A Bride's Request a Bridesmaid's Promise
Chapter 12 – Lucky at Cards Unlucky At Love
Author's Note: Sorry just got back from Greece two days ago got this out as fast as I humanly could.
Walking down the aisle next to Ayame, Kagome had to force herself not to grin at how funny they all looked. Almost everyone at the rehearsal had showed up in jeans much to the wedding planner, Jakotsu's dismay. It just seemed so silly watching every one walk up the aisle not in wedding dresses or suits.
"How," he demanded to Sango, "Are you supposed to have a proper wedding rehearsal in jeans and sneakers! Where are the gorgeous glass slippers!" Sango mumbled something about leaving them at home. "Well what good are they doing there! Oh deary-deary me I just know now that you're going to trip, or stumble! Noooooo the horror my fellow wedding planners would never let me live down a bride of mine pulling a Sandra Bullock!" He had lamented for several minutes until finally Kouga, sick of listening to Jakotsu's wailings, offered to go get them for the sake of everyone's sanity.
Once he actually saw the shoes though he had burst into tears because they were so beautiful. "Just like Cinderella," he wailed. The slippers seemed to be a source of strength for Jakotsu after that. He seemed determined that Sango got a fairytale wedding to go along with the beautiful shoes.
They were currently on their fourth rehearsal now, having failed to get the procession order perfect as of yet. She saw Ayame out of the corner grin at Kouga who was just sitting on one of the empty pews. He claimed he had nothing better to do than come watch but Kagome had known that he had come because he knew there was bound to be some sort of action.
He had not been disappointed in the least. Jakotsu was enough action for anyone. The very flamboyant wedding planner Sango had hired was close to tears as Sango entered. "No no no no NO! That just will not do!"
"Sango baby," Jakotsu wailed clutching her arms desperately and sinking to his knees like a child. "You're killing me! What did I say last time?" He paused long enough for Sango to roll her eyes. Seeing this gave him his motivation back and he leapt to his feet. "Yes! You know I'm right! This is your wedding! So smile! Give me a flash of those pearly whites. Awww don't glower at me, you've got shaking in my boots!"
Ayame and Kagome flashed identical grins at each other.
"Just smile damn it!" Inuyasha bellowed from where he was standing with Miroku. "The sooner we get this bloody thing perfect the sooner we can leave!"
"Oh do be quite dog breath," Kouga yawned. "Better now than during the wedding!"
"Yeah knowing Jakotsu he might run out in the actual thing if Sango didn't smile," Ayame joked under her breath.
"Well I know that!" Inuyasha glowered. "You'd think however we'd be able to make it through with minimal mistakes on the fourth try!"
"Tsk tsk, 'yasha. No need to get all grumpy. Ok people," Jakotsu smiled clapping his hands together. "Let's try this again and this time Sango baby remember, smile."
Sango rolled her eyes, Ayame and Kagome giggled, Inuyasha sighed heavily and Miroku was trying to look indifferent to the fact Jakotsu kept calling Sango 'baby'. They slowly returned to their starting positions and the whole thing began again.
It had been three days since Kagome had last seen Inuyasha and she was surprised at how much she had been looking forward to the wedding rehearsal. The day after he had dropped her off at her hotel she had forgotten about the wedding shower so she had been forced to phone him and tell him she actually didn't need to be picked up. The bridal shower had been something out a horror movie. Kagome hadn't known anyone who showed up except for Ayame and Kaede, and there had been over forty women there! Even Sango had admitted to only knowing half of the women.
"Why'd you invite all of them then?" Ayame had hissed under her breath.
"That's the odd thing, I only invited twenty seven women," Sango had murmured. "Ten coworkers, eight family friends, and nine family members," she recited to herself counting things on her fingers in bewilderment.
"Well at least you've gotten some pretty gifts," Kagome said looking admiring at the hand embroidered placemats someone had given Sango which freakily had matched Kagome's plates and wine glasses perfectly.
"Yeah and some equally awful ones," Ayame grimaced her eyes falling on the hot pink toaster someone had bestowed on Sango."
"You don't think people will mind if I return some of the things," Sango asked looking away from the eyesore.
"Of coarse not," Kaede said. "Don't be ridiculous child!"
That had put Sango's mind at ease. And even if it hadn't the next day at the spa certainly did.
