InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Beat of a Butterfly's Wings ❯ Kissed by the Moon God ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters in any way. *sniffle* Don't we all wish we did? Oh well, anyway, I also don't own Mos Burger nor do I have any claim to MasterCard slogans. Please don't sue me - that would just be sad. (O-o)

 

 

Chapter 8: Kissed by the Moon God

 

I'd been kissed before. Of course. I was innocent but not that innocent. Well, to be completely honest, there was only one time where I'd been a willing participant but surely that was beside the point. I mean, a kiss is a kiss whether it was expected or not. Of course kisses from creepy walking globs of sludge don't count as real kisses. No, I'm talking about the two, full on the mouth, kisses I'd experienced in my lifetime. Yeah, two. No, I'm not innocent - phu!

 

My first kiss had been my first date back in high school… It'd been pleasant enough and I discovered, despite how nervous I'd been, that I rather liked this kissing business. Of course, finding out the next day that the boy was a complete player who thought he was Don Juan or something ended all ideas of a repeat meeting of the lips. In fact it ended with his lips meeting a new, totally unfamiliar part of my anatomy: my fist.

 

My second kiss had been the “surprise attack kiss” that had left me quite breathless. It happened in college when I went on a date with Kouga, the ridiculously stubborn wolf that had refused to leave me be in college. The date had been a last ditch effort of desperation to get him to leave me alone. How stupid is that? But hey, when you're desperate you tend to grab at any straw available… Either way, stupid or not, I'd finally agreed to the pleas of the wolf and said that I would go with him on one date. Well, looking back on it now I had to wonder if my stressing of that word “one” had led him to double his efforts to win me over, and had been the force behind that passionate kiss that he stole from me when he brought me back to the apartment that I shared with Sango near campus. It was either that or he'd wanted to do it for a long time anyway. Maybe a mixture of both…

 

It hadn't been unpleasant, no; I didn't hate him or anything. We just weren't right, you know, I didn't get that spark, or whatever it is that you're supposed to get when you kiss someone. You know, the stuff that you read about in books or see in the movies, that force that makes your legs turn to jelly and your head get all fuzzy. Of course, I'd never experienced that myself, but I refused to believe that it was all just a big lie crafted by the media industry and by the thousands of romance novels out there. It had to be true, I was sure, and so while his kiss had not been unpleasant and he wasn't a bad guy per say, it did nothing for me in the end and did nothing to change my feelings for him. It must have been obvious in my eyes even though I was panting, due to the sudden inability to draw oxygen in through my mouth, because he looked completely crushed. For about a grand total of a split second, but then he'd pulled away with the proclamation of, “Someday you'll come to care for me the same way I care foe you, my dear Kagome.” Dogged, tenacious, happy-go-lucky wolf. It had taken months for me to convince him that there was never going to be a relationship between us but now, even now after so much time had passed, he would still call me on occasion to see if I was willing to do something with him, go to a movie or such. I had the sinking suspicion that he was always calling to see if I had been left broken hearted by someone so that he could swoop in and rescue me. Ha! I'd have to be in a relationship first for him to even have the chance to try.

 

This of course brings me to the trigger of my ramblings. The big, life changing explosive force that was hitting me, tearing my thoughts in to nothing but a pile of rags, all under the never changing light of the moon. Surely something that made you feel like you were on fire, like you couldn't be confined to the restraints of your skin that had suddenly grown too tight, like there was nothing in the world but this sensation that couldn't be possible. Surely this force that was driving me to distraction, stealing my breath, controlling my thoughts… Surely it couldn't be labeled simply as: a kiss.

 

No. This wasn't just a kiss… This was pure, sizzling power running, racing through me, through the air around us in a dizzying dance of sensation and sensuality that could only come from a god.

 

The moon god.

 

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In the place of no return Time had slowed and I was left in peace to revel in the sensations of the goddess, the feel of her in my arms as her lips moved so innocently, yet so seductively, against mine. That is until two familiar scents on the wind and the sound of a giggle from nearby broke the spell of the night and sent time speeding forward like a jet on a crash-collision course with a wall.

 

There's nothing like realizing your daughter and your younger brother have caught you kissing to destroy the mood. No matter how heady or electrifying that mood may be. And it was destroyed, shattered like glass into a thousand pieces of shock, embarrassment, and nervous tension under the moonlight. And this was why I said I wasn't going to do something I would regret tonight and what did I do? I did it. Smart, a sarcastic voice was rambling in my head as I tried, desperately, to collect myself and come back to a semblance of sanity. But even though we were no longer touching physically, thanks once again to the shattering of our solitude, and she was several feet away with her cheeks stained a red so bright that it seemed to glow like a neon light - despite that, the dizzying, mind-numbing effect from the encounter had yet to fade. Struggling frantically against the consequence of our actions I could do nothing but stare at the place where the two culprits stood with the most infuriating, impish grins splitting their faces.

 

Inuyasha, like a dear, sweet, younger brother, however, took it upon himself to clear my head completely by opening his big mouth, “Glad to you see you two were having such a good talk about something important.”

 

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I'd never been so embarrassed in my entire life. I mean this was worse than… than… than those “going to school and realizing your clothes have evaporated” dreams come to life - way worse! One hundred percent, air deserting your lungs, in your face, cheeks as red as a cherry, heart stopping, rolling in your gut, pure embarrassment.

 

Needless to say I nearly did a combination of things that would've only made the situation worse. A) I nearly fainted, B) I nearly choked on my own tongue, and C) I nearly had the pleasure of having all the food from the evening come back up to say `hi'. And the even more impression fact is that I somehow managed to nearly do all three things at once. Somehow, by some miracle I managed to refrain from making things more complicated, but even now after a day and a half since the incident I was still reeling.

 

I'd also been doing a lot of thinking since “the incident” as I liked to label it. There were several conclusions that my poor, overly stressed and mortified mind had drawn since that time. First, I'd decided that Sesshoumaru was most definitely unlike anything and anyone I'd ever met and that the man surpassed all the hype about kisses more than I'd ever thought possible. Second, despite the fact that “the incident” had left me helplessly tortured and drooling over the man I was never the girl to swoon and I wasn't going to start now… Despite how damn hard it was to think for more than two seconds without my thoughts running back to that wondrous moment under the moo- Damn it all, why do I have to be such a romantic? Quit getting all warm and fuzzy about this! Think with a detached analytical mind! Right.

 

Third, just because he had…brought his heavenly lips to mine…Analytical, Kagome, analytical! - didn't necessarily mean that he felt anything serious for me. Four, I wasn't going to roll over and play the drooling, begging female just because of a… a… meeting of the lips! Five, unless the man really wanted a relationship there would be no begging from me for a repeat tongue tango - no matter how much I wanted to damn it. Six, even if he wanted to get into a relationship I wouldn't be starting one just because of some seriously seductive lip contact… with the world's most attractive, smart, funny, charming, and kind man. Oh boy. Ok so yes, I was falling for the man and I wanted to be in a relationship with him. There was no question about it. I wanted to beg for seconds, beg for a moment where I could be torn apart like that again and feel - Ahem! I'm getting off subject. The point is there was something key that I wanted to have before I would let myself turn into a blubbering addict. Who says you aren't already? Urg. Believe me, the physical… reaction… we had didn't leave anything lacking, far from it; but I wanted the emotional part that would make the physical part of the relationship all the more enjoyable and meaningful. Call me old-fashioned. I liked him. A lot. Too much in fact. But I needed a well-rounded relationship. I'd always thought that if I had a relationship I wanted it to be built on a solid foundation…and in my opinion lip fun, as heavenly as it was with a particular white-haired male, was a little too shaky for my tastes - for the sake of protecting my heart. And last but certainly not least, seven, which pertains to the idea of protecting my heart. Seven, I didn't want to have my heart broken and the way I was starting to feel for him, and the way he had made me feel with that kiss scared me to death.

 

Yes, I know. I'd already jumped beyond the Event Horizon, there was no going back so to speak, but damn it if I wasn't going to try really hard to keep my heart from getting ripped to pieces.

 

Oh but I bet it would be worth it, a treacherous voice whispered in my mind as I sat on the park bench, running my fingers through Ran's silky, downy fur. I've never had my heart broken before and I'd like to keep it that way, I growled. Besides I don't even know if he's interested in `making it worth it' so I'm just not even going to go there. Oh good grief, I'm arguing with myself. This is so sad, I think I'm getting dumber by the minute trying to sort all of this out.

 

Yes, well, there's an easy way to find out, dimwit, the voice chimed sweetly. And if you're so convinced that you need something other than his kisses to keep you completely satisfied - idiot - then talk to him and build your relationship for crying out loud.

 

“Well excuse me,” I snapped out loud, tired of my mental sparring. With myself…oh brother.

 

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I didn't know how to approach her now. The time from when we'd been interrupted and Inuyasha had opened his idiotic mouth until we'd reached the station and said our “goodbyes”, had been nothing but a woozy, spinning whirl of embarrassment and blushing on our parts and generous portions of smirking and snickering on theirs. I've repressed most of the memory for the sake of my sanity.

 

The morning after I'd felt like I should contact her but found myself unable. Today, the second day, I wasn't any braver. I was falling for the girl, wholly, completely, utterly head-over-heels. Cliché I know, but when it came to how I felt about her it was fitting; the little angel had set my world to spinning and I found myself helpless to stop it.

 

Reeling with my feelings for her did not make me a complete, bumbling fool to love's will, however, and I wasn't going to rush head-long into a broken heart for a second time. In other aspects of my life I was extremely hardheaded and stubborn and wouldn't take `no' for an answer, but when it came to my scarred heart, well, that was one exception to the rule. There would be no reruns of the episode, “And Then She Smashed My Heart Into A Million Pieces While She Stabbed Me In The Back”.

