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DoN: Day 5: Gin Rummy

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                                                                   DAY: 5
                                                               Gin Rummy


Inuyasha awoke before Kikyo like he always did. She stirred slightly as he rose from the futon they shared. He put on the fire rat haori he always wore and the Tetsaiga. He stepped outside to relieve himself, but was stopped by an already awake and alert Sango. She was wearing her slayer outfit and bone boomerang. Sango smirked at the shocked expression on his face. She motioned with a tilt of her head for him to do his business. He nodded and came back a short time later.

Sango sat against the wall of his new hut while waiting for him. Inuyasha approached her a bit cautiously. Sango sighed at his behavior and motioned once again for him to follow her as she stood up. Her steps were silent and brisk; they could have rivaled that of Sesshomaru, well when she wanted to that is. Inuyasha followed. Sango didn’t sit down but just turned to face him as he rounded the corner. She spoke in a whisper as to not wake his companion inside the house.  

“I have a plan.”

“A plan, for what?” Inuyasha spoke in the same whisper.

“To help you get Kagome and Sesshomaru together, or did you already forget?” she crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave him a plaintive and irritated look.

“Oh, that. Yeah I remember, so what do you have in mind?” Inuyasha did not like getting help, but after traveling with the demon slayer for so long, he knew not to refuse her.

“Well, here is what I have in mind….” Sango went on to tell him her plan, a playful smirk on her face that also began to grace Inuyasha’s as the plan continued to unfold.

Sesshomaru contemplated his dilemma all night. There was no way around it. He was completely clueless as to what to do to win Kagome’s heart.  The only person he could turn to was his loathsome half brother. He looked up at the sky. The sun was going to rise not too long from now. He nodded to the waning moon after reaching a decision.  He stood up and strode to where Jaken was just waking up by the fire.

“Jaken.” Was all it took for the frog demon to jump to his feet fully awake.

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?” he croaked out.


“Tell Inuyasha to meet me by the river thirty yards from camp.” His tone brokered no rebuttals from his servant. Jaken bowed and went to do his bidding.

Sesshomaru turned and walked until he was exactly thirty yards from his camp. It was out of ear shot of his servant and beast of burden. He placed himself underneath a tree and went over what he wanted to ask. He knew he still had to refrain from hurting Inuyasha. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. He wondered why his life got very complicated in such a short time.

The sun had risen not more then ten minutes when Kagome sat up in the bed in Sango’s small hut. She yawned and stood up wearing nothing but the inner yukata from last night. She quickly wrapped herself in the same outfit and walked from the hut into Keade’s next door. The children and Miroku were still asleep. No doubt from their exhausting time at the festival. She grabbed her bag and went back to Sango’s house to get dressed for the day and see if she could come up with food for the kids once they were awake.  

Kagome slid from her kimono and put on fresh undergarments and the same hip hugger jeans from yesterday. A loose t-shirt was next. It did not add any extra warmth with the coming cold, but it was all she had left until she either bought more kimonos or washed the ones she already had worn. Seeing as how she did not have any money for this era, she was going to have to do her laundry. Her daily activities planned, she set about making preparations for breakfast.  

Kagome sat by the fire she started to warm her chilled arms. Sango came in carrying a handful of small fish on a line. She was still wearing her slayer outfit. Sango smiled at Kagome as she handed the fish to her to cook.

“Thanks Sango! You caught enough for everyone.”

“Yeah, Inuyasha helped too.” This statement brought a smile to Kagome’s lips, one that reached her eyes. Sango lightly chuckled and helped Kagome skewer the fish on sticks and set them to fry by the fire. Both sat watching the fire. Sango turned to Kagome with a grin of her own. It hid her true intentions very well.

“What are your plans for today Kagome?” Sango needed to know so her plan could work. Kagome was oblivious. She was just happy to have girl talk with just them this morning. After last night, she felt invigorated and excited for the new day.  She attributed it to the fact she came to terms with her emotions regarding a certain demon lord.

