InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Strip Tease ❯ The Topics of Discussion ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha is not mine. No, I don't make any money off of this. If I did, this wouldn't be fanfiction, now would it?

Note: This is Chapter 2 of my story. Let's just say word gets out about last night. There won't be much action. Sorry about that. Hope you enjoy.

Strip Tease: The Topics of Discussion

It was a typical Saturday morning and a cell phone rings. A sleepy figure rolls over to pick up the phone. A voice husky from a long sleep answers. “Hello…what do you want, Inuyasha? It's Saturday morning…Mmm hmm…Mmm hmm…What did I miss?...(sigh)It's too early for guessing games; just tell me, Inuyasha…WHAT?!!!!”

The figure suddenly sits up, a kitsune youkai with mussed-up red hair and bright green eyes. “You better not be lying about this or I'll create more illusions in your mind than an acid trip. Don't think I won't just because you sign my paycheck! ” Another figure rolls over in bed and groans. “Damn it, Shippo! It's 8:00 in the morning. Who the hell is that on the phone?”

“I'm sorry, Rin. It's Inuyasha on the phone. Yeah, that's a shock. Kikyo actually convinced Kagome to go with her? I can't believe Sesshomaru did that. And on my night off, too. All right, I'll tell her. See you tonight at the club. Bye.”

“That idiot couldn't wait until later to call you. Kami, what was the call about anyway?” Rin rolled over to face Shippo.

“Inuyasha was telling me about what happened last night at the club.”

“Well? What happened?”

“From what Inuyasha told me, I wasn't the only one who had the night. Ginta and Hakkaku were off as well. It seems that all the good shit happens when I'm off. Anyway, you will never believe who was at the club last night.”

“Who?”

“None other than our good friend, the anti-strip club Kagome.”

Rin shoots up in bed as well. “WHAT?!!!! Kagome was at the Palace?!!! How did that happen?”

“Our other good friend, Kikyo, managed to drag her to the club. Since there weren't enough performers, guess who the special guest performer was.”

“Don't tell me. It was Sesshomaru, wasn't it?”

“Yep, and according to Inuyasha, he put on one hell of a show and brought in a huge amount of tips, including a $20 tip from Kagome.”

“Damn, I should have been there. Knowing Kagome, she was hot under the collar.”

“Let's just say any youkai around would have caught the arousal in the air coming from `prim and proper' Kagome.”

“Oh, this is too much. I have got to call Kikyo to find out more details about what happened.” Rin then got out of bed to shower and dress. “Man, on the night when I'm dead tired from my shift at the hospital, I miss all the good stuff.”

“Then we'll have to wait and see what's going to happen tonight at the Palace.” Shippo pulled Rin towards his body. He started to nibble at her neck. “I am going to be up on stage tonight. Why don't you come up to the club after doing what you have to do today, my little vixen?”

“Good idea. I'm going to ask Kikyo out for lunch. Maybe we'll do some shopping in the Village.”

“Be sure to buy something sexy, vixen.” Shippo give her one playful nip before letting her go.

“Don't worry. I just might give you a private dance. Depends on how well you perform on stage. Those girls only get a taste of what you have to offer every night, but I have the full package.” With that, Rin went into the shower.

As he sat on the bed, Shippo wondered what he did to deserve such a vixen. Rin was just that; a vixen trapped in a human body. The kitsune remembered the day he met her three years ago, a nurse at St. Vincent's Hospital. He had to take his father there for a routine check-up with his doctor, Suikotsu, who just happens to be Bankotsu's older brother. Rin was assisting Suikotsu with another patient at the time and noticed the kitsune. For a brief moment, she couldn't take her eyes off of him; he couldn't take his eyes off her. The nurse noticed how much he looked like his father in that brief moment.

The other patient had just finished scheduling her next doctor's appointment with the nurse and left the office. Rin had called in the elder kitsune in to see the doctor. Shippo was still in the waiting area all the while his father was with the doctor. The nurse had come out to take down the next patient's insurance information. The patient somehow dropped the clipboard with the form and Shippo had picked it up for him as he stared at her with those beautiful green eyes of his.

Rin blushed as she looked right back at him. From there, they got to talking for a little while. As his father came out to schedule his next appointment, Shippo quickly wrote down his phone number and gave it to the young nurse. Being the sly kitsune he was, his father noticed this and was coming up with some kind of remark as they left Suikotsu's office. Rin's parents were no better when she took him to meet them. They loved him the minute they first laid eyes on him.

