InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Choices, Choices... ❯ The Vacation, Part One ( Chapter 14 )

A/N: Thank you all for being so patient. I know you're anxious, so I'll save everything until AFTER the chapter. But please… Read my End Notes. It's important to me.

 

Choices, Choices…

 

Chapter 14: The Vacation, Part One

 

Sesshoumaru held back a grin as he watched Kagome, in awe of her surroundings. They had just climbed the stairs, and she had fought off an attendant that had tried to stow her bag in a closet. He had had to interject, asking the woman to stand down. The woman gave Kagome a nasty glare - it was obvious she would prefer to be in place of the younger girl - but had no choice but to give up. She walked away, into the pilot's cabin.

 

Kagome was clutching her large duffel bag, obviously afraid that someone was going to take it. She was breathing erratically, her heart was frantic, and she was wide-eyed, he noticed. When he gently placed a hand on her elbow to guide her, she jumped.

 

“It is all right now, Kagome. Come, sit. No one will touch your things.” He wondered off-handedly why she was so opposed to anyone taking her bag - it smelled like there were only clothes and a few toiletry items in there.

 

He was pleased that she seemed to calm under his influence, and allowed him to guide her to one of the plush, oversized, microfiber seats that served as their taking-off and landing chairs. She was still dazed, so he gently nudged her into the seat and buckled her seat belt. As he connected the two pieces at her right hip, his hand grazed her smooth, muscular, tanned thigh. He heard her breath hitch, and the symptoms he had worked so hard to remove had reappeared. Although this time, he approved of the cause.

 

Smirking, he spoke quietly to her. “Are you comfortable?”

 

The way he said it… It sounded almost like he knew she was anything but… Oh yeah. That's right. Stupid, pretty, rich dog demons. She glared at him, but he only chuckled in response. When he was strapped in, she finally spoke.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“You finally decide to speak, and this is what you ask?” he said, amused.

 

Kagome sighed, exasperated. “Ok, ok, I get it… a surprise. I just wanted to know what I was up for…”

 

Sesshoumaru smiled to himself, and the small jet began to move. Kagome had been waiting for him to say something, but when she felt the lurch of the acceleration, she looked out of the window closest to her. She was excited. When the jet picked up speed, she was thrown back in her seat a little, and giggled.

 

“Isn't this great, Sesshou… -maru…” She looked over at her “date”, and was shocked at what she saw.

 

He was sitting stock-still, facing forward, a stony expression on his almost-flawless face. What made it less than perfect was the tiny bead of sweat that was beginning to trickle down his face. Kagome had never thought she would have seen something so ridiculous. He had never acknowledged her statement, so she tried another tactic.

 

Kagome reached for her buckle, struggling to get loose. Only when the metallic clink of the two sides separating resounded in the cabin did Sesshoumaru snap out of his stupor. He growled sharp and fast, a warning for the girl to stay in her seat. She understood what he meant, but bared fangs or no, she wasn't going to let him go through this alone. She was finally free, and was surprised he hadn't backed up his threat when she started to edge towards him. The gravity from the now ascending plane kept her in a crouch.

 

He was going to kill her… as soon as he could move. What were seatbelts for if not to keep fragile, silly humans in their seats and safe? He hadn't meant for her to notice - so far, his staff had never known he didn't like to fly in airplanes - but she was more perspicacious than he gave her credit for.

 

But now, the problem was not that she had seen a weakness - what was done, was done - but how to get her back to her seat. He still couldn't move as the jet climbed higher into the atmosphere, and he didn't understand how someone so powerful could be so weak. His growl had been ignored; he was sure she had done it deliberately. Now, she was struggling to his side.

 

Damn it! The fear was creeping its' way up his spine, increasing in intensity the longer Kagome remained out of her seat. He knew he should have done this the old-fashioned way, but he had thought that such a long ride would have been nicer for the woman on a plane instead of on a huge dog.

 

One of the few things in existence that the great Taiyoukai, Sesshoumaru, was afraid of, was flying in an airplane. Of course, flying in his true form or by the will of his youki was no problem - thrilling, even. The trouble with being in an airplane was that he was confined. He rolled his eyes at the recollection of something his father had said… “like a dog in a cage.”

 

He had no control over technology. If something happened to a pilot, or an engine went out, he could fly the plane or figure out what to do - he had had centuries to perfect all kinds of human technology, he just didn't like to drive or fly himself around. He had plenty of money… why not pay someone else to do it? But he had very few servants he could trust.

 

Despite all his powerful senses, if something were to truly go wrong, he would have mere milliseconds to react. That would be enough for him to sustain injury, albeit non-life threatening ones. But with Kagome on the plane… If something were to go awry, would it be enough time to escape with her?

 

And what's more… what if the flight instinct were so strong, he left her behind?

 

He cared nothing for the employees, but this girl… Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. Was he really fated to follow in his father's footsteps?

 

“-maru?”

 

He finally snapped to attention, and only his eyes flickered to her face.

 

“Sesshoumaru… What's wrong? Is it that you don't like to fly?”

 

The concern in her eyes was overwhelming, and he sought to comfort her, despite his fear. “Yes, that is correct,” he said, his jaw flexing as he spoke through clenched teeth.

 

Now, it didn't matter that she knew. What mattered was what she thought. He was surprised to no end when her soft words came to him.

 

“That's okay. We'll be all right a long as we're together,” she cooed, placing her head on his knee.

 

Not only was he astonished - a demoness would have mocked him for his weakness - but he was also soothed.

 

The next thing she knew, Kagome was in Sesshoumaru's arms, and he was placing her back in her chair. Swiftly, he buckled her in and then was strapping himself in again. When he was situated, he looked over to Kagome and smirked, seeing her astonished face.

 

“Did you think I was unable to conquer my fears?” he asked.

 

Kagome stared for a moment, then slowly shook her head. “No… I mean, yes… I mean…” She sighed, collecting her thoughts. “It's just that… I'm in awe. I wish I could get over something like that.” She hung her head slightly, her shaggy bangs covering her face.

 

He cocked his head, wanting her to elaborate, but also not wanting to push her. But she decided to explain anyways.

 

“I'm afraid of the dark,” she said quickly, her face tinting in her embarrassment. “I… I know I'm too old for that, and I know it's silly, but…” She turned her face away, looking out into the sky.

 

She didn't have much time to think. She hadn't even heard the snap of his buckle, but he was at her side instantly, kneeling. He placed a hand on her armrest, but did not touch her. She was surprised to see him there, as if she hadn't truly believed that he had surpassed his fear of airplanes. Despite her blush, she couldn't look away.

 

Then he spoke, his voice hushed and his eyes worried. “Nothing will harm you - dark or light - while I am with you.”

 

She smiled, slowly at first, but it soon broke into a grin. “Thanks, Sesshoumaru. That makes me feel a lot better, since I won't be sleeping in my own room for a few days.”

 

He tipped his head, and then the attendant walked out. “You may… Oh, you already have. Well… she can take off her seatbelt now,” she sneered.

