InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Silver Dove and the Raven ❯ Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"I cannot believe Master Sesshomaru came back. Although his mind didn't come back with him… he seems a little off these days, don't you think?"

"Oh, Sanara. When will you stop with your mouth? Leave the young man alone."

"Wha-but I didn't say anything." Sanara folded a white shirt and pulled another from the dryer. "Come on, Kyoni, you have to admit…it is not like him to be hanging around in one area. He is always out and about, doing whatever errands and business with who knows who…"

Kyoni sighed and grabbed a towel from the laundry basket with her frail and wrinkled hands. She placed a strand of gray hair behind her ear and shook her head. "Yes, I know…but I am glad he is here now instead of on the island with his mother..."

"You know what I heard?"

" Sanara, please…"

"I heard they dethroned him…"Sanara whispered and they both looked at the door when Suri came holding a pink bag.

"I swear that girl changes clothes every second." She spat. "Were you both talking about Master Sesshomaru? I heard someone say something about dethrone…"

Kyoni scowled and nudged Sanara. "You see how loud your mouth is."

"Oh, no one else heard…but it's true. My cousin who works for one of the clans on the island told me so."

Suri dropped the pink laundry bag on the floor and shut the door behind her. She sprinted toward them with a smile that held gossip. "Actually, I heard something of that sort but I was told they didn't want to overthrow him but that Lady Saya insisted that they did."

"Lady Saya would never…"Sanara laughed obnoxiously. She grabbed a wad of clothes from the dryer and set them on the counter. She detangled a few shirts from each other and sighed. "She has been preparing him for this since he was a child, there is no way she would do that, after all these years…just like that?"

"Yes, I know but it's true. They said he fell for a human. I think it was that girl he'd been modeling with."

Kyoni smiled. "I just knew it."

"Ah, whatever." Sanara rolled her eyes. "He isn't with her, is he? He probably used her like most demons do."

"No…"Kyoni squinted at the both of them. "You see how that boy walks around here? He's got a lot on his mind and I bet you my entire life savings that it is about her."

Suri nodded. "He's much nicer too. I came into his room today to collect laundry and he says..'thank you, Suri." She opened her eyes with a wide grin.

Sanara snarled. "He actually said thank you? That's a shock."

Suri scoffed. Actually, I was shocked he knew my name!"

"Hmph.."Sanara scoffed. "Only took him, what, twenty one years?"

Kyoni clicked her tongue. "No, he's a sweetheart. Always have been…"

"Why do you always defend him?" Sanara huffed. "He wasn't exactly nice to us."

"You don't give him any credit, do you?"

"Credit for what?"

"You fail to see the little things he does."

"What little things?"

"He just has a hard time showing his feelings."

"What feelings?" Sanara scoffed. "He only cares about himself."

Kyoni frowned and placed a hand on her hip. "You don't know this but a few years ago when your grandmother's chain broke, you remember? The clasp alone was costly. You were crying all night about it because you didn't have the money to fix it. He went into your chamber when you were out one day and had it fixed before you got back."

"No, he didn't."

"He did."

"Wha-?" Sanara placed both hands on her hips. "And you never told me? I was going nuts for months trying to figure out how it got fixed out of nowhere! I thought my grandmother was haunting me, thank you very much!"

Kyoni chuckled. "Well, now you know."

"Hmph.."

"He's been helping Miss Rin with her play for the past few weeks too." Suri added with a half grin. "Perhaps he is like his father…"

"Well now you've gone and made me feel terrible…"Sanara pouted.

"Serves you right…" Kyoni squinted.

Suri bit her lip and exhaled. "You think he really fell for a human?"

"I believe so.."Kyoni nodded.

"I got a picture of her, want to see?" Suri pulled a rolled up magazine from her apron and opened it up.

Kyoni craned her neck to look. "She's a pretty one."

"Let me see.." Sanara hovered over the both of them and gasped. "Is that her? Wow, what a darling…oh if the two would still be together, maybe we could have seen some cute little ones running around this house in a few years."

" Would you imagine…those kids would be gorgeous, with the looks of those two.."

The door flew open and they all gasped. Suri tucked the magazine into her apron and hid behind Kyoni. Inutaisho walked in looking around. He was pants less with just his business shirt, boxer briefs and socks on holding a folder in his hand.

"Ladies, have you seen my favorite trousers?"he asked while scratching his head. Kyoni cocked a brow at him but Sanara and Suri covered their eyes.

"The one pocket Versace with the silk interior?" Kyoni said.

"That would be it." He smiled.

Kyoni turned around and grabbed the tightly folded pair from the counter. She handed it to him and smirked. "There you go, sir."

"Oh, thanks, Kyoni. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Walk around pants less, Sanara mused and she slightly chuckled.

"What is so funny?" he asked and she opened her eyes wide in fear.

"Um, nothing?" she blurted and looked at the other two.

"Alright." He sighed and glanced at his watch. "Well thanks again. I am late.." he closed the door.

Kyoni glared at her and shook her head. "You should have been fired ages ago."

Sanara frowned and Suri leaned against her and pulled the magazine back out from her apron. She read the magazine to herself and they looked at her curiously as her expressionless face became quite expressive.

"What does it say?" Sanara snapped a shirt to rid any clinging particles that shouldn't have been on the fabric.

Suri's brow twitched and she looked up at them. "Well, there are a few pages about them. In one page it talks about their relationship coming to an end in a love triangle."

"Who's the third party?"

"Shurran Bokunaska…"

"Who?" Sanara scoffed.

Kyoni shook her head. "Oh, I know who she is…she's that cat demon..remember? She stopped by here a week ago. That woman is persistent and cannot take a hint. She came that day beckoning Lord Sesshomaru but he refused to speak to her."

"She claims she is his wife!" Suri laughed.

Sanara rolled her eyes. "Someone's dreaming…"

"Well, it says he bought a ring from a jewelry store in Italy and was seen with this woman Shurran."

"There must be some misunderstanding then or else she would have the ring, right?" Kyoni asked. Sanara pulled a pair of pants from the laundry and patted it down. Something small fell out of the pocket and it clinked against the floor.

"Oh, there is a description of the ring from the store clerk.." Suri said. "It has…"

"Diamond encrusted wings around an aquamarine gem on a platinum band?" Sanara said.

Suri looked up from the magazine and frowned. "Yes, how did you know?"

Sanara held out her hand and they both looked at her. They came closer and looked to see her holding a ring in her hand that fit the description.

"Nooo!" Suri exhaled and grabbed the ring. "It can't be it, oh my god. But why doesn't this woman have it if she is his supposed wife?"

"Maybe it wasn't for her." Kyoni crossed her arms in disbelief.

"What's it doing in his pocket; do you think he carries it around him all the time?" Sanara bit her lip and they screamed when the door flew open. Sesshomaru stood in the doorway and looked at the guilty faces staring back at him. He glared directly at Suri. He stepped closer and stuck his hand out. Suri bowed her head and her hand trembled as she walked closer and handed him the ring.

"Sorry, my lord. It fell out from your pants." She said and her voice wavered. She gazed at the floor afraid to meet his eyes. "I was on my way back to your room to.."

Sesshomaru studied the ring briefly, placed it into his pocket, and nodded. He stood in the doorway meeting their curious eyes.

Sanara couldn't hold it any longer and her mouth opened before she could think. "So, who's it for?"

Sesshomaru's eyes fixed on her sternly and Sanara tucked her chin into her chest and cursed under her breath.

