InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For Richer or Poorer ❯ Shopping ( Chapter 5 )

(A/N: Aren't I nice? I decided to give you the next chapter two months early!!!! It's just that I couldn't resist, and I really like this chapter. So, on with the show!!!)

 

 

 

Shopping

 

She was flying on a cloud…a soft, fluffy, warm cloud that wrapped around her and sheltered her in its comfort. She was completely relaxed, listening to the pleasant singing of the birds outside and the wind blowing the leaves on the trees outside and the annoying knocking on the door…annoying knocking on the door?

 

She groaned as reality came rushing back. Someone was pounding on her door, she was in Sesshoumaru's house, and today she was going shopping. She dragged herself out of the safe haven of the bed and stalked to the door. She swung it opened to reveal a very annoyed Jaken.

 

“Stupid, lazy wench! It's already nine in the morning and you're still sleeping. My master does not have all day to wait around for you to get ready and get a move on so-“

 

She knelt down to his level, put her hand on his ugly face, shoved backwards so he went flying, closed the door, and went back to bed. Five minutes later, the timid face of Rin poked through her door.

 

“Kagome?”

 

Incoherent mumbling was her response, and Rin had to smile at how Kagome was acting like a child. Jaken was always making Rin wake up early when all Rin wanted to do was stay in bed. Now was her chance…she ran over to the bed and plopped on it next to Kagome. She snuggled into the pillows and after a few moments, she felt Kagome's arms come around her and hold her close. She sighed, thinking it was nice to be held.

 

Kagome thought the little girl was the cutest, sweetest thing ever and held her a bit closer. She had almost fallen back asleep in her little cocoon when she heard the door open.

 

Without even opening her eyes she spoke, “Jaken, don't you know it's bad manners to enter someone's room without permission? Next time, I won't hesitate to get my gun if you wake me up.”

 

“Excuse my bad manners, Detective Higurashi,” a deep, smooth voice had her eyes popping open. “But may I remind you that you made a promise not to take out your gun in front of Rin? Breaking promises is also bad manners.”

 

She sat up quickly and met the golden eyes of Sesshoumaru. His face was blank, but there was a bit of amusement in his gaze. “Eep!” she said, and in her haste to stand up, her legs got tangled in the blankets and she landed in a very undignified heap on the floor. “Oh, please just let me die now and save me the trouble of standing up,” she whispered, and made no move to rise. The noise had woken Rin and the little girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked at her adoptive father.

 

“Sesshoumaru-otousan! Good morning! Kagome and I…Kagome? What are you doing on the floor?”

 

Sesshoumaru had to stifle a laugh when he heard her muffled voice reply, “Checking for dust bunnies, Rin.”

 

“Rin,” Sesshoumaru said. “Go and get ready for school now.”

 

“Okay,” she said, and hopped out of the bed. She stopped to receive a pat on the head from Sesshoumaru and skipped out of the room.

 

Kagome waited for the footsteps of Sesshoumaru to follow Rin so she could get up, but there was only silence. How long is he going to stand there?

 

“Having problems, Detective?”

 

She gritted her teeth. She wasn't going to let him think that she was a coward and afraid to face him! With as much dignity as possible, she stood up. She saw Sesshoumaru dressed in a black silk dress shirt and khakis, leaning against her doorway as if he didn't have a care in the world. He would be really hot if only he wasn't so damn arrogant.

 

“Was there anything you wanted, Mr. Taiinu?” she asked coolly.

 

“Just to ask you to refrain from terrorizing my house staff.” She snorted. “And to tell you that we're leaving in ten minutes to go shopping.”

 

“Ten minutes? That's not a lot of time,” she protested.

 

He turned and started walking out of the door. “You forget. Jaken tried to wake you up so you would have ample opportunity to prepare yourself. The lack of time is your fault, Detective.” He closed the door.

 

“Mou!” she sighed, and began to rush around the room. She grabbed a pair of jeans and a black tank top and changed out of her nightgown. She located her backpack and placed her badge and her Colt inside. After she was ready, she ran downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed a piece of toast. Sesshoumaru walked in on her hurriedly stuffing the bread in her mouth while she double-checked to make sure she had everything.