 

Even if my heart was gnashing at the bit, rearing to go and dying to pull her into my arms again - the place that the treacherous organ had decided she belonged.

 

The kiss had clarified several things: I craved this women in a powerful way, my feelings for her were strong and not wholly physical, and I wanted to believe that she was the one; wanted to build a relationship with her that could stand against the difficulties brought by time. I wanted to believe that she was the one who would give me something that no one but your life partner could give. This was all wishful thinking of course, but nonetheless, it was what I realized when I'd held her in the circle of my arms, her petite form pressed against mine; I never wanted to let her go.

 

And so now I was left with this disastrous yearning to start a relationship with the woman, to get to know her intimately, to see if she was the one I could live out my days with. Which was all good and well, nothing embarrassing about that. It was just that there was this little problem. Or possibly a big problem. I had stepped over the boundaries that I'd set up for myself that would've given me a chance to get to know her, not just her body but her, when I'd claimed her lips. I hadn't waited to see if she cared about me in the same way. I'd tasted her before I knew what she wanted from me and now, even though her reaction to the kiss made it clear that she at least returned my attraction, I was left to wonder if Kagome would want me for more than that. If she would be willing to take the time that my crippled heart would need…

 

Never mind the fact that it was more than eager to leap at love, my head was too smart for that and time was what the doctor ordered. The question was, though, did I have time now that I'd taken something that couldn't be returned?

 

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“So, Uncle Inuyasha,” I drawled as I grinned up at my beloved Uncle while we were walking in the park two days after my father's momentous activity. “I was thinking…”

 

He grinned wolfishly after he licked his ice cream cone, “And what have you been thinking about Rin?”

 

“Well,” I smirked, “school is going to be starting again pretty soon now.”

 

“Oh that's right,” he smiled. “When is that again?”

 

“In exactly two weeks,” I giggled. “So I was thinking… I know Dad seems to be pretty nervous about getting in contact with Teacher now…”

 

“And that just won't do,” Inuyasha chuckled impishly.

 

“No, it won't. And Higurashi-sensei was so embarrassed on Saturday that I thought she was going to catch on fire so I doubt she'll be brave enough to make the first move.”

 

“I don't know if she was about to catch on fire because of her embarr -“ he started chuckling in a lecherous way that reminded of me of Mr. Miroku before he cut himself short, wincing and coughing roughly. “Um, anyway, so yes. I don't think she will either. I think they'll just sit around brooding and being too embarrassed to do anything. Ahem.”

 

I rolled my eyes at my Uncle before I allowed myself to smile again, “So, I suggest that we do something to fix it. This Wednesday Teacher's holding a special gardening volunteer service at the local park and I'd like to get Dad to go.”

 

“But what if he avoids her?” he asked, eyebrow arching in curiosity.

 

“He probably will, knowing the stubborn dummy, at least as much as is allowed while still being polite. But if we can just get them to relax around each other a little bit I'm sure their attraction will take care of the rest. And if it doesn't cure them completely I say that once school starts we come up with a reason for Higurashi-sensei to come to my house after school,” I grinned gleefully with the revealing of my `evil plan'.

 

Inuyasha just stared at me in horror for a moment before he said in a dull voice, “Rin.”

 

“Yes?” I asked, confused.

 

“You are far too conniving. Remind me to never get on your bad side,” he murmured as he continued to stare at me in mock horror.

 

“Why thank you,” I laughed and he finally broke into a smile.

 

“Your welcome. Well, I think it sounds brilliant so what can I do?” he asked, his grin growing more mischievous by the second.

 

“Well, I think I can take care of the gardening project, but if I need to get over to the house the first week of school I'll need your help with that,” I grinned in giddy anticipation.

 

“I'm at your service,” he gave a mock bow, grinning devilishly before a cry sprang from his lips as his melting scoop of ice cream took a sky-dive towards the grass.

 

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“Anyway Mr. Taisho we've made significant headway in our case against your ex-wife. Apparently Rin's last testimony concerning your ex-wife's behavior regarding her new lover and the tape recorder that the girl used have done quite a lot to sway the judge's opinion. In fact I'm quite -“ I stopped mid-sentence when I realized that Sesshoumaru was staring distractedly out the window… again. Coughing loudly to get his attention I nearly had to resist the urge to smirk at the bewildered look on his face.

 

“Yes, Sagai-san? Sorry,” he mumbled, his eyes already beginning to grow distracted again.

 

“Mr. Taisho you seem… distracted… today. Is there something wrong? I thought you'd be glad to hear the good news,” I let my words trail off quietly as I watched him intently, trying to read his expression and his movements. I mean, I was a lawyer after all; I needed the ability to read people for job as much as a cop did.

 

He only sighed, a look of aggravation flashing across his eyes before he forced himself to smile, “I'm sorry, I am a bit distracted. Don't mind me. Believe me, I'm incredibly glad that the case looks like it's going well. I really am grateful that you agreed to work on a non-business related case.”

 

I smiled a small smile and shrugged in nonchalance, “Well, it certainly wasn't something I could refuse. Besides, I needed a change from the normal monotony of business deals and such. That and I don't like the idea of that child being left in the lurch either.”

 

He smiled; a warm smile that reached his eyes, the smile that was always related to her, the little prodigy. “Thank you, now you were saying?”

 

“Well, as I was saying due to the new information that we've been able to bring to court the judge seems to be going in our favor. I'm getting a very good feeling that this next date will be quite different from the others,” I grinned wolfishly, the grin of a challenge about to be overcome. I loved that about fighting in the courtroom, it made my blood warm in anticipation of winning. Of course I didn't ever let that show on the outside while I was in court. But here, in my office I couldn't resist the urge to slip a little and let myself grin in expectation.

 

“So did you ask Rin to take a tape recorder with her before her last trip to her mother's?” he asked, tilting his head in a pondering way.

 

I blinked in surprise before I managed to find my voice, “No, I - I thought you told her to…”

 

“No, I didn't,” he murmured, golden eyes locking with mine in mild consternation.

 

“That girl is far too sharp,” I blurted before I could stop myself.

 

“You have no idea,” he laughed. “No idea.”

 

“Well if she didn't get the idea and tape recorder from you then how did she…?” I asked, letting the question hang in the air.

 

“I'm guessing that I may have to take back my death threat on Inuyasha,” he muttered, sounding extremely disappointed.

 

“Inuyasha? Really?” I asked dubiously. “That idio-“ I cut myself short before I breeched the boundaries of the manners that were required in business. “Your little brother?” I asked quickly as I tried not to wince at my slip-up. Sesshoumaru's eyebrow just twitched as I continued, “Forgive me, but I didn't think he was capable -”

 

“Once again, Sagai-san: you have no idea, no idea at all,” he interrupted with a slight twitching of the lips.

 

“I guess so, Mr. Taisho,” I chuckled as I shuffled my papers back into my folder and with all the necessary formalities excused myself from his office.

 

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Rin's plan went better than it could have and worse than it could have all at the same time. According to her they'd both reeked with near panic at the sight of each other, growing stiff as boards before the rules of politeness called them both into play and got them to speak with each other.

 

I almost didn't believe her when she told me the next day while we went to a movie - an excuse to get away from Sesshoumaru so we could continue our scheming. I mean, my brother panicking and being intimidated at the sight of anyone, let alone a woman? I thought I'd never live to see the day. And boy am I glad I did, I smirked as I drove my car skillfully through the crowded streets of downtown Tokyo on my way to work later that week.

 

After that the two fated lovebirds - that's what Rin and I had deemed them after we caught them kissing - had used the excuse of the gardening project and the work involved to avoid speaking as much as possible. So, in conclusion the plan went better than it could have because they could have, one or both, run away in mortification - probably screaming or such - when they came face to face at the project. And it went worse then it could have because they could have been all…well… you know! Had a repeat of Saturday night or at least something leaning towards romantic.

 

So now, we were moving into the stage of working out the finely tuned details concerning our next plan of attack: “Operation Emergency Baby Sitter” part Two of “Operation Get Over It And Get Together Already.”

 

Ok, so yeah, maybe we're having too much fun with this…

 

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“Kags, I have a question for you dear,” I mumbled as I picked up my coke from the booth we were occupying at Mos Burger.

 

Looking up from her last bite of her classic Mos Burger Kagome chewed quickly and finally managed to get out a muffled, “Mhmph?”

 

Ah, conversations over lunch, I chuckled. “It's crazy to be getting super serious about someone after only a short period of being together, right? I mean I have a friend that's doing that and wouldn't you say that's just weird?”

 

She swallowed with a loud gulp before she took a drink of her melon soda and grinned wickedly. “Oh, you couldn't be talking about yourself and your feelings about Sango now could you?” she asked, her voice dripping in playful sarcasm.

 

“It's just a theoretical question concerning my friend,” I grumped trying desperately to keep the blush at bay that was so near the surface. Damned blushes.

 

“Sure it is,” she smirked in a knowing way that made me want to take the burger and slam into her face and run away before she could continue teasing me over such a sensitive subject. A mental image of her chasing me with tomato sauce and little chopped onions dripping down her face and screaming like a banshee before she tackled me and beat me senseless with her tray made me hesitate. No, better not risk it, I thought as I watched her nervously. Kagome always seemed so gentle and sweet but I knew from personal experience that if you pushed the right button she could explode and turn quite violent. The logical part of my mind tells me that covering her in tomato sauce and burger would definitely be an action that pushed one of those buttons.

 

Well there you have it. I just have to suffer her teasing. For now, I thought mischievously, gleefully awaiting the moment when I could pounce and tease her about a certain handsome man with white hair. Ahaha!

 

“Well, what do you think?” I finally asked, dragging myself forcefully from my musings.

 

“Well, I would say that if the relationship was really incredible and I mean really something special then I wouldn't think there was anything weird about,” she shrugged and took another bite of her burger chewing slowly while she thought. “In the case of you and Sango, and not your friend,” she smirked, “you two have been friends and have known each other for years and you've liked each other for a long time. In my opinion you should've started dating forever ago and should've at least been engaged by now.”

