Teach Me Heartache

Chapter 3: Dinner Scandal

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha…no matter how many hours I slave over my wonderful fanfics, how many fingers I break while I type and how many buckets of blood come out from the wounds. Still won't give me.

Warning: Sesshoumaru will be OOC here. He's quite fond of Kagome since as I explained in the chapter before, she irritates the hell out of Inuyasha and is a unique girl with a furious stubbornness and alert, inventive mind who provides much comic relief. Hehehehe. :Winks: Lucky Kagome, the little witch!

-X-

"Kagome-chan, how nice to see you again!" Mrs. Yoshihiro gushed as she pulled the girl into her welcoming arms. Then the beautiful woman pulled apart and looked at her from head to toe. "Why, look at you! You've grown so gorgeous, dear! I can't believe you're the same girl in the glasses and pigtails!"

Kagome reddened at her reference to her past when she was but a scrawny and geeky little child. But she knew she'd gone from a long way to that. Kagome grinned. "Thanks, Mrs. Yoshihiro. You're not looking bad yourself. I think age cannot penetrate you!"

Mrs. Yoshihiro laughed delightedly. But it was true. The famous Yoshihiro Kori was indeed a breathtaking woman with light brown hair and honey-golden eyes. Though her sons didn't share any features with her – especially Sesshoumaru because he was from another woman before Kori – they did have her impeccable sense in fashion, though it didn't necessarily mean ball gowns and off-shoulder blouses with killer heels. And of course, looking at Inuyasha, one wouldn't guess he had any fashion sense at all.

While the others hugged, Sayako and Kori talking and laughing of the good ol' times, including their men, and Shouta was busily stuffing himself with cakes served by the drifting waiters, Kagome wandered around the house, always in awe at the wonderful and expensive structure and furniture. Kagome had never seen a lovelier house, not even in Cribs.

She was inspecting a genuine da Vinci painting when a shadow loomed behind her, making her tense and wary.

It must be none other than…

Kagome turned around, mouth open to give a scalding remark when she saw Sesshoumaru's ethereal features rather than Inuyasha's wilder, rougher good-looks.

A slender brow was arched over one slightly amused amber eye and Sesshoumaru was smirking lightly at the startled look on her pretty face. "Why, did you think I was the ingrate, Kagome-chan?"

Kagome released a tense breath and grinned up at the towering superstar with the unspeakable loveliness. "Yup, thought you were the ingrate for one sec, Sesshy-chan. But you're soooo much more gorgeous. Everyone knows that. And too intelligent. And talented!" Her voice was positively teasing.

"I know that," Sesshoumaru said in a straight face, stroking the fluffy tail draped around his shoulders.

"So, speaking of ingrates, where is he?"

"Why are you asking? I thought you loathed my idiot little brother?"

Kagome shrugged. "I do, Sesshy-chan. More than anyone else. But I want to know where he is at all times so I can watch my front and back. After all, who knows what kind of sleazy and cheep tactics he's going to use tonight." She smiled sweetly up at him. "A helpless and beautiful girl can't be too careful."

Sesshoumaru cracked a smile, amused at the little girl's words. Yes, she was a funny one, Kagome. And he wondered what kind of entertainment these two silly children would provide tonight at dinner.

They talked for a while, well actually, Kagome talked and Sesshoumaru just kept on nodding his head. Together, they meandered through the different rooms but never straying to the upper floors. With the eldest Yoshihiro giving the impromptu tour, Kagome got a descriptive and interesting history about the different priceless furniture and paintings. Though Kagome has been in the Yoshihiro Manor for dozens of times during holidays, special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and et cetera and spontaneous private parties, she'd never before had a room to room tour with the history and all. Kagome knew how much he didn't like talking so much and appreciated his friendly gesture with this quick tour. "Children, dinner time!" Mrs. Yoshihiro called pleasantly from the dining room and followed by the loud ringing of the dinner bell.

Sesshoumaru opened the double doors and they went out of the library.

"Ladies first," he said lavishly, gesturing towards the open doors.

