My Humps

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Thanks to all that reviewed!!! I love you guys!!!!! (Sorry I'm going through a hormonal episode right now).

Chapter 9: Three's a crowd.

Kagome sighed wistfully staring at Sesshoumaru's empty seat, she had seen him talk to a lavender-haired beauty when they had walked back to the restaurant.

'Yarrgghhh! Don't tell me I've fallen for that pompous poodle!' Huffed Kagome inwardly.

Looking around she notices the decorative square layout of the booth where she was seated. It created a grotto like atmosphere, creating a mirage of seclusion from the main part of the dining area by a series of interlocking glass panels-a very modern take to the rice paper shoji screen. Their area was raised some four steps from the ground, enabling Kagome to fully scan her surrounding area. She whistled in bewilderment. There were precise incisions wrought in the glass panels made to look like a bamboo forest. Each panel connected seamlessly in a fluent transition, obscuring the occupiers of the booth when seated. It reached up to Kagome's shoulders when she stood upright.

'This must of cost the ice prick some major dough.' Marveled Kagome, trailing her index finger at the finely incised reliefs. Her eyes trailed languidly at the brisk strokes, each line so immaculately done that it brought back artworks of great masters like Michaelangelo and Leonardo. Kagome allowed her eyes to roam further, spanning the whole outlay of the expansive dining room.

The rest of the dining area was done in the traditional architecture so prevalent in Japanese palaces. Wooden floors and gigantic beams housing several rectangular cubicles separated by silken partitions. The decorations on these areas were somewhat restrained and modest compared to the area where she was. She tilted her nose in the air, sampling the delicious scents merging with the fresh flowers arranged according to the Ikebana standard, which dotted inconspicuously around the restaurant. Kagome patted her stomach, as if stilling her sudden hunger.

'Gotto wait for Sesshoumaru, even if I can eat a horse.' Her stomach grumbled loudly in protest.

She sighed again twirling the wine glass between her thumb and index finger, while resting her chin on her other hand. She watched despondently as she gazes longingly at the affectionate couple across her table.

'Just like a scene from one of the fanfics I read... How romantic!' She squealed inside. Her lips twitching to a smile.

She watched with avid fascination as the picture-perfect scene unfolded before her. The man presented the woman with an expensive looking cream-colored box, adorned with frilly red ribbons.

“Take care what you choose my sweet darling.” Honey pouring off his lips. “My heart is in the palm of your hands.”

Taking the lid off the box, the woman gasps in surprise as her eyes immediately dart to the center, where a chocolate truffle sat proudly crowned with a marquis-cut champagne diamond. Kagome's eyes rounded into saucers. Leaning forward until her stomach rested onto the table top she focused on the couple. The man silently kneeled in front of the woman grasping her small hand in his. He looked into her eyes deeply then ever so slowly, placed a chaste but adoring kiss on the back of hand.

“Ohhh” Crooned Kagome quietly, her eyes watering. She squirmed nervously in her seat, pulling back her hands to settle over her heart. “Why can't something like 'that' happen to me?” She lamented with quivering lips. Her heart pounded madly in her chest, she folded one hand over the other, as though it had been her hand that had been burned with such passionate gesture.

Continuing to survey the romantic interlude, she tenses visibly, eyes fixated on the man as he vocally proclaimed his undying love and devotion to the flustered girl, then rather leisurely and without taking his sparkling eyes off her, he releases the ring from it's chocolaty confines and holds it on the palm of his hands. The large diamond sparkling wildly in the dim setting, even as the man's eyes silently implored for the young woman's sweet consent.

Kagome absent-mindedly twirled a lock of her blue-black tresses in nervous anticipation.

“Will you wear this forever and be mine?” Asked the soft spoken man.

Kagome sucked a breath in sharply, her hand forsaking her hair in favor of the pristine white napkin on her lap. She twisted it until her knuckles turned white, her tiny fists slightly trembling as she maintained the tension within the fabric she held. Her eyes narrowed, boring into the figure of the woman, misconstruing her silence and lack of movement as hesitation. Beads of sweat paraded down her temples. Something was bubbling in her throat, itching to be let out.

“Yes she will!” Kagome exploded with resolve, one dainty fist complete with napkin, thrusted up proudly in the air. Her elevated spot on the area, acting like a canyon, magnifying the intensity of her voice.

All eyes from the other tables encompassing her's, turned their attention on her. Some were scowling and muttering about stupid humans, others looked at her with undisguised contempt while others still chided her with their eyes. Her cheeks blushed furiously as she shrank back in her seat. 'I gotta cut down on my fanfics.' She sighed wearily, embarrassment scorching her skin. Eyes downcast she slowly gets up still feeling the weight of 'their' stares bearing down on her. Not wanting to incur any further attention to her hasty exit she increases her speed to a brisk stride-shielding her still burning cheeks with both hands.

