A Bride's Request a Bridesmaid's Promise
Chapter 3
Glancing up at the cloudy sky, Inuyasha sighed as he walked to the park with Miroku. The silver haired man silently hoped the forecast wasn't a sign of something ominous yet to come. So preoccupied with the grey cloudy sky above, Inuyasha walked straight through a puddle which laid right in front of him, causing the bottom of his left pant leg to become soaked as his shoe now made that very well known squeaky noise, signalling it was wet as well. Groaning at his misfortune, he asked himself for the umpteenth time that morning, 'Why the hell am I doing this?'
'Because it's your fault Sango and Miroku got in a fight in the first place,' his conscious replied. 'You and your big mouth. Kagome told you to bring Miroku to Central Park at noon. You're doing this because you know she's the only one who will be able to fix your big mistake. In fact, she probably has everything solved already and she's just waiting for Miroku to arrive. You should be thankful that she's willing to help, considering after everything you put her through,' the little voice in his head lectured.
'Oh shut up already,' Inuyasha silently replied. 'Stop lecturing me! I know I screwed up. That's why I'm doing this.'
Looking over to his friend, the amber eyed man snarled. Miroku had his shoulders hunched as he walked dejectedly, appearing as if someone was condemned to die. "God damn it, Miroku! Cheer up and stop moping! I told you everything's going to be alright."
"But what happens if she won't take me back?" Miroku asked miserably.
"Kagome promised she would talk to Sango, and-" Inuyasha was interrupted mid-sentence by the now surprised violet eyed man.
"What?!?" His face began to brighten with new found hope. "Kagome talked with Sango?"
Inuyasha began to grow suspicious of his best friend's reaction. "Yeah. What of it?"
"I thought there was no chance of Sango even showing up, since it was only you trying to get us back together." Rapture radiated off his features as Miroku turned his gaze up towards the heavens, saying a small prayer. "But if Kagome's involved, that means she's on our side! She'll reunite my beloved Sango and I!"
Inuyasha's eyebrow twitched dangerously as he asked, "Are you saying you didn't think I could do it?"
"Of course not," Miroku replied, eyes stilling shining with hope.
"Ungrateful idiot." With great speed, Inuyasha's hand came in contact with the other man's head.
"Ouchie," Miroku whined. "What was that for? You know you don't have a knack for this kind of thing. Kagome does." The man continued to rub the area which was the source of the pain.
"Feh, whatever." It took all the strength he had not to laugh at the poor man. What kind of word was 'ouchie' anyway? Shaking his head, his gaze stop on a small flower shop across the street. Placing a hand on Miroku's shoulder, he pointed to the building. "I may not be good at all this romantic stuff, but I do think you should go buy your girlfriend flowers. That's typically what the man does when he's in the dog house."
Looking over at where Inuyasha was pointing, the violet eyed man blinked once before dragging his friend through the door of the shop. Grinning at his own brilliance, Inuyasha watched in amusement while Miroku fluttered from flower to flower like a hummingbird. As he was trying to decide on with flower to purchase, the man began muttering to himself. "A red rose perhaps? No, that's for love. A daisy? Wait, no. She doesn't like daisies. Maybe a hibiscus? Nah, I want something simple, not so fancy." The amber eyed man just stood against the wall as he shook his head at Miroku's antics.
After about three minutes of going back and forth, the violet eyed man suddenly cried out. "AHA!! A white lily! That's her favourite! It's absolutely perfect!" Unfortunately due to his exclamation, five other men in the store suddenly seemed to realize that they wanted that type of flower as well. Poor Miroku didn't even see them coming as he was so intent on choosing the perfect one. Reaching over his shoulders, the other men quickly grabbed each of the remaining white lilies. Blinking at the now empty vase, Miroku turned and yelled, "Come back here, you flower fiends!!" Reaching for the closest man, he began to beat him with an umbrella that seemed to magically appear. "Give that beautiful and absolutely perfect flower back!!"
"Ahhhhhh," the man screamed, wincing each time Miroku's umbrella made contact with his flesh. "Ahhh uncle! UNCLE!!" he yelled from the floor while holding the white lily up as a truce flag.
"Why, thank you, my good man," Miroku said jovially. "Glad you saw the wisdom of your error."
Inuyasha just threw his head back and howled with laughter. His shoulders continued to heave as he made his way to the cash register where the teenage cashier stood with a look of shock on her face. All that for one single flower. "One white lily please," he said while trying to control his laughter.
"Ummm sure," the girl said while plugging the numbers into the computer. Looking over his shoulder in order to address Miroku, she asked, "would you like that wrapped, sir?"
The man whirled around,clutching the flower possessively asa look of fear entered in his eyes. "No! Never!" he yelled beforerunning out of the store.
