The Right Man
It's a weird world after all
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"Do you mind?" He grumbled, making a point to lower his newspaper as he glared at the man sitting directly opposite from him on the table. Tuesdays sucked, it was a nothing day. It was the day after the worst day, Monday being the horrendous beginning to the five day cycle, and it was the day before Wednesday, another nothing day only there to remind him that he was only half-way there.
Looking up with a genuine confused look, his companion raised his left eyebrow, "Mind what?"
"Your breathing." The hanyou rolled his eyes, as though it was the most obvious thing, "Breath quietly, I'm trying to read the paper." He demanded broodingly, his mood foul from the knowledge that it was only eight in the morning and he was stuck in the dingy café, with a lecher no less.
"Oh." Miroku's face took on a perplexed expression, but nonetheless slurped loudly at his coffee, failing to realize the clenching of a certain half-demon's fists.
"So I was wondering-"
"No." He didn't look up from his newspaper when he blatantly refused, in his deadpanned voice, at what his financial advisor was going to say.
"But I haven't even said anything." Miroku declared indignantly, his back straightening up although he still failed to gain the attention of his hanyou friend.
"So what's stopping you?" He scratched his nose, but continued to scan his paper importantly.
Huffing at his companion's notorious childish behaviour, he attempted again, "I was wondering if-"
"No."
"Inuyasha!"
"Oh oops!" The hanyou shrugged, "That was just reflex. Continue." He waved airily for Miroku to finish his sentence.
"Wellllll," Miroku drawled out, putting his palms on top of each other on the table as he leaned in eagerly, "I've been thinking a lot lately, and after many nights of deliberation, I've come to the conclusion that you are my best candidate."
"Oh, well thank you." Inuyasha replied distractedly, even though he had no idea what the lecher was implying, but that didn't mean he cared.
"Right." Scratching the back of his head awkwardly at his friend's conclusive tone rather than an expected curious tone, he decided to just jump straight to the point, "Can you lend me $2000?" The question came out quick, hopeful and innocent.
As though he hadn't heard a word his friend had said, Inuyasha very calmly straightened his back, placed the newspaper down and patiently waited for the next waitress to come along as he sipped his black coffee. Miroku sat there, confused by his actions, but simply opted to wait for a reply. Had he known what was going on in the mind of his twisted hanyou friend, he would've possibly bolted for the door.
Suddenly he noticed Inuyasha eyeing the backside of a very curvy woman within arms length. BAIT! His mind screamed. It was a freaking bait! He just knew it, most of the time Inuyasha hardly spared a glance at anyone else but himself, standing by his motto that girls were stupid – not in the academic sense, but just stupid in general. Oh god, his hand, he felt the itching sensation as it began extending on its own accord. No! his mind screamed, but before he could register what was happening, somehow, he was left with the bill, with no Inuyasha in sight and hot coffee poured all over his head.
Some things would never change. Inuyasha will always be ever so dramatic, Miroku concluded sulkily. A 'no' would've delivered the same message, but he just had to once again go and prove who was Queen bee.
Wiping the staining coffee in vain, Miroku simply sighed and blamed it on his loud breathing. He should've known better than to disturb Inuyasha when he was reading the comic's section of the newspaper. Dammit.
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"Mr Takahashi!" He shuddered internally at the voice. Not that it was a repugnant sounding voice or anything, but just knowing the owner of it was enough to send him crawling underneath anything big enough to fit his body. For heaven's sake it was only nine in the morning! He couldn't handle her yet.
"Margaret." He mumbled, nodding conclusively in acknowledgement, hoping that he would be spared from her clutch.
He picked up his pace as he sped towards his office, simultaneously thinking to himself how weak he was, failing to handle even a mere secretary. Had this been a physical argument and not just a figment of his thoughts, he would've retorted that arguing or chastising Margaret would've been like taking advantage of a handicapped. BIG no no – and plus, he wasn't sure Margaret would understand the words that would come out of his mouth.
