InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ LOVE LIFE ❯ Misery ( Chapter 10 )

[A/N]

Yume: Okay, I realize it must be an extremely long wait for you all, and a couple of you might feel like lynching me.

CF: CF wouldn't blame them…Yume was horrible with that cliffy…what with Kagome leaving Sesshy and all that…

Yume: And he was just about to propose to her too! Why am I still talking? Go on! Read!

[Disclaimer]: Don't make me throw a temper tantrum.

OoOoOoO

LOVE LIFE

By: Youkai Yume

Chapter 10: Misery

He wasn't sure how long he was lost in his dreams, hoping to find some relief in the pain that consumed him. The last thing he remembered was the sharp pain across his cheek, Kagome's tear-stained face, and Inuyasha's pleading voice before the darkness took over.

It seemed like he had drifted in his sleep for days, trying to escape the sorrow that had seeped into his soul. There was a constant scratching feeling in his chest, as if his heart wanted to burst from his being. His body hadn't stopped aching since Kagome left, and how he wished that he had become numb to it all.

However, another part of him truly, and in all honesty, thought he deserved it. It had been his entire fault, he had been the one to make her cry. He couldn't point the finger at anyone else but himself. He had betrayed her…his one and only love.

Sesshomaru knew he couldn't blame her for being so stubborn. After all, he had promised her himself that he would stay faithful with her, to be with no one else but her. True, he doesn't know what the damn woman looks like let alone love-or even like her, but none of it mattered…when it all came down to it, he had sealed his fate, and condemned himself when he had let his father done what he had done.

And it cost him everything. He ached for Kagome's forgiving arms, her soft kisses that would rain all over his face and body as she whispered words of understanding and love. In his sleep, Sesshomaru tightened his fists, groaning as he twisted and turned in bed.

Why did he continue to let these visions go through his head? Let his mind and heart play out these fantasies when he knew it was only mere disillusionment? And what's more, it hurt. And yet he could not help but desire these fantasies, if only reality could be such. It was better than waking…for if he did, the pain would return, and sadness waited on the shores of his conscious.

His restless movements were soothed when he felt cool, soft hands caress his arm. Sesshomaru suddenly stilled, as he felt the hands move up his arm, brushing past his shoulder blades, and lingering on his neck. Warmth spread throughout his entire body when soft lips press against the base of his neck with a feather-like touch.

He knew these kisses better than anything else. He allowed himself a smile, letting all former thoughts that tormented him fade. Sesshomaru almost shuddered in pleasure as her warm breath caressed his skin, a light weight leaned against his chest, and he could feel luxurious, silken locks splay over his body.

Sesshomaru let out a groan, feeling her small, delicate hands roam over every inch of him as if in shy exploration, an almost frightened touch as it glided over his sensitive skin. Moments later, the warm breaths were against his ear, and her hands had come up to his face.

He could feel the tender caress of her fingers as she lightly traced his cheek ever so slowly. The very spot where Kagome had slapped him. He leaned into his love's touch, savoring the sweet caress of heaven. It wasn't long before moisture fell onto his face in the form of little droplets, and Sesshomaru had no doubt that they were teardrops.

His angel was crying. Sesshomaru felt his soul tear in half, as the tears continued to fall, he wanted to reach out and hold her, but still he remained still as the girl continued to touch him.

Her lips pressed tenderly on his red cheek, leaving a lingering kiss of regret.

"I could never stay angry with you, my love. I'm so sorry I hurt you…" Her melodious voice whispered in aching sadness, her hands now moving up to run slender fingers through silver locks affectionately. "Please forgive me, my Sesshomaru…I love you…"

Oh god, please don't let this be a dream. His Kagome had come back to him…had not left him and given up on their love. And SHE was asking HIM for forgiveness! Why in the world would she have anything to apologize for when it was he who was at fault?

Sesshomaru couldn't contain himself anymore, his emotions spilled from his barrier like a waterfall breaking from a dam. He reached out to hold her, his body and soul hungry for hers. He opened his golden eyes to take in her gorgeous sapphire ones, to take in Kagome in all of her beauty before he claimed her once more, to prove to her that she was the only one he could love, the only one he could want.

