The Unknown Lady
Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters.
A/N: Just to answer some questions, this is a Sesshomaru and Kagome pairing....even though the first ch. didn't look like it. Hopefully upcoming ch. will be longer and I hope you enjoy this one!
Kagome shrugged the uneasy feeling she had about Inuyasha's dinner party and dialed another number. She had work tonight and could spend too much time thinking about Inuyasha's phone call earlier.
"Hello? Bankotsu?" Kagome sat on her small twin bed. Her mother slept on the other one, always close to her.
"Yes, this is him," the other voice said from the other end. Loud music sounded in the background, and then a loud crash.
"It's Kagome. I'm going to be a little late tonight, think you could cover about an hour for me?" she asked, hoping he'd agree. She hated doing things like that to him, but he was one of the only people she could trust and count on. She heard cursing on the other end, and wondered if he didn't want to.
"Crap—eh? Oh! Right, no worried Kags, I'll cover for you," he said, his voice sounding out of breath.
"Is everything okay there? I hear...a lot going on..." she trailed off, concern.
"Yeah, everything's fine here, just some crack heads causing trouble. They think because woman dance on a pole they'll dance around their's too...if 'ya know what I mean," he spat, obviously having been the one to settle the argument.
Kagome snickered, knowing that if Bankotsu caught her laughing at his annoyance he'd only pick on her. She choked back her laughter and sympathized, "Don't worry, Ban, it'll be there to save you soon."
She heard him grimace on the other end, knowing full well that when she was working the men started acting up again...and worse.
"Yeah yeah, just don't be too late. I don't think Naraku will let it go this time," he said seriously.
Kagome sighed and said her thanks and goodbye's, hanging up the phone. Her other boss was so different from her morning boss. Where Kaede was welcoming and nice, Naraku was vile and arrogant. She shivered as she remembered their last meeting. She'd arrived late, again, and he'd called her into his office at the back of the bar. She hadn't thought much about it, since it was her fault she'd been late. When she'd entered his office, it'd been lighted by a single lamp above their heads. She'd seen his form sitting on his leather chair, watching her through dark eyes that glittered like onyx jewels. She'd believed him quite handsome when she'd first applied for the job of bartender...now she knew otherwise.
Naraku was not a good man, infact, he didn't have a single good bone in his body. She'd learned so that night. He'd been very clear about how he set rules so they could be followed. He'd stood up from his chair and walked around his desk, and stood before her. He'd leaned back on his desk and reached out to grab her arm. Kagome hadn't thought much about his behavior, but when he grabbed her arm and looked at her, little warning bells had gone off in her head. He'd been up to no good.
After he'd tried to pull her closer, and cupped her cheek with one palm, she'd stiffened and tried to pull away. That had angered him to an extent. Kagome remembered very clearly what he'd said to her that night.
"Kagome, sweetheart, I could give you anything you want," he said silkily. His voice had ran through Kagome like vile oil.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not interested....I'm only here to do my job," Kagome had said, careful to keep her voice pleasant. Naraku had smiled warmly at her, yet she'd seen the anger shine in his eyes clearly. He'd let her go when Bankotsu had knocked on his door. Bankotsu had been her rescuer that night, and from their on, they'd agreed to watch out for each other's backs at work.
Kagome shook the thoughts from her mind and walked to her room. Creeping inside, she made her way to the twin bed besides her own and kissed her mother on the forehead goodbye. It would be a long night since it was a day before Christmas Eve. The bar would be open twenty four hours from today until the day after Christmas, and then again on New Year's. Sighing, she took her thin sweater and threw it over her frail shoulders, throwing her small yellow backpack over one shoulder.
The night air was cold as usual, and she loved how her breath floated in front of her with every breath. Like a child she laughed gaily as she tried blowing O's with her white breath. The way to her night job was further than her job at the restaurant, but it was worth it. She always got enough tips to pay her mother's medical bills.
All too soon, she was standing in front of the bar's entrance. It wasn't a one of those dirty old joints old men went to have a good time, instead, it was pretty nice. It was always kept clean and well stocked. Walking to the front door, she smiled at the young man there.
"Hey Jak! How's it been?" she greeted, smiling broadly.
The young man by the door turned to her with a scowl that quickly vanished when he saw who it was. "Oh Kagome! Girl how are you?" he asked, jutting one hip to the side and resting one hand on it.
