Chapter 22 - Years of Experience

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Inuyasha glared at his reflection in the mirror. Boy, did he feel like an idiot.

After Sango left, he remembered that he was in his demon state. Kagome immediately called Miroku for assistance, but the director just laughed and left them to figure out the solution. Inuyasha made a mental note to drop kick his ass for the "help".

Thanks, bud.

He sighed with exasperation. Would the paparazzi really believe that this new look was for the upcoming movie? Inuyasha looked at his claws and fangs. Would he be able to play it off?

Wait a second– of course he would be able to. He was Inuyasha after all. He could bullshit almost every worker in the media. Reporters? Bullshit. Columnists? Bullshit. Radio shows? Bullshit!

He wasn't feeling embarrassed about being incognito. He didn't care that he'd have to parade around the city with Kagome. He wasn't ashamed that today he'd have to play the part of a "worthy husband." No, no, those didn't upset him as much.

It was his hat.

--

"How much time do we have?" an exasperated Inuyasha asked as he closed the bedroom door and tipped the rim of his cap. Kagome glanced at her wristwatch as she slipped on one of her shoes. Flipping her hair from her face, she stood up and straightened her skirt.

"We have about an–" she fought back the dangerous urge to laugh, but an unladylike snort emerged from her throat. "Hour left." she finished, bringing a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Inuyasha lowered his cap to hide his face. Kagome cleared her throat and gave a small quivering smile. She could tell he was in the crawl-under-a-rock mood. His stiff shoulders indicated his desperate grip for masculinity.

Kagome still couldn't get over him having a Band of Seven cap. She opened with the boy band at the beginning of her career. They were decent singers, she understood. Decent dancing, she understood. But Inuyasha having a piece of their merchandise? That was something out of the ordinary; considering he didn't like her music. A boy band just seemed Anti-Inuyasha.

"It's nice, really." she tried to console. "At least they won't be able to see your dog ears." Inuyasha rolled his eyes as he handed Kagome her purse. "Besides, it's a rather nice hat."

Ignoring her, Inuyasha made his way out of the hotel room and walked down the hallway. Scoffing, she locked the door behind him and followed him to the elevator.

"I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of, Inuyasha." Kagome said as they waited for the elevator to arrive. "It expresses your expansion of..." she paused to think of the correct word. "...interests."

Inuyasha clicked his tongue at this. Their elevator arrived seconds later. As the two walked in, Kagome bit her lip with hesitation.

"Besides, I think the color looks really nice on you." she added. "I mean, who ever thought that someone could make a simple black cap look elaborate is beyond me."

They stood in silence. She threw glances in his direction, waiting for a response.

Silence.

Kagome sighed inwardly and looked at the reflection on the elevator walls. Her eyes shifted to Inuyasha's. She blinked several times to make sure she wasn't being fooled.

Was Inuyasha blushing?

The 'ding!' of the elevator signaled that they had reached the lobby. Taking in a deep breath, Kagome waited as the doors slid open. Just as they had enough room to exit, she hooked her arm around Inuyasha's and held tightly.

He looked down at her with surprise. Kagome's cheeks flushed, but she smiled at him.

"Ready to go, Mr. Kagome?" she winked. Inuyasha stared at her for a moment, too perplexed to react quickly. The warm embrace of her arm with his brought tingles down to his spine. Regaining himself, he smirked.

"You bet," he said as they walked out of the elevator. The two watched as paparazzi stood on the other side of the sidewalk. Craning his neck down to speak, Inuyasha added in Kagome's ear. "...Mrs. Inuyasha."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Walking down the sidewalk, Kagome's grip tightened on Inuyasha's arm as the number of paparazzi grew. If she thought the amount of photographers that approached her alone was crazy, the attention grabbed by the couple was outrageous.

What do you have to say about Kouga, Inuyasha? One of them said. Kagome bit her lip, afraid of his response.

But he continued to walk forward, unnerved by the question.

