One Ranch, Two Brothers: Chapter Eight by BelleDayNight
(Apologies for the delay, my co-writer seems to have disappeared.)
Souta shook his head as he scooted a few inches away from his sister. "No way, I'm not giving him back," he repeated stubbornly.
Kagome blew her bangs out of her eyes in frustration. The puppies were barely two weeks old. "He's too young to have you lugging him around everywhere." She paused and reconsidered the boyish look in her brother's eye. "You aren't a child anymore."
"Haha, well, according to my last girlfriend you'd be wrong on that account." He brushed his fingertips lightly over the soft fur between the puppy's eyes. "I have to head back soon and the puppies only now don't look like ugly blind rats anymore."
"You should realize by now that it is useless to argue with him," Sesshoumaru added from his position against the wall. He was standing over the two siblings, looking aloof and superior, typical of him.
Kagome looked up at her long-time friend. "You've been worthless to me for the last two weeks."
Sesshoumaru shrugged but didn't answer; it was a familiar argument by now.
"Ah, you're just sore because he encouraged me to stay another week," Souta informed her with a smirk as he set the puppy down so that he could go to his mother. Souta leaned back on his heels to look at his sister. "You must admit you've loved having me here."
"You're only staying to tick off Kouga and you know it," Kagome complained while crossing her arms over her chest.
"Certainly, that is a bonus." Souta agreed as he rose to stand. He wiped his hands on the front of his jeans. "I'm thinking of asking that lady at the grocery store out on a date before I go back to San Fran," he confided with an arrogant half-smile.
"That would greatly upset Miroku," Sesshoumaru commented idly as he looked down at his watch to note the time. He needed to make sure the cattle had fresh water in their trough before the hour was up.
"Exactly," Souta agreed with a wink.
"I think you've done enough testing of the Wolfe brothers' patience," Kagome argued. She stood up and walked towards her brother and gave him a tight hug. Souta was surprised at the action but quickly wrapped his arms around her for a gentle squeeze. "I love you," Kagome pulled away. "Now go home."
After heaving a big sigh and letting his shoulders rise and fall Souta consented. "Very well, I can see when I'm unwanted."
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Sango watched the door of her little shop warily. It had been nearly two weeks since the mud incident with Miroku. She was aware that there was a woman Veterinarian living upon the ranch now and despite assuring herself she wasn't jealous or insecure in the slightest, she couldn't help but feel a gnawing sensation in the pit of her stomach. She didn't like the Wolfe man or anything, it was simply she didn't approve of his play-boy behavior.
She crushed the dollar bills in her hand that belonged to her customer. "Miss?" The old lady asked tentatively when Sango didn't give back her change but continued to glare with a malicious gleam in her eyes towards the front door of the store.
Sango blinked distracted before taking note of her actions and smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, ma'am. Here's your change. You have a great evening and I hope to see you again soon."
Now that the small grocery store was empty Sango began to idly re-arrange the cans of soup on the display shelf. She kept the facility meticulously clean and traffic had been light as of late.
The phone on her back wall began to ring.
"Hello?" Sango answered as she tried to balance the phone between her ear and her shoulder. She listened intently as the town gossip, Yura shared the latest news. However, this news certainly caught her attention.
"Are you sure about this?" Sango asked skeptically. Yura wasn't known for always getting the most accurate of facts and details were often superfluous. "That certainly is interesting," Sango agreed before hanging up.
She looked down at her watch. It was twenty minutes until regular store hours to close. However, the beauty of being the owner was you made your own hours. She snatched up her purse and within two minutes the store was locked up and secure. She'd deal with the paper work in the morning. This was something she had to see for herself.
And if checking the rumor out meant she was to drive out to Miroku, erm—Kouga's ranch then so be it. She was only doing her duty as a concerned citizen of their small community. The last thing they wanted to their quiet way of life would be a scandal.
When she parked in the drive way she was in time to so see the handsome young man that had visited her in the store earlier in the week wink at her. She felt herself blushing and felt an even greater fool. Nonchalantly she waved as he drove down the path she had so recently taken.
