Before I apologize this time for the close to three month delay, I'd like to once again stress something:
NO LEMONS!
In this story, I'm going for sweet, not sour! Lime, okay. Lemon, ixnay! And that's the last time I'm gonna say it!
A'ight, I apologize for keeping you all waiting. I was trying to fix this chapter best as possible. As I said in chapter 10, one reviewer wanted a Miroku/Sango chapter, and another wanted a Inuyasha/Kagome chapter. Well, that reviewer's getting their wish, but this will be the last I/K chapter for a long while. "I'm Goin' To Miami" is a Miroku/Sango fanfic. The Inuyasha and Kagome chapters act as scene transitions in the storyline. I hope that makes sense because that's the best I can explain it.
Disclaimer:
Roses are red
Violets are...hey, they're purple, not blue!
Miroku's a hottie and he's also very naughty!
His eyes are violet-blue and he also my boo!
(Ten minutes later, after LuClipse85 regained consciousness and saw Sango storm off with "her boo".)
Hey, at least I didn't try to steal him this time! A'ight. "InuYasha" isn't mine and I'm only using Takahashi-sama's characters for this awesome fanfiction.
And before Michael Bolton tries to hit me, I don't own "Love is a Wonderful Thing" either and the lyrics are typed in, not copied-and-pasted.
"I'm Goin' To Miami"
Chapter 11
"Love is a Wonderful Thing"
Shippo woke up early the next morning, looking forward to hitting the pool and having Satsuki watch him on the phone as he showed off. He ran out of his room wearing his light blue-green swimming trunks when he looked outside the glass door to the balcony.
It was another rainstorm. Actually, it was more like another monsoon as the balcony had completely disappeared in the massive rain.
Shippo's forehead fell onto the glass door, his eyes glaring outside in disappointment as well as disbelief.
The weather said moderate rainfall in the late evening, not a frickin' monsoon at seven-thirty in the morning! Shippo thought in irritation as he continued to stare blankly at the rain.
Satsuki called him two seconds after he had finished his mental griping, asking why he wasn't outside in the pool yet. She was anxious to see him try to water ski across the pool like he had promised. Through the camera, Shippo showed his girlfriend the delay.
"Whoa!" Satsuki exclaimed over the phone watching the rain pour down hard. "Is India giving you guys a loan over there or what?"
"Who knows? If we get anymore, Miami will look like Atlantis." Shippo said half-jokingly.
From her bed, Kagome stared out at the monsoon, sighing in disappointment. She had gotten up early to go to the malls with Sango but the weather practically forbid them to step two inches outside the hotel.
"That fascinating, Kagome?" Sango teased from the bathroom, drying her hair after showering.
Kagome chuckled, keeping her attention on the rain. "There's nothing on TV so this was the only thing to watch."
She continued staring out at the window, her mind beginning to wander. Kagome looked on her left and found Sango lying on the bed in the white hotel bathrobe, giving her company. She stared at the heavy rain, quickly becoming lost in a daydream as it reminded her of the time she had spent with Miroku.
Kagome didn't miss the blissful sigh that escaped Sango, nor the smile that had crept onto her face. Sango felt her friend's eyes on her and glanced to her side, finding a sly visage on Kagome's face.
"And just what is your problem, Kagome?" Sango inquired, her smile remaining.
Her sly expression remained as her matching smile broadened. "I was wondering, Sango," Kagome started as she laid down beside her, "Just what exactly happened on your little escapade with Miroku last night?"
Sango stared, teardropping and trying to keep herself together and keep her eyes from flying wide open. It would only fuel Kagome's assumptions. Realizing there was nothing to get worked up about, Sango relaxed completely and looked at her calmly, waiting for the upcoming remark.
Kagome's sly visage washed blank as she stared at her friend. There wasn't even a hint of pink on Sango's face nor a trace of surprise. Kagome read Sango's expression and her lips shaped into a happy smile.
"Sango," She gasped.
Sango smiled blissfully as she looked away at the bed covers. Now she was blushing. Kagome must've guessed right, seeing as I came in walking on air and telling her Miroku and I spent some time alone yesterday.
"Sango, you and Miroku," Kagome gasped, making Sango darken as her smile grew.
"You two finally made love!"
Sango's face fell onto the bed in shock of the irony, her hand and feet twitching in the air.
"NO WE DIDN'T, YOU IDIOT!" Sango hollered, her face now several shades below crimson. "WHAT THE HELL GAVE YOU THAT IDEA!"
Kagome kept her cheery composure as her hair was blown wildly all about her head.
"Sango, it's obvious. Last night when you came in, your feet were barely touching the ground, you could hardly walk straight and you looked pretty tired." Kagome stated, half-jokingly.
"That doesn't mean we did anything, Kagome!" Sango screamed, embarrassed. Yare-yare! And I thought Miroku was the pervert!
Kagome glanced up at the ceiling in thought. "Now that I think about it, I guess I jumped ahead to a conclusion."
Sango's breath was heavy from yelling. She calmed down and sat on the bed looking away while trying to regain her composure.
Kagome continued her outloud thought. "The way Miroku obsesses over you, you two would be finishing up about now."
A pillow collided into Kagome's face.
Before she could holler, "what's your damage?", Sango pummeled her with numerous whaps of her pillow. Kagome escaped and engaged in a pillow fight after obtaining the one from her bed. Sango knocked her opponent's weapon from her and beat her onto the bed, standing over her and beating Kagome with her pillow. She covered her head, laughing and saying she was only joking around about her and Miroku.
Sango rose her pillow over Kagome to deliver her last blow when she stopped, hearing voices from Inuyasha and Miroku's suite. Kagome listened, hearing Inuyasha yelling at the others about something.
An annoyed vein popped onto her head as she overheard him comparing her to Miroku.
"Who're you callin' lame, Inuyasha!" Kagome shouted as she shot to her feet on the bed. "I could whip you at King of Fighters any day!"
She leapt off the bed and headed to the door when she heard a yell shortly followed by a loud thud. Kagome looked back at the bed and found Sango on the floor, flat on her back, twitching in pain. Kagome's sudden movement made her lose her balance and fall over, landing on her butt.
Satsuki had tried to ease her boyfriend's cabin fever by offering to play video games with him. She joined him online on his PS2 and the two played until Inuyasha and Miroku joined in later. Kagome walked in, correcting Inuyasha's comment about her and challenged him to a game. Sango peeked in ten minutes later to see what all the fuss was about in the suite.
Inuyasha and Kagome dueled, playing the latest installment of King of Fighters. Miroku and Shippo laughed as they watched the two moved all around with their characters, trying to get the win.
"Prepare to lose, Kagome! This fight's over!" Inuyasha gloated as he continued to deplete her life energy.
"Not before I send you to the moon, Inuyasha!" Kagome escaped her opponent and beat him repeatedly with special moves, disabling him from escaping her.
"Sit boy!"
Kagome used her character's best move and delivered the final blow, labeling her the winner. She sat up proudly with a matching grin, broadening it as she turned to Inuyasha who just growled as his eyebrow twitched.
"Oh it's on now!" He declared quietly.
"Bring it, Soichiro!"
Miroku, Sango and Shippo watched the two have their own little tournament, laying the smackdown on each other mercilessly and rubbing it in each other's faces, having a grand time.
Shippo hit the pause buttons and grabbed the opponents' attention. "Excuse me, Ranma and Akane, other people wanna lay the smackdown on each other too, so wrap it up after this match."
On the master controller, the referee kitsune reset the match and gave them one minute to finish.
"FIGHT!" Shippo ordered, imitating the referee from Mortal KombatÓ.
Inuyasha and Kagome went at each other like they were at war. The two executed their best moves, lighting up the screen and almost confusing themselves as they jumped all over the television screen. Along with their characters, they practically leapt all over the room with them while hollering at one another, promising defeat.
Five seconds left.
Inuyasha and Kagome let out a battle cry and unleashed their final blows, leaping in the air, colliding in each other and crashing onto the floor.
