Stay With Me Chapter 14: Masquerade, an inuyasha fanfic

Hey guys. This chapter gets crazy, so be prepared :) I couldn't wait to get it out so here it is, a little earlier than usual! Enjoy!

Chapter 14: Masquerade

Kagome grumbled to herself as she tried to wipe the punch stain out of her dress. She was standing in the girls bathroom at the dance, frustrated and annoyed that her dress was already ruined. After a few minutes she finally sighed and threw the many paper towels she had used into the trash, since the stain was obviously not going anywhere. She bit her lip and examined her reflection in the mirror. The makeup Sango had applied to her face still looked good, and she added some lip gloss before glancing helplessly at the stain one last time.

Oh well, she thought to herself as she pushed through the bathroom door. Hopefully InuYasha doesn't mind.

The music in the gym immediately pounded through her body and for a moment she had to register her surroundings. Her thoughts were still jumbled and shaken from the encounter only a few minutes before, and it didn't help that the gym was dimly lit and lights were flashing.

But that didn't stop her from the sight that was only a few feet from where she stood.

A sight that made her breath catch in her throat and her heart sink to the floor. InuYasha, standing in the middle of the gym, his arms wrapped around another girl, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

One Day Earlier

"Should I wear my hair up or down?"

"Down. I can curl it for you if you want?"

"But you're already doing my makeup. You need time to get ready too!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Nah," Sango brushed it off, smiling. "I'll just come over early and we'll have plenty of time."

"Oh," Kagome replied hesitantly, biting her thumbnail. "I thought we were meeting at your place."

"My mom is having some work party. She wants me to get ready somewhere else."

Kagome didn't reply for a moment and simply stared out the window. They were sitting in their last class of the day and had already finished all their work, so they were talking about the dance. Miroku had insisted the four of them go together, so they were all meeting up at 6 and then going to dinner before the dance. Sango had somehow convinced Kohaku to ask Rin out - she still wouldn't reveal how she had talked him into it - but the two of them were going with another couple in their class.

Sango was still unaware of Kagome's living situation, mainly because InuYasha still wanted to keep it private. Miroku was the only one who knew, and even that was a risk with his big mouth. He had somehow kept it a secret though and Kagome was grateful for that.

"I just don't think my place is the best idea," she finally replied. "Isn't there anywhere else we can go?"

"Like where?" Sango asked, crossing her arms. "Why do you never want me to come over to your house? We always hang out at mine. Is your grandpa really weird or something?"

Oh yeah. Kagome had told her she lived with her grandpa...

"No, he just doesn't like visitors very often," she lied, feeling awful but knowing she couldn't tell her friend the truth. "Maybe we could get ready at Rin's and then just go our separate ways later on? Do you think she'd let us?"

"I could ask," Sango shrugged. "But I still think you should ask your gramps if we can do it at your place."

"I'll try."

The bell rang a few minutes later and Kagome said goodbye to Sango before heading over to the gym to help with the decorations for the dance. Since the theme was masquerade ball, they were hanging dark red curtains all around the gym walls. That was going to be the hardest part.

Kagome decided to help out with hanging stars from the ceiling, and by the time they were all dangling above everyone it was past six. She grabbed her stuff and hurried home, praying that InuYasha wouldn't be upset with her for not starting dinner yet.

To her relief, he had simply ordered takeout, and when she closed the door and entered the living room he offered her some. She gratefully accepted, and they sat together on the couch watching movies for the rest of the night. When it was time for bed, Kagome dragged her feet upstairs behind InuYasha and couldn't stop yawning.

Just as they were each about to retire to their separate rooms, InuYasha paused at his door and looked at her. "Kagome...I, um, I'm..."

As if reading his thoughts, Kagome smiled kindly. "I'm excited for the dance tomorrow InuYasha."

He looked surprised and for a moment neither of them said anything; each just looked content to stare at the plush white carpet of the hallway between their two rooms.

"I'm excited too," he finally replied quietly. "And I..."

"Yes?" Kagome cocked her head to one side, waiting for him to continue.

InuYasha met her gaze for what seemed like ages before clearing his throat and mumbling, "Goodnight." He went into his room and closed the door.

Kagome leaned against her doorframe and stared at the spot where he had just stood. As she finally turned around and climbed into her warm bed, she realized something frightening was happening to her...something she didn't want to face just yet. Something she had never expected to happen upon her arrival in the Takahashi home.

