InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Syndrome ❯ Prom Night ( Chapter 40 )

 

I do not own Inuyasha and Company, no matter how happy it would make me. Rumiko Takahashi does. I make no money from these fics.

 

 

@@ About 2 and a half Years Ago/Kagome's Sophomore Year of High School @@

 

 

Chapter 40 - Prom Night

 

 

“I can't believe you really rented a limo,” Kagome said in awe as she looked around the interior of the vehicle. “I've never been in one before.”

 

“Only the best for you, my dear,” Jak said with a playful grin.

 

The short ride was filled with comfortable conversation that ended when they felt the limousine slow to a stop. A moment later the driver opened the door, letting in the sounds of the waiting crowd.

 

“Why are they just standing out here? Why not go inside?” Kagome asked in confusion.

 

“They want to see who arrives with whom and in what style,” Jak said as he slid out before leaning down to assist her in climbing from the vehicle. As she straightened there were gasps and sounds of obvious admiration, including a few wolf whistles that caused Jakotsu to frown. Sure, they were only going as friends, but he didn't like the idea of guys whistling at her like barbarians at a construction site.

 

“This is high school, not Hollywood.”

 

“You'd think so,” Jak said with a laugh, brushing off his moment of discomfort, holding out his arm and smiling as she looped hers through it. He led her through the small corridor in the crowd and they were almost inside when the ruckus erupted to a whole new level of loud, causing them both to turn around and look.

 

Sesshoumaru, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, climbed out of a limo with his trademark blank expression on his face. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting to see what lucky girl he'd chosen, only to be shocked when he walked away and the driver closed the door. The crowd was in a state of confused disbelief. He'd come alone? Sesshoumaru? But why??

 

The taiyoukai scanned the clump of students, finally catching a glimpse of Kagome's beautiful smiling face just before she turned her back to him and entered the hotel, heading to the grand ballroom rented by the school for their special night. She was incredible, indescribable, and it took him a moment to remember how to breathe and swallow without suffocating, drowning, or choking to death. As soon as he realized he was staring, Sesshoumaru snapped back to attention and made his way inside as well, ignoring the entirety of the student body save her.

 

Kagome leaned in close to Jak's ear and whispered, “Why would Sesshoumaru bother coming at all if he was coming alone?”

 

Her date shook his head. “Dunno, Babe, but the girls shall be crying into their pillows tonight.”

 

The little miko laughed. “Yeah, sure they will.”

 

-

 

It was hell, watching her dance with another male when all he wanted was to have her in his arms. It was hell and yet he forced himself to watch as he tried to appear invisible to all other prom-goers. Still though, they found him as he tried to admire Kagome in peace.

 

Most girls at least had the decency about them to be coy and try to get him to ask them to dance. There were, of course, others who just walked right up and asked him instead and those were the ones who regretted approaching him the most. His stress level was off the charts at the moment and he simply wasn't in the mood for their overgrown egos. He certainly didn't let them down easily. Like he would ever dance with any of them! Ha! No, only one female was good enough, only one would do and yet she was taken.

 

She looked absolutely ethereal in her turquoise satin gown and while he usually enjoyed staring at her front, her back was especially appealing this evening. The dress clung to her waist, cupped her breasts, and the shoulder straps crossed across her back where the silky fabric dipped low, gathering just above her ass and trailing behind her like a waterfall.

 

He was treated to the full expanse of her pale back, going so low that for a moment he allowed himself to wonder just what sort of panties, if any, she had on under there. All in all, she was stunning and it was nearly impossible to keep his eyes off her even for a moment and he didn't care to try, not the slightest bit worried that someone might notice his staring. He knew he would spend many hours laying in his bed alone, dreaming of trailing his tongue along her spine in that dress, and he wanted to commit the sight to memory for just that purpose.

 

He took only slight consolation in the fact that no matter how many males approached and asked her to dance, she turned them all down. She was loyal to her date even though they were only there as friends, and Sesshoumaru yet again wished that he could at the very least fall into the category of friend in her mind. Anything would be better than what he was to her now. If she were his friend, would she be so beautifully loyal and loving to him as well? Too bad he would never know.

