Purple Haze

By: Aurora Collins

Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^_^

Ch. 11 Rivals

The sound of an alarm scared her out of her sleep. She rolled over and abruptly hit the floor. "Ouch!" Kagome bit out. The alarm kept ringing until Kagome got up on her feet. SSU then said, "Good morning Kagome. The time is currently 7:12 am. The temperature is set at 70 degrees and your shower is ready for use." Kagome scowled at nothing in particular, but she was cross with the foul machine. SSU would have to go or she would. She would have a word with Sesshomaru about it as soon as she found him.

Kagome stepped out of her room and began to walk in the direction of the bathroom. She recalled the first time she used the toilets in the space station. There were so many buttons that she didn't know what to do. She actually had to ask the nurse for some help and that was next to one of the most embarrassing moments of her life; that is until now.

The door to the restroom opened and out walked Sesshomaru. Steam bellowed out in his wake and she thought that he would have some decency, knowing that a female lived with his. No, instead of having a towel or a robe wrapped around his body, he had nothing. He was stark naked, water dripping down his smooth skin, making small streams down his chest to his abs to his… Kagome stopped herself from looking.

She knew she looked stupid just standing there and staring at him. She could feel the heat rising to claim her face, which was now a lobster red hue. The 'God' spoke.

"I didn't know you were awake or I would have grabbed a towel," he actually smirked. Instead of walking down the opposite hall to his room, he actually started walking towards Kagome. "I suppose this is payback from when I saw you naked," he said as he walked past her. Kagome stammered, "W-What are you doing!?" Sesshomaru looked back, "Since you saw me naked, I don't really see a reason to get dressed right away. Unlike you, I'm not shy about my body."

Kagome kept her back to him as she continued to speak, "It's still indecent any way you look at it! Just get dressed PLEASE!" Kagome was getting hysterical. Sure she saw naked guys, she had a little brother; but this was completely different and so…. Hot!

Sesshomaru could smell her aroused state and he liked how she was fidgeting. He thought he could play with her a little longer. "I'm just going to grab a glass of milk and go get dressed right away." He paused. "Want some?" "N-No thank you!" Kagome gulped down.

"Kagome, look at me," Sesshomaru actually ordered. Kagome was scared to look at him, not because she didn't like what she saw, but because she liked it too much. He waited for a few moments until she finally did his bidding. She turned around slowly and he could see that her face was turning red from embarrassment.

"You need to understand something. If we are to be mated then you need to get used to me. Not only that, but it feels nice to air dry," Sesshomaru said and then headed to the kitchen. Kagome couldn't help but stare at his bottom as he walked. It was so sculpted and dare she say it? Sexy. Kagome knew the last part was a joke and maybe he was playing with her, but he made a valid point.

She let out a sigh as she headed to the bathroom herself, the steam now gone. It was a good sized bathroom with a large shower, sink and that weird toilet. Would she ever get used to all this technology? She stripped down and got into the shower. This should be a piece of cake, but she was proven wrong once more. There wasn't a nozzle to turn for hot and cold water, but another blasted panel with buttons and more buttons. She growled to herself, wondering how to work it. She would have to figure it out eventually. The last thing she wanted was more help from Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru chuckled to himself at the way he handled that situation. He honestly had no idea that she was awake already, but it was a nice surprise to walk into. Kagome still had her bed ridden hair and those crumpled up pajamas made her look very desirable. He wondered if that is how she would look every morning. He surmised that the best part about this morning was how flustered she got. Her face turning a hue of crimson, the way she diverted her eyes.

Sesshomaru was beginning to drink his glass of milk when he heard Kagome squeal and curse. She was saying something about infernal devices, or something like that. She must be having trouble working that shower. Maybe he should try and help her. The thought was too tempting by half. He gulped down the rest of his glass and went to the bathroom.

He rapped on the door and asked, "Are you alright? Need any help?" He waited for a response and heard Kagome curse. "No! I don't want any help! I can figure it out! OUCH!" Kagome yelled out, cursing once more at the buttons. He figured that she got the buttons mixed up and was getting hot water scolding on her dainty skin. The door wasn't locked so he decided to invite himself in. He might die on this mission, but he figured it was well worth it.

