Disclaimer: Don't own him, but I own some puppy ears that look suspiciously
familiar! ^_^
A/N: thanks for the reviews, I got more then usual! Yay! Maybe I can break 50 with this chappie! (Ok that's pushing it... maybe in the next THREE chappies lol) Anyway, Inu and Kag have met, but no don't worry, theyre definitely not in love. They don't know each other at all yet lol.. anyway I like this chapter better then the last one.. and I suppose you could say theres a WEE bit of fluff....maybe... but no they don't have a mad makeout scene or something lol
Chapter Eleven
A Little Closer
IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE NOT REREAD CHAPTER TEN, GO DO THAT NOW! Don't read the whole thing, just the last part between inu and kag, starting from when he says something about her father. I changed the ending and she isn't living with him (aww disappointing.. but don't worry.. it doesn't mean she's NEVER gonna live with him)
Back to Chapter Eleven
"Yippee! I win again! In your face you spoiled arrogant snob!"
"I'M ARROGANT? Look who's trying to rub it in my face just because I lost ONE lousy game of War? You do realize that the entire game is based on luck, bitch!"
"First of all, it was three games. Second of all, why are we insulting each other just for the fun of it?" Kagome accused (though she was also guilty), causing Inuyasha to look baffled for a moment.
"I suppose it's just because we're incredibly bored if all we can think of to do is play War".
"You just don't like War because you suck at it!"
"Oh yeah? We'll see who sucks after I beat you in another game!"
"Bring it on dog-boy!"
"RARF!"
The two card players turned their heads at the loud noise, relaxing when all they saw was Kagome's furry white dog. (Inuyasha had finally conceded into returning ownership to the teenaged girl). They tensed again, however, when they saw WHY he was making such a fuss.
"Ewww! That thing pissed all over my carpet!" Inuyasha screeched. "Get that filthy mutt OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
"Such a price that comes with fame," Kagome sighed pityingly. "So obsessed with material items. Pity," she shook her head sadly, Inuyasha giving her an odd look.
"I am NOT obsessed with material possessions. Dog piss is gross, that's all".
"I must agree with that, what were you thinking Buyo? You never used to piss on other people's furniture!" Buyo gave her what very well could have been perceived as an "oh brother" look. "Right...," Kagome trailed off, feeling embarrassed at being so stupid. Buyo had never had any furniture to piss ON.
Inuyasha had stopped seething for the moment to watch the amusing internal debate going on in Kagome's brain. After seeing that he had toned down a little, Kagome seized her chance.
"Look, Inuyasha, we'll just clean it. It won't be that bad, I promise".
"You clean it. You're a guest here".
"Do you even realize what you just said?" Kagome said, shaking her head in irritation. Inuyasha, realizing she was right, reluctantly gave in.
"Fine, we'll clean it. But I'm not touching the stuff, let me get us some supplies". Inuyasha rose and sped out of the room, leaving Kagome and Buyo to their own devices. "So Buyo, has Inuyasha been nice to you?" Kagome asked kindly. Buyo gave a low growl. "Ahh, I see. Somehow that doesn't surprise me a bit. But was he truly evil?" Buyo seemed to think for a moment, then gave a short bark that seemed to signify a "no". Kagome knew dogs couldn't communicate that clearly, but somehow she felt that she hadn't been imagining things. Maybe Buyo was special or something.
Shrugging the matter off, she turned to greet the returning Inuyasha, whose hands were full with bucket, water, cleaning spray, and white rubber gloves, and...oxygen masks?
"Inuyasha," Kagome giggled, "I really think we could do without the oxygen masks".
"Suit yourself," he shrugged, tossing one mask behind him. Slipping the other over his head, he turned to face Kagome. She couldn't help but fall back on the ground laughing. He looked enough like a dog already, and the oxygen mask gave him a feature that looked suspiciously like a snout! Finally her laughter subsided, and she looked up to see a very confused Inuyasha.
"What's so funny?" he asked genuinely.
