A/N: Here it is, enjoy! Well a little aimless chatter first: I want to watch Colin Farrell's new movie! I love American Outlaws and I don't care what the critic say about it! Also, cutie Gregory Smith from Everwood is in it too!
The site is down so I can't get my reviews to reply to them ;__; but I want to thank everyone who reviewed, thanks SO much! And to the reviewers who left such nice, long reviews.. *wipes tear* thanks guys!! It really helps speed up the writing process, I swear. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy Holidays! Oh, and if you have/had questions, I'll answer them in the next chapter. Thanks again!
Chapter 10: One Big Family
They had been in the room for 20, maybe 30 minutes now, Miroku and Inuyasha longer. Kagome was getting sleepy. She snuggled into Inuyasha's warm sweatshirt, but he nudged her awake. "Stop it. Don't fall asleep."
"Why not?" She murmured, her face in his shoulder.
"Because we don't know what's gonna happen." Inuyasha whispered. "You'll be better prepared if you're alert."
"I'll be alert after I take a nap." Kagome rationalized. She gave a soft sigh and closed his eyes. Inuyasha banged his head against the wall.
Kouga spread out on the floor, staring at the ceiling. "Man, this thing is so cracked up. I guess they do need interior designers."
"Well, she's asleep." Sango said dryly. Miroku noticed the position Kagome was in and turned to Sango. "Aren't you sleepy?" he coaxed. "I'll let you borrow my shoulder."
"No thanks." Sango replied, and gently pushed his face away. "Why don't you distract yourself with thinking of a way to rescue Shippou and get us out of here?"
Miroku pouted for a second, but then something crafty replaced the look in his eyes and a second later Sango could see a plan formulating. "Okay, I got it." He announced a moment later. "Inuyasha, wake Kagome up."
"Gladly." Inuyasha replied, pushing her. And pushing, and pushing, and..
"You're not doing it right." Sango said. She went to Kagome and whispered in her ear: "Kagome.. Hyde."
Kagome sat up and looked around frantically. "Where?!"
"Where what?" Sango asked innocently.
Kagome rubbed her eyes. "Sango, I had the weirdest dream.. you told me that Hyde was in my house! And he looked so hot, and.."
"It's just a dream." Sango interrupted. "But we need you to wake up now."
"Oh okay." Kagome went back to yawning and stretching as the three boys looked at Sango with a mixture of awe and confusion.
"How did you do that?" asked Inuyasha.
"Who's Hyde?" asked Kouga.
"Do you think he's cute too, Sango-chan?" asked Miroku.
"What's he doing in Kagome's house?" asked Kouga.
"How come you didn't do that on the day of the trip? I had to carry that bucket of water." said Miroku.
"Hyde is a singing star. He's a total hottie and Kagome has the biggest crush on him. And I have to save it for emergencies or she'll become immune." Sango explained, wisely ignoring all the other questions. The guys thought this over.
"Never heard of him." They announced in unison.
"You've been living under a rock!" Kagome exclaimed.
"More like in reality." Kouga retorted. "No time to check out the newest stars when you're on the other side of the law, Kagome."
Kagome considered this. "Yeah, you're right. It's okay, Kouga, you can come to my house one day and I'll show you my collection of pictures!!"
Kouga looked a little panicked. "Uhm sure. But why don't you show Inuyasha? He's uhm probably more uhm appreciative."
Inuyasha scowled at him. "Son of a bitch."
Sango cleared her voice. "Hello? We're still trying to escape? Remember?"
"Sounds familiar." Kouga agreed. "So what's the plan, Miroku?"
"This is so easy that even Kagome can't screw it up." Miroku said cheerfully. Inuyasha clamped his hand over Kagome's mouth before she could make a comeback. She thought about biting him, but settled for a glare. "The thing is," Miroku continued. "Naraku is out for revenge, and he'll do anything to get it. So we avoid him. But if we really can't help it, run before you fight. Especially you, Inuyasha. We're not out to draw blood today."
A few minutes later Miroku had offended some other people, but the plan was set, even though no one but Miroku was happy with their roles.
"I don't want to lead the girls to safety!" Kouga complained. "Why can't I have Inuyasha's job? Any wuss could escape a beach house!"
Kagome and Sango glared at him. Kouga grinned sheepishly. "Uh.. on the other hand, it would be a pleasure to be in the company of you girls."
