Um, Annul This?
Summary: Two strangers meet, resulting in the occurrence of the two waking up the next morning married. It was a mistake, something that could be easily fixed right? If only they didn't get hitched in the middle of nowhere, with no hope of getting an annulment anytime soon. …. if only that wasn't all that was stopping them.
A/N: Here is the next chapter. It has been split into two parts. Hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: We do not own InuYasha or any accompanying characters from the manga/anime. All of which were created by Rumiko Takahashi.
Her Take: Part 1
Kagome coughed as the alcohol traveled down her throat, leaving in its path a burning sensation she willingly accepted, one only the strongest of alcoholic beverages could achieve. She allowed the remnants of her drink to dribble from the corners of her mouth, making no attempts to stop its fall.
Nevertheless, she did permit her tongues swift movement over the crack in the middle of her lip.
She felt his presence behind her; therefore, there was no need to look up from the shot glass that was still within her grasp. His shadow bore over her, leaving an outline of his shadow to cover her arms and the counter upon which they lay.
"Did you even hear a word I said?"
Kagome traced the agitation laced strongly within his words; fastened closely with the animosity she too felt. She took one hand, and swept her hair over her shoulder, her nose held as high as she could manage. She knew she was only adding fuel to the fire, in front of an audience no less, but her persona would not allow her to do any less.
She felt him shift behind her and turned her head to the left, as she assumed he'd be arrogantly standing, to only feel his front against her seated back. Kagome promptly stilled, and turned her head forward, deciding it best to feign innocence and an air of indifference. She felt his breath against the rim of her ear, and turned her head slightly towards him, daring him to continue.
A challenge he naturally accepted.
"I thought I told you," he paused, his hand touching the side of her arm, steadily moving down its length, before lingering at her waist, "To fucking wait in the lobby."
Kagome frowned, his touch doing nothing to calm the tension, and was not at all as suggestive as it may appear to onlookers; it was simply an established threat.
"And," she started, as she let go of the glass within her hand that sat upon the counter, and placed it over his own, which was still firmly placed upon her waist. "I thought I told you…" she glanced over to him; a tasteless smile the likes she had not shown since her ex's betrayal, fixed firmly upon her face. "Not to fucking touch me."
She found it sickening, that to any observer they might appear as two lovers, sharing an intimate moment. But she knew better, he was only acting for their audience, guests who entered the bar just a few movements ago, and she attempting to best him at his own game.
Kagome watched the smirk slowly form upon his face, knowing full and well that his shade-covered eyes reflected the amusement she figured he plainly felt. She descended her finger nails into his skin, knowing it would not cause much damage, but would at the very least, thwart his attempts at subduing her for the time being.
She mutely sighed in relief when he slipped his hand away from her, and sat himself at the bar stool besides her, his attention seemingly elsewhere, "I found the location of the place, I'll have my driver take us down there."
Kagome spared him a glance, as she grew more aware of the individuals taking seats among the throng of tables behind them in the restaurant. The bar was seated high in the resturant, in clear view of its occupants, which fully explained why her husband was behaving.
She had the impression that he did not want to form a scene.
"Good," Kagome managed, her eyes briefly catching those of the bartender's, as he listened from his spot, the glass and towel still in his hands. She heard the unmistakable sound of a dry chuckle, which ceased as the sound of wood scratching against wood caught her ears.
Kagome turned towards her embodied dilemma to find him standing, and already walking past her, "We're leaving." She watched as he spared the bartender a nod, before walking towards the exit, expecting her to follow.
She stood, intending to so just that, giving the bartender a nod of her own, which he did not return. Nonetheless, she turned, following the man who had become within a matter of hours, her other half.
Previous Day, 10:45 AM
Kagome furrowed her brows, as she rubbed lotion on her elbows. Her bottom seated upon a comfortable mattress with a luxurious comforter and sheets that would put her to sleep with ease, if not for the ill regard she now had placed upon her current stay.
It was only her second day at the resort, and she felt as if she'd been deceived, and considered the possibility that she felt immensely worse than when she arrived.
She could not help but recall what transpired between herself and Kouga. It was what drove her to come to Chekva, a little region in Eastern Europe that stood on its own accord of the coast, and did not have a direct link to any surrounding countries; only that it seemed to serve as a resting point for business travelers who did not want to spend their night at the regions' airport.
She thought she would be able to cope with all that occurred, and continue living her life as if Kouga never existed, but she soon realized that it was close to impossible.