Kagome, has the media unveiled a secret love affair between you and Kouga? Another asked, pointing the camera to Kagome. She squeezed Inuyasha's arm tightly, not knowing how to respond.

He placed a hand on top of hers. Kagome looked up at him and was given a warm smile. She sighed to herself and calmed her tense grip on his arm.

Why would you cheat on your husband? They asked, but Kagome was unnerved. Following Inuyasha's lead, she continued to walk forward. His warm palm heated the top of her hand soothingly.

When it happened, she didn't know. But within a moment, Kagome found herself laying her head on Inuyasha's shoulder. The smell of his cologne floated through her nostrils and tickled her thoughts. The fabric of his jacket felt smooth against her rosy cheek.

She couldn't hear the rest of their questions. The sound of their cameras, footsteps, and voices became muffled. Her thoughts remained on the owner of the arm intertwined with hers.

Kagome couldn't help this feeling. She couldn't fight off this strange, enlightening and bizarre emotion that was fluid through her entire body.

Can we look forward to seeing a little baby any time soon?

Okay, that was it. Did he just ask that question?

Kagome snapped out of her daze and quickly lifted her head from Inuyasha's shoulder. She glared at the culprit of the question dangerously. He clicked his camera menacingly.

Slowing down her pace, Kagome halted Inuyasha. He looked down at her and met her irritated glare. She began to loosen her grip on his arm, ready to give that paparazzi a piece of her mind!

Kagome grit her teeth, preparing for an outburst on how a baby is not on the 'To Do' list. Letting go of Inuyasha's arm, Kagome took a step forward and opened her mouth.

"Hey–" she started, but was cut off as Inuyasha abruptly coiled his arm around her waist and pulled her body onto his. His face nuzzled on the corner of her neck. Kagome felt shock throughout her entire body at the sudden move. She placed her hand on his chest to secure appropriate space.

The feeling of Inuyasha's warm breath on her neck made her knees go weak. Her palms became moist by the feeling of his muscles from underneath his shirt. Kagome's face grew pink as her breathing quickened .

Inuyasha gently lifted his head from her neck and placed his cheek on top of hers. The warmth of their touching skin fastened the beating of Kagome's chest. Her mind was racing with questions, outbursts, lectures, and – surprisingly – cheers.

What are you doing, you meathead!

How could you even think of such a passive gesture!

This isn't right at all. They're taking photos of a lie.

Please, let's stay this way a little longer... her thoughts gossiped.

As his cheek was rested on hers, Inuyasha brought his lips towards her ear.

"Not today, Kagome." he whispered. His breath made the hairs on her ears rise. "Don't let him get to you."

Leaving her cheek, Inuyasha placed a quick peck on Kagome's forehead and turned towards the paparazzi. He gave a smile of surprise as if he hadn't seen them since they left the hotel.

The two continued to walk down the sidewalk. Inuyasha's arm remained around Kagome's waist. His fingers clenched her hip with a gentleness she hadn't known and a strength that indicated she was his. She desperately tried to hold back the flushed expression on her face.

Her forehead was so lucky.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"LAY OFF!"

A startled Kagome flinched as she brushed her hair in front of the mirror. She walked quickly to the door and craned her neck to the neighboring room.

"If you would just–" she heard a worn out voice say desperately.

"Read my lips, lady," replied the irritated client. "I ain't takin' the cap off."

Tossing the hairbrush on the couch, Kagome straightened her shirt and paced towards the next room. Leaning on the frame of the door, she watched as Inuyasha fought with his hairstylist, who had efforts to remove his hat. The restless woman crouched over Inuyasha with an irritated expression on her face. Inuyasha leaned back on his chair, waving his arms to slap hers away.

Kagome folded her arms across here chest and rolled her eyes at the scene. The cool, calm, and collected Inuyasha that had been on the sidewalk with her was thrown out of the window. She shook her head and smiled. He was such a talented actor, constantly disguising himself on and off the camera.

