InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bad Influences ❯ Bad Influence # Twenty-Two: Sneaking Around ( Chapter 22 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

IMPORTANT! READ THE ENDING. IT HAS BEEN EXTENDED BY A FEW PAGES! THANK YOU!
 
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, nor will I take credit for Romiko Takahashi's genius.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bad Influence # Twenty-Two: Sneaking Around
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Ten to four. What's going on Inuyasha, you're rarely this easy to beat.” Satoshi said.
 
Inuyasha rolled his eyes, kicking the soccer ball out of his goal and then juggling it on his knee. “Man, my mind just not in it.” He watched the ball bounce on his leg.
 
“Distracted?” Satoshi teased.
 
“Yeah…” Inuyasha said solemnly. He kicked the ball to his friend before looking around the park they'd been running around for the least hour.
 
“You know…” He turned his attention back to Satoshi. “Usually guys don't seem this depressed when they have a new girlfriend to spend the summer with.”
 
“Or at least after they've had sex with her for the first time.” Miroku added from behind Inuyasha's goal.
 
Inuyasha turned toward him with a scowl. “Will you get your mind out of the gutter? I don't think about sex every waking moment the of day, unlike you, dick for brains.” Inuyasha snapped.
 
Miroku gave him a sly grin. “But you did prove that you DO think about it.”
 
“Aw shut it.” Inuyasha huffed, turning his back on him.
 
“What? No comeback?” Miroku walked into the field. “Something is wrong with you if you can't give me a sarcastic remark. Satoshi, I think he's sick.”
 
“More like lovesick.” Satoshi crossed his arms and shook his head. Miroku gave a fake wail. “We're losing our best friend to love!” He cried dramatically.
 
“All right enough!” Inuyasha snatched the soccer ball from the ground and threw it toward Miroku. He dodged. “If you two will just-KNOCK IT OFF!” He yelled when the two boys began laughing.
 
“That's it!” Inuyasha charged.
 
“Shit!” Satoshi jumped back and began running in the opposite direction.
 
“Take cover! He's finally lost it!” Miroku cheered Satoshi, only to have Inuyasha round on him and pursue him instead.
 
“When I get my hands on you-”
 
Running, jumping and lunging out of the enraged Inuyasha's path, the three boys ran circles around the soccer field until finally all three of them lost their energy and fell to the grass, gasping. And that was how Maki had found them after she'd returned from her jog around the park.
 
“Passed out already?” She smiled as her shadow covered them. “It's only noon.”
 
“MAKI!” Inuyasha flashed to his feet, grabbing her shoulders. “I NEED HELP!”
 
“Whoa, don't go so fast, you'll have a hernia.” Maki said calmly, pushing his hands away.
 
“Sarcasm aside, I'm in deep shit!” He began pacing and pulling at his hair.
 
“Calm down!” Maki grabbed him and held his head between her hands. “Deep breaths. Geez, what's so important?”
 
Intrigued, Satoshi and Miroku stood upright and gave Inuyasha questioning looks. When he went to Maki for help, it definitely meant something either terrible had happened, or he was over dramatizing the situation, usually the latter. Having Inuyasha slow down, Maki told him to explain. “Tell those two to get lost first. It would be just my luck if they started getting on my case again.” Inuyasha grumpily pointed at Satoshi and Miroku.
 
“I'll be on my best behavior.” Miroku said seriously, though Inuyasha still cast doubtful eyes in his direction.
 
“I promise no bullshit.” Satoshi put up his palm to make his swear. It took five minutes of mental assessment for Inuyasha to finally trust them. Twiddling his thumbs he began telling Maki of the plans that had gotten in his way. Maki nodded when he finished, letting him know that she understood. “That sounds like a problem.” She said.
 
“So what did you tell him?” Satoshi asked.
 
“Nothing. Not that it matters, I'll have to go either way.” Inuyasha kicked the grass. “This sucks and I was actually looking forward to the summer.”
 
“If you do say yes, we should have a party before you go.” Maki said in an attempt to lift his spirits, but it didn't work.
 
“A party won't help me survive the rest of the summer in Hong Kong with Sesshoumaru and the old man. And it won't keep me from going.” He grumbled.
 
“So, just tell your father you're not going.” Miroku suggested.
 
“The old man has found a way in making me go no matter what.” Inuyasha growled.
 
Satoshi raised his brows. Among the bribes that worked, he doubted Inuyasha's father would use food to blackmail him into traveling with them. “What did he do?”
 