“Well, after breakfast I plan to head to the river to wash my clothes. I only brought two sweaters with me. I wasn’t thinking it was going to get so cold so fast.” Kagome shrugged her shoulders blowing off her blunder as just a minor mishap. She turned the fish to let them roast on the other side for an even cook.

“Okay. I will join as well. My slayer outfit needs a good cleaning too.” they chuckled as the rest of the gang came in. The children were rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Miroku was gripping his head as some other children began playing outside loudly. Sango got a wicked grin on her face, as did her companion. Kagome beat Sango to the proverbial punch.

“GOOD MORNING SHIPPO AND RIN!” Kagome bellowed loudly.

The kids just grinned and hopped into her lap asking for breakfast. Miroku was at a loss for words. The monk gripped his head making sure if it exploded he would catch all the pieces when they scattered. Sango forgot her malicious intent when Kagome went on to continue her torment of the poor monk. Sango rolled on the floor laughing very hard. The children ate while sporting big grins of their own as they watched the turmoil Kagome was inflicting. Kagome wanted to make sure that the houshi would never let alcohol get the better of him.

“WOULD YOU LIKE SOME BREAKFAST HOUSHI-SAMA?!” Kagome inquired. (I couldn’t resist tormenting Miroku for a little bit. I’m evil, I know.)

Miroku groaned as he fell to his knees now gripping his hung over head with both hands. Kagome went to continue when Sango put a hand on Kagome’s knee to signal that it was enough. Sango wiped the tears from her eyes from her mirth and walked over to Miroku. She helped him up. They walked over to the fire and sat down. Kagome handed them both a fish. The rest of breakfast was held in silence. Kikyo had even joined them after a little bit. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were never to be seen at breakfast. Feeling it was normal it was passed over as nothing more then a coincidence. After the meal was over Sango helped Miroku into her futon to get more rest. Kagome and Sango grabbed their dirty clothes and headed for the river. The kids skipped along behind them until other village children had them joining in a game of tag, and they disappeared.

Inuyasha did as instructed by the little toad. He walked past his brother’s camp and headed towards his scent where it was the strongest. Inuyasha was still a bit irritated that the village men needed his help cleaning up the unused logs from the festival. He cut them down into smaller logs to be used in the coming winter. When he was about to get some food in Sango’s hut with the rest of the group, Jaken told him to meet his brother. Here he was hungry beyond reason and he had to deal with Sesshomaru. His day wasn’t going too well thus far. Inuyasha was seething by the time he noticed said person he was thinking about was sitting not more then ten yards from the river bank in front of him.

That bastard Sesshomaru better have something important to discuss with me…





Sesshomaru sat under a tree bracing his right arm on his right knee, which was bent towards his chest for comfort. His other leg was out stretched and rested his left arm on it. He glanced at Inuyasha from the peripheral vision and kept gazing at the azure water of the river, Kagome dancing by fire light in a beautiful kimono was all he could think about. Inuyasha broke his concentration with a gruff question. Sesshomaru refrained from gripping the bridge of his nose, or killing him. After all, he needed his help and win a bet with Kagome.  He never backed down, and he never lost anything. Inuyasha stopped a few feet away from him. Being one with not very many patience he blurted out a demand or question, either way you want to look at it.

“What the hell do you want Sesshomaru? You stopped me from getting a meal!” he did not hold back his irritation, his hackles raised slightly. Sesshomaru turned with narrowed eyes at him. This caused Inuyasha to take an involuntary step backwards.

Sesshomaru just glowered at the hanyou. His own irritation rising. He should have known this was going to be hopeless. It was hard enough trying to be nice to the whelp, but asking for help was just too low for him to sink to. Voices were approaching the river. His luck must have been turning, for Kagome and the demon slayer walked to the river just west of the outcropping of trees.  Inuyasha also watched as the girls went to the river and knelt down and began to wash clothes. He folded his arms into his sleeves. He smirked as Sesshomaru became transfixed on Kagome. He broke the moment to try to push things further in his favor.  He just hoped Sesshomaru caught on.

