Quick Notes:
I've realized that I made a few errors and so I will tell you the corrections. Unfortunately I can't change the first five chapters because my stupid laptop ate them! So now I will tell you the corrections I should have made long ago:
*Inuyasha's age: Since he is eighteen-turning nineteen, he is now in college- a freshman, instead of high school. (Miroku is now a senior, instead of a junior.)
*Kagome, Sango and Ayame are sophomores, not freshman-as was originally mentioned.
See, so now it will sound better and make more sense now!
And I'm sorry for waiting until now to update this story! With other stories, it was hard to focus on this one, but now I'm back with the eighth chapter! Now on with the long awaited return of Lavender Dreams!
Disclaimer: I do not Inuyasha or any characters belonging to Rumiko Takahashi. And the song "Because You Loved Me" does not belong to me either. Celine Dion does.
Chapter 8
It was October 20th; just another cool, calm and crispy fall day. But it wasn't just another ordinary day. It marked Inuyasha's 19th birthday. Unbeknownst to him, his girlfriend, Kagome and her two other friends were planning something special for him and since it was a Friday it was perfect. And since Inuyasha only had to take his classes at his college during the day, tonight was the best night anyone could hope for.
At the local high school, Kagome and her two friends were making last minute prep. They sat in a circle underneath their tree in the courtyard and became oblivious to the outside world.
"I hope he likes it." They were discussing gifts and Kagome's was a little harder to do. It was more personal to Inuyasha and she was praying that it wouldn't upset him or cause him to be angry with her.
"I'm sure he will. He loves you so anything you give him he will cherish." Ayame assured her.
"That's right. I don't think Inuyasha could get angry-and I mean really angry with you if he tried. Sure he's quick tempered and really brash sometimes but never will he take it out on you." Sango said calmly and sipped her tea.
Kagome really appreciated their words and knew it was true but still; she couldn't help but feel…some type of guilt. They didn't know him like she did so she knew how Inuyasha was. What if he didn't like it? Or worse? She couldn't bear the thought.
"Oh come on Kaggie…" Sango put her hand on her friend's shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up about it. You worked hard on it and whatever happens tonight happens. Plus, you got to concentrate on your other gift." She hinted.
That's right. She hand something else in store for her boyfriend. "You're right guys. I just have to stay calm and hope it all goes well. I can't wait to see his reaction tonight!"
Both Ayame and Sango agreed. The threesome had been practicing something special for the hanyou tonight. And the place they chose to hold his small party there was excellent.
It was around 6:30 or so when the girls arrived at Inuyasha's place. Miroku was there as well, seeing his blue Toyota parked on the dirt driveway. The girls had their gifts in the trunk of Ayame's green convertible and wouldn't bring them out until they were going.
Kagome got out from the backseat and breathed in the fresh woodsy scent that she was all too familiar with. Another reason why she loved coming here was because of the tranquility and peace surrounding these woods. Inuyasha loves the forest because he says it gives him some peace of mind. Kagome was loving it for the same reasons, and having Inuyasha by her side made it all the more magical.
"Kaggie, you coming?" She was snapped back when Ayame called out. She and Sango were almost there. And careful not to trip in her ankle high black boots, she caught up with them.
When they walked in, the boys were standing by the kitchen, dressed for InuYasha's birthday night. When they looked to the girls, their eyes widened.
"Mama Mia!" Miroku murmured as he strutted right to Sango, who looked shy. Well, in a purple halter top, mini jean skirt with black boots with her hair in high ponytail showing off her toned body, Miroku couldn't resist the girl he was chasing after. She just looked…beautiful. Taking her hands, his violets met her mahogany. "You look absolutely stunning tonight, Sango."
Unable to look away, with a rising blush to her cheeks, she felt her heart flutter and smiled brightly. "Thank you."
As Ayame, in her green tube top, black hiphuggers with her own black boots, stood back and twirled her shimmering red hair, now down instead of her usual pigtails, she was going back and forth, watching between Miroku and Sango's googly-eyed silence and Inuyasha and Kagome's kiss fest-which was getting quite heated.
