A/N: o.o Wow, that's a lot of reviews for an unfinished story…not even my longest story has that many…o.o Cool! ^_^ I LOVE REVIEWS! The suggestions were…*cough*…great. Mainly, it was votes for the couples, but just to make it clear, my mind is set on half Inu/Kag and half Sess/Kag. Don't worry, you'll understand soon! ^_~
Chapter Five
Kagome's hair played in the wind, like a stream of water playing across the rocks. Her blue-gray eyes were cold, staring down at Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha appeared at her side, draping an arm around her shoulder. Looking to Kagome again, he found that she looked content and happy in his arms. Another appeared beside the couple. Sesshoumaru's father stood by their side, arms crossed and also staring down at him. Then, Noriko came, folding herself in her husband's arms. Sesshoumaru was confused. He stared up at the people, wanting all of them to accept him as one of their own. Everything around him was white, blanketed in snow. The bare cherry trees stood in a thin winter-white coat. Snow was falling evenly, like tiny falling stars. He was cold, shivering as he knelt in front of the group. One by one, they turned away from him, walking down the path of silvery whiteness. The last to turn away was Kagome. She looked down at him coldly, as if she didn't know him. Then, she, too, turned and walked away from him, leaving Sesshoumaru alone in the cold landscape. Tears ran down his face as he hugged himself, trying to regain warmth, but no warmth would come. He tried to stand, but his limbs would not move. It was as if he was being forced to watch as everyone who had ever mattered to him turned away. One last person appeared in front of him, her gentle eyes boring into him. Hideko leaned down and pulled him into her arms. He welcomed the embrace, wrapping his arms around her lovingly.
"It's okay, Sesshou," she cooed, stroking the length of his hair.
"Why did you leave?" he asked his mother, warmth returning in her embrace.
"Whatever happens," she whispered in his ear, hugging him tightly, "you must know that I will always love you, my dear son."
Sesshoumaru nodded, biting back his sobs. He held her tightly, until his hold loosened as sleep took over him.
Sesshoumaru awoke, turning off the annoying chime of his alarm. It seemed so real… Pushing back his covers, he walked into the bathroom, questioning his own sanity. Mother said she loves me, but then, why did she leave? He turned the on the scorching water of the shower, stripping off his silk nightclothes and stepping into the steaming shower. Letting the water run over him, he relived his dream, recalling the snowy background and reality of the biting cold. Why was Kagome in my dream? Quickly, he turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping a towel about him and drying himself off. Ten minutes later, he was walking down the stairs, school bag slung over his shoulder. He woke up late, due to the fact that he did not need to eat in the morning. Slipping on his shoes, he stepped out the door, into the crisp air of late autumn. A chilling breeze played across his face, making him shiver slightly. He looked at his watch, reading 6:00. School started at 7:30. He always arrived early, allowing plenty of time for him to do as he wished before first period. Crossing his arms, he walked slowly towards the school, barely noticing the last shower of sakura before winter. He drifted off in deep thoughts, now oblivious to everything happening around him. His golden eyes looked deep into space, far away.
Kagome dashed down the street, afraid that she was going to be late. Last time she saw, it was 6:58. Looking down at her watch again, she huffed impatiently, realizing she had read it wrong. In reality, it was really, now, 6:00. I'm gonna be really early today. She slowed her pace, from a run to a casual saunter. Kagome looked to her feet, wondering what she would do for an hour and a half. Well, once I get to school, it'll be 6:15, so I have to find something to do for an hour and fifteen minutes. Silently, she cursed her stupidity, longing the extra sleep she would have gotten. Suddenly, she felt herself bump into something. Blinking she stepped back, seeing that it was a person, quite a tall one at that. As soon as her eyes reached the waist, she saw a silver curtain of hair hiding behind the body. It seemed that, he, too, was confused as to what had happened. Their eyes met, each one piercing the other with their strong gaze. Embarrassed, Kagome looked away.
"Ummm, sorry," she muttered, rounding the corner.
Sesshoumaru came back to reality, realizing he had bumped into someone. His eyes met those of Kagome's, staring into the infinite depths. He heard her mumble an apology and continue on her way to the school. Shrugging it off, he also continued on his way, following behind her. His stride was long enough, after a while, to pass her. Kagome watched him, wondering why he was up so early to get to school. Her curiosity overwhelmed her, causing to fall in step with him at his side.
"What are you doing so early going to school?" she inquired, looking up at him.
"I could ask the same of you," he answered calmly, still looking straight ahead.
In a flash, Kagome remembered whom she was talking to. I can't believe I just talked to him. Feh! The guy's a jerk. She sighed, walking faster to get to the school. They have a library in school. I guess I can just go there to pass the time. She dashed off, leaving Sesshoumaru to wonder why he hadn't tried to charm her in any way. Must not have gotten enough sleep. He mused, continuing on his way.
