A/N: Once again, thank you to everyone that is reading and reviewing to this story. You make this story fun for me to write. I love how many of you tried to guess what was in the box. The most popular answer was a dress that she must wear to the party. I think many of you will be surprised to find out the mystery box's contents. But after all, isn't that the best part of a story? ;)

A First for Everything

Chapter 12

Glaring suspiciously at the box, Kagome let out a frustrated sigh. 'Should I open it?' she thought. Narrowing her eyes, she shifted nervously on the couch. 'No, you shouldn't. The asshole probably sent you something that you don't want to see.'

However, curiosity was getting the better of her. The longer she sat there, her desire to discover what was inside grew. With a frustrated sigh, she arose from the couch. She began to pace the room, always keeping one eye on the box that rested upon the dark oak coffee table.

The box was plain. A simple brown package, that gave no hints as to its contents. It was addressed to her, personally sent from the ego maniac Sesshomaru Tashio. It had been sitting menacingly on her doorstep when she had returned from her shopping extravaganza. She had even dragged Sango back with her for moral support.

"Would you just open the box already?" Sango called out. She was beginning to become frustrated with Kagome's hesitance.

Quickly stopping her pacing, Kagome jerked her gaze away from the box. Turning to Sango, her brows furrowed together worriedly. Pouting her lip, she shifted her weight onto her left foot.

"Sango, I don't know if I want to find out what it is," Kagome whined.

Rolling her eyes, Sango replied, "You have been looking at that box for the past hour. It's not going to bite you."

"And how do you know that?" Kagome snorted.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Sango got up from the couch. Swiftly moving into the kitchen, she grabbed a pair of scissors from a drawer. She determinedly strode back into the living room. Holding up the scissors menacingly, she glared at her friend.

"You have two choices, Kagome. Either you open it or I open it, right now," Sango warned.

With wide eyes, Kagome rushed forward, grabbing the box from the table and holding it protectively to her side. "Fine! I'll do it!"

Plopping down into a chair opposite of Sango, she settled the box on her lap. Taking a deep breath, her fingers began to tremble lightly as she began to open the box. Peeling away the tape, she opened the first flap carefully.

"Hurry it up, chicken!" Sango encouraged anxiously.

"Ok! Here it goes!" Kagome yelled.

Grabbing the layer of white tissue paper in the box, she tore it away, closing her eyes in the process. After realizing that nothing was popping out at her, she cracked open one of her eyes to glance at the box's contents.

"Huh?" Kagome squeaked as her eyes fully opened. Sticking her hand in the box, she grabbed the object and began to pull it out.

"Well, what is it?" Sango asked.

"It's a...book," Kagome replied with confusion floating through her voice.

Pulling the book out, Kagome tossed the box aside. It was a small black hardbound book. She ran her hand over the smooth cover. Delicately opening up, she leafed through the blank pages before tensing immediately. Her heart fluttered as she stared at the words that looked back at her. Tears began to gently form in her eyes. "A First for Everything" stared back at her. The words that she created; the words that bared her name.

"A book? That's it? And you were all worked up for nothing?" Sango complained, her voice rising slightly in irritation.

"Sango..." Kagome whispered.

Immediately concerned, Sango questioned gently, "What is it, Kags?"

"This is...I mean it's...It's my book."

A smooth white hand ran over the silken blue fabric. Gently pressing down any last minute wrinkles, she allowed her fingers to linger upon the dress. She could feel eyes boring into her, but she did not want to look up into his eyes. Her body shuddered lightly at the thought of being so close to him. Tensing her body, she sat silently as she heard the rustle of fabric next to her. A calloused, masculine hand slowly moved into the range of her piercing blue eyes, coming to rest upon her hand. Tossing her head sideways, she looked at the man beside her.

His dark hair was pulled back into a low ponytail. Although he looked semi-handsome in his black tux, there was something about him that threw her off. He smiled widely at her, moving his dark eyes over her body.

"You look beautiful tonight, Kagome," Kouga said.

Tearing his hand off of her, she scooted away to the over side of the stretch limo that Inuyasha had provided for her and her date. He had said that she should arrive in style to such a formal event.

"Hmmpph," she replied, turning her gaze to look out the window.

Raising an eyebrow at her, he scowled slightly. "Is that anyway to treat a date that you invited?"

Her bright eyes turned back to Kouga, piercing into him. "I appreciate the favor, but this doesn't mean anything," she retorted.

Tapping his fingers along the black leather of the seat, he replied seriously, "When are you going to realize that we were made for each other? You're my woman."

"I am not your woman," Kagome growled back, fisting her small hand at her side.

"Yes you are. Are you with someone else? Have you met anyone you is interested besides me?" he asked heatedly.

Kagome scowled, opening her mouth to speak. Should she tell him about Sesshomaru? It would shut him up, but was it worth the trouble that Kouga would cause? Deciding against it, she closed her mouth and turned back to the window.

