Chapter 7

Dance with me?

She froze. Kagome's eyes began to blink wildly. "I…" She responded softly, her mind trying to think of something as a protest. "But…I don't" Koga lifted her chin and looked at her. "I don't have a toothbrush." She blurted the first thing that came to mind. Yeah that'll scare him...

Koga's chest rocked as he chuckled. "Kagome, I'm sure I can arrange that…" And then he leaned in to kiss her. His hand sliding behind the nape of her neck and pulled her closer, kissing her deeper. This time, he fully intended to make love to her. He'd been waiting for far too long. Kagome's body began to panic as her mind raced. She was hot and wet but somewhere in the depth of her mind, she didn't want to jump in bed with him just yet. She wasn't ready. At the same time, his caresses and the deep kiss was luring her into an erotic delusion.

She broke away from the kiss the gasp some air into her lungs. Koga had already slipped his hand under her blouse and flicked off the hook of her bra, his hand was moving toward the front, kneading her heaving bosom, while his lips nipped and licked her jaw, neck and shoulder.

"Ohhh…" Her moan escaped her lips, her senses spiraling out of control fast.

Just then, her phone rang. She ignored it as Koga continued to massage her breast while his other hand had found her moist center and was rubbing it through her panties.

"Oh Kami, Koga..." she breathed.

RIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG

Their body heat was rising and she was trying her best to ignore the tone but it kept buzzing in her head.

RIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

She could only imagine who was calling her at this hour. She already knew.

RRRRRRIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

"Koga, wait," Kagome said, breathless then fumbled through her purse and pulled out her phone. She was looking at the caller ID while Koga continued to seduce her body to succumb to his need.

Kikyo, what could it be this time? She didn't want to answer. It was probably another one of her twin's ridiculous mishap of some kind. But when the voice mail popped up marked 'urgent' she had to check.

"Koga!" She giggled when he sucked on her sensitive nipple. When her twins teary, sniffling voice came through the receiver, Kagome jumped up abruptly knocking Koga in the jaw with her knee.

"Oww…" he rubbed his chin.

"Oohh…I'm sorry! Are you okay?" She tossed the phone on the couch as the message continued on while she checked on him.

"Yeah. Fine. Now, where were we?" He asked then yanked her into his arms.

"No, Koga! I can't. Kikyo's crying. Something's wrong! I have to call her!" Kagome protested.

Koga let out an angry sigh. "I'm so sorry…" Kagome's voice was soft and apologetic. "I'll make it up to you…" She said, giving him her best seductive smile, combined with large puppy eyes.

Unable to resist, Koga surrendered. "Alright. But you're going to have to work real hard next time." Koga warned with a smile.

"Deal." Kagome answered quickly then grabbed her phone to listen to her twin's message.

When Kagome called Kikyo, her twin while bawling, demanded that she go see her right away. She had Koga drop her off at Kikyo's place and he left her there, not a very happy wolf at all.

As it turns out, Kikyo and InuYasha had gotten into some silly fight and she was crying her eyes out, threatening to cancel the wedding and regretting that she even mated him. At 25 years of age, Kagome can't believe how her little sister could still act like such a teenager.

Kagome soothed her twin for hours in the locked bedroom, which Kikyo refused to let InuYasha enter. Finally after long demanding hours of convincing and reminding her twin how much she loved the hanyou did Kikyo surrender and let InuYasha in the room to talk to her. She left the two young love birds work the rest of it out and went home. Their driver dropped her off but not before Kikyo screamed a 'thank you sis' over the balcony.

Exhausted and sexually frustrated, Kagome didn't even bother to change, she just went straight to her bed and passed out.

..............

Friday came by much to quick and when their rehearsal dinner was a success, she was relieved and happy. Saturday morning was the big day and she was thrilled. A small gathering, most of the same people from the rehearsal dinner arrived at the shrine for Kikyo's Shinto-style wedding.

Donning a traditional shiromuku, Kikyo looked like an angel descending from heaven as InuYasha wore montsuki haori hakama. The sake drinking ritual was heavenly when the two presented the drinks to their parents. Then they exchanged wedding rings, followed by light eating and watching the Teiko drummers performed.

There was a 'break' after that as the families gathered to the church to get ready for the Western style wedding. Kikyo walked down the isle, in her long white silk strapless gown with a long train. Kagome smiled watching her sister approach the alter, which the Priest announced their union and then they were once again whisked off to the ceremony.

