It has certainly been a while since I've tried to write anything, so this may be a little rusty. Now without further ado, chapter 9! (I do NOT own Inuyasha or any of its characters)

Kagura turned on the radio in the bedroom and cranked it up as loud as possible. Sesshoumaru was still soundly napping at his desk in the den, and had been for quite some time. She wanted to wake him up out of sheer loneliness, but decided to make it look accidental. A familiar song blared from the radio speakers; Kagura sang along as she fiddled with her hair in the bathroom.

"Love don't come so easily, this doesn't have to end in tragedy…"

Sesshoumaru stumbled out of his chair, startled by the sudden burst of noise filling the house. He made his way to the door of the den. Cautious to open it, he decided he had no choice. I hope she didn't take advantage of my nap to throw some kind of party. He walked toward the source of his disturbance, grumbling while taking each step up the stairs.

"I have you and you have me. We're one in a million; why can't you see?"

He reached the top to find Kagura examining her hair in the bathroom mirror with the door wide open. It amused him to see her mouthing the words to the song as it played. He found himself unable to pull his gaze away from her soft, pale face and ruby red lips.

"I'm waitin', waitin' for nothin'. You're leavin', leavin' me hangin'…"

She felt a sudden unease, as if she was being watched. Her intuition proved trustworthy when she turned to find Sesshoumaru staring at her in a trance-like state. The only defense she could think of was to stare back. What the shit is he lookin' at? This reminds me of that day at Suikotsu's Diner, the day I met him. He has a different look about him, now. Almost like he's admiring something.. She quickly became bored with this petty staring contest and continued singing to herself.

"When did your heart go missin'? When did your heart go missin'?"

Sesshoumaru realized that he'd momentarily lost his state of mind and hurried to the bedroom, expressionless. He turned the radio's volume down until it sounded like a dull whisper. Kagura came stomping in with an annoyed look on her face.

"What's the deal?" she hissed, placing her hands on her hips.

"I'm not a fan of nuisances, incredibly loud music being one of them."

"Well at the moment, you're one of my nuisances. I just wanted to have a little fun."

"This volume is acceptable," he said, nodding to the quiet tune the radio was emitting.

"Oh please, a flea couldn't jam to that."

She reached over, turning the volume up to the level it had previously been set on. Prancing out of the room, she returned to mumbling along to the lyrics of the song.

"I treat you like a princess, but your life is just one big mess…"

"When did your heart go missin'? When did your heart go missin'?

Sesshoumaru turned the music down, once again, expelling a sigh. He knew there was no use in arguing with the woman, but he had quickly developed a strong headache due to the loud music. How frustrating… Lifting a hand to his forehead, he swiftly plopped down onto the bed.

"Hey!" Kagura exclaimed from the bathroom.

Her footsteps grew closer to the door. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes as his head throbbed at the thought of her soon-to-come bellowing. The light footsteps stopped beside the bed, and he felt a soft hand touch his shoulder.

"I know I can be a real bitch sometimes," she said. "but I do have a little compassion."

She quickly left the room, returning minutes later with two aspirin, a glass of water, and a damp cloth. I don't know what the hell's wrong with him. Was I really being that loud? Hmph... In truth, she did feel bad for being the cause of his obvious discomfort. But, then again, he was the one who'd fallen asleep during the middle of the day. It wasn't her fault that he'd chosen to sleep in his den for half the day.

"Kagura," Sesshoumaru sighed.

"Don't even think about yellin' at me, Sesshy."

He was unable to stop himself before a small grin spread across his lips.

"Why do you insist on calling me that?" he asked, suppressing his smile.

"So you do like it! I knew you weren't a complete prude."

Kagura couldn't stop herself from giggling at his embarrassment. That big jerk, I think that's the first time he's actually let me see him smile. She sat down gently next to him, resting her chin on his shoulder. He turned his face to meet his eyes with hers. You truly are incredible, Sesshoumaru. She let her thoughts flood out of her mind as his face leaned closer to hers.

Her crimson eyes, her shimmering lips, her high cheekbones; she's completely perfect. I want to look away, but… Just as their lips were about to meet, the phone rang. Kagura jumped at the sudden jingle and bumped Sesshoumaru's head with her own. He stood up, hurrying out of the room.

"You asshole, you almost knocked me out!" Kagura yelled into the hallway.

She heard him mumbling to someone on the phone, so she crept out of the bedroom to get a better listen. He sounded quite aggravated. Then again, it was to be expected. I really need to stop losin' my cool around this creep. I might as well have no standards at all. She hopped back into the bedroom when she heard him replace the phone in the receiver.

"A friend of mine just invited me to dinner with him and his new girlfriend," he said, rolling his eyes. "I don't expect you'd want to attend something so formal."

"Of course I want to go! What makes you think I wouldn't?"

"Well, you…you just seemed like someone who preferred lively occasions."

"You can tell me if you're too embarrassed to take me. It's not like it'll hurt my feelings."

"Accompany me if you wish."

Sesshoumaru made his way to the kitchen to grab the wallet from his jacket pocket. His friend from work, Jaken, had been unsuccessful in his few past relationships. He had told Sesshoumaru on the phone that he'd finally found the perfect woman. I hope she doesn't make a fool of herself; tonight is very important to Jaken. After all, he's been my closest colleague for many years now. It's the least I could do for him. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Kagura shuffling down the steps.

What an asshole. I can't believe he'd be so damn arrogant like that! As if I'd make him look bad or something. Well, if he's disgusted by me, at least I'll know the world has gone back to normal. She'd spent almost no time getting ready for their "double date." Her hair was held back by a large black clip, long waves of brown locks fell down her back. The dress she had chosen whipped loosely around her legs but stayed tight around her waist. It was black in entirety, strapless, and her absolute favorite of the collection Sesshoumaru had given her upon her arrival. The shoes were simple black pumps. (Usual make-up, of course.)

"I hope you at least combed your-…" He walked out of the kitchen to see her standing at the foot of the steps.

"What? Is there something on my face?" she asked, impatiently.

She pulled a tissue out of her bag and began frantically rubbing her face. Sesshoumaru almost burst out laughing at the sight.

"No," he replied. "You look perfect."

Kagura raised an eyebrow. She couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not, but she decided to let it go for the moment. I'm so not in the mood to argue with that idiot. She stomped toward the door and waited for him to join her.

Yes, it's short. I know. And I apologize again for the very long delay on my story. The next chapter will show the outcome of Sesshoumaru and Kagura's double date with Jaken and his mystery woman.(The song is called When Did Your Heart Go Missing by Rooney)