Disclaimer: All Inuyasha goodness belongs to the amazing Takahashi-san!

Behind the Curtain

By MissKatt

The Good-Bye

Kagome stood in the entryway of her apartment as she gazed at her home with disdain. As her eyes ran over the several dull brown boxes scattered in her empty living room, she felt moisture gather in them. She raised her shaking hands and quickly wiped at her eyes, ridding them of the tears before they could fall. Taking a deep breath, she pushed her bangs from her forehead and stepped out of the apartment. She gave a weak nod to Naraku's hired help as they bowed to her before going to retrieve her things.

She pulled her coat tightly around her and made her way to the black Mercedes parked in her designated parking spot. She slipped into the driver's seat and closed the door before turning on the car and pressing the heater on. She scowled as the car greeted her in text on the dash: 'Good Afternoon, Lord Naraku'. She had half a mind to take the car and never return, but she knew it would be futile. Plus, she had a sneaking suspicion that Naraku lent her this car so he could track where she went.

After all, that was part of their arrangement; him knowing where she was.

"What do you gain by this?" The now-dressed Kagome growled at the hanyou as she was led to his car with his two 'henchmen', as she called them. She felt her fingers twitch, an after effect of receiving two more shocks from fighting back.

He looked over his shoulder to smirk at her. "Oh, so much, Tama dear."

She stumbled forward when one of the men pushed her towards the car they approached. She sent him a glare before sliding into the back seat, Naraku following in after her. She then turned her icy glare on him. "I don't understand what I've ever done to you, Naraku. Why me?"

"You have done nothing to me," He replied, his crimson eyes staring down at her. "But that Taisho, however, is another story."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"He took something from me, and now I am repaying the favor."

She rolled her eyes. "Haven't you seen the news? I mean nothing to Sesshoumaru. So, whatever you're planning is useless."

Naraku smirked before leaning towards her, making her back up against the window. "Ah, see, I don't believe a word he said," He stated as he lifted his hand to run his knuckles across her cheek. "I've seen how he looks at you, how he protected you from me."

She shuddered at the contact. "You're wrong."

"I'm not." He replied curtly before roughly grabbing her chin. "Now, whether you like it or not, you're my property now and I will use you as I please. Do you understand?"

At the lethal look in his eyes, a shot of fear ran through her. "W-what are you going to do to me?"

"You will see," He answered cruelly. "But, I will be gracious and allow you one of two options: do you wish to keep your things or should I purchase you new ones?"

She blinked. "What are you talking about?"

His smirk grew as if he was expecting her answer. "Why, to take to my house, of course. Do you really think I would let you live away from me? Allow you to be out of my sight? I don't think so." He grinned as he watched the panic seep into her eyes when realization of her situation sunk in.

"But-"

"Did you forget the part I said about you being mine? I don't allow my toys to be too far away from me. So, starting tonight, you will be living with me from now on."

Her eyes widened. "I-I can't!" She stammered. "Naraku, I-"

"You will address me as 'lord'." He growled, his fingers tightening on her face, causing her to wince.

"Naraku-sama," She corrected as she fought the sneer on her face. "I have a life, friends and family I can't abandon! I can't just disappear from them!"

"That's exactly what you will do. Your life as you know it is over." He responded with a cruel laugh.

"Please, my brother! He has cancer. A-and my sister! I still have to apologize for hitting her! And then my best friend just found out she's pregnant and asked me to be there for her the whole time!" And Sesshoumaru…she never got to yell at him or make him tell her what happened. Tears gathered in her eyes. "Please, Naraku-sama, please don't do this."

He watched as the tears rolled down her cheeks before moving close to lap one of them up. "Shh, my toy, you'll come to see I'm not so relentless," He smirked, his lips pressed to her moist cheek. "I will give you one day to tie up any loose ends you may have."

She tried to keep herself from cringing as his tongue ran along the expanse of her cheek. "One day? But my friend-"

"Is pregnant, yes I got that. That is why I am going to nice enough to let you send her a care package every month, and, if you behave, let you attend her shower." He answered her. His face darkened as he pulled it away from her. "However, if you tell anyone what has transpired between us, I will make sure the baby is never born."

She gasped, her mouth falling open in horror. How could he-? Why would-? She stopped her thoughts. Either way, she would not chance it. She wouldn't put an innocent child at risk for her own selfishness. "I-I understand."

"And you will not go and see the Taisho family. I will know everywhere you go and if I see that you're anywhere near their homes or business, you will be punished. Understand?"

"Y-yes, Naraku-sama." She replied quietly and then blinked when he moved his face in towards hers again. "Y-yes?"

"I will only agree to give you tomorrow, if you willingly kiss me, right now." The hanyou stated, his smirk still on his face once again.

Kagome stared at him, hoping he was joking, but furrowed her brow when she realized he wasn't. She didn't want to be anywhere near Naraku, let alone kiss him, but she needed her last day of freedom. Swallowing dryly, she slowly moved her head in towards him and lightly pressed her lips against his before pulling back.

He lifted a brow at her. "I'm sure you can do better than that."

She scowled at him. "I gave you your kiss."

