A CRIMINAL UNION

Dear readers, long time no see! Here I come with a nice little fic. This will be a short treat as my schedule does not currently allow me enough free time to write a long fanfic the likes of Special Delivery or Secret Lovers.

For a long time I've wanted to write an AU story (of course!) with the mob as a backdrop. I know nothing about this type of life, so I will make things up as I go. The story will be in Kagura's POV. I would like to hereby offer a major OOC warning. I'm just having a bit of fun with my comeback to fanfic writing :)

As of now I will try to post a new chapter every week on Sunday. Ok here we go!

Disclaimer: No matter how much I wish for it, I unfortunately own nothing except my plot.

Part 1: Strange Circumstances

I hated this. I really did. I hated that it was almost dawn and that instead of being in bed, I was in that particular place I hated so much. I even hated the short dress that asshole I call my father forced me to wear. Even though I had to keep my mouth shut I did want to show my dear old dad how much I hated everything he was putting me through, so I angrily tugged on the hem, hopelessly trying and failing to stretch the garment in a foolish attempt to make it longer.

Not even bothering to mask a sigh of annoyance, I reluctantly trailed behind Naraku. I looked around myself and groaned. I had worked so hard throughout my life to make sure I would never end up there. That I would never be one of these poor drugged out, half naked girls gyrating on the stage for the benefit of the disgusting men present in my dear old dad's strip club. And that's exactly why I was so pissed he was dragging me along with him tonight. The fact that he 'generously' provided me with a so called dress that resembled more a skimpy red piece of fabric than an actual garment led me to believe that he had some ulterior motives that I was not going to like one bit.

Just thinking about it, I dug my four inch red heels in the carpet, and decided not to go up the upcoming staircase that I knew led to the private booths where more than lap-dances happened. While I had actually never been inside of one, I did know that these secluded rooms were where Naraku's richest clients could spend some time with the strippers behind locked doors to ensure privacy. Whatever Naraku's plan might be, I would do my best not be a part of it.

"Kagura, now is not the time for you to put on one of your tedious rebellious acts." Naraku forcefully grabbed my arm and dragged me towards the staircase. I may be a wind youkai, and he just a human turned hanyou, but he was strong. He possessed the strength of the hundreds of youkai he had absorbed throughout his long life. He simply was much too strong for me to resist, no matter how much I wanted to. I just had to let him drag me up. He gave my arm one last good squeeze, a strong enough one to leave behind a nasty bruise before forcing me upstairs. I was glad that at least this time around he only bruised my arm, and didn't break a bone.

Maybe he didn't beat me for a change just because he wanted to involve me in some sort of plan. I guess that being covered in bruises, or having a useless limp arm would turn off any business associates of his. Then again as of late Naraku had not been beating me as much as usual... He had spent the better part of the twenty-three years we had lived under the same roof trying to beat me into submission, but a few months ago he realized it did not work. He then turned towards other ways of making me hurt, and these mainly involved my mother. I closed my eyes and pushed all thoughts of mom aside. I needed to keep all my attention on Naraku and his plans, I simply could not allow distractions.

From upstairs I could look down and see a row of strippers dancing on the stage, and I quickly averted my gaze. I knew some of them and was aware they wanted to escape as much as I did. Damn it, instead of thinking about things that could never be, I knew I had to focus on my present predicament.

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked Naraku when we finally reached the upstairs hallway. I did my best to ignore the view this new vantage point gave us.

"You'll find out soon enough." The revolting grin on his face caused me to shiver in disgust.

Soon enough we started walking down the corridor. As we went past the different private rooms, I forced myself not to gag. Despite the thick walls, I could make out a cacophony of moaning voices coming from behind the closed doors. I knew very well what was happening in these rooms, and it sickened me. Naraku stopped in front of one of the doors, and the grin on his lips widened.

"Do go in my dear." He opened the door for me, and stepped aside. Not having much of a choice, I walked in, and was met with one hell of a surprise.