Kagome heard the door open, "Get out!" Sesshomaru chuckled, "I'm not going to look if you don't want me to. Just let me set the buttons for you and I'll be on my way," Sesshomaru offered as he ventured in. "F-Fine! But you better not look!" Kagome warned. Sesshomaru scoffed, "Not like I haven't seen you before." "I don't care, this is different," she whined out. "I don't see how."

He stuck his head through the shower door and kept his eyes away from Kagome. He looked at the panel and adjusted the buttons, getting hit with some warm water in the process. "There, that should do it," He surmised. "Good, now please get out," Kagome began to sound pushy. Sesshomaru ducked out of the shower and turned his back to her. "Aren't you going to go?" Kagome called out. "Not until you start showing some respect. This Sesshomaru abhors rude people. I expect a little gratitude," Sesshomaru began to sound irritated. Kagome bit her lip, "Alright, thank you. Now please go." "Better, but next time I shouldn't have to ask. Have a pleasant shower," he didn't wait for a response as he headed out of the shower room.

Kagome finished her shower in peace and felt a little bad about how she treated Sesshomaru, but she was embarrassed and didn't want him to see her stark naked. Sure he saw her before, but she was unconscious. When he helped her dress he only saw her backside. Kagome just got out of the shower before she thought too much more about it.

Once she got dressed she headed to the kitchen. At the food machine she ordered a nice hot cup of coffee with cream to get her day started. She sat at the table and took a sip before she saw Sesshomaru emerge. He was finally dressed and Kagome could finally relax.

Sesshomaru joined her at the table and grabbed her coffee cup from her to take a drink. He handed it back to her and stared like, 'what are you gonna do about it.' Kagome just couldn't help but smile and said, "If you want a cup I can have that machine make you one." "No thank you Kagome. If I want some then I'll just drink from your cup," Sesshomaru thought for sure she would object to this. She shrugged her shoulders, "If that's what you want."

"You're not going to say anything about it?" Sesshomaru was actually surprised. "My brother used to drink from my coffee cup too, so I don't mind sharing stuff like that," Kagome said, letting him on another piece of her life. Kagome and Sesshomaru shared the rest of the coffee and got up to leave.

They walked down the hallway to the clinic where she would have her mandatory check-up. "That's a nice frock you have on today," Sesshomaru said. Kagome looked down, "Yeah I like the colors. I finally figured out how to work the clothes here. It will take me a little more time to figure everything else out, but I'll get it eventually." That reminded her of his little gift he gave her.

"Hey Sesshomaru, I just wanted to thank you for the underwear you got for me. I really appreciate it," Kagome gave him a sideways glance as they continued to walk. Sesshomaru nodded and said nothing else. He seemed to be in deep thought, but about what, she didn't know.

In all actuality Sesshomaru was thinking about her. He thought about why he acted the way he did. He acted like a foolish pup with her and acted indecent with her. This would have to stop or he could lose it. He was slowly slipping into a person he wasn't familiar with. It was probably because he was surrounded by humans all the time. This was just getting to be too much. But it was also nice to be around her, to spend time with her, and to get to know her. Kagome is a complex person with a deep personality. He liked that about her, and the fact that she never gave up a fight. It was a good and bad trait at the same time.

They soon reached the doctor's office and she had her check-up. "You seem to be in good health Kagome. You healed at a rapid rate, but please promise to take it easy or you could have a relapse," the doctor warned. "Fainting yesterday was caused by too much stress on your body without giving it enough time to heal from the cryopreservation unit. I'm going to prescribe you some medication that you need to take every night before you go to bed."

"What is this medicine for?" Kagome asked. "This is to not only help you sleep, but to make sure that your organs are healthy. Usually patients from this project have a hard time sleeping because they were in hibernation for so long. Your organs have also been asleep and they need extra stimulation to help you regain your former health. You should only take these pills for two weeks and then that's it," the doctor finished as he gave Sesshomaru the prescription. The doctor turned back to Kagome, "Your caretaker will ensure that you take these every night. He will also be monitoring you periodically to make sure that they are working. Hopefully I won't have to see you until your six month check-up."

