A First for Everything
Chapter 24
Sesshomaru stood in momentary shock after watching the elevator doors close. It could not be true. These series of events did not just occur. Sesshomaru panted hard as he continued to watch the steel doors, tracing over their shape as if the doors would suddenly pop open once again and reveal to him a smiling Kagome. Smiling, yes, that is how he wished to see her. He did not approve of her tear streaked face or her heart-tearing, forlorn eyes. The thought alone brought him to growl in displeasure.
This was not how he wanted the situation to occur. No, he did not anticipate Kagome angrily confronting him in his office, knocking his Halfling brother down, or mistakenly slapping Kagome. No, this was all wrong. Sesshomaru growled as he thought about it. For once, why did he have to be so stubborn, so cruel? And now this guilt, if he was even sure that was the name of this emotion, was placed upon his shoulders for him to solely bear. His fingers clenched once again.
"Sesshomaru?" a low voice called out from behind him.
Sesshomaru snapped from his daze. His molten eyes immediately narrowed in anger and anguish. Spinning on his heel, he strode back into his office as he made his way to his desk. He did not heed the looks of concern and hatred coming from both of the males in the room. In fact, he did not register their presence. He had made a decision, and he would keep true to this arrangement.
"Hey, Sesshomaru," Miroku called out, watching his boss nervously. What was he up to?
He did not respond. He grabbed a set of keys from his desk before he spun once again, heading towards the office door.
"Sesshomaru?" Miroku tried again.
"The fucking piece of shit isn't listening to you," Inuyasha drawled out, propping himself upon his elbow and using his knuckles to wipe away traces of blood.
He continued to the door, oblivious to the words around him. They were merely mumbles in his mind, serving only to irritate him more. He did not want to deal with this now. He had more important issues to attend to. Sesshomaru only realized he was not alone when the door of his office slammed closed in his face, preventing him from leaving as he so wished to do.
Sesshomaru hissed in aggravation. His hand quickly moved to pull at the silver knob, but his wrist was roughly caught in someone's grasp. Anger and frustration coursed through the golden orbs, swirling the color until the eyes appeared warm enough to melt. The eyes traveled down the grains of wood until they fell upon the firm hand. Then they switched direction, following the arm slowly, his patience spreading thinner with each passing second. His eyes connected with concentrated lavender eyes, the hand tightening as their gaze met.
"Remove your hand, monk," Sesshomaru warned darkly.
Miroku's eyes wavered temporarily but held strong. "I don't think it's wise for you to go after her right now," he answered.
Sesshomaru roared, snapping his wrist from the man's hands. He spun to his employee with lightening speed, stretching out his own hand to capture Miroku's neck. He pushed against the flesh until he could go no more, stopped by the wall. "Why is that, monk," Sesshomaru asked. His voice was laced with venom. He had never looked so dangerous.
Miroku filled with fear as he was trapped on the receiving end of Sesshomaru's wrath. Perhaps it was not the wisest idea to stop Sesshomaru. 'Think of Kagome,' he thought. 'You want to help protect her, that gentle soul, generous spirit, luscious legs…No! Bad thoughts! This is not the time, Miroku!' His eyes widened, hoping that he had not said those thoughts out loud. His hand dashed to his neck, pulling at the hand, trying to free himself. Sesshomaru growled again and pushed harder.
"Explain yourself."
Miroku gasped. "She is upset!" he sputtered.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "I am well aware. I wish to fix this problem. I do not have the time for this nonsense," he spat.
"No!" Miroku interrupted. "The wound is raw. Don't you understand? Being an asshole right now will do nothing for her. She already knows that you want nothing to do with her. Why can't you leave it at that?"
Sesshomaru let his hand drop from the man's neck. Miroku immediately fell to his knees, still clutching his neck as he panted for breathe. He looked up at his silver haired boss as he hovered above him, cold eyes and stiff form radiating with emotions. He could hear Inuyasha shuffle and move in the background, undoubtedly trying to get up to make a stand against his brother.
