InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Ties that Bind ❯ Outburst ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3-Outburst

Kagome Higurashi was at her wits end.

Clicking her pencil against the grain of the desk, allowing it to make a resounding tapping sound was not making her feel any better.

She sighed and pushed her ebony bangs out of her face for what seemed like the umpteenth time that day. Honestly what was she thinking trying to cram all of these classes into one semester?

Kagome snorted at her own rhetorical question. She had been thinking that it was going to be a breeze and she would simply slide by without any worry or trouble whatsoever. Well the answer to that question was staring her in the face in the form of a grueling Child Psychology exam. And the six page multiple choice, true/false, and three essay questions evil exam was now laughing at her. Mocking her was more like it.

Kagome bubbled in another answer so viciously she nearly ripped a hole through the paper. It would do no good to have come all this way and fail due to lack of control. No, she had worked too hard to let it all be for nothing. She hadn't spent night after late night hunched over her desk until her hand felt like it might fall off just to let it all crumble at her feet.

With that thought in mind, she returned to her test. And it was two hours later when she stepped from the lecture hall, tired but triumphant. Now if she could just make it through the rest of the semester, she would be in the clear for her masters degree. Sure some say she might be a little on the young side, but at 22 Kagome was considered a level headed, driven person who strived for what she wanted. And she wanted that degree. But Buddha was it a lot of work!

Kagome tried to ignore the thought of her looming final exams that would be coming up in a couple of months. Hugging her books tightly to her chest she walked briskly out into the warm afternoon sunshine. She noted all of the students crammed into the quad pouring over their textbooks in frantic hopes to memorize one last formula. She shook her head. Freshman, they were always the anxious ones. They would learn. For once in her life Kagome was glad her mother had pushed her to take all those college classes at 17. Now she was ahead of the game and able to graduate early than expected. And boy was she ready!

Having finished with all her classes Kagome decided a trip home was in order. She could just her that mocha chocolate chip ice cream calling her name! Hurrying her pace through the campus she clacked down the sidewalk, reminding herself not to wear high hills for six straight hours ever again. Her feet were aching and were sure to have blisters! Hmm, maybe a nice bubble bath would be in order. She smiled to herself. Oh yes, most definitely!

She had come to the end of College Avenue and was making her way down the sidewalk when out of nowhere she was nearly run over by a blur of red that smelled like a mixture of premium gasoline and expensive mans cologne. Music blared from the open window of some flashy sports car. It was probably just some spoiled rich kid who bought the most expensive car with daddy's money.

After getting over her initial scare, Kagome's temper instantly flared. “Hey! Watch where you're driving jerk!” She yelled through the tinted windows. The cars only response was to rev its engine and role down the window.

Kagome gasped. She hadn't meant to, but it certainly wasn't what she was expecting. Piercing eyes the color of molten gold stared directly at her from within the dimness of the vehicle. Her previous anger instantly vanished.

“J-just watch where you're going.” Came her stuttered reply. A silver eyebrow arched in response, and she instantly felt the heat rise to her cheeks. What was the matter with her? Taking a deep breath she steadied her erratic heartbeat and continued on her way.

The car revved once more before its tires squealed and it sped down the road again, leaving Kagome in a cloud of smoke. She was about to yell a few choice words at the retreating car when a low wolf whistle floated out the window and made her heart flutter once more. Then the car sped off around the corner and was out of sight before Kagome could even blink.

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“Was that really necessary Inuyasha?” Kaede remarked from the passenger seat.

“Of course it was!” Cackled the half demon as he shoved his foot on the brake in order to come to an abrupt stop at a red light. Kaede was flung forward and only avoided smashing her head on the dash board thanks to her seat belt.

“Do slow down would you?” She growled, knowing very well he would do no such thing. After all this was Inuyasha she as talking to. He never slowed down for anyone.

Her response was a green light and for the driver to slam his foot to the gas pedal and nearly rear end the car in front of them.