"Great, how's it tonight?" Kagome asked. She loved talking with Jakotsu, he was always like a breath of fresh air with his energy and charisma.
"Very busy tonight hun, you might wanna wear something hot!" he said, winking at her.
Kagome laughed as she walked through the door after Jakotsu stepped out of the way. He was right, it was busy...and crowded, Kagome noted as she made her way through the crowd to the back of the bar. She slipped through one of the doors to the back lockers. Just as she was removing her shirt and pulling out another from her backpack, she heard a soft knock near the door. She walked towards the door and opened it, to come face to face with her boss.
"Good evening sir, how can I help you?" Kagome asked, readjusting her shirt and pulling it down. She saw Naraku's greedy eyes trail what he could catch of skin before he looked up at her.
Swallowing loudly, Naraku locked his eyes with Kagome's boldly. "I were late again, Kagome," he said huskily.
Kagome stiffened as he mentioned her being late. How had he known? He was usually in his office with girls...doing who knew what. Had he honestly been waiting for her? The jerk! Kagome didn't know if apologizing would be enough this time, she didn't like the vibes he sent her way.
Bowing her head to hide what was in her eyes, she spoke clearly, "I apologize sir, it won't happen again this time." What else could she say? The jerk—he should be happy that some one was covering her any ways, so what was the big deal? She felt Naraku step closer, entering the small locker room. She took a step back when he invaded her personal space and looked up at him questioningly.
"Kagome..." he whispered, obviously thinking of seducing her, "I am not here to reprimand you." He reached up and ran his knuckles softly over her cheek, "I would like to be informed when my employee is late..is all," he said, lifting her chin with one hooked finger. He stared into her eyes, sending unpleasant shivers down her spine. Thinking he had her wrapped in his web, he leaned down.
Kagome froze when his words fluttered the wisps of hair on her temple. Cold electricity shot through heart his touch, utterly repulsing. She stared into his cold glittering eyes and stiffened when he dared lean down to kiss her. Taking in a deep breath, she reached up and removed his hand from her chin, stepping back.
"Uhh...sir..." she said, pushing away. "I don't think we should be doing this....you're my boss and personally, I have no desires to compromise you." Kagome was trying desperately to tell him she wasn't interested, without sounding as grossed out as she felt. She didn't like the creep and didn't like the fact he was forcing her to show it. She didn't want to out right and say he disgusted her and there was no way in hell she'd ever even be near him willingly—but then he would immediately fire her.
"It's okay, my dear, no one would be compromised..." he said, leaning closer again. He stepped closer unlit she was trapped between him and the locker wall, he leaned one hand against the side of the locker; above her head. "I get what I want...and you get what you want.." he whispered, his foul breath of alcohol blowing in her face.
Kagome looked to the side, trying to take in fresh air. Her head whipped forward and she looked over his shoulder when she heard the door opening with a loud slam. Naraku whirled with the speed of a demon...well—half demon, and stared at the intruder that obviously ruined his game.
Jakotsu stood in the doorway, a plastic bag in his hand and the other resting against his hip. "Hey guys!" he cheered, blowing a bubble with his gum.
"Hello Mr. Naraku! Hope you're doing good," he said seductively, winking at an enraged Naraku. "Kagome, hope you don't mind me changing in here...the boys don't want me in the locker with them...." he said pouting at Naraku and Kagome. "Too bad for them," he said, winking and licking his lips at Naraku. He threw the plastic bag on a center bench and unzipped his pants, all the while watching Naraku.
Naraku shivered noticeably and walked out the locker room, hastily slamming the door shut behind him. When he was a ways away, Jakotsu zipped up his pants and burst out laughing, sitting on the bench and pulling out a few napkins out from the plastic bag. Kagome rolled her eyes at him and smiled.
"Thanks Jak, but how did you know?" Kagome asked, knowing her friend wasn't going to change at all.
Jakotsu smiled at her and said, "Well, I saw the bastard follow you. I tried getting here, but some bitch stopped me on the way here wanting a drink. I told her I wasn't a goddamn bartender and left her there," he said, laughing anew.
