Chapter 22:

Kagome laid back on her four post, king sized bed, feet dangling from off the side. Silk sheets cooled her back as she absorbed Janet Jackson's soulful voice blaring out of the stereo speakers:

Sittin here with my tears

All alone with my fears

I'm wonderin if I have to do

Withoutcha

But there's no reason why

I feel asleep late last night

Cryin like a newborn child

Holdin myself close

Pretendin my arms are yours

I want no one but you

I get so lonely

Can't let just anybody hold me

You are the one that lives in me, my dear

Want no one but you

I get so lonely

Can't let just anybody hold me

You are the one that lives in me, my dear

Want no one but you

She didn't even respond when she heard her doors opening, a female figure standing in the doorway.

"Kagome!? What are you doing? You're not even dressed yet!" She screeched in disbelief when she saw her dressed in only a black strapless bra, panties, and her garter belt, holding up her sheer thigh highs. Kagome remained motionless as if oblivious to all around her. Sango sighed at the site of her friend; she's been like this ever since Inuyasha broke up with her. She cried for the first few days, and then she began moping, walking around the dorm like a ghost. It became awkward when they would bump into each other in the dorm halls or the elevator to the point where she decided that she would rather commute than see his face. At least that's what she said, but Sango knew she didn't mean it.

I still remember to the day

In fact is was a 3rd Monday

You came along to be the one for me

Now I'm alone

Sittin here by the phone

Call and say that you're okay

So that I'll have the chance

To beg you to stay

I want no one but you

"Turn this sad stuff off." She said to Kagome, knowing that she wouldn't get up; she stalked over the entertainment set, her midnight blue gown flowed around her with every step as she unplugged the stereo completely. "That's better." She bushed her now thick wavy hair from her face; turning she saw that she still hadn't moved from her position. If her chest hadn't been moving up and down, confirming that she was breathing, she would've thought she was dead. Heels crushing the thick carpet, she walked over to Kagome's form. "Get up." She commanded, still silence. Frustrated, she grabbed both of her hands by her sides, pulling her into the sitting position. "Kagome, you have three hours before your coronation." She reminded her, looking directly into her eyes. Kagome said nothing as her gaze drifted to the floor. Sango huffed, taking off her midnight blue sash; she laid it across the bed. A knock on the wooden doors came soon after, opening the door ajar, a maid poked her head in.

"You asked for assistance ma'am?" the maid asked in a quiet voice.

"Yes," Sango nodded her head in agreement. "Come on in and help out by getting some dresses out of her closet." She ordered polity as she rummaged through Kagome's vanity drawers, trying to find some makeup. Thankfully, she had such clear creamy skin, so she didn't need much. Finding what she needed she took the used towel off the back of the chair, returning back to the bed.

"You shouldn't frown so much, you'll get wrinkles." She replied like a mother would, wrapping the towel in front of her so nothing would get on her.

"It's not like anyone would care." Her voice cracked some when Kagome spoke up for the first time in hours.

"I would." Sango said, smiling when she rolled her eyes. At least she was getting some reaction out of her. She turned when the maid came back, holding to dresses for her to chose between. In her right hand was white long-sleeved gown. It was V-cut at the top with a gold sash in the middle, making the bottom flare out, almost looking like a Cinderella ball gown, just not as fluffy. Gold embroidery simmered all over. In the other hand, the gown was similar, expect it didn't have the V- cut, strapless, and was the color of a beige gold. Both were made of silk and Kagome would have look equally beautiful in either one, however, Sango felt that the white one would remind her of a wedding dress, something that she didn't want on Kagome's mind right now, so she settled for the other one. Nodding the maid gently laid down the dress on the bed before putting away the other.

Satisfied, she began to apply eye shadow, that of a lighter color to the dress, on the brush. Stoking with a professional hand, she put the lightest shade first on both eyes, before starting with the next color.

"You know," she said, applying the second shade, "You shouldn't be so depressed."

"Easy for you to say. You have you're man and you didn't even like him." Kagome retorted, staring hotly at her. Sango shrugged, putting on the last of the trio shades. It was true, she didn't like Miroku, put his personality, perverted as it was, had grown on her; and she gave him big points for being with her through hers and Kagome's tough time; whenever she couldn't tell how she was feeling to Kagome, since she was depressed enough, he was there to lead a listening ear; and he didn't grope her while doing it either. They hadn't had sex yet, which was Miroku's idea, (A/n: Oo) he didn't want to in her time of need and when she was kinda vulnerable, which earned him more points. She smiled as she took out the blush.

"I'm sure Inuyasha is just as miserable." She stroked the powder on, making her cheeks a healthy light pink. Kagome 'pssted' at her comment

"He's the one who broke it off. Why would he be upset?" She crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling a light pain in her chest. "He's probably got another girl on his arm; probably screwed her by now too." Her chest began to burn as tears formed in her eyes.