When the hanyou saw his girlfriend, strutting like a sexy angel in a shimmering light blue strapless number that hugged her torso, dark wash jeans that sexily embraced her hips and her own black boots. With her hair, down and curled around her shoulders and around her face, Inuyasha was surprised he didn't get a nosebleed. She rarely dressed up so…so sexy and so fine that it was impossible to look away. Sure she looked gorgeous all the time to him, but he got all…excited when she would dress up like this.
"Hey birthday boy." Her voice was low and confident, her shimmering browns full of affection and a hint of lust. He was pretty sharp tonight, a hot sexy stallion, a god with adorable ears. He was so breathtaking it made her heart pound harder than it already was.
'And he's all mine? Oh my Kami please don't let me wake up.' As she unknowingly walked closer to him, her eyes strayed up and down his attire. He wore a plain red button-up shirt, leaving three buttons undone, giving her a view of that chest that was chiseled and toned to perfection. And those blue jeans that he loved to wear-those tight jeans that outlined everything from his backside to his thighs and yes, his crotch. And he even wore the fang necklace she got him not too long ago. 'It's official, it's not possible for a man-or hanyou to look this fine. But it is, and he's my boyfriend!' Kagome would say she was jealous when they went out and the female teenage population would check him out. But luckily Inuyasha was not interested in anyone but her, as he said numerous times over their relationship.
They met up, eyes never leaving the other as Inuyasha gathered her in his arms while she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Kagome…what the hell…?" He spoke, his voice hoarse with obvious lust. A finger touched his lips to silence him.
"You'll see when we get there." Her face was now close enough so she could whisper into his lips "And I know you're going to love it." With a single teasing flick of her tongue on his lips, the increasingly aroused inu hanyou pulled her head so their lips collided with a bruising force.
The wolf demon felt like a third wheel, standing there and watching this double mush fest. 'I really need to get a boyfriend.' Ayame concluded hopelessly. She sighed and looked to the living room clock, seeing that they needed to get going. As she was about to politely interrupt, Sango beat her to it.
"You Hentai!" A scream followed by a slap so loud, that it got everyone's attention-even the intimately kissing couple, who was kissing nonstop for a while.
Sango was fuming, her eyes glaring dangerously at the lecherous bastard was too far gone to get a clue. Miroku, as usual was holding his left cheek, smiling like always.
"How many times must I tell you to keep your damn hands away from me?"
Miroku only chuckled helplessly. "Sango, must you be so violent, especially when it's such a special occasion?"
"Even if it's Inuyasha's birthday, that doesn't give you the right to grope me Miroku!" With one hand on her hip, she gripped the collar of his black collared shirt, tone serious yet laced with a bit of embarrassment.
Ayame cleared her throat, even though she loved when Sango beat the living hell out of Miroku, time was wasting. "As much as I have enjoyed this entertainment, we came here to celebrate our dear friend's birthday, not fight."
"She's right." Kagome nodded her head. "Let's go out and have some fun tonight!"
Shouts of confirmations and woots of excitement were the only sounds as the group left the house, getting into two cars; Miroku's and Ayame's and drove off into the night, heading to their destination.
"Holy shit!" As they drove into a nearby town and pulled into the parking lot in front of a colorful building, Inuyasha sat, wide-eyed. "The Pulsing Dragon?"
Ayame and Kagome nodded, smiling at how excited the hanyou looked; like a little boy on Christmas morning.
"That's right, Inu." Kagome, who was in the backseat with him in Ayame's car, took his hand while looking at the place also. "We wanted to celebrate somewhere special."
"It seemed "kick-ass" for a small party like us; with you being the birthday boy and all." Ayame turned her car off and got out, along with the couple in back.
