Kagome struggled to keep up with Sesshoumaru's fast pace. She pouted, knowing he was still in fact walking where she had to jog along behind. His stride was much longer than hers; add the fact that they left the tiled floors of the ballroom long ago. Now they trespassed on cement, where the ground was still littered with puddles from a light shower a few hours ago, that she was desperately trying to save her satin slippers from. Sure there was a slight sole, but they were very nice and her favorites. It was one of the gifts from her grandfather that she actually appreciated. That ancient mummy's hand was still sitting at the back of her closet from her fifteenth birthday. Kagome winced, the pressure on her hand increasing. He wasn't exactly gripping her palm, rather her wrist. But since his hand dwarfed hers his fingers lay on her wrist and his thumb pressed harshly into the center of her palm. Kagome's fingers sprawled helplessly curling inward at a natural angle.

"Sesshoumaru…you're hurting me!"

Kagome stumbled when he stopped abruptly. She panted, holding her hand gently to her chest trying to contain her whimpers. Her fingers tingled, his tight grip slowing the blood flow to her hand. The skin at her wrist was red, obviously irritated, and there were white lines where the skin had been stretched. She lowered her head, ashamed of the childish tears beginning at the corners of her eyes. Kagome didn't know what made him so angry, but he was certainly much stronger than she was. Kagome couldn't help the twinge of fear rising in her heart. His face was emotionless, a blank wall, but his eyes were nearly red with anger. Their color had morphed and hardened to a steely aureate, a darkly brownish gold. The liquid honey mocking her and even that burning gold that made her shiver was better than this.

Long ebony bangs hid her eyes from him, but he could see her bottom lip trembling before she bit down on it. Sesshoumaru saw her hand; the skin looked like a horrific Indian burn. With a silent sigh, the male approached the banister. In his haste, he had made a quick, and no doubt embarrassing, exit to the outside balcony that overlooked the vast gardens of the Haruyama estate. He rested his hands on the balustrade before looking down at them as if they were some foreign objects. Amber eyes lifted to watch the stars twinkling down at him this time with silent mockery. Sesshoumaru turned his back, leaning on the railing instead.

"Kagome."

Kagome responded instantly, not used to him using her first name. As far as she could remember, he'd never used it in her presence, only Higurashi or girl. She couldn't stop the shiver riding up her spine. It was cold out on the balcony, unprotected from the wind. Kagome watched him carefully and at his first step toward her backed up two away from him immediately. She cowered in front of him, and at once Kagome kicked herself hating her own fear, her weakness. She swallowed harshly, grinding her teeth together. Kagome lifted her face and approached him, marching straight up to him. She wouldn't be afraid any longer, she didn't deserve this treatment! And Takarashi Sesshoumaru was going to learn that.

Sesshoumaru watched her carefully. Kagome had backed away from him, so he stopped, that was not her intention. He didn't want her to feel trapped. He wanted that fire bird that slammed his office doors open and yelled in his face. When her head whipped up to look at him square in the eyes, he saw the darkened sapphire with anger glinting in their expressive depths. Sesshoumaru smirked, and much more prominently when this caught her off guard. Nonetheless, she made a bee-line for him and poked him in the chest. Her face careened upwards to keep eye contact.

"What is wrong with you!"

Sesshoumaru tilted his head to the side, not answering.

"First- you won't let me leave your table, then we dance together and everything was, for once, not awkward! Next thing I know, I'm being dragged out here into the freezing cold!"

Kagome suppressed the growl in her throat, her lips thinning in irritation. He didn't say anything. No excuses, but then what could she expect from this arrogant jackass? He never did follow her expectations. At first, she thought he was a soft spoken, reserved man, but of course he wasn't. Sesshoumaru had a dry sense of humor and a penchant for annoying others, mainly her, to no end. And what was worse, he gained pleasure from doing it. Every time she got angry, Kagome could see that mocking gleam in his eyes showing his weird sense of humor was only toying with her. Kagome reached up to grip his bow tie with the same hand he had abused minutes ago.

