InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stick to the plan ❯ Eye Opener ( Chapter 4 )

 

 

 

 

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You did not see the Quiet Before the Storm

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The next day Kagome awoke early and made breakfast. The rest of the group arose soon after; dazed as what appeared to be the old Kagome was back before them. They moved around dumbly cleaning up camp and sat silently as she hummed, serving them their meals. They didn't know what could have lightened her spirits but not wanting to break the mood they ate mutely except for thanking and complimenting her for the meal. Inuyasha even openly praised her cooking and sat beside her with a hand on the small of her back.

Sango also sat closer to Miroku much to his shock and delight. The entire group seemed to be at peace, small talk permeating the meal time.

Though Kagome did not offer much in the way of actual conversation, her over all presence brought them comfort and healed the ache they felt when they thought of the pain that had once been in her eyes.

Kagome for her own part had been up for hours something that being with Sesshomaru always did that to her. Somehow she could not distill the instinctual nagging in her gut that told her to stop, turn away and save herself. But she could not lay her finger on exactly what it was. She had stayed up long into the night mulling it over in her mind, feigning sleep when Inuyasha and Sango had returned. She had barely remembered to clean herself up before heading back to camp before they had returned. She had been so lost in thought that had Sesshomaru not reappeared and directed her to the lake, swiftly and efficiently cleaning her, she would have never remembered. She could still feel his manhood coursing into her body as she sat there with her companions. Her appealingly kind eyes hiding the calculating mind behind the lashes. She took in the Slayer, the Monk, and the Hanyou. Her mind accessed them in a far more removed way then she had come to terms with yet. She tried to remember the compassion, the love she had for them. Her mind and heart still battling the overwhelming hatred that seeped a steady supply into her veins with every breath she took, every moment she shared with them.

She couldn't hate Miroku as a whole but she still found herself despising him for his weakness and it was a reminder of her own self. Of how blind she had been. She wanted Miroku to hate them as she hated them. She hated the fact that she had to share this alone and that he could not have been the one to find them. She hated wondering if he would have reacted the same way. And for that reasoning alone she would bring him down. Down to the pain she felt, the pain and betrayal that numbed her mind and brought bags under her eyes from the sleepless nights.

 

She gazed at the fire and frowned briefly when the others were distracted.

`When did I become this way? Is this the real me? When did hate become so easy? Good God, I want to let it go, but I will never be able to until I find closure... Closure in their pain…only then will I rest…only then will this end….only then will I face what I've become. What have I become? I don't care …this quiet numbness feels so much better than the pain… I can bear this…'

Steeling her conviction she rejoined the conversation knowing the hardest part was right before her. Although, somehow the penetrating feel of eyes searching her out through the canopy stilled her nerves and twisted her smile up a bit more.

`Yes, I can bear this ...With him I can.'

Kagome waited knowing it would not be too much longer until the first wave of the plan started. She had been waiting all morning to head out .Kikyou was near and she smirked quietly thinking about how for once she would be of use to her but that would come later. She wondered what it felt like to live as Kikyou did .If that was who she was turning into.

`Have I become a vessel of hatred as she?' Staring into the water as she rinsed off the utensils she mused, `Am I seeing now through the eyes as Kikyou? Is this what she feels?...'

Shaking her head she cleared her head of the guilt that would do her no good at this point. It was too late for guilt. Guilt was an empty emotion. That was what Sesshomaru had taught her. It only made you weak and its' only purpose was to be used against someone.

When they finally broke camp it was mid day and they still had a ways to go. At first they were going to head back to the Inuyasha's forest and Keade to made sure Kagome was fully treated but Kagome had changed their mind. Leading them in the direction of where she `sensed' the shards, She convinced them that what she really needed right now was to be useful.

They had listened, wanting to see more of that vibrant shining smile.

Little did they know that the smile they were being graced with now, the curvature of her full lips into that upturned line lighting her features presented itself because their destruction was at hand.

