InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Agency ❯ Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I forgot this last time but I'm sure none of you believe I own Inuyasha. By the way I'm only putting this up once.

The Agency

Chapter 1

Inuyasha set the last of the plates out on the table as he listened to the sound of his new partner coming towards the door. This would be the first time he would meet her and all he knew was her name: Kagome. It was a nice name, happy and fitting for a smiling face. He wondered if she would live up to her name or not. Kikyo certainly had. Serious, cold, I'll only smile with my lips never my eyes, Kikyo.

A light breeze rustled his long white hair through the open balcony doors. It was a nice spring day; a little over cast, but nice. This would be the test of their possible partnership. He had made her lunch. How she reacted to this gesture would show him if they could get along as partners. Kikyo had passed, barely. The girl had just been too stiff and cold for his liking.

He heard Kagome stop outside the door. Inuyasha stayed by the table as he waited for her to knock; he didn't want to seem too anxious. He could smell her scent now. It was softly sweet and spicy, like spiced honey, though tainted slightly with what could only be nervousness. Kikyo had always worn a very heavy perfume that made his eye water if he got too close. Kagome's scent, he could tell, was natural. There was a soft, tentative knock that brought him back. He took a deep breath and made for the door.

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Kagome gulped as she came to a stop outside the door. She nervously fidgeted with her hair, straightened her clothes, licked her lips, and took a deep breath. What was her new partner be like? She had been told that it was a he and would be a demon, but nothing else. What did it mean that he was a demon? Was he going to be a monster? Will he have fangs, claws, wings, or tentacles? She took another deep breath; she was jumping to conclusions. Still a little nervous, she raised her hand and gave the fancy wooden door a tentative knock.

There was short pause then the door swung inward to reveal a man of about 19. He had silver-white hair longer then her own, with fluffy bangs. A pair of fuzzy white triangle dog-ears perched atop his head. Deep golden eyes with slight pupils looked down at her with a myriad of emotions she couldn't place or reason. He wore black slacks, nice black shoes, and a button up red silk shirt. He rested one clawed hand on the door and the other was in his pocket. A soft greeting smile graced his lips.

"Kagome, I presume." He said softly, his voice was deep but gentle as if not to scare her. Could he sense her anxiousness? She could feel her cheeks heat up. "Please, come in." He stepped aside and gestured for her to enter with the hand he removed from his pocket. She nodded and entered, picking up her luggage as she did. He shut the door behind her and followed.

Kagome stopped short to take in her new home. The place was more or less one large, open room with a high ceiling. On the far left was the kitchen. The deep green counter tops looked nice with the cabinets of light colored wood. An island counter, with two stools next to it, stood away from the rest, being convenient to use from all angles of the space. To the right of the kitchen area was a pair of open white French doors leading to a balcony. Shear green curtains hung over the thresh hold and fluttered in the soft breeze. A small square wooden table was set before doors to catch the breeze. The table had several plated of food set out on it. Next on the left was a living room like area. A plush green leather couch sat behind a polished coffee table and facing a fancy entertainment system. A sixty-inch plasma TV sat attached to a DVD player, Playstation, and Gamecube inside a glass door covered shelf on the left. On the right was another set of shelves filled with games and movies. The floor was all hardwood, a polished to a bright shine. The walls of the room where all tinged green. Several tan doors lined the right wall, but where they lead Kagome could only guess.

"May I take your luggage?" The man asked, causing Kagome to jump. How had he moved beside her so quickly and quietly?

"Oh, thank you… umm… I wasn't told your name." Kagome answered a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

"Inuyasha." He said with a smile as he easily lifted her two heavy bags, "I'll show you to your room. Then we can have lunch." He stepped past her and headed for the doors on the right. He opened the closest one and walked in. She followed.

