InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Minoue ❯ Preparations ( Chapter 20 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

The two couples enjoy the remainder of their Saturday evening and then, one week later, it's time to get ready for the exhibition opening.

Warning: Lime

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.30.2007 | Updated On: 11.23.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.6K | Visits: 3.4K | Status: Work In Progress

Disclaimers: I do not own InuYasha or any of the manga/anime characters. They belong to the wonderful genius Rumiko Takahashi. Any original characters do belong to me.

AN: Thank you very much to inufan625 for acting as my beta once again. An additional thank you goes to Knittingknots for her help as well. I greatly appreciate the time they've taken to help make me a better writer and this a better story.

Thank you very much for the reviews. I read each and every one of them, and greatly appreciate those of you that took the time to leave one. Please check my LiveJournal at doggieearlover.livejournal.com/185338.html for responses to your reviews.

Also, I've included the links to their formal clothing at the LiveJournal entry given above for anyone who is interested.

Minoue

Chapter 20: Preparations (Warning: Lime)

They headed to Cardenas a little before eight o'clock. Sango and Kagome had both been successful in finding their dresses, much to their relief. They hadn't had any luck in the first shop they went into, but InuYasha led them a little further down the street towards one that carried more American designers in addition to the European fashions that were more popular in Japan. However, Sango found it amusing that the gown she selected was from a well-known American designer who turned out to be Japanese born and raised. Maybe that was why that line had some gowns that didn't try to bare all.

Kagome was able to find a suitable dress in the same boutique. InuYasha saw it and asked that she try it on. She couldn't tell him no and was surprised how well it fit when she looked at herself in the mirror. She did need a pair of heels to go with the gown, and Sango said that she could use a new pair, too. The sales girl recommended a shoe store a little further down the block, so they headed in that direction. Once that was taken care of, and it had been arranged for everything to be delivered, they decided it was time to see if their table was ready at the restaurant.

They were ushered in to a quiet table tucked into a corner. Miroku excused himself to go to the men's room, and shortly after he returned their waiter appeared with a bottle of champagne. “I understand you are celebrating an engagement tonight. We would like you to enjoy this with our compliments. Which of you two lovely couples is getting married?”

Miroku was the first to speak up as gestured towards InuYasha and Kagome, “Those two are. Please serve them first.”

The waiter nodded and filled the four flute glasses, starting with Kagome. Another waiter had brought a floor wine cooler stand so the champagne could be kept chilled.

When the waiters disappeared as silently as they had appeared, Miroku raised his glass. “A toast to InuYasha and Kagome. May you find a lifetime of happiness together.”

“Thanks, Miroku,” InuYasha and Kagome said as the four glasses clinked together.

As they set their glasses back down, Miroku added, “I hope that some day we will be able to find our soul mate as you have. Right, Sango?”

Sango started since she was lost deep in thought. “I'm sorry, I missed what you said.”

“Miroku was just saying that he hoped that you and he would be able to find your soul mate someday, that's all,” Kagome said.

Sango's cheeks turned a little pink. “Yeah… that would be nice.”

Their waiter returned to take their orders. Miroku had to laugh at the look that crossed InuYasha's face when Sango ordered the crab cakes with wasabi tartar & bisque sauce for her appetizer. Not to be outdone, Kagome ordered the veggies with hot cheese sauce. She looked at InuYasha and said, “You don't have to eat any, you know.”

He leaned over and whispered something in her ear, and she added, “Never mind. We'll share the cheese platter instead.”

Grinning, Miroku ordered the clam chowder.

InuYasha mumbled something about at least someone at the table had some sense.

Miroku looked him right in the eye and commented, “Well, just because I'm not eating anything spicy doesn't mean I want you to kiss me goodnight.”

Kagome and InuYasha blushed. Sango couldn't help but to giggle as she watched Miroku laugh at his own joke.

Since they were in no hurry, they had opted for the six course dinner. After appetizers, salad, soup, and then sorbet to cleanse the palate, Sango and Kagome were glad that they had opted for the smaller portion size of their entrees. Since she liked spicy, at the waiter's suggestion, Sango had ordered the Seared Ahi with Korean chili and brown butter sauce which came with mashed potatoes. Kagome had decided on the Byonne Pork cooked with dried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. She selected the grilled asparagus for her vegetable. Miroku and InuYasha both selected the Japanese Beef Fillet with cabernet sauvignon sauce though no smaller portion for them. InuYasha declared he wanted a whole steak, not just half of one. Miroku heartedly agreed as he also asked for sides of mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms and chestnuts. The hanyou told the waiter to just make it two of those orders since he wanted something more substantial than rabbit food. Fortunately, since the meal was stretched out over the course of a couple of hours they managed to eat nearly everything that was placed before them.

