Grey Skies

Hey there. Sorry it's taken me three months to update. I really didn't mean it but some real-life issues got in the way and I really couldn't do anything about it. Sorry :P

I'll understand if some people abandoned this fic because of my slacking off.

Anyway, here's the chapter you've been waiting three months for (-.-) I hope you enjoy it!

Insecurity

Sesshomaru was slightly surprised, if not just a little more than angered. Such insolence, he inwardly growled, golden eyes hidden beneath brown contacts narrowing dangerously at the female who dared to defy him. This woman dares to disrespect me, the one who can break her with a mere nudge of my finger? Such idiocy and careless behaviour. The intensity around him heightened as his anger slowly grew. He had to admit, though, that the person in front of him held a completely different persona from the one he encountered a week ago, the one that merely stuttered and presented herself as a fool.

She holds herself high this time, the defiance flaming in her eyes obvious and fierce. He continued to glare. And she has a sincere passion about the words she speaks. Imbecile. It's idiotic to believe in such lies.

As they 'conversed', if you could even call it that, businessmen and women alike chattered noisily around the large, beautifully decorated ballroom. Sesshomaru never did like crowded places. It made him feel stiff, alert; wary. He tended to avoid places where large masses of people gathered. Like he said before, the fewer people that see him, the better it was for him. He was almost disgusted by the amount of low-ranking businesspeople that had attended. They weren't that hard to spot. What separated those whom were successful and those whom were not was plainly obvious. It was by their stature, their expression, the way they dressed and their behaviour that defined which class they were from. Those who dressed too extravagantly sought for more attention than they really required, making them look foolish. Those too pushy made themselves look desperate. It was an amateur's working.

Of course, when he first sighted the famous Kagome Higurashi in this extremely populated room, he had second thoughts about his first impression of her. Even he could admit that she was attractive, being part of the male population himself. Peering inside a car in the dark of night wasn't exactly the best way to personally see someone up close.

She was probably one of the most elegant and self-respecting woman here. Her black dress was simple, her make-up was almost non-existent, and even her hairstyle was set up in something you could do every day. Although her attire was quite plain and simple, she was gorgeous; her body was all woman, filling out in just the right places. Any man would want her, and Sesshomaru believed she knew that too. Her eyes were what interested him most, though. There was something in those deep, brown depths that told a story that was never written in newspapers, in tabloids; a secret, a dark one, that she wanted to keep all to herself. It gave her a sense of mystery, no matter how light. She was stunning. He wasn't surprised when most of the males here casually turned to steal a glance at her, or when the young, ambitious women discreetly glared in either envy or awe.

Her looks, no matter how tranquil or striking, were immediately lost on him though the minute she opened her mouth and defied him. She's a disrespecting little wench and she needs to learn her place. Just as he was about to rebuke her latest statement, enraged at the triumphant smirk she wore and Naraku's persistent sniggering (as if he actually found this amusing, which would be no surprise), someone interrupted them.

"Kagome? Is that really you?"

Her eyes widened drastically, instantly breaking her cool demeanor and drained of all anger.

She faced away from him and bowed at the two whom just arrived. "It's nice to finally see you again, Ms. Miko and Mr. Hanyou," she said in a more polite and respectful tone. It was even, stable; a forced sense of calm.

Sesshomaru, discreetly disguised as a businessman named 'Maru Tashio', leered on with slight interest. He critically analyzed the two newest arrivals, discreetly noting and confirming their identities. The woman with straight black stresses, cascading down her back like a smooth waterfall, stood there with dignity, her back straight and her eyes unwavering. The dress she wore was white, with red streams and ribbons gracefully adorning the garment, complimenting the other colour nicely. It hugged her womanly figure modestly, yet there was no denying her feminine features. He recognized her as the famous Kikyo Miko, younger sister of Kaede Miko whom was the owner of Miko Industry. Rumours had it that this particular young woman would soon inherit her older sister's title.

