InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Eat You Alive ❯ Womanly Advice ( Chapter 9 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

More song writing and Inuyasha's first date with Kagome. Even if it's unofficial. Oh, yeah, also we get our first glimpse at a new band. Foreshadowing implied. Throw in some advice on women from Sango and there's my chapter.

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.22.2005 | Updated On: 11.08.2005 | Pages: 24 | Words: 18.4K | Visits: 659 | Status: Work In Progress

Disclaimer: Jack be nimble. Jack be quick. Jack Flash sat on Tetsusaiga when he tried to get them for me. Damn you Inuyasha, for attacking helpless nursery-rhyme characters. Also, I don't own Lillix.

Chapter 9: Womanly advice

The house phone was ringing, but no one was answering.

“What is the point of having servants if they never do anything?” Kikyo yelled. She leaned over her bed and grabbed the telephone from the cradle. “Hello?”

“Hello. Kagome?” A masculine voice asked.

Kikyo sat up. “No. This is Kikyo Tama. Can I help you with something?”

“Yes. Could you get Kagome for me?” The man asked rudely.

Kikyo was shocked. Was he saying he would rather talk to her mousy assistant rather than her own gorgeous self? He must be mistaken. Or some kind of rumor digger. If she found out that little assistant of hers was selling her out to the tabloids, she was going to sic her boyfriend on that bitch.

She had to find out for herself. And it was not because he was pleasant to listen to. “I'm sorry. Kagome is, um, indisposed at the moment. Is there anything I can help you with?” The self-absorbed model asked sweetly, just in case he was a reporter.

“Yeah. I guess.” He seemed to think for a while before answering. “Can you tell her that I have her cell phone. We found it at the hotel.”

“We?”

“Yeah. Me and the band.” He huffed. “Just tell her we got it and to call Totosai.”

“Okay.” Kikyo purred. `Not a newsman.' “Was there anything else?”

“No. Bye.” He hung up.

Kikyo stared at the phone. “Well that was rude.” Even so, he sounded hot. If Kagome lost her phone then why did a dreamy-voiced guy like that have it?

“Kagome!” She yelled over the intercom. “Get up here.”

In the study, Kagome rolled her eyes. Damn PA system. It was wired all over the house so anything that Kikyo needed she just had to push a button for.

“Coming, Highness,” she grumbled, “and after I finally found a good book too.”

She marched up the stairs to Kikyo's room.

The princess was stretched over her bed in the feathery pink lounging robe Naraku had gotten her as an anniversary present last month. Kagome thought she looked ridiculous. The TV was blaring the `Real World/Road Rules Challenge', but Kikyo wasn't paying attention to the show. She had her limpid eyes locked on the door.

“Dearest Kagome.” She drawled. “How have you been? Met any men lately?”

Kagome raised a brow at her employer. “Not really. Just you.”

Kikyo huffed. “I just got an interesting phone call for you.” The teams started a challenge and the music changed to a mysterious tune.

“Hm.” Kagome vocalized indifferently. “And what was said?”

“Some guy has your phone. He said to call a Totosai to get it back.” Kikyo inspected her nails. “He sounded extremely hot and a little nervous about talking to you. So,” the model cut her eyes to the girl, “any idea who it was?” The music stepped up as the time ticked closer to the end.

Kagome thought about possible responses for her. `It's my new boyfriend. I upgraded.' But that would probably get her a double date. Bleck. `An acquaintance. We work together. He has a thing for me.' Then Kikyo might try to steal him from her. `What? He isn't mine.' She internally groaned. `The truth it is.'

“Sengoku's lead singer. You should meet him. He's a jerk. Just your type.” Her smile was devious and it freaked Kikyo out. Especially since the music had just gotten more diabolical.

“Kagome.” She tried to laugh. “Why would I want a jerk when I have my Narry-bear?”

Kagome almost sighed in relief. “I don't know. Why not? I mean, you've got everyone else.”

Kikyo's nostrils flared as she rose from the bed. Her robe slipped off one arm to show flawless bare skin underneath. “What are you trying to say?” The music hit a crescendo.

Kagome unconsciously backed up a step. “Nothing. Just that everyone else adores you.” `Skank.' She hated stoking the woman's ego, but this was her job. And she really needed this job. “And maybe you should meet more people. You can never have too many friends.” The girl tried her hardest to sound appeasing. `Or, in your case, lovers.' The buzzer sounded.

Kikyo slowly sat back down. “Maybe I should meet him.”

Kagome tried not to let her pounding heart slow her down. “Good idea. After all, you are going to be posing for them.”

“When?” Kikyo looked up. “I don't remember agreeing to that.”

“Sometime either next month or the one after. But soon.” Kagome looked behind her when a cheer from the screen broke her concentration. “And I talked to you about it after the Grammy's, remember?”

“Oh, yeah.” Kikyo pretended to remember. “That'll be fun.” She sniffed and turned up the TV. “You can go now.”

Kagome bowed out of the room. `Thank you, Highness. Your generosity knows no bounds.'

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Back at the other house*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Inuyasha hung up the phone. That Kikyo bitch really needed to lighten up. She didn't even know who he was and she was all over him. He shuddered.

He talked to himself, hoping his youkai wouldn't answer. “I'm glad Kagome's not like that.”

“Nod lie wha?” Miroku asked around his Kleenex filled nostrils.

