InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Choices, Choices... ❯ Restraint ( Chapter 6 )

A/N: Please be patient, folks. I have many projects. Not only do I have Choices, but my newest story, That's the Way Love Goes. I also have a new story that I haven't been able to submit at all because I have so much going on. On top of all that, I've got my challenge… BUT - since my friend Lilliane threatened me (j/k, well, maybe not, lol) to get the next chapter out, here it is. I thank her for pushing me. I probably would have put this story on the backburner if not for her. Speaking of which - At deviantART, I want to thank luvtodraw, no1sangel, and yesbutnotwithyou. At InuYashaFanFiction, I want to thank thehotty. At FanFiction I want to thank snow cat demon, duckies rox my sox, psycho-sango, inuyashaloverforever1, firegodess372, and littlefoxdemon. I have answered all of your reviews, and I love you guys. For my MediaMiner fans: Christinne - Thank you so much! Yes, I'm sorry you'll all be guessing about the pairing. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint some of you, since she can't wind up with all 3 guys. But that's why this story is called Choices! LOL Kokoronagomu - I'm glad you like! Yes, yes, details will be revealed in time. Thank you so much! Unfortunately, I'm writing another story, plus have another I'm going to start, so… Foxtale3 - Thanks! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reviews like yours! THANK YOU for being like me. I totally agree. We shall see what happens, won't we?! Muahahaha!!! Reviews = Love!!!

 

p.s. - very minor citrus in this chapter. ; )

Without further ado -

 

Choices, Choices

Chapter 6: Restraint

 

 

Kagome opened the door reluctantly. Inuyasha watched curiously as she stuck her head through the dark doorway, seemingly to check if her roommate were home. He knew no one else was there - in fact, the other girl hadn't been home since at least the day before - but of course he couldn't tell her that, lest she become suspicious. Feeling more at ease that they were alone, Kagome flicked the living room light on. She proceeded to the kitchen, turning that light on as well, leaving Inuyasha to close the door behind him. He moved to the couch, making himself at home.

 

“I'll be right back. I'm gonna change,” she told him.

 

He nodded but she had already walked away. He watched her disappear into her room, lighting it. Listening to her movements, he heard the rustle of fabric as she took her clothes off. Baka, he thought. She didn't even close the door! Too damn trusting for her own good… Unfortunately, he couldn't stay angry for long - hearing her obvious de-robing, his mind began to conjure up images of her doing so. In the confines of his head, Inuyasha watched her slip the skimpy dress off, revealing a matching black thong. He saw her smooth her hands down her body, bending until she picked up the dress that was now pooled at her feet. He imagined walking into the room and coming up behind her, bending over her form. As she straightened, he kissed her bare shoulder and trailed his hands down her arms, turning her around to passionately capture her lips as she moaned into his mouth… Inuyasha shook his head, feeling his youki flare. The last thing he needed was to run out of the apartment, looking for the things that made him appear `normal'. He placed his hand on the backwards Yankee's hat he was wearing, as if to keep the thoughts from returning. Stomping his way to the kitchen, he yelled at himself silently. I can't be around this girl for five minutes! He rooted around in the cabinets until he found what he sought - a packet of popcorn. Also searching for a bowl, he found one and threw the popcorn in the microwave, starting it.

 

He began to pace in the kitchen. I can't let her know. I like her, and I trust her, but… I just can't. Kikyou didn't like me the way I am. No one can, or ever will. Anyone would freak out, knowing what I really am, he thought dejectedly. So how could he tell her how he felt? It was bad enough that he was so afraid of rejection that he had fled the last time he was here - knowing that in his departure he had left her crying, thinking she had done something wrong. But what other choice did he have? He wasn't even sure of his feelings for this girl, let alone hers. What he'd been through… He felt bad suddenly, as if he had dishonored the name of his late fiancée. It put a damper on his mood. He sighed, slumping his shoulders in defeat.

 

“Something wrong?” he heard a concerned voice ask from behind him.

 

He turned to meet her intense gaze. “N-no,” he lied. “Nothing's wrong.” He could hear the popcorn kernels drying out, ready to pop.

 

“Well, ok…” she started, unconvinced. “But if you wanna talk, I'm here.”

 

As the first of the popcorn transformed, Inuyasha fought an invisible battle within. I do want to talk. I want to tell you everything. I want you to accept me. I want you to love me. I want you to take away the pain… Pushing everything away, he focused on her, and finally noticed her change of clothes. He smirked, approving. She had put on a vintage tee-shirt, `The Clash' sprayed across the front; her hair up in a messy bun. Opting for comfort, she had also put on a pair of scandalously short shorts. Or, perhaps they only looked very short because her legs were so long… His youki, also approving, reared its' ugly head, and Inuyasha had to stop himself from growling. He turned away, trying to focus on the popcorn that was almost ready.

 

Kagome felt he was acting strange. His eyes always betrayed so much emotion - however, she didn't know him enough to know which emotions were which. And he didn't seem to want to open up to her. And now, he turned away from her, as if in dismissal. If he didn't want to be here, he should have gone home, she thought sourly. Does he really dislike me that much? Maybe he's offended by my clothes? She gave herself a once-over, but didn't see anything wrong. She began to play with her nails, digging imaginary dirt from under them. Suddenly, Kagome's brain did a 180. Why am I upset? her inner voice raged. If he doesn't like something, he can go home! This is my apartment! She spun to give him a piece of her mind, but when she did, the look on his face stopped her.

