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: Birthday Blues:

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The aggravating noise of the beeping alarm clock wasn't maddening enough to disturb Kagome's slumber. She merely reacted with a sluggish groan and pulled the sheets over her head. After five minutes the alarm eventually struck her last nerve. She got a hold of one of the many pillows she slept with and knocked the alarm out of its place near her bedside. The alarm clock beeped once more before giving out.

Kagome knew perfectly well that it was a Saturday morning. She wasn't certain why she had her alarm clock on. It was only triggered when she needed a wake up call for work, or had early business to take care of. Seemingly, she wasn't waking up for Exotica because one: it was a night job, and second: there no longer was an Exotica.

She didn't recall having to finish up some paper work for school. No. That was not it.

Whatever the reason, she contemplated on it while she walked to her bathroom for a quick shower. She closed the door behind her and turned on the mini radio placed on her shower wall. She brushed her teeth while flipping through the stations until she finally found a station that had a song on instead of a tacky advertising commercial.

The song was already half way done and soon came to an end twenty seconds later. The announcer was quickly broadcasting calls he was just receiving and allowed the callers a quick shout-out. They were all teens shouting hello to their friends and announcing the next upcoming song. The broadcaster repeated the upcoming song and announced something before playing the song.

Before I play this top jam, let me get you all's attention so I can make this quick statement that I just received. I got a Sango chick who wishes to shout a very Happy Birthday to her best gal, Kagome. She's turning twenty-three today! Let's just hope she's awake to hear this. There's definitely going to be a wild party for this young lady. Just remember folks, it's allright to get yourself drunk just as long as you don't drive. If you get wasted, have fun doing it. Just don't get yourself killed over it. Alright, thanks for listening. Before hearing our next song I will be playing a request. Sango wanted me to play this for Kagome. She says Kagome'll know what it means. Hopefully it doesn't mean this Kagome girl is a stripper.

The announcer laughs leaving Kagome to hear Sango's requested song.

Kagome nearly choked while hearing the announcer. She leaned over the sink and rinsed her mouth shaking her head unable to believe what Sango had done.

Simply hearing the beginning beats to this song brought Kagome so many past memories. She remembered it perfectly.

When she was fifteen she had entered a contest where the winner would win one thousand dollars cash. She was one the finalist as well as Sango. They didn't know each other back then, but just knowing that either of them was going to win or loose made them mortal enemies. They despised each other. The contest was won by Kagome, who in Sango's opinion unfair. She had mentioned that Kagome simply won because she was dancing like a stripper. Kagome debated this by stating that whether it was strip-like behavior or not it went well with the song. After that Sango was curious to know how Kagome was able to move in such a seductive way.

Resulting in their never-ending friendship. Ever since then the two have been inseparable. Little did either of them know that Kagome would actually grow to become a stripper. The irony in life.

The song being played was 'I'm a slave for you' by Britney Spears. Back then Kagome adored her, but now Kagome came to realize that the only thing pleasant about Britney was her music. It has nice beats.

Now she everything came to her. Today Sango and the others would be taking her out for her birthday. That is why her alarm was waking her up in such an early time. She smiled while striping herself from her clothes and stepping into the shower. She always bathed in cold water not really caring for the warmth part of it. The bitterness of the water always reminded her that she was still alive. And with the past incidents and dreams she desperately considered necessary a reminder that she was yet alive and not in anguish.

While she was showering she heard her house phone ringing. She ignored it, she was too occupied in rinsing the scented shampoo off her hair and dancing to the music the radio played.

Once done she wrapped a towel around herself and walked in to her bedroom. As she walked by the phone she pushed the button to hear the answering machine's message from the unanswered phone call. Even before the speaker spoke she knew who it was. Who else would be calling her at this time in the morning.

It took me an hour to get through the busy line in the radio. So I hope you heard my message. Anyways, Happy Birthday, Kagome! Hope the reason that you didn't answer was because you were showering and not asleep because me and the guys are coming over in an hour. Bye.

Kagome chuckled. She browsed through her closet wondering what to wear. She had a massive walk-in closet and there were so many choices to choose from. Shirts of all kinds, colors and sizes were located in the left side wall and anything denim was on the right wall. Coats and jackets were on the bottom left. Pants and skirts not materialized in denim were in the bottom right. Every type of shoe in the world was located in the far wall. Everything else, such as dresses, sleeping wear, and undergarments were in a not-so-massive closet located in her bedroom. All her outfits from Exotica were thrown carelessly in the guest room until she decided she had the strength to put them away, or even see them.

