InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Take a Bow ❯ Take a Bow ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: For the one millionth time, I DO NOT own Inuyasha! I also don't own the song, "Take a Bow." That belongs to the famous Madonna.

A/N: Inuyasha and Kagome may seem a lil' bit out of character, but hopefully towards the end, I got them some of right. I've never written his much fluff before.

On with the one-shot!

Take a Bow:

Kagome looked out her bedroom window. She was sitting on her carpeted floor, in her hands a small, glossy photo of a young man with his arms wrapped around a young woman's waist. Both of them smiling at each other, his head titled down smiling at her and her head looking up smiling back at him.

`Today it has been twoyears since he's left. Two years and I still haven't let him go.' Kagome sighed and looked at the sun slowly disappearing below the horizon. The sky was a multitude of colors, orange, red, pink and violet. Her azure eyes went back to the photo in her hands.

"I don't know why I can't let you go. All we ever were were friends. Two years have passed since you left me and I still can't forget you. I don't think I ever will." she spoke softly to the person in the photo. She closed her eyes and her mind was filled with him and their times together.

--------------------------------

"Where are you taking me? We're supposed to be with my mommy. She'll be mad if we don't get back." asked an 8 year old Kagome.

A little boy with sliver hair and amber eyes, age 10, looked down at the small girl with raven hair and blue eyes. "Don't worry Kagome. There's a party going on over there." One clawed finger pointed over a small hill where balloons were flying high and `Happy Birthday' banners were strung.

"They have cake and ice-cream."

Kagome's sapphire eyes widened with excitement, "Ice-cream and cake? I want some, but I wasn't invited." Her voice lost her excitement and her eyes became sad.

"Yes you were Kagome, that's a party for one of friends from school. He knows we're coming."

Her eyes looked back at the young boy, full of hope, "Really?"

He nodded and took her to the party where nobody knew who they were.

~**~

"Mom is he here yet?" Kagome asked her mother. She was wearing a baby blue gown; corset top the rest silk flowing down all the way to her feet. Her hair was up in a bun, on both sides of her face a single strand of lose curled hair hung freely. A small tiara lay comfortably on top of her head.

Her mother, dressed in an elegant black dress shook her head, "I'm sorry dear. He's not here yet." She took one her daughter's hand into her own and gave a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry dear I'm sure he'll be here soon."

`Come on, please get here soon. The dance is about to start.' No sooner than the thought crossed her mind, the young man she was waiting for entered the ballroom. He was in a black tux with a red bow tie. When he spotted her he rushed over to her.

"I'm sorry Kagome. I didn't mean to come so late. I was caught up in traffic. I'm not too late am I?"

Kagome smiled broadly, "No, you're right on time. We're about to start."

Kagome's mother went up to a small stage with a microphone in hand, "I would like to welcome all of you to my daughter's 15th birthday. Today is a special day because today is the day my daughter, Kagome, begins her journey to womanhood." Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she kept them back. "Now my daughter will have her first dance with her Prince."

Kagome walked down a few stairs, her arm linked to her Prince's arm. The song began and they danced the first song of many more to come.

~**~ end of flashbacks

Kagome wiped the tears away from her eyes. "I know you had to go, but you followed her instead of going for yourself." She stood up from her position on the floor and walked over to her dresser. She looked in to mirror. Her face was red and blotchy from her crying. Kagome took one last glance at the photo of her and Inuyasha and placed back in her scrap book.

She walked back to her bed and fell asleep.

--------------------------------

THE NEXT DAY

Kagome walked over to the table her, Sango, Eri, Yuka and Ayumi normally sat at during lunch.

"Hey Kagome, what's wrong?" Sango stood from her chair and helped Kagome into her own.

"Yeah Kagome, you don't look so hot." pointed out Yuka.

Kagome smiled weakly at her friends, "It's nothing guys. Don't worry about it."

Sango raised an eyebrow at her best friend. Without the other three girls noticing Sango mouthed a message to Kagome, "We Need To Talk."

Kagome nodded slowly.

"Hey Higurashi. I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me on Saturday?"

