Disclaimer- I don't own squat, yadda yadda yadda. You get the point.
Sango walked out of the elevator slipping on her last earring and taking a deep breath.
"Sango! These are for you." Miroku shouted when he saw her.
Sango was about to blurt out a mean remark before she saw the flowers thus leaving her speechless.
"These are for you."
She snatched them out of his hands quickly regaining her composure.
"Thanks." She blushed when she looked up realizing that he was quite handsome in his black coat with a baby blue dress shirt underneath and a pair of jeans. Casual, but oh so hot. Turn away Sango! He is just a pervert!
"You look wonderful Sango." Miroku desperately tried not to stare at her slim athletic legs that lead up to the curviest hips he ever saw.
Sango wore a tight fitting black turtle neck sweater paired with a cream colored corduroy skirt ending a few inches before her knees. She wore stylish black boots as well. Kagome was the one who put the outfit together and even bought Sango simple pearls for earrings. Her hair was in her signature high pony tail.
"Thanks for the second time, but don't get any ideas!" Sango kept her guard in check and was determined not to fall for anything he did.
Miroku held out his hand and which she refused and pretended not to see. Together nonetheless, they strode out of her apartment building onto the busy streets of New York.
"Where are we going anyways?" Sango asked looking up into the snowy sky.
"Ice Skating."
"Kagome, I love the article. All you need to do is fix some typos I circled and leave it on my desk." A short stout man said.
"Thanks Myouga. Is there anything else I should get started on?"
"Hm. Besides this article, you have to do a piece on technology today. Be creative with it. And, if you would, Isabella couldn't do her column this week and asked specifically for you to do it. Could you tackle it?"
"Yeah sure. I owe her one. What is it on?"
"Oh. You know Kagome, relationships and dating. That stuff you young kids do. Thanks dear!"
Kagome groaned. Oh great. What do I know about love? Let's see, its sucks. YES! Kagome laughed to herself before starting on her next article.
By the time she let herself out of work, which was around five p.m.; her floor was still busy with deadlines and editing. Kagome gathered things as well as checking for her phone and keys. Doing a quick scan, she picked up her coat and walked to the elevator.
With a light push, the glass doors opened allowing cold air to rush around Kagome's face and she was more that happy to feel crisp flakes of snow coat her hair. Since she had walked to work, she was walking home as well and was looking forward to it.
Kagura had been nervous to call Sesshomaru earlier that afternoon only to talk to his assistant, Jaken. She had gotten a reply from Jaken again telling her to meet Sesshomaru at a certain restaurant.
Now, she looked at herself in the mirror fixing up her blood red lipstick and pinning her hair in a strategic bun (like the one in the show!). She sported a lacey off-white number under the blazer and slimming black pants.
Grabbing her coat and off-white pashmina scarf, she headed for Union Square. This dinner was going to be all business she promised herself. She wouldn't get into anything personal. It was just too bad that she couldn't keep her mouth closed for long.
Kagome neared her apartment building when she reached for her cell phone. She scrolled through her contacts. She needed to call Isabella about that column she needed to cover.
"Isabella? It's me Kagome."
"Huh? Kagome?"
"Inuyasha? I, um, I didn't mean to call you."
"Jee, thanks Kagome. Nice hearing your voice too."
"Sorry. I didn't mean it that way, its just I meant to call someone else whose name started with an I, and then I ended up-
"Did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?"
"Yes. So I don't need to hear it from you thank you very much."
Inuyasha snorted. "Good at least ya know."
Kagome felt like seconds suddenly became hours. "Yep…"
"Since we are talking and all…um…whatcha been up to?" Awkward much?
"I'm close to getting to my apartment for starters."
"I know that." Inuyasha smacked himself in the forehead.
"What do you mean 'you know that'?" Kagome looked around and then up to see a small figure in what would be Inuyasha's apartment. It was on the balcony and seemed to be looking at her.
"Keh. Nothing."
"Are you spying on me?"
"NO! It just happened that I spotted you."
"Oh. Well, hi," Kagome giggled and waved up to Inuyasha who rolled his eyes.