Kagome read over the sign posted on the library doors. "Closed for re-painting." Sighing, she made her way over to the school map pasted on the wall near the main office. She placed a finger on her location, glancing around it for anywhere to go.
"School garden," she read, taking her finger off the gigantic map. "I'll go there! I haven't been there yet, anyways."
Sesshoumaru, earlier, had thrown his stuff in his locker, gathering his materials for his classes. Today, all he needed was a notebook and a pencil. Really, he didn't know why he carried around a backpack. Oh well. He walked leisurely through the school garden. It wasn't that bad, quite impressive, actually. A paved path delved through the garden, snaking through paths of cherry trees and around a fountain, leading off to the other side of the garden. It was located outdoors, right outside the library. This, Sesshoumaru felt, was the only placed where he could find sanctuary away from those idiotic fan girls. He glanced routinely over the flowerbeds and bushes that flecked the garden. The fountain now had been turned off, due to the onset of winter. Hearing the door open, he turned around, wondering who would come into the garden at this hour. He masked his surprise when Kagome walked through the door. Scowling slightly, he walked further into the small garden, sitting down on one of the wooden benches set in front of the fountain.
Kagome pushed the door open, her breath catching at the beauty of the simple garden. She walked down the paved trail, lined on either side by cherry trees and small bushes. Reaching the center of the garden, she found the elaborate fountain, in front of which, was settled Sesshoumaru on the bench, watching her intently. She gasped softly.
"Are you stalking me or something?" she asked angrily, eyes narrowing.
"I could ask the same of you," he said, gazing back calmly.
"Do you always use that to answer a question?" she inquired, glaring at him as she sat down next to him.
"No," he said, watching her cautiously as she sat down.
"What are you doing here?"
"Nothing."
"Obviously, but for what reason are you here?"
"Probably the same reason you are."
"Really?" Kagome asked sarcastically.
"To pass the time," he said.
"Mmm," she replied, leaning against the back of the bench.
"How is it that we keep bumping into each other?" he asked, also leaning back.
"I don't know…because you're stalking me?" she replied, gazing up at him.
"Or perhaps, the other way around?" he said, eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Like I have any reason to go after you," she said lazily, observing the garden.
"Of course, many, in fact," he replied, smiling lightly.
Kagome turned to him, sensing a change in atmosphere. Her breath caught slightly when she saw him. "You're…smiling…" she said in disbelief.
"Is it wrong to smile?" he asked, eyes glittering.
"No! No, not at all," she said, flushing a bit.
"I don't ever see you smiling," he said softly, capturing her eyes in his magnetic gaze.
"Ummm, because…" she stammered, caught in his gaze.
"It would be nice if you smiled," he said seductively, "It would make you even more beautiful than you already are…"
Slowly, he brought a hand up to her face, his slender fingers brushing strands of hair from her face. "Is that not a reason to smile?"
For a moment, longer than before, she was entangled in him. His gaze. His touch. Everything else was gone and there was only Sesshoumaru…but only for a moment. She came to her senses, standing quickly and walking away. Before she pulled the door open, she turned around and stared straight at Sesshoumaru.
"You are despicable," she said, glaring daggers at him.
With that, she pulled the door open and walked coolly inside. Sesshoumaru smirked, staring down the aisle of trees. Getting closer. Crossing his arms, he stood and left the garden. As he strolled down the empty hallway, he wondered at the mystery called Kagome. How could any girl resist? He frowned, remembering his dream. That will NOT happen. This girl, however, is different, stronger than the others. Maybe I should wait a couple months before trying again. Smiling, he made his way down to class before the students all flooded into the school.
Kagome sat fuming in her first class, glaring at the door and daring Sesshoumaru to walk in. And, to her amazement, he did walk in, strolling to the back of the classroom, a few seats away from hers, and sitting down. He acted like nothing had happened. He is SOOOO snobbish and pigheaded and arrogant and conceited and…
The list went on for a while, which would be until the first class had ended. Inuyasha watched in amusement as the girl beside him, Kagome, threw her things into her bag, stalking out of the classroom. Who cares if Sesshoumaru's interested in her? He exited the room soon after, catching up with Kagome.
A/N: That has to be the worst chapter ending in the history of man (and woman). But, anyways, maybe I'll fast forward in time for the next chapter. In which, Kagome and Inuyasha will be boyfriend/ girlfriend, or maybe just friends, and Sesshoumaru will try to hit on her again…I'm not sure. It's a very rough outline. Anyways, how about I ask for…78 reviews, at least. That still, however, does not guarantee that the chapter will come out right away. ^_^ Well, hope you're happy!