A/N: The pairing for Kagome is still undecided. I wanted to narrow the choices down to two, but I keep changing my mind. So, the main four candidates are: Miroku, Hotohori, Tasuki, and Inuyasha. Some FY info: Hotohori is sort of like Sesshou in that he's the untouchable gorgeous man and Tasuki is the brash, temperamental sort kind of like Yasha. ~Belle
Number One Priority: Chapter 5
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Hotohori smiled gently at Kagome from across the table in the small restaurant they dined at on a corner of the most secluded street in all of Tokyo. The young model often dined here, it was a place he did not have to worry about fans finding him. The staff always procured him a table that was hidden from prying eyes.
"What do you think of Tokyo, Kagome?" Hotohori asked politely, his golden eyes not leaving hers as he sipped from his warm mug. His Caramel Macchiato awakening his sleep deprived senses.
"It's busy! How did you find a place tucked away like this?" Kagome inquired as she wrapped her fingers around her own mug of hot chocolate, relishing in the warmth the liquid supplied her with. Her blue-grey eyes were wide with curiosity as she regarded the enigmatic, beautiful man before her.
Hotohori's gently laughter stole across his lips. "That my empress is my little secret." He winked at her suggestively and her pink lips broke into a helpless grin. "So are you living with your brother then?" She still had not offered the name of her brother and he was not about to ask.
Kagome nodded her head. "Temporarily, then I'll be moving into the dormitories. Right now his roommate is out of town, so I'm using his bedroom."
"My roommate is also out of town, if you get tired of your brother's company you are more than welcome to my guest room." Sudden realization seemed to strike the young man as the full implications of his offer seemed to hit him. He waved his hands frantically at her, "Not like that, I mean, I'm just saying you are more than welcome anytime." He finished with an uncomfortable smile.
Kagome laughed at his antics and reached across the table to grab hold of his wrist. Gently she pushed it down to the table top and shook her head, smiling at him. "It's okay, I know what you meant."
"Good, but, you really shouldn't move into the dorms. You'd be much happier in an apartment. As a matter of fact, the apartment across from mine is vacant. I have an acquaintance that is interested in moving there, but she needs a roommate. Perhaps you would like her contact information and you could consider the idea?" Hotohori suggested. The look of contemplation on Kagome's face was encouraging.
"Okay, I'll think about it. What's the girl's name?" Kagome asked; her brow wrinkled as she pondered the proposition. Hotohori did live on the floor directly below her brother. She really enjoyed cooking and she would be denied that living in the dorms.
Hotohori released his hair from his low ponytail and ran his fingers through his long, silky hair as he tried to remember the name of his roommate's brother's non-girlfriend. "I think her name was Kikyo. I'll have to ask Sesshoumaru though." He smiled at her with a shrug. "Sorry, I'm not the best with names."
Kagome wrinkled her nose at the name 'Kikyo.' It just rubbed her the wrong way for some reason. "No worries about that, your highness," Kagome teased. The mannerisms used by Hotohori reminded her of that of a young Chinese emperor. She couldn't help but tease the man who seemed to radiate extreme confidence and bashfulness at the same time.
"Please, it's Emperor, not your highness," Hotohori corrected as he waved over the waitress to signify their departure. He tossed a one-hundred dollar bill upon the table and stood, extending his hand towards Kagome.
She took the offered hand and rose her feet. He was so tall! She smiled up at him as he leaned down towards her face and before she knew what to expect he kissed her quickly upon the pink lips that he had been eying for the past hour.
Kagome couldn't even react. One moment she's peering up at the tall gorgeous man and the next he was kissing her lips. He pulled back and smiled at her, "Forgive my weakness, but you were too irresistible for me." He bowed slightly at the waist in mock-apology.
Kagome licked her lips that now tasted like Caramel Macchiato. "It's okay, but I really must return to the bookstore. I don't want my brother's friend to worry." Her cheeks were flushed in embarrassment as her eyes avoided his lips that she would love to taste again.
