A/N: Hello! I'm back! Well, Linked is finished, so I'm focusing on Road Trip now! And I'll have a couple more chapters out soon, promise! Well, I'll try. Anyways, thanks to everyone who reviewed, you guys said such nice things! ^_^ I'm sorry I don't reply anymore, but that took up a lot of writing time and the chapters would be less.. uhm well, they're slow already, but they would be slower! But I read all of your reviews and I love you for them! ^______^ Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone in this story except for.. wait, I don't own anything. ^_^
Dedication: To all my reviewers, who made me feel wonderful and guilty enough to come back and write this fic.
Road Trip Chapter Three: Confession
"It's for one of the kids down at the shelter." Miroku explained, valiantly giving away his secret to keep Inuyasha from giving in to his temper. "The shelter?" Kagome echoed. "What shelter?"
"And what do you mean by 'girl'?" Sango added. Miroku grinned. "The shelter downtown for battered women and children. And the girl is about five years old. Even I wouldn't sink that low."
Inuyasha snickered. "Right."
"I wouldn't." Miroku retorted with an air of injured dignity. "That's sick. And that reminds me. I have to go say good-bye to them before we leave."
Inuyasha sat up straight on the floor. "Hold it. You're not leaving those two with me."
"He won't have to." Kagome said, miffed. "Sango and I want to go see the shelter anyways." Inuyasha looked at Sango. Were those stars in her eyes? Yep. Definitely stars.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. He had seen this scene a thousand times. Girls went crazy over Miroku's compassion and thoughtfulness. Of course, Sango was the only one who actually knew where the money for the toys came from. And she was _still_ looking at Miroku in that way. Girls were idiots, Inuyasha decided. He glanced over at Kagome to confirm his thought. However, instead of 'aah'ing over Miroku, she was prodding at a jar on the kitchen table. "Is this blood?!"
And so they arrive at the shelter downtown, after much complaining about Inuyasha's driving, who hadn't wanted to go but refused to let anyone else drive his car. (Miroku could have driven.. but the last time he did, the children at the orphanage had climbed into his car and refused to get out. That's what he got for leaving the top off his convertible.) The first thing they saw were a gaggle of little children playing on the front lawn, watched over by a maternal looking woman, who smiled indulgently at the laughter and shrieks. "They're cute." Kagome whispered to Sango as they walked up the concrete path leading to the double glass doors. With Miroku leading the way and Inuyasha bringing up the rear, the four of them pushed through the doors into a neat, air-conditioned lobby. The receptionist looked up and beamed at the sight of Miroku, but hesistated when she noticed Inuyasha. "It's okay." Miroku said easily. "A couple friends of mine wanted to see where I spend all my weekends."
The secretary smiled a polite greeting. "Hello. Miroku-kun, I believe the children are waiting for you in the playroom."
"Alright."
"This place looks nice." Kagome admired the comfortable lighting and new coat of paint. Sango looked proud for a moment. "Miroku donates money to the shelter." she murmured to Kagome. "That's how they got the money to remodel this place a little. It's important for it to look safe and nonthreatening, you know?"
"Well, they did a good job."
When they reached the room, a group of children crowded around Miroku, shouting and talking loudly. He grinned and set the bag down. Immediately, everyone dove for the sack and began to dig through it.
"Miroku-san." A small hand tugged on the hem of his large purple t-shirt. Miroku looked down and smiled. Although he treated all the children equally, he couldn't help but have a few favorites. And here was one of them now. "Hey, Rin-chan." He scooped her up. "I brought you a Barbie." Rin's eyes lit up and she clapped her hands joyfully. "Barbie!"
Kagome looked around with interest. She'd never been inside an orphanage before. Usually it made her think of somewhere dark and dank, where the children were skinny and scared. But this place was more like a friendly community center or preschool. Children were running around and giggling, looking happy and well-treated. Suddenly, a little bundle ran straight into Kagome's legs. "Oomph." Unable to resist, Kagome bent down and picked the child up, a cute little boy with brown hair and little teeth that looked almost like fangs. "Hi there. What's your name?"
The child peered at her, then beamed. "I'm Shippou. You're pretty." Kagome grinned. "Now I know I like you." He grinned, gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek and bounced off again. "Cute." she remarked to no one in particular.