 

He growled low and long at the woman's tone, and her eyes went wide with fright. She quickly walked past them to a kitchen-like area, busying herself with preparing some coffee.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” Kagome chided gently.

 

He looked unashamed, but he reached for her belt and unbuckled it. She watched him, and then her hand was in his, and he was pulling her to her feet. Her free hand clenched her bag, and she gasped as he tugged her past the glaring flight attendant. Then, they were in an even more posh room, if that was possible.

 

There was cream, plush carpeting and matching walls. Against the right side of the plane, there was a long, suede, periwinkle-colored sofa. On the left, there was a small, round, dark, wooden table with three softly cushioned swivel chairs. A few feet behind the table was a recliner that matched the sofa. And then, in the back of the room… A bed. It was a simple platform bed - the base made of the same dark wood that the table was made of. The comforter and pillows were the same periwinkle blue, and also seemed to be made of suede.

 

He heard her gasp, and he chuckled. Leading her to the sofa, he dropped her hand, allowing her to decide what she wanted to do. Kagome was more shocked than anything. Different thoughts were swirling about in her mind, and each was trying to pull at her attention. Finally, she sat on the sofa.

 

“Y-you… I mean, you're not even a fully-licensed lawyer… All this… is yours, isn't it?”

 

He fought to hide a smirk. She was a little slow, wasn't she? “Yes, Kagome. I have been alive for some time, and I have accumulated finances. It's tiresome, hiding money from governments, changing names, identities. But I do what I must…”

 

Kagome felt a pang of sadness at his words. She had never thought about all that. “Wait, so Sesshoumaru isn't your real name?”

 

Now, a grin, wide and amused, graced his beautiful face. “This is what strikes me as odd. It is my one and only true name. I have never used it before, once I started changing personas every half-century. But now that I have, I meet you…” He glanced at her, and she blushed as she looked down at her hands. “How peculiar.”

 

She processed what he was saying, and as soon as she remembered another question she had wanted to ask, he was sitting next to her, staring.

 

She started, and he smirked. “I enjoy it immensely when your heart races like that…”

 

Finally catching her nerve, Kagome pushed the heavy fog that was settling in her mind out of the way. “Stop listening to my body,” she snipped.

 

Then his hand was behind her head, his fingers entangling in her hair. “But I enjoy many of the sounds you make…”

 

His voice was low and husky, and Kagome's eyes began to close, under the sweet seduction of Sesshoumaru. She was remembering exactly what he meant, when he had made her scream for him. She heard him chuckle, but it wasn't an amused laugh. She realized her heart was hammering in her chest, and she looked up through half-opened eyes. She was startled out of her daydreams when she saw who was glowering at her from the mini-kitchen.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” she asked, her voice laced with want.

 

He misinterpreted it and bent to kiss her neck.

 

When she felt his lips on the curve between her shoulder and neck, she almost gave in. But the question had resurfaced, and with the flight-attendant glaring daggers at her, she pursued it.

 

“Um…” His lips were nibbling at her skin, making it hard to concentrate. “Y-your… workers? Employ-eeeee's…” He had bitten gently, and she almost turned to him in the heat of the moment. Her eyes were closed, but she continued, even though she could feel him smiling against her skin. “Are… are they y-youkai… as well?”

 

He nuzzled her neck, right behind her neck. He loved that spot, especially since it carried the scent of both her skin and her hair. “Some of them,” was all he said.

 

“Um… what about her…?” She looked towards the corner the blonde woman was peeking out from.

 

“No, she is human,” Sesshoumaru said calmly, never taking his eyes off the tanned expanse of Kagome's shoulder.

 

Relaxing, Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. Sesshoumaru felt her release and was alarmed. He had thought it was sexual tension, but now he noticed this was not the case. Obviously something was bothering her. He pulled away from her - as much as he was loathe to - and looked into her eyes sternly. She noticed it and raised an eyebrow.

 

“What?”

 

“Would it bother you if she were youkai?” he said, controlling his anger.

 

“Well, it would bother me if I were dead…” she laughed, as if this was a common joke that everybody should get.

 

This brought Sesshoumaru up short. He didn't understand. They were talking about two different things, obviously. “I would not let you do something so foolish as die, Kagome,” he said in a blasé tone.

 

Kagome laughed without humor. “Sesshoumaru… No, you couldn't be that dense…”

 

He looked at her sharply, offended. He was about to speak when she interrupted, a seriousness in her expression.

 

“Sesshoumaru, that woman wants you. And she looks like she's willing to kill me to get to you,” she told him matter-of-factly.

 

He scoffed. “Ridiculous. She would not be able to harm a single hair on your head.”

 

“So you agree that she wants you,” Kagome said cautiously, trying to bite back the jealousy in her voice.

 

He looked at her just as seriously as she had looked a few moments before. “Many women want me, Kagome. But I choose whom I want, not them.”

 

It was such a cocky, condescending, patronizing, supercilious thing that was so Sesshoumaru to say that she believed it. She even giggled, and refused to elaborate when he asked what she found funny.

 

Now that she was relaxed, Kagome took in the sights around her once more. She gazed out the window, wondering once again where they were going.

 

“Can you at least tell me how long of a flight this is?” she asked, hopeful.

 

He decided he could give her this. Without so much of a glance, he answered, “Almost twenty-four hours.”

 

Kagome's mouth gaped like a fish out of water.

 

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

 

He paced back and forth, nervous. They were late. Of course, he was usually the late one, and really, it had only been one minute, but he had been on edge lately. Ever since… He refused to think about it. He shook his false blonde hair, not acknowledging the reason he was so tense.

 

“They're here, master Inuyasha,” Myoga said, bowing.

 

Inuyasha only nodded to his retainer as he flew past him to get to the door. “You're late,” he said, scowling at the boy whose hand was reaching for the now-moved door handle.

 

That same boy flicked his razored, black hair away from his face and smiled. “But we're here now,” he told Inuyasha.

 

Another boy with curly brown hair whispered in his ear. “Trent, maybe we shouldn't piss off the guy that's supposed to make us stars?”

 

The boy called Trent scoffed at him. “We already are stars. He knows our music is amazing. We could get signed anywhere, Ian. You know that.”

 

Ian scowled. “But I like it here,” he told Trent, a little louder than necessary.

 

“Me too,” seconded another boy with long, strawberry-blonde hair that was tied back in a low ponytail.

 

“And me.” The deep baritone of the drummer surprised everyone. He barely spoke, but when he did, you noticed. He was a tall, burly boy, with dark hair that was cropped short.

 

Trent paid them no attention, but Inuyasha was nodding his approval. He had known the black-haired one was going to be trouble, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. Unfortunately, Trent was right. They were good, and anyone would have signed them, had Inuyasha not gotten to them first. And of course they had been star-struck at first, recognizing him immediately.