"No one..."he said and walked away.

They all stood in their spots quietly for a moment, Suri and Kyoni's eyes landed on Sanara.

"Very smart, Sanara. I'm telling you, your mouth…"Kyoni scolded.

"I couldn't help it. I said it before thinking."

"You always do that."

Suri looked out the door and closed it. "That boy can cause heart attacks with his glare."

Kyoni chuckled and they all went back to folding quietly.

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Sesshomaru sipped his latte as he read the newspaper. His father sat across from him sorting papers into a folder glancing over at him occasionally. He could tell there was something his father wanted to speak to him about but he had his own issues to take care of and didn't need to add on to it with any of his opinions or suggestions.

"So I heard you found a place." He said and Sesshomaru looked up at him.

"Yes."

"Where is it?"

"by Central Park…"

"Interesting…"his father nodded. "and vague…" he then sighed as he placed the folder into a leather briefcase. "but no matter. Are you sure you want to leave? This house is big enough for the both of us."

"Yes, I am sure."

"So when will you be moving then?"

"Tomorrow."

"I see." He paused and drummed his fingers on the table. "So what have you decided to do about your future then since you will not be leading the Jade Order."

Sesshomaru clenched his teeth and looked up from the newspaper. Why did he continue to remind him of things he wished to forget? If it wasn't about the Jade Order then it was about Kagome. This was also a contributing factor to why he was moving.
"I will figure it out." He said and looked down a the paper.

"Have you heard from your mother?"

"No."

" I wonder what she is up to…"

"Who cares?" Sesshomaru sighed and took another sip of his latte. "As far as I am concerned, her existence is of no importance to me. If she believes I am deemed unfit to lead..."

"Do you believe that?"

Sesshomaru scowled. "That I am unfit? No."

"No. That she sees you unfit?"

"Those were her words."

"You mustn't ignore actions over words, Sesshomaru. Those might have been her words but I am sure her intentions were in your best interest…though, I never thought I'd hear myself say that."

"Don't you have somewhere to go?"

"Yes, but please, do not burden yourself with my business. Let's talk about you?"

"There is nothing to talk about."

"How have you been sleeping lately?"

"Just comfortably." He gritted.

"Hm, seeing your bitterness tells me that isn't true."

"Do not burden yourself with my business."

"Touché'." His father smiled. "Well, you know, Inuyasha is now dating Isabella. You remember the hairdresser from Italy."

"Does it look like I am interested?"

"Just making conversation."

"Save it for someone who cares to listen."

His father leaned back into his chair and narrowed his eyes at him. "So, you haven't tried at all to speak to her? There is nothing stopping you now yet you've neglected to go see her."

"She is seeing someone." He said and rolled his eyes. The words coming out felt like a knife just stabbed him. How did his father get him to do that?

"So you aren't even going to try?"

Ok, he thought. Clearly trying to avoid his father didn't work so he decided to humor him. "Try and what? She has moved on."

"You're going to always regret that you didn't try to get her back…I promise you."

"It is almost noon, you should be leaving." Sesshomaru went back to his paper. He covered his face with it as he read so his father couldn't get to him with his penetrating stare.

"Yes, I suppose I should go. There are many things I must attend…" his father stood up and grabbed his briefcase. "Actually, that reminds me…I am announcing my retirement in a couple of days."

"Who will take your place?"

"I was hoping you would."

Sesshomaru set the newspaper down and looked at his father. His lips parted to decline but his father raised a finger.

"Don't say anything now…just think about it." He said and left the dining room. Sesshomaru looked over his shoulder and frowned. This was something he wanted but not the way he wanted it. He didn't want the position handed over, he wanted to gain it on his own. Everything was not going they way he had set out for. He sat in a daze for a few minutes before he stood up from his chair and glanced at his watch. Rin's play was in a few hours. The back of his neck tingled as he felt a presence and looked over by the window. A dark figure perched on the window sill and looked at him with its ruby colored eyes.

"Lord Sesshomaru, forgive my intrusion." Said the dark figure. "My name is Haji."

"What do you want?" Sesshomaru hissed.

"I bare news that I feel you must know but in return, I know I am in no position to ask for this, but a favor."

"Hmph…" Sesshomaru scoffed. "I do not negotiate with Tamashi. You should expect nothing."

"I understand…" Haji sighed. "I suppose his outcome is inevitable…"

"Whose outcome?"

Haji flashed from the window and reappeared across the table from Sesshomaru. "My brother…"

Sesshomaru glared at him impatiently waiting for him to elaborate. Haji shook his head and paced around the table.

" I know you didn't get a chance to lead the Jade Order but perhaps it was best you didn't. You will lead the demons either way, if you choose to accept your father's offer."

Sesshomaru stiffened as Haji paced around him, ready to attack at any quick movement. Haji noticed this and was careful to stray from his view.

"I work for your father." He said. " I've been watching your mother for some time now in search for who was behind the events that took place in the past few years and have come to found out her innocence behind it all. She has nothing to do with anything that is going on. Your mother is only acting on revenge of a woman scorned. The real problem is Tsuyoko Bokunaska and my brother."

Shurran's father? Sesshomaru glowered, following Haji with his eyes. "What problems exactly?"

"Crimes, gambling of the clans' finance and estates, violence and brutality against humans and half breeds…even brings me to new updates…I believe your friend, the girl…she can be in danger one day."

Sesshomaru growled and Haji tried to flash but Sesshomaru caught him and pinned him against the wall.

"It isn't a threat, my lord. I've come to inform you of the potential danger." He protested.

"You are sure my mother is not behind this?"

"No." he said. "She isn't. Your mother had her own reasons to go against your father but she never caused harm to anyone. My brother is mad, he and Tsuyoko are causing problems, and I know they will start a war between the humans and us. They were behind the vandalism in the Vatican, they are the culprits in the murders behind half-breeds and humans, and they are the ones who…" he stopped and didn't want to continue but Sesshomaru shook him.

"What else did they do?"

"You mustn't tell your father, my lord. I beg you."

"Tell me now!"

"Inuyasha's mother…"he said and Sesshomaru's eyes widened.

"What did they do?"

"It wasn't an accident, my lord…what happened to her, wasn't an accident."

Sesshomaru released Haji and ran his fingers through his hair. Years had gone by where his father was useless and weak, grieving over her. Her body had just one day given up. It started with a cough and hours later, she was dead. They must have poisoned her but how did it go unnoticed?

"Why are you telling me this?"

"because I believe you can do something about this. The people, regardless of what happened, they still respect you. When your father stands down, they will proudly follow you and you can be trusted to lead our people in the right paths. If you take over, you can pass judgment on the two without your father having to know…"

"Should I believe you? You really would turn in your own brother?"

"If it is to save the lives of millions, yes. I didn't do this to him, he did it to himself."

"My father must know."

"No."

"I will tell him." Sesshomaru turned around to leave but Haji flashed in front of him with an angered expression.

"You really would jeopardize his health again? It took him years just to get over it. He has finally moved on when others would have succumbed to their own death along with their mate. You bring this up to him, he will go mad with grief once again, and this time, I don't think he will survive it."

Sesshomaru crossed his arms and looked out the window. The dark one was right, he thought. His father fought very hard to get to where he was. He proved greatness and strength by overcoming his pain and grief to lead millions. He would not let him lose that honor.

" What will you do, Sir?" he asked and they both looked at the door when Rin popped in holding a bag. Koga followed behind her listening to his IPod.

