Darker Melody New Posting

by Kagome.is.better

New Posting, I changed a lot of things! Faced with secrets she can tell no one, Kagome must live against forces she can't control -an abusive step-father, cruel peers and a connection with a man she'd forgotten. She must fight the impossible and still manage to find love in the end. SessKag.

14. Chapter Fourteen: Hero

Hey everyone sorry I've been MIA I have a hysterectomy last Thursday and I've been down with small complications. This is a very very long chapter and I hope to be getting back to everything soon. :) thanks for your patience Please review!

Guest- I'm glad you're enjoying the story And looking forward to where its going

Kekee: I'm posting now!

N.Q.: you posted on Darker Melody. I'm sorry you hated this story and wanted to kill Kagome. I might kill her off so you possibly might get your wish.

Chapter Fourteen: Hero

Life.

What a strong word.

One word...

Four letters...

Infinite definitions.

How can one word describe something so meaningful and yet, so insignificant that is until it slaps us in the face? How can one picture it when it has no definite form, volume, mass? It surrounds us yet the only thing we can classify it as is by how we determine what is and what isn't.

Life is a lot like a horror film sometimes. Only, you could look away from horror films. You could turn them off, pause them, fast forward them, rewind them...better yet, you could destroy the version you owned so you would never have to look at it again. But, this wasn't a horror film.

This was life.

And life is fixed.

When Kagome finally woke up she saw the same sun kissed cold eyes as the painting except these ones where real.

"Are you ok?" A smooth and as equally cold voice asked. Kagome blinked and realized she had tears running down her face; she used the back of her hand to wipe them away.

"Sesshomaru?" Her soft slightly hoarse voice questioned. She tried to sit up but he put his strong hands on her shoulders and forced her to stay down. She looked around to see she was currently in a lush bed. "Wh-what happened?" She asked him looking into his molten gold hues with her broken green ones.

"You fainted." He said simply. "Why, I do not know." Kagome blinked up at him with a look that told him she was thinking.

"The painting?" She asked more then said.

"You were looking at it and then you started to cry and then you feel over...are you ok Kagome?" A small voice asked from her elbow. She looked over and for the first time Kagome realized that Rin was there.

"I'm sorry." Kagome said looking at the both of them.

"Why Kagome, you didn't do anything wrong." The bubbly girl said and went to sit closer to her on the bed. Rin was now sitting at her waist.

"I feel embarrassed." Kagome said in a small voice. Rin grinned broadly at her.

"There is no reason to feel bad Kagome. It's not like you forced your self to faint." Rin said in her cute voice trying to cheer Kagome up. Kagome gave her a small smile.

"Thanks Rin." Kagome said then Sesshomaru decided to interject.

"Rin why don't you go find Jaken and ask him to play tea party." Sesshomaru said ruffling her hair. Rin smiled then leaned forward and gave Kagome a small hug before hopping off the bed and giving Sesshomaru's waist a tight hug. Kagome watched Rin skip from the room.

She stared at the door the little girl had just gone threw while thinking about the painting in the front entrance. Did it really have that strong of an effect on her? After all it was just a normal painting right? Several other similar questions ran threw her head before she was abruptly pulled from her musings by a cold emotionless voice.

"Are you going to tell me what is really going on with you now?" Kagome looked at him and feigned innocence.

"I don't know what you mean." She heard a small growl come from him.

"Kagome." He said warningly. "Do not lie to me, I want answers and I will not let you be until I get them." She looked away. He moved closer and was now sitting on the edge of the bed at about her waist where Rin had been sitting.

"Sesshomaru." She whimpered.

"Don't." His voice was harsher them normal.

"Please." She whispered. "Does it matter?" He lifted her chin and she was forced to look at him.

"Kagome, tell me." He said in a softer tone that had her broken eyes widening slightly in shock.

"Nothing is going on Sesshomaru."

"Really Kagome, really?" He asked still in a cold but soft tone. "Then what happened to your cheek?"

"I'm a klutz what can I say? I only ran into a wall, really, its nothing." She lied. She flinched slightly when she heard him growl lowly in the back of his throat.

"Bullshit Kagome, you are a miko are you not? So you should have been able to heal it with no difficulties what so ever, so that means something is preventing you from doing just that. My hypothesis is that something was preventing you from healing it, am I right? And I can smell poison and your own blood on you, so why don't you tell me what happened." Kagome sat there shocked by his accusing words.

"Sesshomaru...I uh..." She couldn't continue because of the lump that had formed in her throat. She looked and saw a small clock to her side. It read 6:47. Kagome sat up and instantly regretted it because of the throbbing pain that shot threw her head and back. "I have to go."

"Not until you tell me."

"Please Sesshomaru, I have to go home." She felt the fear of Naraku rise and turn in the pit of her stomach. Sesshomaru noticed the change in her eyes. He saw the fear and pain. Had he caused that pain and fear? Or was it something else?

"Fine, I'll take you." He stood up and she crawled out of the comfortable and warm bed. She shivered slightly at the cold air.

"I'm sorry." She whispered. He glanced at her to see her with her head down.

"It's ok Kags." He said softly causing a small smile to appear on her face at the name. She followed him out of the room to see the hallway where the painting was. She looked around to see several more doors behind them. Kagome walked close to the wall incase she felt lightheaded. Sesshomaru slowed down so he was walking by her side. She looked up at him.

"I really am sorry, I just can't tell you." Sesshomaru glanced at her only to see her eyes and how broken they were. She gave him a pathetic smile and leaned her head on his arm; Sesshomaru let out a small sigh and wrapped his arm around her. She looked up at him. "Well I guess we should act like we are together since everyone thinks we are anyways, huh?" She asked playfully.

"You are not still mad at me about that." He said it more like a statement then a question. She laughed lightly and he noted how it lacked the cheerfulness it used to hold when they were younger. She shook her head.

"No I'm not, I understand what you were doing...just don't do it again." She said with a small smile.

"Well since everyone thinks we are together you and I are actually going to have to act like we are together." Kagome groaned and moved away. They were at the front door now and she looked at him and wined like a little girl whose mother had just told her she couldn't have a cookie before dinner.

"Whyyyyyyy, I don't wanna Sessy." She crossed her arms and pouted. "You're so mean, humph." She opened the door and stepped out. Sesshomaru followed her and watched as she jogged to his car and just before she jumped in she stuck out her tongue at him. When he got in she had her knees pulled up to her chest and her head resting on her arms which were folded on top of her knees. Her eyes were closed and she held a small smile on her face. As he started to drive she reached over and turned on the radio. Meanwhile Sesshomaru was thinking:

'What the hell is she doing?'

"Sorry Sessy but I really want to listen to this, is that ok?" Sesshomaru didn't answer her so she figured he didn't mind. Kagome sang along to the last few verses of the song.

"Your vocal abilities have improved." Sesshomaru stated when the song was over.

"Was that supposed to be a complement?"

"I am serious Kagome."

"Well someone wouldn't know the difference if you were serious because of that huge stick you have logged up your ass." She heard a warning growl and reached over and lightly hit his shoulder.

"Do you want to kill us?" He asked coldly, even though the car hadn't moved at all.

"Mayyyyyybe." She said in a childish voice. "But seriously Sesshomaru, you need to lighten up." Her eyebrows furrowed in thought. "You didn't used to be like this, I mean like you were cold and all but you weren't cold to me..." She trailed off talking more to her self then to him. Sesshomaru let a small frown slip by his façade.

"People change Kagome." He said and reached over and turned off the radio causing her to wine again.

"Hey Sessy, I was listening to that."

"That noise you call music is horrible." He stated bluntly.

"Oh come on it wasn't that bad." He didn't reply so Kagome turned and looked out her window hugging her knees closer to her body thinking about what was going to happen when she got home hopefully he was in a good mood. Sesshomaru could smell the fear rolling off of her in waves and noticed her hand on the center consul. He mentally kicked him self and knowing he would regret it later. He placed his hand over hers only to have her squeak but before she could withdraw her hand he gave it a light squeeze.

"You know Kagome you can tell me anything, I will be the last person to judge you." Kagome looked at him and gave him a small smile.

"I'm fine really, you're worrying over nothing."

"I am not worrying."

"Suuuure your not." She gave him a small smile and he returned to driving and she looked back out the window thinking about school and Mr. Turner. 'How did he know about my back?' Kagome asked her self. 'And why did he try and come on to me? Is he in cahoots with Naraku?' Kagome sighed and with her free hand pinched the bridge of her nose trying to decrease the throbbing headache she had. She felt the soft pad of his thumb rub soothing over the back of her hand. Kagome suddenly felt safe knowing Sesshomaru was there with her. She let out a content sigh causing him to look at her.

Kagome smiled at him and the rest of the drive didn't last much longer. When he pulled up to the house he could smell her fear again. She was looking at the house once again in a trance. He reached over and pulled her to him in a tight embrace surprising her and for a moment she forgot who it was, but once she realized it was Sesshomaru she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tighter then he was hugging her. Even though she felt the sting of pain in her back when he touched her cuts she ignored it.

"I love you Sessy." She whispered into his ear.

"I love you too Kags." He whispered back. She pulled back and kissed his smooth pail cheek. She gave him a small smile, and got out of the car. She leaned in threw the open window.

"I will see you tomorrow." She said in a small voice. When she went to leave he grabbed her hand. She turned back around to look at him with a questioning look.

"Kagome, I really am serious if you ever need anything come to me, do not forget you still are my angel." Kagome felt her heart skip in shock at one of her long forgotten nicknames. Kagome gave him a soft small smile.

"If I ever do, I will." She went to pull away but he still held her hand.

"Tell Sota the same." She nodded and leaned in to give him a quick kiss to the cheek.

"See ya." He nodded and watched as she climbed the steps to her mansion like house. Sesshomaru sighed wondering:

'What am I going to do with this girl?' He shook his head and started his drive back to the office.

Kagome snuck quietly into the house. She looked around and didn't see him so she ran towards the stairs and just when she thought she had made it she was pulled back by her waist length hair. She let out a scream as she was thrown into the wall across from them. She looked up from her position on the floor as she pushed her self up.

"What did I do?" She asked in a whimper.

"I saw the two of you together." He snarled yanking her to a standing position by her hair.

"I swear Naraku, it wasn't anything. He was only dropping me o-" She was cut off by a punch to her broken cheek bone. She screamed and her eyes watered.

"Don't lie to me bitch I saw you kiss him." He said pulling her head back and exposing her throat to him. He licked up the exposed flesh. "You are mine." He growled. Kagome struggled but the breakneck grip he had on her didn't allow her to move much with out the chance of hurting herself.

"I only kissed his cheek; it was nothing more...just like when we were younger! I swear that's all it was!" Kagome said urgently trying to calm him so he would loosen his hold.

"Don't lie." He hissed; she could smell the alcohol radiating off of his breath. "You're whoring your self out aren't you?" When she didn't respond he jerked her head.

"N-no! I'm not, I'm really not." She sobbed without tears. He threw her to the ground. She tried to crawl away but she found her self forced to the floor by a foot on her lower back. "Please stop." She felt him kneel down and put his knee onto her back where his foot had been.

"Come on Kagome just tell me, how many did you fuck at once?" He asked gripping her hair again.

"I didn't have sex with anyone." She said in an urgent voice. He flipped her over and punched her in her sternum. Kagome felt horrible pain and then found she couldn't breath. Naraku looked into her eyes and let out a sigh.

"Do you see what you make me do?" He said in a fatherly voice. "I wouldn't have to do this if you would just listen." He let out another sigh and inched his face closer to hers. "I wouldn't have to hurt your mom or Sota if you would do as you're supposed to." Kagome laid there not being able to move as he whispered into her ear. "This is all your fault." He nibbled on her earlobe lightly. "But if you give your self to me and don't fight me I won't ever touch them again."

Kagome chocked back tears. Was this just a lie or would he really leave them alone? She silently asked her self. She didn't want to give her virginity to him. Even though he thought she was a whore she wasn't. Her anger with her self quickly boiled in her soul and she mentally kicked her self. She couldn't believe she even thought of giving away one of the most precious things she held in this word. 'But mom and Sota are more important then that right? Would they understand if I didn't give it to him?'

While she was busy with the raging war inside herself Naraku took advantage of it and slide his hand down the luscious curves of her body. When he reached her pants he unbuttoned them without her realizing it and slide is hand into them and under her boy cut underwear.

Kagome screamed out as she was brought back into reality by Naraku roughly yanking on her precious sex. The little breath she had left her and all she could feel was pain as she tried to move away or stop him.

"Don't resist me Kagome." He said commandingly. "Everything will get better if you just relax and lay back down Kaggy-bear."

"Stop." She whispered breathlessly.

"I'm giving you the choice here Kagome, you can lie down and let me or I can force you. Face it, you can't go anywhere yet, I broke your sternum." He said putting one hand on her shoulder to keep her in place while his other hand played and tugged painfully on her. Her dim hues shifted around looking for an escape.

'Would it really be that bad?' She asked her self. 'I'm mean of course it would but he said he would never hurt them again...can I give it up for them? Can I submit for them?' She growled and felt a hand slap her and that's when she made up her mind. 'No it has to stop. I can not let this go on. It has gone on long enough. I will not be beat into submission. No. Fuck that. I'd rather die standing then live on my knees. I will protect them the best I can and they will understand, I'm sorry but this is just something I can not give up. I will not live like this anymore.' Kagome pulled as much of her miko powers she could together. Naraku must have felt the change in the air because he moved back.

"What the fuck do you think your doing?" He hissed as he felt her miko strength crackle dangerously around the edges of his aura. Kagome just turned her head to look at him and pulled her hands up from her sides to her lower abdomen where she was gathering her miko energy which was forming a bluish/pinkish/purplish ball. Naraku saw this and scrambled to his feat. When he felt a different signature of energy he turned trying to find the source and saw Sota standing by the door.

Sota had arrived home to see Naraku break Kagome's sternum but was too shocked to do anything. He had heard every word and he froze. He was mentally beating himself for just standing there and watching as Naraku was about to rape his sister. He felt horrible because Kagome had actually considered letting Naraku take her virginity for him and his mother, and he just stood there immobilized. When he saw Kagome start to pull her miko energy together he finally kicked into gear and pulled his own miko abilities together.

Kagome felt her brothers energy flare, it surprised her at first because she had no idea he was there. She felt a little relived that he was there and she concentrated more knowing she wasn't alone for once.

Naraku glared at both siblings then felt the slightest bit of fear. No they couldn't purify him they weren't skilled enough, hell even with their mother he doubted they could purify him. They couldn't even knock him out because Kagome wasn't able to draw all of her miko energy together. They could probably only cause him some pain not that it would stop him from killing them but then again he wanted his 'perfect' family around a little while longer after all he still had plans for them. Naraku growled ferociously then smirked when he saw Kagome flinch out a fear.

"Fine, I'm leaving. And don't think you can take credit for it I simply have more important matters to attend to." With that said he stormed out of the room to leave the house threw the garage.

Kagome relaxed and let her energy flow back into her body where it rushed to her broken sternum. Sota ran forward and fell to his knees at his sister's side, tears filling his innocent eyes.

"Kagome." He chocked out. She looked up at him and gave him a small smile. She raised her hand and caressed his cheek lovingly. Sota leaned his head into her hand and put his hand on the outside of hers holding it in place.

"Why are you crying?" She mouthed not being able to talk yet because of her broken sternum.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to help you." He said in a watery voice, she frowned and moved her hand from his cheek. Sota thinking she was going to put her hand back down jumped slightly when he felt her fingers run threw his hair.

"It's ok." She mouthed. Sota shook his head.

"No I was there the whole time and I just froze. I saw him hurt you and I couldn't move. I stood there like a fucking pansy. I watched him try and get you to surrender to him, I stood by and watched as he was getting ready to rape you." Tears started to stream down his cheeks.

Kagome didn't know what to say. She wasn't mad even though he had stood there and watched, actually she felt the opposite, she understood. She was sure if she were in his shoes she would have been shocked to see the man who was supposed to be their step-father about to rape her sister. She shook her head slowly and forced words out even though it hurt.

"No Sota, this is not your fault."

"I'm just as much to blame." He sobbed. She shook her head.

"No, you are not to blame he is. I don't blame you, if I did it would be as wrong as saying this is all Sesshomaru's fault." She said softly. Sota continued to cry and she just softly touched his cheek again. Kagome whipped away his tears softly but only more came. Sota couldn't help him self, he moved and laid his head on his sister abdomen. He squeezed his eyes shut and hugged her waist so as not to hurt her. Kagome ran her fingers threw his ink black locks not able to say anything soothing.

After a while Sota's sobs turned into sniffles and then steady breaths as he fell asleep on his sister while she just lay there still running her fingers threw his hair. While she waited for her bones to heal hoping Naraku wouldn't walk in when both her and Sota were vulnerable her phone started to vibrate. She reached into her pocket and pulled it out before the vibrations could wake up Sota. She looked at the annoying devise to see the words: 'Touga' flashing on the little screen.

"Hello?" She asked in a whisper not only so she wouldn't wake Sota but also because she didn't want to hurt her self anymore then necessary.

"Kagome!" The cheerful voice of Touga rang threw the phone.

"Yes Touga?" She asked in a whisper.

"Why are you whispering?" He asked mocking her whisper.

"Sota is asleep."

"Oooohhhhh." He said. "Well anyway I called to see if Naraku was still there, I called his cell and your house number but there wasn't an answer so I thought I would call and ask you."

"He left." She said her fingers stopping with out her noticing. "He said he had something 'important' to do." On the other line Touga nodded his head not realizing she couldn't see it.

"Yes, he is supposed to have a meeting with us but I wanted to see where he was and make sure he was just stuck in traffic...he is normally a very punctual man."

"I know." Was all Kagome managed to say. She wanted to break down and tell Touga everything but bit her tongue so she wouldn't. She whimpered slightly when she felt the small amount of pain that seemed too great for her body to take.

"Kagome? Are you ok?" Touga's worried voice asked as blood flooded her mouth.

"I'm fine Sota just shifted uncomfortably." She said quietly. "He had soccer try outs earlier so he is really tired."

"Is he sleeping on you?" Touga's voice asked.

"Uh...yeah?" It was more of a question then a statement.

"That is sooo cute!" Kagome felt blood rush to her neck and cheeks at his cheerful words. Her hand reached up and she unconsciously played with the small silver heart on her neck. Touga cleared his throat. "Anyway, we are having a Halloween party this Friday, the night before Halloween and I was wondering if you and your family would be able to come?"

