A Bride's Request a Bridesmaid's Promise
Chapter 14 – Old Biddy Birds
"I wonder where Kouga's vanished off to," Kagome said after a quick survey of the room and realizing that he wasn't there.
"Probably off flirting with that photographer," Ayame said her face falling. It was clear she had been hoping he would run up to her and apologize after they returned from helping Sango change. "Really you guys I couldn't care less where he's gone."
"Don't lie Ayame," Sango said bluntly. "Do you honestly think we're stupid enough to believe you when you say that?"
"You're right," Ayame sighed. "I'm kinda sad he's run off, but I'm honestly going to put it behind me and enjoy myself." But then determined not to be a party-pooper she slung her arms around Sango and Kagome's shoulders. "After all how many times will I have the opportunity to see one of my best pals married?"
"Now who's ready for some cake and champagne?" Kagome asked winking.
"Oooooh I am," Ayame squealed. "I just loved champagne especially with orange juice. The bubbles are absolutely intoxicating!"
"As if the alcohol isn't enough," Sango whispered loudly to Kagome and giggled at the face Ayame made.
"There you are!" Inuyasha exclaimed bursting through a crowd of people. "I've been searching for you for the past ten minutes."
"Sorry," Sango apologized. "Kagome and Ayame were helping me change my dress."
"Oh, I figured that out after I talked to Kaede," Inuyasha huffed.
"Oh how's she doing," Kagome asked. "I feel so bad I haven't even talked to her since he arrived."
"She said that the wedding was beautiful and when you guys cut the cake she wanted a piece," Inuyasha replied and then called out. "Yo Miroku! Over here!"
Soon Miroku popped out of the crowd and smiling broadly wrapped an arm around Sango kissed her on the cheek. "I missed you," he said simply nuzzling her nose affectionately.
"I missed you too," Sango admitted.
"Ahhhhh," Ayame gagged. "PDAs! PDAs!"
"PDAs?" Miroku echoed.
"Public displays of affections," Ayame giggled. "Come on Miroku! How can you not know that one!"
"Yeah Miroku," Kagome teased. "I thought everyone knew that one!"
"Hmph," Miroku sulked sticking out his bottom lip and crossing his arms. "I thought people were supposed to be nice on weddings!"
"Oh come on Miroku," Sango said poking him playfully on the nose. "You know they're only joking."
"Yeah," Miroku said cutting the act. "I know, I just wanted to give them a bit of a guilt-trip but I guess, vixens like them don't feel guilt…"
Ayame and Kagome gasped and then looked at each other.
"He soooooooooo did not just say that," Ayame said disbelieving.
"I think he did," Kagome replied putting her hand to her lips in mock shock.
"GET HIM!" Ayame cried launching herself at the lucky groom who managed to sidestep her just in time.
"Now, now, Ayame," he said mockingly. "Can't you take a joke?"
"Ooooh you're in trouble you," Ayame said dashing after him as he ran off.
"Aren't you going to chase him too?" Sango asked smiling wryly.
"Naww," Kagome replied. "I'm feeling too mature; I wouldn't want to lower myself to their childish level."
"Mature? You?" Inuyasha scoffed. "You're about as mature as a four year old dressed in her mother's high heels. Which if I recall correctly you did happen to do when we were kids."
"How dare you say that!" Kagome gasped. "Especially when "if I recall correctly", you were wearing one of your dad's best suits which was about five times too big for you!"
Inuyasha's eyebrow raised on that one. "I did not," he said.
"Oh yes you did!" Kagome said poking him in the chest angrily. "I remember the day perfectly, I had finally convinced you to play house and we were in the garden. You showed up wearing your fathers black suit, a white shirt and a red tie that wasn't even tied properly!"
"Ok so maybe I did," Inuyasha conceded. "But at least I looked better than you did wearing your mothers black cocktail dress and bright red high heels, with lipstick redder than a stop sign and blue eye shadow going up past your eyebrows!"
Kagome laughed at that, "I forgot about the eye shadow! Good one! Do you remember for "supper" how we had cookies and red Kool-Aid that was supposed to be wine?"
"How can I forget you walked around for the rest of the day with a red moustache!" Inuyasha teased.
"Yoohooo?" Sango said waving at them. "Forgetting anyone over here? I don't know, she just might be wearing a wedding dress and feeling a little left out."
"Oh I'm sorry Sango," Kagome said quickly giving Sango a hug as an apology. "We didn't mean to exclude you."
"It's ok," Sango smiled. "I forgive you. This is just such an improvement from the first few times you two were put into each other's company."
"It is weird," Inuyasha said. "Almost unnaturally so, hard to believe it was only a couple of days ago you proposed that truce Kagome. We hated each others guts before that, if it hadn't been for Sango having that emotional break down we never would have even made it!"
"Yeah," Kagome murmured feeling a momentarily flicker of fear. Why did she not like the sound of how he was referring to the past? Was he wanting to go back to hating each other's guts? Or was he expressing how glad he was they were over that?
"Well, all I can say is that I'm glad you two aren't yelling at each other," Sango said. "Now, I don't know about you guys but I think we should go track my husband down so we can have some champagne and cake!"
"I like the sound of that!" Kagome said yet as she moved to follow Sango she gave a wink to Inuyasha and whispered, "Did I mention I still love red Kool-Aid?"
"Did I mention that your taste in make-up has greatly improved since then?" Inuyasha countered.