"It would be my pleasure," Hotohori answered as he offered Kagome his elbow. She looped her arm through it to allow him to serve as her escort.
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Miroku was pacing back and forth in front of the quaint bookstore as Chichiri watched him patiently from his position on a nearby bench. The bookstore owner informed them that a young man had taken Kagome out for a bite to eat and would return her shortly.
That was two hours ago! Miroku wanted to go marching around Tokyo shouting her name, but Chichiri, the ever rational Chichiri, would allow no such behavior. Violet eyes narrowed at the docile man. "If she's not back in the next ten minutes there is nothing you can do to stop me from tearing the streets apart looking for her," Miroku warned.
Chichiri merely smiled back and continued to lounge on the bench. He was confident that Kagome would be returning within the next few moments. A tap on his shoulder caught his attention and he turned to notice a mischievous Kagome standing behind him. "Miss me?"
"Kagome!" Miroku shouted, running over to the bench and hopping over it to stand beside her. He wrapped her into a quick embrace before holding her at arm's length. "Where the hell have you been? I've been going insane with worry!"
"Sorry Miroku, but I was only gone to eat lunch. I came back alright, didn't I?" Kagome asked; lifting a brow at her brother's overly panicked attitude.
"Who were you with?" Chichiri asked a bit suspicious of a certain male model that liked to spend time in that particular bookstore.
"He was just a nice young man; can we head back to the apartment now?" Kagome asked, avoiding the answer sought from her. Hotohori had told her enough about people being either jealous of him or not trusting him for his looks. She didn't want either of these two to think ill of him. Besides, she needed to find out more information about the apartment across the hall from him. If she hinted at it now, Miroku would never allow it.
Miroku and Chichiri exchanged a puzzled look at the obvious skirt Kagome pulled on them by not answering the simple question pertaining to the man's identity. They would find out anyway. Miroku took hold of Kagome's wrist and pulled her after him as he hurried back towards his apartment. He was not going to allow her to wander the streets and Chichiri obviously made a poor caretaker.
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Tasuki groaned once more. He was in no condition to attend the 'emergency' frat meeting that evening. Kouga shook his shoulders, causing the room to spin once again.
"Don't do that," Tasuki growled out at his wolfish roommate. He clutched his hands to either side of his head, trying to stop his spinning vision. He then reached for the box of tissues sitting on the floor at his feet to blow his nose once more.
Kouga looked back towards the coffee table and counted the beer cans. He shook his head at his roommate. "Ten beers? What's the matter with you? We have a meeting tonight."
Tasuki groaned again as he laid upon his side on the couch and buried his face in the pillows. His speech muffled, he answered, and "I'm not going. I don't feel well."
"No kidding. Piss drunk people usually don't feel very well. I thought you were smarter than this! Aren't you a freaking scientist?" Kouga demanded as he searched the kitchen counter for his car keys. He was going to be late for the meeting if he didn't' hurry.
"I am a scientist, but even we have an off day. Didn't you ever see pictures of Einstein's hair? Total chaos I tell you." Tasuki looked up and met Kouga's icy eyes with bloodshot amber.
"So what happened?" Kouga asked sitting on the arm of the couch, concern marking his features, ever so slightly. He may have acted brutish, but he really did have a soft heart when you got down to the thick of things, especially when his friends were involved.
"My best friend from high school, Koji, called to share some rather depressing news. Our old buddy Hiten died in car accident this morning," Tasuki explained. Kouga reached down to pat his roommate on the head briefly in sympathy.
"I'm sorry to hear that buddy," Kouga replied quietly, all arrogance gone from his tone as he looked down at his normally hot tempered friend in pity. Tasuki sat up abruptly and rushed to the bathroom as a wave of nausea overtook him.
