(Author's note: I don't own Inu Yasha or it's character. Also I do not own
the song used in this chapter. The band Muse owns Megalomania. Yeah!)
Chapter Nine: Bittersweet moments. . .
Part One of Two
About a week later on that Friday evening as the sun was setting -
A soft hum of echoes reverberates off the bare walls of the garage as Sekijuro has his eyes closed, as the slow surreal beats seem to wrap around him as the tempo continues on morbidly. The nineteen year old swayed to his own rhythm, as his soul existence seemed entranced. He opens his mouth sounding like a fallen angel of sorrow as the pace is spaced out. He coos mournfully before he starts singing -
"/Paradise comes at a price\"
"/That I am not prepared to pay\"
"/What were we built for?\"
"/Could someone tell me please\"
His singing was drawn out and slightly slurred, but nonetheless still sounding serene but in a desperate way.
"/The good news is she can't have babies\"
"/And won't accept gifts from me\"
"/What are they for?\"
"/They'll just grow up and break the laws you've loved\"
Kira sat starting to play the electric piano as if it were an organ as he went along with the tempo. Sekijuro voice raises from it subdued volume as he sings clearly -
"/Take off your disguise!\"
"/I know that underneath it's me!\"
He sounded like a crying angel as he blends the words together as if whimpering with his voice high and unreadable.
"/Who are you\"
"/Ooh -\"
The quarter demon goes back to his muffled low singing, but he's clearer sounding than before.
"/Useless device, it won't suffice\"
"/I want a new game to play\"
"/When I am gone - it won't be long\"
"/Before I disturb you in the dark\"
"/And paradise comes at a price\"
"/That I am not prepared to pay\"
"/What were we built for?\"
"/Will someone tell me please\"
Again his heavenly voice raises, as he drawls out the words as the music's volume also increases with his voice -
"/Take - off your disguise!\"
"/I know that underneath it's me!\"
"/Ooh - Ooh - Ooh - Ooh!\"
Kira finishes off the song with the organ-sounding electric piano -
Kagome smiles as the band finishes with practice as she comes up to Sekijuro about to hug him when he presses his flat palm to her clothed stomach. "Sorry Kagome." He shakes his head no slowly as he looks over glancing at Tama as she removes the bass guitar's strap from off of her shoulder. In the meantime Tama picks up her towel wiping sweat from her brow as she ignores the couple.
"Don't worry about me Seki." Tama breaths coolly over her shoulder as she leaves the garage. Inu Yasha watched the interaction with every one with a wry gaze.
"Damn problems and complications." The hanyou mutters before walking off back into his house.
(That night)
Tama was embraced by Phoenix as they sat in tranquil silence in the park. The past week had been nothing, but a blur for her the only memorable aspects of her week were her aching heart whenever she had seen or been around Sekijuro. The contrast to that feeling was spending her nights out in the crisp cool air of the park with the fiery Phoenix who had made her forget her troubles with searing lips and charming words -
Is this right, I feel as if I am using him. Yet he hasn't asked anything from me, like he had mentioned a week ago. Maybe he's waiting for the right opportunity to ask the favor, hopefully it's nothing that goes over my head. I guess I'll break off the contact with him then if the favor is too much, but I'll be without any sort of comfort -
Phoenix pulls her closer as he subtly reminded the girl in his arms that he was there silently, as she grew lost in thought. "What are you thinking about, love?" His accented voice purred as the teenage girl tilted her head up looking at him as he kept looking outwards.
"If this is right? I am using you, am I not?"
The boy smirked with his full lips as he looked down at her with an arched brow. "In a way yes you are using me, but the thing is when you're using somebody they usually don't know about it. In our case you're not technically using me if I know about it, besides I condone it. Please don't worry about it, love." The last part he cooed quietly as his light blue eyes bore into her dark blue ones. His blonde bangs falling into his eyes as his long spiky red hair fell over his shoulders.
Tama gave a small smile as she snuggled her head into his chest as she played idly with the fine black mesh shirt he wore. As he crossed his legs with squeaking black leather pants. "Boy don't we make an odd couple," she trailed with a chuckle as he cocked his head to the side.
"Why do you say that?"
"I look very much like the girl next door in my school uniform, while you could pass for someone in a J'rock band except you'd have to cross-dress thought." She giggled while he narrowed and rolled his blue eyes.
"Yeah whatever." The foreigner smiled as he brushed back her hair. "Besides I think you kinda like my style anyway." He mentioned as she drew small figure eights on his chest. He grinned as he tilted her chin upwards to where she gazed into his eyes. Dark blue met light blue. "Besides I still haven't received my 'hello-kiss'." Tama blushed while his grin turned into a smirk.
He bent down as capturing her lips in a light kiss, as the usual figures watched the teens below -
(Saturday Night)
Music played as all sorts of people swarmed and socialized or danced as champagne was served with other trinket delicacies. Sesshomaru looked around at all of the fancy well-spent decorations he had around his grand and vast ballroom in his manor. Though he thought the theme of his ball was a little cliché a masquerade ball, but he couldn't actually face all these socially high demons and humans with his slightly marred features.
So naturally half of his face was covered with a blank faceless mask. The only thing on the mask was where the eyehole should be was an extravagant decoration around the eye with gold and golden glitter with sapphire blue jewels and diamonds. His personal servant Hisoka had picked out the mask. A slight smirked pulled at his lips as he thought that his assistant would pick something that was pretty much a mirror image of his usual daily façade. Emotionless -
I'll have to have a word with Hisoka about his choice, he thought as he spotted a familiar face in the crowd of people who had just entered his home. I can't believe she is here, he thought as he removed himself from the balcony that joined together the staircases as he scaled them gracefully and unhurriedly -
(Entrance of the ballroom)
A very human looking Inu Yasha walked in with his apparent teenage appearing companion Shippo with his new personal servant Sota in toe. Also Inu Yasha's servant stood on one of his sides, as the cat-demon looked happily around. Next came Sekijuro and company as they all gawked at the floor to ceiling windows with the white curtains that billowed in and out to an outside balcony. Golden chandelier hung from above with crystal like glass having the golden light bouncing off. The ceiling was high with English style like artwork painted on the arches of the top. Everyone was dressed in his or her finest gowns and tuxes. Men and women dance or spoke to one another as if there was not a care in the world.
The floors were smoothed and polished with white marble as off to the sides of the room sat a hors d'oeuvre table and dessert table. Next to that was a bartender station with men in uniforms worked franticly as they served the privileged. While all this was happening the now human Inu Yasha pulled at his tuxedo's neckline uncomfortably as he sighed looking around with bored eyes as everyone else gawked.
"Big whoopin' deal." He breathed as Shippo elbowed him.
"Shut up ya dummy, it's not everyday your brother opens his doors for people to be dazzled and wooed. Besides we might as well take advantage of this while we can. It might be another century before your brother does this shit again." The small brunette murmured to the long black haired man.
"True, true fox boy."
"Sugi-san and Shippo-dono, I think I snag us a table and reserve it." Makalani said as he poked his head between the two conversing men. Inu Yasha waved the young man to go do the said task.
Kagome was enthralled as she felt Sekijuro holding her hand. "Whoa, I'd never thought I'd ever be invited to a ball. I'm glad that Shippo was nice enough to invite the whole gang to this formal-affair. Aren't you glad too?" She asked excitedly as her 'boyfriend' gawked at his date next to him.
"I'm just happy to have the most loveliest and beautiful woman next to me." Kagome blushed as Inu Yasha listened in without notice. The father scoffed at his son's words as he went to go find the table the eldest Kazuo sibling went to go find.
Higurashi, Kagome wore a light pink colored with a slight sheer and transparent peach colored gown with some diamond studs sporadically placed along the lower regions of her gown. It was a one strap as it was to show off her slim soft shoulders as her hair was pinned atop her head with diamond jewels placed in her hair. She smiled prettily at her date as he escorted her to the dance floor. "I'm happy I am here with you Seki-chan. Thank you."
He smiled from ear to ear. "Anything Kagome-hime. My princess."
Tama stood off watching the couple as they went out onto the dance floor as she gazed at the retreating form of Sekijuro longingly, as her eyebrows forked up sadly. "Sekijuro no baka." She noticed from the corner of her eye as she saw Malachi chatting with Karuna as he escorted her towards the drinking station. The teenager looked around as she was completely alone at the entrance, I didn't even notice Shippo and Sota walking off. I am so pathetic. I wish Phoenix were here -
(Moments later)
Kira walked in with his hands dug deep into his trouser pockets as he sighed tiredly with his mother and aunt in toe. He clenched his silver eyes closed as he thought about what had gone wrong for the whole week. One thing was for sure; Karuna was giving him the silent treatment since they left his aunt's house almost a week ago. He sighed again as he peered over his shoulder spying his silvered eyed aunt as she smirked happily. Thing was his mother was invited to this ball not his aunt, but somehow she had managed to weasel her way to the event.
"It's about time that lazy-lay about father of yours scored something with that hefty title he carries. I am so glad he invited us, aren't you sister?" She asked as Sato glanced up to look at her older sister.
