Please Read: Forgive me for the other first posting of this chapter. It had been done at 5 AM in the morning and this author had been half awake, half asleep. The one that I had posted up earlier was merely a draft and not the supposed events (which explains the OOCness). Again, I ask for your forgiveness. The draft was written with great OOCness because it was all just a rush of thoughts and rambles. This idiot forgot to read it over, lol ^^;;;;. In fact, when I looked in the stats area of my account, I was pretty much surprised to see a chapter 2 and some reviews for it… So, please don't mind the earlier draft and in this one, quite a few have been changed, while some stay put. (I do know that half of the things written in the draft did not make sense in anyway, so, terribly sorry folks.) Sorry that your reviews were wasted on the crap that was the earlier draft (while others seemed to think that it was still alright, not that I mind that is). So please read this over once more and review again if you feel like it. Thank you for you time! *bows*
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Disclaimer: InuYasha and company is not mine! Not matter how many time I beg, and no matter how many times I plea, Santa just did not want to give it to me… *grumbles* InuYasha is the property of the oh-so-great mangaka, Rumiko Takahashi.
Summery: Since childhood, InuYasha and Kagome had always tried to outdo each other with tricks and, most of the time, embarrassing pranks. Upon reaching high-school, Kagome had thought that she had finally outdone him, that is, until he got a dare. The challenge? The oh-so-familiar 'Love 'em and Leave 'em' ploy, guaranteed to humiliate. Given the time span of two weeks to make Kagome fall in love with him, Inuyasha sure got his work cut out for him… especially when falling in love isn't just pretending any more…
Category: Humor, Romance, AU
A/N at the bottom
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Love 'Em Til It Hurts!
By: SilentRain
Chapter One: The Reason
One week ago…
Standing on the curb was the most humiliating thing he had ever done. It was bad enough that his car was confiscated, by his father of all people, but now he had to wait. Wait for his older half-brother to pick him up. Wait like he had done when he was a child. Wait exactly like children that had lined up beside him.
'I haven't fucking done this since elementary school…' he thought, scowling. 'I said I could walk myself to the station, but no… the old bastard insisted that someone take me there.'
With a deep set scowl, he fondly recalled the conversation that occurred not more than an hour ago…
"WHAT??? Why did you go and do that??"
"Because I don't want you running off again and missing the train like last year."
"So you send him to fucking baby-sit me until I get on the train?? I don't need anyone watching over me, Dad!! And another thing! I did get to school, didn't I????"
"Yes, yes, and you're also a big boy who can very much take of himself, but just this once-----"
"I'm taking my car and driving myself there!!! I don't need that prick taking me there!!"
"Oh! I don't think that's very possible, son…"
"What?? Why the hell not??"
"I just found out who it was that ran over our mailbox, flattened the flowerbed, which, by the way, was filled with the most hard-toiled flowers your mother had planted before she died, and just so happened to park everywhere else in the entire plot of land except the garage!"
"… your point?"
"Your car was sold to pay for the damages you have done---No! Don't interrupt me!---and your brother is taking you to the station whether you both like it or not!!! Understand???"
"… half-brother… and I can walk…"
"Understand???????"
And this is where he now stands, three suitcases packed gracefully on top of each other beside him, while trying to ignore the bouts of laughter the children were having whilst pointing at his scowling face. People, who very much understood what that scowl meant, walked by quickly, almost jogging past the boy, mindful of the anger he was radiating. He sighed inwardly, wondering why the little brats beside him couldn't see that he was pissed beyond belief.
After a few minutes, a black Chevy Tahoe pulled up in front of him, his thoughts crossing of whether it was saving him from this rut or dragging him into another hell.
"Finally." he snorted, reaching out to open the door.
Just as he grasped the handle, the door swung open, revealing a petite, dark-haired girl.
"Kurumi? What the hell are you doing here?" he gawked, surprised at a classmate's appearance in his brother's car.
"I'm taking Rin-chan to the station along with you." a deep voice from inside the vehicle called out, the owner leaning over to the passenger's side. "Hurry up and get your things. Your train is not going to wait for you."