Clearing her throat, the two paused in their actions and shifted their eyes to her. The hairstylist immediately regained a proper stance and adjusted a loose hair from her pony tail.

"Ah, Ms. Higurashi," the hairstylist said nervously. "I apologize for the clamor." Kagome gave a small smile of forgiveness.

"What's the problem?" Kagome asked as she made her way into the room. The hairstylist sighed and slung her shoulders.

"I'm just trying to do my job, Miss." she began. "but Mr. Inuyasha refuses to remove that hat of his."

Kagome fought back the urge to laugh when she looked over to Inuyasha, who sat with a pout. Pretending that she was in deep thought, Kagome nodded her head.

"Could you excuse us for a moment?" Kagome asked the hairstylist. Shrugging her shoulders, the girl exited the room.

Standing in silence for a moment, Kagome tapped her foot intensively. Inuyasha avoided making eye contact as he sat with his arms folded across his chest.

"Inuyasha–" she began.

"I don't want to hear it." he interrupted bluntly. Kagome scoffed. "Guess we can avoid this stupid photo shoot." She turned to the closet and flung open the doors. Standing akimbo, her eyes scanned the clothes.

"Or you could suck it up and wear a different hat." she suggested curtly. Inuyasha placed his hands on his head territorially. "Get over it, Inuyasha. You don't even like that hat."

"Do too." he defended. Kagome turned towards him and snorted. Once again, he avoided looking at her.

"Then why don't I give Jakotsu a call so you can be in their next music video?" Kagome asked sarcastically. Inuyasha shifted in his seat. "I'm sure he'd love to see you again." she mocked with efforts for a reply.

Nada.

Shaking her head, she turned back to the closet and snatched a hat from the shelf. Turning to Inuyasha, she tossed it onto his lap. With a chuckle, she found his eyes from the reflection of the mirror.

"We're getting better at this, I'd say." she said simply before closing the door behind her.

Inuyasha stared at the closed door for a few moments, analyzing what she just said. Shifting his eyes to the hat on his lap, he lifted it up and looked in the mirror. He removed his black cap and replaced it with the one given to him.

Turning his head to catch the different angles, Inuyasha smirked to himself. Tossing the Band of Seven cap onto the table, he stood up and made his way to the door.

Glancing back at the abandoned hat, Inuyasha flinched.

He'd make a note to burn it once they returned to the hotel.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Make love to the camera!" the flamboyant photographer exclaimed as he harassed the button of his camera. "More, more. Gimme more love!"

Kagome gave a polite laugh as she inched her body closer to Inuyasha's. Any more closer and she would burst with embarrassment at the closeness of his chest to hers.

"What are you? A married couple or teenage lovers?" the photographer said sarcastically. "You're giving me puppy love, but I want to capture the same exact faces made on your honey moon."

Kagome fought the urge to laugh at this. The faces of their honey moon? If she remembered correctly, their faces were anything but magazine-worthy. Wasted. Pissed. Dizzy. Confused. That was what their honey moon was.

"Any more love and these photos are going be no better than porn." Inuyasha muttered, making Kagome giggle.

"Oh, honey, don't tease me." the camera-man said with a sigh. The couple paused their chuckles to stare at the photographer questioningly. He laughed guiltily and stopped clicking at his camera. "Why don't we take five?"

"What was that about?" Kagome whispered as she broke her body away and stretched. Inuyasha shrugged as he slightly shifted the hat on his head.

In a sudden action, Kagome felt Inuyasha's hand cup hers. She blushed instantly as his soft palm caressed her hand. Before she could even ask, Inuyasha turned to her.

"Let's go see how the porn turned out." he said sarcastically. Giving a small smile, she nodded her head. Tugging her hand, the two made their way to the computer screen.

Ever so slowly, Kagome curled her fingers to grip the hand within hers.

Walking up to the computer screen, Kagome saw Sango with her arms folded across her chest. She stood and observed the shots taken previously. Kagome's cheeks grew warm as she looked at the pictures.