"I am." Sato said with a real smile on her face as Mai looked around as she pushed her long dark black hair from off of her shoulder. She lightly placed a hand on her hip looking around.
"You weren't invited you self-imposing bitch." Kira croaked bitterly as he marched away taking his mother wrist into his. "From here on out Mai you're on your own." He told her over his shoulder as he disappeared with his waving mother.
"Whatever." The black haired kitsune woman scoffed as she rolled her silver eyes. "About time," she said, as she was about to walk when a certain man caught her eye. He red lipstick lips opened as she gasped mutely. The emotionless face seem to grow closer as he maneuvered his way to the deathly pale, but beautiful demon. Once he was in arms reach of her a small wicked smirk tugged at his lips.
"What a surprise Mai, it has been a long time." His monotone voice was dripping with venomous sarcasm, but they had an edge to the words.
"Indeed Sesshomaru-sama." Mai's voice was subdued, but prideful as she stared into his one golden eye. "A long time, my former lover."
(The hors d'oeuvre table)
Higurashi, Sota grumbled as he maneuvered around the mass of people blocking his way from the cocktail table as he yawned tiredly. Lately he hadn't really had time to relax or let alone to be by his lonesome. Ever since Shippo came into his life it had been many sleepless night and more dozing during the school days. Sure his mother and grandfather knew that the nightlife living man employed him now, but if only they truly knew what he saw day in and day out.
He now pretty much lived at Shippo's apartment, except ever since Kira hit a snag with Karuna Sota had been roughing it out on the couch since he couldn't claim Kira's room as a place to rest his weary head anymore. Not only did he have to do stupid and thoughtless task, he was hit-on twenty- four/seven by the kitsune. "Damn he pretty much owns my ass now, ever beck and call I have to do his bidding to a certain point. Shit what did I get myself into?" He would have slapped a hand to his forehead, but at the moment he was carrying a Bloody Mary and some different appetizers on a plate for his slightly famished boss. "Move you no rhythm baka!" He barked at an old man who was dancing with a young woman.
Even thought the teenager hated the job, he likes spending time with Kira's dad. Sure he was annoying and a horrible flirt, but deep down Sota didn't really mind that many of his antics. He did faintly recall of the days reflectively wanting excitement. Here it is in a pint-sized boyish man demon-thingy named, Shippo; Sota contemplated. A small smile touched the school boy's lips as he was almost upon his table. "Move it or lose a hip Grandpa!!" He pushed the last of the people out of his way roughly as he found a frowning Inu Yasha and a pleased looking Makalani sitting at the table. "Yo, where's the fox?"
"He went off with someone." Inu Yasha said in a grumpy manner as he folded his arms. "It might be a while until your master comes back, so take a load off." He said seriously, before he shifted uncomfortably in his suit again.
A sour look crossed the boy's features at the 'master' comment. Sota let the comment slide as he dropped the glass dish onto the table ungracefully and plopped the alcoholic beverage down as well. The boy looked on as Inu Yasha snapped his fingers as his own personal servant named, Minoru stood up. He made a request and the happy little cat-demon went off in a flash. Sota folded his arms onto the table resting his chin on his forearm.
He watched as a woman approached and asked Makalani if he wanted to dance of course the man didn't refuse.
Shippo had better not forget about me, Sota thought a little heatedly -
(Meanwhile)
Kira combed the area as he looked for his heavenly white haired girlfriend hoping he could make-up with her and then get to a more romantic part of the manor so they could do the kissing part of the making-up. He spotted her dancing with Malachi and surprisingly the man wasn't groping the young girl. Kira still felt jealousy take over his senses as he marched over tapping his friend on the shoulder rather hard.
"Hey can I cut in, Chi?" He asked tersely as Malachi stepped away from the girl.
"Yeah, dude." The short haired twin answered as Kira took Karuna's hands into his own. Soon Malachi disappeared in the mob of formal gowns and tuxes.
"Can you please not think about my past, that was way before you. None of those girls mean anything, Karuna-chan." He whispered into her ear as her nails begun to dig into his palms.
"No you lied to me." She breathed in a monotone voice, enough to make her uncle Sesshomaru proud if he were around. Her face bore no emotion as she looking at him, but to him he knew deep down inside she was glaring. "You told me you had never been with anyone."
"I didn't want you to worry about any past experiences." The blackish-brown haired man answered.
"If you had told me in the beginning then I wouldn't have. Though your aunt Mai has brought up many valid points about you. You never wanted to talk about America at all, maybe I wanted to know about what you've experience before coming to Japan. Are you that ashamed of the things you've done?"
"Yes, and no. It depends." He answered with his head hung. "They meant nothing, I swear."
"So, what. They might be nameless to you now, but they are all people and how you treated them was wrong. And besides Kira, I can't compare to them since you've been on a level with these girls that I have yet to experience with a male." Her dark chocolate eyes looked away sadly as she now hung her head. Kira looked up suddenly.
"So what should we do about this situation, Karuna-chan?" He asked quietly, but a tremor ran through his voice slightly.
"I don't know." The Sugi girl said almost franticly as he façade of stoniness melted away. She sighed, "maybe we should put things on hold, I'm still young and you are weathered not physically, but mentally and emotionally. I can't keep up if I am a child while you're a man."
"What are you telling me Karuna?" His voice quavered now.
"It's time to end it for now, once I'm on my own for awhile and I feel ready. I will come back, I'm sorry Kira-chan. It's over." The pallid looking boy hands slipped away from the dark, but smaller feminine hands. His look was one of shock, hurt, and rejection as he slowly backed away shaking his head as he didn't make eye contact with the lovely yet hurtful creature in front of him.
"No, Karuna -," He felt as if the crowded room was closing in with all it's people and walls.
"Kira please -," She whispered tearfully, as he gazed up with unsaid emotions running through his eyes. He looked away as he view something he had never seen, more emotion than he had ever seen on the girl. "Don't leave like this." She was on the verge of tears. He turned leaving as she called out to him leaving her crying and stranded on the dance floor -
(Grand Staircase)
Sanzo, Hojo came down the stairs as he stopped at the balcony that connected the two cases. He walked up standing next to a shorter teenage looking man as Hisoka regarded him. The blue haired water sprite cocked his head to the side as he looked at the college student as the twenty-one year old bore a cold indifferent expression. "Where's Sesshomaru?" He asked coolly.
Hisoka unfolded his arms from behind his back as he mentally smirked to himself. The boy, Hojo had dropped the silly name for his master after his lord brought back a crushed Hojo that one night he was watching some human woman he love kiss up on Sesshomaru's humanoid nephew. It was later on that Hojo found out that Kagome's 'boyfriend' was indeed related to the lord of the western lands. "He is talking to an old acquaintance Hojo-sama. Why do you ask, sir?" He almost asked mockingly.
"It is none of your concern Hisoka, I just wanted to know." He snapped at the shorter man. "I have business to discuss with someone. I don't care if you tell him that or not." He waved dismissively as he walked off.
Toru, Hisoka watched as the boy walked down slowly as he scanned the room with ennui and contempt. This human is what Sesshomaru would be if he could truly feel emotions, the blue haired servant thought with a slight shake of his head and a smirk. Human are such a waste of existence, yet they pull the most power in this realm. Again the diminutive man placed his hands behind his back as he watched the activities below.
(Right now. . .)
Sekijuro was now escorting Kagome to the table that was reserved for their group, as Inu Yasha stood looking bored and cranky. "I'll be right back Kagome-chan. And you wanted punch, right?"
"Yep, thank you." She smiled brightly as he smiled back before disappearing into the throng of people. Sota sat drumming his fingers on the table with a vague look on his face. "Where's Shippo, bro?"
"Hell if I know, Inu told me he stepped out somewhere with someone. That's all I know. If he doesn't comeback soon, I'll eat his fancy shit on a plate and drink the Bloody Mary for him." He sighed as he rested his cheek on his latent arm as he now traced the lip of the cup in front of him with a free hand.
"Oh, I'm sorry you're bored Sota."
"Don't worry about it, besides it's kinda fun turning down these reject looking rich girls who want to dance with me." He yawned lazily as small tears came to his eyes. "If the live orchestra wasn't so freakin' loud I could actually go to sleep."
"Sorry, bro. Well have there been any pretty girls that have come up and asked you?"
"Lots of those too, but I ain't interested in them. They don't do anything for me." He said as he looked off in the distance at nothing.
Kagome arched her brow, as she was about to say something then stopped, as a tap landed on her shoulder. "Hey, Kagome you wanna have a twirl or two on the floor?" She looked up to be greeted by a serious looking Inu Yasha as his dark brown eyes bore into hers.
"Sure."
"I mean c'mon it ain't gonna hurt anything - damn you said yes already." The woman giggled at his goofiness as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He held out his hand as she placed her gloved hand in his. Inu Yasha smiled charmingly at her as he bent down kissing the back of her hand as he gave it a small squeeze. "C'mon."
With some force he pulled her up onto her feet as she blushed. Soon he escorted her onto the dance floor as they took residence in the center as he pulled her close to his body which she could tell was more define then what she remembered underneath the 'monkey-suit' he wore. He reached into his pocket producing a paper-like mask as he placed it onto his face with a smile. "What are you doing Inu Yasha?" She asked coyly.
