A/N: So yeah… Miroku and Kagome. We all know that Kagome is a bit more knowledgeable on a certain field than Kyoya now. The lecher was her husband after all. XD I would like to point out this is a fanfiction, in English, about students who speak Japanese. Undoubtedly many things will fit the English language. Hope you enjoy ^_^

Disclaimer: I own neither Ouran or Inuyasha.

Kagome lay snuggled in his warm and strong bare arms as they lay under the stars on his purple cloak. The musky scent of their love-making wrapped her in a comfortable cocoon. The two had been talking seriously about their future together all the while cuddling with the brisk night air hitting their warm sweaty skin. It was only a week into their wedded blissful life together while chasing after Naraku with their friends. Her sky blue eyes watched him as she rested her chin on his well formed chest she'd gotten to know very well since their courtship. He was idly playing with her hair with the hand that wasn't bound. It was one of his most favorite things to do. The beads of wood that kept his other hand from opening lay against her back in a very enticing way. They were never able to strip down fully, that cloth and string of beads was always a reminder of how little time they had to complete the quest, it made them treasure every coupling together and in many moments made them go for hours just 'treasuring.' Of course Inuyasha stayed far away, complaining over his sensitive ears and Sango made sure to find a cave as well or went hunting for demons with Kirara. It was nice that her friends had finally stopped being angry at them for falling in love.

"If anything were to happen to me Kagome," spoke Miroku, "I would send someone just as messed up as me for you to fix." A teasing smile lit his face. He'd been trying to broach this subject with her. It was just something they had to talk about at some point because life wasn't always fairy tales and happy endings. Hell, they could die tomorrow. It wasn't just the well sucking her back in and his wind tunnel swallowing him that could take their lives. Demons working for Naraku were increasing with the days, but so were allies against Naraku.

She made a face at the take on the conversation and her eyes left his to look at the grass beside them. "Miroku, you know I don't like it when you talk like that. And I don't want anyone to fix when I have y-"

"It could always happen Kagome." He tugged her head of black hair up until she let him kiss her deeply. For a while he just kissed her anger away, tongues playing and teeth nipping until she was 'mmhing' and 'ahhing' just the way he liked. "Maybe I'll send you someone who doesn't have a good relationship with his father."

"As opposed to you who went out drinking with your father when you were eight," she laughed. Kagome scooted up and her chest rubbed against him enticingly. What did she do that didn't entice him? "If something happened to me I could send you a cross-dressing man."

He made a face at that. "Maybe I'll send you someone who can't hold down a relationship."

"That sounds more like you," she said with a light giggle as she nipped at his chin.

"Hey! I mended my ways dearest wife," he protested. His eyes trailed from her blue eyes down to the heaving chest that was angled oh so perfectly for his view.

Kagome caught sight of what he was looking at and gave a good little stretch. He eyed her with a smirk. He'd taught her far too well and now the pupil was advancing the teacher in seduction. "What? You aren't going to send me a lecher?" She said in mock surprise.

His hand began dancing down her backside in heavy pursuit of his most favorite spot. "They can't all be as perfect as me."

"Miroku," she cried out when he gave her rear a squeeze.

"You can't slap me now! I'm married to you," he rolled over on top of her with a sinister laugh. "You're all mine precious damsel! Mwahahahaha!" And like a villian he claimed what he coveted most and unlike the normal damsel in distress she let him with a shameless cry of his name, "Miro-"

"-KU!" She called out in a rough voice. Kagome didn't want to stir from the memory she was dreaming of, but her annoying as hell phone was vibrating energetically on the table begging for her attention. Couldn't she have slept a little longer to get to the good part? Hot, bothered, and right now irritated that she hadn't gotten to relive that happen ending, she answered the phone and gave a very small grunt. Kagome was so proud of the little bits of noise she could make.

"Kagome. Hope I'm not interrupting any good dreams?"

If she could speak Kagome would give him graphic seedy details of the dream he'd just woken her from as revenge for being a cock block. Instead she snorted. It was unusual to begin with for Kyoya to wake her up earlier on the school day. Most of the time he called punctually an hour before school time to make sure she'd wake up, even though she'd signed to him a million times that she wasn't a kid and could wake up on her own. But damn! It was five in the fucking morning right now! The sun was barely cresting the city outside her window. "Did you forget something this morning Kagome?" Yeah, just why she hadn't turned her phone on silent when slept. "Obviously you have, otherwise you would've remembered you have class today."

She sprung upwards, blanket tossed to the floor as she scrambled to her bright yellow dress. In the background of her hasty dressing Kyoya was still talking as she hopped into a pair of tights towards the bathroom. "Now your classes aren't until later, but you are required to come in and be prepped this morning once more on regulations. The rules bend a bit since you are a student teacher. Now while you're hopping around getting ready…" She pointedly glared at the phone and stopped hopping as she straightened up and quickly strode to the sink to brush her teeth.

"...Keep in mind that I went over your lesson plan and made a few corrections." She snorted. A few in Kyoya's book was anything but a few. She grabbed her book bag and the cellphone as she ran down the stairs, all the while trying to straighten her dress. "Oh, and you can't fix breakfast with the tight schedule you have today. Don't worry. I have muffins." Kagome paused on the last step of the staircase. Wide eyes stared at the phone. "That's right. I'm outside your door waiting for you to get your prim priestess butt in my car. Unlike you, my family may speed without needing to worry about getting a ticket."

Cocky devil. Kagome ran into Shippo's room and placed a quick kiss on his sleeping cherub head and then bolted for the door. Once it opened Kyoya opened snapped his phone shut with a smug crack of a smile. "Chocolate chip, your favorite," he said, handing her the little bag as he escorted Kagome past the shrine gardens. "You've got some toothpaste on your cheek by the way." She purposefully tripped him. He was lucky they hadn't reached the stairs.

