Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha . . .
ROCK ON!!!!
Sitting in a chair near the bottom of the stairs, a hanyou in a tuxedo slowly stretched, extending his good arm. He glanced at the grandfather clock next to him, it's hands pointing to 6:55.
Inuyasha sighed; the ball was starting in 5 minutes at some extravagant hotel he had forgotten the name of. They were being taken by limo, since he couldn't drive in his condition.
Seiji had left an hour earlier to make sure everything was running smootly for the party, and specifically told the two to be there no later than 7:30. Unfortunately for the dog demon, his 'date' was taking a very long time to get ready.
Inuyasha chuckled softly as he remembered Kagome's fussing as she rushed back and forth from the bathroom, hardly giving the body guard time to bathe properly. Finally, half annoyed and half amused, he retreated to his bedroom where he had a hell of a time trying to dress into his tuxedo with his left arm in a sling. It took about twenty minutes and a mouthful of curses, but he managed to put it on.
He had been downstairs for almost an hour, and still no sign of Kagome. He tapped his foot impatiently, wondering what in the world could be taking her so long. The last time he had seen her was about two hours ago, and had finished bathing by then. Women and dressing up . . . he thought grumpily.
At last, he heard the soft rustling of material and the click of high heels. Jumping up, he stalked towards the stairs were he was about to yell at the woman for taking so damn long when . . .
His jaw dropped.
The dog demon stared at the sight in front of him. At the top of the stairs stood Kagome in all her glory. Her dress fit her perfectly; a strapless, black gown, with the top just above the rise of her breasts, giving a small view of her cleavage. The dress went past her ankles, barely grazing the floor. It was simple, but on the heiress, it was stunning.
Her hair was done up into a messy bun at the top, with tendrils framing her face. She wore no heavy makeup, save for the red lipstick that accenutated her perfect rosebud mouth and eyeliner that mde her eyes more vibrant and becoming.
Kagome flustered under the hanyou's gaze, her own eyes examining him. His tuxedo had fit him perfectly, his long silver hair brushed to perfection. His chest seemed broader than usual, the white dress shirt rippling over his muscles.
"Umm," the miko started, slowly making her way down the stairs. "Sorry for taking so long."
Inuyasha broke out of his reverie, reluctantly tearing his gaze away. "Feh," he muttered, turning his face away. "We'd better get going."
Kagome nodded, fiddling with the purse at her side. She glanced nervously at her companion, not knowing what to say.
"You look . . . nice," Inuyasha grunted, as she wrapped a small arm around his good one.
Blushing at the comment, Kagome responded, "Arigatou . . . you look pretty good yourself."
The driver of the limo appeared instantly at the front door, holding it open for the two. They were quickly ushered out and led to the waiting vehicle.
Once inside, the silence between the two became heavier. Inuyasha was fighting with his urge to stare at her, while Kagome was wondering where in the world was she suppose to look. As the limo pulled onto the road, Inuyasha slowly fiddled with the radio, changing stations for a few seconds before pulling his hand away at the sound of a DJ.
"My favorite station," he explained to the miko, who was watching him curiously. She nodded, and proceeded to listen to the man's voice.
"Hey there, everyone! It's a beautiful night here in Tokyo, and you are listening to 95.6, Tokyo's Hit Music!"
Inuyasha leaned back, hoping that some stupid pop song wouldn't come on.
"And now . . .Itsumo, by Dice and K9 . . ."
Kagome's attention was caught by the name. Itsumo . . . never heard that one before.
'Juz' call me first born, you're my first love,
You're my 1st kiss from up above.
And I don't care if you don't give love back
Coz' n my heart is where your ass is at. '
Kagome choked back a laugh. She sent an amused glance Inuyasha's way. "Wow . . . these are some, um, deep lyrics . . . " she said, a silly grin on her face.
Inuyasha coudln't help but crack a smile. The lyrics were . . .well, funny. He leaned forward, changing the station. "Picky woman," he smirked, dodging a cushion as it flew towards his face. Kagome stuck her tongue out at him, her eyes twinkling. I like her when she's in a playful mood . . .
They settled on a slow, jazz station, a foreigner named Kenny G playing a saxaphone. The song, "The Moment," had a slow and soft melody to it, soothing to the ear. Inuyasha began to sort out his thoughts as he listened.
I guess things aren't so bad . . . other than the arm. Kagome is turning out to be quite pleasant . . . though I still can't help but wonder what the hell happened last night . . . that weird light . . . and that scene . . . his thoughts were interrupted by the abrupt stop of the vehicle.