 

His attention was diverted as the principal cleared his throat loudly through the microphone. “Excuse me for a moment, everyone. Please remember to take a second to cast your votes for prom king and queen. Voting will continue for another hour and then we will begin tabulating your winners. Also, the photographer is ready, so if you'd like your night immortalized on film be sure to get in line!”

 

Sesshoumaru mentally scoffed. Voting for prom king and queen seemed ridiculous, but when Kagome and Jak began to head in that direction, the taiyoukai followed as if magnetically attracted to the little female he was obsessed with.

 

He made sure to stay a good distance behind the couple, listening as Kagome teased Jakotsu about being on the nomination ballot before they each cast their votes. Sesshoumaru almost followed them away without voting himself, but a thought struck him, stopping him in his tracks.

 

He accepted the ballot handed to him and scanned over it, frowning as he saw his name at the top of the list of prom king nominees. That was the last thing he wanted to happen tonight. He ticked off Jak's name without a second thought before reading through the queen nominees, thoroughly unimpressed with the selection. In an almost imperceptible movement he scrawled out `Kagome Higurashi' and deposited his vote safely with the others.

 

As he returned to his task of watching Kagome enjoy her evening with her gay date, Sesshoumaru's mind wandered. Now, if Kagome won prom queen he wouldn't mind a bit being named prom king. If he remembered correctly, the king and queen shared a dance. Too bad she was a sophomore and not on the ballot. He doubted very much that anyone else would think to write in the little beauty's name, let alone enough for her to win. Still, he could dream.

 

-

 

“Jak, don't you think my mother took enough pictures of us for six proms? Why do you want to do this?” Kagome asked as she walked alongside her date, heading to the end of the line for the photographer.

 

“Prom pictures are a part of the prom experience,” he said as he picked up a brochure before they joined the queue. “So, what package do you think we should get, Love?”

 

Kagome grinned. “Gee, I don't know, Darling. Why don't you choose?”

 

-

 

Sesshoumaru fought back the urge to heave a heavy sigh, mentally reminding himself that they were just friends, Jak didn't even like girls, and that Kagome was still safely relationship free. The little pet names were killing him, but not as much as the indignity of standing in line for the prom photographer all alone. He snagged the spot directly behind the couple in line; breathing her scent in deeply while wishing he could `accidently' brush his hand across the bare skin of her back. It looked so beautifully soft and all he wanted was one little touch!

 

He could hear the others in the line whispering about him, wondering why he needed pictures of just himself. He clenched his jaw tightly to avoid turning around and beating several males within an inch of their lives for their suggested possibilities. No, thank you, he was not quite so arrogant that he enjoyed staring at photographs of himself.

 

Of course, his true reason for being in that line was just as bad and he was glad he didn't need to explain himself. `Oh, yes, I'm in line to get my photograph taken at prom even though I came without at date because the only girl I would ever consider taking to such an event is here with her homosexual friend and she is in line right in front of me. I'm here just so I can wallow in her scent and aura.' Yes, what an explanation that would be.

 

-

 

Kagome had a smile on her face as she took in the ballroom from her place in line. It was beautifully decorated and Jak was right. This was a night she would never forget. A flash of silver in the corner of her eye caught her attention and she turned slightly, noticing who was in line behind her. Seeing that he was staring intently at nothing, or perhaps at a spot on the wall on the other side of the room, she allowed herself a moment to study the demon.

 

Sure, he was a huge asshole, but he was an attractive asshole who made her heart beat faster with just a glance. She'd never seen him dressed so formally before and the miko had to fight not to drool. He was delicious in his black tuxedo, complete with white shirt and black bowtie. His brilliant silver hair stood out even more than usual against the dark backdrop of his clothing. His markings seemed brighter on his pale skin in contrast and Kagome licked her lips, the recurring desire to drag her tongue along those magenta stripes returning with surprising power.

 

She had to drag her eyes away, certain he would be very unhappy if he caught her staring. Kagome was completely unaware of the little sigh she let out as she leaned closer to Jakotsu, but her observant date caught it and the cause. He didn't have much time to consider it though, as just at that moment they were called by the photographer; it was their turn. He would have to be sure to ask her about it later.