"We'd better get going." Miroku said, relunctantly putting the little girl down. He crouched down to the childrens' level. "Okay, guys, I'm going to be gone for the summer but I'll be back soon, okay? Be good while I'm gone and I might pick you up a few presents." He grinned as the children surrounded him. "Bye, Miroku-san!" "Bring me back something red!"
"Come back soon!" A little voice piped louder than the others'. "I wanna go with you!" Miroku shook his head. "Sorry, Shippou-chan. You stay here and be good and I'll buy you something cool, okay?"
The little boy pouted. "I wanna go." He scampered over to Kagome. "Take me!" Inuyasha scowled down at him. "No means no, kid." Kagome patted Shippou's head. "Don't be so mean, Inuyasha."
Shippou stuck his tongue out. "Inuyasha is a big fat meanie."
"Why you-"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome interrupted brightly. "Have I ever told you how great you look in black? It really brings out the violet of your eyes. Are those contacts?"
He scowled at her. "No."
"Really? Because I have a friend.." Still chatting brightly, Kagome subtly steered Inuyasha out the door. Sango nudged Miroku and grinned. "I think Kagome handles your friend very well."
"That'll go over big." Miroku said drily. "Don't mention it to him."
"We have to pack." Sango informed Miroku. "So we can't stay long."
"Okay." he said agreeably. "How'd you guys get here?"
"We walked."
"You walked?!"
"It's not that far!"
"Yeah? Well, it's almost going to be dark. I'll drive you home."
"Okay." Sango looked around the apartment, then turned back to Miroku. "What are you taking with you?"
He looked blank. "Huh?"
"You know, luggage? A summer road trip is not exactly a light weight sort of vacation."
Miroku shrugged. "I dunno. I guess I figured I'd just buy whatever I need." Sango shook her head. "Nuh-uh. You're packing and you're going to do it tonight. We're supposed to leave tomorrow morning."
"Oh yeah." Kagome turned from the window where she'd been watching the gathering clouds. "I need to finish packing too."
Sango groaned. "I'm surrounded by idiots. Inuyasha, did you pack yet?"
He looked up from his laptop. "Pack?"
"Have NONE of you ever heard of the concept? Am I the only one who's already packed?"
"So organized." Miroku remarked. "That's so sexy." Sango narrowed her eyes. "Watch it."
"Sorry, sorry. So you going to help me?"
She sighed. "I guess, or else you'd never get done today. But we have to take Kagome home before we go over to your place."
"Nah. I got enough things over here. I would have moved it to my house, but someone-" here Miroku turned to glare at Inuyasha, who ignored him. "stole my key from me."
"Like it helped." Inuyasha grumbled. "Your damn lock picks." Kagome turned around again. "Lock picks?" Sango groaned and Miroku shot Inuyasha a killer look. Inuyasha just smirked and turned back to the computer screen. Kagome was glancing from Sango to Miroku. She put her hands on her hips and glared. "Okay, what are you not telling me?"
Sango leaned back in the couch. "I think you should just tell her, Miroku. I mean, she's probably going to find out, and we both know that she can keep a secret." Miroku nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess. Okay, Kagome-chan, you have to promise not to tell anyone. Not your family, not even your cat." Kagome nodded solemnly. "I promise."
Miroku let out a breath. "Well, okay. You know I have a trust fund, but I can't access it until I turn 21. Right now I have a Swiss account of my own money, and if I need money any other way I have to go through my parents. And I've never been the flipping burger type." He grinned. "And having a family like mine, you start to see who has a lot of jewelry or cash on hand. And, after all this socializing, it's easy to figure out the layouts of the houses. So I go in, take a few things that the owners can live without, and leave. I pass the things over to Inuyasha, who fences it. That way, the kids at the orphanage get decent food and the wealthy make an unknowing contribution to charity. Inuyasha and I both get a share, of course." Kagome stood still and wide-eyed for a moment after Miroku's explanation. Just when Sango expected the worst, Kagome exclaimed, "I want to be your sidekick!" Miroku stared at her, then shook it off. "Sorry, Kagome, I work alone." Kagome sighed. "I know. Just that I don't really like my job at the ice cream parlor."
"So you're not freaking out or anything?" Sango asked.
"Of course not. As long as he's not like, stealing someone's pacemaker, I think it's okay. IF the money goes to charity."