Kagome felt a little peeved that the doctor gave the prescription to Sesshomaru instead of her. She wasn't a child, but knew better than to say anything about it. This was the law and she knew that Sesshomaru had to be with her in all things because it was the law. If he wasn't there then he would assign another demon to the task. It made her mad that it had to be that way. With partings of goodbye they left the clinic.

They got her prescription filled and headed down the hall to her next appointment. As they walked Kagome saw all the new places she hadn't seen before. They passed a room with windows and inside were treadmills, weights, and even a swimming pool. This was the gym and she didn't even know they had one. This place was like a gated community, but she was the outsider.

They walked into a room and there was a lady at the front desk. She had ice blue hair tied up in a loose bun, a beauty mark near her right eye, and silver eyes. She was a demon, but what kind of demon, Kagome didn't know. This woman was beautiful without a doubt.

She looked up from her task and smiled, "Good morning, how may I help you?" Sesshomaru cleared his throat, "We're here for Kagome Higurashi's appointment." She looked down and checked her chart. "Oh yes, You're Lord Sesshomaru. It is a pleasure to meet you sir. Yes it shows here that she needs her identification made?" "Yes, that is correct," Sesshomaru answered. She got up from her chair and directed us to a room in the back, "You will be met with soon," the lady said before closing the door on us.

Sesshomaru sat down as Kagome looked around. The room was stark white and it reminded of her of the doctor's office. Kagome was about to follow suit when the door finally opened. It revealed a woman who looked about 50 years in age, but she was still beautiful. She had straight black hair that fell past her knees, yellow eyes and dog ear?

"I didn't know you would be here uncle," she bit out. "Nice to see you too Mayumi. This is Kagome Higurashi, the one that needs an identification unit," Sesshomaru said, getting right down to business. So this was Inuyasha's daughter. She did look older than her father and she had a nasty attitude. The wrinkles at her brow told Kagome that Mayumi scowled a lot.

At the mention of Kagome's name Mayumi's scowl deepened. "So you're the wench he kept talking about," Mayumi snapped out. She continued, "Uncle, how could you be her donor? I heard about it, but I didn't think it was true." Sesshomaru nodded, "I am her donor. What is wrong with that?" Mayumi bristled, "I wouldn't expect you to understand, but even my father wanted to be her donor. The thought of her makes me sick!"

Kagome finally stomped her foot, "Stop talking about me like I'm not even here! What is your issue with me?" "Everything! Everything about you makes me sick! I can't do this. You need to find someone else to do this!" Mayumi started her tantrum. Sesshomaru growled, "You're the only one on staff right now and I don't have time to make another appointment. Also, don't forget that without me you wouldn't have this cushion job. I suggest you get over your dislike of Kagome and do your job."

Mayumi huffed and tapped her foot for a moment, "Fine, but I'm not gonna be gentle." Mayumi went to her desk and pulled out a syringe. Kagome's face paled and asked, "What is she gonna do with that?" "There's a chip that needs to be inserted into your arm. It is your identification unit. It's scanned to get through to places. You will also have a card to keep with you at all times," Sesshomaru explained. "She's not gonna stick me with that!" Kagome balked. "Not you too," Sesshomaru sounded exasperated.

"She said she wasn't going to be gentle," Kagome insisted. Sesshomaru glared at Mayumi, which told her everything. Mayumi just shrugged her shoulders and walked up to Kagome, "Just hold your breath and when you feel a pinch let it out." Kagome rolled up her sleeve and closed her eyes. She felt Mayumi's presence and then a jab was sent up her arm. She let out a yelp and opened her eyes to see a hidden smirk on Mayumi.

"Now that wasn't so bad, now was it?" Mayumi said, playing the innocent. Kagome just rolled her sleeve and said nothing. Mayumi got Kagome's identification card and motioned to leave. Before she did she looked over her shoulder and said, "I'm gonna see you again Kagome and when I do…" She stopped when Sesshomaru made a motion to get up, "That's enough. Just get back to work." Mayumi left without another word.

