InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwalker ❯ Renew ( Chapter 18 )

Claire takes over in this chapter. I wanted to show that the family isn't as abnormal as it's made out to be. Please do not flame me for the corniness of this chapter! I hope I'm giving you guys exactly what you want. Not to mention that this chapter is longer then the others.

 

Plus, he's baaack! ^_^

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha nor do I own Hotel California by the Eagles, since I don't the brilliance to come up with things like that like Romicko Takahashi and The Eagles.

 

Hotel California is one of my favorite songs by the way. Every time I went back to edit/work on this chapter I had to play it. I won't promise anything, but the song is a bit of a hint of what's to come in future chapters. Wink.

 

 

 

 

Part Eighteen: Renew

 

 

 

 

 

He leaned against the cold, stonewall, his eyes closed. The gleaming red ring on his right ring finger glowed and then dimmed as though it had a heartbeat. His skin had grown cold for he had not hunted, nor exercised his throat muscles for days, perhaps even a few weeks. Of course, he mused to himself, he had gone longer without uttering a word, and it surprised him that this time, the effects took less time to appear.

 

“Welcome back, dear Narek. How was your journey into the bad lands?” Fenrir mocked as she entered the scene, bringing with her a level of annoyance, he didn't think he could tolerate. Perhaps, a coy smile spread across his face, her arbitrary presence could prove useful.

 

“Is something amusing?” Fenrir appeared, standing before him. He let her assume she was in control as she stood domineering above him. Opening his eyes lazily, he looked up at her. Her hair seemed even more fire like then ever.

 

“Oh, I had forgotten,” Fenrir mocked when he didn't speak, “you have chosen to ignore your voice.”

 

Narek said nothing, only looked at her though half slit eyes. It had been a grueling past few days; his punishment had been severe, but he'd been thought much worse and no amount of physical torture could amount to what he had seen as a human.

 

“Did you do as he asked, or did he just ship you off to do his bidding?” Fenrir bent so that she was eye level with him. Those eyes of hers, Narek thought, are perhaps the most devious red I've ever seen. “Such a terrible penalty for something so small. And to think, you never failed to kill a person before. How disappointed was he?”

 

Fenrir stood and trotted down the dirty street, turning around. “I'm curious Narek? What did he do?”

 

Then it came. Fenrir bent forward, her eyes wide, her hand holding her throat. It was something she never thought she would experience. Pain. It came in different forms, her skin burned, yet her innards felt like there were frozen solid and everywhere stung, like all the bones her body were being broken one by one. She gasped and held her center, where her heart began to beat faster from the hurtful sensation.

 

“Sometimes, the mocker doesn't know who is really being mocked.” Fenrir widened her eyes. He had broken his silence. Narek's voice was barely audible as he stood.

 

“You wanted to know what my punishment was?” His green eyes set on her and though his face was emotionless, Fenrir could feel the cold joy at her expense.

 

“Do you like it? It's a new…attribute…so to speak.” He smiled, seeing Fenrir send him a hateful glare as her body convulsed with his newfound power. “I've been wondering if I could do it? Who knew I would be able to find it so easily?”

 

Fenrir fell to the floor. Her body became cold, numb. Feeling was gone from her legs and arms, but she pushed herself to a half sit, shaking and wheezing for breath.

 

“Azes, do shat unes sovurero.” Narek gave a small chuckle and walked away.

 

“That bastard.” Fenrir hissed. She had no idea how he had gotten that new ability of his, nor did she care at this point. What she was concerned about was what he just said: “You have a lot to learn my dear.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When they arrived at the village it was already night, and the family had been waiting for them to appear. The houses were quiet, all the nightwalkers awake and out to feed. Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, and Kagura had gone to speak with the head of the village family. When they returned, they had secured a house for themselves, and Sesshoumaru proclaimed that the family had eight days of rest until the entire village was back together for their meeting.