"Can we go to the mall?" Rin asked as she plopped the bag on the floor. "My shoe broke and I need new ones for the costume."

Sesshomaru looked back to Haji but he was gone. He looked toward Koga and saw that he was looking around suspiciously sniffing the air. His eyes darted toward Sesshomaru with a squint.

"What's going on, man?" he said.

"What are you doing here?" Sesshomaru retorted.

"I was invited to the play." Koga smirked and leaned against the doorway.

"Sesshomaru, guess what?" Rin tugged his sleeve. "Koga said that after the play, we can go get Pizza and see his band practice."

Sesshomaru glanced at Koga and sighed. He looked behind his shoulder toward the window and frowned. What was he going to do, he thought. Could he take over his father's position and if so, could he justify Inuyasha's mother's death without his father knowing? He passed through them and walked out. Rin and Koga exchanged glances and followed him.

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Kagome rummaged through her closet and pulled out a white sweater and a pair of navy jeans. She quickly changed into them and pulled her brown boots from under her bed. As she tucked her foot into one, she looked around her room. This was it. Today was the day. Her past was now behind her. She was moving on and she should be happy, but she wasn't. Her heart hammered against her chest and her hands were cold and clammy. She was nervous to see Shinji today. Today, he expected her to call him after the play to get something to eat and she would agree for them to start dating.

She looked at her clock; the play was in two hours. She pulled her hair back debating if she should put it into a ponytail but decided to leave it loose since it was cold outside. She glimpsed out her window and saw the sun shine over her lawn but the window felt icy cold. She grabbed a tan trench coat from her closet and placed it on.

"Sota, are you ready?" she called out and grabbed her bag from her bed.

"I'm not going…"she heard and rolled her eyes. She walked out of her room and walked to his room but he wasn't in there. She knocked on the bathroom door beside his room.

"Sota…come on, you can't get cold feet now."

"I am not going. They're going to laugh."

"No, they won't." Kagome laughed and stopped abruptly; so much for the vote of confidence.

"Yes, they will. I look stupid in these tights," he said through the door and Kagome sucked her teeth.

"Come on, Sota. I bet you look dashing, let's go."

"No, I can't."

"Sota, you can't leave Juliet waiting."

"She'll understand."

"No, she won't!" Kagome growled and knocked rapidly on the door. " Come on, Sota!"

Sota opened the door slowly with a frown and Kagome smirked. He came out in his costume and she thought he looked so adorable. She pulled out her camera to take a picture but he ran passed her.

"Nooooo!" he shouted.

"Sota, come on. Mom can't go to the play and she wants to see pictures." she glanced at her watch. " Crap, we need to leave now. It's almost rush hour."

She hurried down the steps toward the living room where Sota was putting his sneakers on while watching T.V. She went to turn it off when something came up about the lovers. It was a talk show and this woman was speaking to another woman who looked like a half-breed. She wanted to turn it off but instead, she raised the volume.

"So, you think the lovers will get back together?" the woman had said.

The other nodded. "Yes, I truly believe they will. There was something in the way they looked at each other. Since they announced themselves to the public, people are more acceptable about interspecies couples. The Vatican now allows Demons and half breeds to view some of their museums. Although we are still not allowed in their churches, this is huge for us. However, I believe in years to come, we will be able to. Humans and Demons will get married, have children, and not be ashamed of it. We are all growing and I think the lovers should be credited for this blessing."

"What message do you have for them today if they are seeing this right now?"

"Talk it out. Whatever relationship it is, be it human, demons, half-breeds, they all suffer miscommunications. Don't let something so precious slip away. Life is too short for one to be stubborn."

Kagome shut off the television and looked at her brother. He stared at her with his big brown eyes and a cocked brow.

"Ready?" she said.

"I am. Are you?" he asked and she tilted her head.

"Yes, I am." She grabbed his bag and handed it to him. "Let's go."

"Kagome…"he said. "Why do you still cry over him?"

"I…"she paused and looked around the room. Where did that come from? "I'm..not, I wasn't.

"I hear you sometimes at night…crying."

"Sota," Kagome forced a smile. "I'm a girl, ok? I cry sometimes. No big deal. Come on, let's go." She pulled him this time as they left for the play.

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"OH ROMEO, ROMEO, WHERE ART THOU.."Koga cackled as he read the script. Sesshomaru stopped at a red light and winced at Rin's piercing laugh.

"No, that's not your part, that's mine!"

"Ok, ok…come on…"

"Ok, Romeo, Romeo, Where art thou Romeo?" she sang.

"Why, in the kitchen. Want a sandwich?" Koga smirked and looked over his shoulder.

"Come on, be serious!" Rin giggled.

"says the nine year old…"Koga scoffed.

Sesshomaru shook his head and stared at the light hoping it would change soon when he remembered he was supposed to give Koga something. He reached over to the glove compartment and opened it. He pulled out an envelope and threw it on Koga's lap.

"What's this?" Koga looked at him.

Sesshomaru shrugged and drove when the light changed. Koga frowned and opened the envelope. His eyes narrowed and he darted his gaze toward Sesshomaru.

"When did you see my father?"

"About three weeks ago…"

"And you give this to me now?"

"I forgot."

"You forgot? What if it is a letter about him having one day to live? Man, he'd be dead and buried now!"

"Just be quiet and read it."

Koga scoffed and placed it in his pocket. "I don't want to read anything from him."

Rin pursed her lips and stared at him through the rearview mirror. "So…why don't you throw it out then?"

"I will…."he scoffed. "I just…don't want to litter."

"Uh huh…"

When they finally arrived at the school, it was packed with parents and students as if it were a hit Broadway play. One teacher pulled Rin toward the stage and led Sesshomaru and Koga to their seats in front of the stage.

"Man…"Koga buried his head into his jacket collar and snarled. "I feel weird being back inside a school. I feel like I'm already in trouble or something…"

There were three vacant seats left in the front row which were parents or family members that were related to the actors of the play. Koga sat next to an obese lady wearing clothes obviously too small for her. Sesshomaru sat next to him by the last seat of the row. They all looked around as people gushed about their kids. A little boy passed by their row and handed them the programs for the play.

"Which one's yours?" Koga leaned into the obese lady and whispered.

She stared him up and down and lifted her chin high. "Mine is playing Mercutio." She said as if she were talking about the star of the show. Her triple chins jiggled as she chuckled smugly.

"Isn't that the one that dies first?" Koga smirked.

The lady's grin faded and she grimaced at him. "Which one is yours?"

"Juliet…the star of the play, you know, the one the play is named after?" he said smugly and rolled his eyes as he looked away.

"Hmph…"the lady muttered.

Koga cackled and looked at Sesshomaru.

"You need to grow up." Sesshomaru sighed and looked around for any vacant seats far away from Koga. He took off his coat, placed it on the vacant seat next to him, and rubbed his eyes. He didn't sleep much again. He tried, he really did. There wasn't a night that went by anymore where he didn't drink himself to sleep. Even then, he could only get about a few hours. He patted his black dress shirt and straightened it as he looked at the stage.

Koga yawned as they waited for the play to start. There were hints that there was a delay, a lady running around yelling 'where's my Romeo?' made it pretty obvious. Koga toyed with the paper in his hand and decided to open the program. He looked through the credits and saw Rin's name and smiled. His smile quickly faded when he saw 'Sota Higurashi as Romeo.'

"Hm, wonder if there's any relation…"he mumbled and shrugged as he folded the program. "So, when are you moving?"

