"The Meteor Garden Story"
An Inu Yasha A/U Fanfic by Nozomi
[A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I expected more comments about grandfather's dance, though. @_@ Oh well, hehe. I literally fell of my seat when I thought about it. It paints a funny picture in my mind.
I'd like to invite everyone to read my other fic "What Could Be". It's on the serious side, and the fic attempts to show what happens after the Shikon no Tama has been completed. The Story ID is 1305910. Or just click on my alias to get a list of the stories I've posted here.
I'm putting this up right after I typed it, so I apologize for any errors. I'll correct them later on. ^_^
That's it for the A/N. Don't you just love me for not making you wait to get started on the chapter? ^_^; Review responses below!]
Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha and company, Meteor Garden, Hana Yori Dango, or any of the brands I mention here.
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Chapter 7: The First Evening
"Oh Hojo, it's fantastic," Kagome breathed, looking up at the huge cruise ship where she would be staying for the next three days. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and the weather was perfect for sailing out to sea. Well, they wouldn't really be sailing, but a weekend on Japan's most famous luxury liner sounded grand! She eyed the lettering on the hull that spelled out Midoriko, still marveling at the good fortune that allowed her to be here today.
Hojo rubbed the back of his neck shyly, beaming with pleasure. "It sure is! My parents should already be on board with our tickets. They went ahead earlier this morning to check out the accommodations."
She nodded, remembering how Hojo's parents liked to plan for everything ahead of schedule. "Hojo? What time does the ship leave? Shouldn't there be more people boarding? Are we late or something?" There weren't many people on the dock. In fact, the two of them were the only ones there. She eyed the mobile stairs leading to the deck.
"We arrived just a few minutes before the time to sail," he thought aloud, raising his neck to look at the passengers moving along the deck of the ship. "And I see some people on board already." The sun was in his eyes, so he raised his hand over them, to get a better look at the people looking over the rail. His eyes widened. "Hey, isn't that Inu Yasha?"
Kagome titled her head up so fast she almost felt whiplash. Sure enough, leaning casually over the rail, was a smug-looking Inu Yasha. She immediately got irritated.
"You! What are you doing here?" she sputtered.
The grin on his face got even wider. "I'm taking the three-day cruise this weekend, same as you. Thought I'd go see the ocean up close for once."
She was still thinking of something to say that would wipe the smug look off his face when other people began to crowd behind him.
"Kagome! I didn't know you would be here! It's such a pleasure!" Miroku called out. He nudged Kouga and gestured towards Inu Yasha. "Now I understand why he wanted to take the cruise over a trip to Hawaii."
Kouga ignored him and waved down to her. "Kagome! Come on up! The view here is beautiful!"
Sesshomaru's face appeared, followed by Rin's. He acknowledged her with a nod, while Rin waved both her hands in the air in greeting.
"What? Kagome is here?!" an irritated, familiar female voice reached Kagome's ears. Kagura's face came into view. Kagome could also see Kanna, Eri, Ayumi and the faces of other classmates. When she recognized Yura among the sea of faces, she turned her head away. This did not look good.
She heard footsteps approaching them and turned to see Inu Yasha coming down the steps onto the dock. She had to admit he was good-looking, and the mock-captain's suit he was wearing looked gorgeous on his build. Dammit, she was drooling over a guy she didn't like. She did hate him, right?
Inu Yasha finally reached them. "Well? What are you waiting for? Come on board!"
Hojo stepped in front of Kagome, putting himself between her and the silver-haired boy. "Hold on a minute! Why are you here? Why are our schoolmates here? Don't you rich kids usually spend your long weekends on some exotic place or country? I've heard some of you guys talking about Hawaii, the Bahamas and all sorts of other tropical paradises to visit."
"Fine time to grow a spine, Tojo," Inu Yasha remarked.
"It's Hojo."
