Chapter 30: One after another

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha

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Her mouth was still agate as she watched Sango prance into the kitchen. She removed her jacket as she did so, wanting to appear more presentable. Her olive green asymmetrical top draped over one shoulder leaving the other bare. From the back the top opened into a deep V revealing her back and ending abruptly at the small of her waist. A backless top was pretty bold for Sango, she was obviously trying to make a statement. Maybe compete with how she imagined Kagome's sister would be dressed for the outing. Of course, a denim skirt and an off-shoulder top couldn't compete with Kikyo's risqué leather designer ensemble. And even in comparison to Kagome's in season and very on trend mini wrap dress, Sango still looked a little off and simple, she paired her outfit with just a basic, white low canvas sneaker. Her body language was telling of someone who felt out of place. Her legs were crossed, and she fiddled with the pleather jacket in her arms. Her hair was in a high ponytail, she knew an updo was appropriate for anything off shouldered, but after looking at Kagome, whose hair was down and gorgeously flowing and then Kikyo who had hers polished and down as well, she felt a little inadequate.

"I don't know if you had a chance to meet her yesterday…" Mrs. Higurashi said putting a gentle hand on Sango's shoulder, "but this is Kagome's childhood friend Sango Reed, her family owns a clothing shop in town." Suikotsu rose from his seat to charmingly give a proper greeting to Sango. It was an over the top gesture and although Inuyasha thought it was ridiculous, he rose up himself, it made sense to match Suikotsu's energy or he'd seem like the less forthcoming one of the two. He stood up taking in Kagome's old friend fidgeting nervously at her jacket. As soon as she walked in and took both him and Suikotsu in, she froze in her spot and the color drained from her face, then returned abundantly. Now she was bright red and frightened.

She, like yesterday was dressed very appropriately for the outing in her denim skirt and low-rise sneakers, it was a stark difference from Kagome's sister's leather mini skirt and wrap blouse. She looked like she was ready for a night out, and not for whatever they were getting ready to embark on at like seven a.m. He met Suikotsu at Sango's side. They were talking pleasantries and although Inuyasha knew it could be perceived as rude, he interrupted them, pushing his hand out, as soon as she saw the gesture, she tensed up more. It reminded him of when Rin used to freeze in front of Sesshomaru when they were younger. "Hi, we didn't get to meet cordially yesterday." He said charmingly and he could have sworn he saw Suikotsu roll his eyes from his peripherals, but perhaps that was just his imagination. She gave him a feeble grin and brought her hand to meet his. She wore absolutely no make-up on her face besides what looked like mascara. She didn't need much either. He could tell her style was very laid back, he wondered what her opinion was on Kikyo's outfit choice.

"Yeah…I'm sorry…I uh…I left early yesterday…it's nice to meet you." She stuttered and he just nodded. She seemed so nervous to be greeting him and he didn't know why. Although he was no stranger to women being anxious or awkward in his presence, it still confused him every time. He grinned slightly in response, but he didn't feel as though he needed to add anything else. He turned in search of Kagome. Suikotsu continued the conversation with her instantly picking up where they had left off. That just added another reason why Inuyasha didn't care for Suikotsu, he was so animated with the charm act. It forced him to have to bring his up too, just to match the impossible level he poured into everything. He spotted Kagome at the entrance of the kitchen watching the entire interaction take place. She was hugging herself like she was cold, something she tend to do often. She stood her normal gorgeous self, her adorable orange dress was feigning innocence with the white polka dots all over, but it held on to her waist so well, hugging her rounded hips nicely.

He smiled leaving the middle of the kitchen quickly. It caused a break in the conversation and all eyes flew over to him, watching as he met Kagome in the corner. She had a smile of her own to give. She loved how Inuyasha played the role of charming perfect fiancé so well, but he never over did it like she felt Suikotsu did at times. "Hey…you happy your friend is tagging along?" He asked stopping in front of her and cupping her cheek with his hand for a moment.

"She just came to sabotage my sister…" She mumbled in response. He was shocked by that but only slightly. He knew there was bad blood, especially from what happened yesterday at the engagement party. He wasn't sure how Kagome felt about that idea though. She dropped her chin from his hand just staring ahead distracted. Those rushing feelings she usually got from intimate interactions with him were severely numbed down. She was a little nervous about the rest of the day, she knew that her sister should not have been so rude, but still, she didn't want the war that could enact from sabotaging her. Inuyasha followed Kagome's stare to the middle of the kitchen. Kikyo was back at her spot at the table pulling on a leather moto jacket. It had the same silver hardware as her skirt. The zippers were vertical and crossed the sides up the wide lapel. She reached in her purse getting out a wide lens cat eye pair of sunglasses, paired with her bright lip, the outfit came together perfectly. Kagome could see Rin wearing something like that. It sort of made her feel a little insecure yet again. She looked up taking in Inuyasha's face, trying to see if he had notice Kikyo's perfectly assembled outfit. But he wasn't even looking at her sister. He was casually glancing towards their mother who was fixing a plate of food for Sango.

"Mom…" Kikyo said turning away from her purse. "We don't have time for that…Sango should have eaten before she got here. Kaggy and I have an appointment at 10 this morning to look at this bar for the party." Their mom dropped her spatula, looking up from her pan of eggs. Sango was now sitting stiffly at one of the island stools. She dropped down instantly putting another nervous smile on her face.

"I did eat…" She lied quickly. "I had a light breakfast at home." Kikyo put a knowing hand out as if to say her point had been easily made.

"Well I'll just pack her a little something for the road then." Her mother interjected and even with the cat-eyed sunglasses on, it was still apparent Kikyo was rolling her eyes. "I'll be in the limo." She turned around going towards the French doors leading to the patio. She hesitated partially turning and lifting her glasses… "Suikotsu, you coming…?" she asked incredulously. He was sitting near his plate of food just finishing up the scraps that were left, but he turned, picking up his own dark tan suede jacket and going after her. He seemed over dress to Kagome, in what looked like a pair of Khaki pants and a tucked in dark green button down. He turned around as he left.

"Thank you so much for the breakfast mom, the food was delicious as always." He said and the interaction seemed to please Kagome's mom to no ends, but of course annoy Inuyasha. He didn't let the aggravation show on his face, but how the hell was he supposed to compete with that?

He turned to face Kagome, she was looking towards Sango who had taken her spot back at the island. "I'm going to run and get my jacket. Do you need anything from the room?" He asked and she tore her eyes away to look up at him. He had a soft grin on his perfect full lips, she returned the grin lightly. "Do you think we can drive ourselves?" Her smile widened. He could tell instantly she loved the idea. "I'll bring the keys…" He whispered knowingly turning away and heading out the kitchen. She felt the urge to follow but she knew she had to stay and make sure Sango was comfortable. Her sister hadn't attacked her much yet, but she did seem a bit snootier as soon as Sango arrived. Her mom was packing up some breakfast food as she spoke pleasantries. Sango just took them in without saying much.

"I'm glad your mom is doing well. I'm sure you're happy to have Kohaku back from college?" Sango just nodded as she watched Kagome's mom busy herself packing a tin of food. She heard the bar stool near her push back and she turned to take in Kagome. She sat down near her, her new and improve look always caught Sango off guard at first glance.

"Hey, Inuyasha and I were thinking of taking the jeep, you want to drive with us?" She asked and Sango smiled liking that idea as much as Kagome had earlier. She was about to voice it when Kagome's mother impolitely interjected. She slid the tin she had finished packing rudely in front of Sango, then turned to her youngest daughter.

"I hope you asked your sister before coming up with that idea?" She snapped placing a solitary hand on her hip. "I don't want to hear that there were any inclusion problems, this is your sister's day and I don't want you to do anything to spoil it." Kagome rolled her eyes turning away from Sango to look up at her mother.

"Mom, I hardly think Kikyo would care."

"It's not the point, she has a great big limo outside and you're thinking of driving a separate car? It's mean."

"I will ask her…we were planning on asking her of course." Her mom just nodded as if to say 'you better' then she wiped her hands on a dishtowel hanging on the oven handle. Once done she left from around the island heading out of the kitchen altogether. Both Kagome and Sango watched her as she went down the stairs and eventually out of sight. "You don't think Kikyo will care right?"

"If it's something you really want to do…she most definitely will." They sat in silence for a while, although Sango wanted to say so much more. It just seemed impossible voicing all her questions, "so…you're planning your sister's bachelorette party…have you ever been to one?"

"No…but I saw a movie a while ago all about a Bachelorette party…the main plot involved one…" Sango's smile widened ever so slightly. It didn't take long for both of them to break out in laughter. "I know there's a lot of penis shaped things…"

"Why is your sister pushing for you to be the maid of honor when you haven't been here in years? I feel like she's sabotaging you." Sango exclaimed and Kagome wouldn't put it past her sister. It made little sense, but this was Kikyo's big day and although she loved putting Kagome in embarrassing predicaments, she wouldn't do it if it ended up negatively affecting her wedding. "That's why we need to sabotage her before she does you…"

"Sango…"

"Kagome, please…it's about time. Your sister has been ruling uncheck for quite some time now. She's a menace, and you coming back looking…" She swept her eyes over her best friend. Not knowing exactly how to put her new look. "Well your make over isn't helping."

"I know but I don't want to sabotage her…its immature…I just want to get this over with. Let her have her wedding and her parties." Sango didn't seem to like that idea. She crossed her arms and faced forward towards her metal tin.

"You don't care. How could you?" She asked incredulously. "You're back after six years and you're now the talk of the town, getting married yourself…. you don't get it anymore…"

"Sango that isn't true"

"It is…I mean you're getting married to Inuyasha Takashi for crying out loud. You've won. It doesn't matter, you'll go back home at the end of the month and never come back for another six years…. Why care about anything that goes on here…or with your sister?"

