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Kagome's head rested against the cab window as it pulled into JFK Airport. She looked quickly at the time displayed on the television screen in the backseat. It was 6:45; her flight took off in an hour and a half. She groaned; there was way too much blood in her caffeine system for that time of morning.
When she had first woken up at the ungodly hour of 5:15, she had wondered why the hell hadn't she taken Sango up on the offer to drive down with them. Then she had checked her phone and found out that while Sango and Miroku had left Brooklyn at 8 and should have gotten in at midnight, they had gotten caught by lane closures due to an accident on the NJ Turnpike and then another in Maryland. The text from Sango wearily advising that they had arrived had finally come at 4:30.
Her thoughts drifted to the phone call with Inuyasha the night before, and her lips curled upwards.
he wouldn't have traded that call for anything other than already being there with him.
The fasciation and admiration she had held for him during the campaign had quickly turned deeper. She could not remember being this happy with anyone before.
She loved him.
Somehow, in just two months, she had fallen completely head over heels for him.
It still amazed her how quickly everything had gone with them: how easily they had slid so fully into each other's lives. When her landlord told her the end of the lease was approaching, it had seemed so natural to bring it up to Inuyasha, to make plans together for what would happen. They had discussed it just before he had gone to DC, and she hoped that over their weekend together they could discuss it again.
She had really missed him.
Running Jinenji's New York office was definitely a new challenge, but now she nearly had it all set up. She just wished she could get their communications director to do their damn job and help with the official announcements. It would help her focus on constituent services, and not on rewriting press releases and letters to be sent out. She sighed as she made her way through the security line; maybe she would be able to smack some sense into whomever it was while she was there.
The tantalizing smell of coffee pulled her from her thoughts as she tugged her carry-on down the terminal. She checked her watch; it was 7:30, and she had just enough time to grab some before boarding.
She was taking her first sip of life-sustaining liquid when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She slid into a seat by her gate, her carry-on and purse tucked in front of her, and pulled her phone out to see the message. Her face brightened to see that it was from Inuyasha.
Hey - I
Hey yourself. I'm surprised you're awake. - K
Couldn't sleep. - I
Kagome's brow furrowed. That was… Inuyasha always claimed he didn't need much sleep, but she had seen him sleep through the night many times when they were together.
Everything ok? - K
Kagome watched her phone, waiting for the little dots that would show her he was responding, but it never appeared.
Ok, now she knew something was up.
Inuyasha? - K
She kept her phone in her hand until her zone was called and she had to board the plane. As she stored her luggage, she felt the vibration and let out the breath she was holding. As she slid into her seat, she took the phone out, anxious to see his answer, to know what was going on. What she was not expecting was…
Yeah - I
I'll see you at 9:30 at the airport. - I
You ok? - K
The three dots appeared and disappeared several times, and Kagome hoped he would respond before she had to turn the phone off. After a few minutes he finally responded.
Yeah. - I
I miss you, see you soon -I
What the heck was going on?
I miss you too, see you soon - K
The dots appeared again, only to stop. Kagome let out a groan of frustration as the announcement came through the cabin to turn off all electronic devices.
What was going on?
Inuyasha paced outside the baggage claim of the airport, his hands thrust into his pockets as he walked, his thoughts racing. He hadn't slept since he had gotten to the hotel from the White House at around one in the morning.
In one meeting, one late night meeting, everything had become clear: why he had been brought out early, why President Elect Totosai had wanted to meet with him in person.
"Fuck," he whispered, stopping his pacing to let his head drop back, his long silver hair free down his back. He hadn't even taken the time to secure it; he had just wanted to get to the airport to see Kagome.
He really needed to see Kagome.
His hand ran over his face as he took a deep breath, the cold air helping him focus his thoughts.
It was…
Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine the trip would result in his being named Special Advisor to the President for Hanyo Relations. It was… hell, it was the opportunity of a lifetime, to try and help undo years of prejudice and hatred and all the backward policies that President Onigumo had enacted that had made life a living hell for hanyos…
It wasn't something you could say no to.
