InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Double or Nothing: Take the Money & Run ❯ Son of a Preacher Man ( Chapter 13 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: hedgehogmadhatter 
So just who was Inuyasha's partner?
Inuyasha peered in through the doorway. “What the hell is Miroku doing here?”
She kept her back to him so he wouldn’t see the slow smile that crossed her face. “Oh that? He’s coming to pick me up. My mom invited him to dinner.”
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.19.2006 | Updated On: 05.20.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 6.9K | Visits: 413 | Status: Completed
So just who was Inuyasha's partner?
Inuyasha peered in through the doorway. “What the hell is Miroku doing here?”
She kept her back to him so he wouldn’t see the slow smile that crossed her face. “Oh that? He’s coming to pick me up. My mom invited him to dinner.”
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.19.2006 | Updated On: 05.20.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 6.9K | Visits: 413 | Status: Completed
Okay it's been awhile (two or three months) since the last update so here is a brief refresher.
A/N: Kagome is a JR bounty hunter after Inuyasha who is a police officer on the run accused of gunning down his own partner.
Inuyasha broke into her apartment bearing pizza and beer then claimed he was after a group of thieves bent on stealing the Shikon Jewel and that these same thieves want Kagome dead. So Kagome's stuck with Inuyasha and all she wants to do is pay her bills, not lose her apartment and get a normal job at the local Buy and Bag. What's a girl to do?
Disclaimer: I own none of the anime characters in this chapter.
Chapter Thirteen
Son of a Preacher Man
Kagome gave Bartleby an impromptu scrubbing in the bathroom sink. His furry body wriggled under the water as he struggled to break away from the hated bath, his tiny brown nose poking out of the thick soap bubbles like the periscope of a prickly submarine. Inuyasha leaned against the door frame watching as the tomato based pizza sauce turned the water a sinister, rusty shade of red.
His mind wandered from the silly pet bath to his partner Nicholas Wolfwood, whose life blood had emptied onto the concrete floor at Inuyasha's feet less than three weeks ago. He'd replayed those final moments in his head almost every hour since convinced there was some small detail he missed that could've saved Wolfwood's life. But it was a waste of time to dwell on the loss of a good man. All he could do now is get his claws on the men who killed him.
Wolfwood was a man of the cloth, or at least he'd talked about leaving the force for seminary, but he'd never been above what he referred to as appropriate violence. Inuyasha's hand clenched in to a quick fist by his side, the tips of his claws pressing into the sensitive skin of his palm. An eye for an eye, or a broken back or lifetime behind bars… it didn't matter how it ended as long as they paid for murdering his friend.
Kagome gave Bartles one last rinse of warm water then wrapped him in a white terrycloth bath towel.
She was speaking to the hedgehog in insipid baby talk when Inuyasha turned away, stomped through the living room and out her front door.
She knew too much to hope that he was actually gone. She dried the damp hedgehog before placing him in his hedge-house then went after Inuyasha.
When she peered around the front door she found him leaning on the terrace rail looking out into the dusk. His head was down, his long hair brushing the knuckles of his hands.
Kagome's heart pulled a bit at the sight then she remembered how he'd stripped her and left her handcuffed to the radiator. She was glad he was suffering, hell maybe she should give him a good shove off her balcony and help him along the path to even more pain. Even though he'd come baring pizza and beer, he was still holding her hostage. Well practically anyway… right?
She lifted her hands and took a step towards him but before she could act out her fantasy he spun around to face her.
Inuyasha frowned at her baring the tips of his fangs. “What the fuck! Damn, woman you're gonna kill me yet.”
Kagome crossed her arms in a defensive posture. “And that would be a bad thing because?”
He groaned and rolled his eyes. “Well because first of all, I am the only thing standing between you and a nasty end and secondly, I'm not beyond kicking your boney ass!”
Kagome's guts turned as she realized he'd had a good look at her so called boney ass, but she forced a bored expression. “Yeah, yeah, you're such a badass. That's why you're hiding out here with me.”
He tossed his silver head and glanced away. “Keh, you got some kind of death wish.”
She shrugged, “Well as I see it, I have nothing left to lose.”
