A Bride's Request a Bridesmaid's Promise
Chapter 11 – Surprise!
Author's Note: thank you for bearing with me...explainations and excuses for why you shouldn't kill me at the end...
Laughing over Miroku's comment about how he was going to need steel enforced shoes on their wedding, Kagome leaned across the table for another slice of bread.
"Miroku!" Sango exclaimed in good humour. "Are you insinuating that I'm a bad dancer!"
"I don't insinuate things darling," Miroku replied placing a hand over hers. "I'm telling you you're a bad dancer."
"Hmph," Sango pouted. "Be nice."
"Saying you're bad Sango, is the nicest way Miroku could possibly put it," Inuyasha pointed out shovelling a large forkful of pasta into his mouth. Seeing Kagome open her mouth to ask him something he pushed the plate of balsamic vinegar and olive oil towards her without having to be asked.
"Thank you Inuyasha," Kagome said dipping her bread. "And I must agree with Inuyasha your dancing skills could use a little improving."
"You've got all night to practise hun," Ayame winked. "And I'm sure that Miroku would be more than happy to help you if there was some sort of 'reward' afterwards."
Sango blushed and took a sip of her red wine while Miroku's eyes lit up and he grinned in anticipation.
"Now, now, Ayame," Kouga teased. "No need to go and embarrass Sango. Just look at her she's almost as red as her wine."
"No I'm not," Sango protested.
"Yes you are," Miroku said. "And I know a way to make you even redder." He then promptly leaned over and kissed her full on the lips.
Kagome and Ayame squealed in delight while Inuyasha and Kouga groaned.
"I think I'm gonna be sick," Inuyasha mocked.
"Oh don't be ridiculous Inuyasha," Kagome elbowed him. "Give them a break, for crying out loud their in love!" Watching him take another bite of pasta she peered closer. "That looks really good. What did you order again?"
"Penne with a three cheese sauce," Inuyasha mumbled. "Try some it's amazing."
Taking a forkful Kagome chewed it thoughtfully and then snatched another before he could protest. "You're right it is delicious! What did you order Ayame?"
"Garlicky pasta with Asparagus, tomatoes and shrimp," she replied promptly. "You want some?"
"Naw," Kagome said waving a hand. "Not much of a seafood person. What did you get Kouga?"
"Lasagne," Kouga said. "I'd offer you some but I know you don't like it."
"What did you get Kagome?" Sango asked.
"Pasta with asparagus lemon sauce."
"Is it good?" Miroku asked. "I was debating getting that one before Sango persuaded me to share a plate of pasta."
"I was looking for something romantic," Sango grinned mischievously.
"Can't get more romantic," Inuyasha mumbled. "All I want to know who's the lady and who's the tramp?"
"I'd say Miroku," Ayame grinned. "I mean I think Miroku's the tramp."
"Well my beloved could only be the lady," Miroku smiled winningly at Sango.
"That got you five brownie points," Sango murmured.
"How many am I at now?" Miroku inquired innocently.
"You keep track?" Inuyasha asked incredulously.
"You bet, five brownie points are worth a handhold in public, ten is a kiss, twenty is-" Miroku began.
"Enough already!" Sango exclaimed hurriedly before he could go any further.
"Well as much as I love you Sango hun I think that a change of subject is in order," Ayame said. "Now I know that you said not to bring presents but Kouga and I just could not resist."
"Ayame!" Sango exclaimed. "Honestly you really shouldn't have. The dress was more than I ever dreamed! And if Kagome can restrain herself I would think you could too!"
"Heh heh heh," Kagome laughed embarrassedly. "Actually Sango, I've been meaning to talk to you about that…"
"I can't believe either of you," Sango threw her hands in the air. "Did I specifically not say no gifts?"
"Well you did," Kagome started.
"But as your best friends we decided not to listen," Ayame finished.
"Neither did I," Inuyasha admitted lowering his head.
"Not you too!" Sango sat back shocked. "Since when can Inuyasha not restrain himself from shopping? If Inuyasha bought something I think the world is ending!"
"Well at least you had enough sense to wait until Sango ate most of her food," Miroku joked. "She might have thrown some of it at you if you hadn't."
"I would not have!" Sango cried indignantly hitting Miroku's shoulder with her napkin.
"Does that mean you won't return it?" Ayame asked flashing her puppy eyes.
"I uh- well I guess you guys haven't really given me much of an option…but… don't expect any 'Thank You' cards," Sango growled but they could all tell she was secretly pleased that they had ignored her death threats if she received so much as a pencil.
"Is everyone almost finished?" Kouga asked popping the last mouthful of lasagne into his mouth.
"Yeah I'm saving room for desert," Ayame announced placing her hands on her nice flat stomach and patting.
"Yeah if I'm having desert I'll just have the rest packaged up," Kagome thought out loud.
"Give me one second and I'll be done," Inuyasha said holding a single finger up as he lifted his plate and began eating with a ferocity that reminded Kagome of a dog who hadn't eaten for a week.
The waiter appeared moments later inquiring if they would like any dessert.
"What are you having Ayame?" Kagome asked plucking the desert menu from the center of the table.
"I think I'll have the extreme chocolate cheesecake with raspberry sauce and white chocolate ice cream."
"Someone certainly isn't concerned about their weight," Sango teased.
"Not at all. I like my sweets," Ayame grinned.
"I think I'll have the lemon cake," Sango decided.
"Oh I was hoping you'd split the chocolate extreme with me," pouted Miroku.
"What's that?" Sango asked scanning the menu.
"Perfection," Miroku sighed licking his lips in delight. "A rich chocolate cheesecake with a brownie for a base topped with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce."
"Oh my god," Sango laughed. "Miroku I'm gaining weight just thinking about that!"
"Pleeeeease?" her begged.
"Oh alright," Sango relented giggling at the absolutely adorable expression on his face when she agreed.
"How about you Kouga?" Ayame asked.
"I'm going for the white chocolate brownie," he replied promptly.
"I'll have the chocolate covered strawberries," Inuyasha and Kagome said simultaneously.
They looked at each other and their eyes widened in shock. Inuyasha was the first to look away blushing madly.
