InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Impoverished Heir ❯ Picking up the Pieces ( Chapter 7 )

Wow you guys kick serious bootay! Thanks for the lively comments and reviews. They're a fanfiction author's `tackling fuel.' My notes on incorporating the fantasy into a modern world will come up sometime, if I can collect my thoughts. This cold was kicked away rather quickly, so we'll see if my luck holds. It seems to have crawled from my throat into my head however.

 

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Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own Inuyasha in any way shape or form, nor is getting paid to write this. Reader's comments are payment enough.

 

“Impoverished Heir” chapter seven

Picking up the Pieces

 

Souta sat in his apartment and stared at the lock on his door. He had just had it changed, and left a nice tip for the man who left, doffing his cap in thanks. The contents in his toolbox had made quite a clatter as he went down the hallway. Now the building was quiet on this floor and the young man wondered what to do about his current situation.

Arika was a headstrong girl and that's what had driven Souta to date her and be with her. He didn't know she was compulsive, obsessive and violent to boot and she had gone on a rampage in his home when she claimed he had been making eyes at another girl at school. Souta of course had not, and even if he had, what was a look anyway? It wasn't like he was going to try and get in her panties, but try and explain that to his erratic girlfriend. Arika had screamed, thrown things at him, and basically made a mess of his things. Souta could only run outside, and call his sister up in hopes she could come bring in the cavalry and help him out.

 

Souta traced his fingers against a dent in his wall and grimaced. His sister indeed had come in, guns blazing figuratively, and Arika was no match for her ferocity. Souta could only fall over his sister in thanks after his girl had been chased out. Kagome had only sighed, hugged him back and commanded him to help her clean up his apartment. Souta could only comply with her wishes gratefully.

 

“Why are you seeing that fast-ass girl anyway?” Kagome had asked. Cleaning up a broken jar of soy sauce proved the worst mess as it had seeped into the tatami mats. Souta had only said he was in over his head and he didn't want to see her anymore.

“Then break it off, fast,” Kagome had advised. Souta had done just that, calling her up and breaking it off over the phone. Kagome sighed and clapped her brother on the shoulder. “Just watch out. She's already messed up your home, she doesn't need to mess up your person.”

 

“She won't, Onee-chan,” Souta mumbled to his empty apartment. Due to his sweet and trusting nature, he had had his fill of fast girls who assumed he was a sucker and pushed him around to fulfill their needs. It hurt him that he trusted each one with his heart and belongings so readily, and they had taken his kindness for weakness, thinking him weak and small in return. The next girl would be the right one for him, or she wouldn't be near him, Souta decided.

Wasn't Big Sis seeing someone nice now too? Souta sighed and played with the edge of his cell phone. “Everyone's hooking up right, except for me,” he complained to no one. His apartment did not respond in kind.

 

* * * *

 

Sango laid her head against Miroku's chest and curled up against his side. She was so used to his touch now that she pouted when his warm arm did not descend around her, but brightened when it did. Miroku's hand roamed over her hip and lay against her thigh, fingers softly caressing. Sango leaned up to kiss his neck as they lay comfortably together, idly watching the television. They liked coming to Sango's as it was bigger; but Kirara flipped out if they got too amorous there, so Miroku's was the ideal location to get `a little closer.'

Sango smiled and pressed against him when he rubbed her back. A small smile played at the priest's son's lips and she wanted to kiss him senseless. Her hands played with his t-shirt, then stole up to caress the loose waves of his shoulder length hair. Miroku smirked and looked up at the lovely woman stretched against him. He leaned up to accept a gentle kiss and laughed when her advances became more daring.

“Sango, what are you doing!” he laughed. He spread his legs and Sango lay between them. Their hips pressed together but Sango was flat on her stomach, so there wasn't any stimulation between their waists. It was more a matter of intimacy than lust and Sango took Miroku's mouth in a warm kiss. She felt the monk freeze, and shudder beneath her. His touches grew more sure and his hands were warm against her back, her shoulders and waist. Sango laughed and arched high when both wandering hands moved low to squeeze her rear.

