A.N. Mikazuki here with Chapter Fourteen of Delightfully Disastrous. Thanks for the reviews! This Chapter was less rushed than the last and hopefully much longer. Reviewer Responses will be at the end of the Chapter.

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I do not own this anime and undoubtedly never will.

Summary: Who knew that all you had to do to become famous was drown?

(TSUKI)

Delightfully Disastrous

(TSUKI)

Chapter Fourteen

(TSUKI)

The Shikkon no Tama known as the jewel of four souls was an incredibly unforgettable and very interesting aspect of Japanese History.

The souls can be broken down into Arami tama, nikimi tama, fushigi tama, and sakimi tama. The four are parts of the spirit and the heart that together become one and filled with good. Arami tama represents courage, Nikimi tama- friendship, Fushigi- wisdom and Sakimi tama- love.

The story of the Shikkon no Tama begins with and ends with a great priestess named Midoriko. She held the ability to purify the souls of demons, something not many could do and something that made her distinguished in history. Midoriko was, as known legends had stated, an extremely powerful miko- undoubtedly the most powerful miko known, and yet she feared demons would come after her to attempt to kill her for that reason.

In the end, demons- numerous smaller youkai merged as one to finally try and seek her out and so they forced Midoriko to fight for a long seven days and seven nights. When her strength was about to run out for a demon had stuck its fangs in her, she reached inside her self to seek inner strength from her soul, seizing and imprisoning both herself and the demons that had sought her life. The demon's had not been purified.

It was her soul that turned into the Shikkon no tama. It emerged from her body as the coveted and powerful jewel. It was said and believed that still inside the sacred jewel, a war wages. That Miroriko and the demons' souls are still in battle, and will be until the Shikkon no tama is purified by a miko with pure hearted intentions and then rest will be gained on their parts. As the scrolls state, who ever is the beholder of the jewel can turn it either evil or turn it pure, but any human of demon. The jewel therefore in all right is considered to be both good and bad.

After many long years, the jewel found itself in the hands of the mighty Inu Taisho, the Inu youkai lord of the Western Lands. It came under his owner ship when the young miko Fruharimi- a young miko, who had held the jewel in her possession had come to the taiyoukai, to ask him to keep in his protection the jewel for no one dared to cross the youkai and face his strength.

A treaty was drawn between the he and the miko. She and her people would uproot and build their village in the Western Lands so as the jewel could be under guard, and what Inu- Taisho received in return— scrolls never mentioned.

The Taisho clan were also known to be able to construct almost impenetrable barrier that was passed down from heir to heir Inu Taisho was no different and so inherited the ability to control and keep the heirloom barrier.

Unless passed down, the rose will wilt. It lives only for protecting and lives only for the descendents of the inu clan.

And so thus a barrier was called upon over the scared jewel and it was kept in the originally in a shrine in the village until deceit filled the land and forced out betrayal and death. Afterwards it was thought better to keep in deceased first mate's gardens in the center of a silver petal-ed rose. The gardens had been where the rose had previously resided before being called up to guard the jewel. The silver and one of its kind rose that the barrier would only surround was the same flower that had been passed down for years.

But now, the traditional barrier had a ward:

The Shikkon no tama.

(TSUKI)

Kagome felt a few beads of sweat line her forehead, her mind was still under a hazy spell from the intoxicating bottles and bottles of liquor she guzzled but it was slowly easing away, thanks to the Advil she had taken. Thanks to her current situation, she was exasperated beyond belief.

Rubbing her eyes to stop the rapid and wild spinning of her head, she sighed, "How is it that I get myself in the damned situations."

She received no answer— not that she was expecting one mind you.

She stole a glance at a window that she had opened to let the pleasant and refreshing ocean breeze wash in the room.

'We are up pretty high... but there is a pretty good chance that I'll survive the drop... I think.'

She stroked her chin in thought calculating a bit.

A loud outburst from her messy room shook her from her thoughts and back to the matter at hand and the reason for her current and second entrapment for the day came rushing back with a vengeance.

Plopping down on the floor, which was covered partially with her clothes she rolled her eyes at the two other people whom she was everly so lucky enough to get trapped with. Both of which present company were engaged in a very loud and very insulting verbal fight.

About an hour or so before hand, Kagome and Sesshoumaru had stood in the center of drunken, sprawled out, and unconscious, bodies, and all those presently stated were still stuck down in the basement with the hellish door that refused to open from the inside.

The two settled down on the couch, it being the only comfortable to the rest and Kagome decided to try and strike up some conversation. Kagome sighed. One looked at the present company told her that that would be harder than she had hoped.

"Soo... They're out cold?" That thought alone made her wish that she had a permanent marker..

"Hn..."

"Do you think that they will wake up anytime soon?"

"Hn..."

"And we're still locked down here?"

"Hn."

"Can you say anything other than 'Hn'?"

"Hm."

"Now that's just being a smart ass." She 'hmph!' ed, disdainfully and conversation dwindled until she reattempted to start it.

"And you still won't tell me what I said while under?"

"No."

Kagome frowned, "And why ever not thy stuck up greatness?"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "If I tell you, then I cannot use the fact that you do not know what you did as blackmail." Kagome paled, the idea not having crossed her mind, "You wouldn't!"

"How can you be so sure?" That darned smirk! So cocky and arrogant. Kagome lunged at Sesshoumaru and grabbed his shirt, "What. Did. I. Say?"

A moan sounded from somewhere in the room, "Would you shut up? My head is killing me! And you're making it worse."

Kagome raised a brow at Sango who grumbling moved to snuggle against Mirouku as if he were some teddy bear. Kagome stifled a laugh, "I'd expect that grumbling from Inuyasha and not her you know."

Sesshoumaru gave a wry chuckle, "Inuyasha drinks till the point of passing out so often that he is no doubt immune from hangovers, so I would not." Kagome's vision swayed her head deciding then to spin, "Lucky. Hangover free is the way to be," she said reciting an ad from the newest hangover killer, 'Hangover Killerr' which if you asked her was completely uncreative...

A pregnant silence commenced and Kagome coughed, fiddling with the materials of his shirt "Soo... Got anymore Kirin?"

