Disclaimer: I do not own Devil Does Exist or Devil Beside You - the manga and drama that this story is based on.
The Joke's On You
Chapter Five: Love's Colour
Sw33t-Sorrows
Monday morning.
Kagome couldn't even walk straight. She decided she didn't like the mornings. "How am I going to tell Kouji?" She mumbled to herself as she walked to the school. "Will he be angry with me? Will he hate me? Will he-"
"Kagome!" Oh my God there he is. "I saw you walking down the street, and I decided to walk with you. How's it going?" He flashed her his charming smile, but this time, she didn't go all loopy inside. She didn't feel her heartbeat increasing, she didn't feel the blush rising to her cheeks, and she didn't start smiling like an idiot. All because I heard Inuyasha say he liked me? Jeez, I have to get a hold of myself. "Kagome?" Kouji's voice was laced with concern, and she almost felt like crying. She didn't deserve such a caring person like Kouji. She was inconsiderate and a bitch. At least, she wanted to be, it would have been easier to just break his heart in a split second. But no, Kagome happened to be a nice person.
"Listen, Kouji. I-" She didn't know how to finish her sentence, and looked down at her feet. Kouga and Ayame walked by and stopped immediately.
"What do you think she's doing, Kouga?" Kouga shrugged, not wanting to make too much noise. He eyed them carefully and listened closely to the conversation. "I know! She's going to break up with him!" Kouga shushed Ayame before she could blow their cover.
"How would you know?"
"Hey, I'm a girl too, you know."
"What do you mean?"
"She's breaking up with Kouji because she's having second thoughts."
"About what?"
"Inuyasha!"
"What about Inuyasha?"
"Ugh, just shut up and listen."
"Kouji, I don't know how to say this..." Kagome sighed as she dropped her arms to her sides, defeated. "At the beginning of college, I knew I liked you. I liked you a lot actually." At this, Kouji smiled. "But," The smile faded. "But I just can't do this to you. I don't think it would be fair. I can't be with you anymore."
"Kagome, what happened?"
"I like someone else." Silence fell upon them. "Kouji, I wasn't even aware of this at first! When I went out with you on that date, I still got that feeling. But, I don't know what happened. My head's telling me that I should stay with you, but my heart's telling me to end this. I don't want to lie to you." This time, it was Kouji that looked defeated. Kagome looked up at him with sad eyes as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You're very brave, you know Kagome? I guess that's what I like about you." Kouji's expressionless face soon lit up with a smile. "Since I like you, I don't want to hurt you either. Although I don't want to, I think the right thing to do would be to let go, right?" He smiled sheepishly. "I know this sounds corny, but I want you to be happy. Whether it's because of me or not." It was Kagome's turn to smile. She thanked him quietly as they continued their walk to school. "It's him, isn't it?"
"Huh?"
"Inuyasha. The guy you like." He caught a glimpse of Kagome's blush, for a second, he was jealous. But he wasn't about to mess this up. "I think, he'd be good for you." Kagome was confused, Kouji knew that Inuyasha was about to become her brother, why was he so calm about this? "Love is a personal choice, you shouldn't be ashamed of it." Love? I may have feelings for Inuyasha, but do they get as strong as love?
Meanwhile, in the classroom, Kouga and Ayame rushed in. Stopping briefly to catch their breath, they failed to notice the confused looks casted upon them. "Well, hi to you guys too!" Bankotsu said. "What are you guys in such a rush for? Class doesn't start for another hour."
"You...wouldn't believe...what we just...saw." Ayame said between pants as she leaned against a desk.
"Well, what did you see?"
"Kagome..." Inuyasha's ears perked up at this. "...just...broke up...with Kouji." As Ayame said these words, Inuyasha on the outside appeared stoic, but on the inside... YEEESSSSSS! He was going crazy.
"I...don't understand why though..." Kouga said. "She used to be crazy about him."
"Ugh, Kouga! I already told you. She's having second thoughts!"
"About what?!"
"INUYASHA!"
