Disclaimer: Rawr. Nooottt mine.
wk: WHOO HOO HOO HOO HOO! Guess how many reviews I have? OVER 450! How unbelievable! I thought I should make this chapter longer as a present, but then you guys would have to wait longer and I thought getting it out sooner was a better present. Well, thanks for your support guys, and here's a warning:
This chapter contains slightly citrusy content. A lemmony lime if you will. It's not too descriptive... I don't think it's too bad, but this was just in case there were children reading this, or if there were just people that were too shy to read such things. I'll also have a warning before it happens, so it'll catch your eye.
Chapter Thirteen
Proposal
Kagome made some popcorn. Might as well have a snack when she was listening to something that made her want to microwave her head. What a jerk!
"… had to carry her fat ass into the damn house… keep himself out of this witch's bed…" Kagome grit her teeth, her hand digging into the popcorn and shoving it into her mouth wrathfully. She was going to "fix him" later. Carry her fat butt into the house, hm? Witch's bed, hm?
He didn't see the worst of it yet, she viciously thought. She continued to listen, raising her eyebrow when she realized that the prostitute's daughter was Ayame. So Ayame's mother was sort of saved by Inuyasha? She never knew he was such a softie.
Then she came to the last tape. She sighed as she popped it in, going back to her couch and her now-empty bag of popcorn. The sun was up, and she paused the tape. She went into her room, and changed into pajamas. She had become nocturnal, preying on popcorn as she listened to her other prey on the cassette.
She made another bag of popcorn, doubting that she was going to finish this one, and pressed play and sat down. "…'What did you do?'" Kagome listened with interest as Inuyasha repeated the question.
"…'I fell in love with her.'"
Kagome dropped her bag of popcorn onto the floor.
Inuyasha yawned, scratching his head as he went to the bathroom. He showered, brushed his teeth, and frowned as he saw his own reflection. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he cursed as he looked at a clock. It was seven in the morning. He had finally fallen asleep at six. One damn hour of sleep.
He went out to the kitchen, where the smell of coffee drew him. Ayame was sipping a cup, and to his horror, was also eating strawberry ice cream straight out of the carton.
"Isn't that gross?" Inuyasha asked in a raspy voice, nodding at the carton and the coffee. "Mixing those two won't exactly put your stomach in a good mood. Then again, you have a stomach of steel." Ayame chuckled.
"You should try it, Uncle Inu. It's actually pretty good," Ayame said.
"No thanks." Ayame sipped her coffee, surveying her uncle's rumpled appearance.
"You look like hell, Uncle Inu," Ayame stated.
"Thanks," Inuyasha said wryly. He cursed when his tired hands spilled some coffee onto his hand. He quickly stuck it under cold water, and no real damage was done. He finished pouring the cup, and sighed as he took a sip. He went back to his room, feeling more human and slipped into a pair of jeans. Then he put on a white wife beater and put on a red shirt, his insignia. He also grabbed the leather jacket before also grabbing his sunglasses and went back to the kitchen.
"Where're you going?" Ayame asked.
"Kagome's…" Inuyasha murmured. "She found out last night."
"What? How?" Ayame asked, sticking her spoon in her mouth.
"Naraku. He came to the party," Inuyasha growled. Ayame pondered this.
"Well, good luck. Did she kick you out of her life?"
"Surprisingly, no," Inuyasha said. "She said she would give me a second chance since she trusted me. I gave her the radio tapes anyway. Knowing her, she probably didn't sleep the whole night, and is probably still listenting to them right now."
"Probably," Ayame said.
Inuyasha grabbed some bread, stuck it in his mouth, and left.
Miroku blew out a breath. "Wow."
Sango curled up next to him, grinning. "I know. I feel the same way."
"It's never been… like that…" Miroku mumbled.
"Well, you've never told me you loved me- that damn show doesn't count, I thought you were kidding- and I do believe it was the first time that we've proposed to each other," Sango said, amusement coloring her voice.
"I never expected my Sango to kneel on a knee," Miroku said teasingly, stroking her cheek. Sango chuckled.
"Kagome gave me a little talk," Sango said.
"Remind me to thank her," Miroku said. Sango laughed.
"You know, you never did answer me," Sango said thoughtfully. You just kind of plucked me from the floor and-"
"Absolutely, certainly, without a doubt in my mind, yes!" Miroku said, covering her mouth with his own.
"So we're getting married, then?" Sango asked breathlessly when he pulled away. He covered her mouth with his again. "So that means-" he kissed her again. Sango melted against him with a purr, laughing when he rose a brow suggestively at her.
"Big wedding or small wedding?" Miroku asked, after they… after they did the unmentionables. Again.
"I think I want family and friends only," Sango said. Miroku thought.
"So… a small one?"
"Don't you have a lot of friends?" Sango asked, surprised. Miroku looked at her in bewilderment.
"We've been going out for years and you don't know that the only people I really like are you, Inuyasha, and a few other select people?" Miroku asked. Sango shrugged. "What about you?"
"I have you, Inuyasha, and… I think I'm going to ask Kagome to be my Maid of Honor. Then I have my little brother, of course, and Kirara-" Speaking of the cat-demon, there was a mew outside the door. "She's hungry," Sango said. Miroku sighed, throwing off the blanket.
"I'll go feed her…" Sango watched as Miroku walked across the room-naked.
He seemed slender, but she knew that he had numerous hidden muscles. It was such a nice, lean, muscular body. She wondered how she landed someone like him. Now, she would have to incorporate into the wedding vows something about not ogling other women…
She knew he did it a lot just to make her mad, and to annoy the hell out of her. Still, sometimes, she couldn't help but wonder.
Miroku came back, closed the door again. "I don't know why she just doesn't go out to hunt," Miroku grumbled. "I even installed a kitty door into the back door for her."
"You know the law," Sango said. "She can't assume her natural form unless there is a danger."
"I know, I know… What a stupid law," Miroku said. He sighed when Sango moved out of the bed. "Darling, please do come back. I feel chilly without your warmth," he said, pouting. Sango rolled her eyes.
"Shut up," she said, before putting some clothes on. Miroku silently mourned the loss of skin. She opened the curtains, letting the morning sun reach its tendrils inside. Miroku nearly hissed.
"Close those curtains!" Miroku said, shielding his eyes. "At least let me get adjusted!"
