Number One Priority: Chapter 6
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The magazine Miroku had been holding was folded beyond recognition. He had rolled it again and again repeatedly in his sweaty hands. He had a nagging suspicion that he should not have abandoned Kagome at his apartment for the evening. Plus, she was mad at him for his behavior. Knowing how rebellious she was, most likely she'd do something stupid just to tick him off.
Hotohori was watching as Miroku rolled up the magazine, ruining the cover of himself. It was the latest edition of the fashion magazine that either Hotohori or Sesshoumaru often graced the front. "Do you think you can stop molesting my magazine?" Hotohori asked calmly, fingers laced together under his chin.
Unfocused violet eyes rose at the comment. "Molesting your magazine? Geez, Hotohori what kind of sick bastard do you think I am?" Miroku demanded angrily. He tossed the magazine at the pretty boy model, knocking him in the forehead.
Hotohori's amber eyes were a-glow with annoyance. However, using his great sense of self-control he reigned in the heated outburst he wanted to disclose and calmly set the magazine aside upon the coffee table. The cell phone in his pocket began to go off to the tune of Mozart. Looking at the caller i.d. he noticed that his roommate, Sesshoumaru was the caller. Excusing himself, Hotohori left the common room to talk.
Miroku watched him walk off and glanced back down at his watch. When were they going to start this meeting? He looked around the room quickly and noticed that the majority of the Frat brothers were present. Tasuki was not in attendance, but after Kouga explained that he was ill and grieving over the loss of a friend he wasn't too worried about him wandering across the hallway. Not that he didn't care about how Tasuki was feeling or anything, because he did!
"I believe we can call this meeting to order," Naraku, the president of the fraternity, spoke from his seat at the head of the circle they sat in. His long, wavy black hair was loose and his dark eyes always seemed to have some sort of malicious gleam to them. He stretched out his long legs, stretching for the coffee table in the center of the circle to knock over Chichiri's cup of tea that rested there.
Naraku narrowed his eyes at the calm young blue-haired monk when he simply smiled in reaction. One of these days he was going to get a rise out of that meditating holier than thou man!
On Naraku's left, sat the vice president, Nakagu. The vice president was a large, muscular athlete with long blond hair and piercing blue eyes that could cut through stone. He was infamous for torturing foolish underclassmen. It was a wonder if he himself was in ever such a position.
"So who are we missing, Chichiri?" Naraku inquired of the secretary and general organizer of the fraternity. The blue-haired man continued to grin, causing Naraku's eyes to narrow in annoyance. Couldn't he ever be in a foul mood?
"Of those that are in Tokyo, I believe the only ones absent would be Tasuki and Hotohori, who stepped out into the hall just now." Chichiri replied calmly. Keeping his smirk firmly in place, as he knew it annoyed their president to no end.
"Very well. I suppose there isn't too much business to discuss. The semester will be starting soon, meaning more underclassmen will be trying to pledge." Naraku began, but was interrupted by snickering from the corner where Bankotsu stood, munching on some nachos.
"You mean, more victims for us to try?" Bankotsu corrected, receiving a nod from Nakagu, whose blue eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect of torturing some new recruits.
Hotohori stepped back inside the room, all eyes turned towards him. Hotohori grinned, he always loved being the center of attention. "It would seem that our dear brother Sesshoumaru shall be joining us."
Miroku toppled over the chair he was resting in as he quickly jumped to his feet. "Sesshoumaru is back? Does that mean Inuyasha is back too?" Miroku's hands flew to his hair and he tugged on it anxiously. Inuyasha couldn't go back to their apartment! What if he met Kagome?
Hotohori watched Miroku's display with a raised brow, before answering. "He did not say. Perhaps if you calm yourself, you might use the opportunity to ask him personally." Hotohori walked towards his bamboozled friend and righted the fallen chair before moving to sit in his vacated spot on the couch.
Miroku sat down, stunned into silence. He was acting ridiculously. He needed to calm himself and stop over reacting. It was just Inuyasha! Besides, Kagome could handle herself. But then, she had been sleeping in Inuyasha's bed since she came. Nervous fingernails drummed along the wooden armrest of the chair, earning glares from his fellow frat brothers.
"Well, I have an announcement," Tamahome declared, slamming the mug of beer he had been drowning upon the glass coffee table. He smiled at his friends. "Looks like I'll be studying abroad this semester, so I won't be partaking in any of the annual festivities." Tamahome winked over at Nakagu, implying the festivity that he ended up the victor last time. After all, Miaka was his girlfriend after all the fun and games had ended.