“Kagome needs more kimonos if she is going to be here through the winter.” Inuyasha gave himself a pat on the back for giving as subtle a hint as he could muster. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at this, but did not turn to look at Inuyasha.

“Indeed.” was all Sesshomaru had to say. Inuyasha got his point across, and Sesshomaru did not have to hurt his pride by asking him for help. For the time being both of them achieved the means without reaching a bloody end. Inuyasha strolled casually back to his hut where Kikyo had a rice bowl waiting for him. Sesshomaru watched as the girls went on cleaning.

The afternoon came and lunch was served and ate without very much going on. The village was cleaned up and not a trace of celebration was left. Everyone went about their own chores. Shippo and Rin ran off as soon as they were done. They had boasted about a  new fort that the rest of the children were making together.  Sango and Kagome warmed their hands around hot cups of tea after eating. Sango was excited. She was going to go see her finished wedding kimono in a little while. They had met the tailor at the river. She too had to clean clothes, not her own, they were for paying customers. The old woman told Sango that one of them was hers, but would have to wait until it was dry.

Sango and Kagome left the hut to go wash the dishes at the river when a horrified scream came at the far end of the village. Dishes forgotten Sango and Kagome dashed for towards the sound. They noticed it was coming from just behind the tailor’s house. They rushed to confront whatever danger was there. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru soon followed suit. All four looked on, two of them were shocked, one was unchanging, and the other was heart broken.  

The tailor was scolding and spanking some of the village children. Shippo and Rin saw them finally and came rushing over. Rin clung to Sesshomaru’s leg sobbing. Shippo landed in Kagome’s arms. She looked down at the kit and had to ask.

“Why did you guys do this?” she was still in shock, but saw Sango go over to the tailor with unshed tears in her eyes. Shippo began to sob, unable to speak.

Inuayasha and Sesshomaru surveyed the damage. That was when Inuyasha became angry. Material lay about the ground in shreds. Others pieces were strewn about, but were full kimonos. They had sap from the nearby trees and mud in shapes of hands and feet of children. That was not what made Inuyasha so angry and Sango so upset. On the ground lay her wedding kimono in pieces with the same mud and sap on it. Next to it was Miroku’s wedding hakama and Kagome’s kimono she was to wear at the event.

This was not according to plan. Sango grabbed the ravaged kimono. Looking at it she was so mad tears spilt down her cheeks. She had only herself to blame for this. When she had put the children up to destroy Kagome’s kimono so that Sesshomaru had to get her a new one, she forgot to mention what it looked like. Inuyasha knew the plan; this is why he did not lash out at the children for what they have done. The kids were taken by their parents after a thorough apology was made to both Sango and the tailor. Shippo retreated behind Kagome’s hair as she walked to Sango’s side.  She placed a hand on the demon slayer’s shoulder.

“It is alright Sango. We’ll find us new kimonos…somewhere…” Kagome trailed off not knowing what else to say. Before anyone else could say anything, Rin piped up with her own idea, and Sesshomaru had to agree with her.

“Kiwi-chan makes beautiful kimonos! We can ask her to make them for you because Rin feels very bad about what happened.” She began to sniffle again. Sesshomaru put his left hand on her head to calm her down.

Sesshomaru would have normally protested at the mere thought of helping them, but last night he had an epiphany. Now he was all about earning Kagome’s favor, and if this was one way to do so, so be it. He had thought up what to do for the courting. If there was a better chance of this, it was far from happening. If Sesshomaru was one thing, it was seizing the opening when it appears.

“Kiwi-san will make new kimonos.” It was not a question and did not give an opening for protesting.   He could have handled protesting actually, what he got was not expected at all.



