InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Finding Kagome ❯ Chapter 29

DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and company, however I DO own an overactive imagination...

 

 

Finding Kagome

 

 

Chapter Twenty Nine

 

 

 

InuYasha sat slumped in his plush seat and picked lazily at the shreds of his cravat which littered his lap. He'd slaughtered the annoying thing in his sleep, obviously, and he wasn't exactly sure how Sesshoumaru was going to react.

 

That is if he hadn't already noticed.

 

The activity on the stage made no sense to him, the language was foreign, the sound of the orchestra was what had awakened him.

 

Not moving, he ventured a surreptitious glance in the direction of the Demon. His eyes met with those of his elder brother who's contained a mildly bemused expression.

 

Fisting his hand to his mouth, he cleared his throat and pulled himself upright, blushing.

 

“So. . . what did I miss?” he asked leaning closer to his brother's ear. The curtain closed, music stopped, and the audience rose to offer a standing ovation.

 

Sesshoumaru leaned away and quirked a brow, then stood to applaud for the curtain call. “Oh.”

 

“Have a good nap?” queried Kagura over the ovation, leaning behind the Demon with a glimmer in her eyes.

 

“I need that name, Kate. . .” Sesshoumaru turned himself and his attention to the demoness, effectively shutting InuYasha away from the conversation with all the noise. “That student of your's. And a number if you have it with you.”

 

“I have the damn thing memorized. . .” She leaned toward him, still clapping lightly, “but his voice mail is full, it won't do you any good. The kid is avoiding me for some reason,” her hands stopped and she peered at the Demon. “What's going on Seth?”

 

“It's none of your concern, Kate. I wish to speak with him, that should be sufficient,” his tone contained an icy barrier that she was, as of late, unaccustomed to, and it vexed her.

 

She sat back down in irritation, folded her arms and silently counted to 125. He knew how to provoke her, and she would not allow him this little victory. It was her student, after all. . . and the pompous ass was not going to meddle with one of her graduate students without her knowing exactly why. She mentally flagellated herself for even telling him she had the number memorized.

 

InuYasha observed the now silent exchange between them, his ears straining to turn under the restriction of his head wrap. So, maybe Sesshoumaru doesn't completely trust her, after all. . .

 

“Fine then, just the name. I will get the rest on my own,” Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed at her.

 

“Why is it so hard for you to tell me what the hell is going on?” she demanded. “Let me ask you this. . . does what you have to discuss with him have anything to do with his education ? Or is it something to do with the cultural fair project?”

 

“I knew nothing of the project until you mentioned it. . .” his tone was indifferent.

 

InuYasha actually found himself beginning to feel sorry for Kagura. More than once in his life he had been on the receiving end of that icy, emotionless mask that his brother was sporting. He hadn't cared for it then, and he didn't care for it now knowing that the reason for Sesshoumaru's demand was for his sake.

 

“. . . and his education is of no concern to me,” Sesshoumaru concluded his response to her question.

 

The two stared at each other for a long moment, as the sounds of the vacating patrons began to diminish.

 

“What's his name, Kagura? I'm the one that needs to know,” InuYasha interrupted the mostly silent sparring match that was going on.

 

“You?” she leaned to stare at him dubiously.

 

“Yeah. . . me. I think he knows something that will help me. . . ” He glanced at his brother. “It's something. . . personal.”

 

She peered at him for a moment, in consideration.

 

“Tell you what, InuYasha,” her eyes flicked to the Demon with a murderous look, “ I need to talk to him, too. His name is Michael Andrews. . . If you find him, make sure he gets in touch with me ASAP.” She rose to leave, glaring at Sesshoumaru. “Thank you for the choice seat, Mr. Inudono. I can see myself out.”

 

And she breezed out of their company. An icy breeze it was, except for the brief touch on InuYasha's shoulder as she passed him.

 

“A-sapp?” InuYasha scratched at his head, making a face.

 

Sesshoumaru sat staring at nothing for a long moment.

 

InuYasha brushed the remaining threads of his cravat onto the floor, wondering what all that had been about. He wasn't so sure he really wanted to know.