"Most of it does." Miroku promised. Inuyasha looked over at them. "Miroku, you realize if the officials get a hold of this, I'm bailing. I told you not to tell anyone."
"You're the one who said the lock pick thing!"
"Well, you already told Sango."
"It's raining!" Kagome leaned out the window, interrupting the guys. "Wow. Big fat drops too."
"Watch it, Kagome-chan! You'll fall out."
Kagome pulled back in relunctantly. "It looks cool. Maybe there'll be a big storm. What kind of car are we driving tomorrow? I hope it has a lot of endurance."
"My van." Miroku said. "And don't worry, it's very.. big."
"Like a R.V.?" Kagome asked eagerly.
"Not exactly. It's just a regular van."
"Speaking of tomorrow," Sango added. "packing time!" She pulled Miroku into the hallway. Kagome looked after them, then at Inuyasha, who was still ignoring her. "Inuyasha, shouldn't you be packing too?"
"None of your business."
"Come on. I'll help you!"
"I thought you're not even done with your own packing."
"Well, I can't go home while it's raining. You're not going to throw me out there, are you?"
The thought was tempting, but Inuyasha could just imagine what'd Miroku would have to say about that. "I don't know, can't you watch TV or something? Anything that'll keep you quiet?"
Kagome let out a huff. "Well, I'm bored. And if you're not going to let me help you pack, then I'll just find your room and do it for you." She stuck out her tongue. Inuyasha let his head fall against the desk and wondered what he'd done to deserve this. "Shit. Girl, can't you go find something to do?"
"You don't have a TV." Kagome pointed out. Inuyasha realized that this was true. He'd sold it just the other day because the big screen would be coming. As soon as he bought it. Shit. He flipped down the top of his laptop. "Okay. Come on."
Kagome had to admit that her insisting to help Inuyasha pack was partly because she wanted to annoy him and partly because she was curious about his wardrobe. Hey, who wouldn't be?
"Are you always this annoying?" Inuyasha grumbled, flicking light switches on through the darkening apartment.
"Are you always this antisocial?" Kagome returned, but her heart wasn't really in it because she was looking around the hallway curiously. Okay, so she was nosy. Inuyasha opened the last door down the hall and shot a glare behind her. "Don't touch ANYTHING." he commanded. Kagome nodded obediently. The room was surprisingly neat, although the closed wooden blinds and black bedspread gave the room a threatening look. There was a desk with a lamp on it and a few stray papers under a small black box. Kagome picked up the box. "What in here?" Without waiting for an answer, she flipped the lid. The beautiful diamond ring in it stole her breath. "It's beautiful." Inuyasha watched her, a speculative expression on his face. "I don't suppose you'd want to buy it." Kagome snickered. "Right. I'll do just that right after our family cruise to the Bahamas. So you don't have a buyer for it?"
"Not yet. I figure I'll take care of it after we come back. The design isn't unique, so there isn't much danger in this one." Hell, why was he telling her this? "It's still pretty." Relunctantly Kagome dropped the box back on the papers, then looked around. There was a closet next to the bed, which was what she zoned in on. "I wonder how long we'll be gone." she mused, opening the door. "Sango and I were planning on traveling until either we run out of money, or school starts, or we want to go home. But now that you and Miroku are coming, I'm not sure. Do you know?" For some reason, watching the girl poke through his clothes wasn't as annoying as Inuyasha had expected. However, this revelation in itself was annoying. "No."
"Oh. Well, I guess the plan's still the same then. Do you wear any color besides black and red?"
"No."
"Oh well. Those colors suit you, I guess. Do you ever say more than one word at a time?"
"No."
"Oh. You know, my friends say I talk too much." she giggled. "But I can't help it. Oh, you have to take this for sure." Kagome looked around. "Do you have a suitcase?"
"No."
"Inuyasha!"
"Fine." Inuyasha sat up from his bed and rooted under the bed. "Here." He pulled out a duffle bag and tossed it on the ground. Kagome looked at it. "I think you'll need something bigger."
"Why? Aren't we going to do laundry?"
"Of course! But I think you should take more than three outfits. More of a .. variety."