“I was getting close to you! Now what are YOU doing?” Sango laughed. Miroku patted her ass and grinned.

“Punishing you if you damage the goods,” he teased. Sango knelt up to sling one leg over his waist, balancing herself for leverage. Miroku looked down at her partially open blouse and his gaze grew serious, his cheeks red. He tried not to think of anything swelling as blood pooled towards the warmth covering his groin.

“This isn't bad is it?” she asked a little breathlessly. Miroku looked up, his heart in his eyes and shook his head.

“You're fine, huntress…. More than fine,” he gasped. He bit his lip and tried to look away when Sango rubbed against his stiffening arousal.

“Sango…”

“You don't like that? I think you do,” Sango said knowingly. She leaned down, her breasts grazing the cloth of Miroku's t-shirt and kissed his brow. The small chaste kiss contrasted sharply with the thrusting of her hips. Miroku lifted his head, knocked his pillow from under it, and laid flat on his back with the full expanse of Sango across his willing body. His hands settled against her hips and he held her close as he kissed her longingly. He moaned against Sango's lips as she ground against him. The friction between their clothing grew more heated by the moment. Miroku wound up fully erect beneath his huntress on the prowl. Her hands were at his waist, tugging at the hem of his shirt and tugging it up his chest and over his head. Miroku lifted his arms to help and his hands were shaking when he helped Sango open her blouse and remove her bra.

“Miroku, are you scared?” Sango asked softly, concerned as his gaze settled over her bare curves reverently. Miroku looked up into her eyes and shook his head.

“I'm not scared…it's just almost too much,” he confessed. Sango smiled and lay down against him, the bare parts of their flesh touching warmly. Miroku calmed down and kissed her brow.

“Why is it too much?” Sango asked innocently, curled against him. Their legs twined together. Miroku stroked her hair softly.

“With you, it is…I just want everything to be right,” he smiled. Sango moved a lock of hair from his eye and kissed him.

“Don't worry so much, Miroku! Now, where were we…” Sango ran a hand down his tummy. Miroku arched beneath her touch but glanced at the clock.

“Shit! I have to run if I'm going to make it to Onikage's,” Miroku swore. He gently urged Sango to get up and he ran into the bedroom to change shirts. Sango lay on her side on the couch, and waited, amused. She sat up, combed her fingers through her hair and found her bra and blouse.

“Any special reason work is more important than our time together?” she teased. Miroku came back, tying his loose hair into a short dragon tail. He grinned uneasily and leaned to kiss her.

“I just don't want to give a bad example. You know I want to stay,” he insisted. Sango hugged his neck and let him lift her to her feet.

“See you after your work?” Sango asked. Miroku nodded and kissed her brow.

“At your place?” he asked. His heart lifted at her bright smile. Sango waved as he they separated outside and he dashed off to his public transportation.

How could he continue on this way when she wanted to take things to the next step? Miroku wanted it all to work and in his experiences, sleeping with the girl was the climax to a send-off. Would that happen after he and Sango were together? He wasn't willing to risk it all on that, not even with a woman he loved.

 

“I'm sorry, Sango…” Miroku muttered as he dashed off to the subway station. He didn't know how long he could resist her at this rate.

 

* * * *

 

Kagome kissed Inuyasha goodbye and giggled as he nuzzled his face against her shoulder.

“I have to go back to work, Inuyasha! This was only an hour lunch break,” she said sternly, but giggled when his arms tightened around her waist.

“What if I don't let you go? You'll have to come to Wacdonald's with me, get covered with grease and take a bath with me later,” Inuyasha teased. His eyes were closed and his nose worked to take in as much of his lover's scent as he could before she left. Kagome's arms were around his shoulders, stroking the ends of his loose ponytail.

