Disclaimer: Is it really necessary that I do one of these things every time that I want to update a chapter? ::sigh:: I suppose just to be on the safe side, I own nothing.

An: This has been a surprisingly quick update! At least in comparison to the last couple of updates. Aren't you proud? (isn't sad that I am?)

Title: Underneath Her Mask

Chapter 8: An Old Friend

Last time-

"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 and Inu Tashio knew that there was a specific nasty 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.

"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'


Kagome's earlier happiness vanished within the blink of an eye, yet she put on a smile for Inu Tashio and replied, "It will be nice to get my cast off." Kagome shot the offending appendage a look. Honestly she forgot about it most of the time.

She quickly excused herself, saying she needed to get back to work. 'How could I have forgotten?' she thought devastatedly, walking down the halls to her own office. 'I was so wrapped up in my own happiness that I didn't remember about our weekends together...'

As she reached her office she began to quickly compose herself emotionally before entering. 'Anyway it's not like seeing Onigumo will be that much worse than usual.' Satisfied with this conclusion she was just looking forward to just getting it over with.

'What is he doing?' Kagome wondered seeing Seasshoumaru talking away on her office phone. She shot him a questioning glance when he met her gaze. "Mr. Higurashi, she just came in. Would you like to speak to her?" Kagome felt bile rise from the pit of her stomach. "No? Alright then. Yes, I'll tell her," and he set down the phone.

"That was your father," Sesshoumaru stated.

"So I gathered," Kagome cut him off sarcastically. "What did he want?"

He scowled softly, irritated by her interruption yet he began anyways. "He said to tell you that he is looking forward to hearing about everything you have been up to. Especially about the self defense class..."

"How did he find out about the self defense class?" Kagome asked quietly. A little disturbed by her question, although not entirely sure why, Sesshoumaru he told her the truth.

"I told him about it. He wanted to know what you were up to so I naturally thought..."

"You... you told him?" 'oh god.'

"Yes, is that a problem?" he asked, noting her pale face.

"No, no of course not. Why would it be?" She asked absent-mindedly.

"I'm not sure." 'you tell me' Sesshoumaru thought.

"Oh by the way, I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going. I didn't think I would be gone that long..." she trailed off. 'She's apologizing?' He searched her face and couldn't find the smallest hint that she wasn't earnest about her apology.

"So where were you exactly?"

"Oh I was just thanking your father. He is such a wonderful person, you know? You are very lucky." 'There it is again,' he thought. 'that wistful expression that comes and goes every so often. The same look she was giving as she Rin left. Wait a minute, why does she think I'm lucky? Isn't she just as fortunate as myself?'

Soon enough her longing expression was replaced by a strained smile. Not that the smile itself looked strained but Sesshoumaru was beginning to pick up on all of the barely noticeable signs that said not all of her smiles completely authentic. Little things like how Kagome would purse her rose-pink lips marginally tighter than normal and how her eyes wouldn't give off their usual glow, would tip him off.

"Is there something you would like me to do? Would you like some green tea perhaps?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact," he said curtly. 'Why can't he say please for once? A thank you wouldn't kill him either, arrogant bastard.'

"Alright." She ground out and giving a small but polite bow before leaving. Sesshoumaru watched as she left, detecting how her shoulders were somewhat rigid. Apparently he had been able to make her pissed off once more and allowed himself a small smile for his triumph.

His amusement, however, only lasted till he sat down at his own desk in the next room and realized that he nothing left to do! Well, that was exactly true, but the few possibilities were far from being imperative. His father was already steadily loading more work upon him and Inuyasha, slowly but surely coaxing him into taking control of the company and his brother as vice president. Sesshoumaru had been so focused on getting Kagome to crack that he hadn't noticed that she was doing the majority of his own work. The thing that really grated on his nerves was that it was obvious she was no where near giving up. 'Damn her.'

'Wait a minute, If I am going to be president of the combined version of Higurashi and Tashio corporations, and Inuyasha will be acting as the vice president... than where does that leave Kagome?'

