Chapter 21: Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

Bright colors of reds and greens flutter by in slow-motion as guests enter the ballroom. She walks through the crowd in her floor length emerald shade dress as she spots the person who holds her desire. Completely oblivious to the glances she attracts, elegantly makes her way over to the glass doors leading out to the balcony. "Sesshomaru, I didn't expect to actually see you here."

Sesshomaru, holding a champagne glass, kindly smiles as he lightly touches her hair, "Mother told me that I'd be able to see you if I came. I know we made a promise, but forgive me this once. I had to see you. Long-distance relationships are rather difficult. Emotional insecurities are so prevalent, it is quite stifling."

Kagome chuckles, "I wanted to see you as well. I-" Kagome glances around suddenly self-conscious at her confession in such a public enviroment. "-never mind.", she abruptly says turning away to hide the light shade of rose pink blossoming from her cheeks.

Sesshomaru sighs with defeat at Kagome's sudden display of embarrassment, "You are quite dangerous. Are you aware?"

Kagome turns around with a bewildered frown, "What do you mean?"

Sesshomaru smirks as he turns to look out at the crescent moon, "I mean nothing of my comment."

Kagome shows obvious displeasure with his reply as she squints her eyes, as if it would help her see past his mask of indifference, "Sesshomaru. You and I both know that you did not mean-"

"- that may be true. It is not just nothing. However, it would seem that someone does not wish to admit to truths, thus why should I? You have always emphasized that we are meant to be on equal grounds. Yet it would seem that I am always the one that must exposed my thoughts to you. Besides, even though I find this slow progression rather tedious, you would cease to grace me with your presence if I were to treat you as I wish I could. Thus, my comment meant nothing." Sesshomaru says with a high and mighty kind of smirk knowing all too well that he had peaked her curiosity, but also made it impossible for her to demand a clear explanation.

"One month and you have suddenly reverted back to your pompous nature." Kagome says trying to seem unfazed by Sesshomaru's obvious impatience. [I like him. But do I really believe that love exists? Can afford the distraction?...maybe...I... ] Kagome glances up beside her to meet Sesshomaru's eyes. And a wave of desire urges her to admit that she loves him but as she pulls forth her resolve, she is rather rudely interrupted by a man in a cheap black suit. He rushes over to Sesshomaru and mutters something so quietly that Kagome could not hear a word. The only clue she could pick up is the man's nervous and almost panicked glancing around. Almost on cue, Sesshomaru's eyes turn cold upon hearing whatever it was that the man said and leaves Kagome's side without a word.

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Out in the silent hallway, Sesshomaru pauses to feel for any presence that would intrude on their conversation. No one. He glares down at the man rather angrily, "Show me."

The man takes an envelope from within his suit's inner pocket and hands it to Sesshomaru. Cautiously the man dares to glance to see Sesshomaru's reaction, but only saw the seething hatred glowing blood red from his eyes. The temperature suddenly drops dramatically around the two men as if someone had just decided to set them inside a freezer.

That man nervously mutters, "T-t-that's all I could find for now."

Sesshomaru places the paper back into its envelope and tucks it into his pocket and the coldness dissipates. "I'm surprised you decided to give this to me, Detective Collins. Did Inspector Abe not warn you?"

Detective Collins hangs his head down in fear of meeting Sesshomaru's glare again, "Sir, he did. But I thought that you would like to know what was found at the initial scene of your father's office. It was rather odd. Like something supernatural occurred, but I didn't know what. When I asked my boss, he only told me that I saw nothing. I couldn't accept that. This world already has too much injustice. I did not want to be a part of that. Besides, you are his son. You deserve to know the truth."

With his usual emotionless tone, Sesshomaru states, "Some things are better left to the dead. Do you not agree?"

Rather puzzled by Sesshomaru's sudden disinterest, Collins gathers the courage to speak. "But aren't you the one that asked me to bring the pictures of what was found in your father's office the day of his death?"

Sesshomaru pats Collins on the shoulder, while showing a stern look, "What are you implying? That I would go against the police? Honestly, I have not asked nor have I seen anything with regards to my father's unfortunate death. Mr. Collins, you are quite the funny man to have forgotten so quickly. Were you not the one who told me that my father's death was merely the result of a robbery?"

