"Nobody but you."

Chapter 10: Swimming home.

The summer sun shone down brightly overhead. Looking up I found myself having to use the free hand that was not in a tight grip from InuYasha, to make a makeshift visor to keep the blazing rays from frying my retinas.

I felt my hands slightly becoming damp in InuYasha's grip. Looking up at the massive building before me had me wanting to turn and run back to our parked car. The whole idea of seeing a realtor with no real intentions in buying still didn't settle with me right.

"Place is huge for a realtor's office."

Snorting InuYasha leaned closer, his breath tickling along the exposed flesh of my shoulder. "He's a flashy man, Makes a lot of money. He likes to show it with a big office. "

"More like compensating for something." I sounded grumpier then I wanted to be. I just didn't feel one hundred percent ok with doing this still. It felt weird.

His free hand gently rubbed my shoulder, making me forget my grumps. Sighing I leaned into his hand. His gentle hands felt amazing. They were still cool from the car ride over here, and on my shoulders that had been exposed to the sun it felt like heaven.

It was hot, and I was glad I chose to wear a simple sundress, the spaghetti straps gave him the perfect opportunity to fell along my skin.

"Not nice to say about my brother. He's here to help us look at places. Not have you shrink his man hood."

As if snapping from a dream I felt myself grown tense once more. His manipulating hands had made me forget for a second where we were. Thinking about where we were made something inside me flip flop around. Being here now listening to his cheery hopeful voice, felt like he had different motives them me. The way he asked last night to do this, seem to be his secret way of seeing how I'd react. Was this a subtle way of saying, hey I really do want us to live together?

Real question, why did that thought not bother me as much as I had wanted it to? I should be mad right? I was slightly, I hated being manipulated and sure I held a fleeting fear of this crashing around, I felt a bit pushed into the direction. We had just gotten back together after four years of nothing. There was just a deep part of me found joy in the thought of playing house wife to InuYasha. That's what scared me the most. This was moving all so fast, I was on a speeding train and I was unable to put a brake on it before it derailed.

I felt my chest constrict, my breathing hitched. I felt the burning in the back of my throat, like I were on the verge of vomiting. I was growing more and more nauseous, I was either really sick or working myself up more then I needed to. I was working myself up over something so little. Yet I continued to let my fears swallow me up. I needed to get myself under control, and fast.

"You ok?" InuYasha must have sensed my hesitation and fear. His face turned towards me, all joy and happiness glowed on that face. I bite back the emotions I had swarming in me. I had to focus on the here and now, not the then and why.

Nodding I managed a half decent smile of my own. I prided in myself being able to respond in a normal tone. "I'm ok."

"You sure? You look a little pale." Concern took up root, His hand detangling from my own, reaching up he used his hand feeling my forehead as if trying to detect a fever, "Do you need to go home?"

"No, No, "Shaking his hand off me I smiled into his face. Seeing him turn caring eyes onto me made me relax. Breathing in deep I fought back the negative thoughts, focusing on the positive. The sick feeling slowly disappearing from me. Not wanting to ruin this for him I pulled myself together. Looking into his face I smiled. "I'm fine. Let's go look at some places."

Nodding, but with a look on his face, I knew he didn't truly believe I was alright. I was thankful he let it drop not questioning me any further. The happy look came back covering his face once more, I clasped my hand back into his hand urging him along. Hand in hand InuYasha lead the way through the double glass doors of the building that had snow balled my panic attack.

I could break down later when I was alone. Right now was time to put my big girl pants on and get my emotions on right. We were looking at condos, not picking out matching head stones.

….

….

"You want to look at apartments?"

If looks could kill then the look InuYasha's realtor and brother were giving us, we'd have been set on fire. Smiling timidly I nodded my head in agreement. "Yes?"

Calm emotionless eyes slide towards me, staring at me I fought the urge to wiggle under those cold eyes. He was an intimidating man, I wouldn't lie about that. Having his fill of threatening eyes, he continued to ignore me, eyes making their way back to InuYasha. I bite back a smart remark. I didn't want to feel that wrath and I knew I would have plenty of opportunities to make a dick joke when the time was right.

"I just got you the place you're at now. Why do you want to look for another?"