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and sighed. "Tomorrow."

"Hm, want me to throw you a house warming party. I can invite a whole bunch of chicks and get lots of-"

"No."

"Well, if you don't want anything big, we can just invite some people and like…listen to Mozart and talk about stocks if that's more up your alley."

"Why are you always around?"

"You really want to know?" Koga said.

"Please."

"How do I say this…I…I love you, man. I can't be apart…you complete me."

Sesshomaru grimaced at him perplexedly and Koga chuckled.

"Dude, relax. It's a joke. I got nothing better to do…and you guys have all the channels on cable."

Sesshomaru ignored him and buried his face into his hands. He rubbed his eyes and gazed at the floor. What was he going to do about the rogue Tamashi and Tsuyoko? How could he handle it without his father knowing, especially when he always knew what was going on?

"There goes my Romeo!" a short lady exclaimed with joy as she passed the stage.

"Sorry, we're late…there was too much traffic…" they heard someone say and looked at each other with wide eyes. The voice was all too familiar and they both slowly looked up from their seats to the person speaking behind them. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her, stunned to see her standing a couple of feet away from him. Koga covered his smirk and looked between them two. This was awkward, he thought.

Sensing someone was looking at her, Kagome looked down to see two pairs of familiar eyes. Her gaze fixed on the amber eyes staring at her intently and her heart dropped. She almost felt like collapsing as she studied her breathing and looked away immediately at the woman.

"It's ok, we need him to get backstage. Good thing he is already in costume! I'm just glad you're here!" she said and pulled Sota with her. "Your seat is right here, darling…"the lady said and pointed to the seat next to Sesshomaru.

"Umm…"Kagome said but the lady walked off with her brother in a hurry. She stood uncomfortably by the seat and looked around. The auditorium was full and she looked back down at the empty seat, which his coat occupied. Seeing it at the same time, he snatched it away and looked toward the stage. She took a deep breath and rolled her eyes. She could do this. It was just sitting down. She faltered before removing her coat and sat at the edge of her seat, as far away from him as possible. Sesshomaru glanced at her briefly and looked at Koga. Koga had an ear to ear grin and Sesshomaru scowled at him as if he had something to do with it..

"I swear, I didn't know anything about this…"he whispered.

"What are you doing here?" Kagome looked over to Koga, avoiding Sesshomaru's presence.

Sesshomaru rested his chin on his hand and stared at the stage with concentration. He tried to block her voice but he badly wanted to look her way. He could smell her perfume and it made his chest ache.

"Rin's playing Juliet…" Koga answered.

"What a small world…"Kagome tittered and looked away. So she was the one Sota was crushing on. Why out of all little girls, was it her? Her mouth was dry. Her hands were sweaty and cold and she felt as if her throat was beginning to close up. She buried her hands between her thighs to keep them warm and leaned forward in her seat.

"So…" Koga said and looked at Sesshomaru. "Talk to her…"he mouthed without sound and Sesshomaru squinted at him. Koga frowned and looked at her. "Kagome, how've you been?"

"Fine…"she muttered and shot a side glance at him. "I mean, nothing's changed since you saw me a couple of weeks ago."

"Yeah, well…just making small talk…" Koga said and looked between the both of them. He rolled his eyes at their postures. They were both stiff in their seats and looked toward the stage even though the curtain had not risen.

Sesshomaru's senses were going haywire at the sound of her voice. He gripped onto his armrest tightly and it took all of his strength to prevent his leg from shaking. What was taking this play so long to start?

"You know, you still have to come hear the song... I'm practicing tonight."

Kagome felt like she was struggling to swallow. She bit her lip and looked at her lap. "Yeah, tonight isn't good for me…I have…uh…I have plans."

"Oh, well, maybe you can just stop by for a little while, just to hear it, I mean, you did promise…" Koga said and looked at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru didn't budge. He didn't even blink. He fought hard to keep himself composed in his seat. Regardless at how anxious his body felt, he had no words to say. "You know…I have to go the bathroom…" Koga added and they both looked at him; their eyes clearly pleading with him not to leave. "Yeah, I had way too much Doritos….gotta go, I'll be back before it starts!" he smiled and walked away.

Kagome wanted to kill him. She wanted to strangle him. She knew he didn't have to go and was doing this on purpose. She folded her hands and her heart was pounding so hard, she thought she was about to have a heart attack. She snuck a peek at Sesshomaru when he wasn't looking and her heart nearly shattered. His face was smooth and he seemed at peace. He just stared out to the stage, his amber eyes reflecting against the stage light. She cleared her throat and looked away. He didn't even acknowledge her presence.

Sesshomaru gazed down at his lap and looked to the side briefly. He wanted to see her face but his gaze wouldn't lift from her legs. Her hands rested on her lap and she pulled at her fingers. Her leg shook and when she turned around, he took that opportunity to lift his gaze and see her. Her hair was shorter and lighter and the skin on her neck, which was all he could see, looked as smooth as he remembered. He quickly looked away when she turned around and looked at the stage.

Where was Koga? She searched her mind for things to say if he asked her anything. Not likely that he would but she didn't want to freeze like a gibbering moron if he surprised her in doing so. This was ridiculous, she thought. She looked over to him and was about to say something, she almost had the courage. Her mouth opened and she immediately closed it. What an asshole, she thought. He wasn't even going to give her a 'Hi' or' How've you been?' at least? She fumed through her nose and scowled at the velvet drape in front of them.

An old man walked passed them and sat in Koga's seat. Kagome and Sesshomaru turned to him and scowled.

"Someone is sitting there." They both said and looked at each other briefly. Sesshomaru couldn't explain how his heart felt like it jumped in his chest when he stared into her eyes. He looked away and the man shrugged.

"The boy came up to me and said I could sit here." The old man replied defensively.

Sesshomaru and Kagome looked behind their shoulder and a few rows behind them, Koga waved back with a smile.

"Such a nice boy…"the old man chuckled. "He said he's farsighted and thought I'd enjoy watching from up-close."

Sesshomaru and Kagome turned around and looked back at the stage. The old man continued to stare at them suspiciously.

"Hey, you both look familiar…" he said.

Kagome's eyes widened and the auditorium went dark. The curtains rose and Act one started. She tried to focus on her brother on stage and went to rest her hand on the arm rest. Her hand jerked back when she felt warmness underneath and saw that she had rested her hand on his. Her stomach twisted in knots and he removed his hand quickly as well. She glanced at him through the dark auditorium and his face didn't look calm anymore. The muscles on his cheek tightened as he crossed his arms. She crossed her arms as well and she felt cold. She looked at his hands. Those hands held her once. They caressed her skin and warmed her at night. She could smell his cologne. It was faint but familiar and it seemed that time never passed by. She closed her eyes and it felt like they were in Italy all over again. She gulped away the pain she felt in her chest as she held back her tears. In a moment of desperation, she had almost wanted to lean against his shoulder and pretend nothing had happened.

There was a fifteen minute intermission after Act three, scene 5. A few people went to smoke cigarettes and Koga walked over to them.

"So…this is a snoozefest, ain't it? Man, where's the blood "he scratched his neck and winked at a girl that passed by.

"Hey, aren't you the lead singer in Wolf bane?" she smiled.

"Sure am…"

"Can you sign my shirt?"

"Sure can."

He grabbed a pen and signed it quickly and she walked away with a huge grin. He looked back at Sesshomaru and Kagome and they stared back at him disbelievingly.