From there, they began dating, which led to a relationship that just blossomed. Of course, he was constantly teased and encouraged by his parents concerning Rin. When they finally met the young nurse, it was all over for the younger kitsune.

A few weeks after Rin met Shippo's parents, the kitsune was ready to take the next step. One day at Central Park, Shippo took the nurse's hands in his, got down on one knee and proposed to her. Tears of joy started to form in her eyes as she screamed out “Yes!” She jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately.

Their wedding took place a couple of months after the proposal. The ceremony was quaint and simple as Miroku presided over it at the Higurashi shrine. Of course, both families were in attendance, as well as their friends. The reception went without a hitch. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha even paid for their honeymoon. It was during their honeymoon that they had mated in the youkai tradition.

This was a year and a half after they had first met. Shippo was sure Rin was thinking the same thing as she came out of the shower, wrapped in a towel. “Reminiscing about how we met?”

Shippo smiled as he stood and pulled his mate into his arms. “Couldn't help it, my little vixen.” He bent down to nibble at Rin's mating mark.

The young nurse giggled. “I really need to get ready for my outing with Kikyo. Speaking of which, I think I should give her a wake-up call.”

“Hmm, I knew you were a vixen in human skin. But I just can't seem to get enough of you.”

“Don't worry, you'll have more of me after your show.” Rin kissed him passionately and cupped his balls. The kitsune let out a growling purr. “This is just a taste of what you get tonight.” She then started to get dressed as he watched.

When she finished, Rin grabbed her cell phone and dialed Kikyo's number. The nurse waited as it rang until a sleepy female voice answered. “Hello?”

“Hi, Kikyo, this is your wake-up call. Come on, hurry up and get dressed. We're going to do some shopping.”

“Rin? I had a long night. It's too early.”

“Nope, your mate woke Shippo up dishing the dirt on what happened last night at the Palace, waking me up in the process. I also want your take on what happened with Kagome. And I'm getting your mate back by waking you up. Besides, I know you had a `long' night with Inuyasha. I want the dish on that, too. FYI, it's never too early to do some shopping and a trip to Yura and Manten's salon.”

“Touché. I'm up. Inuyasha's on his way to Sesshomaru's for a little sparring. It seems like he didn't forget about that poison whip stunt he pulled while seducing Kagome. Give me half an hour. I'll fill you in on what happened. See you in a bit.” The call ended with that. Rin couldn't wait to hear Kikyo's dirt on what happened.

Meanwhile, at the Higurashi shrine, Kagome couldn't stop sneezing for some reason. She had just had breakfast after getting dressed and showered. The miko couldn't help but blush after having a rather sexy dream about the taiyoukai. “That's funny. I don't have any allergies. Someone must be talking about me. Whatever; I have to get the shrine open. Why do I have the feeling word is going out that I was at that strip club? And why does that dream keep popping into my head?”

“You were where, Sis?” Kagome jumped at Souta's voice. Though Souta was a spiritually gifted teenager, he was bent on becoming a world-famous soccer player. He was on the soccer team at Flushing High School (not sure if they actually have a soccer team). However, he acknowledged the fact that he needed something to fall back on.

“You brat! You scared the crap out of me! I was nowhere. Get out of here! I have to open up the shrine.” An idea popped up in the teen's head.

“I'm not going anywhere until you tell me where you were last night. If you don't, I can always call Mom and Grandpa in Tokyo. Wonder what their reactions would be.”

The miko narrowed her eyes at her younger brother. “You wouldn't.”

Souta put his hands behind his head. “I wouldn't, provided you do something for me.”

Kagome gave an irritated sigh. “What is it you want? You want money? Video games? What is it?”

“I'll let you know when the time comes. So, you better tell me where you really were.” Souta bent down to her eye level. He did, after all, have a serious growth spurt, making him slightly tower over her.

“All right, all right. Remember when Kikyo came to pick me up so we could go out? Well, I went to a strip club.”

“You? A strip club? The great miko Kagome Higurashi went to a strip club?! (gasps) Scandalous!”

“Will you shut up and listen? It wasn't just your run-of-the-mill strip club, you idiot. It was the Western Moon Palace.”

“Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's club?”

Kagome bent her head down and nodded. She was trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. Souta was trying to process all of this.

