InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For Richer or Poorer ❯ Moving In ( Chapter 4 )

For Richer or Poorer

Moving In

 

Inuyasha followed Kagome silently into her small, run-down apartment. She still wasn't speaking to him, and by the little flares in her miko powers, he could tell she wasn't going to be responsive to anything he had to say. He watched her walk to the middle of the room where movers were deciding what to pack for her.

 

“Shippou, you stay. Everyone else, leave. Now.” Her tone brooked no argument, and everyone made a mad dash for the door. “Cowards,” Inuyasha muttered under his breath as he faced a fuming Kagome. Shippou looked back and forth between them with a slightly fearful look.

 

“Kagome, is everything okay?”

 

“Oh, everything is fine, Shippou. Never better. In fact, guess what? I'm going to be the new Mrs. Sesshoumaru Taiinu. Isn't that great?”

 

“Kagome, that's great!” Shippou said enthusiastically, a little slow on the uptake. “I didn't even know you were dating anyone.” Inuyasha smacked a hand to his forehead.

 

“She's not getting married, you baka. Kagome, don't you think you're blowing this just a little out of proportion?”

 

“Out of proportion?” she asked quietly, and Inuyasha took an instinctive step back. “I just found out that I have to play happy housewife to one of the most arrogant demons I've ever met, who happens to be the brother I never even knew you had. Not only that, but I have to play the part of a demure debutante to a bunch of snobby aristocrats. What were you thinking when you assigned me this case, Inuyasha? That I'd be happy to stop playing the beggar for a few weeks?”

 

Tears welled up in her eyes, but were blinked viciously back. No way in hell was this going to make her cry. She glanced around her shabby apartment with a low, humorless laugh. “Poor, poor Kagome. That's probably what you thought. She doesn't have any money, so maybe she would want to know what it's like to be rich for a while, ne, Inuyasha?”

 

“Kagome,” he said, ears drooping slightly. How could he have forgotten how sensitive she was about her financial status? And now pairing her with Sesshoumaru was just rubbing it in her face. “I didn't think that, not for one moment. I knew that you were the only one who could pull this off.”

 

“Sure, I'm the perfect candidate,” she said sarcastically. “I'm a cop, Inuyasha. I'm not an aristocrat, I know nothing about business…I don't even know how to walk in heels for Kami's sake!”

 

“So you'll learn,” he shot back. “You can do this, Kagome. I'll be right there, and so will Sesshoumaru. He knows what to do.”

 

“Ah, Mr. Ice. How could I have forgotten about him? How come you never told me you had a brother?”

 

“Half-brother,” he corrected and sighed when she tapped her foot impatiently. “We're not exactly close.”

 

“Sesshoumaru…Sesshoumaru,” Shippou mused. “Why does that name sound so familiar?”

 

“You've probably seen him in business magazines or on TV or something,” Inuyasha said quickly, trying to distract him.

 

Shippou frowned. “No, my father told me about a youkai named Sesshoumaru before he died…” the little kitsune's eyes widened comically as it hit him. “Holy shit, Inuyasha, you're brother is a TaiYoukai?”

 

Inuyasha groaned as Kagome raised her eyebrows. “A TaiYoukai?”

 

“There are four TaiYoukais in the world,” Shippou explained, trying to remember what he had learned. “One for North, South, East, and West. Sesshoumaru is the TaiYoukai of the West, and I've heard he's the strongest demon since InuTaisho himself.”

 

“Who is InuTaisho?”

 

“Sesshoumaru's father and the old TaiYoukai of the Western lands,” Shippou said. “He died about 550 years ago, and since Sesshoumaru was of age, he inherited the land. He's been ruling over it ever since, and has never lost a battle. Wow, Inuyasha, I can't believe he's your brother.”

 

“He's my half-brother, damn it,” Inuyasha said.

 

“So if Sesshoumaru's father was a demon, and you're a half-demon, that means…InuTaisho is your father?” Shippou asked, and looked at Inuyasha reverently. Inuyasha nodded and shifted on his feet, uncomfortable with the topic.