The wedding was huge and quite extravagant as the elder Mr. Tashio greeted his guests and thanked them for coming as well as their 'best wishes' to the new bride and groom. The older men chit chatted over little pups running around and laughed, cheering the young couple on. Kagome was exhausted and had been drinking between the toast and dinner. Finally it was the tossing of the bouquet which she did not want to par take so she wandered about.

"Do you need help?" Kagome went down on her knees looking into a beautiful white hair, lavender eyes hanyou. The little boy was hopping up and down trying to reach the center piece which was a round bowl of goldfish swimming under a floating candle. The boy smiled at her.

"Yes please." he answered with a bow.

She reached to grab the center piece so he could see the fish better. Slipping her hand in ignoring the slight heat from the tea candle Kagome took the little flame out so that the water cools. "Here you go little one."

"It's pretty." The boy said. "I'm going to eat it!" He added before sliding his hand in for the fish. Kagome's eyes shot wide open while she caught his hand just as the tip of his fingers touched the water.

"No sweetie. Let me show you." Kagome held up the bowl so she could show him the fish. "See, isn't he pretty? You don't want to eat him!"

"But I want him!" The little boy whined.

Kagome giggled. How she'd wanted a kid. And it wasn't for the lack of trying on her part either. Although relieved now after the divorce that she didn't have a child in the mess, her heart still longed for something that was part of her romping around. "Hmmm...what's your name little one?" She asked.

"Hakudoshi." The boy answered nodding his little head with firmness.

"Okay, Hakudoshi, I'm Kagome. And I'll tell you what, I'll give you the fish, but you must promise not to eat him. Instead, if you put him in your room, he can be your friend and wouldn't it be fun to watch him swim around?" Kagome coaxed.

"Hmmm...I guess." Hakudoshi spread his palms out to receive the fish.

With a slight hesitation, Kagome gave in and handed the bowl over. Hakudoshi giggled in glee and thanked her. "Thank you beautiful lady! I will mate you one day!" He cried running off, leaving her standing in shock. He was about 20 yards from her when she saw him stopped, reached in the bowl and tilted his head back as a tiny orange fish fell into his mouth and then set the bowl of water onto the table. She had to laugh at the sight, shaking her head at the kid. Well, sorry little fish. I tried...she sigh as a smile spread across her face watching him meet up with the other children talking and laughing excitedly. Something in her heart stirred.

................

.....

Kagome had changed from her strapless gown into a spaghetti straps V-neck flowing gown instead. She sat sipping her champagne as she watched Sesshoumaru tapping his claws from boredom. Koga had gone off somewhere and the band continued to play a few jazz numbers.

Sesshoumaru sat tapping his claw, forcing himself not to look at the miko, but when she stood from her seat and approached him, he felt the heat rising within. Lifting his chin he watched the miko smiled as she stood in front of him. "Dance with me?" She requested holding out her hand. He looked up at her, blinking away his shock and confusion.

"This Sesshoumaru…....does not dance." He answered.

Kagome crooked her neck to the side, tilting her head a little as she gave him a 'I don't buy it look'. He continued to stare at her extended hand, then she withdrew it quickly and sat down next to him.

It was a little uncomfortable at first, except the wine and champagne had helped her with her inhibitions so with steady hand placed it on top of his and flashed him another smile. He wanted to dance with her, he wanted to be close to her, but the fear of wanting her too much had him hesitating. Sipping the rest of his champagne, 'what the hell?' he thought as he allowed her to convince him to come and dance with her. He guided her around the dance floor towards the first song and as he escorted her back to their table, she noticed that Koga still haven't returned.

Someone requested 'strangers in the night' by Frank Sinatra from the band just as they reached their table.

"One more?" She asked with pleading eyes. He nodded. They proceed to move to back to the dance floor. And as the music started to play, they began a 'butterfly hold' with Sesshoumaru wrapping his arm around Kagome's waist, and her hand placed near his shoulders. He held her right hand with his left and they opened like a book as they began. He lead her with his steps. As they step forward, he turned her quickly his hand clutching her hair as they spin together across the floor, her hands on the sides of his upper torso.

Strangers in the night exchanging glances

Wondering in the night

What were the chances wed be sharing love

Before the night was through.

His arm encircled her neck, and this time, her hand place on top of his and she appeared to, at least at this point, have partial control of her own body. They continue to step forward, a 1& 2 step count, promenade, step, and step, and then he stepped without turning, and opened out keeping their hands joined, he rose his left arm to signal a twirl, which she did and as the twirl left their arms outstretched she spun back and was welcomed into his arms with her back toward his chest.