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My dearest one until today I had almost lost hope and yet to feel you welcome my presence to search out for me even in such a small gesture as sitting next to me has filled me with such a pleasure. To know I have not struggled in vain…That you can see the earnest attempts of my being to gain your favor. I have little to offer you I know but, I would give my all and more. There is not a creation on earth or in the heavens that would stop me. I never though I would feel this for a woman, I though they were worth consideration and respect, but not until you did I think them worthy of devotion.

If only we had more time and I could win you over the right way. With flowers and gifts of jeweled combs…. But that would not be right would it? No, instead it should be ornate short knives. Yes that would be more appropriate. Deadly and beautiful like you.

So worldly and yet so innocent that my one leer can bring a maidens blush to your cheeks… I will go slow our first time. There are few things I dream of more then your sweet surrender to me.

Soon my dear one …soon we will be together.

 

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Night was fast at their heels and the sun had already begun its descent from the sky however thanks to Kagome's careful direction they also happened along one of the few villages boarding Sesshomaru's lands. It was decided they would rest for the night and make inquires in the morning as to any shard sightings.

Kagome decided to have her own separate room instead of sharing with Sango feigning restless nights and not wanting to disturb her dear friend. Miroku would also have his own quarters though he was silently pleased that Sango would be alone, plans already forming in his mind of using this night to woo his love though he doubted he would find the courage to do so. Inuyasha as usual preferred the outside and declined the offered room, sleeping instead outside on the roof of the inn.

The group dined together and enjoyed the respite that followed once their stomachs were full and the lulling silence overtook them as they stared into the fire. Kagome was the first to excuse herself, opting for her cozy futon. Sango left soon after determined on a soak in the inside springs the inn had. Miroku was the next to go deciding it was best to mediate before closing out the day.

Inuyasha remained behind lost in his own thoughts; the vague murmurings of the houshi as he left fell on the dead ears of the Hanyou.

In the flickering light of the fire he replayed everything that had happened to bring him to this point.

`Why can't I stop this? Why do I continue down this path that will only lead to pain? Am I so fucked up now? Do I want Sango? Am I lying to myself? Sure she's strong, brave…attractive… She would be a good bitch to any hanyou. Our pups would definitely be strong. But it's not her scent that drives me wild. She is not the one I am yearning to tame.

And yet I have to ask myself … Am I battling against myself, against my instincts? Is Sango the one I should be choosing? There has to be a reason for this deception, some greater purpose then the rutting that has been taking place. So much is on the line, the hearts of so many but have we been misguided?

Kagome so pure and good, and Miroku, good natured and even tempered. They would be the more likely couple and yet I can literal feel the lust and desire roll off the Houshi when Sango's around him and not with Kagome. We are each others opposites but I fear Sango and I have become even too flawed for them to fix.

Even now as I sit here pondering, cursing myself for my weakness I know into whose chamber I will be sneaking. Or maybe not…perhaps I should go to Kagome this night. She might let me lie with her as she slumbers. Yes, that is what I shall do although first to springs… I'll need a calm head for Kagome….Sango knows just how to calm me… But I swear if Kagome lets me in tonight will be the last night…Kami save me from my weakness and show me a sign.

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“So are you ready my pet for tonight's events?” Sesshomaru smirked down at his prize. She was something to behold, her hair tossed about reflecting the moonlight as it danced down the smooth expanse of her neck to her shoulders and to her full bare bosom. She nodded intent on her task at hand as her mouth worked over his phallus that she held sandwiched between her two breasts. He thrust into her cavern enjoying every time he hit the spot in the back of her throat and she would gag.

“Good.” He stared down at her watching the swirl of emotion coursing through her face at the mere mention of tonight's events. Part of him stirred to life and he felt his manhood pulse inside her mouth as he thought of her further taint. She was becoming his obsession though he did not want to acknowledge the possibility that he might be forming an attachment to her. His mind continued to race. Knowing it was because of him though he had to wonder if she would have not done so for another.