 

“So if InuTaisho died 550 years ago, that makes you at least 550, right? That's incredible!” Kagome asked. Who knew her friend was so old?

 

“I'm 550,” he said shortly, “My father died the night I was born.”

 

There was an uncomfortable silence until Kagome spoke, her anger gone. “Well, I better finish packing and you both can come with me to Sesshoumaru's. I still can't believe I'm doing this,” she said, shaking her head as she walked into her room.

 

“Look at the mess they made,” she said grumbling to herself. Shippou and Inuyasha followed and began to help her pick up the clothes that were strewn around the room.

 

“Inuyasha, do you see a blue sweater in the closet?” Kagome asked, digging under her bed for a missing shoe. Not getting an answer, she glanced up at him and noticed him holding a pair of lacy black underwear. “Inuyasha,” she said louder, a slight smirk on her face. He snapped out of the little trance he had been in and dropped the panties as if they had burned him, a fiery blush forming on his face.

 

“W-what?” he stuttered.

 

“If I didn't know any better, I would think that you were acting like Miroku.”

 

He snorted. “Feh, that pervert would probably steal them.”

 

“I know, that's why he's not here right now.”

 

Kagome packed quickly and efficiently, growling at Inuyasha when he told her not to pack too much because she was getting new clothes tomorrow. Like she needed to be reminded of how much she was lacking in looking the part. Finally, she had a duffel bag full of clothes and toiletries, and her yellow backpack filled to almost bursting of other necessities she would need.

 

She set her things in the front hall where Inuyasha and Shippou were standing and told them, “I only need one more thing and then we can go.”

 

She walked to the kitchen and felt under her table. She pulled out, much to the shock of Inuyasha and Shippou, a .45 Colt. She tucked it into the waistband of her jeans, next the police issued handgun that was already in her hip holster. She then walked to her desk and looked in the hidden drawer and revealed a .357 Magnum. She pulled a shoulder holster out of the closet and strapped it and the gun on. Then she disappeared in her bedroom for one last thing. She came out wearing a thigh strap with a wicked looking knife in the sheath.

 

“Okay, ready to go,” she said brightly, and closed the slightly open mouth of Shippou.

 

“Are you expecting trouble?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“No, I just don't feel comfortable without them,” she said, hefting up her backpack and left the duffle bag for Inuyasha. They reached Inuyasha's car and dropped Shippou off at the precinct.

 

“I didn't know you had that many weapons,” he commented casually.

 

“I had to leave some at the house,” she said sadly, and gave a little scream at the way Inuyasha jerked the car. “You mean there was more,” he asked in shock.

 

“Well, I have a little six-shooter in the cookie tin in the kitchen and then I have my shotgun in my closet.” He gaped at her. “Would you keep your eyes on the road before you kill us?” she snapped.

 

The rest of the drive was made in silence, each occupants lost in their own thoughts.

 

If InuTaisho was ruler of the Western Lands before Sesshoumaru, he must have been extremely powerful. Didn't Shippou say he was one of the strongest demons of all time? That would explain the powerful youki I felt coming from Sesshoumaru. He must be just as strong. Inuyasha may be only half-demon, but I've felt the same power coming from him. But I never knew he came from such strong bloodlines…

 

Inuyasha's thoughts took a different path…

 

I can't wait to see how Sesshoumaru deals with Kagome's attitude. Kami knows he's not used to being defied and the look on his face when Kagome talked back to him was priceless. Poor Sess won't know what to do with himself!

 

As they drove, Kagome noticed the houses in the neighborhoods slowly become larger and more extravagant. She whistled softly in appreciation.

 

“How much longer, Inuyasha? We're almost to the countryside.”

 

“Not much farther,” he replied. “Maybe about five more minutes.”

 

“You're brother sure likes to be isolated, huh?” she asked, her nose practically glued to the window as they sped down the road. The number of houses was getting fewer and farther in between, until all she could see was the earth. Suddenly Inuyasha pulled onto a side road and her eyes turned forward and widened. Standing at the end of the road was a palace. At least it looked that way to her. It was huge!