Kagome giggled with him, knowing how Jakotsu hated most of the female population. Only a few selected females ever made it out of his black list—let alone befriend him. She counted herself both lucky and blessed to have him as a friend. It was times like this that reminded her how useful their friendship was.
"So, hun, get dressed. Poor Bank's trying to whip up drinks in seconds," he said, laughing. He leaned back on the bench and threw an arm over his eyes, breathing through his wide opened mouth. He took that moment to try and 'rest his eyes'...or so he said.
Kagome smiled again at her friend, and turned back to her locker. Slipping out of her shirt and folding it in the locker, she pulled her top from her backpack and pulled it on. It was a black sheer material that clung to her like a second skin. It dipped low in a v-neck and showed off her long creamy neck. She left her tight jeans on and opted for her comfy boots. Letting her hair loose, she ran her fingers through her dark ebony mane to give it that wild look.
"All right then, let's go," she chirped. She turned to Jakotsu, and found his snoring lightly. Rolling her eyes playfully, she walked over to him and patted his belly. "Hey, Jak, let's go," she whispered, drawing him out of his light slumber.
Jak shook his head and stood up drowsily, "Yeah yeah, I'm coming," he slurred out.
xXx
The night was only beginning and already two different fights had erupted. Kagome rolled her eyes at all the commotion men threw over women. If one was taken just grab the next, she thought sarcastically. Men...she would never understand them. They were so egoistical, arrogant and...and...just so male! Shaking her head she looked up and spotted a young man heading her way.
"Hi, what can I get 'ya?" she asked, smiling.
The young man looked around and shrugged, "Whatever you've got," he said.
Kagome smiled and thought for a second. She turned around and grabbed bottles of Vodka and Tomato juice. Shaking the vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce together, she poured it all over a glass filled with ice cubes and placed it before the man. Adding a wedge of lemon to it at the end and placing salt and pepper next to the glass.
"Add salt or pepper for taste," she said, turning back around and cleaning the area she used, ready for the next order.
"Hey!" the young man shouted over the music, and waved at her hoping Kagome would see him from the glass wall she was facing.
Kagome looked up and saw the man waving at her through the glass in front of her and turned around. "How can I help you?" she asked, straining her ears.
Being so close to him, Kagome realized he wasn't human. When she looked closer at his hair, it wasn't the lighting that was making it so bright—it was his actual color of hair. Red. Bright red hair pooled at his shoulders as it was tied back in a low loose ponytail. His bright green eyes were wide as he tasted his drink.
"What is this?" he asked, amazed.
Kagome lifted a brow at him and said, puzzled, "You don't like it?" She waited for his response, worrying if she'd probably guessed what he'd like incorrectly.
The young man shook his head and shouted a no. "No, it's not that. I love it!"
Kagome laughed and leaned closer, "It's called a Bloody Mary," she yelled so he could hear her over the booming music. He jumped back as if she's punched him and covered his ear, squinting his eyes shut.
Kagome frowned, knowing she hadn't yelled that loud. Then she remembered he wasn't human...he was probably full youkai and could hear her perfectly well. "Oh I'm sorry! You could probably hear me perfectly clear can't you?" Kagome spoke normally, without raising her voice one bit.
The young man nodded, having heard her perfectly clear and confirming her suspicious. "It's really good! Do you think you could serve me another one?" he asked, his eyes glittering already.
Kagome smiled and nodded. "If you like that one, maybe you'll like the next one I'll make for you," she said, feeling every word she spoke beating in her breast because of the loud music. The young man nodded enthusiastically.
Kagome turned around to the counter and pulled bottles from underneath and from the top shelves. She dropped three ice cubes in a round glass and poured vodka and orange juice in it, mixing it. She turned around and handed it to the young youkai. He sniffed it tentatively and took a sip, immediately his cheeks warmed and his eyes widened, pouring it all down his throat in one gulf.
She laughed as he placed his empty glass before her, expecting it to refill itself. He looked up at her and grinned widely, "What was that!" he asked.
Kagome laughed and said, "That one's called Screwdriver....another one?"
He nodded again, enthusiastically. "My name's Shippou by the way!" he said loudly so she could hear him.
Kagome nodded and stuck her hand out and shook his. "My name's Kagome," she said, genuinely.
She turned around and mixed other drinks for him to try, all of which he loved at first taste. All except for one, the Three Wise Men. Shippou's face scrunched up sourly, as he stuck his tongue out. "This one's a no gooder!" he shouted over the music.