Kagome rolled her eyes and went out, followed by the full-demon. She was walking a little ahead of him and inwardly, Kagome giggled excitedly. Though with her exceptional features, Kagome truly was only popular because she was a friend of one of Japan's most profiled and celebrated family. Not only does she spend almost every holiday with them and vacations, she and her family are always welcome to their house whenever they want to go.

Sometimes, it's a little irritating that she's popular only because of that stupid Inuyasha and his wonderful family – and maybe a little because of her looks. Heaven knows why they got saddled with a petulant and arrogant and annoying kid like him.

"You're smiling at nothing, Kagome-chan, it's quite weird,"

Sesshoumaru stoically remarks, giving her a quick sidelong glance. Kagome blushed and turned at him. "Sorry, it's a bad habit," she said and shrugged. She straightened her skirt as they neared the dining room. The doors were open and they could see the long dinner table laden with different kinds of food. The others were already there, seated at the fine, carved chairs and waiting for them.

Everyone looked at them when they entered.

"Ah, Sessh-chan and Kagome-chan, there you are." Mrs. Yoshihiro pointed a finger and counted them. "One…two…where's Inu-kun? I thought he'd be with you, Kagome-chan." She smiled innocently.

Kagome nearly gagged as she took a seat beside Souta. "Er, sorry. You'd have to look at the graves if you thought Inuyasha's with me," she muttered in a loud voice, folding her arms over her chest and huffed.

"Kagome, dear!" gasped Mrs. Higurashi but her lips were twitching. It was really funny seeing her sweet and kind daughter just change into a very opinionated girl who gives really funny and sarcastic comments. Sadly though, she only seems to retort back opinions, really sour opinions, about Inuyasha and it was a blessing that the said boy's parents found it just as amusing. (A sure sign, definitely, of the blossoming love of the two!)

Mr. Yoshihiro grinned but didn't say anything.

"Well, Kagome-chan does have a point, Sayako-chan," Kori laughed, pushing a brown hair away from her face.

The conversation resumed and Kagome took a seat beside Souta while Sesshoumaru took the seat beside his mother. The table was laden with golden-rimmed plates of steaming, mouthwatering delicacies and specials that made Kagome's stomach rumble. Though one company was totally undesirable, Kagome loved visiting the Yoshihiro Manor not only because of its stunning décor but its exquisite dishes and desserts. It must be gluttony, but she doesn't mind too much, especially when faced with chocolate cake frosted with sweet, delicate icing.

Yum.

Waiters traveled around pouring different beverages and adding more entrées and soups and appetizers and such. Kagome patiently placed her favorite dishes on her expensive plate, forcing herself not to binge and act like a starved maniac in front of her everyone. Luckily if she did that, only Souta would tease her so much since Inuyasha wasn't…

"Yo, everyone," an annoying voice spoke from the doorway.

Speaking of the devil…literally…

Kagome refused to look at him and pointedly ignored the hanyou as he noisily took the seat opposite hers. She ate her food in silence, looking everywhere but him. She was acting weird, she knew that, but lately, Kagome has been feeling weird and towards a certain golden-eyed, dog-eared half-breed that was currently sitting in front of her. She might react unexpectedly when she sees what he's wearing.

Still, the compulsion was, like, a persistent magnet and Kagome growled soundlessly at her stupid, stupid curiosity – and something else, perhaps more…passionate – and snuck a glance at Inuyasha. Unfortunately for her, he was gazing right at her. Actually, staring was the proper word and she was met head-on by that intense amber gaze. She jumped, startled but she quickly regained her composure before anyone noticed.

Inuyasha smirked then looked away.

Kagome scowled and looked down at her plate again. Grrr. He was so infuriating.

But against her will, Kagome took another quick peek at him and what he was wearing. Just admit it, Kagome girl, you only want to look at his gorgeous physique. But denial quickly kicked in. Yeah right!

