Author's Note:
Hi people! Well here is my 3rd story. I hope you guys enjoy this one. Sorry that I haven't updated my other stories but all of a sudden my parents decided to move. Yay -. - I was soooooo excited -. - I started school and it's all right. I haven't had time to update since it kinda took a while to get our phone line and I was busy with school. I will update my other stories but I just had a good idea for another story so here it is.
It's and Inu/Kag story, it's rated R for language and future content. Enjoy!
Delights
Chapter 1: Help?
She had the face of a irresistible women. For as long as Inuyasha Ikeda could remember, the women who stood before him seemed remote, silent, and watchful. She made him nervous. Nervous wasn't something that Inuyasha allowed anyone to make him feel, for long. Kagome Higurashi wasn't a big woman or a small woman. Her form was just right, he always thought about her that way.
Her style matched her attitude and her look. Fresh, clean, sophisticated yet sexy at the same time. He cleared his throat. She looked up quickly.
This was clearly her workroom as well as a living space on the lower floor of a two-story apartment at the top of the building. She made jewelry or something like that. The room was decorated nicely. She had good taste. The workbench in front of her was nice black color very elegant. Stylish furniture. By her window lay a vase filled with purple and yellow irises and beside the vase laid her fat ass cat. Asleep.
The room since he came in, played soft music. He turned and looked at the raven black hair woman who stood quite still. Inuyasha cleared his throat again.
"It's hot," he said putting a hand over his chest on top of his cotton shirt. "Villa isn't suppose to be this hot-ever. Not by eight in the evening. Not even at the end of July."
Kagome's response was to lower her thick long lashes, covering her blue gray eyes. Inuyasha tried again.
"I let myself in."
Kagome held a pen in her hand, which she put, in a silver box. She didn't like him. Never liked him. But he was going to persuade her to change her mind.
"Why did you come in here?" She asked as she lifted her pen again.
"Because I knew you must be missing me," he gave her smile that would melt other girls except her, his smile never worked on her.
Kagome looked up at him, her eyes were blue with a tint of gray in them but mostly a blue color. They were so hard to read.
"You've must be kidding right."
Why he came here was no joke. "Why? You and I go back a long way. We do you know." Inuyasha said. His smile was beginning to hurt. "I remember when you were born."
"I doubt it. You were five. Five year old boys aren't interested in babies."
"How do you know? You were never a five-year-old boy." He thought the corners of her mouth lifted.
"Smile, it'll do you good. You were always too serious."
"You know nothing about me. You never knew anything about me and you didn't want to. I'm of no interest to you."
This showed signs that is was going bad. "How long have you lived here?"
"In Presario? Two years."
"Not that long. You were um 18 when you got this apartment. Am I right?"
"What are you doing here?"
He could just tell her the truth but . . . . . . . . .
"How' s your little business going?"
She hesitated but then answered him.
"My business is just fine, thank you."
"You still make though shiny thing's?"
"I make jewelry and they are very nice if you wanna know."
"Sesshomaru said something about that," he said of his older brother. "And things for market and so on."
Kagome rubbed the corner of her eyes.
"Not markets and so on. I design limited editions for local galleries. High- end galleries. Are we done now?"
"The door downstairs-the one to the street-it isn't locked."
"No it isn't."
"How many people live in this building?"
"Seven. Sometimes eight. Sometimes more."
"This isn't locked, either."
He indicated the door he'd used to enter the lower floor of her two-story apartment.
"No."
"Anyone could come off the street, up here and walk right in on you."
"I noticed."
He had to smile. "Meaning me? I'm not exactly anyone, Kagome. You and I grew up side by side."
"We grew up in the same area. Not side by side-unless you were passing by me. I don't think you ever noticed me when you passed by me." The lift of her pointed chin gave him a clear view of her long slender neck. "Now why are you here?"
"I came to see you." Damn, she was going to be very difficult. "For old time's sake."
"Bullshit."
"Bullshit?" he echoed
"Yeah, didn't you hear right the first time? Bullshit."
You could hear the music playing softly in the background. She looked at him with those two blue eyes. Her skin was the type that they put in cosmetics ads, she didn't need any make-up, and she didn't use any anyways. Kagome was just plain natural beauty. She was far better looking then girls that did wear make-up.
"Do you know all the people in this building well?"
Her lips pressed together and he noticed that her bottom lip was full- and that she had a habit of sucking on it for as long as he can remember.
"I know everyone most of the time."