Sesshoumaru hit her with a throw her pillow much to Kagome's surprise, "Hey! It was a simple question."

"As long as you're in this house, you will refrain from touching anything that contains even a hint of alcohol." He almost shuddered at having another hammered Kagome situation.

There had actually been one point that afternoon in where she fell off the couch, claiming she could fly, and spilled a bottle of whatever she was drinking on her shirt.

Kagome huffed and got off of him, "Yes, mother."

A banging sounded upstairs and the faint yelling of "Your Kidding" reached the basement stirring the sleeping people encased in the room. Heck, the volume of the tatter upstairs could possibly wake the dead.

Kikyou grunted her voice soft and menacing as she was forced to regain conciousness, "Inuyasha, remind me never to drink with you or that darned manager of yours. I feel like someone is hammering at my head not to mention that that stupid banging is going to make me lose my mind...or vomit."

Inuyasha just wrapped an arm around her shoulder and chuckled, "You say that every time." He referred to the comment about the drinking. The throwing up comment made him put a bit of a distance between him and the woman.

Kikyou gave him a half hearted glare, "I definitely mean it this time." Sango a small distance from them tried to sit up and pulled out of her current entanglement with Mirouku, "I bet my liver is probably gone from how much of that stuff I had...guzzled?"

She suddenly gasped her eyes abnormally wide as something grazed across her chest and she stifled a scream, current entanglement with Mirouku... Her only thoughts were that he had taken advantage of her drunken state. "You sick little pervert!"

First she made sure that her clothes were all on before rolling out of his loose grasp and then angrily thwacked the unsuspecting man on the head once she noticed how close he was. Poor Mirouku, Kagome snickered in spite of the ranging headache she had.

Inuyasha outright chortled, while Sesshoumaru just shook his head, the thoughts to melt down the door still alive and well. In fact, he had even come up with the lawyer he would enlist...

Mirouku cried out, "Ow! What was that for, Sango?" The three girls groaned holding their heads simultaneously, Sango voicing the hung over victim's thoughts. "You guys are so loud!"

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and asked sarcastically, "Would you like for everyone to stop breathing?"

Kikyou nodded weakly, "That'd certainly help, even that makes my head throb."

The banging they previously heard got louder as the basement door swung open, "Who's down there?"

Three groans sounded at the noise and Ayame, looking extremely angry, scrambled down the stairs, she looked a bit surprised to see them all down there. Her hair was up in pig tails that seemed to make her look a lot younger. She was dressed in a red shirt that accented her hair and a white shirt a fresh picked flower in her hair. "What the hell are you guys doing down here making such a racket?"

Kikyou groaned and muttered bitterly, "I hardly think that it is us making the clamor." Ayame looked around at the bottles that littered the floor with distaste. "You guys better make sure this is all cleaned up before Sesshoumaru-sama finds out how much of a mess you five made."

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and Ayame blushed, "Oh! Sesshoumaru-sama, sorry, I guess I didn't see you there."

Ayame sighed; she had been so preoccupied lately and her usually sharp mind was dulling, and she seemed to be blushing from embarrassment more than she ever thought possible. Suddenly she remembered something and bolted for the door, making sure it stayed open, "This is the basement! Why didn't anyone say anything?"

She herded everyone upstairs, "There is no way in this life time that I want to get stuck down there."

Inuyasha snorted, "Yeah it's pretty harsh. Almost died because of those four monsters you call woman."

Kagome and Kikyou gave Inuyasha a strange look, and began counting how many women were present and Sango furrowed her brows together, "Last time I counted Inuyasha, there were only three of us girls." The two other girls added their agreement holding up the fruits of their counting on their fingers.

Inuyasha shrugged at winked at the three females that trailed behind him, "I dunno. I'm kinda having my doubts about Mirouku over there."

Mirouku sputtered, and Sango pretended to gasp, "And he doesn't even try to deny it!"

Save Sesshoumaru, Ayame and the butt of the joke, every one laughed, then the three girls held their throbbing skulls.

Ayame slumped into a chair in the kitchen. Kaede was serving coffee for them and a light meat and vegetable filled soup. "So how long have you all been stuck down here?"

Sesshoumaru sniffed, "Too long, if you ask me."

Inuyasha frowned and stretched his arms behind his head. He kept the stretch as he snapped. "Well no one asked you, Sesshoumaru. You shouldn't go thinkin that the world revolves around you."

Insert a dark glare from Sesshoumaru and a hugely exasperated sigh from Mirouku.

Kikyou eagerly took a cup of the black liquid wanting to be rid of the after taste of what she had drank and sipped it, with a cringe, and gave an apologetic smile. "I'm really not a coffee person, I suppose, but thank you all the same Kaede-sama." Inuyasha smiled distractedly having noted Ayame looking over with disdain at Kagome every now and then.

Sesshoumaru excused himself without reason not that that was too much of a surprise. He left everyone to their thoughts. The departing youkai had only one thing on his mind...or rather a few dozen things: Take a shower, Find out exactly why he was forced to waste a few hours of his life, though something inside him said it was anything but a waste, in the basement, make a few calls, check things over, made sure that the article in Kokoi was going out, and a few other things.

Inuyasha cleared his throat, gaining the attention of everyone in the chattering room, "Oi Kagome, could I speak with you for a moment? Alone?" He ignored the inquisitive glances sent his way.

Mirouku raised his dark brows, and a sly grin adorned his face, "Alone, Inuyasha? OoOh sounds like you have something naughty in mind..."

Sango went to hit him, but Kikyou beat him to the chase and whacked him upside the head, "Stop being such a pervert, Mirouku!"

Sango laughed, as she reached for a refill on her coffee. "Couldn't have done it better myself."

Inuyasha however rolled his eyes, "Mirouku, seriously, get your head out of the gutter and get some help. I know this really great psychologist. He did wonders for this guy I know who used to think that he was a bird—"

Kagome grunted, "I thought you wanted to talk..."

Inuyasha blushed, "Ah, right...come on." He led her outside of the kitchen and into the deserted living room.

Ayame's heated gaze never left Kagome's person as they made their way out.

Kagome once they were in the room gave him an apprehensive look. "So what's up Inuyasha?"