Sango felt care free for the first time in ages. Miroku looked at her carefully from the corner of his eye as he glided on the ice next to her. Sango sped ahead and started to ice skate backwards so she was facing him. She giggled slightly and Miroku sped up to catch her.
Sango was laughing so hard that it became difficult to get out of his reach and they ended up falling and sitting on the ice.
After a few minutes of fooling around, they were gliding in lazy circles just enjoying the laughter of kids around them and with the famous New York City Christmas tree glowing in the background. Sure it was a little played out to take someone to the Rockefeller ice rink, but it was cute.
"Thanks Miroku. I haven't had fun like this in a long time."
"No problem. I wanted to anyways. Plus, the tree has to come down soon since its not Christmas anymore." Miroku smiled at her and Sango couldn't help smiling back. Somehow, their hands intertwined although they didn't even notice.
"And the whole time I was thinking, my dad is still alive. When I wake up, he's gonna be there making chocolate chip pancakes like he always does."
"I don't know what to say."
"Don't worry, I like you saying that rather then the usual, Oh, I'm sorry." Kagome wiped away a stray tear and kept going. "I mean, what does sorry mean in that case. Why do they say that? It's not like they did something to him. I've come to hate the word sorry now."
"When my mom and dad died, people used to say sorry all the time too. Especially since I was a rich kid whose family owned a powerful company. You get sucked-up to all the time. My parents were the best though."
"What were they like?"
"My mom and dad loved each other. My mom was just a happy wholesome person. My dad was busy a lot, but he always found the time to be with his sons. He could be scary sometimes but he was funny."
"My dad was kind of like that. He was always encouraging and smart. There is never a day I don't think about him."
Kagome closed the nail polish bottle and pushed the phone carefully with her painted nails. She was still on the phone with Inuyasha. They never hung up once since she accidentally called him. The total hours so far would be three and 10 minutes.
"Me either."
Kagura walked down the streets until she neared Lumi. One of the finest Italian restaurants in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
"Glad you could make it." Sesshomaru said from behind her.
Kagura turned to see him. "Glad I could fit in your schedule."
He mentally sighed.
"I'm here to settle everything."
"Oh, are you talking about the accident, or talking about something else? You have to be a bit more clear on that."
"Everything."
Sesshomaru's eyes told her he really wanted to settle anything she wanted him to.
"Good."
Kagura stood tall in front of his face as did he to her but the distance was a mere inch.
"Look honey, a lover's quarrel." An old couple said to one another.
Kagura stepped away and turned to glare at the couple. Why am I blushing! This is NOT going my way.
She looked up to notice he was already walking in, but then he stopped to hold the door open for her.
She walked past him airily and he rolled his eyes.
"Reservations for Takahashi."
"Yes sir, right this way."
They followed until they got to a grand staircase leading up to somewhere. It swirled up into a more excluded area.
After they ordered, Kagura looked out to see it was mostly empty up here compared to the packed floor below. She stopped looking around to face him instead.
"Your brother was at a Christmas Eve family party I went to. Not that you would care."
"The idiot missed an important event. He was supposed to come to the Christmas Eve ball and meet Rin my da-
Sesshomaru stopped talking. He said enough as it was.
"What were you going to say? Were you going to say date perhaps?" Kagura was a little peeved he didn't finish his sentence.
He stopped and cleared his throat. "Never mind."
It wasn't time for Kagura to know about Rin just yet. He was unsure about how she would feel. Not that it mattered. He loved Rin and that was that. Why should Kagura care?
She didn't push to know who this Rin girl was. She was probably a devoted secretary who stayed with him on all those late nights. THAT got her blood boiling. That secretary must have been too LOYAL to stay with him for Christmas.
Somewhere, a phone rang.
"I think it's you Kagura."
"What?" She was deep in thought she hadn't realized it was her.
Looking at her phone, she realized it was Bankotsu. For some odd reason, she wanted to pick it up in front of Sesshomaru.
"Hey Bankotsu."
Sesshomaru pretended to be engrossed with the wine menu.
"Stop it!" Kagura said into the phone with a smile. Bankotsu is such a pervert! But, I have to keep playing the game.
