Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

A Dig to the Past

Chapter 1

Introductions

Tap, tap, tap, was all you could currently hear as an irritated archeologist impatiently waited for her appointment, who just so happened to be late... She checked her watch again, great now they were twenty minutes late. Kagome stood in an office which was surrounded by books neatly placed on their shelves. Her desk had plenty of papers strewn about, which she ignored as she waited...twenty-two minutes. Her stiletto heels tapped against the floor as she stood with her arms closed. Tired of just standing there she turned to her desk and started picking up the papers, sorting through them.

Finally the knock on the door she was waiting for had signaled the arrival of her clients. "Come in." She called out not stopping in her organizing.

"Why don't we have a secretary?" A familiar voice called out.

Kagome dreaded turning around. With that familiar voice it meant the same tag along partner. "You guys?" She didn't hide the disappointment from her voice.

"I have to say that outfit looks great."

Kagome crossed her arms across her chest angry. Miroku was always a pervert and it hadn't changed in the three years she'd gotten to know him. She was wearing a three quarter sleeve white collared blouse, with a black vest over it, along with a business skirt which had a slit in the back for better mobility and a pair of black heels. Her hair was currently tied in a loose bun held back with a pen, a few strands over her face.

"Quit gawking so we can get this over with."

Kagome couldn't understand how such an attractive guy like Inuyasha could be so rude and arrogant. She also couldn't believe that for over year they dated. Sure it was fun and she did like him but at the peak of their relationship she asked if he was committed enough to continue and when he couldn't answer, Kagome took it as his answer. Throughout their times together Inuyasha was often guarded and wouldn't talk about himself at all and it bothered her. Why date someone who wasn't going to open up?

She pointed to the chairs at her desk for them to have a seat and she sat in hers crossing her legs. "Alright we'll get down to it then." She pulled out some paperwork and handed them each a copy. "I've made a schedule of our dig, when we'll arrive, when we'll start and when we'll leave if nothing is found. Since your brother is the one funding this dig, if this doesn't fit in your schedule we can change it for any date that suits either of you."

"Keh, I don't give a fuck. I just want to leave soon." He said not even looking at the papers she laid out for him.

"Well I've based it on us leaving in two weeks. It should give us more than enough time to schedule our flights, a hotel when we arrive, when we get to the dig site and any other accommodations that might need to be taken care of." Kagome explained.

"Sounds good." Inuyasha said.

"I guess the only thing we have to go over is the site rules." Miroku said.

"Of course." Kagome stood up and walked over to her filing cabinet to grab some documents. "I've had contracts designed of course ruling in your favor since we're technically joining you on your dig. Basically any possessions or information found will immediately be reported to you, the credit is basically yours but our name shall be mentioned for publicity and if we happen to not find anything then you guys have the say whether we call it quits or continue on our excavation. Feel free to tell me if there's something you want changed we can draw up another contract and have it to you by tomorrow morning."

Miroku read over the contract knowing full well that Inuyasha wouldn't, that was after all why Miroku came. Inuyasha would sign anything if it got things done quickly. "This looks good, we'll get majority of the credit and profits of course." Miroku said. "It sounds like everything is in proper order and Sesshomaru would have no problems."

Kagome took the contracts after they were signed. "Here are your copies and I'll be in touch over the next two weeks as I make preparations." She stood up and shook their hands and walked with them to the exit.

"We look forward to this excavation." Miroku kissed her hand. A growl from Inuyasha had him quickly release her hand and he laughed nervously. "It's not like your dating her."

No one had known about their relationship since they were working together, not often but they knew it was coming and they didn't want it to be known. "I'll be talking to you soon then, take care." Kagome walked back to her office.

"She really is something." Miroku smiled.

"Back off of her will you." Inuyasha growled.

"Have your eye on her?"

"You could say that." Inuyasha mumbled. He wasn't happy about their breakup and as their agreement even Miroku didn't know about their relationship. It was going to be tough getting her back, but dammit he was going to try!

As Kagome had told them all the arrangements were taken care of. They had a hotel near the dig site, arrangements were made so no publicity would interrupt their work, they had transportation, tools, security, and just about everything they needed and more. She even had reports on the weather for months ahead of time as well as scheduled breaks, in case of emergency situations, there were things she prepared for that no one else had even thought of.

"I must say I'm very impressed with how you work Higurashi-san." Sesshomaru shifted in his seat looking through all of the arrangement papers Kagome had set up. "You've prepared well, this must have taken a long time to gather. I can see why your director spoke so highly of you."

"Kagome, I think we could use fewer formalities since we'll be around each other for a while and I didn't want to waste any time in getting things ready. This is the dig we've been setting up for years now." Kagome sat back in her seat.