 

“It is an acronym, for as soon as possible. . .” Sesshoumaru finally spoke, his eyes still fixed forward. “She is obviously worried about this student. So in finding him, we can also perform a service for her. . .”

 

InuYasha narrowed his gaze at the Demon. He wants to help her? After all that??

 

“I don't get it,” his tone was incredulous. “First you give her the cold shoulder. . . then you want to help her?”

 

“At least I didn't 'whuff' her and announce that she stinks,” his expression was unchanged, eyes still locked on nothing.

 

InuYasha looked abashed. He hadn't meant to be insulting. . . he wasn't sure just what he had meant. She's still Kagura. Without Naraku jerking her chain. . . maybe she's changed...

 

“So. . . what now?” he asked, followed by a rather loud gurgling sound emanating from his stomach.

 

This drew Sesshoumaru's attention away from the space he had been staring into, to focus on the disheveled hanyou's midsection.

 

“We feed you. . . as the Lady so aptly put, this Sesshoumaru was a monster for not doing so before taking you out,” he rose and motioned to the doorway.

 

“She said that?” InuYasha followed him out and down the stairs.

 

“What would you like to eat, Caleb?” Sesshoumaru transitioned to legal names again as they walked through the lobby. “It is your. . . turn, now. I did not make it condition that you stay awake for Don Giovanni.”

 

“I want some ninja food. . .” he grinned to himself, memories of campfires and close friends breezing through his mind. Getting closer. . .

 

“And that would consist of. . .?” the Demon waited for some kind of clue.

 

“Noodles. . . I want some noodles,” he replied, with a lopsided grin.

 

“Ah,” Sesshoumaru's expression brightened a bit. “I know of a place that is open late, and that happens to be the specialty. That and imported beverages. Teas, beer, sake, etc.”

 

“Just no champagne. . . right?” InuYasha's tone held a hint of disappointment.

 

“No champagne,” a pointed look told InuYasha he had more than surpassed his champagne allotment for the evening.

 

At least I can get out of these STUPID SHOES!

 

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

 

Michael held the door open for Kagome as they entered the restaurant.

 

“I'm amazed this place is open this late, how did you hear about it Mikey?” she asked as they waited to be seated at one of the booths. It was a retro diner style place, with a definitely Far Eastern flare in the decorating.

 

Michael started to speak, then glancing at her, he raised his hand and cleared his throat,

 

“A friend of mine told me about it,” he said, looking down at the floor

 

She smiled at him sympathetically.

 

For the better part of the last two days they and Sally had worked to clear out her old apartment, and patch up the damage. Little had been salvageable.

 

Kagome was certain that Michael was as tired and on edge as she was.

 

Sally had left them several hours before, to go do her special security duty at the Opera opening, letting Michael use her car. He had suggested they all meet at this place for a midnight supper.

 

As the waiter showed them to a booth, Kagome felt that familiar sense in the room. She had felt this feeling quite a bit since returning to the city, and though growing accustomed to the sensation she doubted she would ever grow comfortable with it.

 

There were demons near.

 

“Mikey. . .” she started to comment.

 

“I know,” he interrupted her. “There's bound to be a few around, right?” He sat facing the door then looked around the restaurant, unable to pinpoint anyone specific in the crowd.

 

“Sure. . . I guess you're right,” she took a seat across from him in the booth. “So. . . this place is called The Noodle Factory? Let me guess. . .”

 

“Anyway you like 'em, or so I have heard,” he grinned. “Want a beer?”

 

“Is it what the doctor orders?” she smirked.

 

“Let's not go there, OK?” he motioned for the waiter.

 

He did not want to discuss anything having to do with his degree right now.

 

“Have you called the university, yet?” She noted his difficulty in meeting her eyes. “Mikey, look at me. . . you haven't called them yet?”

 

He met her gaze with reluctance. Sighing, he took a sip of his water.

 

“No,” he set the water down, idly turning the glass in it's place. “I honestly don't know what to say to Windham. I don't know how to explain it. . . so it will make sense to her.”

 

“Oh. . . “ she was at a loss, herself.

 

The waiter approached and Michael ordered for both of them, unaware of the scrutinizing gaze that was on him from several booths down.