Kagome and Ayame as part of their "girl day" had decided to treat Sango and themselves to a day at the spa. They had gotten the works including a massage, mud bath, seaweed wrap, coco mask, manicure and pedicure, and teeth whitening.
But before they had gone to have their manicures and pedicures one of their masseuses had suggested a new treatment the spa was offering that not too many people knew about. She said after listening to the ladies explain about the treatment she had signed up for one at once and claimed it was worth every penny. They would even get a special discount because they had come for the day.
By now thoroughly intrigued the girls had shrugged at each other and decided to go for the complementary explanation and all three by the end of the demonstration had been dying to hop up on the table and get started.
They had lain down for a brief minute on a heated rock slab as the ladies explained that these tables were actually made of volcanic rock slabs directly imported from various volcanic areas around the world and that they, and the rocks they would be massaged with, were used because being fire made they held the heat better than ordinary rocks.
They had then sat up and the ladies had then showed them the large egg shaped stones they would be massaged with, which were about the circumference of a large orange and very heavy. They each had a small sample done on the inside of their arm where the ladies explained all about the oils they would be rubbing into their skin, and then proceeded to rub their wrist area in small circular motions applying only a touch of pressure with a rock.
Kagome was surprised just how deep the heat had penetrated into her skin; it had seemed to seep into the very marrow of her bones. And once the lady stopped her skin had tingled wonderfully and the oil had made it baby smooth and smell amazing.
Their masseuse had been right, it had taken one look between Ayame and Kagome and they signed up for the three of them on the spot. It had been everyone's favourite; it was impossible to not feel so pampered and had left them all feeling wonderful.
After that they had gone for their nails, and all three settled on the French manicure with a tiny white flower with a tiny diamond rhinestone as the middle on the tip. They had debated about getting the same on their toenails but decided it was better to just get a simple French pedicure.
After the spa they felt so amazing they hardly want to go out shopping but once they got out they had a blast. They went for lunch and chatted about old times, then went for ice cream at the parlour Kagome had won her years supply at much to Ayame and Sango's delight. Spotting a picture booth the three of them climbed in and each got a roll of four pictures of the three of them in funny poses.
They had then sat down in a park to finish their ice cream before they headed out to buy Sango some sexy lingerie for her wedding night.
"You guys!" Sango had spluttered profusely when Ayame and Kagome explained where they were going.
"Oh come on Sango," Ayame teased. "Don't go all prissy on us now! I thought you were the adventurous one!"
"But it's just so skanky," Sango said looking helplessly at the black lace see through negligee Ayame was dangling in front of her nose.
"Come on," Ayame said holding the negligee up like a dog treat. "Miroku'll love it."
"I bet he would," Sango muttered.
"Come on Sango," Kagome pleaded. "As your best friends it is our responsibility to make sure you look absolutely sizzling on your wedding night. It doesn't even have to be something like that." She pointed to the lace negligee Ayame was holding. "You've got a great body we should just get you a sexy matching set or something. How about something like this?" She reached out to grab a black lace bra and thong decorated with red roses.
"You've got to be kidding," Sango said her jaw dropping. Kagome looked down with shock to see she had grabbed a lace up black leather bustier.
"Whoops!" Kagome blushed and grabbed what she had meant to.
"Oh ok," Sango giggled. "For a second there I thought you were serious."
"Wait a second can I see that," Ayame grinned and Kagome passed the bustier back.
"I actually kinda like that," Ayame admitted.
"What!" Kagome and Sango close to shrieked.
"I'm going to try this on," Ayame grinned. "You guys keep looking; I'll be back in just a second."
"Uhhh," Kagome and Sango said looking at each other.
"I didn't know Ayame wore stuff like that did you?" Kagome asked.
"No," Sango said shocked. "I did not."
"Come to think of it," Kagome said. "It's not that bad, it covers everything and just laces up the front. Women at clubs wear a lot worse I'm told."
"Yeah," Sango nodded. "I think it was just shocking because it was black leather."
"Ok," Kagome said starting to regain control of her mind. "You ready to start looking again?"
"Yeah," Sango said.
They had emerged an hour later each having bought something sultry. Kagome had at first protested but Sango had said if she was getting something so did Kagome.
"But I don't even have a boyfriend!" Kagome whined.
"If you and Inuyasha hook up you'll want that," Ayame said innocently staring off at the twittering birds overhead, but there was no mistaking the glint in her eyes when she looked over her shoulder to see Kagome's reaction.