"Inuyasha and I are going to have a long talk," Kagome threatened. Sesshomaru scowled, "You're doing no such thing. I will talk with him about this incident. It's his offspring." Now Kagome knew what Inuyasha meant about her temper tantrums. It was ridiculous to have them at that age. "Fine," Kagome said as they made their way to their next destination.

She couldn't stay mad for too long because she was going to go see her brother. A formal visit to his room, where he was still recuperating. Maybe she would even get to see Shippo again.

As they entered the room Kagome saw that Souta was still in the same state of being in a coma. She wondered how much longer she would have to wait to see him open his eyes. Shippo was nowhere in sight and she wondered where he might be. Before Kagome could ask, her question was answered. "Shippo had to go to work, but he will be here later tonight to watch over him. He is very dedicated," Sesshomaru explained.

"It still would have been nice to see him again. It's odd seeing him all grown up like this," Kagome said as she held Souta's hand. "In fact, how did you know where he was, or how he had a connection with me?" Kagome questioned. Sesshomaru took a seat next to Kagome and said, "It was obvious in the past on how much you cared for that kit. When it came to finding him, well he found me. He remembered me and recalled how powerful I was. Considering that Inuyasha is my brother, he knew that we were all connected to in some way or another. He worked for me and helped to get this station under way. He is great with plants so he was the main person with all of that business. Of course I had to call on him and ask him to be a donor for Souta. He was the only person I could trust to go through with it. Could you imagine Inuyasha eve saying yes to such a union?"

Kagome almost blanched, "I don't see that happening. I think you made the right choice. It's too bad that Souta never met Shippo before all this. I think they would have been great friends, but now…." "It isn't certain yet. I don't think they will become mates," Sesshomaru said. Kagome gave him a disbelieving look, "What makes you say that?" He smirked, "Well Shippo isn't exactly the strongest demon around. It just depends on a lot of factors. Don't worry about it so much." "I suppose you're right. I can just hardly wait until Souta wakes up. Then we can talk and catch up on some things. It will be great," Kagome beamed.

"You and Souta have a strong bond," Sesshomaru mentioned. Kagome nodded, "Yeah we do. We did everything together. I taught him how to drive; he taught me how to use a computer. We helped one another out. He helped me out the most though. When I couldn't go back to the Feudal Era, he helped me cope. When mother died, he was the backbone to both of us. I can't help but look up to him. He has already done so many good things." Kagome really did have admiration for her brother.

"You'll be happy to know that Souta won't have to work another day in his life unless he wants to," Sesshomaru explained. She looked at the dog demon and asked, "Why is that?" "He is the one who literally found the cure. He worked harder than anyone else and he will be honored. No one will expect him to do anything because of the legacy he holds. People know who he is believe it or not. He's in our history books now," he said this with admiration and pride.

Kagome's eyes grew wide and she felt tears prick them. She couldn't hold it in anymore. The salt water fell down her cheeks. "What did I say?" Sesshomaru asked, now confused. "I-I'm just so happy for him," Kagome cried. "It's no reason to cry," Sesshomaru said as he tried to comfort her. Kagome sniffled, "Yeah, well I am. It's just too emotional for me." Kagome continued to cry until she finally stopped, dabbing her eyes with a napkin that Sesshomaru gave her.

They sat with Souta for another hour before they decided to leave. It was apparent that nothing changed and it probably wouldn't for a little longer. "Hey Sesshomaru, you have been quiet all day. Is there something on your mind?" Kagome said with concern. Sesshomaru was momentarily shaken from his thoughts, "I have just been thinking about how much you'll like your surprise." Kagome had honestly forgotten about that. She was way too excited about seeing her brother that it slipped her mind.

Now that he mentioned it, she wondered what it could be. Maybe something fun? "I wonder what it could be to make you lose your thoughts all day," Kagome said blatantly. Sesshomaru chuckled, "Well let's just say that it's for me too." Now Kagome was truly puzzled.

"Oh c'mon, you can tell me."

"No I can't. That's why it's called a surprise."

"But you've been keeping to yourself all day. Now I'm getting excited."
"That's the point of a surprise."

"Well at least give me a hint."

"Refreshing?"

"That's it? It could be anything!"

"You asked for a hint, so you got one."

"Well that was a crappy hint."

"You didn't specify what kind of a hint you wanted Kagome."