He was not so lucky, and the Gods were not so kind, because just as he opened his office doors, he was met with four pairs of eyes, all staring intensely at him. His first reaction was, for reasons beyond even Margaret, was to slam the door shut, consequently shaking the entire floor. For a while, he paused and simply remained motionless, that was until his head whipped around to glare deathly at his secretary as she cowered under his gaze. Without so much as opening his mouth, it was loud and clear that an explanation was overdue.
Looking on nervously, the petite girl fidgeted nervously underneath the towering hanyou, "You have an interview now." she said lamely.
His hand continued to grip the handle to his door as he tried his hardest to contain his anger, "You think?!" He hissed sarcastically.
Failing to notice the sarcasm, Margaret took his words at face value, "No Mr Takahashi," she said in an almost chiding tone, "I know-"
Growling in increasing agitation, he rolled his eyes and waved his free hand in the air, brushing her off, "Why was I not informed of this?!" Once again, he spoke in a low tone, careful to keep his voice unheard by his visitors currently sitting inside his office.
"I tried to, but you only wanted to hear one message last night…" She trailed off and dared not speak another word, noticing the deadpan glare coming from her superior.
Sighing at his bad luck, he shook his head and simply ordered, "Go do… your nails or something-"
"I'll go file some of your paperwork-" She was trying to redeem herself.
"NO!" He said in a hushed, panicky voice, "No, just don't do anything… please?" He was desperate. Margaret was a fearful foe.
Without waiting for a reply from the guilt ridden girl, he turned towards his door and violently opened it.. with a smile on his face. The annoyance and fatigue was bubbling to an all time high as he tried his hardest to contain any of his true emotions from leaking out. This day was going from bad to worse. As if Tuesdays wasn't a hellhole in itself already, now he was faced with this beautiful interviewer sitting gracefully in his office as her crew of camera men stood vigilant.
Avoiding any eye contact, he broodingly walked to his leather chair, ignoring the polite greetings from the camera people, and sat down rigidly – his annoyance and discomfort reaching a new level. Gods she was beautiful, regarding him with those seductive hooded eyes as her skirt showed off her long lean legs and her blouse revealed a modest cleavage.
"Inuyasha." She nodded, her voice professional and smooth.
His voice held the same amount of professionalism as he nodded back, "Kikyo."
He knew the moment she had said his name that she was angry at him. It was almost impossible to detect underneath her impassive façade, but he knew. Oh yes also the fact that she was avoiding his gaze was another give away. Gods, for some reason he always managed to do something wrong… even before he even did anything!
"With your new position comes new responsibilities and possibly even lifestyle changes, how have you faired in those aspects?" Oohh, straight down to business, definitely pissed off.
"Well.." Inuyasha drawled, looking upwards as he thought hard, "I have to wake up earlier for starters.." this response was reciprocated with a blank look from the interviewer and team, but nonetheless they remained quiet and Inuyasha seemed completely unfazed by the idiocy of his reply, "Umm, I have this new office… it's big." He continued as he clicked his tongue thoughtfully, unaware of the weird looks the crew was aiming at him, "I don't have to make my own coffee… black no sugar, if you're wondering, that's how I love my KOUGA!"
Kikyou instantly frowned, raising a delicate eyebrow up in discontent, "You love Kouga?"
"I'm sorry.. for… being.. late." Kouga wheezed out as he held onto the door handle for support, his hair ruffled, and suit slightly twisted out of place. "I was.. only just.. informed of.. this… interview."
Kikyo's face remained blank, but she silently wondered why he needed to be here. And why Inuyasha suddenly looked so much more comfortable.
Kouga had cursed rampantly in his mind the moment he was told that an interview was taking place and Inuyasha himself was handling it. He wasn't sure whether he was more terrified or sympathetic towards the interviewer for Inuyasha's retardation. And of course, him, being appointed as Inuyasha's right hand man, meant he was suppose to filter Inuyasha's activities and monitor his interviews. Basically in a more realistic term, Kouga was almost in a sadistic way, Inuyasha's nanny. Joy.