He shook his head to clear such thoughts.

`What does it matter what could have been? She is mine now… I rule her…she follows my command and she is mine to destroy.'

His clawed hands fixed in the mass of her tresses brought him fully into her mouth hard this time. He held her to him as he moved her head at his on accord. His mood swiftly changing to anger at his emotions her abused mouth getting the brunt of his evident mood swing as he hated of aptly she unfocused him.

Even her whimpers that normally turned him on infuriated him further causing him to speed up this lesson coming hard down her throat, taking only a small victory when she fell back, choking slightly her spittle and his ejaculate mixed together sliding down her chin as she looked up at him with those same eyes, full and confused, he turned away before he found himself bending down to cradle her.”It's time…The half-breed is with the slayer.”

 

She nodded standing as she wiped the trail from her lips .Downcast she turned obediently to put the plan into action. She paused though staring at his back. Solid, rigid, unyielding, she wanted to reach out and touch him, to understand why his mood changed so quickly. She wanted to see the softness that had appeared in his eyes so briefly that wiped away the guilt and dirty feeling their trysts always caused.

Still this was not the time and she had work to do. Walking away she reentered the inn and made her way to the sleeping quarters however, it was not to her own bed that she was going but to the room of another. It was time to share her secret.

 

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You did not Question the look in my Eyes

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Standing on the threshold of Miroku's room, Kagome stilled the restless heartbeat that was steadily increasing her breathing. With a cleansing breath she knocked lightly, the same sweet smile they all had come to love was back in place before he opened the Shoji screen. Surprised Miroku faced her concerned as to what would bring her to his room at this hour though he let down his guard at the sight of her smile and calm disposition stepping back to let her into the room if need be.

“Kagome-chan, what brings you here?”

“Well, I've been thinking a lot since the… the incident,” She paused for effect and to secure he understood her meaning before continuing, “About a lot of things…about life and love…and you Miroku.” Her voice was low and soft. Innocent and yet passionate as she walked into the room past him a slight blush painting her cheeks at this last declaration. She locked her determined eyes on his and walked up to him so that her words would not carry out the still open doorframe.

“About me? I don't' think I understand ...”

“Let me finish Miroku …I must get this out…” Her calm voice quieted him as he nodded, his mind swirling in confusion and slight anxiety as he was starting to get a picture in his mind of Kagome confessing feelings he could not return. Ones he was not seeking but still the force in the tone of her voice caused him to give pause and to hear her out. He just hoped he would not have to hurt her.

“As I was saying, I've been thinking about you, and the situation you have with Sango and I think it's time you tell her that you love her. I think you must go to her and confess your love for her and not stop until you make her yours.”

There was a silence that passed through the both of them, an absence of sound that could have only been the product of the maddening tension in the room. Miroku moved after a few beats and closed the doors before bracing his back against it. The wave of relief he had when he realized she had not come for him was replaced by the fear of being confronted with the feelings he had tried so hard to control and play off to outward eyes. Then confusion reared its head again as he wondered what made Kagome see so plainly what Sango continued to be blinded to.

Kagome remained calm as she continued on, time was eluding her once again but for the plan to work she needed Miroku to heed her words and quickly.

”I know you desire her… and I know she will not reject you. However, you must not allow her to live with the uncertainty any longer as to your feelings… “She moved closer to him as she searched his face to see if she was getting through to him.

“I don't know Kagome-chan… It is true I have … feelings for her but up until now she has not shown willingness to accept my intentions. How can you be so certain that I would not push her away further?”

“Because I know the pain of uncertainty… I know the anguish of tortured hope. Indeed I know the ache of hiding the emotions you wish to express and have returned. The unyielding hungers of waiting, searching for a sign, anything to maintain hope…I know what it means to love unrequited …”

For once Kagome did not have to feign the passion of her words. There was no need to disguise the emotions she felt as she countered his reply. She could feel the truth of her words bubbling within her. She was speaking of herself in reality, of her pain and longing and the truth of the emotions sang out and hit Miroku hard, the intensity of her words striking him to the core. Kagome was never so plain spoken and it bowled him over as he could almost feel her pain as it encircled her aura.