“So, let me get this straight; Kikyo picked you up and took you to Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's strip club?”

“There's more. It was `Amateur Night' and the other girls were there and you'll never believe who was up on stage.”

“Who?”

“None other than our good friend Hojo. He wasn't too bad on stage either. I-I mean, who knew he had a nice body underneath his clothes?” Souta nearly fell back at hearing the way Kagome spoke about Hojo of all people .

“This just gets better and better. Quiet, boring Hojo went to the strip club and performed on `Amateur Night'? In front of women? Go figure.”

“There's more.”

“This just gets better and better, doesn't it?”

“Uh…yeah. I almost purified the two mated bouncers at the door because they were staring at me. Anyway, guess who the special guest performer was?”

“Let me guess; Inuyasha?” Kagome shook her head.

Souta's jaw dropped. “Sesshomaru?” The miko nodded.

“And he performed right in front of me, practically seducing me with his performances. He was so good I ended up giving a $20 tip.”

“This is too much. What else are you going to tell me? That you're now dreaming about him?”

“What?! No! Why would I dream about the guy? It's not like he does this all the time. From what Kikyo told me, he's usually in the office, making sure their finances are in order. That's what he said when he took me home.” Kagome had to turn away from her brother to hide the deeper shade of red on her face. `There's no way I'm admitting to dreaming about him.'

Souta's eyes widened, taking in everything his sister said and sighed. “Since you already told me enough of what happened last night, I'll let you off the hook for now. Just remember your promise. And you need to live a little. You don't just go purifying youkai, especially if they're mated. If you'll excuse me, I'll be at soccer practice. Later, Sis.”

Kagome sighed as she finished getting the shrine ready for business. She then went back inside the house to get something to drink before people started to show up at the shrine for their offerings, prayers, etc. The miko sighed once more as Sesshomaru popped into her head again; the broad shoulders, that sculpted, hairless chest, those six-pack abs; not to mention those sexy, muscular legs. And that beautiful face with those facial stripes topped with that blue crescent moon. Kagome slapped herself out of those thoughts. “Get it together, Kagome. Now's not the time to have Sesshomaru on the brain.”

In an upscale apartment in the Time Warner Building, Sesshomaru kept growling in his sleep. His youki flared from time to time. The stripes on his face widened as if he were going to transform. His fangs and claws started to get longer as he dug his claws into the sheets. The taiyoukai's growls ended in a loud roar as he shot up in bed, with his eyes glowing an intense red. A growl rumbled from his chest. Thank Kami for soundproof barriers.

Sesshomaru took a few calming breaths. He sighed at the disbelief that he lost control of his beast in his sleep. He then caught the scent of his arousal and noticed a small `tent' under the sheet. The taiyoukai carefully picked up the sheet, which was sticking to his legs. He put his head in his hands for a moment. “Damn it!” Sesshomaru got out of bed after getting his erection under control. He would have to get Jaken to have the sheets changed.

Several thoughts came into his head as to how and why he had such a vivid and intense dream about that little miko Kagome. He had just seen her for the first time last night when he performed in front of her and ended up taking her home. The taiyoukai was sure that it was all the idea of his sister-in-law. `Stupid wench thought I didn't see through her scheme.'

He thought that a little sparring with Inuyasha would take his mind off what was happening before he reported back to the club tonight. And so, he picked up the phone and dialed the hanyou's number. The phone rang several times before said hanyou picked up. “I figured you'd call. I'm on my way to your place as we speak. I'm about to head towards the subway. Don't worry, I got Tetsusaiga with me. I ain't over that poison whip shit you pulled.”

“Whatever do you mean, half-breed? This Sesshomaru didn't pull any `poison whip shit' as you so eloquently put it.”

“You know damn well what I'm talking about. It's not like the great Sesshomaru to play stupid. I expect you to tell me what happened when you dropped Kagome off at her home.”

A growl of irritation rose from his throat. “For the last time, nothing happened between the miko and this Sesshomaru. I insist that you bring your useless carcass over here this instant. And no special attacks.” This Sesshomaru is waiting. The taiyoukai then hung up before Inuyasha got another word in.

