Well… I've been getting mixed reviews on this…is it really going that badly for some of you? For this, I could apologize...but I'm not going to…not everyone can like my fic right? Right. For those of you who do like it though, I thank you for coming back and reading and reviewing and loving my story! It makes me really happy to know that some of you enjoy it a lot (although those of you that are addicted might want to take a break…maybe I should go away for another year or maybe TWO years this time? .)
Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha and Co…if I did a lot of people would be mad at me cus I'd probably be sucking at it…
Chapter 12: The Ball Continues
"Inuyasha?" Kagome questioned, now turning herself about so much that Hojou had to stop dancing, let go of her, and turn himself also. He looked around in obvious confusion until he saw Inuyasha, and it took him a moment to remember who he was. Inuyasha shot a quick glare in Hojou's direction before eyeing Kagome.
But before anything could be said Inuyasha found himself staring into a corner. What the hell?! His eyebrow twitched in annoyance and he quickly whirled around only to be met with the dark brown orbs of Sango. He recognized her eyes through the pastel yellow of her cat's face mask, similar to that of Kagome's.
"What the hell do you want?" Inuyasha spat.
"What seems to have gotten your pantaloons in a cringe?" Sango retorted dryly. "No need to give thanks in my direction Inuyasha, for I have saved you and your brother I may add, from social ruin just now."
"And what makes one such as you come to such a conclusion?" He said, eyeing her.
"I saw you out there. You were eyeing Kagome and Mr. Nimura together. Do not think that you can just interrupt like that…she has an escort tonight. For what ever reason she has refused your offer you must accept it Inuyasha. You must!" Sango said an air of almost beseeching pain in her voice. She momentarily removed the mask, slipping the elastic string over her head and holding the mask carefully.
Inuyasha's eyes widened slightly. "What makes you think that I were to cause such a scene Miss Tanaka?" He said in wonder. "I was merely-
"Almost causing a scene." Sango interrupted. "By the way that you are blushing I can tell that you are most uncomfortable so I will keep my tongue-lasing short and sweet. She is with him and not you. Be done with it. You have yet to achieve the mastered façade your brother puts on constantly to hide your emotions, Inuyasha. Your jealousy flows like a mighty river and your face is like an inattentive mirror. It does not hide anything from anyone. Now come and dance with me before that lecherous assistant of yours finds his way to me."
Sango slipped her mask back over her face and quickly grabbed his arm and they made their way to a clearing before joining together in a dance. Inuyasha let Sango's words sink into his brain and he compelled them. Sango was not as small as Kagome and was not as soft. Not that Kagome was exactly squishy or anything, but Sango had a muscular father and she definitely took after him at least a little in that area. He let his mind wander away from Kagome as he danced with Sango. He did not really care for dancing much but it was proper etiquette to dance with every lady that did not have a partner and he could not risk defacing his brother in such a way. Keh. Sesshoumaru…He thought bitterly.
"Do not let your mind be polluted with thoughts of revenge Inuyasha." Sango said, trying to comfort her hurting friend.
"You are just like her." Inuyasha said, his eyes automatically searching for Kagome, yet not finding her in the crowd. "You both speak when you are not spoken to."
This caused Sango to gasp, her faults being put in the wide open for all to hear. She looked around, anxiously hoping that no one had heard Inuyasha in his banter. "Forgive me, Inuyasha, for I had not seen my faults until now. How horrible and feral I must look in your eyes."
Inuyasha smirked. "No no Sango," He said reassuringly. "I find it tempting when a woman can just forget her restraints and let her hair down (Sango gasped once more) just once. It relaxes me to see her relax. With those eyes that shine so brightly and her little mouth that curves into those beautiful smiles…
Sango quietly laughed behind her hand before placing it back into Inuyasha's. "And who would notice that our fair Kagome has such attributes but you Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha snapped out of his stupor and gapped at Sango with wide eyes and a deep blush. Her sudden outburst of laughter caught him off guard but assured him of her yarn. He laughed with her gaily, almost forgetting the picture of Kagome dancing with Hojou so happily in his mind. When they quieted, he secretly thanked Sango with a meaningful look in his eyes and a gentle squeeze from the hand about her waist. She nodded in acknowledgement and they continued to dance into the next song and the song after.
By the time Kagome's brain had registered that Inuyasha had been standing there, her eyes told her that he was gone. Hojou had quickly picked up where they had left off and Kagome's brain didn't have time to catch up on the fact that she had been hoping to see Inuyasha for just a split second and that he was gone already. She had to concentrate on her image at the moment. Her hand was getting tired of holding her mask about her face and she had wished that her mother had purchased the masks with the elastic back to them so that her other hand would easily be free for dancing and not holding the foolish thing. Luckily, she had danced her last song with Hojou and as the band was beginning to take a break, she found that this moment was her chance to take hers also.