 

“Fuck me!” InuYasha hissed, adjusting his hat, his golden eyes gone wide.

 

“I would rather not,” replied his brother with a look of distaste. “Eat your food. . . you have hardly touched it.” Pouring tea into his cup from the pot on the table, he looked up at the hanyou.

 

“It's him. . . the guy from the car!” InuYasha was becoming agitated, his voice barely in a whisper. He nodded his head forward, toward the pair in the booth that was some distance from them.

 

Sesshoumaru turned to glance back over his shoulder, past the full booths to see the man with the long black hair. Noticing the woman with him, he closed his eyes for a moment, turning back around to face his brother, who was stiff as a statue across from him.

 

“Relax, halfbreed. . .” he whispered. “They have just arrived, correct?”

 

“Yeah, they just walked in. . . the girl. . . she's. . .” he had no words to describe her.

 

“Eat, Caleb. . . they aren't going anywhere soon,” Sesshoumaru sipped at his tea.

 

InuYasha dug into his bowl, keeping one eye on the pair, unable to hear them over the drone of the others in the restaurant which made him frown.

 

Michael sipped at his beer, still having trouble meeting Kagome's eyes.

 

“How long until Sally will get here? Do you know?” She asked him, idly picking at the label of the bottle, her glass of beer untouched.

 

“She said that she would meet us as soon as she can,” he glanced up to watch someone come in the door, then head toward their table. “Something about a meeting afterward at the precinct.” He took a deep breath, like he was about to dive into a cold pool.

 

“What about?” Kagome asked, glancing at him to notice a figure approaching out of the corner of her eye.

 

Turning her head, her eyes caught a casually dressed young man, jeans and a dark brown Berkley sweatshirt. Her eyes followed up the tall form to fix on a pair of the warmest brown eyes she had ever seen.

 

He smiled at her, and she couldn't help but smile back.

 

“Fancy meeting you here!” Michael rose out of the booth to shake his friend's hand. He beamed a smile when the handshake was returned, but the eyes were only for Kagome.

 

“Care if I join you? I hate to eat alone,” the Berkley man's voice was low and just as warm as his smile. She blushed lightly and looked down at her hands which were still fingering the bottle's label.

 

“I don't see why not. . . Kagome, this is my buddy Hojo from Engineering. Hojo, this. . .” he motioned toward her as though presenting a prize, “. . .is Kagome Higurashi.”

 

On hearing the name and the field of study, Kagome's jaw dropped and her eyes narrowed.

 

“Michael. . .” through clenched teeth, it was very nearly a growl.

 

Michael backed up a step, knowing what was coming.

 

“I need to go call Selene. . .” motioning toward the hallway, his offered excuse not curbing her ire.

 

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Kagome. . .” Hojo's semi formal greeting was postponed by Kagome's hand, held up and effectively staying further conversation as she rose from her seat .

 

“No you DON'T Michael Andrews. . .” her seething tone seemed to have little effect on Hojo's admiration, as he stepped back grinning with his arms folded, to observe the goings on.

 

“Sit you ass back down here!” She pointed at the seat Michael had vacated.

 

Several booths away, InuYasha heard a female voice and a familiar name. Stretching to see, he found the man and woman were both out of their booth and apparently discussing something heatedly in the aisle. That's the guy Kagura wants to talk to. . . same guy as the car. . .

 

Michael raised his hands, in an attempt to wave off any misunderstanding.

 

“I mean it, Mikey! Sit down!” Kagome's anger was palpable, and beginning to draw attention from others. “You are going to explain yourself, DAMNIT!”

 

Hojo smirked and settled in for the show, taking Kagome's seat in the booth and helping himself to her untouched beer.

 

“Now, Kagome. . .” Michael put up his hands again, “It's just a misunderstanding!”

 

Sesshoumaru twisted around to see the girl pointing to the booth, just as InuYasha rose from his seat, transfixed on the scene.

 

“That's fuckin' Miroku! And he's with Kagome!” his jaw was slack, eyes wide, but his shock only brought a nanosecond of hesitation. Stepping toward them, he started to call to them, “Kago..!!” and was stopped abruptly by a clawed hand fiercely gripped over his mouth.