 

“I can't, Inuyasha, I have a meeting with Kouga-san when I get back,” Kagome murmured. She moved his cap so the bill stuck out to the side and kissed his ear, cradling him against her. Several older staid types turned their noses down at such an obvious sign of public display, but the couple didn't care. They had had a trying night, and now were in the clear with their relationship and their feelings for each other secured.

“Hmm,” Inuyasha murmured idly, liking her hands movement across his shoulders. “As long as you don't need a bodyguard…”

“I think I'll be fine,” Kagome giggled. She kissed his forehead again and swayed with her lover's gentle rhythm to unheard music. Inuyasha reluctantly straightened and let her go with a last kiss and hug.

“I don't want to let you go now,” he confessed. Kagome touched his cheek tenderly and kissed him again.

“It's not forever! I'll see you tonight, won't I?” she asked impishly and smiled as her lover blushed.

“Shall I come to your house after my work tonight?” he asked softly. Kagome nodded.

“I'll call you when I'm out of the firm,” she answered and laid a long kiss against his mouth. “Have fun at work!”

“As long as you watch out at work,” he answered seriously, his dark eyes solemn. They sparkled as he spoke next. “How about that school friend of yours? How's Ayumi-kun working out at Ookami?”

Kagome laughed and traced Inuyasha's dark bangs out of his eyes, tucking them beneath his cap. “She's enjoying it! Right now she's working beneath Ookami Senior. You'd think she would want someone else, but he's a wonderful man.”

Inuyasha chuckled, remembering the intelligence the old man had shown in reprimanding his son. “He seemed to be… I'd want him on your side,” he said. Kagome nodded.

“I know that he is. He's always been ever kind to me and he helped when you came in that morning…” Kagome said softly. Inuyasha folded her in his arms once more.

“Now I really have to go, Inuyasha,” she giggled. “Aren't you going to be late getting back too?”

“I'll take my chances,” Inuyasha smiled, but he glanced at his wristwatch and kissed her goodbye. “Until later, Kagome…”

Kagome waved and watched her boyfriend jog off down the street. His bruises were getting better and he had abandoned his defeated mood. His face didn't look so scratched up and he carried himself with a spring in his step. Kagome flushed and made her way to the subway station to get back to East 11th. Their passionate embraces had something to do with that, but it was more than affirming the physical aspect of their relationship. It gave both of them confidence in each other, and trust in their reciprocated want. And Kagome would not forget that anytime soon, she vowed silently.

 

Kagome walked into Ookami Law firm and made her way past the interns and secretaries she knew who waved if they caught her eye. She waved back absently, her mind filled with memory of her boyfriend's touches. She caught Ayumi's eye and winked, giving her old friend a high five on her way past as she came to her desk. Her friend was fairly shining and it had to be because of Ookami Senior's kindness. Kagome shook her head and tried not to groan, but she had a smile on her face. Ayumi was a gentle girl and it would be like her to go for kindness, even if the body that housed it was old enough to be her father.

 

“Kagome! Can you come in here?” Kouga barked from inside his office. Kagome looked through her files and looked up. One of his double doors was open, and the gloom within unnerved her. She straightened her poise and walked in smoothly. Her saunter spoke of confidence and when her eyes lit on the dark lawyer behind his large desk, they were as cold as a glacier. Kouga raised an eyebrow, rising to the occasion.

“You asked for me?” Kagome asked coolly, her hands clasped before her waist politely. Her body language told him she wasn't tolerating any funny business, especially after what had happened to Inuyasha. `I know it was you… it had to be…'

Kouga leaned back in his swivel chair and regarded his intern. Kagome scowled when his gaze lingered at her breasts and moved down. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited, fairly fuming. Kouga looked up, grinning finally.

“I just needed your presence for your files. Your typing was horrendous,” he teased. Kagome shook her head.

“If you don't need me in your office, Kouga-san, I have more work for you to do,” she said dryly. Kouga shook his head and stood up. He ambled to his office door, and closed it. Kagome's throat went dry as he slid the deadbolt home and turned back to saunter her way once more. Suddenly she wished for Inuyasha to be with her with all of her heart. Kouga stopped a foot from his intern and smiled down at her, liking how she had to look up to meet his eyes.