"What?"

"So you're farsighted now?" Kagome asked.

"Yeah, too much sitting in front of the TV I guess. It kind of crept up on me just now."

"Mmhm.." Kagome said and Sesshomaru got up from his seat.

"Where ya going?" Koga asked but Sesshomaru passed through the crowd quickly. "Damn, that guy…" he mumbled under his breath.

Kagome bit her lip and nodded. "I guess things don't change…"

"Come on, Kagome…talk to him. You know he's like socially retarded or something."

"I'm not talking to him."

"Why are you being so stubborn?"

"Me? Why does it have to be me? I'm not stubborn. I just don't want to speak to him, ok? "She whispered tersely not wanting anyone to hear their conversation. Sesshomaru returned to his seat a few minutes later and Koga went to sit in his seat when the play started again.

During the scene, Sesshomaru's attention drifted back to Kagome and he glanced at her. He wanted to say something to her but it was obvious she didn't want to speak to him. She made it clear so when his mouth opened to say something, he closed it and looked away.

When the play finished, everyone got up and started walking around. Koga walked over to them and sat by them. Noticing from their expressions, he could tell they still hadn't spoken. He rolled his eyes and looked toward the stage. These two were the most stubborn beings ever paired up.

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Rin peeked through the curtain and her eyes widened. "Oh my god, Kagome's here…"she gasped and looked away.

"You know my sister?" she heard and looked behind her. She didn't realize anyone was standing next to her. She looked at the boy who played Romeo and cocked a brow.

"Kagome's your sister?"

"Yeah, how do you know her?"

"She was my brother's girlfriend."

Sota peered through the curtain and glowered. "That guy is your brother? But he's a demon."

"Yeah, your point?" Rin spat and crossed her arms.

"You're a human."

"You don't miss a thing, genius!" she rolled her eyes and started walking away.

"I don't like him. He broke her heart. " He frowned.

"Well, I don't know what happened but he loves her and I know this." She stopped and looked back.

"Whatever. I still don't like him. Your brother doesn't love anything. He's cold and mean and likes to break hearts!"

"That's not true! I don't like you, you know." She left the stage and walked down the steps.

"I don't like you either!" he crossed his arms and followed her.

"Well, if you don't like demons, why do you read comics about them?" she growled and he tried to retort but didn't know what to say. "Ha, I got you there."

"W-well, it's different. Anyway," he stopped when he saw a guy with a black ponytail next to his sister. "Is that the guy from Wolfs bane?"

"Koga, yeah? So?"

"His music is awesome!"

"What?" she cocked a brow. "You just said you don't like demons."

"I didn't say that." He squinted. " I said I don't like your brother!"

"I don't like your face."

"Yeah, well…well…your head's big!"

Rin gasped and pinched him. "You take that back!"

"Ow…" he yelled and pinched her back. "Stop pinching me!"

"You stop first!" she screamed and everyone looked toward him. "Oww!"

"Sota!" Kagome shouted and ran toward them. Sesshomaru and Koga followed behind her. "What are you doing?"

"She started, she pinched me!"he cried as Kagome pulled him away from her.

Koga laughed while Sesshomaru held Rin back. "Oh, man…this is getting so good."

"He said my head was big!"she growled as she struggled in Sesshomaru's arms.

"She said she didn't like my face!"

"Guys!" Kagome shouted. "Stop. Sota, you shouldn't pinch girls and Rin, you shouldn't say things like that."

"But Kagome…he was saying mean things about my brother!"

Sota looked at Sesshomaru and his head lowered as he hid behind Kagome. He met Sesshomaru's eyes briefly but his amber eyes were hard to look into.

Kagome looked at Sesshomaru and he turned around and pulled Rin.

"We are leaving." He said sternly.

"Wait," Koga said. "She did a great job in the play and like I promised, she could come see me practice."

"Yeah!" Rin cried.

Sesshomaru sighed and released her. He shook his head as he put his coat on. Kagome and Sota turned to leave but Koga jumped in front of them.

"Where do you think you're going?" he smirked.

"Home?" Kagome walked around him.

"Hey, you promised you'd hear my song."

"Koga, I can hear it another time." She glimpsed at Sesshomaru. "Besides, I have plans…"

"Please?" Koga begged with his icy blue eyes.

Kagome looked at her watch. The play finished sooner than expected. She felt bad she was always blowing him off. "Is he coming?" she whispered and Sesshomaru glanced at her. He bowed his head and pretended he didn't hear her.

"Yes…"Koga sighed. "Come on. You guys aren't kids here…just come."

"I…don't think so." She said and Koga turned to Sota.

"Hey, Kid. Wanna come see my band practice?"

"Yeah!" Sota gleamed.

Rin frowned. "Aw, man…"

Kagome frowned. "No, we have plans already…we have-"

"Kagome, please!" Sota begged. "I want to see him play, please."

Koga shrugged and turned to Kagome. "Well, little man wants to come..."

"Koga…"Kagome scowled.

"We're going now…" Koga passed by Sesshomaru and winked.

"What do you think you're doing?" he spat in a low voice.

"Something you should…"he replied and walked off with Sota and Rin.

Sesshomaru paused and looked back at Kagome. She buttoned her coat and let out a deep sigh. He opened his mouth to talk to her but she passed by him bringing a cold breeze with her.

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Hours passed while Kagome and Sesshomaru sat through Koga's band practice. Rin and Sota ironically became close and had a lot in common that they didn't know about. The bar was empty with only them occupying the room, Koga and his band mates on the stage argued over who was out of tune. Rin and Sota left the table to mediate the angry wolves barking at each other leaving Kagome and Sesshomaru to company each other with their awkward presence.

Kagome silenced her phone for the millionth time. Shinji continued to call her repeatedly, leaving text messages and voicemails but she felt odd to listen to them in front of him. She avoided looking at him for every time she did, he managed to meet her eyes at the same time. He hadn't spoken one word to her. Not a 'how are you?' or 'how've you been?' He'd sat quietly for most of the evening staring into nowhere, or looking through his phone for means of distraction and it was beginning to annoy her. Yet she wasn't going to say anything first. She was tired of initiating anything with him. She began to compare his qualities with Shinji's. Why couldn't he be forward like Shinji was? Shinji said what was on his mind, he spoke what he felt and always made the first move. She knew if she didn't make her move or opened her mouth, Sesshomaru wouldn't either. She obstinately sat across from him ignoring how she felt.

Sesshomaru frowned looking through his phone. There was only so much he could search on the internet to take his mind off Kagome. He felt the table vibrate constantly from her phone and noticed she kept ignoring her calls. Who was she ignoring and why? Was it because he was there? If so, that would mean it was another guy, he wondered if it was that model. He had been coming to terms that she had moved on but it still pissed him off to think of her with another guy. She now sought comfort in this man's arms and it meant they were truly over.

Say something, he told himself. She is right there in front of you, say something. "You and your family are on good terms now, I take it." He said and she looked at him surprised. His eyes blinked toward Sota and she followed his gaze. His voice was sharp and crisp and she felt a pain in her chest. Her stomach churned as she pondered an answer.

"Yeah…"she said in a raspy tone and cleared her throat. "We are."

He nodded and studied her. His eyes traced her hair all the way down to the sweater she was wearing and she gulped at how bold he was to not look away. She almost wanted to test him by staring back but she hadn't the courage.