"I'm being the mysterious, but handsome man that dances with the most beautiful woman at the ball." Kagome's eyes slightly widen as she grins. Slowly her cheeks tent yet again. He spun her and dipped her back as he brought her back slowly as he leaned down with his face inches from hers.
The Higurashi could smell mint on his breath. He was graceful and in time with the string and woodwind instruments, as Kagome's head spun, as they seemed to glide across the dance floor in an unreal state of elegance. Unconsciously the raven haired woman pulled herself closer to his form, instinctively enjoying the feel of his closeness to her body more so then what she remembered from the boyish Inu Yasha of her past. "You smell like lavender and jasmines like always. One thing I could never forget about you, though I would never want to forget your smell. I love it." His voice fell a couple of octaves as he whispered into cheek.
Right then she felt weak in his grasp, after he breathed those words quietly into her ear. She found herself resting her head on his shoulder now as she took a deep whiff of his natural scent that was not tainted with cologne of any sort. The Inu Yasha of her past always smelled of the forest and woods, but it seems the natural scent had not diminished throughout the centuries. "Mmm." She hummed while closing her eyes and inhaling deeply.
"Kagome, I've missed you so much especially in my arms." Inu Yasha whispered sincerely into her ear as her eyes snapped open. "I have to make a confession, but do not tell Sekijuro. I love you; still after all these years, Kagome -." He paused in thought. "Do you feel the same about me?"
(At that moment)
Tama stood off to the side against the wall gazing and watching the many happy couples twirling and spinning about happily as the music slowed down. She hugged herself as her side held her up against the wall. I should have refused the invitation from Shippo and Inu Yasha. I even forgot to mention to Phoenix that I probably wouldn't make it tonight. Damnit, she berated herself.
Strong arms wrapped around her as she felt a warm breath tickling her neck. " 'ello. Why so sad love? It's not fitting for you to be a wallflower."
She whirled around to be greeted by a smirking Phoenix. "What are you doing here?!" She exclaimed as he looked at her wide-eyed.
"Umm, my father is of the rich and powerful. What are you doing here?" He asked as he rubbed his head in thought.
"Seki's uncle is the host of this event and so Seki's father invited all of his friends to this social-gathering. My parents are regular people they could never reach these ranks."
"Oh -, well come with me outside on the balcony." Phoenix took her hand and began leading her outside towards the French double doors that were between each floor to ceiling windows. They walked out and not many couples were out on the veranda looking out at Sesshomaru's well-kept land.
"What is up with you and the outside?"
"It's romantic and I like how the moon glows except for tonight since it's a new moon. I feel kinda like I am bathed when I'm in the presence of the moon. I know it's silly, but that why I leave every night from my father's overbearing place to find escape. I swear I feel as if I'm searching for solace in the moon's omnipresent glow, but now that I have you here I am not entirely alone. I wanted to thank you for that. I'll shut up now." He looked upwards at the moonless blanket of night as the sky and earth met with twinkling stars outlining the darkest of areas.
"I don't want you to shut up, I think this is the first time you've truly mentioned anything about yourself Phoenix." Tama placed her hand on his back as he turned to look down at her. She slowly had her eyes travel over his attire and appearance. His hair was shorter now, but still had the blonde bangs and fiery red hair it just didn't fall on his shoulders anymore. It was layered and going towards his face now. The thing that caught her attention the most was he was actually wearing a suit.
He looked powerful and refined in a wild way as he stood there with the dim glow of the lights from the wall behind him shimmering off of his physique. He still towered over Tama; she looked down noticing that he still wore his four-inch heeled boots and that his trousers were baggier than most to hide most of the heel of his shoes. "What?"
"Nothing just admiring your threads and besides what made you get a hair- cut?"
"My supposed-father. He told me that I had to tweak with my appearance a bit to be decent in his standards." He smiled lopsidedly as he took her hands in his lifting her arms up as he admired her green velvet gown with a deep cut crisscross v-neckline to show off her cleavage. "Velvet looks good on you, especially dark green." He spun her looking at the low scoop of her dress as it revealed a flawless back. "Absolutely beautiful my Jewel. Now I am glad my father forced me to come. I get to spend my entire night with you."
The red head pulled her close with her backside pressed snuggly to him as he nuzzled his face into her long black hair. "You smell good, love." He purred with his accent sounding heavier that before.
"I've been meaning to ask." She said as he kissed her neck lightly.
"Mmm?"
"Where are you from originally?"
"Ireland. Can't you tell?'
"Well it's hard to understand ypu when your speaking Japanese, but maybe if you were speaking English I would have been able to tell where you were from, right off the bat." She closed her eyes as his lips trailed down her neck in a slow decent.
"Oh - 'kay." The teenage boy mumbled between kisses. He stopped as his blonde bangs fell into his clear blue eyes. "We should disappear from this winded party, don'tcha think, love?" A breathy whispered suggested as she was considering it.
"Alright, lets go." Phoenix removed his arms from around her and took her hand into his, but stopped short when his name was called from behind.
"Master Phoenix, it's time to go. Your father calls for you now." A short haired blonde said as she adjusted her round framed glasses.
"He's not my father, Laguna is my adoptive father! If I must go, then - I will." He sighed the last part out as he dropped Tama's wrist. "Please give us a moment Elyte-san. I will only keep you and my father waiting for a minute."
"Yes Phoenix-sama. I will let Lagunanosai-dono know."
Elyte bowed as she nodded her head, but before she left the blonde glared hatefully at Tama as the teenage girl was taken aback by the intense look. "Oh don't worry about Elyte-san she's just very overprotective of me." He smiled. "Can I have a goodnight kiss?"
"Yes." Tama smiled up at him, as she got on her tippy-toes wrapping her arms around his neck crushing her lips to his. He wrapped his arms around her waist as his tongue vividly explored her mouth -
He pulled back with half lidded eyes and a lopsided grin on his face, "that was nice." He murmured quietly. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course."
"Sayonara, love."
"Ja ne, Phoenix."
With that he left as he found Elyte right inside next to the French double doors. The blonde uncrossed her arms and followed behind the boy as he smirked. "I thought we would stay longer, but of course Laguna has finished with what he has needed, right?."
"That is the way he operates, master."
"I know, I know all to well." His smirk grew dark as they left Sesshomaru's manor -
(Sekijuro's location)
Sekijuro gather his and Kagome's drinks, as he was about to make his way to the reserved table. A firm hand suddenly stopped him as he looked up seeing a man about his height staring him down. "Can I help you?" Seki asked the dark haired man.
"I know who you are, and if you ever hurt Kagome -. I'll kill you myself mutt." The man breathed heatedly as the quarter-demon stood in shock as his mouth fell open.
"Who are you? How do you know about Kagome and me?" Seki's eyes became unfocused a bit as he looked past the man to see Kagome dancing with his father. His blood slowly stirred at the closeness of the two, but then he focused on the young man before him.
"I am the guy you attacked almost two weeks ago, but you had white hair when you did it. I am Sanzo, Hojo and from here on out I'm gonna make sure you do nothing wrong to Kagome-san."
The Sugi scrambled in his mind as he tried to remember if he had ever heard of this Hojo, guy before. Instead he found himself looking past the peer in front of him to notice Kagome and his dad were now nowhere to be found on the dance floor. His blood now boiled -
(Kagome and Inu Yasha's location)
Kagome stood in shocked silence as she looked up at Inu Yasha, she didn't know what to say, as he blushed looking away from her. "Your silence says everything Kagome." His hold on her loosens as he drops his hands to the side. "Nevermind forget that I had even said anything."
The human Inu Yasha hangs his head as the Higurashi grabs his arm, as then his dark eyes meet hers. "I'm not gonna let you assume everything and then run away on me. How ungentlemanly that is." She huffed at him as he blinks at her in confusion. A small pinkish blush covered her face, as she looked up at him with his eyes boring into her. "Inu Yasha -,"
"Kagome!"
The said girl turned at that moment as Nashoa came up looking very swab and well groomed. He smiled flashing his fangs at her as he noticed the man standing behind her. "Hello Nashoa didn't know you would be here."
"Yeah, well pop is part of the A-list so I have to tag along. And you are?" He asked eying Inu Yasha with light blue eyes as he sniffed the air. Hmm, he smells like that mutt Seki or whatever. Must be related to that pint- sized dog.
"Inu Yasha, and you are?"
"I'm a school friend of Kagome's. Name's Taki, Nashoa." He mentioned with a hitched thumb in his direction. "I've heard of you Inu Yasha, from what I've been told you and my pop go way back."
Inu Yasha's brow arched as he looked at the boy in scrutiny while moving Kagome to the side and behind him. "Yeah and who might your father be?"
"How about I show you, dog-demon." Nashoa said with a slight smirk as he began to weave through the mass of bodies as he made his way over to the VIP section of the ball. A servant let him in as they moved the velvet rope out of the way as the group of three went in. Nashoa as he walked up to where his father sat. "Father."
"What is it?" A gruff voice asked as slight recognition touch Kagome and Inu Yasha's features.