"Kagome…" He breathed her name huskily. Her smiling face awaited him, eyes shining with forgiveness and tenderness. She was absolutely beautiful. Finding new strength in his limbs, Sesshomaru lifted a hand to caress her flushed cheeks.

As he reached for her delicate skin, his fingertips only met with the emptiness of air. He blinked, and in doing so, Kagome's image disappeared completely. The warmth left his body, and he was once again cold, empty, and inexplicably alone.

The painful scratching in his chest returned, and his vision blurred before clearing to his surroundings. As he stared with almost blank eyes up at the ceiling, he realized a torturous, and inescapable truth. He had awakened, and the soft whisper of her voice, the gentle touch of her hands, the soft feel of her lips… 'was a dream.'

All of it was a dream, a figment of his most desperate and only desire. And Kagome…Kagome was not here with him.

He noticed with vague awareness that he was not on the ground, slumped against the wall like he had last remembered before blacking out. He was on a cushioned couch-not his own, he realized, but it was hardly important to him.

Sesshomaru continued to stare in a daze at the ceiling, his mind in a darkened state as the memory of Kagome's hurt expression, and her hand slapping across his face swirled in his head. He had deserved that…

He knew it was very much unlike him, and he should not want to give into such a weak notion, for surely others around him would begin to question his façade-especially Inuyasha…But Sesshomaru couldn't help it. He could feel the beginnings of tears blurring his vision, but they refused to fall. The pain in his chest was unbearable now as it spread to his very fingertips.

But he refused to push it away, because still, in his troubled soul, a voice kept repeating that he still deserved it.

"Don't Touch Me."

Within moments of his waking, he could hear footsteps approaching to where he lay.

"So, you're finally awake, Big Bro?" The gruff, but concerned voice inquired. Sesshomaru made no move to look or acknowledge Inuyasha as he stood beside his elder sibling's side. Inuyasha soon came into his line of sight, as he hovered above him, amber eyes questioning.

"You look like hell," Inuyasha simply stated. Now usually, Sesshomaru would retort with a sly comment or scoff indignantly at him, but he was too deep in his despair to care much. His brother was probably right…the state he must be in…

"…H-How…"

"Hmm?" Inuyasha leaned in a bit closer to hear his throaty voice.

"How long have I been…"

"Out?" The younger of the two finished for him. Sesshomaru nodded slightly, his eyes still holding that look of emptiness. Inuyasha sighed, ruffling his wild silver hair.

"Three, four hours," He surmised, looking at his watch. "After Kagome left, you blacked out completely. I had to carry you over to the couch," His voice was serious for once, not holding that familiar haughty tone. Sesshomaru silently thanked him for that…usually the little runt would've laughed at him mercilessly for something like blacking out.

His golden irises still did not move to look at Inuyasha. He was fixated on the white ceiling, only allowing visions of his beloved dance across his minds' eye.

"Ka…go…me…" the three syllables rolled off of his tongue in a silent, yet desperate whisper. Inuyasha frowned, catching the pain laced in his voice.

"You've been calling her name in your sleep the whole time you were out," He mentioned softly, almost wistfully. "For a moment, you looked almost happy…"

Sesshomaru turned to look at his younger brother now. Amber met with gold in silent understanding.

"You were dreaming of her weren't you?"

A long pause ensued. And then…he nodded, almost ruefully.

"I'm sorry," Inuyasha admitted, his head hung low. "I didn't think it would end up like this…"

'Neither did I,' Sesshomaru thought bitterly. Everything was so unfair! Why did this have to happen now? When he was so close to attaining happiness for both of them? When he had almost straightened everything out, and he finally had Kagome with him?

For a brief second, she had been in his arms, and he in hers. He had been content…For a while. But just as quickly she had been torn away from him, and how? By one brief visit from that Kagura bitch…one slip of a word about the engagement.

