InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Not Soon Forgotten ❯ From Champagne Cocktails to Beer ( Chapter 5 )

Here's a nice chapter full of good stuff! Thank you so much for all the reviews, I can't tell you how happy I am that you are enjoying this story!

 

On to the chapter!

Sesshoumaru and Kagome made their way back the ship just as the sun set. Neither of them spoke as thoughts of the day's events played through their minds. Kagome allowed herself to smile when she thought about how friendly Sango had been; it had been a long time since she had any sort of female companionship, and she was determined to write to her when she got to Los Angeles.

 

She had absolutely adored her time at Sesshoumaru's home away from home, as he called it, and was silently wishing to be able to visit again. In the few days that Kagome had known Sesshoumaru, she had never seen him act so freely. He was like a completely different person when he felt he did not need to posture himself in front of his “adoring fans”.

 

Sesshoumaru had enjoyed his time back at a home he had not been to in over two years. It was nice to see that Sango, Miroku, and Rin were all doing well, and he could not be happier for them that they were expecting another baby.

 

Sesshoumaru had been pleasantly surprised when Sango took to Kagome so well, she never really liked the couple girlfriends that she had met before, and even though he and Kagome were not an item, it was still nice to know that Kagome could easily be accepted by the people whose opinions mattered most to him.

 

As they started to make their way up the ramp to the boat, Sesshoumaru heaved a great sigh. Kagome looked over to him and then looked at this line of sight to see that Myoga Nakamura and his wife were bounding toward them with huge grins stretched on their faces.

 

“Taisho-sama, Higurashi-san!” bellowed Myoga. “I have been in charge of putting together tonight's dinner entertainment and a little birdie of mine informed me that you are a singer Higurashi-san. Would you please do us the honor of singing a couple of tunes for us?”

 

The smiles on both Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura were contagious and Kagome found herself agreeing to sing for them.

 

“How could anyone refuse a request like that? Of course, I would be happy to sing,” Kagome replied.

 

“Wonderful! You are truly wonderful Higurashi-san! Taisho-sama…” Mr. Nakamura started.

 

“Yes?”

 

“You wouldn't happen to have any hidden talents would you? We could use another act tonight.”

 

“I apologize, but I am not a performer. My public encounters end with press conferences,” Sesshoumaru quickly stated.

 

“We can understand that Taisho-sama, but if you could maybe just say a few words? You are quite infamous and it would help put to rest some of the rumors that are floating around here,” Mrs. Nakamura bargained.

 

“Rumors?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

Kagome cleared her throat. “Some of the passengers think you're a bit cold Taisho-sama.”

 

Sesshoumaru shrugged at this. “I am not one to appease people's ill feelings towards me.”

 

“Come now Taisho-sama, don't be a prude. What if I were to work out a performance for you and me? Would you agree to that?” Kagome asked.

 

“I am not a prude,” Sesshoumaru elegantly pouted.

 

“Well, why don't you prove it then,” challenged Kagome.

 

Sesshoumaru eyed the sneaky woman next to him. Just what he thinking when he befriended her?

 

“Fine, I relent,” Sesshoumaru said. “Will this performance of yours require a lot of rehearsal?”

 

Kagome smiled at his quick change of heart. Sesshoumaru loved to be in the lime light, there was no way he would give up a chance to show off his many talents; he was just stubborn.

 

“You wouldn't want to do anything that wasn't perfect would you?” Kagome played.

 

“Touché,” Sesshoumaru said.

 

“Splendid you two, absolutely splendid! This will be absolutely fantastic! The entertainment starts in a few hours; I suggest you two start practicing,” Mr. Nakamura joyfully said before he turned and walked away with his wife.

 

Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome who was looking sheepishly in his direction.

 

“You owe me for this Ms. Higurashi,” threatened Sesshoumaru.

 

Kagome merely smiled brightly and then continued on her way up the ramp to the boat. Sesshoumaru soon followed after her and they went to the small practice room near the dining hall to work on their performance.

 

Standing near the doorway to the small room the two of them noticed a man who was waiting for them. Sesshoumaru immediately recognized him as Naraku Nakamura and he wanted to snarl. He did not like him or the feeling of malice that radiated off of him.