The room was a nice size. Unlike the main area, the floor was covered with a soft tan carpet. The walls were a darker green then the other room and the ceiling was a smooth cream. A large, wooden framed queen size bed sat against the right wall, covered in a dark green comforter with a blood red flower pattern. There was a fancy desk and black leather chair in the corner. It was devoid of anything but basic office supplies and a computer. Opposite the door was a dresser with a mirror perched atop it. Next to it was a window seat over looking the city and curtained in green and tan. A large bare bookshelf stood solemnly in the corner. A small bedside table was the only other furniture. Two doors stood on the left wall.

"That one is your walk-in closet," Inuyasha said pointing to the farthest door, "And this one leads to the bathroom. We have to share, so always remember to lock both doors." He gave her a lighthearted smile and placed her bags on the bed. "Lunch is ready. Would you like to eat now or do you want to unpack first?"

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"L unch is ready. Would you like to eat now or do you want to unpack first?" Inuyasha asked. So far Kagome was doing well on his little test. She had greeted him courteously, if not a little shyly, and waited to be invited in before entering. Kikyo had walked straight in with little more then a curt hello. Kagome had blushed when she said she didn't know his name. It was cute. Kikyo had never blushed. Now she was up to her second test. Would she appreciate his efforts to make her feel welcome or want to take care of her things first?

"Lunch would be good." She answered with a smile. This was looking good. He nodded to her and led the way back to the table. He had set out a lunch of sandwiches, only they would have to actually make the sandwiches themselves. The meat, cheese, bread, and vegetables where all laid out on separate plates. He had also put out the jars of mayonnaise and mustard, each with its own knife. A bowl of assorted fruit sat in the middle of it all.

He pulled out a chair for her. Kagome blushed again and sat. He smiled. Kikyo had defiantly sat in a different chair. He walked past her to the refrigerator.

"Would you like a soda or juice? My last partner liked wine if you prefer." He offered.

"Soda, please." She replied. He fished two sodas from the fridge and returned to the table. He held one out to her. Kagome took it with a grateful nod. He sat down opposite her and opened his own drink. In the silence that followed he studied the girl. She had long black hair and bright smiling blue eyes. She did fit her name. Kagome had dressed herself in a casual but pretty blue sundress. To him she looked about 17 but he knew better then to follow that impression. Any one with holy power or demon blood aged much slower then a regular human. They also healed faster and with less scaring. She sat straight in her chair and fidgeted a little, obviously nervous. It brought him some comfort to see that she was acting as a guest in his home. To him, she was just that; until she proved otherwise and that wouldn't happen easily.

"What kind of bread would you like?" He asked. She had made no move to serve herself and he got the feeling she was waiting for him to initiation things.

"White please." She answered softly. He smiled and handed her two pieces of the requested bread. She was shy and he couldn't help but find it mildly amusing. In a twisted sort of way she looked like Kikyo, but she was definitely different. Kikyo had started right in, and complained about having to make the sandwich herself. Kagome looked like she wouldn't touch anything that wasn't offered to her. "Go a head. Ladies first." He gestured to the food. Kagome blushed at being called a lady. She nodded and began to make herself a turkey and cheese sandwich.

"So, Kagome…" he began leaning onto the table and beginning to make his own sandwich, "How did you come to be in The Agency?" It was supposed to be an icebreaker, but he regretted asking when her features darkened and a sad look filled her eyes.

"My family shrine burned down when I was 6. I was the only survivor. A guy in a black suit picked me up at the hospital and told me he knew who had done this and how I could get revenge. I found out sometime later that the fire was started by some inferno demon that had been taken care of only a week after the incident." she trailed off.

"I'm sorry. I had no idea." He apologized. Despite the fact that he had just hit on a sensitive subject he still marveled at how the girl's emotions played freely across her face.

"How about you?" she asked, brightening in both word and look as she turned the subject. He shrugged.

"My dad was in it. His first wife and he had my half-brother Sesshoumaru before she was killed. He was sent my mom as a new partner. A few years later I came along. My brother and I followed in our father's foot steps." He answered, then remembered something, "Oh and on that note. My brother, best friend, and their partners want to meet you tomorrow."