"WHAT ABOUT INUYASHA?!" Bankotsu slapped his forehead as a heated argument broke out between Kouga and Ayame.
Everyone was too distracted to notice the huge grin on Inuyasha's face. We're going out for dinner tonight, so it's like a date, just add the part where our parents practically drool over each other all night. Ick. "I have something to take care of, I'll be back before class starts." The fighting stopped, Bankotsu stopped laughing, and all three of them stared after the silver-haired boy as he slipped out of the classroom. Inuyasha was practically flying down the hallway, and he slowed when he approached who he was looking for.
"Inuyasha?" He didn't know why, but her voice made him go nuts. "W-what are you doing here?" However, she could see a little bit of fear in her eyes. She was hiding behind her locker door, and pretended to busy herself with gathering her books and smoothing out her uniform.
"Um," This is weird, Kagome thought. He's usually so calm, why is he so different? I think I prefer the old Inuyasha. "Sorry." Yes, I definitely prefer the old Inuyasha. "For making things...weird...for you." Kagome found her lips were curving up into a smile. His apology was touching her. For some reason, she felt like they were a couple, and he was apologizing for making her angry. Then she shook the thoughts out of her head and turned to face him. "You're still, going to that dinner tonight, right?"
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"Kagome, Taisho invited us to dinner tomorrow night. I want you on your best behaviour and you should wear that pretty little dress Auntie Mei got for you on your birthday last year." Kagome rolled her eyes at how excited her mother was. "I don't want any of that. You hear me?" Kagome smiled sweetly and nodded. "Good. Now, eat your breakfast, you'll be late for school."
"Alright, Mom."
"Oh yes, Inuyasha's going too, of course. I suggest you two get to know each other." At the mentioning of Inuyasha's name, Kagome froze stiff. Could she really face him after what happened the other day? "Kagome? Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I guess I'm just a little tired."
"Don't overdo it, honey."
"Okay, thanks Mom. I'm going now."
"Alright, call me if you need anything!" Kagome nodded and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek before leaving the house.
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"Yeah." Kagome said quietly. Why am I being so afraid? I used to be able to stand up to him, without a problem. "Mom says she wants us to get to know each other." Inuyasha nodded, and began to walk away. "Wait!" He stopped dead in his tracks, was she going to change her mind? "It's okay." He turned towards her, "I forgive you, I mean." Inuyasha suddenly remembered the apology he gave her. Suddenly, he smirked at her.
"See you later, little sister." And as he walked away, Kagome couldn't help but smile.
That night, Kagome went to her room and fell onto her bed, "Oomph!"
"Kagome, what did I say? Hurry up and shower, we only have an hour and a half to get ready!" With a groan, Kagome got up and hopped into the shower. What if I make a fool out of myself? Wait, why am I even thinking about this? Ugh. Get a hold of yourself, Kagome! After her shower, Kagome went to her room to get dressed.
"Mom! Do I have to wear the dress?"
"Yes!"
"Great." She mumbled. She placed the dress carefully onto her bed and examined it. It was a cream color, it seemed too fancy for the occasion, for it was decorated with shiny beads and even a little bit of sparkles. For goodness sake, it didn't even have straps! It stopped at her knees and had small slits. "Now I look like I'm the one getting married." After putting her hair up, she exited her room to find herself face to face with her mother. "Mom...?"
Hitomi was dressed up as well. Wearing a knee-length black dress that surprisingly made her look ten years younger. "Kagome, honey. You look adorable, what do you think?" Hitomi spun around in her dress, Kagome made a face. "What? Do I look bad?"
"No, you look good. A little too good." Hitomi smiled brightly.
"Do you think Taisho will like it?"
"A little too much."
"Stop joking around."
"Why are we all dressed up, anyway?"
"He's taking us to the fanciest restaurant in the city, of course we have to dress up!" Kagome's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"He's taking us to..."