The owner of Kumo Industries feigned interest. "Oh, well then I guess you don't want tomorrow. Hakudoushi, to my house." He told the man sitting in the driver seat.

She paled. "No! I do! I'm sorry, let me do it again." She sat up straighter and leaned in towards him again until she pressed her lips hard against his, her hands going to his shoulders. When she pulled away from him, she met his pleased, red eyes. "Please let me have tomorrow."

He let a final smirk tilt his lips. "A car will be at your house tomorrow as well as movers to bring your stuff to mine. Make sure you pack what you want."

She shook her head of the memory and glanced at her appearance in the rearview mirror. Even with the concealer and powder she put on, the lines of sleep deprivation could still be seen. With a sigh, she pulled out of the parking space and headed towards the hospital to visit Souta.

In her mind, she had made an agenda for the day. She would first visit Souta, then her sister, and then finally Sango at Shikon where she would clean out her locker for good. She was tempted to text Inuyasha and Touga, but knew it would be bad if Naraku found out. So, she would just have to suck it up and keep them in her thoughts.

As she pulled up to the hospital, she parked into parking garage and stepped out of the car. After locking the car, she tucked the key into her pocket and made her way inside. She stepped into the elevator and looked at her appearance. Despite the dark spots under her eyes, she didn't look too terrible. She had put some eyeliner on and pulled her hair into a loose ponytail with a black and white hair band. She wore a pair of dark jeans tucked into black boots and a red tunic under her black coat.

When the doors slid open, breaking her focus on her appearance, she stepped out onto Souta's floor and made her way to his room once the nurses buzzed her in. She opened the door, but her greeting died on her tongue when she saw her younger brother standing from his bed, dressed in normal clothes.

"S-Souta?"

The youngest Higurashi turned and grinned at his sister. "Kagome-nee!" He greeted and ran towards her to hug her tightly. "You won't believe it!"

"Believe what? What are you doing out of bed?" She asked after hugging him back.

"That's what I have to tell you! I'm being discharged!" He said enthusiastically.

She blanked at his words. This was the moment she had been waiting for and she was so incredibly happy that he was healthy again…but she was also bitter. Bitter at herself; bitter at Fate. Why would this happen? Why would he get healthy after she had to disappear from his life? How, in any way, was that fair? How!?

His face fell at her stoic expression. "Kagome?"

She blinked when he drew her from her thoughts. "Ah, I'm so sorry, Souta! I'm just shocked!" She grinned and hugged him again. "I'm so, so happy! But, why didn't you tell me? Why wasn't I told?"

"I wanted to call you, but I was afraid you wouldn't answer."

Kagome turned around to see her sister and Inuyasha standing in the doorway. She paled at the sight of Inuyasha. She wasn't supposed to be anywhere near him, but, then again, she technically didn't go to him. So, she wasn't really breaking any rules, now was she? She glanced back at Kikyou. "I would have answered." She replied quietly.

Inuyasha glanced between the two sisters as the tension in the room grew with the silence. He cleared his throat and looked at Kagome. "Y'know, you really did a number on your sister."

She blinked and then noticed the almost healed cut on Kikyou's face. She blushed in embarrassment and looked down at the floor. "I-I'm sorry, Kikyou." She muttered. "I wasn't in my right state of mind, but I had no right to hit you."

Kikyou gave a smile and walked forward to wrap her arms around her sister. "I'm sorry for pushing you to do that."

She shook her head as she held her sister tightly to her for more than one reason. "I didn't mean anything I said. I don't blame you!" She said and then pulled back from her sister to look at her male best friend. "I love both of you. I'm so sorry."

He scoffed and stepped forward to ruffle her hair. "I was mad at you, but I knew you didn't mean it. I really blame that ice-prick."

She gave a weak smile before wrapping her arms around him in a hug. "So, you both forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive, wench." He replied as he hugged her back.

She smiled widely at him before stepping back to look at her little brother. "Souta, what do you want to do now that you're out of the hospital?" She asked, changing the subject.

"I want pizza, soda, and chocolate." He stated bluntly before grinning at his family. "And to sleep in my bed! That's at your house, right Kagome-nee? I'm going to be living with you, right?" He asked, face lit up in joy.

Kagome's face fell. Lie, lie, lie! "Actually, Souta, I gave up my apartment."

"What? Why? You were so happy with it." He replied, a frown on his face.

"Yes, but I wanted to be closer to you, Kikyou, and work. It was silly to move all the way out there before you were discharged. I'm sorry, Souta. Maybe we can move back later, okay?" She questioned, smiling brightly at him.

He grinned back at her. "Okay, Kagome-nee. Actually, Shippou will be going to my old school so I'll be closer to him here. Does that mean I'm living with you, Kikyou-nee?"

"O-of course, Souta. I would love to have you back." She hadn't been expecting to take in her brother, but she wouldn't tell him no. However, she was perplexed as to why Kagome didn't mention that she gave up her apartment. Did she pay to cancel her lease?

"Inuyasha, can you take Souta to the cafeteria? I'm sure he's dying to get some soda, ne?" She asked, winking at her little brother.