Kagome was beside herself at the statement. Sango just nodded at this, as well as Inuyasha. Both of them picked up on the fact it was an order. She walked up to Sesshomaru looking deep into his golden depths, searching for the underlining meaning to his statement. She of course found nothing but his mask, which he wore too eloquently.

“You would do that for Sango, Sesshomaru, without question?” Deep inside she wanted it to be because of her, the selfish part of her heart.

Just once…let it be because you want to do something for me…like no one else has…

“No.” Sesshomaru put it bluntly.

Sango’s sails deflated as did Kagome’s. Sango nodded and turned to leave. Kagome hung her head and was about to leave as well. Sesshoamru was not done speaking to them, mainly Kagome. He walked over to her and placed his thumb and forefinger of his right hand under her chin to make her look at him. Kagome’s heart started racing. Sango had turned back around to see what was happening, a small grin coming to her lips. Inuyasha had leaped up into a nearby tree to watch the scene unfold like Sango and he had schemed that morning.  Sesshomaru bent down a little so that he was nose to nose with her. He knew they were being watched, but like many times during travels while hunting Naraku, he liked to make her blush. Kagome’s mind was racing along with the muscle of life in her chest.

Is he…is he going…to…to…kiss me?! Oh my god…oh my god…not in front of every one!

A blush was already forming on her cheeks and threatened to spread to the rest of her if things kept going at the rate they were. The words that came from his mouth made the redness spread faster then light.

“I do it for you Kagome.” His thumb lightly grazed her cheek before he stood up and lead a giggling Rin back to his camp to make preparations to leave.

Kagome stood transfixed to the spot. He told her exactly what she wanted to hear. He touched her without seconds repose. Not once did he mention it was for the jewel or because of the bet. He was doing this strictly for her. Sango walked up behind her grinning ear to ear. She placed her had on Kagome’s shoulder this time. Inuyasha leapt back down, his smile masked by annoyance.

“Let’s go. The bastard probably wants us to leave before dinner.” This brought Kagome further back to reality.

“What do you mean Inuyasha? He said Kiwi-san will make them, don’t we just wait for him to bring them back to us?” Kagome shrugged obviously clueless.

“Of course not stupid! You have to be fitted for them!” he growled out.

“Sit! I am not stupid Inuyasha! Humph…” she traipsed off now irritated with the hanyou. Inuyasha grumbled from his hole in the ground. Sango knelt down to him and giggled. Inuyasha soon sat up and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“I think the end result was better then planned, wouldn’t you say Inuyasha?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.” He stormed off ahead of Sango, who was shaking her head at him.

Kagome and Sango informed everyone what was going on, and that packing was in order. After everyone was packed and ready to go, Kagome and Sango got dinner ready. Shippo was glad Kagome was not so sad anymore and mad at him.  Everyone laughed at stories from and antics long past over years of travels when Jaken arrived to bring them to Sesshomaru. The toad was slightly stunned to find that they were already ready to go.

They all walked in silence as they made their way behind the toad demon. They all wondered how they were going to get there and how far away it really was. Kikyo was even traveling with them Keade told her it would be nice for her to travel once again. Inuyasha held her hand as they walked. Both glad o be going together. She was not feeling so well as of late. Inuyasha worried for her, but put no voice for his concern. She was a well trained miko, she knew more about herself then he did.

Should I tell him…no not yet…I am not sure myself…

Kikyo shook her head of her thoughts as the group reached the camp. Ah-un was all set to be ridden. The entire camp was packed. The clearing looked as if nothing or no one had been there. Sesshomaru nodded to their readiness. Shippo jumped down from his perch and ran over to Rin. Both children mounted Ah-un without being asked to. Kagome watched as everyone paired off.

The question of how everyone was going to get there being answered. Kikyo rode on Inuyasha’s back. Sango and Miroku rode on a transformed Kirara. Kagome shrugged and walked towards Ah-un, but with all the packs and the children there was no room. She turned to voice her opinion when Sesshomaru walked over to her and knelt down with his back turned.