“Kagome…” Miroku started the sight of her pain so raw, etched across her features screaming to him to comfort his friend, though she stopped him with a raised hand to silence him once again.

“And that is why I know you can not delay any longer… Ones heart can only endure so much before it stops. Her heart will not remain open forever. Please Miroku, think not of your pride but of the pain that both of you now suffer with. A pain that can be released with three simple words from you, Sango can not take the lead in this but she is waiting, searching. You must realize why she is afraid to come to you. Your past open displays to any passing female set fear to her soul but now that you have stopped you have opened the door for her to hope that one day you will seek her out in earnest. Tonight is that night. You must hold back no longer… She will not wait for you forever. “

She made her point by taking his hand into hers and tugging him to the door. Opening it she dragged him across the threshold as he dumbly allowed his person to be transported outside before the reality of the situation caught up with him and he spoke in a fervent whisper in the hallway.

“Kagome, it is late, she will not see me in her quarters at this hour…” He was scared; her words had shocked and put a different fear into him that while he feared his pride also he thought of the possibility of being rejected by her would be more than his heart could bear the reality of. What he did not know with certainty could not hurt him and if he did not ask he would not know.

“We are not going to her quarters. Sango is still at the springs… We are going there.” She replied the grip on his hand tightening to insure he remained with her as she lead them down the darkened torch lit halls.

He felt the resolve in her words and focused on trying to calm himself.

` I can't do this …It's insane and Sango will only think I'm being perverted and get upset but…What if she's right? What if I lose her because of such a simple fear? Kagome would not have come to me if the matter was not urgent. She must sense a change in my beloved's feelings. But what if she is wrong and I lay me heart out only to have it crushed under the heel of my dear ones foot? No, she is worth it. The very possibility of holding her in my arms tonight, of being able to touch her and show her just how much I worship her is worth it. I can do this…with a little help from Kagome-chan I will make her mine … I will do this.'

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You can not Try to Blame Me

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`Can I do this? Can I really be responsible for the pain I'm about to cause?'

Kagome mulled over her thoughts as she silently lead the nervous monk to the springs. `This is not my fault. They do not have to be there. It is their fault if this ends bitterly. Why should Miroku be sheltered any longer? Why should he be allowed to ignore the signs? It is not fair …'

Bitterness overtook her sympathy as they neared to steps to the large shoji doors of the bathhouse. Her smile was bright and caring though it belied the deeper more twisted reasoning for her amusement as she gazed upon him. Soon she would not be alone in her pain.

Turning her head back to the doors she moved towards them after releasing Miroku's hand after she was confident that he was going to stay put. She tentatively searched with her miko senses pleased when she found what she looking for and reined it back in.

`This is not my fault…'

She extended her hand out to Miroku that took her hand holding it to his shaking palm. His nerves were at end but being there with his dear friend reassured him though there was a foreboding that he could not shake. Past Kagome's smiles and encouragement something did not settle right in his stomach. With an almost blatant apprehension he parted the door and stepped inside with Kagome a short distance behind him. She had told him that once she was sure that Sango would hear him out she would leave and guard the door outside.

He believed her and yet there was impatience in her eyes that disturbed him as much as he complied with her reasoning. He heard her footsteps still suddenly but when he turned to her with questioning eyes she ushered him with her hands and full smile.

The steam was thicker the closer you came to rounding the natural stone wall that acted as a divider and shield blocking your immediate view of the springs and formed a short hallway. Two lit torches lighted the hall and only added to the humidity as he walked the damp path caused by the condensation in the air.

He heard muffled sounds and a sharp intake of breath and paused as he came to the edge of the wall.