Everyone gawked in amazement at the TV screen. Inuyasha had landed on his stomach and lay sprawled out on the floor while Kagome landed across his back. They looked up at the screen for the verdict:
Double knockout!
Shippo huffed in disappointment; he had wanted to see Kagome make Inuyasha eat his words.
Inuyasha took the results in stride, keh-ing with a lighthearted smirk. Kagome smiled in satisfaction as she rolled off his back, the two of them making room for Miroku and Sango. They complimented each other, satisfied that neither won nor lost, but vowed to win in the next match.
Miroku and Sango decided to play Super Mario Smash Bros on the N64, and Sango just had her way with him! Miroku refused to get serious on her because he was against fighting, especially against dear Sango. However, when she had Link send Kirby flying off the stage and fall before the screen, he changed his mind, cutting his narrowed eyes at her and smirking playfully. Then Miroku let Sango have it!
He turned out to be more experienced with the game as he had the upper hand. Sango wasn't easy to defeat, though. She made him work for his victories and got in a few herself.
Everyone fought and beat on each other like it was war as they took turns on the numerous games and matching consoles Shippo brought with him. He too had heard about the rainstorms in Miami and brought every single game he owned just in case they kept him inside for a while. All morning, the group had video game tournaments against each other, with Shippo being the undefeated master. The monsoon had ended two hours ago, but they were having so much fun they didn't notice and continued until by dumb luck Sango managed to just barely defeat the young kitsune.
Inuyasha rubbed it in as Shippo sulked. "Hey, don't feel bad, Shippo." He grinned in mock sympathy. "You should see this as a good thing."
Shippo thought about it then smiled slyly, "Yeah, you're right, Inuyasha. I mean it could've been worse; I could've lost to you! Then I wouldn't be able to show my face in public!"
Kagome and Sango teardropped as they watched the kitsune run like hell to escape Inuyasha's fists. Miroku watched in amusement as Shippo jumped backward onto the hanyou's back and gnawed on his ears in self-defense. The audience laughed as Shippo and Inuyasha fought each other, tumbling and rolling around on the floor.
The tournament ended in the early afternoon and the group rested, watching TV. Miroku laid on the couch, holding Sango in his arms. The both of them had dozed off while Shippo sat in the armchair text messaging Satsuki over Inuyasha's cell phone. When Inuyasha reflected on how much the kitsune used it and how the device isolated the two of them, he thought cell phones were a godsend! As far as he was concerned, Shippo could use it to his heart's content.
Kagome walked out of the kitchen after getting herself a snack and joined the others in the living room, smiling at the couple sleeping peacefully on the couch. Shippo glanced up at her and then looked behind him at Miroku and Sango, grinning.
I haven't seen Sango happy like that in so long, or Miroku for that matter. I'm so happy for them. I hope they stay like that.
Kagome looked around the room and found Inuyasha was missing. He wasn't in the other rooms either. "I wonder where he went to."
"Inuyasha said he was going to the arcade downstairs near the lobby." Shippo spoke up from the phone.
Kagome started to head down there when she noticed a large lump on Shippo's head. She inquired as to how he got that one.
"That bipolar dog!" Shippo quietly exclaimed. "He pounded me just because I had forgot to pack my Dance Dance Revolution dance pad! Yare-yare! That guy's got serious anger management issues!"
Kagome silently agreed as she walked out of the suite. As many times as he's been clobbered, it's a wonder Shippo hasn't developed brain damage. Although, if he'd learn to keep his mouth shut, he'd get fewer beatings.
She went downstairs and found a large arcade near the lobby. Kagome found Inuyasha playing the DDR Extreme console in the center of the room, trying his luck on both pads. He did well enough to receive mild applause and not get sent off the stage. Kagome stood beside him, watching him dance on "standard". This time he had trouble and ended up failing the stage.
Inuyasha looked to his side and found Kagome. He looked embarrassed as he guessed she had been there throughout the whole thing. Seeing it on his face, she complimented him saying she thought he did pretty good; he got a lot farther than she did.
Inuyasha keh-ed with a smirk, taking her compliment. He looked away from Kagome, turning to the screen, thinking he could've done better. Inuyasha put in another seventy-five cents and played another game, single pad on "standard". On the third stage, he decided to try maniac. He survived the fourth stage, but failed on the last as he couldn't keep the rhythm. He gladly stepped off, sweating, and allowed Kagome to step on and try her luck.
Inuyasha watched as she danced on "light" for six songs, saying she was pretty good herself, returning her compliment. Kagome changed her setting and then danced on standard for a while. Inuyasha stared intently as she was better than he thought, better than him as she played through three sets and only slipped up on one step.
When Kagome finished, she took a minute to catch her breath and then did stretches on the stage. Curious as to why she was just now doing this, Inuyasha asked about it. She held her answer, then took in a deep calming breath and slowly exhaled, smiling confidently at the hanyou.
"That's so I don't hurt myself when I start showing off." Kagome answered with a perky tone.
Kagome gathered her quarters, inserted three and played one more song on standard. From then on, she played "heavy" and never missed a single step!
Inuyasha gawked in amazement. She'd been warming up for that! He looked around and found a crowd gathering, watching Kagome in admiration of her skill. Pretty soon, people carefully put flat objects like cards and coins on the machine, forming a line.
Kagome played for another fifteen minutes and stopped when she felt herself grow tired. She smiled in pride at her straight-A score and stepped off the dance pad. Those next in line quickly hopped on, ready to show off their moves.
Kagome looked around the arcade for Inuyasha, wondering if he got jealous and walked back to the suite. She found him playing pinball in the back of the room and strolled up to him, peeking over his shoulder and watching him play. Inuyasha peeked back at Kagome, his golden eyes meeting her greeting smile. He smiled back and turned back to the machine.
"Done with your workout already, Kagome?" Inuyasha joked, lightheartedly, once his game was over.
Kagome chuckled, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "I hadn't played DDR since I left Hollywood a few weeks ago. I just now started feeling the withdrawal symptoms."
Inuyasha smiled proudly at her. He glanced back at the pinball machine and then stepped to the side, inviting Kagome to play. Hey eyes went back and forth between him and the machine, then rested questioningly on him, her eyebrow raised.
Inuyasha chuckled, finding her expression funny. "What? You can play DDR but you can't play simple pinball, Kagome?"
Kagome started to protest, saying she wasn't as good at pinball, but saw Inuyasha fold his arms and raise an eyebrow while smirking. She read his expression; he didn't want to hear an excuse, he wanted her to try.
"Well, since you insist, Inuyasha."
Kagome approached the pinball machine and tried her luck at it. Inuyasha stood at the side, observing her. She glanced at him when she was finished. He looked at her, his eyes half-lidded in disappointment. Kagome's skill was far less than his. Point black, Inuyasha thought Kagome was lousy at pinball.
She started to move away from the machine when Inuyasha stopped her and got behind her. He placed his hands gently atop hers on the sides of the pinball machine and showed her his methods.
Kagome chuckled, taking the hanyou's advice as she played again.
"You catch on quick, Kagome." He complimented softly.
She smiled, proudly. "I have a knack for that, Inuyasha. And with you teaching me, it just helps me more."
Kagome felt Inuyasha laugh and laughed herself. She then realized that her back was against his chest, his bare arms against hers and his hands over hers as well. A light blush crept onto her face; instead of freaking out, Kagome eased against him as her lesson continued.
He feels so warm. Kagome thought dreamily, feeling very relaxed. And he smells nice, too.
Kagome thought dreamily, feeling very relaxed.Inuyasha was also feeling very at peace. I never knew her skin would be this soft, and she fits into my arms just right. Gods, her scent is so sweet...
Inuyasha couldn't explain this feeling, just having Kagome so close made him feel so completely euphoric. Unconsciously, he gently eased his cheek onto hers, his golden eyes became partially-lidded at the soft and warm feel of Kagome's skin.
Her half-lidded eyes blinked as the warmth of Inuyasha's face snapped her out of her daydreaming. They widened slightly when she found him nuzzling her very lightly.