"...Shikon Restaurant!" (A/N: Ew, I couldn't think of anything. LOL.) Hitomi said as she clapped her hands together. "Isn't that so exciting?" Kagome had never been so excited in her entire life. She found herself laughing harder than ever with her mother in their living room. "It's going to be so much fun," Kagome watched as her mother twirled around the room. Her laughing died down as she saw how happy her mother was. If Inuyasha and I got into a relationship, would she still be happy? She shook her head, What am I thinking? It's not like Inuyasha and I will actually have a chance anyway. "Oh my. Kagome! It's time to go." Kagome nodded as she thought about how the night would turn out.
The restaurant was absolutely beautiful.
The walls were painted a dark crimson color, yet dozens of chandeliers lit up the room. There was a stage at the back, where different musicians and bands performed. Everyone was clinking champagne glasses together, laughing, talking, and dressed up. Kagome instantly felt like she was sticking out like a sore thumb as soon as she walked in. "Why did it have to be here?" Kagome sighed, she would have settled for going to WacDonald's in a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. But no, the Takahashi's just felt like they had to make a good impression. However, even though she knew she didn't fit in in a place like this, it felt nice to change her surroundings.
"Hitomi! Kagome! Over here!" Kagome was surprised when InuTaisho stood up in the middle of the restaurant and started waving frantically at them. She was even more surprised when the people around them didn't stare. Maybe I'm being too cliché. Kagome and her mother made their way towards the table, and noticed that they had already ordered the food. "It just arrived, great timing, huh? Doesn't it look scrumptious?!" InuTaisho said excitedly. "Inuyasha, move over and let Kagome sit down." Kagome glanced to her left, seeing Inuyasha in anything other than torn up jeans was weird for her. He was wearing a dress shirt and a blazer, shocking her to no end. Although he does look really good...No, not now. Kagome took a seat next to him, and placed the napkin on her lap. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's eat!"
They all picked up their cutlery, the night had started off great so far. Except for the fact that Kagome was stuck sitting next to Inuyasha. Oh, and the fact that Kagome couldn't reach the Tempura from where she was sitting. Oh, and one more: Inuyasha noticed the pout on her face and used his chopsticks to get her some. Don't blush, Kagome. Don't. Blush. She blushed. Damn it! "I think tonight would be a great opportunity to discuss the wedding plans, wouldn't it?" No, now wouldn't be a good time! Kagome screamed in her mind as she noticed the look on Inuyasha's face. As Hitomi and InuTaisho were discussing the wedding, Kagome couldn't stand the fact that Inuyasha looked grumpy all night.
"Smile!" She said as she flashed him her very own. When his expression didn't change, she leaned forward. Holding out both her forefingers to gently lift his lips up into a smile, she stopped suddenly. Turning, she saw that not only Inuyasha was staring at her, but so were InuTaisho and Hitomi. "Wasabi!" She said as she quickly reached for her napkin and pointed at his mouth. "You have wasabi on your lips!" She said a little too quickly. She was shocked when she saw Inuyasha smirk.
"Wipe it off for me, I can't see." Blushing furiously, Kagome turned away from him and inched her napkin closer to his face.
"Seeing you two so good with each other is so reassuring!" Hitomi suddenly said as she clapped her hands together.
"Sure is!" InuTaisho smiled at his fiancée. Inuyasha, still smirking, let out a laugh as Kagome's hand was shaking in front of him. "Oh, I've almost forgotten. We can use this opportunity to discuss the family business." Kagome furrowed her eyebrows at this, what was he talking about? Why did she get the feeling that the cheerful atmosphere was just killed by that single comment? "Now, Inuyasha, being the successor of the family, you'll have to take on the role as principal of the school." If this wasn't so intense, Kagome would have laughed. Inuyasha? Taking on the role as principal of the school?! That was a little more than weird. Inuyasha's the successor of the school? Judging by the look on Inuyasha's face, he wasn't too happy about it.
"Why doesn't Sesshomaru do it?!" Inuyasha's voice was a little too loud for comfort. Sesshomaru? Who's Sesshomaru? I'm so lost. Kagome watched as the argument continued.
"Sesshomaru's hardly ever with us. How can he take over? You're the only one left." Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"No way."
