I tried to work in the reincarnations of Sango, Miroku, and Kaede, but it just didn't fly. I'll try again later on . . .
As for how long this fic is going to be, I have no idea. I'm working without an outline, and it will keep going for as long as it's fun. :)
Look out for a homage to the Princess Bride by William Goldman.
**********
Prisoners
Sit, Bitch!
**********
This situation was not going at all as it was supposed to. Inu Yasha sighed as he watched Kagome scrubbing furiously at the dishes she had cooked dinner in. At dinner she had only spoken to Shippo, (Rin had gone home to Sessho Maru the previous day) and, loathe though he was to admit it, Inu Yasha missed her terribly. He leaned against the door frame, reflecting on the girl, who was so kind, hard working, honest, and true. The only problem with her was that she couldn't stand the sight of him.
Kagome set the dishes on the drying rack and breezed past her boss, glowering darkly. Inu Yasha didn't know what to do for this girl that hadn't spoken to him in days. "Kagome...?"
"What?" she demanded, turning abruptly to face him and fixing him with a stare that froze the blood in his veins.
"Um... I..." he let his gaze drop, unable to hold the intensity of her stare.
"Yes?"
"Have you cleaned this floor today?!" *Why, why, why did I say that?*
Kagome glared harder, "No, sir, I'll get right on it."
Kagome shoved past him to get the mop and bucket. *Well, at least she's talking... that's good, right?*
*****
Shippo didn't know what to make of this new development. Since this morning things had gone from bad to worse. The kitsune felt helpless to do anything but sit and watch. He toyed with his food as Inu Yasha barked out yet another order.
"Kagome, we will be entertaining a guest for brunch tomorrow, and I expect you to have a three course meal prepared."
"Fine," came the curt reply.
"Oh, and clean this table, not just now but every night after you serve dinner."
"As you wish."
"And for the brunch, make that tuna casserole you made for lunch yesterday, only make it better..."
"As you w-"
"Would you two just stop?!" all eyes were on the fox demon as he stood, "What is wrong with you two?! Inu Yasha, you've been unspeakably rude to Kagome all day, and Kagome, you let him get away with treating you like a slave! You're not even sitting with us for dinner anymore!"
"I am not being treated as a slave... I'm being treated like a servant, which I am."
Shippo shook his head, "No, Kagome, you're much more!"
Kagome regarded the demon and half demon through slitted eyes, "Am I? Then tell me, why did you wait so long to see me? I waited for you for a whole year!!" the last was directed primarily to Inu Yasha.
"YOU waited a YEAR?" the hanyou roared, "Then imagine what it was like for ME, waiting FIVE HUNDRED YEARS!!!"
Kagome laughed mirthlessly, "Oh, and I suppose you were entirely chaste the whole time!!"
"Hell, no!" Shippo piped in, before the blushing half demon had a chance to respond, "Man, I could tell you some things-"
"Shut the hell up, Shippo!"
Kagome sniffed lightly, "That's what I thought," her voice quivered.
Inu Yasha was looking for a quick way to end this, "And I suppose that you haven't seen one other guy?!"
Kagome held her head high, "As a matter of fact I haven't, but don't go thinking it was all because of you! I'll have you know that I just couldn't get a date!" Kagome nodded triumphantly before she realized what she'd said, "I mean, I could have... if I- Oh, never mind what I meant!" she looked into the blank faces of the two men around the table, "Just know that from now on I am your servant, nothing more. I want no special treatment, do you understand?"
She cleared away the dishes they were finished with, and Shippo stared after her. "There is no way I'm sticking around for that brunch tomorrow," he informed the man that raised him.
"Huh? Why not?"
"I have the feeling it's going to get very, very ugly."
*****
"Yoo hoo! Kagome!" Yuka was calling from across the street as Kagome was walking home from college. *No, not home,* she thought firmly, *I am walking to work, that's all.* She waved to Yuka and waited for the other woman to make her way over through the treacherous traffic.