(A/n: Whoa, good question)

Friday 3 p.m.

Kagome stood in front of the company building with Inuyasha by her side.

"So when do you think you'll be back?" Inuyasha asked.

"I will definitely be back her on Sunday for sure. That is if I can't talk my father into letting me come back sooner."

"What, don't you want to hang out at home?" She gave him a deadpan look.

"Inuyasha, I've been in the exact same place, doing the exact same things, and seeing the exact same snobby people for the past 18 years of my life. I'm ready for a change. Besides, I love it here. Fantastic apartment, great classes, awesome friends," she said giving him a meaningful nudge with her elbow.

"I'm glad to know to appreciate me." He said in mock seriousness before they both burst out laughing.

Then a black limousine pulled up in front of them. She began to panic, realizing that if her father was in the car that he would see her and Inuyasha having a good time. 'How could I have been so careless?' she thought. But her fears were demolished as Jakotsku, her father's driver, came out of the car and gave her a sympathetic sort of smile. He wouldn't have dared to show the slightest expression, had her father actually been in the car.

"Hey Kagome, long time no see," Jakotsu said, taking her duffle bag and putting it into the trunk.

"Yes. It's good to see you Jakotsu. I'll just be a minute longer."

"Alright."

She turned to Inuyasha before he could stop her, gave him a firm hug. After getting over his initial shock, he returned the embrace while fighting the blush that was creeping up his cheeks. 'She's so soft' he realized unconsciously.

"Hey," he said when she pulled away. "as soon as you get back, give me a ring. I don't care if it two in the fucking morning. Call me, alright?

"Okay, I promise." And Kagome Higurashi was never a person to go back on a promise, no matter how inconsequential. "See ya."

"Bye."

She got in the car and Inuyasha watched as it started up and drove. 'Kagome. I'll miss you, even if you are only gone for the weekend.' And then he walked back inside.

High up in the building, Sesshoumaru watched with unfeeling eyes and his fists clenched across his chest as his half brother and Kagome held each other in their arms, nor did he miss the look in Inuyasha's eyes as he bade Kagome farewell.

(A/n: Can someone say, 'jealous'? 0o)

"Kagome," Jakotsku said from the front seat. "Your father said to give you this." He handed her a blank envelope from his blazer's pocket while still managing to keep his eyes on the road.

"Thank you," she said as her eyes skimmed its contents.

Kagome

-I'm sure this will be a most enjoyable weekend for the both of us. I can't wait till you get home. Sorry I couldn't pick you up my dear. I just wanted to finish up some last minute business so we could spend some quality time together. Did I mention that I can't wait till you get here? There is so much we have to... talk about.

Kagome could practically see his condescending smirk as he wrote this little 'note' of his. 'It is more like a death threat than a letter' Kagome observed. She folded it neatly and set it in her lap. She closed her eyes and leaned against the chilly window, trying to get a few minutes of sleep before being forced to deal with her father. There was no doubt in her mind that she would need the rest.

9 p.m.

The light was dim. A single oil lamp in the corner was casting shadows all around the room and making Onigumo look all the more ominous with his green eyes flickering with malice. Kagome stood just beyond the threshold that led to her father's study, watching as he drummed his fingers against his desk.

"What in the hell would possess you to sign up for something like a self defense class," he spat. "Did you think that you could fight me off Kagome." He laughed but it ended up sounding empty and cold.

"What, are you scared?" He laughed again; it was even dryer than before. "Fine, if you're not afraid then why do you give a damn?" she asked impassively. He got up from his seat and walked at a leisurely pace to where she was. Onigumo brought a single hand up to run it through her hair, sifting through its silky black strands. To anyone else it would have seemed like a loving gesture, but the way he was looking at her...but Kagome knew better. Suddenly he grabbed a fistful of her hair and forced her head to tilt upwards as he whispered darkly into her ear.