"I hope you don't mind, Youhan-kun, Sess insisted." Rin muttered, scratching the back of her neck sheepishly. "Want me to help with your suit---"
"You don't have to, Rin." Sesshoumaru interjected once more. "My brother can handle it."
Nodding, Rin stepped out of the car and transferred to the back seat, Inuyasha regarding his brother thoughtfully.
"'Sess'?? Thought you hated that name."
"Only when it comes out of your mouth." came the smooth reply.
Maturely sticking his tongue out at the man, he then turned and lugged his bags unto the back compartment, Rin's belongings already in there. Easily tossing in all three cases, he closed the door and hopped inside, the vehicle promptly moving.
"So, Kurumi, how'd you meet him?" Inuyasha asked, jerking his head in the direction of the older man.
"Seatbelt, Inuyasha." the other grunted.
"It was last year at the train station. I was having trouble with my belongings and apparently, I was right behind his car and he couldn't move with me in the way." Rin grinned sheepishly, snapping her seatbelt in place.
From the corner of his eye, Inuyasha swore he saw a small smile quirk on the man's lips.
Catching the still puzzled look on his face, she giggled. "If you're wondering the reason of me being here and all, well, the same thing happened when we all came back for summer vacation. The handle of my case broke and I ended up behind his car again. He helped me like the last time and offered to take me home."
"Found out that she lived in the subdivision five minutes away from father's house." Sesshoumaru added, turning a corner. "So, I suggested to take her to the station next time."
"Tch, who knew that all it took was a woman to make you go soft." Inuyasha grinned, crossing his arms.
Suddenly, there was a short screech and the car halted, sending Inuyasha face-first unto the dashboard.
"Should've worn your seat belt."
"Bastard!!!"
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Now sporting a bruise smack-dabbed in the middle of his forehead, Inuyasha grumbled as he pushed a cart loaded with bags towards the platform, Rin and Sesshoumaru talking quietly behind him.
"But, it's alright, Sess! I can carry my bags!"
"It's alright, Inuyasha insists on carrying your bags." he soothed, his eyes softening as he looked at the girl. "Isn't that right, Inuyasha?"
Glaring, he gave a snort. "Bite me."
"What was that?"
"It's alright, Kurumi, I don't mind." he grinned weakly, pausing when they came to the platform.
Parking the trolley nearby, he turned to survey the surroundings, several familiar faces pouring in. From behind, a recognizable voice floated to his ears, a distinct grin slowly forming on his lips.
Letting the person walk past him, his grin widened, his suspicions proven true.
"---do you think we're gonna have a few classes together, Sango?" a raven-haired girl asked, turning towards the girl beside her.
"Well, it all depends on the classes, doesn't it?" her companion answered. "Besides the required ones, which ones did you pick?"
"... we can choose??"
"Didn't you open the folder they sent to you over the summer?" she sighed.
"I thought… that it was just those pamphlets and stuff!!"
"Well, Kagome, along with those 'pamphlets and stuff' was a list of subjects you can choose. You check off what you want then send it back afterwards. What did you do to it??"
"… I chucked it into the trashcan as soon as it got there."
Sighing, Sango shook her head and smiled. "Ne, don't worry! They have a sign up list at school."
"Thank Kami!"
Watching them sit down on a couple of seats across the room, Inuyasha grinned, slinking his way towards them.
"Oooh… this is going to be so good." he snickered, unable to hide the gleefully manic smile that spread upon his face.
Finally reaching the seat behind them, he jabbed his finger against her back, whispering coarsely.
"This is a hold up…"
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"
Heads whipped towards the sound, everyone watching the girl blanch and shake madly. Those who knew of these two's history shook their heads and turned away, whilst others watched carefully, indecisive in whether they should feel sorry for the girl or burst out laughing from her antics.
"PLEASE DON'T SHOOT ME!! I DON'T HAVE ANYTIHNG! I HAVE NO MONEY!!! I'M POOOOOOR!!!!" the girl wailed, her companion torn between amusement and irritation as she saw who it was exactly that was 'holding up' her friend.