"I thank you, Mr. Nimura for such a lovely dance." Kagome said graciously as she let go of Hojou. She pulled a small card from seemingly out of nowhere and looked as though she were reading it. "I do believe someone else is on my list for the next dance though."
Hojou looked a little disappointed but understood. Of course Kagome has her card full of men that would like to dance with her. He thought. I must be a lucky one to be able to dance with her first though.
Kagome curtsied to him genially and set off in search of Sango. She was the only person she could talk to right now and that indeed is what she needed to do. Where are you Sango? She thought fearfully. She searched about the crowds of couples talking, dancing, and blushing about but the sight of her hostess could not be found. Kagome sighed in defeat and stopped to rest a moment.
"What is this?" An unfamiliar voice cooed from behind her. "A young lady without an escort and a fantastic number has begun already?"
The hair on Kagome's neck prickled and she stood upright. She turned around and was met with the sight of a maroon coloured silk suit clad chest. She looked up and two blue eyes burned into hers.
Kagome inwardly gasped. My my…isn't he a delectable tart?
The man slyly grinned at Kagome and took her hand. Leaning forward he gently put his lips to the top of her gloved hand in greeting, causing Kagome to turn a bit pink.
"Murimoto, Kouga." He said as he straightened, but seemed to have forgotten about letting go of her hand.
"Higurashi, Kagome." Kagome said shyly.
Kouga's smile never faltered. "What a pleasure to meet such a beauty in these circumstances." He said gaily. "Would the lady care to dance?"
"I must first ponder your absence of a mask, sir, for you do recognize that this is a masquerade after all?" Kagome said, waving her cat mask about slightly. Although the mask would suffice to hide such nice looking attributes such as yours, Mr. Murimoto. Kagome thought. And what a shame that would be.
"I realize as such Miss Higurashi." Kouga said. "But I feel…the masquerade is for beautiful women only."
"Beautiful women?" Kagome asked, her curiosity to such a statement showing.
"Yes. For, if such a beautiful lady as yourself considered it wise to remove your mask upon meeting a gentleman…what a cordial event it would be!" Kouga said smoothly.
Oh my…he certainly knows what to say to get a lady flustered. Kagome thought, immediately turning a dark shade of red.
"And now my lady..." Kouga said, extending his arm so that their hands were high in the air. "We dance."
"Are you well Inuyasha?" Sango asked.
Inuyasha had to admit that he did feel a bit better. Well...admit to himself, not to Sango. "Keh."
Sango smiled knowingly and patted him on the shoulder lightly.
Inuyasha sighed a little. He was thankful slightly for Sango's intervention. Sesshoumaru would have buried him alive if he had reacted the way he wanted to in front of everyone. Guilt came at him slowly, not only for what could have happened with Sesshoumaru, but for what could have happened between him, Hojou and Kagome. He shook his head immediately trying to shake the thoughts from his head. He did not want to think about it now.
Sango looked up at him in question. Inuyasha gave her a look that told her to think nothing of it and closed his eyes trying to clear his head. Sango lowered her head slightly, looking at the ground in defeat. This was most unlike the young man to be so…so…
"Do not fret for my well-being Sango." Inuyasha said, causing Sango to look up at him in surprise. "I am grateful for your care. Be merry, tis the night of your first ball! Do not be saddened because of me. Please do enjoy this."
Sango's eyes widened in shock. Did he…Inuyasha just....? She could not believe her ears. A bright smile spread across her face like an unveiling curtain. Inuyasha's own grin of satisfaction almost matched hers and the two friends twirled around, their spirits enlightened.
"Kohaku! Wait for me, Kohaku!"
The older boy slowed down and waited for his younger accomplice to come near. Souta stopped beside his friend, fiercely trying to catch his breath.
"Are you well Souta?" Kohaku said, bending over to slightly rap his friend on the back. "Catch your breath my friend before the spirits take your soul away!"
Souta gulped in big breaths of air, finally catching his breath. "What purpose do we have for running at such high speeds Kohaku? What do we flee from?"
Kohaku straightened and smirked a little. "We are but creatures of the night my friend! Grave robbers, beware! Evil spirits and evildoers alike fear our names! We are unstoppable!" He said with much endeavor.