"Wake up, you sleepy-head," Sango said, throwing his clothes on the bed. "We have to go to work. Inuyasha's probably not gonna show today either, so it's all on us today…" He drew the blanket over his head, and abruptly curled up into the fetal position as Sango yanked the blanket off.
"Is it too late to withdraw my proposal?" Miroku grumbled, standing. Sango grinned at him.
"Sorry. Can't take it back now." Miroku groaned.
Something strange was going on here. Inuyasha remained in her car, staring. Something wasn't right. His gut feeling told him not to get out of the car. His instincts were usually right, and he knew he hit the mark when Kagome walked out.
Kagome had a power tool.
He gripped the keys, ready to stick them into the ignition and drive off before she could score a hit. This woman was obviously not mentally sound.
"Inuyasha!" she called, a smile lighting her face. Inuyasha stuck the keys into the ignition, but didn't turn. Why did she seem so happy? Had she heard his confession on the radio already? Was she happy because he loved her? Maybe she loved him back!
He quickly jumped out of the car, striding over to her. He kept an arm's length away from her, just in case she was going to try something with that power tool. He didn't know why, but even with his life in danger of being speared by a nail, he found it sexy to see her hair tied back and the power tool in her hand.
"You can help me fix the door that you broke… Right?" Kagome asked sweetly. Inuyasha sighed. So that's why she was smiling. She was threatening him. He should have known.
"Yeah," he said. He went into her house, noting the two bags of popcorn, and removed his jacket. He went back out, and held the door for her as she drilled some of the screws back into place.
"Why don't you just get a new door? Look- the doorframe is cracked," Inuyasha said, pointing out the obvious split in the wood.
"I know. This is just going to be my temporary door before I get another one in," Kagome said, drilling in another screw back in place. In the end, the door was a bit lopsided, and she needed to lift one side slightly to get it to close. And the lock didn't work, which didn't really matter since she never locked the door anyway. "I already called the door people. They're going to install it tomorrow," Kagome said, and walked into her house. She noticed the two empty bags of popcorn and threw them away.
"So… Did you listen to all the tapes?" Inuyasha asked uneasily. Her easygoing manner threatened to choke him with suspension and tension.
Kagome shrugged. She knew what he was asking. Did you hear me say those three words?
"More or less. I fast-forwarded through some of it," Kagome said. She sat on the sofa, turned the TV on. Inuyasha frowned. What did that mean? Did that mean she didn't hear him say, "I love her"? Why was she being so unresponsive?
He sat next to her, awkwardly waiting. He waited, watching the TV show she was watching without really seeing it.
Kagome wanted to strangle him. Why didn't he say it to her now? She wanted him to say it to her personally, not on some tape that wasn't even said directly to her, but to millions of people in Japan. She wanted to hear it, to know it, to relish in it. If he just told her those three magic words, she would forgive him for all the misdeeds that he had committed against her.
He thought he was going to pop. What did she want him to do? Why was she just sitting there, staring blankly at the TV? Did she hear? Did she know?
He sighed, sitting back against the cushions, wishing this tense, thick atmosphere would go away. If only women told men what they were supposed to do. Then all this drama could be avoided.
"What do you want?" he asked suddenly, unable to bear it any longer. Kagome sighed, gave him a glare, and stood.
"Figure it out," she bit out, before going into her bedroom.
He sat there, stunned. When had she become angry? Gritting his teeth, he followed her into the bedroom.
"Oi! Wench! What's your problem?" he asked. Kagome was letting down her hair, brushing it through in the bathroom. He felt the familiar lust heat him, along with the anger.
Kagome refused to speak. Inuyasha strolled into the restroom, grabbing her upper arms and forcing her to look at him. What he saw made him swear. Her eyes were pooling with tears, and she was ruthlessly holding them back. He drew her against him, kissed her hard.
"I love you, bitch, but you'll drive me-"
Kagome was suddenly wrapped around him, kissing him, driving him back before he regained his footing. He groaned as he felt her teeth nip his lip. She kissed the strong column of his throat before tilting her face up to his again. "That's what I wanted. I wanted you to love me," she whispered.
Inuyasha framed her face with his hands, his face serious. "Then you'll have what you want for all of eternity," he said, and drew back when she started to laugh. "What?" he demanded, wanting to know what was so amusing.
"That was so cheesy!" Kagome laughed, and Inuyasha started to draw back, scowling and blushing. Kagome threw her arms around his neck, forbidding any backward movement. "I love it," she whispered before gently settling her mouth over his.
(This is the slightly citrusy part I was talking about! Read after the line-thingy, if citrus stuff makes you squirmy)
Kagome pushed him towards the bed, and he went willingly, until his knees hit the bed. He sat, drawing Kagome between his legs. He drew away from the kiss with a shuddering breath, then gave her a hard look.
"What about you?" he asked, his voice husky. Kagome bit her lip against another laugh, gave him a smacking kiss on the nose.
"You don't know? I've been in love with you since before I was sober," Kagome said. Inuyasha laughed and drew her down to him.
Kagome knew that there was no backing out this time. They were going to make love to each other.
He covered every inch of her face with kisses, as if mapping out the skin on her face with his lips. Kagome returned the favor, her hands on his ears. He rumbled appreciatively, then drew away.
"What's with you touching my ears every time?" Inuyasha asked, rubbing his own ears. Kagome shrugged, and smiled.
"It's one of the things I love about you. It's what makes you special," Kagome said. Inuyasha smiled, kissing her softly.
"However did I find you?"
"Drunk and raving mad," Kagome drawled, and he laughed. Her hands went back to his ears, and they were kissing again, and his hands went to the nerves on her back. She arched against him, gasping into his mouth.
He turned, making her lie on the bed. He slowly stripped her of her clothes, his eyes roving over every inch of skin exposed. Kagome was blushing, but she didn't move to cover herself. She gave him a defiant glance, as if daring him to say she was fat, or ugly. He sucked in a breath.
"Beautiful…" he said, and took off his own clothes before kissing her again. He nibbled on her neck, drawing out marks that would catch the attentions of others. He blew on them, grinning. He went back up to her mouth, feasting. This was what he needed for survival. Not food, not water, not air… Even his precious motorcycle. He would show her how much he needed her.
She gave out a soft cry when he sank into her slowly, tenderly.
Slowly, lovingly, he took them both higher and higher, until abruptly, they fell off an edge.
"Wow," Kagome said, unconsciously echoing Miroku's earlier sentiments. Inuyasha grinned against her temple. He had rolled them over so that she was lying on top of him now, and his hand covered her bottom.