"Are they coming here?" She asked picking up an apple. She must have been starting to relax.

"Naw, we're meeting them at a restaurant. Sesshoumaru is picking so it'll probably be something fancy. Wine, dancing, and tiny little plates of food." He said with a smirk. She smiled back but seemed distracted. "Is some thing wrong?" She looked up from the table at his question.

"I…can't find a knife to cut up my apple." She said meekly a slight blush creeping on to her cheeks again.

"Oh. That's my fault. I don't normally use knifes to cut things up." He took the apple from her hand and sliced it into several pieces with his claws. She blinked as he set it down in front of her.

"That's useful." She chirped brightly. He raised an eyebrow. Her fear had faded fast; Kikyo had screamed. She took one of the slices and smiled brightly at him again, "So…what now?"

"I don't know. What weapons do have training in?" He answered casually. Kagome put down her apple and began to list things off on her fingers.

"Let me see; Staff, bow and arrow, chain blade, steel fans, and swords." She paused for a moment, "Yeah, I think that's all." Inuyasha blinked at her. He had heard of being trained in more them one weapon before, but even he only had training in three: the staff, sword, and daggers. Was this girl only slightly trained in each? The mention of a sword got his attention more then anything else. Females weren't trained with a blade except under special circumstances. Sango was an exception; of course just about everything about Sango was as such.

"A sword, really? That's unusual." He asked his curiosity slip through.

"It was that or an extra math course. I hate math." She answered. Inuyasha couldn't help but laugh. He had to agree, for all the math he had used during his time on the job he would have happily given one or two courses up in exchange for more weapons training.

"So you feel up for sparing sometime?" asked coolly, "I'm pretty handy with a sword myself.

"Any time." She challenged back.

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Inu yasha groaned as he pulled the covers over his head. Of all the things he was, a morning person was not one of them. Sure he could get up early if work required it, but there was no work to do today. He couldn't even begin to fathom a reason for waking up at 7 in the morning. His nose twitched. What was that smell? It made his mouth water. Where was it coming from? Slowly the wheels in his brain started to process what his nose was trying to tell him. Then it clicked. His eyes snapped open with realization. Breakfast. Hot, freshly cooked, breakfast. In a move much slower then his usual pace, Inuyasha climbed from bed. Sleep he could catch up on, but it had been years sense he last had a hot, home cooked breakfast.

Kagome looked up when a bed rumpled Inuyasha, who seemed completely unaware of the fact that he was only wearing a pair of red plaid boxers, appeared in the doorway to his room. She took note of his lean yet muscled body as he paused in the doorway to steady himself with both hands on the doorframe. His eyes where heavy lidded and his long hair, to her slight disgust, fell perfectly into place as he walked rather mechanically across the room.

For his part, Inuyasha was obvious to everything that didn't involve food. He had missed the fact that he was basically naked in front of a girl he barely knew and that she was only wearing a pair of loose green plaid pajama pants and a white spaghetti strap shirt. He sat down heavily in a chair as she placed a plate of scrambled eggs with cheese, hash browns, and sausage, along with a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee before him. She also set a plate of toast and the butter and jelly out before seating herself before her own breakfast. Inuyasha lend heavily on a forearm and began to eat.

"Damn woman, you can cook." He muttered sleepily. Kagome smile as she took a sip of her coffee. She had always been a morning person, but from the looks of things her new partner was not. And she had had enough encounters with people like him to know that it was best to let them wake up on their own and keep her rise-and-shine attitude to herself.

Inuyasha's brain slowly brought the world into focus as food filled his stomach and fueled his consciousness. He couldn't remember the last hot breakfast he had had at home. He looked up to see Kagome eating her breakfast in silence, though she didn't seen to be sleepy in the least. The fact that she was still in her sleepwear dawned on him, as well as the fact that her white shirt wasn't leaving much to the imagination. He felt a chill, gulped, and looked down. Yep, he was just wearing boxers. God bless his foresight to wear those. Normally he didn't wear anything, but the fear that he might forget about having a new partner in his sleepy state had made him too self-conscious. He looked up to see Kagome smiling as if she could read his mind and he felt his face heat up.

