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Kagome stared up at Sesshomaru, almost daring him not to stop him from staying with them. Not that she didn't like the guy, but… given the current situation, she didn't think it would be a very good idea. "Sesshomaru…I don't think…" Kagura whispered, just loud enough for Sesshomaru to hear.
"My lovely lady here also announces that it would be her pleasure if you were to stay for a few weeks." Sesshomaru said calmly. He noticed Kagura's constant tensing. Her nails dug into his skin, silently begging him to find an excuse or something. No, that could simply not be done. If he had denied Inu Yasha access to his home, it would make him a coward. And a coward he was not. "Now, let us put this matter in the back of our minds. After all, we still have long hours to enjoy!" The crowd started chatting again while Kagura was thinking of a way to blow a hole in Sesshomaru's cool disdain to her feelings.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Sesshomaru? He thinks I'm your girlfriend! I hate putting on shows and stuff like that!" Kagura hissed into Sesshomaru's ear after steering him away from the crowd. She flashed a quick smile at Inu Yasha, who seemed quite pleased at his brother's decision. Through her teeth, she was cursing at Sesshomaru.
"Why is this such a big deal? You do not even know him. I have suffered a majority of my life in his presence," Sesshomaru also gave a half-smile at some ladies who giggled shyly at him and batted their eyelashes. Kagura rolled her eyes. "I will not let him disrupt my life. After these few weeks, Inu Yasha will admit that he cannot shake me and leave and then all will be forgotten. The richer society runs like this, Kagura. You do not understand."
Kagura's temper instantly flared. "I don't care how you or your stupid 'richer society' runs! I –"
"Is this any way to speak to me?" Sesshomaru glared down at her. In an instant he turned back to that cool, hard businessman. Kagura had no choice but to simmer down and shake her head. "Now, you will make no fuss about this and we shall continue on our lives as if he were not there. Do not act as if there is anything bothering you. Tonight, we are hosts."
Kagura nodded her head without saying a word. She turned around immediately, walking away and obviously ignoring him. Sesshomaru watched her retreating back and walked off the other way. Women.
"Hey there, pretty lady." For the hundredth time that night, another young man circled around her and asked for a dance. Kagura smiled graciously and raised her hand, accepting his offer. "Mmm…so I hear you're The Ice's girlfriend. Good on you!" This was how every conversation that night had started.
Kagura followed her usual routine. "Oh, yes. Handsome isn't he?" She put on an adoring smile, let her eyes pretend to slip into a trance, then pretended to shake herself back to reality. The man chuckled.
"I'm Kouga, hon. Me and your boyfriend are business colleagues. I must say, of all the years I've known him, I have never seen him with a woman. You must be a miracle worker!" Over and over again… Miracle worker, magician, bewitching, enchanting, he must adore you so… Kagura had heard it all.
Back to the routine. "Oh, not so. There was simply an instant attraction. You know love, it's funny that way." Oh please… love my ass! That man wouldn't know love if it ran in front of him naked. All he knew was his business and his constant show of coolness and indifference.
"Ah, I see. You're a lovely woman, I can see how any one would be attracted to you!"
"Why, thank you!"
From afar, Sesshomaru watched Kagura dancing with countless other men. He was standing and sipping his wine, watching some ladies to his right work up the courage to ask him for a dance. Women were fools who tried to pretty themselves up for the satisfaction of men. That was why he never spent any time with them. So why was it so unnerving to see Kagura dance and dance and dance with Kouga, Kohaku, and every single one of Japan's wealthiest and most powerful men? Deep down, he felt disappointment. He had never felt this after any other argument, no matter how severe. But it had been his wrong to agree to Inu Yasha's stay without really asking her opinion first. Damn it, Sesshomaru! Since when did you care other peoples' opinions? If you let anything burden your mind, you will never be the most powerful, the best of the best! And that was what he had thrived on. Being the best of everyone. Being the king of Japan's high society. What did one measly little girl count for? Nothing!
But she wasn't like other women. She didn't care for all those pretty things that most women lusted for. She had led a simple life. She could speak her mind and be bold. She had done that with him. She had spoken her mind and expressed her honest opinion and he had flung it right back at her. Kagura was obviously ignoring him right now, and being ignored was not a thing that Sesshomaru was used to, nor did he want to be used to it. So that was perhaps why he felt so horrible. It would do me good to speak to her. After all, I cannot have her angry with me when Inu Yasha stays.
His mind made up, he walked towards her and Kouga, who were finishing their dance. Sesshomaru chose to ignore the simpering women who were tailing him, never letting him out of their view.
Tapping Kouga's shoulder he offered a half smile and said, "I'll take over now."
Kouga chuckled. "You always do, Sesshomaru." Kouga left graciously kissing the back of Kagura's hand. Kagura had no choice but let Sesshomaru spin them around. She danced as well as she could but did not speak to him. Didn't even look him in the eye.
"Kagura… I wish to apologize." Kagura still didn't say anything. "I simply wanted not to let my half brother know that I had no problem with him…"
"But you do!" Kagura told him, speaking coldly and still not looking him in the eye. "The whole world knows it. You have a problem with Inu Yasha, and you are simply doing this for a show."
"Kagura, shows are what we DO. Anyhow, I refuse to change my decision."
Kagura sighed. "I expected that."
"But I am truly…sorry." Sesshomaru practically had to force his words out. "I am not used to considering other people. I…I am used to being above everyone, not used to having to think of what this person might want or not want. It is the nature of my being."
Kagura smiled slightly. "I know, Sesshomaru. I'm not very mad at all and have absolutely no right to be. This is your home, not mine. This is your life, not mine. I… I'm just an intruder really. I guess I've no choice but to accept your decision with good graces."
"This night has been wonderful, Sesshomaru… I've never felt so important and wanted." Kagura sighed contently and rested her head on Sesshomaru's chest.
Once again, Sesshomaru felt his heart melt a little. She was so indefinitely fragile and little. He would have to teach her confidence and the ways of the high and mighty. But he could never let her have a say in his life.
That would be the fall of him.