Sesshoumaru didn't resist the sharp tug on his black tie, simply following the pull so he stooping down over her. He didn't bend his knees, only leaned over. His sharp gaze studied her injured hand more clearly seeing the welts swelling at the back on her wrist. Also she was shivering, her anger the only thing distracting her from the cold that would no doubt cause her teeth to chatter.

"Is it cold? Or are you exaggerating again?"

Kagome stood straighter, scowling at him. She hadn't realized that she had leaned in feeling the warmth receding into the night from his fully clothed form, but of course, Sesshoumaru had. His lean hand wrapped around hers drawing a pained grimace. Her long fingers gently massaged the tender skin in strangely soothing circles. Sesshoumaru's skin was so warm. Why were all men blessed to be such immaculate heaters? No matter what- Kagome was always cold. She could wear seven layers and still be freezing, but here was this infuriating man wearing a suit and jacket practically giving away heat for free to the winter's chill.

Kagome's eyes were dazed, the woman obviously soaking in the warmth he was lavishing on her hand. Sesshoumaru dropped the appendage, watching her eyes widen and focus back on reality. Sesshoumaru easily removed his coat and slipped it over her shoulders. Kagome was shocked, but regardless pulled the lapels closer together. Sesshoumaru could certainly be a top-rate heater. His jacket was still brimming with heat just from his body. Kagome snuggled into the soft interior, with a small smile. She would forgive the yanking exit, just for this. Yes- she was stupid and this wasn't an equal exchange, but for once she was happily cozy in the icy outdoors.

Finally suited for the weather, Kagome walked to the railing overlooking the frozen fauna below. There were a few evergreens interspersed throughout, but most trees were leafless and covered with a gentle frost. Their branches were long and spindly, stretching far from the trunk. The grass was withered and short, the growth stunted due to lowered temperatures. Personally Kagome could sympathize; she was always one for summer. Some often compared her to a flower. She would usually remain indoors during the winter months, but at the first sign of spring come bounding out with high hopes for the warm weather. Even though every year, those expectations were dashed by the sprinklings of the inevitable rainy season that would shut her back inside with a book.

Kagome glanced over, sensing Sesshoumaru at her side. He didn't look ashamed by the way he hurt her, but his quick, repeating glimpses at her right hand told everything. Kagome sighed, wanting to smack herself again for feeling sorry for the guy. She knew he hadn't meant it and people did do stupid things in their anger. Kagome was confused, per usual. He could always do that to her. She never felt stable around him, always an emotional mess mainly because he ruffled her feathers and just plain annoyed the heck of her. Still- she should be the one angry at him.

"Why were you angry with me? Did I do something wrong?"

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes at the soft tone. It was a sad wilting tone that sounded more like a remorseful puppy. Where was the fiery intern? Sesshoumaru was beginning to learn new sides to Higurashi Kagome and they were parts of her personality that he didn't like. This woman spoke with a quiet voice as if she expected him to explode at any time. She was fearful, unsure, and nearly obedient. Sesshoumaru was surprised by his own thoughts. Normally, he would never accept disobedience; no one was to go against his orders. So why was Higurashi any different? After all, she was just like every other college student, blissfully happy and chattering away excessively. At least Kagome had been until now.

"Are you even listening to me!"

Kagome grabbed the sleeve of his tuxedo and pulled him around to face her.

"What! Is the great Sesshoumaru too good to answer my questions! Oh! Gomen ne, I forgot, I am a lowly girl and not worthy of your respect!"

Kagome released his arm, breathing heavily from her rant. Her breath could be seen in gauzy white puffs from her mouth. Sesshoumaru's eye watched her mouth as it narrowed and widened in her fast inhalations. Those peachy rose lips looked soft; he could only wonder if they were indeed as soft as they appeared.