"My sister will barely be here once she's married. This isn't high school, we aren't defenseless…"

"Yeah you're right, it's not high school, we aren't defenseless we can finally fight back, come on Kagome, she has it coming." Sango could tell from the wistful look on Kagome's face, she wasn't changing her mind. And why would she? Standing up to her sister was never something Kagome did growing up, and now she saw this trip back home as just a chore to get through. She would do her task subserviently then go back to her life which Sango could only assume was probably amazing compared to what went on in their dinky town. "You owe it to me after six years…after yesterday."

"Sango that isn't fair."

"Fine…" She said getting up from her stool. Kagome watched her as she pulled her tin down as well. "I'll be outside." She walked towards the French doors pulling them open and leaving. Kagome had a slight urge to follow, but what could she say? There was nothing to say, and it was exhausting going back and forth with her. Sango felt slighted after all these years, and she had every reason to feel that way, but for some reason for the first time she thought Kagome could do something about it, and she had no idea why.

She sighed looking towards the door for a moment longer. The longer she stared the more imaginary spots there were. she would have started pacing, even cleaning if she wasn't startled. "Hey…did they leave without us?" She turned quickly spotting Inuyasha. He had humor in his eyes and a knowing smirk on his handsome face. "I brought your bag and jacket…" he said showing both her knap sack and a white fitted blazer.

"I wish…" She felt better instantly. It reminded her of yesterday. After getting in the argument with Sango he was right there when she turned, making all the stress and guilt disappear. Her heartbeat sped up like it usually did in his presence. She was planning to just get her jacket from him, but he had other plans. He set her knapsack down and enclosed her. She thought he might kiss her, but he had the jacket open at both ends and she easily slipped into it. She was pleasantly surprised by the gesture. "Thank you…" She said grabbing her knap sack.

"I'm at your service ma lady…" he joked, and she laughed… "so what is the verdict with taking separate cars? Did you ask your sister?" Her smile disappeared but she tried not to let him see it.

"I haven't asked yet…" she adjusted the blazer, fixing the cuffs and placing her bag to sit on one shoulder. He nodded, he didn't show any indication that he was disappointed, but nothing sounded worst at this moment than having to ride what would be two hours plus with Suikotsu, especially when he'd have to spend the day with him as well. They both hadn't moved from their spots at the entrance of the kitchen. It was like some subconscious hesitation; it was no secret that neither of them wanted to go.

"Well…I guess…. Let's uh…let's take our poison." He joked and she smiled, making him feel just a tad bit better. He loved her smile, it brightened her whole face. She did seem though, that something was bothering her, and he was surprised at how keen he was at reading such a subtle difference in her expression. "Everything ok?" He asked, and he was fully expecting her to say she was fine. That's what she usually did, she had a funny way of hiding absolutely everything from him. He hated it. But to his surprise she backed away from him clasping her hands together nervously.

"No…but um…it's going to have to be ok." She said nodding and he let a smile emerge on his face as she tried to steady her own emotions. "I'm going to have to suck it up…"

"You know you don't have to though." That got her attention and she looked up at him a bit surprised. "You can tell me how you feel. Might make you feel better." She pulled her knapsack on her back, holding on to the straps and thinking about his offer. It was a good one, but did she really want to burden him with her Sango problems? She looked up at him. He had his hands in his pockets and a handsome brooding look on his face. She realized in that instance that he did want to know, he almost seemed eager to hear her out, he wasn't just offering to be nice. The thought caused an impromptu smile to light up her face and he returned it without hesitation.

"I'll uh…I'll tell you later…I can't right now, we have to get down there." He nodded agreeing and without further reluctance they started for the door. It was a silent move, and as soon as the back French doors were opened Kagome took the lead heading down the stairs. Sango was below leaning on the back door of Inuyasha's jeep, Kikyo across the lawn sitting in the passenger seat, the door was wide open, and she was staring down at her phone. When the doors opened she looked up.

"Finally, it took you guys long enough, come on, I have an appointment." She called out and Kagome made her way to her sister as Inuyasha hurried down the steps. He put two hands on Kagome's shoulders trying to get her to move out of the way as nicely as possible. He then went straight to his jeep. He didn't even think about how to nicely phrase his sentence when he reached Sango.

"Don't lean on the car." He said and Sango quickly bounced away from the door, surprised by his tone. "I don't want smudges or scratches…you know dents" He added, he made sure his words were dripping with charisma. "Sorry if I startled you…" She didn't reply she just crossed her arms and directed her attention towards Kagome. She was making her way to her sister's hummer limo at a snail's pace.

She didn't want to ask her sister if it was ok they took different cars. She wanted to tell her sister. Just speak up and tell her that they were going to take Inuyasha's Jeep. She was flicking the straps of her knap sack in intervals of three as she made it to the front of the hummer. Suikotsu was sitting in the driver's seat and he waved her way, she ultimately ignored the gesture so in her own mind.

She veered to the left taking in her sister's sitting form. "Hey…"

"Kagome get in the limo…thanks to Sango's uninvited appearance we're running late."

"Oh…I'm…uh sorry for that." She stuttered and Kikyo scoffed at the response putting her phone down and looking up at her. "I'm sure Sango didn't mean to make you late…"

"I don't care about any of this. I just want to head out already."

"Alright…great, Inuyasha and I are going to um…we're going to take his jeep…if that's ok?" She closed her eyes in aggravation annoyed with herself. Why did she ask, she wasn't supposed to ask she was supposed to tell.

"Really…" Kikyo said and she just nodded as a response. "And why is that?" She asked and Kagome wasn't sure what to say, it was just an innocent question, and her sister was just sitting there with her arms crossed and a classic condescending look on her face, just waiting for an answer.

"Well…I uh…we were…." She stuttered trying to come up with something. Her sister nodded mockingly.

"You are such a spaz. Luckily for you I don't care. Suikotsu wants to switch the limo out for one of his other cars anyway, we could use the room." With that remark she turned forward closing the hummer door. Kagome was partly frozen in her spot and she didn't wake up until the limo roared to life. She turned at that making it back to Inuyasha's jeep both him and Sango looked so relieved.

"Kagome! You did it!" Sango said happily and Kagome smiled in response, although she felt she hadn't done much. If her sister had really cared and made a fuss they would have been in the back of the limo at this very moment. Inuyasha unlocked the Jeep with a subtle click of his key remote.

"This will make the day a lot more bearable." Inuyasha whispered as he opened the passenger door for her. Kagome smiled genuinely at his words as she climbed up and buckled herself in. Sango watched the exchange, a grin forming of her own. She just realized something. Inuyasha didn't care for Kikyo either. Maybe he would be pro giving Kikyo the sabotaging that she deserved.

The engine roared to life taking off after the limo out of the backyard and into the front. "These roads should be smoother." Kagome said as they hey entered another trail. It wasn't paved but it was far smoother than the initial car trails that brought them up to her house. He decided he wouldn't complain like he did last time, he felt as though maybe he was a bit rude before. It wasn't something he'd think about usually, but after just a morning with Suikotsu, seeing the way her family melted for him, maybe he could be even more agreeable…if that was possible. Besides it was just a car, he could get it repaired when he returned home.

"Wow…is this brand new…?" Sango asked referring to his jeep. She was squeezing her bag, jacket, and the tin Kagome's mother gave her tightly on her lap as she looked around.

"You could say that…I don't drive it often." She nodded opening the tin and letting the subtle scent of breakfast consume the car. He sucked in silently not wanting to say anything, but he hated it when people ate in his car. Kagome watched his jar clench ever so slightly and she smiled to herself as she turned her head over to Sango.

"Sango…please do not eat in here?" She asked, and Sango closed the tin abruptly. The notion shocked him, and the evidence was all over his face.

"If you want, I can stop somewhere so you can eat?" He asked and Sango just shook her head. The car got awkwardly silent after a while and although he liked the idea of riding sans Suikotsu, he wasn't accounting for Sango. He really didn't know how he felt about her. What was her personality? Was she someone he could let his guard down around? Was she Kagome's pre- best friend, ex- best friend…or current? Did she know about the fake fiancé bit? He looked back at her through the review mirror she was looking down at her phone. She didn't seem upset. Should he make conversation with her? Kagome didn't seem bothered either way. He wished she had talked about Sango a bit more…actually he wished she had talked about her entire family…town prior to him meeting them. He would have been far better equipped. He still had issues figuring out what role he was supposed to play.

"So…" He said and Kagome turned to look at him. Sango glanced up waiting. "Sango, you went to school in the city or…"

Her eyes opened wide as if she was shocked he would take the time out to speak to her. She put her phone down and sat up in her seat. "No I uh…I went to high school here I didn't…I didn't go to college yet…well I uh…"

"She owns her family's shop." Kagome interjected. She rested her eyes on her sister's hummer limo ahead. "She took over after high school." Inuyasha nodded, he didn't even think that over. It was all really useless information for him. He was really more concerned about her opinion of him, and ridding the jeep of the awkward silence that was quickly consuming them again.

"Oh ok, what type of stuff does your family shop sale?" He asked and he waited fully expecting her to stutter some response. He was starting to understand his position in Kagome's town. And he was used to people having a difficult time speaking to him. To his surprise she spoke clear enough, there was no overly formal tone to her voice, or some hidden agenda.

"We do a lot of tailoring; my mom is really good at sewing. But we sale clothes as well."

