Disclaimer: Nope still don't own, but sure wish I did. At least I get to borrow.
A/N: My deepest apologies for the extremely long wait. I had a terrible bit of writers block on this chapter and truthfully, I don't think it lives up to my normal work. But it seems the dam finally broke so the next chapter shouldn't take me nearly as long. As a matter of fact I'll probably start on it tonight. I hope this chapter isn't too disappointing. I did my best considering the extreme blockage I felt. Again, I'm very sorry for the wait. Enjoy!
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Chapter 23- My Right
Shina slammed the door to the suite. 'Damn that old woman! Why can't she see the mistake she's making! I'm the one who should be heir! Everyone knows that!' She growled in frustration as she stomped down the hall and pushed the elevator button. 'This is all her fault! That little goody-two-shoes! I'll strangle her!' She had every intention of putting an end to Kagome's meddling once and for all.
The doors to the elevator swooshed open and five girls came trotting out. "Shina!" All five exclaimed at once.
The bride blinked stupidly at her four bridesmaids and maid of honor. With all the chaos in the last three days, she'd completely forgotten that her bachelorette party was tonight. She plastered on a bright smile to cover her anger. "Oh, hi guys!" She hugged each of the giggling girls in turn.
"Wow, Shina, I love the hotel you picked! It's going to be a beautiful wedding!" one cheered.
"Yeah, the hotel's nice and all, but I especially like the guests!" another giggled.
A third slapped her friend's arm playfully. "You mean the 'guest', don't you?" The other girls burst into further giggles.
"What are you talking about?" Shina asked curiously.
"Oh, just this hottie we spotted in the lobby!"
"Yeah, he was gorgeous, with long silver hair!"
"And a fine body, too!"
"What! He's in the lobby!" Shina screeched and started for the elevator. Where Inu Yasha was, Kagome was.
One of the girls caught her arm. "Do you know him? Could you introduce us?" She squealed.
"Forget it, he already seems to be attached at the hip to that little tramp." One of the other girls pointed out.
"Maybe right now he is, but not once I'm done with her!" Shina tried for the elevator again.
"Wait! Aren't you going to let us into the suite first?" Another girl queried. Shina let out a frustrated sigh, but went to let her friends into her suite first. It took her nearly half an hour before she was able to escape to search the lobby for the rogue couple.
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Kagome stretched her arms over her head as they left the kitchen. "Mmm, that was good." She giggled. "I wonder what Shina will think when she finds out we ate all their cupcakes and brownies."
Inu Yasha smirked. "It doesn't matter what she thinks. But if she asks, I'll tell her it was pretty good."
Kagome just giggled once more and wrapped her arm through his, leaning her head against his shoulder. "So, what do you want to do now?"
He shrugged slightly as they started toward the lobby, careful not to disturb her head's placement on his shoulder. "This is your time, you tell me."
Kagome sighed. "I could go for a catnap after all that food."
He snorted. "Hey, you can't take catnaps. You're mated to a inuhanyou, not a nekohanyou."
Kagome laughed at his playful tone. "Oh, alright a dognap then."
He couldn't suppress a small smile of his own as they made their way into the main lobby.
"Hey, Inu Yasha! Kagome!" The two paused at the familiar voice and turned to see Kitto standing beside the check-in desk, behind him stood Yuki with their children and several suitcases.
Inu Yasha frowned. "Hey, what's going on?"
"Oh, Yuki's mother got sick, so we're leaving a bit early. I called your suite, but Kagome's mother said you two were gone somewhere. So, we left our number with her." Kitto explained.
"You're leaving? Oh, that's too bad." Kagome frowned too. She moved forward and embraced Yuki who held Sakura. "I hope we get to see you again."
Yuki smiled and hugged her back. "Oh, I'm sure we will."
Inu Yasha shook Kitto's hand. "It was good getting to know you."
Kitto smiled and nodded towards Kagome. "Take care of her. You two remind me of Yuki and I. Who knows by the next time we see you, maybe you two will have some rug-rats of your own."
Inu Yasha couldn't help the flush that tore into his cheeks. "P-pu-pups…Um, uh, maybe."