Half an hour later Kagome decided on something simple. She had on some denim jeans which were torn above the knee and next to her right hip. Her top was a very pricey and looked sort-of like a night gown top. She wrapped her shimmering belt which matched her top perfectly as well as some matching boots.

She laughed when she slipped on her denim jacket. When she was younger she always wondered why so many girls paid full price for simply half a jean jacket. Now she knew why. It was simply fashion. She decided to leave her hair down and which ever way it dried that's how she was going to wear it by adding a diamond clip. While applying a bit of mascara her cell phone buzzed.

"Hello."

"Hey beautiful."

She smiled. It was Hojo.

"Are you almost ready? We're about a mile from your house."

"Yeah. Just finishing up."

"Alright. See you soon."

She added some gloss to her lips and some black eyeliner to her eyes. When she finished putting her accessories she rushed out her bed room. She grabbed her purse on the way out. It was perfect timing. She opened her door and there she saw Hojo with his hand raised in the air about to knock.

"Hey Birthday Girl," He said reaching for a warm embrace.

Kagome grinned and wrapped her arms around him as if being the first time she ever saw him in such a long time. Perhaps it felt that way since she couldn't see him in the state she was after they shut Exotica down. There was no way she was going to tell Hojo she was terrified of her very life simply because one of her friends was now dead. It would be pretty obvious that he would ask what friend and she couldn't lie about it. He knew all of her friends from school. No chance in hell she was going to tell Hojo she worked in a night club as a dancer. It was just something better safe when kept a secret. What Hojo don't know, won't hurt him.

When she pulled back from the embrace Hojo leaned closer and kissed the corner of her mouth.

Both blushed at the awkward silence that followed after the kiss.

"So, are you ready for today? We have a lot to do in such a small amount of time, so I suggest that we leave pronto," Sango interrupted.

"Yeah. Before you two love doves decide to smooch," Miroku teased.

He was the only one to laugh at his own comment. He swiftly wrapped an arm around Sango protectively holding her firmly against him.

"Miroku, don't ruin it," Sango said removing Miroku's hand from her hip.

"What? I just feel awkward not embracing you. Obviously we'll be walking around and Hojo and Kagome are going to be having their arms around each other. So it's only natural that I have my arms around you," Miroku simply said.

Kagome agreed knowing it annoyed Sango when she agreed with Miroku. Kagome laughed and headed towards Hojo's vehicle parked in front while Miroku and Sango followed behind.

Kagome and Hojo walked hand in hand wherever they went, just as Miroku speculated. They first went to fetch some breakfast, then headed to every store in town. Whatever Kagome wanted, she got. She insisted on paying for her own purchases but they all refused. The first purchase was paid by Miroku. He gladly paid for Kagome's jewelry which consisted of a bright diamond necklace with matching ear rings, bracelets, and rings.

The next purchase was Sango's. She paid for a one-of-a-kind dress which was everything but simple. Lastly, Hojo gladly paid for a small french poodle. Kagome's vivid face when she carried the poodle in her arms made Hojo want to buy her the whole pet store. They all knew how Kagome had a weakness for dogs. She absolutely adored them.

Though they didn't cover much ground, it did get late. Kagome was ready to head home when all three of her friends suggested she checked out one more place. She refused at first, but gave in easily. They drove to their destined place and covered Kagome's eyes when she stepped out of the car. Hojo guided her in carefully as to not to trip.

"Surprise!"

Kagome's eyes were exposed to a beautifully decorated room which had a vast banner that said 'Happy Birthday Kagome!'

She was speechless. Today's day was perfect and it still wasn't over. There was still much more to come.

"You like it?" Sango said referring to the banner.

"I love it."

The room was filled with Kagome's friends from work. Both School and Exotica. She didn't question anything. It was definitely wonderful.

"I can't believe this. It's so beau--" Kagome stop within mid sentence when she felt a shiver down her spine. Something just did not feel right, and she wasn't regarding to the party.

"Kagome, is something the matter?" Hojo asked concerned.

"No, I'm just speechless," She lied.

Kagome looked over her shoulder feeling uncertainty overcome her. Something was going to happen. Something really depraved.