 

Kagome, being the ever polite person that she was greeted him first.

 

“Good evening Nakamura-san how are you tonight?” she asked

 

Naraku grinned at her and then at Sesshoumaru which made his blood boil.

 

“I am doing quite well Ms. Higurashi; even better now that I've heard you will be performing tonight for us all. I am greatly anticipating it,” Naraku answered her.

 

“Yes, it should be a lot of fun. I don't mean to be rude, but we really should start practicing,” Kagome pleasantly told him.

 

“I was wondering if you could fill a request of mine,” Naraku asked suddenly.

 

“Um, sure. What would that be?” Kagome asked.

 

“There is a song that I believe you would do wonderfully in singing. Is there any chance that you could perform that as your entertainment?”

 

Sesshoumaru was a bit suspicious at Naraku's intention, but couldn't find the harm in his request.

 

“I don't see why not, I really didn't have anything planned anyway,” Kagome said. “What is the song, perhaps I've heard it?”

 

Naraku smiled then and was laughing outright in his mind. “It is called `An Affair to Remember', and it is a beautifully done piece,” Naraku informed her as his eyes shifted back and forth between Kagome and Sesshoumaru.

 

Kagome shifted a bit uneasily and Sesshoumaru clenched his jaw. So that was what he was playing at.

 

“Of course,” Kagome spoke up assuredly. “I don't think that should be any problem. I've heard the song before and you're right, it is lovely.”

 

Naraku lost a bit of his humor when they didn't take the bait. He was so sure he would catch them in their little tryst. He nodded then and handed each the sheet music he had acquired for the song. With one more bow and a glare towards Sesshoumaru, Naraku left them to their own devices.

 

“The nerve of that man, I just know he meant more than what he was letting on,” Kagome fumed.

 

Sesshoumaru smirked at her then; she was quite the little spitfire when she wanted to be.

 

“Do not let the petty meddling of one such as him spoil your evening. He should not have that satisfaction,” Sesshoumaru told her.

 

Kagome huffed a little then nodded. She opened the door to the practice room and they both went to work.

 

**

 

A few hours later and it was time for the entertainment portion of the evening to begin. There was only a couple days left of the cruise, so everything was winding down and people were getting anxious about reaching their destination.

 

Kagome and Sesshoumaru waited on the side of the stage on the dining hall for the comedy routine of one of the other passengers to finish. The crowd of people had grown in number from the other times that Sesshoumaru and Kagome had dined in the hall, no doubt drawn by the fact that the well-known business tycoon was going to be performing.

 

Kagome did not want to lose face in front of all the passengers, but she was a bit nervous in singing this particular song. Although she and Sesshoumaru had not been intimate with each other, the crowd surely had their own views on their relationship. This song was strategically requested by that horrible man to humiliate not just Sesshoumaru, but her as well. What she didn't know was why.

 

The woman on stage finished her comedy act, receiving a healthy applause for her attempts. Mr. Myoga Nakamura walked on stage and his boisterous voice boomed out over the crowd even without the use of a microphone.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have a special treat for you,” Mr. Nakamura said. “I believe I have done the impossible and talked our very own Taisho-sama to perform for us tonight, as well as the lovely young Kagome Higurashi.”

 

The audience did their part and gasped and applauded typically. It was all that Kagome and Sesshoumaru could do not to roll their eyes and the cliché they had unconsciously taken part it.

 

“Ms. Higurashi will be singing `An Affair to Remember' while Taisho-sama accompanies her on the piano,” he continued.

 

There was a quiet murmur among the crowd when Mr. Nakamura announced the song they were to perform and Kagome fidgeted. Sesshoumaru, trying to placate her nervousness, took hold of Kagome's hand and gave it a light squeeze. She blushed at the contact, but smiled at him in thanks.

 

They turned their attention back to Mr. Nakamura when he announced them.

 

“This is sure to be a memorable act! Feel free to dance along to the music, or just sit back and relax as they grace us with this performance. Now, without further delay, please give a warm applause to Taisho-sama and Higurashi-san!” Mr. Nakamura finished and waved them on stage.