 

“Not like that, halfbreed!!” hissed his brother, urgently. “You may know who they are, but do they??”

 

InuYasha swallowed, his eyes narrowing as he tried to pull air past the nearly suffocating grip. He watched as the woman continued to point at the seat, stomping her foot.

 

“OSUWARI!! DAMNIT!!” she shrieked.

 

InuYasha felt a familiar tingling on his neck, his eyes became saucers as one heartbeat later he crashed to the floor, leaving an uncharacteristically puzzled Sesshoumaru standing with hand poised where the hanyou's mouth had been only a second ago.

 

His eyes shot around the room, barely noting the curious stares he was getting, before looking down to find his younger brother face down on the linoleum tiled floor, his hat askew.

 

“What?? I'm a damn DOG now??” Michael demanded with an indignant look, oblivious to the disturbance on the other side of the restaurant.

 

Kagome turned briefly toward the crashing sound, followed by a residual tinkling of service ware, and noted that someone obviously had had too much to drink. She immediately turned her attention back to Michael.

 

“NO!! DOGS are LOYAL!!” glowering at him, she knew she had made her point. “We talked about this. . . oh FINE! Go make your phone call. . .” She waved him away then ventured an embarrassed glance at the grinning Hojo, before taking Michael's seat.

 

Sesshoumaru knelt by the hanyou, adjusting his hat to a muffled “thanks a lot”

 

“Are you injured?” his shock at the power of the subjugation was apparent. He had seen the spell work before, but had forgotten just how forceful it was.

 

“Only my pride, asshole. . .” InuYasha grumbled, struggling against the hold the spell had on him. “Oi, guess what?”

 

“Nani. . .” the Demon reached to assist his brother.

 

“The fuckin' rosary still works,” he groaned, as the spell diminished and he allowed his elder brother to help him up. He ventured a pained smile and nod to the closest of the curious onlookers.

 

“You, little brother, have a knack for stating the obvious,” Sesshoumaru pointed to the booth, “Now sit, and listen to what I have to say, before you destroy your chances of winning this woman.”

 

InuYasha offered him a customary glower, then did as he was bid, stretching to watch the goings on at the other booth where things seemed to have calmed down.

 

The two disturbances having become nothing more than history with the after hours crowd, the drone in the room picked up again, effectively deafening the hanyou to the conversation.

 

“I'm sorry, Hojo. . .” Kagome looked at him sheepishly. “I know that Mikey dragged you out here in the middle of the night to meet me, and I'm being a bitch. . . I told him no matchmaking. . .”

 

Hojo smiled at her warmly, his eyes sparkling.

 

“I love a woman with a fiery spirit. . . Is your family really from Tokyo?.”

 

“Yes, they are. I am second generation America though,” she found his smile infectious.

 

“ Me too, I am named after my great grandfather Wait. . . The Higurashi shrine!” his eyes lit up even more, if that was possible. “Of course! I was there last New Year!!” his smile faded to a look of concern. “Wasn't it terrible about the vandalism?”

 

“Vandalism?” her brow knit, not understanding.

 

“You mean you haven't heard?” he leaned forward conspiratorially on his elbows, to discuss this homeland news. “Last week, my cousin called me to tell me about it. They think it was a gang prank, teenagers. . . They broke into a couple of storehouses and tossed things around mostly, and a grave was desecrated. That was the most upsetting, to say the least.”

 

“A grave? Oh. . . Kami. . . not. . .” she stuttered, horrified.

 

InuYasha could smell the anxiety emanating from the booth that Kagome was in. He had noted that she was speaking to another male now, who had his back to him. What he was saying was obviously upsetting her, and that caused the hanyou his own distress.

 

He hadn't even spoken to her yet and he felt an overwhelming need to protect her.

 

“Sit back, Caleb. . .” Sesshoumaru's tone was commanding, and this drew InuYasha's attention. “Remember what I said to you. . . you cannot move too fast or you will frighten her.”

 

“Whoever that jerk is, the one that's with her now. . . he's upset her. I can't just sit here and let some baka upset Kagome. . .” he moved to rise again, and the Demon kicked his legs out from under him, effectively seating him.