"I just want to look. Don't worry about the why and stop being so god damn difficult! Money in your pocket regardless." InuYasha snapped back.

"You just want to look? I have better things to do then tour around lookie lues."

"I'm paying you. Should be enough."

"I have enough money to sleep comfortable at night. Try again." Sesshomaru smiled viciously.

"I can always take me business elsewhere." Standing as if to make a move to leave, I didn't know either to stand myself. My eyes flicked over the pair. Confusion blooming inside me.

As if calling his bluff Sesshomaru raised one delicate brow. "No you won't."

"You so sure?"

"Yes I'm so sure. I'm the best in the business. I sell more apartments, condos, and houses across this city than anyone. I strike fear in any and all other realtors who so much as think of selling in this town. "I watched as InuYasha clutched a tight fist, Sesshomaru smiled gently once more, as if trying to antagonize his brother. " And that's why you came here in the first place. Now shut up and sit down."

InuYasha remained standing, his eyes boiling with rage. Not wanting to take an order from his brother he stood defiantly for a few minutes. Sesshomaru looked back with natural eyes. He seemed amused by Inu's display. He would sit there patiently waiting for his little brother to calm down.

I shook my head, these two have always been like this. Seem four years made no difference. They would always be at one another's throats. Laying a gentle hand on InuYasha's, I pleaded with him to relax and sit. We were here to look at places for fun. Not have a battle royal. As if knowing what I was asking with a mere touch, Inu closed his eyes settling himself he sat down. Glancing over he gave me a nod.

Eyes flickering toward me Sesshomaru studied me for a bit. Looking at me as if what I had just done was the most interesting thing he saw in a while. As if calculating everything in his own mind he seem to have register the whys of why we were here on his own.

Sighing deeply he focused on InuYasha again. A not to friendly look on his face. "Fine, but I'm going to charge you extra for being you."

"I expect nothing less, Sesshomaru." I studied InuYasha as he gently folded his hands in his lap. He was both satisfied and flustered at the same time. I figured it was just his brother. Man had a way to make anyone want to leave their own skin and jump out a window.

Sliding my hand over I gently squeezed his knee, silently letting him know I was here for him. Patting my hand I felt him relax. Smiling to myself I began to feel better. Maybe being here wouldn't be as bade as I made it out to be.

At the clearing of a throat I snapped my hand back, not having to look up I knew I was getting a dirty look. Curiosity getting the best of me I peeked up meeting the scolding eyes of Sesshomaru. "I'm assuming you want to go today?"

I felt like a little kid again, being disciplined by a teacher for talking in class. Pursing my lips I slide down in my chair, trying to make myself as small as possible. I had spoken way too soon. This was going to end out being a long day.

Giving me a sympathetic smile InuYasha leveled his brother with a hard look. "Yea, and stop trying to scare Kagome."

Laughing darkly, his eyes turned back to me. A light spark in them shone. "I'm sorry Kagome. Been a few years. I've missed watching you squirm under my gaze."

"No you're not." Annoyance taking over my intimidation I looked at him with my own scathing gaze. Sesshomaru hadn't changed a bit over the years. He was still a cocky asshole. If we didn't need him I'd have told him exactly that.

Eyes still on me I watched as he chuckled, picking his phone up pressing a button," You're right I'm not sorry." Face changing as the voice on the other end picked up made me look at Sesshomaru funny. I could have sworn I saw a glimmer of excitement.

" Rin, be a dear and get me file D." A moment pause he chuckled deeply at the person on the other line. "I'm sure. And hurry up."

Slamming the phone back down I watched as Sesshomaru transformed before our eyes into a different person. A smile spread across his thin face, bright eyes shimmering with a look of pure pleasure. Hands folding onto of the desk those mischievous eyes switched between the both of us. I felt that familiar feeling of suspicion in the pit of my stomach forming. He had something planned, and it was not going to be good.

"What are you up to Sesshomaru?" Catching on as fast as I did InuYasha looked at his brother between hooded eyes.

"Me? Helping out my brother of course."

The door behind us opened and shut, stopping InuYasha from continuing an integration on Sesshomaru. Turning I couldn't help but feel envious of the women who walked from the door. She was a vision of beauty.