He used his peripheral vision to see her smiling.
"I wish, but I can't. I have business matters to attend to." Kagura looked out of the corner of her eye to see Sesshomaru.
"Bye. Ditto Bankotsu." In her mind, she was throwing up because of how falsey sweet she was to Bankotsu. He said he loved her but she couldn't bring herself to even pretend to love him, much less say those words.
Sesshomaru was watching her fold her phone and stare at it fondly before putting it away.
Kagura looked up at him obviously knowing she was getting stared at be him.
"What?"
"Lets get down to business shall we."
If you thought his attitude and look was cold, it was even worse now.
Kagura pictured him for a moment saying that to his secretary Rin in a non-business way. She regretted it when her grip became noticeably strong on the table edges.
"Is something the matter?"
"NO. I'm just peachy thanks."
Sesshomaru didn't look at her face, but instead opted to stare at her hands which were turning white from gripping the table the way she did.
"Okay then. As it stands, you have to file a report and go to the hospital again to get your file on the injuries you have. Then, we would have to come up with a written agreement and deal with any money issues. You'll need a lawyer. Different dates for these events will have to be set. If you come up that you would like to bring it to court, then that is a whole different situation. Time for this is about a month. Some kind of waver needs to be signed by you for our company as well. I'll explain later."
"So this is all sudden."
"I suppose."
"Huh." Kagura said in a way that sounded like she finally understood something.
"You have been hoping this will go your way so we can do this quickly without costing you right? Oh, and how could I forget, you wouldn't want this to leak out to the public that the CEO of a leading industry and a trading company had hit someone with his car after a ball which I assume had alcohol right?"
Kagura smiled bitterly looking at him. She could read his mind like a book, yet others found it impossible to gauge his thoughts.
Sesshomaru felt badly for doing this to her and ashamed. But it needed to be done.
"I thought so. And to be honest, all I want to do is forget that the accident ever happened. I don't want to deal with this for even a minute more and I most certainly don't need money out of this. So I guess this is your lucky day."
"What exactly are you saying?"
Kagura got up and leaned in over the table to say something to him.
"I'm saying that this accident never existed. I got those injuries somewhere else and will not get into anything legal dealing with the accident that didn't happen. So basically, we never saw each other that night and we never will. Just like our relationship wouldn't you say?"
Kagura gathered her things to leave.
The server came with food quite confused with Kagura being in a state of flight.
"Miss, are you leaving? The food just got here." She said.
"I won't be eating. My apologies."
Kagura threw a fifty dollar bill down.
"Bye Sesshomaru and remember, none of this ever happened. Problem solved."
She left him for the second time.
"You see its all about how you look at things."
"I still don't see how you can interpret a serial killer to be a sensitive person who was abused as a child and is frustrated and misguided."
"It's true though and you know it."
"Keh. You're just a nut case is all."
Kagome was lying in her bed with the kitten on her stomach and under the blanket. Its little face peaked out.
"Who's my little cutie! You are! Yes you are my little cutie-pa-tootie!"
"Aw, how sweet of you Kagome."
"Ha ha. very funny. Too bad I was talking to Buyo and not you."
"How is the furball anyhow?"
"Just dandy without you to pick on him about being chubby."
"You forgot that I also said he was lethargic."
"Oh, that too."
"I'm getting tired of talking to you. You're such a bore."
"Excuse me? I don't remember me trying how important it is not to ask directions because of pride."
"Women just don't get it. All they're good for is being annoying and cooking meals."
"And all men are good for is…wait… THEY ARE GOOD FOR NOTHING!"
Kagome laughed into Inuyasha's already sore and abused ear.
"My ear hurts from all this valuable talking you put me through."
Kagome moved the phone away from her ear and looked at it. Laughing, she replied, "Me too."
Despite Inuyasha's ear being hurt, he wanted to talk to her more. It was fun even though he told her it was boring. "Tell me about what you were like growing up."
"What are you an interviewer now?"
"Yes, I am, now gimme what I want."
