Hello.

Thank you for the reviews.  I have enjoyed them.

As for a certain flame about not liking this story…I would like to point out that this IS an Alternate Universe fanfiction, set in America.  If that is not something you can grasp, please don't read this.  Furthermore, I was trying to capture a real woman instead of these dangerously beautiful and unreal women in anime.  No one looks like that in real life, and this is what I was trying to portray in Kagome.  And as for Inuyasha being gay…this is my fanfic, so I can do whatever I want with the characters.  You simply have the choice to read them or not.  It is the ultimate unrequited love, being in love with someone who not only does not love you like that but also cannot love you like that.  And as for the barb that this was written about me—was totally uncalled for.  I am a writer, I write what I know.  But when you attack my work, please just attack my work.  It is not necessary to wound me or insult me in any manner.  I appreciate your input but keep your criticisms to my work.

Thank you to everyone else who has enjoyed this.  It does mean a lot to me. 

And for a warning: this is alternate universe fic, with ooc and other abominations such as those that our lovely Inuyasha creator NEVER figured into the manga/show.  That is why I am here. 

Now please read on with your own risk. 

Review and enjoy,

-MC

Oh, and as for the dates, don't mind them.  Kagome is writing this from the present, but she is telling you sort of a prequel before it starts in the present again.  So all these dates are from things she is piecing into the story that "she" has written and so the dates have no relevance to the actual date of the story.  I'm having fun writing these so I hope you enjoy the little piece ins too!

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12/13/99

3:29 a.m.

I have this habit of staying up late at night in my bed and thinking about all the stupid stuff I have ever done.  Like the time I yelled at my mother so much I made her cry.  She wouldn't speak to me for a week.  And it just started over some stupid little thing that I don't even remember anymore.  Or the time I slipped and fell in the mud when a really cute junior walked by.  I was just sitting eating lunch and it was time to go to class.  It had rained that day, but sitting under the gazebo was completely dry.  It was a normal lunch with nothing different.  I finished eating and I got up to go throw away my garbage in the garbage can near the side entrance of the school.  And then he walked by.  The cutest junior I had ever seen in my life.  I didn't know him or his name but I was a freshman and he was gorgeous.  And then as fate would have it, or the gods, or whoever controls my destiny…he looks at me right when I loose my footing in a spot of mud.  Down I go, creating a huge spat! Sound and results in me covered in mud.  My pants, hair, anything that was previously clean is now covered in mud.  The cute junior helps me up, along with his friend, but I could tell they were laughing inside and just waiting to get out of my presence to laugh for real.  I hate it when people do it.  I would be hurt if he laughed in my face, but at least then I would have seen it.  Or the time I sprained my ankle at freshman orientation and had to be on crutches the whole time.  Or the time I said "thank you" to a guy who said yes to go to Sadie's with me.  Gosh, I have such a huge list I can't even begin to write down them all.         What about when I declared my love to a guy in the library, or asked someone out through the newspaper or totally fell in love with someone I thought was straight…

Suddenly this game isn't as fun as I thought it was before…

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I relaxed in my daily life at college.  The work was hard but I had nothing to be worried about.  I thrived there.  Inuyasha visited me once in a while but the pang in my heart lessened a bit.  I saw my mother regularly—at least once a month.  A year past.  And then two.  And then three.  I didn't really make many friends, deciding to be a recluse in my room and study instead.  There were men, but none compared to Inuyasha.  And I guess it was safe that way.  No real risk.  He made me happy enough.  I had a few kisses here and there—some fluke occurrence. 

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5/24/99

7:34 p.m.