"Everyone ready?" Miroku asked, and got four nods in reply. "Let's go then." He got his lock pick out of his pocket and they were out in a second.
"Be charming." Inuyasha muttered under his breath as the group split up. "Fucking Miroku. Who do I look like, Josh Hartnett? Well, maybe a little, but how the hell am I supposed to pull off charming?" After a few minutes search turned up no sign of Kikyou, Inuyasha went back to grumbling. "Stupid Kikyou, where are you? I swear, if you're in the bathroom plucking or waxing something again, I'm gonna.."
Kouga opened the front door with a flourish. "Let's go, ladies."
Sango bit her lip as she took one last look down the empty hall behind her. "I'm worried about Miroku."
"Sweetie, you spend two thirds of your day worrying about him. Give it a rest." He gave her a gentle shove out the door and closed it behind him. Sango slapped his hand. "You suck, Kouga."
"Okay," he agreed pleasantly. "but you blow."
The girls shrieked in tandem. "That's so gross!"
"Yeah." Kouga said proudly. "I learned it in eighth grade. Boys locker room."
Miroku strolled down the empty halls, checking open doors and knocking on the closed ones. So far he'd gotten nothing but televisions, mismatched furniture and a flirtatious suggestion from Kagura that he chose to ignore, keeping Sango firmly in mind. Yet he had not found what he was looking for. Where the hell could Naraku be?
Inuyasha stalked around a corner, scowling so hard he didn't see Kagura, who he bumped into.
"Well, well." Kagura grinned, and tugged Inuyasha's sweatshirt straight. "You're the second delicious guy I've bumped into in the last five minutes. What are you all up to?"
Used to her, Inuyasha barely flicked Kagura a glance before his gaze flickered beyond. "Where's Kikyou?"
Kagura raised an eyebrow. "I thought you two were over."
"We are." Inuyasha replied impatiently. "This is business, Kagura. Now, be a good girl and spill."
Kagura leaned against the wall and pouted. "I never knew why you were interested in her." she complained. "She's so.. uptight with guys."
Inuyasha thought back. "Not as much as you'd think." he countered.
Kagura mulled over this new piece of information. "Well," she shrugged. "to each his own, I suppose. Anyways, Kikyou's beach-hopping. This one cute lifeguard was checking her out the other day we were here and she's so on the rebound, you know, so she just might take him up on the offer. If she can't find him or decides he's totally gross, she's probably shopping." Kagura had been watching Inuyasha carefully when she mentioned the cute lifeguard and Kikyou's potential love interest, but to her disappointment, she saw no reaction.
"Just like her." Inuyasha complained. "How the hell am I supposed to find the brats then?"
"What brats?" Kagura wanted to know. "I can help you." Her gaze, and her finger, slid down Inuyasha's chest. Inuyasha sighed. "I guess you'll be okay." he said doubtfully. "Try to keep your hands to yourself though." Kagura pouted again. "You're no fun." she complained. "You and Kikyou were made for each other."
"I wouldn't mind so much if you weren't so interested in my brother." Inuyasha explained, putting a hand on the small of her back as he steered her in the direction he hoped the kids were in. "It's just.. wrong."
"Like it's my fault you're both so yummy. But I guess my heart is still with Sess-chan. He just has so much class."
"What are you trying to say?"
Kagura laughed. "Nothing, nothing. I think the kids are upstairs."
"Hey, Kagome." Sango nudged her friend. "That lifeguard is checking you out."
"He is?" Kagome looked up from the rock she was sitting on. "Wow."
"He's coming over here!" Sango hissed.
"Do I have anything on my teeth?" Kagome whispered back.
"No. You go, girl! Good thing Kouga's off buying drinks."
"What? What does he have to do with this?"
"Never mind. Flirt your heart out, Kagome-chan."
~Five Minutes Later~
Kouga sauntered up to Sango and dropped down next to her, handing her a soda. "What's going on?"
Sango sushed him and nodded towards Kagome. "Look! He's totally falling for the innocent look." Kouga scowled and got up, but Sango yanked him down again. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Better me that Inuyasha." Kouga retorted. "Besides, there's no time to be flirting now. What if Naraku discovers we're gone and sends someone out to find us? You wouldn't want to get an innocent bystander caught up in this daytime soap, do you?"
Sango thought this over. "I guess not." she said relunctantly. "But she's having so much fun."
"She can have fun after we get the hell out of here."