He had not wanted it to play out like this…nightmare. He had always dreaded having to face a world with Kagome, and at least before, he had a sullen promise from her that she would return. But now…now he feared she truly would be gone from his life, forever. And the last memory he would ever have of her was her tear-stained face and her ringing voice of hurt and betrayal.

His chest began to hurt so much that he couldn't stand lying down anymore. Slowly, he pushed himself up, and immediately regretted doing so. For as soon as he did, a sharp pain shot through his head.

"Easy there, Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha said in concern, watching as his brother brought a hand to his temple.

"Agh…Headache," He groaned.

"I knew you would," Came his gruff reply. Inuyasha grabbed a small bottle on the coffee table and a glass of water as well, handing it to Sesshomaru. "Aspirin. I got it all out just in case."

Sesshomaru drank it quickly, groaning as he lay back down again.

"Do you know…what happened to her?"

"No. She hasn't returned or called and she won't pick up her cell phone either," Inuyasha explained. "Knowing her, she's probably gone to Sango's."

Sesshomaru buried his face in his hands, slightly shocked at the moisture that came in contact with his palms. He realized then with unmistakable agony that there were two tracks of tears running down his face. It was slightly dry, but it was undeniable. It seems that he had been crying after all.

He didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore.

"Gods, what have I done?"

Inuyasha's amber eyes narrowed in concern when he saw his brother bury his head in his hands. He had never seen his brother so miserable in his entire life.

He had always seen Sesshomaru as a strong person. Facing all of his fears head-on, never wavering under the most dire of pressures, and keeping his cool and emotions in check at all times. His brother was a man who never had to answer to no one, his very stare sending even the bravest cowering at his feet.

Sesshomaru, who was got anything that he wanted, not by sheer power, but through his ambition and thirst to prove himself. And no one ever stood in his way…To see him this way over a girl…it sort of scared him. But then again, Kagome wasn't just any girl…she was the only one that could ever see past that icy exterior.

Indeed, Kagome was anything but just any other girl if she was able to make his brother fall for her. Inuyasha had always imagined that when Sesshomaru fell in love, he would fall hard. It seems that he was right, and he couldn't blame him for being so broken about it.

This only reminded him that Sesshomaru was, after all, human like the rest of us. Inuyasha frowned. It was so easy to forget that simple fact with him. Sympathy flooded the boy as he stayed undecided about how to comfort his brother. He wasn't used to this kind of thing with him…they weren't what you called close, and they had never had to come to any kind of dire situations where hugs were a necessary form of comfort.

He decided against it, knowing that it would probably make matters worst. Inuyasha buried his hands into his sweater pockets, contemplating what to do. His amber eyes widened as he felt something in his hands, a suddenly remembering what he had meant to discuss with Sesshomaru when he woke up.

The boy had picked it up when he had carried his unconscious brother, figuring that Sesshomaru must've dropped it. When he opened it, Inuyasha was beyond shocked.

Inuyasha swallowed, looking intensely at him. He knew that asking him about the ring right now would not be the best thing to comfort him. But he hated beating around the bush, and as we all know, he was not a patient person. He had to know if Sesshomaru intended to do what he thought he intended to.

"Sesshomaru?"

Tired, blurry golden eyes looked up at Inuyasha. He saw his younger brother hesitate for a moment, before his hand withdrew from his pocket, taking out a familiar velvet box. Sesshomaru was immediately felt a pang of sadness upon lying his eyes on it.

His gaze locked with Inuyasha's once more, a look of seriousness etched on the boy's face.

"You were going to propose to her weren't you?"

Sesshomaru didn't look away, and neither did Inuyasha. He sighed, a forlorn look clouding his eyes and nodded.

"I bought it earlier today, right after I dropped Kagome off. I decided that if I waited any longer to claim her, she would slip from me once more…It seems it doesn't matter either way," He said sadly, his tone heavily laced in regret.

Inuyasha looked down at the box, opening it. His amber eyes studied the silver band with the sapphire jewel carefully, a thought came to his head.