Inuyasha jerked up when the monk stepped from behind him. “Nothing. So, you really got it this time didn't you?”

“Yez.” He wet a towel and placed the cool cloth over his eyes. “You'd dink avner all dease years det she would be use to det trea'ment.” He took the tissue from his nose, praying that the bleeding had stopped. “But she just gets more violent.” The monk threw the bloody tissues into the trash compactor. “Why does she do this?” He gestured to his black eyes, fat lip, and bloody nose. “Even when I don't catch her doing that.”

Inuyasha just looked at his friend. `And they call me the thick one.' He sighed and put a hand on the monk's shoulder. “Maybe if you stopped groping every woman that walks your way she'd be slower to knock you around when your hand `drifts over her ass'.”

Miroku tried to smile, but his heart wasn't in it. “But I haven't groped anyone other than her for almost a year now.”

“You haven't?” The hanyou's brows knit as he thought about it. “You haven't.” They shot up. “Well, maybe if you stopped groping her she'd stop hitting you.”

Miroku sighed and smiled wistfully. “I've tried, but I can't even be in the same room with her and not want to touch her.” He smirked. “I mean, have you seen that ass? And that rack. How can I resist?”

Inuyasha looked sick. “I've seen her practically naked and not wanted to.”

Miroku dove across the counter trying to wring his best friend's neck. “When?! I want answers! And don't you ever think of touching what's mine. Got it?!”

Inuyasha side-stepped and Miroku crash-landed on the floor. “And I'm the jealous one.” He walked away.

“Ittaa…..” Miroku whimpered.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Later that day*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome picked up the phone. Is it sad when you know someone you don't even like's number by heart? If it was, then Kagome was sitting pretty at the loser's table.

The line rang three times. Just before it went to voicemail, the old man picked up.

“Hello?”

“Hi Totosai. It's me.”

“Who?”

Kagome growled. This innocent-old-man act was getting really old. “Kagome.”

“Ah, yes.” He switched ears and grabbed the package he was signing for. “What do you want?”

She was getting used to this kind of treatment around the band. Now, was that sad? “Inuyasha

called. He says they have my cell phone and I really need it back. Can we arrange a rendezvous?”

“A whatty-woo?”

Kagome had to chuckle at that. “A meeting. So I can get it back.”

“Sure.”

Kagome waited for him to say more. She sighed. “When and where?”

“What were we talking about?”

She hit herself in the head. “Getting my phone back.”

“Oh, yeah.” He looked behind him at the house. “Do you know where Vegan Drive is?”

Kagome arched a brow. `My street.' She shook her head. Coincidence. “Yes.”

“Okay. They're staying at 1647 Vegan Drive. You can get it from them there.”

`No way.' Kagome parted the curtains and looked across the road. There was the old man. `Ay, dios mio.' She backed away from the window. “I think I can find it. So what's a good time?”

“Any time.” He muttered. “But they better be writing when you get here.”

“Yeah. Okay.” She hung up. “Oh not good.” The girl started pacing.

What was she going to do? It was bad enough when the hanyou was across town. Now he was across the street? The things that even thinking of him did to her. What should she call it? Lust? Yeah, that was good. Lust seemed to sum it up.

Except for that nagging voice that pointed out all the things they had in common. She really screwed herself taking him to all her favorite places. And talking to him! What was she thinking?! You don't talk to a guy that has that affect on you. Girls get in the `family way' doing that.

So what was he to her? A friend? No. Sango and Miroku had become her friends. He was something else entirely. A boyfriend? No. From what she could tell, he hated her guts and thought she was stupid. A lover? They had kissed. Did that qualify as a lover? No. Her fantasies couldn't even make him her lover. So what was he to her? Even she couldn't answer that. He was more than a friend, that's for sure, but not her boyfriend, though he acted like it at times.

She growled. `Thoughts like this will make you go crazy.' A distant voice said. A gruff male's voice. It was somehow familiar, but she didn't recognize it. Nor did she question it as she was stalking to her room.

If she was going to go over there, she might as well look her best.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Across the street, as we now find it*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Totosai shook his head at the phone and walked back in. He set the package on the entry table and went to find his band. Miroku and Inuyasha were in the kitchen, but Sango was pacing around upstairs. He could hear her grumbling from where he was, and decided it would be a much better decision to go to the kitchen.

“Hello boys.” He called when he walked in. “Lovely day for a date, wouldn't you agree Inuyasha?”

“What?”

“Kagome is coming over.”

“What?!” He jumped from his stool and ran upstairs.

The two men left behind raised their eyebrows.

“So, you hungry?” Miroku asked.

“No. I just ate some roast beef.”

“But you just got in here.”

“Yes.”

“So…..Where'd you get the roast?”

“Do you want some?” He reached behind his back.

“Sure. I do love roast beef.”

The old man pulled it out of his back pocket. “Here.”

Miroku stared at it. “Never mind.”

“What's wrong with it?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Kagome's Room*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“What to wear? What to wear?” She looked through her drawers. “No.” She tossed the shirt behind her. “No.” There went another blouse.

She looked through the rest of the drawers and the closet full of clothes.