"I guess you're right." Sango conceded. "Well, try not to frighten Golden Boy too much."
"You guys named him?" Kouga asked incredulously.
Sango shrugged.
Kagome was pulled away from 'Golden Boy', whose real name was Kyle, by Kouga. "What??" she asked, looking back to make sure the lifeguard hadn't lost interest. He hadn't. In fact, he was trailing after them. Kouga sighed. "Kagome," he said, as sternly as he could manage. "we don't have time for this. I think we should be getting back in the van now. That's the meeting place. If Inuyasha and Miroku are already there, they'll be wondering where we are."
Kagome pouted for a second, then her usual smile took over her features. "Okay, fine."
Kyle caught up with them. "Come on," he said to Kagome. "don't you want to climb up onto the lifeguard tower?"
"Uhm." Kagome said.
Kouga moved subtly forward and smiled in a way that seemed to make Kyle very nervous. "Uhm, you know what?" he said to Kagome, eyeing Kouga. "I think I hear someone drowning. It was nice talking to you!" He darted away.
Kagome looked at Kouga. "You know, I would be impressed if I wasn't a little pissed at you right now."
Kouga grinned.
Miroku finally found Naraku in the third room on the second floor. Unfortunately, he was sleeping. A small, evil smile stole over Miroku's face as he thought of different ways to wake him up. Eventually, he set down the lighter and relunctantly decided to be mature. For the time being. Instead, he perched on a nearby chair and kicked at the mattress. "Yo, Naraku. Wake up."
Naraku sat up, his dark eyes cold. "How did you get in here?"
"You don't have security guards." Miroku reminded him. "I guess the black market business isn't paying off, huh? And if I were you," Miroku continued. "I wouldn't reach for the phone just now."
Naraku pulled his hand back slowly. "What do you want?" He asked icily.
"I want to deal." Miroku said quietly.
Naraku narrowed his eyes. "You have three minutes."
Miroku took a deep breath. "I'm willing to work for you. I can keep an eye on Inuyasha and Kouga. They trust me. I give you a weekly report on what they're doing and what they're planning. You know Inuyasha can't stay out of the business for long. You're going to have tough competition very soon. This isn't just an idyllic vacation, you know."
Naraku considered this. "What's in it for you?" he asked suspiciously.
"My girlfriend's brother is sick." Miroku said evenly. "There's no way her family can come up with the money it'll take to give him the treatment he needs. You cut me in 15% on all your future deals for as long as I'm in your employment."
"Impossible." Naraku snapped. "5%."
Miroku shook his head. "Do you know what kind of danger I'm putting myself in? Inuyasha and Kouga are dangerous apart, imagine them together. And if I get caught, where am I going to run? Think about it, Naraku, there's no one besides me who can do this job."
"There would be no reason to need a inside spy if I have them all right here, Miroku. How are they going to escape?"
"Well, can I point out that I already did? And besides, there's no way you can keep them locked up forever. I don't think there are any locks in the world that can do that. They're fucking Houdinis. The only way to get at them is through the inside. You mess up every deal they make from now on, and eventually they'll burn out. That's the best revenge you can have; making Inuyasha lose faith in himself. Oh, and one last thing. Leave the families alone. You're dealing with the guys. Don't be stupid and drag other people into this."
Naraku thought. "15%, if you give me a good reason for why you're doing this, and I'll follow your conditions."
Miroku stood up and headed toward the door. When he turned back, his eyes were dark and unreadable. "My girlfriend means everything to me." he said quietly. "I would do anything to make her happy."
"You're a weak person." Naraku remarked.
Miroku smiled as he left. "Maybe so. But to Sango, I'll be a hero."
"Now, you're sure they're in here." Inuyasha looked hard at Kagura, trying to see if she was lying.
"Of course I'm sure." Kagura rolled her eyes and popped her gum. "Aren't I the one who had to bring those brats food and water? I mean, do they really need three different kinds of juice? Kikyou is too nice to kids, I swear."
"Enough talking." Inuyasha interrupted. "Hand over the key."
"Key?" Kagura asked blankly.
"Yes, the key to the room!"
Kagura shrugged. "Damn, Inuyasha, why didn't you say so? I don't have the key, Naraku does. It's his security against your escape, since we couldn't afford guards and all.." she shrugged again.
Inuyasha groaned. "Well, you can leave now, Kagura."
