InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Terms of Engagement ❯ Concessions ( Chapter 6 )

Terms of Engagement

Concessions-(**Lemon) suggestion been so long you may want to re-read previous chapters

 

Scene 1-Truce-Wednesday

Miroku was standing in his office looking out the huge window once again. It had been a long three days in which his reluctant wife was more frosty then usual. The last couple of days she'd stayed later at work and spent the rest of her time with her brother, effectively ignoring him. Miroku didn't like to be ignored…not at all. He had a clue as to what might be bothering her but she'd yet to confront him with anything. All week he had found his self distracted by thoughts of her. He still didn't understand why she got under his skin so much. It was beginning to get very irritating. He thought of his self as a patient man…most of the time but he was also a man of action. If they were going to fight then so be it but this silent treatment had to end. Coming to a decision he stuffed some papers into his briefcase and grabbed up his suit jacket and headed out the door.

 

“Rachel I'm leaving for the day, take messages and I don't want you calling me on my cell. I'll take care of anything that comes up when I get in tomorrow.”

Rachel had been Miroku's secretary for five years. She had also been a brief lover of his as well. It was a little ironic considering she was his senior by 10 years, but they'd both enjoyed the fling and now worked well on a platonic level. So while she hiked a brow at his sudden demand she was unfazed by it.

 

“Yes sir. Have a good day Mr. Hiddinni.” She'd learned a long time ago that anything could happen where he was concerned. You either went with the flow or got crushed.

-----

Sango couldn't concentrate today…but she'd been having that problem all week. She really should have been happy, after all Kohaku was home and every test indicated that the cancer was in remission. However there was still Hiddinni…damn him. She didn't like being lied to. They had an agreement…which was fine considering the fact that it kept her brother alive but Miroku had not been completely honest with the details of the arrangement. She found her husband…god how she still couldn't get her brain around that word, to be a very complicated man. She was still confused about what she felt for him on a personal level. He had treated her nice enough and so far he was very good to Kohaku. However she had also seen the deadly ice in his eyes a couple of times. She was no fool and she knew that he had it in him to plow anyone over that stood in his way. Still a lie was a lie…she was still waiting to confront him about it. Around three thirty it seemed as if her wait had come to an end.

-----

Sango had her head down reviewing a contract when her door opened and shut. “Thanks Margo, just sit it down, I'll read it in a minute. Also you can go home if you want. I think I'll actually leave on time tonight.” Sango said not even looking up, assuming it was her secretary bringing the file for the last client of the day.

 

“You certainly will be leaving on time tonight…wife.” Sango's head snapped up at the same time her jaw dropped.

 

“Miroku, what in the world are you doing here?”

 

“It's nice to see you too.”

 

Sango closed her mouth and hastily stood up. “I wasn't expecting you. Where's Margo?”

 

“I had the same idea as you and sent Margo home….after I had her cancel your last appointment.”

 

“You what?” She half whispered in disbelief. He couldn't possible have done what he'd just said.

 

“You heard me correctly.”

 

Sango shaking her head as if to clear it took a step around the desk towards him, one hand on her hip.

“And what gave you the right to do such a thing? I run a business you know. Unlike you I'm a small company and I need my clients. Of all the pompous, arrogant things-.”

 

“I thought it was time we talked.” Miroku said in a flat hard voice cutting her off. The tone must have worked for she stopped talking along with all movement. “I was tired of waiting for you to come around, so now I've taken the matter into my own hands. We will settle this matter today, make no mistake about it.” As if to nail his comment home he made a show of twisting the lock on her door, effectively locking them in together. Sango's eyes widened at the gesture and she licked her suddenly dry lips, lost for words. Miroku seemed to find her expression amusing and a wry smile twisted his face as he walked across the small office towards her.

 

“Don't you have something you want to get off your chest? If so now's the time.” While Sango didn't take a step back she damned herself for being paralyzed with surprise. But having Hiddinni in her small office confronting her was like being in a cell with a caged tiger…at dinner time…and it was clearly obvious who would be dinner.

 

“I don't know what you're talking about. You're the one who came barging into my office.”

 

“I'm surprised at you Sango. I didn't take you as the type to bite your tongue.” He was standing less

then a foot from her and reached out to caress a stray piece of hair that had slid out of her prim bun.

 

“Just admit you're mad at me about…the curse.” She slapped his hand away and finally the fire started to burn in her eyes.

 

“Your damn right I'm a little pissed about it. I don't like to be lied to, even if it is some little white lie of a story. I knew you had some questionable characteristics and now I know lying is one of them.” For a minute he just stared at her, his eyes narrowed, then suddenly let out a chuckle.

 

“Now that's the Sango I'd rather see.”

 

“Why you…you.” Sango struggled to find words as she flushed with anger at his laughter. “You're impossible!” Throwing up her arms she went and stood behind her desk. It wasn't much but at least it was some kind of barrier between them.

 

“So I've been told.” Miroku walked forward and saw her stiffen out of the corners of his eyes and kept going until he reached her window.

 

“I don't see anything funny. You lied to me and I'd like to know why.”

 

Miroku sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets and gazed out the window. It wasn't as big as his and the view wasn't as impressive but looking out at the city helped him think. “You want the truth I'll give it too you. I needed someone to marry and I wanted you to be that someone. You seemed like a logical, rational woman and I figured the only thing telling you about the curse would do is make you think I was crazy and go running in the opposite direction as fast as you could. I figured my proposition was bad enough.”

 

“Maybe, our whole situation is odd but I still would have liked to know all the details, even the crazy ones about a stupid legend. I mean really you can't believe in an actual curse do you.”

Miroku shook his head and slowly turned to her smiling. “I was raised to believe it, but even so I don't. Unfortunately what I believe is not the question here, it's what the rest of my family believes.”

 

“You are joking right?” Suddenly Sango wasn't mad anymore just incredulous that they were even talking about a fictional curse. She was also curious how a man like Hiddinni had been sucked in by such mumbo jumbo. “Besides I didn't think you were the type to worry about what others thought…even your family.” She went to stand next to him as she talked. Miroku shrugged nonplused by her remark.

 

“What can I say…the pull of family can be strong. It will make you do strange things…you of all people should know that Sango.”

 

Sango nodded her head and acknowledged his point. Family had led her to a fake marriage of connivance after all. “Still when I think of a curse I think of dire circumstances, you know death or something. Letting your family name die out is not the end of the world.”

 

“Spoken like a woman….and from someone who doesn't come from an old family.”

 

“Hmmm, you mean old money.” She said disdainfully.

 

“No I mean old family, though old money can play a part in it.” He saw from her puzzled eyes that she didn't understand. “Let me try to explain. I'll admit it's a hard pill for me to swallow also. My family can trace its roots a 1000 years back, there are very few families who can say that with honesty. On top of that we have gone on to amass great wealth in our family name. When you have an old family to lose one's name is to lose one's history, even your sense of self. Take your self for instance. You and your brother are the only remaining known links to your mother and father. When you lost them you lost a part of yourself.”

 

“Keep the topic on your self and leave me out of it.” She said stiffly, uncomfortable with where the conversation was going. Miroku fought the impulsive urge to comfort her. Though she had only told him the basics of how she had come to be raising her sibling single handedly, he had of course checked out her background thoroughly.

 

“Fine…just tell me then why instead of letting one of your parents distant relatives raise Kohaku you took on the job yourself at such a young age?”

 

“I…I well I didn't have any choice.” Uneasy her hands fluttered as she explained. “I was his sister, his

flesh and blood. I was all he'd ever known, all he had left!”

 

“Exactly my point, and when your brother has kids your family's name, hence the legacy of your mother and father will live on.”

 

“I suppose your right….but to force generations of your family to get married to save a name is crazy.”