“He called my cousins in China and told them I was coming. The little brats would be `so disappointed if you didn't come.' I'd rather spend four weeks playing chess with Sesshoumaru then letting them down. Besides, they'd never let it go if I stayed.”
 
Maki giggled. “You really have a soft spot for those kids.”
 
“Those kids will gnaw your ankles off if you didn't do as they asked.” Inuyasha said quickly, noticing the disbelieving and knowing smile on Maki's face.
 
“Okay, so this is what I know,” Maki began counting off her fingers, “You're going away for the summer, with your father. That explains why you're so upset.”
 
“That's not the only thing.” Inuyasha scratched his temple.
 
“What else is bothering you?”
 
“What do I tell Kagome?”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kagome felt dizzy as she stared at the red and black board. Finally, she tentatively picked up a black piece and moved it only to have her opponent, Souta, take two of her checkers in the next move. Kagome simply grinned as her little brother took her two pieces, beaming. She watched as he added them to his pile.
 
“You're really bad at this.” He joked.
 
“Don't let it go to you're head little brother, I can still outrun you.” Kagome ruffled his hair from across the small table.
 
“Oh yeah, we'll see. When I get these casts removed, I'm challenging you to a race.” Souta laughed. The two casts on his arm and leg were now completely covered with signatures. Souta's purple bruises were also losing their color. Seeing him lively and in a good mood was much better then fretting for his condition. Kagome pushed away the images of Souta when she first saw him in the hospital several weeks ago.
 
“Hey, can you get Inuyasha to sign these?” Souta asked. “I still haven't thanked him for helping me.” He said to himself.
 
“Well you'll have plenty of chances in the future.” Kagome smiled.
 
“Why?”
 
“Because he'll be coming around more often.”
 
Souta pursed his lips in suspicion. “Why?”
 
“Because he and I are dating.” Kagome smirked.
 
The reaction wasn't as she expected. Souta stayed quiet for a little while before saying, “I'm conflicted.”
 
“Excuse me?” Kagome felt as though a bucket of cold water was thrown on her head. “I thought you'd be happy for me.”
 
“Well one part of me is excited, the other is confused as to how my nagging big sis got herself a boyfriend.” Souta said.
 
“HEY!” Kagome got to her feet. “You're lucky you're in bandages. I'm so tempted to give you a noogie!”
 
“You're going to have to wait a few months.” Souta grinned evilly, taking pleasure from the incensed expression Kagome was giving him.
 
“You know what would be great. If you and Inuyasha get married, I could have a cool brother in law.” Kagome's face at his comment had Souta rolling on the floor, holding his stomach.
 
“Oh, you little…” Kagome let out a puff and stormed out of the room before she gave Souta another blue mark on his skin.
 
“You know you want to, Kagome!” Souta's voice followed her up the stairs. Kagome got to her room and slammed the door behind her to muffle the sound of Souta laughing hysterically downstairs. Why had she bothered telling him? She should have known Souta would find some way of being annoying.
 
“Little brothers.” Kagome mumbled before she jumped on her bed. Turning over to her back, Kagome thought about her excitement that had led to tell Souta of her new relationship. She had wanted to brag. The euphoria had started that morning when she was drying dishes with her mother. It had been such a nice conversation, speaking about the bubbly feeling that she had whenever she was with Inuyasha. Why she wasn't this excited about dating him a few days ago, Kagome wasn't sure, but she had awoken with a smile on her face when she thought that she finally had her first boyfriend. Kagome kicked her legs. When will the silly giddiness and shyness wear off? It had been two days since their date and she was still having chuckling fits.
 
This was ridiculous. Kagome kept saying. Dry air blew against her face from her open window. Standing, Kagome wiped her arm on her forehead. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, reaching now a scorching ninety-nine degrees. Another trip to the beach sounded heavenly, Kagome thought as she went around her room, picking up supplies for a cold shower. Just as she reached to open her door, her mother's voice came from downstairs.
 
“Kagome, you're friend's here!”
 
Jumping in place, Kagome ran out of her room and hopped down the stairs. Like Souta's response to her news earlier, she ran into something she hadn't anticipated. Sango smiled at her after taking off her shoes. Kagome didn't know if she should be disappointed. She slapped her cheeks! What was she, a lovesick puppy? “Snap out of it!” She said to herself.
 
“Out of what?” Sango asked as Kagome led her up the stairs and into her room.
 