“I find I do need your time in here, if that will be acceptable,” Kouga said mellifluously, lifting a hand to caress the silk of Kagome's cheek. She noticed how large his fingers were, and how strong his hands looked. She swallowed, her throat noticeably darting. Kagome stepped back, lifting her hand to swipe his away from her person.

“I told you to stop all of this,” she swore quietly. A quiet vehemence was in her words but Kouga grinned easily, casting its importance aside. Her next words made the foolish smile die on his lips. “I know it was you that sent those men against Inuyasha. I can press charges against you.”

Kouga scratched his head, seemingly nonchalant and smiled again. It was not a pleasant one. “I find you may not want to do that, Kagome-kun. I've only called those men because I could not be the one to strike your precious boy. I can't be seen out of line when Father is so keen I behave, can I?”

Kagome shuddered as his hands settled on her shoulders and tried to bring her against the iron wall of his chest. Kouga wore the finest tailored suits, but Kagome didn't want her cheek pressed against that when Kouga was the one wearing it. Her hands locked on his wrists and she struggled against him.

“Stop it! I'll tell your Father! Ookami-san knows I wouldn't lie about…. Kouga!” she snapped in terror. Kouga held her close in the strong lock of his arms, and rubbed against her. It infuriated her that he would laugh at what she threatened, but her heart froze in terror as she struggled against his obviously greater strength. “Let me go!”

“I told you, I wanted to be with you, Kagome…. Why can't you just be with me? You can keep your boy, just see me when I tell you to,” Kouga leered. He tilted Kagome's chin up with a rough thumb and pressed a rough kiss against her mouth. Kagome spat and tried to twist out of his grasp but Kouga reacted like a man possessed.

“Kouga!” she gasped when he took his mouth from hers and she beat his shoulders as he moved down to her neck. “Let go of me!”

“I told you you'd be mine!” Kouga jeered, tugging her blouse buttons open expertly with one hand while he held Kagome's arm with the other. Kagome kicked him in the shins and tried to aim higher but Kouga hauled her up and down onto the floor. The air was knocked out of the shocked intern and she tried to catch her breath as the young lawyer pinned her down with strong arms and legs.

“No! Get off of me!” Kagome yelled. She tried to scream wordlessly but Kouga tore off his tie and shoved it into her mouth. He pinned her arms above her head with one effortless hand and tore her clothing open with his free hand. He knelt over, pinning her thighs with his knees, straddling her. Kagome fought and surged up against him, recoiling in disgust when she pressed against his obvious arousal. Kouga licked his lip and grinned eagerly down at her.

“Stop fighting this. You know you want this,” Kouga murmured, his eyes darkening. Kagome felt her world surge to red as her efforts to free herself were fought in vain. Kouga was too strong and tears streamed from the corners of her eyes. `Inuyasha… please…. Help me!'

Kagome shrieked when Kouga positioned her legs around him and loosened his belt with one hand. She wrenched one hand free from his hold and punched him as hard as she could in the shoulder. Kouga laughed but the cold mirth stopped when her fist struck his eye. It wasn't as hard to hurt, per say, but it certainly had distracted him. Kouga growled, and smacked the woman under him. Kagome cowered.

“You're going to get it now, Ka-go-me… I'm going to fuck you so bad you wish you never defied me,” Kouga swore, his eyes fairly gleaming with a predatory light. “I'm going to make you never look at another man again…”

Kagome's face was wet with tears. Kouga's hand descended between her legs and tore her panties from her. Her faint sobbing was faintly heard as Kouga grinned and steadied her hip with one hand, his fingers tangling in her pushed up skirt. Kagome's center tried to deny him but he was too strong… just as Kouga tried to push in his rampant arousal, he was torn off of the prone intern.