 

Inuyasha had been trying to think of something else - something other than the impossibly long legs, or the way the small shirt clung to her breasts and tiny waist - when something else, indeed, presented itself. Incredibly angry with himself for not noticing sooner, he tried to look nonchalant as he made his way back to the pretty, flowered couch. There was a strange scent - not like sour milk strange - no, this scent didn't belong here. He stopped in front of the sofa, his back to Kagome so she wouldn't see his obvious sniffing. The scent, once he recognized it, floored him. A youkai - a male youkai - had been here, on this couch. Kagome knew other youkai? She might not know that they're youkai, he told himself. Still shocked, he finally identified the smell as an ookami. What the hell was a wolf demon doing in Kagome's home? The scent wasn't overly strong, so it had been a few days since he was here. Many questions raced through his mind. Who was this demon? How does she know him? What was he doing here? Was she… seeing him? Have they… Even in his thoughts, he couldn't finish the sentence. Eyes wide with apprehension, he sat, so as not to attract attention to his behavior. He chanced a look in the girls' direction; she was looking for bowls and he was glad for the temporary distraction. He inhaled deeply, and was relieved that he didn't smell anything… unsavory. The ookami's smell was strongest here, on the couch. Unless… Unnerved, he wanted to jump up and run to her bedroom to check for the wolf demons' scent. It took all the will power he possessed to not do just that. How to go about this? He couldn't just ask to see her bedroom - could he? The wretched smell of ookami came to him again, and suddenly the vision of a flushed, naked Kagome with a wolf youkai straddling her supple, willing body came to mind. When he imagined her moaning in pleasure, he nearly lost it. He felt his eyes change color - unnoticeable because of contacts - jagged stripes appearing and youki willing his claws and fangs to grow; he forced himself to calm. That did it. No matter what, he had to put his mind at ease.

 

He called to her, sounding a little angrier than he had intended. “Oi! You know, you never did show me around this place.”

 

It was endearing to her how Inuyasha spoke in their native tongue when they were not in public. It reminded her of her family, and she felt less homesick when he was around. She spun quickly, forgetting what she had been doing. “Oh, I didn't? But, the only thing you haven't seen is my… bedroom…” Her voice trailed off as she realized that it was the bedroom that he wanted to see.

 

Afraid she was getting the wrong idea, Inuyasha told her, irritated, “You don't have to if you don't wanna.” He turned to power on the TV with the remote that lay on the coffee table. “Forget I said anything,” he spat out.

 

What is it with these guys wanting to see my bedroom, she asked herself, amused. “C'mon,” she said, reaching her hand out to him.

 

He scoffed, but took her hand, nevertheless. He allowed her to lead him to the door he already knew was her bedroom.

 

“So, this is my boring room,” she said, grinning as she flicked on the light.

 

He sniffed quietly as she walked in and started talking. He wasn't listening however. Thank Kami, he sighed inwardly. He didn't smell any of the ookami here.

 

She was still rambling on, and he snapped himself to attention, lest she catch on to his inattentiveness. “… and since I grew attached I just couldn't give them up.” Catching only the end of whatever she had been saying, he panicked for a second before realizing she was pointing to the many books on the abundant shelves.

 

Just like her, he thought. He managed a smile. She smiled back and half-jumped over to her closet to close the doors.

 

“Eh-heh. You don't need to see all my clothes,” she said, embarrassed at the disarray of her wardrobe.

 

As she shut the folding doors rather forcefully, the gust created a bit of wind, and Inuyasha's eyes went wide with horror. He eyed a beautiful, short, charcoal-colored suit hanging from the top of the slotted wooded doors. Something - no, someone - distinctive… As realization hit, he off-handedly wondered how many youkai this girl knew. He almost became giddy, his anger spent so that it had to find another outlet. Apparently, humor was that outlet. He began to giggle. Kagome looked at him oddly. Sesshoumaru. She knows freakin' Sesshoumaru.

 

“Inuyasha?” she ventured.

 

Sesshoumaru. Of all the youkai to be involved with. Fucking Sesshoumaru!

 

“Inuyasha, daijoubou-ka?”

 

“Ee to… hai. Arigatou, Kagome,” he said, trying to control both his temper and voice.

 

Unconvinced but not knowing exactly what was going on, Kagome was beginning to get angry. “Would it kill you to talk to me, Inuyasha?”

 

If his ears had been visible, you would have seen them droop in dejection. He couldn't - wouldn't - answer that. He looked at the grey suit again. Not only was his scent all over it, but the faint smell of Kagome's arousal was there as well.

 

Kagome sighed in deference. Ok, have it your way, she thought, moving to leave the room. She was surprised when his hand wrapped around her wrist, keeping her in the bedroom. She felt bad then, seeing the insurmountable hurt in his eyes. She understood in that moment. Something had happened to him, and he still bore the scar on his heart. Obviously, he was going to require great patience. His bright brown eyes danced with emotion, and she was astonished to find that he looked like he was going to tell her something; perhaps explain.

 

“Kagome, I…”

 

A blast of sound interrupted his words, and they both jumped a little, not expecting it. Inuyasha realized it was his cell phone and gave Kagome a pleading look. She smiled as she noticed the ringtone was Green Day's `American Idiot'. Seeing her smile, he dug into his pocket for the Sidekick. Grunting a little in frustration, he answered harshly.

 

Kagome listened to Inuyasha's end of the conversation shamelessly.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“No, it's ok.”

 

“Oh, I got it.”

 

“Well, ok. I'll tell her.”

 

“No, it's fine, really.”

 

She saw Inuyasha scowl into the phone.

 

“Pervert. No, that's not it.”

 

“Yeah, ok. Good night, you guys.”

 

He pressed the `end' button and stuffed it back into his pocket. He looked up at her. “Miroku,” he explained.

 

“Oh. Did he get lost?” she asked. It dawned on her, and she giggled, noticing the reference of the ringtone for his friend.

 

He looked at her askance, but let it go. “No. They're not coming. Apparently Kohaku got into some sort of trouble. Something about hanging out with the wrong crowd. So they're both staying. They didn't want to leave him alone.”

 

“Oh, wow. How old is he?” she asked, concern laced throughout her voice.

 

Inuyasha was amazed at her distress for someone she didn't know. “He's a teenager. Thirteen. Kids get into trouble at that age. I'll have to knock some sense into him,” he said sternly.

 

Kagome looked at the man opposite her fondly. “Uncle Inuyasha, huh?”

 

“Keh,” he scoffed.