"It isn't right for a woman to live alone here. I'm amazed that your grandfather hasn't said anything about this." Now that was a clever approach.
"I'm not a kid Inuyasha. And I don't live alone." For an instant his mind went blank.
"Not alone? Who lives with you?"
"Next question." She asked quickly. If she was living with a man he was dead in the water.
"You ought to lock your door to your apartment and the door to the street."
"The intercom doesn't work."
"Then fix it. Better yet, move out."
"Move out? No, I love it here. If I could choose anywhere in the entire world to live, this would be it. I'm never ever going to move out of Presario area and I'm sick of people telling me-."
"Okay, okay. I get the message."
"This is a prime real estate. Do you have any idea how much it's worth?"
"Yes, of course." As Villa's leading developer, he ought to know better than anyone.
"There are thousands of people who would give a great deal to get there hands on a two floors and a roof garden in the middle of Presario. And I'm not ever moving out."
"Right."
"You aren't welcomed here Inuyasha."
"I may not be welcomed, but you're going to be glad I came."
"I doubt that."
"Trust me."
"I try to avoid being rude. You were a pain in the ass when you were a little boy. You grew up into a stubborn annoying teenager. I could go on but I won't. We both know you don't have many secrets from me."
Inuyasha whistled. He placed his gaze at some other flowers he saw on the table.
"I don't trust you," Kagome said. "And I don't like you. You shouldn't have come here and you know it. Now please leave."
Pushing his hand into his pocket, Inuyasha wiggled his toes inside his warm leather deck shoes. He'd considered every way to get himself out of the mess he was in; no idea came to his mind-except one. Kagome's help and he had to have it now. Without it, he'd lose a great deal of money and that might not be the worst thing that could happen. His reputation can go right down the toilet, too.
"Please go-."
"I need you help." He said simply. "That's why I came. To ask you to help me."
She stood close to him now. The top of her head was on a level with his mouth. She must be five-foot-eight or even nine.
"Will you help me?" he asked and touched her upper arm.
She leaped away.
"It's too late."
Her response startled him. How could she possibly know, unless . . . . . . . . . Damn, the old man had already contacted her after all.
"Look, I know what you've probably been told about me, but I deny it. I deny it all."
"Hah! You have some nerve."
"I don't like begging," he said with complete honesty. "But I'll beg if you want me to."
"I want you to go away. Men like you make me nervous." He made her nervous?
"I'm a very honorable man."
"Hah!"
'Dammit.' Inuyasha thought.
Kagome walked over to her rocking chair fashioned with cute pillows on it. Using her toes she began to rock back and forth, and fixed her eyes on his.
"You'll get splinters in your feet. You ought to wear shoes or socks at least."
The chair swung more quickly. Inuyasha pulled a stool away from a low, square table and sat down facing her.
"Give me a chance. That's all I ask. Let me explain my side of things, then decide if I deserve a chance to prove I'm not an asshole."
"You need therapy. People like you can be helped if they really want to be."
"What-?"
Whatever happened, he must not lose his temper or his head.
"How would exactly me seeing a therapist help?"
Old man Higurashi had to be shut up and stopped, in that order.
"There's a difference between . . . . . . . . .between passionate involvement and a crazy drive to . . . . . . . . .possess."
"I'm a passionate man," he said. "When I set out to accomplish something, it becomes a passion. I wouldn't call that insane."
Kagome stopped rocking. Her flower brown skirt when to her knees, she then hooked a foot behind the other ankle.
"When a man keeps . . . . . . . . .when he keeps forcing himself where he's already been told he's not wanted, that's not normal. And there's nothing I can do about it."
"You've got it all wrong."
"I've got it right. I got it from the mouth of the best person qualified to know."
'Toto, shit!.' He thought. That old bastard had poisoned Kagome's mind. That also meant that he was to blame for the rumors that were beginning to go around through Villa's business community.
"Kagome just listen to me. I-."
"No. No, I can't listen to you. I put my family loyalty before anything else in my life. That's a habit that I don't intend to break."
Inuyasha was beginning to lose his temper.
"You said you avoid being rude," he said rather coolly. "You're being rude."
She shook her head slightly.
"You're still annoying. You think because you're some sort of hard hitter in this town you can push people like me-and my family-around."
"Your family and mine started out together," he shot back. "Our grandfathers were partners."
"They surely didn't stay partners did they? By the time your grandfather died, they hadn't spoken to each other in years."
