InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fall From Grace ❯ Chapter 4

Ch. 4

Kagome slid into her seat and smiled brightly at her friend. Sango gave her a suspicious look.

"What are you so happy about?" She asked. Kagome shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, her smile never leaving. "Can't I just smile? Is that such a crime?" She pulled out her notebook and folded her hands on her desk. Sango continued to stare at her.

"Did something happen between you and Sesshomaru last night that I should--"

Kagome glanced at her, an incredulous look on her face. "Sango! Please!" She hissed, feeling her cheeks heat up. Sango raised an eyebrow. "So I'm right?" Kagome vehemently shook her head. "No!" She said loudly, earning a couple of strange looks from her classmates. She slid down lower in her seat and threw a dirty look Sango's way.

"Then why are you turning all red?" She asked knowingly. Kagome sighed, realizing she was indeed blushing. The thought of her and Sesshomaru…together like that caused her body to flush. Before she could get a mental image, she sat up straight in her seat and brushed a hand through her hair.

"Look, I'm just happy today, that's all." She told her. Sango looked at her for a couple more minutes before shrugging and deciding to drop the subject. She tapped her pencil against her desk absentmindedly before grabbing Kagome's shoulder excitedly. She gave her a shake.

"Oh, I was going to call you last night to tell you about this new club opening up downtown," She said, her voice urgent. "You know since Miroku does a lot of promotions for different clubs, he got us on the VIP list tonight!" Kagome couldn't help smiling at her friend's obvious excitement. She bit her lip.

"I don't know, Sango…" She hedged. Sango gave her a pout. "Come on, Kagome! It's been, like, forever since we've gone out and since you're in such a good mood," This she said with a sly glint in her eye, "It would be perfect. Please!" Her expression was pleading, her eyes big. Kagome sighed, giving in. Besides, Sango was right. They hadn't gone out since before…

