Beta: The-Lady-Maribell

Thx again Katie!

Kiba


Chapter 27 – A Simple Question

Smiling, Sesshoumaru opened the small box he'd bought a few weeks ago. He hadn't asked her yet, but he was waiting for the right moment. It had been two weeks since they visited Mrs. Higurashi, who seemed to see the way he was looking at her daughter, and began talking about how she wanted her daughter's wedding to be held on the shrine grounds. She had also went up into her room, and brought down a kimono, which looked almost new, yet from what she had, it was over seventy years old, and had been worn by every Higurashi woman who was married.

He gazed down at the golden band, and smiled once more. He didn't know how he was going to ask, but somehow he was going to ask Kagome to marry him. Even though they'd only been together for a short time, considering everything, but he was sure she was the right woman for him. The gold band had a pair of angel like wings spreading out on the top, with a diamond in the middle. It was a beautiful ring, and he was sure Kagome wouldlove it, though it did seem like a little much.

Kagome, ever since he bought her a beautiful black dress, kept going on about how he should be buying things for better purposes. He did have a good purpose, though; he wanted his woman in something he could get off in minutes. The dress had a slit up the side, which could easily be moved aside if he got to impatient, and had the urge to fuck her. Of course, he'd never do that in a public place, but he might get away with it in his limo.

Such a thought it was! It nearly made him want to drool since he could clearly see all the wonderful positions he'd already put Kagome in. However, now was not the time to think of such things, since he had many other things to do. He knew it too.

However, he'd bought Kagome one other gift. True, her car was a two-year-old model, but he couldn't help it. When he'd saw that black BMW Z4 M Roadster, he just couldn't help himself. Besides, it was a much better car that then thing she bought. Most of the time, even when it was only two-years-old it, it wouldn't start. The car he bought would, though she seemed to be delighted with the car, she was also a bit hesitant to agree to keeping it. However, afterward, she'd mumbled something about 'why didn't he get me a motorcycle, instead'. Apparently, his woman liked a fast car, and though the newest breed of BMW was fast, she wanted something faster. Something with two wheels; it wasn't like he couldn't buy it if she truly wanted it, but Kagome would never ask.

He didn't understand that, since the last time he went fast, Kagome nearly killed him afterward. Maybe she just didn't feel comfortable in a fast car, or perhaps she needed to be behind the wheel. Whichever reason, he did know from hearing Nazuna talk that Kagome loved fast things when she was younger. However, people did change, as they get older, so perhaps Kagome had as well.

Sighing to himself, Sesshoumaru shut the small box, and frowned. He wasn't even sure if he had the nerve to ask. Hell, any woman in their right mind would say 'yes', but he was just so nervous. That might have seemed odd, but Kagome made him feel strange things. Still, if he couldn't ask, then sooner or later Kagome – the woman who kept talking about how she wanted commitment with her friends during lunch, while they joked that she was too late for that, since she'd experienced physical love – was going to think that he didn't want to keep her for anythingmore then sex, and would leave him.

He didn't want her to go!

She was his woman, and had been for weeks. He was sure that he could go on 'I'm trying to strengthen our relationship until we're sure we're ready' for about three, maybe four years. However, that would make him a coward, since the engagement ring would have been in his pocket the whole time. Then it would look really stupid to give Kagome a ring that was covered in dust, or maybe wearing down from being inside the box to long.

She would hate him.

She would up and leave, turning her back on everything they had together. She'd find another man, probably fall in love, even if she loved him, and marry another. Though she might have feelings for him at the time, she would still be another man's woman, and not his own. Her feelings for him would soon disappear, until she realized that she had loved him, but she loved another, because he didn't have enough courage to ask for full commitment. Even if he'd tried… it would still be way too late.

Why am I thinking about these things? Kagome isn't going to leave me, he snorted, turning his head away. However, as his eyes gazed out the nearby window, he felt his gaze being drawn back to the small velvet box, and turned toward it. His eyes wandered over the slight curve of the top, and he couldn't help but wonder why it was haunting him. Even at night he could feel the slight pull of it, as if it were trying to get him to marry Kagome faster. Then again, maybe it was just his nerves getting the better of him.

After all, he was more nervous then he had ever been.

Shaking these thoughts from his head, he lifted himself from the leather car, before stuffing the box into his pocket. He didn't want to leave it sitting on the desk inside his study, since Kagome was one to come looking for him whenever she needed, or just wanted to see him. Like three days ago…

Flashback

There was a knock at the door to his study, which snapped his head upward. Blinking in surprise, since no one usually disturbed him, he grabbed the box – just in case. Placing it inside one of the drawers he made sure to lock it, before calling out, "Enter!"

The door opened slowly, before Kagome poked her head inside. She smiled, before saying, "For a moment, I thought you weren't even in the house."

"Why do you say that?" he asked.

"I've been looking for you since we left work," she mumbled, "since that was after you disappeared."

"What time is it now?" he asked, curious, since the clock he'd had inside his study had stopped working a few days before.

"Its eight o'clock, silly," she said.

"That's only four hours, Kagome. Its really not that long," he replied, looking back down at the papers he'd been working on.

He heard the faint sweeping sound, as Kagome moved her feet over the carpet, before she stepped up at his side. She didn't disturb him, but instead slid to her knees, before placing her head on his thigh. Her hands were tucked behind her hair, and she smiled a bit before closing her eyes, merely sitting there until he was done. However, he glanced down in curiousity, and allowed a small smile to appear, before allowing his hand to drift throughout her locks. She gave no protest, and merely continued to lie against him, only moving her legs into a better position once in a while.

End Flashback

She'd surprised him, since most of his highschool girlfriends would have jumped him, or demanded that he give them attention. Of course, that was when the relationship went sour, but Kagome merely laid her head down and allowed his presence to be enough for her. It was no wonder he couldn't stand popular women: the cheerleaders, drama captains, and all those other types he went for. No, from what he remembered, Kagome had – or he was sure thatit was Kagome – liked to take pictures during college, and had been snapping them around any one and anything. However, she took one too many of him, and he'd snapped at her, asking her why she was,and she calmly replied that she was making a scrap book, and he just happened to be standing near by. The woman had even pulled out the book she was making, and showed him all the beautiful landscaping, and people she'd photographed. However, she'd said that she was trying to get her business degree, but had decided that college life was too boring, so she wanted to make life a little more interesting by taking up one of her old hobbies as well. Her story had seemed true, even for a gothic looking onna, but he could tell that she wasn't telling him the entire story. However, he'd let her go.