 

“At least he has style,” she said to herself. She noticed that most of the outside was done in the traditional Japanese style of the past, and she thought it added charm. She could almost imagine a lord living there, standing regally on the porch looking over his lands with pride. The image was ruined however when she noticed a sleek convertible in the driveway, and she saw the unmistakable silver head of Sesshoumaru step out of it. She took a deep breath to steel herself as Inuyasha pulled up his car behind his brothers.

 

“You got off early?” Inuyasha asked, walking up to Sesshoumaru with Kagome walking slightly behind him.

 

“I thought it would be better for the sanity of my household if my presence was here,” he said smoothly.

 

Kagome scoffed and jerked when she heard the front doors slam open.

 

“Sesshoumaru-otousan,” a little human girl of about six rushed out of the house and immediately latched on to the TaiYoukai's leg. Kagome half expected him to shake the little girl off of his leg and sneer, but to her surprise, he patted her head softly, although his face expression didn't alter.

 

“Rin,” he said deeply, in a softer tone that she hadn't heard from him before. “Did you behave yourself?”

 

“Hai,” she said, giving a wide smile. She looked away from him to their guests. “Uncle Inu-chan!” The little girl launched herself at the hanyou, who was slightly unprepared.

 

He grimaced slightly when he heard Kagome smirk quietly behind him, “Inu-chan? Wait until the guys at the precinct hear this.”

 

He growled softly at her, but leaned down to pick up the girl. She immediately started petting his ears, much to his chagrin. Kagome started giggling and the girl turned to her with a friendly smile. “Uncle Inu-chan, who is the pretty lady?”

 

“This is Kagome, Rin,” Inuyasha said, putting the girl down. Kagome couldn't resist her smile. She knelt down so she was at Rin's level, not noticing Sesshoumaru's stare on her.

 

“It's nice to meet you, Rin,” Kagome said, putting out her hand. The child shook it eagerly, and her eyes widened when she noticed Kagome's guns.

 

“Are you a cop, Kagome?” she asked, excitement in her voice.

 

“Yup,” Kagome said proudly. “I work with your Uncle Inu-chan.” She tried not to laugh as she said Inuyasha's nickname.

 

“Cool!” Rin said, and was about to ask another question when another voice came from the house. This one slightly more annoying.

 

“Rin! Rin, where are you? You little brat, Sesshoumaru-sama will have my head if you went missing! Rin! Rin!”

 

A little toad imp ran out the front door and his bulging eyes located Rin, who was still next to Kagome. “You insolent whelp,” he started screeching. “How dare you disobey this Jaken's orders? You were told to stay inside until Sesshoumaru-sama came home. You have my word he will hear about your disobedience.”

 

Kagome stood up slowly, standing at least two feet above the little demon. She was about to tell him off to speaking to her new little friend that way when her eyes met those of Sesshoumaru's. The blankness on his face scared her a little, but his eyes had started to grow a little more golden, and the tenseness of his body told her of his anger. She decided to back off and let him handle it.

 

“Jaken,” he said in an emotionless voice, and she watched the little toad jump. He obviously had not noticed Sesshoumaru there.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama,” he squeaked. “You're home, milord. Ah, I was just-I mean I was going to-“ He was cut off by a slight whistling sound and Kagome barely saw the small pebble hit in the middle of his forehead. He dropped like a sack of potatoes. She glanced in astonishment to Sesshoumaru, who was calmly lowering his foot to the ground.

 

“Wow, Sesshoumaru-otousan,” Rin squealed delightedly. “I didn't even see you kick the rock at Jaken this time. Did you Kagome?”

 

“No,” she said softly. She stared at the back of Sesshoumaru, who was making his way into the house. Rin followed excitedly as well as Inuyasha, who stepped on the knocked-out Jaken's head along the way. She followed along at a much slower pace.

 

“Girl,” she snapped her head up as she heard his deep voice. “Don't dawdle.”

