InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Choices, Choices... ❯ Experience ( Chapter 19 )

A/N: Woo hoo! Another one! Well, this has some of the stuff I had wanted to put in the last chapter but couldn't because it would be too long. By the way, have I mentioned that I LOVE to write for Inuyasha, no matter which story it is? Because I get to swear like a sailor. Actually, I swear a LOT in real life, so usually, when I write for Inuyasha, I pretty much say what I would say. Of course, I love Sesshoumaru's cold, sarcastic attitude, too. But I don't think Sesshoumaru would ever swear, lol.

 

 

 

 

Choices, Choices…

Chapter 19: Experience

 

 

 

 

Damn, but he was still pissed. It had been four days, and there hadn't been a word from her. No calls, no texts, nothing. Then again, he hadn't tried to contact her, either. Well, he had been pretty awful to her. Would she even want to talk to him? Fuck, if he were her, he sure as hell wouldn't want to talk to him. Thoroughly confused, Inuyasha moved closer to Matt, who was setting up his amp.

 

“Hey, you almost ready?” he asked.

 

“Don't push me, dude,” the natural redhead said, eyeing Inuyasha. “You've been in a bad fucking mood all day. I don't know what's up your ass, but don't take it out on us, okay?” Signaling the end of the conversation, Matt turned back to his equipment.

 

Inuyasha bristled. There was nothing up his ass! And he hadn't been taking it out on anyone! He stomped over to Joey, who was in place and adjusting a cymbal. The guy didn't say much, but he was always ready to play. Moving on, he found Ian, his next target.

 

“Ian,” he said as he heard the announcer come on.

 

The little, curly-haired boy looked up at him as he finished tuning his guitar.

 

“You gonna be ready for this or what?”

 

Ian visibly cowered away from his manager and nodded.

 

“Hey, leave him alone, too,” he heard Matt say from a few feet away.

 

“What are you, his mommy?” Inuyasha sneered.

 

“Oh, fuck you, dude. You know Ian, and you know he's not gonna say shit to you. Leave him alone. Like I said, take your shit out on whoever you're mad at,” Matt said, his green eyes flashing angrily.

 

“I'm mad at you guys right now,” Inuyasha said. “If you were ready…”

 

“We are ready,” he heard a raspy voice say as it came towards him from behind. “And what's going on? What are you all wound up for?”

 

Inuyasha turned to pin a glare on the singer. “And YOU. You knew we had a show today, and you sing the day before? What's wrong with you, kid? You want your career to be over before it started?”

 

“Listen, dude, it was my friend's birthday, I told you. I had to. Anyways, I kinda like my voice like this,” the youngest of the group said, flicking a few shaggy black bangs away from his eyes.

 

“Me too,” Ian piped in. “I think it sounds kinda…”

 

“No one asked you, twerp,” Inuyasha interrupted. “And you,” he said, readdressing Trent, “are a fucking idiot. The kind of music you do… it doesn't go with that voice. Your voice was great how it was. You better hope you don't get boo'ed outta here,” he said. And then, the emcee was talking about them. “Here we go. Good luck,” he said sarcastically as he stomped towards the backstage are.

 

“Thanks!” Ian called after him. Matt glared at his roommate while Trent rolled his eyes.

 

“Thanks for wasting your Friday night with us, people,” the announcer said. “Your next band is from Miami, and they're comin' up in the world. They're signed with `Sengoku' Records, and you probably heard their single on the radio recently. You know their manager, Inuyasha, from `Shards of a Jewel'. No more stalling - Here's… LEATHER!”

 

The band played great, and although Trent's voice was overused, he sang with hardly any change in his voice. Inuyasha had made sure the boy had a few bottles of water in his reach, and it kept him singing perfectly. The show was a success, and Inuyasha was sure that from now on, they would be playing bigger venues. The best part of the night was that his anger must have pissed them all off so much, they hadn't asked for him to join them on stage. He hadn't felt like playing anyways.

 

The worst part of the night was that with everything going on, he couldn't forget how awful he had been to Kagome. And he couldn't forget the smell of that damned wolf all over her.

 

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Oh, she was so comfy. She didn't ever want to get up. Hell, if she could stay in this state of semi-consciousness, it would be perfect. But…

 

There was an annoying sound coming from somewhere, and she couldn't tell exactly what it was or why she was hearing it. But as it happened, she didn't really care, so long as she could go back to sleep…

 

The sound came a little louder now, more insistent. Only half-awake, Kagome decided she should check it out. If it was an axe-murderer, than that was great. She'd get more sleep. Stumbling, she realized that she was, indeed, naked when she hit the doorframe to her bedroom and noticed she felt how cold the wood was. At the same time, she realized that the sound that had woken her up was knocking. Someone - a soon-to-be-dead someone - was knocking on her door. Rather rudely, if she could say so. She turned back towards her bathroom to wrap a towel around her. That should be good enough. Walking slowly towards the front door, she hoped whomever it was would stop knocking and go away. Alas, she arrived at the door and it hadn't stopped, which meant she would have to talk to someone.

