Disclaimer: Still waiting….
A/N: Wow, I got a lot of reviews for that chapter. THANK YOU! Here's an yummy Easter egg present for you!
Chapter 19-Festive Fear
Kagome slid open the balcony door and stepped out into the waning sunlight. The sun was setting and she smiled at the sight of it. She turned her smile on the surly hanyou and it widened a little. Inu Yasha was stretched out in the deck chair with his feet propped on the rail. He cracked an eye open to gaze at her. She approached him slowly and sat in the chair beside him.
"Are you still mad at me? It was an accident, you know?" He snorted. She sighed. "Is your tongue still bothering you?" He snorted again. "Let me see it."
He made a face and then stuck his tongue out at her. Kagome giggled as she tried to grab it. He withdrew it quickly and nipped at her fingers while growling playfully. Kagome's giggle escalated. He smirked. "Crazy wench, you ought to know by now that I can't stay mad at you."
Kagome smiled as she reached for one fuzzy ear. "Mom's back and she bought Ramen."
His eyes lit up. "Then what are we sitting out here for?"
"You were pouting."
"Feh, I don't pout. Now feed me, wench."
She rolled her eyes and then laughed as she stood, taking his hand. "Come on then."
Inside, Sota was sprawled on the floor playing a video game, while Gramps flipped through the news channels. Iki was unloading groceries. Inu Yasha settled at the small table while Kagome stepped into the kitchen.
"Hold it."
Kagome paused with her hand on the cup of instant noodles. "Huh?"
"You two are not going to spoil your dinners. We're going down stairs to join the family for dinner." Kagome frowned and Inu Yasha growled. Iki regarded the two. "Kagome, we had a deal, didn't we?"
She sighed. "All right. But one cup of Ramen won't spoil Inu Yasha's appetite. You know how much he eats."
"Hey!" Inu Yasha scowled at the two women. He was actually pretty hungry still. He'd lost his appetite after the jalapeno incident, but now it was back with a vengeance.
Iki relented allowing Kagome to make the hanyou a cup of his favorite food. "What are we having for dinner, mom?"
"Well, I know their having a contest for the best curry, but there will be other things there too." Iki glanced at Inu Yasha, who was making a horrified expression. She chuckled. "Don't worry you don't have to eat the curry." His relieved expression said it all.
&&&&
Inu Yasha scowled at Kagome's plate of food. 'That wench really is trying to kill me, isn't she!' He reached over and pushed it away from her.
She turned to glare at him. "Inu Yasha, what are you doing?"
"You're not going to eat that." He pointed at the pile of rice topped with five types of curry.
"But that's my food." Her glare intensified as she reached for the plate.
Inu Yasha picked up the plate and moved it out of her reach. "It's bad enough I got to smell that shit. I ain't going to have to taste it too."
"What do you mean, I'm the one…" Her face shot up in flames. "Inu Yasha!" She glanced at her mother who was deep in conversation with Gramps. Luckily Iki didn't seem to have heard the comment.
He blushed lightly. "I don't want to taste that stuff."
Kagome sighed and pulled her plate towards her. "I'll brush my teeth." She informed him flatly.
He snorted and mumbled. "Oh, great, curry and toothpaste."
Kagome's aunt, Konki, who was a small woman, stepped up onto the band stand to remind everyone to vote for their favorite curry dish. When she stepped away, the band began to play softly. A couple of the older couples stepped out from the tables and began to dance slowly.
Kagome smiled. She liked this particular song a lot. "Hey, Inu Yasha?"
He was busy stuffing his face with rice balls. "Hmm?"
She stood and he eyed her with curiosity. "Come on." He made a pouty face but allowed her to take his hand and pull him away from the table. They stopped on the dance floor and Kagome laid her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. Inu Yasha sighed, allowing her body's warmth and her wonderful scent to settle his nerves which were always on edge at these gatherings.
Across the room Kado elbowed Gyou and nodded at the couple. He frowned. "Shina won't like that." As if on cue, Shina and Fushigi stepped through the main doors into the hall. Gyou sighed as he saw his cousin scrunch up her face in a scowl. "This'll be interesting."
Shina took a step toward them, until Fushigi's hand stopped her. They conversed for a moment in short tones, before Shina turned away from him and stepped to the table where her aunt sat.