She was falling for InuYasha.

xXxXx

Gazing at her appearance in the mirror, Kagome was stunned at the beautiful girl staring back at her. The raven hair that was usually wavy and unkempt was cascading down her shoulders in gorgeous curls. Her brown eyes glittered with newly applied eye shadow and mascara, while her lips had just a touch of lip gloss.

She was wearing a dress fit for Cinderella herself, and underneath were the smallest pair of white heels. Teardrop pearls hung from each ear and a matching necklace rested on her chest.

She had never looked more like a princess.

"Now just a touch of perfume and your done," Sango grinned, spritzing some vanilla scented perfume on each of Kagome's wrists and on her neck.

"You did such a great job Sango," Kagome breathed, twirling around in her dress.

Sango bowed and winked. "Thank you your majesty."

Kagome laughed and glanced at the clock on Rin's wall. "It's five til six. We should head downstairs. Where did Rin go?"

"I think she's already downstairs waiting for my brother," Sango replied, rolling her eyes. "She's lovesick."

The two girls headed downstairs and waiting for their dates with Rin and her friend. When six rolled around, Kagome started to feel nervous butterflies fluttering around in the pit of her stomach. The anticipation was killing her; she wanted to see InuYasha in his tux, and also wanted him to see her. And although she tried to stay calm, on the inside she was frantically worrying about what he would think.

Would he like her dress? Her hair? Her makeup? Or was she too dolled up? She was lost in her worries when the doorbell finally rang at 6:10. Rin's mother answered it but to Kagome's dismay it was Kohaku and his friend picking up Rin and the other girl.

They snapped a few pictures before saying their goodbyes to Rin's parents. As they were heading out, Kagome heard Kohaku say, "You look really nice Rin."

The younger girl blushed and replied, "Thank you." She and her friend giggled as they disappeared out the front door.

"Did you tell him to say that?" Kagome asked, turning to Sango and raising an eyebrow.

Sango shook her head proudly. "Nope. Thought that one up all on his own."

The doorbell didn't ring again until it was almost 6:20, and by then Kagome was anxious to get going. Rin's mother opened the door and in stepped Miroku and InuYasha, each holding a plastic container with a corsage.

InuYasha was dressed in a black tux with lavender accents to match Kagome's dress. She had only told him the color of her dress, but hadn't let him see it. His long, silvery hair had been combed and it looked as though he had plucked between his eyebrows as well. He was pulling at his tie and fidgeting with the white corsage he had bought her.

As soon as his eyes landed on her, he paused and simply stared, taking in her dress, her hair, her shy grin. Kagome wished she knew what he was thinking, and cleared her throat as she approached him.

"Hi," she said nervously, swallowing. Why did she feel like this? She saw him everyday, lived with him even, so why did she suddenly feel like a silly little school girl with a crush?

"Hey," InuYasha replied, finally tearing his eyes away from her to look at the carpet. "You look..."

"Yes?" Kagome hated the impatientness in her tone.

"You look...amazing," he finally said, meeting her eyes again. "I got you this."

He held up the corsage and she smiled as he snapped it onto her wrist. She picked up the flower she had bought for him and pinned it carefully to his jacket.

"I like you tux," she complimented.

"Thanks. It's my dad's. He let me borrow it."

"Hey love birds, hurry it up, we have to go!" Sango called from the door. "We're behind schedule because you guys were late." She shot Miroku a look.

"We got held up," he replied defensively, holding up his hands in front of him.

The four of them walked into the chilly night air, but Sango and Kagome didn't get very far before stopping in their tracks and staring in awe at what was before them. It was a white stretch limo, with a driver wearing a black cap standing at the back door waiting to let them in. Kagome had rarely ever seen a limo, much less been given the chance to ride in one.

"What is this?" Sango gasped, looking from one boy to the other.

"We thought it best to arrive in style," Miroku winked, taking her arm. "We are royalty after all."

"You don't know that yet," Kagome pointed out, assuming he was referring to all of them being nominated for court. She looked at InuYasha, who shrugged.

"My dad let me borrow that too," he told her simply.

"This is your father's limo?"

"Yeah, but he never uses it. It usually just sits in the garage on the east side of the temple."

"Of course..." Kagome knew they had money, but she had no idea they had this much money. His father owned a limo he never used! She climbed in and gazed around at the mini bar, string of lights along the windows, plasma tv near the front. It was amazing.