“Oh, I'm such a dummy, Sango. I can't. Stop. Giggling!”
 
Sango laughed after she sat down on Kagome's bed. “You're so predictable. I'll bet you want to shout it to the world. Though I'm surprised that you're still not telling me that you and Inuyasha are dating.”
 
Kagome's jaw dropped. Of course, she had forgotten to tell Sango. No wonder she wanted to brag about it to somebody. “Who told you?” Kagome asked.
 
“Miroku. He suggested a double date and I had no idea what he was talking about until your name came up.” Sango shrugged.
 
Kagome twiddled her thumbs guiltily. “I'm sorry Sango. It slipped my mind.”
 
“I thought I'd be the first to know! How could you not tell me?”
 
“I guess I was too happy.”
 
“So what made you decide you like him?” Sango asked. It was just like her to want to know the details.
 
“I blurted it out while we were fighting.” Kagome admitted.
 
Sango failed to suppress a snicker. “I knew it would happen over an argument! I told you so!”
 
“Told me what?”
 
“Again, I'd been watching you two argue for three months! I knew it was more then harmless fighting.” Sango pulled Kagome's pillow into her lap and gave it a squeeze.
 
“Why does that sound like it has a dirty connotation?” Kagome sneered playfully.
 
“Maybe it does.” Sango bit her lower lip.
 
“You've been around Miroku too long.”
 
“Maybe I have.”
 
“Maybe you should stop that?”
 
“Maybe you should tell me what you did for your first date to make me shut up?” Grinning, Kagome sat down on her bed, telling Sango of day with Inuyasha.
 
“I can't believe how girly, I'm being.” Kagome said when she finished her tale.
 
“I think it's natural. Hey, I would be happy.”
 
“Yeah, but I wonder how much of each other we are going to see when I start taking my prep classes. I might be so busy that I don't have time.” Kagome considered.
 
“Well, then do I have the perfect offer for you!” Sango chirped, bringing her hands together and leaning up on her knees.
 
“What's going on?” Kagome said immediately.
 
“Don't think about your classes for a week. We'll go for a trip.”
 
“How is this going to help me with-”
 
“Well, I was thinking about turning them down, but Maki asked me to join her and the boys on a little get away.” Sango got to her feet and walked across the room to Kagome's desk, drawing on a piece of paper.
 
“So where are we going?” Kagome said while looking down the crude sketch Sango was making.
 
“She said that while she was back in Tokyo, she wanted to visit her aunt. She has a private beach house and she invited her to stay with for about a week. Of course, the boys whinned that Maki's aunt was taking their time with her away so Maki invited the three of them along. When I went to meet Miroku at his apartment this morning, Maki asked me to tag along as well. Said she didn't want to be the only girl. `I'll go nuts!'” Sango smiled.
 
Kagome stared at the house Sango had drawn and then at writing underneath it. It read, “Alibi: on a mini-trip with Sango, be back in a week.”
 
“Are you sure this is an okay idea? I mean, Maki didn't really ask me to-”
 
“Don't worry about that! She said that if I couldn't come along, she wanted me to ask you to join. Come on, Kagome. I'm not going without you; I'd feel bad that you're all the way back here by yourself.”
 
“What if mom tells me I can't go?” Kagome said.
 
“Why would she say that. There are two girls with you and there's Maki's aunt. A chaperone. It's only a matter of how far away we're going.”
 
Kagome raised a brow. “What happened to you? You're were never THIS devious.”
 
“Blame it on my something of a boyfriend. Please Kagome?” Sango pouted.
 
“I'll go talk to mom.” Sango beamed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“So early! You know, the reason for summer vacation is to sleep in.” Kagome yawned as she sat down at the table the next morning for breakfast.
 
“Are you all packed?” Mrs. Higurashi asked as she set down plates in front of her daughter.
 
“Since yesterday.” Kagome whispered as she drank some water and dug into her omelet.
 
“Make sure you call every day, okay?”
 
“Don't worry I will.” Kagome smiled through a mouthful of toast.
 
“I hope you have a lot of fun.” Her mother's eyes twinkled and Kagome got a feeling that maybe she knew more then she was letting on. Still, Kagome thought, it was hard to imagine what Mama was going to do while she was gone for a week with Sango, Inuyasha and his friends. What would they do at the beach?
 