 

Ok my cheeks are officially red, I know it. My go- that was unexpectedly blunt. Damn… I struggled to get my mouth working again but my extreme embarrassment proved crippling. I settled for taking a healthy draught on my coke but her next words made me choke, the beverage spraying out of my mouth and even coming out of my nose.

 

As I coughed and spluttered and groaned about the burning in my poor nose I missed the look Kagome was shooting me. However a feeling of being fried like an egg on a skillet made me look up and I found Kagome's white shirt covered with a splattering of coke. Instead of chewing me out though, she just crossed her arms over her chest and repeated herself, “I said, `So are you thinking of getting a ring soon?' Good grief Miroku it's not like I was asking you something scandalous like, `What's you sex fantasy?'” Catching the wicked mischief in my eyes at that statement she just glared harder, “Don't even answer that perv.”

 

“Hey, you're the one who said it,” I smirked, imitating her posture and crossing my arms over my chest. Shooting her a cocky look I continued to smirk, “And what's got you thinking dirty things like that Kagome?”

 

“I'm not thinking dirty things Roku,” she growled in warning, growing suspicious of where I was going with my line of questioning.

 

“Oh but here you're talking about `sex fantasies',” I chuckled.

 

“Only because I was trying to think of a question that would actually merit you choking and spraying your pop all over me,” she grumbled, eyebrow twitching in her annoyance. Oh, too much fun. Too easy.

 

“Oh but I think your agitation is because you're bluffing about not having dirty thoughts,” I declared haughtily. “You can't keep your mind off of that mind-blowing kiss under the stars after all.”

 

Oh, her reaction was priceless. We're talking MasterCard Priceless here folks. One Mos Burger: 283Â¥. One coke: 210Â¥. Shocking and embarrassing your friend so badly that they fall backwards in their chair in the middle of a restaurant, and are left there twitching with their brain neurons firing blanks while the burger that they've dropped on their face is leaving a pulpy tomato and onion trail mixed with a nice helping of mustard and mayonnaise on it's way to the floor?

 

Priceless.

 

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Miroku's peals of laughter and the sensation of warm, slimy tomato sauce running down the side of my face finally brought me back to my senses, but I continued to lay their a moment longer jumping between royally pissed and dumbfounded and not being able to pick which one was most appropriate. I decided on grumpily dumbfounded just as a clerk came running over with a large damp cloth to help me clean myself up. This is so not my day. I mean, first I get coke sprayed all over me - what does he think he is a sprinkler? And then I get ten years of my life shocked out of me, fall backwards in the middle of a restaurant, and drop my burger on my face. Could it get any worse? Oh right, it's me we're talking about - it'll definitely get worse. Why me you rotten fates? I growled while I glared up at the ceiling after I'd righted myself and the clerk had helped me wipe all of the tomato sauce and other condiments off of my face. I didn't care if they could see me glaring or not, I was going to glare damnnit!

 

Miroku's voice cut my violent glare suddenly when he asked, still snickering mind you, “Are you okay Kags?”

 

“Glad to you see you're worried,” I growled, rolling my eyes. “Try to actually hide the amusement in your voice next time you try to give off the appearance of truly caring.”

 

He just laughed. Ooh, watch it Miroku! Apparently you've forgotten whom you're dealing with.

 

“How the hell did you find out about that anyway?” I snapped knowing that my reaction of obvious shock had made it impossible to deny the accusation.

 

“Hm, a little birdie on the wind,” he murmured dreamily, looking out the window.

 

“Right, whatever. There're two people that know about it and since you don't know Inuyasha as far as I know, I'm guessing Rin's the culprit,” I sighed, running a hand through my mussed up hair. I wanna go home and take a shower. Ungh.

 

“Who says I don't?” he laughed. “I work in entertainment after all and the man likes to have fun,” he shrugged and added with a grin, “but I'm not going to tell you which birdie told me. Sorry.”

 

“Sure, sure. Well let me just set you straight Miroku. It was a kiss. Nothing more. I'm not having dirty thoughts about him,” I lied through my scowl, one that dared him to call me on it.

 

Picking up several napkins he spread them out in his hands like cards and looked at them closely before looking back at me and shouting with an idiotic grin, “Bullshit~!” Well now that we have everyone's attention again, I sighed.

 

“Miroku,” I grumbled, “I'm serious. Just because we kissed doesn't mean that he's interested in a relationship with me. I'm not going to get my hopes up ok? So can we just drop this,” I sighed again, dropping my chin into my hand, my elbow propped on the table.

 

His grin immediately fell away and he grew serious, watching me for a few moments before he spoke, “I know you're afraid that maybe he just wanted to kiss you but… I don't think he's like that Kagome. He hasn't just been looking at you like a piece of meat for the past couple of months. In fact he's never looked at you like a piece of meat. I mean for crying out the loud the guys been trying to build a relationship with you since he met you.”

 

“Yeah, but-“

 

He leveled a scolding look on me and said, “You don't actually think he's the type of guy that would take you to restaurants and do things with you, give you a massive gift just to get physical with you, do you? That's more along the lines of something I would expect Naraku to do.”

 

I couldn't help but shiver at the mention of the creep and Miroku chuckled, “Yeah, good reaction Kags. But the point is there's no need to hide from Sesshoumaru because of that kiss. I mean for crying out loud you called Sango and I dense.”

 

“Hey now, totally not the same,” I laughed, reaching across the table and smacking him on the head, “It's like saying a Chihuahua and a Great Dane are the same size. Need I remind you that you two were circling each other for years? I only met the guy in April and we haven't really been together a whole lot. You and Sango were together almost everyday for years before you two even kissed - which may I remind you is thanks to some serious pushing on my part, thank you very much!” I smirked and added with a sly spark in my eyes, “So about that ring. When are you gonna buy it?”

 

Ah, I sighed happily, Wide-eyed, red-cheeked spluttering - it's like music to my ears!

 

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It was the first week of school, Thursday, two weeks and five days since they'd kissed. Yes. I had been counting. That's what scheming people do. We keep track of all the little things even though it makes us look obsessed. Why? Because it's our job, and somebody's got to do it.

 

Today was also the day where Uncle and I would put part Two of our plan into action. I watched our prey with the eyes of a hunter while she stood at the blackboard at the front of the room and explained the current lesson in our history books. She caught me staring at her and smiled, assuming I was concentrating on what she was saying.

 

History, needless to say, was far from my mind. The one thing on my mind was “The Plan”. Not just the one that I'd shared with Uncle Inuyasha but the much larger, complex plan that was beginning to form in my mind in the hopes of reaching the goal that I wanted more than anything. I wondered what Higurashi-sensei would say if she knew what my deepest wish was? The one that I spoke of only to the heavens at night when the stars winked from their frigid palace.

 

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Inuyasha had been lecturing me all day on needing to “get over my embarrassment because it was just embarrassing him with its wimpy-ness.” After much growling and glaring we'd unfortunately attracted the attention of our interfering father who's a completely hopeless romantic, and did I mention interfering? It was just the touch I'd needed to make my mild headache bloom into the obnoxious type, the one where you feel like someone's inside your skull and beating against it with pick axes and hammers and paying particular attention to the area around your eyes. Dirty little bastar-.

Ahem. Back to subject. My father, becoming involved in the time it took for him to suck in one lung full of air had bellowed, loud enough for all of the nearby employees to hear, “So, there is a girl! I knew it! And you finally kissed? Well, my boy, that's great but what the hell are you doing avoiding the girl now? Are you stupid?”

 

Gee, thanks Dad. I can just see the front-page tabloid headlines now, “The Ice Prince - A Closet Player! The shocking truth about Sesshoumaru Taisho that no one suspected…REVEALED!!!”

 

When I'd opened my mouth to give him the same reasoning I'd already given Inuyasha about my uncertainty regarding her feelings toward me he held up an authoritative hand and scowled, “I've heard. Your reasoning is ridiculous.” He rolled his eyes, “For such a bright boy you have a lot to learn when it comes to the heart. What if she feels the same way you do?”

 

“And what if she doesn't,” I'd countered, glaring at him as rebelliously as I could manage without the risk of getting through into the wall.

 

He'd just laughed then and crossed his arms over his broad chest, gold eyes flashing, “Do you trust her so little? This woman that you've let capture your heart?” And with that he turned and retreated back into his office, a smug smile on his face.

 

And when he put it like that - Damn. There was no arguing with it, much to my chagrin. So needless to say, I couldn't have been more relieved that it was time for Inuyasha to go pick up Rin and his time to gloat would be cut short. Standing there with that smug look on his face. I'd like to wipe it off - in a loving, brotherly manner of course. Only a little bit of acid, that wouldn't hurt him too much, right?

 

“

“

“

 

Rin came back into the room a few minutes after the last bell rang with a disgruntled look on her face and I immediately stopped messing with the stuff on my desk and asked, “What's wrong hunny?”

 

“Oh,” she sighed, “Uncle Inuyasha got caught in an unexpected meeting so he won't be able to pick me up for quite a while.” She shrugged before she continued, “It happens sometimes but I'm worried about Mai being left alone for a long time. I told him I'd be back as soon as school was over today so I don't want him to worry or get stressed out but… Well it can't be helped.” She sighed, “Hopefully he'll be ok… But anyway, I was wondering if I could wait here with you for a while, at least until you finishing cleaning up?”

 

I frowned for a moment, the wheels in my head clunking into a stuttering whirl before I landed on the solution. Smiling brightly I shoved the remaining folders into my bag and strode over to the little girl who was still standing just inside the doorway. “I have an even better idea,” I crouched down in front of her, ruffling her hair playfully. “I'll take you home. We can go by train to the closest station and then we'll hop in a taxi the rest of the way - how's that sound? We wouldn't want Mai to be worried, now would we?” I winked before I stood up and was happy to see that Rin's grey mood had transformed into her typical brilliant sunshine. She's just too cute… I wish she was my kid, I thought dreamily before I realized what some might think if they heard that comment and I couldn't stop the blush that stained my cheeks.