"I didn't know how you liked your eggs so I made them like mine." She downed the last of her coffee and stood, "I got dibs on the first shower." With that she rose, put her plate into the sink, and headed for her room. Inuyasha looked down at his plate, his face still felt hot. He sighed. In his stupor he had just inadvertently shown her more flesh then any other girl in his life, and this was just their first full day as partners. Great, just great. He ate the last of his food and looked around. His ears told him Kagome was as good as her word about the shower. Well at least she was distracted for the moment. He rose and cleaned the kitchen before heading to his room.

Inuyasha's room was much like Kagome's only he had done it in red and gold and it had much more lived in feel. Why he made it so different from the rest of the house he wasn't sure. He moved to his dresser and pulled out a pair of black sweatpants. He pulled them on, tied the drawstring, and looked into his mirror. He felt a little self-conscience going back out without a shirt, but he could still hear Kagome in the bathroom and he preferred to practice without a shirt. He stopped as he passed the bathroom door and gave it a quick rap.

"Kagome?"

"Almost done." She called back.

"Don't rush. I just wanted to say thanks for breakfast and I'm going to go practice in the dojo if you need me."

"Ok and you're welcome." He heard her pick up the hair dryer, "You never told me how you liked your eggs."

"Cooked." He answered lightly.

"Aren't you going to shower?" She asked with a light laugh.

"Then go get sweaty?"

"Good point."

"Anyway, you know where to find me." He finished and walked out. He passed through the main room, noting that it still smelled nicely of breakfast, and into the door just past Kagome's. The room was large and white. Weapons of all kinds hung from the walls and stood in stands. The floor was covered in blue workout mats. A second door lead into a long side room with a target on the far end for practicing long range weapons.

Inuyasha stretched his arms over his head and listened to shoulders pop then swiveled his head to do the same for his neck. He shrugged his shoulders and picked up his favorite sword, Tetsusaiga, from its stand. His father had given the blade to him when he had passed The Agency entrance exam. It really wasn't much to look at, but only at first glance. In Inuyasha's hands alone it transformed into a giant fang. He pulled the sword from its sheath and watched it transfigure without even a thought. He replaced the sheath in the stand and took a fighting stance in the middle of the room.

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Kagome stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped securely around her torso. She instinctively checked the room for someone she knew wouldn't be there before pulling the towel off. She tossed it onto her bed and moved to her dresser. Inuyasha had a nice idea about working out. Besides he still owed her a duel. She pulled on a pair of under wear, her green/blue halter-top, and a pair of black biking shorts. Next Kagome took a hair tie and pulled her raven tresses into high ponytail. Checking her appearance once more in the mirror, she left her room and headed for the dojo.

She opened the door carefully and quietly as not to disturb whatever Inuyasha was doing or accidentally get into the line of any attack. What she saw made her breath catch. Inuyasha was in the middle of the room spinning in what seemed an almost intimate dance of metal, skin, and hair. The blade flashed dangerously in the bright lights. His long hair swirled and seemed to tease the blade as it played just out of reach. Suddenly the demon came to a stop. His hair fell into place and the huge blade in his hand was held, point down, with one hand, the other held out for balance just an inch from the back edge of the blade. His legs were spread shoulder width apart and bent at the knees. Inuyasha's golden eyes focused on her with an intense stare so deep it sent a shiver down her spine. A long moment passed with out a word or movement from either.

"Did you need something?" Inuyasha asked as he straightened up. Kagome blinked and shook her head to clear it. She looked away as her gaze fell on his slightly sweaty and very naked chest.

"Umm…Well…I…" she was blushing and she knew it, "You said something about sparing yesterday." Inuyasha blinked once and then smiled.