There standing in the room, an annoyed expression on his striking face was none other than Sesshoumaru Tashio, my father's greatest rival. I gulped, and could only hope that I did not pale considerably. The last thing I wanted was to look like a ghost in front of him. The second I laid my eyes on him, I could feel my heartbeat increase. I have to admit that I have been fascinated with that long-haired dog demon for as long as I can remember. I had only seen him from afar, and had never actually talked to him, and I was pretty sure he had never even noticed my existence, but I still could not help the way I felt. Before I could squash it down, a traitorous little voice inside me could not help but whisper that he was sure to know me now. I reached up to fix a stray strand of my hair, and put it back in my bun. Maybe the evening was not going to be a total loss after all.

On all the rare occasions I had seen Sesshoumaru, he had always had an uninterested expression on his face, and I always wondered what it would take to make that iceberg melt. However right now the one thing that was really intriguing me was what Sesshoumaru could be doing here. It was one hell of a thing for him to walk around in my father's territory. So I knew that whatever was about to go down was going to be something serious, but the one thing I couldn't figure out was why the hell I was there.

"Naraku." Sesshoumaru greeted my father. I barely repressed a groan of annoyance at seeing how much just the sound of his voice was able to make me melt a little bit inside. How could a youkai male be this hot?!

"So good to see you again Sesshoumaru."

I struggle not to let out a snort at hearing my father's feigned overly respective tone, and accompanying bow. He had on more than one occasion voiced his feelings about Sesshoumaru, and respect was not quite what he felt for his rival. From what I had gathered throughout the years, the Tashios and my family have fought over business and territory of the city for a long time.

"I am glad to see you have accepted my invitation. Please sit down." Naraku walked over to a side table and poured some sort of amber colored liquid in two glasses. Somehow I guessed none of them were for me… Sure enough he extended one towards Sesshoumaru, and started sipping on his. I was not surprised that the dog demon did not drink from his. Wouldn't put it past Naraku to have poisoned the drinks, he was immune to most poisons and venoms after all.

"I have not come for your hospitality Naraku. Just state why this meeting was called, so I can leave this place." The clear disdain Sesshoumaru did not bother hiding amused me to no end. My entire life I had only ever seen people cower in front of Naraku. How I loved seeing someone stand up to him. By the looks of pure hatred on dear old dad's face, he was not of that opinion. How amusing. Despite myself I could not squash a loud snort of laughter. Of course I had to let out such an undignified sound in the presence of Sesshoumaru. His piercing gaze turned from my father's annoyed face to look at me. Was it amusement I could see in his gaze? I hoped so.

"I merely wished to thank you for your assistance in dealing with our mutual… enemy." I had no idea what my father was referring to, which was not surprising. He has never exactly considered me to be one of his confidents. All the information I had about the inner workings of the business, I had been able to glean from Sasaki, one of Naraku's henchmen who had a serious crush on me.

"What this Sesshoumaru did was for my own benefit." The dog demon sent me a swift glance then looked back towards my father. I had no time to wonder why exactly he had looked at me, and focused my attention on what he had to say.

"This Sesshoumaru agreed to have a meeting on your territory; however, was it necessary to hold it here?" I was glad that he was obviously not a fan of such an establishment; it only made him more likeable in my opinion. He was so unlike my father who other than owning the place had 'sampled' many of his dancing girls.

"Ku ku ku!" I almost rolled my eyes as Naraku's annoying and disgusting chuckle resonated around the room. "I merely wanted to thank you, my dear friend in a fitting manner. I would not have been able to get rid of Ryukotsusei without your help. Had it not been for you I would have been forced to let him eat away a portion of my territory."

I was surprised to hear Naraku admit his weakness so openly. It was so unlike him. Now I was more than convinced that he was planning something.