Seeing the actions of Tasuki, Kouga laughed at his roommate's expense. "Well it sounds like I'll be missing out on an exciting time here, don't have too much fun with out me now!" He shouted as he moved to the front door, before slamming it shut behind him, in effect sending more dangerous tremors through Tasuki's overly sensitive hearing.
The crimson haired young scientist crawled his way back to the couch and buried his face into the cushions, willing the world to go away. That's when he heard the voices in the hall. Once again he recognized Miroku and it seemed Chichiri was with him. It was the third voice that gained his attention.
"Why don't you want me to go anywhere? I could hang out with that nice young man I met earlier," Kagome complained. Her brother was planning on locking her in his apartment, alone. If there was one thing she hated, it was being alone.
"No way, especially after you disappeared all afternoon. I simply can't allow you to roam about on your own accord. So just stay here and don't talk to anyone okay?" Miroku leaned over to give Kagome a quick peck on the cheek before brushing past her and locking the front door in her face.
Tasuki removed his ear from the door, from where he had been eavesdropping. He knew it! Miroku was keeping a girl in his apartment! He would just have to go and meet this girl. As he reached to open the door knob and meet the mysterious woman another wave of nausea stopped him and he made another run for the porcelain god.
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Kagome was appalled at Miroku's behavior. Why was he acting so over-protective? She'd done just fine without him all these years. How dare he try to make up for his absence now! She knew it wasn't his fault for not being there during her trials. He certainly always listened to her and offered his sympathy to her over the telephone.
She finished scrubbing the last of the counters. The apartment was spotless. All that needed to be done now was take out the trash. She eyed the door. Should she do it? Should she ignore her brother's request and take out his trash? The garbage shoot was only a little ways down the hall after all.
Decision made, Kagome knotted up the end of her trash bag and headed towards the door. She unlocked it and slinging the trash over her shoulder like Santa Claus she continued on her mission down the hallway.
Upon reaching the small room at the end of the hallway, she noticed a curious figure leaning against the wall. His thick, blazing red hair seemed to be shiny with sweat. He tossed one of his two trash bags down the shoot as he leaned against the wall again, trying to catch his breath.
"Are you okay sir?" Kagome asked concerned as she reached an unsteady hand to the young man's shoulder. He jerked at the contact and bloodshot eyes met hers. She could see his face was red with fever. "Oh my, are you okay?" She dropped the trash bag besides his other one as she reached her palm to feel his forehead.
Tasuki couldn't speak. This beautiful young woman was fawning over him like he was a sick little boy. He was a grown man! He didn't need some woman babying him! But, for some reason he couldn't find the strength to tell her off.
Kagome stepped back and picked up the trash, noting that his was full mostly of Kleenex, to throw them both down the shoot. She then turned towards the silent young man. "I'm Kagome," she extended her hand towards him. Almost in a dreamlike state, he shook it.
"Tasuki," he answered before squeezing his eyes tight as another wave of nausea hit him. It was unusual that the alcohol he consumed earlier was affecting him so much. Normally he could drink better than most sailors. It had to have been more due to the loss of a dear friend.
"What's wrong? Have you eaten?" Kagome asked the second question quickly, not even waiting for him to answer the first. She could read people and if she was reading him correctly he wouldn't tell her what was wrong with him.
"I, no I haven't eaten," Tasuki replied honestly. He almost told her what was wrong with him! But he didn't want her sympathy, right? He almost scolded her for being nosy until he sneezed. And then he sneezed again. Finally he sneezed a third time. Kagome looked at him in sympathy.
Kagome wrapped her arm around the stranger's waist and pulled him to stand up tall. He was only about half a foot taller than her, but still with all the muscle he packed, his size dwarfed hers. "I'll make you some chicken soup. You have to eat." She smiled at him, remembering a line from Lord of the Rings, "You look terrible."
Tasuki offered a weak laugh as he allowed the woman to lead him towards Miroku's apartment. "I live over there," Tasuki informed her as he gestured towards the door that was ajar that led to his and Kouga's apartment.
