Author's Note: Thank you to everyone reading and supporting this story. Thank you to my new followers: laura. 2, MyPr1nc3, hemiyami, atheiberthicks, Kagome-The-Caged-Bird, and llxsunsetxll. Warning: Adult content present (seems like there's been a lot of that lately). If you know you should not be reading it, then don't. Y'all are going to get mad at me for this chapter, but it's going how I want it to go. On with the story!

Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, then I wouldn't be on

Ch. 10 The Drama Calleth Forth pt.2

Monday…

"Ah ah ah, don't fight it" Naraku said in a patronizing tone. His captive only responded by another stifled scream exciting him further. Yesterday, Kikyo had the nerve to challenge him; saying that they were done with their liaisons and that he did not own her. But today's events were proving the exact opposite of everything she previously said. He wasn't telling her he was coming over, but he knew her work schedule by now and decided to 'surprise' her with his 'wonderful' presence. He figured a little roughness would jog her memory on who she really belonged too.

Kikyo's hands were bound at her wrists by a royal purple colored tie, and she was forced into a face-down position with her bottom in the air. The force he was using to drive into her spoke nothing but aggression and anger, causing pain. And he purposely tied the tie too tight around her wrists, adding on to the pain. But what was hurting her over all were the harsh words he was using. Normally, she'd enjoy his encroaching behavior in the bed room, but since she had come to the conclusion that Naraku was a horrible addition to her life, she no longer wanted that behavior. She needed her sweet, easily-manipulated Inuyasha. Hell, she needed anything remotely better than Naraku.

He was preaching to her between heavy groans that she was not going to belong to anyone else, not even Inuyasha. He kept telling her that she was a worthless whore that continued to seek satisfaction in him, and that out of all the women he fucks she was the one that was the most desperate for his touch. His words punctured her like his nails were puncturing the creamy skin on her thighs. 'When will it end?' she thought hopelessly. Her back side was hurting; everything was hurting, and Naraku kept trying to bring her to a climax that she didn't want to experience. When she finally let go, he followed her. He groaned loudly and cursed and grabbed her long hair, yanking her up to flush her body against his grossly sweaty chest.

"You are an insatiable little bitch aren't you?" he inquired in a whisper, still grinding inside her. Kikyo knew better than to say anything but yes at this point; anything else would result in more sexual torture. Whispering what he wanted to hear back, he wrapped his arms around her to unbound her.

"You're much more enjoyable when you are restrained" he stated. Of course she was; anything that included Kikyo under his complete control was to his enjoyment. When he untied her hands, he let her fall back on the bed, and moved to lie next to her. Spooning her body to his, he brushed the top of her hair as if he was attempting to comfort her.

Kikyo was trying hard not to cry, but how dare he touch her with soothing movements as if he wasn't the one that caused all this pain in the first place? Not liking her silence, he decided to strike up conversation; for purely selfish reasons. There were matters he wanted to discuss with her.

"You said he postponed the wedding. Why?" She did not hesitate to answer.

"He said there was much work to be done with the hospital expansion, and it would interfere with our wedding and honeymoon schedule" she answered somberly. Kikyo knew that from now on her words needed to be spoke with clarity and precision; it was not an easy task dealing with an irrational monster.

"He's probably lying" he started and continued to rub her head. "He's probably realized that marrying you would be a mistake." Kikyo was taken aback by his words. Naraku was insinuating that Inuyasha was lying to her. If she only knew…

However, she chose not to respond to that hypothesis and he resumed talking.

"When will you realize that you do not love him, and he does not love you?" Almost immediately Kikyo responded curtly "You do not love me either, nor do I love you." Her response was met with a bone chilling silence in her bedroom. The lights were still on, so she would still be able to look up and see his face at her statement. But she didn't dare do that; she didn't want to see. That silence dragged on for too long; almost like he was staying quiet to entice her to looking at him. Unfortunately she gave in and glanced up to see his face.

It was smothered in displeasure, and the corners of his lips were turned downward as far as they could go. When he met her eyes, she almost recoiled in fear. It was like the darkness of his hues had grown even darker in hostility. That was how his eyes looked when he would yell at her in anger, and they would stay that way as he mercilessly took her over and over. She knew what was about to happen.

Before she could attempt to apologize for stating the obvious truth, he assumed a position above her, pinning her body down with his own.

"I can make you though. I can make you love me Kikyo. I've done it to so many others before." His rough, hot tongue found the flawless area of her neck and licked her. She pursed her lips to avoid letting any sound escape, but she let out a yelp when he bit her. This wasn't a love bite, this was a full on bite into her neck as if she was a piece of meat. He chuckled at her response and licked the area roughly, making the sensation all the more unpleasant.

"Naraku, please stop this!" she begged. Kikyo knew he loved it when she begged, and never wanted to give him that pleasure. But she was highly disturbed by his actions and surprised when he ceased them. He leaned up to look into her eyes with his now filled with sadness. Kikyo was truly afraid now. Just a moment ago he looked vicious, and now he looked as if she was the one causing the damage.

"Why have you changed your feelings towards me? You used to like what I'd do to you Kikyo" he whined pitifully. She was on the verge of tears from confusion and fear; what was wrong with him?

"You should have left me alone when I asked, Naraku." His face went from sad, to blank, to angry in mere seconds. He pressed her body into hers so hard that breathing was becoming difficult for her.

