A/N: Sorry for the major delay! No more blabbering, I'll let you get on with the chapter. Anyways thanks to everyone who reviewed, I'm an very, very happy about that. ^_^ I replied to your reviews at the end of the chapter, thanks so much for all the encouragement! Go Lakers!
Disclaimer: _fan_fiction..lol okay then.
Dedication: Ahm. Happy Birthday, Audrey! Thank you to Grace for her "recording". ^__- Go Lakers!
Chapter Eight: Three Full Size Snickers Bars
"This has got to be the tackiest tourist attraction ever." Inuyasha shoved his sunglasses on and leaned against the car door, studying the large plastic ice cream cone in disgust. "Let's go."
"We just got here!" Kagome protested. "Besides, everyone likes ice cream."
"Yeah, Inuyasha." Kouga said, grinning. "Everyone likes ice cream."
"I hate ice cream."
"You do not." Miroku wrapped his arms around Sango. "You love ice cream."
"Shut the hell up!"
Miroku smiled smugly. "Let's go."
"So, how do you know Inuyasha?" Kagome browsed through a selection of ice-cream related souvenirs, contemplating whether Souta would prefer an ice cream whistle or some ice cream candy.
"We.. work together."
Kagome's eyes widened. "You're in a gang?"
"I guess you could call it that."
"But you seem like such a nice person!" Kagome protested. Kouga grinned. "Well.."
"I mean, I could see Inuyasha being the leader of a gang." Kagome threw a pair of ice cream slippers in her basket. "But you're so nice. Besides the whole kidnapping thing. And you were the one who let me go."
"Everyone has a dark side." Kouga said, amused.
"I guess so." Kagome heaved a sigh. "Oh well. Are you going to get anything?"
"Nah."
"Okay, I'm going to go pay for these. Can you do me a favor and find Sango? I'll meet you guys in the front."
"No problem."
"What happened?!" Naraku pounded on the desk, glaring at the two hired muscle. "This was a simple job. You track down a couple of kids. How could you mess it up?!"
"But we didn't mess it up." Tim said, confused. "We kidnapped the girl and handed her over to the guy you sent."
Naraku narrowed his eyes. "A member?"
"Sure. The kid, you know. The youngest one."
"Are you talking about Kouga?"
"Oh yeah, that's his name. He took over."
"You handed the girl over to him."
"Yeah. Can we get paid now?"
"Your orders were to deliver Inuyasha to me." Naraku replied flatly. "I suggest you leave the premises, and now. Otherwise, I will make sure the two of you will never again find work in this country."
Tim started to speak up, but Tam elbowed him hard in the stomach, and the two of them left, Tim still gasping for breath. Naraku narrowed his eyes and dialed Kagura's number on the phone.
"Are we going to the hotel now?"
"Yeah."
"Good. It's not like yesterday's is it?"
"No, but there's the question of how the rooming arrangements are going to go."
Kouga looked thoughtful. "Well, I can probably get my own room, if it's too crowded. Kikyou will pay for it, anyways. I hope."
"Well," Miroku said reasonably. "is it safe to assume you're not carrying a lot of cash on hand? And there's the possiblity that you can't reach Kikyou tonight. Besides, they might have figured out what's going on and then it won't be safe to use your phone. So I think you should just room with us. It's no problem, we'll get a fold up bed."
"Okay."
"If you guys can't handle that," Kagome added, "Kouga can sleep in our room."
"I'll take that offer."
"I'm not letting my girlfriend sleep in the same room as you!"
"I didn't mean it that way!" Kagome let out a huff. "Stupid perverted guys. I just think it's so sad that Kouga came to protect Inuyasha and he has to pay for everything!"
"Well I have to contact Kikyou soon anyways to assure her that Inuyasha's still alive."
"I'm not helpless." Inuyasha grumbled.
"I don't think my phone's tapped," Kouga continued. "they don't know this number... or they shouldn't."
"Get Kouga on the phone." Naraku snapped. "He's up to something, and I want to know about it. Now."
"Yes sir." Kagura grounded out. She dialed the number on the phone, tapping a foot impatiently as it rang. And rang. And rang. "He's not in his apartment, Naraku-san."
"Of course he's not, you idiot! Kouga is not that stupid. Get him on his cell."
"What- what's the number?" Kagura could barely contain her shakes of fury. How dare he..!
"Number? Don't you have it?"
"No." She replied shortly.
"Well, get Kikyou." Naraku snapped. "She's always hanging around him after her worthless boyfriend left. She would definitely have it."
Stifling a sigh, Kagura pressed another series of numbers onto the phone. And was rewarded with some more ringing, which was seriously starting to get on her nerves now. "Kikyou's not picking up."
Naraku narrowed his eyes. "Sesshoumaru should be outside. Go get him."
Practically throwing the phone back onto the desk, Kagura stalked out, making sure to accidentally slam the door behind her.
"He wants Kouga's phone number?" Sesshoumaru repeated thoughtfully.
"Yes. He thinks that Kouga has Inuyasha's location."
"Why is Naraku so fixated on that worthless runt?"
"It's a matter of pride."
"I thought it might be."
"Well, do you have the number?"
"I'm busy right now. Tell Naraku I'll give it to him when I have time."
"It's enough to make a girl want to give up guys completely!" Kagura stabbed her french fry into the ketchup and popped it into her mouth glumly. "Seriously.. I guess even beautiful people have their stupid-ass sides."
"Beautiful?" Kikyou echoed.
Kagura's gaze grew dreamy. "How else can you describe Sesshoumaru-san? He's so beautiful..."
"I prefer guys who look more like.. guys." Kikyou said primly, sipping water through a plastic straw.
"Sesshoumaru is very manly." Kagura replied indignantly.
"He's a cheerleader compared to Inuyasha."
"Ah.. get over him already, Kikyou! He's gone. Over. Zip."
"That.. doesn't really make sense."
"Kindly shut up and listen to my guy problems."