Had she heard him? His sandals sounded loud and the shifting of his robes seemed to echo in the room in his mind. He chided himself she could not have heard him and even if she heard something she would have to know he was there sooner or later. He listened to the sound of water splashing and then a low moan floated his way.

He felt himself hardening as visions of what his dear love was doing. He knew that moan. Remembered the few times he had caught his beautiful water nymph pleasuring her body shyly in the past when the others were asleep or appeared to be. He remembered sitting outside her room jerking off to the little sounds she made the few times in the past they had slept separate in the inns.

It was part of the reason he loved her. She was beautifully shy even with herself holding back even in the privacy of her own quarters , Oh how he wanted to help her let go , to release her from the restraint she bound herself with. Tonight could be his night to do so. It was slightly awkward knowing the Kagome might overhear them but the thought also turned him on thinking of Kagome listening to him worshiping Sango's body. His groin twitched and he stilled his thoughts before they obstructed his thoughts and he messed up this golden opportunity.

Looking back once more at Kagome before turning the corner to make himself known he searched the dim hall probing Kagome's eyes for the last time for affirmation that this was the right thing to do. Never before had he felt so indecisive yet his instincts seemed to be at odds and part of him feared what lay around the bend , Kagome's hungry eyes waving him on did not help the situation much but swallowing his fear he turned back ,stepping around the corner to face his fate.

Kagome did not need to see what caused Miroku clutch the wall. To grip it as his face paled. She could tell the way his eyes widened and he gathered his robes in his hand as he held his heart. Even before coming up behind him she knew what had happened when he looked into her eyes. She knew the pain that had silenced him by looking into those almost violet eyes. Confusion, pain, loss swirled in those orbs at the scene before him. Held captive to it as his heart died within him.

Still she had to see it for herself.

The couple in the springs was too engrossed in the carnal acts they were performing to notice the audience that had joined them.

 

She tortured herself with the image before her fighting against old feelings of pain and betrayal as she shared this moment with Miroku. Holding his hand she had to turn away from Miroku's gaze as something snapped within her.

Miroku's gaze drifted incredulously back to the scene before him Inuyasha where positioned sideways to Miroku and Kagome. Inuyasha was leaning against the side rock wall in the springs for support with Sango over his body clinging to his shoulders for leverage as she rode him. It was a beautiful scene really. Kagome it took in her grief being replaced by an odd fascination . Sango body slick with sweat and water arched against his unholy lover riding him, taming him. Inuyasha fangs bared and hair wet and wild toying with her breasts like reins as Sango took her pleasure from his body.

Even the sounds they were making were entrancing to her .Closing her eyes she cursed herself knowing this was Sesshomaru's doing. She wanted to vomit with the overwhelming shame that consumed her then and more she wanted them to pay for making her this way.

Stepping back she tugged the broken man beside her back towards the entrance. She was thankful the shock had turned him mute for the time being though who knew how long that would last. No this was not it, this was not who it would end. As much as she wanted Miroku to interrupt them, to call them out and expose them, impatience would not suit her in the end for the satisfaction of destroying them all as she had been was a price she could not afford to lose. Not now, not after all she had done. Not after stepping into the gates of hell and bonding with the devil himself.

Dragging him outside she shut the doors just in time as Miroku snapped out his daze anger blurring his vision.

“How can you just leave like that? Did you not see …Did you not see her?!” He growled out staring at her like she had grown two heads. “We have to stop them. They can't… HE can't do that to her” He was bordering tears as he stumbled back.

Kagome found looking at him harder than it should be but she could not face the pain in his features. “There's nothing that can be done…” she choked out going to him. He shook his head stepping away from her like her nearness burned him.

She urged him further down the hall until he broke away slamming her into the wall pinning her there. “How can you be so calm? Have you no heart? “He was shaking her at this point the tears flowing freely in a tiny stream down his face. She took it, took his abuse. She wanted to tell him no, that she had no heart. That her heart died that day in the dojo when she gave herself to a man that would never love her.