"These aren't half bad," Sango whispered to Kagome. "If I hadn't known any better, I'd say you two are a bonafide happy couple."

Kagome gave a small smile. Sango's eyes averted to their interlocked hands. She raised an eyebrow, but decided not to highlight the matter. Checking her wristwatch, she sighed and excused herself.

"I have to go deal with your publicists," said Sango as she brought out her cell phone. "I'll see you two at the conference."

Watching her exit the photo shoot, Kagome stood idly. Tugging on her hand, Inuyasha captured her attention on the screen.

"Pay attention." he hissed to her. "They're asking which picture we'd like best for the cover of Tokyo Times."

Kagome jolted up as she focused on the screen. Pick one? Only one? The pictures were all so very hard to choose from. The lighting and colors were all mixed up and beautiful within each shot. However, what made it most difficult to choose was the memory of how she felt while taking the photo.

In one shot, they sat back to back. Kagome's head rested on Inuyasha's shoulder as his head gently hovered over her's. She remembered feeling so safe and close behind Inuyasha. It was as if he was this giant wall of protection and bravery. But at the same time she felt a distance between them. A pathway in which they followed the same road, but were separate in their tracks. It was almost like a lonely, but safe route towards a similar direction.

The second shot her eyes landed upon required much more closeness and lust. She recalled the camera man ordering them to stare at each other with intense desire. He wanted her. She wanted him. Easier said than done, she remembered thinking. Kagome stood in front of Inuyasha, her body facing his. Both of her hands laid on his chest as his hands clutched onto her upper arms. She flashed back to the way his eyes scanned her face. Even behind his violet contact lenses, she could see the amber gold colors of his eyes. His eyes brought a wave of attention, not only focused on her face, but on her whole entire body. She felt that Inuyasha saw who she was inside out.

But he didn't, she knew that. The photo reminded her of misjudgement. A certain sadness rushed through her while looking at it. She knew the marriage was fake; she knew that they never felt any form of lust for each other. This picture just screamed lies, lies, lies. Even though she was living a lie, something about the picture hurt her because of its disguise. It was so staged that it pained her to look at it.

While scrolling down the images, Kagome's eyes landed on a particular shot. The corners of her lips rose at the memory. With her back turned to him, Inuyasha's arms wrapped around her shoulders. His arms locked around Kagome's tiny frame. Her hand playfully grasped his exposed elbow. Inuyasha's cheek laid gently over Kagome's ear as they both smiled at the camera.

"I like this one." Kagome finally said as she pressed a finger against the screen. The camera-man and Inuyasha stared at her. She gave them a smile and a wink. "It fits us best."

"But what about–" the camera-man began, but Inuyasha interrupted.

"No," he said. "She's right. It fits."

Kagome gave Inuyasha a surprised glance. He agreed with her so little, but she mentally thanked him. She gave his hand a small squeeze and smiled.

"It's perfect."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Next question."

When did you start dating?

"I think we started grouping together during the second movie." Kagome lied as she smiled at the press. The flashes of cameras began to make her squint.

Her and Inuyasha sat along a large table facing the audience of cameras. From the corner of her eyes she could see Sango standing with her clipboard and cell phone. Kagome felt tired and nearly worn out by the day's events.

How were you able to keep it a secret for so long?

"That's for us to know and for you to find out." Inuyasha replied as he flashed the photographers a smile, bearing his "artificial" fangs.

Kagome couldn't help but admire his indefatigable strength. He showed no signs of weariness or fatigue. Inuyasha looked exactly as he did in the morning–save for his hat. She held back a giggle when remembering his facial expression when asked if he could keep the hat from the photo shoot.

What do you two do for fun?

"Because we're currently shooting a movie, it's a bit difficult to go out much." Kagome said, Inuyasha nodded his head. "However, lately we've just been staying in the hotel room and occasionally visiting the nearest coffee shop."