Kagome gaped into her hotel room. "This.. this .. this is beautiful!"
"This is like some little kid's favorite dream!" Sango barreled into the room, and flopped onto the frilly pink bed. The surrounding walls were a cotton candy color, decorated with a mural of ice cream and all sorts of sweets. "I'm going to be very happy here." Kagome declared, throwing herself onto a fluffy purple armchair. "It's so cute!"
The three guys were standing at the threshold, stunned.
"Our room better not be like this." Inuyasha glanced back in the direction of the lobby, looking rather threatening.
Miroku shook his head silently.
"I think I once had a nightmare about this." Kouga seemed to have paled a shade or two.
"Let's prank call the guys." Sango kicked her legs lazily in the air as she flipped through a tourism magazine. "Okay." Kagome grabbed the phone, but dropped it again in a laughing fit. "I can't help it! Just even remembering the look on their faces when they opened their door."
Sango snickered. "I wonder how they'll look sleeping in a pretty pink bed."
"Yeah, I'll bet they're all fighting over the fold-up now."
"This room is making me physically sick." Miroku grabbed the ice bucket. "Since Kouga gets the first shower, I'm going to get the ice. I'll be back VERY soon, so don't even think about sneaking in there after he's done."
"Why do I have to be the last?"
"Be quiet, Inuyasha. I hope the ice doesn't come out pink too."
Inuyasha was laying flat on his back, staring at the pastel ceiling when the phone started playing to tune to "It's A Small World".
"This is a mix of themes." Inuyasha grumbled. He grabbed the receiver. "What do you want?"
Kagome and Sango looked at each other, then back at the phone. They burst into giggles.
Inuyasha glared at the receiver in his hand. "Kagome? Sango? It better not be you two."
Kagome's eyes widened. "It's not." She practically yelled into the speaker phone. Then she clapped a hand over her mouth. "You forgot to disguise your voice." Sango whispered.
"Be quiet! We're still on speaker." Kagome hissed back.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. "Kikyou?"
"Uhm. Sure. I mean, yes, this is Kikyou."
"You sound congested."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"How the fuck should I know? Maybe you have a cold or something."
"Oh."
"How'd you get this number anyways?"
"Uh. Kouga gave it to me."
"That rat! He said he couldn't use his phone!"
"He called from a pay phone."
"Whatever. What do you want?"
"To confess."
"Confess?! What else have you done?"
"I prank called you."
"What..?"
Sango's voice sounded cheerfully over. "Hey there, Inuyasha! I heard your room is even pinker than ours!"
Silence. Then.. "I'm going to kill you two!"
"Hurry up! Lock the door!"
"You're closer!"
Miroku walked back down the carpeted hall, scowling. The ice machine was pink. And it didn't even really matter that the ice wasn't pink because the container was, and the ice was transparent, and he was wondering if his puke would come up pink as soon as he located a pink wastebasket and... why was the girls' door open? A frown replacing his scowl, Miroku nudged the door open, hoping really hard that he wouldn't find blood splattered on the (pink) walls, or, just as bad, Sango ready to slap him for intruding on their privacy. What he found, instead of all that, was the girls practically smothering Inuyasha with lacy pink pillows while laughing. And just over the laughter, Miroku could make out: "Get off of me! Get ofmpsh-"
Miroku leaned on the doorknob. "Girls, are you having a pillow fight? How come no one called me?" Sango looked up, and her face brightened. "Miroku! I missed you!" She got up, bounced over a bed and hurtled herself at Miroku. Miroku raised an eyebrow down at her. "Would this be a good time to ask if you want to take a shower with me?" Kagome sat up on her pillow, which happened to be on Inuyasha's back. "Don't take advantage, Miroku-kun." She scolded. "Sango's on a sugar high."
"She's not the only one." Inuyasha groaned. "Kagome, if you don't get off of me RIGHT now, I will not be responsible for what happens."
Kagome made a "psh" noise. "I'm not scared of you."
Inuyasha pushed himself off of the carpet. "Oh yeah?"
Kagome squeaked as she tumbled off. "Hey, Inuyasha.. did I tell you how great you look in that.. thing you're wearing?"
"What thing?"
"I don't know.. the sweatshirt! You look great in that red Jay* sweatshirt!"
"Kagome, groveling isn't going to get you anywhere."
"Groveling?" Kagome said indignantly. "That wasn't groveling! That was pointless and insincere flattering."
"You are so dead!"
Miroku wrapped his arms around Sango and watched as Inuyasha leapt forward and began tickling Kagome.
"Stop!" she shrieked. "Inuyasha!" Then the giggles took over, and she couldn't really say much more.
"What's going on?" Kouga ambled down the hall, wearing navy boxers, a towel around his neck and a sleepy expression. He stuck his head around the door and raised his eyebrows at Kagome and Inuyasha. "Wow.. Inuyasha's rolling around on a hotel room floor with a girl he's known for less than two weeks.. why am I not surprised?"
Miroku and Kouga both snickered and exchanged discreet high-fives while Sango tried very hard not to start laughing, because Kagome-chan could get quite scary when she was glaring like that.
"We were not rolling around, as you so callously put it." she said acidly.
"Sure we were." Inuyasha sat up, blew some hair out of his eyes. "Felt great, didn't it, Kagome?"
"Oh shut up!"
"I'm tired." Sango leaned into Miroku, who rubbed her back absently. "Well, sweetie," he said, "that's what usually happens after a hour or two of hyperactivity."
"It's the first time I ever found a full size Snickers bar in the mini refrigerator thing." Sango sighed happily.
"Actually," Kagome corrected. "it was three Snickers bars. And you didn't save any for me."
"I left you the Butterfinger."
"Yeah, there was only one."
"That explains why you calmed down faster." Kouga grabbed a soda from the minibar and slouched into a wicker chair.
"I have good metabolism." Kagome snuggled deeper into the blankets, sighing contentedly. Inuyasha yawned. "Damn, I'm tired."
