InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Syndrome ❯ Sweet Sixteen ( Chapter 46 )

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.

Note: No digital baby shower this time, but I have a post set up on my LJ for messages for Damien, like the guestbook from Dante's digital shower. The link to it, and to my baby registry, are in my profile close to the top. If you could take a minute and leave a little note, I'd appreciate it! C-section is scheduled for August 1st (2 days from now! Yay!), so don't be surprised if you don't hear from me for a while. I wanted to make sure I got one chapter out for you guys before then.

Chapter 46 - Sweet Sixteen

@Three Years Ago@

The girl was incredible. It was like she had the whole world wrapped around her little finger, including not only him but his father as well. No expense had been spared. The whole shrine was extravagantly decorated, to the extent that it looked like a wedding was planned instead of just a birthday party, beyond even the extremes his half brother's had reached. A pang of pain gripped his chest as it occurred to him that someday it would be decorated for a wedding and he would more than likely be there to see it, to watch as a shadow of a chance was reduced to nothing when Kagome walked down the aisle.

Sesshoumaru found solace in the thought that she would not marry for some time still. She'd yet to even have a casual relationship because of the protective nature of her group of friends. It would take a long time before they found a male they approved of enough to be a candidate for marriage. When it did finally happen though, he would most likely be there, just as he was now, by his father's command.

Of course, his father ordering that he would attend Kagome's sweet sixteen party only made life easier for the young taiyoukai. He didn't need to think of an excuse for his presence or hide in the shadows. He just had to look displeased with his surroundings as if he wished himself to be anywhere else, which wasn't a difficult task. Watching the focus of his obsession enjoying herself without him was more than adequate cause for him to maintain his annoyed expression.

It seemed as if the whole school was in attendance, which would make staying close to her less difficult. He could slip through the crowd primarily unnoticed, though he did from time to time hear whispered comments of surprise about his presence. He was certain to be the talk of the school come Monday, but he didn't care. They could think what they wanted; appearances be damned. He wanted to be there with her, even if she didn't notice him. It had been quite a while since he'd managed to get close enough to drown in her scent and he was suffering major withdrawal.

At the moment, he stood beside his father waiting impatiently for the birthday girl to make her appearance. The pain returned as it once again felt like a wedding, waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle. Still, he couldn't wait to see her. He'd heard a lot of talk about the dress she'd be wearing but hadn't yet seen it and he was certain she'd be a sight to behold. Sure, she was always gorgeous in his eyes, but this was special.

Finally, the music stopped and the DJ announced her arrival. The crowd fell silent, everyone turning to get a look at the girl they were all there for. He wanted to scream for them to move, to shove the other guests out of his way so he could see her, but he held himself back, knowing there would be no possible way to explain such behavior. Eventually she would come into his line of sight and he would be able to drink in her beauty. He just needed to be patient, something he was definitely not very good at.

Katsuro turned to look at his eldest son with confusion in his eyes. Sesshoumaru's aura was off, sending out waves of agitation and impatience. "Attending one party will not kill you, Son," he said softly, returning his gaze to where Kagome would eventually appear.

"Do not be so sure," Sesshoumaru muttered back. If he didn't see her soon his head just might explode! Why did there have to be so many people? Why did she find it necessary to stop and greet every single one? Why couldn't she come to him first?

Just when he thought another second of waiting would be the end of him, the crowd parted and Kagome came into view. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her, and for a moment he thought he might have to hide an unsightly bulge in his pants. He managed to keep himself under control, just barely, with the mental assurance that pictures would be available for his later extracurricular enjoyment. This moment, however, would only happen once.

Kagome wrapped her arms around Katsuro's neck enthusiastically, completely unaware of his companion or the looks he was giving her. "Oh, Papi, thank you! This is too much!"

"Nothing is too much for you, my dear. All I ask is that you enjoy yourself."

She gave him a brilliant smile. "I'm pretty sure I can handle that."

Only then did she notice the inu standing beside her father figure. Her face fell with her surprise for a moment before she forced it to return to a smile as she nodded at him. "Glad you could come." Kagome said before moving on to continue greeting her other guests.

It wasn't the best reaction she could have given him, but he would take what he could get. She acknowledged his presence instead of seeing through him. He could live with that.