 

If he had to, Trent would be replaced after they were signed. The boy was talented: his guitar solos and singing were what made the band special. But Inuyasha had made sure that Sesshoumaru had put a clause in the contract that stated that `if any member needed to be released in order to ensure the well-being of the band', it was perfectly legal. Inuyasha rolled his eyes. He hated relying on his brother, but it was necessary for this - he couldn't research law-stuff. And as the first signed band for his new record label, it was necessary, rivalry or not.

 

Trent had been silenced by the glares of his bandmates, and Inuyasha finally decided it was all right. “Well guys, welcome to `Sengoku Records'.” With a grin, Inuyasha moved out of the way to let them in.

 

They had never been in a real studio before, so it was a little overwhelming. Even Trent had been silenced, a feat not easily done. They looked around under Inuyasha's watchful eye.

 

Ian excitedly pulled on the big boy's sleeveless shirt. “Look, Joey. Look at that drum set!” The mass of muscles grinned and nodded, but nothing was said.

 

Trent tried to look cool, sitting on the black leather sofa while the others `oohed' and `ahhed' over the equipment. Inuyasha smirked at the boy.

 

“So, whadd'ya think?”

 

He flipped his coal-black hair, attempting to look nonchalant. “It's… nice,” he said with a pinched tone that grated on Inuyasha's nerves.

 

He scowled at the youngest of the four. He was about to tell the boy just how `nice' it was when Matt, the red-head, spoke up.

 

“Nice? Trent, they have a freaking `Gibson Melody Maker' in here. We could record songs on a fucking Gibson Melody Maker…”

 

Matt went back to the interior of the sound booth, but not before glaring at the younger boy. Inuyasha always thought Matt was the brains of the operation. The oldest by only a month - Joey was not far behind - Matt was the only one who could put Trent in his place. If he ever decided to. He didn't like to get involved; he just wanted to play guitar. But now Trent was getting in the way of his dream, and so Matt had to speak up.

 

Inuyasha held back a smirk. If Trent knew he found humor in his humiliation, he would walk out. First, the contract…

 

“So, whadd'ya wanna do?” the hanyou asked the guys.

 

Ian came bolting into the room, excited. “I'm in!”

 

Matt was next. “Place is great. It'll be an honor,” he said.

 

Joey was the last to come in to the room, but enthusiasm spilled from his aura. He said nothing, but he nodded once, and that was enough.

 

They all looked to Trent: Matt was scowling, Ian was pleading, and Joey was just staring.

 

“I guess we'll get a good deal here…” he sighed.

 

Ian and Matt cheered, and Inuyasha clapped a hand across Matt's shoulders. Someone brought some champagne, and Inuyasha downed most of it himself, telling them they were under-age. But he had been teasing, and offered everyone some, but only Ian refused. They got to work signing the contracts, and another man came in to explain it to them.

 

“So, what now?” asked Ian.

 

Inuyasha smiled. “I'm glad you asked…”

 

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

 

Kagome was reading one of her textbooks, highlighting a few sentences, when Sesshoumaru sighed. Really, it was probably his tenth sigh, but Kagome had lost count after the third one. He seemed restless, but Kagome was unsure of what he wanted from her. But now she had lost her patience. She sighed, too, but out of exasperation.

 

“Okay, what's wrong…”

 

She had barely gotten the sentence out before he was sitting next to her once again on the sofa. He had roused and moved to the kitchen for coffee when Kagome had retrieved her book, but he had been impatient to join her ever since. She gasped at his speed. She would never get used to it.

 

“Nothing is wrong. I simply wished to be a part of what you were doing,” he told her smoothly.

 

“You want to learn biophysics?” she asked with a smirk.

 

He returned her smirk. “Perhaps I should be teaching you.”

 

Her grin dropped to an open-mouthed gape. “W-what?”

 

“I have been a surgeon, and many other things. All to pass the time…”

 

Now her eyes were as wide as her mouth. “B-but… that had to be a long time ago, and you must be in need of a refresher…”

 

“It was ten years ago, and I remember everything as clearly as if I had just learned it,” he told her, bored.

 

Now Kagome was angry. “Well, I'm sorry we don't all have the resources you do, but some of us need to work for this. Some of us don't have the money to go to Harvard, Princeton, or… or…” She stammered, forgetting the other great medical schools in her consternation.

 

“UCLA,” he finished for her.

 

This brought her up short. “You went to UCLA?”

 

He seemed to mull it over carefully. “It seems they have the best program. Harvard is nice, but it seems that most humans go to Harvard in order to say they went to Harvard. UCLA is daring, and they really seem to want to create the generations of doctors and surgeons…” He glanced at Kagome, then looked away again. “Not to say Miami is unsatisfactory. Their charity work is astounding, and they have some renowned surgeons in their midst.”

 

Kagome saw through him. She smiled and placed a hand on his knee. “Thanks. I actually chose Miami because it was close to my family, and the tuition wasn't too bad, compared to say… Harvard.” She winked at him.

 

“Kagome, why don't you allow me to pay your tuition?”

 

For the umpteenth time, he surprised the hell out of her. She swallowed thickly, and began to shake her head. “N-no… you can't, Sesshoumaru.”

 

“But I can,” he told her in a silky voice.

 

“No, I mean, I don't want you to,” she said, placing a hand on his chest to make him keep his distance. After such a statement, she needed room to breathe. “It's a nice thought - thank you - but no. I can't accept. I… I can make it on my own.”

 

Sesshoumaru saw the determination burn deep in her eyes, and chuckled to himself. He lifted a hand, and his finger ran along her jaw. “So tenacious,” he said in a barely audible whisper.

 

A thrill ran up her spine, and her heart sped up. He seemed to notice, and took advantage. He ran his hand into her hair near her ear, exposing it. He leaned in, and she wavered, her arm allowing the gap to close. His lips traced the shell of her ear.

 

Kagome melted under his touch, and she began leaning into him. With a fluid moment, Sesshoumaru had gathered her into his arms and brought her to the bed. He placed her down gently, and she was surprised by the softness of the bed. He kneeled, looming over her predatorily.

 

But something was wrong.

 

Kagome wasn't as receptive, and it was bothering him. He frowned, but she wasn't paying attention. She was stroking the soft, light blue down comforter with a single finger, swirling it in soft, flowing motions. He watched the motions, waiting for her to speak.

 

There was a long pause in which Kagome drew lazy circles, and Sesshoumaru watched, tense. Finally, since he realized she would not speak, he pulled her to him. He claimed her lips with his own, and she responded heatedly, the moment allowing her to get away from the stress of what they had talked about. But, there was still that nagging feeling, and it bothered her. She had to voice it.

 

“S-Sesshoumaru, wait…” She pushed against him lightly; she knew that no matter how much strength she used, he would not budge unless he wanted to.

 

But he did move. He paused, and pulled away to look at her. “What is wrong?” He seemed truly concerned.

 

“I-I'm sorry. I know this is silly, but…”

 

He arched an eyebrow in his confusion.