Kagome looked up from her lunch tray to see Houjo, a tall, brown-haired young man.

Yuka butted in, "Of course she'll go out with you Houjo."

Kagome glared at Yuka and shook her head, going unnoticed by Houjo who was focusing on Yuka.

Sango cleared her throat, "I'm sorry Houjo, but Kagome needs to practice for the Senior talent show next week."

Houjo looked a little sad about the news, but quickly got over it. "That's okay Higurashi. Good luck next week. Maybe I'll see you after the show?"

Kagome nodded, "Sure Houjo."

Sango elbowed Yuka and whispered something in her ear. Yuka's eyes lightened up and took Eri and Ayumi from the table.

Kagome looked confused as her three friends left the table, "Sango, what did you tell Yuka?"

Sango smiled, "Come on. Let's go for a walk around the baseball field."

Kagome nodded quickly, still confused about what just happened.

~*~

"What's going on Sango?" asked Kagome as they sat down on the bleachers of the baseball field.

"Nothing, I just told Yuka that Houjo was looking her through the whole time he was talking to you. I told her to take Eri and Ayumi with her to bear witness to the fact that he's gonna ask her to be his date to the Senior talent show. It's being held at the same place where your 15th birthday was."

Kagome's eyes lowered to her feet. `My 15thbirthday was the day I told Inuyasha I loved him.'

~**~

Kagome walked out the ballroom and onto the balcony. She looked at the night sky above her. Stars were shining brightly and the full moon glowed brilliantly. It completely took her breathe away.

"It's so beautiful." she whispered.

"Yes, you are."

Kagome turned around, her dress gracefully twirling with her. "Oh, Inuyasha, I didn't know you were there."

Inuyasha smirked, "I love sneaking up on people." Kagome laughed, but stopped when she felt his arms encircle her from behind. He turned her facing forwards so she could see the full moon again.

"Happy Birthday Kagome." he whispered in her ear.

Kagome's eyes fluttered closed, "Inuyasha, there's something I have to tell you. I've been keeping it from you for a while."

Inuyasha spun Kagome around and lifted her head up to his. "What is it Kagome?"

Kagome took a deep breathe and locked her sapphire eyes with Inuyasha's golden ones, "Inuyasha, I've held feelings for you since we were young. My feelings for you have grown with each passing year. I know you may think I'm too young because you're 17 and already leaving for college, but I need to tell you before you go."

She raised both her hands, each one cupping one of Inuyasha's cheeks, her cerulean eyes filled with emotion, "Inuyasha, I love you."

Inuyasha's eyes went wide at hearing his best friend's confession. His mouth opened to speak, but a feminine voice cut in.

"Inuyasha, you still owe me a dance." Kikyo eyed the pair through narrowed eyes. She went to Inuyasha and linked her arm through his free one. "Come on baby, the party is almost over and you still owe me a dance." she whispered seductively.

Kagome dropped her hands form his face and looked back at the night sky.

Inuyasha took one look at Kagome's back before Kikyo pulled him away from her.

"Oh, by the way, Happy birthday Kagome." she said icily.

~***~ end of flashback

Sango snapped her fingers together, "Kagome are you okay? You've been acting strangely all morning."

Kagome looked up at her best friend, tears streaming down her face.

Sango eyes became wide with realization. She pulled Kagome in a sisterly embrace, "I'm sorry Kagome. I didn't mean to bring back memories about him. I'm sorry I forgot, yesterday was the day he left for college with Kikyo. I'm so sorry Kagome, please don't cry."

Kagome shook her head against Sango's shoulder. She removed herself from Sango's embrace and wiped the tears from her eyes. "No, it's alright Sango. I'm just feeling a little misty is all, but it'll pass by the end of the week. I'm fine." Kagome held her head up high as soon as no remains of tears showed on her face. "What…what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

Sango smiled at her best friend, `She still pines over Inuyasha. Maybe what I'm about to tell her will cheer her up?'

