Be still my beating heart by Yanaristocrat

Clash of the warriors

Kagome Higurashi just about had it with the continuous moves. She had gotten used to not unpacking due to her moving every other month. There was alway something wrong wherever she went. The last two places, she'd gotten a stalker, an annoying neighbor wanting to do everything with her, a dennis the mennace kid who was a pyromaniac and a faulty apartment where she didn't realize for a few weeks, she was sharing with someone else. Sure, she wondered about certain things in the house that she knew didn't belong to her. Or the continuous misplaced items around which she dismissed it with her losing her mind or that she had a ghost. Well, turns out, the ghost's name was Jinenji Nishi, an annoying nudist artist on the path of self-discovery. The landlord failed to tell the both about each other to gain double the rent. The nerve!

She sighed as she looked up at the building in front of her and looked back down at the address she had written on a piece of paper in her hand. She scoffed as she dropped her hand to her side and shook her head. What was the point? She was cursed with the moving omen. Perhaps, her grandfather cursed her because she'd decided to move out once she finished highschool.

"You're only 17!" he yelled.

" Yeah, and I'm already losing my mind by staying here with you, Mom and Sota!" she had retorted.

"You'll regret this...don't think you can come back after your misfortune!" he scoffed and walked away with a piece of dried newt in one hand and a bowl of dried Bat wings in the other.

Kagome squinted at the memory and opened her eyes wide wn she noticed someone next her with a piece of paper in their hands and a few suitcases.

'Oh no, you don't!' she thought. ' I am not going to be homeless!' she grabbed her bags and rushed up the steps shooting a scowl back at the girl behind her.

The girl behind opened her eyes in disbelief and grabbed her bags and ran behind the girl.

"I was here first!" yelled the other girl.

Kagome scoffed. "Yeah, right!' she pulled the front door open and slammed it in the girl's face and locked it.

"HEY!" she orated as she pounded on the door.

Kagome cackled obnoxiously with a little snort as she tugged her collar and stuck her tongue out at the girl through the clear class.

The girl scowled with a pout and gave her the finger. Kagome shrugged with a victorious smile and it quickly faded as she turned around to see a few people standing inside with suitcases by their feet looking at her with a scowl.

Kagome rolled her eyes in disbelief and growled as she opened the door for the girl she had locked out.

"That soooooo wasn't nice." said the girl as she fixed her messy bangs and placed her hands on her hips.

Kagome sighed and turned around to grab her bags and join everyone else.

"Yeah...well, I'm not a very nice person." she gritted and stood by the huge spiral staircase and stared at everyone else who was there. Her competition. Only one person was going to win this apartment. Then, something occured to Kagome, this building didn't look like your normal apartment building. It was homely and warm and already decorated in the hallways as if it were a house. A pretty big house. She frowned and took in the appearances of her competition.

One guy, sat at the corner of the wall listening to his CD player. Loud rock music sounded from the headphones as he bopped his head. He had long black hair pulled into a ponytail and a headband around his head that matched with a wristband he wore on his right hand. He looked up at her that very moment to reveal beautiful sky blue eyes rimmed with dark lashes. He looked like a bad ass but something about his eyes showed kindness.

Next to him, stood a girl with long blue hair that matched her eyes. She had a snobby looking attitude and she flicked her nails as she popped her chewing gum. The clothes she wore made her look like she sprung out of Beverly hills from a lunch meeting with Prada and Versace.

Drooling next to her, was a tall guy with Dark brown hair in a little ponytail, his ears were decorated with small golden hoops. His eyes a dark blue sea color and eyebrows of a mischievous flirt.

Next to him, a pale girl with Dark brown hair that matched her eyes which were rimmed with red eyeshadow, leered at the guy next to her with a disbelievingly frown and scoffed as she looked away. There were 5 more people around that Kagome tried to observe before her mind was interrupted by someone entering the building.

The tall man with long white hair walked in with a beautiful smile that made him glow like an angel. He wore a white suit with a white undershirt and black shoes.

He took off his shades to reveal his amber eyes and a younger guy walked in behind him with the same white hair and amber eyes. The only difference between the two was the younger one had dog ears ontop of his head. Demons, Kagome thought. She just couldn't get used to the idea.

"Good morning," said the man. " I'm sorry to keep you all waiting. My humblest apologies, breakfast will be on me." he chuckled. "I assume you are all here for the 'apartment'." he smirked and looked at the younger guy and Kagome wondered what that inside smile was about. "Allow me to introduce ourselves. I am Lord Inu Taisho and this is my son, Inuyasha."

Lord? Kagome thought. For a moment, she felt like she was on some reality TV show. A whole bunch of teens at one house, one handsome guy in a suit. Next he probably was going to state the building 'haunted'.

The sunlight shone in when the door opened again, revealing another guy walk in with white hair seeming to be captivated in his palm pilot . He wore a black suit that flattered him so. What was this, Children of the corn? What's the deal with the white hair?

"Father, let us make this quick. I have something I need to attend...." he stopped when he looked up at everyone else and frowned. " What is this?" he pointed at everyone.

His father smiled and looked at everyone else. " Everyone, this is my eldest son, Sesshomaru. He will be joining us as well."