 

“Yes, your Royal Asshole-ness,” she said under her breath, and cringed as he smirked suddenly. Damn his demonic hearing. She stood up straighter and marched in before him.

 

All of the adults gathered in the living room while Rin went to her room and played quietly. Kagome and Sesshoumaru sat across from each other while Inuyasha flopped on the couch. Sesshoumaru started silently staring at Kagome, and since she wasn't one to back down, she began to stare back, and thus began the staring contest. Little did she know that Sesshoumaru was the king of stare-downs. They stayed like that, staring at each other, for a good five minutes, while Inuyasha looked at both of them with growing aggravation.

 

Tick…tick…tick…

 

The clock was getting on Kagome's nerves, and the penetrating gaze of Sesshoumaru made her feel on edge. It was eerie how his face could be so expressionless while his eyes burned with all of his emotions. In the span of their staring contest, she had seen dislike, then determination to not be the first one to look away, and then mocking. He was actually mocking her! She clenched her hands into fists, not knowing that she showed every emotion on her face to him. Then she saw slight amusement, and it angered her even more that he was laughing at her expense. The front door opened, and a very dazed Jaken caught her attention, and she looked away. She realized that she had lost and looked quickly back at him, only to see triumph in his gaze.

 

“Well, now that your little game is over, let's get down to business, shall we?” Inuyasha said cheerily, only to have two angry sets of eyes on him. Jaken just looked confused. “Ah, um-I mean, shouldn't Kagome have a tour of the house, Sesshoumaru? She might as well get used to the environment.”

 

Sesshoumaru gave a barely noticeable sigh and stood up gracefully. “Follow me.”

 

“This is the living room-“

 

“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” she broke in. He gave her a little glare and continued on.

 

“Through those doors are the kitchens. If you are hungry, you can either ask Jaken to prepare something for you, or fend for yourself.”

 

“Excuse me, Sesshoumaru-sama, but is this ningen woman staying with us?” Jaken asked, with barely concealed dislike.

 

“Yes,” Sesshoumaru said shortly. Jaken walked away grumbling, with the hot glare of Kagome drilling into his back. Was everyone against her in this house, or what?

 

Sesshoumaru continued walking and stopped outside a gorgeous door. “This is my study. Always knock if you are going to enter, but don't make a habit of disturbing my work.”

 

Kagome saluted. “Yes, sir!”

 

He ignored her and headed upstairs. He stopped at the first door. “This is Rin's room, and next to it is her playroom.”

 

“She's your daughter, right?” she interrupted.

 

He nodded. “I adopted her last year.”

 

She quickly realized he wasn't one for many words when he moved on. “This is my room,” he said. “Strictly off-limits.”

 

“No, really?” She asked sarcastically. Like I would want to go in his room anyway.

 

He ignored her once again, and turned around to the door across from his. “This is your room. Inuyasha, go and get her bags while she looks around.”

 

“Yes, my lord,” Inuyasha sneered, and left Kagome alone with him.

 

He opened the door, and she stepped into a room that was bigger than her living room apartment. She forgot she was alone with the arrogant bastard as she glanced at the simple beauty of the room. The carpet was deep beige, and under her feet it was soft and springy. The walls were a light tan, and many large windows with sheer white curtains gave the room an airy and cheerful look. She glanced around and saw an open door to her very own bathroom with a tub that looked like a mini swimming pool. She practically drooled as she imagined the bath she would take that night. Oh, but the best was the bed. It sat on a slightly raised platform and was huge! The mattress looked so soft and inviting, and the fluffy white comforter looked like it could swallow her up. She giggled as she suddenly had the incredible urge to go jump up and down on it.

 

Sesshoumaru had studied her silently the whole time she was walking around the room and wondered why she suddenly giggled. She turned to face him with her back to the bed, and gave him a wide smile. He looked at her, curious. She must have forgotten she was mad at him, he mused, for she suddenly opened her arms wide and let herself fall back on the bed, landing with a soft thump. She sighed dramatically in pleasure, and the look of childish pleasure on her face made the corners of his mouth turn up involuntarily. She certainly was an interesting creature. One that he would be living with until this investigation came to an end. The thought made him frown, and got back to the reason to why he had sent Inuyasha away for the moment.

