Cousins are a Pain in the Rear by Inutaishi

Proposition

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, but would love to own Sesshoumaru! lol

Chapter One: Proposition

Kagome was dreaming. She could tell that from the moment she'd woken in this mysterious room. The bedcovers on the four-poster cherry wood bed she currently sat on were silk she noted as she ran her hand across the comforter. The sheets were silver and the comforter was a deep violet color. As her gaze shifted from the comforter to the nightstand next to the bed, also cherry wood, she noticed a wallet lying there. Curious, she went to pick up the expensive looking wallet, but as her fingers touched it, the wallet disappeared. Releasing a sigh, Kagome decided to look around the room.

First thing her eyes landed on was the big screen TV at the end of the bed. On the shelf underneath it, she saw a DVD player, cable box, and part of the home theater system. She summed it up in her mind and decided that everything on that shelf had to have cost more than her car. The TV had to cost at least half of her college tuition. Her gaze shifted to the right of the entertainment center and she smiled as she saw a mural hanging on the wall.

Kagome rose from the bed and walked around it taking note of the extremely expensive rug under her feet. She reached the mural and stopped. The picture displayed a large dog demon lying under a cherry blossom tree. The look on the dog's face could only be described as content as it curled itself around a small human child. Odd, Kagome thought before her gaze shifted to the painting above the fireplace across the room. Her eyes widened slightly before she dashed across the room to stand in front of the blazing fireplace.

'It can't be…' Kagome whispered unbelievingly in her mind, but one look at the silver hair, gold eyes, maroon stripes, blue crescent moon, and the pointed ears told her it was. 'Sesshoumaru!'

Kagome fell to her knees in front of the fireplace and stared at the flames. How? Why was she in what was obviously Sesshoumaru's room? What the hell was going on? Sure, the painting didn't quite look like the Sesshoumaru she knew. The markings were the only difference. The one she knew didn't have them, whereas the one in the painting did.

Kagome was in such a daze that she didn't hear the bedroom door open. The female inuyoukai that had walked into the room smiled at the miko in front of the fireplace. The young woman appeared to be in shock. The youkai walked toward the miko and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Kagome screamed the minute she felt someone's hand touch her shoulder and fell backwards into the person's legs. Looking up, Kagome froze as her blue eyes locked with amused violet ones. She trembled as a smile crossed the other woman's face and nearly screamed as the woman bent down to help her up.

Once she was on her feet, she looked the woman over. Black hair with violet tips fell down to the woman's calves; two violet stripes ran down the woman's cheeks from her ears to her mouth, black eyeliner lined each violet eye, and a black star adorned the woman's forehead. Kagome was a bit taken by surprise to see the woman dressed in a white t-shirt that read 'Bad dog, no biscuit' and hugged her frame perfectly. Her jeans were low riders that showed off the top lining of her black underwear. She wore black biker boots. Kagome also noticed that there was a belly button ring in the woman's navel and she had one eyebrow pierced and six earrings in each ear.

"Who are you?" Kagome asked the female after she was done with her assessment.

"My name is Minami. You must be Kagome," Minami stated as she held her hand out to the miko.

Kagome shook Minami's hand and asked, "How do you know me and why am I here?"

"Inuyasha talks about you a lot. I'm his cousin, by the way, and I really don't know why you're here," Minami stated as she led Kagome to the sofa in front of the fireplace. The women sat before Minami continued, "I'm only here to tell you that there's a big change coming to your life and to make sure you're prepared for it."

"Change? What kind of change?" Kagome questioned as she pushed an ebony lock of hair behind her ear.

"I don't know. Sorry I'm not able to give you more info than that," Minami replied as her gaze turned to the fireplace.

"That's okay. So why am I in Sesshoumaru's room?" Kagome asked. Minami shrugged.

"Your guess is as good as mine, but I believe it may be time for you to wake up. Seems Inuyasha is getting tired of shaking you," Minami stated as she smiled.

"Okay. Will I see you again?" Kagome questioned as everything started to fade.

"More than likely," Minami's voice echoed through her mind as Kagome was yanked off of her bed.

Kagome opened her eyes to see very irritated amber ones staring at her. She groaned and laid her head on Inuyasha's shoulder. A sigh left her lips before she pulled back to look at the half demon.

"Did you have to pull me outta bed?" Kagome questioned tiredly.