"No," Kagome said over her shoulder to Inuyasha because she was following the small wake in the crowd Sango was making. "But thank you."
"You're welcome," Inuyasha replied seeing for the first time why Miroku had always insisted on ladies first, when you let them go ahead you had the loveliest view of their derrière, and Kagome had one of the nicest rears he had seen in a long time. He was looking forward to dancing with her, she was a great dancer, she looked hot and he would probably be the most envied of all the bachelors at the party.
"So did Ayame mention exactly how you were going to be able to dance?" Inuyasha asked.
Looking over her shoulder Kagome simply smiled. "Wait and see."
"Are you making a speech?" Inuyasha asked after a moment.
"What's with all the questions?" Kagome asked.
"I just realized people are probably going to be expecting a speech from me aren't they?" Inuyasha deflated.
"Definitely," Kagome assured him. "I've been working on mine for a little less than a two days now."
"What are you saying?" Inuyasha asked.
"I'm not telling!" Kagome exclaimed.
"Oh I don't want every single word of it," Inuyasha growled. "I just want the gist of it. Like what am I supposed to say?"
"Well I'm starting off with saying how I know Sango and Miroku and how I'm honoured to be Sango's bridesmaid. Then I'm going to talk about how Sango's favourite fairytale as a child was Cinderella and explain why I made her the glass slippers. Then I'll talk about all the ways Miroku is perfect for Sango."
"Well that sounds pretty easy," Inuyasha said. "Good thing I'm good at public speaking. I should have no problem whipping up a speech."
"Does your company require you to make lots of speeches?" Kagome asked beginning to wonder if Ayame hadn't been quite as playful as she had sounded about killing Miroku. "What do you think she did to him? She wasn't actually serious about killing him right?"
"Of course not," Inuyasha said waving off her worry. "But yeah, I give speeches on behalf of the company frequently. It's mostly around the holidays though I basically have one speech that I alter from year to year."
"Well that doesn't sound like much fun," Kagome said thoughtfully and then exclaimed pointing. "Look there they are."
"Where?" Sango asked whirling around.
"Over there standing next to…oh shit," Kagome swore under her breath.
"What?" Sango asked confused. "What's wrong?"
"They're over there by the tables talking with Kouga," Kagome muttered under breath.
"Shit," Inuyasha swore softly.
"My thoughts exactly," Kagome said glowering at Kouga's back.
"We'd better get over there fast before Ayame's homicidal, or should I say Kougacidal tendencies appear," Sango sighed making a beeline for the already bickering couple.
"Why would I want to talk to you right now?" Ayame demanded angrily poking Kouga in the chest just as the three of them appeared at the tables. "What makes you think you can just show up and expect me to want to talk? Huh? Answer me!"
"I didn't want to say what I have to say in front of all our friends. Look Ayame I don't want you to be mad at me-" Kouga began but Ayame angrily cut him off.
"You know what Kouga? You may not want me to be mad at you, but the reality is I am; so deal with it," she snapped whirling to walk off. "I already said that I can't take your self-centered tendencies right now, you're always me me me me. And today I would have liked a little "Ayame" in that. So just leave me alone."
"Wait," Kouga said grabbing her arm before she could storm off. Whirling her around to face him he swore, "damn it Ayame will you give me a second to talk?"
"No I won't," Ayame growled. "Quite frankly I don't want to talk with you right now so if I were you I'd let go of my arm before I give you a black eye."
"You-" Kouga spluttered his left eye twitching. "You are the most infuriating woman I…"
Next thing everyone knew Kouga had grabbed Ayame behind the neck and had kissed her so passionately her toes were curling. Wrapping an arm around her waist he drew her close to deepen the kiss. Finally letting her go so she could breathe again, Kouga took a step back and sighed. "Sorry about that I couldn't help myse-"
Once again Ayame cut him off this time though with a fierce and ardent kiss. It was clear by the way Kouga's eyebrow shot up he hadn't been expecting that one. After a couple moments Kagome, Sango, Inuyasha and Miroku all began to look around embarrassedly.
Hearing Miroku's cough, Kouga gently pushed Ayame away and affectionately pushed a strand of auburn hair out of her face. "I'm sorry Ayame," he said softly. "I didn't mean to be such a jackass. I never realized how much it upset you when I flirted with other women. I'm just glad you lost your temper; I never would have known otherwise. Even just thinking that I could have lost you over something as stupid as a girl like that makes my heart clench."
"Where did you go?" Ayame asked softly her voice trembling. "For a few minutes I actually thought you had left me."
"I could never leave you Ayame," Kouga said tenderly stroking her cheek and then reaching into his pocket to pull out a small red box. "I left because I needed to go get this for you."
"Kouga," Ayame breathed delightedly opening the box to reveal a pair of glittering diamond studs. "You shouldn't have."
"Of course I should of," Kouga said smiling wryly. "I know how finicky you are when it comes to rings and I remembered you wishing you have a pair of real diamond studs so I thought you might like these beauties."
Ayame gasped in shock and raised one hand to her mouth as Kouga sank to one knee and took her other hand. "Ayame I know at times I'm an idiot, I won't deny it. This is one of those times. I'm not quite ready to ask you to marry me. I hope to sometime in the future but until that day all I can promise you is my unwavering love and devotion. You're the only woman I think I could ever love as much as I do right now and I promise from this day forward, neither my eyes or my heart will never stray away from you. Will you agree to date me?"