"That's what I thought," Kouga said smugly. "Don't worry, Kagome. I'll take care of you."

"Gee, thanks," Kagome muttered grimly.

She closed her eyes, hoping that they would arrive at the ball soon. At least she would have Miroku and Hojo to keep her company along with Inuyasha. She just hoped that she wouldn't have to see Sesshomaru too much. If it got out that she had slept with him, Kouga would never let her hear the end of it. The last thing she needed was a fight to erupt. She had heard that any publicity was good publicity, but this wasn't what she had in mind.

The rolling stop of the limo jolted her from her thoughts. Glancing over, she watched the door open next to Kouga. He rose from his position, stepping out onto the red carpet. Taking a deep breath, she scooted over to the open door. The hand of the driver reached out to her, offering to help her out of the deep seat of the car. Taking his hand gratefully, she placed one foot out, not expecting what she was met with.

Kagome was almost blinded by the flashing cameras of the press. After the first stunning moment, she smiled brightly, casually brushing out her dress. The invitation had hinted that this was going to be a large event, but she had no idea that it was at this kind of level. Kagome felt as if she was a movie star that was widely known, instead of a first time novelist that had yet to have her book publicly released. Over the chattering and screaming of the press, she heard her name being called.

"Now presenting Miss Kagome Higurashi."

Kouga appeared at her side, looping her arm in his before smiling at the cameras. She flashed him an angry look before allowing herself to be dragged along by Kouga. It figures that the shallow man would be more interested in being noticed by the camera. 'The selfish pig should feel grateful that I invited him,' she thought angrily.

The grand ball room truly lived up to its name. Extravagantly decorated in calm and sophisticated colors, it appeared to be something out of a 19th century fantasy. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, creating a romantic lighting for the guests. Elegant figures lined the walls, each dressed in beautiful gowns and suits. The woman presented coy smiles while the males broke out all of the charm that they possessed.

Kagome gasped as she took in the scene, her eyes widening with childish pleasure. She observed the guests mingling amongst each other, feeling as if she was a princess. Kagome was so caught up in the sights, that she did not notice her name being called until Kouga roughly jabbed her in the side.

Glaring angrily at him, she whispered, "What the hell was that for?"

However, Kouga was not even looking at her. Nodding his head to the side of her, he replied stiffly, "They are calling you."

Following his gaze, her eyes fell upon her silver haired agent. Her eyes lit up even more, a happy squeal sounding from her throat. Immediately dropping Kouga's arm, she quickly moved over to where Inuyasha was standing.

"Hey, yasha!" Kagome happily called out.

Smirking, Inuyasha's eyes took in the woman before him. It was not surprising that his brother had made an advance on her. She was stunning. Inuyasha frowned slightly as he thought of that asshole. He would have to keep him away from Kagome tonight. There was no doubt in his mind that he would make a move on the woman.

"Hey, Kags. Looking good tonight," Inuyasha told her.

Blushing, Kagome replied, "Thanks, you look good too." However, Kagome was lying. Inuyasha looked dashing in his classic black suit. His long silver hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, accenting his well-structured face well. His piercing golden eyes were more haunting than usual in the low lighting.

"Feh, you're just saying that," Inuyasha grumbled, crossing his arms in front of his chest. However, you could still pick up upon the slight reddening color in his cheeks.

Giggling, Kagome motioned to all around her. "This is some party. It seems that Tokyo Productions went all out for this one."

Nodding his head, Inuyasha moved his eyes to survey the crowd. "You can say that again. But then again, my brother has always been one for extravagance," he replied disinterestedly. "I just can't wait to get out of this suit."

A hand on Kagome's ass sent off an alarm in her mind. Whirling around, she raised her hand, smacking the offending person in the face without looking. Finally getting a good look at the man before her, she began to laugh lightly.

"Miroku! When will you ever learn?" Kagome asked.

Grinning sheepishly, Miroku winked at the woman before him. "I don't think that I will ever will, my lovely lady."

"Feh," Inuyasha grumbled.

"My, my, aren't we in a sour mood this evening. Never fear, Miss Higurashi is finally here, bringing the sunshine and beauty with her," Miroku cooed.

Rolling her eyes, Kagome backed away from the pervert. "Don't you even dare, Miroku," she warned.

Smirking at his friend, Inuyasha chimmed in, "You know, you are never going to get some ass if you keep scaring them away.

"Nobody will be getting Kagome's ass tonight, boys," Kouga interrupted as he came up behind Kagome. Looping his arm around her waist, he did not notice her cringing in distaste. He asked her, "Is this guy bothering you? Do you want me to get rid of him?"

Inuyasha noticed Kagome's uneasiness around the man. He could not overlook the stiff way that she held herself, and the way that she casually tried to move away from the man. Growling lightly, Inuyasha stepped closer to Kagome, grabbing her arm with his hand and pulling her to him.