"Yeah, he's right, fucker!" Inuyasha called out bitterly. "Just leave her the fuck alone. You've done fucking enough already. God damn, Fluffly, can't you leave the wench alone for once?"
Sesshomaru whirled, roaring at his now standing brother and stalking towards him. "You will refrain from calling her a wench if you value your life, brother. It is you and your small brain that does not understand."
"What don't I understand, stupid asshole? Don't I understand that you are just using her like all of the others? Don't I understand that you don't care about her?" Inuyasha yelled, staggering towards his brother. His fists clenched at his sides, fully prepared to attack.
"You are wrong," Sesshomaru replied effortlessly.
"Huh?" Inuyasha asked, stunned and confused. He stopped moving, quirking his head to the side to stare at his brother. That was not the reaction he had been expecting.
Immediately, Sesshomaru moved forward, landing another hard punch into the gut of his brother. Inuyasha hunched forward, bending over the arm of Sesshomaru. He grunted and moaned, spitting out fluids from his mouth before his body went limp in Sesshomaru's arms. He tried to move, but his body would not respond. Weakly rolling his head to the side, he stared up at Sesshomaru. "What the fuck are you talking about?" he asked brokenly.
"Perhaps the reason I wished to go was to inform her that I did wish to have her around," Sesshomaru said stoically, loftily staring down at his brother.
He then removed his arm, allowing Inuyasha to drop to the ground. Miroku sat unmoving as he watched Sesshomaru glide back to the door, fling it open, and stride out in elegant movements. This was not what he was expecting.
"Hey, wait…" Inuyasha began to call out, trying to move his beaten body.
"Inuyasha," Miroku called out calmly. "Let him go. I think Sesshomaru is doing something right for once."
"Shh, shh, it's going to be alright, Kagome," Sango cooed into her friend's hair. Her arms were wrapped securely around the crying girl, holding her close for comfort. A hand ran in soothing circles in the middle of her back, trying to quell the hiccups that were starting from her severe sobbing. She pressed her cheek into the girl's soft hair as she continued to whisper words of encouragement. "He was an asshole anyway."
Kagome cried out loudly at Sango's words, tightening her grip on the taller woman's waist. "Yeah, but I was starting to have feelings for that asshole," Kagome chocked out.
Sango's eyes cringed in concern at Kagome's admission. 'I knew it,' she thought, 'but, damn, what a time to realize it.' She sighed as she tightened her grasp. "I don't know what to say, Kagome."
"I know you don't!" Kagome shouted, ripping herself away from Sango. "Damn it! I don't know what to say myself!"
Lowering her gaze from the tear soaked girl, Sango looked at the hands that were now lying uselessly in her lap. She did not know what to do or what to say to make it better. She had a good feeling that Sesshomaru felt the same way, but she could not be sure. More importantly, she did not know if Kagome wanted to hear that either. Gathering her strength with a deep breath, she raised her gaze to face Kagome.
"Let me ask you this question. What is it that you want from him?" she asked gently.
Kagome sobbed once again, tossing her hands into the air. "I don't know anymore." She dropped her head, allowing her dark strands to cover her face from view. Tears continued to pour on their own free will, cascading down her face and neck, soaking her skin. Quietly she added, "I just wish I knew what he felt. He made it fairly clear that I meant nothing to him, but then why did he attack Inu? I just wish all of this made sense or there was some sort of sign of his emotions. He keeps playing with me, back and forth like a ping pong ball, and all I want to know is yes or no."
Sango smiled sadly at her dear friend, reaching out a hand to cover Kagome's small hand. "I know, Kagome. It will all work out," she said in comfort and encouragement.
Kagome shook her head. "I don't know if it will, Sango. I really don't."
"We'll work it out together. Come on," she said, grabbing Kagome's hands and pulling her to stand up. "Why don't you go lay down and I will get some ice for your cheek. After a little rest, it will be easier to face all of this."
Kagome nodded dejectedly, too tired to fight with the woman any longer. She allowed herself to be pulled away into her room. She passively stood as Sango turned down her sheets. She complied weakly as Sango helped her scoot into the bed.
"I'll be right back," Sango said carefully before she turned and made her way to the kitchen.