After two days of wallowing in her bed at her childhood home, she decided that she should take some time off, and asked her employer for a week's vacation; hoping that getting away from her problem would ensure some form of a recovery. But of course, it seemed that her life took on a new philosophy: When you've hit rock bottom, the only way left to go…is underground.
As soon as she landed in Eastern Europe, the airline lost one of her luggage at the baggage claim. They weren't quite sure where, just somewhere between here and there; which did not ease Kagome's worry due to the fact that the distance between the here of Eastern Europe, and the there of the United States, was a far enough stretch to ascertain her loss of all hope—she was never going to recover her luggage of clothing.
Consequently, when she arrived to the resort, her room wasn't even ready, although she had clearly informed them of a late check-in; her room was supposed to have been ready hours ago. She had to wait almost an hour before she was able to go up to her room, no complimentary item given to her for the inconvenience.
At first glance, her room appeared just as the image she saw online, if not better. It was exceptionally spacious, with a nicely equipped king-sized bed, a nightstand with a single lamp and land-line phone, a flat screen television set in the center near the door, and an appealing oak wood desk with a comfortable and stylish chair. Her stomach audibly took note of the room service menu atop of its surface, listing different foods she couldn't wait to try. Though all looked pleasant, it was after she started unpacking and examined her living space further, that she discovered why the cost of staying at such an innovative and luxurious accommodation, came so cheap.
Kagome spotted an insect that she could not identify. She knew that it wasn't a roach, or a spider, but despite her doubts of its identity, she knew one thing for certain… it was hideous. She had promptly called housekeeping, who came and caught the bug and removed it from her room in such a languid fashion; a pace that did not suit her taste.
She had preferred to have it out of her sight sometime within that month...
There was also spotting on the carpeting, which was odd, considering the front desk claimed her room had yet to be occupied since the resorts opening. With her seemingly perfect bed, arose another issue. The bed's comforter looked orderly, pristine, and neat but once the covers were drawn, lay a mess of rumpled sheets not fitted and looked as if someone lay to rest moments before.
And her so-called view was anything but. She had walked over to the window and saw that it looked right into someone else's room. The drapes of the window were open, allowing her to see straight into it. She squinted when the lights turned on, to see what she assumed was a male housekeeper opening the closet, and placing what she figured were blankets, inside. She wandered if he somehow sensed her, as he looked out the window towards her.
She feigned innocence soon after, and promptly looked away.
As she lamented on her lack of a view, she soon found that notion to be false, as later that night, there was an abundance of entertainment from the sight below. She had a nice view of the alleyway full of garbage cans by day, and hookers and drug dealers by night.
And that was only her first day.
Now that she was wide awake from a decent night's sleep, she decided to explore the "resort" to see if there was anything that could possibly salvage the rest of her vacation.
Kagome closed the door to her hotel room, sporting khaki shorts and a white tank top, her wedged sandals producing a perceptible clicking against the pinewood floors as she walked over to the elevator.
She soon found herself pushing the down button more times than needed.
She decided she would try not to let her first night of hell serve as a prime example of how her next few nights would follow. She entered the elevator, seeing it was somewhat crowded, and eased in as a gentleman moved to the side to let her through.
She tapped her foot against the flooring, watching the small screen as the numbers receded from the twelfth floor at a pace she could not help but characterize as morbidly slow. Kagome sighed when the elevator reached the eighth floor and listened as the door opened. She stilled as she watched and felt the other occupants of the elevator move to the sides of the now small space, parting, leaving her alone in the middle. She frowned as she glanced over to the people who quickly moved, and then over to the man now entering through the open doors.
Kagome watched as he took relaxed steps, a hand casually placed in one pocket, the other lingering at his side. She had no doubt that he was a businessman, like most of the guests of the establishment (business woman included), and was decked out in a black suit, with a white buttoned up shirt and red tie.
All the more, she couldn't help but frown as the man stopped right in front of her, and without so much of a glance turned, giving her his back.
'What the hell?!' she thought angrily, 'Why is he standing in front me of all places, when everyone here parted like the fucking Red Sea for him?'
As Kagome stood behind him, his back barely touching her nose, she took a slight step back and studied the man before her. Her eyes roamed over his backside, as they stopped at the back of his head of silver that was swept over his shoulder in a single braid. She could not help but notice it gave all viewing access to his strong neck that emitted a wave of masculinity, from that body part alone. Kagome's eyes strayed from his neck, over to the top of his head, where she found two dog-like ears, moving at the moment of any sound.