 

She tried to pull her features into a scowl as she opened the door, but couldn't keep the face as she saw who it was.

 

“Did you just get out of the shower? Oh, no, not with that hair, you didn't.”

 

Rin pushed her way past her into the living room. Kagome tried to glance at her hair, but couldn't see it. She closed the door and turned towards her newest `friend', although the term could be used loosely if Rin was knocking on her door so early on a weekend.

 

“Wait, are you…” Rin eyed her warily, then walked up to Kagome, pulling part of the towel away. “You are! You're naked! But you just woke up.” She cradled her chin in her hand, thinking. “Hmm… the question is, do you usually sleep like this, or did you have company last night?”

 

Kagome stuck her tongue out at the younger girl. “For your information, I sleep naked often,” she defended.

 

Rin smirked at her.

 

“I do! Actually, I was naked when you texted me Tuesday night. I was in bed, naked.” She sounded rather petulant, but she didn't care. What she did was her own business!

 

“Oh, really?” Rin said, a sly smile on her pretty, tanned face. “That's sexy.”

 

Kagome laughed. “So why…” Then it hit her. “Oh, damn. I'm sorry, Rin. I forgot. But… why're you here so early?”

 

“Early? First of all,” Rin scolded, “it's almost eight. Second, you're not ready, which means we'll be even later. Third, we're going to South Beach, and do you know how hard it is to get parking on SoBe on a Saturday morning?” Her voice had escalated by the time she was finished, and Kagome was feeling put in her place.

 

“You're right,” she sighed. “But you could have at least called first.”

 

“Um, hel-lo…” She pushed a few buttons on her phone, showing the woman that she had called her at least twenty times, starting at seven.

 

“Sorry,” Kagome said, feeling sheepish. But why hadn't she gotten the calls? “Oh! Damn…” she muttered, running into her bedroom. On the floor, near her bed, she found her purse which contained her phone, still on vibrate from the movies last night. And at the thought of the movies, she looked up to find Kouga still asleep in her bed. Damn youkai, weren't they supposed to have superior hearing and such? She should've sent him to answer the door.

 

She returned to the living room where Rin was waiting, arms crossed. “My phone was on vibrate,” she said meekly to the girl. Rin rose an eyebrow. “Well, I'll go get ready. Do you want to wait downstairs?” she offered, hoping she would do exactly that so Kouga could get out.

 

Rin sat on her couch in reply.

 

“Right,” Kagome said. How was she going to get Kouga out?

 

The sound of the television came from the living room as Kagome returned to her room, and her eyes immediately found Kouga. Damn, but he was hot. Her sheet was only draped across his hip, revealing the sculpted lines of his chest and abs. His hair fell in a messy heap over his eyes, revealing his pointed ears. She smiled as she decided to let him sleep while she got ready. The only choice she had was to let him leave after she and Rin left.

 

She flipped on the light in the bathroom, exchanging the towel she had wrapped around her for her bathrobe, which she only slipped her arms through, not bothering to close it. Closing the door, she began to wash her face and brush her teeth. She saw what Rin meant about her hair and fixed that, too.

 

The sound of water running was the first thing to wake him, although he could also hear the sounds of a TV. Groggily, he sat up. The running water was getting to him, and he had to go. But it was obvious that Kagome was in the bathroom. There was another one, though. He knew that across the apartment there was a second bathroom. Forcing himself to his feet, he walked into the bright living room, making a bee-line for the second bedroom. Distantly, he realized the TV was on, but it took a few seconds before he realized someone was sitting on the couch in front of it. As a matter of fact, he didn't notice until he heard the little gasp, and that's when he realized that Kagome had company. Company in the shape of a much younger girl, one that, he was sure, was the ward of Sesshoumaru. And she was staring at him.

 

He closed his eyes and opened them again, hoping it was his still foggy mind playing tricks on him. But no, she was still there. He abruptly did an about-face and went back to Kagome's bedroom. There, he found his underwear and pants, which he proceeded to put on, and walked back into the living room, past Rin, and into the bathroom there.

