Authors note: this took way too long to begin. Sorry about that. Notice how I don't know any Japanese names past the original characters. **grins** only the cars are Japanese in this story!!!! Mwahahahaha.
Disclaimer: Inu-Yasha may be my bitch, but I don't own him. Rumiko Takahashi is the master pimp. Sadly, I am only a customer.
OUR HOUSE
Chapter 2: "Getting There--DAY 1"
It turned out that they left later that night. Miroku made a few phone calls that resulted in a discreet set of hired men who breezed through the Higurashi household, saying nothing to the family past a few murmured words to their employer as they went. Kagome's belongings were swiftly placed in a moving van, and the girl quietly said her goodbyes to a tearful mother and sleepy brother. When the time finally came, Miroku informed her that they would be leaving in his Subaru, his argument being that her old car couldn't make the journey.
Kagome frowned at the sleek car. It sat there bathed in bright moonlight, the deep red color of old blood. It looked threatening, even quiet and sublime as it was. She looked back doubtfully at her Toyota. It looked small and hopeful in the driveway, and it WAS a reliable car. But the more she looked at it the more she realized that it would not make a journey of a length that Miroku had described. It was out of state far into the country, probably a good two days drive... She winced at this. God, two days in a car with Miroku. She stifled her uneasiness violently. There was no going back now. The movers were already leaving. At this point she HAD to go. Her upper lip curled up. But two days...in a car...with only MIROKU.
She shook here head. She was being ridiculous. It couldn't be THAT bad...could it? Kagome watched her cousin as he stretched, scratched his side, and opened the passenger seat of his car. She tilted her head to the side and stared at him as he turned and blew her a kiss. What was she thinking? This was going to be hell.
A glint of metal in the moonlight shot toward her, and she caught it reflexively. Her hand stung when she caught it, and she opened her palm to see a set of keys. She blinked. "Miroku, why are you giving the keys to me? "She hissed as quietly as she could, not wanting to wake any of the neighbors and evoke some new hatred of her.
He sat languidly in the passenger seat and smiled at her pleasantly. "You're driving, sweetheart." He shut the door and leaned the seat back.
Kagome gaped at him, hoping that he would turn around and tell her he was joking. He was joking, right? "Miroku, I don't know how to get there. And it's YOUR house! Shouldn't you be driving ME?"
He let out a loud contented sigh and leaned back further, slinging his arm over his eyes and feigning sleep. Kagome stared at him, her bottom lip jutted out as she contemplated his death. She stood there stupidly, waiting for him to look up, and did so for a good five minutes before she realized that he wasn't going to budge. She thought about simply yanking him out of the passenger seat and taking his place, but that idea seemed to loud and they were trying to get AWAY as fast as possible. It was as anti-productive as just standing there hoping he'd give. She brooded for a while before a horrible, evil smile curved her lips, and a very happy Kagome marched around the side of the car and got inside. She was still smiling when she put the key in the ignition and turned on the car. It rumbled to life, practically purring. Kagome's smile broadened. Well, if it was war he wanted, it was war he'd get.
"Miroku, I'll need directions, you know. As I've never been there and all."
The sweetness in her voice made him sit up and peer at her suspiciously. But she only beamed at him and gave him an encouraging look. He frowned and stared at her, but her smile never wavered. "Just get on the five and stay on it until you reached a fork, then take the northeast and stay on that. I'll tell you were to go from there."
Kagome nodded perkily, put the car in gear, and began her drive.
******
It took a good three hours just to get to that first fork, and then another two before Miroku gave her any other instructions. And with those last ones, he informed her that it would be another good, solid hour of driving before she'd need more.
Soft jazz music and the warm scent of coffee filled the car as the night wore on. Kagome was driving with a mad intensity that kept Miroku on edge for the first two hours, and for awhile all he could do was stare at the headlights cutting through the darkness of the empty highway as they went deeper into the countryside. But as time passed and it got later, his eyelids began to droop and the scent of coffee lulled him in to a light doze.
Kagome glanced over at her cousin and saw his eyes droop shut. She kept her eyes facing straight as she smiled evilly. Now he would pay.
With the quiet subtly of one who had practiced at such things, she very gently added pressure to her foot on the gas pedal. The speedometer shot up to 65 mph quickly, and she glanced at Miroku to make sure he was still in a light doze. When she saw that he was still oblivious to her scheme, and steadily becoming more so, she added more pressure and watched with grim satisfaction as she sped to 70 mph. The engine made no sound past the usual purr, and she silently thanked Subaru for its sound manufacturing.