Sigh again.  As for the details, they are sexual details.  No, I did not sleep with him, but what I did still makes me feel a little slutty.  I don't want you to think less of me because of this, so don't read it if you are kinda weird about sexual stuff. Okay, honesty.  I've been on dates before, and everything.  But I haven't ever kissed anyone before. Ya know?  I mean, I know it's pathetic for someone my age to say that but I guess I am just like "Never Been Kissed" or something.  I mean, it's hard to explain.  I get really shy around guys I like and I just totally turn off.  Sooo...basically he was my first kiss.  And what a bad kiss it was.  He immediately starts off with his tongue down my throat and I have no idea how to fuckin do anything.  I mean, I guess I caught on later but it was just awful.  And on top of it I had fuckin gum in my mouth so I had to stop and take it out.  How nice for your first kiss, huh?  And it didn't end there.  I had my period, and he wanted to feel me down there and I said no...cuz I mean, gross!  But whatever.  It was my first time in such a sexual situation.  And then he totally feels up my chest and he does it soooo bad...its like he is soo rough.  I mean, being gentle goes a long way, ya know?  Shit...so then I feel the THING on my frickin thigh and I mean, I can't just ignore it...so I go ahead and grab it and rub it through his pants.  Not only is it fuckin small...but we inevitably end up in his car and the next thing I know is I am giving him a hand job and I feel totally stupid.  I mean, I am so bad at it and I have no idea what I am doing.  Sheesh.  He didn't force me or anything.  I mean, he didn't want to put it away, I could tell...but he probably would have if I asked him.  So there I am, rubbing up and down and I have no idea what is going on and I just want to finish the job and have him be done.  But I can't!  So...I stop at one point and he starts finishing it himself.  I can't believe it!  He starts masturbating while I am in the car and he asks me to kiss his neck and suck on it in this way that I do that he somehow likes.  And then he tells me when he is ready to, ya know...and I just move over to the other side of the car.  God, it was the worst feeling in the world.  Not only did I NOT like this guy as much as I thought I did...but he had to finish himself.  I was so ashamed and sick.  And that was only our second date...

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I even lost my virginity in those three years.  It was a lovely looking pre-med that I fancied.  His name was Miroku and for once I didn't mind his lecherous hands and our in clandestine meetings.  I lost my virginity up against a wall in some janitor closet with my skirt hiked up to my hips so no skin was revealed.  I must admit that he got far more pleasure out of the experience than I did and immediately after he pulled out of me I told him I wanted to just be friends.  I'm not quite sure if he was upset or not but I didn't really think he would be overjoyed in the notion of having me as a girlfriend.  No one else wanted me, why would he?  We both used each other to some extent and that was the end of that.  However, he surprisingly stayed my friend and it wasn't until years later—when he was extraordinarily drunk that he admitted to me I was his first as well. 

I met Sango also, a woman who became both my greatest friend and my greatest envoy.  She was perfectly built and always had a steady flow of boyfriends.  We were all surprised later when she brought home Kouga, a man she met vacationing in Georgia (though why anyone would vacation in Georgia is beyond me) and was the chef at the resort she stayed at.  It amazed us because Sango had left with another of her series of men but Kouga was different.  He didn't worship her and it was funny because Sango didn't worship him either.  They were equals and were married after Sango graduated.  But Kouga was a pleasant addition to our group while we were still in college.  And he was one hell of a cook!  Man, the dinner parties we would have.  Inuyasha was included in our little group too and it was as if we were always meant to be together—the five of us.

Summer vacations were the same with my mother but crying was regularly heard in her rooms throughout the year now.  She was so lonely and unhappy.  Everything made her angry and upset and when I was forced to buy my own apartment near school because I couldn't get student housing, I didn't even have the summers with her anymore.  And it was hard to admit, but I relished the time alone.  Like before when I wanted to huddle in my childhood I now celebrated in my freedom.  I was twenty-one. 

As my major became more specialized I was forced to compete for an internship everyone coveted—one that not only paid well but could set you o the perfect career path for the future.  A chance to work at Charmander Industries, the leading company in plant disease research and prevention.  Oh how desperately I wanted that job.

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6/19/98

2:43 p.m.

I thought of taking tests as some kind of war.  When I didn't know the answer, I had to sacrifice that question and count it as wrong.  Just like if you sacrifice one soldier for the good of the whole army.  A perfect battle was a hundred percent, no men missing or questions missed.  I soon realized that I would never be a good general because one hundred percents were not common.  I made sacrifices, even little ones, for the good of the whole test.  And thus I received good marks.  But a general does not receive marks, and his sacrifices are not merely questions, they are men. 

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And today, during my senior and final year in college, I was to hear a lecture from one of the top scientists, along with the lawyer who handled all copyright and infringement laws with the company and what they were researching.  The scientist was my hero, a one Kaede Carpenter that was the woman I would die trying to emulate.  She was the driving force behind the research and had major participation in all the breakthroughs of disease prevention.  She gave hope to the few woman of the field and I just about died when she spoke.  But when she finished I did not rush out to meet her in the entry hall of one of the smaller lecture rooms.  Instead I was one of the few people to stay rooted in their seat as a beautiful but stoic man walked to the podium. 

Sesshomaru.

I hadn't thought back to that dinner so many years ago and whenever I returned to Inu's house, Sesshomaru was never present at the overly large dining table.