Kagome stared at the ceiling, disbelieving her good fortune, and sat up, covering herself with her hands. She spat out the tie and stared in shock as a bent silver-haired man swung his son by the throat and slammed him into the wall with the strength far exceeding his appearance. Kouga's eyes bulged and he clawed at his throat. Ookami senior had left reddened marks that were turning purple rapidly. The old lawyer stalked towards his offspring, his step a light spring hinting at flexible strength.

“D-Dad! How did you….” Kouga wheezed. He tucked himself away in a hurry but his father was unrelenting. He grabbed his son by the collar and hauled him to his height. Kouga's head lolled on his shoulder, wildly casting a look at the door. Didn't he lock them??

“Never mind that!” the senior Ookami growled. He was a sight to behold. His bent back straightened and his wrinkles weren't noticeable as he bristled over his son. Kouga's face paled and he shrank back. “I come here and I find you attacking Higurashi-kun! Do you realize the horrible mistake you tried to make??”

“Dad, I was just….”

“I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! Miyamoto, Yoritomo, could you come in here?” Ookami-san barked to the office doors. Two burly security guards made their way through the ruined doors and advanced forward. They clipped to a stop smartly, identical dark towers of muscle. Kagome cowered from them and Ookami stood straight, not choosing to notice they were taller than he was.

“Escort my son to the security cell on floor ten if you will. I will be along shortly to deal with him,” Ookami senior swore. Kouga cried out and protested, but he was dragged along out of his own office. He fought them, his dark hair flying in his eyes. His eyes landing on Kagome promised revenge. She shrank back.

Once they were alone, Ookami walked up to Kagome and knelt down. He gently laid a gnarled hand against her hair, soft and gentle despite the raw strength they just showed. She looked up, tears streaking her face. The elderly lawyer smiled sadly and held her close. Kagome shook against him, finding release in his kind power.

“Kagome-kun… my darling Kagome-kun…. Won't you find it in you to forgive this old fool? It is a father's failure that his son is a brute; it is a father's failure he has turned out this way… Attacking women, I never taught him to force people…” Ookami-san whispered. Kagome turned into his bent shoulder and sobbed.

“If you don't wish to work for us or may seek legal gratification, I will grant your every wish to see you safe,” he went on. Kagome looked up into his sad eyes and shook her head.

“For you, you've never made me feel unsafe. I never want to see your son again,” she whispered vehemently. Ookami-san nodded and stood, lifting her half covered form in his arms.

“We'll work out the details later…. let's get you home,” he said. Kagome bit her lip, fresh tears wetting her eyes.

“Please, call Inuyasha…. “ she whispered. `I want him…' Ookami nodded and carried her to his own office. He called a car to take her home when a second-rate dressed young man with long dark hair knocked at his office door.

“They told me that Higurashi Kagome was….. Kagome….” Inuyasha said, his heart tightening. Kagome looked up from her spot on the lawyer's couch, her legs tucked under her. Ookami's suit jacket was laid around her shoulders, hiding her from view. Ookami prowled around his desk and shook Inuyasha's hand.

“Ookami Takeru, and you must be Inutaisho's second son,” he said gravely. Inuyasha looked at him curiously.

“Did you know my father?” he asked sadly. Ookami nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“My firm helped handle his affairs and the Onigumo interference was the dirtiest handling of business I have ever seen,” he vowed. “But that's not important, Takahashi-kun. Your young lady needs your aide tonight….”

When Ookami pulled Inuyasha aside a moment to explain his son's deeds, Inuyasha's hands clenched.

“I'll kill him!” he snarled. Ookami merely sighed when the young man made to punch his wall, then turned, remembering Kagome was in the room.

“We will take the appropriate legal actions, Takahashi-kun. Take Kagome-kun home however. I've sent for a car for you both,” Ookami senior gently suggested. Inuyasha knelt before Kagome and put his hands over hers.

Kagome looked up and sniffled. “Inuyasha….”

Inuyasha helped her stand and laid his arms around her waist protectively.

