Disclaimer: If I owned Inu Yasha, I’d be making obscene amounts of money, and my name would be Takahashi Rumiko :P

 

Author’s Notes: My first attempt at an IY fic, and features an ALTERNATE pairing (aka NO Inuyasha and Kagome).  I initially became fascinated by the two when I saw a few fics featuring those two on fanfiction.net.  The fic takes place in an AU (alternate universe) setting and features some OOCness.  I hope you understand why it is the way it is as the fic goes along.  It’s really incomplete and I’m not sure where I’m going with the fic, but I hope you do enjoy.  ^_^

 

Feedback is greatly welcomed! Please send to [email protected]  

 

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Untitled (suggestions welcome)

 

            In beautiful flakes, the snow fell around him.  Not once did he feel the sting of cold touch his skin.  Almost in a trance, he continued walking with no destination in mind.  He knew he had acted childishly and completely out of character.  But then again, for his father to throw that at him, it threw his icy cold demeanor off balance.  He recalled staring at his father while his jaw dangled in disbelief.  His father had boomed in laughter.  His eyes had narrowed as he watched his mother raise her arm in an attempt to hide her grin.

 

                 “What the hell is going on, chichiueue?” he demanded icily.  His servant stood beside him, unsure of what to do.  Never had it seen his master this upset, though that word was an understatement at this point.

 

            His father stopped laughing long enough to glance over at him.  Seeing his son this disconcerted certainly made things worthwhile.  He was still young, and thus did not possess all the powers that fully matured youkais had.  He knew it was for the best.  He had caught a glimpse of the future, and seen the smile that had seemed permanently etched on the young man’s face.  It may upset him for now, but his son would thank him as he was dangling one of his many pups off his knee.

 

                 “I thought I made it perfectly clear.  Your mate has been chosen for you.”

 

            He choked back his laughter, seeing his son’s eyes bug out of his head, upsetting the balance of his beautiful face. 

 

                 “Nani? I am the prince of the Western Lands.  I will NOT be subjected to something as peasant-like as this.”

 

                 “There’s nothing peasant-like about this.  Arranged marriages among royalty is quite common,” his father replied easily enough.

 

            Seething, he retorted, “But you and hahaueue…”

 

                 “Are different.  Your fate was determined a long time ago.  You will meet your mate soon enough.  Nothing you can say or do can change our minds.”

 

            Narrowing his eyes in fury, he tightened his lips.  Giving his parents a glare that would’ve caused most other youkai to tremble in fury, he uttered, “Watch me.”

 

            Which explained how he got to this point.  But blindly walking for this long and submitting to this temper tantrum would get him nowhere.  Why the hell was he walking anyway? He paused momentarily to take in the forest that had been blanketed with a lush layer of snow.  By the looks of things, the snow had been falling for quite some time.

 

            He frowned, knowing that he had to return at some point.  His father’s powers were legendary, and running away wouldn’t get him very far anyway.  He cursed under his breath, wondering what on earth had possessed him to act the way he had.  For as long as he could remember, he had been allowed free reign to come and go as he pleased.  He had grown up alone, and despite being given everything that he could’ve ever dreamed of, there was this coldness that resided in his heart.  He was unable to love.  Sure, he respected his parents, and was grateful to them.  But he did not understand the looks that his parents still exchanged to this day.  It appeared to be full of warmth, and transformed his parents into something almost human-like.  His expression reflected his distaste.  Ningens.  How annoying those things were.  If it weren’t for the times of peace, and his father’s screwed up ways, he probably would’ve destroyed the lot of them.  They were whiny, useless, and most of all, inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.  They possessed no extraordinary powers, smelled horrible, and behaved irrationally.  His brow furrowed, and the scowl caused deep lines to appear on the sides of his lips, marring the beauty of his face.