"Can you sew?" He asked and she nodded. "You'd get along with Rin, she's a bit of a fashion designer when she wants to be." He joked but it didn't land. She seemed confused and he realized she probably didn't know who Rin was. He didn't think it was important to further dive into it though. "That's cool, so is the shop closed today or you have someone else manning it for you?"

"Yeah…it's closed on Sunday…"

"Everything is…" Kagome added, and he searched his head for something else to say to continue this conversation. He couldn't be the only one trying to salvage it. Didn't anyone else have something they wanted to say?

"So…what do you do on your days off?" he asked, and she sat up again thinking about the question. "Do you take regular trips to the city or…?"

"I've only been to the city a couple of times…." The answer sort of shocked him, so did she never leave their town? "I catch up on stuff…read some…I don't know."

"Oh...ok…has to be hard to catch up on things when everything else is closed."

"Sango has more than Sunday off…right?" Kagome asked turning to look at her best friend. Sango seemed to be thinking hard about how to phrase her next answer. The trail ahead began winding upwards onto what looked like mountains. The forest got far less dense and from below the town could be seen clearly. Kagome took over the conversation for a still pondering Sango. She was going on about Sango's work schedule in the past, but Inuyasha had completely tuned them out. He was looking down at the town from their height. It reminded him of when he first arrived, then, he could only see the start of the town, but now he was taking a much vaster look. Like he had initially thought, the town was rather big. Cabins were nicely organized around paved trails. Some cabins were small some larger, but none were over one story tall except a building sitting in the middle of town. It was about four stories and acted as a clock tower at its top. There were only a few areas around the cabins for parking, but there were stables. It looked like a story book town, somewhere from a magical past. He found it hard to look away as they drove. And as they reached the top of the valley, he noticed them descending, getting closer. He could make out so much more. How polished and organized the paved roads were leading into shops. How nicely kept every building was, and the bed of flowers that some shops kept in front of their establishment. Then as they got closer, they took a turn with the trail to the left and just like that the town started to disappear. As they started up another mountain he found his curiosity peaking.

He quickly joined the conversation "I'd love to see your shop. We should go into town tomorrow." He said and Kagome turned to face him a bit in shock. Sango at this point was leaning forward. She had a hand on Kagome's seat.

"I take my break at 2 tomorrow…we can get something to eat…" She said and Kagome seemed as if she wanted to interject. She didn't want Inuyasha seeing her town, but it was inevitable, and there wasn't really anything she could say that wouldn't hurt Sango's feelings.

"Alright, does that work for you?" He turned to face Kagome who quickly faked a smile and nodded. He could tell she wanted to say something, but she sucked it up and threw a smile on her face. He put a reassuring hand on hers, and to his surprise she tensed up more. "Will your grandfather be upset if I don't make it to the shop?"

"No…no…I'll tell him tonight…it shouldn't be a problem." She turned in her seat looking forward.

"Not much has changed." Sango chimed out of nowhere. "Actually, nothing has changed. Hojo took over the diner, but he's never really in there. Hojo's parents run the post office as well." She hesitated, trying to think of something new that had gone on for the last six years but falling short. Inuyasha was actually all ears taking in the information, just wanting to know more. For some reason the town really intrigued him, and he was a bit excited to see it tomorrow.

"Who's Hojo…" He asked.

Sango scoffed a bit then sat back. "He's like a big deal… his family owns one of the banks in town. Well they own a branch of a small franchise. They have a lot of money…"

"They own the diner now?" Kagome asked interrupting, Sango nodded. "Wow they must be doing well…"

"Yeah, he asked out one of the clones not too long ago. I can't be bothered remembering which one." Kagome laughed a little at that. "He's supposed to be throwing some party, I doubt I'll be invited."

"It's only because you're so busy, hopefully with Kohaku back you'll have some more free time. People will see that, then you'll get invited to more things." Kagome said, it was almost like their current conversation was just an extension of an earlier one.

"You always say that, but I doubt it…"

"People can't still be abiding by some stupid high school social rank."

"Oh yeah…" Sango sat up again leaning towards the front. "Well tell that to our parents… I swear at the engagement party I saw Mrs. Tanaka trying to head up the patio with your mom and her posse and get thrown out." Kagome gave Sango a look and she only laughed as a response. "I swear…"

"Stop making stuff up…"

"so…why wouldn't you be invited?" Inuyasha asked and the car got silent suddenly. "Did I ask something wrong or…?"

"No…no…not at all." Kagome reassured.

"You just pointed out the fact that Kagome and I…" Sango hesitated for a moment realizing something "…well just me really…I'm a loser. Haven't been invited to a cool outing since…I think forever." She joked, but her voice didn't carry any of the connotations a joke would.

"So, because of some high school ranking you're a pariah for life?" He asked and Kagome turned to glance at Sango. She couldn't believe Inuyasha was so interested in the social workings of her backwoods town. And here was Sango filling him in, it felt like the twilight zone.

"Not really…it's a lot deeper than that, but kind of yeah."

"Ok…" He said "So by that standard Kagome should still be a loser…" Kagome turned, she had an adorably shocked look on her face. He smiled holding in a laugh, when she realized he was just teasing she felt instantly better. She had thought Inuyasha finding out she was some unpopular nerd during her formative years would have been devastating. But she was kind of warming up to it.

"Yeah…but she has successfully escaped the mold…"

"Not even…" Kagome said, and Sango looked at her in disbelief.

"Kagome…not only have you left our town, but you returned engaged…to a Takashi no less…our town thinks you're the queen…"

"Sango…"

"It's true…you should have heard what they were saying yesterday. The Higurashi sisters are all anyone wants to talk about, and you know they like you more."

"Sango please…"

"I think you might be even more popular than your sister actually…"

"Sssshh…Shush" Kagome snapped. She seemed a bit panicked and Inuyasha eyed her for a moment wondering what the issue was.

"So…" he said, and she closed her eyes hoping he'd change the topic. "It's a big deal to be engaged in town huh?" His question was met with silence and he could see Sango hesitating to answer…afraid that her response would be met with disdain on Kagome's part. "Might as well make conversation…this is a long trip." He looked over at Kagome who was looking off into the forest and away from him. "Plus…I want to know more about where you're from." That got a glance from her and Sango took it as a sign she could continue on.

"Well…It depends on who you get engaged to…" she said, and he just nodded letting that soak in. Kagome on the other hand was mixed with an array of emotions. Embarrassment was the most prevailing of them. She never wanted Inuyasha to find out how hooked on status her town was, and she didn't want him to think for a fragment of a second that she was using him for appearances.

"But what about before marriage… what determines status before then?" He asked and it just worked to frustrate Kagome even more. Why was he so interested in how her town worked? And why did Sango feel the need to fill him in on the innerworkings?

"Well appearances are really important too…not just the way you look on the outside though. The status of your family…how needed their business is to the subsistence of the rest of the town…. but there are other things too…its really kind of complicated."

"It really isn't…" Kagome added. "It's all a stupid popularity contest, made by a group of people who don't believe that there is anything more in this world but their stupid town."

"Yeah…" Sango agreed. "That too…but for instance look at the Higurashis…you guys hold a good stance in town but it's really your mom and sister that gives your family their status…you know with the parties, clothes…oh and your mom always going into the city…see in our town the more connected you are to the outside of it, the more status it brings…I know it makes nearly no sense." She hesitated thinking for a moment. "But you don't automatically inherent status either…growing up Kagome wasn't so popular, but her sister always has been."

"But why is that?" Inuyasha asked and Kagome put two hands on her face in utter mortification.

"Can we please change the subject?" She asked rather abruptly but Sango just ignored her.

"I don't know, status has to be upheld. Isn't that how it is everywhere?" She asked and Inuyasha thought she was asking rhetorically for a moment, but when she didn't continue speaking he realized she was genuinely asking. That should have made sense to him, Sango didn't really know much more than her town. She had never lived outside of it.

"Uh…yeah I guess kind of." He said, "It just all seems like a girls club…the men can't possibly abide by these same rules."

Sango laughed loudly catching him by surprise. "Of course they do…you see that little soccer game yesterday that you played in?"

"Sango..." Kagome said wanting her to stop before she said something unintentionally offensive.

"What about it?"

"It was second tier news in town. Everyone was far more obsessed with you and Kagome's arrival…see the men have their own standards of course but the hierarchy has always been a matriarchy first and foremost. The men abide by the women's rulings, the women create the standards. It's always been like that…Kagome hasn't told you much about our town huh?"

"Well I haven't done extensive research on the innerworkings of it either…so I couldn't give him a detailed summary." Kagome sneered with her arms crossed. "Besides this information isn't anything he needs to know about."

"Why not…?" both Inuyasha and Sango asked in unison. Kagome turned to face them. Sango was leaning so far into the front that half of her torso was positioned on the center console. They looked at each other for a moment then laughed suddenly.

"You're not like how Kagome described at all." Sango said after a while. She turned to face Kagome. "He's actually pretty cool."

"Sango…" Kagome said incredulously but Inuyasha just grinned widely.

"How did Kagome describe me?"

"Can we please change the subject…the weather is finally warming up."

"well" Sango said smiling playfully. "When we used to talk often, she'd always describe everything, what time you came into the office…what you were wearing, what you did…all very detailed."

"Oh really…"

"Yeah, she said you were a bit of a hard ass, mean for no reason. Apparently, there's a rumor that you fired a whole floor…or was it a branch…"

Inuyasha laughed as Kagome sunk down in her seat. "I'm not too bad, she never gave me a chance."