"Fine, Kikyo. Have it how you wish. But you and I both know how this is going to end." She assumed he meant he would take her once again, but instead he stood up and began to dress. At that, Kikyo moved her naked body under the sheets to cover herself, suddenly not wanting him to see her bare anymore. Once he was fully clothed, he grabbed his keys, slipped his phone in his pocket, and walked to her bedroom door. What the hell did he mean 'how this was going to end?'As if sensing her confusion, he stopped right at the bedroom door and looked over his shoulder to speak.

"I am not accustomed to being denied, Kikyo. And that normality is not going to change because you all of a sudden decide to change. So go ahead and get married, and pretend like you've gotten rid of me. I'll be there when you least want me to, and when you least expect it."

With those ominous words being spoken, he quietly left her room, and left her home. When she was sure he was gone, Kikyo let the pent up tears fall. She was beyond confused and honestly scared by his words. Would she never be free? She knew this was no one's fault but her own, but if he had so many other women to manipulate as he claimed, why the hell was he so stuck on her? This meeting was not a positive way to start her day whatsoever. Furious with him and herself, Kikyo removed herself from the bed and tore the cover and sheets off, screaming.

Her screams were not any of pleasure, not any of surprise, but those of fear and aggravation. She threw the soiled bed sheets in the laundry basket in a corner of her room, and stormed to her bathroom slamming the door behind her. Before she even thought about washing those, she needed to wash herself. Turning on the shower to a nearly scalding temperature, Kikyo stepped in and fiercely scrubbed her skin with a bar of soap and her nails.

"I-I need to cleanse myself of him" she tried reassuring herself; tears still falling, throat raw and tight from weeping and screaming. She scrubbed harder; any harder and she'd be ripping her skin off, but the thought didn't sound too bad to her at the moment. Anything it took to get rid of him in every aspect of her life, then she would try. She had to try. His words never stopped echoing in her mind, and in pure defeat she sunk to the shower floor, clenched her knees to her chest and continued to cry. There was no way she was going to rid herself of him, and that much was clear now. Even if he didn't touch her anymore, she was scarred mentally for life. But the soul of Kikyo's agony stemmed from his final words…

"I'll be there when you least want me to, and when you least expect it."

There was no such thing as freedom.

888

Inuyasha had had enough of this. Kikyo had not been answering his phone calls or replying to his text messages, and needless to say he was pissed off.

'Seems like that's all I've been lately' he thought. He decided he would just swing by her place unannounced. It would have been announced if she would have answered her phone, but people love being difficult. She couldn't possibly be this angry with him about the wedding; she hadn't even tried to call him these past nine days. If she was trying to hold out on him or make him mad, she was going to pay for it.

Then again, he supposed he should be happy. Her absence was making it easier for him to scheme on what to do with Kagome, so why was he so bothered? She is still his fiancée, but they were only delaying their union, not cancelling it.

'Not that I know of yet' he thought again. If things worked out with Kagome like he hoped, then the wedding would be getting canceled. Because that's such a genius idea, right?

No.

When he pulled into her neighborhood, he immediately gazed towards her driveway and saw her car. 'So she is home.' Then there was no reason why she shouldn't have answered his calls today. He parked his vehicle in front of her mailbox, not caring to think about if the mailman had already came, and angrily walked to her front door and rang the doorbell. He assumed that her avoiding him was because she was sad, so he expected her to open the door with a dismal expression and standing in a ratty old house robe; the greeting he received was quite the opposite. Kikyo was wearing a pair of Capri sweatpants, and a white t-shirt; she was actually looking quite peppy.

"Inuyasha, you came to see me" she chirped excitedly. Inuyasha had prepared himself for an argument with Kikyo, and here she was acting excited to see him. The bright smile on her face confused the hell out of him, and the tight t-shirt she was wearing was distracting him from his mission.

"Why the hell haven't you been answering your phone" he half-yelled. If she was in a positive mood, then he didn't want to completely destroy it. Kikyo reached a hand out for him to take and gently pulled him inside. Closing the door behind him, Kikyo wrapped her arms around her fiancé's neck and spoke sweetly.

"Oh, Inuyasha" she began "I was so afraid to talk to you. I know you said that we were postponing the wedding because you were going to be busy, but I couldn't help that the real reason was because…well…" When she didn't continue, Inuyasha egged her on.

"Come on, just say it!" If she was going to say because she's afraid there is someone else, he was going to die.

"Because you don't want to marry me anymore." Her assumption was close enough, so close in fact that Inuyasha's heart pumped faster at the end of her sentence, and he desperately tried to think of a response to that. When he didn't speak fast enough for her liking, she dropped her hands to her sides and took on a hurt expression.

"So it is true. You do not want to marry me anymore." She didn't ask, only stated her conclusion. At that declaration, and her expression, Inuyasha quickly retorted.

"Kikyo! Don't say that; stop being so ridiculous. You know I love you and I want to marry you, but you already know the reason why we can't right now. Stop being insecure; you worried me to death when you didn't answer my calls." He was just lying like a rug, and Kikyo took his words for gospel. So he did want to marry her, he was just truly afraid of the hospital project interfering with their special day.

She dropped her sad expression and slightly smiled. "I know. I should not have avoided you because of my insecurities, and I am sorry. Please, let me make it up to you?"

Inuyasha's face morphed from anger to surprise. She just apologized and offered to make it up to him. Coming over wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"I'll only accept your apology after you make it up to me." He gave an impish grin that stated exactly how he was expecting her to make it up to him. And lucky for him, because she was already thinking the same thing. Kikyo stepped closer to him and lifted herself on the tip of her toes to his him, then went in for his neck. Inuyasha let out a deep sigh at her soft assault on his neck, and ran his hands up and down her back.