Nuriko's teeth ground together at the jab. Once again Tamahome was bragging about winning the girl the last time they decided to have a little competition. Jakotsu, at his side, rested a calming hand upon his shoulder, but Nuriko shrugged it off. He continued to grind his teeth as he glared vehemently at Tamahome. How could he just abandon Miaka?
Naraku nodded his head, "Good for you. Represent the brotherhood well while you are away. And I don't believe anyone minds if you are not participating in this year's festivity." Several looks of agreement could be seen in the congregation.
Hotohori began to tune out the meeting. It would figure that there was no pertinent business to discuss. Once again he had an early morning shoot, and didn't feel like wasting time discussing what young woman would be the target that semester. Ever once in a while, a new girl was chosen and it was a challenge to see which of the frat brother's could woo the girl into bed with him within a semester.
The last time they had played that game, Tamahome met his girlfriend Miaka. There was a great deal of strife within the brotherhood as a result. The tension was still quite evident, in that many of the brothers had also fallen for the chosen woman. But, Hotohori didn't want to participate this time, not with a woman by the name of Kagome sparking his interest.
Miroku was growing more and more nervous. Sesshoumaru needed to hurry and arrive so that he could ease his worries. He wasn't even paying attention to the meeting anymore, but it would be frowned upon if he simply left. He continued to tap his nails against the wooden armrests.
Not a moment later, the front door opened, and the over whelming presence of Sesshoumaru could be felt by all that were gathered. The man seemed to simply radiate respect and power.
The silver haired man observed all those congregated. His golden eyes landed upon the tapping of a certain violet eyed young man. He stalked towards him predatorily. Quick as lightning, he pounded his fist upon the hand, causing it to slam flat against the wood. Violet eyes narrowed in pain and he shot a look to the rude man that would kill.
"Cease such bothersome habits," Sesshoumaru told him simply before lifting his hand and moving towards the couch to sit upon the arm rest beside his roommate. He was anxious to hear about the woman that had caught his friend's interest. It was a rare thing to do and the golden-brown haired model was such a hopeless romantic that even Sesshoumaru hoped he would find a woman, and soon.
"Did your brother come back as well?" Chichiri inquired, sensing Miroku's desperation to ask the question, but not wanting to act suspicious. The brief affirmative nod of Sesshoumaru's head inspired Miroku to fly from the meeting and race home.
Everyone watched him depart in silence. All eyes returned to Naraku as he cleared his throat. "It seems that our friend has somewhere more important to be."
"Oh hey, Naraku, I've got an idea for the chick we can go after." Bankotsu called as he took over Miroku's abandoned chair. All eyes riveted back to him. Midnight blue eyes glittered with amusement. "Well, I don't know her name, but I saw her the other day walking down the street. She was with Miroku, I imagine that's why he raced out of here."
Naraku raised his fingers to his chin to rub thoughtfully. Speaking more to himself than to his brothers, "We all know that we are not to keep secrets. Miroku is obviously hiding something and I would wager it may have to do with this 'chick' you mentioned," Naraku told Bankotsu, using the same terminology to stress the idea.
"He could just be hurrying back because my useless younger brother has returned. I know I would not trust him alone in my home." Sesshoumaru replied in a silky voice. His golden eyes roamed the faces of his frat brothers. He saw guilty expressions upon the faces of Chichiri and Nuriko. No one else would be able to notice such looks, but coming from the master of impersonating a stone-like face, Sesshoumaru easily picked up on it.
"Yeah, he probably just wants to make sure Inuyasha doesn't try to cook anything," Kouga joked, earning laughter round the house.
Nakagu spoke up, his voice loud and commanding. If he were a war-lord no doubt would thousands kneel before him out of fear. "Bankotsu, describe the woman you saw with Miroku? Are you certain it was not Tama's woman's roommate?"
Bankotsu looked thoughtful as he tried to remember what Sango looked like. He shook his head, "No, she was a little shorter than her. I didn't actually see what she looked like from the front, but the rear view was quite satisfactory if you know what I mean." Bankotsu let a suggestive thrust of his hips accentuate his point.
Hotohori groaned at the innuendo. "Unfortunately, we are all too aware of what you mean. I have an earlier day tomorrow so if there is no other business other than the 'festivity' I'll be going."
"You don't want to participate?" Tamahome asked surprised by his friend's behavior. With as much as he donned over Miaka the last time they played this game he was certain he was anxious to try his charms on another woman.