I glanced around the room and noticed that it was mostly woman who remained and I was sure it wasn't the "riveting" speech he gave that kept them there.  In fact he seemed quite bored with the prospect of even being here that I almost left myself.  I mean, he had one of the most interesting jobs, in my opinion, and he spoke so impassionedly.  All right, he was an amazing speaker—words flowed from his mouth and he kept his gaze on the audience instead of on his papers.  He spoke with knowledge and confidence and I knew he was obviously the best money could buy.  His words drew you in—an intricate tapestry of words woven to precision.  But his eyes gave him away.  There seemed to be nothing behind them, as if he was simply describing a two-bedroom apartment instead of his life's work.  Afterwards I stood a little bit away as the girls swamped him, asking questions not having to do with anything he said or went over in his presentation.  He answered every one of them with a clam air but his voice had an edge of annoyance in it.  It seemed to be saying "whatever."

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3/5/00

10:15 a.m.

Whatever.  It is one of those great, multi-use words that can apply to just about anything.  Try it in a random conversation sometime.  It can just fit right in anywhere.  You don't even have to explain your reasoning with "whatever," because there usually is no reasoning!  It's used best when you are aggravated and want to move on in the conversation (or out of the conversation!).  Oh the joys of blowing someone off with this infamous slight of speech.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever.

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I somehow caught his eye over the din and I smiled and waved a little.  At first he glanced away rather quickly and then turned back again, recognition dawning on his cold features.  He motioned for me to wait in that arrogant manner as he excused himself from the chattering crowd of woman that stood stunned at his hasty departure and then glared daggers at me.  I smiled sheepishly at them as Sesshomaru put an altogether friendly hand upon my shoulder and led me out to the parking lot.

"Thank you," he said, which surprised me.  But it should have, I barely knew him. 

"Don't thank me yet.  I might be dead in the morning if they get their way.  Then I might regret it."

"Yes, well, I did tell them you were my girlfriend, so just enjoy it while you can."

He chuckled at my look of complete shock and anger but he spoke to stave the rant I was about to produce.  And the steam coming out of my ears didn't exactly help either for I was ready to pounce on him and show him what enjoying life really meant for that little comment.  Like I needed people to lie for me about our relationships.  Pffft.  Shut up conscience. 

"All I said was that I had a previous engagement to attend to and they looked at you as such."  I felt relieved.

"I don't want to imagine what would have happened if I really were…your…" I drifted off, feeling highly embarrassed because I barely knew him and he was smugly smirking at me.  At that moment all I wanted to do was wipe that little smirk off his face for setting me up for a huge blush so well.  Only Inuyasha could do that.

"How about some coffee with an old friend?"  I snorted most unladylike and replied.

"Such good old friends we are.  If I remember correctly I believe you snubbed me back then."  He smirked again and led me to his car.

"That, my dear friend, was perhaps a mistake." 

He then opened the door for me and I got in, slightly confused and a little red from a blush.  What?  What was this? 

God, I'm so stupid.

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Recently I had been in a weird mood.  Me, being the constantly shy girl around guys that I like, I kinda noticed a huge change.  Now keep in mind that all the events in this tale are completely true.  And keep in mind that I've liked this guy since freshman year.  (Now a junior in high school)

Monday(night)

I suddenly get the idea to ask Hiten to the Christmas dance, I call my friend Kim to prepare me.  I go call him.  He takes like on hour to get on the phone (well, two minutes) and I first distract him with asking for vocab, which wasn't going to be due for a week.  And then I spring into the question.

"Would you like to go to the Christmas dance with me?"

"Wow.  umm.  When is it?"  He answers. 

"I dunno, two, three weeks away?"   Come on, Hiten, I'm on pins and needles here!

"Well, sure, I'd love to go with you."  (I silently freak out)  "You don't think it will be during…"

"No, I don't think they'd put it during D.C." I answered, reading his mind.  He was my friend after all.  Well, kinda friend.

"Oh, okay.  Well I have to check the date but I'd love to go with you."

"Cool.  I'll talk to you tomorrow," I answer, trying to hide my excitement.

"Okay, bye."

As the phone turns off, I proceed to scream and do the normal girl thing—call all my friends and tell all the bloody details.  And they all screamed too.  That night I tried on my dress (I brought it last year for whenever) and I dreamed of the perfect night…

Tuesday (Morning)

My friend Kim hugs me as I arrive.  She seems more excited than I am.  She says,

"When I see Hiten, I'm going to scream and hug him!"  My face proceeds to get a bright red as you-know-who walks in…

"Hi Hiten," Kim yells as he strolls into the library.  I decide to do the same. I mean, I am going to the Christmas dance with the guy!