“Really Inuyasha, I understand that this vehicle pleases you, but show a little restraint. I'd rather not have to deal with a lawsuit first thing in the morning if you don't mind.”

“Aw lighten up would you!”

Kaede sniffed disdainfully. “I most certainly will not. You're father had to pull quite a few strings the last time you decided to get a little too uppity behind the wheel. He barely managed to keep you from getting your license suspended. If he did not have such faithful clients under the department for motor vehicles you may very well have been taking public transportation to work.”

Inuyasha sulked behind the wheel. “It wasn't that bad, only a few minor collisions.” He mumbled.

Kaede looked affronted. “It most certainly was! You call three totaled cars minor collisions?! Now, please pay attention, or else should we end up flattened on the side like road kill.”

“Yea, yea! Oh look, we're here!” Inuyasha drawled, clearly bored with his assistants outburst.

He narrowly avoided hitting the gate as it whizzed up so his car could zoom through. The man in the guard shack shook his fist at him. He snorted; they really should be used to it by now.

The car came to a halt in his reserved parking space. Inuyasha immediately flung the door open and stepped out of the car. Kaede took a little longer; she smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles from her suite before slowly exiting the vehicle.

He slapped the gold encrusted plaque that sported the company's name Takahashi Inc. in shining onyx letters. He dashed up to the elaborate front entrance and entered the luxurious building.

Standing at twenty stories in all its gleaming high finery glory stood Takahashi Inc. Owned by the Takahashi family, mainly Inutaisho Takahashi himself who was the President CEO and also Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father.

The company mainly dealt with money loans, organizing benefits and charities, and generally worked with the Unions. To Inuyasha it all sounded incredibly boring, but his father wanted him here in order to be `immersed in the business' as he so easily put it the day he proceeded to tell him on his 18th birthday that he would be working at the company. Needless to say, that birthday hadn't been one of his more memorable ones, at least not a good memory anyway. But Inuyasha had learned to deal with it, in his own violent, brash way at least.

Flinging himself through the revolving doors, Inuyasha ignored the timid mad at the entrance asking to take his coat. Kaede followed through at a much more reasonable speed, shuffling through the door and giving a courteous `Hi how are you?' to the door man.

Inuyasha dashed over to the mirrored elevator and mashed the button impatiently. If the dam thing didn't hurry up, father would have his head for being late.

Finally the elevator announced its arrival with an irritating ding. The doors opened and Inuyasha bounded in, followed by Kaede who stared at him through wary eyes. He ignored and smashed the button for the top floor. As the doors closed the elderly woman turned to look at him.

“Inuyasha, do try and act a little more civilized. You are in the work place and should act more appropriate. As a representative of this fine establishment it is your duty to act accordingly.” Kaede proceeded to lecture him on the importance of being an employee at Takahashi Inc.

“Now you sound like my mother Kaede. Quit hassling me would you?” He turned to the woman with a scowl on his lips. He hated it when she got all authoritative on him.

The elevator dinged once more, bringing them to the top floor. The doors opened with a swish and they stepped out.

The entire top floor was surrounded by glass windows that lead to an incredible view of the business district of Tokyo. Complete with its own food court including many fabulous restaurants and cafes plus a Starbucks, Takahashi Inc was one to be envied.

The floor itself held the board rooms where the companies often held important meetings as well as the Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Inuyasha's office. He grinned smugly to himself, knowing that he was in one of the highest branches of the company, right under his father and Sesshomaru.

As a public representative for Takahashi Inc it was Inuyasha's job to go out and make the company look good. Whether it was advertising, promoting, or attending functions in order to further endorse the company Inuyasha did it. Sesshomaru would have called it meaningless and unorthodox, and accuse Inuyasha of only participating because of the salary, but Inuyasha didn't particularly care what his emotionless, cold hearted brother thought.

“We are here.” Kaede informed him, coming to a stop in front of a large gray door, with a plaque reading `meeting room' on it.

