A Difficult Task
Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha, never did, never will
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. A big thank you to those who remained interested in my story even after so long. I hope you will like this chapter.
Shippou nervously drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove towards Kilala's clinic. It is not a difficult task. After all, Kilala had been his friend and, sometimes, his babysitter for centuries. They had spent much of their adult years helping each other out when they were not busy with their guardianship duties. They had also spent time alone just enjoying each other's company. So what is so difficult about asking Kilala to be his partner at the annual charity gala that Ayame's and Kouga's companies is again hosting this year? Shippou pursed his lips in annoyance remembering what Sesshoumaru had said to him after attending a meeting with Ayame and Kouga.
"You will represent the company at this gathering of theirs." said the owner of the pair of bored golden eyes looked atthe kitsune standing in front of him. "As you well know, I refrain from attending any public occasions to prevent excitement and Jaken is not a suitable candidate to attend on my behalf. This is an opportunity for you to make other valuable contacts, size up the competition, and reintroduce you to society. Finally, I will expect you to find a suitable partner to attend the function with." With that said, Sesshoumaru nodded his head in dismissal.
So now Shippou was saddled with the problem of how to persuade Kilala to attend this gala with him. He knew Kilala did not like to draw too much attention to herself. But to be honest, there was no one else that he would actually feel comfortable about bringing to a formal event like that. Of course, he could use his magic to create an illusion of a female partner, but in essence, that would be the same as attending the event by himself. Although Shippou doubted that Sesshoumaru would care about him taking the easy way out, but he would certainly disappoint his friends and if not disrespecting them outright, Kagome had taught him better than that, so asking Kilala it is.
Meanwhile, Kilala and Kagome have finished up with the last patient and were almost done cleaning up when they heard the familiar tap on the door and Shippou's smiling face was pressed against the glass. Kilala just shook her head in dismay while Kagome went to open the door for him. "Hello, do you guys need any help in cleaning up today?" asked Shippou taking off his sunglasses as he stepped into the clinic.
"No, but it would have been nice if you had brought something for us to eat." replied Kilala laughingly as she walked to greet her friend, waggling a finger at the kitsune. "I don't think you realize how demanding this practice can be." Shippou grinned and mock saluted Kilala. "Alright Aki, you're the boss here, what should I bring the next time I come?"
Kagome listened to the playful banter between her employer and her friend as she finished cleaning up the surgery. 'They make such a cute couple together' she thought as she gathered up her stuff and prepared to head back to the waiting room. "Dr. Aki? Kito? I'm leaving now, so I'll see you both later. By the way, Kito, thanks again for driving me home yesterday" Kagome said pausing by the waiting area before heading towards the door.
Upon seeing that Kagome was ready to go, Shippou immediately offered to drive Kagome home insisting that it was no trouble and that it was getting late. Kilala had to stifle her laughter at Shippou's less than subtle attempts to take care of Kagome. But knowing Kagome's independence, Kilala knew Shippou was fighting a losing battle as she headed into her office to finish tidying up only looking up when she heard Shippou's footsteps entering her office. "I had forgotten how stubborn she was." Shippou said ruefully as he flopped himself into a chair. Kilala only smiled as she replied, "Well, she's your mother and I dare say that you're pretty stubborn as well." Shippou groaned and rubbed his face with his hands. "How am I going to help her remember us if I don't get to spend any time with her, Kilala?" he complained. Kilala shook her head as she reached to grab her purse from her desk drawer. "Come on, Shippou" said Kilala as she stood up from her desk, "since I didn't get a break this afternoon, I'm starving and you are taking me to dinner."
All through dinner, Kilala noticed that Shippou was very nervous but was trying his best to hide it. Kilala had taken Shippou to a noodle house in her neighborhood to enjoy some traditional noodles. The two friends talked about their work day and joked about the disappearance of Jaken. After dinner, Kilala invited Shippou to have some tea at her apartment and hoped that in a more private and familiar setting, Shippou would talk to her about what was bothering him. She was a little annoyed with her friend for forgetting the fact that she had very powerful empathic abilities and frankly, Shippou's nervousness was really getting to her.