"Whatever," Inu Yasha waved it off, unconcerned. "Anyway, I just thought it'd be interesting to cruise around Japan in a luxury liner. Why should I spend my Japanese money in foreign countries when I can use it right here and help our economy?"
The sandy-haired boy wouldn't give up. This bully picked on him and Kagome in school, why is he now intruding on their relaxing vacation? "How did you get tickets for this cruise? I remember my dad had a little trouble getting us reservations, because so many wanted to book this weekend. You couldn't have gotten a ticket on such short notice!"
Inu Yasha jabbed at his outfit. "I didn't have to buy a ticket, I'm the captain!"
"Eh? Run that by me again," Kagome wasn't sure she heard right. He sighed impatiently.
"I'm the captain. I bought this cruise ship and now, the Midoriko belongs to me and my family."
"What?!"
"I didn't want to put up with an unnecessary crowd," Inu Yasha reasoned, his smug grin back in place. "So I had a secretary call up all the people who made reservations that their trip was going to be postponed for this weekend to next weekend. There were a few cancellations, but that was no big deal. The cruise this weekend was supposed to be just me and the guys, you and Rin. But the other people in school found out what we were doing this weekend, and as usual, they placed themselves in the same location as where D4 would be spending their vacation. Since there are other people, Hoyo here can come along."
Kagome was about to tell him off for his pompous, overbearing, callous attitude, when she felt someone's arms link through hers. She turned to find Rin smiling at her. "Oh Kagome, this will be such a fun trip! I love the ocean, don't you?"
And the other girl chattered away, masterfully steering Kagome to the stairs that would lead her to the ship. Sesshomaru walked behind them, Kagome's luggage in tow.
Inu Yasha made a mental note to thank Rin later on. He followed his half-brother, leaving a startled Hojo hurrying along in his wake.
~*~*~*~
Kagome padded slowly along the deck, ignoring schoolmates as she passed them on her way back to her room. She had just been touring the ship. She was here on vacation and by golly, no one was going to ruin it! Grudgingly, she admitted to herself that she was already enjoying the few hours they had been sailing. Rin had taken her to a huge suite, saying that Inu Yasha had reserved this room especially for her use. He had the other large suite right across hers. Rin had the suite to her right, which was across Sesshomaru's suite. Hojo had a room somewhere on the other side of the ship, which Kagome had been sure was Inu Yasha's doing. Nevertheless, the room had been exceptionally comfortable and roomy, and she was glad she had a big room to unwind in. Even though Inu Yasha was right across her door.
She and Rin had spent the morning together in the recreation area, swimming in the indoor pool with the guys who were playing ball in the water. Well, rather it had been Inu Yasha and Kouga playing Hojo for the ball. Sesshomaru was on one of the lounge chairs reading a thick book, and Miroku was flirting with the gaggle of women who seemed to follow him everywhere! They had a hearty lunch together, despite Kouga and Inu Yasha getting into a debate about cars, which prompted Miroku to begin a food fight that lasted for a part of the afternoon.
By evening, she was hearing hushed conversations among the students about how she and Hojo stood with the D4. After all, they had gotten red cards, but D4, led by Inu Yasha himself, spent time goofing around with the two outcasts. However, most of them believed that the "truce" of sorts was just a weekend thing, and that the bullying would resume on Wednesday when they got back to school. This reasoning had the other students staying away from Kagome and Hojo, who didn't mind in the least.
Besides, they had other things to worry about. She had overheard Kagura loudly asking Kanna and Yura what they were planning to wear that evening. Apparently, dinner was a formal event the elite folks got dressed up for. She confided to Rin that she didn't have anything even close to semi-formal, and the other girl immediately volunteered to lend Kagome her clothes for the occasions, and had offered to do her make up as well. She protested, but Rin would not take no for an answer.