Hotohori shrugged as he lifted himself over the back of the couch, using an expert sense of balance to land upon his feet with grace. "I have no desire to compete with my brothers over a woman. I would prefer to discover one on my own. Good night."
Sesshoumaru watched as his roommate left tempted to follow after him and ask about his attitude. Kouga glanced down at his watch and began to feel guilty for leaving Tasuki back at the apartment in such a miserable state. Perhaps he too would leave early, everyone else seemed to be doing so.
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Inuyasha was having a fantastic dream. He was stranded on a tropical island with a gorgeous woman with long obsidian colored hair, blue-grey eyes, and a smile that absolutely melted his heart.
They were lounging about in the warm sun's rays upon the white sands of the beach. Their entertainment consisted of dolphins jumping high above the waves not far from them. The woman was wrapped within his arms and snuggled against his chest.
He could feel her bare, silky legs caressing his. He entwined them together as he pulled her unbelievably closer, burying his nose into her thick, soft hair. He could die and go to heaven right then.
He knew he was only dreaming, but no way would he allow himself to awaken to find out that he'd been caressing his pillow. He only hoped that Miroku wouldn't walk in and catch him frenching his pillow. That would be embarrassing. It had only happened once, but his brother would never let him forget the incident. Inuyasha shuttered at the thought of his stupid brother and decided that he wasn't around so he'd kiss his dream girl if he wanted to.
His dream woman smiled endearingly at him as he held either side of her face in his hands. He then met those lovely lips with his own and allowed her to feel the passion she caused to grow within him. Everything was going heavenly until she spoke. Her next words froze his very soul, as he realized she said words that he would never dream about.
The dream woman continued to nuzzle Inuyasha's neck as she ran her fingers threw his silky long hair. "Mmmmm, Hotohori you taste divine," she whispered. Inuyasha's eyes snapped open in an instant as bright light engulfed his room.
The first thing he noticed was Miroku staring at him with a look of pure rage upon his features. Next he noticed that he was not holding his body pillow entangled within his arms and legs. It would seem that his dream girl was now a waking nightmare. A beautiful, waking nightmare, that was practically naked laying flush against his own practically naked body.
Blue-grey eyes opened with a hazy expression. Kagome looked around confused. Why was it so bright? She was having the most erotic dream about that handsome young man, Hotohori. They were on a beach, watching dolphins jump and then that led to more exciting activities.
Her step-brother's voice is what broke her out of her confused state.
"Kagome," Miroku began quietly as he strained to keep his temper in check. He wanted to murder Inuyasha right now. And his damn roommate still hadn't let go of HIS Kagome! "Are you wearing my baseball jersey?" Miroku asked, commenting on her clothes instead of the position she was in. He knew that she was still half asleep, but as she would no doubt try to apologize for borrowing his clothes that would lead her brain into working mode and she would soon realize her own situation.
"Oh, I'm sorry Miroku! But you know I don't sleep with any clothes on, but I didn't think that Inuyasha would appreciate finding out that some strange girl had been sleeping in his bed nude." Kagome explained sheepishly as it began to dawn on her that her dream Hotohori was still holding her.
Miroku almost laughed as he could see his step-sister's eyes widen as it suddenly dawned on her that she was in bed with someone. Inuyasha still kept silent, afraid of the strange woman and his best friend. He had never seen Miroku so angry before. Not even when it was rumored that Sango had a serious boyfriend was Miroku this peeved.
Kagome quickly pulled herself out of her dream-lover's embrace. Her eyes wide as she took in his features. Long silvery, white hair, golden eyes, strong jaw, tight abs, muscled chest, and.......she averted her eyes as she jumped out of bed and ran towards Miroku, cowering behind him in shame.
Inuyasha remained silent. How was he able to pull his dream girl into reality? He'd dreamt about her before, but never had he woken up with her in his arms. At least she didn't scream at him for being a pervert or something. But, wait, this was his room! "What the hell are you doing in my room, woman?" Inuyasha shouted as the realization came to him that he was the victim here!
"I----I-----I'm sorry, I didn't know!" Kagome cried, as she buried her face in Miroku's back trying to hide her tomato red face from her mortification. The front door of the apartment slammed open after Kagome's cry and a woozy looking Tasuki stumbled into the bedroom.
His topaz eyes locked on Kagome's form hidden behind Miroku in fear. "Kagome, are you okay? What's going on?" He followed her eyes towards a barely clad Inuyasha. "What the fuck were you doing asshole? Trying to scare the shit out of some chick?" Tasuki's foul mouth caused Kagome to cringe as he moved away from Miroku to stare at her new friend in shock. Where did this language come from?