The two friends settled down in Kilala's living room with cups of steaming green tea and Kilala decided that her long time friendship with the kitsune had earned her the right to question Shippou directly. "Shippou, in case you have forgotten, I am empathic and you are very agitated tonight and it's driving me crazy. Is there anything I can do to help you?" Shippou looked up and grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry Kilala, I just got a lot on my mind today." said Shippou.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Kilala.
Seeing that this was probably the best opening that he could get, Shippou decided to come straight out and ask her.
"Well, you know Ayame's and Kouga's companies host a charity gala each year and as it turns out, Sesshoumaru's company have always been one of the biggest sponsors. Anyways, Sesshoumaru thought that this gala would be a good opportunity for me to be introduced, meet people and set up contacts." said Shippou looking up at Kilala.
Kilala nodded in understanding, it was a good way to introduce Shippou to a large number of people at the same time and also spreading the message that Shippou is Sesshoumaru's representative in the business world. "You are a natural at that this type of situations, Shippou, I can't see why you are so nervous about it." remarked Kilala, raising an elegant eyebrow.
"I know, but you see Sesshoumaru had specifically ordered that I bring a partner to attend this function with and since you're my best friend I thought I'll ask you." Shippou mumbled the last few words and not looking at Kilala.
Kilala thanked Kami for her youkai hearing or else she would have had to ask Shippou to repeat the question. Her heart leapt with happiness at the fact that Shippou had asked her to attend the gala with him. She knew Shippou asked her to attend it with him out of friendship and not as a last resort. But she couldn't help thinking that after knowing him for over five hundred years, the kitsune would still be shy at asking a girl to attend a ball with him.
Unaware of the thoughts that was going through his friend's head, he had no doubts that Kilala had heard the question, but now he was berating himself for phrasing the question the way he did. 'I really blew it this time, now she's going to think that I asked her because there was no one else. Oh man, how can I explain to her that I asked her to come because I enjoy her company and there was no one else I want to attend the thing with. I guess I'm going to end up conjuring an illusion for my date, and I have probably insulted Kilala.' Shippou was so lost in his own thoughts that he did not hear Kilala calling his name, until he felt something flying towards the top of his head. Automatically, he reached up and caught it, sensing that the unidentified flying object was not going to cause him any bodily harm. He looked up and saw that Kilala had thrown a cushion at him.
"Now that I have your attention once again, Shippou," Kilala began.
"No, no, I didn't mean for it to come out the way it did, Kilala, I swear. It's just that I.." Shippou started babbling when another cushion came flying towards him again. He deftly caught it and tried to continue.
"As I was saying, Shippou," interrupted Kilala, raising her voice above Shippou's rambling, "I would love to go the gala with you."
Shippou stared blankly at her while the meaning of her words sink into his racing brain and he managed to squeak out one word "Really?"
Kilala held in a sigh that was about to escape her lips and replied, "Yes, Shippou. I would love to go to the gala with you. But…" Kilala looked up at the ceiling of her living room with a finger tapping her chin.
Shippou was so relieved and happy that Kilala had said yes that he was willing to grant any request. "But what Kilala? I promise that I will do anything within my power." said Shippou eagerly.
Kilala giggled at the part desperate, part relieved, and part apprehensive expression on Shippou's face. She had no idea that so many expressions can be convey at once on a face. "Well, you know my living is simple and so is my wardrobe. So I would need to go dress shopping if I am to be presentable at the gala."
"Then we will go shopping for it together. And don't worry about the cost, I will make Sesshoumaru pay for it. After all, he's the one who told me bring a partner." Shippou said mischievously. Then Shippou's eyes lit up "While we are at it, why don't we ask Kagome to come along with us? You know she always had good taste and it's a good way to spend time together." Remarked Shippou wistfully.
At this, Kilala burst out laughing. "Oh Shippou, you are shameless when it comes to Kagome aren't you?"