Kagome couldn't really see herself having any alone time with Inuyasha with five other people in the house they were staying in. Maybe that was why her mother hadn't brought up an argument when she asked to go. She knew Mama trusted her, but Kagome thought that she'd have a tiny bit of resistance toward her new boyfriend. Or maybe that was the reaction she was expecting from her father. Kagome wondered what he would say if she'd asked him instead her Mrs. Higurashi.
 
“Do you think Dad would be happy for me?” Kagome said suddenly.
 
“Why wouldn't he be? You know he'll always support you.” Mrs. Higurashi put a soft hand on Kagome's shoulder.
 
“That's not what I meant. When Hojo came to pick me up for my very first date, he threatened to report him to the cops if he did anything. What would Dad say about me dating Inuyasha?” Kagome thought.
 
“He'd have a mental coronary, deny that you finally have someone you like and then watch him like a hawk. But your father would love you either way.”
 
Kagome nudged her mother affectionately on her cheek. “What about you? You don't have a problem with this?”
 
“So long as he doesn't sneak into your room in the future. I trust you, Kagome.”
 
Kagome blushed. She thanked Mrs. Higurashi and finished her breakfast. While tying her shoes, Kagome wondered what kind of threat her father would have had for her current date. She smiled as she tied her laces and stole a glance at the clock. It was five-thirty. Kagome looked over to the small backpack she'd put her things into. She doubted that she needed her whole closet for only five days, but she still felt like she wasn't taking enough.
 
Mrs. Higurashi must have seen her eyeing her supplies. As she came around the corner of the hall, she said, “Don't worry, I'm sure that's more then enough.”
 
“Are you sure you don't read minds?” Kagome chuckled.
 
“Mother's intuition dear.” Mrs. Higurashi said as she opened the front door to reveal Sango behind it, her hand in mid-air as though she were just about to knock on the door. “See?” Mrs. Higurashi laughed.
 
“Good morning.” Sango bowed, recovering.
 
“Good morning Sango. Make sure to take good care of my sneaky little girl.”
 
“Mama!” Kagome shot to her feet.
 
“I'll watch her, Mrs. Higurashi. She's in good hands with me.” Sango promised.
 
“Have fun.” Mrs. Higurashi said as Kagome slung her bag over her shoulder and walked away from the front door. The short walk down the street with Sango was quiet, mostly because Kagome was too busy yawning between breaths to hold onto a conversation. Sango's thoughts must have been elsewhere, because she didn't seem to want a discussion either.
 
A block away from Kagome's house and Sango pointed to a black car across the street. Kagome had blinked at it, making sure that the dim lighting of the predawn sky didn't fool her eyes. Recognition set in and Kagome almost covered her eyes when she remembered that it was the same car that had interrupted Inuyasha and her on their date. Hoping that the atmosphere didn't reveal any details about her skin, Kagome inched toward Inuyasha's Lexus.
 
Maybe if they were lucky, they could find a private place on the beach. Kagome slapped her hand on her forehead. Stop thinking such suggestive things, you dummy! “You're even spunky this early in the morning?”
 
Kagome looked up and saw Inuyasha watching her from the other side of his car, his arms crossed in front of him on the hood. “You're going to drive all the way there?” She asked.
 
“Why do you sound so upset? I'm the one who has to stay up four hours while the five of you snooze in my car.” Inuyasha laughed.
 
“Hey Kagome.” Make waved as she lowered the backseat window. Kagome noticed Miroku and Satoshi sitting in the back with their eyes half-open. “Can all of us fit in the car?”
 
“Don't worry. If this thing can haul me around, then it can carry all six of us.” Inuyasha came around to Kagome. He pulled the strap of her pack off her shoulder and threw it carelessly in the trunk.
 
“I could have something breakable in there you know.” Kagome huffed.
 
“I don't think a toothbrush counts.” Inuyasha countered.
 
Kagome was on the verge of replying when Sango let out an aggravated groan and squeezed into the backseat next to Maki. “Before you two start another lover's row, can we get going?”
 
Maki seemed to agree with her because she added, “Aunt Jun expects us around nine. We better start making tracks.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Light burrowed into Kagome's eyelids, and when she let her vision clear, Kagome noticed cars outside of the glass in front of her. She looked to her left to see Inuyasha watching the road in front of him intently.
 
“How long was I out?” Kagome asked.
 
He looked over to her as though making sure she was awake before answering. “About two hours. At least you didn't snore.” He snickered as he looked back forward.
 