Finally catching on, Detective Collins calms his expression and replies, "You are correct. I did tell you to leave this to the police. We are putting our best effort into catching the man who had tried to rob your father resulting in his death by bullet."

Sesshomaru politely nods, "I thank you on behalf of my father and my family. Your efforts are much appreciated. I hope to hear favorable news from you soon, Detective Collins."

With that Sesshomaru simply reenters the ballroom without another word. Detective Collins stands in silence for a moment longer before turning away to leave the party. He had some important business to attend to and it wasn't something that should be put off.

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"Sesshomaru. Where were you? I thought you'd be around your pretty girlfriend, but was surprised to find you absent from her side."

"I simply stepped out to answer a phone call."

"Phone call?" Inukimi asks suspicious of her son's avoidance of her question.

"It was regarding to business, nothing that would interest you, mother."

Inukimi laughs, "If it is truly about business, then it would be all the more interesting to me. Now don't you think? I do, after all, run a finance company."

Sesshomaru shows a fake smile, "True, but it was not that kind of business, so unfortunately it would not be of your interest."

"Very well. I won't press you for details. But I will figure it out eventually.", Inukimi says with a confident smirk as she takes a sip her red wine.

"Of course. Nothing gets past you, mother."

Inukimi smiles sweetly with a slight mincing tone, "I'm glad you remember. Which brings up an interesting topic. It would seem that a certain girl is unknowingly and amusingly attracting the attention of my most trusted employee. Do you want to know whom I am talking about?"

Sesshomaru's expression turns cold as he speaks with a growl, "Tell, your secretary and shadow of a vice president to keep away from what is mine. He may be the closest person I have to an older brother, but I will not allow anyone to take what is mine."

"It appears that you have grown to inherited your father's jealousy."

Sesshomaru frowns deeply, "I thought you hated the very mentioning of that man."

"Hate him?" Inukimi pauses, "Yes, at first I truly did. He was a stupid man to have believed in lies, but time heals wounds. Eventually, I grew to hate another person much more than your stubborn father."

Sesshomaru mutters in a very quiet tone, "The man that has killed him and plans to kill me?"

Inukimi glances over at her son before chuckling, "Who knows. The Taisho family problems have not require my worrying for decades."

Sesshomaru clicks his tongue in irritation, "Very well, you do not need to inform me. Your evasion is enough to confirm it."

Sesshomaru leaves his mother's side to join Kagome and a growing group of men at the refreshment table.

Gently wrapping his arm around Kagome's waist, Sesshomaru smiles coldly at the guests. Before addressing Kagome warmly, "Kagome, my love. What did I tell you about being much too dangerous."

Kagome looks up, "What on earth are you talking about? Sesshomaru, you have become very odd since you went back to Japan."

"That is because I am forced to wage war on two fronts."

"Two fronts?"

Sesshomaru sighs, "Do you have any idea what it's like to constantly feel on edge?"

Kagome laughs awkwardly, "On edge about what?" The thought suddenly surfaces, "That man?"

Sesshomaru tiredly laughs to himself as he mutters in a very quiet tone, "That is but only one of my problems." [She just does not understand. How could she? She is not aware of the growing amount of pests that gather near her.]

With a sigh, Sesshomaru glares at the men causing most of them to flee, before addressing his father's past bodyguard. "Akito, it's been a while since we last met."

Akito bows down low to show his upmost respect for the new lord, "Yes, it has my lord. The last time I saw you, you were barely tall enough to reach my hip."

Reminiscing, Sesshomaru's mask of a smile melts to a genuine chuckle, "Yes, at that time, I was young and quite naive."

"Yet, you were the most talented student that I have ever trained."

Akito turns his attention to Kagome now feeling a little more comfortable with the atmosphere of the conversation, "You know, Sesshomaru has always had a beautiful face. He used to be overlooked in class because he appeared so much like a girl. But then again, who could blame the children. When Sesshomaru first started out in combat training, he couldn't even land a single hit."

Sesshomaru looks a little shaken and raises his voice with a little panic, "Akito, that was when I was barely four."

"Yes and I was fourteen, yet captain of your father's elite warriors. Truly, Sesshomaru. You of all people should already know that when it comes down to capabilities, age is but a number."

Sesshomaru frowns, "True, but remember I stopping being that weak child when I turned ten. Or you would like me to remind you?"