---

"Now is when I strike," a bitter voice alleged mainly to itself.

His silver-colored hair glistened in the moonlight as he dashed from tree to tree. He was hungry-- no starving for her. His mouth watered at just the thought of her. He bared his fangs as he came to a stop. He stood on a branch in a tree near the place where the party was being held.

He searched for her. And when he knew her presence was there he groaned. He couldn't wait. He had to take her and make her his before anyone else. His body was scorching at the mere thought of finally having the opportunity to feel her pure flesh against his.

He clenched his hand into a fist slowly trying to keep his patience from failing. He waited too long, but what's a few more minutes?

"Should I wait until she blows her candles?" He asked himself amused when he saw her pass by the window.

He flopped down in the tree branch waiting impatiently as he contemplated on how to strike. He wanted to burst in there and scare the shit out of everyone present in that room. But then Kagome would run and he didn't want that. No. She didn't want to scare her, though it did arouse him.

He watched carefully, attentively. Half way through the party slow songs were being played and it angered him that Kagome was in that wretched human's arms. He was surely going to have great pleasure in ripping that filthy human limb from limb.

He knew he could handle having that pitiful human embracing her. He also knew he could handle watching him caress her. Though he could not handle the fact that he wanted to kiss her!

That did it for him. He snarled. He pushed himself from the branch and aimed his body towards the window where he was peeking in from. The loud noise of glass shattering received everybody's attention.

He stood there before everyone. Proud to be able to get what is rightfully his. His unusual garments received stares. His mischievous grin revealing his lengthy fangs received screams. Everyone began to flee. When he saw that the pathetic male was taking Kagome from him that's when he stroked.

In one quick movement he vanished from his previous position and appeared before Hojo. He shook his head and raised his hand in front of Hojo's face shaking his index finger back and forth.

"Naughty human. Risking your life to save Kagome's when knowing she belongs to me. You will pay for believing that you had the right to touch her that way," he murmured.

Hojo pushed Kagome behind him protecting her.

Kagome couldn't believe it. That shiver she felt earlier came to haunt her. She saw as the creature rose his hand to strike. The sharpness of his claws shimmered in the light as they were high in the air while the other clawed hand wrapped itself around Hojo's neck. His claws were increasing and they were piercing into his skin. Kagome screamed. She knew the only way to save Hojo was to sacrifice herself. She very well that te creature was here for her. There was no need for someone to die because of her.

She moved from behind Hojo and stood in front of him. She positioned herself in between Hojo and the being. The creature still held Hojo in his grasp and he inched closer to Kagome's face.

"Sesshoumaru, please stop," she said quietly uncertain about her choice of words, "I'll go with you, If that's what you want."

Hojo tried to speak, but his words were cut short.

"So my brother, Sesshoumaru, has revealed himself to you. What a pitiful fool. He actually believed that he would have you before me. No, my dear Kagome, I'm InuYasha."

He gave her a malevolence smirk and brought his hand down and wrapped his clawed hand on Kagome's shoulder making sure she didn't run before he got rid of that pathetic human.

"InuYasha?" Kagome questioned confused.

Sesshoumaru wasn't the only one after her. There were more.

When InuYasha heard Kagome speak his name for the first time he moaned. God, he loved hearing her name roll from that tongue of hers. He removed Kagome from in front of him and slipped his thumb downwards in Hojo's neck. It gave him enough room to sink his fangs in pulsing veins.

He devoured him whole. Drank every bit of him, every last drop. Once his keen hearing heard that his heart gave out he stopped. He licked around his lips as well as the blood that trickled down his thumb. He actually purred as he swallowed the enriched blood. Though it wasn't as fine as female blood it was still pretty good. It's been a while since he last consumed a male.

After he finished cleaning himself up he gazed over at Kagome who watched helplessly at Hojo's now demised body. She was too shook to even fell InuYasha's arm wrap around her and flee her out of the empty place.

"Now, the fun begins," InuYasha said staring straight ahead of him as he flew through the thickness of the night.

Fun? Kagome thought.

She knew it would be useless to struggle. His grip on her was tight enough.

Kianna Chan-

Author's Note: Three words: Research. Papers. Suck. Mainly the reason why I held back from continuing is because I had a major research paper to attend to. Actually it was three, but now it's all behind me and I can continue with what I love. Hope my delay did not drift you away from reading my story.

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