"Oh I don't know, I mean you would have to ask Naraku, and I'm not really a party person." She said still whispering.

"Oh come on, I'm sure Naraku will say yes, I'm gonna ask him when he gets here. Oh yes and Rin will be there and some of your friends...even Sessy." Kagome heard the growl signaling said dog demon was close by the taiyoukai. She heard Touga let out a small baritone chuckle. "Oh come on Sessy." Touga teased. Kagome wanted to laugh but she couldn't for fear she would hurt her self even more.

"I would love to come Touga." Kagome whispered happily. Touga nodded on the other end while his eldest son glared daggers at him.

"That's just wonderful." Touga said. He paused for a second as Sesshomaru asked him a question. Kagome only heard the soft monotone rumble of Sesshomaru's voice as she guessed he was talking to Touga. Suddenly Sesshomaru's cold voice filtered threw the phone which shocked her slightly.

"Kagome?" He repeated her name when she didn't answer.

"Oh yes, I'm sorry I was slightly distracted." She whispered in apology.

"It is fine." He paused for a second making sure she was listening. "Listen, Rin wants you to come with us when I take her trick or treating along with my brother and his friends. I do not know if he has said anything to you, but I wanted to make sure because Rin would be disappointed if you simply did not show." Kagome suppressed another laugh. He sounded so up tight that it was laughable. "And I will not have her upset because of Inuyasha's stupidity." He said coldly.

"Calm down Sessy. Do you really think I would hurt Rin? Do I seem like that kind of person?"

"No, I am just stating that I will not tolerate it." Kagome let a small smile grace her lips. He really did care for the small overly hyper girl.

"Don't worry Sessy, I'll come. I wouldn't miss Rin in her Halloween costume for the world, I'm sure she will look adorable." Kagome said her whisper held excitement that both Sesshomaru and Touga could clearly hear considering she was on speaker. "Just ask Naraku for me when he gets there, please?" She was in a hurry to get off because this little amount of conversation was starting to take its toll on her.

"I will see you tomorrow." He said coldly.

"See you then, tell Touga I said bye."

"I can hear you Kagome." Kagome was surprised when she heard Touga's voice. "You are on speaker."

"Oh, ok. Well I'll see you guys later."

"Ok Kagome, you too." Touga said before he heard the small beep indicating she hung up. The taiyoukai looked at his son. He opened his mouth to make fun of his son but was cut short by a light cheerful knock at the door. "Yes Hitomi?" Touga ask knowing the knock. Her head poked in.

"Mr. Takahashi is here." She said cheerfully and with a bright smile. Touga nodded.

"Let him in." He said giving his assistant and friend a warm smile. She moved out of the way and a few seconds later Naraku walked threw the thresh hold no longer smelling of alcohol. Touga stood and shook his hand. "Naraku, I'm so happy you could meet us." Sesshomaru gave him a simple nod and Naraku gave him a smile that Sesshomaru could tell was faker then blonde big chested super models, which Sesshomaru had found out first hand that not only their bodies were fake but so were their personalities. Naraku sat down at the table across from Sesshomaru and Touga. "So you want to do a merger?" Touga asked. Naraku nodded.

"Yes, I have drawn up the paper work for you guys to go over and then you can get back to me with your answer." Naraku said taking out a folder with several papers in it and sliding it over to them. Touga flipped threw it for a few seconds then nodded and handed it to Sesshomaru.

"It will take us a few days to discus everything with our associates." Naraku nodded saying:

"As expected." Touga smiled and nodded.

"Well now that that's settled I have a question." He told Naraku while folding his hands.

"What is it?" Naraku asked cheerfully also smiling.

"Well, this Friday we are having a Halloween party and Izzy and I wanted to know if you and your family could make it? I know it's kind of short notice but I kept forgetting to ask you about it."

"No, don't worry about it. We will be there." Touga clapped his hands together and stood.

"Wonderful, well I will see you then." Naraku nodded and shook both of their hands and when he was about to leave Sesshomaru stopped him.

"Since we were on the subject of this weekend I would like to ask you if Kagome and Sota could come with my daughter when I take her trick-or-treating." Sesshomaru said more then asked. Naraku thought for only half a second before he said yes but the only reason he had was because he didn't need any suspicions on his side. Once Naraku had left Sesshomaru turned to his father. "I still don't trust him." He growled coldly.

"Now, now Sesshomaru, you really should be a little more trusting." Touga said with his usual smile.

"Hn."

"Besides it is not as if Naraku has ever shown any traits of being untrustworthy nor has he ever done anything wrong that we know of."

"That does not changed the fact he has an evil aura." Touga shook his head at his son.

"Really Sesshomaru, you are too suspicious of people." Touga smiled at his eldest son. "Now come on give Daddy a hug." Sesshomaru glared at his father who had his arms open.

"Go hug that half-breed of yours." He growled coldly and brushed past his father. Touga went after his son only to see him in the elevator with the doors closing. Touga sighed as the doors closed. Hitomi looked up from her desk.

"Touga?" She asked using his first name because Mr. made him feel old. "Some thing wrong?" He looked at his secretary and friend giving her a smile.

"No, just my son. You know I thought when he adopted Rin that maybe he wouldn't have such a resentment against humans anymore, but I guess I was wrong." Hitomi gave him a hopeful look.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he will get over it eventually." The way she said it Touga was sure she knew something he didn't. "But what do I know? He can't stand me." Touga let out a deep chuckle as she laughed lightly.

Sesshomaru let out a sigh as he got in his car. He started to think about the smell on Naraku as he started to drive down the street. It was similar to the poison he had smelled on Kagome earlier. What was really going on with them? He knew Kagome wasn't about to tell him anything, Naraku and Kemi were out of the question...he could ask Sota maybe he would tell him something. It was worth a shot even though he was sure Sota wouldn't do anything without his sister's consent but yet it was still worth a shot. Sesshomaru shook his head clear of all thought when he pulled up and saw Rin bounding towards him with Mr. Bear hanging loosely in her arm and Kenji at her heals. He had gotten the bear for her when he had first found her. He remembered when he had first found her, it was 6 years ago.

It was around two in the morning, cold, raining, and he was still 17 soon to be 18. He had been driving down the street on his way home even though he was after curfew he didn't really care. The roads were slick and dark. Most of the street lamps were either not working or flickering on and off. He was going across a small bridge when he saw a small lump on the ground. He wasn't sure why he pulled over and got out to inspect it further but he did. It could have been a dead animal or just some trash that had been washed onto the bridge by the rain, but as he approached it he saw by the flickering street lamp that it was in fact a human. He scrunched up his nose in disgust but yet he still moved closer to it. When he was leaning over the small form he found that it wasn't dead just sleeping, he also noticed it was female.

"Wake up." He said coldly as he lightly shook the small human. If it didn't wake up it would probably die soon either from hypothermia or someone would kill it. When the small human child opened its eyes he noted they were full of sadness and fear. She whimpered and scrambled away from him. "I will not hurt you." He said sternly. She cowered against the railing of the bridge. Sesshomaru sighed thinking: 'Why do I care?' He took off his coat and moved forward, he wrapped it around the shivering girl.

The girl looked up at him in shock her tears mixing with the rain. Strands of her wet shoulder length hair clung to her face. She had warm and soft brown hues but they held so much pain in them, they reminded him of someone but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Where are your guardians?" The small girl opened her mouth but no sound came out. Sesshomaru figured either she didn't want to talk or she was a mute. He reached out and even though she flinched back he picked her up. She struggled slightly but gave in not having the will power to fight any longer. "I will not harm you." He said emotionlessly.

The girl looked up at him slightly shocked. Why was he helping her? She knew exactly what was going on. Unlike most kids her age she was smart and her parents saw to it that she was well educated as well as her brothers. Sesshomaru looked down at her, he had already put her in his car and he was sitting in the driver seat. He could smell the fresh tears. He reached into the back and grabbed his notebook from the seat as well as the hoody he had had in his locker at school but he decided to take it home. He took the jacket from her that she was clinging to and pulled the hoody over her. She was practically drowning in it but it was dry and warm which was what she needed right now. He leaned over ignoring her flinch and reached into the glove box and pulled out a pen.

"Can you write?" He asked, the little girl looked up at him with big round eyes and nodded. "Good." He handed her the notebook and pen. "Where are your guardians." Her eyes filled with tears as she wrote:

dead

Sesshomaru let out a sigh then asked: "Have they been dead long?"

they got killed today

Some of her letters were sloppy, miss spelled, and held no punctuation but he could still understand what it was.

"Do you have any relatives or anyone I can take you to?"

no they are all dead

Sesshomaru turned up the heat full blast and sat back. He wasn't sure what to do. Since her parents were dead and she had no one to go to she would get thrown into foster care. He knew he shouldn't care, what did one human matter? He looked at her to see her head bowed and tears running down her cheeks. Then she looked up at him and gave him a sad smile and wrote:

tank you for helping me

She then took off his hoody and opened the door. She was about to get out when she felt his clawed hand pull her back in.

"Where are you going?" He asked as he pulled the door closed. She just stared at him. "Do you want to die?" He asked. She shook her head. "Well if you go out there you will die." The little girl grabbed the notebook and wrote:

why

"Why what?"

why do you care

Sesshomaru sighed.

"I don't know why I care, I shouldn't but I do." He growled lightly at him self. "You are only a human." He said the last sentence more to him self then to her. He was currently arguing with him self over why he cared and missed the confused look she gave him. It wasn't until then that she noticed his pointed ears, deadly claws, and vicious fangs that could rip her apart at any second. Sesshomaru was brought out of his inner argument by a whimper. He looked over to see the small girl curling up and cowering away from him. "What is wrong?" He asked looking at her. She flinched visibly then quickly scribbled:

you are a demon

"Yes I am."

i was warned about deams

Sesshomaru frowned.

"Look, I am not going to kill you. If I was do you not think I would have already done it?" He watched as the little girl nodded and relaxed.

im sorry

She stopped writing not sure what to write any more. Sesshomaru shook his head.

"Not everyone is the same; that is called stereotyping."

im sorry

She wrote again.

"No need to apologize." He thought for a second. "Listen, since you don't have anyone to go to and it's..." He paused to look at the blue numbers on his radio. "2:40 A.M. why don't you come and spend the night at my house and we will figure this out in the morning." For a second the little girl looked scared but nodded her head.

is your mommy and daddy demon to

"My father is a demon as is my mother but my parents are no longer together. However he is remarried and his wife is human and my half brother is a half demon." The small girl nodded in understanding and he started to drive down the rain slick roads. After a few minutes of silence he saw a 24 hour Wal-Mart he pulled into the parking lot and got a confused look from the small girl. "I do not have any female children clothing where I live, and this will have to hold you over until tomorrow when I can actually take you to a decent store." Rin nodded then wrote down:

what do you mean descent

Even though she spelled the word wrong he understood.

"Wal-Mart is hardly good quality."

i dont need qwaollaty clothing

It looked like he would have to work on her spelling.

"Let's just get you some clothing." She nodded knowing she was getting on his nerves but she didn't need anything. He got out of the car and walked over to her side and opened the door. She grabbed the notebook and he picked her up. Before she could even blink they were inside.

how did you do that

"Demon." Was his one word answer. She gave him a funny look then wrote:

whats your name

"Sesshomaru, it is rude to ask a name without giving yours first." He said walking further in with out setting her down.

mine is Rin

Sesshomaru nodded and went over to the nearest female employee. She looked up and smiled.

"How may I help you?" She asked politely. She smiled at Rin and winked before looking at Sesshomaru.

"She is in need of clothing." He told the human female who nodded in understanding. She looked at Rin and asked:

"Why don't you and I go pick out some cute clothing while your daddy does other things." Sesshomaru was about to correct the woman but Rin shifted in his arms and quickly wrote something down on a new sheet of paper. She handed the notebook to the woman.

thank you im sure my daddy has something better to do and i dont think he would really be able to help me

"Of course, after all he is only male." The woman said jokingly. For the first time Sesshomaru heard Rin let out a small laugh and a bright smile. The laugh reminded Sesshomaru so much of Kagome but yet it was different but it still made his heart lighter to hear it. Sesshomaru set Rin down and took his over sized hoody off of her. He looked at the woman and said:

"Money is no object, if she likes it make sure to put it in the basket and I will buy it." The woman nodded then looked knelt down in front of the small girl.

"It seems that your daddy wants to spoil you." She told her with a bright smile and received one in return. "Why don't you and I go get you some clothing?" Rin nodded and the woman took her hand giving Sesshomaru a reassuring smile telling him not to worry they would be fine. Sesshomaru nodded at the two humans and walked away in search of something he wasn't really sure what though. After about 30 minutes the woman, who Rin had found out her name was Jenny, had helped Rin pick out several outfits. They were making their way to the changing rooms when she asked: "So Rin, I noticed your Daddy is demon but you are human...uh, I know I shouldn't pry but umm how does that work?" Rin was about to write something down when a cold voice stopped her.

"She is adopted." Both girls jumped and Jenny squeaked and spun around to see Sesshomaru standing right behind them.

"I'm sorry I was just curious." Jenny apologized. Sesshomaru shook his head.

"It is quit all right after all if we never ask questions how will we know the answers?" Jenny had a small blush on her cheeks.

"Oh...uh, we uh, picked out some clothing and we were just about to go have her try it on." Sesshomaru nodded.

"I shall come and see what it looks like." Rin smiled up at him and he let a very very small smile slip by. "I got you something." Sesshomaru pulled out a bear from the bag in his hand and handed it to her. The bear was pure white and it looked like a polar bear. She hugged the bear to her chest and looked up at him with a bright smile. With out warning the small girl launched her self at him. He was shocked to say the least but he didn't loose his balance.

He had picked out this particular bear because unlike the others it wasn't overly sized nor was it nearly microscopic. All of the other stuffed animals ranged from dogs to giraffes and were all multicolored and they were all so bright, like neon bright, but then he saw the small bear sitting there all by it self and it just looked perfect for her, so he bought it.

When she pulled back she had a bright smile and small tears in her eyes. Sesshomaru stooped down and knowing they were tears of happiness picked her up to give her a caring hug of his own. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Her smell wasn't unpleasant like most humans and now that she was some what dry he could smell not only her sent clearly but also that of death. He frowned slightly then looked at the woman.

"Shall we go then?" She nodded and led the way to the dressing rooms. After a few outfits that looked dare he think it...cute, on her she came out in an orange sun dress which held white and brown flowers with pink centers all over it. As soon as he saw her with a bright smile and she did a small twirl Sesshomaru knew that this small child would not be leaving his life anytime soon nor would allow her to.

"Rin you look absolutely adorable." Jenny cooed. She twirled again and wrapped her arms around her self signaling she loved it. After about an hour Rin had two carts filled with clothing ranging from sundresses to bathing suits to bed wear. Jenny rang them up and it came to $706.47, Sesshomaru didn't even care he just pulled out his bank card that was full of more than enough money from working at his fathers company.

After Sesshomaru paid for everything Jenny helped them bring it all out to his car. It was still raining so they made it fast. Jenny gave Rin a tight hug before she got in the car. Jenny then gave an unsuspecting Sesshomaru a hug also. When she went to leave Sesshomaru placed something in her hand. She looked down to see a hundred dollar bill and a phone number.

"Thank you for your help and also if you ever wanna go out some time give me a call." With out waiting for an answer Sesshomaru got in his car and drove off. Jenny put the number and money safely in her pocket and ran back inside out of the rain.

Sesshomaru was driving back to his house it was now almost 4 in the morning and he was pretty tired. Being a demon made it so he could go for long periods of time with out sleeping but he had not been to sleep in over a month straight and it was really starting to take its toll on him. He looked over to see a smiling Rin playing with her Mr. Bear as she had so lovingly named it.

"So do you like everything I bought you?" He watched as the little girl nodded her head vigorously. She grabbed the colorful notebook he had just bought her along with the purple pen he had also bought and wrote:

tank you so much i love it all

"Rin, listen..." He paused not really sure what to say. He pulled up in front of his father's house he lived in with his family.

im sorry i know i wont be staying with you i just wrote it because i dont knoww how to write yor name

Her hand writing was rushed and a lot of the words were misspelled. The smell of salt filled the car.

"No, Rin, it is not like that." His voice wasn't as cold as it had been earlier. "I wanted to ask you if you would become a part of my family, you can say no it-" He was cut off by the small body launching it self across the seat at him. He looked down to see Rin hugging him tightly with tears streaming down her face. Sesshomaru hugged her back and whipped away her tears. "Why are you crying?" He asked softly. She pulled back and put her small hands on his cheeks. She gave him a big smile, then moved and grabbed her notebook and wrote:

i am so happy thank you sesshoooomairu

Even though she totally slaughtered his name it was still cute.

"Why don't we go inside and we can go to sleep?" He asked her softly. "I will have the servants get your stuff." Rin nodded and smiled not completely understanding what a servant was but she was too tired to care. Sesshomaru got out and went over to her side, the rain splashing down on him; he opened her door and picked her up. Once inside the house he set her down and took off his wet jacket and hung it up in the walk in closet by the front door. He pulled the hoody off of Rin and placed it in there too so it could dry. He picked her up once again and headed towards the front stairs when he was stopped by a voice.

"Just where have you been Sesshomaru?" It was his father's voice and he was sure that his step-mother was standing right there with him.

"I was out." He said not turning around so they could not see the small girl he held in his arms along with her new bear.

"Don't be a smart ass." His father growled lightly, he would not tolerate his son's disrespectful behavior. It was obvious to Sesshomaru that rain's scent was covering that of Rin's. He felt the small girl try and wiggle closer to his body when his father growled, and seeing the small child scared for some reason it made his blood boil.

"Not tonight Father, you can yell at me all you want tomorrow." Sesshomaru took a step forward only to hear a snarl from his father which caused the small child to whimper which Touga's ears picked up automatically. Touga had thought it was his son at first because he knew that Sesshomaru no matter how promiscuous or horny he was he would never bring a woman home to sleep in his bed, he never had before and Touga was pretty sure he never would.

"Did you just..." Touga ask uncertainly. Sesshomaru growled knowing exactly what his father was thinking.

"I will never show fear of you Father." Touga felt angered by his son's response but he understood it.

"I don't want you to be afraid of me I just want you to listen to me."

"I apologize for my tardiness but something came up that I could not avoid." He lightly shifted Rin in his arms. In an instant Touga was in front of Sesshomaru and he almost fell over in shock when he saw what was in Sesshomaru's arms. He blinked at his son who stared at him with same cold blank expression as always.