"Keh, ya shoulda been up an hour ago. It's like trying to wake the dead with you," Inuyasha replied as he placed her on her feet. He turned around and walked out of the room leaving Kagome to get dressed.

Kagome sighed as she pulled her clothes out of the dresser to get ready for work. As she pulled her skirt up to her hips, Kagome paused as her gaze landed on the engagement ring Inuyasha had given her. Even though it was a simple diamond set in platinum, Kagome was beginning to feel like it weighed a ton. Marriage…could she really marry Inuyasha?

"Oi, wench, hurry up or we're gonna be late!" Inuyasha's voice sounded from the next room.

"Alright!" Kagome hollered back to him as she rapidly buttoned her blouse. She slid her heels on and grabbed her briefcase before leaving the bedroom. She walked to the living room to see Inuyasha standing at the door in a black Armani suit and black briefcase in hand.

Compared to him, Kagome felt like nothing. He was wearing Armani and here she stood in department store clothing. She knew Inuyasha was rich, not as rich as Sesshoumaru of course, but did he have to flaunt it like that? It aggravated her to no end that he decided to mock her with the amount of money he made compared to the tiny salary she was making.

Inuyasha locked the door behind him and the two made their way to the bright red Mercedes that he owned. The only one in the neighborhood and Inuyasha made sure to let everyone see it. He choked back a laugh as he remembered the look on the neighbor's face when he'd pulled up in the Mercedes for the first time. His eyes narrowed on the woman in front of him when he noticed her beginning to head to the beat up Trans Am sitting in front of the Mercedes.

"Hey, where ya going? When you gonna get rid of that piece of junk, anyway?" Inuyasha asked as he grabbed Kagome's shoulder.

"Piece…of…junk?" Kagome nearly growled as her eyes flashed dangerously.

Inuyasha gulped and backed away from the tiny enraged woman. "Look, I'm sorry. Let's just get in my car and get to work. You know how that bastard gets when we're late," Inuyasha stated almost desperately.

"Fine," Kagome bit out through clenched teeth. She stormed over to the car that she loathed and opened the door before sliding in the passenger seat. After she slammed the door, she put her seat belt on as Inuyasha got in and started the car.

Five minutes later, Kagome couldn't stand the silence anymore and turned to Inuyasha. "Where were you last night? You didn't come home," Kagome asked as she messed with the dials on the radio.

"I told you last night I had to work late. I fell asleep at the office," Inuyasha replied with a shrug.

"So, you were already at the office, but decided to come get me just to turn around and go back? Why didn't you just stay there? I do have my own vehicle," Kagome questioned suspiciously.

"I had to change, didn't I? Are you seriously suggesting that I'm cheating on you, Kagome?" Inuyasha asked as he watched her from the corner of his eye.

"No, but it just seems odd that four nights out of the week, you don't come home and when I call the office, I get your voicemail," Kagome stated as she fiddled with her briefcase.

"I explained that to you. When I'm at the office late, I let the voicemail get my calls so I can get my work done," Inuyasha responded as he pulled into his parking space.

They exited the car and Kagome waited till Inuyasha was standing next to her before wrapping her arms around him. "I understand, Inu. I'm sorry I questioned you and you know I love you," she stated as he pulled her to him.

"Love you too, Kags," Inuyasha responded as he buried his nose in her hair. 'Or, at least, I hope I still do,' his thoughts continued for him.

The two pulled away from each other and walked toward the elevator. Once inside, Inuyasha hit the button for the twenty-third floor and waited while the elevator carried them to the floor. As the elevator opened, Inuyasha was stunned to see Miroku standing there looking nervously at the two. "What?" Inuyasha questioned gruffly as he held the door open.

"Sesshoumaru-sama wants to see you in his office now. He's in a very foul mood today, my friend," Miroku stated sympathetically.

"Okay. I guess I'll see you la…" Kagome began but was cut off by Miroku's voice.

"You too, Kagome," Miroku stated worriedly.

"Oh," Kagome stated as Inuyasha let the doors close and hit the button for the twenty-seventh floor.

"Wonder what the bastard wants," Inuyasha muttered.

"No idea," Kagome commented as the elevator doors slid open to reveal the twenty-seventh floor. The two stepped out of the elevator onto the hardwood floor and made their way to the end of the hallway. They stopped as the hallway opened up to the secretary's area where two desks sat. One on their right that looked as though it hadn't been used recently and one on the left where an old woman was seated talking on the phone. Between both desks was a set of mahogany doors that led to Sesshoumaru's office.