Sango cleared her throat, "I was talking to Miroku last night on the phone. I invited him to be my date for the Senior talent show." Her face blushed with the sound of Miroku's name. "Anyway, he said since he and…um, Inuyasha are dorm roomies that he will bring Inuyasha along."

Kagome's breathe caught in her throat, `Inuyasha is coming back? No, I can't face him. He left me without saying goodbye. I don't want to see him.'

"I'm not going to be in the talent show Sango. As a matter of fact I'm not even going. I'm going to go talk to Professor Onigumo right now and tell him to pull me out."

Kagome stood up from her seat and ran towards the school building before Sango could stop her.

`Well, that didn't go as I planned.' she thought darkly to herself.

--------------------------------

Kagome knocked politely on the door to Mr. Onigumo's office.

"Come in."

Kagome pushed open the door and shyly walked in. "Um, professor, I need to talk to you, about the talent show."

Professor Onigumo looked up from his papers and focused his attention on Kagome. "Sure Ms. Higurashi. Take a seat."

"Thank you sir." she said as she took her seat.

"Well, Ms. Higurashi, what's the problem?"

"I…I want to be pulled from the talent show." She replied hesitantly.

Onigumo nodded, "You know Kagome, this is very short noticed. The talent show is five days. Why would you want to be pulled out, I have know doubt you'll win. Your voice was gifted."

Kagome looked down at her hands, tightly clasped together, "Well, no I'm not so sure if I can attend. I might have to take care of my younger brother that night."

Onigumo's brow shot up curiously, "Well, it is a family event. Everyone's family is invited. Why don't you just bring him along?"

Kagome was beginning to get very nervous, `Great, what do I say now? I've never been good at lying. What do I say? What do I say?'

She cleared her throat, "I can't bring him because he's…he's um…sick. Yeah, he's sick. He has a cold."

Onigumo nodded, "Yes, well it is spring, probably allergies. Well Kagome, I'll make a note of it, but I can't take your name out of the program, it's already been published for all the people whom are attending. I will just make an announcement on the moment you are supposed to perform." He smiled at Kagome.

Kagome nodded and smiled weakly in return, "Thank you Professor."

"Any time Kagome."

Kagome left his office with a lump in her throat and a huge weight over her heart.

--------------------------------

5 days later

Sango rang the door bell to Kagome's house. "Don't worry mom, I'll get it!" yelled Kagome up the stairs. Her grandpa, mother and brother were all going to the talent show tonight.

Kagome opened up the door to see a very elegantly dressed Sango and a suited Miroku.

Kagome leaped up and hugged Miroku, "Oh Miroku, it's been so long." She let him go and stood by the door.

"Wow Sango, you look amazing." Sango was wearing a long spaghetti strapped pink dress with a beautiful pink diamond necklace hanging from her neck, matching her earrings.

Miroku stood by Sango wearing a black tuxedo with a cute small pink bowtie.

Kagome suddenly felt inadequate standing next to Sango. All she was wearing was a black tank top with the words, `Gorgeous' across it, and low rider blue faded denim jeans.

"Do you guys wanna come in?"

Sango shook her head, "No, someone's waiting for us in Miroku's car."

Kagome felt a pang in her heart, "Is...Is it Inu…Inuyasha?" she choked.

Sango's and Miroku's eyes looked at Kagome with sympathetic looks, "Yeah, he's inside. He said he'd rather wait inside the car."

Kagome's head hung low, her bangs covering her eyes, "Oh," was all she managed to say.

Sango took Kagome by her hands, "Kagome are you sure you don't want to come to the talent show? Miroku and I really want to hear you sing."

Kagome looked up at her two best friends and smiled sadly, "I'm sure. Listen you guys better not keep Inuyasha waiting. He hates it when people do that. Come on, I'll walk you two to your car."

Sango and Miroku walked beside Kagome who was looking at her bare feet. "Umm, I'll leave you guys here. Have fun and tell me all about it tomorrow, okay?"

Kagome stood on tiptoes and hugged Miroku, "It was really nice you again Miroku." Tears were stinging her eyes.

