Author's Note: All I can say is don't expect this relationship to blossom too fast, one minute you'll think this is it and then it's not. In due time you'll see the relationship will grow into something more and I definitely am planning to write it like this most of the time, so keep a lookout on surprises.
Disclaimer: As if you didn't already know...
A Dangerous Game
Chapter Two
All Over Again
"...nineteen years old for God's sake and he's still making me do these stupid chores..." He muttered angrily, moving the broom back and forth across each step.
Kagome let out a laugh when she heard Souta complaining. Her chores had now become his, since Kagome had left the shrine. How she had missed living here and being with her family...
Souta immediately turned around and his eyes were widened in surprise. "Hey, what are you doing here?" He grinned. Kagome shrugged and pulled him into an embrace. It had been so long since she had been home. In fact it was too long...
"I was just stopping by, so do you want to go catch up or do something?" Kagome suggested. Souta pointed to the broom he was holding and shook his head at Kagome. "After I'm done with the stairs or else I'll never hear the end of it from Grandpa." Kagome nodded and went further up the stairs to go inside.
"I'll see you later when you're done then!" she called back, Souta nodded.
The nostalgia of homemade cooking immediately hit her once she stepped inside. One of the many things that she had missed about living at the shrine, her mother's cooking.
"Hey Mama!" Kagome greeted, once she was in the kitchen.
Mrs. Higurashi turned around and a warm smile soon replaced her surprised look. "Kagome! How nice of you to drop by, we've missed you so." she said, pulling her daughter into a deep embrace.
"I had the day off so I decided to drop by. That is of course if you're willingly to have me over?" She joked.
Her mother pulled back and burrowed a brow. "Do you even have to ask? Of course it's okay. Here, you can help me by setting up the table. Then we can have lunch."
Kagome walked over to the cabinet and pulled out four plates to set on the table. "Lunch sounds good to me." She answered, still smiling.
Souta threw the baseball back to Kagome. Kagome caught the ball and threw it back to Souta. Souta jumped, catching the ball in his mitt. "How's work?" Souta asked, throwing the ball back to Kagome.
Kagome had managed to barely catch the ball, she threw it back to him. "It's okay. The company is a little crazy right now. Did you know we're merging our company with the Inukai Corporations?"
"Really? Is that a good or bad thing?" he caught the ball and threw a fast pitch at Kagome. Kagome extended her arm out all the way and caught the ball again. "Nice try but I still caught it Souta. You have to do better than that..."
Kagome threw the ball back. "I guess it's a good thing that it's going to merge but still..."
"Still what, Kagome?" Souta smirked as he threw the ball back.
"Just that the person who is going to help merge the companies together is a complete asshole." Kagome replied. Souta caught the ball and pointed to the bleacher behind him. "You want to sit this out and talk then?" he shouted. He could see clearly that his sister wanted to talk this out.
Kagome nodded and followed Souta. She threw her mitt on top of his and leaned back on the bleachers. Souta faced Kagome and raised his brows questioningly. "And why is this guy an asshole? Is his face shaped like one or does he smell like one?" he joked.
She lightly punched him on the shoulder. "You know what I mean Souta." He laughed and leaned all the way back against the bleacher seat.
Kagome avoided her brother's gaze and stared up at the sky instead. "He tends to flirt with me a lot and it's not very flattering. He's very... Demanding, you could say."
"I see... So who is this guy that you seemed to hate so much?" he asked. Kagome blew on her bangs and rolled her eyes before saying "Inuyasha Inukai."
"WHAT?!" Souta exclaimed, sitting up straight. Kagome watched the birds that were in the middle of the baseball field fly away, startled by the loud shout. "Inuyasha Inukai? Kagome isn't he the... His family is like worth billions and you happen to chose to hate him? Isn't that a bit risky?"
"Risky? Why would that be?" Kagome pulled her hair back into a ponytail; the day was increasingly getting warmer. "He's a playboy, Kagome. A rich playboy and that means he's going find some way to try to get you. He probably always gets what he wants." Souta said, popping in a piece of gum into his mouth.
Kagome frowned not happy to hear the news from Souta. "Then what should I do?" She certainly didn't like the idea that Inuyasha would be bothering her for a long time, until she gave into him.