"I did, didn't I. Well, grab a sword." He gestured around the room at her many choices. Kagome looked around; there were katanas, broadswords, fancy swords with curved blades, daggers, and many more. But nothing that looked like it would stand up to the enormous sword slung over Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha must have noticed her distress because he walked over and sheathed his sword into a rather beat-up looking katana sheath, sending the logical portion of Kagome's brain into a tale-spin. He pulled a broadsword off the wall. She smiled and followed suit. Kagome took a minute and get the feel of her sword, as did Inuyasha, before the two took up fighting stances across the room from each other.

They stood poised for a moment, each sizing the others up. It came down to Inuyasha's speed, strength, and experience against Kagome's fresh training, smaller size, and holy power. Both judged how much force to use; these were very real and very sharp weapons but neither wanted to hurt the other. Suddenly Kagome moved.

In a movement much faster then Inuyasha would have attributed to her; Kagome crossed the room and took a swing at him. He ducked letting the swing go over his head before striking out at her. There was a clash of metal against metal as Kagome blocked with the flat of her sword. She used her other hand to help push. He definitely had the upper hand in the strength department and she could tell he was still holding back. They stayed like that for only a moment before jumping apart.

Again they stood still eyeing each other. Intense gold eyes focused on bright blue ones. It was Inuyasha who made the first move this time. He leapt into the air, intent on bring his blade down on her head. Kagome again blocked just as she did last time. When Inuyasha added pressure to force her down, Kagome swept his feet out from under him. The demon landed unceremoniously on his ass and quickly found their position reversed. With a sharp growl of surprise and frustration, Inuyasha put his foot into her gut and flipped her over his head and off him.

Kagome landed with a soft thud on her stomach and her sword slid from her hand across the room. She was quick to get up but Inuyasha was quicker to block her path. A cool smirk crossed his face. He had her trapped and he knew it. Kagome took a few steps in retreat then, to the demon's great surprise, jumped and did a mid-air flip right over his head. She landed in a crouch with her hand on the hilt of her sword. Inuyasha was quick to recover but Kagome had already anticipated his move and had rolled to her feet and away from his strike.

The two stood apart catching their breath. Inuyasha now had a new found respect for his new partner. She was holding her ground well. Now was the time to turn up the stakes. He rushed her. Kagome anticipated another strike from above and made to block. She wasn't prepared for Inuyasha to grab the hilt of her sword over her hand and drive her backward into the wall.

Kagome now found herself in a precarious position. Inuyasha had her pressed to against the wall of the dojo; his body molded to hers to keep her from using her legs to push him away. The two swords were scissors at her throat. The slightest movement on Inuyasha's part and she would loose her head. She gulped.

Inuyasha's nose was only a few inches from her own and his heavy breathing warmed her face. His intense eyes stared into hers with something she couldn't identify. He pressed against her more heavily, the sweat of their abs mingling where the skin touched. She could feel the pressure of his hard chest muscles against her breasts increased and decreased with each breath they took. He licked his lips and let his eyes roam over her.

"Well, well, well." He said in a voice that was almost husky and accentuated with his heavy breathing, "I looks like I've caught a pretty little miko. Whatever shall I do with her?" Kagome swallowed hard at the sound of his voice. He wouldn't really… do anything… would he? She couldn't read what was in his eyes and it made her edgy. Inuyasha heard her heart rate go up and smiled slightly as he put his face kissably close to her's. "I know." He said, not sounding at all as if he had just thought of it as he looked her straight in the eyes, "Make me lunch wench." Kagome's jaw dropped and he began to laugh.

"Damn you!!!!" She hissed indignantly, "You scared me! Let me go!"

"Not until you agree to my terms." He teased. He had her pinned and was enjoying himself far too much.

"I hate you." She growled. Inuyasha just smirked.

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Inuyasha let the hot water roll over his body as he enjoyed his morning shower. He couldn't help but smile at himself for his little joke on Kagome. He didn't know why, but teasing her just felt natural. She was so different from Kikyo. His former partner always seemed to bring a chill with her wherever she went. Kagome, on the other hand, brought warmth and sunshine when she entered a room.