"Someone I think you used to know is here."
Inu Yasha was about to step forward as Kagome planted her hand on his face pushing him aside. "Koga?" She asked as she walked from around his son. The sitting wolf-demon looked up as he squinted his blue eyes at Kagome.
He was instantly up moving his son from in front of him. "Kagome? Wha - it is you! I thought you died along time ago. I know your scent from anywhere." He took her small-gloved hands within his. "You are more beautiful than I remember. So whatever happened to that loser dog-demon?"
"He's right here." Inu Yasha said as he rubbed his hurt nose gingerly as he looked at the slightly taller man. "How's it going Koga?"
"Fine, but what the hell happened to your hair and puppy ears. You smell weaker, and almost human like."
"Well duh, wolf-man." The younger man said as he crossed his arms. Kagome made a face as Koga growled at Inu Yasha. "Still a stupid wolf I see, Koga."
(Out on the Veranda)
Shippo looked at the blinking stars as he held the railing of the balcony while deep in thought. A hand lightly rested on his back as he slowly looked over his shoulder at the woman standing beside him. She was lovelier than he remembered. Long dark cherry wood brown hair and glistening silver and a pallid skin that would glow eloquently if the moon were out, he turned looking out at the vast area of well kept landscape and after that a small forest before him. "It's been a long time Sato since we've seen each other." He mumbled as her hand glided higher up his back.
"Too long Shippo," her voice was quiet and submissive almost like she was broken. It pained Shippo to hear her this way.
Why did I invite her, because to check up and see how she was doing? Maybe I wanted to see her again, to look upon her beauty. Slowly the lord of the northern lands found himself looking at the mother of his child. "You're right, too long. How long have we been talking now?"
"An hour and half. Why, you tired of my presence already?" She asked a little dejectedly.
He whirled around facing her as he leaned back with his elbows bracing the rails of the balcony's edge. "No, never. How could I grow tired of someone I haven't seen in almost a hundred years. If anything I've been missing the hell outta you." He reached out taking her cheek within his grasp. "Don't you ever think that again."
"Okay Shippo." She placed her hand on top of his cradling his hand to her face, as she closed her eyes. Shippo found himself looking away from the unnatural beauty before him.
"Can we go in for a sec?"
"Yes."
He took her hand within his as he led her back into the ballroom -
(The table)
Sota sat bored as his eyes fell closed again as sleep almost took him, but again the woodwinds instrument woke him from the much need sleep. He looked at the half eaten appetizers and the emptied cup that was for his boss.
Okay, where the hell is he?! I've been waiting, but the bastard has disappeared on me and I'm going to cuss his stupid ass out once he gets back here! Maybe I should make him take me to some twenty-four hour restaurant for making me wait. I can see it now, him apologizing like crazy while I give him the cold-shoulder. Yeah that sounds great. He concluded as he picked his head up from off of the table as he rolled his head around popping the bones in his neck. Then yawning.
Next the boy stretched his arms and back feeling much better as his body woke up more then it was moments ago. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw light brown almost auburn looking hair. He turned to see his employer making his way towards their table with a beautiful, but short woman in toe behind him.
Are they holding hands, Sota asked in disbelief as he felt a pang of an unknown emotion rage through him -
Shippo walked up as Sota stood up stiffly looking at the two with weary, but aloof eyes. "Where the hell have you been?! I've been waiting you jerk off!" The two kitsunes blinked at the human boy's outburst.
"Sorry I got sidetrack. I'd like you to meet Kira's mother, Sato. Sato this is Higurashi, Sota is my assistant."
The teenager eyes grew hard as he studied the woman before him. "Uh-huh." Was all he said. "Whatever Shippo, I'm outta here. Nice meeting you Sato." Sota said crisply as his eyes narrowed in an unfriendly manner. He turned grabbing his suit's coat as he tossed it over his shoulder holding it as he walked away. He stopped looking at Shippo. "I - forget it." He said in frustration as he looked confused then sad. "What the hell ever, I'll see you at the fucking apartment asshole!" He grumbled.
With that Sota left the ball -
Shippo stood in awe as he let go of Sato's hand. "Be right back -. Sota wait!" He ran after the boy as the woman stood abandon by the table waiting for her ex-fiancée to come back.
Was that what I think it was, Shippo asked himself as Sota ignored him and kept pressing on. Was Sota actually jealous? As hard as the thought was to conceive it was easily the answer to his new assistance sudden attitude problem. He's jealous, or it could be I left him waiting too long. I bet anything it's both. The teal-eyed demon thought as he now followed the boy as the teen went down the steps of the front lawn quickly.
Sota made it to the bottom and held his hand out to hail a taxi that was about to leave the driveway of the manor. Shippo came up pulling the limb down as he spun the boy to face him. "What the hell was that back there?"
"Like you'd really care for the answer fox. Besides shouldn't you be flirting and hitting on Kira's mom shamelessly right now." He looked away glaring at the stone steps below his feet. "I'm fine, you can leave me alone already so I can go back to your place and finally get some damn sleep."
"Whatever dude, are you mad because I left you alone for so long?"
"I'm not mad." Sota answered calmly. "I fuckin' pist off that you dragged me here and then left me alone for so long! You're such an inconsiderate bastard!!" He slapped Shippo's hands away. "Now go be with the woman you love you stupid fox idiot." He said quietly as he looked away from the slightly taller man.
"She can wait. I told you I'm sorry already, damnit." He whined.
"Sorry doesn't fucking cut it, you need to understand that Shippo. Just because you're in the body of a fourteen year old, does not give you the right to act like one. Shit man even Kira and I act more responsible than you and were suppose to be the fucking kids! You pretty much forgot I was there while you were doing god-knows-what while you were off with Sato! I only came to this stupid ball, just because you asked me and I wanted to be with you in the first place!!" Sota cheeks burned red as he looked away from Shippo. "Look I'm tired and I'm just gonna go to my house tonight. Later."
Shippo stood wide eyed as he was in a state of shock and hurt, as the teen pulled his jacket on walking away from the man as he pocketed his hands and his shoulders slumped. Sota began to trek a slow and lonely way home as the kitsune turned and went back inside to go entertain his ex -
What does this mean? The man asked himself before he entered the manor. Could Sota actually want me, but just doesn't know it yet? Or was it something else. Did I blow my chance with him??
(Hojo and Sekijuro)
Hojo sat across from Sekijuro as they sat in a more secluded area of the manor. They were in the library, as Hojo folded his hands together as the spiky haired boy narrowed his gaze at him. "Okay Hojo lets talk 'shop'." The younger of the two suggested as he raised his fingers to make quotations. "Talk, so I can get back to Kagome."
The older of the two narrowed his gaze at Inu Yasha's child. "Alright then -,"
(The land)
Inu Yasha had escorted Kagome and himself out on the lush yard that was owned by his half-brother. Rolling hills going on and on before meeting with forest. They had their arms locked together while they strolled enjoying the serenity of the landscape and the starry night up above. The man was having a hard time battling a fidgety feeling within him, as he wanted to know if Kagome still carried any sort of feelings for him or was it just lost now -
"Where did Seki disappear to? Did he ditch me?" Kagome asked suddenly as the human was thankful he wasn't in his demi-demon form or else his puppy ears would have flopped down in disappointment.
"I hope not, it'd be real stupid of him to leave someone as gorgeous as you alone in there." He said nonchalantly as he ambled along.
"You don't think something happened do you?" Kagome asked in slight concern.
"Nope, or else all hell would have broken loose and besides if that were to happen my brother and me would have been all over it." He grinned at her. "You worry to much Kagome."
"I guess you're right. He probably has his reasons, thank you Inu Yasha." Without herself noticing she drew herself closer to his arm that her limb was hooked to, resting her head on his shoulder. "Can we sit, my feet are killing me in these high heels."
"Yeah, sure."
First he lowered her to the ground as her dress fanned out around her as she felt the cool grass touch her legs and the wind blow at her bare shoulders as she drew her arms away from the black haired man. She hugged herself trying to fend off the cold. Inu Yasha removed his jacket placing it over her smooth shoulder as he sat down beside her with his legs folded and his arms crossed over his chest, sitting like he always used too.
"Is that better Kagome?"
"Yes thank you." She pulled the black coat closer to her body, then she reached down pulling off her high open-toed shoes as she placed them down beside her. She looked at the man beside her as she suppressed a small giggle.
He looked up at the moonless canopy above with wonder as he looked so many years younger while doing so, almost like he did back in the Sengoku area, Kagome thought forlornly with a remorseful smile -
Several moments had passed and suddenly Inu Yasha felt a weight on his shoulder again, as he looked down to see the girl's head slumped forward as she breathed deeply from sleep. He smiled moving to rest her head more comfortably on his shoulder. He smiled with his long black hair swaying in the wind. He leaned to the side as he tilted her head up some while she slept. He closed his chocolate eyes as he lightly pressed a ghost of a kiss to her pink lips -
(End of Chapter Nine)
Kyoji K. here. . .boy!
Hmm. . .what can I really say? Drama!
And more questions with loose ends! ^_^
Sorry Sota like the 'F word' in this chappie!