 

Rin was struck dumb. In real life, she had never seen a naked man before, and she was sure that for her first time, she had picked a damn good one to ogle. Well, that would explain Kagome's `freshly-fucked' look when she opened the door. Probably why she was so damned tired, too. Rin laughed to herself, deciding that she was going to have fun teasing Kagome all day long.

 

It had only taken about fifteen minutes, but she had finally gotten herself into some semblance of order. With a last run through her loose waves, Kagome opened the door to return to her bedroom and was shocked to find Kouga missing. Smacking herself in the face, she went to her closet. She picked out a pair of denim shorts and a yellow tank top and threw them on the bed. Opening a drawer, she found a skimpy black bikini she liked and started to change.

 

After relieving himself and splashing some water on his face, Kouga thought there was no time like the present to get back to the bed. Kagome hadn't mentioned plans for today - he had been hoping to extend their date - but neither of them had really said anything about Saturday, so it probably just hadn't come up. Walking back out, he found Rin's eyes on him. He kept her gaze as he returned to the bedroom. When he was near her, she spoke.

 

“Hi, I'm Rin,” she said cheerily, intruding herself.

 

He nodded, already knowing. “Kouga,” was all he said, glad to be out of eye contact with her as he passed.

 

As he stepped in, Kagome was attempting to pull a pair of tiny shorts up her slim legs. She was wearing a black two-piece, and the puzzle was solved. He came up behind her, pulling her body into his, startling her. She jumped a little and gasped, but relaxed when she saw it was him. She eyed him meaningfully but was glad to see him at least half-dressed. He guessed her thoughts and was glad she hadn't been around a little bit ago.

 

“Hey,” he said.

 

“Hey yourself,” she replied, smiling warmly.

 

“Goin' out?” He nuzzled her neck and she giggled.

 

After fastening her shorts she used her arms to wrap around his, which were holding her to him. She sighed contentedly. “Yeah. Sorry I forgot to tell you. But I didn't think she'd be here this early.”

 

“It's okay,” he told her, turning her. He had to admit that even though he had seen her naked, she was almost as beautiful with clothes on. “I'd be lying if I said I didn't want you to stay, but it's okay. I'll finish getting dressed and get outta your hair,” he said, kissing her softly and releasing her to find his shirt.

 

She smiled to herself, thinking. How had she written him out so soon? Sure, he was a little possessive, but so were the other two. But he was sweet, and kind, and actually liked to take care of her. It was nice to be taken care of for once. And he was so comfortable to be around. She could talk to him about anything, and he didn't try to flaunt his money, possessions, or her. It was a nice change. She grabbed her tank top and put it on.

 

He pulled on his socks and wrinkled shirt, sitting to put his shoes on. When he was done, he stood, pulling her into his arms again. Again, he kissed her gently. Then he chuckled to himself. “Well, I'd better stop before I start something.”

 

Kagome smiled. “Too late,” she said before giving him another quick kiss.

 

He grinned at her enthusiasm and pulled away. “I'll call you,” he said, although it sounded more like a question.

 

She nodded and grabbed her purse, phone, and keys. Together, they walked back into the living room where Rin eyed Kouga warily. She took in his rumpled look and smiled, an eyebrow arched in question towards Kagome, who looked at her pointedly, as if to say, `later'.

 

Rin stood and said goodbye to Kouga which he repeated. Then he winked at Kagome before opening the front door and leaving, missing the tinge of pink on Kagome's cheeks. How mortifying. It would have been one thing if it had been Sango catching her with a sleepover buddy, but a teenage girl? Ugh.

 

“Shall we?” Rin interrupted her thoughts, grinning wickedly at her.

 

Kagome sighed. It was going to be a long day.

 

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It was a relaxing day at the beach. The sun was hot, the breeze was cooling, and the water was warm enough for a swim. The two of them attracted only a little attention, seeing as the majority of the men on South Beach are only interested in other men. There were a few tourists milling about, and the restaurants were buzzing, eager to attract customers. For lunch, the girls went to an Italian café that, like most restaurants there, had sidewalk tables. They shared stories and troubles, both staying away from the topic of either Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru. But eventually, Rin could wait no more.

 

“Okay, so, you have to tell me what was up with the hottie this morning,” she brought up with the tact of a starving dog during mealtime.

 

Kagome blushed slightly and tried to cover it with a sip from her water glass. Rin stared at her until Kagome obliged. “Nothing, Rin. He's one of the guys I'm seeing, that's all.”

 

Rin smirked. “And he just so happened to stay in your bed last night?”

 

“Rin! That's hardly appropriate for-”

 

“Oh please, Kagome. I don't need any more babying. You think that I don't know? Forget about the media - the movies, music, TV shows - I'm probably the only virgin in my group at school. Everyone talks, you know,” she said, almost condescendingly.