The hanyou looked at her worriedly, "What's going on with you and Ayame?"

The girl coked her head to the side in confusion, "What do you mean?" Her question was met with a helpless shrug, "I don't know, but she seems to have it out for you and," he blushed lightly, "and I'm...worried. But don't let think that means were all buddy- buddy though."

Kagome smiled softly. Without realizing it, she had grown on Inuyasha, no doubt about it, though he would never admit to it.

And she was right. Her bubbly attitude and inconstant behavior had made her a somewhat of a friend to Inuyasha and everyone knew how protective he could get when it came to friends and ...even family. She smiled, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Thanks Inuyasha, but don't worry about it. I'm sure everything will turn out fine in the end."

Inuyasha sighed then gave her a lopsided grin, "If you say so, but still...just be careful. I have this feeling that something bad is coming up."

Kagome grinned, "It's more familiarly known as, 'Pre- Alcohol induced vomiting,' or in short P.A.I.V."

Inuyasha chuckled, but before he could say anything, Kagome pushed him back into the kitchen, and was about to follow, but Ayame's voice interrupted, "Wow, Higurashi, trying to ruin Kikyou's relationship too? Wasn't mine enough for you?"

Kagome spun around and turned to meet an angered wolf demoness, who had made her way behind Kagome. She rubbed her temples. "You have got to be kidding me Ayame. What is your problem?"

The fiery head woman bristled with rage, her pent up her hurt. "You are! You had no right!"

With that she made the move to lunge at Kagome, who caught her clawed hands thanking every god she knew for the fact that her dad had made her play softball.

Catching was now as regular to her as breathing.

Shaking her head from the thoughts she focused on the now growling girl that was wildly throwing her capture arms, her claws every once and a while placing a thin knick on her already marred skin that still had yet to fully recover from the incident earlier that week. Kagome gave a fierce hiss, not knowing how long she could hold up against some one like her. "Ayame! Stop it!"

With a vicious growl, the red head fell in sobs into Kagome's un-expecting arms, choosing instead of clawing to start beating relatively lightly by the area near her shoulders in frustration. The added weight caused the college student to fall on her rear, while she did her best to calm the ookami who had fallen with her. Her head was killing her. She almost whimpered from her intensity of her headache, but she had more important things to do.

Such as get some answers. "Shh.. It's okay, Ayame, let it out." The once hysterical sobs waned, "Now please— talk to me. I didn't try to steal anyone or anything like that. Why do you think I am?"

A hiccup sounded in the room as the crying cleared. Kaede made her way outside the kitchen, telling the group inside the room to stay put and grabbing a cup of tea. "He looks at you the way he did me, you know. He doesn't even want to remember his promise." That did not answer her question, but it shed a bit of light did explain why Ayame was so bent on hating her. She still needed more answers though.

"Kouga?"

"The one and only." She gave a bitter laugh and Kagome sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sounds. "Wait here, Ayame, I need to do something, before you continue. Can you wait a few minutes for me and then we can resume this chat?"

Ayame shrugged and cast hooded eyes over to the other girl. She was the very same girl that Ayame had vowed to hate because she kept telling herself that she had taken her Kouga away.

Ayame sighed.

'She just makes it so damn impossible to have anything against her.'

But in all honesty, Ayame had no right to blame Kagome for losing, Kouga no matter how many times she claimed to herself that she did. She knew it was no one's fault but her own, but ...it was always just easier to blame someone else.

Her emerald eyes followed the Kagome as she trudged upstairs until the young woman was out of view.

Kagome had needed to talk to Sesshoumaru. "But first things first, I seriously need to brush my teeth." She frowned, as she scrambled to brush her teeth. The bitter after taste of bile was anything but pleasant and not something she like tasting if she could help it. With that task done, her teeth brushed, and her breath minty fresh, she briskly walked to Sesshoumaru's room. Without bothering to stop to knock, she rushed into his bed room, "Sesshoumaru I have something to ask you—OH MY GOD!"

She turned the dark color of a cherry, and threw her hands to cover her eyes. Sesshoumaru had just exited the bathroom that was connected to his bed room.

His only coverage:

-A towel that was draped loosely around his waist. An extremely toned and perfectly chiseled body had been a wonderful greeting, Kagome cursed her luck or rather lack of. The image of his body and perfect wash board stomach would be forever engraved in her mind. Sesshoumaru did not look too happy to see her, but what person would if someone just walked in on them half naked. "Have you ever heard of knocking?"

Kagome if possible blushed even deeper, and sputtered, "Well yeah, but I didn't think— I mean um... Next time maybe you should lock your doors!" He in spite of himself smirked at her discomfort.

She peeked out from her hand much to Sesshoumaru's amusement, "And cover your self up...Well technically you are kinda covered, but put on some damned clothes!" Sesshoumaru snorted, "And I assume you would like a front row seat to see me without clothing?"

Kagome was turning a mix of purple and red, "No!"

"Then perhaps you'd like to give me some privacy while I dress?" He gave a pointed glance to the door.

"But I need you now! This can't wait!"

Sesshoumaru lifted a delicate brow and Kagome wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and stay there until her face would be able to return to its proper coloring— which would probably be, at this rate, in the next few years.

That had sounded anything, anything but right. Her arms moved to flail out in dismissal of the innuendo she had so blindly made. One look at his face told her that he had assumed the worst. Her blush increased as she screamed, "GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE GUTTER SESSHOUMARU!"

She avoided looking at him for a few obvious reasons and said haughtily, "Sorry to disappoint you, but I was not thinking anything along those lines, when I said that buddy." 'In fact I wasn't even thinking anything out at all since this afternoon's drink fest,' she mused randomly.

Sesshoumaru gave a roll of his eyes, "Well then I do hope you are going to allow me to change soon, I do not have time in my schedule to ward off a rapist."

Kagome blushed, her face was now a color only Crayola could name, and sighed. "Rapist? As if! You can keep dreaming, because I just need to use your phone and need permission to allow Kouga into the villa ...and a key to my room." She counted off the points in her head making sure she got all the things she needed asked for.

Sesshoumaru gave her a blank look, "And that is your reason for barging into my room?"