"Did you plan on doing this because you were afraid she might reject you if you told her?" He asked rather harshly. "Or worse, please don't tell me you weren't going to tell her at all! Proposing to her, and then breaking off the engagement before she ever finds out?" He knew it was not good to accuse his brother of such things, but it would make sense…Sesshomaru was capable of doing such a thing.

His brother growled loudly at the comment, snatching the box away from his hands and snapping it shut.

"I would never try to deceive Kagome like that!" He breathed, glaring at Inuyasha with disbelief. Staring down at the ring box, he calmed slightly. "I…I was going to propose to her AFTER I told her the truth. I wanted to prove to her that I don't want anyone but her, that I loved her and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Whether or not she was going to accept, I was going to break off the business arrangement with Shikon Corp."

"You serious? You know Dad might kick you out of the family business after that. Disown you even," Inuyasha said with surprise. Sesshomaru shook his head.

"I don't care. Not anymore. All I care about is being with Kagome, and if it means being cut off from the title, the money, and power, I suppose it's a small price to pay."

"You really love her, don't you?"

Sesshomaru stared at him with a raised eyebrow.

"What kind of a question is that?" He spat back. Inuyasha sighed, sitting in a nearby chair.

"So, what are you going to do?"

"I don't know…" Sesshomaru said ruefully. "I suppose apologizing to her would do no good. She wouldn't even look at me, let alone listen to me. Kagome would only try to block me out…"

"Yeah, I think it's best if we wait until she cools off a bit," Inuyasha agreed. "By the way, I don't think Kagome will stay at Sango's forever. Sooner or later she's going to have to come back to our dorm, to get clothes and books if anything." It was true, Kagome had ran out of the dormitory empty handed, and surely she'd come back, if not to stay then to get her stuff.

"I…I guess…" Golden eyes furrowed in thought. "But I don't think she'd even step foot inside here if she knew I was still around," Sesshomaru's expression held nothing short of distress and sadness. To know in his heart that his love would not even want to come anywhere near him. He vaguely wondered how long she would be able to hold a grudge. At least long enough to hear an explanation.

"Yeah, you're right. When Kagome's mad, you'd better stand clear!" Inuyasha attempted to joke, but his weak laughter was the only one that resounded in the room. He saw his brother bring up two fingers to rub against his temple.

"Inuyasha."

"Yeah?"

"Got any vodka or whisky? Heck, I'll take a beer even…" Sesshomaru asked dully, his eyes closed. Usually, he wasn't one to drink, but the pain that tormented him was almost too much to bear. Kagome's face and hurt voice would not leave his head, and he was desperate to numb the pain.

Inuyasha frowned, he stood up.

"Yeah, I got 'em, but I'm not giving you any."

"WHAT!?" Sesshomaru growled, looking angrily at his younger brother.

"Hey, usually I'd be cool with having a drink with you (considering I don't see you drunk or anything too often) but not this time. Drowning yourself in booze is not gonna to help!" He said, feeling empowered for once for chiding his elder brother. "Trust me, I know!"

Inuyasha vaguely remembered when he had gotten himself into a drunken stupor when Kikyo said she was going to move away to study in England. He had haunted the bar for days, and it didn't bring back his girlfriend. But it DID bring back a throbbing headache in the morning. He spoke from experience.

"Besides, you're driving."

Sesshomaru glared at him, swinging his legs over the couch so that he was sitting.

"Fuck off. You don't know how I feel right now."

Inuyasha's anger grew at this.

"I know more than you know!"

"I hardly call Kikyo's departure as a GREAT loss," He responded harshly.

"DON'T TALK ABOUT KIKYO LIKE THAT!" Inuyasha growled, his hands grabbing a hold of Sesshomaru's shirt in a tight fist, and jerking him slightly.

"I can say anything I want about her! Get your hands off me!" Sesshomaru breathed, clutching his brother's wrists tightly and throwing him off of himself.

Inuyasha fell back against the chair. Their eyes locked both burning with anger.

