My Humps

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

A/N: :O)

Sorry for the long wait.. I was on vacation for two months, then when I came back I was really shocked and hopping mad that someone had actually plagiarized one of my stories. I did not want to update any of my other stories until the matter was resolved, but I was greatly encouraged update sooner than I expected by fans who kept emailing me asking for updates. Thank you all YOU ALL ROCK!!!
Special thanks to my cool Beta TheWatcherandReader and Anonymouse who informed plagiarism that took place.


Chapter 10

The sound of trickling water echoed in the shallow recesses of a quiet room, droplets of tepid water wrung out from a dampened fabric into a wooden bowl, half filled with cold water. Dimly lit and sparsely furnished, the square room contained the huddled figures of Sango and Jakotsu silently attending to the still unconscious form of Kagome.

Dawn was breaking, and streams of light filtered though the narrow slits of the blinds. A sigh escapes Sango's lips as she gently parted the sleeping girl's bangs with one hand before placing a moistened face towel atop the other girl's forehead. Sango shifts her shoulders in a vain attempt to unravel the tense knot that remained cramped in her tired muscles. Her worried eyes flick across to the male hunched protectively over the bed. He too was haggard in appearance. Sango could see the way the male continued to fight the yawn threatening to spill forth. She smiled a bit. Drowsy, she too felt drowsy. She straightened her back, giving light punches with her fisted hand at the lower part of her spine.

Jakotsu and her had taken turns in order to watch over Kagome, they had very little sleep in the course of the night. She glanced at the full length mirror on the corner of the room, sucking in a sharp breath upon noticing the dark circles shadowing her eyes, she shakes her head slightly. She could feel her tired mind becoming foggy, clouding her judgments and slurring her movements. Her throat felt dry, her eyes felt hot, her hands shook in slight tremors. She ponders whether perhaps she was coming down with something. Sango's heart race momentarily in alarm.

'Baka. It's the stress taking a toll on me.' She sighs mentally, as she feels lethargy seep further into her body. Another sigh escapes her lips as pondered the events of last night.

flashback

She and Jakotsu rushed back to the apartment in flash, after having heard from one of the restaurant staff that the Western Lord's intended had fainted during the Omi-ai. She knew that Sugimi's son would take Takara/Kagome back to her apartment returning her in the care of the 'go-between', being that her presence in his penthouse would call her virtue into question. And that, she was sure, Sesshoumaru would not risk for his 'intended'.

She drove at a frantic pace, ignoring the shrill screech of Jakotsu, as they weaved through the traffic downtown. They had barely made it back in time when their panicked state was interrupted by the heavy pounding on the door. She had prayed silently to every kami that she could think of, as she watched Jakotsu open the door in cold trepidation. Fear gripped her heart, if the young Lord found her there, it would raise his suspicion, and incurring the Taiyoukai's suspicion is almost as painful as being disemboweled with a dull butter knife. Sango winced at the thought, she was bracing herself for the worst possible outcome.

The door creeked open slowly revealing the young Taiyoukai carrying a slumbering Kagome in both arms. Behind his imposing stature, a gaggle of elders seem to run around in wild panic. An amusing scenario, if not for the presence of the fearsome monarch standing before them. Sango buried herself deeper in her hiding place. The stoic Lord's features was stern and grave, though his eyes betrayed him. His soft gaze reflected a tenderness toward the sleeping youkai he held in both arms. Sango zeroed in on her best friend breathing a sigh of relief upon observing her breathing (albeit unconscious) form. A giddy schoolgirl smile, plastered across her serene face. Sango smiled despite her terrified self, 'only Kagome wouldn't be intimidated with Sesshoumaru'.

“Sesshoumaru-sama! Takara! Dear kami what happened?” gasped Jakotsu in alarm.

Sango whips her attention back to the main players of the scene. She swallowed nervously her body trembling a fraction.

The Inu Lord let loose a vicious but restrained snarl, his eyes semi glowing in a ruby haze.

“Why was this Sesshoumaru not informed a male resides with my intended.” he barked flatly. The elders, including his closest advisers visibly shook exchanging terrified glances amongst themselves, they cast their heads down bowing with closed eyes as if waiting for his reprimand-something not short of decapitation.

