CHAPTER 2

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi

Kagome didn't expect she would be this nervous to see Inuyasha again. They agreed to meet at his brother's house then go to a restaurant. As she pulled into the driveway, Kagome thought his family must be rich. But he never looked or acted like a rich kid at school. And he was always short of cash then.

Someone who looked like a toad opened the door. She asked for Inuyasha and he grimaced as if the name was something unpleasant. She said the name again and Toadface reluctantly let her in. He took her to a living room she thought only existed in those magazines featuring the rich and famous. Everything oozed money from the silk curtains to the Tiffany lamps.

A man with white hair, golden eyes and chiseled features gracefully got up from one of the armchairs and extended a hand out to her.

''You must be Miss Higurashi. I'm Sesshomaru Taiko,'' he said.

She nodded dumbly and shook his hand. Gods! He was breathtaking. She couldn't believe Inuyasha has a brother like this.

''Kagome!''

Inuyasha ran into the room and stopped in front of her. He couldn't believe his eyes. Long black hair framed a heart-shaped face set with big blue eyes. Except for the eye color, she could almost pass as Kikyo's twin.

''Long time no see Inuyasha,'' she said softly.

''I'll leave you two alone,'' Sesshomaru said and started to walk away. He noticed the way Inuyasha looked at the woman.

''Wouldn't you like to come with us?,'' Kagome suddenly found herself asking Sesshomaru.

''He's busy with business. Besides, Sesshomaru wouldn't know what fun is. Let's go.,'' Inuyasha grabbed her hand and quickly walked out of the house.

Sesshomaru shrugged and went to his study. It was none of his business. But it was nice of her to invite him though.

At the restaurant, Inuyasha and Kagome reminisced about their high school days but kept dancing around the issue of their botched romance. It was Inuyasha who decided to bring up the topic.

''Kagome. I feel like such a heel for what I did to you. But you know, even after I got back with Kikyo I still wanted to be with you. I just didn't know what to do then.''

Kagome was grateful that he said something akin to an apology but felt it wasn't enough. Still, it was better than nothing. The Inuyasha she knew in high school seldom apologized for anything he did or said.

"I appreciate the explanation. I just wish you told me sooner. Like maybe 12 years ago?,'' she asked with a small smile.

''I'm really sorry.''

Now that was a first. Inuyasha apologizing! Kagome nearly fell off her chair then tried to recover her composure.

''Let's not dwell on it, shall we? How come you never told me you have a brother and that you're rich?''

Inuyasha's face darkened and Kagome felt she made a major faux pas.

''Let's just say Sesshomaru and I don't get along. And would it have mattered to you if I were rich?''

''Of course not. Rich or poor I probably would still have fallen for you then.''

''All these years and you never married. Haven't you met Mr. Right yet?''

''I don't have time for a relationship. I have my work. What about you? Are you married to Kikyo?''

He clumsily tried to change the subject. But she persisted until the whole sad tale came out. Kagome was shocked at what befell her former rival. Poor Kikyo.

"I'm so sorry Inuyasha.''

''Please let's not talk about it anymore,'' Inuyasha said and glanced at her. He was startled to see tears. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped her cheeks. She blushed.

''Why the heck am I letting him do this?'' she asked herself.

Unbeknownst to them, someone else was watching the tender moment. A dark-haired man sitting by himself stared in surprise at Kagome.

''Kikyo,'' the man whispered. ''She's alive.''

Kagome drove Inuyasha back to Brentwood later that night. They awkwardly faced each other in the driveway.

''It's been really nice seeing you again Inuyasha,'' she said and extended a hand.

His gaze went from her hand to her face. He could drown in those eyes, he thought. He remembered how her hair was so soft and how she felt like in his arms years ago. Without thinking, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug.

Kagome stiffened for a second then allowed herself to relax. When she hugged him back, Inuyasha tightened his hold on her.

''Inuyasha ... I have to go.''

He reluctantly let go. Kagome felt she needed to get out of there and fast.

''Can I see you again?''

''Maybe.''

She sped off, eager to put distance between the two of them. She really didn't need this, she grimly thought. Those feelings for him were long gone, weren't they? But why was her heart pounding? All they did was hug. Stupid heart.

He could still smell her perfume. Inuyasha entered the house in a daze and didn't notice his brother until he bumped into him.

''Ooops! Didn't see you lurking there.''

''I do not lurk,'' Sesshomaru said coldly.

''Umm Sesshomaru. I'll be staying here for awhile if you don't mind. I'm beginning to like this dump of yours.''

A humming Inuyasha then headed for his bedroom.