"Inuyasha..." Kagome sighed, breathlessly, her eyes beginning to close as a smile crept onto her face.
Hearing Kagome call him "woke" Inuyasha up and made him aware of what he was doing. Embarrassed, he immediately released her and stood awkwardly behind her, standing at attention with his hands in his pockets and his wide eyes staring up at the ceiling. His cheeks were a very dark pink.
Kagome stood before the pinball machine, continuing to play. Her wide eyes stared down inside the machine, feeling just as awkward as Inuyasha.
Brr! Now I'm cold! Inuyasha was so warm. Was he always that built? Man, he's Japan's Hottest Model and I never actually noticed. I certainly never remember Inuyasha feeling that built!
Kagome released a silent disappointed sigh. I wish I hadn't said anything. I didn't want him to stop.
Inuyasha calmed down a little and brought his nervous eyes down from the ceiling. He inhaled deeply through his nose, trying to gather his nerves together.
Chikusou! I'm actin' like it's the most complicated thing in the world! I just ask her and she answers! Simple! Done deal!
Inuyasha put on a determined face and turned toward Kagome, her back still facing him.
He stood there motionless for three seconds.
Then went back to his original position.
Man, I'll die if she says no. I'll just die. Damn it all! All I got to do is ask her a simple question! But I'm afraid she'll say no. Inuyasha, just spit it out already! It's only a simple question!
"Inuyasha, are you alright?"
Kagome's voice stopped Inuyasha's mental panicking. He turned to her, wide-eyed and nervous. She stared in concern as a light sweat covered his forehead.
"What? I'm okay." He answered, trying to hide the high-pitch in his voice. "They just need to kill the A.C., my feet are freezin' up in here."
Kagome looked down at his sandaled feet and saw them graced with a hint of blue. She tried to hold back a snicker as Inuyasha had "cold feet".
"Inuyasha, what's wrong?" Kagome asked, her laughter subsiding. "You look...edgy."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes up at the word, embarrassed that it was that obvious. Alright, man! It's now or never! "Uh, no. No, I'm not edgy. I was...I just had something on my mind."
"Like what?" Kagome could tell Inuyasha was scared about something.
He took a second to get his voice stabilized then spoke, "Me and Miroku were walkin' downtown a couple of days ago while you and Sango where at the mall and we came across this real fancy French restaurant. It's probably some ritzy place for high-status folk or whatever."
Kagome gave Inuyasha her undivided attention, wondering where he was going with that, though she had a clue. At least he had calmed down. He glanced at her and decided to just get to his point.
"Listen, Kagome, high-class places like those aren't my style, but I was thinking...I was thinking maybe you and I could check it out before your vacation's over."
Kagome froze as her face brightened with hope. "You mean, you wanna take me there? On a date?"
Her reaction made Inuyasha's feet grow colder as he awaited her answer.
Kagome, if you're gonna say no, just say it so I can drop dead and be done with it! He lifted his eyes to her, "I-If you don't want to, that's fine...but yeah, I wanted to take you there, on a date."
"Sure." Kagome answered with a happy smile.
"Huh?" Inuyasha answered, surprised.
Kagome suppressed her laughter to a soft giggle at Inuyasha's reaction, surprised that he had nearly passed out trying to ask her out.
"I said yes, Inuyasha." Kagome answered, looking up at him with a bright and sincere smile. "I'd be more than happy to go out with you."
Almost instantly, Inuyasha felt his body grow light as she relieved his tension. "O-Okay. So, uh, is seven good for you?"
Kagome requested six o'clock, figuring there might be less people if they got there earlier. Inuyasha agreed, smirking while scratching the back of his head. Kagome giggled, mentally telling him to calm down.
"Alright then." Inuyasha finally spoke up, coolly. "I'm gonna go back to the suite, I'll pick ya up at six then, Kagome."
"Okay. I'm looking forward to it, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha stared at Kagome as she went to play the arcade games, seeing a practically elated smile on her face and hearing a giggle. Apparently, she was very excited about this. He gazed at her at while longer, smiling that he had made her happy.
Inuyasha walked out of the arcade, casually strolling to his said destination. His smile broadened to an elated grin as he shouted and did backflips in his head.
When Inuyasha returned to his suite, he woke Miroku up to drag him to the mall with him for tuxedo shopping. At first, he planned on wearing the one he already had, but remembered he had worn it many times on many dates with Kikyo.
Plus, the second he had found it in his closet after finally getting over her, Inuyasha burned it.
He had wrapped the used tuxedo on a stick and roasted it like a marshmallow over a grand bonfire in his backyard. Every single picture of Kikyo along with every gift she had ever given him served as fuel for the fire. Inuyasha whistled happily as he watched the fire consume the tuxedo. He and Miroku then ate take-out and drank sake, dancing around the bonfire while singing a Kikyo-bashing parody to "Disco Inferno" that Miroku had composed.
Inuyasha chuckled at the fond memory as he and Miroku walked out of the mall two and a half hours later, after finding a tuxedo that pleased him. He looked up at the thick clouds hovering in the afternoon sky as he and Miroku walked down the street, envisioning how his evening with Kagome would turn out.
Mushy fairy-tales don't float my boat at all, but I'm really looking forward to this upcoming one.
Inuyasha looked at a large cloud that blocked the sun and saw Kagome's face in it, winking at him. Gods, she's beautiful. I was all worked up over finding the right tuxedo, but seeing her smile like that calms my nerves.
He barely noticed how strongly his heartbeat had become, or how how happy he suddenly felt. He stumbled to a halt, almost falling over himself as Miroku had suddenly stopped in front of him. Inuyasha yelled indignantly then noticed the actor staring at him peculiarly. Earlier he had looked upset as he was awakened and pulled away from Sango, but now Miroku was eyeing the hanyou in a strange way.
"What? Why're you staring like that, Miroku?" Inuyasha inquired.
Miroku observed his friend's expression, his starry-eyes, the blissful visage, how he was walking on air. He peeked inside the bag Inuyasha held, observing the tuxedo, then brought his curious eyes to the hanyou.
Inuyasha rose an eyebrow, figuring the actor was curious about the tuxedo. "What's your problem, Miroku? I had to go shopping and I needed a second opinion."
"Might I ask why you bought such a classy suit like that, Inuyasha?" Miroku finally asked, still puzzled.
"Because I can afford it." He answered, sassily. "Besides, an occasion's gonna come up when a guy needs to look his best."
An eyebrow rose over Miroku's skeptical half-lidded eyes. "This from a guy who wears his beachwear to awards banquets?"
"Look, Miroku, I ain't got time for this." Inuyasha hastily responded, teardropping.
He continued walking, avoiding the subject. Miroku walked beside him, his curiosity heightened. He didn't say a word but Inuyasha kept glancing at him under the impression that he would inquire again.
"Will you get off my back already!" Inuyasha finally roared.
"Inuyasha, I didn't say a word." Miroku stated calmly.
"But you were wondering about the damn tuxedo, right?"
Miroku paused, staring collectedly at Inuyasha. "Still, but still I didn't say a word."
Inuyasha keh-ed, looking away. He glanced back and found the actor smiling happily at him. He teardropped, wondering what was going on through Miroku's mind. Inuyasha anticipated another inquiry but he said nothing else and continued walking in silence, looking up at the sky.
Inuyasha released a defeated sigh. "Alright, if I tell you what I bought it for, will you get off my back?"
"Well, I was never on your back to begin with, but it would satisfy my curiosity, Inuyasha." Miroku responded as-a-matter-of-factly.
Inuyasha rolled up his eyes. "You remember that French place we saw downtown couple days ago?"
"L'étoilé Merveilleuse?"
Inuyasha teardropped. No wonder he couldn't remember the name.
"Yeah, that. I invited Kagome to go there with me tonight and I needed to get something appropriate for the occasion since I torched my last tux."
Miroku was impressed by Inuyasha's actions, raising his eyes in approval and remaining silent.