 

The crowd clapped politely as the two of them made their way from behind the large curtain at the side of the stage. Even though Kagome had performed in front of many people numerous times, she felt her nervousness grow as the eyes that had been watching her and Sesshoumaru closely for the past week or so fall on her.

 

Sesshoumaru remained cool on the outside, but he was as close to being nervous as he had ever been. The judging eyes loomed over them both and he almost wanted to forget the whole thing and say to hell with it. However he decided that if these people wanted to get all worked up over a song, let them; it was no skin off his back.

 

Sesshoumaru took his place at the piano and Kagome walked to the front of the stage. She denied the microphone that was offered to her as she had sung many times, and with a lot of practice, she was able to project her voice beautifully.

 

Sesshoumaru started, playing a few notes in entry before Kagome started to sing.

 

“Our love affair is a wondrous thing

That we'll rejoice in remembering

Our love was born with our first embrace

And a page was torn out of time and space

 

Our love affair, may it always be

A flame to burn through eternity

So take my hand with a fervent prayer

That we may live and we may share

A love affair to remember

 

So take my hand with a fervent prayer

That we may live and we may share

A love affair to remember”

 

Kagome finished, and at first no sound was heard in the dining hall. She looked back to Sesshoumaru who gave her a small shrug of indifference and stood to stand next to her.

 

Just as they were about to leave the stage, the crowd erupted in applause, and Kagome let out a breath she didn't realize that she had been holding. What was wrong with these people; did they find pleasure in trying to give her a heart attack?!

 

The two of them exited the stage quickly while the audience continued their applause. Mr. Nakamura came back on stage and motioned for Sesshoumaru and Kagome to come take a bow. He clapped along with the audience, but when the two of them did not reenter, he walked to the side and looked behind the curtain.

 

A couple of seconds later he emerged again without Kagome or Sesshoumaru and shrugged at the crowd. With a small laugh he says, “I guess they are not coming back on-they just kept on going! Oh well, the show must go on! Next we have…ME!”

 

He motions for the band to play and begins his own number. Naraku stood in the back with a scowl on his face; he just could not get a one-up on Sesshoumaru Taisho! He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted. How he hated that man!

 

Naraku stopped his pity party and smiled as he remembered that he had one more ace up his sleeve. The pictures that he had paid the photographer to take will make a lovely headline for the world's top news papers and broadcasts. It was only a shame that the lovely Kagome Higurashi had to get caught up in it all if only she had better taste in men.

 

When the press gets a hold of the photos, Sesshoumaru Taisho's life as a businessman is over; and Sesshoumaru would not be able to claim ignorance. A lot was riding on the marriage to Kagura Wind, and if she were to find out that he is having an affair (whether or not it was true) she would no doubt sue the man for all he was worth.

 

He patted his coat pocket in which the photos were hidden; he always kept them close. People were going to pay him a good amount of money for those and it would be a cold day in hell before he gave up his chance to bring down Sesshoumaru Taisho.

 

 

**

 

 

Sesshoumaru and Kagome all but ran through the door to get out onto the deck and away from the crowd.

 

Kagome held Sesshoumaru's hand as they crashed through the door and she began laughing.

 

“Oh my gosh, I can't believe the audience did that! I was so scared that they would take that song the wrong way,” Kagome breathed out while she continued to giggle.

 

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome walked to the railing and looked out over the ocean. He had been a bit nervous too when the audience left them in silence, but he'd be damned if he let them get to him. He walked over to where she was and leaned down with his arms on the railing.

 

“And how exactly were they to take that song?” he asked quietly.

 

Kagome looked at him from the corner of her eye and gulped audibly. “You and I both know that people like to talk Sesshoumaru. You also know just what kinds of things have been going around about us; it's not really a secret that you absolutely adore me,” she played.

 

“I have to say that I cannot remember when I've had such a good time,” Sesshoumaru admitted. “It seems that I am not quite myself when I'm around you.”

 

“Maybe you are more of yourself now than you have been; have you thought of that?” Kagome said. “And I agree; I've had a great time, it's been absolutely wonderful on this trip.”