The other one, the male beside her, Sesshomaru didn't completely recognize. He was tall, but not as tall as he himself. He had short, smooth black hair that casually fell onto his shoulders, violet eyes alive with emotion as he wholly stared at Kagome. His hands, which were clenched at his side, were rough and a frown decorated his handsome face. Something about his eyes, the way they blazed, were rough and guarded, hinting at his fiery personality that he tried to put on hold for appearance.

"Well, isn't it the lovely Ms. Kikyo," Onigumo greeted, breaking the swift yet heavy silence that lapsed them. He stepped forward and took her hand, kissing it in the same manner he did with Kagome. "It's a pleasure that you've accepted my invitation," he grinned.

Kikyo calmly took her hand back, her boyfriend's furious glare not going unnoticed by any of them. "It would have been rude to decline such a humble request, Mr. Onigumo," she replied smoothly, her face cold and expressionless. "Now, since we have made our presence known, we shall return back to the party, if you'll excuse us."

Before they could leave, though, Naraku spoke once more. "What's the hurry?" he asked, halting them before they even had the chance to turn around. "You only just arrived." He smiled a wicked grin. "I believe you and Ms. Higurashi know each other, correct? Why not stay and chat for awhile?" His dark, red eyes finally acknowledged her male companion. "And you must be…" His eyes narrowed. "Her partner, Inuyasha Hanyou." He glanced between him and the stiff Kagome. "You certainly move fast, don't you, boy?" he smirked, what he was implying only picked up on those who know the story.

Inuyasha glared at the taller man, instantly disliking him. Not wasting any time to retort, his gaze locked on Kagome. That is, it would've if she wasn't avoiding his gaze. His eyes softened just a little when he saw her. "Kagome, I…"

It was awkward, to say the least. It was obvious neither of them wanted to see each other tonight. With Kikyo right beside him, her arms around his, and with so many other people listening, it was hard to strike a personal conversation about the past.

Sesshomaru, for one, found the scene quite peculiar. They have a history, perhaps, he guessed. He said nothing though. Why would he? He had nothing to say to these two. They were barely worth his time. When they continued to stand there, doing absolutely nothing productive, his patience grew thin. He glanced towards Naraku, who also did nothing, just eagerly, yet with diminishing enthusiasm, waited for something. What, he didn't know. All he knew was that this foolishness had gone on for long enough.

"Seeing as how you three are going on splendidly," the sarcasm was dripping ever so discreetly in his emotionless tone, "I believe it's time I took my leave and conversed with more promising investors," he stated icily, causing all eyes to turn to him. He merely turned and walked away, the air of superiority lashing out around him. He disappeared into the crowd before any of them had a chance to counter his dry statement.

Naraku, though, continued to stick around. He didn't even seem to care that his 'business partner' had gone wandering off on his own. "Kagome, dear, perhaps you should introduce these people to Mr. Akira?" he suggested. They seemed to have forgotten about the poor doctor by Kagome's side.

Although Kagome's face was neutral, inside she was a nervous wreck. The atmosphere was so awkward and the pain in her heart continued to increase with every passing second they were in each other's company. But I must prove to him, she thought, determined. I must prove to him that I no longer love him. I can't let him turn me into a shy, stuttering, broken girl anymore.

With that new, encouraging thought, she looked, meeting Inuyasha's gaze straight on. She didn't falter, which surprised him. "Mr. Hanyou, Ms. Miko, I'd like to introduce you to Hojo Akira, my partner for this evening," she said, smiling softly.

Both Kikyo and Inuyasha turned to the nervous-looking young man. Hojo can feel the narrowed eyes that came his way, sizing him up. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he managed to say without a single stutter. "You must be friends of Ms. Higurashi, I presume?"

Before either of the two could answer, Kagome did, "Acquaintances, Hojo," she replied smoothly. "Merely acquaintances." She was lying through her teeth and all but the poor doctor knew.