Inuyasha slammed his hand angrily against his bedroom wall, causing sheet rock to fly. "Damn it! She was in my bed! I didn't know she was there! It was all a fucking accident, damn it! Why the fuck are you trying to blame me? Miroku what the fuck is some bitch doing in my fucking bed?"
Miroku was positively livid. "SHUT THE HELL UP BOTH OF YOU!" He shouted causing the two riled up men to stare at him. Miroku never lost his cool. That happened about as often as Naraku going to church! Must be Easter next weekend or something then.
Miroku turned to Kagome, his expression softening at the look of shock she was giving him. She didn't really know what was being said. It was all spoken in Japanese and she still wasn't familiar enough with the language to have learned the bad words yet. Miroku firmly grasped both of Kagome's shoulders and guided her to his bedroom.
He pulled back the covers for her and she slipped in silently. He leaned down and kissed her softly on the forehead. He whispered in her ear quietly, "I'll be back after I cool them down. You can sleep with me tonight and we'll figure out new arrangements in the morning, okay?"
Kagome nodded, eyes tearing up. She was causing trouble everywhere she went. As if reading her thoughts, which he probably was, Miroku brushed his thumb across her thick eyelashes, catching the teardrop that had fallen there.
"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault. We've all had those times we thought we were dreaming, only find out we're not." Miroku told her reassuringly with a smile upon his face, effectively calming his dear Kagome. He watched her for a moment before sighing with relief as she settled back down into sleep.
He shut the door behind him to face off with his roommate and neighbor. Inuyasha and Tasuki were standing on opposite sides of the room, looking bored and pretending not to be glaring at one another.
Miroku shut the door behind him, enclosing the three of them. "Inuyasha, I apologize for not warning you that someone would be staying in your room while you were gone. I did not expect your return for some time." Miroku then turned to Tasuki and offered a similar reply. "Tasuki, I appreciate your concern. If something wrong were to happen to Kagome, I'm glad to know that she has you to protect her as well."
Tasuki merely nodded his head in acceptance as he moved to walk past Miroku and go back home. "She's a very special girl. And her cooking is art." Miroku allowed him to leave, confirming that Kagome had indeed met his neighbor/co-worker while he was at that damned meeting.
His violet eyes swooped back to Inuyasha, who was crawling back into bed. He was still tired and since Miroku apologized there was no need for him to be awake now. Miroku cleared his throat, "You will of course apologize to Kagome in the morning."
"Keh," Inuyasha answered as he rolled over to his side, facing away from Miroku. "Like I'd apologize to your whore after you screw all night."
Inuyasha was not expecting the vise-like grip upon his throat at the comment. It was generally a running joke between them about Miroku's promiscuity. "You will never talk about her like that. She is no whore. If you ever speak of such things about her or in her presence I will kill you." Miroku released his choking grip, certain that the point was made.
Inuyasha sat up, rubbing his sore neck as he stared at Miroku. Then he winked playfully, "I suppose she is fun or else you wouldn't be defending her so." He shrugged. "She is a good kisser."
Miroku reached for the only non-stationary object in the room, one of Kagome's books that rested upon the desk and chunked it at his roommate, hitting him square in the temple. Satisfied that enough pain had been felt by the asshole, Miroku walked back to his room. He shut and locked the door behind him and stripped out of his clothes.
He looked back down at Kagome's sleeping form. She looked adorable in his baseball jersey. It was too big for her, obviously, but the fact that it was his made him think she looked incredibly sexy in it. He frowned at his thoughts. She wasn't his sister by blood, but it still felt wrong to be thinking of her in such ways.
He shook his head as he tried to clear his thoughts while pulling back his covers and climbing in. Kagome shifted in her sleep and wrapped her arms around Miroku's neck as he joined her in bed. She opened her eyes a tad and kissed him on the tip of his nose. "Good night my knight in shining armor," she whispered sleepily before drifting back into slumber.
Miroku sighed, as he eased her arms from around his neck and put some distance between them. He knew what a sound sleeper she could be when she was tired. And she was still dealing with jet-lag. He was having enough issues right now without sharing a situation like Inuyasha, where one wakes up to find their dream girl in their arms.
Miroku turned onto his side, so that his back faced Kagome. He felt her shift on the mattress and move to spoon against him. He didn't dare move though. He should probably have another talk with Chichiri. This most certainly was not sibling behavior, but something more.