Kagome blushed as she recalled how loudly she had shrieked and how the people nearby had thought they were insane when Kagome dashed after Ayame threatening to kill her waving her bag repeatedly trying in attempt to wound her friend.
After coming home exhausted to have a taco night like they used to in university they settled down to watch some of their favourite movies.
The friends then had proceeded to spend the rest of the night talking about the good old times, what was to come, and life in general.
They had then talked about the baby that was soon to enter their lives. Sango told them that Miroku was hoping for a boy but that she would love to have either. Ayame admitted she was hoping it was a girl so she could make adorable little dresses for her. Kagome had been with Sango on the view that she would love the baby if it was girl or boy.
"My child is going to be spoiled rotten by you!" Sango had cried in mock horror.
"Hey!" Ayame protested. "We won't be the only culprits. You just wait, Miroku is going to spoil your child even worse then us!"
"Yeah," Kagome had nodded. "He's going to be a great father though."
Sango nodded. "You're right Kagome, he will be won't he."
"Have you thought of what names you like?" Ayame asked eagerly.
"No not really," Sango replied. "We want to have a name that matches our child not our dream child."
"Well that's a pretty good way of going about it," Kagome noted.
"But I've been thinking that I'd like to call the baby Kohaku if it's a boy, after my brother," Sango said slowly.
"That would be a nice name," Kagome agreed.
"Remind me to tell that to Miroku in the morning," Sango had yawned lying down. "I'm kind of tired now how about we go to sleep."
They had agreed and had slept until late the next morning.
Walking down the aisle once more Kagome was still finding it hard to believe that tomorrow her best friend was going to be getting married. It all still seemed to be some sort of dream, and she was going to wake up back in her old bed after flying home from work. It was amazing how such a simple phone call had changed her life. It had set so much in action, and Kagome was so thankful that she had received it. Because of that phone call she had met Inuyasha again, had moved, quit her job, was going to open her store, found out Sango was getting married and that there was a baby on the way!
Looking up a head at Inuyasha, she saw how cute he looked in a pair of faded jeans and a red shirt and found herself smiling softly. Yes meeting Inuyasha again was defiantly something she was glad had happened. If she hadn't met him they never would have forgiven each other for the past. It was like having a clean slate that she could write whatever she wanted on. It was astonishing just how good life felt at that moment.
Inuyasha watched Kagome and Ayame walk up the aisle through the corner of his eyes. He saw Kagome smile faintly at him and had to force himself not to blush. She had looked slightly tired that morning when the three girls had arrived but still lovely.
It had been surprising how much he thought about her when she wasn't around. It made him wonder if she thought about him?
Glowering at the thought of everything Ayame informed the guys they had done, probably not.
"Too busy being massaged by stupid volcano rocks or something," he thought moodily
"Hard to believe that the actual day of the wedding was tomorrow," he thought watching Sango enter thankfully this time with a lovely smile.
"Hard to believe she's about to walk out of your life forever and you haven't made a move to stop it," his inner devil's advocate also known as his conscience whispered.
"Yes I have," Inuyasha thought defensively. "I asked her to forgive me and she said she already had!"
"She's forgiven you, big whoop-de-doo. That just means she won't hate you when she walks away."
"But she'll keep in touch," Inuyasha protested.
"Will she?"
"Of course."
"Are you certain?" the little voice murmured.
"Yes," Inuyasha thought except he knew it was a lie. This was exactly what was making him grumpy. He didn't know and that was a problem. His conscience was only voicing his inner fears and trying to get him to act on them.
"You know you'll regret not acting if I end up being right," the little voice said mockingly.
"I know I will," Inuyasha thought back angrily. "But just what exactly am I supposed to say! Hi Kagome I was just wondering if maybe you won't just walk away after the wedding and stick around in my life."
"Of course not. But you've got the right idea; you just need to reword it a little."
"But how?" Inuyasha thought hopelessly. "How do I say something like that with her getting the wrong idea?"
"What wrong idea?"
"That I like her!"
"But you do like her, you're in love with her," the voice replied honestly.
"I know I do, but I don't know if she likes me! I don't want her to walk away but I also don't want her to run away!"
"Why not just tell her that you love her and let her decide what she wants to do," the voice said.
"It's not that simple!"
"Isn't it?"
"Of course not!"