Kagome, the woman who'd loved to wear black, and beat others during her own college year. In fact, now that he thought about it, he could somewhat remember hearing about a girl who'd went from the lowest person in her school, to the biggest bitch they'd ever seen. He had to wonder if that girl had been Kagome? After all, from what he heard, Kagome's life was a little depressing, but had a good ending to it… so far.

Still, she only wanted his presence with her, or so she told him, when he finally asked why she was sitting on the floor, with her head in his lap. He'd been surprised, but shook his head afterward, and continued to work, once in a while asking her for her opinion,she replied, "Why do you need my opinion, it's your business?" After a while, Kagome had shifted, and laid her arms so they were settled on each side of his leg, and her head was on his knee. That, of course, made it so he had to move away from his desk, so he was better situated, she moved so her legs were underneath the desk, while still taking in his mere presence, until she fell into a light sleep.

Now, looking back on it, he once more allowed a smile to grace his face. He was surprised, since he hadn't smiled so much in the last few years, then hehad at that moment. Yes, most were for Kagome, but he had found himself smiling down at Rin, and Shippo as well. Though the girl warmed his heart more then Shippo, they were both there when he wanted their presence, or when they wanted to play. Still, they made everything interesting, even if his day was completely ruined if Kagome weren't around.

He would completely live alone, since she was the only onna to evergrip his heart. It was like she'd found the cracks in his armor, no matter how small, by merely allowing her hands to slide over the surface. Then, without warning, her fingers had poked through the tiniest of holes, before she began breaking through his armor, trying her best to hold his heart while repairing the damage she'd done. Now, she held his heart completely in her hands… and he hadn't even told her yet. Only once had he whispered, "I love you, Kagome" but she had been sleeping at the time, rolled up in the covers, while her head lay on his chest.

She'd probably only subconsciously heard him, before her hold on his chest had tightened, and she'd cuddled herself closer to his side. He hadn't seen her face, but he was positive she'd been smiling at the time. This he knew, because Kagome smiled in her sleep when she got very cuddly, and tried to bind their skin together for all time. However, even during sex, they could not become one forever.

Raising himself from his chair, he moved to the door when he heard a soft knock. Opening it, he glanced around, before looking down. He was met with the single, lopsided ponytail that symbolized Rin. She smiled up at him, before stretching her arms out, flowers of all colors within her grasp.

"Hello, Sesshoumaru-sama," she said, "Rin brought these for you."

"That is very nice, Rin," he replied. "However, the flowers will die without water. Why don't we go get some, and perhaps a vase to place them in?"

She nodded, saying, "Ok, Sesshoumaru-sama!"

"Come now, Rin," he said. He placed his hand atop her head, and began leading her through the house. He could faintly hear Kagome slightly blasting her 'Fall Out Boy' CD, from the lounge, which she'd taken a liking to. It was a lot bigger then the regular livingroom, and hadn't actually come with the mansion. However, what he wanted, he got, and he had wanted a medieval like room, so with the dark red coloring, older looking layout, fireplace, and old medieval paintings, it looked much like he wanted it to. Of course, it did have a flat screen 72" TV, DVD player, VCR, stereo, and a very comfortable leather couch, which was covered in fake fox, wolf, and bear furs. After all, he wasn't the type of person to kill another creature when they were smaller, and couldn't protect themselves. Ok, maybe if he were some god like being, he might… but he wasn't.

"Does Kagome-chan like to listen to music often, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin asked, her innocent tone getting him back onto the business he had at hand.

"Why do you ask that, Rin?" he said, looking around for a moment, before smiling at the child.

Rin frowned, before brightening, "Shippo is in there, as well, and he bobbing his head. But, Kagome has been turning on music almost every time she gets away from us."

"I'm sure she just wants something to do, Rin," he said.

"But…" she began. However, she stopped, and nodded.

Smirking, Sesshoumaru said, "You should ask Kagome when her birthday is, and once we find out, we could buy her a camera."

"Why a camera, Sesshoumaru-sama?" she asked.

Well, I hope I'm right, he thought. However, he didn't voice these thoughts, as he said, "Kagome seems to be the type of person who likes to take pictures. I'm sure she'd love that type of gift from you and Shippo."

"Shippo said that he might make candles for Kagome-chan," she said.

"Why did he say that?" Sesshoumaru asked, slightly curious.

Grinning, Rin stopped, and bounced in front of him. She held the flowers higher to her chest, before saying, "Didn't you know, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Know what?" he asked.

"Kagome-chan's birthday is in two weeks!" she cheered. "Shippo, and Rin asked Kagome-chan, since she'd asked us when ours was. Then, she had to go to the calendar because she couldn't quite remember, and gasped saying, 'Oh my god, my birthday is in two weeks!'"

"Did she?" he blinked, wondering why the children knew this and he did not.

"Yes!" she cheered.

Nodding, he asked, "How long ago was this, Rin?"

"Um…" Rin began counting with her fingers, until she came to seven. "Seven days ago, Sesshoumaru-sama! So, Kagome-chan's birthday is in a week!"

"Very good, Rin," he said. "Now, how about we get these flowers to the kitchen?"

She merely nodded, before trotting down the hall. Well, now that he knew, he had the perfect time. Kagome would be his, and he'd make sure that he'd ask her on the day that belonged mostly to her. It would be a day she'd always remember, no matter what happened.

"Are you coming, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin called, halfway down the hall they were walking through.

Nodding, he said, "Yes, I'll be right behind you, Rin. Go on, before the flowers start to wilt."

"Yes, before they start to wilt," she said, running faster.

Ok, so the flowers wouldn't start wilting for a couple of hours, since they would still contain moisture for a while, but knowing him lately, Rin would take that long if she continued to walk with him. It seemed like he was doing everything slowly, instead of his normal rate. Of course, Kagome did seem to make everything change with just a simple motion of her hand, even if she didn't have any type of magical power that could cause harm, or problems. Now, he needed to find a calendar, and figure out how many days a week was from the present, since he had forgotten what day it was himself.

oOo

"Miroku, look at this!" Sango called, walking inside.She openedthe red envelope that was in her handand threw the envelope but left the contents in her hand, which were something to smile about, seeing as how she forgot what was three days away.

