Disclaimer: I own nothing. It is sad but true. Does that make me pathetic? That I own nothing of the objects of my obsession? I guess I'm as pathetic as all the others that are as obsessed as myself

Title: Underneath Her Mask

Authors note: I am truly and deeply sorry about how long it has been since I have written. I don't see the point of making some lame excuses so I am just going to tell all of you the truth, no matter how much I want to say I was swarmed by finals and now that it is summer you will be seeing much more of me, it not completely true. The truth is I have been negligent when I shouldn't have been, but I am going to try very hard not to let anything get in the way of my writing. I know I have made empty promises in the past so I can understand why you wouldn't believe me when I say I am going to try harder, but if you trust a word that I type, please believe that it was not my intention to lead any of you on with my false pretenses. Please forgive me and continue to critique my story. Thank you for reading.

Chapter 7: Trouble on the Horizon

"Remind me once more how you managed to get me to agree to this?" Sesshoumaru asked frustrated from his spot against the wall, watching as people milled into the local dojo.

"You agreed to help me after I informed you about all the beautiful women that would be showing up," Hiten explained while his own eyes raked the bodies of a group of lush looking females nearby.

"Somehow, I seriously doubt that," Sesshoumaru said, his gaze drifting back to Hiten.

Hiten Omagowaa is 20 years old and could be considered Sesshoumaru Takashama's closest friend, or only friend for that matter. Normally people would annoy him, yet he found Hiten to be unusually tolerable, to a certain degree of course. Sesshoumaru found Hiten's gift in charming the opposite sex one of his less admirable qualities. But despite his lust for the women of the world, he has the ability to see life for what it really is, a virtue Sesshoumaru silently respects in any human-being.

"Come on Sesshoumaru! Don't be such a frosty bastard." Hiten was also one of the few people who didn't feel intimidated by his outward callousness, not that Sesshoumaru tried excessively hard to intimidate Hiten. "Why don't you find, oh I don't know, maybe a girlfriend?" he asked. "You know you need to get laid."

"I am very capable of controlling my..." He suddenly trialed off as the image of Kagome flashed in his mind. She was sitting her office chair. Her lips parted and a few top buttons of her white work blouse were undone and she was panting softly, looking nothing short of a temptress in her disheveled state.

"Uh, Sesshoumaru?" Hiten called waving his hand in front of his face, snapping Sesshoumaru out of his daze.

"Like I was saying, I am more than capable of controlling my urges, unlike a certain someone I know" he grumbled, trying not to think about why her image would flash before his mind's eye, especially as he was jus speaking about being able to control over his body.

"Dear god." Hiten said suddenly, his jaw going slack and his head tilting to the side. "Look at that!" Sesshoumaru followed Hiten's gaze. 'No.' he thought gazing at her porcelain flesh , those wavy black tress and familiar striking blue eyes that just happened to be staring straight back at him. Next to her stood Sango, his half brother's friend. He strode forward purposefully, leaving a dumbfounded Hiten in his wake. Offhandedly he noted how the sweatpants and tank top she wore clung to her curves generously.

"What are you doing here?" Sesshoumaru demanded, gritting his teeth together dangerously.

"I'm here for the self-defense class." Kagome replied hotly." What your you doing here?"

"I am helping toteachthis particular class wench." He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose, hoping against hope that when he opened his eyes she wouldn't be there. Nope. Still standing there and now glaring at him defiantly. So much for wishful thinking.

"We have a problem. The two of us won't be able to get through these classes without me killing you. You have to leave." He said coldly. "Working with you is bad enough."


"Why do I have to be the one to leave? Why don't you?!" she shot back. 'I thought he at least found my work acceptable. I guess I still have to prove to him that I am the best he will ever have.' Kagome thought stubbornly.

"I already told you wench or weren't you listening," he sneered," I'm teaching this class."

"No, you said you were "helping to teach" so technically speaking, you aren't the one running the show." 'Damn.' She looked past him toward the man who happened to be watching the so called "exchange" they were sharing. He happened to be the only other male in the dojo. 'He is too fit to be here to learn self defense." Kagome pushed past Sesshoumaru and sauntered over to stand in front of the mystery man while Sesshoumaru followed close behind. Sango just stood there, confused as to what was going on, opening and closing her mouth and looking remarkably like a fish.

"Are you the one who will be teaching this class?"

"I am," Hiten replied slowly, paying very close attention to the way her long eyelashes brushed against her skin when her eyes opened and closed.

"Then perhaps you could help us. My name is Kagome Higurashi and I assume you already know Sesshoumaru. We don't necessarily 'get along' you see, and he seems to thing that we wouldn't even be able to stay in the same room together. Do you think it would be possible to share as little contact as possible?" she asked, looking oh so innocent with her big blue eyes staring up at him. 'This is Kagome Higurashi?' Hiten let his gaze slide from the girl, to his friend. Sesshoumaru was, no doubt, ripping her apart, piece by piece, in his mind. 'Hmmm, I wonder...'