So caught up was she in her endeavor that she neglected to spot a metallic obstacle blocking her path. Her surprised squeak turning into a horrified shriek as she ploughed noisily onto a three tiered, silver trolley-filled to the brim with various assortments of pastries and cakes. She tried in vain to grasp the elusive handles, instead pushing it forward-thereby adding extra force to it's momentum.

A strangled gasp escapes her cherub lips as she watched helplessly as the trolley continued onwards at a drunken state, haphazardly knocking over several people in fluid succession. Kagome groaned slapping her right cheek and closing her eyes, unable to bear witness to anymore chaos the trolley might bring about.

Shouts and screams echoed in her ears, fueling her blush further. One resounding crash reached her ears, followed by the stampeding sound of several feet running towards where (she presumed) the trolley had finally stopped. At long last she could breathe... or so she thought.

Opening first one eye then the other, she observed the pandemonium that besieged her. Her eyes finally resting on the table on the far end of the restaurant, where judging by the more lavish and opulent décor (very much similar to the secluded area where her table was located), another important guest was currently having dinner.. 'Errr, scratch that, more like a participating in a gory accident scene!' She gulped.

Pastry bits, fruit pieces, icing and cake segments, lay strewn before her. The occupiers of the glass area were themselves covered in numerous un-nameables-strangely enough only one seemed unaffected by it all.

He sat there indifferent to the turmoil going on around him, quietly savoring his red wine. He had light green hair that seem to reach down to his knees. Two maroon stripes descending from his forehead ending just on his eye brows. A pair of antennae crowning his proud head in a regal manner. No doubt the figure was of great rank indeed.

Kagome swallowed the lump stuck in her throat, praying to all the kamis she could name at that particular moment as she walked towards the sweet-tasting carnage before her.

Eyes burned an angry red, as a choir of growls and snarls reverberated in her ears. The the high cathedral like structure of the vaulted ceiling magnifying the animalistic sounds to a terrifying level.

Kagome halted in her progress, alarmed by the sudden raise in jaki (evil aura). She shrank further within herself, once again feeling all eyes focused on her shaking form. She licked her dry lips frantically thinking of what to say, even as her legs trembled with each step.

“I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean...”

“Bitch! Have you realized what you've done?” Shrieked a dark haired female youkai, angrily stomping forwards. Her hair had been pulled taut in two buns on either side of her head. On her forehead half of the Taoist symbols of Yin and Yang. Her gleaming claw points at Kagome's bowed form. “You've ruined everything!” She shouted further, her arms gesturing in a circular motion.

“I'm really sorry! It was an accident..”

“I'm not interested in your pitiful excuses you lowlife vermin!” Spat out her blood red lips venomously. “Your kind constantly vex me sore! Ingrates-who don't know their betters! And you seem to be the worst of all your detestable kind! You should crawl on the dirt like the filth you are!”

Kagome's blue orbs, flared with barely restrained reiki. Squaring her shoulders at the spiteful youkai in front of her, Kagome narrows her eyes in righteous indignation, her hands clenching and unclenching painfully as she tries to abate her raging powers from escaping. She straightens her back in a defiant posture. Looking straight at those angry set of ruby eyes.

“You want to say that again bitch?” She ground out, her eyes dancing wildly with blue sparks.

“Ruri. This is not the time nor the place for such undignified display. Apologize to the miko this instant.” Interjected a husky voice.

“Menoumaru-sama! She is...”

“In the right while you are in the wrong. She has apologized, it suffices. There was no need for your useless tirade, now I will not repeat myself. Apologize.” Commanded the green haired youkai, his eyes flashing dangerously at his subordinate in a chilling manner.

“G-gomen nasai.” Gritted out Ruri, her head turned away from Kagome.

“Much better.” Approved Menoumaru as he continued swirling the rich red liquor in his glass, even as Ruri brooded darkly in the background. “Do not think to defy me again Ruri. Leave us.” He added, flicking his wrist dismissively. Menoumaru turned to Kagome, his burgundy eyes assessing the miko in a thorough gaze. “Please forgive my servant. She at times.. lacks in control.”

“Iie. I should be the one apologizing, I started the whole trolley incident.”

Menoumaru smirked his eyes glinting in amusement. He put down his drink, gesturing to a near by chair. “It would please me much if you would join my company.”