Shina smiled sweetly to Iki. "Hello, aunt."
Iki looked up from her food. "Hello, Shina dear. How are you tonight?"
"Oh, I'm fine. I was just a little concerned about Kagome."
Iki lifted an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Well, yes. Don't you think it's inappropriate for her to show such affection in public?"
Iki glanced over her shoulder at the young couple. She smiled slightly at the sight of her daughter held snuggly against her hanyou protector. She turned her attention back to Shina. "My daughter is a grown woman, she may behave as she sees fit." Iki narrowed her eyes slightly. "Besides that is a private matter. You should be more concerned with your up coming wedding. Leave my daughter to me." When shock passed Shina's features, Iki patted the girl's hand. "I have known Inu Yasha for three years. He is a good man. Don't worry about Kagome. She'll be fine. He'll always take care of her."
"But don't you think they-"
"No, I don't think they're behaving badly."
Shina frowned. 'Well, that didn't go like I planned. She just accepted it.' She nodded. "All right. I better find Fushigi, he'll be looking for me. See you later, aunt." Iki nodded as she walked away.
When the song was finished, Kagome and Inu Yasha paused at the long table of curry, so Kagome could put a vote in the box. Iki lifted curious eyes to her daughter as they reseated themselves. "Kagome, is there something going on between you and Shina?"
Kagome froze. Inu Yasha growled as much from the name as from the spike of anxiety in Kagome's scent. Kagome twisted her napkin in her hands. "Um, well, like I told you she hates me."
Iki frowned. "I see." Things were beginning to fit together slowly, but there were still large pieces that she didn't understand yet.
Kagome frowned back at her mother. "Why do you ask? Did she say something to you?"
"Sort of. Don't worry about it." Iki was silent the rest of the meal. 'Something feels strange…'
&&&&
The crowd on the beach buzzed with excitement in the midday sun. The final round was here. The three competitors stood from their places in the crowd. Inu Yasha shot Sota a pointed look. "Remember your promise, squirt." Sota nodded firmly. Nevertheless, Inu Yasha looked over his shoulder nervously. He hated the idea of leaving Kagome there unprotected.
Kagome seemed to sense his reluctance. She stood and went to him a little away from the others. "I'll be fine. I'll stay with the others, okay?" He nodded, though the worry never left his gaze. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Good luck."
"Feh, as if I'll need it." He lifted his nose arrogantly.
Kagome giggled and gave him a nudge toward the water. As he walked away, she whispered. "Love you." No one but Inu Yasha could have possibly heard it. He glanced back over his shoulder at her, and at last a small smile tugged at his lips. She returned the smile and it seemed to increase his desire to win, if for no other reason than to see her smile like that again.
He dashed to the waters edge where Kitto and Taro waited. Kitto stood between Inu Yasha and Taro but that didn't prevent the two from glaring at one another. When the announcer gave the signal the three men dashed into the water. They paddled through the crashing waves and through the break to where the waves grew.
Kagome settled next to Yuki and the two passed the binoculars between the two of them. The three other girls watched the waves with interest, though they couldn't see as well.
Inu Yasha watched the waves come and go for a few minutes before spotting one that looked good. When it came to him at last, he jumped up and began to ride it. To his left Kitto and Taro lit on the same wave. They were well matched in most tricks like riding the curl to the top, switching feet in mid-surf and other small tricks.
Taro glared at the two men. 'That bastard Kitto has gotten better. I'll handle him first and then I'll take care of the little punk.' He moved his board closer to Kitto. The man eyed him suspiciously. He gasped when Taro suddenly swept in front of him to surf on his right. The pass, however, had been a little too close –intentionally. The back of Taro's board brushed Kitto's. Kitto cursed vehemently as he was sent sailing into the water.
Taro smirked at the hanyou, as Inu Yasha snarled back at him. Inu Yasha pulled his board further away from Taro. Taro glared but didn't move toward him, yet. He'd already showed off by his pass in front of Kitto.
They were getting closer to the shore now. Inu Yasha snorted as he realized he had to do something or Taro would win. With a mischievous smirk of his own, he shifted his position into a handstand. He heard the crowd gasp and a slew of curses escape his opponent. Inu Yasha could sense Taro getting closer and he spared him a glance, before hopping back to his feet. Taro had attempted to sneak up on him and break the smooth wave, but it was too late now. They came to a stop on the shore. The crowd was on their feet cheering.