Kagome and Inuyasha walked over to the old woman as she hung up the phone. Kagome smiled at her. "How are you today, Kaede?" she questioned as the woman looked up at them.

Kaede smiled at the two. "Busy. I've been attempting to find a new assistant, but human resources hasn't been able to find one that's suitable," the old woman stated before turning to her computer screen. "Sesshoumaru-sama is waiting for you."

"Thank you, Kaede, and good luck on the assistant," Kagome stated as Inuyasha pulled her towards the door. He knocked and a rough 'Enter' sounded through the doorway before Inuyasha pulled the door open and dragged Kagome inside.

After the door closed, Kagome focused her attention to the demon seated behind the desk. Sesshoumaru sat in his chair and was typing away on the keyboard to the computer while Kagome and Inuyasha sat in the chairs in front of the desk. She waited patiently as she watched Sesshoumaru type and had to wonder if the markings she'd seen in her dream were actually real. Of course, she couldn't see them on his face now, but she'd bet her life that he'd managed to hide them somehow.

"What the hell do you want, bastard? I've got things to do," Inuyasha grumbled from his place next to her.

"I'm sure you do, little brother. However, it would seem you weren't too eager to get to work this morning considering you're fifteen minutes late," Sesshoumaru stated coldly.

"That would be the wench's fault. She took forever getting outta bed today and then tried to fight me on riding in my car," Inuyasha responded as he glared at Kagome.

"I see. Very well, you are dismissed, Inuyasha. Kagome, I'd like to have a word with you, if I may," Sesshoumaru stated as he turned a thoughtful gaze to her.

Kagome nodded as she watched Inuyasha walk out of the room. After he left, she turned her attention to Sesshoumaru as he studied her intently. She shifted in her chair a bit suddenly feeling very self-conscious. A knock sounded at the door and Sesshoumaru told the person to enter. Kagome looked up at the newcomer and gasped.

"Minami?" Kagome questioned as soon as her sight landed on the black haired female.

Minami smiled at her and sat in the chair Inuyasha had vacated. Kagome noticed she was still dressed in street clothes but her black t-shirt read 'I love my dog' on it. Kagome watched as Minami handed a file to Sesshoumaru and sat back in the chair.

"It would seem, Kagome, that you are not getting paid enough for your time. Does my little brother not realize this?" Sesshoumaru's voice questioned effectively snapping Kagome out of her awed stupor.

"I really don't know, Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome admitted sheepishly.

"Minami, is the paperwork ready for Kagome to sign?" Sesshoumaru asked his cousin. "Also, what is going on with your attire? Did your closet explode?" Sesshoumaru continued jokingly.

Minami chuckled and shook her head. "Nope. I declared it casual Tuesday; as for the paperwork, it will be ready shortly," Minami replied.

Sesshoumaru nodded before smirking. "It would seem it's always casual something with you, Minami," he stated coolly. Minami shrugged and tilted her head toward the other girl. Sesshoumaru nodded and turned his attention back toward Kagome. "Now, Kagome, I'd like to offer a proposition to you. You don't have to give me an answer today, so I'm going to give you until Friday to decide. I'm offering you the position as my personal assistant. My last one irritated me and I ended up firing her. Therefore, I'm in need of a new one and Minami recommended you," Sesshoumaru stated with a tone of someone talking about the weather.

"What about Inuyasha? He'll need a new assistant then too, won't he?" Kagome questioned.

"That's already been discussed with a Miss Kikyo Tanaka. She seems quite eager to take over the position should you choose to move to a higher-level job," Minami answered with a smile.

"Higher level?" Kagome asked.

"Yes. Not only will you be paid five times more than what Inuyasha is paying you, you will also get a full health benefits package for yourself and any family member, your own parking space, access to the company cars, planes, and limos, as well as two months paid vacation every year. Really, it's the better deal," Minami replied.

"Well, I think I already have an answer for you then," Kagome stated as she smiled at Sesshoumaru, "I'll take it."

"Good. You have the rest of the day to clear out your office downstairs and move your things to the office through that door to your left. After that, take the rest of the day off and I'll see you at eight tomorrow morning, will sign the papers then. Minami will be guiding you through the things I expect my personal assistant to do. Have a good day, Kagome," Sesshoumaru stated as he turned back to the computer screen.

