InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Roll of Thunder ❯ Chapter 1

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Tokyo, Japan

July, 2007


Kagome poked Inuyasha in the arm, giving him a scolding glare. "He's your brother," she pointed out.

"What's that got to do with anything?" Inuyasha asked growling slightly. "The bastard's got tons of money. He can hire an au pair to watch the brats."

She sighed. "It's only three days. One weekend. And I'll be there to help you. You won't have to do anything but show up, I promise. It'll be fun."

"How the hell is watching my brother's two brats gonna be fun?"

"They aren't brats, they're children." She poked him again. "I swear, sometimes you can be the biggest jerk. Sesshomaru is trying to be civil with you. At least you could extend the same courtesy. He did, however grudgingly, help us a lot, you know. And he did ask you to be his best man at his wedding as well as name you godfather to Rin. Three days won't kill you." She crossed her arms. "Sometimes I wonder why I put up with you."

His ears lay back against his skull. This was not how he'd wanted this date to go. He had wanted them to have a calm evening, a walk through the park, dinner, get her in a good mood so he could...

But when were his dates - or any time spent with her - ever calm? They always bickered about something. If he didn't love her so damn much, he'd seriously have to rethink their relationship.

Taking several breaths, she turned back to him, most of the fight drained from her. "Inuyasha, I don't want to fight with you. I just think that three days of making sure Rin and Kanna don't kill themselves isn't that big a deal. They aren't like other kids, you know. They're really mature for their ages...or at least Kanna is. Will you at least think about it?"

He sighed. "You really want me to do this? And you want to help?"

She nodded and leaned against him, snuggling up to his chest so he had no choice but to put his arms around her. "I know you and Sesshomaru aren't on the best terms and I totally understand why, but I also know he's the only family you have. You may not think that's important now, but one day you'll see it is. I can't imagine not having a close relationship with Souta. We've always been there for each other."

He kissed her forehead. "Alright. I'll call him tomorrow and tell him we'll watch the brats - er - kids." He smiled and rested his chin on her head. "It's no wonder you're gonna be a shrink."

She tensed and tightened her arms around his waist. "Speaking of jobs, are you sure that law enforcement is what you want to do? I'm sure Sesshomaru could help you run a business or something you could -"

"Kagome..." They'd talked about that already.

"It just scares me. So much could happen - what if you're on a case and something goes wrong? I might lose you. I don't want to worry about my husband's safety -"

"Now wait just one damn minute!" He gently pushed her back, glaring at her. "Who the hell said anything about a husband? What makes you think - "

Kagome giggled. "Baka! You know Sango can't keep a secret from me and Miroku can't keep one from her."

He made a face, scowling. "Damn pervert."

She giggled again. "Where's my ring?"

He dug around in his jacket pocket and pulled out a velvet box. Opening it he pulled out a small diamond solitaire then grabbed her hand, but she jerked her hand away. "Ask me."

"What for? You already knew about it."

She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "Because it's not official unless you ask. Now, down on one knee, dog-boy, before I change my mind."

"Demanding bitch," he grumbled and knelt in front of her and held out the ring. "Will you marry me?"

She held out her hand and smiled. "I suppose so. I haven't gotten any better officers, after all."

He paused in the process of slipping the ring on her finger. "What was that?" He growled dangerously.

"I said, yes, I'd be delighted to be your wife, Inuyasha," she said, looking as innocent as possible.

"I thought so."

Kagome grabbed her friend’s hand, gaping at the sparkling diamond that shimmered from her left ring finger. “Is that thing real?”

Miroku quirked a brow. “It better be for what I paid for it,” he muttered and then lurched when Sango elbowed him, nearly spilling his drink. “However,” he rectified, “the price is nothing compared to my Sango’s happiness. Just as no diamond could ever outshine her beauty.”

Sango smiled triumphantly and Kagome giggled. The young woman certainly had the power in that relationship, that was for certain. She slipped the ring off of her finger and handed it to Kagome to try on while Inuyasha watched them from the corner of his eye, a slight scowl on his face.

“So, when are you going to dazzle Kagome with a ring of her own, my friend?” Miroku questioned, grinning mischievously at the hanyou who blushed and looked away.

Kagome laughed and held out her own hand. "He already did." She let Sango examine her own diamond and band, trying it on. "It's not as big as yours, but I love it." They traded rings back and she slipped her hand into Inuyasha's.

"So, when are you going to have your wedding? Are you going to go traditional or Western?” Kagome asked enthusiastically.

Sango shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. I know we’re going to wait until after Miroku graduates. It’ll be easier if there’s only one of us in school.” She tapped her chin and smiled. “I really liked Kagura’s wedding, but traditional could be beautiful too.”

“I’ll help you plan, if you want me too,” Kagome offered eagerly.

“I’d love that!” The girls giggled and squealed.

“Inuyasha?” Miroku turned from watching the two women to the hanyou across from him. “If Sango decides to do an European style wedding, would you consider being my best man? I would be honored to have you stand up for me.”

Inuyasha gave him a suspicious look. Sesshomaru had asked him because they were brothers and it wouldn’t have been proper not to. He’d agreed because Kagome made him. “Sure, why not.”