And that was not going to happen anytime soon. If ever.
Souta popped his bubble and shrugged. "I couldn't say. I'm just here to listen and give you the facts. You know when it comes down to your love life, you don't ask me. Like I don't suck in that area of department enough." He smiled as he threw his crumpled gum wrapper at Kagome's head. It bounced off her head and fell to her feet.
"Hey! Get back here you little punk!" Kagome said while running after Souta.
Mrs. Higurashi looked at her children and shook her head disapprovingly. "What happened to you two?" She stared at them wondering how they got soaked wet from head to toe. She was curious to hear why Souta had a twig in his hair.
Souta bit down on his bottom lip to hold back a laugh, while Kagome looked at her mother guiltily. "We sort of fell into the lake near the baseball stadium." Kagome answered.
Her mother handed her and Souta a towel and shook her head, meaning she would accept their answer for now. Once Mrs. Higurashi left, Kagome and Souta bursted out into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
"I... can't believe... that you pushed... me... into that lake." Souta managed out, still laughing hard.
"Well you... definitely deserved it... after you... threw that... wrapper at me..."
"Kagome?" Souta asked.
"Yes Souta?" Kagome answered.
"We need to do stuff like this more often."
Kagome rolled her eyes and continued to towel dry herself. She had to admit coming home was a good idea.
It had been a week after her visit at the shrine. It had been a hectic week as well. Kagome worked late hours filing and typing up new reports. The merging had put a lot of strain on the workers and Kagome was no exception.
She was adding the finishing touches on her assignment when she heard her door open. She didn't look up, knowing already who it was. "Hello Inuyasha," said Kagome, still typing away on her lap top.
Inuyasha smirked and leaned backed against the doorway. He had seen glimpses of her over the past few days but didn't have the time to talk with her. He too had a busy schedule. But standing there and watching her, calm and relaxed, he saw what had made him want to go see her at this moment. "Are you busy?" he asked, still staring at her.
Kagome took her time saving her finished report and waited a few more minutes before answering Inuyasha. She was in no rush to happily greet him like a little lost puppy.
"I just finished. Why?" she said, firmly closing her lap top.
"I just wanted to know if you wanted to go out and have dinner with me?" he proposed with a hopeful grin. However Kagome did not look up at him and busied herself with packing away her things. "I don't know Inuyasha..." she finally said and sighed.
Today had been an extremely long day for her. She looked at her clock on her desk; it read eight. She should've been home hours ago. Inuyasha boldly walked over to her table and leaned down at her, his hands gripping the edge of her desk. Kagome looked up and instantly regretted looking into his eyes.
His beautiful golden eyes.
She could feel her heart beat quicken and the butterflies coming back to her stomach. "What do you want?" she managed to say, her eyes never leaving his face. His handsome face pulled back into a laid back smile and said "You know what I want."
"I don't think I'm up to going out to eat tonight." Kagome answered back. The truth was she didn't think she could resist him any longer if she did go out to dinner with him. He was very persistent.
Her hormones weren't helping much either.
Inuyasha leaned over closer and just stood there, looking into her eyes. He could read her like a book. She was lying to him. "We don't have to go out to eat, how about your place instead?" Kagome blinked and stood up from her chair. "I don't think so."
His eyes twinkled when he saw that she was beginning to get annoyed, she was so easy to fluster.
"Well I made plans for us tonight and I'm not accepting a no, Kagome." He followed her out the door. Kagome headed towards the elevator, trying her best to ignore him. She didn't realize the situation she was in until Inuyasha got on the elevator with her. Seeing as they were the only one inside the elevator, he advanced on her and pinned her against the cool metal wall.
Kagome gasped and was about to slap him, but that was before he kissed her. His lips expertly glided over hers, showing her the endless possibilities. She was in complete shock. She had never experience a kiss as powerful as this one. The kiss was demanding and rough. He was kissing her as if his life depended on this kiss this very moment. Without thinking about it, she responded back to him.
She was gently gripping his shoulders as she tried to deepen the kiss. He pressed up against her and made her gasp again. Taking this chance as an opportunity he slipped his tongue inside and explored. Kagome moaned breathlessly, enjoying the moment.