"Don't act all high and mighty with me you worthless bitch. I will do as I please." His grip tightened, "and that includes making your life a living hell."Kagome couldn't quite suppress her gasp when Onigumo abruptly jerked his hand so she ended up being thrown directly into the monstrous bookcase. Kagome silently thanked God, despite the aching at the base of her skull, that the bookcase didn't come tumbling down, crushing her in the process.

She picked herself up; her breathing slightly labored and replied, "Too bad you have yet to succeed. But good luck with that whole 'trying to make my life hell' thing. Maybe someday you'll actually get one of your own." She saw his jaw clench and knew she had just multiplied the number of blows she'd receive but couldn't bring herself to care. It was worth it just to be able to tell him off.

"You will learn to keep that goddamn mouth of yours shut!" He stalked towards her again and backhanded her as soon as she was within reach. A small amount of blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth and down her chin. She could taste the familiar coppery tang and didn't even bother to wipe it away. Instead, she spat at him. Saliva tainted with blood landed unceremoniously upon his shaven cheek.

Abruptly Onigumo's calloused hand shot through the air and found its way around Kagome's neck. She gasped for air. Her body twisted and turned trying to get free. Her own hands gripped his, digging her nails into his skin till he bled, but nothing could free her from his iron like clasp. "What...what happened to," gasp for air, "not wanting any bruises," huff, "to show?" After one final angry squeeze he let go and Kagome collapsed in a heap upon the floor.

Onigumo knelt down till he was at eye level with his daughter. "Honestly Kagome, who would care?" he spoke with such truth. It was obvious he believed his words to their fullest extent. "Who would care if you showed up to work black and blue. Who would care if you laid here in my study, slowly bleeding to death. The answer is no one." Time stood still for that particular moment as they gazed into one another's eyes. Each coming to the conclusion that the only thing that tied them to the other was blood. Kagome's father closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, shattering the momentary peace between the two of them.

Grabbing her arm roughly, he dragged her to her feet, only to hurl her in the opposite direction. Kagome ended up crashing into the corner his desk. She felt a sharp pain in the middle of her back before her eyes rolled back into her head and her world became engulfed in blackness.

Onigumo stared at her, lying on the ground so helplessly. Ending her life would be so easy. His wife would have worshipped him till the end of his days had it not been for Kagome...

"Why couldn't you have died instead," he whispered softly to his unconscious daughter, before his sadness turned into back into rage and he took it out on her lifeless body.

"Mmmm..." Kagome moaned. Everything hurt. Her arms, her legs, her back, her face. 'Oh damnit!' she thought bringing a hand up to touch her cheek only to flinch when she brushed against a ghastly bruise. 'What exactly does he do to me when I'm out cold?' Kagome thought crossly as her bones cracked when she struggled to stand up. Slowly she limped her way to the bathroom, leaning against doors and walls for support. When she reached the bathroom Kagome had to sit down on the toilet seat before conserving enough energy to get up and look at the mirror.

'Oh shit,' Kagome thought as she gazed at her reflection. Her face was swollen and purple and her arms hardly looked different. Black and blue blotches sprinkled themselves on the surface of her skin. 'I look like I've been hit with a bus.' The sad thing is, she wasn't kidding.

Hearing the phone ring, she stumbled from the bathroom and tripped towards the kitchen. She picked up the phone and gingerly sat down on top of a stool.

"Hello," Kagome internally scolded herself as her voice cracked.

"Good morning too you too." His masculine voice spoke wryly.

"Oh, its you."

"Yes, it's me. Don't get too excited now Kagome." Onigumo said. Although the comment was clearly sarcastic, his daughter could clearly hear his obvious amusement "Listen I just wanted to tell that the fool of a doctor should be visiting you in about a half an hour." Kagome took a look at the clock. It said 6:45. The sun was just beginning to rise. "He will be taking off your cast and giving you some medication for that ugly face of yours. After he gets you cleaned up, feel free to call up Jakotsku and get the fuck out of my house," then he hung up without so much as a goodbye.