Akito chuckles a little awkwardly sensing Sesshomaru's threatening tone return to his voice, "No need, my lord. I do not require the reminder of my utter defeat. Besides, I honestly do not even recall the last time I fought since I left the family. I doubt that I could possibly take on the man that has become quite the legend even around these areas. With the very mentioning of the Taisho name, people think of the Great Dog Demon's eldest son, Killing Perfection, and cower in fear of your wrath."

"That was a long time ago."

"Sure. Then, explain why the Thunder Brother's have gone into hiding."

"I did not lay a finger on those two."

Akito smiles, "Yet they trembled in fear when they ran into you? How could that be?"

Sesshomaru huffs, "Trembled? They were so arrogant that they even dared to strike at me. How could such men tremble in my presence? The rumors are much to exaggerated. Do not listen to lies."

"They are hardly lies. When I ran into them, out of coincidence of course, the very mention of your name made them flee. Thus, my lord, your reputation truly precedes you if you think that your existence is merely a forgotten rumor."

"Do not add fuel to the flame, Akito. I do not need more enemies than I already have."

"Very well my lord." Akito says bowing down surprisingly lower than the first time.

Sesshomaru frowns at Akito's action, "Akito. I have been meaning to tell you that you do not need to act so formal with me."

"But, my lord. You are the new leader of the West. I am merely a deserter. I cannot have anyone thinking that you would put yourself on the same level as someone like me. It would be a disgrace. I certainly cannot allow myself to perform such a dishonor to your name."

Sesshomaru pats Akito's shoulder as he chuckles lightheartedly, "Though I am a lord, do not lower yourself in my presence. I have always considered you my teacher and in my eyes, my equal."

Akito smiles raising his eyes to meet Sesshomaru's, "To have been your teacher is the greatest honor, my lord. And I do apologize for wanting, even though it was only for brief moments, what is not mine to have."

Sesshomaru and Akito exchange a look of understanding as if they were talking without words.

Finally tired of her silence, Kagome interjects, "Sesshomaru, if you would like me to leave you two to your exclusive conversation just tell me. Otherwise, I would appreciate it if you two stop beating around the bush and speak without hinting at your meaning."

Sesshomaru smiles, "Unfortunately for you, our conversation is practically done. Wouldn't you agree?" he says glancing at Akito.

"Yes, my-" catching his words, Akito pauses, "Yes, Sesshomaru."

With that, Akito walks off to join Inukimi's side.

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Sesshomaru turns his attention back to Kagome, "So how have things been going with your studies?"

Kagome smirks, "They've been perfectly fine. In fact, I may graduate top of my class."

"I'm not surprised. You have always been rather arrogant."

Kagome frowns as she glares up at Sesshomaru with her usual defiance, "I'll have you know that I, for one, have the skills to back up my arrogance."

Sesshomaru laughs hearing those familiar words, "Very well. I'd gladly see you prove me wrong."

"I intend to." Kagome says with a smirk. "By the way, how have things been going with the hospital?"

"The same kind of thing that happens everywhere in business. A whole bunch of politics. However, I guess I can't complain. Naraku hasn't done anything illegal since I became CEO, so I guess I should be glad." Sesshomaru glances around, before speaking in a much more intimate way, "Let's not talk about business. I'm rather tired of that. I would like to know how your friends are doing and how my foolish brother is doing."

Kagome giggles, "Okay. Sango and Miroku are getting along very well. Almost too well. I fear that we may be hearing wedding bells sooner than we think."

"Miroku? Thinking of real marriage? I didn't think I'd see the day considering how much he had wanted to keep his public image before he met your dear friend."

"Oh come on. You're lifespan is too long for that phrase to be applied."

"Not entirely true. When we mate, my lifespan will be halved. Besides, my appearance is only a facade to appear human. If I want, I can easily have my hair grayed, then I'd look older."

Kagome stuffs a strawberry in her mouth having not eaten since she arrived at the party, "Yur cat be sourios."

Sesshomaru lightly touches Kagome's lips, "Kagome, if you intend to eat. Just eat. Do not speak and eat at the same time. It is not proper."

Kagome sighs as moves his hand away, "Sometimes you sound like my mother. Do you know that? And for your information, I think that the public would be rather shocked if you suddenly lost your youthful dark hair to become gray. Though, I personally wouldn't mind it. It would resemble your natural hair color."