 

She saw him glance at her clothes with distaste. “What?” she said defensively.

 

“It's rude to speak with your mouth full,” he replied. “Don't you have anything more appropriate to wear?”

 

She rolled her eyes. “I thought that was why we were going shopping.” She drank down some orange juice and wiped her mouth. “Let's go.” She passed by the door where Jaken was standing. He shot her a dirty look and she hissed at him like a cat, and laughed at the expression on his face on her way out the door.

 

Waiting in the driveway was a nice, sleek black convertible sports car. She whistled in appreciation.

 

“What? No limo?” she joked.

 

“It's in the garage,” Sesshoumaru said seriously, and smothered a smile at how wide her eyes got. “I thought we'd enjoy the weather more in this.”

 

“I'm not complaining!” she said excitedly and hopped over the side into the passenger's seat. “Let's get this show on the road!”

 

She didn't notice his smirk as she was suddenly thrown back in her seat as he roared out of the driveway. Who would have thought that Sesshoumaru drove faster than Inuyasha? “Does this run in the family or what?” she yelled over the wind.

 

“Please,” he almost snorted. “Do not compare my driving with Inuyasha's.”

 

She laughed at his tone. He sounded almost affronted. As the forest passed by in a blur, she did begin to notice differences between Inuyasha's and Sesshoumaru's driving. While Inuyasha almost seemed reckless in the way he drove, Sesshoumaru had a deadly control over his car. Kagome began to relax and enjoy the ride, even going as far to throw her hands in the air like she was on a rollercoaster ride.

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't help but smile at her carefree laugh. She was acting just like Rin, and just to get a rise out of her, he went faster. She gripped the seat, but the smile stayed on her face. After a few moments, she felt brave enough to turn on the radio.

 

“Ah, a classical man,” she said, listening to the strain of violin strings come out of the speakers. “That's all well and good, but in this car, I think we need something a little more upbeat.” She turned the dial to a popular rock station and cranked it up. “I love this song!!”

 

Sesshoumaru eyed the singing girl out of the corner of his eye. If nothing else, at least she's entertaining, he thought. Within record time, they had reached the city.

 

“Where to first?” Kagome asked.

 

“Kagura's,” he answered. “She'll be able to help you with everything, and she's a close associate of mine, so I trust her.” He parked his car outside a ritzy looking store and shut off the engine.

 

Kagome watched him exit the car as she fidgeted in her seat. He raised an eyebrow at her. “Scared, Detective?”

 

“No,” she said hotly, and exited the car. He smirked and walked slightly behind her with his hand on the small of her back. Kagome just tried to ignore him and walked confidently through the front door.

 

The place had elegance and style written all over it. Marble floors reflected the soft lighting from the ceiling, and all the furniture and wall tapestries were done in white, beige, and brown. Delicate figurines and statues were placed everywhere, and made Kagome want to stick her hands in her pockets so she wouldn't break anything. There was a child dressed in white at the front desk in the lobby of the store, and they approached.

 

“Kanna,” Sesshoumaru stated. “Kagura is expecting us.”

 

Black, soulless eyes stared at Sesshoumaru and glanced at Kagome. She shivered. Youkai… She was getting all sorts of vibes from her miko powers in this place.

 

The little girl spoke up. “She is awaiting you in the clothing area. Go on ahead.”

 

He nodded, and steered Kagome through a door. She found herself surrounded by racks of dresses, suits, skirts, and shirts. In the middle of it all stood a dark haired woman in a kimono. Although the kimono look was outdated, the woman managed to look in control and trendy at the same time. She held a white fan and turned sharp eyes to the couple making their way towards her.

 

“Sesshoumaru. I think you've hurt my feelings. Why did I find out about your new fiancée in the newspaper rather than face to face?”

 

“It was rather unexpected, even to myself,” Sesshoumaru said dryly. He brought Kagome forward. “May I introduce my fiancée, Kagome Higurashi. Kagome, this is Kagura.”

 

“How do you do?” Kagome said politely.

 

Kagura raised an eyebrow in question. “A miko? Sesshoumaru, I'm surprised.”

 

“You're not the only one,” he said under his breath.