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TBC
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The magazine Miroku had been holding was folded beyond recognition. He had rolled it again and again repeatedly in his sweaty hands. He had a nagging suspicion that he should not have abandoned Kagome at his apartment for the evening. Plus, she was mad at him for his behavior. Knowing how rebellious she was, most likely she'd do something stupid just to tick him off.
Hotohori was watching as Miroku rolled up the magazine, ruining the cover of himself. It was the latest edition of the fashion magazine that either Hotohori or Sesshoumaru often graced the front. "Do you think you can stop molesting my magazine?" Hotohori asked calmly, fingers laced together under his chin.
Unfocused violet eyes rose at the comment. "Molesting your magazine? Geez, Hotohori what kind of sick bastard do you think I am?" Miroku demanded angrily. He tossed the magazine at the pretty boy model, knocking him in the forehead.
Hotohori's amber eyes were a-glow with annoyance. However, using his great sense of self-control he reigned in the heated outburst he wanted to disclose and calmly set the magazine aside upon the coffee table. The cell phone in his pocket began to go off to the tune of Mozart. Looking at the caller i.d. he noticed that his roommate, Sesshoumaru was the caller. Excusing himself, Hotohori left the common room to talk.
Miroku watched him walk off and glanced back down at his watch. When were they going to start this meeting? He looked around the room quickly and noticed that the majority of the Frat brothers were present. Tasuki was not in attendance, but after Kouga explained that he was ill and grieving over the loss of a friend he wasn't too worried about him wandering across the hallway. Not that he didn't care about how Tasuki was feeling or anything, because he did!
"I believe we can call this meeting to order," Naraku, the president of the fraternity, spoke from his seat at the head of the circle they sat in. His long, wavy black hair was loose and his dark eyes always seemed to have some sort of malicious gleam to them. He stretched out his long legs, stretching for the coffee table in the center of the circle to knock over Chichiri's cup of tea that rested there.
Naraku narrowed his eyes at the calm young blue-haired monk when he simply smiled in reaction. One of these days he was going to get a rise out of that meditating holier than thou man!
On Naraku's left, sat the vice president, Nakagu. The vice president was a large, muscular athlete with long blond hair and piercing blue eyes that could cut through stone. He was infamous for torturing foolish underclassmen. It was a wonder if he himself was in ever such a position.
"So who are we missing, Chichiri?" Naraku inquired of the secretary and general organizer of the fraternity. The blue-haired man continued to grin, causing Naraku's eyes to narrow in annoyance. Couldn't he ever be in a foul mood?
"Of those that are in Tokyo, I believe the only ones absent would be Tasuki and Hotohori, who stepped out into the hall just now." Chichiri replied calmly. Keeping his smirk firmly in place, as he knew it annoyed their president to no end.
"Very well. I suppose there isn't too much business to discuss. The semester will be starting soon, meaning more underclassmen will be trying to pledge." Naraku began, but was interrupted by snickering from the corner where Bankotsu stood, munching on some nachos.
"You mean, more victims for us to try?" Bankotsu corrected, receiving a nod from Nakagu, whose blue eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect of torturing some new recruits.
Hotohori stepped back inside the room, all eyes turned towards him. Hotohori grinned, he always loved being the center of attention. "It would seem that our dear brother Sesshoumaru shall be joining us."
Miroku toppled over the chair he was resting in as he quickly jumped to his feet. "Sesshoumaru is back? Does that mean Inuyasha is back too?" Miroku's hands flew to his hair and he tugged on it anxiously. Inuyasha couldn't go back to their apartment! What if he met Kagome?
Hotohori watched Miroku's display with a raised brow, before answering. "He did not say. Perhaps if you calm yourself, you might use the opportunity to ask him personally." Hotohori walked towards his bamboozled friend and righted the fallen chair before moving to sit in his vacated spot on the couch.
Miroku sat down, stunned into silence. He was acting ridiculously. He needed to calm himself and stop over reacting. It was just Inuyasha! Besides, Kagome could handle herself. But then, she had been sleeping in Inuyasha's bed since she came. Nervous fingernails drummed along the wooden armrest of the chair, earning glares from his fellow frat brothers.
"Well, I have an announcement," Tamahome declared, slamming the mug of beer he had been drowning upon the glass coffee table. He smiled at his friends. "Looks like I'll be studying abroad this semester, so I won't be partaking in any of the annual festivities." Tamahome winked over at Nakagu, implying the festivity that he ended up the victor last time. After all, Miaka was his girlfriend after all the fun and games had ended.