Inuyasha glared at them but didn't seem to want to correct her. What would he say to that, anyway? "You guys dating?" he asked gruffly, almost accusing.

It was Kagome's turn to glare at him. "We are attending a strictly business party, Mr. Hanyou," she reminded him promptly. "I don't believe my personal life has anything to do with you." It was hard to look at him. Especially since every glance was like a strike to the heart. They're standing so close, she thought, watching both him and Kikyo, arms intertwined. So close… She felt as if her heart might break again. All thoughts of Maru, Tenseiga and her company left her. All she could think about now was the man standing before her.

His eyes hardened momentarily but they didn't stay like that for long. They softened ever so gently, eyes still lingering, searching deep inside her own. It was still too much for her. Finally, Kagome looked away, unable to meet those beautiful violet eyes. "It was a… pleasurable experience talking to you again," she said, once again lying through her teeth. "If you will excuse us."

She calmly, yet with a hidden haste, dragged Hojo away. As she was trying to tame her racing, aching heart, she missed the look Inuyasha had cast her way; a look of yearning and regret, of longing and shame. He made no move to chase after her though, only stiffened and angrily turned his head away from her retreating back. Beside him, Kikyo remained indifferent. Indifferent, but not ignorant.

Kagome stopped in front of a long table, different types of bite-sized food on toothpicks on the surface, sitting upon a silken white cloth. Hojo, behind her, stared on with confusion. "Ms. Higurashi…?" he asked, unsure. "Are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine," she managed to say. She didn't look at him. I completely made a fool of myself, didn't I? She thought, berating herself. I haven't seen them in three years. Our most recent meeting was more than undesirable. Not to mention indescribably awkward. She closed her eyes briefly, finally feeling herself calm, if only a little. Let him go, Kagome. Don't be unhappy just because of that bastard. Finally, she opened her eyes and turned to Hojo, giving a small smile. She hoped it was reassuring. "You hungry? Entertain yourself here for a bit. I need to go freshen up."

Hojo gave a clumsy wave as Kagome retreated, not once noticing it. Where's the restroom in this damn place, she thought angrily to herself. She didn't rush, lest it call attention to herself, but she did walk in a more purposed pace. And as she did, she couldn't help the feeling that someone was watching her. She inwardly snorted. Yeah, as if that's something new, she thought dryly. Again she cursed herself. Why do I have to attract so much attention? Although she was used to the stares, the sly looks, that still didn't mean she had to like it.

She couldn't find the restroom.

"Can I help you, ma'am?"

Kagome sharply turned, staring at one of the butlers. Do I really look that lost? "Yes," she said, dignifying herself. "I can't find the restroom."

He nodded his head in understanding. He was an old man, with a balding head. Much like Mr. Yumo, but far skinner. Almost to the point where he was bony. "Please, right this way, ma'am."

She followed the tailored man into one of the halls, exiting the large ballroom. Almost immediately, the noise around her dimmed, as if entering the slightly narrow hallway was a barrier, no longer including her in that world of serious chatter and deals. Why do they have to put a bathroom all the way out here? She thought irritably. The design of the hallway was beautiful, with carefully painted portraits hanging from the walls and delicate vases and statues lining up on the sides. Still, she didn't like it. It looked too much of a movie scene; an act, a set-up.

They finally reached the bathroom. "Would you be able to find your way back, ma'am?" the butler asked politely, his voice old and creaky.

Kagome inclined her head in a small nod. "Yes, thank you." She didn't waste any time walking inside the restroom and leaving her escort.

Once she was inside, she went to the basins and simply breathed. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale… It was working, if her slowly calming heart was any indication. She closed her eyes, trying to wash her mind clean with any doubts and uncertainties. Forget about him, Kagome. You're not in love with him anymore. That's what she kept telling herself anyway. Then violet eyes stared back at her from the underside of her eyelids. She snapped them open and an exact image of her stared back.