"Why?"
"Because- Because- Because that's just too hard to say!" Inuyasha thought scared. He could see that the voice was positioning him so that he'd be trapped by his own words and he was trying desperately trying not to let it manipulate him that way;
"Why is it so hard?"
Inuyasha refused to answer.
"It's because you're afraid of being alone now isn't it? Now that Miroku's going to be gone you don't want to be left with no friends. You're afraid of letting her leave, yet you don't think you could ask her to stay without telling her you love her and you fear that rejection even more than her leaving."
"Yes. Damn it, yes that's exactly it!" Inuyasha yelled angrily and flushed when he realized he had said that out loud. Oops.
"I agree!" Jakotsu cried happily. Luckily for Inuyasha the wedding rehearsal had just finished perfectly and so everyone assumed he had yelled that they had finally gotten it right.
Only Kagome was looking at him funny. She locked eyes with him and tilted her head to the side to ask if he was ok. Fearing that she might be able to read his mind Inuyasha quickly broke eye contact with her and turned to Miroku who was still passionately kissing Sango. After that Jakotsu was happy to let them go.
"Tomorrow's the big day people," he said happily. "So remember get a good night sleep and have a good hearty breakfast in the morning." He winked at Sango. "We wouldn't want anyone to get the wedding jitters now would we?"
"Of course not," Sango murmured looking down at her glass slippers shyly.
"Ok one last little thing before you go," Jakotsu said pulling a pile of papers out of his designer briefcase. He handed on to each person and said, "read this please. It's tomorrow's schedule."
Inuyasha looked down and sure enough the words 'Wedding Schedule' were printed in big bold letters at the top.
Wedding Schedule
9:00 am Arrive at hotel and greet the minister of the ceremony.
9:30 am Stylists arrive to arrange hair
10:15 amBegin getting dressed
10:45 amGuests begin to arrive. No leaving back area after this point.
11:15 amCeremony begins now.
11:45 amCeremony ends. Photo shoot.
12:30 pm Champagne and cake
2:00 pm Luncheon begins. Bride changes into second gown.
2:30 pmMingling
6:30 Move to dinning room to begin toasts
6:45 Dinner begins
8:00 Dinner ends
8:15 Dancing begins. Bride and Groom share first dance.
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.
"Let me get this right," he said. "It's going to take forty-five minutes for everyone to get their hair done?"
"Yes," Jakotsu replied. "Each of the ladies has their own hairdresser while we've got two coming to share between the three males. Oh and while we're on the subject of hair Inuyasha I was hoping you would agree to cut your hair for the wedding."
"What!" Inuyasha yelped. "What did you say?"
"I was thinking you're hair just is far too long, so I was going to propose cutting the majority of it off," Jakotsu replied. "I'd also love to colour it but I don't think you'll agree to that would you?"
"I don't agree to any of it!" Inuyasha glared.
"Why ever not?" Jakotsu cried. "You'd look gorgeous with a Cesar cut!"
"I don't know what a Cesar cut is but all I know is that no one is coming near my hair!" Inuyasha replied.
"But it's just so long!"
"I don't care," Inuyasha snapped.
"Come on Jakotsu leave Inuyasha alone," Ayame teased. "If Susan couldn't convince him to get a buzz cut no one can!"
"Yeah," Inuyasha nodded. "Thank you Ayame."
"But I think it would be fun to cut his hair," Ayame said. "I'll do it. Kouga, Miroku, Sango you can hold him down."
"Why should you get all the fun?" Sango pouted. "I'm the bride! I should get to!"
Inuyasha looked fearfully back and forth between the eager looking faces.
"Because I'm the one who can cut the straightest, that's why," Ayame explained. "Plus I cut Kouga's hair for him and he never complains."
"Stay away from me all of you!" Inuyasha yelled stepping behind Kagome.
Kagome giggled at his infantile reaction and then looked at her friends and grinned. "I admit it would be funny watching you try. But I just can't let you; look at him he's cowering like a baby."
"No I'm not," Inuyasha yelled.
"Yes you are," Kagome said soothingly and then turned to face her friends once more. "You all know someone would get injured and we'd hate for anyone to have to limp down the aisle."
"Yeah," Sango sighed, seeing Kagome's logic. "I guess you're right. You have to admit though that it would be fun."
"Yeah," Ayame sighed.