"Oh I'm sorry," their waiter said. "There are only enough for one more plate of chocolate strawberries. They're a new item on our menu and are very popular this evening."
"Never mind," Kagome and Inuyasha said once again together. "I'll have the chocolate soufflé."
"Weird," Inuyasha muttered looking at her oddly. "You sure you can't read my mind?"
Missing the looks that passed between Sango and Ayame, Kagome groaned. "Let me guess," she said. "You were going to order the same thing."
"Yeah couldn't decide," Inuyasha mumbled still suspiciously red. "Finally settled on strawberries though cuz I haven't had them in a while."
"I have an idea," Ayame suggested. "Why don't you order the soufflé Kagome and Inuyasha you order the strawberries and then you share."
"I uh-" Kagome blushed flickering her gaze to Inuyasha guiltily. "It's up to you, I'm uh…I'm fine with it."
"Sure," Inuyasha looked away crossing his arms in front of him. A sign, Kagome had realised meant he was trying to show utter indifference.
"Ok then," she said sounding oddly shy. "Can you order for me if the waiter comes before I return?" she asked Inuyasha. "I'm going to the bathroom."
"I'll come with you," Sango said folding her napkin and placing it on the table as she stood up.
"Me too," Ayame rose and followed them.
The three girls distinctly heard Kouga ask, "why is it girl's always go to the bathroom together?" before they were out of earshot.
"Good question," Kagome giggled. "Why are you both following me?" She smiled opening the door for them and then closing it behind her as she followed them into an elegant bathroom. "You both suddenly didn't just decide you had to go. I saw those looks you gave each other and I'm sure I missed quite a few more."
Ayame and Sango looked guiltily at each other and finally Ayame blurted out what was troubling both of them. "I know you said you hated him and he hated you but there's so much chemistry between you two!"
Kagome's smile faltered at that, she had suspected they would mention that. "You're imagining things," she told them crossing behind them and bending forward to look into the mirror.
"Oh Kagome," Ayame sighed sounding close to desperate. "I know you might not want to see it but it's there! I'm not imagining it either! If you could see how you two act you'd be thinking the exact same thing!"
"I know you may not want to hear this Kagome but as your best friend I feel obligated to tell you that," Sango began but faltered.
"That what?" Kagome asked in an eerily calm voice.
"That you two have something," Sango finished lamely looking away embarrassed. "I know you hate him and wish he'd rot in a sewer somewhere but if you could see the way you two act around each other…"
"I don't hate him," Kagome stood up. "And I certainly don't wish him to rot in a sewer, though him alive in a sewer is a pretty funny thought." She paused as she searched for her lipstick. "Sometimes you have to forgive and move on."
Sango yelped and rushed forwards. Taking Kagome by her arms Sango made her face her so that she could take her temperature. "You perfectly normal," Sango said in shock. "How! There is no way the Kagome I know would ever forgive something that big."
"He's changed a lot since I knew him," Kagome said evasively.
"So you've forgiven him?" Ayame asked uncertainly.
"Yeah," Kagome up-caped her lipstick and began to apply it very carefully.
"So," Ayame began slowly. "Why can't you see the two of you together?"
"It would never last," Kagome replied simply putting the lid back on and pulling out a large brush and some blush. "Maybe for a while. But eventually the passion would fade and we'd be left in a situation neither of us would want."
"Passion," Sango echoed in awe. "Kagome are you saying that you like him!"
"No!" Kagome said hurriedly. "No!" she repeated earnestly but it was too late her friends had seen through her act.
"You do like him!" Ayame accused.
"Keep your voice down," Kagome gasped throwing a hand over Ayame's mouth. Ayame promptly licked Kagome's hand making her screech and withdraw the offending limb. "Ayame that's gross!"
"No it's effective," Ayame countered. "Now Kag you can't fool me, I've known you far too long for that. Just admit to us that you like him and you'll save all of us a headache."
Kagome looked from Ayame to Sango and then back to Ayame. Realizing she was caught Kagome sighed and sat up on the counter. "Ok I might like him a tiny bit," Kagome admitted reluctantly.
"Knew it," Ayame nodded.
"Tell me," Sango growled. "Not even a week ago the two of you were at each others throats and now you're telling me you like him!"
"A little," Kagome gulped and then hurriedly went on. "I didn't want this! I never wanted to fall for a jerk like him!"
"So why did you?" Ayame asked.
"I have no clue myself," Kagome murmured letting her shoulders drop. "Suddenly I woke up one morning and I didn't hate him anymore." Kagome began to blush remembering the sensation of waking up snuggled next to Inuyasha. She decided to keep the events of that morning to herself.
"Why don't you tell him then?" Sango inquired softly.
"He's only being nice to me until this whole wedding is over," Kagome replied sullenly closing her eyes. "Then he's going to walk right out of my life."
"Did it ever occur to you he might not?" Sango asked sitting on the counter beside her and wrapping her arm around Kagome's shoulders.
"Yeah," Ayame agreed hopping up on Kagome's other side. "He likes you Kagome. I can tell. He wouldn't agree to share dessert with someone he was only pretending to like."
"He might not," Kagome said. "But both he and I know it would be the best thing if he did."
"Why?"
"Because I'm looking for a serious relationship and he's made it pretty clear he doesn't," Kagome replied.
"Oh yeah," Ayame said dejectedly.
"Forgot about that one," Sango sighed looking up. Suddenly she perked up, "If I managed to tame Miroku I'm sure you could do the same!"
"Miroku wanted to be with you though," Kagome argued. "He was the one who proposed. He was prepared to give up being a player if you would be with him, I'm not sure Inuyasha's willing to do the same."
"Well who says you have to have a serious relationship," Ayame nudged Kagome looking thoughtful. "I know you're against flings but why put down something you've never tried. Give it a shot and when you're done go your separate ways. Then you'll both get it out of your system and can go on after the wedding."
Kagome bit her lip as she thought about what Ayame had said. What her friend said was true. She could just have a relationship with Inuyasha until the wedding ended and then leave with no hurt feelings. What she was afraid of though was getting over him, would she be able to let go once he was done with her? Would she be able to sit back quietly and watch him walk away and possibly out of her life forever?