I guess that's all for now ^^;
Until next chapter -
Lay o_O
Chapter Nine: Bittersweet moments. . .
Part One of Two
About a week later on that Friday evening as the sun was setting -
A soft hum of echoes reverberates off the bare walls of the garage as Sekijuro has his eyes closed, as the slow surreal beats seem to wrap around him as the tempo continues on morbidly. The nineteen year old swayed to his own rhythm, as his soul existence seemed entranced. He opens his mouth sounding like a fallen angel of sorrow as the pace is spaced out. He coos mournfully before he starts singing -
"/Paradise comes at a price\"
"/That I am not prepared to pay\"
"/What were we built for?\"
"/Could someone tell me please\"
His singing was drawn out and slightly slurred, but nonetheless still sounding serene but in a desperate way.
"/The good news is she can't have babies\"
"/And won't accept gifts from me\"
"/What are they for?\"
"/They'll just grow up and break the laws you've loved\"
Kira sat starting to play the electric piano as if it were an organ as he went along with the tempo. Sekijuro voice raises from it subdued volume as he sings clearly -
"/Take off your disguise!\"
"/I know that underneath it's me!\"
He sounded like a crying angel as he blends the words together as if whimpering with his voice high and unreadable.
"/Who are you\"
"/Ooh -\"
The quarter demon goes back to his muffled low singing, but he's clearer sounding than before.
"/Useless device, it won't suffice\"
"/I want a new game to play\"
"/When I am gone - it won't be long\"
"/Before I disturb you in the dark\"
"/And paradise comes at a price\"
"/That I am not prepared to pay\"
"/What were we built for?\"
"/Will someone tell me please\"
Again his heavenly voice raises, as he drawls out the words as the music's volume also increases with his voice -
"/Take - off your disguise!\"
"/I know that underneath it's me!\"
"/Ooh - Ooh - Ooh - Ooh!\"
Kira finishes off the song with the organ-sounding electric piano -
Kagome smiles as the band finishes with practice as she comes up to Sekijuro about to hug him when he presses his flat palm to her clothed stomach. "Sorry Kagome." He shakes his head no slowly as he looks over glancing at Tama as she removes the bass guitar's strap from off of her shoulder. In the meantime Tama picks up her towel wiping sweat from her brow as she ignores the couple.
"Don't worry about me Seki." Tama breaths coolly over her shoulder as she leaves the garage. Inu Yasha watched the interaction with every one with a wry gaze.
"Damn problems and complications." The hanyou mutters before walking off back into his house.
(That night)
Tama was embraced by Phoenix as they sat in tranquil silence in the park. The past week had been nothing, but a blur for her the only memorable aspects of her week were her aching heart whenever she had seen or been around Sekijuro. The contrast to that feeling was spending her nights out in the crisp cool air of the park with the fiery Phoenix who had made her forget her troubles with searing lips and charming words -
Is this right, I feel as if I am using him. Yet he hasn't asked anything from me, like he had mentioned a week ago. Maybe he's waiting for the right opportunity to ask the favor, hopefully it's nothing that goes over my head. I guess I'll break off the contact with him then if the favor is too much, but I'll be without any sort of comfort -
Phoenix pulls her closer as he subtly reminded the girl in his arms that he was there silently, as she grew lost in thought. "What are you thinking about, love?" His accented voice purred as the teenage girl tilted her head up looking at him as he kept looking outwards.
"If this is right? I am using you, am I not?"
The boy smirked with his full lips as he looked down at her with an arched brow. "In a way yes you are using me, but the thing is when you're using somebody they usually don't know about it. In our case you're not technically using me if I know about it, besides I condone it. Please don't worry about it, love." The last part he cooed quietly as his light blue eyes bore into her dark blue ones. His blonde bangs falling into his eyes as his long spiky red hair fell over his shoulders.
Tama gave a small smile as she snuggled her head into his chest as she played idly with the fine black mesh shirt he wore. As he crossed his legs with squeaking black leather pants. "Boy don't we make an odd couple," she trailed with a chuckle as he cocked his head to the side.
"Why do you say that?"
"I look very much like the girl next door in my school uniform, while you could pass for someone in a J'rock band except you'd have to cross-dress thought." She giggled while he narrowed and rolled his blue eyes.
"Yeah whatever." The foreigner smiled as he brushed back her hair. "Besides I think you kinda like my style anyway." He mentioned as she drew small figure eights on his chest. He grinned as he tilted her chin upwards to where she gazed into his eyes. Dark blue met light blue. "Besides I still haven't received my 'hello-kiss'." Tama blushed while his grin turned into a smirk.
He bent down as capturing her lips in a light kiss, as the usual figures watched the teens below -
(Saturday Night)
Music played as all sorts of people swarmed and socialized or danced as champagne was served with other trinket delicacies. Sesshomaru looked around at all of the fancy well-spent decorations he had around his grand and vast ballroom in his manor. Though he thought the theme of his ball was a little cliché a masquerade ball, but he couldn't actually face all these socially high demons and humans with his slightly marred features.
So naturally half of his face was covered with a blank faceless mask. The only thing on the mask was where the eyehole should be was an extravagant decoration around the eye with gold and golden glitter with sapphire blue jewels and diamonds. His personal servant Hisoka had picked out the mask. A slight smirked pulled at his lips as he thought that his assistant would pick something that was pretty much a mirror image of his usual daily façade. Emotionless -
I'll have to have a word with Hisoka about his choice, he thought as he spotted a familiar face in the crowd of people who had just entered his home. I can't believe she is here, he thought as he removed himself from the balcony that joined together the staircases as he scaled them gracefully and unhurriedly -
(Entrance of the ballroom)
A very human looking Inu Yasha walked in with his apparent teenage appearing companion Shippo with his new personal servant Sota in toe. Also Inu Yasha's servant stood on one of his sides, as the cat-demon looked happily around. Next came Sekijuro and company as they all gawked at the floor to ceiling windows with the white curtains that billowed in and out to an outside balcony. Golden chandelier hung from above with crystal like glass having the golden light bouncing off. The ceiling was high with English style like artwork painted on the arches of the top. Everyone was dressed in his or her finest gowns and tuxes. Men and women dance or spoke to one another as if there was not a care in the world.
The floors were smoothed and polished with white marble as off to the sides of the room sat a hors d'oeuvre table and dessert table. Next to that was a bartender station with men in uniforms worked franticly as they served the privileged. While all this was happening the now human Inu Yasha pulled at his tuxedo's neckline uncomfortably as he sighed looking around with bored eyes as everyone else gawked.
"Big whoopin' deal." He breathed as Shippo elbowed him.
"Shut up ya dummy, it's not everyday your brother opens his doors for people to be dazzled and wooed. Besides we might as well take advantage of this while we can. It might be another century before your brother does this shit again." The small brunette murmured to the long black haired man.
"True, true fox boy."
"Sugi-san and Shippo-dono, I think I snag us a table and reserve it." Makalani said as he poked his head between the two conversing men. Inu Yasha waved the young man to go do the said task.
Kagome was enthralled as she felt Sekijuro holding her hand. "Whoa, I'd never thought I'd ever be invited to a ball. I'm glad that Shippo was nice enough to invite the whole gang to this formal-affair. Aren't you glad too?" She asked excitedly as her 'boyfriend' gawked at his date next to him.
"I'm just happy to have the most loveliest and beautiful woman next to me." Kagome blushed as Inu Yasha listened in without notice. The father scoffed at his son's words as he went to go find the table the eldest Kazuo sibling went to go find.
Higurashi, Kagome wore a light pink colored with a slight sheer and transparent peach colored gown with some diamond studs sporadically placed along the lower regions of her gown. It was a one strap as it was to show off her slim soft shoulders as her hair was pinned atop her head with diamond jewels placed in her hair. She smiled prettily at her date as he escorted her to the dance floor. "I'm happy I am here with you Seki-chan. Thank you."
He smiled from ear to ear. "Anything Kagome-hime. My princess."
Tama stood off watching the couple as they went out onto the dance floor as she gazed at the retreating form of Sekijuro longingly, as her eyebrows forked up sadly. "Sekijuro no baka." She noticed from the corner of her eye as she saw Malachi chatting with Karuna as he escorted her towards the drinking station. The teenager looked around as she was completely alone at the entrance, I didn't even notice Shippo and Sota walking off. I am so pathetic. I wish Phoenix were here -
(Moments later)
Kira walked in with his hands dug deep into his trouser pockets as he sighed tiredly with his mother and aunt in toe. He clenched his silver eyes closed as he thought about what had gone wrong for the whole week. One thing was for sure; Karuna was giving him the silent treatment since they left his aunt's house almost a week ago. He sighed again as he peered over his shoulder spying his silvered eyed aunt as she smirked happily. Thing was his mother was invited to this ball not his aunt, but somehow she had managed to weasel her way to the event.
"It's about time that lazy-lay about father of yours scored something with that hefty title he carries. I am so glad he invited us, aren't you sister?" She asked as Sato glanced up to look at her older sister.
"I am." Sato said with a real smile on her face as Mai looked around as she pushed her long dark black hair from off of her shoulder. She lightly placed a hand on her hip looking around.