Her thoughts came to a near close, when the elevator stopped on the second floor, allowing a few of its occupants out. Kagome moved to her left and caught sight of the silver headed man moving behind her, as they allowed others to pass through. Kagome looked over, and noticed there were only four people left, herself included. She came to realize that the young male she was studying just moments ago, seemed to change his mind and preferred standing directly behind her, rather than in front of her.
Kagome's frown deepened, failing miserably in her attempts to still her erratically thumping heart. She knew the gentleman behind her was a demon of some sort, and could easily detect any uneasiness from her, if not by her smell, then by the sound of her racing heart—she did not wish to be a pawn in some demon's game.
The elevator soon stopped on the second floor, where she was told upon check in, was home of some of the amenities, including the business center and meeting rooms. She was not surprised to find three individuals still present, including, unfortunately, the demon behind her.
Kagome painstakingly watched as the elevator doors closed too slowly for her taste, even slower to begin its' downward descend to the next floor. She felt his eyes on her and felt she did not have to look back to know his eyes were mirroring what hers did moments ago, and were scaling the back of frame, and undoubtedly, her entire backside.
She heard the unmistakable ding of the elevator, and steadily realized they had reached the first floor, the executive floor if she recalled correctly. Kagome moved to her left, allowing a woman to pass her who barely acknowledged the act, who was soon followed by none other than the demon to whom her recent thoughts were reserved. She could not help the frown that appeared on her face, as he brushed past her, despite the obvious abundance of space around them.
There was no one else in the now spacious elevator, save for herself and another gentleman.
She watched him through closing doors, his walk as immaculate and masculine as she imagined it would be…and all she could think of was the fact that the male had the nerve to sweep past her the way he did, and with intent, collide his arm against her shoulder.
Bastard.
Kagome ignored the glance of the man that walked past her upon his exit out of the elevator. She followed suit, her eyes centered on the concierge desk as she entered the lobby. She needed to find some way to occupy her time, to get her mind off all the things that put her inner-workings in a total state of disorder.
Was that not what she had come to this place for?
Kagome forced a smile as she came upon the counter, the desk attendant's attention solely hers as he too presented a smile, jet-black hair cut short to mere centimeters from the roots with brown-green eyes peering into hers, "How may I be of service?"
"Is there anything else I could possibly do to entertain myself, besides the use of the very few amenities described on the back of my pamphlet?"
"Well, you have access to the business center, to use the computers, the outside pool that—"
"Is the size of a kiddie pool." Kagome kindly interrupted, her smile slightly faltering, "Honestly, I'm starting to think that this rather large lobby, is the only amenity I'm supposed to enjoy." She could only attest that the lobby was just as beautiful as the images on the online brochure let on, if not more so. She just had a sinking feeling at the pit of her stomach when it came to everything else concerning the resort. It wondered if the cost of her room, which was fairly cheap, might be limiting the activities she could partake in.
"What about some of the other amenities on the pamphlet such as the mini bar that was supposed to be in my room, along with all the premium movie channels and unlimited Wi-Fi access?"
"Those are only accessible depending on your rate," the concierge replied.
Kagome blinked, as she quickly linked together what she was being told to what she had been dreading. "So basically, you mean to say, that I get what I paid for?"
The attendant cocked his head to the side, "Ma'am, there are no other amenities you can indulge in, besides those listed to you upon your arrival." he asserted.
Kagome's smile had long since dissolved and was replaced with a frown, his near robotic replies serving as an annoyance. Although she knew that the amount she paid for her stay was a steal, she did not know it would limit her options and prohibit her from enjoying the rest of the resort.
She let a sardonic chuckle pass, coming to the realization she was more than likely put on a floor that held meager accommodations like your average hotel; nothing more, but surely less.
While she dawdled there, executives and business men/women of the highest order were fed out of silver spoons. What irritated her further was the fact that the hotel noted all the great services available upon stay but did not differentiate them to be services only garnered for the select few. It claimed it was a family-oriented environment, but the place yelled big business by its occupants and unhelpful staff.
She'd be damned if she were to spend her next few days at a resort, without some form of fun and entertainment.
Kagome huffed, "What about an indoor pool? I went to that kid's pool outside, and it was filled with them. I'm guessing they're the other families this place happened to reel in."
The man frowned, "Miss, like I said before, there are no indoor pools within the establishment that would be of use to you."
"Bull shit," Kagome retorted loudly, passersby's and surrounding guests frowning at the outburst, the concierge following in step. Kagome rolled her eyes, and leaned in whispering, "Bull shit."