Miroku poked his head out from their room, saying, "What is it, Sango?"

"Just come here," she replied, motioning with her hand.

Miroku smirked, before saying, "Darling, if you wanted to sleep with my naked body again, you could have just come back into our room, instead of insisting on performing the act in front of everyone outside."

"Miroku, that's not what I want!" she snapped.

Frowning, he sighed, "Very well, then let me get my pants on."

A few minutes passed, before Miroku came walking out, his chest bare to everyone outside the opened door. However, his lower body was covered, as he walked toward Sango, wondering what she wanted. She usually didn't callhim unless the mail was for him, but then again, she wouldn't have opened it if it was. From the letter in her hand, it was obvious it was her mail, so what did she want?

"Now, what did you want, Sango?" Miroku said. He watched as Sango shoved the letter into his face, and began to read. His eyes widened, for a moment, when he came across the words 'You Are Invited to the Taisho Mansion for Kagome Ki's Birthday.' It went on, and on about what time, the date, and other things. It also said something about friends, family, and others may be invited, but it must be someone that Kagome knew, and trusted. Hm… now, I wonder why he put that in there, Miroku thought?

"I have to call Nazuna," Sango mumbled, moving toward the phone, "she must have gotten one too." She began dialing with lightning speed, before settling the phone against her shoulder, while tilting her head. She waited for only a moment, before the click was heard, and Nazuna's voice asked who was on the line.

"Oh, good you're home!" Sango said, "I almost thought you were still at work."

Miroku flipped the card over, looking at the black paper, and silver print. The words were very fine, yet at the same time easy to ready. The front was decorated in black, red, and silver, obviously trying to show that it was flashy yet original at the same time. However, on the front was a cat, which was crouched down, as if ready to pounce, and the background was blended with the scenery of the wilderness. It was creative, since the cat had its paw raised, and looked as if it were yowling in challenge. Obviously something Sesshoumaru would think up, since he'd strictly stated: 'Friends (Invited guests who Kagome likes) and Family ONLY'! Something must have happened to cause Sesshoumaru to think someone might come to hurt Kagome.

"What do you mean at work?" Nazuna's voice replied, "I've been home for ages."

"Right, whatever, did you get your mail today?" Sango asked.

There was a sigh, before Nazuna said, "Sango, don't tell me that you've just gone out and got yours. Come on, its nearly six!"

"I know, I know, but I forgot to do it this morning," she said. "Anyway, did you hear?"

"That Kagome's birthday is in three days?" Nazuna asked.

"Would there be any other reason why I'd call?" Sango smirked.

"No, not that I can think of… stupid," her friends mocked.

Frowning, Sango snapped, "Hey, I have lots of things we could talk about?"

"Like what," asked Nazuna?

Her frowned became deeper, and she shut her eyes knowing what Nazuna was about to say. She let, "Um…" escape her mouth, before hearing snickering coming through the line. "Don't laugh at me, I just can't think of something."

"But you just said you had lots of things we could talk about," Nazuna was probably grinning on the other side.

"I know," she growled.

"You know, you sound more like a wild cat each day, Sango!" Nazuna exclaimed happiness etched neatly into her voice.

"Whatever," Sango said. "What are you going to get her?"

"Don't know, yet," Nazuna sighed, "I just realized this morning that Kagome's birthday was so close."

"Yeah, I'd forgotten about it too," Sango sighed herself. "Does that make us bad friends?"

"I don't believe so," Nazuna replied, thoughtful on the subject. "Even if it does, we haven't seen Kagome for years, so we could have easily forgotten when her birthday was. Besides, Kagome will forgive us!"

"Don't sound so chipper," Sango replied, her eyebrow twitching.

"Why?" came the same voice, which sounded even more so then before.

"Because, I hate that voice," Sango snapped, venom dripping from her words.

"Not that I care…" was drawn out. "Anyway, you asked me, so I'll ask you. What are you getting Kagome?"

"Well… I was thinking about going out into the forest and catching her a wild cat," Sango joked, remembering the phrase her friend had just said.

There was a small giggle, before Nazuna said, "Now, Sango… Kagome might like kitties, but those types of cats belong to you, and you alone. Really, you should make Miroku go out and get clawed until he catches you one."

"You know, this conversation reminds me of a book I saw Kagome reading before she poured milk over my head," Sango said.

"Oh, I remember that," Nazuna laughed. "Wasn't that when you started coming to the school, and Kagome was having her 'alone' time in the lunchroom, and because she'd made a comment for you to move in the hallway, you came up to her and started hissing about how she should show more respect toward a person who could kick her ass?"

"Yeah," Sango mumbled.

"Then, Kagome got up, and told you off, before grabbing Eri's milk, and pouring it over your head, before saying something like: 'There, that makes you look so much better. After all, a piece of trash should look like one, instead of trying to act beautiful!' or something like that," Nazuna continued to laugh, her voice rising and lowering as she tried to control herself.

"Whatever, what book was she reading?" Sango said.

Nazuna paused, before asking, "What did it look like? Kagome can read like three books in four hours."

"Um…" Sango thought, before saying, "It had a box with a cat drinking from water. Below it, the reflection looked like a lion, and around the box was a sunset, with four or five cats sitting away from the cover, and watching it. It was mainly in reds, yellows, and blacks."

"Oh, I remember that book," Nazuna said. "I don't know the full title, but it was one of the 'Warriors' books. Kagome read all the books in three days, and afterward made me read them, something about it being the best fiction book about a wildcat's life she'd ever read."

"What did you think?" Sango asked.

"Well, we're getting off the original subject… but I liked them," she said. "The leader of ShadowClan, Tigerstar, seemed a lot like you, if you wanted to kill for power."

"Wow, you must have really liked it to remember the names," Sango said.

Nazuna must have been nodding, because she quickly said, "Sorry, I forgot I was talking over the phone!"

"Really?" Sango mocked.

"Yeah, anyway, there was ShadowClan, ThunderClan, RiverClan, and WindClan. Then in that book, I think it was the fifth or sixth in the series, there was another clan called, BloodClan. Very good book, I think I might buy the series for Kagome, now that I think about it," Nazuna replied.

"Why?" Sango asked.

"Because Kagome loved that series… of course, she loved a lot of series, but I'm not made of money," Nazuna snapped, her voice becoming harsher.

