Chapter Nine
"No, absolutely not," Inuyasha proclaimed crossing his arms. "I'll do anything but that. I'll even come in to the office everyday for a month."
"This isn't a negotiation, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru said from where he sat at his desk. "Your presence is required at the gala tomorrow. A function that, may I remind you, you planned from the ground up."
"So what?" Inuyasha said with a shrug. "I plan all our 'come to this party and donate to our cause of the week' parties. If I went to all of them I'd live in a tux."
"At least then you wouldn't rent them," Sesshomaru said dryly. "As I said before, this is non-negotiable. The leading donors have requested the presence of all the Takahashi's. Especially the planner."
"Non-negotiable my ass," Inuyasha declared. "Not only is tomorrow my birthday, but I have dinner plans with Kagome, and I'm hoping more than just food will be on the menu. If you know what I mean," he said with a rakish smirk. "Where's dad? I want to talk to him.
"Please," Sesshomaru said with a disgusted look. "I have no wish to hear about your sex life. And Father will only tell you the same thing. Sorry to ruin your plans, but you're needed here. Why don't you bring Kagome along? Show her that you're more than just a carefree mutt."
"Who are you calling a mutt," Inuyasha shot back automatically. His mind was mostly occupied with the thought of Kagome decked out in a tight glittering evening gown. "When does this thing start?"
"Asks the man who planned it all," Sesshomaru sighed. "As you should know, the night will begin with a $500 plate dinner at five o'clock. The actual dancing part of the evening will start seven. You could get away with coming late as long as you are there by eight."
"That sounds doable," Inuyasha commented. "But I have to ask Kagome. If she says no, then I'm ditching the event. So, you should think of some excuses, just in case." He left, pulling out his cell phone, before Sesshomaru could protest. He dialed the number to Arisakawa then pressed the phone to his ear. Kagome's secretary answered and patched him through to Kagome. "Hey beautiful," he said in greeting.
"Hello handsome," she replied. "What can I do for you?"
"Actually, I have some bad news about dinner tomorrow."
"Don't tell me you can't make it; I was going to make your favorite."
"Ramen?" Inuyasha asked.
"Completely homemade fancy ramen," Kagome elaborated.
"Well, there happens to be a fancy dress party that night and apparently my presence is required. We could still do dinner if we move it up an hour or two. I just have to be there by eight. Actually I was hoping you might go with me. If you'd rather not, I'm fine with ditching it."
"Hmm, I'm fine with moving dinner up, but exactly how fancy is this dress party?"
"Black tie," Inuyasha replied. "But if you need a dress I'd be happy to buy you one."
"I have one, believe it or not," Kagome said. "I was a bridesmaid in a very elegant wedding not to long ago. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble for missing the party, so I guess that will be fine. And we can move dinner up to, say, five thirty. How does that work?"
"That's perfect, Kags. I'll see you then." They said their goodbyes and hung up.
88
Inuyasha had arranged to go to Kikyo's apartment bright and early Wednesday morning. He knocked on the door close to five am already dressed for work and carrying the diamond bracelet in his pocket. Kikyo opened the door immediately and pulled him in with his tie. "I've missed you babe," crooned wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing against him. She kissed him thoroughly then stepped back. "Happy birthday, baby," she purred reaching for the tie on her robe.
"Wait, Kikyo," Inuyasha grabbed her hands. "Slow down."
"But Inu baby," she said tugging her hands free so she could slide them up his chest and loosen his tie. "It's been so long. I want you; I need you."
"I know babe," Inuyasha said fixing his tie. "But, I have to go to work, I don't have time for this."
"What?" her hands stilled on his shirt buttons and her voice took on a frosty tone. "You don't have time for this?" she hissed. "That's the same as saying you don't have time for me, which, by the way, lately you don't. Why did you even come here then."
"Kik," Inuyasha said pulling her into a hug and rubbing her back soothingly. "You know that's not what I meant."
"What did you mean then?" she asked stiffly.
"What I meant is that I don't have the time to take care of you, to pleasure you in the way you should always be pleasured and still get to work on time." He squeezed her tighter. "I'm here because I want to have breakfast with the woman I love. My schedule will slow back down next week, then you'll have me all to yourself, I promise. So, can't we just have breakfast?"
"I don't know," Kikyo muttered pulling away.
"Come on babe," Inuyasha grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to each fingertip.
Kikyo sighed, "I guess we can go ahead and have breakfast. I did already make the french toast batter. Have a seat, I'll have it ready in no time."