As Miroku and Sango got out beside them, the five party goers, with their gifts, walked on towards the hottest, baddest and newest club in the area. The Pulsing Dragon was a non-alcoholic club/karaoke bar. It was for young teens ages 15 and up until college age of 22. It was a respectable establishment, being a restaurant as well as a booming club/karaoke bar. A neon blue Dragon with the Kanji and English translation on the roof signaled anyone who wanted to have fun while staying sober; which made it a popular hangout.
As they paid the low price to get in, being a group, Ayame led the way with the pervert and Sango behind her; unaware that she was hanging onto Miroku's arm with and Inuyasha and his angel bringing up the rear.
It had two levels. The lower level had the humongous dance floor, with pulsing beats and rotating neon lights and a karaoke stage at the front. The second level was the restaurant, with tables and booths matching the theme. The stairs leading to the dining area was to their right, and they only had to step down a flight of stairs to get onto the dance floor; which was crowded with people dancing and grinding like no tomorrow.
They decided to eat and open gifts first, then spend the rest of the night dancing until they dropped.
Sitting at a five person table, Inuyasha sat between his girlfriend and Miroku. With plates cleaned of food, glasses nearly empty with full ones in each occupants hand or spot, it was time for the man of the hour to open the presents that were to be given by each of his friends.
Miroku went first, handing Inuyasha a rectangle wrapped in sleek red wrappings. "This is something I think you will need in the future." He had that smirk on his face that everyone knew all too well.
"I'm afraid to look." Kagome turned her head to the side.
"So am I." Ayame agreed.
Sango only shook her head, glaring at the man beside her. "If I know him, it will be something not pleasant."
Miroku chuckled. "Now Sango, must you think so little of me?" He received another embarrassed yet irritated glare thrown his way, which caused him to pull back his hand that was making it's way to its favorite destination.
"I don't even want to know what's behind this wrapper." Inuyasha sighed, shook his head at his smiling friend, and decided to open the package carefully. When he fully unwrapped it, his face heated up, set what looked like a book face down and turned to his amused friend
"Tell me why I shouldn't kill you for this!" He growled out.
"What is it, Inuyasha?"
Without facing her; due to his face that was flushing with anger and even more embarrassment, he handed Kagome the book and waited for her reaction.
Kagome gasped, her face becoming red as well. Ayame and Sango went straight to Kagome's sides and looked down at the gift; which caused Ayame to blush and Sango to flush with even more ire for the perverted 18 year old.
Grabbing the book, she held it up and yelled. "THE BEST POSITIONS FOR SEX: 150 STYLES TO MAKE YOUR SPECIAL TIME EVEN BETTER?" It was so loud people had to glance back at the table; even with the booming music below.
"What?" Miroku said innocently-or so he acted. "I thought it would better help my dear old friend with his sex life-or lack thereof." He patted the hanyou's shoulder; unaware of the promise of death blaring in the two pools of sunset.
Kagome was even too mortified to talk. Her face was even darker than the darkest rose. But she could see Inuyasha's hand twitching dangerously and his form trembling. She knew he wouldn't lash out on his best friend-probably bruise him but not kill him. So, to prevent any trouble or injury, her hand went for his trembling hand, bringing his face to look up at her.
He was downright pissed. Lack of! Hell, Miroku didn't even know what kinds of sexual things he's done with Kagome! He was ready to pound the lecher but her scent and touch caused him to look up at her; her pleading browns softening him and his resolve.
"Miroku, please remove your hand or I will gladly chop it off and shove it up your ass." He said too calmly yet the meaning was all too clear. Miroku chuckled nervously and withdrew his hand.
"Pervert." Sango muttered darkly under her breath as she went to sit beside him. Ayame only shook her head, her face still red, her arms crossed, nodding her head with after Sango's mutter.
So, the opening of gifts continued. Ayame gave him a special scrapbook for his special photographs, saying that she made it in scrap-booking class. It was red with frills, hearts of pink, white, and blue with glitter sprinkled all over it. He knew what it was meant for, glancing over to his blushing girlfriend and finally to Ayame and gave her a hug, thanking her. When he opened Sango's gift with black wrapping he chuckled. He should have expected this from her.