 

“Still,” Kagome said, trying to deflect the subject, her eyes straying away.

 

“Kagome, just because I talk about it doesn't mean I'm going to jump into the first bed I see. I mean, I'm not waiting to be married or anything - and don't tell Sesshy I said that! - but I want it to at least be with someone who cares about me. So it's gonna be a little while, ya know?” Rin sipped delicately at her diet Coke, waiting for Kagome to say something.

 

The older woman sighed. “I know, you're right. I just… we didn't talk about this when I was your age. I kinda feel like a mom that's been cornered by her daughter, and I have no idea what to say, because my mother never had that talk with me,” she confessed, her expression wistful.

 

“Kagome,” Rin laughed, “you're not my mom. We're friends, right? So, just talk to me like you're talking to Sango.”

 

Kagome looked up then. With a determined nod, Kagome realized she was right. But… what could she say? “Where do I start?”

 

Rin smiled. “At the beginning.”

 

Kagome quirked one side of her lip. With a sigh, she began. “You see, I've never really been in love. You know, teenage romances and stuff, but not really in love. I thought I was, with Hojo. He was the guy I had been dating for a few years until I realized I had no future. I was unhappy for a few weeks, and then, I met Kouga. That same week, I met Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. They were all such great guys that I decided I needed a change, and broke it off with Hojo.” She paused to chuckle at her memories. “He wasn't too broken up about it. Anyhow, I ran into Kouga - literally - on campus, and we went out. And Inuyasha saved me from some creep at a bar. Actually, he saved me again at a club. You know, he does a lot of saving…”

 

Rin giggled. “It runs in the family, I think.”

“So,” she continued, “then I started a brief stint where Sesshoumaru works. And he kind of told me we were going out. And then, I had this problem. I was seeing three great guys that all have these redeeming qualities. And I'm just hurting them all by keeping this up. I really need to make a choice. But… they're so different. And on top of it all, I'm afraid of falling for one of these guys only to find I've made the wrong choice.”

 

“But… you said you've never been in love, right? So what says you fall in love with one of them?” Rin was spearing her ravioli to put them in her mouth whole.

 

“Good question. The thing is, this feels… different. Final, even. I feel like one of these guys is the right one for me. Because I feel more strongly about each one of them than anyone else I've ever dated.” Kagome took the time to cut into her chicken francese, happy to get another perspective on her situation.

 

Rin was looking off into the distance, her fork in her hand, her chin balanced on her knuckles. “Hm… Well, I can't tell you who to choose. But I can offer you this. That Kouga guy seems really sweet, but I can't speak for him. I don't know anything about him. But… Inuyasha's had… a tough time.”

 

“I know. With the Kikyou thing,” Kagome mumbled through her food.

 

“Well, yeah. I mean, after that, Inuyasha didn't even think about dating, let alone fall in love. But… well, I don't know if I should tell you, but… I've seen changes. Little ones, but still.”

 

Kagome smiled. “Like what?” she wanted to know.

 

Rin looked away, not comfortable with sharing her uncle's secrets. “Well, he writes different songs now. He used to play a lot of sad stuff, or angry stuff. You know, depending on the mood. But a few weeks ago, he started writing these new songs. They were amazing. Songs with hope in them. And a few sexy ones, too. I think it's because of you.”

 

Kagome blushed, unsure of what to say.

 

“But…”

 

Kagome's eyes snapped to the girl's.

 

“But I've noticed stuff about Sesshoumaru, too. I don't know what he's told you, but he's had it rough. No girl has ever been good enough for him. He told me once that he thought he had been in love, but the girl turned out to be a gold digger. Well,” Rin amended, “he didn't use that term exactly, but that's what it was. Anyways, Sesshy's really hard to read, ya know? He likes to keep a lid on his emotions - doesn't want anyone knowing what he's thinking. But I saw a little change in his habits. Any time he had to go somewhere with you, he would drop everything. That is so not like him. He's the type that does his thing, no matter what. Because people are depending on him. But boy, when he had a date with you, he was no where to be found,” Rin giggled. “But like I said, I can't say anything about Kouga. I don't know him. But I'm sure you'll make the right choices. Either way, we'll still be friends.” She smiled at Kagome, who returned it.

 

“Kouga's sweet,” Kagome said. “He hasn't said anything about his love life. Only that wolf demons' priorities are different than dog demon's, and especially hanyou.”

 

Rin scowled. “What did he say about hanyou?”

 

Kagome's eyebrows lifted at the tone in Rin's voice. “Nothing. Just that… when it came to politics in the world of youkai, I'd be better off with Inuyasha. You know, because he's hanyou, and they won't care.”