 

            Inhaling deeply, he found himself catching a scent that seemed to linger within his senses.  Puzzled, he looked around, finding no sight of anything.  Breathing in once more as he began walking, the scent grew stronger, mysterious yet distinctly feminine.  It was intriguing.  It had captured his attention, and he wanted to know the cause of this.  With a series of leaps, he followed it until he found a lump on the ground, an outstretched arm encased with a blood red sleeve.  He barely caught a glimpse of dark hair, buried heavily under the layer of snow. 

 

            He didn’t know why it bothered him but he moved over quickly, lifting out the nearly lifeless body out of the snow.  With a shock of astonishment, he realised the form was human.  He dropped her back into the snow, and stepped back, gaping at her.  That was twice today now he’d been caught this off guard.  He frowned further, staring at his hands as if they had been sullied by touching a ningen.

 

                 ~ But if you don’t save her, she’ll die.  ~

 

            He snorted, quite unbecoming of a man of his station, beauty, and well normal self.  ~ Like I care.  She’s one of them.  I won’t contaminate myself this way.  ~

 

                 ~ So you’re gonna let her die? She’s the only thing that’s caught your attention for so long.  Are you a man or what? You won’t even go near the female youkais.  Are you sure you like women? ~

 

            The scowl emerged full force, and he gritted his teeth in anger.  Why the hell was his subconscious spouting such insanity?

 

                 ~ I LIKE WOMEN!! ~

 

                 ~ Suuuure.  Methinks the youkai lord doth protest too much… ~

 

            That part of his brain continued sniggering a few moments later as the young man walked towards the nearest shelter, muttering the foulest words ever heard, but carefully sheltering the precious bundle in his arms.

 

                 ~ Damn you…~

 

                 ~ You’ll thank me later, ~ his subconscious pronounced with glee.

 

 

**********

 

            The wench wouldn’t stop shivering, which was actually a good sign considering the state he’d found her in.  Hypothermia had been a mere breath away from setting in, and had that had happened, he wasn’t too sure what would’ve happened to her.  The frown that he had started the day off with now had a permanent residency on his face.  He couldn’t stop it.  He didn’t know what to do with the woman, or how to help her.  For once in his life, he was absolutely confounded as to what to do.  How was one supposed to help a ningen? The concept was so foreign and ludicrous.  He didn’t want to try any techniques he would use for a youkai, though that idea itself was preposterous.  He had never really helped anyone in his life, and he found himself not knowing how.  What if he killed the stupid girl by accident? A smirk appeared briefly. 

 

            At least she’d have survived longer than she would’ve out there, he thought to himself.  The cave he had managed to find wasn’t too far from where they were, and he had started a fire immediately.  Rubbing his hands, he stared at the half sodden bundle.  Her chattering was starting to annoy him… immensely.  The smirk transformed back into the original scowl and he yelled at her.  “Stop that woman!”

 

                 ~ Oh good one there buddy.  Yell at an unconscious, half dead woman that you can’t even save, oh all mighty demon prince. ~

 

            He found himself getting unbearably annoying.  When the hell had his unconscious gotten such a smart mouth?

 

                 ~ Shut up!! ~

 

                 ~ Talking to yourself now, ne? That’s a sure sign of sanity. ~

 

            Clenching his fists, he yearned to punch something.  But punching himself didn’t seem like the brightest of solutions.  Settling for seething, he retorted in his mind, “How the hell am I suppose to help her? I might very well kill her you know.”

 

                 ~ And you can’t have that, can you? ~ it taunted back. 

 

            Kisama.  He really was going insane, having conversations with himself.  Blocking the annoying voice out, he tried to focus on his wayward thoughts.  How would one go about saving a half frozen human? Surely they couldn’t be that different from youkais, minus the whole brainlessness and lack of strength bit.  In all instances, she should need warmth.  But the fire didn’t seem to be doing its job.  What else could he do?

 

            A soft whimper drew his attention, and he found his gaze falling on her, heart turning curiously.  He felt bad for the poor thing.  Clad in only a red kimono, she must be really cold.

 

                 ~ Wouldn’t you like to warm her up? ~

 

            Shit.  How the hell did that annoying voice escape his mental blocks?