As the final course of cheese soufflé cake and coffee was being served, Sango commented, “I can't remember ever having so much food. I don't think we had this much even at the Italian restaurant for your birthday, Kagome.”

“I don't know. I'd say it was pretty close by the time we went through all of the appetizers. And they did serve the salad there just before the dessert instead of earlier in the meal,” Kagome responded. “This really was excellent, though. Thank you, InuYasha.”

“Keh. Thanks for giving me a reason to want to celebrate,” the hanyou said. He picked Kagome's hand up and kissed the back of it. She smiled and squeezed his in return.

“I don't know about you, but I'm glad we found our formal wear for the gallery opening before dinner. I wouldn't want to have to try on anything now,” Miroku commented. “I'm stuffed.”

“Didn't you say we needed to go back to the men's store?” Kagome asked.

InuYasha nodded. “Now that we have an idea of what you two ladies are wearing, we can get the rest of the accessories for the tuxedos. Then we can go back by the jewelry stores, and you can get something to match your gowns. If you didn't see anything you remember liking in the one where Kagome found her engagement ring, we can check any of the others. There are plenty in this area.”

“I still need a pair of cufflinks as well,” Miroku added.

“Do you mind if we just sit for a few minutes before we go? Otherwise, you'll have to roll me out of here,” Sango commented. She didn't add that she had enjoyed dinner with the others immensely. Once Miroku had a bit of champagne in him, he started telling stories about both himself and the hanyou. Even Kagome learned a few things she hadn't known about.

When they were finally ready to depart the restaurant, InuYasha once again handed over his Black Card and signed the bill. The waiter bowed to him and another appeared to help the ladies out of their chairs. “Please come again, Sir. We hope you enjoyed your meal.”

InuYasha bowed his head in acknowledgment, and Miroku said, “It was excellent, as was the service. Thank you.”

The four of them headed out, with Kagome and Sango in the lead. InuYasha shook his head.

“What is it, InuYasha?” Miroku asked softly, following the girls and walking alongside the hanyou. “What's the matter?”

“You mean other than you watching their butts while they walk?” he growled.

Miroku looked down. “Sorry, couldn't help myself. But that isn't why you were shaking your head.”

InuYasha sighed. “What is it about women and shopping? I thought they were tired and full, but they sure seem to have enough energy when it's time to shop some more.”

“You'd better get used to it, my friend.” Miroku laughed. “It's probably one of those mysteries of life that you'll never have an answer for.”

“Come on, guys, hurry up!” Kagome called back.

“Coming, ladies,” Miroku answered as he picked up the pace. InuYasha just shook his head again and followed along.

~ ^~^ ~

As promised, on Sunday, InuYasha and the Higurashis met his brother for dinner. Kagome was relieved that Jii-chan didn't bring any sutra with him to try and purify the youkai lord. Sesshomaru also brought Rin along since InuYasha informed him that Kagome's younger brother was only twelve. In fact, it helped the Daiyoukai solve one of his problems for the reception the following Saturday. It normally wouldn't have been a place for young children, but he didn't really want to leave Rin at home. Since he wanted to make the formal announcement of his brother's engagement that evening, it was only proper that Kagome's family be there as well. He told them that he would have a car sent to pick them up at eight o'clock that would also drive them home when they were ready to leave.

If Jii-chan thought to protest, he ended up gasping in pain instead. Apparently Mama had stomped on his foot and responded to Sesshomaru that they would be honored to attend. When asked about the proper dress, he informed her that traditional kimonos were more than acceptable as was Western formal wear. While they'd asked that the guests dress primarily in black, white, and/or red, that wasn't necessary for those wearing formal kimonos. With Jii-chan mollified that he could indeed wear his good robes, the remainder of their dinner passed peaceably. Rin and Souta also seemed to hit it off. He told her about his school and lessons at the dojo, and she told him about her tutors and the art gallery. All in all, they each had a very pleasant evening.