Inuyasha snorted. “Thanks for stating the obvious.”

Kaede's eyes were immediately smoldering. Inuyasha noted and decided to quit while he was ahead.

“I'll see you later then.” He stated, a little uneasy at the look she was giving him.

“Of course Mr. Takahashi.” She trilled, putting sugary emphasize on his last name. Inuyasha knew he had royally pissed her off with that last comment. He quickly ducked into the room to avoid further confrontation.

“What is it with dog demons and their ability to annoy me?” Growled Kaede to herself. She shuffled to her desk, which was placed directly outside Inuyasha's office. She pointedly ignored the other secretaries as people called them. She snorted. Secretary was just another word for office whore. And they deserved the name, for how they dressed themselves. Half the woman in the company showed up for work with their boobs heaving out of their too tight shirts and half a skirt on. Not to mention the hooker heels as Kaede liked to call them. It was no wonder they didn't break a leg! And the makeup, for Buddha's sake didn't any of these girls hear the phrase less is more? Obviously not with the way they caked it on.

Kaede sniffed; glad she was regarded with much higher seniority then them. After all she was not a secretary, she was a personal assistant! There was a major difference. You wouldn't catch her dead in the attire they called clothes. They had way to many slits and plunging necklines for her liking. She pushed the thought of half naked secretaries out of her mind and tried to focus on answering all of Inuyasha's calls.

“Takahashi Inc, this is Kaede speaking…… No he's not available can I take a message? Of course I'll tell him you called….. Yes I will….. Ok goodbye Miss Kikyo.”

She hung up the phone, suppressing a snarl. The woman called nearly every ten minutes. Honestly couldn't she give the man some peace?! No wonder Inuyasha hardly ever got any work done.

If I were him, I'd spend more time at work. That woman has got issues.

The phone rang for the umpteenth time. “Takahashi Inc. This is Kaede speaking. He's in a meeting can I take a message?”

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Inuyasha strolled into the board room, oozing confidence. His gaze swept along the long table taking in each person who sat there.

A set of similar golden eyes locked with his own. Father was there of course, sitting at the head of the table in all his finery. His silver locks were piled high onto his head in a sleek pony tail that hung to the middle of his back. His eyes held the tight reign of power and prestige within them.

Inuyasha smirked at who sat next to him. Sesshomaru. He was second in command. As stiff and marble like as ever. His brother had carefully composed his mask and wore it almost constantly, portraying no feeling or emotion whatsoever. But with brilliant silver hair, a flawless complexion and those depthless amber eyes he was considered to be one of Tokyo's most handsome and eligible bachelors. Too bad he didn't give a dam about what other people thought. He was the perfect ruthless businessman.

Inuyasha skimmed the other, less important people who sat there. Mostly eager coworkers who were hoping to impress the boss and get a promotion. Hah! Fat chance!

He trailed along until his eyes settled on an ivory skinned man with long, ebony hair and dark eyes. He wore an expensive gray suite. Naraku Onigumo, a representative from Ikazuchi. Inuyasha involuntary stiffened when the man's eyes flickered over him. The thought of Kikyo with this man….. Inuyasha had to swallow the acid that had begun to form in the back of his throat. Suppressing the urge to rip the man's throat out, he moved on.

Someone new caught his eye. A man with caramel tanned skin, and long, sleek hair the color of night. His eyes were a startling crimson. He was dressed in a white suite that complimented his dark skin. His mouth was turned upwards, almost like he was smiling, like he found something incredible amusing. Inuyasha was just about to ask what was so funny when his father stood up, preventing his chance.

Inutashio stood up, his lustrous silver hair swinging slightly. As President and CEO of Takahashi Inc and one of the most powerful and wealthiest demons in Japan, he was a force to be reckoned with. Turning his amber eyes towards his youngest son, they narrowed only slightly as if to say `Why are you late when I specifically told you to be on time?'