 

-

 

It took every ounce of self control Sesshoumaru had to keep from whipping out his cell phone and snapping a few pictures of Kagome along with the photographer. Still, he knew that things weren't quite the same as they had been at the mall. People would notice. People would talk. He would die of a broken heart when she found out about his obsession with her and told him he didn't have a chance. No, he couldn't take pictures in such a crowded setting where everyone was already watching him like a hawk.

 

He considered for a moment the possibility of bribing the photographer so that he could get his hands on a couple of prints of his beauty, but again, the chances were just too great of word getting out. Not only would she deny him but his half-breed half-brother would torment him with the knowledge of Sesshoumaru's romantic failure forever. No, again it just wasn't possible.

 

Thankfully she would most likely post the pictures online like she did everything else, unwittingly keeping him clued in on her life, her thoughts and feelings and so on. He silently thanked her almost every single night for supplying him with such perfect masturbatory aids. He almost didn't need an imagination at all. If, for some reason, she didn't post the images online he knew that Inuyasha would receive a picture. If worst came to worst, he could always snag and scan it to make his own copy.

 

It wasn't until the last moment that Sesshoumaru realized he didn't really have to get his picture taken. When Kagome and Jak were finished it dawned on him and he managed to slip out of line, disappearing into the crowd. He really didn't want anything to remember this night by, except his memories of her that is.

 

He felt like such a fool, leaning against a wall and watching as she sat at a table with her date, talking, laughing, and drinking punch, repositioning himself as they returned to the dance floor. She looked so happy that it was hard to keep in mind that she wasn't really in a relationship with Jakotsu. This obsession of his was going to end up killing him, he was sure of it.

 

-

 

Would this night never end? It felt like he'd been in that crowded room for days. Surely it was almost time for everyone to clear out. He couldn't leave until she did, his instincts overpowering his free will. He had to make sure she got home safely and though he was absolutely miserable waiting, he was still happy to do so.

 

He would always be her silent guardian, watching her from the shadows. If ever her friends failed to protect her, he would swoop in and save her like her knight in shining armor. Sesshoumaru scoffed at his own foolishness. She would never need him or his help, and even if she did need it she certainly wouldn't want it.

 

His self-deprecating thoughts were cut off when the principal once again cleared his throat into the microphone. Appreciating the distraction, Sesshoumaru turned to look at the older man, noticing that he seemed much less confident, much more apprehensive, and the taiyoukai wondered what the problem was.

 

“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. It is now time to name our prom king and queen. I apologize for the delay. We had an interesting result to your voting and it took a moment to determine how it would be handled.”

 

The room was filled with murmuring voices as the principal paused in his announcement, everyone wondering what exactly the problem had been.

 

“This has never happened before, but we had a tie for prom queen. Because of this, and because the voting for prom king was almost perfectly tied as well, we will have two kings and two queens this year.”

 

The murmur of the crowd got louder, so much so that the principal had to clear his throat and then tap on the microphone several times to regain their attention.

 

“So, your prom queens are,” he paused for a drum roll and Sesshoumaru glanced around the room, seeing the nervous excitement visible on many female faces. “Toran Kurohyoo,” there was another pause as the principal's eyes scanned the crowd in search of the female he'd just named. Once he spotted her and saw that she was on her way toward the stage, he continued, “and Kagome Higurashi.”

 

The room erupted with noise as every girl who thought she should have won started to complain that it wasn't fair. Kagome wasn't on the ballot. She wasn't even a junior! How could she have possibly won?

 

“Now, now, ladies and gentlemen, please calm yourselves,” he said sternly, ignoring the fact that only the females seemed to take issue with the winners. “I know it is unusual for a young lady who was not on the ballot to win, but write in votes are and have always been allowed. Yes, she is a sophomore, but she tied fair and square with Toran and we've decided that the tie shall stand. Kagome, dear, would you come up here?”