Whispering in his ear, she stated "Well then Mr. Taisho, allow me to make it up to you." Before he could say anything else, she pushed him against the door and kissed him harder. He was taken by surprise at her eagerness, and immediately desired more. All his pent up frustration and stress needed to be released, and having denied his body of Kikyo for too long, he knew that he wasn't going to last long this time.

She helped him pull off his jacket and t-shirt before discarding them to the floor, and did not hesitate to work on his pants. When they were unbuckled and around his ankles along with his boxers, Kikyo removed her own shirt and bra, and dropped to her knees.

Inuyasha threw his head back as his lover took him into her mouth; he definitely missed this. No matter what they went through, their love making never wavered. Her actions became insistent and unbearably enjoyable, and too soon for his liking, but not to total displeasure, he was approaching his climax. Just as soon as he was about to let go, she stopped.

He looked down with hazy anger ridden on his face, and Kikyo only wickedly smirked and made her inquiries and demands.

"Do you want me to keep tasting you?" she asked breathily. His only response was a slow nod as she continued to speak.

"Tell me you love me" she urged.

"Oh, Kikyo. I love you." He'd do or say anything at this point to get her to continue her ministrations.

"Tell me you won't leave me."

"If you keep up stuff like this believe me, I'm not going anywhere" he laughed out. He should have never confessed that to her; all it did was reassure her that as long as she could pleasure him physically, he wasn't going anywhere. After he answered her, she brought him back into her mouth and took all of him. His climax came in a short time, and he rendered one breathless groan and hissed through his teeth as he finally released his tension.

When Kikyo was done pleasing him, Inuyasha picked her up and damn near ripped off her sweatpants and underwear. He pressed her to the door where he was mere seconds before, and got on his knees to return the favor. Kikyo's legs were suspended on his shoulders as her hands ran through his silky hair.

This was what she needed. Not harsh words and viscous movements, but the sweetness of Inuyasha. She breathed deeply at his soft actions, and smiled. When she was with Inuyasha, she could forget about Naraku. She could forget the philandering with that monster and focus on what she had before her. Her smile continued to widen the closer she got to the edge of the cliff, and when he pushed her off, she groaned heavily and moaned in satisfaction.

As long as she held the reigns of sex on him, then he would never have to find out about the man who had tainted her, the man that was here only hours earlier taking her as if she belonged to him. Inuyasha would never realize what she had become.

888

"So what genre of crappy movies should we watch? Chick-flick, action, comedy, or horror? Shitty horror movies are the best" Kagome asked excitedly. She was elated that Kouga had accepted her offer to come over to her place for dinner and a movie this upcoming Friday. She was going to cook one of her best dishes and apparently one of Kouga's favorites, miso soup and oden.

"Horror movie. Definitely a shitty horror movie" Kouga decided. He was quite surprised but glad that Kagome asked him to come over so she could treat him instead of him treating her. His pride told her that she didn't need to do that, but he decided to let her spoil him for one day.

"Horror movie it is." Today had been a busy Monday in the ER, and Kagome was glad to finally be home, showered, and laying in the bed talking to Kouga. He always put her in a better mood; even when she was already happy, he made her happier. The two went on into conversation about their day, and he was already making her laugh. Apparently, he's thinking about getting a dog.

"Why a dog? Why not a cat?" Kagome asked.

"Cats…are…disgusting, Kagome. They have the worst attitudes and they don't listen to their owners" he retorted.

"No they are not! I have a pet cat. Well…had. He's still at home with my mom, but he's pretty old. I named him Buyo, and he always listened to me!"

"Did he really?" he asked in suspicion. Kagome recalled events when she was a young girl and a teenager: Buyo getting into her laundry, Buyo being too lazy to get off her lap when she needed to get up, fat Buyo, and most memorable, Buyo scaring the life out of her in her family's shrine. At that though, she quickly told Kouga the embarrassing story.

"They had to go borrow a neighbor's long ladder so I could climb out of the well. It was so humiliating" Kagome ended. Kouga was having a good laugh at what she considered a near death experience.

"How is that funny?" she asked in a high voice. She wasn't mad, but she never recalled making Kouga laugh this hard. In between laughter and wheezes he answered…

"I-It's just so funny. I can see it now. Teenage Kagome getting so scared by her cat that she fell down a well. It sounds like a plot to a movie. Like the well should have been a portal to another place. Like the future, or even better, the past! Tokyo way back in the day."

Kagome joined Kouga in wheezing laughter; his idea was insane, but hilarious to think about.

"Too bad that could never happen" she added. Kouga mumbled in agreement and they found other things to talk about. As if someone had slapped him in the face, he remembered his personal debate he was having earlier that day.

'Do I tell her about the whole Seri situation, or not?' It wasn't anything to hide, so he came to the conclusion that he'd bring it up Friday night. To someone else, it may sound like a poor idea to tell your intended about some drunken girl coming over your house to do kami knows what. But Kouga wanted to tell her because he wanted to let her know that her words really changed how he would have handled that situation; that was sure to make her feel warm and fuzzy.

"Have I ever told you how glad I am to have met you?" Kagome asked sleepily. She was running low on chatter-box energy and needed to restock soon.

"No you have not, but your actions have given me a pretty good idea" Kouga responded in a flirty manner.

"I hope by actions you mean spending time with you and having genuine conversations; not just the make-out session" Kagome said.

"No, no, no" he began in an offended tone "Little old me would never even think that" and he began to laugh again. Kagome only rolled her eyes and smiled.

"Mhm, I am sure that's what you meant."