"Dammit, Sesshomaru! You think you're the only one who has problems! Like you're the only one who's had their heart broken! Guess what, ya self-centered bastard? You're not! There are other people out they can help you!" Inuyasha shouted, panting as he let the words fall from his lips.

Sesshomaru let the words sink in before putting back on his mask of indifference and standing up to walk out.

"The last thing I need is you preaching to me," He spat back grudgingly, walking past Inuyasha.

"Jesus Christ, Sesshomaru, I'm trying to help you." He said a bit more softly. Sesshomaru scoffed.

"I don't need your help, OR your pity. I can handle this on my own."

"Oh yeah, like before?" Inuyasha retorted, stopping Sesshomaru in his tracks. "It's precisely that kind of attitude that got you in this jam in the first place. Let someone in, oneechan," He pressed, his amber eyes boring holes into his elder brother's back. "If you can get Kagome back, why would it matter?"

Sesshomaru did not turn back to acknowledge Inuyasha, but stayed rooted to the spot. An awkward silence followed afterwards, until Sesshomaru started once again towards the door.

"Do what you want," He said simply, his voice impassive.

Inuyasha let a small smile grace his lips. It was the closest thing his brother could say to admitting that he was right. He didn't push the matter further, knowing Sesshomaru might change his mind if he did. Right now, he did know that the older boy was going to need some time alone…

"Hey bro, one more thing!"

Sesshomaru stopped in the doorway, listening.

"When Kagome comes back, what do you want me to say? Do you want me to explain to her about the whole engagement?" Inuyasha questioned.

"No," Sesshomaru said firmly. "I need to tell her about it myself," His hands dug into his pocket to take out the box holding the ring from before. His expression grew sad. "But do try to make her understand, that I did not betray her."

"How am I supposed to do that without telling her?"

But Sesshomaru probably didn't hear it, for the hallway was now empty. His brother had left, Inuyasha guessed he was off to figure out a way to resolve the problem. Either that or wallow in his own misery, even though he didn't think that Sesshomaru was the type to 'wallow.' He just hoped he didn't do it in a bar, considering Inuyasha had refused to give into his demand for alcohol.

OoOoOoO

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Sango let out a muffled mumble into her pillow as the knocking persisted on her dorm room door. Guessing it must be Miroku trying desperately for the hundredth time that month to get into her bed, she tried to stifle the sound by covering her ears with her pillows.

No use, she could still hear it.

She groaned.

"Give it up, Miroku!" Sango shouted grumpily.

"Sango! I really need to talk to you!" A trembling voice called out from the other side.

The girl jolted up in bed, her dark eyes wide as she just realized…The voice was feminine, meaning it couldn't be Miroku. What's more…it sounded very familiar…

"Kagome?" She shouted back, waiting for a reply.

"I-It's me!" Kagome responded, her voice quieter than before. Sango grew concerned. She sounded upset…what happened that would get her to come all the way to her dorm room this late? Not even bothering to leave behind her fluffy pillow, Sango hastily went to the door, unlocking it (and there were many locks, for extra precaution was needed for a certain lecher) and opening it.

She was met with a tear-eyed Kagome, tears still running down her face and her eyes were red and puffy. Sango dropped her pillow upon laying eyes on her friend.

"Kagome?"

Before she could say anything else, Kagome had flung herself at the surprised girl, mumbling broken sentences as she broke down completely.

Sango completely froze as she caught words like:

"Didn't want me…He lied…Broke…Promise…Didn't love me…Why?"

After a few moments, she found the feeling in her arms as she enveloped the crying girl in a comforting hug, gently pulling her inside as she closed the door.

"Shhhh, Kagome, calm down. Sweetie, it's okay…just tell me what's wrong," She ushered softly, leading Kagome to the couch as she started hiccuping.

When Kagome had managed to keep her sobs under control she began to speak, her voice trembling and cracked as if it hurt just to talk about it.

"S-Sessho…I just found out…Oh gods, why?" She cried, burying her face into her hands.