"My dear, that would be no problem at all. Under one condition of course." Hiten couldn't help but notice how her eyes turned distrustful in seconds.

"And what would that be?"

"That you let me take you out for coffee." He flashed her a brilliant smile that nearly faultered when he saw the quick look of panic in her eyes, though her face betrayed nothing. The look was gone so quickly he had to convince himself he had actually seen it in the first place. Only moments later she was calm, cool, collected, where as if Sesshoumaru appeared irritated before, he looked deadly now.

"You know I was just kidding. You don't really have to go out with me. It was a lame pick-up line. I'm really sorry." Hiten said quickly, deciding to deal with whatever was going on with Sesshoumaru later.

"That's okay. I'm just not very good at the whole dating thing. I don't think I've ever had a date that wasn't business related." She said laughing lightly, as if it were nothing. Sesshoumaru's earlier anger was forgotten and all Hiten's hopes to charm flew out the window. Silence ensued and the three people were soon aware that they were not the only ones paying attention to their own conversation.

Sango, who was conveniently located near Kagome now, started to laugh nervously. "Okay everyone shows over. You can go back to your own business." As soon as the sea of people parted once more and began to talk amongst themselves, Sango pulled Kagome off to the side. Far enough to be considered a private conversation but not far enough where as the two men couldn't hear what they were saying.

"Kagome, you've never been on a date before?" Sango asked in a harsh whisper.

"No, is that so weird? My god, everyone acts as if I'm from another planet or something," she said chuckling.

"Well are you? I mean it's not normal for a teen to not date!"

"Sango, I'm just not good with dating," she stated frankly. "I'm not usually asked either. The guys I have come across thus far that have been interested in something more than friendship were either rich snobs or old enough to be my father. Both situations are entirely too revolting to think seriously about. Besides I really didn't have much time for dating till I came to college."

"Well Kagome, now's the time to start! Hiten seems really nice, and totally hot..."

"Sango, don't make a big deal out of this. It just wouldn't work out." Something in Kagome's voice made Sango hesitate.

"How can you know if you don't even try?"

"I just do."

Hiten and Sesshoumaru looked at each other and silently agreed with a nod of the head. "Okay people," Hiten called out, clapping his hands together. "Time to get this party started. Let your first self defense lesson begin."

Kagome quietly paid attention to everything that was said, soaking up the information like a sponge. Kagome was taught the procedure while an assault is taking place. It basically consisted of a) scream b) hit the guy in the groin, and finally c) run like hell while screaming. Kagome glanced at the other people in the room and nearly snorted at what she saw. Everybody was eating it up.

"Does anyone have any questions before we leave?" Hiten asked. Out of the rows of women, Kagome was the only one to raise her hand. Sesshoumaru had to resist rolling his eyes.

"Kagome, do you have a question?" he asked looking a tad bit surprised.

"Yes, actually I do. This lesson was good and all but the only people these steps would prevent is some horny amateur. The fact of the matter is that this wouldn't stop anyone with a few brain cells and the muscles to back up his psycho desires. What are we suppose to do if that happens?" If she ever wanted to stand up to her father, physically speaking of course, this self defense class didn't seem like the best route to go.

"Well, uh," Hiten looked uncomfortable, and appeared as though he had not expected a question like that. Apparently his usual charm and charisma failed him as well. "Uh, I think I should let Sesshoumaru take this one. Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru shot him a heated look before directing his gaze at Kagome. 'Why would she ask something like that? Is she afraid that someone would do something like that to her? Is someone forcing themselves on her?' Shaking his head he tried to think of the question at hand rather than the person asking it.

"If anyone here is afraid that they may be in danger of such a thing to happen, then I suggest that you go find yourself someone who is willing to train you more extensively then the basic skills this class teaches, or head to the authorities and let them take care of it." He was supposed to be talking to the entire class, but instead he looked only at Kagome. 'Going to the authorities is out of the question. Could I get a personal trainer? No, there isn't anyone I could trust enough to keep my secret.'

"Okay, class dismissed. Same time next week." Hiten announced distractedly, looking back and forth, slightly concerned, between Kagome and Sesshoumaru. Kagome told Sango to go on ahead without her.

"I'll be there in a minute Sango," she said, still not taking her eyes off of Sesshoumaru.

"Okay girl, come out when your ready," and she walked out to her car to wait for her friend. Kagome walked right up to Sesshoumaru. Now them and Hiten were the only people left in the dojo.

"I'm not afraid of anything Sesshoumaru." Kagome declared.

"I beg to differ. Everyone is afraid of something," he smirked.