She glanced at Miroku again and her evil smile broadened. Oh, yes, he was just asleep enough for this. Biting her lip in anticipation, she jerked the wheel sharply to the left to that the car swerved violently. Miroku sat up with a start, gasping in oxygen and blinking rapidly. "What was that?!"
"Sorry, just a bump in the road." She explained sympathetically, her voice dripping sincerity as she smoothed out the course of the car.
Miroku eyed her wearily, and stared at the road ahead. It wasn't perfectly paved and DID look a little shabby. It was entirely possible that there HAD been a bump in the road. But there was something about the sincere way she'd said it, and how her voice showed no sign of temperament when she had been so agitated at first when he'd told her she had to drive. Still, Kagome was an overall sweet girl. And though his nose was swollen from her punch, it was not too bad a break...more of a bruising...and would heal soon enough. Convinced that his cousin wasn't truly capable of terrorizing him, he settled back down into sleep.
Kagome smirked when she heard Miroku's soft snore. Oh, the poor, unsuspecting fool. She almost felt sorry for him. Almost. She swerved again, even more violently this time, and let out a loud curse just as Miroku bolted up in his seat with a yell. "What the hell was that???"
"Another goddamn speed bump! This is such a crappy road! They really need to get it fixed!" She said emphatically, and added a scowl for good measure. He clutched his seat but nodded in agreement. He glanced at her several times before he leaned back in his seat again and attempted to settle his jangled nerves.
Suddenly the car swerved again, nearly tipping this time. The coffee went soaring onto Miroku's shirt and he howled. "God! Kagome, what the hell are you doing?!!"
The engine revved and they zoomed onward in the darkness. Miroku clutched his seat. "Nothing, "Kagome purred soothingly. "There's just so many damned bumps in the road." And to emphasize her point, she jerked the car left again.
"What are you talking about??? I don't see anything!!!" His voice was high and frantic, and Kagome reveled in it.
"Sure there are. See, there's one." The car lurched to the right, slamming Miroku into the door. "And, oh, look. Another!" She pulled a 360 on the road. "Whoops. Lost control, there." She apologized, and to make up for it, jerked the car to a near grinding halt that sent her cousin's head banging against the dashboard. She put the car in gear again and drove on. ""Oops, sorry about that, Miroku. You really should wear your seatbelt. Can't predict oil spills like that all the time. Especially as its so dark and all."
Groaning, he clutched his pounding head. "Oil spills?" He stuttered. "There was an oil spill?"
"Of course! I couldn't have done that little stunt by myself, you know. I mean, since when do I know how to drive like that?" Her voice was dripping sincerity the way a snake drips venom. Her voice was a hard thing to fight against, so sweet and soothing. It lulled him into trusting her.
"Oh, I know you couldn't do it, Kag. Just be careful, okay? This road seems dangerous."
He missed the insane light in her eyes. Couldn't do it, could she? Well she'd show him......
Her mouth settled into a grim line as she suddenly served the car all over the road, switching gears and handling the car like a pro. Miroku was shrieking now, a high, keening wail, and his screams of fear only got louder when he caught sight of a large truck heading toward them. "Kagome, maybe you should let me drive!!!!" He squeaked as she drove into the lane of the truck and began a game of chicken. She floored the pedal, her hands tight on the wheel.
"Why, Miroku? I've got it."
"Kagome!!! YOU'RE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!!" He was clawing at the door now, and his heart dropped into his stomach when he found it locked. "DON'T GO FASTER, DAMMIT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO SLOW DOWN! HEY! SLOW DOWN! KAGOME, THAT CAR IS GOING TO HIT US----"
"What car, Miroku? I don't see a car." Her voice was so pleasant, so calm, that Miroku paused in his ranting and gaped at her. "I see a truck, not a car."
His mouth fell open and fear clawed at his insides. "Kagome, you need to get back in our lane." His voice was thick with terror, and his bladder was contracting painfully. He would not wet himself. He would not wet himself.
She widened her eyes so that her face twisted into a mask of sweetness and she beamed at her cousin. "We are in the right lane." Her smile was so feral, so predatory, that Miroku started to shriek again.
"NO YOU'RE NOT MOVE INTO THE OTHER LANE YOU'RE IN THE WRONG ONE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The truck was honking at her to move out of the way now. They were close, so close. Closer, closer.........
Kagome jerked the wheel to the side, veering left so sharply she almost lost control, and the truck zoomed by.
Becoming the embodiment of calm, Kagome slowed the car and continued on casually as if nothing had happened. Miroku was frozen in his seat, mumbling incoherently as steam rose from the front of his pants. Well, look at that. He'd gone and wet himself.