Her reflection looked tired, weary, as if a great weight was on her shoulders and would never lighten up. Get a hold of yourself, she scowled, glaring at the mirror. The slightly yellow lighting in the overly hotel-looking restroom gave her a slight sickly look. You're overreacting. Who cares about that bastard? Her eyes narrowed. I should be the one angry, not the one who's hurting. Seemed as if her little pep-talk to herself was working. Yeah, that insensitive, demoralized dick-head should know that he has no power over me anymore.

Kagome straightened her back and nodded to her reflection, steeling herself. If I ever see him again tonight, then I'll act normally, as if he hadn't broken my heart into pieces.

Once she was finished cleaning herself up, she left the bathroom. It wasn't long after she started her way back did someone decide to meet her halfway. Kagome mentally groaned as the dark-haired man advanced, stilling her from moving any further. Why him? she asked the Gods. I'd prefer Hanyou's company rather than his any day.

"Kagome," Naraku greeted silkily, stopping in front of her. "I was wondering where you were going. You managed to slip out of my sight when you ran off with Mr. Akira," he informed her with a sly smirk.

She could barely hear the chatter in the ballroom now and there was no one in the hallway but her and him. Suddenly, the lighting wasn't all that bright. "I did not, as you say, 'ran off with Mr. Akira'," she said icily, her eyes narrowed. "We were merely finished talking and I had to go to the restroom." Why was she explaining herself to him?

He nodded, as if he were actually interested. "You look lovely tonight, Kagome." Again his eyes seemed to strip her until she felt naked beneath his gaze.

She unintentionally shivered. She didn't fail to notice the smirk on the man's face when he saw the reaction. Kagome paled ever so slightly. "You've already said that, Mr. Onigumo." She stressed out his name. She was getting wary and a little ticked that he was addressing her so formally.

"Ah, only because it's the truth." He advanced her and Kagome prided herself when she didn't step back. He was intimidating, even more so now with that hungry look in his eye. "How are you liking the gala?" he asked conversationally, intentionally making his voice deeper, slicker.

Kagome gulped. "Well, it's certainly surprising," she replied cautiously. "There are so many famous businesspeople here. I even recognized some that were from overseas." She resisted the urge to cover her arms. Right now, no matter how modest her dress was, she felt it was too revealing under his constant stare. "What about you?" she asked, keeping polite. "Your company should be investing a lot of money because of this."

"Of course," he replied dismissively. He casually switched the subject. "I was quite taken back when I heard you and Mr. Tashio had already met." He smirked shadily. "Pardon me for saying so, but I believe you two are getting along extremely well." His dry sarcasm mixed with obvious amusement was enough to make Kagome bristle.

"Yes, well." She frowned. "Perhaps we should get back. Your guests would be wondering where you are." She made a move to walk passed him. Surprisingly, Naraku stepped out of the way to let her through. How… unexpected. She was quite sure that he was going to try and stop her.

He smiled mischievously, holding out his arm. "Yes, they would, wouldn't they?" he mused. "But I'm sure they'll understand since I was in the company of someone so fine."

His endless compliments were starting to alert her. Her brown eyes merely glanced at his outstretched arm, clearly an invitation, but she calmly looked away and began walking without him, wordlessly declining his offer. There was no way she was about to take his arm. She heard him chuckle from behind her before following after. Before they reentered the ballroom, Naraku whispered, "You are a unique and splendid woman, Kagome Higurashi." His breath tickled her ear as he walked straight passed her. "If only you would let it, we'd be great partners."

Kagome watched him as he reunited with the crowd and felt a shudder go through her. She didn't want to join with him before, she certainly didn't want to join with him now. Perhaps his flirting is just a way to try and get me to merge with him. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. That's incredibly low, even for his standards.

