{Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, so don't sue me. College has a strict hold on my wallet anyway.}

Vengeance

By Striking Falcon

Chapter Five: Pleasantries

Inuyasha opened his eyes as daybreak sauntered across the land. He blinked for a moment, waiting patiently for his mind to separate the dream world from the real. Inuyasha sighed, stretched and looked at the door as his assigned servant came into the room. She was the one who brushed his hair when he first arrived. Her name was Sakura, and he found her shock immensely funny when he called her by name.

"Good morning, Sakura."

She stopped suddenly at his voice, nearly dropping the tray in her hand. Inuyasha chuckled softly and rose, helping her find her bearings.

"Good morning, Lord Inuyasha. How did you sleep?" Inuyasha sighed. Sakura nodded her understanding and set the tray on the small table in the corner. Inuyasha insisted she eat with him, even lowering himself enough to ask Sesshoumaru to allow her. Sesshoumaru nodded at his request, then returned to whatever it was Inuyasha interrupted. Sakura waited for Inuyasha to be seated, then settled down on the other side of the table. She poured his tea first, then hers as he started into his meal. Sesshoumaru insisted on Inuyasha's table manners improving, {Thank God!} which meant no slurping. Sakura giggled at his strained attempts at eating respectfully.

"Go ahead, my lord. I won't tell."

Instantly the slurping began, and her giggles became louder. She muffled them behind her hand as he finished.

"Thank you, Sakura. Damn. Sesshoumaru is such a control freak."

Sakura tilted her head to the side. "What's that?"

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows in confusion. "What's what?"

"A 'control freak'?"

Inuyasha groaned, leaning his head against the table with a heavy thump. "Jeez, I did it again."

Sakura smiled and rested her hands in her lap. She knew exactly what he was talking about, but wanted to tease him a little.

"Did what, my lord?"

"A…friend of mine talks that way."

Sakura's smile widened slightly. "The owner of the sash in your hair?"

Inuyasha jolted up, his eyes wide. "How did you…"

"I'm a woman after all. I figured I remind you of her, and that's why you're so insistent on my being around while you've been here. You know, you've cured my fear of demons."

Inuyasha shook his head disapprovingly. "You should still fear Sesshoumaru."

"I am not stupid, Lord Inuyasha. I know to fear him. It's just that you're so nice, its hard to fear you. Especially after hearing about all the things the human girl you travel with does. You must really love her."

Inuyasha's mouth opened and closed a few times before he found his voice.

"What in the hell makes you think I love her?"

Sakura laughed.

"Don't worry, I won't tell her. It'll be our little secret. Shall I brush your hair, my lord?"

Inuyasha nodded dumbly and untied the sash. The little button clinked against his claws as he held it in his hand while Sakura guided the brush through his hair.

"When this is over my lord, I would like to see her."

Inuyasha nodded again and handed her the sash. She was the only one allowed to touch it, but water was never to be brought near it. Inuyasha knew he needed something to remember Kagome by, and water would wash her scent away. Her scent was in his old kimono, too, and if he wasn't so worried about being caught he would have wrapped himself in it, his nose to the fire rat cloth, like Shippou. Inuyasha grimaced as Sesshoumaru's voice cut through his thoughts. He stood and handed Sakura the tray before gently nudging her out the door. He picked up the white haori and silver sash as he did so.

"Time for you to go back to your chores, Sakura. I have another day of training to look forward to."

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Sesshoumaru: Why are you humoring my servants?

Inuyasha: I can do what I want, and you can't say sh- {::SF clamps her hand over his mouth::}

SF: Can't you do anything but curse?

{Inuyasha mutters something ugly behind SF's hand. SF blushes, then grimaces when he licks her hand}

SF: EWWWW!!!!!!

{Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha laugh as SF shakes the slob from her hand. She beans Inuyasha in the head with her flute.}

SF: Bad dog! {Hits him again and Inuyasha sprawls on the floor, unconscious.}

Sesshoumaru: Not bad.

SF: You're next. Here's the preview to chapter six and any responses. {Kicks t. v. and it flickers to life}

Chapter Six: The Wonders of Flight

Inuyasha smiled and tucked the ribbon in his haori. 'Somehow she knew I needed it.' He would replace the sash in his hair later. Right now, they had somewhere important to be.

Emme: Thank you.