"I couldn't do it," she said finally, blinking back tears of anger that she couldn't just be with him for a while. "I wish I could but I just can't! He means too much to me."
Realizing how hard her heart was aching both Ayame and Sango looked at each other and then wrapped their arms around Kagome and gave her a hug.
"I know it's hard hun," Ayame said. "You'll find someone eventually."
But it's not someone else I want, Kagome thought miserably, it's Inuyasha.
"You've just got to get back up on your feet and try again. You've realised that the two of you can't be together so you have to let him go and then get back up when he's gone."
"Yeah," Sango agreed. "You've just got to keep looking for that mister right. Eventually you'll meet a man and say to yourself 'Oh my gosh I finally found him and he was worth the wait!' I know you will."
"Thanks you guys," Kagome smiled bravely.
!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i
"What the hell's taking them so long?" Inuyasha demanded throwing his elbows onto the table. He refused to admit it but he had been sulking ever since Kagome had left five minutes prior.
"Honestly poodle," Kouga yawned leaning back from the tempting plate of dessert in front of him, "don't you know anything able women?"
"Of course I do," Inuyasha snapped eying the chocolate covered strawberries Miroku had taken away from him when he had almost begun eating them.
"Then you would know that if you ever start your meal while your date is away from the table she'll get mad and then you'll have to apologise," Kouga said closing his eyes. "You're just lucky we took that desert away from you before you ate some. Kagome would have taken a bite out of you rather than her dessert if you had started without her."
"I take it you're speaking from experience Kouga?" Miroku grinned lifting a questioning eyebrow.
"You got it," Kouga yawned once more. "Made that mistake a couple months ago and I'm still not quite sure if Ayame's forgiven me. She certainly brings it up every time we order dessert."
"You see thanks to my superior women skills I've never been stupid enough to attempt that," Miroku joked.
"Shut up Miroku," Inuyasha and Kouga chorused.
"If you say so," Miroku replied with a shrug of his shoulders.
Seconds ticked by and finally Inuyasha stood up throwing his napkin on his seat. "That's it," he said. "I'm going to see what's taking them so long."
Both Miroku and Kouga nearly choked and jumped up after him. "Oh no you don't!" they exclaimed fearfully and forcefully grabbing him by the shoulders pushed him back into his seat.
"What are you doing," Inuyasha demanded shrugging their hands off. "Get your hands off of me!"
"Never ever," Kouga started.
"Go and fetch your girl when she's in the bathroom," Miroku finished.
"Why the hell not," Inuyasha growled. "The desserts are getting cold, and they've been in their long enough for five subdivisions to pop up!"
"Go right ahead," his friends replied sitting back down. "You'll be making the biggest mistake of your life if you do."
"I don't care," Inuyasha said and rose once again he made it five steps towards the direction of the bathroom before Miroku and Kouga grabbed him again. "What are you doing! Let go of me!" he yelled trying to fight them off effectively drawing the attention of every single eye in the restaurant. "You just said you didn't care!"
"Just because you're dumb," Kouga panted, "There's no way I'm letting you do that. Ayame'll get mad at me if you disturb something important."
"Sango'll kill me," Miroku whined.
"Man," Inuyasha said letting his arms go slack. "You two are the biggest wusses I know!"
"If you saw the look Ayame gave me when I tried that," Kouga explained. "You would be too. She was mad at me for a week!"
"I was limping for a week afterwards," Miroku winced.
"That's only because Sango thought you were being perverted," Kouga snorted finally succeeding in forcing Inuyasha back into his seat.
"What ever the reason, being hit repeatedly with a purse as heavy as Sango's hurts a lot," Miroku grimaced rubbing the back of his head at the painful memory.
"You mean you both tried it too?" Inuyasha asked.
"Yeah," Kouga nodded. "Believe me it's a lesson no man can forget. I'm tempted to let you try but-"
"No chance," Miroku crossed his arms stubbornly. "There's no way I'm giving Sango any reason to be mad at me before our wedding."
"Good point," Kouga acknowledged sitting back down.
"Wow serious relationships are hazardous to your health," Inuyasha said. "I always suspected as much."
"Speaking of serious relationships," Kouga took a sip of his water. "After all this time you've spent dating, how can you not know something as important as that."
"Inuyasha prefers having no strings attached," Miroku said wisely. "I've been telling him it's time to settle down but he says he wants nothing to do with commitment."
Inuyasha coloured a little at that comment. He guiltily remembered thinking it might not be so bad if he could find someone like Kagome to settle down with. Unbidden the image of Kagome in that lilac dress rose into his memory, the way she had looked was burned into his memory. The way the dress had fit and the amount of cleavage that had been revealed were enough to make his throat tighten.
"Seriously?" Kouga asked incredulously. "You must have had at least one serious relationship."
"Nope," Miroku answered for Inuyasha.
"So you're not into serious relationships then?" Kouga demanded leaning forward aggressively.
"No," Inuyasha growled. "Should I be?"
"Stay the hell away from Kagome then," Kouga snarled.
Inuyasha recoiled as if Kouga had struck him. "What the hell's that supposed to mean?" he demanded.
"Exactly what I said," Kouga growled and repeated himself very slowly as if he were talking to someone who was stupid. "Stay…..away….from…Kagome."
"Why would I bee interested in someone like Kagome," Inuyasha said menacingly.
"I saw the way you were looking at her mutt face," Kouga said. "Stay away from her. She's not one of your stupid one night stands. I don't care what you do with your other women but Kagome's not that kind of girl got it? If you mess with Kagome you'll regret it."
"I already told you I have no interest in her," Inuyasha replied unblinkingly.
"And I say you're lying," Kouga growled. "If you hurt Kagome I'll hurt you got that?"
"She's not your worry Kouga," Inuyasha said. "The two of you are over."
"That doesn't mean I care about her any less," Kouga said. "I let Kagome go because I realised she didn't love me that didn't mean I didn't love her."
"You don't strike me as the sort to let someone you love walk away Kouga," Miroku commented.