 

Rin's eyes widened. “He said that?”

 

Kagome nodded.

“Wow. You're right. The guy is special. Won't even lie to ya.”

 

Kagome nodded again, leaning closer as if they were discussing a conspiracy. Rin took her cue and leaned forward as well.

 

“At first, I thought it was like, reverse psychology or something. But he even told me that he himself would have a hard time protecting me.”

 

“Wow,” Rin said again. “And he's right. I have enough problems as it is.”

 

Kagome's brow furrowed. “What?”

 

“Oh, come on, Kagome. I'm sixteen. And I live with Sesshoumaru.”

 

“But… you're like… his daughter,” Kagome said, her expression disgusted.

 

“Yeah, but those youkai bitches don't see that. They see a girl that he buys things for and lives with him. It's not hard to come to the wrong conclusion.” Rin played with a ravioli. “I worry more for you. I mean, one day, they're gonna see you guys together. I mean, that'd be great for me, but sucky for you.”

 

Kagome nodded. The two of them had seemed to lose their appetite, so they paid and left. The girls lounged on the sand a bit more, played in the ocean for a while, rinsed off in the showers, and laid down again. When they were dry, they packed up and headed back to Rin's car, where she found a parking ticket for not inserting enough money in the meter.

 

“Oh, I'm so sorry, Rin,” Kagome cooed. “Why don't I pay it? It's my fault, I should have remembered…”

 

Rin laughed. “Forget it. Did you forget Sesshy's a lawyer?”

 

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They went shopping for a bit in Sunset Place, a huge, three-leveled, outdoor venue. It included a movie theatre that was so big, the theatres were on a different level than the ticket office. There was also an enormous arcade for adults, many clothing shops - including Victoria's Secret - and restaurants that were famous for becoming nightclubs after hours.

 

They were there for hours, visiting many places and chatting happily - grabbing dinner at a burger joint - when Kagome finally realized what time it was.

 

“But… you haven't even bought anything,” Rin said with a frown.

 

Kagome laughed uneasily. “This again?” she muttered to herself. Then, to Rin, “I have to buy something to have a good time out with my friend?”

 

“That's not what I meant, and you know it,” Rin said, almost looking as fearsome as Sesshoumaru.

 

The older girl sighed in exasperation. “I don't need anything,” she explained.

 

“I don't need anything either, but…” She held up her multiple shopping bags to prove a point.

 

“Yes, well, excuse me for saying so, but if you have the money…”

 

“Hey, don't think this doesn't come without a price,” Rin said huffily. “Remember how I've never had a boyfriend?” Then her eyes turned downward as she spoke slowly and sadly. “Sometimes, I think it's why he spoils me. So that I'll listen. It's his way of… enforcing his rules. That and the fact that he's never home.”

 

Kagome frowned. “That's ridiculous! Sesshoumaru is far too noble for that,” she told the younger girl.

 

Rin smiled half-heartedly. “I know. It's just how I feel sometimes.”

 

“I could understand wanting to make it up to you for not being around, since he does have to work for the money that pays for your little lifestyle,” Kagome added teasingly, “but I don't think for one minute that he's bribing you. I think he just likes spoiling you. And he expects you to follow the rules, like any daughter would.” She placed a hand on the other girl's shoulder.

 

Rin beamed in response. “Yeah, that's more like it,” she said. “I guess I'm just upset over being alone this whole week. Well, not entirely alone, since there's Jaken, but he's not much company,” the girl laughed.

 

“Wait, what?” Kagome said, focusing on the first statement.

 

“What?” Rin asked, not sure what Kagome was referring to.

 

“What do you mean, `alone'? I know Sesshoumaru's been in meetings and whatnot, but what about Inuyasha?”

 

Rin looked away, wishing she hadn't said anything. After a few moments, Kagome began to get impatient and fixed her friend with a glare. With a sigh, Rin complied.

 

“Well, I really shouldn't be telling you…”

 

“I've been hearing that a lot lately,” Kagome groused.

 

Rin smirked before remembering and her lips setting into a thin line, despite her plump lips. Kagome thought she looked just like Sesshoumaru right before he said something he didn't want to. “The thing is, after I texted you that night, Inuyasha left. And… he didn't come back.”

Kagome's eyes widened dramatically. “Y-you mean… on Tuesday?”

 

The girl nodded. “I'm assuming he hasn't been at your place, so I'm guessing he's been sleeping at his office in the studio. He's got a great couch there…” she trailed off. But this wasn't the time. Kagome looked like she was about to cry. “In his defense, he had a show yesterday. Well, he didn't have one, but his band - the first band he signed into his company - had a show. But it was up North, and one of the kids has school, so he's probably had a lot on his hands this week,” she rambled.