Inuyasha stared in surprise at his lack of response. "That's it, Miroku? No wisecracks or smart-ass remarks?"
"Of course not, Inuyasha." Miroku responded, smiling. "I knew sooner or later you'd get around to asking Kagome out, though you did it sooner than I expected."
Four years is soon, Miroku?
Inuyasha and Miroku continued their walk back. Miroku gave him tips on proper dating etiquette, saying Inuyasha could use the advice. The hanyou turned the conversation into a heated discussion as he protested, saying the remark made him sound uncivilized. Miroku responded that Inuyasha was severely on the informal side, regardless of the occasion, and quite the wild child. He quickly revised his statement to a positive one as Inuyasha rose his fist over the actor's head.
Miroku chuckled as he saw that his friend was clearly quite nervous about his date. "Inuyasha, don't worry about it. Just use proper etiquette and everything will turn out fine."
Inuyasha recited the advice to himself, trying to calm himself down, missing the grin on Miroku's face.
"I mean, how do you expect to get some if Kagome sees that you're nervous? That would really kill her drive, you know."
Miroku didn't get to see the crimson blush on Inuyasha's face. He was too busy running like hell from him, the hanyou yelling and hollering obscenities while red with embarrassment.
The time flew by as Inuyasha spent the remaining hours before his big event practicing his manners with Miroku and Shippo. It helped him, but only a little as the two took turns playing Kagome's part and kept playing around.
"Oh Inuyasha, you're such a sweetie!" Shippo flirted, transformed as Kagome. "Opening the doors for me with those fine strong arms!"
Inuyasha put on a forced smile in embarrassment, trying to focus on his mannerisms. It was now Miroku's turn as he approached the coffee table dressed up as a fancy table and Inuyasha pulled out a chair for him.
"Oh thank you, Inuyasha. How very kind of you!" Miroku chirped in a girly voice with a bright smile.
The forced smile remained. If this leaves the room, you're both dead. "You're very welcome, Kagome." He answered kindly, his eyebrow twitching.
Inuyasha widened his smile and bowed for good measure. Miroku clasped his hands effeminately, gazing at him with wide starry eyes and a gleeful smile, then released a giggle that made Inuyasha want to die of mortification.
"Oh my, Inuyasha! You're so gentle and polite...and strong!"
"Touch me and I'll break your hand, Miroku!" Inuyasha growled through his forced grin, his fangs bared and teardropping as Miroku's raunchy tone made him very uneasy. It didn't help when the actor leapt up from his seat and threw his arms around Inuyasha's neck while nuzzling his face.
"Oh Inuyasha! You're so fine! Please give me a child!"
The hanyou's eyes shot open as he stuttered loud and incomprehensible syllables. His attention then turned to Shippo who was holding his cell phone toward the "couple", snickering uncontrollably.
"ARE YOU TAPING THIS!" Inuyasha managed to scream.
Shippo grinned impishly, trying to hold back his hysterics. "Oh no. I'm not taping, Inuyasha. I'm just documenting this moment for my future investment, like selling the copies of you and Miroku making out and making me a fortune on E-BayÒ!"
"Oh, make sure you get my good side, Shippo! The ladies are only permitted to see the best of me!" Miroku joked as he pressed his cheek against Inuyasha's and made a peace sign, smiling for the camera while Inuyasha snarled, several veins popping onto his head.
Kagome laughed with Sango as she strolled up to the guys' suite. She had just finished getting ready, listening to her friend's advice on proper dating etiquette. Kagome reached for the door when she heard a noise resembling a roar and a scream followed by loud crashing and Miroku and Shippo hollering and laughing while Inuyasha screamed in his high-pitched voice.
The commotion stopped suddenly when Kagome softly knocked.
Inuyasha froze in place, holding the sofa over his head ready to throw it, bringing his eyes to the door, then at the clock.
5:57 P.M.
"Aw crap! You clowns almost make me late!"
Kagome heard a loud crash as Inuyasha dropped the sofa and tripped over Shippo trying to run to the door, then heard the kitsune holler in pain as he got kicked. Inuyasha opened the door and greeted her with a smile, his black tuxedo smoothed but his white hair a bit mussed up.
Kagome giggled. "You didn't have to rush, Inuyasha. I just got done getting ready myself."
Inuyasha chuckled, then noticed Kagome's appearance.
She wore a sleeveless dark green silk dress that hovered above her knees, a sheer white shawl draping over her arms and dark green dress shoes to match the dress. Kagome wore dangling diamond earrings that sparkled brightly in the hallway lights, and her gold necklace.
Sango giggled to herself as she saw Inuyasha stare in awe at his date.
"You look beautiful, Kagome." Inuyasha uttered, gazing into her bright brown eyes.
Kagome had been musing about how handsome he looked, blushing at his compliment. "Thank you. You look really handsome in that tux, Inuyasha."
"Thanks." He chuckled, nervousness sneaking up on him again.
"Well?" Sango grasped their attention, speaking up with an anxious smile. "Don't you two wallflowers have somewhere to go?"
Inuyasha was snapped out of his daydream and turned his blushing face to the side. It wasn't plunging, but the low neckline of Kagome's dress had demanded his attention and caused all sorts of thoughts to run through his mind, the main one being him musing over how developed Kagome was.
Sango hurried them down the stairs, sending them on their date. She then turned to the door of Inuyasha's suite, wondering what all that noise was earlier.
Her jaw dropped as she found Miroku and Shippo dazed on the floor along with just about everything else in the hotel suite.
"What in the world happened in here?" Sango exclaimed.
Shippo was just consciousness enough to answer her as he laid underneath a stack of books. "I dunno! We were just trying to help Inuyasha get ready for his date and he just started trippin'!"
Inuyasha had been looking forward to his date with Kagome all day. He had imagined the evening would be like that of a fairytale or at least the pleasant similar of one.
That was what he had anticipated, but reality seemed to have something against him tonight.
Inuyasha and Kagome had started things out on the wrong foot. She had asked him the name of the restaurant and what it was like, curious about the place. Inuyasha stated it was a surprise, his smile concealing his complete ignorance of the restaurant, including the name.
Kagome then asked about it's location. Inuyasha answered it was downtown. He knew the basic location of their destination, but couldn't recall the specific location. She took a glance at the embarrassed hanyou's face and practically read his mind that he didn't have a clue where it was. Inuyasha became defensive about the matter and said he'd recognize it when he saw it, trying to control himself and not ruin the moment.
He arrived to the area where he was certain he last saw the restaurant and proceeded with the search, figuring it would be a grand building with a sign in a weird sounding language. No problem.
There were five grand European restaurants in the area, and though Inuyasha made an honest effort to find the one he was looking for, he just couldn't recognize it. Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, and Swedish all looked the same to him. Kagome suggested Inuyasha ask someone about the restaurant since he obviously couldn't find it. Naturally, he responded that he could find it himself.
Typical. Kagome thought, rolling her eyes up.
Inuyasha circled the block four times searching for the French restaurant, sticking his head outside his window, sniffing the air for any familiar scents. After the fifth time, he realized he had been in the wrong area. The restaurant was four blocks down from where he was. Inuyasha drove down the street in the right direction, anticipating a remark from Kagome.
She saved it for when he approached the building, "Told ya you should've asked for directions."
Inuyasha growled in irritation as he parked. He vented with a deep exhale and exited the car. Inuyasha made sure his tuxedo was decent, straightening and smoothing it out several times until he was satisfied, feeling rather self-conscious about his appearance. He then went to open the door for Kagome, only to find she had already gotten out and stood there waiting for him. They shared a few heated words as Inuyasha had wanted to open the door for her and Kagome argued that she didn't need help.
His eyebrow twitched. When he asked why she didn't wait, Inuyasha was answered that he was taking too long caressing his fancy new tuxedo. Kagome walked to the entrance and then waited. Inuyasha walked up to her and then stood beside her, staring questioningly.
"What're you waiting for, Kagome?" He wondered.
Kagome teardropped, "For you to open the door for me."