"Is this the reason you have brought her along?" Sesshoumaru nodded towards me. I tried and am sure failed to keep myself from blushing. Did that jerk think I looked like one of my father's prostitutes? That Naraku would let him have me for the night in exchange for his help? I looked down and noticed that the tiny red dress I had on was showing so much of my cleavage and legs that it was no surprise Sesshoumaru had made such a mistake.

As if he could tell I was going to say something, my father sent me a sharp glare. I knew its meaning: 'keep your mouth shut, or else'.

"This is my precious eldest child, Kagura." Naraku reached for my bruised arm, and shoved me forward. I tripped due to my ridiculously high heels. To my surprise it was Sesshoumaru who helped steadying me by placing both hands over my shoulders. The feel of his warm palms on my bare skin felt like a lightning bolt. It took all of the little self-composure I had left to prevent myself from stepping away.

"Thanks." I muttered, angry that I had not found anything better to say. If he was not convinced I was some dumb, mute, giggling woman, I was sure he would be now. After having a crush on him for so long, I finally had the chance to be in the same room as Sesshoumaru, only to make a complete embarrassment of myself. Typical, things never worked out for me anyways, especially not when Naraku was involved.

A small ringing noise helped pull me out of my trance. My father retrieved his phone from his pocket, and quickly checked out the glowing screen.

"I apologize. I have to step out for a minute, but will be right back." Naraku had a sickening grin on his lips. "Kagura my dear sweet child, be the good hostess I know you can be, and take care of Sesshoumaru for me."

I almost gagged after hearing all the nice words my father was suddenly using in the same sentence as my name. Before either Sesshoumaru or I could react, that oily bastard had slipped out of the room. I knew Naraku all too well to know that he was up to something, I therefore did not hesitate to go after him. It was only once I moved towards the only entrance and exit of the room that I realized that all this time, Sesshoumaru had kept his hands on my bare shoulders. Well, wasn't he being a friendly one?

As much as I would love to stay with the gorgeous young man, I wasn't going to let myself be used in one of my father's plans. I strolled to the door, and tried to open it, but realized I was too late. To my shock the doorknob was not turning.

"Is something the matter?" Sesshoumaru's deep voice asked behind me. I jolted when I realized he had come this close to me. How in the hell did he move so quickly without me hearing him move?! I guessed it must be an inu youkai thing.

"That bastard locked us in!" I grunted before slamming shoulder first against the hard wooden door. Needless to say all I had to show for my efforts was one hell of a painful bruise. I knew it would disappear in a matter of hours, but it still hurt like hell. Oh well I guess it matched the one Naraku gave me earlier. To my annoyance I could feel some sort of spiritual power coming from this door. Seemed like my father had reinforced the door with anti youkai measures. He was definitely up to something.

"I doubt that will be much help…" Did Sesshoumaru really have to state the obvious like that? I wondered truly annoyed. At least I was giving it a try.

Despite knowing it would not amount to much, I still gave the door one last punch for good measure. Now I understood why my dear old dad had insisted I leave my fan behind. Without it, I couldn't command the winds, and my only remaining youkai attribute was quick healing. Had I had my fan, I would have shred this door to pieces anti youkai protection of not. Talking about shattering abilities, I did have a perfectly fine specimen of inu youkai close by.

"Well, why don't you do something about this door? You are inu, you have claws, use them!"

He did not bother looking towards me as he answered. "No."

"Then, what exactly do you suggest we do? Wait?" I spat angrily. I did not know what Sesshoumaru was thinking, but he was starting to piss me off.

"Precisely." He affably replied before walking away from me, and sitting down on the long couch. I shuddered in disgust as I could only imagine what kind of action that piece of furniture must have seen throughout the years. Not to self, never use a black light in this room. Not that I intended to ever come back there.

I was surprised to see Sesshoumaru sit, cross his legs and relax as if his long time enemy hadn't just locked him in a room. He must really have nerves of steel to just sit around like this. For all he knew Naraku could have been plotting an assassination attempt. I had no idea what my father was planning, but I really did not want to take part in it. Me being as stubborn as ever I once again tried to pry the locked door open. Of course it didn't move at all, which I have to admit was not really a surprise.