"Because your grandfather was, and is, jealous, hard-headed . . . . . . . . ." He closed his mouth quickly, but it was already too late.
"Go on. Finish what you started."
"This is stupid." Inuyasha stood up and walked around her to an open window. "I didn't come here to argue with you about a dead feud."
Kagome didn't respond. Just then, Inuyasha noticed how clean she kept her windows and there were big clay pots filled with mix garden flowers on the fire escape outside. Marigolds and white stocks. Vines crowded with huge, unfurling white flowers spilled down from the landing above. He could smell a lily like scent. He had to make Kagome see he's point of view.
"Look-."
"This amazes me," she cut him off. "I can't honestly tell you that if someone had asked me what was least likely to happen today, I wouldn't even have thought of a visit from you."
"Thanks."
"Well, why would I? We haven't seen each other in years. And you've already admitted you're only here because you want something from me."
"Yes."
"And we know what you want and why I won't do it."
"Yes," he said through clenched teeth. "We know why you think you won't do it. I'm going to change your mind."
"No. You have a problem. You've admitted it. What you haven't admitted is how serious it is. You are one sick man."
He turned sharply.
"What the hell do you mean by that?"
"I've already told you."
Inuyasha tooked a deep breathe before speaking,
"Why don't you tell me about my sickness again? I seem to have missed the full impact of your diagnosis."
"I'm tired. Talk to someone who understands the kind of problem you've got. I'm not qualified to help you."
"Toto talked to you, didn't he?"
She became still, then twisted to look back at him.
"Toto?"
"Yes, Toto. Your sainted grandfather. The man we already spoke-."
"I think I would know who my grandfather is. What dose he have to do with this discussion?"
"When you were a little girl. Even when you were very young, I thought you were . . . . . . . . . deep."
He stopped himself from saying difficult. In this light her eyes looked royal blue.
"Go on Inuyasha." She said.
Many would consider Kagome very beautiful, who could blame them? That idea made him growl. Her face was delicate, soft looking. Then he realized she was waiting for him to answer her.
"Toto is wrong. The old man can be very persuasive, but he's wrong."
Kagome stared at him.
"The only reason he's making my life hell over this is because he can't let go of the past."
"Don't talk that way about Toto in front of me." There was steel behind her words.
He had rehearsed and rehearsed this meeting and not one line has come out like he had hoped for.
"He's standing in my way-the way of the progress that is," he quickly corrected himself. "Because he refuses to put aside an argument he had with a man who died 3 years ago, for god's sake-he will not listen to me so we can solve it out."
She shook her head slowly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Yes, you do. He hypnotized you. He told you what to say if I came here. He's sitting up there in that damned valley he thinks he owns and he's interfering with progress that needs to take place."
She sighed and shook her head slowly. The stood up from her rocking chair.
"And you said you weren't crazy. Ok, you're here to talk about Toto?"
"Yes. And you've got the whole thing 100% wrong. I'm not trying to control anyone. I paid for something and now I want to use it. Do you see anything unfair in that?"
"I-."
"Do you?"
She puffed up her cheeks and let the air escape.
"Kagome," Inuyasha said calmly. "Do you disagree that I've got a right to use that land I bought from Toto?"
For an instant she seemed confused.
"What land did you buy?"
"Oh, come one." No wonder his grandfather, then his father had given up on the Higurashi's. "Give me anything, but don't give me this stupid act. That old . . . . . . . . .before my grandfather and my dad were killed, Higurashi wouldn't part with his precious Star Valley."
"Toto lives on that land," but there was uncertainly in her voice now. "That's were he's lived for thirty years. He loves it there."
"My grandfather shouldn't have let that land go." Inuyasha said grimly.
"Allowed it to go?" She moved closer. "Toto bought the parcel with him. They were partners. Toto gave your grandfather the largest share."
"That land is rich." He bowed his head to cover his anger. "Toto wanted the water rights so badly, he talked grandfather out of the whole goddamn midsection. God damnit. Every time I think about it I can't believe he could have been that trusting."
"Trusting?"
"Yeah, trusting. He never thought Toto would build that fre-Who would have expected a sane man to build a mini castle bang in the middle of one of the best stretches of farmland in the state and sit on it."
"That's it, this conversation is over."
"Oh, it's soooo not over. You need to know the full story."
She backed away.
"Leave now."
"He didn't tell you he's sold everything but the acre he lives on, did he?"
"You're lying," Kagome said. She made a move towards the door. Inuyasha walked to the far side of the room.
