuyasha had noticeably planned all this, starting with Sango's dare, but Miroku being offended was not and never will be part of the plan.
"Yare, yare," said Inuyasha comfortably, patting his friend on the back. "There will be another, I'm sure. God will not let you live without a perfect woman in your life, there just has to be another. Just wait for-"
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" shouted Miroku, his face full of tears. He was now on his feet looking very red and offended. "SANGO IS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER GIRLS OUT THERE. I KNOW BECAUSE I'VE MET THEM! I KNOW THEY'RE ALL SO PRETTY BUT SANGO'S PRETTY TOO, INSIDE AND OUT. SHE'S SMART AND FUNNY. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS AND GOES FOR IT. OTHERS CANNOT MATCH HER INNER STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION. AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?"
Emiko, Inuyasha and Kagome shook their heads, very surprised of Miroku's outburst.
Miroku sat down once again and looked at each one of them. "I love her."
Sango was seated near the bathtub waiting for Kagome and the other's to tell her that it has already been ten minutes. For a while she could just hear silence out there but then she heard Miroku say something.
Sango at first didn't care, but when he was finished with his sentence, she could easily tell that there was a large tone of hurt in his voice.
She heard more of their conversation and was really shocked of what she was hearing. Miroku's "tantrum" alarmed her the most. Everything he said, it all seemed so true.
Maybe it really is, Sango, she said to herself. Nah.
Just then, she heard three short, but powerful words said by someone. It was a bit unclear at first, but Sango uncovered the words after a while.
"I love her."
Her heart skipped a beat at the moment.
"I love her."
The words repeated in her brain like some kind of broken radio.
Nevertheless, Sango felt something tug her heart. The same feeling she felt when she first met Miroku. The same feeling she felt when he was near her. The same thing she felt whenever he would smile, or laugh, or even scratch the back of his head idly. Most importantly, what is this feeling?
Could it be... ... ... love?
For a moment there was a quick silence. Then Sango heard a loud bang. It seemed like someone just exited the room.
As fast as she could, Sango opened the door of the bathroom. She looked around to see only Inuyasha, Kagome and Emiko seated there, all with different expressions, blended all together.
Not wasting time, Sango ran to the door and followed Miroku out of the house.
(O mai God! This is taking SO long. My hands are so tiered... sobs)
As Miroku emerged from Kagome's house, he quickly felt a drop of water coming from above.
Great, he thought. It's raining.
He looked at the sky as more droplets of water fell down, washing away his tears and sadness.
After Sango slammed the door of Kagome's bathroom, Miroku felt like it was the end of the world. He knew that ever since he would start courting Sango, he would be dead as a doornail, but he took the risk anyway. Wasn't it a saying that NOTHING is impossible?
Guess that's not true then, said Miroku mentally.
Miroku took another step slowly, wishing that Sango would just barge out of the door and hug him. Tell him that she loved him as much as he does.
"Miroku!" someone shouted. Sango barged out of Kagome's house and ran towards Miroku, starting to get soaked in the rain too.
"Sango?" Miroku asked starting to feel dizzy.
It was Sango and she hurriedly ran to Miroku but stopped right in front of him.
"I just wanted to say, komenasai," she started, not daring to look at her lover in the eyes. "And that I have a confession to make to you."
Miroku's eyes were suddenly as wide as marbles. Oh, how wishes could easily be granted!
"You see, ever since, well, ever since I set my eyes on you, um, there was this, well, certain, er, feeling that I, well, felt," Sango stammered. "I ignored it completely for the past years, afraid to find out what the outcome of this "feeling" will be. But when I heard you a while ago, you were the one who sorted everything out for me.
"Miroku, I- I- I-I-I-I-"
"Before you say another 'I', I just want to inform you that, I know," Miroku said as he flung his arms around Sango. Sango did the same to him as well.
"I love you too," whispered Miroku.
!!! (I can't BELIEVE I'm not ending this yet! .;!)
Sesshomaru griped the pole of his balcony tighter. Tomorrow they were going to do their big "scheme", as Naraku called it. But he was having second thoughts on doing this.
Ever since that Ishikawa-girl set foot on Tokyo, all she did was bump into him "accidentally" and he couldn't stop the feeling that this already happened before.
When he saw his half-brother walk with Emiko this morning, he felt like he could crush Inuyasha into a thousand pieces. Why? He didn't even know.
All he knew was if he kept on seeing Emiko, he would eventually go crazy with all these thoughts circling his head. He knew he would only love one person. Wait... love? When did that word come out of his vocabulary again? After last year's accident, he swore never to love again. But was this how he really felt?
No, he thought, strongly determined to deny any feelings he has for this girl.
NO. I DON'T LOVE HER!
TBC...
A/N: Glad it's over huh? How come every chapter, I always seem to end up with an ending that has something to do with Sesshomaru? Hmmm... Anyways, are you confused 0.0? If you are, I only have one hint for you. That "love" Seshy's talking about is none other than ---. Don't worry, Seshy'll explain it in the upcoming chapters. Just tell me what you think with this one, ok?! Please review!!! Ciao! Ja! Bai-bai!!!