Shippou had the grace to blush and smoothed his hair while looking sheepish. "Well, I just thought that maybe if she gets more chances to see us, she will remember us faster. Besides, It's been five hundred years since I last spend time with her."
Kilala shook her head. "Alright, I'll ask her tomorrow if she is free this weekend. But I cannot promise that she will come." warned Kilala.
"As long as you ask her, old friend. I'm sure she will." Shippou said happily with a dreamy look in his eyes. Kilala just groaned and threw another cushion at Shippou.
Sesshoumaru listened to Jaken's report with his eyes closed. He had yet to discover the kitsune's intentions regarding the miko. It was apparent that the kitsune still had a strong attachment to the human whom he called mother five hundred years ago, but he still could not fathom what had made the kit inform the lord of the western lands about her existence. Even though she caused the downfall of the hanyou and the keeper of the shikon no tama, she was only a human, therefore below his notice. But somehow, the young human's face seemed to have etched itself into his memory whenever his thoughts turned to his past that included Inuyasha. He shook his head fiercely, getting the image of the miko and the memory of his brother out of his head.
He growled at the thought that the kitsune had stir up the memories that irate him for five hundred years. At least he had been able to irate the kitsune by making him bring a partner to the ball. Sesshoumaru caught his train of thought and mentally grimaced. After five hundred years, the most powerful taiyoukai had reduced to taking petty revenge on his underlings because they managed to evoke unwanted memories to surface.
"My lord?" a voice ventured timidly.
Sesshoumaru turned his attention to his retainer who was bowing his head to the floor and snapped, "What is it?"
"About the wolves' ball…" Jaken's voice trailed off.
"Shippou will be taking care of it and other matters dealing with the public from now on." Came the reply.
"Yes my lord, I will go now." mumbled Jaken backing out of Sesshoumaru's study.
Sesshoumaru watched the retreat of his retainer. Five hundred years of interaction with humans, his retainer still could not deal with either human or youkai. Now with Shippou back, Sesshoumaru hoped that his days of finding people to fix Jaken's mistakes are over.
Kilala had to admit that having Kagome along on the shopping trip was an excellent idea. Not only did Kagome had good taste, she was very knowledgeable about the latest fashions and bargains. Not that money was going to be a problem, since Sesshoumaru was paying, Shippou insisted that Kilala and Kagome shop to their hearts' content.
Going from store to store and trying on dress after dress, Kilala wondered how does human women spend hours at the mall without killing themselves. She was youkai and after several hours of trying on dress after dress, she was beginning to get tired. Kagome was still handing her dresses to try on and Shippou seemed to get his energy from Kagome's enthusiasm.
"Come on out Aki, and let us see how you look." Shippou called from the outside.
Kilala sighed and stepped out of the dressing room. "So what do you guys think?"
"We're getting it." Kagome and Shippou said unanimously.
"Now we have to get some jewelry to match." Shippou declared when they stepped out of the store.
Looking at her watch, Kagome suggested that they stop for lunch first before shopping for shoes and jewelry.
"Kito, you will have to get a suit and tie to match Aki's dress." Kagome reminded Shippou.
"Yes ma'am." Shippou mock saluted Kagome while Kilala whacked him on the back of his head.
By the end of the day, Kilala and Shippou purchased everything they needed to make an lasting impression at the ball. They celebrated the success of their day with a dinner at Kagome's favorite restaurant. Kagome blushed when Shippou insisted that she join Kilala and him for dinner. But he persuaded her by insisting that the trip would not have been a success without her contribution.
Kagome was yawning as she ascended the stairs to the shrine. It had been fun shopping with Aki and Kito. The easy comradeship that sprung up between Kito and her reminded Kagome of her time with Shippou during the Sengoku Jedai. Kagome took a deep breath to stop herself from succumbing to her guilty feelings. Firmly Kagome turn her thoughts to the day's events instead. 'Aki and Kito would make such a dashing couple' Kagome thought as she drifted off to sleep happily.