 

“Maybe…maybe not. It's really not that odd if you ignore the whole curse thing. It's a natural male

reaction. For ages men have always wanted a male child and whether fair or not men children are favored in many countries over female children. Wait let me finish.” Miroku rushed on as he saw the fire light in her eyes again and her mouth open to retaliate. “Why are they favored you would ask? Because again fair or not they carry on the name of the family. Almost all women even today still take on the name of their husband and that name is passed onto their children. Even most bastard children are given their fathers last name.”

 

“Well doesn't that make me feel all warm and fuzzy.” She said dryly.

 

“It may not be right but it is how it is. Anyway that was my point on why it's so important. If we lose the name, the line of Hiddinni will be gone after being kept alive for 1000 years. Even though I think the curse is nothing more then lore and I tried to ignore it, I felt the weight of my family on me in this matter. What can I say? I guess I'm weak in some areas.”

 

Sango gasped and covered her mouth as if she was in great distress. “Wonders never cease the great Hiddinni has admitted a weakness and in front of a witness.” She laughed at her own joke and Miroku grinned with her, right before his arm snaked out and pulled her body close to his.

 

“I guess I have another weakness…for I have to admit I've missed being in our bed these past few days.” Sango's laughter had stopped and her knees threatened to go soft at his seductive tone. With her hands on his chest in a futile attempt of distance, she tilted her head up and tired to think of something to say.

 

“Well….that's what you get for lying.”

 

“I guess your right. Why don't we forget about it? Like you said it's a silly story passed on by the likes of my Aunt and those before her. It doesn't change the terms of our agreement, now does it?”

 

“I suppose it doesn't.” Sango said softly, not sure what she was agreeing to since his hand caressing her backside was distracting her.

 

“Good, because there's something I've wanted to do for the longest.”

 

“What?” Sango asked raising her eyes from where they had drifted to his throat back to his face just in time for the crushing mouth that pressed down on hers. The kiss instantly stroked a fire in her belly causing her restraining hands to snake up and encircle his neck.

----

When Sango felt the desk hit her rump she assumed she'd walked there of her own accord seeing as how she wasn't being carried. The last 40 seconds were a blur. Now as she heaved in air and her eyes finally focused she noticed a couple of things. His suit coat was gone and so was his tie. Strangely the first few buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned and revealed a fresh tiny bite mark at his throat. Had she put that there? As if that wasn't enough she could feel her unzipped skirt falling down her waist and her bra was already unsnapped. Yes indeed a lot had happened in 40secs.

 

“I want you now wife.” Hiddinni breathed in her ear as he pushed the long skirt and her underwear to the floor.

 

“What…wait…we can't do this here.” She protested weakly. Miroku just gave her a heated gaze as his fingers undid his belt buckle and zipper.

 

“Watch me.” He said fiercely before sweeping an arm across her desk knocking papers, pens and trays to the floor, clearing one half for his purposes.

 

“Hey! That's my stuff you're knocking around! You-.” He cut her off with a kiss and at the same time lifted her onto the desk and leaned her backward, pressing his body in between her legs as his hand sought her middle and found her already wet. Her protest died in her throat and by the time he entered her in one deep stroke desk accessories were the last thing on her mind.

 

Scene 2-A Shared Connection-(one week later) Thursday

Kohaku was sitting in the hard blue plastic chair waiting on George to come pick him up. He couldn't believe that his treatment would be over in two weeks and then school would start two weeks after that. He was looking forward to the new school with all its advantages but he wasn't looking forward to not knowing anyone there. Well that wasn't exactly true he would know one person…Rin.

He had been hesitant to use her card and call her so instead he had emailed her first. When he gotten back a two page response from her the same day he had figured she wouldn't mind him calling. Since then they'd talked everyday in some form or the other and a couple of days ago he had figured out how to use his web came so now they saw each other every day. Even so, it wasn't the same as seeing and talking to her in person.

 

In a way she had become his closest friend. His other friends were typical teenagers and while they sympathized with his illness they couldn't empathize with him. And so after a while the calls had dwindled and the visits had been odd once his appearance had suffered. While he had reconnected with them since his hospital release it wasn't the same. They had spent most of their summer having fun while he had been bedridden. Somehow Rin was different. I was like she understood what he was going through. Maybe it was just that they'd both lost parents and that her father was a doctor. Whatever it was it made him feel close to her. He was thinking how it would be really good to see her when George walked through the double doors. Kohaku smiled and started to stand when George waved him back down.

 

“I'm sorry I'm a couple minutes late young master, traffic you know. Just let me sign you out and we'll be on our way.”

 

Kohaku nodded and blushed. He was always embarrassed when George called him “young master” at home or in public. Belatedly he looked around to make sure no on had overheard. He was slowly getting used to having maids and butlers. To coming out the bathroom in the morning to find his bed made and dirty clothes gone before he could it. He knew the maids spoiled him and that if Sango found out she'd have a fit. But he let it go on for a couple of reasons. One he was a normal lazy teenager who when he could left stuff all over the place and two he was often extra groggy in the mornings and appreciated the small assistance. Besides he made up for it by helping the staff with small chores while his sister was at work. It had been hard but he had convinced the staff that they were helping his recovery by letting him help out.

 

Anyway he was liked by all the staff and returned the favor. He was especially close to George. As they made their way down to the car he thought again about Rin. He wished he had a phone so he could call her. He was probably one of the few kids over 12 in Hollywood who didn't have a cell phone. He was hoping he could talk Sango into it before school started. As he sat in the front seat of the Bentley he had an idea but hesitated to voice it.

 

“George I have a question.”

 

“Yes young master what is it?” He said not taking his eyes off the road.

 

“Geez man, stop calling me that.” George nodded but Kohaku knew that wouldn't stop the title calling.

 

“Anyway I wanted to stop by somewhere. Would you mind taking me?”

 

“I suppose so….as long as it isn't too far out the way. May I ask where you wish to go?”

Now Kohaku blushed and looked out his window. “Um, nowhere special….just a friend's house….they live close by. You know Rin the friend I talk about some times…” He let his voice trail off in embarrassment.

 

“Ahhh, Miss Rin. Yes I do believe I remember you mentioning her a time or two.” George was careful not to smirk as he glanced at the young man. The young sir had mentioned Miss Rin at least a dozen times every couple of days. “Where exactly does the young Miss live?”

 

“Well I'm not sure.” Now Kohaku turned back and frowned. “I uh, was wondering if I could use the car phone and call her real quick. I know it can't be too far we'll be going to the same school.”

George faked a frown before he answered. “Well, I don't know. The car phone is usually used for important business only.” He watched as the young man's face dropped and then as he quickly tried to cover it. “But…I guess we can make an exception in your case.”

 

“Thanks! You're awesome G!”

 

George raised an eyebrow at the name, which Kohaku ignored as he reached for the phone console. The only explanation he gave was this.

 

“Hey if you get to keep calling me young master then I get to call you a weird nick name too.”

------

Rin was having a “blah” day. Her father wouldn't be home for another 2 hours and her friends were at the mall shopping without her. She hadn't felt in the mood today…besides she may have been solidly rich but her father believed in hard work and her spending allowance was no where near as extravagant as most of her friends. Never fear she didn't go with out and she was always in name brand and up to date outfits but she just had to be a little more choosy of when and what she bought. Her father had taught her early to weigh choices and consequences.

 

She sighed heavily as she sat down on the Queen Victoria couch and thought of her father…while she knew what he did was a very worthwhile profession and that he worked hard to give her all life's comfort she wished he was around more. Maybe that's why she had the “my daddy said” syndrome, as her friends called it so bad. It was something she had hoped she'd outgrow as she got older…this feeling of being alone all the time.

 

She had a couple of other people she could call but she didn't feel in the mood to talk to any of them, they wouldn't understand her mood…except maybe Kohaku. However a glance at her watch told her that he wouldn't be home from his treatments yet. The guy really needed to get a cell phone. Just as she thought it her cell phone attached to her hip rang. She knew right away by the specialized ring tone who was calling and picked up on the second ring.