Much to their dismay the elevator opened and hit them with cool air. They were in the parking lot now. Inuyasha pulled back watching her, he was still panting from the kiss. Kagome suddenly realizing what she had done, pushed him off her and stepped out of the elevator.
"Where are you going?" He yelled after her. Kagome walked faster to her car, angry at herself for giving in. "You have some nerve." She spat, glaring at him dangerously. Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief. "What the hell are you talking about woman?! You were enjoying that kiss as much as I did."
Kagome fumbled through her purse looking for her car keys. "I have to go," she said sternly, her back to him. Instead getting angrier about the situation he just smiled. "So you're mad at me now... I see how it is. You liked that kiss a little bit too much didn't you? Isn't that why you're mad Kagome?"
He snaked his arms around her and pulled her close to him, she shivered in delight. He whispered in her ear just before letting her go "Don't worry there's more of that to come..."
Inuyasha released her and walked away, leaving Kagome stunned and unable to comeback with an insult.
He had left her speechless.
Sango pulled out a dress from the rack and held it up to her body. "How about this one Kagome?" Sango asked, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Kagome turned around and looked in the mirror at Sango's reflection. She shook her head. "No I don't like the color or the style of that one."
Sango nodded, agreeing with Kagome. She put the dress back only to pull out another one. Sango smiled and stepped back into the dressing room. She emerged wearing the dress and spun around in front of Kagome. "How about this one?" She asked again.
Kagome clapped her hands together and smiled. "It's perfect." Kagome answered. Sango admired herself in the dressing room mirror. "Yeah... Now I just have to find shoes to go with it, I'm surprised I didn't see this dress earlier."
Kagome turned back around to look for her own dress. Tomorrow night was the party. It had been already three months. It was finally done.
Three months ago the company was struggling and soon afterwards the merging began. Then three months later the company had successfully merged as one and tomorrow night they would celebrate. There was just one problem though...
Inuyasha would be there also. Kagome's face pulled into a deep frown at the thought of that. After that one night, he had been sending her gifts every week. Sometimes it would be cards, other times it would be flowers, and if he was feeling generous it would be both.
Then just recently he had starting sending her jewelry. They were expensive and extravagant pieces. Kagome had not touched any of them yet, she wasn't impressed at all.
'Did he really think he could win her by buying her lavish gifts?' she wondered. Ignoring the nagging thought Kagome pulled out a white dress and smiled to herself. It was a beautiful dress that had subtle beading and a simple cut. She instantly liked it and checked the size. It was her size.
It was just perfect.
Sango peered over Kagome from behind and gave her a satisfied nod. "Kagome that's definitely the dress for you, are you ready to go pay now?" she asked. Kagome draped the dress over her arm and nodded. "I'm ready to pay and leave this store. My feet are killing me." Kagome said pointing down to her heels.
Both women concluded that it wasn't a good idea to shop right after work in their formal work clothes.
Kagome took a long sip out of her water bottle and looked at Sango. "What?" she asked, seeing that Sango was giving her an all-knowing smile. Sango crossed her arms together and sat back comfortably on her chair. "What's going on between you and Inuyasha?"
"Inuyasha? There's nothing going on between us." Kagome said, taking a small bite out of her hamburger. Sango arched a brow, "So why does he send you all those gifts then? Every Friday for the past two and a half months, I don't think that it's nothing. It's something, that's for sure."
"Sango, Inuyasha is sending me those gifts to try to get me to go out with him. To persuade me into falling for him. It's not as innocent as it seems, I know that he wants more." Kagome crumpled up her wrapper and tossed it into the garbage can behind Sango. It went in.
"What is it that he is exactly trying to do?" Sango asked, watching a tall black hair man walk by. He winked at her and Sango blushed. Kagome held back a smile and took another sip out of her water bottle instead.
"He wants sex Sango, a one night stand."
Sango turned back around to Kagome. "How do you know that for sure? The tabloids always blow things out of proportion. You can't believe every single thing they say about him."
"But he isn't looking for a relationship either. I mean look, why would he want me? There are a dozen, no, thousands of other girls out there who would want him? Why me? I don't certainly want a fling with him." Kagome leaned back in her chair and watched people come and go through the food court. Especially the one that had flirted with Sango earlier. He was watching Sango from the corner of his eyes, Sango however took no notice.