"Geeze, Nazuna, take a chill pill," Sango laughed.

Nazuna sighed, before saying, "Well, whatever we get for Kagome, I'm sure she'll like it."

"You really think so?"

"No, my friend, I know so," she replied, mocking wisdom racing through the line.

There was another pause, before Nazuna said, "Look, Sango, I enjoy talking to you - really I do – but I have to go."

"Why is that," Sango asked.

Nazuna mumbled the word, "Date," before hanging up.

Growling to herself, Sango placed the phone done, before stalking off.

"What's the matter, Sango?" Miroku asked, finally noticing how much her stance had changed.

Sago waved her hands, before saying, "She didn't even say 'goodbye'!"

Shaking his head, Miroku looked back down at the card, before smirking. "Hey, Sango!"

"What?" she snapped.

"We should get Kagome a…"

oOo

Sango smiled, wondering why the hell she'd spent that much money. Sure, it was a wonderful gift, and most of the money came from Miroku's pocket, but still. Here she was, standing in front of the Taisho Mansion, Miroku standing next to her, as they began rolling the powerful gift up the pathway. Actually, Miroku was only helping her roll it up, and then he was going back for the car, but either way, they had to get it up to the main house… and then to wherever Sesshoumaru was holding this party. Damn, she could already hear the music from there, and though she loved Kagome, she didn't share her complete taste in music. No, she was more of a country fan.

Looking down at the vehicle, she wondered if she'd made Miroku pay too much. After all, she'd only pay for about a fourth. Miroku, after his suggestion, when he heard that Kagome liked fast machines, and had been whining about how Sesshoumaru'd gotten her a car instead of a motorcycle, had decided that would be the best gift for her, since she wanted one. She'd never understand Kagome, since the girl hated when someone else sped up in a car, yet she loved to be behind the wheel. Well, she thought, at least Kagome has a license for both, so we won't have to worry about her.

Turning to her husband, she said, "Miroku, should we have bought this? I know Kagome will love it, but… she might already have one. You know how Sesshoumaru-sama is with his money."

"Then she'll have two," he said.

"But--" Miroku, of course, cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"Sango, Kagome deserves it, you know that," he said, his voice calm.

"Oh, all right!" she snapped, before looking down at the black motorcycle. It was sleek, and the fastest model from the year before. However, it had caught her eye because of the light blue, and purple flames that were scorched over the frame. The colors went well with the black, and though it did cost them – Miroku – quite a bit of money, it was a beautiful machine. She just hoped Kagome accepted the gift.

oOo

Placing the box down, Nazuna smiled, before waving toward Kagome. "Kagome! Over here!"

"Nazuna!" Kagome said. She came over eagerly, yet calmly, before saying, "Did you know anything about this? I just got shoved out here an hour ago when my family showed up, and found out there was a party. Good thing it wasn't a surprise party, I probably would have fainted, since I didn't know Sesshoumaru knew when my birthday was."

"Do you know who might have told him?" Nazuna asked, curious.

Kagome shrugged, "Well, I thought it might have been you, but then again… it might have been my mother."

"Your mother is here," Nazuna, whispered, her voice nearly a hiss.

Kagome nodded, before saying, "Yeah, why wouldn't she be? I mean, we did reconcile, and she doesn't actually hate me like I thought she did."

"Amazing…" Nazuna whispered.

"Really," Kagome said, "I thought it was kind of cool. Souta's here too, though I really don't approve that he's trying to take over my reputation."

"You mean…" Nazuna began only to see Kagome nod.

"Yeah, some kids were giving him a bad time, so he went into my closest – kami only knows where he got that idea – and took out the clothes that fit him. Some of the older students recognized what I wore, and steered clear of him, saying he was the 'Dragon Queen's' brother, and if you messed with him, you messed with the 'Dragon Queen' herself. So, the kids started leaving him alone, and now he's continuing to use my perfect rep."

"Perfect?" Nazuna laughed. "Don't you mean disturbing, destructive, devastating?"

Her friend sent her a death glare, before saying, "Shut up, Nazuna!"

Patting Kagome on the shoulder, she said, "Come on, Kags, we all know that you weren't the perfect student. Sure, you did some crazy things, but you were alright."

"Crazier then you know, Nazuna," she tried to mumbled to herself, however she knew that Nazuna had heard it.

Nazuna blinked in surprise, before saying, "Kagome… is there something you're not telling us?"

"Nah," Kagome said, cheerfully, "course there isn't."

Nazuna became serious, "Kagome, I don't like it when you lie."

Sighing, Kagome replied, "Nazuna, the past is the past. Lets leave it there."

"Very well, if that's what you want, Kagome," she replied.

Her attention was turned away from Kagome, and she gasped. "Oh my god!"

"What, what is it?" Kagome asked. However, she continued to stare at Nazuna, instead of turning to look herself.

"Kagome, look at what Sango and Miroku have!" she cried, pointing over to where a gate was opened. People were staring at them as they brought in a shining black motorcycle, which was obviously for Kagome, since it had a bow attached to it. However, she couldn't help but stare hungrily at the vehicle, since she too wouldn't mind having one, though she probably couldn't handle it very well.

"What are you… talking… about…?" Kagome turned, her voice trailing off. Her eyes caught sight of the motorcycle, and she instantly took a step forward. She could see the box sitting on the seat, which was probably another gift… hopefully something that would be even better then that bike, cause…

Damn, why did they buy that, Kagome thought, suddenly guilty? They shouldn't be spending so much money on me… "Lets go talk to them," she heard, but continued to merely stay with her thoughts. However, the hand waving in front of her face, and the voice, "Kagome! Kagome, where are you? Have you left us?" brought her back to the world.

"Yeah, like I could ever leave you," Kagome said.

There was an elbow placed in her ribs suddenly, and she giggled, before saying, "Come on, Nazuna, don't be that way."

"I never thought I'd say this, Kags… but I think you're starting to go insane," Nazuna admitted.

Blinking in surprise, Kagome began to laugh, before saying, "Why do you say that?"

"You're way too emotional for my tastes," Nazuna began acting like it was a very dramatic scene, "I just," she raised a hand over her eyes and turned from Kagome, "I just… don't think w… we can be friends anymore!"

Gasping, though she knew Nazuna was acting, Kagome began to cry. She was very good at that, merely cry on the spot, even when nothing was wrong. "Nazi… how… how could… you say… such vile… things about… me...?"