At the perplexed look on the cashier's face, the silver haired man burst out laughing yet again. "Umm sir? Is your friend alright?"
"Yeah,he's just a bit defensive right now."
"That'll be four dollars and fifty cents please," the girl said while smiling, as was store policy.
Inuyasha pulled out his wallet and looked for the correct amount when his eye was suddenly caught by a large vase sitting on the floor in front of the counter. Inside the vase were many small yellow sunflowers. He paused for a moment before reaching out and grabbing one. For some reason, it reminded him of Kagome. "Sorry," he said. "I'd like this one too."
"Okay. That'll be nine dollars then," the girl said.
The amber eyed man handed her a ten dollar bill, then put the extra dollar in the small charity box on the counter, not even bothering to read what it was for. Taking the sunflower, he walked out of the store and over to where Miroku was waiting impatiently. Once he was his calm and collected self, he asked, "Who's that for?"
"Uhhh this?" Inuyasha said looking down at the sunflower. "Kagome. I guess it just sort of caught my eye."
"That's nice," was his reply. "Oh,I forgot to ask. What happened between you two last night?"
"Well, after I dragged you home last night, I went and talked with her. We agreed on a truce until the two of you leave on your honeymoon."
"Ooh la la," Miroku replied.
"Oh, don't give me that," Inuyasha said whilerolling his eyes. "I still hate her. That'll never change. I'm doing this for you, so you better appreciate it."
"Sango!" Miroku suddenlyexclaimed.
"Whaaa?" was the intelligent responseInuyasha said, but unfortunately the violet eyed idiot was running towards two figures walking their way.
Sighing, he sped his pace up slightly.
x.X…Kagome's POV…X.x
"I still can't believe you told Miroku the wedding was off," Kagome complained to Sango for the fifth time that morning.
"Me neither," Sango said. "I hope he'll want me back."
"Are you crazy?" the brown eyed woman asked incredulously. "Of course he does! You heard what Inuyasha said. The poor guy drank himself unconscious last nightbecause he was so miserable. Anyone that would drink that much tequila is obviously head over heels in love with you, or a ranging alcoholic. Personally I'd go more for the 'in love' part."
The other woman nodded glumly when suddenly somebody shouted out her name. "Sango!!" Both their heads jerked towards the person running in their direction. Miroku stopped about a meter in front of Sango, panting. "Sango," he said again. "I am so happy you came. I have only one thing to say," he paused to catch his breath and then sank to one kneewhileholding out the white lily. "I love you, Sango. I don't want to marry anyone else but you. I want to raise a family with you, to be the one you look to when we're both old. You're the only one I want to love, to need. I'll love you until the day I die. I hope that you can somehow love me enough to take me back, because me life is meaningless without you in it."
Sango blinked as tears formed in her eyes as her throat tightened. Pressing her lips together, she gently took the flower from his hands and said, "a white lily…you remembered my favorite flower."
Standing up, Miroku wrapped his hands around hers and looked into her eyes. "Of course I remembered. How could I ever forget?"
That was too much for Sango. Throwing her arms around his neck, she began to cry out all the tears she had refused to unleash. "Oh Miroku!" she sobbed.
"Sango," Miroku replied, gently wrapping his arms around her.
"Oh Miroku," Sango sobbed. "I'm so sorry. I love you. I love you. I do want to marry you. I don't want to call the wedding off. I don't evenknow why I said I did."
Miroku hugged her as tight as possible. "I love you too, Sango," his voice as soft as the rain that had slowly started to fall.
Kagome smiled fondly, oblivious to the raindrops that fell onto her face and hair. An umbrella suddenly opened over her head and she looked around to see Inuyasha. He was pretending to be totally oblivious to her as he watched the couple before them kissing.
"Hey," she said.
"Hey," he replied.
"The flower was a nice touch," Kagome commented.
"Really?" Inuyasha asked,his voice letting a little of his surprise through. Coughing, he said, "I mean, of course it was. You girls like that sort of romantic stuff, don't you?"
A smile tugged on Kagome lips at how he struggled to say 'romantic'. But before she could mention it, Inuyasha said "here," and gave her a flower. The raven haired woman stared for a moment in shock at the beautiful yellow flower she was holding.
"You got this for me?" she asked, her voice quiet, hardly daring to believe what she was seeing.
"Yeah. What of it?" Inuyasha grufflyresponded, hoping she wouldn't make a big deal about it.
"Nothing," Kagome said looking at the flower. "It's just I can't ever remember anybody giving me a flower before."
"What? You've never had a boyfriend?" Inuyasha snorted in disbelief.
"Of course I have," Kagome snapped, looking at him, but then her eyes were drawn back to the flower. "But none of them were ever the sentimental type. None of them even knew that sunflowers were my favorite flower." Looking up at him, she said, "I can't believe you remembered; it was so long ago."