"Why would Toto sell his land?"
He glanced up quickly. Her arms were pressed to her sides.
"Because he needed the money," he told her.
"No, no that's not true. How could it be?"
Inuyasha felt a shifting uneasiness.
"He's old Kagome. It's not unusual for an old man to get to a point where he needs to start realizing capital from various sources."
"Everything but one acre?"
"Yeah. Should be plenty for him though."
"Toto doesn't like . . . . . . . . He's very private."
So private that he thought he should take money for land, then threaten if the buyer wanted to develop it.
"Kagome just listen to me, okay? Hear me out. The two of us can help Toto through this. His pride's getting in the way of what's best-for everyone."
"I need to talk to him."
"Yes." Their eyes met and for the first time he knew they were both thinking on the same thing. "I've got access to a ham radio." A ham radio was the only way Toto Higurashi had communicated with the outside world.
"Toto wouldn't sell his land."
"He has sold it. He's been selling it to me in lots. Now he won't . . . . . . . . . He won't leave my people alone to do their jobs. And he's making threats." He felt uncomfortable saying this.
"What kind of threats?"
Telling her the threats were vague but that someone was saying rumors that he was heading towards financial ruin and he blamed her grandfather wasn't likely to get him what he wanted.
"Threats that I'd rather not talk about directly. I came here with a plan. You've always been Toto's favorite."
"Forget it. If you think he'd put up with me interfering with his business affairs, you've got it wrong."
"Of course he wouldn't. But if he thought you and I . . . . . . . . ." He's tongue felt thick.
Kagome's hand went to her cheek. She didn't look twenty. She was very successful in a young age, but then so was he.
"Toto is a strong-minded man and I respect that. But you always did know how to soften him up. If you told him you and I were, er, friends, he'd stop thinking of me as-."
"Friends? We're not friends."
"I came to ask you to tell your grandfather that we are involved."
"Involved?" Her voice sounded husky.
"Yes, involved. As in, deeply involved. This isn't just for me. It's for you and everyone else in your family and mine. We have to deal with this and move on. It won't be for long, just until Toto agrees to stop setting those damn wolves of his own on my surveyors and doing whatever else he's getting ready to do-."
"Stop!" She closed her eyes. "Stop this. First, Toto doesn't have wolves. They're part wolf and part German shepherd and very sweet"
"Not when they're coming over a fence at you," he muttered. "I don't want to argue. Tell Toto we're in love and-."
"What?"
Inuyasha winced.
"Tell Toto we're in love and we think there may be something for the two of us in the future." Hell, it sounded even worse then when he'd first thought the idea up. "All I need is a diversion to get his mind off-."
"That's it your crazy."
Inuyasha massaged his temples.
"For god's sakes Kagome. I'm not a snake and you know I'm not asking you to actually marry me."
"You-."
A single rap on the door made Kagome stop.
"Kagome?" a voice called. "You in"
The door opened and a tall women with green with red hair came in.
"There you are, you poor darling. I came just as soon as I could get away. I'm on again after the intermission, so I mustn't be long. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm fine." Kagome answered. "We'll talk about it later, okay Raya."
"I'm having one of my days. One of my weeks, actually. Last night I couldn't get in the mood. Now I want details. Kenji said the police aren't interested."
It was clear the women hadn't noticed Inuyasha. He watched Kagome intensely. There was something she didn't want to be said in front of him.
"Raya, this isn't a good time."
"I know, darling. That's why I came just as soon as I heard-You know you shouldn't kept this from me. I'm going to find a way to help you out. We all are. Now let me sit down and put my poor feet to rest. Then you're going to tell me everything."
Kagome drew herself up straight.
"Raya, I've got company."
"Oh," Raya swung around and saw Inuyasha. "Oh, hell why didn't you say so?"
"I'm saying so now," Kagome told her. "This is Inuyasha Ikeda."
He looked up at her.
"Who the hell are you?" Raya said.
"Inuyasha Ikeda." Kagome repeated.
Somebody ought to take Kagome's life hand, but it wasn't going to be him.
"Ikeda," Inuyasha said moving slightly.
"His name sounds familiar. Do I know him?"
"Possibly," Kagome said, entirely too sweetly. "Inuyasha is my sister's husband."
Well that was chap. 1. I hope you guys enjoy it. Man I'm tired. Typing can be hard work. Got school tomorrow do the same boring thing everyday, but there are a ton of cuties in my new school so it's all right. Gotta go. Please review.