"How do you feel?" Inuyasha asked, pressing a kiss to her temple. Kagome sighed.
"I feel wonderful!" she said enthusiastically, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "I never knew…"
"Hm…" Then Inuyasha paused. He froze when a thought occurred to him. They had completely forgotten about protection.
"Kagome… I know… Well, I know you don't have any experience, but by any chance…" he wondered if he could choke it out, but he had to. He would take responsibility. "Are you on the pill?" He felt her tense on top of him, then she looked down at his equally tense face, her mouth open in shock.
"We didn't have any protection!" she yelled, then she abruptly dropped her face into the side of his neck, hiding herself.
"Kagome, calm down," Inuyasha said, his hand going down her back soothingly. She bit into the juncture between his neck and shoulder, and he flinched. His hand clamped down on her neck, forcing her head up. "What the hell was that for?"
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Kagome yelled. Then she took a deep breath, turning her head away to stare at one of her white walls. "Actually… I… I don't think I mind," Kagome admitted.
Inuyasha groaned again, never thinking a statement like that could make his body surge with lust again, but it did. He gently pushed her off him, and went to wear his boxers and jeans. He turned back to her, and was horrified to see tears rolling down her cheeks.
"You don't want a child, do you?" Kagome asked tearfully. Inuyasha cursed and strode over to her.
"Kagome, I-"
"That's okay. I'll take care of him by myself," Kagome said. Inuyasha cursed again, grasping her upper arms and forcing her up to her knees to be eye level with him. His hand grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"You don't even know for sure yet," Inuyasha said, exasperated. Kagome tried to wrench her arms from his grasp, but his hold tightened. "Kagome-"
"Let go! I should never have… have…" Kagome continued to struggle, the tears going down her cheeks. How did one deal with having a loved one reject your child? "You would walk away if I had a baby!" she yelled.
"No I wouldn't!" Inuyasha yelled back. "That's what I'm trying to tell you! I wouldn't mind!"
All was still for the space of a second.
She thumped him on the shoulder, her tears suddenly gone. She wiped them off furiously, wrenching her arms out of his grip.
"Why didn't you tell me before!" Kagome yelled. Inuyasha growled, watching her get dressed.
"I was trying to tell you before!" Inuyasha yelled back. He paused. "So do you think you are?" Kagome shrugged.
"I'm… not sure," Kagome said haltingly. Inuyasha sighed.
"Well, tell me if you miss your next period," Inuyasha said. Kagome wrinkled her nose.
"I'm not due until next month. I'll get a pregnancy test," Kagome said. Inuyasha nodded in agreement.
"If you're pregnant, we'll get married. I want our child to have my name," Inuyasha said. Kagome nodded.
"Of course we will. I don't want him to think he was unloved," Kagome said. She sighed, throwing herself back on the bed, now fully clothed. Inuyasha leaned over her, giving her a chaste kiss.
"I have to get to work," Inuyasha said. Kagome suddenly shot up, falling back on the bed with a groan when her head collided with Inuyasha's. "What the hell, wench!"
"Sorry!" she said, rubbing her forehead. "I just forgot I have to go to work, too!" She looked down at her attire. "I have to change, get ready… I am so late!"
"Well, hurry up, because we only have your car. You have to give me a ride, too." Kagome paused.
"The radio station?" Kagome asked curiously, a devious smile on her face.
"Um… Yeah," Inuyasha said, his forehead wrinkling in confusion.
"Great!" she cried out, and ushered him out of the room.
"What's the rush? It's not like it's nothing I haven't seen before," Inuyasha said, and laughed when she just shut the door in his face and he heard the lock click.
He settled on the sofa, turning the TV off. He laid back on the cushions, sighing in satisfaction. He had finally gotten his vixen into bed, after admitting he loved her. He blew out a breath as he remembered everything that had happened in her bed. Wow was what she had said, and wow was the only word he could think of, too.
He felt unsatiable, still wanting to make love to her over and over, but the lack of protection made him stop himself.
God. He wished he had brought a whole pack of condoms with him. Still he had thought this day would end with tears and suicide. Or murder.
What if she was pregnant? He really didn't mind. In fact, he wanted to make her pregnant with his pups. He imagined her, her belly swollen with his child…
He really regretted not bringing those condoms.
Kagome's door opened, and he watched as she sashayed out in a business suit that had his mouth watering. With the collar up, no doubt hiding the marks he had given her. It was a pinstripe suit. Oh, he was practically rolling over on the carpet, asking her to rub his belly.
"Kagome…" he kissed her slowly, and she responded, before roughly pushing him away. She looked at him speculatively, a slow smile spreading on her face. He only watched her intently. His hand moved, smoothing down the collar. He looked at the marks with satisfaction before pulling her collar back up. Kagome ignored the whole action.
"You have lip gloss on, now," Kagome said. Inuyasha's tongue darted out to taste her lip gloss, and she looked startled.
"Tastes good," Inuyasha said in a low tone, making Kagome shiver appreciatively.
"Let's go, before… Let's just go," Kagome said quickly. Inuyasha agreed. Being alone with Kagome wasn't a good idea. First thing on his grocery list was condoms.
Kagome took her keys back, getting behind the wheel. "I don't see why you just won't let me drive," Inuyasha said, sulking in the passenger seat.
"Because it's my car," Kagome pointed out. She backed out, then drove quickly according to Inuyasha's directions, to his work place.
"Wow… It's kind of big, for a radio station," Kagome murmured. Inuyasha shrugged.
"We have tours, too. Never during my show, since I don't want my identity revealed, or whatever, but we have them. We also have a small souvenir shop on the first floor, and lots of other rooms to handle different things. And we're not the only ones to use the satellite. Just the most popular," Inuyasha said smugly.
"Well excuse me, your highness," Kagome murmured. Inuyasha tilted her face up and kissed her quickly before getting out of the car.
"All right. So I'll see you later. Do you want to pick me up from work, or…?"
"I'll pick you up," Kagome said, and watched him nod and stealthily disappear into the building.
Kagome drove to work, sighing as she got out of her car. She didn't want to work. Still, she had asked for a day off, so that she could surprise Inuyasha at his workplace. Myouga had agreed, but said not today, since they had lots to discuss. She had to agree.
Kagome headed towards the boardroom, and found Myouga and a few other executives there. Some were from other companies. Most were from their own company.