 

I turned away from Rin's curious look, took hold of her hand and marched us out the door with a cheerful, “Alright! To the station!”

 

When we reached the mansion that Rin called home, sure enough, her little companion was looking out the front window - well one of the many front windows - his long, pink tongue lolling happily out to the side before he barked merrily in greeting. So cute~!

 

Rin opened the door with a few well-placed punches on a small security panel to the left and with joyous noise we were ushered into the house by the ever-happy Corgi. “Thanks so much for bringing me home Teacher,” she smiled up at me from her current position, crouched down low with her arms wrapped firmly around Mai's plump little form.

 

Cute~! I thought intelligently. My go- I sound like one of those bumbling, boy crazy teenage girls who's lexicon consists mainly of words like, “Cute”, “Hot," “Sexy”, and “OMG!” It's all that man's fault, I'm sure! I resisted the urge to groan and instead said with a smile, “No problem Rin, I was glad to do it!”

 

“Well, I hope that I didn't take up too much of your time, but now that I'm home you don't need to worry about me - I'll be fine here by myself,” she smiled, picking the ball of fur and lard up like he weighed nothing - which I knew from personal experience was not true - and started walking towards the open area of her house that consisted of the massive living room, dining room, and kitchen.

 

Frowning slightly I followed her, “Like I said, I was glad to it, hun. But I don't feel right just leaving you here by yourself… We need to call your Uncle first and let him know that I brought you home and then I'll let him know that I'll stay here till he gets done. Deal?” I finished with a smile as she turned around to face me, eyebrows pulled down sharply as she chewed on the idea.

 

Finally with a nod she started hesitantly, “As long as you're sure it's not too mu-“

 

“It's not,” I cut her off with a chuckle, “It'll be fun! We'll have a girl's afternoon, ok? How about you give me your his cell's email and I'll send him a message, and while I do that why don't you pick out a movie you want to watch.” At her blinding smile that I took to be a sign of acceptance I couldn't help but smile just as brightly before I said, “All right, let me get my cell out.”

 

An hour and a half later we'd finished watching Lilo and Stitch, Rin was literally bouncing up and down with energy that left we wondering if she'd gotten her hands on some caffeine when I hadn't been looking, and Inuyasha had yet to make an appearance. It was five o'clock though and so I decided that since I was there and Rin was feeling so energetic that I would get to work and put that energy of hers to some good use too. With a smile I stood up from the couch, stretching lazily while I watched Rin who was jumping up and down on the couch and managing to reach unnatural levels of height. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that. I mean I'd never gotten that high when I'd jumped on the couch as a kid. Lucky little girl, I thought with a chuckle, she's actually managing to do what I tried to do.

 

“Rin,” I laughed, breaking her concentration and winced as she barely avoided landing on Mai who was calmly sitting, being bounced about on the couch as if it was a normal, everyday occurrence to be jostled in a false earthquake caused by none other than the irresistibly adorable child.

 

She straightened from the near squashing of her faithful companion and looked at me with her bright, hyper eyes, “Yes, Higurashi-sensei?”

 

I laughed, “Call me Kagome, Rin. I'm at your house so you don't need to worry about using the title. It's weird,” I wrinkled my nose to show just what I thought of the stuffy formality.

 

She giggled and said, “All right Kagome. But don't worry, I'll remember to call you Higurashi-sensei at the school!”

 

“Probably a good idea,” I laughed. “Now, it's five so I was thinking we should make dinner - you could surprise everybody when they get back.”

 

“Oh! That sounds fun,” she smiled brightly and began jumping up and down again and I couldn't help shake my head at the dog that still refused to move. Mai looked at me with a bland expression that said, `What?' and I couldn't help but laugh.

 

“Ok, then why don't you show me what all you have in that big kitchen of yours and I'll see what I can rummage up,” I caught her on her way back down to earth with an `oof~!' and then set her down gently on the floor. Like a bullet she took off for the kitchen and I decided that the girl definitely had to have gotten into something while I wasn't looking. I'd never seen her this hyper in class.

 

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“

“

 

Inuyasha had only been gone for a mere five minutes before he strolled back into the office frowning slightly. “What in the world are you doing back here? Forget something?” I smirked at his obviously sour mood.

 

“No,” he grumbled. “Got a couple important meetings switched on me. I'll be stuck here for a couple more hours so I can't go pick up Rin.”

 

“Well, then wha-“

 

He waved a dismissive hand at me while he rummaged through some of the files in his desk drawer, “It's already taken care of, don't worry.”

 

“Alright,” I laughed as he stalked out of the room, obviously disgruntled about being stuck in the office for a few more hours. I hadn't really thought anything of it at the time; after all with both of us working at the company meetings got juggled all the time and it wasn't the first time someone else had to take Rin home, namely Jaken, so I'd just assumed that Inuyasha had “taken care” of it like he always did.

 

I didn't even think much of it when my father came in after less than two hours and told me to go ahead and go home early. It'd been a slow day on my end of things and there really was no point in having me stick around. I was ahead on my figures and my different business deals from working so much last month so I was more than happy to have the chance to go home early and spend the rest of the night with Rin.

 

Needless to say, because I hadn't thought much of anything that Inuyasha or my father had done I wasn't prepared for what greeted me when I got home.

 

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“

“

 

I walked into my house, setting my briefcase down by the door and pulling off my suit jacket as I walked into the living area, smiling at the thought of doing something fun with Rin tonight. When Rin had still not cried out, “Welcome home!” in her cheerful voice I was a little puzzled and turned to face the open room. That was when something white in the kitchen caught my eyes and I turned to look at it and see exactly what it was. And it inspired in me a reaction that few people ever see.

 

My jaw dropping.

 

My kitchen looked a war zone that had suffered from some great blast. And standing there in the middle of the destruction was none other than my daughter, her dog, and Kagome, all covered from head to toe in the white powder that covered the room.

 

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“

“

 

I was impressed by Sesshoumaru's kitchen. Extremely. I mean, it's not everyday that you find a single man who has a big kitchen and actually has it stocked.

 

“Does your dad have a maid or someone cook for you?” I asked curiously, thinking that was a logical explanation. He was a rich man after all, it's not like he couldn't afford it and it would explain why he had everything in the kitchen.

 

Rin looked up at me and laughed as she pulled a stool over to the black countertop, “No, we don't have a maid. Why?”

 

“Well,” I started thoughtfully as I began setting the bowls out for our next project: cookies! “I just guess I'm surprised that your Dad seems to have so much stuff for cooking.”

 

“Oh,” she grinned, “I guess Uncle Inuysahsa did tell me once that Dad's love of cooking is…how did he put it? Oh right, `Not on the top ten list of things most guys like to do for fun'.” She snorted as she handed me the chocolate chips and baking soda.

 

“So he likes cooking, huh? I never would've guessed,” I smiled a smile that bordered on affectionate before I could stop myself.

 

“Yeah, anytime he gets off early enough he and I'll cook dinner together. When he cooks it's like I can see all the stress from work just roll off his shoulders,” she smiled as she jumped off the stool and went to the fridge, flinging the door open a little too enthusiastically - yes, she was still extremely energetic, bless her - and retrieving several eggs. Jogging over and climbing back onto the stool she cracked them open expertly with one hand and dropped them into the bowl for the liquid mixture. Impressive.

 

Handing her the egg whip I smiled, “Yeah, my mom was the same way. Cooking was a great way to relax for her and she taught me to appreciate it too.” Mixing the dry ingredients I asked curiously, “Do your Grandparents like to cook too?”

 

She snorted and shook her head, “Grandpa likes to cook on the grill. That's it.” She laughed at some memory or something and her hand slipped while she stirred and a glob of eggy-liquid slime shot out and hit me square in the face, pulling a yelp of surprise out of me before I could stop myself.

 

Turning I found her laughing at me, eyes wide, a trembling finger pointing at the slime as it dripped and crawled down my face. “Eew,” I whined, reaching a hand up to wipe off the sticky, nasty substance. Rin's laughter just doubled and I decided getting even a little wouldn't hurt. I mean, I am after all a responsible adult and in someone else's home - I would never let myself get carried away.

 

Right.

 

Will I ever learn?

 

Two minutes later the kitchen was covered in flour - fortunately Rin had decided against flinging the egg mixture about - good girl - and we weren't stopping any time soon. Throwing handfuls of flour at each from the large bag that we'd opened when we started making our batch of cookies we ran about the kitchen, screaming and squealing, carried away by our Flour Fight.

 

“Take that,” Rin squealed excitedly as she flung a handful at me with considerable force that hit me square in the chest, splattering all over my black silk, button-up blouse. Yeah,so not being responsible.

 

Looking down at the white “wound” on my shirt I let out a giddy scream and grabbed another handful jumping forward as fast I could and dropping it on her head. Unfortunately playing with a youkai child was dangerous and I found a handful of flour exploding on my face the minute I'd gotten her. Spluttering I laughed as she tore away from me, yelling after her, “Oh you're in for it now cutie!”

 

We continued the game, getting more and more covered in flour and making an even greater mess of the kitchen while we did. It probably would've continued until we ran out of flour except that somehow, in a brief moment of silence I swore that I heard the sound of an engine. Rin hadn't noticed it though so I found myself getting another generous amount of flour right in the face, and was just about to let out a squeal when the sound of the front door's latch clicking made us freeze.