 

“Miko,” he said, catching her attention. She sighed again, this time in disappointment.

 

“My name is Kagome, Sesshoumaru. Detective Kagome Higurashi. Think it would be too difficult to use it?”

 

“Detective,” he acknowledged, and she realized that was the best she could get for now. Well, two could play that game.

 

“Mr. Taiinu,” she said with a regal nod, smirking on the inside.

 

“Look, we both know that we don't want to be here, in this…predicament. And, as the situation is unavoidable, I think we should set some ground rules.”

 

“I agree.”

 

“Good. One, do not wear your weapons in front of Rin.”

 

“Agreed, as long as I can have a weapon on me at all times. Two, you will stop being disrespectful towards me.”

 

“Do nothing that deserves disrespect and I will honor your request,” he countered.

 

“Hey, pal, I wasn't the one who made the first insult. I believe that prize goes all to you.”

 

“Three, at the office, you will listen to everything I say, and the same goes for any parties we will be attending.”

 

“Of course. I wouldn't want to sully your precious reputation, now would I?” she said with a grin.

 

“Indeed.”

 

“Four,” she said, starting to get into the spirit. “In matters concerning the investigation, you have to listen to me.”

 

“Your investigation is of no consequence to me,” he said in a bored voice. “Five, you will conduct yourself as a lady at all times and will dress yourself as such. Your attire right now is hardly suitable.” He eyed her jeans and t-shirt with distaste.

 

“Hey, what I wear in my own home is of my concern, not yours,” she said hotly.

 

“You forget whose home you are actually in,” he snapped back. This woman tried his patience.

 

“Fine, I can wear want I want here, and outside I'll dress appropriately. Deal?”

 

“Hn,” was all he said and she took it as an agreement. Inuyasha suddenly came barging into the room, carrying her duffle bag and her yellow backpack.

 

“Jeez, wench, what the hell do you have in here?” he said.

 

“What…is that?” Sesshoumaru asked, eying the yellow monstrosity that was her backpack.

 

“It's my purse,” she explained, and he was too tired to argue. He resisted the urge to rub his temples, where a slight headache was forming.

 

“My Lord,” Jaken interrupted. “Dinner is ready. Is the hanyou going to be staying too?” He sent a sneer towards Inuyasha, who snarled back.

 

“Yes, Jaken, Inuyasha will be staying.” The little toad scurried out at his master's words.

 

“Six,” Kagome said suddenly. “You will keep that little prick away from me.”

 

“No guarantees,” Sesshoumaru said uncommitted. Inuyasha just shook his head.

 

Dinner was an odd affair. She listened to the light bantering between brothers while Sesshoumaru's daughter kept her entertained. She even managed to remain civil to Ice Man himself. But, all too soon it was over, and Inuyasha was preparing to leave.

 

“Have fun shopping tomorrow,” he said with a grin, and she scowled. “Don't try to kill each other when I leave.”

 

“No promises,” she said.

 

“I'll be by for dinner tomorrow,” he said, taking out his car keys. “We'll go over how we'll proceed then, okay?”

 

“Fine. You might as well bring Miroku, too.”

 

“Okay, well, see you.”

 

“Good-night,” she replied, and closed the door reluctantly. She turned, only to face the golden gaze of Sesshoumaru.

 

“Inviting people over without permission already, Detective?” he asked with a condescending lift of his eyebrow.

 

She flushed. “He's a part of the investigation, and we've already agreed that I'm in charge when it comes to that.”

 

“So we did,” he murmured, and abruptly turned and left.