They stood alone outside of the classroom where her students were eagerly awaiting her entrance. Kyoya said a little anticipation would make things better. Of course he'd know all about grand entrances. "Don't worry about anything Kagome. I will assist you for your first day until you get the hang of it," he said. She raised a brow wondering where the price tag to this friendly offer was and how much prodding he'd done to get Mr. Suoh to agree to this deal. "Oh, I require nothing. I just need to remind you of a small important detail." She waited for it. Kagome certainly wasn't expecting Kyoya's hand to hit the side of the wall next to her face and for him to lean in a provocative manner, his lips were a hot puff away from touching her sensitive ears. "I've solved your riddle thanks to those scrolls." He leaned away and suddenly his eyes weren't brittle metal anymore, they were more like hot liquid as he stared her down until she blushed a pretty pink. "I will concede to the fact that you pointed out the right trunk for me, but that doesn't detract that what was offered is still mine to claim."

Her face colored even more and the lecher that had rubbed off on her made her mind sink to the filthy gutter. Her back straightened and she waited for the consequences. Waited for Kyoya to say what he wanted within reason. She'd been hoping he would forget all about it since he'd been so nice to her of late, but she'd wished far too soon.

Kyoya had decided the night before what he truly wanted from Kagome. He wanted to go on a date with her, but he also wanted to still have control during it that would play out to his favor. Call it compensation for how much she'd bruised his ego since she met him. Very unfair and totally to his advantage, but he'd be willing to give the reins back to her after his day. It wasn't like he was going to make her do menial chores on their date anyway. "When you are free you shall spend an entire day with me this weekend doing exactly as I tell you." Her shoulders slumped. Great, I'm his dog. Well, I knew what I was getting myself into.

He guided her by the small of her back into the room and immediately all eyes were upon Kagome. Tamaki was rocking back and forth in his seat. Hikaru was bothering Haruhi while Kaoru actually looked like he was ready to take notes. Honey had a pile of cakes beside him to gift their new teacher and Mori loomed in his seat like a tall oak.

Kagome immediately walked into the classroom. Since this was an elective class the students actually had to get up and visit her. Luckily she'd already prepared her classroom. Kagome tugged at the flap that hid what she'd written behind it. The alphabet. Kyoya glanced at Kagome's hands that were slowly moving so they could link each hand motion with what Kyoya was translating for them. "You must learn how to crawl before you can run. Professor Higurashi will be teaching you the alphabet this week. You will practice spelling things out before you learn a single motion for them." He looked away. "Any questions?"

Hands shot up throughout the classroom and Kagome gulped. There was going to be a long day ahead of them. And this class only lasted less than two hours.

"That went better than I thought," commented Kyoya. Indeed. If anything it was surprising how determined all of the classmates were to learn. Even more shocking was at how fast Hikaru and Kaoru had picked it up. They were signing to each other in letters quicker than Kyoya was and he made a note in his agenda to spend an extra hour or two tonight practicing. There was no way he'd let someone up him on 'speaking' with Kagome.

Renge tried her best in that class and at every opportunity had tried signing to Kagome, though it was slow. They had print outs of hand gestures to study for tonight and many of her students were cheerful after they'd left her classroom. A long yawn and almost at once a cup of coffee was set on her desk by Kyoya. "It'll pick you up for your next classes. It wouldn't do for any teachers to think you too tired to work and keep up with their classes at the same time." She nodded and her shoulders sagged in relief upon tasting the caramel flavored latte laden with whip cream. It was her carnal sin, something like this that would cost her enough to actually pay for a meal for Shippo. She put money on Shippo ratting this drink out to Kyoya. If the shadow king knew how she cherished this warm brew he would own her pretty little ass. She'd be whipped like the family dog. "If you need help with homework just text me and I'll be right over. We did have an agreement." She nodded, her head feeling like Kyoya was her secretary more than a friend as they padded out of the hallway. He scribbled a note in the margins of his book. She swore he didn't scratch his head without consulting that thing. That book seriously needed to go. Kagome stopped outside of their classroom where Tamaki was waiting for them since they shared the same class. She tugged at his book and he tugged right back. To anyone passing by it would've looked like they were just holding the book in between them.

"No," her little voice warbled with a shake of her head. Her thick black hair bobbed with her head and he'd never seen a cuter face.

"I got you coffee," he stated, peering over his glasses at the cup in her other hand. And then Kagome did something he hadn't quite expected. She leaned forward and pulled a Tamaki. She blew on Kyoya's ear and he was at a loss as the thick black book slid right out of his fingers. Kagome did a little victory dance while he ducked his head to push his glasses up and hide his blush. He stretched his arm out for the book but she danced out of his reach and into the classroom where he would have to pretend all was right and he had a handle on things.

"You look absolutely charming today!" Tamaki squealed swooping Kagome up in a hug and twirling her around. He immediately set her down and pointedly looked at the book in her hand. "Is that?-" She nodded and the duo sported a matching set of dimples as they looked evilly at Kyoya. "It appears your book is missing Kyoya," the king sang.

"I'm not about to accost Kagome for it," he stated. Kyoya silently seethed in his seat as Tamaki and Kagome peered over it, both of them quickly marking things out and rewriting new schedules for Kyoya. "Whatever you write I will simply ignore." That didn't stop them. Kyoya was pretty sure if four horsemen galloped in bringing the end of the earth the duo wouldn't move. He pulled out his secret weapon he'd decided to invest in a while back. His Ipad. He'd upgraded, though he much preferred writing on paper. Kyoya glanced at his schedule and smirked as he slid it in his pocket. No one could ever dupe him unless he wanted to be duped. And so Kagome was the only person he ever allowed that privilige.