Nazuna obviously took the bait, because she looked crestfallen, and began patting Kagome on the back. "Come on, Kags… I was… I was only kidding…"

Continuing for a moment, until Nazuna began to panic, Kagome straightened up, and said, "All better! Thanks Nazuna!" She ran off suddenly, leaving Nazuna to herself, since she seemed to gointo shock, before she heard her friend yelling insults after her. However,with her eyes closedshe ran into something hard,she openedthem andlooked up to find golden eyes staring down at her.

Smiling, she said, "Hello, Sesshoumaru."

"Kagome," he replied, "you shouldn't be running with your eyes closed. You could hurt yourself."

Smirking a little, Kagome patted his chest, before saying, "I think I can take care of myself, pops."

He frowned, his eyes chipped with ice, before saying, "What?"

"You heard me, pops," she replied, the smirk growing bigger.

"Kagome," he warned.

"You know, its funny," she said, "I seem to be getting on everyone's nerves today. Really, I didn't think I could make everyone mad at me on my birthday. Strange, really, but its not like I'm complaining, since you look so hot when your mad, but then there's Nazuna, and my brother earlier. I could easily get on Inuyasha's, and my mother's, along with Bankotsu's, Jakotsu's, Sango's… the only person I can't see myself getting angry is Miroku, since he would probably grope me, and make me get mad at him instead of the other way around. Man… never had to deal with this in one day, perhaps I sho…"

His lips silenced her endless talking, since she hadn't seemed to want to stop. She quickly responded, pressing herself against him, before her hands clasped his cheeks. She tried to pull him closer, but only managed to lift herself for a better angle as he assaulted her sweet mouth.

"That's just gross," came a male voice.

Kagome opened an eye, and frowned against Sesshoumaru when she saw her brother standing there. He'd turned his back toward them; playing his GameBoy Advanced, while trying to ignore the wet sucking sound they were making with theirs mouths. However, when he began to walk away, Kagome pulled away from Sesshoumaru, placing a small kiss on the side of his mouth, before walking toward her brother.

Souta never saw it coming. She quickly got behind the little brat, and reached over his black covered shoulder, before grabbing the game in his hand. When he began yelling for her to give her back, she shrugged, before grinning, grabbing the game cartridge. Backing away, she listened as her brother pleaded with her.

"Kagome, put the game down," he said, as if she were some type of crazy assassin about to kill another person. When she shook her head, he stomped his foot, crying, "Come on, sis, don't do that! I'm nearly at the end…"

"So…" she replied, still grinning.

Gulping, he wondered if he'd have to grovel or something. Quickly, he looked around before, getting down on his knees, his hands clasped before him. Moving toward Kagome, he said, "I haven't saved yet, come on… please don't."

Kagome frowned, and for a moment he thought she might give him back the game. However, when his lips began to rise in a triumph smile, she too smiled, before saying, "You should have thought about that before you said, 'gross'."

"Kagome… NO!" he said. However, his sister had already switched the off button, before pulling out the game. She then threw him the game, and grinned before stuffing the consol into her pocket.

"Now, since you're ruining my day," Kagome began. However, her brother had something to say.

"What do you mean, 'ruining your day'? I haven't done anything to you, Kags! Now, give me back my GameBoy," he yelled, attracting attention.

"Now, as I was saying… before you started your little rant, you're aren't paying attention to my day, or showing me any compassion today, Souta. Since you're more engrossed with your little game, I'm taking it from you. You can have it back after the party, or maybe when I decide you deserve it," she said. She began tapping her finger against her chin, "Think of it as… a trade off."

"What do you mean, 'a trade off'? What have I taken from you?" her blazing eyes were turned to him, and he gulped. Wrong question, Souta… you've taken plenty of things from her, he thought, backing away.

Her eyes were blazing, not with fire, but with ice, as she stared at her brother through narrowed eyes, a frown plastered on her lips. "What are you taking now, Souta?"

"I… I-I… I don't know," he shuttered.

Off in the distance, she could have sworn she heard Inuyasha yelled, "Go easy on the kid, Kagome! He might be your brother, but I don't think he can play with dragon fire!"

She heard someone else, say, "Shut up, Inuyasha," which confirmed who had yelled it. After that they began arguing, but she really wasn't paying attention, instead she was gazing down at her little brother.

"Souta…" she drew out the name, making it sound like chipped ice, which had been flaked off her tongue. "At this very moment… you are trying to use my school reputation to your benefit."

"Yeah… but…" he said.

She waved her hand, stopping him, before saying, "How would you like me to walk back into that school, and tell everyone that the 'Dragon Queen' will never come to the aid of her brother."

"Kagome… they… you know what they're like…" he said. "I… they'll--"

"I know full well what they'll do, Souta. However, I believe this little GameBoy will make due… for now," she said. Patting him on the head, she leaned down, and wispered, "You are weak."

"I am not!" Souta said, straightening himself. "You haven't been around forever, and you say I'm weak. I believe you are the one who is weak! You couldn't even face mother--"

"Really?" Kagome asked, cutting him short. "Is that why I was only there a few days ago? Or perhaps I'm weak because I did go to mother and make amends? Hm… Souta, explain that to me."

"Kagome… go easy on the boy," Sesshoumaru placed his hand on her shoulder.

Sighing, Kagome closed her eyes, before taking in the sight of her enraged brother. He looked ready for lash out at her, though she could easily defend herself. The only time she hadn't was when she allowed another to take the first blow, so she wouldn't get in trouble… or when she went into shock, which had only happened once. "Very well," she whispered. Pulling the GameBoy from her pocket, she gave a quick, "Catch" before tossing it toward him. Souta caught it, before shoving it into his own pocket.

"Ok, everyone!" Kagome said, her voice back to cheerful. "Lets open presents, shall we? Especially, now that we've picked on Souta, and made him angry." She patted Souta on the head once more, before moving aside toward the large table where Sesshoumaru had had everyone place the presents. She noticed that Souta was first to follow her, before everyone else caught on.

Quickly, she moved over toward the motorcycle, eyeing it like a tiger, before pulling off the bow. Huffing, she looked over toward Sango, who was smiling brightly, before saying, "Geeze, Sango… forget how to wrap a present? I mean that was just… way too easy."