 

Statue still we waited with bated breath, hoping desperately that we'd imagined the sound but then there he was in all of his glory, eyes searching the living room and dining room curiously. Staying completely silent we hoped he wouldn't notice us somehow - I should have learned years ago that pretending you aren't somewhere doesn't make it so - but then he turned. Time slowed as he turned, my heartbeat thudding in my chest like a racehorse running down the track, and then his eyes landed on the two of us standing in the middle of the kitchen that looked like a blizzard had exploded in it. Covered in flour and looking like two babies of the Abominable Snowman we stared at him like two raccoon dogs caught in the headlights of a car on the highway.

 

And he stared right back.

 

Ungh...

 

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“

 

Staring back at me, their eyes startling dark in their white faces, they just stood there, completely stock-still and I was too surprised to break the stillness and the silence that had stolen over the house. I stared, my mind moving at a blinding rate as it tried to figure out three things: A) Why Kagome was here, B) Why my kitchen was in upheaval, and C) Why Kagome was here. Ok, so that makes two things technically, but that was such a big question it had to be asked twice. Finally I couldn't take the silent staring anymore and said, “I'm home.”

 

Oh yeah, that was smooth Sesshoumaru, very smooth, I grumbled sarcastically as I watched Kagome's eyes grow impossibly wider.

 

Coughing to clear my throat I turned to Rin and drawled, “So, Rin…”

 

A smile broke out on her face then and she chirped, “Kagome and I were making cookies Dad! We thought we'd surprise you with dinner!”

 

I turned to Kagome and found a blush leaking through the white powder covering her face before I focused my attention back on my daughter, “I see.”

 

“Kagome brought me home from school today!” she grinned broadly and I began walking towards the destruction zone that had once been my pristine kitchen. I didn't miss the jump in Kagome's heartbeat.

 

For a minute my mind flew to the fact that Kagome, the girl I'd been so worried about meeting after our kiss, was now in my house and in my kitchen and I had no route of escape. But then my father's words from earlier crashed into my thoughts and I shrugged off the worries that had been plaguing me for the past two weeks. This of course gave the mischievous and devious part of my mind free rein and I barely kept myself from grinning as I took my first step into the kitchen.

 

Coming to a stop in front of the two apparitions I looked down at Rin as she spoke again, her voice high and giddy, “We watched Stitch, too!”

 

“I see,” I murmured, glancing emotionlessly at Kagome nearly chuckling as the sound of her breathing and heartbeat hit my ears even harder - the poor girl was terrified. Well now that just won't do…

 

“

“

“

 

 

I am a very, very, very bad girl.

 

“I see.”

 

I am a very, very, very stupid girl.

 

He turned and glanced at me, his dead-pan eyes and face making my heart leap painfully in my ribs as my lungs collapsed, leaving me in an utter state of terror.

 

I am a very, very, very dead girl.

 

Turning casually, with all the slow grace of a predator that knows his prey cannot run, he looked down at the noticeably depleted bag of flour that I'd forgotten I was still holding. He reached a hand toward it and I expected him to take it from me before he exploded - which he would do, I knew. I had, after all, trashed his kitchen.

 

So you can imagine my surprise when I found a very large handful of flour flying up from the bag and smacking me in the face with a feathery light `puff' once it made contact. Spluttering I looked up at him in shock, clumps of the flour falling from my face as I stared wide-eyed.

 

“You,” I sputtered idiotically, “Y- you…You!” Yes, I really need to work on my communication skills under stress, I thought dryly as watched the wicked smirk spread across his handsome face. Oh no I did not just think that. The guy just hit me in the face with flour and I'm getting all mushy - No sir! And with that I dove my hand into the bag, flinging a large amount of flour at him in irresistible retaliation.

 

As it splashed on his face and fell all over his once spotless blue business shirt and black business pants I gasped, crashing back to reality at the sight.

 

I had just hit Sesshoumaru Taisho in the face with flour in his own home.

 

Yep, I am definitely not bright.

 

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“

“

 

I stood there stock still wondering what type of a reaction I'd been expecting to get from her after I threw flour at her face anyway? Honestly, what else could I have expected other than for her to come back and hit me with everything I'd dished out. And then it was on.

 

The next few minutes were nothing but a blur of flour as the three of us ran around the spacious kitchen, drawing close, flinging the flour, and then retreating. The two girls' squeals of excitement and peals of laughter left me in a state of euphoria and I couldn't help but join them in their amusement. When there was nothing left in the bag we collapsed on the floor, helpless to the laughter that gripped us, and completely filthy. I was especially filthy because at some point during one of our rounds around the kitchen Kagome had slipped and accidentally bumped into a bowl that had been left open on the counter - a bowl of mixed eggs and vanilla and other liquid ingredients - and I'd had the unfortunate luck of being directly behind her and having it splatter all over the leg of my pants.

 

Finally getting a grip on my laughter I turned to the two girls and found Rin nestled in Kagome's arms, the two of them curled up, eyes tearing, in their mirth. And as I contented myself to watching them until their laughter subsided to quiet giggles - I knew. I knew that Kagome, the gentle woman who held my daughter and held my heart, was someone that I could trust completely.

 

I just knew.

 

“

“

“

 

“Inuyasha, how were the meetings?” my father's big voice boomed as I entered his office, winking at me while I shut the door. “I hope it wasn't too difficult getting Jaken to take Rin home…”

 

“Course not,” I laughed, a big grin spreading across my face. “It was a piece of cake.”

 

“Good,” he grinned back with just as much mischievous force, “Well I sent Sesshoumaru home for the night since he's ahead on everything. Why don't you call it a night too? I'll wrap up everything.”

 

“Alright,” I smirked, “Don't have to tell me twice.” As I turned with a friendly salute to head back out the door, done letting my father know the plan was going smoothly so far, his voice stopped me.

 

“And just as a precaution I'd stay away from your brother for a little bit,” I didn't miss the amusement that laced his tone.

 

“Another thing you don't have to tell me twice,” I chuckled, turning my head so I could see his face. “He's never liked being tricked or surprised. Unfortunately for him though Rin thrives in making situations that spawn from cunning and more often than not lead to surprises.”

 

He smiled an affectionate smile as the child was brought up, “Actually I think it's rather fortunate for him that she is because she does it out of love.”

 

“Yeah,” I snickered as I reached the doorknob and opened the door with a flick of the wrist, “and to keep him from being an idiot.”

 

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“

 

After our bout with craziness we'd cleaned up the kitchen enough to continue on our mission because by the time we'd collapsed on the floor in helpless peals of laughter Rin's stomach along with mine were complaining fitfully. The monsters were demanding his rations and would not be denied!

 

The kitchen taken care of left the three of us as the last mess that needed cleaned up. Rin had left to take a quick shower in one of the many bathrooms and Sesshoumaru had returned with a pile of clothes draped over his arm, giving them to me before I helped myself to the guest shower that I'd used the last time I was there.

 

When I'd left the shower and found him in the kitchen with Rin working on the food for dinner, despite the lovely scene of father and daughter they presented to my eyes, I found myself having to resist the very strong urge to drool. Yes. Drool.

 

I had seen the man in stunning business suits. I had seen the man in a swimsuit. And oh my go- the way those hard muscles had felt under my han- Oh here we go again - down the yellow brick road of perversion that my mind seems to be traveling down a lot lately. What was it about the man that made me so…so…well to put it bluntly? Nearly animalistic. Ok, so that's not a hard question… Especially when I know that he inspires that reaction in thousands of other females... Of course they've never gotten to see him up close in a swimsuit! I thought haughtily as I felt a prick of annoyance when I remembered all of the girls in college that had put cutout pictures of him all over their walls. I hadn't known who he was at the time and I hadn't cared - specifically because he was a pin-up on countless college girls' walls. I wouldn't fall drooling over a pretty face like the rest of the masses simply to resist not becoming one with the norm! No, not Kagome Higurashi!

 

Oh how the mighty have fallen, a voice noted smugly as I continued to fight desperately against the urge to salivate. This brings me back to my original topic. The man that was in the kitchen with his darling daughter was driving me to distraction. Like I said, I'd seen him numerous times in gorgeous suits that made him look breath-taking, in a swimsuit that made me nearly faint thinking about it again - I mean I had been in physical contact with the man when he didn't have anything on other than that pair of trunks, how many girls get to say that? - and now?

 

Well now I was forced to come to the realization once again that no matter what he wore he was gorgeous, handsome, and in short, drool-inspiring in every aspect. He was dressed in a pair of soft linen, black drawstring, loose leg pants, a casual, off-white, button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to keep them out of the food - while at the same time offering a wonderful view of the muscles on his arms - a black apron and to top it off was barefoot. Simple, not at all unusual, casual wear - that's all it was. He was in his home, relaxing and spending time with his daughter and was wearing completely innocent, normal clothing.

 

Then how come it looks so damn seductive when he's in it?

 

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“

 

I could feel a pair of eyes watching me and I could smell her…interest…in looking at me so I let her for a moment, trying very hard not to smirk, but soon my mirth at her attentions turned to something else and I had to try not to slip with the knife that I was cutting an onion with. I mean women looking at me like she was now never unnerved me but, well, Kagome, as always, was an exception to the rule. And I was unnerved, but not in an unpleasant way. I was just surprised at my body's reaction to her appraising eyes and I suddenly felt my cheeks growing hot.

 

I, Sesshoumaru Taisho, was blushing because a woman was looking at me.

 

Well, that's a first.

 

Finally I couldn't take it anymore and tore my eyes away from the onion, blushing or not, to look at the women who was making me react in such a strange way. Well, I thought numbly as I tried to keep my jaw from dropping, how in the world?

 

There stood the woman who was always dressed in her attractive little suits or tastefully enticing tops. The woman that had caught my eye in her little black Gucci dress at the ball. The woman who I had - oh yes, and it had been wonderful - seen in a bathing suit, albeit a modest one. The truth was that Kagome never failed to look stunning every time I saw her. Even when I'd found her in the middle of my filthy kitchen covered in flour she'd looked adorable and charming and now? Well, now was no different except for the fact that she managed to look impossibly alluring while wearing my clothes…

 

Well, I could certainly get used to seeing her dressed like that, the naughty part of my brain thought before I could stop myself.