Kouga made his way and took a seat right next to Kikyo and smiled charmingly at her while his peripheral gaze caught Inuyasha subtly clicking on his 'solitaire' icon. Lazy bastard.
Completely ignoring Kouga as Kikyo diverted her attention back onto the now distracted hanyou, she continued, "According to multiple leading magazines, you have been named quote, 'most wanted man of the decade' – what are your thoughts on that?"
"Aw, decade only?" He murmured quietly, his gaze still intensely fixated on the computer screen of cards.
"Mr Takahashi is overwhelmingly flattered, but tries his hardest to steer away from those labels fearing his head might get too big." And then Kouga laughed that generic laugh commonly found at social balls and such.
"Right." Kikyo breathed, completely un-fooled. If anyone knew Inuyasha better, it would be her.
Kouga, for the first time, felt the pressure. It was his duty, but it still didn't make bullshitting in front of Inuyasha's 'personal acquaintance' any easier. He nearly sweat dropped.
"Inuyasha." She almost demanded, but like the child that he was, the hanyou merely gave a distracted 'mm' of acknowledgement. "There have also been reports that you and your brother don't get along, sparking speculation that the company will not progress under this adversarial environment."
Finally, he tore his eyes away from the screen and looked at the gorgeous woman with a small smirk, before shrugging and starting a new game, "Just because Sesshomaru's a bastard who takes sadistic pleasure in the suffering of others, being the spastic fuck that he is, doesn't mean I don't like the tosser of a half-brother… half… brother." He emphasized.
The room fell quiet, with even Kouga speechless as he stared open-mouthed at the reply that was just given. The only noise coming from the room now was simply the mad clicking of the mouse as Inuyasha continued his game of solitaire, oblivious to the reaction of his reply.
And then Kouga turned towards Kikyo, smiling too happily for comfort, "This might need a little editing."
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A painful hour later, after many idiotic replies, unnecessary cussing and moronic behaviour in general, the interview at long last came to an end… for most of them anyways.
"You can head back first. I'll be back a little later." Kikyo demanded, leaving no room for argument as her crew nodded and retreated out of the office.
Kouga looked from Kikyo to Inuyasha to Kikyo and back to Inuyasha, who still looked unfazed by Kikyo's presence, as he debated whether to stay or leave. But having been put through that previous nightmarish interview just a few minute ago, Kouga decided evilly that Inuyasha could handle Kikyo alone.
"Thank you for your time, it was a real pleasure." And just like that, Kouga turned on his heel and left, just before giving the glaring hanyou the finger… all this slipping through Kikyo's awareness.
The moment the doors were closed, Kikyo steadily made her way towards the bored looking hanyou. Placing her hand gently on top of Inuyasha's hand on the mouse, she simply looked at him once she gained his attention. No doubt she was beautiful beyond comprehension, but for some reason, that overwhelming strong desire Inuyasha once possessed to have her had gradually disintegrated.
"Oh hi Kikyo, didn't see you there!" He feigned surprise as he allowed himself to momentarily drown in her eyes.
Ignoring his statement, used to his random and odd behaviour, Kikyo spoke with a more seductive voice – possibly her real voice rather than her professional interviewer voice, "I haven't heard from you for a week now."
"Sesshomaru's been on my back with work." Partly true, although he chose to ignore that inner voice asking him how he had the time to stalk his beautiful stranger who worked at that ice-cream place.
"And yet you manage to leave everyday before five." Her voice took on a sharper more cynical edge.
"Work-related." He simply mumbled.
She remained quiet, still looking down at him as he leaned against his leather chair. Subtly, before he realized what was happening, she slid into his lap, her face mere inches from his, "I know you're keeping something from me.. but I don't care.. just never lie to me." And then she crushed her lips against his.
