Summer's Kiss
Chapter 1
Garnite
Disclaimer: I own the plot, story and everything else that is not owned by Takahashi. So don't sue, I don't own.
There were few things as hellish and hot, in Kagome's opinion, as a summer in Florida. The humidity came down on you like a sticky blanket. Her long, dark ebony hair stuck to wherever it could find a place to stick to. So few things were as annoying.
She eased to a stop at a stoplight and proceeded to put the sweaty, black mass attached to her head in a messy top bun.
The spot between her brows began to twinge when she went through today's work in her head. Absently rubbing the spot, she thought of the multi-family duplex she was trying to sell and other such properties. She thought of the difficult sellers and the even more cumbersome buyers. The twinge was a certified headache now. She made mental reminders about meetings, continuing education and did everything in her power to focus on work in general.
The blaring of horns made her jump and fumble to shift gears. "Dear Twitter, thinking at stop lights is a no go. Hashtag Advice." Kagome muttered as she sped through the light and crossed on to Interstate 4. The wind whipped at her face as she pushed the gas pedal to the floor and sped down the interstate.
When she arrived at her townhome she wanted two things: sleep and a big glass of wine. She compromised and grabbed the wine bottle from the chilling rack in her dining room and crossed into the kitchen to retrieve a glass. Her townhome was just that, hers. It's dark color and artifacts from all walks of life spoke of her intriguing style and her love for diverse cultures. Some knickknacks she harassed friends to pick up when they traveled without her, some she picked up on her own.
She plopped onto her office chair with a contented sigh and sipped wine. She ran through her emails and networking sites. When she felt the knot forming in the back of her neck she placed her fingers over it and worked it. While the computer sucked pictures from her camera she padded into her bathroom and started the water for a warm bath. As the water sloshed into the tub she sipped wine and prepared herself. It was time to unwind and let it all out. Every night Kagome had the same routine, and when the wine was present she always slept better. She dropped her clothes on the bathroom tile and dipped her toes in the water.
When she slid into the tub she felt the tears track down her cheeks simultaneously. This had been a routine for the past few months, which in comparison was a far cry better than her routine before. When Inuyasha left eight months ago she was annihilated. She dove into work and shoved everything and everyone under. A few wine bottles, even more drunk nights, an emotional break down and one therapist later she resigned herself to an evening routine of letting it all out.
She let her head ease back as more tears came and her memories flooded her. She accepted the pain as it came.
Morning
When the sun rose Kagome was already three steps ahead. She moved around her kitchen to the sounds of raunchy jazz. Her cell phone chirped once and it was to her ear. "Sango, my love."
"My God, do you have to be so cheery in the morning?" the groggy, good-natured voice of her best friend quipped. "It's disturbing."
"Carpe diem!" Kagome giggled.
"Yeah well I haven't seized jack shit since college, so I don't want to hear it."
Kagome chuckled. "I'm telling you, abandon Miroku and the studio. Run away with me, we'll seize the entire east coast."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Sango muttered. Kagome didn't miss the smile in her tone or the 'I want the west coast' she mumbled under her breath. "So what do you have planned for today?"
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Work, duh. What else do I do?"
"On a Saturday? Kagome, c'mon! For the past couple months you've been 'busy' with work. Come to the Gallery tonight. I won't take 'no' for an answer. Be there." And then there was silence.
Kagome frowned at her phone then stalked over to a calendar. "It's Saturday? Well, shit."
Sighing she grabbed her breakfast and headed to her office. She was going to get something done if it killed her. Her phone chirped and it was, once again, to her ear. "Kagome speaking."
"Hello," a man's voice made of silk purred into the phone. "I'd like to look at the property you have listed on Lake Butler."
Kagome hopped into her chair. "Alright then, what time would you like to meet at the property?"
"Twelve o'clock." And the connection went dead.
"No, I don't need your name, not at all." Kagome grumbled.