"Yes! Come on, Uncle Inu! I want a Coke!" Souta cheered, taking his sister's boyfriend's hand and leading him from the room.

Kagome watched them go with saddened eyes before turning back to her sister. "Kikyou-nee, I need you to really listen to what I'm going to say and not ask questions."

Kikyou tensed, not liking the depressed aura coming off her sister. "Kagome, what is it? What's going on? What happened to your apartment? Are you in-"

She held up her hand. "Please, just listen," She begged. "Kikyou, something has happened and I'm going to be going away for a while," Tears filled her eyes and she choked on her words. "I'll try to stay in contact somehow, but I can't promise anything. Please, Kikyou, take care of Souta and Inuyasha for me."

The oldest Higurashi sibling stared at her sister in confusion and horror. "You can't just leave, Kagome! Look at Souta! He's all better and you want to leave?! You can't!"

"I don't have a choice!" She flushed when she realized she gave out too much information. She started backing up towards the door, her brows furrowed as she tried not to cry. "Just promise me, Kikyou, take care of them!" She shouted as she ran to the elevators, dodging the scolding nurses.

Kikyou chased after her, but frowned when the elevator doors shut before she could reach her sister to question her. Just what was going on with her sister? Where was she going? Why was she going away? And, why didn't she have a choice?

*~~~BTC~~~*

"W-what do you mean?" Sango asked, staring at her best friend with a panicked face. "Kagome, I need you during this! What if I completely flip out?! What if something happens between Miroku and I?!"

Kagome pulled her friend into a hug. "Nothing will happen between you guys. You're going to be the strong, independent woman I know you are and get through this! You're going to be an amazing mother, Sango." She promised, holding her tightly. "And I will be around, just not frequently, but I will honestly try to visit as often as I can."

"Kagome, why are you doing this? Where are you going?" She asked, pulling away from her heart's sister to shake her by the shoulders. "Is this because of Sesshoumaru? I swear to Kami I will go to Taisho Corp and beat his ass if I have to in order to have you stay!"

She shook her head. "No, it's not him," Lie! "In fact, Touga has given me a great opportunity to go work at a branch company in China! Can you believe that! China! How awesome is that?"

Sango looked at her friend's happy face and gave a small smile. "I guess it's pretty great," She sighed heavily. "Okay, okay, I'll stop being selfish and let you live your life. Just, don't forget about me, okay?"

Kagome grinned and hugged her friend again. "I would never forget you! And I promise that whenever I get a chance, I will come to visit you! I want email updates about this baby, too! All ultrasounds better be sent to me!"

She laughed before hugging her back. "Of course, I promise I'll send them to you before anyone else!"

"Good!" She said with a wink as Miroku announced her on stage for the final time. She pulled away from her friend and gave her a little wave before stepping on stage. She gave a small smile and twirled around the first pole and then the second.

She listened to the slow song Miroku played for her and noticed it was 'Epiphany' by Staind. She loved the song, its lyrics always touching her heart. As she danced to the song, she ignored her audience, instead she let herself sink into her mind and dance away her depression for her current situation.

As she twirled, she heard Miroku announce her second song. Sighing softly to herself, she honed back into the sad reality that was her life at the moment and spun as she danced into her second song. As she swung pass the front of her stage, she stumbled mid-spin at the sight that greeted her. She quickly grabbed onto the pole for support and gripped it tightly before she slowly turned back to the front of her stage.

Her stomach dropped almost painfully at the sight of him standing there. She blinked a few times, hoping he and that damned stoic mask would disappear, but she felt her bottom lip tremble when he remained there. Swallowing her nerves and shaking her head of the emotions he managed to inflict on her, she made her way to him on unsteady legs. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to look bored that he was there; like he mattered as little to her as she did to him.

"Sesshoumaru." She greeted coolly.

"Kagome." He replied and lifted his hand up towards her. "Come."

The audacity! She glared and pointed at him accusingly. "You expect me to just- Hey!" She exclaimed when he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him before slinging her over his shoulder. "What are you- Sesshoumaru! Put me down!"

"We need to talk." He simply said before walking towards the back exit of the club, glaring at the bouncers and stopping them in their tracks before they could stop him.

She stopped protesting. Isn't this what she wanted? For him to explain himself? Were the Kami trying to help her get closure before she was tucked away from the world for good? Sighing softly with resolve, she gently tapped him on the back. "At least let me get my coat, okay? Then we can go outside."

He hesitated, not expecting her to so easily comply. Still, he would rather her not fight him. He set her back down on her heels and nodded towards the door. "I will be waiting at Inuyasha's truck."

She nodded once without meeting his eyes and turned to walk to the dressing room to get her coat, all while her body shaking. Whether it was with the need to kill him or the need to touch him, she wasn't sure.

A/N: Hehe, I love all of you guys, SO much! Your reviews make me laugh and sometimes they make me think, so please keep them coming! I love when you guys express your feelings about the chapter to me. I really frustrated a few of you guys with Sesshoumaru's character and with Naraku's 'purchase', but I promise it'll all work out and our Lord will definitely redeem himself in later chapters! -MissKatt

PS. I also want to thank the lovely Sonja Hand for her artwork! Thank you so much!