 

“I'm not actually his fiancée,” Kagome spoke up, and the two youkai looked to her in surprise. “I'm a police officer.”

 

“I swear I was going to pay my parking tickets next week,” Kagura started, but was stopped by Kagome's laugh.

 

“No, no, I'm not here about that,” she said honestly. “I'm going undercover on assignment as Sesshoumaru's fiancée, and I need a little help playing the part.”

 

Kagura eyed her clothes. “Yes, I can see that you do. Boy, Sesshoumaru, you really know how to pick them.”

 

Sesshoumaru said nothing while Kagome let out a little huff. Kagura clapped her hands sharply. “Okay then, let's get to work! I'll be back in one moment.”

 

She left the room, leaving Sesshoumaru and Kagome alone. “Why did you tell her?” he asked curiously.

 

“You said you trusted her,” Kagome said simply. “Besides, now she'll be able to help me better, and it's not going to hurt the investigation if she knows.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“Ah, a man of many words.”

 

He was about to retort when Kagura came back in with two other people. One was a huge hanyou, if Kagome wasn't mistaken, with kind eyes and a gentle face. The other was a small woman with short black hair.

 

“Kagome, this is Jenenji and Yura. Jenenji will be helping you out with your make-up. He makes his own products, so you don't have to worry. Yura will be helping you with your hair, and after you're done with that, you will come back here and I will help you pick out some clothes.

 

Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru, panicked. “Nobody said anything about make-up and hair,” she hissed frantically. She was certain she saw a smile on his face when he said, “It's all a part of the job, Detective.”

 

“Come on, Kagome,” Kagura said forcefully, and grabbed the poor girl by her arm. “While we're getting you ready, you can tell me more about your little `assignment'.”

 

Kagome gave one last fleeting glance towards the smirking Sesshoumaru before the doors closed behind her with grim finality. Sesshoumaru found a comfy chair to sit one and made himself comfortable. He had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

 

 

 

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“So, a cop, huh?” Kagura asked as Jenenji did Kagome's make-up.

 

“Yeah,” she said, eyeing the mascara wand that was nearing her eye warily.

 

“So, you get to play Sesshoumaru's fiancée for a while? Do you know what you're doing?”

 

“Not a clue. But it can't be that hard, right?”

 

Kagura let out a hearty laugh. “They'll chew you up and spit you out before you even blink.”

 

“Who's they?”

 

“The crowd that Sesshoumaru hangs out with. You and Sesshoumaru are the prime subject for gossip now. You better damn well know what you're getting into.”

 

“How about some pointers?” Kagome asked, while trying to avoid the tweezers that were headed towards her eyebrows.

 

Kagura grinned like a cat. “I thought you would never ask.”

 

 

 

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“Wow, Jenenji, I actually look good,” Kagome exclaimed to the gentle hanyou. He gave her a small smile and a blush. Kagome continued to ogle herself in the mirror. “And you say that if I do everything you've told me, I can look like this everyday?” He nodded and handed her a shopping bag full of all the make up he had used on her.

 

“And your hair looks decent now,” Kagura added.

 

Kagome laughed and leaned in to give a conspirator whisper. “Yeah, but between you and me, I think that Yura chick stroked it one to many times for my comfort.”

 

“Yura has a slight…fetish for hair.”

 

“Guess she's in the right profession then.”

 

“Right. Anyway, now on to clothes.”

 

Kagome groaned. “I had almost forgotten about those.”

 

Kagura laughed. “The clothes make the woman, my dear Detective. Is that what you usually wear everyday?”

 

“What is this, `Pick on Kagome's Clothes Day'?”

 

Kagura ignored herd and led her to the dressing rooms. “Stay here while I talk to Sesshoumaru and pick up some clothes for you.”

 

Sesshoumaru was still sitting patiently in his seat when Kagura came to talk to him.

 

“Well?” he asked.

 

“She's certainly interesting,” the wind youkai answered. “And she's got spunk and attitude, which will help her not to get eaten alive at your parties. What were you thinking for her wardrobe ideas?”

 

“Pick out something she can wear to the office and show it to me so I can approve if it's suitable or not. I'll leave the formal wear up to you.”