Kagome nodded profusely as if he was missing some big picture, "Yes, because he and Ayame, they really need to settle something out before Ayame decides to go ballistic on me again." Kagome winced as she soon as the muttered slip left her lips. She had really not meant at all to say that.

'I am really not thinking today...'

Sesshoumaru frowned, "Again?" His gaze hardened as it fell upon the numerous though small cuts, obviously made by the wolf's claws.

It was Kagome's turn to roll her eyes, "I don't have time for this Sesshoumaru. Permission granted?"

He gave a curt nod and distractedly gave an uninterested "Hn," as the youkai made a mental note to check on the injuries later. Kagome was actually a bit surprised that Sesshoumaru was letting her invite Kouga over. She was oblivious to how distracted he was and took the permission being granted as an act of biting down his ego...

Kagome held out her hand expectantly, still not looking at him and instead gazing at the wall.

Sesshoumaru at the gesture went over to a neat pile of discarded clothing that lay on his bed. He reached into the pocket of the pants laying there and pulled out the sleek phone she had gotten so used to using. He then went to a drawer and in no time produced a silvery key from the wooden desk.

Kagome smiled as she took both objects and forgetting Sesshoumaru's current stare of undress hugged him. "Thanks so much Sesshoumaru!"

Sesshoumaru drawled, "You seem to be forgetting something..."

Kagome looked up at confused, "Forgetting something?" she repeated slowly, "Like what?"

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and Kagome realized that she hugging him... when all he was wearing was a towel. Her eyes were wide as she moved back and her face instantly flamed up from embarrassment. Kagome let out a frustrated groan. "I've embarrassed myself more in these five minutes than I have in a year of my life." She threw her hands up, and stomped out of the room, "I might as well quit while I at least have some dignity left."

(TSUKI)

Twenty minutes after her mortifying situation and two Advil liquid gels later, Kagome found her self in an even worse one. She had called Kouga and basically yelled at him to get over to Sesshoumaru's villa and meet her in her room.

And when he arrived, he had spent a few minutes suspiciously asking why she smelled of liquor and she had to make up a story about Mirouku spilling something on her blouse and how she had not had the chance to change.

The amber colored stain on her shirt that ran down the center on her shirt assisted the consistency of the story, but it would have helped if she remembered exactly how she got it. She vaguely remembered something about falling off a couch with a bottle but that was it...So at least there was some sort of truth behind her words.

But the point was, Kouga ended up buying the story and since he could smell no traces of alcohol on her breath, he was relieved.

He would have gone ballistic if he found out that Sesshoumaru had left his under aged woman drink.

Relief however was short lived by the visit by a certain red head to the room.

With the help of Kaede Kagome had had Ayame brought to her room. The red headed wolf had seemed to have calmed down a bit from her prior upset.

The calm she had gained was completely eradicated when she saw Kouga in the bed room. So in result, Kagome had had to result to locking the door to her room. It was a just in case scenario that had made her ask for the key and now she was thankful she had.

Her gratitude to who ever made her think of getting the key was short lived when Ayame, to Kagome's surprise, decided to tackle her for the key claiming that she could not face Kouga. The aforementioned wolf had tried to help Kagome and to sum up fifteen minutes of a three person brawl: the key was now resting in the toilet...

Why it chose to fly and land in the toilet and why the connected bathroom door had to be so conveniently open? She had no other idea, than it was all part of some sick plan that was meant to torment her for stealing that stick of gum when she was but only five years old.

Kouga after they spent some time staring after the key had immediately sent a frown at Ayame, but other wise he did not say anything to her or make any indication that he noticed her presence. Kagome faked a cheerful smile trying to ease the thick tension, "Soo... Who wants to go key fishing?"

Kouga chuckled becoming once more the amiable person she knew, "I don't think you'll get too many offers on that requests, Kagome."

Kagome clasped her hands together, her head protesting no longer protesting the slightest noises, thanks to the fast acting Advil, "It was worth a try I suppose." Still with a smile plastered on her face, she continued. "So then, let's get to work." She turned to the female youkai. "Ayame, would you care to tell me what's going on between you and Kouga?"

Ayame shrugged slowly, "Honestly, no."

"Jeeze Ayame, were you always this much of a bi—?" Ayame growled, "If you finish that sentence, I swear to you, that I will make it so that you will never be able to have pups. I was only answering a question!" And thus the bickering began.

That is where we found our dear Kagome, plopped down on the carpeted floor after a few minutes of being forced to hear the two yell at each other. 'This needs to stop.' She called out, hoping to get their attention. "Guys."

Ayame crossed her arms, the two either not hearing Kagome or just ignoring her, "Well it's not my fault you're a two timing little—"

"Don't even start anything Ayame we all know that you have no right to talk—"

"Says who!"

"Guys!"

"Says, me! This is all you're fault anywa—"

"How dare you even think to place the blame on me? I can't believe—"

"I'm just giving credit where credit is due, so stop you're—"

"Shut the hell up!"

Two heads turned towards the steaming woman. She calmly took in a breath and let it out. "One of you, please just start from the top."

Ayame sighed and without looking at Kouga, she related the tale. Not in too much detail. Not including her thoughts, just what she felt Kagome needed to know.

Ayame hugged the arm of the youkai next to her. Kouga. She had been going out with the ookami demon who for months on end. "Kouga-chan, can you believe we're finally graduating?"

Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears for all different reasons. "After next year, its college...I wonder what it will be like..." The rules of school did not apply to most youkai because of their prolonged life spans. They were allowed to skip a year or two off from when humans were designated to be in a certain level.

It was one of the few perks that came with the way they aged.

Kouga shrugged, "At least we'll be facing it together, right?"

Ayame bit her bottom lip but then plastered a jovial smile on her face, feeling nothing of the sort. Kouga glanced at her actions curiously, but did not question her.

That's what she loved about her Kouga. He never prodded or pushed her and respected when she felt the need to be left alone. She in return did the same. But somehow this was not one of the times when he should have respected her privacy.

But she felt guilty at what she had done behind his back and what he would soon find out, but she had at least had make the best of what she had for the time being.

"Kouga can you promise me something?"

