Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or the characters portrayed in the series. I am not making any money off of this fiction what so ever. I will only type this disclaimer once. Enjoy!
Chapter One
Idle Introductions
…
{Kagome's P.O.V}
The morning that I met him was a mistake. Looking back at it now, I should've just kept my head down and pretended to be too busy to notice him like I do to any other client. Of course it would have been an impossible task. The scent radiating off of him was so seductive and alluring, I had to look up and see where it was coming from.
"Higurashi, Kagome?"
A nurse in light blue scrubs holding a clip board appears in the door way. There are only two other people sitting in the black leather chairs lining the waiting room.
I gather my things before she calls my name again, "That's me." I'm a little nervous and I can tell she senses it because of the reassuring smile she flashes me as I approach.
"The doctor will see you now."
In my defense, I had no intention for things to go as far as they did. I can honestly say that. Everything just happened so quickly…it was like I was a butterfly caught in a spider web. And he was the spider. With those deep dark eyes that looked violet in the moonlight. Eyes that could melt into my body and send shivers up my spine.
So much has changed in my life over the past year, for better and for worse I suppose. Although I'd like to blame him entirely I have to admit that much of it was my fault. I was so confused back then. But have you ever met someone so captivating and charming, so…poisonous that they could completely alter your world?
I guess I'm not making much sense right now. My thoughts are so disorganized and the fact that I'm here—by myself I might add—isn't making things any better. The nurse leads me to an all white room with a metal table and chair centered in the middle.
She hands me something that looks like a robe, "Just undress and lay on the table Ms. Higurashi. It'll only be a moment."
"Thank you."
I wait until she leaves before I put my purse down. The tears that I've been fighting to keep away this entire time threaten to fall and I take a deep breath before I finally give in. I've never felt so alone.
One Year Earlier…
The phone rings for what seems like forever before he finally answers, "Hai."
"Sesshomaru," I swivel a bit in my chair for some privacy. My cubicle is so small that only my desk, file cabinet, and chair fit in it but I didn't want to chance any wandering ears.
"Miko is there something wrong?"
"Um, no," I bite my lip "Why would you think that?"
Sesshomaru sighs into the phone. It's silent for a moment and all I can hear is muffled movement in the background.
"Hello?"
"I thought we agreed that communication during work hours was not the best idea Kagome."
"I-I know," Suddenly my throat is dry. I shouldn't have called. I knew this wouldn't work. But I guess a part of me thought that maybe he'd be happy to hear from me "I was just thinking about you."
"This could not wait?"
"I thought you'd like—"
"Kagome I'm very busy. Besides why aren't you working?"
"I'm on my break…"
"We'll have to speak at home. Goodbye."
He hangs up. I listen to the dial tone for a few seconds before putting it on the receiver. It's sad to say but I'm used to this. It's always the same. No matter what I do to show him that I care he doesn't respond. At least not in the way that I hoped he would. I grab my mug and make my way to the employee lounge for my third cup of coffee that afternoon.
I just didn't understand it.
Sesshomaru and I have been dating for almost three years. Sometimes I wonder how we even lasted this long, given how awkward everything has been between us. My Sessho used to be much more romantic once upon a time. When I started my job at the publishing company, he used to send me a dozen white roses twice a week. We used to walk through the park at night, holding hands and talking about everything. I used to feel butterflies every time he'd stare at me with those golden eyes…it was like I was the only person he saw in his world. And when we made love…it was more than amazing.
I lean against the counter top and pour the hot liquid into my mug. Up until a year ago everything had been fine between us. It's like all of a sudden Sesshomaru became distant from me. Everything I tried to do to make things better only ended with more coldness.
I head back to my office and notice the red light on my phone receiver blinking. Maybe my Sessho had a change of heart and decided to call back! My heart starts racing as I place my hand on the phone. Be calm Kagome.
"Hello?" I try to sound as composed as possible, with just a hint of seduction in my voice.
"Higurashi? Is that you?"
Shit.
"Oh, Mr. Marimoto!" If I wasn't in my cubicle the entire office would've seen my face flush red in embarrassment. Of course I would be the one to try and sound sexy when my boss calls! I sink into my chair, "Is there something I can do for you Sir?"
"Do you have the Lover's Cross manuscript ready for final editing?" Mr. Marimoto barks at me.
"Yes Sir, it's here on my desk."
"Bring it up to the ninth floor right away. I'm on my way out and I need that manuscript in my hands before I leave this building."
Click.
He hangs up. There must be something wrong with my phone because that's the second time this afternoon that I've been hung up on and it's starting to get more than annoying.
I grab the thick manuscript and head towards the stairs, deciding they'd be quicker than the elevator. I was only two floors away. Once again my thoughts were beginning to affect my performance at work. A part of me felt as if I couldn't help it if I wanted to. Was there something wrong with me? Did I unknowingly do something that would cause Sesshomaru to act so differently? I had to figure out what was going on. Tonight. If I let our relationship continue like this…I don't think we'll ever be happy like we used to.