"Ah! Kagome… You were a bit… late," Myouga said, a suggestive twinkle in his eyes. Kagome blushed, and fought to make her face return to a normal color.
"Yeah… I had a little trouble this morning," Kagome said.
"Her and my grandson… They're a bit… involved," Myouga whispered to the man sitting next to him. Well, it wasn't exactly a whisper... More like a hoarse scream.
"Myouga!" Kagome screeched, mortified. "We're in a professional meeting, and we should act that way!" Most of the boardroom members were laughing. They immediately stopped when they saw Kagome's stern expression.
"Sorry, Kagome. Sorry, minna-san. Just had to put that in somewhere," Myouga said gleefully. Kagome gave him a dark look. "Anyways, I've organized this meeting, because as I'm sure you all have noticed, Naraku was at the party last night."
They all nodded their agreements, murmuring.
"What I want to know is… How did he get in?" Myouga asked harshly. "What happened to the security guards? Not to mention he also disappeared without a trace. Security guards didn't remember him. Either they were bribed very well by Naraku, or there was an inside man."
Everyone nodded in agreement. "I think the guards were bribed. Who would Naraku know that we don't know, that would open a back door for him?" asked one man.
"It's someone that we could know," Kagome pointed out. "It's not like anyone who knows us is automatically loyal to us. There are a number of employees that could have been bribed, as well." Everyone nodded again, murmuring their own opinions.
"Also, we have the matter of how we're going to be pitted against Naraku. He wants this company to break it down and sell off the pieces for a profit, the bastard. He doesn't want any competition," Myouga stated. "If we combine all our-"
"Excuse me, Myouga, but I'm not sure that's a good idea. Eventually, he'll target us as well, and I can't risk my company like that," one man said. He looked plump, pleasant, but as soon as those words left his mouth, Kagome immediately disliked him.
"Look… I agree with him… I can't risk my company like that either," another man said, pulling on his collar as if he needed more room to breathe. Kagome glared down each man, and unfortunately, each man started to voice their withdrawal of their support. Soon, all of them were looking uncomfortable in their chairs, Kagome's anger changed to shock. Myouga didn't look any better off. He looked a bit paler, considering the blood of the man he had been drinking from.
"So… That's it? You said you were going to support us last night at the party!" Kagome said angrily, getting her temper back.
"Kagome… It's not that simple… My head was fuzzy with wine," the man sitting at the other end of the table said. Kagome grit her teeth.
"Mr. Fujikawa-"
"That's enough, Kagome," Myouga said sternly. Kagome broke off, steaming. Her hands balled into fists.
"I can't believe you old buggers are backing out," Toutousai said in his wheezy voice, finally speaking up. He was sitting next to Kagome, and he gave her hand a pat of comfort and reassurance. "Did he threaten your families?" he asked. Each man shifted uncomfortably some more. Toutousai laughed in his breathy voice.
"Threatened mine, too. Too bad all he has to threaten is a three-eyed bull that helps me out sometimes," Toutousai said amusedly. "Now, look around. If we combined all our companies against him, kind of a rebellion of a tyrant, then wouldn't he be forced to be overthrown?"
"There are always casualties," the pleasant, plump man said. Kagome had forgotten his name. It was… Mr. Ichiro!
"Mr. Ichiro," Kagome said, a sweet smile on her face just in case Myouga misunderstood her intentions, "Of course there will be casualties. Not fatal ones, of course, because he wouldn't dare. But how long until he comes after your company?" She turned to Mr. Fujikawa. "Or yours?" Kagome sat back, satisfied with the hesitant silence surrounding the group.
"The only casualties here will occur only if we let them occur," Kagome said. She felt more confident now; more assured that they were going to gain their support back. If not all, then some.
"Well, we will give you all the time to think over it. Please don't make any hasty decisions," Myouga said. "This meeting is adjourned." People were starting to get up. Kagome knew that some would walk out the door and possibly not return. Still, others would stay, and put in their two cents.
Hopefully, that would be enough. Kagome looked at the clock. It was almost one o' clock. She grinned. She was going to listen in on 102.5 today and see what Inuyasha talked about during his so-called "Kikyou hour".
"I see. So you two proposed to each other?" Inuyasha asked, nibbling on a cracker.
"Yes. Isn't it just sweet? Me and my Sango… Together forever!" Miroku winked at Sango who only rolled her eyes. Inuyasha pushed the button to pick up a phone call.
"102.5 FM. What's your thoughts on this insane matter?" Inuyasha asked.
"This is Suki. It's so romantic! I can't believe-" Inuyasha disconnected the call. He made a face at Miroku.
"Too sweet. Hand me another cracker, will ya?" Inuyasha asked, letting his listeners decide whether he was talking about the cracker or the phone call. Miroku rolled his own eyes, shaking his head at Inuyasha.
"Okay, next call," Inuyasha said.
"Okay, so we heard one romantic story, and I know it's not one yet, but… What happened between-" Inuyasha disconnected on her, too.
"Hanyou! It's only five minutes until one!" Miroku said, outraged on the listeners' behalf.
"Well, then… She should have been able to wait five minutes!" Inuyasha said, pouting and crossing his arms. Miroku smacked himself on the forehead.
"Hanyou, I know patience is a virtue, but this is going too-"
"Okay, it's one!" Inuyasha said happily. Miroku gaped.
"It is not!" he cried indignantly.
"My internal clock says it is," Inuyasha said haughtily.
"You have no-"
"I told Kikyou everything at the party, and Kikyou and I did it this morning," Inuyasha said gleefully. Miroku was shocked into silence for a moment. Then, he leaned forward, a twinkle in his eye.
"Quick to forgive, our little Kikyou. Was it good?" Miroku asked. Inuyasha chewed his cracker as if it was the food of the kings.
"I think it was better than good. Better than great. Mind-blowing. Absolutely, positively, stunningly, surprisingly-"
"Okay, we get the point," Miroku said. Inuyasha grinned at him.
"Patience is a virtue," Inuyasha said. Miroku narrowed his eyes at the hanyou, his eye twitching with restrained temper.
Sango watched the whole thing from the window, noticing the role reversal. Usually, it was Inuyasha that was annoyed with Miroku, but today, it seemed that Inuyasha was gloating a little too much for Miroku. She saw Miroku take a deep breath and say, "Well, Sango and I also had some absolutely, positively-" Sango screeched, not that he could hear.
"That's good for you," Inuyasha said quickly, cutting in and making a face, much to Sango's relief.