She had worked hard like she usually did but this time was a bit different. She would be working together with one of the largest researcher's guild. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha Taiyo were brothers who were equally famous not only for their brilliance but for their good looks and money. Kagome never understood why, good looks or not she knew personally that Inuyasha was an arrogant asshole and Sesshomaru was a workaholic, if it wasn't about business he wasn't interested. Miroku Hayashi was as famous as the other two for his looks and perverseness.

"So we can begin excavating ourselves tomorrow morning?" Miroku asked.

"Yes, I have an old friend who's been there since they first began digging. Sango is the site manager who's been in charge. We'll meet her and a few of the others over dinner tonight after we've landed. We'll go over a few things and tomorrow morning we can start after we've settled into our rooms since we'll be there for a while." Kagome explained.

"How far is the hotel from the dig sight?" Miroku asked.

"About an hour, I've already arranged for a camp site to be settled when we arrive. I figured we can spend ten days at the dig site and five at the hotel for more relaxation time." Kagome opened one of her bags that were lying at her feet. "Also I've set up communication between us. The site managers will have one and any supervisors. They will be on the same frequency as us but our radios have a special function to where we can only hear each other including Sango, which can be utilized by holding the red button down when talking. The green is for everyone." She handed each one that had a specific color.

The three of them couldn't help but be impressed by the way she handled things. "If we had more workers like you we wouldn't need affiliates." Inuyasha tucked his radio away.

Kagome smiled and put them back under the seat and looked at her watch. "We should be landing within a few minutes. Dinner will be at seven which gives us three hours to accommodate ourselves into our rooms. And it is a formal gathering, no press will be present and we shouldn't be bothered by them until we contact them." She pulled some hair out of her face.

"It seems like there shouldn't be much work for us to do with you here Higurashi-san." Sesshomaru had finished reading her preparation material and put it in his briefcase. "I'm glad I decided to come after all."

"I know how busy your schedule is." Kagome smiled. "I'm glad you can see the beginning for yourself."

Inuyasha and Miroku looked at each other in surprise. Was his brother actually trying to flirt? It shocked both of them. Sesshomaru had never shown interest in any woman, especially a human. Although Kagome would've have been the perfect woman it still surprised them both. Kagome had the work ethic and management skills that Sesshomaru was always looking for. Inuyasha shifted in his seat slightly angry. Of course Sesshomaru didn't know about their dating experience and even if he did it would only encourage him to pursue her.

It wasn't too long after that they landed and arrived at the hotel. "I hope these suites will accommodate your needs." A hotel staff member said as they left.

Each room was identical and had all the needs for a long term stay. The only thing that was a bit worrisome was that all the rooms were right next to or across from each other. "I suppose we'll see each other in a few hours for dinner. The dining hall is checked out to us, I'll meet you there at seven." Kagome then walked into her room.

-----*****-----

"Did you notice that Sesshomaru was trying to flirt or is it just me?" Miroku whispered to Inuyasha as they made their way downstairs to the dining hall. They were both wearing identical suits, Miroku had a purple tie and Inuyasha's was red.

"Who cares? I just want to hurry up and get out of this damn suit." Inuyasha started pulling at his shirt collar.

"We won't be here for long. Can you keep your voice down and your temper in control for a few hours?" Sesshomaru asked. He was wearing a pin stripe suit with a matching tie and white collar shirt.

"Keh." Was Inuyasha's reply as he stopped. They arrived at the dining hall and two hotel workers opened the door for them.

The room was dimly lit for a nice atmosphere with orchestra music in the background. It looked like they were the last to arrive. Inuyasha looked around to see anyone familiar and then he saw Kagome. She was beautiful he admitted. She was wearing a long red dress that fit her like a glove. Her back was completely bare and the front was a v shape that strapped around her neck. Her hair was elegantly tied up in a bun and her makeup was light but noticeable. He was starting to forget that it was over.

Kagome noticed their arrival and waved them over tapping her glass. "As you all know we're at a full go for this excavation and that our very gracious employers have decided to personally oversee our progress. So please welcome our guests." Kagome announced aloud.

"I think I speak for everyone at the Taiyo group when I say it'll be a great experience working together and I hope to accomplish great things." Sesshomaru said.

"I'll introduce you guys to a few people. This is my friend Sango who is the site manager. She's overseen everything since we started three years ago." Kagome introduced.

Miroku immediately stepped forward and grabbed the ladies hand. Of course he'd always hit on a beautiful woman. "My, you are lovely." He kissed her hand.

Sango gave Kagome an odd look. "That's Miroku." Kagome said and Sango took her hand back, she'd heard about his reputation from Kagome as well as many others.

"Thanks."

"I take it things have been going well." He asked.

"Of course in fact we've been waiting for you to arrive so we can open the entrance underground." Sango said.

"Well I'm sure things couldn't go any better."

"Will you stop flirting already? We're standing right here." Inuyasha growled.

"Umm this is Kouga. He's in charge of all the tools and is one of the main workers on the dig." Kagome introduced.