"I think you'd kill me if I told you," she replied honestly, slipping the white gloves over her fingers. "Well, let's get to work!"
While they scrubbed the carpet bare, they took the opportunity to communicate with each other a bit.
"Bitch!"
"Turd!"
"Wench!"
"Picket fence!"
"Ass.... Wait a minute. Picket fence?" Inuyasha questioned, looking at Kagome like she was nuts.
"I don't know, that one just kinda slipped out," she giggled modestly, her cheeks flushing a bit.
"I'm thrilled that you're taking the time out of your day to clean dog pee with little ol me, but aren't you supposed to be a little more busy? For a famous guy, you don't seem to do much of anything!"
Inuyasha pondered her question for a moment and, for once, responded without an insult added.
"Well, technically I'm on vacation from all that right now. Fame's a tough business. You can't ever really be on vacation since the public watches you no matter what, but right now I'm living the closest I can get to it," he shrugged.
"But why? Sick of the work?"
He shook his head. "Nah, it's not that. I just got a little tired of always being on the move, and I decided I wanted to take a little break, ya know? And I certainly had the money" (Kagome snorted at this) "so I decided to come to the one place where celebrities aren't TOTALLY uncommon".
"Why not go to Hollywood?"
"I've spent too much time there already. It gets old".
Deciding it was time for a new topic, Inuyasha rapidly thought of something to say. "So, I take it your not from around here?"
"What gives you that impression?"
"First of all, your accent is very obvious. Second, you didn't know what war was. Third, you were living in what is known as the "Rookie Building". Well I mean, you were before, you know...," he trailed off.
Kagome brushed it aside. "What do you mean the Rookie Building?"
Inuyasha shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a nickname. Most people who move here usually seem to gravitate toward that place, though nobody knows why. They move out after a year or so". He continued to scrub the carpet even though he realized it was already clean. He had a question he wanted to ask, and now may be the perfect time.
"Hey," he began, his voice softening a bit.
"Yeah?" asked Kagome with a bit of a nervous tone, wondering what his question was, and hoping not to be caught off guard.
"Just tell me the truth. Who was that man I helped chase off that one time?"
Kagome bristled, she had almost been expecting him to say that. She could tell him, but she'd barely known him for a day! O.K, more then a day, but she hadn't spent that much time with him. Only a few people knew of her secret, and she wasn't sure she should add one of the world's top ten famous people to her list. If he ever blabbed then the whole country would know! She squeezed her eyes shut tightly and shook her head.
"I'm sorry, I just can't tell you," she murmured softly, trying not to look him in the eye. This man had saved her after all, and all he wanted was the answer to a simple question. She felt bad that she couldn't give it to him.
Inuyasha had been expecting that, so he wasn't really fazed. That wasn't the true aim of his question anyway. "Fine, then at least answer me this. The man who chased you into Miroku's apartment yesterday, was it the same guy?"
Kagome thought to herself for a moment, wondering if she could even trust him with that much information. Slowly, she nodded, trying not to let herself say any more then that. She couldn't divulge anything else to this man, who knows what would happen?
Inuyasha leaned back, the scrubbing forgotten. He seemed to ponder her answer for a moment, then leaned closer to her, his eyes tinged with a hint of worry.
"You're being followed then?"
"Yea," she whispered softly, her eyes clamped shut. She wasn't going to cry, she wasn't going to cry...
Slowly she opened her eyes to the young man, almost gasping when she saw his eyes mirroring her own. Pain danced around his pupils, and she couldn't help wondering what had happened to cause him such trauma. For a split second they continued to stare into the depths of each other's eyes as if they were peeping into the other's heart, seeking answers from each other. Suddenly, as if coming out of a trance, they pulled away, embarrassed and yet intrigued.
Inuyasha spoke to her, though his eyes were fixed upon a wall.
"You want to stay the night?"
Kagome whirled around to glare at him. "I can't believe you! We were actually having a decent conversation, and then you have to throw something like this in! You're very tiring, you know that?" she huffed, turning to face in the opposite direction.