 

Yes, he's been hurt. But he's got a great heart, and he means well. Kagome smiled gently before turning to exit the bedroom. This time, Inuyasha allowed her to go, following closely. Right after she stepped out of the doorframe, Kagome remembered her light and swiveled in place. She was met face-to-face with Inuyasha, nearly ramming her nose into his chest. She looked up apologetically, and as she opened her mouth to follow up with words, he grasped her face with both hands and kissed her deeply, hungrily. She responded eagerly. She was not one to deny herself. They tangled into each other, hands in hair and bodies grinding against each other. He pushed her against the doorframe, pinning her against the wood. Suggestively, Kagome lifted one long leg and rubbed it along the hip of the young man opposite her. She thought she had heard him growl, but convinced herself that it had been her imagination. It had been extremely sexy, however, and she wished for him to make the noise again. She rubbed her thigh on him again, and not only had he made the delectable sound again but he had also untangled a hand from behind her head and placed it on her upper thigh, close to her rear, pulling her closer. However, as the fervor built and she began to wonder if she should pull him towards the bed or wait for him to do it, he pulled away, fear in his eyes. Without a word, he began to walk quickly to her front door.

 

Her stomach roiling at the turn of events, she ran after him.

 

“Wait! Please, don't go,” she pleaded, tears springing forward.

 

Disgusted with himself for making her upset, Inuyasha turned to look into the sapphire eyes that he already had known were crying. “I- I just need to clear my head. I promise. I'll be back. I'm just gonna… walk it off.”

 

He said nothing else as he left, abruptly closing the door. Now breaking into an all-out wail, Kagome slid her back down the door, hands to her face.

 

 

“FUCK!” Inuyasha cursed colorfully when he was outside of the building. He made a bee-line for his car.

 

He hadn't wanted it to happen that way. He suspected he had began to have feelings for her, else he wouldn't have cared so much that she had been deeply hurt. But he didn't want to want her. He wanted to forget her. He wanted to forget her. Because he wasn't going to be ok with her until he forgot about her. Confusing himself, Inuyasha pressed the button that popped his drivers' side door open. Twice in one night, a new record, he thought angrily. Thinking about the encounter and how she had responded - eagerly - made his arousal throb painfully again, and he felt the parts he kept hidden growing again. He practically ripped the glove box from its' hinges, murmuring an apology to the car. When he found the rasp, he cringed. Better get it over with. Grinding his fangs to an appropriate length, he turned his hostility on his claws, filing them after he clipped them. Throwing the tools back into the compartment and shutting it, he stomped back to the building. No matter how I feel, I can't leave her without explaining… something.

 

He had heard her cry as he walked down the hallway, and it was unlikely that she had stopped. Perhaps he should just go his way. It would be easier; he knew she was already somewhat attached to him, and it could only get worse. Maybe he should just tell her; once she knew what he was he wouldn't want him anyways. He toyed with the idea and laughed mirthlessly at his own ridiculousness as he opened the door again to enter the building Kagome lived in.

 

 

Kagome cried at the loss. Not again, she thought. What did I do wrong? He was the one that started it! She sobbed into her hands. It was a few minutes before she reasoned with herself. No, I didn't do anything. Wiping the moisture from her face, she could only guess what her face looked like now. Forcing herself to stand and trot to her bathroom, Kagome looked in the mirror. As she had pictured in her mind, her mascara was smeared all over her face, partially from the tears but made worse by her constant rubbing. Turning on the faucet and letting it run hot, she washed her face, letting it wash her sorrow away as well. She was drying her face when she heard her own cell phone ring. She had thought for a second that it was Inuyasha, calling to tell her he went home, but the ringtone, set to `Say It Right' by Nelly Furtado, told her it was her roommate. She ran out of the bathroom into her bedroom, finding the phone on her nightstand.

 

“Hey, Nik,” she said, a sniffle escaping her.

 

“Kagome? Why were you crying?” she heard her friend ask. Of course, her friend had known her since their senior year in high school. How could she not know her friend was crying?

 

“It's… it's nothing,” she told the honey-haired girl.

 

“Aw… Kags, are you missing Hojou?”

 

Kagome recoiled at the thought. “No! Really…”

 

“If it's not that, something else is really bothering you. Listen. You and I are going to have a serious conversation. I'm sorry I've been ignoring you - I've been a bad girlfriend…”

 

“I'm sure you've been a good girlfriend,” Kagome implied, giggling.

 

Nikki laughed too. “Now that's my Kags. So yeah, I'm gonna be home tomorrow, and we're gonna have a talk, and maybe we'll go shopping or something, ok?”

 

“Nik, you don't have to do that…”

 

“Nonsense,” her friend told her sternly, “I feel like I've neglected you, and I wanna do something with you.”

 

“Ok,” Kagome told her meekly. Honestly, she didn't feel like shopping. But hearing her best friends' voice sent little pangs of longing through her chest.

 

“Ok, then. I'll see you tomorrow,” Nikki said, a little sadly.

 

“M'kay. `Night, Nik,” Kagome said, not waiting to hear the reply to snap the phone closed.

 

Kagome sighed, already exhausted just thinking about what lay ahead of her tomorrow. She threw the phone on her bed as she walked into the living room. She eyed the popcorn hungrily. No sense in wasting it, she thought. Picking up the bowl she had placed it in earlier, Kagome flopped onto the couch and turned the TV on. Her thoughts turning back to Inuyasha, she replayed the recent events in her mind again. Now that she had thought about it, he had tried to tell her something when Miroku had called. Furthermore, she had just realized that he had been severely hurt. For him to kiss me like that, even though he has some things he obviously has to work out… he must have some feelings for me. Damn it. I even told myself to be patient with him. But, he had kissed me, not the other way around. I guess I'll just have to keep being patient, and see what happens, she thought sadly.

 

She had just settled on watching `Underworld: Evolution' when she jumped, hearing the door open. She almost dropped her popcorn when she saw Inuyasha saunter in. She could only gape at him as he spoke.

 

“Oi, you starting without me?” he said, a smirk playing across his features.

 

He eyed her, noticing that she had washed the makeup off her face. He hadn't been expecting her to be watching TV in the living room. Yet there she was, sitting with her knees to her chest with the bowl of popcorn in her hand, munching away.

 

When she was silent for a few more moments, he tried to reassure her. He knew she had cried heavily, the smell of tears still fresh. “I told you I was just clearing my head,” he soothed as he neared the couch.

 

“I-” Kagome was speechless.

 

He chuckled at her loss for words. He unceremoniously plopped down next to her, taking the bowl from her hands. She watched, mouth agape, as he shoved a fistful of popcorn in his mouth.