"Well at least I can say I tried," Jakotsu said. "Well I got to move on. I will see each and every one of you at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. Don't be late!" And with a quick wave he dashed off.
Everyone blinked and then looked at each other.
"So, what now?" Kouga asked
"I don't know," Miroku said.
"Me neither," Ayame agreed. "Sango, any ideas?"
"Not really," Sango said.
"Kagome?" Ayame asked.
"Nope," Kagome replied.
"Well what are we supposed to do for the rest of the night?" Kouga demanded.
"Anyone up for a game of poker?" Miroku asked randomly. "We could have a game night. I don't think either Inuyasha or Kagome's been to one of our gambling nights."
"Yeah!" Ayame agreed the idea taking hold. "That would be fun! Maybe we could play some Euchre too!"
"But only four people can play Euchre," Sango pointed out.
"Sounds fun though," Kagome admitted. "I like card games."
"Well we could play some poker first and then play three games of Euchre," Sango pondered out loud.
"We can figure that out once we get back to your house Sango," Ayame said. "Let's go!"
"Can we grab some snacks on the way home?" Kouga asked.
"You just let us girls do the shopping," Ayame said patting him on the shoulder. "You guys hit the bank and grab some cash and then head home and get set up."
"Sounds good," Miroku replied fishing his keys out of his pocket. "We'll meet you back home."
"Ok," Sango said following after Ayame who was driving.
Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other both lost, shrugged and followed their friends.
"I wish we could have picked up snacks this time," Kouga grumbled as they piled into Miroku's car. "Hopefully the girls will pick some good stuff out."
"I'm sure they will," Miroku said. "Sango's been craving junk food for a while now."
"Can we expect some chocolate then?" Kouga asked.
"Probably," Miroku said starting the car.
They climbed out shortly at a bank. Miroku grabbed some cash for him and Sango. Kouga grabbed some to split with Ayame and Inuyasha was only to grab half of what each of them had grabbed because he wasn't splitting it with anyone. However, just as he was punching in the amount he thought of Kagome. Chances are she'd used most of hers yesterday shopping and wouldn't have any. And because she wouldn't have any she'd probably decline playing saying she didn't feel like it even though she'd want to.
Punching the cancel button he doubled the amount he was withdrawing and then pressed ok. He waited for the money to pop out and then shoved it in his pocket.
"Ready?" Miroku asked.
"Yeah," Inuyasha said and hoped back into the car with Kouga.
Without further stops they drove back to Miroku's, parked and then walked into the house and pulled the table cloth off grabbed a deck of cards and settled down to wait.
The girl's arrived shortly carrying a bag filled with nacho chips, bruchetta, salsa, nacho cheese and guacamole.
"Yuck," Kouga said scrunching his nose at the guacamole as Sango scooped some of each dip into tiny dipping bowls. She passed them to Kagome who put them down of the table. Ayame meanwhile was filling a large bowl with the nachos.
"There you go," she said plopping it down in the center of the table. Kouga promptly help himself to a handful and pulled the salsa closer to him so he could dunk them.
Kagome meanwhile went into the kitchen where they heard her plop some sort of bag on the counter and then return.
"What was that?" Inuyasha asked lounging in a chair as he watched everyone setting up.
"Oh just a little surprise for later," Kagome said evasively.
"Okay everyone!" Ayame said impersonating Jakotsu. "Let's get started."
Everyone laughed at the way she clapped her hands and tilted her head at the same in the exact way Jakotsu did.
However how hard they were laughing Ayame's impersonation had the desired effect of making everyone sit down.
"So everyone familiar with how to play poker?" Sango asked.
A chorus of yeahs greeted her. Ayame shrugged and then said, "ok same rules as always high card deals." She then shuffled and dealt them each a card with they turned over once she had finished.
"So Inuyasha has a king, Kouga's got a four, Sango an eight, Kagome a two, Miroku a jack and me I've got a five," Ayame said turning hers over. "Looks like your deal Inuyasha."
"Kay," Inuyasha shrugged taking the deck as she passed it and shuffled then dealt everyone their cards.
"Okay Kouga," Ayame grinned rubbing her hands together greedily. "Pass me some dough."
"Yeah," Sango said turning to Miroku. "I need some cash too!"
Both men passed over the money as Kagome flushed red. "Oh no," Kagome cried. "We're playing for real money?"
"Oh sorry Kagome!" Sango apologized. "I didn't even think about you!"