Kitto chuckled and turned to Yuki as Kagome returned to Inu Yasha's side. "It was good getting to know you two. See you later." Kitto hefted the bags over his shoulders and into his hands.
"Bye, Kagome. Bye, Inu Yasha." Yuki called over her shoulder as she ushered her children after their father.
The couple watched the young family disappear into the parking lot. "Do you think we'll get to see them again?"
Inu Yasha wrapped a comforting arm around her waist. "Yes, I'm sure we will." Kagome nodded and relaxed into his warmth.
"You!"
Kagome jumped and Inu Yasha growled fiercely. They spun as a unit, Inu Yasha's grip on her going from comforting to protective. Kagome gaped as Shina stalked across the lobby the fire of Hell in her eyes.
"You little bitch! I'm going to strangle you!"
Inu Yasha instantly pushed Kagome behind him.
"Get out of the way!" Shina gestured wildly with her arms.
"No." Inu Yasha crossed his arms and stood his ground.
Kagome peeked around his shoulder. "What do you want?"
Shina glared past Inu Yasha at the miko. "You have no right to be heir! It should be me! I've been here all along! I have the class and the position to use the estate correctly! She hasn't seen you for seven years and she just drops it in your lap! What'd you do, trick her? Act all innocent? What!"
Kagome boldly stepped around her hanyou to face her elder cousin. "I didn't do anything! She trusts me, that's why! She knew you wouldn't do anything but squander what there was of the inheritance! And besides, I won't try to take it from her before hand! And she knows you would!"
Shina locked her jaw. "How dare you!" She lifted her hand to strike.
Kagome flinched but never felt the impact as a blur of silver and black shot between them and a feral snarl broke through the quiet air. It seemed the entire lobby had hushed as its occupants watched the interaction with interest.
Inu Yasha held Shina's wrist in a death grip. "Touch her and die."
Kagome could sense the shift in his aura around her, his demon blood boiling to the surface in defense of its mate. Reacting on instinct, she threw her arms around him from behind. "Inu Yasha, stop! Not here! Please!"
Inu Yasha paused, his growling lessening to a low rumble. He glanced down at the tiny hands wrapped tightly around his waist. His demon recognized the scent of his mate and her small frame pressed flush against his back. His nerves soothed at the contact and he relented. Glancing up, he found Shina staring at him with wide eyes. Curious though, that they did not even hold the slightest fear, only anger mixed with confusion. 'She really doesn't understand why I'd be with Kagome.'
"Fool!" He shoved her backwards, releasing her wrist. "Don't ever think of threatening Kagome again!" He allowed another small growl to escape him in warning. "Or you'll regret it." It was no mere threat. It was a promise. He wouldn't allow anyone to harm his Kagome.
Shina wasn't about to give up so easily. "You don't understand! That little piece of trash has ruined my life, just by being born! Why would you defend her after what she's done!"
"Because," he turned slightly, slipping an arm around his mate's shoulders and drawing her against his side, "she's mine and I'm hers." His eyes narrowed and his voice was deadly cold. "Now move."
Shina blinked and for once was speechless as he pushed past her toward the elevators. She watched for a long moment before it seemed she woke up. "You'll regret this Kagome! You'll see!" She clenched her fists until her knuckles burned white. 'I'll take the thing you most desire away from you, just as you did me!' A new determination blazed in her dark eyes.
Kagome kept her arms wrapped tightly around Inu Yasha as he guided her to the elevator alcove. But instead of the elevator he opted for the stairs. Kagome remained silent as he pushed open the door and pulled her onto his back. He had hopped up the stairwell about halfway when Kagome's soft voice broke the silence.
"She's right."
Inu Yasha stopped dead in his tracks. "What?" He allowed her to slide from his back so he could look at her.
She looked away from him shamefully, a defeated sigh escaping her little pink lips. "She's right. I haven't been around for the last seven years. What right do I have to be heir to something I never wanted in the first place?"
Inu Yasha snarled as he gripped her shoulders and shook her slightly. "Stop that! Don't you dare let her get to you! She's wrong! Do you hear me? Wrong!" Kagome gasped sharply at the fervor of his words. He drew her tightly against him in a breathtaking embrace, his voice softening to brush warmly through her hair. "Stupid wench, don't you see? It's because you didn't want it, that your grandmother knew you were the one to have it."