"Kagome, I really enjoy spending time with you. Not just the passionate moment we had, but the conversations we have and the one we're having now is what makes me glad I met you." That was complete honestly on his part. He didn't care if it sounded sappy, but for some reason, he felt the need to reassure her that what he felt for her wasn't purely physical without exactly saying so.

Kagome gave a quick 'aww' in appreciation and thanked him for his words of kindness. Neither one of them was fighting their growing feelings for one another; and why would they? They were both adults who knew what they wanted, so there was no need to hide. When Kagome became too sleepy to function, Kouga told her good night and let her go, and both people fell asleep with smiles on their faces in thought of the new special person in their life.

888

Wednesday…

"You guys, stop looking at me like that!" Kagome nearly shrieked. Currently her friends Sango and Miroku were shooting her the most impish grins from across the table at their favorite restaurant. Even though they were her best friends, sometimes she wished she didn't tell them some things; especially about Kouga.

"My apologies Kagome dear, but I must say I'm surprised by your boldness. Inviting a man over for dinner and movie is highly…suggestive" Miroku explained.

"I am not a pervert like you. I can actually spend time with someone of the opposite sex without humping them" she bit out, and then shot Sango a glare. Her bestfriend only laughed and defended herself.

"Hey I've been in a relationship for a year now, and I see nothing wrong with dinner and sex."

"But it's not like that between me and him! Sure we flirt, but I didn't invite him over for that" Kagome responded. She really didn't have that on her mind. Well, it crossed her mind of course, but she was not planning on making advances.

"So what will you do if he comes on to you and things get heated? Because your explanation of the cliff make-out session seemed like preparation for greater things" Miroku asked. He was interested to see how much Kagome really liked this new guy.

"I agree. We all know your still…untouched, Kagome." Sango finally dropped the bomb on her friend. She and Miroku had been wondering how far Kagome was going to go with Kouga, considering that she was still a virgin. At Sango's statement, Kagome's face paled in embarrassment and Sango immediately reiterated what she said.

"Not that there is anything wrong with that whatsoever. It's just that you and Kouga just met, and although there's nothing like a good...uh…sexing to seal the deal, it's still odd to us. Is he really worth giving the last piece of innocence you have to?"

Kagome mulled over her friend's question. As far as she saw it, she was a grown woman who was perfectly aware of her body's needs, and the only reason she held out this long was because there was no man that she desired as strongly as she desired Kouga. Once upon a time, it was Inuyasha that had that privilege, but he screwed that opportunity up for himself. Why wait any longer if Kouga was who she wanted?

"I know it seems like things are moving fast, but I wouldn't want anyone else but him. It's just so weird confessing that. We're not even in a relationship, yet I feel as if we have known each other for years. He's funny, handsome, genuine, and loyal to the people around him. Even more so, he really likes me. What more could a girl ask for?" At her speech, the couple sitting across from her looked at each other and impishly grinned once more before nodding to her in acceptance.

"And if he's what you want, then go for it Kagome" Sango encouraged. She was happy for her friend. Even though she was about to take a huge step, Sango was going to be there for her if she needed help. The trio went about eating and making more conversation until Miroku reverted the subject. He was too damn curious to let it go.

"So, Kagome. Will you just straight up tell him you want it and walk out in some revealing lingerie, or will you slowly hint that you want him over a glass of wine? What's your style?"

Other restaurant goers turned their heads to the direction in which a loud slap and an 'ouch' was heard. They were met with a disturbed looking woman, another one that was apparently about to die of laughter, and a handsome man rubbing the back of his head.

Kagome wasn't the least bit shaken by his statement, but she was not going to answer. She didn't have an elaborate plan because she wasn't planning on anything happening. Friday night was only going to be an act of kindness; she'd cook, they'd eat, watch a horrible movie, and…

Well, whatever else happened would just happen. If things go in the direction of advanced physicality then so be it. She blushed when she thought about their naked bodies pressed against one another, and once again she felt that pull between her legs come back. No, she wasn't inviting him over for sex; only to be a good hostess. Kouga had taken her out twice and spent money on her with no hesitation. A dinner and a rented movie was the least she could do.

Their conversation went elsewhere, and even though Kagome was paying attention to her friend's words, her mind continued to create scenarios of what could possibly happen Friday night. Whether things became heated or not, she knew one thing for sure, it would be a night to remember.

888

"Hey, Kouga, hurry up man. My thirst isn't getting quenched" a gruff voice called out from the far end of the bar.

"Shut up Hakkaku!" Kouga roared back. He was currently serving other customers, and his friends were being complete dumb assess. This wasn't the first time they would come in and bother him while he was working, but that didn't mean it was any less irritating. He would tell them to ask the other bartender, but there wasn't one working tonight; only him. Wednesday's were nights that he would work with Seri, and she wasn't at work today. Apparently, all the other bartenders were not able to work on hump day which left Kouga to be a one man army, but he didn't mind too much. That only meant more tips for him.

Seri had not contacted him, nor had Damon, and Kouga was slightly relieved. Today really hadn't felt like the day to go saving someone's world, but luckily Seri was not here. Sooner or later he would have to face the challenge.

'I could always just not say anything' he thought, but cowardice due to a female was not about to occur in his life whatsoever, so when the time came he would talk to Seri. Finally clearing the bar to a more bearable level, he went to assist his friends. He already knew what they liked; beer. Beer was their idol, and if the world just so happened to run out of it, an uprising would start right here in their own little Tokyo.

"So since you assholes are here, I suppose I should give you a little update" Kouga began. Said assholes stopped gawking at an overly-friendly group of college girls at a table and turned to their current server.