"Just like a guy." Kagura sulked teasingly, swinging her way down the stairs. "Use a girl then make her leave when it's over."
Inuyasha chuckled, then studied the knob. "Well, I'm no Miroku, but.."
"When do you think they're coming?" Kagome spread out on the mattress, staring at the ceiling of the van. "I'm getting sort of worried. What if they really got cut up into little pieces."
"Hey, hey." Kouga said, irritated. "Stop it, Kagome. Look, you made Sango all pale. She looks like a ghost now."
Sango huffed and unwrapped a package of gumballs. "It's tough work being Miroku's girlfriend."
"Yeah." Kagome agreed with a wrinkle of her nose. "He has such wandering hands."
"No, I mean I have to worry about him so much!"
"You shouldn't." Kouga said, sprawled out on the bean bag. "Miroku can handle himself, okay? You haven't seen him on the job. Man, that guy can get ruthless."
"Ruthless?" Kagome asked. "Miroku? Ruthless?"
"Just because you've only seen him as boyfriend and childhood friend-"
"And math tutor." Kagome added.
"Yeah, you've just never seen him as a, you know, a criminal."
Sango covered her eyes with her arm. "Don't remind me. God, I'm dating a hardened criminal."
"I wouldn't say hardened, exactly." Kouga replied thoughtfully. "He's just a kid, you know."
"And you're so much older." Kagome laughed. "Don't tell me, you have kids already, huh?"
Kouga laughed. "No, not yet- holy shit!"
"What?" Kagome sat up, alarmed. "What happened?"
"I forgot to check up on the kids!"
"You have kids?" Sango sat up on the armchair.
"No, no my sister and the twins- hold on, I gotta find a phone."
Inuyasha entered the brightly lit room and found Rin and Shippou asleep, their two little heads bent together. Giving an impatient sigh, Inuyasha went over and lifted Shippou by his collar. "Hey kid, wake up."
Rin leapt forward and clamped her teeth on Inuyasha's jean-clad leg. "Leggo of Shippou!" she demanded when she came up for breath, and Inuyasha took the chance to pick her up too. "Hey kids, if you don't cooperate, I'll leave you two here and tell Miroku you died."
"Miroku?" Immediately Rin's face lit up. "You know Miroku?"
"Yeah, yeah. He sent me here. Though God knows why." Inuyasha added in a mutter. "Anyways, be quiet and follow me or I won't be responsible for you if you get caught again."
Rin and Shippou's eyes widened and they promised to be as silent as they could.
Miroku slipped out the back door and spotted the van parked a discreet thirty feet away, partially hidden by a palm tree. He reached it to find Sango already half out of her mind with worry, thanks to Kouga and Kagome and their comments. She jumped out of the front seat and into his arms. "Miroku! I was so worried about you! Did you get any part of your body chopped off?"
Miroku grinned and kissed her. Sango's back bumped against the side of the van and Kagome and Kouga looked at each other from inside. "What's that noise?" Kagome asked.
"I think they're having a joyful reunion."
"Nah." Miroku assured Sango outside. "I'm fine. Of course, you're welcome to check if you want."
Sango kissed him again.
"Hey, break it up." Inuyasha called as he strode toward the van, Rin and Shippou at his heels. "We got kids here and you're going over the PG rating."
Miroku laughed as Shippou and Rin scampered into his arms, chattering about their adventures with Sesshoumaru and Naraku.
"Well," Kouga said, sticking his head out. "now that we're a big happy family again, can we please get going before we're a big happy family held hostage by a gang?"
Ending Notes: Hey guys, it's been a while, huh? Well, how was Christmas, everyone? I hope you had a great time, because I did! A little inside tip: China guys are so................. HOT! I mean, we lived at this one hotel with the cutest little doorman I've ever seen! Well he's not little, I mean he's taller than me and all, but he's young, you know? And then he wore these adorable classes and I was drooling and wondering if I could bring him home as a souvenir? And then there's this salon in China, where we went to in Shanghai and I got the hottest guy washing my hair! And I was like... okay, no drooling now...
*sigh* Yeah. But in a few days the horror of school will be starting and even though it's finals season and all, I'll try my best to update more! Because I know I'm pretty bad with that. *wince* Well, thanks for being faithful readers and please review so I can know if anything's wrong! Oh, and feel free to email me if you have any questions, okay? Happy 2003!