"What about Sesshomaru?" Sango asked gently, immediately wondering what he could've done to upset her friend so. Also, vowing that whatever he did, he was going to pay.

"He's ENGAGED to ANOTHER woman!" Kagome hiccuped "He's been engaged for TWO years!"

"…What?" The words registered through her head. "He's been cheating on you????" Sango found this hard to digest. Sesshomaru didn't seem the type, and for as long as she knew the silver haired young man, she knew for a fact that he had been entirely devoted to Kagome. But then again, Sesshomaru always kept to himself, and girls had always been throwing themselves at his feet. It wasn't entirely impossible. "Are you sure?"

Kagome nodded miserably, wiping at her eyes.

"His fiancé came to my doorstep herself! Oh my god…I'm so stupid!" She looked at Sango with sapphire eyes filled with deep hurt and sorrow. "You should've seen her! She was so beautiful! I'm so plain next to her! I'm such an idiot! How could I ever think that he would wait for me, when he had HER!"

Sango was beyond shocked. Was this really happening? She came right to Kagome's doorstep! Ouch, that must've been the worst way of finding out…well, next to walking in on your boyfriend screwing some wench.

A bubbling anger rose within her chest. Thoughts such as 'Where is he? I'll kill him!' crossed her mind, but she refrained from taking rash action. That was Inuyasha's specialty. For now, she'd just comfort her friend.

"Oh, Kagome, I just find it so hard to believe that he could be cheating on you…I mean, for the whole time that you've been away, all he's done is mope around and pine for you," She said, her voice soft.

"I'm so stupid! I should've known! There must be hundreds of girls just like Kagura…super models throwing themselves at his feet! How could I ever compete? How could I ever think that he'd wait all this time for me?"

"You're NOT stupid! If anyone is stupid, it's Sesshomaru for picking that slut instead of you!" Sango immediately said. Kagome shook her head.

"You didn't see her…" She persisted, "I'm so plain next to her…"

Sango grew impatient. Kagome was always one who never saw her own beauty. Sure she wasn't a doll or a super model, but she shined with an inner beauty that attracted guys like a moth to a flame. It was her kindness that made her beautiful, and even her looks were far from ugly. In fact, Sango had often found herself being envious of her friend.

She had often heard Sesshomaru describe her as utterly gorgeous, the object of perfection…which again, made it hard for her to believe that Sesshomaru had be unfaithful.

"Don't say that 'Gome. I'm sure there must be an explanation to all of this. Look, I'm not saying that there's no way that Sesshomaru didn't have this affair, but I've seen the way he looks at you…He loves you, and even if he didn't before, I'm sure he does now. I'm willing to bet he regret his actions." She reasoned.

"He broke his promise…" Kagome whimpered, her tears not stopping. Sango rubbed her hand comfortingly up and down her back.

"It's his loss," She said, "I know it can't be just as simple as that."

"But how do you know?"

"Intuition, I guess. Did you even let him explain?"

Kagome shook her head, a bit guiltily when another thought came to mind.

"But he could be lying you know, just to keep me around for a little longer before dumping me."

"True," Sango bit her lower lip. "But there are a lot of things we don't know about him. Listen, forget about Sesshomaru. Don't waste your tears! No guy is worth crying over!"

'Sesshomaru is…' Kagome thought miserably, but decided to pick other words.

"You'd cry over Miroku…"

"I would NOT!" Sango interjected. "That womanizing jerk! If anything I should be worried about HIM cheating on ME!"

Kagome almost smiled at this, but the burning feeling in her chest was greater. She hadn't loved anyone else but Sesshomaru, she couldn't imagine her life without him. Now that this has all happened, she felt like her whole world had crashed down, her heart was being ripped to shreds right before her eyes.

"Listen, I don't care who that bitch is, but I'm willing to bet that she's nothing compared to you. And if Sesshomaru can't see that, then you're better off without him!" Sango encouraged, smiling slightly.

"Well…she was a bit mean…" Kagome said in a small voice.

"How mean?"