"You weren't invited you self-imposing bitch." Kira croaked bitterly as he marched away taking his mother wrist into his. "From here on out Mai you're on your own." He told her over his shoulder as he disappeared with his waving mother.
"Whatever." The black haired kitsune woman scoffed as she rolled her silver eyes. "About time," she said, as she was about to walk when a certain man caught her eye. He red lipstick lips opened as she gasped mutely. The emotionless face seem to grow closer as he maneuvered his way to the deathly pale, but beautiful demon. Once he was in arms reach of her a small wicked smirk tugged at his lips.
"What a surprise Mai, it has been a long time." His monotone voice was dripping with venomous sarcasm, but they had an edge to the words.
"Indeed Sesshomaru-sama." Mai's voice was subdued, but prideful as she stared into his one golden eye. "A long time, my former lover."
(The hors d'oeuvre table)
Higurashi, Sota grumbled as he maneuvered around the mass of people blocking his way from the cocktail table as he yawned tiredly. Lately he hadn't really had time to relax or let alone to be by his lonesome. Ever since Shippo came into his life it had been many sleepless night and more dozing during the school days. Sure his mother and grandfather knew that the nightlife living man employed him now, but if only they truly knew what he saw day in and day out.
He now pretty much lived at Shippo's apartment, except ever since Kira hit a snag with Karuna Sota had been roughing it out on the couch since he couldn't claim Kira's room as a place to rest his weary head anymore. Not only did he have to do stupid and thoughtless task, he was hit-on twenty- four/seven by the kitsune. "Damn he pretty much owns my ass now, ever beck and call I have to do his bidding to a certain point. Shit what did I get myself into?" He would have slapped a hand to his forehead, but at the moment he was carrying a Bloody Mary and some different appetizers on a plate for his slightly famished boss. "Move you no rhythm baka!" He barked at an old man who was dancing with a young woman.
Even thought the teenager hated the job, he likes spending time with Kira's dad. Sure he was annoying and a horrible flirt, but deep down Sota didn't really mind that many of his antics. He did faintly recall of the days reflectively wanting excitement. Here it is in a pint-sized boyish man demon-thingy named, Shippo; Sota contemplated. A small smile touched the school boy's lips as he was almost upon his table. "Move it or lose a hip Grandpa!!" He pushed the last of the people out of his way roughly as he found a frowning Inu Yasha and a pleased looking Makalani sitting at the table. "Yo, where's the fox?"
"He went off with someone." Inu Yasha said in a grumpy manner as he folded his arms. "It might be a while until your master comes back, so take a load off." He said seriously, before he shifted uncomfortably in his suit again.
A sour look crossed the boy's features at the 'master' comment. Sota let the comment slide as he dropped the glass dish onto the table ungracefully and plopped the alcoholic beverage down as well. The boy looked on as Inu Yasha snapped his fingers as his own personal servant named, Minoru stood up. He made a request and the happy little cat-demon went off in a flash. Sota folded his arms onto the table resting his chin on his forearm.
He watched as a woman approached and asked Makalani if he wanted to dance of course the man didn't refuse.
Shippo had better not forget about me, Sota thought a little heatedly -
(Meanwhile)
Kira combed the area as he looked for his heavenly white haired girlfriend hoping he could make-up with her and then get to a more romantic part of the manor so they could do the kissing part of the making-up. He spotted her dancing with Malachi and surprisingly the man wasn't groping the young girl. Kira still felt jealousy take over his senses as he marched over tapping his friend on the shoulder rather hard.
"Hey can I cut in, Chi?" He asked tersely as Malachi stepped away from the girl.
"Yeah, dude." The short haired twin answered as Kira took Karuna's hands into his own. Soon Malachi disappeared in the mob of formal gowns and tuxes.
"Can you please not think about my past, that was way before you. None of those girls mean anything, Karuna-chan." He whispered into her ear as her nails begun to dig into his palms.
"No you lied to me." She breathed in a monotone voice, enough to make her uncle Sesshomaru proud if he were around. Her face bore no emotion as she looking at him, but to him he knew deep down inside she was glaring. "You told me you had never been with anyone."
"I didn't want you to worry about any past experiences." The blackish-brown haired man answered.
"If you had told me in the beginning then I wouldn't have. Though your aunt Mai has brought up many valid points about you. You never wanted to talk about America at all, maybe I wanted to know about what you've experience before coming to Japan. Are you that ashamed of the things you've done?"
"Yes, and no. It depends." He answered with his head hung. "They meant nothing, I swear."
"So, what. They might be nameless to you now, but they are all people and how you treated them was wrong. And besides Kira, I can't compare to them since you've been on a level with these girls that I have yet to experience with a male." Her dark chocolate eyes looked away sadly as she now hung her head. Kira looked up suddenly.
"So what should we do about this situation, Karuna-chan?" He asked quietly, but a tremor ran through his voice slightly.
"I don't know." The Sugi girl said almost franticly as he façade of stoniness melted away. She sighed, "maybe we should put things on hold, I'm still young and you are weathered not physically, but mentally and emotionally. I can't keep up if I am a child while you're a man."
"What are you telling me Karuna?" His voice quavered now.
"It's time to end it for now, once I'm on my own for awhile and I feel ready. I will come back, I'm sorry Kira-chan. It's over." The pallid looking boy hands slipped away from the dark, but smaller feminine hands. His look was one of shock, hurt, and rejection as he slowly backed away shaking his head as he didn't make eye contact with the lovely yet hurtful creature in front of him.
"No, Karuna -," He felt as if the crowded room was closing in with all it's people and walls.
"Kira please -," She whispered tearfully, as he gazed up with unsaid emotions running through his eyes. He looked away as he view something he had never seen, more emotion than he had ever seen on the girl. "Don't leave like this." She was on the verge of tears. He turned leaving as she called out to him leaving her crying and stranded on the dance floor -
(Grand Staircase)
Sanzo, Hojo came down the stairs as he stopped at the balcony that connected the two cases. He walked up standing next to a shorter teenage looking man as Hisoka regarded him. The blue haired water sprite cocked his head to the side as he looked at the college student as the twenty-one year old bore a cold indifferent expression. "Where's Sesshomaru?" He asked coolly.
Hisoka unfolded his arms from behind his back as he mentally smirked to himself. The boy, Hojo had dropped the silly name for his master after his lord brought back a crushed Hojo that one night he was watching some human woman he love kiss up on Sesshomaru's humanoid nephew. It was later on that Hojo found out that Kagome's 'boyfriend' was indeed related to the lord of the western lands. "He is talking to an old acquaintance Hojo-sama. Why do you ask, sir?" He almost asked mockingly.
"It is none of your concern Hisoka, I just wanted to know." He snapped at the shorter man. "I have business to discuss with someone. I don't care if you tell him that or not." He waved dismissively as he walked off.
Toru, Hisoka watched as the boy walked down slowly as he scanned the room with ennui and contempt. This human is what Sesshomaru would be if he could truly feel emotions, the blue haired servant thought with a slight shake of his head and a smirk. Human are such a waste of existence, yet they pull the most power in this realm. Again the diminutive man placed his hands behind his back as he watched the activities below.
(Right now. . .)
Sekijuro was now escorting Kagome to the table that was reserved for their group, as Inu Yasha stood looking bored and cranky. "I'll be right back Kagome-chan. And you wanted punch, right?"
"Yep, thank you." She smiled brightly as he smiled back before disappearing into the throng of people. Sota sat drumming his fingers on the table with a vague look on his face. "Where's Shippo, bro?"
"Hell if I know, Inu told me he stepped out somewhere with someone. That's all I know. If he doesn't comeback soon, I'll eat his fancy shit on a plate and drink the Bloody Mary for him." He sighed as he rested his cheek on his latent arm as he now traced the lip of the cup in front of him with a free hand.
"Oh, I'm sorry you're bored Sota."
"Don't worry about it, besides it's kinda fun turning down these reject looking rich girls who want to dance with me." He yawned lazily as small tears came to his eyes. "If the live orchestra wasn't so freakin' loud I could actually go to sleep."
"Sorry, bro. Well have there been any pretty girls that have come up and asked you?"
"Lots of those too, but I ain't interested in them. They don't do anything for me." He said as he looked off in the distance at nothing.
Kagome arched her brow, as she was about to say something then stopped, as a tap landed on her shoulder. "Hey, Kagome you wanna have a twirl or two on the floor?" She looked up to be greeted by a serious looking Inu Yasha as his dark brown eyes bore into hers.
"Sure."
"I mean c'mon it ain't gonna hurt anything - damn you said yes already." The woman giggled at his goofiness as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He held out his hand as she placed her gloved hand in his. Inu Yasha smiled charmingly at her as he bent down kissing the back of her hand as he gave it a small squeeze. "C'mon."
With some force he pulled her up onto her feet as she blushed. Soon he escorted her onto the dance floor as they took residence in the center as he pulled her close to his body which she could tell was more define then what she remembered underneath the 'monkey-suit' he wore. He reached into his pocket producing a paper-like mask as he placed it onto his face with a smile. "What are you doing Inu Yasha?" She asked coyly.