Kouga gave her a smile as they ended the speech before the diplomas would be handed out and applause sounded through out the auditorium, "Anything for you Ayame."

Ayame felt a tear trickle down her cheek, "Promise me that you'll always love me no matter what. And that you and Ginta and Hakkaku will stay the same. Always."

Her request was greeted with a chuckle and a clawed thumb was raised to gently wipe off her tears, "I promise Ayame. You know, I don't think I'll ever under stand you females. We're still going to see each other for the next five years. That we know for a fact. And the guys got accepted in the same school as we did so there are no worries."

A young moth demon dressed in the same silvery blue graduation robe and cap as the other hundred graduates walked past them and out onto the stage to receive his long awaited diploma, his name having been called.

Ayame sighed, and another fake smile adorned her face, "You're right," she laughed one that sounded false to even her own ears, "Like always."

Ayame suddenly nudged her boyfriend, "That's your cue Kouga-kun." Ayame put on a real smile before said female turned to hug her companion the affectionate action that he accompanied with a quick peck before he was playfully nudged by Ayame out from behind the stage curtains.

When it came Ayame's turn to get her diploma, her stomach churned. She had specifically been told that she would go last because of the 'surprise' they were going to unravel to the audience. The headmaster looked at her with a bright smile as she came out and with a loud clear voice the headmaster Shiori-sama, a bat hanyou, had placed an arm around the young woman. Ayame's eyes met were drawn to the cold cobalt eyes that belonged to her grandfather, before she ripped them away to focus on something else.

"As many of you may know, Ayame-san here has proven her self to be the best and brightest of this graduating group." There never was any beating around the bush with the headmaster so she just got right to the point that she was trying to make.

She waited for the applause to die down before continuing. "Well it would seem that Tokyo was not the only one interested in dear girl."

Curious murmurs rose in the crows.

"Ayame Toroshi-san has been given a full two year scholarship to one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States- Harvard!"

A thunderous applause sounded in the area and someone shouted "Is she taking the offer." Ayame winced when she noted that it was Ginta's voice.

Shiori-sama looked over at her still all prided smiles, "I asked her the very same when the news was received and she said she would announce it today. So Toroshi-san, will you be taking the offer?"

Ayame smiled stiffly as all the attention was brought to her, she caught Kouga's gaze and without looking away from him, she smiled another of her artificial smiles, "Of course I am Headmaster, why wouldn't I?" She was hoping with a passion that Kouga would see that she did not make the choice herself. That she wanted to throw the offer to Harvard back in their faces.

Ayame she was not sure if it was visible, but she had winced as soon as she had said those words. Kouga's ice blue eyes widened with shock before hardening.

But here was nothing she could do. If it was up to her, she would have stayed with Kouga, but unfortunately not all things went her way, or were up to her to decide.

She would be back though. That at least she could say for certain.

A moment after she had said those words, the shock was gone from the crows, and replaced with applause and congratulations, but she did not care. Kouga was gone. She would have ran to him, but he would not have understand or listened for that matter. She had to do what she did. An almost blinding amount of tears ran down her face.

But it still hurt. He had left her—

Kouga crossed his arms his tone mocking as he interrupted the telling of the story. "I don't see why Ayame is making such a big deal out of everything and bringing up the past. I didn't do anything to her. Time freezes for no one. I moved on Ayame because you upped and left. Do yourself a favor and move on too."

To accent his point Kouga pulled an unsuspecting Kagome into an embrace. "I love Kagome now and not you."

A whimper came from her throat and without a word she left with a sickening splintering sound of her anguished exit and no time for any more talk on anyone's part.

Kagome winced, 'There go my days of locked doors.'

She pulled from Kouga's hold and acted on her first instinct which was to slap the male. "Do you just love seeing her like this? Is that it?"

Kouga looked stunned, "...No... But like I said, times changed. She strung me along then left me cold, I don't love her any more."

Kagome sighed and said softly, "That's a lie." She ran a hand threw her hair, and then hugged the man, "I'm sorry you're still hurt and I'm sorry I hit you. I just—"

The male just smiled softly, "Let me go home and think, Kagome. I have a headache that you wouldn't believe."

Kagome just laughed, "No I think it's pretty believable..." 'And or contagious...' Kouga rumpled her hair and sped out of her room before she could even thwack away his hand. She laughed; he was like the older brother she never had... 'I just wish he could understand that. I could never...'

She let out a cry of frustration, "Screw thinking... I need a shower!"

(TSUKI)

Inuyasha sniffed the air lightly, and without even needing to look at the sky he knew there would be a heavy down pour in a matter of moments. He sniffed again for confirmation, and a grin lit his face. 'Smells like a thunder storm is definitely coming."

Inuyasha loved it when it thundered. He loved the scent of rain and the sound of the rain. That was something he would, of, course, never admit to anyone, however. But he truly found the rain utterly relaxing.

He was out on the sanded beach, watching the choppy waves while everyone showered. A recent accident in the kitchen that had resulted in coffee being splattered about was the reason for the showers. Inuyasha was exempt because with his sharp reflexes had been able to come out unscathed from the situation, and that plus the fact that he did not want to have to take another shower within the same hour. He had taken one shortly after Kagome had shooed him back into the kitchen.

Some one came to sit next to him in the sand. He turned slightly, "Oi, Higurashi."

She smiled settling herself in the cool sand, "Where is everybody?"

That was all she had to ask for him to start laughing, "They had an incident with the coffee and they went to take showers."

Kagome laughed, "Sounds fun. A shame I had to miss it."

Inuyasha grinned lopsidedly, "Yeah, it was hilarious. Too bad I didn't take pictures."

Kagome snickered, "You probably would have had the rest of that coffee down your shirt had you taken those pictures..."

With out warning, the sky chose then to begin to open up and drizzled on those below. Kagome shrieked and scrambled with calm Inuyasha back into the safely sheltered area of the villa.

Inuyasha wiped off a few droplets of rain, "Well at least it's just rain and no thun—"

A loud crash sounded in the back ground along with a flash of light and Kagome visibly flinched. "Heh, spoke too soon I suppose."

Inuyasha smirked. "What's the matter Higurashi, afraid of a little thunder and lightning?"