"Meaner than a snake…" Kagome added, causing Sango to laugh while she sputtered a: "I knew it!" A small smile appeared through her tear-stained face and she looked to the ground. Her tormented pain coming back almost instantly.

Sango noticed her shift in moods, and scooted closer to her friend.

"Want some chocolate?" She asked. Kagome nodded. As she got up to prepare the comforting drink, she heard Kagome whisper slightly.

"God, I love him, Sango," She said softly. "Even after what he did to me, I can't just tell him that I don't love him straight to his face. It hurts so much…I can't help it…I still love him so much. I guess I was a fool in thinking he could ever feel the same way about me."

A few moments later, Sango came back with the steaming cups, and Kagome accepted it gratefully, sniffing back her tears.

They sipped quietly.

"There's got to be something more than this problem than what we know…" Sango mumbled, causing Kagome to look at her. "I mean, he LOVES you. I know love when I see it…" Her memory went back to the day when Sesshomaru and Kagome had confessed their love on the bridge. It was so plain in the young man's eyes how much he felt for her. And when he had promised to wait and love her always, Sango could tell that he had meant it.

'Not to mention, he was so happy when Kagome returned. This just doesn't make any sense.' "Why would he…?"

Raven bangs fell over sapphire eyes. Kagome stared blankly at her cup, watching the dark contents. As she got lost in the chocolately swirls, memories of their last meeting ran through her head. Sesshomaru's pleading eyes as he mouthed her name. The way he clund desperately to her when she screamed at him…and the look of complete and utter pain when she struck him.

A twisting feeling claimed her heart. 'His eyes…they were so sad…like he was pleading with me, a look of regret…Did I imagine it?' She thought. But a vision of Kagura flashed through her mind, and she shook Sesshomaru out of her head. 'Why would he want me to stay with him when he has someone as beautiful like her? Choosing an ugly duckling over a swan, I'm so stupid.'

She looked once more at Sango, who in turn, was staring back at her with a confused look.

"What will you do now?" She asked.

"I don't know."

"Will you go back?"

"Not now," She sniffled. "I'm not sure if Sesshomaru is still there…and I know I can't…"

"Say no more," Sango stood up. "You can crash with me for a few days."

"Thanks, Sango. Are you sure I'm not a burden?"

"BURDEN??? Don't make me laugh…"

"I just thought…with Miroku…"

"Please, I could care less about that lech. It's not like I'm sharing my dorm with him or anything," She scoffed.

Kagome nodded, sipping at her hot chocolate once more, slightly glad that her tears had stopped falling. Sesshomaru's face flashed through her mind again, and she knew that the tears would continue to fall later. 'Let this be some nightmare…' She thought desperately. 'Sesshomaru…why?'

OoOoOoO

It had been a week since the plan was set in motion. So far, everything went smoothly. He let a smirk grace his pale lips, his crimson eyes glittering madly as his eyes fell upon the object of his obsession. Her head was bent down, hunched over as she quickly scribbled down her notes.

Luxurious raven hair spilled over her shoulder, her eyes focused.

How he wished to touch those silken strands. Smell them, bury his face in them…feel them tickle his naked flesh. He shook these thoughts out of his head before he could excite himself further in front of his class. He turned his attention from Kagome to his chalkboard, writing more facts for them to copy.

All the while, Naraku's thoughts were still stuck on his student. Since the arrival of his niece, Kagura, he had watched Kagome Higurashi walk into his class day in and out with a noticeable plod. Her footsteps were heavy, her eyes empty and void of any light. Though she still acted as cheerful as she could when addressed.

Even more pleasing was the fact that Sesshomaru was no longer around, and when he did see the Taiyoukai boy, he seemed VERY miserable indeed.

And though Kagura had told him that she was unsuccessful in finding Sesshomaru, he knew she had done her job. He noted to himself to put extra cash in her birthday envelope this year.

She focused all of her energy into her work. Probably to distract her mind from certain silver-haired, pretty boys named Sesshomaru Taiyoukai. 'Oh, I'll distract her from him alright…' He thought, the lust beginning to brew inside of him anew.