Inuyasha looked down at her, suddenly having a flashback to his childhood. Kagome had been following him around as always and he had gone into the woods, trying to shake her off. She had kept following him and they had stumbled upon a field of sunflowers. Not just one or two either,but an entire field of them, all blowing gently in the breeze assunlight poured out of the clear blue sky. She had stood there enraptured by the field of golden flowers. Blinking, Inuyasha was brought back to reality. Looking away from Kagome's eyes he said, "yeah, well I saw it in the florist shop and I thought of you so I got it. It's nothing. No need to get all emotional over something as small as a flower."
Looking back at her flower, Kagome said, "thank you nonetheless." Turning her attention back to Miroku and Sango, she smiled at the fact thatthey were still kissing.
Suddenly the Under The Sea ring tone erupted from Kagome's purse, startling everyone within ten meters since it was so loud. Blushing furiously, Kagome hurriedly dug her phone out and answered. "Hello? This is Kagome Higurashi speaking. Oh hi Kagura," Kagome saidafter hearing her manager's voice on the other end. "How are you doing?" Mouthing, "just a second," she walked away so the others didn't have to listen to her conversation.
(A/N: anything in italics is Kagura speaking.)
"Fine, and how are you."
"That's good. I'm fine too."
"Where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you!"
"I'm in New York."
"What the hell are you doing in New York?!"
"What do you mean 'what are you doing in New York?' I'm here because Sango's getting married."
"Well, why didn't you tell me that! I've been tearing my hair out trying to get a hold of you!"
"Oh did I not tell you that? Oops sorry! My mistake. I could have sworn I phoned you, but I guess I didn't."
"Oh Kagome, you're so absent minded."
"So, why have you been trying to get a hold of me? What's so important?"
"Kagome, you're going to be able to do it," Kagura said happily.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you'll be able to start your own store if you want and be able to quit your job as a journalist."
"What?? How? Why??"
"You won't believe it but somebody just came in and when they saw Sango wished to purchase it!"
"Oh my gosh!! Are you serious Kagura!!! Somebody want to by Sango! How much are they willing to pay for it?"
"Ten thousand!!!"
"Ten thousand!!!" Kagome said her jaw dropping the number. "But it was only marked as five thousand! Why would someone pay double for it"
"I don't really know why, I don't think the man looked at the price tag he just said is 1o thousand enough. Apparently he works for some big shot who needs a gift and he was given ten thousand dollars to buy a gift and be done with it. He said the only instruction he was given was, had to be a piece of art and had to be unique."
"You mean, the person he's buying it for doesn't even care what he's paying ten thousand for?" Kagome asked her voice sinking slightly at the thought of her art selling for such a reason.
"Oh Kagome," Kagura said. "I know you like to see your art go to someone who loves it but this is an offer I don't think you can turn down."
"I know," Kagome sighed. "It's just that piece was very sentimental to me. I know Sango was saving up enough money to buy it herself because she loved it so much. But I understand I'll be down within the next couple of days to sign the contracts."
"You sure," Kagura asked. "I can take care of it if you want to stay in New York I know how much you hate flying."
"No," Kagome said looking at her watch, "it's fine. I was wanting to come back anyways I have some things to take care off. I need to talk to my boss and hand him my article that I just finished and now I guess I'll also hand in my two weeks notice. Plus I wanted to make something to give to Sango for a wedding gift."
"Oh okay, so if I make the meeting for two days from now is that good?" Kagura asked.
"Yep," Kagome said. "I'll be there. I'll phone you when I get home."
"Great, see you then Kagome," Kagura said and then hung up.
"Bye." Kagome said also hanging up her phone. Placing the tiny object back in her purse she forced a smile on her face and strolled back to where Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha were all waiting expectingly.
"Who was that?" Sango asked.
"It was Kagura," Kagome said. "One of my pieces just sold."
"Oh congratulations!" Sango said. "Which one?"
Kagome smiled at her sadly. "I'm sorry Sango," she said.
"Oh no!" Sango said. "Not that one!"
"I know you wanted it," Kagome said. "But every dark cloud has silver lining. I have some great new as well."
"Oh and what's that?" Miroku asked.
"The person who's buying it, has offered me enough money for me to be able to quite my job and open a shop up!"
"Oh Kagome!" Sango said happily going over to hug her friend. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks Sango," Kagome said, "but that's not all. I've decided to move back to New York."
"Really!" Sango and Miroku said at the same time.
"You're moving back here!" Miroku exclaimed. "That's wonderful!"
"You're sure?" Sango asked trying to make sure it was really what her friend wanted but Kagome saw the happiness radiating out of them like the sunshine that was absent.
"Mhmmm, I've missed so many important things already. And with the you know what," Kagome said winking at Sango, "on the way I want to be here without having to fly back and forth on those bloody planes."