Laughing because of the happiness that bubbled up within her, Ayame nodded and joyously threw her arms around Kouga's neck as he rose to his feet. "Yes! Yes YES!" she cried repeatedly kissing him on the lips.
"Oh my gosh," Sango and Kagome squealed turning to gape at each other in shock. "Oh my GOSH!"
"That didn't quite turn out how I expected," Miroku said looking at Ayame and Kouga who were stilling kissing.
"My thoughts exactly," Inuyasha said. "I pictured quite a bit more yelling on Ayame's part."
"The um…. partial proposal was a bit of a shock too," Miroku said crossing his arms and bobbing his head.
"Yeah, defiantly did see that coming," Inuyasha agreed.
"Oh my gosh," Kagome squealed. "That was so romantic!"
"I know," Sango gasped. "Who knew Kouga had it in him!"
"I did," Ayame said pulling back so she could nuzzle his neck. "That's why I love you."
"I love you for being to love me through all my stupidity," Kouga said kissing the top of her head gently.
"Why don't we give them a moment," Sango proposed grabbing Miroku's arm and leading him away, and ever the obedient sheep Kagome and Inuyasha followed.
"Wow," Inuyasha said nudging Miroku when they stopped. "That must have been some pep-talk Miroku. Getting Kouga to commit to Ayame is nothing short of a miracle."
"It was," Miroku nodded smugly. "You should listen to me more Inuyasha, I've told you a thousand times over that I know how to get the ladies."
"Ahem," Sango coughed.
"Not that I need those skills anymore," Miroku hastily amended wrapping his arm around Sango. "I've found my soul mate."
"Maybe I'll listen to you next time," Inuyasha thought out loud.
"Don't let him give you any tips Inuyasha," Sango warned. "This was a mere fluke; his advice with women tends to have disastrous consequences."
"Yes," Kagome giggled, "consequences that tend to include slapped cheeks."
"Now, now," Miroku chided. "I did manage to win Sango, you've got to give me credit for that."
"Yes," Kagome relented. "You're right, give credit where credit is due. Miroku, snagging Sango was something I thought would never happen. She was too much of a man-hater in university, I honestly thought she was going to grow up to be an old maid."
"Hey!" Sango exclaimed. "Just whose side are you on Kagome?"
"Neither of yours that's for sure," Kagome smiled. "I'm on my own side."
"Sango! Miroku!" Kaede called. "I've been searching all over for ye."
"Kaede," Sango said warmly reaching forward to embrace the old woman. "How are you?"
"Doing well," Kaede smiled. "You look so lovely Sango. I hardly recognized you, and I've known you longer than anyone here."
"You look lovely too," Sango said. "That color looks nice on you."
"Why thank you dear," Kaede said fingering her mauve dress. "I bought is yesterday just for today. I heard Kagome and Ayame would be wearing lilac so I thought I would wear purple too."
"I'm glad you did," Kagome said hugging the old woman as well. "Would you like to sit down Kaede? I'm sure Inuyasha would grab you a chair."
"Actually that would be nice," Kaede replied, "that is, if Inuyasha agrees."
Inuyasha opened his mouth to protest but saw the meaningful look on Kagome's face sighed and muttered, "yeah sure."
"Hmm," Kaede said watching Inuyasha walk off. "That was easy, Kagome dear you're a good influence on him."
"Good influence?" Kagome laughed. "You must be kidding! Inuyasha and I do nothing but bicker all day long. He still must be having issues dealing with Kouga's proposal, that's all."
"Kouga proposed to Ayame?" Kaede asked shocked.
"No, not in the way you're thinking," Sango said. "He simply promised to commit to her, and he gave her a really pretty pair of diamond earrings."
"Well that's still a big step for someone like Kouga," Kaede observed wisely and then sighed when she saw Inuyasha approaching with a chair. "Ahh thank you Inuyasha, my old bones aren't quite up to all this action and excitement."
"You're welcome," Inuyasha said far too conscious of the way Kagome smiled at him. He coughed once and then asked, "so when are you two gonna cut the cake?"
"Soon," Sango replied. "Don't worry you'll get a piece Inuyasha."
"Of course I will," Inuyasha said quickly. "You think I'd walk out of here not getting a piece of cake? I don't think so."
Everyone laughed at that. "We weren't saying you wouldn't," Miroku laughed. "Calm down will you. You're all tense!"
"I am not tense," Inuyasha argued.
"Are," Miroku insisted.
"Am not," Inuyasha huffed and then nearly jumped out of his skin when Jakotsu appeared from right behind him.
"Sango," the poor man wailed pathetically. "How could you!"
"What?" Sango exclaimed. "I didn't do anything honest!"
"Yes you did," Jakotsu pouted. "Think about it for just a second darling."
"Ummmm," Sango said eyes flickering nervously back and forth. "Well I know I was smiling so you can't be mad about that, was it the photos?"
"The schedule!" Jakotsu burst out angrily. "My schedule is ruined absolutely ruined!"
"Why?" Kagome said looking at the clock. "We're right on schedule, its 12:15 and we cut the cake in fifteen minutes. We're actually early!"
"And when exactly was Sango supposed to change Ms. We're-right-on-schedule?" Jakotsu demanded. "Huh?"
"Ummmm," Kagome said blinking at Jakotsu's imitation of her voice.
"Not till 2 o'clock that's when!" Jakotsu said smacking the back of his hand into the palm of the other. "Bad bridesmaids! Bad!"