 

-

 

Kagome wanted to disappear. Like the girls at school didn't hate her enough already? Now she had to steal prom queen from one of the juniors? How the hell did it even happen? Why would anyone write in her name on the ballot, let alone enough for her to tie?

 

Jak squeezed her hand firmly, showing his support, before he started leading her towards the stage. Sure, the girls seemed ready to riot, but it would only make things worse if Kagome refused to show her face. Besides, she deserved it. She was the most beautiful girl there.

 

Jak got her to the stairs at the side of the stage and gave her a smile, a kiss on the forehead, and a little nudge in the right direction before watching Kagome climb the steps onto the stage.

 

-

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't believe it, but at the same time he could. He was more surprised that the administrators had allowed a sophomore to be prom queen than that she'd won. She was the star of most of the male students' wet dreams.

 

Suddenly he no longer was hoping and praying to lose prom king, instead practically begging the gods to allow him to win. Then he would get to dance with her, maybe even have their picture taken together. Maybe, just once, the gods would be on his side.

 

-

 

The principal smiled brightly as he placed pretty silver tiaras on each new prom queen's head before handing them bouquets of roses. He tried to ignore the death glare Toran was giving Kagome. It was obvious that the panther demoness was less than happy having to share the spotlight.

 

Once he'd finished, he turned his attention back to the crowd of students. “Your prom kings, who were only two votes apart, are Sesshoumaru Yuzuki,” he paused for the uproar he knew was coming, fighting back the desire to roll his eyes at the female students, “and Jakotsu Nanami. If our new kings could please come to the stage...”

 

-

 

It was hard to maintain a dignified pace as he made his way to the stage. Hearing that Jakotsu had also been named king made the taiyoukai frown. Of course he was. Now Kagome and Jakotsu would share the king and queen's dance and he would be forced to dance with Toran. He should have known better. The gods were never on his side, never.

 

By the time he climbed the stairs to the stage, Jak already stood beside Kagome with an arm around her waist and a crown on his head. Sesshoumaru grudgingly took his place beside Toran. When the demoness tried to hold his hand, however, he yanked his away with a snarl and stepped a little further away. He allowed the principal to crown him, holding back his scowl as much as possible. Would this hellish night never end?

 

-

 

“Now it's time for your new kings and queens to share their dance,” the principal said excitedly, nodding for the music to resume and watching as the couples left the stage and made their way to the center of the dance floor.

 

“I can't believe this happened,” Kagome whispered to Jak as he pulled her in close for their slow dance.

 

“I can, you winning at least. I'm sure I only won because of the beauty I managed to snag as my date.”

 

Kagome laughed before looking over Jak's shoulder, fighting back a sigh of longing. She wouldn't have minded sharing a dance with Sesshoumaru, but she was certain he would much prefer a demoness to a human. Still, she couldn't help but imagine what it might have been like.

 

“You look so handsome,” Toran said seductively as she ran her hands up Sesshoumaru's shoulders, oblivious to his apparent distaste.

 

“Hn,” was all the taiyoukai said, his eyes locked on the other couple. Why couldn't a different male have tied with him? At least then he would have had a chance of dancing with Kagome.

 

“I knew you would win. I don't think they should have let a sophomore be queen. She should have been disqualified, don't you think?” she said nervously, seeing that he seemed to be ignoring her entirely. In her nervousness, she accidently stepped on Sesshoumaru's foot.

 

He snarled angrily at her before growling a response. “She is far more qualified than you, you uncoordinated cow.”

 

Just as he went to pull away from her, the music stopped and the principal spoke once more. “Now, if our kings and queens would switch partners, we'll finish the dance.”

 

Toran couldn't get away from Sesshoumaru fast enough, his rage making her skin crawl and his insult making her fight back tears. She practically knocked Kagome over on her way to Jakotsu, ignoring the little bitch as much as she could manage, not realizing that Jak was Kagome's actual date and that he might not appreciate her being plowed over.

 

Kagome stood nervously once she'd regained her balance, thanks to a strong hand that caught her wrist before she hit the ground. It took her a moment to notice that the hand that saved her was connected to the demon she was harboring serious, if not ridiculous, feelings for.