Well, he knew he could, but… did he really want to?
Yes… and at the same time, no. Because it meant moving to Washington D.C., to be on call at all times to help serve the President.
Without Kagome.
He knew what she would say, and she would probably call him an idiot if he walked away and didn't try, but he knew it was a discussion they needed to have. In person: not on text, not on the phone.
Because he wanted to give it a shot, even if it meant they saw each other infrequently; after all, it was only a four-hour drive (ok six with traffic) to Brooklyn.
It just… wasn't a decision he wanted to fully make without talking to her first. He thought about the box sitting on his nightstand and groaned.
He looked down at his watch and cursed, realizing how much time he had spent lost in his thoughts, and sprinted back into the luggage claim area to wait near the gates. They wouldn't have much time before the inauguration by the time they got back to the White House, and that was without stopping at the hotel first. The inauguration technically started at noon, but they needed to be there by 11, and with the increased security it would take them almost an hour to travel the three miles instead of usual fifteen minutes.
This really wasn't a conversation he wanted to have in the car.
A steady rush of passengers exited the terminal, pulling Inuyasha from his thoughts as he started to seek out her scent, knowing he would not be able to see his petite girlfriend in the crowd. He growled in frustration as an artificial scent of vanilla and cherry crashed over him, throwing his senses off. Dammit, after everything, that was not what he needed… he needed...
Kagome's natural scent teased him a moment before he saw her, smiling as she walked towards him. His eyes drifted over her, her burgundy suit neatly framing her figure, her coat thrown over an arm, covering her bag. Her phone was tucked under her ear and he saw her frown slightly as she listened to the messages. He knew the moment she saw him: her eyes brightened and the frown disappeared as she disconnected the phone and stored it in her purse. The heels she wore brought her just to his chin as she tilted her head back with a smile, warm chocolate meeting his gold.
"Hey you."
"Hey yourself," Inuyasha responded, his lips twitching into a grin.
He stepped forward to close the space between them, a hand raising to cup her face as he drew her closer before lowering his lips to hers for a kiss. Time disappeared as he lost himself in the feeling of Kagome, finally there with him, her scent intoxicating him.
"I missed you," she whispered as he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close as he let his head rest atop of hers, his silver hair a curtain between them and the rest of the world.
"Kagome…" he breathed, and he didn't need to say any more than that... she knew.
"Any way we could skip it, just stay here?" she sighed.
"Keh, not sure the airport would be the best place for what I have planned." His voice deepened as his hand trailed against her back.
Kagome let her head drop to his chest for a moment before reluctantly pulling away from him. Inuyasha took her coat and bag, helping her put the coat on, and draped the bag over his arm before lacing his hand through hers as they walked towards the baggage claim.
"Did they say which baggage claim you would be at?" He asked, his fingers gently squeezing against hers as he looked down with a soft smile.
"Don't need it; I sent my dress down with Sango, and I got everything else in the carry-on."
"So maybe we do have time to go to the hotel then…" Inuyasha smirked, pulling her closer.
"Sorry dog-boy, no can do," Kagome sighed. "Apparently Jinenji wants to speak with me before the inauguration. Botan left a message for me while I was in the air, and apparently it can't wait until tomorrow."
"Did they say what it was about?" Inuyasha asked as he led her through the airport, his ears suddenly quivering with nerves. He could only hope they hadn't said anything to her before he di…
"No, she just said it was important, and needed to be done today. I hope they got a new communications director because as much as I like Akitoki as a person, he is not the best person for the job."
"Were they thinking of replacing him?" Inuyasha had met Akitoki Hojo briefly when Kagome had first joined Jinenji's staff, but for the life of him he couldn't remember much about the man.
"Not as far as I know, but they should," Kagome groused as she slid into the rental car. Inuyasha carefully placed her bag in the trunk before joining her. He took her hand to raise it to his lips for a gentle kiss, releasing it with obvious reluctance to start the car.
"What did he mess up this time?" Inuyasha chuckled as he navigated them out of the lot.