"Kagome's not a dog, so don't treat her like one," Inuyasha growled angrily. "Be reasonable, you couldn't expect Sango to stay in a dress like that for more time than she did. I'm clueless when it comes to women's clothes and even I could see that!"
"He does have a point," Sango said trying to lighten the blow by patting Jakotsu affectionately on the shoulder like one would a small child. "The dress was very heavy Jakotsu. It was becoming a struggle to breathe."
"Oh," Jakotsu said still somewhat upset over their lack of regard for his precious schedule. "I suppose that makes sense," he admitted finally with a sigh. "We can simply let everyone eat lunch a little longer." And with that said off he wandered muttering to himself.
"Mental that one," Inuyasha scoffed.
"Couldn't agree with you more on that one," Miroku nodded.
"So fifteen minutes till we cut the cake?" Sango asked for verification.
"That seems to be the case," Kagome said.
"Just how long are Kouga and Ayame going to make out for?" Inuyasha asked raising an eyebrow.
"We're back," Ayame chirped happily startling Inuyasha when she placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "I hope you weren't talking behind our backs Inuyasha."
"Of course not," Inuyasha said hurriedly.
"Ayame," Miroku interrupted. "Now if I remember correctly just a few minutes ago someone was going on about public displays of affection. I thought everyone new not to cross the so called "limits". Then again I might have misheard this redhead who just happens I do believe to be a hypocrite as well as over reactive."
Biting her lower lips in embarrassment as she blushed, Ayame simply looked at the floor.
"Ayame," Miroku prodded. "I do believe that you owe me an apology."
"Alright, alright," she mumbled still very red. "I'm sorry."
"Ahem," Miroku cleared his throat noisily, "I didn't quite hear that Ayame perhaps you'd like to speak up."
"Oh you heard her Miroku," Kouga sighed. "Just let it slide."
"Yes I wouldn't push it much more," Kagome giggled. "From the looks of things Ayame might explode if she blushes anymore."
"Well are we going to do this cake or what?" Inuyasha asked not wanting to meet Kouga's gloating eyes. For some reason Kouga kept looking at him smugly as if to say, I managed to tell my girl I love her to bad you're too chicken to do the same.
"Well I think we could probably begin to make our way over to the cake," Sango said casting a quick glance at the clock and then looking meaningfully at Miroku. "It's almost time now, only other six or seven minutes until the schedule says we should cut the cake."
"I'm up for that," Miroku said wrapping an arm around her waist. "You know what Sango?"
"What?" Sango asked raising her eyebrow expecting him to say something perverted.
"Don't look so suspicious my darling, I simply wanted to say that I still can't quite believe we're married. I've waited so long for this its hard to believe its actually happened."
Sango's eyes softened, and slowly let her head fall on his shoulder. "I don't regret it," Sango said. "For a while I wondered if I would regret my freedom disappearing and yet now that it has I ironically feel freer than ever."
"Sango," Miroku murmured. "Somehow you always manage to say the perfect thing at the perfect moment."
"Hard to believe in just a little bit you two will have a new addition to this family," Kouga commented.
Miroku's countenance brightened immediately at the mention of their child. "Speaking of that Sango I wanted to know," pausing for dramatic effect Miroku then continued. "What colour will we paint the room?"
Sango giggled at the question and then paused thoughtfully, "I always thought a yellow room if it was a girl and if it's a boy I think blue."
"Not pink?" Miroku asked.
"No," Sango laughed shaking her head. "Yellow."
"What about a light green?" Miroku questioned. "Or a lilac?"
"Maybe," Sango smiled. "We'll have to see about that."
"Speaking of your baby," Kagome said. "Have you guys decided whether or not you want to know the baby's gender by ultrasound?"
"We haven't really thought about it Kagome," Sango admitted looking at Miroku. "Personally I'd sort of like to know, but if Miroku wants to be surprised I won't mind waiting."
"Want to know!" Miroku yelped shocked. "Sango I'm dying to know!"
"Well you won't be able to tell the baby's gender for quite some time yet," Kaede warned. "Three months minimum I'd say."
"We know," Sango sighed. "We can wait; the anticipation is half the fun I think."
"For you maybe," Miroku laughed. "I'm dying to know! Do have any idea how long I've wanted to be dad?"
"A long time," Kagome suggested.
"Yes," Miroku replied. "A very long time! I'm going to be the best dad in the world!"
"A touch overconfident aren't we?" Inuyasha teased.
"I think its sweet," Ayame commented. "All I know though is that I just can not wait to be able to design all those cute little outfits. The second you know if the baby's going to be a girl or boy you have to phone right away ok?"
"Ayame don't you think that's a touch early?" Kouga asked.
"I didn't say I was going to make the clothes," Ayame said looking at him meaningfully. "I can always start planning."
"Not that you already haven't," Kouga teased and when Ayame blushed and looked embarrassedly at Sango went on. "Don't try and deny it I've seen those little sketches on your desk."
"Oh alright," Ayame said hurriedly. "Maybe I did already start; you've just got to understand how excited I am!"
"We do," Inuyasha said dryly. "Trust us."
"Well we should probably go get everyone's attention," Sango said. "You guys want to come closer to the cake or stay here?"
"Closer to the cake," Inuyasha said very fast. "I've been eying that thing the entire time I've been in here!"
"That and Kagome," Miroku said mischievously and then quickly grabbed Sango's arm and lead her over to the platform.
Inuyasha and Kagome instantly both blushed while Ayame and Kouga chuckled at Miroku's well placed comment.