"Oh, now you need help with the door?" Inuyasha asked, slightly bitter.
Kagome glared at him indignantly, wondering what his problem was. She reached for the door herself but Inuyasha intercepted and opened it for her. Kagome cut her eyes at him indifferently and walked through. He followed her inside.
"Could've at least said thanks." He growled to himself.
The atmosphere between the two was tense as they walked down the hallway toward the dining room in silence, both of them angry at each other. They were trying hard with their etiquette, but their earlier actions were breaking their reserve. Inuyasha remained hopeful in spite of this all. During their meal, everything would blow over and things would go smoothly.
Inuyasha and Kagome approached the reception desk after the receptionist had sent the previous party into the dining room, bidding them a good time.
"Good evening, madam, sir." He greeted.
Kagome put on a cheery smile and returned the greeting. Inuyasha just stood there, staring at the receptionist expectantly. He stared back, confused.
"Can I be of further service to you, sir?" He asked.
"Yeah, aren't you gonna show us to our seats?" Inuyasha asked, wondering if the guy was slow.
The receptionist smiled politely, though still confused. "Yes, certainly, sir. Do you and your lady have a reservation?"
Inuyasha's face washed blank. "Reservation?"
Kagome teardropped, her smile trying to conceal her embarrassment. "This isn't happening." She muttered quietly to herself, then muttered a little louder to Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha, you're just playing around, right? Tell me, you are just joking." Her quiet voice sounding strained.
Inuyasha wasn't. It never once crossed his mind that the restaurant might require him to place a reservation. There he was, looking very foolish and wondering what to do. The receptionist could plainly see Inuyasha's embarrassment and tried to ease it.
"I'm very sorry, sir, but we're quite full tonight. So, unless you have a reservation, I'm afraid I can't seat you." He spoke as sympathetic and politely as possible.
Inuyasha was ready to die, and Kagome was ready to oblige him when another receptionist came and whispered to him.
"You're in luck, sir. Two of our customers had cancelled their reservations. I can seat you immediately."
He lead them into the dining area to their seats. Inuyasha followed the receptionist, swearing he could feel Kagome's glare stabbing into his back. They were lead to the upstairs dining room since all of the lower level was packed and seated at a table in the middle of the area across from the window. The receptionist left quickly to summon their waiter, anxious to escape the heated atmosphere between Inuyasha and Kagome.
Assuming she didn't want his help, Inuyasha sat down and stared outside the window. Kagome glared at him, then sat down, staring up at the ceiling.
"He couldn't put us by the window? Why'd the stupid guy seat us over here?" Inuyasha grumbled, his head resting on his fist as his elbow leaned on the table.
Kagome grew irritated. "Inuyasha, quit whining! Since you didn't make a reservation, be happy we even got a table!"
He keh-ed, not really paying her much attention.
"And get your elbow off the table! It's bad manners!" She scolded in a hushed tone.
Inuyasha did as Kagome ordered, moving in a sassy manner, looking at her insulted that she was talking to him like a kid. "And yelling at me isn't?"
"I wasn't yelling!" Kagome fumed. "Your etiquette needs refining!"
Inuyasha was just about sick of hearing that word. "MY etiquette! You practically don't got any etiquette! You wouldn't even let me open the damn door for you and here you are dishing insults!"
"Good grief, will you quit acting like a baby, Inuyasha! I'm not insulting you! You were paying too much attention to that tuxedo of yours!" Kagome exclaimed, her voice getting louder.
"Oh, well pardon me!" Inuyasha erupted, sarcastically. "I beg your forgiveness for actually making an effort to dress for the occasion, Kagome! If that bothers ya so much, maybe next time I'll forget the tux and just waltz in here in my Spongebob boxers!"
"At the rate you're going, there ain't gonna be a 'next time'!" Kagome roared, baring her teeth.
They continued their argument, not knowing they were drawing the attention of everyone nearby or that their waiter had arrived. She assumed they weren't ready to order yet and carefully placed the menus and salad bowl on the table and left until they had cooled down enough to actually talk.
Inuyasha reached for the salad bowl when Kagome grabbed it and tried to pull it from him. They pulled on the bowl, trying to get it over to their side.
"Gimme it!"
"No, you let go, woman!"
"You're not polite enough to have the salad, Inuyasha!'
"Don't make me get ghetto up in here, Kagome!"
Inuyasha and Kagome simultaneously pulled harder on the woven salad basket and ripped it in half! Salad flew all over them and the table! Fortunately, the salad dressing came separately.
They froze in place, staring wide-eyed. Kagome's face remained still, then suddenly twitched. She lowered her head, hiding her face from Inuyasha, holding her forehead in her palm, her body twitching while making strange noises. Inuyasha immediately filled with remorse upon seeing her expression. He tried to apologize and console her, thinking she was beginning to cry.
Kagome held her position then lifted her head, laughing.
Inuyasha stared in complete confusion. Kagome looked like she was crying, but she was laughing. He blinked as she kept laughing, giving her the benefit of a doubt she found something funny and hadn't lost her mind. Kagome opened her eyes and looked at Inuyasha.
There was lettuce all over his hair and looked like a hat on the top of his head, an sliced olive stuck to his forehead above his left eyebrow. There were also random carrot pieces all about his cheeks.
She cracked up more, trying not to get too loud, and pointed to Inuyasha. She was trying to tell him, but was laughing to hard.
"Me? What's so funny about me?" Inuyasha inquired, half-indignantly and half-curious.
Kagome tried again to tell him that he had salad all over him, but another laugh came out. She reached into her purse and pulled out her pocket mirror, held it before him and showed him. Inuyasha stared incredulously at himself, but then began to laugh, seeing the humor in his appearance. He looked up from the mirror at Kagome, and cracked up.
She looked practically the same as him, only lettuce rested on the sides of her hair, looking like horns, and had a pearl onion ring on her nose and cheeks. Crouton specks dotted her face all over.
Inuyasha held the mirror in front of her for her too see and they both got a good hearty laugh out of how they looked. The other customers stared at them, wondering who the crazy couple was at the table and why they were acting like children in such a high-class restaurant, some turning up their noses.
Inuyasha and Kagome didn't even notice them. They laughed for a while longer then calmed down.
"Oh, man!" Inuyasha said, calming down. "Wait 'til I tell Miroku his etiquette lecture blew up in my face! Literally! Haha!"
Kagome looked up at him, smiling in good humor. "Miroku gave you the etiquette talk too, Inuyasha?"
"Yeah. Sango did the same to you?"
Kagome nodded. Inuyasha shook his head. They had basically tried to act against their nature, and it didn't work for them. Their efforts to act like the high-class, proper crowd had caused them to go off on each other and send their tempers, as well as their appetizer, flying.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha changed the subject, "We don't have to act all proper, do we? I mean, it obviously ain't goin' for us."
Kagome thought about it, then answered, "I don't think so. I mean, we may be rich but we hardly act proper. I'd say just regular manners will do."
Inuyasha chuckled in agreement, throwing up his hands nonchalantly. "Well then, que sera, sera."
Kagome did the same. "Yeah, what happens, happens."
Inuyasha looked at his tuxedo and then at Kagome's gown, "But, maybe we should care a little bit and take off our appetizer." He suggested, jokingly.
People stared in silent amusement as Inuyasha and Kagome brushed their salad off of themselves. As he helped her, Inuyasha rearranged the lettuce leaves onto Kagome's head like a crown, unable to help himself. She smirked in good humor as the hanyou grinned proudly at his handiwork, then giggled as he quickly removed them.
Unable to help it either, Kagome took the carrot pieces from Inuyasha's face and placed them under his nose like a moustache and placed a lettuce leaf on his chin like a goatee. He got a good laugh out of it as he imagined how he looked.
A couple watched the two, shaking their heads and frowning in disapproval at two young adults with no etiquette. Their children looked in admiration, then glanced at slyly at each other, getting an idea. The oldest one reached for their salad bowl when his mother seized his hand.
"Don't even think about it."