She allowed him to press her tightly to his heart, letting the rhythmic beat of his heart soothe her in a way that only his presence could. His words tumbled through her mind meeting and agreeing with those her grandmother had told her. She sighed again, this time in contentment as she returned the warm embrace from her mate. "Thank you, Inu Yasha. I'd be lost without you."
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Inu Yasha and Kagome spent the majority of the day sprawled across the living room floor either playing cards, watching television or tormenting poor Sota to death. Iki finally became frustrated with the lounging pair. "All right, enough is enough." She nudged Kagome's side with her toe, earning a bored look from her daughter. "You two get up and get dressed. We're going to eat in the hotel's restaurant tonight."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "But Mom, we already ate at the restaurant. You guys go without us."
"No, you are going to spend time with your family, Kagome." Kagome frowned and beside her Inu Yasha snickered, his dog-ears twitching. Kagome and Iki both shot him a glare, but for different reasons. "And what are you laughing about, Inu Yasha? You're a member of this family now too, so you also have to come." Inu Yasha made a face, but didn't protest. Iki chuckled lightly as the two teens pouted in unison. "Now, go put something nice on."
Kagome sighed and wandered off into the bedroom. Inu Yasha remained where he was and watched her go. That is until he heard Iki tap her foot again the carpeted floor. Glancing back at her, he found her watching him expectantly. He grunted. "I'm going. I'm going." He followed after his mate, which he figured was a much safer place to be at the moment.
Kagome dug through the closet for something she hadn't already worn. She found an emerald green skirt with a matching top. The top only had one arm and the front had a diagonal cut. 'It's been a while since I've had a good bath. I think I have enough time for a short soak.' She turned toward the dresser as Inu Yasha strolled in. He had a small pout on his lips. Kagome shot him a quick smile. "What's the matter? Did you get kicked out of the living room?"
"Feh."
Kagome smirked and pecked his check as she passed him for the bathroom. She paused when he began to follow. "Where are you going?"
He blinked at her. "To take a bath."
Kagome blushed a little, but shook her head, putting a hand on his chest. "Oh, no you don't. If you join me, we'll never be ready in time."
He smirked. "It'd make a good excuse not go. Come to think of it, we'd be alone if we didn't go, and…"
Kagome's blush deepened. "Oh, no you don't. You go find something else to entertain you for a while."
His ears flattened and he pouted outright. "But-"
"Go on." Kagome gave him a gentle push. It took all her strength to close the door on his pitiful expression. She sighed. 'Maybe I'll get a few minutes to soak at least.' She poured a bath and climbed in. Kagome had just begun to truly relax when the door opened. She sighed inwardly. 'Well, I got to relax longer than I thought I would.' She cracked an eye just enough to look through her eyelashes.
"What are doing, wench? I thought you said we had to hurry up?" Inu Yasha couldn't help but stare at the goddess in the water before him. He swallowed hard. 'She was right. There wouldn't have been a chance of being on time if I'd joined her. But it would have been more fun than going to that stuffy restaurant again.' He smirked to himself. 'Yep, definitely more fun.'
"Inu Yasha, I am taking a bath. What does it look like?" Kagome said with closed eyes.
"It looks like you could use company."
Kagome finally opened her eyes to look up at him. But he wasn't looking at her anymore, his ears were turned back and he had a look of concentration. "Inu Yasha…"
He frowned, but returned his gaze to her. "Your mom's calling for us."
Kagome leaned over the edge of the tub. "Already? It hasn't been that long, has it?"
"No, not really." He admitted.
Kagome sighed and pushed herself out of the tub, pulling the plug as she went. "You come take a shower. I'll go see what she wants." She grabbed at towel and wrapped it around her.
Inu Yasha gave a small growl at the thought of anyone seeing his mate in the tiny towel thing. "I don't think so, you dry off. I'll go talk to her." He took a second towel and draped it over her head and tucked it lovingly around her hair. Before Kagome could protest, he left her to find Iki.