 

“It's just that… This,” she stroked the suede duvet once more, gazing at it, “reminds me of your marks. I can't… You look so different like this.”

 

Sesshoumaru was shocked. She preferred his markings?

 

“Please, Sesshoumaru… Show me.”

 

Her voice was desperate, pleading. How could he resist such a request?

 

A twitch of his lips; Kagome realized he was smiling. He still loomed over her, but his eyes were closed now.

 

It was as simple as relaxing. He knew of at least two others that would know what happened, but it didn't matter. He had decided, and no one could tell him what he could do. With a sigh, Sesshoumaru visibly relaxed, opening his eyes. The plane stumbled ever so slightly, dipping and then leveling.

 

Kagome saw the most obvious transformation first. His magenta stripes, his red eyelids, and his periwinkle crescent moon - the same shade of the comforter they were laying on - appeared. As he opened his eyes, she saw them brighten to a brilliant amber color. And then his hair paled, losing any yellowish tint it had held. To make a show of it, he smirked, showing off the long canines that were extending.

 

Of course, this is only one version. Sesshoumaru knew she wouldn't know what his kind felt.

 

When he had first released his chained youki, it bolted away from him, reveling in its' release. But he called it back, controlling it. But the damage had been done; the small dive the plane had taken was the pilot recognizing his master's unleashed youki. He was one of three youkai on the plane - Sesshoumaru included. The other was the person who handled the mechanics of the plane. He fueled, inspected, and cared for the little jet. He was an old demon, and was happy servicing his Lord in this way.

 

But Kagome was none the wiser, and Sesshoumaru wasn't going to clue her in. The girl insisted on making everyone comfortable ahead of herself. So instead, he gave her no doubts as he plundered her lips. With a heavenly sigh, she responded, and they remained in that bed for almost the whole trip. There were bathroom breaks, and occasionally one or the other would retrieve food from the kitchenette - Kagome's favorite was when he had come back with champagne and strawberries - and once, Sesshoumaru had to get up to have a `chat' with the flight attendant that was still eyeing him.

 

He knew she was making Kagome uncomfortable, and she thought she had a chance when he walked up to her, a small towel covering his waist and his now-blonde hair swaying behind him. But he had glared at her, and that had stopped her `come hither' eyes. He had cornered her up front, near the pilot's cabin, pinning her against the wall with one steel arm near her head. He briefly told her he had no interest in her, and that if she were to even glance in Kagome's direction, she would pay dearly. Scared stiff, she could barely nod before he turned back towards the bed - and Kagome, who was resting obliviously.

 

When he was passing the sofa, he released his youki once again, and there was a shudder in the plane's movement. He dropped the towel as he strode the last few feet. Kagome smirked as she spoke.

 

“I guess we're not the only ones with turbulence problems,” she said.

 

He joined her in their amusement, although he was the only one that knew why it was truly humorous. “Indeed.”

 

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

 

Inuyasha was cursing - as usual - at someone over the phone as he paced in his office.

 

“You gotta admit… He's got style,” Matt said to Ian.

 

“If you can call it that. I think he's just always angry,” Ian replied.

 

“Hmpf. That's why he's into rock. It's an outlet.” They hadn't expected Trent to chime in, so the four of them all stared at him.

 

“Like you,” Ian said innocently.

 

Trent scowled at the older, yet more naïve bandmate. “I am not angry all the time,” he defended.

 

“You're angry right now,” Matt said with a huge grin.

 

They heard a chuckle from the gigantic Joey, and soon Ian was laughing as well. Matt joined in, and soon Trent was trying to hide a smile.

 

Inuyasha walked in, scowling. “What's so damn funny? Your paychecks?”

 

This shut them up. “Er, no. You kinda had to be there…” Ian started.

 

“Ah, one of those. Never mind then. So…” Inuyasha laid his hands on a table that Matt was leaning on, lowering his head. “We got a gig to do in a week. Next Friday, to be exact. You guys able?” He looked around at the four boys, awaiting a reaction.

 

Ian had moved in with Matt as soon as he had graduated High School; his parents had wanted him to go to college and become something more than a musician. He had had excellent grades, but school wasn't his passion. He had met Matt through his older brother years ago, and they had become friends through music.

 

“We're good,” Matt said, looking at Ian, who was nodding back to him.

 

Although no one would have guessed it, Joey was living with his beautiful blonde girlfriend. They had been together since he met her at a coffee shop when they were both eighteen.

 

“Okay,” was all he said, and Inuyasha knew that only left…

 

“I'll have to ask my parents,” Trent asked miserably.

 

Inuyasha felt for the kid. He tried so hard to uphold this image, but when you had no choice but to live under someone else's roof, there wasn't much you could do.

 

“Do ya want me to ask `em?” Inuyasha asked, hoping the kid would lighten up.

 

“No,” he said sternly.

 

Inuyasha thought for a moment. “You… did tell `em that you're gonna be in a band, right?” Trent didn't even look at him. “Kid, they've still gotta sign for you…”

 

“DAMNIT! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!”

 

Trent stormed out, slamming the studio's back door as he left. They all stared at the door in shock, wondering if he would come back in.

 

“He has a problem with authority,” Joey said.

 

More than what was said, the fact that the strong, silent Joey was the one that said it set them all off into a fit of laughter.

 

“No kidding,” Inuyasha said.

 

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

 

With the plane starting a descent, Kagome was finally forced to dress. But she took a quick look out the window first; she lifted the shade that covered the opening and peeked out to ascertain what time of day it was. To be honest, she hadn't kept track of time. When you're spending all your time in bed with a veritable god, why would you bother doing something as common as checking the time?

 

She saw that the sun was low in the sky… indeed, it seemed like almost twenty-four hours ago, she was stepping onto the luxury jet. And very soon, she would be stepping off.

 

“Should I dress casual, or do I need something for dinner?” she asked, wrapping the plush, suede comforter around her.

 

“Dress however you are comfortable. We will be going to dinner. However, I've already arranged something…”

 

He was looking off into the horizon through a window near the bed.

 

“Sesshoumaru! You have to stop spending so much on me! I'm really not worthy of all this…”

 

He was next to her in an instant, in all his naked glory. His hand pulled her chin up so she would have to look at him.

 

“Kagome, you are the most worthy thing I have found to spend my money on in a very long time,” he assured her.

 

She looked sad, though, and he wondered why it bothered her so much. Did this have to do with his half-breed brother? Perhaps she was thinking of him? Surely, Inuyasha was not doing anything comparable to this…

 

He released her finally, and she smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said. “It means a lot to me that you would think so, but I told you, I'm still seeing other people. I don't want you to regret spending as much as-”

 

She was interrupted by Sesshoumaru's short, sharp laugh.

 

“Is that what this is about? Please, Kagome. Do not insult me. I have barely spent anything on you. Besides, you forget that I am not just a lawyer. I own businesses worldwide, along with my brother. Honestly, this is pocket change. I do not like to boast, but if this is what it takes for you to stop blaming yourself every time I buy you something…”

 

Kagome sighed, exhausted. “I still don't like it.”

