Play the Game or Let the Game Play You

Chapter Seventeen

Author's Note: I know everyone was not satisfied with the last chapter, but oh wellz. I just want to get this story back to it's orignal theme. PARTY! Emotional chemisty didn't seem to go good with the reviewers. ;p Anyways. I tried and failed… I realized the last few chapters, I was leaning along more of an Anzu/Seto plotline, but like. Yeah it's suppose to be all about Inu/Kag/Sess. So I wrote another story for Yugioh as well. Yeah it's called 'What If?' and I would really appreciate it if you told me what you think about that. It's also a love… triangle? Square? Haha well I couldn't resist. Oh yeah and there's a lot more naughtiness in there, than there is in here. WELL on with this chapter. I just want to say. It came out okay, but I hope I caught your attention again. Later.

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The silver haired boy silently strolled along the mall. It was hectic like every other Saturday. But this Saturday was important, at least to him it was. Inuyasha glanced around the shops lined up with each other. Nothing seemed to catch his eye though. Kagome was special, so of course her birthday present had to be too. Giving up, the young man sighed and went towards the food court.

Miroku had filled him in on what was being planned that day. Everyone decided that they would surprise her at a restaurant. La best Experience was the name. Inuyasha slumped on his civic hatchback. Hopping in, he quickly started his engine and headed towards the high way.

As he sped by, he didn't know what happened, but he ended up on some unknown road. Looking around, he slowed down and pulled into a small plaza. Inuyasha skimmed to find an exit, but as he passed, he noticed a small store in the corner. The name 'Real Feelings' imprinted on the window. He decided to check it out.

The jingle of the bell echoed as he entered. The place was lined up with nothing but jewelry. He watched as he saw a woman behind a glass counter. She was designing something. As he moved forward, he got a glimpse of the partially finished work. It was perfect.

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Kagome sighed as she glanced out of the window. She was chilling with Anzu again and was a little disappointed that no one remembered her birthday. She sulked to herself, Sango ditched her to hang with Miroku, Ayame, and Koga. They were going out of town. This sucked. All she got was a kiss from her mom and 15 punches from Sota.

Right now, Seto was driving and Anzu chatted happily about a cute jacket she wanted to get when they reached the mall. Ever since yesterday's incident, Seto hadn't let Anzu out of his sight for an instant. He never let go of her hand unless he had to. Kagome sighed when she saw Anzu's and Seto's hands still entwined over the stick shift.

How cute. Her bitter thoughts reflected off of her expression because Anzu actually asked what was wrong. Kagome shook her head and just resumed glancing at the passing cars.

Reaching the mall, the three walked around slowly. Well Kagome was in front, while the couple stayed close and lagged behind. She glanced back and shook her head again. Shrugging as they didn't even try to catch up. Kagome headed for Forever 21.

Before she went in, her eyes caught a figure in a red track jacket. She stopped a moment to identify him. Inuyasha? Kagome dodged rushing people and was disappointed that she didn't catch him. She looked around to find him, but realized he disappeared. Inu…

"Kagome! Let's go into this store."

Glancing back at Anzu, Kagome wasn't surprised when she saw her pointing at an expensive jewelry store. Three is a crowd, maybe I shouldn't have called her today… "It's okay, I'll just wait for you guys."

Going from store to store took long. It was worth it though, because both girls had tons and TONS of shopping bags. At the expense of Seto, who had volunteered to pay. Hey, never say that unless you pay for it all. They had bags from Demo, Foot Locker, Lids, Wet Seal, Forever 21, Trends. Any store, you name it. But Seto Kaiba was a multi-billionaire. So what if he spent a few grand on his girl and her friend?

The trunk was FULL. Kagome had to make room next to her just to fit the rest of the bags. She gazed at the beautiful sunset. The clouds were tinged in orange and pink, the orb glowing a mystical pink-orange.

She didn't need to see that Anzu was leaning her head on Seto's shoulder as he drove. They have been extra mushy with each other the whole day. The loneliness stabbed at her again. She closed her eyes at seeing Inuyasha earlier. Even he forgot…

"Hey babe, let's go eat at a restaurant k."

Oh yes, Anzu recently started to call Seto babe now. The CEO didn't object, he slipped it out a few times as well. I need a boyfriend. The image of Sesshomaru flashed into her mind, but she squashed it. Then she started to think about the crew. Who's single? Hiei… "Kurama…" She blushed as she said his name.

Seto heard her and lifted a brow. Sesshomaru, you idiot. How the hell am I gonna help you now? The teen started to think about ways to mend them back together.