She nodded her head, pushing darker thoughts aside. "It should be fun." She said. Sango clapped her hands and dug into her purse for her cell phone. As she chatted on with who Kagome suspected was Miroku by the kissing noises she was making, Kagome couldn't help smiling once more. She was beginning to feel a little like her old self.

~~~~~~

Sesshomaru's fingers flew over the keyboard, his eyes trained on the computer screen in front of him. He glanced at the document next to the computer and scanned it before returning to his typing. A knock on the door stopped him.

"Mr. Haturo?"

Sesshomaru couldn't help cringing, wondering what his half-wit secretary wanted now. "Yes?" He called out. "Can I come in?" She asked. Sesshomaru sighed, leaning back in his seat. "If you must."

The door opened and Rin walked in followed by someone else.

"Kagome, what brings you here?" Sesshomaru asked, surprised to see her at his office. Kagome gave him a small smile and held up a large white sack.

"I figured since it was around lunch time that you'd be hungry so I picked up some Chinese food. Payback for last night." She said. Sesshomaru gestured for Rin to leave and motioned for Kagome to take a seat. She did so, placing the sack on his desk.

"Smells good," He commented, appreciating her foresight. "You really didn't have to come all the way out here, though. Last night was something I wanted to do." Kagome nodded her head. "I'm finished with classes for the day and I was in the neighborhood. Besides, it's also something I wanted to do." She gave him a wink before opening the bag and pulling out its contents.

"So this is what a big time lawyer's office looks like," She said, looking around the nicely furnished space. Sesshomaru smirked. "I wouldn't exactly call it big time." Kagome gave him a look. "Are you kidding? I've seen a couple of your cases in the newspaper."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. "So you've been keeping up with me." He stated. Kagome looked at him, startled. Her mouth opened then closed, no words coming out.

"Well, umm, no. I just…" Kagome stuttered, feeling flustered. Sesshomaru smirked. "Relax, Kagome. I wasn't being serious, although by your reaction, I'd guess you were." Kagome looked away from his gaze and shoved a dish at him.

"So how are you feeling today?" He asked, taking a bite of food. "Good," Kagome answered. She smiled, stirring her food. "Actually, really good. Better than I've felt in a while." Sesshomaru nodded, glad to hear it. He could see the change in her mood. Her bright smile came easier, the circles under her eyes not as prominent.

"To tell you the truth," She said, picking at her food. "I wasn't so sure staying with you was gonna be such a good idea." Sesshomaru looked at her. "Because of Inuyasha, you mean." She hesitated then nodded slowly.

"I thought that would only make more sad, more depressed because I'd be surrounded by him, his memory," Her voice held a hint of sadness, her eyes downcast. "But it hasn't. Being around you helps me to remember things before everything went wrong." She shook her head slightly. "I don't think I'm making much sense…"

Sesshomaru's gaze softened for just a fraction of a second. "You're making perfect sense, Kagome." He told her. Something stirred within him, but he didn't dwell on it, afraid closer inspection would reveal something he wasn't ready to face.

"It doesn't hurt that my mother isn't hovering around me every minute," She added sarcastically. She angrily speared a piece of beef with her fork and popped it into her mouth. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "Mommie Dearest giving you problems?"

Kagome laughed at the nickname. "She's called my cell phone nonstop, but I haven't talked to her since I left. I just don't feel like hearing her rant at me about how I'm making a horrible mistake and only making things worse."

"You have to talk to her," Sesshomaru told her. Kagome sighed. She knew he was right, but she dreaded the prospect. "I will," She relented. "But only when I'm ready." They chatted on for a few minutes about nothing in particular before Kagome announced she had to get going.

"I'm going out tonight so I won't be in until late," She said, gathering up the empty containers. Sesshomaru didn't exactly seem thrilled with the idea, but he kept quiet, only nodding in response.

"Thanks for lunch," He told her, walking her to the door. Kagome turned to smile at him. "We should do this more often." She said before she'd realized the meaning behind it.

"I didn't mean like a-a date or anything like that," She stammered, feeling a blush creep up her neck. Why was it that whenever she was around Sesshomaru, all she could do was blush? Surprisingly, he chuckled. The sound was low and rich, not altogether unpleasant. Kagome decided she liked hearing the sound.

"You don't have to explain," Sesshomaru said, opening the door. He reached out a hand to brush a stray hair out of her eyes. "That would be nice, though." His eyes glittered in the light. Kagome's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, again taken aback by the man's physical perfection.

"Doing this more often, I mean." He said, a mischievous glint in his eye. Kagome ducked her head, hiding her smile. Her heart was beating a little bit faster. What was going on here?

"Yeah, well, I better get going," She said, turning to leave. Sesshomaru leaned against the doorway, folding his arms. He watched as she walked down the hall and out of sight. He'd been flirting with her. As much as a part of him vehemently denied it, he'd been out with enough women to know when he was flirting and he'd definitely been flirting.

"Watch it, Haturo," He muttered to himself as he turned back inside his office, shutting the door behind him. He'd find himself in a heap of trouble if he didn't.

~^~

Kagome stepped out of the shower and grabbed her towel of the towel rack. She dried herself off then wrapped the towel turban-style around her head. Kagome stepped from the bathroom and into Inuyasha's room, still feeling that swell of sadness each time she stepped foot in his room. With time, she knew it would go away, but that didn't stop it from hurting any less.

She sat on the edge of the bed, spreading her hands out on the soft burgundy sheets. She could still smell his scent, although it was intermingled with her own now. Taking a deep breath, she let herself fall back on the sheets, enjoying the feel of the cool sheets against her slightly damp skin.

How many times had her and Inuyasha sat on this exact same bed? There were too many to count, but all of those times had been innocent. Now, as she lay on his sheets, inhaling his scent, she wondered what it would have been like to be with Inuyasha; his hands moving over her, their bodies pressed tightly together.

Her eyes drifted closed, imagining him here beside her right now. She smiled as she saw his molten amber eyes, a sexy grin on his face. His face was mere inches from her own, his eyes staring intently at her lips.

"Inuyasha," She whispered as he drew closer. He looked up at her, their eyes connecting. "Kagome."

Kagome's eyes flew open as the insistent ringing of her cell phone dispelled her inner fantasy. She rolled over and reached out to the nightstand for her cell phone. She instantly recognized the number and flipped the phone open.

"Hey, Sango." She said.

"Hey yourself," Sango answered. "I'm on my way over so give me about 20 minutes." Kagome said goodbye and then hung up. She rose from the bed and walked back into the bathroom where she'd hung her outfit on the back of the door. Once she was dressed, she studied herself in the mirror, tugging self-consciously at the soft pink slightly ruffled skirt that seemed to expose entirely too much leg.

She turned around. The skirt stopped at about mid thigh and she definitely ruled out bending over. Hell, even kneeling down would cause a problem. Her gaze moved up to the black off the shoulder short-sleeved shirt hugging her torso shamelessly.

Kagome couldn't help smiling, pleased with the outfit. She wasn't conceited or anything, but she had a good body and occasionally she liked showing it off. It had been a while since she'd gotten the chance.

She hurriedly did her makeup and then set about doing her hair, deciding to just flat iron it. Just as she was finishing the last chunk of hair, she heard a knock at the door. She clamped the section of hair between the iron and ran it down the entire length. She set the iron aside and hurried out to the foyer, flipping the dead bolt and opening throwing the door open.

"Wow!" Sango said immediately, eyeing Kagome's outfit. "You look a-maz-ing." Kagome stepped aside to allow her to enter. "Where's Miroku?" She asked, shivering at the cold night air that seeped inside. Sango explained that he was already at the club handing out flyers for another event that weekend. She hurriedly shut the door and walked with Sango into the living room. Sango sat down at the couch, looking around sadly.

"It seems like forever since I've been over here." She said, glancing at the trophies in the curio cabenit. Sango cleared her throat, suddenly uncomfortable. "Well, you ready to go?" She asked brightly. Kagome nodded, not missing the hint of sadness in her friend's chocolate brown eyes.