 

He let it go at that. He could understand her not wanting him to pay her tuition; she was being smart. If they did not last… Did this mean she had little faith in them as a couple? Well, they weren't exactly a couple… yet. Offhandedly, he wondered if she would have accepted the invitation of this trip had she known where they were going. It was probably a good thing he had insisted on surprising her. He made a mental note to do it more often.

 

Kagome was just zipping her shorts when the attendant, not looking directly at either of them, stood in the veritable living room and cleared her throat. Kagome wondered why her demeanor had changed - she was so hostile before! Sesshoumaru, still shirtless, scowled at her. Kagome looked back and forth between the two. Had Sesshoumaru said something to her?

 

The youkai finally acknowledged her presence. “Yes?” he said, acid dripping from his voice.

 

“The, uh, pilot wanted me to, um…”

 

“Stop your babbling and get on with it!” He hated when people tripped over their own words.

 

Kagome didn't believe what she was seeing! She had never seen him act this way, although for some reason, she wasn't as surprised as she would have thought. She was embarrassed for the woman and thought of yelling at him to stop, but what if he took it out on the woman? She didn't have to postulate further, because the stewardess had found her strength, although she still didn't look at either of them.

 

He was quite scary when he wanted to be - even when he wasn't trying - so Kagome could understand wanting to avoid his eyes. But what about her? She had done nothing to make the woman fear her. The only thing Kagome could come up with is that perhaps she was ashamed of her previous actions. It could go for Sesshoumaru as well. That explanation would be good enough for now, since there was much activity with the blonde woman's words.

 

“The pilot asks that you be seated in the flight chairs. We will be landing shortly.”

 

She waited for an audible dismissal, but Sesshoumaru gave none. Instead, he ignored her, moving towards Kagome. The flight attendant knew her place to leave, and went back to the flight cabin, where she strapped herself in.

 

Still looking ominous and fearsome, Sesshoumaru - still half-naked - stalked over to Kagome. She gave a strangled squeak when he towered over her. He saw the look in her eyes - not fear, but anger mixed with anticipation - and softened his expression. She saw the change and tried to calm herself. Then she was being scooped up, and with a rush of air, was being deposited in the plush chair she had previously occupied for their take-off.

 

“Oof,” was all she could manage, and then he was buckling her.

 

Kagome watched as he strapped himself in, and wondered why he bothered. His chest - like iron - could easily break the shoulder strap if he so much as flexed his muscles. The mental image conjured made her giggle, triggering a response.

 

“What is so funny?” he asked her.

 

“I just…” She had to get a few more snickers out of her system before she could continue.

 

Sesshoumaru noted to himself that although she could not complete her sentence, as the other woman had, he did not feel the same ire. In fact, he almost felt her humor from only her laughter. Curious. He raised an eyebrow at her dramatically.

 

She peeked at him, and attempted to stifle her chuckle. “It's just that…” Giggle, “the seatbelt seems so…” snicker, “silly on you. I mean…” another giggle, “it would be more… productive for you to be protecting the chair, not the other way around…” She burst into another fit of laughter, and was surprised to hear his sharp laughter as well.

 

When she was able to open her eyes again, he was smirking at her. They could feel the plane slanting downward, and Kagome was glad they were finally at their destination. Not because there was anything wrong with the past twenty-two hours - they had been phenomenal, in the least - but because she was anxious to know where they were. She tried to pull the window panel up to take a peek, but she only got as far as a burst of red, orange, and yellow sunlight - the colors were that of a setting sun - before a gentle growl stopped her. With a sigh, she pushed the flap back down.

 

She stole a quick glance at the youkai that was seated only three feet from her, but she didn't notice any of the apprehension she had seen during their take-off. She idly wondered how it was that he had gotten over something that had frozen him solid in such a short amount of time. One moment, he could barely move his eyes, and the next…

 

The plane threw a proverbial screw in her wheel as it touched the ground, bouncing slightly a few times. As it slowed to a crawl, turning, Sesshoumaru left his seat. She was about to berate him when she realized he was putting his shirt on and gathering the bag she had left near the bed. In all her distraction - yes, that was it - she had forgotten it.

 

The slow crawl of anticipation was steadily moving faster, making her leg bounce. Sesshoumaru shot her a look. She didn't understand, however, and he sighed in exasperation.

 

“I realize you are anxious, but please refrain from bouncing away,” he said.

 

She looked down at her leg, unawares it had acted on its' own. She stopped it, but found she had to really try to keep it still. It wanted to keep moving. Sesshoumaru knew he would have to get her off the plane and moving. Surprises were nice, but if she got this excited, he might kill her in annoyance.

 

He smirked at himself, knowing he wasn't capable of such a thing. Well, not with her, at least.

 

“Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm.

 

She blinked for a second, caught up in her thoughts of keeping her limbs under control. Then she stood, smiling up at him as she hooked her arm around his.

 

And Sesshoumaru remembered why he did this.

 

+++

 

It hadn't been hard to figure out. The driver of the black BMW 7-series limousine opened the back door after he opened the trunk for one of Sesshoumaru's employees to fill with their bags.

 

“G'day, mates,” the man had said, smiling as he tipped his hat.

 

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru with wide eyes. “AUSTRALIA?”

 

He smirked. “Honestly, Kagome. What were you expecting? After all, it did take twenty-two hours,” he said, as if she should have sat down with a map, plotted their trajectory, and narrowed down the hypothetical location.

 

She scowled. “I don't know, I thought maybe you were taking us to our homeland at some point.” She looked around, but the airport was large, and there wasn't much to be seen. “This is so… unexpected.”

 

Japan? Sesshoumaru's face fell. He hadn't known exactly what kind of reaction to expect, but this wasn't it. Perhaps she was too shocked… He was about to pull her into the limo when Kagome spoke again, but not to him.

 

“Where are we?” she asked the sandy-haired man.

 

“Well, you're at Coolangatta Airport right now,” he told her in a twangy accent. She looked confused, so he decided to elaborate. “Queensland?” It came out sounding like a question because now he doubted that she even knew that much. But her face lightened at the name, and he smiled.

 

“Wow,” was all she said. Australia, she thought. He brought me to the other side of the world for a three-day vacation.

 

Even though there was nothing to see, she was astonished. He had known she was easy to please, and it was beginning to show, in pieces. Her heart began to pick up its' pace, and her eyes darted around, taking in the land. The beautiful sunset was a sight to see, and she was loathe to be torn away from it, and he hated to take it from her.

 

“Come. We have dinner reservations and must get to the hotel,” he told her, taking her hand.

 

She acquiesced, and he pulled her towards the door the driver was still holding open. As she got in, she turned to the man.

 

“Thank you, er…”

 

He understood what she wanted, but none of his clients had never asked, so he was shocked. “Cody,” the aussie said, smiling. “Name's Cody.”