“Who? Moi?” Jakotsu pointed at himself with his right pinkie, his voice tingly and appalled. “Sir! I would have you know that the 'delicious' eye candy beauty standing in front of you, is the much sought after Jakotsu Murakami! Queen of the Sunset strip at...”

“I care not which rock you crawled out from. No one, save for Takara's pack or the 'go-between' are allowed anywhere near her.” growled the Inu Lord baring his glistening fangs threateningly.

Jakotsu put his hands to his hips, tapping one foot irritably. “Don't think you can push me around mister! I happen to be Takara cousin! .... Once or twice removed and multiplied by the square root of 2!”

AN: Jakotsu implies here that a relative of Takara had mated a human-in a weird demented way.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, heaving Kagome higher up his biceps. The slight movement distracts Jakotsu's eyes, until it rested on the Taiyoukai's pants. Jakotsu swallowed a lump. His mouth quavers.

'Fuck!' cursed Sango. Too late she noticed the slurping hila monster in a high state of lust.

Jakotsu licks his lips, eyes still fastened on Sesshoumaru's lower regions. “Just cause you're mouth-wateringly.. I mean just cause you're a big..BIG.... and oh so bigggggy bigggyy bulging.. (squeal).... oh my god,.. p-package... (smack).. ohhhhh! BIGGGG.. You slay me..”

Sango cringed, smacking her forehead and muttering obscenities at the rambling Jakotsu. Pulling taut an elastic band, she released it with a slight 'twang', watching in triumph as it hit Jakotsu on the ankles.

“Eekkkk.. Mice!” jumped Jakotsu hopping on one leg.

“I grow weary of your game, where is Kagome?” Sesshoumaru barked, narrowing his eyes a fraction.

Jakotsu stops hopping, pursing his lips into a pout. “You mean she didn't dine with you?”

'Ooo, the gender confused twit is gooood!' approved Sango inwardly, as she crouched in the shadows.

Sesshoumaru's surprise flashed only briefly in his eyes, he was however, for the mean time rendered speechless.

“Oh never you mind, she'll be fine!” smiled Jakotsu waving one hand in the air dismissively. “Here, give me Takara....” Jakotsu flinches perceptively as Sesshoumaru remains frozen in his spot not making a move, just looking at him with his piercing, pink tinged eyes. He steps back shuffling one foot.“Or not..... you can put Takara in the couch for the mean time.”

Much to Sango's surprise, the Inu Lord complied with Jakotsu, and after making sure that his intended was indeed merely as sleep and not in any danger he turned and walk back towards the door, stopping briefly along side Jakotsu.

“This Sesshoumaru will allow this slight to my station slide .. for now. In future however, any affront upon my station will be dealt with severely.. pack member or not.”

Jakotsu paled, frozen to the core at his cold tone and alarmed at the awesome jaki pouring off the Taiyoukai. He realized now why ningen and youkai alike trembled before the silver perfection that walked gracefully towards the door. He was about to breathe a sigh of relief when the velvet but icy tone again cut through his moment of false relief.

“Jakotsu, so-called pack member to my intended Takara, let it be known to Kagome that I desire to 'speak' with her first thing tomorrow morning preferably before 8am. Understood?”

Sesshoumaru paused in the thresh-hold not bothering to even turn his head as he addressed the wobbly kneed Jakotsu.

“Y-yes Sesshoumaru-sama.” cringed Jakotsu.

One of the advisers closed the door, his head bowed low in deference to the departing Lord. It closed with eerie click, even as the tense air dissipated almost immediately.

“Holy Shit Sango! I thought I'd never say this but.... Never-ever leave me alone with that male!” huffed Jakotsu collapsing on the spot.

“Scared shitless eh?” laughed Sango, fanning herself. She slid down the wall languidly, until she settled on the floor crossed legged with a foolish grin on her lips. Jakotsu snorted audibly at her chuckling form, opting to sit beside the couch, he crawled towards Takara/Kagome. His face scrunched up, scratching his head, he lifted Takara/Kagome's hand, examining the white jade ring now adorning his friend's hand.