"We're here," the driver announced, getting out of the driver's seat and opening the door for the two. Inuyasha let Kagome exit first, before stepping out himself.
The hotel was enormous, with flashing lights everywhere. Dozens of people were scattered along the steps leading to the lobby, all dressed in formal attire.
"Hyatt," Inuyasha mused, "that's what the hotel's called . . ." he glanced at the young woman at his side, her face a little pale and eyes wide. "Hey, are you okay?" he nudged her with his elbow.
Kagome blinked and looked up at her golden-eyed companion. "Um, yeah . . . fine," her gaze fell onto the sling on his arm. "Stop worrying about me, you should be worrying about your arm."
"Feh, like I said, I'm fine," he grumbled, extending his right arm. The miko nervously wrapped her arm in his, and the two made their way up the stairs.
There were more fancy dressed people as they entered the hotel, the lobby filled with many colors. Inuyasha felt Kagome's arm tighten on his arm. She doesn't want to be here anymore than I do . . .
"Finally you two show!"
The two turned around to see Sango marched over to them, her face red. She was dressed in an off the shoulder purple gown, a design of flowers embroidered on her left side. For once here pink eyeshadow was replaced with violet, her heels clicking angrily as she made her way towards them. "Never, leave me alone with him!" she hissed, jerking her head behind her.
Miroku suddenly appeared, a handprint apparent on his face. He too was in a tuxedo. Though not as handsome as Inuyasha . . . Kagome thought, before mentally slapping herself. What's wrong with me? Not as handsome as Inuyasha? My goodness Kagome, you really need to get out more . . .
"What did you do now, bouzou?" Inuyasha asked, his face in a scowl. This fool shouldn't be allowed in public . . .
"Nothing!" Miroku insisted, rubbing the back of his head. "Sango merely had a piece of lint on her backside and being the gentlemen I am I . . ."
"Gentlemen my ass!" Inuyasha snorted, glaring at the dark-haired man. "Stop groping women! You're an officer for Kami's sake!"
Before the monk could respond, a voice called out to them.
"Kagome! You're here!"
The four looked up to see Seiji at the top of a long staircase, surrounded by security. "Come, come," he urged, motioning them to come up the stairs.
Kagome began to pull away reluctantly when Mr. Higurashi called out, "Bring Inuyasha with you!"
The miko, half relieved and half curious, glanced up at Inuyasha, wondering if he knew what was going on. The hanyou shrugged, before leading Kagome to her grandfather. "See you guys later," Kagome said to a fuming Sango and a mischievious monk.
"What's going on?" Inuyasha whispered, climbing up the stairs.
"I don't know," Kagome said softly, approaching Mr. Higurashi.
"Kagome! My, don't you look lovely? Come now, to the main room," Seiji said impatiently, turning on his heel. The two followed him into a large ball room, where the swarm of people were at it's largest.
"Oh no," Inuyasha groaned. This reminded him of all the times Sesshoumaru dragged him to his own formal occassions.
The wove in and out of the crowd, trying to keep up with Seiji. Inuyasha's arm was hit once too many, and by the time they reached the stage at the end of the room, he was growling with anger.
"Inuyasha. . . " Kagome glanced up, trying to calm her body guard down.
"Damn people . . ." he muttered, eyeing the black suited men in front of him. "What's the deal with them?"
"They're Seiji's security," she explained. "They're all over the place."
A large man suddenly appeared before them, his shades hiding his eyes. "Are you Inuyasha Otashi?"
Inuyasha frowned up at him. "What if I am?"
"I have orders to take you to the back room," he man grunted, reaching out to take the hanyou by the shoulders.
"By who's orders?" Inuyasha demanded, pulling back out of the man's reach. Kagome stood beside him defensively. "What's going on here?"
Seiji once again appeared, confusion on his face. "What's the meaning of all of this?" he asked, looking up at the man.
"I have orders to take an Inuyasha Otashi to the back room," the man replied.
"Oh yes . . . Inuyasha, go with the good man," Seiji urged, pushing him towards him. "Kagome, you can go with him too, as long as you're back in ten minutes." Eyeing the two's confusion, he laughed. "Nothing's wrong, you two; Inuyasha, you have a guest."
"A guest?" the hanyou asked, puzzled. He allowed himself to be led into the back, the miko securely attached to his arm.
The large man opened a wooden door, leading into a dark room. "In here, please."