“I won't let anything happen to you…” he vowed. Ookami looked at his gnarled fingers and cracked each knuckle effortlessly.

He couldn't promise the same for his family.

 

* * * *

 

Kouga pouted, staring at the wall as the security brutes stood over him. It was humiliating enough they had to carry him bodily to the tenth floor, but everyone had seen him go as it was. He was sure the women he had hit on in the firm were giggling behind his back and it grated on his nerves. It also set his ire aflame that his father had stopped him from taking what he had wanted. Oh his dad was going to chew him out, there was no doubt, but there wasn't anything he hadn't gotten away with. A contrite word and his father would let him off easy. Kouga was so relaxed, his mind so clear as to what would happen.

When Ookami senior strolled in, his tie immaculate and wearing his suit jacket again, Kouga greeted him with a careless look. Yoritomo and Miyamoto snapped to attention. Ookami dismissed them with quiet words and Kouga grinned to himself. The old fool was his soft self again. The strong giant he had witnessed briefly had to have been conjured from the shock of being discovered and stopped. Kagome was sure ever in for it….

 

“Hey, Dad,” Kouga greeted, waving one hand nonchalantly. Ookami regarded his son with flinty gray eyes. Kouga started nervously. This didn't look good. But he didn't doubt his ability to bullshit his way through anything, and began his strategy.

“Sorry you had to see that, Dad. Kagome and I were in an argument and you know how it is…” he began. Ookami shook his silvered head.

“Stop it, Kouga. I don't want to hear it, boy,” he said sadly. Kouga faltered then grinned uneasily.

“But Dad, I thought she wanted it. You should have seen all the looks she's given me. She'd tempt any guy….”

Ookami sighed and it seemed the life went out of his eyes. “No more, Kouga. You will shame me no more.”

 

Kouga swallowed, feeling a line severely crossed, walked past, and left far behind. And he wished for its safe return to his life. He couldn't count the ancient feeling of dread that spread through his strong form.

Ookami Takeru strolled to the door, closed it and stood with his back to his son, his hands clasped behind his back.

 

“Ookami Kouga. Do you know the origins of our family name?” he asked sternly. Kouga snorted and leaned back, propped on one knee.

“What has that to do with this?” he asked. Ookami senior shook his silvered hair.

“In times of trouble, the lone wolf perishes while the pack stands strong together. Would you be a lone wolf, Kouga?” Ookami Takeru asked.

Kouga shook his head. “I don't understand,” he confessed.

“You will answer me. Do you know what wolves do to rebels of their clans?” Ookami senior prowled closer, his steps forceful. Kouga slouched back, his arms crossed defiantly across his chest.

 

“They kill or drive them off, Kouga,” Ookami senior finished. Kouga raised an eyebrow and sneered.

“Are you saying you'll kill me, Dad? Give me a break,” he said. Ookami shook his head, his eyes very sad and very old.

“No. But if you do not acknowledge the most basic of our legality, how can you hope to remain in this pack?” Takeru went on.

Kouga stood up and paced sharply, anger in his movements. “Are you saying you believe those myths that our family was sired by animal demons? Get real, Dad!”

 

Ookami Takeru's back hunched and then straightened. The lighting was dim in this cell, but Kouga could have sworn his father's eyes gleamed with an arcane light. His gnarled fingers straightened and the nails grew longer. The silver in his hair shone and Takeru's teeth glimmered in the dim light. Kouga shivered as his father, often called the Old Wolf of the firm, resembled that nickname literally in form and regarded him with eyes as dark as the void.

“D-Dad?” Kouga asked as softly as when he was a boy. He felt the modern age roll back to a time when men feared to travel out at night even with spear and sword in hand.

“The wolf is in our family, son, and you will embrace the laws of it or be banished from it,” Ookami Takeru murmured, a canine growl accentuating his severe yet soft admonition.

Kouga fell to his knees in terror and nodded.