It was then that Kagome noticed the rumbling sound. She turned her head toward the backseat. Behind her seat, Sango leaned against the window with her sweater between her head and the glass. Maki was sleeping quietly with her head back against the seat. Miroku, Kagome fought against laughing but failed when she stifled what would have been a large chortle, was leaning against Satoshi's shoulder, his mouth open and drool dripping down his chin. Satoshi on the other hand was oblivious to his obnoxious snoring as his cheek pressed against the window. Now would be a great time to take a candid photograph, Kagome thought, stealing a glance at the slumbering Maki.
 
“What I wouldn't give to have a camera.” Kagome said as she sat straight again.
 
“Me too. I could so use something to blackmail those two.” Inuyasha said as he looked into the back through his rearview mirror.
 
“The snoring doesn't bother you?” Kagome asked.
 
“It keeps me awake. You don't me to nod off while driving do you?”
 
“Of course not, but aren't you tired?”
 
“Yeah, but I'm the only one with a car, and there's no way in hell I'm letting one of those two drive it.” Inuyasha cocked his head toward the two boys.
 
“You really love this thing don't you?” Kagome bounced in her seat.
 
“It's one of the few things I own that I bought with my own money.” Inuyasha stared ahead with a nostalgic expression.
 
“So how much longer till we get there?” Kagome stretched looking around the highway. Only cars, freeway lanes and large open planes appeared in her view.
 
“About an hour and a half depending on the traffic. You know, I'm a bit surprised that you came along.” He said suddenly.
 
“What's that supposed to mean?”
 
“I didn't picture you doing something so out of the blue, away from your house and with us no less. I was thinking you'd give me some goody-too-shoes comment if I asked you to come along. `A week with no adult there? There won't be underage drinking will there?'” Inuyasha said in a girlish voice.
 
“I don't talk like that.” Kagome hissed.
 
“Sure you don't.”
 
“Not that it matters. Maki's Aunt's going to be there.” Kagome turned away from him, looking out her window.
 
Inuyasha chucked.
 
“What?”
 
“Jun isn't exactly what you'd call an adult.”
 
Kagome's head snapped toward him. “What do you mean?” She said quickly.
 
“Oh, she's a bit older then us, but not your everyday adult.”
 
“Oh my god.” Kagome covered her eyes.
 
“Hey, relax.” Inuyasha reached over and nudged her shoulder. “She's cool, but she'll still keep us in line.”
 
“Why do I not believe you?” Kagome rolled her eyes.
 
“You know that controlling streak Maki has? Guess where she gets it from.” Kagome looked back at Maki, feeling slightly more secure. She made a mental note to ask Maki how she is able to keep Inuyasha, Satoshi and Miroku in check.
 
“By the way, Inuyasha,” Kagome repositioned herself into a comfortable position, “Are you giving special treatment?”
 
He smirked. “Am I?”
 
“Did you compress them in the back so I'd be up here with you?” Kagome sneered.
 
“So you noticed.”
 
“You sneak.” Kagome felt warm.
 
“Having you up here has its perks.” Inuyasha drummed his fingers along the steering wheel.
 
“Like?” Kagome narrowed her eyes and leaned toward him to hear. His voice had lowered greatly as though he didn't want the people in the back to hear. Not that it mattered since they were sound asleep.
 
“I get to watch you sleep.”
 
Kagome bolted back to her seat, covering her cheeks with her fingers. Inuyasha's smirk became wider. “That color looks good on you.”
 
“What color?”
 
“Red.”
 
Kagome looked down at her green shirt and blue shorts. “But I'm not wearing-”
 
“On your face.”
 
Kagome felt said face becoming even more crimson. “I like that color on you.” Inuyasha teased.
 
“You're impossible.” Kagome clicked her teeth. But I like that about you. She thought.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Are you two going to fucking sleep in the car all day, or do I have to haul you all the way to the beach house?” Inuyasha scoffed, tapping his fingers against the glass of back seat door.
 
“We've arrived already?” Miroku yawned and, almost drunkenly, waddled out of the car.
 
“Five more minutes.” Satoshi whined, turning over and slipping into Maki's lap while she was the middle of stretching. Feeling that he was out of place, he opened an eye and saw Maki smiling weakly above him. He shot back to sit, wide-awake.
 
“Maki. Sorry.” He gasped. She simply shook her head in forgiveness, a pinkish hue covering her half-awake face.
 
“Get out before I drag you out!” Inuyasha called impatiently.
 