"Inuyasha..." InuTaisho said sternly. This shocked Kagome, InuTaisho was always so cheerful and giddy. Kagome decided she didn't like his serious side. "You can't avoid this, who's going to take care of the school if you don't?"
"I don't know, and you should know, that I don't care either." Hitomi and Kagome exchanged shocked looks. Without thinking, Kagome placed a hand on his arm, shaking it lightly. An uncomfortable silence fell upon them, but it was soon broken by the ringing of Inuyasha's cell phone. After sitting there for about five minutes, InuTaisho decided he couldn't take the sound of Inuyasha's ringtone anymore.
"For goodness sake! Just take it!" InuTaisho yelled.
"Take over the business? I said no!"
"You idiot, he means your phone!" Kagome accidentally blurted out. However, InuTaisho was too angry with his son to even care about what she said. Hitomi looked like she was about to faint. Okay, what do we do now? Kagome asked herself. Maybe I shouldn't have called him an idiot. She thought as he had that look on his face. He looks like he wants to kill somebody. Inuyasha got up from the table and whipped out his cell phone.
"What the hell do you want?!"
"Hey, Inuyasha, what's up? You sound...pissed." Kouga's voice at the other end said.
"How about you shut the hell up and leave me alone?! Why should I listen to you anyway?!" Inuyasha angrily hung up and smashed his phone into a million pieces against the shiny tiled floor. He may have even caused a few scratches. The people around them sent them looks of disapproval as they saw what happened. Great, now people think we're retarded. Just what we need! "Auntie," Inuyasha said as he turned around. "Sorry I ruined your dinner." Hitomi broke out of her thoughts and shook her head, smiling gently at him. "Our family's like this all the time, you'll get used to it." InuTaisho sent his son a death glare. Man, if looks could kill, I bet Inuyasha would be dead right now...he'd probably die at least five times too. "Kagome, I'm leaving." Leaving? Why is he leaving? Oh yeah, because the fact that he was embarrassed himself and the rest of us in front of hundreds of people! But maybe I should go and check up on him. Kagome looked up at her mother, who gave her an approving nod.
Meanwhile, at Kouga's house, everyone stared at him. "Geez, what dynamite did he swallow?" Kouga mumbled as he set the phone down.
Back to the fabulous dinner, "Uncle, Inuyasha's still young. Give him some time. I'm sure he didn't mean to go off like that." InuTaisho's glare softened into a look of defeat. He smiled at her, silently thanking her for the comfort. "Should I go check on him?" Both parents nodded. Kagome politely thanked InuTaisho for the 'lovely' meal and went off on her search for her future brother. He couldn't have gone far, where is he? She couldn't see him around anywhere, and for some reason, she felt disappointed. Inuyasha, what have you done to me? She turned around and decided she would head home, but she stopped.
"Kagome."
"Why didn't you tell me about this?"
"Why would I? You didn't ask."
"Families don't keep secrets." Kagome didn't even know herself if she meant that as a joke or if she was a hundred percent serious. "I'm sorry. I didn't know I was being so selfish."
"What are you talking about?"
"All night, I was worrying about how awkward this would be. I didn't know you were carrying such a heavy burden, a burden that is clearly not for your age." Kagome was surprised when tears began to seep out of the corners of her eyes and down her cheeks. But her arms wouldn't move, she found that she couldn't reach up to wipe away her tears. "And all I've been thinking about is how we wouldn't be allowed, since we're about to become a family. I've been worrying about how I would be hurt, rather than the people around us who would be hurt." Kagome sobbed a little harder as she remembered Inuyasha's and Kouga's conversation.
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"Kagome Higurashi, to Inuyasha, is different from all the other girls in this school, because she's the only girl who's managed to get him to fall in love with her. Right 'Yash?"
"Holy...shit. You're in love with Higurashi?!" Bankotsu screamed. Inuyasha didn't respond. "In LOVE! Damn 'Yash. Why didn't you say anything. Bankotsu scratched the back of his head. "Sorry for what I said earlier..."
"K-Kagome," Inuyasha stood up out of his chair, "What the hell are you-"
"Is it true? You - You have feelings...for me? That's not possible,"
"Why not?!"
