Disclaimer: All rights for Inuyasha are reserved by the brilliant and wonderful Rumiko Takahashi. I am making no profit out of this except in the enjoyment of the masses.

Warnings: Here comes that a fore mentioned foul mouth...


Nit-Pick


The minute Miroku finished talking; Inuyasha was fit to be tied. Though initially when the Monk had dragged him off to "have a word" with Shippou in tow, the hanyou had been confused- NOW though it all made sense. He should have suspected as much; the entire thing had reeked of trap.

All things considered Inuyasha had listened with a fair amount of patience and civil good will. But alas all good things must, regrettably, come to an end. Furiously declaring his intent to behead 'the offending bastard', Miroku quietly sighed and spoke Shippou's name wearily with all the resignation of a jaded arbitrator. After casting the spell, the little tike dove into Miroku's purple robes, seeking refuge.

Trapped under the Kitsune's heavy stone statue of an ugly tanuki Inuyasha cursed and dug his claws into the gravel in a fit of temper.

Just wait till I get my hands on that asshole!

How dare that stuck up bastard threaten Kagome! He and Sesshoumaru might be related by blood but she was family. He didn't care that they as of yet didn't know why the Taiyoukai had seemed offended. In Inuyasha's opinion the why could die in a ditch with his brother's corpse.

Miroku sat on a rock a few yards away with arms tucked docilely into his sleeves. As he observed his struggling friend on the ground he silently thought that Inuyasha in such moments reminded him more of a feline than a canine. Hissing curses and spiting dirt from his mouth, if the irate man-dog had had fur, it'd now all be standing on end.

Sighing the holy man leaned back to observe the brightening horizon. They'd been here for hours, and now it was dawn. He'd known the over-protective hanyou would take the news badly, but ideally he'd also hoped Inuyasha would be able to see reason, in hopes that with their combined brain power, they'd be able to reason out the past events.

Unfortunately he'd miscalculated the hatred in this particular relationship. Miroku pursed his lips. No one can hold a grudge better than a Cat…er I mean dog. The Monk, however, had little time for potshot humor.

"Dammit, you little runt! If you don't let me go, Sesshoumaru's not the only bone I'll have ta pick!"

Shippou, from his hidden perch in Miroku's robes, trembled at the threat but held firm.

Patting his newly added shivering lump, Miroku addressed the irate half-man, "Now, Now, Inuyasha. Shippou's only following my behest. Do not threaten him so."

"You'll get yours too, Monk," slit pupils glared venomously. Inuyasha made for a very angry yet comical looking squashed bug. Luckily Miroku was not one to be easily intimidated- especially since he knew he was also included in Inuyasha's exclusive group labeled family.

"You'll be released as soon as you agree to listen to reason, my friend."

"The only thing I'll listen to, Monk, is that bastards death rattle."

A weary sigh escaped the holy man. This is getting us no where fast.

"Please, Inuyasha. I doubt Sesshoumaru-sama -"

A snarl ripped through his words drawing the statement short, "Don't you dare defend him."

Oh boy.

Miroku regrouped and tried another tactic, "Kagome-sama, would not approve of your methods."

"Keh, I don't give a rat's ass. She's too damn soft hearted anyways." Inuyasha's tone was gruff and his eyes still snapped with indignant fury but Miroku's sharp violet gaze had caught the minute drooping of ears and scented victory. He was wavering, and thus Miroku mercilessly drove in the final nail to this proverbial coffin,

"She will be horribly disappointed."

With you

Those last two words were left off, but the meaning was delivered. Ears fell flat and Inuyasha went limp, "Keh, alright already."

Smiling grimly Miroku mercilessly continued, "Are you capable of having a peaceful discussion with Sesshoumaru-sama?"

The scowl deepened, flashing fang.

"Don't nit-pick, Miroku. I can't make any promises, beside that I won't resort to un-needed violence; There ain't NOTHING peaceful about that asshole."

Grimly Miroku had to accept the terms.

"Shippou, if you'd be so kind."

The lump shifted and with a quiet snap, rip, and pop, the stone statue disappeared in a puff of colored smoke.

Straightening, Inuyasha cricked backwards to snap his spine back into place. Damn kitsune magic. The stupid thing never failed to throw his back out.

Rolling shoulders joints and straightening red fabric, Inuyasha lept off to confront his brother; in what Miroku prayed would be an at least semi-civil exchanging of terms.

Letting Shippou scamper out and up to his shoulder, the Monk decided he'd settle for anything as long as it wasn't an exchanging of blows.


TBC...


Yay! Another update! See? Told you I'd have another piece soon! :D

Fufufu Looks like Miroku's plan has worked! ...Or has it? Stay tuned to find out! :3

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