 

This meant that Kagome had plenty of time to spend to herself and concentrate on just what occurred in the cave three days ago as she sat in her room around dusk. Kagome found that she couldn't talk about it and thanked her lucky stars that Inuyasha didn't mention their experience in the cave as well. What happened to her in there? One moment she was holding herself back, the next she was hypnotized, under his control. It was like the existence of her self-restraint and respect disappeared. She would still blush when she reflected back to the moment she awoke after their little escapade.

 

She knew he was aware that she was awake, but she hadn't moved or spoken. Like their first night together, shortly after she stopped fighting, she lost power over herself. His warmth was so inviting, so intoxicating. Kagome had hid her face on the back of his neck. It was like something was controlling her body from the inside and Inuyasha was the remote, the cause. Usually a well self-retrained person, Kagome was shocked at how quickly her control had melted when she felt her naked skin against his. Was that a weird influence he had over her, or was it an unwanted response?

 

“I'm getting tired of this game of tag. And if I remember correctly, which I'm sure I do, you enjoyed last night.” He was right back then. Would he say the same thing and make her blush heavily because of its truth? Kagome didn't know how he did it, or if it was just a response of her own, but whenever he bit her, some mechanism inside her came to life, and if Inuyasha was willing to go farther, that device became more alive.

 

She hated giving him the control, hated it even more that she…liked it. And it didn't help the confusion and self-loathing that she let him do it. Why though? Why did she let him go farther then normal?

 

Inuyasha acted as if everything was normal, and she was grateful that he fooled the family into thinking Kagome fell into a river and fainted. She didn't know if she could stand the mortification if the family actually knew what they had really done. Even though they both pretended nothing happened, Kagome found that whenever she bumped into Inuyasha during the evening, she would blush heavily and stutter. He seemed dreary around her now, she noticed and wondered why it was so.

 

Kagome shook her head. It was better not to try and think about it, she tried convincing herself as she walked toward her window, looking down over the little village. The scenery of the small town caught her by surprise the first time she had seen it. It was a long line of two-story houses, all identical, and surrounded by trees. It was as though a house had grown in the forest rather then a bush or tree. The entire village was one big circle, and cut in half by a rocky, powerful river.

 

Nights of unnerving nightmares had bothered her since she came to the nightwalker village three days earlier. These lingering thoughts that plagued her subconscious did not originate from Inuyasha. It was the idea that when she was outside at night, the men in the village looked at her like she was something to eat…literally. The days in the village were long and Kagome felt as though she'd been there for an eternity.

 

Sango spoke about how it made her nervous that the nightwalkers would send her such hungry looks. Miroku didn't seem to mind. A lot of nightwalker girls sending him thirsty looks was fine by him so long as they didn't prick his neck with their fangs. Of course, the family had asked the village head to forbid anyone from biting “our humans.”

 

Tired of thinking, Kagome exited her room, as the sun set lower. She walked out into the hall, and hadn't gotten far before a loud bellow was heard. It was Claire's voice. “That's it! I can't take it anymore!”

 

Kagome rushed down the steps, Sango and Miroku appeared from their rooms and joined her. They entered the room to find Bill, Albier, Natalia, Lilliana and Christiano all staring at Claire as though she had lost her mind.

 

“Three. Two. One.” Bill counted, a smirk spreading across his face.

 

“I'm so tired of all this doom and gloom all the time! We're here, we're alive, and we're together! We need to do something fun, something spontaneous!” Claire huffed. “I mean, come on! The head of the family gave us eight days. We still have five! So let's relax and have fun!”

 

“And what do you suggest?” Christiano asked, raising a brow, smiling.

 

Claire's eyes opened wide as she tapped her chin for a moment. “Let's all dress up according to our ethnic back-round and have a multicultural party or something!” The other nightwalkers stared at her with their mouths open. Natalia, Christiano, and Albier snickered. Lilliana smiled but said nothing. Bill shook his head as though he had expected her to say something like that.

 

“So are you going to dress like the American flag?” Christiano sarcastically asked Claire.