He turned off the water, couched down, and gave himself a good dog-like shake. He stepped out of the shower and took a towel from the rack. Running the towel through his long white hair he stepped into his room. The towel dropped on to the floor as he began to rummage through his closet for some clothes. He pulled on a pair of boxers, jeans, and a black shirt. He didn't bother with shoes, he never wore them unless he was going somewhere or was trying to impress someone.

He stepped from his room to find Kagome dressed in khaki shorts and a green tank top. She was sitting on the couch eyes focused on the TV. He glanced at her hands to see her working furiously at the Gamecube controller. Looking at the TV he saw she had put in Sonic Adventure Battle, one of his personal favorites. With a smile he volleyed over the back of the couch and landed beside her. She didn't acknowledge him at all. He watched in silence as she raced through the large ring at the end of the level.

"You didn't ask to play my games." He said sternly, but his smile betrayed him.

"Do you ever give up?" She asked looking at him in amused annoyance.

"Only if you let me play too." He said picking up the second controller. She smiled and hit the reset button.

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Inuya sha set down his controller and stretched as he stood up. The pair had been playing video games most of the day. Kagome had shown him up in RPGs and adventure games, but he had her whipped in fighting and sport games. Kagome had made them spaghetti for lunch, but that was the only break they had taken. He would have happily continued to play if they were not expected to be at a restaurant across town in an hour and a half.

"So how should I dress?" Kagome asked as she too stood and stretched.

"Humm…" Inuyasha rubbed the back of his head, "Sesshoumaru and Rin are picking so something nice but not formal." He answered after a bit of thought he added, "Oh and nothing too short."

"You care how long my skirt is?" She asked in amusement. A slow smirk crossed his face.

"Let's just call it a bit of friendly advice." He answered and disappeared into his room. Kagome shrugged and went into her own room. She opened her closet and walked in. The racks were full of clothes. Kagome frowned as she began to sort through the out fits. Something nice but not formal and nothing too short. The criteria seemed easy enough, but she still felt unsure. After ten minute she came up with a green dress that was nice and not too revealing, and black dress that showed a little skin but looked more formal, and a red dress that was about halfway between the other two.

She held each up to her body in front of her mirror, judging the pros and cons of each. The black one was shorter then she would have liked, but it was the best for a fancy restaurant. The green one was one of her favorites, but lacked the formalness of the other two. The red was nice, but she wasn't sure if it would be elegant enough. She sighed in defeat. She had to pick one soon or she wouldn't have time to finish getting ready. That left her with one option. She would ask for a second opinion. Taking the dresses with her, Kagome walked through the bathroom and knocked on Inuyasha's door.

"Inuyasha, can I get your opinion on some dresses?" She called through the door.

"Sure. Come on in. I'm decent." He called back. Kagome opened the door to find Inuyasha dressed much the same as he did yesterday only now he was wearing a light blue shirt. His shirt was only half buttoned and showed his white wife beater underneath. Kagome held up the dresses for him to see.

"Which one?" She asked. Inuyasha put his chin in his hand and studied the dresses for a moment. His gold eyes flickered from one to the next seeming to judge each on its own merit for standards only he knew.

"I think any of them would look good on you. Pick the one you like best." He said turning his attention back to his shirt happy he had assured her in her choices.

"That doesn't help me much. Which one would you like me to wear?" Kagome persisted. Inuyasha stopped and looked at her. The one he thought she should wear? Well… the green one would look pretty with her dark hair, of course so would the red one, but the black one… no, not around Miroku.

"The red one." He said finally. She nodded and headed out. Inuyasha shook his head and looked at himself in the mirror. She wanted to know his opinion on a dress. That was new. He finished the last button and closed his eyes. His imagination dressed her in the little black dress. He shook his head to push the thought away; he had just met her yesterday. Checking to make sure he had everything buttoned or zipped once more he headed to living area.