He watched her trudge back into the cramped studio apartment. Stupid Wench, couldn't she see she had everything left to lose. Inuyasha wasn't an expert on much but now he knew there was always something lower than rock bottom.
_-_-_
Kagome took advantage of her captor's outdoor mope fest to grab a fast shower and a change of clothes. She was pissed that he had the nerve to return to the scene of the crime but no matter. Soon Miroku would pull up and then Inuyasha would get his just deserts.
She was pulling a brush through her long black hair, taking care to avoid the bandage on her head, when Inuyasha peered in through the doorway. “What the fuck is Miroku doing here?”
She kept her back to him so he wouldn't see the slow smile that crossed her face. “Oh that? He's coming to pick me up. My mom invited him to dinner.”
Kagome turned to face Inuyasha unable to conceal the smug smile perched on her lips. “It must've slipped my mind… I'm so sorry.”
Inuyasha's palm smacked against his forehead. “Oh fuck!” His eyes darted around the room briefly then he plopped down on her couch, visibly relaxed.
Kagome's heart sank, this couldn't be good.
Miroku honked the cruiser horn and Kagome picked up her purse. “Well then I guess I'll be seeing ya…” Then she stoked her confidence and shot Inuyasha a burning look. “Don't be here when I get back.”
Inuyasha picked up a back issue of Cosmopolitan and began leisurely turning its pages.
Outraged Kagome stomped her foot. “I'm turning you in. Don't you care?”
He pretended to read but was quick to turn the page when he found himself faced with an article about women who were attracted to their gynecologist. Nasty!
Damn… was this the crap women were always reading?
He tossed the offensive magazine to the floor. “So go. I'll be here when you get back.”
Kagome shook her head, “Oh no you won't. And what makes you think I'm even coming back?”
A cocky grin crossed his face, “Easy… Cause I've got the spiked rat.”
Kagome frowned, “No you don't. Bartles would never let you touch him.” Did he even have enough time to snatch the hedgehog when she had her back to him brushing her hair?
Inuyasha sat up and she saw her tiny pet curled in a sleepy ball resting in the crook of his arm. She gasped and growled, “You bastard!”
He laughed, “I've been called worse. Don't be gone too long; I'd hate to run out of pizza.” Bartleby lifted his head and gave a huge yawn flashing his long pink tongue and tiny canines.
Kagome was speechless. What kind of monster holds a pet hostage? Oh why was she even asking?
After stripping her, it was obvious he was capable of anything. She snatched her coat and a hat from the bed than slammed the door behind her. Surely he wouldn't hurt an innocent, helpless animal… right?
As her feet pounded down the wooden steps she decided it was best to keep Miroku out of this… for now, just to be on the safe side.
_-_-_-_
Ayumi Higurashi wanted so little from this life.
She wanted to die debt free. She wanted her husband to stop fighting with her mother and she wanted her only daughter Kagome to wise up and settle down.
But nothing ever went as planned and tonight's pot roast dinner was just another example. She shook her head as Kagome sat beside Miroku without so much as offering to help sit the table.
Miroku was a good man; Ayumi had known him since he was twelve. She'd be thrilled if Kagome bagged him but sadly everyone in the neighborhood knew he was stuck on that uptight Sango.
So while she was always glad to see him, having him here for dinner was a complete waste of time. She shook her head as she set a pitcher of milk on the table next to the loaf of Wonder bread.
Kaede slumped happily in her chair chewing on a piece of white bread. Every minute or so Ayumi caught her wiggling her thick grey eyebrows at the young police officer, yet further proof that things in this life never really change.
Ayumi waited until everyone was seated before making her move. She dropped the heavy cast iron Dutch oven in the center of the table. Bang! Everyone's plates rattled and even Miroku, a seasoned cop of eight years, was startled from his seat. “Jesus Kagome! What the hell's this business about you almost getting blown up?”
Kagome sat back down and gave a nervous cough. Her mother rarely cursed, unless she'd been hitting the wine bottle in the kitchen. Miroku nudged her under the table and she said slowly, “Yeah, that was just a misunderstanding…”
Her father dropped his fork and glared at her, “This bounty hunter crap… it's a joke right?”