 

“Oh wow I was just thinking about you! Isn't that funny? How are you? Did you just get back from treatment? Are you home already? Boy that was qui-.”

 

“Uh hi Rin.” Kohaku had learned to just jump in where Rin was concerned otherwise it was hopeless.

 

“Opps sorry, what's up.”

 

“Uh, actually I was on my way home and…uh wondered if I could stop by for a while?” Kohaku was hunched over on his side of the car as far as possible for privacy, while George did his best impression of pretending not to hear. “I mean if you want company. That is even if you can have company….look never mind I shouldn't have called so suddenly-.”

 

“Ohhhhhh that would be great! How do you always know what I need to hear? I was just thinking how alone and bored I am, of course you can come over! You're a life saver.”

 

“You mean it? Uh…well great, what's your address?” She rattled it off and Kohaku recognized it as a street that they passed to go home. “Okay well see you in a few, right….uh huh…..okay….Rin can we talk about it when I get there? Sure bye.” Kohaku finally hung up the phone.

----

Kohaku walked up to the door alone since after five minutes of arguing he hadn't been able to convince George to come in. The devout George who feared Sango's wrath had made him telephone his sister to let her know he'd be late. After a deep sigh she had hesitated and told him to only stay for an hour then head home. Other then that she'd had no objections. He had barely pressed the doorbell before the fancy craved door was opened by a smiling Rin.

 

“Come in come in! It's so good to see you.” Rin said half dragging him inside and shutting the door then dragging him into a hug. Kohaku blushed and hugged her back before he spotted a maid walking toward them and pushed away form her. Rin turned around and waved at the approaching maid.

“It's okay Thomasina I got the door, this is my friend Kohaku, he's a patient of my dad's and a friend of mine, he's come to visit, we'll just be in the sitting room. Do you think we can get a couple of snack's he's just come from his treatments, thanks you're the best!” The maid didn't so much as blink at Rin's rapid dialogue and nodded her head and turned on her heal. Kohaku assumed she was used to Rin's ramblings. Rin took his hand and led him through the large house towards the sitting room. Once there she directed him to a love seat and sat down next to him.

-----

Kohaku swallowed as she sat close to him. He didn't know why he was freaking out he'd had girls that were his close friends before. He didn't know why Rin was any different. He sat there looking at her while she rambled on. He knew girls where excitable but Rin was the most animated girl he'd ever met. He had no clue what she was talking about as his mind wondered. Today she wore her long red hair simple tucked behind her ears. Her slender face was split into a big smile as she told him some story about one of her girlfriends named Heather. It seemed to him that she was always smiling. Which was okay. Her smile made her even prettier. A light blush stained his cheeks at the thought and he tried to scoot back from her a little. She didn't seem to notice his discomfort and followed him on the seat. He swallowed the lump in his throat again and was glad when he heard the maid named Thomasina walking their way with a tray. Rin seemed to know she was there even with her back to the maid and spun around.

 

“Thanks Thomasina you're a life saver!” Thomasina nodded and left after giving a brief smile. “Here you go have some of these cookies their the best. Our cook Rosie makes them.”

Kohaku took the offered cookie. “Thanks. I'm glad she brought something sweet, I could use it.”

 

“Right to get your blood sugar up.”

 

“Yeah.” He wondered once again how she knew some much about his treatments and side effects and decided to finally ask. “Rin, I know your father does this for a living and all but why do you know so much about cancer and chemotherapy?”

 

“What do you mean?” Rin looked at him funny stuffing another cookie in her mouth.

 

“I mean how do you know about my blood sugar being low right after treatment and stuff like that?”

 

“Well why shouldn't I?” At his continued look of confusion Rin bit her lip as she thought back on their conversations. “Wait, I can't believe it! I was sure that I told you….maybe not who knows, you know how I ramble. Wow that's weird thought I thought sure I'd told you-.”

 

“Told me what?” He cut her off.

 

“Oh nothing. Just that I use to have cancer and treatments just like you.”

-----

Kohaku sat looking at Rin and decided she had never been sick a day in her life. She was to cheerful to get sick. Only Rin would forget that she hadn't told him such a thing. “No you never told me. I'm sorry.”

 

“Oh it's no big deal I guess.” Rin said waving it off.

 

“Sure it is. Umm when did you have it?” He watched as she finally lost her smile and he regretted asking her. “Uh its okay you don't have to talk about it.”

 

“No…it's okay. I just thought for sure I'd told you when I told you about my mother.” Rin started playing with her hair with one hand and a cookie with the other. “Well let's see I told you my mother died giving birth to me, so I never knew her. I guess that should have told everyone from the start that I was trouble…anyway I was born with a rare from of cancer. My father was of course devastated my mother's death and even more devastated by my disease. He said that's when he switched his specialization to rare forms of cancer. He said he was determined to find a way to save me. My cancer didn't really start to bother me until I was about three, but when it hit it hit hard and my father worked around the clock to find something that worked for me. Back then they were barely able to do anything about regular cancer much less rare types of it. Anyway other doctors told my father to give up, that I would be dead before I reached five. But as you probably noticed my dad is a hard nut to crack and once he gets something in his head he doesn't let go. So he started working on a specialized treatment just for me. He almost lost his job because he spent so much time focusing on my case and taking care of me.”

 

She paused and turned to look at him a sad smile on her face. “My dad is great isn't he.”

She gave a heavy sigh and continued her story. “So my fifth birthday came and went and I was still here. Then my sixth passed and while I wasn't cured I was alive and kicking and getting marginally better. The other doctors couldn't believe it. At this point they started paying my fathers methods some attention and using it on other young patients. Now with the help of the other doctors my father kinda fined tuned the procedures so it doesn't take as long.. To sum up a long story but the time I was eight I was cancer free and have been ever since. Though my father insists I get tested once a year. So I know so much about what you're going through because I was the first one to get the kind of treatment you're having. It doesn't work on every one but it has a 60% success rate on rare cancers in people under 18. It made my dad famous and very, very rich. He's out of town at least once a month doing special consultation around country. I'm so proud of him but it sucks to have him gone all the time.”

Kohaku sat with his mouth literally hanging open. “Wow….I had no clue. That's awesome. I mean it's terrible about your mom and you having cancer but awesome that your dad was able to help…to help so many people.”

 

“I know my dad's the greatest.” Her eyes misted up even though she was wearing a huge grin again. “I love my dad so much, I don't know what I'd do without him.” Rin lowered her head to hide the tear that was sliding down her face, only to look up in surprise as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

 

“Hey don't cry. I understand. You love him as much as I love Sango. Maybe we love them so much because their all we have left.”

 

Rin nodded and dashed away her couple of tears, reaching up to put her hand over his. “Hey you're probably right, but at least now we have each other too!” They gave each other easy smiles and in a flash Rin was off talking about another subject. They didn't bring up their illnesses again for the rest of the hour but chatted comfortably about nothing, like teens do. Though the time short by the time George finally knocked on the door for him they both felt closer to the other. As if they had finally found someone who understood them.

 

Scene 3-To Hot to Handle-Saturday**

 

Kagome was tired, hot and sweaty. They had spent most of the time on set doing chase scenes or semi-fight scenes. Now all she wanted to do was go home and take a long bath. Inuyasha walked past and handed her a bottle of water without a word and she took it just as silently and gritted her teeth. Since their kiss scene he had been nothing but polite and professional towards her. Not one un-proper word had come out his mouth towards her. For that reason only she couldn't take the water bottle and hit him upside the head with it, even though she wanted to. She shrugged off her mood and turned the bottle up, drinking deeply as she listened to the director call the last scene of the day.