Anzu too had heard, but smiled. Kagome needed a boyfriend, and Kurama was a good candidate. He was cute, independent, sweet, nice, funny. A perfect guy. Her eyes glimmered at the thought of matchmaking. Okay Kagome… you besta be ready to be hit on.

Kagome eyes widened at the restaurant. La best Experience? She eagerly rushed into the building, but was stopped by the chauffeur. He eyed her attire of denim jeans, and said stiffly. "Miss, do you have a reservation?"

Their one on one glare was cracked at the icy voice. "Under Kaiba." At the name, the chauffeur bowed his head and trembled. Kagome smirked at him and gave him a 'what-now-fool' look.

She skipped ahead of him, but quickly stopped and gasped. "OH MY GOD!"

Everyone was there. Ayame, Koga, Sango, Miroku, Kurama, Hiei, Hiten, Yura, Kagura, Mantan, Mokuba. Everyone. Her eyes lastly landed on Sesshomaru. His piercing gaze targeted her. She brought a hand to her mouth to hide her broad smile.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They didn't forget. Oh my god… Kagome watched as Sango brought out a cake from behind her. The ice cream cake was coated in white. The blue words, Happy Birthday baby girl, was written in blue gel. The candles 1 and 5 placed together to make 15.

Her attention was quickly recaptured as all the guys brought out sticky sprays and sprayed foam and string shots all over her. She screamed happily as she dodged by hiding behind Sesshomaru. The result was him getting aimed at.

She giggled as she moved to help him take off the foamy strings. Her hand glided along his cheek before she realized what she was doing. Her eyes glazed over at their last memory. He had pushed her away. He didn't want her. Dropping her hand away. Kagome stood up, but was quickly tackled in a hug by all her girlfriends.

"SO KAGOME! Surprise ya didn't we?"

"Yeah Birthday girl." Pinch. "15 hits remember?" pinch.

"Seto says that all the stuff you bought is your birthday present! He's so grouchy about it. hehe!"

"Hey You're the birthday girl so you gotta take some shots of Cognac with me and Kagura k?"

"Kagome! She's just kidding, it's just spiked ice tea. Haha!"

One by one, she received hugs and pats and pinches. The final person that approached her was the green-eyed beauty. Kurama. Her cheeks heated as he brought out a thornless rose and stuck it in her hair. She turned as red as the flower, as he brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "Happy Birthday, Kagome."

"…Thanks……"

The scene didn't go unnoticed. Almost everyone was grinning like maniacs, all except two. Seto nodded his head in understanding at Sesshomaru. But the younger man just ignored it and picked up the bottle of wine.

The hours passed by fast. Kagome was currently glancing around as everyone talked and ate. She was eyeing the crew as they chatted animatedly. Her eyes landed on the only person that didn't talk. He just sat there, sip after sip. She unconsciously kept note that it was his 13th glass.

"Hey birthday girl, how about opening your presents now." She flushed at Kurama's voice. Had he been watching her? She perked up at what he said. Actually everyone grinned at what he said.

"ME FIRST! KAGOME! It's not much, but it has a whole lot of meaning into it." Sango brought out a huge paper bag tied with pretty ribbons and tissue paper. Kagome's hand gripped inside and felt the cold smooth surface. She pulled it out and found a crystal figurine. It was clear and was shaped of two girls sitting beside each other. It was the exact replica of them when they were younger. The block they were sitting on had an engraving into it, Sisters. Kagome examined it and memories assailed her. Her eyes teared as she moved to hug the other girl. "Thanks Sango I love it."

"Geez Sango, couldn't have saved the best for last or something?" Ayame rolled her eyes. "My turn sweetheart. Kagome? Remember when you went for tryouts at the beginning of the year and then you ditched out because you didn't make varsity? Well…" The red head brought out a box and lifted the lid for her. "You made the team! The only reason we couldn't keep you was because all the spots were taken, but since one of the members were kicked out…" Kagome eyed the white, red, and black cheerleader outfit. Her eyes widened at the sparkly glitter and pom poms. "Happy Birthday. And welcome to the team!" They grinned at each other and hugged. "Thanks Ayame! I'm so happy!"

"Happy? Because of that? Oh heck no darling. This is from me and Yura. We think this is gonna come in handy for you!" Kagura dropped a black box on Kagome's lap and felt something heavy. Opening it up. Kagome smirked. She eyed the black dagger and flipped it. The stainless steel glinted off of the dim lighting. Baby girl was engraved on the metal. "Oh hell yeah. This is what I'm talking about. Thanks girls."