"Well, I grew up in a quiet corner of Albany, New York and I was teased by many kids when I skipped first grade right to second grade. My mom said it was jealously and that I had a special gift. And I already told you about my dad, so yeah. As I got older, I just dealt with it but it became less and less of an issue. OH! And Kagura and Sango had always been my friends since forever. Moving along, I only had one boyfriend, not that I wasn't asked out or anything. I actually had a lot of guys like me."
She could hear Inuyasha snickering, but she ignored it. "Anyways, he was my high school sweetheart and even into college. And now, I'm here, in the New York City working as a writer and still attached to the hip with my best friends since forever."
Inuyasha wanted to ask about what happened between her and this guys she apparently loved, but didn't.
"Tell me about your fabulous life as a snobby rich kid Inuyasha."
"Funny Kagome. Well, I grew up in all different places. In Japan for a while and then in Europe, California, and finally, we settled in New York when I was around fifteen. I didn't really have friends since we moved around a lot and I skipped around to different schools too because of my trouble maker ways. I met Miroku in the school I graduated from and then I went to college as a Phys Ed major. Oh, and I have my own gym down the block or so from here. Ya know, cuz I'm a rich snobby kid."
"Interesting. I might have to bother you one day at your gym."
"Looking forward to it."
"I wonder how Sango and Miroku's date is going. I hope they like each other. It would be soo cute."
"Keh. Anyone settle down with that pervert? That'll be the day."
"Stop being so negative. They look perfect for one another."
"Uh huh. Then let's make a bet. If they become a couple before summer comes, you get anything you want from me. If they don't, you have to get me anything I want."
"Sounds fair. BUT, I say if they go on a second date. Good for you?"
"Good enough for me."
"Okay. Since we have that out of the way, lets go out for something sweet. Meet me in the lobby in five?"
"Kay. Oh, and by the way, first one down gets to pick the place. Bye!"
Kagome hung up the phone.
"The little cheater!"
Sango made her way off the ice and followed Miroku to a sitting area.
"Are you hungry yet?" Miroku asked still panting from ice skating with her.
"Starved."
"Okay."
Miroku walked over to the entrance to the Rock Center Café.
"Well that was quick."
Sango loved the scenary and the café. It was beautiful and they sat in front of the window so they could see the ice skating rink. The lighting was warm and low with soft music floating about in the air.
"Hi, I'm Katrina, your server today. How are you guys doing this evening?"
Miroku smiled appreciatively at Katrina. She had sandy blonde hair in a neat bun and cute freckles along the bridge of her nose with dark blue eyes.
Sango noticed and 'accidentally' kicked him in the leg efficiently getting his attention.
"Hi, we are doing just fine." Sango said.
"Good, well, today's special is lobster bisque and the seared tuna with a balsamic sauce. Today's soup would be clam chowder and also wines by the glass today are only 8 dollars. We even have assistances that will help you choose wine according to your dinner."
"Well, for now, can I just have a sparkling water please." Sango said.
"Um, I'll just have an ice tea."
"Alright. I'll be back in a moment."
Miroku turned to look at Sango who in return turned away.
"You're a real pervert ya know that Miroku. You cant even keep your eyes off a good looking girl for more than a second!"
"Which is why I'm looking at you."
"Oh, don't you dare try that on me!" Sango hissed. "I knew I shouldn't have gone!"
Miroku turned puppy eyes on her. It didn't work.
Sango looked at him with a critical glare before mumbling a fine. Taking the menu, she scanned it to see what she wanted. She had been here before with her brother.
"So, what are you getting Sango?"
"Well, I'm getting the Boneless Roasted Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus." Sango didn't look down at her menu or bat an eyelash reciting her entrée.
Miroku looked thoroughly impressed by how sure she was. He looked down on his menu to see what it was. Hmm. It comes with a tuscan doubled baked potato. Sounds good.
"I'm getting the steak with the yucca fries, with the fried calamari and crab cakes for an appetizer. Sound good?"
"Sounds great." She forgot about Miroku's perverted ways in order to think about the food.
Kagura darted out of the restaurant and took a deep breathe. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she started smelling food.
Great. I should have had the server to pack my food. Now I'm hungry. It's all Sesshomaru's fault. The idiot.