Inuyasha played it cool under his father's gaze. Seeing as he wasn't getting anywhere with his silent threat, Inutashio cleared his throat.

“Nice of you to join us Inuyasha. Now if you are ready to act professionally, I would like to introduce you to someone.”

Inutashio swept his hand across the table, in a grand gesture ending at the man with the crimson eyes.

“This is Mr. Heten Ikazuchi, president of Ikazuchi Corp.”

“I'm extremely pleased to finally meet the extraordinary Inuyasha Takahashi.” The man stated with a graceful bow.

Somehow Inuyasha found this to be insulting. He knew the bow was a sign of respect, but he had a feeling that the man was mocking him.

Nevertheless he returned the gesture with his own bow, if only to be polite in front of his father.

“Well now that the formalities are over; let's get down to business shall we?” Inutashio clapped his hands in a business manner and proceeded to sit.

Inuyasha flopped into a padded swivel chair, wishing the meeting was over all ready. He turned to see Heten sitting up straight backed his eyes focused earnestly on Inutashio.

What a suck up.

“The purpose of this meeting is to begin the partnership of both conglomerates Takahashi Inc. and Ikazuchi Corp. Both companies will be combining their ideas as well as funds in order to build a more unified and successful business from which we all can benefit by.” Inutashio finished his introduction and the board room rose in a flurry of heavy clapping as they applauded.

“Thank you.” He said with glowing pride as his head nodded to everyone in the room a pleased smile on his face.

Inuyasha was looking skeptical at all of the beaming employees. It was time to put an end to this sickening charade of overly exuberant fools.

“Excuse me, but what exactly does your company do?” He asked bluntly of Heten Ikazuchi, not bothering to use his name nor a sama as was the sign of respect.

The board room immediately went silent. Inutashio's gaze narrowed as he eyed his youngest son with irritation.

Heten's eyes seemed to glow as he turned to Inuyasha, smiling as if he were holding in a private joke.

“What an excellent question Inuyasha, which I will be more than happy to answer.”

He continued to smile, which further irked Inuyasha. The way the man had spoken to him made him feel like he was an imprudent child.

“Well?” Inuyasha snorted impatiently, suppressing a growl through clenched teeth. The man was treating him like dam four year old and it was not boding well for Inuyasha's temper.

“Ikazuchi Corp mainly focuses on the distribution of children too family's who want a child. We also control the funds that are given to the child services organizations as well as keeping an eye out for new opportunities to help children who have otherwise been neglected of a home or a guardian.”

Inuyasha harrumphed. So in plain English he meant that the company was an orphanage for children, and they also controlled the adoption process as well as the funds given to the majority of child services. Somehow he couldn't picture this man snuggling an armful of children grinning like he enjoyed having all those squirming bodies near him.

“Are most important organization sits in the countryside, Ikazuchi Children's Home. It is there we provide education, nurturing and a stable environment for children.”

Inuyasha raised a brow. This guy looked the complete opposite of nurturing. And as far as Naraku went, the assistant looked just as unfriendly and malicious as Heten seemed. It was all a matter of covering up your emotions. Inuyasha knew from experience by watching Sesshomaru. To mask ones emotions was to put up a front and plaster on a different feeling so as to through off the person. Inuyasha knew better.

“So, you enjoy children do you?” He pursued.

“Oh yes.” Heten purred. “Very much.”

Inuyasha caught the gleam in his eye and Naraku's sly smile and felt his blood churn. He gripped the arms of his chair, until his knuckles turned so white the tendons beneath were visible. He forced himself to get under control and reign in his demon nature.

He wasn't a genius to know that these men did not enjoy children. If by contrast Inuyasha would bet that they loathed their occupations that involved the small, whiney creatures. Sure Inuyasha wasn't exactly a fan himself, but that did not excuse the fact that these men obviously disregarded children as nothing more than an inconvenience. He growled at the thought of what this man did with children.

“I think that's enough questions for today.”Inutashio intervened. He gave Inuyasha a look that clearly said `stop now or you will regret it.'