 

He hadn't told her. Sure, he had said something about starting his own business, but she didn't know that he had already signed a band, and that they were effectively touring or anything. As far as she knew, he was still part of a band that was fading, and was only doing minor gigs with them. And Rin was probably right. He probably had a lot on his plate, and she had made things worse by accusing him of lying to her and by promptly making out with a wolf youkai. But… it wasn't right, was it? With him just starting this business, and with their impending traveling and whatnot, she couldn't start a relationship with him, could she? She was in school - although technically, he was, too - and he was starting a new life. And he hadn't even included her, which was kind of a precursor to the future, was it not?

 

“Where was the show?” she asked quietly.

 

Rin regarded her curiously. “I think Orlando,” she told her.

 

Kagome sank to her knees, jarring her bones against the hard cement floor and the tears began to fall as the sobs wracked her body.

 

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It took some time to calm - Rin glared menacingly at anyone who stared too long - but eventually, she got Kagome back to the car. It was only later, when Kagome had promised she was better that Rin asked about the sudden fit. It didn't take long to understand, as Kagome explained that her family lived there and Inuyasha knew that. The fact that he went and didn't invite Kagome reverberated in her mind.

 

“Well, maybe you're overreacting?” Rin said, but her voice betrayed her, telling Kagome that she thought no such thing. “I mean, maybe he forgot, with all the pressure and everything…”

 

“I doubt it,” Kagome said sullenly. “That's like saying I forgot his father was a demon.”

 

Rin laughed, but there wasn't much humor behind it. “Yes, I could see how that would be forgettable.” She rolled her eyes.

 

“Exactly,” Kagome supplied.

 

“Listen, Kagome. He likes you. A lot. And not like, a lot, but like, A LOT a lot.”

 

Kagome looked at her askance, as if silently berating her English capacity.

 

“What I'm trying to say,” the girl explained as they wove through traffic on their way back to Kagome's apartment, “is that you shouldn't count him out yet. He doesn't have a lot of experience in this department, and the experience he does have is bad. Like I told you, he had been changing. Little things.”

 

“Yeah,” Kagome scoffed, “and then he packed up and left.”

 

“Well, he didn't pack, which makes me think he'll be back soon,” Rin said confidently, allowing Kagome a brief glimmer of hope. That is, until she remembered her thoughts earlier.

 

“I don't think there's room for me,” Kagome said quietly.

 

Rin looked at her in alarm. “Bull. He's just like Sesshoumaru when it comes to you - he'll make room.”

 

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, Rin thinking of the talking she was going to give Inuyasha when she saw him - was that why he was avoiding the house? - and Kagome weighing the pros and cons of a life with Inuyasha.

 

Suddenly, Kagome spoke up, brightening Rin's features. “By the way… who's Jaken?”

 

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Kagome left Rin in the parking lot, telling her that she was tired and would speak with her soon. Rin waved and was off, but she stopped, her taillights flashing bright red. Kagome watched curiously as she looked for some type of movement that would tell her that her friend was getting out or backing up. But there was no such movement. And then Rin was off again. Kagome watched as the silver car disappeared from her sight before turning. But immediately, her phone chirped, signaling a text message.

 

`He's here.'

 

Who?

 

Kagome searched the area where Rin had stopped - obviously noticing something she had not - and saw it, there. It was a black Chrysler, the one she had regularly seen and looked for - hoped for, really - on several occasions. Suddenly, her heart sped up in a way that didn't happen with anyone else. With just the prospect of seeing him.

 

Well, if he was here for a reason, then he would come. She turned, texting a thank you message back to Rin and going upstairs to her home. She had just taken off her shoes when the door simply opened, no knock or warning otherwise.

 

She scowled at him, although her pulse was quickening at the sight of him, which he could probably sense; the predatory look in his eyes told her she wasn't far off. “So, you don't know how to call or knock,” she berated, crossing her arms.

 

He took three long strides towards her and she was in his arms, and his lips were ravaging hers. It was an urgent, needy kiss, and it left her reeling when he finally pulled away. She was a little satisfied that he was nearly as out of breath as she.

 

“Wow,” she said, swaying slightly. “Um, `hi' to you, too.”

 

“I have just returned from Chicago,” he told her, his voice sounding rougher than normal, “and wanted to see you.”

 

A light went off in Kagome's head. “Wait… how long have you been waiting?”

 

“Not long,” he said.