 

                 ~ She’s something ne? Long black hair, creamy skin, gorgeous body… even for a ningen, you’d have to be dead not to react to that.  Or gay. ~ It stressed the last part a little too much. 

 

                 ~ She’s half frozen, you moron.  I’m not about to maul her now. ~

 

                 ~ But you would if she weren’t? ~ It snickered much too loudly in his brain.

 

            Slamming his hands on either side of his head, he raged on, “Shut up!!! Shut up!!!” He was aggravated beyond belief.  If his parents or his servants saw this, they’d be laughing their asses off for weeks.  Above all else, he hated being the source of amusement for them.  Unwittingly however, he had become that very thing.

 

**********

 

            Chortles of laughter sounded out.

 

                 The female asked, “Oh dear… how long do you think he can hold out?”

 

                 “He’s certainly dense, that’s for sure,” the male beside her commented thoughtfully.

 

                 The third party looked on in amusement.  “Don’t look at me, your highness.  He’s your son.”

 

                 “And you’re my servant.  Shut up before I kill you for such insubordination.”

 

            The empress could only roll her eyes.  And her husband wondered where her son could’ve gotten his ‘sunny’ disposition from.

 

                 “Ganbatte ne, musuko-chan…”

 

*********

 

            Finally making a decision and unable to stand seeing her suffer like that, he gritted his teeth and pulled her against him.  Immediately, the wetness of her clothes seeped into his own, making him feel the cold.  And yet, despite it, there was something about holding someone.  She felt soft, womanly, and smelled… wonderful.  There was no other way to describe it. 

 

                 ~ Down boy down! ~ the voice sniggered. 

 

                 ~ Kisama.  I’ll silence you if you don’t shut up. ~

 

            She wasn’t getting any warmer.  She was still half-frozen and he had done was get himself soaking wet.  The clothes had to go, he thought.

 

                 ~ Wee!! Get you some, boy! ~

 

            Frowning, he freed one hand and smacked the side of his head, temporarily silencing it.  He had to get the human girl warm somehow.  And it didn’t help that she had on wet clothes.  A slight stain covered his cheeks, and the instincts running wild in him were doing just that at that very thought.  Clenching his teeth, he fought to gain control, breathing a sigh of relief when he finally did.

 

            He pushed her away from him, and as he did so, a faint moan sounded from her.  He took a deep breath to steady his nerves (and madly rampant hormones) and regretted it instantly.  All that did was fill his already heightened senses with HER scent.  The once coolly composed young prince’s image was being shot to hell at the moment.  High cheekbones were covered with a sheen of red; his breathing was strangely uneven; his red eyes were wide with disbelief and awareness.  His hold on her shoulders slipped, and in one scrambled moment, his fingers reached out to grab something, only to succeed in pulling the kimono off her right shoulder completely. 

 

            He did the only thing that any male would do, youkai or otherwise.  He stared.  And that detestable voice whistled wolfishly mere nanoseconds later.

 

***********

 

            Amidst fumbling hands, furiously red cheeks, and thumping heartbeats, he finally managed to undress her.  Thankfully however, she was wearing some strange clothing beneath.  Even though she was near naked, he could still cling onto that last bit of sanity with the thin layers that separated their bodies.  Her skin was cold to the touch, and his breath hissed out as he brought her close to his own.  Wisely, that insane voice had stayed away.

 

            A sudden movement startled him, and to his surprise, the human female had begun snuggling against him, instinctively seeking further warmth.  If he thought his face could not be any redder, he was horribly wrong.  His face was now on fire, along with other unmentionables.  He fought for self-control, and felt relieved when his body obeyed.  Staring at the top of her head, he willed his own strength towards hers.  He did not understand why he felt the way he did.  He just knew that somehow she had stirred his interest unlike any other female had.  And she’s not even conscious yet, he thought with a slight smile.                  

 

            Unable to help himself, his right hand moved to graze her cheek.  Though it felt cold, he reveled in how smooth her skin felt.  Pale ivory cheeks, pert nose, and he had yet to discern her eye colour.  But like the rest of her, he had no doubt it would be perfect.