~ ^~^ ~

Warmth rushed through her body as she felt the hand cup her buttock. She couldn't help but to moan as it slid up and around to gently squeeze her breast before his hot mouth landed on her nipple. Her back arched into him as he rolled his tongue around it, and slid his hand down, slipping under the edge of her panties until his fingers found her moist sex. She couldn't help herself as she parted her legs to give him easier access and started to writhe in rhythm with his strokes between her hot folds. His other hand palmed her breast as his fingers slipped inside of her, forcing a breathless, “Yes,” from her as she arched off of the bed.

The fingers plunged into her, leaving only to find her hardened nub and rub it before diving back inside of her. She was panting now as she felt her belly begin to wind up and tighten. She cried out as she came, jerking off of the bed as the ministrations became more gentle, allowing her to come down slowly from her high. She smiled at the dark twinkling eyes that looked into hers and reached up to cup the back of his head to bring his mouth down to hers for a kiss.

She reached and found nothing there but air. She jerked in surprise and opened her eyes. She was in her bedroom, alone. It had seemed so real at the time, but the hands on her breast and inside of her panties were her own. She got up and went to her bathroom. Wetting a wash cloth, she wiped the sweat from her face and neck before moving to her lower body. Finally satisfied, she wrung out the wet cloth and hung it up before washing her hands and drying them.

She lay back down on her bed, and found herself focusing on the face of Miroku once again. The more time she spent around him, the more she suspected he wasn't anything like the man she'd heard about around campus. Perhaps he was more like her than she cared to admit - projecting a false face to the world to hide the real person underneath. Or maybe he really was just a sex maniac after being raised in a Buddhist monastery - one of those that was denied and then went wild when given the opportunity. Then again, he might be somewhere between the two extremes. Unable to go back to sleep, Sango got up and went to her computer. A little reading and research for her History of Japanese Philosophy class should be just the thing to help make her drowsy again.

~ ^~^ ~

At InuYasha's suggestion, both Kagome and Sango's evening wear was delivered to his house so that they could dress there. They agreed that it would be easier than dressing at home and then getting to the dojo to meet the car that Sesshomaru was sending for them. The only thing they had to worry about was picking the hems of their gowns up enough to make certain they didn't get them dirty or caught in the brush on the path to the parking lot. Kagome ended up suggesting that once they had their hair and makeup done, they could use the dressing room at the dojo to actually don their dresses and then only have to wear their heels across the parking lot. Once classes had cleared out for the afternoon and the front door was locked, InuYasha had carried the gowns to the dojo for them before returning to get dressed himself.

Miroku had also brought his tuxedo with him so that he wouldn't have to go home and come back again after classes were over for the day. So, instead of Kagome having to help InuYasha with his tie so that he wouldn't accidentally shred it, even with his clipped claws, Miroku would share the master bedroom with him and help him as needed. InuYasha actually had four bedrooms, so there was plenty of room. However, Sango and Kagome said that they could share one of them to put on their makeup. That way, they could also help each other with their hair. Since they had already discussed and planned to get dressed at InuYasha's before Kagome's family met Sesshomaru and discovered they were invited as well, Mama told Kagome to go ahead with her plans. She would look forward to seeing her at the gallery when they arrived.

InuYasha hated to admit it, but he was a nervous wreck about the evening. He had not been to the gallery since before the incident with Kikyou, and now he was going where there would be several hundred important guests that were both youkai and human. Refusing to allow it to overwhelm him, he went to the sunken room and sat on the floor. He began to meditate to calm his mind and his nerves. All that was important was that he knew Kagome loved and accepted him, her mother had given them her blessings, and Sesshomaru had as well. Freeing his mind and then concentrating on everything that had recently gone right in his life, he could feel his body settle down and relax.

They ate a light supper before getting dressed. While they didn't want to feel stuffed, they didn't want to go hungry depending on appetizers as dinner. Once everything had been cleared away, Kagome and Sango went to the bedroom they were using. Miroku followed InuYasha to the master bedroom to get dressed as well. Actually, the hanyou had to reach back and grab him to keep him from tailing the girls instead. Miroku gulped when he saw the glare that InuYasha gave him and went meekly with him instead.

“So, are you nervous about this evening?” Sango asked as Kagome worked to put her long straight hair up into an elegant French twist.

“Yeah, I am. I could tell that InuYasha was, too, though he seems to have calmed down some. I'm glad you're going because I'm not going to know anyone there other than him and my family. I've never been to anything quite like this,” she answered.

“Me, either,” Sango said. “Thanks for doing my hair for me. Where did you learn to do this?”