Kagome said nothing but spat her tongue out at him as they reached the kitchen.

They found Kaede there busy making few things. Ayame was no where to be seen, Kagome noted unhappily and so they just left with Kaede. They looked on at her some what hurried working with utmost inquisitiveness.

At the curious glances of Inuyasha and Kagome, she explained, "Should the power go out with this storm I would not want us to be caught unprepared. I am thankful those two got to the store before the rain hit," She looked at Inuyasha, "Even though, they did not buy enough food with real substance." She muttered more to herself but Inuyasha heard and suddenly held an air of complete innocence. He even went to the trouble to start whistling.

It was obvious who had made the shopping list besides Sango and Mirouku's 'to-do' list.

Kagome smiled not having noted what went on, and so oblivious to why Inuyasha was whistling. "Well then Kaede-sama we'll help you get things ready."

Inuyasha sputtered, "Is your brain broken or something, Kagome? How could you volunteer me? You can't expect me to actually ...cook!" He gave a shutter at the word.

Kagome's eyes narrowed, "And why is that, Inuyasha?"

"Well...you know!"

"No, I don't. Care to enlighten me?"

"Feh! It's demeaning for a man to do a woman's job—"

Kagome hit me upside his head, "You're so sexist! Just for that we are defiantly helping Kaede-sama. Also because you said that bigoted comment, one day I'll make sure you spend the day gardening with my mother."

Inuyasha paled, "...No..."

Insert triumphant smirk on Kagome's part. "Yes!"

Kaede smiled softly though the smile was barely visible with her wrinkled face, "Well Inuyasha, if it is any consolation, I am baking cookies... and if I remember correctly, it is your and Sesshoumaru's favorite."

Kagome laughed at the 'child on Christmas Day' look that Inuyasha now adorned and asked, "What type of cookies are these?" Inuyasha beamed, "Only the bestest cookies ever: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies. Kaede-sama makes the greatest."

Kagome rolled her eyes at how Inuyasha could go from an ass to a suck up in mere milliseconds at the sound of cookies, but she did not comment. Instead she turned once again to Kaede.

"Is that all you're making?"

Kaede shook her head, "No, child. I have to make a few gallons of hot chocolate and I want the food on the stove to finish warming up." Kagome smiled, "I'll get on the hot cocoa."

"There are about three milk gallons in the fridge that I set aside for the hot chocolate. Ye can use those." Kagome nodded before going off to get the supplies she needed and put them on the island counter separate from the milk.

Inuyasha grinned and asked eagerly, "What can I do Kaede-sama? Please tell me it has something to do with the cookies..."

"Ye Inuyasha can go collect some firewood from the garage and light a fire in the living room. The weathermen say it will get a bit chilly tonight."

Inuyasha gaped incredulous, "But...can't I do something with the cookies? Like clean the bowl... or something?"

Kaede smiled, "Ye did say that women's work was demeaning. But since I am not so entirely cruel if ye get the fire wood, and I'll make a special batch of cookies for ye."

Before another word could be said, Inuyasha had bolted from the room with a god like speed to go off and do the task assigned. Kagome giggled. "Those must be really good cookies."

Kaede just gave a gentle shrug of her shoulders, "I suppose they are, if even Sesshoumaru-sama finds them irresistible." Kagome set down the three gallons and with Kaede's help found a large pot that she quickly set on the stove. Adding the needed ingredients, she just left it on high heat waiting for it to heat up. She got s bowl of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon and a pinch of sugar and a twin bowl filled to the rim with miniature marshmallows, and stacks of plastic cups along with piles of paper plates were brought out.

It would seem as if Inuyasha had seriously been prepared for a power outage of some sort. Or at least hoping for one, her assumptions were confirmed when she found that a box of candles brought out courtesy of Inuyasha.

Kagome suddenly thought back to the previous conversation and replayed it in her mind. She almost laughed aloud. It was hard to imagine the Sesshoumaru with a favorite cookie, especially one that he found irresistible. What her mind did come up with made her shudder with silent laughter.

The only thing that came to mind was an over weight Sesshoumaru hiding in the pantry hunched over a bowl of cookies stuffing him self greedily with the baked goods.

She just grinned, her hand covering up any sounds of laughter. The actions went missed by Kaede as she bent over to retrieve the batch of cookies in the oven, oven mitts adorning her aged hands.

The large cookie tray was set aside and a second tray, one a moment later, joined it.

Checking on the heating milk, Kagome popped a marshmallow in her mouth before stirring the pallid colored milk.

Kaede gave Kagome a smile, "Would you care for a cookie, child?"

Kagome looked at the freshly removed baked goods wistfully. They smelled great, "I'd love one, but won't it be too hot to eat now?"

Kaede went to the fridge and pulled out a large rectangular plastic case that sat on a bottom shelf. She placed it on the island counter, with a chuckle, "Rin seems to love baking. She helped to make many of these batches. Had me quite busy this afternoon."

Kagome smiled, as she opened the lid of the case. "Where is she now?"

"With Totoki-san to finish her daily lessons the child should be for a few more minutes."

Kagome nodded softly and picked up a sugar cookie. It had been frosted obviously by Rin, because it had been neatly iced with a yellow colored vanilla icing and with a sprinkles, a smiley face had been drawn.

She let out a laugh, "These look great! Rin is really talented."

Kaede chuckled, "That she is."

Kagome bit into the sugar cookie with a delighted sigh. It tasted as good as it looked. She walked cheerfully over to the now heated milk and got the rest of the needed ingredients.

She mixed together the cocoa and sugar in a large bowl, before pouring the mixture into the saucepan of milk.

After stirring that in completely, she poured in some vanilla into the rich brown mixture and stirred that turned down the heat to the lowest it could go before finishing the rest of her cookie with glee.

Kaede turned off the heat on what she had been warming and began cleaning up. Kagome joined her and they had the kitchen once again spotless in mere minutes.

A shot of lightning erupted and the loud sound of rumbling thunder made Kagome jump, and the lights wavered before shutting off completely.

Kaede got the box of candles and carefully lit a few with the help of the stove to set up in the kitchen, "Let us carry these snacks to the living room."