"Kagome! How have things been going for you with Ms. West?"
"Actually, I'm not-"
"Glad to hear it," her smiling friend glanced quickly to her watch, "Oh! I've gotta run... Ms. West fixed me up with an invitation to brunch with her brother in law... from what I hear he's very attractive; and single to boot!"
Kagome blinked, "Actually, I work for In-, um, Ms. West's brother in law now." *...and I thought Rin wanted us to be together...*
"You do?! How perfect, why don't I bring Hojo along?" Yuka put her arm around Kagome, "You can work on him while I work on I. Y. West..." Yuka looked thoughtful, "What does the I. Y. Stand for anyway?"
*****
"Inu Yasha!" Kagome yelled from the kitchen, where she had just finished preparing the food for that afternoon's brunch.
"The help does NOT yell at the boss!" Inu Yasha yelled, entering the room.
*Not even when the boss is an insufferable ass?!* Kagome was about to bite out, before making the decision to stick to their earlier agreement, "Sorry, sir. I just didn't want to leave the food alone to come and find you. I was afraid the soup would scorch."
The hanyou looked surprised, but nodded, "Well, what is it?"
"I've prepared the food, and as soon as the soup is done heating, I'll be finished. I really need to get in some time at the library, and I was wondering if you'd mind if I..."
"No way," Inu Yasha cut in, "Do you expect my guest to serve herself?!"
"Guests," Kagome corrected.
"Huh?"
"I ran into Yuka today," Kagome stirred the soup once and turned up the heat, "She's bringing Hojo with her..."
"Hojo?" Inu Yasha repeated, "That name sounds familiar..."
Kagome nodded, "I used to date him."
Inu Yasha's face darkened, "Oh... that Hoho..."
"Ho-Jo!"
"I know how to say his name, wench,"Inu Yasha muttered.
Kagome rolled her eyes, "So may I please study at the library tonight?"
Inu Yasha arched an eyebrow, "I thought that you were on the schedule until seven tonight."
Kagome reddened, but tried to contain her anger, "I am, but I'll make it up later... I've more than earned it already with the extra time I end up putting in."
"Feh, I never asked for that extra time, you gave it on your own. I'll expect the table set in thirty minutes," Inu Yasha turned and began walking out of the room, "Don't think for one minute that you're leaving me alone with Yuka and Hobo."
"It's HOJO!" Kagome yelled after him.
Inu Yasha stopped at the mirror in the hallway, "I really thought you'd stopped being such a bastard..." he told his reflection.
*****
Kagome was just putting out the napkins, folded up as swans, onto the table when the doorbell rang. Kagome centered her apron and hurried to answer it.
"Kagome!" Yuka exclaimed, "So good to see you; and just look who I brought with me..."
"Hello, Hojo," Kagome smiled, nodding politely to the young man.
"Hi, Kagome!" Hojo was smiling as always, and Kagome had the sudden urge to take out all the previous week's frustration on that one target.
*Ugh, I'm starting to sound like Inu Yasha,* Kagome thought sourly. "Please follow me, brunch will be served in here." Kagome opened the double doors to the ornate table, already set with the minestrone she'd prepared earlier. "Please, make yourselves comfortable, and I'm sure the master of the house will be with us soon."
Yuka sat down and took out a makeup mirror to fix her hair; while Hojo grabbed Kagome by the hand. "Kagome, I've known you for years, and I know you said that you didn't want to date anyone, but I'd be deeply honored if you would be so kind as to consider," Kagome's thoughts drifted as Hojo prattled on with his now familiar speech. His persistence reminded Kagome a very small bit of Miroku, but the monk was much more deep and sincere in his proposals, and much more interesting. Kagome only tuned in again as Hojo was trailing off, and looking past her to the doorway.