Shooting Inuyasha a glare Kouga sat back up straight and turned to Miroku. "Kagome made me realise that we weren't right for each other. I had no option but to let her go."
"Do you still love her," Miroku asked.
"Not the way I once did," Kouga said. "I love Ayame now, and it's thanks to Kagome we met. No, I don't love her anymore, I care for like a little sister though. That's why I'll kill you if you hurt her."
"I'm not going to hurt her Kouga," Inuyasha replied evenly.
Kouga glared intensely at him for a few heartbeats and then sat back when he realised Inuyasha was telling the truth. "Good," he said sitting back and tilting backwards. "She's been hurt enough already."
"Who's been hurt enough already?" Ayame asked startling Kouga almost enough to make him tip over backwards.
"Sorry we took so long," Sango apologised sitting down and placing her napkin on her lap.
"Girl talk took a little longer then we expected," Ayame winked and then spotted the desserts screaming out to be eaten. "Oh my! Now don't those just look decadent!" Grabbing her fork she took a bite of her cheesecake and moaned. "This is unbelievable."
"May I start Sango?" Miroku begged picking his fork up in anticipation.
Shaking her head at his child like behaviour Sango said, "oh alright."
Without further prompting Miroku dove into the chocolate cheesecake and Sango had to take his fork away after the first four bites. "Miroku slow down! The cheesecake's not going anywhere anytime soon!"
"I know," Miroku grinned. "It's just too good!"
"Well take smaller bites then! The spoon isn't a shovel!" Sango laughed.
"Try some!" Miroku prompted. "You'll see why I'm in love!"
"I think you better hurry up and finish that cheesecake Sango," Kagome giggled. "Next thing you know Miroku'll be dumping you and marrying the cheesecake!"
"Tempting idea," Miroku said thoughtfully. "I wonder what the cheesecake would look like in a dress?"
"Ridiculous that's what," Inuyasha said. Picking up one of his chocolate covered strawberries and taking a bite.
"Well let's see if the chocolate soufflé's as good as all of the desserts you guys ordered," Kagome took a bite of hers and smiled. "It's absolutely heavenly!"
"Let me try," Inuyasha said reaching over and grabbing a forkful. "You're right, it is good. Here have a strawberry."
"Thanks," Kagome said accepting his offering thinking back to what Sango and Ayame had said about Inuyasha sharing.
"How's the brownie Kouga?" Ayame asked.
"Good," Kouga said. "And don't even think of stealing any!"
"Oh come on," Ayame wheedled making circles over top of his brownie with her fork. "Please?"
"No! You try this every time we go out!" Kouga protested pulling his brownie out of Ayame's reach.
Ayame gave him her most sad pout and said "please?"
Kouga tried to remain firm but Ayame's pout was just too effective. "Oh fine," he said reluctantly pushing the brownie towards her.
"Aww thanks Kouga sweetie!" Ayame smiled and took some. "Mhmmm you're right. That is very good."
And so they chatted amiably for the rest of their meal, Ayame and Sango noticing Kagome glancing hopelessly at Inuyasha when he wasn't and Kouga and Miroku noticing how Inuyasha blushed every time he watched Kagome bite into a chocolate covered strawberry he had just given her.
"Well," Ayame said as they walked through the door into Sango and Miroku's house. "Are we ready to do gifts? I'm just dying to give mine!"
"Let me fix some tea first," Sango said disappearing into the kitchen and returning a few minutes later with a tray of tea for everyone.
"Here you go," Sango said taking two cups over to where Miroku was sitting on a small two person couch and settled down pacing him his tea.
"Thanks Sango," Kagome said taking a cup. "Well Ayame why don't you go first since you're so excited. I don't mind waiting."
"Yay thank you sweetie," Ayame said pecking Kagome on the cheek and running out of the room. She returned seconds later with a large box with an enormous bow. "I brought this over here this morning and hid it so I could give it too you. It was too heavy for me to take to the restaurant, so here you go." Placing it on Sango's knees she took her teacup from her and laughed as Sango grunted under the weight.
"Oh my gosh Ayame!" Sango exclaimed taking the bow off. "What in the world is this! I think it weighs more than I do! Don't just sit there Miroku help me unwrap it!" Delighted the two lovebirds began to tear the shinny gold wrapping off to reveal the largest coffee maker Kagome had ever laid eyes on.
"Oh. My. Gosh." Sango breathed looking at the enormous coffee maker. It was big enough than had it been sitting on the floor it would have come up to halfway up Sango's thigh. "Ayame this is so awesome!"
"Why thank you," Ayame grinned giving a small curtsy. "I knew you'd like it. I was just a little concerned about the size but I figured oh what the hell you'd find room. A friend of mine's just started selling these beauties and the second she started telling me about them I just knew I had to get one for you. So I'll tell you a little bit about it just because it's sooooo incredibly cool. It's an automatic coffee center so you can make lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, hot chocolate all at the touch of a button. It can make up to 16 oz of coffee at a time and has three separate spouts, one for milk and one for the coffee and another for whipcream that way it can make the coffee all at once without you needing to lift a finger! Now tell me is this not the coolest coffee machine ever?"
"It's the coolest coffee machine ever," Miroku said in an awe filled voice. "No doubts in my mind."
"Thank you Ayame!" Sango exclaimed happily placing the box on Miroku's lap and jumping up to hug her friend. "Thank you!"
"Hey!" Kouga protested. "What about me! I helped buy it too!"
Sango let go of Ayame only to fling her arms around Kouga next. "Thank you Kouga!"
"You're welcome," Kouga said. "All I have to say is if you two ever separate you have to return the coffee machine."
"Kouga!" Ayame exclaimed shocked.
"Just joking Ayame," Kouga smiled. "Don't worry."
"Good, because I don't think you'll ever take that away from Miroku," Sango grinned looking at her fiancé. "I think he likes it even more than I do!"
"That's such a cool gift Ayame!" Kagome said getting up with Inuyasha to look at the box Miroku was stroking.
"You realise the things a box and not a cat right Miroku?" Inuyasha asked.
"I know," Miroku replied. "I can't help it though!"