"So Kagome," Kouga drawled. "You and Inuyasha going to dance tonight and show off some of those dancing skills."
Inuyasha looked to Kagome and when she refused to meet his eye looked back to Kouga. "I don't know, I wouldn't want to upstage Sango and Miroku on their wedding day."
"Inuyasha!" Ayame said delightedly clasping her hands in front of her. "Congratulations! You've finally learned that there are times other people come first! It's something short of a miracle!"
Slightly flustered by this comment Inuyasha abruptly changed the subject and said, "we better follow Sango and Miroku or we won't get any cake."
Kagome still blushing from Miroku's comment shyly nodded and turned to follow Inuyasha as he pushed his way after Sango and Miroku.
"Oh those two," Ayame sighed. "When are they going to admit they like each other?"
"Immature idiots," Kouga said shaking his head at their immaturity.
"Excuse me," came Miroku's loud voice quieting the crowds and making all guests turn their eyes towards the newly weds. "Hi may I have everyone's attention please. Oh, I see I already do, anyways I just wanted to announce that we're cutting the cake, so whoever wants a piece please be respectful and," he looked at Inuyasha, "please refrain from taking seconds until everyone has gotten a slice."
"Was that supposed to be subtle?" Inuyasha muttered under his breath as everyone turned to look at him.
"Somehow I don't think so," Kagome smiled catching sight of Miroku grinning at Inuyasha's discomfort.
"Does this mean I can get two slices?" Kouga asked Ayame who simple smiled and punched him lightly.
"Not likely," she sighed.
As Sango and Miroku proceeded to cut the beautiful white cake they had picked out together everyone cheered but none louder than Kagome and Sango.
"Oh don't they look so romantic standing like that!" Kagome squealed.
"Look at him placing his hand over hers while they cut, they look so adorable! Camera time!" Ayame suddenly whipped a camera from somewhere she had concealed it in her dress and snapped a few dozen photos.
"Hey!" Kouga exclaimed. "You're wasting all the film!"
"It's digital stupid," Inuyasha scoffed. "Ayame always takes pictures like that. Don't you know that by now?"
"Yeah," Ayame agreed standing on her tiptoes so that she could get a better shot.
"Speaking of camera's," Kouga said slowly. "Where exactly did you get that thing/"
"Right here," Ayame chirped as she pulled her dress up and quick as a blink of an eye the camera was gone and the dress back down.
Inuyasha and Kouga shook their heads and looked around in surprise. "Where'd it go?" they asked stupidly.
Ayame and Kagome simply rolled their eyes and began to make they way forward so that they could get a slice of cake. That was a definite plus to being bridesmaids; you got cake before everyone else. They had barely managed to grab the plates when Inuyasha and Kouga caught up with them pestering to know where the camera had gone.
"Well do you really want me to show you with all these people around?" Ayame asked incredulously.
"Well duh?" Inuyasha said throwing his hands up in the air. "That was like magic, one second you're holding the camera the next thing poof it's gone!"
"Hey watch how you talk to my girlfriend," Kouga snapped protectively which definitely made Ayame happy.
Sighing she looked at Kagome and asked, "well, should we should them?"
"I suppose," Kagome sighed teasingly. "They'll only pester us until we do."
"Ok come over here then," Ayame said leading them to a quite corner which was surprisingly not that hard to do, most people were lined up waiting for cake. Hiking her dress up Ayame showed them the garter in which she had tucked away her camera. "Comprendé?"
"What is that?" Kouga asked reaching out to poke it.
"It's a garter you nincompoop," Ayame said gently slapping his hand away and letting her dress drop back down.
"Are you wearing one of those things?" Inuyasha asked Kagome curiously tilting his head to one side like a puppy.
"Uh well yeah," Kagome blushed. "I kinda am."
"Oh I thought only hookers wore those things," Inuyasha said thoughtfully.
"They're wedding garters!" Kagome screeched now the colour of a tomato from embarrassment. "How dare you call me a- a-"
"Oh just chill," Inuyasha said rolling his eyes. "I said that was what I thought, now however, I realize I was wrong." He paused thoughtfully and then winced, "I also realise why I got slapped that time."
"Spare us the story," Kouga said wrapping a arm around Ayame. "We don't want to hear about your sex life."
"Oh don't be crude Kouga," Inuyasha growled. "Oh sorry I forgot, it's a ingrained part of your nature."
"And what the hell's that supposed to mean!" Kouga demanded slamming his cake plate down and punching his hands together menacingly.
Inuyasha following suit quickly put the plate down and cracked his knuckles, "let me teach you what I mean."
"As if a mongrel like you could ever teach me anything!" Kouga taunted.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome explained throwing her arms around one of his arms as he raised it to punch Kouga.
"Kouga!" Ayame exclaimed mimicking Kagome.
"Feh!" Inuyasha said after a few tense moments. "We'll settle this some other time."
"Yeah," Kouga muttered. "Some other kind."
"Change of subject needed," Kagome said awkwardly eating another bite of cake. "This really is amazing cake isn't it?"
"Yeah," Ayame said trying to move the conversation into safer territory; the boys however were less inclined to drop the subject.
"Oh for Pete's sake," Ayame said to Kagome completely exasperated. "Let's separate the two of them and let them have some space."
"Sounds like a good plan," Kagome agreed and taking Inuyasha's arm gently steered him back over the where Miroku and Sango were.