 

“You want me to dress in red, white and blue? No problem. What about you Mr. Brazil, how are you going to dress?” Claire mocked back.

 

Kagome shook her head, giggling. Claire was so charismatic and it was easy for her to infect the room with her positive attitude. She looked around the room to find that Sango and Miroku were smiling. Bill stood suddenly and everyone looked at him. “I hope I won't look too suspicious bringing my drums here.”

 

“I freaking love you Bill!” Claire said excitedly, hugging him when he walked by.

 

“I'll be back in a few hours.” Bill said, prying Claire's hands from his waist.

 

Christiano shrugged, leaning back on the couch. “So what's the plan? We dress up, then what?”

 

“I haven't gotten that far yet, but you're the bass guitarist!” Claire proclaimed.

 

Christiano sat up. “Sure thing. Hope I'm not too rusty. I haven't played in a while. Now if only we could get Lilly to sing for us.” Claire, Natalia, Christiano, and Albier looked at her. Lilliana blushed and shook her head. “No way!”

 

“Oh come on, Lilly! You have a great voice and you know it!” Claire crossed her arms.

 

Lilliana shook her head, her face reddening further. Kagome thought that it was such an awkward expression for a girl that was so stern. “I'm not good with you're kind of music Claire.”

 

“Please? How bout this, I'll start off and you continue.” Claire offered.

 

“No, Claire, I'm serious.” Lilliana stood, making her way to the door, trying to push past Kagome, Sango and Miroku.

 

Claire beat her there, spreading her arms out in front of the door like a barricade. “Please! If you don't sing, I'll cry.” Claire puffed up her bottom lip, folding her hands behind her back.

 

“Oh the dreaded puppy dog eyes. Will Lilliana be able to fight it!” Albier boomed in a dramatic voice. Everyone in the room laughed at the Lilliana's scarlet face. She shook her head and Claire gave a low, pleading mumble. “FINE! I'll sing, I'll sing!” Lilliana finally gave in and Claire rewarded her with a remarkable beam.

 

“All right. We leave the plans for the party to Claire and Bill. Let's go get our costumes.” Natalia laughed, standing up.

 

“We'll need to pick up a few kimonos for our friends here.” Christiano said as he stood. Suddenly, Sango and Kagome flustered. Miroku just raised his brows, shaking his head.

 

“Wait, we're in on this too?” Kagome asked nervously. Not that it didn't sound like fun but she couldn't imagine having a party with nightwalkers that were stoic most of the time. How was she supposed to act?

 

“Yes! What kind of host would I be if I didn't let you join.” Claire boasted.

 

“But-” Sango began.

 

“I'm not taking no for an answer!” Kagome thought that Claire was stubborn enough to dress them in kimonos herself and drag them to her party. “Now let's see. Bill is going to get his drums. Lilly is going to sing for us. Nat, you will get their costumes.” She indicated to Kagome and the others. “Oh, and tell Rukiya about it too! Chris, you go get your guitar, and um…food. We need food!”

 

“Are you forgetting something Claire? We don't eat.” Natalia laughed.

 

“Yeah, but they do.” She pointed to Sango and the others.

 

Christiano stood suddenly, telling Claire that he was going to get his things prepared. With his exit, Sango and Miroku decided to hurry off as well. Kagome had a sneaking suspicion that the two of them were up to something. They had been together a lot recently. Then Natalia stood, giggling, and said she should go pick out her clothes. Kagome had no idea how she was going to find three kimonos. Eventually, Claire went off as well, happily making party plans and Kagome was left alone with Lilliana, who was still blushing scarlet.

 

Lilliana bit her lower lip, covering her face with her hands. “Claire's never going to let me get out of this! I don't know the words to the kinds of songs she likes.” She said though her hands.

 

“Is your voice really as pretty as they say?” Kagome asked, curious.