A long moment later, Kagome was relieved when dinner finished without any embarrassing incidents. Though she was suspicious that Inuyasha behaved himself tonight, Kagome wasn't someone to look a gift horse in the mouth. She should be very grateful that her parents and Inuyasha's parents haven't mentioned anything about a wedding and uniting both respected families' blah, blah, blah.

Even Souta behaved himself!

Maybe this night wouldn't be so bad after all.

Well, that was Kagome thought before the after-dinner mingling.

-X-

"Inu-kun, who don't you entertain Kagome-chan for a while?" Mrs. Yoshihiro smilingly suggested. "She looks like she's bored to death listening to us old people talk."

Kagome was about to protest – more about the Inuyasha-entertaining-her thing than the implication that she thought the older people were uninteresting – when her own mother – how could she? – piped in, saying what a great idea it was.

Oh great, they're matchmaking again, Kagome thought a little disgustedly and she snuck a sidelong glance at Inuyasha, knowing he'll look as revolted by the idea as her. At least that's one thing Inuyasha and I agree on: that we hate being pushed together all the time. Kagome paused. God! Whoever thought I'd put those words together in a sentence!

But to her surprise, Inuyasha stood up and approached her, a mischievous smile on his face. "Sure, no problem with me. C'mon, Kagome, let's go."

Everyone was stunned. Not only did Inuyasha nonchalantly accept his mother's suggestion to spend some quality time with Kagome when everyone else thought he'd blow that one to pieces, but he'd done so without any dirty soubriquet or cuss words, as was his wont to do around her; he acted half-decent!

Sesshoumaru's eyes gleamed, knowing exactly what Inuyasha was planning. In true brother-style, the older boy wished Inuyasha to fail horribly.

"Mom! Hey, mom! Can I go to? Can I? Can I?" Souta suddenly asked, pleading to be allowed to join his dorky sister and the cool Inuyasha in their ambling.

Mrs. Higurashi gently shook her head, "I think you should sit this one out, Souta-kun."

Souta's dad seconded the motion and the kid pouted in his seat, arms crossed and an irritated expression on his face.

Inuyasha was standing beside Kagome's seat, glancing down at her expectantly, one eyebrow raised. "What about it? Game?"

Kagome instantly panicked. She didn't WANT to be around Inuyasha, alone, while he was wearing such a sexy ensemble, all black and body hugging.

"Mom, let Souta come, please? I won't mind, really," Kagome nearly begged, eyes wide and puppy-ish.

Eyebrows were raised.

"Sorry, Kagome-chan, but Souta can't," Mrs. Higurashi said, shaking her head in the negative. Secretly, she was grinning. She wanted to grab Kori's hands and jump in the air in joy, saying, 'Oh, Kori, our dream is starting! Quick, call the designer for Kagome's wedding dress and the caterer for the food! Let's have a thousand guests for the wedding!'

"Why not?"

"Now, now, Kagome, never question your mother because she knows best," Inuyasha chided gently, winking down at the distressed girl.

Eyebrows reached the ceiling.

Kagome sent the hanyou a dirty look. "You can't force me, baka."

Inuyasha looked down at her and Kagome clearly saw the devilish challenge in those magnificent golden eyes, meant for her only. A frown tugged at the corners of her mouth; Kagome never turned down a challenge and Inuyasha knows it. So that's his game, huh?

With an irritated huff, Kagome stood up. "Fine, let's go. But I'm watching you," she warned him with narrowed eyes, suspicion written all over her pretty face.

As they exited the large and sophisticated living room, Kagome could have sworn that their parents were already making the guest list for their wedding.

Kagome groaned underneath her breath and glared angrily at the tall hanyou by her side.

"Okay, what are you up to, baka?" Kagome hotly demanded, her eyes flashing.

I love it when she acts so feisty!

Inuyasha smirked. "Hey, I'm not planning anything. I'm an angel, remember?"

"Yeah, by no one's standards," Kagome muttered back, feeling irritable and morose. Why did Inuyasha constantly make her suffer? This was so unfair! The only person she couldn't stand was the person Kagome was practically born with!

