Title: Fleeting

Author: LuxKen27

Universe: Alternate

Genre: Drama, Romance

Rating: M

Warning(s): Language, innuendo, sexual situations

Summary: All he ever wanted was a considerate roommate…but she turned out to be so much more. When they're unwillingly thrown into a world of cutthroat business intrigue and family secrets, she quickly becomes the most important person in his life – if only he can find a way to truly trust her, body and soul. AU; Serial.

Author's Note: This serial was written using prompts from the LiveJournal community un_love_you. Further author's notes (and other assorted goodies!) can be found in the mega-meta resource thread on my Dreamwidth, and this post is linked in my profile.

Many thanks to those of you who have been with me since the beginning! =) I'd like to dedicate this story to psyco_chick32, who was a fervent supporter of this project, even though she wasn't especially fond of this pairing. I wish I'd been able to finish it before she passed away, but alas :-/ She will truly be missed…

DISCLAIMER: The Inuyasha concept, storyline, and characters are © 1996-2008 Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Viz Media. No money is being made from the creation of this material. No copyright infringement is intended.

Prologue: "Come My Way"

"You're invited too, you know!" Kagome called through the open door.

The only response was an indeterminable grunt and the rustle of a newspaper.

She rolled her eyes. Really, he's so uptight sometimes! She pushed open the doors of her closet. It was short notice for a party invite, even by her incredibly easygoing standards. Still: it was Halloween, it was Friday night, and dammit, she needed the release! The stress from classes was about to suffocate her.

Living with one of the hottest guys on campus in a completely platonic situation certainly didn't help matters.

"Don't you find this supposed 'holiday' quite childish?" Sesshoumaru asked, waxing poetic from his spot on the common room sofa. "You can't tell me you honestly believe in spirits and demons."

She gave a short laugh. "Haven't you ever heard of just having fun?" she replied, digging underneath her bed. "You know: getting together with other people, gorging on candy and beer, dancing the night away?" Her hands landed on her desired shoes, and she tugged.

"Hmph." She could practically see his condescending stare from here. He could be so irritating sometimes…

Satisfied with her last-minute outfit, she gave one final glance into the mirror before stepping out.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" she asked, moving through their shared space. "Guess I'll have to ask Inuyasha or Kouga for a ride instead."

His mouth fell open slightly as he took in her appearance: black halter top, black miniskirt, thigh high boots, all topped off with a fedora. His gaze seemed to linger on the exposed patch of skin between the end of her skirt and the top of her boots.

"What kind of party is this?" he choked out.

Her lips curved into a wicked smile. "A life-changing one."