Nuriko's teeth ground together at the jab. Once again Tamahome was bragging about winning the girl the last time they decided to have a little competition. Jakotsu, at his side, rested a calming hand upon his shoulder, but Nuriko shrugged it off. He continued to grind his teeth as he glared vehemently at Tamahome. How could he just abandon Miaka?
Naraku nodded his head, "Good for you. Represent the brotherhood well while you are away. And I don't believe anyone minds if you are not participating in this year's festivity." Several looks of agreement could be seen in the congregation.
Hotohori began to tune out the meeting. It would figure that there was no pertinent business to discuss. Once again he had an early morning shoot, and didn't feel like wasting time discussing what young woman would be the target that semester. Ever once in a while, a new girl was chosen and it was a challenge to see which of the frat brother's could woo the girl into bed with him within a semester.
The last time they had played that game, Tamahome met his girlfriend Miaka. There was a great deal of strife within the brotherhood as a result. The tension was still quite evident, in that many of the brothers had also fallen for the chosen woman. But, Hotohori didn't want to participate this time, not with a woman by the name of Kagome sparking his interest.
Miroku was growing more and more nervous. Sesshoumaru needed to hurry and arrive so that he could ease his worries. He wasn't even paying attention to the meeting anymore, but it would be frowned upon if he simply left. He continued to tap his nails against the wooden armrests.
Not a moment later, the front door opened, and the over whelming presence of Sesshoumaru could be felt by all that were gathered. The man seemed to simply radiate respect and power.
The silver haired man observed all those congregated. His golden eyes landed upon the tapping of a certain violet eyed young man. He stalked towards him predatorily. Quick as lightning, he pounded his fist upon the hand, causing it to slam flat against the wood. Violet eyes narrowed in pain and he shot a look to the rude man that would kill.
"Cease such bothersome habits," Sesshoumaru told him simply before lifting his hand and moving towards the couch to sit upon the arm rest beside his roommate. He was anxious to hear about the woman that had caught his friend's interest. It was a rare thing to do and the golden-brown haired model was such a hopeless romantic that even Sesshoumaru hoped he would find a woman, and soon.
"Did your brother come back as well?" Chichiri inquired, sensing Miroku's desperation to ask the question, but not wanting to act suspicious. The brief affirmative nod of Sesshoumaru's head inspired Miroku to fly from the meeting and race home.
Everyone watched him depart in silence. All eyes returned to Naraku as he cleared his throat. "It seems that our friend has somewhere more important to be."
"Oh hey, Naraku, I've got an idea for the chick we can go after." Bankotsu called as he took over Miroku's abandoned chair. All eyes riveted back to him. Midnight blue eyes glittered with amusement. "Well, I don't know her name, but I saw her the other day walking down the street. She was with Miroku, I imagine that's why he raced out of here."
Naraku raised his fingers to his chin to rub thoughtfully. Speaking more to himself than to his brothers, "We all know that we are not to keep secrets. Miroku is obviously hiding something and I would wager it may have to do with this 'chick' you mentioned," Naraku told Bankotsu, using the same terminology to stress the idea.
"He could just be hurrying back because my useless younger brother has returned. I know I would not trust him alone in my home." Sesshoumaru replied in a silky voice. His golden eyes roamed the faces of his frat brothers. He saw guilty expressions upon the faces of Chichiri and Nuriko. No one else would be able to notice such looks, but coming from the master of impersonating a stone-like face, Sesshoumaru easily picked up on it.
"Yeah, he probably just wants to make sure Inuyasha doesn't try to cook anything," Kouga joked, earning laughter round the house.
Nakagu spoke up, his voice loud and commanding. If he were a war-lord no doubt would thousands kneel before him out of fear. "Bankotsu, describe the woman you saw with Miroku? Are you certain it was not Tama's woman's roommate?"
Bankotsu looked thoughtful as he tried to remember what Sango looked like. He shook his head, "No, she was a little shorter than her. I didn't actually see what she looked like from the front, but the rear view was quite satisfactory if you know what I mean." Bankotsu let a suggestive thrust of his hips accentuate his point.
Hotohori groaned at the innuendo. "Unfortunately, we are all too aware of what you mean. I have an earlier day tomorrow so if there is no other business other than the 'festivity' I'll be going."
"You don't want to participate?" Tamahome asked surprised by his friend's behavior. With as much as he donned over Miaka the last time they played this game he was certain he was anxious to try his charms on another woman.