 

Strange demon, she thought, and headed up to her room. She was already anticipating a long bath, and stopped in to say good-night to Rin. The little girl was already starting to grow on her as she gave Kagome a wide grin. She eyed Sesshoumaru's closed door before she walked in to her own room, refusing to think about the confusing demon anymore that night. She groaned. Tomorrow was going to be hell…

 

 

 

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A/N: Okay, folks, that's it for now. I will try to get in one more chapter before I won't have my computer. Depending on how well my computer works at home, I might update over the summer, but if not, I will update by August 22. And since I have a lot of time to write during the summer, there will be a lot of new chapters, so don't give up on the story! I was so surprised at how much everyone is liking this story. It makes me feel great, and I love writing this one. Remember how much I love reviews!! And now for reviewer responses, and there is a lot!

 

On Fanfiction.net:

 

Pyroangel7: Thanks for the cyber cookies, and I'm glad I could make you some money! I was reading the review when my friend, Shannon, was here, and we both started laughing because you bet on me! I thought it was hilarious. I've never had anyone make a bet on whether or not I would update within the week. I was laughing sooooooo hard! I hope you enjoy!!

 

Fluffy Li: I think you read my mind with the whole press thing, although it's going to be a slightly different situation. I love Inu in this story too. In a lot of Sess/Kag fanfics, they either have him acting as a complete jerk, or dead. I don't like him as a big jerk, and I think that if Kag/Sess should ever get together, Inuyasha either has to be dead, or Kag and Inu should be friends. Since I don't like Inuyasha dead, I decided to make him friends. It works out better. Thanks for the review, and I hope you keep reading!

 

Bay: Thanks for the review!!!

 

iNuyAshasAma: I'm glad this is one of your favorite fics, and I'm soooo glad you like it! Keep reading!!

 

Mirei Nochi: Just wait, Kouga will be making an appearance soon!!!!! I have tons of ideas for him! LOL!!! Thanks for the review!

 

Fluffychick15: I will try to write as much as I can before I leave…so don't give up on the story!!!! Thanks for the review!

 

Binab86: Excitement will come soon, and romance to follow that! Happy reading!!!

 

Lyn: Hm, your review sounded vaguely familiar! LOL!! I have written more to your request, and I hope you review more!

 

NinaWilliamsTheSilentAssassin or kagomeandinuyasha4ever: I know exactly what you mean. I really wanted Kag and Inu to have the best friend/big brother relationship. It just makes things nicer. I'm glad you like Miroku, and there will be more of him next chapter. I'm sooooooo glad you like the story, and I hope you keep reading! Oh, and I love it when he says, “This Sesshoumaru” too! Thank you for the great compliments!

 

Meletina: I'm glad you like it, and I hope you keep reading!

 

Stormqueen873: Your review had me laughing, so thank you. I often find myself having to drag myself away from my computer to go to bed, too, but I'm glad you took the time to review before you fell asleep at your computer! Keep reading!!!!

 

Clavira89: Here's your update. I hope you like it!

 

Naraku'sgirl2: Thanks for the review. I'm glad everyone is liking Sesshoumaru's character!

 

Dragon huntress: Thank you for the review!

 

Suzu: Oh, your compliments made my day. Thank you so much, and I'm glad you love the story!! Keep reading and enjoy!

 

Sesshoumarumate: Thank you, I'm glad you find the plot interesting. I've never really seen many stories like this either, so I decided to do one. Hope you like!

 

FluffysBabyGirl: Thanks so much for the review!!

 

Reviews from A Single Spark:

 

kafka013: Yeah, I understand what you mean. The attraction between them will be subtle at first. I'm trying not to make them move too fast, but it's hard. Thank you for the long review. Those are always my favorite! I'm glad I made you laugh, and keep reading!!

 

Littleindian98: I hurried and updated as fast as I could. I hope you like this new chapter!

 

Reviews from Mediaminer.org:

 

Moonwave: Hey, nice to hear from you again! LOL. Congrats because you are the only one who reviewed from Mediaminer. Thank you for that, and I'm glad you like this story as well.

 

 

 

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Whew! Well that's everyone I hope. I will try to have the next chapter out by the end of the week, but no promises. Much love, everyone!

 

Ja ne,

Mujitsu