Sango made her way to the freezer with a plastic bag, opening the freezer door and pulling out frigid ice cubes to ease the soreness that was coming from Kagome's check. As she did so, a loud pounding at the door startled her. Yelping in surprise, she turned her head sharply, narrowly missing hitting her skull off of the open door. Her heart sped up, nervous as to who would be at the door. 'Calm down, Sango,' she told herself. 'It's probably just Inuyasha or Miroku.' Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and walked to the door.
Peering through the eyehole, her mouth fell open and a loud gasp ripped from her. 'What the hell is Sesshomaru doing here?' her mind screamed. "Go away!" she yelled, turning the locks and bolting the door for safety.
"Let me in, woman," Sesshomaru growled, pounding on the door once more.
"No! She doesn't want to see an asshole like you! Get the fuck out!" retaliated Sango.
"Damnit, woman!" came a roar followed by a sharp pound on the door.
Silence followed. Sango waited, pushing her weight against the door in a vain effort to keep the man out while she clutched the bag of ice desperately.
Finally, a soft but threatening growl sounded from the other side, barely audible through the wood. "If you do not open this door, I will have no regrets about breaking it from the hinges. Your locks will not keep me from entering. Now decide if you wish for Kagome to have a broken door to deal with in addition to a man that wishes to make amends."
Sango inhaled sharply, shocked at the words that came from the stoic corporate head. Her head bowed for a moment, weighing his words carefully. With a sad shake of her head, she shifted her weight from the door and began to open the locks. She opened the door slowly, staring blankly at the furious man before her.
"I see that you have chosen wisely," Sesshomaru stated. "Now leave."
The dark haired woman's head jerked. "Now wait a minute. That was not part of the agreement…"
"Quiet," he interrupted. "I will not harm the woman. Do not make me remove your presence. I will not have any distractions while I converse with her."
Sango glared at the tall man, stomping her foot as she scowled. Placing one hand on her hip, she pointed the ice bag at Sesshomaru while she threatened, "If you harm one hair on her head I will rip your testicles from your body. Better yet, I will kill you. Do you understand?"
Sesshomaru frowned, narrowing his eyes. He quickly grabbed the ice bag from the woman's hand, shocking her. "Understood."
Snorting, Sango pushed past the man. "Remember my words. You won't be so hot without your manhood or head," Sango snapped. "And make sure that you wrap that bag in a towel before you give it to Kagome. Her check will get cold otherwise." Then she sauntered out, walking quickly and angrily.
Kagome half-choked half-sobbed as she lay on the bed. She rolled onto her back, closing her eyes tightly. Why did things have to happen this way? It was painful enough to know that she was just being used, but why, why, did Inuyasha have to escalate the matter so much. The matter was painful for her to remember. Tears continued to trickle down her cheek, but she no longer noticed. Her body felt numb, though her heart still raced furiously. What was going to happen next? He would not let her out of the contract, so why was he doing this? Did he really want to interact with her even though he hated her?
A warm, soft cloth touched her face. She started, not expecting the action. Her eyes began to flutter open, but they closed once the cloth began to gently run over her eyes, wiping away the salty tears. The bed sunk due to an added weight, causing her body to turn slightly towards the person. Feeling no that there was no danger, she allowed herself to be cared for. "Thanks, Sango," she muttered.
The cloth continued to run over her face, leaving Kagome feeling refreshed. It felt good to have the dried substance wiped from her. After a few moments, the cloth left her. She frowned slightly; she was beginning to enjoy the attention. But another fabric was brought to her cheek, this time it was cold. 'It must be the ice,' she thought.
The towel was held there, causing Kagome to feel a bit useless. She brought her hand up to grab the fabric, meaning to allow Sango the freedom to move. After all, she was not an invalid. "I got it, Sango," she said as she touched the hand.
Kagome stilled. This was not Sango's hand. It was larger, much larger than hers. The hand was also rougher to the touch and coated with fine, silken hairs that were foreign. But it was warm to her touch, and caused a slight fluttering to begin in her stomach. 'It can't be…,' she thought before she opened her eyes.