 

“So, what're we watching? Oh, something with vampires? Hey, I know this. It's with that hot chick…” he paused, trying to remember the name.

 

“Kate Beckinsale,” Kagome supplied.

 

He feigned an angry look. “I was about to say that.” Secretly, he was glad she had regained her ability to talk.

 

They watched in silence mostly, with the occasional `eep' or jump from Kagome, or the crunching of popcorn in mouths. Soon, there came a part in the movie where the male character, a werewolf-vampire hybrid, and the lead character, a sexy vampire huntress, were stuck in a steel container and began to make love. Inuyasha not only scented Kagome's arousal at the display, but saw it in her eyes as well. Without her knowing, she had gripped on to Inuyasha's shirt. Is this girl serious? She's turned on by this? Needing clarification, since he thought he may be going insane, he decided to ask. He looked at her incredulously.

 

“Um, Kagome?”

 

Kagome turned to him, her blue eyes clouded with lust; it quickly vanished when she noticed the dubious look he was giving her.

 

“What?” she said a little harsher than she meant.

 

Taken aback, Inuyasha had to think for a second before the thought process he had been on came back to him.

 

“You…” Now regretting he had brought it up, Inuyasha blushed, not knowing how to ask. He cursed himself for speaking before thinking.

 

She arched an eyebrow at him, angry with him for interrupting one of her favorite scenes. She turned back to the TV.

 

There's that look again!

 

“Kagome, you like this stuff?”

 

“Eh?” Kagome sounded. Realizing what he was asking, she blushed prettily. “EH?!”

 

Inuyasha felt bad for asking, but he had to know - it might depend on how he viewed her from now on…

 

“Er…” Kagome fidgeted, playing with her fingers. To avoid looking him the eyes, she turned back to the movie, but the couple were in a compromising position, making her blush harder. “It's not… I mean, I …”

 

Inuyasha was unsure of what to think about her hesitance. But he was losing his patience.

 

Righting herself and lifting her chin, Kagome berated herself for being ashamed. She had nothing to be embarrassed about! “Yes,” she said simply.

 

Inuyasha, who had turned back to the movie - which had moved on from the sex scene - spun to look at her with amazement in his eyes. He didn't speak, for fear of angering her.

 

She looked down at her hands, not from shyness, but lack of words. When Kagome lifted her head to look at him once more, he saw those same lust-filled eyes turned on him. His youki spiked, and he swallowed hard, fighting to calm his youki.

 

“Yeah, I do like it,” she started. He simply stared, figuring she was going to explain further.

 

“I mean, it's so hot.” She turned back towards the TV.

 

She was unsettled by the look he was giving her. Unbeknownst to her, he was fighting his inner demon, and unfortunately, it forced him to make some rather unsavory faces. But he made no move to leave, so she tried to explain further.

 

“You know, her fangs, scraping against his flesh, his eyes changing from lust… it's just so… sexy.” She thought at that point that perhaps she should have kept her mouth shut. Even coming from her own mouth, she thought it sounded stupid.

 

Inuyasha stared at her, each sentence leaving her made him fight harder against his youki and his own will. So, she's not bothered by this? She… she doesn't mind that he's a monster?

 

Kagome didn't like the look on his face. And he hadn't said a word. The very first pulls of tears were about to surface, when she saw him move his hand. It stopped, midway, between both their bodies. She saw something in his eyes, and the emotion there overwhelmed her. She didn't know what it was, but she was surprised when he was up against her suddenly, her lips captured by his. Eyes wide from shock, she was genuinely astonished to find that he was gentle, but needy. Her hand went to his shoulder as she closed her eyes and responded. He attempted to deepen the kiss, seeking entrance to her warm mouth, and she obliged. When their tongues met and he tasted her, he growled deeply by accident. Luckily it hadn't been loud.

 

Kagome had been swept up in the emotions, reveling in the fact that he was a great kisser. She allowed him access to her tongue, and she felt a vibration from her chest, which was being held against his. She thought she had heard something too, but she quickly forgot what she had been thinking, because his hand had come up to caress her jaw line, holding her close. She melted into him, and she was just thinking that she would probably do whatever he wanted at this point when he broke the kiss, panting. Also attempting to catch her breath, Kagome wondered why he had stopped. She could see the want in his eyes and decided. She quickly jumped forward, grabbing him by the back of his head and kissing him forcefully. He responded intensely, his hands moving with fervor. Then he calmed, and started kissing her gently, passionately, and languorously. When he broke the kiss for a second time, she made a little sound of protest at her loss, but saw he meant well when he placed a few kisses on her cheeks, jaw line, and neck. When his lips arrived at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, he bit, and then sucked gently. She moaned softly, and he became undone. Coming back to her lips, he captured them a little firmer, and she responded in like, making little mewling sounds. Softly, he began to push her down, and she complied. He stopped and looked down upon her for a moment, admiring her beauty. She smiled, and he wished for her to look like that always. Her deep cerulean eyes, shrouded with lust, looked deep into his, begging, pleading. Her raven locks splayed around her, and he absently twirled a few strands around his index finger, his other hand holding him above her willing body. Then he descended on her, and they tangled their limbs in passion.

 

He wasn't trying to push her. In fact, he was holding back. But she wasn't having it. She sensed insecurity in him, and she pushed upwards, grinding her hips suggestively against his already engorged member. He groaned in her mouth, and it made her unravel. She became confidant, her hands working to undo the buttons of his shirt. Of course, their bodies tightly held together, she couldn't reach the lower buttons. But after removing half the buttons, she was content to run her hands under the shirt, feeling his searing skin. She wasn't surprised to find hard muscle under the shirt - the first time she had seen him, he was wearing a tank top that had shown off his splendid arms. But now, to feel that power under her fingertips… She scraped her nails down one side of his chest, and this time, she was almost positive that he had growled. But it was so sexy, she didn't care if he had neighed like a horse.

