Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Only Rumiko Takahashi and Sunrise has that pleasure.

Author's Note: Inspired by a request I received on Tumblr: "AU when Kagome eloped with Inuyasha who is the groom's brother." Naturally, this turned into a historical AU, but with grossly inaccurate details, so please don't bother pointing them out to me. This is an InuKag fanfic, not a historical novel. There will be a Part 2, but I need some time to write it out, so for now, please enjoy the first half of my historical InuKag AU!

The Lady and the Rogue

Part 1

"You look lovely, dear," Lady Higurashi said softly in the quiet room.

Kagome looked up in her vanity mirror. Her kind and melancholy mother stood in the doorway, wearing formal attire for today's festivities, a beautiful flowing light blue kimono featuring cranes with outstretched wings that seemed to almost fly off the fabric. Kagome's own wedding attire was more magnificent than her lovely mother's, as per wedding tradition, with sakura blossoms scattered about the dark blue material, resembling the surface of a quiet lake where a sakura tree bloomed on its banks. Along her hem, patterns of women wearing various wedding kimonos were lined up, all in different positions of formality (some were kneeling, some praying, some holding out their sleeve in mid-ceremony). This kimono Kagome wore now had been her own mother's wedding attire years ago.

And yet, somehow, it felt wrong to call today "her wedding," because it didn't feel like today was about her, or even about the groom. This was a political ploy, nothing more. An important one, certainly, but void of any desire or emotions on either side. Kagome suppressed yet another sigh. She couldn't bring herself to show her crushing disappointment to her mother. Forcing herself to wear a smile, she turned in her seat and faced her mother.

"Have you come to wish me luck, my lady?"

"Please, don't be formal now," Lady Higurashi said wryly, but her eyes were soft. "I am your mother first before any 'lady' title. Darling," she crossed the room and put a comforting arm about her daughter's shoulders, "as the wife of Lord Higurashi and a lady of my station, I'm proud of you for going through with this. But as your mother... Are you—are you happy-?"

"Mother, please," Kagome said a tad sharply. She winced, but continued, meeting her mother's worried gaze. Her walls crumbled slightly. "I... I don't really have much choice, do I? I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru will... will be a civil partner."

"But will he love you?"

"I don't know," Kagome admitted, biting her bottom lip. "I hardly know him."

"I've seen him at hundreds of gatherings. He's... polite, to be sure, but so cold! So reserved! He speaks of politics with the indifference of one who's never had a heart! Fine traits for a future lord, I suppose, but-"

"Mother, there's no use worrying now whether or not my future husband will love me. This never was a sentimental wedding. You know that. You and Father agreed to it."

For a moment, Lady Higurashi didn't answer. "Your father agreed to it, dear," she whispered slowly, her eyes bright and moist, "but do you honestly believe that a mother, any mother, would willingly submit her precious daughter to such a loveless arrangement?"

Tears pricked at the corners of Kagome's eyes. Inhaling sharply, she averted her gaze and blinked them back. "Then, why would Father-?"

"Sweetheart, you're only sixteen, but you'll soon learn that the world is run by men. And most men, even kinder ones like your esteemed father, tend to brush us women under the rug."

Kagome didn't know how to answer this, so she turned around to face the mirror again. A pale face with shocking red lipstick looked back at her. The paint that her maids had rubbed all over her face obscured her normally rosy cheeks. Kagome had always loved smiling and laughing and running out in the sun. With this paint, she looked sickly and miserable. Well, one out of two is correct, she mused with some irony.

She glanced down at her hands. In less than a day, she would be holding Lord Sesshomaru in her arms as he took her to consummate their marriage. Would his hands be gentle? Would he be rough and careless? Would he be cold, like Mother described, and be no different than embracing a ghost? Whatever the answer, she knew she couldn't complain. Lord Sesshomaru was a powerful demon lord, the heir to the Inu no Taisho's lands, which covered most of Japan, and her marriage to him ensured further efforts to secure human-demon alliances. It began a hundred years ago, when a human emperor and a demon princess fell in love and decided to put an end to the senseless violence between their races. There was still a great deal of work and time to truly make the world a peaceful coexistence, but powerful members of both human and demon hierarchies would be the example to set the stage for that bright future.

Kagome, being the daughter of a lower-ranking but still relatively powerful lord, would be among the first humans "beneath" royalty to continue this trend. She knew her role was important, and yet the lack of love she felt for her soon-to-be husband made any honor in her duty feel rather empty. She suspected that her mother could see past her brave face, and felt a stab of bitter anger that her role as a woman made her so helpless in her life choices.

After a few moments of silence, Kagome sighed quietly. "Mama," she switched to her childish term (behind her, Lady Higurashi sucked in her breath, gripping her daughter's shoulders as she tried not to cry). Kagome kept her eyes on her reflection as she continued: "W-would it be wrong to admit that I am in love? Just with someone... someone else."