For a while he remained immobile as she ravished his mouth, but once his brain functioned properly again, he reciprocated her passion as he pulled her body against his. He was a man after all, and no man would be foolish enough to push someone like Kikyo away… especially if she was straddling your lap and giving you the most heated performance of your life. He was drowning in her… allowing his senses to numb as she once again held that power to intoxicate him.
He could never resist Kikyo.
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"I've been thinking a lot lately, and after many nights of deliberation, I've come to the conclusion that you are my best candidate."
"What!? I can't hear you Miroku, you're gonna havta speak up!" Bankotsu screamed above the pumping music as he skulled another beer.
"I said!" Miroku yelled into his ear as he nodded, indicating that Bank had heard him so far, "That you're my best candidate!"
Bankotsu paused momentarily and regarded the smiling Miroku cautiously, who just so happen to also lean in very close to him as he screamed. Oh lord.
"Man Miroku, you're a great pal but that's it buddy… sorry dude, but I don't swing that way." And then he patted Miroku on the back as a form of comfort. The man simply looked on in confusion, as he wondered why Bankotsu was suddenly stroking his back. Oh lord.
"Oh Bank, I'm flattered but I'm not into that kinda stuff." Miroku declared, thinking that Bankotsu was coming onto HIM.
Smiling in understanding, Bankotsu thought Miroku was simply catching onto his act, "That's alright buddy… there are plenty of fishies just like you in the sea. Don't worry, I won't look at you any differently."
"Yeah man, me too!" Miroku chirped happily as they both simultaneously thought to themselves…
'So he is gay after all… knew it!'
"Ohhhhh look who it is, it's the man of the hour!" Hiten hollered loudly, completely intoxicated by his alcohol consumption.
Inuyasha ignored everyone as he grumpily made his way to their private lounge and sat down without so much as acknowledging anyone. Hiten was pretty off his face, so he was simply stumbling here and there, Bankotsu still fell guilty for blowing his newly discovered gay friend off (no pun intended) so he was trying to assure Miroku that he didn't have anything against him, and Miroku well… he was simply trying to get Bankotsu to shut the hell up, he needed money and it didn't help that he couldn't ask anyone else because Bank kept pulling him back to apologize. Sheesh!
Grabbing the first available beer in sight, Inuyasha immediately skulled the whole thing, before taking a shot of tequila. His annoyance becoming overwhelmingly clear – and this did not escape Miroku's awareness seeing he once again had his eyes set on Inuyasha's $2000.
"Hey, I thought you couldn't make it tonight? Don't you have some dinner thing?"
"I can be here if I want!" He retorted immaturely.
The day had been okay, up until he arrived at the ice-cream parlor. He didn't know why it upset him so much. Even though it was nothing official… in fact it was a tad weird… it was kinda their little thing… their little meeting that was kept secret to everyone else even without them knowing it. But tonight, she wasn't there. Fucking dammit, she wasn't there!!
He downed another shot, remembering how that girl she always worked with had told him she had taken today off because she had something important to go to. What could be more important than their little meetings?!!
He refused to even think that it may be with the opposite sex. Never!
Miroku continued, even though past experiences have taught him otherwise, "Aren't you meeting Sesshomaru's fiancée tonight?"
Slamming his glass down, resulting in nothing seeing as though the music was loud enough to pop ear drums, Inuyasha growled loudly, "Well I'm gonna make my fucken grand entrance… I'll show the bastard who's boss!"
Righteo! Miroku thought. Personally he would steer five miles away from Sesshomaru's bad side, but if Inuyasha had a death wish, then by all means provoke the dog demon.
"Okay cool! So about the two grand-" Before he knew it, beer was for some reason trickling down his face from his now wet hair. Rolling his eyes, he told himself he should've known better.
Such a Drama Queen, Miroku thought to himself as he looked at Inuyasha, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his face angry and pouting and his cheeks slightly flushed from his sulking. What a kid, and then he mopped his hair with napkins.
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The awkward silence hung around like a second skin as Kagome fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat as the meals were one by one brought out by their multiple maids. She stole a quick glance at her future husband, who looked as bored as usual, before her vision flickered towards the warm and smiling Inutaisho and Izayoi.