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

Watching her dance was torture. It seemed that her guard dogs had relaxed their protective habits for this day, as Kagome had danced with nearly every boy who asked her. Still, her friends were never far away and Inuyasha hadn't stopped growling since it started, so the guys knew to be on their best behavior if they wanted to make it to the end of the song.

He couldn't help but wonder if she'd accept his request for a dance if he could muster the nerve to ask her. Even if she would, however, he knew his half-brother would throw a fit and keep it from happening. Her friendship with the hanyou had both upsides and downsides. Without him, Sesshoumaru would never be able to get close to her at all, but at the same time the whelp was a serious cock-blocker.

Frustration reached an all-time high when Kagome turned down her next prospective dance partner, instead heading to where Inuyasha stood, hackles raised. Why did she have to prefer the hanyou so much?!

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

Kagome laughed as she approached Inuyasha. She hadn't seen him appear so uncomfortable in a long time and it was obvious he needed some calming.

"You gonna survive the day?" She asked with a playful grin.

"You gonna keep dancing with these losers?" He asked in a deadly serious tone.

"Hey, they were nice enough to come to my party. The least I can do is be a gracious hostess. This extravaganza going on here wasn't my idea, you know." She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling as his found their way around her waist automatically and they slowly swayed to the music.

The hanyou sighed, having calmed immediately at her touch. "I know. Dumbest idea of my life."

"No, it wasn't," she said in a motherly tone. "It was sweet and very much appreciated. You and your father went a little over the top but then you never do anything small, do you?"

"Not when it's for you."

"Your brother's here, I'm surprised. Did your father have to drag him out of the house by his hair?" She giggled to herself at the mental image of the ever-dignified Sesshoumaru being pulled along the floor by his incredible silver hair, snarling all the way.

Inuyasha ignored her question and focused instead on the presence of his enemy. "I don't know why my dad wanted him to come in the first place. He's just gonna be an ass. He doesn't belong here."

"Inu, your father is throwing this party. He can invite whomever he wants, and that definitely includes his son. Maybe he just wanted him to get out of the house? He isn't very social after all. Maybe he thinks Sesshoumaru needs practice," she said with a grin.

"He needs something, that's for sure, but it ain't practice. It's an ass kicking."

"Just behave yourself, please? I know you two don't get along, but just ignore him and have a good time. He's not going to do anything. Really, what could he do?"

"I'm sure he could think of some way to ruin this for you if he wanted to."

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

Sesshoumaru mentally snarled. He would never ruin this day for Kagome! She was far too special to him. He had, however, spent a lot of time trying to think of a way to make it even better for her. He couldn't just get her a present. Not only would it be incredibly suspicious, but anything he gave her was sure to be confiscated by her personal security team.

No, he couldn't just give her a plain old gift. He had to do something special and it had taken a lot of thought to figure out the perfect surprise. Now he could only hope things would fall into place so he could be there to see her reaction when she received it.

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

Kagome was surprised when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She knew immediately that it was either Bankotsu or Miroku because no one else would dare interrupt her when she was with Inuyasha, not if they wanted to remain in one piece. She turned and lifted a brow at Bank in question.

"Your mother says it's time to do something. Cake or presents? It's up to you."

Kagome turned and looked at the two tables set up to one side of the designated dance floor and saw her mother and Izayoi standing between them watching her expectantly. This was a difficult decision.

The mountain of gifts, each wrapped in a different bright, shiny paper, called to her. Growing up, her family had never had much money, so she'd never had such a large pile of presents before. Sure, the guys would have happily spoiled her far beyond this extent, but she'd never allowed it. It definitely promised to be a fun experience, ripping into all those pretty packages.

The cake, however, called to her as well. She had never seen something so gorgeous that was also edible! The thing looked like it belonged in an art museum rather than on a table waiting to be cut and eaten. It almost made her sad to have to destroy it, but she also knew that it was absolutely delicious. Yummy would beat out pretty in the end. The cake was destined for her belly. Still, she'd made sure that her work of art was immortalized from every possible angle before the party started, taking her own pictures even though she'd been assured that the photographer Katsuro hired did so already.

Presents or cake? Eating or the thrill of shredding brightly colored paper to reveal surprises? It was almost an impossible decision, but after a moment's contemplation she chose.