 

Sesshoumaru and Kagome looked at each other then and silence fell between them. He could see everything in her eyes; she was a completely open book to him. She smiled and broke the small spell, and he spoke then.

 

“I know what you mean-,” he said, referring to something he read in her eyes, “and I have talked to the captain about it already.”

 

“Oh?” Kagome questioned. “And what did he say?”

 

“He said if was not for the other passenger then he would have no problem in turning the ship around. Unfortunately, people are getting eager to see their family and friends that are ashore.”

 

“Hm, I guess I can see where that would be a problem. It would be kind of silly; just the two of us cruising around on this big boat,” she said wistfully.

 

She turned back to face the water again and she closed her eyes in contemplation. Sesshoumaru leaned back against the railing, and Kagome could feel his eyes on her.

 

“I swear if you say `penny for your thoughts' I'll throw myself overboard,” she said.

 

Sesshoumaru leaned in closer to her and whispered in her ear. “You realize that tonight is the last night that we will be on the cruise. Tomorrow night we will dock in Los Angeles.”

 

Kagome sighed. “Yes, I do realize that.”

 

“Will he be waiting there for you?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

“He'll be there at the dock,” she answered. “And she?”

 

“Will be waiting there as well,” he replied in turn.

 

There was another silence; both lost in their inner musings.

 

“You know,” Sesshoumaru said suddenly, “I've never had a blue-collar job in my life.”

 

Kagome looked over at him and raised an eyebrow. “Why does that not surprise me?”

 

“I never had the chance to dabble in that sort of work. I was always my father's protégée and I followed him wherever he went. He was always “training” me to become his heir; I never had the chance to work a menial job.”

 

“You know, I'm not really one to be fond of overly expensive things like diamonds and clothes anyway,” Kagome said.

 

“They are not really necessary,” he said quickly.

 

“No; no they're not,” she agreed. “Many people go their whole lives without so much as seeing a diamond, and they're perfectly happy.”

 

“That's true; you know, diamonds are a nuisance anyway, all that paperwork just to insure them-”

 

“Yes, and I hate filling out forms,” Kagome interjected. “I think we've been a bit spoiled in our lives. We've been used to things like champagne cocktails.”

 

“I suppose we have. But we just like the best of things don't we?”

 

“My mom got a saying from somewhere, I don't know where, but it went: `It's a funny thing-but the things we like best are either illegal, immoral, or fattening'. I have to say that I am inclined to agree with that,” Kagome said as she smiled at him. “What does beer taste like?” she asked suddenly.

 

“It's bitter,” he answered her.

 

She nodded a few times as if in contemplation. There was a short pause between them before Sesshoumaru spoke again.

 

“You know, nobody ever gets any younger…”

 

“No they don't,” Kagome agreed.

 

“One day, you look in the mirror and say to yourself-”

 

“You've had it close, but you missed your opportunity,” Kagome finished for him.

 

“You know, I've never really read through the help wanted ads in the newspaper,” Sesshoumaru admitted.

 

“Really? It's in the back usually with small print,” Kagome told him.

 

He nodded in understanding. “It might take some time, maybe as long as six months to find out if…”

 

“If what?” Kagome said as she turned to face him.

 

They were very close together now to where she could feel Sesshoumaru's warm breath on her face.

 

Sesshoumaru was trying to control his breathing, but being this close to her was making it difficult to think about anything else besides her.

 

“Well, if I were to work hard enough and long enough, say for six months…where would you be?” he questioned while bringing his hand behind her back.

 

Kagome was finding it hard to breathe with their closeness. She looked up at him before asking, “What are you trying to say Sesshoumaru?”

 

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes before answering her. “I'm trying work out that if in six months I could afford to buy my wife a beer.”

 

Kagome placed her hand on his cheek and rubbed her thumb gently over his lips. “Sesshoumaru that is the nicest thing-”

 

She was cut off by Sesshoumaru crashing his lips down on hers. She gave into his kiss willingly and was warmed by the sensations which it invoked. He brought his hands to the sides of her face and held her there, afraid that their moment would end. She in turn, wrapped her arms around his torso, drawing him in closer to her body.