When the driver started the car, he opened the sunroof for them and Kagome looked up at the brilliant night sky. She smiled, already knowing she would have a great time tonight.

The boys took them to a new sushi bar that had just opened up, and they ate and laughed and talked about different things. When it was getting closer to nine, they all piled back into the limo and the driver started toward the high school.

Kagome pulled out the masks she and Sango would be wearing from her bag, and handed a pink satin one with a bow on it to her friend. She placed a lacy black one with a long feather over her own face, noticing how InuYasha glanced more frequently at her with it on.

Heads turned as they pulled up in front of the school, and couples and groups and friends all stared at the limo, wondering who was about to get out. Kagome felt like a celebrity as the driver helped her out and she straightened the dress of her skirt. A couple girls from her homeroom class hurried over to her and Sango and started chatting excitedly. After awhile, though, they excused themselves to find their dates again.

Once inside, an upbeat pop song was playing and Kagome recognized it as one of her recent favorites. She grabbed InuYasha's arm and called, "Dance with me!" over the loud tempo and he let her drag him onto the dance floor. Kagome found herself busting up with laughter at InuYasha attempting to dance, knowing he was only trying to please her. She felt the pang of emotion, of falling for him, starting inside her again and she told him he could take a break if he wanted. He agreed and sauntered off towards the refreshments table with Miroku, leaving Kagome and Sango to dance to the next few songs themselves.

They had a great time, dancing and laughing and singing along, and even Rin joined them for awhile. Eventually, though, their feet started to hurt and they had to take a break, so they wandered over the refreshments and joined their dates. Miroku handed each girl a glass of punch, which they gladly accepted. Rin ran off to find Kohaku.

Koga and Ayame were standing nearby and Koga walked over to Kagome and smiled. "You look beautiful tonight Kagome," he told her. Kagome noticed Ayame cross her arms from where she stood, looking sullen.

"Thanks Koga, but I think your date looks much prettier," Kagome smiled back, looking at Ayame. The red headed girl seemed surprised, and she shyly smiled back. And she did look really pretty, dressed in a snug fitting red gown with a slit down one leg.

Hojo and Shiori suddenly approaching, smiling and looking like they were having a good time. "Hey guys," Hojo greeted, pouring himself and Shiori some punch from the bowl. "Enjoying yourselves?"

"Definitely," Sango replied, "I didn't know you guys were coming together?"

"I asked her last week," Hojo said, blushing slightly as he handed his date her drink. Shiori giggled.

"That's great," Kagome said, meaning it. Despite their argument a couple months ago, Hojo was a good guy and Shiori was a sweet girl. They made a good couple.

They eight of them stood around talking for awhile, waiting for the more boring songs to pass. Just when Kagome was about to suggest they go dance again, she noticed someone approaching...someone that made her chest constrict and her breathing grow more rapid. She felt the gym suddenly start to spin. Koga must have noticed her expression, because he turned and suddenly shifted in front of her protectively.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded angrily, glaring at the man who was now standing before their group. InuYasha and Miroku saw him too and immediately InuYasha stood in front of Kagome as well, looking pissed.

"Just thought I would drop by," the man smirked, shrugging. "That okay?"

"No," Koga snapped. "Get out."

"You're not being very welcoming," the man pretended to pout.

"You're not allowed on school property," Hojo suddenly piped up, looking pale.

"You know him?" Kagome asked quietly, looking at the boy.

"Yes. He went to this school a couple years ago before getting expelled his junior year. He's not allowed around here."

"Oh but haven't you heard? I just love high school dances. Especially with all the girls," the man smirked again, his eyes roaming over Kagome.

InuYasha took a step towards him, his fists shaking. "Leave before I bash your face in," he growled, his expression darkening.

"You better just leave, Naraku," Hojo said, clearing his throat nervously.

"Naraku? So that's your name huh?" InuYasha practically spat.

No one said anything for several moments; it was just Naraku facing off between InuYasha and Koga. Everyone else kept their distance, simply observing and not wanting to get involved. Kagome knew she looked frightened but didn't care. She clutched her glass of punch more tightly.

"Well, I can see when I'm not wanted then," Naraku finally said dismissively. But before anyone could react, he shoved his way through both Koga and InuYasha and his lips were next to Kagome's ear, so fast it was like lightening. She didn't even have time to yelp before he was whispering, "And by the way. I came with a date."