P.S. I couldn't help the Josh Hartnett remark.. isn't he just the hottest guy ever? Oh, and I forgot.. Hyde? Beautiful!
The site is down so I can't get my reviews to reply to them ;__; but I want to thank everyone who reviewed, thanks SO much! And to the reviewers who left such nice, long reviews.. *wipes tear* thanks guys!! It really helps speed up the writing process, I swear. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy Holidays! Oh, and if you have/had questions, I'll answer them in the next chapter. Thanks again!
Chapter 10: One Big Family
They had been in the room for 20, maybe 30 minutes now, Miroku and Inuyasha longer. Kagome was getting sleepy. She snuggled into Inuyasha's warm sweatshirt, but he nudged her awake. "Stop it. Don't fall asleep."
"Why not?" She murmured, her face in his shoulder.
"Because we don't know what's gonna happen." Inuyasha whispered. "You'll be better prepared if you're alert."
"I'll be alert after I take a nap." Kagome rationalized. She gave a soft sigh and closed his eyes. Inuyasha banged his head against the wall.
Kouga spread out on the floor, staring at the ceiling. "Man, this thing is so cracked up. I guess they do need interior designers."
"Well, she's asleep." Sango said dryly. Miroku noticed the position Kagome was in and turned to Sango. "Aren't you sleepy?" he coaxed. "I'll let you borrow my shoulder."
"No thanks." Sango replied, and gently pushed his face away. "Why don't you distract yourself with thinking of a way to rescue Shippou and get us out of here?"
Miroku pouted for a second, but then something crafty replaced the look in his eyes and a second later Sango could see a plan formulating. "Okay, I got it." He announced a moment later. "Inuyasha, wake Kagome up."
"Gladly." Inuyasha replied, pushing her. And pushing, and pushing, and..
"You're not doing it right." Sango said. She went to Kagome and whispered in her ear: "Kagome.. Hyde."
Kagome sat up and looked around frantically. "Where?!"
"Where what?" Sango asked innocently.
Kagome rubbed her eyes. "Sango, I had the weirdest dream.. you told me that Hyde was in my house! And he looked so hot, and.."
"It's just a dream." Sango interrupted. "But we need you to wake up now."
"Oh okay." Kagome went back to yawning and stretching as the three boys looked at Sango with a mixture of awe and confusion.
"How did you do that?" asked Inuyasha.
"Who's Hyde?" asked Kouga.
"Do you think he's cute too, Sango-chan?" asked Miroku.
"What's he doing in Kagome's house?" asked Kouga.
"How come you didn't do that on the day of the trip? I had to carry that bucket of water." said Miroku.
"Hyde is a singing star. He's a total hottie and Kagome has the biggest crush on him. And I have to save it for emergencies or she'll become immune." Sango explained, wisely ignoring all the other questions. The guys thought this over.
"Never heard of him." They announced in unison.
"You've been living under a rock!" Kagome exclaimed.
"More like in reality." Kouga retorted. "No time to check out the newest stars when you're on the other side of the law, Kagome."
Kagome considered this. "Yeah, you're right. It's okay, Kouga, you can come to my house one day and I'll show you my collection of pictures!!"
Kouga looked a little panicked. "Uhm sure. But why don't you show Inuyasha? He's uhm probably more uhm appreciative."
Inuyasha scowled at him. "Son of a bitch."
Sango cleared her voice. "Hello? We're still trying to escape? Remember?"
"Sounds familiar." Kouga agreed. "So what's the plan, Miroku?"
"This is so easy that even Kagome can't screw it up." Miroku said cheerfully. Inuyasha clamped his hand over Kagome's mouth before she could make a comeback. She thought about biting him, but settled for a glare. "The thing is," Miroku continued. "Naraku is out for revenge, and he'll do anything to get it. So we avoid him. But if we really can't help it, run before you fight. Especially you, Inuyasha. We're not out to draw blood today."
A few minutes later Miroku had offended some other people, but the plan was set, even though no one but Miroku was happy with their roles.
"I don't want to lead the girls to safety!" Kouga complained. "Why can't I have Inuyasha's job? Any wuss could escape a beach house!"
Kagome and Sango glared at him. Kouga grinned sheepishly. "Uh.. on the other hand, it would be a pleasure to be in the company of you girls."
"Everyone ready?" Miroku asked, and got four nods in reply. "Let's go then." He got his lock pick out of his pocket and they were out in a second.