“I have nothing to wear!!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Inuyasha's Room*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Hm.” He searched the floor. That's where he'd thrown his clothes once they got to the house. “This looks good.” He pulled the shirt over his head.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Kagome's Bathroom*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Ah! My hair looks horrible!” She picked up a brush and some pomade. “This frizz is gonna kill me.” The girl attacked her hair, trying to make it at least presentable. The waves fell from her shoulders and she tried to make them straight. “Grrr.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Inuyasha's Bathroom*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He looked in the mirror. “I'm good.” Hand-cup breath test. “Sick.” He brushed his teeth. “Better.” Arm pit sniff. “Okay.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Kagome*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“That does it. I'm just gonna have to take a shower.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Inuyasha*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He walked back downstairs. “When did you say Kagome would get here old man?”

Miroku was inspecting what Totosai had shoved into his hand. It appeared to be beef. But knowing where it came from, who knows. It could be something dangerous to mortals.

Totosai was staring at the monk. His brow was twitching slightly. “Just eat it, pansy.”

“Ahem.” Inuyasha cleared his throat. “I asked you a question Jijii.”

He finally looked up, the young man's suspicion of his dinner having worn off. “What?”

“When did you say Kagome was coming over?”

Miroku gagged in the background.

“Oh.” He thought for a minute, stroking his sparse beard. “I didn't say. She could be coming tomorrow for all I know.”

Now Miroku was holding his throat and gasping for breath.

Inuyasha sighed and stalked back to the den. On his way over, he slapped Miroku on the back and the killer roast beef flew from the monk's mouth.

He jumped over the couch and flipped on the satellite TV.

“Six hundred channels and nothing good on.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Back at Kag's place*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome stepped from the shower feeling refreshed and got ready to go across the street. `Why am I getting all dolled up just to get my phone back from him?' She asked herself. The voice appeared again, faintly calling to her.

`You want to look good for him.'

`Why?'

`Because you love him.'

`No I don't.'

`Then why the preparation?'

She couldn't answer. `Maybe I just want to look good today.' The voice never answered, but it made her think.

And why did it sound like Inuyasha?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Later that day*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome walked across the street with trepidation. “What am I nervous for? I'm just getting my phone back.”

`Maybe because you-'

`Shut up.'

The voice growled and left to torment his regular victim.

The dress Kagome had chosen was riding up her thighs. Tight skirts are not the best choice to wear…..ever. Unless you don't plan on sitting, or walking, or moving in any way that would compromise your modesty. And the heels were an nice touch. Nothing says comfortable like a pair of five inch pumps.

The girl praised her excellent fashion sense.

She fidgeted with the clasp of her bracelet as she neared the door. The doorbell was cute. Shaped like a bumblebee. She pushed on the thorax and waited for the door to open, playing with her flame shaped necklace as she did so.

Inuyasha sprang from the couch when he heard the annoying ring and ripped open the portal. The insult for disrupting his afternoon died on his lips when he saw who was on the other end. And she looked scrumptious.

“Can I come in?” Her voice was uncertain. `Why is he looking at me like he'd eat me alive?'

He tried to wipe the dumbfounded look from his face. “Uh, sure.” He held the door open and allowed her to pass under his arm. She smelled like berries.

“Nice house.”

“Thank you.” The hanyou racked his brain for something to say. “Drink?” `That's the best I could come up with?'

She giggled. “Sounds good.” `Did I just giggle?! I don't giggle.'

“Well, follow me. I'll show you the kitchen.” He started walking. “Though I don't know if it will be as interesting as the front hall.”

She giggled again.

`What is wrong with me?' Both of them thought.

`I've already told you.' The voice answered in both their heads.

`Shut up.' They yelled.

The voice sighed.

They finally got to the kitchen and Inuyasha opened the fridge.

“We've got some orange juice. Milk. Water. Lemonade. Loads of Dr. Pepper. Um, I think there's some Gatorade back here.”

“Water is fine.” As he got out the bottle, she tried to remember why she was here in the first place. “I won't be here long. Just came for my phone.”

He twisted the top off the bottle and handed it to her. “Yeah? You got a date tonight or something?”

“What?”

“Your dress. It's really nice.” He tried to keep the heat from his gaze as he scanned her attire.

She took a long drink, her mouth suddenly very dry with his look. “No I don't. Do you really like it?” She twirled around, giving him an excellent view of all her goodies.

Now he needed a drink. “Yeah.” He got another bottle out.

“I'm not sure why I'm wearing it. I don't have anywhere to go.” The bottle switched hands. “Not since I broke up with Kouga today.” She glanced up from under her lashes.

He took another drink. “You did?” How fortunate he was. “Are you okay?” `Remember, Miroku says to be sensitive. They like that shit.'

She looked down, remembering Kouga's face and his words. “Yeah. It was the right thing to do.”

He nodded even though she couldn't see. “Do you want to get some dinner tonight? My treat.”

Her head jerked up. “What?”

“Y-you know.” He looked around the kitchen. “To cheer you up…..and stuff.”

“Are Miroku and Sango coming?” She didn't know if she wanted them to or not.

“Do you want them to?” He scowled. `If she just wants Miroku there…..'

“Don't you?”

“I guess they could come. If it makes you feel better.” He cringed. `Great. Now I sound like I want to get her alone. Which I do. But that's not the point.'

“That's okay. I'm pretty sure you're harmless.” She smiled. `Am I being too forward?'