"A child? A human child?" He asked astonished at what his son held in his arms. "And a girl none the less." Sesshomaru gave a warning growl. Izayoi who had kept quiet moved in front of Sesshomaru and beside Touga.

"Where did she come from?" She asked softly.

"She is now part of our family; we will talk in the morning." He stepped around them and started to walk up the stairs. When he reached about half way he turned around and noticed for the first time Inuyasha leaning against a wall but he ignored him. "I have things in my car; I left it parked out front. Send Jaken to retrieve them and put them in the room on the left to mine, quietly." He stressed the word quietly not wanting them to wake up Rin. Touga and Izayoi nodded knowing it would be best not to start a pointless argument.

"What is her name?" Izayoi asked softly.

"Rin." With that said Sesshomaru turned around and went to the bedroom across the hall from the room she would get. He laid the small girl on the soft fluffy bed. "I'm gonna have your new belongings moved into the room across the hall. You will sleep in here tonight. If you need me I will be in the room to the right of yours. Do not hesitate to wake me." He told her softly. Rin nodded and gave him a big smile before hugging him. He kissed her forehead like he used to Kagome and tucked her in. He watched as she drifted off to sleep almost instantaneously with her bear snuggled close to her chest.

Sesshomaru went back to his bedroom and striped down and put on just a pair of sweats not bothering with a shower. He climbed into his bed and fell asleep just as quickly as Rin had. A short while later he was aroused from his sleeping state by a sobbing sound and a small ball curled up to his side. He looked around happy he had his demon eye sight. He looked over to see Rin sobbing and curled up at his side.

"Rin?" He questioned. The small girl looked up, her cheeks were tear streaked and her nose was running. He reached over and grabbed a tissue from his nightstand and held it to her nose. "Blow." He instructed. Rin blew her nose into the tissue and he threw it away. "What is wrong?" His voice wasn't as cold as it had been. She opened her mouth and Sesshomaru didn't expect any sound but a small sweet voice filled his ears.

"I had a nightmare." At that moment Sesshomaru wanted to pull her close and cuddle her but he would never tell anyone that.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" He asked in a soft voice that only Kagome had ever heard before as he tucked a lock of her wet from tears hair. She looked up at him with sad eyes and he instantly knew what it was. She'd had a nightmare about her family being murdered. "Rin, would you like to tell me what happened? You don't have to right now but it might help, also you will have to tell the authorities about what happened tomorrow so they can search for your family's killer." Rin nodded. She took a deep breath and sat up. Sesshomaru turned on the lamp on his right night table. Rin winced slightly but got over it. Sesshomaru looked down at the small girl who looked even smaller with his dark blankets surrounding her.

"We were just sitting down to eat my birthday cake because today was my birthday and when I blew out my candles these guys barged in..." She paused and Sesshomaru noticed just how well her grammar was for a young child. "But anyway, they grabbed my Daddy and my Mommy and said if my brothers or I moved they would kill them. Well after a few seconds they started to beat my Dad and my Mommy was screaming for them to stop but instead of stopping they hit my Mommy which made my Daddy and big brothers go nuts. They tried to fight them off but they weren't strong enough... I don't really remember what happened next, it all happened so fast. One minute they were all fighting the next my brothers were protecting me as they raped my Mommy and made Daddy watch." Rin had tears streaming down her face as she told Sesshomaru everything that had occurred only mere hours ago. Sesshomaru was surprised that a girl of her age was not only able to explain a horrific event involving her only known family but that she also understood everything that had transpired and knew the right names for everything. Sesshomaru personally could never even fathom raping someone let alone a human female.

"If you are not able to continue you may stop." He offered but Rin shook her head.

"I'm fine." She wiped away her tears and began again. "After a few minutes the guys got off of my Mommy, and killed both her and Daddy with their claws. Then they came at me saying they were 'going to have fun with this one.' My older brothers, one is 15 and the other one is 12, they tried to stop the demons only to be killed but they fought back. When everyone was dead I was crying and curled up, so they said I wasn't worth it and they tore up the house and took something's, I'm not exactly sure what some papers I think, then they left and I didn't know what to do so I left too..." She paused again. "I'm not sure how long I was out side for until you found me." Sesshomaru gave her a small smile.

"Do you feel better now?" Rin was a little shocked at his question but nodded her head.

"Uh-huh, I do, thank you for caring." Sesshomaru pulled her to him in a hug.

"Well now that I'm your father I'm supposed to care right?" Rin looked up at him and gave him a bright smile.

"Can I sleep in here tonight?" Sesshomaru nodded. He reached over and turned off his light. They both settled down. Rin was surprised by how soft and comfortable his bed was but she didn't really have time to think about it because she was lulled to sleep by the pitter-patter of rain against the roof and side of the house. Sesshomaru was not far behind her as he listened to all of the sounds threw out his overly sized mansion.

Sesshomaru got out and opened his arms only to have a now twelve year old Rin run into his arms. He picked her up and started to walk towards his mansion.

"How was work Daddy?" She asked.

"Fine, how was school?" He questioned her back as he walked up the stairs with Kenji jumping at his feet and bouncing on the stairs. He looked down at the dog who looked up at him with his tongue lulling to the side as he barked happily.

"It was ok I guess. Stori-sensei made me take a test, the one that determines what grade they are moving me up to." She told him with a slightly bored tone.

"I did not know she was capable of acting professional." Rin giggled at his words.

"You're so funny Daddy." He gave her a small soft smile which disappeared as soon as he opened the front door.

"Did Yuki make you dinner yet?" She nodded.

"Yep! He made me oden, it was delicious!" She said happily.

"That is what I hired him for, is it not?" She giggled again and hugged his neck.

"I missed you Daddy...I don't really get to spend much time with you anymore." She said looking at him with a slightly sad look in her eyes.

"I miss you too. I wish I could spend more time with you, but work has been hectic lately especially because I think Father is getting ready to retire and let my brother and I take over shortly after the half-breed graduates." Rin let out a sigh when her Daddy said half-breed.

"Daddy? Can I ask you something?" She asked when he set her down lightly on the comfortable black leather couch in the entertainment room. It was apparent to Rin that he was going to watch a movie with her. Kenji jumped up on the couch next to her and rested his small head on her lap.

"Anything Rin." He said bending over to grab the DVD he had bought a short while ago but neither of them had yet to watch it.

"Why do you hate us so much?" She asked petting Kenji's head. Sesshomaru dropped the movie out of shock and turned to look at his adoptive daughter.

"Rin, I do not hate you and I will never hate you. What in the seven hells would make you think that?" Sesshomaru asked hoping he hadn't done anything to give her that impression, after all he had had her for a little over six years and he had never shown her anything but love.

"No Daddy, I don't mean me, me." She said with wide eyes. "I mean humans."

"What brought that on?" Sesshomaru asked picking up the movie and placing the disc in the player. He walked back over to her and sat on the opposite side from Kenji.

"Well its just you don't seem to like my race much and you always look down at Uncle Inuyasha because he is half human." Sesshomaru wasn't sure what to say, neither she nor anyone else had ever asked him about it.

"That is because..." He paused not wanting his next words to harm the small fragile child he loved. He sighed and pulled her closer to him. "I love you, but humans are weak and they are beneath me, but I do not believe that you are beneath me." He told her softly trying to make her understand.

"Oh..." She said then asked in a whisper: "Do you think Kagome is below you?"

"Kagome is an exception to every rule." He told Rin before he placed a small kiss on the top of her head. "Now, the movie is starting."

"What is it Daddy?"

"It is that new zombie movie you wanted to see."

"Thank you Daddy!" Rin said excited, she had been wanting to see this movie for over a year but Sesshomaru didn't want her to have nightmares although she had proven with other scary movies that she could handle it.

Two more horror films with Rin curled up to her Daddy and she was out like a light. Sesshomaru carried her up to her room and tucked her in. Kenji jumped up and curled up to her side. Sesshomaru pulled the covers up to her neck and placed Mr. Bear in her arm. When he straightened up he noticed the rain out side. Sesshomaru let out a sigh as he went back to his room, he took off his clothing and headed towards his shower.

Once the water was set to his desired temperature he stepped in. The clear warm droplets of water ran over his tall, lean, but muscular body. As he started to wash his hair a smiling Kagome flashed in his mind. He stopped for a second thinking:

'That was rather unexpected.' He went back to cleansing him self of today's dirt when she flashed in his mind again except this time she had tears falling down her face and her eyes were dull. He sighed again and shook his head trying to clear the random thoughts away. He didn't know why he was having flashes of Kagome in his mind. When he was done he wrapped a fluffy white towel around his waist leaving his washboard abs showing as well as his toned pecks and arms. When he walked back into his room to see two lumps in his bed.

He walked into his overly sized closet and put on a pair of silk boxers along with a silk shirt before he walked back into his room. He slipped into his bed and had the larger lump curl up to him and he wrapped an arm around it and let a small smile grace his lips as the lump snuggled into further into his chest. The last thought that crossed his mind was Kagome's smiling face. She was on his private beach, Rin was in the water as were Kagome's friends along with Kenji. She was in a sundress and sitting next to him on a towel, she was laughing and smiling just like everyone else.

In reality Kagome was now on the street with her worried brother hovering over her.

A few hours earlier...

After she had gotten off the phone with Touga and Sesshomaru, Sota woke and carried her up stairs. Their mother came home shortly after that and healed Kagome only a little bit because she wasn't sure what kind of a mood Naraku would be in later.

Shortly after their mother Naraku returned home but it seemed he was in a good mood. Their mother lightly knocked on Kagome's door after a few minutes of him returning.

"Kagome, Sota, Naraku is taking us out to dinner so get ready." She said cheerfully. Sota looked at his sister who was on her laptop and about to sign into messenger.

"Do you think you can go?" He asked her softly. Kagome turned off her laptop and looked up at him.

"If I don't he will be furious." She said quietly so she wouldn't hurt herself. Sota watched her swing her legs over the edge of the bed and force her self into a standing position. Kagome gave her younger brother a small smile. "See kiddo I can do it." Sota scoffed at the nickname.

"You know I'm really not that much younger then you." Sota said.

"I know..."

"You know your birthday is coming up soon."

"Yeah...maybe it will be better this year." Kagome paused then added: "Yours will."

"Don't worry it will be." Kagome made a mental note to make sure that his birthday was better then last one. Kagome had been sick on his birthday so she staid home and as did her mother so she could take care of Kagome. Naraku took off work early so he could come home and get Sota's present ready.

Sota came home after school with flowers that he had picked for Kagome on his way home from school. When he walked in the first thing he saw was his mothers limp form on the floor of the grand entrance of their mansion at the time. He dropped his bag, flowers, and smile and ran to his mother's side. She was unconscious but breathing. He looked around for any sign of Kagome and when he didn't see one he thought the worst had occurred so he ran upstairs to his sister's room. With out knocking he opened the door only to see Naraku standing over Kagome with a bloody dagger in his hand. He looked at Sota and brought the dagger up to his mouth and licked the blood off of it.

Kagome watched Sota shudder then shout:

"Get away from her you freak." Kagome shook her head.

"No Sota, go it's ok just go." She said desperately, she didn't want her brother hurt. Sota looked at his sister disbelievingly.

"Kagome?" He choked the word out. Kagome could see the clear droplets running down his cheeks.

"I'll be fine." She mouthed. Naraku smiled at Sota.

"Tell me Sota would you like to take your sisters place? After all it is your birthday." Sota looked down at his sister. She was bleeding although he couldn't see from where, her arm was bent in a sickening way and he knew it was broken, and she had a nasty looking bruise forming on her cheek, he suspected that her cheek bone was also broken. Sota looked at Naraku and nodded.

"My room?" Sota asked knowing exactly what was going to happen.

"I hope so." She said snapping him out of his memory. They walked down stairs with Sota keeping a close eye on Kagome just incase she had trouble breathing or moving. Naraku smiled brightly at both of them.

"We are going out to celebrate Naraku's achievement." Kemi said cheerfully.

"And just what achievement is that?" Sota asked in a sarcastic voice. Naraku glared at him but still kept his smile.

"I am going to have a merger between my company and Tashio Corp." He told them happily. "Now, let's go out and have a fun night on the town." He said turning and holding the front door open for them. Both Sota and Kagome knew it was all fake, but unfortunately Kemi had fallen for his tricks once again. Once they were all in Naraku's car he started to drive and asked where they should go. When the two siblings didn't answer Kemi spoke up and said that Italian sounded nice, so that is where they went.

Both Kagome and Sota ate light foods just incase. The entire time Sota had kept an eye on Kagome, he was afraid that she might have problems breathing, moving, anything basically, but if she did she covered it well because he rarely even saw discomfort shine in her eyes. After they had eaten Naraku decided that the night was still young, so they should go to the theater and catch a movie. Naraku let them choose the movie and Kagome and Sota ended up picking an action film.

Once the movie was over they were all walking back to Naraku's car Kagome and Sota waiting for what might happen next. When Kemi got in the car Naraku turned to Sota and Kagome and said:

"Have fun walking home." With that he got in the car, Kagome reached out to the door to see if he was kidding only to find the handle locked. When she looked at her mother with a pleading look she just sat there in the car staring back at them with sad eyes. When Naraku started to drive off he blew a kiss at both Sota and Kagome before giving them a sadistic smile.

When they could no longer see the car Kagome sat down on the curb along with Sota. Kagome put her head in her hands not sure what to do. She forced the tears back when she felt them rise to the surface. She had to be strong, she had to keep it together...at least for Sota.

'Come on think Kagome, think, what can you do? You are an hour's drive from your house...who can you call? The Tashio's are out of the question because I'm not gonna ask them to come all the way out to the city to pick us up then take us all the way back home...come on think.' Kagome was brought out of her musings by her brother's voice.

"Any ideas Kagome? We can't walk that far it would take us at least all night because of your current condition." There was a pregnant pause before Sota asked in a small voice: "What about Sesshomaru? He lives out here in the city right?" Kagome looked up at him.

"I don't even know if he is out here, I mean he might be spending the night at his parents I don't know..." She put her head back down. "I don't know what to do I'm sorry." She said softly. "I'm kind of surprised mom just sat there and drove off with him..." Kagome said more to her self then to him. Sota could hear the tears in her voice and he didn't really want to see his sister cry so to sidetrack her he asked:

"Well at least it can't get much worse right?" As soon as he said those forbidden words lightening flashed across the sky and thunder boomed. Kagome jumped so high that she fell off the curb and was now currently on the ground with her worried brother hovering over her.

It started to pour before Sota was even able to help Kagome up off of the ground. By the time they were under the overhanging of the theater they were soaked to the bone. Sota looked at his sister who looked as if she was starting to have a panic attack. Sota helped her sit down on one of the benches. He was so worried about her he was about to freak out himself.

"Look Kagome, why don't I call and find out where Sesshomaru is and ask him for a ride, ok?" Kagome looked up at him and he continued. "And if he can't make it then we will start walking, how does that sound?" Kagome nodded.

"Yeah sounds good, but I think I should call him." She sounded breathless and it seemed like she would break down at any second. She pulled out her cell phone happy it wasn't soaked and that it was working. Even though she had never called him on her cell before she still had his cell in there from when he had called her before, she still wasn't even sure how he had gotten her number but he did. She dialed his number and she instantly heard the phone ring.

Sesshomaru had been in his own dreamland dreaming about everyone on the beach and they were all happy just like the old days, when he was suddenly pulled from them by the annoying ring of his phone. He growled and quickly answered it before it woke Rin.

"What." He growled coldly not bothering to look at the caller id. Kagome felt tears rush to her eyes, how could she have been so stupid? She really needed Sesshomaru to bail her out of this mess just like when they were younger.

"Sesshomaru?" She choked out; both Sesshomaru and Sota were able to hear the wateriness of her voice.

"Kagome?" He asked back. "What's wrong?" He sat up and swung his feet over the edge of the bed completely awake now.

"Where are you?" She asked a few tears slipping by unchecked.

"At my house, why?" She could hear the concern in his voice even though it was still cold it wasn't emotionless.

"Can you do me a favor?" She asked clutching her phone tightly.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I know it's late and all, but Sota and I are stuck at..." She paused to look at the buildings surrounding the theater. "The movie theater between Joe's Crab Shack and a Lonestar, can you please pick us up? I wouldn't have called but at the moment I don't have anyone else I can call. Please, it's pouring out here and I know its late, but...please." Sesshomaru heard her let out a sob.

"It is ok Kagome, I will be there in five, I know exactly where you are. Just wait five minutes and I will be there, ok?" Kagome let a small smile play across her lips as tears slipped by.

"Th-thank you." She stuttered in small gasps.

"No problem, see you in a few."

"See ya. Oh, and Sesshomaru, thank you."

"I will be there shortly." With that he hung up and as did Kagome. She looked over to Sota who was looking at her with concern clear in his hypnotic blues.

"You ok?" She nodded and he sat next to her.

"He said he would be here in five." She told him giving him a watery smile. Sota smiled brightly at his sister and sat next to her. "It's nice to have another person I can count on besides you." She said softly and rested her head on his shoulder feeling horrible she had almost let her self fall to pieces. She was supposed to be the strong one, she was supposed to protect him.

"How are you doing?" He asked talking about her broken sternum.

"Pretty good but I'm having a small problem breathing." Sota nodded and put his head in his hands. Only a minute later a group of people came out of the theater, Kagome who had been leaning to her side with her chin resting in the palm of her hand.

"Hey dude, hotty." One of them said to the others pointing at Kagome. One of the other boys licked his lips.

"Who is up for some fun? The boy she is with doesn't look like he could put up much of a fight." There were four of them three demons and one human. They all walked over to Kagome and Sota. Kagome blinked when suddenly her view of the street was blocked, she looked up to see four guys leering down at her. Sota also noticed.

"Can I help you?" Kagome asked politely. The most muscular out of the four smiled sadistically and said:

"You can help me by sucking my cock, and giving us any money you have." Kagome gasped at what he said, she was defiantly not expecting that. Before Kagome knew it the one with pink hair had grabbed her and the one that looked to be human grabbed Sota and dragged both of them to the ally between Lonestar and the movie theater. When they both started to fight back they were quickly punched and Kagome felt hot white pain as the guy missed her stomach and punched her broken sternum. The guy with pink hair looked up at the one Kagome guessed to be the leader and asked:

"You wanna go first Kisay?" The guy nodded and moved forward. Kagome felt her heart race in fear and she thought it would explode. She started to gasp for breath as she unknowingly started to have a panic attack. The leader was suddenly on top of her forcing her to the ground.