 

Inuyasha stood five feet from Kagome leaning on a fake street lamp post with his arms crossed. The words of the director skipped over him as he watched the long smooth tilt of her neck arch up as she drank the water. He also watched her ripe lips close around the bottles mouth and her eyes close in pleasure as she gulped the cold liquid. Inuyasha had to swallow the lump in his throat as he became aroused. This was exactly why he'd kept his distance from her since their “little” kiss, he couldn't stop thinking about having her in his arms. At first he had brooded about the possibility of her being with that jack ass Kouga. Then he had just spent all his time wanting her. Well Inuyasha was tired of doing the chasing. It wasn't his style and by god if she preferred that wimpy Kouga over him then he didn't need her anyway. His lips firmed and he turned from the sight of her wiping the water from her mouth to another actor to ask what the director had said. Starting tonight he planned on looking in his not so little black book and forgetting about Kagome.

-----

When the director said “cut good job, let's call it a night” Kagome had never been so grateful in her life. She skipped the usual wrap up convo and headed straight to her dressing room. Her muscles ached from weeks of jumping, dodging and rolling on hard surfaces and she could think of nothing better then that hot bath and some much needed sleep. However she settled for a shower in her room to wash the dirt and grit from her skin. When she was done she felt a little better and grabbed her purse and headed for the parking lot. She wasn't surprised to see that it was mostly empty there was no shooting tomorrow and she figured most people had been anxious to get home. She was still playing with the notion of a hot bath before bedtime when her cell phone rang. She searched for it in her little bag and finally found the tiny thing. Looking at the display window she saw that it was Kouga. She bit her lip in indecision but finally let the phone drop back down into the bag. She didn't feel like company tonight. Kouga was a really nice guy but she just wasn't feeling the vibe from him anymore, plus she was too tired to spend the night dodging his advances. She slid into the leather seat of her Ferrari and inserted the key ready to get home.

 

The smile on her face died as she didn't hear the purr of her V8 engine. She tired again and got the same results. For a minute she sat there staring at the key…then she lost it. “Damn it! All I want to do is go home! You piece of shit why won't you start?” Kagome banged her fist on the dash and ended her tirade by placing her weary head on the wheel. “Okay Kagome calm down. Maybe it's something simple.” She popped the hood and got out the car. In a minute she was looking at the inside of a very expensive car. She stared down in dread at all the odd shaped parts and connecting hose and wires that seemed to go no where. She knew next to nothing about cars except they went forward and backwards and very fast. She was so engrossed in trying to make head or tails of what she was looking at that she didn't notice the person coming up behind her.

-----

Inuyasha walked slowly into the parking lot drying his wet hair with a small towel. He had made contact with one of his former playmates and had a rendezvous in thirty with the eager beauty. He figured it would be quicker to shower here then running all the way to his place then down town to meet her. He was absently whistling a tune to his self, his thoughts on the activities that waited on him when he heard a bang on metal followed by a cruse of pain. He looked to his left and saw Kagome's black head underneath a cherry red hood. “What the hell?” He murmured to his self making his way over slowly. He stood behind her for a minute watching her poke at wires until it was obvious that she had no clue what she was doing. A smile split his face but he managed to hold in his laughter.

 

“You need some help with that?”

 

Kagome whirled around barely missing banging her head to glare at the intruder. “What are you doing here?”

 

“Probably the same as you…going home. What's the problem?”

 

Kagome gritted her teeth, oddly irritated to have him see her distressed. “It should be obvious to even an idiot like you, my car won't start.” She snapped at him. He lost his smile and his eyes narrowed before he took a step back.

 

“Right…well I'll leave you to it since us “idiots” couldn't possibly be of any assistance.”

 

“Fine I don't want your help-.” Kagome broke off as the ache in her back reminded her how much she wanted to be at home and in bed. Taking a deep breath she reminded herself that it wasn't Inuyasha's fault that her car wouldn't start and that honey caught more flies then vinegar. “I'm sorry I'm just frustrated and tired, could you take a look at it…please.”

Inuyasha hiked up a brow at her “please”….a word he never expected to hear from her.

 

“I guess, even though I'm an idiot I might know a thing or two about cars.”

Kagome was grinding her teeth, but meekly stepped aside. She watched as he grabbed the towel around his neck by both ends and leaned under the hood. He poked and prodded and from where she stood it was the same things she had done. She mentally toyed with the idea of dropping the hood on his head. Only the thought of their angry director brought her up short. She sighed loudly for the third time just as he withdrew his body and slammed the hood shut.

 

“Did you fix whatever was wrong with it?” She asked eagerly just wanting to get home.

Inuyasha shrugged easily and wiped his dirty hands on the towel. “Nope, but it seems like your carburetor blew out, which means this baby isn't going anywhere.”

 

“What? I don't understand. This car is brand new! I've only had it for six months.”

 

“Maybe it's not the car but the driver.” Kagome hands fisted and Inuyasha went on as if he hadn't noticed her impending temper. “Maybe someone was pushing it a little to hard a little to often.”

 

“For two hundred grand I'll push it as much as I like.”

 

“True.” Inuyasha said, shrugging again. “But with out proper upkeep anything will wear out, even diamond's need polishing ever once and awhile.”

 

She frowned at the mention of upkeep. She vaguely remembered getting a three month reminder for a

free inspection from the dealer….damn. “Well that's just great!” Kagome threw up her hands and turned from him stomping her foot in a rare display of divaness.

 

“Shit! How the hell am I suppose to get home?”

 

“I can give you a ride.” Inuyasha frowned as she turned to glare at him. Where in the hell had that comment came from?

­-----

Kagome sat and called a tow truck as Inuyasha raced up the freeway. She couldn't believe her stupid car. Now she sat with her arms and legs crossed staring out the window. As the miles flew by she finally felt her aching muscles again and made an effort to relax. At least she was on her way home. She knew the car wasn't a huge issue she had two more in her four car garage anyway. She was just tired and stressed. This project was draining her. She'd never had this much physical action in a movie before and the mental strain was the worse. The mental strain she could contribute mostly to the man sitting next to her. She cut her eyes to look at Inuyasha. He drove easily with one hand and didn't seem bothered by their silence as he listened to some heavy metal on the stereo. His long hair was drying quickly at these speeds and blew behind him like a flag of… sexiness. Kagome re-crossed her legs and shifted her eyes, she suddenly felt uncomfortable. Where previously she had been to mad to care she now was conscious of her short eighty's style skirt and her mini halter top. It was little she could do to hide her flesh so she stayed still. Besides this was silly, she'd been closer to Inuyasha on the set every day…maybe that was the problem.

 

Inuyasha saw her re-cross her legs and struggled to keep his eyes on the road. Why was it she seemed to have incredibly long legs for someone of just average height? He had no idea why she was the only woman who when angry turned him on. She had barely said two sentences since ungraciously accepting his offer of a ride. He should have left her there and let her little boyfriend Kouga come fetch her. Humph…well it was to late now. He'd drop her off and be done with it. The sooner the better. Half the women in the world would give up their right arm to be riding with him, instead he was sitting next to “miss playing hard to get”. He was the real thing, a star and he'd be damned if he spent one more moment chasing this starlet.

­­-----

Kagome counted the 10 seconds it took him to speed up her long driveway. When they came to a smooth stop at her door she gripped her purse, let out a deep breath and turned to thank him. “Thanks Inuyasha's I really appreciate you giving me a lift.”

 

“Don't mention it.” He said with another causal shrug waiting for her to get out the car.

 

“Well…uh. Look I know I haven't been acting that grateful, it's been a long day and I just wanted to get home. The least I can do is offer you some coffee or something before you go.”

Surprised he stared at her a moment before giving a flippant shrug. “Sure why not. I could use the caffeine.”