Sango climbed into Miroku's lap and pressed her face into his shoulder. "Miroku.. I wanna go home."
"I know, baby." He ran his fingers through her hair.
"I miss Kohaku.. and dad.. and my cat.."
"You don't have a cat, Sango-chan."
"Oh. I miss Kagome's cat..he's warm and soft and always purrs."
"Sweetie, you're tired. Get some sleep."
"Okay."
Inuyasha stood up and stretched. "Come on, guys, we should be getting back."
"Yeah, okay." Kouga opened the door and paused. "Miroku, you coming?"
"Uhm." Miroku shifted. "I think she fell asleep."
"Aww." Inuyasha smirked. "How cute."
"Shut up." Miroku grumbled, but he didn't look too bothered. "So, what do I do?"
"Tuck her in?" Kouga snickered.
"Oh, shut up already. You're just jealous that no one's fallen asleep on you."
"Growing numb yet?"
"A little." he admitted. "I don't want to wake her up, but if she finds me in her bed when morning comes, then all hell's gonna break loose."
"True."
"Kagome? What do I .. Kagome?"
"Wow, the girls must have been tired."
"Damn it! They're both asleep!"
"Lower your voice. You don't want to see what Kagome's like when someone wakes her up."
"I'm not scared." Inuyasha huffed.
Miroku pulled back the sheets with one hand and eased Sango down with the other. "Okay, here we go.."
Sango turned around, "mm"-ed happily into the pillow and continued sleeping. Miroku let out a sigh of relief. "Let's go, guys."
The Next Morning..
"Sango? Sango-chan, wake up!"
"Ahh. Sugar hangover."
Kagomed tsked. "Thought so. Well, you can get some coffee down at the diner. Kouga called; the guys want to meet us there."
"Fine, fine. Let me get dressed."
"Okay." Kagome grabbed her bag and began folding clothes into it. "Your stuff all packed, Sango?"
"Mmhm, I did it yesterday. You know there's not much to do in a hotel room with sugar running through your bloodstreams."
Kagome giggled.
"Hey guys." Kagome slid into the booth seat across from Inuyasha and Kouga.
Sango sat down next to her. "Where's Miroku?"
Inuyasha looked up from the strawberry pancakes he was devouring. "Who?"
"Miroku? Your best friend? Your roommate?"
"Oh, Miroku. I dunno."
Sango frowned. "That's weird."
"He's probably checking up on the van or checking us out of the hotel or something." Kagome handed a menu to Sango. "What are you worried about? Miroku can take care of himself better than anyone I know. Except for maybe Inuyasha and Kouga or something."
"Yeah, you're right. It's just sort of weird that he's missing a meal."
"Are you guys going to order or what?" Inuyasha wanted to know. "I want more."
"He's not here." Sango peered into the dark van. "There's no one inside."
Even Inuyasha was frowning now. "That's weird."
"I'm calling him." Sango headed for the pay phone. "I don't care if it's tapped. This is freaking me out."
"So you're lost, sweetheart?" Miroku led a little brown-haired girl along the sidewalk. "Where did you last see your parents?"
"I dunno." She shook her head, her bottom lip trembling.
"Well, what's your name?"
"Sh-Shinna."
"That's a pretty name." Miroku knelt down to her level. "Are you sure you don't know where your parents are, kiddo?"
"I think they might be over there."
Miroku frowned. "Why would they be in an alley?"
"It's a street." Shinna objected. "It's just a very small street."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, our back door leads to it. I think." Shinna sniffled.
"Okay, well, let's see." Miroku picked her up and headed down the street. "Don't worry, I'm sure your mommy and daddy will be waiting for you. They're probably very worried to lose such a sweet little girl like you."
Miroku stepped into the alley. "Hey, it's not a dead end."
Shinna climbed down from Miroku's arms. "This way." she took his hand and led him farther down into the darkness.
Sango tapped her foot. "It's ringing."
"I'm telling you there's nothing to worry about." Inuyasha lounged against the wall. "But as soon as you find that out, Kouga needs to call Kikyou. He's running short on cash."
"Is Kikyou rich?" Kagome wanted to know. "Because she sure sounds like it."
"He's answering!" Sango waved her hand for the rest of them to be quiet. "Hello?"
"Hey baby. What's up?"
"What do you mean, what's up?! Where are you?"
"Oh, sorry, I forgot about the time! Look, this kid got lost and I'm taking her home. I hope."
"Don't tell me you're lost too!"
"Of course not. Sorry I wasn't there for breakfast, sweetie."
"It's okay," Sango softened. "I mean, helping a kid get home, you can't get a better excuse than that."
"What the-"
"Miroku?"
"What the fuck are you guys doing here?"
"What? Miroku, who are you talking to?"
"Sango, sweetheart, I have to go. Don't worry, okay?"
"Miroku, tell me what is happening RIGHT now."
"Well, it seems that Naraku is hiding in this alley. Like the gutter rat he is, hm?"
There was the sound of some scuffing, and then some cussing.
"Miroku?"
"Hello?"
"Who is this? Where's Miroku?"
"I'm sorry!" The childish voice on the other end started crying. "I'm so sorry!"
"What? Who is this?"
"This- this is Shippou."
Sango searched her mind for the familiar sounding name. "Wait.. Shippou? From the shelter?"
"I had to! They made me!" Shippou started wailing.
Sango took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Okay, sweetie, tell me what happened, okay? Start from the beginning."
"Rin-chan and me, we were at the shelter, but Miroku left and no one can reach him, and the ladies at the orphanage had an emergency, and then my dad came and took me and Rin-chan, and he gave us to these people, and one of them hid Rin and told me if I didn't bring Miroku-san to them I'll never see her again!"
"So you're the one who took Miroku to wherever you guys are right now?"
"I'm sorry!"
"But, wait, Shippou, don't cry. I thought Miroku knew you! How'd you trick him?"