The concierge's green-brown eyes portrayed the irritation she knew he could not show outwardly. If this were any other time, she might have felt sorry for causing it, but at the moment she felt scorned by the placenshe believed would help her forget the sadness and anger she felt due to Kouga's infidelity.
"No ma'am, I do not lie. Now, if you are done, can you please move to the side so that I may assist the guest behind you," he noted, gesturing to the woman behind her.
Kagome angrily turned, her teeth clenched. She could not believe she had spent money on such a place, when she could have easily stayed at a regular hotel for the same, if not lesser price.
All inclusive my ass...
Kagome let her legs carry her to the less populated area of the spacious atrium. She sat herself in one of the armchairs, watching as two men soon stood from across from her and left, leaving her to be the only occupier of the immediate area.
Kagome rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration, leaning back in an inappropriate fashion her mother would find unbecoming of a young lady. But she didn't care, never really did, although the act seemed almost foreign to her since she had curbed such behaviors upon dating Kouga.
Her eyes followed a housekeeper of the establishment, as she allowed her hands to drop to her sides. She watched the worker walk quickly, just a few yards away, towards the other side of the lobby. Her gaze then strayed to the potted trees the housekeeper had just passed, placed so closely together that their leaves touched. She wished she could say she'd never seen trees like these before, but it would be a lie she would tell herself, if only to find some rescue from her oncoming boredom and make her feel like she attained something from this trip. Her eyes followed the long leaves that stemmed from thick branches, seeming to cover the wall it stood before.
Kagome blinked.
She squinted her eyes. The tan colored wall became a dark abyss at the middle, where the leaves of the potted trees met; seemingly covering more than themselves. Kagome stood as she walked towards it, her curiosity peeking as she drew near, and realized there was an opening behind the leaves. Kagome glanced to her sides, to see if anyone was watching her.
Kagome knew without a doubt this was a sad attempt to hide the small doorway. From what, she could not determine, but had an itch to ascertain just what. With one last momentary look around her, Kagome pushed through, moving aside the leaves that touched her arms, thighs, and legs as she passed. She stepped through the archway, her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness before her. She began to walk, when she felt herself fall forward, her hand catching the railing to her right upon instinct. Her brows furrowed, soon realizing there were a long set of steps before her, from what her fleeting eyesight could confirm.
She knew what she was doing could be considered stupid, an unintelligent move that an educated girl such as herself should know better than to make. But her curiosity nagged her to continue, propelled her steps forward onto a staircase that seemed to lead her closer to darkness. She held firmly to the railing, her eyes refocusing as they came upon a faint light. She quickened her steps and she soon found herself walking on leveled flooring.
Kagome led her feet forward, as she walked towards the doorway of escaping light. Her eyes closed when the brightness became almost blinding upon her entry, her arm shielding the rays from her eyes. She forced herself to blink repeatedly, in hopes of clearing her vision, the spots of green and purple diminishing, eyelids erasing them steadily. She moved her arm away from her face and took in the spectacle before her.
She could not help the smile that outlined her lips.
She was surrounded by tropical foliage in a huge expanse of space, almost the size of a football field. Kagome realized that she was actually still indoors, a glass dome-covering enclosed the area. She heard the unmistakable noise of birds, but could not tell if it was natural, or synthetically stimulated.
Her walk soon came to a stop, her smile widened. There before her, was the indoor pool she had long since been craving; it lay before her reflecting the azure of the sky. The throng of white lounge chairs parked parallel to the pool, added to the effect, and there was not a soul in sight.
"So, this is what they were hiding…" Kagome declared in wonder.
Kagome ventured further in, her wedged sandals clicking against the flooring. She was already making plans, wondering when the best time would be to sneak back here for a swim. The rational part of her was telling her sometime during the early morning would be best, but she knew if her mind remained on that thought, she'd be tempted to strip down to her under wear for a dip. Kagome frowned as a figure came into her line of vision, reclined against one of the lounge chairs in languorous fashion.
Her steps quickened, as did her breath as recognition came and stayed. The male's black slacks came into view, the accompanying suit jacket forgotten, strewn over an adjacent chair. Kagome stopped a yard from him. The man's eyes were closed; an arm seated under his head whilst the other lay upon his mid-section. The ears atop his head twitched in a manner that one would perceive as endearing and his braid was tucked underneath him, hidden from view.
He was everything that she remembered him to be, exuding the same confidence she saw earlier while merely lying, and looked just as handsome while doing so. All the while she could not help but think one thing, as her brows nearly fused at the thought.
Bastard…
A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Please read and review and tell us what you think. Your thoughts are truly a great motivation, and we do appreciate them. ^_^