"Well obviously she did cause now you're engaged." Sango said looking towards Kagome. "I never got to see the ring, can I see it now Kaggy?" Kagome carelessly threw her hand up for Sango to see. She took a look at it for a minute before whistling through her teeth. "Wow It's a beaut, I don't know a lot about rings but this ones a big one." Inuyasha chuckled at that and Kagome eyed him while placing her hand down. "Do you think you'll come back in town for your wedding?"

"I don't know about that." Kagome said and Sango finally sat back in her seat.

"Good, please have it really far away and send for me. I'd love to get out of this place." She said and that seemed to get Inuyasha's attention slightly.

"You ever think of just leaving?" He asked

"Think…I dream of it." She joked, but her voice had taken on a slightly different tone. She seemed so lighthearted, like she didn't take much seriously, or she was always on the positive side of things. In that way she kind of reminded him of Miroku.

"You should then"

"I could never, I have to run my family's shop, family and loyalty is also really important in our town…especially in my family." The car got silent again, not awkwardly so though. Sango was leaning in her seat looking out the window. There were no cars on the trail besides there's and the hummer limo ahead. The forest around was dense and the hills had settled, the terrain was flat as they rode silently and smoothly.

"You know" he started getting everyone's attention. He didn't know why he felt the need to speak up, but he never related more to a phrase. "I get it, it was never my dream to take over the company for my father either, loyalty is big in my family too."

"Really?" Sango asked and he was surprised to hear Kagome chime in with a really of her own. He smiled slightly.

"Yes, really."

"What did you want to do?" Kagome asked and Sango had returned, leaning in the front wanting to hear his answer.

"I don't know, as cliché as it sounds, probably travel. Figure it out on the way."

"I'd love to travel." Sango said.

"What have you always wanted to do?" He asked her and she thought about it.

"I don't know…I never had the opportunity to even think about it. I always knew I'd be in the shop so…If I had some hidden passion or knack for something I would have left like Kagome." She turned to look towards the passenger seat. "I wish I had left with you…but I didn't have it figured out from grade school like you."

"I didn't have it figured out." Kagome said but Sango gave her a telling look and she just smiled. "You could have left Sango, you can still leave." That silence filled the car again and Sango let out a loud sigh breaking through it.

"The worst part is how slim pickings the men in town are…" she announced. "At this rate I'll be single forever…anyway, it is easier said than done. I feel like my family will disown me if I just get up and leave. I don't think I have it in me."

"I think its disappointing your family..." Inuyasha mumbled, "I think that's the worst part, even worst then them disowning you…." He just stared ahead thinking about his own life.

"Yeah…" Sango said, "He gets it."

"Well…" Kagome said out of nowhere. "Maybe you'll meet someone today, and he'll sweep you out of town and into the city."

"Who am I your sister?" They both began laughing suddenly and Inuyasha could imagine this being how their friendship worked. Them mocking their town, their circumstances, and just confiding in one another. The idea made him smile, Kagome never ceased to surprise him. First her overall, then her town, her family, now her friends. Sango was honestly a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of her town.

!

!

!

The rest of the ride went by quickly. Sango and Kagome entered their own private conversations filled with memories and laughter. After a while Sango drifted off to sleep then Kagome. They had left the back trails and entered a paved road. After what seemed like 20 or some minutes a fork in the road appeared with a sign reading "Highway" in big red letters and pointing to the left. The second sign said "Shikon Valley." Naturally they went straight. That road lasted no more than 15 minutes, currently they were entering an actual street, he couldn't make out anything else because of the giant foliage on either side. But as soon as they passed it the city came alive automatically. It was like stepping into a portal. They were in the forest on one side and entered a busy city on the other side. The tall buildings replaced the giant trees on either end. People walked on sidewalks and crossed busy street corners on either side of them. Just like when he passed Kagome's town he was in awe of the difference in scenery.

The city reminded him of back at home, it was just as crowded and fast paced. They took a right and the forest they exited just moments ago became a memory. He glanced over at Kagome's sleeping form, he wanted to wake her so she could take it all in too, but something told him she was accustomed to it all already. He followed the hummer limo to what could only be described as a more affluent area. The buildings were more polished, the cars more expensive, even the streets and sidewalks were cleaner. They drove a bit longer stopping at a busy intersection. The limo parked in front of a very busy street corner. He didn't say anything just watched as the hummer limo ahead blocked traffic. He looked around noticing that they were by an apartment complex, he was praying that this wasn't their destination. He could imagine how terrible it would be to enter Suikotsu and Kagome's sister's apartment and have to make small talk as they tried to pretentiously entertain them.

He waited for some sign from them to park, but it never came. Instead a man dressed in a uniform came out of a silver Volvo and walked towards the hummer. He spoke to Suikotsu through the driver's window for a moment then they traded vehicles. Kikyo left the passenger side in her mini leather skirt and jacket earning her the looks from street dwellers she oh so craved and one car honk. She entered the passenger side of the Volvo. Suikotsu handed his keys to the man and entered the driver sider as well. The man entered the limo and drove off and the Volvo took its place, Inuyasha followed it forward for a few minutes longer. The buildings on either side began to get more spaced out as they continued forward. He also noticed more restaurants and gift shops as oppose to apartments, stores, and corporate offices. Up ahead was a large clearing and he had to laugh to himself when he not only saw but smelled the familiar scent of beach water.

People walked the streets in beach attire and bicycles built for multiple passengers crossed the cross walks. There were a decent amount of people trafficking for a Monday morning. As they continued to drive, the more noticeable the beach became. It was a big one and evidently it was named after the city it resided by, the signs around gave directions to enter "Valley Beach" in different directions. They finally stopped by a restaurant that was positioned fairly close to the beach. He could see people walking up and down, some in the water. He felt as though it was still too chilly to get in the water, although it was warm there was an annoying cold wind that blew from time to time. Obviously some people didn't seem to mind. The Volvo parallel parked ahead of him and he looked around for a parking of his own. It wasn't too hard, being it was a Monday, but he could see this area getting ridiculously crowded on a Saturday night. It looked like the perfect area to bar hop drunkenly while simultaneously grabbing a bite to eat. He wouldn't mind a night like that at all, or a trip to the beach. He was so in awe at his surroundings that the sound of Kagome's phone buzzing on her lap actually escaped him for a moment.

When he did register it he turned to face her sleeping form. He was going to wake her but simultaneously someone began rapping at her passenger window as well. He looked over seeing Kikyo with her phone to her ear trying to get her sister's attention. Kagome jumped up taking in her sister and pushing the window down. "I've been texting you this whole time…why are you ignoring me?" She demanded and Kagome hit her with a confused look. "Get up we're late. Sango, you can stay in the car, Lord knows you're dressed for it."

"Bite me" Sango scoffed and Kikyo just threw her a gorgeous grin. No one made any sudden moves just taking in their surroundings. Kagome then opened her door letting in the perfume of the ocean and the breeze that came with it. She hesitated turning to face him.

"You're coming right?" She asked and he thought about that for a second.

"Yeah of course…" A relieved smile ran across her face and he was so happy to see it, even though it didn't last long. She fixed herself momentarily and then grabbed her knapsack getting up. Sango followed too. They both were shocked at what they were seeing. The waves rushing into the shore ahead of them, the board walk was just a street over.

"I've never been to the beach…" Sango said in complete awe as Inuyasha rose from the driver's side. "Even the air smells different." Kagome laughed making Sango smile from ear to ear. Kikyo was across the street, her cat eyed glasses back on, talking animatedly to Suikotsu about something. When she noticed all three of them were out of the car she ushered them towards the building of her choosing.

It was an ashen white paneled wood building with a triangular entrance. It was made to look like a very large beach shack, and it had palm trees on either side of its' double doors. Suikotsu opened the glass doors ahead of them allowing everyone to enter like the sickening sweet gentleman he was. The interior of the building had Sango's mouth dropping. The floors were white and wooden, straight ahead was a completely glass wall that stretched throughout the entire building. It showcased the restaurant's outdoor patio and the beach in its entirety. There was a large bar in the middle shaped like a surfboard and a spiraling staircase that was made to resemble a grand treehouse. It wrapped around the center of the building leading upstairs. There were round booths positioned throughout the floors, they looked like they provided amazing privacy to their parties. The staff walked around in pale yellow collared short sleeve shirt and white shorts. There was hardly anybody dining, a couple people were at the bar but for the most part the restaurant was empty. In front of them was a white wooden podium and a woman stood with an inviting smile on her face.

"Welcome to Valley beaches' Shore shack how many people in your party?"

"Hi," Kikyo said stepping forward and removing her glasses. "I'm Kikyo Higurashi, that's Inuyasha Takashi, and that's Suikotsu Hirata." She said and Kagome sighed loudly rolling her eyes. "I had an appointment for renting the restaurant out for my bachelorette party. I'm a bit late but…"

"Yes, ma'am," the girl bowed slightly, "I'll go get our coordinator." Kikyo smiled while she turned to face them. She seemed very satisfied with herself.

"Did you really have to name drop, did your appointment not suffice?" Sango asked and Kikyo seemed like she wanted to say something snooty when a short woman dressed in a tailored business suit came from two doors off to the left. The host was behind her. Her hair was a dirty blonde but was tucked in a pristine bun and she had a face full of freckles. When she saw Kikyo she smiled politely.

"Akari…" Kikyo said walking to meet her halfway. They exchanged air kisses on each of their cheeks before complimenting one another on their appearances. "Come meet the fiancé…" She said happily as she brought the woman towards them. "Hey guys this is Akari she is the event coordinator for Valley shack…" Kikyo sang happily. "We met over the phone."