"That's my girl," Inuyasha released her with a pat on the butt then followed her to the kitchen so he could watch her cook. As promised the food was done quickly and they ate at the kitchen table talking mostly about Kikyo's work at the Gallery. As she washed the dishes after their meal Inuyasha could see she was still a little put out because of his rejection earlier. This was as good a time as any to give her the bracelet, he decided. He came up behind her slipping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to her half exposed shoulder. "I have a present for you," he said.
"For me?" Kikyo asked. "But it's your birthday."
"I know that, but I wanted to get you something." He reached into his pocket, pulled out the bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist. "I saw it and I thought of you."
"Oh Inu, it's beautiful," she held her hand up and watched the diamonds twinkle in the light. "You're amazing. And I have a present for you. I'll be right back." She slipped out of his arms and ran back to her bedroom. She came back quickly with an long thin jewelery box. "Here you go," she said handing it to him.
"Thanks," he said automatically. He opened the box to see a silver necklace with and cursive K hanging from it. "A necklace," he said. "With a K. You are aware that Inuyasha starts with an I right?" he joked.
"Of course," she slapped him on the shoulder playfully. "This is just to show everyone that you're mine, even if they don't know it."
"Thanks, Kik," he said again as she put the necklace on for him. Then he stood and hugged her close. "It's great; I love it." He gave her one more kiss then stepped back. "I have to go to work now, I'll see you soon."
"Very soon," Kikyo said sternly.
"Of course. Thanks again for the present, bye." He left quickly fingering the small K as his mind switched to work and his lunch plans with his parents.
Inuyasha spent his workday finalizing the plans for the gala and solving various last minute emergencies, then had a pleasant lunch with his parents. After lunch he returned to work for a few hours, then left early to prepare for his dinner with Kagome and the gala afterwards.
88
At five fifteen he stood outside Kagome's door inexplicably nervous. He'd started to knock three times already, but each time something stopped him. "What is wrong with you?" he asked himself aloud. "There is a beautiful woman in there cooking you a delicious meal, and you're out here like an idiot." He put his hand in his pocket and closed it around the ring box, then took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened almost immediately. And there stood Kagome in her silk lounging pants and a lacy camisole top.
88
Kagome was in the kitchen checking the pot of noodles cooking in broth on the stove. The meat was already cooked and the vegetables chopped just waiting to be added to the noodles. She started when she heard the knock, then went to the door stopping for just a moment to glance in the mirror. Her hair was pinned into an elaborate updo and her make up was done, so all she'd have to do is don her dress after dinner and they would be ready to go. She opened the door and was shocked speechless. Inuyasha was a handsome man, she'd already known that, but nothing compared to t he sight of him decked out in a tux. She was unsure how long she'd been staring at him when his mouth moved into that familiar smirk.
"Are you going to let me in?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement
"Oh, uh, yeah," Kagome stuttered backing up to let him in. "You look amazing," she said. "I didn't realize you cleaned up so well."
"Thanks," he said nonchalantly. Then he looked her up and down with a predatory gleam in his eye. "And you look delicious." He reached out and pulled her flush against him. "You put your hair up." He nuzzled against her neck.
"I know you like it that way," her hands slid up his chest to meet around his neck. "I've missed you," she murmured.
"I missed you too," he pressed a kiss to her neck then ran his hand from her hips up to the sides of her breasts then back down to her hips which he pulled snug against his own. "I missed you a lot."
"Inuyasha," Kagome said. "Stop it."
"I'm just being honest," he said innocently. Then he took pity on her and let her go. "Dinner smells delicious."
"Thank you," Kagome replied. "And it will be done in just a minute. Why don't you have a seat at the table and I'll bring you a drink."
"Table?" Inuyasha asked. She pointed and he saw that she'd set the coffee table in the living room area up for dinner. She'd covered it with a white table cloth and put flowers and candles on top. There were cushions placed on the floor for them to sit on. "This is a nice set up," he said. "Except one thing." Kagome looked at him questioningly. "You put our spots too far away." He moved the cushions and place settings so they were on the same side of the table. Kagome laughed and brought him a glass of wine.
"Have a seat," she said handing him the glass. "I'll be right back with the food." She returned quickly with two bowls of steaming ramen, then went back for her own wine glass, and finally sat down.
"This is great babe," he said pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Wine and ramen, my kind of dinner."
"I thought you'd like it," Kagome replied. They ate catching up on their lives since they'd last seen each other and exchanging quick little affectionate touches. When they finished he helped Kagome clear the dishes. "I have a present for you," Kagome said. "Sit down on the couch while I get it." She moved through the curtain that surrounded her bed and took a box from the nightstand beside her bed. She went quickly back to the couch and handed him the box. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you," he glanced at her as he took the box and something told him that this was important. He opened it and found a jeweler's box within. Nestled inside the jewelers box was a dark colored watch with small diamonds marking the twelve, three, six, and nine positions. Some of the links of the metal wristband were slightly tarnished around the edges, showing him that the watch wasn't new. He looked up at Kagome with questioning eyes.