 

                 ~ Woah cowboy.  From “I used to be gay” to this woman’s perfect? I leave for a few minutes and… ~

 

                 ~ URUSEI!!!! ~

 

            Fuming, he ignored the rest of the comments, effectively shutting that part of his brain out.  He took another deep breath and allowed her scent to wash through him, feeling the strange, unfamiliar sense of peace and contentment that accompanied it.  Who was she? And what the hell was she doing to him?

 

            Her brow furrowed without warning and her mouth settled into a mulish pout.  He chuckled softly, the sound seeming rusty even to his own ears.  His hand moved up to smooth her brow, and to his surprise, her hands move to swat his away. 

 

                 “Mom, I don’t wanna wake up yet.”

 

            He blinked.  Then his body began shaking in silent laughter.  His movements must’ve disturbed her for she started stirring slowly.  He straightened his back, imagining the girl’s gratitude when she would realise that he, the great prince of the Western Lands, had saved her life.

 

            He observed her closely as her lashes fluttered to reveal beautiful blue gray eyes.  She made a soft sound, as if unwilling to wake up from slumber.  As the sleep-filled cloud cleared from her eyes, they widened in astonishment at the hard male chest she was pressed against.  The screams took him completely by surprise, as did the fist that flew in the direction of his face.

 

            With all the youkai instincts born in him, he barely avoided it, leaping to the side and snarling in anger. 

 

                 “What the hell are you doing?” he yelled, completely unnerved at this point.  So his whole life had been turned upside down in the span of a day.  He found himself unwillingly attracted to a human female, giving into that attraction, saving her sorry hide, and she was now attacking him? Of all the ingrates… “You should be bowing before me for saving your life.”

 

            Clutching her kimono in front of her, she looked wild-eyed and frightened.  She stared at him in silent accusation, hurt welling in her eyes, looking as if he had jumped her.  For some strange reason, he felt guilty.  Cursing soundly, he yelled again.  “I didn’t touch you, you stupid bitch! You were half frozen, and you needed to be warmed up!”

 

            A brilliant flush tainted his cheeks, nearly identical to the one that appeared on hers.  A look flitted across her face, and she spoke hesitantly, “You saved me.”

 

            Her voice, soft, still slightly husky from sleep, did things to his insides that should be marked illegal.  And for some damnable reason, it soothed the savage beast in him, metaphorically speaking of course. 

 

                 “That I did,” he said smugly, crossing his arms in front of his chest.  Now, he could bask in her gratitude.

 

            An object came whizzing at his head.  The impact left him dazed momentarily before his temper got the better of him.

 

                 “That still doesn’t give you the right to undress me, you… you… hentai!!!”

 

            His face mottled with rage, he fought the urge to strangle her.  At that moment, he decided he wasn’t responsible for the words that came out of him any more.  Marching over, he grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her.

 

                 “You stupid, brainless ningen.”  Our lord prince was fairly spitting out the words at this point.  “To get warm, you have to get out of the icy clothes.  Otherwise, your body temperature will continue to be cold.  UNDERSTAND?”

 

            His red eyes glared at her, and he felt a brief stab of satisfaction when he saw the girl gulping with fear.  Then, he saw the all-too-familiar spark leap in her eyes.  He was a smart youkai, this prince of ours, and having recognized trouble when he saw it, he did the only thing he could.  He clamped his hand over her mouth.

 

                 “Not one word,” he growled in warning.  He waited for the nod of her head and when he took his hand away, he saw that her mouth had opened up to speak.  Immediately, he silenced her with a red-eyed glare.  “Not one word,” he repeated, words filled with painful retribution if she disobeyed him.  “And put that on.”  Her eyes widened in shock as a piece of clothing smacked her in the face.

 

            He sat down with a smirk, still bare-chested.  His eyebrows rose quizzically at her expression, along with the faint blush that now coated her cheeks. 

 

                 ~ Wouldn’t you like to know her thoughts, ne? ~

 

            For once, he agreed with that voice of insanity.