Scarletmoon
Hi people! Well here is my 3rd story. I hope you guys enjoy this one. Sorry that I haven't updated my other stories but all of a sudden my parents decided to move. Yay -. - I was soooooo excited -. - I started school and it's all right. I haven't had time to update since it kinda took a while to get our phone line and I was busy with school. I will update my other stories but I just had a good idea for another story so here it is.
It's and Inu/Kag story, it's rated R for language and future content. Enjoy!
Delights
Chapter 1: Help?
She had the face of a irresistible women. For as long as Inuyasha Ikeda could remember, the women who stood before him seemed remote, silent, and watchful. She made him nervous. Nervous wasn't something that Inuyasha allowed anyone to make him feel, for long. Kagome Higurashi wasn't a big woman or a small woman. Her form was just right, he always thought about her that way.
Her style matched her attitude and her look. Fresh, clean, sophisticated yet sexy at the same time. He cleared his throat. She looked up quickly.
This was clearly her workroom as well as a living space on the lower floor of a two-story apartment at the top of the building. She made jewelry or something like that. The room was decorated nicely. She had good taste. The workbench in front of her was nice black color very elegant. Stylish furniture. By her window lay a vase filled with purple and yellow irises and beside the vase laid her fat ass cat. Asleep.
The room since he came in, played soft music. He turned and looked at the raven black hair woman who stood quite still. Inuyasha cleared his throat again.
"It's hot," he said putting a hand over his chest on top of his cotton shirt. "Villa isn't suppose to be this hot-ever. Not by eight in the evening. Not even at the end of July."
Kagome's response was to lower her thick long lashes, covering her blue gray eyes. Inuyasha tried again.
"I let myself in."
Kagome held a pen in her hand, which she put, in a silver box. She didn't like him. Never liked him. But he was going to persuade her to change her mind.
"Why did you come in here?" She asked as she lifted her pen again.
"Because I knew you must be missing me," he gave her smile that would melt other girls except her, his smile never worked on her.
Kagome looked up at him, her eyes were blue with a tint of gray in them but mostly a blue color. They were so hard to read.
"You've must be kidding right."
Why he came here was no joke. "Why? You and I go back a long way. We do you know." Inuyasha said. His smile was beginning to hurt. "I remember when you were born."
"I doubt it. You were five. Five year old boys aren't interested in babies."
"How do you know? You were never a five-year-old boy." He thought the corners of her mouth lifted.
"Smile, it'll do you good. You were always too serious."
"You know nothing about me. You never knew anything about me and you didn't want to. I'm of no interest to you."
This showed signs that is was going bad. "How long have you lived here?"
"In Presario? Two years."
"Not that long. You were um 18 when you got this apartment. Am I right?"
"What are you doing here?"
He could just tell her the truth but . . . . . . . . .
"How' s your little business going?"
She hesitated but then answered him.
"My business is just fine, thank you."
"You still make though shiny thing's?"
"I make jewelry and they are very nice if you wanna know."
"Sesshomaru said something about that," he said of his older brother. "And things for market and so on."
Kagome rubbed the corner of her eyes.
"Not markets and so on. I design limited editions for local galleries. High- end galleries. Are we done now?"
"The door downstairs-the one to the street-it isn't locked."
"No it isn't."
"How many people live in this building?"
"Seven. Sometimes eight. Sometimes more."
"This isn't locked, either."
He indicated the door he'd used to enter the lower floor of her two-story apartment.
"No."
"Anyone could come off the street, up here and walk right in on you."
"I noticed."
He had to smile. "Meaning me? I'm not exactly anyone, Kagome. You and I grew up side by side."
"We grew up in the same area. Not side by side-unless you were passing by me. I don't think you ever noticed me when you passed by me." The lift of her pointed chin gave him a clear view of her long slender neck. "Now why are you here?"
"I came to see you." Damn, she was going to be very difficult. "For old time's sake."
"Bullshit."
"Bullshit?" he echoed
"Yeah, didn't you hear right the first time? Bullshit."
You could hear the music playing softly in the background. She looked at him with those two blue eyes. Her skin was the type that they put in cosmetics ads, she didn't need any make-up, and she didn't use any anyways. Kagome was just plain natural beauty. She was far better looking then girls that did wear make-up.
"Do you know all the people in this building well?"
Her lips pressed together and he noticed that her bottom lip was full- and that she had a habit of sucking on it for as long as he can remember.
"I know everyone most of the time."