“You don't have to be so pushy you know.” Kagome said as she looked at him from behind the trunk. Slinging her pack over her shoulder, she went around to the side of the car, took Sango's hand and pulled her out.
 
“My neck…” Sango groaned as she went to get her things.
 
Yawning, Maki, Satoshi, and Miroku pulled their belongings from Inuyasha's car and began, grumpily, walking through the sand to get to the large white structure in the distance. The beach was empty. Either it was too early for people to be visiting, or it was a private beach. Wondering, Kagome leaned toward Maki and asked.
 
“You didn't see the gates we had to go through to get here? This area is for only those who pay to stay in the houses aligned along the shore. My aunt bought the old house, fixed it, and now she rents it to those who want to stay on the beach.”
 
“You mean she's never stayed in it?” Kagome asked, looking at the two-story white, wooden house that got bigger the more they walked.
 
“I always begged her to stay in it for a little while to try it out, but Aunt Jun said that she didn't want to get attached to it, because then she couldn't rent it. I finally was able to change her mind a few days ago.” Maki smiled triumphantly.
 
“How do you do it?” Kagome frowned.
 
“Do what?”
 
“That magic you have over people. How do you make Inuyasha and the others behave?”
 
Maki giggled. “Believe it of not, I have a monster of a temper. One time the three of them were teasing me, and I snapped. I went into full mother mode and starting scolding, yelling and stomping around. Ever since, whenever Satoshi and the others feel like they are close to getting my nerves on edge, they stop what their doing and sit still. Get a little mad and they revert into good boys.”
 
“So,” Kagome looked at Inuyasha's back as he led the group, oblivious. “They're afraid of the female temper?”
 
“Exactly.”
 
Kagome thought back to the first time Inuyasha was in her room. She'd ordered him to stay off her bed and he sat down on the floor immediately as though he was trained. Maybe it wasn't something only Maki could only do after all. “I wonder if it works on all men.”
 
“I doubt it.” Sango said. “No matter how many times I get mad at the letch, he still watches another pretty girl cross the street.”
 
“Well, that's Miroku. But don't worry, if he ever does cheat on you, I'll kill him.” Maki joked, earning her a laugh from Sango.
 
“Count me in. Nobody harms MY best friend.” Kagome seconded.
 
“HEY! Are you three coming or what?” The boys called. They had already reached the house and were waiting in front of the patio. Suppressing the embarrassment, the girls rushed toward the front steps.
 
“Welcome to Casa De Jun.” Maki said.
 
A moment later, the door swung open. A tall, slim woman with coal colored hair and eyes embraced Maki. “How's my favorite niece!” Jun smiled.
 
“Aunt Jun. Can't breathe!” Maki was released.
 
“How was London?” Jun asked.
 
“Busy.” Maki answered.
 
Jun ruffled Maki's hair. “Still keeping up with the one word answers. I see you've brought those three with you.” She pointed toward Inuyasha, Miroku and Satoshi.
 
“Hi Jun.” They said together, automatically.

“Staying out of trouble boys?” She smiled.
 
`Naturally.” Inuyasha grinned.
 
“Hello.” Jun nodded toward Kagome and Sango. Without even asking Maki, Jun made the connection and suddenly grasped the girls' hands.
 
“Oh! You must be the two girlfriends! Congrats! Call me Jun. What's your names?” Astonished, Kagome and Sango stuttered their answers.
 
“Great, come in!”
 
Following Jun into the large foyer like room, Kagome whispered to Inuyasha, “How old is Jun?”
 
“I think in her early thirties.” He said as he took off his sneakers.
 
“You're kidding right? I thought she was in her middle twenties.”
 
As the six of them put down their bags and removed their shoes, Jun invited them into the kitchen. Kagome looked about the house. It was tidy and well kept with smooth wooden floors and bright white walls. The kitchen was splendid. Unlike the other rooms, it was covered in beige marble. The boys immediately sat down at the stools that rose up from the ground in front of a large counter that ran through the middle of the large, square room. Kagome was reminded of men at a bar.
 
In her daze, she didn't notice Maki slide a cup under her nose. “Lemonade?” She asked.
 
Thanking her, Kagome drained the cup, feeling the tangy taste wake her out of her admiration of the house.
 
“So,” Jun said as she handed everyone else the glass cups. She narrowed her eyes. “First thing's first.”
 