Inuyasha held back a laugh. "I didn't mean it like that, trust me I wouldn't try something like that with YOU". (Kagome shot him a look). "Unless you want me to of course, in which case I could," he began.
Turning to face him again, Kagome threw her hands up in exasperation. "I give up, you're beginning to sound like Miroku! If you don't want me as some future hoar then why else would you want me in your house?"
He sighed, fixating his eyes upon hers. "Look, you obviously can't stay out there anymore. It's far too dangerous for someone your age, especially if you have some creepy stalker. Look around, this place is huge. There's definitely room for one more person, heck you could bring a whole girl scout troop in here, and every girl could have her own room! Not that I would advise that or anything," Kagome couldn't help but giggle as Inuyasha continued. "But anyway, you need a place to stay. So stay here, it's as simple as that. If you don't want to then it's no skin off my nose. You can go get yourself killed because I'm not always gonna be around to save your skinny little neck," he finished.
Kagome tried not to laugh outright. Some endearing speech all right. Slowly her expression grew somber as she looked intently at Inuyasha. "Look, I'll think about it, but before I answer there are some things you should take into consideration. Having me here puts you in immediate danger. I can't tell you why, but there are people out to get me, and you could get yourself hurt too! That's why I gave Buyo away in the first place, I didn't want to endanger somebody just because of my own selfish needs. And that's exactly what I'd be doing to you!" she finished, lowering her eyes sadly. There was no way Inuyasha would keep his offer, she had already seen that he was way too much of a jackass to do something like that.
Inuyasha barely even acknowledged her statement. "That's nothing, I've dealt with worse then some old fart," he boasted smugly.
Kagome huffed, exasperated. "You don't get it! This guy is a very dangerous man, and he'll stop at nothing to get to me! You're putting your very existence in danger just by talking to me right now!"
"I DON'T CARE!" Inuyasha exploded, causing Kagome to draw back. "Look, I don't really even know you, but I'm not about to let some creepy old guy have a go at you, especially since I saved your life twice! You owe me right?" Kagome nodded at that. "Then pay me back by staying here!"
"But that's more like putting myself more in debt to you, not paying you back!" yelled Kagome indignantly.
"WHY ARE WE YELLING?" he roared.
"HOW SHOULD I KNOW?" she screamed at equal volume.
Slowly they turned to each other, grins covering the faces that were livid only seconds earlier. Bursting into laughter, they fell back to the ground. After the rounds of laughing subsided, they continued their conversation.
"Listen, if anything you should be the one concerned about staying with me," Inuyasha began. "If the news media finds ANYTHING out, expect to have your picture plastered everywhere with some very unflattering stories," Kagome grimaced, understanding his meaning, "not to mention the fact that I'm... not exactly the most unpopular person you understand". He could have sword he heard the word "arrogant" in the muffled coughs coming from Kagome's throat, but for once he chose to ignore it. "So don't be angry if there are strange people here once in awhile".
Kagome thought all this over, pondering her dilemma. If she chose to stay here, who knew what she could be getting herself into? Not only was there the risk of her entire life being exposed to the public, but this man hardly seemed like the ideal person to share a living quarters with. Honestly they'd probably end up murdering each other within the first day. And besides, she could very well be endangering the life of this man! Though somehow, in the back of her mind, she knew that he could probably protect himself against her predator.
Besides, it definitely had some perks. She'd have a home again, and she wouldn't have to worry about always being on the run, or where to find her next meal. And even though Inuyasha seemed like a jerk, maybe he wasn't so bad deep down. They could even become friends! Kagome was starting to like this idea more and more, until a thought suddenly occurred to her.
"Why are we talking like this is permanent? Wasn't your initial invitation only for a single night?"
"Yes, and it still is. I ain't keeping you any longer then necessary. One night, and then you get out of my hair. The End".
Kagome shot him a peeved look, but inside she knew that he wasn't serious. There had been an unspoken invitation in their previous statements, and her reply would be just as silent. She'd stay the night and think about it, then give her final decision in the morning. That seemed like the best course of action.