"Don't worry this will only hurt for a minute." He told her softly but sarcastically causing all of the other guys to laugh. Sota was fighting the demon holding him back, unfortunately neither of the siblings had any miko energy from trying to heal Kagome. Kagome started to panic even more causing her heart rate to excel beyond any safe range. She felt the guy start to unbuckle her pants and she tried to scream but found not only that she didn't have the air to do it but also that the guy's hand was covering her mouth. Reflexively Kagome bit his hand, she bit down hard and soon found his horribly tasting blood in her mouth. He yanked his hand away and she spit his own blood back in his face. "Oh you're a feisty one." He sneered. The others laughed and when he reached down to undo his pants he found himself flying into a wall. Before his mind could register what had happened he was knocked unconscious.

Kagome had felt the extra weight leave her body and she scrambled away buttoning her jeans back up as she went. When she had backed her self into a corner she brought her knees up to her chest and tried to slow her heart beat before it burst out of her chest. When she felt a hand touch her arm she flinched and ripped her arm away and slapped the person. When she went to hit the person again they grabbed her wrist. She whimpered because her heart sped up again and god did it hurt.

"You, Higurashi, attract trouble like a flower attracts bees." Kagome opened her eyes to see molten gold hues starring at her.

"So-ta." Kagome managed to get out in small gasps.

"He is in my car warming up."

"Bu-t wh-at abo-ut..." She placed her hand on her chest trying to help her self breath.

"I knocked them out." He said simply. He could hear her excelled heart rate and it worried him although he would never admit it out loud. "Kagome, you need to concentrate on slowing your heart rate. I do believe you are having a panic attack." Kagome nodded and continued to let out small gasps. Sesshomaru saw that her body had relaxed somewhat so he pulled her forward and looped his arm under her knees and the other one around the middle of her back and lifted her easily as if she weighed nothing which is exactly what she felt like to him. Sesshomaru made a mental note to try and watch her eating habits like a concerned friend would. Kagome rested her head against his chest grateful of his body heat which made her more aware of the rain that was pelting them. Once he had brought her to his car he put her in the front and wrapped one of the extra blankets he had in the trunk of his car around her shaking body. He looked back at Sota. "You ok?" He asked his voice slightly softer then normal. Sota nodded.

"Yes I am, Kagome, you ok?" He asked looking from Sesshomaru to Kagome who was shaking and still gasping for air. She nodded and tried to give him a smile but failed miserably.

"How did you end up in this predicament?" Sesshomaru's cold voice asked. Kagome and Sota exchanged glances. Sesshomaru noticed the exchange so he decided to speak up again. "Where are you parents?" Sesshomaru asked only to receive a glare, surprisingly enough it was from Sota.

"Who do you think left us here?" Sota said in a surprisingly cold tone. Sesshomaru blinked then looked at Kagome who was starring at her finger nails still gasping, when she looked up at Sesshomaru he could see the unshed tears shinning in her eyes.

"I am So-rry, th-ank y-you fo-r pi-cking u-u-us..." She stopped talking and a few tears slipped down her cheeks and she angrily wiped them away. Sesshomaru glanced at Sota before pulling Kagome to him in a hug.

"Kagome..." He sighed. "Perhaps you two should spend the night at my house and I will take you to school in the morning how does that sound?" Kagome pulled back slightly and looked at Sota who shrugged.

"I don't care." Sota said softly looking into Kagome's dull green hues who in turn looked at Sesshomaru.

"Y-eah, sou-nds like a p-p-lan. That w-ay they c-c-an have a night to c-ool off." Kagome said knowing it was a lie but Sesshomaru didn't need to know the truth. Sesshomaru nodded and turned up the heat when he pulled away from Kagome who sat back and snuggled further into the blanket wrapped around her. Sesshomaru started to drive back to his house the only sounds that filled the car were Kagome's gasps for air. After a minute Sesshomaru reached over and lightly held her hand in an attempt to calm her down. She gave him a small smile. They arrived at his mansion with in the next few minutes.

"I will be right back with clothing for the both of you." Sesshomaru left them in the front entrance dripping on the floor. When they were waiting for him to return a toad demon walked up to them and glared.

"May I help you?" It asked as if Kagome and her brother were bugs that needed to be squashed.

"Jaken?" Kagome questioned. The toad glared up at her.

"And you are?"

"Kagome, Sesshomaru's friend. We used to play tricks on you when I was younger and so did Sota when he got old enough." She said indicating the boy standing next to her as Sota. Sota perked up remembering.

"I remember that one time we poured honey all over you and those bees attacked you that was hilarious." The demons eyes flashed and he jumped up and bopped Sota on the head.

"You brat, I never got you back for that." Kagome in turn hit Jaken on the head for hitting Sota. When Jaken went to hit her back a cold voice stopped him.

"Do not hit her Jaken." They all looked up to see Sesshomaru standing at the foot of the stairs with clothing in his hands. Jaken looked up at his master and pouted.

"But Lord Sesshomaru." He wined. "She hit me first."

"And you hit her brother before that did you not. It is simply fair that she hit you in protection of her younger sibling, is it not?" The toad demon bowed.

"Yes M'Lord."

"Now clean up the water." The demon looked to see the trail of water that Kagome and Sota had left on the until now spotless floor.

"We can clean it Sessy, I don't mind." Kagome said noticing the pathetic look Jaken had.

"No that's fine, I will do it." Jaken said and walked off to get a mop. Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru.

"I would have cleaned it." Sesshomaru didn't answer instead he tossed them both a small bundle of clean, dry clothing. He had handed them both silk button up shirts and sweats.

"I'll show you two where you can sleep." He said and turned around and started to walk up the stairs. Kagome and Sota followed him, Kagome had settled down considerably but her heart was still pounding as if it would burst from her chest and her head felt as if it would explode. Kagome kept her eyes away form the painting not wanting anything to happen like it had the last time she looked up at it. Sesshomaru showed them to two rooms across from each other. "My room is at the end of the hall." With that said he turned around and started to walk towards his room. Sota disappeared into his own room for the night.

"Th-thank you." Kagome called out to him. Sesshomaru stopped and turned around.

"As I told you earlier Kagome; you can always count on me to be there for you. I promise I won't ever leave you." Kagome smiled softly and opened her mouth to say thank you once again but before she could a loud bang of thunder rang threw Sesshomaru's castle like mansion. Kagome screamed and fell to her knees crying. Sesshomaru, not sure what happened, was at her side in a flash. "Kagome?"

She balled up her fist and punched the floor, her eyes tightly shut as tears ran down her face. "I am so tired of this." She said angrily. "I am so pathetic."

"Well I see you are still afraid of thunderstorms." He said trying to lighten the mood. He placed his hand on her back and he could feel her whole body shaking. "Kagome you are not pathetic."

"Yes I am. I mean for god sakes I'm am afraid of a thunderstorm. Who is afraid of something that can't hurt them?" She looked up at him with self loathing clearly written across her face.

"A lot of people are afraid of inadament objects or idiotic things such as clowns. Kagome let out a dry laugh.

"I am afraid of clowns too." She forced herself into a sitting position and pulled away from him light blush of embarrassment staining her cheeks and nose. "I'm sorry." She stood up and he followed suit. "I'll see you in the morning." She said not letting him speak before disappearing behind the door and into her temporary room. Sesshomaru sighed and went back to his room to find that Rin and Kenji were no longer in there. He lay back in his bed and drifted off to sleep. He never did hear the thunder that continued after he slipped into his own dream land.

Kagome looked around the room she was currently in. There was a green canopy bed and various light and dark shades of green decorated the walls, carpet, and furniture. It was a beautiful room which was exactly what she expected from Sesshomaru. She noticed there was a walk in closet, a computer on the dark cheery wood desk in the far corner, and there was a bathroom. She walked over to the bed and set the clothing down that Sesshomaru had provided for her.

She slowly pulled of the shirt she was wearing and looked down at the bruised flesh. It was all black and purple around her sternum. She sighed and pulled off her pants not bothering to put on the sweat pants because she was wearing boy cut lacy underwear and the silk shirt covered them anyway. She carefully unhooked her bra from the small clasp in the front and placed it with her wet clothing. She pulled on the white silk shirt and marveled at the feel of it against her naked skin. She picked up her wet clothing and walked over to the bathroom. She flicked on the light and she almost gasped. It was all white, silver, and gold. There was a glass shower against the wall and a jacuzzi tub next to it. She placed her wet clothing in the white porcelain sink and walked back out.

Kagome crawled into the fluffy green mass, and snuggled into the blankets hiding from the storm that raged out side. It seemed to be getting worse and she didn't know what to do. After a half hour of cowering she couldn't take it anymore and decided to go see if Sesshomaru was awake like she used to when they were younger. She quickly went to the room he had said was his and quietly opened the door. She poked her head in only to see the powerful inuyoukai asleep. She walked towards his bed and looked at his relaxed face. He looked a sleep but was he? She held back a whimper when there was a loud boom of thunder. She looked at Sesshomaru sure that he would have been woken by the loud sound only to see that he was sleeping and his breathing hadn't even changed.

Kagome sighed lightly and figured he wouldn't mind too much if she slept next to him...right? Kagome looked at his face for a few more seconds before coming to conclusion that the worst he would do would be to kick her out of his bed. She pulled back the fluffy bedding and crawled in as quietly and softly as she could, pausing every few seconds to make sure she didn't wake him. She noticed he was only wearing boxers as she snuggled into his incredibly soft bed. She lay there facing him for a minute before she turned around facing away from him thinking it was creepy to sleep looking at him. She whimpered slightly when another boom sounded threw the castle Sesshomaru called a house.

Sesshomaru was woken from his warm dream of everyone on the beach when he heard a whimper. He opened his eyes to see a small person in front of him for a second he thought it was Rin but when he heard a loud crack of lightening and it illuminated his room he saw that it wasn't Rin but Kagome.

"Kagome?" She jumped when she heard her name come from the man behind her. Kagome turned around to see molten gold hues staring intently at her. "You are in my bed for what reason?" Kagome paused.

"I uh-I..." She sighed. "I'm sorry, I was scared." She admitted. She went to move away but he stopped her with his hand.

"If you are scared then why are you going?" Kagome's green hues looked up at him shock written all over her face.

"Can I stay?" She asked hopeful. He nodded his head once. Kagome being happy, even though it was a bad situation that brought her here, latched on to him in a light hug. "Are you sure?" She asked after she pulled back. He just nodded again. Kagome gave him a small smile then nearly screamed when there was another loud bang. Tears sprung to her eyes as she tried not to cry in fright. Sesshomaru who could smell the salt pulled her close to him surprising the both of them.

"Why does it bother you? It is only nature." Kagome clutched his shirt in her fists.

"I know that...it just...I don't know, I've always been afraid of it."

"I remember." His deep voice rumbled threw his chest and into her ears. He wrapped his arms around her in an attempt to sooth her. "Kagome...make sure you do not tell anyone about tonight." Kagome pulled back and looked into his face.

"Why would I do that?" She asked with a small frown. "I know you're not allowed to have outside school relations with students...although because of the other day everyone thinks we are together."

"Yes but I am able to explain that as a miss understanding and you are also my personal assistant and interoffice relationships should not exist." He said, absentmindedly resting his hand on her hip.

"What? Just you're assistant not your friend?" She asked feigning hurt. Sesshomaru cracked a microscopic smile but Kagome could see it. "I see how it is..." Kagome pouted wiggling away from him slightly. "You use me as a decoy so your daughter's teacher won't hit on you, then you let a reporter take a picture of us when we "kiss", and I'm not even your friend? That's messed up considering what great friends we used to be." She made air quotes with her fingers when she said the word kiss. Sesshomaru leaned closer to her so now he was half hovering over her while her back was flat on the bed and her head was laying on one of his many pillows.

"If that "kiss" was so bad maybe I should make up for it." Kagome's face contorted in utter shock.

"Wh-what?" Instead of answering Sesshomaru leaned down and when he was only an inch away he looked into her eyes. Dull green stared into pools of liquid sun searching for answers.

"How about my best friend?" He questioned her softly. Kagome could feel his warm breath against her lips and cheeks. He closed the distance between them, Kagome's eyes widened before closing. Their lips molded together in a soft but passionate kiss. It was much like there second one but yet completely different at the same time. While their lips were preoccupied Sesshomaru's left hand slipped up the shirt that she was wearing. His strong hand ran across her flat stomach, he could feel the scars she held there. Kagome was so wrapped up in the kiss that she didn't notice his hand which was currently rising. Sesshomaru's eyes opened when he felt where her bones dipped in confirming his suspicion of her broken sternum. He started to unbutton the shirt but he didn't open it. The shirt it self opened so the bruised valley between her breasts was showing as well as her flat stomach. Sesshomaru broke the kiss and started to kiss down her jaw line then her neck, nibbling and sucking on random spots of her delicate flesh leaving her breathless. Kagome wasn't sure whether she wanted him to stop or not, it was all happening so fast.

"Se-Sesshomaru?" He stopped and looked into her eyes. He saw the fear that he had caused her but it was necessary so he could find the answers to his suspicions.

"Do you trust me?" Kagome knew she did but she was afraid of what he was about to do especially after what happened earlier not only with Naraku but with Mr. Turner.

"Ye-yeah." Her stomach did a flip when she said that. But it was the truth, she did trust him. She trusted him with her life and she knew he would never do anything to hurt her. Sesshomaru lifted himself off of her slightly so he was hovering over her.

"Then do not move." Kagome felt fear wash threw her and Sesshomaru could smell it. He sat up and looked down at her; her shirt was still slightly open. He ran his index finger, mindful of his claws, up the left side of the open shirt. He moved it open a little exposing more of her bruised sternum but not really her breasts. "Kagome..." He felt a sharp pain in his chest at the sight of the bruised flesh. Kagome quickly closed the shirt and sat up.

"I'm sorry." She went to get out of the bed but he quickly stopped her and made her look at him. Kagome could see the fierceness in his eyes and it scared her slightly.

"Kagome, who did this to you?" She tried to pull away but he only tightened his grip.

"Sesshomaru, please, it was just those guys from earlier." He growled and she flinched visibly.

"Kagome I know you are lying, tell me, I knew it was there." Kagome paused.

"You knew? Then you just... how could you?" Tears brimmed in her eyes once again.

"It is not like that, Kagome, you need to tell me who has been hurting you." Kagome shook her head.

"I can't, I told you I can't." She looked away but he put his free hand on her chin and turned her head forcing her to look into his eyes.

"Kagome, you said you trusted me did you not?"

"Yeah I did, but you don't understand Sesshomaru I can't. I wish I could but I can't." Tears streamed down her porcelain cheeks. Sesshomaru pulled her to his chest and hugged her tightly.

"Please don't cry Kagome." She wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She sobbed. He ran soothing circles across her back the silk feeling wonderful on her skin.

"It is ok Kagome; I just want to help you." Kagome shook her head against his chest.

"You can't... No one can." Sesshomaru held her even tighter but not tight enough to cause her pain as she let everything out. He lightly rocked her whispering sweet nothings as she just flat out balled in his arms. When her crying had been reduced to soft sniffles and gasps of breath he pulled away. He wiped away her tears ignoring the ones on his chest.

"Better?" Kagome nodded.

"I'm sorry Sesshomaru I shouldn't have called you." She went to move away but he grabbed a hold of her again.

"Kagome, I do not want you to leave. Just please tell me, I'm your friend am I not? And friends tell each other everything do they not? So please tell me, I promise if you tell me I will make them stop, but you have to tell me."

"I can't, I just can't." She said tiredly. Sesshomaru mentally sighed. He cupped her face in his hands, the same deadly hands that were capable of killing.

"Kagome, get some sleep ok." He ran the soft pad of his thumb across her cheek. She nodded and he moved his hands and kissed her cheek. Sesshomaru noticed her shirt was sill open and reached over to button it up only to have her flinch away. "Look at me... I will never hurt you ok? I promise I will never hurt you, and I will never let any harm to befall you, do you understand?"

"Y-hiccup-yes." He gave her an uncharacteristic small smile.

"Good, now why don't we go to sleep?" He asked softly as he reached down and buttoned up her shirt. Kagome returned his small smile.

"Th-that sounds nice." Sesshomaru kissed her forehead and they laid back down with her back to his chest. Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her protectively. She whimpered once again as there was a loud bang of thunder.

"Shh, I told you I will keep you safe." Kagome relaxed her body into his. After a few minutes of them laying there Kagome moved slightly from not being able to fall asleep. "Why have you not yet fallen asleep?" Sesshomaru's smooth voice asked into her ear.

"I'm sorry, I'm kind of hungry." As soon as she said that her stomach growled. Kagome flushed red and Sesshomaru let out a deep baritone chuckle. He sat up and leaned over her shoulder looking down at her bright blush, his silver strands flowing around him.

"It would seem so, why don't I make you something?" Kagome nodded her head and Sesshomaru got out of the bed pulling her with him. Kagome giggled lightly, and then Sesshomaru surprised her when he lifted her up bridle style. She was smiling and Sesshomaru was just happy that she was. Sesshomaru carried her down the hall and stairs then headed towards the kitchen. "So what would you like?" He asked her trying to make conversation.

"I'm not sure...I didn't really eat dinner because I didn't want to loose it later..." She was talking more to her self then to him but it only made him want to make her tell him who it was that was hurting her.

"So would you like some dinner? Or perhaps a little desert?" He asked when he set her down in his kitchen. Kagome looked around everything was dark marble and stainless steel except the cherry wood cabinets. There was a large island in the middle of it and a very long wrap around counter. It was huge and beautiful. It was exactly something Sesshomaru would have. Kagome remembered that when they were younger they spent several hours in his kitchen baking and cooking with the cooks and they had even made both of their houses dinner. Kagome remembered one time in particular. It was the first time Kagome had ever baked and she was only 7 and Sesshomaru was teaching her.

A seven year old Kagome and a twelve almost thirteen year old Sesshomaru were nearly covered in head to toe in flour, the Tashio's kitchen was also covered in it. Kagome giggled lightly as Sesshomaru inspected his white should be silver hair. He looked at Kagome who looked more like a ghost then a living human.

"We should get cleaned up." He said softly to her, only Kagome had ever heard him with out his cold emotionless voice. Kagome giggled again and nodded.