"Well…not exactly." The woman corrected. "I'm an event planner, I work for a company that organizes events for a few establishments around Shikon Valley…my company coordinates events for all the city's Shore Shacks. There are two…But anyway...I hear there's going to be a bachelorette party, we would be more than happy to host it here." She smiled professionally at all of them. Her smile only faltering as she examined both Inuyasha and Suikotsu. "Who is the lucky fiancé?" Her eyes focused on Inuyasha for far longer than it should, although she was far more accustomed to the Hiratas, their corporate branch was the jewel of the city.

"I am," Suikotsu said with a smile on his face. She nodded knowingly. She knew Suikotsu was getting married and she knew to whom, it was polite for her to pretend otherwise. She met him at his side to shake his hand.

"Good day Mr. Hirata, I hope it has suited you well."

"Of course, I'm sure Kikyo has apologized for our lateness, we've let time get the best of us."

"Nonsense, you're right on time." She lied.

She turned from him going towards Kagome offering her hand. "This is my kid sister, Kagome, she's the maid of honor so she will be setting everything up." Kikyo said as they shook hands. They moved to the side slightly "This is of course the middle Takashi."

"Hello Mr. Takashi, it's an honor." She said with a nod and he wanted to roll his eyes at the formality, but he only grinned shaking her hand.

"And last but certainly least is my sister's childhood friend, Sango." Kikyo chimed all smiles. "The woman didn't falter though, she shook her hand and stepped back.

"I'd like to give you all a tour and maybe share some of our perks and packages." Kikyo nodded happy to hear it. "Ok, so here you have the main floor with a full bar and bottle services." She turned walking forward. "If you wanted to perhaps have catering or even host a dinner that night you could do it down here. We have an amazing patio area outside as well that overlooks the beach, but if it is too chilly or the weather isn't optimal you can eat inside and still see the beach, the glass wall offers some panoramic viewing of the beach. Let me show you guys the patio area as well."

They followed her forward towards the glass wall and off to the side towards some open glass doors. They stepped into the warm spring air. The wind was cool and smelled heavily like ocean. The patio was large and continued the white wooden flooring. There were stairs that led down to the beach and an area that looked reserved for dancing or performing. "We host live music outside during summer nights, the patio has its own bar and areas for dining as well. We have a package that allows you to rent out the patio, both upstairs and downstairs alone if you'd like. We own a private beach area that would also be included." Kikyo giggled loudly giddy at the idea. The woman walked back inside, and they followed "You can also take the first floor alone or the first-floor patio or both. If you follow me up the stairs." She led them to the bambooed beachy spiral staircase going up in circles before arriving to a large area designed to look like a loft. It had more areas to dine, its own bar and a stage. Kikyo jumped with joy when she saw it.

"Kagome this is perfect! It has a stage" She screamed, and Kagome looked around taking it in. "How much would it be to rent the whole building. Downstairs, upstairs and both patio and deck. We'd also need access to all the bars."

"Kikyo…all of them?" Kagome asked but her sister just ignored her.

"We also want to bring some outside entertainment as well, and maybe our own staff."

The woman seemed surprised by the sudden outburst and the interruption of her tour. "I set up an area here so we can arrange paperwork. We can discuss some more options." She said and Kikyo smiled from ear to ear as she followed the woman off towards a table.

"Your sister is bonkers." Sango said but she seemed beside herself at everything. Inuyasha on the other hand had made himself busy on his phone. The thrill of being at the beach had clearly evaded him and he just wanted to get the tour over with. He was checking his messages when he sensed Suikotsu come up near him.

"Hey…I think this might be the perfect time for us to make our getaway…" He said and Inuyasha looked up from his phone hating the idea. "I have somewhere amazing not too far from here. I wouldn't mind your final feedback on things."

"Uh…I don't know…" He stuttered looking towards Kagome's perfect form. She was talking happily with Sango; it didn't look like she had a care in the world. He really didn't want to leave her, especially not to spend alone time with Suikotsu, but what could he say that wasn't rude? "I should tell Kagome I'm leaving." He left quickly before he could be persuaded further. He came up behind Kagome resting a hand on her shoulder it shocked her and she jumped. The action had him laughing slightly. "Hey…what are you doing?" He asked and Kagome gave him a strange look then glanced at Sango.

"We were just talking about the place…"

"Oh…ok, well make up something…say that you need me for something." He said and Sango's face scrunched up into a confused pout.

"What are you talking about?" She asked and Inuyasha just sighed.

"Suikotsu wants me to go somewhere with him…. make up something so I don't go." He said and Sango began laughing. "Come on…" he pleaded with a smile on his face so Suikotsu wouldn't be none the wiser. Kagome took a look at his overly handsome face then back at her sister's fiancé. He had his hands in his pockets waiting patiently.

"I don't know what to say…." She said and Inuyasha gave her a look. She was going to add something when Kikyo interrupted rather loudly.

"KAGOME COME HERE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE PLANNING THIS!" She shouted and Kagome just rolled her eyes. She reached up towards him kissing him slightly on the cheek and walking away. It was the worst move she could have done. From Suikotsu's angle it looked like she was saying her goodbyes. He ran through his head trying to find an excuse but coming up short. He was here to help him look for a place for his own party, but he sort of hoped he'd do it with Kagome too. Obviously that wasn't going to happen. He walked forward watching as Suikotsu's grin widened.

"Alright…the guys are on a roll." He said and it made Inuyasha cringe. "I think you're going to really like this place. Drinks on me… But they should be on you after your big win last night." He joked as they descended the stairs.

Kagome turned around from her seat near her sister watching him leave longingly. "Kagome pay attention…" Kikyo snapped and she turned forward again.

!

!

!

Suikotsu offered him a cigar as they entered his Volvo. Inuyasha looked down at it, "absolutely not." He said. Suikotsu shrugged pulling one out for himself.

"Not a cigar guy huh…any other vices?" He asked and Inuyasha ignored the question taking in the interior of the car. It was the newest model of the XC90, the seats were leather, black, he couldn't ignore the new car smell.

"Is this a T8?" He asked a bit impressed. Suikotsu started the engine looking through his mirror to help him ease out of the parking.

"I think so."

Inuyasha made a perplexed look at that, but he thought it better not to indulge. They turned out of the street and into the main road. Neither of them said anything, Suikotsu had the window down letting the air take away his cigar smoke as he drove. He had slipped on some sunglasses and was apparently in a mood, the only thing missing was some old fashion big band music blaring on the radio. They were going away from the beach; he could see the shoreline disappear and the further they went the more annoyed he got. He didn't want to go too far, the longer they drove the longer it would take for them to get back. The longer that was the longer they'd be in the city and the longer his interactions with Suikotsu would be. He couldn't keep up the charm bit for too long, being nice was exhausting.

"Any particular music you're into?" He asked rattling him out of his thoughts.

"No…I'm not a big music guy." He lied, he wasn't in the mood to talk. He was far too annoyed, and he couldn't feign a better demeanor anymore.

"Ok well, I think you're really going to like this place…it's kind of my place. Well my fathers…. he opened it up a while ago. A little side business." He slowed down for a light, turning to look at him. Inuyasha just nodded and he smiled slightly. "The best gentlemen's club you'll ever go to." Inuyasha whipped his head quickly to face him in shock.

"Please…don't tell me we are going to a strip club at noon on a Monday?" He asked incredulously, and Suikotsu only nodded laughing partially. "That's not a scene I'm up for exploring."

"Don't worry, we only open in the evenings…we are just going to do some sampling, figure out how this party is going to be organized." He took a turn and Inuyasha looked out the passenger side window, taking in a very large building in the distance. It had its own lot and what looked like an area for valet parking. As they got closer it was apparent to see it was closed. There was barely anyone parked in the very large parking lot. Suikotsu easily parked close by shutting off the car. "You're going to love it, it's primarily a casino, but we have a lot more to offer, a 4-star rating for our dine in option. The food is amazing."

Inuyasha didn't show it but he liked the idea of that very much, he was starving. They left the car and started for what looked like a side door. He didn't get to take in the name of the establishment, but the building was large and brick. They were entering from the back-parking lot probably reserved for employees. Suikotsu easily moved his keys around getting the correct one and putting it in the door. He entered first and as soon as Inuyasha followed he sensed that they weren't alone. They entered immediately in a tight area, it smelled heavily of food making him even hungrier. Ahead was the making of a very large restaurant's kitchen. They walked forward away from the kitchen and through a corridor with doors on either side. It was extremely noisy for a place that didn't open until the evening, there were loud clanking on either side of them. They continued to two double doors up ahead. They were flimsy, with no doorknob. Easy to enter in with a tray of food. They walked out into a large dining area, it had a stage ahead, they were standing on an elevated section with dining tables pristinely set up in white ahead.

"This is the dining and entertainment area…" Suikotsu said as he steered them toward the set of stairs on the side. It was even bigger on the lower floor, with more tables sprawled about everywhere. The tables were empty, but off to the side a few were pushed away making room for a large banquet table. There was food being set up on platters. Men and women were setting it up and as they took notice of them, they did their nod of respect, saying hello formally to Suikotsu and knowing automatically who Inuyasha was and doing the same. That was something he noticed about the city automatically, people knew who he was already, strange. He walked over to a man who was overseeing everything. He wore a dark red button-down shirt tucked into black slacks and a bow tie. A uniform the other workers were sporting as well. "How long till the sampling's up and ready?"

"We are halfway through the appetizers. We should be through in just under a half an hour." Suikotsu seemed pleased with that, but Inuyasha was ready to eat now. He looked at the platters of food. Everything looked delicious.

"Excellent, I hope everything else is set up?"

"Of course, sir…" Suikotsu nodded and turned with that going towards a door off to the side.