 

Good grief, behave, I ground out as I tried to plaster a smile on my face before she realized I was staring. I couldn't help it though, she stood in the doorway to my kitchen wearing one of my dress shirts that was so big it dwarfed her completely with a pair of my grey loose drawstring pants that dragged on the floor, her hair falling around her shoulders in those gorgeous black waves and in short… She looked unbelievably ravishing.

 

It wasn't fair for her to look so good.

 

All the time.

 

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“

 

I'm not conceited, nor am I egotistical but I can tell you that after my Dad and I got home from dropping Kagome off at her house I was bursting with a smug appreciation for how well my plan had worked. I mean - I was on top of the world.

 

They'd been so distracted by the flour fight that they hadn't stiffened around each other and after that the natural draw that they had on each worked its magic. It had been beautiful. They'd been cooking together, laughing, smiling, everything was flowing - it was like what you see in the movies and well, I couldn't have been more pleased.

 

Of course my happiness didn't just come from the successfulness of my plan - although I did find quite a bit of pride knowing that I had just successfully hoodwinked two very intelligent adults, how many six year olds get to claim that? - but I was also happy to see my Dad so happy. That, and a very deep part of me was bubbling over with happiness because while Kagome had been there… While the three of us had been there, in my house, cooking and eating dinner together I had felt like a family.

 

I know, I know. My Dad likes Kagome a lot, and she likes him but I shouldn't be getting ahead of myself. I know that. I'm not stupid. Obviously, I tricked Dad and he didn't see it coming, he! But I couldn't extinguish the light of hope that had turned from the small, weak flicker of flames of a secret hope to the roaring bonfire of a determined goal.

 

Now, don't get me wrong. It's not that I'm unhappy with my Dad or that I'm so desperate for a mom that I'll cling to the idea of anyone that my Dad may become interested in. No. I love my Dad and I couldn't be happier with him. And after my mother I'm definitely not extremely open to older females - to put it gently. So that wasn't it at all. The thing was that Kagome just seemed to fit. It was like she was the missing piece of the jigsaw that was my family and she fit into place - perfectly. Call it a child's intuition but I was sure that she was the one that could make our brokenness whole.

 

And now that tonight had gone so well I was left with a solidified goal, a yearning in my heart. And let me just say, if needed, I was more than ready and willing to give them another helpful push… I can be just as determined and stubborn as my father; I'm not his daughter for nothing, after all.

 

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“Well that was just…” I sighed while I laid on my back, wrapped up in my blankets staring up at the ceiling above my bed, “Dreamy…” A mental image of Sesshoumaru in his casual wear flashed across my mind's eye and I was smiling lecherously before I realized it. “Oh dear,” I grumbled, rolling onto my side as I tried to clear my mind of all images of loose linen pants that fitted so nicely on his as- “Ugh.”

 

And all visions of him in that shirt that let me see every time his muscles bunched and moved on his back while it exposed his arms up to his biceps. “I have some serious issues,” I sighed as I realized I was once again running through the details of his image like dumbstruck fan girls drool over photos of a teen idol while they list all of his stunning attributes. Never mind the fact that the man was not only a teen idol, but also an idol to woman of any age.

 

“And never mind that he's got the best personality I've ever run up against,” I mumbled as I stared out the window. After tonight I felt like an idiot for even worrying about if Sesshoumaru just wanted me for some good lip action. He wasn't that type of person. I'd known that, but I'd been a chicken because for the first time in all of my 21 years I was falling for someone and as much as I had secretly wondered what it would be like, the ramifications of failure and rejection had me scared spit-less. But after tonight, after just being with him and Rin at their home and enjoying spending time with them, I'd finally gotten some much-needed sense knocked into me.

 

I liked being with Sesshoumaru. Ok, that was an understatement. I loved being with Sesshoumaru. I loved being with Rin. And if I was going to let my fear get the best of me then I was going to be missing out on a lot of happiness. There's a reason for a lot of sayings: they hold some grain of wisdom and truth - some more than others. And when it came to my fears the expression, “Live life to the fullest” was what came to mind and I had claimed it as my new motto. I didn't know how he and I would turn out, but not knowing and being afraid of that lack of knowledge was just a waste. I would enjoy my time with him for the time that I had it. I wasn't going to take the good thing fate had tossed into my lap and return it.

 

“Good gad, I need to quit reading so many romance novels,” I groaned as I rolled onto my other side, turning my back on the window. “I'm getting way to melodramatic for my own good.”

 

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School term had started up again. It couldn't have been better. Her schedule had morphed back into its wonderful consistency so I was in fairly high spirits as I watched her exit the school building on the first Friday after school. The only thing keeping me from truly high spirits however was that I knew she'd gone to the dog's house the day before and now she looked like she was walking in the clouds.

 

“Foolish woman,” I curled my lip as I eased out from the alleyway near the quaint little school. I schooled my face into a mask of extreme politeness and friendliness however, as I fully reached the sidewalk and began pretending that I'd been headed in the same direction she was. It was so convenient that there was a station in this direction - you couldn't find anything more harmless than the train station that a majority of the people who worked downtown used. My long strides ate up the ground that separated us and in a matter of moments I was walking shoulder to shoulder with her.

 

I was disgruntled however when I realized that she hadn't even noticed my presence. Then again, I thought wickedly, perhaps this means she's getting used to my presence… At my voice however she jumped and her eyes took on their usual “doe-in-headlights” appearance and I was forced to scratch my hasty conclusion, “Good afternoon Miss Higurashi. What a surprise seeing you here.” I smiled before I continued on in my most friendly voice, “What brings you to this part of town on a weekday?”

 

She continued to stare for several more seconds before she blinked and breathed, “Naraku.” She didn't sound happy, well that was fine. Eventually she'd learn to be happy to see me, not that stupid dog. I would have my way.

 

“You scared me,” she mumbled and I didn't miss the way her hand clenched on the handle of her briefcase, her knuckles growing nearly white.

 

Yes, I can smell your fear my beautiful little Kagome, I thought while out loud I said with the most apologetic smile I could muster, “Oh, I'm so sorry. Please forgive, It's just I saw you and well… I wanted to come over and say hello.”

 

She gave me a look then, her eyes growing bold for a moment, her voice cold, “I'm sure you did.” She sighed then added with a firmness that most men when confronted with it would have been forced to accept her words, “I want nothing to do with you and I really don't get what or why you want to be involved with me but, let me tell you right now Mr. Hayashi, there isn't a snowball's chance in Hell that I'll ever have anything to do with you.”

 

Like I said, if I was any normal man I would have been forced to accept her words, but I'm not a normal man and her ferocity only made me hotter, my blood boiling in anticipation of the moment I would break the bitch in more ways than one. Never before had I lusted after a woman as much as I did the little spitfire who marched so furiously away from me now, her back stiff and her long hair flowing out behind her like a silk cape. I wanted her and nothing, no one, was going to get in my way. Smiling wickedly as she disappeared into the crowd I let her go for now, I would meet up with her later after all.

 

 

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“

 

I smacked Miroku's hand away playfully as he tried to distract me from my mission: calling Kagome to let her know that we would love to go to Atom. The man was really making it very difficult though to think of anything other than… HIM. But I had a mission and I would not be swayed! No man, no matter how good a kisser or how sexy he is, no matter how much he made me want to drool, and no matter how much he made me want to throw him onto the couch and smother him in a most pleasant manner, that's right - none of it was powerful enough to sway me from my mission! Not for one more second.

 

Pulling myself away from his wicked hands I began to take my first step when I was pulled short by a pair of extremely strong arms that had wrapped themselves firmly around my waste. Before I knew it I had been swayed from my mission. For ten whole minutes. Hmmm, I thought as I let him distract me, I guess I can't deny that I rather like this form of distracting persuasion…

 

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“

 

When I got home, still feeling like I had creepy crawlies slinking and squirming all over my body after my lovely `run-in' with Mr. Coodies himself, I opened my phone and found out that Sango still hadn't called me back. Which was weird because she and Miroku had the day off as far as I knew. “Why in the world would she not have - Oh, oh, oh! Ahaha, I get it,” I snickered as it dawned on me. “Ha, well, sorry to interrupt you two but -!” I laughed as I pressed the number to make Sango's phone explode into loud, cheerful song. This is for all those times the two of you interrupted my beautiful sleep, I grinned wickedly as I waited for her to pick up the phone.

 

When she did I wasn't disappointed. She seemed a bit…hmm…could it be? Oh yeah, it was. She was a little, ahem, breathless. “Yes, hello Kags,” she greeted extra cheerfully. Oh Sango, I laughed. You are far, far too cute my friend.

 

“I take it you got my message about Atom tonight? So are we on?” I asked, mirth lacing my voice.

 

She giggled nervously and I knew she knew they were caught. Ahaha, I crowed. “Yeah, we'd love to go! What time should we pick you up?”

 

“How about,” I tapped my foot on the floor as I calculated, “8:30?”

 

“Sounds great,” she chirped, still trying to play innocent.

 

“Alright, see you then,” I chirped back before I let out a peal of laughter and she groaned. “Bye hun,” I snorted prior to hanging up the phone with a click, falling back onto my couch laughing helplessly.

 

After watching a few comedy programs on TV, eating my dinner or cabbage salad and taking a shower I started getting ready. Picking out a sexy little number that was one of my old favorites, a little drapey, black chain-back top with a scooped neckline, I threw it on and started doing my hair up in a twisting, knotted bun. In no time I was ready and when back out to watch T.V. until they got there. When I turned it on it was set on the news channel and the announcer was saying something about a successful product…I wasn't really paying attention since business makes me snore uncontrollably and I was just getting ready to change the channel when suddenly there he was. On my TV screen. WHAM! And even though he wasn't there with me, just hearing his voice and seeing him on the TV was enough to make me shiver. I froze with my finger over the button of my remote for a minute, just staring as his disgusting mouth opened and closed emitting charming and witty words, his whole manner oozing with self-importance.