"Presents first," she told Bank, who was still waiting patiently, understanding how difficult such a choice could be.

"Okay, I'll tell them. Finish your song and then come on over."

Kagome watched as Bank went over to her mother and saw Izayoi hurry over to the DJ to tell him to make the announcement. Once the song ended, Kagome and Inuyasha made their way to the table of gifts as the party guests began to crowd around to watch.

Kagome took her place in a chair that was fit for a princess. It was high backed and throne-like and had been decorated extravagantly. To be honest, she felt like she shouldn't even be sitting there, like she was breaking some kind of rule, taking a very important someone's seat. She waited a minute, allowing everyone to be ready for her before she began.

It was incredibly difficult not to act like a five year old on Christmas morning. She wanted nothing more than to shred through all the wrapping paper in seconds to reveal all her goodies, but she held herself back.

Kagome accepted the gifts one by one as Izayoi handed them to her and took the time to read the tag or card aloud so her mother could jot down the name of the giver and then the contents for later reference. She didn't even want to think about all the thank you notes she would have to write. She was certain to get carpal tunnel syndrome, that is, if her hand didn't just curl up and fall off entirely.

It was the most fun the miko had had in a long time. Opening all her presents was almost sensory overload. She received books and CD's, jewelry and makeup, clothes and shoes: just about everything a teenage girl could want. By the time she was finished, the chair was surrounded by a mountain of torn wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows and she could definitely use a snack.

"Cake, anyone?" She asked with a smile before standing and wading her way out of the mess. She made her way to the other table where the cake awaited her and again she felt a pang of guilt at the thought of ruining it. The guys had actually picked it out, or rather helped the baker design it. It was a one of a kind, made by the same bakery as Inuyasha's birthday cake had come from.

Remembering just how delicious the hanyou's had been overrode any and all hesitance and she carefully cut into the top tier. She couldn't help but take a little bite and Kagome let out a moan of pleasure at the taste.

"Bank, you have to taste this!" Her best friend came to her side obediently and just as she was about to place a small piece of cake in his mouth, Miroku bumped into her, also eager for a taste. Bankotsu ended up with frosting smeared on his lips and cheek and turned to his friend with playful anger in his eyes.

"You're gonna pay for that," he said darkly to the monk, who immediately tried to disappear into the crowd. In seconds he was captured by Bank and Inuyasha and dragged back to Kagome's side.

"You wanted a taste, right?" She asked, her voice deviously dangerous. Miroku shook his head rapidly, knowing what was coming. "Open up!" Kagome laughed as she purposely smeared cake all over his face, getting very little actually in his mouth while everyone laughed at their antics.

Fair is fair of course, and before he knew what was happening, Inuyasha got a face full of cake as well, though he actually got to taste his rather than wearing it all. He licked his lips and smirked.

"Thanks, Babe. It's good. You should have some more!"

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

Seeing Kagome and her friends playing with cake was too much for him, so Sesshoumaru slipped out of the crowd, looking for a little solitude. The sight had only reinforced the thoughts he'd had all day, that this party was far too much like a wedding.

As undignified as it was, he would give anything to have Kagome smush cake in his face. His eyes lost focus as his thoughts wandered away. She'd feed him and he'd feed her, making sure to make a mess, just so he could clean it up. He would very much enjoy licking frosting from her sweet, laughing lips before kissing her senseless. Then he'd whisk her away to their honeymoon suite and do so much more.

As he realized just what his thoughts had done to him, Sesshoumaru was glad he'd escaped the throng of guests. He didn't need anyone seeing the state he'd gotten himself into when his imagination ran away unchecked.

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

Sesshoumaru had decided to seek out Kagome's favorite place on the shrine. Of course he only knew about it through her blog posts, but that didn't make it any less special. He almost felt closer to her, sitting where she liked to sit. It was the best he could get at the moment, the closest to sharing something with her. He could see her in his mind's eye, finding solace in the solitude of this spot, and he discovered that he could find peace there too.

He was so deep in his own thoughts that he didn't notice her approach until she was almost beside him. When he finally sensed her presence, Sesshoumaru rose silently to his feet, prepared to leave her alone. He didn't think she even knew he was there, as she certainly hadn't given any sign of it, but when he started to walk away her voice stopped him.

"You don't have to leave. You were here first."