"Thanks," Kagome muttered sarcastically.
"No it's no problem at all," Ayame said. "I'll loan you some."
"It's not necess-" Kagome started but Inuyasha interrupted her by handing her a wad of money.
"Here," he said placing it in her stunned fingers and wrapping them tightly around the money. "I took some extra out because I figured you'd forget. Turns out I was right."
"Oh thank you so much Inuyasha," Kagome said smiling brightly at him. "I'll make sure to pay you back. I'll just have to win this amount by the end of the game."
Though she had said that Inuyasha had his doubts about her plans coming true by the third round. It took everyone a while to settle into the game but Kagome was still frequently asking questions to confirm which hand was better.
"How often do you play poker?" Miroku asked innocently and then immediately winced as Sango kicked his leg under the table.
"Oh I've only played once or twice before," Kagome said looking at her cards. "But I really like it."
"Uh huh," Ayame nodded and Inuyasha knew she was thinking the exact same thing he was: Kagome had no hope of winning.
Ayame had won the first game to no one's surprise. Miroku won the second. Everyone was just starting to get annoyed by Kagome's questions when she said, "ok I think I've got it." And sure enough she proceeded to win five consecutive games after that, much to everyone's shock.
"I just love card games," she smiled brightly completely unfazed by everyone's shock.
"Beginner's luck," Kouga muttered under his breath.
"Not really," Kagome smiled. "Just luck is all. Once I get the hang of a game I nearly always seem to win."
Everyone raised there eyebrows except for Sango.
"I forgot about crazy eights and go fish," Sango said. "Damn. She's right!"
"Yeah just ask Kagura," Kagome nodded. "She refuses to play with me because I always win."
"You should go to Vegas," Miroku thought. "If what you say is true you could make a lot of money."
"I've never been keen to try my luck," Kagome shrugged. "Plus you know what they say "Lucky at cards unlucky at love." Never a truer word have I heard."
After another three games where Kagome one two and Sango won once, Kagome sighed. "I think I'll take my winnings and leave so you can all have a chance."
Ayame's head flew up from where she had been resting it on the table. Kouga sat up from where he had been slouching in his chair and Sango cried "Thank heavens! We finally have a chance!"
"What are you going to do?" Inuyasha asked.
"You'll see," Kagome said and left them all to play.
They played another three rounds before they called it quits and decided to play Euchre.
"So who's playing who?" Ayame asked.
"I'm with Miroku," Sango said.
"I'm with Ayame," Kouga said.
"I guess that leaves Inuyasha and Kagome as a team," Ayame said. "How about we play Miroku and Sango, and then Miroku and Sango play Kagome and Inuyasha?"
"Sounds good to me," Miroku said and turned to Inuyasha. "Why don't you go check up on Kagome and see what she's up too." Since this was exactly what Inuyasha wanted to do he nodded and headed off to investigate.
The second Inuyasha stepped into the kitchen he found out exactly what Kagome was up to.
"Hey," she smiled putting a pan of her famous chocolate chip cookies into the oven. "I was wondering when you'd pop up."
"The other's started playing Euchre, we're sitting this one out," Inuyasha explained.
"Lucky you," Kagome said closing the over.
"Hmm?"
"I'm lucky," Kagome reminded him turning to roll out some more cookies. "I figured everyone would be clamouring to have me as a partner."
"Oh I think everyone just paired up by couples," Inuyasha said without thinking of the implications his words had.
Kagome froze, Inuyasha gulped and both looked at each other guiltily.
"That wasn't what I meant," Inuyasha spluttered looking away hurriedly. "I meant that the two people getting married went together and the boyfriend and girlfriend went together."
"Leaving us third wheels?" Kagome joked overcoming her momentary shock.
"Yeah," Inuyasha said sheepishly. Deciding a change of subject was in order he asked, "so how long until those will be done?"
"Ten minutes," Kagome replied. "You want to help me?"
"I don't know how to make cookies," Inuyasha said.
"Oh you don't need to make them," Kagome giggled. Inuyasha looked at her suspiciously, she was very happy tonight. "Just help me roll the dough into balls and place it on the cookie trays."
"Oh," Inuyasha shrugged. "Sure why not. Certainly sounds easy enough."
"Great," Kagome said and showed him the size of ball to make. When he tentatively followed her instructions to roll one himself she said. "Perfect; just like that."