----

Having come from a simple life style Kagome still wasn't totally comfortable having servants and such. Thus for her modest home of seven rooms she only had maid service twice a week and a cook came three times a week. Neither worked weekends allowing her to have the place to her self. Damon her chef had left the necessary lights on for her and she quickly led a silent Inuyasha back to the kitchen. She was glad she still had her purse in her hands for something to hold. She couldn't believe she had been stupid enough to invite Inuyasha into her home. Now they were alone…together.

 

“Um…just let me turn on the coffee maker. Damon knows I usually prefer a glass of wine when I get off instead of coffee so it's not turned on. But he probably left a delicious meal in the frig….um let me think, I think its beef stroganoff today.” Kagome rambled on as she sat down her purse and plugged in the appliance. She was opening her freshly ground coffee beans and had no clue to the reaction her simple comments had on her guest.

 

Behind her Inuyasha tried to keep his face expressionless as his hands balled in his pockets. He couldn't believe the gall of her to talk about another man while he stood in her kitchen. And what kind of wimpy guy was enough of a sap to cook her dinner? Apparently everyone was allowed to get a piece of the action as long as it wasn't him. He stood silently staring at her curvaceous backside as she prepared to pour in the water for the coffee. What the hell was he even doing here? He should have dropped her off and been done with it. She could lead Damon who ever the hell he was around by the nose if she wanted but he was no one's dog, not now not ever.

 

“So Damon's another one of your playmates…and this one even cooks.”

His sarcastic tone more then the words caught Kagome's attention away from her babbling and her hand froze in mid air. She carefully sat the empty coffee pot down and turned around, one hand on her hip.

 

“Excuse me? What did you just say?”

 

“Hey no need to get your feathers in a ruffle. In fact skip the coffee and the rest too. I've got better things to do then to eat one of your lover's meals.”

 

“What in the hell are you talking about? Damon's not my lover and-“

 

“Save it I'm out of here.”

 

Kagome stood in outrage as he turned and walked out. How dare he assume she had numerous lovers running about and for that matter what if she did? It was none of his damn business and how dare he judge her! She marched out behind him to confront him. She caught up to him in the front sitting room. “Wait just a damn minute! You have a lot of nerve coming into my home only to sling mud at me.”

 

Inuyasha whirled around so fast that she almost ran into him. “I have a lot of nerve? You my little drama queen take the prize in nerve. Was the whole coffee thing just a ploy to get me inside so you could throw some more of your lovers in my face? Huh? Or was the car a part of it too? Look I'm to old to play games. You've made it clear that despite the fact that you're attracted to me that I'll never be on the long list of your lovers. I get it, so you can go back and eat the wonderful meal that your boy toy Damon made. I can see my own self out.” Inuyasha ended his tirade on a sneer and promptly felt the sting of a palm against his face. He didn't flinch, more from shock then the fact that is didn't really hurt. He had never been slapped in his life…never. He was speechless.

 

Kagome watched his eyes narrow into slits and resisted the urge to step back. She probably would have been wiser if she wasn't so mad. Now that she had him silent she wasn't going to waste it.

“Now you listen here. First Damon is not I repeat not my lover. He's my cook! Second how dare you come into my home accusing me of being a harlot just because I don't want you. That was the only thing you were right about. I don't want you! You are such a jack ass of an idiot.” Kagome yelled at him as she walked around him, making him turn to follow her.

 

Inuyasha turned and followed her as she moved, still semi shocked over the slap. He watched her, with hands on rounded hips, eyes blazing and suddenly he found the whole thing funny…just to bad the joke was on him. “Damon's your cook?”

 

“Yes he's my cook, you buffoon.”

 

“How many different words do you know for idiot?” He asked with a slight grin trying to diffuse the situation.

 

“I don't know but I'll get a thesaurus and look them all up. Dealing with you I'm sure I'll need more.”

 

“Okay I was wrong about your chef. That still doesn't explain why you have a stick up your ass around me. You are the most ungrateful chick I've met in a long time and that's saying a lot in Hollywood. I had a hot date lined up who does want me and planned on showing me how much in ten different ways before I dropped everything to help your highness.” He said remembering his date.

 

Kagome looked him up and down and finally took notice of what he was wearing. He had on a maroon silk shirt that was open to the waist where it disappeared in some form fitting but not too tight black slacks. Ugh! Was he the only man that could wear a silk shirt and not sweat in the dead of summer? His hair had dried into deep waves probably from light jell, making him look like a sexier Fabio. While he dressed nice everyday it was obvious that he'd had plans. “Well you've just proven my point about how much of an ass you are. You didn't even bother to call your hot date and tell her you'd be late, though I wouldn't have expected anything else from you.”

 

Inuyasha resisted the urge to slap his hand against his forehead. She was right, he had forgotten all about “Angel” the “Playboy” model of May 2004. By his calculations he was already twenty minutes late and the one thing Angel didn't like was to wait. He had forgotten all about her dealing with Kagome.

”Shit, she's going to kill me. And what did you mean you wouldn't expect anything else from me.”

 

“I meant that I'm not surprised you were too thoughtless to call. Ha! I can't believe you of all people tried to lecture me on morality much less sexual morality. You have so many women at your beck and call that you don't mind standing up some star struck groupie. Tell me do you treat all your women so poorly?”

 

“First I wasn't lecturing you. I just have a problem with you taste. I mean come on! You picked a weasel like Kouga over me for a lover. Second Angel is no star struck groupie. She's a top ranked model who knows the score, plus an old friend of mine. She won't be happy but she won't be heart broken. For that matter she won't be lonely either. She's probably already replaced me by now. That's one of the things we both have in common. We don't like waiting and we usually get what we want. For the record don't assume you know me or my type. There's only one Inuyasha.”

 

“Thank God!” Kagome said dramatically rolling her eyes. “By the way you were the one doing the assuming. Besides I know all I need to know about you. You're a womanizing, egotistical, pompous jerk who is used to women falling all over you and I for one will not be another notch on your-.” She saw movement then everything else fell away as she became aware of only firm lips pressing down on hers and her back meeting the hard wall.

-----

Inuyasha hadn't touched her yet and had merely driven her back by the force of his kiss. His arms were braced against the wall on either side of her as his lips claimed hers. He had been dying for another taste of her lips and watching them as she railed against him had been to much temptation. At first she didn't respond but he caught her tongue and gave it a firm tug. The moan that escaped her throat was all the encouragement he needed. His hands came from the wall to her waist pulling her tighter against him. As she melted he didn't notice the fact that she was crushing his silk shirt with her fists. Truth was he didn't care, his senses were to full of her, her scent of lavender, the feel of her skin. What started out as a healthy spark turned into a full flame with the deepening of the kiss.

 

Kagome was going under quickly and couldn't find it in her self to fight the tide of passion pulling her down. She was kissing him back her tongue struggling against his for position. Her heart beat had doubled in seconds and her head felt dizzy with desire. Everything else was forgotten except his body against hers. His lips left hers and she moaned in protest only to grasp in pleasure as they kissed the pulse at her neck. She felt her stomach clench and her heat flow. One hand abandoned his shirt to wrap around his back bringing him closer. She took a deep breath to try and calm her self and inhaled the scent that she recognized as being his name sake cologne. Her eyes were closed and she wondered if she was dreaming? She had often dreamed of being in his arms these last weeks…but no dream had felt this good, this alive…this hot!

 

Inuyasha kissed then bit her long neck as one hand slid down to her scantly clad rump. When she pulled him closer his already hard manhood pressed against her soft body and made him shiver with delight. How many times had he thought about getting his hands on her like this? It didn't matter he was here now and his hand was traveling to the back on her thigh. With a jerk he lifted her leg up to his waist. He heard her gasp and grab him tighter for balance but no protests. They met and claimed each others lips again even as her hands skimmed down to his waist and around to his front to play with his belt buckle. He felt the burn of her hands even through his clothes and fought to maintain control as he hardened even more. He ran his hand back and forth along her smooth thigh as his other hand reached up to her pert breasts. He played with one of the taunt nipples through her top as he felt one of her hot hands snake up his chest while her other hand massaged his manhood. With a half growl he pushed up her halter top and flimsy bra exposing her breasts. He tore his lips from hers to devour her nipples. Her sounds of pleasure made him feverish with need.