Inu Yasha was standing there, arms folded across his chest and fixing Hojo with a glare that Kagome recognized well as one she herself had given Inu Yasha many times in the past. He raised his chin , "I will thank you not to converse with the help, Hoho."
Hojo smiled brightly and outstretched his hand, "It's Hojo, actually, and may I say that I'm very pleased-" Yuka had jumped up from the table and in front of him.
"Quiet, Hoho," Kagome narrowed her eyes at the look that the other girl had fixed on Inu Yasha, "You may call me Yuka," she purred, batting her eyelashes prettily.
Inu Yasha nodded uncomfortably at the girl, "Hello," he grunted, "Well, shall we eat?"
Yuka, Hojo, and Inu Yasha all took their seats. Yuka slid her chair closer to Inu Yasha, and attempted to move her plate. The first course went without incident, and when she bought out the tuna salad Kagome managed to slide Yuka's place setting back to it's
original spot. She tried to ignore Inu Yasha's smile at this.
"Inu Yasha," Yuka was slowly sliding her plate closer to him, "I know that you're new in town, and I'd really love to show the ins and outs," she looked towards him with heavily lidded eyes, "I was thinking perhaps we could set up a little date, just the two of us. Nothing fancy, just a tour of the town."
Inu Yasha pursed his lips, "Maybe... I'll think about it."
Kagome watched this all with something close to despair, which was rapidly transforming itself to boiling anger, *Why doesn't he just tell her off?!* she thought wildly, *Just look her right in the eye, and say-*
"Speaking of a date, Kagome," Hojo's hopeful gaze met her own furious one, "I was wondering if you and I might-"
"Shut up, Hoho!!!" Kagome gritted out through clenched teeth, "I... do... NOT... want... to go out with YOU!" Fueled by adrenaline, she picked up the tuna salad and dumped it neatly over Hojo's head, leaving the bowl on like an oversized hat. *Let him try to misinterpret that.*
The room froze. Yuka was staring at Hojo, mouth wide open. Inu Yasha was regarding her with newfound respect. Kagome herself was shock still, though she was shivering slightly.
"Kagome..." Hojo finally began, "I must admit, I'm having trouble believing that was an accident..." the poor boy was understandably bewildered.
"Hojo, I'm.." Kagome couldn't think of how to begin such an apology.
"She isn't interested!" Inu Yasha provided, "Anyone with half a brain would be able to see that," He picked up his fork again and resumed his brunch.
"Is that all you're going to say?!" Yuka asked in disbelief, "She's your servant, you're responsible for her!"
"He is not!" Kagome was indignant.
Yuka sniffed, "All I know is that you never acted like that when you were working for me." She threw her napkin onto the table, "Come on, Hojo, we are leaving."
"'Door's through there," Inu Yasha gestured with his fork, his mouth full of tuna salad.
The outraged guests left without another word.
Inu Yasha turned to Kagome. "Well?"
Kagome looked at him dumbly, "'Well' what?"
Inu Yasha rolled his eyes, "This is a three course meal. I've only had two."
*****
When brunch was finished, Kagome was clearing away the dishes, while Inu Yasha was busy changing out of his shirt, which had been splattered with tuna during Kagome's little... episode.
Kagome nearly dropped the stack of dishes she was holding at the shout of "Damn, not again!!"
Kagome ran to Inu Yasha's room, to find the very frustrated hanyou looking down at the button in his hand. He noticed Kagome and sighed deeply.
"Do you have any idea how difficult it is to button up a shirt with these claws?" he asked her.
Kagome smiled slightly, "Want some help?"
The hanyou nodded, and Kagome walked closer and deftly finished unbuttoning the shirt, too intent on her task to be embarrassed until she was finished and faced with Inu Yasha's bare chest. She blushed red.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. She smiled and nodded shyly. "You know, I have the same problem with the button on these pants..."
Kagome's face fell, and she jumped back, "You... YOU PERVERT!"