Sesshomaru sat before her, gazing at her with unreadable, beautiful golden eyes. She gasped. His expression was haggard with his normally smooth hair ruffled from movement. His brow was creased slightly, but the emotion that could be attached to it was unsure. The elegant was drawn tight, his jaw clenched tightly. Yet, his eyes did not leave her, piercing into her, holding her, and almost willing her to stay.
Kagome began to tremble. This was too much, too soon. A strangled cry ripped from her throat and she began to shift. Dropping her hand, she turned swiftly, eager to be gone from the man. How the hell had he gotten in and where had Sango gone. She panicked.
But she did not go far. A strong arm wrapped around her slender waist as she struggled to crawl off the bed. She was drawn back until she collided with his lean, muscular body. "Let me go," she cried. But his arm merely tightened his hold, pulling her up until she was supported on his thighs and chest. His free hand grabbed the towel covered bag, brining it up to her face. "No," he said firmly. Sesshomaru tried to place the bag on her cheek but Kagome struck out, squirming and shaking as she twisted to be free. A growl made her freeze once again. "Stop this," he ordered. But she could not stop shaking.
"Let me go," repeated Kagome in a whisper. More tears began to streak down her porcelain face. She could feel his hands on her. The thought triggered memories of the past; memories that reminded her that she had only been used, defiled. She screeched loudly as they became too much for her and she once again flailed in his grasp.
Sesshomaru was caught off guard. She ripped from him in her unexpected move, grabbing his arm and flinging it from her body. With a grunt, he started slightly. When had a woman ever wanted to leave his arms? In a stupor, he watched as she leaped off of the bed, retreating to the corner of the room. Kagome slammed her back against the wall, shaking and breathing heavily as she kept her wide, terrified eyes on Sesshomaru.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Kagome spat.
Silently, Sesshomaru rose from his seated position on the bed. He turned to face the quaking woman, standing tall and erect. His molten gold eyes met her fearful blue orbs and held her gaze. He did not respond.
"Well," she screamed. "Why the hell are you in my home? What could possibly be left for you to say? I know, you wish to rub the fact that I was just a whore in my face, ne? It would bring you satisfaction to hurt me more. Do you want to watch me shrivel and cry? Is that it? Is that –"
"Silence!" Sesshomaru interrupted gruffly. "That is enough, woman. You do not understand anything."
"Oh, I don't?" countered Kagome. She pushed herself off of the wall, taking a step forward. She clenched her fists at her side, growing strong in her anger. "What is there to understand? I was used and cast aside. I meant nothing to you. You got what you wanted, now leave me alone. There is already enough damage done. Release me," she angrily yelled.
Sesshomaru growled, narrowing his eyes in frustration. He stepped around the bed, bringing himself closer to Kagome. Never once did his eyes leave hers, but they did grow in intensity. "You stupid wench," he hissed.
"Then why are you here with a stupid wench? Why did you come here, just to tell me that? I am sure that you will be able to find another woman to make your whore," she began, holding her ground as Sesshomaru stalked forward, "and fuck. After all, that is what you wanted."
"You do not seem to understand why –" Sesshomaru growled heatedly as he continued to move. He was almost upon her.
"No!" she screamed once again. "You do not understand! I will not be held to you anymore. I want out of the contract and away from you. You are a fool to think that I would allow this to continue and allow your presence to mock me. I cannot stand to look at you."
With a fierce cry, Sesshomaru was upon her. Grasping her shoulders, he shoved her back into the wall. She cried out as well, bringing her fists up to pound against his muscled chest. She fought and twisted, screaming the entire way. Snarling, he lowered his head to her head despite the fact that she shook it wildly in her fight. Pulling up to her neck, he brought his lips to the tender, white flesh, giving it a sharp nip. The effect was immediate. She stiffened and still, but her tears and muffled sobs still continued.
"It is my turn, Kagome," he muttered dangerously in her ear. "You will listen." He paused for a moment, making sure that he had the woman's attention. She remained silent. In reward for the appropriate behavior, he ran his lips softly against her ear causing the woman to shudder even more.