"Well what'll it be? Me, the streets, or Miroku?"
Kagome perked up immediately. "Oh, I forgot about Miroku! Forget the offer Inuyasha, I already know where I'm heading tonight!" she winked.
Inuyasha wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. After a single look at his lost face, she cracked up in laughter. "That was priceless!" she grinned. After a moment she recovered and turned to give him her answer.
"Fine, I'll stay for the night. Happy?"
"Don't strain yourself," he rolled his eyes. "Just to let you know, this deal is strictly business. You don't seem the type, but don't go getting any funny ideas that this is gonna lead to some late night rendezvous, got it?"
Kagome was barely able to contain her laughter. "Who on EARTH would waste their time getting ideas like THAT?" she giggled. Then she looked quite serious for a moment, looking toward him like some cold, serious businesswoman. "Yes, Master Inuyasha, I accept your business proposal, and I assure you that it will not ever evolve into anything more". She held out her hand for a shake (trying not to laugh) and after a moment, he took it and shook it lightly.
"Pleasure doing business with you. Now where were we? Oh yes, I was just getting ready to kick your ass in another game of War!"
The two scrambled back to their card game, the deal momentarily forgotten. They both knew that they'd have no trouble sticking to it. Wouldn't they?
A/N: There ya go, an entire chapter of Inuyasha and Kagome. I changed the ending of the last chapter because I realize he would not give her a permanent invite after knowing her for five minutes. At least this time they've had the day to get to know each other, and the invitation isn't permanent, or at least they don't think it is. One night isn't a long time...
I hope the pacing of the story is all right, give me suggestions if it isn't. Again, let me stress that all fluffy moments in this chapter are NOT them falling madly in love with each other. They're just little glimpses of what might be in the future, because for now they're barely even friends.
Also, this chapter and one or two after it are going to be pretty lighthearted and humorous. But as I've warned before, this could easily be Romance/Drama instead of Romance/Humor, but since it's both I just used humor. Let's just say that things may start to get a little dark when Kagome's dad returns, but at least she has Inuyasha now!
Please Review!!
A/N: thanks for the reviews, I got more then usual! Yay! Maybe I can break 50 with this chappie! (Ok that's pushing it... maybe in the next THREE chappies lol) Anyway, Inu and Kag have met, but no don't worry, theyre definitely not in love. They don't know each other at all yet lol.. anyway I like this chapter better then the last one.. and I suppose you could say theres a WEE bit of fluff....maybe... but no they don't have a mad makeout scene or something lol
Chapter Eleven
A Little Closer
IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE NOT REREAD CHAPTER TEN, GO DO THAT NOW! Don't read the whole thing, just the last part between inu and kag, starting from when he says something about her father. I changed the ending and she isn't living with him (aww disappointing.. but don't worry.. it doesn't mean she's NEVER gonna live with him)
Back to Chapter Eleven
"Yippee! I win again! In your face you spoiled arrogant snob!"
"I'M ARROGANT? Look who's trying to rub it in my face just because I lost ONE lousy game of War? You do realize that the entire game is based on luck, bitch!"
"First of all, it was three games. Second of all, why are we insulting each other just for the fun of it?" Kagome accused (though she was also guilty), causing Inuyasha to look baffled for a moment.
"I suppose it's just because we're incredibly bored if all we can think of to do is play War".
"You just don't like War because you suck at it!"
"Oh yeah? We'll see who sucks after I beat you in another game!"
"Bring it on dog-boy!"
"RARF!"
The two card players turned their heads at the loud noise, relaxing when all they saw was Kagome's furry white dog. (Inuyasha had finally conceded into returning ownership to the teenaged girl). They tensed again, however, when they saw WHY he was making such a fuss.
"Ewww! That thing pissed all over my carpet!" Inuyasha screeched. "Get that filthy mutt OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
"Such a price that comes with fame," Kagome sighed pityingly. "So obsessed with material items. Pity," she shook her head sadly, Inuyasha giving her an odd look.
"I am NOT obsessed with material possessions. Dog piss is gross, that's all".