“Uh.. Sango.. What the hell is this?”

Sango whipped her head, turning towards Jakotsu. Her almond eyes widen into saucers, she ran to Kagome's side, staring with a horrified expression on her face. “He didn't..”

end flashback

Sango wrung the yellow face towel-free of excess water, carefully she applied the moistened towel to her friend's pallid face. The scientist's face scrunched up in deep thought. Her eyes closing briefly as myriad of thoughts bore down on her.

“Oh! Dreadful fate tis is!” bemoaned Jakotsu, beating his chest softly with one fist. Sango shook her head, rolling her eyes upward. She did not need this now.

“To be mated without one's consent!” sobbed Jakotsu on both hands. “Oh!.. the agony! Oh! The tragedy! Oh!...the grief!.. Oh!...”

“One more dumbass remark from you and I'll set your hair on fire!... Eyebrows included.” Sango drawled out darkly whipping out her lighter.

“Hmp! See if I come and lament at your funeral!”

“Trust me, I would rather volunteer my deceased self for experiments, than have you wailing like a banshee anywhere near my coffin!” snapped Sango. “Kami why am I even talking to you about this topic?” Sango fixed her eyes on Jakotsu's now standing form. “It's just like you to think up something stupidly morbid at a time like this!”

Jakotsu stuck out his tongue. “Looks like someone needs to get laid.”

“Shut up you!”

“Aww.. So ya got cuchie cobwebs hmmm?”

“I said SHUT UP!”

“Yargghhh.. Oh my head.” groaned Kagome, clutching her head with both hands.

Sango and Jakotsu stopped their bickering and faced their friend with worried expressions etched on their faces. They help Kagome sit up, fluffing pillows and placing stacking them on her back to make her more comfortable.

“W-what happened?” asked Kagome curiously scanning her surroundings with one eye. “How'd I get here?” she yawned, stretching both arms up in the air. “I sorta don't remember much.”

Sango nibbled nervously on her lip as Jakotsu cast down his eyes. Kagome was puzzled at their odd behavior, but said nothing. Jakotsu took her small hands into his, stroking them slowly.

“Sesshoumaru brought you home last night.” began Jakotsu peering into Kagome's blue gray eyes.

“And?”

“Uh Sango.. why don't you tell Kagome-chan what you told me last night.”

Kagome turned to Sango who was visibly worried about something. She paced to and fro within the small confines of the room. “Come on Sango, nothing can be this bad.” yawned Kagome, her tone was light, still groggy from her sleep but she was getting really impatient.

“Kagome!.. I'm sooo sorry! We've run into a big complication, I didn't foresee before hand.”

“Eh?”

“Sesshoumaru presented you with a ring last night.”

“Yeah..”

“You accepted it?”

“Well it's not like I have any other choice, one of the elders slipped it on me when I was least expecting it.” huffed Kagome irritably crossing both arms across her chest, pouting her lips.

Sango sighed heavily. “Kagome, the ring was part of the betrothal ceremony meant to bind you to Sesshoumaru....”

Blink. Blink.

“You will be his, body.. soul .. and spirit ... from now until ... eternity.”

Kagome turned to Jakotsu, who nodded in confirmation.

“WHAATTTTTTT?????”

“D-Don't worry though that will only happen if you're wearing the ring and something 'intimate' happens between you and his icicleness.”

Kagome looked at the both of them before breaking into a hysterical laugh. She laughed until tears cascaded down her cheeks.

“Psh! Well then what are you both worrying about? Like 'that' will never happen.”

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

One hour and a half later.

Zoom.

Zip.

“Where the hell is my bag?” screeched Kagome haphazardly putting on her clothes.

“On the table near the door. Honestly Kagome, how do you expect to get on Sesshoumaru's good graces if you're ..”

“Don't even speak to me about good graces!” snapped Kagome, pointing an accusing finger at the relaxed Jakotsu, quietly drinking his coffee. “No thanks to you, I have to do some extra boot licking today!”

Knock. Knock.

“Oh! For the freakin luv of..”

Knock. Knock.

“I'm coming!” grumbled Kagome irritably.