"Oh, and just what are you afraid of Sesshoumaru?" 'That certainly shut him up' Hiten thought as Sesshoumaru's smirk dropped. He didn't like where this conversation was going. "I'll tell you what you're scared of. You're terrified of being weak. That's why you hide behind that stone façade of yours!"

"As if you don't?" he replied, his voice dripping with skepticism. "You act as if everything in is fine, yet you have yet to even go out on a date, let alone really experience life! Do you realize how much is completely wrong with that twisted scenario? I might not be considered as part of the group of utterly reckless college students' that make up the majority of the university's population but that is nothing, absolutely nothing, in comparison to you!" 'He sounds so emotional' Kagome thought surprised.

'I've never heard him like this before.' Hiten was more than a little irked.

"You don't know shit about my life Sesshoumaru," Kagome said, her bangs now covering her eyes. "So don't act as if you do," And with that said, she walked right out the door.

"She irritates the hell out of me" Sesshoumaru said, still looking where she disappeared. Hiten smiled.

"I can see why. She is quite the vixen you made her out to be."

"She is too smart to let you fuck around with her Hiten, so I suggest you back off." His voice sounded calm but they both heard the underlying warning.

"Why are you being so protective of her Sesshoumaru?" Hiten wondered aloud. "Have you developed feelings for her?" His questions were genuine, not goading as one would have thought them ought to be. "I have never seen you as expressive as you were just minutes before arguing with her." Sesshoumaru thought long and hard before he spoke, weighing his words.

"She is baffling. She hides behind her own cleverly constructed mask and yet still seems so compassionate. She is like an enigma, a total mystery to me."

"What is she hiding?" Hiten asked.

"That is what I intend to find out," he said thinking about her earlier, quite disturbing, question.

"Other than mild interest Sesshoumaru the question still remains, why do you care?"

"I don't" 'oh Sesshouamaru, lying isn't your style' Hiten thought shaking his head.

(work)

"InuTashio-sama?" Kagome called from her spot, standing at the doorway.

"Yes? Oh Kagome! It's you! Come on in!" He hastily got up from his seat and ushered her to sit in front of him. Now then, what can I do for you?" he asked, sitting back in his own leather seat. Unconsciously she tucked a single strand of her pitch black hair behind her ear.

"Well Mr. Takamada, I just wanted to thank you for arranging my hours so I can go to those classes.

"You are very welcome Kagome! You should be enjoying yourself. What was it you joined again?"

"I am taking an archery class that will start up in a couple of weeks along with another class that Sango talked me into joining." Kagome said nonchalantly, internally her heart was hammering. She clamped her hands tightly together in her lap to keep them from shaking. She hoped more than anything that he wouldn't ask the awful question of what exactly that second class would be. She was already tempting fate by signing up for archery. If her father found out about her self defense classes, there would be no telling what he'd do.

"I'm glad you are getting out my dear girl. It has been almost three weeks since since you've been at college. How is it going?"

"It's going great!" she said with her eyes a glow. "Last week I went to a movie! I had never been to one before and it was awesome! All my teachers are wonderful and me on Friday. Sango and Miroku are both the best! My last school didn't have nearly as many nice people as it does here!" He chuckled as she stopped to take a breath.

"So I take it you're enjoying yourself?" His grin was spread wide across his aging face. She didn't need to answer, for the look of bliss on her face was answer enough. "So what do you think of my sons? I know you three didn't exactly start off on the right foot." He trailed off leaving a short pause between the two, for Kagome became lost in thought.

"Well," she said after a while, "Inuyasha is a nice guy. I feel really bad about slapping him at that party when we first met." She ran her hand through her hair sheepishly. "But he has been great, despite acting like a complete child from time to time." She shook her head while frowning and Inu Tashio knew that there was a specific incident she was refereeing too.

"And Sesshoumaru? What do you think of him?"

"He is... he is confusing." She didn't say more after that and Inu Tashio sensed that she didn't want to talk about it.

"Um, ahem, well how do you feel about visiting your father, in what, three days from now?" He failed to see her eyes widen fractionally. 'I forgot'

(Sesshoumaru's office)

Sesshoumaru sat at his desk, checking out the companies he had invested stock in. 'The DOW is up 28.2%.' he noted with a small amount of pleasure. A sudden ringing from the next room caught his attention. It wouldn't stop. He strained his neck some, only to see that Kagome was not in her office. 'where did she go? She usually doesn't leave without telling me' The phone stopped and a minute later began once more. 'Damn it all to hell' he thought vehemently as he pushed out of his swivel chair and went to pick up Kagome's office phone.

"Sesshoumaru's secretaries office, Sesshoumaru speaking," he answered calmly.

"Sesshoumaru, it's so good to hear from you!" Onigumo's sickeningly sweet voice responded.