Inuyasha gave an impatient sigh and stuck his head under the bed again. This time he pulled out a small suitcase, which Kagome studied. Along with the duffle, it would be enought to take along a few more clothes. Still, it looked like they would be stopping at coin laundry stores a lot more often.
"Miroku, if you want me to get done with this, you're going to have to stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"You know what! With that dreamy smile on your face. I know that look. It means you're planning something."
"I am not. I'm just thinking about going on a road trip with you. We'll be together day and night." He grinned.
"You have to behave." Sango warned. "The only reason my dad even agreed is because he doesn't know we dated, and he still thinks of you as little Miroku, who was the star of Little League." Miroku smiled impishly. "I won him the Championship." Sango rolled her eyes. "Yeah. After you left the team, he resigned as coach. Apparently no one can ever be as good a player as you."
"I'm flattered."
"Anyways, what time are you picking us up tomorrow?"
Miroku stretched out on the bed, admiring Sango's figure as she neatly folded his clothes into little piles. He had tried to help, but she'd banished him to the bed when his hand landed in the wrong places a couple of times. "Well, I figure I'll come get Inuyasha first, before he has time to escape. Then I'll get you, because you're the closest, and because I'll probably need time to assure your parents you'll be fine. That'll give Kagome some time to sleep in. We'll get her last." Sango patted his head. "You got it all figured out, don't you?" Miroku caught her hand and kissed her wrist. "I'm glad we're back together." he said softly. Sango smiled, sat down next to him and kissed him gently. "I'm glad too."
"Here. Fold this." Kagome tossed a sweatshirt to Inuyasha. Inuyasha picked it up and tossed it aside. "Why do you get to choose what I wear?"
"Why are all your clothes three sizes too big?" Kagome retorted.
"They're more comfortable that way."
"There you go."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Tough. Are you folding it?"
Inuyasha suppressed a growl. This was the first girl who had ever made him want to do something immature, like fill a cup with cold water and dump it on her. What a tempting thought..
Sango watched in satisfaction as Miroku zipped up his suitcase. "Great, we're done. Just in time too," she added, glancing at a wall clock. "I'm almost past curfew. Think you can get me home in ten minutes?"
"No problem." Miroku slipped an arm around her waist as they headed out. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Kagome and Inuyasha were already in the living room, playing cards. Miroku looked over Inuyasha's shoulder at the game. "You're not playing for money, are you?" Inuyasha just grinned.
"That was the only way I could get him to play." Kagome explained. Miroku grimaced. "How much do you owe him?"
"Ten dollars."
"Hm. I guess you haven't been playing long then."
"Five minutes, I guess." Kagome looked down at her watch. Her eyes widened. "I'm going to break curfew!"
"When's your curfew?"
"Ten minutes."
"We have the same time." Sango explained. Miroku sighed. "Well, one of you is going to be late. I can't drive that fast when it's raining."
"I can't be late!" Kagome said desperately. "If I'm late, my mom might not let me go tomorrow! She agreed because I've been following all the rules!"
Inuyasha was already halfway to his room when Miroku called out. "Hey Inuyasha, do me a favor."
"Your car is so nice." Kagome leaned forward in the leather seat, snapping her seatbelt on. Inuyasha grunted and drove a little faster. Although it was interesting to see the familiar scenery from a speeding car, Kagome felt her gaze draw back to the little clock in front of her over and over. Inuyasha caught her looking and it for the third time in a minute and sighed. "We'll be there in time." When he spoke, Kagome switched her gaze over to him. He had long, dark lashes fringed around his beautiful eyes, a surprising contrast to the rest of him, which was very, very male. Her heart fluttered just a little when a few stray strands of dark hair fell in front of his eyes. Before she knew it, they were screeching to a stop in front of her house. "Thank you." Kagome said sincerely. Inuyasha looked over for the first time. "You're welcome." he said quietly. Kagome smiled, then leaned over to kiss him quickly on the cheek. "See you tomorrow." Before he could respond, she was out the door and running through the rain to her front porch.
Ending Notes: Next chapter.. So, how willing will Sango and Kagome's parents be, letting them go with a couple of guys like Miroku and Inuyasha? What exactly does Miroku's van look like? And will they let Inuyasha drive? Are we going to find out who gave Inuyasha the black eye? ^_~ Find out all that and more in Chapter Four of Road Trip, coming soon!