She was maybe a few inches taller than me, Her hair a dark black fashioned high on her head in a messy bun, tendrils of hair escaped framing her lovely heart shape face. Hey eyes a dark brown were filled with what could only be excitement. She was happy to be here doing what she was doing. Or maybe it were just her boss, the way those two were looking at one another left you wondering how close a work relationship they had.

"Rin, thank you." Hand reaching out, I noted the soft tone he spoke with to her. This wasn't the hard ass Sesshomaru I knew. His hand slide over hers, like a lover's caress. The smile on his face alone let me know these two were more than co-workers.

A slight flush bloomed on her face, handing over the folder that rested in her hands, "Anything else Mr. Taisho?"
As if realizing we were still in the room he pulled himself back, clearing his throat he acted like the old Sesshomaru that I knew. "That's all. Take lunch."

I followed Rin out the door with my eyes, a smile never leaving her face. When the door was finally closed I snapped around a smile of my own. "So…Rin?"

Glowering he ignored me, flipping through the file he pegged InuYasha with a look. "Let's go browse places."

I followed closely behind a hurrying Sesshomaru, knowing I had picked a sore spot I was going to abuse it. Revenge is so bitter sweet. "So Sesshomaru has a sweetheart?"

"Why did I agree to help you two again?"

I watched as his face turned into resentment, hustling out of the room I turned my smile towards InuYasha. Snickering on his own he gently shook his head, walking beside me he gripped my hand lacing his fingers between mine. Looking down he laid a gentle kiss on my check. "He's going to pay you back for that."

Pulling me towards the door and to a steaming Sesshomaru I laughed. I know I'd regret it later, but having him bent over once was nice. I'd live a thousand years under his wrath for this one moment of embarrassment. "Totally worth it."

…

…

I had warned her.

"Here we go. Three bedroom, two and a half bath. And a skyline."

"That's just a hole in the ceiling."

"So? It's a fixer upper." Sesshomaru smiled smugly in a frowning Kagome's face. Turning I watched miserably as he sauntered off, further into the dangerous thing he called a home. I felt fear welling inside me at the fact of being left alone with Kagome. Once his back was turned she generously flicked him off. Her eyes turned back to me to show just how much fun this was turning out to be.

This wasn't going how I had wanted it to. If anything this was going to scare Kagome into going back to her town, and saying bye bye to the city.

I found myself sighing heavily as I bravely entered further into the fourth house on Sesshomaru's tour of dilapidated and dangerous houses. We had been to every place in the city that probably should have had condemned signs on them. Knowing Sesshomaru they did, he just snatched them down.

This last one wasn't even livable. I looked around at the shell of this former home. There were scorched marks along the walls. Fire? He brought us to a place that had caught fire?

Pieces of broken furniture littered the floors, what little walls that weren't scorn bored colorful tag marks, and lewd drawings of naked women and penises. I was pretty sure he just threw this one on to be an ass.

"This is cozy."

I turned to look at Kagome, she didn't loo phased, but I knew better. She was trying to mask her emotions. She was bitterly unpleased just as I was about the turn of events.

"I'm sorry Kagome."

"Why?"

"It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be fun, and it was supposed to-"I stopped myself before I let her know my true intentions. If I told her how I wanted her to fall in love with a place and actually wanted to buy a place she'd be pissed. Giving her curious face a half smile I shook my head. "I just wanted this to be fun."

"Its fine, like you said." Closing the distance between us, Kagome flung her arms around my neck, standing on tip toe to reach my face she laughed gently," I was pretty much asking for it. I poked the dragon with a stick."

Laughing I pulled her closer into a tight hug. "It was funny how you got under his skin. I tried for twenty minutes to do what you did in 5."

"I'm a master at sass."

I took another glance around the room, turning my lip in disgust. "I don't even know where he found this place."

"Don't be to mean." Pointing over to the corner I watched her face winkle in humor. "That particular penis gives the room an expression of freedom, and exhibitionism."

Even in a burnt down home she had managed to try to find a bright spot. Lowering my head I pulled her chin up with a finger, dragging her lips onto mine I gave her a chaste quick peck.

"Get a room."