She walked back into the crowd, intending to find Hojo (and hoping he hadn't wandered and gotten himself lost), but before she even took ten steps forward she collided with someone's arm. She reeled back, disgruntled. She looked up from the middle of the crowd only to be greeted by glaring brown eyes. Great. Stick-up-his-ass just had to be the one I literally bump into. The night just keeps getting better and better for me, doesn't it? she growled. Better than Inuyasha and Kikyo, at least.

"Are you really that blind or do you just choose to bump into people unexpectedly, assuming that they're the ones that should get out of the way?" he asked coldly, his eyes narrowed.

Kagome grinded her teeth together in frustration. At first, she thought he was handsome. His rotten attitude, however, completely tarnished that image. "I'm sorry," she ground out. "But it was not entirely my fault. You, too, should have been looking where you were going."

Maru sneered down at her while still keeping his face expressionless. "A reckless driver and a hazard on foot," he said, ignoring her last remark. "I can only dread what other people think of you and your not so stable condition."

Surprisingly, Kagome fisted her hands by her side to keep from lashing out. What is with this guy? she scowled. I don't know what I've done to him, but he seems to hate me like I killed his mother or something. I barley know him and the glare he's giving me is one of pure loathing. It's not fair. She looked up, meeting his dangerous stare with her own. "Look, I don't know what your problem is with me," she started, "but stop it with the sly remarks. It's childish and utterly demeaning of your character." Her eyes narrowed. Her words were harsh but to hell with it. She was fed up with the night and was ready to retire. "You barley know me. Is this how you act to every person you meet? If so, then I wonder how you even managed to become Naraku's business partner."

Just as she was going to walk away, leaving the air with an angry triumph, a hand shot out and roughly grabbed her arm, stopped her. Kagome's head snapped up, locking gazes with Maru. But the sight she saw inside his raging eyes caused her to falter. Brown eyes were deep and raging, and his lips were pressed into a thin sneer. Loathing poured out of him like a tidal wave, crashing into her mercilessly. The hand on her arm didn't lighten in its pressure. For once, she was filled with fear.

"Listen well, Ms. Higurashi," he started, his tone so cold that Kagome's skin felt as if it turned to ice. "I am not a person to easily brush aside such insults, especially if one calls myself childish and demeaning." His eyes narrowed angrily. "At the moment, you may be in a position of power greater than mine but rest assured, that title will not stay with you for long. As for being Naraku's business partner, that ball of slime is merely a temporary host until I find my footing for even bigger plans."

His hand tightened around her arm and she winced. She found no lie in his eyes.

"And as for my problem with you," he continued, leaning a little closer towards her face. She was stiff beneath him. "You are a thorn in my side, Kagome Higurashi, and I wish to remove you. Your very existence has been bothersome and I cannot help the fact that I have a great and possibly a never ending dislike for your person."

Her heart picked up again, going a mile a minute. His face was so close, even as he whispered she could feel his warm breath tickling her skin, her lips. She stared up into those cold, indifferent eyes and once again shivered, both by the look he was giving her and his frosty words that bordered along the lines of a threat. She opened her mouth to speak but those eyes seemed to mesmerize her, dragging her into a world other than hers; one which was darker, more sinister. Only one thought seemed to enter her mind at that current moment as she gazed into his eyes: His eyes shouldn't be such a plain brown. They should be something more unique, more different. A colour that truly goes with his personality and appearance. Instead of brown, they should be…

Her train of thought was broken when the hand that so tightly held her arm was suddenly and harshly ripped away from her. Inuyasha stood there, an enraged expression on his face. He was the one who had roughly pulled Maru's hand away from her. Kagome didn't know whether she should be relieved and grateful or to become nervous by his appearance.

"What the hell is your problem?" he growled, glaring directly at Maru.

But the taller man didn't say anything, merely stared coldly down at him.

"I don't know what the hell it is you want from her, but don't you dare touch Kagome like that again," he sneered, violet eyes narrowing dangerously.