But Inuyasha was on a role. Standing up from his chair, he sent it swinging wildly. Leaning across the table towards Heten he glowered into the man's face.

“So would you say you enjoy children on a daily basis or just once in a while?” He prodded.

The amusement in Heten's eyes vanished and the first sign of anger emerged.

“That question is inappropriate Mr. Takahashi.” He said silkily.

So, he had gone back to using formalities? Well Inuyasha could be formal too.

“So does that mean that you don't enjoy children Mr. Ikazuchi?” He quipped. He was baiting the man, he knew, but he couldn't stop. As a child himself he had had personal experience with bullying and cruelty. To think of it happening to other children, by an adult no less! Inuyasha's tormentors had been fellow children his own age. But these men were far bigger and not to mention older than the children they housed. Who's to say a hand didn't slip and some innocent whelp was left with a black eye? Inuyasha was a good judge of character and he could tell that children did not fall under this man's favorite list.

His entire aura was off. It radiated a hidden energy, more mysterious and dark then Inuyasha had guessed. To think of this bastard around children….. Inuyasha voiced his rising anger in a loud snarl.

“That is quite enough!” Inutashio had stood from his chair, nostrils flaring, and glaring furiously at his young son through dark eyes.

He felt his father's energy snap and crackle in a fierce rebuke. Inuyasha pinned his ears to his head as he felt the angry sparks zap his aura. Inuyasha winced. Father was angry now.

“I am terribly sorry for my imprudent son's inexcusable rudeness Mr. Ikazuchi.” Inutashio began to apologize reverently to the man whilst bowing repeatedly.”

Heten merely looked on through fathomless eyes. “Yes, perhaps you ought to learn some control and therefore a few manners Mr. Takahashi, before embarrassing yourself in such a respectable workplace such as this.” His eyes seemed to gleam in grim satisfaction as he stared triumphantly at Inuyasha.

That did it. Inuyasha lunged across the table with a feral roar and would have closed his hands around Heten's scrawny throat had he not been hauled back by his father.

“Excuse me gentleman, my son and I need to have a chat.” The dog lord muttered through clenched teeth. He apologized once more before quickly leaving the room, dragging a struggling Inuyasha with them.

Inutashio stalked toward the other side of the room, scattering frightening secretaries and co workers alike as he went. No one wanted to be around when he was in a dark mood.

Wrenching open the door to his massive office, he shoved his son through the opening before quickly slamming the wood shut, nearly creating a crack in the wall.

“What was all that about?!” He thundered to his belligerent son. “You were completely out of line back there? What were you thinking baiting the head of Ikazuchi Corp. like that? “

He stood there fuming at Inuyasha, his amber eyes flashing dangerously. It was quite rare that the demon lord lost his temper; in fact he was known to be quite the level headed person and very laid back as far as far as situations go. But this was his breaking point.

Inuyasha took his time answering his father. It was wise not to further aggravate him, lest he pay the consequences. Not that he already hadn't royal fucked up. He knew that. It was what he was good at.

He took a deep breath before speaking. “I had a bad feeling about him dad. Something didn't feel right. Did you look at him? I mean, really that man around kids? It just doesn't seem plausible is all. He seemed….false, like he was putting up an act. ”

Inutashio stared blankly at his son for a moment. “Are you suggesting that a man who has used his own funds to open an orphanage and house countless of parentless, homeless children out of the goodness of his heart hates kids? You provoked him! You lashed out at him! And all of this just because you had a bad feeling?”

Inuyasha slumped. “Well when you put it that way it sounds kind of stupid.”

“You're darn right it was stupid! It bordered on moronic! To think, I raised you better than this.”

“Dad, c'mon, I'm sorr-

“Enough. You not only embarrassed yourself, but also the company and myself with your despicable deeds. What will Mr. Ikazuchi think? You have just cost us a very big promotional deal that would have brought together two of the greatest conglomerates in Japan. You have shamed the Takahashi Company. Your foolish actions will not go unpunished.”