Something in your eyes was so inviting,

Something in you smile was so exciting,

Something in my heart,

Told me I must have you.

Sesshoumaru pulled her closer to his chest, holding onto her tightly, as if emphasizing the last sentence sang.

Strangers in the night, two lonely people

We were strangers in the night

Up to the moment

When we said our first hello.

They glanced at each other's eyes as the words cascaded over the loud speakers and shivers went down both their spines. Everyone around them seemed to fade away as the music continued and they kept on dancing.

Twirling, their steps graceful as he glided her with carefree ease over the dance floor, her dress flowing behind them. Even the dancers moved out of the way and watched the beautiful performance of the Dai and the gorgeous miko. They looked like a couple performing for a ballroom dancing contest. His long silver hair contrasting with her black locks while they moved on the floor and their hairs flowing, entangling in a sea of music as the words flowed and the rhythm continued.

Little did we know

Love was just a glance away,

A warm embracing dance away and -

They glided and turned, spinning right before he dipped her backwards, gazing deep into her eyes for the longest time, then he lifted her up again and they performed across the large dance floor. He lifted her up by the waist and spun her around, Kagome threw up her arms extended vertically and with great poise. Slowly letting her onto the floor again, he stood, while she began rotating around him, spinning and swaying her hips simultaneously with the soft jazz. They joined together once again, his feet leaving the floor repeatedly along with hers and they let the reality of their world fade away...

Ever since that night we've been together.

Lovers at first sight, in love forever.

It turned out so right,

For strangers in the night…..

And when the song ended, disappointment filled him. They both ignored the loud applauses for their performance. He wanted her to continue to be within his arms, in his reach, where the scent of her perfume and her essence brought him to such a state of euphoria. There was nothing he loved more than the way she smiled and the scent coming from her as her body responded to his touch.

Yet with a quick bow, he nodded her way and she curtsied. "Thank you for the dances." She said softly and the breath of her voice caressed over his skin like soft butterfly kisses. Oh, how he wanted to just take her away from the place and make her all his. But she had already walked toward their table again, where Koga sat waiting tapping his claws impatiently for her.

Without waiting for her to come back to the table Koga rose to his feet and approached her. He led her back out onto the dance floor and she swayed along the music with him. Tired Kagome rested her cheek on his shoulder as he pulled her closer.

"You looked so beautiful tonight!" Koga whispered into her ear.

"Mmm…do I?" She teased.

"Oh, absolutely stunning!" he added.

"Why thank you! You don't look half bad yourself." Kagome pulled back and looked him up and down.

"Ah, apparently not as good looking as somebody…" Koga nodded over Sesshoumaru's direction.

"Jealous are we?" Kagome asked smirking.

"I've got nothing to be jealous of. After all, you're in my arms aren't you?" He asked and then pulled her real close and sealing her lips with his own.

"Mmm.." she moaned softly before pushing him away. "Not in front of all these people!" She protested blushing. From the corner of his eyes Sesshoumaru saw the kiss and turned his head elsewhere, deciding he need to go inside for something stronger than the champagne being served.

The night grew long and tiring. It was well past 2AM when it finally slowed down a bit. Kikyo and InuYasha had already been whisked off toward their honeymoon suite at the Sakura Hotel. She had stayed after, making sure everyone had their tips and such before heading home. She had also shooed Koga home, seeing that he was just waiting around bored to tears, while she had things to do and wasn't sure when she would be finished.

When she reached her house, she realized how empty it was, how lonely she was. And the scent of Sesshoumaru reminded her how much she missed him. Shaking her head from thoughts of him, she ran into her bathroom and grabbed her toothbrush. Smiling to herself as she made her way over to Koga's house, early in the morning.

Kagome entered his house heart beating excitedly. She was going to surprise him with her decision. She wanted to move on with him, let go of her past and move onto the next level of their relationship. She wanted to tell him that she was willing to be excited about it and taking in a deep breath, she held her toothbrush in her hand and entered the house. Making her way across the large foyer she turned, proceeding toward the stairs to go see him and she stopped short.

Coming down the stairs was a woman, wrapped only in a white towel and drying her hair with another. Kagome swallowed hard and looked away, uncomfortable at the sight. The toothbrush shook in her hand and fell loose from her grasp, marking the only noise between the two females.

If the other woman was embarrassed by her halfnude, she gave no sign of it. She cocked her head and frowned at Kagome. "Do I know you?" She asked noticing that Kagome looked vaguely familiar.

Kagome swallowed again, shook her head, seemingly have lost her voice.