Mr. Ootori sat across from Mr. Houshakuji in Paris, France. They both knew why they were having this private meeting. Renge and Kyoya were on decent terms and Mr. Houshakuji wanted a level headed young man marrying his daughter. It didn't hurt that the Ootori family was among not only the most prestigious families in Japan, but also because with their families united they would not only have the Ootori family who ran hospitals and the law but also the Houshakuji fashion line. They would be able to monopolize almost everything with the wide variety their families controlled. Power was an asset for the rich. "So we are agreed?"

"We will push for the union of our families. I haven't a doubt my daughter will refuse him considering your son is the reason she came to Japan to begin with," said Mr. Houshakuji, signing with a flourish his name on the bottom line. Mr. Ootori wanted everything formalized in writing so he could show Kyoya. Of course he would tell Kyoya to sign it as well and would send a copy to the Houshakuji family. This wedding would happen with all the papers signed, resigned, i's dotted, t's crossed, and the best of wedding arrangements ordered and paid for. It would be a highlight of the social season for the rich with luxery coating it like a thick layer of icing. It might even outshine the marriage his first two sons had.

Mr. Ootori kept his own copy and slid it into a folder while Mr. Houshakuji had his copy of the contract. Mr. Ootori would get both teenagers to sign the paper since they were both in Japan. "Indeed. They seem to get along famously in that little club he runs at the school."

"That club is all mon petite Renge brags about when she calls," chirped Mr. Houshakuji over his cup of tea. "Shall I let her mother begin composing the guest list?"

"As soon as she wishes. I know your wife has many friends she'll want to invite to the wedding, but don't let her forget to add the Ootori family," he joked. Both father's had a little laugh. Things would go as Mr. Ootori planned and Kyoya would finally rise to shine among his two brothers.

Kaoru was actually helping Haruhi and Kagome with the menial task of putting up the trays they'd used to serve the club. Hikaru brother had run off to the bathroom and so he was left alone for once. Kagome signed to Kaoru a 'thank you' and touched his shoulder as she passed by him to go back into the host room and retrieve the decorations.

"You know if you don't tell her you like her someone else may step up," cut in Haruhi, making Kaoru jump a foot in the air. He quickly looked around to make sure that no one had heard that as his face flushed.

"What makes you think someone's going to step up?"

Haruhi had a great eye for small details. "Uh huh. Those two are bound at the hip like you and Hikaru." There was no doubt who Haruhi was referring to.

"Haruhi, it isn't as simple as that-"

"Do you want the only person in your life to be Hikaru?" Kaoru paused. He'd never thought about it like that. It had never really mattered. When he was younger all he wanted in his life was Hikaru, but now that he was getting older and learning about different feelings and branching out… he wanted to know what it was like to be with someone that wasn't his brother. It wasn't that he wanted to be without Hikaru, just that he would like another to join their intimate grouping. Kaoru selfishly wanted a person he didn't have to share with his brother.

"She's right y'know," interrupted Hikaru. He'd remembered what Kaoru had done for him. How he'd set him up on a date with Haruhi and how much fun he'd had doing it. It was time to repay his younger twin in kind. "The Hitachinn twins are going to have to separate one day." Hikaru was acting grown up for once. He was forcing himself to for his best friend and sibling. Hikaru gripped his brother by the shoulder. "Kaoru, if we're ever going to find love we need to try looking at some point. And I know you care about her." It was the most touching scene Haruhi had seen between the brothers and not a single word was false, scripted, or full of blatant innuendos.

When Kagome returned to the back room both Haruhi and Hikaru made scarce and left. "So Kagome, want to have lunch with me today?"

She wrote on the handy notepad she carried in her pocket and set it down before him before she began signing slowly to Kaoru. This was something she'd introduced to her class. She'd told her students if they tried speaking to her outside of class that she would write down what she was going to say on paper, but sign it before she let them read the notepad to see if they could catch on quicker. "Oh, that's right! We don't have the same lunch." He ducked his head bashfully wondering how he could've forgotten that, but he was a bit proud that he'd figured out her hand motions without resorting to the notepad. "Maybe one day, outside of school we could-"

But Kagome had already reached for one of the shelves in the room and brightly handed him it. Her pink lunch box with little bunnies hopping around the edges of it. "Your lunch box?" She nodded her head. "For me?" She nodded again with a dimpled smile. "What about your lunch?" She pulled out her wallet. He shook his head and pushed the hand with the wallet down. "I have lunch before you so I'll tell the cashier to put it on my tab." Of course the cashier would remember that since all of the faculty lived to serve. He cheerfully looked down at the prized possession in his hands. A homemade lunch by Kagome!

Oh yeah. Kyoya would definitely shit bricks when he found out.

Kyoya was mildly irritated when he found out that Kaoru had eaten Kagome's lunch that day. A handmade lunch of rice balls, octopus weenies, a chocolate cupcake, and a container of tossed salad with dressing. Kyoya only knew this because Kaoru had taken pictures and sent it to all the members of the club bragging about his delicious meal he wouldn't trade for anything in his life. Of course Kagome saw this text and turned beat red at the embarrassing praise. She couldn't stop smiling though. It was nice being appreciated by someone.

Kyoya hit his pissed point when Kagome went through the lunch line with him and got up to the cashier only for the man to wave her by saying, "Master Hitachinn already paid for your meal miss." He'd been intent on wanting to pay her meal in retaliance to Kaoru being given her lunch.