Inuyasha felt his stomach clench. He had really done it now.

“You will go and make a formal apology to the entire boardroom for your intolerable behavior. Then we will decide how to handle this.”

He opened the door and turned to look at his son. Inuyasha saw sadness and disappointment in those eyes and repressed the urge to run and hide.

“Oh and by the way, you can say goodbye to your apartment.”

What? What?!

“Dad you can't be serious!”

But he had already walked out the door.

Inuyasha followed in a dejected slump.

Once they returned to the boardroom, all eyes were on the half demon. Inuyasha noted that Sesshomaru had a smug gleam in his eyes. The bastard was probably glad.

Inutashio cleared his throat.“Inuyasha do you have something to say to Mr. Ikazuchi?”

The half demon swallowed his pride. He sucked in his breath. He was never any good at apologies.

“I apologize for my behavior.” He ground out to the crimson eyed demon.

Heten's eyes seemed to flash with mirth as he stared at the groveling half demon.

“It is quite all right Inuyasha. Now that I have gained a better understanding of Mr. Takahashi's youngest son I feel more prepared to continue on with our arrangements.”

Inuyasha noticed that he did not say he accepted his apology, not that he particularly cared at all. The inconsiderate slime ball thoroughly enjoyed making him look like a fool.

Inutashio stepped in then, playing all high and mighty executive.“Thank you gentleman for your kindness, though I doubt my son deserves such easy forgiveness at this moment. You can be rest assured I will think of a suitable punishment for his actions.”

“Actually Mr. Takahashi sir, if you do not mind, my associate Mr. Onigumo and I have thought of a proposition you might like to hear regarding Inuyasha.” Heten cut in smoothly.

The half demon growled lowly, they spoke of him as if he were not standing right there! He cracked his knuckles. The nerve of that guy!

“Oh?” Inquired Inutashio, seemingly ignoring his son's silent outburst with himself. “By all means, let's hear it.”

“I propose that Inuyasha work at the Ikazuchi Children's Home. He may learn to develop proper social skills and responsibility by spending time with the children. I also propose that we have Inuyasha log his time spent there so that he may look back on his progress. He shall be required to spend time out in the community with the children.”

Inuyasha must not have heard right. Not only did he have to spend time with the brats, but he had to do it in public! The half demon began to massage his temples, banning the looming threat of what was sure to be a constant migraine for the next year.

 

Inutashio looked thoughtful. “Hm, that sounds quite reasonable. How long should he be required to attend?”

“Let us say a year?”

Inuyasha paled and he felt his stomach drop to his toes. An entire year?!

“Yes, I believe that is sufficient enough time. And in return, we will overlook this mess and continue to work with Takahashi Inc.”

They both turned to Inuyasha. “That seems fare doesn't it?”

Inuyasha wanted to rip the man's stupid little braid off and shove it down his throat. He grinned evilly to himself at the humorous thought of Heten choking on his own hair. All the while he would be saying `now this is fare isn't it?'

But of course he could not do that, too many witnesses in the room. On the other hand, if they were alone….

“Inuyasha?”

His lovely daydream was dashed as his father and the entire boardroom stared at him expectantly.

What was he supposed to say? Sorry, I respectfully decline. Screw your company, I don't give a shit.

“Yes, I accept.” He rasped. If he refused, his dad's corporation would be the one to pay, and that in turn greatly affected his payroll.

Heten seemed delighted. “Wonderful. I shall make the preparations. You begin your first day tomorrow Inuyasha.”

“Great.” The half demon stated tonelessly.

What the hell had he gotten himself into?

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Well Inuyasha certainly has gotten himself into quite the predicament hasn't he? Also, that was an interesting encounter between Kagome and him. Picture it: the sexy bad boy in the hot Ferrari and the academic college student. When will they meet again? Only the author knows! Thank you readers for your support and feedback, I love it!