Kagome laughed and nodded. "I thought it would be kinda strong for 'ya," she said, laughing.
Shippou shook his head and said, "It's not that it's strong—it tastes like old chicken with liqueur!" he said, puckering his lips.
Kagome laughed at him and gave him a shot and a wedge of lemon. She was about to say something, when a tall young man stepped next to Shippou and said something. The music was too loud so Kagome couldn't hear it, but Shippou obviously did because he turned to him and grinned mischievously. Shippou turned to Kagome and bid her forward with his hand.
Kagome leaned closer and turned her ear towards him. He whispered low enough so only she would hear, "This is my friend, how about you give him one of those you gave me...what was it now? Ah! The 1-900-.....u know..." he said, winking at her.
Kagome burst into a fit of laughter and quickly turned around and prepared the drink. She turned around and dropped three ice cubes in a deep glass and poured the mixture into it, handing it to the tall young man. He looked at her as if she was insane and lifted a brow, then turned to stare at his companion. Shippou just nodded and hid a grin.
The young man took the drink from Kagome, his long slim fingertips a whisper of a touch on her's. Slowly, he sniffed it and even slower he raised it to his lips. Shippou stopped him and said, "Don't be a wuss, man, just take it in one gulf," he provoked.
The young man glared down at him and then at the bartender. He locked eyes with Kagome, and she knew he wasn't human either. What she'd thought were tattoos on his face, were probably nobility birth marks. Kagome had a peek at the crescent one on his forehead and had the sudden urge to trace it with her fingertip. She had to look away, less he read to much in her eyes.
In one gulp, he took the drink down. His eyes became hard when he placed the glass down on the counter, his lips puckering a bit. He closed his eyes to concentrate on stopping the dizziness that threatened to over come him. Demons did not become dizzy by alcohol, so whatever was in his drink was strong enough to bring down a full daiyoukai. He suppressed a growl, and furrowing his brows he narrowed his eyes at the bartender, "What did you just give me?" he asked, the drink making his vocals sound husky.
Kagome almost laughed at his reaction, but decided not to chance it. Shippou couldn't keep it in longer and burst out laughing, holding his stomach. "Just tell him Kagome," he said, snorting.
Kagome smiled at him and said, "It's called 1-900-FUK-MEUP, created here in our very own Tallahassee, Florida."
The young youkai glared at her and gritted his teeth, "What is in it woman?"
Kagome smirked at him, "Just a blend of juices, and alcohol," she said innocently. Then smirking devilishly she said, "What? Can't handle it?" she teased.
For some reason, she knew that would push his buttons, but she didn't care. The fleeting emotions running through his eyes was enough to keep her going. Demons always thought they were so much better than humans, it was time they found out they too could be brought down by something as simple as liqueur.
Their eyes clashed and held. Amber against blue. Both strong and both stubborn. Kagome lifted a brow teasingly, and daring. A silent dare crossed through her eyes, daring him to say otherwise. The young youkai answered it full heartedly.
He slammed a bill on the counter and said, "Another."
Kagome spun around and fixed him another drink of the same one as before. This time making it more strong by adding less cranberry and pineapple juice, and adding more Malibu rum. She turned around and set the glass before him, waiting for him to drink it.
Kagome's eyes widened when she looked down and the glass was empty. She hadn't even seen him move, but he had. Shippou stared at him eyes wide as well, surprise it hadn't affected him.
"Hey, Sesshomaru....are you okay man?" Shippou asked loud enough Kagome would hear him. The young man next to him turned to him and glared.
Sesshomaru returned his glare at the smirking bartender and slammed another hundred bill, "Another."
And again Kagome gave him another drink, until she began feeling bad for him. He started looking down at the counter drowsily and finally had to sit down on one of the stools. She patted his shoulder sympathetically and said, "You okay buddy?" Before she could pat him a second time, his hand snaked to her wrist and tightened.
He glared daggers at her pushed her hand away, retuning his gaze back at the counter. Shippou laughed next to him, and slammed a bill on the counter.
"Thank you Kagome!" he cheered, his cheek warm and pink with spirit. Kagome ignored Sesshomaru's ill attitude and smiled at Shippou, taking the bill. Her warm blue eyes widened as she looked at the bill, and turned back to Shippou.