 

For a moment, he had been worried. He had growled before, but it had been quiet. This time, when she had bestowed that pleasurably painful sensation on him, he couldn't help it. From deep within him, a growl had risen. He gauged her reaction, but there had been none. But if she had, what would he have done? She didn't mind the couple on screen, but that was a movie. Would she feel the same if a monster were right here with her? Regretfully, he slowed their kissing until he had pulled back completely. He looked down at her, and thought she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her hair tousled and her clothes disheveled, her lips slightly parted and still moist from their passion; to him, she looked like a goddess.

 

Kagome was confused as to why they had stopped. Did she do something wrong? No, the look he was giving her told her she hadn't done anything. But it also told her gently that he wanted to stop. Pouting ever so slightly, she tried to sit up. They were nose-to-nose again, and she leaned forward to kiss him gently before pulling away and removing herself from beneath him.

 

He seemed to be in shock - or perhaps he was upset that she gave up so easily. But regardless, she had known that he wanted to stop, and although he truly didn't, it was necessary. Quickly deciding on a plan, he excused himself for the bathroom. He ran over his plan for flaws as he walked into her room, turning to the left to reach the bathroom. I can't let her see this, he thought as he looked at the claws that had again grown unwillingly due to his surge of youki. Goddamn demonic energy, he thought furiously. He looked around quickly for a nail clipper - she was a girl, she had to have one - and cut them for the third time that night, using the attached file to smooth them, lest he hurt her. Growling deeply, he bared his fangs to his reflection in the mirror.

 

“Damn it. What I gonna do? I can't let her see these,” he said to himself. A vision of the sexy vampire came to mind, and he suddenly imagined using his own fangs to scrape against Kagome's neck. What the FUCK?! That's practically marking her! Why am I thinking about that? Furious with himself and his indulgent side, he decided that since she would undoubtedly be upset if he left again, he would stay but talk as little as possible.

 

Walking out of the bathroom, he spied the little grey suit again. He growled low and deep, remembering that he had smelled her arousal on it. He walked over to it and felt the fabric with his thumb and index finger. Breathing deeply, his eyes shot open with the strong scent of his brother in his nostrils, combined with the girls' own smell. Fuckin' Sesshoumaru. What the hell was he doing with Kagome? How does she know him? What the hell does he want with her? He's not interested in humans… Well, except his adopted daughter… But to date? No way. Then… why? Growling one last time, he turned away from it.

 

He returned to find Kagome huddled under a blanket, practically shivering. But it wasn't from being cold. He chuckled softly, the scent of her fear thick in the air. He sat closely to her, and she leaned into him.

 

“Why do you watch these things if you're scared?” he asked humorously.

 

“I like being scared,” she replied, attempting a smile. It came out looking too forced, which made him smirk.

 

“Whatever,” he laughed.

 

They watched the rest of the movie in silence, except for a few `eeks' from Kagome, and the sound of a laughing hanyou. When the movie was over, she stretched and yawned. He looked at her curiously, wondering if she would kick him out. But she only slumped against him more, and he squeezed her shoulders with the arm that was around her, pulling her close. Suddenly, she looked up at him.

 

He looked at her, one eyebrow arched. She had a mischievous look in her eyes, and he wasn't sure he liked it.

 

“You know, I always see you with some sort of hat on,” she started, grabbing for his hat playfully.

 

Her hand was stopped, caught in the tight grip of the man opposite her.

 

“Don't.”

 

Anger flashed in his eyes, and she was hurt and confused. Why would such a simple thing bother him so much?

 

He regretted being so forceful, but what would have happened if she had removed the hat? No, he had been right to do what he did. She would have seen, and she would have freaked. There had been no other way. If he had been too gentle, she may have managed to remove the hat, and that was unacceptable.

 

“I- I'm sorry,” he tried. But she hung her head, her arm limp in his grasp. “I really am sorry. Just… please. Don't try to take off my hat.” He wasn't expecting her question.

 

“Are you hiding something from me?” She eyed him suspiciously.

 

He tried to laugh it off, but it sounded as forced as when she had to convince him that she liked being scared. “N-no, it's not that.”

 

“Then what is it?” she snapped.

 

“It's… please, just trust me,” he told her, turning his head so that she wouldn't see the oddity that was his canines.

 

Of course, having taken psychology in her first year of college, she took this as a sign that he was lying and indeed hiding something from her. Of course, he was. But not what she was thinking.

 

“Are you, like, married or something?” she asked fearfully.

 

He was taken aback.

 

“Because if you are, I don't do that. I mean, I didn't know, so it wasn't my fault. But I won't do that to another woman,” she said. Turning towards him with fire in her eyes, she continued. “As for you, you can just-”

 

She was cut off by a gentle, soothing kiss. He released her lips before she could push him away. She was surprised when he laughed.

 

“No, it's nothing like that. I'm not even seeing anyone. I haven't dated since…” His voice left him, and he looked down at his hands.

 

Kagome saw the hurt that lay there. Ah, I knew it. He had been hurt. By another woman. She tried to change the subject with sarcasm.

 

“Not even any of those rabid fangirls?”

 

Mission accomplished, she thought when he laughed.

 

“No, they're the most annoying. I know they think the songs are great and all, but…”

 

“Who are you kidding?” Kagome laughed mockingly. “Yeah, they like the songs, but they're there to see you. Well, maybe Miroku too…”

 

“Eh?” Inuyasha started, his brows furrowing in a scowl. “Don't even think about falling for that flirt. Anyways, believe it or not, he's pretty faithful to Sango.”

 

Kagome laughed whole-heartedly at his jealousy. “He's not my type,” she cooed.

 

His head shot up, and she was smiling coyly. He turned away, blushing.

 

Sango, huh? It means coral. How pretty… I wonder what she looks like. Kagome was lost in her thoughts at the mention of the perverted guitarists' fiancée. She wondered what kind of person she was, and how she managed a boyfriend like Miroku.

 

“Will I get to meet Sango and her brother one day?” she asked hopefully.

 

Inuyasha panicked; did this mean she wanted to see him? As in… date?

 

“Inuyasha?”

 

“Eh? Yeah, sure.”

 

She smiled merrily, content with the answer.

 

He wasn't sure of her intention, but he assumed it meant that she wanted them to be dating - it was a part of dating to meet each others' family and friends. So, isn't that what it means? Puzzled, he looked over at Kagome, who was looking for something else to watch. She finally settled on watching anime, and he looked at her skeptically.