" Are you still modeling?" he asked and she couldn't mask how stunned she was by his questions. It was so unlike him to make small talk but she wasn't going to be mean, although she wanted very much to shove it in his face on how well she is doing without him.

"Kind of. I'm doing small stuff right now, spreads…it's paying for my college and is very flexible."

"I see."

"How about you?"

"No." he said. "I'm done with that."

She scowled. Done with that? It was like he was saying he was done with her but again, she didn't say anything. She just held her tongue and grinned slightly. "I guess leading a clan is a full time job."

Sesshomaru bowed his head and smirked. "I suppose…but I am not leading anyone."

Kagome blinked back confusion and he saw this. She stared at him curiously and he avoided her gaze. He peered at the stage in amusement but didn't feel the need to elaborate. She hated when he was vague but she didn't press him on the matter.

"So…aren't you going to ask me how I've been?" she couldn't help it. The fact that he looked carefree and unbothered irked her.

His eyes slowly moved toward her and he tilted his head. "You look quite well; I felt the need for avoiding the obvious."

"Yeah, well…"she scoffed. "I am doing very well, actually. Things are great with my family, I start classes in a week and I'll be moving out on my own soon. Yeah, things are great. Couldn't be better." She smiled widely but her eyes glowered at him.

"Sounds great…"he grinned, trying to look impervious. Why didn't she mention her new boyfriend? The one she dated not long before they both parted. That pretty much was the highlight of their conversation and it immediately died right after.

Koga walked back out holding a sandwich in one hand and his guitar in the other and sat next to them. He placed his sandwich on the table and finished chewing as he strummed the strings of his guitar. They looked at him questionably while Rin and Sota came behind him.

"Since you're both here, I guess you can listen to the song."

Rin and Sota stood next to him as he hummed and strummed.

"So, this is how it ends, & you know...
I can't be just your friend
And you're seeing...
This is not how you thought it would be
And you cannot pretend now...
Why? Why?
All of the stars fall from the sky.
I never meant to see you cry.
When it's all been said & it's all been done
You find yourself & you need someone.
You'll see me there...
Beside you.
How, oh how can I go on, knowing now...
Could this feel so wrong?
And I'll be there,
Somewhere in your heart
Even though we're forever apart, now...
Why? Why?
All of the stars fall from the sky.
I never meant to see you cry.
When it's all been said & it's all been done
You find yourself & you need someone.
You'll see me there...
Beside you.
It's funny how you're the one who said
"You're never gonna leave me".
It's funny how you're the one who said
"You'll never ever be alone".
And there you left me on the floor
Feeling like I'm bleeding..." he stopped singing and looked at both of them.

" Song sounds familiar, doesn't it? Kind of like a lost story…"he teased.

Kagome pursed her lips and sighed. She stood up from her chair and grabbed her coat.

"It's getting late…we should go, Sota."

Sota frowned but nodded in compliance as he went to fetch his jacket.

"Actually, Sota...Rin and I were planning to go bowling and play some arcade games." Koga rose a brow and stared at him.

"We were?" Rin stared at Koga obliviously and he frowned.

"Yes…remember? Pizza and then bowling."

"Oh, right…"she looked at Sesshomaru and Kagome and they stared at her stupidly. "It's true. I mean, dad said it was ok."

"Did he?" Sesshomaru asked disbelievingly.

"Yes…uh huh. Kagome, can Sota come?"

Sota looked at Kagome pleadingly and she scoffed at Koga. She would make him pay for using the kids against her. She shrugged and nodded.

"Fine…but I have to go." She said. She couldn't stay there any more. Not with him there. She already pushed herself to stand a few hours with him and the fact that he looked like he wasn't affected by their breakup angered her. "How are they getting home?"

"We'll drive him home in the van." Koga teased.

"In one piece." Kagome warned. "and not drunk!"

"Come on, Kagome." Koga snickered. "You know my rules, not until he's thirteen!"

Kagome rolled her eyes and left. Sesshomaru watched as she left and looked to see all of them staring at him. He jerked his head back and glowered.

"This is the part where you follow her and offer a ride." Koga nodded.

Rin and Sota nodded as well and Sesshomaru scoffed. He grabbed his coat and glared at them.

"Bring her back alive." He said and walked away.

"Man…what the hell do they think I am? I am very responsible!" Koga protested.

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Sesshomaru passed Kagome and got into his car. She dialed her cell phone for a cab and started walking down the street. She pretended she didn't see him as he backed out of the parking lot and she froze in her steps when he passed her and stopped right next to her.

"I can drive you." He said.

She grimaced and rolled her eyes. "No, thanks. I will take a cab."

"I insist…."he said and opened the passenger door.

"I don't need you to drive me anywhere. I am fine, thanks very much. I don't need you…."she paused and he stared at her. "your help." She finished and continued to walk. His car slowly moved with her and he sighed. He should just go, what was he thinking, she'd get into the car without thinking twice? She hated him and he did not blame her.

"Don't be an idiot. It is cold and it is a weekend, you will not get a cab right away." He said and she scoffed at him.

"Then I will walk."

He leaned his head back into his seat and exhaled. "Let me drive you."

Kagome stopped and took a deep breath. She thought about it for a moment and scanned the streets. She was far from home and Shinji was waiting for her to call him back. Why not, she thought. Let him drive her. It was the least he could do.

She got into the car and closed the door behind her. She looked out the window as he drove off. She wasn't going to talk, she thought.

"Where am I driving you to?" he said, his voice soft.

"My mother's house." She said. "You can take the highway to-"

"I know how to get there." He said and she glanced at him. She was surprised he remembered. It was months ago and he only took her there once. The car was quiet and warm with his scent filling it. The sound of the engine droned smoothly as he drove. He turned on the radio and tuned to a station in a low and comfortable volume. When they merged into the lane that entered the highway, he could see there was a traffic jam so he took the local roads instead.

They drove down Riverside drive and passed Central Park but traffic was inevitable. They hit bumper to bumper traffic and Kagome scoffed.

"Great…"she said. She didn't need to be stuck with him in the car for hours, especially in silence. "What's with the traffic?" she mumbled.

"It is the weekend." He said calmly and she glared briefly at him.

"Yeah…"she spat and shook her head. Please make this go by quickly, she thought. It was beginning to be uncomfortable and her leg shook.

"Are you cold?" he asked, both his hands gripped the steering wheel as he looked out through his windshield.

"I am fine." She said.

"So you've stated…"he said. It seemed that was the answer to everything. How many more times did she need to clarify her state of being as going well without him? That was what she was trying to say. He wasn't a fool. Say something, he told himself. But what could he say?

"What are you going to school for?" he said.

She rested her head against the window and looked at him. "It's undecided for now…"

"Not interested in law anymore?" he said and she scoffed a chuckle.

"I am definitely tired of laws…" she replied and the car went quiet again. He nodded and shifted in his seat.

"I see…" he paused and tried to think of what else to ask her. He wasn't good at small talk. He never liked such a meaningless conversation but they were far from having meaningful conversations and right now, he would take what he could get. "How have you been?"

"What do you care?" she spat back, her tone bitter and in some way, he had expected that. He watched the traffic in front of them and closed his eyes in deep thought.

He sighed and opened his eyes again. "I am trying here…"

"Well don't!" she said flatly. "It's a little late for that."

He bit his lip and nodded. "Alright…" he said under his breath.