 

* * * *

 

“Sango, what are you doing to me?” Miroku groaned. Sango flushed, feeling superior as she coaxed her soon to be lover with kisses and wandering hands. The evening was a fair one, and aside from a scattering thunder from the north of Tokyo, it proved to be a good night. It was going well in any event.

“Seeing how you react to me,” Sango said impishly. She gasped when Miroku brought her up to the muscles of his chest and kissed her hard. His hands wandered low and tugged at the hem of her blouse. Sango helped him undress her and moved into his arms, liking the feel of his strong arms around her half bared form. Miroku moved closer, and Sango's eyes widened by what she felt against her.

“Reacting just fine it seems,” she said in awe. Miroku's eyes half lidded and he pulled her close to his bare chest. The kisses he gave her made her knees weak. Miroku held her tightly and rubbed her back. Sango gasped and giggled when they made their way to the floor.

“The couch is that way,” he said seriously. Sango rolled on top and pinned his arms down playfully.

“Here will be just fine,” she said softly, her heart in her eyes. “Oh Miroku, I've waited so long for this….”

Miroku's heart felt faint as Sango plied him with deep thrusting kisses as her hips clasped him close, trying to pull him to her through their clothing. “Ah! Sango…” The friction was starting to hurt. Sango tugged at his belt.

“I'll take care of you, Miroku,” she promised. Miroku's heart threatened to thud out of his chest as his arousal threatened to bust its way free down south. Sango's hands felt so good brushing against it as she opened his pants…. He wanted nothing more than to go through with this and secure his heart with Sango. But his doubts nagged him and his past flings haunted his actions….

“No…Sango, not yet,” he heard himself say. His mouth dried and he wanted to kick himself as Sango looked up, hurt in her eyes. She didn't deserve this confusion….

“Why? Isn't this what you wanted?” she asked, her hands frozen against his waist. Miroku's erection throbbed and he made himself nod resolutely.

“Yes. Sango, we just can't….” He was about to reveal to her his fears of it all ending with this intimate act, but his huntress took it the wrong way. Her eyes darkened and she climbed off of him.

“You don't want me… even when you're this stiff?” she asked, eyeing the bulge in his lap. Miroku bit his lip, shame coursing through him. Did she think he didn't want her?? It was furthest from the truth!

“Sango, that's not it. Let me explain,” he began, sitting up. Sango looked at his half bare form, his lithe muscles flexing with his movements, his belt half undone lying sexily past his navel. He made an enticing figure and she wanted nothing more than to finish what they had started and be close to him forever. But his words threatened to tear her heart apart.

“Explain? Explain what! That you don't want me?” Sango asked, standing up. She found her blouse and put it on. Miroku sighed and laid his hand over his lap, trying to ease the strain his erection was putting on him.

“It's not like that, Sango! If you would just let me….” He began, but Sango shook her head. The years of doubt, of watching him flaunt his way through every fast girl, of ignoring her heart and putting her at second place took over her memory and coursed fear throughout her veins. And suddenly she wasn't the loved woman at Miroku's side starting a future together. She was seventeen and watching him walk the sluttiest girl at school to get some `time alone' outside at the senior prom. And he had told her earlier that her dress was gorgeous. She felt as ackward and lonely as she did then and her anger flared.

“No! I don't want to hear it! Here, keep this,” Sango scooped up her bra and tossed it at his face. Miroku shook his head, and dodged. “You keep a collection don't you??”

“Sango!” Miroku called but she was hell bent. The door to his apartment slammed shut so hard a crack formed in the ceiling. A loud thumping ensued from the floor above, reprimanding the loud noise. Miroku held his cooling arousal with one hand and touched the other to his brow in defeat. He had just messed up royally. He hoped he could get her back…

“Thanks for the help,” he groused at his lap. His erection twitched as if to torment him. Miroku sighed mightily and loosened his belt.

 

* * * *

 

Inuyasha moved around his tiny room restlessly, his heart torn to pieces. Kagome had accepted his help and caress when Ookami's car had taken her home, and he had gotten her to talk. Inuyasha had wanted nothing more than to spend the night with her and confirm that he was there for her.