 

“Watch and learn, halfbreed,” he locked eyes with his brother. “An introduction must be orchestrated first. Without it, she will think you are nothing more than a common lecher.”

 

Sesshoumaru raised a signaling hand to their waiter.

 

“Oh God, I am so sorry Kagome. . .” it was Hojo's turn to be embarrassed. “I am so thoughtless, she is your namesake. . .” he slapped the palm of his hand against his forehead.

 

Kagome just stared at him. What a goofy thing for such an intelligent, poised and handsome guy to do. She would have laughed if she hadn't been so upset at the news. It's not the messenger's fault. . .

 

Instinctively needing to comfort him, she reached across the table to take his hand.

 

“Don't. . .” she pulled a reassuring smile out of nowhere. “Its just one more thing to add to the list Hojo. It's been a rough week for me, and I over reacted. I'm sorry.”

 

“You are. . . amazing, Kagome Higurashi,” his smile returning, he ran his thumb across the top of her hand in a soft caress. This brought a blush high in her cheeks.

 

Neither of them noticed Michael, who was leaning against the wall in the shadows of the hallway, a satisfied grin on is face. Mission accomplished.

 

A waiter approached carrying a tray with a carafe and two small cups. Smiling at Kagome he placed it on the table.

 

“From the gentleman in the white tuxedo,” and he nodded toward the Inudono brothers.

 

As Kagome had never seen them before, she peered in their direction to note they seemed different as night and day. The one facing her was the drunk from earlier, wearing a broad rimmed leather hat. . . the other had an impossibly long braid of white hair.

 

It was then she realized the source of her anxiety when first entering the restaurant.

 

One of them, was youkai, she was certain of it.

 

“Wow! Kagome. . .” Hojo had picked up a business card that was on the tray with the sake and cups. “Do you know this guy?”

 

Michael rejoined them, having seen the waiter deliver the sake. He took the card from Hojo, who had an expression of wide eyed respect on his face.

 

“Still mad at me?” he asked Kagome, looking at the card.

 

“Yes, but I'll get over it. . . Mikey. . .” she hesitated, then nodded to the pair far down the aisle.

 

“Yeah, I know. . . Inudono huh? Strange name. . .” he peered at the pair, noticing the glower on face of the one in the hat facing them.

 

Hojo whispered, as he reached to pour sake into the two cups, “Trust me, with the money he has, no one questions his name. . . Not sure of his ethnicity, but in Japanese it would be something like Lord Dog.” He chuckled. “More like Top Dog, he's worth at least a couple Billion. He never comes out in public! You two look like you need this. . .” and he pushed the cups of sake in front of them.

 

The two of them sat frozen in their places, staring at the cups.

 

“Kagome. . .” Michael ventured, “are you thinking what I am thinking?”

 

“Um. . .” she responded stupidly. Kami!! If he's youkai, then it could be poisoned!!

 

Hojo watched them for a minute curiously, then glanced back at the pair in the far booth, then turned around and shrugged.

 

“Well if you aren't going to have any, I think I will,” and he picked up the cup in front of Kagome.

 

He grinned and raised it in a silent toast. Just as it was about to reach his lips, she slapped it violently out of his hand causing the cup to bounce off the wall with a clatter as the sake sprayed all over the table.

 

Hojo blinked, his lips still pursed to accept the beverage, his hand still in the air.

 

“You don't know where that's been!” hissed Kagome.

 

Michael saw Selene walk in and glance around the restaurant, still in her uniform. He stood and motioned to her and she swiftly joined them.

 

InuYasha also saw Selene walk in, and ducked lower into his seat swearing under his breath.

 

“Oi, jackass. . . I gotta news report for ya. . .” he muttered low. “That law enforcement bitch just walked in and is sitting with them.”

 

“That complicates matters considerably,” there was a hint of a frown on Sesshoumaru's face.

 

“Wow, prestigious bunch in this place tonight,” she commented after kissing Michael on the cheek. She sat down next to Hojo. “Hey Hojo, how's it goin'?”

 

“Hi Selene,” he watched Kagome dabbing at the mess on the table with a napkin.

 

“That guy over there in the white tux, ” she commented, nodding toward the brothers, “is Seth Inudono. . .”