People began to giggle, chuckle, and laugh, as Sango turned bright red. She mumbled an excuse. She looked away as Kagome began opening other things, thanking the person, before setting the present aside, usually back in the same spot on the table. She went through most of them before Sango looked up to find Kagome once more hovering over the bike, whispering about how she wanted to take it for a ride. However, she grabbed the box on top of the seat, and began gently taking it apart.

"Ah… Sango, I guess you do know how to wrap," Kagome said, throwing the top toward the table. It clattered before slipping to the ground, where she figured she'd leave it for a moment. However, when she pulled out the black biker outfit, with the same design that was on the bike on the sleeves, her eyes lit up. "Oh, Sango! You are one of the greatest friends a person can have… even if your husband's a pervert!"

Laughing herself, Sango watched as Kagome moved to hover over the present her mother had bought her. Her was a much smaller box, however, when Kagome opened it, she found another box inside.

"Mom…" Kagome asked?

"Keep going," her mother urged.

"Your not giving me a box, are you?" Kagome asked.

"No, never," Mrs. Higurashi said, "but I remembered that when you were little you could always tell what was inside a present before you opened it. So, I put it in more then one, thus bringing that problem to a crashing halt."

Sighing, Kagome said, "You never did trust me around the Christmas tree… now I can understand why."

More laughter followed. It seemed that everyone shared Kagome's sense of humor as she finally opened the final box, before pulling out a thin ribbon.

"Mom?" Kagome asked, unsure.

"It was your grandfathers," she said, "on your father's side. He couldn't come tonight, so he decided to let us give you his gift. It holds great sentimental to his side of the family and he was hoping it would be for you as well."

Holding the ribbon closer, Kagome twirled it, before noticing the dragon on the front of the small black ribbon. It looked old, but it was still intact, completely. Still, the dragon drew her eye, and she smiled, saying, "Look, a dragon for the 'Dragon Queen'!"

No one seemed to catch on, though Sango and Nazuna let out small giggles, as did the rest of their group. They watched as Kagome tied the ribbon behind her neck, the dragon showing in the sunlight, before reaching for another gift after nearly yelling, "Thank you" toward her mother, and her father, wherever he was at the moment.

Pulling the neatly wrapped box Nazuna had prepared, Kagome stared at it for a moment. She was about to say something about her having help from someone but decided against it, before smiling. Opening the box gently, and neatly like she'd done with every other one, she reached in. However, the temptation was too much, and she stared down at Nazuna, before asking, "There isn't anything in this box that can bite me is there? I mean it's so big!"

Growling the best she could, Nazuna shook her head, "No, Kagome. I don't put dangerous animals in small places. Besides, if I wanted to put something that could bite you in there, I would have gotten a bigger box, and bit you myself!"

"Hey, that was good," Kagome, said, her good humor continuing to weave through her words.

"Thank you, though I don't know why I'm thanking you," Nazuna said, turning her head away. However, from the counter of her eye, she watched as Kagome pulled out the books she'd bought. All, she knew Kagome didn't have, since she'd called Rin, and had the little girl write them all down, before coming to get the list when Kagome wasn't home. The plan had been brilliant, and it worked.

"Oh," Kagome said, picking out all the fantasy books her friend had bought. She'd have to make sure she read all of them, just to prove to Nazuna that she still loved to read. She didn't know why, but this box of books looked like a challenge of sorts. "Thank you, Nazi!"

"Nazi?" people asked.

They watched as Nazuna blushed, lowering her head. She had told Kagome not to call her that during this, but noooo… Kagome just had to have it her way. Now that she thought about it, the word was something anyone who hated Germany would probably kill her with words over. Gods, why did Kagome have to use that every chance she got?

Kagome just shrugged and began opening other gifts. She went through almost all of them before she came upon Rin and Shippo's. Smiling brightly, she picked up the boxes, and instead of merely opening them, she moved toward the children. They seemed confused, until she sat before them, muttering about how she wanted them up close, and began tearing the wrapping paper away. She knew this one had to be from Rin, since the wrapping paper was pink, while the other was a silver color.

"Now, what could my favorite little ones have gotten me?" she said, gently taking the lid off. However, she closed her eyes, and set the box behind her, before moving toward the other one. Gently, as before, she opened it, before closing her eyes and setting it before her. Reaching back, she grabbed the other box, and gently placed it next to the other before opening her eyes.

Her eyes lit up, making Sesshoumaru's body fill with joy. He was closest to Rin and Shippo, and was also delighted to see Kagome's reaction to their small tokens of love. Shippo, wanting to be an artist, had made candles for Kagome, before painting her a small landscaping. However, the little work of art seemed to fill Kagome with happiness, before she moved toward Rin's, pulling out the bracelet she'd made. Along with it, Rin had also given a few items she'd had before she moved in with them, since they meant a lot. However, he knew that if Rin had merely given these to Kagome in a sign of love, the woman probably would have told Rin that she should keep them, since they meant a lot to her.

Watching her hug them, though, a small strike of fear flooded in him again. There was a box up there with diamond earring for Kagome, along with a beautiful dress, but the greatest gift… the one that lie in his pocket, he wasn't sure if he could actually give it to Kagome. He was starting to get cold feet, which he would've expected thaton the night of the wedding… If there ever is a wedding, he muttered to himself.

Still, he watched as Kagome opened the remaining gifts in silence, before closing his eyes to calm himself. He was, after all, Sesshoumaru Taisho, and he could do anything. Or so he'd been told. He should be able to force down his fears, and ask Kagome to marry him in front of all these people. Yet at the same time, he wondered if he truly wanted this woman by his side forever. Sure, she might hate him, but what if he grew bored of her after a few years of marriage, and became unfaithful, until that dying day when Kagome found him in the act, and broke it off. He'd break her heart… something he did not wish to do.

No, Sesshoumaru told himself, if I break Kagome's heart, then I'll be breaking my own… for she holds it in her hand. If she ever found me being unfaithful to her, then she'd merely drop my heart in the dust, and search for another… One that would be more worthy then the love I could not give her. Then… she'd be gone from my side forever.

Fire began to flicker in his eyes, as Kagome finally opened the two gifts he'd placed there. She smiled, fingering the material, obviously knowing that she'd have to get used to being spoiled like a princess. However, when she said, "Thank you, Sesshoumaru" he began walking toward her, never once breaking his eyes from her own.