Souta stood and gaped at Kohaku. "You confuse me with your banter. Pray, tell me what we are doing outside the ball! If our parents were to find us out here, there will be such a reckoning!"
Kohaku smiled at Souta. "Do not fret my friend. I have naught but something to show you! A surprise if you will!"
That brightened Souta up immediately. "For what are we waiting for? Let us be off!" And with that Souta raced off, Kohaku in tow, the two laughing gaily.
The song ended and Kagome stood with Kouga, smiling immensely. "You are a magnificent dancer." She said shyly, blushing.
He grinned at her. "I am but a shameful resemblance to the superb dancing of my partner. If it were not for her, I would be but a horrible thing." He said smoothly, causing Kagome's heart to sing.
He grew serious for a moment. "But…" He looked around. "This is not the place for it." He said.
Kagome looked about in confusion. "A place for…?"
"Come with me, my lady." He offered her his arm and she took it without hesitation.
Such an amiable young gentleman! Kagome thought. She silently sighed happily. Inuyasha has nothing on Kouga…he is so much more…
Kouga escorted Kagome through the crowd of dancing couples and conversationalists. Her curiosity was perked but she did not say a word. A lady must be spoken to before she speaks…Kagome thought.
Kagome quickly eyed all of the people that they passed. The ladies were all looking exquisite in their dresses and made up hair. Their faces were absolutely covered in the finest makeup available and Kagome even envied some as she thought of the diminutive amount she had applied compared to the other women.
She tilted her head upward a little to search in Kouga's face to find the answer to her burning questions about the mysterious man. Where had he been all of this time? Why had he not made himself apparent to her before this? Where in the blazes were they going?
Soon one of her questions was answered as Kouga led her to a pair of large doors that obviously led outside, displaying the night sky like fresh paint on a new canvas. The sky was clear and the stars shone like diamonds on her mother's rings. Kagome quickly shut out the thought of anything relating to her mother at the moment. The mere thought of her sent chills down her spine. If she knew…oh dear what a mess I would be in. Kagome thought.
"Please come with me, my lady." Kouga said, offering his hand to her this time, noticing that she had stopped some ways away from him and had begun to daydream.
Kagome shook her head a bit and cleared her head, placing a delicate smile on her face and taking Kouga's offered hand. "It would be my pleasure, Mr. Murimoto."
As she took Kouga's hand, Kagome suddenly felt another chill run down her spine. It was not the same chill that she got from thinking of her mother, but that of eyes on her back. Her steps faltered as the chill bounced off of her tailbone and came back to the tip of her spine. Someone was watching her. She quickly looked over her shoulder but only found the backs of the high class patrons of the ball. Without another look back she allowed herself to be escorted outside to the balcony as the next song came to a close.
Inuyasha saw it. At least…he thought he saw it. But he would not bring himself to believe such a thing. Kagome…his Kagome…with Kouga Murimoto!
"That rat bastard…" Inuyasha cursed under his breath, his eyes burning into Kagome's skull as they stood near the balcony doors and Kouga hastily opened them and offered his hand to her.
Sango's eyes immediately shot upward at the growling man next to her. Oh dear… She thought.
Inuyasha's heart skipped a beat when Kagome stopped and looked over her shoulder. Look at me Kagome. Look at me, Kagome. LOOK AT ME KAGOME! His mind screamed. His hope dispirited quickly as she turned and followed Kouga out to the balcony, and his blood boiled as Kouga closed the doors behind them and disappeared from his sight.
The song ended and Inuyasha looked at Sango quickly, his eyes afire with a wild light. "Inuyasha…" She said carefully, trying to calm him down.
"Thank you, Sango." Inuyasha said. The flame calmed momentarily as he looked at her. "But…I must go now." He quickly placed a gloved hand on her shoulder and was off before she knew it, leaving her to herself in the crowded area.
Sango sighed as she stood there alone and not sure what she was supposed to do. Standing there quickly became boring so she turned to leave the area when something appeared in front of her.
"Oh my, excuse me." Sango said, a hand quickly resting on her chest in astonishment.
"No need for apology," the smooth baritone said. "Would it be ruse of my asking for the lady of honor's hand?"
Sango's eyebrows disappeared into her bangs. Surely he does not mean marriage! She thought. But when he offered his hand she instantly knew he meant to dance and her cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"It would be my pleasure," she said as she took his hand. She found it slightly awkward at the height difference between them but soon as many eyes (quite a few burning with jealousy) began to turn their way it was forgotten.
"My lady dances well." Sesshoumaru commented idly.
Sango blushed. "As do you."