"They dressed me up as a girl." Shippou sniffed. "And they made me practice my lines. But they forgot to give me a name. So I had to make one up."
Sango pushed back the onset of hysteria. "Okay, Shippou, can you tell me what's happening now?"
"They're fighting."
Sango winced. This was exactly what she was afraid of. "Okay, Shippou, who do you see right now besides Miroku?"
"There's this guy with long black hair and this guy with long silver hair."
"That's all?"
"Well there's also these two girls, but they're not here right now. They took Rin."
"Are they hurting Miroku?"
"No. He's fast."
"Okay, Shippou, tell us exactly where you are."
"That brat!" The anger in the voice vibrated across the phone. "Who are you talking to? Get over here!"
"We're in an alley!" Sango heard right before there came complete silence. "Hello? Is anyone there?"
"We don't want this guy." The voice on the other end hissed. "Get Inuyasha here and we'll let your boyfriend go."
"What? Wait-" The connection broke.
*Jay's red sweatshirt? You know.. Jay Chou? I love his red sweatshirt! It's in the pictures of his second CD. He's the most terrific Chinese pop singer of all time! I think he's so hot! But then, that's just me. ^______^ www.jaychou.com
Ending Notes: Ahh not very long at all, is it? Well I wanted to get it out because I know there's no way I can write for another week or so, and you've all waited long enough. Also because I told Grace I'd get it out. Sorry! ^__^ Go Lakers!
Thanks for reviewing:
All my reviewers! Thank you so much for reviewing! That way I know someone's actually reading. ^_______________^
sorena27: Thank you! I love road trips and Inuyasha too.. so this story is fun to write! ^__^
Shaha-Rain: Lol... some little sisters are fun.. like my friends', for example. But let me assure you.. HAVING a little sister is a different story altogether. ^_^ It is the coolest thing to think this story made someone happy, lol.
Mystikat: Thank you!
cherrymecha: Lol maybe I overdid it a little on the ditziness, ne? Ah well, my computer still doesn't have internet access but my sister's does! So that means I can update!
JJ (bluej1689@hotmail.com): Uhm..Lol yes, I'm still alive, but barely. ^_^ Uhm.. please don't kill yourself?
biggslappy0: I'm a InuyashaxKagome fan too! ^__^ Kikyou is okay, in a sort of ,.. dead way. Lol whatever it's late and I'm not making sense. xp Thanks for reviewing!
insanegirlthatatesuger: I'm hungry too.. I like Twix ice cream. ^___^
kawaiililshippo: Well it sort of explains who Tim and Tam are in this chapter.. hope you aren't still confused!
Kagome-hime: Daily? Really? Wow now I feel really guilty for having this so delayed! Teehee well thanks for the encouragement!
Jade Kitten: Hey.. your username reminds me of "Daughters of Darkness"... yeah. Well anyways, lol, I love InuyashaxKagome fluff. Thanks for all your reviews! But I think Inuyasha looks just as hot in his human form. Lol.
Neverhere: Lol.. that's funny. *sweatdrop* No witty reply today, sorry...
Bast: Thank you! I hope you like this chapter.
Sasha: Updatedness... lol, very cool word. I'm like.. suffocating under all the homework I have!
ArouraLeona: I loved your review! Very encouraging, ^__________^ thanks!
Kezi: Bored of Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango and Kouga? Of course not! Don't worry, I would never abandon this fic!
DiceRollin101: *starry eyes* Ah, I love fluff, so there should be plenty of it in the future! ^_^ I'll try squeezing some plot in there too.
trinacat16: Brilliant.. *more starry eyes* Wow, I don't think I've ever been called that before! Thanks! ^___^
Rachel: Lol, you'll find out what happens..well you should have already because the review replies are after the chapter..ahh I'm all mixed up.
Sakura: Yay! I was trying to portray Kouga that way! He always seemed like such a cutie to me..
Inaho: No clingy Kouga-kun! He funner as a tough guy! Teehee I'm glad you agree with me! ^_______^
Micah/ Lord Iron-Balls: Wow, I think I'm going to frame your review or something! It was cool talking to you on AIM, and thanks for the help in bio! (Lol, sorry about that.) It is very very cool to be complimented by someone who writes stories like yours! The Feh Squad.. ahh that was so sweet!
Jack: Lol wow! Thanks for all your reviews, and I'm sorry this chapter is out so late. Enjoy! I'm glad you like this fic. ^_^
Lyn/Lin: Thanks. ^____________^
chibi kawaii inu: Thanks for reviewing! Enjoy this chapter.
Vampy: Well, not quite 18 years yet.. but very close! It's been what, two months? *cringes* Seriously sorry.
vicious-wolf: Teehee I couldn't resist tossing a tacky tourist attraction in there.
Noodals: Lol thanks for your review!
Amaniachwen: I know what you mean! As much as I'm for the InuyashaxKagome thing, and as much as I adore Inuyasha... Kouga's just so cool!
Noa: Lol gang buddies.. sounds like a prison movie. ^___^ But Sesshomaru plays the bad guy part so well!
saiya-jin royalty: Ahh what you said was perfect! And trust me, you are not the worst reviewer in the world!! *whispers* People who flame are.
FranceGamble: *widens eyes* Is the summary bad? Hm.. I'm going to have to check it..
whitewingeddragon1: Aww don't worry about me! Worry about the homework and textbooks I'm ready to torch! *looks around* Erm.. I didn't say that! Well yes I did but.. aww never mind. Don't worry, I'm still "in the game" but sorta on the bench. (love basketball).
Laine: Thank you for your review!
Kyaa-Kyaff: My feelings exactly! Thank you for voicing it! Haha.
Leina: Thank you!
Sasali the Snowgirl: Lol.. ^_____________________________________^ There, now my face is more mutated than yours.
heather: Thank you for reviewing!