Kagome couldn't help but laugh at that. It was nice that they were conversing again. "Alright, but it better be good," Kagome warned. "I don't know how it couldn't be. It is the number one hot spot in the facility, plus people make reservations weeks ahead of time," Sesshomaru informed. Kagome teased, "And I bet that you were able to get in because of your name." "Of course." Kagome giggled at that.

They finally made it. Kagome looked up and saw a set of double glass doors. There was pink paint on the doors and it said Pink Flamingo Spa. Kagome glanced up at Sesshomaru and he actually winked at her. He was being playful with her, which wasn't normal for him; but she noticed that it was slowly branching into his personality.

They walked into the facility and it immediately smelled of soaps and flowers. "You actually go here?" Kagome couldn't believe that the great lord of the west would come to a pink palace like this. Sesshomaru humored her, "Of course I would. This is a place of rejuvenation. It isn't just for women. Here you can have anything done. Your nails get polished, your hair dyed and washed. You get hair extensions here, piercing, tattoos; and anything else your heart desires as far as physical change. Did I make a good surprise?" Kagome would have to say, "YES! Oh yes you did! This is great! I mean I didn't think anything like this was still around, and I've never been to a place like this." "Then I suggest we get in here before someone takes our appointment slot," Sesshomaru said as he motioned her to the front desk.

They got to the front desk and checked in with their appointment. Kagome became so excited that she could hardly contain herself. To be pampered for once in her life would be the best thing ever. They walked down a hallway with pink neon lights blazing down the wide hallway. There were glass doors and windows everywhere so that the customers could peer in to see what was going on. One person was having a literal mud bath, and in the next room someone was getting their nails done. It all looked so professional and fun.

They eventually got to the back where the salon was. Sesshomaru took a chair and Kagome followed suite, sitting next to him. The hair dressers came in and their hair reminded Kagome of cotton candy. They swirled up piling high on top of their dainty heads. They wore revealing pink outfits that showed their cleavage. Kagome wondered if this was their uniforms for the facility.

"Ah, Lord Sesshomaru, it's nice to see you again. Would you like the usual?" the lady asked in a seductive tone. Sesshomaru thought for a moment then responded, "Yes, I think the usual would be great." "What's the usual?" Kagome piped up, feeling jealous? Jealous? Kagome mentally shook her head. "I always get my hair shampooed with this concoction that keeps my hair from getting split ends and it leaves it with a healthy shine. It also helps to make my hair grow even longer," Sesshomaru explained as the hair dresser was cutting off some of his hair.

"What is she doing!?" Kagome asked, seeing how much the woman was cutting off. It looked like an inch or two and Kagome didn't know that this was the usual. "Calm down Kagome. She is just making room for my new hair. This shampoo makes it grow back pretty fast, so I'm not worried about," Sesshomaru said with a smile. The hairdresser stopped for a moment, "Was that a smile Lord Sesshomaru?" Sesshomaru wiped the grin off his face, "I don't have the faintest idea of what you're talking about. Just get back to work." And the hairdresser did his bidding immediately.

Kagome's hairdresser, Lisa, she thought she saw on her name tag, began to brush out her hair. "So what you like mam? Judging by your hair you have some split ends. Would like a trim and the same treatment as Lord Sesshomaru?" Lisa asked Kagome. Kagome answered, "Yes that would be nice, thank you." Then the work began.

Kagome got her hair done up with a trim, the nicest shampoo she ever had, and then a blow drying machine that styled her hair too. Once her hair was done it was set up in bountiful waves cascading down her back. It never shined so much in all her life. It looked wonderful. After that she decided to try just about everything.

Kagome had her nails polished and painted a soft pink color, she went into this contraption that took off all her body hair from the neck down; including her private areas. The machine also polished her body in a rich lather of lotion that made her skin gleam with perfection. Her eyebrows were plucked and light make-up applied to her face. She didn't need much, her stylist told her. Near the end she was put in a room where she could choose any outfit she wanted. The stylist that attended her all day, Lisa, helped her choose a nice dress that refrained the use of her spandex. Kagome just thanked Kami that she had underwear on. Lisa assured her that her old clothes would be sent to her apartment.