"Kagome invited me over Friday night for dinner and a movie." That was literally all he wanted to tell them, but knowing how nosey and perverted they are, the sexual innuendos were sure to drop in 3…2…1…

"Aww shit! My man's about to get it in!" Hakkaku shouted. A few guys at the bar turned their heads and smiled towards Kouga's way, as if they were sending looks of approval through the air. Kouga only nodded in dismissal and turned to glare at his friends. He knew this was going to happen, and if it had been any other girl, Kouga would have joined in their manly celebration. But this was about Kagome.

"Calm down you guys. It's only going to be a nice evening at her place. I really wasn't even thinking about getting anything in." If the word confused needed a visual to accompany it in the dictionary, Ginta and Hakkau's faces would have been the ideal choice. Had they just heard him correctly? Did he just say he wasn't going to get it in? Ginta was going to ask if this was a joke, but the serious expression Kouga wore seemed absolutely truthful.

Kouga let out a deep sigh and leaned on the bar to support his weight. This had already been a long night; the idiots in front of him were going to make it longer, and he only had a desire to be at home listening to Kagome's sweet voice. Yes, he was still stunned by her invitation, but the way she explained her actions, she had only wanted to kindly repay him for treating her…twice. He had been wondering what the rest of her place looked like, having only seen a small portion from the hallway, and she made her cooking sound like it was the best thing next to sliced bread. If Kagome could cook as well as she said she could then he would be at Tokyo's finest jeweler's to pick out a ring by Sunday morning.

That was just a joke, but the quote about the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach definitely applied to Kouga Convel.

"Kouga, are you even listening?" Ginta nearly shouted. Whatever trance Kouga was in, he snapped out of it. Quickly looking around to see if there were any more customers that needed assistance, and not seeing any, he turned his gaze back to his friends.

"What were you saying?" he asked.

"I was saying" Ginta paused "that I'm surprised. So you're just going to go over there and eat, then watch a movie and leave. No make out session or anything?"

Kouga was slightly annoyed by his friend's shock, but he knew that their shock was due to his popular 'player ways.' He had spent many of his days getting into other girl's beds, but he didn't know how to convince his friends that this situation was different without sounding wimpy. After he and Kagome had gotten off the phone, he went into deep thought about her. His ultimate decision made him nervous, but not regretful. Friday night would be the night that he would make things official. He hoped to the heavens that she would not think his actions were too soon, but his heart could not rest until he could finally hold her and call her his woman.

"Let the chips fall where they may" he responded, and then left to tend to new customers. Kagome was going to be his girlfriend by the end of the week; he was going to be in a relationship. A month ago the thought may have repelled him, but now it seemed like he was yearning for one. He was going to tell her how he felt about her, and then ask her. A sly smirk touched his face when he thought about what could happen afterwards. He was sure that if she accepted his request, then a make out session was sure to ensue. Even though his goal was not sex, it sure as hell would be a bonus. There was a strong need set forth in his body that he knew Kagome started, so she was the only one to satiate it. Ever since that night on the cliff, his mind would find the most inappropriate times to fantasize about inappropriate things. But he would never rush her; it would be most gratifying if Kagome came to him and told him she wanted it. Then he would be more than ready to grant her.

Nevertheless, Friday night was sure to be a night to remember.

888

Friday…

"I've got everything under control!" Kagome excitedly chirped into her cell phone.

"Are you reassuring me or yourself?" Sango replied. This caused Kagome to huff and render a quick frown in her small kitchen. She had went to the nearest store and rented a movie, and was currently preparing the sustenance for the evening. Even though she was the one that thought to invite Kouga over, that did not lessen her nerves.

"Both" Kagome bit out. She didn't know why, but she had been having premonitions about that night. Tonight was supposed to be eventfully enjoyable, yet she had the tiniest hint of doubt in her stomach; almost as if something exactly the opposite of enjoyable was going to take place.

"Kouga doesn't seem like a guy who's on his high horse. I'm sure he'll be fine with whatever you cook, and whatever you chose to watch. Stop worrying." Sango was used to providing support in her friend's time of need. However, she still found her lack of buoyancy annoying. Kagome Higurashi was never supposed to falter in confidence.

"I know. You know I just need to hear you say it, for my sake." Both ladies laughed and Kagome gave quick parting words before ending the call. Sango was once again 100% correct. Kouga would be happy with whatever she provided for him. It was getting close to seven o'clock, and he was supposed to arriving any moment now. She figured he could watch a little TV while she attended to the food, and then when it was ready, they'd enjoy a nice dinner followed by a shitty horror movie. That meant tons of laughter, smiles, and hopefully some cuddling. Kagome's body shivered in excitement at the thought of being curled up against Kouga. She had been sending Sango pictures all afternoon of different outfits; finally deciding on a short, eggshell colored lace dress with long sleeves, and brown witch flats. Due to her over-confidence, she even decided to leave her hair down.

She honestly didn't know why she was nervous to begin with. She found the perfect poor movie for the night, and she looked good, and the kamis only know how many times she's made miso and oden soup. Therefore, there was absolutely nothing to worry about. That small nagging in the pit of her stomach was just a bundle of nerves. After all, it's only human to be nervous. Kagome started humming one of her favorite songs and chopping slender onions, hoping her eyes wouldn't water. Her smile was widening at every thought of Kouga: Kouga in her home, Kouga on her couch, Kouga at her table, cuddling with Kouga, Kouga in her bed…

Well, maybe not the last one.