Kagome smiled to herself. In a way all his own he was becoming kind of gentlemanly. It was very odd to think of him in that since, but the truth was he had been rather nice to her lately. 'Well whenever we're alone mostly, but still…' Her smile grew as she dried off and dressed. 'I think I'll keep that to myself. There's no telling how long it'll last.'
It didn't take long for Inu Yasha to shower and dress. And in short order the group was ready to go. As they were about to step into the hall leading to the restaurant, Kagome paused and tugged at Inu Yasha's sleeve. He looked down at her curiously. "What is it?"
She pointed up the hall and he followed her gaze. He was greeted with the sight of an irate Kado scowling at a poor kitchen attendant. "What is the meaning of this!"
"Miss, I deeply apologize. We don't know what happened to them. They were made earlier and ready to serve." The poor servant bowed lowly.
Kagome frowned and looked up at Inu Yasha. 'I guess that was a bad idea after all.' "Inu Yasha…."
He rolled his eyes and snorted, but stomped toward Kado nonetheless. She had started into a new rant. "What do you mean, you don't know what happened to the deserts! If you made them, then what did they do? Did someone sneak in and eat them! Or did they grow legs and walk away!"
A rather loud grunt made the pair look up. Kado continued to scowl, while the attendant looked a little frightened. Inu Yasha crossed his arms. "Actually, I ate those brownie things."
Her eyes widened. "You did?" Puki began to squirm in her arms.
"And those cupcake things too."
The servant looked completely and utterly relieved by the news. Apparently he had begun to doubt his sanity. Kado, however, was anything but. "You ate our deserts! How dare you! What were you thinking! Those were for Shina's party!"
Inu Yasha snorted as Kagome stepped up behind him, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "Feh, so what?"
Kado seethed. "You jerk! I can't see what any woman could possibly see in you!" In her arms Puki squirmed again, managing to leap from her grasp. Inu Yasha caught the pup as he jumped the short distance between the two. Kado gasped. "Puki! Give him back!"
The little dog ignore his owner altogether and nuzzled into Inu Yasha's chest. The hanyou smirked at the pup. "If you want him, take him."
Kado made a face but reached out to take the pup from him. Inu Yasha made no move to protest the action. Puki, however, had other ideas. He snapped at her hand and let out a tiny growl. She jerked her hand back in time to avoid his teeth. "Puki!"
Inu Yasha's smirk grew. "Seems he doesn't want to go with you."
"Give him to me, now!" Kado's face scrunched in fury and her fists balled at her sides. Inu Yasha just shrugged. Kado made to grab for the dog again. And again he snapped at her. This time her face dropped and her bottom lip trembled. "What's wrong with you?" She eyed the little dog and her eyes took on a sheen.
Kagome put her hands on Inu Yasha's shoulders. "Inu Yasha, give him back."
"I didn't take him in the first place. And he doesn't want to go with her." Inu Yasha defended.
She gave him a glare and he sighed. He lifted the tiny dog by the scruff of his neck till they were nose to nose and locked eyes with him. The two seem to communicate briefly, which ended with Puki's pitiful whimper. Inu Yasha grunted as he held him out to Kado. The girl hesitantly lifted her hands to accept him. Puki didn't make any move to snap or growl, only looked up at Inu Yasha with dark pleading eyes. Inu Yasha crossed his arms and looked away.
Kado was presently codling and scolding her little pet all in the same moment. Kagome turned to the attendant. "Sir, please forgive us. I hope we didn't cause you too much trouble."
The young man sighed. "It's all right. At least I know I wasn't loosing my mind. I was certain everything was ready and then those deserts came up missing." He turned to Kado, interrupting her rant over Puki. "Miss Higurashi, let your sister know that I will go and prepare more right now."
Kado gave the young man a slight nod, shot her cousin a glare that included Inu Yasha, turned on her heel and stomped back into the main hall.
Kagome sighed and rolled her eyes. "Come on." She tugged on Inu Yasha's arm until he turned and followed her.
Inside the restaurant Iki, Sota and Gramps had already been seated. Kagome's mother looked up from her menu. "I wondered if we'd lost you two."