"I think you should go for it. You might be surprised what happens." Sango suggested. Kagome shook her head, "I don't want to be another one of his long list of girls that he accomplished to get into his bed. Besides he can't give me what I want."
"Are you blind? What doesn't he have? He has money, looks, and brains. What more do you want in a man?" Sango asked.
Kagome looked back at Sango and said, "Something that'll last."
Sango mouthed an 'O' and backed away. Kagome's love life has always been a touchy subject for her.
There was no more talk of Inuyasha, instead they talked about the party tomorrow.
The party was being held at an exclusive hotel ballroom. It was all paid for by the new company. Kagome told her name to the valet, who flipped through the guest list in search for her name.
"Ah hah! I see your name! Miss Higurashi is it? Very well you are seated up in the balcony at table seven." The man said, giving her a wide grin. Kagome burrowed her brows in confusion. "Excuse me, but who am I assigned to be seated with?" She asked politely. Kagome had no idea that she had assigned seats.
The man gave her a mischievous look but shook his head vehemently. "No Miss Higurashi, that I'm afraid I can not tell you. I hope you have fun tonight miss." He winked and then turned to the next person in line, searching for their name in the big red book. She let out a quiet sigh and headed inside. Once inside Kagome waved to a few of the people that she knew. The ones that she worked with and the others who were good friends.
She looked around taking in its glory. As usual the Inukai's had done it again, an over the top party. In the back of the ballroom, on the stage there played a crafted orchestra. Their graceful music flowed across the room, where couples of all ages danced too.
Kagome took the stairs to her right and she headed upstairs. She smiled approvingly at the well-decorated balcony, once she reached the top. There were small dining tables set up in a pattern and overseeing the ballroom below. Each table had flowers and candles lit.
Looking at the numbered cards on the tables, Kagome searched for her assigned table. She walked past each table until she came to one that was in the corner, she couldn't read the number so she walked closer. To her surprise she saw that someone was already sitting there, and that the table was set only for two. Seeing that the table was hidden away in the corner by the shadows, she edged closer.
Kagome stopped once she saw the silver hair. The figure stood up from his chair and walked out of the shadows. When he was exposed in the light he smiled and took her hand. His lips gently grazed over her hand, giving it a light kiss.
"You finally came." His said, almost coming out as a whisper. Kagome froze staring into his handsome face.
It was like this every time he looked at her. There was something in his eyes that made her feel different, like she was dancing the night away in the moonlight, or floating on clouds.
Whenever she was looking at him he carried a smile for her. It was an easy smile that seemed to come naturally. As for his eyes... they carried strength and were vibrant, they were never dim.
She paused at what she was about to say, unsure if it was indeed the right thing to say. "I did." She said, unable to hide back her smile. He pulled out a chair for her and motioned for her to sit down. Kagome did so. "You planned this didn't you?" she accused.
Inuyasha didn't say a word, but his smile and eyes told her otherwise. "You look stunningly gorgeous tonight." He commented. Kagome gave him a demure smile and looked away, blushing hotly around the cheeks.
'How does he always manage to make me feel like this?' she asked herself, feeling her face growing warmer and steadily.
Inuyasha reached out and cupped her face with one hand. He took the first step. "I hope you liked the gifts." He whispered, his eyes intently watching her. Kagome focused hard in trying not to lean into his hand. "They were nice and thoughtful, but really you didn't have to."
"But I wanted too Kagome." He also wanted to say "Because you're different, you're not like any of the other girls I've been with in the past." But he ended there. He didn't want to give away too much. That wasn't like him to do so.
"Inuyasha I don't need gifts to make me happy. You do know that don't you?" He nodded slowly, admiring her beauty. "Kagome don't get mad, I just wanted to make you happy."
His nose took in her rich soft scent and lavished on it. She was so amusing to him. Everything about her had changed his view on women. She wasn't easily charmed or fooled by his usual maneuvers.
She took effort and lots of it. His brain was constantly racking up new ideas, new ways, to please her. None of it turning out the way he wanted it to. "Let's dance." He said, bringing Kagome up on her feet. He pulled her close to him and moved her against him, alongside the tune of the music downstairs.