The scene made her remember riding on Inuyasha’s back that she faltered a little bit.  Everyone had already made their way to the castle following a running and leaping Inuyasha, who apparently actually knew the way. It was just Sesshomaru and Kagome now. Sakura trees and a bridge from last night rushed to the fore front of her mind. His deep baritone breaking of the scene.

“If you do not get on, they will beat us there, and this Sesshomaru hates losing.” He looked over his shoulder at her. He smelled her apprehension and it unnerved him. She still thought of Inuyasha even at a time like this. She nodded and blushed again. This relaxed his irritation.

“Sorry.” She whispered as she got on his very strong back. He latched her legs tight against his sides with his arms underneath her knees. Before she could feel embarrassed they were running. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, mindful of his spiked armor piece, and clung to him for dear life. It was exhilarating and scary all in one. Trees whipped by. Well, she thought they were trees, blurs of pure colors was more appropriate. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder with the fluffy tail like appendage.

Only hours seemed to pass and Sesshomaru stopped in front of his home. It had only been five days since his departure. He heard Kagome cough on purpose and remembered to put her down. He had to admit, it was nice having her ride on his back, and he just wondered what it would belike to have her ride the other way. He closed his eyes from the lecherous thought.  He had definitely been around the humans far too long.

Kagome enjoyed the ride and was wondering the same thing he had. She shook her head as he closed his eyes. They were here on business. They needed new kimonos. Ten minutes passed and the others landed. Everyone stared at the palace. It was huge and two warriors stood outside by the gate. Sesshomaru walked a head of everyone else. They saw him approach and bowed very low. He paid no attention to them. He looked over his shoulder and nodded for them to follow him.

“Jaken, retrieve Ringoshu.” The toad ran off without a word. Rin looked like she just saw a wolf. Her eyes went wide and began to shake at the mention of the name. Kagome looked further and noticed so did Ah-un.

Everyone moved into the main entry way and was in awe of the structure. It was a mixture of Japanese and foreign architecture. They put down their packs and gear as servants came and whisked them away without being told where to put them. More like they did not tell the owners where they were being put. Rin was still shaking waiting to see this person or demon named Ringoshu. She visibly relaxed when she saw a tall woman come around the corner.

The woman was tall. She had pointed ears like Sesshomaru, bur no markings on her face. Her hair was the straight down her back and a very sleek, bright blue. Her bangs pointed in over lapped waves and came down in front of her ears. At the tips of her ears were silver chains. Her skin was deep plush peach color, unblemished. Her eyes were the dark crimson, and held an edge of danger to them. Her face was a stoic mask that could rival Sesshomaru’s own. On her curvy body was a light pink western style dress that stopped at her ankles. On her right ankle was a lavender ribbon.  In her right hand was a long double edged axe. At the base was a single bladelike an upside down scythe. She bowed low still holding her weapon. Every girl felt insecure in front of such a deadly beauty. Sesshomaru showed no outward interest as he spoke to her as if she was Jaken.

“Where is Ringoshu, Blueberry?”

“She is helping Lemon on the north eastern border with the shipment of fabrics for Kiwi.” When she spoke it was like a female version of Sesshoamru was talking. In Kagome’s mind it was like he was talking to himself.  

“How long until they arrive?”

“They will arrive in the morning.”

“Kiwi knew what was to happen.”

“Yes, Sesshomaru-sama.” Blueberry stood up after speaking and looked over the entire group. Kagome knew now that Kanna must have learned that look from Blueberry. It was vacant but observant. Blueberry’s eyes fell on Kagome last. She wanted to flinch and shake much the way Rin had. Blueberry actually smirked at her and nodded.

“You have chosen Sesshomaru-sama.”

“Yes.”

“We approve. I will show the rest to their rooms.” She held out her left hand and Rin ran to her and hugged her leg. She got the same pat on her head that Sesshomaru would give her.  The rest of the group, mainly Kagome, was completely lost, confused, and excited.

