By: Reall-Goodchild
Chapter 3: The Deal
"Good evening...Wife."
Ayame cocked an eyebrow at the man. "E-excuse me?" She stuttered.
"Well, it's not official until the ceremony but..." Naraku smiled devilishly.
"Wha... What?" She shrieked, her voice cracking slightly at its heightened pitch. She looked to her grandfather. He looked pleased. "No... Grandfather..." Her struggled to get out, her voice panicked.
The older man sighed and looked to Naraku. "My lad, why don't you go for now. I need to speak with my granddaughter in private." He said, a curt smile on his lips.
Naraku nodded and stood up to leave. He smirked at Ayame as he passed her on his way out. She glared back at him, her eyes following him until she heard the click of the door opening and closing again.
"Ayame..." Her grandfather began in a gentle tone.
"You must be joking." She stated, whipping around to look at him. "Naraku?"
"He will make a good provider and he's one of my own sailors." He stated. "I know I can leave my fleet in good hands when I finally decide to hand them over."
"But grandfather!..." She said searching for any way to explain how she felt. "I-I... I don't love him!"
"Ayame," The elder said walking up to her and placing reassuring hands on her shoulders. "Go now to bed. Sleep. Let the news sink in. You will learn to love him in time. He can make you happy." Ayame shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "Go." He repeated in a gentle tone.
Ayame hung her head and slowly backed away. "Yes sir." She whispered before turning and heading upstairs to her bedroom.
Once in her room, she flopped down on her bed, tears streaming out of her eyes uncontrollably as she began to sob. Just when she thought everything she had ever wanted was hers, the worst thing that could happen, happened. She would never love Naraku, never! Her heart belonged to Kouga and only Kouga. No matter how many years passed, no matter how much Naraku gave to her, she would love Kouga. Forever and for always.
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Ayame awoke the next morning in denial. She hoped that the latter part of what happened the previous evening was really just some terrible nightmare. She got up quickly and put on a light blue sundress, one that always reminded her of Kouga and his sky blue eyes. With the hope of it all being a dream in mind, she went downstairs and walked into the kitchen, ready for a nice breakfast with her grandfather.
"Good morning," She sang as she entered the room, giving her elder a peck on the cheek.
"I see someone's mood has improved greatly since last night." He marvelled before cracking a smile. "I suppose this means you've accepted the fact that you and Naraku are to be married."
Ayame stopped dead, dropping the bowl she had been holding, sending it crashing to the ground. "Y-you... you mean that w-wasn't j-just a dream?" She sputtered, tears forming in her eyes. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest.
"Of course it wasn't a dream." The old man chuckled. His grin disappeared as he took in the sight of his granddaughter's watery eyes. "Ayame," He said gently standing up and pulling her into an embrace. "Hush.. it's alright, there's no reason to get upset. He comes from a wealthy family. He can give you everything you need and then some. He'll treat you well. I know I can sleep easier knowing you're with a man like him."
"No..." She sobbed into his chest. "Please, grandfather, you don't know him like I do. He's crude and unruly, he treats women like possessions and everyone from lesser families like dirt! Please! Don't make me do this, I'll never love him!"
"Ayame, don't be so judgmental. I've known him since before you were born, he's a good man." He pulled her away and brushed away her falling tears. "No more tears, alright? The deals been made. You'll learn to love him in time. Just give it time Ayame." The older man gave her a small kiss on the forehead. "I should be going. I'll be home before dark, I promise." With that said, he gave her a light pat on the shoulder and left.
Ayame hung her head as she remained in the same spot. She had stopped crying like her grandfather had instructed, but she was still hurting. She wished more than anything she had told Kouga how she felt sooner. He had told her the previous night that he had wanted to be with her for a long time now. Who could have anticipated that he would be too late with that confession.
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Kouga stretched as he walked down the dock. He had never felt so relieved and happy in his entire life. Ever since his encounter with Ayame the previous night, she was all he could think about. Not that he was complaining of course, he liked Ayame... a lot. In his mind, she was the perfect girl for him. She was kind, caring, shy but still outspoken when she needed to be. She wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in or wanted. Not to mention, she was gorgeous. Sure, she came from the wealthiest family in their seaside town, but that had nothing to do with his attraction to her.