When it was all said and done Kagome was cast in front of a mirror and she couldn't believe how she looked. She had never seen herself like that before. Her skin glistened, her eyes burst with color because of the dissolvable contacts they gave her. It added a green hue to them. Her hair was set in waves that reached over her shoulder, and the dress. Kagome could go on for days about the dress. It sparkled like diamonds in the sky. She thought that white would make her look washed out, but in fact it made her feel angelic.

Shortly afterwards Kagome was met up with Sesshomaru and he shone like a star himself. He had on a tuxedo and that looked stunning on him and his hair gleamed with perfection like hers. "Did you have a nice time Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked as he linked his arm to hers. Kagome was perplexed for a moment but she grabbed onto his arm, never realizing how muscular it was.

Kagome beamed, "Yes it was a very nice surprise. You look amazing!" "I was about to say the same thing about you. I never saw this side of you, all dressed up," Sesshomaru admitted. "Now I have to ask where we're going because I know we wouldn't get all prepped up for nothing," Kagome said observantly. Sesshomaru chuckled, "There is no puling wool over your eyes. There is actually a formal dinner that we need to attend and I want you to be my date to this event."

She never heard of this event before. She wondered what it was about. "To answer that question burning in your eyes, it is a dinner party in the most expensive restaurant in this ship. All the demon lords go there and tonight is more of a formal outing. It's not mandatory, but I like to go to see what's going on." Kagome didn't particularly like that answer, but she wouldn't argue.

"Don't worry; it's nothing like what you think it will be. There will be dancing, music, dining and an occasional drink. I promise it will be fun," Sesshomaru explained. "If you say so," she said as they began their walk from The Pink Flamingo.

Kagome was still thinking of that one hairdresser; the one that had her hands all over him. She wanted to ask Sesshomaru who exactly she was. "Who was that hairdresser of yours? She seemed to know you awfully well," Kagome chided. "Her name is Catherine. She has been my hairdresser since I first started going there. Why do you ask?" Sesshomaru pried. Kagome looked away, "Nothing in particular." Sesshomaru smiled, "One thing you can't do very well is lie." Kagome looked back at him and glared, "Well she had her hands all over you." "She's supposed to. That's her job," Sesshomaru was trying to stifle a laugh. "Oh yeah? Well she seemed to be enjoying it a lot. Plus her boobs were practically in your face. Is that part of her job too?" Kagome huffed out.

Sesshomaru nearly lost it as he kept holding back his laugh, "I would hope she would enjoy touching me. I am a tasty morsel if I do say so myself. And she can't help that her breasts are so large." "It's indecent," Kagome chided. That is when he laughed. Kagome stopped and took her arm from his. She put her hands on her hips and asked, "What in the hell is so funny?" Kagome never heard him laugh before and she would have enjoyed it more if she wasn't so annoyed.

Sesshomaru slowly stopped and said, "Kagome, you are probably the most jealous woman I have ever met." Kagome stammered, "I-I'm not jealous. I just don't think they should be touching people like that, and they should be wearing decent clothes too." "Kagome you specifically said me. If that's not jealousy then I don't know what is," Sesshomaru grinned as he forced Kagome to take his arm once more and walk. "I think you're going senile."

"And I think you're getting jealous. I didn't know you liked me so much," Sesshomaru said as he got a little serious towards the end. Kagome gulped down because this wasn't funny anymore. She couldn't like him. She couldn't be hurt again and she could never share her heart again. But she felt that it might be slowly happening now. "Of course I like you Sesshomaru. If I didn't then I wouldn't be spending this much time with you. You're a great friend," Kagome said the last part and regretted it. She didn't want to see him as a friend.

"A friend?" Sesshomaru echoed. Kagome got on the defense, "How else am I supposed to look at you? We're not mated, you're my caretaker, and you care about my family. You're doing everything a friend would do." Kagome knew she was digging herself a deeper hole. "Do friends kiss?" Sesshomaru asked, maintaining their walk. Kagome couldn't look at him. Friends didn't kiss. "No, they don't…" Kagome trailed off.

The rest of the walk was in silence and she knew that this was going to be a long night.