Afternoon
Twelve o'clock came all too soon and the summer heat was not on hiatus like the weatherman promised. Kagome bob and weaved through traffic. The black sports car making quick work of the sharp lane changes. Kagome went over her main selling points. As one of Florida's top real estate agent, she knew how to sell. She swung into the gates of the Butler Preserve and sped through the community.
She sure as hell didn't get to the top by being late or taking heed to speeding limits. There were a few finished houses and a smattering houses that were still being built. Gauging the streets and very little pedestrian traffic she gave the gas pedal a little more push; she despised being late. Her mouth dropped as she recognized the sleek Mercedes in the driveway of her listed property.
"Son of a bitch." Kagome growled as she whipped her car beside the aforementioned Mercedes and shoved herself out of her own vehicle. Leather briefcase in one hand, and the other shutting the door, she marched deliberately to the front door. The lock box still hung undisturbed on the door handle. She felt eyes on her and turned around sharply. Gray eyes met with golden brown and she felt a pull in her heart.
Her mind was racing and she could hardly keep up. She thought of Inuyasha and then Rin. She thought of double dates, baby-sitting, dinners and vacations. Her heart pulled for her once best friend and confidant other than Sango. She stared him down and decided a scowl fit the situation best. The slight breeze sent her hair sailing in the wind.
"Kagome." He was in front of her now, taking in the sight of her scowling down at him while her hair danced wildly in the breeze with the Mediterranean house at her back. While his mask of indifference could fool anyone, she noted the concern in his voice. Her name passed through his lips softly and with ease.
She squared her shoulders and met him eye to eye. "Sesshomaru." She said his name cold and flat.
His eyes narrowed. "Why distant and cold?" he took another step closer. "Am I to be locked out of your life eternally because of my half-brother's idiot mistakes?"
That startled her. "N-no. I don't know."
His face never wavered. His golden eyes scrutinized her and she knew it. She was readable and she hated it. "Kagome, don't be foolish. We have been friends for quite some time. You haven't spoken to me or returned my emails in months. I had to have my assistant call you and make an appointment." The latter part of his sentence was laced with disgust.
"What was I supposed to do?" She demanded.
He looked her square in the eye. "Trust me." He brushed pass her and to the doorway. "I'd like to see the property now."
Evening
Kagome stared at herself in the mirror that evening. The little black dress clung to her body appreciatively. Her long, dark locks twirled at the ends. She had done her makeup in a minimalistic style. She felt plain. More than that, she felt foolish. She shouldn't be attending this stupid gallery function. Hell, she hadn't been to the Gallery in over eight months. She hadn't seen anyone but Sango, and recently Sesshomaru, in the same amount of time. Time seemed to fly by her as she scrutinized her reflection and came up with half hearted reasons as to why she shouldn't go.
Her heart sank at the realization that Inuyasha would be there. She felt the pain nipping away at her composure. She let a frustrated sigh out. She wanted to dredge out any excuse to keep from attending this event. Her pride won in the end.
Grabbing her purse, and all necessary essentials, she headed to her car. Getting behind the wheel she steeled herself and looked at the rearview mirror. "Show him what the fuck he is missing."
Kagome pulled into The Gallery's parking lot and paid the valet. She walked to the entrance of The Gallery with her nerves doing the jitterbug up and down her spine. He is here I know it, she thought glumly to herself. She huffed, lifted her chin and sauntered into The Gallery like she owned the place. Bitch in a little black dress, she thought with as much confidence as she could muster. She entered the crowd smoothly. Tuxedos, suits, gowns, cocktail dresses- it was a variety of a crowd. Then again, The Gallery was known to be a diverse place for artists and businessmen alike.
She received meaningful looks from a few women and didn't bat an eyelash as she stared them down. She radiated confidence and success- because that's who she was in a nutshell. Kagome was success and confidence personified. She depended on confidence for a living. A woman wearing makeup like a cake glared at her, she arched her brow in return. Not even worth it.