"Be charming." Inuyasha muttered under his breath as the group split up. "Fucking Miroku. Who do I look like, Josh Hartnett? Well, maybe a little, but how the hell am I supposed to pull off charming?" After a few minutes search turned up no sign of Kikyou, Inuyasha went back to grumbling. "Stupid Kikyou, where are you? I swear, if you're in the bathroom plucking or waxing something again, I'm gonna.."
Kouga opened the front door with a flourish. "Let's go, ladies."
Sango bit her lip as she took one last look down the empty hall behind her. "I'm worried about Miroku."
"Sweetie, you spend two thirds of your day worrying about him. Give it a rest." He gave her a gentle shove out the door and closed it behind him. Sango slapped his hand. "You suck, Kouga."
"Okay," he agreed pleasantly. "but you blow."
The girls shrieked in tandem. "That's so gross!"
"Yeah." Kouga said proudly. "I learned it in eighth grade. Boys locker room."
Miroku strolled down the empty halls, checking open doors and knocking on the closed ones. So far he'd gotten nothing but televisions, mismatched furniture and a flirtatious suggestion from Kagura that he chose to ignore, keeping Sango firmly in mind. Yet he had not found what he was looking for. Where the hell could Naraku be?
Inuyasha stalked around a corner, scowling so hard he didn't see Kagura, who he bumped into.
"Well, well." Kagura grinned, and tugged Inuyasha's sweatshirt straight. "You're the second delicious guy I've bumped into in the last five minutes. What are you all up to?"
Used to her, Inuyasha barely flicked Kagura a glance before his gaze flickered beyond. "Where's Kikyou?"
Kagura raised an eyebrow. "I thought you two were over."
"We are." Inuyasha replied impatiently. "This is business, Kagura. Now, be a good girl and spill."
Kagura leaned against the wall and pouted. "I never knew why you were interested in her." she complained. "She's so.. uptight with guys."
Inuyasha thought back. "Not as much as you'd think." he countered.
Kagura mulled over this new piece of information. "Well," she shrugged. "to each his own, I suppose. Anyways, Kikyou's beach-hopping. This one cute lifeguard was checking her out the other day we were here and she's so on the rebound, you know, so she just might take him up on the offer. If she can't find him or decides he's totally gross, she's probably shopping." Kagura had been watching Inuyasha carefully when she mentioned the cute lifeguard and Kikyou's potential love interest, but to her disappointment, she saw no reaction.
"Just like her." Inuyasha complained. "How the hell am I supposed to find the brats then?"
"What brats?" Kagura wanted to know. "I can help you." Her gaze, and her finger, slid down Inuyasha's chest. Inuyasha sighed. "I guess you'll be okay." he said doubtfully. "Try to keep your hands to yourself though." Kagura pouted again. "You're no fun." she complained. "You and Kikyou were made for each other."
"I wouldn't mind so much if you weren't so interested in my brother." Inuyasha explained, putting a hand on the small of her back as he steered her in the direction he hoped the kids were in. "It's just.. wrong."
"Like it's my fault you're both so yummy. But I guess my heart is still with Sess-chan. He just has so much class."
"What are you trying to say?"
Kagura laughed. "Nothing, nothing. I think the kids are upstairs."
"Hey, Kagome." Sango nudged her friend. "That lifeguard is checking you out."
"He is?" Kagome looked up from the rock she was sitting on. "Wow."
"He's coming over here!" Sango hissed.
"Do I have anything on my teeth?" Kagome whispered back.
"No. You go, girl! Good thing Kouga's off buying drinks."
"What? What does he have to do with this?"
"Never mind. Flirt your heart out, Kagome-chan."
~Five Minutes Later~
Kouga sauntered up to Sango and dropped down next to her, handing her a soda. "What's going on?"
Sango sushed him and nodded towards Kagome. "Look! He's totally falling for the innocent look." Kouga scowled and got up, but Sango yanked him down again. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Better me that Inuyasha." Kouga retorted. "Besides, there's no time to be flirting now. What if Naraku discovers we're gone and sends someone out to find us? You wouldn't want to get an innocent bystander caught up in this daytime soap, do you?"
Sango thought this over. "I guess not." she said relunctantly. "But she's having so much fun."
"She can have fun after we get the hell out of here."
"I guess you're right." Sango conceded. "Well, try not to frighten Golden Boy too much."