"But this is your home. You have more right to be here than I do." He was surprised by how easily he was able to speak to her. Usually any attempt at communication ended with his foot in his mouth. He could only attribute the difference to how relaxed he'd become while sitting under the God tree.

"You're fine, I promise. I just need a minute anyway."

"Should you not be enjoying your party right now?"

Kagome sighed. "It's wonderful and amazing, and I'm more than grateful to your father. It's just a little overwhelming."

"I feel your pain."

"Yeah, I'll bet you do. This doesn't seem to be your kind of scene. I imagine you're probably more uncomfortable than I am. I'm just not used to being the center of attention, not with such a huge crowd."

"You are handling it well. You have yet to make a fool of yourself." As soon as the words were spoken, he wanted to smack himself. So much for not putting his foot in his mouth! He waited for her anger, for her to be insulted by his poorly thought out response, but it never came.

Kagome merely laughed. "Yet is the optimum word there." She sighed and looked up at the highest branches of the God tree. "Did you have any cake? It's delicious."

Again his fantasy of her feeding him cake returned and he forced it away. "Not yet."

"Don't wait too long or it'll be gone. People were already going for seconds." Glancing around, unable to look at Sesshoumaru while having the closest to a real conversation with him that she'd ever had, Kagome noticed something. Thankful for the distraction, she walked over to the object that was very much out of place.

Sitting at the base of the giant tree was a large sky blue box topped with a bright pink ribbon.

"What's this?"

Sesshoumaru had to fight back his smirk. He wondered how long it would take her to notice it. "I don't know," he lied. "It was here when I arrived." In truth, he knew exactly what it was. The box contained his surprise for her and he was thrilled to be able to see her open it.

The miko knelt in front of the box and studied the tag. "Weird. It doesn't say who it's from. I should probably take it back to the party and open it there."

For a moment Sesshoumaru cursed his luck. He wanted her to open it there! He watched her face as she appeared to mentally debate something, praying she'd change her mind.

"I really don't want to have everyone staring at me again. Would it be wrong to just open it now?"

"It is your gift. You should be able to open it whenever and wherever you wish. I do not see any harm in doing so."

"Good, then I will. I wonder what's in it. It's so big! Well, only one way to find out."

He watched as she slowly lifted the lid of the box, not wanting to miss a second of her reaction. As soon as the box was opened, a flood of brilliant blue butterflies escaped, flying towards the treetop and freedom.

Kagome gasped in awe at the beauty of the butterflies, staring in amazement at the one that had landed on her hand. She didn't want to move and scare it away, so she stayed perfectly still and studied it.

"Butterflies! Someone gave me live butterflies!"

He allowed a smirk to show for just a moment before hiding it away. "There are butterflies in your hair."

"There are?" She asked softly. "Do you have your phone? Take pictures!"

Sesshoumaru obediently pulled out his cell phone and began to take her picture. It wasn't the first time he'd photographed her, but it was the first time she knew about, which made it extra special. She looked like a goddess with bright blue butterflies perched throughout her blue-black hair, and the way she smiled at him make his chest feel lighter than air.

After a few moments the butterflies flew away and it was once more just the two of them. Kagome was silent for some time, still amazed by the incredible anonymous gift she'd just received. Finally she realized she had guests and decided it was time to return to her party. She requested that Sesshoumaru send her the pictures he'd taken and he agreed before watching her walk away.

When he rejoined the party a few moments later, he found a piece of cake sitting at the spot beside his father.

"She wanted to make sure you got a piece," Katsuro answered his son's unasked question, watching for any kind of reaction but seeing none. Sesshoumaru just nodded and sat to enjoy his cake, which tasted a million times better because Kagome wanted him to have it.

@@@@@The Syndrome@@@@@

He'd sent her the pictures as requested and it never dawned on her that she hadn't given him her email address. Sure, he hadn't needed her to but she didn't know that.

That night Kagome sat and ate the last remaining piece of her birthday cake while slowly skimming through the pictures her friend's brother had taken for her. She'd never expected him to oblige her, but she was thankful he did. Of all the gifts she'd received that day, the butterflies were her favorite and if it weren't for Sesshoumaru she wouldn't have the photos to remind her.

He'd been almost nice that day. If only he could be that way all the time... But she knew it was impossible. She would just have to cherish what little she could get.