He pulled away as InYasha's fist went flying past his head, and took several steps back. "Until next time Kagome," he winked, and disappeared through the crowd of people.

InuYasha yelled, "Stay away from her!" but didn't know if Naraku actually heard. He let out a frustrated breath and turned to look at her. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Kagome was staring down at her dress in shock, her eyes wide with terror. InuYasha looked down as well to see a red stain running the length of her dress. To his dismay he realized his fist had connected with her glass of punch and sent it spilling down her dress.

"My dress..." was all she managed to say, lifting the sides gently with her fingers. "It's ruined."

"Here," Sango said, taking her hand. "I'll help you clean it off." She shot the boys a look before leading Kagome away. The raven haired girl followed without a word. She always felt shaken up after seeing Naraku.

They entered the empty bathroom and Sango scrubbed at the stain with some damp paper towels. It didn't help much, and finally she stood back and sighed helplessly. "I'm sorry. That's about as good as it's going to get. But you can wash it when you get home?"

Kagome merely nodded, examining the stain in the mirror. "You can go back out there if you want. I'll only be a few more minutes."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

Music poured into the bathroom as Sango pushed open the door and left, and faded once it was closed again.

Kagome sighed as she tried to wipe the punch stain out of her dress some more. After a few minutes she finally gave up and threw the many paper towels she had used into the trash, since the stain was obviously not going anywhere. She bit her lip and examined her reflection in the mirror. The makeup Sango had applied to her face still looked good, and she added some lip gloss before glancing helplessly at the stain one last time.

Oh well, she thought to herself as she pushed through the bathroom door. Hopefully InuYasha doesn't mind.

But that didn't stop her from the sight that was only a few feet from where she stood.

xXxXx

InuYasha stood at the refreshments table waiting for Kagome to return from the bathroom. He felt awful about spilling punch on her dress, and decided that he would take it to his father's dry cleaner the next day. Maybe that would make her feel better.

Miroku was talking about something unimportant, and InuYasha's thoughts and gaze wandered, until it finally landed on Kagome, walking towards him and smiling. The stain was gone from her dress and he let out a sigh of relief that she had managed to get it out. He still felt the need to apologize though, and when she got closer, he said, "Kagome, I'm sorry about-"

But he didn't get to finish.

Because as soon as she reached him she stood on her tip toes and kissed him. Right on the lips.

InuYasha was so taken aback he simply stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what was happening. Slowly, he closed his eyes and eased into the kiss, realizing it was something he had been wanting to do for a long time. Her arms snaked up around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist. She tasted familiar, like peppermint, and from some distant place in his mind he knew that should mean something. But at the moment all that mattered was Kagome.

He was vaguely aware of the people around them gaping; Miroku, Koga, Ayame, all of them. But that didn't matter either. He heard Hojo on the stage, tapping the mike.

"And now it's time to announce this years spring dance court!" he was saying.

Kagome finally pulled back and gave him a teasing grin. InuYasha smiled and let go of her waist. "Kagome, that was..."

"The freshman prince and princess are..."

He stopped, staring at her eyes. They weren't the brown eyes he had grown to cherish looking into, but a deep violet that reminded him of...someone..."Did you put contacts in while you were gone?"

"...Kohaku Hanamara and Saki Kano!"

There was applause throughout the gym as the two went on stage to receive their crowns, flowers and sashes. But InuYasha remained focused on the girl in front of him. "Kagome?"

"And now the junior prince and princess are..."

With a smirk, Kagome slowly reached up to remove her mask. She untied it from the back and let it fall to the floor. InuYasha's jaw dropped. It wasn't Kagome that stood before him. It wasn't Kagome he had kissed.

"...InuYasha Takahashi and Kagome Higurashi!"

It was Kikyo.

"InuYasha? Kagome? Come up here and claim your crowns!"

"Miss me InuYasha?" Kikyo asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Kikyo! Where's Kagome?" InuYasha demanded frustratedly.

"Kagome? Your little friend? Oh, there she is." Kikyo pointed innocently behind him, and InuYasha spun around just in time to see Kagome pushing through the gym doors, tears streaming down her face.

xXxXx

Told you it was gonna get good! ;) haha. Cliff hanger, I know. But it's longer and I updated sooner right? Well review please! Let's get to 150? You guys did great reaching 130! :)