Tamaki had been on hand with his cell phone to take pictures of her awed face when she chowed down on one of the finest meals she'd ever tasted in her life. Kyoya's hand clenched and it was with a snap that he realized he'd broken the pencil he'd been using to do homework with during lunch. That was it. Kyoya pulled out his Ipad and began clearing his schedule for this Saturday. Kagome was going to go on a date with him and he was going to outline one of the most flattering and charming dates she'd ever had in her life.

Game set. Objective: Win the girl. The contender may have a point on him, but there was still time in this tournament of affection for Kyoya to wni.

The weekend hadn't come soon enough for Kagome. She was sitting on her bed in her room, scheduling the plans for next week with her fuzzy pink robe loosely around her waist and a cup of coffee sitting on her nightstand when the phone rang. "Today you will finish our deal," began Kyoya. And so was to begin their day as servant and master. She slumped against her pillow and sipped at her coffee while she dutifully awaited orders. So much for a lazy day. "You will dress cute today. I believe there's a blue dress in your closet that will suit today's purpose." Before she could even protest at how cold it was outside he interrupted her. "I have a jacket for you that will look nice with it and rest assured you won't get sick on my watch. Don't forget your purse." She was up and moving now with the phone balanced between her ear and shoulder as she got ready.

Kagome opened her mouth and tried speaking at least two words. It was hard communicating to someone on a phone now especially when she wanted to. "Ooh heh-ere?" She still couldn't pronuonce the 'y' in 'you'.

There was a moment's pause and Kagome was worried she'd have to try again, but he answered her. "Yes, I'm already here. In your den. Take your time though Kagome." With a click he turned off the phone. Well, that was a surprise. She owed him and he was telling her to take her time today. Kagome drained the rest of her coffee and set about looking cute.

Kyoya reclined against the plump couch. He'd set the bouquet on the dining table waiting for her to come down while he relaxed next to a box. Why hadn't his father bought a couch like this? The couches at his house were as hard as rocks and cost ten more than this one. He could hear Kagome's grandfather teasing Mrs. Higurashi just outside the house in regards to her gardening skills. They worked on their hands and knees and yet they laughed and smiled all the time. Shippo was sleeping in and Sota was spending the night at someone's house.

Kyoya sprawled out comfily with his legs stretched out, but it unnerved him to no end how others could be so happy and so destitute. It was quite something to think about. He'd heard it mentioned before that those who didn't know what they were missing lived happily, ignorance was bliss as the saying went. But Kagome knew exactly what she was missing and she was so much happier for it. He closed his eyes as he waited. Kyoya had expectations that Kagome would take forever getting dressed since she was a woman. By now though he should know that she rarely met his expectations.

He sighed. He wasn't going to sleep, he was just going to rest.

In minutes Kyoya was heavy asleep and Kagome was lighting down the stairs, a quicker dresser due to her time in the past. She paused when she caught sight of the sleeping prince of darkness lying at ease on her couch. Her eyes lit upon the bouquet of daisies and sunflowers tied with a silky sky blue ribbon. Underneath them lay a package with a similar ribbon wrapped around it's perfect white box. Kagome silently reached down and hefted the flowers up to sniff. There was no doubt in her mind that he'd brought these for her. But why? Today she owed him and yet here he was treating it more like a...

And the light bulb went off in her head as her face transformed a pretty shade of pink. Oh, she knew! She'd been married to the lady's man and there could only be one explanation for this. Kyoya wanted a date. Meaning Kyoya was interested in her of all people! Bottom of the rungs Kagome!

As she began to muse on this Kagome went to place the flowers in a pretty vase and admired them for a moment, burying her face in them again before she returned to the den where the sleeping dragon lay. The priestess hadn't the heart to wake him. So she fetched her homework and brought it to the den where she worked on it while waiting for him to wake up... after she took a souvenir picture of him that is. Her hands itched to reach out and touch, but she refrained and pulled a blanket off of the back of the couch to drape over him. And then she let her eyes roam freely while he slept. The voyeur husband had rubbed off on her.

Kyoya wasn't so intimidating when he was sleeping. It brought forth the memories from when she slept all cuddled up beside him at the beach house. How they'd sat in bed sharing breakfast like a honeymooning couple, chatting about what their plans were going to be that day. He'd briefly mentioned to her how he'd met Tamaki and she could still see how he stretched, a taut stomach on display. Her eyes traveled to his lips. Those traitorous flowery word making lips. They weren't too thin nor too supple. She was practically aching to kiss him by now. Kagome had to get a grip on herself. This was Kyoya! So she settled down and began on her homework despite the knots twisting in her stomach and her crazy hormones. Well, he started it, she inwardly griped, casting the mysterious box a longing look. And she instantly recalled retrieving the jewel shard and trying her hand at a bow to get it back. No. I learned the first time I tried something new thank you. I won't be going down that path again without proper assurance. I'm no Pandora.

When Kyoya next opened his eyes he found a pair of bright blues staring out at him from over the edge of the couch. Her pert little nose came out skewed but that might be because his glasses were crooked on his face. He righted them and for a moment just lay there taking her in. Kagome really did look lovely in that aqua blue dress with the white vest over her top. Two white earrings dripped on her ears and she tilted her head inquisitively like a dwarf who'd found Snow White sleeping on the job. "How long have I been asleep?" She glanced up at the clock, her neck gleamed all clean and creamy, and then back down at him. Of course he'd be able to deduce how long it had been that he'd been sleeping, but it was so much nicer with her serving him today. And with her worrying over useless things he was able to just take it in, the enjoyment of being around her. There must be something said for just being in the presence of someone you had affections for. It made your stomach dance and your heart lighten. Kagome held up two fingers and even tried saying it, "T-oo."