"Are they still cutting cake?" Kagome asked trying to see over the crowds. "I can't see! Can you?"
"Um yeah," Inuyasha said slowly startled out of his contemplation of how to best kill Kouga. "I think they're still cutting the cake, only a few old gees- I mean elderly persons waiting now."
"Do you see Kaede?" Kagome asked.
"Yeah, she's talking to Sango 'bout something," Inuyasha said taking another bite of cake. "I like wedding cake," he said decidedly. "I don't normally like white cake."
"Really?" Kagome said. "I've always liked both."
"Well, what can I say," Inuyasha shrugged. "I've always found just plain white cake bland, flavourless."
"How about Angel's Food Cake?" Kagome asked curiously.
"It's alright I guess," Inuyasha said. "Not really my favourite though, it's basically the same thing as white cake just fluffier."
"You'll have to try my lemon angel cake sometime," Kagome said. "I can almost promise that you'll love it!"
"Modesty is defiantly not in your vocabulary is it?" Inuyasha teased.
"When it's something I'm good at I don't hide it," Kagome pouted. "Honestly though, it's really good. It's really light and perfect to eat during the summer, it's basically a Angel Food cake but the real secret in the icing, it's a lemon icing that tastes like the lemon meringue that's in lemon meringue pies."
"Well I guess if this lemon cake is anywhere as amazing as your cookies I know I'll love it," Inuyasha smiled at her enthusiasm. "I promise I'll love to come over some time and you can cook whatever you like for me, even if I do leave fifty pounds heavier."
"Really?" Kagome asked surprised by his promise, he had actually promised to see her after the wedding. Irrepressible joy filled her and all she could do was smile. "You promise!"
"I already said I would didn't I?" Inuyasha teased.
"I'm so excited," Kagome confessed her eyes shining. "There's so many things I'd love you to try, there's this one chocolate turtle cheesecake I make that I know you'd love and then there's the chocolate raspberry mousse I tend to make for garden parties, and there's the…"
Inuyasha stopped listening to her as she continued to list off various culinary delights, her joy was infectious and all anger and nervousness he had been feeling before totally evaporated. Smiling he watched her as she explained what exactly was so special about her peach pie and he couldn't help but think that he could defiantly get used to this. Whenever he was with Kagome he always felt so good, she inspired him to become a better man. Was this why Miroku had changed for Sango? Was it because he wanted nothing more than to live the rest of his life with the one woman who truly made him happy?
Had Miroku constantly wondered what marriage would be like and try to imagine what their children would look like? He couldn't decide if he'd rather his and Kagome's children with silver hair or raven black like hers. Seeing his own silver hair on his offspring would fill him with such pride but at the same time having a daughter who looked like a miniature Kagome would be wonderful too. He could clearly remember being tormented by other children as a result of his unusual hair colour, would he want his children to go through that? How many children would they have and would they end up being boys or girls. He personally would love to have the first be a girl, but that didn't mean he wouldn't love a boy too.
And that brought him to a new question. Where would they raise their multitude of children? He knew that Kagome would want to live close to wherever Sango and Miroku were, and though that wouldn't have been his first option he wouldn't mind doing that for her. It wasn't as if he was short on money, he could buy out Sango's neighbours if that was what was required to make Kagome happy. After all who better to spend all his money on than his wife? They would be able to have as many kids as they wanted without ever fearing money shortages thanks to his job. His JOB! If he decided to raise a family he would defiantly need to cut back on the number of hours he worked. He had absolutely no intention of being one of those dads that the kids never saw except on evenings and weekends. He would also need to..
"Do you like curry?" Kagome ask startling him out of his reverie.
"Yeah I love children," Inuyasha said dazed. How long had she been talking?
"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked waving a hand in front of his face. "You sure you're sane?"
"Yeah?" Inuyasha said hurriedly, embarrassed over being caught daydreaming about marriage with a woman he wasn't even dating. "What?"
Laughing, Kagome gently cuffed him on the side of his head. "That's for not listening to me."
"Sorry," Inuyasha said sheepishly. "I didn't mean to honestly, everything you were talking about though just made me realize just how bad I want to try your cooking. What were you saying?"
"Well," Kagome smiled. "I was just saying what a good lamb curry I make, and I must confess the thought of children flavoured curry is something only the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood would appreciate."
"Oops," Inuyasha grinned. "I though you asked if I liked kids so I said yeah. But not in a curry."
"So you don't like curry?" Kagome asked coyly.
"No I do like curry," Inuyasha insisted not catching onto the fact she was simply playing with him.
"Oh so you like curry," Kagome said. "Just not children curry."
"Yeah," Inuyasha said nodding his head furiously. "I'm not a cannibal."
"That's always good to know," Kagome laughed.
"What time is it?" Inuyasha asked wondering if he go get another slice of cake now.
"Oh it's almost one now," Kagome said. "You better hurry up and get a slice of cake before the last of it disappears."
"I was daydreaming for half and hour!" Inuyasha said almost squeaking his voice was so high. "Why didn't you say something?"
"Well I thought you were paying attention to me for that half hour," Kagome said dryly. "That must have been some fascinating daydream."
"Uhh," Inuyasha beginning to blush. "It was." He just stared at Kagome a few seconds before averting his gaze and said, "I'm going to get more cake. You want some?"
"Sure, if you're offering," Kagome said shyly handing him plate; normally she would never even dream of have two pieces of cake. She was determined that at least for today she would eat like the old Kagome, even though it was still something she couldn't do on a regular basis.