"Because we hate each other! You're not supposed to like me!"
"Maybe I never hated you."
"No! Don't say that!"
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As the tears continued to roll down her face, Kagome couldn't bring herself to look up at him. "I don't deserve the feelings you have for me. I know now that I have a heart that has feelings for you, but I can't do anything for you..." Before she could even finish her heartfelt confession, she felt a pair of strong arms wrapped around her. Kagome leaned her head against his chest, Who knew being with Inuyasha could feel this way? "Inuyasha,"
"That's enough." He sounded upset.
"Inuyasha, I'm sorry I-"
"Stop apologizing for things that aren't even your fault!" He stopped her, and as a few minutes went by while he was holding her, Kagome realized just why he was so upset. He's upset because he yelled at his father like that. He feels guilty for putting Uncle through it. He may not admit it, but Inuyasha cares a lot about his dad.
"Everyone likes you, you know." Inuyasha released her from his grip.
"What?"
"Uh, nevermind." Kagome said as she began to walk away, but Inuyasha grabbed a hold of her arm before she could go any further.
"I heard what you said, so don't go changing the subject on me. You said everyone likes me, who's 'everyone'?"
"Uh, well...there's Uncle."
"That's only one person!"
"Okay fine, there's Kikyo, Kouga, Ayame and Bankotsu. My mom likes you too, believe it or not." Inuyasha smiled at her. It wasn't his usual devious smirk, it was a genuine smile.
"But I don't care about those people." He said. Liar. You do too. "There's still one name you haven't said yet." Kagome blushed a brilliant shade of pink as she stared down at her shoes. Should I? Do I dare? Yes! You gotta do it Kagome!
"Fine! I like you too!" She said as she lifted her head to look at him. She frowned when she saw that he was laughing. "Hey! What are you laughing at?!"
"Wow, that was the weirdest confession I have ever seen." Confession...
"You're mean! I didn't even want to-" Kagome soon found herself in the arms of Inuyasha once again.
"Don't get mad." He whispered into her hair. "Because even though you're a little on the weird side," Kagome's breath caught in her throat. "I think I like you too." Kagome could have screamed if he wasn't holding her so tight. Suddenly, her lips were pulled up into a brilliant smile as she returned his embrace. Maybe tonight wasn't so bad after all.
"Miroku!" Sango said happily as she ran towards the basketball team captain.
"Hey," He said as he greeted her with a smile. I know he isn't over Kagome completely yet, but maybe I could help him with that.
"Wanna go somewhere on Friday?"
"Sure, where to?" Sango almost sighed. I don't think he realizes what I'm up to.
"A movie, maybe. Just us two." The smile on his face faltered slightly.
"Look, Sango..."
"No, just listen to me first, Miroku. It wouldn't be fair to me if you didn't even give me a chance, right? So can you give me a chance?" Miroku noticed the determined look on Sango's face. One date wouldn't be so bad, would it? Sango looked around and noticed there was a subway station across the street. "If the next woman who comes out of that subway station has a green purse, you have to go on a date with me." The girl never gave him a chance to respond as they both looked at the two doors. A woman stepped out, holding a black purse. Sango's determination immediately turned into disappointment.
"So I get a chance too, right?" Miroku said as he saw the look in her eyes. Sango looked up at him. "If the next woman who comes out of that subway station has a green purse, you have to go on a date with me." They once again glanced across the street. Sango's eyes searched the next woman for any source of the colour green. She was carrying a beige bookbag, and the two exchanged nervous glances. So, this is it? Miroku and I weren't destined to be together at all? "Sango, look!" The woman carrying the beige bookbag turned, and on her other shoulder, was a green purse. Sango's face lit up with a big smile. "A date it is." Sango couldn't be any happier. However, the moment was interrupted with the ringing of a cell phone. (A/N: I like to interrupt things with cell phones, I just realized.)
"Hello?" A pause. "Kagome?" Miroku turned and looked at the girl. "Okay, I'll come over right now. Bye." Sango stared at her phone after hanging up.