Hotohori shrugged as he lifted himself over the back of the couch, using an expert sense of balance to land upon his feet with grace. "I have no desire to compete with my brothers over a woman. I would prefer to discover one on my own. Good night."
Sesshoumaru watched as his roommate left tempted to follow after him and ask about his attitude. Kouga glanced down at his watch and began to feel guilty for leaving Tasuki back at the apartment in such a miserable state. Perhaps he too would leave early, everyone else seemed to be doing so.
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Inuyasha was having a fantastic dream. He was stranded on a tropical island with a gorgeous woman with long obsidian colored hair, blue-grey eyes, and a smile that absolutely melted his heart.
They were lounging about in the warm sun's rays upon the white sands of the beach. Their entertainment consisted of dolphins jumping high above the waves not far from them. The woman was wrapped within his arms and snuggled against his chest.
He could feel her bare, silky legs caressing his. He entwined them together as he pulled her unbelievably closer, burying his nose into her thick, soft hair. He could die and go to heaven right then.
He knew he was only dreaming, but no way would he allow himself to awaken to find out that he'd been caressing his pillow. He only hoped that Miroku wouldn't walk in and catch him frenching his pillow. That would be embarrassing. It had only happened once, but his brother would never let him forget the incident. Inuyasha shuttered at the thought of his stupid brother and decided that he wasn't around so he'd kiss his dream girl if he wanted to.
His dream woman smiled endearingly at him as he held either side of her face in his hands. He then met those lovely lips with his own and allowed her to feel the passion she caused to grow within him. Everything was going heavenly until she spoke. Her next words froze his very soul, as he realized she said words that he would never dream about.
The dream woman continued to nuzzle Inuyasha's neck as she ran her fingers threw his silky long hair. "Mmmmm, Hotohori you taste divine," she whispered. Inuyasha's eyes snapped open in an instant as bright light engulfed his room.
The first thing he noticed was Miroku staring at him with a look of pure rage upon his features. Next he noticed that he was not holding his body pillow entangled within his arms and legs. It would seem that his dream girl was now a waking nightmare. A beautiful, waking nightmare, that was practically naked laying flush against his own practically naked body.
Blue-grey eyes opened with a hazy expression. Kagome looked around confused. Why was it so bright? She was having the most erotic dream about that handsome young man, Hotohori. They were on a beach, watching dolphins jump and then that led to more exciting activities.
Her step-brother's voice is what broke her out of her confused state.
"Kagome," Miroku began quietly as he strained to keep his temper in check. He wanted to murder Inuyasha right now. And his damn roommate still hadn't let go of HIS Kagome! "Are you wearing my baseball jersey?" Miroku asked, commenting on her clothes instead of the position she was in. He knew that she was still half asleep, but as she would no doubt try to apologize for borrowing his clothes that would lead her brain into working mode and she would soon realize her own situation.
"Oh, I'm sorry Miroku! But you know I don't sleep with any clothes on, but I didn't think that Inuyasha would appreciate finding out that some strange girl had been sleeping in his bed nude." Kagome explained sheepishly as it began to dawn on her that her dream Hotohori was still holding her.
Miroku almost laughed as he could see his step-sister's eyes widen as it suddenly dawned on her that she was in bed with someone. Inuyasha still kept silent, afraid of the strange woman and his best friend. He had never seen Miroku so angry before. Not even when it was rumored that Sango had a serious boyfriend was Miroku this peeved.
Kagome quickly pulled herself out of her dream-lover's embrace. Her eyes wide as she took in his features. Long silvery, white hair, golden eyes, strong jaw, tight abs, muscled chest, and.......she averted her eyes as she jumped out of bed and ran towards Miroku, cowering behind him in shame.
Inuyasha remained silent. How was he able to pull his dream girl into reality? He'd dreamt about her before, but never had he woken up with her in his arms. At least she didn't scream at him for being a pervert or something. But, wait, this was his room! "What the hell are you doing in my room, woman?" Inuyasha shouted as the realization came to him that he was the victim here!
"I----I-----I'm sorry, I didn't know!" Kagome cried, as she buried her face in Miroku's back trying to hide her tomato red face from her mortification. The front door of the apartment slammed open after Kagome's cry and a woozy looking Tasuki stumbled into the bedroom.
His topaz eyes locked on Kagome's form hidden behind Miroku in fear. "Kagome, are you okay? What's going on?" He followed her eyes towards a barely clad Inuyasha. "What the fuck were you doing asshole? Trying to scare the shit out of some chick?" Tasuki's foul mouth caused Kagome to cringe as he moved away from Miroku to stare at her new friend in shock. Where did this language come from?