They were alone and dancing together. Kagome was initially scared but then eased up after a few moments. So far he had done nothing that had offended her or had made her feel uncomfortable. Her head rested on his shoulder and she closed her eyes.
'Can I really let myself do this? Indulge in the temptation that he offers?'
She smiled when she heard his heartbeat underneath. It thudded loud and fast, she wondered if it was because of her. Perhaps he was nervous? Carefully she looked up into his eyes, surprised that he was already looking down at her.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked, her heart afraid to hear what he would possibly say.
He carefully thought about what he was going to say. "I guess because there's something about you. Something that I want to get to know more about. You intrigue me Kagome."
Kagome closed her eyes again and continued to move with him; following the music. "I don't think I can do this." She whispered, her body however stayed put right next to his.
"I'm not pressuring you to do anything Kagome." He said, playing with her strands that were curled at the sides of her face. Slowly a part of him felt guilty for continuing to play with her emotions. She was beginning to trust him. She was letting her guard down for him.
It was all for him. He could've done it, take her vulnerability as a weakness but something held him back.
He couldn't understand this feeling, why was he feeling so guilty? He had done this so many times before, so why was he feeling guilty all of a sudden now? He pressed his lips on her forehead and his hand capturing her hand in his. He looked down at her hand, trying to reassure himself.
Her hand was so small and delicate, he marveled at how perfectly her hand molded in his.
So perfectly...
A brief shuffle caused both of them to pull away and looked up. Kagome and Inuyasha both looked up to see a charismatic man looking at them. The man waved cautiously.
"Sorry to interrupt but you're wanted downstairs Inuyasha."
Kagome stared at the face of this new man. She remembered him from somewhere...
Her jaw slightly dropped when she remembered who he was. It was the same guy who flirted with Sango at the mall yesterday. Yes, it was the same man who passed by in the food court.
"You!" Kagome pointed. "I remember you."
Miroku crossed his arms and gave her a suave smile. It was from years of practice. "Do you? Well I think I might remember you also. Oh, but darn it!" He said, snapping his fingers together. "I must've lost your phone number. Now if you can help me recall..." He trailed off his eyes landing on his friend. Inuyasha's jaw was twitching and his fingers were curled up into balls of fists at his side. No, that wasn't a good sign at all.
"But since Sesshoumaru is waiting for Inuyasha's appearance downstairs, I think it's best to just introduce myself. I'm Miroku, a good friend of this jealous idiot over here. And you are..."
"Kagome. I believe you were checking out my friend at the mall yesterday...?"
Miroku's face pulled back into a wider grin. "Is that so... Yes I remember now. What was her name again? I just can't remember it. I have a horrible memory."
Kagome let out a soft chuckle, amused at his attempts. "You wouldn't know it, but her name is Sango. She is also here, at the party."
Miroku nodded "I'll be sure to find her then." and grabbed Inuyasha's arm, dragging him downstairs. "Now quickly! Before your brother skins us alive."
Kagome shortly afterwards went downstairs and joined the large group that was congregated around the stage. In front of the microphone stood a tall man, who looked in some ways like Inuyasha. He had the same long silver- white hair and prominent features.
But his eyes... They seemed hard and distant.
They also lacked the compassion and warmth of Inuyasha's. His stoic figure stood there straight, saying his well-rehearsed speech to the guests. Once he finished he stepped back and let Inuyasha carry on the rest.
Inuyasha however held a different stage presence. He talked to the guests in a relaxed and casual tone, as if they were his good friends. Friends that he had known for most of his life.
The major difference was that he was actually putting in effort to entertain the guests, grabbing onto their attention. "...so when Sesshoumaru told me the business was going to merge, I nearly fainted at the news. But behold I didn't, or else I would've hit my head on his desk... And then probably wake up conscious in a dumpster nearby the office building. That's Sesshoumaru, the jokester of the family. Crack a smile for us Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru stood still, glaring hard at Inuyasha. His lips never once twitched. Instead a murderous looked crossed his features, aiming at Inuyasha. Taking a hint, Inuyasha turned back to his guests and continued on with his speech.
The guests continued to laugh and Inuyasha relished in it. It was his time to shine, to show people what made him different from his father and his brother. He wasn't traditional. He was just Inuyasha.