~*~*~*~
Inu Yasha tugged on the collar of his captain's suit, a wine glass in his other hand. He did not like getting dressed up for dinner, and preferred to eat wearing his usual ensemble of baggy jeans and a polo, but well, everyone else was wearing something nice, and he preferred the comfortable uniform over a stuffy tux. He looked over to Kouga, who was wearing a black tux and was dancing with one of their classmates. His dance partner giggled at every word Kouga said, and her friends standing at the sides watching them looked ready to swoon from the excitement of getting a dance with a member of D4. Miroku was by the punch table, his arms around two beautiful women who clung to him like glue. Sesshomaru was quietly sipping his champagne beside him, patiently waiting for Rin and ignoring another group of women at the sides who have been trying to catch his attention all evening.
He slightly inclined his head closer so his brother could hear him over the music playing. "Isn't it taking them a long time?"
Sesshomaru sighed. "Yash, we started the music 20 minutes ago, and dinner's not for another 40 minutes. We're not on any sort of deadline that the women need to rush."
"Keh, I'm getting impatient waiting here for them."
"Then go dance with one of those simpering females eyeing you and alleviate your boredom."
Since Inu Yasha didn't particularly care about any woman other than Kagome right now, he shut up and raised his wineglass.
"Here they are."
He heard Sesshomaru's voice, and turned to look towards the entrance. His throat constricted and his hand was arrested in the motion of putting the glass to his lips.
Kagome and Rin had just stepped through the doors. It was like watching something magnificent enter the room. Rin was wearing a peach gown, but the color was the only thing that penetrated his brain. He was too focused on Kagome.
She was lovely. He already knew she was pretty, and he remembered how beautiful she looked that day he had abducted her to his home. Tonight, she was the most enchanting woman he had ever seen. She had on a pale yellow shift that clung to her every curve. The dainty, beaded straps of the gown made the gown look feminine and sweet, yet the slit on the side reached to her thighs, making the dress look daring and provocative. Rin had lent her dangling pearl earrings that matched the champagne-colored pearl that hung just below her collarbone. Her raven hair was left untouched, but the glow of the lights from the chandelier made him sure that it would be soft to his touch. Her eyes were looking around the room, and she was smiling.
"Yash, you're staring," Sesshomaru drawled out, amused at the pose he caught his brother in.
"Am I?" Inu Yasha breathed. Belatedly realizing he still had his wineglass to his lips, he set it down on the table, the contents of the glass untouched. He shoved himself off the column with the intent to intercept them in the middle of the dance floor.
Kouga beat him to it. He had seen Kagome enter and had rudely left his dancing partner. He hurried over and presented his arm to Kagome as he reached her side.
"Would you like to dance?"
Kagome was surprised but pleased, and she excused herself from Rin. Inu Yasha settled himself back on the column, clearly annoyed. For the next few minutes, he watched them dance. Kagome seemed to be quite at ease with his friend, who kept up a conversation that had her smiling as they whirled around on the floor. Even when the song ended, and he saw Miroku take over as her dancing partner, he stayed put in his place, just watching her.
Before the music ended, Hojo was already making his way towards them to claim the third dance, but somehow Miroku had brought Kagome closer to where Inu Yasha was. When the song ended, he excused himself and turned her over into Inu Yasha's arms before he went back to his flock of women.
Feeling a little self-conscious, Kagome allowed herself to be led back to the floor. She felt Inu Yasha's head come closer to hers.
"You know, it's customary for a couple to be dancing closer during a slow dance," he joked.
Startled out of her nervousness, she pasted a smile on her face and forced her arms to go around his shoulders. "I haven't danced much."
"It's okay as long as you don't step on my feet," he quipped, his eyes twinkling.
She giggled and tried to relax in his arms. Inu Yasha smiled at her. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"It's been fun."
"Relaxing too?"
She nodded.
They danced in companionable silence after those words, and Inu Yasha kept dancing with her until it was time for dinner. Hojo had once tried to take Kagome from him, but a simple glare left the other boy scurrying back to the sidelines, where he sulked. When one of the waiters announced dinner, Inu Yasha escorted her over to a table for six, and strategically seated Kagome between Rin and himself, with the other members of D4 taking the other three seats.