"Why don't we just stick around here and eat while everything is still warm?" Inuyasha asked and Suikotsu did that annoying laugh again. It was starting to seem mocking-ish at this point. He didn't like it at all.

"It'll be warm when they present it..., I have to show you something…it's a must see for the bachelor party." He pushed open the door going into a gorgeously grand lobby. It had two huge reception's area, a stationary map structure to let guest know where to head to. The floors were a white marble and the front area was all glass letting in the light of the day. The front door was a two door entrance and the back wall had in huge letters Hirata's Gentlemen's Club, Bar and Casino. "So, I was thinking for the party we set up in here first." He walked forward to another double door leading to a large bar area, it had pool tables, card tables, and an area open for dancing perhaps. It was all good and fancy in Inuyasha's opinion, but the building seemed far too fragmentized. Not the perfect place for a bachelor party, and definitely too upscale for a strip club for his taste.

"This can't be the full casino right?" He asked referencing the card tables. "And where do the strippers…you know do their thing?"

"No…no, this is light card playing, something casual, the full casino is upstairs." Inuyasha nodded and Suikotsu took a seat at the bar. "We have exotic dancing in the dining area, it has the stage and all, but off the casino we have a more private lounge." Inuyasha crossed the floor towards the bar, he didn't sit down he just took the area in. It was a pretty cool side business, he always imagined taking some money aside and opening something, he wasn't sure what. "Any way, I was thinking we start here the night of before we head upstairs, my brother had the idea of setting up an activity in here, maybe some alcohol tasting." He sat up in his spot checking for something on the other side of the bar. He hesitated for a moment…. "Someone should be back there…"

"Someone is." Inuyasha said easily, sensing a male in one of the doors beyond the bar. He was halting behind the door but was heading out. "Looks like your brother had a lot set up before he left." The door opened and a man with a tray headed forward. Inuyasha hoped it was food, but he knew it wouldn't be, he didn't smell anything coming from the platters.

"He did, he did, it's unfortunate he couldn't be here. It's not right to have to plan your own bachelor party." Suikotsu said and that was Inuyasha's sentiment exactly. Kagome's sister didn't mind, but that seemed like her personality, she was controlling. Like the rest of the women in her family she liked things perfect, surprises left things up to chance. "Is this the scotch?" He asked the man. He just nodded. "Bring the rest out please, the food samples are just about done…bring the entertainment in as well." Inuyasha creased his eyebrow a little confused. "Well try this, it's the best of the best. 100-year-old scotch."

"Wow…really" he said a bit impressed. He took a seat adjacent from Suikotsu watching him pour the scotch into a glass. "No ice" he poured about half a glass, a bit much but he didn't voice it. "Must have cost an arm and a leg."

"And a head, a torso, a liver." Suikotsu joked and Inuyasha scoffed a bit before putting the glass to his lips. He took a small sip and paused taking in the flavor. There was almost no harsh tang at the back of his throat. He put the glass down smiling slightly. "It's smooth right?"

He nodded…"That's dangerous…"

"Exactly…perfect for the night. Go ahead and down that one, it's like gold can't go to waste." He did just that and as he did the man returned, this time with a larger platter. "I thought having some high quality liquor would commemorate the night well. We can do away with mixed orders at the bar. How do you like your gin?" He asked going for one of the bottles the man set off to the right.

"Probably should slow down with the drinks…"

"No…no…please, I need your opinion. I appreciate you subbing for the day." Inuyasha hesitated for a moment. He should have put up more of a fight, but he was only slightly beginning to enjoy himself.

"I'll take it straight up if I'm truly sampling." He said and Suikotsu laughed, pouring a quarter glass.

"This is quality gin, I haven't tried it yet, but it's supposed to be less abrasive, good for drinking neat." Inuyasha nodded taking the glass and sipping slightly. The flavor was still strong but not as harsh as some he had in the past. Suikotsu waited for his opinion just as the double doors opened. "Ah…the most important part." Inuyasha turned watching a trail of women walk forward all dressed in long black robes with embroidered H's on them. Suikotsu got off his stool. The women began organizing themselves in rows of five. He walked over to the first five a proud smile on his face. "These are my favorite women…. If I'm hosting a business outing here or just a casual night out, one of them has to be on the floor." Inuyasha stared confusion evident, he understood that they were strippers but what was the point of them being here. "Ladies say hi to my friend, Mr. Takashi." They all chorused a hi and Inuyasha looked up confusion turning into complete bafflement. "Get on up, meet them…they will be giving us one hell of a night soon… I was thinking they organize a little adult show for us."

He stayed seated pausing for a moment before downing the rest of his glass.

"Come on up, you'll hurt their feelings."

"No…no I'm fine." He said, Suikotsu's grin never faltered.

"Well I thought we could pick out 10 of your preference for the night. My top five will obviously be at attendance so that leaves 5." Inuyasha looked at the group of women, there were still a few more coming in, there had to be about 20 or so in the room. It seemed so odd and for some reason unethical to choose women based solely on their physical appearance.

"You want me to just look at them and choose… just like that?"

"Well of course not just like that… they've arranged a little skit for you, a sampling for the night." Inuyasha laughed loudly taking it as a joke but looking up at Suikotsu's face, it was obviously no laughing matter. "Should they start?" He asked and Inuyasha just shrugged not knowing what else to say. The first five did a slight bow and walked away, obviously they didn't have to perform as they were his favorites. The last one of the five had medium length dark brown hair, probably just a shade lighter than Kagome's impossibly dark hair. She had all smiles as she walked towards Suikotsu, she hesitated momentarily in front of him taking a step forward and saying something. It was so brisk that not even Inuyasha's ears caught it. Suikotsu just nodded slightly then ignored her entirely. He took his seat again, pouring another glass of spirit and passing it to Inuyasha. The next five women walked forward and the first one to the left stood out to the side.

"I'm Kandi," She said while undoing her robe. Inuyasha watched, slightly amused as he sipped something exceptionally strong from his glass. He was about to ask what it was when Kandi's robe fell and she was completely nude. He coughed, choking on the drink.

"Woah…woah…what type of show is this." He exclaimed, Suikotsu looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean? They're strippers…."

"Yeah so shouldn't they be stripping, why are they just nude?"

"Did you not see her strip off the robe, we don't have time for a full show here."

Inuyasha hesitated looking from him to a very nude Kandi. "That wasn't stripping it was more like the normal removing of clothing." He turned to face her again, she didn't try covering herself, she just let enormous, what looked like fake breast hang out. She looked completely unbalanced, the rest of her body was fairly thin, she didn't have much hip either. "Is she going to dance or…"

"Do you want her to?"

"No…I guess it's fine, I'm not sure what criteria should be used to judge this." He felt ridiculously awkward. He'd been to strip clubs before, but he had never just had women ready to strip naked to be evaluated. It seemed like everything was just a set up Suikotsu put together to appease him. The high-quality alcohol, the walk around, food, the strippers. He was trying way too hard.

"Well you can go up and get a better look if you…"

"Nope, I'm fine over here." He interrupted nodding. He didn't know why he felt so finicky, maybe it was because he didn't fully trust Suikotsu, or perhaps it was that inkling pestering feeling of guilt he had settling in the bottom of his gut. He couldn't bring himself to even look at the nude woman smiling confidently in front of him. It just felt like a weird betrayal to Kagome.

"Go ahead, she won't bite."

"I am fine…I could use a refill though…" He said showing his glass. He knew he probably should have taken it easy on the drinking. But he was enjoying the ambiance and he could feel some of the stress of the week fade away, although the company could be better.

"Of course, help yourself…" He stood up for a moment rather suddenly. "I actually…I'm going to get the food sent in… I can tell you're hungry." Inuyasha didn't think anything of his response but he was a bit unnerved knowing he'd have to stay in this room alone with roughly 30 staring potentially nude women. It was something he wouldn't have cared about in the past. Normally he would have even been pleased, but now it seemed off or even a bad idea. Perhaps it was because he hadn't had sex in such a long while, and he didn't want to be aimlessly teased. Or maybe it was the simple fact that normally women didn't stand in organized lines ready to get nude for him. It was most likely the latter, the idea was just awkward and not a situation he wanted to explain to Kagome.

"Ugh…I'll come with…" He said and Suikotsu halted at the idea of that. It seemed almost as if he wanted privacy.

He turned sharply putting an awkward smile on his face. "No sit…be merry, please pick out five of your favorites, I want everything perfect. We'll eat then I'll show you the casino." Inuyasha hesitated for a second getting an uneasy feeling about the situation. He was definitely hiding something, but he decided automatically that he didn't care. He returned and finally Kandi had decided to cover up again. He grabbed the glass he had been drinking from. He had no idea what to say or do. The group of women just stood there with performance smiles. He tried looking forward, trying hard not to make eye contact with any of them.

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KAG POV

She stared at her phone pensively for a moment before looking up. Was it odd that she expected a reply much sooner than this? Perhaps she was being way too needy. It was strange she missed him already, he hadn't been gone for that long, besides he was probably having a decent time helping Suikotsu. She should've been happy about that. At least one of them was having a good time. She looked up watching Sango happily help herself to a hearty helping of samples. There was a table filled with them, Kikyo on the other hand was far more contemplative. She was examining the mini tacos with all the scrutiny a detective might have. She lifted it from the plate, brought it to eye level, smelled it then put it down.

She looked over to Akari, "I'm sorry…no tacos, too messy."

"You haven't even tasted them yet." Sango said in disbelief. Her mouth filled with food. Kikyo gave her a disgusted look.

"You've tasted it enough for the both of us, obviously its good." The remark had Sango turning slightly red and she resumed chewing but considerbly slower now. "I kind of wanted something more upscale... sophisticated…something like foie gras, you know. No tacos or dive bar food."