Kagome felt the anger rising in her chest and opened the window feeling the heat coming out of the collar of her coat. She looked at the traffic and rolled her eyes. She grabbed her bag and opened the door.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I can't do this…"she said and turned to get out. "I'll just take the train or something…" she got out of the car and he cursed to himself as he looked for a way to park his car. He watched as she walked passed the park and debated if he should go after her. His body shook at the thought. He had to go. This was his last chance. If he let her go now, he would never see her again, this he was sure. He could feel it and got out of the car in the middle of the street. Cars honked as he abandoned his car and sprinted across the street. He didn't care if they had to shove his car out of the way with their bumpers.

"Kagome…"he said, surprised to say her name aloud in so long. She stopped walking, wincing at the pain it caused her when he said her name. "I…" he stopped as she turned around.

"No, listen!" she shouted and he stood back. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say. Go to your wife and leave me alone."

"She is not my wife." He spat in anger. "How many times do I have to tell you that?"

Kagome panted as she controlled her rage and stepped closer to him. If he didn't marry Shurran and if he wasn't leading a clan…why did he leave her? In that moment of being trapped in her daze, he grabbed her chin and kissed her. He didn't intend to do it but his body acted on impulse from being so close to her. She felt like the air was taken out of her and she found herself pressing against his kiss. He pulled her into him tightly, for the first time in months, he was able to breath again; her lips soft and warm against his. A moan escaped her lips as the kiss became stronger and she felt herself choking on a sob. How she missed this. How she waited for this. His fingers ran through her hair and their kiss became like a dance, each knew each other's moves. No, a voice in her head shouted. Not again, don't let this happen again.

"No…"she whimpered as she tried to part from their kiss. Tears streamed down her cheek as she pushed him away. He backed away, breathless as she turned away from him sobbing. She bristled over her shoulder at him and turned to him, her hands balled into fists. "You left me! You left me alone in Italy!" she shrieked. He could hear the pain she held the past couple of months in her voice. "You left me for nothing!" she wailed as she shoved him. He bowed his head, unable to meet her eyes, unable to give her an explanation. She continued to shove him. "Why? Why? I waited for you! You never came back!"

"I'm…sorry. "he whispered and wished he actually had an explanation. The only logical explanation behind this mess was that everything blew up in his face and he was stupid. But he couldn't say that to her. She deserved a better explanation.

"I moved on." She sniffed and glared at him. "I don't want you in my life... I hate you and I can't stand the sight of you."

"Don't say that…"he fumed and glared daggers at her harsh words.

"I don't want to be with you." She continued. She wanted him to feel the pain she felt. She'd been wanting to let him know what he did to her. "There is someone who is actually willing to be with me! Someone who doesn't care what I am, who says what's on his mind, says what he feels, who cares for me and loves me because he shows it! You had your chance to resolve this, it's too late!"

His jaw tightened at her blows and his fists tightened in his pockets. "I wanted to but.." He sighed. He was actually tongue tied. He couldn't believe it. He assumed if he ever had to speak to her again, he could explain himself smoothly and without any hesitation but it was actually harder than he expected. He never had to explain himself. This was the first time in his life he had no idea what to do.

"But what?" she spat. "Because things didn't work out for you, you decide now it's the time to try and explain? You left me in a heartbeat to attend to your perfect life! Leading a clan and buying a ring for your soon to be, perfect demon wife!"

Sesshomaru exhaled deep frustration. He could feel the ring in his fingertips in the corner of his pocket. He growled as grabbed the stupid object that caused so many problems, why did he even keep it? He pulled it out, walked toward her and grabbed her hand. At first, she was afraid but then she saw that he placed something in her hand and turned around. She looked at him bewilderedly and gazed down at her hand. It was a ring and she looked up at him questionably.

"It was always for you…"he said in an almost inaudible voice but she heard it. He shook his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He looked over his shoulder and his eyes shined with anger, regret, sadness, she couldn't tell. "You think… it was easy for me?"

She stood quiet and looked down at the ring. It was an aqua colored gem with diamond wings. Angel, she thought. Was it always for her? But why didn't he give it to her? What was it doing in his pocket?

"I tried to come for you but you couldn't wait until you started seeing that human!" he hissed over his shoulder and turned to face her. "You speak about pain, yet it was not long after us that you were in the arms of another man."

Her eyes widened and she blinked back her tears. What was he talking about? Was he talking about Shinji? How did he know about him?

"You think you were the only one that went through pain?" his voice wavered as he continued and he closed his eyes to compose himself. His fingers trembled and he could feel his eyes burning. The jealousy was coming back again and he feared his loss of control, especially around her.

"I am not seeing anyone."

"That model..." He added tersely.

She tried not to look surprised. How did he know she'd been around Shinji? Did someone tell him?

"Shinji?" she retorted with a scoff. "Shinji and I are not together…."she paused and looked at him angrily. "yet."

Sesshomaru's brows furrowed. "Yet?"

"Yes, yet! I've been considering it. He is the kind of guy I want in my life. Someone I could see myself with in the future! Someone I could trust!"

Sesshomaru felt like he had been hit by a truck. He couldn't explain the feeling in his chest, but that sharp burning feeling came back, stronger than ever. He winced but clenched his teeth to hold in the pain.

Kagome felt a moment of guilt. She could see that remark got to him. She could tell, for the first time, that he was hurt but it soon vanished when she reminded herself that he deserved it. If only he could feel just a little of the pain she felt. She looked around the desolate park. The wind whistled through the trees and it must have been freezing but she didn't feel it.

"Why now?" she said. "Why?"

"You belong with me…"he forced out and she shook her head.

"No…"she tried to pass him but he grabbed her arm.

"Don't go."

"Please let me go." She demanded and looked at him with her red and puffy eyes.

"I can't." he said and looked toward the street. They were far from the streets now, in the heart of the park, no soul around, which was normal in this weather. He looked at her again,

"Shinji asked me to be with him…"she said and he looked away from her, his grip became tighter on her wrist. "and I am going to agree…" she tried to release her hand from his grasp but he tugged her hand.

"Stay with me…" he said and the sound of his voice surprised her. It sounded different. It sounded beseeching and unfamiliar. His words were true and she believed him. But she was scared. She was scared he'd leave her again. She just couldn't trust him. The wind whistled passed their ears and the trees shook over them. "…please."

Their eyes met and they must have stared at each other for minutes. She wanted to leave. She told herself to move but she couldn't. She looked down at her hand that was held captive by his and looked back up to him. He slowly released her hand, holding onto her fingertips, afraid to let go but then he let her go. He was too late. He deserved this. There was no reason she should trust his words after what he did to her. She stared at him one last time and walked away. She buried her hands into her pockets and didn't look back.

Sesshomaru swallowed hard and closed his eyes. He watched as she walked away and gazed at the bench underneath a tree in front of him. He walked over to it and sat down. He sighed and buried his head into his hands. Was his father right? Did he do the right thing by trying? Perhaps not knowing would have been better. To not have tried would have meant not to have failed, which he did. He didn't know how long he sat there but his hands were almost blue when he decided to leave.

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She didn't remember how she got home. It was all a blur. One minute, she was just leaving the park. The next, she was standing in front of her house. She saw a battered van in front of her house and frowned. She looked over to the front door, Koga came out of her house talking with her mother. Oh no, she thought. She was going to hear it. Having her brother alone in the care of a demon, her mother was going to flip. She gulped and slowly walked up the driveway. She stopped shortly confused to why her mother and Koga were laughing.

"Hey, Kagome. Your mother's cupcake is awesome. You've been holding out on us." He said and her mother blushed.