"It isn't right for a woman to live alone here. I'm amazed that your grandfather hasn't said anything about this." Now that was a clever approach.
"I'm not a kid Inuyasha. And I don't live alone." For an instant his mind went blank.
"Not alone? Who lives with you?"
"Next question." She asked quickly. If she was living with a man he was dead in the water.
"You ought to lock your door to your apartment and the door to the street."
"The intercom doesn't work."
"Then fix it. Better yet, move out."
"Move out? No, I love it here. If I could choose anywhere in the entire world to live, this would be it. I'm never ever going to move out of Presario area and I'm sick of people telling me-."
"Okay, okay. I get the message."
"This is a prime real estate. Do you have any idea how much it's worth?"
"Yes, of course." As Villa's leading developer, he ought to know better than anyone.
"There are thousands of people who would give a great deal to get there hands on a two floors and a roof garden in the middle of Presario. And I'm not ever moving out."
"Right."
"You aren't welcomed here Inuyasha."
"I may not be welcomed, but you're going to be glad I came."
"I doubt that."
"Trust me."
"I try to avoid being rude. You were a pain in the ass when you were a little boy. You grew up into a stubborn annoying teenager. I could go on but I won't. We both know you don't have many secrets from me."
Inuyasha whistled. He placed his gaze at some other flowers he saw on the table.
"I don't trust you," Kagome said. "And I don't like you. You shouldn't have come here and you know it. Now please leave."
Pushing his hand into his pocket, Inuyasha wiggled his toes inside his warm leather deck shoes. He'd considered every way to get himself out of the mess he was in; no idea came to his mind-except one. Kagome's help and he had to have it now. Without it, he'd lose a great deal of money and that might not be the worst thing that could happen. His reputation can go right down the toilet, too.
"Please go-."
"I need you help." He said simply. "That's why I came. To ask you to help me."
She stood close to him now. The top of her head was on a level with his mouth. She must be five-foot-eight or even nine.
"Will you help me?" he asked and touched her upper arm.
She leaped away.
"It's too late."
Her response startled him. How could she possibly know, unless . . . . . . . . . Damn, the old man had already contacted her after all.
"Look, I know what you've probably been told about me, but I deny it. I deny it all."
"Hah! You have some nerve."
"I don't like begging," he said with complete honesty. "But I'll beg if you want me to."
"I want you to go away. Men like you make me nervous." He made her nervous?
"I'm a very honorable man."
"Hah!"
'Dammit.' Inuyasha thought.
Kagome walked over to her rocking chair fashioned with cute pillows on it. Using her toes she began to rock back and forth, and fixed her eyes on his.
"You'll get splinters in your feet. You ought to wear shoes or socks at least."
The chair swung more quickly. Inuyasha pulled a stool away from a low, square table and sat down facing her.
"Give me a chance. That's all I ask. Let me explain my side of things, then decide if I deserve a chance to prove I'm not an asshole."
"You need therapy. People like you can be helped if they really want to be."
"What-?"
Whatever happened, he must not lose his temper or his head.
"How would exactly me seeing a therapist help?"
Old man Higurashi had to be shut up and stopped, in that order.
"There's a difference between . . . . . . . . .between passionate involvement and a crazy drive to . . . . . . . . .possess."
"I'm a passionate man," he said. "When I set out to accomplish something, it becomes a passion. I wouldn't call that insane."
Kagome stopped rocking. Her flower brown skirt when to her knees, she then hooked a foot behind the other ankle.
"When a man keeps . . . . . . . . .when he keeps forcing himself where he's already been told he's not wanted, that's not normal. And there's nothing I can do about it."
"You've got it all wrong."
"I've got it right. I got it from the mouth of the best person qualified to know."
'Toto, shit!.' He thought. That old bastard had poisoned Kagome's mind. That also meant that he was to blame for the rumors that were beginning to go around through Villa's business community.
"Kagome just listen to me. I-."
"No. No, I can't listen to you. I put my family loyalty before anything else in my life. That's a habit that I don't intend to break."
Inuyasha was beginning to lose his temper.
"You said you avoid being rude," he said rather coolly. "You're being rude."
She shook her head slightly.
"You're still annoying. You think because you're some sort of hard hitter in this town you can push people like me-and my family-around."
"Your family and mine started out together," he shot back. "Our grandfathers were partners."
"They surely didn't stay partners did they? By the time your grandfather died, they hadn't spoken to each other in years."