“No, Inuyasha… I need to be by myself awhile,” she had whispered. Inuyasha's heart tore in two, but he forced himself to nod, and agree.

“Okay, Kagome…. I'll go home.” He had said. `For your sake.'

Inuyasha sighed. He had undressed down to his boxers and tank top, his dim light on. A half congealed bowl of ramen lay forgotten next to his hot plate. He just wasn't hungry and he couldn't fulfill basic needs like food or sleep when Kagome was hurting so badly.

`Just gotta go to work tomorrow, and give her a call…. show her I'm there for her,' Inuyasha thought. He was set to turning out his light to try and get some sleep for his shift the next morning. Inuyasha bent to take hold of his tank top to pull over his head when a knock sounded at his door. Inuyasha sighed and dropped the fabric back to his waist and opened cautiously. His heart thudded, wishing beyond all wish that Kagome was at the other side of the door, but a familiar smile greeted him all the same.

“Sango! What are you doing?” Inuyasha made himself grin. Sango noted that his eyes were lined with circles of stress and his hands kept clenching.

“You look like shit,” she said candidly and made her way in when Inuyasha gestured with one arm.

“Thanks, you don't look too hot yourself,” he said dryly. Well her face looked like she was troubled about something. The rest of her was hotness defined. Why Sango decided to come over in hip-hugging jeans and a baby doll shirt was beyond him. It still enhanced her curves in any case, Inuyasha was fond to note. She looked like she was ready to go out to a party with him at school.

“I don't? Darn, here I was hoping I looked good,” Sango joked lightly, sitting seiza on his futon. Inuyasha sat cross-legged across from her and folded his arms across his thin muscular chest.

“You do like always. What's up, huntress? Usually we're both working too much to hang out at…. Three in the morning,” Inuyasha noted, checking his wristwatch. Sango opened her bag and pulled out a bottle. He found himself laughing despite his bad evening.

“Vodka? Come on, Sango, we haven't had that since we swiped your dad's bottle that one time,” Inuyasha said. Sango smiled fondly and picked up two glasses sitting by his hot plate.

“Drink with me, Yasha? I've had a bad day,” Sango invited. Inuyasha found himself nodding and he and his friend clinked glasses fondly.

“To hopes and dreams,” Inuyasha toasted. Sango snorted.

“Life and love, and all that good stuff,” she said and downed her glass. Inuyasha whistled.

“Just like back then! Come on, huntress, slow down, or you'll get buzzed,” Inuyasha smiled. He was coaxed to drink more and more and finally he and Sango leaned limply against each other against the wall of his room, giggling insanely together over some old story or another.

“That was the best party. Come on, Sango, you didn't have to dance with Renkotsu. So what if Miroku was with Yori? She would have gone with anyone,” Inuyasha grinned. Sango snuggled against his chest, wrapping her arm around his waist.

“And you would comfort me like now. Hey, Yasha, how come we never went through with it?” Sango asked. She kissed the edge of Inuyasha's ear and he shuddered, fire coursing through his blood suddenly.

“Heh, cause I came all over your hand when we tried,” Inuyasha remembered. Sango flushed and kissed his cheek. Inuyasha suddenly found her curves noticeable, eyeing them with open interest. Her status as an almost sister went out the window as alcohol-induced thoughts of sating his depression presented an opportunity in his lap.

“Sango, whut yuh doin?” his heavy tongue slurred. Sango ran her hand under his wife beater and caressed his heated flesh.

“Oh, Yasha… hold me like you used to,” Sango pleaded. Inuyasha's hands twitched, went still then pulled her against him. Sango's hand drifted to his waistband and dipped low beneath the fabric of his boxers.

 

End for now

Like it? Hate it? Send a review, please. The line about packs of wolves belongs solely to George RR Martin and his “Game of Thrones” novel. The man is a genius, read his books.

Most sincerely yours, penpaninu 4/07/06