"And we always order for room service," Inuyasha added in, smirking. "Noting that Kagome is a terrible cook. Though, I guess I'll give her an A for effort; or a B-, whichever." Kagome shot him a glare.

"When the movie is finished filming, Inuyasha and I hope to attend a Band of Seven concert." Kagome continued, hitting Inuyasha's ego. "He doesn't stop talking about how great they are. You should see his hat. He's such a fan." she smiled, batting her long eyelashes. Inuyasha's eye twitched.

Band of Seven fan?

"They're okay, I guess." Inuyasha grumbled. Kagome smiled evilly.

"Oh, don't be modest!" she cut in, soaking into his embarrassment. "You always sing that song in the morning. What is it called? 'Murdering Heartthrob'?"

Inuyasha gave here a glare. She responded with insisting eyes.

"It's 'Menacing Heartbeat'." he corrected. Kagome retained herself from laughing. "Next question." he subtly begged.

Inuyasha, what are your replies to Kikyo's comments regarding Kagome?

Kagome hesitantly eyed Inuyasha. His jaw tightened and she could tell that the question had hit a weak spot. The cameras clicked the expression on his face. Kagome desperately wanted to stand up and cover Inuyasha with a jacket. Even though he held back his reaction, she could tell he wanted to outburst in a series of curses. She was aware of the effect when Kikyo's name was mentioned. His silence pounded the weight within his pained and questioned eyes.

"I think that I'm more fitting to answer that question," Kagome found herself saying. Inuyasha eyed her oddly. She gave him a smile, but her eyes were glazed with confusion. "Her comments are freely stated and, therefore, freely ignored. I don't think she could affect our marriage one bit with her criticism."

Kagome cleared her throat and flashed a smile for the cameras. Covering his microphone, Inuyasha whispered in her ear.

"That question was addressed to me." he hissed.

"And when were you thinking of answering it?" Kagome replied behind her teeth. "Fifty years later?"

Inuyasha was silenced as he sat back in his chair. Kagome threw him a glance and shook her head. Pouring a glass of water, she waited for the next question to be asked.

In all honesty, time wasn't the sole reason she had answered the question. The fact that they had cornered him with such a poisonous subject was intolerable. It could've been anyone else they had asked about. Anyone. They just had to bring up Kikyo. Sharks, she thought. Vile, heartless sharks.

A balled napkin was thrown at her shoulder. She looked at Inuyasha and raised an eyebrow. Preparing to whisper words about how childish he was acting, she paused as he mouthed something to her.

'Thank you.' she made out.

Smiling, Kagome rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at him.

Viewers doubt the consistency of the marriage, claiming that you two married too young. What do you have to say about that?

Kagome paused to think of a reply. She gave an encouraging smile as she pondered. Great, a perceptive question. This was an obstacle that she ceased to think about. After all, she was only 21. Of course people were going to think they didn't know any better...

"Those people are wise beyond my years. They've experienced life I'm only beginning to live," she began. "And it's not wrong for them to think me young and naive. Inuyasha always tells me that I am." Kagome gave a silent chuckle as she sugar-coated the words 'stupid' and 'air-headed'.

"But despite that, I don't think what I am affects how I feel. As the days progress, I learn new things and expand my horizons. I'm finding myself growing into something new. Something great." Kagome turned her neck to look at Inuyasha and grinned. "Something happy."

"And, in response to those that feel I am too young and inexperienced, I cannot say whether they are wrong or right. I can't predict what the future holds." she closed her eyes and blinked hard, swallowing spit for her dry throat. "But what I can assure viewers is that I care deeply for Inuyasha. And that it's deep enough to cover 100 years of experience."

Taking a sip from her glass of water, the press was silenced as they jotted down notes on their notepads. Kagome felt Inuyasha's eyes focused on her, urging for her attention, but she couldn't stare back.

The press, she could handle. However, she was sure his questions would be heavy enough to break her back.

"Next question."