Smiling happily, Kagome pulled into a pit stop and drove into the parking lot of the hotel Marriott just as the sun peeked over the horizon. The lush countryside sparkled in the early morning, the sun glinting off of dew-drenched trees and gardens. Kagome parked, turned off the car, and got her bag out of the trunk, still smiling to herself and humming. She opened the door for Miroku and stepped back as he spilled onto the pavement, then marched smartly through the sliding doors. The clerk, who had been in the throws of extreme boredom, sat up straight at the sight of very pretty, very HAPPY woman walking toward him with bags in hand.
"Uh, he-hello. How can I help you, ma'am?" He stuttered. It was too early in the morning for the clerk to be very suave, but somehow he managed to be charming and Kagome directed her smile at him. He melted into a puddle of little hearts under that concentrated gaze.
"I need two rooms, please." She said politely, her smile deepening as she leaned onto the counter.
He numbly tapped the keys of his computer a couple times before blinking at her. "T-two, did you say? Sorry, I've been working all night so I just need to make sure."
"Oh, its no problem." She turned as the automatic doors hissed behind her. Her very disoriented cousin stumbled through the doors of the fancy waiting room, a large, dark stain beginning on the front of his shirt to the crotch of his pants, and then down his left leg. When he collapsed into a chair, groaning, the strong scent of urine wafted across the room and into the clerks nose. He coughed, jerked, and his eyes watered. Kagome smiled apologetically. " The other room is for my cousin. He has a sort of bladder problem." She leaned over and whispered the last part. The clerk, his face frozen in horror, only nodded and took her credit card when she passed it to him. He handed her back her card and two other cards for the rooms, and squeaked out a brief 'hope you enjoy your stay', before fleeing into the back room.
Kagome beamed again before she sauntered toward her cousin and motioned for him to follow. "Come on, puppy. Time for bed."
Her smile of satisfaction stayed with her even as she drifted off into a very happy, deep sleep.
**********
Authors note: and there it is. Kagome got a little psychotic in it, but hey, she just had to leave her home because of some jealous ex and then drive for two days with MIROKU! She's entitled to a little female fury, don't you think?....well, okay, maybe its just my own insanity that makes me think so...hey! Wait! I'm not insane!
Ahem, well, the next part should be up soon so don't murder me. Don't worry; she WILL eventually get to the house, I promise. :) Hope you liked this one! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!! (just because it makes me happy) please please review!
Disclaimer: Inu-Yasha may be my bitch, but I don't own him. Rumiko Takahashi is the master pimp. Sadly, I am only a customer.
OUR HOUSE
Chapter 2: "Getting There--DAY 1"
It turned out that they left later that night. Miroku made a few phone calls that resulted in a discreet set of hired men who breezed through the Higurashi household, saying nothing to the family past a few murmured words to their employer as they went. Kagome's belongings were swiftly placed in a moving van, and the girl quietly said her goodbyes to a tearful mother and sleepy brother. When the time finally came, Miroku informed her that they would be leaving in his Subaru, his argument being that her old car couldn't make the journey.
Kagome frowned at the sleek car. It sat there bathed in bright moonlight, the deep red color of old blood. It looked threatening, even quiet and sublime as it was. She looked back doubtfully at her Toyota. It looked small and hopeful in the driveway, and it WAS a reliable car. But the more she looked at it the more she realized that it would not make a journey of a length that Miroku had described. It was out of state far into the country, probably a good two days drive... She winced at this. God, two days in a car with Miroku. She stifled her uneasiness violently. There was no going back now. The movers were already leaving. At this point she HAD to go. Her upper lip curled up. But two days...in a car...with only MIROKU.
She shook here head. She was being ridiculous. It couldn't be THAT bad...could it? Kagome watched her cousin as he stretched, scratched his side, and opened the passenger seat of his car. She tilted her head to the side and stared at him as he turned and blew her a kiss. What was she thinking? This was going to be hell.
A glint of metal in the moonlight shot toward her, and she caught it reflexively. Her hand stung when she caught it, and she opened her palm to see a set of keys. She blinked. "Miroku, why are you giving the keys to me? "She hissed as quietly as she could, not wanting to wake any of the neighbors and evoke some new hatred of her.
He sat languidly in the passenger seat and smiled at her pleasantly. "You're driving, sweetheart." He shut the door and leaned the seat back.
Kagome gaped at him, hoping that he would turn around and tell her he was joking. He was joking, right? "Miroku, I don't know how to get there. And it's YOUR house! Shouldn't you be driving ME?"