 

Lilliana lowered her hands, her face burning still. “I don't know. Claire caught me singing an old Armenian folksong one day and she's been trying to get me to perform with her ever since. Natalia has a great voice, why doesn't she pick her instead.” Lilliana sounded more like she was speaking to herself. She closed her eyes; the strangeness of the situation made her face heat more. She walked and pushed by Kagome saying, “I…should go get my costume.”

 

Kagome smirked. Maybe Lilliana wasn't so weird after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claire skipped back into the room to find that Kagome was standing there alone, her face serene. Not wanting to disturb her, she walked into the hall and intended to go to her room when Natalia walked by. “Nat! Good timing! I want to talk to you.” She hurried up to the older nightwalker.

 

“I have a great idea, and who better then to help me then the love goddess herself.” Claire smirked.

 

Natalia gave her a smile and raised her brows. “Me? The love goddess?”

 

“Yes, you!” Claire said excitedly. “Now listen to this.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It wasn't until the day after planning that Claire's party seemed to appear around the house. Kagome had awoken the next morning to find drums and a pair of guitars in the foyer. A kimono had been placed in her closet, and a note, written by Claire, ordering her to head out into the large den after sundown, had been stuck to her bedroom door. By the time the sun was beginning to lower in the sky, Kagome had, reluctantly, put on the green kimono, after some coaxing from Sango and Miroku.

 

She entered the large den and gasped at the spectacle. Claire and Bill had set up a small stage at the far end of the large room. The band instruments had been placed on top. It was clear how seriously Claire was taking this celebration. She had decorated the room with as many multi-cultural ornaments available. Japanese lanterns, different flags, Kagome wondered where Claire had managed to get these things…and how.

 

“Wow.” Sango admired her work.

 

“I never thought bloodsuckers were like this.” Miroku said to himself. “Quite amusing.” Kagome looked at him from the corner of her eye. She had no idea why the family had a chosen purple, Buddhist monk's robes for him; especially since the manner in which he carried himself for most of the time was far from holy. Sango, on the other hand, wore a fancy, pink kimono, similar to Kagome's.

 

When the sun completely set and the room had darkened enough, the family had made its appearance. Claire and Bill had been the fist to arrive. Claire had adorned herself in red, white and blue, just as she told Christiano the night before, but it was the strangest uniform Kagome had seen. She wore a stripped top had, and her attire looked like some king of tuxedo. Bill was, “George Washington?” Kagome blinked. Bill must have heard her, because he looked in her direction, his white wig moving with his head, and smiled. It was so weird to see him with hair. He had taken off all of his piercings to do the look justice.

 

“What are you supposed to be?” Sango asked Claire.

 

“I'm Uncle Sam.” Claire pointed to her chest proudly before her face became grim and she pointed to Sango. “ `I want YOU to join the United States Army.'” She said in a deep voice. Kagome tried her hardest not to laugh, but a charming and deep voice beat her to it.

 

Christiano appeared in the hall, dressed in a yellow and green soccer uniform, with what Kagome thought was the Brazilian flag on his back. Kagome took moment to marvel in how athletic the costume made him look. “Hey.” Claire grumbled. “You were supposed to dress according to you back round!”

 

“And I did.” Chriatiano laughed. “What better way to represent Brazil then to wear my soccer uniform.”

 

The next three to appear were Natalia, Albier, and Kagura, who was wearing a red and white kimono. Natalia wore a long white and blue robe, with golden embroidery along the arms and around her bust.

 

“I'm here! Now the party can start!” Albier boasted in his brown pilot's outfit.

 

Soon Rukiya appeared, wearing a long orange robe and matching cap. Lilliana was the last, blushing nervously. She wore a scarlet robe, the hem covered in beautiful patterns. Along the sleeves and down the center of the robe were golden and black patterns. The robe lay over a simple white under-dress and Lilliana wore large gold bracelets around her wrists.

 

“Let's get this party started!” Claire jumped up onto the stage when she noticed everyone had arrived.