“Turn that frown upside down, dear. You'll get wrinkles faster that way.” chirped Jakotsu, winking one eye.

Kagome glared at Jakotsu's smirking face once before walking towards the door. Her hands glided across the wooden door, finally resting on the dead locks. Releasing the three locks with a crisp 'click' she stared wide eyed at the tall silhouette that over shadowed the door.

“Good morning.”

“Hi.” replied Kagome shyly, opening the door fully revealing Menoumaru's majestic form. He smiled breaking the usual indifferent expression adorning his face. Kagome felt like her insides were melting. Menoumaru smiled again, giving her a polite but curt nod.

“We have been acquainted as of last night and yet your name it seems elude me still.” Menoumaru murmured huskily as he leaned forward a fraction. He stood in front of her both hands behind his back, as he looked around her small apartment, his eyes flicking ahead, spotting two people in the kitchen table. He noticed one of them was frowning directly at him.

“Kami! I never did introduce myself last night did I?” Kagome blushed furiously, cursing her ditzy behavior at times.

“So it seems.” replied Menoumaru, he broke his gaze at the impertinent male scrutinizing him, refocusing instead on Kagome.

“It's ..”

“Higurashi, Kagome.” He grinned. “I know.”

Kagome blinked at him curiously, as another blush erupted on her cheeks.

“My attendants made queries on my behalf, within the restaurant staff.” he remarked off handedly. His eyes swept her slight form. Kagome shivered involuntarily in response. There was no mistaking the powerful aura that exuded from him. “That is how I was able to locate your residence, Ms. Higurashi.”

“It's just Kagome... please.”

Menoumaru smiled. “I wanted to enjoy your company longer last night, however...”

“Oh no! Ugh, I'm sorry about Sesshoumaru, you see I'm his 'go between' and last night...” Kagome said shaking her head. She bowed apologetically.

“Sesshoumaru has an intended?” Menoumaru asked in an amused tone. “That does not explain his over zealous protectiveness of you. He is acting as one would in a situation where one's chosen female has been approached by another male-where his claim to the female is challenged.”

Kagome bowed her head and fidgeted nervously in a vain attempt to downplay the odd elation she felt rush through her at that moment. Menoumaru frowned, his countenance darkening. Kagome gasped softly as she felt something like a shot of dry static pierce the air surrounding them. Menoumaru was much displeased when he sensed her inner joy. He held back a growl of irritation.

Kagome gasped softly. “Um, as I stated, Takara is his intended.”

Menoumaru smirked, reigning in his jaki and regaining his composure. “For what purpose then, has he ordered me to refrain from any more contacts with you.”

Vein pop in the forehead.

“What? Who does he.. Yargghhhhh.... The nerve of that ... that JERK! I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind!” Kagome stomped away angrily, balling her fists. She paused mid step, then turned back to Menoumaru with a smile. “Oh and please come in, I'll just grab my lunch and bag. Please make yourself comfortable in the mean time...Yarrggghh.. wait til I get my hands on that...”

Menoumaru laughed at her rapid changes in mood. He shook his head inclining it in her direction. “You are an enigma Kagome. Anyone else and they would choose to gorge upon their own flesh rather than displease the Western Lord and have his wrath fall upon them. My eyes have borne witness to his prowess in battle and the deadly perfection of his skill when he meets out death upon his adversary-truly I have never heard any name so spoken with so much dread. That much I can attest to.”

Kagome bit her lower lip, unsure of how to react. She pondered his statement a bit, twirling a lock of hair on her fingers before chuckling merrily.

“Mou! You are morbid Menoumaru-sama! He's just a big melon head, whose ego has grown too big for his own good.. Someone just needs to deflate it before his blimp of a head gets any bigger and starts blocking out the sun.. and that someone would be me.”

“I will be more than happy to drive you to your work Kagome.”

“That's really not necessary.. I don't want to be a bother.”

“I insist.” Menoumaru took her hands in his placing a chaste kiss on her hand. Kagome blushed her heart thundering in her chest.

Sango whistled, watching from a short distance.

“Wow! Tall, dark and.....green.” she mouthed out.