"For someone who majored in English, he does not know the first thing about effective communication…"
The hour-long drive seemed to pass in an instant as they talked, Kagome grumbling about the communications office, Inuyasha giving her details on how the first meeting with President Totosai had gone and the shuffle of meetings over the past week.
He couldn't tell her about the second meeting.
Not yet.
"What time is your appointment with Sango?"
Inuyasha glanced over at Kagome as they pulled into a parking lot, and she noticed with a start that they were on the ellipse, between the White House and the Washington Monument. She hadn't been focusing on where they had been going, but a quick look around showed the enhanced security and checkpoints that they had cleared to get to the spot.
"It's at three, so we have about an hour to get there after the ceremonies and activities we were asked to be part of to get to the hotel, drop off our stuff and get there." Kagome bit her lip as she looked around, her thoughts racing. "Was something bothering you earlier?" she started, her eyes darting to him to see his form stiffen and his ears flatten against his head.
"Kagome…" Inuyasha started, only to shake his head with a sigh.
He turned, his hands crossing against the top of the car as he looked at her with suddenly weary eyes. Whatever it was, it was something big, and he didn't know how to process it.
"Inuyash…"
"Something came up last night, and I'm still… still working through it." His eyes met hers as he took a deep breath. "I will talk to you about it, I promise."
Kagome considered him for a moment before giving him a smile.
"Ok." That was all she wanted. If he wasn't ready to talk about it yet, he would in his own time.
Inuyasha straightened slowly, a relieved smile forming on his lips as he stepped around next to her to draw her into a hug, his arms encircling her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Kagome's phone chimed, interrupting the moment, and with a curse she pulled it out, seeing another message from Botan asking if she had arrived yet.
"What the hell is so important?" Kagome grumbled, looking up at Inuyasha. "Which way to the Capitol Building? Apparently, they need me there now."
"Security has been tightened for the event, so there is only one entrance accepting guests and staff in," Inuyasha told her, his eyes flicking back to the car where she had left her purse. "Grab your license; you will need it to get in the building."
"I don't have any pockets," Kagome said, pulling it out and hiding her purse again.
"I can hold onto it for you, if you want." When she nodded, he held out his hand, wrapping hers in his. "Come on."
"I am so glad you were able to come in early, Kagome," Jinenji's chief of staff said, looking up with frazzled black eyes. "Sorry for making you rush." Her dark blue hair was tied back in a rushed knot.
"Sorry I couldn't get here everything ok?" Kagome asked, shaking Botan's hand quickly before falling in step with her as they made their way through Jinenji's office. The Senator had already left to join the President Elect at the inaugural breakfast, leaving his staff to make sure everything was being covered and running smoothly.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Well, as fine as it can be in the first month of a new Senator's office," Botan laughed, grabbing a mug of coffee off her desk as she gestured for Kagome to sit.
"I can believe that," Kagome chuckled. "Just getting the New York office up and running was rough, I can't imagine what it was like here."
"It's been an experience," Botan groaned, "getting all the kinks out, making sure we have a cohesive message and united front in all offices… And that's actually why we wanted you to come in."
"What's up?"
"Well," Botan sighed, "I'm sure you are aware that Mr. Hojo just… isn't cut out for this."
Kagome scoffed, earning a wry smile from Botan.
"Yeah, that's what I thought. So, we are sending him back to the Buffalo office; he isn't ready for the pressure of defining the message."
"So, you need names for a new Communications Director?" Kagome asked, leaning back in the chair. "I have a few names I can send over if you want."
"Actually, we don't need one…" Botan said, tapping a pen against her desk, "we already have someone in mind."
"That's great, are they here this week? Inuyasha and I are staying through Sunday so I can meet with them, give them some pointers and tips while in town."
"We want you."
Kagome froze, her eyes darting up to meet Botan's.
"I'm sorry?"
"Jinenji wants you to be his new Communications Director. He's been impressed with the branding and messaging you've used lately in the releases, and how you've stepped up to help coordinate with the regional offices."