"Oh no you don't. Don't you dare cry." She demanded. Kagome sniffed some, sucking back her tears. It was preposterous that Inuyasha would be feeling the same way she did; so alone and cold and empty inside. Happy that she didn't cry, she would've been pissed if she messed up her makeup. Sango plugged in a curling iron; grabbing the vanity chair, motioning her to sit down; Kagome eased off the bed and did so. She began sectioning off her long tri colored hair, taking the iron; she heated it and turned the iron in a way that made the pieces of follicles springing into spirals. As she did her hair, she started to take about random things, anything to get her mind off her beloved ex-boyfriend.

--

Said ex-boyfriend was sitting in one of the big leather chair in the drawing room. A faint glow flickered of his features as the fire from the hearth burned. Sango was right, he had been just as miserable, if not more, than Kagome. He slid down more in the chair, rumbling her button down shirt more, if that was even possible. Since the incident at the hospital, he had sulked day in and out. But he was somewhat happy that he still got to see her face, even if it pained him so much. Then when she decided to move back home, he had been grumpier than usual, snapping at everything and everyone. The green monster crept into his heart every now and then when he saw Sesshomaru fuss over details with Rin about the wedding or when Miroku would "secretly" sneak off to see Sango. Ayame and Kouga were still going strong; however Bankotsu had broken up with Jakotsu, saying that he really couldn't get over the betrayal; both leaving on good terms; which made Inuyasha happy. No, what the fuck was he saying? He could never be happy for his friend's sadness. Inuyasha groaned as he shifted his thoughts; his plan on how to get Kagome back. He couldn't live his life in this black hole of depression forever. He'd been plotting for the last 4 weeks and had finally came up with a solution, but it meant that…

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard footsteps walking down the hall, passing by the room. Turning he caught a glimpse of Kouga passing by. He got up quickly, noticing the outfit that he was wearing.

"Hey!" he called out, making the four members of his team stop in their tracks. All of them, looking fresh, dressed in black tuxedoes and shoes, polished to a shine. The only difference was that their shirts were different colors; Bankotsu's was dark blue, Miroku's maroon, Sesshomaru's white, and Kouga's a burnt gold. The gold Noblemen's emblems were around their necks. "Where are you guys going." Already knowing the answer but wanted to hear it from them. Kouga sighed,

"We're going to the Coronation." He slouched his shoulders when he saw the look of betrayal on his captain's face.

"Come on Yasha, we have to go. As Noblemen it's our duty to be present for the crowning of a new King or Queen." Miroku said trying to play the mediator. Inuyasha stared fiercely at his so called team as they all stared back with just much intensity, daring him to protest. His harden eyes softened as he looked away, knowing that they were right; he was supposed to go but…

"You don't have to go if you don't want to." He heard his brother said. "We'll make an excuse for you." He looked up and this time, he smiled. Happy that everyone had his back; he was a fool to think otherwise. He shook his head.

"Give me 10 minutes; I'm coming with you." He laughed, the first time in weeks, when shocked was written on their faces. Turning he ran down the hall to change. It was now or never.

--

Sticking more diamond pendants in her hair, Sango stepped back to take a look from all angles. The pendants held her hair up so that it was in a loose thick, curly, mid-high ponytail, falling over her shoulders and down her back. She inspected her from the front; she pulled back her bangs, showing off the blue diamond marking on her forehead. She left out a few strands of hair, letting them frame her face.

"Nearly finished." She announced. Taking the dress off the bed, she motioned Kagome to stand on the small stool that the maid had placed in front of her. Knowing the routine, she raised her arms high above as both women slowly put the over her head, careful not to mess up her hair and makeup. Getting the garment on, Sango moved to her back, tugging at the laces to make it fit.

"Is it tight enough?"

"I can't breath." Kagome said hoarsely

"Good, then it's tight enough." She said smiling, tying the small lace into a bow. Next, taking the gold sash and tied it, covering the smaller one. Grabbing the matching shoes that were handed to her, she held it out so she could put them on. Holding Sango's shoulder for balance, she slipped both shoes on. Stepping off the stool, she adjusted to the weight of the dress that made her feel about 10 pounds heavier.

"Almost done." Sango placed her hands on the shiny cherry wood case that the maid presented to her. Opening it, she gingerly took out the diamond tiara, shining a rainbow of colors in the light. Kagome bended so that it could be placed on her head; she watched as her best friend gave her a watery smile.

"Please. Save the waterworks for after the ceremony." She teased; walking over to her wide full length mirror she studied herself. She looked like one of those porcelain dolls you'd find in an antique shop, beautiful and flawless. She swished from side to side, looking at every angel that she could. No, she wasn't a doll, she was a princess and soon to be queen in less than an hour. And one day, she will have a king by her side; just not today. She forced a smile so to not to worry her friend. She touched the top of her crown.