He smiled and saluted Ayame's grandfather as he passed. The older man nodded and continued on his way. Obviously Ayame had not told the older man anything. That was just fine with him, he hadn't told anyone either. He wanted to wait until he had a chance to talk to Ayame and make everything official.
"My, my, aren't we in a good mood this morning." A voice came from behind Kouga.
Kouga smirked as he glanced over his shoulder "Yeah, what of it?" He asked.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain little redhead you've been infatuated with for years now, would it?" Riku asked, walking up beside his friend.
"And what would give you that idea?" Kouga asked, looking at the dark haired man now standing next to him.
"Oh, I don't know," Riku chuckled. "Maybe its because you went chasing after her last night and you've been acting oddly ever since you got back to the pub last night."
"Well, lets just say the feeling was mutual." Kouga hinted before starting towards the Sally Ann.
"Oh so you finally did it?" Riku laughed out loud, chasing after his friend. "You finally told her how you feel. What did I tell you? I told you she liked you."
"Yeah yeah," Kouga rolled his eyes, still smiling like a fool.
"Well, congrats man." Riku said, patting Kouga on the back. The two of them fell silent as they walked down the docks. "Oh hey, look, here come your woman." Riku nudged Kouga's side, pointing towards the redhead walking down the road towards town.
Kouga smirked and pushed Riku ahead of him. "Shut up." He laughed. He noticed Ayame glance his way. He smiled and waved to her. His smile widened as she stopped, smiling brightly at him and waving shyly.
-
Ayame blushed lightly seeing Kouga grinning like an idiot at her as he waved. How on earth could she ever have doubted that he liked her in return. Sadly, the feeling of bliss she had knowing this soon disappeared.
"What's this?" That bone chilling voice came from her left. "My fiancée greeting a man the way she should only greet me?"
She glared at the man who approached her. "I will never greet you the same way I greet him." She scowled, her good mood gone.
"Come now, is that really the way you should be speaking to the man you'll be married to in a few short days?" Naraku smirked.
She closed her eyes in annoyance and turned her head away from him. "I will never marry you. I don't care what my grandfather thinks, you are the most vile thing to walk this earth."
"Hnn..." He smiled leaning forwards so that his face was only inches away from her cheek. "Trust me, come Sunday, you'll be singing a different tune."
"You keep telling yourself that." She sneered as she turned on her heel and continued on her way into town.
-
"What was that all about?" Kouga asked as he watched Ayame walk away from the greasy haired creep that was Naraku.
Riku snorted. "If Naraku talked to you, wouldn't you be disgusted?"
"Oi! You two!" A voice yelled at Kouga and Riku. "These supplies ain't gonna move themselves you know!"
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Ayame sat on the same bench she had sat on during the celebration the other night. It was getting late, the sun was setting. The sky was painted with different shades of red and pink and orange. Ayame sighed as she reflected on everything that had happened lately. She had to tell Kouga about the deal her grandfather had made with Naraku. But how? How do you tell the one you love, the one who loves you, that you can't be with them, not because you don't want to be with them, but because you've been promised to someone else? Gods, why must her life be so damn complicated?
"Is this spot taken?" A voice pulled her back down to reality. She looked up to see Kouga standing there, smiling down at her. She nodded and he sat down next to her. "I love watching the sunset," He revealed. "It always reminds me of you." He smirked at her shocked expression.
"I-it does?" She blushed lightly. "How?"
"Because, the first time I ever met you was at sunset." He stated, putting an arm around her shoulder and moving closer, causing her blush to darken. "That, and the orange colours remind me of your hair." The both chuckled.
They sat there for a moment, just looking into each others eyes and smiling. After a second, Ayame lost control and her eyes began to fill with tears. She turned away trying to hide the fact, but Kouga didn't miss them.
"Ayame? What's wrong?" He asked, his voice full of concern.
"There's something I have to tell you..." She said.
"What?" He asked, taking her chin and moving her face to look at him. He saw the tears spill from her eyes. He took the sides of her head into his hands and kissed away the tears on her cheeks then brushed them away with his thumbs. "Don't cry, Ayame, please." He brought her face closer to his and gave her the most tender kiss imaginable.
"Ookami!" A voice yelled from behind them, causing the two to break apart and turn to the source. Ayame winced but Kouga kept a calm face. "What in the seven hells do you think you are doing?" Naraku yelled.