"Hey, Shippou, I think you gave me the wrong bill," she said, waving it in front of his little face.
"Nope, that's for you," he said, and Kagome nodded, dropping it into her jean pocket.
"Thanks," she said warmly. With the way they were tipping, she'd be covered for a month or two.
The music turned down and the dim lights turned back on. Kagome turned towards the stage in front of the bar and both youkai's followed. Sesshomaru turned on his stool to see what was going on, and rolled his eyes at the slutty hostess. The young demoness turned to stare at all those who were scattered around the bar, some still drinking on their tables, other holding women on their laps possessively.
"Good evening, as you know, my name is Kagura. As is tradition here when ever Christmas comes along, we will be auctioning three different mistletoes every day until the day after Christmas," the hostess announced. She reached up to accommodate a loose wisp of black hair back into her bun. She glanced at all the men as they cheered and hoorayed.
"As I was saying, each mistletoe has a different prize that comes along with it. The first one is green, and who ever wins it wins a kiss from any of our sizzling bartenders," she said, stopping when all the men cheered and some even stood up and pointed at the bartender they wanted to win.
Kagura continued, "The second mistletoe is white, and who ever wins that one, wins a date with any of our bartenders or waitresses," she said, licking her lips. She stuck her hip out, bringing her skirt higher up her thigh.
"And our third mistletoe is red...who ever wins that one wins a day with any one of our girls....even me," she said, as men stood up—some dropping the women they held in their laps to the ground—and hoorayed and whistled. "What you do that whole day is up to you fellas! And of course...the lady you choose," she yelled over the loud commotion.
Kagura brought out all three mistletoes and placed them on a table on the stage. "First one up is the green mistletoe, should we start it at....let's say, 50 dollars?" Kagura held up the tiny green berry, and showed it off to the room. Many of the men stood up and crowded around the stage, some already licking their lips.
Kagome rolled her eyes, and continued drying off the glasses she'd just cleaned. She hated that specific tradition. Who came up with them anyways? Only someone that was perverted and couldn't get any if he didn't pay for it would. She hated it because the men who won those damned mistletoes always wanted to chose her. She was only lucky when she was chosen for the green mistletoe. A quick peck was all she'd be willing to give.
Shippou turned to her and shook his head. "That's the first time I've heard of something like that being done," he told her, propping his forearms on the counter.
Kagome nodded, "Yeah, our boss is money hungry like that."
Shippou shook his head, "Have you ever had to fulfill one of those bids?" he asked her, cocking a brow up.
Kagome shivered visibly, and nodded. "Oh yeah, once. It was only a peck, but I swear I still brushed my teeth at least twenty times that night. Our boss, Naraku, he warns us about it before he hires us. He makes it sound like it's no big deal...but truthfully, these men that win—they always want more," she said disgusted.
Kagome hadn't noticed she had an audience. Sesshomaru stared at her, listening to every word she'd said. Looking around the bar was like looking at a whore house. Women sat sprawled on men's laps as they 'fiddled' with their bodies, others sat next to men, feeding them drink after drink. He'd thought every being in the room the same: low classed, whores. Perhaps he'd been wrong, listening to the raven haired bartender, gave him a new perspective.
Perhaps she wasn't a whore like the rest, but she couldn't be very respectable if she was working at a dump like this. Being talked dirty by men and serving them alcohol to their miserable life's content.
Sickening.
Kagome turned to the silver haired youkai when he snorted, and gave him a quizzical look. She was about to say something when someone came behind her.
"Kagome, I hope no one asks you to fulfill their bid..." the whisper blew across her neck, sending goosebumps across her arms. Kagome stiffened and turned around so fast it gave her whip lash.
"I hope so too sir," Kagome spat, hating how familiar he acted with her.
Naraku leaned closer and tsked at her, "Ah, my dear, I thought after earlier you'd stop calling me sir and start calling me Naraku," he said huskily, caressing her chin with his knuckles.
Kagome stared at him with eyes wide and her jaw nearly dropped to the ground. Nothing had happened earlier—what was he talking about? Kagome berated herself as he grinned at her and walked away, leaving her completely shocked.
She turned to Shippou and Sesshomaru, both were staring at her now.