Kagome shrugged. "We had to make a small stop." She took the seat beside Iki and Inu Yasha sat on the outside corner. Picking up her menu, Kagome glanced at her hanyou. He had a rather bored expression and she didn't blame him. They could have found something far more entertaining to do on their own. "Do you want the same noodles as last time or do you want to try something different? There's spaghetti. It's noodles with meat and tomatoes."
Inu Yasha shrugged. "Whatever, as long as it ain't spicy."
Kagome smirked. "I know, I know. We'll make sure there's nothing spicy in it."
The waiter came and the group ordered. Once he was gone, Iki turned to her daughter. "I called the school earlier today while you were gone. They've agreed to allow you to test out of your final year. They usually reserve that for pregnant girls or students who wish to attend college early. Anyways, they said that you can have a week and a half to study and then you're exams will be spread over three days. You'll pick up your books the Monday after we return."
Kagome's eyes were as big as saucers. "A week and half! That's all? How am I suppose to cram an entire year into a week and half!"
"That's when the exams are scheduled. The next round aren't until the beginning of the spring semester." Iki pointed out. Kagome looked absolutely horrified. Iki smiled and wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders. "Don't worry, dear. We'll all help. And Inu Yasha, you'll leave her alone to study, won't you?" She leaned forward to look at her daughter's mate. Inu Yasha snorted and refused to look at her. Her gaze narrowed. "Right, Inu Yasha?"
"Okay, fine. I'll make sure she studies." He still didn't meet her gaze, but Iki felt satisfied to get at least that much out of him.
"See, Kagome? Everything will be fine." Iki squeezed her shoulders once more before releasing her.
Sweat dripped from Kagome's brow and she forced her broadest smile. "Uh, yeah sure, everything will be fine." Inwardly she was panicking. 'Holy crap! How am I possibly going to do this!' Then she felt it, the warmth of a familiar aura wrap around her and a large hand wrap tightly around hers. She felt her whole body relax as she turned to gaze into confident golden orbs.
"Don't worry, you can do it, Kagome. I know you can."
She squeezed his hand warmly and smiled a true smile of love. "Thank you, Inu Yasha. It's good to know at least one of us has confidence in me."
He snorted. "If you're able to study with demons constantly chasing you, you ought to be able to really study when there aren't any."
Kagome smirked. "I only study that well, because I know you're watching over me."
Inu Yasha blushed. "I'll always protect you." He squeezed her hand once more before the waiter arrived. They finished dinner and returned to the suite to retire for the night. The young couple found contentment wrapped in each others arms as sleep overtook them.
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The large hall was once again filled with relatives as it had many times since their arrival, but this time the atmosphere was much different. The young children didn't run around, but sat quietly beside their parents. And the adults spoke quietly in whispers as someone droned away at another toast to the betrothed couple. Shina's bridesmaids sat near the head of the main table. They had finally stopped making eyes at Inu Yasha after several death glares from Kagome.
She now poked at the remaining piece of baked chicken on her plate and let out a frustrated sigh. She leaned toward her mother, who sat to her left along the large table. "Tell me again, why we had come to the rehearsal dinner."
"Because we're family." Iki stated flatly. Her daughter had been complaining for the last hour about the whole event.
"But isn't the rehearsal dinner usually reserved for those in the bridal party?" Kagome continued undaunted.
Iki sighed. "Yes, but you know your uncle once he decides to go all out, he goes all out."
Kagome leaned toward Inu Yasha, who sat to her right, and lowered her voice so only he could hear. "Yeah, when he wants to flaunt his money, he flaunts it."
Inu Yasha snorted. Then he eyed her uneaten chicken. "You going to eat that?"
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Here." She slid the plate towards him.
"I knew I loved you for some reason, wench." He grinned as he began to gobble down her food, and she couldn't suppress the little giggle. He licked his fingers and slipped his other arm around her waist drawing her against his side. He discretely buried his nose in her hair and drew in her scent for a moment, before whispering in her ear. "What do you say we get out of here?" He smirked as he felt her pulse race.
"How?" She replied without looking up at him.
He could easily hear the hope in her voice. "Wait a minute and then follow me." Without letting her reply, he stood and made for the door.