YAy! I got 40 reviews for 2 chapters!! ^____________^ Can I have twenty more? Please? Thanks to everyone who reads, even you don't review. ;__; But I would love it if you did, so I can be sure I'm not making some horrible mistake.
8/29/2oo2
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone in this story except for.. wait, I don't own anything. ^_^
Dedication: To all my reviewers, who made me feel wonderful and guilty enough to come back and write this fic.
Road Trip Chapter Three: Confession
"It's for one of the kids down at the shelter." Miroku explained, valiantly giving away his secret to keep Inuyasha from giving in to his temper. "The shelter?" Kagome echoed. "What shelter?"
"And what do you mean by 'girl'?" Sango added. Miroku grinned. "The shelter downtown for battered women and children. And the girl is about five years old. Even I wouldn't sink that low."
Inuyasha snickered. "Right."
"I wouldn't." Miroku retorted with an air of injured dignity. "That's sick. And that reminds me. I have to go say good-bye to them before we leave."
Inuyasha sat up straight on the floor. "Hold it. You're not leaving those two with me."
"He won't have to." Kagome said, miffed. "Sango and I want to go see the shelter anyways." Inuyasha looked at Sango. Were those stars in her eyes? Yep. Definitely stars.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. He had seen this scene a thousand times. Girls went crazy over Miroku's compassion and thoughtfulness. Of course, Sango was the only one who actually knew where the money for the toys came from. And she was _still_ looking at Miroku in that way. Girls were idiots, Inuyasha decided. He glanced over at Kagome to confirm his thought. However, instead of 'aah'ing over Miroku, she was prodding at a jar on the kitchen table. "Is this blood?!"
And so they arrive at the shelter downtown, after much complaining about Inuyasha's driving, who hadn't wanted to go but refused to let anyone else drive his car. (Miroku could have driven.. but the last time he did, the children at the orphanage had climbed into his car and refused to get out. That's what he got for leaving the top off his convertible.) The first thing they saw were a gaggle of little children playing on the front lawn, watched over by a maternal looking woman, who smiled indulgently at the laughter and shrieks. "They're cute." Kagome whispered to Sango as they walked up the concrete path leading to the double glass doors. With Miroku leading the way and Inuyasha bringing up the rear, the four of them pushed through the doors into a neat, air-conditioned lobby. The receptionist looked up and beamed at the sight of Miroku, but hesistated when she noticed Inuyasha. "It's okay." Miroku said easily. "A couple friends of mine wanted to see where I spend all my weekends."
The secretary smiled a polite greeting. "Hello. Miroku-kun, I believe the children are waiting for you in the playroom."
"Alright."
"This place looks nice." Kagome admired the comfortable lighting and new coat of paint. Sango looked proud for a moment. "Miroku donates money to the shelter." she murmured to Kagome. "That's how they got the money to remodel this place a little. It's important for it to look safe and nonthreatening, you know?"
"Well, they did a good job."
When they reached the room, a group of children crowded around Miroku, shouting and talking loudly. He grinned and set the bag down. Immediately, everyone dove for the sack and began to dig through it.
"Miroku-san." A small hand tugged on the hem of his large purple t-shirt. Miroku looked down and smiled. Although he treated all the children equally, he couldn't help but have a few favorites. And here was one of them now. "Hey, Rin-chan." He scooped her up. "I brought you a Barbie." Rin's eyes lit up and she clapped her hands joyfully. "Barbie!"
Kagome looked around with interest. She'd never been inside an orphanage before. Usually it made her think of somewhere dark and dank, where the children were skinny and scared. But this place was more like a friendly community center or preschool. Children were running around and giggling, looking happy and well-treated. Suddenly, a little bundle ran straight into Kagome's legs. "Oomph." Unable to resist, Kagome bent down and picked the child up, a cute little boy with brown hair and little teeth that looked almost like fangs. "Hi there. What's your name?"
The child peered at her, then beamed. "I'm Shippou. You're pretty." Kagome grinned. "Now I know I like you." He grinned, gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek and bounced off again. "Cute." she remarked to no one in particular.
"We'd better get going." Miroku said, relunctantly putting the little girl down. He crouched down to the childrens' level. "Okay, guys, I'm going to be gone for the summer but I'll be back soon, okay? Be good while I'm gone and I might pick you up a few presents." He grinned as the children surrounded him. "Bye, Miroku-san!" "Bring me back something red!"