He not only loved photography but he loved computers, so she got him an action packed computer game. It included hand to hand combat, shootouts, and even boxing! With a smirk, he also gave Sango a hug.
And lastly, he looked over to Kagome. She had two gifts, with a raised eyebrow and his eyes holding curiosity and confusion, she answered his silent inquiry.
"This is from Souta." She handed him the smaller of the two. "He wanted to give you something, a little token of how much he adores you and looks up to you."
Grinning with adoration for the said little boy, he carefully unwrapped the blue spangled wrapping to reveal something he didn't expect to see. It was a wooden picture frame with a single picture of him and the little squirt. It was taken at the beach this past summer, with Souta on his back, both laughing as they were covered in sand. He could see how happy Souta was, and it brought a warm feeling into him. That he could be admired so much, adored by just being who he is, teaching the runt all he needed and or wanted to know.
"Tell the runt that I appreciate this. And thank you."
Kagome could see all the happiness in his golden gaze and reached over to kiss his cheek. "Don't worry, I will."
With hers being the last one, she was nervous. She looked back and forth between Sango and Ayame, who only encouraged her to give it to Inuyasha. Even though their earlier words helped her, she couldn't help but feel like she was…invading his personal life or something, that it wasn't her right to pry into things she shouldn't have. Kagome had wanted to give the love of her life something special, a reminder of what he once had. But the fear of him lashing out at her, making her feel lower than dirt for doing this seemed very real. She clutched the packages to her chest, panic setting in.
"Kagome, what's wrong?" She looked to see Inuyasha looking at her with concern.
She shook her head, to clear it. "Nothing. Just spaced off a bit, heh." She cleared her throat and as she moved forward with her gift, Kagome knew that couldn't back out now. Whatever happens, happens, they told her. Gulping down her anxiety she handed it to him. "I hope you like it." She whispered, looking down so he couldn't see how frightened she looked.
Inuyasha could smell her sudden spike of doubt. And the way she was looking away from him, it was like she did something awful and just prayed that he didn't yell or scream at her. Why would he do that? With everyone staring at him, he decided to carefully unwrap it and peel off the tape until it was revealed. What he saw, made his eyes widen with shock.
It was something he hasn't seen in years; ever since his parents died. It was a photograph in a delicate silver frame; one that made him stop breathing. It was one of him and both his mother and father. It was when he was very young, six or seven years old. His younger self was on his father's shoulders, with him holding both his father and mother's hands. All were smiling and laughing as they walked down what looked like a park on clear blue day.
Ayame, Sango and Miroku were silent, not knowing exactly how their friend will react. With his hand covering his mouth, his eyes focused solely on the picture, it could mean anything. When they turned to Kagome, she was still looking down, her black hair serving as a curtain to hide her face, which was stained with a few tears now.
She couldn't bear to look up at him so she decided to speak; albeit very softly. "I'm sorry. I know I should have asked first. I wanted to make you happy…and I didn't know what else to do…" She took a deep breath as twiddled her fingers and holding back sobs. "I called your cousin….Shippo and I asked him. And he apparently had some photos of your family after they passed. He sent me one that he said you loved the most and thought it would make a special gift for you." When she felt Sango and Ayame's hands on her shoulders, she broke down. "I won't blame you if you hate me now…I'll understand if…you won't talk…to me again."
As he listened to her story, all he could do was stare at her. She was upset that he would be angry with her-for doing this? And worse, smelling her tears made it unbearable, making his heart ache with hers. How could he hate her when all she did was give him something that he's been wanting to see for more than 5 years? Sure his parents were dead, but he still missed them dearly, as he often told Kagome that. He's even wept to her, on her lap on occasion because he missed them. But why was she feeling so ashamed about it?