"Sesshoumaru?" she asked.

"Do not thank me just yet, Kagome," he said, stepping up beside her.

Kagome gazed on in confusion. However, her eyes widened when he pulled a small box from his pocket, and knelt down in front of her, holding her left hand with his own.

"Kagome…" he began, "you are everything I have. You are my world, and the woman I love. I don't ever want to be parted from you…"

"Sesshoumaru…" she said, her voice barely a whisper.

People around them watched, anticipation welling up inside them. They knew what was to come, but they all wondered if Sesshoumaru had the nerve to actually say it. Would he actually finish? He was opening the box that held the engagement ring, after all. Still, would Japan's most sought after bachelor ask a woman to marry him? They were about to find out.

"… Kagome," he brought the ring up so she could see it better, "will you marry me?"

"Sesshoumaru…" she whispered, her breath taken away. She didn't know what to say, it was like her breath was caught in her throat all of a sudden.

Did she really want to become Mrs. Kagome Taisho? Could she…?

He gulped, before whispering, "Please, Kagome, marry me…"

oOo

KibaSin:

OMG, I can't believe how long that took me to write. Of course, with new ideas flooding my mind everyday, it is hard to keep up with a story that is going to end soon. I figured I'd have like two, maybe three more chapters, and then this story is done. Then I can put it in my complete folder, and forget about it… until I wish to read it again, or perhaps… um… I donno. Anyway, I have a few things. One, would be the next chapter:

Chapter 28 – Terror at Taisho Mansion

Hojo… the man she never wanted to see again… what could he be doing in Taisho Mansion? How did he know that Sesshoumaru was away? Oh gods… he has a knife…

Hahaha!

I am soo mean. Anyway, I did get a few questions that I believe are worthy of answering to everyone. I don't remember if I replied to the review, but they did bring up a few questions that I believe most of you might have. These questions were from: LadyAkina! So, here they are:

Hojo isn't going to get her is he? My answer to you would be... no! Of course not! I mean, why would I write a Sess/Kag fic, and make her go with Hojo. Don't worry, you'll see in the next chapter.

Is she going to change her last name? Yes

Why did she change it to Hojo's last name? Because she was in love with him, and she hated her mother. Since he tried to rape her after she changed it, she just decided that it was best not to change it back, just in case she ever had to deal with him again. After all, she never told him.

So, now you can all stop thinking about them. K! O, and few more things. Hm… lets see what to start with first. How many stories am I trying to do at once? Four… ok, I believe four is enough, so I'll continue with that many, since Shikon Legend's chapters are long, and there won't be many. Breeding School… should take a little longer, since I actually thought of that story back when I first started writing, but since I wasn't very good, I didn't write it. Now that I am, I can't remember most of the things I was going to write. Wounded Heart: Re-Written is doing fine… and this story is almost done. Yes, that means I can start a new story when this one is done, and I know the perfect story:

Lovers of my story Perfection gather around and listen well!

I, Kiba/KibaSin, have finally come up with a sequel to this wonderful story.

Do you wish to hear?

I believe the answer would be 'Yes' at the moment.

So… here we are:

Escaping Imprisonment

Summary:

(Sequel to 'Perfection') Kagome's life, after being set free of her imprisonment, has become perfect. Even when she has many responsibilities her life seems perfect. When a new evil rises, Kagome must fight it, or face being locked away once more.

Basically what is says a new evil will arise, while the demoness, the perfect mate to Sesshoumaru, Kagome is in the Palace Moon, trying to work between doing her Lady of the West duties, spend time with her mate, and play with her pup. However, she handles it, until she begins having strange prophecies etched into her dreams. Her life turns again, when she meets this new evil, and she must fight along side Sesshoumaru, to save not only her family, but also all of Japan. She must fight, or she'd be locked away, imprisoned, like she was before.

That's all I'm telling you!

Ok, other pieces of business. Um… o, yes! I always have lots of ideas running through my head, but I never have time to do them. So, I'm giving you a chance to get a hold of one of these, and use it as your own. However, I ask three things:

You tell if you're going to use it (which one you're going to use)

You use the same title, and summary

You tell me when it comes out

Also, I would like a little credit, though the work will be your own. But I would feel greatly pleased if you would. O, and two of my stories are already being written by: InuyashaForever1989, this author has asked, and gotten my permission to use my two ideas: Dragon Rider, and Bound By Magic. Two lovely stories, actually, and you should read them; the author is doing a very fine job with controlling the story around my title and summary.

So, I'm going to show you a few, since I have over like 20 ideas… actually, unlike in Breeding School… I'm going to show you a lot. I have currently, 24 ideas, and I can't do them all. So, I'll give you some of the goods ones, that I'll probably never get to. Remember, you must tell me if you use these, for I could give permission to someone else, and you'd be writing the same story! Or… I might end up doing it after you've started! Be warned!

O, one more thing. These are all Sess/Kag based, because that is what I write. I mean, I have a few ideas for a Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, and Hermione Ganger, since I do support that couple, though others might not. Or, a story where Harry's daughter is going to the new Hogwarts, since I have a feeling that Hogwarts is going to be closed in the seventh book. Or perhaps another school… hmm… nevermind, getting off that train of thought. Anyway, as I'd said, these are all Sess/Kag pairings.

Ok, this is the last thing, sometimes I have extra information, which you can use to create a bigger, or better summary. However, I only have this with a few of the stories I'm going to give you.

Discovery

Summary:

Her past was unknown, but her power was greater then any youkais'. She makes friends with the strangest of people, yet when she crosses paths with a taiyoukai, everything hidden about her comes forth.

Extra Information:

Kagome is a warrior miko, who has been hiding herself for the longest time. However, when she is attacked by a couple more youkai then she can handle in her weak state, her warrior side surges forth. Black wings, given to her by the kamis upon her time of creation, spread from her back, and a staff made of dark mahogany appears magically in her hands. She fights them off with ease, her power easily zapping them dead. However, what she did not expect is for a certain demon lord to be watching from the forest. When she returns to normal, she finally takes notice of him… and everything in her life begins to change…

Just to remind you once more, Pairing: Sess/Kag

Dreadful Times

Summary:

X-Men Xover. Her life was suddenly changed when she found out she was a mutant. A mutant with several abilities, she thinks she can never find a place of her own. Though it seems like dreadful times, perhaps she can find that special place.