She pursed her lips and sighed heavily at that thought. Tonight wasn't anything but a nice little date, but if certain things were to take place, then the chips should fall where they want to; she wasn't going to stop anything. The radiant smile she was wearing previously returned when she heard a few knocks at her door. Carefully removing her apron, she smoothed out her dress before trotting over to the door. Her stomach was literally doing flips at the thought of seeing him again. She only hoped that her large smile wasn't frightening because of her insane excitement.

"You're here" she excitedly began, and as soon as her brain registered who was standing on her doorstep, all auras of buoyancy ceased to generate.

'What the hell?' She was opening and closing her mouth, trying to find something to say. She sure as hell didn't invite him over.

"Kagome, you look amazing." Inuyasha was in awe at her attire. He never really got to see her like this anymore. The only times he ever got a glance of her was in her mint green scrubs, but tonight she looked beautiful, and her legs looked ever so smooth. Breaking out of his thoughts, he noticed that she was still struck with shock, and couldn't find words to say. So, he took this opportunity to continue his grand master plan. He barged in, using his strength to resist her poor attempt in defending her apartment.

"It smells great in here. You know I haven't tasted your cooking in a while" he began.

Kagome stared so hard her gaze could have bore holes in a brick wall. Was this idiot really in her home, looking around as if he was going to be staying here? Did he really just walk in like that? It was times like these that Kagome wished she had invested in pepper spray, although pepper spraying her boss didn't sound like the brightest idea. Then again, bosses don't invade your personal life like this.

"Get the hell out!" she half-yelled. Stomping towards him, she turned him from his position facing the kitchen to face her. It was obvious he had been drinking.

This was not how she wanted to start her evening.

"Inuyasha, you've been drinking, haven't you?" He responded with a smirk and spoke in slurred speech.

"I was at this bar not too far from here, and I said 'hey, Kagome doesn't live too far from here.' So I decided to pay you a well deserved visit."

'What the fuck?' What the hell did he mean by 'well-deserved?' She deserved to have him out of her home, and out of her life, but neither of those wishes was going to come true at this rate.

"You cannot be here. Did you drive here like this? Do I need to call Miroku to come pick you up? Kikyo perhaps?" She spat angrily.

"Forget about Kikyo" he slurred again. "I'm here for you, but I'm not stupid. You're dressed all cute, and you're cooking. My guess is you've got a special guest coming over." His face had gone from a mocking smile to a disapproving look. He apparently knew that she had a date.

"Yes, yes I do! I have a guy coming over soon for a date, and you need to get the hell out. That's it. I'm calling Miroku and I'm going to give him your keys. This is absolutely pathetic, Inuyasha!" This must have been what the nervous bundle in her stomach was about. She was rarely wrong over premonitions, but she would not allow Inuyasha to ruin her life tonight. He's already ruined so much for her, and she'd be damned if he was going to spoil her soon-to-be good night. Kagome quickly walked towards her kitchen to grab her cell, and when she came back out, Inuyasha had made himself acquainted on the love seat decorating her small living room.

"Get off my couch!" she demanded. She walked over to the couch to attempt to pull him up. Deep down, she knew her actions were useless, but she hoped that in his drunken stupor, his balance would be off and she could overpower him. She was going to make him sit in the apartment lobby until Miroku showed up.

"Stop trying to push me away, Kagome" he began "you and me both know that this new guy of yours can't replace how you feel about me." He was easily resisting her assault on his right arm to pull him up. Actually, it would be easier to pull her down. As soon as this liquor induced thought crossed his mind, a wicked smirk crossed his lips. He suddenly looked up into Kagome's eyes and saw that she had apparently been speaking to him.

"Did you even hear a thing I just said?" When he continued to stare at her blankly, that let her know that he indeed had not. She cursed and lifted her phone closer to her face to call Miroku. She quickly told him what happened, and was highly annoyed that he had not sounded surprised at the random call. Letting her know he was on his way, she hung up, and put her hands to her temples and began to rub.

"Why are you always such an obstacle in my life?" she spoke softly but sternly.

"I'm not. You just keep denying that you want to be with me" he responded cockily. Kagome snapped her eyes open and flung her hands down to her sides. She was silently praying to any and every kami there might be that she didn't choke her boss to death in her own home; she wasn't trying to go to prison for murder.

"I would argue you about this, but considering the fact that you're drunk, I will not waste my time." Even as she spoke, Inuyasha only continued to stare at her and smirk; it was making her extremely uneasy.

"We should go wait in the lobby for Miroku. I don't want you in here when Kouga comes." She widened her eyes when she realized she said his name. Not that she was ashamed, but she didn't want Inuyasha knowing more than he needed to; and he needed to know nothing.

"Oh, so Kouga is his name. He must be pretty great if you're sleeping with him already." His assumption that was so sure-fire spoken angered her more than she could imagine. How dare he? He literally had no idea, and no right.

"Come on!" she yelled grabbing and hitting his arm again. "Get your ass up so we can go wait in the lobby. I don't want you in my place speaking such garbage. You know nothing. And if I was sleeping with him, what would it matter to you!?" She had had enough of this.

"I will admit that I'm jealous, Kagome" he spoke quietly. Kagome quit hitting him and just stared at him; a thousand emotions were flowing through her eyes, and Inuyasha was quite enjoying getting under her skin. She was so beautiful when she was angry.

"You? Jealous? What in all hells? You have NO fu-"before she could finish her sentence, Inuyasha had taken this chance to perform part three of his just now thought up plan. He took advantage of her open armed stance and yanked her down. Her body was on top of and leaning on his. He trapped her legs between her own so she couldn't move, and held her to his chest tightly.

"Inuyasha!" she protested. He leaned in mere inches from her lips and spoke so quietly she almost didn't hear him.