Inuyasha heard the phone click and growled. “Why that fucker; hanging up on me like that. The hell nothing happened. Where's the fun in sparring without special attacks? The modern era sucks sometimes. I'm going to get the dirt on what happened with the two of them, even if I have to beat it out of him. Before that, I got another call to make.” The hanyou grinned as he prepared to dial a very familiar Tokyo phone number. It was now 11:00 in the morning, making 1:00 Sunday morning and Inuyasha knew the person he was about to call would be highly pissed. And so, he went ahead and called.

Somewhere in the upscale part of Tokyo, the song `Change the World' could be heard coming from a cell phone. A sleepy groan was also heard, followed by the sound of a pillow covering a head to block out the song. “Damn it, Touga. Cease that phone's incessant ringing!”

A deeper growl came from the other side of the bed and a very large shadow sat up and looked at the phone. It picked up to see Inuyasha's phone number, got out of bed, and closed the door. “You better have a very good explanation for calling at 1 in the morning, Inuyasha.”

“What? You don't like hearing from your loving hanyou son, Dad?”

“Oh yes, this Touga just LOVES hearing from his pup at this time of night. Why would you call at such an ungodly hour?”

“Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's to tell you that I love you.”

Touga growled at this. “Just get to the point, pup, before I hang up.”

“What did I call you about again? Hmm, I can't seem to recall-”

“Inuyasha.”

“Oh, that's right. Your lovely youkai pup happened to meet a girl last night.”

This piqued Touga's interest. “Sesshomaru finally met someone?”

“Yep, he met her in an unusual way. He performed at the Western Moon Palace.”

“What? That `club' of yours?”

“Yeah, what a way to meet someone, huh? Need I remind that it's a fine establishment Sesshomaru and I opened up.”

“There's more to this, isn't there?”

“Of course, there's more. After we closed for the night, he took the girl back to her home.”

“Who is this girl? Why would he take some strange girl to her home?”

“She's not just any girl, Dad. She's my good friend, Kagome Higurashi.”

“Kagome Higurashi? Didn't you go to school with her long ago? Doesn't her family have a shrine here in Tokyo?”

“Yeah, well, she opened up another shrine right here in New York with her brother. It's in Flushing to be exact.”

“Interesting. Perhaps I should come to New York for a visit. This Touga would like to talk with the girl, catch up on what she's doing nowadays. She should visit Japan from time to time.”

“Whatever. Anyway, I'm on my way to spar with Sesshomaru at his place. I'll talk to ya later, Dad. I'll tell Sesshomaru you send his regards.”

“Yes, talk to me much later. Next time, call at a more decent hour, pup.” Touga then hung up. He sighed at the fact that his son would call at such a late hour. He returned to the bedroom to find his mate asleep once more. The older taiyoukai wondered what could have been had Sesshomaru took over as Lord of the Western Lands. But he adamantly refused to take up the duties he was trained for since he was born. Perhaps a trip to New York was in order. It was time that his eldest found had a mate. Could that Higurashi girl be the one for him? Touga hoped so. He had nothing to worry about with his youngest who already had a mate in Kikyo. The Western Lord took one last look at his sleeping mate before he himself fell back into a deep slumber. Yes, he would fly out to New York without informing either of his sons. His mate needed some time away from Tokyo. They would definitely discuss it in the morning.

Inuyasha grinned as he hung up. He just LOVED it when he called his father late at night. However, he had a bad feeling that he was pushing it with the calls. The hanyou shuddered as his father might book a flight to New York very soon. He shrugged as he made his way to the subway.

Meanwhile, Kikyo and Rin were on their way to Yura and Manten's salon after a shopping excursion in the village. They definitely stopped by Jakotsu's boutique, giving him the low-down on what happened last night at the club. Jakotsu had vowed to give Bankotsu a tongue-lashing about not telling him himself.

“Hmm, I think I should take Kagome to the club once again after she closes up the shrine. I hope this time she doesn't try to turn anyone into ash.”

“Purify? Who did she try to purify?”

“Juromaru and Kageromaru, who were on bouncer duty. I had to apologize on her behalf. I swear she needs to spend some time away from the shrine, which gives me an idea.”

“What do you have in mind, Kikyo?”

“I just might give Kagome a makeover. I might need your help. I have to find a way to get her out of the shrine.”

“Why not have Souta take over? I mean, he IS a priest in the making. He should be done with his soccer practice, shouldn't he?”

“You're absolutely right, my dear Rin. I should give Souta a call.” The miko dialed Souta's number. It rang twice before he picked up.