The woman Veterinarian and Miroku—erh—Kouga's foreman were standing in the driveway watching her. "Is something wrong Sango?" Sesshoumaru asked calmly while he placed his arm comfortably around Kagome's shoulder in a protective stance. He didn't like the look of hostility in the other woman's eye.
"Yes something is wrong," Sango hissed out through clenched teeth. She pointed a finger accusingly at Kagome. "What kind of scandal have you brought into this town you snake?"
Kagome arched a brow in confusion. "Snake? Isn't that what you are supposed to call you're cheating ex-boyfriend?" She looked up to meet Sesshoumaru's equally confused eyes, though his face remained impassive. "She did just call me a snake, right?"
"We have a nice little peaceful town here miss. We don't want you bringing trouble." Sango continued, ignoring the previous questions. Internally she was smacking herself for calling the other woman a snake; obviously she'd have to work on her insults later.
"I honestly don't know what you are talking about," Kagome told her. She extended her hand and plastered a smile on her face, though she felt far from comfortable doing so. She had this unpleasant fear that the other woman would rip off her arm or something more brutal. "I'm Kagome."
Sango looked at the offered hand as if it were part of an alien being. It wasn't until now that she realized she'd never actually been introduced to the Veterinarian. She had simply been that woman that was living on Miroku—erm—Kouga's ranch. Annoyed with herself she shook the hand, but forcefully, grinding the bones. She found satisfaction when the other woman flinched slightly. "Sango."
"What's going on?" Kouga demanded as he walked down the front steps of his home. He had watched Souta take off earlier, and could barely contain his joy at the young man's departure. Carefully, he had avoided Kagome for nearly two-weeks, but it seemed the absence only made him more curious about her.
Kagome groaned quietly, earning a reassuring squeeze from Sesshoumaru. Sango raised a brow at the reaction. Kouga couldn't stand being around women, but the look he shot Kagome really surprised her as did the tone of his voice.
"Hello Mr. Wolfe," Sango began, trying to keep her cool. She always liked Kouga. He wasn't a perverted womanizer like Miroku.
"Sango," Kouga acknowledged. He shot a look of loathing at Kagome and Sesshoumaru. He would never understand his foreman much less the menacing woman standing beside him under his apparent protection.
"It would seem I'm some sort of a snake," Kagome supplied helpfully when Sango only stood in silence. She could feel the silent shaking of Sesshoumaru's laughter though he seemed completely composed.
"More like Medusa," Kouga muttered. He threw up his hands when Sango remained quiet; it seemed that something had caught her attention from behind. "Well?" He prompted.
"I-uh, I just talked to Yura," Sango began as she could feel herself growing flustered. Miroku was standing on the front porch silently observing. He made no move to join the group so she wouldn't let him affect her. She could care less what he did. She swallowed hard and collected herself.
"Why would you talk with such a moron?" Sesshoumaru asked, his golden eyes narrowed in hostility.
"She had something interesting to say about your little new resident here," Sango snapped sharply.
"I'm sure she did," Kouga answered annoyed. "Stop wasting time woman, I've a ranch to run."
"It would seem miss New York here left her famous fiancé high and dry," Sango answered. "Its all in the tabloids and reporters will be here before you know it."
"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked carefully, dreading the answer. She could practically hear Sesshoumaru grinding his teeth at the news.
Miroku joined them, having over-heard the conversation. The memory of Kagome nervously fiddling with her ring finger on her ride from the airport popped into his head. "Exactly who is this famous fiancé?"
"My half-brother," Sesshoumaru answered releasing his arm from around Kagome's shoulders and stalking off towards the nearest tree. He slammed his fist into it hard enough to cause several leaves to fall before rejoining the circle silently.
"You have a brother?" Kouga asked, breaking the silence. He was ignoring the rising anger he felt at the knowledge that Kagome had indeed broken some poor sap's heart. It only affirmed his initial suspicions on her character.