That it had stopped beating to the tune of love when she turned her body over to dark desires of the flesh. That it had already started dying long ago, back before the tainting of Sesshomaru, back when she needed someone to turn to , back when on the cold nights she would hold herself as she watched her only love leaving to betray her for another. That she had lost the hope of loss when she realized that Miroku would continue to refuse to see the reality of the situation. That he would remain blissfully in the dark and never seek the truth .She wanted to tell him but she did not.

Instead she bathed in his anger as it pleased her that she was not alone any longer. Someone else could mourn for her. She did not need the emotion any longer. He would take her place.

 

 

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I did not Ask for Feelings

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Still she feared him waking anyone else up or Sango and Inuyasha hearing them. Still she knew or at least hoped she knew him well enough that her next actions would sway him back to the pliant mass she had convinced earlier.

“How can I not hurt? But what can be done? Facing them now would prove nothing but to hurt us further? “She replied desperately.

“We came too late... I am nothing but used goods, How can I not blame him for turning to another …” She did not understand her reaction to her own words. It was an act; a farce so why was there a wet line down the side of her face? What was the reason for these silent tears?

It had to be Miroku. He was making her to this. She felt her cheeks flush with anger though it would plausibly be taking as a sign of her strength. Still it worked and soon Miroku was holding her trying to comfort his friend as thoughts of the abandonment and the weight of her pain after her rape seeped into his mind and he kicked himself mentally for being so cruel to someone so dear to him that was probably hurting more than she was letting on, allowing him to grieve while bearing her pain and his within herself.

He was supposed to be the man and yet she was supporting him now. He held her to him even as he still pressed her body into the wall .he cried against her for her pain and his as he felt her try to push away only to give up clinging to his shoulders as she body convulsed silently.

When would she share her pain? He wondered idly as they slumped to the floor clutching each other. They remained there silently holding each other. Kagome allowed herself to let go unable to hold it in. She released the grief the pain she refused to believe still existed. She would not admit it even now and simply blamed it on Miroku.

He was making her feel and she didn't like it yet the longer they remained pressed together the harder it got to fight him. When his right hand stilled in the slow circular motion on her back and moved to raise her chin to face him the feel of the rosary beads against her skin made her shiver at the touch of them . They also reminded her of the burden he had carried so well and without the malice she had. He was going to die and now thanks to her she had destroyed the little hope he had. She did not like these thoughts she did not like how his silence clung to her like a cloak how being held in his arms and being looked at the way he did made her feel stripped and naked . He saw the pain she hid. He saw the girl she once was. The one she had killed, destroyed the one she refused to let return.

She closed her eyes refusing to look at him. Trying to close her heart off once again… No he could not blame her for this. They were the reason for his pain not her. The two screwing in springs without a care were the reason his tears mixed with hers.

“Wait how can our tears be mixing? What is this gentle pressure against my lips?'' Kagome lashes fluttered apart as she gasped realizing that at some point Miroku had started kissing her. She felt him pull her closer as his tongue took the opportunity of her gasp to enter her mouth.

His kiss was urgent and demanding as his hold. She felt lost and consumed as grief laced his intimate probing. He was using her because of his own grief and she returned the kiss knowing the need he had. But his kisses felt like they burned her and she pulled back. He was dangerous to her for he made her remember; feel… she could not lock away her emotions with him for he made her face them. He needed her to face them as he faced his. He demanded with the way he looked at her and his words that she share this misery with him.

She did not want to. In that moment she wished for the arms of Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru that made her forget. That took away the pain. That demanded every fiber of her being to his attention. Pushing Miroku back with force this time they separated and already she could see the guilt etching across the plains of Miroku's face along with a latent desire to continue. “I need a drink “She spoke first not wanting him to suffer through the moment of awkward silence. He stood nodding in agreement thankful she was not upset with him for his forwardness and helped her up.