The second Inuyasha left however a group of women flocked around her.
"Kagome dear," one woman said. "You look absolutely gorgeous. That shade of purple does wonders with your colouring."
"Yes absolutely lovely," another agreed. "We've been waiting ages for that man to leave you be. Dying to talk to you aren't we ladies?" They all nodded their agreement.
"It's not fair that the best man keeps you occupied the whole evening, people might get ideas you know," one woman advised causing Kagome to blush.
"Yes and you wouldn't want that we were sure so we made sure that we saved your reputation any damage," said the one Kagome observed to be the leader of the meddling women.
"You aren't interested in him are you?" A nosy one asked.
"No of course not," Kagome said hurriedly, she could hardly admit her own feelings to herself, like hell a bunch of busy bodies would get that kind of personal information out of her.
"Good, because my daughter dated him for a bit and said he's the most arrogant man she ever had the misfortune of meeting."
"And mine said he was so full of himself it made Stalin look like a man with low self-esteem," another added.
"Oh," Kagome said trying to smile and finding it hard. "That's good to know."
"And he's got commitment issues I hear," one gossiped. "Never seems to be able to stay with one girl for more than a couple of days."
"He's a bad egg that one!"
"Indeed, truly wicked!"
"His mother should be ashamed," the leader said with a sniff. "If I were her I would have put a stop to it a long time ago."
That was all Kagome could take. "His mother died when Inuyasha was very young," Kagome said bluntly.
All the women immediately looked embarrassed. There were a few "oh"s a number of sighs and quite a number of lips being bitten at the awkwardness of the situation. Kagome almost felt bad for saying that but then mentally checked herself. I have nothing to be ashamed of, Kagome told herself. Someone needed to put those meddling busybodies in their place. Shame on them for attacking some poor guy like that; especially when he wasn't even there to defend himself.
But it's not as if what they said was wrong either, Kagome's conscience niggled. He is a playboy.
He's not the bad person they were making him out to be though, Kagome protested. He's really very good at heart, he's just a little misunderstood is all.
He does have commitment issues too, he is full of himself and he you've called him arrogant too many times to remember, her conscience chided.
But there's more to him than just that, Kagome thought desperately. There's the part of him that's scared of big parties because he can't make small talk very well, there's the part of him that's fiercely loyal to his friends, his generosity and his shyness. He hides behind the playboy mask because he's afraid of being vulnerable.
Looking up just then she saw Inuyasha's bewildered expression as he saw the gaggle of women surrounding her. He looked around for someone else to go talk to not wanting to come anywhere near the hoards of older women but there was no one around. She saw him look terrified not at the people who were chatting amiably amongst themselves but rather at the prospect of being forced to go mingle. He gulped, faced with two unappealing decisions and after a brief moment he slowly began to make his way to where Kagome was looking very much like a small lost child who wanted his mother.
"Kagome," he said tentatively. "I got you another slice of cake."
"Why thank you," Kagome said taking the plate from him as the ladies made way from him to approach her. She couldn't resist adding, "that was very generous of you to offer to get me a piece."
"You're welcome," Inuyasha said turning slightly red at the fact every single woman there was eying him. "I- I just was talking to Miroku and Sango and they said they wanted to talk to you."
"Sorry," Kagome said sounding as apologetic as she could manage and getting nudged her way past them all and then gently resting a hand on Inuyasha's arm let him lead her away.
"Did Sango really need to speak with me?" Kagome asked.
"Ummm no not really," Inuyasha said flustered after the encounter. "I just made that up to get away from all those women."
"Thank you," Kagome said fervently. "You saved me from a conversation worse than torture."
"What did they want with you?" Inuyasha asked.
"To malign your character," Kagome replied honestly.
"Oh," Inuyasha said grinning. "Let me guess, they were concerned about your wellbeing?"
"Bang on," Kagome sighed. "Honestly I have never had the misfortune of meeting such a horrible group of old biddies in my life!"
"Now, now, don't be too mean." Inuyasha teased. "They're not that-"
"Don't you dare say bad," Kagome growled. "They were far worse than bad, they were terrible!"
"I was going to say old," Inuyasha said laughing at her reaction.
"Oh," Kagome blushed. "Well then." Gasping she put her hand to her head in pain. "Oh man I've suddenly got a splitting headache. Stupid nattering women, now look what they've done."
"Uh oh," Inuyasha said putting his arm out to stabilize her.
"Thanks," Kagome said. "I don't suppose you've got a few Advil on you?"
"No sorry," Inuyasha said and he was sincerely sorry he didn't. Damn! Of all the perfect gentlemanly things to do, offering a lady with a headache an Advil definitely ranked right up there. "But I know someone who would."
"Really who?" Kagome asked making her way over to a chair.
"Jakotsu," Inuyasha said promptly inwardly vowing never to be without Advil ever again. "If anyone has Advil that man must."
"Good idea," Kagome said. "I feel really bad for asking this but would you mind asking him for me. I really don't feel well all of a sudden."
"Sure," Inuyasha said. "No problem I'll be right back."
"Thank you so much," Kagome said closing her eyes in relief.
"Be right back," Inuyasha said and immediately went off in search of Jakotsu.
"You okay Kags?" Sango asked appearing just as Inuyasha left. "You don't look so hot."
"Oh I'm fine," Kagome said forcing a smile. "I've just got a headache that's all. Nothing too bad, honestly I'm perfectly fine. Really!"