Feeling his stomach rumble, Inuyasha searched for their waitress and found her talking with a friend.
"Hey waitress! Can we get some service over here?" Inuyasha hollered at her from far across the room.
She immediately hurried to the table. Kagome's eyes darted side to side as Inuyasha had captured the attention of everyone in the dining room. She put on a nervous grin with a huge teardrop, but didn't say anything to Inuyasha. His method was efficient; embarrassing, but efficient.
"I'm sorry, sir. Are you and your lady ready to order?" The waitress asked upon reaching the table.
"Yeah, but there's something I wanna ask you first." Inuyasha stated.
"Sir?"
"Just what were you and your friend over there saying about us?"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome hissed scoldingly.
The waitress was surprised at Inuyasha's superior hearing. She confessed, saying that she had tried to take their order earlier, but at the moment were having a rather heated discussion. Heated to where the table might've ignited.
Inuyasha and Kagome teardropped.
The waitress went on, saying she had told her friend they needed serious therapy. However, after seeing the salad fly all over themselves and how they looked so cute playing with each other's faces, she had thought Inuyasha and Kagome were such an adorable couple.
Kagome blushed a little, accepting the compliment with a giggle while Inuyasha stared blankly, a light pink gracing his face. He looked at the menu, trying to hide his face while searching for something to order.
Something he could read as the menus were all in French.
The waitress had to recite and describe the main courses to Inuyasha as well as Kagome and then had to wait several minutes for them to decide. Kagome placed her order after debating between several courses. Inuyasha took a little longer, then tried to place his order but had trouble saying the name of the entree.
"L'oie de Merveille Avec Le Vin Blanc, sir." The waitress stated for him.
"Oy de Mervy Ame Le Lame Bland?" Inuyasha tried to repeat.
"L'oie de Merveille Avec Le Vin Blanc." The waitress repeated with a teardrop.
Inuyasha looked at the menu and tried again, "Lay the Mervin And Tuck Levin Blank?"
Kagome covered her mouth, trying to hold back a snicker, mentally agreeing with Miroku and Shippo that Inuyasha was pretty slow. The waitress stated it again and the hanyou tried again.
"Milliardo Peacecraft?"
"L'oie...de...Merveille...Avec...Le Vin...Blanc!" The waitress repeated slowly.
Inuyasha listened and let the sentence sink in this time.
"Voulez Vous Coucher Avec Moi Ce Soir?"
Kagome snickered louder, a laugh escaping her hand. As the waitress drew back in shock, a man behind them near the window overheard Inuyasha.
"Voulez vous coucher avec moi...ce soir," He sang in a whisper, jamming out.
His wife kicked him underneath the table, scoldingly. "Harlock! Be dignified, will you?"
"Aw, Emeraldas! You never let me have any fun!" The man pouted, folding his arms and glaring childishly out the window.
Listen, buddy, you're hot enough, but I have a boyfriend! The waitress thought in shock, trying to calm down, knowing he didn't even know what that meant.
"L'oie...de...merveille...avec...le...Vin...Blanc!" She repeated even slower, her voice sounding strained.
"L'oi..." Inuyasha paused, going over the word in his mind. "You guys sell make-up here, too?"
Finally, Kagome burst out laughing. Inuyasha was trying to say the first word at least, but he immediately thought of "L'Oreal".
The waitress growled and gripped her head in frustration. "MON DIEU! IT'S GOOSE OF MARVEL WITH WHITE WINE, MAN!"
That earned several laughs from all around. The waitress straightened up, reflecting on what she just did and feeling ready to die. Naturally, Inuyasha got indignant about her tone but Kagome managed to calm him down before he gave her a piece of his mind.
"This." He pointed to item on the menu, rolling his eyes up.
The waitress collected herself, apologizing for yelling at him. Kagome spoke on Inuyasha's behalf, "Oh don't feel bad. He's always like that."
The waitress almost giggled in agreement, but held it in when she saw the hanyou cut his eyes at Kagome. "Very well, madam, sir. I'll return with your orders soon."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the waitress as she walked off to the kitchen, snickering against her will. He then brought them back to Kagome after hearing another snicker out of her. Upon meeting her innocent and playful visage, Inuyasha softened. He gave Kagome a lopsided smirk and a humored "keh", letting it slide once he realized she was only playing.
Kagome giggled, looking outside the window at the nighttime view of the city. Inuyasha's golden eyes locked onto hers, lost in a gaze.
Kagome looks so cute when she laughs like that. Man, her smile makes her look so radiant. There's something about Kagome. I don't know what it is. I feel so peaceful around her, like I can truly be myself around her. Gods, her eyes are so gorgeous.
Inuyasha was gazing at her very dreamily and barely aware of how his heart was fluttering so. Unbeknownst to him, a warm smile had crept onto his lips. Kagome turned her head in his direction and brought him back to reality, causing him to look away.
She had been watching Inuyasha from the corner of her eye and knew he had been looking at her. Inuyasha kept looking away. He slowly brought his eyes back to see if Kagome was looking and met her gentle gaze.
A surprised gasp caught in his throat. Inuyasha stared nervously, but seeing her soft smile calmed him down some. Kagome brightened her smile, looking into his gentle golden eyes, gazing in admiration as if spellbound. Inuyasha had such handsome eyes; everything she saw inside them took her breath away.
Inuyasha stared back at Kagome, his eyes locked onto hers as they sparkled so beautifully.
The both of them gazed deeply into each other's eyes, gazing deeply into their souls.
"Your meal is served."
The waitress returned cheerfully with the ordered entrees. She quieted seeing her customers looking at each other, spellbound. With a soft and quiet tone, she got their attention, addressing again that their meal had arrived. Inuyasha barely heard her but smelled the food; his stomach growled loudly in surprise.
She carefully presented their dishes and set up the wine holder, pouring them glasses of their finest wine. The waitress then bowed and left them to enjoy their meal.
Inuyasha and Kagome ate while sharing a warm conversation, catching up on their past four years. As they ate and talked, they also corrected each other on using their utensils properly.
"Kagome, you're not supposed to cut with just the fork. You use the knife and put it in that second slot, then move it like you're playing a violin."
Inuyasha demonstrated for her, sticking his elbow out and holding the fork with his fist. The method worked but the knife scratched the plate. The sound assaulted his sensitive ears and he abruptly stopped, extracting a laugh from Kagome.
"Okay, not THAT much like a violin." Inuyasha corrected himself
He reached for one of his spoons to baste his meat with the wine sauce when Kagome stopped him, saying he was using the soup spoon when he should be using the little spoon on the far right.
Inuyasha gave a half-lidded stare. "What does it matter? The food's goin' to the same place."
Kagome laughed, remembered she had said the similar when her grandmother tried to teach her the proper European etiquette. They continued to eat and correct each other. Pretty soon, the etiquette thing became a joke as they parodized the whole thing.
Their meal seemed to disappear quickly. Inuyasha and Kagome had greatly enjoyed it, though they believed each other's company was what made everything great.
The waitress returned and placed their dessert in the center of the table between them; a cube of chocolate cake with a dark chocolate-raspberry sauce drizzled diagonally over it and decorated with white chocolate shavings arranged like a bow. Two strawberries dipped in milk chocolate were placed on the sides of it.
Kagome looked up questioningly at the waitresses as they hadn't ordered dessert. She replied it was the compliments of the chef, saying he wanted to add to their special night.
Kagome marveled at the dish as it looked wonderful as it did appetizing. She reached for her fork to start eating when she noticed Inuyasha was just sitting in his seat watching her.
"Aren't you going to dig in, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked.
He shook his head with a light smile. "Nah, you can go ahead, Kagome."
She giggled, a thought coming to her. "What's the matter? You didn't save room for dessert, Inuyasha?" A teasing smile crept onto her lips. "Or you don't really care for sweets?"
Inuyasha chuckled warmly. "Kagome, you know that's not true. I wouldn't have asked you out if I didn't."