"Who was that?" Shippou asked, hating the man at first sight.
"Th—that was Naraku...my boss..." Kagome stuttered out. Shaking her head, she glanced at the other youkai, hoping they hadn't gotten the wrong impression. Shippou was just glaring at the retreating form of Naraku, while Sesshomaru's face could have been carved from stone.
"Soooo, what did he mean by what happened earlier?" Shippou asked innocently, watching her every reaction.
Kagome lifted a brow at him, "You know, you're too familiar with people you just met," she chastised. Really—he was acting like they were long time friends. But she answered anyways when he shrugged sheepishly.
"Naraku's always had this....thing, for me," Kagome sighed. She really didn't know why she was telling them this, but it felt good to talk about it with someone other than a co-worker. Her mother, Naomi, was too fragile so she didn't want to bother her with her issues. Both Jakotsu and Bankotsu were great—but too dangerous....Kagome grimaced imagining what they would do to Naraku if she told them. Both Sango and Miroku didn't know about her night job, so telling them was out of the question.
"He's always so forward and.....bold. Earlier today, when I arrived here, he came into the locker room when I was in there changing. One of my friends from here thought walked in though," she said, handing them both new glasses of raw vodka.
"Did he try anything?" Sesshomaru asked, his face revealing nothing, yet his eyes bore into her's.
The question took Kagome off guard. Not by what it was he asked, but from who it came from. She hadn't thought anyone other than Shippou was listening to her. The youkai next to Shippou thought had his full concentration on her, willing her to answer his question.
"No...he didn't, like I said, my friend walked in," she whispered, out of breath. The intensity of his eyes on her, stripped her of all her defenses.
"Do you think he would of tried anything?" Shippou asked, concerned.
Kagome's gut clenched, perhaps she'd told the wrong people. What if they did something to Naraku and they shut down the bar....where else would she work? Panic gripped her and clogged her throat. Shippou seemed to sense it because he placed one hand over her's.
"It's okay, we won't tell anyone," he said gently, though his eyes were still hard.
Kagome swallowed and said, honestly, "I don't think he would of really done anything."
Shippou sighed and smiled, turning to listen to the men bidding on the mistletoe. They were over the first green mistletoe, and were on to the white one—fighting over it. For the white mistletoe would ensure a date with which ever bartender or waitress they wanted. Sesshomaru, though, kept his eyes on the bartender cleaning and organizing her bottles of liqueur and glasses.
Suddenly, the crowed behind went silent as someone from the crowed announced their winning bid. The hostess spoke up then, "Well, it looks like both mistletoes have been won already...which leaves one final one," Kagura said, smiling devilishly at the crowd.
"The last mistletoe, is our red one, and will ensure a whole day with any of the girls in this bar that you chose," before she was even done, men were already hooraying, whistling and shouting their bids.
"50!" the first bidder announced.
"100!" came the answer from another.
"200!"
"275!"
The room filled with tension as the men glared each other down, all counting their money and asking their friends for loans.
"500 dollars," the loud voice rang through the bar.
Kagome turned to see who it was, and stiffened. Dark crimson eyes stared back at her, devouring her with their intensity. Shippou turned around and stared at the youkai who'd spoken.
Naraku smirked at Kagome, licking his lips and looking at her from head to toe—and back up again. Kagome swallowed hard, and looked away quickly, narrowing her eyes at the bottle she held in a death grip.
"700!" someone yelled. Kagome turned around and saw both Jakotsu and Bankotsu waving at the stage.
Naraku turned to them and snarled, "Employees cannot bid you two, now get to work."
Jakotsu propped his fists on his hips and pouted, "But then why are you bidding....eh—sir?"
"Because I'm not an employee," he responded smoothly, readjusting his suit.
"700 then!" another voice yelled over the crowed.
Kagome turned around so fast again she got whip lash and saw Shippou raising his hand, waving bills in his hand. Kagome smiled at him, gratefully.
"800," Naraku said through gritted teeth.
"900!" Shippou growled out cutely, frowning at the other hanyou.
Naraku narrowed his eyes on the kitsune and smirked, knowing the other wouldn't be able to top his bid.
"1,500."
Shippou checked his wallet and cursed himself. All he had with him was 1,000. Sending Kagome an apologetic smile, he gave up.