"Ah, you must be friends with my brother then." Kagome smiled at him remembering the two that pounded on Miroku's door the night before. This must have been one of the owners of those hands.
"Miroku and I work in the same lab as well." Tasuki replied as he stood on his own while Kagome opened the door to the apartment. He allowed her to lead him towards a seat the dining table. Kagome pulled out a pot and began to make some soup for the young man.
As she let the water boil she moved to sit across from Tasuki at the table. "Do you want to tell me why you are drunk?" Kagome asked gently. The young man flinched at how caring she asked.
"I got a call earlier tonight. A dear friend of mine died in a car accident. I guess I tried to drown my sorrows but just got myself sick instead." Tasuki answered. Why was he letting his guard down so easily? He would have to contribute that to his poor health. Yeah, that had to have been the reason.
"I am sorry to hear of your loss," Kagome told him solemnly. A small smirk found a home upon Tasuki's lips. "Thanks."
After an hour had passed, the two had enjoyed sharing warm chicken soup and many laughs. Kagome smiled at Tasuki fondly. "You look much better now," she told him.
He grinned at her, revealing fang like teeth in his arrogance, feeling his pride come rolling back to him waves. "I feel great too!" A sudden yawn interrupted his thoughts. Kagome looked at him with an arched brow while Tasuki scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"Perhaps you should sleep off the rest of the night." Kagome suggested. She noticed the flash that went through his eyes and decided to mend his bruised ego. "I'm feeling pretty tired myself so I'll show you to the door. I hope to talk with you again though. Hopefully when you are in better spirits."
Tasuki reluctantly rose from his comfortable position and headed towards the door. "I hope that I'm in a better state as well," he grumbled under his breath. He had finally seemed to be making some headway with the girl and she tells him he looks tired! He sighed heavily. He was feeling drained. He was using all his will power to refrain from using any curse words throughout the duration of their acquaintance. He'd show Miroku that he was worthy of a girl like Kagome!
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Inuyasha groggily made his way up the stairs to his apartment. It would be just his luck that the elevator wasn't working at the moment. He shifted his duffle bag upon his shoulder. All he wanted to do was go to sleep.
He was so exhausted. He had the misfortune of sharing a ride back with his brother. His father was such a jerk! The whole reason he was being forced to return early was because of Sesshoumaru and then his father makes them share a ride back! Inuyasha growled again. Stupid Sesshoumaru!
Perhaps he should be grateful that Hotohori happened to call Sesshoumaru and tell him about some girl he met that day. That conversation led to Sesshoumaru ditching his younger brother to attend the fraternity meeting. Not that Inuyasha minded, because if he had to see his brother again ever again it would lead to his insanity.
Finally, he made it to his landing and walked towards his apartment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his key. He slipped it into the lock, surprised to find that the deadbolt was also locked. So he unlocked that too and then shut the door behind him and locked it.
He was too tired to worry with a shower. He dropped his duffle bag onto the kitchen table, his nose picking up the scent of someone recently having chicken soup. It smelled good. He shook his head; food was not what he needed. He needed sleep.
As he walked towards his room he kicked off his shoes and they flew across the room to softly thud against the wall on the far side. Next he pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it onto the back of the couch.
He opened his bedroom door and stepped out of jeans, leaving only his red silk boxers on. He stumbled around in the dark room hopping on one foot at a time as he removed his socks and then fell onto his soft wonderful bed. The covers were already pulled back; he must have forgotten to make his bed before he last left. God must love him because the bed seemed already to offer inviting warmth.
Inuyasha snuggled deep within his black satin sheets and pulled the cover up high over his head. He couldn't remember ever slipping into bed and automatically feeling so warm and comfortable.
He reached for his body pillow, funny he thought he had left it back at his parent's house. He snuggled against the pillow, feeling it conform to fit his mold better than he remembered it ever doing before. He sighed happily. Stupid Sesshoumaru making him have to return early.
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TBC