"Look at you girl," Inutaisho's deep voice boomed cheerily over the dinner table, "You're skin and bones! Eat up!" He laughed.
His wife gave him a nudge, and in a much gentler voice said, "You'll have to excuse my husband and Inuyasha. I don't know where Sesshomaru's younger brother is, but I'm sure he's just a little held up at work."
"I sincerely doubt that – he's no more competent than his secretary." And unseen to the normal human eye, Sesshomaru snickered.
Laughing politely and awkwardly, Kagome shook her head, "It's okay." She wanted to beat herself over the head. Talk about socially challenged.
"Well then, what are you waiting for, eat eat!"
The food looked great and everyone seemed nice enough, yet Kagome could not brush off the growing dread inside of her. What had she gotten herself into – or more like, what had her gramps gotten her into? Subtly looking at her fiancé, whom she was engaged to before she even met him, she started to doubt her acceptance of his business related proposal. No love would come from this, she knew that much – in fact, Sesshomaru had made that clear before she had accepted.
Beggars can't be choosers. That was what she constantly reminded herself everyday. In fact, she should be screaming in joy for this blessed arrangement. Who would be as lucky as she was to marry into such a prominent family with the elder handsome son. All her family's debts, financial torment and work related stress after the passing of her father would all be solved. So she was sacrificing a few things, namely her freedom, her choice in marriage, her dream to fall in love with that special someone, her old lifestyle, her dream to become a writer… no biggie.
Her family desperately needed money, Sesshomaru needed a wife – two birds with one stone. The money was practically handed to them on silver platter with a wedding dress and a ring that would forever bind her to a seemingly cold stranger… what more could she ask for?
She sighed as her fork dug into her food, trying to juggle eating and answering the countless questions from her future in-laws. At least the mashed potatoes were good.
"So, how old are you Kagome?" Inutaisho spoke in his usual powerful, albeit kind, voice.
Kagome was a little surprised that he didn't know, but then again, Sesshomaru didn't seem like much of a conversationalist, so perhaps they only knew the basic of the very basics… like, they were getting married.
"Um, 19 sir." Gees, did she have to say the 'um' as if it was a tough question. She really wanted to hit herself now.
Izayoi merely smiled although it was obvious that she was shocked, "19." She clarified, "Sesshomaru's 28, if that bothers you, you can tell us and we'll have something else arranged." Always the considerate one.
Kagome knew of the age gap and so she shook her head and informed them that she 'did not mind.'
The night continued with small talk, with Inutaisho laughing loudly, Izayoi always apologizing on his behalf, Sesshomaru contributing to the conversation here and there with a 'mm' and no younger brother in sight. She had survived it.
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It was well and truly a miracle that Inuyasha had driven home in the state that he was in… completely smashed. Just another confirmation of his friends' lack of reliability – possibly because they were also too drunk to recognize even their own mothers.
"It's a small world after all… it's a small world after all.." Inuyasha slurred the tune as he stumbled out of his car, using the car as leverage as he pulled himself off of all fours.
"Woah!" He garbled, stumbling towards the entrance doors, "Where did all the grass come from?"
"..so greeeeen."
After having only managed five steps he almost tripped over his own foot. "Woah woah woah… careful there.. bad inu!" Luckily for Inuyasha, no one was around to hear the grown man giggle.
After having fallen twice on all fours, stumbled towards the wrong direction three times and cussed one too many times, Inuyasha just barely managed to get to his front door. Now the problem of getting the damn thing to move out of the way for him.
"Well it was lovely having you over dear.." he heard a familiar voice say through the door.
"Thanks for having me."
Ooh, would you look at that.. the door just moved out of his way.
Sadly, since Inuyasha had leaned all his weight on the door, the moment it opened, he had collapsed onto the first person standing there.
Kagome.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha… but Margaret is mine… the character… not the name… character… not name.
An can be found in my profile page.
Doll Secret