Kagome only met and spoke with Lord Sesshomaru once, and that was the day their betrothal was announced, two months ago. Shy of the demon guests and feeling rather embarrassed from a previously rather heated conversation with her father (in which Kagome hotly protested against being forced into marriage, while her father angrily shamed her for being a selfish daughter until she yielded all further complaints), Kagome mostly stuck to the sidelines, quietly sipping sake, and desperately wishing to have the freedom to excuse herself. What she wouldn't give to be alone in the sanctity of her bedroom, in the short time she had left being a maiden!

While she was busy attempting to act invisible, a tall man with silver hair and cold eyes approached her.

"Move," he said simply.

"Beg pardon?" Kagome said stupidly, forgetting her entire upbringing in a moment, as she stared into the face of none other than her betrothed. She only recognized him because of the beginning of the party, when she stood beside him in silence as their fathers formally agreed to the engagement. This was the first time they exchanged words, and it began in the worst way possible. Kagome winced, waiting for a slap or some sort of repercussion.

"You are in my way," he said without a change in his tone. Whether he was offended by her rudeness, she couldn't say. But she remembered herself in time (before catching the attention of her parents or any other important members of the party), and stepped aside quickly, bowing low in respect. Lord Sesshomaru nodded curtly and swept past her to speak to his father, who was deep in conversation with another demon lord.

Kagome exhaled loudly. She shivered, as though a cold draft just blew past, despite the warmth of spring weather, and the heat of the large, crowded room.

"Not exactly the friendly type, is he?"

Startled, she spun around. A young man around her age, with a roguish grin on his face, was partially hidden behind tall curtains against the wall, close behind her. He leaned casually in place, and wore simple garments, not too far off from commoner clothing! Startled that someone so low-ranking was invited to this occasion, let alone having the gall to speak with her, Kagome stared openly until he spoke again.

"You know, my brother never shuts up about the importance of polite manners from young ladies in the human noble class. Guess you must be the exception."

"I... what? I was raised with good manners!" And yet I'm doing a terrible doing job at showing it. Oh, Father will kill me if he finds out that I offended two guests...

"Sure, whatever." The young man stepped out. Kagome gasped. He was beautiful. He had amber eyes that reminded her of liquid gold, and long silver hair, complete with dog ears! Adorable, triangular little things atop his head of silver hair. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Y-you said 'brother,'" she gasped, attempting to distract her sudden wild impulse to reach out and touch his ears. "To whom were you referring?"

"Lord Stick-Up-His-Ass, that's who. You know, the dick who you're marrying."

Kagome dropped her cup of sake. Its contents splattered on the floor, splashing her kimono, but she paid it no heed. "Lord Sesshomaru's brother?! You're Inuyasha?!"

"In the flesh." Inuyasha smirked. "I didn't realize I was so famous."

He wasn't famous, per se, excluding his familial ties, but he most certainly was infamous. Kagome heard many tales from her maids. Though a legitimate heir to the Inu no Taisho's throne, and being only related to Sesshomaru on their father's side, Inuyasha the half-demon was noted for visiting gambler's nests, smoker's dens, brothels, and getting into street fights. He wore the cloth of the commoner, but his silver hair and dog ears all but gave away his identity to most everyone, except perhaps travelers or peddlers. The only giveaway on his attire of his true status was the magnificent sword at his hip. He kept it sheathed at all times, but there were whispers that those who saw him remove the sword from its hilt never lived to tell the tale. Even now, Kagome could see it hanging at his side.

Kagome gulped, willing herself to calm down. Lord Sesshomaru certainly exuded the frightening aura of an ice storm, but something about his fiery brother with the cocky smirk and relaxed stance made her stomach flip in ways she didn't think was possible. His gruff manner of talking and holding himself made her heart flutter, and his twitching ears caused an eruption of strange sensations further down her body. Blushing at the sudden overwhelming wave of feelings her body and mind were experiencing, Kagome adopted a disapproving frown.

"It is considered uncouth to insult one's family members so brazenly," she said coolly. "I will be marrying your brother soon and thus, you will become my brother, and so when you insult my lord husband-"

"I insult you, too, yada yada," Inuyasha drawled. "And what makes you think I give a rat's ass over what you or my brother thinks of me? Wench," he added with a wicked grin.

Kagome gasped, partially from the shock of such blatant lack of manners, and partially from the eruption of butterflies in her low regions. Infuriated, but mostly at herself, she glared at him. "You ought to be punished severely for insulting a lady, sir!"

"Except I'm technically above your station, so, really, I can treat you however I want."