Shippou helped Kilala carry her bags up to her apartment. Upon entering the apartment, Shippou made a beeline for the couch and flopped himself on it.
"I am so tired. I never knew shopping can be so tiring." Shippou groaned.
"You are a fine one to talk." scolded Kilala going to the couch with two cups in her hands, "I had to get dress and redress so many times that I lost count. Not to mention the number of shoes I had to try on and I can barely walk in them." She grimaced handing him one of the cups and settling in an armchair.
Shippou laughed and said, "According to Kagome, you're only half done. On the day of ball, you'll have to get your hair styled, your make up applied and then into the whole regalia. Oh, and here's the rub, after all that, there's still the ball to attend."
Kilala picked up a cushion and threw it at her friend. "Crack anymore jokes Shippou. I will leave you to go to the ball yourself." She threatened.
Deftly catching the cushion, Shippou raised his hands in surrender still smiling.
"That reminds me, Shippou. When is the ball going to be held?" Kilala asked.
Hearing the question, Shippou sat up, looked at Kilala and blinked. "I didn't tell you?"
Kilala shook her head. "I believe in the excitement of inviting Kagome to go shopping with me, the date of the event slipped your mind."
Shippou gave Kilala a sheepish look and apologized, "I'm sorry, Kilala. It's just that I thought everyone knows about it considering Kouga's and Ayame's companies are well known and it's an annual event. It's Saturday of next week and it starts at 7 p.m. So I will pick you up around 6."
Glancing at his watch, Shippou swore and sprang off the couch. "I can't believe it's so late already. I'm hanging out with Kouga them at his house tomorrow and Ayame asked me to ask you to come. So I'll pick you up around 8 tomorrow and we'll have breakfast then head to their house?" Shippou asked raising an eyebrow in enquiry.
"If that is the case then I suggest you head home and get some sleep." Kilala said giving Shippou a push towards the door. Shippou gave Kilala a wave as he stepped into the elevator. Seeing that Shippou had left, Kilala closed her front door and leaned against it sighing. Spending the day with Kagome and Shippou reminded Kilala of the days when Sango was her constant companion. Although back then every day was filled with dangers, she was with people whom she loved and who loved her.
Kilala went into the living room to pick up the cups and took them to the kitchen to be washed. How things have changed over the years, back then she could have never imagined Kagome came from a world like this one, where demons lived in fear of humans. Well, at least some of them do. Kilala went to her dresser where the day's purchases sat and put them neatly away. As she got ready to sleep, Kilala made a mental note to ask Kagome to come by next Saturday and help her get ready for the ball. Kilala was not going to admit to anyone that she had absolutely no idea how to put on make up.
Kilala was up and waiting for Shippou in lobby when he came to pick her up the next morning. Jumping out of the car, the kitsune greeted his friend and dragged her to the car. They stopped by a fast food restaurant on the way to Kouga's house.
"Have you ever been to Kouga's house Kilala?" asked Shippou with his mouth full of chocolate.
"No, and didn't you just eat breakfast?" Kilala asked.
Shippou swallowed the chocolate and replied, "If I know Kouga, and I probably do. He will say how boring it was to spar with the same partners for the past fifty years and drag me off to fight with him. Ginta will probably promptly challenge me as well. So I will need the extra energy." Kilala could only shake her head and groan.
In no time at all, they reached Kouga's house and saw that they were not the first ones there. Just as Shippou had predicted, Kouga and Ginta promptly dragged Shippou off to the dojo, leaving Ayame and Kilala at the door.
"Those two," Ayame sighed, "you think they would have grown up after all these years. Come on in Kilala, I'll show you around while they beat each other up."
Kilala took in the beautiful surroundings of Ayame's house and grounds. The wolves have done their best to preserve a little bit of wilderness in the modern world. The two women were talking about the upcoming ball when they heard a resounding crash coming from the house.
"KOUGA, I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!" Ayame screamed as she and Kilala raced into the house.