"Come back soon!" A little voice piped louder than the others'. "I wanna go with you!" Miroku shook his head. "Sorry, Shippou-chan. You stay here and be good and I'll buy you something cool, okay?"
The little boy pouted. "I wanna go." He scampered over to Kagome. "Take me!" Inuyasha scowled down at him. "No means no, kid." Kagome patted Shippou's head. "Don't be so mean, Inuyasha."
Shippou stuck his tongue out. "Inuyasha is a big fat meanie."
"Why you-"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome interrupted brightly. "Have I ever told you how great you look in black? It really brings out the violet of your eyes. Are those contacts?"
He scowled at her. "No."
"Really? Because I have a friend.." Still chatting brightly, Kagome subtly steered Inuyasha out the door. Sango nudged Miroku and grinned. "I think Kagome handles your friend very well."
"That'll go over big." Miroku said drily. "Don't mention it to him."
"We have to pack." Sango informed Miroku. "So we can't stay long."
"Okay." he said agreeably. "How'd you guys get here?"
"We walked."
"You walked?!"
"It's not that far!"
"Yeah? Well, it's almost going to be dark. I'll drive you home."
"Okay." Sango looked around the apartment, then turned back to Miroku. "What are you taking with you?"
He looked blank. "Huh?"
"You know, luggage? A summer road trip is not exactly a light weight sort of vacation."
Miroku shrugged. "I dunno. I guess I figured I'd just buy whatever I need." Sango shook her head. "Nuh-uh. You're packing and you're going to do it tonight. We're supposed to leave tomorrow morning."
"Oh yeah." Kagome turned from the window where she'd been watching the gathering clouds. "I need to finish packing too."
Sango groaned. "I'm surrounded by idiots. Inuyasha, did you pack yet?"
He looked up from his laptop. "Pack?"
"Have NONE of you ever heard of the concept? Am I the only one who's already packed?"
"So organized." Miroku remarked. "That's so sexy." Sango narrowed her eyes. "Watch it."
"Sorry, sorry. So you going to help me?"
She sighed. "I guess, or else you'd never get done today. But we have to take Kagome home before we go over to your place."
"Nah. I got enough things over here. I would have moved it to my house, but someone-" here Miroku turned to glare at Inuyasha, who ignored him. "stole my key from me."
"Like it helped." Inuyasha grumbled. "Your damn lock picks." Kagome turned around again. "Lock picks?" Sango groaned and Miroku shot Inuyasha a killer look. Inuyasha just smirked and turned back to the computer screen. Kagome was glancing from Sango to Miroku. She put her hands on her hips and glared. "Okay, what are you not telling me?"
Sango leaned back in the couch. "I think you should just tell her, Miroku. I mean, she's probably going to find out, and we both know that she can keep a secret." Miroku nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess. Okay, Kagome-chan, you have to promise not to tell anyone. Not your family, not even your cat." Kagome nodded solemnly. "I promise."
Miroku let out a breath. "Well, okay. You know I have a trust fund, but I can't access it until I turn 21. Right now I have a Swiss account of my own money, and if I need money any other way I have to go through my parents. And I've never been the flipping burger type." He grinned. "And having a family like mine, you start to see who has a lot of jewelry or cash on hand. And, after all this socializing, it's easy to figure out the layouts of the houses. So I go in, take a few things that the owners can live without, and leave. I pass the things over to Inuyasha, who fences it. That way, the kids at the orphanage get decent food and the wealthy make an unknowing contribution to charity. Inuyasha and I both get a share, of course." Kagome stood still and wide-eyed for a moment after Miroku's explanation. Just when Sango expected the worst, Kagome exclaimed, "I want to be your sidekick!" Miroku stared at her, then shook it off. "Sorry, Kagome, I work alone." Kagome sighed. "I know. Just that I don't really like my job at the ice cream parlor."
"So you're not freaking out or anything?" Sango asked.
"Of course not. As long as he's not like, stealing someone's pacemaker, I think it's okay. IF the money goes to charity."
"Most of it does." Miroku promised. Inuyasha looked over at them. "Miroku, you realize if the officials get a hold of this, I'm bailing. I told you not to tell anyone."