"Are you saying that you prefer my silver hair?" Sesshomaru asks knowing all too well of Kagome's answer. After all, it wasn't as if he was unaware of the dreamy look she had whenever he was in his humanoid form.

Kagome turns a shade redder, "No. I-I just think that your long silver hair suits you. That's all!"

Kagome turns and walking out onto the terrace to escape her embarrassment.

However, Sesshomaru walks up behind her and mutters a "Thank you." as he blows into her ear.

Kagome turns around with a shocked look, "Don't do that!"

Sesshomaru smirks, "Do what? I was simply thanking you. Anyway, continue with what you were talking about regarding to Sango and Miroku."

Kagome pouts muttering, "You know exactly what you did..." Sending another glare in Sesshomaru's direction, Kagome begrudgingly resumes the topic of her friends, "As I was saying, it's purely speculation, but Jessica and Jasmine were both telling me that they saw Miroku hanging around the jewelry shop across the street from their cafes."

"That doesn't mean anything.", Sesshomaru mutters in a very uninterested tone.

Kagome shrugs, "Maybe, maybe not. I don't usually keep track of this type of gossip, but truly that is all Jessica and Jasmine have been talking about for the past week. Anyway with regards to Rin, it has been the third day since she stopped talking to me because she is still upset with me knowing about Shippo's identity."

"I see. You know I never understood how her mind works. She is so ... emotional." Sesshomaru says leaning against the wall with his mask of indifference. However, Kagome simply continues on with the conversation wondering why he brought up the topic if he wasn't interest in the topic.

"I will agree with you on that. She is always all about feeling rather than thinking, but she is a very good judge of character. However, you obviously have something else you actually wanted to know, so I think it'd benefit us both if you just ask."

"Kagome. What have you heard from my brother?"

At the sudden change of topic, Kagome falls silent as she looks up at the sky with a sigh as if the topic was too heavy for her to say. "I haven't heard anything from him. Ever since we saw him at the shrine it's like he vanished. However, I have been hearing weird rumors that Kikyo and Inuyasha had a major argument because he caught her meeting with a rather unpleasant person, whom apparently has relation to Tenshi Hospital."

This catches Sesshomaru's attention immediately, "What do you mean, unpleasant person? Do you know if this person is human?"

"I'm not sure. The only concrete information I got was that this man, with quite a bit of power, was trying to pursue her romantically. Now my cousin may be a lot of things, but she is not someone who would cheat on your brother. So, she rejected his advances. Or at least, I hope that is what happened."

"Why do you sound so unsure?"

"Well, it seems that the man offered her a job position. And though she was hesitant because of Inuyasha, my aunt said that she accepted it. I don't know what kind of job, but I do know that she is now working in one of the Tenshi hospital buildings."

Sesshomaru falls silent in thought, [The security guards were talking about a new receptionist that have started working in the east building recently. Wait didn't the thunder brothers mention that is a woman, who looks similar to Kagome, that Naraku is working with. Maybe she is...] "She may be the new receptionist in our east building. Should I look into it? It is up to you. Nothing suspicious has occurred yet, so I have no reason to check. However, she is your cousin and I would be willing to help ease your thoughts."

Upon hearing Sesshomaru's reply, Kagome sighs tiredly, "No, it's fine. Kikyo has always been very good at getting what she wants and a job where she can be the glamorous face of a well-known hospital sound exactly like something she would want more than anything. Now that you say it, I am almost certain that she is the new receptionist. There is no need to look into her matters. It would be a waste of time."

"Am I hearing hostility?"

"Not exactly. I just think that it is rather irritating how she got a job at the one place I have work my entire life to get into. And to make matters worse, she got the job in less than a week. Hopefully, without the use of her feminine charm, but I guess I should not judge."

"You could just have me find a position for you."

Kagome frowns, "Not a chance! I will not use my relationship to you as the reason I get an internship in Tenshi. If we were just friends I would consider it, but we aren't. I should be accepted based on my capabilities or not all. Besides, it would bother me to sleep with the man that gets me a job even if we were dating two years before I got the job. It is against my morals and honestly would hurt my pride."

Sesshomaru smiles amused at Kagome's choice of words, "I had no idea that you had such desires. If I had know I would have taken your invitation."

"Oh, shut up. That's not the point."

Sesshomaru chuckles, "Alright, I'll pretend I didn't hear those words. However, I must mention that you stubborn pride in your values is what is so attractive about you. Do you know that?"