 

Kagome could barely stand and was glad that her back was pressed firmly against the wall. One hand struggled with the opening of his pants while the other inched into his thick hair pressing his head firmly to her aching breasts. She could barely breathe and didn't care. As long as he didn't stop touching her she would live. She ran hurried kisses along his neck as he suckled, causing her whole body to tremble. At last! She felt the button of his pants give then unzipped him quickly.

 

Inuyasha's hand inched along her leg, underneath her skirt to the back of her butt and came in contact with only flesh. The mental imagine of her in a thong caused his hand to shake and he switched his hungry mouth from the current breast to the other. His skilled hand ran from her bottom to her front where it encountered the thin and very wet piece of material separating him from her. Pushing it aside he inserted a questioning finger at the same time he felt her small hand wrap around his shaft. Both of them moaned and threw back there heads in the shared pleasure they were giving one another.

 

“I want….I need…” Inuyasha could barely get the words out his mouth so luckily she understood before he had to finish forming the sentence.

 

“Yes, yes! Me too!” Before she could get the words all the way out Inuyasha had lifted her until both legs wrapped around his waist and the wall supported her. Quickly he pushed aside his restraining clothing. Somehow his mind was still mindful of her comfort and even though he grabbed her waist firmly he slowly lowered her down and joined them together. Kagome cried out and dug her finger nails into his back as the sensation of him inside her overcame her mind. Inuyasha felt her warm heat wrap tightly around him and leaned his head against the wall as he tried to breathe and give her time to adjust. For a few seconds they were still…like the unnatural stillness of a sea before a huge storm. Then with a slight flick of her tongue on his ear she gave her consent for the storm to rage.

 

All of his control snapped and he held the underside of her thighs as he withdrew and entered her again and again and again. Kagome had no choice but to ride the wave of his passion as it pounded into her. Her hands and legs clutched him as if he was her life preserver. Her mouth when not crying out in pleasure ran kisses along his heated skin. When he felt release sneaking upon him he sought out her lips, claiming them as his hips thrust faster. When at least the storm was over they held on to each other tightly. The only sound to be heard was that of their heaving breaths. Inuyasha couldn't believe it. After all his fantasizing he had finally made her his. He turned his head to look at her. Her eyes closed, her skin glossy with sweat, she was beautiful. Kagome was a strange one and he didn't know how to approach her now. He didn't know what to say and being that all the blood had not traveled back up to his brain again, he said the first thing that came to mind.

 

“Well?”

 

Kagome slowly opened her eyes to come face to face with Inuyasha. Her back was still pressed against the wall and her legs still wrapped around him. Neither had the energy to move yet. Her brain was also still in a haze but she respond to his ill asked question.

 

“You're still an ass. No one gave you permission to kiss me.” Kagome said seriously, even as she gently pushed some of his hair behind his ear.

Inuyasha just grinned and shrugged. “It was the only way I could think of to shut you up.”

 

Scene 4-Duties-Next Saturday

 

Sango sat in the den with a historical romance in her lap on a Saturday night. It was close to 7:30 but the house was relatively quiet. Kohaku was in his room doing who knew what, most likely talking to Rin on his web cam. Hiddinni hadn't shown up yet, which didn't disturb her in the least, or so she told herself. She had just read a racy scene in her book that had reminded her of their office tryst. Just thinking about it made her blush again. She hadn't been able to look at her desk with out doing so for at least three days. She would have felt completely scandalized if it wasn't for the fact she had been with her husband. Her husband….even after two months it was hard for her to consider herself married. She didn't seem married. She didn't cook, she didn't clean, she didn't iron his shirts and she wasn't in love. It was more like she had a live in room mate. So far her only wifely duty had been performed in the bedroom.

 

She twisted her lips after that thought. She couldn't deny that their chemistry in the bedroom was steamier then any romance she'd ever read or anything she'd seen on the big screen. She couldn't help but wonder though if she'd done the right thing? So far she hadn't become pregnant but she wondered how long her luck could hold out. When they'd first become married she had thought to use birth control pills and figured he would never know the difference. However after getting to know Hiddinni she didn't put it past him to have the staff check her medicine bottles, so she had chucked that idea out the window. It was inventible that eventually she would be with child. She hadn't quite wrapped her mind around that possibility yet. Shaking her head she cleared the thought away. She didn't feel like thinking about anything serious tonight. She just wanted to relax and for once do absolutely nothing. She picked up her book and continued to do just that.

 

About ten minutes later she heard the main door open and shut and soon after heard the clatter of feet on the stairs. The first she attributed to Hiddinni arriving home and the second to Kohaku running down the steps to greet him. She was amazed at how well they got on with each other. Hiddinni was amazedly adept at dealing with a teenager. The thought brought her around to wonder what kind of father he would make? It was one thing to deal with a teenager another with a baby. If a teenager got difficult you could always ground them or send them to their room. A baby was a lot more difficult to handle. She tired to pull an imagine of Miroku with a baby in his arms in her head and couldn't. She frowned and was about to get up and make sure Kohaku didn't pester him to much after his long day when they beat her to it.

-----

Miroku walked in the den with a slight smile on his face and a causal arm around Kohaku's shoulder. The sight of his wife dressed in sweats and clearly relaxed made him smile a little more for some unknown reason. He wished he could get undressed and join her or even go play PS2 like her brother had requested of him. Unfortunely business called and he had to answer.

 

“Hello wife.” He said as she stood up from the sofa.

 

“Hey yourself. It's kinda late for you to be getting in on a sat.”

 

Miroku raised an eyebrow and grinned at her. “Are you grilling me on my where abouts? That must mean your wifely instincts have kicked in.”

 

Sango stiffened before she said. “Of course I wasn't I couldn't care less what time you come in. I was just making an observation.”

 

“Relax I was just kidding with you Sango. I agree this is way to late for me to be coming from work on a saturday. Trust me I would have much rather been home relaxing the way you obviously have. However fate is not on my side tonight and it seems I have to drag you into it.

 

“What are you talking about?” She sat the book down and took another couple of steps toward the pair.

 

“We have-.” Miroku stopped only to be interrupted by Kohaku who rushed to his sister's side.

 

“Sis you're riding in a limo tonight how cool is that? You guys have to go to some big charity event. Only bad thing is you have to dress all fancy which I know you hate.”

 

Sango looked in confusion from one to the other. “Could one of you explain in more detail what you're talking about?”

 

“I'll try now that your brother has stolen my thunder. We need to attend the annual Celebrity Aids Benefit ball at the Kodak Theater tonight.”

 

“You're kidding me right? Why didn't you say anything about this before and why do I have to go.”

 

“I'm sorry about the last minute notice. It was in my business planner for the last month but with everything that's been going on I totally forgot. As for the second question Hiddinni incorporated is one of the top five sponsors of this event so I must be present. As you know Hollywood etiquette calls for my devoted new wife to be at my side. Otherwise the rumor mill will be spinning out tales that all is not right in paradise on every paper tomorrow morning about us.”

 

“Ughh! It's so sudden though. I hadn't planned on doing anything tonight much less going to a ball. That's a high class event, I don't have anything to wear and I haven't even combed my hair today.”

 

“I know, again I'm sorry about not informing you sooner but that can't be helped now. As for the hair and getting dressed don't worry about it. I called Riberta and had her lay out your clothes and she assured me that Candice can assist you with your hair for tonight if need be. All you have to do is go get dressed and play the dotting wife for the night.”