 

“You like this stuff, too?”

 

She looked at him quizzically. “Don't you? After all, it is from our homeland. Didn't you grow up watching it? The only difference is that it's in English…” She paused when she saw the sad look on his face. Had she said something wrong?

 

Inuyasha sighed. “No, I didn't grow up watching it. I had a tough childhood. There wasn't any TV.”

 

Kagome looked at him regretfully. “I'm sorry,” was all she said, hoping he would continue. But he didn't.

 

Of course, she was disappointed. It must be hard - who knows what he went through? First he has a hard time growing up, then he has his heart broken? But… wouldn't he feel better if he talked to me? Does he find me untrustworthy? Feeling down, Kagome returned her attention to the television.

 

They watched all kinds of anime, along with a few snippets that weren't anime. Soon, it was only a few hours until daylight. Inuyasha watched as Kagome yawned. She was tired, and he should go. He stood, faking a yawn. He wasn't tired, but she didn't have to know that. He told her that he had an audition in the afternoon, and she wished him luck. They walked to the door together, and once it was open, he pulled her close for a kiss. She responded quickly, and he had to pull himself away from her, lest he stay overnight. She smiled wide as he left.

 

“You have my number,” she stated.

 

He turned, smiling back. Nodding, he patted his pocket where his phone lay. He began to walk towards the elevator again, but spun suddenly.

 

“Hey, um…”

 

Kagome raised an eyebrow. Maybe he wanted to stay after all?

 

“Do you… er… do you wanna do something? On Thursday night?” he asked shyly.

 

“Thursday?” she mirrored, bringing a finger to her lips in thought.

 

He smirked. He loved things like that about her. He gave her a moment; she was obviously thinking about her plans. He became slightly nervous, but smiled when her eyes snapped to his, grinning happily.

 

“Sure! I don't have plans…”

 

“Okay,” he said, nodding. “I'll see you then.” He turned and left, rounding the corner to reach the elevator.

 

She nodded, watched him walk around the corner, and then closed the door.

 

 

When she woke up several hours later, Kagome felt tired still. She remembered her great night, however, and suddenly felt energized. Leaping up from her bed, she quickly fixed the comforter and began to grab clothes from her dresser. A thought struck her, and she grabbed her running clothes instead.

 

A few minutes later, she was stretching on the front steps to the dorm, and soon she began to walk briskly. After a few minutes, she jogged, steadily increasing her pace until she was in an all out run. Once she had had enough, she walked back to her dorm, and came back to her room.

 

After a long, hot shower, Kagome got dressed in her favorite Diesel jeans and a jeweled yellow tank top. Plopping down on the living couch, Kagome sighed, content to just be. Unfortunately, she was not able to be, because Nikki had come home.

 

“Kagome!” She rushed over to her friend, plowing Kagome as she jumped into her arms.

 

“Nikki! Oomph… You got heavier… Is Jason spoiling you with too much take-out?” The girls laughed, and Nikki playfully swatted at her friend.

 

Once they had had enough teasing and laughing, Nikki became very quiet. Kagome noticed, and asked her what was wrong.

 

Nikki seemed reluctant, but began. “I… don't want today to be about me, Kagome. I came here to help you get through whatever you need me for. But…”

 

Kagome didn't like the sound of that `but'. “Nik, you know, you can't expect me to tell you stuff, and then ignore your feelings. It's ok, just tell me what's bothering you. Then we'll get to me.”

 

“Well, um…” Nikki worried the hem of her skirt. “So, me and Jason have only been going out for a little bit, but he wants to be exclusive…”

 

“That's great, Nik! You've wanted a real boyfriend for months!” Kagome hugged her, rolling her eyes in her thought that there was nothing big about that. She noticed that her roommate didn't share the sentiment. “Er… that is, unless you didn't want to be exclusive yet.” She tried to gauge her friends' reaction, but could only tell she was upset.

 

“No, that's not it, Kags. It's… damn it…”

 

Kagome was worried now.

 

“He wants me to move in with him.”

 

Kagome grew wide-eyed, and then hugged her friend. “Oh, Nik. Is that all? You're so silly…”

 

“No, Kags. You don't understand. He wants me to move in, like, now. As in, today. He asked me late last night, and I didn't want to wake you up, and I figured it would be better in person anyways…”

 

Kagome was so surprised, she couldn't speak. Nikki waved a hand in front of her face.

 

“Um… Kagome? Look, if you don't want me to, I can wait a while, so you can adjust…”

 

“Ee to… ano… doushite?” she said, staring at the TV, which was, incidentally, not on.

 

“Er… Kagome… I don't speak Japanese, remember? This is Nikki, not Sayuri,” the blonde said angrily.

 

“Eh? Oh, I'm sorry, Nikki. So sorry. I was shocked, but it's fine, really. I have a job, anyways, so it'll cover the odds and ends. You never ate here anyways - you love to eat out.” Kagome smiled at her friend, genuinely happy for her.

 

Nikki began to cry. “Kagome, I don't wanna leave you! We've been living together for four years!”

 

Kagome tried to reassure her, holding her close. “Ssh, it's ok. We can't live together forever, right? This is good. If you feel this emotional, it's because you really like him. That's great! I want you to be happy…”

 

Nikki only cried harder because her friend was too caring for her own good.

 

Several minutes and tissues later, Nikki had finally stopped crying, Kagome still assuring her that they would both be fine. It was still early afternoon, and Kagome insisted they go on the shopping trip Nikki had insisted on the night before. Nikki agreed, always ready to buy new clothes.

 

While they were out, Kagome divulged that she had been seeing someone, and described him, although she kept his identity secret. She explained the hurt she had seen in his eyes when he had talked about an ex, and about his childhood.

 

“Whoa, sounds like unstable ground, Kags. You might be getting in over your head.”

 

Kagome nodded. “Well, we're not technically going out. We've only seen each other a few times, and we're going out on Thursday,” she told her friend.

 

“Good, you're taking it slow. You seem really excited. I'm glad,” Nikki said.

 

“Advice on taking it slow from you?” Kagome joked, raising an eyebrow for emphasis. They laughed.

 

“But…” Kagome started.

 

“But?” her friend asked cautiously.