“What is it this time, Kikyo?”

“What? I can't pick up the phone and speak to a guy who's like a brother to me? Why do you assume I want something?”

“You never call me for any other reason. You're lucky I was done with practice.”

“As a matter of fact, I need you to do me a favor. Could you mind the shrine for today? I need Kagome to come to the city for a badly needed makeover.”

“Hmm, what's in it for me? This comes with a price, you know.”

Kikyo sighed at this. “Fine, you do this and you name your price afterwards. Now, be a good little brother for Kagome and get to the shrine.”

“All right, I'll do it. The prude needs a guy in her life anyway, with her life revolving around her miko duties. It's a surprise that you're one with the way you act.”

“You watch your tone, young man, before I decide to seal your spiritual powers. *snicker* Just because I'm a miko doesn't mean I have to have a stick up my butt. Now get going.”

“Ok, ok. Say hi to Inuyasha for me. Later, Kik.”

“I will. Later, Squirt.” `Now to make another call.' The devious miko dialed another number. Kagome picked up. “What's going on, Kikyo? Can't you understand I'm busy with the shrine?”

“You don't have to worry. Someone will cover for you. Your brother is spiritually capable of doing so. He needs to put his powers into practice. Anyway, you need to come to the city. Rin's dying to see you.”

“Do you realize how long it would take for me to get to where you are? Trains don't run as well on the weekends.”

“Fine, then we'll come to you. We'll be there soon. Oh, tonight we're headed to the Palace. I'm sure Sesshomaru will be there as well as Rin, Shippo, and the rest.”

Kagome sighed at this. “I cannot believe you're a miko. I'll give you a couple of hours.”

“I knew you'd see things my way. We'll be there soon, after hitting Yura and Manten's salon. See ya.”

They soon reached the salon and found Ayame, Sango, and Kagura getting their hair done. Yura was giving another customer a rather stylish haircut. “Ah, Kikyo, do tell. Kagome Higurashi was at the Palace last night? This is such juicy gossip.”

“Yep, not only was she there, she gave Sesshomaru a $20 tip after he basically seduced the girl. You should have been there, Yura. You could have gotten a souvenir.”

Yura pouted at this. “Oh, pooh. Business was booming yesterday. So many customers, so little time in the day, especially with Manten at that hair show in Atlanta. I hope he wins. By the way, when is our little strip club newbie going to drop by? She is desperate need for our exclusive hair treatment.”

“Not sure. But I'll let her know. You know what I want for my hair. Work your magic, girl.” Yura had just finished with that customer, and as usual, she was satisfied. The hairstylist went on to do Kikyo's hair, while gossiping about their plans for tonight.

Meanwhile, Higurashi shrine was just closing up when Souta arrived. He sighed. “Just when I was going to take over for you today, the shrine closes up.”

“Don't worry, Squirt, you'll get your chance tomorrow. Besides, Kikyo and Rin are on their way over here after stopping at Yura and Manten's salon. No doubt, they're going to drag me to that place once again.”

“I don't see what you have against that place. You can't deny that you enjoyed it last night.”

Kagome blushed at the memory of Sesshomaru's performance last night. Of course, Souta didn't miss it. “Whatever, thanks for caring.”

“I mean it. You have to get out more. You can't keep yourself cooped up in the shrine. Who knows? You just might end up with a boyfriend, namely Sesshomaru. You really need to let loose a little. That's why Kikyo's fun to hang out with. Although she has a social life, she can turn a youkai into a pile of ash if she's crossed. Come on, I just want you to be happy. There's more to life than the shrine. Jeez, when was the last time you had a date or hung out with your friends? I can answer that. Since before you graduated high school in Tokyo, with Hojo no less. At least, he has a social life.

Judging by the way you're blushing, you're probably thinking about said youkai right now. Who knows? You just might see him again tonight. Just go with Kikyo and Rin. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.” And with that, Souta went in the house to take a shower.

Inuyasha finally arrived at Sesshomaru's apartment, equipped with Tetsusaiga hidden in a bracelet. Thank Kami for youkai magic mixed with advanced technology. The hanyou could tell his brother was getting impatient by the aura he gave off. As soon as he entered the apartment, Sesshomaru released his poison whip, forcing Inuyasha to side-step it.

“You're late, Inuyasha.”

“Not my fault the trains had a delay. So, want to discuss who does what tonight?”