He chuckled. If only she knew what he was thinking about when he saw her walk in. “Alright. I'll get my coat.”

Kagome stood around the kitchen while he sprang off to God knows where. “Wait a minute. It's, like, eighty degrees out.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Meanwhile*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Inuyasha sprang into Miroku's room.

“Help.”

The monk glanced up from reading his manga on the bed. The look on his friend's face could only be described as sheer desperation.

“What's wrong?”

“I think I just asked Kagome out on a date. What am I going to do?”

Miroku raised an eyebrow, then scrunched both, then scratched his head. “Um, go on a date…..?”

The hanyou rolled his eyes and sighed. “I know that. But where? And what will I say to her? And-”

“Inuyasha.” He climbed off the bed and put his hands on his panicking friend's shoulders. “Calm down. Take a deep breath.” He waited while the hanyou did so. “You've been on dates before.”

“Yeah, but this is Kagome.” Her name rolled off his tongue like a fine wine. Right before it stained your favorite shirt.

“Just, I don't know, treat her like any other girl.” Inuyasha just looked at him. “Okay. Like I would treat any other girl.”

“Miroku.” Inuyasha growled. “I will not ask her to bear my children or grope her or-”

“Okay, okay. I get your point.” He breathed deeply. “We need a woman's opinion.”

They nodded and yelled in unison, “Sango!”

She came running in, wide-eyed. “What? Who died?” The girl looked at the two boys, who were trying not to look scared. “Oh, it's just you. What's up?”

“Inuyasha asked Kagome out on a date and now he's freaked and I don't know what to do.”

Sango rolled her tongue over her teeth and licked her lips. “Um-hm. And what do you want me to do about it?”

“Tell him what to say and how to act.” Miroku grumbled. “Because apparently I'm no good at it.”

She smiled. “You're good. For a man that's been in prison for ten years.”

“But Sango, I've never been in…..oh.” He pouted adorably.

She tried not to smile at his cuteness. “Look, the secret to women is: There is no secret. Every woman is different. You have to figure out what your date likes by talking to her.”

“That's what I'm afraid of.”

“The great Inuyasha afraid of a little girl?” She goaded.

“I'm not afraid of anything!” He shouted. “I'm just…..nervous.”

She smiled. “Look, there are a few things almost all women like.”

“And they are?” Both boys asked.

The taijiya rolled her eyes. “Understanding, love, and occasional flattery.”

They seemed to think about it. She didn't want to know what those thoughts were, but it's good that they considered her words.

“Just don't insult her or yell at her, and use those manners your mom taught you: open doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears, say `please,' `thank you,' and `excuse me,' preferably not all at the same time, and you'll be fine.” She left them to think about it.

Miroku snapped out of it first. “Okay, you heard the lady. Now go get her.” He shoved his friend out the door and shut it. “Now, to win the heart of my beloved.” With a dark chuckle, he rubbed his hands together and plotted.

Inuyasha walked down the stairs in a daze and followed his feet to the kitchen.

“Where's your coat?” Kagome asked.

“Huh?” Was his intelligent reply.

“You said you were getting your coat.” She finished off her bottle of water. “Though why you would need it in nearly ninety degree weather is beyond me.”

He seemed to recall what he'd told her to get away. “Yeah. That's what I figured out when I went to get it.” `Lame.'

Kagome bought it. He didn't seem like the brightest crayon in the box most of the time.

“So where do you want to go?”

“Um, you got an Meat Palace around here?”

Kagome wrinkled her nose. “No.”

“Oh. Then how about you pick.” He checked that his wallet was in his back pocket. “After all, this is your night.”

Kagome smiled at him. “Okay, I know just the place.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Upstairs*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Miroku slid a hand through his bangs and knocked on her door.

“Who is it?” Sango called.

“The love of your life.” He smirked.

“I'm sorry. I don't have a love of my life.” The door opened. “Ah yes. The pain in my ass.”

Even though Miroku was hurt, he couldn't let her see it. So he smiled instead. “You wound me.”

“I'm sure.” She picked at her nails, feigning nonchalance. “I was just about to exfoliate, so can you make this quick?”

“Well, I don't want to get in the way of your beauty regimen. We all know you need it.” Sango's head shot up, as did her eyebrows. `That did not come out right.' “What I mean to say is…..” Her foot started tapping. “You would look beautiful without going through all that trouble.”

“All that trouble?” She growled. “What makes you think I need so much work?”

The man cringed away from the door. “I mean.” Insert big sigh. “Sango, do you want to see a movie later?” He flinched.

She would have said yes. If he hadn't just insulted her. “No.” She slammed the door.

He sulked across the hall. “I…..am an idiot.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Downstairs*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Inuyasha and Kagome walked out the front door and across the street. It was a fairly long walk since both of them had freakishly long front drives. For the most part, the trip was silent. Both were absorbed in their own thoughts about the other and the upcoming `date.' Though neither was certain if the other thought it was a date, or that the other thought that they thought that it was a date. It was a confusing mess.

Once Kagome got in, she went upstairs to get her purse and check her appearance. Seeing as how she looked good and knew it, she walked back down and led Inuyasha to the garage to get her Neon.

“Oh. I almost forgot.” She turned to him while she was unlocking the doors. “Where's my phone?”

“Right.” He pulled it out of his back pocket and handed it to her. “It's a very nice phone.”