Kagome's jaw dropped. Maki sighed and the boys suddenly sat up straight. Sango also stared at Jun incredulously. One moment she was kind, fun and invited, the next her voice had dropped to an authoritative hiss. “There are some rules.”
 
Jun raised up her fingers. “No hanky panky in my house! Boys WILL NOT,” she glared at Miroku, “go into the ladies' rooms unless invited.”
 
“You make a mess, you clean it!” Inuyasha scratched his head.
 
“NO DRINKING! That includes going into town and buying alcohol.” Satoshi flinched.
 
“No smoking, no hitting on other girls when you already have a girlfriend, no fighting, no biting, no scratching, no kicking, no using of illegal drugs, no streaking-”
 
“Who the hell would do that?” Inuyasha interrupted. Maki and Satoshi pointed to Miroku behind his back. Sango and Kagome snickered.
 
“And absolutely no vulgarity. Other then that, I hope you have a wonderful time here with me.” Jun smiled sweetly. “Makiko, I expect you to set an example.”
 
“Don't worry. I'll give them a spanking if they misbehave.” Maki giggled.
 
“That's my girl.” Jun turned back to the others. “So, let's get you guys into your rooms.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“A bed!” Inuyasha ran across the room and flumped onto the mattress. “I need a nap! That drive wore me out.”
 
Kagome giggled from the doorway while Jun showed Miroku and Satoshi's their rooms in the hall behind her. “Do you want me to wake you up before lunch?”
 
Inuyasha sat back up and stared at her. “You're not going to stop me?”
 
“Why would I? Aren't you tired?” Kagome frowned.
 
Smiling, Inuyasha shook his head. “No, never mind. I'd appreciate it if you did wake me up before lunch. Thanks Kagome!” He began undressing.
 
Blushing, Kagome yelled her “your welcome” before she closed the door and chased after Jun and the girls. Maki's aunt led them upstairs; the girls and the boys were separated by one floor. For a moment, Kagome thought that she would be sharing a room with Sango and Maki, but was surprised when Sango got her own space. Curious, she asked Jun how many rooms there were in total.
 
“Eight. This house was made to house about eleven people.” Jun explained. Kagome kind of felt unsatisfied. Part of her wouldn't mind having her own place, but she also had wanted to stay up late with Sango and Maki in their own room. After thanking Jun, she unpacked and decided a short tour of the house wouldn't hurt.
 
Upstairs consisted mostly of the rooms the girls were staying in, but Kagome found, to her delight, that there was a large terrace through a spare room. It overlooked the sea. Marking the place in her memory, Kagome continued to search the house. Downstairs was the kitchen, connecting to a large den and another room that resembled a dance floor. From the den, there was a hallway that led to the boys' rooms.
 
She wandered into the kitchen, intending to get some water when she ran into Maki and Jun. They were laughing and chatting. Feeling like she was intruding, Kagome turned to leave, but Maki caught sight of her and asked her to join.
 
“It's a nice house.” Kagome said as she sat down. “Must have been expensive.”
 
“It cost more to fix it then to buy it.” Jun said.
 
“What are we going to have for lunch?” Maki asked suddenly.
 
“When is lunch?” Kagome asked.
 
“At one. Which reminds me, we only have three hours. I better start cooking.” Jun rose and walked toward the fridge.
 
“Are you sure three hours isn't to-” Kagome began, but Maki interrupted.
 
“Don't worry. So, what are we making?” Maki rubbed her hands together. Jun made a comment about that they were here to have fun not run around the kitchen, but Maki insisted, saying she loved cooking with her aunt. “Besides, Inuyasha's taking a nap and Satoshi and Miroku will spend their morning doing stupid things till they wind down.”
 
“I'll help too.” Kagome laughed. She noticed Jun nod and take out another dozen tomatoes, a pineapple, olives, and mushrooms.
 
“Since it's only day one, we'll have junk-food. Maki, make enough dough for five pizzas.” Maki nodded and turned toward the a cabinet to pull out some flour.
 
“Are we really going to use that much?” Kagome asked as she pulled out cooking utensils.
 
“We're feeding three guys here. We need to make enough food to feed an army, especially since Inuyasha can eat three whole pizzas by himself.” Maki laughed.
 
“Then maybe I should join the cooking team.” Sango laughed as she entered the room.
 