Inuyasha flopped down on the coach to wait. He had spent all of twenty minutes picking out clothes and getting dressed. If Kagome were like any other girl she would probably spend most of the remaining hour or so before they had to leave getting ready. He flipped on the TV and began to surf for something to catch his interest. Every once in a while he would turn an ear to check Kagome's progress.

Forty-five minutes later Kagome stepped from her room. She wore the red dress as Inuyasha suggested. It was sleeveless, with a snug fit to the top of her body and loose skirt that ended four inches above her knees. It dipped low in front to show just a hint of cleavage. Her feet were dressed in red velvet pumps. Her long black hair hung freely down her back. Inuyasha blinked. She looked pretty good. He smiled and rose to his feet.

"Shall we, my lady?" He asked, a big grin on his face as he offered her his arm.

"Of course." She smiled and accepted the offering. He smiled and led her out the door, locking it behind them. They lived at the top of the building and were therefore the only doorway on the floor, the elevator didn't even come this high. The only way down was the stairs. So needless to say Kagome was a little surprised when Inuyasha turned and led her in the opposite direction, stopping right in front of a dead end wall.

"Uh…Inuyasha," She asked, "Why are we standing in front of a wall? The stairs are the other way." He tilted his head towards her and smiled at her. Without a word he pressed his palm against part of the wall paneling. A soft glow came from underneath and then a door, that a moment before had been seamless, slide upwards revealing a hidden, and completely dark, elevator. He smiled and walked her in. As soon as their feet touched the floor, the inside light up with bright fluorescence and the door slide back into place behind them. Inuyasha lend against the wall as the elevator made its decent.

"Wouldn't people notice us getting off?" Kagome asked, still a little dazed.

"This elevator only stops on the top floor and the second basement. It a level that only we should be able to access. If anyone is down there we'll have to kill them." He spoke as if he where talking about the weather, "But don't worry. There is no way to get there from the rest of the building, so it shouldn't come to that." The elevator stopped and the door opened to a huge dark void. Inuyasha stepped out without a word and Kagome followed.

"Lights." He commanded, and the darkness was flooded in a bright pale light. Kagome looked around to see a huge garage filled with every sort of car imaginable. Most were sporty and looked fast but there were a handful of trucks and other work vehicles. Kagome's eyes roved over the many cars before her; blues, reds, yellows, blacks, and silver. All in pristine condition.

"See anything that strikes your fancy?" Inuyasha asked, smiling at the look of amazement on her face.

"That one." She replied after a moment and pointed to a black convertible Vet. He smiled, nodded, and walked over to it. He took the handle of the passenger's side and opened the door for her. She nodded her thanks and got in. Walking around he got into the driver's side and started the car. He drove them from the parking spot and stopped. Inuyasha gave her a sidelong smirk and revved the engine. She looked forward to see what looked like a solid concrete wall.

Kagome smirked back at him. It was just another illusion and he was trying to scare her. Well, she'd show him. Inuyasha revved the engine again and brought down the top. He smiled at her again and gunned it. The car shot forward and Kagome had to hold down her skirt to preserve her modesty. Inuyasha rested one arm on the car door as if driving at solid concrete was an everyday occurrence. The wall was approaching fast, but Kagome refused to let him scare her twice in the same day. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. At the last possible moment he turned the car sharply to the right, up a ramp, out a garage bay door, and on to the street. Kagome turned around just in time to see the door slide closed and an illusion of a shrub covered it.

"Inuyasha: two. Kagome: Nothing." Inuyasha smirked as he looked at the wide-eyed expression on her face.

"I can't believe you drove strait at a solid wall!" Kagome yelled. Inuyasha just pressed the gas and accelerated onto the freeway.

"What's wrong Kagome? Don't you trust me?" He asked the cool smile not leaving his lips.

"That's twice today you could have killed me!"

"But I didn't." He added then looked more serious, "And I won't. Promise."