That insufferable grin! The way his eyes refused to move away from hers! Those damned cute ears! Bristling, Kagome turned heel and marched away. Lord Sesshomaru's cold attitude was utterly refreshing compared to that jerk's rudeness!

She didn't notice that Inuyasha's eyes never left her until she left the room and was out of sight.

The next two months were mostly uneventful, outside of wedding planning and formal meetings with the Inu no Taisho and other important people of both demonic and human backgrounds. And yet, in spite of all her efforts to avoid a certain dog-eared jerk, Inuyasha always found a way to run into her.

Though he spoke to her with decent enough manners in front of their parents, whenever he snatched a moment alone with her, he wore his cocky grin and called her "wench," and teased her whenever she got flustered. Once, he pointed out that she must not actually hate his insults so much as she claimed, because she had yet to report them and he's not "strung up naked outside for the crows to pick at my balls."

"I have no wish to endanger my future brother-in-law," Kagome said coldly, choosing to ignore his rather unrefined description. "Though, the thought is certainly tempting."

"What is? The idea of me being in pain? Or the sight of my balls?" Inuyasha laughed with a wink.

(Kagome learned that day that he had remarkable dodging skills.)

And yet, he still never left her alone! And slowly, the teasing and thinly veiled insults and crude language transformed into something far, far worse. Flirting! The rogue had the gall to flirt with her! And yet, in her innermost secret heart of hearts, Kagome "tolerated" the impudent behavior because his shocking words and actions made her feel things she knew that a thousand demonic husbands couldn't give her. But this one rude, brash half-demon gave it all to her virtually without trying! Before she knew it, Kagome found herself actually encouraging his despicable behavior! A little giggle here, a little swish of her hips there, literally slipping from his grasp just long enough for him to scoop her back in his arms, and even moaning in pleasure when he nuzzled her neck and planted soft kisses along the length.

Fool! You're taking this too far! You must tell him off, her head scolded.

Yes, but it's not like I'm married yet, her heart reasoned. I'll put a stop to it after the wedding.

But things were becoming dangerous. Once, Inuyasha kissed the nape of her neck, while he was hidden behind the curtain where they met. Kagome only just managed to keep a straight face to her parents, who were busy discussing plans with the Inu no Taisho and his wife. Afterwards, when the adults left the room, Kagome disappeared behind the curtain to properly face her rogue and give him a piece of her mind.

Instead, for the next half hour, no words were spoken at all, leaving two rather breathless and flushed individuals in rumpled clothing, Kagome's lips swollen and aching, Inuyasha's amber eyes burning. He growled softly and pulled her back into his arms and they were lost in each other's embrace for another glimpse of paradise.

Every day for the last week before the big day, they met in the same place for an impromptu kissing session. Each time Kagome staggered away, face flushed bright red, eyes distant and blissful, lips red and so very loved, she told herself that the next day, she would put an end to it.

Naturally, she failed. Every single time.

The last day before the wedding, Inuyasha tested her patience to the very brink. After a particularly breathtaking kiss that left Kagome leaning against his chest to catch her breath, he smirked and made a few especially crude remarks of how boring her bedroom activities would be with "that icy prick."

"Why must you speak to me of such things?!" Kagome hissed at him, her face flaming red, the damned butterflies in her stomach erupting in multiple waves. "I-I am a lady and I cannot know of what goes on between a man and a woman until I am married and my husband shows me-"

"Who says you have to have a husband to show you?" Inuyasha's usual cocky tone suddenly switched to something entirely different. Deep, hoarse, an almost husky tone, that resembled the growling noises he usually made as they kissed passionately during each of their little rendezvous. Confused by this new reaction, Kagome's insides squirmed pleasantly.

She gasped as he slowly leaned down, placed one clawed finger under her chin, and deliberately jerked it up, forcing her to look right into his eyes. They were smoldering like a fire, making her stomach do all kinds of backflips and her heart thunder against her ribcage.

"I could show you, you know," Inuyasha whispered, his voice low and deep, sending tremors down Kagome's spine. He slowly rubbed his thumb over her lips, making Kagome's knees quake. He went on, speaking in that same throaty voice: "I've only given you a taste of what I'm capable of. I would blow your mind so much that my brother's 'lovemaking' would make you weep in comparison." He then gave her a kiss so chaste and soft, Kagome trembled violently, remembering how passionately he had held her just moments ago. This tantalizing teasing was too much to bear!

"You mustn't speak that way," Kagome whimpered (absolutely hating herself for not sounding firm in her resolve). "We-we have to stop! This isn't right, it isn't appropriate! You're going to be my brother-in-"

"But who says I want to be? And I doubt you want that either. Do you, my wench?" he whispered harshly in her ear, daring to lick her earlobe.