"Look at her, first Inuyasha and now his brother!" A woman snapped to another behind her fan.
"Well tonight would be her ball…I do believe Mr. Sesshoumaru finds it naught but necessary for him to honor the lady of the ball by dancing with her." Another answered.
"He failed to grace me with his lovely presence." The first sniffed daintily.
"I hear he is very picky about everything…" Another whispered.
"Where has his brother gotten off to?"
Inuyasha was frantically busy trying to find Kagome. She and Kouga had disappeared into the crowd and he only had a slight idea as to where they could have gone.
Pushing in between a couple rudely he spotted Miroku in a corner amidst many groups of women who had not had the chance to dance yet. He had a dainty-looking brunet with seemingly thousands of ringlets with her back on the wall and a deep blush on her face. He whispered something into her ear and she giggled madly.
"Miroku!" Inuyasha called as he squeezed between two tables and came from behind his friend.
"Excuse me madam." Miroku said smoothly before turning to Inuyasha with a strained look. "Yes?"
"Do not give me that." Inuyasha snapped. "Where is Kagome?"
"I saw her walking with that Murimoto guy…Kouga I believe it is." Miroku said thoughtfully. "I remember watching how she seemed a bit more flirtatious than usual…you know…swishing her hips a bit more-
"How you saw that from under that hoopskirt I will never know." Inuyasha said. "That is not what I want to hear! Tell me, where did they go?"
The dainty brunet from behind him pouted impatiently. Miroku put a finger to his chin and cupped his elbow thoughtfully with the other hand, a pensive look about his features. "I do believe that they were off to the balcony…perhaps to discuss some…interesting topics…"
"Miroku…" Inuyasha growled.
Miroku waved his hands apologetically in front of him. "I tell no lie Inuyasha! That is what I saw!"
"You had better pray you are right!" Inuyasha snapped again before rushing off without a note of grace.
Miroku stared after his friend for a bit before turning around, remembering his little "guest" that he was entertaining. "Now where were we…" He said, rubbing his hands together before his eyes took in the scene.
He was met with a blank wall. Sighing deeply in despair he put a hand to his forehead and shook his head in disbelief. "Just my luck." He said. "I wonder what Sango is up to…"
With that he quickly went off in search of his beloved Ms. Takanaka…or was it Takahashi…?
Yay! Finally done! So...did the constant switches between scenes annoy you? I figured it might but I think they were kind of needed…I dunno maybe I could have done them differently but I like it this way…
Anywhoo…my parents are getting a divorce right now…so I don't really know who I'm going to be living with…plus where this computer is going so…I'm really sorry but I'm not sure when I'll be able to get the next chapter out! I would type it at school but they've got this weird monitor thing on that can track ANYTHING that you do and we're not allowed to do anything but school work on them, but I promise I will try my darndest to get these next chapters out, if things go as planned we still have plenty of plot twists and misadventures to go. I'm really sorry it's taking me so long to get these chapters out to you; I really try as hard as I can! Thank you to EVERYONE who has reviewed, I love you all dearly!
Until next time!
Love
Nekomon .
By the way, if you haven't read Pulling Her Down by aishiteru-inu, shame on you! It's a really good story from what I've read (the first two chapters are all I had time for) and you should really read it!
If you're a FFX fan (like me .) then you should definitely read A Little Unwell by Wolfy. A really good story with lots of Tikku! (which I love) So read it….even if you don't know or like FFX..its just that well written I tells ya!
I want you dead…
it's all your fault
I want your heart to stop
Your blood to run cold
I want your eyes to glaze over
Your expression to freeze
That moment in time
When your last thought was me
I'll end you myself I swear
I want revenge for what you did to me
You have no shame
I was thrown away
Redemption is paid
When you're in your grave.
True love is for suckers
It's all just a huge game
Trade em in trade em out
It all ends the same
I'm not bitter I just know
From seeing all of you
Go from shaken up to breakin up
In less time than…count it, 1…2…
You all are feeble
Your imagination is taking you away
Too fast for your heart to say "Hey!-
Stop! I need a break!"
Because you say you're in love now
Doesn't mean a thing
You'll break up soon
And start to hate everything
You don't want to be reminded of what a good person he/she was
You throw away everything they ever gave you, cards, flowers, toys..
You want revenge…a lasting hope that they'll be miserable without you
When in reality, that same thing is eating at you
You become dark and depressed
Everythings a mess
You move on, make him/her jealous
A little tit for tat
Until you find yourself spiraling in a big hoop of confusion
You're lost and have no idea what you're doing
Then you realize that one person must have done it
Straddling