 

“But… it's not just him.”

 

If she had to explain it, Kagome would have said the look on her friends' face was total shock.

 

“Wha-at?”

 

Smiling sheepishly, Kagome attempted to explain how she had had a late lunch with the guy from the club, then had to jog Nikki's memory on whom, exactly, that was. Then she told Nikki about the job, and mentioned that there was a cute guy she was working with, not wanting to divulge the fact that Nikki had thought that same man was a god. When everything was said and done, they had both gotten everything off their chests, and a few clothing items as well. As a parting gift, Nikki bought her friend a new, expensive briefcase, although Kagome protested heavily. She couldn't stop Nikki though, and it was eventually bestowed upon her. When they had had dinner and couldn't talk anymore, they headed home. Well, it's just my home now, Kagome thought sadly.

 

Back at the apartment, Kagome helped Nikki pack most of her clothes, and the petite blonde told her she would come by during the week to get more things until she was all moved in. Kagome smiled brightly, and bid her girlfriend good luck. With that, she closed the door on a chapter of her life.

 

 

Monday's lessons passed without event, and Kagome found herself back at her apartment, dressing to go to the office. She was both worried and excited that she might bump into Sesshoumaru, but she still forced herself to dress conservatively. During the meeting, her boss had told her that since she would be coming to work during off hours, she could wear anything she wanted. Although if she should come by when the office was open, proper attire was necessary. Of course, the office closed at five, and since it was now five-thirty, she was safe. Deciding on a soft, white and black floral dress that hugged her curves but not tightly, Kagome figured she was ready for her first day working on the case. Trotting out to her car, she sped out of campus right into Miami rush hour traffic.

 

About half an hour later, Kagome arrived at the office. She didn't see any other cars, and was a little relieved. She used her ID card to let herself in and settled in the room she was sharing with Sesshoumaru. Allowing herself some time to familiarize herself with where things were located, Kagome finally let herself delve into the case.

 

Two hours later, Kagome noticed she was squinting at the computer monitor. Rubbing her eyes, she stretched and yawned. Standing, she decided to walk around the office for a moment. She made her way to the front door and looked out at the busy traffic zooming by. The honk of a horn brought her back to reality, and she returned to her office, allowing herself to memorize more information on the case. When she felt too exhausted to read, she packed up her things and left.

 

As she was driving out of the parking lot, she saw the big, black Chrysler that Sesshoumaru drove that first day a few cars back, about to turn into the lot she was pulling out of. Damn, she thought. Just missed him.

 

 

Tuesday came and went, and Wednesday rolled around, and Kagome found herself lonely. She had put on a pair of black dress slacks and a red, strapless top that flowed around her tiny waist. When she arrived at the office half an hour later, there was a car there, and she found it to be the elder Cohen brothers' Mercedes. Shortly afterwards, the owner left, leaving Kagome to herself once again.

 

When she had decided on a break, she stretched and walked to the snack machine that held everything from sandwiches to ramen. Deciding on simply getting a bag of cheddar and sour cream chips, Kagome walked back to the office. She had just opened the bag and sat down when she heard a noise. She waited a few seconds, and thought to ignore it. Popping a chip in her mouth, Kagome was chewing noisily, typing on the computer when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Looking up from behind the monitor, a looming figure stood in the doorway. She gasped, and with the locking of brown to blue eyes, Kagome froze.

 

 

He had anticipated seeing her. And to admit this to himself had been difficult. He played it off, telling his subconscious that he only wanted to fuck her, and then it would be over. But Monday night - when there had been no doubt that it had been Kagome in the little red convertible with her top down who was leaving as he arrived - his heart had sped up a little, and he had felt something stir in his stomach. Sesshoumaru cursed whatever he had eaten earlier - human food had taken a long time to get used to - and entered the building. But when he walked into the office he was sharing with her, her beautiful scent had assaulted him, and he found he could not concentrate. Between his arousal and the feeling in both his pounding heart and roiling gut, he walked back out of the office not but half an hour later. Tuesday, the feeling had returned as he drove to the office, only to worsen as he again arrived at his office, and he smelled the fresh scent that was Kagome. Twice in a row he had business to attend to after his classes, and twice in a row he had narrowly missed her because of it. But, he smirked, tomorrow night there would be no business to attend to.

 

Now, as he had pulled up to the Cohen Brothers building, he spied the little red car. The feeling intensified, and he had to force himself to not rush inside. Taking a minute, Sesshoumaru stilled himself before closing the trunk after retrieving his briefcase. Once again a vision of stoicism, he strode into the building, walking straight to the office. Once he turned into the doorway, he froze. He saw deep azure eyes look over the computer monitor at him in surprise. He stared at her, and she stared back.

 

“Oh, Sesshoumaru! You startled me,” she said, clutching her chest.

 

He noticed her bare shoulders, and he focused on her collarbone. He imagined himself licking that expanse, his lithe body travelling down her frame as he undressed her as she lay on the desk… Sesshoumaru shook his head, clearing the image from his mind.

 

“I apologize for startling you,” he said quietly. She seemed to go back to work. “I will leave, since you seem to be busy.”

 

His announcement had surprised her. Would he rather not work with me? Would he prefer to be alone? She had begun to clean up her area so that he would be able to do as he pleased, but now she paused, not knowing what to think.

 

“Iie, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she told him gently. “If you prefer it, I will leave you.”

 

The honorific used did not go unnoticed by him. It pleased him to hear her voice her respect. He watched her continue doing what she had been doing, and realized she was packing up. He couldn't - wouldn't - ask her to stay. But, perhaps… He sat down in the chair on the opposite side of the desk.

 

She watched his actions. “Sesshoumaru-sama, if you just wait a moment, I will be out of your way…”

 

“That will not be necessary,” he intoned.

 

His deep voice made her shiver. She nodded, and brought the things she had packed back out of her briefcase. He was secretly pleased that she was so willing to do as he ordered. She would make an excellent lover, he thought to himself before he quickly chased the thoughts away.

 

The worked silently for the next hour, except for the tapping of keys on the keyboard and the bari-bari of the chips as she ate them. Occasionally, Sesshoumaru would highlight something, and Kagome cringed at the sound of the felt tip dragging against the paper.