~~~~~~

Inuyasha leaned over the railing, his eyes scanning the crowd. The place was packed, bodies pressing together closely as the music pulsed over the crowd. He threw his head back and downed his fourth vodka shot, tossing the glass to a nearby waitress who scrambled to catch the small glass before it shattered to the floor. She gave him an exasperated look which he returned with a lopsided grin, causing her to shake her head and laugh.

He glanced to his left, spotting Kikyo a couple of feet away dancing with a tall, lanky man with short, spiky blond hair. She was dressed in faded low-rise blue jeans and a sparkly white halter-top. Her hair was done up in a messy bun, snaky tendrils brushing her silky bare shoulders. She looked up, her gaze catching his own.

Inuyasha looked away. He didn't understand the hold she seemed to have over him. Granted, she was the one who'd turned him, but that didn't explain the intensity of his attraction towards her. She disgusted him, but at the same time, he couldn't resist her. He sighed as he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist from behind.

"Like what you see?" Kikyo breathed into his ear, resting her cheek against his back. Inuyasha tensed, his face set in a frown. "Why don't you go back to doing whatever it was you were doing." He muttered. Kikyo smiled, knowing he didn't really want her to leave. She'd seen the way he'd been looking at her, his gaze lustful. She slid her hands down lower, past his belt buckle before he grabbed her hands and shoved them away.

She stepped up beside him and linked an arm through his. She gestured out over the crowd. "Got a good turnout for your opening night," She commented, her body swaying slightly to the music. Inuyasha nodded, looking out over the people. Few of them were of his kind, most being humans. He knew there would be no problems, however. He'd warned everyone in the Coven that if any trouble was started, he'd personally make them pay for it.

Kikyo flicked her hair over her shoulder, glancing at him. "You know the Elders aren't happy about this whole club thing," She said. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and shrugged. He could care less what the Elders thought. She tapped one long, sharp, bright red nail against his cheek.

"They think you're bad for the Coven…the way you make your own rules. They think you're going to bring the Coven to ruin." Inuyasha turned to her, a smirk on his lips. "Really? Well, I happen to think that might not be such a bad idea." Kikyo laughed, soft and seductive. "That's what I love about you, Yash." She told him. "Your fuck-the-world attitude."

"Yeah, I bet." He answered, turning away. Kikyo sighed, turning serious. "You should really watch your back where the Elders are concerned," She warned. "The rules of the Coven have been intact for centuries and they won't allow much more of your bullshit." She held up a hand when he opened his mouth to respond. "I'm on your side, Yash, but I'm warning you to be careful. They were really upset about you opening this club because you're running the risk of exposing the Coven."

"Feh." Inuyasha spat, leaning back from the railing. He was tired of hearing about the Coven and their damn rules. He knew they wouldn't be happy with him opening up a club for vampires and humans alike, but he didn't care. This was what he wanted to do and he was damn well going to do it.

"I can handle the Elders, Kikyo." He told her. Kikyo gave him a hooded look before kissing his cheek and slinking away. He watched her hips sway as she walked down the stairs and out of sight, getting lost in the sea of people.

He shook his head and reached into his back pocket for the pack of smokes he kept there. As he slid one out and popped it between his lips, he looked down and he froze. Two young women were walking towards the bar, one with her hair tied back in a low ponytail and the other with her bone straight hair swinging lightly around her shoulders. It was the latter that he watched, his gaze moving from the six-inch strappy heels on her feet up her long, toned legs past the swell of her breasts to her face, where his breath seemed to stop.