The trays of chocolate walnut cookies were emptied into container with the assorted rest. The bowls of whipped cream and marshmallows were placed onto of the re-closed container and a pot coaster.

Kagome lidded saucepan and stacked the plates and cups on top and the two women journeyed out to the living room.

(TSUKI)

It was an official day off in the Taisho Villa. Day workers rushed to the garage built for personnel cars and went home and the repair men left their stations for the time being not wanting to be stuck in the villa shook the weather get bad enough that travel would be unsafe.

The rain looked unrelenting and it was well past six and so the house had become dark and utterly and completely dreary.

Full time workers gathered in the dining room where Kaede had put out a box of candles and what she had been warming up earlier when Kagome and Inuyasha had walked in on her and some of the hot cocoa Kagome had made. The workers got candles and if they wanted, something to eat, before, either returning to their rooms to entertain themselves until the power returned or stopped and chatted in the staff sleeping hall with fellow workers.

Kagome had found the living area somewhat cleared out and blankets covered the ground before the roaring fireplace, the couches had been moved back somewhat and the table had been moved out so there was a large sitting area in the middle of the living room.

Rin, Sango, Mirouku, Inuyasha, Kikyou, and Sesshoumaru were scattered before the roaring flames, basked in a light orange glow. Several thick scented candles were standing upright on one of the room end tables. The lamp that had been there prior was unplugged and moved.

Sesshoumaru, stood out among the room having been propped up reading a novel, and was on the far corner of the mocha couch, while the rest were on the floor.

Without Kagome noticing it, it had gotten considerably chilly with the rain and the fire was very welcome.

With the arrival of something to snack on, everyone save Rin and Sesshoumaru had gotten something to eat. Kagome herself after she had finished setting things to got two plates and filled one up with a handful of the chocolate chip and walnut cookies and a plate with double she would have normally got. She poured two drinks both steaming hot and filled with mini marshmallows which she set down, before grabbing her plates.

Kagome made a stop at where Sesshoumaru sat and put one of the plates in front of him, "Here," she said softly. "You better eat them."

He looked at her and raised a brow, and he let out what could only be an, almost inaudible chuckle but took the plate, before returning to his book with out a glance at her he said, "Thank you."

Kagome smiled brightly before getting the two warm cups of cocoa in one hand the plate of cookies in the other and took a seat on the floor. She snuggled under one of the fuzzy blanket instantly feeling being warmed.

Sango and Kikyou were talking about a movie ...or something, Maybe even disgusting eating habits... Kagome could not exactly tell from where she sat and Inuyasha and Mirouku sat staring into the fire stuffing their faces with their beloved cookies. Inuyasha had his chocolate chips and walnut cookies while Mirouku horded Cinnamon Sugar cookies that were covered in frosting.

Rin, as Kagome had suspected would, suddenly came over to her and curled herself next to Kagome, who smiled and handed her the extra cup of cocoa.

Rin was too shy of a person to even consider getting up and asking for someone to get her anything or to even get anything herself, something Kagome knew for a fact, so she had gotten the younger girl something her self.

"Cookie, Rin-chan?"

Rin smiled shyly and nodded before taking one of the chocolate chip cookies she had helped to make. She bit into it with a smile.

A crack of lightning sounded in the background and Kagome flinched, noting that the same reaction came from Rin.

Suddenly Sango laughed, "Hey guys, how about we do something fun? Since there's no power and all."

Mirouku's perverted smile lit his face, "Like we have someone strip dance for us?"

Five of the present people glared at him. Sesshoumaru had taken a break from the words on the pages in front of him to send his half brother's manager a cool glare.

Rin just looked curiously at Kagome, "Kagome...What does Mirouku-sama mean when he said 'strip dance'?"

Kagome blushed and curled deeper into her blanket at what Rin thought was an innocent question. Inuyasha snickered, "Yeah Kagome, do you care to explain whatcha do when you strip dance?"

Kagome squeaked and tried to burrow deeper under the blankets, "Not really, no..."

Sango threw a pillow at Mirouku and Inuyasha a managed to hit both men, "Stop picking on Kagome-chan. And shame on you! You two are a bunch of sick idiots, trying to dirty a little girl's mind," She gave an indignant huff, "Rin, I'm quite sure your dear uncle Sesshoumaru would not want you to pick up anything from those pervert, so you should probably ignore the manager and Inuyasha."

She stretched out her legs, "Now for what I originally was going to suggest. So everyone, how about a little game of Truth or Dare to pass the time...?"

An evil glint entered her eyes and Kagome knew that the girl had something planned..

(TSUKI)

A/N: Lol whew! Done with that. About the excessive use Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies... Before you ask, I adore those cookies, lol if they are made with the right balance of walnut and chocolate they are awesome. Thanks for the reviews and concern on how I have been feeling. I feel much better and hopefully I will stay that way. So next chapter will be filled with the game truth or dare and we found out about Ayame and Kouga's relationship.

Reviewer Responses: (for both Chapters 12 and 13): I was happy to see a lot of new reviewers for the past two chapters!

Seishi Sairensuno- thanks! I'm so glad, because I started rushing some parts and I was not sure what reaction I would get from that. Yes, I feel bad for Kagome; Sesshoumaru won't even tell her what she said while drunk

Shezel- Wow thanks! That pairing is my favorite too. Thanks and I'll keep updating

I heart Sesshomaru- I'll try to keep constant updates for you guys. Thanks for your sympathies, and I'm sorry about yours. I hope everything turns out alright with him. Really you could? Heh, I tried to add a lot of humor for the last few chapters.

Chewy518- That's a total relief to hear! Thanks

Anastassia (Chapter 13)- I'm glad you liked it! Yes the end was really rushed when I wrote it that's why there were no responses last chapter unfortunately. You are quite welcome, thank you for the review!

Sapphire Birthstone- Thanks!

Crazy-Destiny- Happy to hear that, lol

BlueMonkey89- I enjoyed writing the chapter lol and so it puts a smile on my face to know others enjoyed it. I'm trying to cut down the update time to a week lol but I'm afraid it's not working out too well.