And out of the blue, Inuyasha grabbed her hand, startling her badly. She looked down at their joined hands, eyes wide.

Then her indignation quickly followed. "Hey, hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Inuyasha shrugged, a small smile tugging at his seductive – Whoa, seductive, Kagome? – mouth. "Nothing. Don't want you getting lost, is all."

Kagome tried to pull her hand away but Inuyasha's grip was too strong, though not necessarily painful. She rolled her eyes and gave a sound of antipathy, giving up. She'd never understand him and didn't want to, for the record.

"You know, I did have a recent tour here by your incredibly handsome, so much more desirable brother, Sesshoumaru, and I've been her thousands of times before so I won't get lost," Kagome pointed primly at him, twisting her wrist from his grasp. But his claws – carefully avoiding prickling her skin, Kagome vaguely noticed – just latched on her hand more securely.

Inuyasha smirked. "Whatever. Besides, I give better tours than my stupid brother."

"Ha! Probably give all your one hundred – and one! – girlfriends tours, right?" Kagome asked dryly as they rounded the corner, entering a long hallway, dozens of beautiful paintings hanging on the walls. The hallway directly led to the large back garden that resembled a forest at times, with wild plants and rare, exotic flowers growing in the nearby greenhouse while more common but nonetheless pretty flowers and shrubs and different kinds of trees growing outside.

"What, jealous?"

Kagome chocked, "Me? As if. Why would I be jealous of you? For your information, I like guys, not girls."

The silver-haired hanyou rolled his golden eyes, a small smile on his lips. "Go ahead, act dumb, Higurashi. You're sooooo much more appealing that way. You know what I mean," he said to her.

They reached the doorway and Inuyasha pulled open the door and they stepped outside, the cool night air prickling their skin. The great garden was well lighted, with only a few dark corners Kagome wouldn't want to dwell in. The moonlight glinted off the greenhouse, bending the silvery light and glimmering inside of the hothouse.

Kagome shivered at the cool breeze. "What are we doing here? I thought I was getting a second tour or something," she said irritably, glaring at Inuyasha. It was chilly outside, especially in her sleeveless shirt and short skirt.

Inuyasha didn't feel the cold as keenly as Kagome because he was half-demon. "You cold?"

She didn't want to show any weakness that he could use against her. And even though she was indeed cold, Kagome wasn't telling him that. "Nah, I'm not," she fibbed, the fine hairs on her arms standing on end.

Inuyasha looked suspiciously at her then shrugged. Then he gave a secret grin and said, "Bet you haven't been to the glasshouse at night, have you?"

"Um, no, because the flowers are actually prettier in the light," Kagome informed him neatly, an amused smirk on her beautiful face. "Didn't you know that?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, still peeved at having to leave a perfectly comfortable room to stand outside in the cold with an obnoxious hanyou who was still holding on to her hand.

Inuyasha sighed. "Ne, Kagome, can't we have a truce for once?" He sounded genuinely weary that it gave her a pause. But her innate suspicion – for Inuyasha only, by the way – flared up at his expression. "Why? We've never been nice to each other before." Then she added, "Or rather, I was nice to you but you completely brushed me off."

"Can't we just, um, bury the hat and start over," Inuyasha suggested eagerly.

"Bury the hatchet, not hat," Kagome automatically corrected him. "And why would you want to be friends with me? I certainly don't want to be friends with you, the way you treat me and women in general."

Inuyasha let out an irritated growl and his eyes flared for a second. "Let's just act at least semi-friendly tonight, okay? Tomorrow we can rip each other's throat apart again." He ran a hand through his silvery hair, tossing the long strands away from his chiseled face. The moonlight played exquisitely with his gorgeous features, hair glinting like white silk. Kagome was miffed she was even noticing these silly things.

Though 'these silly things' certainly were distracting, Kagome thought vaguely.

Seeing the earnest look in his eyes, Kagome sighed. "Fine. Fine. Let's have a momentary truce tonight." She took a quick glance at him. "You're freaking me out with this new side to you, you know."