 

Bill began drumming while Christiano grabbed hold of the base. Claire unabashedly grabbed hold of the microphone and began singing, while at the same time playing her own guitar. The room became livelier and Kagome found herself singing and bouncing as she stood talking and laughing with Sango, Miroku and the family.

 

Soon she found herself dancing with Natalia, who she learned was graceful even with her lose clothing. “What culture are you from Natalia?” Kagome asked.

 

“I'm Russian.” Natalia smiled.

 

“So what's your story?” Kagome knew she was being nosey, but she felt that she needed to know every tale the family had to offer.

 

“Oh nothing special.” Natalia said as she swayed to the music. “I was born in Moscow in 1894. My life was uneventful.”

 

“How did you die?” Kagome asked.

 

Natalia stopped moving, and even though there was a smile on her face, Kagome had the feeling that she was thinking about a sad memory. “I was shot by a stray bullet in 1914.” She said.

 

Kagome's jaw dropped. “Oh don't look so surprised. It was an age of unrest in my country. I was dying in the snow and you can guess who found me then.”

 

“Inuyasha.” Kagome mumbled.

 

“Correct. After I became a nightwalker, I traveled. Three years later I changed Christiano.”

 

Looked at Natalia as though she was an intrigued child being told a fairytale, waiting for Natalia to continue, but instead she smiled and said, “I'm afraid that's not my story to tell.”

 

The music had suddenly stopped and Kagome looked back up to the small stage. Claire, Christiano and Bill were talking in hushed voices. Then all three of them pinned their eyes on Lilliana. Said girl fidgeted and turned to leave the room, but she didn't get far.

 

To Kagome's utter surprise, she bumped into Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha behind him. He wore a white kimono, decorated with armor and a big, fuzzy pelt on his left shoulder. Inuyasha wore a simple red one, a sword at his hip and beads around his neck.

 

The head of the family turned Lilliana around and pointed to the stage. “You made an agreement to Claire.” He said. It was either Kagome's imagination or she just saw Inuyasha snicker. Lilliana, her eyes wide, looked back at Sesshoumaru and said, “I don't know the kind of songs she sings.”

 

The brothers dragged her to the stage and Lilliana, her face beet red, stared back at her audience. “You know Hotel California, don't you?” Claire asked.

 

Lilliana looked at her with a hopeless expression. “I…uh…” She stammered, gulping. Kagome stared up at her from the small crowd. Lilliana looked as though she was ready to jump out of her skin. When she opened her mouth, no remark came and Kagome noticed that Lilliana had suddenly turned stark white.

 

Sighing, Kagome gathered her courage and stomped up on the stage, turning to Bill. “By the Eagles right?” She asked him. He nodded, an amused grin on his face. It was lucky that she knew the song by heart. Her father had heard it at a wedding once and loved it since.

 

“What are you doing?” Lilliana whispered harshly when Kagome came to stand beside her. “Helping you get over your stage fright.” She answered. “You know the song?” She asked.

 

“Y-yes but-”

 

“Then sing! Don't worry, if you make a fool of yourself, so do I.”

 

Claire began playing the playing and Kagome waited until it was the right moment to sing. She opened her mouth, shaking, and began.

 

On a dark desert highway

 

Kagome poked Lilliana hard in the ribs with her elbow. The girl sent her an angry look and nervously joined in the song.

 

Cool Wind in my hair.

 

Claire closed her eyes, as though she were being lulled to sleep. Lilliana had a strong voice indeed, and Kagome almost missed the second verse because she was listening to it.

 

Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air

Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light

My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim

I had to stop for the night.

 

Lilliana's voice became louder, closer to the volume of Kagome's. They noticed that the family had closed their eyes, listening to Lilliana's beautiful voice. Kagome, confident that she would sing on her own, stopped and stepped off the stage, joining the others in marveling in Lilliana's voice.