"What? You can talk about your sex life, but I can't talk about mine?" Miroku asked.
"Exactly," Inuyasha said. Miroku scowled. "Anyways, she might be pregnant. I didn't exactly remember protection," Inuyasha said sheepishly. Miroku was shocked speechless.
"And… you're not at all affected by this?" Miroku asked.
"Of course I am!" Inuyasha snapped. "Who wouldn't be affected by a baby, you dope!"
"No! I mean… it's not affecting you as in… You don't want this baby?" Inuyasha looked at him blankly.
"Why wouldn't I want the baby?" Inuyasha asked incredulously. Miroku didn't think he could be shocked speechless again, but he was. Gosh, this was turning into some kind of record.
"Uh…"
"What the hell's wrong with you?"
"Hanyou, you do realize that most baby-makers-" Inuyasha coughed at Miroku's name for males. "-usually don't want their babies?"
"I know. I'm not one regular 'baby-maker' though," Inuyasha said proudly. Miroku smiled in an awkward fashion.
"I'm sure you're proud, Hanyou…" Miroku just shook his head when Inuyasha nodded with pride. "No shame… No shame at all…"
"But… We don't know yet. I kinda forgot about protection when I went over there this morning," Inuyasha said. Suddenly, he started to vibrate. No, not him, but his phone started to vibrate.
"Uh… Inuyasha…?" Miroku said as he noticed the buzzing sound. Inuyasha glanced at the caller ID screen, winced.
"Maybe the secret coming out wasn't such a good thing. It's Ka- Kikyou. I'll have to take this call." Inuyasha went outside after taking off his headset, and quickly picked up the phone.
"Inuyasha you better explain yourself and explain yourself good!" Kagome yelled shrilly into the phone. She didn't care if people looked at her silhouette in the office, wondering why she was throwing things everywhere. She had already made several scuff marks on the walls, and she believed there was a large dent… somewhere.
"Kagome, darling-"
"Don't you 'darling' me, you egotistical-"
"Now, now… It's just for the show, babe!" Inuyasha said hastily. "Besides. I'm proud that we finally got around to it. It's an experience that I wanted to share-"
"Not with all of Japan!" Kagome shrieked.
"Yes, with all of Japan, because I love you, you might be pregnant, and I am so unbelievably, freakishly happy!" Inuyasha said on a long breath. Kagome paused.
"You'd be really happy if I was pregnant, huh?" Kagome said. Inuyasha paused, too.
"More than you know, sweetheart. I guess people would believe that I wouldn't want one. Well, that's bullshit. Kagome, you should know better, too. I told you I loved you. There's only one other woman I told that, too, and she's long dead. Oh, and my mother, but I don't think she counts. When I say it, I mean it. Eventually, I'm going to want the whole package- kids, a house with a white picket fence, a backyard, a dog-"
"You want a dog?" Kagome asked, horrified that she wasn't horrified about the fact that Inuyasha wanted commitment. When did she ever know a guy to want commitment? Where exactly was Inuyasha all her life?
"Yeah… A dog. You have something wrong with that?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome muffled her chuckle.
"No, of course not… Just… wouldn't it be weird? You being a dog-demon and all…"
"Half dog-demon," Inuyasha growled. "But no, it would not be weird. Don't be such a bitch, Kagome."
"What!" Kagome's amusement was gone. Then she paused. Shouldn't she be a little more impacted? He had all but proposed to her in one, long, drawn out sentence, and they weren't even talking about it. They were talking about a dog. Oh dear.
Hesitantly, she asked, "Are we gonna get married?"
"Most likely," Inuyasha said cheerfully, glad that her temper was abated.
"Oh… Okay," Kagome said slowly.
"Well, I have to get back into work now, so see you later…Oh, and we need to stop by the grocery store… Get someprotection," Inuyasha said suggestively, lowly. Kagome blushed, one of her hands going to her warm cheeks as the other gripped the phone.
"I hope you're not saying this over the radio. Still, I'm glad I was the first one, at least, to hear your intentions," Kagome said, adding a bit of haughtiness to her tone to try to cover up her embarrassment.
"Well, I'm sure the listeners can put two and two together…" he heard Miroku shout out a curse that was undoubtedly bleeped out. Uh-oh. Time to go back. "Or maybe not. Pick me up by five." He hung up, grinning as he pocketed the phone and went back in.
Three hours later, she was still inshock. Had he proposedto her today? And had she accepted?Had he told her that they were going to have sex tonight and had she agreed? What happened to her? Oh, her mother would have a stroke if she knew… Or provide the condoms, depending on the guy. Kagome thought. She decided her mother would provide the condoms if it was Inuyasha.
"Whatcha thinking about, Kagome?" A voice rasped on her neck. She automatically slapped a hand to it, watched as Myouga floated down to her desk. "You and Inuyasha are exactly alike!" he fumed after he puffed himself back out.
"I didn't give you permission to drink my blood," Kagome said hotly. Myouga chuckled.
"I didn't. I did notice the presents that Inuyasha left you, too," Myouga said. Kagome rolled her eyes.
"That egotistical jerk. He did it on purpose!" Kagome said. She paused. "Myouga, we need to talk."
"Yes, Kanna told me. She said you called for me, and would like to speak with me regarding Naraku," Myouga said. Kagome frowned.
"Yeah, like two hours ago… How did he get into the party?" Kagome asked. "He didn't have an invitation, right?" Kagome asked. Myouga shook his head.
"Also, he knew that Inuyasha was you-know-who," Kagome said, lowering her voice. Myouga looked at her surprised.
"You know?" Myouga asked. Kagome rolled her eyes again.
"Yes. He brought me the tapes. Now, you're not answering my question. How did he know?" Kagome asked. Myouga looked just as baffled as she was.
"This is serious… That means he could also reveal who Inuyasha is…" Myouga thought pensively. Kagome laid her head on her arms on the desk, peering straight at Myouga.
"So what do we do?" she muttered. Myouga thought, thought some more, and thought a little bit harder.
"We should…" Myouga sighed. "Kagome, I don't know what to do… This is so out of control now… He has every possible hook on us… All he has to do is drag us in…" Myouga looked sincerely troubled, and Kagome in return started to feel a bit of fear. What happened when- if-Naraku took over the company?
Kagome sat up, twirling a pen between her fingers. "Not good," she murmured. "Not good at all."