“The more the merrier!” Jun chuckled.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When the smell of pizzas had covered the first floor, Kagome and the others sat at the counter, drinking another batch of lemonade and exchanging anecdotes with Jun. The kitchen was back to its sparkling, clean self, before Maki had spilled flower everywhere and sauce had splattered all over the counter. Three pizzas, still steaming, lay on the table, while two more baked in the oven. It was twelve fifty five. Right on time. Called by the smell, Miroku and Satoshi finally emerged from their rooms and wandered into the kitchen. “Man. That smells good.” Satoshi said with a dreamy face.
 
“Were you sleeping?” Maki asked.
 
“Oh.” Kagome rose from the counter. “I'll be back.”
 
She slipped out of her chair and walked through the den. Rapping softly on Inuyasha's door, she didn't hear an answer. Tiptoeing inside and closing the door behind her, Kagome walked across the room. He had tangled himself in the blankets. It surrounded him like a cocoon. Kagome leaned over, noticing he was covered in sweat.
 
He was sleeping on his side. Kagome glanced at his face and almost didn't want to wake him. He looked so angelic, it was hard to believe this was the same smart-mouth she liked. She remembered the day he was sick. Compared to the strain on his face then, he looked so peaceful now.
 
Thinking that he'd be upset if he missed lunch, Kagome reached and tapped him gently on the shoulder. “Hey, Inuyasha. It's time for lunch.” She said.
 
Mentioning food didn't wake him immediately like she thought it would. He turned over and mumbled something, but didn't wake.
 
Putting a knee on the bed, Kagome patted him again. “Come, lazy, you're going to miss the pizza we worked so hard to make.”
 
Inuyasha still didn't wake up. Getting impatient, Kagome kneeled on the bed and shook him harder. “Get up!”
 
Growling in his sleep, Inuyasha grabbed onto her wrist. Kagome squealed and feel onto the mattress. It took a moment for the surprise to clear and she realized that Inuyasha had turned over and was still holding her wrist between them. His other arm had hooked over her waist. Kagome wanted to bolt out of the room and jump into the ocean to rub away the color in her skin. What if she moved and he opened his eyes? Or worse, what if she was stuck her until he woke up.
 
Deciding the fist choice was better, Kagome wiggled, trying to loosen his grip, which only made his hold tighten. What was she, his personal teddy bear? Let go! Kagome screeched in her mind, willing for him to release her. If someone came in and saw them like this…the thought was enough to give Kagome the strength to pull his fingers from her hand. Inuyasha groaned and Kagome's gaze shot to his face. His eyes were still closed.
 
Getting her hand free, she turned over and tried to pull his arm away from her stomach. Damn it! Kagome thought when Inuyasha snuggled closer to her back. She could feel his face in her hair. If she was any warmer, Kagome was sure that she would glow.
 
Or maybe she would freeze because having sensed that something was out of place, Inuyasha suddenly said, “Kagome?”
 
With a jolt, Kagome covered her face before she was turned over.
 
“You are here.” Inuyasha stopped. “What the hell are you doing?”
 
“Me?” Kagome dropped her hands and glared at him. “I came to wake you up and you start sleep hugging me!”
 
Inuyasha didn't say anything. “Well, let go before I punch you.” Kagome stammered.
 
“You know, I wouldn't mind waking up to this every morning.” Inuyasha rubbed his eye with his free hand.
 
Kagome's heart did a summersault. “Quit making fun me.”
 
Inuyasha pulled her close and put his chin on her shoulder. “I'm not making fun of you.”
 
“Yes you are.” Kagome pushed at him. Why are you resisting? A tiny voice asked in her mind. Ignoring it, Kagome said, “I know how much you like the results of teasing me, but this is going too far.”
 
Kagome abruptly stopped struggling. The blanked had slipped from his shoulders and she noticed that his upper half didn't have clothing. “Y-you're not, naked are you?”
 
“What the fu-NO!”
 
Kagome felt his grip slacken. She bolted from the bed. “Lunch is ready.” She said lamely while breathing in.
 
Inuyasha rolled over to his back and rose on his elbows. “Good. After that appetizer, I'd like to see the main course.” Inuyasha smirked. Kagome reached for a pillow and thumped it on his head.
 
“Don't say stupid things!” She fumbled.
 
Inuyasha laughed. As Kagome walked out of the room so he could change, she was too busy trying to erase the blush on her face, or stop feeling like he was till holding her, to think that it was going to one interesting week.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I wanted to start the next chapter with this, but I thought that since that chapter might be a bit long, I decided to update this chapter instead. Anyway, I hope you liked.