"You look funny Sessy...I'm sorry for getting flour every where." She said her giggle now gone and her head down. Sesshomaru lifted her chin and gave her a small rare smile.

"It is fine Kags, lets just get cleaned, the cookies should be done by the time we are." Kagome nodded. They went up stairs together and went into their rooms which were side by side.

"See you in a few secondssss Sessy." She said with a small lisp on seconds.

"Don't slip this time." Sesshomaru warned her. She smiled brightly her bright green eyes twinkling at him. After they both had gotten cleaned up and changed clothing. Kagome put on the extra clothing she had in the closet in her room because she was here so often. Sesshomaru smiled at her with a small smile which Kagome returned tenfold, that was until she smelt the burning. Kagome and Sesshomaru raced down stairs of course Sesshomaru was there before she was because of his demon speed. Kagome ran in to see him throwing the cookies they had been trying to bake into the sink and spraying them with water for they were now on fire. Kagome fell to her knees tears threatening to spill over. Sesshomaru stopped when the cookies were put out, he looked over to see Kagome on the ground almost crying. Sesshomaru went to her side and knelt next to her. "What is wrong?" He asked. Kagome looked up at him and he could see the tears threatening to fall.

"How did they burn?" She asked in a squeaky voice.

"You put the oven on too high when you put them in." He told her honestly. She hugged him tightly.

"I'm sorry Sesshomaru, I didn't mean to."

"Kagome, it was an honest mistake. You did not do it on purpose." Kagome pulled back.

"I'm sorry, after all that messsss I still killed the cookiesss." Her lisp seemed a bit worse now that she was about to cry.

"No, its ok we can make more." He said trying to calm her and it worked. She smiled brightly at him her tears completely forgotten.

"Really?" She asked sweetly.

"Of course, why don't we do it now?" Kagome nodded excitedly.

Kagome was brought out of her memory by her name being called.

"Kagome? What would you like?"

"Huh? Oh I uh...sorry what were you saying?" He sighed silently at her inability to stay focused at times.

"What do you want? Pasta, pizza, salad, desert?" He asked turning away from her and opening his fridge.

"Oh, umm what do you want?"

"I am not the one who said they were hungry."

"So you're not going to eat with me?" He closed the fridge and looked at her.

"I would rather eat you." He said jokingly causing her to blush.

"Pervert, I think Miroku might be rubbing off on you."

"And I think you need to decide what you would like to eat before I go back to bed and leave you here." Kagome sighed and hopped up on the island swinging her legs like a child would over the edge. She put her finger on her chin in thought. Sesshomaru watched her because it seemed like she was thinking. Suddenly she thrust her finger in the air, startling him slightly although he didn't show it.

"I want ice cream and I want to make cookies with you, like we used to."

"Do you want to become fat?" Kagome's mouth fell open.

"That was mean." She huffed crossing her arms. "I will not get fat."

"Also do you not think it's a bit early in the morning to be baking cookies?" Kagome glanced at the clock on the microwave which read 3:12 am.

"I guess I wont be getting any sleep tonight...is that ok with you? I mean I know you're a demon and all but I don't know if you need to rest right now or not we ca-" She was cut off by him pressing his hand over her mouth.

"If you want cookies and ice cream then I will make it, and you're right I am a demon I don't need to sleep tonight." Even though it was a lie that he didn't need sleep, but she didn't need to know that. Kagome who had been waiting for him to take his hand off decided to take matters into her own hands and lick his hand. Sesshomaru jerked his hand away not expecting her to lick him. He glared at her and she just gave him a small innocent smile. "You think that was funny?" He asked. Kagome nodded her head vigorously.

"Uh-huh. Hilarious." She said with a small laugh while he wiped his hand off on his boxers. Kagome saw this and suddenly realized her legs were open and she was only wearing her underwear and his silk shirt. Kagome blushed and stopped swinging her legs then she tried to slowly close them so he wouldn't notice, but he did. He put his hands on her knees and stopped her from closing them.

"I already knew." Kagome blushed an even darker shade a pink.

"Wh-why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't really see the relevance, after all when we were younger I saw you naked a few times."

"Yes but my body is different now." Her blush turned a dark red as he stepped between her knees. He moved closer but she closed her legs on each side of his hips making him stop. "Sesshomaru...stop, I...I don't want to get hurt." She looked up into his eyes and he could see the hurt already shinning in them. Kagome in return saw a small flash of hurt in his eyes but it was gone before she could study it further.

"Kagome I will never hurt you."

"If that is true then before this happens tell me what we are. What am I to you?" She said the words hesitantly while looking into his eyes to make sure he wouldn't lie not that she suspected he would, she just wanted to make sure.

"You are my best friend Kagome."

"Nothing more?" Kagome wasn't sure whether or not she wanted to be more with him.

"I do not know." He admitted honestly.

"What about the kiss earlier?"

"I do not know." He repeated. He didn't want to hurt Kagome but he truly didn't know, it could just be hormones he hadn't really had the time lately to get laid. Not to mention he was so close to Kagome and she had been around him more lately then any other female. Kagome nodded.

"I understand...maybe I should just go back to bed."

"Why don't you eat something first, you do look rather malnourished." Her jaw dropped.

"Was that supposed to be funny?" She asked.

"Uh-huh. Hilarious." He said mimicking her words from before. Kagome laughed lightly and it was music to his ear.

"I'm glad to hear you making jokes again." She said. Sesshomaru gave her a small smile.

"I purpose we should make those cookies." Kagome shook her head.

"I changed my mind I just want the ice cream." Sesshomaru nodded and put his hands on her knees opening them softly so he could get out. He walked over to the fridge and opened the freezer.

"What kind does the miko want?" Kagome resisted the urge to growl at his choice of words. "Mint chocolate chip, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, cookie dough, or Oreo?"

"And you said I'm gonna get fat." Kagome smirked when he gave her a mock glare. "How about cookie dough?" Sesshomaru reached in and pulled it out, he walked over to one of the cherry wood cabinets and grabbed two bowls along with two spoons from one of the drawers. He set them on the island next to her. He started to scoop ice cream out and into the black bowl with silver roses spiraling threw it. Kagome smiled softly when he handed her one of them. "Thanks." He nodded and leaned against the counter opposite of her. Kagome took a bite and closed her eyes, moaning in pleasure that only ice cream could bring.

"I assume that means you like it." Kagome's eyes snapped open and she looked down.

"Sorry, it's my favorite." He nodded.

"I remember." Kagome looked up at him.

"I didn't think you would." Sesshomaru let a small frown form upon his lips.

"I remember more then you think I do." He moved forward and set his bowl next to hers on the island. Kagome stared openly at him as he moved back in between her legs. He leaned forward like he was going to kiss her but instead of touching her lips that were slightly parted he moved closer and lightly blew on the shell of her ear. Kagome erupted into a fit of giggles. Sesshomaru moved back while she giggled and reached up to cover her ear. She looked up at him.

"Don't do that."

"I told you I remembered." He said picking his bowl back up. Kagome turned slightly on the counter top.

"I remember too." She said softly.

"You do?" He asked raising a single perfect eyebrow. She nodded her head in response and softly jumped down. She moved in front of him while he leaned back against the island. She placed her hands on his exposed hips.

"I remember how you would only show your markings to me...I used to hate it when you would hide them." She said as she absentmindedly ran her fingers where the markings would be if they were showing. She felt a sudden rush of his aura and she looked up at him to see his blue crescent moon and magenta stripes on his high cheek bones showing. She gave him a small smile. She softly ran her fingers over the stripes and his moon. Sesshomaru's eyes closed as she traced all of his markings on his face, then wrists, then hips. While he still had his eyes closed she ran her well manicured foot across the ones on his ankles. She stopped and looked up at him waiting for him to open his eyes. When he did she saw fire in those sun kissed hues. Kagome gasped lightly and went to move back but he reached out and placed his hands on her hips.

He lifted her and placed her gently on the island. He moved in between her legs and they locked eyes. Kagome could see a little red in his golden hues before he closed the distance between them. His lips molded against hers as he kissed her hungrily. Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck as his clawed hands quickly unbuttoned a few buttons of the silk shirt so he could have access to the now exposed flesh. His hands were tracing small patterns on her upper outer and inner thighs while he ran his tongue across her bottom lip wanting to take this kiss a little further then the others. Kagome not ever having experienced this before jumped back her eyes wide and staring into his.

"Did I hurt you?" He questioned not sure if he had nicked her with his claws. She shook her head.

"No...I just uh..." She blushed furiously. "I've never...made out before." She said looking away. Sesshomaru paused and all red left his eyes.

"Kagome, I am sorry." He moved back and silently cursed him self. "Just how many people have you kissed?" He asked hoping it wasn't the answer he thought it was.

"Just you." She said quietly, making sure she left out the fact Naraku had forced him self on her.

"Are you serious Kagome? Your almost 18 and I am the only one you have kissed? I know you said I was your first kiss but you really haven't kissed anyone since then?" He figured she would have at least kissed Inuyasha if no one else. Kagome looked up at him thinking there was something wrong with that.

"No, I haven't. Is that bad?" She asked innocently. Sesshomaru shook his head.

"No it is not 'bad' it is just surprising." Kagome hoped off of the counter unaware of her shirt being slightly open.

"Well then I'm sorry for not being a slut." She said angrily grabbing her half full bowl of ice cream and taking it over to the sink where she dumped it down the sink, rinsed out her bowl, and placed it in the sink. "I'm just going to go to bed." When Kagome got to the door there was a loud bang and she hit the ground. When it was done she slammed her hand against the floor angry tears streaming down her face. "Damn it!" She cursed. Sesshomaru went to her side and wiped away her tears.

"Kagome..." She looked up at him.

"Why am I so pathetic?" She asked him her shirt still open and exposing her bruised cleavage.

"You are not pathetic Kagome." He pulled her close.

"Yes I am. I can't protect them; I can't even protect myself." She tried to push away from him but he held her tight.

"No Kagome, do not say that. You are not pathetic you have to be the most helpful and selfless person I know, you always put others before your self." He pulled back slightly and looked into her eyes. "I am sorry; I should not have kissed you. I will not do it again if you promise not to tell anyone I did." Kagome gave him a small smile and furiously wiped away her tears.

"Do you think I would tell someone and have you fired from your job or something?"

"I do not think you would stoop that low but it is always nice to know." He gave her a small smile and she returned it. "Why don't we go to bed..." He offered. Kagome nodded and he swiftly picked her up bridle stile and stood. Kagome let him carry her. By the time Sesshomaru reached his bed he looked down and saw that Kagome was already sound asleep. Sesshomaru placed her in his bed and laid behind her. Sesshomaru pulled Kagome closer to him so her back was against his chest; he then wrapped his arms around her and held one of the more important persons in his life as her slow breathing and wonderful scent lulled him off to sleep.

The next morning Kagome woke up to a beeping sound. She groaned and reached over to smack the alarm clock. She missed a few times because she refused to open her eyes but when the sound stopped she assumed she had hit it some how so she rolled back over trying to get another five minutes of sleep. She felt warm and comfortable and when she was about to drift back into sleep she felt something shift behind her. Kagome went ridged and stopped breathing. She felt the source of warmth behind her moved again and wrap its arms around her pulling her close. Kagome opened her eyes and saw a strong muscular arm around her right below her breast. Kagome did the first thing that came to her mind: She panicked and scrambled out of the bed only to fall on the ground. She looked up panting slightly out of fear and saw Sesshomaru looking down at her with worried eyes and his silver locks falling around him.

"Are you alright?" He asked with one eyebrow raised. Kagome tried to catch her breath as she looked up at him.

"Y-yeah...I thought you were someone else."

"Who?" He asked bluntly.

"Does it matter?" She said standing up. Sesshomaru looked pointedly at her chest before looking away. Kagome looked down and saw her shirt was open. She closed it hurriedly before looking at him. He was still looking away. "We should get ready...umm I know this is a stupid question but you wouldn't by chance have any clothing I could wear would you?" She asked figuring he wouldn't but it was worth a try.

"Actually one of my live in maids, Atsuki, is about the same size as you." He said walking into his closet. He glanced at the clock. "It is 5:46 so she should be in the kitchen talking to Yuki the cook." Kagome nodded.

"Thanks, I'll take a shower and I guess I will see you when I'm ready." Sesshomaru walked back out with clothing in his hands.

"I will wake your brother and Rin."

"'K see ya." She gave him a small smile before disappearing out his door. Kagome blushed lightly thinking about what happened last night while she walked down the stairs avoiding the painting. When she found the kitchen after trying to remember where it was because it had been dark last night and Sesshomaru had carried her. When she walked in she was very aware of her clothing as a girl who looked around her own age maybe a few yeas older and an older man who looked around his early thirties looked over at her. "I...uh, Sesshomaru told me to find Atsuki because she would have something I could wear to school today." Both people looked at her confused for a second and Kagome fidgeted. "Umm you are Atsuki and Yuki right?" The guy nodded.

"Yeah, I'm Yuki and you are?" He asked bowing slightly and sticking out his hand for her to shake. Kagome shook it and bowed also.

"I'm Kagome, I'm sorry but I really need to get ready for school." She looked at the girl she guessed was Atsuki. "Umm, so would you mind?" Atsuki smiled.

"Not at all, come on I'll show you to my room." Kagome gave them both a small smile.

"Thank you, it was nice meeting you." She said bowing again to Yuki as she followed Atsuki out of the room who had promised to return. Kagome followed Atsuki down a hall she hadn't seen yet, Atsuki stopped at the last door and opened it to reveal a beautiful room full of posters and bright colors every where, it was defiantly a girls room. Atsuki walked into the room Kagome behind her.

"Do you have any special requests like color or something like that?" She asked looking at Kagome. Kagome shook her head.

"As long as it isn't skin tight." She told her with a soft smile. Atsuki smiled brightly and went into her closet.

"So did you spend the night with Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked walking back out with a dark blue long sleeved shirt and a black and blue plaid skirt. She handed them to Kagome who turned her back to Atsuki and started to unbutton the shirt.

"What do you mean?" She asked sensing there was something implied with that sentence.

"Not to be rude or anything but did you sleep with him?" She asked as Kagome dropped the shirt forgetting she didn't have a bra. Atsuki who was already ahead of her grabbed a new bra she hadn't worn yet and reached her hand around her so she couldn't see anything. Kagome took the bra muttering her thanks. Atsuki stepped back waiting for an answer.

"No I didn't. I wouldn't."

"I hear that a lot...and I'm only asking because he has never brought a woman home he always goes to their place. How old are you anyway?"

"Well I'm 17 I'll be 18 in December...I'm only a friend to Sesshomaru." Atsuki's eyes scanned Kagome's figure from behind as she slipped on the bra. Atsuki nearly gasped when she noticed that carving in Kagome's back.

"I like your tattoo." Atsuki said as Kagome put the skirt on then the shirt. The skirt showed Kagome's nice long legs and the shirt out lined her figure. Kagome turned around and Atsuki could see Kagome had a great body, she was a few inches taller then herself so that made her legs longer. Her stomach was perfectly flat and her breasts were a bit larger then her own so the shirt seemed tighter in that area then it was on her, but the shirt wasn't too tight.

"Its not a tattoo...listen I'm not some whore I'm just a friend of Sesshomaru's I have known him since I was born because we used to be neighbors a couple years back and our parents were good friends but I moved away. If you don't believe me ask Sesshomaru or you can ask my brother he is here too by the way. I am not after his money if that's what you think and yes I did sleep in the same bed as him but nothing happened...really, I'm not that type of person..." Kagome paused to see Atsuki staring at her with wide eyes.

"Oh man, I am sorry you must think I'm a total bitch. I didn't mean to offend you I was just curious and since you did spend the night here I thought maybe there was something serious going on..." Atsuki looked to the side ashamed of her behavior. Kagome gave her a small smile surprising Atsuki.

"Its all right I'm sure I would be thinking the same things if I was in your shoes, also I will wash these and give them to Sesshomaru to give to you." Atsuki shook her head.

"Don't worry about it, I will just make Sesshomaru buy me new ones...hey why don't you and I do our hair and make up together, my chores don't start for another two hours."

"Uh if you don't mind me asking how old are you?" Kagome asked repeating her question.

"19, I go to college at night." Kagome nodded and followed her into the bathroom. The room was pink and had cases on the sink counter which contained all her make-up. Kagome didn't think she had ever seen so much of it in one place at a time including stores. Atsuki noticed Kagome's slightly shocked expression. "I know I have a lot of make-up, its sort of a hobby." Kagome gave her a small smile.

"I don't really wear make-up so I was a little shocked." Atsuki smile brightened even more.

"Can I put make-up on you please?!" Kagome nodded.

"Sure but not a ton I don't want to look like a clown." Atsuki shook her head.

"No need to worry about it." Atsuki sat Kagome down on the toilet and went to work. Atsuki was happy to find Kagome had perfect skin and although it was pail she could darken it slightly so she looked a little tanner. Atsuki stepped back from her at 6:23 to see Kagome done with both her hair and make-up. Atsuki smiled and ushered her to look in the mirror.

Kagome stood and looked in the large mirror to see her waist length hair crimped in strips. She wore a light base, no blush, dark blue eyeliner, and she wore light and dark green eye shadow which brought out her green eyes more. Kagome smiled softly.

"Thank you I really like it!" Kagome said it excitedly and hugged Atsuki who hugged her back.

"I'm glad you like it, you look beautiful." She paused. "Let's go show Lord Sesshomaru, and I would like to meet your brother." She said and grabbed Kagome's hand and pulled her out of the room leaving Sesshomaru's shirt saying she would wash it and return it to him.

"Why do you call him Lord Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked as Atsuki continued to pull.

"Well most either call him Mr. Tashio or Lord Sesshomaru and only a few are aloud to call him Sesshomaru, even though I can call him Sesshomaru I'm just used to calling him Lord Sesshomaru."

"Oh." Was all Kagome got out before they went threw the kitchen doors to see Rin and Sota eating breakfast and Sesshomaru pulling cookies out of the oven. Sesshomaru nearly dropped them when he looked up and saw Kagome and what she looked like. He cleared his throat and Sota, Rin, and Yuki looked up to see Kagome. Sota choked on his breakfast when he saw his sister.

"Wow Kagome." Kagome blushed.

"Is it ok?" Rin and Sota nodded vigorously and smiled brightly.

"You look very pretty Kagome." Rin said happily. Kagome looked over at Sesshomaru to see him now reading a newspaper and drinking coffee.

"Thanks you guys."