“This Sesshomaru's mind is not on work right now. I'm focused on the spar. Now, come with me.”

“Your mind isn't only on sparring. It's on something, should I say someone.” The taiyoukai brought forth Bakusaiga at his statement. Inuyasha blocked his strike with Tetsusaiga.

“Do not mock this Sesshomaru, whelp. My mind is not on that miko.”

“The hell it's not. You probably had a dream about her and you wanted this spar to take your mind off it. I can tell. The stale scent of your arousal speaks for itself.”

Sesshomaru growled at this. “Less prattling, more fighting.” He then lunged in for the hanyou midsection. Inuyasha sidestepped then spun around to sweep the taiyoukai's legs. Sesshomaru, being as skilled as he was, jumped while swinging his sword in a downward strike. Inuyasha blocked the strike by swinging Tetsusaiga upwards.

The fighting ultimately led the two into the dojo. It was a miracle that nothing was broken in the apartment. The sparring continued for several hours before both inu were out of breath and sheathed their swords. “This Sesshomaru is a bit impressed that a hanyou like you has caught up with me just a bit.”

“Was that a compliment from the Great Lord Sesshomaru or is it that he's getting old?”

The taiyoukai scoffed at this. “Be glad that your skills have slightly improved and I've taken notice.”

“Whatever. So how was the ride to Kagome's? And don't tell me nothing happened.”

“That's just it. Nothing happened between the miko and this Sesshomaru. If it did, she wouldn't know what to do because of her nerves.”

“She was that nervous, huh? That's expected. You ARE the Ice Prince of the West. But anybody who saw that performance last night could tell that ice is starting to melt, if only a little.”

“Hn.”

“You know I'm right. Your beast probably likes her. Why won't you just admit it? Hmm, maybe you should perform again tonight. Kagome just might be back at the Palace. If I know Kikyo, she can be very convincing. Now about who does what tonight; do you want to go with the same routine from last night or rotate the staff?”

“Perhaps we shall discuss this with the rest of the staff before opening. This Sesshomaru might just take your advice for once on performing.”

Inuyasha's eyes widened at this. “You're actually going to take my advice for once. That stick that was up your ass must have been destroyed with your poison before it was thrown in the trash. I wonder what your theme would be.”

“Well, this Sesshomaru wouldn't tell you, whelp. That mouth would just start running as far as your mate is concerned. I sometimes wonder if she was a kitsune in a past life.”

“Hey, don't bitch about Kikyo. She's just looking out for Kagome, just as I am. She needs someone in her life in the long term, and so do you, Fluff-butt unless you want Dad to come all the way from Tokyo and hire a matchmaker to set you up with some dumb, gold-digging bitch who's never seen the world beyond the Old Country.”

“Hn.”

“Don't `hn' me. You know Dad or Mom would do it in a heartbeat. They want an heir to the Western Lands, ya know. So who does what tonight?”

“Since Shippou, Ginta , and Hakkaku have returned to work, they will perform on stage as well as VIP with the twins in rotation. Miroku and Bankotsu will perform bouncer duty. Kouga is the bartender and Hiten will serve. What do you think, Inuyasha?”

“Hmm, considering that Kagome almost turned the twins into twin piles of ash, I'm sure they'd be thrilled to perform rather than stand guard, especially if Kikyo successfully drags her back. Well, off to get ready for the Palace and make some calls to the guys. Catch you later, Fluff-butt.” The hanyou then left the taiyoukai to his thoughts.

“Fluff-butt indeed. The half-breed whelp is hiding something. Perhaps he called Father knowing damn well it is rather late in Tokyo.” Suddenly, Sesshomaru had a bad feeling that he may be right. He sighed as he went to his shower but not before remembering one detail.

“Jaken!”

The taiyoukai's little green retainer appeared as fast as he could. “Yes, Sesshomaru-sama?”

“Have my sheets changed by the time I return from the Palace.” Sesshomaru then headed to his shower.

“Y-yes, Sesshomaru-sama.” With that, Jaken bowed and went to perform said duty.

As he showered, the taiyoukai came up with an idea for tonight's performance. There was no way he would tell anyone what it would be. Sesshomaru especially wanted to keep it a surprise for the miko. Surprise for the miko? Where did that come from? And what were those dreams that he had about the miko? Were they a sign of a possible future with her? Sesshomaru couldn't tell for sure.