"I must agree with that, what were you thinking Buyo? You never used to piss on other people's furniture!" Buyo gave her what very well could have been perceived as an "oh brother" look. "Right...," Kagome trailed off, feeling embarrassed at being so stupid. Buyo had never had any furniture to piss ON.
Inuyasha had stopped seething for the moment to watch the amusing internal debate going on in Kagome's brain. After seeing that he had toned down a little, Kagome seized her chance.
"Look, Inuyasha, we'll just clean it. It won't be that bad, I promise".
"You clean it. You're a guest here".
"Do you even realize what you just said?" Kagome said, shaking her head in irritation. Inuyasha, realizing she was right, reluctantly gave in.
"Fine, we'll clean it. But I'm not touching the stuff, let me get us some supplies". Inuyasha rose and sped out of the room, leaving Kagome and Buyo to their own devices. "So Buyo, has Inuyasha been nice to you?" Kagome asked kindly. Buyo gave a low growl. "Ahh, I see. Somehow that doesn't surprise me a bit. But was he truly evil?" Buyo seemed to think for a moment, then gave a short bark that seemed to signify a "no". Kagome knew dogs couldn't communicate that clearly, but somehow she felt that she hadn't been imagining things. Maybe Buyo was special or something.
Shrugging the matter off, she turned to greet the returning Inuyasha, whose hands were full with bucket, water, cleaning spray, and white rubber gloves, and...oxygen masks?
"Inuyasha," Kagome giggled, "I really think we could do without the oxygen masks".
"Suit yourself," he shrugged, tossing one mask behind him. Slipping the other over his head, he turned to face Kagome. She couldn't help but fall back on the ground laughing. He looked enough like a dog already, and the oxygen mask gave him a feature that looked suspiciously like a snout! Finally her laughter subsided, and she looked up to see a very confused Inuyasha.
"What's so funny?" he asked genuinely.
"I think you'd kill me if I told you," she replied honestly, slipping the white gloves over her fingers. "Well, let's get to work!"
While they scrubbed the carpet bare, they took the opportunity to communicate with each other a bit.
"Bitch!"
"Turd!"
"Wench!"
"Picket fence!"
"Ass.... Wait a minute. Picket fence?" Inuyasha questioned, looking at Kagome like she was nuts.
"I don't know, that one just kinda slipped out," she giggled modestly, her cheeks flushing a bit.
"I'm thrilled that you're taking the time out of your day to clean dog pee with little ol me, but aren't you supposed to be a little more busy? For a famous guy, you don't seem to do much of anything!"
Inuyasha pondered her question for a moment and, for once, responded without an insult added.
"Well, technically I'm on vacation from all that right now. Fame's a tough business. You can't ever really be on vacation since the public watches you no matter what, but right now I'm living the closest I can get to it," he shrugged.
"But why? Sick of the work?"
He shook his head. "Nah, it's not that. I just got a little tired of always being on the move, and I decided I wanted to take a little break, ya know? And I certainly had the money" (Kagome snorted at this) "so I decided to come to the one place where celebrities aren't TOTALLY uncommon".
"Why not go to Hollywood?"
"I've spent too much time there already. It gets old".
Deciding it was time for a new topic, Inuyasha rapidly thought of something to say. "So, I take it your not from around here?"
"What gives you that impression?"
"First of all, your accent is very obvious. Second, you didn't know what war was. Third, you were living in what is known as the "Rookie Building". Well I mean, you were before, you know...," he trailed off.
Kagome brushed it aside. "What do you mean the Rookie Building?"
Inuyasha shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a nickname. Most people who move here usually seem to gravitate toward that place, though nobody knows why. They move out after a year or so". He continued to scrub the carpet even though he realized it was already clean. He had a question he wanted to ask, and now may be the perfect time.
"Hey," he began, his voice softening a bit.
"Yeah?" asked Kagome with a bit of a nervous tone, wondering what his question was, and hoping not to be caught off guard.
"Just tell me the truth. Who was that man I helped chase off that one time?"