"Humph!" Kagome replied. Inuyasha shrugged and swerved around a slower car. He continued to drive like a bat out hell for another fifteen minutes before pulling off the freeway and onto a road leading to a rich looking part of town. Soon after he pulled into the parking lot of a large building. Though, building, probably wasn't the right word for it. The structure was really a large, glass globe on a fancy pillar of concrete some 30 stories up. A net of lights caged the globe. Inuyasha parked and got out with Kagome following suit. They crossed the parking lot to the front of the building. Inuyasha opened the door for her.

"You know you can be quiet the gentleman for someone who tried to kill me twice today." Kagome smirked at him.

"You're welcome." He replied, following her in and taking her arm. Kagome noticed he had pinned his ears to hide them in his hair as they approached the mantra de.

"Do you have a reservation sir?" The snooty looking man with slicked back hair asked as he looked down his nose at them.

"Sesshoumaru." Inuyasha answered.

"Ah, yes. Sesshoumaru party of six, top floor privet garden table." The man's demeanor took a sudden turn to a bright side. "Amy here will show you up." He gestured dramatically to a young blond woman who bowed and motioned them to follow. They stepped into a spacious elevator with a glass side. The lift jolted and they watched the ground fall away. A few minutes and some 35 stories later they stopped, the door opened, and Inuyasha and Kagome exited leaving Amy to ride down alone.

The room they stepped into was indeed a garden, with a ceiling of domed glass to keep the weather out. The room was filled with flowers in full bloom and a large Koi pond off to one side and a stone dance floor on the other. A flagstone walkway lead to a long, white clothed covered table in the center of the room. Four people were already seated but turned their attention to the new partners as they entered.

"You must be Kagome." A man a bit taller and older then Inuyasha but with the same long white hair and gold eyes stood as soon as they approached the table. He was dressed in khaki slacks, brown shoes, and white silk shirt. "I'm Sesshoumaru. It is a pleasure to meet you." He extended his hand to her. Kagome released Inuyasha's arm and took his hand. Sesshoumaru raised it to his lips and gave the back of her hand a quick kiss before releasing her. "May I introduce my partner Rin." He gestured to a cute girl of about 17 with brown hair and dark smiling eyes. She had on a cheery yellow dress. They too shook hands.

"I, My Lady, am Miroku." A boy of about 19 said as he stood and also extended his hand to her. He had his short black hair in a little ponytail at the base of his neck and was dressed in a purple shirt and black slacks and shoes. Kagome saw a weary look pass over Inuyasha's face as she took Miroku's hand. He too raised it to his lips, but unlike Sesshoumaru he didn't just brush his lips there. Instead he held her hand there for a long moment… that turned into a minute… and then two. Kagome began to try and take her hand back only to have him hold tighter and look up at her.

"Lady Kagome, I must say that being in your presence of your radiant beauty makes even the sun seem dim." Kagome felt her face get hot, "Will you bare my child?" Inuyasha took this moment to hit Miroku upside the head with his fist, knocking him to the floor.

"Ignore him." The girl who had been sitting next to him said as she stood. She had dark brown, almost black, hair and red/brown eyes and was dressed in a pretty pink. "I'm Sango and unfortunately this lecher is my partner."

"Is he always like that?" Kagome asked as she took her hand.

"Yes." The others confirmed as one.

"Oh."

"He's a good man in a fight though." Inuyasha said pulling out a chair for her. Kagome sat with the rest of the group. "Oh, and Miroku." He added as the boy pulled himself off the floor, "Groping her would probably be unhealthy. She gave me a real run for my money with a sword this morning." Kagome blushed and the others raised an eyebrow at her.

"SHE gave YOU a run for your money with a SWORD." Rin said her eyes getting a little big. "But you're the best. Only Sesshoumaru can come close" If it were possible Kagome got even redder.

"Aww, she blushes." Miroku cooed, "Let me take you to the dance floor to cool off." He gave she a lecherous smile. Kagome beat both Inuyasha and Sango to the punch, literally.

"I think she will do just fine." Sesshoumaru said in amusement.