"Well I have stuff to do, I will see you around Kagome." Atsuki said happily before hugging her. She winked and walked out of the kitchen. Yuki handed Kagome a plate which she set on the island next to Sota on one of the stools.

"It seems Atsuki likes you." Yuki said with a smile.

"Yeah she is really nice." Yuki nodded his head. Kagome ate a piece of toast and helped Yuki with the dishes even though he told her she didn't have to and that it was his job. Sota and Rin left to finish getting ready and Sesshomaru excused him self saying he needed something from his study. Yuki and Kagome talked and joked around while they cleaned. Apparently Yuki used to work as a live in cook for the Tashio's over at their house but he came to work for Sesshomaru which was fine with everyone else and after a few minutes Kagome remembered who he was and vise versa.

"I'm surprised you came back." Yuki said, currently wiping down the stove while Kagome wiped down the counters.

"Me too, I'm also surprised how much has changed while I was gone."

"You were gone a long time Kagome?" She nodded.

"I know, I know. I just didn't think he would be so different." She said softly talking about Sesshomaru.

"Ah yes, but you too have changed." Kagome stopped as she rinsed her sponge off and turned to him.

"I have?"

"Yes...your smell, I can smell the sadness all over you. I can also smell the poison, tears, Sesshomaru, as well as two other demons and their lust, rain. And I can smell Naraku. I can smell Naraku's lust and I know that the poison that has been injected into you around three days ago came from Naraku." Kagome's face fell. "I could also smell yours and Sesshomaru's lust when I walked in here earlier but I got rid of the smell, although I wasn't sure if it was you until Sesshomaru came down for his morning coffee and I asked him." Yuki gave her a small smile. "I used to be a general in Touga's army back before we had real order, back when demons and humans fought, and countless humans were slaughtered for no reason." Yuki stopped and gave her a bright smile even though she looked as if she was about to either brake down or pass out.

"Yuki..." Her voice was slightly shaky. "You're not going to tell him are you?" Yuki knowing exactly what she was talking about shook his head.

"No I will not tell him, I will leave that to you." He told her softly and gave her a hug. Kagome could smell his scent, it smelled like pine trees just like when she was younger.

"Thank you." She whispered. He pulled away and smiled brightly.

"Now why don't you hurry along, don't want Sesshomaru to come looking for you." Kagome nodded.

"It was nice seeing you Yuki." She said as she walked towards the door.

"I feel the same and if I might say you certainly look gorgeous, I believe with every ounce of my heart that you would look simply ravishing if you were in a dress that was beautiful such as a wedding dress, but no dress will ever rival your beauty." Kagome blushed lightly.

"Thank you Yuki but I do have to disagree on that." With that said she walked out of the room to go find Sesshomaru because she was sure it was almost time to leave. Once Kagome walked out of the door and it shut she ran right into a hard chest. She got the wind knocked out of her and she was not prepared to hit the hard ground, but to her surprise it never came. Kagome opened her eyes that she didn't realize she had closed only to see to intensely cold and emotionless golden hues staring back at her. "S-sorry." She stuttered as he righted her on her feet.

"It is fine Kagome." Sesshomaru said coldly but not harshly. "Are you ready?" She nodded.

"Oh, I forgot my clothing in the room you had me stay in last night. It's in the bathroom sink." She told him not mentioning the fact that she hadn't actually slept in that room because she was sure he didn't want people knowing they had shared a bed.

"I will have it cleaned and I shall return it to you tomorrow." Kagome nodded and he continued. "I wish to speak to you when we get to school." He told her before walking away leaving her to follow after him. Sota and Rin were sitting on the grand staircase waiting for them. Rin had her father's briefcase as if she was pretending to be a business woman. They stood and followed them out of the house, and down the stone steps to Sesshomaru's car. Once in the vehicle Rin reached forward between Sesshomaru and Kagome and turned on the radio. Sesshomaru acted as though nothing had happened but as rock music started to play Kagome recognized it as the song she had sang yesterday in the car with Sesshomaru while he was driving her home.

Kagome looked out the window thinking about how Yuki had been able to smell the poison from Naraku and he knew it was Naraku's. 'Does that mean that Sesshomaru, Touga, or any other demon can tell?' She asked her self. While she continued to ask herself questions Sota and Rin were in the back playing a game while the music blasted.

Sesshomaru noticed the change in Kagome, he noticed it after she came back out of the kitchen. He wondered if Yuki had said something to her. After he had left the kitchen and headed for his study he found Atsuki waiting there for him.

"Atsuki? May I inquire as to why you are in my study?" Atsuki stood and bowed to him.

"Forgive me for intruding M'Lord." Sesshomaru dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

"Atsuki, you need not say my name with any title."

"I know." He walked over to his desk and took out some important papers.

"So why are you here?"

"I know that it is none of my business but I thought you would like to know. Earlier when Kagome was in my room changing I got a look at her back...and sir, she has scars like someone carved into her back with a knife or something. I said 'nice tattoo' and she said 'it's not a tattoo' as she pulled her shirt down. Sesshomaru, I have only known her for maybe a half hour but she seems like a nice innocent girl, and it was everywhere, it took up her entire back. Please I am asking you to find out what happened." Sesshomaru sighed.

"I knew there was something there but I did not know what. I have found bruises, stab wounds, and I have seen her limp, even last night I found out someone had broken her sternum. I have asked her who does this to her and she refuses to tell me." Sesshomaru paused as he closed his briefcase with a snap, the sudden sound causing Atsuki to flinch slightly. Sesshomaru looked at her and she could tell that it hurt him even though he never let his façade drop. "All I have been able to find out is that this person is male and is also hurting her family. Now if you excuse me I have to go, I will see you later." She smiled at him knowing he would try and find out more about Kagome if possible. She stood.

"See ya." She bowed and left.

Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome out of the corner of his eyes. She was looking out the window and once again he could smell fear emanating from her. He glanced back at Rin and Sota in the rearview mirror and saw that they were playing a game. He reached his hand over and took a hold of hers.

Kagome was quickly brought from her thoughts as a hand intertwined it self with hers. Her head snapped to the side to find Sesshomaru's hand holding hers. The powerful clawed hand was a comfort to her. She looked at Sesshomaru to see him staring forward at the road. He glanced at her and they locked eyes. Sesshomaru could easily read the thankfulness in her eyes, where as his were not so easy to read, but he ran the soft pad of his thumb over the soft skin of the back of her hand. She gave him a soft smile and he turned back to the road.

After they had dropped Rin off Sesshomaru turned off the music and headed towards their school. Sota noticed the comforting hand of Sesshomaru's and where it was. Sota smiled to him self just praying to the gods above that Sesshomaru could help Kagome in anyway possible. When they arrived at the school only a few people were there. When they got out of the car Aoni, Sango, Miroku, Kohaku, Shippo, and Inuyasha walked over to them confused. The ground was still soaked from the day before and Inuyasha nearly fell over in his anger.

"Why the hell are you guys with him." Inuyasha said angrily. Kagome stepped in front of Inuyasha who was headed towards Sesshomaru.

"Relax Inuyasha he was just giving us a ride, he saw us walking and picked us up. Is that ok?" Inuyasha looked at her his eyes and face showing his extreme confusion. "Wow Kags, what are you wearing." His anger was forgotten and Sesshomaru stepped around them casting a sideways glance at Kagome.

"I decided to wear make-up is that ok?"

"Yeah that and you're wearing a skirt." Miroku said but he was silenced by a smack from Sango. Sota smiled.

"See I told you, you looked good." Sota said

"Good is an understatement." Sango said after hitting Miroku a few more times as he tried to grope her. "Kagome you look hot." Kagome blushed and looked away.

"Yeah Kags, so what do we owe for this pleasure?" Inuyasha asked smiling brightly. "I never thought I would see you really wear make-up." Kagome gave him a small smile and he hugged her to him. Sota and his friends walked off with Aoni and Sota holding hands. Kagome smiled up at Inuyasha. "So did he really just pick you guys up?" Inuyasha asked as the four of them sat on the slightly damp wall.

"Yeah, we were walking and he saw us and picked us up." Kagome said snuggling into his warmth paying close attention to her skirt.

"You really do look hot Kagome." He said wrapping an arm around her.

"And I don't look hot everyday?" She said jokingly.

"No you do but you should wear skirts more often." He whispered.

"Kagome?" Kagome nearly jumped when she heard her name being called. She looked to see Kyochi smiling brightly and jogging towards them. Inuyasha growled but Kagome moved away and got off of the wall.

"Hey Kyochi." She said softly. They hugged briefly.

"I am surprised, you look great." He said looking at her. Kagome smiled.

"That's what everyone keeps telling me." She looked over at the others. "Hey you guys I have to go ask Sesshomaru a quick question I will be right back ok?" They all nodded and she ran off towards the school. Inuyasha sighed.

"What's the matter Inu?" Miroku asked.

"Just worried about her." Kyochi looked up at Inuyasha.

"Do you know anything?" He asked him. Inuyasha growled warningly.

"If I did know something do you really think I would tell you?"

"Look Inuyasha, I don't know what your problem is with me but I have done nothing wrong."

"I just don't trust you." Inuyasha said jumping off of the wall and brushing past him. Sango and Miroku followed him with small apologetic glances at Kyochi.

"Inuyasha, if you think I will leave her alone simply because you wish me to you are wrong. Kagome is my friend and if you think I'm going to hurt her you are sorely mistaken." Inuyasha who had stopped when Kyochi spoke his name started to walk faster not even giving Kyochi a second glance. Kyochi sighed and decided to go get his things from his locker that he would need for the first two periods.

Kagome silently opened Sesshomaru's classroom door. When she looked around but didn't see him she figured he was in his office. She saw that the door was closed and when she was about to knock on it, it opened and she almost knocked on Sesshomaru's chest.

"Oh, uh hi." He walked passed her and set some papers and a book on his desk.

"Kagome, I wanted to talk to you." He said not finishing his statement.

"About?" She asked. Sitting on one of the desktops in front of his desk obviously uncomfortable with the skirt.

"Last night." He said his voice cold and slightly sharp which didn't go unnoticed by Kagome.

"Uh...maybe we shouldn't." She said not really wanting to talk about it right now. "I mean didn't we talk enough about it last night?" Sesshomaru looked up at her.

"Fine, by the way I found a new secretary. Her name is Miaka, she is supposed to start tonight. I had your stuff moved into your new office last night." He said changing the subject. Kagome nodded.

"So what is she like?" Kagome asked wanting to know.

"I am not sure I did not give the interview my fathers personal assistant did."

"Hitomi? I love her she is so funny." Kagome said softly. They sat there for a minute, Sesshomaru working Kagome watching him. After a few more minutes of her watching him he looked up.

"Yes Kagome?" Kagome blinked then sang softly:

"Twinkle, twinkle, little bat how I wonder what your at, up above the world you fly, like a tea tray in the sky." Kagome half smiled when she finished the wrong version of Twinkle Little Star. Sesshomaru stared at her.

"Are you feeling ok?" Kagome nodded.

"Yeppers." Sesshomaru shook his head and went back to work. Kagome just sat there and watched him. After about another five minutes he looked up at her again and she gave him a half smile then asked: "So what was it? I mean it wasn't the first time you kissed me, and then if I do recall right you tried to take it a little farther..." She placed a finger on her chin as if she was thinking. Sesshomaru bit the inside of his cheek trying not to let any amount of a blush show threw.

"It was an accident." He nearly snapped at her. Kagome was taken aback.

"Sesshomaru?" She questioned as she stood. "I was only messing with you." Kagome walked to the front of his desk. "Sesshomaru, I'm sorry." He looked up at her and she softly touched his cheek. Sesshomaru wanted to lean into his friend's warm hand but didn't.

"It is fine Kagome...but we just can't do this anymore."

"I'm not even sure what we are doing, I mean we are just friends right?" Kagome let her hand fall back down to her side. Sesshomaru nodded.

"Yes, just friends." He agreed. Kagome smiled softly and looked into his eyes. When gold met green Kagome saw a flash of the broken angel which hung in Sesshomaru's house.

"Hey Sesshomaru, the angel in your house the one that you said Miroku made..."

"Yes I know the one." He said sitting back down.

"Who is it of?"

"Does it matter?" He asked mimicking her words she had said to him when he asked about her broken sternum.

"I was just wondering."

"Hn." Kagome leaned down and kissed his forehead. Kagome was trying to slightly comfort her friend but there was a knock at the door. Kagome jumped as did Sesshomaru, Sesshomaru's forehead accidentally collided with Kagome's mouth and her teeth pierced her lips. She grabbed her mouth as blood pooled in her hand and mouth. "Come in." Sesshomaru growled as he got up to help Kagome. Inuyasha opened the door to see Kagome doubled over and Sesshomaru making his way over to her. The sent of blood filled the room. Sesshomaru grabbed some tissues off of his desk.

"Shit Kagome, what happened?" Inuyasha rushed to her side. Sesshomaru tried to move her hands but Kagome wouldn't let it budge. "What the fuck did you do to her Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha growled at his brother.

"I did not do anything to her, she hit her mouth." Kagome's eyes watered as she looked up at the two of them. She closed her eyes briefly and pulled her miko energy together in her hand. Both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha backed away from her feeling her energy flare and not wanting to be purified. Kagome healed her deeply split lips and opened her eyes back up a half minute later. Kagome looked up at them to see them watching her from what seemed like a safe distance. Kagome pulled her cupped hands away from her mouth and blood splashed onto the tile floor. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha rushed forward. Inuyasha grabbed several more tissues and began to mop up the blood. Sesshomaru grabbed one of the tissues and wiped off her lips softly.

"Are you ok?" Sesshomaru asked. Inuyasha threw the blood soaked tissues away and returned to her side. Kagome nodded.

"Yeah I'm fine now. I healed it."

"We noticed." Inuyasha said talking about how they had moved away.

"Sorry about that...you guys didn't think I would purify you, did you?" Inuyasha looked away and Sesshomaru only continued to lightly clean away the blood from her face.

"It was just a reflex." Inuyasha admitted. Kagome nodded.

"I should go to my locker I need to get my things for first period." Kagome said as the three of them stood and Inuyasha agreed.

"Yeah I need to get some things also, see ya in class Kags." Kagome nodded and turned towards Sesshomaru once Inuyasha left.

"Are you sure you are ok?" He asked looking into her eyes with a flash of hurt in his eyes.

"Yeah, it's ok it was my fault." Sesshomaru shook his head.

"No, I was the one who hit you."

"I wasn't expecting you to move that fast." Kagome said giving him a soft smile some blood still on her lips. Sesshomaru reached up and ran his thumb across her soft, pouty lips getting the rest of the blood off. Kagome stood still as he did this. He pulled away his thumb and wiped it on the tissue. Kagome stood on her tippy toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "See ya later?"

"Yes." He said with a single nod. When she went to walk away he stopped her. "Kagome, how is your sternum?" He asked wondering if she had healed it all the way yet.

"It's fine, completely healed." Sesshomaru gave her a microscopic smile.

"You should go." Kagome nodded and gave him a small smile.

"See you later?" She said it more like a question then a statement. Kagome ran off to her locker. First period went by with nothing interesting happening except Miroku being a pervert as always.

"Come on Kagome you must agree with me, if my hand is cursed then I shouldn't be punished, right?"

"Hold on let me turn on the part of my brain that cares." Inuyasha and Sango burst out laughing which only got them dirty glares from Mr. Turner but he didn't say anything. It was second period and Kagome told the teacher she needed to use the bathroom, the teacher nodded and she left. She walked to the bathroom she opened the door but stopped when she heard a soft crying coming from the boy's bathroom. She let go of the door her bladder feelings forgotten and she went to the next door with 'BOYS' written on it in bold letters. She heard the cry again. She slowly opened the door and quietly stepped in. "Hello?" She asked softly. The crying stopped and replaced by a harsh voice that seemed to be trying to be mean but she could hear the sob that was underneath the harsh tone.

"Go away." Kagome moved forward.

"Just tell me what's wrong." She said softly. She looked underneath the stalls to see part of a body in the back corner on the other side of the metal.

"No, just leave. It doesn't concern you." Kagome ignored his rudeness and walked forward until she saw a boy on the ground all hunched up with his knees pulled up to his chest. She kneeled in front of him and reached out and touched his arm. He jerked away and looked at her. He had tears streaming down from his eyes leaving wet trails in their wake.

She recognized the boy he was in her forth hour class, he sat in the corner and didn't talk to anyone. In fact she had never heard him talk. He had bluish hair and bright green eyes that looked similar to hers when she was younger. She wanted to reach out and hug him and she did just that. He was too shocked to fight back. The boy didn't move he just let Kagome embrace him and she was happy he didn't pulled back. After a minute or so he hugged her back happy to have some one to hug. A short while after that Kagome pulled away. She wiped away his tears.

"Your name is Karou right?" Kagome asked with a small smile. He nodded.

"Why do you care?" He asked his voice ruff from the crying.

"Why shouldn't I?" Kagome questioned back. Karou ignored her question and said:

"Why don't you just go? You shouldn't even be in the boy's bathroom, so just leave."

"Not until you tell me what's wrong." Karou gave her a small glare.

"Kagome, why don't you just leave. No one else cares so why should you?" Kagome over looked the fact that he knew her name even though she had never told him it nor talked to him before.

"Well I'm not everyone else." She said her anger starting to bubble.

"Just leave, forget you ever saw this." He said rather coldly.

"No." She said defiantly.

"Why?"

"Well I don't see why we can't be friends, I mean you seem to hate me for some reason but I never did anything to you." She said softly. Karou looked at her disbelievingly.

"Why would you want to be my friend?"

"Why wouldn't I want to be?"

"No one ever has." He said and put his head down. Kagome gave him a small smile.

"Well I want to be, but do you want to be mine?" Karou looked up at her shocked.

"Are you serious?" Kagome gave him a smile.

"Yeah why not, it's not like you have cooties." She said jokingly. Karou let out a small dry laugh and a small smile but then it vanished.

"Listen Kagome, I know you're sort of new here so you don't know how things work. If you become friends with me they will pick on you..." He trailed off expecting her to run away from him. Kagome just gave him a small smile.

"Don't worry I can take it I'm strong." She said flexing her muscles and letting out a small laugh. Karou nodded all though he was sure once she got a taste of what it was like she would run and not want to be friends with him. She stood up and offered her hand to him. Karuo looked at it for a second before he took it. He brushed off his clothing and gave her a bright smile. "Maybe we should get out of here before people 'assume' things." Karou chuckled lightly.