 

“I don't know how to play at “dotting” and frankly I had no intentions of going.” Sango said peevishly and pursed her lips only to have Hiddinni do the same. It seemed they were in for another stand off's.

 

“Ah come on sis, I know it sucks getting dressed up, but think how cool it will be. Miroku told me he has George shinning up the limo and that you guys would be walking down the red carpet. Then think of all the people you'll meet too. Besides if Hiddinni shows up I'll bet more money will be raised. Hell- I mean heck I wish I could go.”

 

Sango bit her lip and let out a sigh. She knew she was being childish in her reasoning for not wanting to go. After all wasn't she just thinking that she didn't have any wifely duties. Going to charity balls was definitely a wifely duty when you were married to a powerful and important man like Hiddinni. Besides Kohaku had a point. Even though Miroku showing up wouldn't affect the profits of the event, it was for a good cause and how could she turn her back on that after what she'd been through with Kohaku. This benefit would probably help other people dealing with disease who had no financing to help fight for their loved one. Coming up with a smile she reached out and ruffled her brother's hair.

 

“Okay, stop twisting my arm. I'll go. You had me at the limo.” She left her brother alone and started to walk towards the doorway. On her way past Hiddinni she gave him a meaningful look and a grin. “You just make last minute just make sure there's lots of champagne in that limo. I'll need it to get though the night. I hate these fancy things. Plus I'm sure whatever you have picked out for me, which by the way is another issue well talk about later, probably has incredibly uncomfortable shoes.”

 

Miroku nodded, surprised and pleased he hadn't had to battle her over the issue. He and Kohaku shared a look that said “women, who understood them” before Miroku turned to go get dressed his self. He didn't bother with relaying her request to George. A fully stocked bar was standard for the limo whenever it went out. He rode 1st class at all times…after all he was a Hiddinni.

-----

Kagome unlike Sango loved getting dressed up. The glitz of Hollywood still excited her. She was glad her publicist had called her Thursday to remind her of the charity event because it had totally slipped her mind. She had kept herself extremely busy this last week so her mind wouldn't' have time to think about…him. Tonight was different however. These balls were mindless events where all you had to do was nod and smile and laugh in the right places. She could attend one in her sleep. Therefore she found her mind wondering back to Inuyasha. It was hard to believe that she had really slept with him three times only a week ago. The sex between them had frankly been the best she'd ever had which might explain why she was so disturbed by it.

 

She had woken up late that night alone…with a note on the pillow that read “See you at work on Monday. I left you out a midnight snack, since you missed dinner.” She had sat up only to find a plate of beef stroganoff and a glass of wine on her bed side table. She had been highly confused. Leaving a note instead of waking her up to say good-bye had been highly impersonal. Yet taking the time to leave the meal out for her and remembering that she liked a glass a wine after work meant that he was being considerate of her. She had skipped the meal and downed the wine before going back to bed. When Monday had rolled around she had been nervous about how they would react around one another. For the most part he ignored her and was a complete professional. However, he did little things that let her know he wasn't so unaffected by their night together.

 

He was always making sure that she had everything she needed, whether it was a bottle of water or a fruit bar. Then there were the looks. She caught him watching her more then once with a little gleam in his eye. The biggest tell tale sign was when they were in a scene together. They just seemed to sizzle with awareness, so much so that the director had touched on it more then once. Even with all that he had not once brought up the subject of them having sex together, so she had done the same. She didn't know if she should feel happy that he wasn't rubbing her face in the fact that she'd given in to him or mad because he obviously thought that she was only worth a one night stand and couldn't even be bothered to talk about it. She shook her head to clear it and made her way slowly to the bar, being stopped by various people along the way. Once there she took a seat to rest her feet for a few minutes before going back out into the multitude of people.

-----

She was sipping her chardonnay when she felt the tingle that alerted her to his presence. She turned around as he sat beside her. She nodded to acknowledge his presence, but became self conscious when he just continued to look at her. She took another sip to steady her nerves before giving him a small smile.

 

“I didn't know you'd be here tonight.” Inuyasha said toying with the stem of his own glass.

 

“Thank my publicist.”

 

“I will. I'm very glad to see you.”

 

“Oh really…you see me every day Inuyasha.”

 

“That's different Kagome, that's business.”

 

“Some would say this is business too. Showing up, talking to the right people, supporting the right causes…at least that's what my publicist says.”

 

“Ah so you're not so green on how Hollywood works. But still for me this is pleasure. Surrounded by rich, powerful people and of course beautiful women is never a chore for me.”

 

“I just bet.” She said dryly oddly mad at his comment. “And remember I'm been in the game a couple of years now. You either learn how to swim quickly or get ate by the sharks. Speaking of which I better get back out there and finish swimming.” She turned to go only to have his hand on her arm stop her. She felt her skin tingle but ignored it, looking up into his eyes. “What do you want Inuyasha?” He leaned in close to her ear before he answered.

 

“I thought that would be clear. I want you…tonight. Look I booked a room a block away at the four season's here's the key.” He slipped the small key in her hand in a way that no one would notice. “Meet me there at 2:30. I've been waiting to get you alone again all week.”

 

Kagome felt desire run down her spin at the same time she felt anger run up it. How dare he expect her to just jump into his bed at the drop of a hat after basically pretending that nothing had happened between them for a whole week! She leaned into his ear and said viciously. “You can go straight to hell if you think I'm going to meet you at the drop of a dime at some hotel like I'm your personal hooker.” She slid the key back into his hand and pressed the point into his palm. “One night with you doesn't mean you own me or I'm your play toy of the week. You have a lot of damn nerve after sneaking out of my bed and acting as if it never happened to think that I would be available at your beck and call. Hollywood is full of high priced hoes, a lot of them in this very room. I however am not one of them. Do not speak to me again this evening or I swear I will slap you so hard you'll be seeing stars for a week.” She hurriedly stood and walked away from him before he could speak, quickly disappearing in the crowd.

 

Inuyasha squeezed the key in his hand tightly needing the pain to take away from his anger and confusion. What the hell had he done now? Skip that what the hell was her problem? It was like he could never win with her and he hated losing at anything. He saw the CEO of Paramount pictures heading his way and downed the rest of his drink and straightened his face. Kagome had been right about one thing. Every event you attended in Hollywood was about business. Though he often appeared to be the carefree and careless playboy movie star he was very much the business man. Indeed one did have to learn to swim with the big fish to survive and he hadn't got to the top by sinking. He put on a grin and shook the man's hand as he neared even though he was still angry at Kagome's refusal of him on the inside. Business was business…and pleasure would have to wait.

-----

Sango hoped her gritted teeth passed for a smile. She thought about murdering Miroku when they got up then all her problems would be solved. Right now she was talking to some boring man and his wife. This place was packed. She and Miroku had long become separated as different associates tugged him one way and her another. There had to be at least 300 people here tonight. Everyone wanted to be able to say they supported finding a cure for AIDS so everyone from politicians to porn stars had some out tonight. While she didn't usually enjoy so many people what was really bothering her were her shoes. She wore a long simple but elegant red dress with three inch heels…she never wore anything over two. She could have happily committed domestic violence against her husband.

 

They had arrived and had indeed walked down the red carpet. As they had stepped out the limo Hiddinni had whispered in her ear “try not to blink and make sure you smile” and before she comprehend his comments lights had been going off in her face. Of course she had blinked and she had no clue if she had smiled or not. She also didn't how Kagome or anyone put up with it on a regular basis. Somehow with Miroku expertly guiding her she had managed to make it inside without breaking her neck or hitting someone in the eye for blinding her. She was defiantly not cut out for this. Now she let her eyes wonder as the man continued to talk and was surprised when she saw Kagome ten feet away.