"Inuyasha must know about this," Myouga said. Kagome sighed.
"I think he does… I just think he hasn't processed it yet, or he would have been making a big deal out of it."
"Yes, I agree. Will you tell him since…" Amusement made his eyes twinkle again. "Since you two are a bit… closer now?"
"Sure," Kagome said, trying to fight the color from seeping into her face. "Well, then… I'm off. I have to pick up Inuyasha today, too. So I'll see you later, Myouga." She started to pack up her purse, her face drawn in concentration. What could she do to stop the impending takeover of the company? She would undoubtedly lose her job if Naraku did manage to take it over.
Denial at this stage was the best course of action. She would pretend that there was nothing wrong… At least until tomorrow. Her nerves and her integrity didn't allow her to ignore the problems at hand for long.
"Bye Myouga," she said as she went out the door.
"Bye, Kagome…" Myouga then promptly sat on her desk, his face screwed up in distaste. "How did he know…?"
wk: Whoo! Okay. Chapter thirteen done. I named this chapter "Proposal"for three reasons: Sango and Miroku's proposal, Inuyasha's... er... proposal (?) to Kagome, and the proposal of the idea of getting rid of Naraku. Band together my pretties! Mwahaha...!
Eh hem... Just a little hyper... Now time for the...
ReViEw oF rEvIeWs:
Wow! I'm so glad I got this type of response, flip-x-fantasy. I seriously considered your idea for Sango and Miroku, but I dunno... I guess it's because I'm trying to be atypical and do everything just... not normal. I think it's become my obsession. I've read so many stories with the same plotline (Don't get me wrong, some of them are still wonderful) but I just wanted mine to be different... Fresh, I suppose. Hope you liked it, and you're always free to give me your truthful response! (Smiles)
Strangely, I like this chapter. I don't really have any regrets about it. Strangely, again, it might be the chapter that readers don't like. Oh well. Glad it's on your re-read list, skitzoid! Makes me happy that people wanna read it again!
Haha, if he broke down my door, I don't think I would have been laughing... (Grins) Glad you liked her response. This is the second part of her response, I suppose, so I hope you liked that, too! And I kinda... forgot about Kouga and Ayame... (Hangs head in shame) So you'll have to wait for their relationship and the door for the next chapter, Emerald Ash!
Hope you liked her reaction to the tapes, Keiko89!
I hurried as fast as I could when I saw the reaction to the last chapter, Touya! Thanks for your comment! Spurs me on!
I'm cooking up the sequel in the back of my head, actually... But first, I must think of the happy ending for this one... Hehe, but you'll have to wait for both... I'm not sure when I'm going to put up the ending, but... It'll be soon! ... I think... Hmm... I'm confused... Ah... Well... Wait for it, WakeRobin!
Oh, goodness... I thought soooo long and hard about your review, Drake Clawfang, but... I'm going to have a variation of it... later... Thanks so much for your ideas! I have such a good idea formulating in my brain right now, and it's all thanks to you! I owe you so much! Thanks again!
Oops... Sorry about that, AngelOfDiamonds! I'm probably going to fix it when I go through the story and edit it. And you read about... er... Kagome's "reaction" to the tapes... and... shamefully... I forgot about Kouga and Ayame's relationship. I'll have more in the next chapter! Promise!
Didn't have to wait long, did you, sapphirepink? And as for Naraku knowing... I'll try to explain it in the next chapter. And I don't know how many more chapters there will be, because I really don't plan these things out. I just write whatever I feel like writing at the time. My muse is staying with me, thank God... Hopefully, she'll move in and stay. And yeah... I didn't like how Ayame followed Kouga around and stuff, so I switched it to fit my story. Glad you liked it. And I'm realllllyyyy honored that it was the longest review you've ever written! Makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Thanks, The Forgotten Child! Glad I have style...!
Hehe, I didn't make Inu suffer for long, Fushigi Aoi Tenshi! Hope that was okay. (Grins) Hope you didn't wait too long for this one. Thanks for your review!
I rushed, but it was a natural kind of rush... Like, a sugar rush, you know? I felt like writing, sat down, and just kinda stared at my fingers as they moved across the keyboard. My fingers are little geniuses, I'm tellin' ya, auroralite... Haha, just kidding! Anyways, hope you didn't think this was too rushed and too vague. I kinda spat it out, liked it, and put it up. Tell me your opinion!
Hehe, that's okay, twagirl! I think favoritest is a word. It's a word in the WK DICTIONARY. That's my dictionary. Hehe. (Winks) So glad you love my writing! Give Ron my best, and glad you recommended me to your readers! Thanks for your review, and I'll be looking forward to your next one!
I was gonna have her throw a shoe at him, but scaring him with the power drill seemed funnier. Maybe... I should have stuck with the shoe? And the water barrel is fine with me, so long as it's on our Inu-baby. (Sighs and drools) Excuse me, I have to go wipe off my saliva now, drake220. Looking forward to your next review!
Glad I was able to give you a few laughs, Will. Sorry about your life being shot to hell... If my fic makes it any better, all the better! I hope it gets better for you, and if you need to talk about your problems to anyone, e-mail me. I'm here. (You're not the only one with the corny lines: I'm stock full of 'em) Thanks, Kombat-King for your comment! Looking forward to your next one...!
No problem, Esther Tan! If my fic was confused with a good one, no harm done! If it was confused with a bad one... Haha, just kidding! Don't worry about it. Lord knows my own memory is shot to hell.And I made it so! Kagome forgave Inuyasha! Whoo! Hope you have some of your nails left for the next chapter! Thanks for your last note!
I thought about your review too, Inu-ears- Oh my goodness, you have no idea how many good ideas I get just from reading you guys's (it's not a word, I know...) reviews! Eventually, I try to shape a chapter that everyone will be happy with, so I hope you're okay with this chapter. I didn't have anyone break in, because... Well, because it didn't fit with the story right now. And I didn't want to make it too cliche... Not yet. And yeah, when Kagome finds out he was making money on the show...she might just get to use her high heels for something other than walking. But whoknoez? We'll see.
Hehe, thanks, Starrchick101! Yeah... I try to avoid cliffhangers, but being part of an evil author means including at least some of them. And God knows my thighs don't need anymore cookies. And... I kinda forgot to include Ayame and Kouga in this chapter. You'll have to wait for the next chapter to hear about them. Yum! Looks like my thighs love cookies!
Thanks. I'll need that luck, inulova4lyfe!