Inu Yasha stood, stunned, as she retreated, "Well, I do!"
*****
TBC
As for how long this fic is going to be, I have no idea. I'm working without an outline, and it will keep going for as long as it's fun. :)
Look out for a homage to the Princess Bride by William Goldman.
**********
Prisoners
Sit, Bitch!
**********
This situation was not going at all as it was supposed to. Inu Yasha sighed as he watched Kagome scrubbing furiously at the dishes she had cooked dinner in. At dinner she had only spoken to Shippo, (Rin had gone home to Sessho Maru the previous day) and, loathe though he was to admit it, Inu Yasha missed her terribly. He leaned against the door frame, reflecting on the girl, who was so kind, hard working, honest, and true. The only problem with her was that she couldn't stand the sight of him.
Kagome set the dishes on the drying rack and breezed past her boss, glowering darkly. Inu Yasha didn't know what to do for this girl that hadn't spoken to him in days. "Kagome...?"
"What?" she demanded, turning abruptly to face him and fixing him with a stare that froze the blood in his veins.
"Um... I..." he let his gaze drop, unable to hold the intensity of her stare.
"Yes?"
"Have you cleaned this floor today?!" *Why, why, why did I say that?*
Kagome glared harder, "No, sir, I'll get right on it."
Kagome shoved past him to get the mop and bucket. *Well, at least she's talking... that's good, right?*
*****
Shippo didn't know what to make of this new development. Since this morning things had gone from bad to worse. The kitsune felt helpless to do anything but sit and watch. He toyed with his food as Inu Yasha barked out yet another order.
"Kagome, we will be entertaining a guest for brunch tomorrow, and I expect you to have a three course meal prepared."
"Fine," came the curt reply.
"Oh, and clean this table, not just now but every night after you serve dinner."
"As you wish."
"And for the brunch, make that tuna casserole you made for lunch yesterday, only make it better..."
"As you w-"
"Would you two just stop?!" all eyes were on the fox demon as he stood, "What is wrong with you two?! Inu Yasha, you've been unspeakably rude to Kagome all day, and Kagome, you let him get away with treating you like a slave! You're not even sitting with us for dinner anymore!"
"I am not being treated as a slave... I'm being treated like a servant, which I am."
Shippo shook his head, "No, Kagome, you're much more!"
Kagome regarded the demon and half demon through slitted eyes, "Am I? Then tell me, why did you wait so long to see me? I waited for you for a whole year!!" the last was directed primarily to Inu Yasha.
"YOU waited a YEAR?" the hanyou roared, "Then imagine what it was like for ME, waiting FIVE HUNDRED YEARS!!!"
Kagome laughed mirthlessly, "Oh, and I suppose you were entirely chaste the whole time!!"
"Hell, no!" Shippo piped in, before the blushing half demon had a chance to respond, "Man, I could tell you some things-"
"Shut the hell up, Shippo!"
Kagome sniffed lightly, "That's what I thought," her voice quivered.
Inu Yasha was looking for a quick way to end this, "And I suppose that you haven't seen one other guy?!"
Kagome held her head high, "As a matter of fact I haven't, but don't go thinking it was all because of you! I'll have you know that I just couldn't get a date!" Kagome nodded triumphantly before she realized what she'd said, "I mean, I could have... if I- Oh, never mind what I meant!" she looked into the blank faces of the two men around the table, "Just know that from now on I am your servant, nothing more. I want no special treatment, do you understand?"
She cleared away the dishes they were finished with, and Shippo stared after her. "There is no way I'm sticking around for that brunch tomorrow," he informed the man that raised him.
"Huh? Why not?"
"I have the feeling it's going to get very, very ugly."
*****
"Yoo hoo! Kagome!" Yuka was calling from across the street as Kagome was walking home from college. *No, not home,* she thought firmly, *I am walking to work, that's all.* She waved to Yuka and waited for the other woman to make her way over through the treacherous traffic.