She turned her head towards her friend, who leaned in to say something to her. She threw her head back and laughed and Inuyasha wanted nothing more at that moment than to hear the sound pouring from her lips. But he'd heard it before…it seemed like so long ago…

~^~

Kagome laughed as Sango joked about one of the bouncers looking like he belonged in a Mr. Universe contest.

"I mean, did you see the size of his biceps? Just one was bigger than my entire head!" She exclaimed. Kagome clutched her sides, begging Sango to stop. Sango relented and turned to the bartender, ordering two Amaretto Sours. The bartender returned with their drinks and handed them to her. Sango handed one to Kagome.

"This place is really crowded!" Kagome yelled over the music pumping from various speakers situated throughout the club. Sango nodded, sipping her drink. "I didn't know so many people were going to be here for the opening night! Usually opening nights don't go as well. Owner must be pretty popular."

Kagome nodded her head along with the music, occasionally sipping her drink. Before she knew it, her glass was empty. She placed the glass on the glass surface of the bar and turned to join Sango out on the dance floor.

"Hey, sweetheart!"

Kagome turned, surprised. The cute bartender gave her a wink, handing her a newly filled glass. She took it, smiling in confusion. "I didn't order this," She said loudly. He waved a hand at her. "On the house!" He told her before turning his attention to other customers. Kagome shrugged and made her way over to Sango, who was grinding against a big muscular guy with long brown hair.

"Better not let Miroku catch you!" She warned, dancing along with the beat. Sango rolled her eyes and threw her arms around the guy's neck. "Miroku can kiss my ass!" Kagome shook her head, smiling. Sango and Miroku's relationship was a strange one, sort of love-hate. She was never really sure which emotion won out, however.

Kagome found herself dancing with a very attractive guy with a killer smile and after a while realized she'd lost sight of Sango. She'd long ago finished her drink and had gone through another one and was now feeling the effects.

The guy with the killer smile held her tightly against him, his hips grinding against hers. Kagome glanced around for any signs of her friend or for Miroku. She looked up at the second floor, thinking she'd have a better chance of spotting them from up there. She extracted herself from the guy's embrace and flashed him a smiled before making her way quickly toward the stairs. She almost tripped twice on the way up and gripped the railing tightly, praying that her balance didn't fail her.

Once she reached the top, she looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sango. When she didn't find her, she went over to the railing, looking out over the crowd. There were so many people and she doubted if she'd actually spot her in the throng. Sighing, she turned to leave, but someone came up behind her, their hands gripping the railing beside her own. She frowned, finding herself trapped between the railing and whoever was standing behind her.

She opened her mouth, but before she could get out her snappy remark, a pair of lips brushed her ear, sending a shiver throughout her entire body. Her hands tightened on the railing as her eyes widened. What the-

The lips moved from her ear down to her neck, something wet lapping at the smooth skin there. Kagome's head lolled to the side, her eyes heavy. The fact that a complete stranger was kissing and licking her didn't seem to register through her alcohol-induced haze. All she knew was that it felt good and she didn't want it to stop.

She leaned back against a hard chest, lifting her hands from the railing to travel up the stranger's arms. They were smooth, yet strong and she thrilled in the barely restrained power she felt just beneath the surface. The lips moved back up to her ear and she knew the stranger was telling her something because she felt his warm breath tickle her outer lobe. He placed a kiss on her neck before leaving.

Kagome turned, her eyes searching the faces around her. Who was the man standing behind her? Something nagged at her. His scent had been familiar…what had he smelled like? She sighed, realizing she'd had too much to drink to analyze some stranger's scent. She forgot about her mystery encounter and resumed her search of her friend.

~^~

Inuyasha's chest heaved with each breath he took. He closed her eyes, still remember the taste of her skin. He hadn't meant to go up to her like that, but he couldn't help himself. To know that the woman he'd dreamed about for the past year was standing within feet of him had been too much for him to ignore.

"Fuck!" He swore, leaning his head back against the wall. If he hadn't gotten a hold of himself, he would've shown her who he was and that was the one rule the Coven did not overlook. The past could never meet the present, meaning once you were turned, you could never go back to your former life.

Inuyasha opened his eyes. He'd almost broken that rule tonight.

a/n: well, there's another chap! thanks for everyone that reviewed…they were greatly appreciated and i hope i can make you all happy and make this story a good one! well, keep on reviewin and i'll keep on writin! see ya next chap!

H