"Yeah, I should go back to class."

"Oh that reminds me, I forgot I had to go to the bathroom."

"How can you forget you have to use the bathroom?" He said opening the door for her.

"Hey why don't you eat lunch with my friends and I today, we normally go to the café a short ways from school...I think its called Pets Café, but we decided to eat in the lunch room today because of the rain, so why don't you join us."

"I would like that." He said giving her a small smile, she clapped her hands before saying:

"Good then its settled." Kagome gave him a small smile. "See you then." She gave him a small wave before disappearing into the girl's bathroom.

Karou walked down the hallway thinking it wasn't a good idea that he join them because he knew who she was friends with. Inuyasha was the top play boy of the school except when he was dating Kikyo, he had actually taken a brake from playing girls but that didn't stop them from lusting after him, not to mention he was quarterback for there football team. Then there was Miroku and even though he was the biggest pervert in the school he was still on the football team and one of Inuyasha's best friends which gave him automatic popularity. Then there was Sango who was on the track team and all guys thought she was hot but everyone knew she only liked Miroku even though she denied it. Karou shook his head he would join them but only because he had plans for later. Karou let a sadistic smile cross his lips before he looked back down as he entered the classroom.

After Kagome got back to class Inuyasha questioned her about why she smelled like Karou and she told him she met him and he would be eating lunch with them. Inuyasha almost had a cow but Kagome calmed him down.

"Why did you do that?" Sango asked Kagome quietly.

"Why not?" She questioned back. Sango frowned.

"Let me put it this way, Karou is the quiet kid that everyone picks on."

"Well if that's true then why haven't you guys stopped it?" Kagome asked looking at her three friends who avoided eye contact. "Let me guess, he is the one that you guys pick on so you can fit in, am I right?" Inuyasha looked into Kagome's eyes.

"Look, it's not like that. We don't pick on him." Inuyasha said softy so the teacher wouldn't hear.

"No you just stand idly by and let everyone else pick on him." Kagome said turning away from her friends. "I can't believe you guys would do that." Inuyasha sighed.

"Fine he can eat with us and if we see anyone picking on him we will stop it right guys?" Both Sango and Miroku quietly agreed. Kagome looked at them.

"Thank you...you know I used to be the quiet person who got picked on." The three of them gave her sympathetic looks but she waved them off not wanting pity for something that was in the past. "I just know what it's like..." She said as the bell rang and cut her off. The four of them stood up and went to go meet Karou and Kyochi. Once they were in the lunch room and seated at a table they started to get suspicious glances and dirty looks thrown at them. Kagome who was sitting between Kyochi and Inuyasha shifted slightly in her seat before giving Karou, who was sitting between Miroku and Sango so Miroku's 'cursed' hand wouldn't do any wandering, a small smile. After a few minutes of them talking and having a good time Kikyo walked over with her little gang of girls. Kagome frowned as she watched Kikyo walk up behind Karou carrying something in her hand. She watched in what seemed like slow motion as Sango, Miroku, and Karou turned around, Kagome stood up as did Kyochi and Inuyasha. Kikyo reached up and Kagome saw what was in her hand. It was a large cup. Kagome's eyes widened and watched in horror as Kikyo raised the cup which seemed to be filled with a think liquid and dumped what now looked like old milk onto Karou's blue hair.

The Laughter of both demons and humans rang threw out the cafeteria. Kagome's eyes flashed a glowing green and before anyone could say anything she launched herself across the table and tackled Kikyo to the floor. All the demons in the room sensed her miko energy flare up and they all moved back not wanting to be purified.

Kagome didn't think at all as she punched Kikyo with a fist full of miko energy and even though Kikyo was a miko she was far from pure so it felt as if a very strong football player had punched her. Kagome only got in two punches before someone wrapped their arms around her waist and hauled her off of Kikyo. "Let me go I'm gonna kill her!" Kagome knew the person was a demon so not wanting to hurt them she pulled her miko energy back inside herself. She still struggled until she heard a voice whisper in her ear:

"Stop before you get in trouble." She recognized the cold voice as Sesshomaru's. Kagome stopped struggling and Sesshomaru took his hands off of her, but stayed right behind her. Kikyo got up flashing everyone short skirt and open legs. She glared at Kagome, tears streaming down her make-up caked face.

"Look what you did to my beautiful face you whore!" Kikyo screamed at Kagome.

"That's rich coming from someone who has more STD's than there are letters in the alphabet." Kagome shot back, Kikyo seethed.

"You're dead you just don't know it yet." Kikyo threatened Kagome before huffing and storming away, her friends glared at Kagome before fallowing their leader like the mindless drones they were. Kagome turned around to see Miroku, Sango, Kyochi, and surprisingly Inuyasha helping Karou. Sesshomaru could no longer resist the temptation to wrinkle his nose the smell was just too putrid. Kagome rushed forward to Karou.

"Are you ok?" She asked trying not to move away because of the smell. Karou looked up at her with cold eyes.

"Yeah. Still wanna be friends?" He snapped, Kagome nodded giving him a small smile.

"Of course I do. Now why don't we get you cleaned up?" She offered. Sesshomaru watched as Kagome worried about Karou's well being only to have him in return snap and glare at her but yet she still offered him help.

"Take him to the showers in the gym." Sesshomaru said, his voice colder then usual. Kagome gave him a small smile before she got up and walked out of the lunch room with the other five. Once they left Sesshomaru cast glares at everyone still standing and looking at him. When everyone seemed under control Sesshomaru decided to go find out if the milk was coming out or not.

They were currently in the boy's locker room. Sesshomaru walked in to see Kagome and Sango sitting on the wooden benches while Kyochi and Inuyasha helped Karou get the milk out of his hair, and Miroku tried to get it out of his clothing.

"Is it coming out?" Sesshomaru asked. Kagome looked up at him and gave him a sad smile.

"I think so but you would have to go ask the guys." Sango said pointing over towards the showers. Sesshomaru nodded before walking past them and over to the indicated showers. Sesshomaru frowned at the smell of sour milk. He watched as Kyochi and Inuyasha washed it out of Karou's hair while he sat on the ground knees to his chest.

"Is it coming out?" He asked his voice not as cold. Inuyasha looked up at his brother.

"It came out but the smell hasn't yet." Sesshomaru nodded.

"I will get you late passes to your next classes." He said his voice turning back into its normal cold emotionless state. His ice like eyes glanced around at all of them, Kagome and Sango didn't catch his gaze because they had their backs to the showers but they felt it. Miroku walked over to the other four members of his sex carrying some wet clothing along with some dry clothing.

"Here, I did the best I could, and I got your gym clothes. I guess you will just have to wear those for the rest of the day." Miroku said with a soft smile. Karou nodded, Kyochi turned off the water, Inuyasha handed Karou a towel and they all turned there backs so he could dress in piece. Karou stood and dressed wondering why they were all being so nice to him. Once he was dressed he cleared his throat and everyone turned to look at him. His hair was damp making it look a darker blue then it was, he wore knee length blue shorts with the school logo on it in white and a plan white t-shirt.

"We should go to class." Kagome said looking at the others. Sesshomaru pulled out a small pad of paper and asked:

"Who is going to the same class?" It was Sango who spoke up.

"Uh...actually I think we all have the same class except Kyochi." Sesshomaru quickly jotted all of their names down and wrote an excuse that they were helping him. They all left the locker room together the halls completely empty because the bell had rung some time ago. Kyochi smiled brightly letting his happiness shine clearly in his eyes.

"See ya guys." He said happily waving and running off in the direction towards his class. Sesshomaru didn't say any thing and just walked behind the group with Kagome by his side who held a small smile on her face as she waved bye to Kyochi. She glanced at Sesshomaru when she felt his eyes on her and she gave him a small smile and he just looked away. Kagome still looked at him then she folded her arms and huffed.

"You're so mean." Inuyasha looked back to see what she was talking about and saw the cute puppy pout she was giving.

"Yeah Sessy." Inuyasha taunted. "Don't be such a meany." The group laughed but it quickly resided when they received glares from Sesshomaru, that is except Kagome who giggled when he glared at her.

"Sorry 'bout that." She said softly before stopping when they reached their classroom. "See you next period Mr. Tashio." Kagome said along with the others. Sesshomaru walked the rest of the way to his classroom where he would have to apologize to his students for his tardiness. Kagome smiled briefly to her self before walking into her third period with everyone else. After they gave the teacher their note they all took their seats.

Karou sat in the front left corner by himself working on his history project because everyone had been given time to work on their history projects. Kagome and the others had been working on the script for the movie they would make when she looked over to see Karou sitting by him self. She frowned and excused herself from the others. Inuyasha watched as she walked over to Karou and gave him a small smile before pulling a random chair over to the front of his desk and sitting in it.

"So what are you working on?" Kagome asked resting her elbows on the desk her cheeks in the palms of her hands.

"I'm doing a report on one of the most powerful taiyoukai's."

"Toga?" Kagome questioned with her head cocked to the side as she read some of his paper. Karou blinked in question. "Oh, sorry I have known him since I was born, our parents were friends."

"'Were'?"

"My father died, and my mother remarried."

"I'm sorry...so are they not friends now?"

"Oh no they are." Kagome said correcting her mistake. "Izzy and Toga are friends with my mom and with Naraku."

"And I'm guessing Naraku is your step-father?" Kagome nodded.

"So do you think you could tell me some stuff about him?" Karou asked softly.

"I can probably arrange a meeting and you can ask him your self."

"Really?"

"Yeah, why didn't you just ask Inuyasha or Mr. Tashio?"

"If you haven't noticed Kagome I don't exactly fit in, just like I told you."

"But what about Mr. Tashio?" Karou gave her a look that said 'Yeah right.'

"I would rather not talk to him, he is an asshole if you haven't noticed." Kagome laughed lightly because the only person she had ever heard call him that was Inuyasha. Everyone looked over at them when they heard Kagome laughing, but Kagome ignored them. "And Inuyasha and I aren't exactly in the same group of friends."

"Well you are now." Kagome said softly. "So when would you like to meet the great taiyoukai?"

"Uh...can you find out if he is free on Friday?" Kagome nodded.

"They are having a Halloween party I'm sure he would be able to get you in before that and then you could come to the party also." Karou nodded.

"I would love that." Karou said knowing that he wouldn't be attending the appointment nor the party.

After the class was over Karou went to his locker while the others went straight to creative writing. Kagome felt uneasy as she sat at her desk. Something didn't seem right. She looked around and saw Karou sitting in his seat as was everyone else. She looked to the front of the classroom where Sesshomaru looked up and caught her glance.

Sesshomaru could see the worry clearly written in Kagome's eyes. He could feel it to. The sickening feeling in your stomach that you get when you know something isn't right but you don't know exactly what it is. He looked back up at Kagome to see her staring at him.

Kagome thought maybe she was imagining it but the feeling only increased as the bell rang. It was the same feeling she had when she came home and found her mother and brother beaten and she knew what was in store for her. It was almost like the feeling when you miss the last step on the stairs and you leave your stomach behind you on the step you were just on. Kagome looked around and saw that the class wasn't quiet but all eyes were over by the door. Kagome looked over to see Karou standing by the door. His hand reached out and locked it. Kagome stood up not knowing what was about to happen she walked over to Karou and lightly placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Karou?" She questioned unsure of herself. Karou spun around and grabbed a hold of her. He had one arm around her waist holding her in place and the other one had some thing cold in it and he was holding the cold object to her neck. "Karou, what are you doing?" Now the whole class was quiet and everyone's eyes were wide.

"Mr. Dawson, what do you think you are doing?" Sesshomaru's cold voice asked not leaving any room for anything but the truth.

"Do not talk to me like that." Karou barked. "I want everyone to throw their cell phones up to the front of the room or I blow Kagome's head off." There were collective gasps from the class but with in seconds there were about thirty cell phones on the floor in front of the desks. "Good. Now I want girls on the right and guys on the left, and if any of you decide they want to be a hero take a look at this." Karou pulled off his zip up hoody to revile a bomb strapped to his chest on the outside of his gym shirt. "If I die the bomb goes off. If press this little button..." He said holding up a silver device with a red button on top. "Its bye bye." Sesshomaru moved to the left side of the room along with the male students. Most of the females were crying but Kagome just seemed frozen with Karou's gun pointed now at her head. Karou pulled Kagome with him over to Sesshomaru's desk where he sat on the edge and pulled Kagome in between his legs, keeping the gun to her head the entire time.

"Karou?" Kagome whispered only to have him lightly tap the barrel of the gun against her head.

"No talking Kagome. Now all we have to do is sit here for a few hours and then I will leave and it will be like I never existed." Karou's voice had changed completely and Kagome noticed his hand now held claws.

"Karou." Kagome said again.

"I said no talking Kagome." He growled. Kagome could feel his demonic presence behind her. "Also Kagome, do not even think to purify me, because like I said I die we all die." A few minutes passed and the others seemed to be restless. The girls were still crying and it was starting to offend Karou's senses. He growled. "Stop your crying." He all but yelled which made them cry even more. Karou gave a menacing growl that the whole room heard loud and clear.

"If you yell at them its not gonna help." Kagome whispered. "Why don't you let friends comfort each other, I'm sure they are just scared." Karou hit her with the side of his gun.

"I said shut up." Kagome felt the stinging sensation of the blow but closed her eyes as she heard an uproar from her friends. Then she heard a sound that made her heart skip a beat. He cocked the gun. Her breathing grew slightly rigid as she opened her eyes to see the panicking faces of her classmates, most of them not in fear that she would get shot but in fear they would get shot. "As of right now my associates are contacting the authorities and telling them about the current situation, for those of you who hadn't noticed yes I am a demon. I have been disguised as a human for safety reasons. When you and your fellow classmates decided to treat me horribly I decided to get even, so I contacted some of my parents old friends from before my parents had been murdered and I gave them a proposition. Can any of you figure if out?" Kagome knew what it was.

"Ransom." She said silently cursing herself for trying to befriending him, and also wondering if she had made any sort of difference.

"Good job Kagome. Everyone give her a round of applause." When no one did Karou seemed to pout. "Now you guys aren't being very nice." After a short while there was a ringing sound and Karou had Kagome reach into his pocket and pull out his cell for him.

"H-hello."

"Ello love." A voice said with a British accent. "I'm guessing Karou had you answer...tell him phase two has just been set in motion." There was a small click and then silence. Kagome pulled the phone away from her ear and closed it.

"He said phase two was just set in motion." Karou nodded his head.

"Arikem." Karou said and one of the boys lifted their head to look at him.

"Yeah Karou."

"Close the blinds." Arikem did as he was told. "Good, now I want you to grab everyone's backpacks and purses and bring them up here." Arikem followed the instructions he had been given not wanting to get shot or blown up. "Now if anyone has not given up their phones or anything else that has a connection to the outside world I suggest you do it now because if I find it I will shoot you." After he said that a few more phones were thrown to the front. "Is that all?" When no one answered he quickly pointed the gun at the roof and pulled the trigger. The gun shot rang threw the school and several students screamed threw out the school. Most of the girls had started to cry harder. Karou sighed. "I said shut up!" He yelled.

"Karou please." Kagome was once again hit with the gun.

"Kagome." He said warningly. Kagome nodded her head opening her eyes that she hadn't realized she had closed. "Everyone take their seats, and Mr. Tashio you take Kagome's she will not be returning to it." Kagome felt a bit of fear rise with in her but she fought it back down. She wouldn't show fear, she refused to.

"Karou, can you at least let them sit by their friends?" Kagome asked only to receive a fist to the stomach. She doubled over coughing and gasping for breath.

"You may sit where you want." Karou growled. Everyone scrambled around to sit with their friends. While most were trying to get in the back seats, most kids doubling up, Miroku, Sango, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru moved forward to the front seats. Sesshomaru's excuse was he wanted to sit in the front because he wanted to be near his student who had a gun to her head.

"So how long will this take?" Sesshomaru questioned. Karou glared at him.

"A few hours depending on weather or not their parents decide if they are worth it." Kagome felt a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach, surly Naraku wouldn't pay them.

"Are you asking for a ransom from everyone's parents?" Sango asked not knowing if Karou knew she didn't have any. Her and her brother had been with out them since she was 5 and he was 3, they had been in and out of foster homes because they had never once been put in a good one but luckily it was all in the same area so they were still able to go to the same school as their friends. It wasn't until Sango was about fifteen and she got a job and had one of her older friends get her a small apartment where she paid for everything and they both still went to school, it had been tight for a while but the job she had gotten was in the labs of Tashio corp. and she made the same wage as Kagome makes now, and with her doing over time and working weekends the money really started to add up and soon she didn't need to work any over time or weekends. When Toga had found out about their situation is when he offered her the job even though she was fifteen, he had even bought her a car for her sixteenth birthday.

Miroku also had a similar situation. His parents had been murdered in their sleep like Sango's but he had gone to stay with his grandparents. When he was 10 both of them passed away in a tragic fire but the Tashio's had taken him in and he had also gotten a job in their labs with Sango. When he turned seventeen he moved out and got a place of his own even though the Tashio's offered to let him stay, they had also bought him his first car when he turned sixteen.

"No, I am aware that you and Miroku don't have parents. Although I do know that Kagome's step-father has money and her mother has money from when Kagome's father died. I did my research."

"Do you really think Naraku gives a shit?" Kagome spat at Karou only to have him yank her hair back.

"What did I tell you about talking?" He said malice dripping from every word. He yanked her head back so he could whisper lowly in her ear, to low for any of the other demons in the room to hear. "And I don't think Naraku would let his play thing go that easily." Kagome started to struggle but Karou only tightened his grip. Karou could see that the four people sitting in front of him wanted to kill him for hurting Kagome. Karou continued to whisper but he made it so Sesshomaru and Inuyasha could hear. "You know you really should close your blinds Kagome, although I have to say aside from all of the scars and bruises that you have you certainly have a wonderful boy, and I wouldn't mind those long legs of yours wrapped around my waist while I pound into you." Kagome growled the best she could considering her neck was straining against the tight grip he had on her.

Karou nibbled her ear softly before he continued to whisper to her knowing full well that he was still loud enough for Sesshomaru and Inuyasha to hear, he wanted them to hear what he was saying to her just like he had wanted them to know his previous statement. "But unfortunately you are more into the incest aren't you, does having daddy touch you turn you on? I wonder what you and your brother do in your room at night when you two sleep in the same bed. I think you two seem too close to be just brother and sister, I would love to see the both of you go at it but from the angle of your bed and the tree out side your window I can only see so much with out you seeing me."