Glad I could brighten up that bad day, Aryante! And extra-drama just doesn't cut the cake for me. Bleh. Hope you're okay with that... and you saw what Kagome thought of the tapes. (Chuckles) Thanks for your review!
No problem, Divine-Red-Crayon! Going off on tangents are always fun. Glad you finally reviewed! And yeah... I knew it kinda went downhill. I'm pretty sure the story's gonna go downhill from here, until I get to something interesting. Don't worry. I'll have something interesting soon... Such as... Well, can't tell ya. That would be ruining it. Hope I bounced back this chapter, and hope you liked it. Thanks for your review! Glad you had some helpful criticism! Can't wait for the next one! (Smiles)
Hehe, all of your questions will be answered as soon as the other secret's out. Yep! I have another one... It's not a big secret, just... It helps along the plot. Anyways, hope you didn't have to wait too long for this chapter, NefCanuck! Glad you liked the last one! Can't wait for your next review!
Thanks, SesshoumaruGal! Yeah... I wanted to update this one. I think it's an okay chapter as far as most of my chapters go. Tell me what you thought!
Hehe, I tried to not make it too dramatic, but obviously, you liked it, right, xXlovablekdXx? Well, hope so, in any case. (Grins)
I would be crying, too, if I was up at 7:47 reading fanfics and getting ready for school, Nyehaan. PJs are so comfortable... Don't you just wish you could just wear PJs everywhere? I want to... Anyways, thanks for your review, and your dedication to be reading it so early in the morning!
Oh, man... I cried when Harry's godfather died. I was blubbering like a fool. And I told you, so hopefully, you're not too mad anymore... Right, InuYasha's-1-and-only-lov?
In that case, I should be top-notch, 'cause I almost never like my own chapters. Hehe, just kidding. I think I'm okay... I just need to fine-tune it. And idealists don't get to me. Just thought my opinion should be stated, too. Okay, I'm lying. He/she got to me a little. And yeah, I didn't want Kagome to go through that oh-so-very-familiar routine. Not in my story, anyway. I'd like to think that's how I'd react if my man did that. Hopefully, you liked her reaction to the tapes. I think I made it a little too mild, but I dunno... I guess I just really liked the power drill? Anyways... Thanks SOO much for your constructive criticism, Midoriko-sama! I'm looking forward to your next review with your opinion. And Inuyasha's troubles aren't over yet. Mwahaha...
Technology is such a pain in the ass, isn't it, Sunrider22? And I don't mind that you didn't review. Just glad you reviewed for the lastone! And it didn't stop at 400! Ohhh, no... Definitely didn't stop there! I'm on four hundred and fifty... three? Four? Gosh, I don't even know! I'm so excited! I'm really surprised that it did get this much recognition, but I'm not complaining! (Grins) And I don't know where using the tapes came from. Just popped into my head. I'm full of miscellaneous information like that. Puhehe... Glad you love my story so much! Just so you know... It loves you right back! Thanks for your review! Can't wait for your next one!
That is sad! Poor abstract x heart! My little sibling is my slave. Does everything for me, the loveable little twit. And yeah... Naraku's a bum. As in a butt. And... Well, hopefully, you didn't read what Kagome was about to do, cuz... Well... You're too young. Haha...? Well, anyway, I put a warning up before hand, just in case. Waiting for your next review!
Aww, poor Corner Girl! I'm tired too. I have SATs coming up, and I've been doing homework and studying non-stop. How sad. Anyways, hope you got some sleep.
I love Inuyasha's demon attributes. It's mostly why I fell in love so much with the anime. So what if he's different? It's the differences that make him so special. And do you mean his personality in the show or the fic? Hehe... So confused! look forward to your next review, Tenshi Koneko!
Thanks, ladylatina! Glad that you think so!
Haha, I never see it in myself, Lola-Gurl. And we'll have to see about Kouga, Ayame, and Inuyasha. Mwahaha... I'm so evil, 'cause I'm not even gonna give you a hint about the what happens between the three of them. And I'm thinking how I'm going to put Rin into the story. Will she be a little girl? Or... Is she gonna be Sesshoumaru's gal, later in the story? Dunno. Give me your opinion!
Well, hope Saiyou The Lover is happy now! (Grins) Did you like?
Hehe... I'm kinda surprised Kagome forgave him so quickly, too... (Sweatdrops) But, I figured... What the hell? I'll go for it. And Kagome is very forgiving (Not a trait I find in myself, I'll tell you that right now...!). And also, ChibiKenshin6490, Kagome, I don't think is overly vindictive. I have her personality a little more assertive in this fic, but, I think she can be still forgiving... Right? Right?
Yay! You found out what happens... Did you like? Did you like, kixi?
Haha, we can all be a lot slow all of the times... (Example: Me) Anyways, thanks for the compliments, Midnight Miko Maiden!
Haha... No, I didn't gather any friends together for this fic, although the idea is appealing... Unfortunately, some of the stuff we talk about can be a bit random (Even too random for this fic) and our topics aren't stuff to talk about on radios (Example: Poo in a bucket... Don't ask). We do discuss serious issues time and time again, and so I have many different opinions on the talk shows... Well, I try to. And I try to keep an open mind. That's always the best. And I'm honored that it was your longest review, Initial A! Glad you liked my story that much! Thanks again, and I'll see your review next time (Hopefully)!
Hope I updated soon enough, InuKag Fan!
Haha, I loved your review, WiCKeD ScHmoNesS! Mostly because you thought I wasn't going bland. (Happy!) Good luck with your classes... I have classes soon, too. Grr. And we'll see some more of Kouga and Ayame in the next chapter... Can you believe it? I completely forgot to include them in this chapter! Aargh...
Hope you didn't go insane yet, gothic inuyasha, 'cause I updated! Yay! Bet you thought it would be forever, huh? Wrong! I updated! Hopefully, it didn't take forever. Anyways, have fun reading fanfics until God knows what time...! (Smiles)
Haha... Well, sleep walking chicken and HAP, I thought it was such an original name, and I loved it! I like cows. Oh, and horses. Can't forget the neighing. And hopefully, your friend will come back. So are the fics on your account like... some written by her, and some written by you? Interesting... And haha... the frustration was part of the point in the chapter. I was just going to leave it as Inuyasha saying inheriting the company was his big secret, but then I thought... "You know what? Too many people do that. EDIT!" I seem to have an irritation at having the same plot line in this story. I don't know why. I guess because... Well, the reason you chose your name. I wanted my story to be original, I suppose. Thank you for your support, and I'm eagerly awaiting your next review!