She couldn't help think about how at dinner he was comfortable enough to dress down with her liked he used to be. Before they went out, he was prude, ruthless, and a jerk. He was the type of guy who was all work and no play. Then, when they start going out, he loosened up and started to have more fun.
"Come with me."
Kagura stopped walking and squeezed her eyes shut before opening them again. This would be the first time he had ever come after her.
"What?" She didn't try to hide the shakiness in her voice.
"After all these years, I thought I would forget about you. But I never did." He said. Kagura had her back to him still.
"That night, the night I left, I waited for you."
FLASHBACK
"You look beautiful Kagura."
She wore a satin black dress with a heart shaped top and no straps. A delicate chain of diamonds rounded her neck courtesy of Sesshomaru. All in all, she was a sight to behold.
Kagura looked down at her hands before looking up to Sesshomaru.
"I cant do this anymore."
Sesshomaru continued to smile to his business guests dancing barely managing to give Kagura a side glance.
"What do you mean?"
"This. All of this. The balls, the being busy all the time, the meetings. I don't ever see you anymore."
Kagura gently squeezed his hand before tucking the necklace in his pocket.
"I'm done."
Sesshomaru looked at her retrieving form shocked and unable to move..
She held her aching side once she burst out of the crowded building.
"Hes going to come for me. I know just know it."
After ten minutes, he still didn't show, so Kagura left.
END OF FLASHBACK
"I sent you flowers."
Kagura turned accusing eyes on him.
"Was that supposed to make up for the lack of being with me? I wanted to call at the least."
"I apologize."
"NO! Your five years too late and I don't think I can handle anymore heartbreak from you."
Sesshomaru looked upon Kagura with hurt eyes. Determination replaced the hurt and he began to close the distance between them.
He cupped her cheek and then the other one.
"What are you doing?" Kagura asked breathlessly.
Staring solidly into her eyes, he answered. "This."
Sango and Miroku ended up switching plates during dinner.
After dinner, Miroku walked with Sango for a while along the snow dusted streets before dropping her off at her apartment.
"Miroku, thanks, I had a really great time."
"I'm glad you did."
Sango saw Miroku lean in towards her and expected him to kiss her. Her mind was working over time trying to figure out a way to stop him. THE PERVERT! I DON'T KISS ON THE FIRST DATE…well, I mean, not with Miroku.
Miroku leaned in and gave her a hug good night. Sango felt a little ashamed thinking he was going to kiss her. Or maybe it was disappointment he didn't kiss her.
Just as quick as the hug had come, Miroku left.
"See you around." Sango said quietly to herself.
Sesshomaru leaned in to kiss her.
Kagura stood shocked for a while feeling butterflies flap around in her stomach. The shock wore away and his lips urged her on.
His kiss was tender, yet assertive and it was light, yet so full of meaning. Kagura's hands entangled themselves in his slivery locks and he instinctively intensified the kiss and put his hands gently on her hips.
Kissing was a tricky thing. Your brain said yum, keep going, but your lungs say they need air.
Kagura pulled away to breath. She gingerly placed her fingers on her lips where they were pink and swollen. Oh, how she missed his kisses.
Reality settled back in her muddled brain.
"I…you…I have to go."
"Why now?"
"Please. I cant do this. Not now. Good bye." Kagura walked away not turning to see his face.
"Okay Kagome! I admit, pistachio ice cream is good. But its still weird in my book."
"Yea, well, I GUESS, soft served vanilla is good with gummy bears. But its such a kid choice."
"But its good right?" Inuyasha looked at Kagome hoping she would say yes.
She laughed at him before nodding and throwing a sticky gummy bear at his smiling face.
"Real mature." He said flicking it off his forehead.
"Mature like racing someone to get to the lobby?"
"Yes. At least you won although I don't know how you did."
"I have my ways."
Kagome swiped a spoonful of pistachio ice cream from Inuyasha.
"Yum!"
While Inuyasha and Kagome ate their ice cream and laughed it up, somewhere in the city, Kagome had an unwanted visitor coming.
I left you guys on a cliff hanger ma bobber! So, you'll have to wait till next time for more stuff happening! BYE!!