"Well Inuyasha" Kagome said slowly. "You want to give your gift next?"
"Are you kidding! I've been waiting to give it since I bought it!" Inuyasha grinned. "Like Ayame I took the liberty of having my give moved here while we were out dancing. I left specific instructions for the movers to place it in your dinning room"
Sango and Miroku looked at each other in confusion. "How'd both of you manage to put your gifts in the house?" Miroku asked.
"I used the key under the flower pot," Ayame smiled.
"I got Kaede to supervise the movers," Inuyasha explained.
"Oh," Miroku and Sango said.
"It was so big you needed movers?" Sango asked. "Inuyasha you really didn't need to buy us something that big."
"I know, and I wasn't planning on it," Inuyasha said taking Sango's wrist and helping her to her feet. "But once I saw this I knew it would be the perfect wedding gift."
"What is it?" Miroku asked.
"Come look, it's in the dining room," Inuyasha said leading the way.
Ayame, Kouga and Kagome looked at each other, shrugged and then rose to their feet to follow as well.
"Ok, close your eyes," Inuyasha said taking great enjoyment in his role as the gift giver. The five of them closed their eyes and allowed Inuyasha to lead them into the room.
"Okaaaaaay," Inuyasha said drawing the word out. "Open!"
Sango slowly opened her eyes and they immediately fell on the large piece of glass artwork sitting in her dinning room.
Kagome opened her eyes and heard Sango gasp, she saw instantly what Sango was gasping about.
"Well," Inuyasha said excitedly. "What do you think!"
"Inuyasha," Sango said walking over to the piece to touch it as if reassuring herself it was really there. "I don't know what to say."
"I knew you would like it!" he crowed triumphantly. "Do you know what the strangest thing is, the piece is actually named Sango."
"I know," Kagome laughed. "I named it."
"Huh," Inuyasha looked at her funny. "What are you talking about Kagome? Why are you laughing?"
"You're the one who bought Sango?" Miroku breathed looking at his friend. "We had no idea."
"I was heartbroken when Kagome told me it had been sold," Sango laughed. "I never dreamed that you had been the one to buy it."
"I'm really confused here," Inuyasha said looking to Kagome. "You've already seen this piece?"
"Seen it," Kagome laughed harder clutching her sides. "I made it!"
"What!" Inuyasha exclaimed. "But the artist's name was Kikyo and you're a journalist!"
"Kagome's also an artist," Ayame explained placing a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "She works with glass."
"You must be joking!" Inuyasha said sinking into a chair.
"You didn't know?" Kouga asked incredulously. "What kind of store did you think Kagome was opening?"
"I have no idea," Inuyasha said shaking his head. "It all makes sense now. All the glass in your house, the little shack in your back yard, the reason the Kiky- the artist never showed up, how the glass is exactly like Sango, where you got the burn."
"So you're the one who's allowed me to follow my dreams," Kagome smiled finally managing to stop laughing. "Thank you Inuyasha sorry for laughing but you have to look at it from my point of view. I thought I'd never see it again and poof here it is in Sango's dining room!"
"What?" he said looking up.
"Because you bought Sango, I had enough money to be able to take the gamble of starting up my own shop and quit my job as a reporter and blow glass full time," Kagome gave him a quick hug. "Don't be so hard on yourself, I never did tell you I was an artist."
"I just can't believe I was so stupid," Inuyasha groaned.
"Me too," Kouga grinned.
"Kouga!" everyone shouted.
"What, it's the truth," he said shrugging.
"Well it doesn't matter whether or not you knew Kagome made the piece, I love it just as much as I did the first time Kagome showed it to me. You couldn't have chosen a better gift," Sango grinned hugging Inuyasha.
"Wow," Ayame said stepping forward to take a closer look at Kagome's work. "You're an amazing artist Kagome. Sango showed me pictures of it but they didn't do it justice!"
"Yeah," Kouga agreed. "It's so cool how the light seems to be captured by it."
"Totally managed to capture Sango too," Ayame said running her hand down the cool surface. It was creepy the way she almost expected the glass to be as warm as it appeared.
"Thank you," Kagome blushed.
"Thank you Inuyasha," Miroku said clapping him on the back. "Sango was devastated about it being sold and has been pestering me to track down the man who bought it and buy it off him."
"Well I'm actually kind of glad you're the artist who made all those cute glass pieces," Inuyasha said. "I was going to ask you were you got them because I thought they'd make excellent office gifts."
Kagome grinned. "So should I be expecting a large order soon?" she asked coyly.
"Yep," Inuyasha smiled. "Well let's open your gifts now Kagome I really want to see what you made for Sango."
"Hey!" Kagome protested giving him a light punch on the arm don't spoil the surprise!"
"Consider it payback for not telling me you were an artist," he said but everyone could tell he wasn't really mad.
"Well come on, I'm dying to see what Kagome got slash made you Sango she was hinting at it today and I'm dying to see!" Ayame exclaimed grabbing Sango's wrist and hauling her back to the living room.
As Kagome exited the room Kouga pulled her aside and said, "Kagome just wanted to say the piece you did of Sango was amazing. I had no idea you were that good."
"Thank you Kouga," Kagome smiled. Oddly she no longer felt weirded out by being alone in the same room as Kouga, all there was now was a feeling of acceptance and friendship. Before she had always been afraid Kouga would try and hook back up with her behind Ayame's back and so she had avoided being alone with him at all costs.
"You've changed since I last saw you Kagome," Kouga said as they moved to follow everyone back into the living room.
"So have you," Kagome murmured. "I'm so glad you and Ayame are together, I really think you two are meant for each other."
"I think you might be right," Kouga said and when Kagome turned to stare at him in shock he pretended to be watching Sango who was trying to stick the enormous bow from Ayame and Kouga's present onto Miroku's head.
"Hurry up and grab your present Kagome," Ayame ordered. "We haven't got all night for you and Kouga to dilly-dally like two silly geese!"
Chuckling at Ayame's bossiness Kagome retreated downstairs to grab her gifts. Looking down at the small pyramid her four gifts made she sighed. how was she supposed to carry all of these? Finally she decided to take the biggest first, bending down she lifted the medium box and quickly turned around. Heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy hea- oomph!