Both our heads swiveled around, leaning against the last support beam in the room Sesshomaru stood as if he didn't notice the rubble before him. In his expensive three piece suit he looked so out of order in this mess of a home.

Ignoring my brother and fighting the urge to yell at him I turned back to Kagome. "Want to take a lunch break? Come back to this mess after we eat?"

Nodding her eyes glanced back to Sesshomaru. As if reading my mind I assured her. "I'm not going to kill him."

"Don't worry the dragon can handle himself against your knight."

Blushing deeply Kagome looked ashamed that Sesshomaru had overheard us. Taking that as my word Kagome stumbled over rubble and made her way to our car.

Seeing her disappear behind the door I turned to Sesshomaru finally. Letting the anger I felt show on my face that I refused to let Kagome see. Fist balled I walked over to the smug bastard. "You done now?"

Face cracking with the urge to smile, he managed to keep his composure, "I don't know what you mean."

"Right. You know what you're doing."

"What? You don't like what I'm showing you?" Hands spreading wide, the battle of not smiling failed him. Cracking up he wiped at the tears of joy.

It took all I had not to deck him. I had to remind myself I was doing this for a reason. I needed the best, and even though he was being a dick, Sesshomaru was the best. "Let's cut the crap. Stop being a dick, you got your revenge on Kagome. Show us some real places after lunch."

"Where's the fun in that? I want to make you suffer a bit more in winning her over. Why show you all the goods first, when I can show you the crap then the real beauty once your hopes are dashed."

Startled I looked at him puzzled. "How did you know what I was trying to do?"

"Because," Sneering his eyes narrowed with amusement. "You're an open book InuYasha, a brain dead vegetable could have figured you out."

It was my time to narrow my eyes. "Why even help me at all? You hate me, and you really hate Kagome."

He looked thoughtful, a look of hurt crossed him. Quickly recovering his normal mask of ice reassembled. "I may not like you at times, but we are family I guess. And as for Kagome, she's fun to irritate. Plus I'd never give up the chance to do my best to bleed your pockets dry."

Not knowing what to say I stood there staring at the one man in my life who I could never fully figure out. And with this bit I was even more then positive I would never be able to figure him out.

Trying to from the words in my head to tell him how appreciative I was he held a slender hand up stopping me. "Don't make this weird. Here,. "

Shoving a piece of paper in my hand I looked at it with caution. "What is it?"

"A bomb."

"What?!"

Scoffing Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, puffing out air I could tell he was reaching an end to his patients. "It's a piece of paper you moron. It's the address to a condo for sale. And don't look so gleeful, this one's expensive. I'm sure the fancy lawyer boy can handle the payments right? Right." Shoving his hand sin his pocket Sesshomaru turned heading towards the exit Kagome had just gone through.

Looking down at the piece of paper clutched in my hand I felt my mouth go dry. "Sesshomaru?"

Stopping at the door, his back remained to me. His head cocked showing me he was listening.

"Thanks."

Paused he stood there, nodding one curt nod he left, leaving me alone in the burnt shell. Let's hope things worked out the way I planned.

…

…

"Did he actually take us somewhere that's livable?" Kagome leaned in close, whispering as low as possible. We were arm in arm as we walked closer to Sesshomaru. Looking around I'd say yes. I felt bad for secretly thinking he was pulling my leg and sending me to another place that was just as worse as the last. It was Sesshomaru after all. He made our lives doing just that.

Reaching him in a short while I studied my brother closely. He stood arms crossed over his chest, leaning against his expensive Rolls-Royce, a car that's was worth more than anything I own in my possession. I guess business was good for him to afford something like that.

What really caught my interest was who was beside him. All smiles the female from his office stood at complete comfort next to Sesshomaru. Holding a folder close to her chest, she pushed away from the car beaming at us as we walked up.

"Nice to see you two again. Having fun so far?"

Looking at one another me and Kagome fought the urge to smile. I pegged Sesshomaru with a look, a devious smile of my own." A blast, Sesshomaru is such a warm relator."

I watched as Kagome smiled at the beaming women, not wanting to burst her happy bubble I watched as she resigned from making on opinion of her own. "I'm sure he's just the same at work. " I stiffened a laugh, she had tried at least.