"Hi Hiten!" he does a half turn.  Looks at me, stops and turns around to talk. Why is he doing this?

"The dance is on the fourteenth, right?"  I nod as Kim nods vigorously behind his head.  "Well, theres a problem."

The smile that was on my face fades.  My friends slowly turn away and give us some privacy.

"What?" I say, trying not to cry already.

"Well, I have to sing at this concert for the Children's Hospital."

"Oh," my heart silently breaking.  It feels like he just gave it to the dog next door it's little…but it has big teeth.

"Is there anyone else you can go with?" he asks, shrugging.

"No, its okay," I don't really answer, trying not to cry.  No, because I only wanted to go with you.

"This sucks," he walks into the library with his shoulders hunched.  My friends appear immediately and I say,

"I think I'm gonna cry." I don't thought, I get a little watery.  Everyone consoles me by saying things like "he said yes!" and " if he was going to the dance he would be going with you" and all that.  They leave, and me, having this period off, proceed to the library and sit down.  I just want to call my mom.  She was excited too…I walk by my counselor's office and I have to talk to her.  I tell her the whole story, trying not to cry.  She consoles me too, but I want to talk to my mom.  She lets me all my mom on her phone as she leaves for a meeting.  The tears flow freely when talking to my mommy.  She tells me I should go to the concert and she'll check it out (she works for the Children's hospital).  Feeling a little better, I go to the science lab, do some homework and then talk to my friend Melissa.  I then proceed to screw up everyone's day by convincing Melissa to ask a guy to the dance she likes.  He just shuts her down, but he is a jerk anyway.  I had the worst day.  I failed a quiz, could barely eat lunch and on top of it, when I got home there was a message from my mom saying that she had called and they didn't know about a concert with the children's hospital.  Now I was faced with the prospect that Hiten may have lied to me.  To make it worse it was an answer to some thoughts I had all day.  Everyone said that at least he said yes, but there was a little voice in the back of my mind.  Well, yeah, but he was lying.  He didn't really want to go.

God! Having Hiten say yes was proof that life is fair sometimes and good people get good things.  And when he said he couldn't go it was back to reality.  I don't know what came over me this week, but yeah, I was different.  I had courage.  I was brave.  I asked Hiten to the Christmas dance.  Anyway, I cried myself to sleep.

Wednesday

Did I happen to mention that Hiten's father worked at my school?  And he is a teacher.  And he is my teacher.  Yeah, well I was dreading that class.  Anyway, I saw Hiten first and second period and so at second I had enough courage to talk to him when he was alone by the window.

"So, whom are you singing for again?"  Yeah, I just dove right in there.

"The Children's Hospital."

"Oh, cool.  I would like to go.  My mom could probably get tickets because she works there."  I sigh.  He smells and looks really good today.  But he looks good everyday…

"Cool."

"Who is it for, like the kids or something?"  I inquire. I feel like a reporter.

"It's for the donors.  We are in some tent in the parking lot."

"Oh.  So I probably couldn't go since I'm not a donor?"

"I dunno," he shrugs.

For the short of it, he gives me his calendar.  I could have almost hugged him with happiness.  I mean, he couldn't be lying!

Thursday

My friend Melissa wanted to see him so we meet in the library.  Hiten s there of course, on a computer, probably doing his work for his D.C. trip next week.  He is going to miss a whole week of school!  I asked him about the calendar and he said he forgot.  Melissa said he seemed really mad at himself about it.  Later, at about four, I am about to leave when I see Hiten.  He is at the computer again and I throw caution to the wind and tell him that I like him.  He says I'm brave to tell him.  And he goes back to computer.  Could he be that unaffected?  Or did he just not get it?  Or did it just not sink in?  I a attempting to make my dramatic exit when the library alarm goes off.  Darn it!  The librarian is a temp and she doesn't know me well enough that I wouldn't ever steal anything so she checks my bags.  Nice.  There goes dramatic exit, Kagome.  I go to the locker area and proceed to throw up.

Friday

I would think that he would be nice enough to have an answer, but no such luck.  I am stuck here wondering. Since it's his last day here and all.  But maybe a week to think about it (if he thinks about it) will be good?