"So you're just going to sit there and wait?" I could feel myself losing my temper fast, and even if I didn't want to come across as a crazy female, I couldn't help but voice my concerns. Of course I could have done so without screaming, but I was really starting to get annoyed. And Sesshoumaru behaving like some Zen master was not helping with my nerves.

"It is better than wasting my time and energy uselessly trying to open a door that is obviously locked." Oh how I hated the way he stated the obvious.

"What is wrong with you?" I gave up trying to force that damn wood block opened, and walked towards Sesshoumaru. "From what I've heard about you, you're not the kind of man who would stand by and let my asshole of a father involve him in some sort of scheme."

"Oh, have you heard a lot about this Sesshoumaru?"

How in the hell was I supposed to answer that question? For some reason, saying 'Yes because I've tried to find out as much as I can about you to feed my obsession' did not sound quite right.

"You are a ruthless… businessman." I knew that the word didn't quite fit to describe one of the city's most powerful mob bosses, but I had seen firsthand how much my father hated to be called a mobster. From what I had heard about Sesshoumaru, he was not someone on whose bad side you wanted to get on, so sticking to euphemisms I decided would be better off. "You do own the greatest gaming establishment in the region…" I knew that he also dealt in arms dealing, especially youkai weapons, and owned a successful art gallery, but I suspected the latter was just a front to launder his money just like Naraku did with the strip club.

"If Naraku thinks he can use his child to make me admit to something, he is sorely mistaken." Sesshoumaru leaned forward, anger clear on his face.

Did he just call me a child?! I was fuming inside, but refused to let him see how upset I was. I believed that the way my breasts were pushing out of the tight red dress I was wearing was proof enough that I was far from being a kid.

"I'm not wearing a wire." I rolled my eyes. I seriously have no idea what Naraku had planned, but I was pretty sure it would not involve the police; there was no one he hated more than the city's police department. They had after all almost sent him to jail a few years back. How I wished the key witness had not mysteriously disappeared a few weeks before the trial, effectively taking with him any chance I could have had of being rid of my father.

"I did not say you were." The finality in his voice let me know that the conversation was done. What a pity, I really wanted to prove to him that I was more than a kid or an idiotic woman.

We stayed without speaking for a long time. I did not know exactly how long since I was not wearing my wristwatch, but it had been long enough for my legs to start cramping. I rarely wore high heels, and having to stand in them was really causing me pain, but I still refused to sit on the couch. Partly because of the gross number of people who must have had sex on that piece of furniture, but mostly because I could not trust myself to sit next to him. I wasn't sure I could stop myself from trying to run my fingers through Sesshoumaru's long silver hair. The unusual color and silky looking texture made it to appear to be a far cry from the dark waves on my head. I wasn't quite sure why, but something told me that he wouldn't approve of me trying to pet him. If I was sure that I wouldn't be torn to shreds by poison claws the second I touched his hair, I would have.

"This has gone on long enough." Sesshoumaru stated and unexpectedly shot to his feet. Ah finally some action! I knew he wouldn't be able to keep up his Zen master act for too long. I was sure there had to be a reason why he had earned the nickname of 'the killing perfection', which by the way is much better than my father's, 'the devious spider'; although that one did fit my old man like a glove.

"How exactly do you expect to get out of here?" I could not help but ask.

"The same way I came in."

No, you think? The more time I was spending with that man, the more I realized that he was not exactly the kind of person I thought he was. While he may be gorgeous to look at, his social skills were clearly lacking, and he was light years away from the prince charming I had made up in my mind. One more girlish fantasy to put away…

"Jaken, bring the car around." I looked up and realized he was talking on his cell phone. "And the next time you take this long to answer your phone, you will be sorry…" I knew I had heard the name Jaken somewhere before, but I just couldn't place it back.