Kyoya began to sit up, straightening his white tank top and the black jacket over it that could probably pay for two months electricity for her. "You're getting better." He smoothed out his hair and watched Kagome duck her head in modesty. Great! He'd wasted two hours he could've spent wooing her. He wondered what she'd done in all that time. I could've taken her out by now to that restaurant by the lake. I may have to go ahead and cancel reservations if we can't make it in-

His thoughts fell through when her questing fingers touched his hair. A comb was in her other hand, one she carried all the time for when Shippo's hair was as unruly as he was, and set about to righting Kyoya. Two months ago she would've scoffed if someone had said the son of the Ootori Corporation would be sitting in her den with her playing with his hair. Now though, it felt right to be running her fingers through his costly kept strands. "Beh-ter."

Was she trying her hardest today to talk? She went to tuck her comb into her pocket when his hand caught hers. "Yes, much," he responded. That little squeeze of the hand sent all types of warm tingles down her spine. It increased when his hand slid to hold her's. "Lets get started with errands and then we can grab a bite to eat. Kagome, I need you to do exactly as I say on these runs." She nodded determinedly. What had she gotten herself into? He let go and she felt the absence immediately. "But first." And he handed her the untouched box. "Your jacket."

He waited with hidden anticipation for her reaction as she undid the bow, reverently folded up the silk, and tore open the box. Kagome pulled out the coat from the tissue paper and her eyes were shining like very well polished emeralds. Midnight blue. Kyoya was definitely letting her know loud and clear what color he thought looked the best on her today. She would've been pissed at his demands any other day, but today she was supposed to be ordered... and she had a strong fancy for this coat. It was so soft to the touch that she was scared to ruin it under her coarse fingers. A hand floated over the cloth and she pulled it up to her face to rub against her cheek. Oh yeah, this would make not only a fitting jacket, but a blanket to cuddle with. The look on her face was assurance enough to Kyoya that the seamstress he'd bought that jacket from would get a bonus. "I expect people to respect you when you're with me today." Kyoya held the coat out for her and Kagome slid her arms into it feeling as if she were slipping into another world. His hands ghosted over her shoulders, patting it in place, and he grabbed her hand to twirl her around to see him, making her skirt and the edge of the coat swish along her long and black tight-clad legs. "Beautiful," he remarked and her cheeks flushed as he tugged her to him and tucked her arm in his own. He could see that she wanted to look at herself in a mirror but he made her refrain by tugging her along. "You will go all day without looking in a mirror," he commanded.

Nekozawa's nose was buried in scrolls. Ever since the beach Nekozawa had spent what time he could in the family library and the deepest recesses of the mansion pulling out all items on the Feudal Era. The candle wax had dripped far down the table by now and for once Beezlenuff was off of his hand as he required both to peruse these items. Even his black wig lay on the desk considering it was longer than his usual hair and got in the way. His own hair was tied back against his neck. He'd sworn he'd read every single script or piece of literature in his family's house. He knew it had to be here somewhere!

Nekozawa rubbed at his brow and his knuckles brushed the black rimmed eyes he sported. Luckily he didn't need glasses in the dark, his eyes were as sharp as a cat's, or more precisely, as sharp as Kirara's. He set down a glass of water on the scroll. He looked down into that cup, wondering how long it would take for Kagome to recover her voice. With curses you could never tell. Most of them took years to break, but she wasn't your usual weak human. If Kagome was an ounce like what she'd been int he fairy tales he was sure she could beat this despite the toll it had taken on her.

He ran a hand through his shaggy light hair and that's when he noticed through the glass of water the enlarged letter that he'd somehow missed. It was there in his ancient spell scroll that Kohakku had collected written in the margins as if the spell was a rare one that Kohakku hadn't been able to find any writings on so he'd written it down himself. Nekozawa half wondered why Kohakku had turned to dark magic and if he'd had any reason to believe that Kagome had been cursed for her being cursed had never been documented in any of the scrolls or texts. No one had known so it had to have happenedwhen she'd left.

Ill omens can fade and ill will may break,

Voices lost that were ripe for the take,

Seven years may pass and give away,

For lungs to fill and return the voice one day.

Nekozawa glared at the page. Seven years was far too long to wait out the spell to break. But there was hope even as his eyes skimmed the side of the page.

But much sooner can it be grasped,

What once was broke can be reclaimed at last,

The strings were cut in exchange for heart's lament,

Pain can overrode the voice and make it spent,

The songbird must have a new tune to sing,

A new reason to take flight and to take wing,

In the darkest hour a lark can raise it's voice,

Break the curse and there shall be the return to noise.

The errands were sure as hell not errands. He had taken her shopping and lavishly spent money on her for items she 'needed.' Said items were a few outfits for her job as a teacher that he said would promote the Host Club since she'd be changing in between classes and he would even get into the spirit of dressing up. She could see right through that bold faced lie quicker than Inuyasha's temper could flare. After that though all of Kyoya's meticulous planning fell completely through.

It was hilarious though to see things not going as planned for Kyoya though. He'd grumbled about the restaurant by the lake being cancelled and she'd tugged his hand and made a few hand motions to say that it was okay and that she preferred quick meals instead of long ones. She'd had to take her time explaining things to him in sign language, although he was catching on quickly. They hadn't even made it to the opera because of traffic that had ended up making them pull over and walk. Not that Kagome had minded, she'd dragged Kyoya to the park and made him take in the sights of the koi pond that was ten miles away from the theater where he'd intended to take her. By the time lunch had passed he'd managed to realize nothing was going to go his way today and instead threw it in the air for Kagome to control. Today he was supposed to do things his way, but damn if something involving her always went awry. Then again, maybe that was the thing about love. He'd heard that it was supposed to surprise you and be unsuspecting. Well, he'd definitely gotten that today.