"Oh, he's the best boss I ever had." I watched as she turned to give my brother one of the one hundred watt smiles. Rin was just too happy a person to be involved with a cold calculous monster like Sesshomaru. Maybe she just saw something we didn't. Eyeing my brother he shrugged gently, as if that was all that needed to be said on the matter.

Pushing off the car he walked towards us. "Ready you two?"

"Yup!" Excited eyes beamed at me, a piece of me relaxed. Kagome seemed interested enough to check out this expensive behemoth. Maybe things were heading in the right direction.

"What she said." I smiled down at Kagome as she drew closer.

I felt a nervous sweat break out. I was riding on so much with this place. Looking at the front of the building I found myself being amazed. It was a newly build building, all modern contemporary styled. Concrete, metal, and glass seem to be the only thing it was made with. Huge bay windows emphasized the entire layout. Looking in you could make out the stair case, elevator, and even the inside of a few people's homes. It was intimidating. Figures why he choose this place.

The four of use made our way along the pebbled walkways, Sesshomaru and Rin taking lead. Kagome and I straggled behind a bit to take everything in a bit more.

"Place looks beautiful. And well kept." I looked at the landscaping of the building Kagome was mentioning. "These flowers along the walkway are beautiful."

A variety of hip leveled colorful rose buses lined along the path of pebbles, as well as along the perimeter of the building. The lawn short and even, the look of daily maintenance showed. This place was well taken care of, if they had the money to spare to afford lawn and garden care. It was simple and elegant. This place would be anyone's dreams. If it looked as half as good on the outside on the inside I was set.

"You have plenty time to look at the outside after. Hurry before I change my mind. "Sesshomaru's gruff voice made us hurry along faster. Catching up I avoided my brother judgmental look.

Pulling out what looked like a remote control, the size of a set of car Keys, Sesshomaru scanned it over a small black box that nestled snuggling on the glass doors of the front entrance. Holding the glass from doors open we hurried in.

"You need this device to enter." Flashing the small remote again, Sesshomaru's voice was a dull monotone. Like this wasn't his first time explaining this." If you don't live here or lost you remote, your only way in is security and a call from an occupant in the condo you want in. Security is tight, there is always someone at the desk." Pointing behind him we glanced at the man at the desk. Smiling he waved.

Without waiting Sesshomaru walked to the set of two doors that could only be an elevator. Pushing the down button we waited in silence for the cab to descend. It wasn't a long awkward silence, a few minutes and it was here, scurrying onto the elevator Sesshomaru hit the number nine button.

I watched as each floor ticked by slowly. Turning I was surprised to see the see city before me. "You can watch the city slowly become smaller in this thing."

"Oh wow! The view!" I smiled as Kagome oohed and ahhed at the sight from the elevator. I hoped it was just as good in the condo we saw. I turned to look at Sesshomaru who wore a smug smile of his own.

"It's a nice feature."

Hearing a dig we all turned to see we had reached our destination, with a sigh Kagome reluctantly left the elevator and its view. Chuckling I pulled her to me, arm over her shoulders I gently shook her. "Its ok Kagome I'm sure the view is just as good in the condo."

"It better be." Mumbling under her breath I heard the undertone of excitement. I hoped that meant good things.

Not having to drag her down the hall, she willingly followed with the same gleeful joy I had to a waiting Sesshomaru and Rin. Rin beamed once more, yanking the keys from Sesshomaru's grips, he gave her a quick scathing look before crossing his arms giving her a small smile. Shoving the key into the keyhole and unlocking it Rin turned to us with a smile. Twisting and shoving the door open, she stepped out of the way she allowing us the room to move forward.

With cautious steps we moved to the threshold, eyes wide we stared open mouth at the place before us. Slowly hand in hand we made in into the condo.

Letting go of my hand the second we entered Kagome bounded around looking at everything. The room was an open land scape, tall windows wrapped all the way around the room gave a wonderful view of the city below. Curtains raised high to allow a perfect view. Nestled in a far corner, a white plush couch chair set arranged to look out at the very same open view. A tall cylinder fireplace took up the middle of the room behind the designated living room area, a fire already blazing alive. The living room and kitchen were one big open area. An island counter area the only thing separating the two. A couple tall chairs sat nestled behind the island as a make shit table. Looking around at the rest of the kitchen it seemed fully furnished, appliances and fridge all stainless steel.