"You're the one who said the lock pick thing!"
"Well, you already told Sango."
"It's raining!" Kagome leaned out the window, interrupting the guys. "Wow. Big fat drops too."
"Watch it, Kagome-chan! You'll fall out."
Kagome pulled back in relunctantly. "It looks cool. Maybe there'll be a big storm. What kind of car are we driving tomorrow? I hope it has a lot of endurance."
"My van." Miroku said. "And don't worry, it's very.. big."
"Like a R.V.?" Kagome asked eagerly.
"Not exactly. It's just a regular van."
"Speaking of tomorrow," Sango added. "packing time!" She pulled Miroku into the hallway. Kagome looked after them, then at Inuyasha, who was still ignoring her. "Inuyasha, shouldn't you be packing too?"
"None of your business."
"Come on. I'll help you!"
"I thought you're not even done with your own packing."
"Well, I can't go home while it's raining. You're not going to throw me out there, are you?"
The thought was tempting, but Inuyasha could just imagine what'd Miroku would have to say about that. "I don't know, can't you watch TV or something? Anything that'll keep you quiet?"
Kagome let out a huff. "Well, I'm bored. And if you're not going to let me help you pack, then I'll just find your room and do it for you." She stuck out her tongue. Inuyasha let his head fall against the desk and wondered what he'd done to deserve this. "Shit. Girl, can't you go find something to do?"
"You don't have a TV." Kagome pointed out. Inuyasha realized that this was true. He'd sold it just the other day because the big screen would be coming. As soon as he bought it. Shit. He flipped down the top of his laptop. "Okay. Come on."
Kagome had to admit that her insisting to help Inuyasha pack was partly because she wanted to annoy him and partly because she was curious about his wardrobe. Hey, who wouldn't be?
"Are you always this annoying?" Inuyasha grumbled, flicking light switches on through the darkening apartment.
"Are you always this antisocial?" Kagome returned, but her heart wasn't really in it because she was looking around the hallway curiously. Okay, so she was nosy. Inuyasha opened the last door down the hall and shot a glare behind her. "Don't touch ANYTHING." he commanded. Kagome nodded obediently. The room was surprisingly neat, although the closed wooden blinds and black bedspread gave the room a threatening look. There was a desk with a lamp on it and a few stray papers under a small black box. Kagome picked up the box. "What in here?" Without waiting for an answer, she flipped the lid. The beautiful diamond ring in it stole her breath. "It's beautiful." Inuyasha watched her, a speculative expression on his face. "I don't suppose you'd want to buy it." Kagome snickered. "Right. I'll do just that right after our family cruise to the Bahamas. So you don't have a buyer for it?"
"Not yet. I figure I'll take care of it after we come back. The design isn't unique, so there isn't much danger in this one." Hell, why was he telling her this? "It's still pretty." Relunctantly Kagome dropped the box back on the papers, then looked around. There was a closet next to the bed, which was what she zoned in on. "I wonder how long we'll be gone." she mused, opening the door. "Sango and I were planning on traveling until either we run out of money, or school starts, or we want to go home. But now that you and Miroku are coming, I'm not sure. Do you know?" For some reason, watching the girl poke through his clothes wasn't as annoying as Inuyasha had expected. However, this revelation in itself was annoying. "No."
"Oh. Well, I guess the plan's still the same then. Do you wear any color besides black and red?"
"No."
"Oh well. Those colors suit you, I guess. Do you ever say more than one word at a time?"
"No."
"Oh. You know, my friends say I talk too much." she giggled. "But I can't help it. Oh, you have to take this for sure." Kagome looked around. "Do you have a suitcase?"
"No."
"Inuyasha!"
"Fine." Inuyasha sat up from his bed and rooted under the bed. "Here." He pulled out a duffle bag and tossed it on the ground. Kagome looked at it. "I think you'll need something bigger."
"Why? Aren't we going to do laundry?"
"Of course! But I think you should take more than three outfits. More of a .. variety."
Inuyasha gave an impatient sigh and stuck his head under the bed again. This time he pulled out a small suitcase, which Kagome studied. Along with the duffle, it would be enought to take along a few more clothes. Still, it looked like they would be stopping at coin laundry stores a lot more often.
"Miroku, if you want me to get done with this, you're going to have to stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"You know what! With that dreamy smile on your face. I know that look. It means you're planning something."