"This watch was my father's," she said gazing at the watch wistfully. "It was a present from my mother. I can't remember ever seeing him without this watch on his wrist." She glanced up at him. "You don't mind that it's not new, do you?"
Inuyasha cleared his throat trying to get rid of the lump that had suddenly appeared there. "Of course not," he assured her. "I'm honored that you would give this to me...Are you sure your mother doesn't mind?"
"No, she doesn't. The watch came to me after he died. And I think he'd be happy to know I was giving it to you."
"Thank you," he said again. He pulled back the sleeve of his white dress shirt, removed his platinum Rolex and replaced it with her father's watch. Then he pulled her into his lap and hugged her close. "I'm honored, really."
"I'm glad you like it," she smiled and pressed her lips to his. She leaned into the kiss bringing her hands up to rest on his shoulders. His hands tightened around her waist then one hand slid up her back pressing her close.
"Kagome, my Kagome," he whispered against her lips before pulling away. "I have a present for you too."
"You bought me a present on your birthday?" she asked.
"It's kind of a present for me too," he said. He shifted Kagome over so he could reach into his pocket tightening the arm around her waist when she tried to get up. Once he retrieved the box he shifted her back into position. "Kagome, I want you to know that there is no doubt in my mind, that you are the woman for me. You are everything a mate should be. My eyes have been drawn to you from even before we met, your scent hypnotizes me, and your voice is like music to my ears. Since the moment we met I've felt a connection with you like I've never felt before. I know that you are the woman I am meant to be with. So, Kagome," he flipped open the ring box and held it up, "will you marry me?"
"Oh my God, Inuyasha," Kagome said her voice thick with tears. "Of course I'll marry you." She turned to him and pressed quick kisses all over his face.
"Kagome," he said laughing. "Stop for a minute, will you." He took the ring from its box and slipped it onto her finger. "Have a look at that."
Kagome held her hand up obediently, "It's beautiful, Inuyasha," she said. "It's perfect." She kissed him again then brought both her hands up to her wet cheeks. "Inuyasha!" she admonished. "You made me cry. I already did my make up for tonight." She pushed up off his lap and went to the bathroom to fix her face.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Women," he muttered.
"We have to leave soon," she announced from the bathroom.
"Says the person who isn't dressed yet," Inuyasha replied. He sat back and watched as she hurried out of the bathroom and enclosed herself in the filmy curtain to change. Then she went back into the bathroom to tweak her hair and add final touches of make up, and then back to her bedroom area to put on jewelery. "Let's get a move on Kags," Inuyasha said walking over to watch her.
"I'm coming, just let me put on my perfume."
"What? No," Inuyasha grabbed her hand and took the bottle from her. "Never wear perfume when you're with me."
"Why?" Kagome asked curiously.
"Because nothing could ever smell better than your natural scent," he answered. "Now are you ready?" he asked running his hands over the satiny material of her gown. It was dark gray with a halter neck, it flared slightly at the bottom and left her back bare.
"Yes, I'm ready."
"Good." They grabbed their respective coats and Inuyasha led her downstairs to the limo that was waiting outside.
"A limo? Really!" Kagome exclaimed excitedly.
"Gotta arrive in style," Inuyasha said, shooing away the driver and opening the door for her himself.
88
The gala was unlike anything Kagome had ever attended before. The limo pulled up to a glittering hotel where a flock of reporters waited to take their pictures and shout random questions. "Just ignore them and keep walking," Inuyasha advised. They entered the lobby of the hotel and were directed to its biggest ball room. Kagome was trying not to give herself whiplash as she tried to see everything at once and Inuyasha smiled indulgently as he watched her take it all in. Everything was as it should be now. His mate was happy and by his side and Kikyo loved him and was happy as well. When they entered the ballroom they were immediately surrounded by people wishing to speak to Inuyasha. He greeted them, ignored their questions, and introduced Kagome as his fiancé and enjoyed watching her blush as she showed off her ring. When he thought Kagome was seeming overwhelmed he excused them from the group. He was grabbing two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter when he saw two familiar faces. He handed Kagome her champagne and grabbed her other hand. "Come on, I see someone I want you to meet."
"Sango, Miroku," he called as they neared the couple. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"You gave us tickets," Miroku answered. "They were an engagement present, remember?"
"Oh, yeah."
"Wow, you clean up nice, Inuyasha," Sango said appreciatively.