 

Kagura nodded and returned to Kagome. “Here,” she said, pulling out clothes and handing them to her. “Put these on and meet me in the main clothing area.”

 

Kagome did so, grumbling all the while. She stepped out of the dressing room and padded to where her judges awaited. She stopped in front of them and fidgeted with her jacket as she waited for them to say something.

 

Kagura hummed in approval at her choice. The pitch black silk material of the shirt contrasted nicely with the blood-red color of her suit jacket. The matching red skirt went to her knees and showed off her calves, and her small feet were in suitable black heels. All in all, it made for a very stunning look.

 

Sesshoumaru was rarely shocked, but again this little slip of a woman managed to surprise him. He mentally complimented Jenenji and Yura for their efforts. With her hair elegantly swept up in a French twist and her suit on, Kagome looked every inch the business woman. Jenenji had made her eyes smokier and her lips darker, and it added to the whole effect. She looked untouchable, unapproachable, and it irritated him a bit. Now that he saw this side of her, he couldn't help but miss the side of her that dressesd in t-shirts and jeans and who didn't take crap from anybody. That side of her was comfortable, tease-able…approachable.

 

He frowned at the direction of his thoughts and was thankfully interrupted from his musings when Kagome spoke.

 

“Well?” she demanded. Their silence was starting to make her nervous and she began to feel ridiculous.

 

Kagura clapped her hands and said, “Perfect! I knew that suit would look good on you. Red always gives the wearer confidence, and it looks great on you. What do you think, Sesshoumaru?”

 

Kagome looked at his unreadable face for any type of reaction, but could detect nothing.

 

“It is acceptable,” was all he said.

 

That's it? She thought. She didn't expect for him to be swept off his feet by her incredible beauty just because she got made up, but she thought she deserved something more than “It is acceptable.” Damn it, why do I even care what he thinks? She thought and said aloud sarcastically, “So glad you approve, Sesshoumaru-SAMA. I'll just go put another suit on and see if it meets with your standards.” She turned on her heel and stalked out of the room.

 

“I think you've offended her,” Kagura said in a stage whisper.

 

Sesshoumaru said nothing but knew she was right. He didn't mean for his words to come out so cold, but he just couldn't help it. He was confused by his feelings when he saw her walk into the room, so he said the one thing that was safe, even though he could smell her nervousness and was probably feeling self-conscious. Suddenly he felt like a jerk, and for the first time, he actually cared.

 

Next Kagome came out wearing an Armani black pinstripe skirt suit that looked incredible on her.

 

“How does this one look?” she asked, toying with the slightly shorter skirt.

 

“Very sexy,” Kagura decided, and Kagome sighed in exasperation.

 

“I'm not supposed to look sexy. I'm supposed to look like a professional.”

 

“You do,” she reassured. “It's just that most guys see a woman in a suit and want to do their best to get them out of it and see what's underneath.”

 

“That's ridiculous.”

 

“Ridiculous, but true. Get back in their and try on the next one.”

 

And so it went for another hour. Kagome would try on suits and model them for Kagura or Sesshoumaru to approve or disapprove. Finally Kagura called a stop.

 

“I think you have enough clothes for the office now.”

 

“Thank Kami,” Kagome said, and collapsed on the couch next to Sesshoumaru. “I thought that would never be over.”

 

“Over?” Kagura asked with a laugh. “We've only just begun. Now we have to get you some formal wear.”

 

“More dresses?” she whined. “Do you have any idea how much this is costing?”

 

“Money is no problem,” Sesshoumaru broke in.

 

“For you,” she muttered.

 

“Kagura, I need to go pick up a few items myself. I trust that you will take care of the rest of Detective Higurashi's wardrobe?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Wait! You're just leaving me here?”

 

“Will you miss me, Detective?”

 

“Your sarcasm is unappreciated,” she echoed from when they first met. She thought she saw the tiniest of smiles on his face before he turned and called over his shoulder as he walked away. “Be ready to leave in an hour.”

 

“Mou!” Kagome exclaimed. “That pompous jerk.”