 

She decided that whether he was lying or not didn't matter. He had wanted to see her first, and that made her smile. But then…

 

“Are you cross with me?” he asked, seeing her beautiful smile turn into a frown that seemed directed at him.

 

She sighed. “Sesshoumaru, it's not that I don't appreciate it, but… shouldn't you have gone to see Rin first?”

 

He had thought about this as he watched Rin's car pull up in the dorm's parking lot, and was even more surprised to see Kagome get out. He had never mentioned Rin to her, although he thought Inuyasha had. So he thought nothing of it at first, thinking they met through his half-brother. But now that she addressed him about it…

 

“Then you know?” he said, more gently than he had intended.

 

“That you've been lying to me? Yes.”

 

She looked menacing now, but he knew she would forgive him.

 

He closed his eyes briefly, as if exasperated. “Kagome, I did not lie to you. I merely did not tell you the name of my brother.”

 

“But you knew I was dating him. You both did…”

 

“Then you have had this conversation with Inuyasha?”

 

She looked away. “Yes.”

 

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. “The fool. I take it that he did not take it well, then?”

 

Kagome looked at him, her eyes almost pleading. “There were other things going on, too,” she said almost defensively.

 

“Yes, I smell the wolf, even though it fades,” he told her, a look of distaste on his face.

 

Kagome wasn't sure whether she should be paling or blushing. She assumed the two would cancel each other out. Maybe if she were lucky, she would turn green instead. But he asked for no explanation - he knew where she stood. Neither of them had any ties, and even if it did make him feel a pang of jealousy, he concentrated on the fact that he was the one that was here now, and he would be more than happy to cover the other male's scent with his own. She seemed grateful that he said nothing further, so he took her into his arms again.

 

“You have been to the beach,” he said nonchalantly.

 

“Yes,” Kagome giggled. Would she ever get used to dating men with supernatural senses?

 

“And you… cried. Recently.”

 

She sighed. What was she supposed to say? That she was crying over the loss of a relationship with his brother that hadn't actually existed? “I was sad,” she managed.

 

“Then let me help you forget your sadness,” he said, pulling her towards her couch.

 

She smiled. That was the thing about Sesshoumaru. When he kissed you, you could forget everything. Even your name. Your blood boiled to the point where everything blurred. And your troubles melted away in the heat you created together.

 

And that was exactly what she needed right now.

 

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They had sex three times before he would let her sleep. She was exhausted, but it made the morning that much sweeter. They both slept in, waking in each other's arms. The sun was already a good way in the sky, but Kagome found she didn't care. She was tracing one of the lines on his chest to his abs, and there, he shuddered. She smirked and looked up to find him eyeing her hungrily. Uh-oh. She knew that look.

 

They made love again, and then once more in the shower before Kagome got dressed and deemed him `insatiable'. He lifted a corner of his mouth so a fang would show.

 

Sesshoumaru was the most comfortable around Kagome, she could tell. Kouga didn't have many features to hide, and he had confidence to spare, but he had a big life away from her; his family was large, and as the head of the family, he had many duties and wouldn't be able to see her. Inuyasha was the complete opposite. He had one feature especially that he had to hide, and he had almost no confidence. On top of that, whenever they had the littlest fight, he stubbornly refused to make up. And then there was the whole intimacy thing… Well, she could see where it had been a problem before. And it's not exactly like they had a chance to do anything after he had told her his secret. And then there was Sesshoumaru. Overflowing with confidence to the point of not really caring what others thought, he had told her that he only hesitated to tell her he was youkai because of his empire - he had to be certain she was true. And that was a good reason. Plus, he was fine with the fact that they were two different species. And where Kouga had the type of responsibilities that required him to be somewhere, that was not the case with Sesshoumaru, as he was explaining to her.

 

He was sitting on the couch, Kagome's head in his lap, as they watched the television. But not really. It was on, but the voices were low and they had no idea what was actually on. Kagome had made them a quick breakfast of eggs and leftover rice, and now they were catching up.

 

“So… you expect them to fear you enough to perform well?” she asked, an eyebrow arched.

 

“Not enough. Just… fear. Our rules are different from yours. Although many of us have been around for centuries - before it was required to have documentation of your existence - that doesn't necessarily mean that anyone will miss you.”

 

The implication was strong. She knew that in his day, sometime when Japan was wild and teeming with armies and youkai, Sesshoumaru had been a fierce warrior. Today, he was reduced to the most predatory of humans - lawyers.

 

“Do you miss it?” she asked suddenly. His brows turned down into a frown that might have looked fearsome to others, but she knew it as confusion. “The times that you were born in,” she clarified. She pushed her head back farther to watch his every expression, baring her neck to him in a delectable way.