"Inuyasha, I think that's enough." Sango glowered, her lips twitching from trying to repress a smile.
"Please, please don't hurt me!!! PLEAA---- I-Inuyasha…?"
The finger left her back and loud howling was then heard from behind her, her features contorting into a fierce scowl.
"INUYASHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The lithe girl surprisingly lunged at him and knocked both of them to the floor. To put it simply… he did not come out of there unscathed.
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"After all this time, I would've thought that you and the girl would've come out of that pranking stage." Sesshoumaru sighed, watching Rin plaster a band aid on the violet-eyed boy's cheek.
"If she would have just admitted defeat all those years ago, then I wouldn't be doing all this!" he snapped.
"How very… mature… of you, Inuyasha." the other snorted.
'What did she do to you, anyway?" Rin asked, packing away her first aid kit.
"You would not believe it…" the older man sighed, a frown fixed on his lips.
"She… she did the most heinous thing…" Inuyasha started gravely, a steady glare sent to the girl halfway across the room, who was returning it with equal intensity.
"Oh…" came the small gasp, Sesshoumaru sighing in frustration.
"Rin, don't tell me you actually beli---"
"What did she do…?" she breathed, leaning forward in interest.
"She… she…" he choked, looking so pained.
"… drama queen." the other snorted, running a hand through his silky mane.
"It's alright… you don't have to say anything." Rin appeased.
"She just pulled down his pants in front of their third grade class. Apparently, that was her 'show and tell'." Sesshoumaru sighed, waving a dismissing hand as though it were nothing.
Upon hearing him, the younger boy's lip trembled, fat tears appearing on the corner of his eyes. With a sob, he turned and ran down the hall, locking himself inside the men's restroom.
"Sesshoumaru!!" Rin scolded, slapping him lightly in the arm. "That was very insensitive!! Apparently, that was a very sensitive subject to your brother!! Go apologize!"
Raising a finely arched brow, he looked down towards the girl, towering over her with is tall frame. The look in his eyes clearly stated, 'Me? Apologize?', yet, he was still beaten, for the message in the girl's eyes evidently declared, 'NOW!'.
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After much coercion on his part, Sesshoumaru finally got inside the restroom, barely dodging the punch that flew in his direction.
"Would you please calm down." he ordered gruffly, raising a brow. "This is not very becoming… even for you."
"Bastard!! Why'd you go and do that for?!?!" Inuyasha growled, throwing another punch which the other easily evaded.
"If you do not want to hear what I have to say to you, then I'll leave." he announced, his deep voice smooth. "Though, what I do have to say concerns you and that girl…"
"What the hell are you talking about?" the violet-eyed boy asked, suddenly interested.
"Obviously, some sort of twisted rivalry is going on between you and the girl and with every hostile move you make, she will return it equally…" he drawled, speaking as though there was a clear solution to all this.
"And you point would be…?"
Sighing wearily, he then turned to face him. "Ever the dense one, I see…"
"Hey---"
"What I'm saying is, do the opposite, you dolt."
"What?? Be nice to her?? Are you kidding?!" Inuyasha ranted, looking at the older man as though he were crazy. "I'm not bowing out!! If I do that, then she'll think I gave up!! I'm not stupid, Sesshoumaru!"
With that, a small smirk quirked in the corner of the man's lips, a brow raised elegantly.
"Whoever said that you were 'bowing out'?" he then asked, distractedly looking at his nails. "I merely recall saying to you about doing the opposite, not give up."
"… what?" Inuyasha asked, edging closer. "You tell me to do the opposite and you call it 'not giving up'??"
"No, dear brother, you clearly do not understand." he sighed, disdainfully shaking his head. "If you can't beat your… adversary, as you could call her, with hatred, confuse them with kindness. It is a very malicious ploy used by man today."
"Go on…" the boy urged, edging closer and closer to the man.
"But… you clearly do not want to hear any of what I have to say." he sighed, making his way to the door. "I'll leave you be and let you wallow in your self-pity."