He let out a loud contented sigh and leaned back further, slinging his arm over his eyes and feigning sleep. Kagome stared at him, her bottom lip jutted out as she contemplated his death. She stood there stupidly, waiting for him to look up, and did so for a good five minutes before she realized that he wasn't going to budge. She thought about simply yanking him out of the passenger seat and taking his place, but that idea seemed to loud and they were trying to get AWAY as fast as possible. It was as anti-productive as just standing there hoping he'd give. She brooded for a while before a horrible, evil smile curved her lips, and a very happy Kagome marched around the side of the car and got inside. She was still smiling when she put the key in the ignition and turned on the car. It rumbled to life, practically purring. Kagome's smile broadened. Well, if it was war he wanted, it was war he'd get.
"Miroku, I'll need directions, you know. As I've never been there and all."
The sweetness in her voice made him sit up and peer at her suspiciously. But she only beamed at him and gave him an encouraging look. He frowned and stared at her, but her smile never wavered. "Just get on the five and stay on it until you reached a fork, then take the northeast and stay on that. I'll tell you were to go from there."
Kagome nodded perkily, put the car in gear, and began her drive.
******
It took a good three hours just to get to that first fork, and then another two before Miroku gave her any other instructions. And with those last ones, he informed her that it would be another good, solid hour of driving before she'd need more.
Soft jazz music and the warm scent of coffee filled the car as the night wore on. Kagome was driving with a mad intensity that kept Miroku on edge for the first two hours, and for awhile all he could do was stare at the headlights cutting through the darkness of the empty highway as they went deeper into the countryside. But as time passed and it got later, his eyelids began to droop and the scent of coffee lulled him in to a light doze.
Kagome glanced over at her cousin and saw his eyes droop shut. She kept her eyes facing straight as she smiled evilly. Now he would pay.
With the quiet subtly of one who had practiced at such things, she very gently added pressure to her foot on the gas pedal. The speedometer shot up to 65 mph quickly, and she glanced at Miroku to make sure he was still in a light doze. When she saw that he was still oblivious to her scheme, and steadily becoming more so, she added more pressure and watched with grim satisfaction as she sped to 70 mph. The engine made no sound past the usual purr, and she silently thanked Subaru for its sound manufacturing.
She glanced at Miroku again and her evil smile broadened. Oh, yes, he was just asleep enough for this. Biting her lip in anticipation, she jerked the wheel sharply to the left to that the car swerved violently. Miroku sat up with a start, gasping in oxygen and blinking rapidly. "What was that?!"
"Sorry, just a bump in the road." She explained sympathetically, her voice dripping sincerity as she smoothed out the course of the car.
Miroku eyed her wearily, and stared at the road ahead. It wasn't perfectly paved and DID look a little shabby. It was entirely possible that there HAD been a bump in the road. But there was something about the sincere way she'd said it, and how her voice showed no sign of temperament when she had been so agitated at first when he'd told her she had to drive. Still, Kagome was an overall sweet girl. And though his nose was swollen from her punch, it was not too bad a break...more of a bruising...and would heal soon enough. Convinced that his cousin wasn't truly capable of terrorizing him, he settled back down into sleep.
Kagome smirked when she heard Miroku's soft snore. Oh, the poor, unsuspecting fool. She almost felt sorry for him. Almost. She swerved again, even more violently this time, and let out a loud curse just as Miroku bolted up in his seat with a yell. "What the hell was that???"
"Another goddamn speed bump! This is such a crappy road! They really need to get it fixed!" She said emphatically, and added a scowl for good measure. He clutched his seat but nodded in agreement. He glanced at her several times before he leaned back in his seat again and attempted to settle his jangled nerves.
Suddenly the car swerved again, nearly tipping this time. The coffee went soaring onto Miroku's shirt and he howled. "God! Kagome, what the hell are you doing?!!"
The engine revved and they zoomed onward in the darkness. Miroku clutched his seat. "Nothing, "Kagome purred soothingly. "There's just so many damned bumps in the road." And to emphasize her point, she jerked the car left again.
"What are you talking about??? I don't see anything!!!" His voice was high and frantic, and Kagome reveled in it.
"Sure there are. See, there's one." The car lurched to the right, slamming Miroku into the door. "And, oh, look. Another!" She pulled a 360 on the road. "Whoops. Lost control, there." She apologized, and to make up for it, jerked the car to a near grinding halt that sent her cousin's head banging against the dashboard. She put the car in gear again and drove on. ""Oops, sorry about that, Miroku. You really should wear your seatbelt. Can't predict oil spills like that all the time. Especially as its so dark and all."
Groaning, he clutched his pounding head. "Oil spills?" He stuttered. "There was an oil spill?"