"From you, yes. I have heard you mention that often. From others, no. They all think that I pale in comparison to my much more traditionally attractive cousin."

Sesshomaru laughs with disbelief, "What delusion has made you believe that?"

Kagome frowns with an exasperated look, "Isn't it obvious? She is very skilled in acting like the stereotypical soft-spoken, fragile, and beautiful young woman that every man seems to lose all logic around."

Surprise, floods through Sesshomaru's mind, [Is there no limit to her oblivion?]

"So you think that other people find you less attractive? Surly you are joking. What blind person told you that?"

"Not person, people. You know family, classmates, and even..." Kagome looks away knowing that the mentioning of her short relation to Sesshomaru's brother was not a good idea.

"... Inuyasha." Sesshomaru falls silent as he quietly sighs. "You know, good acting and a pretty face is worth very little to me."

Kagome smiles weakly, "I know. You are the exception, but I can't help wondering if her type of woman is what I should be like. All I've known is that most obstacles are easily overcome with a pretty face. Thus, my cousin, who has always been a step ahead of me, must be truly more beautiful than I am, though I do not really mind. I intend to succeed with knowledge and determination, rather than looks and weak demeanor."

Sesshomaru sighs, "So that is the source of your oblivion. Now, allow me correct your belief. I have already met your cousin and I must say that she is not as pretty as you make her out to seem. On the other hand", Sesshomaru leans in close to Kagome's face, "Do you know how many men you have attracted? Or how much I desire you every time my gaze meets yours? No one is more beautiful than you are and I am not saying this as your boyfriend."

"But-"

Sesshomaru silences Kagome softly with his elegant finger, "-maybe strangers who do not know you may think that she is the prettier one, but that is because of your lack of style. You usually dress much too plainly, though I must say that I prefer you that way."

Kagome glares up at Sesshomaru who is smiling rather happily at her flustered reaction, "Being just eye-catching is demeaning! As if I would ever give up comfort for fashion just so men can stare at me like I'm some object."

Sesshomaru shows a kind smile as he pats Kagome on the head, "Exactly. That would not be you. Besides, who cares about what others think. I know that you are beautiful so why must you keep contradicting me? What is it that you are really worried about?"

Kagome's blue eyes glazes over, "... I...I- I heard long-distance relationships don't last. So whenever I think about that I feel insecure. What would I do if you suddenly lost interest in me because I'm not pretty enough, or not smart enough, or not strong enough. I-I can't-stand how these thought makes me feel so weak. It's absolutely enraging. I should be focused on my life, what I think is important. I should be confident and strong, but I can't seem to be. Somehow the more I care about you the more weak I feel."

Kagome falls silent, with tears threatening at her eyes.

A look of disbelief sweeps over Sesshomaru as Kagome's words sink into his mind. For the first time, all of the insecurities that he had felt over the two years vanished in an instant. He finally knew, without a single doubt, just how much she loved him. The feeling sent his heart singing, but of course he couldn't just let his instinctive desire slide from his control. At least, not at a formal business party. So, Sesshomaru gently hugs her from behind savoring the rush of joy. "If that is what you are truly afraid of, then I must apologize. Hearing those words makes me much too happy." Sesshomaru chuckles, "To be honest, I could feel the insecurity in your aura the moment you stepped into the building, but I couldn't quite figure out what such a confident woman would be worried about. I thought maybe grades? Or maybe your friends? I even painfully had to consider that it might be because of my brother." Sesshomaru turns Kagome around to face him and lightly kisses her forehead, "Kagome. My love, you have no idea how I have been plagued with the same worries every second that I am not by your side. I may be the CEO of Tenshi and the Lord of the West, but I still worry that one day you will stop caring for me. That maybe some guy will steal you away." A sorrow so agonizing fills his golden eyes, "I worry. So, it is rather refreshing to hear you say that you feeling the same, but you have no reason to." Sesshomaru lightly touches Kagome's cheek taking in the warmth of her skin, "I am all yours. That is a promise I'd sooner die than break. Do you trust me, my love?"

Kagome sighs blushing deep red as she mutters in a quiet voice, "How could I not? You sir, are much too eloquent with your words. If I did not believe you after your monologue then I'd be a fool. Besides, no other being has ever made me feel the many emotions that you have. That alone makes you irreplaceable."