"What do you mean 'what am I doing'? I'd think it's pretty obvious!" Kouga yelled.
"How dare you kiss her! She's promised to me!" Naraku narrowed his eyes.
"What? She's not promised to anyone!" Kouga looked at him as if he were crazy.
"Oh... I see." Naraku smirked. "She hasn't told you about the deal me and her grandfather have."
"What deal?" Kouga asked looking back and forth between Naraku and Ayame, who was looking away from the two men. "What the hell is going on?"
"You see Ookami." Naraku started walking up them and pulling Ayame up by the arm. "Me and Miss Herutsu here are getting married on Sunday. It was her grandfathers idea." Naraku smiled evilly at Kouga's stunned expression.
Kouga shook his head in disbelief. "No..." He said, his voice hoarse. "No it isn't true!"
"Oh, it's very true Lieutenant." Naraku confirmed. "The deal was made last night while your little wench was out partying."
"I'll kill you," Kouga growled out, cracking his knuckles.
"And what good would that do?" Naraku asked, laughing maniacally. "You'd be sent to jail and you'd never see her again."
"Let go of me!" Ayame finally snapped. She brought her hand swiftly to Naraku's cheek, slapping him as hard as she could. Instantly Naraku released her and took a few steps back due to the force of the slap. Ayame rushed to Kouga's side.
Naraku laughed at the two of them. "Fine, hide behind your little sailor man. Either way, we will be married on Sunday, there's nothing either of you can do about that." With that, Naraku left, still laughing.
Kouga turned to Ayame, who was looking down at the ground, crying. Kouga felt a pain in his heart. She probably figured that he hated her now, but that wasn't true. He could never hate her. This engagement wasn't her fault. It was her grandfathers and that bastard Naraku's fault. He pulled her into a tight embrace, letting her cry into his chest as he gently stroked her hair.
"It's alright Ayame." He whispered to her. "Everything's going to be alright. I'll talk to your grandfather and put a stop to this. I promise."
Ayame's sobs ceased as she looked up at him. "Really? Do you really mean that?" She asked with an air of hope.
Kouga gave her a reassuring smirk. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it." He told her. Ayame smiled as her brushed away the last of her tears. Slowly, she stood up on her tip-toes and pressed her lips against his is a gentle but passionate kiss.
AN: I'm so cruel! hates self
Ok, I did some planning and there are 3 chapters left including an epilogue. I told you all that it would be a short story (for me). I hope you don't all hate me too much.
Review Responses:
phantomoftheflame: I know, I know! But it's so much fun here on the dark side... there are COOKIES! lol! Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to hate Riku... not it this story but in the others. :)
Fran KC: Well, it only took me a month this time, I hope the wait wasn't unbarable. I hope the next one will be out much sooner though.
starry-eyed-angel: Woah, woah, woah! Now if this Roald Dahl is the guy I'm thinking of... I'm so nowhere near as good as him! I'm really not! But I am blushing like a cherry now. Thanks for that. That was really the nicest thing I think anyone has said about my writing. I'm incredibly flattered.
Shura: The Noble Pirate: It's ok, I completely understand about school. Why do you think it's taking me so long to update? I'm glad you love that chapter. I thought jealous Kouga was cute too. I think now everyone wants to kick Naraku's butt... lets torch the man shall we:smirks evilly: I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long for this.
Ukari-Chan: Thanks, I'm glad you like it so far. I'll be sure to email you as soon as I post this:D
xInfernal: I saw that... lol
Katsumi-Sanata: Hehe, look, I update (even though you just read this like yesterday, lucky for you no waiting really). O.o... did you just call Naraku kawaii?
Ok, uhm, well this doesn't have to do with this story. But I want to advertise. I want to write a couple of REQUEST fics... or well Oneshots. I don't know how many but a few to say the least. Just because I feel the need to write something new that won't drag out into a long thing and thus distracting me from all my other stories because I'm getting bad at that. So if you're interested in me writing you a Oneshot, check out my bio, for what you need to do. Don't be shy, I really want to write them!
Okie dokie that all for now. The next chapter should be out in a week or two. TOODLES!
(Note: I was ready to post this a week ago but because one of my stories got deleted, I wasn't allowed. So The things I said in the Review Responses may be a little off date wise... same with AN... sorry)