The woman's expression cleared. "Ah! You must be his assistant! I'll tell Koga you're here" She said with a bright smile before turning around and headed up the stairs.

Kagome spun around and ran out the door before Koga could come down to see her. It's nothing. It's nothing at all. You're not even 'officially' together with him! She kept telling herself. She wanted to be cool, nonchalant about the whole thing. She kept blinking her eyes furiously to keep from crying. Her stomach lurched and rolled from the anger and nerves, but a part of her was relieved somehow. Somehow she found that it was like her mind had been set free. It wasn't as if she and Koga was ever really that serious but emotions were so hard to get away from and that's what was boiling under her skin. The one she was actually interested in, hadn't made a move on her and the one who had chased after her was just like her ex-husband. She came to the resolve that perhaps she was destined to be a loner. One that could never find love.

Closing the door to her car she started the ignition and saw Koga standing in the front of it. "Kagome, we need to talk." He said.

Sighing, she turned off the ignition, opened her door and went to see him. As soon as she exited the car, he was by her side, holding her by the upper arms. "Kagome, I can explain…" he began.

"It's okay Koga. You don't have to explain yourself to me…"

"Kagome it's not what you think…" He said. "I…She...we'd dated and she showed up suddenly....I was drunk...I'm sorry. I really..."

She pressed a finger on his lips to silence him. "Shh….It's okay Koga. I think we both knew that it wasn't going to work out right? You know, there's just something about having a heart condition…..I just always knew somehow, you and I are just not...." she looked up at him slowly, meeting his gaze, her finger still pressed on his lips. "meant to be…I believe this might be for the best anyway." Kagome gave him a half-smile. He shook his head.

Koga removed her finger from his lips, glanced quickly at the figure standing at his bedroom window and then back at Kagome. She'd followed his gaze and before he could speak, she said, "Go to her Koga. You and I will always be friends." Kagome didn't wait for him to protest, didn't wait for him speak, and she slid into her car. Koga watched as the car started and drove away from his house, realizing what a dumbass he'd been. He didn't think she would come over. It was early morning and he thought she was exhausted and needed her rest at home. Now, as he stared at the figure in his window, he wanted to kick himself in the ass for once again, loosing the woman he cared for all these years because he'd been too impatient. Too rash, and his jealousy of watching her dancing with Sesshoumaru had gotten the best of him.

..............

.........(earlier during the evening before Kagome went home....)

Sesshoumaru was pouring another glass of whiskey when Izayoi came to see him.

"Are you sure you need another?" She asked with a smile. He turned his head stood to bow and greet her. A force of habit he couldn't break. He stood when a woman enter and exit the room. Especially she was his step-mother, he'd always paid her the proper respect.

"Izayoi" he greeted her and then took a sip of his whiskey.

"I think she's a great gal, don't you?" Izayoi said nodding in Kagome's direction.

"Huh?" He followed her gaze and saw Kagome, hustling and bustling about.

"She did all this for her sister. It was a lot of work." Izayoi continued.

"Hn."

"You know Sesshoumaru, sometimes what you're looking for is right before your eyes." Izayoi hinted, waving at Kagome who waved back then the miko turned to talk to the servants.

"I'm sorry Izayoi, this Sesshoumaru knows not what you're talking about." He lied.

"Oh, but I think you do. She's probably waiting for you to say something. I mean, after all Sesshoumaru, you're quite intimidating…are you not?" Izayoi placed her small hand on the Dai's arm and smiled.

He looked at her hand resting on his then turned his gaze to see Kagome bowing and thanking one of the caterers. "She's attached." He said without looking at Izayoi.

His step-mother let out a soft laugh. "I see the way she looked at you Sesshoumaru." They watched as Kagome bid good-bye to everyone and ran out the door. Sesshoumaru winced at the sight of her shrinking form. "If you hate to see her walk away, then don't make her spend her lifetime waiting for you Sesshoumaru." Izayoi rose from her seat and left the Dai sitting sipping on his whiskey.

Sesshoumaru sat at outside long after everyone had left and the place cleared, all by himself, feeling lonely. Thinking about the miko; wondering what he should do. He began to think about Izayoi's words to him earlier. Had he really been that blind? How ridiculous would he feel if she didn't feel the same way he felt? Could he abandon his pride for the chance to be with her? Setting the glass of whiskey down, he decided that she was worth the risk; he wanted to know the truth, if she did love him after all. He wanted her to be his, and only his. He didn't want anymore lonely nights without her.………….

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

~TS