She let go of Miroku and hugged Sango, "Please tell me what he looks like tomorrow." She whispered in her best friend's ear. Sango nodded and let go Kagome. Her and Miroku walked towards the car and got in. Before the passenger seat door closed she saw a glimpse of white-silver hair.

`Inuyasha.' she thought sadly. Once the car was out of view, Kagome let her tears fall freely down her face.

~***~

Sango sighed as the car sped along the streets.

"That was Kagome wasn't it?" asked Inuyasha, in a hushed voice.

Sango nodded, "Yup, the girl you left two years ago without once saying goodbye. I thought I could get her to come, but once she found out you were coming she pulled out the talent show." Sango tried very hard to keep her irritation from the hanyou, but sensed it her words.

Inuyasha leaned back onto the back seat, `Kagome…'

--------------------------------

Kagome threw herself on the couch and began to shed her tears, `Inuyasha, why did you come back? Because of you I pulled out of the talent show. Why did you come back Inuyasha?'

Kagome's mother walked into the living room, wearing a plain, yet elegant black dress, "Kagome honey, are you alright?" All she was rewarded with were sobs. Mrs. Higurashi sat down on the couch next her daughter, "Kagome??"

Kagome shifted her position and flung herself into her mother's arms. "Oh, mom, Inuyasha, he came back. Sango told me that he and Miroku were coming back to see the talent show. He didn't even get out the car when Sango came with Miroku to see me just now. After two years I don't matter to him anymore." She held her mother's bare shoulder's tightly and cried her heart out.

Mrs. Higurashi comforted her daughter. She stroked her raven locks of hair and rocked her back and forth, "Don't worry Kagome. I'm sure Inuyasha hasn't forgotten you. How could he? You two have been friends since you were children. He would never forget you, Kagome." She continued stroking her daughter's hair until she calmed down.

Kagome looked up at her mother and gave her a small smile, "Thank you mama. You…you should go get grandpa and Souta, or you'll be late for the talent show."

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "If you can make it to the talent show Kagome with a reason or without, don't hesitate to come."

Kagome nodded.

"Dad, Souta, come on before we're late. We need to get our seats." called Mrs. Higurashi.

Grandpa and Souta came walking form the kitchen into the living room.

"Bye honey." She kissed her daughter goodbye and walked out the door with her son and dad.

--------------------------------

Kagome was lying down on her couch staring at the ceiling. Inuyasha entered her mind.

~***~

"Kagome, your party was great. I had a fun time." said Kagura as she was exiting the ballroom, with her date, Sesshoumaru.

"Yes, Higurashi. I had a pleasant time." said Sesshoumaru, though he didn't back it up with emotion, Kagome knew Sesshoumaru meant it. She'd known him her whole life, so she knew when he actually complimenting someone and when he wasn't.

`I wonder how Kagura does it?' she asked herself.

"Thanks guys. I'm glad you had fun. Thanks for coming."

Kagura smiled while Sesshoumaru just dipped his head to the side. "Come on Sessho, we've got to get the kids from the baby-sitter."

Kagome smiled at the exiting couple. After thanking a few more people she went back to the dance floor.

"Everyone's left. No-one here except for me." she said to herself. Her mother, brother and grandpa were ushering people out the exit outside.

"Well, not everyone Kagome."

Kagome spun around smiling sadly, "You need to stop sneaking up on me like that Inuyasha. Where's Kikyo?"

Inuyasha walked over to Kagome and began to dance with her, though no music was playing.

"Kikyo's waiting for me downstairs, but I needed to ask you something before I go."

Kagome's head was spinning around, she felt like she was dancing on air, "Anything Inuyasha."

"Did you mean what you said before?"

Kagome blushed and looked up to his amber eyes, "Yes, I did."

"Then, promise me one thing, don't forget me." Inuyasha suddenly stopped dancing with Kagome and turned his heel and left.

Kagome saw his retreating form, but did nothing to stop him; she was too confused to do anything.

~***~

Kagome groaned, "I should have known he was leaving after that. Why didn't I see it before?"