“Thank you.” She flipped it open to make sure everything was working fine. “You guys didn't look in it, did you?”

“No way. Why would I want to see your stuff?” He pursed his lips. `Oops. So much for a good evening.'

Kagome tried to shrug it off. This was his nature, she was coming to realize. Most of his insults were born out of nerves. It was a very good thing to keep in mind with the hanyou. Though she had yet to figure out when he was joking or really meant it.

“I don't know. Why would I even think of something like that?” She said sarcastically and finished opening the door.

Inuyasha sighed and got in the car. `Remember what Sango said. Remember what Sango said. What did Sango say? Oh yeah. I've already messed up and we haven't even left the house. This does not bode well.'

The ride was short. Mainly because Kagome was suffering from `Pissy Driver Syndrome,' or PDS which is its clinical term. Not to be confused with PMS, PHAT Mother Syndrome, which hits when you're forty and think you look twenty-five. Or PTS, Prissy Teachers Syndrome, which is that infamous power-trip your math teacher has around mid-terms. But I digress…..

When she pulled into the parking lot of The Pink Jewel, Inuyasha noticed how many cars were there.

“Date night on a Tuesday?” He asked. “Things really are different over here.”

Kagome got out of the car slightly calmer. Driving over a hundred did that to a girl. Gets out all your frustrations.

“No. Amateur night.” She answered.

Amateur night at The Pink Jewel was a local hot spot. Bands from all over the city competed for a two hundred dollar prize. And free beer for the week.

They walked through the crowd and found a table in the back, shrouded in shadows. Shippou was there in an instant.

“Ah, my favorite customer. How are you today Kagome?” He looked at the other occupant. `You can't be serious.'

Kagome smiled, her earlier tension now completely gone with the excitement, music, and a friendly face.

“I'm fine Shippou. How are you?”

“Good. Anything to drink?”

“Shippou!” She laughed. “You know what I always get.”

“Of course. And you, puppy? Another lager?”

Inuyasha growled. “No.”

Kagome put a hand on his arm and it silenced his growl. “Shippou, don't goad him like that.”

Shippou's eyes widened and he tried to look innocent. “Why, Kagome, whatever do you mean?”

“I know what you are fox. And I know what he is. So don't call him a puppy, okay? I'm the one that has to drive him home.”

“Sorry Kagome.” He bowed his head. “And what would you like, sir?” He grit out. This half-breed wasn't good enough for her.

Inuyasha sensed his reluctance to be polite and reveled in it. “Bring me what she's having. Kid.”

“Inuyasha!” The girl beside him smacked his arm. “Now you stop it. I don't want any fights in here.”

“Come on. I could beat him with one arm tied behind my back.” Shippou put his notepad back in his apron.

“I'd like to see you try it, you little punk.” Inuyasha stood up.

“Now, now boys.” Kagome grinned and joined them. “All this over little old me?” Both of them shut up. “Good. We're all adults here, so let's act like it.”

“Fine.”

“Keh.”

“Good.” Kagome sat down. “Now if you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy the bands tonight.”

Shippou sighed. “I'll have your drinks in a second.” He set the menus on the table.

“Little brat.” Inuyasha grumbled.

Kagome silenced him with a look. You know, that look your mom gives you when you haven't done your homework and you're trying to watch cartoons. He shivered. Were girls just born with that look in their arsenal?

“Thank you Purple Fairy Kiss.” The announcer said slowly and clapped. “Well people? How were they?” The applause was mediocre and a few friends of the band whistled. “Okay! The crowd has it and your votes have been tabulated. Now, from right here in Los Angeles, say hello to `Kamikaze'!”

Four girls ran onstage and quickly set up their equipment. Since most of it was provided by the house, all they had to do was plug in the guitars and set a keyboard on its stand.

“Hi! I'm Kagura!” The lead singer and back-up guitar said with a flourish. “To my right on bass guitar is Kanna.” The pale bassist waved to the crowd. “To my left, on the rockin' electric is Rin.” The bubbly girl waved. “And in the back, working out her anger issues, is Ayame!” The red-head spun her sticks. “And we are KAMIKAZE!” The crowd erupted in cheers. “Thank you, thank you. This is a song held dear to our hearts.”

(AN: Warning. This song can be skipped. And I would advise listening to it while reading. Otherwise it's boring and you will hate me. It can be heard on the Freaky Friday soundtrack or from Lillix. Whatever.)

Kagura started with a light strumming melody.

“Hey!” The girls said together and all joined in with a resounding note.

Hey!

More intricate melodies joined in.

Uh-uh-huh

Hey!

Inuyasha leaned over and whispered to Kagome. “If that's all they're going to sing, I'm pulling the plug now.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Wait for it.”

Uh-uh-huh

What I like about you

You hold me tight

Tell me I'm the only one

Wanna come over tonight?

Yeah…..

Inuyasha sighed as the beat changed again. “A cover. How appropriate for those that can't write their own music.”

The melody converted to the more intricate pattern and the rest of the girls joined Kagura as her own back-up singers.

(Ah-ah) Keep on whisperin' in my ear

(Ah-ah) Tell me all the things that I wanna hear

'Cause it's true (what I like)

That's what I like about you (what I like)

The beat switched back to the original.