"Sorry Sango, you're too late. The position of sex slave has already been filled," Inuyasha replied snaking an arm around Kagome's waist and pulling her back against him.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome exclaimed elbowing him. Laughing she pulled away from him.
"Sorry," he said not at all contrite. "Guys this is Kagome; Kagome this is my best friend Miroku and his fiancé Sango." They murmured greetings. "Sango is the one who helped me pick out your ring," Inuyasha informed her.
"Thank you," Kagome said with a smile. "It's lovely."
"No problem," Sango replied with a smile. "Inuyasha knew exactly what you'd like."
The four stood sipping champagne and making small talk. Miroku was the first to spot Kikyo coming towards them. His eyes widened and he cleared his throat loudly. He started to nudge Inuyasha when Sango stepped on his foot and pulled him down by his ear. "Don't you dare warn him," she hissed in his ear. "I won't interfere with his relationship but I won't condone it either, and neither of us will help him."
"Yes darling," Miroku answered dutifully pulling away and rubbing his aching ear.
"What are you lovebirds whispering about?" Inuyasha asked.
"Nothing," Sango said serenely
"Takahashi-san," Kikyo said as she joined the group. Inuyasha whipped around at the sound of her voice, she winked and ran a hand discretely down his arm. "How good to see you."
"Kik—uh, Miko-san, what a surprise," Inuyasha replied. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here representing the Gallery," she answered. "I'm more surprised to see you here Your aversion to these events is quite well known."
"I didn't really have a choice. You know Sango and Miroku," he said. "This is Higurashi Kagome; Kagome this is Miko Kikyo. She works for the Gallery downtown."
"Nice to meet you," Kagome said bowing her head slightly. "I've heard great things about the Gallery. I haven't yet made it there myself."
"It's a wonderful place," Kikyo said politely. "If ever you should visit let me know and I'll show you around."
"Thank you."
The four resumed their conversation being sure to include Kikyo as well. Just as Inuyasha was breathing a sigh of relief his name was called once more. "Inuyasha, darling!" Izayoi called as she hurried towards them with Inutashio, Sesshomaru and his usual date, Kagura following behind.
"Mom," Inuyasha said through clenched teeth. "Father, Sesshomaru, Kagura," he greeted each in turn.
"Hello, Sango, Miroku, Kagome darling," Izayoi greeted them all. She bowed her head slightly in Kikyo's direction as she didn't know her. "Inuyasha," she admonished turning back to her son. "How could you let me hear through the grapevine that my own son was engaged? Do you know how embarrassing it was to have that fussy old bird Sayuri congratulate me and then realize I had no idea what she was talking about?" She smacked him on his arm, then pulled Kagome into a hug. "Welcome to the family darling, we're so glad to have you."
"Engaged," Kikyo said in a strangled voice as she watched Kagome receive hugs from each of Inuyasha's family members. "Congratulations."
Only Kikyo could make a congratulations sound like a threat, Inuyasha though wincing internally. "It just happened tonight," Inuyasha said half apologetically to both his mother and Kikyo.
"That's no excuse, Inuyasha," his mother said. "You shouldn't have told anyone before me. Now, I'm going to steal Kagome away so I can show off my brand new daughter-in-law. Come along Kagome." She took Kagome's hand and lead her away.
"She's not a toy, Mom," Inuyasha called after them.
"She knows," his father said laughing. He clapped Inuyasha on the shoulder. "Good job son, she'll make a great addition to the family."
Kikyo gritted her teeth as she watched Sesshomaru and Kagura also offer their congrats before moving along. Inuyasha could practically feel the anger rolling off of her. "What's wrong, Inuyasha?" Sango asked gleefully. "You don't look so well."
"I'm fine," Inuyasha said faintly. "I'm gonna make a bathroom run." He walked away quickly heading for the ballroom doors. Kikyo set down her champagne glass and followed him immediately.
88
Kikyo caught up to him on the other side of the lobby. She grabbed his arm and yanked him around to face her. "Engaged?" she hissed her voice full of venom. Inuyasha winced, he'd much rather she yell than use that angry hiss. "When were you going to tell me?"
"Soon," was his answer. She squeezed his arm, digging her nails in before releasing him abruptly and turning to walk away. "Wait," he grabbed her arm. "Kikyo, she's my mate. You knew this would happen sooner or later."
"Well, I thought it would be later," she shook his hand off. "And I thought you'd at least keep me, the woman you claim to love, informed."
"It's not a claim, Kikyou. I do love you. And I would have but..." he trailed off.
"But what, Inuyasha? Just how long have you been seeing her?"