"What a show!" The announcer dashed across the sand to them.
Taro was glaring with the fire of hell in his eyes. "I'm going to beat you to a pulp, you little punk!"
Inu Yasha was growling fiercely and cracking his knuckles. "You want a fight! Then come and get it!"
"Gentlemen, gentlemen calm down!" The announcer tried to keep the two separated. He turned to Taro. "Sir, it was a fair competition. If you make a scene, I'll have you removed from this competition permanently."
"Inu Yasha, stop!" Kagome ran to them and wrapped her arms around his waist. He wrapped an arm protectively around her, but clenched his other fist, ready for attack. His finely toned tan muscles tensed in the sunlight.
"Yeah, I want a piece of that bastard myself." Everyone turned to look at Kitto, who'd finally pulled himself from the water.
Taro laughed harshly. "Whatever, I'll take you both on! You're both weaklings!"
"Enough, that's it! You're removed from further competition and if you keep it up, I'll have you removed from the beach as well." Taro finally snorted and turned on his heel to stomp off. The announcer let out a relived sigh. "As for you two, you weren't helping."
"Feh!" Inu Yasha turned with Kagome still clinging to him and stomped back to the towel. He flopped down without releasing her, pulling her down into his lap as well. She didn't protest though she could feel the dampness from his swim trunks seeping into her sundress.
Kitto spoke to the announcer for another moment, before he came and sat beside Yuki with a smirk. His wife eyed him curiously. "What are you so happy about? You didn't win. Not that I care or anything, because I know you could have if not for Taro. But still…"
Kitto's smirk grew as he exchanged a look with Inu Yasha. "Somehow, I don't mind loosing to you. At least I got to see the look on Taro's face when he finally lost." He chuckled and lay back on the towel with a large grin.
Kagome giggled as she turned a broad smile on Inu Yasha. "That was definitely something worth seeing."
He returned her smile with a smaller one of his own. 'Yeah, it was definitely worth doing it, just to see you smile too.' A touch of gentleness entered his golden gaze, making Kagome's breath catch as she leaned deeper into his chest.
"So, we're going to celebrate, right? Let's all go to the festival tonight and gorge ourselves on cotton candy." Ayume chimed.
At the mention of the festival Sota piped up. "I want to go, too! Can I, Kagome?"
Kagome sighed, but nodded her head. "If mom says it's okay."
Kitto cleared his throat. "Inu Yasha, can I talk to you?"
The hanyou shot him a strange look, but slid Kagome off his lap. Kitto rose and Inu Yasha followed him. When they were far enough away to be out of earshot but close enough for him to keep an eye on Kagome, they stopped. "What's the matter?"
Kitto shot Kagome's back a nervous look. "A girl named Shina stopped by after you and Kagome left yesterday. She claimed she was Kagome's cousin." Inu Yasha's eyes narrowed and he couldn't suppress the feral growl that left him. "I see. You do know her then. Something about her worried me."
"Yeah, well she ain't the nicest of wenches. What'd she want?"
"She wanted to know what our plans were tonight." Kitto's frown deepened. "I'd keep a close watch on Kagome tonight. I think maybe she's planning something, but I don't know what."
Inu Yasha cracked his knuckles. "If that bitch even thinks about laying a hand on my Kagome, I'll tear her apart."
Kitto blinked at him for a moment then sighed. "I don't know if it will be that easy. I just thought I'd warn you."
"Thanks, but she ain't leaving my sight." Inu Yasha stomped back to the group, picking Kagome back up and planting her firmly in his lap again.
Kitto watched the interaction with a small sad smile. 'That's easier said than done. I know from experience, you can't always protect the ones you love.' He glanced at Yuki and the sadness increased though the smile grew. He finally went to sit beside her and ruffle his son's hair.
"Are you guys dressing up for the festival?" Kagome asked as she snuggled into Inu Yasha's chest.
"Yeah, we brought our summer Kimonos to wear. Did you bring anything to wear, Kagome?" Eri drug a soda out of Kagome's tiny ice-chest.
"Well, I didn't know there was going to be a festival. But I did bring my summer kimono, too."
Inu Yasha glanced down at her. "You did?"