"Foie gras…at a bachelorette party?" Kagome asked pushing her phone to the side.

"Well not that exactly…I said something like that."

"We have an excellent seafood menu." Akari interrupted. "I can have the chef bring out a sampling of that as well." Kikyo just nodded and with that she turned her short stature towards the stairs.

"I don't know…I feel like this place was a mistake." Kikyo said pushing a plate full of fried battered onions away. She put a hand to her chin "And Suikotsu has been gone for forever, probably slobbering over some stripper…. she sighed. "We might have to take a taxi to another place…" She looked over at her younger sister… "Can you take your eyes off your phone and actually help." She snapped.

Kagome hesitated… "I think the food looks good."

"How would you know? The only person whose eaten any of it is Sango…" Kikyo huffed and sat back in her booth. "I want this party to be sophistication meets night on the town. There's a lot of very high-profile women coming. I have to impress…this place isn't impressing."

No one said anything and Kagome looked over at Sango who was staring at a disappointed Kikyo. She was still having her way with the sample size plates filled with food crowding the table. "Well…" she said swallowing whatever was currently in her mouth. "I'm really impressed…I think this place is pretty perfect."

"Well obviously you would, it isn't like you've been anywhere to know any different." Kikyo stood up grabbing her phone.

"Kikyo…that wasn't very nice." Kagome said, her voice came out just over a whisper. The interjection, although barely audible was enough to shock both women.

"What's not nice was bringing you here and expecting you could help me with this."

"Well I didn't ask to come." Kagome spat out with a bit more force. Kikyo's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Sango sat there watching the exchange in shock. "This place is fine, if you don't like the food try ordering catering or something…" Kikyo's expression which was growing angrier by the second changed out of nowhere to a more pensive look.

"Catering..." she mumbled then turned quickly away, walking to the glass wall overlooking the beach.

They both watched her for a while longer. She was staring at her phone, then after some time she went out the doors to the patio to make a phone call. "You know sometimes I bet it sucks being your sister." Sango said out of nowhere. The declaration surprised Kagome who turned away from her sister to Sango. "I mean she always has to put up some kind of front. Look at her overcompensating just to impress a bunch of stuck up people…."

"Well she's always had friends in high places."

"Yeah but are they really her friends? Think about it, she's either bossing people around or trying to get ahead. It's sad to be that obsessed with appearances."

Sango went back to casually eating but for some reason Kagome was perplexed. She had never thought about it like that before. She always imagined Kikyo's life being perfect. She was gorgeous and popular growing up and now in addition she had a rich attractive fiancé. It was her assumption that Kikyo was the way she was because she got what she wanted far too much. But it just dawned on her maybe Sango had a point. When they first walked into the restaurant Kikyo seemed so happy but suddenly she was disappointed because the food was far more casual then she imagined. Too casual in fact to impress anyone.

"Any way…I'm really excited about you coming down to the shop tomorrow." Sango said and Kagome smiled reluctantly. The truth was she didn't really want to go back down into her town with Inuyasha. If any part of him was turned off about the experience of meeting her family, he would run for the hills when he finally saw how outdated her town was. "It'll help make the day go by faster. Usually I just pack my lunch, but it'll be nice to go to the diner again. What time do you think you'll come down, hopefully a bit before two so we can hang? Kagome was looking down at her phone once again checking her messages. Nothing new, messages from her sister from earlier, and one message from Rin that she hadn't bother to open. "Kagome…Kagome earth to Kagome." Sango leaned forward putting a hand over the phone screen. "Hello…"

"Oh hey…sorry I spaced."

"I see that." Sango said humor evident in her voice. "I was just asking when exactly you were coming down tomorrow?"

She pushed her phone away once again. "You don't think the boys have been gone for a really long time?"

"I mean It's been a bit over an hour…I don't really know how long these things last for though..."

"You think I should call Inuyasha. I texted an hour ago?"

Sango lifted a brow. "What are you so nervous about? Don't listen to your sister. They're probably getting a bite to eat…I doubt they'd sneak away to see some strippers. Besides Inuyasha doesn't even like Suikotsu."

"I'm not nervous about strippers…" Kagome said and although initially she hadn't been, a slight panic crept up suddenly. She wasn't used to having this feeling of jealously, although the inadequacy was a familiar feeling. She had had it on the business trip when Inuyasha flirted with the waitress at the bar and again when she found the slut in his bed. It was a strange feeling when it was brought on by Inuyasha and not her own insecurities. She wasn't worried about the strippers though, she just felt bad that she had let Inuyasha go with Suikotsu when he so obviously didn't want to. It was terrible enough he had to succumb to workdays at her family's shop, soccer games, and her family's general unpleasantness. She should have saved him from having to endure anything else unpleasant. Although, the thought that he was probably enjoying himself with stripper's made her a little angry and a lot less empathetic. "Maybe I should call him…"

"No…" Sango said abruptly stopping her midrise. "We never get to talk. Here's our chance. He's fine, what's the worst he could be doing?"

"Sango…"

"Kagome…" She spelled out in an identical tone. "Please, fill me in on some stuff. You never explained to me how you started dating Inuyasha or how you've been? We have a lot of catching up and not a lot of time to do it." Kagome's eyes wondered over to her sister who was outside on the balcony talking on the phone. She was pacing in circles and she seemed preoccupied enough.

"We'll do that tomorrow…" She grabbed her phone ready to leave when Sango stopped her again.

"Aren't you coming down with Inuyasha tomorrow? Come on…I'm dying to know what happened in the last 6 or so months. Spill…last time I spoke to you he didn't even know your name?" Kagome paused slightly before sitting back in her seat. She looked back over to her sister's pacing form. Why was she quietly wishing she'd come back and interrupt them? "Kagome…"

"Yes…. I'm just thinking about where to start…." She lied...the truth was she didn't know what to say. Either she could be out with the truth or she could lie. Sango was her best friend she should've just been honest. It wasn't as if the truth was that far from the little white lie she was telling. But then again, how could she explain everything without explaining Rin, the makeover, Sesshomaru, and the business trip. Did they have the time, did she really want to be out with that sort of embarrassing version? "Uh well…it's a really long story but…." She hesitated. "Actually… well the thing is…Inuyasha has a business trip he has to take with his father every year and he needed a secretary, so he invited me." She shrugged afterwards as if there was nothing else to say.

"Ok and…that can't be all, he just started liking you? And what's the scoop on the new…" Sango hesitated, and Kagome looked up to meet her face. "You know…the look. You look like your sister."

"I don't know…I guess it just came with moving to the city." She lied, nothing good would come from telling Sango about the makeover and Rin. She was feeling guilty as it was, Rin had in many ways become her best friend. What was the point of letting Sango know she had been replaced? It was also so embarrassing…. she couldn't have dressed more appropriately without the help of Rin and that wasn't something she at all needed to admit. She looked down at her dress then back up at Sango. "You think I look like my sister now?"

"Well… not exactly, but you know what I mean. I do like it. You look great."

"Thank you…I just decided to try something new and I don't know the rest fell into place…"

"Even the landing your boss as your fiancé...in like under a year?" Sango asked and Kagome was taken off guard, but she didn't let it show. She just paused thinking about the question.

"Uh…no, not exactly. It sort of just happened. The business trip was long… and we saw each other every day, stayed in the same hotel…you know. She shrugged looking back down at her phone. She fiddled with it just a bit, not knowing how to continue but deciding to read the text she got from Rin.

It read; "Hey, dinner was amazing, how's everything going on in your neck of the woods…I'd love to hear from you, call me if you can."

She smiled slightly at the message, but she couldn't fight the fact that she was feeling ridiculously low suddenly. She felt like she was lying to Sango. She had hopes of maybe rekindling their closeness, but how could she do that if she couldn't be honest?

"I guess a change of scenery can change a lot." Sango joked lightly. She turned to look over at Kikyo then back around. "So…about sabotaging your sister…"

Kagome hesitated for a moment. How was it possible that the conversation could get even worst? She rather lie more about her situation with Inuyasha than cultivate a plan to sabotage her sister. She eyed her phone once again instead of responding.

"Kagome"

"Give me one second, just got to send a message for work." She mumbled while jotting a quick message to Rin reading "Hey forget about the invitations…you guys can come up earlier if you want," she then sent the address, "please message me when you're on your way for better instructions. I'm happy dinner went well. I will call you soon for details."

"Kagome…" Sango said again eager to get her attention. "Did you hear me?"

"Yeah…yeah I did…I just got an important message. You know work never ends, even when you're on vacation." She said as an excuse. Sango seemed to want to continue but suddenly Kagome's phone began ringing. She felt relief come over her. She looked down surprise to see Rin was calling. "I'm sorry Sango, I really have to take this." Sango sat back in her seat a bit annoyed as she watched her friend get up and leave. Kagome jogged down the spiral staircase answering the phone as she did.

"I CAN COME EARLY!?" Rin screamed happily. Kagome smiled at her excitement. "I know you told me you'd call later but the way you and Inuyasha work lately, that usually means never."

Kagome just nodded. "I'm sorry about that, just have a lot going on…how was your dinner date?"

"Amazing of course…" Rin gushed she was sitting squarely on Sesshomaru's sofa flipping through channels. He did one of his runs to the office again which was beginning to annoy her slightly. "We went to a super fancy restaurant…I mean it was amazing, everything was crystal. Then afterwards we actually took a night canal ride and went to a gourmet pastry shop for dessert. I mean…he just keeps out doing himself. I just can't wait to get him out of the city, so he doesn't keep throwing himself into work on his off time."