Kagome stared in surprise at Inuyasha's kind comment, caught off guard by him referring to her as sweet. He spoke sincerely with the softest tone. She felt her cheeks burn as they flushed a bright red.
"Y-You mean that, Inuyasha?" Kagome practically whispered, hopeful.
"Of course, I do, Kagome. I wouldn't say that for the hell of it." Inuyasha's features firmed, but his voice remained soft as he emphasized his sincerity.
He continued, "You're very special, Kagome. I...I can't explain what it is about you that makes me feel the way I do, but everytime I'm with you, I feel so peaceful. Like if there's something bothering me, seeing you lifts whatever burden I have. And when I see your beautiful smile or when I look into your eyes, it just makes me feel so happy. Just being near you makes me feel like I'm higher than on cloud nine."
Inuyasha reflected on everything he had just confessed. I wasn't trying to sound that sappy, even if it is the truth. It's gotta be the wine. I didn't even drink the whole glass, but it must be having an effect on me.
Kagome was very taken aback by Inuyasha's heartfelt words. She was speechless for a while.
"I...I never knew I had that much of an impression on you, Inuyasha."
Seeing her humble expression made his heart beat even stronger. "From the day I met you, I could sense there was something very special about you. You have such a caring heart, Kagome." Inuyasha spoke very gently, his tentativeness subsiding as he spoke from his heart. "I honestly think you're what helped me recover so quickly while I was in the hospital."
Inuyasha wanted to say he believed that Kagome had saved his life, but thought it would sound too melodramatic.
"Thank you, Inuyasha." Kagome replied. "But that's not a one-sided feeling."
She had his undivided attention as Inuyasha listened intently.
"I could sense there was something very special about you too. You're very protective with the people you care dearly for and you treat them with respect. You never try to be something you're not; regardless, you're Inuyasha and no one else. Also, you're very kind-hearted and you try to help out anyone who's in trouble. Like how you arranged this vacation for Miroku to help him unwind. One thing I admire about you is that you're fun to be around. You know how to have a good time and enjoy yourself."
Kagome paused, still looking into Inuyasha's golden eyes. A light pink graced her cheeks as she continued.
"And, when I'm in your arms, Inuyasha, I feel happy and warm. I always feel safe when I'm with you and I'll never feel endangered because I know you'll protect me."
Inuyasha was speechless, completely taken aback. He even felt flattered. Kagome had spoken of qualities he didn't think he had, and she thought so highly of him. He gazed deeply into those gorgeous sparkling brown orbs that were her eyes, replaying each truthful word she had spoken.
"Thank you." He replied with a touched and happy smile.
Kagome smiled back. "You're welcome."
The waitress returned shortly after.
"Oh thanks, but we don't need anything else." Kagome said, thinking she had come back to check up on them.
"Actually, I came to take the dessert plate, but I see you must be trying to make room for it." She laughed, "Well, while I'm here, I'd like to thank you for dining...here with us and here is your bill, sir."
The waitress began to state her gratitude in French, but didn't wish to repeat the earlier scenario with the entree. So she saved the both of them the trouble.
Inuyasha took the bill from the waitress and took a look at it.
"HOLY CRAP!"
By now, everyone in the dining room was used to the noise from his and Kagome's table, but that was the loudest shout and once again grasped their attention.
Kagome peeked at the total and gawked as well, her eyes shot open and blinked incredulously.
Their night of fine dining cost Inuyasha $845!
He hadn't even paid any attention whatsoever to the prices on the menu. He had been too preoccupied with just pronouncing the name of the meals. His had cost $175, Kagome's was $165.
It was the wine was the culprit. It was THE finest import in the restaurant and was $455 a bottle!
Inuyasha looked as if he would faint. He had been used to living off of ramen and less expensive things. Rolling his eyes up and releasing a dumbfounded "keh", he reached into his pocket, pulled out his Visa PlatinumÔ card and handed it to the waitress.
Maybe I should've thought it over before I said that "que sera, sera" crap.
Inuyasha marveled over the bill, wondering if the food and wine had been that good. He glanced up at Kagome, who smiled appreciatively at him after recovering from witnessing those figures. The whole point of him asking her out was to spend time with her and share the experience of very fine dining with her. Seeing Kagome had indeed had a wonderful time made it worth every cent.
The waitress returned with Inuyasha's card and receipt and bid them a good night, hoping they would enjoy the chef's dessert.
Kagome took a piece of the delectable chocolate cake and tasted it. The blissful expression on her face suggested the cake exceeded the word "delicious". It was several seconds before Kagome swallowed it, the taste was so heavenly as it melted in her mouth and flowed smoothly down her throat. She beckoned Inuyasha to have some, but he told her she could have the dessert if she wanted.
Kagome insisted. Since there was one piece of the cake, it implied that it was meant to shared. She guessed Inuyasha was insistent about letting her have the cake and cut another piece.
Inuyasha reached out his left hand and gently enclosed it over Kagome's. Her surprised eyes met his kind visage. He rose her hand containing the fork with the cake to his lips and placed it inside his mouth.
Inuyasha's expression matched Kagome's as he savored it.
"Mmm. That is delicious." He purred softly, caressing Kagome's soft hand.
She smiled and chuckled.
"Told you." She purred back.
As Inuyasha and Kagome shared their dessert, they received the attention of their people surrounding them yet again.
Only this time in intrigued admiration.
Wanting that kind of attention, the couples threw their salads in each other's faces and opened their mouths, waiting for food to be lovingly inserted.
They received something else instead of food.
The ride from the restaurant had a better atmosphere than before. Inuyasha and Kagome were quiet for most of the way, but the elated smiles on their faces made the mood a pleasant one. Inuyasha pulled into the parking lot of the hotel and parked his Mercedes. He quickly exited his side and hurried over to Kagome's side to open the door for her, offering his head to her and helping her out, closing the door behind her.
Inuyasha turned to head for the hotel when Kagome headed in the other direction.
"Kagome?" He asked curiously, meeting her smile.
"The night's still kinda early, Inuyasha. Will you take a walk with me? Just for a little while?" She asked sweetly.
Inuyasha chuckled. Kagome didn't want their date to end just yet. Seeing as he didn't either, he gladly obliged.
They walked down three blocks, side by side, admiring the scenery in the night under the moonlight. They turned a corner and walked into a large park. Kagome walked further down looking at the scattered trees on her right and a vast grassy field covering the other side.
Inuyasha stood in place, looking around at the park. It looked like the one back in Tokyo where Kikyo had dumped him. Thankfully, this one was significantly different so it didn't cause Inuyasha to relive the memory. His eyes wandered around as he got lost in his musings, smiling as he looked at Kagome, at how she looked so serene.
Crackle! BOOM! Boom!
Inuyasha froze as the smell of water entered his nose and heard the crash of thunder. A raindrop fell onto his shoulder. Another fell onto his ears seconds later. They fell faster and faster until the rain just poured down. Thunder rumbled again in the distance.
Inuyasha stood as the rain fell on him, staring into space with a blank expression, incredulously.
History was repeating itself.
Slowly, he rose his head and looked up at the heavens. He threw his arms up and let them fall back onto his drenched sides, silently asking the gods why they were doing this to him in a whining manner.
"One of you up there's got it in for me." He griped quietly.
Inuyasha quickly headed underneath one of the trees for shelter from the rain.
"Kagome! Come on over here, you're gonna catch a cold!" He called to her as he removed his wet jacket and loosened his collar a little.
He looked up and found Kagome a short distance from the trees, her back facing him as she looked upward.
Inuyasha cocked an eyebrow. "What is she doing? Kagome! C'mon outta the rain!"
He spoke only out of concern for her, knowing Kagome was likely to get sick since she was human. She glanced back at Inuyasha, her wet hair covering her face, taking a slow step forward, then another even slower. Inuyasha looked confused at her actions. He rose to his feet and took a step forward, stepping back when he felt the rain fall on his face. Inuyasha wiped the water from his eyes and found Kagome had taken a few more steps. She stared back at him for three seconds and then dashed off in the rain!