Extra Information:

Kagome finds out she's a mutant on her 18th birthday, and boy was it a surprise. Being able to use telekinetic powers, control electricity, and summon steel claws – which she never knew she had since she was born that way (I don't know how, make up something, you have an imagination) – from her hands, she's having a hard time. However, running away didn't seem like the best idea once she found out how hard it was. After a few encounters with different mutants, she comes across Charles Xavier, another mutant who owns Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Here she finds a mutant with the ability to run at super speed, and summon ice within his hands. Though she is shy, perhaps she will find love in this other mutant, by the name of Sesshoumaru Touga.

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Queen of Love

Wise Decision

To do this story, I suggest you read: Juliet Dove, Queen of Love, by Bruce Coville.

This is only because I got this idea from there, which is something you might add in the disclaimer.

Summary:

When a jealous goddess places a necklace around the neck of an un-expecting female, things can only go wrong. Being an unpopular girl in her school, Kagome sometimes wishes for attention. However, she never wanted this much in a few days.

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Egyptian Tale

Summary:

They're forcing him to find a queen, to rule Egypt beside him. However, none of the women appeal to Sesshoumaru. When the young princess Kagome suddenly appears, will he finally take his wife, or send her away like the others?

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Children of the White Princess: Year One

This is a mixture of Harry Potter, Charlie Bone, and Inuyasha

Summary:

Some teens attending Wings Academy are not as they appear. These certain teens have different abilities given to them by their ancestor, the White Princess. Can these teens work together to save themselves, or will they fall apart?

Extra Information:

Kagome is to attend Wings Academy because she'd just found out she can control the weather. However, beforehand her mother sends her off to live with her father in the Thunder House, where she finds out why she was always told her father was dead. They're related to the White Princess, a being who was much like her father, The Red King, however, she was forced away from her home, and never returned. Her line is long, and spread, much like her father's is. (The school is like the one in Charlie Bone, since this is a mixture of them) After being spent to spend her time in Wings Academy, she finds others like her, and in their first year, they find out which of the Princess's children they can trust, and which they will have to keep glancing over their shoulders for.

Can she change Sesshoumaru's mind to be on the dark side? Or over the years, will he finally change directions, and use his gift to hypnotize another for good by himself. Only time can tell…

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Into the Past

Note:

Now, I know what you're thinking. OMG, another Kagome falls into the past and falls in love with Sesshoumaru's younger self. At first, this was, but now… its not!

Summary:

Naraku pushed them both into the well, to a time both had never seen before. Now, years before the birth of Touga, the Great Dog General, Kagome and Sesshoumaru must survive without giving themselves away, or changing the future.

Extra Information:

Kagome just came back, only to find Sesshoumaru fighting Naraku close to the well. However, things to do not prove well when Sesshoumaru is suddenly pushed back by an invisible force, and they both begin falling into the well. Once on the other side, Kagome has much hope, but it's soon crushed when she finds open space. Even Sesshoumaru is surprised until his grandfather comes across them. Sesshoumaru, knowing something is wrong, uses a quick spell to hide his markings, and pulls the miko behind him. Now, they must survive in a time that is before the birth of Sesshoumaru, and Inuyasha's father, Touga Taisho. However, during this time, they grow closer, since they have nothing else in this time to understand them.

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Kagome, Inuyasha and Taiyoukai

Summary:

A normal school boy… a magical jewel… a hanyou… What can the Lady of the West have to do with this? When Kira takes action, this normal school boy might be something more in the end.

Extra Information:

Kagome: Lady of the Western Lands

Kikyo: Kagome's hanyou sister

Sesshoumaru: Boy from the future

Kira: A demon of Kagome's court, who believes the cold, heartless lady needs a male in her life.

While traveling to find the pieces of the Shikon no Tama, Kikyo runs across her sister, who does not treat her kindly. Kira, who'd been with Lady Kagome at the time, happens to see the ningen boy. When she sees the slight acknowledgement her lady gives toward the boy's power, she seeks a spell. This spell can turn a priest into a full youkai, which can only be done by stealing her lady's blood. How is she going to do this? Moreover, how is she going to get the ningen boy to drink it? However, once she finds a way, she meddles, turning Sesshoumaru into the demon we all see and love.

However, Sesshoumaru will not have his moon. That is, until Kagome takes interest in the new youkai, who is radiating power. Once she finds out that this youkai was once ningen, she turns on Kira, but does not kill her. No, she begins helping the boy understand his powers before she realizes her heart has been handed to him.

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Heated Nightmare

Summaries:

Outside Summary: This has to be a nightmare! Please dear dairy tell me it is? Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands is stuck in Tokyo with me!

Inside Summary: This has to be a nightmare! Please dear dairy tell me it is? Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands is stuck in Tokyo with me! Kagome has been thrust back into modern Japan when Inuyasha betrays her. That's not all though, he also pushes an unconscious Sesshoumaru down with her. Now she'd stuck in Tokyo with not only a taiyoukai, but also a male youkai in heat, while her family is away!

Pairing: Sess/Kag

Get a Grip

Summary:

He thought she didn't know… he thought she was nothing more then oblivious… but he was wrong. His wife knew of his mistress, and it pushed her away, until she found love in the arm of his half-brother. SessXKag

Pairing: Sess/Kag

I have more… but those are the ones I wish to keep to myself.

After all, I can't give you all my ideas.

OK, I gave you nine wonderful ideas. Well… I guess with some of the twenty-four that I've already done, and the two I gave to another author, I have less then the original twenty-four, but needless, I keep track of how many ideas I've had. Plus, I have… hm… Mystic Revival, Queen of Piracy, Revenge, Rude Awakening: Re-Written, and Always In My Heart: Re-Written all in documents put away for later. These are ones that I'll be starting once I've finished some of my current stories, before I go off and begin them. However, once in a while, when I can't think of anything to type, I'll go into on, and begin typing it, but I barely get past a few paragraphs. Besides, I have all the time in the world to write them… after all, I'm only 14, and though my knowledge is great and I know about a lot of things I shouldn't – living in my type of environment, I'm not surprised – I do have lots of time before I'm 16. Then, I'm going to intern at a graphic arts studio, and goes more into writing. I want to own my own graphic art design studio, and to be a true author someday. However, I've got plenty of time to practice… since I don't plan to go anywhere, anytime soon.

Kiba