"Ok," Inuyasha smiled. "You can't blame me if they don't turn out though."
"There's no reason for them not to," Kagome said. "Trust me."
"Ok," Inuyasha said.
They chatted about what they had done for the past couple of days as they continued to roll out cookies.
Soon they had four trays of cookies cooling and another still in the oven.
"Is the first tray okay to eat now?" Inuyasha asked.
"Try one," Kagome suggested as she rummaged around the kitchen looking for a plate.
Inuyasha reached over and grabbed the one that looked like it had the most chocolate chips and took a bite. It was incredible, so chocolaty, so gooey and still warm from the oven. "Delicious," he proclaimed.
"See," Kagome said finally finding the plates and grabbing one. "I told you they'd all turn out."
"You never know," Inuyasha said. "Why'd you make so many anyways?"
"You're not the only one who loves my cookies," she teased placing the cooled cookies on a plate. "Kouga can eat an entire batch by himself. I've been promising you cookies for a while now so I decided tonight would be an opportune time to make some. But I knew I couldn't just make a bath for you without making some for everyone else. So that's why I made five. One for now, one for Sango and Miroku, one for Ayame and Kouga to take home and two for you."
"Thanks," Inuyasha said grabbing another cookie as she lifted the plate in preparing to take it out to everyone.
"No problem," Kagome replied. "I also calculated how much I won so far. I've enough to pay you back and still have some for Euchre."
"Great," Inuyasha said.
"Look at what I have," Kagome called out cheerfully as she entered where everyone else was playing Euchre.
"Cookies!" Miroku cried leaping to his feet. "Kagome made cookies everyone!"
"What!" Kouga asked looking up excitedly.
"About time," Ayame said. "I was wondering what was taking so long!"
"Yeah," Sango grinned. "I was just beginning to wonder what was going on in there!"
"Thank you so much Kagome," Kouga said grabbing three off the plate. "Have I told you how much I love your cookies?"
"Only every time I make them," Kagome grinned.
"Good," Kouga said. "Because I love them."
"I second that," Miroku mumbled his mouth full of chocolate chip cookie.
"Delicious as always Kagome," Sango said taking a bite.
"Heavenly," Ayame agreed.
"What I wouldn't do for the recipe," Miroku sighed.
"I've said it before Kagome and I'll say it again," Kouga said starting on his second. "You could make a mint selling these."
"I know," Kagome replied taking one for herself. "But then where would all the fun be."
"In my tummy," Miroku sighed contentedly.
"I'm sure it would be," Sango grinned. "You'd also probably gain twenty pounds or so."
"No harm there if I would be helping Kagome's business," Miroku grinned.
Everyone laughed at that.
"So hard to believe the wedding's tomorrow," Ayame sighed.
"I know," Kagome agreed. "I know it's going to sound crazy considering it's only nine but I'm exhausted."
"Me too," Kouga yawned. "That wedding rehearsal took everything out of me."
"Took everything out of you," Sango cried. "You weren't even in it!"
"I know," Kouga replied yawning once more. "I'm with Kagome. Maybe we should call it a night.
"Yeah," Miroku said yawning too. "Tomorrow is a big day."
"All in favour for turning in for the night?" Kouga asked raising a hand. Kagome, Sango and Miroku all raised their hands. "Motion passed. Ok everyone time to head home."
"Just give me one second and I'll pack up everyone's cookies," Kagome said picking the now empty plate up and carrying it back to the kitchen. She hurriedly empties the now cool trays into bags and took the one still in the oven out and left it out to cool for Miroku and Sango. Returning to the front hall where Ayame, Kouga and Inuyasha were all waiting Kagome handed everyone their bags and then slipped her own shoes on.
"I left a tray in the kitchen cooling for you guys," Kagome said hugging Sango and Miroku. "Give them about fifteen, twenty minutes to cool before moving them."
"Sounds good," Sango said.
"Thanks for the cookies," Miroku grinned.
"Now Miroku," Kagome said wagging a finger at him. "You are not to eat all of those tonight. If you do you might not fit into your suit tomorrow and then Ayame would kill you."
"You've got that right," Ayame grinned and turned to Kouga and Inuyasha. "Same goes for you two."
"Awww," Kouga moaned. "That's just not fair!"
"Don't be silly," Ayame chided. "Of course it is."