 

Their tongues met and both took in what the other had to offer. Sesshoumaru moved his hands to the back of her head in order to deepen the kiss. Kagome allowed her hands to roam over his back and then brought her hands to the front of him. She found the ends of his shirt and slipped her hands underneath to feel the skin and muscles of his chest.

 

Sesshoumaru groaned as he felt her hands on his flesh. Her fingertips brushed gently over him, igniting tiny fires in their wake. He had wanted to kiss her ever since he met her and now he was finally getting his wish. Her lips were soft and her mouth was warm; and from this closeness he could smell the light perfume that she wore. As he ran his fingers through her hair he could not help but think how soft it was.

 

Everything about this woman had him wanting to learn more; she was the first to ever awaken these feelings in him, and he was not going to let her go.

 

Kagome was lost in the feelings of his mouth on hers. When his fingers ran through her hair she wanted to sigh. He broke the kiss and began trailing other small kisses along her jaw line and her neck. He left open-mouthed kisses along her collar bone to the other side of her neck and Kagome tilted her head back to give him better access.

 

He worked his way up the other side of her neck and up to her jaw line, back to place another searing kiss upon her lips; this one full over even more passion than the last. They each could feel the heat radiating off of each other at the closeness and Kagome could not help the quiet mewl that escaped her at the passion of their shared kiss.

 

She reluctantly broke away when she felt she needed air and saw his glazed over eyes looking at her much like she was looking at him. She shyly ran her tongue over her lips in attempt to soothe them from his ministrations.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” she said breathily, “I've only known you for about a week.”

 

“I know,” he said as he closed his eyes. The look of her and her red swollen lips was making him want to kiss her again. His eyes opened when he felt her reach for his tie.

 

Kagome saw that he was in an inner battle with himself, much as she was, so she broke through the fogginess and reached over and fixed his tie that had somehow gotten messed up in their actions. When she finished she looked up at him again and smiled.

 

“Will you at least let me think about it? Just tonight and I'll give you my answer in the morning,” she asked.

 

He nodded and brought her in close to him again. “It is going to be a long night.”

 

“It will be for me too Sesshoumaru. Will you walk me to my room?” she asked.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and took her hand as they began the trek to the cabins. They could distantly hear music playing from the direction of the dining hall as well as hear people talking and laughing loudly. The happiness that was reflected by the other passengers was almost discomforting to Sesshoumaru and Kagome, who now had to think about where their relationship was going.

 

They came to her room and he waited for her to unlock her door. Sesshoumaru hesitates at the door as she walks in.

 

“May I come in?” he asked her.

 

She smiled at him. “Yes, please do.”

 

He walked in and shut the door behind him and then took a seat on the small sofa.

 

“Thank you so much for today Sesshoumaru. I don't think I've ever had a better day in my life.”

 

“Nor have I. You were very kind to who are perhaps the closest people I have to friends. Thank you for offering them your courtesy.”

 

“It was my pleasure. Thank you for allowing me into your little world.”

 

He nodded, and the only sound that could be heard was the ticking of a clock.

 

“You know, marriage is a big step for a girl like me.”

 

“Yes I know,” Sesshoumaru replied.

 

“Do you like children?” Kagome asked.

 

“Yes I do,” he said in return.

 

“I don't suppose you would mind staying here with me tonight. You'd have to be on your best behavior mind you,” Kagome said.

 

“Are you sure you want me here with you?”

 

“Yes, I'm sure.”

 

“Then yes, I'll stay with you.”

 

“Please make yourself comfortable while I change,” she said while pointing to the bed.

 

Kagome grabbed her night clothes and went to her bathroom to change. Sesshoumaru took off his shoes and socks as well as his shirt and crawled under the blankets of her bed. Kagome emerged a bit later and joined him. She turned on her side so that her back was facing him and reached over to grab his hand and put it over her waist.

 

He tightened his grip on her and pulled her in closer to him and Kagome welcomed the embrace.

 

Together they slept while thoughts of the future invaded their dreams.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the fluffiness! The song that Kagome sang was a song from the movie. It is absolutely beautiful, so if you want to hear it this is the link for it on YouTube:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RFiH0jKMUI

 

As always your thoughts on the story are welcomed!