Kagome smoothed the silver-gray dress she wore. She smiles nervously. “I would have thought my company would be in-appropriate since I was the cause of all this.” She clasps her hands behind her back, bowing her head a fraction so that her long bangs overshadow her eyes.

“Nonsense! I was plagued with incessant boredom until you showed up.” Snorted the moth demon casually.

“Eh?”

Menoumaru shook his head. “I meant what I said. You see these..” He waved his arm in an arc, implying the people, that even now scurried to and fro in a frantic pace. “Are all afraid to do anything that would displease me.”

“And that is wrong because?...”

Menoumaru laughed, his fangs glittering dangerously making him take on an almost feral look. “Truly, I have not met any female who can catch my attention.. a ningen no less!”

“Yargghhhh!! What is it with 'ningen' this and 'ningen' that! There is nothing wrong with being a ningen so I would appreciate if you would stop degrading me and my race!” A surge of power thrum across the stagnant air breaking it's stillness.

Menoumaru closed his eyes feeling the prickling sensation take hold of his body. He lets himself be submerged in her stirring power, rejoicing in the way the electric spark seem to dance across his skin, invoking his own power to surface and intermingle with hers.

'“What a jewel you are. Twice now you have enamored me.”

“T-twice?” Kagome asked, sitting down abruptly on the seat Menoumaru had earlier offered.

“I heard your little display in the Western Taiyoukai's booth.” He leaned forward, his breath fanning her flushed skin. “Tell me, are you his?”

“Wha-what?!!! No!” Spluttered Kagome, her backward jerk tipping her chair over. Menoumaru caught her chair and all, in the blink of an eye even before any sound escapes her lips. His face hovering just a few centimeters off her own. “I belong to no-one.” Whispered Kagome in a disconcerted tone, she felt her pulse quicken looking into his penetrating eyes, she felt pulled into a whirlpool of power.

Menoumaru smiled coolly, breathing her subtle fragrance. “I see.”

“Menoumaru!”

An icy bark rolled over them, instantly freezing the heated moment. Sesshoumaru bared his fangs at the other demon Lord.

“Release her.” He drawled out in a deadly tone.

Menoumaru smugly smirked, lifting Kagome from her fallen chair with great ease.

“Sesshoumaru!.. My chair fell...And...”

Menoumaru tightened his grip on Kagome's waist, holding her firm against his own. Sesshoumaru growled threateningly, his tumultuous gold eyes breaking out in streaks of red-hot embers. Red haze seep slowly into his narrowing eyes, even as he took one menacing step forward.

Kagome sensing things are about to turn for the worse unless she mediates, turned to Menoumaru.

“Please, let me go.” She implored.

The Moth Taiyoukai regarded her for a moment before complying with her request. Kagome hurried to Sesshoumaru's side. She touches his shoulder to gain his attention looking up at him with pleading eyes.

“Go back to our table Kagome.” Stated Sesshoumaru in a cold tone, still glaring daggers at the other Taiyoukai.

Kagome withdrew her hand, she had never seen him this infuriated before. She could feel his rage coming off him in waves. The restraint he prided himself in, barely containing the fury just laying beneath. Kagome squeezed his clawed hand once before walking back to their table. Sesshoumaru let out one last growl, then turned to walk away.

“She is not claimed, as stated by her.” Pointed out Menoumaru, unconcerned about the rage pouring off the Western Taiyoukai.

“Touch her again and will rip out both your hands.” He growled out.

“And end a millennium of peace from our father's time?”

“Tread carefully Ga (Moth) Taiyoukai. The peace you so callously mention, was the result of my father expelling your father from these lands-a rotting carcass. His blood courses strongly through my veins. I will repeat history if need be. Heed my words Menoumaru, you pursue your own demise at my hands should you persist in your folly.”

“Is that a threat?”

The Inu Lord stopped in his tracks, he turned his head a fraction, glaring menacingly at the the Moth Taiyoukai in the corner of his narrowed scarlet eyes.

“This Sesshoumaru threatens not. That was a promise.” He murmured in a chilling voice.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

With Kagome in the Ladies' Room:

“Quick! The Shikon!” Yelled Kagome going in the toilet.

Sango and Jakotsu jumped up from their seated vigil, each one holding onto an item essential to Kagome's transformation. Sango reaches over the door handing Kagome the glistening orb while taking back Kagome's silver dress.

“Here's the other dress Kagome-sweetie.”

“Thanks Jak!”

“Ugh! You're making my head spin with all this changing honey! I need a drink!” Declared Jakotsu, fanning himself with his hands.

“What happened out there Gome? It sounded like the end of the world just a moment ago.”