Again, the beat of Kagome's heart sped up. Why is he…? Where is Kikyo?

Maru simply examined him for one more moment before his gaze switched onto the still woman. Kagome's breath hitched silently, seeing the frostiness in that one glance. Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving the two flustered ex-couple to deal with their own problems.

Once he was finally gone, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern making its way into his voice.

She shook her head, trying to relax herself from the latest ordeal. "I am fine," she replied, no trace of warmth in her tone. "I was not in any danger in the first place." She turned to dully look at the black-haired man. "So if you will excuse me again, I shall be going back to Hojo." She kept her walls up, kept her eyes emotionless. She was not going to tell him anything, no matter how her heart seemed to reach out to him.

When she was about to leave, Inuyasha snatched her wrist. "Kagome, I…" He was at a loss for words.

Kagome turned back to simply glare at him. "Unhand me, Mr. Hanyou," she said, her voice as distant as her heart, no matter how reluctant. "Perhaps you should be getting back to your partner, Ms. Miko. I'm sure she'll be wondering about your whereabouts."

Her formal dialogue seemed to tick him off as a frown creased his brow. "Listen to me, Kagome. I… I'm…"

Before he could finish, she snatched her hand away. "I don't want to hear it," she snapped, losing her cool. Her eyes narrowed to mere slits. "Hanyou, I don't want anything to do with you anymore." Her heart cracked even as she said those words.

Inuyasha almost growled at her stubbornness. Ignoring her protests, he grabbed her wrists again and led her towards the large, open balcony, cutting through the crowd. She reluctantly complied with his demanding wish, not wanting to make a scene. They finally reached outside, going passed the large, glass doors and into the open night air. People were out here as well, leaning against the balcony with their partner, or with other businesspeople. They were all chatting to one another but at least this place was more private than outside.

Inuyasha pulled Kagome towards the stone railing. Beyond it, there was a view of a wide garden, owned by Naraku and nursed by workers. It was a beautiful garden, with a large pond that shimmered beneath the moonlight. Despite the fact that it was night, garden lamps were lighting the vast space, it's beauty desirable to any green-thumb. Kagome wasn't paying attention to the garden (which was directly in front of her because they weren't even one the second floor). She was looking up into the cloudless sky, staring at the stars and moon. With all her heart, she tried not to pay too much to the man staring intently beside her.

They were silent for a long, pregnant moment. Despite the people chatting around them, they felt as if they were entirely alone. To Inuyasha's surprise, it was her that broke the deafening silence.

"Is there a purpose for me coming out here with you?" she asked coldly, her voice uncharacteristically void. "If there isn't, then I think I should go back to my partner whom I'm sure is waiting patiently for my return."

Inuyasha almost let out a growl of frustration. "Stop playing games with me, Kagome."

Kagome's head snapped towards him, her eyes more deadly than knives. "If I recall correctly, it was me that were playing the games."

His face turned tortured. "Kagome, look, I'm sorry about--"

She held up her hand angrily, immediately silencing him. "It's been three years," she stated angrily. "Three long years without a word from you." Her eyes moistened but she quickly forced them dry. She shook her head. "It's too late for apologies." She turned to leave.

Annoyingly though, Inuyasha stopped her once again by grabbing her wrist. I need to make my exits faster, she mentally noted to herself. She felt like she might break if she stayed with him long enough. At first, he said nothing. And then…

"You're gorgeous, Kagome."

Faster than the eye could follow, Kagome slapped him. Hard. Inuyasha was shocked, but he knew he deserved it. Especially when he turned to look at her, her eyes teary, threatening to spill. Her stare was tortured, broken. He had meant for those words to make her feel better. Instead, they were like spitefully spitting on her, mocking her, taunting her. It was a bitter insult rather than a compliment.

"I don't want you near me. Ever." With those biting words, her voice slightly shaky but with eyes a deadly cold, she turned and finally left, this time no one stopping her.