"I… I… I mean…"
"Yeah, sorry for the surprise," Botan smiled, "but there really isn't anyone we can think of that would be better for it."
"What…"
"We would need you here in Washington for a good portion of the time, but you would be able to split time between New York and D.C. You would oversee the speech writers, making sure the language works with the releases, and work directly with me and the Senator on developing his messages."
Kagome stared at Botan. She wanted to, but…
"Take today to think about it, let us know tomorrow, ok?" Botan checked her watch as she stood. "We need to get to the field for the ceremony."
Kagome nodded mutely, rising to follow Botan out of the office, letting the woman show her how to navigate the office halls, her mind spinning. Inuyasha leaned against the wall outside of Jinenji's offices, pushing off when he saw them approach.
"Everything okay?" Inuyasha's voice startled Kagome out of her thoughts, his golden eyes full of concern as he saw her expression. "Kagome?"
"Yeah… Everything… everything's fine," she tried to assure him, but she caught her bottom lip with her teeth, a sign he knew meant something was bothering her.
Inuyasha froze for a moment, his eyes scanning over her to get a sense of what could have happened. He didn't think Jinenji's staff would know about his appointment, but anything was possible.
"You sure?" He took her hand between his, rubbing the back of her hand.
"Yeah, it's… it could be something good." A small smile tilted her lips as she looked up at him. "I will tell you all about it later."
Inuyasha scanned her face, searching for any hint of discomfort or anger, but found none. His face turned puzzled as Kagome laced her hand through his, her teeth catching her lip again as she turned her face from him.
"You should be going." Botan's voice cut through the sudden silence, startling both Inuyasha and Kagome. "The ceremony will start soon."
"Keh." Inuyasha's voice held a tone of embarrassment, and Kagome noted that his cheeks were flushed pink. "She's right; let's go."
The ceremony itself was solemn and elegant as President Totosai and Vice President Shiori were sworn into office, a testament to the historical occasion. Despite the chill in the air Kagome could not help but feel the warmth of excitement as they heard a poem that had been written by Toran, a panther demon, her turquoise hair shining in the sun as she spoke of unity and the dawning of a new age of acceptance and compassion. President Totosai's wife Momo stood behind him as he spoke, her smile grand, in a light blue dress and coat, her brown and silver hair coiled at the top of her head, Vice President Shiori beside her in a deep purple pantsuit that complimented her silver hair.
A cheer was heard throughout the crowd as the colors were retired, and the new President and First Lady were escorted by their guard from the dais to begin their walk to the White House. Kagome had tears in her eyes as she watched the three walk down the stairs, ushering in a new era, one that brought hope to those who had found none for four years.
"I know we worked for this, pushed for this but now that it's here… I…." Kagome began.
"I know." Inuyasha's arm wrapped around her shoulder, drawing her close to place a kiss at the top of her head. His eyes closed, ears twitching at the cheers around them. "I know."
"Inuyasha…" Kagome pulled away, turning to face him, "I wanted to talk to you before we have to…"
"Inuyasha." Myoga clasped his hand on the hanyo's back, his smile bright. "A grand day today, a grand day."
"Yeah." Inuyasha had to struggle to keep irritation out of his voice as he turned his head towards the flea. "How can I help you, sir?"
"Well, President Totosai has asked…"
"Kagome, there you are! iIt was amazing wasn't it?" The feel of Botan's hand on her shoulder made Kagome turn from her boyfriend and the Chief of Staff. "Jinenji would like you to join us on the symbolic walk to the White House, come on." Botan caught Kagome's wrist and began to walk away.
"Wait I…" Kagome turned to see Inuyasha being pulled away by Myoga, his gaze back to her as they were pulled apart.
Kagome sighed, knowing that they would need to speak later.
Inuyasha sighed as he lay his tux out on the bed. He had hoped to speak with Kagome before the ball, but Myoga had pulled him to join the Presidential Escort for the walk to the White House. Inuyasha had tried to get Kagome to come with them, but when he had turned she was being pulled away by Botan, their eyes meeting briefly before being separated by the crowd. When they reached the White House, Myoga had drawn him into a meeting with the other special assistants that did not end until four.