She looked up at the clock and saw it already 9 p.m. "I was meant to be on stage at 9:45. I told Professor Onigumo my brother was sick, so he wasn't going to the talent show, but Souta did go with mom." She smiled broadly at herself. "I think I just found a perfectly good excuse to go." `That and I don't think I can wait any longerto see Inuyasha.'

-------------------------------

Professor Onigumo stood on stage to make an announcement for the upcoming performer.

"Our next performer is a very talented singer, but unfortunately she couldn't make it tonight. Instead of Kagome Higurashi…."

"WAIT!!"

Everyone in the ballroom looked at the entrance doors to see a young girl with raven hair in a pale strapless baby blue dress that hung to her body perfectly. Her hair was loose but her bangs were pulled back being held by a butterfly hair clip.

Professor Onigumo smiled, "There has been a mistake. It seems that our next performer has made it after all. Please put your hands together for Kagome Higurashi."

Kagome smiled as she walked up the stage. "Thank you Professor. I will be singing `Take a Bow' by Madonna." Kagome cleared her throat and signaled the music boy to cue the music.

(music begins to play)

-------------------------
Take a bow, the night is over
This masquerade is getting older
Light are low, the curtains down
There's no one here
[There's no one here, there's no one in the crowd]
Say your lines but do you feel them
Do you mean what you say when there's no one around [no one around]
Watching you, watching me, one lonely star
[One lonely star you don't know who you are]

Kagome locked eyes with a silver-haired hanyou, who was watching her intently.

Chorus:

I've always been in love with you [always with you]
I guess you've always known it's true [you know it's true]
You took my love for granted, why oh why
The show is over, say good-bye

Say good-bye [bye bye], say good-bye

Inuyasha never took his gaze off of Kagome's. `She looks beautiful up there. Is she singing that song to me?'

Make them laugh, it comes so easy
When you get to the part
Where you're breaking my heart [breaking my heart]
Hide behind your smile, all the world loves a clown
[Just make 'em smile the whole world loves a clown]
Wish you well, I cannot stay
You deserve an award for the role that you played [role that you played]
No more masquerade, you're one lonely star
[One lonely star and you don't know who you are]

Chorus:

I've always been in love with you [always with you]
I guess you've always known it's true [you know it's true]
You took my love for granted, why oh why
The show is over, say good-bye

Say good-bye [bye bye], say good-bye

I've always been in love with you [always with you]
I guess you've always known it's true [you know it's true]
You took my love for granted, why oh why
The show is over, say good-bye

Say good-bye [bye bye], say good-bye

All the world is a stage [world is a stage]
And everyone has their part [has their part]
But how was I to know which way the story'd go
How was I to know you'd break
[You'd break, you'd break, you'd break]
You'd break my heart

Sango had tears in her eyes, `Kagome's singing from her heart.' She looked at Inuyasha too see he was focused entirely on Kagome, the same way Kagome was just looking at him. `For them, no one else is probably in the room.' She leaned her head onto Miroku's shoulder and listened to her best friend sing her song.

I've always been in love with you
[I've always been in love with you]
Guess you've always known
You took my love for granted, why oh why
The show is over, say good-bye

Chorus:

I've always been in love with you [always with you]
I guess you've always known it's true [you know it's true]
You took my love for granted, why oh why
The show is over, say good-bye

Say good-bye [bye bye], say good-bye
Say good-bye

(music ends)

Kagome kept her sapphire eyes locked onto Inuyasha's amber ones. A roar of applause could be heard coming from the crowd. Someone even threw a rose at her. Kagome broke from her daze as she looked around the room at everyone. They were all standing and applauding. She smiled and bowed. "Thank you." Before she crouched down the stage to pick up the rose someone threw at her.

Professor Onigumo took to the stage while clapping his hands. "Ladies and gentlemen, you would have all been deprived of that gorgeous voice had Ms. Higurashi not decided to come. Now I will announce the winner of this year's Senior contest. And the winner is…Kagome Higurashi."

Kagome's azure eyes widened in shock as she went up the stage. He handed her her first prize trophy and gave her the microphone to give her speech.