By now, people began to stare. She ignored them though, too caught in her own emotional turmoil. As she passed the glass doors that led inside, Kikyo stood there, her eyes as sharp as a hawk. Kagome met her gaze head on and something transpired between them, something delicate, sad. Kagome looked away and continued her way inside, holding back her tears. If I cry now, my make-up will be all ruined, she thought pettily to herself. The unimportant worry almost made her laugh.

She spotted Hojo still beside the food table, looking lost. Without making any eye contact with anybody, she walked towards him.

He noticed her approaching, his eyes widening. "Kagome! You're back! I was wondering where…" His sentence died when she grabbed his arm gently.

"Come on, Hojo," she said quietly, not looking at him. "Let's go."

Confusion swamped his face but he said nothing, following her out. As they passed through the people, they looked one, wondering what they were doing. They passed through the doors as soon as yet another butler escorted them out from the maze-like home. Once they were outside, Kagome wasn't surprised that the news reporters were still there. After all, they were still waiting for their chance to enter.

As soon as they spotted them, they were on them like a swarm.

"Ms. Higurashi! Why are you leaving so early?"

"Ms. Higurashi! Did you enjoy your time at Mr. Naraku Onigumo's gala?"

"Ms. Higurashi. Have you made any new alliances during your time spent in there?"

Kagome can feel a headache coming on. I don't have time for this. But she didn't want to look distressed in front of the cameras. Who knows what kind of rumours some lying idiots would spread? Instead, she put on a welcoming smile and waved politely. "I'm merely leaving because I just received an urgent call from my secretary," she lied casually. She hoped the cameras that were currently being pointed at her didn't have good quality. If it did, then they would notice her moist eyes. "And yes, I did enjoy my time there." She didn't answer the last question. If they heard that she didn't make any new alliances, then it would sound bad for her.

As the reporters continued to pester her with questions, although keeping a respective distance away, they walked through the crowd and towards Hojo's car. A red rope restricted the reporters from going through as they entered the vehicle. They buckled themselves up and Hojo silently drove Kagome home.

Hojo didn't entirely know what was going on but he was smart enough to know when not to speak. Kagome merely stared out the window, her eyes glazed over. She was so beautiful… and yet she looked as if she had nothing in the world. In what seemed like an instant, Hojo parked in front of Kagome's apartment building. Like a gentlemen, he walked out and opened Kagome's door for her. She didn't have the strength to glare at him for that simple act which most people would find kind. I'm not a dependent woman. I don't need another man opening my door for me when I can handle that all by myself.

But she had to stay polite, in control of her hectic emotions. She gave a faint smile to Hojo. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "You've been a great help tonight and I truly enjoyed your company."

The man looked away, a shy blush smearing his cheeks. "Well, I had a great time too. I still don't understand what you said earlier, about galas being boring. I found it quite relaxing."

Yeah, only because you had no personal dramas in there, she answered mentally. "Anyway, sorry again for dragging you into this. I appreciate you doing me a favour." She walked towards the apartment doors, Hojo following uncertainly behind her. She glanced back, trying to keep control of her posture. "If there's anything you need, anything at all, don't hesitant to contact me," she offered, smiling slightly. "I owe you. Good night."

She walked inside, missing the man's baffled and hopeful look. Silently, she went into the lifts and let it lift her to her floor. Once she was safely inside her room, she collapsed on the bed, her first tears trickling out. Okay, Kagome. Just a few tears. That's all I'm going to allow you for tonight. No more weeping for that ass. True to her thoughts, her tears dried in a couple of moments. Immediately after, she took a shower, a long, thirty minute one.

Afterwards, she was much calmer, and she felt as if she could see him again without slapping his face a second time. Instead of sadness, she was consumed by anger. That lying, good-for-nothing asshole! She ranted, her hair dripping wet as she changed into her pajamas. The nerve of him! Coming up to me like that, having the guts to drag me outside just for what? An apology three years too late? A mocking statement coming from traitorous lips? She scowled angrily. I hate men.