"So is that Jaken person supposed to come get us or something?" Instead of answering me, the dog demon simply sent me a glare as if he truly doubted my intelligence. Being the dignified lady that I am, I simply glared back.

Sesshoumaru then turned away from me and raised the palm of his hand. His claws elongated and turned a sickly green color. Out of nowhere some sort of whip came out and he strode towards the door.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" Even as I asked, I got a clear idea of what he was planning on doing since he was staring down at the door. He raised his hand, and soon enough started slashing at the door, sending splinters flying everywhere. You would think that being my father's daughter I would be used to violence and stuff, but no. Naraku is simply not dumb enough to let me come close to a firearm, or any kind of real weapon other than my fan, so as ashamed as I am to admit it, during Sesshoumaru's little destruction spree, I took a few steps back, closed my eyes and covered my ears with my hands. I wasn't afraid. Really. It was just horribly noisy and smelly. I knew I would not be able to forget the smell of wood and metal being melted by youkai poison. Sesshoumaru's youki was interacting with the spiritual barrier infused in the door, and the flashing lights gave way to a burning smell. Gag-inducing. Never had I seen such a major use of youkai power. The only violence I had ever witnessed was the one Naraku would bring upon me. My father was known for inflicting creative punishments on me, and all the people in his outfit. My alone sessions with dad almost always left me bloody and battered.

I only opened my eyes once the noise stopped, and the smell dissipated. To my surprise I looked into an open door and a quite recovered Sesshoumaru. Gone was that green whip thing, and his claws had gone back to their original form.

"Whatever happened to waiting?" I grumbled and was not sure if he heard me or not.

Either way he once again did not answer me. There was nothing I hated more than being ignored, and this jerk was proving to be quite adept at doing just that.

I heard heavy footsteps running towards me, and quickly Sesshoumaru's exit was blocked by a group of my father's goons. They had probably quickly run up the corridor the second they had heard Sesshoumaru destroy the door. Can't say I was surprised; you couldn't expect to use some sort of youkai attack in one of Naraku's establishments and not expect to become target practice in return. As a dog demon Sesshoumaru could probably move fast, but all it would take to stop him permanently would be a bullet to the heart. Considering the number of assailants in the room, if the situation escalated to a shoot out, even the almighty inu youkai would not come out of this alive.

"Ku ku ku Sesshoumaru what in the world happened here? I would have believed my dear old friend Mr. Tashio would have taught you better manners…"

Based on the venom filled look Sesshoumaru sent my dad at the mention of his own father, I could tell this was some sore topic for him. I had not heard much about the older Tashio except that he had been killed a few years ago by some new-comer who had hoped to make a bold move in the city. Even though I had no one to talk to about that, I was pretty sure Sesshoumaru had taken care of him. The fact that 'The Panther King' as he called himself wasn't around anymore was proof enough of that.

"Were you not enjoying my daughter's attention?" This time it was my turn to send my father a hateful glare. Was his plan all along to have Sesshoumaru make advances towards me? Too bad for him he had not counted on the handsome man being a complete ice block.

"Or maybe you are done with her? She does look quite ravished…" It took a while for my brain to register the words he had said. How in the hell was I to blame for looking 'ravished', whatever the old man meant by that, when the dress I was wearing was covering so little skin.

"Really Sesshoumaru? I offered you the comfort of my establishment, and you make free use of what does not belong to you. Not only did you destroy an extremely priceless one of a kind bolt door, that had been infused with some protective anti-youkai holy ofudas, but even worse, you obviously compromised my poor daughter's virtue."

'Virtue'. 'Ravished'?! Who in this day and age still used these words? Either Naraku had been reading some historical romance novels as of late, or he had lost his mind. Strangely I was leaning towards the first option.

"Virtue?" Sesshoumaru echoed with a snort before his eyes traveled all over my body. I felt as if he could see through my dress, and that was a strange feeling. Oh how I hated that I could feel myself blushing once again. Why was he sounding so surprised anyway? What kind of dishonorable woman did he take me for? I was about to voice my displeasure when Naraku decided to open his mouth once again.