"I'm being the mysterious, but handsome man that dances with the most beautiful woman at the ball." Kagome's eyes slightly widen as she grins. Slowly her cheeks tent yet again. He spun her and dipped her back as he brought her back slowly as he leaned down with his face inches from hers.
The Higurashi could smell mint on his breath. He was graceful and in time with the string and woodwind instruments, as Kagome's head spun, as they seemed to glide across the dance floor in an unreal state of elegance. Unconsciously the raven haired woman pulled herself closer to his form, instinctively enjoying the feel of his closeness to her body more so then what she remembered from the boyish Inu Yasha of her past. "You smell like lavender and jasmines like always. One thing I could never forget about you, though I would never want to forget your smell. I love it." His voice fell a couple of octaves as he whispered into cheek.
Right then she felt weak in his grasp, after he breathed those words quietly into her ear. She found herself resting her head on his shoulder now as she took a deep whiff of his natural scent that was not tainted with cologne of any sort. The Inu Yasha of her past always smelled of the forest and woods, but it seems the natural scent had not diminished throughout the centuries. "Mmm." She hummed while closing her eyes and inhaling deeply.
"Kagome, I've missed you so much especially in my arms." Inu Yasha whispered sincerely into her ear as her eyes snapped open. "I have to make a confession, but do not tell Sekijuro. I love you; still after all these years, Kagome -." He paused in thought. "Do you feel the same about me?"
(At that moment)
Tama stood off to the side against the wall gazing and watching the many happy couples twirling and spinning about happily as the music slowed down. She hugged herself as her side held her up against the wall. I should have refused the invitation from Shippo and Inu Yasha. I even forgot to mention to Phoenix that I probably wouldn't make it tonight. Damnit, she berated herself.
Strong arms wrapped around her as she felt a warm breath tickling her neck. " 'ello. Why so sad love? It's not fitting for you to be a wallflower."
She whirled around to be greeted by a smirking Phoenix. "What are you doing here?!" She exclaimed as he looked at her wide-eyed.
"Umm, my father is of the rich and powerful. What are you doing here?" He asked as he rubbed his head in thought.
"Seki's uncle is the host of this event and so Seki's father invited all of his friends to this social-gathering. My parents are regular people they could never reach these ranks."
"Oh -, well come with me outside on the balcony." Phoenix took her hand and began leading her outside towards the French double doors that were between each floor to ceiling windows. They walked out and not many couples were out on the veranda looking out at Sesshomaru's well-kept land.
"What is up with you and the outside?"
"It's romantic and I like how the moon glows except for tonight since it's a new moon. I feel kinda like I am bathed when I'm in the presence of the moon. I know it's silly, but that why I leave every night from my father's overbearing place to find escape. I swear I feel as if I'm searching for solace in the moon's omnipresent glow, but now that I have you here I am not entirely alone. I wanted to thank you for that. I'll shut up now." He looked upwards at the moonless blanket of night as the sky and earth met with twinkling stars outlining the darkest of areas.
"I don't want you to shut up, I think this is the first time you've truly mentioned anything about yourself Phoenix." Tama placed her hand on his back as he turned to look down at her. She slowly had her eyes travel over his attire and appearance. His hair was shorter now, but still had the blonde bangs and fiery red hair it just didn't fall on his shoulders anymore. It was layered and going towards his face now. The thing that caught her attention the most was he was actually wearing a suit.
He looked powerful and refined in a wild way as he stood there with the dim glow of the lights from the wall behind him shimmering off of his physique. He still towered over Tama; she looked down noticing that he still wore his four-inch heeled boots and that his trousers were baggier than most to hide most of the heel of his shoes. "What?"
"Nothing just admiring your threads and besides what made you get a hair- cut?"
"My supposed-father. He told me that I had to tweak with my appearance a bit to be decent in his standards." He smiled lopsidedly as he took her hands in his lifting her arms up as he admired her green velvet gown with a deep cut crisscross v-neckline to show off her cleavage. "Velvet looks good on you, especially dark green." He spun her looking at the low scoop of her dress as it revealed a flawless back. "Absolutely beautiful my Jewel. Now I am glad my father forced me to come. I get to spend my entire night with you."
The red head pulled her close with her backside pressed snuggly to him as he nuzzled his face into her long black hair. "You smell good, love." He purred with his accent sounding heavier that before.
"I've been meaning to ask." She said as he kissed her neck lightly.
"Mmm?"
"Where are you from originally?"
"Ireland. Can't you tell?'
"Well it's hard to understand ypu when your speaking Japanese, but maybe if you were speaking English I would have been able to tell where you were from, right off the bat." She closed her eyes as his lips trailed down her neck in a slow decent.
"Oh - 'kay." The teenage boy mumbled between kisses. He stopped as his blonde bangs fell into his clear blue eyes. "We should disappear from this winded party, don'tcha think, love?" A breathy whispered suggested as she was considering it.
"Alright, lets go." Phoenix removed his arms from around her and took her hand into his, but stopped short when his name was called from behind.
"Master Phoenix, it's time to go. Your father calls for you now." A short haired blonde said as she adjusted her round framed glasses.
"He's not my father, Laguna is my adoptive father! If I must go, then - I will." He sighed the last part out as he dropped Tama's wrist. "Please give us a moment Elyte-san. I will only keep you and my father waiting for a minute."
"Yes Phoenix-sama. I will let Lagunanosai-dono know."
Elyte bowed as she nodded her head, but before she left the blonde glared hatefully at Tama as the teenage girl was taken aback by the intense look. "Oh don't worry about Elyte-san she's just very overprotective of me." He smiled. "Can I have a goodnight kiss?"
"Yes." Tama smiled up at him, as she got on her tippy-toes wrapping her arms around his neck crushing her lips to his. He wrapped his arms around her waist as his tongue vividly explored her mouth -
He pulled back with half lidded eyes and a lopsided grin on his face, "that was nice." He murmured quietly. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course."
"Sayonara, love."
"Ja ne, Phoenix."
With that he left as he found Elyte right inside next to the French double doors. The blonde uncrossed her arms and followed behind the boy as he smirked. "I thought we would stay longer, but of course Laguna has finished with what he has needed, right?."
"That is the way he operates, master."
"I know, I know all to well." His smirk grew dark as they left Sesshomaru's manor -
(Sekijuro's location)
Sekijuro gather his and Kagome's drinks, as he was about to make his way to the reserved table. A firm hand suddenly stopped him as he looked up seeing a man about his height staring him down. "Can I help you?" Seki asked the dark haired man.
"I know who you are, and if you ever hurt Kagome -. I'll kill you myself mutt." The man breathed heatedly as the quarter-demon stood in shock as his mouth fell open.
"Who are you? How do you know about Kagome and me?" Seki's eyes became unfocused a bit as he looked past the man to see Kagome dancing with his father. His blood slowly stirred at the closeness of the two, but then he focused on the young man before him.
"I am the guy you attacked almost two weeks ago, but you had white hair when you did it. I am Sanzo, Hojo and from here on out I'm gonna make sure you do nothing wrong to Kagome-san."
The Sugi scrambled in his mind as he tried to remember if he had ever heard of this Hojo, guy before. Instead he found himself looking past the peer in front of him to notice Kagome and his dad were now nowhere to be found on the dance floor. His blood now boiled -
(Kagome and Inu Yasha's location)
Kagome stood in shocked silence as she looked up at Inu Yasha, she didn't know what to say, as he blushed looking away from her. "Your silence says everything Kagome." His hold on her loosens as he drops his hands to the side. "Nevermind forget that I had even said anything."
The human Inu Yasha hangs his head as the Higurashi grabs his arm, as then his dark eyes meet hers. "I'm not gonna let you assume everything and then run away on me. How ungentlemanly that is." She huffed at him as he blinks at her in confusion. A small pinkish blush covered her face, as she looked up at him with his eyes boring into her. "Inu Yasha -,"
"Kagome!"
The said girl turned at that moment as Nashoa came up looking very swab and well groomed. He smiled flashing his fangs at her as he noticed the man standing behind her. "Hello Nashoa didn't know you would be here."
"Yeah, well pop is part of the A-list so I have to tag along. And you are?" He asked eying Inu Yasha with light blue eyes as he sniffed the air. Hmm, he smells like that mutt Seki or whatever. Must be related to that pint- sized dog.
"Inu Yasha, and you are?"
"I'm a school friend of Kagome's. Name's Taki, Nashoa." He mentioned with a hitched thumb in his direction. "I've heard of you Inu Yasha, from what I've been told you and my pop go way back."
Inu Yasha's brow arched as he looked at the boy in scrutiny while moving Kagome to the side and behind him. "Yeah and who might your father be?"
"How about I show you, dog-demon." Nashoa said with a slight smirk as he began to weave through the mass of bodies as he made his way over to the VIP section of the ball. A servant let him in as they moved the velvet rope out of the way as the group of three went in. Nashoa as he walked up to where his father sat. "Father."
"What is it?" A gruff voice asked as slight recognition touch Kagome and Inu Yasha's features.
"Someone I think you used to know is here."