And thinking about men, she remembered that other man that got on her nerves that night. Maru Tashio. He was another jackass I wouldn't mind seeing again, she seethed.

As she walked into her living room, she halted. Frowning, she turned to her tea table, noticing a small white envelope sitting on the glass surface. What's that? She thought. I don't remember putting that there. Immediately she was cautioned. And no body has my house keys except for me alone. She looked towards the windows, checked that each and every one of them were locked, and firmly fasten her door. She didn't think there was anyone in the house, but then again, she'd been wrong before.

Warily, she walked towards the envelope. It's not like it's going to explode or anything. She ceased that train of thought. She knew as much as the next person that what she just suggested was highly probable. She sat on her low couch and gently picked the item up. It wasn't heavy at all. In fact, it felt empty.

Curious, but not curious enough to become reckless, she slowly opened the seal. As she peered inside, all she found was a piece of folded paper.

Her heart began to beat faster. Paper? Like those other times? If it was, then how did it get into her home? She felt exposed, vulnerable. She didn't feel safe at all. If someone could get into my office, into my home, stalk me and figure out my email address without even leaving a trace of their existence, I wouldn't feel safe anywhere. She took out the piece of paper, frowning when she found her hands slightly trembling.

She unfolded the piece of paper and read:

Takahashi Co. Takahashi Co. Takahashi Co.

Takahashi Co. Takahashi Co. Takahashi Co.

Kagome quickly dropped the paper, as if it had burned.

It was just one name repeated over and over again. Why did that freak her out so much? Her head whipped around, beads of sweat rolling down her cheeks. Is someone in here, in my home, watching me right now? The thought frightened her to no end. This wasn't her home anymore. This was her prison. Someone was able to get inside to put this envelope here. They were able to get inside. The walls around her seemed to close in on her now, getting smaller and smaller.

Panic coursed through her. She immediately stood, walking cautiously towards her cordless home phone. She hastily took it and, in a dead run, retreated to her room, slamming the door behind her and locking it firmly. She closed all the curtains and retrieved the closest thing to a weapon at her disposal: a reading lamp. Her eyes landed on the one closest inside her room. It was tall, and wide, and could easily fit a person inside.

She gulped down the bile that rose to her throat. She's been scared to death before, oh yes. But not the kind of scared to death that actually meant, well, death. She was scared all those years ago, when she was a little girl, and she was scared when she was merely an adolescent. But this fear was different. It held a fear for her life, not just emotionally.

Kagome, calm down. Whoever believed in the monster in the closet anyway? But still, something about the atmosphere made her bristle. It was too quiet. She reached forward, her hand trembling. I was not built to fight. I was merely built to fight politics and economy problems. She gulped again, the lamp post held tightly in her hand.

It's now or never.

I'd much rather prefer never but if I must…

Without wasting any more time, she turned the handle and threw open the doors.

Nothing.

She didn't give a sigh of relief.

She kept the closet door open, once again checked that both the door and window was locked, before climbing into her bed and quickly dialing a certain number.

It seemed like forever before someone picked up.

"Hello?" she asked into the phone, keeping her voice low and managing not to stagger in her speech. She didn't feel safe anymore. Not when the place she thought she was safest had just been invaded. Invaded by a total stranger. "Please. Please send Mr. Yumo to my home. My name is Kagome Higurashi and it's an emergency."

She squeezed her eyes shut to keep from crying out fearful tears.

Never had she felt so alone before. So scared.

And no one was with her. At least, she hoped there wasn't. The fear of the unknown was what really tormented her.

"I… I'm not safe…"

Grey Skies

That's the end, folks! Hope you guys enjoyed it and I'm sorry if it might have seemed just a tiny bit boring for you. Anyway, I'll see ya later! This time, it won't take me three months to make the next update ;)

I'm out!

Grey Skies