In silence they made their way to the small tavern the inn had, it was late but they knew a few patrons would still be there drowning their sorrows and they were right. They sat for awhile quietly listening to the murmurings as the sake flowed from they cups to their mouths. Kagome discreetly allowed Miroku to have the larger portion though she nursed her cup fairly well to take the edge off her from the recent events.

She still had much to do so getting wasted would not befit her at this time. Miroku on the other hand it was the perfect addition and ensured that he played his part correctly. After about twenty minutes of being plied with sake Miroku was sufficiently tossed and she went to bar to settle the bill and put the next step of her plan into action.

As she paid the bill the young girl that had been serving them the whole time walked up giggling and stopped to speak to Kagome. She was young looking though she wore a look that showed she was street wise and could handle herself with long brown hair that swept to her waist. Petite with soft chocolate dove eyes and full pink lips she was attractive with a slender build she would do. “Miss, your friend is quite the man with that sense of humor of his…” She laughed lightly. “He's not so bad on the eyes either” She smirked.

Kagome smiled back the wheels in her head turning “Yes he is shame though he is suffering from a broken heart and I had hoped this would help but I can't help but feel for him …. I mean having to go to sleep tonight all alone to wallow in his grief…He's too good to deserve that but what can be done.”

The girl turned compassionate eyes of him as he tried to stand up and fumbled. “I thought I saw pain in them eyes. I couldn't figure with such pretty woman as you in his company but now it makes sense. The poor thing “

Kagome grinned to herself; she was really getting better at manipulating people. Outwardly Kagome sighed dramatically” I only hope he finds his quarters safely and does himself no harm… I have to leave him now to finish expelling an evil spirits from the area or I would do so myself.”

The girl frowned as Miroku's second attempt almost failed and he struggled for his balance.

“He does not look good miss… Maybe…Do you think he would let me help him? You guys were my last customers anyway; the other girl cleans up tonight.”

Kagome smiled sweetly “Oh would you? That would be wonderful and I'm sure he would not mind in fact he seemed to smile more in your presence.” She pulled out a coin to test her theory “I could pay you for your time “She offered.

The girl shook her head though “Thank you but that is not necessary after all there's not many good men in the world would be a shame not to help out the few remaining.” The girl replied knowingly. “It would be my pleasure I ensure you…”

Kagome nodded smiling due to the knowledge that she had chosen well and replaced the coin into the fold of her kimono pocket. She had not switched back into her modern garments since her time with Sesshomaru.

After telling Miroku of the change in plans she watched them leave before ordering just one more sake for the evening, she downed the fiery liquid in one gulp. Closing her eyes she felt it burn a path down her pipes and settle in my stomach. She relished the fuzzy feeling that buzzed in her head briefly before clearing as the numbness settled back to the fore. There was still much to do under the cover of darkness and night was sipping away. There were still two more hearts to crush.

Rising she made her way out of the tavern her mind resolved and her body numb once again. She had waited to see if the girl would return after depositing him at his room when she did not she knew it was time to continue. As she passed one of the windows she felt it, she felt him.

`How much did he know? How much did he see? Was he pleased or disappointed? Why do I care? Because I want him be pleased, because I need him to be pleased. When did I come to need him? How can I be falling for the devil? Were my wings always this black? I am falling… falling and it is him that I want to break my fall.'

`Can you tell me why?'

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A/n: Ok guys first off I wanted to apologize for the long wait but I've been in the hospital with pneumonia and well I'm on house rest now. Still I felt so bad for not updating in almost two and a half weeks… gomen …. I hope this 22pg chapter makes up for it. Also my beta is getting married and moving and so I have tried my best without her and hopefully caught everything but with the meds and this cold I don't know . If I didn't this time know that it will be rechecked once she returns to me and fixed. This chapter as you by now no doubt realize focused a lot more on Miroku, well I would like your opinion on what you think of him in this story. I know it was easy to over look him in the earlier chapters but I really want every effected to have their moment in the spotlight… hopefully it worked out …let me know please. Also have I started to fog you windows yet? Lol …meaning how do you like the smut...esp. between Sesshomaru and Kagome? Now onto the reviews and I've got a lovely bunch of coco puff …. Cakes