"Of course! I couldn't have done that little stunt by myself, you know. I mean, since when do I know how to drive like that?" Her voice was dripping sincerity the way a snake drips venom. Her voice was a hard thing to fight against, so sweet and soothing. It lulled him into trusting her.
"Oh, I know you couldn't do it, Kag. Just be careful, okay? This road seems dangerous."
He missed the insane light in her eyes. Couldn't do it, could she? Well she'd show him......
Her mouth settled into a grim line as she suddenly served the car all over the road, switching gears and handling the car like a pro. Miroku was shrieking now, a high, keening wail, and his screams of fear only got louder when he caught sight of a large truck heading toward them. "Kagome, maybe you should let me drive!!!!" He squeaked as she drove into the lane of the truck and began a game of chicken. She floored the pedal, her hands tight on the wheel.
"Why, Miroku? I've got it."
"Kagome!!! YOU'RE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!!" He was clawing at the door now, and his heart dropped into his stomach when he found it locked. "DON'T GO FASTER, DAMMIT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO SLOW DOWN! HEY! SLOW DOWN! KAGOME, THAT CAR IS GOING TO HIT US----"
"What car, Miroku? I don't see a car." Her voice was so pleasant, so calm, that Miroku paused in his ranting and gaped at her. "I see a truck, not a car."
His mouth fell open and fear clawed at his insides. "Kagome, you need to get back in our lane." His voice was thick with terror, and his bladder was contracting painfully. He would not wet himself. He would not wet himself.
She widened her eyes so that her face twisted into a mask of sweetness and she beamed at her cousin. "We are in the right lane." Her smile was so feral, so predatory, that Miroku started to shriek again.
"NO YOU'RE NOT MOVE INTO THE OTHER LANE YOU'RE IN THE WRONG ONE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The truck was honking at her to move out of the way now. They were close, so close. Closer, closer.........
Kagome jerked the wheel to the side, veering left so sharply she almost lost control, and the truck zoomed by.
Becoming the embodiment of calm, Kagome slowed the car and continued on casually as if nothing had happened. Miroku was frozen in his seat, mumbling incoherently as steam rose from the front of his pants. Well, look at that. He'd gone and wet himself.
Smiling happily, Kagome pulled into a pit stop and drove into the parking lot of the hotel Marriott just as the sun peeked over the horizon. The lush countryside sparkled in the early morning, the sun glinting off of dew-drenched trees and gardens. Kagome parked, turned off the car, and got her bag out of the trunk, still smiling to herself and humming. She opened the door for Miroku and stepped back as he spilled onto the pavement, then marched smartly through the sliding doors. The clerk, who had been in the throws of extreme boredom, sat up straight at the sight of very pretty, very HAPPY woman walking toward him with bags in hand.
"Uh, he-hello. How can I help you, ma'am?" He stuttered. It was too early in the morning for the clerk to be very suave, but somehow he managed to be charming and Kagome directed her smile at him. He melted into a puddle of little hearts under that concentrated gaze.
"I need two rooms, please." She said politely, her smile deepening as she leaned onto the counter.
He numbly tapped the keys of his computer a couple times before blinking at her. "T-two, did you say? Sorry, I've been working all night so I just need to make sure."
"Oh, its no problem." She turned as the automatic doors hissed behind her. Her very disoriented cousin stumbled through the doors of the fancy waiting room, a large, dark stain beginning on the front of his shirt to the crotch of his pants, and then down his left leg. When he collapsed into a chair, groaning, the strong scent of urine wafted across the room and into the clerks nose. He coughed, jerked, and his eyes watered. Kagome smiled apologetically. " The other room is for my cousin. He has a sort of bladder problem." She leaned over and whispered the last part. The clerk, his face frozen in horror, only nodded and took her credit card when she passed it to him. He handed her back her card and two other cards for the rooms, and squeaked out a brief 'hope you enjoy your stay', before fleeing into the back room.
Kagome beamed again before she sauntered toward her cousin and motioned for him to follow. "Come on, puppy. Time for bed."
Her smile of satisfaction stayed with her even as she drifted off into a very happy, deep sleep.
**********
Authors note: and there it is. Kagome got a little psychotic in it, but hey, she just had to leave her home because of some jealous ex and then drive for two days with MIROKU! She's entitled to a little female fury, don't you think?....well, okay, maybe its just my own insanity that makes me think so...hey! Wait! I'm not insane!
Ahem, well, the next part should be up soon so don't murder me. Don't worry; she WILL eventually get to the house, I promise. :) Hope you liked this one! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!! (just because it makes me happy) please please review!