He quickly shot a message to Kagome, knowing that she was already with Sango at the salon to get ready for the gala, but wanting to let her know he was finally out and would be waiting for her back at the hotel. She had responded with a sad face, letting him know she would be dressing with Sango when they got back at another hotel.
He regretted not telling her immediately that morning... had it only been a few hours ago? … and discussing it then, but it had seemed like a good idea at the time. He picked up the box on the nightstand, opening it to reveal the key that was in there. When he had left Brooklyn, it had seemed like such a cute idea, surprising her with a key to the townhome to ask her to move in with him but now… now it seemed empty, hollow. He knew Kagome would be excited for him and would insist that he take the position, and honestly Myoga hadn't given much room for him to say no, but now… now he was hesitant to ask her. Why would she want to move in if he would never be there?
He stripped off his suit, dropping it onto a chair as he crossed the room to jump into the shower. The warm water cascaded over him as his thoughts turned to Kagome and how complete he felt the moment she was by his side again. It wasn't just how beautiful she was, or how good she smelled to him: it was her, Kagome. Everything just felt… richer somehow with her there, as cheesy as it sounded. Whenever something funny had happened, or he saw a gorgeous sunset, he wanted to share it with her. He had never felt that way with anyone in his 97 years. He knew that in demon terms he was still relatively young, but he knew, just knew.
She was it for him.
He quickly turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, dashing into the other room to check the time. He swore when he saw how late it had gotten; it was already 6 and he was meeting Kagome at the ball at 7. He would not have time to run out for a last minute purchase, not with how big a purchase it would be. He needed to take his time, make sure it was right, make sure it was…
He shook his head to get his mind focused again; he needed to talk to her before he could ask.
He needed to tell her that he loved her.
He pulled the towel from his waist, using it to draw as much moisture from his hair as he could. He briefly considered leaving it down, but decided against it; he didn't have the time to sit with a hair dryer to get it all dry. Instead, he ran a brush through it quickly before drawing his hair back into a low ponytail, deftly plaiting it into a long braid that fell down his back. He threw on a pair of boxers and grabbed his shirt to begin the process of getting dressed.
A few minutes later he stood before the mirror, a simple pair of pale pink pearl cufflinks set in silver lay on the dresser before him, a present from President Totosai for his help with the election. He carefully threaded the link through each sleeve cuff, taking care to avoid nicking the shirt. He grumbled as he grabbed the bowtie off the dresser; he hated tying the damn things. His claws always got in the way, and he had to tie it four times before he got it reasonably straight. A quick glance at the clock told him he needed to leave, and he quickly shrugged into his tux jacket and slid his shoes on. The chime of his phone told him his ride was approaching; Myoga had told him earlier it would be taken care of so he didn't have to drive.
As he slid into the car he heard another chime from his phone, and he had to smile as he drew it out.
We are on our way, I will see you soon Handsome. -K.
I've been looking forward to holding you in my arms all day. -I
Patience puppy ;) -K
What, you don't want to dance with me? I'm hurt. -I
Lol, we both know you didn't mean dancing. -K
Inuyasha laughed… but she wasn't wrong.
Can't I mean both? -I
... -K
Want me to wait for you out front? -I
It's cold out, I don't want you to wait in the cold. - K
Like the cold would bother me. - I
Says the man who was trying to hide his shivers during the ceremony because he wasn't wearing a coat. - K
That's just because I finally had you next to me and your scent was intoxicating. -I
… ok that was pretty good, but seriously, wait inside. Besides you won't get the full effect of the dress if my coat is over it. - K
Send me a picture now and I will appreciate the effect even sooner. - I
His ears flicked nervously as he hoped she would agree.
Nice try but no, lol. We will be there soon enough. -K
Inuyasha growled softly; she had been keeping the damn dress a secret from him and he just wanted to know what she was wearing… A smirk split his face as he quickly dashed another message.
Be a pal and tell me what she's wearing. - I
It took less than a minute for Miroku to respond.
