InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ice Prince and Princess ❯ Chapter 2

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters. The honor belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

For a moment I was unable to do anything more than gape at him dumbfounded. Usually I’m not that easy to silence. But suddenly I couldn’t think of anything to say.

Why in the world would he want to skate with me? My talent is nothing compared to his. He is the better skater than I ever could be and he has the awards to prove it. Anyone would jump at the chance to skate with him. Then why am I hesitating?

He leaned in, and he framed my face with his hands. “Did you hear me, Kagome?” He asked with a worried tone. “Your thoughts seem to be somewhere else.”

What thoughts? I had none. My thoughts stopped the instant he touched me.

My heart hammered within my chest and I licked my lips nervously, drawing his gaze. Maybe it was the alcohol in me, but I wanted him to kiss me. I leaned in a little closer, but quickly pulled back after realizing what I was doing.

He seemed to sense my intentions and leaned in a little closer until we were a few inches apart. “It’s all right, Kagome,” He spoke in a husky voice. “I am willing if it helps you forget about him.”

I politely laughed it off. The kiss would only complicate things more between us and I already have too much to deal with.

Sesshoumaru pulled me into him and wrapped his arms around my waist. Then his mouth was upon mine, his warm breath mingling with my own. My body stiffened in shock, unable to comprehend what was going on. Finding me unresponsive, Sesshoumaru bit my lower lip, causing me to gasp at the slight pain. He took advantage of this and slipped his tongue into my mouth.

I knew I tasted like beer. All one had to do was look at the half empty case to know this was true. But if he wasn’t bothered by it, then neither would I.

My tongue battled with his and I slipped my hand around the back of his neck to draw him in closer. We continued a few minutes more before we had to stop to catch our breaths.

“Sesshoumaru,” I whispered against his lips. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

He chuckled. “We already have,” He whispered back, and then drew me back into the kiss.

I was the one who pulled away first. I just stared at him, thinking of things to say. He smiled warmly at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“What just happened?”

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at me. “I kissed you,” He stated the obvious. “Don’t worry. I won’t be taking advantage of you. I know you are still hung up on the Halfling.”

I need him to realize that nothing like that can happen again. Although he did help me forget about him during the kiss, it’s too soon to forget about Inuyasha. He only provided me with a little distraction. I’m not sure if I want to have a relationship with another partner. The first one didn’t turn out so well.

“If I agree to be your partner,” I said to him. “It has to be strictly professional. I don’t want to mix business with pleasure like I did with Inuyasha. The situation just gets complicated.”

He nodded in agreement. “I completely understand. I’m not interested in you like that.”

I gave out a sigh of relief.

I suddenly remembered something important and scooted away from him. He gave me a quizzical look, letting his arms fall to his sides.

I remember Papa Inutashio telling me at one point that Sesshoumaru lives about four hours away. Only two hours have passed since the airing of the show. There is no way in hell he could have gotten here so fast.

“Did you speed to get here?” I questioned him. “The show just aired a little bit ago. You should still be on the highway.”

He seemed to know where I was going with this and decided to humor me. “Jakotsu is a friend of mine,” He admitted. “We first met in college when he tried to hit on me. When he learned that I wasn’t into guys, we became friends instead.”

I didn’t know if he was invading my question on purpose. So, I asked him again. Maybe this time I will get an answer from him.

“The show was taped a couple of days ago,” He said while shrugging his shoulders.
“Jakotsu called and informed me what happened. He knew I was looking for a new skating partner and figured I could give it a shot.”

I grew even more pissed at Inuyasha. That bastard knew what was going to happen. He pretended that everything was fine during our practices. Wait until I get my hands on him. He’s going to regret what he has done.
Sesshoumaru paused to collect his thoughts. “I have been thinking about coming out of retirement for a long time and have interviewed possible candidates, but none of them matched my criteria. When I learned that you were free of Inuyasha, I couldn’t pass the opportunity.”

“Why do you want to skate with me?” I asked him. “I’m sure there are more talented skaters out there than me.”

He stared at me like I was crazy. “You are being modest, Kagome. Anyone would love to skate with you.”

“If that was true, then why did Inuyasha replace me?” I asked him, wanting him to answer the question that has been on my mind.

He looked like he wanted to say something but he kept his mouth shut. He probably figures there is no possible answer he could give that would satisfy me. And he would be right.

“Aren’t you curious as to why I’m coming out of retirement?” He asked instead, trying to steer the conversation back to him.

I nodded my head. I do want to know his reasons, but I figured it was none of my business.

He slowly rose from the couch and began to pace the floor in front of me. I had to twist my body around and tilt my head just to look at him. “I need to tell you a few things first.”

“During a competition, I tossed Kagura across the ice. She was supposed to do a quadruple salchow, but something went wrong and she only performed a double. When she landed on the ice, her foot slid out underneath her and she fell backwards onto the hard surface of the ice.”

He took a couple of deep breaths before continuing. “She had injured her spine. It was a miracle she can even walk, but the doctors told us she would never be able to skate again.” His golden colored eyes grew sad. “The news was hard for her to take. I held her as she cried.”

Even though I knew he didn’t want me to, I felt sorry for the both of them, especially Kagura.

“There’s more to it,” I said, thinking it over. “You wouldn’t give up your dream for Kagura. Something else happened.”

He reluctantly agreed with me. “Father approached me a few days later. It seems that he had been experiencing financial trouble and thought he could have solved the problem on his own. But by the time he learned he couldn’t, it was too late and he was on the verge of bankruptcy.”

