punkish furball – 'Sup, dudes? Long time, no see! XD

Words to Ponder:

Hello, all! X3

I apologize for my absence, but things really picked up for me at the beginning of last year. I finally got a job in my field after getting my degree, I started a really good relationship (10 months and counting!), and I'm meeting new people, etcetera and etcetera. I've also started to dabble more into cosplay, but I'm not quite confident to share pictures yet!

Anyway, I'm glad to be back and hope to post many more updates in the following weeks which leads me to my shameless plug for a new chapter in Perfect Blue, a TMNT/InuYasha one-shot I decided to expand into a full story. Check it if you have the time, and thanks for sticking with me. Please enjoy! X3

Thank you for reviewing from FF .net: Guest, kimmico, Silversun XD, Always Keep the Faith, Miss. Marked, Ayjah, cowgirlkitten2000, LovelyPolkaDots, Vengeful Jeans, inuluvskags1, The Path of Supreme Conquest, Chibiabyss, fallingyuki, alexiz1412, o0-SilverMoon-0o, lacomtessa, and Fire-Wind-DragonsCouple! Hugs for all! \ ( ^_^ ) /

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Drabble 42: Larkspur (Delphinium) for Opportunity

Part One

Kagome took a deep breath as she stood in front of the mirror in Kyoya's bedroom. The dress and its complementary accessories fit her perfectly. Kyoya's sister, a bubbly and bright girl named Fuyumi Shido, curled her hair and made up her face with light foundation, blush, and lip gloss. She gushed over her complexion and wild, raven hair, cheerfully recounting the stories Koga told her.

She thanked Fuyumi as she left but still stood woefully at her reflection. Apprehension and doubt ate at her self-image.

"That won't do. A young lady must always carry herself with confidence and smile."

Part Two

Kagome pouted, puffing out her cheeks at her mother's image standing behind her.

"You've been speaking to Kyoya," she accused.

Nodoka giggled and approached Kagome to place her hands on her shoulders.

"I only see what the mirror shows me," she quipped.

"You might need some Windex."

Nodoka rolled her eyes and hugged Kagome from behind.

"A shot of confidence might be more effective," she countered and pressed a kiss to her daughter's cheek. Kagome sighed and leaned into the comforting touch. Mothers always had a way of speaking without speaking. She wondered if Kaoru's own mother was the same.

Part Three

"This is even better," Kagome replied, "Besides, if you caught me drinking a shot of anything, I'd be dead before it reaches my stomach."

Nodoka laughed as she pulled away and ruffled Kagome's hair, lightly mussing it.

"You're right, so you'll have to get over your nerves on your own if this boy is everything you say he is," she remarked, "You have the chance for something really special."

"I know Kaoru isn't the one I'm worried about impressing today," Kagome said with a grimace. Kyoya made sure she developed an unhealthy apprehension regarding the Hitachiin matriarch—intentionally or otherwise.

Part Four

Kazuha snorted a sneeze as she killed the ignition of her Yamaha Road Star, something she'd been experiencing more frequently over the last few days. It was odd considering her line of work and distinct lack of allergies.

Speaking about me again, aren't you? she deduced before securing her bike and walking down the driveway.

When Yuzuha first explained the reasoning for this little gathering and forwarded information on the guest of honor, Kazuha was impressed with both Kaoru and his unlikely chosen. Just as she and the seven generations before her, they allowed the flowers to speak for them.

Part Five

Ikebana has always been a large part of the Hitachiin family, evident from the elaborate arrangement of Kazuha's hair courtesy of her grandsons. Even Yuzuha, who studied fashion, learned the art of blending bold and creating extravagant patterns from the ancient practice.

Despite her obvious eccentricities, Kazuha preferred simplicity. A common arrangement more likely to be overlooked in favor of something flashier displayed more depth and beauty when observed by someone who knew how to find it. Kaoru did the same when he first encountered Kagome. Kazuha was proud.

But it would ruin my fun to let him know that.

Part Six

Hikaru snickered at his brother pacing across the entryway.

"Wearing a ditch in the floor won't make you less nervous," he quipped. Kaoru stopped and turned to him, glaring.

"I don't see you expecting any company today," Kaoru retorted. His expression warped from annoyance to concern.

"It's too soon! This is all too soon! Kagome should not be meeting my family this early on!" he wailed, "I should have cancelled when I had the chance!" He abruptly stopped and whipped out his cell.

"Maybe there's still time," he insisted, "I'll just tell her that something unexpectedly came up, an emergency!"

Part Seven

Hikaru snorted as he approached Kaoru and snatched the phone from his hands. Once he had it, he flicked his brother on the forehead.

"Cut the melodrama," he said, "Kaa-san's just excited and Obaa-san's a pain, but she isn't that bad. You're making a big deal out of nothing."

"Who're you calling 'a pain' and old one at that?"

Kaoru turned away from his brother, his face blanched. Kazuha smirked and commenced doling out her usual biting remarks. Hikaru grinned when he noticed the only chip in his grandmother's usual cavalier countenance, a single sprig larkspur added to her hair.

-O0o0O-

punkish furball – That's a wrap! When I started this series, I had no idea Hikaru and Kaoru's grandmother was involved in Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangements, until I got into the manga. It really turned out to be a happy coincidence. There are only 8 installments left! Until next time, TCB!

Word Count:

Per part – 100

Total – 700

(edited 01.19.2017)