Sorry buddy, she and Sango threatened me if I spilled the beans. - M
Ten seconds later he received another text from Kagome.
Again, nice try, but no. You need to wait, it will be worth it, trust me. - K.
Inuyasha leaned back against the seat of the car, sliding his phone into his pocket as his car pulled up to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
"Please text me when you are ready to leave, Mr. Takahashi, and I will be here within ten minutes," the driver told Inuyasha as he slid out of the car.
"I… ah… Thank you," Inuyasha responded, clearly stunned.
"Mr. Takahashi!" the ball's organizer called out, rushing down the steps to meet him. "We are honored to have you here with us. Please, allow me to introduce you to some of the other guests."
Inuyasha lost track of time as he was pulled around the room, shaking hands with nearly everyone in the process. A slight shiver went down his spine as he caught the scent of vanilla and cherries and he knew…
She was there.
He turned and strode quickly towards the entrance and his friends. Miroku and Sango stood at the entryway; Miroku had cleaned himself up nicely into a tux and Sango was resplendent in a floor-length navy blue gown secured by a jeweled choker, leaving her toned arms bare.
"Inuyasha," Sango said with a smile, walking towards him to give him a hug. "Brace yourself," she whispered, pulling back with a twinkle in her eye.
"For wha…" His voice trailed off as Kagome appeared and the world around them faded.
The lights framed Kagome perfectly, creating a halo effect around her as her eyes lifted to meet his. Her emerald green dress draped across one shoulder, the material hugging her torso before flaring around her, a thigh high slit revealing and concealing her legs and silver heels as she moved. Beading flared under her arm on a sheer panel, accenting her figure as it tapered against her narrow waist. Her hair glistened, cascading down her back like a raven waterfall, drawn back from her face with rhinestone clips, showcasing emerald green chandelier earrings.
"Wow…" Inuyasha whispered, his golden eyes wide as Kagome glided towards him, her cheeks tinged pink at his words. "You were right; it was worth the wait."
"Wow, right back at you." Kagome's voice was breathy as her eyes took him in.
She smiled softly, drawing close to straighten his tie before trailing her hand down his jacket to rest on his lapel. His hand captured her other by her hip, his thumb brushing against her palm as he smiled at her, his eyes heavy and dazed, a single fang peaking over his lips as he breathed her scent in.
"Kagome…" Inuyasha's voice dropped as he drew her close, his hand wrapping around her waist as she slid hers to his shoulder. Her eyes seemed bigger, more mysterious, her lashes darker, and he found her lips irresistible. His head dipped for a chaste kiss, pouring everything he felt into the soft pressure of her lips against his.
A loud cough broke Inuyasha out of his daze as he suddenly became aware of their surroundings, of the crush of people around them. His eyes drifted to Sango, her hand discreetly covering her mouth from her cough, her husband standing beside her with a big grin as he winked at Inuyasha. He felt his face warm as he stepped back from Kagome, keeping his arm wrapped around her, his fingers trailing against her waist.
"Have we missed anything fun?" Kagome asked as she tilted her head back to look at him, the movement causing rainbows to dance off the stones at her ears, and Inuyasha's gaze followed the play of light against her skin.
"I… what?" Inuyasha asked as he pulled his focus back to her amused brown eyes.
"I asked if we missed anything fun," she teased, pushing gently against his side.
"Nah, nothing fun." His eyes softened. "How could there be, you weren't here."
"Inuyasha…" Kagome blushed as she hid her face against his shoulder.
Neither noticed when Miroku offered his hand to Sango to lead her to the dance floor, chuckling as he passed the oblivious pair.
"Kagome… I wanted…" Inuyasha started to talk, then stopped as Kagome's eyes met his.
"You ok?"
"Yeah, yeah I am." He slid his arm from her waist to take her hand, bringing it to his lips. "I was just hoping the most beautiful woman at the ball would do me the honor of dancing with me."
"Once you find her you will need to let me know," Kagome grinned as she felt herself relax.