"Guess I won't be wearing this again after today." She said to herself. She walked back to where her friend for life was standing; she held out her arm.

"Well, are you going to escort me down the hall or not."

"You're such a cornball." Sango giggled, happy that she was able to joke again. Grabbing her sash, she hooked her arm within hers and walked out the door. They talked the whole time, mainly about what life had in store for them both.

"So let's see." Kagome started, "You'll be a big celebrity designer. Every model in the world would die to be in you runways. People will be fighting to get your clothes off the racks; there might even be death matches." She gasped dramatically. They laughed at her exaggeration, the death match only though. "And once you made your mark in the world, you'll settle down and have three, no four kids with Sauna." She eyed her to see if she caught on

"Yeah, that'll be… Whoa, what?! I am not marrying Miroku, much less have kids with him." She suppressed a shutter as Kagome laughed at her.

"You say that now, but wait and see. I'm can't wait to see my god babies." Sango rolled her eyes,

"Yeah, well don't hold your breath." She mumbled as they made it to the top of the grand staircase. She stepped down, then was jerked back by Kagome. "What is it?" she asked looking at her. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide. Puzzled Sango looked at what she was looking at. Gasping, she saw Inuyasha, standing in the middle of the entryway with her parents. His friends were standing close behind him. Kagome audibly gulped as they both stared into each other's eyes. He was here for the Ceremony. He's a Nobleman; he has to be here. Just keep calm. She told herself. Taking a deep breath, she jutted her chin forward and descended the stairs.

Inuyasha never once took his eyes off her. He thought it looked like she was gliding down the stairs. She was soo gorgeous, a princess out of a fairy tale; it was as if meeting her for the first time. Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she advanced towards her parents.

"Nobleman Takahashi, welcome to my home." She said as politely as she could, choking on every word. Inuyasha cringed internally, he didn't like the way she said his name. It was so cold, so distant. But he guessed he deserved it, after what had happened, he wouldn't be surprised if she punched him in the face.

"Takahashi, do you mind telling us why you called us out here. The Coronation starts in half an hour." Her father spoke up, wondering about his purpose. Inuyasha nodding curtly

"It won't take long, I promised."

"Maybe we should go." Bankotsu suggested.

"No stay. I want to say this while everyone is here." He glanced over at Kagome once more before turning his attention back to Artemis.

"I've done a lot of thinking over the past few weeks, and I was thinking if breaking up with Princess Kagome was the right thing to do. If you hadn't told me part of your family history, I would have never agreed to it, even if you asked me to, like you did."

Kagome's breath got caught in her lungs as she listened to his words. He father asked him to break up with her? She opened her mouth but her mother put a finger to her lips to silence her. She nodded as listened again.

"I understand that the love you have for your daughter somewhat overpowered you caring to see her happy and I'm ok with that too." He took a deep breath. "But I'm not ok with living without her." Artemis frowned at his words, confused at where he was getting at, as were the rest.

"You said that you didn't want us together because I am a Nobleman and you didn't want her to suffer as your mother did years ago." He took another breath. This was gonna hurt some but it was worth it. "So I won't." Everyone watched in horror as he took his emblem from around his neck. "I relinquish my rank as a Nobleman."

"What the fuck! You can't do that." Yelled Kouga, who was the first to respond.

"How could you do this without consulting us first?" Bankotsu questioned sounding betrayed.

"Have you lost your damn mind?" Miroku said enraged, he couldn't believe what he was witnessing. More protest questions and insults came from his side, Sesshomaru was the only one who didn't utter a word. Inuyasha looked at them, raising his hand to quiet them down.

"I've thought this through time and time again. Over and over I tried to figure out a way to get her back. This is the only way." He smiled wearily at them. "Sesshomaru will make a great captain." He praised, looking at him. He huffed

"That title doesn't belong to me. I didn't earn it, you did." Even though he didn't like it, he felt his brother was making the right choice. Inuyasha turned back to Artemis holding out his emblem.

"If I give this to you, it'll prove that I am no longer a rank of a Nobleman." He announced. Artemis stood their, perplexed for the first time. He wasn't expecting this, he wasn't expecting him to just willing give up his title, just like that. He stared at him, he was serious. Once he gave that up he couldn't go back to it and he knew that. He was willing to giving everything he's worked so hard for, for his daughter. This kid was something else.

"You idiot!" Kagome roared pushed Inuyasha hard, making him stumble back.

"Kagome?" his face was full of confusion as he stared at her angry one.

"You think I'm going to let you do this?" she yelled at him, visibly shaking with rage.