"Is everything okay?" Miroku still worries about Kagome. But if he still liked her, he wouldn't agree to go out with me.
"Yeah. She says she needs to talk. So I'll see you later." Miroku nodded and waved as she ran off in the other direction. Sango was running as fast as she could. Kagome sounded really anxious on the phone, maybe it was something really important. When she reached her friend's house, she immediately rang the doorbell. The door swung open, revealing the younger girl standing there in her pyjamas. "Okay, let's get down to business. What happened?"
"Well, wanna come in first?" Kagome laughed. Sango rolled her eyes and stepped into the house.
"Stop rolling your eyes."
"You're one to talk." Sango smirked when Kagome rolled her eyes. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Don't freak out okay? I'm only telling you this now because my mom isn't home." Sango nodded. "I confessed to Inuyasha."
"Oh my God!"
"I know!"
"What did he say?!"
"He said he liked me too!"
"AHH-" Sango's shriek of excitement was cut short. "In front of your parents?"
"What? Are you an idiot? No!"
"Phew. Scared me for a second."
"But there's a little problem."
"What?"
"We're moving in together."
"What?!"
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"Taisho wants us to move in with him, Kagome." Hitomi said somewhat sadly as she looked their small home over.
"Do you want to?"
"Of course I do. It's just, I'll miss it here. I know you will too."
"Ma, Papa wants us to be happy. I'm positive he won't blame you."
"It's not that I'm worried about."
"Then what are you worried about?"
"What if this doesn't work out, Kagome? What if moving in together messes everything up?" Kagome bit her lip to stop herself from commenting on that. Moving in with InuTaisho and Inuyasha was almost a nightmare for Kagome. Now that she and Inuyasha were somewhat a couple, what would happen if they lived under the same roof? The chances of getting caught would be doubled.
"Mom, do you love Uncle?"
"Yes, very much."
"Then that's all that matters."
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(A/N: I also found out that I like flashbacks too.)
"You convinced your mom to do it?! Kagome, are you insane?"
"What was I supposed to do? Tell her no? I couldn't do that to her!" Kagome stared down at her hands, remembering the embrace Inuyasha had given her. She had felt so warm and so comfortable, like nothing else in the world existed. It felt like time had stopped just for the two of them. Now, their parents wanted to get closer to each other... "Sango, what am I going to do?"
"I don't know, Kagome. I don't know."
It wasn't long until Kagome and Hitomi found themselves standing at the front of their home, with the moving truck loaded and ready to go. Hitomi squeezed Kagome's hand slightly before turning to her and giving her a smile.
Although we're leaving our old home, we're finding a new happiness. I think Dad's going to be happy for us. I just wish he could see how good Uncle treats Mom. Then again, I think he can. It's very sunny outside today, I think Dad's looking down upon us right now with a smile, wishing us luck with our new future. Seeing Mom so happy again makes me feel so good inside. I know she will never forget Dad, ever. As the man she first loved, Dad will always have that special place in her heart, and mine too. And as one of the most precious people to us, memories of Dad and our old home will be locked away into the most treasured corners of our hearts, forever.
The Higurashi women left their small home with smiles on their faces, without looking back.
Author's Notes: Okay, so that was a pretty weird chapter. I hadn't expected it to be so heartfelt. Anyway, I'm always afraid this story might be moving a bit too fast, what do you guys think? Oh, and please read the following. A lot of people might begin to question the plot of this story. I've already received a review asking me what the big deal is. Inuyasha and Kagome won't be related by blood, so what exactly is stopping them from getting together? Not only the awkwardness of the situation, but it's a matter of family. How can two people who are about to become siblings become lovers? Some people may think of it as an act of dishonouring the family, but then again, it all depends on how you look at the situation. For those who have no problem when stepsiblings becoming lovers, then I suggest you don't read this story at all. Everyone has their own opinions. Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in your reviews or you can PM me. Thank you for taking your time to read this chapter and this little blurb of nonsense. And please, please review.
Sw33t-Sorrows.