 

It was repulsive and my bile was suddenly inspired to go flying.

 

Before it could take flight I managed to locate my motor skills again and quickly changed the channel as I tried to quit shuddering. Fortunately Downtown was on and saved me from the images of the Boogie Man. I let myself fall into the ridiculous jokes and pranks of my favorite program and quickly managed to erase the man from my thoughts - at least for a little while.

 

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“

 

“Inuyasha,” a female voice that I knew all to well said from in front of my desk. What the hell? I wonder why Kikyo's coming here. Maybe something came up with that one contract from yesterday…Great, I moaned before I pulled myself from the safety of my papers and looked up at the incredibly gorgeous, aloof lawyer that worked for our company.

 

“Sagai-san,” I said smoothly, with casual confidence. The woman was like Sesshoumaru at times, often using the same brand of frigid intimidation if you got on her bad side. A fact that I'd learned when I'd gotten on her bad side. Something that I must confess had become a bit of a side hobby of mine. Ahem. Focus Inuyasha, focus. “What can I do for you?”

 

“I heard something the other day that, well, to be quite honest surprised me,” she murmured in that even voice of hers and I knew that she expected me to just know what she was talking about. Fat chance, I tried not to snort.

 

“Oh really, and what was that?” I asked just as evenly. Today has been sadly lacking in amusement… Too bad for you Kikyo, I chuckled.

 

“It was something about you actually…” she let her words fade as she stared at me with her calculating lawyer eyes. I'm melting, I'm melting! Not. Good grief woman just spit it out and quit trying to read me like that if you want to get out of here already. And I know you do, you're already starting to twitch.

 

“Oh really?” I asked, not giving an inch. When it came to this woman I lived to ignore the survival instincts that told me to keep her calm and lived to serve the impish part of me that loved nothing more than to push her buttons. She was just so rigid and stiff and I'd taken it upon myself to get her to loosen up. That of course meant that the woman didn't like me, she loathed speaking with me so I had to admit I was curious about her reasons for coming now. And it has something to do with me, hm? Interesting, well I'm not about to throw this opportunity for amusement away. Time to milk it for all it's worth. She was actually speaking to me of her own volition - an amazing thing in and of itself - and the longer I kept her there the more flustered she was going to get which in turn amused me to no end. Did I mention I live to push the woman's buttons?

 

Hey eyebrow twitched and I watched with concealed amusement as she took a calming breath, “Yes, about you and Rin.”

 

“Oh, Rin? I see,” I looked up at her expectantly, letting her know that I actually didn't see, and didn't miss the annoyance that brightened her usually unemotional eyes for a split second.

 

“Must I spell it out for you Inuyasha?” she nearly grumbled.

 

Hmmm…She's close. “Yes, please,” I smiled. “Rin and I spend a lot of time together so…” Her annoyance and anger was like perfume tickling my sensitive nose. Mmm, yes. Look, I cooed sarcastically, you can relax a little bit.

 

“It's regarding the case with her mother,” she grumbled, eyebrows pulling down in the slightest of glowers, eyes cold. I cackled mentally. Oh Kikyo, you're making my day. I hope you know that.

 

“Oh, yes, the harpy from the fiery realm,” I smiled brightly as if a light bulb had been turned on in my brain. The woman, due to my behavior that was meant to get her dander up, thought I was nothing more than a dim-witted Neanderthal. I didn't mind sacrificing appearances if I was able to get under the collar of the scrupulous, intelligent lawyer who just didn't know how to unwind.

 

“Well, yes about her mother,” she glowered fully now, no doubt annoyed with my ridiculous language. Good grief, have you never heard of…playful banter, woman?

 

“Oh so, what's the witch up to now?” I leaned back in my chair, stretching before I put my clasped hands behind my head. Relaxing in a professional setting as if I'm watching a football game with my guy friends and throwing back some drinks - yet another thing that drives Kikyo up the wall.

 

I was rewarded for my efforts by the sudden spike of anger and disdain in her scent before she ground out, eyebrows now pulled sharply down in a thunderous scowl, “I'm referring to the tape recorder Inuyasha!”

 

I took in the sight of her and the heady scent of her anger and had to fight very hard to keep up the façade of innocence and stupidity. Face lighting up brightly like I hadn't even noticed the ire that had begun to surface I said in a cheerful voice, “Oh! Right! The tape recorder! So what about it?” I let my eyes turn dull and clueless again as I stared up at her after my question. Heya! I don't have a clue! Just call me Mr. Clueless, I laughed as I watched the steam practically roll out of her ears, her fists clenching and unclenching rapidly. Now this is a great way to spend a Friday evening when you have to work late at the office…

 

“I was told that you helped Rin with the idea!” she shouted, bending over the desk and pointing an angry finger at me. She was positively quivering with temper. Oh Kikyo, I thought affectionately as I continued to stare at her like a slightly startled nincompoop.

 

Growing cheerful again I cried enthusiastically, “Oh! Yeah, I did. What about it?”

 

“Inuyasha,” she whispered, head lowered, bangs covering her eyes and I knew it was coming. “You IDIOT!” she screeched as her head jerked up, fiery eyes glaring at me while the scent of irritation rolled off of her in waves. Bristling like an angered porcupine she stormed out of the office with a hearty slamming of the door. I leaned farther in my chair, inhaling the sweet smell of her emotionality - she did have emotions other than `calm' you just had to pull them to the surface - and I couldn't stop the deep laughter that bubbled up out of me.

 

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“

 

I stormed into my office still shaking in anger. Sagging into my chair I dropped my head on my desk with an audible `thunk' and sighed, struggling to push down the anger that was at a boil. “This is just ridiculous,” I moaned into my desk. “I don't know why I let him get to me like this. Nobody else makes me so mad so quickly over the stupidest things. He's a loud-mouthed, irresponsible, cave man. He's beneath me, but I still let him get to me every time!” I straightened and leaned against the back of my chair for support feeling exhausted - just like every other time I had a run-in with Taisho's youngest son.

 

After Sesshoumaru had told me about Inuyasha's involvement with the use of the tape recorder I'd planned to thank him and congratulate him - in the slightest way possible of course, I didn't care for the man anyway - because for once it seemed like he'd actually done something intelligent. Amazing and unbelievable as that was. Using a tape recorder had been an idea that I was planning on sharing with Rin the next time I had a meeting with the girl and her father so when, at the next meeting, she presented me with a tape my surprise had been nearly obvious. At the next session in court that tape seemed to do just the trick and I was expecting to finally be able to wrap up the case that had been dragging on for far too long. We were just fortunate that her mother's new lover was finally drawing out the true beast so that Rin had been able to catch the evidence on tape. Most of the previous ill treatment hadn't been verbal abuse that would've been concrete enough to stand up in court.

 

So. I'd thought that, despite my dislike for the man, since he'd aided in the success of the case that he deserved some praise - as little as possible of course. But I had been determined to at least say two things at some point during our conversation, “Thank you,” and, “It was very good thinking on your part,” or something along those lines, because as much as I hated to admit it, the man had obviously managed to form an intelligent idea. Shock.

 

I mean sure, when it came to business he was good. He wasn't a complete loss. But when it came to anything else? Especially conversing - well, to put it nicely he was extremely lacking in the grey matter necessary for the process. “Extremely lacking,” I grumbled as began to open the files drawer of my desk and got ready to pull out the next case that I needed to look at tonight after I got home.

 

I had told myself that this time, this time, he would not make me angry. He would not get a reaction from me. I would be civil - despite how hard it would be - and show him my appreciation for his aid in helping the little girl get away from her unkind mother. And despite my determination he'd gotten the best of me - yet again. Where others were unable to break through the barriers that kept me calm and level-headed at all times, even during the most stressful of cases, and failed to unsettle me even over the serious things, he was able to send me on a roller coaster ride of fury and annoyance over the littlest things at such a rapid pace that it left me quivering and breathless. And exhausted.

 

“Neanderthal,” I grumbled darkly.

 

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“

 

“Inuyasha,” my dad poked his head out of his office door, scowling slightly. “You were bothering Kikyo again,” he accused in a reprimanding tone.

 

“Oh, you could hear it?” I laughed. He rolled his eyes before he stepped completely out of his office.

 

“I'm not joking,” he grumbled. “I'd like to keep my best lawyer happy here, thank you very much.”

 

“Oh come on, it's just a little fun,” I snorted, waving a hand at him dismissively.

 

“You know she thinks you're a complete fool,” he muttered. “The rest of us know you aren't but you act like a complete buffoon around the woman - and I know exactly why you're doing it,” he shook a finger at me.

 

I just smirked, “Of course you would. I won't deny it. The woman needs to learn to relax.”

 

“Yes, well,” he scoffed as he turned to walk back through the door. “Just make sure you don't push her too far.”

 

“Roger,” I saluted with a laugh. My father gave me a condescending look before he began to shut the door but after a short pause he poked his head out once more and I could see the mischief dancing in his eyes. I had a sinking feeling I wasn't going to like his next statement.

 

“Oh, and Inuyasha, you'd better be careful… Some people might think you were flirting.”