In her hurry to get the box upstairs before she lost her grip she hadn't even heard Inuyasha come up behind her. "Inuyasha! What are you dong standing behind me like that! I almost ran into you!"
"Correction," Inuyasha winced hand over his stomach. "You did run into me."
"I'm sorry," Kagome said.
"It's okay," Inuyasha grinned. "Let me take that from you."
"Thank you," Kagome murmured offering no protest as he took the box from her. "I really am sorry I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay," Inuyasha grunted shifting his hands on the box so he could hold if more comfortably. "Come on let's go. Grab one of the lighter ones, we'll come back for a second load."
"Sounds good," Kagome said grabbing the tiniest box and following him back upstairs.
"I think you killed my kidney's," Inuyasha joked.
"You lucky I didn't can you," Kagome harumphed.
"Good thing you didn't wench," Inuyasha said and just as oddly as she didn't mind being alone in the same room as Kouga anymore she didn't mind him calling her wench. Maybe it was because the way he used it was like a pet name or a nickname…. "I wouldn't have been able to help you if you had."
"There they are!" Ayame squealed delightedly pointing at them. "Hurry up and get over here you two!"
"We still have one more load," Kagome smiled. "Sorry to make you all wait. I don't know what possessed me to hide these heavy things in your basement. Must have been having a temporary moment of insanity."
"Temporary," Inuyasha guffawed. "More like permanent!"
"Oh be nice you!" Kagome chided. Placing her present at Miroku's feet and heading back down for the second load. Reaching the bottom of the stairs she picked up the larger of the two that was remaining. She turned around and once again nearly bumped into Inuyasha who was staring at her with an expression of shock. She was about to demanded what he was staring at when suddenly she felt exactly what was captivating his attention. She had forgotten about Sango and Miroku's air conditioning system which consisted of numerous small vents on the floor around the house and had by accidentally been standing over one. Blushing furiously she hurriedly stepped away from the upward air currents and waited for her dress to settle back down.
"Stop looking at me that way," she growled wishing the ground would just swallow her up. Out of everything embarrassing that had ever happened to her this had to rank right up there at number one.
Inuyasha blinked once, then twice and then said in what sounded to Kagome like a bored tone, "nice underwear Kagome" and took the box from her while she was too weak with shock to protest.
"Why you- you-" Kagome spluttered trying to think of an appropriate name to call him as she hurriedly grabbed the last box and hurried up the stairs after him. It had stung her pride that his response to such an embarrassing moment was boredom.
"What's going on?" Miroku asked as the resurfaced from the depths of his basement.
"Kagome pulled a Marilyn Monroe downstairs is all," Inuyasha said placing the other box on top of the first and then moved aside to allow Kagome to put hers on top and then take the tiniest an place it on top.
"You mean…" Miroku trailed off confused until it hit him what Inuyasha was talking about and he grinned.
"Oh my gosh Kagome!" Sango exclaimed. "I'm so sorry about that! I should have said something since you're wearing a dress!"
"It's ok Sango," Kagome said shooting a glare at Inuyasha and perching herself on the arm of the. "Now how about you open my gifts before Ayame implodes."
"Sounds good," Sango said smiling. "I'm dying from anticipation. Which should I open first?"
"You open the largest and Miroku the second largest," Kagome instructed. "They're a set."
"Odd hey how Ayame's was gold and Kagome's are wrapped in silver," Kouga commented.
"Freaky," the three girls chorused.
"Just be careful it's breakable," Kagome said as Sango and Miroku picked their respective boxes up.
Very carefully Sango and Miroku began to peel the wrapping paper off to reveal a regular cardboard box taped shut. Peeling the tape from her box off Sango opened the flaps to reveal the stack of beautiful glass plates.
"Oh Kagome!" Sango exclaimed lifting one plate up to look at it. "They're gorgeous! Oh look Miroku!"
"They're lovely Kagome," Miroku said taking the plate from Sango. "I suspected you would make us something."
"Oh what's in your box Miroku?" Sango asked reaching over to help him open his box.
"Oh look!" Sango breathed holding up the wine glasses to show everyone. She passed the glass to Ayame who murmured it was beautiful and then passed it to Kouga and then finally to Inuyasha who held it and gazed at it intently.
"It's a beautiful gift," he said to Kagome. "Exactly the sort of thing I could see Sango purchasing."
"Oh thank you Kagome!" Sango leapt up to throw her arms of her raven haired friend.
"Your welcome Sango," Kagome laughed hugging her back. "But you haven't even opened the best one yet!"
"I don't need to these are so beautiful I can't possibly accept anything more," Sango said. "I feel so spoiled."
"Oh shush you," Ayame said patting her friend on the back. "We all know how you hate being spoiled but it's your wedding we have every right to spoil you so just open the gift that Kagome's gone to a lot of work to put together."
"But I feel so…" Sango trailed off helplessly. After the death of her family she had rarely received very few presents, apart from the ones Kagome and Ayame sent her at her birthday and Christmas. Somehow she feel as if she was exploiting her friends.
"Please Sango," Kagome said sitting her friend down and placing the largest remaining box into her hands. "This one's for you, they wont fit anyone else and I refuse to see anyone else have them."
"Oh alright," Sango said her curiosity getting the better of her.
Kagome handed Miroku the tiniest little box and watched his jaw drop.
"How come Sango gets all the large one," he pouted holding up the box which was no larger than a mouse.
"Size doesn't matter Miroku," Sango nudged. "Plus didn't you ever hear good things come in small packages?"
"I've heard it," Miroku pouted.
"Believe me your gift it just as cool as Sango's Miroku," Kagome winked. "All I have to say is that if you loose them I'll be mad."
"Really?" Miroku perked up at that. "They're that important?"
"I know you had a tendency to loose them so I made you some," Kagome went on. "Why don't you open yours first Miroku then you can feel special."
"Ok," he relented and unwrapped the box to reveal a small purple ring box.
"Now Kagome," Ayame teased. "No proposing to the groom before the wedding."