"I'm jealous because I still love you." Kagome felt bile rise in her throat along with intense worry. Before words could leave her lips, he took hers to his own. It was a hard, forced kiss, and the way he had her body guarded to his, she couldn't move. She squirmed as much as she could, but he had always been stronger than her. Her chest began to hurt at the need of air. His unrelenting kiss was hurting her physically and emotionally. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she struggled her hands between their chests to try to pry them apart, but he was unmovable. Just in that moment, she saw a flash of black near her doorstep.

She had forgotten she left her door open.

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"Inuyasha!" he heard.

That was strange. It sounded like that was coming from Kagome's apartment. The roses in his hand made swishing sounds as he walked faster to her door. The closer he got to his location; he saw that her door was wide open. Was something wrong? Did she have friends over?

The sight Kouga saw caused a wave of unknown emotions to hit him. She was lying in some other man's lap, sharing a heady kiss with him. Hell knew that he wanted to interrupt, but he would not allow himself to lose control over a woman who was apparently busy with someone else. How could she, why would she do this?

He decided to take his leave when he saw her eyes shift to his. He fast walked back to the elevator, trying hard not to turn around and strangle someone.

"Kouga, wait!" he heard her yell. But he was already in the closing elevator. As he descended, he used every ounce of will power he had not to punch the wall next to him. This was all too much. The female lobbyist at the desk stared at the handsome raven haired, blue eyed man strangely as he stormed out of the doors, not forgetting to throw a bouquet of roses in the trash can next to them. He had just walked in, looking as smug and confident as ever. And here he was, looking as if he was about to kill someone. How odd.

The lobbyist only sighed and turned back to her computer. 'Poor guy must have gotten his heart broken.'

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Dread.

Instant dread.

That was exactly what washed over her when she saw him in the corner of her eye. She didn't see what his face looked like because he had left immediately after her gaze turned to him. She had been squirming, tossing her head from side to side, attempting to vocalize her discomfort and displeasure to Inuyasha, but his actions weren't letting up. She was afraid that he was going to try to take this farther than a kiss, and hoped Miroku showed up in time. When one of his hands began to roam down her back, Kagome realized she needed to act fast.

She bit down on his bottom lip as hard as she could, and immediately gasped for air when he let out a yelp and grabbed his bloody lip. Not wasting any time, she ran from her apartment and called down the hallway.

"Kouga" she yelled. When she turned the corner to the elevator, it had just closed.

"God damnit!" she yelled. She needed to get to him; she needed to tell him it wasn't what it looked like. Hadn't he seen how uncomfortable she looked? Hadn't he heard her yell Inuyasha's name mere seconds before he saw the kiss? Her mouth formed a grief stricken 'O' shape when she realized what that must have sounded like. She ran back to her apartment, and found Inuyasha at the kitchen sink trying to stop the bleeding with a wet paper towel.

He was yelling at her she guessed, but she didn't hear. She didn't care. The only thing that mattered was getting her cell and calling Kouga.

"Calling your boyfriend I see?" Inuyasha spoke in a patronizing tone due to anger. The bitch had bit his lip, and she drew blood. He was sure that there was going to be a deep red mark on his bottom lip as evidence; how the hell was he supposed to explain that to Kikyo if he saw her? The affects of too many drinks was starting to wear on him, and his head was pounding.

"Shut the fuck up!" she yelled. Kouga's phone went to voicemail, not to her surprise. She quickly moved her hands to type a text message of explanation. He may not answer her, but he was sure to see her text message. She chose her words carefully knowing that one wrong word could ruin any chance to explain to him. She sent the message and started at Inuyasha, malice shooting hot darts into his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but she beat him to it.

"Say one word and you'll regret it. I don't want to hear shit from you!" Her threat had not gone unchecked to Inuyasha, yet he was too drunk to care.

"At least he knows who you really belong to."

Livid. Not angry, but livid was the word to describe her level of upset. She had been trying so hard not to cry, and now she was failing. Angry tears poured from her eyes and she plopped herself on the couch, burying her head in her hands.

"You always ruin everything!" she cried out. "I try so hard to not let you affect me, but you always find a way to get to me. What did I ever do to you?" Her sobs were interrupting her speech. Kagome didn't care that she was openly showing her emotions in front of Inuyasha. That strong façade she had been putting up against him was gone. All that remained was the immense sadness she was feeling at that moment.

"Kagome?" she heard a voice softly inquire. Miroku was standing in her doorway with confusion and concern written on his normally peaceful face. She looked up at him, and the sight caused his heart to pound harder.

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This was absolutely perfect.

He had been on his way to Sango's house when he received that call from Kagome. He was instantly angry at Inuyasha's actions, but tried not to sound like it. Luckily he had been at the grocery store picking up a few things, and that was not too far from Kagome's apartment complex. He quickly left the store and hoped he didn't get a ticket on the way to her place.

Miroku knew tonight was her date night, so for all of the days for Inuyasha to make an ass of himself, today just had to be that day. He ran two red lights in attempt to get there as quickly as possible. If Inuyasha was drunk, there was no telling what he would do. He recalled times that he himself had witnessed the drunken Taisho, and although it was amusing at that moment, this moment would not be. It took him less time than expected to get to the complex, and he reeled his car to a stop in the parking lot and quickly made his way to the front doors. As he rounded the corner, he ran into someone else who was apparently in a hurry as well.

"Watch where the fuck you're going!" the stranger yelled. Miroku looked up and saw a seething blue eyes staring at him.