Sesshomaru lightly kisses Kagome's forehead before showing a rather gleeful smile, "That sounds strikingly similar to proposal. Are you trying to best me at that as well?"

"I-" A loud pop of a champagne bottle's cork brings Kagome back to the realization of where they were. Still at the party. Quickly, Kagome's expression turns serious and she puts some distance between Sesshomaru and herself. Though she knew that no one was really paying them any attention out on the terrace, Kagome could not hold down her deep red flush. She clears her voice before speaking in a very formal way, "Two years. You promised to give me two years to think about it."

Seeing Kagome's change in manner, Sesshomaru lightly chuckles, "Yes, but we could just skip that. I think it would be in both of our interests."

Kagome huffs showing her obvious annoyance, "I still have two years of undergrad, four years of med school, and three years of residency. I can't get married yet. I will not have distractions."

"True, but with my plan, we will be engaged in two years and married by the end of your four years of medical education, so there is no harm if we speed things up a little. The end result is still the same."

"Oh, we are not getting married right after the engagement? Here I was certain that we would." Kagome says with joking sarcasm as she turns to reenter the ballroom.

Sesshomaru pulls Kagome into his embrace and whispers in her ear brushing ever so slightly against her skin, "I do not find it suitable to joke with me, my dear. If I had it my way, we'd be married this instant."

Kagome glares up at Sesshomaru, "You wouldn't."

Sesshomaru steps back to dodge a blast of miko power, "Precisely, I wouldn't because you'd complain that marriage would get in the way of your career goals. Thus, I beg of you, do not tease me. Even now I am barely holding on to reason."

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A knock sounds on the office door, "Sir?"

His snake-like voice answers from within the dark office, "Come in, my dear."

A shadowy figure of a young woman opens the door cautiously, "I thought about what you said last time."

"And? What have you decided?" Naraku asks without turning his gaze away from the city lights shining like jewels below his window.

"Will I really prove my worth by doing this?"

Naraku turns around with a smile that did not reach his eyes, "Have I ever lied to you?"

The girl glares at Naraku's confident smile, "Not yet."

"Then trust me. If my plan works then not only will you obtain everything you have ever wanted, but you will be able to break your poor cousin's will for good. She'd never be able to outshine you, ever again."

"Then, why are we trying to make him doubt her loyalty? Wouldn't it be faster to seduce him and break her heart?"

A deep chuckle sounds from Naraku as he walks closer to the girl, "That is something that you do not understand. Knowing my nephew, he'd never stray his affections, not even for a woman that looks so delicious." Naraku runs his cold finger down the girl's cheek ever so gently, but before warmth reaches his eyes he turns away. "Besides if she falls for our man's seduction then it will break her heart to find out that it was all a lie. In the process she will also break Sesshomaru's heart. Image that, we'd be killing two birds with one stone."

"Kagome isn't one to fall in love easily. She has always been the type that would stubbornly pursue her career goal even if she had give up on being a woman."

"My, you know your cousin better than I thought."

"As if, she's been saying that since her father died."

Naraku smiles again, "Well then, I guess to win this little game we will have to use that to our advantage. Tell Koga that he should use his sad back-story to reel in her trust, then have him sleep with her. That should be enough to drive Sesshomaru insane with rage."

"Okay." The girl turns away to leave the room, but Naraku grabs her hand almost out of reflex.

"Was there something else you wanted to mention, sir?"

Quickly releasing his grasp, Naraku mutters, "Kikyo, have the human resource look out for Kagome's resume and inform me the moment they see it. If our plan fails I will have to do this myself."

"Yes, sir." Kikyo quietly shuts the office door.

Naraku lingers his attention on the door before turning back to stare out at the sea of lights, "Soon this will all be mine."

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"Rin!" Sango calls out in a mother's stern tone.

"What! If you are going to tell me that I need to reconcile with Kagome forget it. Not only did she lie to me, but she actually closer to him than I could ever be."

"Rin, you know that Kagome would never hurt you. Ever since we were little, she has always been the one that watched over you. Even during the times when she was going through her own problems she would somehow manage to make your day. Don't you remember? In fifth grade when she was recovering from her father's death? In middle school when she was dumped by her first crush? And in high school when some girls convinced her whole class to avoid her like the plague? She never thought anything of it when you were being selfish. How can you treat her like this just because you are feeling heartbroken again?!"