From across the room, Kagura was whispering to Kanna and Yura.
~*~*~*~
With dinner over, people were mingling and dancing around the ballroom. Inu Yasha needed to go check up on his newly acquired crew, so Sesshomaru led Kagome to the dance floor while Rin danced with Miroku.
"Why is your face red?" Sesshomaru finally asked her a few minutes later.
"What?" Kagome could feel herself getting redder. She had not quite gotten over the little crush she had developed on Sesshomaru a few weeks ago, but being in his arms right now were putting tiny thoughts into her head. The felt guilty about liking him, as she considered Rin to be a good friend.
"Your cheeks have been flushed since we started dancing," he pointed out.
Kagome wished he would stop looking at her so that she would stop staring and blushing. She liked looking at his intense golden eyes, and the soft touch of his hair tickled her fingers when they fell on his shoulder as they danced.
"It's kind of hot."
"Oh."
He fell silent after that, and Kagome was thankful he didn't pursue the issue. She never really got to know Sesshomaru, so why in the world did he have this effect on her?
She was still thinking about this when the song ended. Inu Yasha had just re-entered the ballroom and he was making his way towards them again.
"Good evening, everyone!"
The shrill voice that came from the speakers had everyone look to the stage, where Kagura was holding a microphone.
"It's nearing midnight, and some of us has just realized that not everyone has completely bonded yet on this trip. We're all here in this cruise for a little get together, right?"
Murmurs of assent went through the crowd.
"Well, let's play a little game before the end of the evening, shall we? At midnight, the lights will turn off for 20 seconds. Everyone has 20 seconds to walk around in the dark and kiss the guy or girl they want."
Excited whispers went around the room.
"Oooh! This is an opportunity!"
"Where's the D4? I want to be close enough to grab them."
"Hey babe, how about you and me doing a little lip-to-lip?"
- SLAP -
"Is that Inu Yasha by the door?"
Kagome began inching her way slowly towards the exit. This was not a game she wanted to play. She really didn't want to kiss anybody. Hell, she's never been kissed by a non-family member before, and she didn't want some game to be the grounds for her first kiss!
"After 20 seconds, we will be flipping the lights back on so you can check out your kissing partner!"
Yura was applying on some lipstick and making her way through the floor. Kagome could see Miroku stand closer to the group of women who were already eyeing him. Kouga suspiciously looked like he was headed her way, as was Hojo.
Just a few more feet and I would be out of here!
"Here we go people. 10 seconds before midnight! 7…6…5…"
Kagome made a mad rush for the doors that would lead her outside. There was a lot of commotion as people began shoving this way and that way to bring them closer to their desired kissing partners.
"3…2…"
Kagome felt a hand wrap around her wrist. Heart racing wildly, she turned her head to catch a look at whoever had grabbed her, still trying to pull away.
Please don't let it be Hojo.
"1…"
Someone pushed her from behind, and she felt herself flattened against a hard chest.
Oh no!
"0. Lights off!"
"Eeek"
"Inu Yasha, where's Inu Yasha?"
"Miroku, is it you?"
-SLAP-
"Ouch!"
"Pervert!"
"I can't find Sesshomaru!"
"Kouga?"
The ballroom went pitch black. There were some muffled screaming going on around, with sounds of shoving, shuffling, and loud "mmphs!" as people collided with each other, playing the kissing game. But Kagome's mind was on the mystery hand that still held her wrist firmly, another arm snaking its way around her waist as she felt herself being pulled closer to a body. A male body.
She opened her mouth to scream, but it was a mistake, for she felt warm lips cover hers. She had been bracing herself for a quick, demanding kiss from an unknown source, but the kiss was anything but quick and demanding. It started as a light touch, tentative and seemingly unsure, and the mouth that covered hers grazed over her lips, as if coaxing her to respond. The gentle pressure had taken her completely by surprise, and she stilled. The warm hands that held her caressed her skin, continuing to hold her. Dearly. Closely.