She looked up at him. "Well, yeah. A girl always comes prepared."
He groaned. "No wonder those bags felt like you put rocks in them."
Kagome glared at him. "I didn't bring that much. I just made sure I had clothes for every occasion, since I wasn't sure what all we would be doing."
He snorted, though she didn't miss the amused look in his eyes. "Another words you brought your whole closet."
She chuckled and leaned her head back against his shoulder. "Have it your way. But I know my bags weren't too heavy for you." He snorted again, though the others didn't miss the slight pink that stole into his cheeks.
After the group sat and talked for a bit longer, they headed their separate ways to grab something to eat. They all decided to meet in the Blue Lagoon's lobby before going to the festival.
&&&&
Kagome shuffled through the closet that she and Inu Yasha shared. There were only a few things in the closet, one of which caught her attention. Kagome grinned as she reached for Inu Yasha's garment bag. She'd forgotten all about it. "Don't even think about it, wench." Kagome froze with her hand on the bag as she turned to look at the glowering Inu Yasha.
She blinked innocently. "I wasn't going to-"
"Save it. You're a terrible liar. Have I ever told you that?" He stepped past her and closed the closet door.
She blushed slightly. "Inu Yasha, I need to get my kimono out of there."
He crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine, but I'm staying right here, so you'll keep your sneaky fingers off my tux."
She frowned, but pushed the doors back open. "But don't you look in my bag either."
"I already told you, I can wait." He didn't take his eyes off her or her bag though.
"You're trying to peek!" Kagome accused.
He snorted. "Am not." Kagome took the whole bag off the rack and stalked to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. He sighed. 'Too bad.' He flopped on the bed and spread himself across it, while he waited for his turn in the bathroom.
Kagome showered and pulled out her kimono. She smiled. 'Mom did a great job on this one. It's simply beautiful. I wonder if Inu Yasha will like it?' She brushed out her hair and slipped the pale yellow under-layer of the kimono on before donning the outer layer of pink silk with floating petals of red on it. Her obi was the same red as the petals. She examined her reflection in the mirror and decided not to pull her hair up. 'Inu Yasha likes it down anyway.'
She slipped from the bathroom and muffled her soft giggle at the sight before her. Inu Yasha was sprawled across the bed with her pillow tucked under his head and his nose buried in it.
He wasn't asleep and he did his best not to smile as Kagome came around to his side of the bed. He could smell her warm damp scent as she stopped in front of him. When her delicate fingers began to rub his ear, he nearly growled in contentment. "Inu Yasha, wake up. You need to shower and dress."
He was too content to move. Her scent surrounded him, enveloped him, drew him in like the comforting embrace of a lover. Her warm hands on his sensitive ears sent wonderful tremors through his body. A soft moan escaped him. Her hand stilled and he growled. "Don't stop, wench. You started it, so you better finish it."
She giggled, though she did begin to rub again. "You need to get up, koishii. We'll be late to meet the others."
He growled again. "So?"
She giggled again. "So, get up." She shoved his shoulder playfully and he finally opened his eyes.
He gasped at the sight before him. She was standing beside the bed and the evening light surrounded her like a heavenly glow. The beautiful kimono clung to her curves in an entirely too arousing way. "Kagome…"
She smiled sheepishly. "Do you like it?"
He growled possessively as he pulled her down beside him and crushed her lips with his. Kagome gasped softly at the barely contained passion behind the kiss. She submitted to him, letting him know that she was his-completely and utterly his. When he finally pulled away, she opened hazy brown eyes to gaze into his golden. "Does that answer your question?" He smirked at her stunned expression as he finally rolled off the bed to find his fire-rat clothes.
Kagome sighed as she sat up and strolled into the living room to await Inu Yasha. Iki set the phone down and turned to smile at her daughter. "Kagome, Sota said he was going with you two to the festival." Kagome nodded. "Oh, good. Well, your Aunt Sora is busy tonight and Kahou wants to go to the festival too." Kagome groaned, knowing exactly what was coming. "I told her you'd be happy to take Kahou as well. She'll be stopping by in a few minutes."
"But mom…"
"Come on, Kagome. It won't be so bad. Sota is old enough to look after himself and he can help you keep an eye on Kahou."
Kagome gave in. "Okay."