He had refrained himself from kidnapping her, taking her into his bed and having his way for her. Despite his cunning and devious ways, Naraku was not without a heart. He knew she would be broken about her break up with Sesshomaru, and admittedly, women who were depressed were easier to take advantage of because they were more vulnerable. But he didn't want her that way…

No, he wanted her to want him as well, hear her moan out his name in pleasure, undoubtedly (and he grimaced at the thought) the way she must've cried out for Sesshomaru. Naraku figured the best way to go about this was play the thoughtful and caring professor. No, better yet, a friend to console to.

Once she was at ease around him…well, that was when he would waste not time in ravishing her. Naraku licked his lips in anticipation, crimson eyes peering from the corner of his eye at Kagome who was staring sadly into space.

'Soon, my little one, I'll have you in my arms, writhing beneath me and screaming my name like the bitch you are.' The university bells chimed, signaling the end of the hour, and the end of the class. He put his piece of chalk down and closed his book, turning to face his class.

"That will be all for today. Make sure you read the next chapter by Thursday, and I expect your essay to be sent to my e-mail box by tonight. Can't make it by then? Turn it in next session, but it will be a full grade lower should you choose to turn it in then."

He eyed them all as the scribbled down their last notes, his eyes falling on Kagome. 'My bitch,' He mentally thought. "You are dismissed," He finished, his eyes never leaving her form.

Naraku fixed some papers on his desk, pretending to seem busy as the students packed up and filed out of the door. He still watched Kagome with lustful crimson depths as she shoved her books and papers into her bag. Taking some of her books into her arms, she stood to leave. When she looked up, her gave met his.

He saw her visibly tense, her lips slightly parted as she gasped in surprise. He smirked, pleased at her reaction. Tearing her eyes from his, she tried her best to avoid looking at him as she walked down the isle, hasty to make her way towards her friend, Sango.

As she neared the other girl, she stumbled on one of the steps, nearly falling but managing to regain her balance. Her books, and papers however, were not so fortunate as they fell to the floor in a messy pile. Naraku heard her groan in frustration.

"Kagome, are you okay?" The girl named Sango inquired.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Go on without me. I'll catch up later," Kagome responded, crouching down to recollect her things.

"Okay, whatever you say," She added before turning to leave. Naraku noticed that she gave him a narrowed gaze before she walked through the door. Naraku gave her a sideways sneer before he turned back to Kagome.

The entire classroom was empty save for the both of them…perfect. He noticed that as she picked up her wayward papers, she was slightly sniffing back tears. Apparently she wasn't over Sesshoamru quite yet. He stepped out from behind his desk, running fingers through inky black hair in anticipation.

Enter the sympathetic, caring teacher. It was time to make his move. He approached her, bending down to pick up a book that she was reaching for.

She froze, looking up at Naraku, who stared back at her with an almost hypnotizing trance.

He held out the book for her, and she hesitantly took it, wiping her eyes for any traces of tears and blushing slightly.

When she took it from him, their fingers brushed for a moment, sending a cold shiver down her spine.

"Uh, Arigato, Naraku-sensei," She thanked, not bothering to look at him. She heard him chuckle in a low voice.

"There's no shame in asking for a little help," He said silkily, assisting her in picking up her papers. She glanced nervously at her dark professor, almost afraid of the dark sensuality that he seemed to radiate. When she raised her head, she realized to her discomfort that he was a breath away from her face.

"So let me help you…Kagome."

End Chapter

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[A/N]

Yume: Yeah, very late update. So I'm very sorry.

CF: School starting up again, so we're busy busy busy!

Yume: In the next chapter! How will Sesshomaru solve his dilemma? What is Naraku up to? Will Kagome fall victim to her professor's dark desires? And what's this? A surprise visit from Kagome's identical cousin? How will Inuyasha react? All this in the next chapter of LOVE LIFE!

CF: THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR REVIEWS! Please read and review again! No flames please! ^_^