Looking to her now, seeing Sango and Ayame step back respectfully, he leaned towards her and lifted her chin up with his finger. Smelling her tears was bad, but seeing them made it worse. She was too beautiful to cry. Wiping those silver tears away, he smiled at her. "Kagome, why would you think I would hate you because of this?"
She sniffed, wiping her nose and looked back at him. "What? You're not angry?"
He shook his head. "No I'm not." His claws swept back some of her hair behind her ear then went to cup her cheek. "I could never hate you, Kagome. I love you, you know that."
"I just thought that, it would bring back unwanted memories for you and I was afraid that you were going to hate it."
"Kagome, you know why you're the only one I've told about my parents' death? It's because you're only one I can turn to to make it all go away! Before you came, I went through hell it was so bad!" Then he brought his other to hand to cup her other cheek; so she was staring right back at him. "I am absolutely astounded that you would do something so thoughtful like this for me. And I love you even more for it."
Before another word could be spoken, he brought his lips to hers; stunning her into silence. She brought her hands to his chest and went with it. After they parted for breath, he took her into his arms, and held her for a long time.
Kagome knew he was shedding a tear or two because he was so silent and she could feel him tremble a bit. Her arms automatically locked around his torso and smiled into his shirt.
'I'm so stupid. All that fear for nothing.'
When they pulled apart, the tears instantly vanishing, the couple noticed that they were alone.
"So, you want to dance?" Inuyasha asked, smiling down at the flushed woman against him.
"Why do you think I dressed up like this? Hell yeah, let's dance until we can't no more!" With that, Kagome pulled her grinning boyfriend up and led him all the way to the dance floor below.
And into the night, they danced together. Their slick bodies grinding and rubbing against one another, soft and heated caresses to their partner's flesh and stolen kisses, Inuyasha had a wonderful time with his adoring girlfriend. Kagome thrashed her body around, just letting loose and enjoying her precious time with the man she loved. They never lost contact with the other as song after pulsing song came on. They would bump into Sango and Miroku now and then, and they even saw Ayame having a blast with an unknown partner of her own.
After about two hours of nonstop dancing, the five members of the group met back up at the table, slick with sweat and faces flushed.
"Man, that was hot!" Miroku said as he fell into his chair, wiping his hair back.
"I never danced so much in my life!" Sango agreed, sitting down beside her dance partner trying to control her heart rate.
"Me either." Ayame added, taking a big drink of water.
Kagome, sitting on her boyfriend's lap, nodded. "I know." She felt her own heart pounding ferociously against her chest, while she was being soothed by her hanyou's soft kisses on her neck. "It's been one hell of a night."
Everyone nodded. After resting up and pouring numerous glasses of water down their parched throats, Kagome eyes the girls, who nodded silently.
"We're just going to freshen up, we won't be long." Kagome said as she kissed her hanyou's lips and got up from his lap.
"Yeah just meet us down on the dance floor." Ayame gestured down below, where they were setting up for karaoke hour. And the three girls departed without another word.
Deciding to pass the time until they got back, Miroku and Inuyasha decided to take the gifts and put them into Miroku's truck for safe-keeping, because likely after another hour or so, they would leave and spend the night back at Inuyasha's place.
It was just after the eleven o'clock hour and the guys waited on the now lit dance floor, facing the karaoke stage and near the bathrooms, where they assumed the girls were. After a while of waiting and they haven't come out.
"What's taking them so damn long?" Inuyasha murmured impatiently, his arms crossed and shaking his head.
"No need to get upset, InuYasha. Girls always take a long time to get ready. But in the end, it's worth it right?" Miroku nudged him, his wicked grin returning .
"If you're trying to get back in my good graces, it's not going to work lecher! I'll pay you back when you least expect it!" He eyed his lecherous best friend, who held his hands up in surrender and just stood by, silently.