"You guys named him?" Kouga asked incredulously.
Sango shrugged.
Kagome was pulled away from 'Golden Boy', whose real name was Kyle, by Kouga. "What??" she asked, looking back to make sure the lifeguard hadn't lost interest. He hadn't. In fact, he was trailing after them. Kouga sighed. "Kagome," he said, as sternly as he could manage. "we don't have time for this. I think we should be getting back in the van now. That's the meeting place. If Inuyasha and Miroku are already there, they'll be wondering where we are."
Kagome pouted for a second, then her usual smile took over her features. "Okay, fine."
Kyle caught up with them. "Come on," he said to Kagome. "don't you want to climb up onto the lifeguard tower?"
"Uhm." Kagome said.
Kouga moved subtly forward and smiled in a way that seemed to make Kyle very nervous. "Uhm, you know what?" he said to Kagome, eyeing Kouga. "I think I hear someone drowning. It was nice talking to you!" He darted away.
Kagome looked at Kouga. "You know, I would be impressed if I wasn't a little pissed at you right now."
Kouga grinned.
Miroku finally found Naraku in the third room on the second floor. Unfortunately, he was sleeping. A small, evil smile stole over Miroku's face as he thought of different ways to wake him up. Eventually, he set down the lighter and relunctantly decided to be mature. For the time being. Instead, he perched on a nearby chair and kicked at the mattress. "Yo, Naraku. Wake up."
Naraku sat up, his dark eyes cold. "How did you get in here?"
"You don't have security guards." Miroku reminded him. "I guess the black market business isn't paying off, huh? And if I were you," Miroku continued. "I wouldn't reach for the phone just now."
Naraku pulled his hand back slowly. "What do you want?" He asked icily.
"I want to deal." Miroku said quietly.
Naraku narrowed his eyes. "You have three minutes."
Miroku took a deep breath. "I'm willing to work for you. I can keep an eye on Inuyasha and Kouga. They trust me. I give you a weekly report on what they're doing and what they're planning. You know Inuyasha can't stay out of the business for long. You're going to have tough competition very soon. This isn't just an idyllic vacation, you know."
Naraku considered this. "What's in it for you?" he asked suspiciously.
"My girlfriend's brother is sick." Miroku said evenly. "There's no way her family can come up with the money it'll take to give him the treatment he needs. You cut me in 15% on all your future deals for as long as I'm in your employment."
"Impossible." Naraku snapped. "5%."
Miroku shook his head. "Do you know what kind of danger I'm putting myself in? Inuyasha and Kouga are dangerous apart, imagine them together. And if I get caught, where am I going to run? Think about it, Naraku, there's no one besides me who can do this job."
"There would be no reason to need a inside spy if I have them all right here, Miroku. How are they going to escape?"
"Well, can I point out that I already did? And besides, there's no way you can keep them locked up forever. I don't think there are any locks in the world that can do that. They're fucking Houdinis. The only way to get at them is through the inside. You mess up every deal they make from now on, and eventually they'll burn out. That's the best revenge you can have; making Inuyasha lose faith in himself. Oh, and one last thing. Leave the families alone. You're dealing with the guys. Don't be stupid and drag other people into this."
Naraku thought. "15%, if you give me a good reason for why you're doing this, and I'll follow your conditions."
Miroku stood up and headed toward the door. When he turned back, his eyes were dark and unreadable. "My girlfriend means everything to me." he said quietly. "I would do anything to make her happy."
"You're a weak person." Naraku remarked.
Miroku smiled as he left. "Maybe so. But to Sango, I'll be a hero."
"Now, you're sure they're in here." Inuyasha looked hard at Kagura, trying to see if she was lying.
"Of course I'm sure." Kagura rolled her eyes and popped her gum. "Aren't I the one who had to bring those brats food and water? I mean, do they really need three different kinds of juice? Kikyou is too nice to kids, I swear."
"Enough talking." Inuyasha interrupted. "Hand over the key."
"Key?" Kagura asked blankly.
"Yes, the key to the room!"
Kagura shrugged. "Damn, Inuyasha, why didn't you say so? I don't have the key, Naraku does. It's his security against your escape, since we couldn't afford guards and all.." she shrugged again.
Inuyasha groaned. "Well, you can leave now, Kagura."
"Just like a guy." Kagura sulked teasingly, swinging her way down the stairs. "Use a girl then make her leave when it's over."