"I fear that the only way for you to repair your wrongdoing will be to marry my dear poor sweet Kagura. She is quite sheltered, and you obviously took advantage of her innocence." The second Naraku spoke, I dissolved in laughter. It started with a few giggles, and quickly escalated to a roaring fit of laughter.

I really could not imagine Sesshoumaru proposing marriage to me, not even if my father's goons held him at gunpoint as they were doing right now. Even if he did, I would refuse. There was no way I was going to let that man put shackles on me. I already had been caged up long enough by my father. Not to mention that I had seen enough of Sesshoumaru's true personality that night to know that we were definitely not made for each other. I mean the man had not even bothered smiling at me once! I expected Sesshoumaru to laugh or scream after my father's bold statement, but instead of displaying another poison claw attack, he simply stared at Naraku's dancing eyes for a long moment before speaking.

"Very well." I was pretty sure I had heard wrong. I had to have misunderstood Sesshoumaru's words. Even as I tried to convince myself, the broad smile on Naraku's lips was proof enough I had not.

"I shall contact you later on to make arrangements." Totally ignoring the guns pointed at him, Sesshoumaru walked forward, obviously counting on getting out of there. Ah so his sudden acceptance was a diversion. As ego bruising as the idea might be, it was reassuring.

"Oh no, there is no need for this. I have a very good friend who happens to be a judge. He has assured me that all you would need would be to sign this legal document he was kind enough to prepare just for this joyous occasion." Not surprisingly, my father dug inside his pocket to retrieve a piece of paper, which I was willing to bet was none other than the said legal document. I had reached my limit. It was one thing for that bastard to live out some sick fantasy through me by locking me up with his rival, but quite another to force me to marry Sesshoumaru Tashio.

"Naraku! We will not go through with this!" I hissed, unable to control myself. What did he take me for? Some sort of indoor plant he could pass on to whomever he felt like?

"Give it to me." As much as I hated the fact that my outburst was totally ignored by everyone else, I rejoiced. This had to be the moment Sesshoumaru tore up the paper my father had readied, and told him where to shove it. He did have to live up to his reputation… in my eyes at least.

How sorely disappointed I was when that idiotic fool simply plucked a pen from the pocket of his jacket before taking the piece of paper from Naraku's hand. I watched speechless, my heart almost beating out of my chest, as Sesshoumaru quickly and efficiently scribbled down something on the first dotted line. He then looked up from the paper and handed me the pen.

"It is your turn." The tone he used made it clear I had no choice but to do as told. A part of me wanted to rebel, but considering that my father and his armed men were still present, I knew it would not be a smart choice. The one deciding factor was actually the way that Sesshoumaru was looking at me. His intent golden eyes were freezing me into place. I had no choice but to sign the paper. Despite that my hand was shaking so badly that I almost dropped the pen.

I looked down on what I had just signed, and forced a small smile. At least my signature was still legible… not that I thought the paper was actually binding. After all there had to be a law against marrying without a representative of justice present. Or maybe it was illegal not to get married in white. I looked down at the tiny red dress I was wearing, and struggled to keep in a demented chuckle. Some bride I made!

"I trust you have no more objections to me leaving, no? My driver is waiting." Sesshoumaru's voice thrust me out of my thoughts. He started walking towards the exit, and this time my father's men respectfully let him pass. I wondered if I was supposed to follow him or something… he was my 'husband' now after all. Just the thought of it was unbelievable to me. Just a few days ago I was harboring a secret crush for him, and honestly not even thinking of ever coming in close enough contact with him to actually talk to him, and now for some reason my father had forced him to bind himself to me.

What the hell had just happened?

To be continued…

A/N: Poor Kagura has found herself in the position of a pawn in a situation way more complex than she could have ever imagined. How will she handle her new life? I am sure you're all dying to find out why Sesshoumaru went along so complacently. We'll see next time in Negotiation.