Everyone laughed as they watched Miroku open the lid to reveal two glass cufflinks frosted in the same manner of Sango's glass slippers, but only Kagome knew that.
"Thank you Kagome!" Miroku exclaimed. "They're wonderful! I couldn't find the last pair I bought and Sango was threatening to decapitate me if I lost another pair! I promise not to loose this pair."
"Wow those are cool," Kouga said. "Any chance of getting a pair?"
"Maybe when you get married I will," Kagome replied.
"Sango's turn! Sango's turn! Sango's turn!" Ayame exclaimed bouncing up and down on her chair like an impatient three year old.
"Oh alright," Sango said and began to unwrap hers. "I wonder what they-" Sango trailed off as she opened the lid to reveal the sparkling glass slippers. She sat staring at them for a moment entirely frozen and then suddenly she began to cry.
Not being able to see the gift Miroku jumped when he saw silent tears streaming down Sango's face. "Sango what's wrong!" he cried out.
Sango merely lifted one glass slipper out of the Styrofoam for everyone to see, and as the lift hit the glass and reflected off everyone except for Kagome and Sango gasped. The shoes were beautiful!
"Oh my gosh," Ayame breathed getting up to walk over to Sango. "Sango they're- they're- they're unbelievable!"
"Cinderella's slippers," Kagome said softly bending down to hug Sango around the shoulders. "When we were little you always loved the story Cinderella and I remembered one time we were looking at shoes you said you wished they had Cinderella shoes."
"You remembered that?" Sango asked.
"How could I forget," Kagome laughed trying to lighten the mood. "We went everywhere looking for glass shoes when we were ten, and spent hours going into every single shoe store we could find. Try them on! I really hope they're comfortable. I made a mould using your favourite high heels, so I'm hoping they are."
"So that's why you took them!" Sango exclaimed carefully lifting the other shoe out and placed it and its partner on the floor. "I was wondering what you could want with them!"
Tentatively she slid her right foot into the shoe and gasped. "They're cold!" she laughed.
"Does it fit?" Kagome asked anxiously afraid she might have messed up.
"It fits perfectly," Sango replied slipping her other foot into the remaining slipper. "Are you sure that if I stand up they wont shatter?"
"Positive," Kagome assured her. "I tried them on my feet and they held my weight so I'm sure they won't break."
"Good," Sango said. "I'd hate to pick glass splinters out of my feet on my wedding. Well here it goes."
As she rose to her feet everyone held their breath. Very slowly Sango took a step and then another and another. "Oh Kagome, they're so beautiful they make me want to cry."
Walking over to her friend, Kagome hugged her tightly. "I think you already did that," she said. "I hope you like them."
"Like them," Sango cried out. "Kagome I adore them! I want to keep them forever and show them to my grandchildren when I'm old and ugly."
"Old maybe, ugly never," Miroku said standing up. "Kagome if I may?"
Obliging him Kagome neatly side stepped, and Miroku moved past her to kiss Sango passionately.
"Oooh la la!" Ayame said happily.
"You don't need glass slippers to be a princess Sango," Miroku said. "You're already mine."
"That's so incredibly romantic Miroku," Kagome sighed. "Sango he really is a lucky catch."
"I'm glad you think so," Miroku winked mischievously.
"Well I think we ought to let these two lovebirds have some time alone or we're going to regret it," Inuyasha said jokingly.
"I think you're right Inuyasha," Kouga said standing up. "Though I think it might be the first time in your life."
"Oh Kouga," Ayame chided. "Be nice, don't be jealous because Inuyasha's more observant than you are."
"Oh you guys don't need to leave," Sango protested trying to worm out of Miroku's arms.
"Don't be silly," Kagome said giving Sango a large wink. "We've given you your gifts and now we'll just mosey along on our way."
"I can't just kick you out!" Sango exclaimed. "Stay and have a drink or something."
"Actually it's better than we all leave now, I already had a hangover this morning from last night and I've only had a few hours of sleep. Unless I want huge bags tomorrow I should get some sleep," Kagome explained yawning to prove her point
"I'm with Kagome," Kouga nodded. "I don't plan on you looking back at your wedding only to see me with bags under my eyes."
"Oh Kouga," Ayame shook her head. "You care far too much about your appearance."
"It comes with being a model," Inuyasha explained. "They don't have the brains for anything that doesn't directly involve them."
"You wanna say that too my face?" Kouga challenged.
Ayame and Kagome simultaneously placed a restraining hand on the boys' arms. Inuyasha looked at Kagome, huffed and then looked away. "You're not worth my time."
"We'll be on our way now," Ayame said shooting Kouga a warning look. "The boys are getting irritable and we don't want the poor darlings cranky tomorrow."
"Oh okay," Sango sighed walking them all to the door. "Thank you all so much for the beautiful gifts. I loved all of them, more than mere words can ever possibly convey."
"It's was nothing," Ayame smiled hugging Sango. "Merely an outlet to show how much we love you. See you tomorrow."
"Yep," Miroku said walking up behind Sango and draping his arm across her shoulders.
"By Miroku," Kouga called as he and Ayame walked down the sidewalk. Both waved as the hopped into Kouga sports car and then drove off.
"How are the two of you getting home?" Sango asked handing Kagome her jacket.
Fiddling with the straps on her sandals, Kagome replied, "Um I actually don't know. We walked to the studio so I guess I'll just walk back to the hotel…"
"Nonsense," Sango said. "Miroku'll drive you."
"No it's alright," Inuyasha said taking Kagome's jacket from Sango who was still holding it. "Kagome can grab a ride with me."
"Thanks Inuyasha," Kagome said. "How long till the limo'll arrive?"
"Should be any minute," Inuyasha said. "I sent a call out a couple minutes ago so…yeah…"
"Speaking of limo's," Miroku said thoughtfully. "Do you get any deals with them?"
"I've already ordered limo services for the wedding Miroku," Inuyasha grinned. "I forgot to tell you guys. It was part of your gift. Must have slipped my mind somehow," he trailed off to look accusingly at Kagome.
"Oh give it a rest," she groaned. "I'm sorry I never told you."
"You should be," Inuyasha grunted good naturedly.