Kagome bristled, she had almost been expecting him to say that. She could tell him, but she'd barely known him for a day! O.K, more then a day, but she hadn't spent that much time with him. Only a few people knew of her secret, and she wasn't sure she should add one of the world's top ten famous people to her list. If he ever blabbed then the whole country would know! She squeezed her eyes shut tightly and shook her head.
"I'm sorry, I just can't tell you," she murmured softly, trying not to look him in the eye. This man had saved her after all, and all he wanted was the answer to a simple question. She felt bad that she couldn't give it to him.
Inuyasha had been expecting that, so he wasn't really fazed. That wasn't the true aim of his question anyway. "Fine, then at least answer me this. The man who chased you into Miroku's apartment yesterday, was it the same guy?"
Kagome thought to herself for a moment, wondering if she could even trust him with that much information. Slowly, she nodded, trying not to let herself say any more then that. She couldn't divulge anything else to this man, who knows what would happen?
Inuyasha leaned back, the scrubbing forgotten. He seemed to ponder her answer for a moment, then leaned closer to her, his eyes tinged with a hint of worry.
"You're being followed then?"
"Yea," she whispered softly, her eyes clamped shut. She wasn't going to cry, she wasn't going to cry...
Slowly she opened her eyes to the young man, almost gasping when she saw his eyes mirroring her own. Pain danced around his pupils, and she couldn't help wondering what had happened to cause him such trauma. For a split second they continued to stare into the depths of each other's eyes as if they were peeping into the other's heart, seeking answers from each other. Suddenly, as if coming out of a trance, they pulled away, embarrassed and yet intrigued.
Inuyasha spoke to her, though his eyes were fixed upon a wall.
"You want to stay the night?"
Kagome whirled around to glare at him. "I can't believe you! We were actually having a decent conversation, and then you have to throw something like this in! You're very tiring, you know that?" she huffed, turning to face in the opposite direction.
Inuyasha held back a laugh. "I didn't mean it like that, trust me I wouldn't try something like that with YOU". (Kagome shot him a look). "Unless you want me to of course, in which case I could," he began.
Turning to face him again, Kagome threw her hands up in exasperation. "I give up, you're beginning to sound like Miroku! If you don't want me as some future hoar then why else would you want me in your house?"
He sighed, fixating his eyes upon hers. "Look, you obviously can't stay out there anymore. It's far too dangerous for someone your age, especially if you have some creepy stalker. Look around, this place is huge. There's definitely room for one more person, heck you could bring a whole girl scout troop in here, and every girl could have her own room! Not that I would advise that or anything," Kagome couldn't help but giggle as Inuyasha continued. "But anyway, you need a place to stay. So stay here, it's as simple as that. If you don't want to then it's no skin off my nose. You can go get yourself killed because I'm not always gonna be around to save your skinny little neck," he finished.
Kagome tried not to laugh outright. Some endearing speech all right. Slowly her expression grew somber as she looked intently at Inuyasha. "Look, I'll think about it, but before I answer there are some things you should take into consideration. Having me here puts you in immediate danger. I can't tell you why, but there are people out to get me, and you could get yourself hurt too! That's why I gave Buyo away in the first place, I didn't want to endanger somebody just because of my own selfish needs. And that's exactly what I'd be doing to you!" she finished, lowering her eyes sadly. There was no way Inuyasha would keep his offer, she had already seen that he was way too much of a jackass to do something like that.
Inuyasha barely even acknowledged her statement. "That's nothing, I've dealt with worse then some old fart," he boasted smugly.
Kagome huffed, exasperated. "You don't get it! This guy is a very dangerous man, and he'll stop at nothing to get to me! You're putting your very existence in danger just by talking to me right now!"
"I DON'T CARE!" Inuyasha exploded, causing Kagome to draw back. "Look, I don't really even know you, but I'm not about to let some creepy old guy have a go at you, especially since I saved your life twice! You owe me right?" Kagome nodded at that. "Then pay me back by staying here!"