Kagome quirked an eyebrow, the Takarashi Sesshoumaru was zoning out. He started towards her slowly, his gaze distant. The man leaned down and Kagome would have retreated like any normal person had a rebellious hand not snake unnoticed around her waist. Now one would think Kagome would have realized this once the hand fell on her opposite hip. But then again her attention was already too captured by those burning amber pools to notice anything about her surroundings. So it was a strange comprehension that Kagome had no where to go, no escape. Sesshoumaru's warm breath, still smelling a touch like mint from his toothpaste, blew across her lips. The two had yet to be served anything besides water and their dinner had just been served before they left the room. A blush spread across her features, but she couldn't look away. However she did chew down on her bottom lip once again.

Sesshoumaru watched her with a curious interest he never had with a woman. His eyes constantly flitted over the delicate contours of her heart-shaped face. Her eyes were wide with surprise and her lips were parted. She had high cheek bones, but they weren't overly pronounced. She had a small chin and her lips looked so innocent. Her bottom lip was full, but silently swollen from her biting it earlier. They were begging for attention, pleading for it. She bit them again and he grew irritated at her for punishing them in her nervousness. A thumb plucked the lip from her teeth.

Sesshoumaru watched the blush on her cheeks as well as the fact that Kagome leaned in toward him the smallest bit. Her eyes had softened, narrowing in a kind way so different from the usual anger. Kagome looked more like a woman to him now than she ever did. Sesshoumaru closed the distance, but was stopped by a small hand on his chest. Instead, Kagome tilted her head to the side and stood on her tip toes ready to place the barest of touches to his lips, more masculine than her own. They were thinner, but likely just as soft. Kagome knew Sesshoumaru had experience, much more than her own, but she wouldn't allow him to have control. For once, she would be the one to give the kiss. Kagome told herself she couldn't handle this, but for once she would let herself go. No planning, no restrictions and maybe she could find freedom.

Her touch was only inches away when a giggling interrupted the two. Sesshoumaru turned flashing golden eyes to the couple stumbling towards the balcony. He released the woman in his arms and stepped away from her reluctantly. Kagome watched with disappointment as their company joined them. Her eyes widened.

"Kouga-san?"

Kouga looked up from the red-headed girl in his arms to the startled voice that called his name. Ayame played circles on the back of his hand on her waist holding her close to him. She giggled when he smiled down at her. He had met her a half hour after being left at Kagome's table. Apparently, she was an adoring fan and they had hit it off instantly, but they drank a little too much. So, Kouga had proposed to go out onto the balcony for some privacy and fresh air. However, Kagome and Sesshoumaru standing together at the railing met his entrance. Sesshoumaru was giving him that same dull, irritated look and Kagome appeared a little more embarrassed than someone who just had her conversation interrupted. Kouga grinned.

"Merry Christmas Kagome-san. Sesshoumaru, it's nice to see you again. They are about to serve dessert if you're interested," he gave a wink to Kagome, "There's a cheese cake that's rather good."

Kagome's eyes brightened and she beamed a large smile. Kouga then swerved the two around heading away from the balcony, but still heading away from the ball room.

Sesshoumaru moved away from the paling, offering his arm to Kagome.

"Shall we acquire some dessert for you then, Miss Higurashi?"

Kagome laughed lightly, "Hai, onegai."

It was once again awkward. They were on a balance, and it was just ready to tip either way. However, Kagome rested her hand at his elbow. Somehow, she was getting used to it.

"Claiming your territory, Higurashi?"

Sesshoumaru lowered his eyes to her hand. Kagome huffed and released him entirely, walking in front of him, fists clenched at her sides mumbling about arrogant something or others. She stalked ahead unaware of the smirk on Sesshoumaru's lips or the humorous flash in his honey orbs once again. Dipping his head down at the almost inhuman growl let loose softly from her lips. Sesshoumaru was once again satisfied with his fiery, wild cat. Her performance was once again most entertaining.

This came out much differently than I had first planned, but that's alright. Any comments or suggestions are always helpful. Ch35, Wednesday night.