Inuyasha glanced at the man, before entering. A figure sat in the corner of a room, his face hidden, but his body visible. He too was wearing a tuxedo, stating that he was invited to the party.
"What do you want?" Inuyasha demanded, stepping in front of Kagome. If this is another attempt . . .
"My, my, my, what a greeting, younger brother," the man replied, stepping out of the shadows, his long hair swaying behind him, his eyes flashing.
"Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha grunted, the tension leaving his body. "What do you want?"
The older inuyoukai cocked an eyebrow. "Just wanted to see how my little brother was doing, and by the looks of things, not well," eyeing his slinged arm.
"Happened while I was on the job," Inuyasha snapped, brushing off the comment.
The sophisticated man's eyes traveled from his brother, to the young woman beside him. "Ah, so it's true. Miss Higurashi," Sesshoumaru addressed, bowing.
"Otashi-sama," Kagome returned, bowing to the mayor of Tokyo.
"What's true?" Inuyasha asked suspiciously.
"That you've taken up the job as a body guard; I must say, Inuyasha, it's a step up from being a mere police officer."
"Shut up," the hanyou growled, "And you were informed that I was going to work for Higurashi-sama."
"A single note on my office desk does not count as being 'informed.' "
The two brothers glared at each other, before Kagome meekly spoke, "So, is this what it's all about? You just wanted to see your brother?"
Sesshoumaru gazed at the young woman. "Yes, that was all." His gaze narrowed as he examined Kagome closer.
"What are you doing?" Inuyasha growled defensively, standing in front of his charge once more.
"My, protective, are we?" the mayor smirked. "Miss Higurashi, am I not correct to say that you are a . . .miko?"
Startled, Kagome nodded. "Yes, that is true."
"I see. I have been watching the news lately, and it has come to my attention that there have been attempted assinations on your behalf."
"Do you know something?" Inuyasha inquired, ready to pounce on his older brother.
"No more than you know," Sesshoumaru replied cooly. "Miss Higurashi, I am ready to offer my own services in this investigation. The well being of Tokyo is in my hands, and as you are the granddaughter of Higurashi-sama, well . . ."
"I can handle it," the hanyou growled. He tugged on Kagome's arm, leading her out.
"Consider my offer, Miss Higurashi," Sesshoumaru called out. "And I'll be seeing you, little brother."
"Go to hell!" Inuyasha snapped, stalking over back to Seiji.
"A pleasant reunion, I hope?" Seiji inquired, eyeing the angry hanyou.
"Not exactly . . ." Kagome mumbled, looking around her. "What are we doing here, anyway?"
"Well, we're going to be announcing our intentions in the campaign," the old man explained, "unless you are backing out."
"No, of course not!" the miko looked around. "Shouldn't Kikyou be here?"
"Your older sister is running a bit late; she'll be joining us later." Another large man approached Seiji, whispering something in his ear. "Well, it's time; Inuyasha, you'll be accompanying us as well."
"Whaa?" the dog demon stuttered. "But I'm not even in the campaign!"
"I am." A voice behind spoke.
"Ah, damn you, Sesshoumaru," the younger demon growled.
"You have to come . . . you're family," The man said sarcastically. Looking over at Seiji, he said, "Ready when you are."
Seiji nodded, walking over to a curtain. "Come out when we introduce you," he instructed, he and the passive dog demon disappearing behind the sheet of cloth.
A few minutes passed by, when Seiji's voice could be heard on the microphone. " . . . Kagome Higurashi, and the brother of the Mayor of Tokyo, Inuyasha Otashi!"
There was a loud applause, demanding their presence. Kagome sighed, before tugging her companion along. "C'mon," she said grudingly.
Inuyasha reluctantly followed, one thing on his mind.
Family my ass . . .
AU: pretty long chapter, ne? Anyways, Sesshoumaru has made his appearance, and he is offering his services in the investigation of Kagome's assinators . . . dun dun dun! Why, you ask? Maybe I didn't make this quite clear, but since he is the mayor of Tokyo, he can't have assinators running amuck through the city . . . it'll be bad for his image. AND Kagome's body guard happens to be his younger brother, and it would be dishonorable to let his brother let his brother protect her alone . . . don't worry, Sesshoumaru does care for Inuyasha, even though he doesn't show it . . . c'mon now! he even sounded a tad relieved to see his younger brother alright, and he didn't like the whole note thing . . .
thanks for all the reviews!
stay tuned!