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Never had Kagome felt happier to enter in a hotel room. Never had she considered something besides her own home a humble abode. Never had she desired to lay down on the carpet and pass out.

Never had she thrived to avoid another question.

"I'm wiped out," Kagome sighed as she slipped off her shoes and tossed them to the side. Throwing her purse on the couch she stretched her arms and yawned. "Thank goodness it's over."

"For today." Inuyasha sneered. Kagome ignored his comment and hung her jacket on the coat rack. He took off his hat and looked at her hesitantly. "Kagome..."

"I mean, you'd think I'd be equipped to experience days like today." Kagome interrupted, ignoring him. "But, wow! It was like dancing in a microwave." she laughed at her analogy.

"Kagome..." Inuyasha said again, this time with a distinctive voice that wanted to finish speaking.

"Tomorrow we're going to have to continue filming," she whined their agendas. "Then there's more publicity..."

"Kagome..."

"And I've got to meet up with Sango tomorrow," Kagome said, more to herself than to Inuyasha. "It's like one day without her feels like a year."

"Kagome!" Inuyasha exclaimed. She jumped at his frustrated exclamation. Inuyasha's eye brows her knit as he glared at her. She stood nervously before him.

"Inuyasha?..." she said slowly, trying to calm him. "What's the matter with y–"

"Let me talk!" Inuyasha barked, furious with her constant interruptions.

She hadn't meant to stress him, really. As she eyed his angry expression, Kagome felt guilty for selfishly ignoring him. She didn't intend to ignore him. It was that question. She knew it was going to approach at some point. She knew he would corner her and demand for an answer.

She knew she wouldn't be able to lie to him either.

"Did you mean it?" he asked. Kagome swallowed her spit and fiddled with her fingernails. "Well?" he pressed.

"Mean what?" she stalled, irritating him even more.

She knew fully well what he meant. He was referring to that question at the conference. Not the one about Kikyo. Not the one about the Band of Seven. The one about them.

"That '100 years of experience' bull." Inuyasha said, but flinched after saying it with more bitterness than intended.

"So what if I did?" Kagome challenged, averting an answer.

"That depends," Inuyasha crossed him arms. "Did you?"

Oh, the interrogations never rest.

"What does it matter?" Kagome shrugged as she began walking to the bedroom. "Today was strictly about publicity."

"Was it?"

Kagome paused. Okay, something didn't fit. She turned to face Inuyasha. It wasn't like him to be so analytical. He must've been more tired from the day's events than she thought.

"Inuyasha," she said cautiously. "Maybe you should sleep in the bedroom and I'll sleep on the couch for tonight. You seem more likely to pass out than I am." she chuckled. Inuyasha unfolded his arms and scratched the back of his dog ears.

"No, it's fine." he shook his head. "You've already contaminated it with your scent enough." Kagome huffed, but grinned. Resuming her course towards the bedroom, Kagome bit her lip.

Kouga had claimed her to be a terrible liar, but at the same time ironically complimented her as a wonderful actress. How could one person be both things at once, she remembered thinking. Weren't those professions one in the same? To lie was to act; to act was to lie.

She loved to act. Did this mean that she loved to lie? Was her loved life revolving around a web of lies she created for herself? Kagome sighed as she made her long journey to the doorknob of the room, constantly questioning herself. Today was strictly about publicity.

"Inuyasha," she said as she turned. He was adjusting the pillows of the couch before laying down. He looked up at her with tired eyes. "I didn't mean what I said at the conference." she finally answered.

The darkness of the room hid his reaction. She fiddled with the hem of her skirt and stood. Inuyasha was silent.

Today was strictly about publicity. she told herself over.

She was a terrible liar.

"It's more like a rough 50 years of experience." she smiled before closing the bedroom door behind her.

I might have to edit this chapter again, but for now, tell me what you think! I'm excited about writing the future chapters.I finallyrememberedrest of the storyline.Mm, I can feel the fluff. Happy New Year!