What I like about you

You really know how to dance

When you go up, down, jump around

Talk about true romance

“Yeah.” Kagura voiced as the music picked up again.

(Ah-ah) Keep on whisperin' in my ear

(Ah-ah) Tell me all the things that I wanna hear

'Cause it's true (what I like)

That's what I like about you (what I like)

That's what I like about you

(What I like about you)

That's what I like about you

(What I like about you)

Inuyasha looked on in amazement when Kagura set down her guitar and jumped over to the keyboard to pound out a solo.

“That's different.”

As the girls vocalized with `Uh-uh-huh's and `Hey's, Kagome leaned back over the table.

“They've won this thing for three weeks in a row.” She patted his hand. “So show a little appreciation.”

She stopped talking when Kagura jumped back over to pick up her guitar. The beat slowed down and Inuyasha waited for them to sing again.

“What I like about you.” Rin shouted.

“You keep me warm at night.” Kanna nearly whispered.

“Never wanna let you go.” Kagura sang.

All the girls harmonized. “Know you make me feel alright.”

“Yeah.” The lead dragged out.

They went back to the banging melody.

(Ah-ah) Keep on whisperin' in my ear

(Ah-ah) Tell me all the things that I wanna hear

'Cause it's true (what I like)

That's what I like about you (what I like)

That's what I like about you

(What I like about you)

That's what I like about you you you

(What I like about you)

The beat slowed down again. Kagura whispered the lead and Rin and Kanna sang behind her.

That's what I like about you

(That's what I like)

That's what I like about you

(That's what I like)

That's what I like about you

(That's what I like about you)

That's what I like about you

(That's what I like about you)

That's what I like about

Hey!

It sped up again as they pounded to a conclusion.

Uh-uh-huh

“Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!” The girls yelled at everyone while still playing.

Uh-uh-huh

Hey!

“That's what I like about you.” Kagura whispered one last time.

“Hey!” They ended all music with that one word.

The crowd went wild. Standing ovations were seen and the applause was deafening. Even Inuyasha joined in with Kagome at his side giving her best whistle.

“Wow.” The announcer came back onstage. “People?” The cheers were loud enough to rival a Sengoku concert. “Well, I don't really see a point in continuing on with this.”

“BOO!” The crowd yelled.

The announcer chuckled into his mike. “Alright. The mob has spoken. You're up, um,” he looked at his note cards, “LOB.” He checked again. “Yeah. So come on out boys!”

Five young men came out uncomfortably.

“They're going to get eaten alive by this crowd.” Inuyasha muttered and returned to his seat.

Kagome grinned. “Naw. People here are really nice.”

The pre-recorded music started and they began dancing to a Backstreet Boys song.

“On second thought.” The girl grumbled.

“Where is that brat with our drinks? I'm getting hungry.” The hanyou's stomach growled on cue.

“I've got them right here.” The kitsune grumbled and set the glasses on the table.

“Thank you Shippou.” Kagome smiled. “How about the appetizer sampler and lobster. He's paying.”

She looked at the hanyou who seemed to have just swallowed his own tongue. And she giggled again.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Much later that night*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Inuyasha walked Kagome to her door after they got back from the restaurant.

“I had a really nice time tonight.” She fiddled with her keys and smiled up at him.

“I suppose this is the part where I say `I had a great time too'?” He grinned down at her.

“That would be the appropriate thing to say.”

“Well, I did.” His smile turned soft. She noticed.

“I'm glad.”

“Bet you're not thinking about Kouga anymore, huh?” He chuckled.

She stopped smiling. “Not until now.”

“Oh.” He backed up a few steps. “Well, I'll just go then.”

“Yeah.” She glared. “Good night Inuyasha.” Kagome opened the lock and stepped in quickly. “And it was going so good too.” She stomped up to her room. “He's such an idiot.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Across the street*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I am such an idiot.”

“So you've said.” Miroku watched his friend pace his purple room. “What you won't say is why.”

Inuyasha flopped on Miroku's bed. “The night was going fairly well.”

“Fairly?” He cocked a brow.

“I might have stuck my foot in my mouth a couple times before we even got in the car.”

“And?”

“And I might have almost gotten into a fist fight with Shippou, that little shit, at the restaurant. And then again with a drunk in the parking lot.”

“But?”

“Would you stop that?! I'm getting there.”

“Go on.”

“I thought it went good after that. Until I walked her to her door and mentioned Kouga.”

“Ouch.” The monk grimaced. “Bad move.”

“I know.” He growled. “Why do you think I'm kicking myself for it?”

“Really? I thought kicking yourself looked like this.” Miroku jumped up and flicked his leg behind him. It hit his rear with a thump.

“Show off.” Sango said as she entered the room. “Inuyasha, your problem is that you don't think before you speak. Or act.”

“How would you know?” The hanyou grumbled.

She looked at the boys. “You're loud. Scoot over.” She pushed Inuyasha over on the bed so she could sit down. “Next time you just have to be more conscious about what you say.”

“Next time?”

“You do want this girl, right? I mean, I'm not imagining it?”

“Yes.”

“So you have to prove that you're a decent guy. Now, call her tomorrow and make another date.”

“I don't know, Sango.”

She sighed. “Men. Just do it. If I know Kagome like I think I do, she'll try to make an excuse not to go but she really does want to. She just wants you to work for it. That's how girls think. We don't want to seem too `ready and willing,' if you know what I mean. But if we're really into you, we'll give in if you ask enough.”