Kagome was struggling against his hold, wanting to just get away from him. How could someone spy on them and then say that about her brother and her? Not to mention he knew about Naraku and he was saying all of this pretty loud.

"Shut up." Kagome said her words strained. She could feel the lump forming in her throat that told her she needed to cry.

"Why should I Kagome? It's true, I wonder how much it would cost to get you to spend the night in my bed." He said out loud. Karou looked at Sesshomaru before asking: "So Mr. Tashio how much did it cost to get Kagome into your bed last night?"

"I do not know what you are talking about but it would be in your best interest if you ceased your spouting of nonsense because if you do not I will pull out your tongue and wrap it around your throat." Sesshomaru's words were cold enough to send shivers up Kagome's back. She mentally smirked when she heard Karou gulp.

"I just wanted to know, you two looked rather cozy in the kitchen last night. How was the...what was it? Cookie dough ice cream? Maybe after this is over you two can go make some cookies, but be careful about how many you eat unless you want to get fat." Kagome whimpered. How much of her life had he seen from the shadows?

"Karou, please stop." Kagome begged.

"Why? Is it because Sesshomaru can't keep his promise?" When Kagome didn't say anything he decided to repeat some of Sesshomaru's words: "Shh, I told you I will keep you safe." Kagome felt tears prick the back of her eyes. Karou finally released his hold on her hair and she rubbed the back of her neck. She locked eyes with Sesshomaru for a brief second hoping no one noticed but Inuyasha did.

"Why are you doing this?" Kagome asked. "I never did anything to you." Kagome said feeling his free hand that was wrapped around her waist start to travel up.

"No, you didn't but your friends did and you are all the same. For all I know you set up the lunch thing today." Kagome could hear the hurt in his voice.

"I didn't have anything to do with that, I swear. You are the one who followed me, does that seem like something I would do? Do you think I would do that to som-" She stopped talking when she felt his clawed hand grope her left breast. Sango was almost in tears for her friend and Miroku was trying to comfort her. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's eyes were starting to bleed red. The rest of the class was still lightly talking amongst them selves mainly boyfriends trying calm down their girlfriends.

"Well, I was right. You do have perfect breasts. Don't you agree Sesshomaru?"

"I would not know." Every word that fell from Sesshomaru's mouth dripped venom.

"I wonder what your mothers feel like." Karou said thoughtfully as he squeezed her breast lightly. "She has a nice pair on her, a lot like yours but I think yours will get bigger." Kagome whimpered once again as he groped her. She sighed in relief when his hand moved back down towards her waist but when he didn't stop and his fingers moved towards the buttons of her skirt. Kagome started to struggle again only to have the gun cocked again and pointed at her head.

"No, stop." Kagome said with a fright written clearly on her face. Karou was getting hard by the smell of her fear. "Please Karou, don't do this." Kagome begged as his hand went past the buttons on the skirt and down towards the edge of it. He put his hand on her upper thigh and started to bring her skirt up. Her friends just sat there helplessly, if they helped they risked getting her shot and if they killed him they risked getting her and everyone else blown up. Karou ran his thumb across the edge of her lacy boy cut underwear.

"Tell me Kagome, what color are they? Or better yet why don't you tell me Inuyasha." He pulled her skirt up a little more exposing the left side of her underwear. "So what color are they Inuyasha? Or hey Miroku why don't you tell me." Miroku took his eyes off of Sango but instead of looking at Kagome's underwear he looked into Karou's eyes.

"You sick fuck. All she has done is show you kindness and you hit her, say things about her, feel her up, and now you are exposing her and degrading her. What the fuck is wrong with you?" Karou laughed a cold laugh that was anything but joyful.

"So does that mean you aren't going to tell me? Kagome why don't you tell me."

"B-black." Kagome stuttered pitifully.

"Good girl. Now tell me does the bra match the underwear? Oh wait I already know the answer. It is Atsuki's right?"

"How could you spy on Atsuki, she is a perfectly sweet girl why would you do that?" Karou laughed again but this time it was at Kagome's words and not Miroku's.

"She isn't as sweet and innocent as you think." Kagome frowned but he couldn't see it. Karou let her skirt drop and his hand return to her waist. Karou moved Kagome's hair to the side then opened his mouth and attached it to Kagome's neck. He gave her a light lick then he did something that caused her to scream out in pain.

He bit down.

Everyone in the class looked and saw Karou's eyes bleed red as Kagome's blood filled his mouth and some trickled down her neck. Kagome's mouth was left open in a silent scream, her eyes were wide with terror.
LShe tilted her head to side away from him trying to get away but instead she just gave him better access. Karou bit down harder.

"Karou stop." Kagome managed to get out. Karou stopped and licked the wound until it closed up. Once it was closed he pulled away. Karou licked his lips and everyone in the class looked on in disgust.

"You are a bat demon." Sesshomaru's cold voice said more then questioned. Karou nodded.

"Why yes I am, congratulations, you just won a kiss from our lovely Kagome here."

"What?" Kagome asked as Karou moved her forward. There was no way he could be serious about this. He made Kagome bend forward although she was fighting against it until she felt the barrel of the gun against the back of her head.

"Kiss him, he earned it." Kagome had tears shinning in her eyes. "Do it Kagome or I blow your brains all over his face." Kagome's breathing was shallow and it didn't help that everyone's eyes were on them watching with either jealousy or curiosity. Karou pushed her head forward with the gun. He smacked her ass and groped it. "Do it now Kagome."

"Karou, this is not necessary." Sesshomaru said looking into Kagome's eyes. He could smell the fresh sent of tears.

"Yes it is. Now kiss him or I pull the trigger." Sesshomaru was still looking into her eyes trying to reassure her it was better then having her brains on the floor of the classroom. Karou took a step back and slightly to the side so he could see.

Kagome tried to slow her breathing as she got closer but she couldn't do it. Her face was on fire as she felt his breath on her cheeks. Kagome closed her eyes as a tear slipped passed. Kagome gave him a peck on the lips and moved back but was stopped by the barrel of the gun on the back of her head again.

"What do you want from me? I kissed him."

"You call that a kiss?" Karou asked. "Do it again, and this time it better be a real one. I want feeling, passion, lust, like what I saw last night." Karou said. Sesshomaru mentally sighed he knew Kagome wasn't going to be able to do it so he took matters into his own hands. He stood up and reached forward and pulled Kagome to him. Her eyes were wide when their lips connected but when he gently cradled her body with his. Kagome melted into the kiss and kissed him back. When he pulled back Karou started to clap. "Come on people that was a great kiss give them a round of applause." The class started to clap but it was out of fear. Kagome moved away from Sesshomaru her blush darkening even more. Kagome felt the gun go up the back of her skirt and she instinctively went to jump away but felt a hand on her shoulder keeping her in place. She felt him run the gun between her upper thighs. She let out another whimper and Inuyasha decided to act this time.

"Karou stop it." He growled. Karou pulled the gun away and pointed it at Inuyasha's forehead.

"Not having fun Inuyasha? Oh do you have feelings for Kagome to? Do I sense a three some with two brothers?"

"You are twisted." Inuyasha growled.

"Oh so you want Kagome to your self?"

"No, she is one of my best friends." Kagome moved away from Karou now that his attention wasn't focused on her, but unfortunately he saw the movement and his hand snapped out and grabbed the front of her shirt. Kagome was shocked by the movement and jumped back successfully ripping her shirt down the front. Kagome squeaked and tried to cover her self but the gods were against her today and his claw caught the front of her bra and snapped it open. Kagome covered her self but not before half the class room got a shot of her ample breasts. Sesshomaru took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around her. Kagome refused to let the tears fall but she knew if blinked they would. Karou smirked.

"They are a lot better close up, don't you agree Mr. Tashio?"

"Go fuck your self." Kagome spat. Karou pointed the gun at her.

"No, how about I fuck you." The smell of Kagome's fear filled the room and Karou smiled.

"Oh come on it wouldn't be that bad, I would even be gentle...at first." Kagome shrunk away from him back into Sesshomaru's chest. Karou decided to leave her and he walked over to Sesshomaru's desk where he sat down.

By now the school had been long evacuated and there were cops at every exit. They had been contacted by Karou's associates. And this was now officially a hostage situation. The parents of every kid that was still in the building was out side waiting, but with a few exceptions. They had been given a list of names and each parent with their child on that list was supposed to fork up 2 million dollars, except for Toga and Izayoi who had been told they had to cough up 10 million. They were making them pay for Sango, Miroku, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and even Kagome. Kemi was there but Naraku wasn't he said he wasn't able to get away from work, but they had also been asked to get the money.

Kagome was now in a desk between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. Karou looked up at her.

"You know Kagome, we actually asked for two ransoms for you. One from the Tashio's and one from Naraku."

"Why?" She asked softly not understanding.

"Just incase, we aren't sure if Naraku will actually pay for you but from what I have seen I think he will, but you can never have too much now can you?" Karou stood up and walked over to her. He leaned down and whispered into her ear: "I want to kiss you and I would love to taste you. Taste that delicious nectar of yours, I bet you're sweet." He licked her cheek.

"Please." She whimpered.

"I'll always be dreaming of you." He kissed her cheek and moved away. "Isn't this wonderful?" Karou asked in a cheerful tone. "I'm getting what I want, revenge, money, but the only thing I don't have is the girl to share it with. So how about it Kagome, you come with me when I leave and you can have everything your heart desires, what do you say? I had one girl lined up but I think I like you better." He said giving her a smile, and caressing her cheek.

"I would rather die." She seethed moving away from his hand. Karou cocked the gun and pointed it at her head for what seemed like the millionth time that day.

"That can be arranged darling." Karou's phone started to ring. Karou pulled it out and tossed it to Kagome. "Answer it."

"Hello?" Kagome asked.

"Why 'ello love, Karou must really like you...you aren't perhaps the new young girl we have been keeping an eye on are you? We did watch the others as well but you were just the most recent." Kagome wasn't sure if she should answer or not.

"I think so."

"Oh well, I would certainly like to meet you in real life. I bet you are even more beautiful, so tell me how long have you been letting your step-father 'touch' you?"

"It's not like that." Kagome said her voice cracking slightly.

"Really? Do you like it when he hits you? Do you like to be punished?"

"No, I don't. Why would you say something like that? Who would want that?"

"A lot of people like it. Anyway, tell Karou three, twenty-seven, and fifteen."

"Do you mean like the numbers?"

"Yes, love, the numbers three, twenty-seven, and fifteen. Hope to see you soon." The line went dead and Kagome knew the person had hung up. Kagome handed the phone back to Karou.

"Three, twenty-seven, and fifteen." Was all she said. Karou nodded then looked up to see the rest of the students watching him.

"Kenta, Sasori, and Anemone please come to the front." When no one moved Karou shot another round into the roof. The three scrambled to the front. "Well it seems your parents decided they didn't want to pay, do you know what that means?" Anemone started to cry while Sasori and Kenta just looked scared out of their minds. Karou handed Kenta's cell to him. "Dial you parent's cell." Kenta nodded and started to dial the number.

Kenta's mother looked at her cell as it started to ring. It was her son. She quickly flagged the police over and put her cell on speaker.

"Kenta?" She asked. The whole class could hear because Karou had taken it away and put it on speaker.

"No I'm sorry; this is not your son. But I would like to tell you that if you and your husband, along with Anemone's and Sasori's parents do not want to pay up then you will no longer have children and you will have to talk to their head stones in the grave yard." Kenta's mother started to cry so the police chief took the phone from her.

"Hi this is Officer 'O Hara. How do we know you haven't killed them already?"

"Now why would I kill my hostages already? No one has been harmed...yet. So if you would like to keep it that way I suggest you get the other 6 million or I will start shooting."

"It may take a little longer then what you guys said, it is n-" Karou cut him off.

"You know your deadline, and for every fifteen minutes that you go over it one hostage will be killed." With that said Karou fired another shot and hung up. The police were starting to panic; they only had 45 minutes until they met their deadline.

Karou looked at the students. They looked as if they were about to piss them selves. Karou never felt more powerful then he did right now. He paused and looked around. He wondered what it would feel like to shoot one of them. He could go for the head cheerleader, the football player, or Kikyo. He didn't think anyone would care about it if he shot Kikyo. Karou smiled, if they were late Kikyo would be first, although if he shot one of Kagome's friends she would probably freak out and cry.

'God.' Karou thought. 'I would love to see her cry.' Karou smiled; before he left today he would see her cry. Kagome was currently still sitting in the same desk, holding Inuyasha's hand as they tried to stay calm. Karou was sure she would have been holding Sesshomaru's if it wasn't for all of the people around. Sesshomaru's face was its usual stoic and he had his icy glare on Karou. Karou was positive that if it weren't for the bomb Sesshomaru would have killed him a while ago.

"Karou...I have to use the bathroom." Karou was snapped from his thoughts by a quiet voice at his right. He looked over to see Anemone looking up at him because he was at least a foot taller then her.

"Well you are just going to have to hold it."

"But I'm about to piss my self." Her tone was urgent and she was moving around. Karou looked at Sesshomaru and asked:

"Mr. Tashio, do you have a water bottle in your office?"

"Yes." Was Sesshomaru's curt answer.

"Good, Anemone, Sesshomaru will get his water bottle for you and you have one minute in his office." Anemone looked at him like he was crazy.

"You want me to go to the bathroom in a bottle?"

"Yes, it's not hard you can do it." Anemone shook her head but went into Sesshomaru's office anyway. She looked around and spotted the bottle on the counter next to his office phone. She smiled and closed the door. "Don't forget Anemone, one minute." Anemone looked at the phone and picked it up. She dialed nine then her father's cell number.

"Hello?" Her father's voice asked.

"Daddy?"

"Anemone? Sweetie are you all right?"

"Yeah, listen daddy; you really need to pay him." She whispered. "He has a bomb strapped onto him, he said if he dies we all die." Anemone was almost in tears again. "Please daddy, I don't want to die." Her father was stunned.

"Don't worry sweetie, all of the money is on its way." Karou had heard her talking and decided to scare her. He yanked open the door and pointed the gun at her.

"No, no, Anemone." He clicked his tongue at her. He took the phone away from her. "Hello daddy." He said mimicking her voice. "Sorry but I have to go die now, bye bye." With that Karou hung up the phone and pushed Anemone out the door. "So you don't want to die?" Anemone shook her head tears pouring from her already red and swollen eyes.

"N-no." He walked towards her but Kagome moved in front of the fallen girl.

"Karou stop, they're just scared. Everyone is scared, please stop." Karou looked at Kagome then Anemone; he could clearly see how scared she was shinning in her pink hues. Dominic, Anemone's boyfriend, moved forward and was kneeling before his girlfriend trying to calm her down.

Before Kagome could register what was happening she found her self on the floor with Karou on top of her, he quickly delivered a punch to her stomach. Kagome was gasping for breath and Karou took the opportunity and thrust his tongue into her mouth. Kagome never having done this before as Sesshomaru had found out last night, she started to gasp even more.

Kagome started to gag and squirm while Karou was shoving his tongue down her throat but then she felt the gun pressed against her head once again. Karou then started to let his hand travel up her shirt. At that moment Kagome didn't care if she got shot, she just wanted his hands off of her. She squirmed around not bothering to stop when she heard the click of the gun being cocked. Then she heard his watch start to beep then before she knew it he stopped and pulled out his cell. It started to ring as soon as he got it out.

"Yo?" Karou looked down at Kagome because he was straddling her waist.

"Karou, we will be there in about 30 seconds so you might want to meet us."

"Ok, is every thing set?"

"Yeah, but shoot one just to prove a point. After all it was one minute late."

"See you then." Karou hung up and looked down at Kagome. "Well love, it is time for me to go." He got up and smiled at the others. He walked over to the windows and opened the blinds along with the windows. Karou looked back at Kagome who was now on her feet holding her most likely bruised stomach. "You sure you don't want to come with me Kagome?"

"I hope you rot in hell." Kagome growled. Karou pointed the gun at Sesshomaru.

"You first babe." Once the words left his mouth there was a loud bang and Kagome jumped in front of Sesshomaru only to fly back a few feet and fall to the ground. There was a puff a smoke and Karou's clothing along with the bomb, and the gun were on the ground and Karou was no where to be seen. If you looked out the window you would have seen a bat flying towards east.

Back in the classroom Kagome was on the ground with her hands over her stomach. There was blood pooling around her on the cold tile. Most of the students had run out of the classroom not bothering to stay and see if Kagome was ok or even if she was alive, they just wanted to get out of the building and go be comforted by their families who had just been forced to pay money for them.

Sesshomaru, Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha were all that was left in the room. They all looked fearful for her life. Sesshomaru moved her hands and pulled up her shirt. He ignored the existing scars and focused on the gun shot wound that was seeping blood. He looked up at Kagome to see her eyes filled with tears threatening to spill out.

"Kagome, I need you to look at me ok?" Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru. "You need to focus your miko energy on the bullet ok, not the wound like it wants to but the bullet. Once you have focused on the bullet you need to push it out of your body ok? Do you understand what you need to do?" He asked placing his hand over the weeping wound on her flat stomach. Kagome nodded.

"Yeah I understand." There was a glowing from underneath Sesshomaru's hand and he pulled it away not wanting to get burned. "I'm sorry Sesshomaru." She said softly looking into his eyes.

"What reason do you have to be sorry?"

"He tried to shoot you."

"But he did not because you jumped in front of me." Kagome smiled softly.

"I love you guys." Her eyes dropped shut but her wound still glowed. Sesshomaru could hear her erratic breathing and feared she would start to hyper ventilate and in her current passed out condition that was not a good thing.

Kagome seemed to be sleeping but she wasn't dreaming. She looked around and all she saw was black then she could hear her own voice saying:

"The dreams I had as a child were simple. I wanted to be a mother. I wanted kids to chide and to protect. I wanted a husband who would love the children as much as he loved me. But, most of all, I wanted the feeling of freedom. The feeling that things would be alright no matter what...but, if it's a dream, then it was merely a fantasy. Dreams are never made to become realities."

The voice stopped and replaced by the voices of several other people.

Hey guys I honestly hate this chapter I feel like I did a really shitty job on it but I hope it was at least worth reading. Love you all please please review its the only thing that keeps me writing. Reviews mean love! And as always any and all input is welcome every if you bate it, just please tell me why you do so i can work on it.

-Khristina.