 

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“

 

I was by the entrance, concealed in the crowd, watching and waiting for her to arrive. And when my eyes finally saw her coming through the door, her hair up in a wild bun that exposed the graceful curve of her neck while she wore a drapey black top that left me salivating in anticipation, I couldn't stop the heat that consumed me. Fire in my veins I watched with black eyes as she and her friends made their way to the bar and eventually to the dance floor. Watching from a place near the pulsting floor my lust grew exponentially as I watched her body moving sensually while she danced, completely oblivious and innocent to the countless eyes that watched her with thoughts that were far from chaste. Licking my lips I waited for the perfect moment when she would be away from her friends. For over two hours I waited, watching with a burning, raging hunger while she moved seductively to the driving rhythm of the music, and what made her all the more desirable was the way she truly seemed unaware of her effect on the opposite sex. Finally, when I felt like I couldn't wait a moment longer, I watched as she left the floor and headed to the restrooms. She was alone.

 

Moving through the wild crowd I reached the entrance to the hall that led to the bathrooms and waited in the dark corner near there. The music was loud, deafening the occupants of the room, while the crowd was turned away from this corner of the establishment, facing the floor and the pulsing heart of the club. No one would notice before the damage was already done and by that time I would've already disappeared into the crowd. I'd come here tonight planning on just speaking with her again and only making slight advances but after watching her for two hours I couldn't hold myself back any longer. I was going to taste her tonight. I was going to feel her against me and I was going to show her what it was like to be under my hands. I would wait no more. Tonight she would get a taste of her future.

 

When she emerged I was ready and I didn't hesitate to make my move.

 

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“

 

I emerged from the bathroom still sweaty and a little breathless from the two hours of nearly non-stop dancing, but I couldn't keep the idiotic smile from my face. “I love dancing,” I sighed happily to myself as I reached the end of the hall and took my first step back out into the club area. A yelp flew out of my lips though when an arm of iron snaked around my waist and pulled me back into the dark secluded corner, throwing me roughly into the wall. Crying out in surprise and a little bit of pain I found my mouth covered rapidly with a bruising hand as my attacker placed his body in front of mine, successfully trapping me in the corner, his free hand pressing me into the wall. My eyes adjusted to the dark and when I realized who it was holding me, his dark aura crushing pressing down on me with enough force to steal my breath, I began to struggle as hard as I could, but once again was forced to see just how weak I was against the man. Thrashing wildly, fists beating his chest and nails digging into any exposed flesh I could reach, his neck, his face, anything, I soon found my hands held captive and pulled over my head, pressed against the wall by the massive hand that had been holding my shoulder in a crushing grip.

 

Growling, his eyes burning with unbridled lust, he pressed his repulsive body up against mine and brought his head down so that our noses touched, sending shivers of disgust running down my spine. “Kagome,” he purred in a husky voice that reinforced all too clearly that his intentions were far from innocent, “When are you going to learn that there's no point in trying to resist me? You're only making me want you more.” I nearly vommited and my unease only grew worse as he lowered his head and started to bring his lips to my neck.

 

I was bursting in panic and reeling is disgust, my body quivering in repulsion as I felt the hot breath from his disgusting lips brush against the sensitive skin of my neck, but as he drew closer the fear clouding my brain cleared, leaving a fierce determination in its wake.

 

This man was not going to touch me any longer.

 

Steeling myself I forced my mind to focus on the hand that still covered my mouth and the way his body was positioned against mine. The man was strong, too strong, but I wasn't going to go down without a fight. I just hoped someone would be heading over the bathroom soon - someone that wasn't inebriated and thought I was enjoying being lusted after by the Snake.

 

His lips were close now, just a hair's breadth closer and they'd be on my neck so with one last prayer for success I clamped my teeth down on his hand as hard as I could and was pleased when the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

 

Reeling back with several choice curses he pulled back just enough, his eyes burning with fury as he brought up his injured hand to strike me. As he brought it down though, I brought something up - right into his lower region - so as his slap left me reeling I was rewarded with the sound of him groaning in pain and bending over double. Knowing that I didn't have any time to spare I slipped out from underneath him as fast as my ringing skull would allow and disappeared into the crowd, panting in terror as I weaved my way through the mass of people until I reached my circle of safety.

 

When I reached them Sango and Miroku looked over at me lazily, but then jumped when they actually caught sight of me and I realized how bad I must look. “Kagome!” Sango cried as she let go of Miroku and came to stand in front of me, brown eyes full of worry, as she placed a hand on my cheek. “What happened? Are you ok?!” Miroku joined her looking just as worried but equally pissed off.

 

“I'm ok now,” I tried to smile but I was feeling dizzy from the rush of adrenaline and the brain-rattling hit that Naraku had landed on the left side of my face.

 

“But you have blood on your face and your mouth is bleeding!” she cried hysterically and by this time other people on the dance floor were actually beginning to stare. Oh hi everybody, don't mind me, I remember thinking distantly as the dizziness increased.

 

“Can we go sit down by the bar?” I mumbled, my exhaustion growing now that I was safe.

 

“Of course,” Miroku said smoothly as he and Sango both took me by the arm and walked me to the counter, helping me onto one of the high chairs.

 

“Now what the hell happened,” Sango growled and I knew that she'd reached the angry, protective phase. Oh Sango, I thought affectionately as I took in her `I'm gonna kick some ass' stance and the fire that danced in her eyes, I love you!

 

“And why are you bleeding?” Miroku added, staring at me.

 

“Oh well - it's not my blood,” I tried to laugh dryly but it just came out sounded weak. Coughing, I decided to elaborate, “I had a run-in with someone when I came out the bathroom and they trapped me in the corner over there that no one really looks at. They had a hand over my mouth so I couldn't cry for help and after I scratched them and hit them in the chest a few time they caught my arms and held them up so I couldn't do anything.” I paused and wasn't surprised to see their fury growing by leaps and bounds. “He was going to try and kiss my neck and so I bit his hand as hard as I could. It's his blood. It got him to move away enough for me to get in a hit to his…weak point…but I didn't get it before he'd hit my face with his injured hand. I'm just glad it did the job,” I sighed, collapsing against the counter as it hit me just how lucky I was.

 

“So you didn't know who the guy was?” Miroku asked. “Could you see his face? I mean, I know it's hard Kagome,” he frowned as Sango gave me a comforting hug, “but do you think you'll be able to describe him for the police?”

 

“Oh, yeah,” I laughed weakly. “That shouldn't be a problem,” I sighed. “After all the man's infamous,” I muttered and Sango and Miroku tensed instantly, their eyes growing cold with horror as they caught the meaning in my words.

 

“No,” Sango breathed, her breath leaving her slightly limp causing Miroku to quickly wrap his arm around her waist.

 

“You're sure?” he asked, eyes growing more serious by the second.

 

“Yeah, couldn't have been more sure,” I sighed.

 

“Well, I think we need to call it an evening and get you down to the police station. You need to file a report and get that blood on your face into the lab immediately,” he said as he gave a slight pull on Sango and she helped me back to the floor.

 

I sighed as I leaned on her for support, shivering in the aftermath of the terrifying incident, “Thank God you guys are here. I wouldn't know what to do otherwise.”

 

“Of course, hun,” Sango cooed, rubbing my arm in a comforting gesture, “How's your head feel?”

 

“Awful,” I chuckled.

 

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“

 

It was Saturday afternoon and I knew that she was usually at home on Saturdays after she'd finished volunteering, reading one of her English novels. And since it was such a lovely day outside and I was free from work I'd decided to pay her a visit and see if I couldn't interrupt her from her book. Grinning as I climbed the stairs and reached her door I knocked twice and waited for her reply. Ran's playful, yodeling barks burst out on the other side of the door and I couldn't help but smile even wider.

 

As her beautiful voice calling out, “Coming!” reached my ears I couldn't help the giddy feeling that bubbled up inside of me. The sound of the chain lock - the new and improved one that I'd purchased for her - sliding into place could be heard before she opened the door. When she saw me she squeaked and attempted to slam the door in my face but my hand was already out, stopping the door, my good mood instantly deflated by what I'd seen.

 

Her lip was swollen and cut while a dark welt marred the left side of her face making my blood run cold.

 

End Chapter

 

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第八課åR 25;ºæ¥ãŸã€œï¼è̸ 0;¯ã‹ã£ãŸã­ã€ç ;š†ï¼

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Hey guys, sorry it took me so long~! And first of all I would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful reviews! You guys - sashangelwings, bloodlily, silverdove, Jenny548, Starlight Demon 22, char(SS)SS(SS)SS, Fluffy of the SKT, dreamy7_12, and Minerva (my very first reviewer on this site!) - were all really so sweet so I just want to say thank you! Please keep letting me know what you think - I will continue to keep posting it here even though the numbers seem small - because your reviews all make it worth it! I really appreciate all your comments \( `-` )/ With much love,

 

Yours Truly,

Bloodrain's tears

 

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Notes:

 

“All the necessary formalities” - this was referring to the ritualized manner in which Japanese people enter and leave the rooms of their superiors. When you leave you bow slightly and say thank you or please excuse me (shitsurei shimasu) and then without fully turning your back on the person you make your way to the door and once there you back out, usually bowing again, and say, “Shitsurei shimasu” as you shut it.

 

“Raccoon dog” a literal translation of the animal found in Japan called “tanuki” - In Inuyasha they usually just translate it as raccoon because it's just simpler but it's actually a different animal from the raccoon. They're really adorable too (^_^)v

 

“I'm home” - In Japanese it's “Tadiama” and as I'm sure most of you know it's one half of the traditional greeting Japanese people use whenever anyone arrives back at the house. The person already in the house is supposed to say, “Okaeri nasai,” in response so Sesshoumaru was just saying the set phrase. It sounds so weird in English though - to me anyway - so sorry if it sounded awkward (It made me think of, “Honey~! I'm home~!” Haha).

 

“Downtown” is a brilliant comedy program in Japan that's one of my personal favorites. It always has me rolling in hysterics.

 

For a picture of the classic Mos Burger Burger (ahaha) you can go here:

 

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.mos. co.jp/menu/hamburger/mos_burger/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmoss%2Bburger%26hl% 3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

 

And for their official website: http://www.mos.co.jp/index.html