Kagome and Minami stood and made there way towards the door. As Minami opened the door and let Kagome pass, Sesshoumaru hollered at her. "Minami…" he stated as he stared at her. Minami smiled and winked at him. "Gotcha," she replied as she walked out the door. She grabbed Kagome's arm and began to drag her down the hallway.

"Minami, where are we going?" Kagome asked as she tried to keep pace with the demoness.

"Shopping!" Minami exclaimed as the two stepped into the elevator and she hit the button for the parking garage.

"Shopping? Sesshoumaru-sama said I was supposed to clear out my desk," Kagome said.

"I know, but he wants me to take you shopping before we break the news of your promotion to Inuyasha. That boy's gonna be so pissed!" Minami exclaimed as she burst out laughing.

"I figure he's going to be, but I'm tired of him always telling that my car's junk and my clothes smell cheap. He won't give me a raise so I can get new clothes or a new car and I can't afford it on my current salary. When Sesshoumaru-sama made the offer and you told me the benefits, I knew I couldn't turn it down," Kagome stated and sighed.

"Ah, so you took the job to impress the fiancé," Minami commented knowingly.

"No. I took it so I can prove to myself that I don't need Inuyasha. Maybe, if I can do that, I can tell him that I don't want to marry him and go on my way," Kagome stated somewhat guiltily.

"Why don't you just tell him that now?" Minami questioned as the two walked to her BMW. Minami hit the button to turn off the alarm and unlocked the doors before getting into the driver's seat. She buckled her seat belt and turned to see Kagome buckle hers before starting the car.

"I really don't know why I don't tell him. Here lately, though, I keep getting this nagging feeling that he's cheating on me," Kagome stated as she stared out the window.

"Have you had sex with him yet?" Minami asked as she changed lanes.

"No. I told him when we first started dating that I was waiting for marriage," Kagome replied.

"Look, Kagome, I've known Inuyasha since he was just a small pup in his father's arms. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, if you think he's doing something wrong, he usually is. My advice is to let him go. Obviously, he doesn't care about you as much as he thinks he does. Every time I've seen you two, he always calls you bitch or wench and no woman, human or demon, should have to put up with that," Minami stated as she parked the car.

"That's true," Kagome replied. She turned to shut the door and noticed a sticker on the back passenger side window that stated 'I AM the Big Dog.' Laughing she looked at Minami as she walked around the back of the car and stood next to her.

"What?" Minami questioned.

"What is it with you and dogs? The first time I saw you, you were wearing a shirt that said 'Bad dog, no biscuit' now you're wearing one that says 'I love my dog' and then I see that!" Kagome exclaimed as she pointed to the sticker.

"Oh. Well, my license plate says Bad Dog on it. Can't help it, I find the stuff hilarious, especially since I'm an inuyoukai," Minami stated as she smiled. She took hold of Kagome's arm and dragged her into the nearest store.

Meanwhile…

Inuyasha hung up with one of the partner company's CEO. He looked up to see Miroku standing in front of his desk with a smug look on his face. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at his best friend and snapped at him, "WHAT!"

"The question, Inuyasha, is what is bothering you?" Miroku asked as he seated himself on the half-demon's desk.

"Shit. Is it that obvious?" Inuyasha asked as he leaned back in his chair and threw his feet up on the desk.

"Only to me, my friend," Miroku stated calmly.

"Alright. Well, you know I'm engaged to Kagome, right," at Miroku's nod, Inuyasha continued, "The thing is I've been seeing somebody else for about four months now and I'm not really sure I'm in love with Kagome anymore."

"You're cheating on her?" Miroku questioned disbelief written on his face.

"Yeah. The woman I'm seeing is amazing, Miroku and she does things to me that Kagome's denied me for the last three years," Inuyasha stated.

"You mean sex. Sheesh, Inuyasha, you've got yourself in a real bind. Who's the new woman?" Miroku asked while running his hand down his face.

"Her name's Kikyo Tanaka," Inuyasha replied.

Author's note: This is my first non-cannon universe fic. This is also posted on Fanfiction under my other profile, JMK425, and is a work in progress on there as well.  Please read and review, good or bad, to let me know what you think. Have a good day!