Itadakimasu: Yes.. I hate my internet service. ^__^ But it's okay now. I forgive it. *pats computer*
K-chan: Thankeeeeeeeeeeee. ^__________^ Love fluff too.
Disclaimer: _fan_fiction..lol okay then.
Dedication: Ahm. Happy Birthday, Audrey! Thank you to Grace for her "recording". ^__- Go Lakers!
Chapter Eight: Three Full Size Snickers Bars
"This has got to be the tackiest tourist attraction ever." Inuyasha shoved his sunglasses on and leaned against the car door, studying the large plastic ice cream cone in disgust. "Let's go."
"We just got here!" Kagome protested. "Besides, everyone likes ice cream."
"Yeah, Inuyasha." Kouga said, grinning. "Everyone likes ice cream."
"I hate ice cream."
"You do not." Miroku wrapped his arms around Sango. "You love ice cream."
"Shut the hell up!"
Miroku smiled smugly. "Let's go."
"So, how do you know Inuyasha?" Kagome browsed through a selection of ice-cream related souvenirs, contemplating whether Souta would prefer an ice cream whistle or some ice cream candy.
"We.. work together."
Kagome's eyes widened. "You're in a gang?"
"I guess you could call it that."
"But you seem like such a nice person!" Kagome protested. Kouga grinned. "Well.."
"I mean, I could see Inuyasha being the leader of a gang." Kagome threw a pair of ice cream slippers in her basket. "But you're so nice. Besides the whole kidnapping thing. And you were the one who let me go."
"Everyone has a dark side." Kouga said, amused.
"I guess so." Kagome heaved a sigh. "Oh well. Are you going to get anything?"
"Nah."
"Okay, I'm going to go pay for these. Can you do me a favor and find Sango? I'll meet you guys in the front."
"No problem."
"What happened?!" Naraku pounded on the desk, glaring at the two hired muscle. "This was a simple job. You track down a couple of kids. How could you mess it up?!"
"But we didn't mess it up." Tim said, confused. "We kidnapped the girl and handed her over to the guy you sent."
Naraku narrowed his eyes. "A member?"
"Sure. The kid, you know. The youngest one."
"Are you talking about Kouga?"
"Oh yeah, that's his name. He took over."
"You handed the girl over to him."
"Yeah. Can we get paid now?"
"Your orders were to deliver Inuyasha to me." Naraku replied flatly. "I suggest you leave the premises, and now. Otherwise, I will make sure the two of you will never again find work in this country."
Tim started to speak up, but Tam elbowed him hard in the stomach, and the two of them left, Tim still gasping for breath. Naraku narrowed his eyes and dialed Kagura's number on the phone.
"Are we going to the hotel now?"
"Yeah."
"Good. It's not like yesterday's is it?"
"No, but there's the question of how the rooming arrangements are going to go."
Kouga looked thoughtful. "Well, I can probably get my own room, if it's too crowded. Kikyou will pay for it, anyways. I hope."
"Well," Miroku said reasonably. "is it safe to assume you're not carrying a lot of cash on hand? And there's the possiblity that you can't reach Kikyou tonight. Besides, they might have figured out what's going on and then it won't be safe to use your phone. So I think you should just room with us. It's no problem, we'll get a fold up bed."
"Okay."
"If you guys can't handle that," Kagome added, "Kouga can sleep in our room."
"I'll take that offer."
"I'm not letting my girlfriend sleep in the same room as you!"
"I didn't mean it that way!" Kagome let out a huff. "Stupid perverted guys. I just think it's so sad that Kouga came to protect Inuyasha and he has to pay for everything!"
"Well I have to contact Kikyou soon anyways to assure her that Inuyasha's still alive."
"I'm not helpless." Inuyasha grumbled.
"I don't think my phone's tapped," Kouga continued. "they don't know this number... or they shouldn't."
"Get Kouga on the phone." Naraku snapped. "He's up to something, and I want to know about it. Now."
"Yes sir." Kagura grounded out. She dialed the number on the phone, tapping a foot impatiently as it rang. And rang. And rang. "He's not in his apartment, Naraku-san."
"Of course he's not, you idiot! Kouga is not that stupid. Get him on his cell."
"What- what's the number?" Kagura could barely contain her shakes of fury. How dare he..!
"Number? Don't you have it?"
"No." She replied shortly.
"Well, get Kikyou." Naraku snapped. "She's always hanging around him after her worthless boyfriend left. She would definitely have it."
Stifling a sigh, Kagura pressed another series of numbers onto the phone. And was rewarded with some more ringing, which was seriously starting to get on her nerves now. "Kikyou's not picking up."
Naraku narrowed his eyes. "Sesshoumaru should be outside. Go get him."
Practically throwing the phone back onto the desk, Kagura stalked out, making sure to accidentally slam the door behind her.
"He wants Kouga's phone number?" Sesshoumaru repeated thoughtfully.
"Yes. He thinks that Kouga has Inuyasha's location."
"Why is Naraku so fixated on that worthless runt?"
"It's a matter of pride."
"I thought it might be."
"Well, do you have the number?"
"I'm busy right now. Tell Naraku I'll give it to him when I have time."
"It's enough to make a girl want to give up guys completely!" Kagura stabbed her french fry into the ketchup and popped it into her mouth glumly. "Seriously.. I guess even beautiful people have their stupid-ass sides."
"Beautiful?" Kikyou echoed.
Kagura's gaze grew dreamy. "How else can you describe Sesshoumaru-san? He's so beautiful..."
"I prefer guys who look more like.. guys." Kikyou said primly, sipping water through a plastic straw.
"Sesshoumaru is very manly." Kagura replied indignantly.
"He's a cheerleader compared to Inuyasha."
"Ah.. get over him already, Kikyou! He's gone. Over. Zip."
"That.. doesn't really make sense."
"Kindly shut up and listen to my guy problems."
Kagome gaped into her hotel room. "This.. this .. this is beautiful!"