Mm.org:

Angel-up-above-heaven: Well I'm so happy that you like the story line. You are one of the reviewers I look for when I update. As I am now constantly worried that I might turn you back off sess and kag. Anyway I am thinking you were talking about when kagome watches the encounter with Inuyasha and Sango… I know that shocked me to and I was writing it… so which part shocked you more the conversation or kagome's reaction to it? Let me know and enjoy * hands you a slice of cake *

 

Unistar: Thank you! Yes the group is back together but as you see that can be quite a dangerous thing. And yes as I'm sure you've figured out she is focusing on them because of what she feels the part they have played. As for Shippou and Kirrara well for now they really don't have much of a part but they will be brought back into the picture but that's later and no spoilers for you lol. Will Sesshomaru fall for Kagome in the end? Will She fall for him? That is the question isn't it … well you are just going to have to stay tuned in to find out. I love your questions and keep them coming! * Hands Slice of cake *

Weeky Lord: Well thank you very much. I glad you are enjoying it and picking up on the more subtle points… full of mystery well I like that phrase though I doubt any mystery vans will be pulling up in this story and here everyone is wearing a mask. Anyway that review has advanced you and you may now join the rest of the class * hands you a brownie and a slice of cake * there all caught up.

Theblackangels: I'll be honest your review I had to reread before I realized who you dragged off...*curses meds* anyway, you know you are the first one to call Kagome evil... Not a bad thing though I am always interested in getting new views …*hands you a Lollipop and Sesshomaru a pill for the twitch * I have to start you off like the rest. Thank you for your review it amused me greatly.

Aff.net:

Kirarakat55: Thank you for your review. Glad you liked it and I hope you come back for this chapter. * Hands Lollipop * I love getting new reviewers! Woot

 

Trinity3000: Lol well thank you … I glad to know you read my A/n's. And I do like that! I liked your reference to the lemon in the last chapter. It both amused and intrigued me and I totally understood what you meant though I would not have thought of it that way until you mentioned it. And yes I can quite relate if how it can be confusing why anyone would not chose Sess over inu but you must remember Kagome does not think she has him in the first place and yes feelings are clouding everyone's judgment at the moment. Please continue down the twisted path of this story * hands A big slice of Cake *

Galadrihm_Star : Thank you so much for your review. It made me so happy to have you say I made angst an art * Hands a slice of cake lollipop and brownie* You official won brownie points with that review!

 

Unstar411: Well you found me here too eh? Lol well thank you for the double review. *hands you a loli for the effort*

 

Sugar0o: Omg! You literally almost have me in tears with your reviews *Sniffle* I just love hearing from you; you always erase my doubt on this story with your words. I think it is so outstanding that we can both be so engrossed in each others stories and for those that are reading it you must again I command ye all go read it … but review hear first lol AFF.net is the place the title `betrothal of the warrior hime `*shameless plug* Anyway THANK YOU for your review and I see you've updated twice already *Pouts* I'm so behind .. I'll review your chaps soon hehe * Hands you a whole coco puff cake* and I'm happy you think they are still in character as I was concerned about that! As for if the loving couple work it out...I'm Not Telling …yet lol

 

Sweetest Angel: Thank you for the review! Yes I know it can be hard to feel pity and yet hating them almost seems like too much effort. You reminded me of Kagome with your review and that pleased me. You are right to be concerned for Kagome I'll giver you that...There is a lot in store for her I'll tell you that * Hands Loli pop * thanks again.

 

Raven Tears00: Thank you! *Hands you slice of cake * I'm glad you came back

 

Kitty: *hands you two slices of cake and grabs pepper spray in defense * Thank you for your review and just so you know all the mini ninja chibis in my mind would beat you down if you tried to enter my brain. Oh yeah ninja brain chibis, what's in your membrane? : P