"Kagome! How have things been going for you with Ms. West?"
"Actually, I'm not-"
"Glad to hear it," her smiling friend glanced quickly to her watch, "Oh! I've gotta run... Ms. West fixed me up with an invitation to brunch with her brother in law... from what I hear he's very attractive; and single to boot!"
Kagome blinked, "Actually, I work for In-, um, Ms. West's brother in law now." *...and I thought Rin wanted us to be together...*
"You do?! How perfect, why don't I bring Hojo along?" Yuka put her arm around Kagome, "You can work on him while I work on I. Y. West..." Yuka looked thoughtful, "What does the I. Y. Stand for anyway?"
*****
"Inu Yasha!" Kagome yelled from the kitchen, where she had just finished preparing the food for that afternoon's brunch.
"The help does NOT yell at the boss!" Inu Yasha yelled, entering the room.
*Not even when the boss is an insufferable ass?!* Kagome was about to bite out, before making the decision to stick to their earlier agreement, "Sorry, sir. I just didn't want to leave the food alone to come and find you. I was afraid the soup would scorch."
The hanyou looked surprised, but nodded, "Well, what is it?"
"I've prepared the food, and as soon as the soup is done heating, I'll be finished. I really need to get in some time at the library, and I was wondering if you'd mind if I..."
"No way," Inu Yasha cut in, "Do you expect my guest to serve herself?!"
"Guests," Kagome corrected.
"Huh?"
"I ran into Yuka today," Kagome stirred the soup once and turned up the heat, "She's bringing Hojo with her..."
"Hojo?" Inu Yasha repeated, "That name sounds familiar..."
Kagome nodded, "I used to date him."
Inu Yasha's face darkened, "Oh... that Hoho..."
"Ho-Jo!"
"I know how to say his name, wench,"Inu Yasha muttered.
Kagome rolled her eyes, "So may I please study at the library tonight?"
Inu Yasha arched an eyebrow, "I thought that you were on the schedule until seven tonight."
Kagome reddened, but tried to contain her anger, "I am, but I'll make it up later... I've more than earned it already with the extra time I end up putting in."
"Feh, I never asked for that extra time, you gave it on your own. I'll expect the table set in thirty minutes," Inu Yasha turned and began walking out of the room, "Don't think for one minute that you're leaving me alone with Yuka and Hobo."
"It's HOJO!" Kagome yelled after him.
Inu Yasha stopped at the mirror in the hallway, "I really thought you'd stopped being such a bastard..." he told his reflection.
*****
Kagome was just putting out the napkins, folded up as swans, onto the table when the doorbell rang. Kagome centered her apron and hurried to answer it.
"Kagome!" Yuka exclaimed, "So good to see you; and just look who I brought with me..."
"Hello, Hojo," Kagome smiled, nodding politely to the young man.
"Hi, Kagome!" Hojo was smiling as always, and Kagome had the sudden urge to take out all the previous week's frustration on that one target.
*Ugh, I'm starting to sound like Inu Yasha,* Kagome thought sourly. "Please follow me, brunch will be served in here." Kagome opened the double doors to the ornate table, already set with the minestrone she'd prepared earlier. "Please, make yourselves comfortable, and I'm sure the master of the house will be with us soon."
Yuka sat down and took out a makeup mirror to fix her hair; while Hojo grabbed Kagome by the hand. "Kagome, I've known you for years, and I know you said that you didn't want to date anyone, but I'd be deeply honored if you would be so kind as to consider," Kagome's thoughts drifted as Hojo prattled on with his now familiar speech. His persistence reminded Kagome a very small bit of Miroku, but the monk was much more deep and sincere in his proposals, and much more interesting. Kagome only tuned in again as Hojo was trailing off, and looking past her to the doorway.
Inu Yasha was standing there, arms folded across his chest and fixing Hojo with a glare that Kagome recognized well as one she herself had given Inu Yasha many times in the past. He raised his chin , "I will thank you not to converse with the help, Hoho."