"Because your grandfather was, and is, jealous, hard-headed . . . . . . . . ." He closed his mouth quickly, but it was already too late.
"Go on. Finish what you started."
"This is stupid." Inuyasha stood up and walked around her to an open window. "I didn't come here to argue with you about a dead feud."
Kagome didn't respond. Just then, Inuyasha noticed how clean she kept her windows and there were big clay pots filled with mix garden flowers on the fire escape outside. Marigolds and white stocks. Vines crowded with huge, unfurling white flowers spilled down from the landing above. He could smell a lily like scent. He had to make Kagome see he's point of view.
"Look-."
"This amazes me," she cut him off. "I can't honestly tell you that if someone had asked me what was least likely to happen today, I wouldn't even have thought of a visit from you."
"Thanks."
"Well, why would I? We haven't seen each other in years. And you've already admitted you're only here because you want something from me."
"Yes."
"And we know what you want and why I won't do it."
"Yes," he said through clenched teeth. "We know why you think you won't do it. I'm going to change your mind."
"No. You have a problem. You've admitted it. What you haven't admitted is how serious it is. You are one sick man."
He turned sharply.
"What the hell do you mean by that?"
"I've already told you."
Inuyasha tooked a deep breathe before speaking,
"Why don't you tell me about my sickness again? I seem to have missed the full impact of your diagnosis."
"I'm tired. Talk to someone who understands the kind of problem you've got. I'm not qualified to help you."
"Toto talked to you, didn't he?"
She became still, then twisted to look back at him.
"Toto?"
"Yes, Toto. Your sainted grandfather. The man we already spoke-."
"I think I would know who my grandfather is. What dose he have to do with this discussion?"
"When you were a little girl. Even when you were very young, I thought you were . . . . . . . . . deep."
He stopped himself from saying difficult. In this light her eyes looked royal blue.
"Go on Inuyasha." She said.
Many would consider Kagome very beautiful, who could blame them? That idea made him growl. Her face was delicate, soft looking. Then he realized she was waiting for him to answer her.
"Toto is wrong. The old man can be very persuasive, but he's wrong."
Kagome stared at him.
"The only reason he's making my life hell over this is because he can't let go of the past."
"Don't talk that way about Toto in front of me." There was steel behind her words.
He had rehearsed and rehearsed this meeting and not one line has come out like he had hoped for.
"He's standing in my way-the way of the progress that is," he quickly corrected himself. "Because he refuses to put aside an argument he had with a man who died 3 years ago, for god's sake-he will not listen to me so we can solve it out."
She shook her head slowly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Yes, you do. He hypnotized you. He told you what to say if I came here. He's sitting up there in that damned valley he thinks he owns and he's interfering with progress that needs to take place."
She sighed and shook her head slowly. The stood up from her rocking chair.
"And you said you weren't crazy. Ok, you're here to talk about Toto?"
"Yes. And you've got the whole thing 100% wrong. I'm not trying to control anyone. I paid for something and now I want to use it. Do you see anything unfair in that?"
"I-."
"Do you?"
She puffed up her cheeks and let the air escape.
"Kagome," Inuyasha said calmly. "Do you disagree that I've got a right to use that land I bought from Toto?"
For an instant she seemed confused.
"What land did you buy?"
"Oh, come one." No wonder his grandfather, then his father had given up on the Higurashi's. "Give me anything, but don't give me this stupid act. That old . . . . . . . . .before my grandfather and my dad were killed, Higurashi wouldn't part with his precious Star Valley."
"Toto lives on that land," but there was uncertainly in her voice now. "That's were he's lived for thirty years. He loves it there."
"My grandfather shouldn't have let that land go." Inuyasha said grimly.
"Allowed it to go?" She moved closer. "Toto bought the parcel with him. They were partners. Toto gave your grandfather the largest share."
"That land is rich." He bowed his head to cover his anger. "Toto wanted the water rights so badly, he talked grandfather out of the whole goddamn midsection. God damnit. Every time I think about it I can't believe he could have been that trusting."
"Trusting?"
"Yeah, trusting. He never thought Toto would build that fre-Who would have expected a sane man to build a mini castle bang in the middle of one of the best stretches of farmland in the state and sit on it."
"That's it, this conversation is over."
"Oh, it's soooo not over. You need to know the full story."
She backed away.
"Leave now."
"He didn't tell you he's sold everything but the acre he lives on, did he?"
"You're lying," Kagome said. She made a move towards the door. Inuyasha walked to the far side of the room.