"I am not. I'm just thinking about going on a road trip with you. We'll be together day and night." He grinned.
"You have to behave." Sango warned. "The only reason my dad even agreed is because he doesn't know we dated, and he still thinks of you as little Miroku, who was the star of Little League." Miroku smiled impishly. "I won him the Championship." Sango rolled her eyes. "Yeah. After you left the team, he resigned as coach. Apparently no one can ever be as good a player as you."
"I'm flattered."
"Anyways, what time are you picking us up tomorrow?"
Miroku stretched out on the bed, admiring Sango's figure as she neatly folded his clothes into little piles. He had tried to help, but she'd banished him to the bed when his hand landed in the wrong places a couple of times. "Well, I figure I'll come get Inuyasha first, before he has time to escape. Then I'll get you, because you're the closest, and because I'll probably need time to assure your parents you'll be fine. That'll give Kagome some time to sleep in. We'll get her last." Sango patted his head. "You got it all figured out, don't you?" Miroku caught her hand and kissed her wrist. "I'm glad we're back together." he said softly. Sango smiled, sat down next to him and kissed him gently. "I'm glad too."
"Here. Fold this." Kagome tossed a sweatshirt to Inuyasha. Inuyasha picked it up and tossed it aside. "Why do you get to choose what I wear?"
"Why are all your clothes three sizes too big?" Kagome retorted.
"They're more comfortable that way."
"There you go."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Tough. Are you folding it?"
Inuyasha suppressed a growl. This was the first girl who had ever made him want to do something immature, like fill a cup with cold water and dump it on her. What a tempting thought..
Sango watched in satisfaction as Miroku zipped up his suitcase. "Great, we're done. Just in time too," she added, glancing at a wall clock. "I'm almost past curfew. Think you can get me home in ten minutes?"
"No problem." Miroku slipped an arm around her waist as they headed out. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Kagome and Inuyasha were already in the living room, playing cards. Miroku looked over Inuyasha's shoulder at the game. "You're not playing for money, are you?" Inuyasha just grinned.
"That was the only way I could get him to play." Kagome explained. Miroku grimaced. "How much do you owe him?"
"Ten dollars."
"Hm. I guess you haven't been playing long then."
"Five minutes, I guess." Kagome looked down at her watch. Her eyes widened. "I'm going to break curfew!"
"When's your curfew?"
"Ten minutes."
"We have the same time." Sango explained. Miroku sighed. "Well, one of you is going to be late. I can't drive that fast when it's raining."
"I can't be late!" Kagome said desperately. "If I'm late, my mom might not let me go tomorrow! She agreed because I've been following all the rules!"
Inuyasha was already halfway to his room when Miroku called out. "Hey Inuyasha, do me a favor."
"Your car is so nice." Kagome leaned forward in the leather seat, snapping her seatbelt on. Inuyasha grunted and drove a little faster. Although it was interesting to see the familiar scenery from a speeding car, Kagome felt her gaze draw back to the little clock in front of her over and over. Inuyasha caught her looking and it for the third time in a minute and sighed. "We'll be there in time." When he spoke, Kagome switched her gaze over to him. He had long, dark lashes fringed around his beautiful eyes, a surprising contrast to the rest of him, which was very, very male. Her heart fluttered just a little when a few stray strands of dark hair fell in front of his eyes. Before she knew it, they were screeching to a stop in front of her house. "Thank you." Kagome said sincerely. Inuyasha looked over for the first time. "You're welcome." he said quietly. Kagome smiled, then leaned over to kiss him quickly on the cheek. "See you tomorrow." Before he could respond, she was out the door and running through the rain to her front porch.
Ending Notes: Next chapter.. So, how willing will Sango and Kagome's parents be, letting them go with a couple of guys like Miroku and Inuyasha? What exactly does Miroku's van look like? And will they let Inuyasha drive? Are we going to find out who gave Inuyasha the black eye? ^_~ Find out all that and more in Chapter Four of Road Trip, coming soon!
YAy! I got 40 reviews for 2 chapters!! ^____________^ Can I have twenty more? Please? Thanks to everyone who reads, even you don't review. ;__; But I would love it if you did, so I can be sure I'm not making some horrible mistake.
8/29/2oo2