 

There she stood in the doorway, with the mission bell

I was thinking to myself this could be heaven or this could be hell

Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way

 

Kagome didn't notice it, but as she walked off the stage, Lilliana closed her eyes, immersing herself in the song the same time Claire and Natalia's eyes met. Rukiya noticed the exchange and walked across the room without anyone noticing her. She came to stand next to Sesshoumaru.

 

There were voices down the corridor,

Thought I heard them say.

 

Rukiya whispered something in his ear. He walked off and found Kagura, holding out his hand, inviting her to dance. Natalia weaved her way though the crowd, making Sango and Miroku grasp hands and before they knew it a flushed Sango was dancing with a smirking Miroku.

 

Welcome to the Hotel California,

Such a lovely place

Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Any time of year

You can find it here.

 

Kagome swayed side to side, her eyes closed as she listened to Lilliana sing. She failed to notice that Natalia invited Inuyasha to dance. Shrugging, he took her offer before Rukiya cut in, steering him toward Kagome. Soon Rukiya noticed Albier standing on his own and made her way toward him, but not before pushing Inuyasha into Kagome. She opened her eyes and starred at Inuyasha, wondering where he had come from. Smiling, Rukiya left the two.

 

Her mind is tiffany twisted.

She got the Mercedes Benz

 

Awkwardly, Inuyasha extended his hand, looking away as though he couldn't believe what he was doing. Kagome, feeling similar, took his hand.

 

She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys

She calls friends.

 

Inuyasha hooked his arm around her waist and Kagome felt like her face was on fire as he pulled her close before swaying her into the dance. Even through Lilliana's song and the music, Kagome could hear her heart hammering.

 

How they dance in the courtyard.

Sweet summer sweat

Some dance to remember

Some dance to forget.

 

Kagome caught Inuyasha singing along without actually saying the words. “You know this song?” She asked him.

 

“It's one of Lilliana's favorites.” Kagome blinked. “Really?” She smiled. Maybe there was something she had in common with Lilliana after all.

 

Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place

Such a lovely face

Living it up at the Hotel California

What a nice surprise

Bring your alibis

 

“She really has a nice voice.” Kagome said aloud, hoping to continue speaking. She was sure her heart would crack her ribcage from pounding so hard. If she could make a conversation, maybe she could distract herself from concentrating on how warm Inuyasha's arm was around her waist and how her hand felt so small in his.

 

“You should hear her sing in her native language.” He paused. “Lilliana has a rare ability with her voice.” He said.

 

Mirrors on the ceiling

Pink Champagne on ice

And she said

“We are all just prisoners here,

of our own device.”

 

Kagome realized that Inuyasha hadn't looked at her once. She didn't know whether she should feel relieved or sad. “What did you mean when you said she has a rare ability?”

 

“She can alter emotions. Calm and sooth, or anger depending on what's she's singing.” He answered, looking up to the stage where Lilliana still sang, her hands on the mike now. “She's still learning though. She can't do it at will.”

 

And in the masters chambers

They gathered for the feast

 

“I wish I had a voice like that.” Kagome said to herself.

 

Stab it with their steely knives

But they just can't kill the beast.

 

Inuyasha looked at her with a frown and Kagome gulped. This was a peculiar situation to be in after they had been avoiding each other for the past few days. Kagome didn't know what Inuyasha thought of their…incident in the cave and she hoped she wouldn't find out. Was it okay to act like nothing happened and try to be friendly toward him? She honestly didn't know how she should react to the aftermath of the situation. The first time she had been angry, but that was because she thought what had happened was a fluke. There was something there and she knew he couldn't deny it forever like she could.

 

Last thing I remember

I was running for the door

 

She hadn't known how long they had just been staring at each other, but Kagome didn't understand the words of the song anymore.

 

Had to find the passage back

To the place I was before

 

Inuyasha let go of her and bowed as the song was ending. Kagome breathed in a sigh of relief, noticing that he turned his eyes to the stage to save them both the embarrassment. It was obvious that he was thinking about the same thing she was. One thing that baffled Kagome was that the first time, he'd looked proud of what he'd done. He didn't seem as…enthusiastic now. Did he regret what happened or was he as confused as she was about it?

