A/N: Hi! How is everyone? Good? Great…well *cough* I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. So…
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha©.
Chapter Four
Sesshoumaru was oblivious to everything around him. It was a beautiful day, breathtaking in fact. Birds chirped their last songs before winter finally set in. Cherry trees were shedding their flowers in a shower of sakura. Though the sun was midway in the sky, no heat radiated from it. It was slightly chilly, a crisp autumn breeze rose from the blushing leaves, swirling them in a whirlwind around him. The scene seemed dreamlike, his hair flowing and whipping with the whispering breeze. Light from the golden orange setting sun reflected off his golden eyes, alighting them in a lively blaze. Stray girls passing by gasped at the breathtaking picture, a few pointing and giggling at the 'hot' guy. Hands in his pockets, Sesshoumaru walked, afraid of what was to come when he returned 'home.' To him, everything was a game, a game you had to win. In life, you showed no emotions, for when you did, you would be punished in a way so painful, it exceeds all that of disease, famine, and murder put together. This is what he believed. He had his reasons.
Reaching the front door, he took out his key and unlocked the door. Silently, he slipped in, taking off his shoes. He tried to dash up the stairs as well but was stopped by a sweet voice.
"Sesshoumaru-chan!" a female voice called.
He winced inwardly, stopping in his tracks. "Yes?"
The source of the voice appeared, presenting a woman of about 5'8" with shoulder length black hair, highlighted with brown streaks. Bright brown eyes met his, flashing with compassion. In truth, she wasn't all that bad looking, but Sesshoumaru thought her the ugliest thing on the face of this planet.
"Your father would like to have a word with you," she said gravely, eyes now downcast.
"Fine," he sighed, walking down the hallway to the door labeled 'office.'
Opening the door quietly, he walked in and bowed before his father, sitting in an armchair near the door.
"Otou-san, you wanted to see me?" he asked crisply, in a no-nonsense voice.
"Yes, sit," his father answered, just as directly.
Sesshoumaru obeyed, sitting across from his respected father. Rarely did he ever see him, but when he did, it was usually important. His father studied him silently for a moment before speaking.
"Hideko and I"
"Are getting divorced," Sesshoumaru finished for him, no emotion showing on his face.
"Yes," his father said, a bit pained. "And you will stay with me."
Sesshoumaru remained silent and stoical.
"I just wanted to let you know," he said quietly.
"What is it that you have against mother?" Sesshoumaru demanded, staring hard at his father.
"I"
"Is it me? Is it because I came from your relationship with her?" he pushed, face still stoical.
"No, Sesshoumaru, it's not you," his father assured. "It's totally my fault."
"You're right," Sesshoumaru said softly, standing to leave, "It's all your fault."
Then, without another word, he left the large, luxurious office. Silently, he passed Noriko, the brown-eyed woman. He could feel her gaze of sympathy towards him, but he didn't care. It was, too, that woman's fault. That scum. Sesshoumaru traveled up the long flight of steps to his room, third on the right. Throwing his backpack down near the large desk, he made his way to the balcony. Why does this have to happen to me? Leaning against the tall balustrade, he gazed out at the large estate his successful father owned.
It had been three years ago when he and his mother, Hideko, had found out about his father's affair. Sesshoumaru had been a carefree kid, extremely sociable and nice. Hideko was a loving mother and wife, providing what a mother should provide and more. She had loved him dearly, Sesshoumaru knew, and also loved otou-san as well. But, that fool of a man had to go and cheat on her. And then, to have kept that a secret for eleven years…he was horrible. Before that, Sesshoumaru had respected him and loved him somewhat, but now, he was just as bad as Inuyasha. He remembered that night, when Hideko found out, how devastated she was. Sesshoumaru tried his best to comfort her, failing miserably, to his own devastation. From that point on, no one was on good terms in the house. Also, Hideko started having problems. A mild form of depression set in on her. She was never the same again. Now, Sesshoumaru felt totally abandoned. He had no mother, he had no father…he was alone, with no one at all. I need no one. Standing, he made his way back into his room, sitting down at his desk to do his homework. A tear fled from the prison of his eyes, flowing freely down his cheek. I need no one.
* * *
"Mom! I'm home!" Kagome called from the entrance, kicking off her shoes.
"Hi Kagome!" her mother called, "How was your day?"
"Fine!" Kagome answered, running up the stairs to her room.
She began to do her homework, finishing shortly after. Her thoughts wandered back to school. Sesshoumaru is such a JERK! He is emotionless, cruel, arrogant… Her list ended, not thinking of anything else he could possibly be. I wonder if the pros outweigh the cons? Well, for pros, he's gorgeous, charming…NO! No, he is not anything good. He's an emotionless jerk.
"Yes," she said quietly, "That's what he is."
"Maybe there's a reason for it?" a tiny voice asked in her head.
"And what reason would that be?" she asked it.
"Maybe he has problems?" it uttered softly in the walls of her mind.
"I know he has problems. Everyone does." She said matter-of-factly, brushing the voice aside.
"Family issues?" it suggested.
"I have family issues, too. You don't see me acting like him," Kagome stated, putting her things away.
"Maybe he reacts differently than you?" it hypothesized.
"Not like I care," she muttered.
"But you do," it assured sweetly, "Even now, you feel the need to help anyone who needs it."
"Anyone who NEEDS it," she stressed.
"Ahhh, yes. He does, indeed, need help," it whispered, seeming to fade away slowly.
"Whatever."
"He's lonely," it said, before disappearing completely.
Kagome froze, turning the possibility over in her head. No. He has too many fan girls to be lonely. That's why I can't be one of them. I am not some mindless drone. Throwing her thoughts of him aside, she journeyed to the bathroom to take a bath. As the hot water ran over her, she considered her thoughts again. He can't possibly be lonely…
A/N: Lame, I know. Sad, isn't it? Well, this time, I'll ask for 45 reviews. ^_^ GIVE ME SUGGESTIONS! Everything will be considered. This story will be, since people keep 'asking', a half Inu/Kag, half Sess/Kag. ^_^