At least he'd managed to make Kagome happy with the coat. As he'd lugged the bags of items he'd purchased for her, he'd watched quite proudly how Kagome languished in her coat and pulled up the hood to protect herself from the harsh wind. It was a bit macho, but he was happy to be providing for her and it felt right to in a way protect her.

And now they stood outside of a confection shop, under the little awning stretching over the street to duck out of a light rainfall that had suddenly occurred. The seller was about to put the CLOSED sign out when Kyoya quickly waved a wad of bills at them to stay open. His persistence knew no bounds. He reminded Kagome a bit of Sesshomaru when it came to getting his way with things.

"I'm not going to have you starving," he growled in reply to her snicker. Kyoya pushed the door open and forced his way through. The hood over her head kept Kagome warm as she bent down on her knees to eye the sweets behind the glass waiting for the argument to ensue between the shop owner and Kyoya. She would do her best at doing what she was best at, remaining quiet and unobserved. Besides, she was able to see her reflection now in the glass and had begun righting the stray hairs that poked out from under the cloaked coat. "Pick any sweets you like," Kyoya ordered before he turned, a little ill mannered after the day he'd had, towards the store keeper. "Why may I ask, are you closing so early?"

"My father is in the hospital," snapped the young woman behind the counter. She was the shopkeeper and quite a pregnant one at that. "I really need to close up if you don't mind." Obviously his face wasn't as familiar as he'd thought to anyone in rich or low class. Kyoya knew for a fact that this woman who owned this dowdy shop wasn't poor at all. She was the daughter of the richest man in Japan that Kyoya's father wanted to merge companies with. This treat shop was just a hobby of hers.

Kyoya thought for a moment wondering if Mr. Taisho would be at his family hospital. Knowing that private family he highly doubted it. His mind quickly shifted back to the more important matter. His date. "How about we lock up behind you?" She eyed him for a while wondering if he was a possible thief. "I'll leave a wad of bills on the counter for any possible foods that we get. And I assure you that I would never steal from you. I'm Kyoya Ootori, son of Yoshio Ootori. I have no need to steal anything." She raised a brow at that and for further proof he pulled out his wallet and handed her it so she could look at the license and I.D.

The woman surprised him and tucked the pricey leather wallet into her purse. "What are you-"

"Call it insurance," she remarked. Kagome was biting her lip to hold in the laughter and wanted to peek at this woman, but wouldn't allow herself to. She didn't want Kyoya more irritable than he already was that she'd seen the act even though she'd already heard it loud and clear. Kagome would at least give him that much dignity. "I'll keep this for security sake in case you do break my store and make off with my cash register. If it's all here tomorrow rest assured you'll get it back Mr. Ootori. Leave the keys under the mat outside." The woman left the keys on the counter for him to lock the shop with and took off for outside with an umbrella in hand. As she stepped outside an amused Kagome stood up and pushed back her hood to turn and smirk at Kyoya.

Kyoya managed his way behind the sweets counter and began eyeing the goodies he was intending on wrapping up for Kagome. "Technically speaking she just robbed me so feel free to take everything in the shop." He fully intended on cleaning out the place in revenge for her knocking him down a peg or two. Kyoya crossed his arms over his chest and Kagome walked behind the counter. The brooding Kyoya would've kept on brooding had she not placed a quick kiss on his cheek and turned towards the sweets. His mood may not have been great, but it was no longer as bad as it had been after that little peck.

As the shopkeeper waited for her husband to pick her up from the store, knowing him he would be there in two minutes, she gave a wistful glance at the couple in her shop with the rain blurring the figures inside. She hadn't caught sight of the young woman, but she looked familiar now as the shopkeeper peered through the glass. Before the woman could lean and get a closer inspection of the figure a sleek car pulled up in front of Sweet Treats and a tall man stepped out with flowing black hair as he rushed over towards his wife. "I seriously don't think it's anything to worry bout. Feh, that old fart should've known when to keep quiet."

"If it weren't for dad we would've had an uprising and you know it. His challenge to the pack master of the east was to protect everyone from war. I'm glad he won, now that meanie won't be able to intimidate any of us humans." Her nose wrinkled at that word that was used as a swear word concerning the now former lord of the east. Her doting husband took her umbrella and guided her to the side door.

One of her little hands rested on her baby bump and he gave a smirk before casting a raised brow back at her shop. "Shouldn't you tell them to get out of the store?"

"No worries honey, they're just two teens in love. Besides I've got his wallet if anything happens." She held up the prize in her hand as he opened the car door for her.

And the young man paused. He could smell that the rain was going to get heavier within the hour, but there was something more he could smell. Something did catch his nose making him pause in his actions of reaching out for his wife's hand. A familiar scent that he couldn't rightly place nor could he accurately get a whiff of because the pouring water around them that was beginning to get a bit heavier.

His wife managed to get in the car and cast her husband a worried glance. "Inuyasha, anything wrong honey?"

He shook his hand and gave her a shrug. "No, just thought I smelled something off Rin."

And the duo left with Inuyasha wondering what he'd been smelling. It had to be something from his memories.

The rain caught them in a downpour and now they had a whole flight of steps to run up. He'd waved off his driver and told him he'd call when he'd need him. Dammit if he hadn't been prepared for an umbrella!