Kagome almost felt bad for Shippou—but she felt worse for herself. She chanced a glance at Naraku and found him staring at her boldly, an arrogant smirk marring his face.
"5,000" another cold smooth voice said. It wasn't loud, yet it rang clearly through the bar.
Kagome turned towards the voice and was shocked to see it was Shippou's friend, Sesshomaru. His face was angled away from her, towards Naraku. But it was still frozen still, a marbled statue. Her heart beat frantically in her throat, could he really be bidding because he didn't want her to end up with Naraku? Little butterflies fluttered wildly in her belly, doing funny things to her insides. She hadn't thought much of him because he hadn't spoken much or showed her any interest, but now—she could see him more clearly.
"W—well...do—do we have any higher bidders?" Kagura said from the stage. She stared at Sesshomaru with wide eyes, calculating his worth. It was obvious he was rich, who else would bid 5,000 for a single day with a girl? She smiled seductively at him, obviously thinking he would choose her as his prize. She looked to Naraku and found him seething with rage, glaring at the silver haired youkai.
"Going once....going twice....sold! You may come and pick up your mistletoe sir," Kagura said to Sesshomaru, pouting so her lips would look fuller.
Sesshomaru ignored her and when one of the waitresses came to pick up the money, he handed it over and turned to his drink. Shippou stared at him and then at Kagome, and shrugged at her.
"Uh, Sesshomaru...I think you're supposed to pick up your prize," Shippou told Sesshomaru, patting the counter. Sesshomaru turned to glare at the kit and turned to his drink. Sighing through gritted teeth, he stood and walked over to the stage. Taking the ripe red mistletoe from the hostess, he turned around without giving her a second glance.
Kagura was left on the stage waiting expectantly, and narrowed her eyes on the silver youkai when he didn't give her the mistletoe, bidding her to spend the day with him. Huffing, she turned on her heel and walked off the stage and followed him to the bar.
Sesshomaru sat on the stool, where a new drink awaited him. He looked at it suspiciously, and then at Kagome.
"Don't worry, you'll like this one," Kagome said smiling warmly at him. Even though he probably didn't intend on giving her the mistletoe, he still stopped Naraku from getting it—and that made her like him a bit more—arrogance and all.
"Hey, you," Kagura said, tapping Sesshomaru's broad shoulders.
Sesshomaru lifted a brow in her direction, but didn't turn around. Instead, he drank his drink, surprised he found it to his liking.
"Hey, I'm talking to you," Kagura insisted, pushing herself between Sesshomaru's and Shippou's stools. She leaned her back on the counter and propped her elbows on it, facing Sesshomaru.
"What do you want, woman?" Sesshomaru asked, staring straight ahead. Though the mirror wall he saw Kagome mix more drinks and hand them over to other men next to him and Shippou. He saw the way she smiled at them and how she sighed disgustedly when they weren't looking. He completely ignored the demoness talking to him—until something she said caught his attention.
"So, are you gonna give me that mistletoe? I saw the way you were looking at me..." she trailed off, drawing small whispered circles on him sleeve.
Sesshomaru shrugged her off, and noticed when Kagome turned to him, "Can I get you anything else?" she asked him.
Kagura turned to her and glared, "If we want something we'll tell you, right now leave us alone."
Kagome rolled her eyes and was about to leave when Sesshomaru reached over and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her closer and slipped something into her hand. Kagome looked down and gasped in shock. In the middle of her palm, was the bright red mistletoe Sesshomaru had won. She turned wide eyes at him and heard what he said.
"Tomorrow, I'll pick you up in the morning," was all he said, boring his eyes into her warm sapphire ones before he stood up, shoving a shocked Kagura off him, and walking out the bar.
Kagome stared after him, and noticed Shippou's shocked face as he too stood up and handed her a bill before running after his friend. All Kagome thought was what he'd said.
Tomorrow....
Oh, no! She had to spend the whole day with him...and tomorrow was Inuyasha's dinner party.....! What would she do?
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A/N: There's ch. 2 for 'ya! Some of the drinks here you might heard of, some not. I am a real life bartender so I know a lot about drinks, so if you'd like to know what was in these drinks, let me know and I'll tell 'ya!
Also, the names of the drinks are real, and the 1-900-FUK-MEUP was really invented in Tallahassee, Florida!