"Oh, ha ha." Inuyasha gave a mock growl, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand where his lips had been. "Dance with me?"
"I would love to."
A soft slow song was beginning to play as they crossed to the dance floor. Kagome stepped forward to wrap her hands around his neck, only to feel him take one of her hands and hold it out, his other hand on her waist. Inuyasha's eyes sparkled as he smiled with a hint of mischief.
"Just follow my lead," he said quietly, drawing her into a waltz. Her free hand slid to his shoulder as he spun her around the room, dancers clearing their path to watch the elegant couple, her green dress spinning around them.
"I didn't know you could waltz." Her voice was full of amazement as the song drew to a close.
"Keh, I've picked up a bit in my lifetime," he winked at her as he pulled her close, his hands coming to rest around her back. Kagome happily settled against his chest, her arms around his neck, as they swayed to the music.
His arms held her close as they spun around the dance floor, and she knew he would never let her stumble or fall. His eyes glowed as they moved, captivating her. She knew that she could happily look into those eyes for the rest of her life, learning every nuance of their expressions, and still want more.
As the song ended, his arms tightened around her, drawing her closer to his chest with a laugh. Her thoughts immediately turned to the day they had become a couple, dancing in the streets together, surrounded by cheering crowds all celebrating. His face held the same happiness and excitement as it had that day, and she knew instinctively that a large part of that was due to her.
"I love you."
The words slipped out without her realizing it until she felt his body still. When his arms loosened, she began to panic: it was too soon… fuck, too soon.
"I… I mean…" she stammered, only to have her words cut off by the sudden crush of his lips against hers, his hand moving to cradle her head as his tongue swept into her mouth.
"Kagome… Kagome…" he breathed against her lips between kisses. "I love you too, so much."
With a whimper she pressed herself closer, losing herself in the feeling of the man she loved against her.
"Inuyasha, you may want to let the girl breathe."
The pair broke apart, dazed from the interruption, and it took a moment for them to recognize who it was that was speaking with them. Kagome's cheeks flooded with color as she saw the President and First Lady dancing next to them, a broad grin on their faces.
"Yes sir, but only for a moment." Inuyasha said, recovering first. "Then I intend to continue where I left off."
President Totosai let out a sharp bark of laughter and winked at them before spinning his wife away.
"I can't believe you said that to the President," Kagome groaned, her head dropping to his chest.
"I can't believe you love me." Inuyasha's voice was heavy with emotion as he lowered his nose to her hair. "I love you, god I love you so much, and I was worried you didn't feel the same, that it was too soon."
"No, not too soon," Kagome whispered before lifting her head to claim his lips again.
It was an entirely different experience kissing the one you loved, knowing they loved you back. It was just… more.
The rest of the evening flew by in a blur. Kagome knew at one point President Totosai and Vice President Shiori had taken the stage, thanking everyone for their support and rousing the crowd to raucous applause as they promised to bring fairness and responsibility back to the White House. She remembered eating at one point when Inuyasha had brought her a plate, insisting she needed the food, but she couldn't tell you what it had been other than delicious. She had never been to an event like that before, but she knew she wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much if she hadn't been there with Inuyasha.
She felt him move up behind her, moving her hair off her shoulder to place a kiss against her neck as he drew her back against his chest.
"Are you ready to head out?"
She turned, tapping her nose against his with a smile.
"Yeah."
His golden eyes deepened with desire as he captured her mouth in a torrid kiss.
"I can't wait to show you just how much I've missed you," he purred against her lips.
"I don't know; yesterday will be a tough act to follow." Her smile held a heated promise as she nipped his bottom lip, relishing the sharp inhale that followed.
"You're a minx."
"Mmmm, but you love me anyway."
He lifted her chin, his eyes suddenly serious.
"I do. Never, ever doubt that."
The smile she gave him was blinding.
"You stay here, gorgeous; I'm going to get our coats and tell the car to meet us."
She watched him walk away, pulling his phone out to send a quick message. As he stood in the line for the coats his eyes sought her out, smiling when they met hers and he winked.
She was definitely crazy about that man.