The group began to follow Blueberry down the long hallway on the left. Kagome went to follow, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see a smirking Sesshomaru. She smiled shakily at him. He motioned for her to follow him down the right corridor. She did so without question. Many questions ran through her head.

“Where did you meet such a…woman Sesshomaru?” she did not know another way to phrase that question, and began to mentally berate herself for it.


“She was found, with her sisters, on the beaches of this domain when I was a child. She and her sisters were raised along side this Sesshomaru.” They were alone, so indulging her curiosity suited him for the moment.  

“I see. What kind of demons are they?”

“Acid.”

“Oh. Thank you.” Kagome was glad he answered her questions. Ever since that glance, the smirk, and just plain seeing her, she felt as if she had a rival for Sesshomaru. She knew that she had no chance with the demon lord, but that did not stop the feelings from forming.

They stopped in front of a sliding door. She bowed to him in thanks. He nodded and went down the hall to the very end. She watched as he opened the door and went inside. She did the same. It took her breath away. The futon was on the far side of the room covered in lavish silks. See through curtains offered that matched the bed coverings, fluttered in the light breeze from an open door opposite the bed.

Kagome looked to her right and saw her bag. She was relieved. She walked over to it and dug around for her pajamas. Putting them on she yawned. She wanted to see where the door lead before going to sleep. Walking to the opening she gazed out on a beautiful Zen rock garden. It was open to the night sky. She smiled and inhaled the chilly air. Looking about she saw other doors open around the same structure. Kagome rubbed her arms to warm them. She still berated herself for not bringing warmer clothes with her. A tank top was not winter clothing no matter what era you are in. She was about to go inside to bed when she heard her name being called. Turning her head Rin waved to her from across the way. Kagome giggled and waved back.

“Rin is happy Kagome-sama is here now.”

“I am happy to be here too Rin-chan.” Rin giggled and went back into her room. Kagome did the same. Lying underneath the covers sleep claimed her fast.  She had not felt so comfortable or relaxed since Naraku’s demise.

Sesshomaru was not as lucky. In his own bed, in his large room, he was having a private conversation. She had given him privacy while he was away, but now that he was back underneath the same roof as her, she saw fit to look after him, and invade his thoughts. It was a musical voice even while speaking in the mind.

I am glad you are back Sesshomaru.

It is good to be home.

I can tell you are upset with me.

…I am not upset with you Kiwi…

Lying does not suit you my Lord…please refrain from doing so with me…

Fine, I am a little irritated, but glad you have taken measures before being asked to…

Much better, thank you…yes they are necessary means for your courting lass are they not?

Yes, but I would like to know how you knew…

Come now Sess, you know perfectly well how I know.

Indeed…what do you have planned for her Kiwi-san?

You will see after I get her measurements, and speak with her…privately…

I trust it will be tactful…

I am not Ringoshu, Sesshomaru…

Very well.

See you in the morning Sesshomaru.

Kiwi closed the link. Sesshomaru turned over under his own black silk covers and drifted off to sleep. Images and dreams of Kagome starting off riding on his back leading to other things. He woke up frequently during the night panting, and wishing the courting could go faster then it has to.
Okay here is the next installment for your viewing pleasure. Catching up to ffnet with each passing week...

Well, becasue I'm taking a little break from writing to do some art for once. On the plate right now is the acid sisters in this story. I drew them before back in 2005 before I started writng this fic, and put them in here for some added fun. Now that my tablet has given me a whole new take on photoshop, I'm redoing them. So if you are intereested in how they are pictured in my mind just keep an eye open for them ^_~ First up is going to be Kiwi ^_~

Inuyasha and all its characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. Blueberry, Ringoshu, Kiwi, and Lemon belong to me.

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u now i always hated kikyo only cause she is dead trying 2 flirt wut inuyasha ut love i mean love your stories