"By the way dear, you look quite lovely in that kimono."
Kagome blushed a little. "Yeah, thanks mom." She settled on the couch and pulled the beach bag around in front of her. She pulled Tetsusaiga out and laid it across her lap. She then stealthily pulled the remote from her dozing grandfather's hand and flipped through the channels, while she waited for Inu Yasha. Sota appeared in his bedroom doorway tugging at his blue haori.
Iki was about to inform him of Kahou's inevitable arrival, when there was a knock on the door. She opened the door and Sora ushered her daughter through. Kahou was obviously unhappy. She frowned down at her normal clothes as she wandered over to stand beside Sota. He glanced at the girl and then at his aunt, who was telling Iki a hurried thanks before she disappeared down the hall.
Sota frowned down at his little cousin. "What's wrong, Kahou?"
"Mama didn't make me a summer kimono. She said she was too busy." Her little voice trembled and her bottom lip hung precariously.
"Kahou will be coming with you and Kagome." Iki explained.
Sota nodded before wrapping an arm around Kahou's shoulders and pulling her off into his bedroom. Inu Yasha's voice bellowed from their bedroom. "Kagome!" Kagome rolled her eyes as she stood with Tetsusaiga still in hand and strolled to 'his majesty'-or so he apparently thought he was. He was glaring at the door when she pushed it open.
"What is it?"
"Who's here?"
She blinked at him for a moment then realized he was talking about Kahou. "You remember the little girl from the other day that hangs around with Sota, Kahou. She's coming with us."
He snorted and stomped forward to hand her his red bandana. She smiled up at him and paused to admire him in his fire-rat clothes. "What is it?" He prompted after a long silence.
She reached out and ran her fingers along his haori. "I've missed these." She looked up into his amber eyes. "They suit you better, I think."
He smirked. "Oh?" She nodded. "Well, I could wear them the rest of the time."
She chuckled. "Oh, that was slick. You're going to wear modern clothes mister, even if neither of us likes it."
"Feh." He took Tetsusaiga and tucked it into his belt.
She chuckled again while fixing his bandana over his ears. "Come on, or we'll be late for sure." She grabbed his hand and pulled him from the room. Sota and Kahou were already waiting on them and they headed down stairs to meet the rest of the group. Everyone by now was waiting on them. Shippo had even arrived and was currently making it his mission to make Ayume laugh. Together the group headed for the main strip that was lit up like midday. Dozens of venders lined the streets and there were even a few small rides for the little ones.
Sota grabbed Kahou's hand. "See you later, sis!"
"Sota keep an eye on Kahou! And come check in with me every once in a while!" Kagome called after her brother. Sota's reply was muffled by the sounds of the festival, but at least she knew he heard her. Kagome frowned until she felt Inu Yasha's hand wrap around hers. She gazed up at him.
"Don't worry so much, he ain't a pup after all."
She frowned a little more. "But-"
"Even your mom said he can take care of himself. So relax, okay?" He gave her the look that said he wouldn't be argued with.
Kagome sighed, but smiled anyway. "All right."
"Look at the cute stuffed animals!" Ayume cried as she rushed to one of the booths and pointed at an adorable little fox. Kagome held her breath and buried her face in Inu Yasha's shoulder, willing away the laughter that so terribly wanted to escape. The irony of Ayume picking that particular animal out of all the others was just too much.
Shippo stepped up beside her with an arrogant smirk. "You want one?" Ayume nodded slightly with a little blush. "Fine." He slapped some money onto the stand and the vender brought him three balls. The object of the game was to knocked down five bottles that were stack in a pyramid. Shippo smirked again as he handed Ayume two of the balls. "You might as well just hold onto to those, 'cause I ain't going to need them." He reared back and chunked the ball with enough force that the vender had to shield himself from flying glass as one of the bottles shattered.
"Shippo!" Kagome chastised behind him. When he glanced at her, she hissed. "Not so hard."
He blushed lightly and grumbled softly. "Sorry."
The rest of the group was too busy showering him with praise to catch the little exchange. Ayume squealed in joy as the vender handed over the stuffed fox with red hair and brilliant green eyes.
"Can you get me one, too?" Eri begged.
"Me, too?" Yuka chimed.
"Uh…well…" Shippo scratched the back of his head bashfully. "Okay."