"Kagome, this is the…"

"Shut up! You think I'm going to let you throw away something that you worked so hard for? That you almost had to die for? If you did, if you thought I would just sit back and watch you do this then you don't know me very well." She glared at him as he advance forward. His hands were itching to touch her but he didn't.

"This is the only way we can be together. I can't live my life without you. These pass weeks have been hell for me. I'm so miserable without you and if it means giving up this piece a metal to be with you than so be it." Tears began to swim in her eyes as he spoke so kindly to her, his eyes were fixated on her as if trying to change her mind with unspoken words. She shook her head, making her curls bounce with every movement

"If you give that up, I won't be with you. Then you'll have nothing." He was shocked by her words; he thought she would be happy. "You thought I would be happy with this?" she asked, choking on her emotions, as if reading his mind. "You told me how hard it was for you to make it to the top, to be recognized as the best warrior, how proud your parents, how proud you were." She paused, flicking the tears away from her eyes, "How do you think I would feel if I knew you gave up the most important thing in the world to you just for me?" Inuyasha reached out, touching her cheek with his knuckles, gods how he missed the feel of her.

"You are the most important woman in the world to me." He confessed but Kagome still frowned, shaking her head. She couldn't allow him to do this.

"What will you do? You'll be bored out of your mind; you'll be so unhappy." He smiled. He missed the way how she always thought of him first before her own happiness.

"I'll take over the restaurant. Probably expand the franchise and believe me I won't get bored. I'll never be bored with you around."

"But…"

"I love you." He finally said, making her cry even more. Cupping her hands to her face, she leaned against him as he wrapped his arms around her. Sango turned her head, trying not to let the other see her cry. A tissue appeared in front of her, Miroku smiled softly as she took it from her. She leaned against him as they watched this soap opera drama unfold.

After a mind link debate with his furious, emotional wife, Artemis sighed heavily.

"I give up." He said defeated. The girls stopped crying and looked at him with distraught and worried looks on their faces.

"Father?" his daughter said tearfully. He combed his fingers through his groomed hair.

"I… I just can't figure it out." He shook his head. "One minute I think I know what you're about to do and the next you pull the rug from under me." He paused "In all my years, I've have never once seen a man who was willing to give up his title as Nobleman." He looked directly at Inuyasha. "You really do love her don't you?"

"Yes sir." He said proudly, "I love with all my heart. I'd do anything for her." He looked into his loves' eyes. "Anything." He repeated. Artemis looked at his wife once more, who gave him an unyielding look, then said something in their mind link that made his sexual drive plummet to his feet.

"If you hurt her," he warned, "if you make her suffer I swear I'll kick your ass to hell and back." Inuyasha beamed a smile at him. "Understood?" he nodded his head vigorously

"I promise I'll only die in a car accident. Ow" he yelped when Kagome slapped his arm, not to playfully either.

"That's not funny." She scolded.

"Jeez, it was a joke." He smiled at her before bending over, brushing his lips against hers; he pulled her into a fierce hug, promising himself that he would never let her go again. Their friends applauded and cheered happily, finally seeing them together again. Moments later the door on the far end of the room, leading to the ballroom opened, Souta stepped inside. He stood there, dressed like the prince that he was, in an all white suit edged off in gold (A/n; I like gold ;))

"Umm… we've got about 400 guests out here, waiting for this thing to jump off." He announced. "You guys are 20 minutes late and I don't know how long I can stall." Karoi dried the tear that was threatening to ruin her make up before grabbing her husband's hand.

"Come on dear; let's entertain them while Sango fixes Kagome back up." Nodding, they walked side by side into the room. Souta looked back, taking in the sight of his sister being embraced by the man he had grown to admire some.

"I still don't like you." He said, but with a smile this time. He waited till Inuyasha smiled back, before disappearing inside the crowd filled room, shutting the door behind him.

"Damn I don't have the makeup with me." Sango said, sniffing some as she tried not to cry again. Just as she said that, the same maid that had helped her, appeared in front of her, scaring the shit out of her. Jumping back to catch her breath she noticed that she was holding her tools and a towel.

"Wow, right on time." She praised. The maid bowed graciously as she handed them to her, before returning from wherever she came from. "Ok missy, sit down." She commanded, rudely pushing her way in between the embraced lovers.

"Hey!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Suck it up. You two have the rest of your lives to hug each other an hour is so not gonna hurt you." She teased as she fixed Kagome's already perfect face. "Congrats Kags." She whispered when she finished, hugging her. She returned the hug, looking at Inuyasha over her shoulder who was being congratulated by his friends. Sango was right; they would spend the rest of their lives together.

--

TBC

-------------------------Author's note----------------------------

See I made it all better; as planned of course!! I'm not done though, just one more chapter and then the epilogue. Oh man can't wait to be done. I'm starting on a new story but I'm not sure if it will turn out well, but we'll see.

PLZ REVIEW!!