 

“It's all a part of the package, dear. You want Sesshoumaru, you have to deal with his arrogance.” But Kagura thought it was interesting that Sesshoumaru had actually teased her. The Ice Prince actually let down his walls for her, and that in itself was incredible.

 

“I don't want Sesshoumaru,” Kagome said with a faint blush. Kagura stared at her.

 

“Is there something wrong with you?” she asked. “Are you blind? Deaf? He's the most powerful demon in Japan, he looks like a god, and his voice gives any woman or demoness the shivers.”

 

“If you think he's so great, why don't you go after him.”

 

“I tried,” the wind demoness said tartly. “Five hundred years ago. But back then he thought he needed no one, including a mate. He's changed a little since then, but now we're friends.” She paused and said with a sly smile. “However, I always thought he would court a demoness when he finally felt ready, not a miko. Lucky you.”

 

Kagome started to sputter denials and then took a deep breath. “Speaking of demons,” she said, desperately trying to change the subject. “You're one too, right? What kind?”

 

“You're not a lesbian, are you?”

 

“What?! No!”

 

“Then why don't you want that hunk of demon goodness that walked out of here?”

 

“It's not his looks, it's his personality. I'm not going to deny that the first time I saw him I wanted to drool, but then he opened his mouth.”

 

“Maybe things will change.”

 

“I don't need them to,” she burst out. “This is only an assignment, and when it's over, we go our separate ways like nothing happened. He'll go on conquering the world and I'll go back to arresting people.”

 

Kagura was silent and then decided to change the subject. He handed Kagome a dress. “Here, put this on.”

 

Kagome took it silently and began to dress. As Kagura helped her zip it up she said, “I'm a wind youkai.” Catching Kagome's questioning glance she explained, “You asked what kind of youkai I am. I'm a wind demon.”

 

“Oh,” she said stupidly.

 

“And you're a miko, right?”

 

“Right. I found out when I was around fifteen and started training. When I was old enough I joined the police force and they put me in vice. About two years ago, a special unit was formed for youkai cases. They needed me for my powers. Captain Kaede is a powerful miko who formed the group. Sesshoumaru's brother, Inuyasha, is a part of it, and we have a monk named Miroku. Our newest member is a little rookie kitsune demon named Shippou.”

 

“Sounds exciting. Okay, let's see that dress on you.”

 

The dress was a pale sky blue and had a poofy skirt that flared out from the waist.

 

Kagura looked at her critically. “I like the color, but it's a little too Cinderella on you. Let's find another one.”

 

The next one was a deep red, slinky dress with a skintight bodice that crossed and tied on her back and a slit up to her hip.

 

“It looks like a tango dress,” Kagome said.

 

“That's because it is, and it makes you look hot. This one has my vote.”

 

The next number was strapless in an iridescent green color that had hints of purple and gold when the light hit it in a certain place. The skirt had slits up both sides and the whole dress seemed to make Kagome glow.

 

“That looks great on you,” Kagura exclaimed. “You'll make the jaws fall off all the guys.”

 

Kagome laughed and scoffed at herself, but her eyes lit with pleasure.

 

Kagura discarded three more dresses before picking two more. One was a deep, dark blue that made Kagome look more mysterious, and the other was a halter style with a short skirt. It was black and Kagura assured her that every woman needed her “little black dress.” Kagome was apprehensive of the length of the skirt, but trusted Kagura.

 

“Okay, get back into your old clothes. I have a surprise for you,” Kagura said, and left Kagome alone. She hurriedly dressed and walked out into the main clothing area, only to find that Sesshoumaru had returned and was sitting in the love seat again.

 

“When did you get back,” she demanded.

 

“About five minutes ago. Are you finished?”

 

Kagome put her hands in her pockets and scowled. “Yeah, I think so. Kagura said she had one more thing for me.”

 

“Here you go,” Kagura sang as she sailed into the room with a box. “This is a dress I designed myself, and I know it will suit you perfectly. Make sure to wear it to your first formal outing.”

 

“You will wear it tonight,” Sesshoumaru said.

 

“What for?”

 

“I received a call from Naraku while I was out. He saw our engagement announcement in the paper and invited us to the opera tonight.”

 

“So soon?” she cried.