 

“Relax,” said the night man,

“We are programmed to receive.

You can check out any time you like,

But you can never leave.”

 

The song continued for a little while longer as Bill, Christiano and Claire played the last musical notes and then everything was silent for a few seconds before a smirking Natalia, Rukiya and Claire began clapping. The rest of the family joined in. Lilliana's face shined red and she walked off the stage on shaky legs.

 

“Give it up for Lilly!” Claire said excitedly from the stage and Lilliana sent her a pleading look as another wave of cheers came from the family. Kagome smiled, unsure if she was happy that the song was over, and joined in, seeing Sango clapping from where she stood with Miroku's arm around her waist.

 

Lilliana blended back into the crowd while Claire took her place at the mike, singing another song. Kagome was too caught up in her own thoughts to notice that Lilliana had come her way, asking Inuyasha to leave. He had nodded and walked away, taking with him Kagome's worrisome thoughts for the moment.

 

“Why did you do that?” Lilliana asked Kagome and it took her a moment to understand what she was talking about.

 

“Well, you looked so nervous…” Kagome trailed off. She didn't think Lilliana would appreciate it if she said that she felt sorry for her being put on the spot.

 

Lilliana bit her bottom lip, frowning. “D-don't get any ideas! I'm still mad at you for what you did back in Tokyo. And I still don't like you.”

 

Kagome breathed in. “Then give me a chance to change your mind.” She said to her. “I may be human, but you never know. We could end up being good friends.”

 

“I don't see that happening.” Lilliana said, turning her face to the side.

 

“Why not? You can never have too many friends.” Lilliana did something Kagome thought she would never do: she laughed. “You sound like a fortune cookie.” She chuckled and then blushed. “If…if you don't do anything stupid in the future, I might be willing to give you a chance.”

 

Kagome smiled. That was something, coming from Lilliana. She then turned to go find Sango but stopped suddenly.

 

“Thanks…for getting up there.” Kagome's smile became bigger. Turning, she said, “you're welcome” to Lilliana and walked off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The party lasted until the humans were too tired to stay awake. After they had gone, Sesshoumaru, his mate and his brother excused themselves. Claire stayed in the room, cleaning up her decorations with the rest of the family.

 

“That worked out better then I thought.” Bill said, pulling off his powdered wig and putting his piercings back into place. He then pulled his drums off the stage. Claire giggled as she put her guitar back into its case.

 

“I never thought Blue would help Lilly.” She said.

 

“But it worked out. We finally got her to sing for us.” Christiano chuckled.

 

“And what a great song it was.” Natalia said as his side. Lilliana, who had been pulling the decorations down, turned red.

 

“Why so blushed, gorgeous? That was sweet.” Ablier boasted, slapping Lilliana on the back. She gave him a weak smile.

 

Claire giggled and pulled Natalia away from her mate, speaking in her ear. “Operation love attack was a success! You are the love goddess indeed.”

 

Natalia smiled warmly and answered back, “Well you weren't so bad yourself, our little mini-matchmaker.”

 

Claire caught Rukiya's eye and winked at her. “We couldn't have done it without Rukie either.” She said in Natalia's ear.

 

Natalia nodded and her mind wondered for a moment. She'd noticed that both of them looked bewildered and tense; exactly what kind of relationship did they have?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He walked into the clearing, the moonlight shadowing over him. The air was clean, yet Inuyasha could smell a stench in the breeze. Either he was still uptight about his experience earlier that night or his instincts were going on a rampage.

 

He ignored the later, thinking back. He hadn't known how to approach her and had avoided her for a few days. Talking to Kagome about it wouldn't put him out of his misery, it was best not to think about it and yet he couldn't. She looked so unnerved, which didn't help his feeling of guilt in the least.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE GO EASY ON ME PEOPLE! This is the first time I've ever incorporated a song into the story. I hope you've enjoyed and review please!