“If you were referring to the clash of titanic powers a while ago well then yea... In fact the apocalypse will come if I don't get out there in a few moments.” Mumbled out Kagome through the thin fabric of her navy blue dress. “Sesshoumaru nearly bit off the head of Menoumaru.”

Sango winced as Jakotsu nearly slid of the wall he was leaning on. “Menoumaru? Hyoga's son Menoumaru?”

“You know him Jak?” Asked Kagome as she emerged fully transformed from the toilet cubicle.

“He's the Taiyoukai of the Mainland. Very vicious if the rumors are true.” Jakotsu pursed his shiny lip-glossed lips. “Quite a blood thirsty lot you surround yourself with Kagome darling!”

“He sounds like a guy you shouldn't mess with Kagome.” Frowned Sango in a disapproving tone.

“Oh he's not bad I suppose.”

“Not bad? You do know that it was him and his father that tried to conquer Japan almost a thousand years ago right?” Interjected Jakotsu, putting his hands on his girdled hips.

“If that was the case Sesshoumaru would have fought him then.” Added Sango.

“Actually they were sort of growling and snarling back there.” Remarked Kagome.

“You have no idea sister!” Jakotsu reclined leisurely on the elegant tan couch next to the mirrors. “Let me give you a run down on youkai behavior. Family feuds of that sort run deep. Although a millennium has passed it doesn't heal old wounds.”

“But times have changed. They're dining under the same roof for kami's sake! Don't tell me they still hold a grudge after all that time?”

“Mainland youkai and Japanese youkai, feuds run deep. It's ingrained in their blood.”

“That's crazy! Surely they can put it aside!”

“You're thinking in terms of human logic Kagome. I'm afraid Jakotsu is right.” Sighed Sango. “The blood feuds that raged on in the past continues to this day as generation beget generation. Bitter enmities pass from father to son. It's a never ending cycle.”

“That's terrible.”

“It's the way of the youkai. Their blood line more often than not, dictate all their actions. I believe that is why Sugimi-sama had such high hopes for Sesshoumaru. Perhaps he thought, even as his son surpassed him in strength and power, Sesshoumaru might rise above the call of his blood and herald a new age for youkai the world over.”

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Back with Sesshoumaru.

“I'm sorry I just returned now, I got held up by..”

“Where is Kagome?” Scowled Sesshoumaru darkly.

“She excused herself she bumped into a friend.”

“Hn.”

“Did something happen while I was gone? You look terribly displeased about something.” Takara walked up to Sesshoumaru touching his face tenderly with one hand. “Did Kagome upset you?” She asked softly. The Inu Lord averted her eyes. He could feel her concern radiate sharply. He shook himself mentally, reigning in his thoughts of Kagome.

'Why are my thoughts filled with her. Takara is my intended, why does it matter to me if the moth finds her pleasing?'

“Sesshoumaru-sama?”

“It matters not.” He tried to murmur it in as soft a tone as he could muster however due to his angry disposition, it came out colder than he had anticipated.

Kagome flinched slightly.

“Forgive this Sesshoumaru, Takara. I am not fully myself tonight.” 'After this binding ceremony I will be rid of her troublesome influence forever!'

The Inu Lord signaled to the Maitre'D from across the room, who promptly attended to their table accompanied by four distinguished-looking Inu youkai. Takara furrowed her brows in complete puzzle, 'what is going on here?'. Her mind screamed.

The four elders, as escorted by the Maitre'D fell prostrate before Sesshoumaru, then turning to Takara bowed similarly before her, with their foreheads touching the floor. Takara locked eyes with Sesshoumaru confused and unsure of what to do. He in turn observed her coolly in a detached manner.

'What is going on with him?' Pondered Kagome still observing the Taiyoukai with worried eyes.

“You may begin.” Ordered the Inu Lord off handedly, his eyes still averted from Takara.

“My Lady.” Began one elder. “It is a great honor to be the one to present you with the signet ring of betrothal to our Lord and Master Sesshoumaru no Taishou. Most Honored and much feared Lord and Ruler of the Lands of the Western territories.”

'What the hell?' Gawked Kagome silently. Her attention snapping back towards the elder.

“Please accept this as token of our Lord's great desire to have you for mate. To support and honor him. Doing everything in your power to uphold the virtues and honor of the royal house of the West.”

'I feel like I'm digging my own grave..... I don't feel so good......'

“Being bound to him in body and spirit. United in heart and mind. In one likeness two souls are now combined!” Concluded the elder as he slipped on a cloudy white jade ring on Kagome's finger. A brief flash went before her eyes just as darkness claimed her vision.

THUD.

“Takara!” Jumped Sesshoumaru.

“My Lady!!” Cried the Elders in alarm.