 

She grinned wider, and although shocked, Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at her friendliness. “Thank you, Cody. I'm Kagome,” she told him as she dipped into the back of the car.

 

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Kagome,” he said, to Sesshoumaru's chagrin.

 

Unfortunately, such petty things as jealousy were lost on Cody, and he brushed it aside. Besides, he didn't like Kagome in that way; he only enjoyed her presence. Had Sesshoumaru known this, it would have eased his mind. But this was not the way the universe worked - Dog Demons were usually not blessed with the talent of reading minds.

 

Within moments, Sesshoumaru was following behind her, a scowl on his face. Cody smirked as he closed the door behind him. Walking around to his door, he got in and started the car. He already had his instructions - Sesshoumaru had provided the company with the details beforehand - but he thought to provoke the aristocrat anyways.

 

“Where to, sir?” he asked with a grin, turning to the opened window.

 

Sesshoumaru almost growled, but refrained. Sending the driver a glare, he responded. “You have received your instructions, have you not?”

 

Cody tried to replace his smile with a serious expression, but he wound up looking pained. “Oh, yes, sir. But I thought if you had come up with another plan…”

 

Sesshoumaru sneered at him, his eyes promising death - however, the young driver knew nothing of Sesshoumaru's heritage, so he assumed at worst, he would get a good beating for his taunts. Cody decided - intelligently - not to push any more of his touchy clients' buttons. He began to drive.

 

After a few minutes, Kagome excitedly tapped on the metal frame of the window. Cody smiled as he half-turned. He glanced in the rear-view mirror, attempting to gauge Sesshoumaru's expression. The obviously rich man was glaring at him. He smiled at Kagome, sliding his hazel eyes back towards her.

 

“Did you need something, Miss Kagome?” he asked, a bright tone in his thick accent.

 

“I just wanted to know… um… How much further to, well, wherever it is we're going?”

 

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes further, if that was possible. He wished one of his powers was to shoot lasers from his eyes; he didn't like how attached Kagome was becoming to the driver. For his part, Cody was surprised, and it showed in the way he raised his eyebrows. Luckily, he had turned his face back to the road, and she couldn't see his astonished expression.

 

She didn't know where they were going? Then again, she hadn't even known they were in Australia. At the time, he had pushed it from his mind, but now… Was the tall, rich, dangerous-looking man actually a romantic? And what was she doing with him, anyways? They didn't seem right together. She was bubbly and vibrant, lively and energetic; he was cold and distant, tight and stoic.

 

What did she see in him?

 

And why did he care?

 

Frowning, Cody tried to focus on her question. “Well, we got Surfer's Paradise comin' right up here off of Gold Coast Highway, and then it's just a few more minutes to the hotel,” he told her.

 

“Surfer's Paradise?” she asked with a gleam in her eye. Excitedly, she turned around to face Sesshoumaru. She watched his scowl melt, but it nagged at her that he was upset in the first place.

 

“Indeed,” Sesshoumaru drawled.

 

“Is it really what it sounds like?” she asked.

 

“It is,” he replied, sounding bored.

 

She sat back for a minute, frowning. Why did Sesshoumaru sound so detached? Had she done something wrong? Had she upset him? Was he not enjoying himself? She wanted to drive him into conversation.

 

“Um… I don't know how to surf,” she mumbled, still frowning.

 

“I do not either,” he said, although he didn't sound as uninterested as he had a moment ago.

 

Kagome found the opening she was looking for. “You mean you don't know everything?” She tried to give him a dubious look, but a corner of her mouth twitched treacherously.

 

He raised an eyebrow at her. “I never presumed to have an entire's world of knowledge within me. Although I am close…”

 

Damn, she thought. Stupid, pompous, dog demon. Stupid, pompous, sexy, generous dog demons.

 

“Besides,” he continued, “I find surfing - ” he said the word with much distaste “ - to be… objectionable.”

 

Kagome laughed a little at this. To be honest, she couldn't imagine Sesshoumaru, in a wetsuit, on a surfboard. “I bet. I still wished I knew how, though, if I was going to be next to a place called `Surfer's Paradise',” she said wistfully.

 

Sesshoumaru felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't expected this. The young woman was more spunky than he had thought. Surfing?

 

Furiously, a thought flashed across his mind, sharp and painful as a knife.

 

“Perhaps my brother could teach you,” he said, not completely succeeding in leeching the anger from his voice.

 

“Oh, really?” she said, sounding much happier. “I'd really like to meet your family, you know.”

 

He started a bit at this. On the one hand, usually a female human meets the male's family when they are dating. This could be a good sign. On the other hand, he knew that she did not yet know that Inuyasha was his brother. As much as he would like to ruin Inuyasha's chance with her, he was unsure whether it would ruin his own chance with her.

 

Was there any benefit to his unraveling of the truth? No, there didn't seem to be. As much as he would love to introduce her to Rin - Rin would love her - and be able to have her in his home, he couldn't quite tell her yet. But he knew that eventually, he would have to bring her to his house. Otherwise, she would become suspicious.

 

“Indeed,” was all he could say.

 

She seemed a little crestfallen at his answer, but really, what else could he say?

 

I'm sorry, Kagome, but you can't come over. You see, since you're also seeing my brother…

 

Oh, I'm sorry… You didn't know? Ah ha ha, oh well. I suppose now we can all have dinner together.

 

Sorry we didn't tell you earlier. But really, it so hard to find a woman that doesn't want to rip your heart out in your sleep nowadays…

 

No, that wouldn't do at all. He would know when the time was right. Or he would leave it to Inuyasha, although it seems as if the hanyou would never tell her. The idiot was still mourning the loss of his first mate. Sesshoumaru sniffed. What had he seen in her, anyways? She was so… uninteresting. So… not Kagome. She would have almost been a perfect match for himself, if he hadn't found her scent repulsive.

 

Kagome was twisting around inside of her mind. Should she say something? Should she do something? Sesshoumaru was so distant; he looked as if he had left his brain in Miami. But he hadn't been like that on the plane. He had catered to her every whim and paid detailed attention to her. Now, it seemed like he didn't want to be here.

 

She decided it could wait until they were alone.

 

Sure enough, after a few minutes of a silent ride, there came the bright signs of their destination. Sesshoumaru had known it was coming, and decided that something had to be done. He could not tolerate Kagome finding out in this manner. He knew something was bothering her, so he decided to start there. She was sitting against the side near the privacy window. He slid up next to her, and she seemed surprised to suddenly find him so near.

 

He ran a hand through her hair. “Kagome, are you finding everything… satisfactory?”

 

There was so much concern in his voice she almost laughed. “W-what?”

 

He raised an eyebrow, as if to question her intelligence. She got the point.

 

“Um, yes,” she said slowly. “But…” Should she chance it now?

 

Sesshoumaru knew she was going to delve into something emotional; her heart was beating fast and her scent was brighter than normal, as well as the fact that she was fidgeting. She was nervous.