"You don't like planes?" Inuyasha asked.
"No, I hate them," Kagome said shuddering. "I get nauseous every time I travel on one."
"Oh," Inuyasha said and almost forgot their truce and laughed when of all the coincidences possible his cell phone went off.
As he went off to talk, Kagome said, "well I have to go for just two or three days back and sign all the contracts and stuff."
"Alright," Sango said sadly. "I'll expect you back here no later than three days; don't forget we still have to pick out the dress."
"I'll be back as soon as possible," Kagome reassured her with a quick hug. Turning to Miroku she punched him lightly in the arm and winked. "That was some speech pal, keep that up and I might try and steal you for myself. Sango's lucky you're so persistent."
"Most defiantly," Sango said.
"Well I should go," Kagome said. "Tell Inuyasha I'll be back soon and that the truce is still on when I get back."
"Will do," Sango promised. "Now go and get on the first possible flight outta here."
"Bye," Kagome said with a wave and trotted off to find a taxi. She was just hopping into one when Inuyasha returned.
"Where's she going?" Inuyasha demanded angrily. Obviously the phone call hadn't been what he wanted to hear.
"Back to LA," Sango replied. "She'll be back in a day or two."
"That's weird," Inuyasha said. "I have to fly to LA today too I didn't want to but my secretary threatened to blackmail me if I didn't."
"Ahhh," Miroku said wisely. "That explains your fowl mood."
"Oh!" Sango exclaimed. "On your private jet?"
"Yeah," Inuyasha said, "what else would I travel on?"
"Well, maybe Kagome could travel with you," Sango said hopefully. "That is if you didn't mind or course. It's just that she always being surrounded by so many people she doesn't know when she sick."
"I- I- uhhhhh," Inuyasha said uncomfortable with Sango looking so hopefully at him. Now he knew why Miroku was never able to deny her anything when she turned her puppy eyes on him, damn it she made the best puppy eyes he had ever seen, how could he possibly say no to them. "Uhhh sure I guess. As long as she doesn't throw up all over the carpet."
"Don't worry," Sango reassured him. "She'll probably spend most of the time asleep, listening to music or in the bathroom. I phone her now and tell her to meet you at the private airport okay?"
"Sure, we're leaving in an hour, I might as well drive her there as well so tell her to be ready by the time I pick her up," Inuyasha replied. "My car'll be waiting outside the lobby."
"Okay thanks a million Inuyasha," Sango said pulling out her phone and dialing Kagome's number. "Hi Kagome?...oh yeah Hi it's Sango. Inuyasha just told us he has to fly to LA today as well and offered that you could fly with him on his private jet if you like……no he says it's no problems…." turning to Inuyasha she said "Kagome says thank you" returning to Kagome she gave her the instructions Inuyasha had told her.
"She says thanks once more and that she'll be ready," Sango said to Inuyasha hanging up.
"Feh, all I have to say is if she's not on time I'm leaving without her," Inuyasha replied. "I've got to go now, I'll see you both soon." To Sango he said lowering his eyes, "I'm sorry about almost making you not go through with the wedding."
"It's alright Inuyasha," Sango said placing a hand on his shoulder. "Everything worked out in the end, I'm just glad you and Kagome will finally be able to put the past behind you."
"Only until you leave," Inuyasha said quickly before he walked off to hail a taxi, "don't even begin to think this will be permanent. I'm only doing this because the two of you are my best friends. I'll be nice to that woman only for as long as necessary. I've got to go now but yeah I just wanted to say sorry."
Sango just sighed as he hopped into a taxi, "I had hoped that maybe the two of them would be able to finally make amends, but I don't think even if the sky rained sledgehammers Inuyasha would even think of being voluntarily friendly. If you ask me Inuyasha's too stubborn for his own good."
"Your telling me," Miroku said shaking his head as well. "You're not the one who went to university with him."
"I can only imagine," Sango said taking Miroku arm. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting soaked. Why don't we go home and change, then I'll make some tea."
"We have tea? I didn't know we have tea," Miroku said confused looking at Sango. "What kind of tea?
"Green tea," Sango replied smiling at his confusion.
"Oh," Miroku said and then after a moment asked, "why are we having tea again?"
"Because I'm cold and wet and because I have something very important to tell you," Sango replied trying very hard to keep her face impassive.
"Oh okay," Miroku said and they walked for a few more steps before Miroku asked, "what sort of something important."
Sango just sighed and kissed him lightly on the cheek, "you'll see when we get home," she replied.
To be continued…
Author's note: hey everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Well sorry it took so long but as an apology here's TWO nice LOOOOOONG chapters to tide you over. I'm so lazy, I apologize I haven't posted them till now. I prefer to work on the story rather than spend the time posting it. Thanks to all you who've updated.