Kagome fingered the hat she'd strategically placed over the bandage on her head. “Yeah it was. I'm getting a normal job, I swear. I just needed some cash you know how things have been and Myoga…”
Her father was on his feet glaring at Kaede, “That man is a waste of air! How are we even related to him?”
Kaede answered, “He's my half sister's step-brother by marriage.”
He frowned and began counting on his fingers, “That doesn't even make sense!”
Ayumi interrupted, “I've never liked him.”
Her husband spun to face her, “Never liked him? You had him over here last month for dinner… him and his silicone wife… what's her face!”
Ayumi shrugged and reached for her wine glass.
Kagome sat back down and gave a nervous cough. Her mother rarely cursed, unless she'd been hitting the wine bottle in the kitchen. Miroku nudged her under the table and she said slowly, “Yeah, that was just a misunderstanding…”
Her father dropped his fork and glared at her, “This bounty hunter crap… it's a joke right?”
Kagome fingered the hat she'd strategically placed over the bandage on her head. “Yeah it was. I'm getting a normal job, I swear. I just needed some cash you know how things have been and Myoga…”
Her father was on his feet glaring at Kaede, “That man is a waste of air! How are we even related to him?”
Kaede answered, “He's my half sister's step-brother by marriage.”
He frowned and began counting on his fingers, “That doesn't even make sense!”
Ayumi interrupted, “I've never liked him.”
Her husband spun to face her, “Never liked him? You had him over here last month for dinner… him and his silicone wife… what's her face!”
Ayumi shrugged and reached for her wine glass.
Kagome noticed her father's thinning gray hair had spots of pink scalp peeking through as he leaned across the table pointing his fork at Kaede. “And speaking of unmentionable family members, when are you moving out?”
Kaede shrugged, “Maybe next month.” Then she went back to her dinner.
Her son in law threw his hands helplessly up in the air; she'd been making the same promise for the past ten years. He knew even though he paid the mortgage, he had no real say over what went on in his own house.
Miroku sat non-plussed eating his carrots. It was practically a neighborhood tradition to invite people over to dinner then fight in front of them. In fact it made him a bit homesick.
Kaede shrugged, “Maybe next month.” Then she went back to her dinner.
Her son in law threw his hands helplessly up in the air; she'd been making the same promise for the past ten years. He knew even though he paid the mortgage, he had no real say over what went on in his own house.
Miroku sat non-plussed eating his carrots. It was practically a neighborhood tradition to invite people over to dinner then fight in front of them. In fact it made him a bit homesick.
Kagome's father tossed his napkin down then stopped next to her chair pausing just long enough to brush his lips over her forehead. “I'm glad you're okay, no more stunts alright?”
She didn't have a chance to answer him before he snatched up his plate and headed towards the kitchen. “I'm making a sandwich and going out back to the shop.” `Going out back to the shop' was code for Ayumiyour mother is driving me nuts.
Miroku speared a piece of pot roast on his fork as the back door slammed. “Mrs. Higurashi, this is great.”
Ayumi refilled her wine glass, how could she ever choose between her mother and husband? “Thank you.”
Kaede studied Miroku then asked Kagome, “So… who'd Myoga sic you on?”
Kagome's eyes dropped to the full plate in front of her and she mumbled, “Inuyasha.”
Ayumi shook her head, “I remember him back when you were in school. He grew up so hard.” Kagome wondered if her mother would feel the same if she knew about the visit Inuyasha paid her back in high school.
Miroku said nothing but Kagome saw his eyes were shut briefly. Kaede, unfazed by the sensitivity of the topic asked, “Do you think he really shot his own partner?”
Miroku, still in his police blues, glanced down at his badge. “I didn't at first though the evidence was against him. It was his gun and his prints were all over it.” He sighed and ran his hands over his stubby pony tail. “Plus there are two witnesses willing to testify in court. But I didn't think he could possibly be guilty until he skipped bail.”
Kagome's throat went dry and she picked up her water glass. “What was his partner's name?” She was sure it was in the papers Myoga had given her but she hadn't found the time between being held hostage and attending family dinners to read them.