Kyoya held his jacket over them and they took off running up the stairs. Luck would have it that Kagome's klutz factor didn't kick in until they reached the last ten stairs and she tripped. Kyoya scooped her up in his arms and took off running with the coat thrown over her and her hands laden with the bags they had of purchases. The house was a blur through his glasses, but he made it safe enough to the empty house.

He grasped the door and pushed it open and scampered inside, setting her down in front of the door. As he huffed and puffed, slipping his shoes off with his hair plastered against his forehead, something startled him from within the house. The sweet unmistakable sound of laughter. Kagome was actually laughing and not a small laugh either. He could hear her pretty voice in her laughter as she slumped against the wall and her eyes clenched. His jacket fell with a flop to the floor, making a small puddle in his shock. Kyoya's warm chuckles reached her ears and she was in awe as he laughed with her. "Of course you had to trip when we finally made it," he scoffed. Kyoya shook his head with a few more chuckles as he walked over to the table where he'd spied a note that had been left presumably for her. He didn't even disturb her privacy by glancing at it first. Instead he waited for her to begin reading it before he peered over her shoulder.

Kagome,

Grandpa and I are going to visit your aunt this weekend

with Shippo. Sota's at a sleepover so mind the shrine.

Leftovers are in the fridge if you're hungry. Oh, and if you

see Kyoya tell him to please not forget to pick a day for

the shrine.

Love,

Mom

"What did she fix for dinner?" Like any true man he walked over to the fridge and began poking around for the container full of promised food. "Lasagna tonight. Do you want me to heat up a plate?" He glanced back over his shoulder to feel his glasses slide down his nose when he spotted Kagome sliding her black tights down her legs and over her ankles. He gulped uncharacteristically and quickly forced himself to look away... although he spared one appreciative glance at those legs before he began pulling out plates for food. When Kyoya heard her gasp he immediately left the fridge and ran to her only for Kagome to wave a hand at him. "Your ankle. You reay did a number on it." Even standing up and just glancing down he saw the red marring the skin. Kagome bent down and placed her hands over her ankle before looking up at Kyoya with trusting eyes. He knew everything about her. Now it was time for him to see that it was real. The pink glow that lit up the dark room shadowed his glasses so she wasn't able to see his eyes, but there was no doubt he saw the light warm her skin and fade away to reveal a healthy ankle.

"You really are a priestess." He pushed his glasses up to his nose and then began helping her up. "Why can't you do that for your voice?" Kagome bit her lips wishing she could explain. Finally she took off up the stairs to her room leaving Kyoya to heat the food up. When she came down she wasn't carrying a piece of paper, but an old and well worn VHS tape.

He took it from her and read the title. "The Little Mermaid?" She nodded and pointed to the sea witch. "A sea witch." Her hands motioned for shorter. "A witch?" She clapped her hands that he got it. "You made a deal with a witch?" She grumpily made a face and shook her head. "You were cursed by a witch?" She jumped up and down happily. "Who was the witch?" Maybe if he had a name he could find more on how to break the curse that surrounded Kagome.

She tried mouthing the name, but it didn't work. She had grown to hate and be fearful of that name and so for some reason she couldn't even raise her voice to speak. Finally Kagome just grabbed the paper and wrote a name. A name she'd hated from the very beginning, though she'd tried her hardest to befriend this woman. It was a person who loved taking from everyone and who in the end had ultimately abandoned them for better pursuits. Kyoya read the name once, thinking of the strange tale he'd read that name in that involved a priestess falling for a half demon and being tricked to her death. And then Kyoya said it aloud as lightning crackled outside as if sensing the malice behind the name that belonged to the person who'd held it.

"Kikyo."

With saddened eyes Kagome nodded and lifted up her shirt just a bit to reveal the one scar that would never go away. It had been given to her in the middle of her body's awakening as a priestess so there would be no healing it. The place where a jewel had been ripped out of her body because she was the reincarnation of Kikyo. Kagome was lucky though. Unlike what everyone had believed, she'd only been Kikyo's reincarnation in body. Her soul had been her own with a part from Midoriko's that had escaped the jewel. In this way she would always be able to locate the jewel because her soul had called her to it all of those times in the past whenever it was near. It wasn't strictly being a shard detector. Kyoya's finger traced over this scar and he knew how Kagome had gotten this. Words from the scrolls he'd read reverberated back in his head.

A centipede demon tore her belly and freed the jewel encased within. And that was how the powers of the priestess were awoken in the foreign damsel.

The microwave dinged and Kyoya slid Kagome's shirt back in place, giving it a nervous pat before he turned to go get their food. He had much to chew on.

Warm conversation with her hands moving and Kyoya's warm voice replying to her, steamy hot chocolate, well made sweets, the soft fragrance of flowers in a vase, sitting in dry pajamas with Kyoya wearing a borrowed pair from Sota's room as their clothes dried in the dryer, and the sound of the rain outside making light tinkling noises on the roof and windows. Her hair was braided and tied taut with the lovely blue ribbon that had graced her bouquet that morning. It had been quite an evening to remember and she felt nothing but content.

Her slipper covered feet bumped with his under the blanket over their legs and their knees brushed comfortably. If she wanted she could take this further. With Miroku for a husband she knew what things to do to make a guy want to kiss you and that was what Kagome wanted at this moment. She felt so at peace and so right at the moment that she wondered if the moment would continue. If she really was past mourning now and ready to move on. It wasn't just to test herself, but to test and see where her feelings stood with Kyoya. It appeared that Kyoya's mind was on the same situation, but he beat her to the punch when he bluntly said, "Kiss me." Her heart caught in her throat and her face flushed. She gave a nod of her head. When he went to take off his glasses, not knowing exactly what to do when it came to kissing her, she stopped him and shook her head having pushed the glasses back on his nose. Kagome leaned in, but Kyoya held her face, cupping it gently and waited as the clock struck midnight signaling that the day was truly over as was her duty to him. "Do as you wish now," he commented.