Kagome scanned the crowd as she swung by the bar. "Bartender," she called. "Give me something good and sexy."
A man with rich black hair tied in a short ponytail responded with a raise of his equally dark brow. He ambled up to her side of the bar with a smile. "Kagome, it's nice to see you among the living."
"I was dead?" She joked and on the inside she already knew the answer; yes, she had been dead. That confidence she depended upon for work was exhausted daily doing just that: work.
The man laughed. "Good and sexy, huh? Is that how you're feeling tonight?"
Kagome arched her brow once more. "Miroku, if I didn't know better I'd say you were hitting on me."
Miroku gave her a bland stare. "Kagome, I've been hitting on you since high school."
"And you'd think you'd learn." Sango sauntered in beside Kagome. "Besides," she directed to Kagome. "I hear he has a jealous girlfriend who doesn't like to share. I'd be mighty careful."
Miroku grinned. "Yes, that I do. One must wonder why though. No woman is dumb enough to challenge her." With that he took his leave to serve beer to a few men on the other end of the bar.
Sango smirked after him then shifted her attention to her best friend. "Kagome, how are you feeling?"
"Like I need something strong and stiff, quick." Kagome quipped.
Sango was silent for a beat, letting her eyes roam over the crowd. "You saw Sessho today?" she tried to make the question seem casual and failed miserably.
Kagome sighed but let the 'coincidence' of the question slide. "Yes, yes I did."
"How did that go?" Sango provided.
Gray eyes slid towards her. "Horrid."
Her heart clenched when she saw him. There he was, sexy, rough and dangerous. At six foot-two inches, with long locks of licorice, he was quite the presence in the room; she had to give it to him. The blonde that hung languidly at his arm was not tasteful, to say the least. Perhaps, one would even go as far to say that the blonde ruined the look Inuyasha was going for. She shifted her eyes before they could meet his. He was staring at her and she knew it.
Turning her back on him she faced the bar. "Sango," she started, instantly gaining her friend's attention. "Can I run? Please?"
Sango frowned. "What?" she passed her eyes over the crowd and picked him out immediately. "Oh. Kagome, you have to be stronger than that. Don't go."
Kagome took the shot glass that had been placed in front of her and knocked it back. "Sango, even the strongest of the strong have weak points." She felt claustrophobic. She took leave from her friend and sought out one of the many balconies of The Gallery.
The air outside wasn't much cooler than inside, but the solitude helped. Shoving her fingers through her hair she desperately tried to sort through the emotions in her head. She felt foolish for coming to The Gallery; of course he already had a replacement. Naturally, he would bring her here… even if she were a stupid bimbo.
She did her best to remain calm and complacent. Looking over the grounds of The Gallery. It was an old Southern Plantation at one time. The acres were no longer covered in crops or servants quarters. Statues and metal absteracts replaced the aforementioned. People meandered around aimlessly. A couple near the edge of the woods started doing something unmentionable. Kagome case her sight toward the house, which was now The Gallery.
It was beautiful and certainly made a statement. She imagined that was what Sesshomaru was going for when he bought the old Plantation. It was stark white and stood tall at three stories. There two porches, front and back, both currently out of her sight, but she knew they were there. She loved the rocking chairs that adorned them. Her favorite thing about the old home was the East and West terrace. She could easily walk out on to one to see the sun rise and, at due time, walk to the other one and watch it set. It always humbled her in the same ways mountains had as a child in Japan.
"Kagome." The voice startled her, even though she knew its owner.
"Yes, Sessho?"
Sesshomaru froze. "Did you… did you just call me 'Sessho'?"
Kagome frowned and tossed her head back at him. "Yes, I always do."
"You haven't." He pointed out. His steps were quiet clicks upon the stone until he was beside her. He saw her pain, anguish and embarrassment. "Kagome, you look stunning."