"But that's more like putting myself more in debt to you, not paying you back!" yelled Kagome indignantly.
"WHY ARE WE YELLING?" he roared.
"HOW SHOULD I KNOW?" she screamed at equal volume.
Slowly they turned to each other, grins covering the faces that were livid only seconds earlier. Bursting into laughter, they fell back to the ground. After the rounds of laughing subsided, they continued their conversation.
"Listen, if anything you should be the one concerned about staying with me," Inuyasha began. "If the news media finds ANYTHING out, expect to have your picture plastered everywhere with some very unflattering stories," Kagome grimaced, understanding his meaning, "not to mention the fact that I'm... not exactly the most unpopular person you understand". He could have sword he heard the word "arrogant" in the muffled coughs coming from Kagome's throat, but for once he chose to ignore it. "So don't be angry if there are strange people here once in awhile".
Kagome thought all this over, pondering her dilemma. If she chose to stay here, who knew what she could be getting herself into? Not only was there the risk of her entire life being exposed to the public, but this man hardly seemed like the ideal person to share a living quarters with. Honestly they'd probably end up murdering each other within the first day. And besides, she could very well be endangering the life of this man! Though somehow, in the back of her mind, she knew that he could probably protect himself against her predator.
Besides, it definitely had some perks. She'd have a home again, and she wouldn't have to worry about always being on the run, or where to find her next meal. And even though Inuyasha seemed like a jerk, maybe he wasn't so bad deep down. They could even become friends! Kagome was starting to like this idea more and more, until a thought suddenly occurred to her.
"Why are we talking like this is permanent? Wasn't your initial invitation only for a single night?"
"Yes, and it still is. I ain't keeping you any longer then necessary. One night, and then you get out of my hair. The End".
Kagome shot him a peeved look, but inside she knew that he wasn't serious. There had been an unspoken invitation in their previous statements, and her reply would be just as silent. She'd stay the night and think about it, then give her final decision in the morning. That seemed like the best course of action.
"Well what'll it be? Me, the streets, or Miroku?"
Kagome perked up immediately. "Oh, I forgot about Miroku! Forget the offer Inuyasha, I already know where I'm heading tonight!" she winked.
Inuyasha wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. After a single look at his lost face, she cracked up in laughter. "That was priceless!" she grinned. After a moment she recovered and turned to give him her answer.
"Fine, I'll stay for the night. Happy?"
"Don't strain yourself," he rolled his eyes. "Just to let you know, this deal is strictly business. You don't seem the type, but don't go getting any funny ideas that this is gonna lead to some late night rendezvous, got it?"
Kagome was barely able to contain her laughter. "Who on EARTH would waste their time getting ideas like THAT?" she giggled. Then she looked quite serious for a moment, looking toward him like some cold, serious businesswoman. "Yes, Master Inuyasha, I accept your business proposal, and I assure you that it will not ever evolve into anything more". She held out her hand for a shake (trying not to laugh) and after a moment, he took it and shook it lightly.
"Pleasure doing business with you. Now where were we? Oh yes, I was just getting ready to kick your ass in another game of War!"
The two scrambled back to their card game, the deal momentarily forgotten. They both knew that they'd have no trouble sticking to it. Wouldn't they?
A/N: There ya go, an entire chapter of Inuyasha and Kagome. I changed the ending of the last chapter because I realize he would not give her a permanent invite after knowing her for five minutes. At least this time they've had the day to get to know each other, and the invitation isn't permanent, or at least they don't think it is. One night isn't a long time...
I hope the pacing of the story is all right, give me suggestions if it isn't. Again, let me stress that all fluffy moments in this chapter are NOT them falling madly in love with each other. They're just little glimpses of what might be in the future, because for now they're barely even friends.
Also, this chapter and one or two after it are going to be pretty lighthearted and humorous. But as I've warned before, this could easily be Romance/Drama instead of Romance/Humor, but since it's both I just used humor. Let's just say that things may start to get a little dark when Kagome's dad returns, but at least she has Inuyasha now!
Please Review!!