 

“If it is of consolation, I do not appreciate the sound, either,” he said after a particularly long stroke.

 

Kagome looked up at him humorously. So, he noticed, she thought. She let him read for a few more minutes, but as she was finished with what she had wanted to accomplish for the night, she put some of her things in her briefcase. She didn't want to leave though, being in the presence of a `god', so she lingered.

 

“You are done.” It was more of a statement rather than a question. After all, he had been following her movements and knew her to be packing, even though she seemed to be delaying. The thought that she was remaining left him wondering if he was the reason.

 

“Hai,” she said, nodding.

 

She began to pick up her briefcase, but hesitated. What if…

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, is there anything I can assist you with? I can't imagine you staying here so late by yourself,” she told him shyly.

 

“That is unnecessary,” he said dryly.

 

Blinking, Kagome answered. “What is?”

 

“Your concern. I am quite capable of being here alone.”

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, I mean no disrespect. I simply wish to alleviate your work load,” she explained. Shrugging, she reached for her briefcase once again.

 

Before she could grab the handle however, he was behind her, a hand on her outstretched arm. She turned to look at him, and he seemed to not even notice he had gotten up. He genuinely seemed surprised of his own actions. They gazed at each other for a few moments, until he spoke.

 

“You may stay and assist me, if that is your desire,” he said, his voice flowing over her like silk.

 

She visibly shuddered under his gaze, and his words echoed through her mind. If it is what I… desire? The last word he spoke rang true throughout her body, and suddenly she felt very warm. Desire… She looked at him with hooded eyes, and nodded. His hand remained on her forearm, and she looked down at it. His touch was so warm and inviting, and she felt her nether regions react to it. When she looked up at him again, he was staring intently. She felt intimidated by his intense gaze, but it was arousing her to no end. He seemed to be holding back, but for what, she didn't know. Finally, he released her, and quickly spun around and sat back in the chair he had previously occupied. She watched him disbelievingly. Wow… one fish, two fish, hot fish, cold fish, she thought.

 

She sat back down, and she asked him what it was she could do for him. She saw his eyes sparkle before she caught the innuendo, and she blushed slightly, averting her eyes. He chuckled, but when she found the nerve to look at him again, he answered her and asked him to read some files for a certain name, highlighting it. She complied, and they spoke lightly for the next hour.

 

She found out that he had been a paralegal for the brothers for sometime - at another, more northern location - and was getting his degree at the end of this year. He enjoyed this firm, however, and was hoping to become a partner.

 

“You only like it here because I'm here,” she said playfully, knowing full well that he had transferred here before knowing her.

 

“Hn,” he said. “Perhaps you are correct.” He didn't even look up from his paperwork.

 

Kagome blushed furiously now, not expecting him to flirt with her. She attempted to hide it, but she only served in making herself more nervous as well as clumsy. She tried straightening her papers on the desk, but only managed to spray them all over the office.

 

“Oh, I'm so sorry,” she said, kneeling to pick up the many documents. “Oh, Sesshoumaru,” she purred, “All your files…”

 

Hearing her call out to him in such a feminine tone, his youki spiked. Again, without her even knowing he had moved, he was beside her, his hand atop hers. She looked up and gasped, seeing him a mere few inches from her face. He pulled her to him in an embrace, and she could only gasp again in shock. She felt his hands crawl up her back until they met flush with bare skin, and he nuzzled into her neck. She melted in his grasp, and she could do nothing. When his lips found her neck, she nearly jumped, the feeling sending waves of electricity through her body. He trailed his lips against her skin, lingering over the main artery, where her life's essence lay. He felt his fangs extend, responding to what he felt. It would be so easy… He drew away from her neck, noticing how limp Kagome was. He pulled away to look at her. She gazed back, her eyes half-closed with desire. She was merely submitting to me, he thought. Concentrating, he willed his fangs to withdraw for his next move. Quickly, he rushed in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. She responded fiercely, matching his every move. One arm moved south, and a hand grabbed at her rear, pulling her even closer as they knelt on the floor. She buried her hands in his hair, stroking it as they struggled for control. His other hand came to her face, gripping her bottom jaw softly. When they began to slow, their kisses becoming slow, passionate caresses, she pulled away. He looked at her, captivated with how her cheeks were tinged with pink. He had been aware of her arousal, and she had been shy, but once he had kissed her, she became strong, seeking pleasure as much as she gave. He was fascinated by her. He had been wrong. She would not have been an excellent lover. She would make a tremendous lover.

 

She hadn't wanted to stop, but this was a little much. She hadn't been sure he was even attracted to her. Of course, this blew things a little out of the water, but what were his intentions? A quick fuck? No, that wouldn't do. She wouldn't let him take advantage of her.

 

“I… I have to go. I have… early classes…” she said nervously, afraid of his reaction. She was surprised when he simply nodded. She continued picking up the papers still strewn about the floor, as did he.

 

She grinned genuinely at him. “Good night, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she said, placing the documents on the desk.

 

“Good night,” he said, inclining his head slightly.

 

She walked out of the office, then out of the building. Her heart pounding, she leaned against the building heavily, allowing it to support her weight. When she had calmed sufficiently, she walked to her car and left.

 

Sesshoumaru had heard her leave, but felt her aura close to the building. She was hesitating. He narrowed his eyes smugly. She would be his, soon enough.

 

End Chapter

 

E/N: So sorry for leaving like this. Next chapter: Kagome and Inuyasha's `date'. Also, I'm SO SORRY to anyone I promised a Kouga appearance to. He was being unruly, and wasn't doing what I told him to, so he refused to appear. But soon, I promise. I'm sure he'll be better behaved in the next chapter. ^_^ Now, a little glossary for some Japanese words you may not know. On a side note, if anyone was wondering - YES, when Kagome is with her Japanese friends, she speaks Japanese. That's kinda why she started speaking Japanese to Nikki… ^_^; Speaking of which - The line where Kagome's shocked and says: “Ee to… ano… doushite?” Is translated to: “Um… but… why?” Also, a few others you may not know: iie - No, Hai - yes. If you ever have questions, you can always contact me and I'll happily get back to you. Remember… reviews = love!