Hojo smiled brightly and outstretched his hand, "It's Hojo, actually, and may I say that I'm very pleased-" Yuka had jumped up from the table and in front of him.
"Quiet, Hoho," Kagome narrowed her eyes at the look that the other girl had fixed on Inu Yasha, "You may call me Yuka," she purred, batting her eyelashes prettily.
Inu Yasha nodded uncomfortably at the girl, "Hello," he grunted, "Well, shall we eat?"
Yuka, Hojo, and Inu Yasha all took their seats. Yuka slid her chair closer to Inu Yasha, and attempted to move her plate. The first course went without incident, and when she bought out the tuna salad Kagome managed to slide Yuka's place setting back to it's
original spot. She tried to ignore Inu Yasha's smile at this.
"Inu Yasha," Yuka was slowly sliding her plate closer to him, "I know that you're new in town, and I'd really love to show the ins and outs," she looked towards him with heavily lidded eyes, "I was thinking perhaps we could set up a little date, just the two of us. Nothing fancy, just a tour of the town."
Inu Yasha pursed his lips, "Maybe... I'll think about it."
Kagome watched this all with something close to despair, which was rapidly transforming itself to boiling anger, *Why doesn't he just tell her off?!* she thought wildly, *Just look her right in the eye, and say-*
"Speaking of a date, Kagome," Hojo's hopeful gaze met her own furious one, "I was wondering if you and I might-"
"Shut up, Hoho!!!" Kagome gritted out through clenched teeth, "I... do... NOT... want... to go out with YOU!" Fueled by adrenaline, she picked up the tuna salad and dumped it neatly over Hojo's head, leaving the bowl on like an oversized hat. *Let him try to misinterpret that.*
The room froze. Yuka was staring at Hojo, mouth wide open. Inu Yasha was regarding her with newfound respect. Kagome herself was shock still, though she was shivering slightly.
"Kagome..." Hojo finally began, "I must admit, I'm having trouble believing that was an accident..." the poor boy was understandably bewildered.
"Hojo, I'm.." Kagome couldn't think of how to begin such an apology.
"She isn't interested!" Inu Yasha provided, "Anyone with half a brain would be able to see that," He picked up his fork again and resumed his brunch.
"Is that all you're going to say?!" Yuka asked in disbelief, "She's your servant, you're responsible for her!"
"He is not!" Kagome was indignant.
Yuka sniffed, "All I know is that you never acted like that when you were working for me." She threw her napkin onto the table, "Come on, Hojo, we are leaving."
"'Door's through there," Inu Yasha gestured with his fork, his mouth full of tuna salad.
The outraged guests left without another word.
Inu Yasha turned to Kagome. "Well?"
Kagome looked at him dumbly, "'Well' what?"
Inu Yasha rolled his eyes, "This is a three course meal. I've only had two."
*****
When brunch was finished, Kagome was clearing away the dishes, while Inu Yasha was busy changing out of his shirt, which had been splattered with tuna during Kagome's little... episode.
Kagome nearly dropped the stack of dishes she was holding at the shout of "Damn, not again!!"
Kagome ran to Inu Yasha's room, to find the very frustrated hanyou looking down at the button in his hand. He noticed Kagome and sighed deeply.
"Do you have any idea how difficult it is to button up a shirt with these claws?" he asked her.
Kagome smiled slightly, "Want some help?"
The hanyou nodded, and Kagome walked closer and deftly finished unbuttoning the shirt, too intent on her task to be embarrassed until she was finished and faced with Inu Yasha's bare chest. She blushed red.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. She smiled and nodded shyly. "You know, I have the same problem with the button on these pants..."
Kagome's face fell, and she jumped back, "You... YOU PERVERT!"
Inu Yasha stood, stunned, as she retreated, "Well, I do!"
*****
TBC