Inuyasha chuckled, then studied the knob. "Well, I'm no Miroku, but.."
"When do you think they're coming?" Kagome spread out on the mattress, staring at the ceiling of the van. "I'm getting sort of worried. What if they really got cut up into little pieces."
"Hey, hey." Kouga said, irritated. "Stop it, Kagome. Look, you made Sango all pale. She looks like a ghost now."
Sango huffed and unwrapped a package of gumballs. "It's tough work being Miroku's girlfriend."
"Yeah." Kagome agreed with a wrinkle of her nose. "He has such wandering hands."
"No, I mean I have to worry about him so much!"
"You shouldn't." Kouga said, sprawled out on the bean bag. "Miroku can handle himself, okay? You haven't seen him on the job. Man, that guy can get ruthless."
"Ruthless?" Kagome asked. "Miroku? Ruthless?"
"Just because you've only seen him as boyfriend and childhood friend-"
"And math tutor." Kagome added.
"Yeah, you've just never seen him as a, you know, a criminal."
Sango covered her eyes with her arm. "Don't remind me. God, I'm dating a hardened criminal."
"I wouldn't say hardened, exactly." Kouga replied thoughtfully. "He's just a kid, you know."
"And you're so much older." Kagome laughed. "Don't tell me, you have kids already, huh?"
Kouga laughed. "No, not yet- holy shit!"
"What?" Kagome sat up, alarmed. "What happened?"
"I forgot to check up on the kids!"
"You have kids?" Sango sat up on the armchair.
"No, no my sister and the twins- hold on, I gotta find a phone."
Inuyasha entered the brightly lit room and found Rin and Shippou asleep, their two little heads bent together. Giving an impatient sigh, Inuyasha went over and lifted Shippou by his collar. "Hey kid, wake up."
Rin leapt forward and clamped her teeth on Inuyasha's jean-clad leg. "Leggo of Shippou!" she demanded when she came up for breath, and Inuyasha took the chance to pick her up too. "Hey kids, if you don't cooperate, I'll leave you two here and tell Miroku you died."
"Miroku?" Immediately Rin's face lit up. "You know Miroku?"
"Yeah, yeah. He sent me here. Though God knows why." Inuyasha added in a mutter. "Anyways, be quiet and follow me or I won't be responsible for you if you get caught again."
Rin and Shippou's eyes widened and they promised to be as silent as they could.
Miroku slipped out the back door and spotted the van parked a discreet thirty feet away, partially hidden by a palm tree. He reached it to find Sango already half out of her mind with worry, thanks to Kouga and Kagome and their comments. She jumped out of the front seat and into his arms. "Miroku! I was so worried about you! Did you get any part of your body chopped off?"
Miroku grinned and kissed her. Sango's back bumped against the side of the van and Kagome and Kouga looked at each other from inside. "What's that noise?" Kagome asked.
"I think they're having a joyful reunion."
"Nah." Miroku assured Sango outside. "I'm fine. Of course, you're welcome to check if you want."
Sango kissed him again.
"Hey, break it up." Inuyasha called as he strode toward the van, Rin and Shippou at his heels. "We got kids here and you're going over the PG rating."
Miroku laughed as Shippou and Rin scampered into his arms, chattering about their adventures with Sesshoumaru and Naraku.
"Well," Kouga said, sticking his head out. "now that we're a big happy family again, can we please get going before we're a big happy family held hostage by a gang?"
Ending Notes: Hey guys, it's been a while, huh? Well, how was Christmas, everyone? I hope you had a great time, because I did! A little inside tip: China guys are so................. HOT! I mean, we lived at this one hotel with the cutest little doorman I've ever seen! Well he's not little, I mean he's taller than me and all, but he's young, you know? And then he wore these adorable classes and I was drooling and wondering if I could bring him home as a souvenir? And then there's this salon in China, where we went to in Shanghai and I got the hottest guy washing my hair! And I was like... okay, no drooling now...
*sigh* Yeah. But in a few days the horror of school will be starting and even though it's finals season and all, I'll try my best to update more! Because I know I'm pretty bad with that. *wince* Well, thanks for being faithful readers and please review so I can know if anything's wrong! Oh, and feel free to email me if you have any questions, okay? Happy 2003!
P.S. I couldn't help the Josh Hartnett remark.. isn't he just the hottest guy ever? Oh, and I forgot.. Hyde? Beautiful!