 

He sighed, playing with her hair. “You have no idea. This is… livable,” he said, finally looking down at her, the barest of smiles on his lips, “but in the times of my father, the currency for youkai was power. For Taiyoukai like my father and myself, honor strode alongside that power.”

 

“Tell me more about him,” she pleaded. She could see the hesitation in his eyes. But eventually, he acquiesced.

 

“He was the greatest and most respected Taiyoukai that ever lived. Many payed tribute to him, and those that conspired against him, his lands, and his people, fell to his sword. He was fair and just.”

 

“Um…” She didn't want to bring up Kouga's name, but who else would tell her? “I was told… that your father protected Japan from the mainland.”

 

Luckily, he didn't ask. “He wanted it that way. He secured the Western lands because it gave him great responsibility. In the end, it was one of our own youkai that was his undoing.” He looked away, out the window.

 

“How… how did he die?” she wanted to know.

 

Again, a sigh. “He was battling an especially strong dragon youkai. I am unsure of what occurred, but I know that in the end, my father sealed the dragon with a fang. But he died of his injuries later.”

 

She was sorry she asked, by the look on his face. “It was a good death,” she offered.

 

He was surprised to hear her words and smiled as he ran his claws though her hair. “It was an honorable death. He may not have defeated his opponent, but he saved his lands from destruction, and that was the most noble cause to die for, other than protecting your mate.”

 

Speaking of which… “Um… what happened to your mother?”

 

This time, there was no defeat in his expression. His eyes had hardened. She could see how his employees would fear him.

 

“My mother… She was betrothed to my father for obvious reasons. She was the only female inuyoukai with royal blood. She would produce the strongest heir.”

 

“You,” Kagome sighed, saddened by the story but glad that it had brought him life.

 

“But she was cold and calculating. My father claimed she was a bad influence on me. She felt disrespected and left. I see her now and then, but the visits are few and far between.”

 

“So, you are more like your mother,” she said quietly, reaching up and stroking his striped face.

 

He didn't take it as an insult, merely the truth.

 

“Unfortunately so,” he said, catching her attention. “My father, unhappy with my progress as Taiyoukai, wanted another heir. I believe he was afraid that I would rule with an iron fist one day.”

 

“Would you?” she asked unabashedly.

 

“Yes,” he said, and she didn't doubt him. “Had my mother not left, and I came to rule, I most likely would have killed all the humans in Japan, and most of the youkai as well.”

 

She giggled. “Good thing for daddy.”

 

He smirked. Then his features fell. “And then came Izayoi.”

 

Kagome sat up, concerned with his expression. The look was a mixture of hatred, acceptance, and understanding. “Izayoi?” she repeated.

 

He nodded. “She was a human princess that had been taken captive by her father's enemies…”

 

Kagome could see where this was going and understood his earlier mixture of expressions.

 

“They never made it back to their daimiyou. He rescued her and fell in love with her.” His face was stony for a moment. “I hated her. I could not understand what this woman had that my mother did not. And I loathed my father for both tainting our families' blood with humans and for treating Inuyasha and I as equals in his eyes.” His expression softened then. “I have overcome it. It was foolish. Izayoi was compassionate and kind - everything my mother was not. I have come to see the benefit of human women,” he said, smirking at her.

 

She smiled back.

 

“Besides, my brother will never be my equal,” he said, a devilish look on his face.

 

Kagome laughed.

 

----------------------------------------------------------

 

They spent the early part of the afternoon together but eventually, Kagome told him she needed to be somewhere. He looked at her dubiously, but she explained that it was for a job and she needed to go.

 

Sesshoumaru wasn't stupid. He saw that she needed money. The most casual observer could tell that she was living off bare bones in her kitchen, and later, Rin would tell him that she hadn't bought anything but food - and even that was cheap - while they were out. She was pouting, of course, but regardless, the information was useful. He wondered if she were in trouble and if he should find out.

 

Kagome spent a good portion of the next two hours primping herself. She teased her hair wildly to style it into an updo that would hold for the evening, and put on a pair of tight black jeans and a pink halter top that showed her midriff. Hey, if she was gonna make money off of tips, she needed to look like she didn't need it, right?

 

On the train, she thought about what Sesshoumaru had said. It was hard to not feel sorry for both brothers. Sesshoumaru had grown up hating his brother for ruining his family and Inuyasha, while loved, grew up without acceptance from either race. It was like they each coveted what the other had. She was glad they had gotten over it. She wondered how long that had taken, and what they had to go through to do so. With a sigh, Kagome found Inuyasha's number and texted him a message.

 

`I'm sorry.'

 

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