I'm glad that you reviewed, MM! Glad you like my story so much! And wow. You check every time you go on, huh? Well,this wasthe update, and I hope you enjoyed it!
I'll try, angelic-kuti! But alas... Writing is hard when you've got papers, projects, tests, quizzes, horrible teachers, and college application to look forward to. I'm already in college, but I'm looking forward to transfering to another one. Meh. Hard work.
You know, your review threw me for a spin, silentslayer. I mean, why not have Naraku take over the company now? Well, the main reason I didn't do that is because... Well, because I had more stuff to write and him trying to take over the company now would ruin most of my plans for the next few chapters. If I didn't actually have plans for the next few chapters, I would have definitely used your idea. So thanks, and keep the suggestions coming!
Oh... I think I could cry with all the compliments you give me, SadPoetGoth! So glad you think I write great stories! (Wipes away tears) I'll wait for your next review!
Hope I updated really really really soon, storywriter10791!
Thanks, inuhoshi! Glad that you like how I write. And thanks so much for your support! I don't think "Anonymous" was ragging on me, persay, just stating his/her opinion. Shouldn't fault him/her for his/her opinion now, can we? Still, can't deny I was a little miffed. :P And I do believe you called me a "talented author". Thanks so much for your compliments, your support, and your love for this story! I look forward to your next review!
Drugs are gooooood, Daddy's Pixie. Especially if they make the bad dreams go away. I'm not sure if my method worked for you, but I'm curious... How are you faring?A little better? A little worse? And I'll think about Naraku and the cow demon bit. (Sweatdrops) And I was going to stretch it out for Inuyasha, but... (Sighs) I just love him too much. Too much torture can also draw this story out longer than necessary, and I didn't want to do that. What I'm worried about now is how the plot's going to stay afloat, now that Inuyasha's secret is out... I'm thinking of a couple of ways, and hopefully, they won't be too cliche. Anyways, give me your opinion, since Ivalue them so much, and I really do take them to heart. Thanks and I look forward to your next review... a lot!
Er... Well, I'm glad you're very involved in the fic, Inu-Baby18, but threats of you getting angry won't work... I'm sorry you got mad in the last chapter about Inuyasha, but I hope this chapter made up for it. You didn't really think I was going to leave Inuyasha hanging off a proverbial cliff, now, did you? I will tell you right now that this story will have a happy ending, so don't get too upset with my chapters. Thanks for sticking with my story!
Thanks so much, Inuyasha Is Taken.By Me! I can't believe that you think this is the best story out of all of the ones on this site, but what the hell. Who am I to say no to flattery, right? Glad you love my story so much!
Hope you didn't have to wait too long for this chapter, Crystal Aquarius! Hope you had fun reading it!
Wow, kagome1! I'm very happy that mew thinks that this fic is one of the best mew has ever read! And yes... It does suck monkey titties that I can't write more, either. Unfortunately, I have college application for transferring, classes, projects, tests, quizzes, notes, and papers to hold some of my attention. Glad mew likes my fic so much!
I wonder if I had Kagome's reaction to be adequate enough... What do you think, Valese? She came to her senses very quickly, which I think is going to be people's main complaint about it. Hm... Dunno. Anyways, I'll be looking forward to your opinion in your next review!
I make top three! Whoo! That's some of the best damn news I've heard today, raven wings xx. Hope I updated soon enough for ya! Glad you think I'm top three! Whee!
Haha, thanks, inuyashas demon sista! I hope I updated soon enough for you, and yes... Inu does need his Kags.
This fic loves you a million times, too, OtakuHanyouGirl! Hope I updated soon enough for ya!
Haha... Yeah, it usually takes two to three days just to update, because by the time I'm done with the next chapter, I have the reviews to look forward to, KrystalJade. I'm not complaining, of course! I love all the feedback I get for this fic, and it keeps me spurred on. I thought it was only adequate to write how thankful I am to each and every reviewer. You guys are so dedicated to this fic, I thought I should at least show some of my dedication as well. And "Neighborly Love" is in hiatus for now. I hate to do it, but I'm going to rewrite it... Again. I'm so unsatisfied with that fic. And thanks for sticking with my fics for so long! I have to thank you for your support and your love for the stories! (Grins)
Haha! Sailor X, you're so funny! No, I won't make fun of you if you don't like lemons. To each his/her own! Me, I don't really like details. I'd rather skip them, because I'm kinda squirmy myself. Glad you like my fic enough to ignore the limeyness and read it anyway! Thanks!
Haha, thanks, appzoloot! Hope I updated soon enough for ya! Glad you like my writing style, and how I have Inuyasha a little musssshhhyyyy... Mwahaha... Inu is mine to manipulate! Eh hem... Anyways, glad you reviewed, and I'll look forward to your next one!
Yeah, at first, I figured Kagome wouldn't forgive him. You know, like... How dare he! But then, I mean... How stupid would that be? The man said he loved you! On air and to you in real life! So I supposed that Kagome would forgive, just because of her nature, and she loves him back. Love conquers all, right, xSilverShadowsx?
Thanks, CrimsonBlade! Hope I updated soon enough for ya!
Hopefully, you're not dead from the suspense, not registered. You know, you should register as "not registered". How funny would that be? Anyways, I hope I updated quickly enough for you, and I hope you enjoyed it!
Thanks melissa! Flabbergastedness is always a good sign. (Grins) And thanks for the congrats!
It loves you, too, SeaBreeze-Yami/Anzu!
Thanks so much, Sailor Moon Eternity! And the rest of my stories aren't so good, but I'll edit them and fix that in the future. And I don't think I have a true gift persay... Just a lot of Language Arts classes that made me write so much that I might get carpel-tunnel in the future. (Sweatdrops) Well, thanks so much for your compliments, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!
wk: Okay. I have to thank everyone for their part in this story. It's because of your feedback that I get new, fresh ideas, that I get this warm, tingly feeling whenever I log on. I have reached 458 reviews, and I'm so proud of myself that I'm fit to burst! I'm so glad that all of you love my story so much, and support it so soundly. I know I write something like this at the end of every chapter, but I can't seem to help it when I see the tremendous response to each chapter. I really do thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and I hope your lives are going as good as mine is. Thank you so much for your unfailing support, and I express my gratitude to you all.