"Oh, stop." She giggled and looked at Kagome. "Where were you?"

"I'm sorry, I…"

"You're done getting fitted for the dress?" Koga said and she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Huh?"

He took a bite out of a strawberry frosted cupcake and glared at her. She then realized that was what he must have told her mother.

"Oh, yeah…it took longer than I expected though." She cleared her throat.

"Well, Ms. Higurashi…I hope you will let Kagome know to tell me when you're baking again. I'd love to try those Blueberry muffins you were talking about." He smiled and winked at her.

She bowed her head and grinned widely that Kagome cocked a brow at her. Was Koga's charm working on her? The world didn't make sense anymore.

"Yes, I will definitely let her know. Maybe next weekend." She said and looked between Koga and Kagome. "Well, have a good night, kids…Kagome, don't stay out too late…it's freezing."

Kagome nodded and her mother went inside. Koga shoved the rest of the cupcake into his mouth.

"Man…your mother must be a great cook. I don't get how you're not fat." He said through a full mouth.

"What did you do to my mother?" she crossed her arms.

"Nothing." He muffled. "Why?"

"You guys are acting like baking buddies. It's weird, she doesn't like…"she paused. "Was she mad?"

"At first, she was confused…but after I introduced myself and complimented the lovely aroma coming from the kitchen, she invited me inside to try her cupcakes."

"Koga?"

"I swear I didn't do anything else. Why are you surprised? Parents love me."

"Well…"she sighed. "Thanks…I mean, for everything…especially for how I've been."

"speaking of which…"he looked around her. "Where's Sesshomaru?"

"I don't know…"

"Didn't he drive you home?"

Kagome lowered her head and leaned against her door. "At first but…"

Koga crossed his arms and shook his head. "You didn't hear him out."

"I did." She spat. "Am I supposed to jump into his arms just because he did?"

"Kagome, he's trying."

"Yeah, now he is. Now when I am ready to move on."

"Are you?"

"Yes." She said. "I think that I suffered long enough."

Koga scoffed and turned around. A low chuckle escaped his lips. He glanced at her and shook his head.

"What is so funny?"

"I think it is funny that you think you're the only one who suffered."

"It didn't seem he did. He's the one who left. The one who hid that he was married or supposed to marry…ugh, I-"

"You weren't there. You couldn't possibly know what he went through."

"and you were?"

"Yes. I was."

"how is that my fault? He's the one who kept me in the dark."

"because there was a lot of things you couldn't possibly understand."

"I don't want to hear this." She scoffed. "You clearly are on his side."

"I'm not…"he chuckled. "What did he tell you?"

"That he tried to come to me…" she held back her tears. "that was it. That he tried…yeah, I can see he tried."

Koga rubbed his face. "Man, why do I have to do all the work here. Listen, you really have to quit being so stubborn. He isn't like that dude you met in high school."

"How do you-"

"Your brother was rambling to Rin about why he didn't like Sesshomaru and how he was exactly like some dude you met in high school that caused you to run away or some shit like that." He pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

"I can't believe he said that…"she shook her head.

"Listen, you mean more to him than you think you do. He is not like that other dude. I think because of your past, you were quick to judge him and label him the same."

"because he did the same thing. He lied."

"To protect you." Koga took a long pull of his cigarette and rolled his eyes at the van honking. "Stop rushing me, it's my van!" he called out. He looked back at Kagome. "You will never know what it is like to be a demon. The things you have to sacrifice. He was willing to sacrifice you so he could make his mother happy."

Kagome opened her mouth and Koga covered it.

"No, listen." He continued. "If you want proof, here's your proof." He grabbed the back of her neck and poked it. "That mark you have there…"

Kagome pulled away from him and frowned. "Isabella told you?"

"I saw it myself. That mark is very important. A demon can't mark just anyone. They mark their mate, the one they feel is right for them. It only happens once."

"If that is so, then why-"

"Uh-uh…I'm still talking." He hushed her and she sank her shoulders compliantly. "You have any idea how much trouble he'd gotten himself into when they found out you were marked? That is why he has no clan now. His mother denounced his title to the throne because he had no control over himself anymore. It is not easy for us to ignore our emotions. When we are mad, we cannot really hide it. If we are jealous, we will go through fits of rage. And if we lose our mates, there is a pain you will never know how it feels, it doesn't go away….ever. It's…complicated. You see how you were ready to move on with that guy even though we both know you do not like him like that, anyway, that's beside the point but for Sesshomaru, he would never be able to move on."

"Did you tell him I was seeing Shinji?"

"No." Koga exhaled smoke. "He saw that himself. That time you brought Shinji with you to see me play. Sesshomaru was there. Shinji saw him too, I'm surprised he didn't tell you."

"No one told me…"she said and rubbed her hands. She suddenly felt cold and buried her chin into her collar.

"He lost it when he saw you both together. His father and I had to use our entire strength to hold him back. He would have killed Shinji, I promise you. It was a good thing his father was there."

"This is too much for me to take…I just.."

"He was probably trying to tell you but you didn't give him the chance. It isn't going to come out easy for him. He really sucks with his people skills, you know that."

Kagome sighed. "I don't know if I can do it again..."

Koga nodded. "I'd take my chances…"

"Koga…why are you trying so hard to get us back together?"

Koga smiled. "I guess I'm a sucker for love….don't tell anyone I said that, I swear I'll kill you." There was a long pause between them and he took one last pull of his cigarette and flicked it away. "I think it's because I can see it from both views and I can tell you both are going through some painful times apart from each other. I just can't stand there and…do nothing."

There was another long pause and Kagome pondered Koga's words. She looked up at the clear black sky, a few scattered stars twinkled, and she looked back down at Koga.

"It's getting late…I'll see you later, Koga…"she said and he nodded.

"Alright…" he turned around and headed toward the van.

"Koga…"Kagome said in a low voice and he turned around. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. "Thanks again…"

After Koga left, Kagome went inside. She grabbed a cupcake from the kitchen and went up to her room. She set the cupcake down and took off her coat. She set it on the chair beside her bed and looked down when she heard something fall on the floor. She looked on the floor to see what dropped and saw a ring beside her foot; it was the ring he'd given her. She didn't remember putting it in her pocket.

She faltered for a second before she knelt down to pick it up. She sat on her bed and stared at the ring for what seemed like hours.

'It was always for you...' he had said. She twirled the ring into the light and watched it sparkle. It was so beautiful. She bit her lip, glanced at the clock beside her bed, and looked back at the ring. She placed it in her pocket and grabbed her coat. She took a deep breath and snatched her bag from the chair. She stood in her doorway debating what she was doing and closed the door behind her.

She pulled her cell phone from her bag and dialed for a cab. When the cab came, she rushed toward it, got inside, and dialed another number. She waited while it rang and she gasped when the voice on the other line picked up.

"Shinji…"she said hoarsely.

Author's note

Hey everyone. I won't apologize this time for taking so long. I think you are all tired of my apologies by now. I hope you liked it.

Just a quick disclaimerAside from not owning the Inuyasha characters which you all know.

The song Koga sang, unfortunately I did not write that. Those beautiful words are from singer Nick Black. The song is called 'Beside you', you can hear it on Myspace music. Just type in his name and you'll see the song on his page. I thought it was a good song and was perfect for them. Thanks again for reading and being so patient. As the story comes to an end, I feel like it is hard for me to write the chapters…

Please review and thanks to those who've reviewed so far. It is great to hear what you think..