Jakotsu narrowed his eyes at the unexpected visitor. He rubs the back of his neck uncomfortably, tilting his head to the side. He furrows his eyebrows, something about the visitor didn't sit well with him, he remained a silent spectator his ears staying attune to their conversation.

Sango observed him and noticing the his unwavering gaze at the visitor, she too, focused on the unfolding scene before her. She slugged down the last remains of her coffee, her fingers tensing briefly at the mug, as the visitor took a step forward, entering the apartment. She looked to Jakotsu, who met her gaze, a slight worry reflected behind his eyes.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

7.30am Taisho Building Parking Lot.

“Thanks a lot!”

“It was my pleasure Kagome.” grinned Menoumaru, he slid down his window further, observing Kagome's exiting form. He sighed to himself. A strange sensation of emptiness gnawed at his insides, his face creased into a deep frown. Surely he is not falling for this mortal. She is but a toy to him, yes?

Menoumaru snorted inwardly. 'Mortals!' What have they to do with his kind. They are but trifle toys to amuse his kind with. His grip on the steering wheel tightened perceptively. Why then this feeling of emptiness when she is not near? Or the soaring rapture he feels inside when she in his company.

He grit his fangs. Surely he is not attracted to her. There are more enchanting demonesses out there who would kill for the opportunity to grace his bed. No he is not in the least bit attracted. 'She is just a toy.' His voice echoed through his mind.

A frightening growl answered back. Scorching anger making his head reel. His recent thoughts regarding the ningen onna has disturbed him to no end. He would wage a mental war with himself. Something inside him was pulled to the girl. Thoughts of debasing her as a mere rut stabbed at his inner most being, he discovered he could not stand to think of her in such a way.. Has the mortal truly ascended in importance for him?

Menoumaru slumped forward, his head felt like it was about to be ripped into two. He could feel his inner beast uncoil and tear him. He held his head with one hand. A frightening realization dawning on him. His beast had chosen a female. Menoumaru slid back in his chair, astounded.

“Menoumaru-sama?” asked Kagome in a worried tone.

The moth Taiyoukai glanced to his side window, noting the teary eyed Kagome, her face flushed with concern.

He tensed. The expression did not belong in her face. He shook his head mentally recollecting himself. “It is nothing to worry yourself by... Kagome ... are you perchance available tonight?”

Kagome faltered, scratching her head. “Uh.. I'm sorry, I promised Sango and Ayame that we're having a girls' night in tonight.”

“I see.”

Kagome sensed the sadness now permeating the air around him. She cleared her throat feeling somehow guilty, bowing her head she was unable to meet his eyes. Damn her conscience! She was far too sensitive to other's pain at times. God how she sucked! She took a deep breath as the air stagnated and the uneasy silence reigned supreme. 'If this gets any longer, Sesshoumaru will have my butt on a silver plate!... GAH! Look at me, since when did I start caring if I'm insulting him or not.' she thought crossly. Kagome cleared her throat audibly. “Well I guess I should...”

Menoumaru's stoic expression returned, lifting up his head he shifted slightly in his seat. He reached out and retrieved a light gray business card out of a small rectangular compartment in the dashboard. His elegant fingers catching the thin glossy card between his index and middle finger.

Menoumaru grinned slightly handing the card to the startled Kagome, who was looking at him with inquisitive eyes.

“My private contact details are written within the card.” he paused suddenly looking vulnerable as he gazed at her longingly. “You will call me tonight?”

GULP.

“Uh, sure... I guess..”

“I'll be waiting for your call then.” he waved at her as he pulled out of the parking lot in a suave arc.

Kagome looked at the card held in her hands. Her fingers traced over the raised letters and numbers printed on the card. She sighs heavily. What was her world coming to? She felt like she was stuck somewhere between Oz and the twister, what a dilemma she faced. Shrugging her shoulders she tucked the card in the outside pocket of her bag. Clicking her heels together she tilted her chin up, and walked towards the building entrance muttering to herself, “there's no place like home, there's no place like home.”

Unknown to her a pair of feral eyes narrow into slits, glinting hard like cold steel as he watched her every move from a window 88 floors up.