Inu Yasha snorted. "Trust Shippo to start showing off."
Kagome giggled. "And you never show off?"
"Feh, I don't have to show off. I know I'm good."
She giggled again at his arrogant remark. Shippo released the third ball and turned to glare at the hanyou while the sound of rattling bottles resounded behind him. "Then why aren't you trying to win Kagome something?"
"Feh." He glanced down at Kagome. "You want one of those too?" Kagome shrugged nonchalantly. He smirked. "See, Kagome doesn't want any of those stupid stuffed toys."
Shippo frowned. "You really are pathetic, aren't you? Just 'cause she says she doesn't want one, doesn't mean you shouldn't get her one anyway." He chuckled at Inu Yasha's confused expression. "What's the matter? Scared?"
Inu Yasha growled as he stomped forward to the booth. "Fine." The vender gestured for money and Shippo dropped some more into the man's hand. The hanyou grumbled as he was handed three balls. With just as much force as Shippo used he let the first ball fly and just as Shippo had done, one of the bottles shattered.
The vender groaned. "If you guys keep that up, I'll run out of bottles and then I'll be out of business."
"Feh, whatever. Give me that one." Inu Yasha pointed at a large white dog with pointy ears. When he handed the dog to Kagome, he was surprised to see her wrap her arms around it and squeeze. She grinned up at him with pride and love sparkling in her chocolate eyes. 'Huh, so that's why the runt said that. Shippo, you're pretty clever for a stupid fox.'
The group moved on to a couple of other booths. Kitto won Yuki a lovely stained glass ornament to hang in a window and two coloring books for the toddlers. After browsing a few stands with trinkets and candles, they stopped for a break beside a cotton-candy vender.
Ayume jumped up and down. "Yay! Cotton-candy! Yay!" She dashed to the window and promptly ordered two bubblegum flavored. Shippo pressed up beside her and ordered a blueberry for himself. Before Ayume could protest, he tossed the man a roll of bills. She blushed once more. "You don't have to do that…"
He smirked. "It's not every day I get to have cotton-candy. I didn't get to eat this kind of stuff when I was little."
Ayume frowned. "Your mom wouldn't let you have any?"
Shippo looked away for a moment. "You could say that." Their conversation was suddenly interrupted as a screaming child came running for them.
"Kagome! KAGOME! KAAAGGGOOOMMMEEE!"
Everyone turned to stare at Kahou as she pushed her way through the crowd and darted to the group. The little girl panted and frightened tears streamed her face. Kagome knelt in front of the girl. "Kahou, what is it? Where's Sota?"
"Sota…Chi…Gyou…took him…" The little girl broke into sobs.
Kagome gasped and Inu Yasha growled. "What do you mean they took him! Where'd they go? Where are those bastards?" Kahou turned and pointed a trembling hand back the way she'd come. "Show me!" He snarled as he picked the girl up and started to run off with her.
"Inu Yasha!" Kagome started after him.
He turned and gave her a pointed look. "Stay here, Kagome! You're staying as far away from those bastards as possible!"
"But-"
"No, stay here! Watch out for the others!" Inu Yasha didn't give her a chance to protest as he darted off again.
Kitto shoved Kinshin into Eri's arms. "Stay here." He ordered Yuki, before he and Shippo chased after Inu Yasha.
The five women stood stunned in the sudden mayhem. Ayume blinked as the vender passed her three cotton-candies. She stared at the blue one, hoping its owner would come back soon. Yuki seemed the most calm. She had everyone order their food and then ushered them to a picnic table. The young women settled around it in silence. All except for Kagome, who paced back and forth with growing anxiety.
"What's taking so long?" Eri asked quietly.
Kagome growled. "That's it! I'm going to check on them!" Before anyone could prevent her, she sprinted off into the crowd. She didn't hear Yuki call her name in fear, she didn't hear her friends' panicked calls either. All that filled her mind was Sota and Inu Yasha. They're safety was primary, above everything else.
Kagome didn't get far when a strong arm wrapped around her waist and a meaty hand slammed down over her mouth, muffling the cry that escaped her.
&&&&
A/N: AHHHHH! –dodges sharp flying objects- No killing the author! If you kill me, you'll never find out the rest of the story! –dodges blunt objects- Okay, I guess I deserve that…