"Why would Toto sell his land?"
He glanced up quickly. Her arms were pressed to her sides.
"Because he needed the money," he told her.
"No, no that's not true. How could it be?"
Inuyasha felt a shifting uneasiness.
"He's old Kagome. It's not unusual for an old man to get to a point where he needs to start realizing capital from various sources."
"Everything but one acre?"
"Yeah. Should be plenty for him though."
"Toto doesn't like . . . . . . . . He's very private."
So private that he thought he should take money for land, then threaten if the buyer wanted to develop it.
"Kagome just listen to me, okay? Hear me out. The two of us can help Toto through this. His pride's getting in the way of what's best-for everyone."
"I need to talk to him."
"Yes." Their eyes met and for the first time he knew they were both thinking on the same thing. "I've got access to a ham radio." A ham radio was the only way Toto Higurashi had communicated with the outside world.
"Toto wouldn't sell his land."
"He has sold it. He's been selling it to me in lots. Now he won't . . . . . . . . . He won't leave my people alone to do their jobs. And he's making threats." He felt uncomfortable saying this.
"What kind of threats?"
Telling her the threats were vague but that someone was saying rumors that he was heading towards financial ruin and he blamed her grandfather wasn't likely to get him what he wanted.
"Threats that I'd rather not talk about directly. I came here with a plan. You've always been Toto's favorite."
"Forget it. If you think he'd put up with me interfering with his business affairs, you've got it wrong."
"Of course he wouldn't. But if he thought you and I . . . . . . . . ." He's tongue felt thick.
Kagome's hand went to her cheek. She didn't look twenty. She was very successful in a young age, but then so was he.
"Toto is a strong-minded man and I respect that. But you always did know how to soften him up. If you told him you and I were, er, friends, he'd stop thinking of me as-."
"Friends? We're not friends."
"I came to ask you to tell your grandfather that we are involved."
"Involved?" Her voice sounded husky.
"Yes, involved. As in, deeply involved. This isn't just for me. It's for you and everyone else in your family and mine. We have to deal with this and move on. It won't be for long, just until Toto agrees to stop setting those damn wolves of his own on my surveyors and doing whatever else he's getting ready to do-."
"Stop!" She closed her eyes. "Stop this. First, Toto doesn't have wolves. They're part wolf and part German shepherd and very sweet"
"Not when they're coming over a fence at you," he muttered. "I don't want to argue. Tell Toto we're in love and-."
"What?"
Inuyasha winced.
"Tell Toto we're in love and we think there may be something for the two of us in the future." Hell, it sounded even worse then when he'd first thought the idea up. "All I need is a diversion to get his mind off-."
"That's it your crazy."
Inuyasha massaged his temples.
"For god's sakes Kagome. I'm not a snake and you know I'm not asking you to actually marry me."
"You-."
A single rap on the door made Kagome stop.
"Kagome?" a voice called. "You in"
The door opened and a tall women with green with red hair came in.
"There you are, you poor darling. I came just as soon as I could get away. I'm on again after the intermission, so I mustn't be long. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm fine." Kagome answered. "We'll talk about it later, okay Raya."
"I'm having one of my days. One of my weeks, actually. Last night I couldn't get in the mood. Now I want details. Kenji said the police aren't interested."
It was clear the women hadn't noticed Inuyasha. He watched Kagome intensely. There was something she didn't want to be said in front of him.
"Raya, this isn't a good time."
"I know, darling. That's why I came just as soon as I heard-You know you shouldn't kept this from me. I'm going to find a way to help you out. We all are. Now let me sit down and put my poor feet to rest. Then you're going to tell me everything."
Kagome drew herself up straight.
"Raya, I've got company."
"Oh," Raya swung around and saw Inuyasha. "Oh, hell why didn't you say so?"
"I'm saying so now," Kagome told her. "This is Inuyasha Ikeda."
He looked up at her.
"Who the hell are you?" Raya said.
"Inuyasha Ikeda." Kagome repeated.
Somebody ought to take Kagome's life hand, but it wasn't going to be him.
"Ikeda," Inuyasha said moving slightly.
"His name sounds familiar. Do I know him?"
"Possibly," Kagome said, entirely too sweetly. "Inuyasha is my sister's husband."
Well that was chap. 1. I hope you guys enjoy it. Man I'm tired. Typing can be hard work. Got school tomorrow do the same boring thing everyday, but there are a ton of cuties in my new school so it's all right. Gotta go. Please review.
Scarletmoon