Soon, he dried himself off and got dressed in a shirt that accentuated his musculature topped with a simple black blazer and matching pants. He pulled out his costume for tonight and smirked. He finally left the apartment and headed to his car.

But first, he had to make a call. “Shippo. Gather everyone and meet this Sesshomaru at the Palace in 30 minute. I want to discuss what everyone is doing for tonight. Do not be late.”

15 minutes later, the taiyoukai arrived at the Palace and entered through the back entrance with his costume in tow. Sesshomaru headed to the private office while he waited for the other employees to show up for the meeting. He pulled out his costume and placed it in the closet.

Another 15 minutes passed as the rest of the staff arrived. The twins, Juromaru and Kageromaru, only hoped they weren't the bouncers tonight. Sesshomaru took notice of their nervousness and sighed.

“The two of you do not have to worry about being the bouncers tonight. Miroku and Bankotsu have that duty. Kouga will be the bartender and Hiten will serve. The rest will rotate between VIP and the main stage.”

Juromaru breathed a sigh of relief. Kageromaru couldn't agree more. “At least we won't end up becoming twin piles of ash at the door in case a certain miko decides to show up.”

“So this Sesshomaru has been told.”

A smirk of mischief began to appear on Miroku's face. “So many females lining up tonight. Oh, the possibilities.”

An irritated growl rose from Bankotsu's throat. “Great, I'll have to keep your youki under control for your mate. Damn pervert.”

“You know, as well I do, that my heart, body, and soul belong to my lovely Sango.”

“Yes, but your mind and hands get totally separate from everything else. You're lucky Sango's on duty. But don't worry.” Bankotsu then put an arm around the kazeyoukai-monk's shoulders. “You've got me to keep an eye on you and I won't blab to her about any groping.”

Miroku's shoulders slumped at this and sighed. “Damn it, Sesshomaru-sama, couldn't you pair me up with someone else tonight?”

“Sorry, Inuyasha has already agreed to this lineup. Just grin and bear it, letch.”

The monk hung his head in defeat. “Very well. Come on, let's get ready, Bank.” The twins only snickered at this. They stopped when Miroku flared his mixed aura. They only continued when he headed to the dressing room.

“Now that the lineup is settled, everyone get ready.”

Meanwhile, a certain Inu no Taisho called upon Ah-Un. “Ah-Un, have the jet fueled and prepped. The Lady and I are going on a surprise trip to New York.”

Ah-Un, his bodyguard and pilot, bowed at his master's command and headed to the Taisho private airfield.

Setsuna, Sesshomaru's mother and Lady of the West, couldn't help but worry. Touga sensed this and smiled. “Do you think it's a good idea to drop in on the boys like this? You know they hate it when we do this kind of thing?”

Touga wrapped his powerful arms around his mate and nibbled at her mating mark. Setsuna could only go weak in the knees. Only he could make her feel this way. “Of course, it's a good idea. Besides, this Touga would love to see how the pups are doing. I would also love to catch up with the Higurashi girl. And it's been a long time since we've seen Kikyo as well. The looks on their faces would be priceless. Be sure to pack the camera, koi. And you've always wanted to visit, what was it, `The City that Never Sleeps'.”

“You may be right. I'm almost packed and ready to go. This Setsuna supposes this should be payback for that late phone call that whelp Inuyasha made. Does he not understand the meaning of the difference in time zones?”

His phone then rang. “Yes?”

“My Lord, the jet is ready whenever you and the Lady are.”

“Excellent; we should arrive in about an hour.” Touga then hung up. “The plane is ready, koi. Are our bags packed?”

“Yes, dear. I also took care to bring our copies of the apartment keys. How long are we going to stay in New York?”

“As long as we'd like. We have all the time in the world. Besides, I have Myoga taking care of the company while we're away. It should be Sesshomaru running the company, not some strip club in New York.”

“I understand you, koi. But Sesshomaru made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with the company. Let's not complain. Consider this as revenge for that pup's late-night call. This Setsuna cannot wait until we touch down.”

“We have a long flight as it is. Let's get a move on.” And with that, the Western Lord and Lady headed toward their private airfield and plane. Ah, yes, the looks on the pups' face would be priceless indeed.

I'm going to end it here. Next chapter will have more in terms of action. I hope you enjoy this one. Sorry if it's a bit slow. Later. ^_^