Inu Yasha was about to step forward as Kagome planted her hand on his face pushing him aside. "Koga?" She asked as she walked from around his son. The sitting wolf-demon looked up as he squinted his blue eyes at Kagome.
He was instantly up moving his son from in front of him. "Kagome? Wha - it is you! I thought you died along time ago. I know your scent from anywhere." He took her small-gloved hands within his. "You are more beautiful than I remember. So whatever happened to that loser dog-demon?"
"He's right here." Inu Yasha said as he rubbed his hurt nose gingerly as he looked at the slightly taller man. "How's it going Koga?"
"Fine, but what the hell happened to your hair and puppy ears. You smell weaker, and almost human like."
"Well duh, wolf-man." The younger man said as he crossed his arms. Kagome made a face as Koga growled at Inu Yasha. "Still a stupid wolf I see, Koga."
(Out on the Veranda)
Shippo looked at the blinking stars as he held the railing of the balcony while deep in thought. A hand lightly rested on his back as he slowly looked over his shoulder at the woman standing beside him. She was lovelier than he remembered. Long dark cherry wood brown hair and glistening silver and a pallid skin that would glow eloquently if the moon were out, he turned looking out at the vast area of well kept landscape and after that a small forest before him. "It's been a long time Sato since we've seen each other." He mumbled as her hand glided higher up his back.
"Too long Shippo," her voice was quiet and submissive almost like she was broken. It pained Shippo to hear her this way.
Why did I invite her, because to check up and see how she was doing? Maybe I wanted to see her again, to look upon her beauty. Slowly the lord of the northern lands found himself looking at the mother of his child. "You're right, too long. How long have we been talking now?"
"An hour and half. Why, you tired of my presence already?" She asked a little dejectedly.
He whirled around facing her as he leaned back with his elbows bracing the rails of the balcony's edge. "No, never. How could I grow tired of someone I haven't seen in almost a hundred years. If anything I've been missing the hell outta you." He reached out taking her cheek within his grasp. "Don't you ever think that again."
"Okay Shippo." She placed her hand on top of his cradling his hand to her face, as she closed her eyes. Shippo found himself looking away from the unnatural beauty before him.
"Can we go in for a sec?"
"Yes."
He took her hand within his as he led her back into the ballroom -
(The table)
Sota sat bored as his eyes fell closed again as sleep almost took him, but again the woodwinds instrument woke him from the much need sleep. He looked at the half eaten appetizers and the emptied cup that was for his boss.
Okay, where the hell is he?! I've been waiting, but the bastard has disappeared on me and I'm going to cuss his stupid ass out once he gets back here! Maybe I should make him take me to some twenty-four hour restaurant for making me wait. I can see it now, him apologizing like crazy while I give him the cold-shoulder. Yeah that sounds great. He concluded as he picked his head up from off of the table as he rolled his head around popping the bones in his neck. Then yawning.
Next the boy stretched his arms and back feeling much better as his body woke up more then it was moments ago. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw light brown almost auburn looking hair. He turned to see his employer making his way towards their table with a beautiful, but short woman in toe behind him.
Are they holding hands, Sota asked in disbelief as he felt a pang of an unknown emotion rage through him -
Shippo walked up as Sota stood up stiffly looking at the two with weary, but aloof eyes. "Where the hell have you been?! I've been waiting you jerk off!" The two kitsunes blinked at the human boy's outburst.
"Sorry I got sidetrack. I'd like you to meet Kira's mother, Sato. Sato this is Higurashi, Sota is my assistant."
The teenager eyes grew hard as he studied the woman before him. "Uh-huh." Was all he said. "Whatever Shippo, I'm outta here. Nice meeting you Sato." Sota said crisply as his eyes narrowed in an unfriendly manner. He turned grabbing his suit's coat as he tossed it over his shoulder holding it as he walked away. He stopped looking at Shippo. "I - forget it." He said in frustration as he looked confused then sad. "What the hell ever, I'll see you at the fucking apartment asshole!" He grumbled.
With that Sota left the ball -
Shippo stood in awe as he let go of Sato's hand. "Be right back -. Sota wait!" He ran after the boy as the woman stood abandon by the table waiting for her ex-fiancée to come back.
Was that what I think it was, Shippo asked himself as Sota ignored him and kept pressing on. Was Sota actually jealous? As hard as the thought was to conceive it was easily the answer to his new assistance sudden attitude problem. He's jealous, or it could be I left him waiting too long. I bet anything it's both. The teal-eyed demon thought as he now followed the boy as the teen went down the steps of the front lawn quickly.
Sota made it to the bottom and held his hand out to hail a taxi that was about to leave the driveway of the manor. Shippo came up pulling the limb down as he spun the boy to face him. "What the hell was that back there?"
"Like you'd really care for the answer fox. Besides shouldn't you be flirting and hitting on Kira's mom shamelessly right now." He looked away glaring at the stone steps below his feet. "I'm fine, you can leave me alone already so I can go back to your place and finally get some damn sleep."
"Whatever dude, are you mad because I left you alone for so long?"
"I'm not mad." Sota answered calmly. "I fuckin' pist off that you dragged me here and then left me alone for so long! You're such an inconsiderate bastard!!" He slapped Shippo's hands away. "Now go be with the woman you love you stupid fox idiot." He said quietly as he looked away from the slightly taller man.
"She can wait. I told you I'm sorry already, damnit." He whined.
"Sorry doesn't fucking cut it, you need to understand that Shippo. Just because you're in the body of a fourteen year old, does not give you the right to act like one. Shit man even Kira and I act more responsible than you and were suppose to be the fucking kids! You pretty much forgot I was there while you were doing god-knows-what while you were off with Sato! I only came to this stupid ball, just because you asked me and I wanted to be with you in the first place!!" Sota cheeks burned red as he looked away from Shippo. "Look I'm tired and I'm just gonna go to my house tonight. Later."
Shippo stood wide eyed as he was in a state of shock and hurt, as the teen pulled his jacket on walking away from the man as he pocketed his hands and his shoulders slumped. Sota began to trek a slow and lonely way home as the kitsune turned and went back inside to go entertain his ex -
What does this mean? The man asked himself before he entered the manor. Could Sota actually want me, but just doesn't know it yet? Or was it something else. Did I blow my chance with him??
(Hojo and Sekijuro)
Hojo sat across from Sekijuro as they sat in a more secluded area of the manor. They were in the library, as Hojo folded his hands together as the spiky haired boy narrowed his gaze at him. "Okay Hojo lets talk 'shop'." The younger of the two suggested as he raised his fingers to make quotations. "Talk, so I can get back to Kagome."
The older of the two narrowed his gaze at Inu Yasha's child. "Alright then -,"
(The land)
Inu Yasha had escorted Kagome and himself out on the lush yard that was owned by his half-brother. Rolling hills going on and on before meeting with forest. They had their arms locked together while they strolled enjoying the serenity of the landscape and the starry night up above. The man was having a hard time battling a fidgety feeling within him, as he wanted to know if Kagome still carried any sort of feelings for him or was it just lost now -
"Where did Seki disappear to? Did he ditch me?" Kagome asked suddenly as the human was thankful he wasn't in his demi-demon form or else his puppy ears would have flopped down in disappointment.
"I hope not, it'd be real stupid of him to leave someone as gorgeous as you alone in there." He said nonchalantly as he ambled along.
"You don't think something happened do you?" Kagome asked in slight concern.
"Nope, or else all hell would have broken loose and besides if that were to happen my brother and me would have been all over it." He grinned at her. "You worry to much Kagome."
"I guess you're right. He probably has his reasons, thank you Inu Yasha." Without herself noticing she drew herself closer to his arm that her limb was hooked to, resting her head on his shoulder. "Can we sit, my feet are killing me in these high heels."
"Yeah, sure."
First he lowered her to the ground as her dress fanned out around her as she felt the cool grass touch her legs and the wind blow at her bare shoulders as she drew her arms away from the black haired man. She hugged herself trying to fend off the cold. Inu Yasha removed his jacket placing it over her smooth shoulder as he sat down beside her with his legs folded and his arms crossed over his chest, sitting like he always used too.
"Is that better Kagome?"
"Yes thank you." She pulled the black coat closer to her body, then she reached down pulling off her high open-toed shoes as she placed them down beside her. She looked at the man beside her as she suppressed a small giggle.
He looked up at the moonless canopy above with wonder as he looked so many years younger while doing so, almost like he did back in the Sengoku area, Kagome thought forlornly with a remorseful smile -
Several moments had passed and suddenly Inu Yasha felt a weight on his shoulder again, as he looked down to see the girl's head slumped forward as she breathed deeply from sleep. He smiled moving to rest her head more comfortably on his shoulder. He smiled with his long black hair swaying in the wind. He leaned to the side as he tilted her head up some while she slept. He closed his chocolate eyes as he lightly pressed a ghost of a kiss to her pink lips -
(End of Chapter Nine)
Kyoji K. here. . .boy!
Hmm. . .what can I really say? Drama!
And more questions with loose ends! ^_^
Sorry Sota like the 'F word' in this chappie!
I guess that's all for now ^^;
Until next chapter -
Lay o_O