"And with your funds we've had more than enough money to get the best equipment." Kouga said. "And of course Kagome here has done more than her fair share of work."

"Thanks Kouga and this is Shippo. He's our historic researcher."

"Aren't you a little young?" Inuyasha asked.

"I skipped a few grades."

"Shippo was one of the top graduates in his class from prestigious schools and came highly recommended from his professors and previous bosses." Kagome said. "He's a bit young but he's completely professional and his knowledge trumps most twice his age. This staff was personally chosen by me and we've had no issues so far, our productivity has increased with our staff."

"Enough about work, we work hard enough as it is. Relax babe and get a drink. Tonight is about enjoying ourselves before we're consumed by work." Kouga placed an arm around her.

"Please enjoy yourselves. There are many people who are excited about your arrival." Kagome smiled and removed Kouga's arm and walked over to the bar.

"It's not like you to drink."

"Inuyasha, well every once in a while I do. I've been working a lot lately." She smiled weakly.

"You've been pretty impressive the last few weeks."

"I always work like this you just weren't involved until recently." Kagome said. "Not that you paid much attention to work."

"Well if you call work flirting."

"What?"

"Kouga when did you start dating an idiot like him?"

"I'm not dating Kouga." Kagome started to get irritated. "And what would it matter? We broke up months ago."

"If I remember right you were the one that said that."

"Can we not talk about this right now? I thought we agreed to keep this from work." Kagome sighed.

"You keep avoiding it on why you broke it off and this is the only time to bring it up." Inuyasha said.

"I've been working too much to have anything more than a friendship."

"So you didn't want to break it off?"

"Inuyasha, I can't have a relationship with someone who isn't committed and you obviously weren't. I can't juggle work and a personal life if it's not worth it."

"I didn't answer because I didn't know how to answer. I didn't want to say something stupid and fuck it up." What he said was true. Inuyasha wasn't very good with conversations like that. His frustrations and tempers usually got the best of him.

"Saying something stupid is better than saying nothing, at least you would've had a chance to fix it. I know your not good with words, you would've had a chance to say what you wanted but you chose to say nothing." Kagome explained and stood up. "I don't want to have this conversation. I'm going to bed early."

Inuyasha watched as she left and after a second or two to think he jumped up and followed after her, grabbing her arm. "What now?" She asked.

"I've had time to think about it." Inuyasha said.

"You shouldn't have needed time."

"It's hard to know what I want when you're keeping us a secret." Inuyasha said.

"I know you're prideful but we were working together." Kagome rolled her eyes. "We were supposed to be business partners not a couple."

"I want us to be together, you can't ignore me everywhere you go."

"Not when I'm working with you." She began to walk to her room again and Inuyasha grabbed her arm again and pushed her against the wall.

"You don't understand me at all do you?" Inuyasha asked and kissed her.

Kagome tried to pull away but all their memories together came flooding back at her and she couldn't stop. Of course she didn't want to break up with him but if he wasn't willing to give this relationship his all then it wasn't worth being in. Even if Inuyasha was insensitive, rude, and arrogant from time to time she always remembered her Inuyasha. The side of himself he only showed her.

"Interrupting something are we?" They pulled away from each other seeing Miroku and Sango in the hallway.

"You wouldn't have been if you'd have kept your damn mouth shut!" Inuyasha snapped. God he was going to kill him for interrupting. "Shouldn't you be flirting or something hentai?"

"I was escorting Sango to her room." Miroku said.

"More like stalking." Sango rolled her eyes.

"Well I should be getting to my room. We have to be up early to get to the site." Kagome punched in a code to the door handle to open it and said goodnight. Sango followed suit into the room next door.

"Had more than your eye on her I see."

"Shut up Miroku."

"So how long were you dating?"

"What?"

"Obviously this has been something set in motion for a while now." Miroku said. "I'm not stupid I'm just nice."

"A year but she broke it off. She thought I wasn't committed and I've been trying to talk to her since." Inuyasha sighed. The first chance he'd gotten to talk to her and it was interrupted. How often would he even be able to attempt another talk while they were at the site?

"So you weren't committed?" Miroku asked. "So knowing you what you did was hold back?"

"Look my life isn't written in a biography. It's not easy to talk about my past." Inuyasha walked over to the bar and ordered a drink. "She wanted to know more and I wouldn't give."

"I could see why she would've ended it." Miroku sighed realizing he was going to have to explain it further. "Above all women want trust. Without trust there is no love. If you have to hide something like your past from her then it seems like you can't attempt the simplest of things for her. I don't know Kagome that well but from these last few weeks its obvious she works hard. And working hard takes a lot out of your social life and think. Would someone that works as hard as Kagome want to date someone who wasn't going to put in the same amount of effort?"

Inuyasha took the glass set in front of him and finished it in seconds.

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