'Love you too father.' She thought bitterly as she slammed the phone on its cradle.

6:00 p.m.

Kagome sat in the back seat of her father's limousine, wearing casual black pants and a grey tank top underneath a cute loose fitting jacket. It was the end of September and the days were getting cooler so she didn't stick out like a sore thumb. Her hair was let down and its volume managed to cover up a small portion of her face. The rest of her face, including her neck, concealed thanks to the wonder that is cosmetics. Overall Kagome looked as normal as she did a week ago. Better in fact because she no longer had bulky white plaster encasing her forearm.

'One entire month of freedom before having to face my father once again. At least, I hope so.' She sighed contently, glad it was over. The medication Dr. Bennett prescribed wasn't exactly having a negative effect either. She felt lighter than air, sitting there with a goofy grin on her face. Her body no longer hurt. Kagome was experiencing more of a throbbing, numb kind of feeling in it's place.

"You okay Kagome?" Jakotsku asked looking at her through the rearview mirror.

"I'm absolutely incredible," she said in a singsong voice. "Did you know painkillers are marvelous things? Absolutely marvelous. It's too bad mean Dr. Bennett said I should only take them when I really, really need to." She pouted. "Humph, stupid Dr. Bennett," she mumbled and Jakotsku began to chuckle.

"Oh! I just remembered something!" Kagome declared loudly and began to riffle through her purse. She eventually pulled out her cell phone and began punching a series of numbers.

"Shhhhhh," she whispered the driver with a finger to her lips, "It's ringing."

"Hello?" Inuyasha's voice sounded through the phone.

"Inuyasha!"

"Kagome? Are you okay?!" he demanded.

"Why of course I'm okay, Inuyasha! Why would you think I'm not okay? Nope, nothing is wrong at all. But don't ask Sesshoumaru that, because he'll say something I'm not really," Kagome said, thinking back to the day he accused her of hiding from the world or people or whatever he was rambling on about. Kagome's recollection wasn't the greatest at the moment.

"Kagome, are you still there? I hear traffic. Are you in a car? Kagome. put. the. driver. on. now."

"Fine," she replied hotly, a little miffed that he didn't want to speak with her. She thrust the cell at her driver. "He wants to talk to you."

"Hello?"

"What the hell is wrong with Kagome!" Inuyasha screamed. Jakotsku imagined the young man was probably pulling his hair out by now.

"Nothing is wrong with her. The medication she is taking should wear off in about a half an hour," he explained calmly, although his ears were now ringing...

"What does she need medication for?" Inuyasha asked anxiously.

"There is nothing to worry about Mr. Takashi. She is going to be fine. Kagome has been having a few muscle spasms lately and she is taking painkillers to relax them," he recited, shooting a look at Kagome since they had come to a stoplight. She appeared to be studying her hand like it was the first time she had ever seen it before, bringing closer to her face, then farther away. Clearly not paying attention. "Oh and before I forget, I should warn you that Kagome is going to be in a lot of pain when her meds wear off, but she has too much pride to say anything. Any physical contact should be kept as minimal as possible, unless completely necessary." Jakotsku could hear Inuyasha taking deep soothing breaths.

"Do you think that you could just bring her to my house. I don't like the idea of her being alone while she's like this," Inuyasha said quietly.

"Sir, I think that would be an excellent idea."

Onigumo sat in his office, waiting impatiently for the young man to pick up his cell.

"Onigumo," he stated. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I have a favor to ask of you, my old friend," Onigumo said with genuine affection lacing his voice.

"Onigumo, I may not be in my youth anymore, but I still have quite a few years ahead of me. I don't think I am considered 'old' quite yet," he responded, chuckling. "Now what is this favor you speak of?"

"I want you to watch after Kagome."

"I'll do it," he replied almost immediately.

"Thank you. I knew I could count on you Naraku."