Looking at me eyes wide, Kagome twirled around in the open space. Her radiant joy made me feel better about all the crap my brother made us go through today. Looking behind me Sesshomaru and Rin had made their way in, "Mind if we go explore?"

"Go ahead. Were be here when you're done." Not paying me any mind Sesshomaru and Rin continued their soft quiet chatter.

Turning my attention back to Kagome I watched as another smile spilt her face, taking off I laughed as I chased after her.

Having a head start I quickly lost her in the vastly large condo. Opening doors here and there I managed to located two bathrooms, and what looked like a closet. Stumbling upon a small room I peeked in to see no Kagome. Growing flustered I looked down at the last door at the end of the hall. Bingo.

Sneakily as I could I gripped ahold of the handle. Slowly and quietly as possible I sprang it open, jumping in the room. "GOT YOU!" I stopped as I stared at the back of Kagome's head.

Walking into the room I grew more concerned. Kagome stood motionless, staring out the same huge windows. Looking around at what I assumed was the master bedroom I slowly crept into the room.

"It's amazing."

"What is?" Puzzled I came further in, till I stood a few inches from her.

"This place, the view. Think I fell in love."

Feeling good at that statement, I round my arms around her waist from behind. Resting my chin onto of her head I stared out at the city with her. Standing there we let the silence surround us in comfort. Holding onto Kagome, staring out at this view felt right. I wanted to do this all the time. Hopefully she felt the same.

"You planned this, didn't you?"

Stiffening at her statement I began to slide my arms away, readying to face a fight. I was surprised when she grabbed my moving hands stopping them. Eyes looking up at me I saw the serious look in her eyes. Not wanting to anger her I slowly put them back into place, I decided carefully my next words. She knew what I was trying to do. I could lie or come clean. Not wanting to do start this with a lie I sighed heavily. "Yes…"

I watched through the window as she gently bit her lip. Moments of silence dragged on feeling lit eternity. I didn't know what to expect. I heard my heart beating inside my chest, the blood running in my head. I fought the urge to scream out.

Pulling from my grip Kagome turned to face me, Hands placed on my chest she spoke calmly and evenly. "I'm pissed that you did this."

"I'm sorry-"

A finger pressed to my lips she silenced me. "I'm not done. Hush." Pulling out of my grasp she crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't like being manipulated. And that's what this feels like. I love you InuYasha I do. I just don't want you pushing me into things I may not be ready for."

I hung my head. Fighting the urge to scream I nodded my head gently. She was right, I had selfishly plotted this. Like so many other things. I had done it with good intentions only to have them end out bad.

I felt her gentle hands on my face, lifting them up. A look I could decipher looked down at me. Breathing in deeply I watched as she closed her eyes. Opening them once more she looked at me seriously. "I've been thinking about it. We can't seem to tell one another we are one another's weakness it seems. Fuck, I hope I don't regret it. Let's do it."

"Do it?"

"Buy this condo, move in together."

"You sure?" I studied her carefully, trying to see the slightest movement of hesitation. If she showed a sign I'd back off. I wouldn't force her hand anymore.

"Yes I'm sure. " Stepping close she took my hands, wrapping them around her small waist she looked into my face once more. Laying a chaste kiss on my lips she smiled. "I want to."

Not holding back I mashed our faces together, pulling a long hard kiss from her, picking her up by the hips I carried her from the room towards the entrance. Giggling she pulled back, turning her head to watch as I carried her towards a waiting Sesshomaru and Rin.

"I find out you did anything in there UN lady like I'm making you buy this place on principle." Rin slightly nudged Sesshomaru in the ribs groaning he pegged her with a stare, Walking away from a brooding Sesshomaru Rin turned her mile towards us.

"So?"

Looking at Kagome, she smiled at me. Tracing a finger lightly over my lip I laughed. Burying her head in my neck I felt her hot breath trickle along my neck. The feel of her in my arms, in the condo, was amazing. I never thought in a million years I would be right here, in this situation. Looking at Rin I nodded. "Were taking it."