“So, Sango.” Miroku slid in next to her. “Would you like to-”

“No.”

“But you don't even know what I was-”

“Yes I do.”

“So you-”

“No.”

“But I thou-”

“Wrong.”

“So if I-”

“No.”

The monk sighed. “Persistence bites.”

“That's only because I've known you too long. You're like a brother to me.” She got off the bed and walked to the door. `A really hot brother that I would love to be incestuous with. Ew. That sounded wrong on so many levels.' “Night guys.”

“Night Sango.” They chorused.

“I'm gonna hit the hay too. Night Inu.”

“Night monk.” Inuyasha went to his room.

He stripped to his boxer shorts and got in bed. Falling asleep quickly, he had dreams of Kagome. Very heated, interesting dreams.

(AN: Dreams that cannot be mentioned in this fic…..)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Kagome's room*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kagome made it to her room and changed into her pajamas. Dancing cats again. Her favorite PJs. But they only made her miss her home. She got out her phone. It was only about six pm in Tokyo. Her mom wouldn't mind doling out some advice.

“Hello? Higurashi residence.” Her mother's voice carried across the sea.

“Mama?” Kagome reverted to Japanese while talking to her mother. “It's me.”

“Hello dear.” She smiled as she made dinner. “How is America?”

“Fine.”

“And Kikyo? We miss her around the shrine, but it's so nice to see her pictures.”

Kagome scowled. “Oh, she's great mom. Work, work, work. You know Kikyo.”

Her mother's intuition kicked in. “Is everything okay dear?”

“Yes Mama. I just needed to hear your voice.” Kagome sighed.

“Oh.” She stirred the pot. “Well then, how's that Kouga fellow you were telling me about? You haven't mentioned him in a long time. Are you still seeing each other?”

Kagome knew this question was coming and tensed for the backlash of her response. “No. We broke up today.”

“I'm sorry honey. Are you doing okay?”

“I'll be fine. I'm the one that broke up with him actually.” There was silence on the line. She could practically hear her mother frowning and felt the urge to explain. “He was smothering me Mom. I needed some space to breathe.”

“Well, you always were an independent person.” The older Higurashi reasoned. “How did he take it?”

“He was a good sport. Sad, but okay with it.”

“Oh.” She groaned. “I wish I could be over there for you sweetheart.”

“I'm okay Mama. Really.” The girl sucked in a big breath. “I had a date tonight.”

“So soon after breaking up with Kouga? Kagome. That's not very nice.”

“Mom, I've been meaning to break it off with him for a couple months. I just didn't have the nerve to do it until I talked with Inuyasha and his friends.”

“Oh? And what did they say?” She was very displeased with her daughter's decision.

“You know how I could see things when I was little?” Kagome winced and started pacing.

She set down her spoon. “Kagome, if you're claiming to see horns and claws on decent people again, I swear-”

“No, Mama. They explained why I could see those things. See, there's demons all over the world and-”

“That's it Kagome. This has gone on long enough.”

“Mom just listen to me okay?”

“Fine.” She sighed. “I'll humor you.”

“Thanks. I think.” The girl took another deep breath. “You know those old legends that Gramps is so nuts over?”

“Yes.”

“And how all of them had youkai in them? Demons? Evil spirits? That sort of thing?”

“What about it? They're just legends Kagome.”

“No they're not. They're real and still here. Walking around. They found this way to disguise themselves. Normal people can't see them but I can.”

“Kagome. We don't want you to end up like your father. Please stop this nonsense.”

“Mom, I will not end up like Dad.” She sighed. “I've seen them without the disguise on. Kouga was one. And the boy I went out with tonight is one.”

Her mother was silent. “What?” She finally breathed.

“Inuyasha is a half-demon. A hanyou. He's a great guy. A little rough around the edges but I think-”

“Kagome, do you even hear yourself?”

“Mom, you have to believe me. I know what I've seen.”

“Dear.” She paused to think of the right words. “I believe you see things that aren't there. That's what your father claimed and I can live with that. I trust you. But I just don't want you to get hurt.” Tears burned her eyes as she remembered her sweet husband. “They threw him in an asylum, Kagome! The psychiatrists wouldn't let him out and he died in there. I don't want the same thing to happen to you. Just be careful about who you say this sort of thing to.”

“I will Mama. I'm not like Dad. He didn't understand. He had no youkai friends to explain it to him and he freaked out when he saw me playing with one of them. But things are different now. You won't believe how many of them there are. They're everywhere.”

“Okay Kagome. So who's this Inuyasha fellow you've been talking about?”

Her mother's mood swings never ceased to amaze her. “He's a hanyou, like I said. Half dog demon and half human.”

“He's what?”

“That's what I said when I heard it. But apparently it's not uncommon.”

“Hm.” Mrs. Higurashi stirred the pot of oden she was cooking. “So what's he like?”

“Well, he's arrogant and brash and rude most of the time. But he means well. And I think he likes me. I'm not sure though because he always says the strangest things at the worst times, but he's great.”

“Sounds like someone's got a crush.”

“Maybe.” Kagome sat on her bed. “I'm not sure. Sometimes I just want to wring his neck.”

Her mother chuckled. “Sounds like a winner. So what does he look like?”