"I really don't know what to say. I had actually been practicing this song for weeks now, but it never sounded the way it did tonight. I want to thank my mother, and my friends Sango and Miroku. If you guys hadn't tried to convince me to come, I probably wouldn't have. However there is one person in this crowd that means a lot to me. He was my true inspiration for the song to come out the way it did tonight. To that person I would like to say thank you and that I…I love him with all my heart. Thank you." Kagome rushed down the stage stairs backstage. She was beginning to hyperventilate and her face was completely red.

Sango bursted though the curtains and hugged Kagome, "Kagome, you were wonderful. I knew you'd come. Inuyasha was driving me crazy asking questions about you."

Kagome nodded, not completely hearing a word out of Sango's mouth, "I told him I love him, again. Only now more people know. Sango, what I have I done. Does Inuyasha know I was talking about him?"

Sango pulled Kagome away from her to see her face, "Kagome you're blushing like crazy. Maybe we should get you some fresh air."

Kagome nodded, "Fresh air sounds good."

Sango led Kagome outside to a grassy patch of the baseball field. "Okay Kagome, relax. I'll be right back. I need to go talk to Miroku."

Kagome nodded, "Okay Sango." Her pale baby blue dress fluttered in the wind. She hugged herself, trying to get some warmth. `Okay, maybe some fresh air wasn't the way to go.' She thought bitterly to herself.

Kagome felt something drape over he shoulders and felt warm and cozy. "Congratulations on the trophy."

Kagome's blue eyes widened, `That voice, even after two years, I'd recognize that voice.'

She turned around to see Inuyasha looking up at the starry night and coincidently the full moon.

"Inuyasha, what are you doing out here?"

"I'm here to see you Kagome. Who was that special person you were talking about?" he asked, picking something invisible from under one of his claws.

Kagome sweat dropped, "You don't know who I'm talking about?"

He shook his head, "Not a clue."

Kagome grew angry, "What do you mean you don't have a clue? The only reason I came to the talent show was to see you and you don't know that the person who I said I loved was you." She began to storm away from Inuyasha, until he caught her by her wrist.

"Don't be stupid Kagome. Of course I knew you were talking about me."

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Sure you did Inuyasha."

"I still have one more question you."

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, but saw no-one in front of her. She looked down to see Inuyasha kneeling on one knee, with a small velvet box containing a diamond engagement ring.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…"

"Kagome Higurashi, will you marry me and become my mate, now and forever?"

"Inu…Inuyasha, what…what about Kikyo?"

Inuyasha stood up, closing up the box, "You know Kagome, you really know how to ruin a tender moment." He crossed his arms over his chest.

"For your information, Kikyo never loved me to begin with and after I left for college I realized the one I loved was you. I know you're only 17, but since the night at your 15th birthday party I couldn't stop thinking about you. What do you say Kagome."

"You think you can just come back after two years and ask me to marry you? What do you think Inuyasha? You left me without saying goodbye. You never called or wrote."

He starched his head, "Maybe I should have thought about this more thoroughly."

"Answer the question Inuyasha."

"Yes." he answered, almost hesitantly.

Kagome smiled, "Inuyasha, even after two years I have never stopped thinking about you. I love you." Suddenly Kagome dropped the jacket around her shoulders and jumped into Inuyasha's arms. Her arms were securely fastened around his neck, while her legs were wrapped his hips.

"I take it this is a yes." he said, a smirk appearing on his lips. Kagome nodded, "Yes Inuyasha. This is definitely a yes."

Inuyasha took one of his hands off her waist and retrieved the ring from inside its velvety box. Slowly he placed it on Kagome's finger. Kagome looked at the gem with tears swelling her eyes. She smiled as looked back at Inuyasha.

"You can give me my first kiss now, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha smiled, showing off his fangs, "As you wish, my mate."

~~** FIN~~**

A/N: No wasn't that the fluffiest thing you have ever read? I have never written anything so mushy in my life, or so I think. If you guys didn't like it, well, that's your opinion. Please review, and NO flaming. I don't like flames, they make me feel kinda bad.