"Thank you Inuyasha," Sango said kissing him on the cheek. "You have no idea how badly I've been wanting that piece. Ever since I laid eyes on it I've been saving."
"Why didn't you give it to her," Inuyasha asked Kagome.
"She wouldn't let me," Kagome explained. "Made me tell her how much it was worth and said she would pay for it or not have it at all."
"Stubborn thing isn't she," Inuyasha joked.
"She's my stubborn thing now," Miroku sighed dramatically and nuzzled Sango's neck.
"Oh look here comes the limo!" Kagome pointed out happily. "That was quick." Turning to Sango she gave her a quick tight hug and then gave a hug to Miroku. "Supper was fun, we'll have to make a point of doing that more often now that I'll be living here."
"You bet," Sango said. "Sleep tight Kagome, and I'll see you in the morning."
"Yep," Inuyasha said walking towards the limo which had just pulled up. "Food was good, I'll have to remember that place." He opened the door for Kagome who slid in past him taking her jacket as she did so.
"Bye Sango!" she called waving furiously as Inuyasha climbed in next to her. "By Miroku!"
"You finished waving now?" Inuyasha asked wryly.
"Yeah," Kagome said and sat back to let Inuyasha close the door. She saw Miroku and Sango wave in return, then head back inside.
"Well that was fun," Kagome sighed leaning back against the soft comfortable leather.
"Tired?" Inuyasha asked.
"Yeah," Kagome yawned. "Absolutely exhausted."
"Me too," Inuyasha agreed and closed his eyes. "I think it was all the dancing we did."
"Probably," Kagome said. "These seats are so comfortable I think I could go to sleep right here."
"Why don't you close your eyes," Inuyasha suggested. "I'll wake you up when we get to the hotel."
"Ok," Kagome murmured closing her eyes obediently. After a second she said, "Sango and Miroku are so right for each other. I can't think of anyone else better for Sango than Miroku."
"Yeah," Inuyasha sighed. "He may seem perverted at times but he loves he so much I wonder how it's possible his heart doesn't explode."
"And Sango loves him just as much," Kagome said sleepily beginning to nod off. Her head teetered to one side and then back to the other and then back again to land on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Do you mind if I just rest my head for a while?"
"I…uh…" Inuyasha blushed. Just what was she doing! Honestly if he had known better he would have thought she was trying to get… "When I said you should close your eyes I didn't mean for you to go asleep using me as a pillow!"
"I know," Kagome mumbled. "You're a better pillow then the car though."
"Wha-," Inuyasha yelped looking down at the raven haired beauty asleep on his shoulder. "Well…" he fumbled looking for something to say. "Well didn't your mother ever teach you to stay away in a man's car? For all you know I could kidnap you and do what I want with you!"
"You wouldn't do that," Kagome said very softly and very slowly.
"And how do you know that?" Inuyasha demanded preparing to remove her head from his shoulder.
"I trust you," Kagome mumbled and then Inuyasha could tell she was truly asleep.
Inuyasha stopped stone cold. What had she just said? Grumbling his fake irritation Inuyasha lowered his arm and settled back looking down at Kagome with one squinted eye. Figures she'd say something like that right before he was about to move her. Huffing he tried to ignore the pleasant weight on his left shoulder but found the new sensation impossible to overlook. No girl had ever fallen asleep on his shoulder like this before, sure they had rested their head on it while dancing or actually sleeping in a bed, but not like this. No this was more intimate somehow, more trusting….
Damn her for making him feel so inferior, so shallow! Somehow, she always managed to do these little things that reminded him of the superficial relationships he had. All the relationships that hadn't included her… Why did she affect him the way she did. One minute he was mad at her because of his hair, next enthralled by her seductive dancing, the next surprised by the discovery of her being an artist and then mushy because of the simple way she fell asleep on his shoulder.
Reflecting on the discovery on Kagome being an artist Inuyasha was puzzled by his reaction. Before he had met Kagome had had stayed clear of all artists, he recalled clearly how he had loathed the idea of meeting with the artist Kikyo and as chance would have it Kikyo ended up being Kagome. Why was he not distancing himself from her, why was it that instead of running in the opposite direction he seemed even more attracted to her? Was it because he now would have an excuse to keep in touch? No that wasn't it… he was next to positive it had something to do with the fact that it actually delighted him to think that she had made that amazing piece…
Damn. Damn Damn. Why was she so bloody confusing? And what had been with that comment Kouga had made at supper? Trust that idiot to complicate his emotions. Seeing the hotel's neon sign approaching Inuyasha wondered what would happen if he didn't return her to the hotel and instead she came home with him…. shaking his head in disgust at himself Inuyasha shook Kagome away. "We're here," he said gruffly.
"Hmm?" Kagome mumbled sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Already? Wow must have been more tired than I thought. Well, thank you for giving me a ride."
"It was nothing," Inuyasha said getting out and holding the door open for her. "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning?"
"Please and thank you," Kagome said stepping out and walking past him. Turning to him she said, "remind me when all of this is over to give you money for the gas."
"Don't even think about it," Inuyasha grinned. "I'm filthy stinking rich remember? I don't need more money."
"I'll just have to bake you cookies then," Kagome joked covering her mouth as she yawned.
"Now those I could accept," Inuyasha said. "Good night Kagome."
"Night Inuyasha," Kagome said waving as she turned and walked into the lobby of the hotel.
"Damn she's beautiful," Inuyasha thought closing the limo door.
To be continued…
Author's note: well there it is the long awaited 11th chapter. Length 27 pages. Time spent…what seems like an eternity. I apologize for the wait…you have no idea how much I struggled with this chapter…wanted more fluff…yet I didn't want too much…so I had to think everything out, still not quite happy with the ending but oh well. It is close to midnight and I'm exhausted so also forgive any spelling errors I made. For those of you who read my other stories you'll know that I'm technically banned from the computer cause exams are looming on the horizon so I can only type at night (as rebellious as that sounds) and have to keep hacking the password to the computer….I swear I spend more time hacking the code then I do typing. So appreciate what I've managed to do in the time frame I did it. I swear every last one of you who reads this chapter better review or I will be really mad.