Suddenly, the karaoke stage lit up. A man walked up to the head microphone and cleared his throat. "Hello fellow dancers and welcome to Karaoke Hour! I hope all you guys and gals are having a good time tonight!" Screaming and clapping from the audience followed quite enthusiastically. "That's what I wanted to hear! Okay, now we usually let people just come up and sing their hearts out, but tonight we are going start off with three lovely ladies who have a song dedicated to their friend. Or more specifically, a charming young lass of sixteen singing a special song to her boyfriend who is in the audience tonight."
Inuyasha and Miroku looked to each other, eyes widening in realization. Then they turned to see none other than Kagome, Sango and Ayame coming on stage, looking quite refreshed; not like the dancing divas they were a while ago.
"That's what they were up to. Trust those three to be sneaky." Miroku concluded, smiling at how the white stage light lit up Sango's eyes and her smooth skin. "But I must say, it's quite a marvelous surprise, right Yash?"
Instead of answering, Miroku looked to see his best friend just gazing right at his girlfriend. He shook his head and smiled happily for him.
Kagome went right up to where the announcer was just moments before, followed by Sango to her left and Ayame to her right, both slightly behind her. When she finally settled and stared out into the cheering audience, she sought out her single favorite pair of eyes and when she did, she couldn't help but smile. Kagome could tell he was definitely surprised.
When the clapping died down, she pulled the microphone to her lips. "This is for you, baby." Glancing at both her girlfriends, each giving a nod that they were ready, she glanced at the D.J., nodded and began to sing.
For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
The hanyou was star-struck. She was singing to him, in her sweet, soothing voice that made angels sound weak in comparison. He has always loved her voice and the words she were singing, made it all the more special, and he let her know that by never looking away from her glistening eyes.
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful, baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through
Through it all
By now the audience was swaying and even a few couples began to dance.
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me, ooh, baby
She felt that this was the perfect song to show her hanyou at how he's changed her life. Her life was hard enough before he came. It felt unbearable that she had to hide her talent and put up with the reality that her mother and step-father didn't accept her passion.
But as she continued to gaze into those shining eyes, now a deep glowing shade of gold into the darkness of the dance floor, Kagome felt her heart beat with all the more love for him. Every word she sung was the truth. And she continued to sing with passion, as now Sango and Ayame joined in.
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
Inuyasha knew that she's become happier and more confident since they met, but he never knew that he had such a profound affect on her.
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love, I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe, I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because
I was loved by you
By now, a lot of couples were dancing slowly. Nearly all the females were shedding tears. Miroku and Inuyasha were entranced at the singing beauties on stage. Their voices were capturing the song perfectly. Inuyasha might have imagined it, with all females crying in the club, but he could swear that Kagome was staring to cry too, as well as seeing a few silver streams down her face caused by the stage light.
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
Her eyes were becoming blurry now. Her forehead was covered in sweat as her heart beat faster with each note. She was feeling her words, singing with so much truth, it was making her head spin. Now they were at the climax of the song, Kagome sung her heart out.
You were always there for me, the tender wind that carried me
The light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you
Sango and Ayame, as the background singers, were also moved with how their friend poured her feelings towards her hanyou boyfriend. Even though they were tearing up as well, it didn't affect with their singing.
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
Putting all her power and love into the final verse, The sixteen year old eyes closed as her back up singers put all they had into the song.
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
Kagome opened her eyes and stared right into Inuyasha's, her chest heaving with each breath she took.
"Happy Birthday, Inuyasha." She whispered into the mike, which was followed by increasing clapping and whistling. She hooked hands with Sango and Ayame and all three bowed.
Kagome wiped her sweat and tears from her face and saw Inuyasha rushing towards the stage. With a watery grin she walked over to the egde and waited until he was close enough, and then jumped into his waiting arms, her legs around his waist to hold on. He twirled her around, oblivious of the cheers and clapping around them. Kagome took his face in her hands and crushed her lips to his. Both now had similar tear trails on their faces as they kissed with all their heart and soul, neither needing a word to express how they felt within their hearts.
What did you think? I thought this was the best revision, after typing and deleting it numerous times! I hope you liked and and again sorry for the long wait! Until next time...
Ja Ne for now!