“That was one of the few useful things I learned hanging out with the girls. We were always trying to see what we could do with each other's hair. This style worked pretty well because you could either leave it plain or use hair sticks or other decorations with it. There, I think that's just about it,” Kagome replied as she stepped back to admire her handiwork. She delicately pulled a tendril of hair down in front of each ear. Taking the curling iron she'd brought with her, she wrapped it so that it spiraled down. “Close your eyes.” Picking up the can of hairspray, she generously coated the hair to hold it in place. Once she'd set the spray back down, she waved her hands in front of Sango's face to clear the fog away. “Okay, you can look now.”

Sango gasped when she looked in the mirror. “Kagome, it's beautiful! I wish I knew how to do something to help you.” She didn't say what she was thinking - that she only had a brother and she was too much of a tomboy to have any real girlfriends.

“That's okay, Sango. InuYasha likes my hair down, so I'm just going to pin it back with a couple of combs to keep it out of my face. In fact, he was so sweet. He found me a pair that matched my dress when I told him I needed to try to find some this week.” Kagome pulled out the box with the two red jewel encrusted combs. “Did you see the comb that I used in your hair? He ordered it at the same time since I'd mentioned that I was going to put your hair up for you. It's beautiful.”

Sango picked up a mirror and turned so she could see her hair from the back. It had been decorated with a beautiful pearl and crystal comb. “It really is beautiful. I wish I could have afforded the pearl and diamond choker and earrings that this would have matched, but I just couldn't justify the cost to wear maybe only one time.”

“Are you two decent?” they heard a male voice call.

“Come on in, InuYasha,” Kagome answered. “We were just finishing our hair.” She had placed the combs where she wanted them while chatting with Sango and then ran her fingers through her bangs to fluff them up. She closed her own eyes to spray her hair and hold it in place. Kagome gasped when she finally turned to face the hanyou.

She had never seen him look so handsome and sexy. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a satin mandarin collar. The coat had no buttons and satin piping edged the front of the jacket. He had a red vest and cravat that were the same color as her gown. His cufflinks and matching cravat pin were onyx set in what was probably white gold. His hair was flowing freely behind him, giving him the look of a very exotic model.

“InuYasha,” she whispered.

He looked down at his suit. “What? What's wrong? This-”

Kagome cut him off. “You're beautiful. I've never seen you look so handsome.”

He breathed a sigh to relief and noticed that Sango was nodding in agreement.

“Keh. I brought something for you to wear tonight. You, too, Sango. Kagome, since you are going to be my wife I bought this for you.” He handed her a jewelry box.

“You shouldn't have…” she said as she opened it to reveal a ruby and diamond necklace with matching earrings. It was primarily rubies, with diamond spacers between each of the stones. The earrings consisted of two of the matching stones, one dangling from the other. “They're beautiful. I'd hug you but I don't want to mess you up.” Kagome was wiping a tear away from her eye. Instead she reached up to softly kiss him on the lips.

“Sango, I know you admired this when we were out Saturday night. I convinced the jeweler to allow you to borrow the set for the evening. I promised that we'd return it next week, and that you would be certain to tell anyone who asks where it came from. You'll be in some pretty powerful company tonight, so it is appropriate for you to wear it.” InuYasha handed the second case to her.

Sango's hands were shaking as she took the box from him. When she opened it, it was her turn to gasp. “InuYasha, I don't know what to say. I'll be extra careful with them, though.” She pulled the strand of White South Sea Pearls from the box. Each pearl was nestled between diamond rondelles set in 14 Karat white gold. The matching earrings consisted of a single matching pearl suspended from French lever-back diamond findings.

“Well, if you two are almost done here, it's after seven. You might want to go to the dojo and put your gowns on. I carried them and your shoes up there for you, and they're in the ladies' dressing room. Do you need anything else?” the hanyou asked.

Kagome shook her head. “Thanks so much, InuYasha.”

“Yes, thank you. You didn't have to do this for me,” Sango added.

“Keh. It's my fault you have to go to this thing tonight. I want you to both have a good time. Kirara's waiting to escort you up to the dojo. I'm going to wait on Miroku to make sure he behaves himself.”

That made Kagome giggle. “Okay, InuYasha. I think we've done just about everything we can here. Are you ready, Sango?”

Clutching the jewelry case to her, she nodded.

“We'll see you in a little while, InuYasha.” Kagome gathered up her bag to take with her, so she could touch up her makeup and hair one last time before they left.

“I still can't believe he was able to borrow this for me,” Sango said as they walked up the well-worn path.