“Actually, he's the lead singer of Sengoku.”

“Off that CD you sent Souta?”

“Yeah. The one with white hair.”

“Oh yes. He was very handsome.”

“Just imagine that with doggy ears, cute and fuzzy little perked up white dog ears, on top of his head.”

“He sounds adorable.”

“He is.” Kagome sighed.

“Well dear, I would love to sit here and talk all day, but my oden is done and Souta and your grandfather are hungry so I have to go.”

“You're making oden?” The girl's mouth started to water. “That's my favorite.”

“I know. And I would send you some, but you know perishables don't ship well.”

“I know Mama. Well, I'll let you go.”

“Okay honey. Goodbye. I love you Kagome.”

“Goodbye Mama. Love you too.”

She hung up feeling ten pounds lighter and snuggled under her covers. More dreams of Inuyasha came to her that night. Way more intense than before.

(AN: ;) Hmmmmm. Interesting.)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hello everyone! Hope you didn't hate the wait too much. Well, Sonic seems to be going well. Except for the people that leave me a three cent tip or none at all. They're stupid. And I'm only making $5.15 an hour so it's even less than I thought. That's the minimum wage from, like what, 1993? They are also stupid. Good food though. So, if I don't get a second job now, I won't have a house anymore. Yay.

I hate money. It really is the root of all evil.

Speaking of which, I have a friend who uses that phrase to explain how women are evil. It's funny. He says that money is the root of all evil, and time is money, and girls take up your time and money, so girls are evil. I cracked up. He's an egg head who admits that he has, like, no feelings for anyone. Dork. But he's a great guy so I can't be dissin' on him too bad.

Anyway. Kudos for my most reviewed chapter yet. YAY!!! You guys are awesome.

FireLizardTamer: I'm only going to put one more song by Sengoku in here. Apparently having the lyrics in my chapters annoys some people. I don't know what song yet, but it'll probably be one of the ones that I've hinted at in this chapter and the next. So, I don't know. I'm dumb.

Kittycat78: No way. Every suggestion helps. And I do the same thing. I put in thoughts when I'm writing reviews and sometimes they sound so stupid to me. But I appreciate it. And that just might make it into my epilogue, where I have a surprise for Kikyo. Mwahaha.

Misteryukimura: I will seriously consider it. Love that song. But I don't know where it will fit. And I would like the lyrics. And I still want to know where your penname came from.

Yukouchi: Thanks. I try. And I love new faces. Hope you come back for more.

LWL: What cake did you send me then? And Oreo cheesecake is really good. It's cheesecake and then Oreos on top held on with this gooey fudge. Yum. Am I brilliant? I hadn't noticed. When did that happen? And could you tell that to my high school math teacher?

Lyn: …..Hn.

Kagomereincarnated: Another new face. Thank you so much. I really tried to make that scene good. And no, I didn't write any of the songs. They're playing on my radio. And the song you're referring to was called `Mr. Brightside' by The Killers. The ones I write are mostly about how stupid my ex was. One of them is called `If it was a snake,' as in, `If it was a snake, it would have bit you.' And `Love song for a moron,' one of my only slow songs. But I'm not bitter. We're still friends. That's kind of sad actually. Because he was more of an idiot than Inuyasha.

MoonlightHanyou: More new faces. Wow. Thank you. And don't cry. See? No cliffy this time.

Adam: Thank you so very very much! Sweetheart. I wasn't really sure if the cupboard was funny. But now I know it was. n.n

Rain: Yeah. I've always wanted to make Kouga cry. : ) And emotional carnage is not really my strong point, but I think meaningless fluff makes everyone happy.

Tawdry Lassie: Aw. Thank you. Maybe you can get those reviewers on MM to review more. But it's all cool. Cheers!

Jlanimeluvr: Thanks for the heads up. As I'm writing this, I haven't read it yet. But I will leave you a review when I do. How was lockdown? I remember the oppression of parents. `Specially since I just got out from under their thumb a mere seven months ago. And in ways I still am under their influence. It sucks. You can never get away from them. Little depressing glimpse into the future. : (

Akirethegoddess: Glad you like Sonic. They do have excellent food. And if you're ever in the Tulsa part of OK, I just might be your car hop. I just have to figure out how to keep smiling when I only get ten cents as a tip. -.-

Also, my beta pointed out that she has no idea what most of the songs I'm writing are. If I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. I am American. And the songs in here are American songs. I'm sorry about that. I know a lot of you aren't from here but I don't know any international songs. If I did, they would be in here. But I can't even listen to the songs since I have no internet at home. Like I pointed out in chapter two, there are lots of places to listen to the songs I have in here. Ya'll know where they are…..

Second point that I need to point out. Redundant, I know. This is one of the last chapters. There's going to be maybe five more. I'm estimating. Maybe six. I don't know. But I really need to get back to my other story. I've been writing that for about two years and I'm still not done with it. I've lost my inspiration. Writer's block is a constant battle with that one. It's a canon fic and is getting really boring to write. I don't know. Check it out and tell me what you think, give me some pointers, whatever, just be my muse. If any of you bothered to read this far down that is…..

In case anyone was wondering, `Ay dios mio' means `Oh my God' in Spanish. Just thought I'd mix up the exclamations a bit.

And so, as always:

Questions? Comments? R&R.

For a better world.