"Half-brother and not one he'd claim," Kagome answered for him. "And I certainly didn't leave Inuyasha high and dry. He was a brutal, short-sighted, egotistical, jerk who cared about no one but himself and his fame."
"That's not the story in the tabloids," Sango countered.
"Right and I'm sure they always get it right," Miroku answered, violet eyes flashing. He was annoyed that Sango of all people would come preaching about gossip. He had a higher opinion of her, but apparently he was wrong.
Sango took a deep breath to calm herself. This confrontation was going nothing like she had envisioned. It seems she had misjudged Kagome. If anything, it was obvious there was nothing going on between her and Miroku other than a possible friendship. She couldn't believe jealousy was making her blind to reality. "Look," Sango started, placing her hand on the other woman's tense arm. "I apologize for attacking you more or less, but rumors have it you left Inuyasha and refused to tell him where you went."
"Well that part is at least true," Kagome confirmed as she took a step back from the other woman. She wasn't quite thrilled with the idea of having the person accusing you try to comfort you. The idea simply didn't mesh well.
"What else do the tabloids say?" Kouga demanded. He remembered Inuyasha now. The famous actor always did tick him off. He also faintly remembered there being something about him being engaged, but at the same time he was a womanizer. He started to feel some empathy for the woman standing beside him. He glanced over at her from the corner of his eye to see her chewing her bottom lip in worry.
If anything, Kouga could relate to being in an abusive relationship. "It would also seem that he has tracked her down to this town and will be coming down with his current flame to confront her." Sango answered. She really hoped that the inevitable next question wasn't asked.
"Who's his newest flame?" Kagome asked in disgust. She held up a hand before Sango could answer. "Let me guess, Kikyou?"
"No," Sango answered wishing that were the case. Kikyou was a fairly popular singer known to have a bit of a passion for dark things. She took a deep breath. "Kagura."
"WHAT?" Kouga shouted; fists clenched at his sides. "That she-devil, that incarnate of the most vile spawn of hell!"
"Sounds pretty accurate," Miroku muttered, scratching his chin thoughtfully. He forced himself to forget his agitation with the grocery store owner. It became apparent that she was simply jealous when this all began. It did wonders for his ego to know his two week forced sabbatical from her resulted in her discovering her true feelings for him.
Kouga stalked off towards the fields, leaving the others behind. If he didn't get his temper under control someone would get hurt. Kagome watched him walk off with a question on her lips about the cause of his outburst.
"Kagura is the one that turned Kouga against women-kind," Miroku answered as he watched his brother storm away. He knew that deep inside he was hurting. He'd have to check on him later. "They were engaged, but it turns out she only wanted him for his money. Luckily for him, we were just starting the ranch and had hit some rocky roads."
"So she left him because he wasn't rich?" Kagome clarified.
"She left him because she's like Inuyasha, a selfish, spoiled child." Sesshoumaru answered. "What else did this tabloid say?" He asked of Sango.
"Yura simply told me that the two were expected to be in town by the end of the week."
"Kagura would do that simply to rub it in Kouga's face that she's moved on to bigger and better things. Why would Inuyasha?" Miroku asked academically.
"For the publicity," Kagome answered truthfully as she stepped away from the group to follow after the direction Kouga took off towards.
Miroku was about to call out for her to stop. "Let her talk to him," Sesshoumaru stopped him. He turned around and walked towards the cattle where he had yet to prepare their water for the evening.
Sango and Miroku were left standing alone. A sly smile spread across Miroku's face. "So, you came storming over here in a jealous rage once Yura gave you that tabloid excuse, didn't you?"
Sango crossed her arms in defense and looked pointedly away embarrassed. "I was concerned."
"Rightly so, my honor was in stake while being left alone on this giant ranch with such an attractive female." He looped his arm around her waist and began to lead her towards the ranch house. "You better keep on protecting me. I'm sure Kaede will fix you up acceptable gruel for your effort."
Feeling much better Sango didn't slap off the man's hand and allowed him to lead her towards the house's kitchen. "I don't normally misjudge people so badly."