"Well goodnight everyone," Kagome yawned and open the door.
"Goodnight," everyone echoed and each began to walk to their respective cars while Sango and Miroku waved them off.
"I take it I'm giving you a ride home?" Inuyasha asked catching up with her.
"Only if you want to keep that second bag of cookies," Kagome said.
"Of course," Inuyasha grinned and opened the door for her to climb in.
She scooted over and he crawled in next to her.
"It's always kind of freaky how your limo is always there waiting for you," Kagome commented.
"You get used to it after a while," Inuyasha shrugged.
"I know," Kagome said. "So you ready for the big day?"
"No not really you?" Inuyasha asked looking at her. She smelled really good tonight, a mixture of some sort of oil, probably left over from that lava massage or what ever it was, and chocolate chip cookies. Best combination he had smelt in a while.
"Nope, still keep thinking its some sort of dream," Kagome admitted. and then raised an eyebrow at him. "You do realise that you're smelling me?"
"Uh yeah," Inuyasha said embarrassed at getting caught. "You smell good tonight that's why, some sort of oil and chocolate chip cookies."
"That does sound like a nice combination," Kagome teased. "Maybe I should open a line of perfume designed specifically to attract men's stomachs."
"Hey," Inuyasha said. "What can I say? It would certainly be effective; more so anyways than something really flowery."
"Hmm," Kagome said thoughtfully. "I'll have to pass that tidbit of knowledge along."
"How's your arm doing by the way?" Inuyasha asked. "I've been meaning to ask you but I always seem to forget."
"It's doing fine," Kagome said. "That salve works wonders trust me!"
"That's good," Inuyasha said looking around for some way to say what was in his heart.
"You seemed really happy tonight any special reason?" he asked finally.
"No not really," Kagome smiled happily.
"Well then I was just wondering while you're in such a good mood if," Inuyasha paused.
"If what?" Kagome asked her eyes flickering past him to her hotel which was approaching pretty fast.
"If you could," Inuyasha said trying to work up the nerve. He noticed the hopeful look in her eyes as she leaned forward.
"If-" Inuyasha stuttered.
"We're here," the driver announced.
"What is it?" Kagome asked kindly. "You know you can ask me anything right? Absolutely anything?"
"Yeah," Inuyasha said. "I know. I was just wondering if- if-"
"Just say it you fool!" his inner voice cried out.
"If you would- If you would give me the recipe for the chocolate chip cookies," Inuyasha finished lamely. Kagome seemed disappointed by his answer too, for she sank back against her seat and looked away.
But he saw her shake her head and smile once more. "Sorry," she said cheerfully as she climbed out of the limo. "It's a family secret."
"Oh," Inuyasha said. "Okay."
"Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning then," Kagome said self consciously fiddling with her purse.
"Yeah," Inuyasha sighed. "See you then."
"Goodnight Inuyasha," Kagome said slowly closing the door and walking to the front doors of the hotel.
"You idiot," his inner voice said and Inuyasha knew if it had a body it would be shaking it's head at his patheticness.
H watched her go and suddenly something seize a hold of him as he saw her turn once more to look at the limo. Leaping out the door he shouted, "Kagome! Wait!" just as the butler opened the door for her.
"What?" Kagome asked.
"Will you dance with me tomorrow?" Inuyasha blurted out.
Kagome looked curiously at him for a moment then smiled. "Sure," she said. "We'll make a great team."
"Yeah," Inuyasha said embarrassed. "Well good night then."
"Goodnight," Kagome grinned. "For the second time."
"Oh yeah," Inuyasha said. "See you."
"Yeah," Kagome said. "Well I'm off to bed. I suggest you do the same."
"I will."
"Goodnight then," Kagome said and then walked through the door.
Inuyasha smiled triumphantly as he walked back to the limo. He'd ask her tomorrow, while they were dancing.
Yes definitely tomorrow.
To be continued…
Author's Note: Hi everyone sorry about the long time you've had to wait. Some of you waited more patiently then others and to you I say thank you. I just got back from Greece two days ago so you should all be proud I sat down and I refused to go to camp until I had finished chapter 12. It's a little shorter then the last one but don't worry look forward to 13 which will be very long. It'll have the wedding, the reception and the dancing. So keep your heads up for that! I'm hoping to finish that chapter before I go back to school. I'm now leaving for ten days for camp but I'll be back before you know it.