If anything, it was the desperate insistence in the touch that overwhelmed her senses, and she felt her body melt against him.
The moment their bodies touched, she felt as if soothing waves of energy were flowing within her. The body she clung to tensed for a second, then the arms encircled her swiftly, completely, crushing her to him. His kiss turned deeper, and she felt him shudder when she responded by pulling his shirt, bringing him even closer to her. The tingling in her skin intensified with pleasure. It was as if they were made for each other. She was lost.
"Lights on!"
Startled screams and guffaws rose in the room. Sesshomaru was in the corner, cradling Rin in his arms, their foreheads resting together. Miroku was on the floor, unconscious, with a goofy smile on his face which was covered in lipstick of different colors, along with large, pinkish handprints of different sizes. Some couples were still locked in an embrace.
"What the--" Kouga abruptly dropped his arms from the girl he held. "You're not Kagome!"
Kagura was looking at him with murder in her eyes, her lipstick smudged. "I didn't want to kiss you either!"
Yura opened her eyes and stifled a string of curse words, hurriedly wiping her mouth. Hojo looked at her with dismay.
"I thought you were Kagome," he wailed.
"Asshole! I thought you were Inu Yasha," she spat out.
The loud conversations finally pulled Kagome from the trance she was under. She slowly, dreamily opened her eyes to look at the man who held her.
Her brain went into shock as a pair of amber eyes greeted her.
[A/N: Bwahahahaha! *megalomaniac laughter* I'm sure you were all imaging that it was Inu Yasha kissing Kagome anyway, so I decided to confirm your suspicions with the last sentence, but you'll have to wait till Chapter 8 to find out what happens next! *Nozomi runs out of FF.NET to hide from all the readers holding deadly weapons*
Review responses! And thank you to EVERYONE again for liking this fic!!!
Suki: Thanks so much for your defense!
dark-coyote: I try to update everyday. ^_^ It's kinda hard as I don't have internet access during the weekends. I just started a mailing list which informs people of updates via email. Lemme know if you want in.
Angel-Shock/Shock-Angel: What minor details? You can point them out to me via email or AOL. ^_^ I *do* re-read my fic more than once, and I discover errors each time I do, so I'll probably keep fixing the chapters until I'm sure I get them all out. Proofreading on the PC is hard!!!
LunaMoon: Actually, Dao Ming Sz in the MG series is a real snob, which is where I believe Sorena is getting their personalities from for her fic. ^_^ I chose to use their normal personalities for mine.
FrozenKisses: You're hyper over my fic? Thankee so much! ^_^ I'm having so much fun writing it and am really glad people like it!
Karen: It was short? @_@ This chapter had more words than any of the others! Hehehe, maybe it looked short coz the paragraphs were longer, hmmm. Don't worry, I will start making them longer soon, I need to cram more events per chap!
Katie: Where's that test? I'd probably be Hua Ze Lei! *grins* I sent you an email too. And I like Vic best, he is just too cute!
Angel thats me: Good to hear from you! I'm glad to see Asians reading this fic!
Kagome loves Inuyasha: You're quite right. ^_^ I just wish more people saw things that way too. I love Sorena's rendition as well.
ShiroInu: Poor Hojo! Hehe, actually, I pity him more than hate him. I mean, "Get a clue, Hojo!" right? He won't turn into a maniac here, but Kagome will definitely *not* end up with him. ^_^ You have my deepest thanks for your support!
Sailor Universe: I didn't concentrate on Kagome's reaction to finding out Inu Yasha's joining their cruise, but I hope you'll forgive me since I gave you guys a real deal at the last part of this chap. ^_^;
Kagome-Sama: Unfortunately, the original story of MG won't let me get Kouga to call Kagome his. I'm still trying to find a place to put it in. Sent you an email, girl!]