"Sure you do," Miroku disagreed breezily. "You always doubt my affections." He kissed her gently on the cheek. "Obviously you must learn to trust my judgment in such things."
oooooOOOOOoooooOOOOOooooo
Kouga didn't bother to turn around when he heard the light footsteps coming towards him. He already knew who it was; her natural scent had been carried by the wind towards him. It sent his heart racing annoyingly and he would have loved a good fight with the woman. Unfortunately, it looked like he didn't have anything to fight with her about.
"It seems that we were both involved with the same sort of person." Kagome began as she joined him at the fence. She stared into the east, watching the night sky rise. "It's funny how he seemed like such a wonderful person and that I could be so totally wrong about him."
Kouga didn't say anything. He forced himself to enjoy her presence and not start taking his frustrations out on her. She didn't deserve his anger. He needed to reserve that for when Kagura decided to prance back into his life.
"I've known Sesshoumaru since high school. I met Inuyasha through him. I thought they would be alike. But they are completely different."
"Well that solves one mystery," Kouga interrupted with a quick flash of a grin for the dark haired beauty beside him.
"What's that?" Kagome asked.
"What Sess stands for," Kouga answered as he turned to face her completely, he hurried on to speak when Kagome's face grew red in shame at her mistake. "I met Kagura in college. She seemed like such a sweet young lady."
"I'm guessing she wasn't?"
"Took me for a fool," Kouga replied. He reached across to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "What are we going to do when they get here?"
"We could make a scandal," Kagome answered mischievously.
Kouga was about to automatically disagree before he caught himself. His brother would probably suggest them doing the same thing. "What sort of scandalous activities did you have in mind?"
Kagome reached up to lay her palm against his cheek gently. "Since the two of them decided to hook up thinking it would hurt us the most, we could be insanely smitten with one another. So smitten that no matter what they do it won't bother either one of us in the least bit. Because, obviously, we moved on to bigger and better things with each other."
Kouga turned his head to kiss her palm before taking her hand within his own. "If you had said this yesterday I would have bitten your head off with your little boyfriend around."
The broad smile that broke across Kagome's face was unexpected. "Souta is my little brother," she explained.
After blinking at her several times, Kouga spoke. "He's your brother, but I thought he was Sess' cousin."
Kagome shrugged. "We didn't want you kicking him off the ranch for being blood-related to me."
Kouga snorted. "Right, you just wanted to make me jealous."
"That too," she grinned at him and kissed him quickly on the lips, surprising him. "No moths this time."
Twinkling blue eyes met hers. "No moths and we'll have to be more convincing if we wish to convince those foolish enough to not appreciate all our brilliant qualities." He cupped the back of her head and brought his lips to meet hers. A whisper away he spoke, "I really would like to be convincing," he said before closing the distance.
oooooOOOOOoooooOOOOOooooo
Inuyasha glanced down at his watch, while tapping his feet to the sound of the bass from the music blaring on his personal jet. Kagura sat in the seat across from him filing her nails with a bored expression.
"Sir, I don't think this is a good idea," Myoga interjected for the millionth time.
Inuyasha raised a brow and gave his small minded manager a cursory look. "I don't pay you to criticize my ideas."
"I thought you simply wanted to know where she went off to, because you cared about what happens in her life." Myoga muttered quietly. He was regretting having agreed to hire the private investigators to track down the girl when she obviously didn't want to be found.
When it was discovered she was living at a rural ranch with none other than Inuyasha's half-brother as foreman there was no chance of convincing the young star otherwise. Naturally, Inuyasha wanted all the stories of the area researched.
Hitting upon the break up between Kagura, a currently between jobs model, and Kouga, the owner of the ranch Sesshoumaru and Kagome were living on was gold. "It was fate that put her there and it's my duty to capitalize on the opportunity."
He sent a killer glare towards the model sitting across from him. "Must you do that?"
Kagura gave him a bored look and continued to file her nails.
Inuyasha stretched in his seat and thought about all the sacrifices he had to make for the sake of publicity. Seriously, he could hardly think of a more self-less guy.