 

“I'm so sorry to interrupt but I think I saw my husband gesturing for me. If you'll excuse me.” Sango quickly walked away after making her excuse and caught up with Kagome who was headed away form her. She had to lightly grab the other woman's arm to get her attention.

 

“Kagome I'm so glad to see a familiar face.”

 

Kagome blinked a couple of times as if trying to focus then gave Sango an impromptu hug. “Oh Sango! I didn't know you'd be hear either. You look gorgeous!”

 

“Well thanks and you already know you look great you always do. So how have you been? I haven't heard from you lately.” Sango said lacing an arm through Kagome's.

 

“I know, I'm so sorry, I've just been so tired after shooting ever night.” Kagome steered them to an exit as they slowly made there way forward. “This movie is kicking my butt left and right.”

 

“I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping you would like this role.”

 

“Oh I do, in fact it's great, it's just so demanding.” They were outside the main ball room now and Kagome took her further into the lobby were they could talk privately. “I…I'm very glad I took the role. It's just…”

 

Sango had known Kagome long enough to know when something was bothering her and took the lead and just asked her.

 

“What's wrong Kagome? What aren't you telling me? If they aren't holding to everything in the contract you let me know and Hiddinni or not I'll make them fix it.”

 

“Oh it's nothing like that. Ughh Sango I've just made a big mess of everything.” Kagome looked around to make sure she was alone. To be on the safe side she leaned in and whispered her next words.

 

“I did something stupid and impulsive, and I think it's my biggest and most impulsive stunt yet.”

 

“Just tell me already you know I'm bad at guessing.”

 

“Right…oh hell I slept with Inuyasha and you so much as grin I swear I'll hit you.”

 

Sango bite her lip to stop the instant grin that had been headed to her lips. “Okay, no grinning and no violence. Well I don't know what to say. I assume it was mutual and I assume by your blush that it was good. So like you told me a few weeks ago what is the problem?”

 

“The problem is Inuyasha is a selfish, arrogant bastard, who I should have never touched with a ten foot pole. And my situation is different then yours. You're married.”

 

“Yes so I'm reminded of everyday.” Sango murmured under her breath.

 

“Be serious Sango!”

 

“I am always serious.” She said with a twinkle in her eye.

 

“Ughhh! This is no laughing matter. I can't believe I let him add me to his long list of conquests.”

Now Sango frowned and got serious for real. “Is that what he said to you?”

 

“No, but I'm not stupid. I man like him doesn't think twice about taking a woman to bed.”

 

“Kagome seriously if you think he'll harass you on the set I'll have a talk with whoever it takes to make sure you don't have to work under those conditions.”

 

“No, no. He's a complete professional on the set. I could give him a scout badge for his behavior there. Look, I'll get through the rest of the movie fine. Truth be told I just think my pride is hurt a little. I'm a big girl I knew what I was getting myself into when I said yes. I guess I just needed to blow off some steam.”

 

“If you're sure?” It was Sango's turn to give her a hug. “You know you can talk to me whenever you need too. Come on let's head back in.” The pair started walking back the way they'd come. “And don't be so hard on yourself. You made a mistake….it happens. Look on the bright side do you know how many women would envy you if they knew? You've done what thousands of women are dreaming about in their beds right now.”

 

“Yeah…well yippy for me.” Kagome said as the two women shared a laugh as they went back in.

-----
Miroku saw his wife re-enter the ball room with Kagome, then again why shouldn't he have. He had been tracking her all night, and couldn't really figure out why. For someone who claimed to abhor these kinds of functions she handled herself very well. Even with the huge sea of people she wasn't hard to pick out. She should have been though. There were many ladies in red dresses but somehow he always knew where she was. He wondered what she and Kagome had needed to talk about privately and then he wondered if it had anything to do with why Inuyasha was sulking.

 

He had run into his best friend earlier and knew that something was bothering him. He didn't show it with any action or word but having grown up with each other Miroku could tell. Miroku hadn't pressed him…Inuyasha talked when he wanted to talk and not sooner. He wouldn't be surprised if it had something to do with the beautiful Kagome. That made him think again of his wife. It seemed like she was slowly trying to make her way around the room back to him, which was fine by him. He hadn't lied to her when he'd said he'd rather be at home relaxing with her. With the way she looked in that red dress he could think of a lot of activates that he'd rather be doing then talking to the same old boring people.

 

Besides his father had irritated him tonight and he was ready to get as far away from him as

possible. Yes he father was here as where many other people who did big business in Hollywood. He father had found him and congratulated him again on choosing such a fine woman for a wife. He had said it in such a way to make one think that he had married a pauper who he had suddenly changed into Cinderella. He was sorry Sango hadn't been present to hear it, for she might have actually clocked the old man and that would have been a sight to see. His father had in a low voice went on further to interrogate him on whether or not she was pregnant yet. To this question he told his father that whatever went on in his marriage bed was none of his damn business.

 

He himself hadn't really thought about the ultimate goal of their union…a child that much. He was however enjoying trying to make one with her every chance he got. He was still very surprised that he still wanted his new wife so much. Even now surrounded by so many beautiful women he only had eyes for his wife. He'd had to rebuff a few not so veiled advances tonight already from past and wanna be future lovers alike. This was Hollywood where a wedding ring often was only a token symbol to be ignored or accredited at a person's whim, so the advances had not surprised him. What had surprised him was that he wasn't the least bit tempted to take any one up on their offer. He figured it was because in some ways Sango still fascinated him. He could tell that she had many layers of her self that she refused to share. He was into the business of making fantasy into reality so he enjoyed trying to unravel the mystery that was his wife. With a secret smile at the thought of unraveling his wife from her dress, he turned to converse with an old college friend.

-----

Sango was indeed making her way slowly to her husband's side. She had decided that she'd had enough of the torture of the shoes and would demand to be taken home. She had actually enjoyed her self some and was glad she had came. The ball had raised over 12 million dollars to help pay for AIDS treatments. Now if she could just get through this huge crowd. She got swallowed by a group of people and lost site of Miroku for a minute, though her eye did happen to catch sight of Inuyasha.

 

Sango could defiantly understand how Kagome had given in. He looked particularly charming in his black tie attire. Like the charming man of everyone's fantasy that he was. Sango shook her head and chuckled. It was always the ones like that you had to be careful of. She just hoped it was only Kagome's pride that was hurt and that she had left her heart out of it. The heart and love had no place necessarily where sex was concerned. Sango knew a playboy like Inuyasha was no where near ready to settle down in any way, shape or from with a women at this point in his career…she'd bet money on it. Then again she would have said the same thing about Hiddinni two months ago and look at him now…he was married…to her!

 

She laughed at herself and finally the crowd cleared a little to allow her to catch sight of Miroku. What she saw stopped her in her tracks and caused someone to bump into her. She wanted to eat the words she had just been thinking. For there was her husband with a stunning red head draped all over him, which he didn't seem to mind on bit. In fact he had one arm casually around her and was laughing down at her like he known her all his life. He probably did know the woman…Sango did. She was one of the best known female directors in Hollywood…Jackie Burns. Finally Sango seemed to find her feet and started toward the intimate pair again. Even as she came closer she watched as Miroku titled his head and gave Jackie a kiss very close to her mouth. Apparently it wasn't close enough for Jackie because she returned the favor by kissing him dead smack on the mouth before the two shared a laugh about it. Sango collected herself and put on her fakest smile all night and came up next to them. She was disgusted at how he easily took his arm from Jackie and slid it around her waist. She would have won the bet after all. That for men like Hiddinni and Tessaiga sex really did have nothing to do with the heart.

 

AN: Okay so you might have notice but I did not re-proof this, I just reposted as it was. I'm sorry when I read back through it I do see all the little weird mistakes, but as you've also probably noticed I barely have time to write, so I definitely don't have time to reproof right now, My chapters are just to long. Sorry try to enjoy the story as is.