"Not long at all. I met her right after we made up...and I was afraid that if I told you so soon that I'd found my mate, you would leave me again. She's the principal of a school where my family are donors. Thats how we met." When Kikyo was silent he rushed on. "I didn't mean for you to find out like this; I didn't know you'd be here."
"Does she know about me?" Kikyo asked.
"No."
"So I'm finally her," Kikyo scoffed. "The other woman, your mistress."
"If anything she's the other woman," Inuyasha said quickly. He wanted to take her hand, to hug and reassure her but knew he couldn't. Not there. "I was yours first, your the one I've chosen."
"None of that seems to matter," Kikyo said. "Now that she's the one with a ring." She turned from him and went back into the ballroom.
Inuyasha didn't know how long he'd been standing there when Miroku placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay, man?" he asked. Inuyasha shrugged. "I tried to warn you she was coming, but Sango told me I'm not allowed to."
"That's okay," Inuyasha said finally. "It's the thought that counts."
"But, maybe you should think about ending it with Kikyo, now. She seemed pretty mad and it would be better to end it before Kagome finds out."
"No," Inuyasha said jerking away from Miroku. "Kikyo will come around. She just needs time to adjust. Everything will be fine. Let's go back in." He put a smile on and walked back to the ballroom.
As they entered he looked around and spotted his mother and a flustered Kagome surrounded by a bunch of high society women. "I'm gonna go rescue Kagome," he told Miroku, then made a beeline for the two women. "I think you've hogged my fiancé enough, Mom," he said as he approached the group. The women laughed and moved so he could be next to Kagome.
"Nonsense," Izayoi said with a laugh. "You'll have her for the rest of forever."
"Well, I'd like to start forever with a dance, if you don't mind." Inuyasha held his and out to Kagome. She smiled as she took his hand and he led her to the dance floor as the women around him sighed and giggled.
"That's my boy," they heard Izayoi tell them.
"You're such a sweetheart," Kagome said as they turned to face each other on the dance floor.
"Yeah, well, keep that to yourself," Inuyasha replied taking her hand firmly in his and placing is other hand on the small of her back.
They glided around the floor together smoothly and silently. Finally, Kagome looked up at him and asked, "What's wrong Inuyasha?"
His hand tightened on hers briefly, "What makes you think something is wrong?"
She lifted her hand from his shoulder and smoothed her fingertips gently over his forehead. "The lines up here," she answered.
He grimaced, then took her hand and kissed it. "Nothings wrong. These parties just aren't my thing and I'm ready to go. Actually," he led her off of the dance floor. "Why don't you have another glass of champagne, while I go ask Sesshomaru if there's anything else I'm needed for. If not, we can go back to your place."
Kagome laughed, "are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?"
"Only if you think that will work," he snagged a glass of champagne and handed it to her. "I'll be right back." As soon as his back was to her he raised a hand and scrubbed the back of it against his forehead. "It is definitely time for this night to end," he muttered to himself. It took him a while to find his brother, but he finally located him talking to a group of donors while Kagura looked on with a bored expression. Inuyasha interrupted them unashamedly to ask if he could leave. Once Sesshomaru replied in the affirmative he left before his brother could even make the required snide statement. He headed back to Kagome, wondering how he could convince her to let him stay the night. He was about ten steps away when he realized that standing next to Kagome—talking to Kagome—was Kikyo. He hurried those last ten steps. "Ladies," he said pleasantly.
"Inuyasha," Kagome said stepping towards him. She went up onto tip toe to kiss his cheek and he slid an arm around her waist. "Well, are we free?"
"Free and clear," Inuyasha replied staring at Kikyo.
"Great, I'll go say goodbye to your mother. I'll be quick." She kissed his cheek again. "It was nice talking to you Miko-san," she said bowing slightly and walking away.
"Kikyo," Inuyasha half-growled as soon as Kagome was away. "What are you doing?"
"Relax, Inuyasha," Kikyo replied rolling her eyes. "We were talking about the Gallery. I was just reminding her of my offer to give her a tour."
"What's your angle Kikyo? I know you well enough to know you wouldn't do that without a reason."
"I just thought life would be easier if all of us were friends," Kikyo said smiling wickedly. "Besides I want to get to know the woman who is destined for you," she spit out the word like poison.
"Well, don't. It would be easier on all of us if your places in my life are separate."
Kikyo laughed cynically, "That's impossible, Inuyasha. As long as you and I are together and you and her are married, we're all connected. And there's nothing any of us can do about it." She ran a hand down his arm and leaned up to whisper in his ear, "Your fiancé's returning. Later lover." She laughed again, quite unpleasantly and walked away.