"This is like some little kid's favorite dream!" Sango barreled into the room, and flopped onto the frilly pink bed. The surrounding walls were a cotton candy color, decorated with a mural of ice cream and all sorts of sweets. "I'm going to be very happy here." Kagome declared, throwing herself onto a fluffy purple armchair. "It's so cute!"
The three guys were standing at the threshold, stunned.
"Our room better not be like this." Inuyasha glanced back in the direction of the lobby, looking rather threatening.
Miroku shook his head silently.
"I think I once had a nightmare about this." Kouga seemed to have paled a shade or two.
"Let's prank call the guys." Sango kicked her legs lazily in the air as she flipped through a tourism magazine. "Okay." Kagome grabbed the phone, but dropped it again in a laughing fit. "I can't help it! Just even remembering the look on their faces when they opened their door."
Sango snickered. "I wonder how they'll look sleeping in a pretty pink bed."
"Yeah, I'll bet they're all fighting over the fold-up now."
"This room is making me physically sick." Miroku grabbed the ice bucket. "Since Kouga gets the first shower, I'm going to get the ice. I'll be back VERY soon, so don't even think about sneaking in there after he's done."
"Why do I have to be the last?"
"Be quiet, Inuyasha. I hope the ice doesn't come out pink too."
Inuyasha was laying flat on his back, staring at the pastel ceiling when the phone started playing to tune to "It's A Small World".
"This is a mix of themes." Inuyasha grumbled. He grabbed the receiver. "What do you want?"
Kagome and Sango looked at each other, then back at the phone. They burst into giggles.
Inuyasha glared at the receiver in his hand. "Kagome? Sango? It better not be you two."
Kagome's eyes widened. "It's not." She practically yelled into the speaker phone. Then she clapped a hand over her mouth. "You forgot to disguise your voice." Sango whispered.
"Be quiet! We're still on speaker." Kagome hissed back.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. "Kikyou?"
"Uhm. Sure. I mean, yes, this is Kikyou."
"You sound congested."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"How the fuck should I know? Maybe you have a cold or something."
"Oh."
"How'd you get this number anyways?"
"Uh. Kouga gave it to me."
"That rat! He said he couldn't use his phone!"
"He called from a pay phone."
"Whatever. What do you want?"
"To confess."
"Confess?! What else have you done?"
"I prank called you."
"What..?"
Sango's voice sounded cheerfully over. "Hey there, Inuyasha! I heard your room is even pinker than ours!"
Silence. Then.. "I'm going to kill you two!"
"Hurry up! Lock the door!"
"You're closer!"
Miroku walked back down the carpeted hall, scowling. The ice machine was pink. And it didn't even really matter that the ice wasn't pink because the container was, and the ice was transparent, and he was wondering if his puke would come up pink as soon as he located a pink wastebasket and... why was the girls' door open? A frown replacing his scowl, Miroku nudged the door open, hoping really hard that he wouldn't find blood splattered on the (pink) walls, or, just as bad, Sango ready to slap him for intruding on their privacy. What he found, instead of all that, was the girls practically smothering Inuyasha with lacy pink pillows while laughing. And just over the laughter, Miroku could make out: "Get off of me! Get ofmpsh-"
Miroku leaned on the doorknob. "Girls, are you having a pillow fight? How come no one called me?" Sango looked up, and her face brightened. "Miroku! I missed you!" She got up, bounced over a bed and hurtled herself at Miroku. Miroku raised an eyebrow down at her. "Would this be a good time to ask if you want to take a shower with me?" Kagome sat up on her pillow, which happened to be on Inuyasha's back. "Don't take advantage, Miroku-kun." She scolded. "Sango's on a sugar high."
"She's not the only one." Inuyasha groaned. "Kagome, if you don't get off of me RIGHT now, I will not be responsible for what happens."
Kagome made a "psh" noise. "I'm not scared of you."
Inuyasha pushed himself off of the carpet. "Oh yeah?"
Kagome squeaked as she tumbled off. "Hey, Inuyasha.. did I tell you how great you look in that.. thing you're wearing?"
"What thing?"
"I don't know.. the sweatshirt! You look great in that red Jay* sweatshirt!"
"Kagome, groveling isn't going to get you anywhere."
"Groveling?" Kagome said indignantly. "That wasn't groveling! That was pointless and insincere flattering."
"You are so dead!"
Miroku wrapped his arms around Sango and watched as Inuyasha leapt forward and began tickling Kagome.
"Stop!" she shrieked. "Inuyasha!" Then the giggles took over, and she couldn't really say much more.
"What's going on?" Kouga ambled down the hall, wearing navy boxers, a towel around his neck and a sleepy expression. He stuck his head around the door and raised his eyebrows at Kagome and Inuyasha. "Wow.. Inuyasha's rolling around on a hotel room floor with a girl he's known for less than two weeks.. why am I not surprised?"
Miroku and Kouga both snickered and exchanged discreet high-fives while Sango tried very hard not to start laughing, because Kagome-chan could get quite scary when she was glaring like that.
"We were not rolling around, as you so callously put it." she said acidly.
"Sure we were." Inuyasha sat up, blew some hair out of his eyes. "Felt great, didn't it, Kagome?"
"Oh shut up!"
"I'm tired." Sango leaned into Miroku, who rubbed her back absently. "Well, sweetie," he said, "that's what usually happens after a hour or two of hyperactivity."
"It's the first time I ever found a full size Snickers bar in the mini refrigerator thing." Sango sighed happily.
"Actually," Kagome corrected. "it was three Snickers bars. And you didn't save any for me."
"I left you the Butterfinger."
"Yeah, there was only one."
"That explains why you calmed down faster." Kouga grabbed a soda from the minibar and slouched into a wicker chair.
"I have good metabolism." Kagome snuggled deeper into the blankets, sighing contentedly. Inuyasha yawned. "Damn, I'm tired."
Sango climbed into Miroku's lap and pressed her face into his shoulder. "Miroku.. I wanna go home."