"Hello Higurashi-san." 'What does he want?' "Are you looking for Kagome?"

"Yes, I just wanted to tell her how excited I am for her visit." 'he doesn't sound too excited,' Sesshoumaru noted offhandedly. 'Although he never seems very expressive when it comes down to Kagome.' "Actually I'm glad that I caught you. How is my daughter doing? You know she never tells me anything and we haven't spoken in so long..." Sesshoumaru barely sensed the strain on his voice. 'maybe he really is worried,' although Sesshoumaru had his doubts, Onigumo seemed actually concerned about what was going on in his daughter's life. He decided to indulge him.

"Higurashi is doing fine. She is doing well here at the office and I usually have to drag her out. Then there is the self defense class she recently started going to..."

"Oh? Would you mind telling me a little more about this class she is taking?"

Dun dun DUN! Uh oh, Kagome is in trouble! Hmmmmm. I'm not sure about my feelings about this chapter. I don't think I like it. No I'm pretty sure I don't. It's not very good (in my opinion) I wanted to make it longer too. ::sigh:: I guess I'll have to try extra hard with the next one. What do you think? There are a few things I would like to say before I get to the Review Responses.

First, I would like to thank the people who offered to be my beta readers. Due to some more technological problems (my computer sucks) I was unable to successfully e-mail my chapter to any of them. I find that completely unfortunate seeing as how they had some wonderful ideas and comments. I would like to ask that not only they continue to give me advice/aka constructive criticism but all of you that are reading this do the same.

Secondly, I would like to apologize one more time for how long this has taken me. I refuse to make any more promises that I won't be able to keep and all I can say is that I will try not to let me fall into another slump.

Thirdly here is the guideline once more:

Kagome was never sexually assaulted by her father.

Inuyasha is developing feelings for Kagome but this is a S/K

Sesshoumaru talks to Hiten about what he feels more than anyone else.

Being around Sesshoumaru causes Kagome to be unbalanced and when she is unbalanced it is easier for her to loose control on her mask. (that's why Hiten could see the panic in her eyes.)

The strain on Onigumo's voice was the fact that he had to call Kagome his daughter. Something that is very hard for him to do.

Inu Tashio basically sees Kagome as the daughter he never had.

Sesshoumaru calls Kagome 'Higurashi' in public but 'Kagome' in his mind

Kagome has never been on a date but she has been eyeed by creepy old guys. (ewwww. That is just gross!)

I can't think of any more right now.

Jan ne!

Review Responses:

Marika: I would like to thank you for helping me out. You are one of my main reasons for getting back to writing. Thank you for the reviews.

aeroelem: Thanks for the review!

whiterose: Again, I am sorry it has been so long.

Supreme Neo slytherin Countess: I don't think I did Hiten justice. Tell me what you think.

Ioke: It is good to hear from you again!

Goddesss-of-the-White-Wing: I'm sorry you had to wait so long.

ShadowObscurity: I loved your review. It was a refreshing change from the usual sentence type of review. Thank you and I hope to be hearing from you again.

raine84: If I told you those things I would probably go off in some sort of tangent and reveal the whole plot in the process. You are right. Inutashio sees Kagome as the daughter he never had. Thanks for the review! I hope to hear from you again soon!

Gizmo369: I'm glad you enjoy it!

Lady of Chaos 2005: Thank you!

Blackiecat: Thanks for all the constructive critism. I couldn't agree with you more. In fact I'm not too fond of this chapter either but I think it is better than chapter 6. I'm sorry the beta reader thing didn't work out. I would have really enjoyed having to hear what you thought before the chapters come out. But since we can't do that, will you still give me the constructive criticism that I crave? Pretty Please? With a cherry on top?

Amai745: Don't worry about the fluff going on between Kagome and Inuyasha. I will try and have minimal fluff with them. Frankly Kagome just doesn't feel that way about Inu

Shanaka: I'm glad you understood the first conversation thing. Also I'm sorry that I have e-mailed you in a while. I've been kind of sorting out a few, well we'll call them difficulties in my life right now.

migele: Does Sesshoumaru himself disturb you or my portrayal? (keep in mind your answer to this could do serious damage to my ego, even though it could survive being knocked down a few notches)

The-piro-16: I'm glad you like it.

Thunder girl: As always, I thank you for your support and its awesome hearing from you again.

Jade Catseye: Awesome name!

eMeLyNoOoPeE: I am going to make Inuyasha as realistic as possible, along with my own little twist added. (if that makes any sense, hee hee)

jade: Why what?

.:Crimson:. I think you should totally post your stories! How do you know there dumb?!

InvisibleRain: Thank you, so much. I had so many doubts about that chapter. I still do.

Glassthorn: I'm sorry this took so long to update.

I: I'm glad.

hyper person: I'm glad. Tell me if you think there is anything I need to work on.