"Oh…well I guess this is the perfect opportunity. I can make arrangements for you to stay in town at my aunt's inn. When do you think you can come down, maybe the week of the wedding?"

"Wait…" Rin said interrupting suddenly. She put the remote down and narrowed her eyes. "Why are you so persistent on my coming. Just the other day I was begging for you to send the invitations."

"I'm sorry about that…it's like I said I was just preoccupied. I do want you to come though…you and Ayame, preferably before my sister's bachelorette." Rin smiled hearing the slight panic in her voice. Kagome obviously needed their help.

"How's your sister been, anything up…?"

"No…no... it's been good for the most part, it's just this bachelorette party." Kagome stuttered. "I mean

Kagome…there's no need to explain to me…It's fine, you need some reinforcements, I can help you, don't worry about a thing." Kagome sighed slightly, instantly she felt better yet almost like a failure. Her sister had been here for barely a day and she already needed back up. At the same time, she did feel as though she didn't want Rin coming as well. She'd come and instantly take a more Sango approach to things; probably believe she'd need to combat her sister. It wasn't the style Kagome wanted to take. She wanted to just ignore her sister's antics as easily as her family did but still somehow come out on top, at the moment it felt as though her sister was in some imaginary lead. Was it possible to use Rin and Ayame as a buffer without exactly wanting them to disrupt the balance she had going on at the moment? She didn't want to retaliate and initiate a full fledge family war because Rin felt the need to meddle.

"No, I really don't…I just need some…." She stuttered not knowing how to say what she needed exactly. "I don't want you to tell off my sister…or my mom, or any one in my family Rin…I just I…miss you guys and just thought you'd want an early visit." She said quickly and Rin paused before speaking taking in Kagome's ramblings.

"Ok…so everything is fine? Why invite me to the bachelorette party?" Rin asked and Kagome just gulped not knowing what to say. "…. You know…its ok Kagome to need help?" Kagome said nothing as she headed out of the front door of the restaurant. She instantly hoped to see Inuyasha pull up, but when she opened the door the only thing coming in was the ocean breeze and cool air, she was disappointed to see the street was mostly empty. "It's ok to need some support, that's what friends are for. I will try and see if we can come this week…"

"This week…" Kagome said in shock.

"Yeah, why not. I just have to tell Sesshomaru, but I mean everything is going so well…I'm sure he won't mind coming down early." She put the phone on speaker as she began texting Ayame simultaneously. "I'm getting the word out now, tell Inuyasha I'll let the guys know…"

"Guys?"

"Miroku and Kouga….duh"

"Oh…ok…but Rin…you don't have to change everything on my behalf. You can just come a day before the wedding…come to the bachelorette party…"

"Don't be ridiculous Kagome." Rin said her voice filled with laughter. "We have to get our grounds, see exactly what we're dealing with if we are going to be any help."

"Well come a week before the wedding then…don't come super early and…" as Kagome spoke Rin could hear the spaced beeping of call waiting. She looked down at her phone seeing Ayame's name flashing.

"Kagome…Kagome, listen we will see you soon. Ayame is on the other line. I'll text you."

"Rin wait...I don't know if I want…." Before she could finish her sentence, the line went dead. She sighed loudly looking down the road for a moment then turning to head back in. She had this weird want to stay outdoors, she didn't want to face Sango or her sister just yet. She turned forward again reaching for her phone.

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INU POV

"Suikotsu asked me to check on you and see how you're liking the food?" The man behind the bar asked. "Oh…. also how are the strippers?" Inuyasha spared him a look before checking the time on the clock straight ahead.

"How long is he going to be? Can you let him know I'm ready?"

"Ready for what?" He asked and Inuyasha sighed in utter annoyance, he looked off to the side, trying to avert his eyes from the robed women ahead of him. They had broke stance and were now talking to one another. He found avoiding their general direction adverted their attention, this way they wouldn't keep trying to interact with him. The last thing he needed was news coming back to Kagome that he had been entertaining completely nude women. He could see that going south quickly, besides how did he know this whole thing wasn't some sort of trick anyway. Maybe this was a way to catch him slipping, he scoffed to himself realizing how ridiculous he sounded. At the same time, he still was extremely cautious, Suikotsu was no friend of his and his relationship with Kagome was still very new, not to mention his escapades during the business trip with the waitress and the woman he met only casually. He didn't want Kagome thinking he couldn't be trusted.

"Can you send the strippers away?" Inuyasha asked and the bartender just nodded, going around the bar towards the group of women. Inuyasha watched as temptation got shooed out the doors to the left. He was quite pleased with himself, it was one problem down. Now his next was locating Suikotsu so they could leave. The food had been brought out already, it was delicious, the alcohol superb, but now he was slightly buzzed, full, and bored. He downed the rest of his glass of vodka and stood up. He was going to find a restroom first then get Suikotsu himself. He was halfway to the double doors when his phone began ringing. He reached in his pocket for it.

"What…" he barked and there was silence on the other end of the line. He looked down at the phone and realized instantly it was Kagome. His attitude shifted…. "Hey, I'm sorry I…"

She laughed lightly. "Not having a good time…?" She asked. She was walking down the sidewalk a bit away from the Shore Shack.

"No, I thought you were Miroku, he's called like seven times." He lied and he didn't know why. He was pretty sure Kagome knew his temperament. He often answered calls in the same tone no matter who it was, though he usually made an active effort to treat Kagome far better than he did everyone else.

"Oh well, if he calls again tell him I said hi…how's everything going over there? I texted you an hour or so ago, no response." He paused on the other side of the double doors looking down at his phone for the text she was referring to. It was there plain as day, it read: "Hey sorry I didn't save you from Suikotsu, hoping you're still having a great time." He smiled.

"I don't know why I didn't check that. Anyway uh…things are great here for the most part." He looked around for a restroom not spotting one he headed down a long hall. It seemed as if he might have been in an area that wasn't meant for customers. Perhaps a section meant for the dancers and employees to come through.

"Have you guys been just bar hopping looking for the right place? We've been in the same restaurant, but we might be taking a taxi to another…"

"No, one place. Suikotsu already pretty much had his mind made on where he wanted to have his party, actually, he has it all planned out…it's kind of disturbing actually." Kagome took his words in and for some reason that same strange slight worry came back. So maybe there were strippers or maybe there weren't. Did it matter? They were just professional dancers, what was the issue? She decided she wouldn't even probe him for any answers on the subject.

"Well organization is really important. I commend him on that." He paused seeing a restroom sign and heading for it. Of course she'd find Suikotsu's organization commendable, even though it was for a bachelor party that honestly should have been extremely laid back. But It was Kagome he was talking to. He laughed to himself making her pause on the other end. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing…just thought of a joke from earlier. We uh…we should be coming back soon." He said and Kagome smiled liking that sentiment very much.

"Ok good," she said hoping not to sound as eager as she really was over the phone. "Rin says she's coming up this week by the way. I'm going to see if I can get them some rooms at my aunt's inn."

"THIS WEEK?" Inuyasha asked in pure shock..."and whose them". He was already a bit annoyed at the sentiment. They hadn't even been at Kagome's family's home alone for that long, and now here was Rin probably all too happy to make an early appearance.

"Yeah...this week, and I'm assuming Ayame, Miroku, and Kouga as well…I don't know, and your brother…"

"I'll believe my brother when pigs fly." He scoffed and Kagome only somewhat understood what he meant.

"Ok…but I'm going to book a room for Rin large enough to accommodate him either way." She said and Inuyasha just nodded as he approached the restroom. He hesitated sensing someone to his right. That wasn't too much of a shocker for him though. It wasn't something that would normally stop him in his tracks, this time though he knew the scent. He paused smiling slightly, he was happy to have been able to track Suikotsu down. "I'm sure if he doesn't show she can just switch rooms, or she might want the bigger room…who knows. My issue is I just don't know if they'd want to stay in town." Kagome said. Inuyasha was somewhat tuning her out. He was far more into following his scenes down another hall.

"Uh huh…" He said humoring her.

"What do you think…I could look for a close hotel in the city but then they'd be so far. Then again that could be a good thing. Rin would have so much more to do. Maybe I should call her again. Also…" She went on and at that point he was ignoring her fully. He had just arrived at a closed door and instead of knocking he opened it, breaking the lock on the knob and walked right in. "What do you think?" She asked but Inuyasha who had no idea what she had been going on about interjected completely.

"I'm ready to go, now." He proclaimed looking forward. His eyes widened when he took in the room. It was a security office of sorts. A few small stacked monitors set up around the room surveying the entire casino, although the biggest of the two were capturing the events of the room he had just left, which was curious enough, but the thing that caught Inuyasha's attention was Suikotsu himself. He was sitting towards the two main monitors but was grossly indisposed at the moment. The sight was really one for the books, he was sitting sort of limply, his pants undone and around his ankles, shirt unbuttoned, and his face, well his nose was caked with a white substance. At his side were two naked exotic dancers, two that Inuyasha recognized as Suikotsu's "favorites." He stood up when he saw Inuyasha, stumbling slightly. He looked like he wanted to say something but before he could stumble on some sort of retort Inuyasha quickly hung up the phone. "Listen..." He said as the dancers scrambled to cover up. "I honestly don't care about any of this. So save the excuses...Can you drive?"

He pushed his pants up nodding as he did so.

"Good...I'll uh...I'll be at the car." He closed the door and turned around pausing for a moment just processing what he saw. Then he turned towards the nearest "EXIT SIGN."

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Hey guys, I'm back, I'm going to try sooner updates promise. I really want to finish TPD before I start work on my other stories. Please review and stay safe as always!