“Well, we did give that jeweler an awful lot of business between my engagement ring, the wedding bands, and both of their sets of cufflinks. Then he bought this necklace for me because I liked it. I'd said I didn't want it because I thought it was too expensive after everything else he'd done. I think this is a lot more important to him tonight than he's willing to let on, and that he wants us to feel like we fit in as well. I just hope we can manage to have a good time,” Kagome commented.

They made their way inside to the ladies' dressing room after Kirara had meowed and dashed off again. Kagome couldn't help but to smile at how InuYasha had strategically hung their dresses away from each other. “It looks like he thinks we need plenty of room with the full skirts,” she said.

“That was nice of him,” Sango said, noticing she could dress without being watched. He'd hung her gown up around the corner from Kagome's.

“Let's finish getting ready, shall we?” Kagome said as she pulled out her pantyhose and strapless bra.

“Well, did Kagome like your tuxedo?” Miroku asked as he and InuYasha made their way along the path. They had given the girls a good head start so they should be just about ready. It was only another twenty minutes or so before the car was due to pick them up.

“Keh,” InuYasha answered.

Miroku grinned. “She didn't think you needed a more traditional tuxedo like mine?”

“Nope.” The hanyou didn't even look at him when he answered.

“So you're not even going to wear anything over your ears tonight?” he prodded.

This time InuYasha stopped and looked at him. “I thought you were the one that was always encouraging me not to hide what I am. Are you saying-”

Miroku was waving his hands in front of him. “No, no, no - that's not what I meant. I'm glad you're going as you are. I'm just a little surprised, is all. You still cover your ears so often when you go out in public.”

The hanyou sighed. “So many of those that will be there already know what I am. Sesshomaru and Kagome's family both say they support me, so I won't try to hide it. Youkai would know, anyway, without that powerful concealment charm I used to wear to appear human. However, Sesshomaru and the other youkai will have their charms on to conceal their true appearance, so I'll have to let anyone who doesn't know believe what the papers printed back then - that my father was human and my mother was youkai. That's the only explanation for my brother appearing human. If anyone asks, just go along with it.”

Miroku nodded in understanding and continued along the path. “You'd better tell Sango and Kagome on the way, just so they'll know.”

“Keh,” he agreed as they entered the building.

It was the men's turn to gasp as the ladies came out and presented themselves. While they had seen the dresses, they hadn't seen the full effect of them wearing them. Kagome was in a red strapless Carmen Marc Valvo accordion pleated gown with a full skirt and train. She was stunning in it with her hair falling softly on her shoulders and the ruby necklace gracing her throat and the matching earrings dangling from her earlobes. Her shoes were Christian Louboutin open toe sling-back pumps. Her feet seemed to sparkle as much as her face did as it reflected the red of her gown from the multi-colored glitter her shoes were covered in.

However, Miroku was completely speechless as he stared at Sango in her Tadashi gown. The white taffeta bodice had a wide portrait collar that covered her shoulders, though her arms were left bare. The v-neck plunged to show some cleavage, but was still fairly modest. However, there was ample room to show off the pearl and diamond necklace and earrings that she was wearing. The white bodice flowed into a black satin full skirt that reached the floor, though it didn't have a train as Kagome's dress did. Wide scalloped black floral lace decorated the waist, and it was finished off with a black satin ribbon tie. Pura Lopez black mesh and silk open toed pumps graced her feet.

Sango's heart jumped into her throat when she saw Miroku. Kagome had been right without even seeing him - he was hot. He was dressed in a classic two button notch black tuxedo. The vest was black, but decorated with a silver diamond pattern that looked white at first glance. He was wearing a matching tie with a white wing tip collar shirt. The look was finished off with a pocket square of the same fabric as the vest and tie. As usual, he had his gold rings in his ears and his hair pulled back into a short pony tail with a piece of black silk.

It was Kagome who broke the silence. “Well, everyone seems to be speechless. I'm not certain if that's a good thing or bad.”

“Both of you are very lovely,” Miroku responded.

InuYasha nodded in agreement.

They were interrupted by a knock at the front door of the dojo.

Miroku said, “That must be the car. Is everyone ready?”

Kagome took a deep breath. “I think so.”

InuYasha offered her his arm and smiled.

Following suit, Miroku did the same and offered his to Sango.

Sango took his arm. She decided that would be safer since she would know where his hand was. “Thank you, Miroku.”

“Shall we, ladies?”

Together, they headed out towards the waiting limousine.

To be continued…