Her lips tugged up in a smile and she leaned forward, as did he, meeting halfway and capturing each other's lips. She tasted of chocolate and sweetness as he sampled her exquisite lips.

Kyoya was mastered in many things, but for once he felt out-skilled in something as Kagome sucked on his bottom lip and her hands slid over his chest in a very alluringly slow way. Fighting to take back the dominance his hands slid from her face to tangle in her hair, pulling her to him as he nipped at her tasty lips. Her hands uncurled to grip his shoulders and her ankles entwined with his.

Why the hell did she have to challenge him with everything she did? Not that he was complaining with this situation.

His tongue swept through her mouth and when she squeaked in surprise he considered this match was his. At least until her own tongue riskily floated over his and their slow kisses began to heat up. His eyes opened in surprise, but quickly the lids dropped as he found himself hastily draping her long shapely legs over his lap to bring her closer to hold and kiss. Their minds had gone numb by now, dizzied by the kisses, and both of his hands were now firmly planted on her waist. His glasses kept bumping her face, but neither cared. When his lips left her's he was trailing kisses along her jaw. It was when the sudden contact of her biting his exceedingly sensitive ear happened that Kyoya knew he would happily contrive some way to bed her if he didn't leave now. He was going to court her the right way! So, with great regret, Kyoya pulled away in defeat and just stared at her with heavy breaths. Where the hell had she learned to kiss like that?

"Kagome, it's getting late..." Who was he to lie? He was always blunt. Kyoya cut to the truth. "I'm not going to make you do anything so soon." He was actually placing someone's own safety above his own desires. Kagome touched her puffy lips and that simple action sent sheer male pride through him. When had his hands settled on her legs? Kyoya reached down and began to slid her legs off of his before he awkwardly straightened up. Thank god his pants were baggy. Kyoya bent down to gift a soft touch of the lips on her forehead. Both of them were as affected as the other at the kissing, both the make out and this sweet kiss.

"I should leave now. I'll get my clothes from you tomorrow." A promise to see her again. She nodded her head with a soft smile. The inner pervert in her was too strong for her alone to control. She had to get him out of here before she did something too Miroku-ish. She signed 'Sweet dreams' to him. He cast her a rare grin that made her heart thump hard in her chest as he said, "Good night Kagome." Another longing look as he slid into his own shoes and borrowed an umbrella before he left her to her thoughts with her heart swamping with emotions inside her kitchen that was now the coziest it had ever been in her life.

Kyoya felt that at any moment he should begin whistling, but it would be too out of character with him and so he merely walked with a lighter step as his whole heart and body felt afloat drifting in refreshing water. His coat was thrown casually over his shoulder as he strode over the steps and opened the door to the silent mansion. Kyoya had many things planned now that he'd secured her ardor, the first being taking an extremely cold shower or taking the problem in hand in private. He hadn't gotten to the first step of the staircase when he heard his father's unmistakable clearing of the throat. "Glad to see you've made it home Kyoya." And his blood ran cold as an uneasy foreboding danced through his body. Every meeting with his father was a fight in an exchange of barbed words.

"I didn't think anyone would miss me at dinner." Considering you rarely make it to dinner yourself, Kyoya didn't add.

"Oh, but I have a prospect for you that you'd do well to take." Mr. Ootori wasn't leaving any room for consideration. Kyoya leaned against the stairwell waiting for his father to continue. Mr. Ootori placed the little manila envelope with the unsigned documents on the stand next to the stairway, not even caring to cross the seven feet in between them and hand it to his son. "Mr. Houshakuji and I have come to an agreement that you and Renge should marry. I await your answer in the morning." And Mr. Ootori left his son standing in the cold hallway knowing full well that he wouldn't have to wait for his answer. His answer had already been decided for him. Mr. Ootori wanted Kyoya to marry and therefore he would. Kyoya never questioned things after all.

The be-speckled third son felt all the warm feelings he'd had just moments ago shatter and break inside of him before vanishing away like dust blown by the wind. He took the envelope on his way up the flight of stairs and upon entering his room fell back against the door with his fists clenched and his teeth gritted. Kyoya threw that burning envelope across the ground and hurled his bag across the room until it shattered the glass of the mirror on his wall from the force of impact. Who cared he probably broke the Ipad as well in it!

There had to be something, anything that he could do! He knew this was in response to how close he'd come to Kagome. But damn! Of all nights to jump him with this news his father had picked the night they started dating! Really dating! If he'd gone without ever having experienced that kiss he might've been able to go through with this with a stern upper lip and brushed it aside as a fling, although even then Kyoya would've known he was lying to himself for his feelings for Kagome ran deeper than anything that could ever be classified as a fling. He knew her as well as he knew himself. But going his entire life without that kiss would've been a life deprived.

Kyoya had hoped to have been given time before his father found out so that he could plan something. Anything to give him a chance. There had to be some loophole. He slid down the door and pounded on the cold floor. There was no choice but to agree to this contract now or be disinherited.

It might buy him some time. He would need to look at those papers for a loophole or at least the date so he'd know how long he would have to find some way out.

A/N: Bum bum buuuuuuum! And yup. Inuyasha and Rin. My preferred pairing was Kouga, but Inuyasha won Rin-tin this time.

I wonder how Kagome will react to this? And what of Kaoru?

Up next, the trip to the shrine and dinner for the Suohs.

Also, mon petite means my little.