Suddenly I feel myself run into something hard and before I can catch myself, I'm on the ground with papers sprawled all around me. Great.
"Higurashi! What the—"
"I'm sorry!" Immediately, I get on my knees and attempt to gather the papers but a hand reaches down and stops me.
"Allow me," I look up into the most fascinating lavender colored eyes I've ever seen. He flashes a pearly white smile, "I must not have been watching where I was going."
All I can do is stare at him as he kneels down and picks up the loose papers around my feet. Our eyes lock for the second time and almost instantly, my throat is dryer than the Grand Canyon. I felt as if my body had gone numb for that moment which couldn't have been more than a few seconds but felt like forever.
As if things couldn't have gotten any more awkward, the scent radiating off of him reached my nose before I could stop it. He smelled like lilac and Armani. A more than delicious combination. My eyes wander across his bronze face and chiseled features. His hair is long and silky. It takes everything in me not to reach out and touch that thick inky mane.
"Ahem."
We both look up and for the first time I notice Mr. Marimoto positioned beside us with another man I've never seen before. I focus my attention on the last of the papers to conceal my discomfort before standing again.
"I apologize Mr. Marimoto," I manage to say while straightening my skirt "I was—"
"Being careless as always," He cuts me off "You nearly ran over Mr. Kana."
"Now, now Marimoto," My helpful stranger says in a velvety accent. He turns to me and extends a hand, "I believe it was my fault. I'm terribly sorry Miss?"
"Higurashi." I offer him a half smile as we shake hands, "Kagome Higurashi."
"Kagome…such a beautiful name miko. I'm Naraku Kana."
"Thank you—for helping me I mean."
His eyes begin to twinkle and I can feel myself getting more uncomfortable. Get it together Kagome!
"Well if we're finished with idle introductions you can hand me that manuscript and return to your desk Ms. Higurashi." Mr. Marimoto glares at me. I hand him the papers at once and walk away.
Before I reach the elevator I hear my name, "Nice to meet you Kagome."
It's Naraku. He smiles at me and I turn around before he sees me blush which is exactly what I do all the way back to my cubicle.
{Sesshomaru's P.O.V}
As I enter my home and set my keys on the hook, a mouthwatering aroma drifts across my nose. Sweet and sour chicken with sticky rice. My favorite meal.
I sigh.
There are candles along the banisters and white rose pedals leading to the dining room. Oh Kagome.
It kills me when she does things like this. Things she hopes will make me forgive her for whatever she believes she's done.
If only my mate knew the truth…that I was the one in need of forgiveness.
I loosen my tie and walk towards the kitchen, remaining emotionless as best I can. I love Kagome. I love her with all of my heart. But I've hurt her in a way that's more painful than she'll ever be able to handle…which is why I must be silent and bare my burden.
I hate myself for it. What's worse is that I don't deserve her anymore. I have no choice to come across as cold and impassive towards my love. It's the only way to shield her heart from being broken…
When she called me this afternoon at work it nearly crushed me to be so foul. In all actuality I was quite flattered that Kagome still thought about me during her day despite how I've been acting…
I enter the kitchen and she looks up at me with those stunning blue eyes.
"Sesshomaru!" She quickly covers my favorite dish as if to keep it a surprise "I didn't hear you come in."
I stare at her, angry at myself for what I'm about to say, "What are you doing?"
She approaches me and I fight the urge to kiss her soft pink lips, "I wanted to do something special for you." My dearest takes me by the hand and leads me to the table. I don't sit.
I watch Kagome return to the stove and come back with a plate, which she sets before me. I wish I could tell her how much I appreciate what she's doing. She probably thinks my behavior is her fault and I have no one to blame but myself.
"Sweet and sour chicken," Kagome smiles and lifts the lid "I hope you're hungry."
"I ate at the office," I lie.
Quicker than it appeared, my dearest's smile fades. She's offended and although she won't say it the look on her face tells me everything. I look away from her to avoid the frustration in her eyes.
"Sesshomaru please," Kagome says in barely a whisper. Her voice sounds as if it's on the brink of tears "Tell me what I did."
"I know not what you mean." Another lie.
"I don't understand why you've been so disconnected from me lately. It must have been something I've done to make you act this way."
If I could rip out my own heart and stab it with a dagger I would have at that moment. I can sense her pain and confusion. If only I could comfort her in the way that I wanted. If only I could be the man she fell in love with. But he's long gone…and this empty excuse of a man is all that remains.
I turn away from her, "Kagome I'm tired."
"But Sesshomaru—"
"Goodnight."
As I make my way to our winding staircase, I do all that I can to block out the sounds of her quiet sobs.
…
xoxo
- Courageous Pearl