“Nicholas Wolfwood.” The name rolled off his lips so easily she knew it never left his thoughts.
Ayumi, who hadn't quite recovered from Kagome's near death experience sighed, “His poor mother.”
Miroku answered, “He grew up in the Philadelphia foster care system… I don't think he ever knew his parents. Last time we spoke he was taking a leave of absence to attend seminary school. He wanted to be a Chaplin. He was very involved in the community and stuff like that.”
Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Inuyasha wasn't just accused of killing a man, but a religious cop and a humanitarian to boot. She muttered, “He probably visited the children's hospital ward on his days off…”
She didn't realize she'd spoken aloud until Miroku nodded, “As a matter of fact he did.” He paused studying her face, “He was a good man, and you would've liked him.”
Kagome had no intention of pursuing the matter but was still pressed to ask, “Were he and Inuyasha… close?”
Miroku shrugged and drained his milk glass, “As close as two foul mouthed, loner cops can be.”
What the hell did that mean? Kagome tried again, “Were they friends?”
Miroku looked away to Kaede who was hanging on his every word. “I always thought so.”
Ayumi reached for her wine glass, “Damn that Myoga. I always knew that man was a rat. Tomorrow I'm calling him.” She was visibly upset over Kagome's involvement in the search for a man who could kill his own partner.
Kagome protested, “Mom, please… don't.”
Kaede jumped in quoting Grease, her favorite movie. “He's worse than that; he's an amoeba on a flea on a rat.”
Kaede had been a huge John Travolta fan ever since Saturday Night Fever came out in 1977. When she'd hung her Travolta poster on the back of the guest bedroom door after she arrived that was Mr. Higurashi's first inkling that his mother in law was staying a mite longer than a week.
Kaede had been a huge John Travolta fan ever since Saturday Night Fever came out in 1977. When she'd hung her Travolta poster on the back of the guest bedroom door after she arrived that was Mr. Higurashi's first inkling that his mother in law was staying a mite longer than a week.
Kagome took a bite of pot roast and chewed slowly. She'd long given up hope of trying to make any sense out of her life. By the end of the night with luck Inuyasha would be spending a rent free night on a cot courtesy of the county jailer and Bartleby would be enjoying a piece of left over Yankee Pot roast.
Ayumi was eager for a change of subject so she turned to Miroku, “Have you and Sango set a date for the wedding?”
Kagome knew Sango had refused to set a date ever since Miroku flashed a black velvet box under her nose well over a year ago. Miroku shrugged, “Not yet but we did have some pictures made at Roland's photography. I was kinda thinking we could use them in our engagement announcement in the Reading Eagle.”
Because she had an official best friend status with Sango, Kagome knew how unlikely that was, but it seemed best to keep her lips sealed.
Ayumi smiled tightly, “That's nice, do you have any of the pictures with you?”
Miroku pushed his chair back from the table, “Yeah in the squad car, I'll be back in a moment.”
Suddenly the dining room walls were closing in and all Kagome wanted was out. She stood up, “Hey were they in that envelope on your dash?”
Miroku nodded, “yeah…”
She picked his keys from his hand, “I need some air… I'll get `em for you.”
He seemed uncertain, “Well if that's what you want…”
Kagome paused in the doorway. “Yeah I'll just be a second.”
She stepped into to foyer; perhaps her father was far wiser than anyone ever knew. Maybe she'd finish dinner with him in the shop; but she knew her mother and grandmother would never stand for it.
She pushed open the front door and walked out onto the front porch. Sesshomaru was leaning against the lamp post in front of the house, an unfiltered Marlboro clenched in his teeth and even though it was freezing out he was still wearing sandals.
Kagome had expected to find some member of the Inu family lurking, just not this one. “So you've stooped to stalking now? Aren't you missing American Idol or something?”
Sesshomaru cut a golden eye at her, “You lied to me.”
Kagome shut the door behind her, “About what?”
“You're hiding Inuyasha.” The accusation was almost painful, as if she'd help that man.
Kagome pushed her hair back from her face, “Yeah that's so it…” Then she gave into her pent up rage, “Do you know what he did to me! I hate that asshole.”