"I know, baby." He ran his fingers through her hair.
"I miss Kohaku.. and dad.. and my cat.."
"You don't have a cat, Sango-chan."
"Oh. I miss Kagome's cat..he's warm and soft and always purrs."
"Sweetie, you're tired. Get some sleep."
"Okay."
Inuyasha stood up and stretched. "Come on, guys, we should be getting back."
"Yeah, okay." Kouga opened the door and paused. "Miroku, you coming?"
"Uhm." Miroku shifted. "I think she fell asleep."
"Aww." Inuyasha smirked. "How cute."
"Shut up." Miroku grumbled, but he didn't look too bothered. "So, what do I do?"
"Tuck her in?" Kouga snickered.
"Oh, shut up already. You're just jealous that no one's fallen asleep on you."
"Growing numb yet?"
"A little." he admitted. "I don't want to wake her up, but if she finds me in her bed when morning comes, then all hell's gonna break loose."
"True."
"Kagome? What do I .. Kagome?"
"Wow, the girls must have been tired."
"Damn it! They're both asleep!"
"Lower your voice. You don't want to see what Kagome's like when someone wakes her up."
"I'm not scared." Inuyasha huffed.
Miroku pulled back the sheets with one hand and eased Sango down with the other. "Okay, here we go.."
Sango turned around, "mm"-ed happily into the pillow and continued sleeping. Miroku let out a sigh of relief. "Let's go, guys."
The Next Morning..
"Sango? Sango-chan, wake up!"
"Ahh. Sugar hangover."
Kagomed tsked. "Thought so. Well, you can get some coffee down at the diner. Kouga called; the guys want to meet us there."
"Fine, fine. Let me get dressed."
"Okay." Kagome grabbed her bag and began folding clothes into it. "Your stuff all packed, Sango?"
"Mmhm, I did it yesterday. You know there's not much to do in a hotel room with sugar running through your bloodstreams."
Kagome giggled.
"Hey guys." Kagome slid into the booth seat across from Inuyasha and Kouga.
Sango sat down next to her. "Where's Miroku?"
Inuyasha looked up from the strawberry pancakes he was devouring. "Who?"
"Miroku? Your best friend? Your roommate?"
"Oh, Miroku. I dunno."
Sango frowned. "That's weird."
"He's probably checking up on the van or checking us out of the hotel or something." Kagome handed a menu to Sango. "What are you worried about? Miroku can take care of himself better than anyone I know. Except for maybe Inuyasha and Kouga or something."
"Yeah, you're right. It's just sort of weird that he's missing a meal."
"Are you guys going to order or what?" Inuyasha wanted to know. "I want more."
"He's not here." Sango peered into the dark van. "There's no one inside."
Even Inuyasha was frowning now. "That's weird."
"I'm calling him." Sango headed for the pay phone. "I don't care if it's tapped. This is freaking me out."
"So you're lost, sweetheart?" Miroku led a little brown-haired girl along the sidewalk. "Where did you last see your parents?"
"I dunno." She shook her head, her bottom lip trembling.
"Well, what's your name?"
"Sh-Shinna."
"That's a pretty name." Miroku knelt down to her level. "Are you sure you don't know where your parents are, kiddo?"
"I think they might be over there."
Miroku frowned. "Why would they be in an alley?"
"It's a street." Shinna objected. "It's just a very small street."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, our back door leads to it. I think." Shinna sniffled.
"Okay, well, let's see." Miroku picked her up and headed down the street. "Don't worry, I'm sure your mommy and daddy will be waiting for you. They're probably very worried to lose such a sweet little girl like you."
Miroku stepped into the alley. "Hey, it's not a dead end."
Shinna climbed down from Miroku's arms. "This way." she took his hand and led him farther down into the darkness.
Sango tapped her foot. "It's ringing."
"I'm telling you there's nothing to worry about." Inuyasha lounged against the wall. "But as soon as you find that out, Kouga needs to call Kikyou. He's running short on cash."
"Is Kikyou rich?" Kagome wanted to know. "Because she sure sounds like it."
"He's answering!" Sango waved her hand for the rest of them to be quiet. "Hello?"
"Hey baby. What's up?"
"What do you mean, what's up?! Where are you?"
"Oh, sorry, I forgot about the time! Look, this kid got lost and I'm taking her home. I hope."
"Don't tell me you're lost too!"
"Of course not. Sorry I wasn't there for breakfast, sweetie."
"It's okay," Sango softened. "I mean, helping a kid get home, you can't get a better excuse than that."
"What the-"
"Miroku?"
"What the fuck are you guys doing here?"
"What? Miroku, who are you talking to?"
"Sango, sweetheart, I have to go. Don't worry, okay?"
"Miroku, tell me what is happening RIGHT now."
"Well, it seems that Naraku is hiding in this alley. Like the gutter rat he is, hm?"
There was the sound of some scuffing, and then some cussing.
"Miroku?"
"Hello?"
"Who is this? Where's Miroku?"
"I'm sorry!" The childish voice on the other end started crying. "I'm so sorry!"
"What? Who is this?"
"This- this is Shippou."
Sango searched her mind for the familiar sounding name. "Wait.. Shippou? From the shelter?"
"I had to! They made me!" Shippou started wailing.
Sango took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Okay, sweetie, tell me what happened, okay? Start from the beginning."
"Rin-chan and me, we were at the shelter, but Miroku left and no one can reach him, and the ladies at the orphanage had an emergency, and then my dad came and took me and Rin-chan, and he gave us to these people, and one of them hid Rin and told me if I didn't bring Miroku-san to them I'll never see her again!"
"So you're the one who took Miroku to wherever you guys are right now?"
"I'm sorry!"
"But, wait, Shippou, don't cry. I thought Miroku knew you! How'd you trick him?"
"They dressed me up as a girl." Shippou sniffed. "And they made me practice my lines. But they forgot to give me a name. So I had to make one up."