 

Either way, if it distracted her and kept her from finding out, then he would indulge her.

 

“Um…”

 

She began to twirl a lock of shiny, black hair around her finger, something she did only when she was anxious or bored. She did not look bored.

 

“Well…”

 

Sesshoumaru almost strangled her in exasperation.

 

“Am I…” She frowned, her forehead creasing deeply in her consternation. She wanted it to sound right. “Is everything…” The first way sounded better. “Am I okay?”

 

She didn't have time to retract the statement before hearing Sesshoumaru's familiar, sharp laugh.

 

“I have my doubts,” he said, smirking.

 

Now she was scowling. “That's not what I meant,” she told him firmly.

 

“Indeed,” he said.

 

She couldn't help herself. She couldn't stay mad at him. As much as she hated his teasing, she loved to see him smile. He seemed to be back to normal right now, while he was joking with her.

 

“I meant,” she said, her voice becoming softer now, “… are you, um, happy with me? Am I doing okay? I've never been with someone with so much money. I'm not used to all this, and I feel like I might be behaving wrong or something and I-”

 

Sesshoumaru had to place a hand over her mouth to stop her rambling. So that's what she was upset about? She was worried that he was unhappy with her? Silly girl…

 

He leaned in further, taking in her scent. “Kagome,” he breathed against her neck, causing her to shiver deliciously, “you couldn't be more perfect if you tried. Please enjoy yourself and do not worry about me. Sometimes my mind… wanders. I have many businesses, and many employees.” Well, it wasn't a lie. Just because it wasn't what he was worrying about at that precise moment doesn't mean it was untrue.

 

Her eyes widened. How could she be so self-centered! Of course she wasn't the only thing on his mind! Poor Sesshoumaru has businesses, plus he's a lawyer, and here he is, taking her ungrateful ass on a little vacation! How could I be so damn selfish?! Kagome scowled again.

 

Sesshoumaru noticed that she had begun furiously twirling her hair again, and this did not make him happy. She seemed to have bought his excuse… perhaps a little too well. Something else was bothering her now. What had he said…?

 

He decided this called for more drastic measures. She was already almost in his lap, and his lips were close to her skin. He only needed to close the gap. But as soon as she realized what he was going to do, she pulled away. He looked at her questioningly, and she half-smiled.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” She was going to berate him about spending his off-time frivolously with her, but he didn't give her the chance.

 

He knew she was going to deny him because of whatever silly notions she had come up with. He had her mostly figured out. That was the thing about Kagome. She never thought she was good enough; never thought she was worth it. Who had taught her to be this way? Tired of the way she constantly doubted herself, Sesshoumaru tried another tactic.

 

Allowing his youki to recede, his hair, ears, and eyes changed, and his markings began to bleed back onto his face. Kagome gasped in surprise, and he smirked.

 

Kagome didn't understand. Why was he doing this now? She was pretty sure the driver - Cody, her mind supplied - wasn't one of his employees, and therefore, probably didn't know he was a demon. So why would he risk being seen? Was he trying to comfort her? He would have to place a great deal of trust in her to…

 

Trust.

 

He trusted her.

 

He was trying to relax with her, and here she was making things more difficult for him.

 

She turned to him, smiling. He was still smirking, although since he had released his youki, the tip of a fang was now poking out from behind those beautiful lips… Kagome found herself being pulled towards him, and as he drew forward, he ran a hand through her hair again. This time, she closed her eyes and nuzzled into him, and he had to suppress a growl of pleasure.

 

He knew that she would see the signs if she looked now; it was twilight and the bright advertisements could be seen from afar. He made his move.

 

Gingerly touching his lips to hers, he caught her attention. She sighed at the contact, as if she had gone months without kissing him, even though there had been quite a lot of it during the plane ride. He smirked again against her lips and began his trail of lust: he kissed her jaw line, extending to her ear, then down her neck to her collarbone…

 

She was in heaven, and her breaths became shallower with every second, her pulse quicker with every heartbeat. Suddenly, a great fire lit inside her. She took over, kissing him in the same way, but faster, more urgent. She found the first button of the pale pink shirt he was wearing and undid it.

 

She moved the fabric away as she made her way down, and she was more than pleased to hear his breath coming out in little raspy puffs. She trailed her mouth along the great, hard plains of his chest, then down his steeled abs. She could feel him quivering in his skin, as if he were anxious to jump out of it.

 

Sesshoumaru thought this might backfire on him. At this point, he was willing to do anything for her touch, and he could very well be in a daze by the time they reached the hotel. Luckily, they weren't very far… He felt her tug at his shirt's hem; she was untucking his shirt. When she had managed to free the skin of his upper body, she began working on the lower. When her little fingers began unbuckling his belt, he thought his heart would hammer right out of his chest.

 

Luckily for him - or unluckily? He couldn't decide - Cody made a right turn, throwing her off balance and she became curious once again. The first sign had been passed; a “Turn Right Here” sign had not been seen. But he knew there was more to come. How could he preoccupy her without also preoccupying himself?

 

“Oh! We turned! I guess that means we're not far… Are we close, Cody?” she asked, turning back to the little window that separated the driver from his passengers.

 

Sesshoumaru almost growled at how familiar she sounded with the young man, but he tried to reason with himself that it was simply her nature to be so friendly.

 

“Yeah, it's not long now,” he told her. He managed a sidelong glance and noticed Kagome's flush appearance and Sesshoumaru's dishevelment.

 

Bouncing in her seat, Kagome reached for the controls that lowered the window. Sesshoumaru effectively stopped her by moving close and placing his lips on her neck just so…

 

She fell back into her trance, although the fire was not as high as the raging bonfire it had been a few moments ago. They were locked together in a passionate embrace when Sesshoumaru had to drag himself back into the galaxy they were currently inhabiting by pulling gently away; they were slowing, which could only mean that they were arriving at the hotel.

 

Of course, Kagome made it very difficult for him to do so. Her mournful whimpers at the loss of him nearly did him in. He gave in a few times, indulging in a couple of kisses. But he gradually forced her to stop altogether, and now she looked at him suspiciously.

 

“If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were kissing me to distract me, Sesshoumaru,” she said, accompanied by a dubious expression.

 

He didn't smile, and his voice was laced with a threat. “I know not what you mean, Kagome.”

 

She knew she was right because he would not look at her. He huffed, like an indignant child. Had his threat been backed up with a meaningful glare, she would have wrongly accused him. She tried not to smile, but was unsuccessful. She was interrupted however, by the sandy-haired driver.

 

“Ma'am,” he said, smiling exuberantly at her as he held out his hand.

 

She blushed, although she couldn't understand why. “Th-thank you…” She grasped his hand and allowed him to pull her out.

 

She heard a low growl coming from behind her. It wasn't loud enough for someone outside the car to hear, but…

 

Transformed once again, Sesshoumaru elegantly stepped out of the limo, a thunderous scowl on his face. Kagome couldn't possibly believe that this man - this classy, rich, handsome youkai - could be jealous of the young Australian man before her. Then again, it seemed that nowadays, all the men she knew were jealous.