Sesshomaru frowned and squinted his eyes at his father and darted his gaze between everyone. Kagome noticed the tension between he and his father and knew that perhaps he was just as clueless as they were. Man, their father must have strong genes. They were a spitting image of him. It was kind of creepy and Kagome started wondering if they were clones. This made her laugh and the emptiness of the house made her slight giggle echo and everyone looked at her.

Kagome cleared her throat. "Sorry...ahem..I think..I ..swallowed a bug." she gestured at her throat and waved her hands in a whatever motion.

"Ew.." said the girl with blue hair.

The guy with the black ponytail hair smirked as did Inuyasha. Sesshomaru just stared at her with curiousity and scoffed slightly as he looked away.

"Now everyone, will you all follow me to the dining room where we will be served breakfast and I will explain further on what you are all doing here." Lord Inu Taisho gestured through the long hallway. " You may leave your bags here for now." After that, they all followed him. Sesshomaru by his side, Inuyasha on the other.

"Father, what is the meaning of all this?" Sesshomaru gritted silently where only his father could hear.

"Now, now, Sesshomaru. Be patient. I will answer all of your questions at Breakfast."

At breakfast, everyone sat down quietly and ate their breakfast.

"Someone please talk...I hate hearing myself chew." Kagome said quietly to herself.

"I agree." said the guy with the black ponytail across from her.

He heard that? Kagome thought and opened her eyes wide at him.

"Huh? Agree on what?" said the guy who had the flirtacious face. " No one said anything."

The guy smirked and so did Inuyasha and another guy with red eyes. Kagome assumed they all heard it and then remembered that Demons could hear what humans couldn't. Inuyasha cleared his throat and looked at his father and everyone else.

"How about you all introduce yourselves. Let's start at this end of the table and work our way around." he pointed at the guy with red eyes.

"My name is Hiten and I flew in from Chicago. I saw the ad on the newspaper for an apartment right in Greenwich village and that's why I'm here. I'm 21 and I work for my father at the pier."

The girl next to him smirked and looked at Sesshomaru.

"My name is Shurran Bokunaska and I'm a model." she giggled and batted her lashes. What a lovely introduction, Kagome thought. I wonder how long it took her to put that together.

"My name is Sango Nagasaka, I'm 18..." she said shyly and looked at Kagome. " I am going to college in a few months and I am looking for an apartment so I can learn on how to be on my own."

The next guy, Hojo said his introduction but Kagome's gaze followed Sesshomaru who was staring down at his plate, bored. He forked everything around the plate and didn't bring anything to his mouth. Then she noticed his face. It looked so smooth and soft and he had an angelic face like his father's but his eyebrows were different.

He looked up in a frown right at Kagome and then she snapped out of it and realized the guy, Hojo was tapping her shoulder.

"Huh?" she responded nervously and wondered how long was she dazed out on Sesshomaru's face. Great, everyone is going to think I like him now. She sighed. " Oh, it's my turn. Um...my name is Kagome Higurashi, I've been moving from place to place trying to find the perfect apartment and I am also going to college in the fall. I bartend at night at different clubs and bars and that is how I make my end's meet. I hate people who beat around the bush...so forgive me if I'm not enthused at introducing myself but I don't see the relevance, Sir." she looked at inu taishod and everyone stared eyes wide and turned to see his face too.

"After the introduction, my dear. You will see the relevance. Be patient...Sesshomaru, I see you aren't the only one." he chuckled and Sesshomaru continued to stare at Kagome and looked back down at his plate.

The girl next to her, the one she realized she slammed the door in her face at, Ayame as she introduced, was 18 and trying to be an actress. The guy across from them, Koga, was in a band and going to college in the fall as well. He was 21. Two girls sat between him and Inuyasha and they were models also. Their names were Kagura and Kikyo.

After the long and boring introduction, Lord Inu Taisho rose from his chair and spoke.

"Well, there is no ad for an apartment."

"What?" everyone spat.

"Ugh, I fuckin' knew something had to be wrong. Just my luck, damn you Grandpa!" Kagome growled as she rose from her chair and grabbed her jacket.

"Just wait a second." said Inu Taisho. " Allow me to elaborate. There is no apartment, this is a loft building. I had added a few rooms and they are all vacant."

"What?" Sesshomaru hissed and grabbed his father by the arm and pulled him closer for a private conversation. " Father, I told you already...I wanted the building. What are you doing by vacating the place to these adolescents?"

"Sesshomaru..." his father chuckled. " the building seems awfully too big for only you. Besides, I believe these 'adolescents' as you call them...are at your age range."he smiled.

"So, what's the deal, who gets the rooms?" blurted Koga.

"Well, That all depends...there are 9 rooms that are vacant. Rent a month is 500, utilities included. Inuyasha here will be on the first floor, superintending."

Sesshomaru squinted and side glanced at Inuyasha who was smiling at him and shrugged. What a stupid idea, he thought.

"How are there 9 rooms vacant, there are 11." he told his father privately.