 

“I believe we are supposed to dance,” Sesshoumaru said in his usual cold tone.

 

“Ye… yeah, I guess we are,” she mumbled back, not sure how to go about it. She knew he hated humans and very much doubted he would enjoy touching one. She was surprised when he pulled her close and began to lead her in their shared slow dance. “Congratulations,” she almost whispered to him, “on prom king, I mean.”

 

A disinterested sounding “Hn,” was his only reply, his mind fully focused on what was happening at that moment. It was a dream come true, holding her in his arms. He allowed one hand to glide up her bare back, hiding his smirk as she shivered at the contact. Her skin was just as soft as he'd imagined and now his mind was busy creating images of him trailing his tongue along her spine. Before he knew what was happening, he'd popped a boner and knew he had to get out of there before she noticed.

 

Kagome was on cloud nine, basking in his scent, his body heat, and the wonder of his close proximity. When he touched her, though she was certain it was an accident, she had to bite back a moan. Suddenly he tensed and the little miko looked up at his face, wondering what was wrong and praying his powerful nose hadn't scented arousal on her.

 

His mind was swirling for any excuse, any way to get out of her sight before she realized his predicament. He couldn't think of anything and let out an obvious sigh of relief when the song ended, disappearing before she even felt him move.

 

Jak was beside her in seconds, as eager to get away from Toran as Sesshoumaru had been. “Kagome?” he asked, seeing the strange look on her face. “Are you alright?”

 

“Yeah,” she said bitterly. “I'm fine.”

 

“No you're not. What's wrong? Did he say something to you?”

 

“You mean like goodbye before he ran off like I smell like a sewage treatment plant? No, he didn't say anything.”

 

-

 

Sesshoumaru regretted leaving her like he did, but he had no other choice. He couldn't allow her to notice his erection. He couldn't let her figure out his big secret, that he adored her, obsessed over her, wanted her and no other. He couldn't let her know. Her rejection would break him. Besides, she looked relieved to be back with Jakotsu anyway. She didn't miss him.

 

-

 

Kagome's mood wasn't quite the same after that, and they didn't stay much longer. Jakotsu knew something was up and they needed privacy so he could find out what. The limo ride home was perfect for just that, and Jak instructed the driver to park somewhere along their route. Of course the driver assumed that something other than talking would be taking place in the seclusion of the backseat, but a little money made him not care either way.

 

It took a bit of badgering, but finally Kagome admitted why she was upset, confessing her long hidden crush on Sesshoumaru. She swore him to secrecy, made him promise never to mention it to anyone, and he agreed, of course.

 

Jak felt bad for her. She was in a bad situation. It wasn't her fault she was attracted to the cruel taiyoukai. She couldn't control who she found attractive, obviously since she'd been trying for more than a year and a half to get rid of her feelings but still failed. He also couldn't blame her. The inu demon was a sexy beast after all.

 

To be stuck between the guy you like and your friend, his brother, was impossible and she was an angel for fighting her feelings like she did. She loved Inuyasha too much to even consider a relationship with Sesshoumaru. Sure, one seemed impossible with the way the taiyoukai acted, but that didn't matter. She didn't deny her feelings because Sesshoumaru would never date a human. She denied her feelings because the taiyoukai was such a huge ass to his own sibling. Inuyasha was a very lucky guy.

 

-

 

Sesshoumaru sighed as he climbed into bed, knowing that once again he would be denied sleep. If only things were different. If only Kagome would want him. If she found him attractive like every other female in the world seemed to, then maybe he could show his interest in her, but she didn't see him. If it wasn't for her friendship with Inuyasha, she probably wouldn't even know he existed. As it was, if she felt anything towards him, it would be dislike, if not hatred.

 

Still, he got to dance with her and touch her bare skin, if only for a moment. All the pain and frustration, all the indignities he'd suffered that night were more than worth it for that reward. He would never forget how she felt in his arms. He would never forget the silkiness of her skin. He would also never forget her hesitance to dance with him, however, and the memory made his heart ache. At least in his dreams she didn't mind his presence or his touch. In his dreams she loved him back. If only he could live in his dreams and never wake up.