A grin had appeared on Inuyasha's face when she caved in and he was being perfectly cheerful. "Am I? Whatever you say. So let's go to the greenhouse." He tugged at her hand and pulled her forward and she couldn't do anything but follow him sullenly behind.

-X-

The glasshouse was almost completely dark, luminescent rays glinting off green leaves or bright colorful flowers here and there. It was less cold in the greenhouse, the atmosphere heavier and smelt thickly like salty rain.

Kagome blinked in the darkness, her eyes slowly adjusting to the lack of light. Inuyasha didn't have a problem since his vision was thrice the perfect vision for humans.

"Mou, I can't see in here!" Kagome muttered in irritation, pulling her hand, this time successfully, away from Inuyasha's grip.

Inuyasha gave a fangy grin, though Kagome didn't see it. "The bane of being human," he quipped cheerfully. He placed his hands on her shoulders and sensed Kagome tense, her back straightening.

"What do you think you're doing?" Kagome demanded furiously, her voice shaking in her anger. Or was it because he was so near, and he could feel his warm breath curling on top of her head. Oh shut it, Higurashi! Kagome scolded herself sternly.

"If I'm not going to lead you then you'll stumble on your own," Inuyasha lightly snorted, pushing her gently forward, weaving in and out of way of the exotic plants.

Kagome rolled her eyes but followed his direction. "Gee, I didn't know you cared," she said dryly, hands in front of her in case the hanyou decided to push her or something.

There was a smile in his voice, "I don't but mom loves her flowers and I'd hate for her to be sad because of your clumsiness, Kagome-san." He emphasized the '…san' after her name, reminding her of the truce she – reluctantly! – agreed to for that night.

Kagome flinched but didn't say anything afterwards. Inuyasha led her farther forward until Kagome guessed that they must be near the back of the greenhouse. She squinted in the darkness, frustrated that she couldn't see. Kagome wouldn't be surprised if Inuyasha purposely dragged her into the greenhouse…

Oh man, I wonder what time it is…Kagome's family maybe felt like going home now but couldn't because she hasn't returned yet; and besides, Mrs. Higurashi probably would just die if she thought she was interrupting something important between the two teens. Euck! Something important, my behind! Kagome cursed inwardly, a scowl turning her mouth.

Suddenly, they stopped. Kagome blinked, but the darkness still overpowered. She lifted her left arm and glanced down, relieved to see her glow-in-the-dark Disney watch. Mickey's face glowed very, very faintly but it was bright enough to see what time it was.

Kagome was disgusted that it was still just eight thirty in the evening.

"Can't wait to leave me?" Inuyasha murmured in her ear, voice low and his lips nearly grazing her ear.

Kagome jumped, startled at his sudden intrusion. Then her heart accelerated when she realized that Inuyasha was very, very close now.

"Yes, of course, and are you trying to eat my ear?" Kagome demanded heatedly, turning around to face him and saw a slight masculine outline. "Didn't you eat enough during dinner, baka?"

She didn't see his smirk. "No. I wasn't trying to eat your ear…" There was a startling husky tone to his voice and Kagome's hands twitched nervously. His hands came to her hips and she froze, unable to stop the glide of his arms slipping around Kagome's waist.

"What…what are you doing?" Kagome whispered in an equally muted voice, sounding a bit strangled.

This time, Kagome saw his devilish fangy grin, just as a bright beam of moonlight fell on his face. "I was actually trying to kiss you…"

Then his lips captured hers and Kagome's mind went as blank as her poor night vision.

-X-

TBC…

Wheee…even if I hadn't updated for a long time you guys still read my story! I'm so touched! Anyway, I hope this doesn't disappoint you and if it does, please HESITATE to tell me. I just hate flamers, you know? Though constructive criticism is welcome to some degree. And I'll try to make the next chapter better, if you want, next time!

And oh, this is my Valentine special chapter, thought it's no way as near as romantic but hey, it's nearly Valentine's Day so what the heck…er, I won't be updating for a long time because it's almost exams again!

Gomen nasai!

And thanks for the wonderful reviews!