"There are 9 vacant to them. The other is downstairs for Inuyasha's convenience while he helps me collect rent and helps out any problems the building might have. For that he gets free room and board. As for the other room, I am leaving it open for you if you change your mind. I know how badly you wanted this building, Sesshomaru but it would be truly selfish of me to give you such a big place for yourself when I can give shelter to 10 more people."

"This is truly ridiculuous, Father." Sesshomaru spat and looked away from his father who had disgusted him. His father used to be a ruthless business man who struck fear in the corporate world and since Inuyasha's mother died, he's all about 'helping'.

While everyone was giggling at the cheap rent and nice place, Kagome slid her chair back causing it to screech and everyone looked at her.

"Sorry to burst everyone's little dream bubble, but I must call Bullshit on the idea."

"Finding something not to your liking?" Inu Taisho folded his hands with interest and Sesshomaru glared with curiousity as well. This girl had nerves to talk to his father like that.

"Yeah, a vacant loft building in Manhattan, right by the park and NYU going for $500 a month strikes me as fishy."

"Oh?" he retorted.

"Yes, Oh. All of our rent together still wouldn't add up to what rent really goes for with a place like this. You being a business man should know that. You'd be losing more money than making so what gives and I really don't mean to come off as rude, Sir but I've had a bad few months."

"It's ok to be curious, my dear. In fact, it's smart that you question it but like you said, I am a business man. I've made my money and I own the block. Money matters do not matter to me because I'm not really losing anything. I like the idea of giving anyone a chance to live in a place like this." he answered confidently and Sesshomaru looked at him angrily and stood quiet. A young girl telling her father how it is. If she were to speak to him like that, he would have her head removed and placed on a spike while he ate dinner.

"Now, all that is needed is paperwork and two of you might have to share a room since there are only 9 rooms vacant and 10 of you."

"We can share a room." Kagura and Kikyo squealed. "We don't mind. We are used to it since we travel a lot."

That was very nice of them, Kagome thought. I wouldn't want to share my room with anyone, she thought. The thought of getting married popped into her head and she wondered if she'd have a seperate room than her husband since she hated sharing.

"There are only 4 bathrooms but one of the bathrooms, you all might favor for it has a jacuzzi, a sauna and the bathtub is quite huge. We have a game area, a little bar..."he looked at Kagome. " A pool is outside, the internet room, a big kitchen and a living room with a large screen TV. For those of you who can cook, feel free to use the kitchen."

"This is so cool!" Miroku squealed like a little boy.

"Now for the rules.." Inu Taisho spoke sternly.

"I knew there was a catch..." Kagome said to herself quietly but Inu Taisho smiled at her.

"Yes, my dear. I suppose everything does have a catch." he glared at her seriously. " You all go to school so I expect you all to keep reasonable grades."

"What?" Kagome shot up. " There is a reason we all don't live with our parents, you know."

"My, isn't she so opinionated." Inu Taisho smiled and spoke softly to his sons. Inuyasha smirked and nodded whereas Sesshomaru just squinted at her. He did not like this girl. She had a mouth on her and didn't know her place.

"That is my rule. Reasonable grades or you start paying higher rent and utilities will be included. No vandalizing. You may have parties but they must be controlled. I don't care who you bring home, it's your discretion but tell your company to respect the place as well..and that should be it." he stood up and the butler went around collecting plates.

"Are we going to have a butler too?" asked Koga.

"No, I'm afraid he is coming with me. What do you guys want, the high life? You must fend for yourself ." he joked and buttoned his blazer. " Inuyasha here will handle your paperwork, assign you the rooms, keys. We will need first and last month's rent and that is all. " he looked at his watch. " Good afternoon, all of you and welcome." he said and walked away with Sesshomaru following him.

"What are you trying to prove by doing this and how can you let such a low human girl talk to you like that?" Sesshomaru hissed. He was in such a bitter mood and didn't care if he was out of line himself.

"Talk to me like what? She was curious and had every right to be. I actually like her." his father stopped by the door and turned back to look at his fuming son. " What about you?"

"What of me?" he said in almost a whisper.

"What will you do? Are you going to be staying aboard as well...I know the place is convenient for you, it's right by everything you want...let me know, I know of other people who can benefit from the room." his father pulled out the keys from his jacket pocket and dangled them in front of him.

Sesshomaru looked at him and sighed. To live with all of these people and that girl, he could feel it in his veins that she and he would have problems. She was too opinionated and such a brat. Speaking of the devil, she had walked out of the hallway by the door and grabbed her bags and looked at the two.

"Everything fine?" his father asked.

"For now..."she scowled but it was a playful scowl. His father seemed to get it but Sesshomaru hadn't. That ungrateful human!, he thought and looked at his father and snatched the keys.

"Very well." he said. " Someone has to keep order in this jungle. Inuyasha surely can't do it."

"Hmm, now is that the real reason?" his father looked at him and then at Kagome walking up the steps.

Sesshomaru followed his gaze and cocked a brow. " Father, please." he scoffed. " Don't insult me."

"I forgot. Humans. Blech!" he teased but Sesshomaru ignored him. Inu Taisho stared as Sesshomaru left with the keys in his hands and exhaled deeply as he put his shades on and followed down the steps behind him to the car. " This shall be fun."