"You're really flushed," Sango said suddenly leaning forward to touch Kagome's forehead. "No you definitely don't feel good. You're really hot."
"Oh it's nothing really," Kagome protested. "I get like this sometimes when I've had too much sugar. Now stop fussing, I'll be fine the second I take some Advil. Sango I forbid you to worry, it's your wedding day and the last thing I want to do is steal your thunder."
"Oh Kagome," Sango sighed shaking her head. "I'd never think you were purposely trying to steal my thunder, and if you think something like a headache would upset me then you really don't know me inside and out like you claim." Sitting down next to Kagome and putting an arm around her. "Now tell me is this common because if it is you really should and talk to one of the doctors at the clinic."
"No," Kagome said taking deep breaths. "It's only happened a couple of time when I've eaten too much rich food."
"How many pieces of cake did you have?" Sango asked.
"Two," Kagome groaned. "And I feel stupid for eating that second piece now."
"Kagome, why haven't you gone back to the clinic and told them this?" Sango asked worried. "You shouldn't just assume you're fine, there could be something wrong."
"Of course there's something wrong," Kagome sighed. "What's wrong is that I was anorexic, my body with never recover one hundred percent. They told me to expect this, and really I've got no one else to blame but myself."
"Kagome," Sango said wrapping her arms around her best friend. "I love you, and I think you're beautiful."
"Thanks babe," Kagome said hugging her friend back. For the first time in a long time she actually felt beautiful, maybe it was Sango, maybe it was the dress, maybe it was the way Inuyasha couldn't keep his eyes off her, she didn't know. What she did know though is that she suddenly felt very lucky and very blessed to be at her best friends wedding. She felt lucky to have escaped anorexia's downward cycle and she was glad to be alive, if she had continued down that path chances were she wouldn't have had the opportunity to be there. "I love you too, thanks so much for being there for me."
"I'll always be there for you," Sango said fondly touching foreheads with Kagome's. "Married or not."
"I know you will," Kagome said.
"Uhh Kagome?" Inuyasha said. "Sorry to interrupt but I know you wanted this Advil."
"Oh thanks Inuyasha," Kagome said allowing Inuyasha to drop the tiny red pills into her palm. "Hopefully it starts to take effect soon."
"Yeah whatever," Inuyasha grumbled pretending he was completely fine that Kagome wasn't feeling well.
"Why don't you go sit somewhere quiet for a bit?" Sango suggested. "I'm sure all this noise isn't helping your headache."
"I don't want to miss your wedding! You've got to be kidding me!" Kagome exclaimed. "What would people say if I suddenly just disappeared?"
"I'd rather you go have a short rest now to ensure your headache gets better before tonight Kagome, that's the most important part other than the actual ceremony. Plus most people are leaving now anyways we could tell anyone else who asks about you that you needed to go somewhere to quiet to rehearse your speech because you were nervous. They'll buy that."
"She's got a point Kagome," Miroku said. "Better to rest now and not risk not feeling unwell later tonight. Why don't go back to the change room and stay there for a little bit, if even for an hour."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Inuyasha asked forgetting momentarily his macho act macho of not letting on just how much he was worried.
"No," Kagome said with a faint wave as she put her hand to her head once more. "I'll be fine, you're right I'll just go take a small nap and hopefully when I wake up everything will be better. Promise me you'll come wake me up in two hours no mater what happens Sango."
"Don't worry I promise," Sango assured her putting her arm around Kagome's shoulders and glad that her friend wasn't resisting anymore led her away.
Inuyasha moved to follow them but Miroku put a cautionary hand on his shoulder. "I wouldn't do that Inuyasha."
"Why not?" the silver haired man demanded, "she's sick isn't she?"
"Think about what people would say if the two of you suddenly disappeared for a couple of hours. I think that kind of talk is something Kagome would try to avoid. Don't you?" Miroku said meaningfully.
"For the last frickin' time Miroku, Kagome and I are not romantically involved!" Inuyasha growled angrily. Miroku however didn't fail to notice the little red blush that appeared on Inuyasha's cheeks or how he stormed off in the opposite direction of where Kagome had gone.
"Of course you're not romantically involved with her Inuyasha," Miroku said to thin air and then smiled mischievously, "yet."
To be continued…
Author's Note: sorry about the long wait you guys I've just been so busy lately and to be honest not all that motivated. I've been working on my own novel vs fanfiction stuff (for those of you who don't know that) and I've been spending what little time I've had on that project because I'm hoping to send it off to an editor before I start university (in the fall yes I've been accepted) And before anyone asks no I will not post my story A) because it is 100 my ideas and I want no one stealing plot lines or characters b) because I'm not writing it to get reviews where I feel the need to insert plenty of fluff and romance simply because I hope that if I do I'll get more people to review and c) because I don't want any editor thinking I've gotten ideas from other people. Anyways I've been getting lots of emails telling me not to quit so I was like you know what I'm gonna finish this story once and for all because there's only like another five chapters. Hopefully none have you abandoned this fic because you thought I would never update. Cuz if you did you were wrong! HA! But yeah my new beta-reader the one I spent quite a bit of time interviewing suddenly just stopped emailing me back. I have no idea what's happened to her…..so yeah my apologies for any grammar mistakes I tried my best. (Author's note by the way don't count) so please review as you can see if people hadn't pestered me not to quit I actually might not have updated for like….a year….or two…or twenty (lol jk) but yeah review peeps let me know what you think.