"HA! That thing come in handy? HELL NO!" Koga beamed as he brought out another box. "This is WAY better. Kagome shrugged and opened his gift. Everyone gaped at what was inside. She glanced around incase all the other diners were spying. But they weren't. "Oh my god Koga. It's beautiful." Inside was an M16, pitch black and made perfect for her small hands. "Now, you can really protect yourself. Keep it, and you safe k. Kagome?" She caressed the gun one last time before slipping it into her purse. "Of course Koga-kun."

Hiten and Mantan had gotten her a game cube with the new Pokemon RPG game. Hiei had gotten her an autographed Spurs jersey with a matching basketball. Mokuba had gotten her a PSP.

"Kagome, this is from me and Seto. We got it because you didn't come in with us to pick one out today. We hope you like it." Anzu brought out a leather box. As she opened it, Kagome eyed the silver watch in awe. "Oh my gosh! Guys how much was that? You two spent so much on me already! I can't!" Anzu rolled her eyes while Seto just agreed. She grabbed Kagome's wrist and fastened it on. It was a perfect fit.

"Thank you… for the stuff in the car too." Everyone sweatdropped

Next was Kurama. Again, Kagome blushed as he slid his hands on her shoulders.

"It's not as spectacular as everyone else. I've had it ever since I was little and I hope it brings you as much luck as it did me." Kagome felt his fingers caress her skin. She flushed, but was surprised to feel something cool along her neck. She touched the pendent and examined it closely. It was the head of a kitsune with green eyes. Smirking at her mischievously. "That's so sweet… Thanks… Kurama."

Kagome's attention was caught as Sesshomaru cleared his throat. Everyone glanced at the still sipping figure. He set his glass down and moved to her. Without warning, he grabbed her other hand and swiftly clasped on a sterling bracelet. It had a diamond glittering off of every two chains. Her eyes widened, but before she could refuse something THIS expensive. He already resumed to his seat, drinking, seeming to ignore everyone else. Her mouth opened then closed, at a lost for words. As was everyone else.

Miroku eyed the elder Taisho weirdly before he too cleared his throat. "Now my lovely Kagome. It is my turn. He brought out a box of condoms and tossed it to her, which she clumsily caught. She blushed as she realized what it was. Miroku smiled proudly. "Protect me! Protect me! TROJAN MAN!" A few people laughed along with him, but Sango knocked him in his head. "You are such a PERVERT!"

The hentai pouted and rubbed his skull. "Damn, look inside before you go smacking people. Can't you take a joke? If you haven't noticed I didn't grope her all day… yet." That again owned him another smack.

Kagome giggled as she opened the small box. It was a Louis Vuitton wallet. She opened it and saw pictures in it. The images of them when they were all little. And one of her grabbing Inuyasha's costume ears at halloween. She smiled at the memory. Kagome opened the money holder and gasped at the bills. 5 new one hundred bills met her. "Miroku… thanks…"

He nodded and smiled at her, but his expression turned serious again. "I got another thing… for you. I hope you don't get mad or anything okay?" He scratched his head as he thought of what Inuyasha told him to do… exactly. Kneeling on one knee. Everyone watched intently at what he was doing. Miroku grabbed the small velvet box from his pocket and brought it into view.

Kagome watched as Miroku kneeled at her feet. She gawked as she saw the breathtaking ring snuggly fitted into the velvet material of the small box. It was silver, like all her other jewelry, but instead of a gem, this was a… an orb? It was the size of a pearl, but the color was a mystical pink. Just like the sunset she saw earlier that evening. It also glowed like it was on batteries or something, but it wasn't. She was mesmerized with it and moved to take it… but… "It's from Inuyasha."

Those words paused her… He… he didn't forget? It's so… damn I can't describe it. Oh Inuyasha. Thank you… Her hands steadily took the ring from his grasp and put it on. She didn't realize that she placed it on her wedding ring finger. It just naturally went. The… God was she really using this word, aurora around it just felt… right. Like it belonged there. Her eyes drifted away from the ring, and caught the gaze of someone else. His half lids were open, but she could see through them clearly. He was displeased.

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Author's Corner: OKAY I SPENT LIKE ALL DAY AFTER SCHOOL JUST TO WRITE THIS. Right now it's like 9:00 PM and I didn't do homework or anything yet. You guys besta say something. Please? Gosh flame me if you don't like it. gosh. I just want some type of reaction! PRETTTTYYYY PLEASSSEEEEE! TT Well… other then my pathetic groveling. I'd like to say. DAMN. Kagome got hoooooked up. She got all the stuff that I want. Lol. Oh and yeah, Inu is back in the story. Someone mentioned that he was just… stupid in here. And I'd like to say. No… he's just stupid when it comes to Kagome. TRUE RIGHT? Welpz I'm gonna go cry in the shower. LATERZ…