Good news! I know exactly what I want to happen in the next chapter! Meaning that it should be up relatively soon! (Wow, I'm on a roll) Okay, maybe it's just me, but I thought this chappy was pretty good. Well, maybe not the beginning, but the rest of it seemed decent. Tell me what you all think. And thank you everyone who reviewed. It means so much to me.

Isn't this a twist? Naraku is in the story. Wow. At first I wasn't going to add him but I just felt like 'what the hell' and threw him in the mix. I'm sure I'll have fun screwing with his character. Is there anything particularly nasty that any of you would like to happen to him, or Onigumo for that matter?

Important notice: Constructive Criticism Wanted. How can I get any better if I don't know what I'm doing wrong? Also, if you have any suggestions for what should happen in the story, I will give them serious thought. I pretty much have an outline of how I want it to go, but hey ::shrug:: I'm flexible.

Guideline/ aka things to remember!

Sesshoumaru is putting off talking with anyone about what role Kagome is going to play in the combined company.

Jakotsku made sure that Kagome didn't hear that he was telling Inuyasha not to touch her because he knew she would get angry.

Kagome was never sexually abused by her father. (her father's sick, but not quite that sick.)

Jakotsku and Kagome are semi-friends. He is aware that she is being abused but can't say anything. (The reason will be revealed at a later time)

Jakotsku and Kagome were both told by Onigumo what to tell people about the bruises and medication.

Sesshoumaru was jealous of Kagome embracing his brother.

Being around Sesshoumaru causes Kagome to become unbalanced, therefore she shows more of what she is actually feeling.

Sesshoumaru has spent time studying Kagome. Nobody else has ever paid that much attention to her, therefore didn't see what she was really feeling.

(Someone asked about this) Kagome doesn't despise Kaede because she realized that Kaede loves her and her late mother.

Naraku has caller ID.

Onigumo doesn't know his wife was going to run away.

IMPORTANT: remember the oil lamp!

Review Responses: THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Marika: I love your name. Thank you for reviewing.

Megan Concer: I'm glad you like it.

Crystal Jade2: I hope I didn't disappoint you!

Megele: Did you get my e-mail? I would really like to hear your opinion (or read in this case) lol!

faithwings: What do you mean my honesty? Now that I think about it for a minute, are you referring to telling everybody that I'm negligent? Thanks, I think. Lol

ShadowObscurity: Wow, my ego has just been increased tenfold! You are so nice! I can understand why you can't always remember your previous reviews. I'm surprised there are even some people that can. Lol. You said that the 7th chapter brightened your day and I just want to say that I'm glad I could help you in some way. Please let me know what you think of this chapter too. P.S. I am very honored you think so highly of my story!

Dracome Ban-Siclhea: Did I spell that right? I'm glad I could clear up some stuff for you!

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Why?What?Shutup: I love your name! It is totally awesome! Very creative, I must say. And thank you!

KagomeHigurashi12: I aim to please! ::smug smile:: lol!

myinuyasha04: Thank you so much! It is good to know my own grammar isn't completely shot. Lol

the-piro-16: Good intuition!

ioke: I hope you liked it!

Aeroelem: You know, so few peope actually sue my pen name when reviewing,. I really appreciate it. Now for your question. In case you didn't read the guideline, Kagome doesn't hate Kaede because the only reason Kaede chose to stay being her nanny is because she loved Kagome and her mother so much. Kagome was smart enough to realize Kaede didn't have to be there, but wanted to be. Kaede was the closest thing to a mother that Kagome ever had. Thanks for your review Kitsune! Hope this clears up your question!

Jade Catseye: I know I was negligent. ::feeling total shame:: question: How do you know I'm a girl? Dun dun DUN ( you called me chica in your last review) But now that I think about it, the fact that I call myself MISSshay might have something to do with it. ::feeling very stupid:: ::now breaking out in giggles::

Dragon Rae: I think your baby talk is cute! Lol!

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Amai745: ::blush:: Your are so SWEET!