Kagome did her best to smile. "Thank you. I tried." She allowed herself to look at him. Much like Inuyasha he was sexy and dangerous. However, Sesshomaru had a different air to him. When he spoke he was eloquent and when he walked he was elegant. His platinum blonde hair cascaded gently and gave him more of an angelic look versus Inuyasha's abrasive demon. His golden orbs were decisive and cold. Lingering on that thought she looked back out to the woods.
"It hurts you that he is here?"
She didn't have an answer. They both knew the answer to that question.
"Kagome," his voice was softer now but she knew that face, that angelic face with flat golden eyes stayed the same. "You can't let him do this to you."
"Do what?" She responded weakly.
From her peripheral vision she could see his eyes almost roll. "If you want to burn your bridge with me, Kagome, then do so. But do not try to- forgive me- bullshit me. It's irritating and dishonorable." As if to drive the nail home and emphasize his irritation he shoved his hands in his suit pockets and waited for a reply.
"This isn't closing a deal on a house or selling a piece, Sesshomaru." She said it with a bite and regretted it almost instantly. "The matters of the heart aren't meant to be dealt with by indifference and militant tactics."
"I am not advising you on your life as a business man." He shot at her. "I am nothing more than a concerned friend." It seemed as though he was saying that more for his own benefit than hers.
She stood with fine, elegant posture. And anyone who knew the way her dear friend did also knew in the same token that it was her stubborn stance. So they stood together, alone, on the terrace taking in the summer air. The night was as moody as she was, stars were blinking furiously and a breeze kicked up every once and awhile. Guilt finally settled in the pit of her stomach. She had to be the one to bite the bullet and break the silence.
"I'm sorry." She breathed.
He didn't move. He acknowledged her words with a simple curt nod whilst staring at the treetops as far as the eye could see. "For?"
Her gray eyes slid toward him. "Really, Sessho? Really? Is that necessary?"
He smirked and she knew then that everything would be okay. She sighed. "I'm sorry for being a horrid bitch and a rotten friend."
He arched a brow. "Continue."
She looked at him dead on now. "Oh go fuck yourself."
He made a face. "That would be terribly difficult and far too much work than simply seducing a woman. And you shouldn't use such crude language. It isn't very becoming of you."
"Oh, high and mighty Sessho. I'm so sorry to use such foul words in the presence of your elegance!" She gasped dramatically.
He allowed a chuckle. "It's a good thing you didn't chose acting as a career." They joined in a laugh.
Sesshomaru was glad to see that they had found their friendship again. After all, it took way too much work for it to begin in the first place. He scowled as he skimmed through memories. He had been a loner and an outcast all of his life. So when this girl plopped herself at his lunch table and informed him that they would be friends, it was annoying. It had been annoying when she invited him to hang out. It had been completely unnerving when she began dating his half brother as well.
However irritating she might have been back then, and still is now, he was glad that he finally let her in. He found that having a few friends was okay. Even if they were irritating, time consuming, crude or perverted and absurdly stubborn.
"Hey talk, dark and scowling. Whatcha thinking about?"
He blinked. "Memories."
"Aw, feeling nostalgic?"
He looked down at her. Kagome's eyes sparkling with laughter and her lips twitching with the desire to taunt. "Not quite. To feel nostalgic I'd have to first be happier in my memories than I am now."
"And you aren't?" Kagome probed.
He nodded. "And I am not."
She smiled. "That's good! You deserve to be happy."
"Well ain't this cute." A rude, harsh voice skidded all conversation to a halt.
Kagome and Sesshomaru mirrored facial expressions of annoyance. He noted the flood of color on her face and damned his half brother for it. He saw the flicker of fear, hurt and embarrassment make a slideshow across her face. Kagome turned to the night again while he turned to his half brother.
"What do you want Inuyasha?"
Alright ya'll! The chapter was revised 11/23/2012. I've suggested everyone who has already read the chapters to please re-read them because some info has been edited. Hooray!