Sesshoumaru didn’t have to say anymore. I did it for him. “You choose to help your father and retired from ice skating.”

“I barely saved him. It took a lot of long hours and cuts to save the company.”

I bit my lip in thought. “Why come out of retirement then? It seems that the company would need you still.”

He shook his head. “The company will be fine without me. I had planned ahead and besides, father has companies that want to do business with him.” He stopped pacing. He just stood, staring at me. “I have always wanted to win an Olympic Gold metal. That is why I am coming out of retirement. Plus, I miss the ice.”

“Sit down, will you?” I complained. “I get nervous when you stand over me like that.”
He sat back down on the couch and faced me.

I took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly. “I need to think about your offer,” I wisely told him, averting my gaze. I didn’t want to see the disappointment in his eyes. “I still don’t know what I’m going to do and more offers might come in.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” He asked, gazing intently at me. “You don’t have much time to find another partner before nationals. The time that you do have should be spent practicing and getting to know your new partner.”

I knew he was trying to do and it won’t work. I am not gullible like his half-brother. I will not fall into his trap so easily. “I will not change my mind.”

“I thought you might say that,” He smiled, but it vanished quickly. He decided to try a different approach with me. “You know it was only a matter of time before you and Inuyasha went your separate ways. Moving on to Kikyo was the best decision he could have made for you. He was holding you back, Kagome.”

“Why am I not surprised to hear you say that?” The words popped out before I realized it.

Sesshoumaru gave me a knowing look. “Because you know what I say is true.”

He hit it exactly on the mark. I have been thinking the same thoughts, but I was giving Inuyasha another chance to prove himself. If I felt then that we weren’t still working out, I was going to inform him after the season ended, that our partnership was over. He just beat me to it.

“Can you do what Inuyasha couldn’t?”

He leaned toward me and said quietly, “Kagura had basically no talent when I met her. I
shaped and molded her into the skater she once was.”

I would be an idiot if I turned him down now. I still don’t know why I should believe him, but he has never lied to me before. Sesshoumaru watched me with a patient expression on his face. He has waited all these years, so a few more minutes shouldn’t matter.

“Fine,” I said to him, slowly lifting myself off the couch. “I agree to be your partner.”

He grinned. “I knew you would accept with a little persuasion. I am pleased to hear it.”

I frowned at him. “You really think you know me so well?”

His grin widened. “Yes, I do.”

I offered no reply. It would have just caused a fight and I was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol in my system. My head begun to pound and I urgently needed to use the bathroom. I started to head that way, but was held back by Sesshoumaru’s hand.

“What is it now?” I asked him, crossing my legs. “I really need to pee.”

He actually had the nerve to laugh at me. “There is something else I need to say to you. I promise it won’t take long.”

“Fine,” I gritted through my teeth. “Just make it quick.”

Sesshoumaru chuckled lightly. “That’s what you get for not learning how to control your alcohol.”

I gave him a look. “Spit it out already,” I ordered. I was surprised he answered my command.

“I think you should stay with me until after everything settles down. I have an ice rink on my property we can practice whenever we want. It’s the perfect place to hide from the media and Inuyasha.”

I cocked my head to the side. “What you mean by that?” I asked him with curiosity.

He released my hand but motioned for me to stay still. I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest, tapping my foot impatiently. “I want our partnership to be a secret until we show up at nationals. I want to have the element of surprise.”

He’s referring to Inuyasha mostly. The look on his face when he finds out I am skating with his half-brother will be priceless. I can’t wait until that happens.

“Pack your suitcase with whatever you might need. The rest we will get later.” He smirked at me. “But that can wait until after you use the bathroom. Your skin is turning yellow.”

I heard his laughter behind me as I ran to use the bathroom. I can’t believe he made fun of me like that. It was his fault for keeping me held up. He can be such a jerk sometimes.

After using the bathroom, I dug my suitcase out of my closet and began to pack a few outfits and my skating gear. I basically just threw everything into the suitcase, because I am in a hurry. I have wasted enough time talking with Sesshoumaru and the media might be on their way to my apartment. I still need to do a few things before leaving.

I re-entered the living room with my suitcase in tow. I dropped it off by the door and went over to my desk to write Sango a note. I knew she would be by later and I need to explain where I was.

I hadn’t noticed Sesshoumaru coming up beside me. “Is that wise?” He asked, staring down at what I was writing.

I nodded. “I didn’t explain to her where I am headed or what I am up to. All I said was that I need some time to think and I will talk to her when I return.”

“Sounds reasonable,” He answered back, grabbing my suitcase.

I gave my apartment one last look. “I have some serious cleaning to do when I return home,” I said with a sigh. I locked the door and followed behind Sesshoumaru.

We made it out safely without seeing anyone. He placed my suitcase in the trunk, while I got into his black viper. I have always loved this care of his. I ran my hands lovingly over the dashboard and the seat.

“Buckle you seat belt,” He said as he got into the car. “And please refrain from puking inside my car. We have a long way to go and I don’t feel like smelling puke the entire trip.”

I punched in playfully in the arm. “Stop being like that. I can always change my mind.”

He smirked. “But you won’t.”

“I can always blame it on the alcohol.”

He turned the car on and peeled out of the parking lot. “Then I will have to try and convince you again. Maybe then you will be more willing to accept.”

I didn’t bother to answer. I leaned my head back against the seat and instantly fell asleep.

To be continued…