Kira the Mizu Ryuu- Thank you, I'll try to get out the chapters sooner

PippetJimmy- Lol thanks for the two reviews! (Chapter 12) Lol no I don't think you're evil, I totally understand that these things happy. (Chapter 13) So how was that for fluff? Well I'm not sure if that could be called fluff really... I guess it's more on the humor-ish side...Thanks! Glad you think so! I actually had to think long and hard. What would a drunk person say, I had to keep saying that over and over, heh. Nope that didn't sound wrong lol, and you are very welcome for the dedication and it was no problem! I love your story (which you had better update soon –threatening glare- lol) and I'll try to keep updating

Hermonine- Heh thanks! Lol glad you love the humor -grins- I'll try

Skitzoflame- Yeah, she was a bit slow on the uptake

Demonswty- Thanks! I'll try to update as soon as I can

Blue Rhapsody3- Yeah Kagome's character makes for a better laugh when she has had a few drinks, heh. Me too, summer illnesses are never any fun.

Miyuki- (Chapter 12 & 13) Lol thanks. There was a lot of humor here so I hope you enjoyed it!

Lady-Crymsyn- Yeah, it was very enlightening!

Renyun- Yeah, I feel bad for Kagome, Sesshoumaru won't even tell her what she said! I'll keep reading and writing of course, -grin-

lunasun72- (Chapter 12) Heh, thanks! Yeah school is unfortunately a few weeks away –dejected sigh- There goes sleeping in and staying out late... I'm going into 9th grade but I do have some advice (I'm chalked full of wisdom lol!) Enjoy your time there while it lasts, because this might be the last time you see a lot of those kids. School does start September (for most and me, some students actually start school around August— which I don't think I could ever get used to) I'll make sure too -grin-

SilveRose2492- Yup! It's too bad that for now she doesn't know that she did.

Night Sins- (Chapter 12) lol horror, embarrassment, and a boatload of realizations and fun!

moonscout11- Thanks! I certainly will try

WhiteRose-Kurama- I'll have Sesshoumaru tell her maybe in the next Chapter. It is after all going to be filled with a game of Truth or Dare -wink- I put in some stuff about the Shikkon no Tama at the beginning of the chapter and no, the jewel will not be in Kagome's side in this fic. I definitely will try (Chapter 12) So I'm guessing that's a good thing? Lol yeah, I don't know why, but I thought that too. The come together between them should be very soon though I can't say exactly when

Sheenachi- Last year, I would have said the exact same thing, but then I realized that I can't compete with Kagome lol

Katherine- It should be soon since I have about ten or so chapter left on the story. Me too lol it's one of my favorite anime pairings.

WhisperingWolf- Thank you so much!

celestialgoddess521- (Chapter 12) Glad you did! I've been planning them getting stuck somewhere lol but I just wasn't sure where the scene would fit or how many of them should have the privilege of getting stuck

darkpriestressofhell- Glad you think so, I no doubt will -grin-

Ymir-chan- (Chapter 12) I'm happy to hear you liked it! Yeah, but I took a six week workshop and I guess if anything I learned a few things to help my writing in the Lit class. "Put yourself in the background" I actually had to do a project with that topic so I guess it paid off. Lol it was Kagura and she'll certainly have a lot of explaining to do when the time come!

(Mostly Chapter 12 Reviews) (Thank you) renyun, Anastassia, Lady-Crymsyn, WhisperingWolf, hermonine, darkpriestressofhell, moonscout11, sheenachi (for taking the time to review Chapter 12)

Wings of Speed- I'm sorry about the trouble you went to, to find this story. I took the story off of the A Single Spark sight, but I will end up putting it back up on there and thanks for the reminder to finally update the chapters on the other sites. Thank you for your sympathies and your review! I will certainly try to and you are quite welcome! It's nice to know there are readers out there that consider this fic a good read.

Mizushoubai- Haha thanks!

CultKagome and Sesshomaru- Lol. Hmm... Well, the next two chapters should be fluffy so you won't have to wait (not including 14)

Angel-Assain- Sorry for that little cliffie. Thank you, I will and I hope you keep reviewing! thanks

Sora Inu-chan- Thanks for your sympathies. It means a lot to mean that a lot of you guys take the time to send your sympathies and relate to what I'm feeling, and I hope the rest of the summer goes well too for you also. I always find it amusing when people get locked in a room and all the catalysts involved, so I decided to write my own 'Trapped with no possibilities for escape' scene lol.

Seishi Sairensuno-Lol thanks, yes Sesshoumaru had to put up with being hit on by Jakotsu and being trapped in a basement full of drunkies all in the same day lol. I got all good comments on the chapter so I hope it was. It was a bit rushed at one point unfortunately.

BlueMonkey89- Happy to hear that! I'm hoping this chapter was just as long and –crosses fingers- better

Ana Jully Potter- Thanks, yes it is hard to handle without proper time, but the writing, I've found helps. It take my mind off my life and lets me place myself in someone else's. Thank you! Likewise lol

Blue Rhapsody3-Thank you for that. Death is something hard to get over especially that of a loved one... I've had to get over five major losses so I kind of envy you.. Lol glad you got a laugh out of it. I'm hoping so. The 6 week workshop/ program the high school I'm going to made me attend took some of the awkwardness out of everything, so I don't think I have a chance to let it lol

Skitzoflame- Me too! He definitely is one of my favorite characters to portray in this story.

Chewy518- I had a lot of fun with the basement scene when it was not being rushed lol so I hope you enjoy it. Thanks, yes I just really needed to collect my thoughts and such and it was just a sudden thing and all, but I'm happy no one held anything against me for taking a short leave.

Duzzie-Lol you're welcome and thanks! I hope you enjoy the next two chapters I had a lot of fun with 13 and 14 when I was not rushing it out.

Inuyasha4eva-I really should stop with the cliffies lol I'm so cruel! Thanks, writing is one of my prides, and one of the things people compliment me on, so thank you! Lol I'm trying to cut down update time as I mentioned before.

ice-apparition16- Yeah, looking back at it, it was a really long chapter. Jakotsu is one of my absolute favorite characters... I love what he said to Kouga the first time he met him. Lol that's one of the best ways to put it

Thanks to ever who is reviewing this fic! I hope you guys keep it up, reviews truly mean a lot to me