"I'm not bothering anyone, asshole. Why don't you just back off? It doesn't seem that Kagome likes to be around fuckers like you," Inuyasha snapped.

Frowning, Kouga tightened his grip on Kagome's waist. "Get your filthy hands off of my woman, mutt face. Kagome is the one that invited me. Of course she wants my company."

"Yeah, well it doesn't seem that way," Inuyasha grunted. "Wait...what do you mean your woman?"

Smiling confidently, Kouga pulled back slightly on Kagome, causing her to fall against him and out of Inuyasha's grasp.

"Are you stupid? She's my woman, as in she belongs to me," Kouga said arrogantly.

Frustrated, Kagome decided that she had enough. Wrenching out of Kouga's grasp, she spun around to face him. Pointing her finger at him, she angrily retorted, "How many times do I have to tell you? I am not your woman! I never was and never will be! And I would appreciate it if you did not talk to my agent like that!"

Backing away slightly, Kouga grimaced. "Whatever," he mumbled.

Standing behind Kagome, Inuyasha smirked in victory. "What did I tell you?" Inuyasha shot out.

"Quiet!" Kagome scolded, lightly elbowing him in the stomach.

Watching the entire show, Miroku wondered if his boss was getting a good view of what was happening. He might consider these men competition. 'This should get interesting,' he thought before breaking into laughter.

Kagome, Inuyasha, and Kouga, all looked over at the man, crying out in unison, "Shut up!"

From his position in the balcony, he could see everything that was happening at his ball. He stood proudly, tall and confident. Surveying the scenes like a king to his kingdom, his travels stopped as he took in a familiar form.

Her hair cascaded over her bare back like a black silken waterfall. The deep blue dress she wore clung to her form, revealing the delicate curves of her body. Her face was aglow in smiles, her soft pink lips enticing him as they formed words that he could not hear. Gracefully, her hands accentuated her words, leaving him to wish that they were dancing across his skin.

Growling, he mentally cursed himself. 'Damnit. What is this woman doing to me?' he asked himself. In a frustrated, angry motion, his long fingers caressed over his silver hair, pulling it back from his emotionless face. There should be no reason that these emotions should still be provoked from him. After all, he had had his fun with her. Now it was time to move on, ne?

His golden eyes feasted upon her, watching the vast emotions play across her well structured face as she talked with Miroku and his brother. He noticed the angry glint in her eyes as a tall dark haired man came up behind her. A deep growl sprang from his throat as he watched the man placed his hands on Kagome's waist. Turning from his spot, he let his long legs carry him towards the steps. He wanted to find out who this man was, and why he felt it necessary to unconsciously stake a claim on the girl.

'Is it possible that she is dating that mongrel?' he thought to himself as he descended the stairs. Snarling, he scolded himself. Why would it matter? All he knew was that he felt as if this man was a threat, holding the potential to cause a scene in his extraordinary ball.

Coming up behind the group, he saw that Kagome was no longer in the man's arms, but yelling at Miroku.

"Am I interrupting something?" Sesshomaru asked as he stopped before them.

Kagome stiffened immediately at the sound of the familiar baritone voice. Her gaze traveled sideways, knowing exactly what she would find. Just as she expected, she was met with the uninterested gaze of Sesshomaru Tashio.

Kagome's breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. As usual, he was stunningly handsome. His simple black tux accentuated his lean, muscular build. His shinning hair hung loose, neatly combing into smooth perfection. It lay back over his shoulders, but as he moved one could see it seductively sway in time with his body. The striking gold eyes struck her still, leaving her incapable of moving. In the artificial lighting of the chandelier, his eyes appeared to her as molten gold, symmetrically moving with every slight motion.

"Actually you are, asshole," Kouga snapped angrily. "Why don't you just head off somewhere else, pretty boy?"

Tearing her eyes off of the god before her, Kagome turned her now frightful eyes to Kouga. Did he want to get himself killed?

"Kouga," she warned. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Be quiet, Kagome. Let me show you how a real man takes care of things," Kouga confidently boasted, turning to fully face Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru had to hold back the threatening growl lodged in his throat. He was enraged at the way that he spoke to Kagome. Who did this male think he was? And now the fool was challenging his authority.

"You might want to listen to Kags," Inuyasha matter-of-factly interjected.

"Shut up, mutt," Kouga snapped.

"Feh. Have it your way. It's not my funeral."

Taking a step forward, Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, singling out the dark haired male before him. He watched as this 'Kouga' almost stepped back from his intimidating gaze before holding his ground. A slow smirk crawled over Sesshomaru's features.

"I do not believe that we have had the pleasure of meeting," Sesshomaru calmly began. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sesshomaru Tashio, the president of Tokyo Productions and the host of this ball."

Kouga's eyes went wide before he muttered, "Oh, shit."

TBC...

Hahaha! I am evil! But this shall continue with even more interesting times! Mawuahaha! Look forward to more Kagome and Fluffer interaction next time.