Sesshomaru took a step towards her and ran a claw through her hair; Kagome ducked her head trying to back out of his reach. “I don't but I have a feeling it's amusing as all hell.”
Kagome blushed a deep red, “Umm… actually it's not. And no I'm not hiding him!”
He stepped into her side and pressed his nose to her neck, breathing deeply, “Then why do you reek of him?”
Kagome planted both hands on his chest and shoved him back. “Step off! We had an encounter earlier but don't worry… you're still getting the Jeep back.”
Sesshomaru circled her like an eagle on a dove, his hands never leaving her shoulders. “I've changed my mind.”
Kagome swallowed, “You don't want the Jeep?”
He gave a low laugh, “Oh I'll get the Jeep… but I want Inuyasha first.”
Oh for fuck sakes! Why had he changed his mind? Kagome bit her lip, did it EVER end? She narrowed her eyes at Sesshomaru. “And I should help you because?”
He ran the claw of his right thumb over her lower lip. “It may substantially increase your life expectancy.”
Her head began to pound and Kagome pulled her hat down over her face. Oh why not let him kill her? It wasn't as though she had that much to live for. “I can't help you so get it over with and kill me already.”
She lifted her chin and threw her arms back inviting the death blow. Before Sesshomaru had a chance to react the front door flew open.
Kaede's hunched plump body stood framed in the doorway. “Kagome, why don't you invite your friend in for some dinner.”
Kagome shot Sesshomaru a death glare, “He's not hungry.”
He growled low for Kagome's benefit then followed Kaede into the house. She stood outside watching the twisted taiyokai step over the threshold of her parent's house.
Ayumi was shocked when she saw her mother escorting Inu-Sesshomaru into her carefully decorated dining room.
Miroku frowned as he stood up, “What are you doing here?” He knew this was somehow Kagome's fault. The girl was a magnet.
Sesshomaru parted his lips and flashed the tips of his fangs, “Having dinner.”
Kaede couldn't stop staring at his pointed ears. “Are your ears real?” Her arthritic hands were reaching out the touch the points on his ears.
Sesshomaru slowly turned to face her but before he could answer Miroku cut in, “Yeah I'm sure they are.”
He checked his watch needing any excuse to cut the dinner short, “It's getting kind of late. Kagome did you need to help your mom with the dishes?”
The whole scene was so ludicrous it was all Kagome could do to keep from breaking down into unrestrained laughter.
Her back was to the window overlooking the street so when the glass shattered under a hail of erratic gun fire the only thing she saw was Miroku running at her as Kaede and Ayumi hit the floor and crawled under the table.
_-_-_-_
Notes:
This chapter is dedicated to Charlie with all our thoughts and prayers.
Okay I suck for my lack of updating. I know I do. And I'm sorry. It's just been one of those lifetimes. Actually, now that I think on it, it's all Iz's fault. Yeah that's it. Lazy hedgehog.
Yes this chapter is named after Dusty Springfield's 1969 song, Son of a Preacher Man it's been covered by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Janis Joplin.
Billy Ray was a preacher's son
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they gathered around and started talkin'
That's when Billy would take me walkin'
Out through the back yard we'd go walkin'
Then he'd look into my eyes
Lord knows, to my surprise
The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes he was
So was I really bad to borrow Wolfwood from Trigun? Probably but it's all in great fun. Can you imagine how much hell Inuyasha and Wolfwood could raise? Yeah the possibilities are endlessly wonderful. So this begs the question will there be anymore cross-overs?
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they gathered around and started talkin'
That's when Billy would take me walkin'
Out through the back yard we'd go walkin'
Then he'd look into my eyes
Lord knows, to my surprise
The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes he was
So was I really bad to borrow Wolfwood from Trigun? Probably but it's all in great fun. Can you imagine how much hell Inuyasha and Wolfwood could raise? Yeah the possibilities are endlessly wonderful. So this begs the question will there be anymore cross-overs?
Not likely but there might be a black cat.
… Okay I've come back and fixed a few minor mistakes, what can you expected when your editor is nocturnal?