 

“Yeah, we know,” Kagome and Michael said simultaneously. Michael handed her the business card.

 

“The younger guy is his brother, Caleb. I guess Caleb's the reason he's out and about these days. It's said that he's rarely seen in public.”As she looked at the card, Kagome saw that there was writing on the back of it which she had somehow missed before.

 

“So Kagome, can you tell me what this guy would want in your neighborhood?” Selene asked.

 

Kagome took the card back, and turned it over.

 

“What do you mean?” she asked absently, reading the note. She then handed it to Michael.

 

Michael read the script on the back then blanched.

 

“Well, I think the guy got the message, one down and one to go,” InuYasha commented, pulling the brim of his hat down low on his brow. “Why can't I just go talk to her??”

 

“You would wish to jog the officer's memory? Do you recall the condition we left that apartment in?” Sesshoumaru fixed his gaze on his brother's eyes, “Our presence there was not sanctioned, it could get ugly. . . Caleb.”

 

“Those two were hanging around outside your place on Wednesday.” This statement got Kagome's attention. “I saw them there as I was leaving to go make the report and pull a forensics team together. Ooo. . . Sake!”

 

Selene grabbed the full cup in front of Michael, and almost got to drink it.

 

“NO!” He knocked the cup out of her hand, spraying Hojo and the table.

 

“Hey! You didn't want it. . . ” she then realized the mess the table had become.“ So. . . you guys holding a frat party here, or having dinner?” she inquired.

 

“The sake was sent to Kagome from Inudono, but either she really doesn't like sake or there's something these guys haven't told me.” Hojo looked at the two across from him, confused

 

“I'm not very hungry anymore,” Kagome frowned. “Can we just get something to go and go home?”

 

“Sure, honey. We can do that. . . “ Selene watched Kagome worriedly. “Hojo, you and the monk come too, I think an explanation is in order.”

 

“So, jackass. . .” InuYasha narrowed his eyes on his brother, “ you got a plan 'B'? She obviously didn't care for the sake. She wont let anyone else drink it either.”

 

“That other woman's arrival makes it impossible now. However,” he reached to touch his brother's arm, “it is still a first step, she now has our contact information.”

 

“But we don't know where to find her. . . DAMNIT!!” InuYasha sat up in his seat. “I can't win her if I can't find her, Sesshoumaru. . . SHIT!” he banged his head on the table, “Seth. . . OH what-the-fuck-ever!”

 

“Calm down, Caleb. . . it's only a small snag,” the Demon narrowed his eyes, watching his brother with concern. “We know now, there is no doubt who she is.”

 

InuYasha watched the foursome rise from the booth, and head to the door. A low growl emanating from him involuntarily as he watched the man with the brown sweatshirt put his arm around Kagome.

 

This caused Sesshoumaru to turn, and for a moment as they were leaving his eyes met with hers, and he nodded. She knows what I am. . . interesting. . . very interesting indeed.

 

Kagome tried to smile at the strange man with the even stranger tattoos on his face, but she shuddered instead. He knows. . . and he knows that I know. . . but is he a threat? Or is he a new ally?

 

She glanced at the card again going out the door which was being held for her by Hojo.

 

InuYasha cracked his knuckles, then flexed his claws.

 

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

A/N:: Thank you all for the kind reviews!! The chappies are getting longer for some reason, hmm not sure if that is good or bad. But so much more is happening, and going to happen. I'm wondering how long Sesshoumaru is going to be able to keep the hanyou on a chain. . . he seems to be getting fed up with it.

 

Pokiepal : I am so tickled that you are enjoying it!! Thank you for the review ;)

 

White Luna : More than one connection, wow! It's almost like the Fates are involved. . .Poor Sango needs more attention, and she will be getting it very soon. She's just so stubborn, not wanting to really believe all this demon stuff. Now Hojo is in the picture, and you were right, InuYasha's not gonna take it laying down! But then again, how receptive to his overtures is Kags really. . . we shall see. Thanks for the review!!

 

FluffyKirara : Thank you!! glad you are still with me ;)

 

golden kitsune : um. . . can I have him back now? I really need him. . . to finish the story. . .

 

 

Until next time!

 

~Metsuki