Inuyasha slammed his hand angrily against his bedroom wall, causing sheet rock to fly. "Damn it! She was in my bed! I didn't know she was there! It was all a fucking accident, damn it! Why the fuck are you trying to blame me? Miroku what the fuck is some bitch doing in my fucking bed?"
Miroku was positively livid. "SHUT THE HELL UP BOTH OF YOU!" He shouted causing the two riled up men to stare at him. Miroku never lost his cool. That happened about as often as Naraku going to church! Must be Easter next weekend or something then.
Miroku turned to Kagome, his expression softening at the look of shock she was giving him. She didn't really know what was being said. It was all spoken in Japanese and she still wasn't familiar enough with the language to have learned the bad words yet. Miroku firmly grasped both of Kagome's shoulders and guided her to his bedroom.
He pulled back the covers for her and she slipped in silently. He leaned down and kissed her softly on the forehead. He whispered in her ear quietly, "I'll be back after I cool them down. You can sleep with me tonight and we'll figure out new arrangements in the morning, okay?"
Kagome nodded, eyes tearing up. She was causing trouble everywhere she went. As if reading her thoughts, which he probably was, Miroku brushed his thumb across her thick eyelashes, catching the teardrop that had fallen there.
"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault. We've all had those times we thought we were dreaming, only find out we're not." Miroku told her reassuringly with a smile upon his face, effectively calming his dear Kagome. He watched her for a moment before sighing with relief as she settled back down into sleep.
He shut the door behind him to face off with his roommate and neighbor. Inuyasha and Tasuki were standing on opposite sides of the room, looking bored and pretending not to be glaring at one another.
Miroku shut the door behind him, enclosing the three of them. "Inuyasha, I apologize for not warning you that someone would be staying in your room while you were gone. I did not expect your return for some time." Miroku then turned to Tasuki and offered a similar reply. "Tasuki, I appreciate your concern. If something wrong were to happen to Kagome, I'm glad to know that she has you to protect her as well."
Tasuki merely nodded his head in acceptance as he moved to walk past Miroku and go back home. "She's a very special girl. And her cooking is art." Miroku allowed him to leave, confirming that Kagome had indeed met his neighbor/co-worker while he was at that damned meeting.
His violet eyes swooped back to Inuyasha, who was crawling back into bed. He was still tired and since Miroku apologized there was no need for him to be awake now. Miroku cleared his throat, "You will of course apologize to Kagome in the morning."
"Keh," Inuyasha answered as he rolled over to his side, facing away from Miroku. "Like I'd apologize to your whore after you screw all night."
Inuyasha was not expecting the vise-like grip upon his throat at the comment. It was generally a running joke between them about Miroku's promiscuity. "You will never talk about her like that. She is no whore. If you ever speak of such things about her or in her presence I will kill you." Miroku released his choking grip, certain that the point was made.
Inuyasha sat up, rubbing his sore neck as he stared at Miroku. Then he winked playfully, "I suppose she is fun or else you wouldn't be defending her so." He shrugged. "She is a good kisser."
Miroku reached for the only non-stationary object in the room, one of Kagome's books that rested upon the desk and chunked it at his roommate, hitting him square in the temple. Satisfied that enough pain had been felt by the asshole, Miroku walked back to his room. He shut and locked the door behind him and stripped out of his clothes.
He looked back down at Kagome's sleeping form. She looked adorable in his baseball jersey. It was too big for her, obviously, but the fact that it was his made him think she looked incredibly sexy in it. He frowned at his thoughts. She wasn't his sister by blood, but it still felt wrong to be thinking of her in such ways.
He shook his head as he tried to clear his thoughts while pulling back his covers and climbing in. Kagome shifted in her sleep and wrapped her arms around Miroku's neck as he joined her in bed. She opened her eyes a tad and kissed him on the tip of his nose. "Good night my knight in shining armor," she whispered sleepily before drifting back into slumber.
Miroku sighed, as he eased her arms from around his neck and put some distance between them. He knew what a sound sleeper she could be when she was tired. And she was still dealing with jet-lag. He was having enough issues right now without sharing a situation like Inuyasha, where one wakes up to find their dream girl in their arms.
Miroku turned onto his side, so that his back faced Kagome. He felt her shift on the mattress and move to spoon against him. He didn't dare move though. He should probably have another talk with Chichiri. This most certainly was not sibling behavior, but something more.
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TBC