Saturday

So here I am stuck thinking and worrying about him.  Asking my mom how many hours it takes to D.C.  Hoping he doesn't find someone there.  Knowing that he is extremely shy.  And writing this hoping and wishing for an answer.  A good answer.  To prove that life sometimes cuts a girl a break for something she really cares about.

Reality check: it doesn't.

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We chatted in the car casually, sticking to the easy topic--the weather, his job, my major and books.  He reads a lot, he explained to me, because it helped him when writing and delivering his speeches and cases.

"You must win most of your cases if you work at Charmander."

"Yes, I am accustomed to winning the things I want."  It was quite obvious that he was totally accustomed to always getting what he wanted and told him so.

"But only reason is because you are you, though."

"What, rich, successful and devilishly handsome?"

I started to chuckle but laughed even more at his totally serious face.

"Oh yes, Sesshomaru, those help too."  He didn't seem to register why I was laughing so hard which made me laugh even more.

"Is such arrogance typical in your family?  Inuyasha thinks he is god's gift to humanity too."  I started laughing again but stopped at the expression on his face: utterly grave.

"I'm sure you agree with that though."  How he knew I was never really sure.  But something in his eyes told me that I could tell him anything even though his outward appearance told me to never mention it again.  I was confused and I rested a hand on his knee.  We were at a stop so Sesshomaru was able to bring his full attention to me.

"You know exactly how I feel about him, don't you?  You know I've loved him desperately from the beginning, don't you Sesshomaru?"

The light turned green and he didn't answer me immediately.  After about a minute or two he placed his hand gently on mine, brushing his thumb over the top just like Inuyasha did the night I told him I loved him.  His hand covered my own completely, as if trying to shelter it from the harsh realities of life.

"Yes," he murmured, "I know exactly how you feel." He parked the car in front of an expensive looking apartment building.  "The best place for coffee," he smiled half-heartedly and led me hand in hand to his rooms.  Coming from anyone else I would have thought it was a sex invite but not from him.  I suddenly felt too comfortable around him to even imagine complicating it with sex.  And he knew how I felt; I needed someone to share this with.

He fixed me a cup of coffee as I explored the apparent bachelor pad.  Well, that is, there was no feminine touch.  But other than that it was neat and immaculate—completely perfect.  There was enough art to say it was moderately decorated and he even had his CD's, books and DVD's arranged in alphabetical order.  I would have questioned his sexual orientation at that moment if I didn't already hear about some of his sexual escapades.  A little regretfully now, he was Inuyasha and my favorite topic of amusement for he used to be quite wild in his youth.  He was still cold and untouchable, yes, but understandably, Sesshomaru took full advantage of his arousing appearance.  Hell, took advantage is an understatement, I'm sure the man holds records somewhere at being the most successful sexual predator in all time.   So, it was a little weird to hear this side of him that knew what I felt.

"Who is she?"  I asked once we were settled on his amazingly comfortable couch, me with my back leaning against one arm and his back against the other.  He looked more approachable now in his own apartment then he ever looked in the mansion.  The one time I saw him that is.

"An untouchable woman who could never love me the way I love her."

"Why?"

"Because I don't deserve her."  I wanted to exclaim that I was sure this wasn't true but the look in his eyes shown with a sadness not unlike that which I knew resided in my own.

"When did you meet her?"

"A long time ago.  But I knew of her before then.  In my dreams."  I wanted to laugh then.  Perhaps cry too.  He was older than me by a few years.  I was sure he was almost twenty-eight.  I was only twenty-one then and I had long ago given up on my perfect man.  No one could ever replace Inuyasha in my hear and no one had to.  Sesshomaru was almost thirty and he still believed in his dream woman.  Like a little child or lovesick teenager he still dreamed about his one true love.  It made me like him more.  Especially after everything I've heard about his sex life, it made me realize that perhaps he didn't get everything or win everything he wanted.  Which sort of disregarded everything that I used to use as material for our fun Sesshomaru bashings.  Which at his evident kindness to me gradually made me more and more guilty. 

"Have you ever tried anything with her?"  He lackadaisically smiled at me as if to say that it was much harder than it seems.  If he didn't want to tell me all the particulars it was fine by me. 

I was suddenly struck with the idea that perhaps he had never done this before.  This whole inviting someone over bit.  Which was ridiculous, I mean, he had to have sex somewhere…and didn't he have his own friends?  But it would explain the constant shake of his leg and his incessant need to fiddle with the pillow laying across his stomach.

"Do I make you that nervous, Sesshomaru?"  His eyes immediately darted to mine.  Yes.  He had never done this before, I decided.