 

“It would have been rude to refuse his gift. Besides, this is the perfect oppourtunity to meet him. There will be discussion about business while we are there.”

 

“I thought the opera was a recreational thing, not a work oppourtunity.”

 

“Everything is a work oppourtunity. He wants to merge businesses with me, and so he invited us to show good will.”

 

Kagome started to feel sick. She didn't know if she was ready for this!

 

“If Kagome needs to get dressed up tonight,” Kagura said. “She's going to need a few more tips. Wait here, Sesshoumaru, and Kagome, you come with me.”

 

Kagura gave her a hair straightener, saying that it was the simplest thing for her to use and explained how to use it. “Now, about your make-up. You know how to apply it all from what Jenenji told you, right?”

 

Kagome nodded uncertainly. Kagura scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to her. “Use these colors and you'll look great. Take a long bath before you go, and use all the lotions we gave you. Understand?” She looked at Kagome's face and felt a little sorry for the poor detective. “You'll be fine. Just remember, don't show fear or meekness, or they'll walk all over you.”

 

She led Kagome back to Sesshoumaru whispered in his ear, “Stay close to her tonight.”

 

“Of course,” he murmured. “She is my `fiancée' after all.”

 

She watched them walk out of the store, and mentally wished Kagome luck. She was going to need it.

 

 

 

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Okay, guys, there is the end! Okay, now listen, I have something very important to say. Today is my birthday, no joke, and that's why I decided to update early. Now all you have to do if you want to give me a birthday present is to review this chapter. It's not much, just press the little button and leave a note saying if you liked the chapter or story. Can you do that? It would really make my birthday a lot happier, because it hasn't been so great so far. I've had to work all day, ten hours, and nobody at work remembered it was my birthday, but if you guys review, I'll feel a lot better. Speaking of reviews, here are my responses to the great reviews you've given so far:

 

On fanfiction.net:

 

Dragon huntress: Yeah, I liked Kagome with all of those weapons too last chapter. Now all I have to do is figure out how to keep her armed with all the weird outfits she has to wear now! I hope you review again and thank you!

 

Fluffychick15: I will be back to school by August 22, but I decided to update sooner than that just because of all the reviews I've gotten, so thank you for yours. Oh, one more thing. What does bb4n mean? Review!

 

KagomeandInuyasha4ever: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I looked online for all of the gun info and I'm so glad you like how the characters are acting. Oh, and you asked me to make the shopping detailed…did I do a good job? I hope so!

 

Lyn: wow, four words instead of two! Gasp! Lol, keep it up!

 

Pyroangel7: miroku is coming up next chapter, I think, just for you! Keep reviewing!

 

Suzu: I like to thank people for compliments, and you are no exception, so thank you. And don't worry about spelling, everyone makes mistakes. Thanks again!

 

Kawaiikitty: thanks for the review!

 

Binab86: I updated sooner than expected, I hope that counts for something. Thanks for the review!

 

Shannon-sama: I totally thought you forgot about this story, but I'm glad you didn't. Keep reviewing and reading, and don't die from all the work you have to do! Love and hugs…

 

Clavira89: Sorry about not updating fast enough, but I think I do better than some other authors. I try to update at least once a month unless there are some difficult circumstances. I hope you like this chapter!

 

Hazardous: Thank you so much for your review. I try so hard to make my chapters long because I hate short chapters to. And I didn't think you were babbling at all. Babbling is good. I liked the quote at the end! I hope you review again!

 

 

 

From mediaminer.org:

 

Hayashi Panthera: Hey, thanks for the review. Unfortunately, there is going to be no lemons in this fic. For one, I don't think I can do it justice, because I'm not experienced, if you know what I mean. But, there might be some citrus, depending on if I can stop blushing long enough to write it! Let's just say that this fic is a lot sexier so far than my other ones. Thanks for the suggestions and the review!!

 

Moonwave: Ahhh, ever faithful, and I love it! Keep reviewing.

 

 

 

 

I'm not really getting a lot of reviews from a SingleSpark, but I hope that will change. But, that's it for now! Please, please make my birthday happy and review. Please?

 

Ja ne,

Mujitsu