Inuyasha took off after her. "Kagome! Kagome, wait!"
Birds fly
They don't think twice
They simply spread their wings
The sun shines
But don't ask why
Or what the whole thing means
Inuyasha looked behind him and only saw trees. No one was hiding amongst them. Kagome continued to run. When he caught up to her, she made a sharp turn to her right and kept running. Inuyasha was amazed, Kagome was pretty fast for a human.
The same applies to you and I
We never question that
So good it's understood
Ain't no conjecture
Just a matter of fact
Kagome looked back at Inuyasha and saw he was still chasing her. She gave him a playful smile and then leapt into the air, twirling in the falling rain.
Love is a wonderful thing
Make you smile through the pouring rain
Love is a wonderful thing
I'll say it again and again
Turn your world into one sweet dream
Take your heart and make it sing
Love, love, love is a wonderful thing
Inuyasha watched in awe as Kagome seemed to float down, resuming running when she landed gracefully. She looked back at him, her smile remaining and then turned to her left.
Inuyasha followed and then caught on to her. Kagome was playing; she WANTED him to chase after her!
Only thing a river knows is runnin' the sea
And every spring when a flower grows
It happens naturally
The same magic when you're in my arms
No logic can define
Don't know why it feels so right
I only know it happens everytime
His lips stretched into a playful grin and he went along with it. The rain felt good on him as he ran, nice and cool. His eyes locked onto Kagome as he laughed.
"You can't escape me, Kagome! I'll catch you!" Inuyasha lightheartedly called out to her.
Kagome laughed back, "You gotta get near me first, Inuyasha!"
"Fine by me!"
Inuyasha happily obliged. He kicked off his socks and shoes and picked up his pace, running barefoot on the wet grass.
Love is a wonderful thing
Make you smile through the pouring rain
Love is a wonderful thing
I'll say it again and again
Turn your life into one sweet dream
Take you heart and make it sing
Love, love, love is a wonderful thing
Kagome did the same, kicking off her dress shoes and running faster. Inuyasha kept up with her as she continued making sharp turns to evade him, zigzaging all about the field, testing both their agility. He leapt out to catch her and Kagome leapt backward away from his arms. Inuyasha leapt out again, determined to catch her. Kagome flipped over him and distanced herself, looking back and laughing as Inuyasha looked back at her with mud and grass covering his face.
"Very clever!" Inuyasha complimented, his eyes narrowed lightheartedly and a humored grin on his lips.
The chase resumed when he quickly got to his feet and took off after Kagome, the rain washing the mud from his face. As Inuyasha ran after her, he listened to her. Her happy laughter sounded through the rain, sounding heavenly in his ears.
Oh, when the cold wind blows
I know it's gonna be there to warm me
Yeah, that's what keeps me goin'
That sweet love's gonna keep on growin'
Just keeps growin'
Oooooh-hooo!
Feeling the atmosphere take over him, Inuyasha leapt into the air and spun around as Kagome had. She looked back at him and saw the hanyou leap all about, feeling free and having so much fun. She joined him, doing cartwheels and twirling round and around in the falling rain.
Inuyasha did backflips and aerial flips, jumping to see how high in the air he could go. He flipped high in the air and fell back to the wet ground. He slipped on his heel but flipped to regain his balance and wound up slipping again and landing on his butt. Inuyasha let out a loud hearty laugh, sitting on the wet grass. Kagome helped him onto his feet, but he didn't release her hands. With a bright smile, he gently took them in his and began to move in a circle. They gained speed and spun around and around, their soaking hair flying in the air as they both laughed merrily.
Inuyasha and Kagome lifted their heads and met each other's smiling faces. Their smiles broadened as their grips tightened, bracing themselves. Simultaneously, Inuyasha and Kagome released each other and tumbled onto the grass, laughing. As Kagome got up on her knees, Inuyasha lay on his back, looking up at her with an impishly playful smile. Catching on to him, she took off running again. Inuyasha flipped onto his feet and resumed chasing her.
Love is a wonderful thing
Make you smiling through the pouring rain
Love is a wonderful thing
I'll say it again and again
Kagome slowed down, beginning to grow tired. Inuyasha picked up his pace a little more. She turned around toward him, running backwards. She was preparing to dodge him but was a second too late as Inuyasha caught her. He scooped Kagome in his arms and spun her around in the air, getting high off hearing her laugh.
Turn your world into one sweet dream
Take your heart and make it sing
Inuyasha lost his footing as he held Kagome closer to him and fell on his back onto the soft wet grass, shielding her. They spent a few minutes laughing and catching their breath, unable to erase their smiles. When her breathing returned to normal, Kagome gazed at Inuyasha, who gazed back at her.
"You okay, Inuyasha?" She asked, still laughing.
Inuyasha was still catching his breath, a wide smile on his lips. "Yeah, I'll live. You were planning that, weren't you, Kagome?"
She chuckled. "Not really. I had always wanted to just run and play in the rain, just to see what it felt like. And I just couldn't help myself when the rain fell."
Inuyasha stared warmly at her. He had wanted to do that a long while ago with Kikyo, but she ridiculed him. With Kagome, she invited him, not caring at all what anyone else might think.
Kagome only wanted to have fun.
'Cuz love. love
Love is a wonderful
Love, love is a wonderful
Love, love is a wonderful...
Inuyasha wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist in a strong embrace, a warm and deeply appreciative smile on his face. "Thank you for going out with me, Kagome."
Her nose lightly nuzzled his. "You're welcome, Inuyasha. Thank you so much for asking me."
They gazed into each other's half-lidded eyes, lovingly.
Kagome's lips drew nearer to Inuyasha's, her eyes closing. Inuyasha met her halfway, his lips meeting hers. His tongue parted her lips and danced with hers inside her mouth in a passionate kiss which Kagome returned.
Inuyasha's arms embraced her closer to him, his hand slowly stroking up and down her soaked back, caressing her. Kagome caressed his face, running her fingers through his wet, silky white hair, her hand rubbing his ears, making him purr happily.
Thing
Love is a wonderful, wonderful thing
Oh yeah
Love is a wonderful, wonderful thing
Talkin' 'bout love
Love is a wonderful, wonderful thing
Love is a wonderful thing, baby
Love is wonderful, wonderful thing...
Author's Notes:
Soichiro is the dog of Otonashi Kyoko from "Maison Ikkoku", another ingenious creation of Takahashi Rumiko-sama. He was what Ataru was referring to in chapter 4 when the male Takahashi models were jealous of Inuyasha. You'd have to read the "Maison Ikkoku" manga to get the jokes.
Chikusou means "Damn it!" That was the first Japanese curse word I ever learned, thanks to Sailor Jupiter from the subtitled Sailor Moon R movie!
"L'étoilé Merveilleuse" means "The Wonderful Star". My French is a bit rusty since I left high school, but thankfully I kept the dictionary. And "mon Dieu" means, "My God!".
Captain Harlock and Queen Emeraldas don't belong to me. I don't know their creators' names, but they are not mine. How can they be when those two are serious old-school anime? Like late 60s old-school.
Practically all of you out there have heard the song, sung to the catchy tune and ironically that's probably the only part of the song you know, but I'll bet you haven't a clue what it means:
"Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?" means, politely, "Would you like to sleep with me tonight?".
Imagine my surprise when we learned that in French class.
Also, the way Inuyasha and Kagome acted while eating in the restaurant, (grins) my personal experience. Put me in a practically aristocratic dining room, and I lack so much etiquette, it's pitiful! My manners are great, but a spoon is a spoon! It doesn't make sense to me to have a separate utensil for everything. An all-purpose utensil will work just fine with me! Haha!
At last! I have made you all happy! Like I said, this is the last Inuyasha and Kagome chapter. The rest from here on out are Miroku and Sango.
And since I don't plan on putting any author's notes in next time, in advance for chapter 12:
I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters. Takahashi Rumiko-sama owns them all and ain't givin' them up ever!
Also, I don't own Phil Collins' "I Wish It Would Rain Down On Me".
Peace!