Kagome raised her hand to slap him, but he caught her wrist, grinning at her frustration. "Don't lie, now," he said in his usual, playful tone. "Everyone knows you're not marrying my brother for his good looks or charms. This was a political arrangement and nothing more."

"I know that, idiot!" Kagome said angrily, struggling in vain to free herself, but his grip was too strong.

"And yet you're going along with it? Never took you for the meek type, wench."

"You barely know me!" Kagome cried, jerking hard but still helpless against his strength. "You've only been toying with me, touching me and kissing me and making me feel so- Ugh! It's almost like you're trying to ruin my reputation or get yourself killed or-"

"But I want to get to know you."

Something in the softness in his tone caused Kagome to snap. With an outraged cry, she finally freed her hand and slapped him hard across the face. Tears brimming in her eyes, she said with a shaking voice, "Sir, you are no gentleman. You're hardly the son of a lord! How dare you confuse me so, a noble lady, who's about to marry your brother?!"

He didn't respond, only turned to face her again. The look in his eyes! What kind of emotion was that?! How dare he act like he actually cared?! Damn him to hell! Her throat burning with barely suppressed raging sobs, Kagome turned heel and shoved her way out of the curtains. Mercifully, no one noticed her sudden appearance, as there was no one in the room except a few maids whose backs were turned to her. Quickly, Kagome fled straight to her room where she shut herself up for the night.

As she laid sobbing on her bed, she was hit with one realization. Seeing the longing in Inuyasha's eyes only solidified the very real fact that she wanted him, too.

That she loved him.

Lady Higurashi was silent as her daughter explained herself. Kagome kept most of the details of her flirtations and kisses with Inuyasha to a minimum, but she did confess that there "might have been some inappropriate behavior."

"And I just never felt this way about anyone, and I couldn't bear leaving a chance at happiness behind me forever because of some stupid alliance and I love him, Mama!" She ended, blushing at her boldness.

For a moment, mother and daughter remained quiet. Kagome's heart thundered in her chest. As kind and understanding as her mother was, would she be forgiving this time?

"Kagome," Lady Higurashi said at last, "did you know that your father wasn't who I originally was intended to marry?"

"I... what?"

"Yes. I was betrothed to another, but I did not love him. Your father was my childhood sweetheart and we made a pact long ago that we would someday marry, come what may. When my parents arranged my engagement, I cried bitterly for many nights. But your father didn't give up so easily. He challenged my betrothed to a duel, and if he won, he would have my hand in marriage. Technically, no one won that match; it was a draw. But my father was so moved by your father's determination, and disgusted with my betrothed's cheap tactics to attempt to win, that he switched the engagement right then and there."

Kagome listened in shock. She never knew the story of how her parents met, let alone married. Then she frowned. "But with those circumstances, why does Father want me to marry Lord Sesshomaru so badly?"

Lady Higurashi smiled. "It's amazing how people can blind themselves to others' problems, by pretending that their situations were 'different.' Your father only wants what's best for you. Lord Sesshomaru is honorable, even if he is dull and cold, and would take good care of you. I suppose your father is half-convinced that if you fell in love, you'd only be hurt. With an arranged marriage, you'd be satisfied and safe. All fathers can be rather silly about their daughters," she added with a wink.

Kagome smiled back. "So... what should I do, Mama? We can't cancel the wedding now."

"Not officially, no. These things take time to smooth over. So, in the meantime," she spoke deliberately, "I suggest you find your lover and make haste."

"Make haste?"

"Yes. And don't worry, dear. No matter which route you take, you are always welcome back in our home. Your father will come around, eventually, I'll see to it." Suddenly, Lady Higurashi leaned down and embraced her daughter. Then, she straightened up, smiled serenely, and said in a rather peculiar voice, "It looks like a bit rough weather ahead of you, my dear. I suggest some wraps on the road." She winked and left the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Kagome sat still, stunned. Then, she bolted up, wriggled out of her kimono, rushed to a nearby basin and splashed water on her face to wash off the paint, wiped it dry, and hurried to wear some casual attire. She grabbed a bag and stuffed it full of necessities and a few sentimental items, grabbed a cloth to cover her hair, and fled outside.

The room where they had always met was deserted, as the guests were to gather outside for the ceremony. Kagome took a swift look around then looked at the infamous curtain. Swallowing hard, she crossed over and swept it aside.

Inuyasha stood there, looking rather sheepish for the first time since she met him. His amber eyes still burned with desire as he stared at her, but then a confused frown creased his features.

"Lady Kagome?" he breathed. "Why are you dressed like that? I came to apologize for my behavior yesterday-"

Kagome silenced him with a kiss. When they parted to take a breath, she placed a hand on his cheek.

"In short, I'm running away. And I want you to come with me."

AN: Please leave a review! Part 2 will be up soon! (I hope)