 

Not wanting to provoke him or stress him out, seeing that he was on vacation as well, Kagome stepped away from Cody with a simple `good night'. There were two bellhops already standing near the trunk, waiting for the luggage. Sesshoumaru pulled her away into the sliding doors of the hotel as Cody opened the rear of the limo. Shaking his head, he handed over the thick garment bag and Louis Vuitton suitcase belonging to Sesshoumaru, telling the man to handle it carefully, as it was `that gentleman's'. The hotel employee took it and abruptly left to bring it to the proper room. The other turned to Cody, fearing he would get the brunt of the baggage.

 

Cody thought to tease him a bit. “What a Sheila,” he said, smiling.

 

The bellhop seemed to agree, but was still nervous about how many bags he would have to carry.

 

The good-natured driver stretched it out a bit more. “She really knows how to pack,” Cody said, making a show out of reaching into the enormous trunk and finally coming out with a small, black, duffle bag.

 

He thrust it towards the employee, who seemed a little shocked. With a snicker, he pushed it into his chest. “Sorry, mate. Don't wanna disappoint you, but that's it. That's hers, and that's it. I'm outta here…”

 

He left the relieved bellhop outside as he drove away.

 

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

 

Kagome had been immensely relieved that the hotel didn't seem to be overly expensive. It was beautiful, but it wasn't the Ritz-Carlton. Sesshoumaru had made her wait on a couch in the lobby as he spoke quickly with the manager, retrieving something that looked more like an expensive cars' key rather than a hotel room key. They quickly made their way to the elevator. Kagome had begun to make way for an elevator that was already available, but the demon stopped her.

 

“This one,” he said gently.

 

She nodded as she allowed him to lead her a little further into the hallway. They stopped in front of the last elevator on the left and as they stood there, the key emitted a small beep and a green light blinked twice. Within a few seconds, the elevator doors opened. Kagome gasped - she'd never seen anything like this!

 

The elevator was designed simply, but the interior was different than the first lift she had encountered. This one was padded with rich fabrics, and was bright. Sesshoumaru entered the key into a hole in the circuit board, and the elevator responded by closing its' doors and beginning to move.

 

When the doors opened again, there were only a few feet between them and another door. Gingerly, she reached for it. Sesshoumaru was right behind her, and the door, sensing the key, chirped, blinked, and then the slight `chink' of the deadbolt unlocking was heard. Kagome pushed on the door, and it opened.

 

The first thing she saw was a closet, but after stepping in and to the right, she saw a huge room ahead of her. Looking to her right, she saw a small, blue sofa. As she walked towards it, she noticed that the room to the left opened up immensely. There was another sofa to the right of it, forming a backwards `L'. Positioned so that it would be in front of both was a sturdy, handsome, wooden coffee table of a honey oak color.

 

Facing the table so that all four pieces were essentially in a square was a stand with a large, flat-panel television on it. To its' immediate left was a desk, clearly for business use. Kagome walked further into the room, and in the back was another honey-oak table, this one made for dining. It was round, and accompanied by four chairs. And then to the table's right, a book shelf.

 

Essentially, she was standing in the middle of the room, gaping like a fish, when Sesshoumaru's looming presence brought her back to reality. In his graceful fashion, he pulled at something behind the two sofas. Kagome hadn't even realized that the wall behind the sofa wasn't just ivory; it was an ivory-colored curtain. And when Sesshoumaru pulled on the curtain's cord, they retreated to the corners of the room, bearing the night to Kagome's eyes.

 

Sesshoumaru, smirking, opened a door that had been conveniently placed in front of him. She hadn't thought she could be more shocked, but she was. Kagome stumbled towards him as he quietly opened the door enough for them to slip out. He took her hand and led her out into the balcony.

 

Since no light had been turned on, Kagome nearly smacked into a breakfast table that was just outside. Sesshoumaru steadied her, then guided her further. As her eyes adjusted, she saw that the generous balcony also housed a large lounge. Then, she turned to the view.

 

Kagome had never been one for heights. She almost instantly became dizzy, except that something bright caught her eye, and she almost giggled.

 

“You brought me all the way to Australia to take me to Sea World?”

 

---End Chapter 14---

 

E/N: IMPORTANT! I always forget to mention this, but if those of you that watch me on other sites want to know what's going on with a story of mine, pop on over to my deviantART site. I usually have something in my journal about what's going on, so you're not in the dark. You can find me at inuyashasesshomaru (dot) deviantart (dot) com.

Thank you all for being patient. It seems that every time I want to get some writing done, something happens. But fear not, my pretties: I have not abandoned you! As a matter of fact, for being such good little wallabies, I have a little treat for you. The next chapter will not really be a chapter. It will be an interlude. Actually, it's going to be my entry for this month's contest over at my club, ThatTime-Again, on deviantART. So really, part two (the continuation for this chapter) will be chapter 16. Chapter 15 will be up shortly. ^_^ BTW, this room really is a room at the Sea World: Gold Coast Resort. I had to do a LOT of research for these two chapters, and I assure you, I tried to be as accurate as possible. There IS also a Surfer's Paradise, in between Coolangatta Airport and the resort.

 

Now, for my thank you's and replies:

deviantART - luvtodraw, daddyslilgirl01, Drakague, hottyruby, LittleFoxDemon, Cali2007, No1sangel07, FionaASiren

FanFiction - BlondieBubbles, Kitten the Vixen, BroadwayBaby179

Inuyasha-FanFiction - Kougaswoman and dirtydogs57

Mediaminer:

unistar - Another InuKag vote! That should move them to the top. Aha! Your wish is my command: I hope this satisfies your curiosity about Inuyasha's “project”.

Keetonie - LOL Ah, you can always count on Miroku for a good laugh. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy this one as well. <3

Michael22 - Thanks so much for all the great compliments! I'm glad you're enjoying, and I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations! Hmm… another vote for InuKag?

buzzk97 - Haha, as usual, I love your reviews. You know, I hate to be so completely un-original, but I actually based a lot of this Kagome off myself, since she lives in Miami. I, too, don't get hangovers, which is how I know it's possible, lol. Ehehe… got all that out of that chapter, did you? Well, we'll see what happens… And don't worry about Kouga. There's no way I'm making him to be anything near a bad guy. He's still going to show up. I hope you enjoy! =3

MaraJade116 - You know, I always felt like Sango was Kagome's biggest supporter. She always tried to help Kagome out, and to give her advice. So it was natural that in this day and age, the smart, intuitive Sango would be… Kagome's biggest supporter! She plays a huge role, as I am a big Sango fan. So I'm going to try to give her some great lines and some good moments. And uh, about the strip club… *hides* LOL

Dj4056 - Thanks so much for all the lovely compliments! And another InuKag vote? Oooh… this is looking bad for Sesshoumaru-sama! I hope this chapter satisfies you for now…