Surprisingly, no one seemed to notice his sudden exit. Kagome allowed her loose raven locks to hide her own grin behind its dark curtains. Beside her, Iki cleared her throat. "Where's he going?"
Kagome blanked her features before looking up at her mother. "Oh, I don't know. He didn't say. I should go check on him. I think the chicken was too spicy for him." She stood before her mother could protest and hurried out the door.
Kagome slipped from the main hall and looked around. There was no sign of her hanyou. 'Now where could he have gone?' As she started down the hall and past the little alcove with the kitchen door, a pair of strong arms caught her around the waist and drew her into the alcove. She felt no fear as she turned in his arms to star up into gorgeous golden orbs. "That was great!"
He smirked. "That's nothing. Come on." He took her hand and led her quickly through the lobby. The blue gauzy outer layer of her dress floated behind her as the tighter pink inner layer clung to her shapely body as they hurried through the lobby and onto the beach. When they were far enough from the hotel to be hidden from the sharp glaring lights of the populated building, Inu Yasha crouched down. "Climb on."
Kagome hesitated only a brief moment before throwing her arms around his neck and wrapping her legs around his waist. "You're right this is even better."
Taking one last look around to make sure they were alone, he tightened his grip on her bare legs. "Hang on." And then they were off into the night. The only light guiding their path was the pale moonlight. If any onlookers did see them, they surely thought them a ghostly figure in the darkness, a figment of their imagination.
Kagome snuggled into the warmth of Inu Yasha's back as they flew over the sand, his feet barely touching the ground as they went. Kagome buried her face in his hair and wrapped her arms around him even tighter. "I miss being this close to you."
He shivered slightly as her warm breath burned against his neck. "I've missed it too."
"After tomorrow, we'll be going home."
"Yeah, I wonder how the others are doing."
"Shippo is probably missing us."
Inu Yasha snorted. "Missing you, you mean."
Kagome chuckled. "He misses you too, when you're not there."
"Yeah, right. You spoil him too much."
"Well, he won't get much of the treats from this time, once we complete the jewel. The well will probably close."
Inu Yasha slowed his pace a little. "Are you sure you want to be in my time when we purify it? We could be here, you know?"
He felt her shift on his back, her head coming over his shoulder so she could look at him. "I've already told you. I want to be with you in your time. Besides we already know things will work out." She kissed his check and nuzzled her nose against it. "Now, let's not talk about that anymore. I've made up my mind and you know how stubborn I can be."
He smiled. "Yep, almost as stubborn as me."
"Well, I did learn from the best." She smiled and her dark eyes sparkled in the pale light.
He laughed lightly as they landed beside a tree that overlooked the beach. In one swift movement he pulled her from his back and into his arms. With a powerful push off the ground he landed on a branch high above. He settled down against the tree's trunk and pulled her into his lap. Kagome leaned deeper into his chest, a little contented sigh left her slightly parted lips.
Inu Yasha wrapped his arms tightly around her and buried his nose in her hair. Once they rejoined their companions they wouldn't have much alone time, and he intended to get every moment he could while they were able. The two gazed out over the water, watching the waves shimmer in the moonlight as they crashed against the sandy shores, washing away the footprints left in their wake.
"I love you, my Kagome." He pressed his lips to her forehead tenderly.
"And I you, Inu Yasha. And I you." She wrapped her arms around his, relaxing in his comforting presence. The world could wait a little longer, while they simply enjoyed one another.
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A/N: Check this out! I think I've figured something out. I was doing some net surfing for astrology and relationships. Get this I'm a Gemini and he's a Taurus. Well most of the astrology reports say that it's a love-hate relationship (which it is) and that he's stubborn and constant and wants things his way (that's TOTALLY true) and that I switch moods at the drop of a hate (which I do from time to time) and that I tend to be spontaneous and light hearted (which is true too). Can you guys think of another couple that's like that? Hahaha. Really it's kind of scary how parallel our relationships are. I'm pretty sure Kagome's a Gemini and Inu Yasha would be a Taurus! Just do a search for it on Google. There were a lot of "not-so-good" predictions as well, but there were a few that were dead on. Check it out!