Sango pushed back the onset of hysteria. "Okay, Shippou, can you tell me what's happening now?"
"They're fighting."
Sango winced. This was exactly what she was afraid of. "Okay, Shippou, who do you see right now besides Miroku?"
"There's this guy with long black hair and this guy with long silver hair."
"That's all?"
"Well there's also these two girls, but they're not here right now. They took Rin."
"Are they hurting Miroku?"
"No. He's fast."
"Okay, Shippou, tell us exactly where you are."
"That brat!" The anger in the voice vibrated across the phone. "Who are you talking to? Get over here!"
"We're in an alley!" Sango heard right before there came complete silence. "Hello? Is anyone there?"
"We don't want this guy." The voice on the other end hissed. "Get Inuyasha here and we'll let your boyfriend go."
"What? Wait-" The connection broke.
*Jay's red sweatshirt? You know.. Jay Chou? I love his red sweatshirt! It's in the pictures of his second CD. He's the most terrific Chinese pop singer of all time! I think he's so hot! But then, that's just me. ^______^ www.jaychou.com
Ending Notes: Ahh not very long at all, is it? Well I wanted to get it out because I know there's no way I can write for another week or so, and you've all waited long enough. Also because I told Grace I'd get it out. Sorry! ^__^ Go Lakers!
Thanks for reviewing:
All my reviewers! Thank you so much for reviewing! That way I know someone's actually reading. ^_______________^
sorena27: Thank you! I love road trips and Inuyasha too.. so this story is fun to write! ^__^
Shaha-Rain: Lol... some little sisters are fun.. like my friends', for example. But let me assure you.. HAVING a little sister is a different story altogether. ^_^ It is the coolest thing to think this story made someone happy, lol.
Mystikat: Thank you!
cherrymecha: Lol maybe I overdid it a little on the ditziness, ne? Ah well, my computer still doesn't have internet access but my sister's does! So that means I can update!
JJ (bluej1689@hotmail.com): Uhm..Lol yes, I'm still alive, but barely. ^_^ Uhm.. please don't kill yourself?
biggslappy0: I'm a InuyashaxKagome fan too! ^__^ Kikyou is okay, in a sort of ,.. dead way. Lol whatever it's late and I'm not making sense. xp Thanks for reviewing!
insanegirlthatatesuger: I'm hungry too.. I like Twix ice cream. ^___^
kawaiililshippo: Well it sort of explains who Tim and Tam are in this chapter.. hope you aren't still confused!
Kagome-hime: Daily? Really? Wow now I feel really guilty for having this so delayed! Teehee well thanks for the encouragement!
Jade Kitten: Hey.. your username reminds me of "Daughters of Darkness"... yeah. Well anyways, lol, I love InuyashaxKagome fluff. Thanks for all your reviews! But I think Inuyasha looks just as hot in his human form. Lol.
Neverhere: Lol.. that's funny. *sweatdrop* No witty reply today, sorry...
Bast: Thank you! I hope you like this chapter.
Sasha: Updatedness... lol, very cool word. I'm like.. suffocating under all the homework I have!
ArouraLeona: I loved your review! Very encouraging, ^__________^ thanks!
Kezi: Bored of Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango and Kouga? Of course not! Don't worry, I would never abandon this fic!
DiceRollin101: *starry eyes* Ah, I love fluff, so there should be plenty of it in the future! ^_^ I'll try squeezing some plot in there too.
trinacat16: Brilliant.. *more starry eyes* Wow, I don't think I've ever been called that before! Thanks! ^___^
Rachel: Lol, you'll find out what happens..well you should have already because the review replies are after the chapter..ahh I'm all mixed up.
Sakura: Yay! I was trying to portray Kouga that way! He always seemed like such a cutie to me..
Inaho: No clingy Kouga-kun! He funner as a tough guy! Teehee I'm glad you agree with me! ^_______^
Micah/ Lord Iron-Balls: Wow, I think I'm going to frame your review or something! It was cool talking to you on AIM, and thanks for the help in bio! (Lol, sorry about that.) It is very very cool to be complimented by someone who writes stories like yours! The Feh Squad.. ahh that was so sweet!
Jack: Lol wow! Thanks for all your reviews, and I'm sorry this chapter is out so late. Enjoy! I'm glad you like this fic. ^_^
Lyn/Lin: Thanks. ^____________^
chibi kawaii inu: Thanks for reviewing! Enjoy this chapter.
Vampy: Well, not quite 18 years yet.. but very close! It's been what, two months? *cringes* Seriously sorry.
vicious-wolf: Teehee I couldn't resist tossing a tacky tourist attraction in there.
Noodals: Lol thanks for your review!
Amaniachwen: I know what you mean! As much as I'm for the InuyashaxKagome thing, and as much as I adore Inuyasha... Kouga's just so cool!
Noa: Lol gang buddies.. sounds like a prison movie. ^___^ But Sesshomaru plays the bad guy part so well!
saiya-jin royalty: Ahh what you said was perfect! And trust me, you are not the worst reviewer in the world!! *whispers* People who flame are.
FranceGamble: *widens eyes* Is the summary bad? Hm.. I'm going to have to check it..
whitewingeddragon1: Aww don't worry about me! Worry about the homework and textbooks I'm ready to torch! *looks around* Erm.. I didn't say that! Well yes I did but.. aww never mind. Don't worry, I'm still "in the game" but sorta on the bench. (love basketball).
Laine: Thank you for your review!
Kyaa-Kyaff: My feelings exactly! Thank you for voicing it! Haha.
Leina: Thank you!
Sasali the Snowgirl: Lol.. ^_____________________________________^ There, now my face is more mutated than yours.
heather: Thank you for reviewing!
Itadakimasu: Yes.. I hate my internet service. ^__^ But it's okay now. I forgive it. *pats computer*
K-chan: Thankeeeeeeeeeeee. ^__________^ Love fluff too.