"I'm sorry sir." That was all that was said as Miroku ran through the doors and to the elevator. When he reached her floor, he veered around the corner to the hallway that would lead to her door, and he heard sobbing sound throughout the quiet hallway. He reached his destination and stopped in the doorway to find Kagome weeping on her couch.

"Kagome?"

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She didn't want to prolong this terrible night any longer. Before Miroku could approach her to comfort her, Inuyasha waltzed out of the kitchen, stumbling along the way.

"Get him out of here, Miroku!" she cried out. Kagome didn't care if she looked like a snotty nosed mess; things couldn't get much worse than this night in particular. Miroku went over to help a slowly but surely passing out Inuyasha walk to the exit. Miroku turned around to ask Kagome if she needed anything, but as soon as he was safely outside her door, she slammed it.

He knew that something much worse than Inuyasha's unexpected visit must have happened. Kagome's frazzled state and his friend's bleeding lip insinuated that a fight had taken place. At that thought, he pushed his friend toward the direction of the elevator in silence. He did not want to speak, he only wanted to get him home and out of his hair.

On the other side, Kagome had leaned against the door she just slammed, and sunk to the floor. She had allowed tears to freely fall, and had not tried to hinder any sobs or whimpers that came from her.

Her night was ruined. Her life was ruined. She was sure that after her actions, she'd be getting fired. And as much as that would break her heart, she knew she would be able to lean on Kouga for comfort.

If he didn't hate her, that is.

He had not responded to her text message, and she had tried to reassure herself in her mind that it was because he was driving. She was going to try calling him again later, and if he didn't answer she would keep texting him until she did. Kagome thought about how pathetic that would make her look and the rate of flow of tears increased.

What if Kouga never believed her? What if he stopped talking to her all together? She was sure that she wouldn't be able to bear it. This was a completely misinterpreted situation, and she needed her chance to explain. But she knew the only way she would get to explain is if she gave him some space and let him calm down.

She pushed herself up, and went to the kitchen to turn off the stove that she had water and things boiling. She would have put things away but she didn't give a shit. Turning off the lights to the rest of the apartment, she went to her room, kicked off her shoes, and climbed under her covers. He must have been angry and hurt by what he saw. And she didn't want to fool herself, but were those flowers she saw for a split second?

The thought of Kouga bringing her flowers only made her cry harder, and soon before long her pillow was becoming uncomfortably wet where her head lay. Yet, she still didn't care. She continued to lie in that one spot, and let her tears flow. Her chest heaved in and out, and labored breaths and sniveling were the only things heard in the room.

She needed a chance to explain. Kagome checked her phone once more, knowing damn well she didn't hear it ring or vibrate, just to see if Kouga had contacted her. Her heart beat increased in speed at the thought of him not answering her later tonight. What if he didn't contact her until tomorrow? Would she even live long enough to see tomorrow? She knew she couldn't wait till tomorrow to hear from him.

Kagome was letting things sort out in her mind. What the hell had gotten into Inuyasha? Alcohol apparently, but what about all the other times he had been trying to come on to her? His words were replaying in her head, and they were certainly not helping her current situation. Inuyasha had assumed she was opening her legs to Kouga, but that wasn't true. He kept accusing her of denying her feelings for him, but that wasn't true either. He told her that she still wanted him, but that sure as hell wasn't true. So why did those words bother her so much?

Of course he had some liquid support earlier that evening, which caused him to say all of those things. But was that what he really thought was going on?

Did Inuyasha Taisho truly believe that if Kagome was seeing someone, someone that was not him, that it was only for sex?

'That doesn't make any damn sense' she thought. Soon her sobs had slowed, but the tears had not discontinued. Kagome didn't know whether to feel angry, or sad, so she was doing both. She was angry with Inuyasha for pulling the shit that he did, but she was also angry with Kouga. Did he really not see how uncomfortable she looked? She was sad because she was afraid that Kouga was going to avoid her for a while, but she was also sad for Inuyasha. Did he really propose to another woman, yet still love her?

All the questions and no answers were providing her with a headache. She knew that Miroku would be telling Sango of tonight's events soon, and she would be calling her to gain information on what happened; Kagome just really didn't feel like talking. She reached over to check her phone one last time, hoping that Kouga had responded, but not being surprised when she saw that he hadn't.

Powering down the phone, she snuggled deeper into her pillow, not caring that she was still in her dress. She prayed that by the morning, Kouga would have tried to contact her, and that she would have an opportunity to explain herself. This was not how things were supposed to end. Kagome wouldn't allow things to end this way. She couldn't stomach the thought of Kouga hating her for something she wasn't responsible for, so she would do whatever it took to convince him of her innocence. She had to. There was no other option. Others may have been confused at her fierce determination to prove her sinlessness, but it wasn't only the desire for saving herself that drove her.

It was her love for him.

Author's Note: Once again, thank you to all my followers, favoritors, and anybody reading and supporting this story. Like I always say, it is much appreciated. Please, don't hate me for this chapter. I know it is super long, and y'all were expecting a happy, fluffy date. But this is a drama after all. I will go ahead and brief you all on what to expect from me in the next month. If you don't see Ch. 11 in the next month, don't hate me, and don't get discouraged. It's that time of the year where I have to do my major career field project; the fate of my diploma rests on this assignment, so I have to get it done. That being said, I will try my hardest to work on chapters in bits and pieces, but updates will be coming slower than usual. Believe me, by the middle of March, you all will have my full attention and I'll be updating like crazy again.

P.S. If you're a Sess/Kag fan or an Inu/Kag fan, stick with me! I'm working on a story for both couple pairings. They will also be Romance&Drama stories.

Until next time!