"I will only say this once. I was the fool." Kagome gasped in response. "I have lied to you today. You have riled my being more than any other woman has. The mere thought of another's hands upon you disturbs me. I do not understand this emotion. I also do not understand what draws me to you. You are the only woman that has been able to capture my attention for more than one evening. Yes, you were used. You were used for my pleasure, for my desire to have you. I would not be here if I did not deem you worthy. I do not yield easily. Yet, I wished to explain and see you. You were not meant to walk away from me. I have become accustomed to having what I want. I wanted you, and I had you. However, I have come to understand that I am not quite ready to discard you. I still want you, so I will still have you."
"But, but," Kagome began shakily. "The paper. You denied…"
"We are not in a relationship, are we, Kagome? Why should I confirm arrangements that I have not yet arranged?" he asked, his voice lowering and softening.
A sob was his only response. He could feel her body weaken and slump. Sesshomaru moved his hands from her shoulders, wrapping them around her waist to support her. With a grunt, he lifted her and carried her to her bed. Setting her down gently, she sat beside her once again. Grabbing the ice bag, which was now mostly melted, he brought it to her face once again. As his eyes moved back to hers, he paused. Her sorrowful blue eyes gazed into him. He could see her internal conflict: the want to believe his words but the fear of believing. Steeling himself, he gently placed the bag against her cheek.
"How can I believe you?" she asked carefully. "How do I know this is just not a trick?"
"Because I do not back down upon my word," he answered solemnly, as if it were common sense. "I apologize for your injury. It was not my intentions to have done this. I do not hit women. My idiot half-brother causes more problems than I can imagine. Yet, I assume that he could be congratulated this once. If he had not interfered, I might not have understood what it is that I want."
"I don't know…" she began warily.
Kagome was silenced with a kiss. Sesshomaru's soft lips fell upon hers, caressing the appendages with gentle care. She fought back a moan. She should not be doing this…but he tasted so good. His warmth…she had missed this warmth, this feeling. She had missed him. He continued to tease her lips until he leaned back to give her air.
Her glazed eyes stared up at him again. She was falling again. She would believe him. She was a fool, but after all, didn't he just apologize? Frowning slightly, she narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Don't think that I will forgive you so easily. It's not everyday that you are in the tabloids, told you are worthless, and then told you are needed by the same man in the course of a few hours," she said stubbornly.
A pale eyebrow rose. She did have spirit. "I see," he answered stoically before nodding once. "Very well then. I accept the terms. Perhaps accompanying me to dinner this week will help you reach your decision."
Kagome cocked her head to the side as she regarded him. Should she? What the hell would it hurt? After all, he was the one that was so eager to apologize for his behavior. And if he turned out the way he did before, then she would find a way to break the contract and return to her original plan. And she would find someone strong enough to beat the shit out of Sesshomaru. 'Mother always told me that everyone deserves a second chance,' she thought.
"Fine," she answered.
"Good," he responded with a nod.
He reached down again, wiping the drying tears from her eyes gingerly. A small smile began to form on her lips. 'You know, there just might be a heart in there somewhere,' she thought. 'There is a first for everything,' she mentally added as he absentmindedly brushed her hair from her face as he stared down at her.
The End
A/N: Ahhhh! Well, there it is, the final chapter. I hope that everyone enjoys it. There will be an epilogue, though. Also, I am sorry that it took me so long to finish this. I have had exams and papers due non-stop, so it was hard for me to find some time. Even when I did, I was wary of the computer, since I am on it typing so much for class! Anyway, let me know how you like it or if it is a disgrace of an ending!
Thank you for all of the wonderful support. And a special thank you to everyone that voted for me in the A Single Spark Annual Fanfiction Awards. I never expected that I would win in best AU, best romance, and best overall fiction. I love you all! I can't believe that this story is so popular! I am sad to see it go. But hopefully I will get to hear from you all again when I write the sequel!
Answered Questions:
There are links to the lemons in my profile.
Yes, there will be a sequel to this story. The title is no decided yet, and the project is still in the planning stages.