A few moments later he started to bring up a few points of the new business and what they were trying to accomplish. Then he proceeded to the main topic which was also his final comment, the merging. Once he was done he gave a nod and winked at the crowd. They laughed again and a large applause followed shortly afterwards. The two brothers bowed and quickly descended down the stairs.
Inuyasha and his brother instantly parted ways once they reached the end of the stairs. His brother spoke to other business executives, while Inuyasha headed straight for Kagome. His eyes never once faltered, he stared straight at her. When he reached her he snaked his arms around her waist and gave her a strong smile. "So how was I?"
Kagome laughed. "I thought you were great." He spun her around as the music started to pick up again. Kagome laughed again, happy to be in his presence. She leaned against him, using him as support while they danced.
Knowing that the night was slowly coming to an end, she looked into his eyes and wished that all of this was real. She wanted this to be more than just an attraction. Looking away, she knew he was the wrong person to expect what she wanted. It wasn't like him to express love. He could provide her comfort and passion, but it wasn't what she really wanted. What she wanted to believe was that he could give her love.
But how could he, when he didn't even know what love was.
How could she possibly give herself to him, or believe that everything he was saying was the truth. How could she know that he had no other intentions when he was with her?
She didn't, and that was what kept her sane from taking a bite out of the forbidden fruit. Despite everything her heart and body urged her to do, it was her mind that kept her in control. It was her mind that taught her and made her remember in the end.
Kagome tightened her embrace on him, trying her best to remember this night.
Eventually he would be gone and out of her life. She knew he was not a promise of something constant. She needed more than this.
She needed love, something he couldn't give her.
Inuyasha held her carefully, sensing her distress. He looked down and was surprised to see that she was sad. He brushed her curls back and cupped her cheek with one hand, she looked up. He gave her a heartfelt smile and she in returned gave him a smile. It was a sad smile though.
Another surge of guilt panged at his heart. He believed that her sudden sadness was because of him. He wished he knew what he could do to make her feel a little bit better.
Kagome finally pulled her eyes away and resumed back to resting her head on his shoulder. Her eyes wandered again, trying to distract herself from her miserable thoughts. Then her eyes landed on a familiar tall figure. He was a very familiar figure.
It was too familiar...
A gasp escaped from her lips, her body suddenly going into a shock mode. 'It can't be... Why is he here?' She started shaking when the figure turned around, his eyes briefly glancing over hers.
His blue eyes...
"No, no I don't believe this... No..." Kagome could feel her fingers losing its grip on Inuyasha. Her knees slowly gave out and she almost fell down to the ground.
Inuyasha caught her and held her close to him. He panicked. Something was happening to her, she was losing control of herself. He looked into her now paled face and saw tears streaming from her eyes. She was shaking her head slowly and her body was trembling all over.
"No, no, no..." she whimpered, looking at Inuyasha. Inuyasha brought her closer to him, "Kagome? Kagome! Can you hear me? Kagome!"
She closed her eyes, slowing losing her conscious. Then right before she passed out she said his name "Kouga..." before she went completely limp in Inuyasha's arms.
Sango stood in the hotel gazebo, watching the lights slowly flicker on. It poured across the garden and revealed a multitude of flowers. Every color were all there. She bent down and smelled the first flower nearest her. A slight smile tugged at her lips as the scent hit her nose.
"A nice night isn't it." A voice behind said. Sango immediately stood up and turned around, her heart racing. Sango's eyes widened in surprise when her eyes met his. 'What was he doing here?' she wondered. She hadn't expected to see him here of all places.
A calm smile was replaced her surprised look as she extended out her hand. "Hi," Sango replied tentatively. Miroku took her hand in his and gazed into her eyes. "Hi," he said.
Before anything further could happen a woman ran out. Her hair was disheveled. "Help, somebody get help! A woman just fainted." Sango pulled away from Miroku and ran inside. She had a terrible feeling...
"Kagome," Sango whispered, continuing to run to her.
Something had happened to Kagome.
AN: Okay so I lied about A Country Life being the next update. I still need to work out a few kinks in that story, it's about sixty percent done. Instead I sent out this chapter, so the readers can understand the story a bit more and where I'm trying to go with it. This chapter was more so a filler. The third chapter is going to explore more into Kagome's past as well as Inuyasha's. Stay tuned till then!