"Sesshoumaru!!! Tell me!!" he barked, pouncing on the door and slamming it shut.
"Whatever for…?"
"Tell me, or I'll tell Rin, with excruciating details, about how you keep a fluffy scarf-like thing with you in bed…" he threatened, watching the other's eyes darken.
"… If you insist."
Walking back a few feet, Sesshoumaru then leaned against the counter, crossing his arms slightly.
"Talk." the boy demanded, crossing his arms in the same fashion as the other.
"Confuse her, like a said." he said, raising a brow once more. "Did you not hea---"
"I heard what you said! I'm asking 'how'!!"
"With kindness, little brother. Gain ones trust then break it. It's a vicious ploy, mind you, you sure you're that desperate?" he smirked.
"That's exactly what I need!!" Inuyasha laughed triumphantly, clenching his fists. "Though, not that severe, maybe. Just a bit of alterations from the age-old 'love them and leave them' ploy. Hell, this is good!! Always knew that you would come in handy one day, Sesshy!!"
"Oh, really now?" Sesshoumaru added, much skepticism in his voice and a bit of a glower in his eyes upon hearing the nickname. "You believe that you can pull off something that difficult? It's very complex, you know, and it requires a great deal of acting, which, I might add, you are not very good at."
"Are you saying that I can't do this???" he growled, stepping closer.
"Did I stutter, little brother?" he derided, smirking one more.
"I can do it!"
"Alright, then. How about… a bet?"
"… a bet? Of what?"
"Just a… friendly… little wager if you can do it or not." he said simply.
"Alright, then! I take you up on that bet! What do I get when I win??" he asked eagerly.
"If you win, little brother, I will give you… let's see… what can I give you."
After a moment of thoughtful silence, a grin came to Inuyasha's lips.
"Your other car. When I win, I get your Viper!" he exclaimed, placing both hands on his hips.
"Now, why should I place in something like that for a bet such as this?" Sesshoumaru inquired firmly, his amber eyes darkening. "You do know how long I've saved for that…"
"Scared? I thought you didn't believe that I could do something like this."
Raising a brow once more, he then frowned. "You can't do it."
"Then place your car in!!
"Fine… I will… But, what will I get when you lose?"
Grinning, Inuyasha held his head high. "Whatever you want. You decided what you get from me. That's how sure I am!"
Sticking his hand out, Sesshoumaru eyed it warily before taking it in a firm grip. "Deal."
Cackling like crazy, the younger boy then bounded out of the bathroom, intent on making this plan work. Shaking his head, the other then strolled out, Rin waiting for him outside.
"He seems pretty happy now. What did you tell him?" she asked, walking beside the man as they made their way back.
"Oh, I just told him about a ploy he could use." came the nonchalant answer.
"Sess!! You're suppose to tell him to stop it, not urge him more!" she scolded, the man just smiling somewhat fondly at her. "Quit smiling at me! What if Higurashi-san gets hurt??"
"Trust me, Rin, if I had been them watching correctly, this is one prank that won't end that way…"
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A week later…
Watching Inuyasha leave the infirmary, sporting a rather nasty looking slap mark, plus a few bruises here and there, Rin sighed, recalling the words Sesshoumaru had said.
"You had better be right, Sess…" she mumbled, walking to her next class. "For your sake, it had better be right!"
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a/n: Well, here's the first chapter!!! I hope you like it!!!
SailorFangirl: Thank you, thank you!!!! I'm glad you liked it!!! ^_______^
Rei Woo: Yep, Inuyash's kewl, ain't he? Cute, as well, ne?
Laura-Chan: Thank you for the names!! If you noticed I used one, and I might use the others. Thank you, thank you!! *hugs!*
a fan: Hm… judging by the big bad slap mark on his face, I should say so. Yes, she did act violently. Oh well! ^_~
Princess Sapphire: There you go! The prize! A sleek, barely touched, black Viper!
ShellBabe, danie, Leina, Nim, jimmyneutronscindy, LOOZER, delilah: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! ^_________________^