"No.  But I don't usually find myself in the company of one of my brother's friends."

Oh.  That could be it too.

"Why, I thought you rather enjoyed our little rendezvous, Sesshomaru.  I'm hurt to be referred to as simply Inu's dear friend."

"Are you being facetious or do you just wish him to call you something infinitely more dear?"

That was a little touchy.  Especially in the silence we were just conducting ourselves in for the past half hour.  Comfortable silence.  I was being facetious.  Well, then…

"I'm sorry to intrude then.  Perhaps this friend of your brother should leave."

I got up to go but was stopped at the door by his hand upon my shoulder. 

"Kagome, I'm sorry.  I was deep in thought earlier and you startled me.  It is not every day you meet someone with the same troubles as yourself.  Especially someone…such as you."

I sighed and closed the door and turned to him.  His face was close to mine and I could feel his breath fanning across my lips, warming them.

"I understand, but I really should be going.  I have to work on that internship application if I want to get into your company, you know."

He smiled slightly and nodded his head.

"But of course.  Bring it by me tomorrow and I will check over all your statistics and do your interview right here."

"Don't I get interviewed by a scientist or something?"

Why was he doing this?  Just because we are kind of friends now?  Or whatever we are.  Confidants? 

"You forget, Kagome, that I had to get a doctorate in bio-engineering to be able to be as successful at my job as I am in my cases."

"Yes I know but—"

"Mrs. Carpenter doesn't conduct any interviews and the only privilege I am offering you is the fact that your interview will be here instead of at the office."

I was about to object when he opened the door and pushed me out with a hand on my back.

"Now get yourself out of here and present me with something glorious that will amaze and astound me.  Then I will have to hire you on the spot."

I smiled at him and was almost down the stairs when he poked his head around the door and yelled,

"Five o'clock.  Don't be late.  And wear something semi-nice.  I'm going to feel like going out to dinner afterwards and I guess you can come too."

"Hardy har har, Sesshomaru.  You are a crack up."  I said, rolling my eyes as I walked down the stairs, which was highly unbeneficial since he couldn't see them anyway.  And I almost slipped. 

I stayed up late writing some incredible piece of bullshit that actually impressed Sesshomaru, for being an all-nighter, he mentioned.  Dinner was at some casual place and we just sat and talked about nothing in particular.  I did notice, however, the very obvious stares I was getting by being in the company of such a gorgeous man.  They were most likely wondering why he was with me, for all the woman out there.  It made me laugh though when I realized Sesshomaru was so engrossed in his dinner and our friendly conversation to glance at anyone and a selfish part of me loved the attention he was bestowing on me. 

And after that first Tuesday night, every Tuesday night without fail, Sesshomaru and I would eat at our restaurant at the same table and banter about nothing at all.  I ended up getting the internship even though Sess had promised me he didn't pull any strings for me.  I worked there all senior year and Kaede and I became great friends.  So naturally, after graduation I was offered a job that paid extremely well and kept me close to home.  I took a new apartment halfway between work and home so I could see my mother as often as possible.  She had remarried and then man adopted me, however old, as his child and I didn't seem to mind much.  Even though I loved my father dearly I was happy my mother could continue on with her life.

Inuyasha and I continued as friends as well.  We kept in close contact with Sango, Miroku and Kouga and when Sango and Kouga finally married we were all there.  I was her bridesmaid and Inu and Miroku were groomsmen.  It continued on for three years like this, developing a kind of pattern.  Inu would call every day and try to force me to wear something provocative.  Tuesday dinners were still with Sesshomaru and Sundays were with my mother and Martin (her husband).  And finally, Friday brunches were with the whole gang, Miroku, Kouga, Sango, Inu and I.  Periodically we would go out to dinner but we always kept our Fridays.  Miroku worked at some hospital doing god knows what but I fancied he hung out at the morgue and didn't want to tell us all.  He rarely talked about it.  Kouga had his own restaurant that was terribly successful so Sango just worked at some local boutique she started with her mother but now owned since her mother passed on.  She just managed the place and did nothing of consequence for she was pregnant and had one at home already. 

Inuyasha worked for his father in the family business, a family owned apartment franchise that Mr. Kingston started from scratch and was now a multi-million dollar business.  They kept the family ethics and benefited from the individual attention and care to each piece of property they owned.

I was twenty-four, soon to be twenty-five when everything started to change.  When my happy life took another giant leap in the direction it was supposed to be headed and left my old life behind in the dust.