Rin glares up at Sango, "I never asked her to be nice to me!"

Sango slaps Rin on the cheek, "I know, but she was anyway."

Tears beaded up from Rin's eyes as she recalls the moments that Sango mentioned.

~flashback~

Fifth grade:

"That's so cute! Why can't I do it?! Everyone's going to laugh at me for saying that I wanted to be an artist. I can't even make a simple flower crown." Rin pouts frowning at the mess of flower petals and stems as she threw her work to the ground.

Kagome pats Rin's head gently, "Here, now no one will say anything.", handing Rin her finished crown.

"Really?!" Rin beams happily as she places it on her head. "Look , doesn't it look like a princess's crown? It's so cute!"

Hearing Rin's laughter the nearby girls look up from picking flowers.

A short brown haired girl exclaims, "Oh! That's so pretty. How did you make it?"

Another chimes in, "Can you teach me?"

Hearing the commotion the teacher comes over to the growing group of girls, "Wow, Rin. You're so talented. I expect nothing less from the future artist of our class."

Rin blushes awkwardly, "Well actually...", she glances at Kagome, to praise her friend, but Kagome smiles softly as she holds a finger to her lip to shush Rin.

"A future artist shouldn't just give away her secrets. It wouldn't be good for publicity." Kagome interjects as she walks away from the crowd.

"Kagome." Sango whispers, "Why?"

Kagome turns to Sango with a radiant smile, "Look how happy she looks. It's okay."

Some of the girls near Rin whisper in unpleasant tones, "There she goes again, being all high and mighty." "Why does she have to ruin the fun?" "She's such a party-pooper."

Middle School:

"Sango! Kagome! Look that teddy bear is so cute!" Rin says linking her arms with her friends pulling them over to the shooting game at the school festival.

"Rin. We don't have time to play we have to help out at the class café." Sango yells over the noise of the school's ongoing festival.

Rin puffs out her cheeks, "But..."

Sango glances towards Kagome for support, "Kagome, back me up. Explain to Rin that we have to go."

Kagome sighs ever so slightly at Sango's mother-like sternness, "It's okay this will only take a second." She says picking up a toy gun to fire it without taking a moment to consider her aim. The rubber bullet hits the teddy bear knocking it over effortlessly. The booth manager looks shocked at the speed in which Kagome knocks over the teddy bear as he hands Kagome the prize. Kagome hands Rin the teddy bear. "That should be fine now, right?"

Rin smiles, "Thanks."

Sango shakes her head seeing Rin's glee, "You spoil her too much."

Kagome lightly chuckles as she pulls Sango along, "And you don't? You're nicknamed demon slayer for being unforgiving in judo yet, you always speak softly to her."

"As if you should be talking. What would everyone say if they knew our school's renowned strict captain of the archery team was so lenient?"

"They would not say anything. No one would believe anyone that said I was anything but strict."

Sango laughs seeing Kagome's playful spark return, "Good point."

"Kagome! Sango! Hurry up! Stop talking and start running." Rin calls energetically a few feet ahead of them.

Kagome and Sango looks at each other giggling, "Okay!"

High School:

"Kagome! Can we go get cake?"

"No. We only have a week before finals. Weren't you the one that asked me to come over to help you study?"

Rin pouts, "But-"

Kagome stops typing to glance over at Rin with a disapproving look.

"But I can't focus when I'm hungry."

Sango laughs as Rin's stomach growls, "Kagome, we've been studying for three hours already. A small break should be okay."

Kagome sighs, "Here." She pulls out a box of desserts from her backpack and places it on the table. "I knew you would say that, so I bought cake on my way here. Let's continue."

Rin giggles, "Okay!"

Sango whispers, "Kagome are you okay? I heard rumors from your class."

Kagome smiles softly, "It okay. I don't care about what other people think. I just need to get into University."

~end of flashbacks~

"I know, but..." Rin looks down at her feet, "Do you think Kagome is upset with me?"

Sango smiles lightly patting Rin's head, "Why don't you call her and find out?"

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Author's Note:

It's been so long since I had time to write the next chapter. Thanks for being so patient! As usual I do read all the reviews and they have been so supportive. They've been great to read when feeling I'm stressed from school. I hope I've been keeping each chapter interesting enough for all of you. :)